Hong Kong: C919, ARJ21 aircraft welcomed The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) co-hosted a reception at Hong Kong International Airport this morning to welcome the home-developed aircraft C919 and ARJ21 on their first visit to the city. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee thanked the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) for arranging the visit of the aircraft. Mr Lee said he was elated to welcome the home-developed planes, adding that their arrival in Hong Kong was an illustration of the great importance invested by the nation in the development of Hong Kongs aviation industry and the citys status as an international aviation hub. The Chief Executive also took pride in the participation of a Hong Kong CAD flight expert in the C919s certification process. He invited members of the public to witness the countrys extraordinary accomplishments in the civil aircraft manufacturing industry by observing a C919 flight demonstration this Saturday. After his speech, Mr Lee joined Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Director Zheng Yanxiong and CAAC Deputy Administrator Cui Xiaofeng in boarding the C919 aircraft. They were greeted by COMAC crew members inside the cabin and received a briefing on the airliners features. The C919 and ARJ21 aircraft will be on static display at the airport for the next two days. Weather permitting, the C919 will conduct a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Saturday for members of the public to witness its first appearance over Hong Kong skies. Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government and AAHK will jointly organise a photo competition encouraging the public to capture the C919 flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour. People may submit their photographs through the AAHK online submission platform from December 16 to 29. Results will be announced next month. This story has been published on: 2023-12-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Two days of heavy snow rolling toward Beijing 13:15, December 13, 2023 By Du Juan ( Chinadaily.com.cn Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter at the Summer Palace on Tuesday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn ] Beijing's meteorological observatory upgraded its blizzard warning level to orange the second-highest on Tuesday night, forecasting heavy snowfall from Wednesday morning to Friday in the capital. The most severe part of the storm will roll through between 10 am and 8 pm on Wednesday, according to the forecast. To cope with the blizzard, students of primary and secondary schools and kindergartens will switch to online classes rather than going to campus on Wednesday, the city's education commission announced late on Tuesday. Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter at the Summer Palace on Tuesday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn ] Prerparing for the coming storm and cold temperatures, the city's districts and departments are lining up skilled personnel, equipment, vehicles and supplies for snow removal. Currently, around 73,000 personnel are ready for work whenever needed. A total of 7,441 snowplows, along with other snow-removal machines and 133,000 manual tools are at the ready. To ensure the safety of visitors, many scenic areas, including Beijing's Fragrant Hills, the Tanzhe Temple scenic area and Beigong National Forest Park will be temporarily closed starting on Wednesday. Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter on Tuesday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn] Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter on Tuesday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn] Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] A resident in Beijing enjoys the first snow of the winter on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Residents in Beijing enjoy the first snow of the winter on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Crews clear snow on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Crews clear snow on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) A pair of Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers made for Spike Lee to wear to the 2019 Oscars is being auctioned off after being found in the Portland Rescue Mission's donation bin. Photo courtesy of Sotheby's Dec. 13 (UPI) -- An Oregon shelter is auctioning off a rare discovery from its donation bin -- a pair of gold Air Jordan 3 sneakers commissioned by Spike Lee and valued at more than $10,000. Sotheby's auction house said a participant in the transitional shelter program at the Burnside Shelter, operated by the Portland Rescue Mission, was sorting through donations earlier this year when he found the gold shoes at the bottom of a bin. Tinker Hatfield, designer of the Air Jordan 3 sneakers, paid a visit to the shelter to examine the shoes. He confirmed they were a custom pair of Air Jordan 3 shoes commissioned by Spike Lee to wear to the Academy Awards in 2019. Hatfield provided the shelter with a replacement box and a framed and signed design proof. The shoes, valued at more than $10,000, are being auctioned by Sotheby's with 100% of the hammer price going to the Portland Rescue Mission. They are expected to fetch up to $20,000. Bidding on the shoes is open through Dec. 18. It was unclear how the shoes came to be in the donation bin. Dec. 13 (UPI) -- The Birmingham, Ala., fire station where a firefighter was fatally shot in July reopened Wednesday. Jordan Melton was fatally shot at Birmingham Fire Station 9 on July 12. The shooting also wounded firefighter Jamal Jones. Authorities said the shooting occurred at about 8:30 a.m. and that there were indications it was "targeted." "We don't know why it would be a targeted attack; that's one of the things we're trying to determine," said Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond in July. "As you are aware, this station has been closed since the tragedy we had happen on July 12. This is the first shift change we have had since that incident occurred" Battalion Chief Clay Hendon told reporters Wednesday. "As you can tell from the exterior of the building, there's been several renovations done. There was a lot of damage done during that incident." ABC News reports that investigators have not yet identified a suspect in the killing. Crimestoppers is offering a $15,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest, and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has offered an additional reward of $5,000 for information. The star-studded Netflix is a Joke Fest is set to take over Los Angeles in May with a stacked and packed lineup. Big names like Katt Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong, Craig Robinson, Dane Cook, David Letterman, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock and more will take part in the festival that consists of over 300 live stand-up shows, special events, table reads, sketch performances and more. This is a special time for comedy, both for Netflix and the genre at large, said Robbie Praw, Netflix VP of stand-up and comedy formats. We have the privilege of working with comedians who are selling out arenas, winning awards and building fandoms in the millions. In the 10 years that weve been doing stand-up weve seen the art form reach levels we didnt think possible. This festival aims to capture this moment by bringing together the worlds best comedians for an unforgettable 11 days. Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place from May 2 to May 12, 2024, and will take over some major Los Angeles landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek, The Dolby, The Forum, The Palladium, Orpheum Theatre, The Wiltern, The Hollywood Improv, Largo, Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. In 2022, the festival featured 295 shows, with more than 330 comedians and 260,000 tickets sold, according to a media release from the streamer. Stand-up specials are a major part of the companys business. More than 60% of U.S. members watched at least one stand-up title in 2022 and every one in 20 U.S. members watched at least 20 stand-up titles in 2022, the company explained. Netflix has featured more than 200 comedians in more than 350 specials over the past decade. Tickets for events across the festival will go on sale to the general public beginning 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on Dec. 15 at www.NetflixIsAJokeFest.com. The website also has the latest information and the festivals schedule. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Attorneys for the Black Greek-letter organization claim the newly drawn legislative and congressional political maps still fail to create more opportunities for Black voters to select candidates for Congress and the General Assembly. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has launched legal challenges to Georgias newly drafted election maps. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that attorneys for the Divine Nine fraternity active in civil rights causes filed objections Tuesday, claiming the maps fail to create more opportunities for Black voters to select candidates for Congress and the General Assembly. Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp signed new legislative and congressional political maps into law following a federal judges ruling that the districts drawn up by the Republican-led General Assembly in 2021 diminished Black voting power, in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Georgia State Capitol building in Atlanta is shown. The Black Greek-letter organization Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has launched legal challenges to the state of Georgias newly drafted election maps, claiming they fail to create more opportunities for Black voters to select candidates for Congress and the General Assembly. (Photo: Adobe Stock) Alpha Phi Alpha and other plaintiffs successfully sued the state over the maps. However, attorneys for the Black organization argue that the newly approved maps dont resolve the issue they were supposed to address. The 2023 proposed plans fail to address the vote dilution found by this court after (the) trial, attorneys wrote in their complaint, AJC reported. They instead perpetuate it. While lawmakers debated the designs last week, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones set a hearing on the new district lines for Dec. 20. Jones claimed that the 2021 maps did not to create appropriate options for Black voters, whose population has increased since 2010, while white citizens have decreased. If Jones finds that the current Republican redistricting continues to discriminate against Black voters, he has the authority to appoint a mapmaker to revise the states boundaries. In Georgia, Black people overwhelmingly favor Democrats, while white voters overwhelmingly support Republicans. Recommended Stories News Federal appeals court deals a blow to Voting Rights Act, ruling that private plaintiffs cant sue Associated Press Georgia political maps News Georgia election worker suing Rudy Giuliani tells jurors that his lies made her fear for her life Associated Press Featured Body cameras were supposed to hold police accountable but getting footage is harder than you think Natasha S. Alford News Judge vacates murder conviction of Chicago man wrongfully imprisoned for 35 years Associated Press Ohio University in the spring News Cops probing report that men brandished guns and hurled slurs at 3 Black women TheGrio Staff Crime New Hampshire sheriff charged with theft, perjury and falsifying evidence resigns Associated Press News Attorneys for family of absolved Black man killed by deputy seeking $16M from Georgia sheriff Associated Press Republicans claim they obeyed Jones directive to construct one new majority-Black congressional district, two new majority-Black state Senate districts and five new majority-Black state House districts. Democrats, meanwhile, contended that the GOPs plans fell short of the judges decision because they shuffle people around in a way that still denies Black Americans representation. According to AJC, the revised maps protect Republicans 9-5 majority in the states House delegation and their control of the General Assembly. Georgia electoral officials have maintained that districts must be established by the end of January to prepare for next years elections. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court may ultimately rule on the case. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity files legal objection to Georgias political maps appeared first on TheGrio. Posts published by Facebook pages imitating O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa claim that an image shows lost luggage being sold by the airport for a pittance because it has run out of storage space. But this is false; the airport said the posts are a scam. AFP Fact Check also found the image was altered, while the links in the posts take users to sham websites. One post includes a picture showing hundreds of suitcases inside a warehouse and among them two yellow signs with the airports logo and a purported price tag of R38 ($2) in a large black font (archived here). A suitcase with lost items from airport customers in South Africa for just R38. The airport has no storage space for lost luggage, so suitcases with various items and electronics are being sold for just R38!, reads the post published by an account called OR Tambo Airport on December 3, 2023. The post adds: Online only. To order click on the button in the advert and go to the website! A screenshot of the false post, taken on December 13, 2023 The accounts page transparency shows it was created in 2017 and is managed predominately from Colombia and Vietnam, not South Africa. Screenshot highlighting the Facebook pages transparency section and URL, taken on December 12, 2023 A second page responsible for publishing the luggage claims was previously named The Guinea Pig Farm. In November 2023 it changed to O.R. Tambo International Airport and began posting pictures of suitcase collections. Screenshot highlighting the Facebook page's transparency section, URL and photos of guinea pigs The posts are false and have nothing to do with a discounted sale of lost luggage by O.R. Tambo International Airport officials. Florence airport A reverse image search showed that the photo of the suitcases purportedly for sale was posted in July 2023 to a Reddit community for content related to Florence, Italy (archived here). The user posted photos and a story about a family member who had struggled to locate their luggage after it was lost at the Florence airport. According to the post, after three visits the family member was taken to the airport hangar where all lost and unclaimed luggage was kept. Titled Florence Airport Lost Luggage Mess, the post includes the picture falsely linked to South Africa and another image showing a wider angle of the hangar in Florence. A screenshot of the second photo taken from the Reddit post published in July 2023 A closer look at the original images also reveals that the yellow-and-black signs were digitally added to mislead social media users. Screenshots comparing the altered image (left) and the original image on Reddit (right) Comments on the recent posts shared in South Africa showing open suitcases filled with clothes and other personal effects helped to perpetuate the false claim. My suitcase was full of quality items from my favourite brands, Calvin Klein, Zara, Lev`is (sic) and others. It was a real hypermarket of fashion in one suitcase! reads one of the comments. A screenshot of a misleading comment on one of the false posts However, a reverse image search showed the picture was published on Pinterest (archived here) in April 2023. A screenshot of the picture published on Pinterest in April 2023 Two more similar posts (here and here) also used altered photos to which yellow "R38" price signs were added. One of the photos was originally published on a Russian forum in November 2015 and another was taken at Edinburgh Airport in July 2022 (archived here and here). Comparison of the altered image (left) and the original (right) Comparison of the altered image (left) and the original (right) Phishing scam The links featured in each of the fake airport posts lead to a page promoting unrelated products a cloud pillow in one case and a wireless charging pad in another. Additionally, URLs, including goodsalefee4.quest and baglost4.skin appear to be mirror websites of a real online retail company called Madoxxy. Screenshots of the URLs of the mirror websites linked to the false posts The mirror websites do not let the user make any purchases; all attempts to click on the buttons to "add to cart" or "buy it now" yield no follow-up action. Screenshots showing products on the mirror websites Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which operates the countrys major airports, has warned of the scam on X (formerly Twitter) and urged passengers to visit their website to verify information. Passengers are advised to beware of baggage scams on social media, and syndicates claiming to sell lost/unclaimed baggage from any of our airports, reads the statement from November 20, 2023 (archived here). Passengers are advised to beware of baggage scams on social media, and syndicates claiming to sell lost/unclaimed baggage from any of our airports. We urge passengers to visit our website at https://t.co/jkhjlis2GC to verify information. pic.twitter.com/yGfVbjcr2z Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) November 20, 2023 A keyword search of lost luggage sale scam on Google also found multiple articles and debunks in the last few months about similar scams around the world, including Dublin Airport, Auckland Airport, Malta International Airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Singapore Airlines (archived here, here, here, here, here, here and here). All the posts used a similar method but published different pictures to show the collection of lost suitcases. The posts appear to be a phishing scam which entices social media users to visit the sham website allowing cyber criminals to steal their banking details or leading them to divulge personal information. AFP Fact Check debunked a similar hoax earlier this year about selling electric bicycles at an unbelievable discount. UPDATE 12/14/2023: Adds two more examples of scam posts A new statistical analysis of the petition submitted by organizations trying to stop the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center shows that coalition may not have enough signatures to trigger a referendum. An exhausting study was done by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Associated Press, Georgia Public Broadcasting and WABE. It found discrepancies in what the Stop Cop City coalition said about the petition, but also showed theyre close to having the signatures they need -- maybe. Channel 2 Action News was outside Atlanta City Hall in September when the Vote to Stop Cop City coalition delivered 16 boxes of signatures to city officials. At the time, they claimed they had 116,000 signatures, which is well above the number needed to trigger an automatic referendum on the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Riley Bunch is one of the reporters who completed a statistical analysis of those petitions. It took months of going through all these signatures, picking out their names, trying to compare them to the voter rolls, Bunch told Channel 2s Richard Elliot. RELATED NEWS: Bunch said the media organization did a hand count and found the actual number was just over 108,000 and from that, they did a statistical sampling of 1,000 of those. What they found is that just under half, 48%, were valid signatures from city of Atlanta residents. About 47%, they found, were invalid. Another 5% were undetermined. Bunch says that 48% valid number is within the samplings 3% margin of error -- meaning, site opponents are very close to having the number they need depending on how Atlanta is able to count them. Theres legal questions surrounding the residency requirement that were seeing in court, and then also Mayor Dickens lawyers argue the referendum isnt valid anyway, Bunch said. The city argues that a referendum cant legally invalidate a lease agreement thats already been signed. There was no comment Wednesday from the city on the findings. The Vote to Stop Cop City coalition called the analysis inherently flawed and again called on the city to drop legal challenges and put it to a vote. RELATED NEWS: Andre Braugher, the star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street, has died aged 61 following a brief illness. Braugher often portrayed police officers during his career, performing both in dramatic and comedic roles. He won two Emmy Awards, from a total 11 nominations across his career, for his roles in Homicide and Thief. Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, paid tribute to Braugher's "irreplaceable talent". "I'm honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared eight glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent," Crews posted on Instagram. "This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. "You showed me what a life well lived looks like." Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University before attending The Juilliard School for drama. Braugher may be best remembered for his role as Ray Holt in sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine He was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards - including four for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He won in 1998 for his role in Homicide: Life on the Street, and in 2006 for his performance in Thief, in which he played the leader of a heist crew. Braugher's breakthrough came in the 1989 film Glory, where he played a soldier in a black Union regiment in the American civil war. Directed by Ed Zwick, the film also starred Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington - who won his first Academy Award for his supporting role in the film. Braugher's television career flourished playing detective Frank Pembleton in the gritty Baltimore police show Homicide: Life on the Street. He most recently starred in She Said, the biographical drama which saw Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the investigative journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. He played Dean Baquet in the film, the New York Times executive editor who oversaw the two reporters. Braugher won an Emmy in 2006 for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie for his work on Thief The actor's other film credits include Primal Fear, which saw him star opposite Richard Gere, Salt, with Angelina Jolie, and City of Angels, alongside Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage. But many will remember him best for his role as Captain Ray Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which saw Braugher co-star with Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio and Melissa Fumero, playing New York police officers in Brooklyn's fictional 99th Precinct. David Simon, whose non-fiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets inspired the show Homocide: Life on the Street, said Braugher's death was "too damn soon". "I've worked with a lot of wonderful actors. I'll never work with one better," Simon, who also created The Wire, said on X. Actor Marc Evan Jackson, who played Braugher's on-screen husband in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a picture of the pair hugging while on set, wearing their wedding rings. He captioned the post on X: "O Captain. My Captain." O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023 Joe Lo Truglio, who played Detective Charles Boyle on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, posted on Instagram about being on set with Braugher. He wrote: "What you probably don't know is that Andre could sing, too, and did often at lunch, belting bassy vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found. At first, it was odd but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and that's why the world took notice." Chelsea Peretti who starred alongside Truglio as Gina Linetti in the show, said that she was "forever lucky to have gone on such a journey" with Braugher. Ryan Case, who directed the US sitcom, posted a thread of her favourite memories of Braugher on X, writing: "My 'challenge' editing him in the Brooklyn pilot was finding takes where he wasn't smiling. We wanted to save that for the end. He was like a giddy school child doing his first comedy and it was so wonderful." "If there weren't men like Andre in this business I probably would've quit it a long time ago. The world is worse without him," she added. Dirk Blocker, another co-star, known for his role as Michael Hitchcock, said: "Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer. I am devastated. I love him. The nine years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing." https://www.instagram.com/p/C0xrMFZLLXT/ Television network NBC also paid tribute to Braugher, describing him as "the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be". Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We will miss him tremendously. pic.twitter.com/doQYmMTYjj NBC Entertainment (@nbc) December 13, 2023 Viola Davis, who worked with Braugher for a live staging of Good Times, wrote on Instagram: "Heart-breaking. You went way too soon. I loved every minute of working with you." Speaking to BBC News earlier this year, Homicide writer and producer Tom Fontana praised Braugher's screen presence, charisma and energy. "I had never seen an actor like that on television," said Fontana. "His rhythms were so unique." Braugher's other notable credits include Benjamin O Davis in Tuskegee Airmen, Dr Ben Gideon in Gideon's Crossing - which won him a Golden Globe nomination - and Owen in Men Of A Certain Age, all roles which won him Emmy Award nominations. Mike Royce, who co-created Men Of A Certain Age, said on X: "This is impossible for me to process. He was best actor in the world. An incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss." According to the Hollywood Reporter, he had been cast as the male lead in a Netflix-backed murder-mystery The Residence, set at the White House. Braugher died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen told the PA news agency. He is survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson, who he met on the set of Homicide, and his three sons. The James R. Thompson Center will undergo a floor-by-floor gut rehab beginning early next year, but the building will retain its atrium while also opening up the base of the structure to retail, according to renderings released by Google Wednesday. Google will occupy the Loop icon once the renovation of the building is complete. Historic preservationists who fought to save the Helmut Jahn-designed building from the wrecking ball praised the development team for its plan to preserve the 17-story atrium. Advertisement This design looks very different from the initial schematics we saw a year ago, said Ward Miller, executive director of the nonprofit Preservation Chicago. Thats to be commended, and I think its wonderful the atrium is to be saved. My hats off to Google and the developers for taking on this project and committing to not demolishing the building and rethinking it as a corporate headquarters. A venture led by Chicago developers Michael Reschke and Quintin Primo bought the Thompson Center in 2022 from the state of Illinois for $105 million, and Google agreed to take it over after the renovation is complete in several years. Advertisement The developers will replace the buildings glass facade, and renderings show a new glass curtain that lets in more natural light, a new public plaza with trees and spaces for food and beverage retailers, and covered terraces on the first three levels of the southeast side. With more natural light, access to green space, and biophilic design elements that borrow from nature, the original designs ode to transparency and openness will live on, said Karen Sauder, Googles Chicago site leader, in a statement. One unknown is how the internet giants arrival will impact the Loop. The submarket was hit hard by the rise of remote work, which leaves downtown quiet several days each week. Many property owners hope Google will ignite a revival, much as it did for Fulton Market by opening in 2015 its Midwest headquarters in a former cold storage building renovated by developer Sterling Bay. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has high hopes Googles outpost in the heart of downtown will bolster Chicagos reputation as technology leader. When I became governor, I promised to serve as our states chief marketing officer touting the many attributes Illinois has to offer for families and businesses alike, Pritzker said in a statement. Well, theres no doubt that the world is taking note especially with businesses like Google expanding in Chicago. But history may not repeat itself, said Joe Learner, Chicago-based chairman of North American brokerage for Savills, a commercial real estate firm. Fulton Market was filled with small industrial structures that developers could replace with sleek, high-tech office towers, hotels and restaurants, all enticing for companies looking to bring back at-home workers. But the Loop is dense, with less natural light and many aging buildings from the last century. The question is, is Googles very presence enough to spur interest in these other buildings? Learner said. The redevelopment of the Thompson Center is fabulous for the city, but Im not sure it will have the same multiplier effect. Fencing will go up around the Thompson Center early next year prior to construction crews starting work, Sauder said. Advertisement Jahn, the architectural firm founded by Helmut Jahn, will help redesign the building and preserve its character, she added. Helmut Jahn died in 2021 after being struck by two vehicles while bike riding in the west suburbs. The new exterior will be triple-paned glass, and provide more insulation than Jahns original material, keeping the mammoth structure cooler in summer and warmer during cold snaps, but using less energy. The outdated heating and cooling equipment, which sometimes made life miserable for state employees, will also be replaced. Google has not shared many details about what the interior will look like, how it plans to use the 1.3 million square feet, or whether it will still be called the Thompson Center. Miller is urging the developers to preserve other historic aspects, including Jahns palette of colors, and the spiral tile design at the atriums base, meant to resemble the ceiling of a state capitol dome. Its a wonderful optical illusion, he said. The building may not have been maintained well, but its a true work of art. Actor Andre Braugher, who starred as the dry and serious Captain Raymond Holt on the NBC sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has died, according to reports. According to Deadline, Braugher died after battling a brief illness. He was 61 years old. Braugher was a two-time Emmy Award-winning actor who appeared in the critically acclaimed series Homicide: Life on the Street, and the Oscar-nominated Civil War drama Glory. He was possibly best known for playing the gifted homicide detective Frank Pembleton in the 1990s NBC cop drama. In the later part of his career, he won over a new audience as an entirely new type of police Captain Raymond Holt, the comedic foil and reluctant mentor of Jake Peralta, portrayed by Andy Samberg, in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Braughers Holt was the straight-laced, openly gay captain of the fictional 99th Precinct of the New York Police Department who clashed with high-ranking members of the NYPD, while serving as a role model for the detectives in his precinct. He was nominated for 11 Emmys across his illustrious career, including two wins for Homicide and the FX miniseries Thief. Braughers Brooklyn Nine-Nine costar Terry Crews was among the first to comment about his passing, calling him an irreplaceable talent. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship, Crews wrote on Instagram. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man. David Simon, a television producer and former journalist whose work inspired the Homicide television series said, Ive worked with a lot of wonderful actors. Ill never work with one better. Braugher married actress Ami Brabson, whom he starred alongside in Homicide. The two had three sons, Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The owner of a historic one-room schoolhouse in Ankeny a link to Polk County's rural past has no plans to restore the deteriorating structure while listing the property for sale. For decades, in what was once the countryside of Crocker Township, students walked to the Nagle School, 2715 S.W. Oralabor Road. It was built around 1900. The Nagle was one of more than 12,000 one-room schoolhouses in Iowa before the small rural schools consolidated into larger districts, according to the Iowa Department of Education. The Nagle district folded into the Ankeny district in 1952 and was a family's private home by 1957. Iowa's last one-room schoolhouses closed their doors in 1967. Today, just a handful of the old schoolhouses remain standing in the Des Moines area, according to a map from the historic preservation group Iowa's Rural Schools. They include the Bennett School Museum in West Des Moines, the former Pleasant Corners School in Des Moines' Union Park neighborhood and some schools that were converted into homes in eastern Polk County. The Nagle School, a former one-room schoolhouse in Ankeny, is more than a century old. The current property owner has no plans to restore the building, which would be costly to relocate. The Nagle School, now surrounded by suburban development on Ankeny's southwest corner, could be in danger. Windows have been broken out, the door appears to have been kicked in and Fairmount Education, the property's owner, calls the building "dilapidated." "It's really, truly on the brink of being unsaveable," said Megan Schmelzer, who runs the Little White Schoolhouse tutoring and learning center in Ankeny and has eyed restoring the Nagle building back to what it once was. Megan Schmelzer stands outside the old Nagle School in Ankeny. She would like to see the Nagle building restored. What is the history of Ankeny's Nagle School? According to Polk County records, the red-brick Nagle School was built in 1900, though decades-old newspaper articles suggest an earlier year. The namesake Nagle family still has descendants in the area. One-room schoolhouses, which functioned as independent school districts and typically educated students through the eighth grade, dotted Iowa's rural landscape into the 20th century. The Nagle School was one of several rural schoolhouses near Ankeny. The Nagle has appeared in the Des Moines Register and the Des Moines Tribune newspaper archives over the decades. Among the articles: The school closed in May 1907 because of smallpox fears; Orville and Gladys Nagle had perfect attendance in 1922; a PTA was formed around 1931. A clipping from a 1947 Des Moines Register article shows students walking past heavy snow to get to class at the Nagle schoolhouse. Arnold, Lola, Sally and Floyd walked past massive walls of snow to get to class in a 1947 photo, while a 1949 school carnival featured square dancing, fish ponds and other events. By the 1950s, as communities urbanized, an Iowa law required all school districts to teach kindergarten through 12th grade, meaning each district needed to have a high school, according to Iowa PBS. Rural schoolhouses started folding into town-based districts. In 1952, the Nagle School became a part of the Ankeny district, and the district later sold the school at auction, according to a 1957 article in the Tribune. More: Ankeny's Neveln building, the city's most historic, reborn as new school district offices More: These are Iowa's most endangered buildings in 2023 Old Ankeny schoolhouse becomes 'modern living quarters' The article details how, around 1954, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pearson were living in Des Moines and looking for a new home where they could "escape the city hubbub" and have room for their son, Kelly, to have a pony. The Pearsons, who also ran a cafe in Ankeny, bought the building and the grounds for $4,000 and hired a contractor to turn the "barn-like" interior into "modern living quarters," with a living room, a dining room, two bedrooms, a gas furnace, up-to-date decor and a new, all-weather enclosed porch. (The porch is no longer there.) The Pearsons, who were receiving Des Moines water service, kept the water pump for decoration. The old red bricks were repainted a bright white. An article in the Des Moines Tribune describes how the Pearson family converted the Nagle schoolhouse into a modern home in the 1950s. By the 1990s, the property was used by Warren Transport, a trucking company, and the rapidly growing city of Ankeny annexed the land into its city limits in 1994. Housing developments then sprouted up around the building in the early 2000s. The schoolhouse is still standing, accessible from a service road off Oralabor Road. The Oralabor Gateway Trail passes just to the north, and a Git N Go gas station sits to the west. Crocker Elementary School, built in 2004, is to the south and serves about 450 students. The Nagle School recorded just 30 students in the 1914-15 school year. More: Group seeks information about one-room schools in Washington Township Tutoring center founder envisions turning Nagle back into a school Schmelzer said she has always had a fascination for old schoolhouses they often served as the center of the community and how a single teacher could help students of all levels. She was a teacher in public schools for years. After suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall in 2020, she shifted out of the traditional classroom and opened the Little White Schoolhouse tutoring center, 1255 N. Ankeny Blvd. She strives to honor the inclusive spirit of the old one-room schoolhouse with her own Little White Schoolhouse and pays tribute to the Nagle School's history, with traditions like an end-of-year ice cream social. More: Ankeny's historic Uptown neighborhood sees surge of development as RAGBRAI heads to town The Nagle School is two blocks from Schmelzer's home, and she has driven past the brick building for years. She envisions buying the Nagle and turning it into the headquarters for the Little White Schoolhouse Foundation, the nonprofit arm that aims to eliminate educational barriers for individuals and groups in need of support, including children who have special needs and adults who are improving their reading skills. A larger project could include building a new school with an inclusive playground on the land behind the Nagle. But there's one major barrier to Schmelzer's dream: the property's price tag of $1.4 million. Property owner has no plans to restore the Nagle School Fairmount Education, a nonprofit organization, bought the Nagle School property from Warren Transport in 2019, according to county property records. According to state business records, Fairmount also uses the name One School Global DSM, part of a Christian network of over 120 schools in 20 countries, including one on the old Adams Elementary site on East 29th Street in Des Moines. More: Des Moines plans new elementary on northeast side near former Adams, Douglas schools The Nagle property is now listed for $1.41 million as commercial land off a major intersection. The area is outlined in city planning documents for smaller-scale neighborhood commercial use, such as a drugstore or a coffee shop. Fairmount does not plan to restore the building. "Fairmount Education purchased the property located at 2715 SW Oralabor Road in June of 2019 with the idea that the property would be suitable for future development for our own use," a spokesperson for Fairmount said in a statement. "After exploring possible educational uses of the site, Fairmount Education has no future plans for the Oralabor Road property, which is now listed for sale. "Regarding the structure on it, it is known that it once was a school facility over 100 years ago and later was used as a temporary office by subsequent owners," the statement said. "It has since been vandalized and is in very poor condition. Due to uncertain structural integrity and its dilapidated condition, we have no plans to restore the building prior to any sale." City looked into preserving the Nagle School Derek Lord, Ankeny's economic development director, told the Register that the city would love to see the Nagle School preserved and has evaluated the possibility. Officials considered whether the city might have a use for the building, looked into partnering with the private sector and tried to help facilitate relocating it. However, Lord said, the city does not have a use for the building, and other plans have not, in the end, come together. One major hurdle is the high cost of the relocation itself, given the brick structure, alongside the costs that would come with buying new land, hooking up utilities and making necessary renovations to the century-plus-old building. The city is still willing to help however it can, Lord said, though there are currently no plans for preservation. The Nagle School regularly comes up on community pages and historical discussion threads on Facebook, and other users have mused about buying the site and turning it into a day care or an ice cream shop. Meanwhile, Schmelzer has been dismayed to see the condition of an Ankeny historical landmark deteriorate. "It's at the point now where we're going to lose it," Schmelzer said. Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Historic Iowa one-room schoolhouse, link to rural past, could be lost An exterior rendering of the new building planned for 315 E. College Avenue, which will host both Lawrence classrooms and the Trout Museum of Art. APPLETON A $10 million anonymous gift will support the construction of a new building on 315 E. College Ave., Lawrence University announced Tuesday. The generosity of the donors is deeply appreciated, President Laurie A. Carter said in a news release. It speaks to ... the lifelong connections our alumni have with this institution and their willingness to pay it forward for the benefit of current and future Lawrence students. The gift is an important first step in raising money for the construction project, which is estimated to cost $38 million, the university said. The building on 315 E. College Ave. is the first major project Lawrence has had since the Warch Campus Center was built in 2009. The 120,000-square-foot facility will be mixed-use, with residential space on the upper floors, classrooms on the second floor, and the Trout Museum of Art on the bottom floor. The university and the museum will be joint owners of the new building. According to the museum's website, the new building is set to be complete in September 2025. Design firm Frederick Fisher and Partners also released their exterior design for the building Tuesday. The museum described the new building as providing "a simplicity of form" that will "seamlessly fuse the boundary between downtown Appleton and the edge of Lawrence Universitys campus." "The east-facing covered Sculpture Courtyard provides an area for repose and contemplation while entering or exiting the ground-floor art museum," it said in its Tuesday release. "Large, open galleries enable flexibility in programming for short and long-term exhibitions that can flow out into the welcome center and hallways, utilizing every surface as a potential location for artwork and community engagement." Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at rloroff@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Lawrence University, Trout Museum of Art announce gift, share renderings NEW YORK Donald Trump cannot use presidential immunity to avoid a defamation lawsuit from the writer E. Jean Carroll, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday after finding that Trump waited too long to invoke the defense. Its the third time in recent weeks that federal courts have rejected immunity arguments from Trump as he battles multiple legal fronts in criminal and civil cases. The ruling paves the way for Carrolls lawsuit to proceed to trial in January. The case concerns comments Trump made about Carroll in 2019, shortly after Carroll came forward and accused Trump of raping her decades earlier. Trump said Carroll was peddling a false accusation and was motivated by money. Three years after Carroll sued Trump for defamation over those comments, Trump attempted to assert presidential immunity, a broad doctrine that shields presidents from lawsuits arising from their official acts. But on Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals found that Trump had waived his right to use the immunity defense because he waited too long to invoke it. We hold that presidential immunity is waivable and that Defendant waived this defense, a three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals wrote. All three judges on the panel were appointed by Democratic presidents. Trump has attempted to evade many of his legal troubles by mounting aggressive immunity defenses, claiming that virtually anything he did while president cannot subject him to civil liability or criminal consequences. But courts have largely rejected those arguments so far. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that Trump is not immune from prosecution for his attempt to subvert the 2020 election. Trump appealed that decision, prompting special counsel Jack Smith to take the issue directly to the Supreme Court in hopes of obtaining a swift and definitive ruling on the question. Chutkans ruling came just hours after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trumps claims of immunity from a series of civil lawsuits that seek to hold him accountable for stoking the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In the Carroll decision on Wednesday, the 2nd Circuit panel also said it did not have jurisdiction to review a trial judges ruling that Trump did, in fact, defame Carroll with his 2019 comments. With that ruling in place, a jury will decide at the January trial how much money in damages Trump should pay to Carroll. The January trial will be the second trial Trump will face tied to Carrolls rape allegations. Earlier this year, a jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in the 1990s and that he defamed her in 2022 when he called her account a hoax. The jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million. Harvard University President Claudine Gay testifies before a Congressional hearing looking into university anti-semitism. Giving senior academics more power to suppress dissent is not the answer to the problems they have created, says Steven McGuire - Ken Cedeno/Reuters The revelations of antisemitism on elite college campuses and the dysfunctional responses of their academic leaders have shocked the American people. Already reporting historically low levels of confidence in higher education, Americans now see the depth of the moral and intellectual corruption of our most elite universities, which has come to include blatantly illegal antisemitic activity. Every decent person is horrified and demands reform. But it is critical that we not give those who have ruined these institutions even more power to censor and purge the heterodox, as they have been doing for decades. Unfortunately, that is a likely outcome. Before she resigned, University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill said the universitys policies needed to be clarified and evaluated. A member of Penns Open Expression Committee has argued we need to restrict speech to fight antisemitism. The University of Michigan has announced a new institute to address antisemitism that is couched in the language of diversity, equity and, inclusion (DEI) an ideology that fuels both antisemitism and speech suppression on campus. Harvard Universitys response included expanding DEI resources as well. Most American colleges and universities are dominated by monocultures that actively discourage and root out heterodox thinkers. Consider, for example, a recent survey that found only three per cent of Harvard University faculty are conservative, while 77 per cent are liberal or very liberal (progressive and leftist were not offered as choices). At the University of Pennsylvania, 99.7 per cent of faculty political donations went to Democrats last year. Should we give these majorities more power to suppress speech rather than less? Academic institutions have abused individuals for daring to express unfashionable viewpoints. Biologist Carole Hooven was made miserable at Harvard for teaching that sex is binary. University of Chicago geophysicist Dorian Abbot was disinvited from giving a lecture at MIT because he had written about the importance of merit, fairness, and equality in the sciences. Penn Law Professor Amy Wax is still under investigation at Penn for questioning affirmative action. Do we want to enable institutions to justify their actions in these cases and repeat the behavior? Universities should be places to engage in intellectual pursuits for their own sake, but many of the people who inhabit these institutions treat the intellectual life as a means to their ideological ends. They protest rather than listen, act rather than think. Whole departments and programs have been created or colonized by activist ideologues who think this way and exclude anyone who disagrees with them. They use power rather than persuasion to achieve their purposes whenever they can. Why would we further enable them? And the problem is likely to get worse before it gets better, as the upcoming generation is even more intolerant than the current one. The process of breaking the ideological monopolies on our college campuses and replacing conformity with freedom and intolerance with openness is going to be generational. Reacting in this heated moment with the wrong policies will only delay vital reform or ensure that it never comes to fruition at all. We should be working to improve and solidify policies that can help the heterodox to withstand the pressures they will inevitably face rather than giving the next generation the tools to create an unmitigated and grinding despotism, to quote Tacitus. At the same time, there are ways to confront antisemitism (and other forms of hate) on our campuses. Institutions should have clear (but viewpoint neutral) policies concerning public safety, discrimination, and harassment. They should have fair rules regulating student groups, on-campus events, and protests. And it is essential that they enforce these policies. Too often, university leaders back down, as MIT did when it threatened protesters with suspension during an unauthorized demonstration, but then failed to follow through when they refused to comply. Universities must also make substantial educational and personnel changes, instituting curricula that do not begin and end with critical theory while ensuring that hiring processes support rather than subvert intellectual diversity. Antisemitism is repulsive and must be confronted. But it would only exacerbate the tragedy of American higher education to respond to the outrages we have witnessed by implementing policies and setting precedents that will further enable the very people who are responsible for debasing our institutions to do even more damage to them. Steven McGuire is the Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. Follow him on X at @sfmcguire79 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 shotgun fired twice outside of a New York state synagogue. A group of college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont shot while wearing keffiyehs. Since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel, antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab hate incidents have reached unprecedented levels, according to civil rights advocates. Between 7 October and 7 December, antisemitic incidents reached the highest level ever for a two-month period since the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) began tracking the figure in 1979, topping 2,000. "This terrifying pattern of antisemitic attacks has been relentless since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, with no signs of diminishing, Jonathan Greenblatt CEO of the ADL, said in a statement. The lid to the sewers is off, and Jewish communities all across the country are being inundated with hate. Public officials and college leaders must turn down the temperature and take clear action to show this behavior is unacceptable to prevent more violence. Albany police officers gather outside Temple Israel, in Albany, New York, where a 28-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly firing two rounds from a shotgun outside the Jewish temple (AP) The data included 40 incidents of physical assault, 337 acts of vandalism, 749 instances of written or verbal harassment, and 905 demonstrations that met the ADLs broad definition of antisemitism, which includes antisemitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel and/or anti-Zionism. Muslim leaders also warned of a terrifying rise in hate incidents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations tracked 2,171 requests for help and reports of bias since 7 October. From Burlington to Chicago and elsewhere, innocent Americans are suffering the consequences of this wave of bigotry, Corey Saylor, research and advocacy director at CAIR, told CNN. Until our nation stops the violence overseas and rejects bigotry here at home, we fear that both Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism will continue to spin out of control. Federal officials have also warned of the tense domestic situation. The US remains in a heightened threat environment and recent events reinforce that, a DHS spokesperson told The Independent last month. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, we have seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. Lone offenders, motivated by a range of violent ideologies, pose the most likely threat. Alarms are growing louder for Democrats over the potential that Muslim American and Arab American voters could shun them in next years presidential election. Muslim Americans and Arab Americans have expressed growing anger over President Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with many leaders in the community warning they wont vote for Biden next year, even if the GOP alternative is former President Trump. The responses of many on this issue within the Palestinian American community, the broader Arab community, is really a sense of betrayal, Yousef Munayyer, policy analyst and senior fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, told The Hill. These voters could have an outsized impact on some, states, too, such as Michigan a swing state with a significant Arab American population. A spokesperson for the Biden reelection campaign told The Hill the president is working with leaders in the Muslim and Palestinian communities, including on countering rising Islamophobia. President Biden knows the importance of earning the trust of every community, of upholding the sacred dignity and rights of all Americans, the spokesperson said in a statement. The President and this administration have been unequivocal: there is no place for Islamophobia, xenophobia, or any of the vile racism we have seen in recent weeks. Arab American support for Democrats in general seems to have been waning over the past few years. A 2017 report from the Pew Research Center found about two-thirds of Muslim voters lean Democratic. But Trumps support among Muslim voters increased 4 percent between 2016 and 2020, according to exit polling from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the most high-profile American-Islamic advocacy groups. The Biden spokesperson sought to contrast the Democratic administration with Trump, who memorably introduced a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim nations in his first days in office. As MAGA Republicans continue to run on an openly Islamophobic platform including renewed support for Donald Trumps Muslim ban the stakes of next years election could not be more consequential, the spokesperson said. Bidens support for Israel in the war has chafed at some Muslim Americans. Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director for the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, said the administrations continued unwavering support for Israel and denouncement of any criticism toward the Israel military show politicians on the wrong side of history and that voters of color, particularly, see this as a pattern. By the time the elections roll around in 2024, Palestinians and Arabs and folks who are concerned with Palestine have been having to set aside their feelings and vote, regardless of the partys position on Palestine for quite some time, Abuznaid told The Hill. I think this time folks really feel betrayed by these political parties; they feel betrayed by these leaders in a way that maybe they hadnt before. Munayyer said he doesnt see Palestinian and Arab voters suddenly flocking to Trump and the GOP. Instead, voters could just stay home. Biden was presented as the alternative to Trump, the way to sort of save democracy, the way to sort of safeguard the rights of minorities, Munayyer said. The decision that was placed before voters was really stark and characterized as a choice between protecting democracy and fascism. And for people who are watching these horrific crimes being carried out with U.S. support, they no longer see that difference as starkly as they used to. The Democratic Party has been divided over the war since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, which led to a bombardment of Gaza by Israels military. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American in Congress, has sought to pass legislation calling for a cease-fire, which has been opposed by other Democrats. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) joined House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) at a pro-Israel rally. In early November, the House voted 234-188 to censure Tlaib for her pro-Palestinian rhetoric, a move that in itself may have turned more Arab and Muslim Americans away from Biden and Democrats. Yet this may also be leading other Muslims to jump into the political arena in the hopes of joining Tlaib. During the 2022 midterm cycle, 146 Muslim candidates ran for public office. Eighty-two were elected, according to CAIR. Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in at least state-based representatives and others elected on the local level that have been of Palestinian heritage or are Palestinian and I expect no differently in 2024, Abuznaid said. The risks for Democrats go beyond Arab American voters. Advocates are warning that the Democratic Party could also lose wide-ranging support from young voters and voters of color. At protests around the country, Muslim Americans have been joined by young people, Black Americans and Jewish Americans who disagree with the Israeli governments policies. One of the problems that the Democrats have, particularly elected officials in Congress, theyre falling in line behind the president on this issue that has become a partisan issue over the last 15 years or so, Munayyer said. In the process, theyve thrown the Palestinian American community under the bus and a much wider group of constituents who care about this issue and I think its going to have devastating consequences for the President and for Democrats. Its not too late for Biden to reengage these voters, but Munayyer warns it wont be easy. Its really hard for people to forget what theyre seeing. This is not a question of a candidate who maybe doesnt support three out of my five preferred policy issues, its a candidate thats backing my dehumanization and the murder of thousands of members of my people and family, he explained. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The future of abortion rights in Arizona is now in the hands of the state Supreme Court, which heard arguments Tuesday over whether a Civil War-era law banning almost all abortions supersedes current law. The case is not about whether there is a right to an abortion in the state, but rather how the court should interpret conflicting statutes. Currently, abortion is banned in Arizona after 15 weeks under a law signed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2022 and enforced after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law contains exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest. But a separate law thats been on the books since 1864before Arizona was even a state and when it was still a territorybans abortions in almost every circumstance. The law makes abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain one. It includes a narrow exception to save a womans life. If that law is upheld, Arizona will have one of the strictest abortion bans in the country. Tuesdays hearing in Arizona occurred just one day after the Texas Supreme Court ruled in support of that states near-total abortion ban, saying a pregnant woman carrying a fetus with a fatal genetic anomaly did not qualify for a medical exception. Abortion rights advocates said if the 1864 law in Arizona takes effect, it will be even stricter than Texass. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Health Care newsletter During oral arguments Tuesday, justices focused questions for both sides about legislative intent, and the fact that the 159-year-old law was never repealed. When Roe v. Wade was passed in 1973, it overrode the 1864 law, but the near-total ban remained on the books in Arizona. After Roe was overturned last year, abortion providers in the state didnt know which law to follow. Some counties enforced the 1864 ban, while others enforced the 15-week ban. The Arizona Court of Appeals last December decided to harmonize the laws, and said the 1864 ban should apply to individuals, but physicians could follow the newer law and provide abortions up to 15 weeks. Arizonas Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes said she wouldnt pursue the case, but Eric Hazelrigg, medical director of a chain of Phoenix-area anti-abortion clinics, was allowed to step in as an intervenor along with Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane and appeal to the state Supreme Court. The intervenors are represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian conservative legal group that aims to end abortion. They argued the 1864 ban should remain in effect because it was never repealed. Jake Warner, an attorney for ADF, argued that both abortion laws fit together because the pre-statehood ban contains an exception for saving the life of the mother. On the other side was Planned Parenthood Arizona, which argued that the landscape is too confusing, and the 1864 law was overruled by the 2022 law. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover, who argued for the plaintiffs, said the questions from the justices left her feeling cautiously optimistic, because they seemed to recognize the confusing situation. As Southern Arizonas prosecutor, confusion is not acceptable. The law is supposed to be clear. Providers and patients need to know what is prohibited and what is legal, Conover said in an interview. Weve been in a state of chaos on and off for a year and a half now so I think we are position of asking for clarity and asking that the court recognize that going back to 1864 territorial days near-total ban simply doesnt make rational or legal sense. All seven justice on Arizonas Supreme Court were appointed by a Republican governor, but only six justices will rule on the case. Justice Bill Montgomery recused himself because he previously accused Planned Parenthood of practicing generational genocide. Theres no timeline for when a decision will occur, but it may not last for long. Abortion rights advocates are working to get a constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot that would create a fundamental right to an abortion up until fetal viability. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It's time for Arkansas voters to prepare for the upcoming state and a presidential primaries early next year. The state has several elections coming up including the statewide primary and the primary runoff in the first half of 2024. Primary elections determine each qualified party's nomination of candidates for federal offices, state and county offices. Candidates who win their party's primaries will qualify to appear on the General Election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. It can be confusing to register to vote or to even remember if you have or not, so here's what to know. When is the presidential primary in Arkansas The primary election in Arkansas is on Tuesday March 5, 2024. The primary runoff will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Voters stand in line at the Pulaski County Regional Building in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas on Oct. 19, 2020. How to register to vote in Arkansas To register to vote in Arkansas, you must fill out a paper Voter Registration Application. Online registration is currently unavailable, according to Secretary of State. To be eligible to register to vote in Arkansas, you must meet the following three criteria: a United States citizen, live in the state and be at least 18 years old or turn 18 by the next election. Additionally, voters can not be a convicted felon whose sentence has not been pardoned and can not be adjudged as mentally incompetent by court of competent jurisdiction. When is the deadline to register to vote in Arkansas? Arkansas does not allow same-day voter registration. Here are the following voter registration deadlines. Mail : Applications must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day In person: 30 days before Election Day. Here is what Arkansas voters need to know about registration and where ahead of the 2024 election. How to vote in Arkansas There are multiple options for Arkansas voters to consider. Let's break them down. Vote early in-person You can vote early in Arkansas beginning beginning 15 days before a preferential primary or general election, and on all other elections, including the general primary and general runoff, seven days before the election. 'I want to drill': Donald Trump repeats comment he would be a dictator 'for one day' if reelected in 2024 Request a mail-in/absentee ballot Voters must offer an approved excise to vote absentee in Arkansas. In order to vote absentee you must fall under the following circumstances: Must be unavoidably absent from your polling site on election day Must be have an illness or physical disability that prevents you from attending polling site on election day Must be prevented from voting due to a observance of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open on election day Must be a member or spouse of the Uniformed Services, merchant marines or a dependent family member who is away from a polling location due to a member's active duty status. Must be a U.S. citizen whose residence is in Arkansas but temporarily lives outside of the territorial limits of the U.S. Return your completed ballot You can drop off your completed ballot in person or via dropbox. Rock the Vote recommends contacting your local election official if you need further clarification. By mail absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. In-person absentee ballots must be received by end of the business day on the Friday before the election or by 7:30 pm on Election Day if an authorized agent is delivering your voted ballot. You can find your ballot drop-off locations here or track your ballot online with your state here. Certain designated individuals are allowed to drop off a ballot for someone else in Arkansas. Arkansas voters register at least 30 days before Election Day. Voting in-person on Election Day If you plan on voting in-person on Election Day, you can find your voting location options here. You'll also need to bring a valid form of ID when you vote in-person which can include: Drivers license Photo ID card Concealed handgun carry license United States passport An employee badge or identification document issued by an accredited college, university or other postsecondary educational institution in Arkansas United States Military identification document A public assistance identification card featuring a photo of the person to whom the document or card was issued A voter identification card issued by the Secretary of State This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to register to vote in Arkansas voter and what deadlines to know (Bloomberg) -- Armed guards on a fuel tanker exchanged gunfire with a small boat in the Red Sea, another sign of escalating risks in one of the worlds most crucial waterways. Most Read from Bloomberg The frequency of attacks in the maritime corridor handling about 12% of global trade has increased in recent days. The latest incident takes the number of merchant ships attacked or approached around Yemen since Israels war with Hamas broke out in October to about a dozen. Iran-backed Houthi militants, who support Hamas in the conflict, have claimed many of those hits. The Ardmore Encounter came under attack while transiting the Red Sea, its owner and operator Ardmore Shipping Corp. said in a statement. No one boarded, all crew are safe and there was no damage on-board. Read More: US in Talks With Gulf Allies on Military Action Against Houthis Israels president, Isaac Herzog, said the international community needed to act fast against the Iran-backed rebel group, which has been fighting a civil war in Yemen since 2014 and has said it will target Israel and its assets unless the war in the Gaza Strip ends. The Houthis have crossed a red line in the Red Sea, Herzog said on X on Wednesday after the latest incident. Under the direction of their totalitarian commanders in Tehran, the Houthis continued acts of terrorism and piracy against ships of all nationalities and ownerships requires the entire international community to act, united, forcefully, and decisively. The UK Maritime Trade Operations and security intelligence company Ambrey said shots were fired after a speedboat approached the Ardmore Encounter and that at least two missiles were launched. The vessels owner counts Israeli businessman Idan Ofer as a minority shareholder, Ambrey said. A separate incident was reported south of Oman. Read More: Why Yemens Houthis Have Joined Fight Against Israel: QuickTake While it has become commonplace for ships to deploy armed guards when navigating certain maritime corridors, its less usual for them to engage with their attackers, and underscores the increasingly fraught nature of navigation through the Red Sea. The ship was carrying a cargo of jet fuel from India to Europe, Ardmore said. The Houthis have said they would attack ships that have links to or are sailing toward Israel, describing them as legitimate targets. Other Iran-backed militant groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria have been launching missiles toward Israel or at US bases to pressure the Israeli government to halt its ground assault on Gaza, which is governed by Hamas. Another fuel tanker called the Strinda that was hired by Eni SpA and heading to Italy was struck by a missile in the Red Sea earlier this week. The Houthis said they targeted the vessel because it was destined for Israel, and port information shows it was due to go there early next year. The Houthis are still holding a car carrier called the Galaxy Leader that they seized on Nov. 19. That ship is part-owned by a company of Israeli businessman Rami Ungar. Read More: Why Yemens Houthis Have Joined Fight Against Israel: QuickTake War Premium While the number of attacks so far is small relative to how many ships go through the waterway, war risk premiums for vessels calling in the Red Sea have been steadily increasing over recent weeks. They rose further after the attack on Strinda, according to two people involved in the market. Rates, which are quoted as a percentage of the value of the vessel, were somewhere between 0.2% and 0.25% a similar level to when vessels were hit in the Persian Gulf in 2019. Ambrey said in a report on Tuesday that the scope of the vessels being attacked is set to widen to include ships that have recently called at Israel. It is advising clients to limit crew how much crew move around on the deck of a ship when traveling in the area. This narrow chokepoint, flanked by Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, is crucial for global shipping and trade, with approximately $1 trillion worth of trade passing through annually, maritime security company Dryad Global wrote following the attack on the Strinda. Such attacks pose not only a regional geopolitical risk but a significant global economic threat. --With assistance from Aine Quinn and Paul Wallace. (Updates with map and Israeli statement from paragraph four.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The new Wonka works considerably better than its reasons for existence would suggest. It exists because, why not? Its one more brand-familiar origin story, the easiest thing in the movie world to get made, requiring everything but a new idea. It exists because its one more musicalization of nonmusical source material, adding seven original songs to a project attached to Roald Dahls 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The 1971 film version of that novel, with Gene Wilder as secretive candy magnate Willy Wonka, was likewise a musical; two of its more enduring tunes, Pure Imagination and the Oompa Loompa song, turn up in the latest screen addition to Wonkalore. Advertisement So where does it go right? Well, if you enjoyed either or both of the Paddington movies, particularly the second one, youll find Wonka a spiritually related cousin in its wit, bounce and general lack of aggravated charm assaults. Director Paul King and his Paddington 2 co-writer Simon Farnaby manage this little chunk of intellectual property quite well. And as Wonka, Timothee Chalamet lightens the load, delivering the majority of his lines in a style (to swipe a line from Cole Porter) classifiable as murmuring low and taking it easy. We meet Wonka as a young, orphaned adult working as a ships cook, sailing into port eager to find his fortune in designer chocolates with a side of magic. The city is not London, but the geography and some details evoke the come-one-come-all London of the Paddington films, along with bits of Paris and other Euro-capitals. Advertisement In short order, sweet, trusting Willy runs afoul of a sinister laundress (Olivia Colman, making hay on apparent outtakes from a lost Mrs. Lovett Sweeney Todd audition). Her boardinghouse is really an enslavement camp for the unsuspecting; since he cannot read, Willy signs at check-in without reading the indentured-servitude fine print. So its up to him, his chocolatier ambitions and his fellow captives to bust out and make good. Much of the film stays close to the nicely developed friendship between Willy and fellow orphan Noodle (Calah Lane). Outside the grim laundry confines, once Willy escapes and sets up shop, his nemeses multiply: Theres a trio of chocolate-cartel candy impresarios, plus a cop on the take played by Keegan-Michael Key, stuck uncomfortably inside the latex of a fat-phobic running gag. The songs by Neil Hannon range from serviceable to serviceable with a smile. Hugh Grant may not be nearly as fun as he was in Paddington 2, but his dandified Oompa Loompa has its moments. And while Wonka overfills its slate with two or three escalating climaxes, the throwaway verbal jokes en route keep the contraption humming. (At one point Wonka reveals, breathlessly, that his latest fantastical chocolate treat has been salted with the bittersweet tears of a Russian clown.) As with most franchise remakes or add-ons these days, Wonka comes with a wry streak of self-critique. The small orange Loompa, played by a digitally reconfabulated Grant, refers to his own theme song as ruinously catchy. Charm cant be quantified or made to work on everyone. Many critics find Wonka to be not charming a typical example of medium-huge, $125 million production budget-level corporate screen mechanics in motion. Certainly there are elements of digital magic without a lot of magic. More happily, theres the sight of Willys portable suitcase of chocolate-making wonder, a fine and eccentrically funny sight when fully opened. Neither script nor actor have much interest in capturing hints of Wonkas callous, misanthropic streak as imagined by Dahl and the earlier films interpretations. Since my childhood familiarity and partial affection for the wonky, clunky 71 Willy Wonka counts for only so much (the 2005 Tim Burton/Johnny Depp remake, even less), the new take won me over. Chalamet handles the musical demands with a sincere light tenor and some simple but nimble dance moves. The physical creations of the city exteriors and interiors look and feels like wood and brass and real-ish stuff, thanks to production designer Nathan Crowley (The Dark Knight, The Greatest Showman). And somehow, Wonka solves one of the sternest design challenges in all of cinema: Making a chocolate river look like something other than a Chicago wastewater treatment plants worst day ever. What to Watch Daily The latest from Tribune critics on what film and television you should be watching. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Wonka 3 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: PG (for some violence, mild language and thematic elements) Advertisement Running time: 1:56 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Dec. 14 Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune FIRST ON FOX: Women are considered one of the fastest-growing groups of gun owners in the United States, and a House Judiciary subcommittee this week will examine how gun ownership "empowers women across America" as crime spirals in many areas of the nation. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will hold a hearing Wednesday, and a trio of female gun experts and instructors will appear to advocate for Americans Second Amendment rights. Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a preview of testimony from one of the witnesses, Beth Alcazar, a U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) senior training counselor. "I am a writer. I am an instructor. I am a doctoral candidate working toward my terminal degree in curriculum and instruction. But, first and foremost, I am a mother. And I have made a personal choice to live as a mom with a gun," Alcazar will tell the subcommittee, chaired by Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs. NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR AMID SOARING CRIME, ARM THEMSELVES AND TAKE GUN CLASSES Alcazar is the editor of Concealed Carry Magazine and has authored a handful of gun training documents for the USCCA, including "Womens Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals" and "Childrens Firearms & Safety Fundamentals." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP She will reflect in her testimony that women across the nation have taken self-defense issues into their own hands and are refusing to become the victims of violent crimes. "For the women who walk across a dark parking lot every night after work. For the Realtors who show houses to strangers every week. For any young women who have shadows in their past. And for moms, like me, with children in tow. I think they would all agree: They refuse to stand by, idle and helpless. They refuse to become someones victim. They refuse to allow harm to come to the ones they love," Alcazar will say in her testimony. WHY GUN OWNERSHIP IS SPIKING AMONG THIS DEMOGRAPHIC Since the pandemic, gun sales have hit record numbers, including when an estimated 23 million firearms were sold and more than 21 million background checks were conducted in 2020. The numbers smashed records and notably spiked at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 before jumping yet again in June of that year as protests and riots spread across the nation in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Gun ownership has especially boomed among women. Between 2019 and 2021, as gun purchases exploded, about half of gun customers were women, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Women were the most likely new gun owner demographic during those years, researchers found. Alcazar said crime has spiraled and women face "violent criminals many with evil intent," who "are terrorizing us." But where violence and crime lurks, an armed woman has a better chance of defending herself from the unexpected, Alcazars testimony explains. FLORIDA WOMAN TURNS TABLES ON ARMED EX WHO SHOWED UP TO APARTMENT, KILLS HIM WITH 1 SHOT "This shouldnt be the way that we live," Alcazar will tell the subcommittee. "But it serves as a clear reminder that law-abiding citizens should be able to defend themselves from danger at all times. And any solution to better protect ourselves, our children and our communities should start with our God-given right to self-defense." The mother of threes testimony explains that, through her work training Americans on firearm safety, she has seen "firsthand, a rich diversity as scores of American women are purchasing, training with and carrying firearms in the name of female empowerment." "For many women, this self-defense awakening has resulted in a new source of certainty, security, responsibility and equality that we might not have otherwise had," her testimony states. ARIZONA WOMAN SHOOTS, KILLS REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER ATTEMPTING TO BREAK INTO HER HOME The USCCA, where Alcazar serves as a certified instructor and senior training counselor, was founded in 2003 and provides American gun owners with training and education on firearms and self-defense liability insurance through its membership program. The group includes more than 10,000 instructors across the nation, many of whom have reported seeing an increase in women seeking gun training. Fox News Digital spoke to a USCCA instructor in New Mexico earlier this year who said that Native American women specifically were increasingly signing up for gun safety classes in the face of crime and violence. OVER A DOZEN WOMEN FEND OFF VIOLENT EXES, CRIMINALS AS GUN OWNERSHIP SOARS "Almost every week we have a Native woman or someone close to family saying, I'm really interested in taking this class and picking up a firearm because you see the numbers with the missing and murdered indigenous women and people," Joe Talachy, a USCCA instructor and owner of Indigenous Arms 1680 Ltd. Co., told Fox News Digital this summer. Alcazar argues that gun ownership and training have fundamentally changed her as a person and mother, and she finds peace knowing that she is her "own protector" and her "familys first responder." CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. "The more Ive trained, the more Ive realized that I dont have to wait for someone else to care for me or protect me. I am my own protector. And I am my familys first responder. And being able to keep myself and those I love safe? I don't think there's anything more important than that," Alcazars testimony says. The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday. Geneva Solomon, owner of Redstone Firearms in Burbank, California, and firearms instructor Shirley Watral are also scheduled to testify. Original article source: Armed mom schools Congress on booming female gun ownership: Refuse to stand by Ali Louis Bourzgui as Tommy and the company of "The Whos Tommy" at the Goodman Theatre. Far right are Captain Walker (Adam Jacobs) and Mrs. Walker (Alison Luff). (Liz Lauren) Artistic excellence abounded in Chicago theater even as 2023 proved fiscally and structurally challenging for many companies and artists. Heres my annual top-10 list of the year, along with 10 more titles that also deserved a spot. Ive only considered productions first created in 2023, otherwise the extraordinarily well-sung touring production of Les Miserables would be here too, to name just one. But there are some remarkable shows on this list. Some are still playing locally; some have plans to move to Broadway. This was an especially fine year for musicals but over the last 12 months, Ive also admired everything from revivals to daring new works. Advertisement 1. The Whos Tommy at the Goodman Theatre: Director Des McAnuff long has been a Broadway wizard but Chicago learned last summer that his heart resides in Tommy, The Whos existential howl of boomer anger from 1969 at the psychological fallout from their emotionally repressed parents. The Goodmans revival was a pinball thriller, a dynamic new staging that took full advantage of video technology not available for the original. David Korins expressionistic set design, Peter Nigrinis explosive projections and Lorin Latarros astonishing choreography combined with Pete Townshends music to reinvent Tommy for a new generation. Broadway is next for spring 2024. The cast of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT) 2. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire: For decades, Marriott Theatre has staged its own in-the-round productions of relatively recent Broadway hits, but director Jessica Fischs beautiful Beautiful went far beyond the everyday. There was a star, the superb Kaitlyn Davis, who really played piano throughout the show, just like Carole King, and a supporting cast filled with formidable performers who were determined to bring a level of emotional intensity and truth that went beyond the original production. Most important of all, the swirling, fresh staging caught the intensity and the stress of Americas music and lyric-writing factories where young people competed to write the next hit that would form the soundtrack of American lives. Marriott never has produced a better show. Advertisement Matt DeCaro, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Kate Fry, Alejandra Escalante and Kareem Bandealy in Anton Chekhovs "The Cherry Orchard" at the Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren ) 3. The Cherry Orchard at the Goodman Theatre: Unsurprisingly, Robert Falls choice for his final show at the Goodman Theatre, following a whopping 35-year run as artistic director, was the greatest play ever written about the pain of leaving something you deeply love maybe also the opportunity, but mostly the searing pain. The meta aptness of the Chekhov title was not the whole appeal of a witty and deeply resonant production that felt like a meditation on one of Chicagos most formidable artistic legacies, filled to the brim with joy, sadness and the palpable intensity of Chicago actors. Anyone who knows and feels what Falls Goodman career had meant to this city wont quickly forget his exit. Dana Saleh Omar and cast in the musical "Once" at Writers Theatre in Glencoe. (Michael Brosilow ) 4. Once at Writers Theatre: This 2012 Broadway musical, featuring music by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova and written for the stage by Enda Walsh, is the gold standard for how to adapt movies into musicals. It distilled the cinematic plot down to its humanistic essence and focused on what really matters in the theater: love, family and feelings, our shared awareness of mortality and our collective fear of change. At Writers Theatre, director Katie Spelman and her lead actors Dana Saleh Omar and Matt Mueller seemed to know every inch of its emotional landscape and together lovingly forged an innovative and intensely beautiful staging, taking full example of the intimacy at their disposal. Hows your heart? asks Da. Beating fast in Glencoe. Kate Fry and Samuel B. Jackson in "Birthday Candles" by Northlight Theatre in Skokie. (Michael Brosilow/HANDOUT) 5. Birthday Candles at Northlight Theatre: Rescued from a poor (and poorly received) New York production, writer Noah Haidles quirky but beautifully personal drama about our lifelong search for patterns in the universe and our resilience in the face of the compounding losses of life was given a beautiful new local staging by Northlight Theatre. Director Jessica Thebuss tear-jerking production, which starred the real-life couple of Kate Fry and Tim Kane, was beautifully cast, acted with great generosity and honesty, and offered palpable balm to Northlights loyal audience. Here was a lovely tribute to the playwrights mom and, more broadly, to the good and hearty people of the Midwest, survivors every one. Audiences loved every minute. Mary Beth Fisher and Bubba Weiler in Rebecca Gilmans play "Swing State" at the Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren) 6. Swing State at the Goodman Theatre: Playwright Rebecca Gilmans modestly scaled play, the latest work of the leading, living bard of the Upper Midwest, was set in Wisconsin and explored themes of environmentalism, mental health, opioid abuse, trucking, policing and even the consequences of hollowing out small, mutual supportive communities and turning them into repositories for Dollar Generals and Kwik Trips. Swing State, which later moved off-Broadway, struck me as the first American drama to really grasp with how much broad swathes of America changed during the pandemic, along with noting the despair, even panic, that so many mostly silent Americans have about the divisiveness in an atrophying country, where once-shared values have swung far to the extremes. Kelvin Roston Jr., Isaac Ray, Jerica Exum, Jessica Brooke Seals and Eric A. Lewis in "The Gospel at Colonus" at Court Theatre. (Michael Brosilow/HANDOUT) 7. The Gospel at Colonus at Court Theatre: Co-directors Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell contributed a gorgeously produced, deeply inclusive and richly sung new staging of a long-beloved, choral-infused work (by Bob Telson and Lee Breuer) drawing rich connections between the spiritual longing felt by the ancient Greeks and the gospel-infused Pentecostal tradition so influentially nurtured just a mile or two from this very theater. The stars, Kelvin Roston Jr., Ariana Burks and Aeriel Williams, were as spectacular as the intensity was palpable. The shows Chicago premiere was followed by a hugely successful run at the Getty Villa Museum in California. Fabian (Shelby Lynn Bias), Sir Toby Belch (Ronald L. Conner) and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Alex Goodrich) in "Twelfth Night" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT) 8. Twelfth Night at Chicago Shakespeare Theater: The fine young Chicago director Tyrone Phillips made his debut at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and impressed greatly with a relentlessly optimistic, Caribbean-themed Twelfth Night rich in musicality and clarity and focused on the shows exploration of the fragility of love. Phillips did a very shrewd cut of the famed comedy, bringing it home at just under two hours while also adding a soundtrack of tunes by Bob Marley and others while promoting rich audience interaction. Add in a willing and skilled cast and you had a show everyone left smiling. Everythings Gonna Be Alright, indeed. 9. Run, Bambi, Run at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre: An honorary member of the Chicago theater community its only 90 minutes away Wisconsins leading theater staged a populist, true-crime musical about a woman seemingly framed for a murder she did not commit and forced to dodge TV cameras as she ran for her life. Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Eric Simonson, composer Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes and director Mark Clements reminded their audience of the huge power of the local story: many in the audience remembered the real Bambi Bembenek, former cop, sometime bunny at the Playboy resort in Lake Geneva, and escapee from Wisconsins Taycheedah Correctional Institution. May this Bambi run again. 10. The Factotum by Lyric Opera of Chicago: This new opera from Will Liverman and DJ King Rico, played to a rapturous response at the sold-out Harris Theatre, by reimagining the definition of opera not in some elite, formalist fashion but by setting the experience on so-called operatic voices while encompassing R&B, soul, funk, hip-hop and gospel and moving the action of Gioachino Rossinis The Barber of Seville to Chicagos South Side. In so doing, it created a rare local resonance for a company better known for its role in the international operatic waters. Sure, more work was still to be done, but this was still a singular cultural event that came with the kind of lush, Chicago-style soundscape that declared Liverman the real world-class deal, rooted right here in town. Advertisement Ten more fine shows, in alphabetical order: Blues for an Alabama Sky by Remy Bumppo; Cabaret by Porchlight Music Theatre, Boop! The Musical CIBC Theatre; Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas at the Studebaker Theater; Eurydice at Writers Theatre in Glencoe; Oh, the Places Youll Glow! by Second City e.t.c.; Port of Entry by Albany Park Theater Project, Rock of Ages at Mercury Theater; Toni Stone at the Goodman Theatre; A View From the Bridge by Shattered Globe Theatre. Chris Jones is a Tribune critic. cjones5@chicagotribune.com When it comes to population growth, Austin is leagues above the competition. The Austin metropolitan area was the fastest-growing area in the U.S. for a 12th consecutive year in 2022, according to an extensive report from City Demographer Lila Valencia delivered to the City Council at its work session Tuesday. The Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown area added nearly 138,000 residents in 2022, bringing its total population to more than 2.4 million, according to the report. That represents a 6% increase between 2020 and 2022. More: WalletHub ranks Austin as 'top college town in America' for third year in a row The Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina, region and the Jacksonville, Florida, region finished second and third, respectively, in terms of metropolitan growth. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area and the San Antonio-New Braunfels area placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area placing ninth. The Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown area added almost 138,000 residents in 2022, bringing its total population to more than 2.4 million, according to a new report by the city of Austin's demographer. Suburbs lead population growth Austin suburbs like Georgetown, Kyle and Leander fueled the most population growth for the area. Each city placed within the top 4 of the country's fastest-growing cities, and Georgetown took first with a 14.4% increase between 2021 and 2022. More: This survey ranked Austin 5th best in the U.S. for single people. Do you agree? Population increases for more than a decade have helped Austin become the 10th most populous city in the U.S., according to the report. The city's population has doubled every 20 to 25 years, although recent growth has started to stagnate. Valencia used data from the 2020 census and 2022 population estimates for the report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin metro population is fastest growing 12 years in a row By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday the country had supported a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza out of concern for civilians in the besieged enclave, in a rare split with close ally the United States. After dire warnings by U.N. officials over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the two month long war between Israel and Hamas militants, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire with 153 countries including Australia voting in favour and 23 abstaining. Ten countries voted against including the U.S. and Israel, which argue a ceasefire only benefits Hamas. "Australia has consistently affirmed Israel's right to defend itself," Wong told a news conference in Adelaide after the UN resolution passed. "And in doing so, we have said as Israel must respect international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals must be protected. "The resolution we have supported is consistent with the position we have previously outlined on these issues. Canada, Australia and New Zealand - which along with the US and Britain make up the intelligence alliance known as the Five Eyes - released a joint statement on Tuesday backing the ceasefire. "We think it's important that we have very close allies and like-minded countries speak together in support of the position that we've articulated," Wong said, adding the statement had been under discussion "for some time". Australia and Canada abstained from an October UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, with New Zealand voting in favour. The U.S. is one of Australia's closest allies. As well as the Five Eyes, the two nations are part of the AUKUS security pact with Britain, and have been in lock step on foreign policy for decades. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry) By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) -Thousands of people in coastal towns along Australia's Great Barrier Reef are without power and sheltering within their homes as the epicentre of a tropical cyclone nears Queensland on Wednesday afternoon. Tropical Cyclone Jasper was slowly making landfall around the town of Wujal Wujal, roughly 115 km (72 miles) northeast of the popular tourist destination of Cairns at 3 p.m. (0500 GMT), bringing wind gusts of up to 140 kph (87 mph), large waves and the risk of life-threatening flash flooding, the bureau of meteorology said on Wednesday. Authorities upgraded the storm to Category 2, the second lowest of five categories, on Wednesday afternoon. The cyclone is pounding hundreds of kilometres of northern coastline popular with tourists looking to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns resident Rob Lattimore told ABC News all the boats had been pulled out of the marina and he, his wife and two daughters were sheltering at home as the winds picked up outside. "The girls are a little apprehensive, they've never seen a cyclone before, but they're in good spirits," he said. The Royal Australian Navy said on Wednesday it had evacuated four bureau of meteorology staff stationed on a remote offshore weather station roughly 480 km offshore as the storm approached over the weekend. Along the coast more than 90 people were in evacuation centres and thousands were without power according to an outage map from provider Ergon Energy. Jasper is expected to weaken as it crosses land although authorities warn there is a moderate chance it could strengthen again next week as it crosses over the Gulf of Carpentaria and heads towards Darwin. Australia is under the influence of the El Nino weather phenomenon this summer, which can provoke extreme weather from wildfires to tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts. In neighbouring New South Wales, authorities warned temperatures could rise above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) as a heatwave likely to last until Friday swept across the state. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A group from Houston has been arraigned in federal court in Arkansas for a series of pharmacy burglaries across the state. U.S. Attorney for the Easter District of Arkansas Jonathan Ross said 18 were arrested in connection with $1.6 million in drug thefts from the pharmacies. He said the group would target a pharmacy in a rural community and drive in from Houston, Texas, in a rental car to break into a pharmacy in the early morning hours. US Attorney: Nine fentanyl traffickers arrested in Little Rock drug bust Drug Enforcement Administration officials said the group would break into a pharmacy by breaking a window and then low-crawling through the business to avoid motion detectors. They would steal drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam and promethazine with codeine cough syrup, that they would resell in Houston. Over 96,000 pills were stolen, investigators said. According to court documents, the suspects would commit the break-ins in groups of one to five. Pharmacy locations included Atkins, Benton, Russellville, Sheridan and Truman. Officials said the investigation began in February 2022 and was completed in November of this year with the arrests. The investigation was titled Rich Off Meds after a hashtag the group used to brag online about their wealth. Investigators said they recovered $79,000 in cash, six guns, including rifles and $330,000 in jewelry during the Houston arrests. A great deal of the jewelry was custom-made and, in some cases, included reference to the Rich Off Meds hashtag, they said. FBI, DEA investigations in gangs, drugs and guns lead to 80 AR indictments, 45 arrests The 18 arrested were all from the Houston area, investigators said, and are facing charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Schedule II through V controlled substances, as well as pharmacy burglary, conspiracy to commit pharmacy burglary and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Investigators said the 18 were members of a local gang in Houstons 5th Ward. The 18 indicted are: Antoinen Hampton, 37 Donald Spencer, 34 Marcus Hargrove, 31 Reginald Jackson, 32 Vernon Baloney, Jr., 33 Edwin Burks, 50 Nicklaus Franklin, 31 Louis Johnson, III, 24 Nathan Kibble, 40 Joshua Delaney, 43 Fernando Riascos Jr., 36 Alexis Garner, 31 Daron Livingston, 32 Jaiden Fowler, 23 Joshua Griffin, 21 Cierra Jackson, 30 Jasmane Lincoln, 34 Keith Wayne Brown, 34 Ross said seven of the 18 were arraigned in Arkansas on Tuesday. The remaining will be arraigned on Jan. 16, 2024, he said. Arkansas task force seizes $55M+ in fentanyl, meth, other drugs during 3-month operation Officials said multiple DEA offices were involved in the investigation, as well as the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Arkansas State Police, Houston Police, Harris County Sheriff and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The next private astronaut mission to the International Space Station will launch from Floridas Space Coast no earlier than Jan. 9. The all-European crew mission will be lead by veteran astronaut Michael Lopez Alegria. We are now finishing up some payload training. So, were going to spend most of our time doing scientific research of course, Alegria said. We have to learn how those experiments work. Read: Axiom Space shares new details before launch of Axiom Mission 3 private astronaut mission During a Wednesday news briefing, Axiom Space said the Axiom-3 crew will spend 14 days living and working aboard the ISS, conducting over 30 experiments. Axiom Space is building the next generation space station, said Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space. Were building the first commercial space station. We hope that space station builds off the legacy of the ISS. Read: SpaceX set to launch another batch of Starlink satellites tonight The first module is set to launch in 2026. In the meantime, Axiom Space is using these missions to learn how to develop research programs and how to work with its partners. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Read: SpaceX set for Falcon Heavy rocket launch from Florida for U.S. Space Force Anthony Ramirez remembers what it was like when a blue-collar worker could live large in America. Back in the 1970s, when he was making $23 an hour as a factory man, he and his wife owned three cars and comfortably raised a family in their small home outside Buffalo. Money stretched further then, he often thinks when he stops to reflect on it. But he cant stop for long. Anthony is constantly in motion. Thats because at the age of 68 less than two years since retiring after holding a job since he was 16 Anthony is now back to work. Not out of boredom. Not for a hobby. But because he and his wife caught in the grip of the housing crisis, medical bills and soaring utilities are trying to survive. Ive been doing a lot of side jobs plumbing and handyman and driving for people to the airport, he said. Weve been struggling a long time. Like many area seniors calling local social services recently for help, Anthony wonders how he got here, one step from homelessness. How to help your neighbors in need: Support Season of Sharing The downward spiral started with his wifes heart attack. Until that moment eight years ago, both had good jobs Anthony as a government employee in Sarasota County and a low, $600 monthly mortgage payment on the three-bedroom Englewood home that they bought in 2000 after moving to Florida. Life in the Sunshine State was as relaxed and beautiful as they expected it to be. Then all of a sudden bam! Anthony recalled. Once his wife needed massive heart bypass surgery, she could no longer work. Saddled with medical debt, Anthony had difficulty keeping up with all the bills on his own. Before losing their house to foreclosure, he and his wife sold it, deciding to rent. For a time, once his wifes Social Security disability payments kicked in, they found a rent-to-own opportunity before losing that, too, when the arrangement with the owner fell through. Then about seven years ago, they stumbled into a great set-up a two-bedroom duplex for $825 a month, including water. But then about two years ago, on the cusp of retirement, Anthony got word that new owners were acquiring the building. Rent soon shot to $1,200, plus water. To keep up, Anthony took on odd jobs. I retire, and now Im looking for work, he said. By this year, the rent was $1,700 a month, while he wrangled with the landlord about unrepaired damage to the lanai caused by Hurricane Ian. This spring with their expenses soaring for groceries, insurance, car repairs, medical bills and his wifes medications the couple fell further behind on their electricity, an essential utility for his wife, who is on oxygen. Anthony turned to Ola Medrzycki, the Friendship at Home manager for Senior Friendship Centers, who tapped Season of Sharing to pay the $765 bill. According to many case managers like Medrzycki, Anthony is one of the lucky ones. He has a pension unlike about half of Florida seniors age 65 and older who count on Social Security as a primary source of income. This past year, Medrzyckis phone has been ringing off the hook by senior residents unable to keep up with the exploding costs of housing and other essentials. That includes homeowners, who are facing exorbitant increases in homeowners insurance rates. I think were all in a weird place right now, she said of the toll caused by the housing crisis and other burdens befalling local residents. For Anthony, the aid from Season of Sharing and the Senior Friendship Centers allowed him to catch up on his bills. If it werent for the help from the centers, we would be homeless, he said. It also provided a cushion for a new challenge this fall: his landlord refused to renew his lease. That sent him scrambling to find something else for himself and his wife, as well as his daughter and grandson both of whom have lost their housing, too. Cobbling together his own money and a loan from friends, hell move them all this month into a three-bedroom apartment in Port Charlotte that rents for $2,300 a month. Given the higher rent, instead of odd jobs, Anthony is now in search of steady part-time work. That is, at least for another year until he can catch his breath and take time to track down a cheaper place to live. Anthony isn't ready to give up on the Sunshine State, though his wife is in favor of moving back north. Lately, hes started to think she might be right. Thats where were going to head if we dont find anything, he said. How to help Season of Sharing was created 22 years ago as a partnership between the Herald-Tribune and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to get emergency funds to individuals and families on the brink of homelessness in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. There are no administrative fees and no red tape every dollar donated goes to families in need to help with rental assistance, utility bills, child care and other expenses. You can donate to Season of Sharing by going to cfsarasota.org or calling 941-556-2399. You can also mail a check to Season of Sharing, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. This story comes from a partnership between the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Saundra Amrhein covers the Season of Sharing campaign, along with issues surrounding housing, utilities, child care and transportation in the area. She can be reached at samrhein@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Season of Sharing helps retired Sarasota couple hit by rising costs Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Gov. Chris Sununu speaks to reporters following a town hall campaign event, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. Haley received the New Hampshire governor's endorsement. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP) MANCHESTER, N.H. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu endorsed Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Tuesday, six weeks before the states pivotal first-in-the-nation primary. Sununu appeared with Haley during a campaign town hall at a ski area in Manchester, where he said she has shown she understands the values Republicans associate with the states Live Free or Die motto, including low taxes, limited government and local control. Advertisement This is an opportunity for New Hampshire to lead this country, for New Hampshire to say were not looking in the rearview mirror anymore, Sununu said. His message for Donald Trump: Thank you for your service, Mr. President, were moving on. This is New Hampshire, and we go forward. Advertisement This is a race between two people: Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, Sununu told reporters after the event. Thats it. Nikkis spent the time on the ground here, shes earned peoples trust, and thats going to be the real decider. Joining Sununu, Haley called it about as rock solid as an endorsement as we could hope for. Its a great night in New Hampshire, I mean it doesnt get any better than this, she said. The endorsement, first reported by WMUR-TV, comes as Haley angles to whittle away at Donald Trumps wide lead for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. A New Hampshire poll conducted in November by CNN and the University of New Hampshire found that Haley was in second place, well behind Trump, but slightly ahead of fellow candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Its unclear how Sununus endorsement will affect the race. While he remains popular in the state, Sununu has faced pushback from more conservative and libertarian-leaning factions within the New Hampshire Republican Party. Candidates he endorsed in last years U.S. Senate race and a congressional race lost their primaries to candidates more closely aligned with Trump. The nominees then lost to Democrats in the general election. Haley said that track record doesnt bother her. What I care about is that hes won four terms here, he knows New Hampshire like the back of his hand, hes one of the most popular governors in the country and hes got a high approval rating here, she told reporters. Im thrilled to have his endorsement. Sununus backing of Haley comes a month after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds endorsed DeSantis for president ahead of that states first-in-the-nation caucuses, saying he was best poised for victory in the general election. Trump, meanwhile, has been endorsed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who heads the fourth state on the GOP voting calendar. Advertisement Haley on Tuesday kicked off a three-day campaign swing through New Hampshire, where she has campaigned steadily since launching her bid in February. Last week, she went up with the first ads of a $10 million television, radio and digital buy across that state, as well as Iowa, spending designed to give the former United Nations ambassador an advantage over DeSantis at a critical moment in the GOP nomination fight. The ads have called on Republicans to leave behind the chaos and drama of the past a reference to her frequent critique of the chaos that follows Trump as well as her pledge to shore up Americas military strength. Trump, who has led the Republican field since launching his campaign a year ago, remains the heavy favorite in early polls of likely GOP voters in New Hampshire, although some polls suggest his position in those states is not quite as strong as his national standing. Sununu, a frequent Trump critic, himself passed on entering the 2024 presidential race, arguing in June that Republican candidates with no path to victory must have the courage to get out of their partys primary in order to stop Trump. People are frustrated. Over the last eight years, weve had a president thats more concerned about nap time and weve had a president thats worried about his jail time. Weve got to be able to move forward. Thats drama. That is chaos, he said Tuesday. So were not going to as a party bring someone forward that is constantly distracted with whatever nonsense and drama that the former president brings to the table. At the time Sununu decided against running, a broad field of GOP candidates was angling for the partys nomination, something Sununu argued only helped Trumps effort. Since then, the size has dwindled, a consolidation that in part has helped boost Haley, coupled with momentum from her performance in the four candidate debates. Advertisement Trump won New Hampshires 2016 GOP presidential primary with just 35% of the vote. He went on to lose the state to his Democratic challenger in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Sununu, who is in his fourth two-year term, has stumped with several 2024 hopefuls including Haley, DeSantis and Christie as theyve campaigned in his state, saying he would ultimately endorse one of the three. Of the three, Christie has been by far the most critical of Trump. This puts us down one vote in New Hampshire, Christie spokesperson Karl Rickett said of Sununus endorsement. And when Gov. Christie is back in Londonderry tomorrow, hell continue to tell the unvarnished truth about Donald Trump. Asked whether Haley has been doing a sufficient job confronting Trump, Sununu said, Oh, sure. He acknowledged Christie has built his campaign around criticizing Trump, but said Haley has gone beyond telling voters what not to vote for. And Haley insisted she has explained her differences with Trump, including economic woes she blames on his administration. Anti-Trumpers dont think I hate him enough, pro-Trumpers dont think I love him enough, she said. At the end of the day, I put my truths out there and let the chips fall where they may. In November, Americans for Prosperity the political arm of the powerful Koch network formally endorsed Haleys campaign, promising to commit its nationwide coalition of activists and money to helping Haley defeat Trump. Advertisement Kinnard reported from Columbia, South Carolina The flamingo population in Florida collasped in the early 20th century. A proposal now before the Legislature would name it the state bird. The graceful, long-legged American flamingo will join the yearly battle over bills when the Florida Legislature next meets in January. The pink-feathered creature entered the ring this week to join the Florida scrub jay in an effort to strip the northern mockingbird of the designation as official bird of the State of Florida. State Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami (SB 918), along with state Reps. Jim Mooney, R-Islamorada, and Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach (HB 753), want to crown the flamingo as Floridas avian ambassador to the world. The three Republicans join state Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, as those lawmakers intent on ending the mockingbirds reign, which began in 1927. Polsky's bill (SB 162) nominates the Florida scrub jay to be honored as Floridas winged symbol. This is the seventh time in the past 25 years that detractors have tried to dethrone the mockingbird. School children and environmentalists have pushed for 25 years to have the scrub jay named state bird The controversial Florida scrub jay: Threatened, politically controversial and possibly the first snowbird The mockingbirds critics complain Florida should not have to share a feathered icon with other states. Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas also claim the mockingbird as state bird. The anti-mockingbird lot points out that both the scrub jay and flamingo are native Floridians. The flamingo's backers also argue their bird is widely associated with Florida, having been featured, for instance, on merchandise promoting the state since the early 1900s, including the state lottery. Scrub jay supporters note their candidate is uniquely Floridian, and unlike the flamingo or mockingbird, it never leaves the state. The bird also got more exposure this year when Hurrican Idalia flung flamingos off course leading to sightings around the nation. Not Floridian and annoying: Lawmaker wants mockingbird ousted as state bird of Florida Two years ago, when a proposal was filed to strip the mockingbird of its designation, critics said the mockingbird has an annoying habit of singing all night long under a full moon. The Florida Department of State defends the mockingbird as a year-round resident with a talent for music and an appetite for insects and weed seeds. None of the bills has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing. The Florida Legislature's 2024 regular session kicks off Jan. 9. The Northern mockingbird has reigned as state bird for 96 years despite numerous attempts to dethrone it. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lawmakers: Flamingo should oust mockingbird as Florida state bird Artist Isabelle Brourman, shows a mixed media work she created at the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump, in her apartment in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Dec. 6, 2023. (LILA BARTH/Lila Barth/The New York Times) When former President Donald Trumps eyes drifted shut as his former accountant testified during his civil fraud trial in New York State Supreme Court this fall, no photographers captured the moment: Cameras were banned during the trial. But several courtroom artists an anachronistic group that continues to use chalky pastels to draw scenes from camera-free courtrooms to sell to TV stations and newspapers were on it, erasing Trumps pupils from their sketches. Advertisement Hes nodding off! artist Isabelle Brourman whispered to a colleague. Brourman, a 30-year-old newcomer, was not part of the dwindling coterie of commercial courtroom artists who make their livings selling cinematic, sometimes vaguely expressionistic trial drawings to news outlets. She is there for a different kind of art project: A mixed media artist, she has found herself drawn to big trials, sketching the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial in Virginia last year and showing the resulting works in a Los Angeles gallery, and now trying to capture the frenetic energy and political theater of the remarkable fraud trial of a former U.S. president. Advertisement I wanted to bring something unregulated into such a regulated space, Brourman said recently in the marble halls of the courthouse. Her bleeding watercolors and rough linework are surrounded by snippets of legal arguments written into the margins around her subjects. The resulting images are breathtaking in scale and microscopic in detail. They are also highly opinionated. As are her subjects. Each day before the judge in the Trump case, Arthur F. Engoron, arrives, the sketch artists are besieged by powerful men. Lawyers have pleaded for slimmer bodies, witnesses have asked for more hair to obscure bald spots, and even the former president has occasionally seemed to strike a pose from across the defendants table. Brourman often stands out in the usually staid court, showing up in outfits chosen by fashion designer Mia Vesper, who has been dressing her for the trial. This is my delinquent behavior outfit, Brourman said of the checkered red-and-black suit she wore to court that day, explaining that her outfits which have included suits made of 1960s wedding blankets and Uzbek vegetable-dyed materials had become a part of her project. As this goes on, Im becoming more aware of the performative qualities of making art in court. Artist Isabelle Brourman, shows a mixed media work she created at the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump, in her apartment in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Dec. 6, 2023. (LILA BARTH/Lila Barth/The New York Times) The project has its roots in Brourmans own experiences with the legal system. She filed a lawsuit in 2022 against Bruce Conforth, a former professor at the University of Michigan, accusing him of sexually assaulting her; several other women accused him of sexual harassment. (Conforth has denied any wrongdoing.) She initially set out to document the #MeToo movements legacy by making drawings of high-profile cases, and illustrated the Depp-Heard trial and the recent sentencing of Danny Masterson, who starred on the sitcom That 70s Show, on rape charges. She showed her work from the Depp-Heard trial this year in a Los Angeles gallery that was made up to resemble the courtroom, in a show that was called Virginia Is for Lovers: The Official Courtroom Drawings From Depp v. Heard. Advertisement But now she has moved on to other kinds of trials. Painting Trumps trial, she has shifted her focus to courtroom theatrics. The resulting sketches have become more expressive, evoking the political spirit of Ben Shahn, the emotional frankness of Alice Neel and the fantastical style of Ralph Steadman. Brourman moves fast when she sketches. During one court session in October, she used the bright colors of the stenographers outfit as her drawings focal point. Another regular focus of her work is New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the lawsuit accusing Trump and other defendants, including his companies and his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, of fraudulently inflating the value of assets to obtain favorable loans and insurance deals. She is incredibly poised, Brourman observed. She stays in the same posture with her hands clasped and her head up for the entirety of the day. James has taken notice of her work. Courtroom artists provide the public with an intimate view of some of our nations most poignant legal proceedings, she said in a statement. It is incredible to see Ms. Brourman capture these images in real time and how she brings the courtroom to life. A lawyer for Trump, Alina Habba, did not respond to an emailed request for comment. But last Thursday in court, Brourman said, the former president surveyed works by the courtroom artists and proclaimed hers amazing before adding: Gotta lose some weight. The growing acceptance of cameras in more courtrooms and the fact that many trials today are now televised or livestreamed has largely killed off the profession of courtroom artists. The field dates back to before the advent of photography, but it also grew again during the 20th century amid fears that cameras were turning courtroom proceedings into spectacles. Advertisement The concerns increased during the sensational 1935 trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of aviator Charles Lindberghs toddler son, said Thomas Doherty, a cultural historian at Brandeis University. Newsreel companies were accused of flouting an agreement they had reached with the judge by filming dramatic testimony, causing a public uproar. Two years later, the American Bar Association called for a prohibition on photography, which was adopted by most states, and extended in 1956 to include television. The hesitancy has been that photography would undermine the solemnity and dignity of the judicial process, Doherty said. But over time more states began to allow cameras in court, and the Bar Association formally repealed its prohibition in 1982. During the Trump fraud trial, the judge has allowed still photographers into the courtroom at the very beginning of each day, before the proceedings begin. But once testimony starts, the sketch artists are the only ones there trying to capture imagery. Brourman earned her seat covering the consequential trials in American politics on a lark. She went to the arraignment at another of Trumps trials carrying her watercolors, but lacked the press pass that lets official sketch artists into the court. Advertisement Eventually the court decided to give her a chance based on her project proposal and samples of previous drawings. All courts are public, said Al Baker, director of communications for the court. Sketch artists who express a desire to work from court are vetted and Isabelle Brourman, while unique as an artist, represents no exception from a safety, security or practical perspective. Although there is growing recognition of courtroom artists in some spheres the Library of Congress has a collection of their sketches it is a shrinking world. The number of court artists has gone down over the years, said Jane Rosenberg, 73, who draws for outlets like Reuters and CBS. There used to be about 17 artists when I started more than 40 years ago. Now there are usually about two or three in the room. Rosenberg is easily identifiable thanks to a binocular contraption she straps around her head, which is attached to bifocal lenses that allow her to quickly turn between the judges magnified expression and her sketches. The device sometimes attracts attention: When she was sketching the 2021 trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to recruit, groom and sexually abuse underage girls, the defendant started sketching the courtroom artist. The few court artists who remain live like country doctors, whisked away to hearings and arraignments at a moments notice for what typically amounts to little pay just a few hundred dollars for a drawing. Advertisement It is a very tight business, artist Christine Cornell explained during the Trump fraud trial, pausing to wipe the smudged blue pigments from her nose and lips. The market has become smaller and more bitter. At first Brourmans arrival sparked fears of competition. But the other women eventually warmed to her presence when they saw the jagged lines of her sketches, realizing she was not competing against them for commissions from media outlets that prefer realistic images. She blows me away every day, Cornell said, admiring Brourmans work. Brourman has embraced an improvisational style to capture the big moments of the Trump trial, including when the former president stormed out of the courtroom on a day that he received a $10,000 fine for violating Engorons gag order and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was cross-examined. When Donald Trump Jr. testified, he made two requests of the sketch artists. He initially asked to look handsome, and later scrutinized their handiwork as he left the courtroom. The next day, he was more specific. He showed them a chiseled image of Sam Bankman-Fried, the curly-haired crypto mogul, that was widely shared online during his fraud trial. (It was apparently generated by artificial intelligence, not courtroom artists.) He looks like a superhero, the Trump scion told the real-life artists. Make me look sexy. Advertisement Brourman and her colleagues deflected the request. Later, when she revealed her portrait of him, he looked like everyone else attending the trial: exhausted. c.2023 The New York Times Company A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. The organizing principle of Joe Bidens presidency has been standing up for the idea of democracy. His political campaigns are built on defending democracy at home, versus would-be election sidestepper Donald Trump. Much of his presidency is built on defending democracy abroad, versus Ukraine invader Vladimir Putin, among others. US democracy is messy There are cascading frustrations this week on both the domestic and foreign fronts to test Bidens promise that democracies will win over autocracies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky failed to change minds about further US aid despite paying personal visits to US lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Biden himself recently said at a Hanukkah event at the White House that Israels government, which he described as the most conservative government in Israels history, needs to change its severe campaign against Gaza. The whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight, we cant let that happen, he said. Biden has previously framed the need to fund Ukraines fight against Russia and Israels fight against terrorism as part of a larger struggle in defense of democracies. Hamas and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common: They both want to completely annihilate a neighboring democracy completely annihilate it, Biden said in October, during a prime-time pitch for aid for the two countries. Demands in exchange for Ukraine funding House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement after meeting with Zelensky that he supports Ukraine fighting back against Putin and promised that Americans stand for freedom and theyre on the right side of this fight. But Johnson wants some things in exchange for another $61 billion to keep the fight for freedom supplied, which is making the prospect of a deal unlikely before US lawmakers break for the holidays. Funding for Israel and border security is also caught up in the standoff. Appearing with Zelensky at the White House, Biden said failure to immediately pass the funding would be the greatest Christmas gift for Putin. House Republicans are demanding changes in border policy to reduce asylum-seekers and cut down on people crossing the border. But thats not all. What the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win, and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed, Johnson said. Border policy changes If Biden wants more money to prop up Ukraine, hell also have to agree to US border policy, according to Republican senators who share his view that containing Putin is an urgent priority. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina represents both the view that Ukraine funding and border funding are essential. Im not going to vote to help Ukraine, Israel or Taiwan until we secure our own border, he said on Fox News on Tuesday. Moments later in the same interview, he rejected the growing position among some Republicans that Ukraine should just roll over and give Russia some of the invaded territory. If you think pulling the plug on Ukraine makes us safer, you missed a lot of the 20th century, Graham said. The political reality in the US, where two parties hold power in Congress, is that Biden needs Republicans in order to get the additional $61 billion he wants for Ukraine. When people elect a Republican majority of the House, you have to listen to what they have to say, Sen. Mitt Romney, the Utah Republican, told CNNs Manu Raju on Tuesday. Americans gave control of the House of Representatives to Republicans last November a democratic exercise by voters that is also affecting Biden at the personal and political levels in a way that does not happen for dictators. Justice in Russia Putin, who has already been at the top of Russian politics for more than two decades and through five consecutive US presidents so far, could stay in power for at least another decade after changing Russian law last year to give himself access to more terms as president. Putin recently announced he would seek reelection in 2024, although the openness and quality of Russian elections are routinely questioned by watchdog groups. Putin has also effectively used Russias justice system to send political rivals to prison. The most notable of these rivals, Alexey Navalny, has gone missing in the penal colony where he is serving a 19-year sentence, according to his allies. Justice in the US In the US, the justice system has been working, albeit slowly, to hold Trump accountable for his effort to undo the 2020 election and for mishandling classified material after he left the White House. The cases may have actually made Trump stronger as a candidate in the Republican presidential primary. Meanwhile, Republicans in the House are working hard to create an equivalence between those consequential alleged crimes and Hunter Bidens income from foreign companies and admitted failure to pay taxes on time. The presidents son has been indicted in connection with tax crimes in Southern California. Formalizing Biden impeachment inquiry Perhaps still smarting from the two impeachments of Trump, Republicans are moving Wednesday to formalize the impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden they want to force more cooperation from the White House and amp up their yearslong search for evidence of financial impropriety by Biden and his family. Trumps impeachments, recall, were for pressuring Ukraines president to drum up an investigation against Biden before the 2020 election and the second for Trumps role in inciting the insurrection after he lost that election. Republicans in the Senate acquitted Trump in both of those impeachment efforts. Bidens political party will certainly do the same, assuming the impeachment inquiry leads to an actual impeachment, which is still an outside chance given Republicans slim House majority and the number of Republican lawmakers who represent districts Biden won in 2020. Biden, Trump and House Republicans will all face the ultimate democratic test, voters, in about a year. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Joe Biden on Tuesday told Israel that it is losing support for its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas after weeks of indiscriminate bombing, a major shift in his rhetoric on the subject. He made the comments at a fundraiser in Washington D.C., remarking that while Israel currently has support from the U.S. and Europe, theyre starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Biden also called out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leading the most conservative government in Israels history, and said Israel does not want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution. Netanyahu has in recent days rejected an American-backed plan to put the Palestinian Authority in charge of Gaza after the war. Read it at New York Times Read more at The Daily Beast. On October 18, the Biden administration unveiled the landmark Barbados agreement signed in conjunction with the Venezuelan government and opposition. The agreement authorises six-month licenses for oil and gas transactions, dealings with Venezuelas state-run gold mining firm, Minerven, plus the lifting of a trading ban on certain sovereign bonds, equity, and debt from Venezuelas state oil-firm, PDVSA. In exchange, Caracas agreed to lift bans on opposition candidates, allow foreign electoral observers in next years presidential election, and begin releasing political prisoners including wrongfully detained US citizens. As expected, the agreement has been a boon to Venezuelas hydrocarbons industry. Venezuela is now expected to boost oil production to more than 1 million barrels a day, a 25 per cent increase, with an additional increase of 300,000 barrels per day (BPD) by 2025 though this is still a far cry from the 3.5 million BPD in 2010. The trouble for Washington, however, is that the regime has not upheld its end of the bargain thus far. On the contrary, Caracas has shown repeated contempt towards both the Venezuelan opposition and its backers in the White House. Since October, the regime has released only five political prisoners and went as far as to arrest a US citizen soon after the agreement took effect. Days later, the opposition held presidential primaries where Maria Corina Machado secured a resounding nomination. Machado, however, is currently banned from assuming elected office with Washington giving Caracas until November 30th to lift the suspension. Just hours before the deadline, Caracas acquiesced with a half-measure: the opposition can now legally contest candidate suspensions before December 15. Further complicating matters is Venezuelas increasing belligerence over a border dispute with its Caribbean neighbor, Guyana. On December 3, Venezuela held a referendum authorising the annexation of the region known as the Esequibo a largely untouched but Guyanese administered territory bordering the two countries. The Esequibo harbors the bulk of Guyanas newfound oil and mineral wealth, including the entirety of the offshore Pomeroon, Roraima, Kaieteur, and Demetara fields as well as most of the prized Stabroek oil field. Together, these concessions represent more than 11 billion barrels of Guyanas proven oil reserves, with Exxon and Hess holding the most lucrative contracts the latter of which will pass to Chevron ahead of next years planned $53 billion acquisition. Barring a major disruption, Guyana is on course to see oil production increase to one million BPD by 2027. To that end, Caracas has moved aggressively to claim sovereignty over Guyanas resource wealth. In the wake of the vote, Maduro announced the creation of a special military zone near the disputed border with Guyana. In a similarly symbolic gesture that has nonetheless spooked Exxon, Maduro announced the creation of PDVSA Esequibo and CVG Esequibo, claiming that the regime will begin offering operating licenses for the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas and mines in our Guayana Esequiba. With all this in mind, the threat of an invasion is not trivial. Yet, the motives behind Maduros belligerence are mostly electoral and diplomatic. On the one hand, the dispute over the Esequibo serves the electoral purpose of dividing the opposition. By fostering a climate of war and stoking nationalist grievances, Maduro may be able to prevail (with minimal fraud) over the opposition or outright suspend presidential elections in 2024. On the other hand, by threatening Guyana, Caracas now has an additional bargaining chip that it can leverage over the Biden administration. The referendum seems to have already served its intended purpose, with the opposition playing straight into the regimes trap. In the lead up to the vote Maria Corina Machado urged a boycott while others such as former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles participated in the initiative on patriotic grounds. In turn, Caracas proceeded to arrest members of Machados campaign on charges of treason for destabilising and conspiratorial actions against the referendum. What explains the Biden administrations inaction? The answer likely lies with Big Oil and oil prices. Thus far, the administration has refused to even partially revoke licenses despite increasingly brazen acts from the regime. The White House, it seems, is more concerned with lowering gas prices than fortifying Venezuelas democratic opposition. This might seem disingenuous considering that the US is currently undergoing a renewed oil boom. After years of setbacks due to the demands of climate activists as well as oil producers refusal to invest in pumping oil over stock buybacks, the administration is finally on course to oversee record oil production. It may be that Biden is concerned he may further lose support from progressives if he continues to boost domestic production. Another more salient factor is that Biden is caving to the interests of multinational oil producers now active in Venezuela. In the weeks and months before October 18th, Venezuelan bonds jumped as investors bet big on a detente citing leaks from the negotiations between Washington and Caracas. As I write this, Repsol and Eni are negotiating contract terms with PDVSA over rights to the largest offshore gas field in South America. Both they and other multinationals appear unconcerned by the threat of snapback sanctions. It may well be that the electoral stipulations of the Barbados agreement served as nothing more than cover for key stakeholders in the Venezuelan oil market. Having previously defended the stated premise of the Barbados agreement, the administration has none but itself to blame for enabling a regional adversary. Indeed, analysts such as Edgar Beltran at The American Conservative warned us in 2022 that Biden was giving the regime a blank check even during prior negotiations. Paradoxically, the agreement might have yielded better results had a Republican seen to its execution an impossibility considering that a Republican administration could never broker such a deal in the first place. The sad reality is that neither Democrats nor Republicans seem capable of pursuing thoughtful realpolitik on Venezuela. Just as the Republican approach favours attempted coups and forever sanctions, Democrats opt for appeasement with questionable benefits. As of this writing, the latter seems likely to last until the terms of the Barbados agreement expire in March (or until 2025 when Biden likely leaves office). For the time being, the signs from Biden and Big Oil are clear: Venezuela is open for business. 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. President Biden and members of his administration met Wednesday at the White House with families of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. After the meeting, the families spoke to reporters, holding photos of their loved ones, and expressed confidence that the administration would work tirelessly to bring their family members home. We met today with President Biden and other people from the administration. It was a terrific, terrific meeting and conversation, said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose 35-year-old son was kidnapped from his kibbutz on Oct. 7, at the start of his remarks. I think we all came away feeling that, as families of hostages, he continued, We felt before and we were only reinforced, in seeing and believing, that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration. When asked by reporters if they learned anything new, Dekel-Chen said they would not discuss details of the conversation, which lasted more than an hour. Were going to keep the private conversations private what we do know, what we do know, he said. And weve seen that the U.S. administration, from the previous round of negotiations and hostage releases, the U.S. administration is completely committed to getting the hostages out, the eight Americans who remain there, and the other nearly 130. We have no doubt about that, Dekel-Chen added. And todays meeting with President Biden and Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken only reinforced that and that they are willing and ready to do all that they possibly can, by any number of means, to get the hostages home. Liz Naftali, whose 4-year-old grandniece Abigail was released by Hamas in an earlier hostage exchange, also spoke to reporters after the meeting, saying the administration assured the families they will work through the holidays to secure the release of their family members. She said shed love to see a Christmas miracle. We are thankful to the president and to his team because we know that they are working 24 hours a day, and they are going to work through the holidays, and they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones, real people, come home to us and to the families across the world and in Israel, she said. The meeting was held privately and was not announced ahead of time on the presidents public schedule. The White House subsequently confirmed the meeting and provided a list of participants, including Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer. The meeting marked the second time Biden spoke to the hostages as a group. A few days after the Oct. 7 attack in Israel, the families joined Biden in a video call. Dekel-Chen said the families have been in touch frequently with the White House and have received regular updates. Since a day or two after the massacre on October 7 and the mass hostage taking by Hamas, we all began to be contacted by representatives of the United States government, the embassy in Israel, State Department, Secretary Blinken and within just a few short days, President Biden was on a video call with us, Dekel-Chen said when asked about the kind of communication theyve had with the administration. And since that time weve been in frequent and very transparent contact with administration officials. And weve also really benefited, I think, and most importantly, our sons, daughters, fathers, sisters brothers, mothers have also really seen how, in a very divided time, members of Congress, members of the Senate, from wall to wall, have shown solidarity with us, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Biden on Wednesday met in person for the first time with family members of some of the eight Americans believed to still be held hostage by Hamas. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, said, It was a terrific, terrific meeting and conversation. I think we all came away feeling that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration. President Biden on Wednesday met with family members of some of the eight Americans still being held in Gaza. (White House via X) Family members of Americans who were taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel talk to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) A total of four American hostages have been released since Oct. 7, including 4-year-old Abigail Edan, who witnessed the killing of both of her parents by Hamas militants. Her great-aunt, Liz Hirsh Naftali, told reporters Abigail is a light during this dark time. We are all one big family looking to get all of these peoples sons and fathers and mothers out, she said, gesturing to the other family members gathered together. We would love a Christmas miracle. Heres what we know about the eight Americans still being held hostage in Gaza. Edan Alexander, 19 A woman holds an image of hostage Edan Alexander. (Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images) Edan Alexander graduated from Tenafly High School in Bergen County, N.J., in 2022 before he went to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in early October that Alexander was on duty near the Gaza Strip when the attacks happened and hasnt been seen since. Itay Chen, 19 Itay Chen, a 19-year-old Israeli-American, was captured on Oct. 7 while on military duty. (Ruby Chen via AP) Dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Itay Chen grew up in New York City and was a member of the IDF. Chens family last heard from him early that morning when he told them that his base, stationed near Gaza, was under attack. Two hours later, they lost contact. Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35 Sagui Dekel-Chen. (Courtesy of Jonathan Dekel-Chen) Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen hasnt been heard from since he was captured by Hamas at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he resided. His parents said he was last seen defending his pregnant wife and their two young daughters so they could escape during the massacre. Dekel-Chens stepmother, Gillian Kaye, told WFLA last Friday, Hes got a little girl on the way in two weeks. ... He needs to see that little girl and the other ones who are waiting for him. Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23 Hersh Goldberg-Polin. (Courtesy of Jon Polin) Dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin was born in Berkeley, Calif., and moved to Israel with his family when he was 7. He was last seen being abducted from the Supernova music festival near the Gaza border, where at least 260 other people were killed. Goldberg-Polin lost part of his arm to shrapnel from a grenade when Hamas attacked a temporary shelter where people were seeking refuge, according to witnesses. Husband and wife: Gad Haggai, 73, and Judith Weinstein, 70 Gad Haggai and Judith Weinstein. (via Facebook) The family of Gad Haggai and Judith Weinstein last heard from them when Weinstein sent a short video of an alert system going off near their Kibbutz Nir Oz home. One of their four children, Iris Weinstein Haggai, said the family heard from a paramedic that Judith had called for medical help. [The paramedic] said they were shot by terrorists on a motorcycle and that my dad was wounded really bad, their daughter told the AP. Paramedics tried to send her an ambulance. The ambulance got hit by a rocket. After that, the paramedic lost contact with Weinstein. Omer Neutra, 22 A man holds a poster of Omer Neutra during a rally calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. (Eyal Warshavsky/Sopa Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Dual U.S.-Israeli national, a native of Long Island, N.Y., was serving as a tank commander and officer near Gaza when Hamas attacked. His mother told AFP that he wanted to go to Israel to experience the country of his parents, and that he was also affected by his grandparents being Holocaust survivors. Neutra traveled to Israel after he finished high school and ended up enlisting for military service, as most young Israelis do. Its believed he was taken hostage by Hamas. Keith Siegel, 64 Keith Siegel. (via Facebook) A native of North Carolina, Keith Siegel moved to Israel years ago. He and his wife, Aviva, were captured by Hamas from their Kibbutz Kfar Aza home. Aviva was released during the most recent Israel-Hamas truce. The couple have four adult children and five grandchildren. Family members of American hostages held by Hamas speak to the press outside the White House (Jim WATSON) Family members of American hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza said they had a "terrific" meeting Wednesday with US President Joe Biden and were still hoping for a "Christmas miracle." Biden held his first in-person meeting at the White House with about a dozen family members. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended, the White House said. US officials say an estimated eight US hostages are still being held since Hamas militants' October 7 attack on Israel and four have been released so far. The meeting came a day after Biden, who has stood by Israel since the attacks, issued his strongest criticism yet of Israel's offensive in Gaza and said it risked losing global support by "indiscriminate bombing." "It was a terrific meeting and conversation," Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui, 35, is among those held hostage, told reporters after the meeting. "We were only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington and in the White House than President Biden himself." Liz Hirsh Naftali, the great aunt of four-year-old American girl Abigail who was released during a ceasefire in November, said Biden had been "bringing out the light in this dark time" through his efforts to get more hostages freed. "We'd love a Christmas miracle," she said. "We would love all of our loved ones to come back and be with us for Christmas." The White House later said Biden was "grateful" to the families for "the time that they afforded him." "He was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The Gaza war broke out after Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on October 7, killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel, determined to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages out, launched a devastating aerial and ground offensive on Gaza. It has left the Palestinian territory in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing massive damage to roads, schools and hospitals. Israeli officials say about 135 hostages remain in Gaza. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday, further isolating the United States, which has refused to support a call for a durable truce. The Biden administration has given whole-hearted support to ally Israel, saying it has the right to attack Hamas. However, as civilian casualties mount in Gaza the United States has stepped up calls for Israel to take more care. Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. aue-dk/mlm President Joe Biden stood next to Ukraine's leader on Tuesday, presenting a united front against Russia as they took questions from reporters. "If you're being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what you're doing, Biden said of Republicans blocking his request to send about $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. The support from the President for a critical ally was a marked contrast from hours earlier at a fundraiser, when Biden was publicly airing his frustrations about Israels leadership as the countrys bombing campaign in Gaza appears to be losing international support. They don't want a two-state solution. They don't want anything having to do with the Palestinians, Biden said dismissively of the far right-wing coalition that brought Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to power. The two moments highlighted the balancing act for Biden, as he tries to urge Congress to pass a budget measure before the end of the year that includes billions in aid for both Ukraine and Israel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had come to Washington to shore up funding for his countrys defense against Russias continued invasion, including additional funds for ammunition and air defense of Ukraines capital Kyiv. But rather than flip the votes of skeptical Republicans in Congress to his side, he instead found Ukraine's cause competing with debates over border funding and Israels endgame in Gaza. Bidens pointed criticism of Netanyahu, his long-time frenemy, sucked up much of the attention in Washington on Tuesday. Netanyahu, Biden told a room of about 100 campaign donors at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, is leading the most conservative government in Israel's history, and has to change. Biden described a decades-old photo with Netanyahu that the Israeli Prime Minister displayed on his desk during his visit to Israel in October. On it, Biden had written years ago, Bibi, I love you, but I don't agree with a damn thing you have to say. Biden said his feelings about Netanyahu are the same today. That remains to be the case. Biden has drawn a distinction between his criticism of Netanyahu and his longtime support for the state of Israel. During a Hanukkah celebration at the White House on Monday night, Biden said his commitment to defend and support Israel is unshakable, and repeated a phrase hes used for decades, saying, You dont have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. And I am a Zionist. Senate Republicans have held up aid to Israel and tied Bidens effort to extend U.S. military assistance to Ukraine while they demand changes to immigration policy at the U.S. border, including shutting down legal avenues the Biden Administration has used to admit some migrants. My team is working with Senate Democrats and Republicans to try to find a bipartisan compromise both concerning changes in policy and to provide the resources we need to secure the border, Biden told reporters. Compromise is how democracy works, and I'm ready and offered to compromise already. He added, Holding Ukraine funding hostage in an attempt to force through an extreme Republican Party agenda on the border is not how it works. Biden said that only a small number of Republicans were balking at aid for Ukraine and that he doesnt believe they speak for the majority of the GOP. "I'm not making promises, but I'm hopeful we can get there," he said, warning that not coming through for Ukraine with the military assistance it needs would send a horrible message to our allies. Contact us at letters@time.com. U.S. President Joe Biden criticized lawmakers from the Republican Party for blocking additional funding to Ukraine, he said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, on Dec. 13. The U.S. will continue to supply Ukraine with critically important weapons and equipment, but this requires additional funding, Biden said. Read also: We need to approve aid so that Putin continues to fail in Ukraine - Biden Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong, he said. Russia and Russian loyalists in Moscow celebrated when when Republicans voted to block Ukraine's Aid last week, said Biden. The host of a Kremlin run show literally said and I quote well done Republicans. That's good for us. If you're being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what you're doing, added Biden. Read also: Ukraine will become a member of NATO when all allies agree, and conditions are met Biden Zelensky arrived in the U.S. on Dec. 11., having previously attended the inauguration of Argentina's new president Javier Milei. This is the third visit of the Ukrainian president to Washington in the last year. Zelenskyys first visit to Washington since the beginning of the invasion occurred in Dec. 2022. Zelenskyy visited the White House with First Lady Olena Zelenska as part of a tour of North America in Sept. 2023. The Ukrainian President also gave a speech at the U.S. National Defense University, held talks with top U.S. military leadership and heads of American defense companies, met with senators, and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson. 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 Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from Dallas, is more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus that has a rare genetic defect that means it will likely die before birth or at most live a few days (HANDOUT) US President Joe Biden said it was "outrageous" that a woman was forced to leave Texas to seek an emergency abortion, after the state's courts said she could not terminate her risky pregnancy. "No woman should be forced to go to court or flee her home state just to receive the health care she needs. But that is exactly what happened in Texas thanks to Republican elected officials, and it is simply outrageous," Biden said in a White House statement. Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from Dallas, is more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus with a rare genetic defect, full trisomy 18, which means it will likely die before birth or at most live a few days. Doctors say failure to terminate the pregnancy could cause a rupture to Cox's uterus, threatening her future fertility and her life. Because of the strict abortion laws in Texas, she sued the state last week. After lawyers on both sides argued over whether Cox should be able to get the procedure, a judge in Travis County ruled in her favor. But the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton quickly appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. Paxton also threatened to prosecute any doctor carrying out the abortion. On Monday Cox left the state to seek an emergency abortion -- and hours later the Texas Supreme Court issued an order siding with the government and reversing the lower court's decision. "This past week of legal limbo has been hellish for Kate," Nancy Northup, president and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the case on behalf of Cox, her husband and physician, said at the time. The US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion nationwide last year, leaving states free to create their own laws around the procedure. A Texas state "trigger" ban went into immediate effect after the 2022 ruling, prohibiting abortions even in cases of rape or incest. Texas also has a law that allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids an abortion. Texas physicians found guilty of providing abortions face up to 99 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000 and the revocation of their medical license. While the state does allow abortions in cases where the mother's life is in danger, physicians have said that in practice the wording is vague and unclear, leaving them open to legal consequences for exercising their medical judgment. Since last year's Supreme Court ruling, abortion -- always a hot-button issue in the United States -- has become even more of a political flashpoint. Campaigns to enshrine the right to the procedure have notched wins even in conservative states, as voters are faced with an alternative of strict prohibition. Some politicians who once campaigned whole-heartedly against abortion rights are now trying to tow a softer line -- with 2024 presidential contender Nikki Haley telling in a recent Republican debate that it was unrealistic to seek a nationwide ban on abortion. bur-nro/st Teresa Haley, president of the Illinois NAACP, speaks in opposition to Senate Bill 7 bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois at the Illinois Capitol Wednesday, May 15, 2019. (Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register) In a videotaped criticism of migrant policy, the president of the Illinois NAACP compared migrants to savages and accused them of rape comments that have prompted a call for her to resign. Illinois State Conference NAACP President Teresa Haley made the comments this fall in a conference call with branch presidents from around the state, according to Patrick Watson, former president of the DuPage County Branch NAACP. Watson, who said he resigned in protest of Haley, recorded the video, which he shared Tuesday. Advertisement Former NAACP DuPage County Branch President Patrick Watson sits in his apartment lobby in Lisle on Dec. 12, 2023. Watson resigned in protest and is calling for the resignation of Teresa Haley, state NAACP president, for her comments calling migrants "like savages." (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) In the video, Haley objected to migrants having been given lodging and clothing while Black and homeless people have been ignored. But Black people have been on the streets forever and ever, and nobody cares, because they say that were drug addicts, weve got mental health issues, she said. But these immigrants who come over here, theyve been raping people, theyve been breaking into homes, theyre like savages as well. They dont speak the language and they look at us like were crazy. Advertisement Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the remarks reprehensible. I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks, he said. I also think that people should recognize that immigrants in this country are all around us. ... Virtually all of us came here from somewhere else. So remarks like that are commentary on our entire society. Extraordinarily inappropriate. Reached by WLS-Ch. 7 while on vacation in Dubai, Haley denied the statements, but when confronted about them being on video suggested it was fake, saying With AI, anything is possible. Watson said he didnt immediately respond to Haley, but got fed up after Haley made recent comments referring to LGBTQ pronouns as they, them, it, which Watson said is insulting to people he knows. This kind of rhetoric drives that kind of hate, Watson told the Tribune. Other NAACP members made comments about migrants getting resources that Blacks did not, but, he said, She was the only one that used this derogatory, hateful language. Im seeing a lot of division, and theyre only fanning the flames, Watson said. This is not the sentiment of the Black community as a whole, its a vocal minority. Public sentiment is very much in favor of helping migrants in DuPage. You can be for raising up your people without denigrating other people. Watson said he reached out to the national organization to raise concerns about the comments. The national organization, founded as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with a stated goal of support for all marginalized people, did not immediately respond to the Tribunes requests for comment. Advertisement Reached by phone, Carla Jackson-Campbell, secretary of the state NAACP, disputed when Watson said he recorded the call. We are still evaluating all of the information and awaiting more details, she said. Our mission is and always will be to achieve equity and political rights and social inclusion by advancing the needs of Black people. President Haley does embrace the mission of our beloved NAACP. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Haley, whom Watson said is running for the NAACP national board, is also president of the NAACP Springfield branch, and won an NAACP Image Award in 2021 as Activist of the Year. In the video, she put her comments in the context of slavery. We were the only people in America who were brought over here against our wills and were slaves, sold into slavery, she said. But unlike everybody else who comes over here, were so kind, were so friendly, you need some clothes, you need a place to stay, were gonna make it happen. Watson said he also was appalled at Haleys use of the N-word in the video. So brother, I feel your pain, Haley said. Im trying not to be a (N-word), but you know Im pro-Black. Advertisement DuPage County board member Michael Childress, who immediately succeeded Watson as DuPage branch president, said Haley suspended Watson after an unspecified issue earlier this year, and he resigned after a no-confidence vote from local branch leaders. Childress said Haleys comments dont reflect the NAACPs views, but said he would comment further after a previously scheduled meeting of the local branch Tuesday night. rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com Foreign leaders have repeatedly implored Joe Biden not to let Donald Trump win next year's US election, the president has claimed. At a fundraising event in Philadelphia on Monday, the 81-year-old said he had faced private entreaties to beat Mr Trump at every single global summit he had attended, according to the Associated Press. "There's not an international event that I've attended not one where the rest of the world doesnt come up to me leaders, no matter what country theyre from and say, 'You can't let him win. You can't let him win," Mr Biden reportedly told the audience. The remarks came as multiple polls showed Mr Trump dominating rivals for the Republican Party's presidential nomination next year, with support from as many as six in ten GOP voters. On Tuesday another poll showed Mr Trump with 51 per cent of likely voters in the upcoming Iowa caucus, which will kick off the 2024 presidential campaign in earnest next month. Mr Biden was in Philadelphia for an early fundraising event with about 100 attendees, having earlier announced new federal funding for the city's fire service. During the fundraiser, he said that the USA is "the essential nation", and that there would be international outrage if Mr Trump became president again. Nevertheless, recent polls show the mercurial tycoon beating or tied with Mr Biden, including in the key swing states of Michigan and Georgia. That is despite four separate criminal investigations against the former president, whom prosecutors have accused of falsifying business records, mishandling classified information, and illegally interfering with the electoral process. President Joe Biden said Tuesday afternoon "it's stunning" that Congress has not passed the administration's supplemental package that was first requested in October, which contains billions in emergency funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. In a press conference alongside Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden urged Congress to pass the measure, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine. He blamed Republicans for "holding Ukraine funding hostage" over their demands for stricter border policies woven in the package. Nonetheless, Biden indicated officials continue to negotiate with Senate Democrats and Republicans "to try to find a bipartisan compromise both in terms of changes in policy and provide the resources we need to secure the border." Biden several times indicated he and Zelenskyy would be "asking questions" but corrected himself. "We're going to ask a total of, each ask two questions I will ask the first question," Biden said. Biden then said, "I will recognize the first question-asker." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP At times ,while answering questions, Biden appeared to be reading from a script. The White House denied that he was reading from a script or that he knew questions in advance. A total of four questions were asked by reporters from the U.S. and Ukraine. SENATE LIKELY TO RECESS WITHOUT PASSING UKRAINE AND ISRAEL FUNDING, SOURCES SAY Zelenskyy continued to suggest that Ukraine will continue fighting until it gets the return of all territories taken by Russian forces. Biden also didn't indicate a faster path for Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, suggesting that the same requirements that have been outlined, which will take years to achieve, prevail. Biden said Ukraine would become a member of NATO "when all allies agree, and conditions are met." "Right now we need me to make sure they win the war," he said. Biden Tuesday said that the United States would support Ukraine with weaponry "as long as we can." Biden has in the past repeatedly said the U.S. would support Ukraine "as long as it takes." The White House did not immediately respond to a request to clarify whether this represented a policy change. But Biden also indicated it was U.S. policy for Ukraine to "win" the war. US SENATORS TO BE BRIEFED ON UKRAINE THIS WEEK AMID HEATED NEGOTIATIONS ON EMERGENCY AID Schumer and McConnell Zelenskyy also met with Congressional leaders early Tuesday as part of a last ditch plea effort to get lawmakers on board with approving additional Ukraine funding. The federal government has given more than $100 billion to the Eastern European nation since Russia first invaded in January 2022. In the Senate, Republicans shot down a vote on the Biden administration's national supplemental request last week, arguing that Israel and Ukraine aid should be split up and vowing to pass more Ukraine aid only if it's tied with stricter border security measures, such as higher standards for asylum processing. The Senate is expected to recess on Thursday and return Jan. 9. SEN. MARSHALL URGES GOP TO SAY HELL NO TO SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST WITHOUT TIGHTER BORDER SECURITY President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing with press on July 8, 2023 in Lviv, Ukraine. Original article source: Biden slams Congress for not passing Ukraine funding: 'It's stunning' President Joe Biden might be able to end a stalemate on border security and Ukraine aid. First he needs to navigate an ugly intraparty Democratic fight. White House officials came to Capitol Hill Tuesday to bless negotiations on new border restrictions, which Republicans have said they need in order to greenlight cash for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But Hispanic legislators and immigrant advocates are deeply worried that the president will agree to restrictive new border regulations that resemble former President Donald Trumps agenda in order to secure billions of dollars for Ukraine. I am concerned about how far the White House will go in agreeing to the concessions that the Republicans want concessions relating to making permanent changes to asylum and some other aspects, said Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Its pretty frustrating. Alienating the progressive wing of the party is almost a necessary ingredient of finishing a border deal. The days of every Democrat teaming with a handful of Republicans to cut bipartisan deals is over. With a Republican House and Speaker Mike Johnson in power, any workable agreement almost by definition has to make the left uncomfortable, at the very least. The presidents got to be moving in ways that are disruptive. The situation at the border is not sustainable. And that means that you have to either accept it when it's not sustainable, or youve got to address it. And that's going to cause some consternation within our party, said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). The hand-wringing is already in full effect. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) is lamenting the decision to link border policy to foreign aid and Democratic leaders exclusion of Hispanic lawmakers from the negotiating room. And he has repeatedly voiced his concern to both senior White House officials and Senate Democratic leaders. Padilla said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has assured him and other members that theyd be briefed on the details before theres a final agreement. An internal Democratic clash could pose significant problems for the White House if progressives can pull together to oppose a final deal. The hurdles from such a rebellion are likely to be higher in the House than Senate, where liberals opposition to border policy and conservative opposition to Ukraine funding could pose a toxic combination. Im an absolute no on any bill thats going to change asylum status, or remove parole, said Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.). We shouldnt be scapegoating immigrant lives over our supplemental. The exclusion of the Hispanic Caucus from the talks has struck a nerve among the influential Democratic bloc. Its members had requested an in-person meeting with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, an ask that went unfulfilled. He and other senior aides have done one-on-one calls with CHC Chair Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), Padilla, Sen. Bob Menendez and other Hispanic Caucus members, according to a person familiar with the situation not authorized to discuss private conversations; the White House is not ruling out further engagement. The calls havent gone far enough for the Hispanic Caucus, which had wanted specific details about what was on the table from the White House and a greater commitment to consult the group moving forward. Neither request was granted, according to another person familiar with the situation. Hispanic and progressive lawmakers lined up Wednesday to denounce the White Houses reported concessions in the talks. Barragan said theyd hold the line against changes: We are urging the Biden administration to say no to not take the bait. Even Democrats from battleground districts, like Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico, sounded a note of alarm. They're going to be in for a rude awakening if they think that we're just going to go with what the administration negotiates, Vasquez said. White House officials and Senate negotiators have yet to put all of their ideas on paper, stressing that nothing is final. But they have discussed new expulsion authority, changes to asylum, nationwide expedited removal and mandatory detention. Those discussions have provoked outrage among progressives who see Biden as poised to implement policies resembling Trumps not a welcome comparison in the Democratic Party, to say the least. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) has spoken with his colleagues at length, explaining to them what the situation is like in his state and hoping to curtail Democratic opposition. He said he did not expect big whip count problems in the Senate, but added he was less certain about the House. Thats usually the nature of a compromise, Kelly said. Folks are going to have to be willing to accept something they could not agree with 100 percent. Still, Bidens leadership could prove critical to navigating the challenging moment. With his party bogged down by his sagging approval ratings and challenging battleground polling, the president can argue that a border deal isnt just good policy but also good politics. Of course, liberals disagree with that argument. Padilla said Biden has more to risk by alienating his supporters who oppose Trump-era immigration policies. The proposals on the table represent a not insignificant shift in policy when President Biden campaigned, talked about restoring the soul of the nation and staying true to our democratic values and the principles of the founding fathers, he said. This is anything but to revert back to Trump-era policies, whether it's Title 42 [removal authority] or incarcerating children. Yet other Democrats are urging Biden to take the reins. The president has to get involved, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The GOP is growing more confident that Biden will want a deal, despite objections from within his own party. Key White House aides and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas are now intimately involved in the negotiations, with Mayorkas involvement particularly rankling Republicans. That animosity has, in turn, boosted GOP hopes for Biden to step in, with Republicans calling on the president to take an active role in negotiations. Mayorkas should be impeached. Or resign, or just go away. I have no confidence at all in him, but hes not going to be the decision-maker. His boss is, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Advocacy groups from immigrant rights to youth voter organizations are speaking out against the talks as well. NextGen America, which endorsed Biden for a second term as early as May, said it was extremely concerning that the White House has signaled a willingness to support these policies. And Immigration Hub sent a memo late Tuesday to Zients as well as Neera Tanden, Bidens domestic policy adviser, and Anita Dunn, a senior adviser to the president. The advocacy group warned the White House that extreme concessions on immigration would have immense and detrimental consequences on critical battleground voters, including Latinos, Independents and the base. Its not like Republicans are enjoying this moment, either: They are almost certainly going to lose votes from a dozen or more senators and many more House members simply for trying to fund Ukraine. They say theyre used to it. I get that the noise on their side is on the far left. But the middle of the country is looking at this and going: What's wrong with you guys? said Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who added hes certain to lose votes on any deal due to conservative opposition to Ukraine funding. Democrats are not accustomed to this, he added. Even so, many Democratic senators have accepted that the party is going to split in the coming weeks if negotiators can somehow clinch a deal either this month or next. They say thats the necessary cost of giving Ukraine the U.S. aid it says it desperately needs. I assume that the extremes on each end are not going to vote for something, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). The goal is to find a compromise that the majority can support. Myah Ward contributed to this report. By Jason Lange and James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A majority of Americans agree with President Joe Biden on issues including abortion rights, capping insulin prices and hiking taxes on billionaires, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found, but his campaign faces a tough task in getting angry voters to care. The 81-year-old Democrats prospects for re-election have been dragged down by voters worries about the state of the economy, concerns about Biden's age and a general sense that the country is moving in the wrong direction. Benefiting from that unease has been Biden's likely Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, 77, who has a slight lead over Biden nationally in a head-to-head matchup ahead of the Nov. 5, 2024, election. Bidens biggest challenge may be overcoming what the poll, concluded on Monday, showed to be the deep mistrust many voters appear to feel toward their political opponents or even politics in general. Reuters/Ipsos presented respondents with a line from a recent Trump speech that there are "communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country - that lie and steal and cheat on elections" -- without first telling them who said it. Half of respondents said they agreed with that sentiment, including 71% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats. The poll then asked respondents if they knew that the line was said by Trump. Among respondents who were aware, 57% agreed, including 84% of Republicans and 38% of Democrats. Rage and grievance are a key driver of Trumps campaign. A lasting challenge for Biden will be to penetrate this cloud of anger by harnessing the relative popularity of his agenda. Michael Ceraso, a Democratic strategist who worked for the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, said the Biden campaign needs to hope that the mood of the electorate shifts to the point where more voters are open to his message. "There is no way you can reach people when they are frustrated. You have to wait for them to dial it down," Ceraso said. "Then you hope you can find the thing that moves the voter back into your column." There remain plenty of persuadable voters: While the margin between Trump and Biden is small, a quarter of respondents in the poll picked neither candidate, and 15% said they hadn't made up their mind or might not vote. THE BIDEN AGENDA About half of respondents - including three-quarters of Democrats and a third of Republicans - support passing a law to legalize abortion nationwide, a key plank in Biden's re-election pitch. Independents favored it by a two-to-one margin. Bipartisan majorities said they supported capping the price of insulin for all Americans as well as imposing a minimum tax on billionaires - also Biden proposals. Legislation passed by Congress and signed by Biden capped out-of-pocket costs on insulin to $35 for recipients of the Medicare federal health plan for the elderly, but Biden wants to extend that cap to apply to all Americans. A majority of respondents, 55%, backed Biden's call to ban assault rifles. A third of Republicans and about half of independents said the U.S. should ban assault rifles. Bidens biggest worry continues to be voters fears about the economy despite a series of positive indicators that the White House continues to highlight. Nine out of 10 poll respondents said the economy would be important in determining how they would vote, compared with about two-thirds who cited abortion access or climate change. Some 45% of respondents said Trump had a better approach on the economy, with 33% picking Biden and the rest unsure. TRUMP TRACK Trumps campaign also has an opportunity to connect with undecided voters on his "America First" agenda, which has harnessed dissatisfaction over how the U.S. economy has faired in global trade and decades of military interventions. Some 37% of respondents favored Trump's proposed 10% tariff on all imports - significantly higher than the 24% who said they oppose the idea. An even larger share of respondents, 39%, weren't sure where they stood on the issue. While U.S. public support skews in favor of financial and military aide for Ukraine in its war against Russia, Republicans and independents lean toward Trump's skepticism over arming Ukraine. The new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 38% of independents were against Ukraine aid, with 27% in favor and 35% unsure. A two-thirds majority, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats, opposed Trump's proposal to impose the death penalty on drug dealers. There was also little support for Trump's musings about leaving the NATO alliance, with just 17% of respondents supporting the idea. Just 29% supported a Trump proposal to cease granting U.S. citizenship to all people born in the U.S. regardless of the legal status of their parents. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, surveying 4,411 adults nationwide between Dec. 5 and Dec. 11. It had a credibility interval, a margin of precision, of about 2 percentage points. (Reporting by Jason Lange and James Oliphant; Editing by Scott Malone and Leslie Adler) When other developers settled with Google, Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney stuck to his guns, repeating his demand that Google open up Android smartphones to other modes of payment, and without charging a hefty commission (Philip Pacheco) Google' stinging defeat against Fortnite-maker Epic Games in a California courtroom could be an important blow against big tech's decades of supremacy on antitrust matters in the United States. With Washington lawmaking gridlocked and pro-business judges dominant in federal courts, US tech giants have survived unscathed for years against accusations of wielding illegal monopoly power. While Europe, Britain, India and others enforce regulations that at least try to keep big tech in check, Google, Apple, Meta and Amazon have yet to suffer a significant setback on their home turf. But a jury of nine on Monday possibly changed that equation, setting an important precedent that could send tremors in other cases pending against the tech giants. "Big tech is not above the law. This loss isnt just the first antitrust failure for Google, its the first antitrust loss for any big tech firm," said Matt Stoller, director of research at the American Economic Liberties Project and a critic of big tech business practices. The federal jury in San Francisco took just three hours on Monday to decide that Epic Games was slighted by Google's refusal to let outside apps take payments on Android phones, other than through the search giant's app store. - 'Greedy behemoth' - After a three year battle, Epic Games was finally vindicated after seeming to be on the backfoot when a different judge largely decided against the video game maker in a case involving Apple. But Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney refused to back down and when other developers settled with Google, he stuck to his guns, repeating his demand that Google open up Android smartphones to other modes of payment, and without charging a hefty commission. John Lopatka, from Penn State University' law school, said it was predictable that juries side with plaintiffs in monopoly cases "where the defendant will be painted as a greedy behemoth." Apple's case, decided by a judge, avoided that fate -- but not so for Google. Now two questions remain: what will happen on Google's appeal, and how will the judge order Google to fulfill the jurys decision? This litigation "has some distance to go before we know the final resolution," warned Lopatka. The appeals court that will likely hear the Google case is the same one that largely dismissed Epic's appeal against Apple. However, "appellate courts do not set aside jury verdicts and remedial orders lightly," said Lopatka. The remedy could very likely have a huge impact, with Apples behavior regarding its own app store potentially affected. Epic very clearly wants the judge "to mandate alternative app stores and alternate billing systems on Android," said Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, a tech industry group. "That would be a pretty sweeping remedy. It would certainly change Android as we know it," he added. - 'Changing the world' - Big tech's longtime critics point to Google's other major case, where the US Department of Justice is suing Google over its online search. That case will be decided by a judge and not a jury, but Stoller said the Epic decision changes the dynamic. If the judge there "chooses to let Google off the hook, well, he'll look pretty bad," he said. In both cases, Apple looms large -- and many wonder whether the iPhone maker will be able to avoid being dragged back to court. "Apple is next over the barrel," said Luther Lowe, head of public policy at Y Combinator, the startup hub. Court documents showed in both cases that Google made huge payments to smartphone makers to ensure that its products kept a predominant place on devices, crushing rivals before they can emerge. "Google and Apple both treat developers as adversaries," Epic CEO Sweeney told The Verge. "We're going to do absolutely everything we can, as quickly as we can, to start changing the world," he added. arp/nro Motorcyclist Matthew Day died after a crash with a car in the village of Southery, Norfolk A motorcyclist seemed to brake before he hit a US servicewoman's car when she pulled out in front of him in a fatal collision, a court heard. Airman first class Mikayla Hayes, 25, was driving home from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk to Downham Market in Norfolk on 26 August 2022 when Matthew Day, 33, collided with her car. A witness told the jury he saw Ms Hayes pull out and the motorcyclist brake. Ms Hayes denies causing death by careless driving. Mr Day, a father-of-one, was travelling south on the A10 on a red-and-white Yamaha and collided with the defendant's maroon-coloured Honda Accord and died the same day. Witness Graeme Pratt told Norwich Crown Court how Ms Hayes pulled out to turn right onto the A10 from the B1160 junction at Southery, Norfolk, when Mr Day was "10 to 15 metres" (32.8 -49.2 ft) away. Mr Pratt was riding his motorbike behind Ms Hayes's Honda and said it had been driven "normally" and he saw the driver "looking both ways". He said the motorbike was behind a car which turned left at the junction and he felt there would be room for himself and Ms Hayes to pull out - once Mr Day had passed. "I recall the Honda moving forward. I stayed where I was - I looked up and I could see the Honda pulling out and the motorcycle still travelling down the A10," he told the court. Mr Pratt said the front of the bike appeared to dip as the Honda moved forward, which he thought was consistent with the biker pulling the front brake. He said he shouted 'no' in his helmet as he saw the Honda move forward. "I was shouting 'no' to the woman to stop, I could see what was going to happen, " he said. The Honda showed "no urgency to fly across the road" and Mr Pratt saw the motorcycle hit the side of the car and the rider was thrown into the air, the court heard. The court previously heard Mr Day had a "low concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)", indicating he took cannabis at some point before the collision. However, there was no evidence he failed to react appropriately when Ms Hayes pulled out in front of him. In a statement read by the prosecutor Mr Day's partner, Jenny Smith described him as a "good rider" and not a risk taker. She was aware he was a "casual user" of cannabis but did not know when he last smoked the drug. Witness Leona Palmer said Mr Day's motorbike had been behind her on the A10 before she turned off and she did not think their speed had reached 60mph due to traffic. A paramedic from the East of England Ambulance Service told the court he feared Mr Day was of the verge of cardiac arrest and started CPR. He said he spoke to the defendant and she said: "I don't know what happened. I didn't see him, there was just a loud bang."The trial continues. Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 Harvard alum and billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman has denied he resents the university after he failed to oust its president from her position following a row over antisemitism on campus. In a statement posted on X, Mr Ackman, 57, said he has a longstanding issue with Harvard over its selling $85m worth of stock he donated for $10m but denied that it has anything to do with his recent move to oust the universitys president, Claudine Gay, from her position. The Pershing Square CEO made the claim in response to an article by The New York Times titled, Bill Ackmans Campaign Against Harvard Followed Years of Resentment, which claims his long-held personal grudges against the school are partly behind his campaign to oust Harvard president Claudine Gay after her congressional testimony on campus anti-semitism. Mr Ackman said the story was false and misleading. I have held no resentment toward Harvard ever. And I have none now, he wrote. The story gives the impression that my motivation for raising issues about antisemitism at Harvard and President Gay were due to prior grievances. This is entirely false and misleading. He then outlined his version of events, saying he donated the stock to Harvard to support the possibility of the university recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty. He added that at the time he was low on liquid cash while going through a divorce and his company Pershing Square had gone through a large drawdown. It was important to me that I could fulfill our long-term plan to recruit him despite my difficult personal circumstances at the time, he wrote. I knew Harvard could find the money from someone else, but I wanted to fulfill my original plans for the Foundation of Human Behavior initiative. Harvard alum and billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman has denied he resents the University (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) It was important enough to me that I agreed to give Harvard stock in a private venture-backed company that I expected would be worth many multiples of that value in only a few years. My agreement with Harvard provided that if and when the company went public in a few years, if the stock was worth more than $15m, I would have the right to allocate the excess realized value above $15m to the Harvard-related initiative of my choosing. In the event the stock was worth less than $10m, I committed to make up the difference with an additional donation to the University, he added. But Mr Ackman claims that when he called Harvard in January 2021, after learning the stock was now worth $85m, he discovered that the university had sold the stock in March 2020 for $10m. I was not happy as you might expect, he wrote. To make matters worse, none of HMC, the administration, or even my development officer had the courtesy to apologize. I heard from no one by email, phone or otherwise. The billionaire added that then-Harvard president Larry Bacow eventually apologized and promised to rectify the situation, but never did despite Ackmans periodic reminders. Mr Ackman concluded by insisting that his unfortunate experience as a donor to the University is a total sideshow to the serious concerns I have about Harvards leadership, and now, Harvards governance, in light of how the Board has handled the President Gay situation and the eruption of antisemitism on campus. To be extremely clear, my advocacy on behalf of antisemitism, free speech on campus, and my concerns with DEI at Harvard have absolutely nothing to do with my unfortunate experience as a donor to the University, he said. Mr Ackman called for Harvard president Claudine Gay to resign in disgrace (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) I can understand why perhaps Harvard would like to characterize my recent initiatives as due to resentment, but I have no resentment toward Harvard now, nor at any time. The New York Times article on Mr Ackman came hours after The Harvard Corporation announced Ms Gay would keep her job as president despite repeated calls for her resignation. The universitys highest governing body released a statement on Tuesday throwing their unanimous support behind the college president, calling her the right leader to help our community heal. Mr Ackman claimed this week that he had been told by two reporters that one of the factors that made it challenging for the @Harvard board to fire Gay was that they were concerned it would look like they were kowtowing to me. The billionaire has been one of the most vocal critics demanding that Ms Gay, the universitys first Black president, resign in disgrace over her testimony before Congress last week in which she and the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology failed to explicitly say that calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their colleges harassment and bullying codes. Instead, they took the stance that it depends on the context something all three later apologised for, with UPenn president Liz Magill later resigning from her position. As a result of President Gays failure to enforce Harvards own rules, Jewish students, faculty and others are fearful for their own safety as even the physical abuse of students remains unpunished, Mr Ackman wrote in an open letter to Harvards governing board on Sunday. Knowing what we know now, would Harvard consider Claudine Gay for the position? The answer is definitively No. With this simple thought experiment, the boards decision on President Gay could not be more straightforward, he added. Ms Gay (left) and UPenn president Liz Magill at the congressional hearing last week (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Calls for My Gays resignation came almost immediately after the Hamas attacks on Israel, when a group of 33 Harvard student organisations, led by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee, released a now-deleted statement on social media arguing that Israels apartheid regime had created the impetus for the war. The letter, published on the same day as the 7 October attacks, prompted furious backlash, with Harvard professors and alumni calling on the universitys leadership to condemn the letter as well as Hamas. Mr Ackman also called for the signers of the letter to be blacklisted from top Wall Street firms a move he came under fire for after a truck appeared near the Harvard campus, circling the university and displaying photos of Harvard students and organisations allegedly linked to the original statement. Ms Gay issued a statement three days after the letter was published condemning the 7 October attack and distancing the universitys leadership from the letter. Theres a yawning disclosure black hole around corporate lobbying at the state level, according to a new report by the Sustainable Investments Institute shared exclusively with The Hill. Commissioned by Public Citizen, the report found 98 percent of S&P 500 companies do not provide their investors with state-specific lobbying totals, and 97 percent do not provide their investors with state lobbying spending totals. Since so much lobbying activity happens in statehouses across the country, we commissioned this report to examine how much of companies state-level lobbying is disclosed. Unfortunately, the answer is almost none, Jon Golinger, democracy advocate at Public Citizen, told The Hill. That black hole of information leaves investors and the public in the dark about companies influential lobbying to shape state laws and regulations, Golinger added. Last month, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asking the agency to mandate more robust disclosure of any lobbying strategy, the aggregate amount of direct or indirect contributions to registered state and federal lobbyists, and any material risks related to or arising from the registrants lobbying strategy and expenditures. Since 2010, investors have filed 576 shareholder resolutions requesting more details on how much companies spend on lobbying activities and oversight of those activities, the report found. The only S&P 500 company the report found disclosed material risk connected to lobbying on its annual report to investors was the utility company FirstEnergy, which was wrapped up in a recent scandal that thrust this issue into the spotlight. This spring, former Ohio state House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Matt Borges were convicted on racketeering conspiracy charges related to their role in a $61 million corruption scheme to ensure the passage of a billion-dollar bailout for FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also paid a $230 million fine and fired some of its executives. Shareholders and the public deserve to know how corporations use company funds to influence politicians. Lobbying activities may benefit CEOs, but also can raise costs for investors and consumers or increase investment risks, Golinger said. Support for fuller corporate lobbying disclosure has grown amid gaps in public disclosure of lobbying across states. At the federal level, lobbyists file quarterly disclosures detailing the total amount their client spent on lobbying, the specific issues they lobbied on and the lobbyists working on the account, including former government positions they held. But different states have different rules for the public disclosure of lobbying activities, with varying degrees of transparency. The Lobbying Disclosure Act gives you a sense, you know, at least a discussable amount of whats out there, but on the state level, its just completely the Wild West, Sustainable Investments Institute Executive Director Heidi Welsh, who co-authored the report along with the nonprofits Research Director Robin Young, told The Hill. Welsh and Young relied on corporate governance data from company and state government websites, as well as state-level lobbying data aggregated by OpenSecrets to compile the report. After looking at lobbying data in 15 states that have passed legislation against environmental, social and governance investing as of June, they ultimately concluded it was not possible to determine how much money companies spent on lobbying and what specific issues they lobbied on from public records alone, due to an inconsistent corporate identification, lack of disclosure of lobbying activity and little or no lobbying expenditure data available for download. These challenges reflect a broader issue: It is simply not possible to determine how much companies spend in the aggregate to influence statehouse legislation or state policy more generally in half the country (28 states), the report found. Updated at 10:12 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The op-ed of a Black mayoral candidates father in Springfield, Massachusetts, is under fire by several of the citys Black leaders after they were called Uncle Toms and Black Judases in the article and portrayed as yes-men to the citys white leadership. In The Worst Article I Ever Wrote by Frederick Hurst, published in the African American Point of View newspaper, Hurst pitched a lengthy argument against 11 of Springfields Black leaders who he claimed chose to forego supporting his son, Justin Hurst, in a recent mayoral race to maintain a social and political status quo that would benefit white people in the town. Frederick called out several people like city councilors Melvin Edwards and Lavar Click-Bruce, state Rep. Bud L. Williams, and Vietnam veteran Bernard McClusky for alleged roles they played in sabotaging Justins mayoral election and a so-called unnecessary sin of abandoning their own. Several Black leaders in Springfield, Massachusetts, want to start a boycott over an article in which they were called Uncle Toms and Black Judas for not supporting a Black mayoral candidate. (Photo: YouTube/WWLP-22News) Justins campaign was merely the beginning. The people have decided. And the Black Judass who strive so hard to thwart the future can be assured that they cant avoid their inevitable fates, Hurst wrote in the article. The older ones are on short time and will soon face their maker. The younger ones are out of step with their own future. Change will come without them, and they will be left behind. Justin Hurst, a veteran councilman who has served on the city council for 10 years, ran a campaign that landed him second in the preliminary race for mayor. He ultimately lost to incumbent Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who is white and the citys longest-serving mayor. Hursts father claims that the Black leaders he named in his op-ed are working on behalf of Sarno to further his agenda. He also purports that an Irish/Italian conglomerate politically dominates the town and worked to divide the Black community against itself. Hurst claimed that the leaders he named misled the Black and Brown communities in Springfield for their own personal or political gain and have long ago been compromised by money and the mere illusion of personal and political power and their obsessive love of White people, even though their behavior means delaying the time for their own majority-minority communitys ascent to the role of governing itself. They will never stop serving their master because some are simply weak by nature, and others think money is God and master controls the money, which, in their minds, means master is God. Neither of these types of folks will ever go away. We generally refer to them as Uncle Toms,' Hurst proclaims in his piece. According to Mass Live, several of the leaders mentioned in the piece hosted a press conference at Springfield City Hall last week where they openly challenged Hursts article, calling it tasteless, disturbing, infantile, and vitriolic. The group called for a boycott and requested local businesses to stop running advertisements in the paper and for local churches to halt their monthly distribution. We are calling for the publisher of this paper in his next months issue, or even prior to that, to issue a public apology, a retraction of this article, said Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon. If he does not, we are prepared to boycott. I think Justin ran a good race, I really did. I thought he was qualified, but he didnt win it. When you dont win, you start attacking, and I dont think thats right, Springfield Board of Police Commissioners member Robert C. Jackson said. Jackson was identified as Cee Jackson in the piece. This article, this attack, this slander by Rick Hurst is an extension of the Hurst campaign, Springfield NAACP President Bishop Talbert Swan said. It is an act of a senior man who is behaving like a petulant child because his son lost an election. Justin Hurst proposed that people read his fathers piece before jumping to any conclusions. I encourage those interested in its contents to get a copy of the Point of View newspaper and read it for themselves, Hurst said. And once they finish, they should read it again to make sure they have a thorough understanding of it. Hursts father echoed the same sentiments. Just read my article. It is pretty clear, Frederick Hurst said. Ive said everything I wanted to say in the article. Ive written hundreds of articles, and I will write more. A teenage boy and a 65-year-old man were gunned down Tuesday afternoon outside their Southwest Side home, according to Chicago police. The Cook County medical examiners office identified the victims as Juan A. Medina Jr., 14, and Mario Medina. Advertisement Both victims were standing outside in the 3500 block of West 61st Place just before 4:30 p.m. when two gunmen inside a gray vehicle opened fire before fleeing west on 61st. The teen died at the scene, police said. The older Medina was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy on both victims is scheduled for Wednesday. Advertisement Sources told the Tribune that the victims were relatives who shared the same Chicago Lawn home. The medical examiners office confirmed both victims had the same address. A semicircle of relatives and supporters could be seen embracing outside the hospital Tuesday evening. At the scene of the shooting, a tree-lined street of bungalows and workers cottages were adorned with Christmas decorations, blinking twinkle lights and an inflatable Santa Claus amid 18 bullet casing markers strewn across the pavement. No arrests had been made as detectives began their investigation. The driver of a stolen vehicle was fatally struck by a semitruck during a brief police foot chase in the Austin neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, according to Chicago police. Around 2:30 p.m., officers assigned to the CPDs vehicular hijacking task force spotted a stolen vehicle parked at an auto cleaning service in the 800 block of South Cicero Avenue. Officers approached the 24-year-old driver as he got out of the vehicle, but he ran into the street and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle, according to a statement from CPD. Advertisement The semitruck, according to police sources, did not stop and left the scene. The man, whose identity was withheld, was pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. Advertisement The police major accident investigation unit is probing the crash while the Civilian Office of Police Accountability said it was also investigating the incident. A Texas man is accused of fatally shooting another man to death outside a post office in a love triangle feud, San Antonio police told news outlets. Investigators say a 26-year-old man was going to pick up his girlfriend on the citys northeast side at about noon on Tuesday, Dec. 12, when he saw her with someone else, police said in a news release. The other man, a 32-year-old, brandished a handgun at the boyfriend, who continued driving to the spot where he was supposed to meet his girlfriend, the release said. He parked his car outside a post office and waited, police told KSAT. All three people knew each other and were involved in a love triangle, police told WOAI. While the boyfriend sat in his car, police say the woman and the other man approached him and an argument ensued, the station reported. The other man pulled out a gun again, and the boyfriend did the same, shooting the man several times, according to police. Police arrived to find the man lying in the parking lot with gunshot wounds to the torso, the release said, adding that he was pronounced dead. The boyfriend stayed at the scene and told police he shot the man in self-defense, officials said. An investigation is ongoing, police said. Boy grabs shotgun as couple fights, then shoots mothers boyfriend, Missouri cops say Grandmother intentionally shoots 6-month-old grandchild in head, Ohio cops say Child playing online game dies by suicide in Texas, and Michigan boy charged, cops say Police spend hours trying to wake man sleeping through SWAT standoff, Texas cops say Former BP boss Bernard Looney will forfeit up to 32.4m after the oil giant found he committed "serious misconduct" in failing to disclose relationships with colleagues. Mr Looney is to be dismissed without notice and will not receive further salary or benefits, the oil giant said. He resigned in September after admitting not being "fully transparent" about his past personal relationships. The board said they had been "knowingly misled" by Mr Looney. On Wednesday, the firm said Mr Looney had given "inaccurate and incomplete assurances" as part of an investigation into the relationships in 2022. Mr Looney said in a statement that he was "disappointed with the way this situation has been handled". His dismissal means he will get no further salary, pension allowance or benefits, no annual bonus, and lose out on nearly 25m in share awards. It is understood that Mr Looney's decision to resign meant his long-term performance share awards lapsed along with his annual bonus for 2023, which represented the majority - 87% - of the 32.4m package. The board also decided to halt other payments and bonuses. BP first launched a review of Mr Looney's relationships with colleagues following an anonymous tip-off in 2022. At the time, the company said Mr Looney disclosed "a small number of historical relationships with colleagues prior to becoming CEO" and it found no breach of company conduct. Mr Looney gave assurances then about disclosing the past relationships, as well as his future behaviour. But in September the board said it had received similar allegations "recently", prompting another review. BP career Mr Looney had spent his career at BP, which he joined in 1991 as a drilling engineer. Born in Ireland and raised on a farm, he became a member of its executive team in 2010. Before taking over as chief executive from Bob Dudley, he was previously head of oil and gas production. Mr Looney presented himself as more approachable, posting pictures of smiling employees on Instagram when he took over in 2020. He initially set out a plan to sharply cut net carbon emissions by 2050, but was later criticised by environmental groups for watering down the target. His time as boss coincided with a tumultuous period for the company, including coronavirus pandemic lockdowns when demand for oil and gas fell sharply. Months into his role as chief executive he also told staff that BP planned to cut 10,000 jobs due to the pandemic. In 2022, the start of the war in Ukraine sent energy prices soaring, and prompted the firm to leave Russia after pressure from the UK government. Mr Looney's departure from BP comes as a series of high profile dismissals of executives in the UK has put a spotlight on executive personal behaviour. Tony Danker, the head of the UK's largest business lobby group the CBI, was fired in April over complaints about his behaviour at work. Meanwhile, Crispin Odey was forced to step down from the hedge fund he founded in June after reports of sexual harassment allegations by 13 women. He has denied the claims. Chief financial officer Murray Auchincloss has been acting as BP's interim chief executive while the oil firm investigated allegations about Mr Looney, and searched for his successor. Mr Auchincloss has previously said the firm's "strategy hasn't changed" and that "the leadership team we have in BP is also unchanged", despite Mr Looney's exit. Mr Looney was approached for comment. A seven-day truce which had seen humanitarian assistance reaching the Gaza Strip ended on 1 December Labour-run Bradford Council has backed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The majority of councillors supported a motion calling for a permanent end to the violence, with only the Conservative group choosing to abstain. The district's three Labour MPs voted for an immediate ceasefire in response to a motion in Parliament in November. Councillor Taj Salam, who quit the Labour group over the national party's stance, told a meeting on Tuesday he "condemned" all attacks in the region. Israel began a sustained assault on targets in Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas in early October which killed 1,200 people in Israel. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said more than 18,400 people have been killed by Israeli bombing since 7 October. Two motions were tabled for the full council meeting to call for a permanent ceasefire, the first from Mr Salam and the second from council leader Susan Hinchcliffe. Mr Salam said "all forms of racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our district". "Bradford is a city of sanctuary with a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world and a city of multiculturalism," he said. Conservative group leader Rebecca Poulsen said that although "the latest events in the Middle East are appalling and we all condemn the loss of lives," it was not in the council's "remit" to intervene. "We are a metropolitan district council, we are not the United Nations or an international organisation," she said. More on Israel-Gaza war Labour group leader Ms Hinchcliffe said the council "cannot be silent" on the issue. "We are not naive, neither are the people of Bradford, they know we are not international diplomats," she said. "But they do expect us to hear their calls, to listen to their pleas and use the voice they have given us to express their deep concerns." Sir Keir Starmer said in November that a ceasefire would enable Hamas to stay in control of the territory Analysis: Aisha Iqbal, BBC Yorkshire Bradford political reporter The recent frontbench rebellion by Bradford MPs Naz Shah and Imran Hussain over the Israel-Gaza war brought into sharp focus the huge impact of Middle East politics. The wider issue is felt deeply in Bradford, especially by those of a Muslim background. So it was no surprise then that, both for personal and political reasons, emotions were running high at Bradford's full council meeting during the two-and-a-half hour debate on calls for a ceasefire. The ruling Labour administration faced multiple accusations of being silent on the issue for too long, something which drew the ire of council leader Susan Hinchcliffe. The emotions were real - but so were the underlying politics at play. With local and general elections looming, many Labour-run councils seem to find themselves at an impasse when it comes to following their national party leadership's line. But with international opinion also seeming to shift significantly in the past few days - and growing pressure on Israel to rein in its response - are the northern councils leading the way to where their national parties will inevitably have to follow? Labour's Bradford South MP Judith Cummins, Bradford West MP Naz Shah and Bradford East MP Imran Hussain all voted for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in November. Ms Shah and Mr Hussain also left their roles in the shadow cabinet over the issue. Bradford's Conservative MPs, Robbie Moore who represents Keighley and Philip Davies who represents Shipley, both voted against the motion. Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. Bradley Cooper took a very special date to the premiere of his new movie, Maestro. The Oscar-nominated actor was accompanied to the Dec. 12 event at Los Angeles Academy Museum of Motion Pictures by his daughter, Lea, 6, whom he shares with his ex, Irina Shayk. Cooper gave off classic Hollywood pizazz vibes, sporting a dark suit and buttoned-up vest, while Lea arrived in an animal print dress, with a red and black purse. Bradley Cooper and Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic) While speaking with Emma Stone during an Actors on Actors conversation for Variety, released on Dec. 8, Cooper recently gave the 411 about a rather deep conversation he and Lea had. I was with my daughter the other day, shes like, So what happens after, when you die? he said. I was like, I actually dont know, he continued. Because I always tell her the truth. Doesnt Google know? she asked him. I was like, Oh, my God, he continued. I was like, Maybe? Cooper said he held off asking Google then and there because he doesnt want to be on his phone around Lea. Bradley Cooper and Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic) Lea was born in March 2017. Cooper and Shayk split in 2019 but maintain a friendly relationship, with Shayk saying Lea is a focus. Were teaching our daughter that the most important thing is to be kind to people. Every time we send her to school, were like, Just remember kindness and love, Shayk told Harpers Bazaar in April. With TikTok and Instagram and social media, my daughter is growing up in a different environment than I grew up in, so sometimes it kind of scares me. But most important is teaching our daughter bigger values than being pretty on the outside, she added. As for Cooper, you can see him in Maestro, in which he plays legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, when it becomes available to stream on Netflix Dec. 20 or in select theaters now. The film has already garnered him Golden Globe nominations for best actor and best director. This article was originally published on TODAY.com BRAINTREE Since she won the Nov. 7 mayoral election, Erin Joyce has been meeting with town department heads and reviewing transition reports to prepare for taking office Jan. 2. "We've been able to meet with almost all of the department heads, and many presented transition plans," Joyce said during an interview Monday. "We want to hit the ground running. We know the budget is going to be tight." Braintree Mayor-elect Erin Joyce. Joyce met with Mayor Charles Kokoros right after the election, and he has been assisting with the transition process. She also has attended sessions for incoming mayors offered by the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Collins Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Joyce said she is still working on staffing decisions for her office, but said she expects it will have the same number of employees as the mayor's office has now. Tour of Lights: Submit your holiday display She said she wants more public involvement in the town's budgeting process. In recent years, development of the budget has largely taken place behind closed doors until the mayor presented it to the town council. Under the town charter, the budget must be submitted to the council by May 1. "People want to have more of a say" in town spending, Joyce said. Under the town's "strong mayor" charter, the town council can cut the mayor's budget but cannot add to any line item. Joyce is also working on another transition, winding down her involvement in her engineering company, Joyce Consulting Group P.C., which will continue in business without her. More: Braintree Planning Board recommends new zoning for multifamily housing, with changes She and other newly elected town officials will be sworn in at a ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Jan. 2 in the Cahill Auditorium of town hall. An inaugural ball for Joyce is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Pontian Society Hall, 120 Bay State Drive. The event is sold out, but another small block of tickets might be released. Tickets are $75 per person. Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree Mayor-elect Erin Joyce at work on transition Bridget Ziegler has been a member of the Sarasota County School Board since 2014 A Florida school board is demanding the resignation of one of its members, whose husband, the Republican Party state chairman, is being investigated for sexual assault. The Sarasota County School Board voted 4-1 for a resolution requesting that Bridget Ziegler step down. Her husband, Christian Ziegler, is facing accusations of rape. No charges have been filed against him, and through his lawyer Mr Ziegler has denied the allegations. The vote on Tuesday to remove Ms Zeigler was brought by Chair Karen Rose, who said in an email that she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the accusations and believed media scrutiny of the couple "would cause irreparably harmful distractions". Ms Ziegler, co-founder of the conservative Moms for Liberty group, was the sole vote against the resolution. She also did not indicate that she would resign from the board, where she has served for nearly a decade. In Florida, the governor is the only person who can fire school board members. The alleged assault occurred on 2 October at a home in Sarasota, in south-west Florida, according to a heavily redacted document from police that included several mentions of rape and sexual battery. An investigation is ongoing. The influential Republican couple had been involved in a years-long sexual relationship with the woman who filed the police complaint, according to the Florida Trident, which first reported on the accusations. Citing "sources close to the investigation," the news site, which is run by the non-profit Florida Center for Government Accountability, also reported the alleged attack occurred at the woman's home, when she and Mr Ziegler were alone. Mr Ziegler's lawyer, Derek Byrd, told the BBC that "we are confident that once the police investigation is concluded that no charges will be filed and Mr Ziegler will be completely exonerated". Christian Ziegler has denied the sexual assault allegations against him Mr Ziegler is resisting pressure from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservatives to resign from his post as chairman of the state's Republican party, which he has held since February. "We have a country to save and I am not going to let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench," he said. Along with the accusations of violence, the revelation that Ms Ziegler had a relationship with a woman is deeply troubling to some in the state. Ms Ziegler has backed Mr DeSantis' controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. Democrat critics say the allegations are at odds with the emphasis the couple placed politically on "family values". "The level of hypocrisy in this situation is stunning," said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried in a statement. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has spent more than 2 million pounds ($2.5 million) defending in the courts its contested plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda and 22 million pounds on housing migrants on a barge, official figures released on Wednesday showed. The Rwanda scheme, agreed in April 2022 by then-prime minister Boris Johnson, is designed to deter migrants from making the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats. But it became bogged down in the courts, with the first deportation flight in June last year blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights, and the UK's top court last month ruling the scheme unlawful. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he hopes flights to Rwanda deporting asylum seekers who have arrived illegally in Britain will take off by the spring, and he is putting a new law through parliament to address the issues raised by the court. In a letter published by parliament's Home Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Matthew Rycroft, the most senior official at the interior ministry, said that as of Nov. 30 the total amount spent on legal challenges against the Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda was 2,137,045 pounds. Britain has paid Rwanda 240 million pounds for the deportation scheme so far, and last week the government said it was set to pay the east African country 50 million pounds more next year. In his letter, Rycroft also said a value for money assessment was being made on a contract awarded to accommodate migrants on the Bibby Stockholm barge off the coast of southern England, and the value of the part covering accommodation of asylum seekers was 22,450,772 pounds. In a hearing on Wednesday with lawmakers, minister for legal migration Tom Pursglove said he could not say how long that contract was for, and that details would be given in 2024. On Tuesday the government confirmed an asylum seeker had died on the barge, without giving further details. ($1 = 0.7989 pounds) (Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Gareth Jones) Opponents of Bring Chicago Home are removed by Chicago Police officers after disrupting a resolution honoring Native American Heritage Month during a Chicago City Council meeting at City Hall on Nov. 1, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune) Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday shelved the citys new policy curtailing public audience seating in City Council chambers, following outcry over the chilling effect the restrictions could pose on the openness of government proceedings. The city clerks website abruptly removed guidelines that had been posted since last week and replaced the link with the message, Implementation of the public seating policy dated 12/7/2023 is postponed until further notice. Advertisement Johnson spokesman Ronnie Reese said in a Tuesday statement the reversal comes after feedback provided by various stakeholders on whether the rules allow the Council to best conduct the business of the people. Mayor Johnson is fully committed to leading with accountability and transparency, Reese wrote. Our administration is also mindful of the very real concerns that alderpeople have regarding their safety and the ability to conduct meetings without disruption. That is the balance we must strike the balance between democracy and decorum and it is imperative that we have a policy that accommodates both. Advertisement Government transparency advocates and aldermen had been pressuring Johnson for days to halt the rule change that would have limited how many members of the public could sit directly behind aldermen in chambers, and increased the number of hoops they would have had to jump through to secure those seats. They said removing such public access would water down government access and allow powerful elected officials to operate in greater secrecy. The policy was put forth by the councils sergeant-at-arms Alvin Starks, who was appointed by Johnsons Rules Committee chair Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th. Harris deferred comment Tuesday to the mayors office. Harris initially proposed the changes after several loud demonstrations in chambers during recent meetings, centered around the citys handling of the migrant crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Johnson has ordered audience members removed from chambers after they disrupted proceedings with shouting or chanting. Current procedure has allowed the public to observe City Council meetings from the back gallery behind where the aldermen sit in the 2nd floor chambers. The short-lived rules instead placed the first 70 audience members in third floor seating, with a restricted view behind windows overlooking the chambers. Members of the public were permitted to line up for those spots no more than one hour before the meeting began. The 2nd floor seats were to be set aside for city government staff, disabled individuals and those who have reserved a seat at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone had to show a form of I.D. before being admitted. Only if the third floor filled up and there was room left on the second would some overflow seating have been made available in the chambers public gallery. The rules also moved public commenters ahead of the meeting from a microphone on the floor of the 2nd floor chambers to the 3rd floor, preventing audience members from directly addressing public figures in the same room. The policy was meant to last at least four months, but the sudden reversal signaled the mayors team was responding to mounting pressure from some aldermen, advocates of open government and other critics who said it was a far cry from candidate Johnsons vow to be a transparent mayor. Advertisement David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, said his team had been involved in talks with the Johnson administration and other concerned City Council members over the changes and were pleased to see that our concerns were heard and acted on. As someone who has covered City Council meetings going back to Council Wars, I know the importance and I have seen it of open contribution to council meetings by members of the public, and Im glad that is being protected, Greising said. Though the policy was officially dated to last Thursday, warnings from BGA and others about access to the second-floor chambers stretched back to the start of this month, when the sergeant-at-arms was seen moving public commenters and other observers to the third floor. That tension has been months in the making, after several council meetings under Johnson were disrupted by boisterous audience members who had times needed to be escorted out, particularly following their outbursts over the amount of money Chicago is spending on migrants. Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, cheered on the reversal Tuesday and said that in the future, The Council does not need to change these rules. They can simply enforce existing rules for decorum in the chamber. One should not need VIP status or navigate complex rules days in advance to watch government at work in Chicago, he wrote. Advertisement ayin@chicagotribune.com Actor Andre Braugher, who starred in the hit television series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," died at the age of 61 from lung cancer. Braugher's publicist confirmed to NBC News that the actor died on Dec. 11. Later, on Dec. 14, his spokesperson confirmed Braugher died from lung cancer. Braugher first came on the Hollywood scene in the 1989 war thriller film "Glory" alongside actors Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. He cemented his place in Tinsletown as Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC drama "Homicide: Life on the Street." Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Season 8 (NBC) Braugher was celebrated for his role as the straight-laced Captain Ray Holt in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" alongside Andy Samberg, taking home two Critics Choice Awards for best supporting actor in a comedy series and four Emmy award nominations. He most recently appeared in the dramatic film "She Said" as New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet, who oversaw journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohy as they reported on Harvey Weinstein and the subsequent #MeToo movement. He is survived by his wife, fellow actor Ami Brabson, and sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley. Brabson and Braugher met while co-starring on "Homicide: Life on the Street." Following the news of his death, many of his former co-stars and friends expressed their condolences on social media. Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a photo of Braugher on Instagram, writing, "Cant believe youre gone so soon. Im honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon." "You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like," he continued. "Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man." Chelsea Peretti, who played Gina Linetti, also wrote how much she loved him. "Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick," Peretti added. "Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to Gina? I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I wont." Joe Lo Truglio, known as Charles Boyle on the sitcom, also expressed his heartache. "So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with," Truglio wrote on Instagram. "We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it. He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami." He added that he was "grateful to them for allowing us to share eight years with him. He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. What you probably dont know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch, belting bassy vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found." "At first, it was odd because well*it was Andre Braugher crooning at full volume from behind closed doors*but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and thats why the world took notice," he continued. "I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop." His death was first reported by Deadline. This article was originally published on TODAY.com This article was published in partnership with the Miami Herald and Reveal News. To understand the problems with Floridas oversight of anti-abortion pregnancy centers, you dont have to look much further than Marys Pregnancy Resource Center in Broward County. The crisis pregnancy center steered women away from abortion while providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and parenting classes. Founded by Yohanka Reyes and her husband, its mission was rooted in Reyes own horrific history: The first time she became pregnant after she was sexually assaulted as a young girl, she had an abortion. The second time, she decided to carry her baby to term as it turned out, the only child she would give birth to. Marys has been the greatest blessing in the world, Reyes declared in an interview with a Spanish-language Catholic TV channel. To be able to tell my story, and to be able to save so many lives and be able to reach their souls with the word of Jesus. For years, Marys was one of the crown jewels of the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, the little-known nonprofit that administers the state-funded alternatives to abortion program. In April, the networks profile grew tremendously after the Florida Legislature approved a fivefold funding increase to $25 million a year. In October, state support grew once again after the Florida Department of Health quietly increased the contract to to up to $29.4 million. This years funding eclipses the entire last decade, when the network handed out nearly $23 million in taxpayer money directly to pregnancy centers. Marys has been one of its biggest beneficiaries, taking in more than $2.2 million in that period. A sign posted in a window at Marys Pregnancy Resource Center. Lauren Witte/lwitte@miamiherald.com Yet Marys was floundering financially for much of that time, sending up numerous red flags that the network didnt seem to notice. For at least three years, the pregnancy center failed to file its federal Form 990s, the tax forms required for nonprofits, and other required paperwork, leading the Internal Revenue Service and the state to temporarily revoke its tax-exempt status. That should have disqualified it from receiving any public money, according to the state programs compliance manual. But during this period, the network gave Marys $622,000. The Florida Pregnancy Care Network was planning to award another $275,000 to Marys this year, according to documents obtained through a public records request until journalists from Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Miami Herald began asking questions. Now Marys has dropped out of the network and faces nearly $170,000 in federal tax liens. In November, an eviction notice was posted on the front door of its two-story building alongside a sign that said, We are moving. Reyes declined requests for an interview, complaining that journalists were treating her unfairly. Why dont you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and that way you stop hurting people that are really trying to help others? she wrote in an email. A review of Florida Pregnancy Care Network records from the past three years shows that the oversight deficiencies that allowed Marys to collect state funds are endemic in the states alternatives-to-abortion program, a Reveal/Herald investigation has found. The Florida Pregnancy Care Network hasnt been conducting regular reviews of nonprofit tax filings. Centers didnt need to apply for funding every year because their contracts had been automatically renewed. The network isnt required by the state to conduct frequent site visits at crisis pregnancy centers its funding; it visited fewer than half of the centers it funded last year. Network employees met with Marys staff just twice over 18 months, once in person and once online. Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, would like to see a complete prohibition on taxpayer dollars being used for promotion of crisis pregnancy centers via TV, radio and billboards. Phil Sears/AP And because the Florida Pregnancy Care Network is a nonprofit, it isnt subject to the same kind of transparency required of public agencies, shielding the program from the scrutiny lawmakers and public officials would otherwise give when millions in taxpayer dollars are spent. Funneling millions in taxpayer money through a nonprofit creates a cloud over freedom of information, said Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando. We should have the ability to know exactly what these public dollars are doing in our state. Fixing the networks oversight gaps is more urgent than ever, given its rapid state-funded growth. Republican state Rep. Jennifer Canady from Polk County, who co-sponsored the funding bill, said she contacted the Florida Pregnancy Care Networks executive director after reporters sent her notice of the problems at Marys to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. There are pregnancy care centers around the state doing incredible work and doing things for women, Canady said. But any that are not following the rules should not be receiving state funds. Republican State Rep. Jennifer Canady, who co-sponsored the funding bill for crisis pregnancy centers, said she contacted the Florida Pregnancy Care Networks executive director to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. In a written statement, Rita Gagliano, the networks executive director, called the Marys situation an isolated incident, adding: We do not believe the allegations made involving this one center are representative of the program, how it runs or how it will continue to run. The network has put in place new requirements that centers share federal tax returns and end-of-year financial reports, and annual audits will be required of any nonprofit that receives $750,000 or more in public funding . Next fiscal year, theyll have a new annual contract renewal process. But those monitoring measures are still the very minimum, Eskamani said. If the state doesnt significantly strengthen how it monitors the program and mandate that the Florida Pregnancy Care Network be more transparent about its processes, serious problems are bound to continue, lawmakers and experts said. Transparency reduces corruption, said David Cuillier, director of the Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida. Problems like the ones at Marys happen all the time when you have a system shrouded in secrecy. *** Floridas alternatives-to-abortion program dates back to Gov. Jeb Bushs administration in 2005. The goal, said then-Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, was to support women through pregnancies they might otherwise be tempted to terminate: We want them to know that they do have a choice. Last year, about 50 nonprofits received state money, including pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and maternity homes. The Florida Department of Health sets the basic rules for the program. But since the beginning, responsibility for running it has been outsourced to the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, whose ties to anti-abortion conservatives and religious groups run deep. One of its founders, Tampa OB-GYN Dr. Rufus S. Armstrong, led a failed 2012 ballot campaign that sought to remove state constitutional protections for abortion. The alternatives-to-abortion program had its first major growth spurt in 2016, when lawmakers increased funding from $2 million to $4 million a year. In 2018, they codified the networks role as the sole conduit for distributing the taxpayer money. The biggest chunk of that funding has gone toward parenting classes and counseling with the goal of childbirth. Other covered services include pregnancy tests, pregnancy loss counseling, parenting classes, testing for sexually transmitted infections and medical exams for the uninsured. This years expansion was far more sweeping, and it came as Floridas Republican lawmakers reacted to the demise of Roe v. Wade by restricting abortions. The state law banning abortion after six weeks is on hold pending a ruling from the Florida Supreme Court. The rising profile of pregnancy centers reflects a trend that can be seen in other conservative states in the post-Roe era. For decades, the crisis pregnancy center movement concentrated on persuading abortion vulnerable women to choose parenting or adoption instead. Now, in conservative states with restrictive abortion laws, crisis pregnancy centers are revamping their mission trying to fill growing gaps in access to reproductive healthcare by providing womens wellness exams, sexually transmitted infection testing and even some prenatal care. With so much new money flowing into the Florida program, many anti-abortion grantees are receiving double and even triple the amount of funds they received in previous years. The state is also reimbursing more for specific services for example, reimbursement for counseling doubled to $2.50 per minute. Much of that money will go toward rent and salaries, records show. Some of this years largest contracts went to Catholic dioceses that run crisis pregnancy centers. The Catholic Charities arm of the Diocese of St. Petersburg will receive up to $800,000 this fiscal year, including for its four Foundations of Life crisis pregnancy centers in the Tampa Bay area. Thats more than triple its contract last year, and according to the operating budget it submitted to the state, the funds could nearly cover the entire budget. Foundations of Life Director Laura Ramos said the new money will go toward promoting two part-time employees to full time and adding one more ultrasound technician. We live in a world where women are told constantly what to do, right? They tell us we cannot have children and go to school. They tell us we cannot hold jobs and have children, Ramos said. We are here to tell them that whatever decision they make, we will walk with them. The Archdiocese of Miami has seen its latest contract more than double to $350,000, enough to cover 75% of its submitted budget this year. In an interview with the Herald last spring, Angela Curatalo, director of the archdioceses three pregnancy centers, said volunteers, many from local churches, encourage women in state-funded counseling sessions to keep their pregnancies. Its not professional counseling, she told a Herald reporter in April. We dont pretend that it is. They tell women about services like Medicaid and food stamps, free ultrasounds and adoption. They use plastic models of first-trimester fetuses. and warn about alleged long-term effects of abortion, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, and alcohol or drug abuse information that is not supported by sound medical research. We let them know, you dont have to go down that route,. Curatalo said. The Florida Pregnancy Care Network also saw a big bump in its own state funding for operational expenses, including $1 million for marketing. This type of spending is a sore point with program opponents, including Eskamani, the state representative from the Orlando area. Another window covering at Marys Pregnancy Resource Center in Broward County. Lauren Witte/lwitte@miamiherald.com Part of this $29.4 million is literally going to go towards billboards, radio ads, TV ads, just boosting anti-abortion rhetoric and anti-abortion stigma, she said. I think there should be a complete prohibition on that. An additional $100,000 will fund an Option Line call center run by Heartbeat International, one of the largest anti-abortion organizations in the country, to give referrals to pregnancy centers. *** Florida health authorities have been given virtually no power to regulate pregnancy centers. That means the Florida Pregnancy Care Network is the only agency with a true window into the operations of pregnancy centers in the state. But that doesnt mean its offering oversight. Gagliano said the network monitors only services that are billable to the program. We expect members to independently and properly maintain and keep current all other business aspects of their organizations, she wrote, as they are completely independent of [the network]. The state requires pregnancy centers to have policies for addressing client complaints, file monthly invoices detailing the number of clients served and the total number of minutes spent providing services, and do background checks on employees and volunteers, according to the programs compliance manual. The network is also required to conduct an on-site review of centers in person or by Zoom every other year. And centers must also complete training, though the manual doesnt specify what training is required. Once a year, pregnancy centers are also required to go through monitoring, a process that includes a financial audit. But the Florida Pregnancy Care Network audits information only for one month and a single financial quarter and gives program participants 30 days notice about which time periods it plans to review. We need to have people visiting these centers, said state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, who represents parts of Broward County, including where Marys was located. People should be looking at, What is our return on investment? People should be looking at What is our return on investment?. said state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, who represents where Marys operated. The state also requires that the network ensure that centers are providing accurate and current medical information to clients. Yet Reveal found that about a third of state-funded centers in Florida last year have posted misleading or inaccurate medical information on their websites, such as inaccurate claims about abortion causing infertility, anxiety attacks and suicidal ideation. In October, Book filed legislation requiring that the Health Department conduct annual inspections at state-funded centers and fine those distributing medical misinformation to clients. Cuillier, the freedom of information expert, said outsourcing the alternatives-to-abortion programs operations creates barriers around the publics ability to scrutinize how taxpayer funds are spent. Book was among a small contingent of Democratic lawmakers who publicly opposed the proposal for increased funding to the network this year. The lawmakers proposed reallocating the money toward other services, such as resources for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and telehealth services for a minority maternal care pilot program. Those amendments ultimately failed. ABOUT THE REPORTING To conduct this investigation, Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Miami Herald examined Florida Pregnancy Care Network contracts, compliance manuals, center agreements and other documents for the past three fiscal years obtained through public records requests with the Florida Department of Health. Reporters also reviewed publicly available IRS Form 990 filings filed by the Florida Pregnancy Care Network and dozens of crisis pregnancy centers since 2014. This story was edited by Nina Martin, Kate Howard and Casey Frank and copy edited by Nikki Frick. Laura C. Morel can be reached at lmorel@revealnews.org, and Clara-Sophia Daly can be reached at csdaly@miamiherald.com. Follow them on X, formerly known as Twitter: @lauracmorel and @clarasophiadaly. Read the full story on The Backfire News Bruce Springsteens Drummer Sues Car Restoration Shop The allure of owning a fully restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was enough to get Bruce Springsteens drummer, Max Weinberg, to hand over $125,000 to a car restoration business in Florida. However, Weinberg alleges instead of performing on the agreement, the company took his money and used it for personal expenses, leaving him with nothing. These celebrities love their Mopars. Weinberg has in turn filed a lawsuit for $375,000 against Aurther Siegle, family members of Siegle, and Investment Automotive Group Inc. through the courts in Plam Beach County, reports the Associated Press. Instead of spending the initial sum of money on obtaining a solid Mercedes-Benz 190SL, Weinberg says the shop presented one with plenty of rust and other damage so extensive the classic car couldnt be restored to like-new condition. Sadly, weve seen plenty of people, both celebrities and regular folk, get taken for a ride by car restoration shops. There are many legitimate businesses that buy and restore classic vehicles for customers, but its not uncommon for customers to claim they never received a car or got one with shoddy restoration work done. The report indicates that even though local law enforcement investigated this case and concluded the Siegles did use Weinbergs $125,000 deposit to cover personal expenses, no criminal charges were filed. The drummer handed that money over about three years ago. Ultimately Weinbergs dream was a classic Mercedes he could enter into Concours shows, meaning it would need to be nearly perfect. Believing he had found the perfect shop to perform such work, he plunked down the deposit, only later concluding hed been had. While there certainly are no guarantees when working with a car restoration shop, you should do research before putting a deposit down with one. Talk with former customers, look up online reviews, etc. so you get a better idea of what the business is like and whether others have experienced problems. Hungary is prepared to lift its veto on massive EU aid for Ukraine in return for $30 billion in funding the bloc has withheld from Budapest over democratic backsliding, according to the chief political adviser to Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Dec. 12. Budapest is holding up a four-year 50 billion ($54 billion) support package for Kyiv, that would start next year, as part of a broader fight over the EUs budget. Read also: Austria opposes EU security guarantees for Ukraine Balazs Orban, who is unrelated to the prime minister, suggested that Budapest is seeking to extract a heavy price for its consent, a price that may be hard for the rest of the bloc to accept. Hungarys EU funding and Ukrainian aid are two separate issues. But if the EU insists that Ukraines financing should come from an amended EU budget, then the two issues become linked, Balazs Orban said. Budapest remains opposed to a full four-year aid plan and would prefer the EU to offer financing to Kyiv for a single year with no amendments to the budget. Budapest would also consider contributing to the package. Read also: EU Commission President praises Ukraines impressive track record on EU reforms The EU money is crucial for Kyiv, which is trying to shore up Western support to continue funding its counter-offensive against Russia. Ukraine's membership in the EU remains a red line for Budapest, Balazs Orban said, adding that the EU should offer a strategic partnership instead as Ukraine has not yet met the required criteria to achieve membership. Budapest has unofficially signaled to Kyiv that there is a "window of opportunity" to begin negotiations on EU membership, according to Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Dec. 12. The EU delivered a historic verdict on Nov. 8, offering Ukraine to take a significant step closer to EU membership. The European Commission officially recommended that formal accession talks begin with Ukraine and Moldova on Nov. 8. The EUs 27 heads of government are due to discuss the proposal at the EU Brussels summit on Dec. 14-15 although Hungarys Prime Minister Orban has repeatedly said he opposes opening negotiations with Kyiv. Read also: Europeans open to Ukraine joining EU according to latest survey Ukraine has fulfilled almost all the requirements set out by the EU to start accession talks, ahead of a crucial European Council summit in December, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Nov. 28. 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 WORCESTER The city is one step closer to building a new Burncoat High School, after the Massachusetts School Building Authority voted unanimously Wednesday to make the project eligible for state funding. The vote is the first step in the process by the state agency, which helps fund public school building construction projects. "I'm extremely grateful that this progress is being made," Superintendent Rachel H. Monarrez said on Thursday. "Burncoat High School is in much need of a new facility that will really complement the strong programming that already exists at the school." According to the district, Burncoat High School has been proposed as a Massachusetts School Building Authority-funded project 13 times since 2008. And in the last seven attempts, the district indicated the school was its highest-priority construction project. Burncoat High School Monarrez said she wanted to "give kudos" to the School Committee, the mayor, city leaders, and members of the community who "leaned in ... to really push this forward." Conversations about the condition of Burncoat High, which was constructed in 1964, and replacing it with a new building have ramped up over the years, not just at the administrative level but at the School Committee as well. Tuesday, classes were canceled at the school that is the districts home high school for the performing arts and its dual language program" because of inadequate heating that resulted from some heat pumps failing. The matter was resolved and school reopened Wednesday. Although it is not the oldest high school building in the district that distinction goes to the University Park Campus School Burncoat High is older compared to the district's other high schools. Since 2006, when construction of a new Worcester Technical High School building was completed, the district has also seen the construction and opening of a new North High School in 2011 and South High Community School in 2021. A new Doherty Memorial High School is under construction and is slated to open fall of 2024. Monarrez said a new facility for Burncoat High means students won't have to miss a couple of days of school because issues with the heat or high temperatures. "We'll be able to offer the basic needs every child deserves," she said. "When a building looks and feels a certain way, it tells children unconsciously, as well as consciously, that they matter. And when you matter, then you're going to rise to that occasion." It also means accommodating a growing student population, she said, and ensuring students have adequate space to learn as well as socialize. I am thrilled that Burncoat High School has been accepted into the MSBA project pipeline, Mayor Joseph M. Petty said in the release. This is a significant first step toward a vitally important project for the Worcester Public Schools. A modernized school facility will only enhance educational opportunities and foster a more prosperous future for generations of students. The eligibility process will begin July 1, 2024, and last approximately nine months, during which the district will submit things like maintenance records and enrollment reports to help the MSBA determine the size and scope of the project. Following that, the district will conduct a feasibility study to design a new school and work closely with the MSBA while designing the future building. The district said the city Public Facilities Department will oversee the project in collaboration with the school system. It's anticipated, the district said, the entire design and construction process will take about five to seven years. I would like to express my deep thanks and appreciation for everyone who has worked to bring a new Burncoat High School to the MSBA, including our elected officials and the administrations of the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools, said Joseph Ewick, Burncoat High School principal. A new Burncoat High School is greatly needed to ensure a high-quality experience for our students who deserve a top-notch facility. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Burncoat High could get funding for new building after MSBA vote A driver abandoned his transit bus and passengers and entered a school while armed with a gun, California sheriffs officials reported. The incident took place at Lakeview Leadership Academy, a high school in Victorville, at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said in a news release. The 28-year-old driver stopped his bus near the school and got off, leaving his passengers, deputies said. The man was spotted by staff after he threw a bag over the fence and attempted to enter the campus by hopping the fence., the Victor Valley Union High School District said in a statement, according to VVNG. The individual could not jump the fence and entered through the front office. He entered the school lobby, where employees noticed he appeared to be in an altered state, deputies said. A school resource officer detained him and searched him, finding a loaded 9mm handgun, deputies said. He was arrested on firearms possession charges. The school was briefly locked down, and no students were near the gunman, the school statement said, according to VVNG. The driver is no longer employed by the Victor Valley Transit Authority, the agency said in a statement to McClatchy News. He underwent rigorous hiring procedures, training and drug testing, the agency said, calling his actions unforeseen. Investigators ask anyone with information to call 760-241-2911. Victorville is about 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Man drags 16-year-old across street while trying to steal phone, California cops say Woman finds stranger hiding in closet of looted home, CA cops say. Worst nightmare Rocket launcher surrendered at gun buyback event, California authorities say Jurors found Hannah Payne guilty of felony murder, malice murder, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and three weapons counts in the shooting death of Kenneth Herring. A Georgia jury this week convicted a bystander who chased down a Black man and shot him to death after a 2019 traffic incident. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, it took Clayton County jurors two hours Tuesday to find Hannah Payne, 25, guilty of felony murder, malice murder, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and three counts of weapons possession during a crime in the death of 62-year-old Kenneth Herring. Herrings family said they had been waiting four years for this day, and his sisters were overcome with emotion as they exited the courtroom. Hannah Payne, shown in court, has been found guilty of all charges in the May 2019 shooting death of Kenneth Herring in Georgia. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/Fox 5 Atlanta) When I heard the first verdict, I knew we werent supposed to show signs, said Jacqueline Herring, but tears just started rolling down my face because at that moment, I felt a relief that came over. Payne shot Herring after witnessing him hit another car and flee in May 2019. Prosecutors said she was playing cop after leaving the scene of a wreck she was not involved in and pursuing Herring before getting into an argument with him and firing the fatal shot. Herring was unarmed and minding his own business, Clayton County Assistant District Attorney Nigel Hunter told jurors, when he was chased down, detained, shot and murdered by this defendant. However, the defense claimed Payne was acting in self-defense because Herring allegedly started attacking her after she confronted him. Throughout the trial, jurors heard evidence that included 911 calls, Paynes police interrogation and witness testimony. Payne took the stand in her defense on the fourth day of her murder trial, and her attorney, Matt Tucker, asked her to recount the events leading up to her following, then shooting, Herring. Recommended Stories Ohio University in the spring News Cops probing report that men brandished guns and hurled slurs at 3 Black women TheGrio Staff Featured Sheriff loses peace officer certification following civil rights violation conviction TheGrio Staff Georgia political maps News Georgia election worker suing Rudy Giuliani tells jurors that his lies made her fear for her life Associated Press News Attorneys for family of absolved Black man killed by deputy seeking $16M from Georgia sheriff Associated Press Crime New Hampshire sheriff charged with theft, perjury and falsifying evidence resigns Associated Press Featured Body cameras were supposed to hold police accountable but getting footage is harder than you think Natasha S. Alford News Judge vacates murder conviction of Chicago man wrongfully imprisoned for 35 years Associated Press She said a state police officer at the initial accident site informed her and another witness that Herring was intoxicated. At some point, Herring began revving his engine and pulling away from the scene. Payne claimed she was on the phone at the time with a 911 operator who inquired whether she had been able to obtain his license plate number. She said she got in her car when she discovered she hadnt and believed no one else had. She said in court that Terry Robinson, whom she mistook for a state cop, instructed her to go, implying he wanted her to follow Herring. You dont get the death penalty for committing a traffic infraction, said Hunter, Fox 5 reported. Paynes sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday. The state did its job, said Vicky Herring, the slain mans youngest sister after the verdict, and the jury did its job. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Bystander who chased and shot Black man after traffic incident in 2019 found guilty appeared first on TheGrio. Xi says China, Vietnam, under new circumstances, should resolutely forge ahead along path of friendly cooperation Xinhua) 14:04, December 13, 2023 HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said here Wednesday that China and Vietnam, under new circumstances, should resolutely forge ahead along the path of friendly cooperation. In his meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, Xi said the two sides should work properly to steer the bilateral relations, promote practical cooperation and manage differences. The announcement to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance sends out a positive signal of the two socialist countries' commitment to solidarity, friendship and joint development, Xi said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) EAST ST. LOUIS A federal judge in southern Illinois who earlier this year put a hold on the states gun ban a decision that was reversed on appeal on Tuesday heard arguments on a challenge to the registration process for guns grandfathered in under the law. U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn indicated he was not inclined to issue an injunction that would put off the Jan. 1 deadline for Illinois residents to register guns covered by the ban with Illinois State Police. Advertisement I think that theres a mess here and theres some problems, and I havent made my mind up, McGlynn said during a hearing in his East St. Louis courtroom. But I do think that entering an injunction today may create more problems than its worth. McGlynn said he was inclined to deny the motion without prejudice and allow a motion to be renewed if after January 1st we see theres very little compliance. Advertisement The requirement that residents who owned guns banned as of Jan. 10, 2023, registered them with the state had met stiff resistance, although since the process began on Oct. 1 6,141 gun owners have registered nearly 12,100 guns and about 6,250 firearm accessories or other firearm components covered by the ban, according to state records from Dec. 8. The degree of compliance is impossible to determine, but the number of people who had registered as of Dec. 8 represented just a little over 0.25% of the 2.4 million people in the state holding FOID cards, the state-mandated permits that authorize residents to own guns. In Chicago on Tuesday, the legislatures bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, heard testimony from the state police about the preliminary enforcement rules it has enacted for the gun registry. Republicans on the panel raised concerns over whether the firearm data the agency has gathered for the registry would be retained if the U.S. Supreme Court determines the ban as a whole is unconstitutional. Gun rights advocates have stressed the need for data privacy when it comes to gun ownership. Republican state Rep. Ryan Spain of Peoria, JCARs co-chair, raised concerns over whether the state police have statutory authority to use the firearm registry data in the state-regulated Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, or LEADS, a commonly used database for law enforcement in Illinois. I would like to learn more about the justification for placing this information in LEADS and the reason is very serious, Spain told state police legal counsel Suzanne Bond. LEADS is an important tool for our law enforcement officers and it generates a hot sheet of important information that an officer should be aware of, and I just, for the life of me, cant understand why we would want to be placing red flags among the law-abiding citizens who are completing this (registration) process. Bond disputed Spains red flag characterization and noted that the listing registrants in LEADS is no different from other data on active FOID card holders which is also in the system. There is no intent on the part of the state police to retain information that we should not retain, so we will be doing everything we can to comply with whatever direction were given up to and including, if necessary, applying to delete that information, Bond said. JCAR adjourned its hearing without permanently codifying the state polices rules and said they could be considered by the panel when it meets next on Jan. 16. Advertisement Gun owners who dont register firearms covered by the ban that they owned before Jan. 10, 2023, face a misdemeanor charge for a first offense and a felony for subsequent violations. The gun rights organizations that brought the legal challenge argue the registry violates both the Second Amendments right to bear arms and the 14th Amendments due process clause. In court papers, they argued that the law over the registry is too vague about what guns or firearm accessories need to be registered, and they alleged the state failed to provide adequate notice to the public about the registry aside from posting its rules on the state polices website. Those rules were posted in mid-September, shortly before the agency began processing registrations on Oct. 1, giving gun owners three months to comply, the plaintiffs said. Within the last few months, the state police have held public hearings, including in Chicago and Springfield, about the gun ban and the registry was a topic. In East St. Louis, Sean Brady, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, argued that the registry in its current form could have severe consequences for law-abiding residents who arent aware of the nuts and bolts of the law. He said state police have already revised enforcement rules for the registry. Just making revisions with two weeks left to go ... in and of itself is suspect, Brady said via video conference. There is an issue here among (the gun rights organizations) membership of not being notified about the deadline to register the prohibited guns. Advertisement A lawyer for the Illinois attorney generals office, Christopher Wells, argued the plaintiffs had no legal standing on their notice argument, contending state police have made a concerted effort to alert the public about the registration requirements. Wells also dismissed Bradys argument that the law is too vague for the public to know what guns or firearm accessories need to be registered. McGlynn, an appointee to the bench by former Republican President Donald Trump, said his ruling on the preliminary injunction motion could be issued by the end of the week. jgorner@chicagotribune.com Victoria Bodily, left, and Shelly Jackson, with the Utah lieutenant governors office, look over ballots during an election recount for Logan and Hyrum cities on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Logan. The Cache County Attorneys office says it is investigating an elections issue in the county clerks office based on information provided by Lt. Gov. Deidre Hendersons office, which oversees elections in the state. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal The Cache County Attorneys office is investigating the county clerks office to see if criminal conduct occurred based on information provided by Lt. Gov. Deidre Hendersons office, which oversees elections in the state. Its not election fraud, Cache County Deputy County Attorney Taylor Sorensen told the Deseret News Wednesday, declining to be more specific about the charges county election officials could face. I think that would go too far. Sorensen said the investigation is related to something back in October rather than an ongoing recount of Novembers election results in several local races. He said his office is investigating the matter to see if there was any criminal conduct. Related Ballots for this years municipal elections, held Nov. 21 to accommodate a special election to fill the 2nd Congressional District vacancy, were mailed out on Oct. 31. Sorensen said he was not willing to say thats what is being investigated. He said the county attorneys office is still investigating exactly what happened to try to determine who was responsible, if anyone for the issue raised by the lieutenant governors office. Later Wednesday, Cache County Executive David Zook said in a statement that the lieutenant governors office contacted county officials regarding a concern related to a document that was filed by the Cache County Clerks office with the Lt. Governors office. Zook said the investigation was initiated by Cache County. We are confident in the integrity of election results in Cache County, Zook said. Cache County is confident that the election process carried out by election staff has resulted in trustworthy and verifiable results. The lieutenant governors office had little to say. We are aware of an election-related investigation in Cache County. The races undergoing recounts on Dec. 13 are unrelated to this matter, state Elections Director Ryan Cowley said in a statement that referred further inquires to the Cache County attorney. Cache County Clerk/Auditor David Benson and County Election Supervisor Dustin Hansen are both on administrative leave, Cache County Council Chairman Dave Erickson confirmed, along with at least one other individual. Anyone that might have had any responsibility of that certain area is on administrative leave, Erickson said, adding that Benson, an elected official, chose last week to get right out of the picture and let this investigation go on. Zook said the county clerk placed two employees on administrative leave standard practice in personnel investigations. Zook said the county clerk placed himself on administrative leave as well, since neither he nor the county council has that authority. Michelle Stanger performs an election recount for Logan and Hyrum cities on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Logan. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal Related Erickson said he expects a fairly fast investigation that could be completed within days into the issue, which he described as related to election preparations, declining to offer any more details. Another source told the Deseret News that the lieutenant governors office notified the county about an irregularity in one of those preparations, which must be certified by state election officials in the run-up to an election. The county council chairman said he didnt know if there would be criminal charges filed in connection with the issue but stressed it should raise zero concerns about the integrity of last months election. Were all about the integrity of the elections. Were all about that. But theres so many things in an election. This is all before the election occurred, he said. Everything was all taken care of so it would not affect the integrity of the election. Youll find out. He said hes anxious himself to find out why the issue occurred. If it was just human error, then a process needs to be perfected. Well find out, Erickson said. If it was intentional, then yes, charges should be brought. Weber County Clerk/Auditor Ricky Hatch, who lobbies the Utah Legislature on behalf of the states county clerks and auditors, said in a statement that there are extensive election processes and safeguards in place. A beautiful foundation of our country is presumed innocence until proven otherwise, Hatch said. With no details about the allegations, we can only assume that the multiple layers of controls in the election administration process helped uncover whatever the alleged wrongdoing is. Fresnos newest coffee shop and eatery has a breakfast plate designed to look like the Mexican flag. The Tower District business also has lattes made with Mexican candies, the kind the owners kids grew up scrambling for after busting open pinatas. Clearly, Mi Cafesito isnt your average coffee shop. It opened last weekend on Van Ness Avenue in the northern part of the neighborhood often called Van Ness Village. Its in the former Loving Hut vegan restaurant across the street from the bar Spokeasy. You can get all kinds of coffee and espresso drinks here made with Latin American flavors. There are also tacos, and six kinds of chilaquiles for breakfast. But theres so much more than food and drink going on here: Family, heritage, and an optimism that literally spills onto the walls and the coffee cups. Its the third location of Mi Cafesito for the Gutierrez-Macedo family. You may know the business from its 2-year-old coffee shop inside Manchester Center. Theres also a location in Easton, but thats temporarily closed. This business is truly family run. Evelyn Gutierrez-Macedo and Ruben Macedo run it with their five kids. Anyone you see behind the counter is family. Their path to opening the Tower location was a bit like going through a pinball machine, but its finally here. One of several Latin-inspired drinks is prepared at Mi Cafesito at its new location on Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. The menu You likely wont find drinks like Mi Cafesitos anywhere else in Fresno. Most are flavored with Mexican candies. Theres a popular mazapan latte with the peanut candy crumbled into the espresso and milk. Another is inspired by Duvalin, the hazelnut-flavored candy. The churro and tres leches lattes are popular, along with a horchata latte made with scratch-made horchata. The coffee comes from several Latin American countries You dont have to be Latino to enjoy those flavors, Macedo said. This is the first Mi Cafesito location with food. Its open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner and everything on the limited menu is homemade. There are six kinds of chilaquiles for breakfast. Thats the dish with tortillas slathered in sauce, eggs, cheese and sour cream. The chilaquiles Mexicanos designed to look like the Mexican flag has green and red sauces on either side, white eggs in the middle even carne asada to represent the eagle. Chilaquiles Mexicanos is a Mi Cafesito special at its new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. Its made to reflect the Mexican flag with red and green sauces on either side, eggs for the center white area, and carne asada meat on top for the brown eagle in the middle. And theres breakfast tortas a bit like breakfast burritos but with meat and scrambled eggs served sandwich style. For lunch and dinner, theres tacos de guisados. These are tacos filled with about six different kinds of rotating stews, including steak with jalapenos, shredded pork, chicharrones and more. A simple vegetarian option is made with rice and a hard-boiled egg. Its the most amazing thing when youre hungry, she said, adding that most of the recipes are from her grandmother. Mi Cafesito, a cafe with Latin-inspired coffee drinks and food, recently opened a new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower Village area of Fresno. Macedo and her husband were both born in Mexico. The kids were all born in the United States, but they visit Mexico three times of year and have tight ties to their Mexican heritage. So much so that once when they were crossing the border to go home to California, one of their young sons blurted to an immigration official, Im Mexican. I dont want to go back. So it was easy then to incorporate their Mexican heritage into the the coffee shop. Were always looking for something that makes us feel like back home, Macedo said. The family Evelyn Gutierrez-Macedo, owner of Mi Cafesito, hugs her niece, Diana Gutierrez, while at the cafes new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. To say this is a family business is an understatement. Mom and dad have five kids (technically, two are a niece and nephew, but theyve been with them long enough they consider them their own). Theres 21-year-old Diana, who greets Evelyn with a quiet kiss on the cheek. Khotan, 18, who says hes shy but then talks your ear off about the business. Isaak, 16, who looks good in trucker hats and is quick to explain anything you want to know about an unfamiliar Mexican flavor. Maya, who is 10 and the little princess of the family, who you might see dancing around the dining room. And theres Hassan, now 24, who is the reason this whole business started. As a senior at Edison High School, he came up with the idea for a coffee shop for a class project. His parents thought it was cute at first, and then switched to taking it seriously before he did, he recalled. They said, All right, lets do it, and I was like, Yeah right, he said. But when his mom traveled to Portland for a two-week coffee training, he realized this was actually happening. Evelyn Gutierrez-Macedo, owner of Mi Cafesito, prepares a chilaquiles dish in the kitchen of the cafes new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. Originally, the family rented a spot for a coffee shop near Edison, paying rent for two years before they were ready. The night before an inspector was coming to hopefully give them the OK to open, a drunk driver crashed into the building. The landlord said he wasnt going to fix the damage and they thought the dream was dead. The family ended up opening in Manchester instead, after dealing with code-related challenges. The Easton location is closed for now because the well ran dry. A Mexican mocha from Mi Cafesito, which has recently opened a new location in the Tower Village area at Van Ness and Home avenues in Fresno. Even the Tower location had more than its fair share of hurdles to get past. During the months it was empty, people broke in repeatedly. They stole $700 blenders, wrecked doors and required about $30,000 in repairs, Macedo said. But now Mi Cafesito is open in the new spot, running both locations, and a sense of optimism pervades the new place. The wall art proclaims Today is a perfect day to be happy. Little messages of encouragement are written on the cardboard sleeves slipped around hot coffee cups too. Even the business name has its own cheerful spin. Mi Cafesito translates to my little cup of coffee, though technically it should have a C in the middle, not an S. Macedo wanted the word Si in the name, which means yes in Spanish. Van Ness Village It opened in a neighborhood that already has its own sense of community and people working to make it better. Across the street, businesses and organizations frequently hold events together, including the bar Spokeasy, maker space Root Access Hackerspace, the Sour Milk gift shop and the LAByrinth Art Collective. We just tend to have a sense of home there and real community collaborating, said Alicia Rodriguez, founder of LAByrinth, an arts and performance space that hosts various events. It will be nice to have another space Mi Cafesito to gather, she said. We all will stand outside when were running into each other and (say), Man, I could really use a cup of coffee right now and nothings open, she said. Im excited about it. Evelyn Gutierrez-Macedo, owner of Mi Cafesito, prides her work in bringing her family together to run the business. A sign reflecting that pride is posted at the cafes new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. Evelyn Gutierrez-Macedo, center right, owner of Mi Cafesito, stands with members of her family at the cafes new location at Van Ness and Home avenues in the Tower District. From left is nephew Isaak Gutierrez, niece Diana Gutierrez, and son Khotan Macedo. (FOX40.COM) A Sierra County man had a close call with a bear on Friday night while he was taking his dog outside to use the bathroom, according to the Sierra County Sheriffs Office. As the man and his dog entered the yard, the man found himself being charged by a bear that came from his neighbors yard. Suspicious death investigation launched after body found in Modesto The bear did not stop and the man received bites on his hand, wrist and leg before he could eventually get away. The man went into his house to retrieve a shotgun and used it to fire at the bear while it was in a standoff with the dog. West Sacramento crash leaves one dead, three injured The man then took himself to the hospital where he was treated for his bites but did not require hospitalization. Employees with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the incident after being notified and were able to track down the bear. The bear was found with a gunshot wound and was euthanized by Fish and Wildlife officials. Suspected bear encounter happened after womans death, California officials say Its unclear what type of bear was involved, but according to CDFW, black bears are the only wild bears in the state. The bear was then sent to Sacramento for a necropsy and rabies testing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. California preschool teacher fired after applying mood-calming patches to students without consent South El Monte, California, parents were shocked to learn last week that a teacher at a day care facility allegedly applied mood-calming stickers known as "Zen Patches" on preschoolers without the parents consent. FOX 11 Los Angeles reported that parents of students at Options for Learning Head Start were outraged and are now demanding teacher accountability and child safety. Two of the children affected by the patches, a 3-year-old and 4-year-old, told officials about the placement of the patches in interviews. SIX CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED IN FLORIDA AFTER EATING CANNABIS GUMMIES AT AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM Meanwhile, parents expressed their dismay about the situation to the station, reporting that stickers were placed on every child in the classroom, then removed before the students were dismissed for the day. "We were surprised and really upset because you bring your kids, and you expect it to be good, you know," parent Vicky Cano told the news station. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The news broke when a mother of one of the preschoolers showed up unannounced at the school, where a teacher allegedly used mood-calming patches to control the children and make them sleepy. TEXAS ELEMENTARY TEACHER RESIGNS AFTER INVESTIGATION LEARNS SHE GAVE STUDENTS MELATONIN GUMMIES: REPORT A teacher at a South El Monte, Calif., preschool allegedly gave mood-calming stickers to students and removed the stickers before the students were dismissed. Parents also became suspicious when their children began to display behavioral changes and disruptions in their sleeping patterns. Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, a physician, told FOX 11 about the potential risks associated with applying any type of substance to children without the consent of parents. MELATONIN WARNINGS: NEARLY HALF OF PARENTS GIVE IT TO THEIR KIDS TO HELP THEM SLEEP, BUT EXPERTS URGE CAUTION Parents were outraged after learning a teacher at a South El Monte, Calif., preschool allegedly gave their children mood-calming stickers. He emphasized that the children could have suffered adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, while also highlighting the lack of formal regulation for these types of products. Fox News Digital reached out to the school and Options for Learning Head Start, but did not immediately hear back. Options for Learning Head Start CEO Paul F. Pulver said in a statement provided to FOX 11 that an internal review of the incident in South El Monte confirmed that the "aromatic stickers were given to a limited number of students," adding it was a class of 16 students. Pulver also said, "their distribution violated our policy requiring parental decision-making and consent on all such matters. The employee who provided the stickers has been fired." Despite the teacher being fired, parents of the students told FOX 11 they want more. "Firing her is not good enough at all," Stephanie Rodriguez told the news station. "I want justice. She should be in jail." Original article source: California preschool teacher fired after applying mood-calming patches to students without consent Four City Hall lobbyists apparently donated improperly to Mayor Brandon Johnsons political fund, the Chicago Board of Ethics found this week. The board found the registered lobbyists appeared to violate a mayoral executive order by giving money to Johnson, according to probable cause findings issued at a recent meeting. Advertisement The violations do not carry a penalty for the mayor, but could mean those lobbyists lose their ability to work at City Hall. It is board policy not to name those suspected of violating ethics rules, nor do board materials say how much was donated. Advertisement But a Tribune analysis of campaign finance records identified four registered lobbyists who donated to Johnsons candidate committee after he was sworn in as mayor in May. Those donors include former 49th Ward Ald. Joe Moore, who now has his own lobbying business; John Dunn, former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daleys director of intergovernmental affairs who now works for Cozen OConnor; Michael Cassidy with Zephyr Government Strategies; and Anthony B. Bruno, a politically connected business and government consultant in the west suburbs who was previously convicted of tax fraud. The Sun-Times first reported Johnson had improperly received donations from Bruno as part of an analysis of donations the mayor got from city contractors, who are barred by a separate executive order. Johnsons spokesperson said last month that the donations would be returned. Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2011 signed the orders barring donations from city contractors and lobbyists, which will remain in place unless and until a future mayor rescinds them. Emanuels lobbyist order made it a violation for any lobbyist to contribute any amount to the mayor or their political fundraising committee. The Board of Ethics shall not accept a lobbyist registration statement from any person who it finds to have violated this Order, it says. Former Ald. Moore donated $250 to Johnson in June. He said Tuesday afternoon the board had not notified him about a violation, but said the donation was an innocent error and that the potential loss of his lobbyist registration would be a punishment far in excess of the crime, especially when he was unaware the executive order was still in effect under Johnson. In a statement, Dunn said the $250 contribution he made in June was a mistake, but I did report the contribution to the Board of Ethics at the time. Neither Bruno nor Cassidy who gave $2,000 and $1,500 respectively responded to a Tribune request for comment. Advertisement Johnsons political spokesman, Christian Perry, told the Tribune on Tuesday the four donations had been returned but did not say when, nor whether they had been in contact with the Board of Ethics about the donations. Ethics Board Executive Director Steve Berlin declined to say whether the mayors campaign had reached out to address the donations. Whether Johnsons refund would render the potential violations moot would be up to the full board, Berlin said. The contributors and the mayors campaign committee are allowed to rebut the boards findings. One unnamed potential violator has already argued that the contribution came from an entity connected with the lobbyist, not the lobbyist personally, and the matter was referred to the IG for a factual investigation, ethics records say. aquig@chicagotribune.com A crowd of roughly 280 people attended Tuesday's Cascade County Commission meeting to consider an ordinance to remove election administration duties from the office of clerk and recorder. Following a meeting so highly attended that it had to be moved to the Exhibition Hall and so contentious that it was overseen by four uniformed Sheriffs deputies, a split vote by the Cascade County commissioners approved an ordinance to strip embattled Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant of her duties as election administrator. The final vote was 2 -1, with commissioners Joe Briggs and Jim Larson voting to approve Resolution 23-62 and commissioner Rae Grulkowski voting against. All three Cascade County commissioners are Republicans, as is Merchant. The resolution becomes effective immediately and leaves the county having to solicit, hire and install a qualified elections administrator prior to the federal election next November. That election will include a full roster of candidates, and with Montana Democrat Jon Tester seeking a fourth term in the U.S. Senate, the election has the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress. That reality was cited by Briggs as a motivating factor in his decision to bring Resolution 23-62 to the full commission for a vote. In my opinion we have very complex and important elections coming up in this next year, he said. It will take time to get things stabilized and restructuring needs to happen within that office. It is my hope that we can get this step taken today and spend the first few months of next year getting whatever necessary changes have to be made to prepare us for the federal elections. I do not take this lightly, Briggs added just prior to the final vote. Quite frankly, I agree with a great deal of what the opposition said. However, we have a problem that I believe has to be fixed, and it has to be fixed in the near term. Great Falls County Commissioner Joe Briggs listens to public comment during Tuesday's meeting. Roughly 280 people attended the meeting to accept public comment on a proposed ordinance to remove Election Administration duties from the office of Clerk and Recorder. Close to 300 people attended Tuesdays meeting, with those speaking in opposition to the resolution outnumbering those who spoke in support. Many of the more than 100 speakers accused the commission of undermining the will of Cascade Countys voters. Need I remind you that voters elected a clerk and recorder/elections administrator in 2022 as a combined position with the expectation that it would remain that way at least until the current term of office was over, said Jenni Dodd, a frequent critic of the commissions actions. The resolution makes this change effective immediately, thus negating the will of the people in the 2022 general election. Your actions are pure retaliatory. Much of the crowd's criticism centered upon a rule change that would significantly impact the countys election practice midway through an elections administrators duly appointed term of office. I believe that what you want is a good outcome for the Elections Office, said Cascade County State Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway. I believe that with all my heart. We agree upon that, but is this the right process? I believe your resolution is the wrong process. What I am asking lets get rid of this resolution today and lets find a better solution, Sheldon-Galloway added. "We can do it by legislation, we can do it through ordinances, but a one-vote one-day process is bad government. The 2022 election for clerk and recorder in Cascade County was one of the closest in recent memory. With nearly 29,000 votes cast, political newcomer Sandra Merchant defeated long-time Clerk and Recorder Rina Fontana-Moore by a margin of just 36 votes. Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant addresses the Cascade County Commission during Tuesday's meeting Controversy has followed Merchant ever since. She has drawn allegations of mismanagement in each election she has administered since taking office. Following local elections last May, two Cascade County irrigation districts filed lawsuits against the county claiming Merchant mishandled the election sending ballots to residents who were ineligible to vote and failing to send them to those who were. That same month a District Court Judge approved the Great Falls Public Librarys request to appoint an election monitor to observe the handling of the librarys special mill levy election in June, and in September Great Falls Public Schools officials sent a letter to Cascade County Commissioners asking that Merchants election duties be transferred to the county commissioners. A final canvass of the countys Nov. 7 general election results was delayed for a week past a state mandated deadline due to a failure to give adequate public notice, and after discrepancies were found between the number of machine tabulated votes and the number recorded in the election administrators report. Referring to those events, Briggs said the Board of Commissioners has a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process in Cascade County assures confidence among all the citizens, and that elections in Cascade County are conducted with the utmost professionalism and accuracy. Recently we have gone through a series of lawsuits, technical issues, a number of complaints from citizens about the conduct of the election, and a very challenging canvass that I never did get my concerns fully addressed at, he said. For that reason, is why I have a second vote to bring it forward for second discussion. Commissioner Jim Larson said the decision had already been put off too long, and that the county could not afford to put the difficult vote off any longer. With all the issues that are festering in Cascade County including the Elections Office I feel its time to put a non-partisan person in as an elections administrator and get this elections office back into a situation that we can all be proud of, he said. This government is going to make this decision, Larson added. We cant be dancing around. If we table this, then we go through this whole thing again. As I look through the testimony today it was about as close as it was during the election. Despite the missteps, Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki told the commission early on in Tuesdays meeting that Merchant never intentionally violated the law. My team and I have reviewed the matter in great detail, Racki said, and it is the opinion of the Cascade County Attorneys Office that we have no reason to believe that Ms. Merchant has knowingly or purposefully violate any Montana law that would require the county to redo or would invalidate an election. Cascade County Commissioners Jim Larson, Rae Grulkowski, and Joe Briggs (left to right) listen to public comment during Tuesday's commission meeting. Speaking at the beginning of the six-hour public comment period, Merchant said most of her offices problems were due to the lack of support she received from the county commission office upon assuming her position. Nobody knew me, Merchant said of those who voted for her. They were concerned about the Elections Office, that is why they were voting. They were voting to remove someone they did not trust. This person is new in the office, as well as I, said Commissioner Rae Grulkowski in support of Merchant. We would expect that we would be guided into a smooth situation and not reprimanded for doing something wrong, but that hand-up hasnt come out. He is trying to create an illusion of impropriety to accomplish his agenda, she added, although Merchant declined to include what Briggs "agenda" was. She added allegations of security breaches at the Cascade County Elections Office including keys and security fobs loose on tables and desks, confidential passwords taped onto computers, and seal logs either incomplete or missing entirely. This was the first time in over 15-years that the elections canvas was done according to law, with the results in front of them and having the commissioners tally those results instead of just looking at a spreadsheet that was typed up and printed out by the elections administrator, Merchant said in defense of the delay in the Nov. 7 general election canvass results. It is obviously a political and probably a personal move, and Mr. Briggs is less than honest to be saying that it is not. However, Briggs countered that his concerns about the overlapping responsibilities of elections administrator and clerk and recorder had troubled him since before Merchant ever took office. This actually started before the election of 2022, Briggs said of his efforts to separate the duties of clerk and recorder from those of the elections administrator in Cascade County. At that point in time I was unable to get a second commissioner to support putting it on a work session. In between the election of 2022 and the swearing in of our current clerk and recorder I attempted it again and once again it met with opposition. His concerns about those dual and potentially conflicting responsibilities were reflected in the words of Resolution 23-62 itself. Despite multiple repeat requests and an abundance of opportunity to do so, Cascade Countys Election Administrator (Rina Fontana-Moore) refused to voluntarily recuse herself from serving as Cascade Countys Election Administrator while seeking re-election as Cascade Countys Clerk and Recorder, the resolution states. By failing to recuse herself from serving as Cascade Countys Election Administrator during her 2022 bid to be re-elected as Clerk and Recorder, the Board of Cascade County Commissioners received multiple complaints, concerns, and criticisms surrounding the perceived lack of transparency and appearance of impropriety of having the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder in charge of all election operations while also appearing as a candidate on the ballot. A long line of attendees at Tuesday's Cascade County Commission meeting ques up to present comments to commissioners Ken Toole, a spokesperson for the reform-minded Elections Protection Committee, said they encouraged their supports to say where youre from, say what your position is and sit down. We fully expected that they would have more people at this meeting because, quite frankly they are relying on the Pachyderm Club for their base of support, Toole said. Those folks meet monthly. They have 50 to 100 people attend their monthly meetings. Theyve just got a lot more infrastructure than an ad-hoc committee does. Toole said the Election Protection Committee had submitted a petition with 300 signatures in support of Resolution 23-26. He also said that for whatever reason it seemed that supporters of Sandra Merchant had much more available time to attend weekday meetings than her opponents do. When public entities hold a meeting in the middle of a workday, I just think it changes who is going to be in the room, Toole said. He also described the current debate over local policy within the Cascade County Republican Central Committee as a blood feud, pitting traditional big-tent Republicans like state Sen. Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick and Sen. Wendy McKamey against ultra-conservatives like J.C. Kantorowicz and Randy Pinocci. That has gone on for many years, Toole said. Obviously the Democrats have similar issues, but its not as irritated and agitated, except the backdrop here is Sandra Merchant. The issue is not what Sandra Merchant has done wrong, its what shes done right? Toole added. Every single election has had significant issues. Its one thing when its a school board election or a flood district and even the municipal elections, but your next election if there is any question there are going to be lawyers all over it. If the kind of things that weve seen since last year when she (Merchant) took office happen in the primary or general election coming, its not going to be, Oh, well I guess well accept the canvas even though theres a problem. Its going to be federal court. I think both Jim and Joe know that the stakes are going to be fairly high in the next two elections. The 2024 general elections are now less than a year away and getting a new elections administrator recruited, vetted, hired and a new Elections Office composed and ready for the challenge only adds to the stress now imposed on Cascade County officials. Am I a little concerned about getting a full-time replacement? Briggs asked. Yes but the problem exists now, and I truly believe that it has to be fixed now. No one thinks that this is an easy deal. Im truly sorry if you think Im some sort of an evil overlord with this massive plan, because you give me a great deal more credit than I deserve. Thats not who I am. I would say that we definitely dont have enough information to make any decision, said Grulkowski. Thats part of the culture of this county government that Ive viewed since Ive been in here. I dont think this was the proper format or the proper process. What were doing is creating more problems without answers, and thats been done quite often by this board since Ive been here, she added. I will not be voting for this because there is no logical reason to proceed in this manner with such a huge impact to our community. Despite Grulkowskis admonishments, Briggs and Larson voted as a majority to remove Merchants elections authority and responsibilities. This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Cascade County votes to strip elections from clerk and recorder A Black Florida woman couldnt enjoy more than a week of life with her newly-wed husband before a man allegedly took both their lives. Whats worse is that police believe the motive behind the killing was personal, as family members identified the suspect as the womans ex-boyfriend. Sony Josaphat, 46, is accused of shooting and killing a 45-year-old woman and a man who were both found dead at a home near West Palm Beach Saturday, deputies said. The affidavit, per NBC, said Josaphats daughter called the police to report that she witnessed the shooting. When the police arrived, they found the couple lying dead on the sidewalk in front of Josaphats daughter and her brother. Read more According to the affidavit, the day of the shooting, Josaphat was seen walking through the yard of the home before he approached the victims and opened fire. He walked up to [redacted] and said, Good morning. They said Good morning back to him. Sony then shot [redacted] in the upper torso and head. He then shot [redacted] several times, the affidavit said. Even after they were shot, he kept shooting with his Glock 17, the affidavit said. When he left in his car, he noticed his Glock magazine was empty, called his pastor and confessed what he had done, according to the document. He then drove to Palm Beach Sheriffs Office headquarters, entered the main detention center courthouse and surrendered, declaring that he had just killed the victims. The authorities said the shooting was a targeted domestic violence incident. Details as to what the relationship was between the victims and Josaphat have not been disclosed by the department. However, it was the victims sister who told WPTV the woman had just gotten married the week prior to the killing. She said shed moved from Haiti and was on her way toward becoming a nurse practitioner; her new husband was a pastor. She has never been as happy as she was now, she said, via WPTV. Josaphat is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is due in court again after the New Year. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. SAN DIEGO A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to using unreasonable force on an individual who applied for admission to the U.S. from Mexico. According to U.S. attorney Tara McGraths office, 41-year-old Andre Maurice Chevalier admitted in his plea agreement that he encountered a woman at an inspection booth on April 23, 2022. More than 14K pounds of drugs seized at border in November: CBP The CBP officer said he pulled the woman, identified in court documents by the initials Y.F., out of her vehicle and slung her into the booth. She sustained injuries to her face and fell to the ground. Chevalier also admitted to then picking up the woman and shoving her against her vehicle before handcuffing her. The CBP officer said that he acted willfully and intentionally, depriving the woman of her right to be free from an unreasonable use of force. As part of his plea agreement, Chevalier will resign from his position and will not seek future employment with a federal law enforcement agency. Mr. Chevaliers conduct was inexcusable, said McGrath. His guilty plea and resignation mean he no longer has authority over, or the opportunity to abuse, those entering the country. Chevalier is set to be sentenced on March 8, 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Joining Australia and New Zealand in calling for sustainable Gaza ceasefire, PM Trudeau says Canada is committed to ensuring that Israelis and Palestinians get to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders in peaceful and successful states.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/0FxzvY9Hwg CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2023 A Jewish advocacy organisation is taking aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government, accusing them of hypocrisy, as Canada voted in favour of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at the United Nations. Canada joined Australia, New Zealand and 150 other nations in backing a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that has claimed more than tens of thousands of Gazan lives since the events of Oct. 7. Since October 7, over 18,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Gaza, thousands of children are now orphans. Countless Palestinian civilians in Gaza are suffering without water, food, fuel or medicine and their homes have been reduced to rubble. We must recognize that what is unfolding before our eyes will only enhance the cycle of violence, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said during a presser Tuesday afternoon. Empty words. You just voted for a UN resolution that intentionally and explicitly excluded those considerations. Minister @melaniejoly, you cannot have it both ways. #cdnpoli https://t.co/bYqK0RWtpo CIJA (@CIJAinfo) December 13, 2023 The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs expressed its dissatisfaction with the Canadian governments latest stance on the issue and accused them of appearing to be hypocritical in their ever-shifting position on the matter. Canadian foreign policy shows itself to be hypocritical, CIJA President and CEO Shimon Koffler Fogel said in a statement shared with Yahoo News Canada. Were disgusted and frankly shocked that only hours after issuing a statement that a ceasefire would only be possible under the condition that Hamas release the hostages, stop its use of Palestinians as human shields, lay down its arms, and surrender its control of Gaza, Canada voted in support of a UN General Assembly resolution supporting a ceasefire. In the hours leading to the UN vote, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts, calling for a sustainable ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas while also urging on an immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli hostages and for Hamas to lay down its arms. PM Albanese, in joint statement w/ Canada PM Justin Trudeau & NZ PM Chris Luxon, call for Gaza ceasefire "We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians" pic.twitter.com/CxyKtIFJCZ Josh Butler (@JoshButler) December 12, 2023 The joint statement also marks the first time Trudeau used the term "ceasefire" in reference to the Israel-Hamas war as until then he called for a humanitarian pause in the conflict. The CIJA chief pointed out how Canada initially reaffirmed Israel's right to exist and defend itself as it further denounced Hamas but then went on to support a resolution that, according to the Jewish support group, fails to hold Hamas accountable. Did anything change on the ground in the short hours between Canadas statement and the scheduled UN vote? The answer is no. Hamas still holds more than 100 Israelis hostage. It is still using Palestinians as human shields. And it is still indiscriminately firing rockets at Israelis, the statement read. A total of 153 countries voted in favour of the resolution with 10 against, including the United States and 23 abstaining, including the United Kingdom. Some Liberal party MPs are not in favour of their governments latest position Liberal MPs like former cabinet minister Marco Mendicino and Quebecer Anthony Housefather expressed their disagreement on X, formerly known as Twitter, while specifically stating calls for an unconditional ceasefire only jeopardise the safety of Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza. "I was very disappointed in the vote at the United Nations," says Liberal MP Anthony Housefather about Canada's support for a non-binding UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/yKZBDbG77p CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 13, 2023 I do not support [the resolution's] call for Israel to agree to what is, effectively, an unconditional ceasefire. At present, that would only place in further jeopardy the safety and security of Israelis & Palestinians in Gaza," he wrote. In my view, any cessation of hostilities requires Hamas to release all hostages and lay down arms and surrender. Hamas, a terrorist organization is entirely responsible for starting a war. I disagree with our vote at the UN today. Anthony Housefather (@AHousefather) December 12, 2023 Our pressure is working, Canadians welcome governments support for ceasefire Many Canadians welcomed the Trudeau governments push for a ceasefire, calling it a positive step in building lasting peace in the region. Today marks a positive step. We must continue working to achieve a permanent ceasefire & commit to build a better & lasting peace, wrote Mississauga MP Iqra Khalid on X. Canada just voted for a ceasefire for the first time and Trudeau didnt stutter this time. Our pressure is working yall. Time to double down #FreePalestine #FromTheRiverToSea Anna Lippman (@anna_lippman) December 12, 2023 The National Council of Canadian Muslims, too, lauded the Trudeau government's vote in favour of a ceasefire, however, acknowledged that it was "late" to act. "Todays vote in calling for a ceasefire came late. But it was an important moment to finally stand on the right side of history from @JustinTrudeau and @melaniejoly. Over 70% of Canadians wanted to see a ceasefire. Canadians stand for peace," NCCM posted on X. Canada is on board! On board with international law, on board with civilian protection & human rights, on board with finding a way forward. Bravo @JustinTrudeau@melaniejoly. This growing, formidable weight of international opinion is irresistible. There must be a #CeasefireNOW. pic.twitter.com/O6syZLVM7N Alex Neve (@AlexNeve24) December 12, 2023 So proud of my Liberal Government for being on the right side of history by voting in favour of the UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Back to you, America. Bravo @melaniejoly @liberal_party https://t.co/1fbCYWOz7b KNugent4118 (@KNugent4118) December 12, 2023 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa that he made Canadas position clear to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, in a long and detailed phone call. Joining Australia and New Zealand in calling for sustainable Gaza ceasefire, PM Trudeau says Canada is committed to ensuring that Israelis and Palestinians get to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders in peaceful and successful states.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/0FxzvY9Hwg CPAC (@CPAC_TV) December 12, 2023 Trudeau did not use the term "ceasefire" in his brief exchange with reporters, according to CBC. A popular Central Kentucky Cajun/Creole restaurant announced its last day of business will be Christmas Eve. Broussards Delta Kitchen at 135 E. Main St. in Georgetown will shut down after five years. In a Facebook post, owner and chef Greg Scott blamed the rising cost of supplies and labor. Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here. Scott also said the restaurants lease was up and this just seemed like the right time. Im a little tired and want to go back to being retired for a while. The restaurants last service will be Sunday brunch on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, according to the post. Broussards Delta Kitchens Crawfish Etouffee featuring domestic crawfish simmered in a rich seafood stock with a deep dark brown roux. Broussards Delta Kitchen serves Delta-inspired dishes like seafood diablo, crawfish etouffee and Chef Greg Scotts grandmothers meatloaf in Georgetown, Ky., Thursday, July 21, 2022. In the post, Scott said the restaurant simply cannot sustain itself any longer. ... I want to thank all of our loyal customers for 5 years of smiles and good times. This has been a great adventure and I made many new friends. I owe a large debt of gratitude to my crew, most have been with me since day one. This is truly the best group Ive worked with in 50 years in this business. So if youve enjoyed Broussards in the past or always wanted to come visit, please do over the next 2 weeks. Its our last chance to share a meal, some drinks and a good time together, Scott said. Thanks for all the great memories. Happy trails to all of you, until we meet again. Broussards Delta Kitchen owner and Chef Greg Scott started the Cajun and Creole recipe lead Georgetown restaurant after running a pizza shop in Wilmore then decided to move to a larger project in Georgetown, Ky., Thursday, July 21, 2022. The Georgetown restaurant was known for using the Cajun and Creole recipes Scott learned from his grandmother as a child during summer visits to Louisiana. Grandmother Broussard was the restaurants namesake. Scott, a well-traveled chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York and Rice University in Texas, worked at several hotels and resorts, including the Greenbrier in West Virginia before he retired. He originally opened a country inn in Virginia before selling it and moving to Lexington. He opened Sims Pizzeria and Ice Cream Parlor in Wilmore before launching Broussards in 2019. CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio (WJW) An 84-year-old man reported missing by village police and considered to be endangered has been found safe at his home. Help find Northeast Ohios missing persons Chagrin Falls Police Department on Wednesday reported James A. Tutwiler to be missing. He was believed to be in the Geneva area, in northwestern Ashtabula County, according to police. Safe, welcoming place: Country singer Brad Paisley, wife open free toy store The department later Wednesday announced the man had been found at his home with his son. The missing person alert was canceled. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. MUNCIE, Ind. The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is launching the local 2024 National Civics Bee in Delaware County. Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce The bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Delaware County aims to inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. This opportunity extends to students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth, granting them a unique platform to demonstrate civics knowledge. Middle-school students from public, private, charter and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel reviews the 500-word essays, the top 20 students will be selected to move on to the next round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. Students will also receive a tablet to use during the event and take home. Local cash prizes are: first place, $500; second place, $250; and thrd place, $125. This year, the bee is expanding its reach to students in 28 states, with plans for a national competition scheduled for 2024. A three-year, $4.5 million grant from the Daniels Fund will allow the U.S. Chamber Foundation to scale these bees to all 50 states by 2026. The deadline for student essay submissions is Jan. 8, 2024. For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay, visit the bee website. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Chamber recruits local middle schoolers for National Civics Bee United Methodist Church of Geneva will host its annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday at the church, 211 Hamilton St. in Geneva. (United Methodist Church of Genev/HANDOUT) United Methodist Church of Geneva is inviting the public to attend the Christmas Cantata on Sunday at the church, 211 Hamilton St. in Geneva. The Christmas Cantata will be performed at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the church, officials said. The 9 a.m. service will also be livestreamed, according to church officials. Advertisement A tradition since 1985, this years cantata is written and conducted by the churchs Director of Music Scott Stevenson, and is titled Christmas Portraits. The three sections of the performance - Cathedral Christmas, That Night in Bethlehem and A London Yuletide, - will highlight carols from different countries and languages. Advertisement The cantata will feature a 10-piece chamber orchestra, church officials said. A bake sale will take place after each service. All sales are free-will donations that will benefit the mission partners of Haiti: Kids Alive and Rebuilding Haiti Now, church officials said. Free spaghetti dinner at St. Charles church St. Charles Episcopal Church will hold its monthly free spaghetti dinner a little earlier this month than usual due to the holidays, church officials said. The dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, 994 N. Fifth Ave. in St Charles. A take-out option is available as well, according to church officials. Calvary Church to host Sounds of Christmas Calvary Church on the border of Aurora and Naperville plans to host Sounds of Christmas musical performances at 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday at the church, 9S200 Route 59. An orchestra and choir will present the free hour-long show of Christmas music, a news release said. Child care services will be available for children ages 4 and younger. Families are welcome to come early to view the churchs Christmas Showcase from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Christmas trees representing more than 20 countries make up the display, the release said. Advertisement For more information, go to calvarynaperville.org/christmas. The brother of former Harvey Mayor Eric Kellogg has been convicted by a federal jury in a yearslong shakedown scheme in which thousands of dollars were extorted by the operator of a strip club in that city, according to the U.S. attorneys office in Chicago. A jury Monday convicted Rommell Kellogg, 71, of Harvey, of all five charges against him, including conspiracy to commit theft and intimidation and causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation, according to a news release from the office. Advertisement The verdicts were returned following a weeklong trial before U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, who did not immediately set a sentencing date. Each county carries a prison term of up to five years, according to the U.S. attorney. Advertisement Corey Johnson, a cousin of Eric Kellogg, had been charged with Rommell Kellogg in March 2019 and was the bagman in the conspiracy, according to the news release. He collected biweekly $3,000 payments from the business and delivered the money to Kellogg. From 2003 to 2018, Kellogg and Johnson conspired to regularly demand and collect payments from the strip club based on threats that the city of Harvey would potentially interfere with the clubs operations if the payments were not made, according to prosecutors. In exchange for the payments, the business was allowed to continue to operate, even though the conspirators and others knew that acts of prostitution were occurring on-site, according to prosecutors. Johnson, 68, of Harvey, pleaded guilty last month to a theft charge and is due to be sentenced Feb. 14. Prosecutors have indicated they will recommend a prison term of not longer than six months for him. Eric Kellogg was not named in the criminal complaint against his brother and cousin, and prosecutors noted that Rommell Kellogg and Johnson are cousins whose relatives served in high-ranking positions in Harvey government. After 16 years as Harvey mayor, Eric Kellogg left office in spring 2019, barred from seeking reelection in that years mayoral contest due to term limits. Replacing him was attorney Christopher Clark, who had played a key role in the term limiting of the mayor. According to the complaint against Rommell Kellogg, a longtime manager of the unidentified strip club told authorities in 2017 that he had made payoffs to Johnson about every two weeks for several years. Advertisement The manager told authorities that in about 2003, the clubs then-operator told him Mayor Kellogg had demanded a payoff of $3,000 a month to allow prostitution to continue. Johnson was also hired at the time by the club to work security on orders of the mayor, according to the complaint. Over the next five years, the manager told authorities, the clubs then-operator complained several times about the alleged monthly payments to Kellogg. Then in 2007 or 2008, the then-operator said that the mayor had demanded that the payoffs be doubled to $6,000 a month, the manager told authorities. The then-operator refused to pay up, and Harvey police shut down the business three separate times over the next week, the manager told authorities. Tell your boss to just pay the man, a Harvey police officer said during the third visit, or words to that effect, according to the complaint. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > After that, the then-operator agreed to pay $6,000 a month in bribes, the manager told authorities. Advertisement After agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement in 2017, the strip club manager wore a hidden wire as he made his payoffs to Johnson between October 2017 and May 2018, prosecutors alleged. Employees would use code words such as pizza and rent money to refer to the regular payoffs, authorities alleged. In 2017, when the club was briefly shuttered after a law enforcement raid, Johnson told the manager that they would no longer have to pay so long as the prostitution ended, according to the complaint. About a week later, the club reopened without the prostitution, but Johnson and the others soon began demanding payments again, the charges alleged. According to Johnsons plea agreement, more than $500,000 was paid by the club to Johnson, although some of that money was provided to the club by the FBI after the club manager agreed to cooperate with authorities. mnolan@tribpub.com A person walks past a Christmas tree at Queens Park in Toronto on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. | Nathan Denette, The Canadian Press via Associated Press This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night. Is Christmas racist? Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced that question last month during an appearance in the House of Commons as lawmakers criticized a discussion paper on religious intolerance from the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The paper, dated Oct. 23, questions Canadas recognition of Christmas and Easter as official holidays, noting that they are the only Canadian statutory holidays linked to religious holy days. As a result, non-Christians may need to request special accommodations to observe their holy days and other times of the year where their religion requires them to abstain from work, it says. The discussion paper links the states support for Christmas and Easter to its past attacks on indigenous spirituality, arguing that indigenous communities continue to face racism and intolerance of their spiritual practices to this day. Although Christmas is only mentioned once in the paper, which is about why religious intolerance is a problem and how to combat it, the one mention was enough to spark a backlash from Canadian lawmakers. As mentioned above, on Nov. 29, one elected official urged the prime minister to address the paper. Trudeau said that, Obviously, Christmas is not racist, but called the question, not the paper, totally ridiculous, according to The Christian Post. The next day, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion condemning the discussion papers comment on Christmas. The motion ask(ed) the House to denounce all attempts to polarize events that have been part of Quebec and Canadian heritage for generations and invite all Quebecers and Canadians to unite as we approach the Christmas season, Global News reported. Amid the fallout, the Canadian Human Rights Commission attempted to clarify the discussion papers comment on Christmas, noting that its goal was not to criticize state recognition of Christmas, but to, instead, encourage support for those who celebrate non-Christian holidays. In an emailed response, the CHRC says Christmas is an important tradition for millions of Canadians, both Christians and non-Christians alike. The organization says that the paper is not about Christmas or any other religious tradition, but a discussion on how to ensure all Canadians can equally observe their religious holidays, Global News reported. As I read about the debate in Canada, I was reminded of the work Ive done on faith-related employee initiatives in American workplaces and scheduling decisions in American schools. In those settings, too, some have questioned why Christians reap the benefits of automatically getting Christmas off of work, while members of other faiths often have to use PTO to ensure they can be with family on their holy days. In the U.S., employers, school board members and others can use data to justify their holiday choices. Pew Research Center reported in 2017 that 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas and that a growing number of these adults think of it as a cultural, rather than religious, celebration. Still, some U.S. companies and school districts are beginning to make changes in hopes of better serving those who want different holidays off. Some schools have added additional days off for major Jewish or Muslim holidays or created standardized rescheduling rules for cases in which an exam day conflicts with a religious observance. And I recently wrote about a health care system in Georgia thats doing away with its Christmas Eve holiday in order to make room for Juneteenth. These shifts arent without controversy, but they strike me as laudable in the sense that its good to try new things in hopes of creating a more inclusive environment as long as youre willing to make additional refinements in response to concerns. Fresh off the press Spiritual or religious Whats in a name? How Hanukkah is different this year Watch: Opponent drops to a knee and prays for Trevor Lawrence after injury Term of the week: St. Nicholas Day St. Nicholas, the religious precursor to the secular Santa Claus, is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, as well as children, sailors and a variety of other places and things. His feast day, Dec. 6, is also known as St. Nicholas Day. For St. Nicholas Day, children or, in some cases, entire families leave out shoes or stockings in hopes that St. Nicholas will fill them with candy and other treats. It is more commonly celebrated in Europe than in the U.S., but I noticed several of my friends post about it on social media this year. What Im reading ... As the number of couples using IVF to get pregnant grows, so too does the number of frozen embryos in storage facilities across the country. Christianity Today recently reported on evangelical-led efforts to facilitate the adoption of unused embryos, as well as the broader ethical debate surrounding fertility treatments. Is marriage better for men than women? Women believe it is, according to data from the Survey Center on American Life. Center director Dan Cox highlighted this research in his American Storylines newsletter, noting that theres a 21-point gap between the share of women who say that men who get married and have kids are happier than other men (53%) and the share of women who say the same about married women with kids (32%). Odds and ends What end-of-year stories would you like to see from me? A gift guide? A review of my top-performing articles (in terms of pageviews)? A list of movie/book/podcast recommendations? Let me know! A Christmas tree fire sparked a deadly blaze in a North Carolina home, officials said. One young person was killed in the fire, and another person had non-critical injuries, Tabetha Childress, a spokesperson for the Winston-Salem Fire Department, told McClatchy News in a phone interview. The person who died at the scene was a minor, but officials wouldnt release other identifying information due to their age. The accidental fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Crews responded to a scene southeast of downtown Winston-Salem and found a mobile home ablaze. Firefighters believe the home caught fire after a lighter was near a live Christmas tree. Now, crews are sharing tips to help people stay safe this holiday season. Keep the tree watered, Childress said. Secondly, keep all candles and flammable material away from the Christmas tree. And if you leave home, turn the lights off on the Christmas tree. Unattended turkey fryer starts raging house fire with family inside, NC officials say 72-year-old and his granddaughter die when fire tears through NC home, officials say Of all the consequential issues that may affect the 2024 election, the one that appears to be the least impactful is the Republican move to impeach President Joe Biden. Its a strange sentence to even write, let alone believe. Impeachments used to feel like the ultimate political punishment. To be impeached was a shot at a presidents character, at his moral or ethical standing. Impeachment was a tool the founders created to punish a politician who they feared the courts couldnt. Political crimes arent necessarily something you can write into our criminal code. The ability of politicians to overcome unethical or illegal behavior by using their popularity was something the founders feared, and they created a mechanism to protect the democracy from unethical demagogues. But somewhere along the way, impeachment became just another political campaign tactic, like getting out the vote, filing an ethics complaint or launching a TV ad. The lazy conventional wisdom on this phenomenon lies somewhere between the right wing saying Democrats lowered the impeachment standard with their obsession with impeaching Donald Trump twice and the left, arguing that what started this devolution of the impeachment process was Republicans deciding to use it as a weapon against Bill Clinton. Ive now lived through three impeachments, and all of them began with at least some form of case for a high crime or misdemeanor that wasnt totally laughable. In Clintons case, we can debate whether Congress should hold the presidency to a specific moral and ethical standard beyond just financial. I think, in hindsight, the country decided that while it didnt approve of Clintons personal behavior toward women, it wasnt enough to prompt the equivalent of the political death penalty. Are we better served for having gone through the exercise? That might depend on where you sit politically, but compared to the two other impeachments that followed, the Clinton impeachment certainly looks like small ball a fitting end to a decade that turned out to be the halcyon days of my lifetime. To put it another way, we as a society probably didnt know where the impeachment line should be drawn on morals and ethics until we actually went through the process. Whether or not you believe it should have happened or agree with the final outcome, we did learn something about what the American public will tolerate in our political leaders. And then there are the two Trump impeachments, both of which were launched over noble concerns. The first impeachment was about fears the president was using American taxpayer dollars to coerce a foreign country (Ukraine) into creating the illusion of wrongdoing by Joe Biden by opening an investigation into Biden and/or his son. The second impeachment also clearly fell into the category of a political crime: incitement of insurrection, according to one charge, for the purposes of trying to stay in office, despite the results of the election. The fact that all three impeachments failed to result in conviction is what the founders assumed would be the most likely outcome. Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist 65, seemed to predict the polarization all three impeachments created (or reflected) in our politics. Because impeachments were created to deal with the misconduct of public men, as he wrote, they are of a nature which may with peculiar propriety be denominated POLITICAL, as they relate chiefly to injuries done immediately to the society itself. The prosecution of them, for this reason, will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, and to divide it into parties, more or less friendly or inimical, to the accused, Hamilton continued. In many cases, it will connect itself with the pre-existing factions, and will enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence and interest on one side, or on the other; and in such cases there will always be the greatest danger, that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. This brings me to the coming Biden impeachment. The actual facts dont come anywhere near any of the three other modern presidential impeachments. The accusations against Biden havent been confirmed or proved by anyone. Whatever you think of the three other impeachments, the conduct the presidents were accused of was plain for everyone to see. There was no doubt Clinton had an affair with an intern, there was no doubt Trump tried to coerce Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into opening a probe against Biden, and Trumps speech on Jan. 6, 2021, alone is evidence of what he hoped his supporters would accomplish by marching on the Capitol. The point is the conduct alleged in those impeachments wasnt really in question. The question was whether the conduct was bad enough to merit the political death penalty. Now House Republicans appear to be moving toward impeaching Biden for what he could have done in this case, profiting off his brothers and sons efforts to profit off their association with him. But House Republicans have failed to unearth any proof that Joe Biden profited from, let alone directed, what his son Hunter or his brother James were doing in their business dealings with foreign clients. Whenever they are confronted with this uncomfortable set of facts, the House Republicans who are itching to follow through with impeachment essentially fall back on some version of Well, prove to me Joe Biden did not profit off what his son and brother did. And yet, because our politics are so polarized, and because enough Republicans decided against convicting Trump of his high crimes against democracy, the entire impeachment process now has the look and feel of a tit-for-tat. You impeached our guy, so we have to impeach your guy that way voters have a choice between two impeached presidents in 2024. Much of the impeachment fever on the right is driven by Trump and his grievance campaign. He has personally been encouraging his closest House GOP supporters not to drop the impeachment inquiry. Its actually bad general election politics for the House GOP to go down this road. Why? Because the single best way to rally disillusioned Democrats to Bidens side is to impeach him on a strictly party-line vote. But these House Republicans are pushing for it anyway, mostly because they fear their own Trump-supporting constituents. Whether true or not, Trump has convinced his supporters that Biden is no more or less corrupt than he is, and now hell look to wield a congressional impeachment as evidence. Trump is still angry over being impeached at all, and whatever happens to him, he simply wants to redirect it against his opponents. That is why Trump talks about prosecuting Biden if he gets back into office. He wants his supporters to believe that everything done to him was political and that the easiest way to prove that the impeachments and indictments are political is to do the same thing to the other party or the other opponent. What has been strategically brilliant about this Trump-led impeachment strategy is that it has put people who are against it in the uncomfortable position of defending what Hunter and James Biden apparently did do: use their last name and perceived access to Joe Biden as a way to get clients. It may seem slimy, but it isnt illegal, and the tactic is as old as the republic. Access to powerful government officials has always been a lucrative business, which is why some of the highest salaries in all of Washington are those of registered lobbyists. And thats where the disingenuous House GOP outrage over the Biden family is on full display. As Ive said numerous times to any elected Republican Ive interviewed about Hunter Bidens business activity, if you are outraged by what the Biden relatives have done, you must be apoplectic about what Jared Kushner and Steve Mnuchin have done, by parlaying their government relationships in the Trump administration to gain access to key funders of their Middle East hedge fund. As The New York Times outlined, both Kushner and Mnuchin appeared to mix their government duties and their personal post-administration ambitions during the last few months of the Trump administration. That is: If Republicans care about politicians making money off of government, then they should be equally concerned and outraged by how the Trump family has conducted itself. But the lack of concern about this issue is why its hard to see this Biden impeachment as anything more than a political exercise. I might be slightly more sympathetic to the strategy had the Democrats, say, impeached Trump over his hotel and the violation of the emoluments clause. Im not trying to defend Trumps ethics with his hotel. Its pretty clear that the hotel was an unseemly part of how Trump used his presidency to line the Trump Organizations pockets. But had Democrats decided to impeach him over it, it would have felt like the equivalent of going after Clinton for an affair. Its unethical, its a bad example for the country, but does it rise to the level of the political death penalty? What I really cant wait for is how some members of Congress will explain why its OK for their relatives to trade off their names to get business in the world of government relations, but not Bidens relatives. There are quite a few lobbying firms and lobbyists who got their starts thanks to their last names, and there are plenty of current members of Congress who have relatives working in advocacy or lobbying roles. Im working on putting together an exhaustive list of members of Congress and their relatives who lobby, but heres just a cursory outline of the practice on both sides of the aisle: The surfacing of hypocrisy in Washington is as shocking as the sun rising in the east. But thats what this entire current impeachment mess looks like: a ham-handed, hypocritical political exercise thats designed only to gum up casual voters views on the corruptibility or corrupt intent of both presidential candidates. If you are a member of Congress and you are truly outraged by family members making money off of government, then work on stricter lobbying reporting rules, stricter campaign finance rules and codes of conduct for family members of sitting presidents. The unseemly nature of the Washington lobbying scene is outrageous, whether its foreign governments buying access to Washington (see Qatar and, among other things, its recent foray into Washington sportswashing) or the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, spouses and more who think a relatives election to office is the equivalent of a Willy Wonka golden ticket to wealth. The goal should be to prevent it from happening, not simply be selectively outraged when a member of the other political party exhibits unethical behavior. Alas, assuming the House GOP does go through with this impeachment, it probably will serve only to make the public yawn whenever it sees or hears the word. Perhaps thats a feature for the House GOP, not a bug. January's most important election Its hard to believe the Iowa caucuses are just a month away because normally, when the caucuses are this close, theres a feeling that things are starting to get competitive there. But we are far from competitive at the moment. About the only interesting race in Iowa is for second place. If Nikki Haley can finish ahead of Ron DeSantis in Iowa, I do think it gives her a chance to consolidate whats left of the non-Trump vote and win New Hampshire. And yet, Im not sure where else she thrives after New Hampshire. It seems painfully obvious that Haleys make-or-break state for the actual nomination will be her home state, South Carolina. And if Trump seems insurmountable in Iowa, hes most likely unbeatable among the more MAGA-friendly South Carolina GOP electorate. But as interesting as Iowa is supposed to be in January, theres another election that I think will be far more important to our future: the Jan. 13 presidential election on the island of Taiwan. If the current leader in the polls, Vice President Lai Ching-te, goes on to win, the U.S. may find itself in a Taiwan crisis sooner than it had planned for. Lais election is the one Beijing fears the most, as the Chinese government believes hes far more in favor of full independence than the other, more China-friendly candidates on the ballot. Already, there are concerns in the U.S. intelligence community that Chinese President Xi Jinping may view the election of Lai as such a threat that he will speed up his timeline on when he wants to either coerce Taiwan back into the fold or simply invade it and bring it back by force. Considering how thinly the West is spread right now across conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, opening up a third front would put even more strain on our own domestic politics. If its hard enough to convince Americans that what happens in eastern Europe is a threat to Americas future security, try convincing Americans we ought to go to war with China over an island that most of them couldnt find on a map. Bottom line: Xi may decide his own military wont be able to take Taiwan in 2024, but the threat of the possibility is just one of many 2024 wild cards that could upend our own politics. And it has almost zero to do with Trump and his trials or Biden and his age. Perhaps the Taiwan issue will spark a more direct debate one we should have but often avoid about whether America should be the worlds democracy beat cop. Heres my first rebuttal for those who dont want America to play this role: If not us, who? Would you rather have America and the West as the globes policing force or China and Russia? Its part of the reason the January election you should be paying the most attention to is in Asia, not Iowa. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A 62-year-old man who worked as a youth coordinator for a church in Ventura County has been convicted by a jury for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, authorities announced on Tuesday. Vidal Vargas Morales, a resident of Fillmore, was found guilty of one felony count of lewd acts upon a child, along with the special allegation that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense, a news release from the Ventura County District Attorneys Office stated. Morales met the victim in a catechism class at a church in Fillmore in 2013, and between October and November began inappropriate communications with the teen, both verbally and through text messages. Womans anti-Mexican outburst caught on video at Disneyland According to the release, the 62-year-old grabbed and fondled the victim in early November of that year, but the crime wasnt reported until years later, though other alleged victims of Morales testified at the trial that they had similar experiences. Church youth worker convicted of lewd acts on a child I am grateful to the victim for her courage in reporting the crime and testifying at trial, Ventura Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern, who prosecuted the case, said. I am also thankful to the additional victims who testified about their experiencesdating back to 1999demonstrating the defendants continued pattern of criminal conduct. While todays verdict can never fully heal the damage done by the defendant to these victims, I am hopeful that this conviction will help in the continuing healing process and send a message to other offenders that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our community. Morales, who remains out of custody on a $20,000 bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Audiences attending Scottish Ballets production of Cinderella will not know if the lead will be played by a man or a woman until the curtain goes up after the company gave its version of the classic fairytale a dramatic twist. Cinders has opened in Glasgow with two versions of the tale performed by the company. In the traditional version, a female Cinderella is swept off her feet by her Prince Charming while in the other, a male Cinders is rescued from a life of drudgery by his princess. A male dancer took the lead role in two shows at the weekend, which Scottish Ballet said was a world first in a theatrical production of the story. The production, set in a drapers store at the turn of the 20th century, features an art-nouveau inspired set with the traditional score by Sergei Prokofiev. The female dancer wears the ballgown, regardless of whether she is playing Cinders or the princess that falls in love with the male Cinders. While there is not an LGBTQ+ coupling for Cinders, the Scottish Ballet said there would be a gay love story blossoming in the background for some of the other characters. Guest principal dancer Jessica Fyfe says she found working on the production 'very exhilarating' - Jane Barlow/PA A spokesman for Scottish Ballet said early feedback about their new version has been overwhelmingly positive on all our social channels, and sales are stronger than ever for our festive ballet. Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballets artistic director and chief executive, has previously said that he was delighted to be bringing a fresh approach to such a well-known fairytale. I have always believed Prokofiev essentially composed a love story, yet full of wit and humour, which underpins this new production, said Mr Hampson. Im enjoying the playfulness of searching for who guides the narrative and who drives the dream. Collaborating with Elin Steele [designer] and the ever-adventurous dancers; we are coming together to deliver a classic Cinders for today. Principal dancer Bruno Michiardi said swapping the roles of the Cinderella leads made the ballet feel different and new. We all know and love the classic story of Cinderella, but this new version means were suddenly working in this amazing upside-down realm, where the male part previously a more traditionally stoic character is a complex mixture of vulnerability and resilience, and the female role usually quite timid and downtrodden for most of the original ballet is empowered and full of charisma. Im excited at the prospect of exploring this further and sharing that with the audience. Guest principal dancer Jessica Fyfe added that she had found working on the production very exhilarating. To give this new fluidity to the leading roles means exploring ways in which the character Cinders, traditionally the poor Cinderella, can be a person of grit, determination and strength, which ultimately leads to them creating their own happy ending. I hope the audience enjoys this new twist on a beautiful classic, which now highlights how anyone can have a hand at shaping their own future. Its not just for fairytales. The ballet opened at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow at the weekend and runs until December 31, before touring to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness in the New Year. The run ends at Newcastles Theatre Royal on February 10. 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. Following Mayor Brandon Johnsons lead, the Chicago City Council on Wednesday rejected a provision in the citys proposed contract with Chicago police that would allow officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases heard behind closed doors while aldermen OKd significant pay hikes for cops. The 33-17 vote defeating the arbitration clause nixes a major part of a deal announced less than two months ago as a major political win by Johnsons administration with the union representing most of Chicagos police force. The councils rejection, and its reasoning for it, will now head back to arbitrator Edwin Benn, who earlier this year voted for the arbitration clause and could send that same ruling back to aldermen within weeks. The battle could ultimately end up in circuit court. In an unusual move at Johnsons request, the arbitration matter was voted on separately from the rest of the contract, including raises for rank-and-file officers totaling 20% over four years that was approved by the full council with no debate. The lack of controversy over the financial aspect of the Fraternal Order of Police contract was another departure from how the council has acted in the past when arguments would often erupt about the cost of policing. But for this contract, the arbitration issue became the main point of disagreement. The provision would allow officers accused of misconduct to remove their cases from the Chicago Police Board docket and instead have them decided privately by an outside third party. The closed-door option was part of an arbitration award handed down earlier this year by Benn during contract negotiations between the city and FOP. The head of the FOP, John Catanzara, argued that the arbitration provision simply gave officers the same rights as many other unions in the state. But critics including leaders of the citys police accountability bodies said it subverted efforts to make police misconduct proceedings more transparent. Given Benns previous ruling on arbitration, Catanzara has warned repeatedly that a rejection would be a waste of time and predicted the union would ultimately prevail in a costly court fight. They want war; well give you war, Catanzara said in an interview with the Tribune following the vote. He said the unions board was set to meet Thursday morning to discuss next steps, including legal action. But Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, said theres a fundamental difference between other unions and the FOP. It isnt about hate or love or how we view it, its fundamental to the role itself: A plumber doesnt have the ability to arrest anybody, Vasquez said. A pipe fitter doesnt have the ability to shoot anyone. His support of having police discipline cases heard at the Police Board is not to villainize police, Vasquez said, but because the most serious accusations of misconduct involve nuance and understanding. It is to the FOPs benefit to hear it publicly because there are times where officers are making the right call, he said. Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, said irrespective of a potential court battle, accepting the arbitration ruling was just not right, echoing others who said the potential cost of a court battle was far less than the sometimes millions of dollars in police settlements aldermen approve each month. The council approved more than $10 million in settlements Wednesday. If our rejection leads to additional back and forth, then so be it, Ervin said. Its not the first fight, it wont be the last fight. Im not against the FOP, Im not against the leadership, not against the police officers. However, we have to be for what the public is calling for. Catanzara said the FOP more than a month ago has offered the city a compromise in which the union would make public misconduct cases that were being handled privately by detailing charges against officers, the cases status and any final adjudication. He said the offer was rejected. They can shove their transparency argument up their a, Catanzara said. They wanted it their way or no way. Theyre not about transparency. Theyre about submission. During the council debate on the arbitration issue, Ald. Silvana Tabares, 23rd, agreed with Catanzara that the councils rejection of arbitration could lose in court. The citys attorney admitted they admitted that they are likely to be unsuccessful in court defending the blatant disregard the city has shown to the state law when it comes to how it treats Chicago Police officers, Tabares said. The other 16 council members who supported keeping the arbitration award in the FOP contract come from some of the citys more conservative or pro-police wards: Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd; Anthony Beale, 9th; Peter Chico, 10th; Nicole Lee, 11th; Marty Quinn, 13th; Raymond Lopez, 15th; Derrick Curtis, 18th; Matt OShea, 19th; Felix Cardona, 31st; Gilbert Villegas, 36th; Nick Sposato, 38th; Samantha Nugent, 39th; Anthony Napolitano, 41st; Brendan Reilly, 42nd; Jim Gardiner, 45th; and Debra Silverstein, 50th. Before the arbitration vote, Johnson briefly recessed the council after repeated outbursts from members of the public seated in the chamber and in the gallery on the third floor of City Hall. A handful of people were escorted out of the third floor after they banged their hands on the windows overlooking the chamber. After the meeting, Johnson told reporters the City Councils approval and rejection votes were emblematic of the city as a whole. Theres a way in which you can support workers and hold them accountable. Thats our responsibility, Johnson told reporters. Its imperative that as a city that the people of Chicago know (their) government is working to make sure that were holding people accountable. And so a decision was made today to uphold the respect and regard for those who are serving on the front line with the raises that were put forth, while also making sure that we are responding to the people of Chicago who overwhelmingly want accountability. On the finance side of the contract OKd by the council, language was not publicly made available until the day of the committee vote, but the agreement provides for a more than 20% raise for CPD officers, on top of a one-time $2,500 retention bonus. Johnson administration officials estimate the new provisions including bonuses and 5% raises this year and next would cost an additional $60 million in 2024. Those raises went above and beyond the raises negotiated by Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration in 2021. An analysis by the Better Government Associations policy team concluded it would be the largest package of raises for any of the citys employee unions in modern history. That vote cleared the City Council 43-7, with several of councils more progressive members voting no. Its the latest chapter in the equilibrium Johnson has tried to maintain in his handling of CPD. In his previous role as Cook County commissioner, he passed a resolution to redirect funds from policing and incarceration to public services not administered by law enforcement. As a candidate for mayor, he initially promised not to increase the Police Departments budget. But in his city budget proposal, he pitched a record $2 billion in spending for the department. While granting raises, Johnson also reshuffled positions within the department to reflect his vision for public safety. He reduced the number of budgeted beat cops; boosted detective ranks, civilian positions and those dedicated to fulfilling the departments requirements under the ongoing federal consent decree. The deal also creates a new rotation of homicide detectives who, department officials have said, will have greater ownership of the cases they investigate. The new rotation dubbed Homicide Teams in the new agreement aims to raise the CPDs clearance rate, which for years has hovered near 50%. Detectives on the homicide teams, the first of which debuted in Area 2 on the Far South Side earlier this year, will work 10-hour shifts and will receive extra comp time for on-call hours that fall on their scheduled days off. Overtime will be available for on-call detectives, too. And while the City Council labeled the first package it approved as economic, that portion of the agreement contains another provision that also directly relates to CPD officer disciplinary cases. Suspensions of less than a year are meted out internally by the CPD, and the lions share of those cases already result in arbitration, according to the citys Office of Inspector General. Another piece also creates a new Peoples Court that would allow accused officers to have their disciplinary cases adjudicated by an arbitrator in a single day. In a statement, the ACLU of Illinois said it was disappointed in the council vote on the rest of the contract, saying it weakens accountability for officers and noted there was a lack of transparency around the contracts details before the committee vote. That was especially troubling given the administrations publicly stated support for increased accountability for police officers, in particular, and more transparency in government, in general. This contract fails to meet both aspirations, the ACLU said in the statement. The contract lasts through the end of 2027. With the communitys trust in our public safety system on the line, the process deserved more transparency and discussion, the ACLU said in its statement. The votes were cast as the city and Police Department remain under a sweeping federal consent decree, born out of the 2014 murder of Laquan McDonald by a CPD officer, that mandates a series of reforms within the department. The ACLU also noted the contract reinforces the code of silence by preventing officers from recording their conversations following shootings or other serious uses of force. Likely violating the consent decree, the contract also purports to prevent disciplinary proceedings from considering certain body-worn camera footage. Body worn cameras should be tools for increasing officer accountability not something for officers to hide behind. Asked to respond to criticism the contract fell short of accountability measures and in some cases, went backward, Johnson said, Democracy prevailed. The vote was cast a portion of the contract that obviously this body supported. The portion of the contract that they did not support, they rejected. Meanwhile, aldermen finalized two large police misconduct settlements during Wednesdays meeting. One was a $2 million award for the family of a man killed by Chicago police that failed in a close vote in City Council in July, while another focused on a $8.75 million settlement in another fatal police shooting. Aldermen voted 31-18 on the $2 million package that stems from the 2014 CPD slaying of Darius Cole-Garrit, a 21-year-old man who officials said pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at officers. When the council rejected the award this summer, it posed the bodys highest-profile rebuke of the citys Law Department yet, but corporation counsel has maintained the case would be difficult to win should it go to trial given conflicting testimonies on whether Cole-Garrit actually had a gun. The citys Independent Police Review Authority found the shooting justified and a semi-automatic handgun was recovered 20 feet from Cole-Garrit, but fingerprint testing was inadequate. The $8.75 million settlement will go to the family of Michael Craig, a 61-year-old man who was killed by a Chicago cop in 2021 after he called 911 to report his wife threatening him at knife point. Upon arrival, body camera footage shows, Craig was shot instead. I believe the justice of this settlement is unimpeachable, Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, said of the $8.75 million settlement. While he noted most victims of domestic violence are women, he said what we are spending next year on retention bonuses (for CPD) is double what we have ever spent on gender based violence in any given year. scharles@chicagotribune.com aquig@chicagotribune.com ayin@chicagotribune.com Rohan Conrad Campbell (49, Jamaica) has entered a guilty plea to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg disclosed that Campbell could face a maximum penalty of 20 years for wire fraud and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft. The guilty plea also involves Campbell forfeiting $4,207, representing the proceeds of his illicit activities. The sentencing hearing for Campbell is yet to be scheduled. As per court documents, on August 5, 2017, Campbell orchestrated a scheme at a Five Star Cellular store in Clay County, using fraudulently established accounts and counterfeit identification to acquire multiple cellphones. Subsequently, on August 15, 2017, Campbell returned to a Sprint store in Clay County to collect fraudulently ordered cellphones using another victims identity. His activities were reported to the Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO), leading to a pursuit and eventual apprehension. A n investigation by CCSO and the United States Secret Service unveiled a broader pattern, with Campbell setting up numerous fraudulent accounts across Florida, obtaining thousands of dollars worth of cellphones. Campbells arrest occurred on May 31, 2018. However, after being released on pre-trial supervision, he evaded jurisdiction in August 2019, prompting a warrant for his arrest. Campbell remained a fugitive for over three years until his apprehension by law enforcement in early 2023. This case saw collaboration between the Clay County Sheriffs Office and the United States Secret Service Jacksonville Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington overseeing asset forfeiture. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ARDEN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man who has been sentenced for a murder in Buncombe County, N.C., is also charged in three other homicides in Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina, according to N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. Officials say Alfred Louis Logan, Jr., has been sentenced to between 30 to 37 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Related | NC murder suspect taken into custody by U.S. Marshals, deputies say Logan was charged in connection with the November 2021 death of Kedrick Tevon Green in Arden. According to authorities, Green was found shot dead in his car. Members of the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office reviewed security video from a business nearby and saw Logan in the area. Alfred Logan (Buncombe County Sheriffs Office) Cell phone data later showed that Greens phone had been taken from his car to Logans home, officials claim. Logan was then arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Elizabeth City on the other side of the state. According to the Associated Press, Logans girlfriend, Lindsey Nicole Calton, was charged with felony accessory after the fact of first-degree murder and felony obstruction of justice in connection to Greens murder. Authorities say Logan is also charged in connection with murders in Birmingham, A.L.; York County, S.C.; and Wake County, N.C. All three of those cases will be tried in the coming months. According to the York County Sheriffs Office, 29-year-old Jacob Azar was found dead just after midnight in his hotel room on December 8, 2021, when he did not check out of the Sleep Inn at the Park on Lakemont Boulevard in Fort Mill. Bond raised to more than $1M for former Gastonia officer charged with using dept. databases to defraud Officials say Azar died of an overdose; however, the death is being investigated as a homicide, and warrants were then issued for Logans arrest. This man has a history of violence and is clearly a threat to North Carolinians, Attorney General Josh Stein said in a statement. I want to thank the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who arrested him, and Im pleased that my office was able to secure a conviction to keep him off our streets and make our communities safer. About eight hours after Jacob Azar was found dead in South Carolina, a 64-year-old man on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, was shot multiple times during an attempted carjacking, according to the Irondale Police Department. This happened at a Shell gas station in Trussville. The 64-year-old victim later died from his injuries, according to the Trussville Police Department. Both Logan and Calton were named as suspects and Calton was arrested in Irondale, A.L. It is unclear what the verdict was on Caltons charges for both the Birmingham and Buncombe County incidents. Logans next court hearing is in Wake County, N.C., at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 14. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Campaigners have vowed to fight on after plans for a 75m onshore salmon farm in Cleethorpes were approved. AquaCultured Seafood Ltd wants to build the facility close to Grimsby Town FC's Blundell Park ground and produce 5,000 tonnes of fish per year. Critics raised concerns about its environmental impact, proximity to housing and the resort's beach. The developer said the facility would be clean and environmentally friendly, and boost employment in the area. Worried residents living nearby have cited concerns about the potential for noise, effluent and the environmental impact on the proposed site, which campaigners said was home to rare butterflies and several species of birds. Resident Linda Calver said she was disappointed at the decision, but intended to carry on campaigning against the plans. "You've got to have hope - you've got to fight for all the wildlife and fight for all the residents," she said. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust previously lodged a holding objection, not necessarily opposing the scheme, but requesting more detail about the potential loss of local wildlife habitat and the possible impact on the Humber Estuary. Some raised concerns about the size of the development, while local Steven Dawson said he was concerned about wildlife and the loss of views across to the estuary. An officers' report to councillors had found the scheme would not generate "any significant noise", while effluent from the site would be treated to a very high standard. It would not cause harm to residential or business properties or the visual character of the area, the report added. In a statement, North East Lincolnshire Council said the development would benefit the local economy and provide a sustainable source of salmon for nearby processing plants. Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk The following items were taken from police and court reports and news releases. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Crestwood ARMED ROBBERY: Two individuals took cash and phones at gunpoint at about 11:45 a.m. Saturday at the Verizon store, 13348 Cicero Ave. The two employees were forced to the rear of the store, but uninjured, police said. Advertisement Evergreen Park CIGARETTE THEFT: Two men reportedly went behind the counter at Circle K, 10258 Kedzie Ave., Nov. 26, stole 60 cartons of cigarettes and then fled in a silver car. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: Damian Gomez, 19, Chicago, was arrested and accused of aggravated assault Dec. 4 in the 2500 block of 95th Street after officers recovered a BB gun from him on a complaint that he had implied to another citizen that he had a weapon, police said. Advertisement New Lenox CIGARETTE THEFT: A Joliet man was booked into the Will County Jail Dec. 8, charged with taking 60 cartons of cigarettes from a New Lenox gas station, according to police and sheriffs records online. Arierous E. King, 33, and another man entered the Speedway, 800 Maple St., shoved the clerk aside and fled with the merchandise Dec. 5, police said. King remained jailed Wednesday morning, sheriffs records show. Oak Lawn AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: A drive-through employee at Sharks, 8712 Cicero Ave., told police a male customer pointed a handgun at him at about 11:45 p.m. Nov. 23, while awaiting his order. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY: A main door at a single-family home on Stevens Drive was forced open, the home ransacked and $10,000 cash stolen between 6:40 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Nov. 23. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY: The padlocked rear door of a secured, fire-damaged apartment on Mayfield Avenue was reported pried open Nov. 25, with personal items valued at more than $12,000 taken. Orland Park HOME SAVED: The Orland Fire District is crediting fire crews quick action Friday with preventing a fire in an attached garage from spreading into the home. No one was injured in the 11:34 p.m. fire, but the ranch-style house in the 15200 block of Stradford Lane had smoke damage, the district said in a statement. Orland Park Police stayed with the homeowners until they could be evaluated by fire personnel. The fires cause is under investigation. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > DUI CRASH: An Oak Lawn woman was arrested and accused of drunken driving with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit Nov. 22 after leaving the road in the 7400 block of 159th Street and driving into a tree and a telecommunications box, police said. Anna M. Gavros, 54, 4300 block of 103rd Street, was also accused of illegally transporting alcohol, driving without insurance, failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision and improper lane use, police said. Park Forest AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: Andrew R. Tyms Jr., 20, first block of Schoolhouse Court, Park Forest, went to the police station Nov. 25 after learning his car was towed under a Will County seizure order, police said. He was charged with aggravated assault at 10:51 a.m. in the lobby after repeatedly threatening to spit in the faces of two officers while lunging toward them and was also charged with aggravated resisting arrest at 1:38 p.m. after grappling with an officer trying to handcuff him, police said. Officers also accused Tyms of disorderly conduct/misusing 911, a misdemeanor, after he called in a complaint that they had stolen his car keys, police said. DUI CRASH: An Orland Park man accused of crashing into a tree near the Mohawk Primary Center school Nov. 19 was arrested and accused of drunken driving with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit, driving without a valid license, hit-run and driving on suspended registration, police said. Michael A. Socki, 37, 8900 block of Barleycorn Court, told officers a 13-year-old relative had driven his car into the tree when they apprehended him walking in the 300 block of Shabbona Drive, police said. Socki is scheduled to appear in Cook County court/Markham Jan. 17. Advertisement DRUG SALES: A Country Club Hills man was arrested Nov. 22 after officers recovered a suspected sedative-hypnotic drug from four aluminum foil packets and $747.89 cash in his pocket during a traffic stop, police said. Joshua J. Hester, 39, 17600 block of Baker Street, Country Club Hills, is accused of delivering a controlled substance, obstructing justice by destroying evidence and obstructing justice by providing an alias, police said. Hester was arrested at Western Avenue and Indianwood Boulearvard after a 1-mile pursuit from Western Avenue at 26th Street for driving with an illegally tinted windshield, police said. Hester was also charged with drunken driving, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under a combination of drugs and alcohol, speeding, improper lane use, no insurance and having an illegally tinted windshield, police said. Steger GUN DISPLAYED: An unidentified male pointed a gun at a woman when she interrupted the theft of her car Friday in an apartment building parking lot in the 300 block of 35th Street. The woman, who was uninjured, told police she heard glass breaking, went into the lot and encountered the male and four others, who all fled, leaving the womans car damaged but unstolen. Tinley Park ROBBERY ARREST: Two Chicago men accused of trying to rob a 72-year-old woman Dec. 5 in the Jewel parking lot, 17117 Harlem Ave., are scheduled to appear in Cook County court/Bridgeview Jan. 2, charged with attempted robbery, according to police and Cook County sheriffs records online. Jarrell Shaw, 32, and Sean Williams, 33, were charged Wednesday. Williams approached the woman on foot, displayed a handgun, demanded her valuables and briefly struggled with her before returning to Shaw empty-handed, police said. Tinley Park detectives used a computerized license-plate-reading camera system to obtain the cars plate number, which they matched to the owners address in Harvey, police said. Detectives arrested Shaw and Williams after recovering a handgun from the car, police said. University Park COCAINE ARREST: University Park police booked Javery L. Johnson, 47, 4100 block of 192nd Court, Country Club Hills, into the Will County Jail Dec. 6 on a four-count indictment for illegally selling and possessing cocaine, according to sheriffs records online. Johnson is charged with one count of manufacturing/delivering 400-899 grams of cocaine, one count of manufacturing/delivering more than 900 grams of cocaine and possession of those amounts of cocaine, according to court records. This time, they really mean it: Though historically climate agreements have infrequently amounted to much of anything, journalists across the mainstream publications are heralding the resolution agreed to by diplomats convened at Dubai's COP28 climate summit as a huge deal. The resolution calls for "transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science." "The sweeping agreement, which comes during the hottest year in recorded history, was reached on Wednesday," reports The New York Times, describing the two rival groups at the summit as fast-growing or Arab oil-exporter nations vs. European nations seeking an aggressive phase-out of fossil fuels. "In the end, negotiators struck a compromise: The new deal calls on countries to accelerate a global shift away from fossil fuels this decade and to quit adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere entirely by midcentury," adds the Times. "It also calls on nations to triple the amount of renewable energy, like wind and solar power, installed around the world by 2030 and to slash emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term." "Over 100 countries called for language in the COP28 agreement to reference the 'phase out' of fossil fuels," per Axios. "The deal reached at the summit that was supposed to wrap up on Tuesday commits to 'accelerating efforts towards phase-down of unabated coal power.' But it does not mention other fossil fuels, and major oil producing nation Saudi Arabia was strongly opposed to such language." "We are what we do, not what we say," Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the summit's president (and a breath of fresh air on climate realism, despite his oil-industry conflicts of interest), said in a speech. "We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions." Therein lies the rub. It's extraordinarily easy to write headlines greeting the text of this resolution as some kind of historic victory; it's a lot harder for the assenting nations to keep their word and have the right incentives in place to actually implement the agreed-upon climate policiesand in a manner that doesn't hinder development. More on this from Reason's Ronald Bailey, who reported from Dubai and writes that "there is no 1.5C climate cliff." Section 702 fight: On Monday evening, two dueling bills were pulled from the House floor. The bills would have reauthorized Section 702, which allows the federal government to warrantlessly surveil foreigners abroadsometimes catching Americans' communications in their dragnet. "The GOP has been divided over how to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act," reports CNN, "and so [House Speaker Mike] Johnson was planning to put both bills on the floor Tuesday to see which one would garner the most support, but his right flank pushed backed on the idea." Johnson had been intending to see which bill garnered more support among his party and send that one to the Senate. This plan fell apart. Members of Congress "are especially at odds over how severely to restrict officials' ability to plumb Americans' communications once collected," per The New York Times. "On one side, progressive congressional Democrats have joined with harder-right Republican allies of former President Donald J. Trump to rally around a Judiciary Committee bill that would sharply curtail the law while enhancing protections for Americans' privacy rights." But there's also an Intelligence Committee bill backed by national security hawks that contains a lot fewer privacy protections. Hawks "have denounced the more reform-minded legislation as likely to put the country in greater danger from terrorists, hackers, spies and other threats," per the Times. The actual law on the books will lapse later this month if not renewed, but the program itself may stay in operation until spring. Scenes from New York "Earlier this week, the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)the state agency that runs rail and bus service in the New York City areagave initial approval to a toll schedule that will charge the average driver $15 to enter lower Manhattan during peak times (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends)," writes Reason's Christian Britschgi. QUICK HITS: AI applications are cool, but this news channel doesn't look very good: See the highest quality AI footage in the world. ???? - Our generated anchors deliver stories that are informative, heartfelt and entertaining. Watch the showcase episode of our upcoming news network now. pic.twitter.com/61TaG6Kix3 Channel 1 (@channel1_ai) December 12, 2023 "Argentina devalued the peso by 54%, overhauled its crawling peg and announced massive spending cuts to eliminate its primary fiscal deficit next year as the first steps in President Javier Milei's shock-therapy program," reports Bloomberg. Inside the world of counterfeit sneakers. "Covid lockdowns had a 'catastrophic effect' on the UK's social fabric and the most disadvantaged are no better off now than at the time of the financial crash, a new report claims," per The Guardian. Per the New York Post, Harvard had been investigating plagiarism allegations against its president, Claudine Gay, for some time now. "The college announced Tuesday morning that it had cleared her of breaching the college's 'standards for research misconduct.' Instead, it said that she would request four corrections in two publications to insert citations and quotation marks that were originally 'omitted.'" Related: Right on cue, caring about plagiarism has been added to the "white supremacist agenda". What's the implication here, that black people can't be expected to follow the norms of academic honesty? How can the president of a university, who ultimately oversees the punishment of https://t.co/uSId6EgVXv Coleman Hughes (@coldxman) December 13, 2023 And even more on double standards for university presidents in the era of wokeness: This is sort of the inverse of the finding that a white man with a criminal record is more readily called back by employers than a black man without one Magill didn't plagiarize; Gay did. Gay survived disastrous performance before Congress, Magill didn't. pic.twitter.com/tSwNc6AfOl Wesley Yang (@wesyang) December 13, 2023 At Columbia, students seem to think they can go on tuition strike with no consequences. At Brown, meanwhile, 41 students were arrested and booked earlier this week for a sit-in at which they demanded an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. San Francisco Supervisor Dean Prestonwho represents District 5, which encompasses the Tenderloinsays the homelessness problem is "absolutely the result of capitalism." He blamed landlords and downplayed issues with drug use and psychosis. Yes: It's wild how there's an entire planning consulting industry that basically exists to help California cities subvert state housing law. M. Nolan Gray (@mnolangray) December 13, 2023 The post Will the Climate Deal Do Anything? appeared first on Reason.com. For the first time since the 2022 Dobbs decision, a pregnant woman asked for court pre-authorization of an abortion, and the story out of Texas has drawn national headlinesas well as misleading claims by politicians and activists about its underlying facts. Kate Cox, a 31-year-old woman from Dallas, decided to seek an abortion after a prenatal test known as an amniocentesis confirmed on November 28 that her baby had trisomy 18, a chromosomal abnormality that usually results in the death of the child during pregnancy or within the first year of birth. Of those pregnancies surviving into the third trimester, nearly 40% of babies diagnosed with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) dont survive during labor, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Among those who are born alive, no more than 10% survive past their first year. Its a tragic, but not always fatal, diagnosis: Bella Santorum, the daughter of the former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum, was born with trisomy 18 and is now 15 years old. Not only do some of these children survive, they survive with a pretty good quality of life, Dr. Robert Marion, director of the Center for Congenital Disorders at the Childrens Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, told ABC News in 2012. In children who are doing reasonably well, we will perform surgical procedures or provide more aggressive feeding therapy in order to give the kids a chance to make it. How does Texas abortion law treat such cases? While some state abortion laws (see Indiana and Florida) include an exception for fatal fetal-health conditions, Texas law allows abortion only when a doctor exercising reasonable medical judgment determines the pregnancy poses a risk of death or poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function unless the abortion is performed or induced. A judge in Travis County ruled on Thursday, December 7, that Cox could get an abortion under the statute, but on Friday night the Texas Supreme Court temporarily stayed the lower court ruling. The lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rightson behalf of Cox, her husband, and Houston-based obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Damla Karsanclaimed that Cox was risking her life by continuing with the pregnancy. But it did not specify any life-threatening condition that Cox was experiencing. Rather, the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) summarized its argument this way: Because Cox had already had two Cesarean-sections (C-sections), she would likely need a third if she carried the baby to term. That third C-section, according to the CRRs summary, would place her at high risk for multiple serious medical conditions such as uterine rupture and hysterectomy. She and her husband wish to have more children, and undergoing another C-section to deliver this pregnancy would lessen the likelihood that shed be able to safely have more children in the future.* In Coxs own words, as quoted in the lawsuit: I desperately want the chance to try for another baby and want to access the medical care now that gives me the best chance at another baby. The legal question at hand is therefore whether the likely need of a third C-section permits the termination of a pregnancyby means of a dilation and evacuation abortion in which the baby is typically dismembered in utero and removed piece by piecebecause it poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function, the reproductive system. Under Texas law, if the risk of a third C-section justified the abortion of a disabled baby, then such risk would also justify the abortion of a healthy baby. In court filings, the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued the increased risk of subsequent C-sections did not fall under the exception, citing a recent study that found that while the incidence of adverse outcomes increased with additional C-sections, the absolute rates remained low. When The Dispatch asked the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) for studies backing up the argument that a third C-section would place Cox at high risk for multiple serious medical conditions such as uterine rupture and hysterectomy, a spokesperson pointed to an amicus brief filed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. That amicus brief itself cited a 2006 study published in ACOGs own peer-reviewed journal that found that hysterectomy was required for 0.65 percent of mothers after a first C-section, 0.42 percent after a second, 0.9 percent after a third, and 2.41 percent after a fourth. Asked for studies on the risk of a dilation and evacuation abortion at 20 weeks of pregnancy, when a baby is well-developed, the CRR spokesperson did not reply. A substantial number of Americans may believe states ought to allow abortion late in pregnancy as a form of prenatal euthanasia or that a small increase in the overall risk of a third or fourth C-section ought to be sufficient reason to abort a child under Texas law. But it is not true to say that this was an instance of the courts denying an abortion in a life-threatening circumstance, as Beto ORourke, the former Texas Democratic congressman, wrote on Twitter or as Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Biden 2024 campaign co-chair, similarly wrote in a Biden campaign statement. The aforementioned 2006 study cited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found the rate of maternal death was 0.19 percent after a first C-section, 0.07 percent after a second, 0.05 percent after a third, and 0.07 percent after a fourth. Cox also went to the emergency room for cramping on multiple occasions over the past month, but at no point did doctors diagnose her with a condition that threatened her life. Cox first went to the ER on November 17 because, according to the CRR lawsuit filed on Coxs behalf, severe cramping made her worried that her baby was in distress. She returned to the ER about a week later, on November 25, following more cramping, but was again sent home by doctors. It was not until the November 28 test results confirmed a diagnosis of trisomy 18 that Cox sought an abortion. If at any point since November 17 Cox or her doctors believed her life was in danger, she could have traveled to legally obtain an abortion in Kansas (Wichita is a five-hour drive from Dallas) instead of seeking court pre-authorization to obtain one from Dr. Karsan in Houston, a little less than four hours by car from Dallas. On Monday afternoon, the Center for Reproductive Rights announced that Cox had left Texas to obtain an abortion but did not say where she traveled. Why did the Texas Supreme Court reverse the lower courts ruling? The Texas Supreme Court issued a per curiam decision Monday night, but did not actually weigh in on whether Coxs condition qualified for an abortion under Texas law. Rather, it ruled that Karsan, the co-plaintiff in the case, had stopped short of asserting that in her reasonable medical judgment the pregnancy threatened the life or posed a serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. Karsan asked a court to pre-authorize the abortion yet she could not, or at least did not, attest to the court that Ms. Coxs condition poses the risks the exception requires, the courts nine justices wrote. Instead, Karsan had said she thought an abortion was recommended under her good faith medical judgment. The difference between reasonable and good faith judgment may seem like a distinction without a difference, but the justices indicated a good faith standard is purely subjective. (The dispute over this interpretation of the law is at the heart of a case pending before the Texas Supreme Court, Zurawski v. Texas.) The widespread claims by political and media figures that the Texas Supreme Court ruled against a woman seeking a life-saving abortion are reckless because some hospitals have wrongly and dangerously delayed treatment in other cases when a pregnant woman was experiencing a life-threatening condition. The false narrative coming out of Texas now will likely only make hospital attorneys and administrators more apprehensive about providing appropriate treatment immediately when a life-threatening condition arises. That said, the Texas Supreme Courts ruling on Monday did offer some clarity about the abortion statutes by explaining that the exception to Texas abortion ban does not require imminence or, as Ms. Coxs lawyer characterized the States position, that a patient be about to die before a doctor can rely on the exception. The exception does not hold a doctor to medical certainty, nor does it cover only adverse results that will happen immediately absent an abortion, nor does it ask the doctor to wait until the mother is within an inch of death or her bodily impairment is fully manifest or practically irreversible. The exception does not mandate that a doctor in a true emergency await consultation with other doctors who may not be available, the decision continued. Rather, the exception is predicated on a doctors acting within the zone of reasonable medical judgment, which is what doctors do every day. An exercise of reasonable medical judgment does not mean that every doctor would reach the same conclusion. The Texas Supreme Court explicitly pointed out that the Texas Medical Board and attorney general can provide more clarity, noting that the Board could assess various hypothetical circumstances, provide best practices, identify red lines, and the like. It has provided such needed guidance in other contexts. Pro-life activists have been calling for such guidance since the Dobbs decision in the summer of 2022, and on Tuesday Texas Right to Life reiterated that plea. Texas Right to Life continues to call on the Texas Medical Board and our medical associations to publish guidelines and launch educational efforts for our health care workers and facilities treating women and their children across the state, President John Seago told The Dispatch in an email. We believe that Texas pro-life laws strike an ethical balance between protecting the life of unborn children and the health of their mothers. However, many frontline medical professionals have been misled or are confused about what exactly is prohibited and what is allowed in state law. Correction, December 16, 2023: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed a quote from the Center for Reproductive Rights summary of its lawsuit to the Center for Reproductive Rights lawsuit itself. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Ed Burke, for years the most powerful alderman in Chicago, resident historian of the City Council, anointer of judges and head of the influential Finance Committee, sat back in his chair in a federal courtroom Wednesday as closing arguments in his landmark corruption trial got underway. Across the room, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur made a sweeping gesture toward Burke, telling jurors theyd heard a steady drumbeat of unlawful activity over the past several weeks. And at the center of it, she said, is this man. Burke, dressed in a dark gray suit, green tie and his trademark ivory pocket square, held a slight frown but did not otherwise react. That dramatic beginning was followed by more than three hours of MacArthur painting an excruciatingly detailed and unflattering portrait of Burke, the fallen 14th Ward power broker who for decades stood at the pinnacle of the old Chicago Democratic political machine. Despite the polished veneer he presented to the public, Burke was corrupt to the core, MacArthur said, petty, fiercely protective of his own power, and constantly looking for a chance to line his own pockets. Mr. Burkes hand was out again and again, demanding money and benefits from the very people he was supposed to act on behalf of, MacArthur told jurors. Ed Burke was a powerful and corrupt politician and this was his racket. Arguments in the landmark racketeering trial are capping off a hot-button case that laid bare the inner workings of Chicago politics. Closings are expected to be lengthy, with prosecutors initial argument expected to last about five hours in total. Burkes legal team will then have a chance to address the jury. Theyve previously said there was no evidence Burke ever demanded anything in exchange for an official act and noted that for all of the allegations, he was never paid a dime by anyone. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall has said she is hopeful jurors will get the case by the end of the week. Among the spectators in Kendalls 25th-floor courtroom was Chris Kennedy, a scion of the Kennedy family who ran for Illinois governor in 2018. Kennedy sat and chatted with Burkes wife, Anne, the former chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, before the jury was called in. Also in attendance was current Ald. Jim Gardiner, 45th, who told one of Burkes lawyers he came over to watch after attending the City Council meeting. During a break in the action, Gardiner, who recently was the subject of a separate federal bribery investigation but has not been charged, walked up to Burke and shook his hand. Good to see you, Burke said. As MacArthur got into the meat of her argument, she displayed some of Burkes own words to the jurors, reminding them of some of the cases most memorable moments, including when Burke said a developer could go (expletive) themselves after they allegedly acted too slowly in giving his private law firm business. It was a theme she hammered at again and again, painting Burke as a classic Chicago wheres mine? ward boss, willing to use the power of his elected office to satisfy his own greed and to line his own pockets. Edward Burke used his public authority and his power to punish and extort, she said. Edward Burke used his power to get what he wanted for himself. MacArthur then launched into a detailed recitation of the 19 counts of the indictment, which were color-coded to match the individual charges to Burke and his two co-defendants and assign each to one of the four main alleged schemes. The racketeering case alleges that Burke used his significant City Hall power to try to get business for his private law firm from developers of the Old Post Office, owners of a Burger King in his Southwest Side 14th Ward and a developer desperate to install a sign for a Binnys Beverage Depot in Portage Park. He is also accused of threatening to block an admission fee increase at the Field Museum to retaliate against officials who failed to give a paid internship to a daughter of one of his longtime City Council allies. During the Burger King episode, Burke made the link between his public power and his private business extremely explicit, MacArthur said. Burke was aggressive about getting face time with the Texas-based owners of the Burger King, and during a phone call with the owners son, he said they were going to talk about the real estate tax representation and also the need for them to discuss expediting the eaterys permits. This was a direct, in your face, I want your business move by Mr. Burke, MacArthur said, adding that linking his firms hiring with the permit approvals was corrupt. This statement alone ... shows you Mr. Burke crossed those lines and committed a crime. While Burkes team has argued that the alderman was concerned about the Burger King having the proper permits to move forward on the job, MacArthur told jurors that was just a pretext for Burke to seek law business from the owner of dozens of restaurants in the Chicago area. MacArthur maintained Burke was attempting to leverage his position, his power as a public official by talking about permits, but she contended the fight over permits merely served as background noise because he wanted to meet with the Burger King owners to solicit tax appeal business. Burke entertained the owners at a private country club and pitched his law firm to handle Burger King tax appeals, MacArthur said. Burke did not sign a simple letter of aldermanic support for the project, MacArthur said, because Burke had yet to see if he would get any tax business. She also argued that Burke moved to have the Burger King remodeling shut down when the owners failed to give him business, and when Burke saw activity at the restaurant, he called co-defendant Peter Andrews Jr.,a longtime aide who responded he would play as hardball as I can. MacArthur used that comment to tell jurors that Andrews should be called Hardball Pete, a contrast to the softer label of Part-Time Pete that his defense team presented to the jury in its opening statement last month. The Burger King owners eventually did not give Burke any legal business, MacArthur said, but that does not mean Burke and Andrews should get a free pass. The alleged Field Museum shakedown, meanwhile, had nothing to do with protecting one of the jewel museums of the city, MacArthur said. Instead, it was all about doing his former City Council comrade a favor. MacArthur played a key wiretapped phone call in which Burke dressed down the Field Museums government affairs director over the perceived oversight, telling her, If the Chairman of the Committee on Finance calls the President of the Park Board, your proposals gonna go nowhere. That is a true take your breath away moment, MacArthur said. Burkes muscle created a panic station situation at the museum, she said. The museums then-president, Richard Lariviere, who was good friends with Burke, immediately snapped into action, calling the alderman and apologizing profusely while promising to get to the bottom of what happened. When you call, Ed, we jump, Lariviere said on the recording. In a flurry of emails and meetings, the museums top officials strategized on how best to placate Burke, who had a history of making fee increase proposals difficult for the citys museums and could easily quash theirs. MacArthurs arguments are slated to pick back up Thursday morning, when she will outline the evidence the jurors heard about the pole-sign matter and perhaps most significantly the alleged scheme to shake down developers of the Old Post Office. Some of the most intriguing evidence in the trial centered on the Old Post Office, specifically the videos of Burke secretly recorded by ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th. Solis, who turned FBI mole in 2016 and cooperated extensively against Burke and others, secretly recorded dozens of conversations with Burke that were played for the jury. He was called to the stand Tuesday by Burkes defense in an attempt to dirty him up, poke holes in his cooperation and suggest that Solis enticed Burke and fed him FBI-scripted lies to try to get Burke to say incriminating things on tape. Prosecutors declined to question Solis on the stand, indicating that their closing arguments could focus largely on the tapes themselves not the man who made them. The recordings include lines that have surely stuck in jurors minds, perhaps most memorably when Burke asked Solis on a wiretapped call, So did we land the, uh, the tuna? when talking about getting the Old Post Office business. Burke, 79, who served 54 years as alderman before leaving the City Council in May, is charged with 14 counts including racketeering, federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. His longtime ward aide, Andrews, 73, is charged with one count of attempted extortion, one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, two counts of using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity and one count of making a false statement to the FBI. Real estate developer Charles Cui, 52, is facing counts of federal program bribery, using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity and making false statements to the FBI. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein WASHINGTON President Joe Biden told Israels leaders on Tuesday that they were losing international support for their war in the Gaza Strip, exposing a widening rift with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected out of hand the American vision for a postwar resolution to the conflict. Biden delivered the blunt assessment of Americas closest ally in the Middle East during a fundraiser in Washington, where he described Netanyahu as the leader of the most conservative government in Israels history, which doesnt want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution to the countrys long-running dispute with Palestinians. The president said that Israel had support from Europe and much of the world as well as the United States, but he added that theyre starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The presidents remarks came hours after Netanyahu pledged to defy weeks of American pressure to put the Palestinian Authority in charge of Gaza once the fighting ends. Netanyahu ruled out any role there for the group, which now governs Palestinian society in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Until Tuesday, the United States had largely backed Israel both in action and in rhetoric supporting the assault on Gaza, fending off calls for a cease-fire at the United Nations and authorizing the sale of thousands of tank shells to the Israelis. There is disagreement about the day after Hamas, Netanyahu said in a video statement posted on social media. He said he hoped the two governments could reach an agreement about what happens after the war ends, but he vowed not to allow threats to Israels population to continue. After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism, Netanyahu said. Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahstan. Fatah is the political faction, a rival to Hamas, that controls the Palestinian Authority, which was ousted from Gaza in 2007 but still administers parts of the West Bank. In his remarks at the fundraiser, Biden pledged to continue that support for Israels effort to protect itself, saying that were not going to do a damn thing other than protect Israel in the process. Not a single thing. Without Israel as a free-standing state, not a Jew in the world is safe, he added. But he also described his response to Netanyahus private assertion that the United States had carpet-bombed Germany and dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. I said, Yeah, thats why all these institutions were set up after World War II, to see to it that it didnt happen again, Biden told the donors at the event. Hours earlier, Netanyahu appeared to take note of the months of American support in his address. I greatly appreciate the American support for destroying Hamas and returning our hostages, Netanyahu said. Following an intensive dialogue with President Biden and his team, we received full backing for the ground incursion and blocking the international pressure to stop the war. But the tone from both men suggested that the well-wishing could soon end. Bidens remarks were his most critical to date of Netanyahus handling of the war, which continues to claim the lives of thousands of civilians in Gaza. The two men had declared unshakable unity during Bidens visit to Israel days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7 and killed 1,200 people. Nearly two months of aerial bombardment by Israel and a continuing ground war have leveled much of Gaza City in the northern part of the tiny enclave, which is home to nearly 2 million Palestinians. More than 15,000 people, including several thousand children, have been killed in Gaza during the fighting, according to the territorys health authorities. The United Nations says that more than 85% of the population has been displaced, with some aid organizations reporting rampant disease and widespread hunger. Netanyahu says his government is determined to destroy Hamas ability to threaten Israels population, and he has repeatedly warned Palestinians to move south. Some locations in the south of Gaza have also been bombed, drawing criticism from humanitarian organizations. Fighting between Israeli forces and armed groups raged near a small hospital in northern Gaza on Monday and over the weekend. The hospital, Kamal Adwan, has 65 patients, including 12 children in intensive care, and is surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks, according to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The report said that the hospitals maternity department had been hit Monday and that, as a result, two mothers were reportedly killed, and several people were injured. It was not possible to verify the toll. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Top aides to Biden have said the president believes that his full-throated support of Israel has given him more leverage to press Netanyahu for restraint as Israel conducts its ground war in Gaza. He has repeatedly described his decadeslong history with Israel; Monday evening, he declared at a White House Hanukkah reception: I am a Zionist. Last month, Biden and his top foreign policy aides helped broker a temporary pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of more than 100 of the roughly 240 hostages that Hamas seized on Oct. 7. White House officials said Biden would meet at the White House on Wednesday with the families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas, his first face-to-face meeting with the relatives since the crisis began. A White House official confirmed the meeting, but did not offer details about how many of the family members would attend the meeting in person. The president previously spoke with the families on a video call about a week after the attacks. Biden administration officials have indicated there are about eight remaining hostages with American citizenship after several were released, including during a weeklong pause in fighting last month. Bidens public message has evolved since the Oct. 7 attacks. He publicly urged Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza in its war against Hamas, and White House officials have said he has been blunt with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials during private conversations. But the president has largely left it to other American officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, to call out Israel for its actions on the battlefield. And his comments Tuesday were the presidents first direct acknowledgment of the condemnation by world leaders and humanitarian organizations of Israels wartime behavior. Using the prime ministers nickname, Biden said that Bibis got a tough decision to make. The rising tension between the two men underscored the sensitive moment for the two allies as Biden seeks to persuade lawmakers in Washington to support more than $15 billion in additional aid for Israels military campaign. That funding is currently caught up in a political dispute with Republicans over assistance for Ukraine and immigration policy changes at the U.S. border. Biden has repeatedly asserted Israels right to defend itself against terrorism by Hamas, and his administration on Friday vetoed a legally binding United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the war. On Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly voted in favor of a nonbinding resolution making the same demand. The United States and Israel were among the 10 countries that opposed it; 153 countries approved. But on Monday, administration officials said they were looking into reports that Israels military had deployed white phosphorus supplied by the United States along the border with Lebanon, in violation of international law. That allegation, made in reports by Amnesty International and The Washington Post, represented another potential disagreement between the two countries about Israels conduct. Israels military on Monday said it complies with international law and denied using the weapon illegally. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, said the United States would be asking questions about the incident. White phosphorus is an incendiary, toxic substance used to create light and smoke screens during combat. Its use is not illegal, but deploying it deliberately against civilians or in a civilian setting violates the laws of war. c.2023 The New York Times Company An unlikely friendship brought two women together to open a new high-tech business in Long Beach. Sarah Jackson Crane and Janette Luttrell held the grand opening Tuesday for Shooter Ready Firearms Simulation Training Academy at 528 Klondyke Road in Long Beach. The new business is equipped with an advanced simulation system that provides real life scenarios for weapon target practice and fun games without live fire. It also has live-fire facilities and training for beginner to advanced students and law enforcement. They take walk-ins and appointments and Luttrell said they work with those who never touched a gun before up to law enforcement who need to run through their course of fire to renew their certification. The cost to play games on the simulator and see if they can stop the bad guy is $20 for 20 minutes. Two people can split that, she said. The cost is $50 for 50 minutes for two people, with an extra $10 per person charge if four people want to shoot together. Customers also can book the range for a couple of hours, Luttrell said. Among the many classes Shooter Ready offers is womens only training and programs to teach young children to stay away from a gun. Through my work in the film industry as an armorer and as a firearms instructor, I am passionate about empowering gun owners to safely and effectively use their firearms for self-defense and recreation, said Luttrell, who graduated from University of Southern Mississippi. Her interest in collecting firearms led to a career in the film industry as a prop master and gun armorer, which she began in 2005. Crane moved with her husband to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2010 to be more centrally located for their classic car restoration business. In 2012, she founded Retro-Motive e-commerce automotive parts business and still is CEO. I purchased my first firearm in 2022 after my husband passed away, Crane said. I quickly realized I was not properly trained to safely handle that firearm, she said. I became a student of Janette Luttrell and quickly found a new passion for firearms. After many training sessions and conversations, the women decided to open their business. Luttrell has a National Rifle Association certification to teach basic and advanced pistol courses. She is an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and holds a United States Concealed Carry Association firearm certification for concealed carry and home defense. She has trained more than 1,200 students in basic and advanced pistol courses. Shooter Ready is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday for instruction, simulation activities and private parties. The business is a distributor of dry-fire systems and sells pepper spray, ballistic shields for backpacks, concealed carry purses and packs, expandable batons and stun guns. The phone number is 228-731-1911. The Late Show host Stephen Colbert mocked pundit Tucker Carlsons newly announced media venture by registering an online domain name similar to that of the conservative commentators project. Hes launching his own streaming service called Tucker Carlson Network for $9 a month, Colbert said on his show this week. Now that seems steep, but there is a free version for $0 a month, you can never watch Tucker Carlson again. Colberts joke was first highlighted by Mediaite. Carlson started a new venture earlier this week, teasing exclusive interviews and commentaries on current events while blasting what he called the failings of the so-called corporate media. A former top-rated host at Fox News, Carlson was pulled off the air in April but remains under contract with the network. He has since launched a video interview and commentary program on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and hosted guests ranging from former President Trump to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Colbert told his audience Tuesday that it occurred to him Carlsons new website, tuckercarlson.com where the hosts content will be housed was missing something. He directed viewers to visit thetuckercarlsonnetwork.com, which brings visitors to a page showing a caricature of Carlson dancing in Russian garb and links to donation sites for the Human Rights Campaign and World Central Kitchen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Troup County Sheriffs Office announced on Wednesday that it has identified a cold case victim who was killed over 16 years ago. On Dec. 6, 2007, deputies found a burning black bag on the side of Whitfield Road and Stitcher Road. Inside the bag, they found a dismembered body. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies and the medical examiners office could only identify the victim as a Black woman and that her cause of death was homicide. The case went cold until DNA was sent to two genetic testing labs in Virginia and Texas for analysis earlier this year. Innovative Forensic Investigations and Gene by Gene Laboratories sent back the results to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. On Wednesday, the GBI found a match. TRENDING STORIES The Troup County Sheriffs Office said the remains belonged to Nicole Alston, who was 24 at the time of her death. The sheriffs office located Alstons family who said she had moved from the Manhattan area to Atlanta in July 2006. She disappeared shortly after her move. Deputies will reopen their homicide investigation now that Alston has been identified. The sheriffs office said anyone who may have information can contact them at 706-883-1616 or Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) The City of College Parks annual Deck the City Holiday Decorating Contest is in full swing and residents have less than a week to nominate their favorite decked-out houses. Residents can nominate their own homes, a neighbors home, or any homes in College Park through Dec. 18 the online nomination form can be found here. University of Marylands first Black leader dies at 89 All entries must have photos of the decorations to be entered. Nominated homes will be posted on the Citys Facebook page and the photo with the most likes will be the online digital winner. Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners there will also be a Mayors Choice award. Winners of the contest will receive a gift card to their favorite College Park business for $100, $50, and $25 for first, second, and third place. Winners of the online voting and Mayors Choice will receive yard signs. The City of College Park said all entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18. Online voting will take place on the Citys Facebook page from Dec. 19 through Dec. 21 and winners will be announced online on Dec. 22. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. This is unacceptable. Antisemitism has been allowed to fester on campus for years. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Kathy Manning (or: Elise Stefanik plagiarizing Kathy Manning?) Elise Stefanik wasnt too terribly concerned about antisemitism in 2021, when she sponsored the End Zuckerbucks bill, a law with a name the Anti-Defamation League condemned for conjuring an antisemitic trope. Nor was she too worried about antisemitism last year, when she endorsed Carl Paladino, a New York politician who praised Hitler, for Congress. But after Stefanik, a Harvard alumna, saw an opportunity to go after Harvard University President Claudine Gay, Stefanik was extremely troubled by antisemitismand subjected Gay and other Ivy League presidents to a line of hypothetical-rich yes-or-no questioning designed to gin up maximal outrage, and succeeded. One down. Two to go, she tweeted, after the University of Pennsylvanias Elizabeth Magill resigned. Stefaniks campaign against Ivy League presidents didnt just rely on antisemitism charges; it also featured a rearguard effort led by Harvard-minted billionaire financier Bill Ackman (whose name you may recognize from the Jeffrey Epstein extended universe). Ackman brought forward (ultimately thin) charges alleging plagiarism by Gay in her 1997 dissertation. The introduction of plagiarism chargesmeant to add fuel to the fire, and make people even more mad at elite Ivy League administrators and their liberal students, I guesshasnt gone as expected. Gay has maintained her post, but now Stefanik herself is being accused of plagiarism. Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning is claiming publicly that Stefanik plagiarized at least three paragraphs of a letter Stefanik sent to the members of the governing boards of Harvard, MIT, and UPenn on Friday. Three paragraphs make up a pretty sizable percentage of the two-page letter. Manning posted the two drafts side by side on X, and one doesnt need to squint to see the commonalities. Stefanik, for her efforts, managed to change one clause at the end of the missives third paragraph ever so slightly: threats of violence became acts of violence, a writerly intervention that does succeed in making the claim even more factually dubious, but wouldnt get a middle school history student out of hot water. Other paragraphs feature similar coincidences. According to Politico, Stefanik and Manning were working together on a letter, but the partnership fell apart after Stefanik insisted on using the message to demand that the university presidents quit their postsa step too far for Manning. No matter. Stefanik went ahead and used language drafted by Mannings staff anyway, according to Manning spokesperson Gia Scirrotto, and published the letter Friday without Mannings name on it. To defend herself, Stefanik then tweeted, This is something that happens everyday on Capitol Hill. Plagiarism, evidently, is a site-specific infraction. Somebody alert Bill Ackman! In truth, both representatives were likely plagiarizingor borrowing, abundantlyfrom an American Israel Public Affairs Committee directive. Both members count AIPAC as their top individual campaign donor, and both were indeed looking to score points after the infamous hearing Stefanik played a major role in orchestrating. (AIPAC, like many big-time lobbying outfits in Washington, is known for peppering its favored members with messaging guidance, talking points, and more, especially on pet issues.) But the plagiarism ouroboros has slowed the Ivy League administrator revenge campaign at least for now, as Stefanik is fighting off the very same allegations that were supposed to push Gay over the brink. And Gay is decidedly staying in place. That wont be the end of this, though. Republicans have found an opening into railing on the Ivies, and theyd rather focus on the culture war on campus than the ever-climbing civilian death toll in Gaza. Stagg freshman Joe Costello gets a little welding training from ironworker Jason Butz at a Vocational Fair in November at the school in Palos Hills. (Jeff Vorva/Daily Southtown) The main message conveyed at a Vocational Fair this fall at Stagg High School in Palos Hills was that not all students are college bound, and thats not only OK, its a good thing. Afterward, Owen Lally talked about how important it is to get out information about the labor market. Advertisement Weve lost a lot of people who want to work with their hands in the last 10 or 15 years, he said. We need to bounce back from that. Those words of wisdom didnt come from a teacher. Or a counselor. Or an organizer of the event they came from someone who hasnt graduated yet. Advertisement Lally is a senior at Stagg, if he is a little wise beyond his years about labor trends, its because his father, Paul, runs Paul Lally Masonry in Palos Park. Owen likely will follow in his fathers footsteps, but he joined hundreds of his fellow students last month in Staggs North Gym for a smorgasbord of options for those who may not be seeking a four-year degree once they receive their high school diplomas. Im interested in working with my hands and working in the business world, Owen Lally said. When I graduate, I would like to take over the business. But if that doesnt work out, I am always looking into the trades and working with my hands on other stuff. I walked to iron workers, welder, firemen, plumbers. There are a lot of options. Hundreds of students attended a Vocational Fair in November at Stagg High School in Palos Hills. The event was a way to showcase options for students who aren't interested in pursuing four-year college degrees. (Jeff Vorva/Daily Southtown) This was the second year for the fair and co-organizer Rich Kowalczyk, a college and career coordinator at the school, said he was happy with what the event accomplished. We have to expose the kids to different options, he said. In my role as college career counselor, I meet with the kids all the time during their lunch periods and it seems like everyone is filling out a four-year college application and when I ask them why they are doing it, they dont really know. He said he is not trying to talk anyone out of four-year schools, but he is trying to find the right fit for students who are looking for other options. There are a lot of other careers out there where you can make great money, have great benefits and not have to go to a four-year school, Kowalczyk said. I ask them Do you like school? Do you want to go for four more, six more or eight more years? When they answer no I tell them they can still do something great. Advertisement Teacher John Daniels helped make the Vocational Fair a reality in 2022 and said there needs to be more information available for those students who are not built for attending four-year colleges. All were trying to do is expose them to the different decisions they have to make, Daniels said. Thats the goal. Thats what high school is supposed to do. If you were to become a fireman, whats the pathway to become a fireman? What is a sprinkler fitter? What is a sheet metal worker? Stagg instructor John Daniels, left, who helped organize the school's Vocational Fair, stands with senior Rashed Hamad at the event in November. All were trying to do is expose them to the different decisions they have to make, Daniels said. (Jeff Vorva/Daily Southtown) Industry representatives including bricklayers, machine operators, tile setters, hair professionals, iron workers and those working in real estate, law enforcement, building trades, fire protection, carpentry, sheet metal, power construction, sprinkler fitters, heat and frost insulators, pipe fitters, automotive technicians, electricians, plumbers, heath care, trades for women and more were at the fair. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Stagg senior Rashed Hamad is graduating this month and is heading into the family business that owns fast-food restaurants, including Charleys Cheesesteaks. But he kept and open mind as he went through the various employment vendors at the fair. Advertisement The first thing I went to was the Chicago pipe fitters and he was talking to be about how they have a bunch of different courses like heating and refrigeration and AC and all of that, Hamad said. He was telling me as soon as I sign up, he will put me to work. It was a good thing. I talked to the sheet metal workers and I enjoyed hearing what they had to say. Kowalczyk said that opening minds to new career idea was goal for this event. Its a great reminder to the kids that they can come here and just ask questions, he said. Be open. Be curious. Maybe there is a career you fall in love with and dont need to do four years of college. Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. FILE - Robert E. Crimo III's father Robert Crimo Jr., right, and mother Denise Pesina attend to a hearing for their son in Lake County court on Aug. 3, 2022, in Waukegan, Ill. Crimo Jr. has been released early from jail, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 after serving part of a 60-day sentence for sponsoring a firearm application for his son. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool, File) (Nam Y. Huh/AP) The father of the alleged Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooter was released from jail Wednesday morning after serving less than a month of his 60-day sentence due to good behavior, according to the Lake County sheriffs office. Robert Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct last month after prosecutors alleged he acted recklessly when sponsoring his sons application for a firearm license when the Robert Crimo III was 19 years old. Advertisement The elder Crimo was originally charged with seven counts of felony reckless conduct one for each person his son is accused of killing on July 4, 2022 with each count carrying a maximum three-year prison term. But the charges were lowered after the father accepted a plea deal moments before his trial was set to begin in November. Robert E. Crimo Jr., leaves the Lake County Courthouse after pleading guilty Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, to seven counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct for his role in allowing his son, Robert E. Crimo III, to obtain firearms in Waukegan, Ill. Crimo III is accused of killing seven people and wounding 31 at the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh/AP) In exchange for the guilty plea, Crimo Jr. was sentenced to spend 60 days in Lake County jail, beginning on Nov. 15, perform 100 hours of community service and serve two years on probation, which requires him to forfeit his gun license and guns. Advertisement Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli, and public information officer for the sheriffs office, said the charge to which Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to is served at 50% for good behavior, meaning he received a day-for-day credit for his behavior. Crimo Jr.s case was significant because it was a rare example of a parent being held liable for the actions of a mass shooting suspect. On the day he reported for his jail sentence, Crimo Jr. arrived at the Lake County Courthouse wearing a white shirt that read, Im a political pawn, in black letters. On the back of his shirt were the words laws, facts and reality. In court, Judge George Strickland ordered Crimo Jr. to turn his shirt inside out, saying it violated court decorum. In pleading guilty, Crimo Jr. agreed in court that he had knowledge of his sons dangerous behavior prior to signing his sons firearm identification (FOID) application affidavit. Today the legal system has found Robert Crimo Jr. bears responsibility for endangering so many, and he himself has agreed that this was a crime, States Attorney Eric Rinehart said on Nov. 6. Three years before the attack in Highland Park, Crimo III was 19 and not old enough to seek a gun license, but could apply in Illinois with parental sponsorship. Crimo Jr. signed the application in 2019, even though months earlier, the son threatened to kill himself and his family, according to reports from the Highland Park police department. Prosecutors charged Crimo Jr. in December 2022, arguing he should have known his son was troubled after consecutive violent threats, making him a poor candidate for gun ownership. Advertisement The fathers release comes just two days after the sons trial was set for Feb. 26, 2024. At a conference hearing Monday, Crimo III dismissed his public defenders and announced he would represent himself at trial, which could take anywhere from four to six weeks. Potential evidence prosecutors said Crimo III admitted he was the gunman when he was arrested hours after the shooting is voluminous. Dozens were injured in addition to the seven killed at the July 4, 2022 Fourth of July parade. Crimo III is facing more than 100 felonies, including 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to hundreds of years or life in prison. chilles@chicagotribune.com LANSING When the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a 6.4% electric rate increase for DTE Energy on Dec. 1, it charged to residential ratepayers millions of dollars in DTE memberships in groups that sponsor getaway conferences for utility commissioners and that critics say promote programs that favor utility profits at customers' expense. A sign at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners annual meeting displays the top sponsors of the event at the La Quinta Hotel and Resort in La Quinta, Calif., Nov. 13, 2023. The commission allowed DTE to charge to ratepayers a total of $5.3 million in memberships to groups such as the Edison Electric Institute, despite the fact both the commission and an administrative law judge who presided over the rate case said DTE needed to do a better job of explaining how all of the memberships benefited ratepayers. The commission even approved one membership charge of just over $600,000 that both its own staff and the administrative law judge who heard the rate case recommended it reject. Instead of rejecting the costs, the three Michigan commissioners, who all attended a California conference sponsored by two of the groups as recently as November, asked DTE to better explain the specific benefits to customers of the memberships in their next application for a rate increase just as they did when they approved DTE's previous rate hike, including the membership fees, back in 2022. So ratepayers will continue to pay for utility groups to "network" with the commissioners who adjudicate DTE's rate increase and conduct research that critics say lacks independence from the utility industry. "To force consumers to have to pay these huge fees for this participation is ... a little obscene," said state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, who served on the House Energy Committee before he was elected to the Senate. In the latest rate case, DTE charged to ratepayers membership costs that include $2.5 million for the Electric Power Research Institute, $1.4 million for the Edison Electric Institute, just over $600,000 for the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative, and about $579,000 for the Nuclear Energy Institute, records show. A November Free Press report documented a cozy relationship between the MPSC and the utilities it regulates and a lack of transparency in its decision-making process. One aspect of the coziness is the fact public utility commissions in Michigan and around the country solicit groups such as the Edison Electric Institute an association of investor-owned utilities such as DTE and Consumers Energy to sponsor annual and regional meetings of regulators. Late last year, MPSC Commission Chair Dan Scripps signed a letter sent to such groups seeking sponsorships of $1,000 to $15,000 and up to underwrite the annual meeting of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC), held in Grand Rapids in August. MARC typically turns a profit of close to $100,000 or more from its annual meetings, and uses those proceeds to pay travel, hotel and meals for "commissioner only" conferences held each January in Austin, Texas, or San Antonio, meeting minutes show. Both the Edison Electric Institute and the Nuclear Energy Institute regularly pay thousands of dollars to sponsor national and regional utility conferences and both helped underwrite the November annual meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. The conference was held in La Quinta, California, near Palm Springs, at a resort one online travel publication called "a go-to desert hideaway for Hollywood A-listers." Scripps and Commissioners Katherine Peretick and Alessandra Carreon all attended the LaQuinta conference and all voted to include the cost of DTE's Edison Electric Institute and Nuclear Energy Institute memberships in residents' electric bills. Jackson Koeppel, a consultant from Highland Park who testified in the DTE rate case on behalf of the community organizations Soulardarity and We Want Green, Too, told the Free Press he's concerned about the groups' sponsorship of such conferences, partly because utility trade groups influence agendas and the makeup of panel discussions at conferences they sponsor, helping to shape the way utility regulators think. But in his testimony urging an administrative law judge and the MPSC to disallow the membership costs, Koeppel focused on DTE's failure to demonstrate how its memberships in the associations benefit ratepayers, along with evidence that some of the groups work to the detriment of residential consumers. "It is not reasonable or prudent for the commission to continue approving membership expenses which may be functionally serving as a slush fund for organizations that are not working in the interests of society broadly or DTE ratepayers specifically," Koeppel testified in April. The Edison Electric Institute commissioned a 2013 study, "Disruptive Challenges," that predicted "distributed generation" technology, such as residential rooftop solar panels, would trigger a "death spiral" for utility companies. The influence of that report, Koeppel said, helped to kill "net metering" in Michigan and elsewhere. Under net metering, which began in Michigan in 2009, residents with rooftop solar were able to sell their excess energy back to the grid at the retail rate. More: Outrageous: DTE, Consumers enjoy close relationship with state panel that regulates them The MPSC ended net metering in 2019, requiring residential customers with solar panels to buy electricity at the retail rate but only be reimbursed for excess power at a lesser rate, significantly reducing the benefit to consumers. The change was the result of laws passed by the Legislature in 2016, after lobbying by DTE and other utilities. In August, the Sierra Club described the EEI as a "fossil fuel front group" with a "regressive, dirty agenda." EEI is associated with the Edison Foundation Institute for Electric Innovation, which has DTE Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia on its management committee, according to its website. Koeppel noted that EEI's predecessor, the National Electric Light Association, fought public ownership of utilities before it was dissolved in 1933, the same year the EEI was formed. Sarah Durdaller, a spokeswoman for EEI, said the association and its members "prioritize customer affordability and reliability as we work to deliver resilient clean energy across our economy." Electric utilities are among the most regulated companies in the country and "EEI engages on their behalf with federal and state legislators, regulators, and other policymakers through lobbying, advocacy, and regulatory proceedings, with the goal of providing customers affordable, reliable, and resilient clean energy." DTE said in its testimony the ways the memberships benefit customers include research, networking and benchmarking. "Most all businesses large and small belong to professional organizations that share common issues," DTE spokesman Peter Ternes said in a Tuesday email. "DTE belongs to these organizations to share best practices to meet regulations and improve operations to better serve customers." In his testimony, Koeppel divided DTE's discretionary memberships into three groups. Organizations in one group, where DTE's membership fees total $2.7 million, not only do not benefit ratepayers, in Koeppel's view, but actively work against their interests. In addition to EEI, that group includes the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative, which is focused on natural gas technology, and the Nuclear Energy Institute, he said. The Nuclear Energy Institute, whose leadership includes DTE, is "straightforward in presenting itself as an industry association designed to promote and advance the use of nuclear energy," and "clearly partisan in its technological focus," while ratepayer interests "are technology-neutral in seeking the lowest costs, lowest health burdens, and highest quality service," Koeppel said in an email. MPSC staff, as well as the administrative law judge, recommended that the MPSC not allow DTE to charge its $601,470 membership in the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative to ratepayers, because the company "failed to explain the cost impact/benefit to customers." But in its order, the MPSC overruled both its own staff and the judge and allowed the charge, saying the membership is "a valuable collaboration ... aimed at accelerating the development and demonstration of low and zero-carbon energy technologies." Scripps said in a Tuesday email that although the commission has now asked DTE to come back with improved information about customer benefits of the memberships in two consecutive rate cases, the situations are not the same. This time, Scripps said he was satisfied DTE presented evidence about customer benefits, but some of that evidence came through testimony provided by company officials, rather than being spelled out directly in DTE's exhibit listing the memberships and their respective costs, as he would prefer. "We asked for more detail in the last case, DTE provided the detail, and on that basis we approved the expenses," Scripps said. "That said, in an effort to further improve the evidentiary record going forward we also ... directed DTE to provide even greater specificity in the future." Asked whether conference sponsorships by EEI and the Nuclear Energy Institute could influence the MPSC's approval of the membership fees in any way, Scripps said: "Our decisions are based on the record evidence in front of us and the order speaks for itself." The largest discretionary, or voluntary, membership fee approved was $2.5 million for the Electric Power Research Institute. Koeppel testified that there may be some customer benefit from DTE's membership in that organization, but the onus is on the utility to demonstrate that benefit and he did not feel DTE had done so, beyond saying that it helped the company with research and best practices. DTE also pays $11.4 million in nondiscretionary memberships, the company said: nearly $8.2 million to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; $1.7 million to North American Electric Reliability; and nearly $1.6 million to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators. Not all state regulators allow utilities to charge their discretionary memberships to ratepayers. This summer, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law prohibiting utilities from charging customers for lobbying and other efforts to sway political outcomes, including trade association dues, the CT Mirror reported. That law followed similar measures in Colorado and Maine, according to the publication. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @paulegan4. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Millions in DTE membership dues get added to Michigan electric bills A nurse practitionerand her pastor husband were killed in front of their home on Saturday, one week after being married, in a fatal shooting allegedly committed by the wifes ex-husband, Florida authorities said. Sony Josaphat, 46, was arrested and accused of premeditated murder with a firearm in connection to the death of his ex-wife, whose identity police have kept anonymous due to Marsys Law, the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office announced. Sony Josaphat turned himself in to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office headquarters after allegedly shooting his ex-wife. Sony Josaphat turned himself in to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office headquarters after allegedly shooting his ex-wife. The womans sister identified her sibling and her brother-in-law as the victims of the fatal shooting, according to local news outlet WPTV. She told the outlet her sisters children were inside the home at the time of the shooting. According to court documents obtained by HuffPost, Josaphats daughter called 911 on Saturday to report thather father shot the couple outside their home. Responding officers found the couple dead on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds and told everyone who was inside the home to leave, police said. Investigators who interviewed witnesses learned that Josaphat had not lived at the house for over a year, but would show up randomly and had a history of being controlling. One witness told police that the husband was outside installing security cameras while his wife was taking groceries out of the trunk of her car when she noticed Josaphat approaching. Josaphat then asked his ex-wife if two unnamed individuals were home. She ignored him and instead began walking to the front door while he followed, police said. The witness told police that Josaphat eventually pulled out a pistol and shot the couple multiple times before fleeing the scene. Josaphat turned himself in shortly after the shooting, and police said he confessed to killing his ex-wife and her new husband. Josaphat allegedlytold police he was taking his daughter to grab breakfast and became angry when he saw the couple outside their home, and proceeded to shoot them while his daughter witnessed, according to the document. Josaphat also allegedly told officers that his ex-wife had been disrespecting him and blocked his phone calls, since Oct. 5, the same date court records show their divorce was finalized. The document also states that information he found out on Dec. 2 the date his ex got remarried filled him with anger and he hasnt been able to sleep. Need help? In the U.S., call 1-866-331-9474 or text loveis to 22522 for the National Dating Abuse Helpline. Related... NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A controversial military-themed brewery has been given the green light to open its taps in Norfolk. On Tuesday night, Norfolk City Council voted 6-1 to approve a conditional use permit for Armed Forces Brewing Company, which has taken over the former OConnor Brewing building on W. 24th Street in the Park Place neighborhood, to operate a taproom and sell beer. Councilwoman Andria McClellan was the lone no vote and Councilwoman Mamie Johnson was absent. The approval came after months of heavy pushback from the local community, who argued that the companys messaging is divisive and bigoted, particularly comments made by former Navy SEAL and company spokesperson Robert J. ONeill, and that the brash military theme was a cheap marketing ploy and disrespectful to the areas military community. I would be very concerned about the safety of residents once Armed Forces Brewing Company patrons start to come into the neighborhood. Public-facing shareholders for this company openly use hateful and racist language such as the N word, most residents of Park Place are Black, and I feel like those residents are sure to encounter abuse from the people the AFBC has put a beacon out to, said Norfolk resident and Navy veteran Katherine Bertho, pointing to ONeills alleged use of a racial slur during the reported assault of a security guard in Texas. They didnt come in here looking to be good neighbors, they came in with a bluster and arrogance most veterans are humble, respectful, law-abiding and service-oriented, said Norfolk Robert Bracknell. Theyre not the types to wrap themselves in the flag and cheapen service to make a buck. Armed Forces Brewing Company urges community support as it awaits Norfolk vote on permit However proponents, including lawyers for the brewery, continued to frame Tuesdays vote as a land use issue, and not necessarily whether its a good fit with the surrounding area. Yes we have some advertising that most people find amusing, and some people dont, said Kendall Almerico, an attorney for the company. And the fact that they dont like some of our advertising because it features people with a tank or people shooting a ray gun, a toy gun in some cases or things like that has no bearing on the issue today. Thats something that council members agreed with, despite some having misgivings about the brewerys operations and messaging. Norfolk City Attorney Bernard Pishko the brewing by right is not really subject to debate. And the question of whether sales at this brewery should be permitted are something that has a strong amount of evidence in support of, Pishko said. Councilwoman McClellan said she isnt a fan of the companys messaging, calling it boorish and misogynistic, but emphasized that wasnt the matter at hand. She did though have questions about the land use. What has been correctly pointed out is that this vote before us is a land use issue, with that in mind Im very concerned about the increase in intensity of this business relative to its predecessor the applicant publicly states on its website that it plans to brew up to 500,000 cases per year, far in excess of the 200,000 cases per year brewed by OConnor, therefore while similar in nature to the previous business the increase of the intensity of use by 250 percent leads me to believe this is not a good fit for this location. McClellan also pointed out that the brewery recently received several stop work orders from a city inspector for violations, calling them egregious. Norfolk Planning Commission recommends denial of permits for Armed Forces Brewing Company Ultimately, others on council said those who disapprove of the company should just vote with their wallets. Let the market decide their fate, said Councilman Tommy Smigiel before casting a yes vote. After the vote, Tim Anderson, a former delegate and an attorney for Armed Forces, said the company stood up to the woke cancel culture and put it all on the line to operate in Norfolk and won. He says they plan to open sometime in January. Armed Forces Brewing Company attorney challenges legality for denial of conditional permits in Norfolk For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Conviction upheld in 2021 fatal Marion shooting Watch a previous report on the Marion shooting in the video player above. MARION, Ohio (WCMH) A man will spend at least the next 18 years in prison after a court rejected his appeal on a murder conviction tied to a 2021 shooting in Marion. Ziair Green (MARION COUNTY PROSECUTORS OFFICE) Marion County prosecutor Ray Grogan announced Wednesday that Ziair Green, of Marion, will continue serving his 18-years-to-life prison sentence after the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals upheld his conviction. Green was 17 at the time of the shooting, police said. Green was convicted of killing Ricco McGhee, 43, on the night of Jan. 18, 2021, during a shooting on the 100 block of South Seffner Avenue. Many in Marion will remember this horrible crime after firing eight rounds from a semi-automatic handgun, killing his victim, Green fled his crime scene and Marion Police had to issue a public warning that he was potentially armed and the public should use caution is they see him, Grogan said in a press release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The Ross Moore Lake wildfire in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada on 28 July 2023, amidst soaring temperatures and drought Nations at the UN climate summit have for the first time taken explicit aim at the use of fossil fuels. The talks in Dubai came close to collapse but in a dramatic turn-around, nations agreed to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas. But small islands hit hard by climate change protested, saying the deal was rushed through without them. And it departed from earlier stronger language to "phase out fossil fuels". Many nations including the US, UK and European Union had pushed for a phase out from the opening of the talks. Close to 200 nations were in the United Arab Emirates for almost two weeks to try to make progress on tackling climate change after months of record-breaking extreme weather. Expectations had been low that oil-rich United Arab Emirates could deliver a deal that took aim at the fossil fuel industry. The COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber's dual role as CEO of Abu Dhabi oil giant Adnoc attracted further criticism. Onlookers' fears of a conflict of interest seemed confirmed when leaked documents suggested Mr Jaber had planned to use the presidency to strike business deals. But on Wednesday Mr Jaber delivered a jubilant speech, saying the conference "should be proud of our historic achievement". The deal today will likely be seen as a victory for his leadership. The gavelling of the deal itself took many delegates by surprise but was met with cheers and a standing ovation in the plenary room. The low-lying island nature of Tuvalu is at severe risk form rising waters However, a representative for the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis) - representing nations on the frontlines of climate change - took the microphone as soon as comments were open to nations. "It seems that you just gavelled the decisions when the small island states weren't in the room," she said. And she said Aosis are concerned that the key language about transitioning away from fossil fuels "potentially takes us backward rather than forward". More on climate change The 21-page deal Mr Jaber presided over says countries will "contribute... to transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner". It also recognises that global emissions of warming gases will likely peak before 2025, but could be later for developing nations. Pushback from oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia appears to have been successful in softening the commitments. Poorer nations that are reliant on fossil fuel exports, including Iraq, also opposed the stronger language because they said it did not fairly reflect their limited role in causing climate change. And many developing countries said other agreements at COP28 did not secure enough finance to transition their countries onto greener energy or make up for the loss of income from selling fossil fuels. But all nations at the talks appeared to accept the compromise of the deal. The deal today will likely be seen as a victory for Sultan al-Jaber's leadership US Climate Envoy John Kerry said that in the context of conflict in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, the deal was "cause for optimism". He admitted the text did not have everything the US had pushed for, but he said it was a step forwards and represented what nations could agree to. Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union's climate commissioner, saluted the deal as an historic achievement after 30 years of no agreement on the fossil fuel question. And the UK climate minister Graham Stuart told the plenary it was "the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era" but admitted "there are elements here we do not like". Away from politicians' speeches, activists and scientists called the deal weak, saying it does little to fix the growing problem of emissions released into the atmosphere, causing global warming. Countries have just six years to reach a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 45% but are far off track. Uganda youth activists Vanessa Nakate said the decision is "nowhere near enough" and called the meeting "a fossil fuel COP out". Tuvalu negotiator Mervina Paeuli, 25, said she was left with "mixed feelings", and worries the deal does little for her Pacific island home. "If the overall goal was to push action for the 1.5C target, then it's not a good day for me," she said, referring to the globally-agreed goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C. And despite the chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Prof Jim Skea, saying that Mr Jaber is "attentive to the science" during the COP talks, many scientists are sceptical of the deal. "No doubt there will be lots of cheering and back-slapping... but the physics will not care. As the new agreement locks in high levels of emissions for years to come, so the temperature will continue to rise," said Prof Kevin Anderson from University of Manchester. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also gave his judgement. He said many governments wanted a clear reference to phase out fossil fuels but "it was watered down". "Whether you like it or not, fossil fuel phase out is inevitable. Let's hope it doesn't come too late," he said. The host for the UN climate talks, in 2024, was also confirmed as gas-rich Azerbaijan in the Caucuses. A crime alert posted to the Ohio University website stated the incident started after three Black women heard two groups of men arguing and using racial epithets. Ohio University police are investigating an incident in which a group of men allegedly followed three Black students, threatening them with handguns and hurling racial slurs at them. A crime notice filed on the universitys website stated that three Black female students reported hearing two groups of men arguing near the Schoonover Center around 1:40 a.m. Sunday. Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. (Photo: Adobe Stock) According to the alert, the female students overheard the guys using the N-word, which prompted one of the women to yell at the two groups, challenging their use of the slur. While one of the groups left the area, police said the second group three white males and one biracial or Black man pursued the women, hurling racist epithets. Two of the men allegedly brandished weapons equipped with laser sites. Recommended Stories Featured Ex-student accused in racist attack banned from campus Associated Press Crime After Jacksonville shootings, historically Black colleges address security concerns, remain vigilant Associated Press Pres. Joe Biden, theGrio.com Featured Republican impeachment inquiry against Biden is a Trump-inspired farce Donna Brazile News U.N. envoy worries about military confrontation between Congo, Rwanda Associated Press Politics Group founded by Norman Lear keeps his legacy of political activism alive Gerren Keith Gaynor Montgomery brawl chair News Chair-wielding Montgomery man gets community service after guilty plea TheGrio Staff Elections After losing Houston mayors race, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to seek reelection to Congress Associated Press The four males then ran toward Court Street, where police searched but could not locate them. The university police departments crime alert included prevention tips noting that perpetrators of crimes make campuses less safe and encouraging individuals to intervene if they can do so safely, and consider walking with a phone in hand if alone. I mean, seeing that it was kind of racially charged, it was kind of disheartening, junior Caleb Miller said on NBC4. I mean, its 2023. You would think those things dont really happen on a campus as diverse as this. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Cops probing report that men brandished guns and hurled slurs at 3 Black women appeared first on TheGrio. If you live in a suburban or rural area of New Jersey it is likely that you have a deer experience, if not a whole bunch of them. Whether it be that they ate all of your freshly planted flowers, ran out in front of your car, or adorably hang out in your yard on a daily basis, the deer are everywhere. White-tailed deer are common to encounter in New Jersey and, while they are cute to look at, it is important that you respect their space, for their safety and your own. Melvin, a well-known deer from Andover Township, attacked a man hours before his wedding in November, according to NJ.com. Kevin Van Arsdale was attacked while walking his dogs, only breaking free from the deer after two township workers who happened to be walking by were able to scare it off. Van Arsdale had minor injuries in the attack. About two weeks later, on Nov. 22, another attack by the same deer was reported. The following day, Andover police officers located the deer near the same location, and they shot and killed it. Van Arsdale and Andover officials could not be reached for comment after multiple attempts. So, what could have caused the deer to become so aggressive? Melvin was widely loved around the community, enough so that people took to social media after his death using the hashtag #JusticeforMelvin. Many people likely fed him and showed him affection, which according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, could be causes for Melvin's aggression. Regardless of how harmless they seem, white-tailed deer are wild animals which, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, do not need our help. On feeding wild deer, the NJDEP's website says, "People should keep in mind that deer and other wildlife are wild animals and have adapted to cope to the sometimes-harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures and high winds." If people consistently feed deer, it could cause them to lose their fear of humans, eventually leading to aggression. According to the NJDEP, "In NJ, deer are considered a 'potentially dangerous species' because of their ability to inflict serious physical harm to humans with their hooves and antlers." Additional potential consequences of feeding deer include: Increasing reproductive potential Enhancing the spread of disease and parasites Changing the deer's behavioral patterns Sickening and killing deer So, while you may think you are helping your deer neighbors, it may actually be harming them. And while you may feel bad that they are out during the cold New Jersey winters, they have adapted for this and can ensure their survival on their own. "Deer are beautiful wild animals and should be afforded the respect they deserve," said the NJDEP. "Wildlife lovers are encouraged to enjoy their presence passively and allow them to live as the wild animals they are." This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Deer attacks in Andover NJ: Why did Melvin the deer become aggressive? Sisters Maria and Evelyn Del Pilar walked five hours from St. Padre Pio Parish in Chicago, through Niles on Milwaukee Avenue, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. Maria Del Pilar said she has been doing the walk for four years with her dad, and that her dad's pilgrimages in Mexico would take days to complete. (Richard Requena) Hundreds of Catholic pilgrims braced for the cold on Monday night, walking from churches and block clubs in Chicago up Milwaukee Avenue into and through Niles. They walked with a purpose: to give thanks and ask for a miracle. The pilgrims were traveling on foot to observe the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an overnight celebration for many who walk hours to get to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on Dec. 12. The shrine was expecting hundreds of thousands of people to attend, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a full schedule of masses and festivities, including choirs and folkloric dance groups, had been planned. Advertisement Veronica Miranda, a member of St. Padre Pio Catholic Parish at California and Bryn Mawr Avenues on Chicagos North side, has been walking the five-hour pilgrimage from her church to Des Plaines for five years to give thanks for miracles she has been blessed with, she said. She walked with a group of 12 people from the church and said most come from the Mexican state of Michoacan. Miranda said she has been a believer her whole life, and has family members who had visions of La Virgen when they were sick. How could you not believe? she said. Advertisement She is the mother, said Miranda, speaking of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Just like when you were a child and your mother would cover you up, she is the mother of Christ and watches over us and makes sure the world is safe. Veronica Miranda, in the gray coat, leads the way for members of the St. Padre Pio Parish in their five hour walk from Bryn Mawr and California Avenues in Chicago. They walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines in honor of her feast day. (Richard Requena) Among the St. Padre Pio group were sisters Maria and Evelyn Del Pilar. Miranda said when Maria Del Pilar was born, she was premature by two months and had serious health problems that almost had her incubated. I remember praying so many rosaries, said Miranda. We are so thankful for our miracles. Maria said she has been doing the pilgrimage for four years with her dad and that the pilgrimage means a lot to her. God put me here for a reason, she said, adding that the pilgrimage is always a good way to spread the word. Maria added that while her mother has a health condition that wont let her be a part of the pilgrimage, her dad would take pilgrimages in Mexico that would take days and some even a week to complete. Maria said she uses her own story of receiving a miracle to motivate her as she puts herself through school and work. Sometimes I feel like I am ready to quit, but everything is possible through faith and hope. Faith moves mountains, she said. Farther north on Milwaukee Avenue, the McDonalds near Oakton Avenue started to become crowded with pilgrims looking to briefly rest during the nights journey. Some people bring coffee and champurrado, or Mexican hot chocolate, when they walk the pilgrimage route, but there is no immediate substitute for a chair, a break from the cold and a restroom. Hundreds of people walked north on Niles' Milwaukee Avenue to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Monday night in honor of her feast day. Many of the pilgrims who participated in the walk needed respite and the McDonald's near Oakton and Milwaukee Avenues provided just that. (Richard Requena) Spread along four tables, a single group from Rogers Park took some respite from their six-hour walk. Maria Paz organized the 19 friends and neighbors who walked from the neighborhood, which has gotten bigger every single time it has been put together for five years. They arent affiliated with any church, she said. We came here on our own account, she said. The weather on Monday night was in the 30s, but Paz said she was thankful that there hadnt been any snow or rain for pilgrimages in the past two years. She recalled a time when a woman came from the city barefoot, and by the time she made it to the shrine, her feet were cracked and bleeding. She commented that some pilgrims will take those lengths out of humility and gratitude. Everyone in her group was well-outfitted with coats and shoes, however. Advertisement Paz said she started doing the pilgrimage five years ago to give thanks for her sons health. At 10 years old her son, Oscar Palacios, was hospitalized for a stroke caused by a tumor in his brain that has since been removed, she said, leaving her son living with paralysis. All the same, Paz said she was thankful for her miracle. Not everyone taking part in the pilgrimage was contending with life or death matters. Luis Zhunio of Chicagos Humboldt Park neighborhood said it was the second time he participated in the pilgrimage, walking with a group of about 15 people for five hours. This time around, he gave thanks for his miracle, which was that strong back pain he endured for two weeks went away on its own after much prayer, he said. A mans death last month at a Kansas prison has been ruled a homicide, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday. Another prisoner has been identified as a suspect, but he has not been arrested or charged, KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said in a news release. Darionce Terrell Charles-Lott was found unresponsive in his cell at Lansing Correctional Center and died. The KBI was notified about the death around 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 25. Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Charles-Lott was strangled in a homicide. The 29 year old was convicted of aggravated battery in Wyandotte County and sentenced to 172 months in prison. The homicide investigation is ongoing and the findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorneys Office for a charging decision, Underwood said. A federal lawsuit focused on an intricate bid-rigging and extortion scheme has helped illuminate another pitfall of HOA foreclosures: They can leave homeowners vulnerable to profiteers. The four plaintiffs in the lawsuit, all North Carolina homeowners who fell behind on their homeowners association dues, were victimized by a network of people who were unjustly enriched by their illegal conduct, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles concluded last year, after a federal jury ruled in favor of the homeowners. A Cary-based limited liability company known as The Estates engaged in bid-rigging in order to limit competition and buy foreclosed houses at lower prices, jurors found. But before the sales closed, high bidders sometimes approached homeowners with an offer: They would not take their homes if the homeowners paid them tens of thousands of dollars. Hopes Foreclosed NC rules make it easy for HOAs to foreclose on homeowners. State law allows them to force the sale of homes for any amount of unpaid dues, no matter how small. Our investigation shows how often it's happening and how it can be devastating to homeowners. This was an elaborate scheme to take advantage of people who were in a horrible period of their lives, said Chapel Hill attorney Jim White, who represented the plaintiffs. Jurors awarded the plaintiffs more than $1.2 million in damages. Evidence produced in the case suggested that more than 100 homeowners in the Carolinas and Texas were victimized. Maricol Tineo and her husband, Jairo Leon, were among them. A knock at the door The Raleigh couple say they thought they were current on paying their HOA dues. They didnt see the HOAs delinquency notices because they were sent to their old address in Texas, said White, their attorney. The couple said they didnt realize their HOA had foreclosed on their four-bedroom townhouse until 2019, when they got a knock on their door from Carolyn Souther, who court records say was employed by a dues-paying member of the Estates. Souther told the couple that she was representing an investor who won the house in a foreclosure auction, according to Gretel Leon, the couples adult daughter, who was there at the time. Souther walked through the remodeled townhome near Wake Forest and kept saying how pretty the house was, Gretel Leon recalled. Then, the couple said, Souther gave them options: The investor could pay them to move out of the house. Or the couple could pay thousands to hold on to it. She did say we were going to be without a house, Gretel Leon said. And if we didnt pay, she couldnt help us. Afterward, Gretel Leon said, Souther began calling and texting her, pressuring me to make my parents make a decision. In one of those texts, the federal lawsuit says, Souther demanded $80,000 in exchange for which: My investor will then walk away giving you clear rights to the home. Theyd worked their whole life to build something for us, Gretel said of her parents. And then in a second, it seemed like they could lose everything. In fact, White said, no one from the Estates had actually paid for the house. Souther lied to the couple about the status of the foreclosure, claiming that another Estates member already owned it, the federal judge wrote. After an HOA foreclosed on them, Maricol Tineo and her husband were in danger of losing this home in Raleigh. Then, they say, a foreclosure bidder who didnt own the house told them theyd be on the street if they didnt pay $80,000. Souther declined to comment for this story, according to her attorney, Bob Culver. Ultimately, the investor did attempt to buy the house out of foreclosure. But by that time, the family had contacted White, who sued the Estates. The judge who ruled on the lawsuit ordered that the pending foreclosure sale be blocked and that the family be allowed to keep their house. Anatomy of a scam Illustration More money with less risk A principal figure in the scheme, according to court documents, was Estates founder Craig Brooksby. Brooksbys real estate company charged monthly membership fees for users to access a database of homes facing foreclosure by HOAs or others. The system was set up to ensure that just one of the members bid on each property, the judge found. Members submitted internal bids to The Estates disclosing the maximum amount they would pay for a property. Based on that information, Brooksby or another Estates official would pick one member to bid on each property. Brooksby advised members who won bids to negotiate with owners of the foreclosed home before closing on the properties in an effort to make more money with less risk, just as one had attempted with Leon and Tineo, the judge concluded. In an interview with The Charlotte Observer, Brooksby disputed that members of the Estates were involved in bid-rigging or extortion. The documents presented to the homeowners and the representations made to the homeowners were 100% accurate, he said. The definition of extortion, the way I understood it from the judge, is you had to tell the homeowner something that was not truthful. And that was not done. White disputed that, noting that homeowners were given notices that they had to vacate their homes even before the bidders owned them. Chapel Hill lawyer Jim White scored a victory for North Carolina homeowners who a federal jury found were victimized by a company that tried to take advantage of people facing foreclosure. HOA foreclosures, he said, facilitate all sorts of abuse. Brooksby and other defendants appealed the case to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court has dismissed most of those appeals, with the exception of those filed by Brooksby and two other defendants. Brooksby declined to talk at length about the allegations until the Fourth Circuit weighs in, but contended: I created a remedy that worked well for everyone. And when I did, they turned it on me and turned me into the bad guy. Judge Eagles saw things differently. In December, she held Brooksby in contempt of court, saying he was hiding assets and violating an injunction prohibiting him from buying or selling properties at foreclosure auctions. The judge also put the assets of Brooksby and the Estates in the hands of a receiver. Brooksby declined to discuss the judges contempt ruling or to say how much money he has made in the foreclosure business. But with last years court ruling, he said, Ive lost everything. At the end of the day, it broke me. White, however, said the real victims were the homeowners. It opens the door to all sorts of abuse, White said of HOA foreclosures. It certainly opens the door to predators. Court: Foreclosure buyers acted in bad faith Lawyers who represent homeowners in such cases say HOA foreclosures are ripe for abuse because just about anyone with a few thousand dollars can become the high bidder on a house and then try to take advantage of owners. Many HOA foreclosure homes are sold for less than $10,000, Charlotte attorney James Galvin noted. And at that price, schemers can sometimes make a profit by persuading the original homeowner to pay them more than what they paid or bid for the house. You cant extract $100,000 from the typical homeowner, Galvin said. But you can extract $5,000 or $10,000 or $20,000. Calmore and Hygiena George had paid off the mortgage on this house in Charlotte when their HOA foreclosed. A company bought the house at foreclosure auction for $2,650, then demanded that the Georges pay $150,000 to buy back the house. Instead the couple fought in court to regain their home. Two of Galvins clients Calmore and Hygiena George learned firsthand what can happen. The couple had paid off the mortgage on their three-bedroom home in southwest Charlotte by 2016, when the Crossings Steele Creek HOA filed a $205 lien against their property for unpaid dues, court records show. Less than two months later, the HOA moved to foreclose. The Georges lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands but had bought the house in Charlotte so their daughters would have a place to live while they attended a nearby college. Notice of the foreclosure never reached the Georges in St. Croix, the North Carolina Supreme Court found. The sheriff mistakenly served paperwork on one of their daughters, who was living at the Charlotte house, instead of the owners. In court testimony, Hygiena and Calmore George said they didnt know the house was being foreclosed on until March 2017, when one of their daughters called to say shed received an eviction letter. At the January 2017 foreclosure auction, a company called KPC Holdings bought the house for $2,650. The Georges then hired Galvin, the Charlotte lawyer, who told KPC that the couple had not been notified about the foreclosure. Galvin said he gave KPC an offer: The Georges would pay at least twice the auction price to buy their home back. The company refused the offer and demanded that they pay $150,000 to have the property returned to them, court records show. Instead, the Georges fought to regain their home, all the way up to the state Supreme Court. In 2021, justice ruled in their favor, invalidating the foreclosure and returning the house to the Georges. The Supreme Court agreed that KPC paid a grossly inadequate price to purchase the property and that the company had reason to question whether the Georges had sufficient notice about the foreclosure. Attorneys for KPC and for the Crossings Steele Creek HOA declined to comment. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Rudy G Is His Own Worst Disaster Were two days into the trial of Rudy Giuliani for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, and its hard to imagine things going any worse for him. For those who havent been following the case, heres the key thing to know: Giuliani has already been found liable for defamation by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell because he was such a scofflaw in failing to respond to discovery requests and even engage in the lawsuit at a basic level. So the judge entered a default judgment against him. In that sense, Giuliani has already lost. The jury trial now is merely to determine damages and how much Giuliani will have to pay. The plaintiffs are seeking tens of millions of dollars from the former NYC mayor, who is a shell of his former self. After the first day of trial, Giuliani walked outside of the courthouse and repeated some of the lies hes told about Freeman and Moss, prompting the judge to damn near lose her mind when the trial resumed yesterday. When the trial reconvened on Tuesday morning, an incredulous Howell said the comments could support another defamation claim, Kyle Cheney reported. Giulianis attorney was defenseless in the face of his clients self-destructive behavior. After day 2 of the trial got underway, co-plaintiff Shaye Moss gave deeply compelling testimony about what Giulianis lies have done to her personal life and work life. She more than held her own on cross examination from Giulianis lawyer, and more than once she brought up Giulianis remarks on the courthouse steps the night before. Then last evening, Giuliani pulled a similar stunt. In a rambling, incoherent rant he tried connecting plaintiffs counsel with Hunter Biden and Burisma, and by that point I was expecting him to pull out the old GOP standby: B-E-N-G-H-A-Z-I. Give him time, the trial is still young. Still Digesting Jack Smiths SCOTUS Power Play An interesting observation from Hugo Lowell about Special Counsel Jack Smith forcing Donald Trump before the Supreme Court more quickly than expected: The problem for Trump is that his hands are tied. The former president would prefer the court to take up the case after the DC circuit rules because hes eager to delay his impending trial as much as possible. But he cant oppose the prosecutors request now and then make the same request in several months time. Dems Could Learn A Thing Or Two From Jack Smith Brian Beutler: When was the last time you recall a Democratic leader responding, like Smith or like Republicans, to a new development with a confident power play? Or seizing an opportunity to test and expose the depths of the institutional rights bad faith before God and everyone? Oh Damn In a new interview, Atlanta District Fani Willis did a little flexing about whether she will handle the Trump trial in person: I dont think anyone should ever be surprised if DA Willis enters a courtroom, said Willis, adding that she is a trial lawyer at my soul. Asked if she might make an appearance during the Trump trial, she responded, I think its very possible. When Fani Willis starts talking about herself in the third person, look out. Totally Normal In A Mob Movie CNN: Former Mar-a-Lago employee-turned-witness repeatedly contacted by Trump and associates before documents charges The Long Twilight Struggle Josh Marshall: Rather than Team Democracy battling back against and defeating Team Authoritarianism, or vice versa, in a final confrontation or series of final confrontations, were seeing something different. We have a new model in which we no longer have parties of government of right and left but rather a civic democratic party and an authoritarian populist party. Theres a good chance theyll be contesting elections for a while, even as the authoritarian populist party is trying in various ways to end them or radically change how free they are. [W]e now appear to be living in what will likely be an extended period in which national elections pit a civic democratic party against a right-wing populist authoritarian one. Its Bogus Biden Impeachment Day For House GOP A vote to open a sham, evidence-free, revenge impeachment inquiry of President Biden is expected today in the House. Make no mistake: Hanging the yoke of impeachment around Biden just as the 2024 general election is getting underway is 100% part of Trumps campaign strategy and has its roots in the Ukraine-based first impeachment and the ongoing prosecution of Hunter Biden (who is expected not to show up for a closed-door interview with House investigators, also scheduled for today). Its all connected in the most corrupt possible way. Ukraine Is A Victim Of MAGA Politics Key takeaways from Ukraine President Zelenskys Tuesday trip to Washington The White House has reportedly gotten more directly involved in Senate negotiations over Ukraine aid (which is to say in the border security package which is now linked with Ukraine aid). Fiona Hill warns of the stakes: [T]he bottom line is that we are at an inflection point, a juncture where it could very rapidly tip, in fact this month December and January into a losing proposition for Ukraine. Big Ooops Former Trump fixer Michael Cohens attorney cited three non-existent cases in a motion seeking to end Cohens post-conviction court supervision, according to the judge: On Tuesday, Judge Furman ordered Mr. Schwartz to provide the court with copies of the three decisions he had cited in the filing. If Mr. Schwartz could not do so within a week, Judge Furman said, the lawyer would have to produce a sworn declaration and a thorough explanation of how the motion came to cite cases that do not exist and what role, if any, Mr. Cohen played in drafting or reviewing the motion before it was filed. The Latest Redistricting News New York : An enormously significant court decision, the states high court ordered a redrawing of the congressional district map that helped vault Republicans to the House majority in 2022 giving Democrats a chance to pickup anywhere from two to six additional House seats in 2024. Texas: Over the objection of the three liberal justices, the Supreme Court let stand a district map for county commissioners in Galveston that federal courts have found to be a racial gerrymander. The Cruelty Is The Point TPMs Kate Riga: In Sentencing Kate Cox To Suffer, The Texas Abortion Ban Is Working Just As Intended COP Wraps Up With Tepid Agreement On Fossil Fuels Not to rain on the parade, but while headlines are focused on the final agreement at COP being the first time fossil fuels have been explicitly targeted in a UN climate agreement, this is a watered-down version of the much sought-after fossil fuel phaseout language that the petrostates so vigorously opposed. What Is Even Happening Anymore Donald Trump is back to grifting his NFTs, this time with a piece of the suit he wore in his mugshot. pic.twitter.com/juAeIDkXxa Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) December 12, 2023 Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Conductor Philip J. Bauman leads the holiday's arrival with two orchestral concerts of "The Messiah" Dec. 16 and 17 presented by Michigan City Messiah at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center in Michigan City. (Philip J. Bauman) Philip J. Bauman, music director of the Michigan City Messiah, describes G.F. Handels musical masterpiece The Messiah as a Hallelujah to the holidays for audiences. This time of year there are many performances of Messiah, said Bauman, now in his ninth year as music director for the Michigan City Messiah. Advertisement The beauty and genius of this work deserves frequent hearings. Our annual presentation brings a level of passion, detail and personal conviction by the artists, unlike any other. Our performance is rooted in baroque traditions with carefully crafted ornamentation by the soloists, chorus and orchestra, which brings a newness to the oratorio. This freshness is palpable as you listen to our presentation. Advertisement The Michigan City Messiah annual free performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center in Michigan City. This year marks the 59th presentation of The Messiah, first organized and conducted by Daniel J. McNabb, the latter who still sings in the chorus. Dan has announced that this will be his final year singing the Messiah, so we want to make this a very special set of concerts as a very special way to thank Dan McNabb for his selfless gift to our community, Bauman said. There is such a rich history of Dan with this organization and this musical piece. This concert tradition was started by founder Dan 59 years ago. He is now a proud member of our chorus. This year we celebrate his legacy before he moves out of the area. For all who have sung with us in the past, played in the orchestra or simply enjoyed our performances, we encourage everyone to come and say Thank You to Dan with applause. The musical work Messiah premiered in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, and was immediately accepted as the most popular piece of music ever written of its time according to Nic Orbovich, one of the concert organizers. He describes it as a large-scale semi-dramatic work for chorus, soloists, and orchestra. Musical ears will recognize the work as the source of the beloved Hallelujah Chorus. We are featuring a full Baroque orchestra conducted by Philip Bauman and four world-class returning beloved soloists, soprano Kimberly Jones, mezzo-soprano Kristen Gornstein, tenor Matthew Daniel and bass-baritone Bill McMurray. Advertisement Bauman said during his time in his Michigan City Messiah organization role, he has continued to draw on his related experience as music director of the South Holland Master Chorale and his 20 years as conductor of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra, which he concluded in 2022. The outstanding singing of our superb soloists ranges from intimate to rousing, offering a very personal interpretation and refined example of their artistry, Bauman said. As our audiences listen to the piece they will find each phrase has a purpose, and each aria has a story to tell. We are blessed to have such great people and artists. There are several choruses where our soloists join the choir for a unique coloring and interplay. It is a tradition for us and something you dont hear elsewhere. Bauman made his European conducting debut with youth orchestra performances in Austria and Germany in 2014 and in 2018 he performed in Italy. Orbovich said Bauman brings his international and regional expertise to the talented artists he collaborates with on and off stage. Handels Messiah is performed across the world this time of year because it truly is a unique blend of high professionalism and community involvement that creates an energy that lives in a spiritual, metaphysical realm, Orbovich said. Advertisement Philip Bauman guides audiences through the journey. During his successful 24-year tenure at the La Porte County Symphony, he was credited with significantly raising the orchestras artistic level and spearheading a resurgence in educational programming. During the holidays, we are so fortunate to share the talents of so many with audiences of all ages. Handels Messiah Concert When: 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 Where: Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St., Michigan City Cost: Free Information: 219-237-4662; mcmessiah.com Advertisement Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Degrassi Documentary In The Works From WildBrain And Peacock Alley | Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage The iconic Canadian teen soap Degrassi is getting the documentary treatment. As Variety reports, the documentary, from Degrassi producer WildBrain in collaboration with Peacock Alley, will feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Degrassis creators, cast and crew as they discuss the teen franchises legacy. Lisa Rideout will direct. Degrassi continues to be enormously popular, resonating with fans across generations, from adults who grew up watching the show to todays teens who are discovering it for the first time, said WildBrain CEO Josh Scherba. In fact, more people today watch Degrassi around the world than ever before. Its enduring popularity is driven by its unflinching honesty and authenticity, tackling topics and issues that teenagers everywhere face. Peacock Alley brings award-winning talent and credentials to this project, and we look forward to working with them to share this exclusive inside view of Degrassi with fans everywhere. Initially created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979, Degrassi followed the lives of students attending the fictional titular school in Toronto. Spawning multiple spin-off shows, the franchise is notable for launching the careers of rapper Drake, Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev and 90210 star Shenae Grimes. Adolescence is a period of firsts. First time wearing a bra, first time shaving, first dance with a crush, first awkward kiss at a party. Teens fumble their way through these experiences, trying their best to come out on the other side unscathed. Degrassi has brought these awkward, embarrassing, and unspoken truths of youth to the screen for over four decades, Rideout stated. As someone who came of age watching Degrassi, I remember the much-needed reassurance I got from the show as a teen. Degrassi not only helped teens feel less alone, it also didnt shy away from what we wanted to know about puberty, sex, relationships and so much more. Im thrilled to be showcasing the enormous impact Degrassi had on the viewers, the cast, and crew, and to be telling the incredible story of one of Canadas most successful and unique franchises. MUNCIE, Ind. A 17-year-old Delaware County youth has been waived into adult court and charged with participating in events that led to fatal overdoses for two other local teens. Jaxon W. Engle, of rural Albany, was charged Wednesday in Delaware Circuit Court 1 with dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, and aiding, inducing or causing the same offense. Both charges are Level 1 felonies carrying maximum 40-year prison terms. At a Nov. 29 hearing in Delaware County's juvenile court, Deputy Prosecutor Diane Frye presented the testimony of police officers who alleged Engle was a participant in local fentanyl transactions that eventually led to the two overdose deaths of an 18-year-old Muncie man in July and a 17-year-old Delaware County high school student in September. At that hearing, Frye asked Amanda Yonally, a juvenile court magistrate, to waive Engle into adult jurisdiction, saying the teen was "beyond rehabilitation in the juvenile justice system." The deputy prosecutor said that "just to make a little money, (Engle) sells (pills) and kills people." More: Prosecutors want Delaware County teen charged as adult in fatal overdoses Yonally signed the document waiving Engle into adult jurisdiction last week. The magistrate noted Engle "had contact with law enforcement and the juvenile justice systems" in Delaware, Madison, Henry, Jay and Blackford counties, and has been the "subject of juvenile delinquency referrals for habitual disobedience, truancy, resisting law enforcement, theft, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, battery and leaving home without permission." "The safety and welfare of the community is not served by maintaining Jaxon in the juvenile justice system," Yonally wrote. Engle was also charged with three other counts Wednesday in Circuit Court 1 dealing in a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit dealing in a narcotic drug and aiding, inducing or causing dealing in a narcotic drug. All three charges are Level 5 felonies with maximum six-year sentences. In a separate Circuit Court 1 case, he was charged Wednesday with fraud and counterfeiting. Testimony at the Nov. 29 hearing indicated Engle used counterfeit money to purchase a computer from a Ball State University student. Engle who will observe his 18th birthday in May is being held in the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center. At last month's hearing, family members of both overdose victims urged Yonally to allow Engle to be prosecuted as an adult. The father of one victim recalled his own troubled teen years, and suggested he might have had fewer problems overall had he been waived into adult jurisdiction rather than repeatedly appearing in juvenile court. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman this week issued a statement stemming from that father's testimony. "Contrary to the ill-advised opinion of some in society, prosecuting juveniles as adults for committing serious or violent adult crimes is most definitely in the best interests of both the juvenile and society," the prosecutor said. "The face of the matter is soft-on-crime alternatives to incarceration for juveniles and adults are often not the best option for the offender or society." At the Nov. 29 hearing before Yonally, Engle's attorney, Ana Quirk, maintained it would be in her client's best interest "to remain in juvenile court." 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: Delaware County teen waived to adult court; charged in fatal drug ODs EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) When Magali Gomez walked into the Ruben S. Torres Elementary School gymnasium Tuesday morning, Dec. 12 for a school assembly, she was expecting to cheer on her students as they received accolades for improved attendance rates. Instead, she was the one being celebrated as Dr. Jane Foley, Milken Educator Awards senior vice president, New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales and Dr. Arsenio Romero, New Mexico secretary of public education, surprised Gomez with the 2023 Milken Educator Award. Gomez received the honor before cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. The award comes with a $25,000 cash prize that recipients can use however they choose, as well as lifelong membership to the Milken Educator Network to collaborate with fellow recipients and broaden their impact on K-12 education. Magali Gomez truly embodies the spirit of the Milken Educator Award. She is a teacher leader, an innovator in the classroom, and an inspirational role model who achieves great gains with her students, said Dr. Jane Foley, a 1994 Milken Educator Award recipient from Indiana. Her passion for cultivating tangible learning experiences in her classroom motivates her young students to envision a future for themselves as exemplary leaders in their community, just like their teacher. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to her! Hailed as the Oscars of Teaching, the awards will honor up to 75 recipients across the country in 2023-24 as part of the Milken Family Foundations Journey to the 3,000th Milken Educator. Also, 2023-24 will reach $75 million in individual financial prizes spanning the length of the initiative and more than $144 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate the K-12 profession and inspiring young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. I am thrilled for Magali Gomez, the Ruben S. Torres Elementary students and staff, and the Deming community that she is being recognized for her incredible work in the classroom, said Romero. Her ability to adapt the latest evidence-based teaching models to relatable lessons for her students has produced tremendous academic achievement growth in reading, math, and language. Combined with her leadership in her school and willingness to go the extra mile for her students makes her exactly the kind of educator New Mexico students deserve. The Milken Educator Award is not a lifetime achievement honor. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Mosquitoes lay eggs inside the World Mosquito Program's factory, in Medellin, Colombia, Aug. 10, 2023. Credit - Jaime SaldarriagaAP Governments and public health experts around the world are sounding the alarm about the record-high spread of one of the most notoriousand incurablediseases, which about half the world is at risk of catching: dengue. The mosquito-borne virus has a long history in warm climates but is now also emerging in regions where it had been generally unheard ofsuch as in Europe and parts of the U.S. By early December, there had already been more than five million dengue infections worldwide this yeara dramatic increase from some 500,000 cases in 2000recorded across at least 80 countries and territories. More than 5,500 people have died so far in 2023, according to Save the Children. In October, California announced its first case of locally-transmitted dengue virus. In March, dengue was found in Sudans capital Khartoum for the first time in the citys record, putting its already underfunded healthcare system under serious strain. Meanwhile, in countries where dengue was already endemic, this year has seen the virus spread at an unprecedented scale. Amid the worst outbreak in Bangladeshs history, dengue cases were reported in all 64 of the countrys districts, and by mid-November the disease had infected 291,832 people and killed 1,476. Perus health minister, who in June declared a state of emergency in most parts of the country to deal with a raging dengue outbreak, resigned the same month as infections and deaths continued to mount. Patients suffering from dengue fever are treated inside the Mugdha General Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sept. 17, 2023. Mamunur RashidNurPhoto/Getty Images A risk assessment report published Tuesday by the Pan-American Health Organization noted that the lack of robust dengue surveillance and management systems raises concerns about potential undetected cases or unrecorded travel movements that could contribute to unnoticed disease spread. There is currently no antiviral treatment for dengue, though the symptoms can usually be managed with medicine. Heres what to know about the diseaseand how to keep yourself safe. More From TIME What are the symptoms of dengue fever? The symptoms experienced by those infected with dengue can vary widely: up to 80% of dengue cases are asymptomatic, and while some infections may trigger only flu-like symptoms, more serious cases can result in internal bleeding that could lead to death. Some of the more common symptoms of dengue infections include high fever, nausea, vomiting, and severe muscle and joint painthe latter of which is how the disease earned the nickname breakbone fever. When detected early and with access to medical care, the mortality rate of dengue is less than 1%though that figure rises to 2-5% for severe dengue cases. If left untreated, however, the mortality rate of dengue can reach 20%. How does dengue spread and why is it on the rise? Dengue is typically spread through infected female Aedes aegypti (Egyptian tiger) mosquitoes that thrive in stagnant water, passing from one person to another through mosquito bites. The disease can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their babies, and, in rare cases, through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or needle injuries. An adult Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito is seen under a microscope at the insectarium of Universitas Gajah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 8, 2023. Dasril RoszandiAnadolu/Getty Images The disease, which has long been a public health concern in Asia and Latin America, has seen an uptick attributed in part to the resurgence of global travel after the COVID pandemic. This years El Nino weather phenomenon, which contributes to warmer temperatures, is also believed to have exacerbated dengue outbreaks in tropical countries. Amid rising global temperatures due to climate change that have made more parts of the world suitable for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to breed, experts are increasingly warning about the threat dengue is set to pose to the southern parts of the U.S. and Europe, as well as new regions in Africa. Researchers have also pointed to the impact of urbanization on dengue transmission. Besides simply increasing population density, the expansion of informal urban settlements with no access to plumbing networks has fostered among stagnant stored water and exposed litter prime breeding and feeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are already well-adapted to urban environments. Battling the record surge in dengue cases, health care systems across the world are being tested in unprecedented wayssome buckling under overwhelming demand, as experts raise concerns about the human costs of poor governmental dengue responses. Public anxiety and anger is also mounting: in September, opposition party members in India staged a public protest in Kolkata criticizing the governments response to dengue. What are authorities around the world doing to combat dengue? Fumigation remains one of the oldest and most widely used methods to kill mosquitoes around the world. However, mosquito fogging is seeing waning effectiveness. Despite decades of chemical control, researchers warn, dengue outbreaks have intensified as mosquitoes develop resistance to chemical compounds. A city worker fumigates a market at night in the fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on Aug. 31, 2023. Sandra Sebastianpicture-alliance/dpa/AP An innovative effort led by the World Mosquito Program, currently being tested in over a dozen countries, aims to fight mosquito-borne viruses with mosquitoes. Under the program, authorities release special mosquitoes bred to carry a bacteria called Wolbachia, which blocks the transmission of viruses that cause dengue, zika, and yellow fever. However, not all are welcoming of the ambitious plan. When Indonesian authorities announced the release of 200 million Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes in Bali, the plan was met with vehement opposition from both experts and locals, who had little trust in the results of a small-scale pilot study held in another Indonesian city and were worried that Bali residents would be made lab rats. Nearby in Singapore, where the Wolbachia project is in full swing, environmental agency personnel conduct regular inspections of homes and other sites to check for potential mosquito breeding grounds and collect water samples for laboratory tests. Owners of premises that are found to have mosquito breeding may be fined or imprisoned. Singapore also tracks dengue clusters emerging in the city-state. A similar initiative is run by Boston Childrens Hospital to track global reports of dengue cases in the media, and researchers in London announced earlier this month the worlds first dengue dashboard to model and predict the spread of the disease across the world, which is expected to launch next year. We need local plans to fight dengueat village and city leveland with the involvement of communities, said Yasir Arafat, a health advisor at Save the Children, in a statement spotlighting the danger of this years dengue infections. Funding needs to better anticipate extreme weather and climate shocks to manage the risk and not just the crisis. How can you protect yourself against dengue? Authorities recommend using insect repellent to try to avoid dengue infection. Black LollipopGetty Images With scientists anticipating dengue to reach places that have not been acquainted with the disease, governments around the world have been sharing best practices to prevent the spread of dengue. These include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using insect screens on windows and doors, and performing regular checks in your home for stagnant water. There are currently two dengue vaccines commercially available: Qdenga, which is recommended by the World Health Organization for children aged six to 16 or those living in places with high risk of dengue transmission, and Dengvaxia, which is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for children aged nine to 16 who have had previous dengue infection. (The worlds first dengue vaccination program, launched in the Philippines in 2016, however, was found to increase the severity of the disease for recipients of Dengvaxia who were later infected with dengue, resulting in decreased confidence in all vaccines in the country.) For those who have been infected with dengue, the WHO recommends drinking plenty of liquids, getting adequate rest, avoiding using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirininstead, opt for paracetamol for pain reliefand seeking medical attention if you experience any severe symptoms. Contact us at letters@time.com. TechCrunch Finn, a startup based out of Munich that operates a platform for new car subscriptions -- an alternative to buying or leasing for those who want to drive new vehicles -- has raised a sizable round of growth funding, money it plans to use to expand its tech and reach, with a move into more electric vehicles and cloud-based tools to manage its services. The company, which currently manages 25,000 subscriptions in Germany and the U.S., has raised 100 million ($109-110 million), a Series C that values the company at 600 million post-money ($658 million at current rates). Planet First Partners, a European growth equity firm that says it focuses on sustainability, is leading the round. The council says the heating has now been turned on in the area where the dogs are kept A council criticised for the condition of its dog kennels has said it will take immediate action to ensure they are up to standard. Derry City and Strabane District council (DCSDC) chief executive John Kelpie said any identified "deficiencies will be addressed". It comes after the council rejected claims that the kennels are not fit for purpose. It said it is committed to providing "a suitable environment". Responsibility for stray dogs is now back with the council after the animal charity Pet FBI's three-year lease of the kennels ended prematurely. Pet FBI has claimed the kennels are not fit for purpose. On Wednesday, Mr Kelpie told councillors: "There is complete assurance that any steps or actions that are required to be taken by council to ensure that the premises and the care is to the highest standard will be put in place." He said a full report will come before council after Christmas. "It is important to provide that overall assurance immediately and to state that if there are any deficiencies, those deficiencies will be addressed with immediate effect," Mr Kelpie added. Pet FBI said it has raised concerns with the council about the building's condition on a number of occasions Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme on Wednesday morning, the council's principal environmental health officer, Enda Cummins, said the Pennyburn kennels meets legislative requirements. "This is only a temporary holding facility for dogs that are out straying," he said. Some maintenance work is planned, he added, as is a further assessment of the building. The kennels, he continued, had "functioned very well for 25 years". "At the moment, we are trying to carry out some essential repairs, repairs that had already been agreed, but we are going to carry out a more detailed assessment," he added. Pet FBI took on a three-year lease of the kennels, which was due to run out in 2024. The charity has since been wound up. Its concerns were first reported by Belfast Live earlier this month. It said the kennels were crumbling, cold and damp. There was no heating and the dogs were exposed to the elements, the charity said. 'Water running down the walls' Vivien Kelly joined Pet FBI two years ago and became the centre manager of the kennels last year. She told BBC Radio Foyle that during her tenure, concerns about the building were raised repeatedly. Council staff, she said, visited the premises on three occasions following those concerns. "The response every time was: 'There is no money within the budget for the kennels.'" The charity, she added, flagged that "water was running down the walls", that in winter the dogs' bowls were freezing over, walls were crumbling and that the only area where the heating worked was in the kennels' office. "But in the dog kennels, where it was needed the most, it wasn't working there. We reported that to council, they didn't come and carry out the essential repairs." The council says an assessment of the building will be carried out On one occasion the charity offered to cover the individual kennels with Perspex to "keep the wind and the bad weather from coming in", she said. "We were told no, because the kennels had to be 75% air circulated." However, Mr Cummins said the council is now heating the kennels. That, he said, will "be for the betterment of the dogs" and will "also allow some drying out of the facility". The council said it was notified the charity was ending its lease in late November, citing "managerial and manpower" issues. "The council is extremely disappointed that the charity has decided not to continue with the lease and would like to thank Pet FBI for their support and excellent service," the council said. The termination of the lease, which saw the charity pay the council rent of 5,000 annually, left seven dogs at the kennels - four of which have now been rehomed with the other three set to be rehomed later this month by the Dogs Trust. Call for full investigation DUP assembly member Gary Middleton said the issues raised about the kennels was a "concerning situation". "It is important that a full investigation takes place to address these concerns," Mr Middleton said. Ron DeSantis mocked Donald Trump for comparing his bravery in debating Hillary Clinton after the Access Hollywood tape scandal to the military service of Americans killed in conflicts. The Florida governor went on the front foot and attacked the former president during a CNN town hall event in Iowa on Tuesday night. When he says that debating Hillary Clinton after Access Hollywood was like an example of bravery that some general told him was more significant than soldiers who fight and die in war that is offensive and wrong, Mr DeSantis told the audience at Grand View University in Des Moines. The Access Hollywood tape revealing Mr Trump boasting about sexually assaulting women emerged in the run-up to the 2016 election and nearly derailed his campaign. He later dismissed his boasts as locker-room talk. Mr DeSantis also slammed Mr Trump for avoiding any of the Republican debates held in 2023. Debating is the bare minimum that a political candidate should do, and I will note that Donald Trump has refused to debate throughout this campaign, he told CNN host Jake Tapper. He doesnt think he owes it to Iowans or Granite Staters to show up and debate and answer questions.nobody is entitled to this nomination you have to earn this nomination and part of the way you do it is that you show up, you answer peoples questions and you shake their hands. And he added: I am not running for me this is about your issues, your familys issues and the future of this country. Mr DeSantis was also asked how he would handle the border crisis differently from Mr Trump. I am going to build the border wall, he replied as he said that Mr Trump got distracted from that campaign promise. So I will get the job done. The talk is cheap and Im sick of Republicans always using this issue every election cycle to try to get donations, Mr DeSantis said. We are going to bring the issue to a conclusion. Mr DeSantis also defended his proposal to make it legal to shoot drug smugglers at the US border. The drug cartels are invading our country and poisoning our people and killing our people by the tens of thousands. Not only do you have the right as president, you have a responsibility to fight back on behalf of the people of this country, he said. He said his administration would not be willy nilly shooting at people but would designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organisations and would use intelligence to attack them. He also rejected the polls that have shown him widely trailing Mr Trump as the expected GOP nominee. Iowa voters will choose not pundits and polls I am sick of these polls havent we learned as Republicans, we were supposed to have a red wave in November 2022. He continued: You have the opportunity to make this decision, do not let the media choose your candidate, a pundit chose your candidate chose a candidate that is going to represent your values, I think that I am that guy. Mr DeSantis also said that if he had to choose between conflicts, he would support Israel in its fight with Hamas over Ukraine in its war with Russia. For me, thats an easy answer, the State of Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East. Mr DeSantis said that Israel had the whole world up against them and relied on the US as its strongest backer while calling on European countries to be the ones to arm Ukraine against Vladimir Putin. The Florida governor was also asked why he should be the candidate from the GOP debates to take on Mr Trump. I am the only one running who can beat Trump one on one. You cannot win with a slice of the party you need broad support. We need a change agent in Washington, not someone to go up there and be a part of the establishment, he claimed. Mr DeSantis went on to criticise Mr Trumps changing position on abortion, claiming that he is flip-flopping on the right to life. The governor said that in 2020 Mr Trump said that all life is a gift from God but has now attacked those states that have enacted protections like heartbeat bills as being a terrible, terrible thing. Was he not being honest in January of 2020? Or has he just flipped his position to now what hes saying in 2023? Mr DeSantis said of Mr Trump. I think thats a huge problem because we know people come at this from different angles ... but you should be consistent on your beliefs. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hit former President Trump over his pledge to build a border wall at the U.S. southern border and have Mexico pay for it, saying Tuesday he didnt utilize the levers of power that he had. I am going to build the border wall, and I remember in 2016 I went to the rallies with Donald Trump. He said he was going to build the wall and have Mexico pay for it, and that didnt happen. And why didnt it happen? DeSantis said during a CNN town hall. Well, one I think he got distracted and he didnt do it on day one. But two, he didnt utilize the levers of power that he had, he continued. Less than 500 miles of border wall were constructed during the Trump administration, including in areas that had preexisting barriers, according to U.S. News & World Report. In February 2021, President Biden ended the Trump administrations emergency order that helped push the U.S. southern border wall constriction. DeSantis said the construction of the border wall could be raised through remittance fees. The Florida governor noted that most Republicans blamed Biden for the undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S. southern border, but he directed some of the blame to Trump as well. If Trump had built the border wall, it would have been very difficult for Biden to bring in all those many people. Thats why you want a wall. Its a physical fact of life, that even an open border president would not be able to get around, so I will get the job done, DeSantis claimed. The talk is cheap, and Im sick of Republicans always using this issue every every election cycle to try to get donations, he added. DeSantis is trailing behind Trump in national and early state polling of the 2024 GOP primary, including in Iowa, where he has largely centered his campaign. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Gary/Chicago International Airport recently acquired the Griffith/Merrillville Airport to the tune of $1.8 million. (Post-Tribune/Joe Puchek/CTMG) The Gary/Chicago International Airport has acquired the nearby Griffith-Merrillville Airport in a $1.8 million deal. The Gary Airport Authority finalized the purchase at its Wednesday meeting. Advertisement Officials said they used existing revenue previously budgeted for the purchase. New Gary/Chicago Airport Authority chairman Peter Visclosky chats with fellow authority member Trent McCain during their monthly meeting in Gary, Indiana Wednesday February 9, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune) The airport will continue to be managed by Craig Anderson, one of its owners who took part in the sale. Anderson will also continue to operate his fixed base operator business that serves about 65 business and recreational small plane owners. Advertisement This is a monumental event in the city of Gary, said Mayor Jerome Prince. One of our goals has always been to increase operations at the Gary/Chicago Airport. The prime focus is to increase our cargo activity and this allows us to do that. Deputy Mayor Trent McCain said the acquisition made the Gary airport the third one in Indiana, along with Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, to own multiple airports. The propeller of the Big Red, a 1942 Boeing Stearman bi-plane sits in front the Gary Jet Center as it waits for a practice flight ahead of the Gary Air Show along the lakefront Aug. 5-6, at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, in Gary, on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Post-Tribune). (Vincent D. Johnson/Chicago Tribune) We are excited to acquire this local airport and bolster our short- and long-term aviation offerings, said GCIA Authority Chairman Pete Visclosky. The past decade of strong planning, investments and growth of our airport has put us in a position where we can acquire this new asset, helping sustain our local aviation offerings while building for the future as well, he said. The two sides began talks last year with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Indiana Department of Transportation. Daniel F, Vicari, Executive Director of Gary/Chicago International Airport describes the plans for new construction for $6 million in federal funds to support air cargo infrastructure at the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary on Wednesday April 5, 2023. (John Smierciak/ Post Tribune) (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune) Because of an FAA policy change, privately-owned airports like Griffith-Merrillville are no longer eligible for federal grants. We were looking for a sponsor to ensure long-term benefits, said Anderson. He said he initially began talking with the town of Griffith and then Gary airport officials. He said hes been looking for a public buyer for about the past five years to ensure the airports sustainability. Griffith-Merrillville is a key reliever airport in the Indiana Aviation System, said Marty Blake, INDOT state aviation director in a statement. Advertisement GCIAs acquisition will allow for continued partnership with our office to improve facilities at Griffith-Merrillville and will reinforce the $21 million regional annual economic impact this airport provides. GCIA executive director Dan Vicari said the two airports are about six miles apart. He said the FAA has provided millions of dollars to the Gary airport toward a mission of commercial and cargo operations with larger planes on its nearly 9,000-foot expanded runway. If Griffith-Merrillville closed, Vicari said Gary could have been overwhelmed with traffic from smaller single and twin engine planes. Officials said cargo service was growing in Gary and the airport is now ranked third in the state on its freight volume. In 2020, GCIA began cargo service operations with the United Parcel Service, which signed a long-term lease agreement. Advertisement Officials said the Griffith-Merrillville Airport was completely rebuilt in 2001 and is designed for smaller aircraft that have a single wheel load of 38,000 pounds or a dual wheel load of 50,000 pounds. The airport consists of a paved and grooved 4,900-foot by-75-foot runway, with full pilot controlled lighting. It also has a 175,000- square foot ramp area, as well as a modern 38,000 square-foot terminal building. Anderson said the Lake County sheriff houses its helicopter and airplane at the airport, where theyre fueled and serviced. Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Two Cincinnati entrepreneurs have developed a way to track your guns. GunAlert is a GPS tracking system designed to detect unauthorized movement, alert users within seconds, and help them recover their firearms, according to our news partners at WCPO in Cincinnati. >> OSU coach carjacked while on recruiting trip; 4 teen suspects arrested Co-creator Tom Lehn told WCPO that the goal with this has been to make it easy for people to secure their guns and get notified if they move. This has been a passion project for him, as hes always had safe storage and handling top of mind. Ive been a gun guy since I was in Boy Scouts as a teenager, he said. I was involved with Boy Scouts as a leader for over 35 years, taught kids gun safety and how to shoot guns. I believe that the more kids know about gun safety the better off we are. The product uses cellular technology and an enhanced motion sensor. It syncs to a phone app and can be attached to the gun itself. >> Funeral arrangements announced for local middle school student killed in house fire When the gun is moved, an alert is sent to the owners phone. Once that alert is received, the user gets location updates every five minutes, WCPO reported. In the app, gun owners can register guns and include information such as serial numbers. Lehn said that information is helpful when communicating with police. Lehn also told WCPO that GunAlert is common sense for gun owners. Our product is designed to enhance gun security, but its still the primary responsibility of the gun owner to make sure they take care of their guns, he said. The cool thing about this product, It doesnt matter what side of the gun issue youre on -- whether youre for guns or against guns -- everybody should be about gun safety. DeWITT The city's former clerk-treasurer stole more than $48,000 in tax payments made in cash over nearly four years, a police officer testified during a hearing that led to felony charges against Lisa Grysen this past month. Grysen faces charges including embezzlement of more than $20,000, but less than $50,000 in connection with the tax payments. She is also charged with embezzlement of $1,000 to $20,000 from a nonprofit or charitable organization in connection with allegations she took more than $6,200 from the Clinton County Sheriff's Mounted Division using a different method, an officer told a magistrate. Police initially were called in by city Administrator Dan Coss, who told them an audit in August had revealed "an issue" with voided checks. The audit showed that city residents who paid their taxes by check had the money deposited into the city's accounts, but cash payments for the same purpose were missing, court records state. In addition, the records examination showed that the city had enrolled in a credit card rewards program and those rewards were being converted into gift cards in Grysen's name. Police said Mayor Sue Leeming, audit team head Aaron Stevens and Coss met with Grysen who, they say, admitted "taking cash for herself because of because of debts she was in, due to her divorce." In all, the audit showed $48,472 missing from January 2020 to August 2023. In a separate incident, Grysen is accused of stealing $6,262 from the Mounted Division of the Clinton County Sheriff's Office from December 2020 to August 2023. The Mounted Division operates as a nonprofit in support of the sheriff's office. Police testified that the nonprofit was contacted by city officials after they uncovered the tax payment issues. Grysen handled all the finances for the group. An examination of the group's records showed a discrepancy between deposits and withdrawals, police said, with all the withdrawals taking place at ATMs. The credit union told police there was only one ATM card issued and it was in Grysen's name. A message left with the office of James Champion, Grysen's attorney, was not immediately returned. Coss said via email that no taxpayers were marked delinquent or late due to the missing tax funds. "Every person that paid their taxes has been accounted for," he said. "The city does have insurance coverage and we are working with them on the coverage and with the Clinton County Prosecutor on restitution for any funds not covered by our insurance carrier." An investigation was initiated Aug. 11 when staff identified irregularities in the accounting of approximately $47,500 of cash deposits for property taxes and utility bills during the period of July 2020 through August 2023. "A forensic investigation was conducted by the city auditors, Maner Costerisan. That investigation and discussions with Ms. Grysen resulted in her immediate dismissal on Aug. 18, 2023," the city said in a statement. "While the city is extremely disappointed and outraged by the actions of the former employee, we want to assure citizens that all payments made to the city are accounted for and safe." The system of checks and balances within the administration detected the irregularities, the city said in the statement. Officials also noted neighboring communities provided unspecified assistance to staff. Grysen posted a $15,000 cash/surety bond and was released following her arraignment in 65A District Court on Nov. 15. As part of the conditions for her release, she is not allowed to have contact with any city staff or the Mounted Division. Grysen is slated to undergo a probable cause conference on the charges Jan. 18 and a preliminary exam on Jan. 25, both before Judge Michael Clarizio. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Tax payments paid in cash were embezzled by DeWitt official, court records show Greenwich Council is charging owners of the most polluting vehicles up to 7 an hour to park on the street - Richard Baker/Getty Images Contributo Diesel car drivers in London are being forced to pay 10 times more to park than owners of electric models. Greenwich council is charging owners of the most polluting vehicles up to 7 an hour for on-street parking, compared with as little as 70p for eco-friendly vehicles, Telegraph analysis shows. Drivers are charged tiered parking rates based on how much carbon dioxide vehicles emit. Some Greenwich residents are being made to pay an extra 280 a year for parking permits because their vehicles emit more CO2, with prices ranging from 20 to 300. Business parking permits in Greenwich also cost as much as 15 times more for polluting vehicles, up to a maximum of 825 a year, compared to just 55 for the most environmentally friendly models. The Ulez-style emissions-based parking scheme is part of the Labour-run councils commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Greg Smith MP, who sits on the Commons transport committee, said the bonkers scheme would punish residents and businesses. He said: Councils need to understand the real world, where real people are trying to go about their lives, get to work, do the family shop and take the kids to school. Bonkers policies that seek to punish people that drive what some bureaucrat deems the wrong sort of car will both punish their own residents and harm the businesses that rely on cheap and accessible local parking. Councillor Matt Hartley, Greenwichs Conservative opposition leader, said: Not content with backing Ulez charges to the hilt, the leadership of Greenwich council is intent on punishing car owners further with these parking charge increases. I am deeply concerned about the impact these hikes are having on our high streets and shopping parades and on household finances, which are already stretched. Greenwich council was approached for comment. The council is among the dozen London boroughs including Hackney, Lambeth and Kensington & Chelsea to introduce rates based on how much carbon dioxide vehicles emit. Outside the capital, Bath and North East Somerset council introduced an emissions-based charging structure in eight council-owned car parks in September. St Albans in Hertfordshire has adopted a similar scheme for parking permits. Motorists parking in Brighton and Hove could also soon face charges based on their vehicles emissions, the city council announced this month. Recommended Councils rake in 1bn from parking fees see how yours compares Read more It comes amid London mayor Sadiq Khans war on drivers, with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone and 20mph speed limits across the capital. Non-compliant vehicles are charged 12.50 to drive in the Ulez, which was expanded to cover all 32 Greater London boroughs in August. London motorists have been forced to pay nearly 2.7 billion over the last five years in fines and low emission zone charges, Telegraph analysis revealed last month. Meanwhile, over 50pc of London roads now have a 20mph speed limit, up from 25pc in 2016. Bob Bull, chairman of the Alliance of British Drivers, said emissions-based parking charges were climate change lunacy at its very worst. He added: The vast majority of people arent able to afford the luxury of buying an electric car. Emissions-based car park charging is another attack in the war on drivers. This is a stealth tax on the very poorest in society. Peter ODriscoll, head of Britains largest cashless parking app RingGo, said: To get Londons streets cleaner, you need to stop cars coming through. You need to have an element of carrot and stick to drive behavioural change. Do you have emissions-based parking in your area? Get in touch: mattie.brignal@telegraph.co.uk Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Written in both English and Navajo, the two-volume textbook for high school students will include Navajo creation stories to teach students about traditional governance and sovereignty, Claudia Edgewater-Russell, Dept. of Dine Education Interim Superintendent of Schools, said in a statement. A government textbook written by Dine scholars that will teach about Navajo culture, language, and way of life is in production, according to an announcement from the Navajo Nation. Written in both English and Navajo, the two-volume textbook for high school students will include Navajo creation stories to teach students about traditional governance and sovereignty, Claudia Edgewater-Russell, Dept. of Dine Education Interim Superintendent of Schools, said in a statement. The textbook will be created with a $172,500 appropriation from the Nation. Dine historians Jennifer Denetdale and Daryl Begay will edit the book, with contributions from Dine authors in the areas of Dine history, governance, and culture. Denetdale and Bega will work with the Department of Dine Education to ensure the book meets Navajo Nation and state learning standards. We are thankful that the Navajo Nation Council and President Buu Nygren overwhelmingly supported a long overdue project, Rose Graham, Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance director, said in a statement. She credits Navajo Nation Council Delegate Andy Nez for championing several Navajo language projects, including the government textbook, and ensuring funds were appropriated for each in the Navajo Nation budget. Co-editor Denetdale said the Navajo Nation government textbook fills an urgent need, and could be used for high school students or college courses. An informal survey of Dine teachers who attended Northern Arizona Universitys Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE) indicates that such a textbook does not exist, she said. Meetings with Dine teachers across the Navajo Nation also indicate that there is no current Navajo Nation government textbook specifically for high school students. Volume one will focus on the roots of Dine sovereignty and the historical shifts in governance under cycles of colonial intrusions that have shaped the modern Navajo government, according to the Nation. Volume two will explore how American democratic governance principles were used to establish the modern Navajo Nation and the ongoing efforts to return to Dine governance and leadership principles as the foundation of government. 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 Democratic lawmakers are frustrated over President Joe Biden's move to bypass Congress and approve the direct sale of tank shells to Israel, saying the administration needs to be more transparent about the weapons its sending to the Middle East ally. The criticism from Democrats came after the State Department approved the sale of nearly 14,000 tank shells worth roughly $106 million from U.S. Army stocks on Friday. To do so, it made an emergency declaration under the Arms Export Control Act that skipped normal congressional review channels. Do I have concerns? Yes, I do in regard to that, said House Foreign Affairs ranking member Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), who added that he was informed ahead of the sale by the administration. Not because it's Israel or anyone else, because of any funding in that regards, it should come to us." Meeks and the other leaders of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees normally must sign off on foreign military sales. "For me, it's systematic, Meeks said. There's a reason Congress has oversight authority. And I want to make sure that oversight authority is continued. Some Democrats drew the comparison to the Trump administration, which similarly circumvented Congress to speed weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, sparking an uproar on Capitol Hill. Under the Arms Export Control Act, Congress must be formally notified 15 days before the administration can conclude a large arms sale to Israel or other close allies though the State Department has for years given more notice than that, on an informal basis. "We already have a very short congressional review process. But I think that process is important, in all cases, for transparency and accountability, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And I think the decision to short-circuit that process does a disservice to the American public." A State Department official said Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined an emergency existed necessitating the immediate approval of the transfer, noting that the administration had used the same mechanism multiple times in recent years to expedite weapons transfers to Ukraine. We continue to be clear with the government of Israel that they must comply with [international humanitarian law] and must take every feasible step to avoid harm to civilians, said the official, who was granted anonymity to speak on a sensitive topic. The fight could culminate in a legislative push to terminate the sale, as the Trump-era maneuver did. But critics of the approach werent willing to commit to a specific course of action just a few days after the sale was announced. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has called on the Biden administration to do more to protect civilians in Gaza and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus conduct of the war, was also critical of the shortcut. The bottom line is, I think Israel has the right to defend itself against the terrorist group like Hamas, but they do not have a right to go to war against the women and children of Palestine, thousands of whom have already been killed, Sanders said. And I am not supportive, as you may know, of giving more military aid to Netanyahus right-wing government in order to continue that terrible war against the Palestinian people, he added. Blinken on Sunday defended the shortcut, saying it applies only to a small portion of the U.S. aid sent to Israel so far, and we want to make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas. The administration began shipping weapons to Israel within hours of the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, and so far has refused to release a full list of what those weapons are. The latest deal is for almost 14,000 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer tank cartridges, as well as U.S. support, engineering and logistics, according to the State Department. The shells will come from U.S. Army inventory, so they can be transferred to Israel immediately. During the Trump era, the workaround led to a standoff between Democrats and the administration over arms sales to the Middle East. Citing threats posed by Iran, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2019 used an emergency declaration to justify the sales of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. Congress approved resolutions to overturn sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but then-President Donald Trump vetoed them. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) a critic of the move then, argued this week that there are some key differences now: Israel has already been attacked and the Biden administration doesnt have a predilection to try to circumvent Congress. You have a clear ally who is in the midst of a war and who needs materiel desperately in order to fight and succeed, whereas the other one wasnt the same urgency as the Israeli one, said Menendez, who stepped down as Foreign Relations Committee chair in September amid federal corruption charges. Indeed, Israels fight against Hamas in response to the groups shock Oct. 7 attacks could assuage some lawmakers concerns over being skipped. The top Senate Foreign Relations Republican, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, said the move was justified given the conflict. "Israel's self-defense is currently a matter of extreme concern and urgency," Risch said in a statement to POLITICO. "This is a case where the use of an emergency designation is appropriate, and I have received the required details on these sales from the executive branch, as is expected." But its unlikely to satisfy Democrats whove complained that the U.S. isnt doing enough to ensure weapons sent to Israel arent responsible for preventable deaths as civilian casualties mount and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. I have deep concerns about the current military operations in Gaza and the lack of a meaningful response by the Israeli government to our stated concerns, said another Democratic lawmaker and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about a sensitive topic. The bypassing of Congress for these munitions only heightens my concern. Biden has acknowledged the issue, saying at a closed-door fundraiser on Tuesday that international support for Israel is fracturing due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. In his bluntest public criticism of the conduct of the war, Biden added that Netanyahu has to change. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a letter sent to the White House last week calling for more Israel aid oversight. It was signed by Sanders and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). The lawmakers urged the administration to do more to protect civilians in Gaza, complaining that waivers for required congressional notification of the sales would damage lawmakers ability to discern whether U.S.-supplied weapons are contributing to civilian casualties. To Warren, the administration bypassing Congress over the weekend was another cause for alarm The White House made a mistake by avoiding transparency with Congress, Warren said in an interview. If they want to provide these arms to Israel, then they need to explain to Congress why and what conditions they've put on their use. Asked if Democrats might resort to a joint resolution to disapprove the sale, she noted that one previous resolution to cancel a sale to Riyadh started with a letter. I dont think there is anyone left in the administration who doesnt know how unhappy some of us are that Congress was not consulted, she added. Biden is simultaneously pushing lawmakers to pass $111 billion of emergency funding for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan before the end of the year. That package is in limbo in the Senate as Democrats and Republicans attempt to strike a deal on immigration and border policy, though a breakthrough is unlikely before both chambers leave for the holidays. Bidens original supplemental spending request sent to Congress in October included a legislative proposal to allow aid to Israel to bypass congressional notification requirements. Kaine said hes concerned by the proposal and arms sales bypassing Congress generally. Bypassing congressional notification troubles me, Kaine said in a brief interview. There is a portion of the supplemental that I don't like which is that it waives congressional notification of the aid to Israel, but not to Ukraine, Taiwan or any other nation, and I don't think Congress should, generally, be giving up the congressional notification [requirements]. Van Hollen indicated lawmakers could respond outside the arms sale issue. "The recourse would be if committee members made it clear that this decision to bypass congressional review would create bigger problems in the future, Van Hollen said. In other words, sending a strong signal that there's a purpose for review which is transparency, is accountability and if the administration is not going to cooperate with that process, then Congress will be less cooperative when it comes to other issues." Anthony Adragna contributed to this report. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Corewell Health has added additional visitor restrictions to its eastside childrens locations after Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital implemented similar restrictions last month. Doctors from both locations spoke with the media Wednesday morning. They said this is the time of year where RSV, the flu and COVID-19 cases rise. Were seeing what is a pretty typical respiratory season compared to the pre-pandemic years, said Dr. Andrea Hadley, the division chief of pediatric acute care at Helen DeVos. It does not feel as bad as a surge as last year where we had multiple different viruses hitting us at the same time. Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital limits visitors amid illness uptick While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert in October over the low supply of the RSV vaccine, Hadley said they were able to order a large amount before the start of the respiratory season. We have set aside a specific number of doses for the highest-risk patients, so that they will be available through the RSV season, she said. The remainder of the doses will be equitably distributed to our primary care offices. The most vulnerable include those 65 years and older, infants and toddlers with preexisting conditions. If you are worried about the way your child looks when theyre breathing, please bring them in to be seen, said Dr. Evelyn Laskowski, division chief of pediatric medicine for Corewell Health East. Hadley said its time people go back to the basics when it comes to washing hands, staying home when someone is sick and avoiding large gatherings if someone you know is actively ill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Not so long ago, the idea of a bespoke Tucker Carlsonrun news network would be a terrifying proposition to many. During the period marked by Donald Trumps exile from normal social media until Carlsons late-April defenestration from Fox News, the prime-time host was arguably the most powerful person in right-wing mediaand the person who did the most to fill the Trump-sized void in the zeitgeist. Carlson was, as much as any figure on the rightnot just within right-wing media circles, eitheran agenda-setter. His programs were obsessed over. Critics would cut up his broadcasts to showcase the increasing racism, xenophobia, and absurdity of the right. His allies looked to him for cues on what culture-war bugaboos and obsessions should be front of mind when lobbying for media coverage and writing legislation. Carlson was powerful and malevolent. He was also the person who best fit a prophecy made during Trumps presidencythat one day a figure would rise up in the monstrous presidents image who was competent and smart, instead of endlessly self-defeating. Carlson did an incalculable level of damage with just one hour a night on weekdays. How much could he do with a whole network at his disposal? On Monday, Carlson announced that he would be spearheading the creation of just such a networkthe imaginatively named Tucker Carlson Network. Whats true and whats a lie? Sometimes its hard to know, Carlson said in a video announcing the new venture and articulating his chief post-Fox narrative. Theres so much deception. Big media companies wont help. Their job is to manipulate you. Carlson, the implication goes, is something different: someone who will tell the truth, who is uncorruptible, who will stand up to woke corporate and political power. Its a narrative not dissimilar to the one that Trump used to win the presidency in 2016: the former insider turned outsider, now ready to take on the system on your behalf. As it turns out, however, Tucker Carlson is not Donald Trump. He may not even be Ben Shapiro. Less than a year after his exit from Fox News, Carlson still has a large following, but he lacks the power and influence he had when he still had his perch in the mainstream media. Without the imprimatur of Fox News, Carlson has become just another fish in a very crowded pond. Far from auguring a new moment in conservative media, this new streaming service only underlines just how far Carlsons star has fallen since he he fell from Foxs good graces. Its not entirely clear what the Tucker Carlson Network will look like. For now, the streaming servicewhich costs $9 a month, more than ad-supported subscriptions for Hulu, Disney+, and Netflixwill offer the show Carlson has been hosting on X (formerly Twitter), which has featured a fairly predictable slate of guests, including Trump, Steve Bannon, and Marjorie Taylor Greene; and more Carlson-centric hangers-on, such as kickboxer and accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate and weirdo Argentine President-elect Javier Milei. Aside from that, there will also be a podcastthe imaginatively titled Tucker Carlson Podcastwhich promises to be well, very similar to the show he has been hosting on X. The entire endeavor looks a lot like a Patreon launched by that one guy whos always talking your ear off at the bar: Hes got hazy plans galore but nothing concrete. The business model seems to be: Tucker Carlson has fans, and those fans will give him moneyprovided they have some left over from all the other right-wing mediaverse subscriptions theyve already gone in on. Carlson has already raised $15 million from his more deep-pocketed friends to stand up his streaming service. On one level, thats not very much money: It is $5 million less (reportedly) than Carlsons annual salary at Fox News; the network spent more than $2 billion in operating expenses in the last quarter alone. Still, its also nothing to sniff at: Efforts like the Tucker Carlson Network pose relatively little risk as long as the project doesnt become cumbersome. There will always be rich people who will back right-wing media projects that serve their larger goals, whether those be lowering taxes, imposing draconian immigration policies, or, in Carlsons case, both. The bigger question is what kind of audience Carlson can commandand how he will compete with other right-wing stars in terms of influence now that he doesnt have Fox Newss megaphone. And this is where things get tricky. Carlson undoubtedly has enough fans to sustain a sizable personal income. But its become clear that his divorce from Fox News has diminished his influencehes still producing regular content, but hes not the swashbuckling, agenda-setting figure he once was. On Fox, Carlson benefited from being the most extreme host on a powerful news networkand what he did there provoked others to cover his activities in full. He gained fame and notoriety for pushing Fox into darker, more conspiratorial corners than it had ever occupied before. While other hosts might use a dog whistle when talking about immigration or demographics, Carlson would go further, explicitly embracing odious ideas like the great replacement theory. Outside of Fox, however, these detestable, fringe ideas are just littered all over the landscape. Carlson is no longer competing with Chris Hayes at MSNBC or positioning his ideas to compete against those of more establishment-leaning figures on his own network like Sean Hannity. Carlson is still, on some level, competing with Fox Newsand the goofball duo of Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters who have supplanted him, both of whom replace Carlsons smarmy portentousness with a more jovial noxiousness. But now he is also competing with Shapiro, Tim Pool, Matt Walsh, even Barstool Sports Dave Portnoy, all of whom have logged considerably more hours competing for the same audience without the benefit of a corporate media powerhouse amplifying their efforts. (That audience: angry divorced middle-aged men whose entire worldview is shaped by the fact that their children no longer speak to them.) Carlson was radical on Fox, but in the milieu in which he finds himself now, hes more mainstream and polished than all of these figuresa buttoned-up preppy among the punks. Carlson has, to adopt a line from the worst recent Batman movie, merely taken up the online culture wars. But his competition was born in them. Several months into his show on X, there is no evidence that Carlson is more prominent or influential than any of the right-wingers whod already carved out their territorya damning statement, given his importance less than a year ago. (Case in point: His most recent guests are Kid Rock and MMA chief Dana Gould. This isnt quite the media equivalent of the end of Raging Bull, but its not so far off either.) None of this is to say that Carlson has no shot at regaining his former influence. Twelve years ago, when a washed-up Carlson founded The Daily Callerwhich too easily abandoned its hifalutin aspirations of creating high-quality journalism from a conservative point of view to become sub-tabloid trashit would have been easy to write him off. But that site is still around, and Carlson succeeded in using it as a springboard to cable news dominanceand more power and influence than he had ever had before. Nevertheless, hes a vastly diminished figure now. Nine months ago, his every word was studied and agonized over. Now hes just another guy on the internet interviewing Kid Rock. When I meet a friends new partner for the first time, I desperately want to like them. I hope theyre generally pleasant to be around not just for my sake, but for my friends. When people date someone who is miserable, it can rub off on them. Maybe you have had that happy-go-lucky, upbeat friend who starts dating a grump, and gradually, they become an Eeyore too. Research shows that people often become similar to who they spend a lot of time with. Even strangers tend to mimic each others movements and expressions, and studies have shown that friends, strangers and lovers heartbeats or brain waves often sync up. In romantic couples, a number of studies have shown that they have similar wellbeing, both when they first start dating and also over time. Related: Divorce doulas: like having that best friend youve always wanted, but youre paying for Convergence has been shown for different characteristics like personality, lifestyle, daily activities, sports, nutrition, leisure and also wellbeing, said Olga Stavrova, a professor psychology at the University of Lubeck. So if two people date and become more similar to each other, who becomes more like who? In a recent paper co-authored by Stavrova, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, she went after this very question. She said she wanted to understand if the happier person in a couple is dragged down or if the unhappier person is lifted up. She looked at data from more than 20,000 German and Dutch couples who were followed for 37 and 14 years respectively, focusing only on couples that differed in wellbeing at the beginning of their relationships. Within each partnership, if one person started out saying they had higher wellbeing and life satisfaction than the other, they experienced declines in their wellbeing over time. The person with lower wellbeing might experience a small increase in happiness, but often didnt improve at all. And the dip that the satisfied person experienced was always greater than any improvement in the unsatisfied person. Stavrova said the findings probably stem from the types of interactions that couples have over time. You share what happens in your day, and how you feel, with your partner. If one person is always negative, it can bring the other one down. In another study, when researchers followed couples over a few weeks, they found that negative emotions are more commonly passed back and forth, compared with positive ones. The idea that we soak up inputs from the people that we spend our time with is important to understanding how relationships shape health and wellbeing across the lifespan, said Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California, who wasnt involved in the new study. But the findings dont necessarily mean you should avoid people who seem slightly on the unhappy side. You dont need to find a partner who is super gleeful all the time, or feel worried about dragging others down. I would be reluctant to say, Dont couple up with someone whos a downer, Saxbe said. Couples can either help each other get back to baseline, or they can drive each other beyond baseline Darby Saxbe The interplay of long-term relationships and wellbeing is more complicated than just this one factor. A large body of work consistently finds that close relationships make people healthier across our lifespans. If we were consistently affected by less happy partners, there wouldnt be so much evidence that relationships are overall beneficial. Saxbe, who trained as a couples therapist, said that the way that couples affect each others mood can vary. If one partner comes home from work each day upset, Saxbe has seen toxic stress contagion happen: the other person is drawn into a negative emotional state. But if a couple has a healthy emotional dynamic, one partner can help to calm the other down, and they can co-regulate together. Couples can either help each other get back to baseline, or they can drive each other beyond baseline, she said. Happiness is not the only thing that matters in relationships. For example, parents often report low moods and low wellbeing when theyre with their children, but when you ask them if they are happy they had children, they still say yes. Your momentary mood is just one proxy for your wellbeing, Saxbe said. Related: People say youll know but will I regret not having children? Stavrova said that despite her teams findings sounding bleak, she cant comment on whether this convergence is always a bad thing, even when one partners wellbeing decreases. Having similar traits or behaviors to your partner can lead to more relationship stability; when people have high satisfaction gaps in their first year of marriage, it increases the chances of them getting divorced later. You dont have to choose to date someone who is sunny all the time, but you should be aware that they will probably affect you over time. Youre making sense of the world together, with its ups and downs, Stavrova said. Having a partner with a resilient temperament is probably going to matter more for quality of life. Its not so much, do you never experience dips in wellbeing, or do you not encounter frustrations, Saxbe said. Whats more important is: how do you recover? Xi says building China-Vietnam community with a shared future opens new chapter in bilateral ties Xinhua) 14:06, December 13, 2023 HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and he jointly announced building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties. Xi said he believes it will bring greater benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to peace, stability and development of the region and the world. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Outgoing Porter County Director of Nursing Connie Rudd is honored by the Porter County Board of Commissioners for 38 years of service on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. From left to right Commissioners Vice President Barb Regnitz, R-Center, Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, Rudd, and Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South. (Shelley Jones/Post-Tribune) Outgoing Porter County Health Department Director of Nursing Connie Rudd was honored by the Porter County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning for her 38 years of service as a nurse for the department. Rudd shed a few tears as she was praised by Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North. You always gave good advice. You could always count on what you were being told, he said of the information she shared. Advertisement We always knew that department was being well-run in the nursing department, added Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South. Rudd has been replaced by Jessica Malher who started the job Monday. She has been a public health nurse with the department for five years, as liaison to area schools. Advertisement In other health department news, Carrie Honeycutt was hired Dec. 4 as the countys first care coordinator. Her job is to help county residents better connect with health providers and related resources. Shes already hit the ground running, said Health Department Director Carrie Gschwind. She has been a wonderful asset. Gschwind reported that the department has multiple candidates for its grants and contracts specialist position that was posted Nov. 20. Interviews with candidates will begin next week and the department hopes to have a staff member in place by 2024. The findings of a public health needs assessment conducted by Pyrce Healthcare Group, the same firm that performed the suicide prevention study in 2022, identified housing, food and transportation as the most commonly reported needs of residents in Porter County. Mental health and substance use, vaping, gun safety and pest infestation such as lice, bedbugs and scabies, as reported by area schools and youth services agencies, were other big issues. There were a lot of comments about stigma and needing to be able to have the discussions, Gschwind said of the view of youth regarding mental health in the county. The Board of Health was also presented with the results of the study at its meeting Dec. 5 and is in the process of reviewing the full report. It will be used to help the health department prepare a framework for its strategic plan. Gschwind said her department has begun identifying the key performance indicators well in advance of state-mandated deadlines and is identifying actions that can be taken immediately to improve the health of Porter County residents as part of the strategic plan. Protocols are being drafted for possible programming with proposed partners. Advertisement Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. The launching ceremony of the first flight of the Shanghai-Cairo air route of the China Eastern Airlines is held in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 11, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China Eastern Airlines began operating direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, the operator has announced. The new service makes three round trips per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, it said, adding it was the first Chinese airline to operate the Shanghai-Cairo air route. The first flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 232 passengers onboard. It arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7:19 am local time (0519 GMT) on Monday. A ceremony was held in Cairo late Monday to mark the launch of the first flight of the new air route, which was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang and Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy. Hailing the increasing people-to-people exchanges between China and Egypt in recent years, the Chinese ambassador said bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector would continue to expand and called for efforts to step up cooperation in aircraft maintenance and airport services, among other fields. The Egyptian minister said the launch of the Shanghai-Cairo route would continue to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is one of the three major state-owned airlines in China. Elizabeth Donowho was unable to walk for six weeks after suffering numerous injuries in the accident - Jacob King/PA An American driver, who fled the UK after allegedly causing a car crash that left a nurse seriously injured, has been tracked down by a news team. Isaac Calderon, 22, who is wanted by West Mercia Police, is now with his parents in Texas, his father told Sky News. Elizabeth Donowho, 56, was left unable to walk for six weeks after suffering two broken ankles, a fractured sternum and a broken bone in her hand. Mr Calderon, who was accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in the July crash near Shucknall, had been due to appear before magistrates on Dec 1. A warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to appear. Ms Donowho has been supported by the family of Harry Dunn, the teenage motorcyclist who was killed by Anne Sacoolas, a US citizen, in 2019. Ms Sacoolas, who had been driving on the wrong side of the road, was able to leave the UK when diplomatic immunity was asserted on her behalf by the US government. Calderon a private citizen Mr Calderon has now been tracked down to his familys detached house in a residential street in Humble, Texas. Manuel Calderon, his father, told Sky News that his son was back at home and claimed the situation had been blown out of proportion. He said his son had been in the UK on a work visa and had recently been employed in a warehouse. He added that hed paid for him to fly home in November because he was struggling to support himself and to help him to seek medical treatment following the collision. Ms Donowho, of Malvern, Worcestershire, has previously told journalists that West Mercia Police said Mr Calderon was working on matters that might come under the Official Secrets Act. However, he has been described by the US embassy as a private citizen. It is understood Calderon does not have diplomatic immunity. Manuel Calderon told Sky News his son was part of the American National Guard and said he served a few weeks a year. Upon hearing that Mr Calderon had been found, Ms Donowho told Sky News: I feel sick. Im obviously pleased that Mr Calderon has been found. However, I am confused as to why I am learning this news from the media rather than the authorities. Ms Donowhos spokesman, Radd Seiger, who also acts for Harry Dunns family, said Ms Donowho was one of 10 victims he was supporting where the defendant was a US government employee and the crime had taken place in Britain. He claimed eight others were driving-related cases such as Ms Donowhos, while another was an alleged rape. US servicewoman on trial One trial that of US servicewoman Mikayla Hayes, 25 is currently taking place at Norwich Crown Court. Ms Hayes is accused of causing death by careless driving after allegedly hitting motorcyclist Matthew Day, 33, as she drove home from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk to Downham Market in Norfolk in August 2022. She denies the charge. Mr Seiger said: These 10 cases have all happened subsequent to Harrys death and it was very disappointing that Calderon was able to flee. He may have been a young man who did it of his own volition, but it has always been very important to Harry Dunns family to ensure nobody else has to go through what they had to endure. A West Mercia Police spokesman said: On Friday Dec 1 2023 at Kidderminster magistrates court a warrant was issued for the arrest of Isaac Calderon, 22, who is wanted for failure to appear at court on a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Mr Calderon is an American citizen who we understand was in the UK on a work visa. Our enquiries have established that he left the UK on Nov 25 and flew to the United States. They added: We are engaging with his solicitor to inform him of the warrant and the need for him to return to the UK. A US embassy spokesman said: As a general matter, we do not comment on ongoing litigation in cases involving US citizens. Harry Dunns inquest is expected to take place in June next year. 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. PROVIDENCE - Traffic choked the East Side on Tuesday long before rush hour set in. Cars backed up nearly one mile on Gano Street, part of the detour established to divert traffic from the faulty Washington Bridge. Horns blared and police officers halted, then waved traffic through intersections as the vehicles crawled through the neighborhood. One driver's mouth was agape at the sight. Throughout the day, a mixture of frustrated questions and stories of horrendous commutes poured into The Providence Journal's channels. "It was awful," said Lia Pimento, a Cranston kindergarten teacher who spent five hours attempting to reach her school from Somerset before giving up. "I got on the highway around 6:30 a.m., and I think everyone had the same idea. They all started to pile up behind me." You asked, we answered: Reader questions about the Washington Bridge Drivers jockey for position merging onto Henderson Bridge during Monday morning's commute. Pimento's boss contacted her every couple of hours, hoping she had made it to an exit. Pimento wasn't even close. "What got me the most was after so many hours going by, I got anxious because there was no way to get off the highway at all," Pimento said. She spotted drivers, mostly men, leave their cars to relieve themselves outside, having undergone the same painstaking wait. Pimento's boss eventually told her to turn around and go home. Matthew Odom, who commutes from Bristol to Providence, was four hours late to his job at an LED lighting company. "It was really rough," Odom, who moved to Rhode Island from Alabama, said. He called it the "worst traffic Ive ever seen" since moving. La Salle Academy may offer remote option for some students About 10% of La Salle Academy students are impacted by the closure of the bridge's west bound side. Principal Tim Welsh may allow those students to learn remotely if necessary. Meanwhile he is still figuring out how to handle exams that start Friday, not knowing whether students will be able to make it into school. Welsh said some faculty have reported 20-minute commutes, but one parent recounted spending four hours driving from Massachusetts. "Were anxious to know if thats a first-day thing or a multi-day thing," Welsh said. "But it sounds like its going to be a multi-day thing." The underside of the western end of Washington Bridge, which closed to westbound traffic on Monday. Last Friday an engineer working on site noticed and reported the failure of one of the anchor pins that hold beams in place. RIDOT head apologizes for erroneous inspection timeline In a lengthy Tuesday morning briefing, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said the closure was a matter of saving lives despite major delays for drivers. "It is a tough decision to make," he said. "Because you're affecting the lives of 90,000 people on a daily basis where every minute is multiplied by 90,000." Less than 24 hours before, Alviti told reporters the bridge had last been inspected two months ago as part of a routine schedule. Yet at his latest press conference, Alviti said it was actually inspected in July, about five months ago. The underside of the western end of Washington Bridge. "I'm sorry that these discrepancies came up, but I try to report out to you all and the citizens of Rhode Island as quickly as I get information," Alviti said. "During the last couple days, as you can imagine, theres a lot of information coming from parallel sources, and there was some mixed messaging on the timing on that." With repairs expected to take three months or more, the state is considering ferrying commuters from Bristol to Providence, and having the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority offer free bus fares. "All the alternatives are on the table for us to explore," Alviti said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Drivers face huge delays as reality of Washington Bridge closure sets it Many of North Carolinas roads and highways have paved shoulders that allow drivers to pull over when necessary. However, in some states, such as Texas, allow drivers to use the shoulder to let faster vehicles pass them, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Texas drivers can also use the shoulder to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled or preparing to make a left turn. Are the same things legal in North Carolina? Heres what to know about the states traffic laws about driving on the shoulder. Can you drive on the shoulder to let faster vehicles pass? In North Carolina, it is not legal to drive on the shoulder, Master Trooper Christopher Casey, with N.C. State Highway Patrol, told The Charlotte Observer. Drivers are only permitted to move their cars to the shoulder after a minor wreck, or to let emergency vehicles pass, Casey said. Is it legal to park your car on the shoulder in NC? According to North Carolina law, it is legal to park your car on the shoulder of a public road, as long as it can be seen from 200 feet in either direction and does not obstruct traffic. Any vehicle parked or left standing in violation of law may be immediately removed from the State Highway System if it is interfering with the regular flow of traffic or otherwise constitutes a hazard However, if a car is left parked on a shoulder for more than 24 hours, it can be towed by local law enforcement, the law says. ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - A tourist found himself behind bars after he drunkenly threw gator nuggets into a restaurant and "sexually molested" a manatee statue when staff asked him to leave, according to deputies. Anthony Lessa, 23, was arrested and charged with disorderly intoxication after the incident that took place at two separate places in St. Pete Beach on Friday Postcard Inn On The Beach and Rick's Reef Restaurant according to an affidavit from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Photo: Pinellas County Sheriffs Office The man from Pittsburgh is accused of throwing gator nuggets into Rick's Reef Restaurant and deputies found more of them in his pants pocket when he was arrested. According to the Rick's Reef Restaurant menu, "gator bites" are pieces of fresh, fried gator. When staff confronted Lessa, he "became belligerent" and "sexually molested" a manatee statue in the presence of staff and other patrons, the affidavit said. Lessa then ran off the property and down Gulf Boulevard toward his hotel, the Postcard Inn On The Beach. The hotel's manager called authorities after Lessa was "acting disorderly" near the front desk area. He was yelling and screaming obscenities at the front desk worker, according to the affidavit. When the manager asked Lessa to calm down and offered to escort him to his room, he refused to say what room he was in. Lessa was then trespassed from the property, but he stayed in the parking lot, lingering and yelling more obscenities, the affidavit said. This caused a back-up in traffic and the "disturbing of the peace of several other guests waiting for rides," deputies said. When deputies caught up with Lessa, they observed a strong odor consistent with an alcohol beverage and noticed his pupils were dilated in a high-light environment. He was also reportedly in a heightened state with a short-term memory implication, deputies said. For example, Lessa continued to ask deputies why he was being arrested on "a loop," the affidavit said. MORE FLORIDA MAN : He was placed into custody near the hotel and transported to jail. He has since been released on his own recognizance, according to arrest records. Durham County joined the city this week and adopted zoning reforms that encourage denser infill development and eliminate minimum parking requirements. The Durham County commissioners vote Monday night was split 3-1: For: Chair Nida Allam, Heidi Carter, Wendy Jacobs Against: Vice Chair Nimasheena Burns Absent: Brenda Howerton The vote came three weeks after the Durham City Council passed the same changes inside the city limits in its own late-night, split vote. I think people want small-scale, locally built housing and small-scale commercial development to be viable, Carter said before casting her vote. The changes are part of a lengthy rewrite of the building code known as SCAD short for Simplifying Codes for Affordable Development. Raleigh-based developer Jim Anthony submitted them last year on behalf of a team of people involved in local real estate. Assistant Planning Director Bo Dobrzennski said the biggest impacts to the county will come from: Removing parking minimums. Allowing bigger ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, which are smaller residential units built onto a property. Simplifying how a buildings height is measured. Eliminating project boundary buffers, meaning builders will no longer have to set aside land as a buffer between two projects of the same type (between residential and residential, or between commercial and commercial, for example). About 40% of countys land is inside city limits, meaning SCAD now has more than double the reach. SCAD was originally proposed by developers in May 2022. Ending required parking By population, Durham County is the eighth largest area in the U.S. to eliminate required parking, according to the Parking Reform Network. In addition to Raleigh, the county joins Austin, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, among other local governments in making the change. Supporters of eliminating parking mandates say doing so reduces pollution and frees land up for the housing, green spaces and small shops that cities need to connect residents and limit suburban sprawl. Parking is not going away, Aaron Lubeck, a local designer-builder who helped write SCAD, told The News & Observer last month. Private businesses will still provide parking, whether its restaurants, coffee shops, nonprofits, coworking spaces, whatever, and all thats fine. Its just parking mandates. Designer-builder Aaron Lubeck, who helped write SCAD, pointed to this proposed Durham restaurants required parking footprint as an example of why parking minimums should be abolished. Required parking ends countywide Jan. 1, 2024. Lubeck recalled a 7,000-square-foot building outside downtown, where a medium-size restaurant could have gone, had the city not required 70 parking spaces. Which is crazy, Lubeck said. I mean, literally, youd have to knock down six or seven homes around your restaurant just to comply with the code? But some raised concerns that eliminating required parking would limit disabled peoples ability to access new development. Ive pushed my grandma in a wheelchair. Ive pushed my daddy in a wheelchair. Ive pushed my sister in a wheelchair, Commissioner Burns said. And so, Im not for the parking requirements (ending). Accessible parking sign in Chapel Hill. The arguments Local architect Dan Jewell said site plan approvals that took four or five weeks in the early 1990s now take five or six months. Too many small builders and non-professional regular citizens now call me asking for advice on how to navigate their way through the system, Jewell said. He said people are left frustrated and angry. And most importantly, many times they dont move forward, Jewell continued. These are good intentioned folks just trying to provide some more housing, sometimes for a family member, sometimes for some income, sometimes to put a kid through school. The reforms, he argued, give them cheaper, more creative options. Everything adopted by the city and county, including eliminating parking mandates, was endorsed by the planning department. Tom Miller, a homeowner who used to serve on the Planning Commission, has been one of SCADs most active critics. What does SCAD do? In a nutshell, it increases developer opportunities at the expense of the quality of life of ordinary people, Miller said. Miller also rejected the idea that county officials should vote yes because city officials did. You represent the whole county, not just its fringes beyond the city limits. The county is not a dog wagged by the citys tail, he said. If SCAD has problems and it does you should vote against it. Commissioner Jacobs said it would concern her to have two codes despite having a joint city-county planning department. We dont have separate ordinances, she said. I dont thing (voting this down) would actually address a lot of the concerns I heard from the community tonight. Pam Williams, a Southeast Durham homeowner active with the group Preserve Rural Durham, said the changes to buffer requirements were problematic. Everybody needs trees, Williams said. Lets not have this continuous housing from one subdivision to another subdivision without a break between it. Carter had a different take. To me it feels like if were in favor of preserving rural Durham, we should be supportive of SCAD, Carter said. We should be encouraging density in the urban tier and expanding housing choices by infill rather than sprawl. Walter Jackson, chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, said fears about gentrification and the developers true intentions were grounded in history. The African-American community of Durham has been burned and is very cautious, going back 50 or 60 years, Jackson said. Promises were made about what would happen as a result of urban renewal, how it was going to improve our communities. It did not. Whats in SCAD? Heres what else SCAD, which takes effect Jan. 1, will do: Establish minimum densities of five to eight residential units per acre in commercial and office zones and eliminate maximum residential densities there. Allow places of worship to build accessory dwelling units for anyone, not just their staff, and places some limits on their location and level of review. Require projects with over 100 units to have at least 5,000 square feet of civic or commercial space. Allow planned residential developments that incorporate commercial or office uses to build the components in any order. A rendering of 320 square foot accessory dwelling unit offered by Tiny Homes Raleigh. More changes encourage infill, which is the process of developing vacant or under-used parcels in urban areas: Eliminates site plan review when there are 10 or fewer townhomes and 20 or fewer ADUS. Reduces the buffers required around some residential projects. Permits a new housing type, the detached rowhouse, a hybrid between a townhome and single-family house. Allows ADUs to be built closer to the road and increases the maximize size of an ADU from 800 square feet to 1,000 square feet on single-story units and 1,200 square feet on multiple stories. Allows any lot with a structure built before 1950 to be subdivided into small lots . Planning staff say this will help save old homes from demolition. Changes many other limitations around yards, driveways, garages and lot size for infill development. There is special emphasis on the requirements restricting corner and flag-shaped lots. Both the city and county stripped some of the more controversial items from SCAD. Everything passed was recommended by staff, at least in concept. Heres what was eliminated: A new affordable housing incentive program , nicknamed PATH, which would have exempted smaller projects from reviews if 25% of the units were affordable for 15 years. Staff were concerned this was too short a time frame. Letting housing be built in areas with light industrial zoning, where it isnt allowed today. Allowing an ADU to be built first, before a primary structure. Some other tweaks that the planning department was uncertain about. Consumers will know better what is in their joints (Robin van Lonkhuijsen) On December 15, cannabis will for the first time be grown, sold, and consumed legally in the Netherlands as part of a four-year trial across the country. Here's a potted history of the eagerly awaited experiment: - Wait, it's not already legal? - This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Netherlands, whose capital Amsterdam has for decades been considered the world's top draw for cannabis smokers. In fact, cannabis is not legal but "gedoogd" ("tolerated"). Selling and using cannabis is illegal "but the authorities choose not to pursue or prosecute lawbreakers," according to the government's website. It is however completely illegal (and not tolerated) to cultivate cannabis in the Netherlands or supply it to the famous "coffee shops" where it can be smoked. - Why change the system? - The "toleration" policy was adopted in the 1970s to differentiate between hard and soft drugs but has led to a bizarre legal grey area that the experiment hopes to clear up. The law has driven the supply of cannabis to the country's 570 coffee shops underground, with local authorities complaining of related petty crime and anti-social behaviour. - So what's happening? - The legislation is being temporarily suspended to allow growers and suppliers to operate legally in 11 municipalities, supplied by 10 growers. All coffee shops in the municipalities have to take part, so that the same rules apply to everyone and consumers know they are getting the same quality of product everywhere. Other rules remain the same: a maximum of five grammes per person per day, a ban on selling to underaged smokers, no hard drugs, and no alcohol on the premises. Only people living in the Netherlands can partake. The municipality of Amsterdam East has also applied to participate. Coffee shops will be able to stock more than the current maximum of 500 grammes on the premises -- "as a general rule... up to one week's stock," according to officials. - What are the benefits? - The weed will be carefully tracked and tested, so consumers will know exactly how strong the cannabis is. This is measured by the levels of THC and CBD, the substance that produces the effects. Potentially dangerous heavy metals and aflatoxin -- which occurs naturally in cannabis -- will also be monitored. The product itself is expected to be of very high quality. Coffee shop owner Rick Brand told AFP in October it was impossible to know what exactly he was selling under the old rules. "What we've been receiving until now sometimes contains pesticide, but also foreign agents to increase weight. Actually, we don't really know," he said. Authorities are hoping for a drop in petty crime and anti-social behaviour. Coffee shop owners are looking forward to operating with legal clarity. - What happens next? - Independent researchers will monitor the experiment throughout its four-year duration. The aim is two-fold: to see if it is possible to regulate the supply chain of cannabis to coffee shops, and to see whether this reduces petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The government "will decide on the future of Dutch coffeeshop policy on the basis of these outcomes and other factors," according to its website, with a view to eventual decriminalisation. One unknown hanging over this policy -- and all policies -- is the Geert Wilders factor, after the far-right leader won elections last month. His PVV Freedom Party wants to scrap the "tolerance" policy for good, close coffee shops, and push for a "drug-free Netherlands." They were ranked bottom of the parties to vote for in the last election by "cannabis-kieswijzer.nl", a website that assesses political parties by their cannabis-friendly policies. ric/db What do you give a star like Taylor Swift for her birthday? Swifties have been dying to know since Sunday. Thats when Ava Hunt youngest child of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and his wife, Tavia posted a photo of herself with Swift at last Sundays Chiefs-Bills game. Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, held a large, elegantly wrapped gift with a tag that read To Taylor, from the Hunt family. PLEASE the world is dying to know what in the world you buy as a gift for Taylor Swift!?!!?!? wrote the first person who commented on the photo posted to Avas Instagram. Well, Avas older sister, Gracie Hunt, answered that question on Wednesday, Swifts 34th birthday. She, too, posed with Swift and the gift. Gracie posted her photo on her Instagram Wednesday with birthday greetings and thanks to personal shopper Josh Trevino and Neiman Marcus NorthPark in Dallas for procuring the perfect @judithleiberny gift! #PartyLikeIts1989. Judith Leiber handbags are iconic, luxury purses recognized as miniature works of art. New York designer Leiber, who died in 2018, was known for creating whimsical, bejeweled, crystal-covered novelty purses shaped like real objects. Animals were one of her well-known inspirations. Current Leiber offerings include purses shaped like a swan, mushrooms, teddy bears, champagne bottle, a tiny carton of truffle french fries, hot air balloon, a pint of ice cream, roller skates, boom box and globe. They come with spare no expense price tags. The purse shaped like a Bengal tiger? $5,995. A miniature TV with a colorful test screen? $7,995. A rocket ship? $4,995 A martini, with olives, no less. $5,795. A curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art once said that describing Leiber as an accessory designer was a little like calling Louis Comfort Tiffany a designer of lighting fixtures. Leiber also makes jewelry and other accessories, but the box the Hunt family gave Swift was a bit large for a bracelet or belt. (And who gifts something from Judith Leiber if not a purse?) Fashionistas pay close attention to Swifts purses. Just a few days ago in New York, for instance, she carried a Naeem Khan zodiac clutch decorated with her Sagittarius astrological sign. Gracie stopped short of divulging everything about the gift, so Swifties are still left to imagine which Leiber bag was gifted. If we had chosen? Either the clutch in shades of gold crystals shaped like a microphone ($4,995) or the $4,995 Hot Lips crystal clutch with crystals and shaped like luscious, Swift-like ruby lips. If you have tuned out the many crazy things that Donald Trump has said since he left the White House, its time to start paying attention. The twice-impeached insurrectionist holds more than a 40-point polling lead over his closest rival in the Republican primary, and many Americans remain in denial about how close we are to returning an aggrieved and emboldened authoritarian to power. As former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) warned recently , the U.S. is sort of sleepwalking into dictatorship. How disastrous would a second Trump term be? Exponentially worse than the first, according to the former president himself. For months, Trump has been articulating an unmistakable plan to push the country into authoritarianism through a stream of outrageous comments at campaign events and on right-wing media and his own platform, Truth Social. Here's what he says he will do if reelected president in 2024: Exact revenge on political enemies. Trump and his allies want to investigate, prosecute and punish his rivals and critics and use the justice system to go after the media for reporting on what he says and does. He wants to purge federal officials deemed disloyal and remove civil service protections to get rid of employees that wont do his bidding. For those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution , he told conservatives earlier this year. Read more: Editorial: Trump's dangerous 'vermin' speech would have been at home in Nazi Germany Bar, banish and kill people he doesn't like. Trump wants another Muslim ban. He has vowed to unleash the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, including people who are legally in the country. He would begin ideological screening for immigrants and end birthright citizenship. He would round up people from homeless encampments and move them to tent cities on open parcels of land. He would send the National Guard to cities like Chicago and mount a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., in the name of fighting crime. He wants to execute drug smugglers. Roll back rights and protections. He would attack transgender people, promote prayer in public schools and help arm teachers with concealed weapons. He has also proposed a national credentialing body to ensure teachers embrace patriotic values," in what sounds like a terrifying push for government indoctrination. He would renege on the Paris climate accord and reverse all manner of environmental protections, even energy efficiency standards. He would almost certainly expand policies hostile to reproductive rights and appoint antiabortion activists to Health and Human Services positions and conservative Supreme Court justices like the ones that overturned the constitutional right to abortion. He wants to establish freedom cities on federal land with baby bonuses to encourage procreation. Read more: Editorial: Trump's trying to have it both ways on abortion. But don't be fooled Consolidate executive power. He says he would impound funds appropriated by Congress to paralyze government action, choking off federal money as a way to "obliterate the deep state, drain the swamp, and starve the warmongers ... and the globalists out of government." He plans to turn independent federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Reserve, into extensions of the White House that answer directly to the president. When given the chance earlier this month to reassure the American people that he would not use a second term to abuse power and take retribution, Trump told Sean Hannity "no, no, no other than day one." Then a few days later he doubled down, saying "you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, and I want to drill, drill, drill." Trump has a history of saying vile things in a joke-like way that allows him to deny it later. The keep-you-guessing rhetoric is a hallmark of authoritarian leaders who thrive on murkiness and misinformation, and will tell you that you arent seeing what is happening before your very eyes. Read more: Editorial: No evidence for Biden impeachment inquiry? No problem. The House GOP doesn't seem to care This kind of anti-democratic language should tell you exactly what to expect from a man who refused to accept his defeat to Joe Biden and spent years peddling lies about the 2020 election to erode trust in U.S. democracy. His ugly and hate-filled vermin speech on Veterans Day showed just how willing he is to adopt the dehumanizing, scapegoating language of Nazi Germany and other authoritarian regimes. But it's not new. Trump is following, with a remarkable level of devotion, the authoritarian playbook employed by strongmen throughout history, and more recently by Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Saddam Hussein. And history shows its often not the ham-handed, failed first attempt at a coup that pushes societies into authoritarian rule, but the second or third try. It wasn't the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923 that put Adolf Hitler into power in Germany or the 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks that put Cuba under Fidel Castro's rule, but they were precursors. Unlike in 2016, Trumps comments cant be dismissed as just talk. He has already shown us with his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, the lengths to which he will go to stay in power. He and his allies are also building up an apparatus with which to make his dictatorial pronouncements and his desired expansion of presidential power a swift reality, including a well-funded presidential transition operation called Project 2025 that is lining up policies and personnel to put in place within the first 180 days of his return to office. Americans should look past the noise of Trumps timid rivals for the Republican nomination. There is no politics-as-usual left in the Republican Party. Listen clearly to what Trump is saying and take it both seriously and literally. 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. You are here: China The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a campaign to address the growing concerns surrounding the content of short videos. The month-long campaign focuses on three prominent issues, namely, the dissemination of false information, improper behaviors in short videos, and the spread of erroneous concepts, according to a notice issued by the CAC. Among the listed inappropriate behaviors are showcasing explicit content, creating vulgar personas, and engaging in risky activities, among others, according to the CAC. The notice demands that short video platforms optimize their algorithms, and prioritize distributing high-quality video content rather than relying solely on quantitative criteria such as likes and reposts. It added that short video platforms should also strengthen their content review systems. During his campaign for mayor, Brandon Johnson put out a statement saying that he would not get rid of Chicagos selective-enrollment schools. Those of us who kept receipts know that precise words released by his campaign were, a Johnson administration would not end selective enrollment at CPS schools. At the time, Johnson and his Chicago Teachers Union backers well knew that any attempt to mess with Chicagos superb little clutch of 11 selective-enrollment high schools Northside College Prep, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, John Hancock College Prep, Jones College Prep, Lane Tech, Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School, Walter Payton College Prep, South Shore International College Prep, Westinghouse College Prep and Whitney M. Young Magnet School would have been met with howls of parental anguish, a surge in business for companies offering moving services from Chicago to the suburbs and voters throwing their support elsewhere. But Johnsons in office now, in case you havent noticed. And see if you can square that campaign commitment with the language of a resolution up for a Thursday vote by Johnsons school board. The resolution is fertilizing the soil for a five-year transformational strategic plan, apparently coming this summer from Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. The resolution calls for a transition away from privatization and admissions/enrollment policies and approaches that further stratification and inequity in CPS and drive student enrollment away from neighborhood schools. Thats obfuscating language, of course, which is this administrations preferred mode of communication, especially when it comes to launching trial balloons like this one. Transformation is a Pravda-esque word for remaking something the way the people in power want it to be remade. Transition away minimizes change that many people, especially working-class Chicagoans of color, dont want. And, yet worse, the resolution accepts the false binary that selective-enrollment schools hurt neighborhood schools, when a decent system would improve the latter even as it retains the former. Some reports Wednesday suggested, without irony, that it was not the administrations intention to dismantle charter or selective-enrollment schools, as if the Chicago Teachers Union had not had those hated charter schools in its sights for years. And we all know who put this mayor in office. So who could possibly read that resolution and believe that selective-enrollment high schools now can breathe easy? There are some spectacularly weaselly words in play here. You can keep, say, Northside College Prep and not dismantle it, but everyone knows that the moment it ceases to be a selective-enrollment school, privileging (often low-income) kids who want to learn, it ceases to be Northside College Prep as currently known. And how is it currently known? As one of the top (and most diverse) high schools in America, a National Blue Ribbon School as designated by the U.S. Department of Education, a school where state test scores have shown 94% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading. Worse, this misguided strategy is hidden behind seeking community input. This plan needs to be guided and informed by the community, board President Jianan Shi told the Chicago Sun-Times. The goal is that were able to change (the) current competition model so that students are not pitted against one another, schools are not pitted against one another. This is nonsensical, self-contradictory and disingenuous blather. If you genuinely desire community input to guide and inform you, then you present the issue to the community without bias and solicit views. You dont state the policy and try to get it passed in spirit by a governing body first. And then see what the community wants to do. And then act surprised and shocked if the community aligns with the goals of the Chicago Teachers Union. Even some former Soviet apparatchiks would have blushed at that brazen tactic. Its anti-Democratic and un-American. Johnsons people can call this resolution a roadmap, or a transition plan, or a framework, or whatever they want. They must have a very low opinion of Chicagoans intelligence. People will see what is going on here. And we have more news for Shi: The U.S. is a democracy that operates under a free-market system. Such a system is necessary for personal freedom and economic growth, but it is necessarily based on competition. What does Shi think selective colleges and universities are doing in their admissions process if they are not pitting one student against another? What does he think other countries that better educate all their kids are doing? These days there are lots of ways for a diverse array of students to make their overall cases to fine schools and employers, and thats a good thing. We dont all start out in the same place, and governments always have a job to do in ensuring fairness and equal opportunity and in encouraging those from more challenging environments to succeed. But reading and math competence still affect global success, and so they should. Telling kids that everyone is the same and belongs in the same classroom, and then impeding smart kids in some misguided notion of equity, only will further harm the city of Chicago, where this administration already has done plenty of damage. Kids know the truth. This debate already has played out on the East and West coasts. The evidence presents that parents, especially low-income parents of color, want to weigh the quality of schools and have a choice as to where to send their kids, and that anyone with the capacity to leave will exit if it is not provided to them. Lets be clear: The selective-enrollment high schools are stars in the CPS firmament. All 11 of them. They are going to need defenders. Chicago has struggled for decades to keep its vibrant middle class from fleeing to the suburbs when their kids reach school age. The offering of more choices in education, a long-time city policy, hasnt gone perfectly, but its inarguable in our view that without those choices Chicago would be in far worse shape. The Chicago Board of Education should vote this resolution down Thursday. If they dont, its adoption will signal to savvy, education-focused parents to start looking for homes or apartments in the suburbs. Second, it will cause needless stress to lower-income folks who fight tooth and nail to get the best possible education for their gifted kids. And third, its plain dishonest communication. 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. The Education Department has added six schools, including Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Rutgers University, to its ongoing probe over alleged discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. According to the Department of Educations (DOE) Office for Civil Rightss list of higher education and K-12 institutions under investigation Monday, the other schools added include the University of Washington, the University of California, San Diego, and Whitman College. The probe, announced last month, is to address the alarming rise in reports of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and other forms of discrimination in schools in the wake of militant group Hamass Oct. 7 surprise assault into southern Israel. The investigations are revolved around alleged ancestry violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires schools that receive federal financial assistance address discrimination. If schools do not address issues around discrimination, they risk losing federal funding or referral to the Department of Justice. When asked for details regarding the investigation of the six additional schools, a spokesperson for the DOE said the department does not comment further on pending investigations. A spokesperson for Stanford told The Hill the university is fully committed to a campus environment free of discrimination and harassment, and one in which students of all backgrounds, national origins, and religions are supported and have the opportunity to thrive. The spokesperson added that the school intends to work in cooperation with the investigation. The University of Washington Seattle shared a similar message, maintaining the school is committed to the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and that the school will cooperate with the probe. Dory Devlin, a spokesperson for Rutgers, also said the school will certainly fully cooperate with the investigation, adding the notice of the probe does not provide any further details. Rutgers stands against antisemitism and against hate in all its pernicious forms. The university strives to be a safe and supportive environment for all our students, faculty, and staff, Delvin wrote in a statement to The Hill. We reject absolutely intolerance based on religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or political views. A spokesperson for UC San Diego said is takes all allegations of discrimination seriously and advised anyone experiencing harassment or discrimination to contact UC San Diegos Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. Whitman College and UCLA did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they areor are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said last month when the initial investigation was announced. The DOEs investigation comes as schools and university administrators across the country are being asked by students, lawmakers and other figures to address discrimination on their campuses. The presidents of three schools University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology came under fire during a House hearing last week after refusing to say students who called for the genocide of Jews would be disciplined. Now-former Penn President Liz Magill stepped down over the weekend amid growing backlash, and the House Education Committee has launched a full investigation of antisemitism at the universities in the wake of the controversy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. Education Department announced investigations Tuesday into Stanford University, UCLA and four other colleges over alleged ethnic discrimination, including antisemitic or Islamophobic activities, on the campuses. The remaining schools under new scrutiny of alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act are Rutgers University; the University of California, San Diego; the University of Washington; and Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, the department said. Details about what led to the investigations were not clear. A spokesperson for the Education Department said Tuesday the agency cannot comment on specific investigations. Image: Students at of the University of California, Los Angeles campus on, Nov. 17, 2021. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file) Stanford said it will work with federal investigators. Stanford is fully committed to a campus environment free of discrimination and harassment, and one in which students of all backgrounds, national origins, and religions are supported and have the opportunity to thrive," it said in a statement. Rutgers also plans to "fully cooperate" with the federal investigation. "Rutgers stands against antisemitism and against hate in all its pernicious forms," it said in a statement. "The university strives to be a safe and supportive environment for all our students, faculty, and staff. We reject absolutely intolerance based on religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or political views." UC San Diego also said it takes the allegations seriously and will cooperate fully with the investigation. The University of Washington said that its priority is the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff and that the school will provide the information necessary to resolve this matter. The Education Departments Office for Civil Rights launched similar investigations in November into more than a half-dozen colleges and universities, as well as a local school district. The schools include Harvard University, Cornell University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Lafayette College, Wellesley College and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, along with the Maize Unified School District in Kansas. Last month, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told NBC News the priorities in the investigations are protecting students on campus, protecting free speech on campus and ensuring the transparency of the inquiries. Since Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, numerous incidents have been reported at U.S. schools, with some resulting in arrests. On Tuesday, Rutgers-New Brunswick said it had suspended organization activity for Students for Justice in Palestine, according to a statement obtained by NBC New York. The student group was notified Monday of the "interim suspension" based on multiple complaints that accuse it of disrupting classes, a program, meals and students studying. The group also is accused of vandalism during an event at the Rutgers Business School. The alleged behavior violates the University Code of Student Conduct, the school said. The universitys student organization policies and procedures allow for the suspension of a student organizations activities when the university determines that continued activities "pose a substantial and immediate threat to the safety and well-being of others," the statement said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com TOKYO (Reuters) - Eisai said on Wednesday its Alzheimer's drug Leqembi will launch in Japan on Dec. 20 following its inclusion on the National Health Insurance price list. Intravenous treatment of the drug, co-developed with U.S. partner Biogen, will cost about 2.98 million yen ($20,438) per patient per year, based on a Japanese health ministry panel ruling the same day. Peak annual sales are expected to be 98.6 billion yen ($676.22 million), chief executive Haruo Naito told a briefing. The drug is priced at about $26,500 in the United States, where it gained full approval in July. Leqembi was given the nod by Japanese regulators in September. Eisai is aiming to have 4,000-5,000 patients on the drug in Japan in fiscal 2024. In the United States, the company expects 10,000 patients by the end of March. Leqembi is an antibody designed to remove sticky deposits of a protein called amyloid beta from the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The drug is the first treatment shown to slow progression of the disease for people in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's. ($1 = 145.8100 yen) (Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) (FOX40.COM) A woman was arrested for allegedly firing multiple gunshots at the Best Western, according to the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office. At 5:21 p.m. EL Dorado deputies responded to the Best Western Hotel at 6850 Green Leaf Drive in Placerville for a report of an armed person on the hotels property. A hotel worker advised law enforcement that a female subject had fired multiple gunshots and walked towards the Mexican restaurant, also on the hotel property. Repeat drunk driver in Sacramento convicted of murder after crashing into husband and wife on motorcycle Upon arrival, deputies say they contacted the suspect who was identified as 77-year-old Michele Jason, a Monterey resident. She was reportedly inside Casa Los Abuelos restaurant. Deputies say that Jason fired one gunshot inside her hotel room and another in the direction of a hotel employee. Jason was subsequently arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail under suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and negligent discharge of a weapon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Editor's note: This story was updated Dec. 13 to reflect a correction to the amount of narcotics reportedly found inside a vehicle searched in the case. The Alamogordo News mistakenly reported 125 pounds of methamphetamine was found. The criminal documents show 25 pounds of Methamphetamines was allegedly found inside the car. The Alamogordo Daily News apologies for the error. An El Paso man is accused of killing a motorcyclist while fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 54 on Nov. 8. Jeffery Saint Louis was charged with one count each of homicide by vehicle (under the influence of alcohol or drugs), aggravated fleeing a a law enforcement officer, leaving the scene of an accident knowingly, reckless driving and no driver's license, according to court documents. Saint Louis allegedly fled the checkpoint after being asked to pull over for further inspection by an agent. Though Border Patrol pursued him, the agent backed off when "it became too dangerous," according to the criminal complaint. A short while later, Saint Louis allegedly drove through the bypass entrance south of the U.S. 54/70 intersection. An Otero County Sheriff's officer, the the criminal complaint, said Saint Louis struck a motorcycle driven by Roger Thomas Wiley on Highway 54. Wiley's leg was amputated, according to witness accounts, as a result of the accident and he died at the scene. Saint Louis was eventually apprehended, and investigators who searched his vehicle allegedly found 25 pounds of methamphetamines worth approximately $1.2 million. Investigators said Saint Louis admitted to being paid to smuggle the drugs across the checkpoint. A grand jury indicted Saint Louis Nov. 21 on all the charges. No bond was issued as Saint Louis is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency for federal crimes related to drug trafficking. Saint Louis was scheduled for an arraignment Dec. 11 before District Judge Daniel Bryant. This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: El Paso man charged in death of biker while fleeing border checkpoint A former Georgia election worker testified Tuesday in a trial to determine how much Rudy Giuliani will have to pay her and her mother after he was found liable for defaming them with baseless claims that they committed fraud in the 2020 election. In her first two hours of testimony, Wandrea Shaye Moss took the stand as the fourth plaintiffs witness in the case, detailing the negative toll the false allegations have taken on her day-to-day life. She and her mother, Ruby Freeman, sued Giuliani over the bogus claims, which they say turned their lives upside down. I now am very anxious," Moss testified. "I have these nonstop anxious sweats. I have a lot of dark moments. I no longer go out. I will not be caught out anywhere alone, ever. I look totally different. I gained, like, 70 pounds. I stress-eat; I cry a lot, she added. Im just this whole new stressed-out person. Shaye Moss (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images file) Answering questions from her lawyer, John Langford, Moss said she began her job at the Fulton County Department of Registrations and Elections in 2012 as a temporary worker and described the joy she felt when she was hired for a permanent position, how she dropped to her knees and cried in the living room when she received the news. I worked really hard to learn everything I needed to do. It was like a golden ticket, like Willy Wonka. I was just so proud of myself that I was able to become a permanent employee, Moss said. I didnt like my job I loved my job. I loved my job so much. But the pride Moss had in her work diminished on Dec. 4, 2020, when she learned of the allegations Giuliani was making about her. Dec. 4, 2020, was the last day I was this bubbly, outgoing, happy Shaye. That was the day that everything changed, she said. Moss recalled being dumbfounded in a meeting with her boss that day after she was shown clips of her and her team working on Election Day that Giuliani had tweeted, falsely claiming they were proof they stole the election by counting fraudulent ballots from suitcases. I was so confused and shocked I didnt know what to think, she said. Langford introduced as evidence various Facebook messages Moss received that night, which she described as hateful, racist, nasty, violent and negative. Moss said she went to her hair salon and asked her stylist to make her unrecognizable, because she was afraid for my life and literally felt like someone was going to come and attempt to hang me and theres nothing that anyone would be able to do about it. Moss, who visibly fought back tears throughout her testimony, said she eventually left her job in April 2022. Giulianis allegations had caused tensions between her and her co-workers, and fears for her and her familys personal safety weighed heavily on her mind at all times, she said. How can someone with so much power go public and talk about things that he obviously has no clue about? Its obvious lies, Moss said. Nothing he said was true. Moss said Giulianis allegations had a significant effect on her son, who was 14 years old at the time of the election. Because he used Moss old phone, he constantly received hate messages and voicemails meant for her, she said. Langford played some of those messages for the jury. Moss said her son ultimately failed every class in the ninth grade because of the situation. He didnt deserve that, she said. I had to tell him racism is real and, you know, it comes out. And it was just, I cant even describe it. I felt like the worst mom ever to allow him to have to hear this, have to experience this day after day after day. On cross-examination, Giuliani's attorney Joseph Sibley asked Moss questions about her financial state, prompting her to answer that she still has not returned to work and is living off her depleting savings. I want to vindicate myself. I want to receive some type of justice for everything me and my family has been through, Moss said. Its kind of difficult to do that when there are extremely powerful people still spreading lies about me. Im sure by hitting someone in the pockets, especially someone whose whole career is about their pockets, that will leave an impression about the next person who tries to spew lies about the next election worker, she said. Moss' testimony was followed by videos of depositions of Giuliani ally Bernard Kerik and lawyers Christina Bobb and Jenna Ellis, who were asked about Giuliani's reaching out to them to spread the claims about Freeman and Moss. Ellis invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination dozens of times in the video. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell this year found Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, former federal prosecutor and Donald Trump ally, to have defamed the two women, including by falsely claiming they were handing around what he alleged were USB drives like they were vials of heroin or cocaine while the vote count was being taken. In reality, they were exchanging a ginger mint. In August, Howell found Giuliani civilly liable on plaintiffs defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil conspiracy, and punitive damage claims because of his willful discovery misconduct and his purposeful shirking of his discovery obligations. Giuliani conceded in a court filing in July that he had made false statements about Freeman and Moss. Moss testified Tuesday after jurors watched recorded videos of depositions of investigators Frank Brown and Frances Watson, who looked into election fraud claims for the Georgia secretary of state. Brown and Watson testified that they did not find evidence to support allegations of fraud. Brown testified that his investigation found no evidence of Freeman's having counted ballots multiple times or scanned fraudulent ballots. He noted that sometimes ballot-counting machines jam or fail to scan, requiring the operator to scan a ballot multiple times before it is counted, and that if anyone had actually counted ballots multiple times, it would have shown up on recounts. Watsons testimony largely mirrored Browns. She confirmed that observers were never kicked out of State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the vote counting was taking place, and that fraudulent ballots were not brought in by suitcase and hidden under tables. In opening statements Monday, one of Freeman and Moss' attorneys, Michael Gottlieb, told jurors that Freeman and Moss received an overwhelming amount of vile, racist, hateful comments that were fueled by Giuliani and his co-conspirators attacks that have made their names synonymous with crime and fraud for numerous Americans, he said. In remarks to reporters outside the courthouse, Giuliani said he did not regret his lies and claimed he told the truth about Freeman and Moss, prompting them to ask the judge Monday night to block Giuliani from saying anything further that could violate court orders. When I testify, youll get the whole story, and it will be definitively clear what I said was true, he said. Giuliani's comments contrasted those of with Sibley, who said in opening remarks that there is no question that Freeman and Moss were harmed and are good people but that the punishment must match the crime. He maintained that Giuliani never promoted racism or violence and that the millions of dollars Freeman and Moss are seeking would be the civil equivalent of the death penalty. It would be the end of Mr. Giuliani, Sibley said. Howell interrogated Sibley outside the jury's presence Tuesday over Giulianis comments to reporters as he left the courthouse Monday. Giulianis statement alone could support a whole new defamation claim against him, she said, pointing out that Giuliani contradicted his own lawyer, who called Freeman and Moss good people who did not deserve what happened to them. Was Mr. Giuliani just playing for the cameras, for the media, yesterday? Howell asked Sibley. Sibley ultimately said he could not reconcile Giuliani's statement with the approach he took in his opening statement and acknowledged that he cannot entirely control his clients actions. Howell later ordered that Giuliani could not testify that he told the truth about Freeman and Moss and that Giuliani and Sibley could not make any arguments claiming that paying damages would lead to financial ruin. Giuliani was more circumspect as he left court Tuesday. "Im not going to discuss the case right now, because it seems to get the judge annoyed," he said. Howell earlier found that Giuliani was liable for damages after he repeatedly defied court orders to turn over evidence in the case to the pair, including his financial information. Just as taking shortcuts to win an election carries risks even potential criminal liability bypassing the discovery process carries serious sanctions, she ruled in August. Freeman and Moss are seeking a sum ranging from $15.5 million to $43 million, inclusive of special damages, their lawyers wrote in a court filing. They will ask for compensatory damages for "the severe emotional distress" caused by the attacks on them, as well as punitive damages against Giuliani "as a punishment for his outrageous conduct and to deter him and others from engaging in that kind of conduct," they wrote. Giuliani will testify at the trial, as well, Sibley told jurors. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The U.S. Navy is one step closer to acquiring a new distributed electronic warfare capability to defeat anti-ship missiles heading toward its ships thanks to a recent test. The Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare system, or AOEW, a pod that MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters can carry, has now demonstrated its basic ability to engage and defeat the required threats, at least in a controlled environment. Lockheed Martin, AOEW's prime contractor, announced the successful completion of the milestone test, which took place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, earlier today. The company's press release was accompanied by pictures from the Navy showing an MH-60R helicopter with the AOEW pod, also known as the AN/ALQ-248, suspended inside the anechoic test chamber at Patuxent River . An MH-60R with an AN/ALQ-248 Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare system pod loaded onto its right forward stub wing suspended in the anechoic test chamber at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. USN via Lockheed Martin Anechoic chambers provide spaces free of ambient electromagnetic radiation that allow for very accurate testing of how various electronic systems onboard an aircraft might interact (or interfere, and in potentially dangerous ways) with each other. By extension, they also offer a way to demonstrate the core functionality of things like electronic warfare systems by showing that they emit their signals as expected. USN via Lockheed Martin The test of the AOEW pod at Patuxent River specifically "marked the first time in the programs development the system was able to perform engagement testing, demonstrate the ability to defeat threats, and quantify system performance, while integrated [on] and controlled" from the MH-60R, according to Lockheed Martin. Though the MH-60R was used in this particular test, the Navy plans to field the AN/ALQ-248 on MH-60S helicopters , as well. A US Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. USN "The AOEW system is one of the most advanced, complex electronic warfare systems ever developed," Deon Viergutz, vice president of Spectrum Convergence at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement in today's press release about the recent test. "AOEW is a force multiplier for our Sailors that will help them dominate and control the battlespace without ever firing a single shot. It is designed with evolutionary capabilities, set up to be completely programmable so that it can develop, deliver and deploy new techniques as the threat landscape changes." More specific details about the AN/ALQ-248 design and how it works are limited. Lockheed Martin has said in the past that the system is designed to provide "persistent electronic surveillance (detection) and attack (countermeasure) capability." A close-up of the AN/ALQ-248 pod on the MH-60R in the anechoic test chamber at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. USN via Lockheed Martin Despite it being a podded store, the Navy has described the AOEW pod previously as a "long duration off-board decoy with onboard systems for EW [electronic warfare] coordination to counter identified [but classified] EW gaps ... in response to an urgent operational need from the Fleet." The original core objective of the AOEW program, which dates back to 2011 , was to "develop, procure and deploy multiple ship-launched, long duration platforms equipped with active or passive EW payloads for use in coordination with onboard EW systems to enhance battle group protection against current and future anti-ship missile (ASM) threats." AOEW-related concept art Lockheed Martin has released in the past also depicts the pod 'projecting' a silhouette of a friendly warship. A rending of an MH-60R helicopter carrying the AEOW pod and 'projecting' a silhouette of an aircraft carrier. An Arleigh Burke class destroyer is also seen in the foreground using an expendable ship-launched Nulka decoy to do the same. Lockheed Martin So, electronically presenting false targets to actively confuse or even potentially lure those threats away from friendly vessels looks to be one of the AN/ALQ-248's core capabilities. Other electronic warfare and sensing capabilities aimed at detecting and primarily disrupting anti-ship missile attacks are also likely to be in its repertoire. If it features active electronic scanned antenna arrays, or AESAs, it could have much broader electronic warfare functionality, as well as potential additional surveillance capabilities and even the ability to act as a communications relay. Lockheed Martin The immediate focus on anti-ship missile defense is hardly surprising. This has been an area of major concern for the Navy for years now and has already prompted the rapid development and fielding of a number of interim systems in recent years to help protect the service's ships against these threats. This is on top of expendable decoys (like the U.S.-Australian Nulka ) and electronic warfare suites , not to mention surface-to-air missiles and close-in defense systems , already in service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1Ajazd-230 Anti-ship missile threats are only continuing to expand and evolve, too, with Russia and China both working to field hypersonic types . China's People's Liberation Army (PLAN) also has a growing arsenal of anti-ship ballistic missiles . Increasingly advanced subsonic and supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles are also being developed and fielded around the world . Anti-ship missile capabilities have been steadily proliferating, as well, even to non-state groups. Just yesterday, Iranian-backed Houthi militants attacked a commercial ship in the Red Sea with an anti-ship cruise missile, underscoring how real this threat is now. The Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks toward ships in the region for weeks now in retaliation for Israel's ongoing military intervention in the Gaza Strip. The Yemeni group has demonstrated its capability and willingness to launch missile attacks against foreign warships , including those belonging to the U.S. Navy , and commercial vessels on multiple occasions in the past too. https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1734419108366590302 Whatever its capabilities are now, "AOEW leverages open-systems architected solutions, allowing for rapid upgrades, interoperability, reduced lifecycle costs and prompt insertion of new hardware," according to Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin also says that the AN/ALQ-248 "can be fully integrated with [the] Aegis Baseline 9C.2+ [combat system] and the Surface Warfare Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block II [SEWIP Block II]" and that "the [AOEW] system can work independently or with other systems onboard ships and other assets." Integration with Aegis and SEWIP Block II, as well as other assets connected to Aegis, such as E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft and other surface combatants, would allow for the feeding of data into AN/ALQ-248 and vice versa. This could help the entire network spot threats and then cooperatively target them with the appropriate countermeasure emissions, as well as other defensive systems, and do so faster and with greater precision across a broader area. As part of a larger networked electronic warfare ecosystem, AOEW also provides valuable distributed and elevated electronics warfare nodes with longer line-of-sight than existing shipboard electronic warfare capabilities. You can read more about Aegis in this past War Zone feature . You can also learn more about SEWIP Block II in the context of its even more capable successor, SEWIP Block III, here . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMUfDCrxR2U Lockheed Martin says that the AOEW, or components thereof, could be adaptable to other formats for other platforms, such as "small ships or unmanned aerial and surface vehicles," too. What is particularly interesting about all of this is how much that vision of a distributed network of AOEW nodes in the air and down below, coupled with other systems like Aegis and SEWIP, aligns with a broader and secretive electronic warfare ecosystem the Navy has been known to be working for the past decade or so at least. The War Zone was the first to really report on this concept , which the Navy has referred to in the past as Netted Emulation of Multi-Element Signature against Integrated Sensors, or NEMSIS. As The War Zone has written previously: "The Navy has been developing and integrating multiple types of unmanned vehicles, shipboard and submarine systems, countermeasures and electronic warfare payloads, and communication technologies to give it the ability to project what is, in essence, phantom fleets of aircraft, ships, and submarines. These realistic-looking false signatures and decoys have the ability to appear seamlessly across disparate and geographically separated enemy sensor systems located both above and below the ocean's surface. As a result, this networked and cooperative electronic warfare concept brings an unprecedented level of guileful fidelity to the fight. It's not just about disrupting the enemy's capabilities or confusing them at a command and control level, but also about making their sensors tell them the same falsehoods across large swathes of the battlespace." "Another way of looking at it is NEMESIS shifts from traditional electronic warfare tactics, in which multiple electronic warfare systems execute individual electronic attacks on multiple enemy sensors to achieve largely individual or localized effects, to a very diverse set of networked electronic warfare systems cooperatively making electronic attacks on huge portions of an enemy's sensor network. That network may stretch across large distances and multiple warfighting domains. In doing so, it achieves a cohesive set of far more unified, powerful, and convincing effects." A now-dated briefing slide discussing NEMSIS. USN Even just by themselves, AN/ALQ-248 pods carried MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters flying from a variety of Navy ships will be able to significantly extend the electronic warfare bubble around carrier strike groups and other surface action groups, as well as individual ships or even critical sites ashore. Lockheed Martin says the goal now is to begin delivering the first batch of low-rate initial production AOEW pods in the coming year. More testing to keep refining the AN/ALQ-248's capabilities is also already planned for 2024. Altogether, the recent test of the AOEW pod at Patuxent River is an important milestone for that particular program and the defense of Navy ships against anti-ship missiles, but also reflects the service's broader electronic warfare ambitions. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com Since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, prestigious US universities have come under fire, accused of not doing enough to combat anti-Semitism. The controversy has already cost an Ivy League university president her job, and some observers warn that it could dent freedom of speech on campuses. Here's a look at the heated debate: Where do things stand? Asked to resign by lawmakers and donors after a tense hearing before Congress last week, Harvard President Claudine Gay escaped sanction when the institution's governing body said it maintained confidence in her. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) President Sally Kornbluth also received the backing of her institution. But after intense lobbying, University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill was forced to resign. The three leaders were summoned by a congressional commission whose stated aim was to "hold them to account" after "countless" anti-Semitic demonstrations. What happened in Congress? They were peppered with questions about how their institutions intended to combat anti-Semitism. The key exchanges came in response to questions from right-wing congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik likened calls by some students for an "intifada" -- an Arabic term meaning "uprising" -- to an exhortation for "genocide against Jews." When she asked if "calling for the genocide of the Jews violates Harvard's harassment policy, yes or no?", Harvard's Gay replied "it can, depending on the context," before adding "if it's directed against a person." Anxious not to encroach on free speech rights, and to adhere to their schools' conduct policies, the three leaders stuck to legalistic answers. "If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment," UPenn's Magill responded to the same question. "It is a context-dependent decision." Kornbluth said she had "not heard calling for the genocide for Jews on our campus." "I've heard chants which can be anti-Semitic depending on the context" and this "would be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe," added Kornbluth, who pointed out she was Jewish during the hearing. A bipartisan majority in the House voted Wednesday to condemn anti-Semitism on university campuses and urged Gay and Kornbluth to resign their posts. What do the experts say? Their responses provoked an outcry, but some experts and academics say the trio had a point. "Context does matter," wrote Eugene Volokh, a UCLA law professor, and Will Creeley, legal director of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, in the Los Angeles Times. "Calling for 'intifada' at a peaceful march is generally protected political expression," they wrote. "But in a different context, an 'intifada' chant might be a true threat -- if, for instance, a speaker directed that statement at a specific Israeli American student while moving threateningly toward that student during a protest that has turned violent." For Jenna Leventoff, of the American Civil Liberties Union, "the principles of academic freedom require higher education institutions to safeguard all protected speech -- even when that speech is contentious or offensive." Harvard political science professor Ryan Enos believes "conservatives want to shut down free speech on campuses." "They have already succeeded to some extent in silencing pro-Palestinian voices," he told AFP. But Laurence Tribe, a professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, took a different line. "Even the attempted 'clarifications' by these university presidents... showed how easily a search for political correctness can triumph over wisdom and courage," he said. iba/arp/bgs/tjj/st A total of 23 rescued spotted seals were released into waters off the coast of the city of Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said. The spotted seals were born in Liaodong Bay in the Bohai Sea. They were previously poached and sold to buyers across China before being rescued, rehabilitated and trained for survival in the wild, the ministry stated. Each of the animals is marked to lower the risks of being captured and traded in the future, and four of them carry satellite GPS trackers to promote conservation efforts and scientific research. The spotted seal is a flagship species in the marine ecosystems of both the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. China has been cracking down on criminal activities related to aquatic wildlife. (Bloomberg) -- Last month, Milorad Dodik, the Russia-backed leader of Bosnias Serb population, appeared on local television and announced his plans to become the first president of a Bosnian Serb breakaway state. Most Read from Bloomberg The declaration, which stirred memories of the brutal ethnic cleansing that took place in the region nearly three decades ago, came just a month after the European Commission declined to recommend accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina. In a country considered Europes hottest flashpoint after Ukraine, the Commissions decision was a gift to political actors such as Russia that are looking to provoke instability. Bosnia, a land of 3.3 million physically divided between Bosnian Serbs on one side and Muslims and ethnic Croats on the other, applied for EU membership in 2016 and was granted candidate status last year. But its dream of European integration, which has helped hold the Western Balkan country together despite ongoing tensions, appears distant at best. With the bloc looking to accelerate its long-stagnant enlargement process to prevent neighbors from falling under the influence of nations that dont share EU values, European Union leaders are convening on Dec. 13-15 to discuss whether to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova a process that could take years. Even with member states green light, the path to membership is lengthy and complicated. Croatia was the last country to join, and its application took 10 years before it was formally accepted in 2013. Even so, these discussions have contributed to the perception that certain countries get preferential treatment when it comes to EU accession, while the Western Balkans are being shunted aside. This has also played into the hands of Dodik, a 64-year-old politician who has exploited the structures imposed by Bosnias 1995 peace agreement to advocate for the secession of Bosnian Serb territory. The Dayton Peace Accords ended the four-year-long war that killed more than 100,000 people, but it also froze in place the countrys demographic divisions. Serbs, who like Russians are majority Orthodox Christians, were given a swath of land along the western and eastern borders, known as the Republika Srpska, and a federation of Muslims and Croats received a roughly equal amount of territory in the southwest. The two parts are loosely united by a weak central government and a rotating three-person presidency whose members must be drawn from each group. As all constitutional changes require consensus, this set-up enables any of the ethnic leaders to hold Bosnias EU accession process hostage. Dodik has refused to implement the reforms needed to move things forward unless his own demands are met, according to Christian Schmidt, the top international official in Bosnia. Among them is the partial dissolution of the countrys constitutional court. In recent months, the Bosnian Serb leader has also criticized the EU and expressed an interest in developing closer relations with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The structure that gave rise to this situation, said Florian Bieber, director of Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz, is one reason why he considers Bosnia the most fragile, most hopeless country in the Western Balkans. Nobody would today include a constitution in a peace agreement or create such a rigid ethnic straitjacket for a country, said Bieber. It created peace, but empowered people like Dodik. Bosnias slide towards isolation is unfolding against a backdrop of EU frustration across the Western Balkans and efforts by Russia, overt and covert, to increase its regional influence. Four other countries Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania are in various stages of the EU accession process, and Kosovo is seeking candidate status. Yet delays and European ambivalence according to a poll conducted in six EU countries including France and Germany by the European Council on Foreign Relations, only 28% of respondents thought Bosnia-Herzegovina should be able to join the bloc have soured many people on moving forward. As things drag out, Putin has been actively supporting regional political parties and leaders perceived to be friendly toward Russia. Dodiks cozy relationship with Putin, who he often visits in Moscow, has paid dividends for both men. In Banja Luka, the capital of the Serb territory, Russia is helping fund the construction of a Russian-Serb temple and cultural center; while in May, Dodik remarked that Putin knows he has to thank Republika Srpska for Bosnias failure to implement sanctions against Russia. Moreover, even though EU nations are the biggest investors in Bosnia and Serbia, a November poll by a Republika Srpskas Ministry for European Integration found that support for joining the bloc had fallen to 38%. As excitement fades around the EU, other state actors are also ramping up their influence campaigns. In parts of Bosnia where Muslims make up about 70% of population, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are making their mark. The Saudis built a large King Fahd cultural center and mosque, and the number of dry restaurants and hotels, virtually nonexistent before the war, have steadily increased. EU leaders, meanwhile, are responding with concern. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said in a Bloomberg interview that the failure to bring the Western Balkans closer to the bloc has increased Russias influence in the region and is making the EU more vulnerable. In November, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said that Bosnia should be treated on par with Ukraine, which has been moving along in the accession process. Other neighboring countries may soon present similar challenges. In late October, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Montenegro and praised it as the Western Balkan nation furthest along on the path to EU accession. But just several hours earlier, lawmakers in the capital of Podgorica approved a government whose pro-European Prime Minister Milojko Spajic formed a coalition with Euroskeptic parties that favor stronger ties with Serbia and Russia. Serbia, Russias stalwart ally and the biggest country in the region, has also been in talks with the bloc since 2014, with little progress. Longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic, an ally of Dodiks, has continued to court the EU as an investor even as he maintains close ties to Russia and refuses to implement sanctions. Support among Serbian citizens for EU membership is now below 50%, according to a January government poll. In a recent panel discussion in Belgrade, Serbias Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic highlighted what he called empty EU promises, without noting that Serbia hadnt moved on the EUs key request normalizing ties with Kosovo. Over the past 20 years weve heard numerous messages about the importance of Western Balkans on the EUs political agenda, he said. Promises made long ago have long faded. The European Union is present in our region but we think that its high time for it to revitalize its enlargement policy and validate our reform efforts. To change direction in Bosnia and stabilize the region, according to an EU diplomat with knowledge of the situation, the country must be irreversibly put on the EU path as soon as possible. Difficult decisions on all sides would be needed to break the impasse created by the Dayton Agreement. That could come down to a choice, as Bieber, the Balkans expert put it: One has to decide what is worse giving up on the conditions and making the EU look weak, or insisting on conditions and making Bosnia more unstable, more fragile. As Brussels deliberates, the gap within Bosnia is already widening. In Jajce, a small town in the western part of the Muslim-Croat federation that was once the site of fierce battles between Bosnian Serb troops and Muslim and Croat forces, city council president Josip Topic worries that the end of the European dream could also mark the end of his countrys fragile peace. Bosnia cannot function without all of its three nations, and that includes Republika Srpska, he said. Just over an hours drive away in Banja Luka, however, that view is losing its hold. If it wasnt good enough for the UK, why should it be good enough for us? Zeljko Piljak, a 24-year-old economics student in Banja Luka said of EU membership. European values are not our values. We feel closer to Russia. --With assistance from Jan Bratanic and Misha Savic. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced Sheng Guangzu, former secretary of the leading Party members group and general manager of the formerly-named China Railway Corp., to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes. Sheng took undue advantage of his former positions between 2004 and 2022 to benefit others in enterprise operations, project contracting, and job promotions and adjustments, accepting 56.66 million yuan (7.96 million U.S. dollars) worth of money and valuables in return, according to the verdict issued by the Baoji Intermediate People's Court in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Sheng was also found guilty of taking advantage of his former posts at China Railway Corp. to seek illegitimate benefits for certain organizations in enterprise operations with the assistance of other state functionaries in 2021, accepting over 7.14 million yuan worth of money and property. Sheng was fined 6 million yuan and had his illegal gains from bribery recovered and turned over to the state treasury, the court said. By Andrew Gray, Jan Strupczewski and Andreas Rinke BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Union leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine even as it continues to fight Russia's invasion, but they could not agree on a 50 billion euro package of financial aid for Kyiv due to opposition from Hungary. At a summit in Brussels, other leaders bypassed objections from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban by getting him to leave the room while they took the historic step of agreeing to start accession negotiations with a country at war. But they could not overcome resistance from Orban - who maintains close ties to Russia - to a revamp of the bloc's budget to channel vital financial support to Ukraine and provide more cash for other EU priorities such as managing migration. They ended talks on the financial package, which requires unanimity of the 27 EU leaders, in the early hours of Friday morning and said they would try again in January, with some voicing optimism a deal could be clinched then. Officials said leaders of 26 of the EU's 27 member countries were satisfied with a compromise budget proposal put forward by summit chairman Charles Michel. "We still have some time, Ukraine is not out of money in the next few weeks," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters on leaving the talks. "I am fairly confident we can get a deal early next year, we are thinking of late January," said Rutte. Orban has argued Ukraine should not get such large amounts of money from the EU budget as it is not part of the bloc. Other leaders have assured Kyiv they channel aid to Ukraine outside the EU budget if Budapest maintains its blockade. The news on the financing struck a bittersweet note for Ukraine, coming just hours after leaders agreed to open membership talks. Although membership would likely be many years away, the decision at a summit in Brussels takes Ukraine a step closer to its long-term strategic goal of anchoring itself in the West and liberating itself from Moscow's orbit. The move came at a critical time for Ukraine, after its counter-offensive against Russian forces has failed to make major gains and with U.S. President Joe Biden so far unable to get a $60 billion package for Kyiv through the U.S. Congress. "This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens," declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "I congratulate every Ukrainian on this day ... History is made by those who don't get tired of fighting for freedom." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz played a key role in getting Orban to leave the room to clear the way for a decision, diplomats and officials said. Scholz said the decision was "a strong sign of support" for Ukraine. The leaders also agreed to accession talks with another former Soviet republic, Moldova, and to grant another, Georgia, the status of membership candidate. "It is clear that these countries belong to the European family," Scholz said on social media platform X. The leaders said they would also start membership talks with Bosnia once it has undertaken certain political reforms. ORBAN'S OBJECTIONS Orban had cited corruption and other issues in arguing Ukraine was not ready for EU talks but EU diplomats suspected he was using the issue as a bargaining chip to try to unlock EU funds frozen over concerns about the rule of law in Hungary. On Wednesday, the European Commission - the EU's executive body - restored Hungary's access to up to 10.2 billion euros in refunds for economic projects after finding it had fulfilled conditions on the independence of its judiciary. Orban stood by his objections to membership talks for Ukraine even after the decision was taken. "Hungary's stance is clear, Ukraine is not prepared for us to start talks on EU membership," he said, calling the decision to start talks "irrational" and "inappropriate." Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, reflecting frustration with Orban, said it was time for the Hungarian to pipe down. "If you are part of the decision, you agree with the decision, or afterwards you just have to keep your mouth shut," he said. In the midst of war, geographically bigger than any EU member and with a population of 44 million, Ukraine presents some unique challenges for admission to the 27-member bloc. But membership talks will likely take years and will not start immediately. First, the EU will have to agree to a negotiating framework for the talks - which will require another unanimous decision. The leaders said they would take this step once Ukraine meets outstanding requirements on democracy and the rule of law. (Reporting by Bart H. Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Krisztina Than, Gabriela Baczynska, Johnny Cotton, Krisztina Than, Philip Blenkinsop, Jan Strupczewski, Andreas Rinke, Geert De Clercq and Michel Rose;Writing by Ingrid Melander, Gabriela Baczynska and Andrew Gray; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Grant McCool and Daniel Wallis) Members of the Eugene City Council listen to testimony during a meeting earlier this year. The council voted unanimously on Monday to approve a resolution calling for peace in Israel and Gaza. This story was updated at 7 p.m., Thursday. Eugene city councilors unanimously approved a resolution Monday requesting the Biden-Harris administration and Oregon's congressional delegation work toward peace in Israel and Gaza. The resolution "urges" the presidential administration to "facilitate de-escalation and continued ceasefire peace talks to end the current violence and to promptly send adequate humanitarian assistance to all innocent persons in the region" and Oregon's congressional delegation "to advocate for peaceful, diplomatic measures that will result in an immediate and long-term reduction of violence and bloodshed." Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis said she'd heard criticism both from residents who thought the city council should avoid weighing in and residents who thought the council should more forcefully condemn Israel, but that she believed the council's statement was tailored to provide peace to Eugene residents affected by the war. "We have no access to the diplomatic part of this, but what we do know is that this war is deeply affecting people within our community," Vinis said. "Our Jewish community and our Palestinian, Arab and Muslim community, they are all deeply impacted, many of them have personal connections . ," Vinis said. "They are not combatants of it but they are victims of it in all respects. And I think it is important for this council to pay attention to the impact on our own community We have a value of being a culture of belonging and this is a moment to reassure everyone in our community that they can live with safety here and with dignity." Dozens of area residents who wanted the council to criticize the Israeli government more harshly showed up to the council's last two regular meetings. These residents hoped the council would specifically call for Biden and area members of Congress to work toward a permanent ceasefire and avoid funding military aid to Israel. "As a city officially dedicated to peace it is our duty (to hold) President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris accountable for the United States of America's funding of the Israeli Occupational Force and passive participation in the active genocide of an occupied people," Eugene resident Amy Miller told the Register-Guard. "If the City Council of Eugene truly believes in and values the statements of the resolution, it is imperative that a statement be made calling for a cease-fire in the Middle East immediately," they said. At the Nov. 27 Eugene City Council meeting, a group of 27 speakers requested that the councilors adopt a resolution that more harshly criticized "the Israeli military assault on the Palestinian people who have suffered decades of oppression under apartheid, occupation and settler-colonialism." It also asked for a permanent ceasefire and requested members of Congress not provide military aid to Israel. A group of 21 repeated the request on Monday. Vinis said she did not think a city council resolution was the place for that. "This is not a moment for all of those individual political perspectives. This is a moment for the council to stand in support of our community," she said. On Dec. 1, Val Hoyle, the Democratic congresswoman who represents Lane and Benton Counties and the southern and central coast, released a statement saying she supports a two-state solution and that "negotiations must continue to put all parties on a path to end this war and achieve a lasting peace." Hoyle said she would support a ceasefire after Hamas returns all hostages, no longer controls Gaza and ends "its indiscriminate rocket fire against Israel and embedding itself among vulnerable people in Gaza as a means to increase civilian casualties" but that Israel must "act according to international law and do more to prevent civilian deaths and casualties." Hoyle's stance has been criticized by progressive Eugene residents, who want her to specifically call for a ceasefire, and conservative Eugene residents who criticized her "present" vote on a House resolution "Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world." "We made it so easy for you to explicitly support a permanent ceasefire, which is quite frankly the bare minimum of what we can do for our fellow humans in Gaza right now," Spencer McIntyre, one of the Eugene residents who drafted the citizen resolution, told councilors Monday. "Senator Merkley has already joined the national and global call for a ceasefire. Rep. Val Hoyle and Senator Wyden have yet to do so. It is our collective responsibility to apply pressure to encourage our representatives to take action." Kevin Hoar, Communications Director for Monique DeSpain, a Republican running for Hoyle's congressional seat in 2024, criticized Hoyle for voting "present" on a house resolution "Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world" on Dec. 5, and for accepting $15,000 in campaign contributions over the last two years from the Medicare for All PAC. The PAC is sponsored by Congresswoman Jayapal Pramila, a Democrat who represents the Seattle area and was criticized for calling Israel a "racist state," in July. The resolution condemning antisemitism was a non-binding formal declaration of Congress' values. Most Republicans voted "Yea," and Democrats were approximately evenly split between voting "Yea" and "Present." Oregon's two Republicans voted "Yea" and four Democrats voted "Present." "It's a no-brainer to condemn what has been an obvious and dramatic increase in antisemitism, threats, violent threats against the Jewish community and address that at the national level" Hoar said. "This is an easy vote, It should have sent a message. It's something we should all condemn and she didn't do," he said. Multiple votes to fund military aid to Israel have failed in Congress, each paring the issue with other priorities. A Dec. 6 Senate vote that paired aid to Israel and Ukraine failed 49 to 51, with most Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed. Republicans said they want to pair aid to both countries to increased security at the U.S.-Mexico border. A Nov. 6 House vote to fund Israel aid by defunding the IRS passed 226-196, with most Republicans in favor and most Democrats opposed. Oregon's representatives voted along party lines. The Senate rejected the bill 51-48, also along party lines. Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on twitter @alanfryetorres. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene City Council asks Biden, congress to push 'peace' in Israel The visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington is indicative of the nervousness in Ukraine about whether America will continue to give it the financial and military support it needs to withstand Vladimir Putins invasion. A Congressional battle over new aid has raged for weeks, with sceptical Republicans deriding what they see as a blank cheque for Kyiv despite almost 90 per cent of the money allocated for Ukraine in the US defence budget remaining in the United States, financing the production of weapons and other materiel. Unfortunately for Ukraine, European leaders have also failed to follow through on their grand promises. By some estimates, EU nations have only placed orders for 60,000 artillery shells under the scheme to give the Ukrainians a million rounds of ammunition by next spring. Despite President Zelenskys pleas, Germany refuses to donate its Taurus cruise missiles, concerned about an escalation of the war. Yet that escalation is already happening. Russia has put its economy onto a war footing and announced large increases in military spending. Last week, the head of Polands National Security Bureau warned that, unless Russian ambitions were checked now, Moscow would be ready to fight a war on Natos eastern flank within three years. One of the central questions posed by this conflict how Europe proposes to defend itself in a world in which enemy powers are prepared to launch wars of aggression has still not been answered. Despite commitments from its leaders, and with the possible exception of Poland, little has changed. This question will come into even sharper focus if Donald Trump a Nato sceptic wins the US presidential election next year. In that context, one has to wonder: has Europe left it too late? 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 EU Commission unlocked 10.2 billion euros ($11 billion) in frozen funds to Hungary ahead of the EUs final summit on Dec. 14-15 where the bloc will decide on 50 billion euros in financial assistance to Ukraine and whether to open negotiations with Kyiv on EU accession. In the months leading up to the summit, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban had repeatedly threatened to block both decisions, using the blocked EU funding which totals 30 billion euros withheld over Hungarys democratic backsliding in recent years as leverage in the upcoming votes on support for Ukraine. The EU Commission said that Hungary had fulfilled a specific set of judiciary reforms necessary to access the 10 billion euros in funding. After a thorough assessment, and several exchanges with the Hungarian government, the Commission considers that Hungary has taken the measures it committed to take, allowing the EUs executive to free up the funds, the Commission said in a press release. Overall, the funding that remains locked for Hungary amounts to around 21 billion euros, the Commission said. Several European lawmakers have decried the move. German Green MEP Daniel Freund said in a statement that by releasing 10 billion euros to Orban, (European Commission Ursula) von der Leyen is making the biggest mistake of her time in office, the Guardian reported. Finnish lawmaker Petri Sarvamaa, the center-right European Peoples Party groups spokesperson for budget issues, called the European Commissions move a catastrophic decision. It remains unclear if Hungary is ready to vote for additional financing for Ukraine and its EU accession. The country wanted the total sum in exchange for supporting Ukraines accession talks, Orbans political director told Bloomberg on Dec. 12. Orban has also consistently said he is not ready to back Ukraines EU accession. The Hungarian leader has claimed that Ukraine isnt ready to join the EU, despite the European Commission announcement on Nov. 8 that Ukraine was ready for talks to begin. He has also used the pretext that Ukraine is infringing upon the rights of its Hungarian minority to stymie Kyivs EU aspirations. Orban's plans go further than extortion, Daniel Hegedus, a senior fellow expert on Central and Eastern Europe from the German Marshall Fund think tank, told the Kyiv Independent. His master plan is to sabotage Ukraine because its successes could challenge Orbans autocratic rule. If Ukraine can be successful in being democratic and Western-orientated, it will shed a critical light on Orban's eastern-oriented and authoritarian project, he said. A billboard showing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Alexander Soros, son of Hungarian-US billionaire George Soros, with the lettering "Let's not dance to their tunes! National consultation," in Budapest, Hungary, on Nov. 22, 2023. (Photo by Attila Kisbedenek /AFP via Getty Images) Blackmail tactic Orban has a long history of opposing the EUs policies to blackmail the blocs institutions. His strategy is to show that the EU is powerless, political expert Ramona Coman told the Kyiv Independent. The EU had blocked a total of over 30 billion euros between the EU Cohesion Policy fund, worth 22 billion euros, more than 6 billion euros in funding, and almost 6 billion euros in grants for Covid recovery. Budapest wanted the total in exchange for unblocking help for Ukraine, but Hungary has only made cosmetic changes, Coman said, quoting the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, an NGO that regularly denounces Orbans grip on the country. Read also: Bloomberg: Orban may unblock Ukraine aid package in exchange for release of EU funds for Hungary In 2011, Orban passed a new constitution, eliminating the system of checks and balances by curbing the powers of the top court in budget and tax matters, as well as allowing the president to dissolve parliament if a budget is not approved. The new constitution allowed Orbans party Fidesz appointees to control key public institutions such as the budget supervisory Fiscal Council. The powers of the constitutional court, the most important counterweight of the government, were curtailed, while the new constitution created institutions to limit the power of judges and their independence. Politically controlled oligarchs also took over a large part of Hungarys economy, Hegedus said, while the government muzzled the media, according to the International Press Institute. Orban was recently accused of passing a law to silence critical voices, creating a sovereignty protection office investigating foreign influence in advocacy activities, activities aimed at influencing democratic debate, and organizations that use foreign funding to influence voters. He said in a speech that dark forces were undermining the countrys sovereignty to justify the law, but critics said he was using fear-mongering rhetoric ahead of EU elections and municipal voting in the country next year. The long-term solution would be suspending Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council, Hegedus said. It should have been done at least a decade ago, he said. However, EU member states always wanted to avoid conflict, so they tried to compromise with Orban, which ultimately empowered him. He saw that this extortion strategy was successful, so he came back for more, Hegedus said. Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban talks to the press before the European Council, the EU leaders meeting at the headquarters of the European Union, on Oct. 26, 2023 (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Powerful veto Kyiv desperately needs financial support from its Western allies in the face of renewed Russian offensives. The countrys survival depends on the blocs 50 billion euro financial aid, part of the blocs budget review in the summits agenda. If Orban vetoes the help for Ukraine, the bloc could allocate a smaller amount to cover a shorter period, or the other 26 EU countries could extend their national contributions bilaterally to Kyiv, anonymous sources told Reuters. The EU Councils agenda includes the start of Ukraines official membership negotiations, which Orban appears hell-bent on derailing. Orban said on Nov. 18 that he believes that talks would be a mistake because Ukraine is "light years away" from being ready for membership. Unanimous approval of all 27 members is required, which means Orban has a powerful veto that allows him to paralyze the entire blocs decision-making process. The EU will not be able to circumvent this veto, experts said. Blocking the start of the accession negotiations is such a valuable bargaining chip that I don't see why he would give it up, Hegedus said. Read also: Zelensky still waiting for answer from Orban on why Ukraine should not join EU If the EU Council doesnt vote to approve the beginning of accession talks, there will be "devastating consequences" for the country, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Dec. 11. Kuleba met his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, in person for the first time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on Dec. 11 to try and convey the message in a sincere conversation. Kuleba said on air on Dec. 12 that after the conversation, Hungarys foreign minister had clearly removed the threat that Hungary opposes Ukraine's membership in the EU in principle. Szijjarto appeared to be less certain after the meeting, saying, The European Commission has almost no idea what effect Ukraine's membership in the EU will have on the entire association. Hungarys final decision will stay unclear until the EU Council vote. Still, Hegedus believes those meetings need to continue. It creates a situation where the Hungarian government has to explain its position and make it obvious how ridiculous its arguments are, he said. If you want to make Orban uncomfortable, don't blame Hungary, blame him, and insist that you know it's not the collective decision of the Hungarian people. Read also: Exclusive: New insights point to Hungarys collaboration with Moscow on transfer of Ukrainian POWs False claims Hungary has kept pushing unfounded claims to justify its opposition to the EUs support for Ukraine. Budapest has repeatedly accused Kyiv of oppressing the rights of Hungarian minorities living in western Ukraine after a language law was passed in 2017, calling Kyiv's language policies discriminatory. Kyiv argued that it did not intend to crack down on its minorities but to ensure that every Ukrainian citizen has sufficient knowledge of Ukraine's official language. Ukraine's parliament adopted on Dec. 8 an updated draft law on national minorities, thwarting Orbans argument. It was the right move because it made clear that the Hungarian approach was a pretext, Hegedus said. The updated law allows schools in Hungarian-speaking areas to teach all classes in Hungarian except Ukrainian language, literature, and history. After the law passed, the leaders of the Hungarian community in Ukraine wrote a letter calling Orban not to block the launch of Ukraine's EU accession. "The new draft law adopted by the Ukrainian parliament significantly reflects the interests of national minorities and enjoys our full support," the representatives said. "We believe that Ukraine deserves to be supported in its efforts in this direction." Orban answered in a letter saying he would do everything in his power to protect the rights of the Hungarian community in Ukraine, suggesting instead of membership a strategic partnership. Read also: Orban responds to Hungarians in Ukraine, offers substitute to EU membership For years, Orbans government poured money into the local ethnic Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, a region in western Ukraine bordering Hungary, and gave them passports, an illegal procedure in Ukraine. The move sparked Ukraines anger as it echoed the Kremlins forced passportization in occupied territories since 2014. Hungary has also blocked 500 million euros in aid to compensate EU states for the weapons they sent to Ukraine. A key friction point was Ukraine placing Hungary's largest bank, OTP Bank, on the list of "war sponsors." While Ukraine bowed to Hungary's demands to take the OTP Bank off that list, Budapest continued to block the 500 million euro tranche, saying Kyiv had not guaranteed it wouldnt happen again. Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 15, 2018. (Yuri Kadobnov/AFP Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Putins ally Orban has recently called Ukraine one of the most corrupt countries in the world without evidence, parroting the pro-Russian narrative depicting Ukraine as a failed state. Hungary itself, however, has the worst public sector corruption record in the EU, according to Transparency Internationals January report. Meanwhile, Orban maintains close ties with the Kremlin while calling for an end to Russian sanctions and a ceasefire. He was the only EU leader to travel to China in October, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. For Orban, Ukraine is an artificial state, Dmytro Tuzhanskyi, director of the Institute for Central European Strategy, a Ukrainian think tank, told the Kyiv Independent. He has no clue about Ukraine, only a Russian narrative. However, his alignment with Putin is mostly over an anti-West stance, Hegedus said. Orban is not an ideologist, he's a political realist, he said. He believes in the demise of the West, but that's all. Read also: Rise of populism in Ukraines neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think Playing the long game Orban is playing the long game ahead of 2024, according to political analysts. Orban wants to receive guarantees that his authoritarian model based on corruption will stay untouched, according to Tuzhansky. He wants to secure not just himself but also his power. Orban doesnt plan on leaving the EU because he wants to change the bloc from the inside, Coman said. He may also be betting on a right-wing shift in the EU elections in June 2024, with far-right parties and conservatives taking over enough seats in the EU Parliament to ensure support for his policies. Hes also expecting former U.S. President Donald Trump to win the next U.S. Presidential elections in November 2024, an outcome dreaded in Kyiv over Trumps ambiguous stance with Putin. Some of Orban's allies were reportedly set to meet with U.S. Republicans in Washington for a closed-door meeting to lobby for the end of military aid to Ukraine, the Guardian reported on Dec. 10. Orban is confident that Ukraine aid will not pass in Congress," a diplomatic source told the Guardian. "That is why he is trying to block assistance from the EU as well. Republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked a supplemental funding bill that included $61 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine in a procedural vote held on Dec. 6, while funds for Ukraine may soon run out. Orban is using the U.S. standstill to support his narrative that Europe should also stop helping Ukraine, which Hegedus called a dangerous approach. In his mind, if the U.S. does less, the EU also has to do less because the goal will be unachievable, and the bloc will have to rethink its strategy for Ukraine, he said. Read also: Zelensky trip to DC ends in disappointment as further aid remains at risk Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Commission has unlocked EUR 10.2 billion ($10.8) billion in previously frozen EU cohesion funds designated for Hungary, according to a press release from the commission on Dec. 13. The commission believes Hungary has taken steps towards judicial independence and enacted the necessary reforms. Therefore, a portion of the cohesion policy funding will no longer be blocked, and "Hungary can begin claiming reimbursement of up to approximately 10.2 billion," officials said. Read also: How Zakarpattia Hungarians view the Kyiv-Budapest conflict The announcement also stated that it will continue monitoring the implementation of cohesion policy and may block funds again if Budapest fails to meet the conditions. Read also: Budapest open to lifting Ukraine aid veto in return for $30 billion EU funding The decision comes a day before an EU leaders' summit, which could decide to begin discussions on Ukraine's bid for EU membership. Hungary has repeatedly and firmly opposed Ukraine's accession to the bloc. Past media reports suggest that Brussels might look to nudge Hungarian PM Viktor Orban towards signing off on commencing membership talks with Kyiv in exchange for unlocking EU funding for Budapest. 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 Semafor Signals Insights from Aftenposten, Le Monde, and The Financial Times NEWS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on Wednesday to meet Nordic leaders after a disappointing U.S. trip, where he failed to break the impasse on Ukraine aid in Congress. His surprise visit to Norway appears aimed at bolstering support for Ukraines war effort, with the Nordic nations among Kyivs biggest donors. Aid to Ukraine will also be one of the main topics at this weeks meeting of EU leaders in Brussels as the bloc struggles to agree on long-term funding for Kyiv as well as on talks over Ukraines accession to the EU. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. After frosty trip in Washington, Zelenskyy gets a warm Scandinavian welcome Sources: Aftenposten, Kiel Institute for the World Economy A Norwegian columnist described Zelenskyys visit to Oslo as a quick pitstop with close allies between tough rounds of negotiations with the U.S. and the EU. The beleaguered Ukrainian president will meet with leaders from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland during the trip. The Nordic countries are staunch supporters of Ukraine, with several of them among the largest supporters of Ukraine as a percentage of GDP. Zelenskyy got more out of Oslo than Washington, D.C., one Norwegian newspaper noted: Within hours of Zelenskyys arrival, Norways prime minister Jonas Gahr Stre announced a package of $270 million in Ukraine aid. Aid is the most pressing problem, but EU membership may prove the most difficult Sources: Le Monde, The Financial Times Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday that he is willing to make financial deals on financial matters, but reiterated his opposition to opening EU accession talks with Ukraine. To buy Hungarys support for the blocs funding plan for Kyiv, the EU is set to unblock a third of Hungarys 30 billion euros in frozen funds, according to The Financial Times. Trickier still will be talks on Ukrainian hopes to join the EU, Le Monde reported. While Germany wants progress towards full membership to be based on merit, the Baltic states are hoping to speed the process up in light of Russias aggression. To complicate matters further, Austria is hoping to link Kyivs European future to the Western Balkans, where Vienna is hoping to help Bosnia-Herzegovina open accession talks. The EU has an ammunition problem Sources: The Washington Post, International Institute for Strategic Studies Last year, the EU pledged to deliver one million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine by March 2024 but has so far sent only 300,000 rounds. South Korea alone has provided more ammunition to Kyiv than the EU, a Washington Post investigation revealed. The challenge now is to ramp up production quickly, experts at a UK think tank argued. The launch ceremony of a Mongolian horse racing event took place Tuesday in Sumu Township Division of East Wuzhumuqin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The ceremony also featured a Mongolian fashion show and a folk art performance. In addition, the organizers planned various activities, such as a driving tour, a horse show, a Mongolian wrestling contest, and a photography event, aiming to give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Mongolian culture during winter. A Mongolian horse racing event is held in East Wuzhumuqin Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Dec. 12, 2023. [Photo by China.org.cn] The East Wuzhumuqin Banner is renowned as the birthplace of Mongolian long songs, the cradle of wrestling, and the capital of clothing. It is a paradise of nomadic culture, an ecological haven, and home to Chinese yellow horses. It also plays a vital role in the region's environmental preservation efforts and offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors to explore Mongolian culture and grasslands. Spains former king may have played a part in leaking rumours that Queen Letizia had an affair with her brother-in-law, observers believe. A royal scandal erupted last week when Jaime del Burgo claimed in a series of social media posts, later deleted, that he and Queen Letizia had an affair after she married King Felipe, Juan Carloss son and successor on the Spanish throne. Mr Del Burgo, who was married to the Queens sister between 2012 and 2016, alleged that as well as having been a boyfriend of the Queens before her 2004 marriage, he had a long-lasting, continuous loving relationship with her between 2010 and 2011. Federico Jimenez Losantos, a veteran journalist whose radio show is among Spains most popular, has now blamed supporters of the former king for the emergence of the damaging revelations. Its the nth campaign orchestrated against Felipe VI, Mr Losantos said, adding: It is Juan Carloss circles who are stirring it up. King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace in Madrid - CHEMA MOYA/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Spanish media outlets have quoted sources close to Juan Carlos explaining that the former monarch, who abdicated in 2014 and now lives in Abu Dhabi, is upset at being frozen out of the royal family since a series of alleged financial irregularities and extra-marital affairs came to light. Juan Carlos is said to have been particularly hurt by not being invited to attend the Oct 31 ceremony in Spains parliament at which his grand-daughter, Princess Leonor, was sworn in as a full-fledged heir to the throne. The former king flew in for a private family celebration of Leonors 18th birthday and left the same day. He left in the same sadness as he arrived, a friend told the online newspaper El Espanol. Campaign to smear Felipe Some of Mr Del Burgos claims of a close relationship with Letizia after her marriage are included in a recently published book Letizia y yo (Letizia and I) by Jaime Penafiel, a veteran royal observer. According to Mr Penafiel, the bad relationship between Queen Letizia and her father-in-law played a role in the decision taken by King Felipe, in consultation with the Spanish government led by Pedro Sanchez, to arrange for Juan Carlos to secretly fly into exile in August 2020. It is true that there is a campaign to smear Felipes reign stemming from the very ranks of the monarchy, said Pilar Eyre, a veteran royal reporter. Ms Eyre said that Juan Carlos is planning a major celebration of his 86th birthday at his Abu Dhabi home on Jan 5 with prominent Spaniards invited as a way of showing that he can still command support. Juan Carlos, Spain's former king - AP Photo/Esteban Felix He wants it to be a show of strength, against what he believes is a campaign against him led by Felipe and Letizia, Ms Eyre told the TV3 public television station in Catalonia. The royal household has not commented on any of the recent allegations, and nor has Juan Carlos. 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. Rep. Kathy Manning isnt one to be caught up in drama on Capitol Hill. But accusations from the Republican conference chairwoman, Rep. Elise Stefanik, that Democrats were desperate and deranged over a letter on antisemitism were enough for Manning to get involved in a social media spat this week. Manning, a Democrat from Greensboro, accused Stefanik, a Republican from New York, of plagiarizing her letter in exchange for 15 minutes of fame. So did Stefanik plagiarize Mannings words? Based on emails between the two House members offices, it sure looks that way. Stefanik, though, said it happens everyday on Capitol Hill. Her office didnt respond to an email inquiry from McClatchy late Tuesday afternoon about the accusations from Manning and the email exchanges between their two staffs. Testimony from presidents on antisemitism Stefanik kicked off the social media posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, saying that Democrats were attacking Republicans for uniting behind calls to fire the presidents of M.I.T., Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. Stefanik is a graduate of Harvard. Penns M. Elizabeth Magill, Harvards Claudine Gay and Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Sally Kornbluth testified Dec. 6 before the Education and Workforce Committee about antisemitism on their campuses. Stefanik asked the presidents whether calling for the genocide of Jews constituted bullying or harassment. All three presidents stumbled over their answers, concluding that it depended on the context, and leaving many stunned by their lack of condemnation. The committee hearing got the Saturday Night Live treatment. It came as universities deal with fallout from the war between Israel and Hamas, including how to deal with campus protesters who critics say have used antisemitic language in their support of Palestinian resistance. Manning, who is Jewish, and Reps. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Banner Elk, and Alma Adams, a Democrat from Charlotte, all sit on the committee. Magill resigned Saturday due to her comments before the committee. Stefanik and Mannings letters On Friday, the boards of MIT, Harvard and Penn received letters from two groups of lawmakers, one led by Stefanik and one by Manning, with nearly identical opening paragraphs. In the fourth paragraph, the letters diverge, with Stefanik focusing on calling on the boards to fire the presidents and Manning asking for changes to the universities codes of conduct to protect Jewish students and faculty. Politico first reported on the letters, which led to a war of words on social media about how the two identical openings happened. Here are the facts: Congresswoman Kathy Manning approached me on the House Floor with a rough draft for a joint letter to the board of MIT, Harvard, & Penn, Stefanik posted. I told her I would like to review and would likely have many edits to strengthen the language. This is true. Mannings office provided an email thread that starts with Stefaniks team acknowledging that Manning and Stefanik spoke on the House floor Thursday and that Manning had provided to Stefanik a hard copy of a letter she planned to send to the universities. Stefaniks team asked for a digital copy. Stefanik continued her post by saying that after her office made significant edits to Mannings letter, Mannings office stopped responding, going radio silent as Stefanik continued to circulate the edited version to Republicans. She said the two offices then decided to go in different directions and to work independently on two letters because Manning did not want to call for the firings, among other significant edits she refused to accept. It is false that Mannings team stopped responding. At 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, Stefaniks team sent back their edits on Mannings letter. At 5:42 p.m., Mannings team came back with a second set of edits, saying that if Stefaniks team agreed with this version they would circulate the letters. After an hour, Stefaniks team said they had more edits and would not budge on leaving in quotes from the presidents testimony and calling for the presidents removal. At 8:12 p.m., Stefaniks team added that they planned to circulate their first edit of the article and would love to have Mannings involvement. At 9:20 a.m. on Friday, Mannings team wrote back, saying they were still open to working with Stefaniks team on finding a compromise, but that Stefanik couldnt just take Mannings letter. Nevertheless, Stefanik sent her version of the letter that same day, with more than 70 signatures. Manning sent her own letter, also on Friday, with a handful of signatures. In her social media post on Monday, Stefanik said that her version had more bipartisan support. Manning hit back, posting the two copies of the letters and asking if anyone could spot the difference in the first three paragraphs. When I shared my letter with (Rep. Stefanik) to try to make a bipartisan effort, she made it clear with her edits that she didnt care about protecting Jewish students, Manning said. All she cared about was calling for the resignation of university presidents to score political points. By that time, the Harvard president was also facing accusations of plagiarism, which Stefanik mentioned in her post. Harvard concluded there were instances of inadequate citation in Gays work, the New York Times and others reported, while clearing her of any research misconduct. Claim: In a "Special Report" news interview in December 2023, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "begged Western leaders" to send all their money to Ukraine and told them, "Don't build roads, spend all of your money on weapons, drones, society and pensions ... We only have one enemy: Putin." Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: In the interview, Zelenskyy did say the words, "Do this: Not build roads for today. Don't do it. Spend all your money to the weapon, to the drones, to the society, to the pensions, and et cetera. [...] We have only one enemy, this is Putin, and that's it." What's False: However, Zelenskyy was addressing Ukrainian leaders, not Western leaders. Moreover, he did not beg Western leaders to send all their money to Ukraine, as claimed. In mid-December, a video of an interview with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy started circulating on X with captions allegedly citing his words. "Zelensky just went on Fox and begged western leaders to send ALL their money to Ukraine," one X post shared on Dec. 13, 2023, captioned the footage, reaching over 4 million views as of this writing. Dont build roads. Spend all your money on weapons, drones, Society and pensions we have only one enemy: Putin, the post continued. (X user @_johnnymaga) The above-mentioned post was then copy-pasted by other X accounts, and even translated to Spanish. The footage attached to the viral post was originally shared by Fox News' YouTube channel with the title "Zelenskyy: We only have one enemy and its Putin." The video's description read: Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy discusses his meeting with President Biden about foreign aid, criticism that he's turning the country into an 'authoritarian state' and the war against Russia on 'Special Report.' #foxnews #fox #specialreport At the beginning of the interview, Bret Baier, the host of Fox News' "Special Report" show, introduced the Ukrainian president with the words: Lets find out how Volodymyr Zelenskyy is feeling about the prospects of additional U.S. funding and what's happening now. He joins us tonight. Mr. president, thank you for being here. After that, Zelenskyy answered three questions: How did your meetings go today? What did you feel about your meetings both with the president and up on Capitol Hill? On Capitol Hill the holdup right now is about immigration reform, our immigration border security for Republicans. Did you urge the president to try to cut a deal on this to get this funding through? So when you push back, you talk about how urgent the need is. And do you think Putin would stop if you dont get this funding? Would he make a deal? Would you make a deal? To the third question, Zelenskyy responded (transcription ours): [...] Its not about financing, its about the morality. The most problem, the biggest problem when you dont support Ukraine, yeah, that people on the frontline, families which are waiting for their heroes at home that they think that the United States doesn't support Ukraine and that Ukraine is alone, yes, defending our common values for United States and Europe. That is the problem, to kick our morality. It was at the very beginning of the war, really we've been alone and we are very happy and thankful for the American people that then you supported us, but we've been alone. And of course people are afraid to be again alone. But you have to know even, even if we will be, we will stand and fight. The fourth question (and Zelenskyy's response) was not about Ukraine getting financial help from the West. Rather, Baier asked Zelenskyy about the criticism he faced within Ukraine itself. We have transcribed the in-question part of the interview the viral posts referred to (emphasis ours). Journalist (Bret Baier): Last thing, Mr. President, there are critics who say that you've tried to consolidate power. Headlines that the orthodox leader in Kyiv under house arrest, that you consolidated Ukraine's TV outlets, that you ruled out holding elections next spring calling for unity, but then the mayor of Kyiv says that you're turning it into authoritarian style. How do you deal with that criticism? What do you say to critics who are saying that? Zelenskyy: I say [to] such person from government or mayors: Think about the war, think about how to defend our people. Don't travel through the world each day, travel to the front line. Ask people, ask soldiers what they need. Do this, not build roads for today. Don't do it. Spend all your money to the weapon, to the drones, to the society, to the pensions and et cetera. And don't cry. Because you are leaders and that's it. That's why, that's why we are and we stayed because mostly people are not crying. People stay and fight against Putin. And we don't have any enemies in our country. We can't have time for this and we don't have it. We have only one enemy, this is Putin, and that's it. So, in response to Baier's fourth question Zelenskyy did say, "Do this, not build roads for today. Don't do it. Spend all your money to the weapon, to the drones, to the society, to the pensions and et cetera. [...] We have only one enemy, this is Putin, [...]." However, his remarks weren't directed at Western countries or Western leaders, but instead at the Ukrainian leaders who had criticized him. The "Special Report" interview finished with Baier's last question to Zelenskyy (transcription ours): Journalist (Bret Baier): But you'll stand for democracy going forward? Zelenskyy: Yes, of course, and of course. Because we are really defending democracy and we are really defending freedom. You can read other fact checks on the topic of the war in Ukraine in our archives. Sources: Zelenskyy: We Only Have One Enemy and Its Putin. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPD28dw694. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023. Claim: A photograph genuinely shows a young Bill Gates riding a bicycle in the 1970s. Rating: Rating: Unfounded An image purportedly showing a young Bill Gates on a bicycle in the 1970s has circulated on social media since at least 2015. Yet posts that included the pic often provided little or no evidence to support the claim that the Microsoft co-founder was, indeed, the person featured in the photograph. Snopes found evidence of the photograph posted under this context on nearly every social media platform, from Facebook and Reddit to Tumblr and X: RT @ThislsAmazing: Bill Gates and his bike 1970s pic.twitter.com/qn3wuqVxPa Bike Pirates (@bikepirates) July 1, 2015 In the picture, a young person can be seen riding a green, chopper-style bicycle. The rider has shaggy blond hair, and glasses, and is wearing jeans and black sneakers that look like Converse. However, our newsroom found no evidence to corroborate the claim, and at Snopes request for more information, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation wrote in an email that they were not able to confirm that the person in this photo is Bill Gates. For this reason, we have rated the claim as "Unfounded." A reverse-image search using Google Lens returned perhaps the earliest post that included this photograph, originally shared to Reddit in a now-archived post on June 29, 2015 (archive). A caption accompanying the photograph simply read, A Boy and his bike 1970s. Gates was born on Oct. 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, according to Britannica. If the photographs did indeed show Gates riding the bike in the early 1970s, as many claims suggest, this would put him between 15 and 18 years old seemingly older than the child featured in the photograph. In April 2022, Snopes reported on an authentic mugshot that showed a young Gates after he was arrested in 1977 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for running a stop sign and driving without a license. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the photo in question (left) compared with the genuine side profile of Gates (right): (Screengrab/Snopes Compilation) Though there are indeed similarities in the two photographs above similar haircuts, glasses, and skin tone, to name a few examples its not enough evidence to definitively prove or disprove that the boy on the bicycle is Gates. Some commenters in the Reddit feed identified the bicycle as a Schwinn Pea Picker that had been modified with extended forks. Snopes contacted Schwinns parent company, Pacific Cycle, for further help identifying the bicycle. Snopes also contacted the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which hosts a collection on the history of bicycles, to identify the bicycle featured in the photograph, and from what years it was commonly in use or produced. Snopes has looked into other viral claims involving the Microsoft co-founder-turned-billionaire, all of which can be viewed here. Sources: A Boy and His Bike 1970s. R/OldSchoolCool, 30 June 2015, www.reddit.com/r/OldSchoolCool/comments/3bkrno/a_boy_and_his_bike_1970s/. Bill Gates | Biography, Microsoft, & Facts | Britannica. 7 Dec. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Gates. Bill Gates Articles | Snopes.Com. https://www.snopes.com/search/bill%20gates/. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. eaglemaxie. Bill Gates on His Chopper Bicycle, Early 1970s. R/OldSchoolCool, 16 Oct. 2020, www.reddit.com/r/OldSchoolCool/comments/jc0cx9/bill_gates_on_his_chopper_bicycle_early_1970s/. ---. Bill Gates on His Chopper Bicycle, Early 1970s. R/OldSchoolCool, 16 Oct. 2020, www.reddit.com/r/OldSchoolCool/comments/jc0cx9/bill_gates_on_his_chopper_bicycle_early_1970s/. Google Lens. https://lens.google.com/search?p=AbrfA8r-vlBE0upfundBP5a6iqMTmwTbgRqOJIfd-lh_q5jlEbnnnFgLSdsFtw-2Ov6QeUQhSY5oN0wqhnMy9Ldiyjsa206Mc4LKwsJII2cnd8iG6xbOdeLcqVmlBCBDZUwm1djV_3IXz9P-YPy1R996F_aDXWBC1pR_fNq5oQiAZvITlQgMqqmfPxC0kiCvBxKZBP2gNEhwL1f0HDtnuNjueeiXQpJwazYIzY_-EZWgNFAKzxJLM9lO18wxG8yKmBBtIKi1QnyYPld0cNMWdQvF1bVSNsg0b6Z_Lu9JDLgKzi4A00zF9IfZ8-cTRTHJ9OwN-ikvMamEKXpv&plm=ChAIDxIMCJ%2B5rqsGEKDKn9cDChAIFxIMCJ%2B5rqsGELi2o9cDCg8IGBILCKC5rqsGEMCQ8RcKDwgtEgsIoLmuqwYQ0NvyFwoPCC4SCwigua6rBhDIgr4gCg8IEBILCKC5rqsGEOiztSEKDwgZEgsIoLmuqwYQsJO4IQoPCBoSCwigua6rBhDoj8Eh#lns=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsIkVrY0tKRE0zTWpjM01ETTBMVE5rT0dVdE5EaGpaaTA1TTJOa0xUa3haRE5qTmpJd09XVmtOUklmUVRreFZISXllVlZwVVRSaGEwaDRiR3BST0hJemVEaHZOVGhyUVhoU1p3PT0iLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxbbnVsbCxudWxsLFswLDAsOTkyMTksMTAwMDAwXV1d. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. Https://Twitter.Com/Bikepirates/Status/616065983468453890?Lang=en. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/bikepirates/status/616065983468453890?lang=en. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. Ibrahim, Nur. Is This a Mugshot of Bill Gates After Arrest for Traffic Violations? Snopes, 18 Apr. 2022, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/mugshot-bill-gates-arrested/. Retro Pop Cult. Tumblr, https://www.tumblr.com/retropopcult/182984157899/bill-gates-1969. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. Scwhinn Pea Picker - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?q=scwhinn+pea+picker&oq=scwhinn+pea+picker&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDI1ODFqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. The Safety Bicycle and Beyond. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/si-bikes/si-bikes-safety. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. Claim: If you have a pacemaker, you can donate it to a dog after you die. Rating: Rating: True In early December 2023, readers asked us via email if it was true that pacemakers can be "donated to dogs with cardiac issues who would depend on it to stay alive." The same claim has been shared online multiple times on various social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and iFunny. For instance, on Dec. 7, 2023, a post went viral on Facebook, claiming that "If you have a pacemaker, you can put it in your Will to have your pacemaker donated to a dog in need after you pass." (Facebook profile Did you know that?) The same claim was also spread on X (formerly Twitter) informing other users that "It even saves the dog's owner the cost of the actual pacemaker which sometimes means the difference in being able to afford lifesaving treatment or not." Did you know: If you have a pacemaker, you can put it in your Will to have your pacemaker donated to a dog in need after you pass. Pacemakers cannot be donated to another human, but they can be donated to dogs with cardiac issues who would depend on it to stay alive. #dogsofx SheltieLeesi17 (@SLeesi17) December 2, 2023 Our research confirmed that that individuals with pacemakers can indeed donate these life-saving devices to dogs after their passing, and therefore we have rated the claim as True. For instance, the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center's website informed that "MU veterinary cardiologist recycles donated pacemakers from both pets and people to maintain the rhythm of life for canine patients." Moreover, the article underscored that donating pacemakers reduces veterinary costs and provides a lasting benefit to dogs in need. There is actually no difference between human and canine pacemakers, says Stacey Leach, DVM, an assistant teaching professor and researcher at MUs College of Veterinary Medicine. We use the same equipment, the same technology. Oftentimes, the appliances we use for our canine patients are essentially human-grade equipment that was donated to us. [...] We also receive and encourage donations of pacemakers that have outlived a patient, whether that patient was a dog or a human, Leach says. It continued (emphasis ours): Within the cardiology community, theres an organization that serves as a repository for donated pacemakers, but there are so many cardiologists worldwide who are doing this procedure that they are very nearly always sold out, Leach says. So, unfortunately, we are becoming increasingly dependent on people donating pacemakers directly to us, or purchasing brand new pacemakers, which can run several thousand dollars for the entire setup. University of Georgias College of Veterinary Medicine runs a similar initiative, namely a "Pacemaker Donation Program," that "provides heart patients at MCNH (The Medical Center, Navicent Health) the option of donating their used pacemakers to canine heart patients at UGA." The article on University of Georgias website informed (emphasis ours): Like humans, dogs are at risk for developing cardiac complications that can interfere with length and quality of life. Knowing that surgeries to address heart problems in dogs can be very expensive, one Navicent Health nurse decided to take action to help dogs in need of cardiac care. The similarities between how animals and humans are treated for certain diseases are very strong. When I was studying to become a nurse 20 years ago, I learned that pacemakers for human beings could be utilized in dogs, as well, said Terri Matula, a board certified cardiovascular nurse at MCNH. What's more, Medtronic, a medical device company, published an article with the title "Pets and pacemakers: best friends a while longer," about a miniature schnauzer that received a pacemaker donated by the company. It underscored that "therapies used in humans can also help animal patients." Medtronic donated Taras pacemaker through a nationwide nonprofit called CanPacers. Its a medical device repository sponsored by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and maintained at North Carolina State University. Its mission is to provide cardiac pacemakers and leads to veterinary patients. Medical device companies donate the devices, which were originally intended for human patients, and CanPacers oversees distribution to veterinary cardiology programs around the United States. Finally, while some social media posts also claimed that "pacemakers cannot be donated to another human," it remains a complex issue. An article published by the University of Michigan Medical School with the title "Helping hearts: Team sends much-needed pacemakers to Ukraine" informed that in 2022 Ukraine received refurbished pacemakers from the university's My Heart Your Heart program. However, a 2012 study on the topic underscored that "while preliminary data suggest safety and efficacy of pacemaker reuse for devices that have adequate remaining battery life, to date implantable pacemakers are not approved for reuse in the U.S. or European Union." A Reuters' article from the same year read: People in developing countries with heart problems may not be able to afford new pacemakers, but a new study suggests devices removed during autopsies may have enough remaining battery life to be donated and used again. Researchers found that of 334 autopsies preformed at the University of Pennsylvania between February 2009 and July 2011, 27 pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) were recovered. Of those, eight devices had at least four years of battery life remaining. It also underscored that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers pacemakers to be single-use devices. In January 2021 we published a fact check on a similar topic, investigating whether a study found that an iPhone 12 can disable a cardiac rhythm management device. Sources: Navicent Health, UGA Partner on Pacemakers for Dogs. UGA Today, 10 May 2019, https://news.uga.edu/navicent-uga-partner-pacemakers-dogs/. Best Friends a While Longer. Medtronic News, https://news.medtronic.com/pets-and-pacemakers-best-friends-a-while-longer-newsroom. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023. The Beat Goes On: MU Veterinary Health Center, 14 Feb. 2019, https://vhc.missouri.edu/the-beat-goes-on/. Kasprak, Alex. Can an iPhone 12 Disable Pacemakers or Other Cardiac Devices? Snopes, 17 Jan. 2021, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/iphone-12-pacemakers/. Nashville police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that happened at 51st Avenue North and Michigan Avenue after a failed traffic stop in the Nations on Tuesday. Around 2:30 p.m., officers tried to stop a pickup truck that was heading north on Morrow Road, but the driver didn't pull over. The truck sped away at a high speed, according to a release from the Metro Police department. The driver, Joshua T. Caldwell, turned right into an alley between Michigan and Kentucky Avenues, traveled off road and headed back towards Michigan Avenue, police said. Caldwell, 41, was arrested following a foot pursuit Jan. 4 after he was found asleep inside a running vehicle on Airport Center Drive. He is charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness, aggravated assault and auto theft. He is being held in jail in lieu of $247,500 bond. The responding officer turned off the emergency lights and did not pursue the truck, a department spokesperson clarified Wednesday. When the officer got back onto Michigan Avenue, crash witnesses were there, trying to flag down help, police said. Investigators have determined the truck was stolen, ran a stop sign at 51st and Michigan Avenue and was hit in the rear by another vehicle, which had the right of way. The truck then crashed head-on into a utility pole, sending it airborne. It came to a stop upside down on top of the broken utility pole, police said. A passenger in the truck, identified as Jessie Knox, 43, of Nashville, was partially thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. The person was not wearing a seatbelt, according to police. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Police say driver in Nations Nashville fatal crash fled on foot A man posed as a nurse on social media and dating apps to lure at least four women into romantic relationships before kidnapping, assaulting and harassing them, feds say. Herman Brightman, 30, of New Jersey, was indicted on eight counts, including kidnapping, interstate travel to commit domestic violence, interstate communication of a threat, cyberstalking, and interstate stalking, according to a Dec. 11 news release from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Brightman, who officials said used the aliases Nazir Griffiths and Nazir Luckett, posted photos and videos of himself on Facebook and Hinge posing as a nurse in the New York City area wearing scrubs, lab coats and fake IDs, officials said. From January 2022 to September 2023, Brightman lured and abused at least four women under these false pretenses, court documents show. Herman Brightman preyed upon woman after woman using the internet to lure these women into meeting and dating him and posing as a nurse or nurse practitioner to gain their trust. He then quickly became physically abusive towards them, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in the news release. Brightman has been accused of kidnapping a victim and her 2-year-old child at knifepoint; binding, gagging and threatening to gut a second victim like a fish; physically abusing and stalking a third victim; and assaulting and holding a fourth victim hostage, according to court documents. Brightman used physical violence, stalking and threats to dissuade victims from contacting police, court records show. Several of Brightmans victims were able to escape and contact authorities, according to court records. Bail documents from Dec. 11 show Brightman was detained and determined to be a flight risk and a danger. Brightmans defense attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Dec. 12. Anyone who may have been victimized by Brightman, including under the aliases of Nazir Griffiths and Nazir Luckett, or any with information is asked to contact the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York at 1-866-874-8900. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Woman bought fake cop gear and sent victims addresses to accused robbers, feds say Mom and son used promise of America to lure girls from Mexico, traffic them, feds say Couple opened credit cards in patients names in $825,000 fraud scheme, feds say The family of a Chicago woman whose frozen body was discovered inside a Rosemont hotels walk-in freezer will receive more than $6 million in a settlement made public Tuesday, court records show. Kenneka Jenkins, 19, was found dead in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in September 2017 after she had been missing for nearly a day. A lawsuit against the hotel, the hotels security contractor and a restaurant that was allegedly leasing the space originally sought more than $50 million in damages. The parties first reached a settlement in October, though the terms were sealed until Tuesday. After accounting payment of attorney fees and funeral expenses, the settlement dictates that Jenkins mother, Tereasa Martin, half-sister Leonore Harris and brother Kenneth Lee Jenkins will receive about $6.4 million total. Just over half will go to Martin, while Harris will receive $1.5 million and Kenneth Jenkins will receive $1.2 million, according to the settlement. The lawsuit, filed in 2018, argued that the Crowne Plaza Chicago, Capital Security and Investigations and Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant were negligent, failing to secure the freezer where she was found or conduct a thorough search for Jenkins when she went missing. It took authorities almost a day to locate Jenkins body after she disappeared in the early morning of Sept. 9, 2017. Her death sparked protests, vigorous online discussions and conspiracy theories. Jenkins is visible in security footage stumbling through the hotels hallways until she ended up in the kitchen, rounding the corner where the freezer was kept. The Cook County medical examiner ruled that Jenkins died of hypothermia, though alcohol and a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraines were significant contributing factors. A Cook County judge has dismissed the case, court records show. An attorney for the hotel, security contractor and restaurant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Storms devastated parts of Tennessee, but remarkably a few keepsakes remain. One in particular was carried all the way to Kentucky and an electric co-op stepped up to figure out who it belongs to. In the wake of Saturdays tornadoes, some people were left with nothing, including prized possessions, but not all was lost. Following the storm, a photograph managed to make its way from Tennessee to Kentucky and into the yard of a Nolin Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation employee. It was found on Sunday. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Of course, you hear those stories, but nothing like that, and certainly it was something new for our employee that found it, said Sarah Fellows, the communications manager for the co-op. It looks like a little girl who is in a box, like a cardboard box and on the back of it, it says she was so excited. That employee lives in Lindseyville, Kentucky, which is about a two-hour drive from Clarksville, where the back of the photo indicates it was printed at a Walgreens. So, employees were set on reuniting a Clarksville family with a beautiful memento, despite the recent tragedy. The little girl looks so happy and carefree and, clearly, it was something that meant a lot to the person who saved that picture because I dont know that I wrote a lot on the back of the pictures that I saved when we printed a lot of pictures. But to be able to write something on the back of that it clearly was a moment that was special for that person, said Fellows. The Facebook post garnered more than 600 shares and on Monday afternoon the owner of the photo commented on the post. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com While it may be just a photo, co-op employees believe it has a much larger meaning. Some people have lost everything and have been really fortunate, maybe to even get out with their lives, and so to be able to offer some sort of light some sort of memory from a time before that happened. Its really just about trying to restore some sense of normalcy, said Fellows. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Editors note: This story was updated to correct an address. A young mother and her baby have been located after they disappeared in South Los Angeles on Sunday. The critically missing juveniles were identified as Nevaeh Lorane Martinez, 13, and her two-week-old son, DAngelo Hill. They were last seen on Dec. 10 on the 1000 block of West 110th Street around noon, according to the L.A. County Sheriffs Department. By about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, they had been located, authorities said, though they did not disclose how or where the children were located. Nevaeh Lorane Martinez, 13, and her two-week-old son, DAngelo Hill in photos from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. A critically missing person is defined as: -A person in critical need of medical attention -The victim of a crime or foul play -A person who has no pattern of running away or disappearing -The victim of a kidnapping or parental abduction -A person who is mentally impaired to the extent that such person is unable to care for him or herself or is an immediate danger to his or her own safety or the safety of others Anyone with information can call LASDs South L.A. Station at 323-820-6775. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A right-wing lawmaker in Poland used a fire extinguisher to put out a display of Hanukkah candles in Polands Parliament on Tuesday, sparking outrage from the Jewish community and fellow members. Grzegorz Braun, the antisemitic leader of the far-right monarchist Confederation party, was filmed walking up to a large Hanukkah display and spraying out candles with a fire extinguisher. A woman attempted to stop him, but he also sprayed her in the face with the extinguisher. Tuesday was the Polish parliaments annual Hanukkah celebration, and members of the Jewish community were invited to parliament. Braun extinguished the candles just after a ceremony when they were lit, which included the Israeli ambassador. Braun later spoke on the floor of Parliament and said that the holiday was satanic and that his actions were restoring normality, The Associated Press reported. Those who take part in acts of satanic worship should be ashamed, he said. Braun was thrown out of parliament for his actions and barred from sitting at Tuesdays session. Speaker Szymon Holownia said Braun would be fined half his salary for three months, the largest fine allowed, and would be investigated by prosecutors. There will be no tolerance for racism, xenophobia, antisemitism as long as I am the speaker of Parliament, Holownia told reporters, according to Reuters. Newly-elected Prime Minister Donald Tusk also condemned his actions. Tusk gave his first speech to Parliament later Tuesday. This is unacceptable, this must never happen again, he said. This is a disgrace. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nigel Farage arrives at Heathrow after his appearance on I'm a Celebrity - he claimed his personal polling rating had gone up by 20 points while he was on the show Nigel Farage has claimed the Government is still heading for catastrophic defeat despite Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill win on Tuesday night. Speaking as he landed back in Britain after coming third in Im a CelebrityGet Me Out of Here!, the former Ukip and Brexit Party leader said the Government had no idea what was coming down the track towards them. His comments came after the Prime Minister faced down Tory rebels on his Rwanda deportation plan as he won the first parliamentary battle over his emergency legislation. The Bill passed the House of Commons by 313 votes to 269 after Tory migration hardliners backed off, with not a single Conservative MP voting against it in the end. But leaders of the five Tory Right-wing groups dubbed the five families warned that they would try to vote down the Bill unless it was significantly hardened up in the coming weeks. In total 29 Tory MPs abstained in the vote without being given permission from party managers, according to Telegraph analysis - potentially enough rebels to force a future defeat. Mr Sunak also faces the prospect of a rebellion by MPs on the centre-Left who are concerned the Bill goes too far and have threatened to table their own amendments to soften it if the Prime Minister bows to Right-wing pressure. When asked at Heathrow about the Governments woes, Mr Farage said: Oh, well its nothing new. I mean, this Governments in desperate trouble headed for catastrophic defeat. Theyve no idea whats coming down the track towards them. And I think the last thing I heard before I went into the jungle was that Cameron was back... if its got that bad, they must be in real trouble. And I see that hes just about managed to squeak through a vote on Rwanda. But I mean, its going to make no difference at all. No, theyre in dire, dire trouble. And all Labour have to do is, frankly, not tear each other apart, and play safe and the election is theirs I think. Asked whether he could return to the Tories, Mr Farage said: Well, have you seen the polling released overnight? Im absolutely astonished by it, Ive just seen some online, suggesting that amongst 2019 Conservative voters, my approval rating has risen 20 per cent in my time in the jungle, putting me 21 per cent ahead of Rishi. Well, its all very flattering, a little bit bewildering. Its going to take some time for me to really take it on board. But fascinating, right? Spring flights credible says Cleverly James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, insisted the target of getting the flights to Rwanda up and running in the spring remained a credible timescale despite the threat from Tory rebels. He said: We have got to get this Bill through the House of Commons and the House of Lords. That will take some time. There are already preparations that we are [taking]. The point is we still respect, just as we respected the law lords, their lordships in the Supreme Court when they handed down their judgement we respect the parliamentary process. We are going to move quickly but we are going to make sure we get this right. We want to get flights off next year, ideally in the spring, I think, is a credible timescale. Mr Cleverly suggested killing the Rwanda Bill was not the best way for potential rebels to act over concerns that the legislation is too weak. Asked about European Research Group chairman Mark Francoiss objections to the legislation, the Home Secretary told Sky News: I will talk to Mark and Ill talk to others, of course, to understand their thinking on this and try to harvest their ideas to make things better. But I cant see if someones got a concern that the Bill might not be as strong as they would like, killing the Bill doesnt strike me as the best way of doing that, because if the Bill isnt on the statute books it cant possibly succeed. Mr Cleverly was asked about a YouGov poll suggesting only 1 per cent of voters think the plan will work, to which he replied: Id like to prove them wrong. My job is to demonstrate this will work as part of an overall plan which is already working. 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. Charity staff say they are "devastated" after thieves broke into their warehouse, stealing cash and causing thousands of pounds of damage. Farleigh Hospice's Clearance Warehouse in Maldon, Essex, was broken into on Monday morning. Debbie de Boltz, fundraising manager for the charity, said 1,000 was taken from a safe, and repairs to the front door would cost 6,000. "We're utterly gutted," Ms de Boltz told the BBC. Thieves cut the lock on the entrance gates at the warehouse, on the Wycke Hill business park, before forcing the front door open . The warehouse was closed on Monday but re-opened on Tuesday. "It would be awful for any business," said Ms de Boltz, "but it's more abhorrent that it's been done to a charity where we raise money totally to serve our local community." Farleigh Hospice, which costs 21,000 to run every day, has charity shops across mid Essex but sells larger items from its Maldon warehouse. Ms de Boltz paid tribute to the charity's staff and volunteers. "They're absolutely devastated by this, but their first thought was 1we're going to make that back1," Ms de Boltz told the BBC. "We are resilient - we will come back from this. Farleigh is not going to give up on its local community." Essex Police has appealed for anyone with information to come forward, quoting incident number 211. The break-in comes two weeks after hundreds of pounds were stolen from a charity shop in Coggeshall. Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 Opponents of a 2,400-home annexation on the west side of Riverbank have filed signatures aimed at getting it on a ballot. If approved sometime in 2024, the measure would require future voter approval of the River Walk project and most other housing west of the current city limit. River Walk supporters have said it would ease the citys housing shortage with a variety of single-family homes and apartment buildings. Critics contend that the project would be on land that is especially suited to farming and to groundwater recharge during heavy storms. The petition was submitted Monday by Barney and Jami Aggers, who are members of Voters for Farmland and residents of the area at issue. River Walk is roughly 1,000 acres of proposed development, and it is some of the best soil on our planet, Barney Aggers said outside Riverbank City Hall. The petition needed at least 10% of the citys registered voters, or 1,277. The couple said 1,469 were delivered. City Clerk Gabriela Hernandez said the Stanislaus County Election Office has until Jan. 24 to verify that the signatures match those on voter registration forms. The measure would be on the November 2024 ballot unless the Riverbank City Council calls a special election earlier. The deadline for the March 5 statewide ballot has passed. The measure would not block River Walk directly. Instead, it would require future voter approval of this project and most other housing west of Riverbanks current western boundary. That line is about halfway between Coffee and Oakdale roads. Looking east from McHenry Avenue toward the city of Riverbank at the proposed River Walk housing development. Photographed west of Riverbank, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Riverbank mayor has been skeptical Riverbank Mayor Richard OBrien could not be reached for comment about the petition filing. He said earlier that he opposes such restrictions in general but does not yet have a position on River Walk. The Modesto Bee emailed the other four council members for comment. One of them, Vice Mayor Rachel Hernandez, endorsed putting River Walk on the ballot. I fully support this democratic process, she said. I teach U.S. politics at MJC and talk to students about the importance of civic engagement. This ballot measure weighs key priorities for Riverbank and the entire state as we consider environment and agriculture with the states housing deficit. Councilman Luis Uribe declined to comment. Councilwomen Darlene Barber-Martinez and Leanne Jones Cruz could not be reached. River Walk was proposed by numerous landowners in the proposed annexation area. They are working through the De Novo Planning Group, based in El Dorado Hills. A representative for the project could not be reached for comment on the ballot measure. City Clerk Gabriela Hernandez, left, received a petition for a ballot measure on growth in Riverbank, California, on Dec. 11, 2023. Co-sponsors Barney and Jami Aggers delivered it. River Walk was announced in 2021 Projects would fall under the measure if they had not been approved by July 1 of this year. River Walk was announced in June 2021, but it has moved slowly through the process and likely will not see any construction in 2024. That process begins with the release of an environmental impact report for public comment, which has yet to happen. The report would then be revised to address the concerns, which typically takes several months. The project then would go before the Riverbank Planning Commission, which would make a recommendation to the City Council. The last step would be the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission, which rules on farmland annexations. All of that would be negated if Riverbank voters decide next year to give themselves veto power over westward annexations, and then reject River Walk at a subsequent election. Looking east from the newly widened McHenry Avenue toward the city of Riverbank at the proposed River Walk housing development. Photographed west of Riverbank, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Riverbank homes would grow 30% The project would increase the number of homes in Riverbank by about 30%. The city now has about 25,000 residents. The land is bounded by the Stanislaus River on the north, McHenry Avenue on the west and Patterson Road on the south. The annexation would include not just the 993 acres for River Walk but an additional 529 acres just to the south. Development decisions would be deferred to an unknown time for this portion, which has long frontages on McHenry and Patterson. A 150-acre solar plant is in the southwest corner. River Walk was outlined in a 2021 public presentation by De Novo. The consultant said it would offer a mix of housing densities suited to young families, seniors and other residents. The plan includes: 1,550 low-density homes, up to eight per acre, on a total of 366 acres 702 medium-density homes, up to 16 per acre, on a total of 54 acres 180 high-density homes, averaging 18 per acre, on a total of 10 acres 71 acres of mixed use, including retail, services and housing close to one another 60 acres of open space along the bluff overlooking the river, which would have habitat protections and trails 44 acres of parkland in other spots. The ballot measure would exempt projects in support of agriculture, such as farmworker housing. It also would allow construction of other homes aimed at meeting Californias mandate for affordable housing, if state officials sign off on each project. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed two men in Northeast, D.C. on Tuesday. Officers responded to the shooting in the 2300 block of 4th St., N.E. at about 12:05 a.m. There, they found two men in the roadway with gunshot wounds. They died there. Police investigating two fatal pedestrian crashes in Prince Georges County They were identified as 28-year-old Octavio Quintano, of Silver Spring, Md., and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano, of Northeast, D.C. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A father wants changes to school admissions after he says a London council failed to offer any suitable places for his 11-year-old son. Huseyin Mehmet, 46, said the family has been through months of wrangling with Barnet Council after their initial six school choices were rejected. Soulaymane was allotted schools Mr Mehmet says are too hard to travel to or have an inflexible religious ethos. The council said the school places were properly allocated. A spokesperson said: "Of the schools listed on the parent's preference form, all were heavily oversubscribed, and all available places were correctly allocated following each school's published admission arrangements." Mr Mehmet said the ongoing stress was "taking a toll" on their son and it was "worrying" the family. "He can't go to sleep at night... he wakes up in the middle of the night crying," he said. Mr Mehmet, a plumber, said the family applied in the usual way for six preferred schools near them, but "every single one was rejected on the basis other kids had priority". He said Barnet Council then gave them a list of four further choices, but he explained his wife wouldn't be able to get him to school as she takes their younger son on two buses to get him to his school. Barnet Council said the four schools allocated to Soulaymane were all rated as "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted, and two were within walking distance from their home - but Mr Mehmet said the route to one was isolated and "dark" during the winter so would not be safe for his child, who has never been outside unaccompanied. The closest school suggested by the council is a St Andrew the Apostle, a Greek Orthodox school. Although the family is Muslim and Turkish-Cypriot, Mr Mehmet said he was not opposed to his son attending the school but claimed when he asked its admissions team whether they would allow his son to be absent from the religious assemblies, they said "it's not possible... they were very strict and very blunt". However, Philip Hills, head teacher at St Andrew the Apostle, said: "Neither I, nor the previous head, have received any complaint or indeed any concern relating to a parental request to withdraw a child from Religious Education, an assembly, form time or a church service. "We fully recognise that parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE and collective worship. We would be happy to discuss this matter further with this or any other family." As it stands, Soulaymane is 77th on the waiting list for places at the schools Mr and Mrs Mehmet wanted. Mr Mehmet said he calls and emails the council "every day" but thinks they have decided "we're making a preference". In the meantime, they have kept their son out of school since September, after getting approval for home schooling. Mr Mehmet said he would "do anything for my son to help him continue his education" and added his wife had started driving lessons so she could take him to school in the future. Despite this, the family feel they are in a situation "where we can't provide the right school for our child. We haven't left any stone unturned. We feel very isolated and restricted". Dr Hills told the BBC that around half of the pupils at St Andrew the Apostle come from Christian families "but at the same time we embrace a rich diversity of families and religious cultures including Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism". "Over 6% of our families are Muslim and we have found that Muslim families value our culture of high aspirations and high standards of conduct for all students," he added. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk On the first day of a weeklong custody trial that could have sweeping ramifications for the unsupported theory of parental alienation, a father accused of sexually abusing his children testified that he is committed to his children knowing the truth of my innocence. Is there a reason you havent just walked away? Brent Larsons attorney, Ron Wilkinson, asked him when he took the stand on Monday in a Provo, Utah, courtroom. Many times, I've thought that to be honest with you. But the real reason is, is these kids cannot, they cannot grow up thinking that their father abused them in all these horrific ways. And they're all untrue, Larson testified. They need to know the truth. While determining the merit of abuse claims generally falls outside the purview of a custody trial, which takes place in civil, rather than criminal, court the judge in this case has said he intends the trial to investigate that question. To date, no court has adjudicated the central question of whether the children were abused by Brent, Judge Derek Pullan of Utahs Fourth Judicial District said during a pretrial hearing in August. In my view, what these parties require is not a temporary order, but the adjudication of this fundamental question. Larson, 41, father of Ty and Brynlee Larson, was investigated by Utahs Division of Child and Family Services in 2018 after both of his children came forward separately with claims of sexual abuse. The Arizona Republic generally does not name victims of sexual abuse, but the siblings asked to be named to raise awareness about their case and advocate for other minors facing similar situations. Their mother supported that decision. After forensic interviews, state child welfare workers determined abuse allegations were supported and described the abuse as severe and chronic. The findings led to a temporary restraining order against Larson that prohibited him from having any contact with his children for several months. Despite these findings, Larson has continued to push for custody of his children an effort in which he nearly succeeded one year ago. In December 2022, Pullan signed an order temporarily returning the children into their fathers custody and authorizing police to use reasonable force to make the minors comply with the court order. The siblings barricaded themselves in a bedroom at their mothers house to avoid complying with the order. While doing so, they posted and livestreamed about their situation on the social media platform TikTok. Their posts created a social media firestorm; Tys initial post garnered more than 400,000 views, and his round-the-clock livestream on the platform attracted thousands of online viewers. The uproar culminated in Pullan pausing his order while Larson was criminally investigated on charges of child abuse. Multiple special victims' prosecutors screened the case and concluded that the available evidence did not support a reasonable likelihood of conviction. Larson successfully convinced the court to return the children to his custody, despite the child welfare findings of abuse, by citing the unsupported psychological theory of parental alienation, in which one parent accuses the other of brainwashing a child to turn that child against them. Larson accused his ex-wife, Jessica Zahrt, of mounting a campaign of parental alienation against him that caused the children to falsely believe they were abused. What happened on the first day of the trial At the trial on Monday, Larsons attorney doubled down on accusations that Zahrt has knowingly disparaged Larson through videos on her personal TikTok account, to which her children, along with the public, reasonably have access. Jessica Zahrt, the mother of two Utah siblings who barricaded themselves in a bedroom earlier this year to protest a court order, testifies at a custody trial on Dec. 11, 2023. Zahrt countered that she has blocked her children from seeing the content on her personal account and that her content was primarily intended to raise awareness about the parental alienation industry. Zahrt also has used her personal TikTok account to speak about surviving domestic violence. "You indicated in TikTok that you're a domestic violence victim, correct? Wilkinson asked Zahrt during a cross-examination on Monday. Correct, said Zahrt. And you posted that online? Yes. Is that something that would be derogatory toward Mr. Larson? Its something thats true ... sometimes the truth is unflattering, Mr. Wilkinson, Zahrt said. Zahrt maintains that she has never disparaged her ex-husband in front of her children and has consistently supported her children having a relationship with their father. Wednesday, in a rare exception for custody cases, the children are scheduled to testify on their own behalf. Zahrt said she remains committed to supporting her children in sharing their truths, even if it is held against her in court. This trial is about more to me than just my family, Zahrt said. It is about the countless children and families who have previously been silenced by family courts. Maybe this time, we can speak in a way that the court will finally listen. Potential effects: In Utah, 2 children say they were abused. A trial will determine if the accused father gets custody Hannah Dreyfus is an investigative reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at hannah.dreyfus@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Parents testify in Utah custody trial of siblings who were barricaded Chief Gina V. Hawkins, center, talks to the media after Assistant Chief Kemberle Braden, right, was named as her replacement as Fayetteville Police Chief during a press conference at city hall on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. Hawkins left the department in February of 2023. In December, the city settled accusations she made against Mayor Mitch Colvin and other city officials over what she called a hostile work environment. The city of Fayetteville has agreed to a settlement with former Police Chief Gina Hawkins after Hawkins threatened legal action this summer, alleging she was subjected to a hostile work environment based on her race and gender during her time in office. According to the terms of the agreement released by the city Tuesday, Hawkins is to receive $140,000 for emotional distress and her attorney, Hairston Lane, is to receive $60,000 for attorneys fees and costs. "The Parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for the Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by (the city) of wrongdoing or evidence of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind," according to the document. On Hawkins' behalf, Lane sent a Demand Letter to City Manager Doug Hewett in August in which Hawkins threatened legal action, alleging she was subjected to sexist and racist behavior during her tenure as police chief, which ran from 2017 to Jan. 31, 2023, when she resigned. As part of the agreement, which was signed by the parties Monday, Hawkins has agreed to release the city from any future claims against it, its employees or elected officials. The arrangement also requires that Hawkins "refrain from making statements that are disparaging, demeaning or defamatory" against the city, including statements on social media, in blogs, by text or by email. In the adverse, the city will "instruct all City Council Members, including outgoing Council Members, to not disparage or otherwise communicate any information that is or reasonably could be harmful to Ms. Hawkins' reputation." "Nothing in this provision prohibits the City from making truthful statements to any Court or government authority or as otherwise required or permitted by law." It states that should the city receive inquiries concerning Hawkins the city "shall state her job capacities, that she resigned voluntarily, and any other information which is considered public record under North Carolina law." Hawkins allegations Hawkins alleged in her letter that: During a video meeting that took place in 2020 around the time of the civil unrest against police brutality nationwide and locally, Mayor Mitch Colvin "continuously screamed at the Chief regarding police operations and the safe deployment of personnel," during a video meeting. Councilman Johnny Dawkins made "racial epithets regarding COVID" and also screamed at Hawkins in front of the entire council because he didn't agree with her handling of the protests. While attending a 2022 Police Foundation Ball, Dawkins approached the then-chief and asked her about a rumor that she'd had an affair with a council member. "It was offensive and a direct example of the culture created by council members spread lies about her as a female and being in a relationship with another council member," the letter states. In early 2022, during a strategic planning meeting with all of the council and other city employees, Councilman Mario Benevante "verbally attacked" Hawkins "regarding conversations and opinions about priorities for the city. Hawkins said Benayente did not treat anyone else in that manner and when he was asked what his objective was, he allegedly stated, "my objective is to take you down, I am going to get you," the letter said. She also claimed she was investigating a belief that a member of the City Council member contacted a prospective employer to recommend she not be hired. The agreement states the payments will be made within 30 days of receiving tax documents from Hawkins and Lane. Should Hawkins violate the terms of the agreement, the document states, she "shall return back to the city 90% of the payments." This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville settles hostile workplace claims by Gina Hawkins for $200K Flash Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2020 shows the outside view of the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua] The UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza. Member states voted down two amendments making specific reference to "extremist group Hamas," with 153 supporting the draft resolution, 10 against and 23 countries abstaining. The resolution demands an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and "ensuring humanitarian access." The adopted resolution underscores protecting civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, expresses grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizes that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It reiterates the demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, "notably with regard to the protection of civilians." The resolution also decides to adjourn the tenth Emergency Special Session temporarily and to authorize the president of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from member states. Tuesday's session is a continuation of the tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly that last met on Oct. 26 amid the present crisis in Gaza, during which it adopted a resolution on the crisis, calling for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities." The UN General Assembly has 193 member states. A two-thirds majority is required for adoption of a resolution. In his statement delivered at the special session, General Assembly President Dennis Francis underscored the urgency to bring to an end the suffering of innocent civilians. He reiterated the demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "We have one singular priority - only one - to save lives," he stressed. "Stop this violence now." Francis said the world is witnessing an "unprecedented collapse" of a humanitarian system "in real time." The UN must bring an immediate end to the suffering of civilians. It is high time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, he said. ASHEVILLE - A Cherokee County man's lawsuit against police who shot him in his home with his hands up can proceed, a federal judge said. Seventeen defendants, including Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal Police Chief Carla Neadeau and officers who Jason Kloepfer said shot him Dec. 13, 2022, inflicting serious injuries, had filed motions calling for Kloepfer's suit to be dismissed. But Judge Max Cogburn ruled earlier this month the suit, filed June 20, could continue, though parts of the case would be dismissed. Dismissals included all claims against sheriff's department attorney Daryl Brown and the sheriff's department as a whole though the sheriff and individual deputies remain defendants, Coburn said in his Dec. 4 ruling in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Asheville. Jason Harley Kloepfer was shot by law enforcement in Cherokee County in December 2022. "As to the punitive damages claim against defendants in their individual capacities, the court denies the motion to dismiss because the court is allowing some substantive claims to go forward," Cogburn said. Kloepfer's attorney Ellis Boyle in Dec. 12 comments to the Citizen Times noted that aspect of the ruling, which could allow Kloepfer to seek a potentially large sum of money. "The punitive damages survived. I think that was consequential," Boyle said. Kloepfer, 44, has not yet stated how much he is seeking, but some similar claims have reached millions of dollars. In 2019 a federal jury in Raleigh awarded Mike Morgan of Apex $8.3 million after he was beaten and shot by Wake County sheriff's deputies on his property. The Citizen Times reached out Dec. 12 to attorneys for the defendants. The next phase of the trial will be discovery, the formal requests for exchange of information between the attorneys. No date has yet been set. Deputies were called last year by a neighbor about a loud disturbance at Kloepfer's home outside Murphy. They had received calls multiple times before about disturbances there. But in this instance, deputies said they determined there was a potential hostage situation. Though Kloepfer lives outside the Cherokee tribal area, Cherokee County deputies called the tribal police's SWAT team for assistance. Kloepfer said he was struck at least twice and nearly died after three tribal officers Lt. Neil Ferguson, Special Operations Officer Nathan Messer and Patrol Officer Chris Harris shot "about 15 times." He was initially charged with communicating threats and resisting a public officer. But after returning from the hospital, Kloepfer posted in-home security video of him standing with his hands up in the doorway next to his wife Alison Mahler as police opened fire. District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch dismissed the charges. Welch recused herself in the 11-month criminal probe against police which was finished in November by the State Bureau of Investigation and is still being reviewed by Special prosecutor Lance Sigmon, N.C. Conference of District Attorneys Director Kimberly Spahos told the Citizen Times Dec. 12. More: Cherokee police who shot man at home say sheriff, other defendants negligent EBCI Chief signs law making Cherokee Indian Police bodycam videos not open to public Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Western NC man's suit not dismissed; video shows police shoot him CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte man was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday for sex trafficking a minor, according to the United States Attorneys Office. Tawaan Batten, 33, was convicted of: Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor Sex trafficking of a minor One count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Batten took advantage of a vulnerable 15-year-old girl who turned to him out of desperation and exploited her in the worst way for profit, U.S. Attorney King said. Court documents show that from July 2021 through Dec. 2021, Batten was involved in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 15-year-old girl in North and South Carolina. At the time, 33-year-old Kristi Heather King helped Batten post ads of the victim on commercial sex websites, arrange the victims sexual encounters with customers and book hotel rooms where the encounters took place, trial evidence showed. Officials say Batten kept almost all of the money the victim received from the sexual encounters. Batten even used physical and psychological ways to control the minor, including branding her with tattoos. Police searching for missing, endangered teen girl from Kings Mountain It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten did and now he faces a possible life sentence for his crimes, Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt said. Batten is in federal custody and awaits sentencing that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. King pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic the minor victim and is also awaiting sentencing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. You are here: World Flash Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said in Hanoi on Wednesday that Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and he jointly announced building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties. Xi said he believes it will bring greater benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to peace, stability and development of the region and the world. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. With the mother of a transgender girl testifying that it would be devastating if the child could not get treatment, a federal judge Wednesday began a trial in a constitutional challenge to Floridas strong restrictions on such things as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender people. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The mother, a St. Johns County resident identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe, was the first witness in what is expected to be a multi-day trial in the challenge to state law and rules approved by the Florida Board of Medicine and Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine. The law and rules block transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy to treat gender dysphoria while placing additional restrictions on treatments for adults. Jane Doe, a plaintiff in the case, said her 12-year-old daughter was identified as a male at birth but was diagnosed by a pediatrician with gender dysphoria at age 4. The girl has not started treatment with puberty blockers but has received care from endocrinologists as the family prepares for such a step. The mother testified that her child has never, ever wavered from who she is and that her life would be turned upside down if she was denied treatment. It would force her to be someone that shes not, Jane Doe testified. READ: Transgender people in Florida consider moving out of state as new bills impact LGBTQ+ community Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law (SB 254) during this springs legislative session. In part, it barred doctors from approving puberty blockers and hormone therapy for the treatment of minors with gender dysphoria. It also required adults seeking hormone therapy or surgeries for gender dysphoria to sign informed-consent forms crafted by the medical boards. Also under the law, only physicians not nurse practitioners are allowed to approve hormone therapy, and it banned the use of telehealth for new prescriptions. Florida is among numerous Republican-controlled states that in recent years have approved proposals targeted at transgender people, with some of the highest-profile debates about banning treatments for transgender minors. Florida contends that such treatments are unproven and risky for minors despite support for the treatments from major medical organizations. DeSantis has called such treatments child mutilation. In Florida, we are protecting medical freedom of speech for physicians by allowing doctors to follow data, not political agendas. Florida rejects penalizing physicians who dissent from the official narrative. pic.twitter.com/RFP5jPG0zS Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 11, 2023 During opening arguments Wednesday, Mohammad Jazil, an attorney for the state, said the state has every right to dictate some of the norms for medical treatment for gender dysphoria, which the federal government defines clinically as significant distress that a person may feel when sex or gender assigned at birth is not the same as their identity, But Thomas Redburn, an attorney for the plaintiffs, accused the state of invidious discrimination against transgender people. He said, for example, the state has not barred puberty blockers and hormone therapy to treat other types of conditions. The state has singled out transgender people for disparate treatment without any adequate justification, Redburn said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Redburn also pointed to statements by Republican lawmakers, including the use of words such as mutilation. He said the state has decided people should not be transgender. But Jazil said the plaintiffs will not be able to prove that the restrictions were motivated by animus toward transgender people. He said, for instance, that the plaintiffs only cited statements from a few of the 160 lawmakers. Animus is a pretty high bar, Jazil said. While it was not addressed during the opening arguments, the state also is pointing to an August ruling by a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an Alabama case known as Eknes-Tucker v. Governor of the State of Alabama. The panel overturned a preliminary injunction that a district judge had issued against an Alabama ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors. Plaintiffs dont have a case after Eknes-Tucker v. Governor of the State of Alabama, Floridas attorneys wrote in an opening line of a brief filed last month in advance of the trial. But attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a brief that a request is pending for the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to hear the Alabama case and that the Florida law is different both in scope and history. The 11th Circuit hears cases from Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Hinkle in September cited the Alabama ruling as he declined to issue a preliminary injunction against the parts of the Florida restrictions affecting transgender adults. Hinkle in June issued a preliminary injunction against the part of the law preventing puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children, with the injunction applying to minors who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The state has appealed the decision. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. There were high fives aplenty at Richland City Hall this week over news the feds will kick in nearly $12 million to revamp George Washington Way as a one-way street. Pete Rogalsky, public works director, said the city was caught by surprise when U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., announced via press release that Richland would receive $11.7 million from the Department of Transportation. The Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program fleshes out the budget to turn George Washington Way and Jadwin Avenue into one-way streets through the heart of the city. Rogalsky was waiting for official confirmation of the award, but he welcomed the news that Richlands application had succeeded. We havent responded or internalized the news much, other than a few high fives around the office, he said, after learning of the grant from the Herald. The city recently delayed the so-called couplet project until 2025 to give itself time to develop designs and round up the $16 million to $20 million it estimates it will cost. It previously nailed down $4 million. The DOT money, together with a pending award from the Benton Franklin Council of Governments, puts the project close to the finish line, he said. Thoughful start Rogalsky said they plan to stick with the 2025 estimated construction start. Its important, he said, to get the timing right. Well want to be really thoughtful about when it starts, he said. The couplet project will turn George Washington into a one way, northbound corridor between Jadwin Avenue and Symons Street. Southbound traffic will be rerouted between Symons and the spot where Jadwin merges with George Washington near Columbia Point. The city sees massive benefits to traffic and safety in rethinking how traffic moves through the heart of downtown. Together, George Washington and Jadwin offer nine traffic lanes. The project will reduce that by three, providing additional space for bicycle lanes, sidewalks and even on-street parking. 548 crashes Cantwell said the grant will address significant safety concerns in the release that notes there were 548 crashes, including four fatalities and 152 injuries, within the project boundaries over a five-year span. Not only will this grant improve safety, but it will also strengthen the economic vitality of Richlands downtown by improving access to the John Dam Plaza and the (Columbia River) waterfront, she said in the press release. Richland received one of three Washington cities to receive multi-million dollar grants to implement projects. The others were awarded to the cities of Spokane and Vancouver. The Department of Transportation also issues planning grants. The cities of Pasco and Prosser received $320,000 and $150,000, respectively, to develop safety action plans. The Benton Franklin Council of Governments was awarded $320,000 to develop plans to ensure safe routes to schools. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. Very few people in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community say democracy is working well, according to a new survey. According to the poll conducted jointly by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research 68 percent of respondents believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults, only 12 percent say democracy is working well in the United States and 17 percent have confidence in people running state government. Even fewer are confident about the Supreme Court and the executive branch, and only 4 percent are confident in Congress. Three-quarters of respondents said they think the views of ordinary citizens should be an important factor in shaping policy in the U.S. Generally, adults in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community approve of President Biden more than the average population, but not by much. Partisan differences persist within the community, the survey found Democrats tend to favor Biden more than Republicans. The survey found adults are not very optimistic about the future of either the Democratic or Republican parties. The survey also disentangles the political leanings of AAPI communities, the survey said. Fifty-two percent of respondents identified as Democrats, 27 percent identified as Republican and about 21 percent said they were independent or did not have a party affiliation. Respondents, generally, said they were very or somewhat pessimistic about the Republican Party and felt mixed about the future of the Democratic Party. Almost all, 83 percent, of respondents said they were concerned about misinformation in the upcoming election. Forty-six percent of respondents were worried about voter suppression, and 31 percent were worried about voter fraud. Limitations on free speech were another concern, 41 percent of respondents said. The survey was conducted Nov. 6-15 and was offered in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean among 1,113 adults. The margin of error is 4.4 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This photo provided by Dusadee Deena Chiewcharnvalichakij shows a fire at a popular open market, as seen from a nearby building in central Bangkok on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, spewing clouds of black smoke visible from all over the Thai capital. It caused minimal damage and only one known injury, a fire official said. (Dusadee Deena Chiewcharnvalichakij via AP) BANGKOK (AP) A fire at a popular open market in central Bangkok on Wednesday spewed clouds of black smoke visible from all over the Thai capital. Video footage taken from nearby buildings showed parts of two rows of covered stalls at the JODD Fairs Rama 9 market blazing fiercely as people continued to walk nearby. The market is located on a block between a major department store along a thoroughfare and an office building. An officer of the Huay Kwang district fire station said it was informed about the fire shortly before 4:30 p.m. and had it under control about 20 minutes later. He said that initial reports indicated no casualties other than a woman with minor injuries. He did not know the cause of the fire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to media. The market, which is notable for its food stalls, operates at night and opens at 4 p.m., and was not crowded at the time of the blaze. A picture has emerged showing an F-16 Viper fighter that appears to be sitting at Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands with an inert training version, or "shape," of the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb under its wing. This offers a rare glimpse into the ongoing work to field America's latest nuclear bomb in Europe as part of NATO's nuclear sharing agreements . The image of the F-16 with the B61-12 shape under its wing was included in a video montage that the Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories put out in 2022 highlighting achievements from the previous year. Hans Kristensen, the Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) think tank in Washington, D.C., spotted the picture, seen at the top of this story, and shared his thoughts about it in a blog post earlier today. A stock picture of a B61-12 test article. USAF Kristensen assessed that the image was taken at Volkel based on the distinctive design of the hardened aircraft shelter seen to the left of the F-16 in the image from the Sandia video. A close-up of the hardened aircraft shelter that can be seen in the image of the F-16 from the Sandia video. Sandia National Laboratories capture A stock picture of a Dutch F-16 inside a hardened aircraft shelter at Volkel Air Base. USAF "Eleven of the [32] shelters at the Volkel [air base] are equipped with an underground vault that can hold up to four B61 bombs. But normally they only hold 1-2 bombs each for an estimated 10-15 bombs at the base," according to FAS. A Weapons Storage and Security System vault of the type used at Volkel and other NATO air bases in Europe, seen here in the raised position holding an older B61 variant. Public Domain/WikiCommons Volkel is one of several bases in Europe where the U.S. military keeps B61s, which could be released to select NATO members for use on their aircraft as part of the alliance's nuclear weapon sharing agreements . The B61-12 also has a distinctly different tail section from earlier B61 variants, which is clearly visible in the picture. The B61-12 has a distinct rear end because it is the first version of this nuclear bomb to feature a precision-guided tail kit. The B61-12 is an amalgam of components from a number of earlier B61 types combined with the new tail and other improvements. You can read more about the B61-12, which will replace multiple existing versions, and its predecessors in this past War Zone feature . The Pentagon is also now looking to start development of another B61 variant, the B61-13, as you can read more about here . A picture showing a fit check of two B61-12 shapes, seen here with red-colored bodies, in a secure vault. A training version of an older B61 type is seen above. The distinctly different tail sections can be seen clearly here. DOD via FOIA Whether the F-16 in the picture belongs to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) or not is unclear. The RNLAF is now in the process of transitioning to the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and is expecting to retire the last of its Vipers in the coming year. In November, the head of the Dutch Air Combat Command announced that the country's F-35A fleet had received an "initial certification for the deterrence mission." As FAS' Kristensen notes in his blog post today, if this image was indeed taken in 2021, this would have been before the first production examples of the B61-12 were delivered and before they formally entered the U.S. stockpile. It is not surprising that preparations to deploy these weapons in Europe have already been going on for years now and other evidence of this has previously emerged. The War Zone previously obtained a U.S. military report via the Freedom of Information Act that was published in April 2019 and included a picture, seen earlier in this story, showing a fit check of B61-12 shapes in a secure vault at an undisclosed location. Whether any operational B61-12s are in Europe now is unclear. In October 2022, Politico reported that the plan was for the first examples to arrive on the continent this month. Based on official information released to date, only U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are currently approved to employ the B61-12 operationally. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Joint Strike Fighters , as well as the service's future B-21 Raider stealth bombers , are also set to become operational delivery platforms for these nuclear bombs. Air Force personnel load a test version of the B61-12 onto a B-2 bomber. USAF In addition, B61-12 is expected to be integrated onto select NATO F-16s, as well as U.S. Air Force Vipers. Some Belgian Vipers, in addition to the ones in Dutch service, are currently cleared to employ older B61 variants under NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements. Some of the Panavia Tornado swing-wing combat jets in service in Germany and Italy are also capable of serving as nuclear weapon delivery platforms. It is worth noting that U.S. and NATO F-16s, as well as NATO Tornados, will not be able to use the guidance functionality found on the B61-12. This issue may be increasingly moot. All of the current known NATO members that are party to the nuclear sharing agreements have or are in the process of acquiring F-35s to supplant their F-16s and/or Tornadoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JGe1jj9u0 As already noted, the RNALF is moving toward being able to employ U.S. B61s on its F-35As. Germany's decision to purchase Joint Strike Fighters was also explicitly driven in large part by requirements related to the nuclear mission. Overall, NATO members that participate in the alliance's nuclear weapon sharing arrangements have historically been very guarded about that fact . There has been a noticeable shift in attitude since Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has become even more pronounced since the Russian military forward-deployed nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus earlier this year. Polish authorities have been particularly open about their interest in at least hosting U.S. nuclear weapons in the future. Poland shares a border with Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad enclave , the latter of which at least has facilities to support the deployment of nuclear weapons, if they aren't actually in place there now. The picture of the F-16 with the B61-12 shape under its wing, likely taken at Volkel Air Base, only further underscores that NATO very much remains a nuclear alliance and that its members are actively working toward being able to employ new capabilities in this regard. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com Closer trade ties bring more Latin American fresh produce to Chinese consumers Xinhua) 14:48, December 13, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- In April this year, the first batch of yellow pitaya from Ecuador, weighing 420 kilograms in total, officially entered the Chinese market. The exotic fruit quickly gained popularity on Chinese social media, highlighting the growing trade relations between China and Latin American countries. As cooperation between China and Latin America under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to gain momentum, an increasing variety of Latin American farm produce is finding its way into the Chinese market, benefiting people in both China and Latin America. TRADE FACILITATION Among the various types of Ecuadorian farm produce, Chinese consumers are well-acquainted with bananas. Three years ago, Chinese fresh food company Goodfarmer Group started importing bananas from Ecuador. Today, Ecuadorian bananas account for 65 percent of the company's total banana imports, according to Xu Ke, market director for China of Goodfarmer. China and Ecuador signed a cooperation document on jointly building the Belt and Road in 2018. In May this year, the two countries inked a free trade agreement (FTA) to further boost bilateral trade and business ties. Once the FTA goes into effect, as much as 90 percent of the goods traded between China and Ecuador will be exempted from tariffs, while 60 percent of them will enjoy zero tariffs immediately, according to the deal. Tariffs on imports of products like bananas, white shrimp, fish, fish oil, flowers, cocoa and coffee from Ecuador will be reduced to zero from the current rates of between 5 percent and 20 percent. "In the future, consumers will be able to purchase Ecuadorian fresh produce at more favorable prices," said Xu, noting that Goodfarmer sees the potential for expanding markets and hopes to introduce more farm produce from Latin America. Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that China stands as a major trading partner of BRI participating countries, with goods trade volume between China and its BRI partners reaching nearly 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. Trade volume between China and Latin America approached 500 billion U.S. dollars last year, maintaining rapid growth for six consecutive years. DELIVERY UPGRADE Fresh fruits such as Chilean cherries are increasingly favored by Chinese consumers, and the market demand has continued to rise. Upon harvest, the earliest batch of Chilean cherries is picked and transported to China by air freight routes, with the whole process taking no more than 72 hours. For bulk orders, fast shipping routes are used, covering the journey of 20,000 kilometers in approximately 22 days, which is around 10 days faster than it was a decade ago. As Chinese consumers' demand for imported fruits increases, the cross-border logistics system has constantly improved with increased transportation stability, more convenient customs clearance and lower costs, said Jiang Jianli, logistics director of Goodfarmer. Compared to 10 years ago, China now has a wider range of fruit categories approved for import, said Jiang, adding that the cold chain logistics industry has experienced rapid development. E-COMMERCE BOOM Fresh produce traders from Latin America are eyeing new opportunities that China's thriving internet economy is ready to offer, ranging from "national pavilions" on China's e-commerce platforms to livestreamed shopping events. Chinese flower shop City Flowers conducts livestreaming for about six hours every day to sell flowers from various countries, including Ecuadorian roses and Colombian hydrangeas. In a matter of clicks, consumers can place an order and the flowers are delivered from across the Pacific in just a few days. According to Tang Quanzhong, general manager of City Flowers, his company receives two batches of flowers from Latin America every week and they are selling well. "Our company has carried out cooperation with many BRI participating countries. With the global supply and logistics chains and e-commerce platforms, Chinese consumers can enjoy the beauty of a rich variety of flowers at home," Tang said. For Garces Fruit, Chile's main cherry producer and exporter that has maintained its presence in the Chinese market for more than a decade, e-commerce platforms have become an important area for development. Through multiple efforts such as operating online stores, collaborating with leading Chinese fresh produce companies and increasing online visibility, the Chilean brand has brought itself closer to Chinese consumers. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SARASOTA, Fla. As the Sarasota County School Board convened for the final time this year on Tuesday, Bridget Ziegler entered the board chambers facing a rift largely driven by agenda item No. 1: a colleague's resolution calling for her resignation. Despite Ziegler's four board colleagues voting to call for her to resign and hours of public comment mostly urging her to do so, there was no indication she was considering stepping down. The rising demands for her resignation came amid emerging details of her involvement in a three-way sexual relationship, which became public as a sexual assault investigation into her husband, Christian Ziegler unfolded. In her first public appearance since reports surfaced of the sexual assault allegation against her husband, Ziegler appeared defiant. She asked the board's legal counsel, Patrick Duggan, about the nature of the resolution, who described it as "ceremonial in nature" because the board has no authority to remove a member. You know, I am disappointed. As people may know, I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board," said Bridget Ziegler, referring to her governor-appointed position on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Bridget Ziegler did not respond to several requests for comment from Herald-Tribune reporters before the meeting. At a workshop earlier in the day, Bridget Ziegler quickly exited the chambers with a police officer while communications director Craig Maniglia told reporters that the board member was not available for comment. Bridget Ziegler won her most recent election in August 2022, meaning her term expires in 2026 should she choose to not resign. Only Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could remove her from her seat, and school board members are not subject to recall elections. If Bridget Ziegler were to resign, the governor would appoint someone to serve until the next election cycle in 2024. Before the meeting, board Chairwoman Karen Rose and members Tom Edwards and Tim Enos each publicly called on Bridget Ziegler to resign. Both conservative and liberal School Board activist groups have also called on Bridget Ziegler to resign. Christian Ziegler also faces mounting pressure from DeSantis and other Republicans to resign his position as Florida GOP chairman. In police documents, the alleged victim and Bridget Ziegler both told police they had a three-way sexual encounter more than a year ago that included the two women and Christian Ziegler. The seat of the student representative on the Sarasota County School Board was left empty during the board meeting Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023, due to the nature of the topic of discussion. The School Board approved a symbolic resolution calling for board member Bridget Ziegler to resign. Sarasota School Board members say the focus should be on students At the start of Tuesday's meeting, Rose noted that the board had no student representative to honor and no student performances scheduled, citing the divisive circumstances of the meeting. She emphasized that her resolution to ask Bridget Ziegler to resign was intended to help keep the board focused on student achievement. "It's not about the left it's not about the right, it's about students," she said. Enos echoed Rose's sentiment following the vote but said he would leave the decision to Bridget Ziegler rather than taking the issue to the governor. "Whether it's Democrat, Republican, whatever it is, it should be only about the kids," Enos said. "My decision tonight was only about the kids." Sarasota County School Board member Tom Edwards, left, hands out a proposal for the board to consider writing a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, asking him to remove their colleague, Bridget Ziegler, right, during a meeting Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023. The School Board approved a resolution calling on Ziegler to resign, but it has no authority to force her off the board. Activist groups have called Bridget Ziegler's involvement in a relationship "hypocritical" as Bridget Ziegler has been a vocal advocate for legislation such as the Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" by critics. Bridget Ziegler has also posted transphobic content on her social media. Rose, Edwards, and Enos all said that Bridget Ziegler would be a "distraction" from the work of the School Board should she remain. Enos, who told the Herald-Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Friday that he felt Bridget Ziegler should resign, campaigned with Ziegler under the "ZEM" movement promoted by conservative Republicans to flip the ideological majority of the board in 2022. Edwards pointed out that at the previous board meeting, he asked the members to move forward with a focus on student achievement. Now, only two weeks later, the district board meetings were back to being about politics, he said. "I am not judging Mrs. Ziegler, her husband or anything about the Zieglers, and I could," Edwards said. "What I'm going to do again is be student-centric myself, in every one of my actions. I'm going to ask you all to do the same because it doesn't appear that Mrs. Ziegler is going to resign." Following the conclusion of the board workshop, @sarasotaschools comms dir. Craig Maniglia prevents media from approaching Bridget Ziegler for comment as she walks away for executive session. Follow me for updates all day today. pic.twitter.com/Vr0Hopz56I Steven Walker (@swalker_7) December 12, 2023 Public comment focuses on Ziegler and resignation Bridget Ziegler, at her elevated seat overseeing the board chambers, sat largely expressionless during the three hours of public comment that largely lambasted her and implored her to step down. More than 70 people signed up to speak at the meeting. The first to speak was Martin Hyde, an unsuccessful congressional and city commission candidate in Sarasota who famously threatened a police officer. Hyde lauded Bridget Ziegler's decision to be present at the meeting, calling the resignation resolution a political move for Rose. "This meeting is devoted to a motion that has no more authority than I would if I stood out in the street," Hyde said. "An utter and complete political charade for re-election." Timothy Wagner also spoke in support of Ziegler, urging her to "stand strong." Paulina Testerman, a local activist from Support Our Schools, called on Bridget Ziegler to resign. Testerman said she initially pitied Bridget Ziegler but said she felt Bridget Ziegler's hypocrisy made that difficult. "Mrs. Ziegler, every time you want to wallow in self-pity and feign victimhood, just remember that you can't complain that it's raining when you're the one who created the storm," Testerman said. Screenshot of a Tweet from Sarasota School Board Chairwoman Bridget Ziegler where she points to her shirt that reads "real women aren't men", which she posted to her Twitter account April 2. Another local activist, Robin Williams, touted a petition to the board with nearly 2,000 signatures asking for Bridget Ziegler to resign. Joyce Peralta also called on Bridget Ziegler to resign, adding that she felt Bridget Ziegler and her husband sought to profit from their positions instead of working for student achievement. "Sarasota parents delighted this week in having to answer the question from their children: 'What is a three-way?'" Peralta said. Representatives from activist groups also spoke during public comment, such as Nicholas Machuca from Equality Florida. During his comment, he said Bridget Ziegler had caused "indisputable" harm to the LGBTQ+ community and called for her to resign immediately. "She has turned this school board into a circus and her continued occupation of a board seat is a joke and a stain on this district," he said. Protestors, including Judy Nadler of Sarasota, with her "Don't Say 3-way" sign, gather outside the Sarasota County School Board Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023, calling for school board member Bridget Ziegler to resign. Following the demonstration, the school board approved a symbolic resolution calling for Ziegler to resign after admitting to involvement in a three-way sexual relationship. Late in the public comment section, a coalition of LGBTQ+ students spoke against Bridget Ziegler and urged her to resign her seat. August Ray, a senior at Sarasota High School, said policies that Bridget Ziegler advocated for almost made their parents disown them and asked Bridget Ziegler to resign. "I find it deeply ironic that you, as a champion of the 'Don't Say Gay' bill, have been outed in the same way trans kids are outed in Sarasota County Schools," Ray said. Zander Moricz, who was the class president at Pine View School in Osprey and now attends Harvard, said Bridget Ziegler deserved to lose her job, but not because of her private sex life. "That defeats the lesson we've been trying to teach you, which is that a politician's job is to serve their community, not to police personal lives," Moricz said. "So, to be extra clear Bridget, you deserve to be fired from your job because you are terrible at your job." John Wilson, counter protester, attempting to speak over the Rally for Ziegler to resign. Wilson is asking for Tom Edwards to also resign. pic.twitter.com/bmFI4AutMq Steven Walker (@swalker_7) December 12, 2023 Rally against Ziegler Ahead of the board's 6 p.m. meeting, activist groups such as Support Our Schools rallied outside of the board chambers to call on Bridget Ziegler to resign. Drivers on Tamiami Trail honked in support as they traveled past the district building. More than 50 people gathered to hear activists speak out against Bridget Ziegler, calling out her "hypocrisy" and urging her to resign. Lisa Schurr, center, with Support Our Schools, briefly stops John Wilson, right, from using his megaphone after Wilson tried to disrupt a protest outside the Sarasota County School Board Tuesday evening, De.b 12, 2023 in Sarasota, Florida. Demonstrators gathered before the board meeting to call for the resignation of school board member Bridget Ziegler after admitting to involvement in a three-way sexual relationship. "I'm not a big believer in karma, but this is a pretty good advertisement for it," said Tsi Day Smyth, a queer parent of four Sarasota students. One counter-protester arrived halfway through the rally with a bullhorn. He yelled for Edwards to resign instead. Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Moms for Liberty co-founder asked to resign by Florida school board The Sarasota County School Board formally called on Bridget Ziegler to resign on Tuesday as she grapples with the fallout of an ongoing sex scandal involving her and her husband, Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler. In a 4-to-1 vote, the school board signed off on a resolution requesting that Bridget Ziegler voluntarily step down from the post that shes held for nearly a decade. Board Chairwoman Karen Rose, who has long been aligned politically with Ziegler, called the Tuesday vote. Ziegler was the only member to oppose the measure. The resolution is non-binding as Ziegler was quick to note on Tuesday meaning the board cannot force her from her position. She remained on the dais for the remainder of the school board meeting, continuing to participate and vote. I am disappointed, Ziegler said. Bridget Zieglers position on the school board was called into question late last month after news broke that Sarasota police were investigating a womans allegation that Christian Ziegler raped her during an encounter in early October. According to a search warrant affidavit, the Zieglers had made plans to have sex with the alleged victim, but once Bridget Ziegler canceled, Chrsitian Ziegler showed up at the womans apartment where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Christian Ziegler has claimed that the encounter was consensual. No charges have been filed in the case. He has said that he intends to remain in his position as Florida GOP chairman despite calls from top Republicans to step down. While Bridget Ziegler hasnt been accused of wrongdoing, she acknowledged to investigators last month that she and Christian Ziegler had been involved in a sexual encounter with the alleged victim over a year ago. Shes a dangerous hypocrite, but Moms for Liberty co-founder shouldnt have to leave school board | Opinion The Zieglers have been active in conservative circles in Florida for years. Bridget Ziegler was appointed to the Sarasota County School Board in 2014 by then-Gov. Rick Scott and has played an integral role in the conservative education movement, especially under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She co-founded the conservative group Moms for Liberty in 2021 and has said that she helped draft the DeSantis-backed Parental Rights in Education bill called Dont Say Gay by critics which was signed into law last year. Under Florida law, the only way a school board member can be removed from the position is through voluntary resignation or by first being suspended by the governor and then voted out by the state Senate. Ahead of the vote on Tuesday, Ziegler expressed frustration over the school boards decision to bring the measure to a vote. She noted that the scandal did not come up during a recent meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the governing board that oversees Walt Disney World Resort, which she also sits on. As people may know, I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up, and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board, she said. For some Sarasota County residents, however, the school boards call for Ziegler to resign was justified. One resident who spoke out at the meeting, Julie London, compared Ziegler to former U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York, who was expelled from the House this month over ethics violations. She is Sarasotas George Santos, London said. She turned our town into a laughing stock. If Bridget really did listen and really did care, she would resign on her own volition. Her credibility was low to start with. Now theres none. Another speaker, Paulina Testerman, was even more scathing in her remarks, saying that she would relish the downfall of politicians like [Ziegler] who use our children as a stepping stone in their quest for power and political relevance. If it isnt the consequences of your own actions, Testerman said. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Its always the ones with the dirty hands that are pointing the fingers. A Florida school board passed a resolution to call for the resignation of board member and Moms of Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, who is currently under investigation in connection to rape and sexual battery allegations against her husband. The motion was passed on Monday night by the Sarasota County School Board on a 4-1 vote, with Ms Ziegler in opposition; while the vote is nonbinding, it was a significant show of resistance against her. Ms Ziegler is married to state Republican Party chairman Christian Ziegler, who is currently under investigation over allegations that he raped a woman in early October. The recommendation for the high-status powerful conservative activist to stand down is the latest blow that has erupted from the allegations. Ms Ziegler called the resolution toothless but spoke very little before the vote, where members of the public were able to air their thoughts, NBC reported. The resolution was authored by board Chair Karen Rose, who said she was shocked and deeply saddened by the rape allegations against Mr Ziegler and said that Ms Zieglers continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission. While Ms Ziegler has not been accused of any wrongdoing, her involvement in her husbands investigation has seriously damaged the once-powerful couples reputation. An attorney for Florida GOP Party Chair Christian Ziegler said he expected to be fully cleared of sexual battery accusations (Florida Republican Party/Facebook) The couple are power players in Florida politics and have both touted their commitment to family values while running for public office. Mr Ziegler is a longtime GOP official and former Sarasota County Commissioner who was elected chair of the state party in February. Ms Ziegler has already resigned from one of her roles as vice president of school board programmes at the Leadership Institute, an organisation that trains conservatives in politics and activism. The allegations against Mr Ziegler are outlined heavily redacted report provided to The Independent in previous coverage by the Saratosa Police Department. While the report does not name Mr Ziegler, his attorney Derek Byrd confirmed to The Independent that the Republican official was cooperating with the police investigation and expects to be fully exonerated. The alleged victim had been in a long-term, consensual sexual relationship with the Ziegler couple, according to the investigative journalism organisation the Florida Center for Government Accountability, which was the first to report on the story. The organisation cited police sources who said the incident happened when Mr Ziegler came to the womans home without his wife on 2 October. Mr Ziegler allegedly forced his way into her apartment and sexually assaulted her and did not use a condom, according to a search warrant affidavit first obtained by the Florida Center for Government Activity that was then shared with The Independent. The woman told police she was not in a position to consent as she had been drinking tequila and he raped her when she refused to have sex without his wife present, according to the affidavit. The affidavit also relays that Mr Ziegler told detectives the sexual encounter was consensual and that he had filmed it but had deleted the footage after the allegations of rape and sexual battery. In a separate interview, Ms Ziegler told police that she and her husband had a consensual three-way sexual encounter with the accuser about a year before the October incident. The allegations have garnered a lot of criticism against Ms Ziegler, who is the co-founder of Moms for Liberty, an organisation that advocates against any school curricula or books that mention LGBT+ rights, race issues and theory, ethnicity and discrimination. The Zieglers have made a habit out of attacking anything they perceive as going against family values, be it reproductive rights or the existence of LGBTQ+ Floridians, state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement. The level of hypocrisy in this situation is stunning. Mr Ziegler has not yet been charged in connection to any crime and maintains his innocence, telling Florida Republicans in a recent message that he will remain chair and will not let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up. The Independent has contacted both Mr and Ms Ziegler for comment. Florida veteran who lost service dog ran into issues getting new one, matched with new dog In October, Action News Jaxs sister station WFTV spoke to a veteran who lost his service dog and ran into issues getting a new one. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The state is investigating the breeder while a nonprofit has stepped in to help the vet. When we first met U.S. Army vet Thomas Broadway, he was struggling because his service dog died. Broadway suffers from PTSD, and without his dog Zeus, he doesnt want to leave his house. I get panic attacks. Its hard, and it can be hard on me, he said. He was basically my security. With him around, I felt comfortable going out in public. I didnt realize what all he did for me until he passed away. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Broadway got a new service dog named Fred, but Fred wasnt a good fit, so he took him back. The breeder promised Broadway a new dog from an expected litter but eventually had to refund him his money. He thought he was out of luck, but after our initial report, emails flooded in from the service dog community offering to help, and last month, Broadway was matched with a new service dog, Radar. He said Radar picked him; he did not pick Radar. Radar came from Valor Medical Service Dogs in Central Florida. Read: Sailors show off their Christmas flare in Mayport holiday lighting competition Owner Ernie Rivera is an Iraq War veteran who knows how important these dogs can be. The dog actually is like a battle buddy, he said. So, being a veteran, one of the things they teach you during the whole time is always lookout like I got your six, right, you always have a battle buddy. So its you and your buddy, right. So youll always have this thing where youre looking out for your buddy and your buddies looking out for you. Once they make that connection with you, no matter what happens, theyre always there for you. Radar is already trained and has bonded with Broadway. Read: Prime Time curriculum: Colorado creates course based on Deion Sanders Its just so much better, he said. I mean, Ive been out more since Nov. 11, when we got him. Ive been out more than the previous five months since my other dog died. Rivera does not take money for his dogs. Instead, people donate to his nonprofit, allowing him to care for these German Shepherds, and in turn, it allows for the care of these veterans who are in need. I always have dogs available for veterans for a triage situation... thats our number one mission is to reduce veteran suicide, Rivera said. Read: Police search for suspect in Westside triple shooting that left one dead, two injured Broadway is still fighting the other breeder. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has charged the breeder for selling a dog without a health certificate. Her attorney did not return our request for comment, but that case heads to court this month. CLICK HERE to read the original article by WFTV. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Mississippi officials are calling attention to the growing amount of foreign-owned farmland in the state, although it makes up less than three percent of the states agriculture and forest land. The amount of Mississippi farmland owned by foreign, nonresidents grew by over 100,000 acres from 2011 to 2021, according to a November report, totaling over 700,000 acres now. The report was written by a recently formed committee of Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson; Attorney General Lynn Fitch; Rep. Angela Cockerham, I-Magnolia; Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula; Rep. Bill Pigott, R-Tylertown; Sen. Chuck Younger, R-Columbus; and three private sector appointees. The report calls for the Legislature to create an enforcement mechanism for already-existing rules on land ownership. Walter West, Jr., harvests cotton at his farm in rural Hazelhurst earlier this year. Ordinarily, Wests cotton crops would look like a sea of white, but this seasons crops have been severely impacted by drought conditions According to state law, foreign, nonresident land ownership is prohibited except for: taking a lien on a property to secure a debt; inheriting property, if the new owner is from Lebanon or Syria (communities from those countries settled in Mississippi in the late 1800s, around when the states current constitution was written); having no more than 320 acres for industrial development; or having no more than five acres for a residence. Foreign-owned farmland makes up 2.6% of the states total, slightly less than the national rate of 3.1%. The Netherlands is by far the top among the abroad landowners in Mississippi, with about 350,000 acres, according to the report. German and British owners each account for another 60,000 acres, roughly. Gipson told Mississippi Today that those countries are likely responding to European regulations around fertilizer and dairy cows, leading them to buy forest land in places like Mississippi. Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson, discusses the current status of farming and its future in the state, last month at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in Jackson. I think that a lot of this activity, that has increased in the last 10 years, is happening because people around the world understand that the greatest physical asset in the state of Mississippi is our farmland, said Gipson. The November report also specifically targets land owned by federally defined adversaries, something other states have also addressed recently. Continued unrestricted foreign ownership of Mississippis agricultural land and water rights especially by foreign adversaries ... presents a serious concern to Mississippi and to national security, including food security, the report says. Only one of those adversaries, China which owns 88 acres in the state is listed in the report. In October, Arkansas became the first state to order that a Chinese-owned company, Syngenta, divest itself of 160 acres of farmland in the state, the Associated Press reported. In just the last year, 10 states have added laws restricting or banning foreign ownership of farmland, the article says. In response, Syngenta told the AP: Our people in Arkansas are Americans led by Americans who care deeply about serving Arkansas farmers. This action hurts Arkansas farmers more than anyone else. Mississippi Republican Attorney General Lynn Fitch addresses the crowd at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., earlier this year. Fitch seeks reelection in November While Mississippi already has such laws, officials are looking for guidance on how to enforce them. In May, after Gipson asked Fitch if land purchases violating state law were null and void, the AG responded that the state law only says that such land is supposed to revert ownership to the state. Gipson said in the report that he plans to follow up with Fitch about how the state can apply such a process, known as escheatment. During a public comment period, nearly all of the dozens of Mississippians who wrote in to the committee expressed concern over other countries owning farmland in the state. The committee also heard in-person testimony from several groups. One of which, the think-tank America First Policy Institute, specifically warned about the potential influence of Chinas Communist Party through its citizens buying farmland in Mississippi. The nonprofit was founded in 2021 to promote former President Donald Trumps public policy agenda. We must fortify our supply chains and ensure national self-reliance to marginalize the CCP and its strategies to subvert us, the groups Chair Steve Yates and Director Adam Savit said in a statement. Another testimony, from the Mississippi Forestry Association, sided against more regulations, arguing that doing so could hurt the states forestry industry. Foreign owners of forests in Mississippi share Mississippi values, Executive Director Casey Anderson said in a statement. They understand the important economic value of their forests to Mississippi. This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. Former California State University chancellor Joseph I. Castro has been dismissed from a lawsuit filed by a former Fresno State student alleging harassment and retaliation in violation of Californias Fair Employment and Housing Act as well as an intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. Castro and former Fresno State vice president of student affairs Frank Lamas were dropped from the suit, but the plaintiff is moving forward with an amended complaint that lists the CSU board of trustees as the defendant. The courts decision to remove me from this case is a correct one, said Castro, who resigned as chancellor in February 2022 amid a firestorm over his handling of sexual harassment allegations against Lamas when president at Fresno State. The lawsuit, originally filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by a Jane Doe in December 2022, alleges that the CSU established a pattern of neglect and lack of concern regarding the safety of its students and employees under Castro while president at Fresno State and that Castro intentionally refused to step in and take action to thwart abusive and inappropriate behavior in his administration. In dismissing Castro from the suit, the court ruled that in serving as president at Fresno State and then as CSU chancellor, he was not the plaintiffs employer but a supervisor, and that there are no allegations in the suit that he had taken any harassing actions against the plaintiff. At worst, the complaint alleges inaction on his part. The court ruled that insufficient, stating a supervisory employee is not personally liable under the FEHA as an aider and abettor of the harasser, for failing to take action to prevent the sexual harassment of a subordinate employee. Lamas was at the center of the furor at the university after a USA Today report detailed allegations of sexual harassment and an exit that included a $260,000 settlement and the promise of letters of recommendation toward future employment. An investigation into how Fresno State handed the case that was launched by the CSU board of trustees found the university did not consistently respond to harassment allegations, and that there were notice, record keeping and other deficiencies in its responses to allegations that started in 2014 and continued to 2019. Action, inaction, and a pattern of neglect Lamas has denied the allegations against him, though a Title IX investigation initiated by the university in 2020 found by a preponderance of the evidence that he had violated the CSUs executive order 1096 by engaging in sexual harassment behaviors as well as other workplace misconduct. My wife and I are very pleased to see this lawsuit dismissed, Lamas said. Its great to see justice has prevailed this time. As Ive indicated from the beginning, Im innocent of all the allegations that have been made against me from the start. I continue to maintain that the previous investigation was biased and unbalanced, but hope this ruling might be the beginning of clearing my name and reputation. The lawsuit is one of three from a former student, a former employee and an employee at Fresno State with the CSU and its board of trustees as a defendant, all of them alleging a mishandling of cases and investigations at the university. In the amended complaint, the plaintiff alleges the CSU board established a pattern of neglect and a lack of concern regarding the safety of students at Fresno State under Castro, citing his refusal to take action to stem abusive and inappropriate behavior within his administration. That culture resulted in the neglect of student victims including the plaintiff, who reported a sexual assault on campus by a classmate that was ignored and mishandled by the university and its police department. The CSUs actions including those by Castro and Lamas constitute harassment and retaliation in violation of FEHA, according to the complaint. While a student, the plaintiff also was employed as a tutor in a campus program. Joseph I. Castro resigned as CSU Chancellor on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Complaint moves forward with CSU board as defendant The plaintiff, according to the suit, was assaulted by a classmate in February 2020 after meeting with him on campus, after class hours. The student wrapped his forearm around the plaintiffs neck, pulling her back, and as the plaintiff tried to pull away the student placed his hands on the plaintiffs breasts. The plaintiff continued to pull away and struggled to resist the assault, sustaining bruising around her neck area. The following day, in a meeting with a Fresno State police officer, the plaintiff alleges she was asked a series of inappropriate questions including whether she had flirted with the student, what she was wearing at the time and whether she had done anything to provoke the student. After a meeting with the universitys Title IX director a no-contact order was issued, prohibiting the accused student from coming into contact with the plaintiff, but the following fall the student and plaintiff were enrolled in the same class. The plaintiff in October 2021 requested a formal Title IX investigation through the Title IX process, but a claim of sexual misconduct was rejected. The investigation findings, according to the complaint, did not conclude the incident never occurred and failed to address the universitys response to her sexual harassment claims including the actions of the campus police officer. Teresa Haley The former president of the DuPage County NAACP is urging Springfield's Teresa Haley, the state director of the NAACP, to resign after likening immigrants to rapists and savages in a video shared on Tuesday. Patrick Watson, who posted the one-minute-and-forty-eight-second video of Haley making remarks during an NAACP state presidents' meeting on Nov. 30, told The State Journal-Register Tuesday he was "horrified" at the remarks. Watson later resigned his position with the DuPage group, which covers parts of four counties in the Chicagoland area, citing Haley's comments about the LGBTQ community in another gathering of branch presidents. Gov. JB Pritzker in Chicago Tuesday called Haley's remarks "extraordinarily inappropriate" and hoped she would apologize. More: Nomination objections filed against Coburn and Chiaro, Illinois House District 95 candidates But Michael Childress, who succeeded Watson as president of the DuPage group, said the release of the video was "a smear campaign" against Haley. Haley, who has also been president of the Springfield NAACP branch since 2009, was traveling out of the country and didn't respond to messages from the SJ-R seeking comment. Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said following city council's committee of the whole meeting Tuesday that she also saw the video. Haley Immigrants 1.mp4 "I know there is an immigration issue in our country, but we also need to realize these are all human beings, people with feelings, emotions, families and we need to be respectful of that," Buscher said. Referring to migrants who have been bussed to Chicago, Haley said "these immigrants have come over here, theyve been raping people. Theyve been breaking into homes. Theyre like savages, as well." Patrick Watson Watson said Haley made the comments after Chicago Westside branch president Karl Brinson brought up the migrant situation in Chicago. Haley acknowledged that some of the treatment of the migrants was "inhumane" because people were "renting out abandoned buildings and allowing them to live up in there...they don't have the sewage, the plumbing, the drainage, but to get them off the streets, they're housing them everywhere. "And were seeing families on the street and were like, 'Oh my God, were not used to seeing families on the streets.' But Black people have been on the streets forever and ever and nobody cares because they say that were drug addicts, weve got mental health issues." Watson said he had been in contact with some of NAACP's national leaders, including Carmen Watkins, a senior vice president, among others. The national organization didn't immediately respond to messages left by the SJ-R. Childress, who lives in Bloomingdale, said Watson was being removed as president, a move signed off on by Haley, and Watson chose to release the video when he knew Haley was going to be out of the country. "It doesn't surprise me at all, given the person that he is," said Childress of Watson. Regarding Haley's comments, Childress said "those are not words I would use, but I still believe (the comments) were taken out of context." Watson, a 40-year-old small business owner from Lisle, said he recorded the video from the nearly two-hour-long meeting. He said he was the first person to speak out publicly against Haley. Haley, 58, was first elected in 2015 as president of the NAACP state chapter, the first woman to ascend to that position. She is retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation. As state director, she has advocated nationally to have the site of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot designated a national monument site. The NAACP was born out of the race riot the following year. Haley won the inaugural Activist of the Year award at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, in early 2020, months after being named The State Journal-Register's First Citizen. "She is a leader, and these statements are coming from her," Watson said. "This is why I'm calling for her to resign. For her to serve on the national board of the oldest civil rights organization in the country when this is how she thinks of a group of people that she should be advocating to protect is reprehensible." Watson recalled at the Nov. 30 meeting, Haley said the NAACP was becoming more diverse and that "I had people wanting me to call them 'they,' 'them,' 'it.' What the hell is that?" Watson said there wasn't a video of that meeting, but "for me, that was the last straw." The two had a rocky relationship from the beginning, Watson admitted. Just three weeks after taking over as president of the DuPage chapter, Watson said Haley suspended him because she thought he "disparaged" her in a livestream. Watson claimed the suspension was "outside of the domain of the bylaws" and he stayed on as president. "I've definitely not had a good relationship with her in the past because I've raised questions about things, questions about certain behavior." In a statement released Wednesday, the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network (SIAN) rejected Haley's statements. Veronica Espina, president of SIAN, pointed out that the NAACP has "a history of supporting immigrants and refugees in our country that we ought to honor and remember. We have worked with our NAACP siblings against injustice, racial profiling, and to protect (Illinois DACA recipients) and migrants applying for asylum and refugee status are people of color coming mostly from the Global South. Beth Langen, co-chair of SIAN, stated that divisive rhetoric causes real harm. It reinforces inaccurate stereotypes, it doesnt reflect the many intersections of being and of experience among marginalized peoples, and it thus requires response and repair of these important relationships. We dont heal alone but in community. What we need to be doing is to work in solidarity to create and advocate for better policies, and to make our cities better for all of us. Contact Steven Spearie: (217) 622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: In a video, Illinois NAACP state director likens migrants to 'savages' A former Stanislaus County veterinarian who provides care to the pets of the unhoused population is CNNs 2023 Hero of the Year. Dr. Kwane Stewart was chosen by online voters, and the announcement was made during a live broadcast on CNN from New York on Sunday evening. If I as a child could dream of doing something impactful, then I found it, or I think it found me, Stewart said in his acceptance speech. The award includes a $100,000 donation to Stewarts Project Street Vet. In his address, Stewart said he plans to evenly share this $100,000 with the other nine honorees. Stewart was the county veterinarian with Stanislaus Animal Services from April 2008 to April 2013. In 2020, he founded Project Street Vet, an initiative that focuses on providing veterinary care to the pets of homeless people. His experiences at the county shelter in Modesto exposed Stewart to a unique kind of care, distinct from what he had been accustomed to in Southern California. Project Street Vet, which Stewart established after years of volunteering his time helping the pets of the homeless, today includes veterinarians offering their services in Orlando, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. During his speech, Stewart reminisced about a moment in which he brought lunch to an unhoused man after providing care to his dog. The man, who mentioned he had not eaten in two days, broke off a small piece of the sandwich for himself, before giving the rest to his pet. Theyve taught me a lot too, Stewart said. Project Street Vet originates from a 2011 incident when Stewart, outside a 7-Eleven in the Central Valley, noticed an unhoused man with a dog that was suffering from a severe flea infection. After examining the dog, Stewart returned with medication. In that moment, Stewart resolved to persist in aiding the pets of homeless individuals. In the following years, Stewart dedicated much of his time to offering care to pets, covering medical expenses and hospital stays from his own funds, all the while managing the financial burden of student loans. Stewart first came to Modesto because it was home to his then-wife, whom he met in San Diego. Working at the county shelter for five years broadened Stewarts perspective on care, introducing him to a different approach than he had previously employed in Southern California. There, he encountered homeless or near-homeless individuals along with their animal companions who required veterinary assistance but lacked access to it. At Stanislaus Animal Services, he and his team were tasked with investigating reports of animal abuse and neglect, whether they occurred on farming operations or involved family pets. This responsibility extended to conducting euthanizations every morning. In May 2009, The Bee reported that the county had an annual euthanasia average of over 13,000 dogs and cats. Since July 2021, there have been 2,138 euthanizations at the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. Stewart also has his own show, Dr. Kwane: The Street Vet, which documents his work with animal companions of the unhoused. His LinkedIn page says the TV program airs in Canada and Europe. In 2021, Stewart launched the Modesto Family Pet veterinary office and hospital in the College Center business plaza at College and Bowen avenues. I know this area, I know theres need and I feel like I already have some clients built in to get this thing going, Stewart said to The Bee at the time. Its unclear if Stewart still has a stake in the Modesto practice, but he is not listed on its website as part of the care team. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support Stewarts nonprofit, in collaboration with CNN Heroes, Elevate Prize Foundation and GoFundMe. Elevate committed to matching donations for all the 2023 Top 10 CNN Heroes, providing up to $50,000 per hero. As of Tuesday afternoon, contributions to Stewarts nonprofit had surpassed $117,000. A Fort Worth business burglary suspect on Tuesday night shot himself in the head on a highway frontage road embankment after he and three officers exchanged gunfire, police said. The suspect, a man whose name authorities did not release, was pronounced dead at a hospital. The suspect ran from officers investigating a burglar alarm call in the 700 block of North Beach Street. During the foot chase, the suspect fired a handgun multiple times at the officers, Fort Worth police said. Three officers returned fire. It was not clear if their rounds struck the suspect. The chase ended when the suspect fell on an embankment along the Highway 121 frontage road and shot himself in the head, police said. The officers were not shot. Today's top stories: Other driver killed in crash with Fort Worth CEO & kids identified as Marine AT&T Stadium worker charged with accepting bribe to let ticketless fans in Cowboys game Fort Worth ISD principals board voted to fire are retiring, resigning Get free alerts when news breaks. This shooting is under investigation by the Fort Worth Police Department Major Case Unit and Internal Affairs Unit. The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office will conduct a standard review. Officers found a weapon at the scene, police said. If you or a loved one are experiencing a crisis, call 988, the new, three-digit shortcut that will direct callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Chaplains wont provide mental health services to students in the Fort Worth Independent School District, the districts board decided Tuesday evening. The board approved a resolution stating that the district wouldnt bring in unlicensed clergy members to serve in mental health roles on campus, as allowed under a new Texas state law. Before voting on the resolution, board First Vice President Anne Darr said she thought the implication that unlicensed clergy could serve as school counselors was insulting to mental health professionals who go through years of training to prepare for those roles. She said she hopes to see the district continue to welcome clergy members as volunteers, just as it does anyone else in the community, but doubts whether theyre equipped to provide mental health care. Last May, state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 763, which allows school districts to use safety money to pay for chaplains to provide mental health services on campuses. Districts can also bring in chaplains on a volunteer basis. The bill had the backing of conservative Christian groups, who said chaplains could help restore moral values in school. But opponents argued that the move could open the door for proselytizing in schools. Among those opponents were more than 100 chaplains from across Texas who signed an open letter calling on lawmakers to reject the bill, saying chaplains dont have the expertise and training necessary to provide mental health services. During the public comment portion of Tuesdays meeting, a handful of speakers urged the board to approve the resolution stating the district wouldnt bring in chaplains to serve in mental health roles. Among them was the Rev. Mary Spradlin, senior pastor at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church. Spradlin said she was grateful the district partners with faith leaders, particularly when kids have gone through trauma, but thinks it would be unwise for school leaders to bring in clergy members to provide religious instruction. Spradlin also worries about a lack of training requirements for school chaplains. She noted that military chaplains must meet rigorous educational, denominational and character requirements. The new state law doesnt require chaplains to be licensed to work in schools, meaning theyd only need to pass a background check to qualify. Spradlin also said she took issue with an assertion made by the bills author, Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville, who said the bill would ensure that schools dont become God-free zones. I will share my own conviction as a person of faith that it is the height of human arrogance to state that there is any place our children are where God is not, she said. Our schools are not now, nor have they ever been, God-free zones. Keller ISD board allows volunteer chaplains in mental health roles The vote in Fort Worth ISD came a day after the Keller Independent School Districts board approved a resolution allowing volunteer chaplains in schools. About 20 speakers urged the Keller ISD board to reject the resolution, most arguing that chaplains dont have the expertise to provide mental health care. Lisa Silverman, a board member with the Stepping Stones Foundation, told the board that the homeless and at-risk kids the foundation works with every day are too fragile to be handled by volunteer chaplains. The foundation provides services like emergency housing, mental health and medical care to North Texas kids in crisis. Intervention counselors are specially trained to identify those kids needs, she said, and thats training that chaplains typically dont have. We just want to make sure that the children in your district have the tools and resources to attend school every day, she said. Its just really hard for them to exist on a daily basis. Before voting to approve the resolution, several board members pushed back on those comments, noting that chaplains are already allowed to volunteer in the district. Board Vice President Sandi Walker said students are in dire need of support. Volunteer chaplains could complement the services already provided by school counselors, she said. School counselors and chaplains do not compete with one another, Walker said. Allowing chaplains is another touchpoint to providing crucial services to a student or a staff member in need. Fort Worth Independent School District students are facing harsher penalties for vaping with the rollout of a new state law, but experts and students say stricter discipline does not address the root of the problem. Vaping devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes and vape pens are the most common tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S. and can contain nicotine, cannabis and flavoring, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Fort Worth ISD, almost 400 students have faced disciplinary action related to vaping roughly from September to November both in 2022 and 2023. The state law cracking down on this behavior went into effect Sept. 1, but the test run to see how it would impact Fort Worth students did not start until Sept. 5 since students were out of class for a teacher preparation day and Labor Day. The penalties affecting students in third through 12th grade vary depending on how many vaping devices a student is found with and whether THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, is also found on their person. Students can be sent to a separate classroom through a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or to an alternative school. The consequences include: One-day intervention at the schools DAEP program if found with a vaping device and no THC One-day intervention at either the schools DAEP program or the Metro Opportunity School if found with two or fewer vaping devices in addition to THC (first offense) 15-day intervention at Metro Opportunity School if repeatedly found with two or fewer vaping devices and THC 20-day intervention at Metro Opportunity School if found with three or more vaping devices and THC In the districts announcement of the harsher penalties, officials encouraged parents and guardians to contact school counselors if they believe their child is experiencing addiction. If you suspect that your child may be struggling with substance abuse, we encourage you to reach out to your school counselor. We are here to support your family with resources and assistance to address any concerns you may have, the statement reads. Before the law went into effect Sept. 1, a student found just with a vaping device and no substances faced more minor consequences that mostly stayed at the school level through discipline such as the On-Campus Intervention program, or OCI, said Mark Cerja, the districts alternative education programs administrator and principal of various alternative schools. It addresses behavioral issues by placing students in a separate classroom with a certified teacher, intervention specialist and campus administrator. Now, all incidents involving vaping are reported to the districts student discipline and placement department for a central office conference, where school administrators present information of an incident to a hearing officer who determines whether the student returns to their normal campus or is transferred to an alternative school. Parents are included in the conference. Students assigned to OCI are typically in the same classroom as students assigned to DAEP, but the latter are there as a result of the conference and have no wiggle room to finish their punishment early for good behavior like OCI students, Cerja said. When referring to the new law, Cerja felt that it was passed to help address this issue that is really causing a strain across Texas. He hopes the new law, communication and spreading awareness will help reduce the number of vaping incidents in Fort Worth ISD. Everybodys really got to take a hard look at what measures could help pull back some of this vaping use, especially with the youth in our community, Cerja said. A sophomore at Trimble Tech High School told the Star-Telegram that he doesnt vape himself, but he sees his peers consistently vaping, smoking and trying to get ahold of vaping devices. Hes had people ask him for money for lunch who will instead use the cash to buy a vaping device such as a Baked Bar, which is marketed as one of the best and purest carts in the markets today that are almost 90% THC. As a high schooler himself, he believes that the threat of tougher punishments will only incentivize his peers to be more sneaky with hiding their vaping devices. Its really a parenting issue and a dealership issue with the vape stores They sell stuff to little kids just to get more money, the student said. Its an addiction. Its not something theyre just going to stop. Data obtained by the Star-Telegram from the school district through a public information request shows that the number of students who received in-school suspensions for vaping incidents more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of out-of-school suspensions decreased by 27%, and on-campus interventions slightly decreased by 8%. Overall, five more students have been disciplined in Fort Worth ISD overall from Sept. 5 to Nov. 9 this year compared to the same period last year. The current freshman class makes up the highest number of disciplined students this year at 93. The same group also accounted for the most disciplined students last year with 99 students. Experts say harsher penalties wont solve the problem Fort Worth ISD makes up a fraction of a nationwide problem. More than 2.5 million middle and high school students in the U.S. reported using a commercial tobacco product in 2022 within a month-long period, according to the CDC. The bright spot, though, is that overall tobacco use by high schoolers declined during 2022-2023, primarily driven by declining e-cigarette use, according to a 2023 survey by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC. The tobacco industry is known to target young people in its advertising while offering fruity and sweet flavors such as rainbow candy and fizzy peach in products like flavored e-cigarettes, according to the CDC. This type of marketing puts youth at risk of nicotine addiction, which can harm their attention, learning, mood and impulse control, experts say. When addressing behaviors such as vaping in the school system, suspension should be considered a last resort for serious violations because missing time in the classroom puts students at risk for graduating late, dropping out, or becoming involved in the criminal justice system, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Students of color, LGBTQ+ students, male students, low-income students and students receiving special education services make up a larger proportion of suspensions. Suspending students who violate a schools tobacco-free policy is unlikely to help them quit tobacco use, and could alter their academic and future goals, according to the CDC. Because young people have been unfairly targeted with marketing tactics, the science of addiction, and long-term consequences of suspension, schools should provide a supportive environment and encouragement to quit using tobacco products, not suspension. Today's top stories: Other driver killed in crash with Fort Worth CEO & kids identified as Marine AT&T Stadium worker charged with accepting bribe to let ticketless fans in Cowboys game Fort Worth ISD principals board voted to fire are retiring, resigning Get free alerts when news breaks. Dr. Emily Frank, a practicing pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health executive committee, said an investment in mental health resources and proper medical treatment are needed. Frank is also a health teacher at a high school in Oakland, California, and works in school-based health centers in the area. A lot of the time, vaping is something a young person is using to treat a health issue, and addiction is a health issue, Frank said. I think that when theres automatic discipline, it really becomes a lost opportunity to address a need or an underlying cause. The CDC points to Florida and New Jersey as examples where alternatives to suspension are offered, which include an online course that explains the dangers of tobacco use and can be taken in lieu of an out-of-school suspension. Frank said this could be an effective tool for other areas to use, in addition to linking students with a health care provider. Depending on the students needs, they could get sufficient help through a school-provided counselor, but issues with addiction or signs of anxiety or depression warrant an evaluation by a medical professional. I think group therapy could have a huge role. I think cognitive behavioral therapy could have a huge role, Frank added, referring to the type of therapy that can address issues such as drug use by reframing unhelpful thinking patterns. Cerja said that the Texas Education Agency is planning to roll out a drug awareness course for students with drug-related offenses. In the meantime, there are supports for students in the OCI program and alternative schools meant to improve future decision making, he said. A Yemeni coastguard member loyal to the internationally-recognised government rides in a patrol boat in the Red Sea close to the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait (Khaled ZIAD) The spike in attacks claimed by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in the Red Sea is dangerously increasing tensions in a bottleneck for international maritime trade and fuelling fears of an uncontrolled regional spillover of Yemen's longstanding conflict. Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, Yemen's Huthi rebels have threatened to attack any ship heading to Israeli ports and stepped up their raids. On Tuesday, Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a Norwegian-flagged tanker, an attack the Iran-backed group said was part of its military campaign against Israel. Last month, they seized an Israel-linked cargo vessel, the Galaxy Leader, and its 25 international crew. The Huthis, who control much of Yemen but are not recognised internationally, are part of the Iran-backed so-called "axis of resistance" arrayed against Israel. They say they are defending the Palestinians from an Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and have launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel. US and French warships patrolling the Red Sea have shot down Huthi missiles and drones several times since the militants began the attacks. A vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea is a key trade route for global shipping and energy supplies. Some 40 percent of international trade passes through the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, or the "Gate of Tears", a narrow waterway which separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa. "This is a rather dangerous moment for the stability of this strategic region," said Camille Lons, a researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Fabian Hinz of the International Institute for Strategic Studies added: "The Huthis have the capacity to cause considerable damage." While warships passing through the Red Sea are well equipped and can retaliate, commercial vessels do not have the same protections. "The US Navy cannot escort every civilian vessel in the Red Sea," said Hinz. - Iran influence - In recent years ties have grown between the Huthi rebels and Iran but the extent of their cooperation and coordination remains a major question. Saudi Arabia and the United States have accused Iran of supplying the Huthis with drones, missiles and other weapons, a charge Tehran denies. The Huthis say they manufacture their drones domestically, although analysts say they contain smuggled Iranian components. "The big question of course is the exact nature of Iranian involvement in these strikes," said Hinz. "Huthi equipment is mostly Iranian technology, but we know very little about Tehran's involvement in decision-making." Many experts insist on the degree of autonomy of the Yemeni rebels. Lons said that Huthis "don't answer to Tehran like the Lebanese Hezbollah does, the jewel in the crown of Iranian proxies in the region." "The Huthis would exist with or without Iran," Franck Mermier, a Yemen expert at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, told AFP. "They have a religious and ideological closeness to Iran, but they are Yemeni fighters first and foremost", he said. "I'm not sure the Iranians push the button on every attack," added Mermier. In contrast to Hezbollah's creation during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, Iran had had no role in the birth of the Huthi movement. The rebels adhere to a branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism. Yemen erupted into conflict in 2014 when the Iran-backed rebels seized Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to intervene the following year to prop up the internationally-recognised government. - 'Unpredictable and dangerous' - At the weekend Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi urged the international community to rein in the Yemeni rebels. "If the world does not take care of it," Hanegbi warned, "we will take action." Analysts said that the tensions could get out of hand quickly. "The Huthis are totally unpredictable and dangerous. And the processes that trigger war are always unpredictable," said Mermier. "So far the Huthis have struck without attracting massive retaliation, but it can get out of hand," added Mermier. Lons said that so far Iran has demonstrated it has no interest in letting the situation escalate regionally. "However, Tehran has less leverage over groups like the Huthis," added Lons. Noam Raydan, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said in a note to clients that since the capture of the Galaxy Leader some companies have been re-routing their ships around the Cape of Good Hope, opting for a longer and costlier route. "The risk of major disruption to global trade will remain high as long as commercial ships operated by various nationalities are being targeted," she said. cf-mdr-as/sjw/db Palestinians children pose outside their makeshift tent at a camp set up in a schoolyard in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip where most civilians have taken refuge, on December 13, 2023 (MOHAMMED ABED) Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said Wednesday it had exhausted its supply of children's vaccines and warned of "catastrophic health repercussions". The announcement came more than two months into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as international aid organisations have warned about the dire conditions in the crowded Palestinian territory. The ministry did not specify which vaccinations had run out, and its claim could not be independently verified. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Lynn Hastings, said that UNICEF was looking into the issue. "Vaccinations are one of the priority items that we are trying to bring in to ensure that we are able to continue with the vaccine campaign," Hastings told journalists at an online briefing without elaborating. Tedros Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, warned Sunday that "Gaza's health system is on its knees and collapsing," with 14 of 36 hospitals only partially functioning and supplies running low. "The risk is expected to worsen with the deteriorating situation and approaching winter conditions," he said. The Gaza health ministry called on international institutions to deliver urgently needed vaccines "to prevent disaster". Israel has waged a 68-day war against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, since its gunmen launched the October 7 attacks. Those attacks killed at least 1,200 people in southern Israel and the militants took around 240 people hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel's bombing and ground offensive since has killed over 18,400 people in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry. ibz-crb/jd/fz A senior doctor in northern Gaza says that dozens of medical staffers at his hospital have been taken to an undisclosed location by the Israeli military, as the enclaves wider healthcare system teeters on the edge of collapse. Dr. Hossam Abu-Safia, head of pediatrics at Kamal Adwan Hospital, told CNN in a phone interview that the area where the facility is located saw particularly heaving bombing on Tuesday followed by the arrival of Israeli troops, describing the situation as very dangerous. The troops told all men between the ages of 16 and 65 to leave the building to be searched, he said. More than 70 medical staff were arrested and taken to an unknown area, according to Abu-Safia, including hospital director, Dr. Ahmed Al-Kahlot. His claim was echoed in a statement by Gazas Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Al-Kahlot had spoken to CNN less than 24 hours earlier, alleging that Israeli tank shells had hit the hospitals maternity ward on Monday. The strike killed two women and left two more so badly wounded their legs required amputation, he said at the time. CNN was unable to reach Dr. Al-Kahlot on Tuesday. Asked about the arrests, the Israel Defense Forces said that it continues to act against Hamas strongholds in the north of Gaza, among them the area of Beit Lahia. Kamal Adwan hospital is located in Gaza City, not Beit Lahia. The statement added that the IDF is taking all feasible precaution to mitigate harm to non-combatants, and is fighting against the Hamas terrorist organization, and not the civilians in Gaza or the medical teams operating there. Horrendous conditions Israeli actions in and around hospitals in Gaza have come under fierce criticism, as medical workers and NGOS warn that the health system in the territory is barely functional and cannot tolerate any more strain. Last month, the Israeli army raided Gazas largest hospital, Al Shifa, in search of conclusive proof of the large-scale command and control center it had claimed was there, as doctors rushed to evacuate patients and dozens of newborn infants in need of incubators. The IDF subsequently brought some reporters to see the tunnels it had uncovered inside the hospital compound, which also included several small underground rooms. CNN has been shown the tunnel shaft but has not been inside the tunnels. At Al-Rantisi childrens hospital, medical staff were also told to leave, as the IDF conducted operations inside; Israeli military officials later alleged that one room in the buildings basement was a Hamas armory, which had a handful of weapons and a chair with a rope next to it a claim Gaza health officials denied. Many medical centers serve as shelters for displaced Gazans seeking safety, in addition to caring for patients. But those seeking refuge in hospitals are finding that this is just not the case, Marie-Aure Perreaut, the emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in the enclave. While hospitals as a category are protected by international law, they may be viewed as legitimate military targets if found to be housing able-bodied combatants and weapons. The Israeli military has said it only carries out operations in and around hospitals where they are being used by Hamas and other armed groups. According to Dr. Abu-Safia, he and just five other doctors were allowed to stay at Kamal Adwan Hospital to attend to patients in intensive care unit and premature babies. They asked us to gather in only one section or building [and] close all the doors and windows, and not to be near doors or windows, he said. But the care that the hospitals remaining staff can offer patients too weak to be moved has been minimal, he said, due to acute shortages of fuel, water, food, and medical supplies even before the siege. Today the hospital has no water or power, he added, noting that doctors are working with primitive flashlights to follow up on the patients left in the hospital. Across the besieged enclave, only 11 hospitals remain even partially functional, according to Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organizations (WHO) representative in Gaza, in a press conference Tuesday. In just 66 days the health system has gone from 36 functional hospitals to 11 partially functional hospitals - so, one in the north and 10 in the south, he said. In the same day, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was extremely worried about reports of a raid at Kamal Adwan Hospital in #Gaza after several days of siege, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Several hospitals in northern Gaza have ceased operations in recent weeks, saying they received orders from the Israeli military to evacuate. The Israeli military disputes issuing such an order. Fuel shortages have forced several hospitals in Gaza to close, while others have shut down due to airstrike damage, according to the WHO. CNNs Abeer Salman, Catherine Nicholls and Isa Soares contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Members of Gen Z -- those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s -- perceive more dangers in life than previous generations, a study reveals. Photo by Nben54/Wikimedia Commons NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Members of Gen Z -- those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s -- perceive more dangers in life than previous generations, a study reveals. The new research, to be presented Wednesday at the 2023 Society for Risk Analysis Conference in Washington, D.C., indicates that young peoples' inability to comprehend risk is a critical component of the mental health crisis that engulfs their generation. To probe this issue, Gabriel Rubin, a professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., conducted 50 interviews with members of Gen Z. The ongoing study examines risk factors that have led to the current mental health crisis in young people. So far, it has identified risk factors such as mass shootings, school lockdown drills, parental pressure, social media and the climate crisis as key. "Despite risk analysis research demonstrating that we live in one of the safest times ever, Gen Z experiences a disparity in risk assessment from their older counterparts, essentially having the perception that risk is everywhere they turn," according to a news release about the study. To probe their feelings, Gabriel Rubin (L-C), a professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., conducted 50 interviews with members of Gen Z. Photo courtesy of Montclair State University One of the key findings from Rubin's interviews is that members of Gen Z are inundated with a constant stream of news alerts that overemphasize their threat level. They are presented with a world in which risk is black and white -- that things are safe or pose dangerous risk. Previous research has shown that risk is not black and white -- many risks exist in life and they can be weighed, yet Gen Z members regard risk as either the presence or absence of safety in a situation. The new research has revealed that the disparity in risk assessment has resulted in many young people feeling anxious, depressed and even suicidal, particularly young girls and women. It notes that messaging to Gen Zers should emphasize that a significant gray area exists in risk and in life. "One of the big questions people have is whether this spike in anxiety and depression is due to there being less of a stigma, which allows people to talk about it more, or whether there are other factors going on that have led to these higher incidences. That's what drove me to do these interviews," Rubin told UPI in a telephone interview. "There's a lot of misperception about young people today. A lot of people think that they are overreporting these issues or that they shouldn't be feeling this way," he said, adding that some people perceive them to be overly sensitive. But that's not what he encountered. On a daily basis, Gen Z members are "faced with anxiety-inducing or depressing experiences," Rubin said, citing the COVID-19 lockdowns as an example. In another common scenario, he noted that this population grapples with the someone bringing a real weapon to school learning it was a false alarm. Climate change also looms large on their minds, and they dread it. "They're taught from a young age that the world is ending -- that climate change is going to destroy the planet and that no one is going to do anything it," Rubin said. This generation came into the world at a time of significant stressors. including spikes in unemployment and the opioid epidemic, which took a toll on their families, Dr. Larry Wissow, a professor and head of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, told UPI in a telephone interview. The impact of such trauma can alter mechanisms in the brain that respond to stressors in the environment, Wissow said, adding that "we have a generation of young people who were born at a time of adversity, and it makes sense that they would have an altered sense of threat." Tania Czarnecki, a licensed psychologist and executive director of counseling at Drexel University in Philadelphia, told UPI via email that the research conducted by Rubin "is attuned to what our young folks are facing today." "Our young folks are in quite a predicament, in terms of coming of age during a troubling time while also needing to find balance and live physically and mentally healthy lives," Czarnecki said. "They have already faced a pandemic, mass shootings, social injustice, threats to our Black, Indigenous, and people of color population, LGBTQIA+ folks, cyber bullying, climate change, a deeply polarized country -- all while trying to navigate the constant bombardment of unfiltered social media." David Cates, a licensed psychologist and director of behavioral health at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, told UPI via email that Gen Z members' assessment of risk may be different than that of other generations. That's because they are dealing with "poorer mental health, concern for their safety, and financial stress, along with a high level of social media use in which these concerns are often amplified," Cates said. Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, Del., told UPI via email "exposure to and consumption of news is ubiquitous in the era of social media, with Gen Z being digital natives who have grown up with continuous access. "This inundation can mislead people to believe that the rates of negative and/or threatening current and world events are higher than they are, because the exposure to coverage of them is constant," she said. FILE - Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, a former Georgia election worker, testifies as her mother Ruby Freeman listens at right, as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, June 21, 2022. In Giuliani's defamation trial, Wandrea Shaye Moss took the witness stand on Tuesday and read messages accusing her of treason, calling her a thug and a racist slur.(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) WASHINGTON (AP) A former Georgia election worker suing Rudy Giuliani over false claims he spread about her and her daughter in 2020 cried on the witness stand on Wednesday as she described fleeing her home after she endured racist threats and strangers banging on her door. Ruby Freeman's online boutique was flooded with threatening messages, including several that mentioned lynching, after Giuliani tweeted a video of her counting votes as a temporary election worker while he pushed Donald Trump's baseless claims of fraud, Freeman told jurors. Freeman, 64, said she had to leave her home in January 2021, after people came with bullhorns and the FBI told her she wasnt safe. I took it as though they were going to hang me with their ropes on my street, Freeman testified about the threats on the third day of the trial in Washington's federal courthouse. She added: I was scared. I didnt know if they were coming to kill me." Lawyers for Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Shaye Moss, rested their case after Freeman's testimony. Giuliani is expected to testify in his defense, though U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell has barred him from attempting to argue his debunked claims. Freeman eventually had to sell her home, she told jurors. She said she lived out of her car for a time, as the relentless drumbeat of harassment made friends and fellow church members afraid to be associated with her. Now, she stays holed up inside and avoids introducing herself to neighbors out of fear her name will be recognized, she said. Its so scary, any time I go somewhere, if I have to use my name, she said, gasping through her tears to get her words out. I miss my old neighborhood because I was me, I could introduce myself. Now I dont have a name, really. The testimony came a day after her daughter, Moss, took the witness stand herself and detailed the nightmares, panic attacks and depression brought on by an onslaught of threatening and racist messages that turned her life upside down and forced her from a job she loves. They spoke as part of a trial to determine how much Giuliani will have to pay the two women for spreading conspiracy theories that they rigged the states 2020 election results. A judge has already determined he is liable for defamation and Giuliani has acknowledged in court that he made public comments falsely claiming Freeman and Moss committed fraud while counting ballots. An expert for the plaintiffs testified Wednesday that Giulianis defamatory statements, which were also spread by Trump and his campaign, were viewed up to 56 million times by people who were sympathetic to them. Northwestern University professor Ashlee Humphreys, who also testified in the defamation case filed against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll, said emotionally damaging statements were seen hundreds of millions of times. The cost of repairing their reputations alone could be as high as $47 million, Humphreys said. They are also seeking emotional and punitive damages, in the tens of millions of dollars. Giulianis lawyer grilled Humphreys on her methodology, and sought to raise questions about how much responsibility the former mayor should personally bear for the spread of conspiracy theories. Giuliani has continued to make unfounded allegations against the women and insisted outside the federal courthouse Monday that his claims about the women were true. As the defamation damagers trial unfolds, Giuliani is also preparing to defend himself against criminal charges in a separate case in Georgia. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges accusing him and others of scheming to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in the state and denied any wrongdoing. ___ Richer reported from Boston. A woman who chased down and killed a 62-year-old man who caused a minor traffic crash by running a red light claims she never intended to shoot him only to take down his license plate number for 911 dispatchers. However, witnesses told a different story at 25-year-old Hannah Payne's murder trial, telling jurors that the woman cut off Kenneth Herring with her car, jumped out and punched him after the May 7, 2019 collision. Then, witnesses said, she brandished her hip-holstered gun, threatened to shoot Herring twice and "immediately" did so, per FOX 5 Atlanta. "You dont get the death penalty for committing a traffic infraction," Nigel Hunter, a Clayton County assistant district attorney, said in his closing arguments. GEORGIA AND ALABAMA PROPOSE SETTLEMENT IN LONG-STANDING CHATTAHOOCHIE RIVER DISPUTE Hannah Payne, 25, was found guilty on Tuesday of felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and three weapons possession charges in the death of 62-year-old Kenneth Herring. On Tuesday, Payne was convicted on felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and weapons possession charges in a Clayton County court, the outlet reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The jury reportedly took just two hours to render the verdict. The woman looked down and sobbed as it was read, per FOX 5. Both Payne and witnesses agreed she drew her gun but during her Monday testimony, she claimed she never intended to fire. Instead, she claimed, Herring shot himself in a struggle for the weapon. Payne's car was not involved in the crash at the center of the deadly altercation. She reportedly pulled over to dial 911 after witnessing Herring run a red light in his Dodge Dakota pickup truck and cause a minor crash with a semi-truck. Herring waited at the scene of the crash for 15 to 20 minutes before driving away, according to Law & Crime. 3 DEAD, 1 HURT IN ATLANTA APARTMENT SHOOTING Hannah Payne wept as the Clayton County jury handed down its verdict on Tuesday. At that time, a state corrections officer who also witnessed the crash testified, he displayed symptoms of a diabetic shock his eyes were red-orange, he appeared disoriented and he reportedly circled his truck several times. Payne testified that the corrections officer told her the man was "OK, but... definitely inebriated" as they waited at the scene. Per her testimony, this prompted Payne and the semi-truck driver to ask at the same time "Do you mean he's drunk?" Despite being told a total of four times by 911 operators not to do so, she pursued Herring in her Jeep after he left the scene of the crash after realizing no one at the scene had taken down his license plate number. "OK, so you couldnt get a tag number?" a 911 dispatcher asked, per FOX 5. "No, but Im catching up to him right now," Payne responded. WOMAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO TORCH HISTORIC MLK HOME IN ATLANTA DENIED BOND Kenneth Herring, 62, was shot dead by Hannah Payne, 25, at a Clayton County intersection in Georgia on May 7, 2019, after he drove away from the scene of a minor car crash. "OK, maam we actually do not want you to chase him, we just want you to be safe," the dispatcher said in the recording. Payne claimed in her testimony that Herring was revving his engine as he pulled away. "He is drunk. Im not," Payne told the dispatcher, per recordings of her two 911 calls played in court. "Im sorry, but Im here to tell you Im not not going to follow him because he is going to cause an accident." Payne would tell the court she was "under the impression, with having 911 on the phone, that [she] would be a messenger." She also told the court that she understood the dispatcher's instructions to disengage as "suggestions." Payne confronted Herring after catching up with him at an intersection, telling him to return to the scene of the crash. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOME ARSON SUSPECT NAMED, CAUGHT ON CAMERA "We're loud, it's near an interstate, it's a busy road and I can't hear what he's saying to me. But as I'm getting closer to him, I hear him ask me who the f--- am I," Payne told the court. She said he then knocked her phone out of her hand and later reached out of his truck to grab her by her shirt. He ripped the shirt with the force of his grab, she claimed, and dragged her along with his car when he "mashed the gas." The Georgia woman said she announced that she had a gun when the man refused to let go, and was forced to unholster it when he would not listen, she said. "I pulled it out and immediately started trying to just continue to push against the door with it like push it away from him" she testified. Then, she claimed: "He grabbed my hand with the gun in it." "As hes pulling it is when it the trigger went off," she continued. "After it went off, my entire body kind of fell backwards." GEORGIA REDISTRICTING PLAN HEADS TO KEMP'S DESK AFTER CLEARING LEGISLATURE Hannah Payne, 25, is seen outside Kenneth Herring's pickup truck shortly before shooting the man on May 7, 2019. Based on witnesses' testimonies, prosecutors refuted the claim. "Shes using deadly force; she wasnt faced with deadly force," District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson said, per Law & Crime. "You cannot claim self-defense and use deadly force unless youre not the initial aggressor she is." After shooting the man, per the recorded 911 calls, Payne asked that an ambulance be sent to the scene. In body camera footage captured by a responding police officer and played for jurors, Payne said that she "was overwhelmed," "scared" and "didn't really know what was going on" after the incident. "Clearly, trying to do the right thing is not the right answer," Payne said as she began to cry, per FOX 5. Payne's sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday. Matt Tucker, Payne's defense attorney, asked the judge to poll every juror after they read their verdict. He could not be reached for comment at press time. GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYER DECLARED BRAIN-DEAD AFTER FREAK BATTING CAGE ACCIDENT Hannah Payne's sentencing is scheduled for this Friday at 10 a.m. "This is not some killer, this is not some murder," Tucker said in his closing arguments. "Shes some young girl who got caught up in the wrong situation. "In her mind, she was a young individual trying to help out," Tucker continued. "No good deed goes unpunished." Herring's family was photographed rejoicing after Payne's verdict was read, and told FOX 5 Atlanta that the Clayton County jury "did its job." "When I heard the first verdict, I knew we werent supposed to show signs, but tears just started rolling down my face because at that moment I felt a relief that came over," said Jacqueline Herring, one of Herring's sisters. Original article source: Georgia woman fights murder case after killing stranger in citizen's arrest The new spending plans of Olaf Scholz's coalition will allow Germany to keep to its funding commitments for Ukraine, as well as plans to transition to climate neutrality (Tobias SCHWARZ) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition clinched a last-minute budget deal on Wednesday, preventing a political crisis from spiralling out of control after a constitutional court ruling upended its spending plans. Savings would have to be made in some areas, Scholz conceded, but he pledged that Berlin would maintain financial aid for Ukraine in its battle against Russia, adding that he would also fight for "sustainable" EU help for Kyiv. Germany's highest court found last month that the government had broken a constitutional debt rule when it transferred 60 billion euros ($65 billion) earmarked for pandemic support to a climate fund. The bombshell ruling blew a huge hole in spending plans and plunged Scholz's three-way coalition into turmoil. After adopting an emergency budget for 2023, Scholz and his junior coalition partners battled for weeks before finally finding an agreement for 2024 early Wednesday. The coalition's new plans will allow Germany to keep to its funding commitments for Ukraine, as well as programmes for the transition to climate neutrality. It will also maintain its welfare pledges, said Scholz. Germany will also reinstate its debt brake rule, which is enshrined in national law and prevents the state from borrowing more than 0.35 percent of annual GDP to cover a structural deficit, barring exceptional circumstances. To make up the 17-billion-euro gap exposed by the court ruling, Scholz said "climate-harming subsidies" would be dropped. But help for the solar energy sector, as well as incentives to get consumers to switch to electric cars, will also be hit, admitted Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens. The crisis came at a time when the German economy was already struggling and the budget compromises immediately sparked criticism. "The savings coming at a time of economic weakness will have a negative impact on the economy," Gerd Landsberg of the federation of German cities and towns told Rheinische Post daily. ING analyst Carsten Brzeski projected that the more "restrictive" budget in 2024 means that "the risk is high that the German economy will remain in a minor recession next year". - Balanced budget obsession? - The debt rule, which came into force in 2011 under former chancellor Angela Merkel, was meant to underline Germany's commitment to fiscal prudence. With an ageing population, the conservatives have argued that overburdening younger generations with more borrowing would be irresponsible. Critics, however, view the rule as a German obsession that is halting the EU heavyweight's growth potential. At a time when Europe's biggest economy is already at risk of a recession, calls have been growing for Berlin to open its coffers wider. The rule had been suspended since 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and an energy crisis triggered by Russia's war on Ukraine. The debt brake had been due to return this year until the court ruling forced the government to temporarily halt the rule again for 2023. Amid wrangling for the 2024 budget, Scholz's Social Democrats had called for a renewed suspension of the debt brake. But Christian Lindner's liberal FDP had firmly rejected such a move. Scholz hinted, however, that the government could reexamine its stance on the brake should more be needed for Ukraine. "If the situation through Russia's war against Ukraine were to intensify -- because of a worsening situation at the front or should other supporters withdraw their help, or due to a growing threat for Germany or Europe -- we would have to react," Scholz said. Speaking in parliament later to outline Berlin's position ahead of a summit of EU leaders on Thursday, Scholz said securing constant help for Ukraine was a priority, as he called on partners to be "realistic on other wishes and expectations for the EU budget". bur-hmn/dlc/cw LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said an ongoing state investigation has revealed that two Arkansas companies may have significant connections with China and could be violating a state land ownership law. Officials with Sanders office said an ongoing investigation by Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward found that Risever Machinery LLC in Craighead County and Jones Digital LLC near DeWitt could have ties with China. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Attorney General Griffin act to force Chinese seed company to divest Arkansas land holdings, issues fine The governor said that the companies may be in violation of Act 636, which prohibits foreign-party-controlled businesses from owning Arkansas land. China is a hostile foreign adversary and under my administration, we will follow the law and not allow companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party to buy up and exploit Arkansas land, Sanders said. Sanders also noted that Jones Digital LLC may also have significant ownership interest in digital asset and crypto-mining operations in other parts of the state under different names. Chinese state-owned company ordered to divest Arkansas agricultural land under new state law The governor said she has alerted Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins office about these possible violations. Letters were also sent to Griffins office from Ward requesting further investigation and consideration for legal action. This is not the first instance of Sanders pursuing legal action under Act 636 against an Arkansas business. In October, Sanders ordered Chinese-state owned company Syngenta Seeds to divest its Arkansas land and Griffin issued a $280,000 fine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A report by the Department of Labor reveals the statistically most stressful occupations in the United States of 2023, ranging from health care workers to Hollywood filmmakers. The Occupational Information Network, or O*NET, which is part of the Department of Labor, ranked 873 of the jobs with the highest "stress tolerance." The rankings factor which jobs require "accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations." First reported in USA Today, the jobs don't just include careers that pay high salaries, including urologists (ranked No. 1) and judges (ranked No. 4). Some of the jobs pay low median wages, such as retail supervision (No. 9). Though some positions on O*NET's ranking require multiple degrees or postgraduate school, the list comprises "many low- and middle-skilled occupations with high levels of stress," Sania Khan, chief economist at Eightfold AI told USA Today. AS PHYSICAL THERAPIST PRACTICES IN AMERICA FACE STAFFING SHORTAGES, KIDS ARE 'SUFFERING,' SAY EXPERTS Urologists were ranked as having the most stressful job in 2023. Here is the list of the most stressful jobs in the U.S. in 2023: 1. Urologists READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Urologists diagnose and treat diseases related to the urinary tract, bladder and reproductive system. Stress level: 100 Median annual salary: $208,000 2. Film and video editors Editors organize and string together raw footage and other assets like music, sound effects and other creative elements for a film according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers. Stress level: 99 Median annual salary: $62,680 Judges and magistrates clocked in at number 4 on the most stressful jobs in America according to research by the U.S. Department of Labor. 3. Anesthesiologist assistants These assistants administer anesthesia for surgical and nonsurgical procedures. They also monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment. Stress level: 98 Median annual salary: $121,530 4. Judges and magistrates Judges administer justice in a court of law. They may sentence defendants, determine liability of defendant in civil cases, or even perform wedding ceremonies. Stress level: 98 Median annual salary: $148,030 'LAZY GIRL JOBS' AND DITCHING THE 9-5. GEN Z'S PARENTS HAVE FAILED THEM Obstetricians and gynecologists were given a stress rate of 97 out of 100. 5. Phone operators Phone operators provide information to callers by accessing directories and assisting them with a variety of tasks, like billing requests, charges, credits or refunds. They may also handle emergency calls and help children or people with physical disabilities make telephone calls. Stress level: 98 Median annual salary: $37,630 6. Acute care nurses These nurses provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions like heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome or shock. They may also care for patients before and after operations as well as perform advanced, invasive procedures. Stress level: 98 Median annual salary: $77,600 CAN YOU AVOID END-OF-THE-YEAR CAREER BURNOUT? JOB EXPERTS REVEAL SECRETS Acute care nurses were assigned a stress rate of 98 out of 100. 7. Obstetricians and gynecologists Obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical care related to pregnancy and childbirth, including diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the reproductive system. They may also perform medical and gynecological surgery, as well as general care for women. Stress level: 97 Median annual salary: $208,000 8. Public safety telecommunicators Public safety telecommunicators receive and communicate 911 requests via telephone, radio or another communication system for emergency assistance. They record information regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies and other public safety matters while also giving advice or instructions to callers. Stress level: 97 Median annual salary: $46,670 Supervisors in retail sales clocked in at number 9 in the country's most stressful jobs of 2023. 9. First-line supervisor of retail sales workers These supervisors directly manage and coordinate the activities of retail sales workers. On top of obligations as a supervisor, other duties may include purchasing, budgeting and accounting. Stress level: 96 Median annual salary: $39,230 10. Nurse anesthetists These nurses administer anesthesia, monitor patients' vital signs and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia, possibly in an assistant role to anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians or dentists. They must be registered nurses with specialized graduate education. Stress level: 96 Median annual salary: $195,610 Original article source: Government report reveals most stressful jobs in 2023 The treatment of veterans thrown out of the military for being gay will be the subject of a full debate in Parliament, after a government U-turn. LGBT people were banned from serving in the armed forces until the year 2000. The debate, originally promised in July, after an independent report into the ban, was then scrapped but, BBC News has learned, will now be in 2024. And veterans affected can now register their interest in applying for reparative schemes. More than a thousand veterans gave testimony to the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, by the UK's first openly gay judge, Lord Etherton, including how they had been bullied, physically and sexually assaulted, thrown out of the military and often left without income or being able to claim their pensions. And on Wednesday, Andrew Murrison MP confirmed the government had "accepted the intent" behind all the review's 49 recommendations for the government to make amends and already implemented half of them, including an official apology from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on behalf of the British state. The veterans' treatment "has long been a stain on the conscience of the nation", he said. And the government was now "throwing open the door" for them to apply for restorative justice, including the return of medals stripped away. Andrew Murrison MP said the government "couldn't write a blank cheque" for compensation Veterans can now apply online for some of the non-financial restorative measures. Further details about financial compensation will be made available next year. Veterans were warned the government would be unable to "write a blank cheque". But earlier this week, military charities, including Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, signed an open letter to Mr Sunak, calling for the 50m cap on the total fund for veterans to be lifted as soon as possible. 'Regrettable chapter' Defence Secretary Grant Shapps urged veterans to register online so the government could "continue to right the wrongs of the past". "The way that LGBT personnel were treated between 1967 and 2000 was unacceptable," he said. "Our response to Lord Etherton's review demonstrates the positive action we are taking to help rectify this regrettable chapter in the history of the armed forces." Craig Jones, co-director of the charity Fighting with Pride, who campaigned for the review, welcomed the announcement of a full debate in Parliament. LGBT veterans from campaign group Fighting With Pride celebrated the report's publication, in July 2023 Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, who served in the Army during the ban, told the review: "Veterans lost careers and livelihoods. Some were bullied, some tortured and lost everything including self-worth. "Some now in their 60s and 70s and those who are suffering with lifelong mental-health problems have been hoping in their later years to rebuild their lives. The compensation is too low. It's horrific, a kick in the teeth. "Unless the government does the right thing and scraps the compensation cap, it has a catastrophic problem on its hands." Emma Riley, 51, a Royal Navy radio operator in the early 1990s, before her arrest and discharge for being a lesbian left her with "absolutely nothing", welcomed the apology and plans for a memorial and ribbon for LGBT veterans. "The non-financial parts of this are incredibly important because things like a beret or a medal are physical reminders of the pride we had serving - and that pride was taken away from us and turned into shame," she said. Ukraines state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, has revealed significant shifts in the transportation of grain cargo, impacting both domestic and export sectors. In November 2023, the overall transport of grain cargo experienced a substantial 22.6% increase compared to October, totaling 3.063 million tons, Ukrzaliznytsias press service told NV Business. Read also: Ukraine and Poland sign landmark railway agreement after almost 30 years However, domestic grain shipments experienced a 20% decline in the same period, totaling 572.4 thousand tons. The company reported that export shipments of grain in November 2023 reached 2.431 million tons, marking a significant 40.4% increase from October. Read also: While iron and manganese ore held a dominant 39.5% share in October, grain claimed the lead in November with a 40% share. Iron and manganese ore slipped to second place with a 38% share. Black metals maintained third position, with a consistent 6.7-6.8% share in both November and October. Earlier reports highlighted Ukrzaliznytsias resumption of Ukrainian agricultural exports via Poland in April. This authorization covered overland transit and transport to the seaports of Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, and Szczecin. 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 Grand Chute Supervisor Ron Wolff appears in court in September to face a felony charge of having a private interest in a public contract. GRAND CHUTE Town Supervisor Ron Wolff claims in a federal counter lawsuit that former Town Administrator Jim March set him up to be charged with a crime. March's plan to entrap Wolff, the counter lawsuit alleges, was done either so Wolff would have to leave the Town Board or to cause sufficient chaos that Wolff would abandon his political platform of abolishing Grand Chute's use of special assessments to pay for public improvements. March's conduct was "intended and calculated," Wolff's complaint says, and has hindered Wolff's ability to participate in politics and has severely damaged his reputation. The 27-page counter lawsuit is in response to March's lawsuit against Grand Chute, Town Chair Jason Van Eperen, Supervisor Jeff Ings and Wolff, alleging they fired him earlier this year in retaliation for cooperating with a state criminal investigation involving Wolff. March's attorney, Michael Fox, said Wolff's counter lawsuit is nonsense. "It's beyond nonsense, if there is such a thing," Fox told The Post-Crescent. "There's no evidence to support it. It's all conjecture and conspiracy theory." 26 Wolff Counter Claim by Post-Crescent on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Wolff was charged with a felony in July for allegedly having having private interest in a public contract after one of his companies, Lakeshore Cleaners Inc., performed landscaping work for the town while he was in office. The quote for the work totaled $26,865, which is in excess of the $15,000 limit set by state law. Wolff pleaded not guilty in September. The case is pending in Outagamie County Circuit Court. March reported issue to state agent investigating Wolff Lakeshore Cleaners submitted its $26,865 quote for site preparation and seeding at the Champion Center in May 2021. It was the only quote received and was approved by the Joint Sanitary District in June 2021. Wolff, who took office in April 2021, abstained from the vote. In October 2021, March informed Jay Yerges, a special agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, that he thought Wolff had violated state law regarding the landscaping work. March told Yerges that Wolff claimed he had divested himself from Lakeshore Cleaners when the work was approved but later learned Wolff still held an ownership role in the company. DCI had begun to investigate Wolff sometime after August 2021, when fellow Town Supervisor Brad Gehring filed an affidavit alleging Wolff was not a permanent resident of Grand Chute and therefore was unqualified to serve on the Town Board. Wolff says March knew of conflict and did nothing to stop it The counter lawsuit says March told Wolff that the landscaping work would fit into an exception or loophole for erosion control and "would not cause Wolff to have any problems" in respect to state law. "'Setting up Ron Wolff' was James March's motivation for incorrectly telling Ron Wolff that a loophole for erosion control existed," the counter suit says. It further asserts March failed to warn Wolff, Lakeshore Cleaners and the Town Board that Wolff's abstention from the vote was insufficient to comply with the law. Wolff's attorney, Erik Olsen, said March reported the issue to Yerges in October 2021 yet did nothing to stop the landscaping work, which was completed in November 2021, or prevent the town from paying the bill, which was done in December 2021. "If one is aware of it enough to report it to law enforcement, one should have been aware of it enough to report it to the board members who obviously did not wish to violate laws, rules or regulations," Olsen told The Post-Crescent. Wolff's counter lawsuit says that to the extent there was a violation of the law by Wolff, the violation "was caused by James March's intentional course of conduct." It requests an injunction ordering March "to sign a letter accepting full responsibility for Ron Wolff's violation," to the extent there was a violation. Wolff's counter lawsuit raises a number of new issues March was fired without cause by the Town Board. The move came just weeks after Van Eperen publicly stated March had met the performance goals set by the board. Wolff's counter lawsuit, however, lists three issues with March that are characterized as "inexcusable and would have independently been grounds for dismissal for cause." Water loss: The counter lawsuit says Grand Chute had been losing about $1 million in annual revenue due to leaking water pipes or malfunctioning meters. March failed in his job by not preventing the revenue loss, it says. Information technology budget: Wolff alleges Grand Chute "has a massively bloated IT budget" that reaches almost $2 million annually and that March failed to control the budget. Flip-flopping behavior: Wolff contends that March took one position in private meetings and then took a different position at public meetings to discredit or embarrass Wolff politically. He said March also engaged in the flip-flopping behavior with Van Eperen and Ings, but never with Gehring. Fox, March's attorney, said the allegations came out of the blue. "That's what ofttimes happens in employment cases," Fox said. "When you don't have a reason, except for an illegal reason, to terminate somebody, you tend to create reasons retrospectively." Fox noted that in November, with March no longer serving as town administrator, the Town Board approved the 2024 IT budget without complaint or change. "Why would they adopt a budget for something they said was a critical failing of the most recent administrator?" Fox asked. "Why would they adopt it without even suggesting a modification?" Related: Grand Chute board selects Richard Downey of Altoona as next town administrator What's the status of March's wrongful firing lawsuit? March served as town administrator for nearly 15 years before he was fired without cause. The vote was 4-1. Van Eperen, Ings, Wolff and newly seated Supervisor Beth English voted for the termination, and Gehring opposed it. March's federal lawsuit against the town, Van Eperen, Ings and Wolff contends he was fired in retaliation for cooperating with the state investigation. Fox said English wasn't included in the lawsuit because she wasn't involved in the investigation or the board proceedings leading up to March's termination. Van Eperen, Ings and Wolff deny they retaliated against March. They argue town employees besides March were interviewed by state investigators, and the board took no action against them. The case is scheduled for a jury trial in December 2024. The state investigation sought evidence of misconduct in public office and involved a court-approved search of Wolff and his properties. Documents, laptops and a cellphone were among the property seized during the search. Wolff and his wife filed a federal lawsuit alleging the search violated their constitutional rights. U.S. District Judge William Conley acknowledged the search warrant was "surprisingly broad" but dismissed the case, ruling the claims were barred by the doctrine of qualified immunity. Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Grand Chute Supervisor Ron Wolff says he was set up for felony charge The forthcoming closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery will be a key test of whether the "just transition" can be a reality, a watchdog has said. Hundreds of jobs are at risk at the site, with plans to convert the refinery into a fuels import terminal. Talks are ongoing between bosses at Petroineos, unions and the Scottish and UK governments about the workforce. But the Just Transition Commission has warned that "meaningful and pragmatic support" will be needed. The independent group said that Scotland was not currently on course for a just transition, and that cases like Grangemouth would be key in establishing its credibility. The Grangemouth refinery is owned by Petroineos - a joint venture between Chinese state-owned firm PetroChina, and London-based Ineos. The company announced in November that a 10m project was under way to convert the site into a fuel import hub. Answering questions from MSPs on Holyrood's economy committee, head of external affairs Iain Hardie said the refinery business had posted losses in recent years, and that margins would only fall in future. No date has been given for when the refinery will close, but the infrastructure work is due to be complete by the spring of 2025. A further 40m investment could be needed by May of that year to allow the site to get a licence to continue operating - a "big hurdle" which also suggests that could be a likely deadline for the plant shutting down. Mr Hardie insisted that no decision about a closing date had been made, but said: "There is a recognition that the refinery will close. "We wouldn't be putting these measures in place if we had line of sight to the refinery operating for the next 20 years. That's simply not the case and nobody in the refinery industry or the Scottish or UK government reasonably believes that. "What we are doing is putting infrastructure in place so that as and when the business makes that decision, there is no change in terms of a continuity of supply position for Scotland." Grangemouth will shift to an import business model in the coming years Mr Hardie also said that the "highly skilled staff" at Grangemouth were "the absolute focus of management", with talks with unions continuing about measures to protect them, including increased pay and redundancy terms. There have been questions about how many jobs are actually at risk, with both Mr Hardie and Economy Secretary Neil Gray saying that the widely-circulated figure of 400 was "an assumption rather than a definite". The refinery has around 500 dedicated staff. The new import hub would require around 100 to stay on, while a further 50 would be needed for decommissioning and demolition work for a period of around three years. Mr Hardie also said about 100 staff could be eligible for retirement by the time the refinery shuts. However, he said calculations about the impact on the wider supply chain - which supports many more jobs - had not been finalised. Economy Secretary Neil Gray said a just transition plan for Grangemouth would be published next spring The meeting took place hours after world leaders at the Cop28 climate summit had called for a global move away from fossil fuels - and shortly after the Just Transition Commission had published its latest report. The independent panel was set up to track progress towards a "just transition" - the idea, frequently cited by politicians, of moving away from oil and gas without mass job losses or the industrial decline seen after the UK's coal industry shut down. Their "Time to Deliver" paper presses for the talk of a just transition to be backed up with real leadership and investment. It says the just transition "should from here on be used to describe a detailed and specific set of policies, actions and investments that further tangible progress along a well-defined pathway" - adding that "use of just transition as a 'fix all' term without specific policies and actions to actually realise it must be avoided from now on". The report cites the prospect of "unplanned and unmanaged" job losses at Grangemouth as "an immediate imperative to establish the credibility of just transition as a national mission". It added that workers needed "meaningful and pragmatic support" to move into low-carbon industries. 'Constructive' meetings Mr Gray told MSPs that a specific just transition plan for Grangemouth would be published next spring. He said "very good and constructive" meetings had been held with the Unite and STUC unions, who were "working very closely with management" to protect the workforce. On the broader question of a just transition, Mr Gray said the goal for ministers was "to see as many people as possible retained in the energy sector and elsewhere". He said the work being doing particularly in the supply chain for offshore wind projects could demonstrate to the "highly skilled and valued workforce" that they could have "a strong energy-related career in green industries here in Scotland". The Scottish government has set up a fund to invest 500m in the just transition over 10 years, with the first round of grants announced in September. Andy Burnham wants to invest money in public transport instead of charging car drivers - Leon Neal/Getty Images Andy Burnham will ditch Ulez-style charges for Manchester drivers after plans for the clean air zone received a public backlash. The Mayor of Greater Manchester revealed his proposals to improve air quality in the region on Wednesday, which removed charges for certain vehicles in a model akin to Sadiq Khans Ulez zone in London. The plans aim to meet the authoritys legal obligation to reduce nitrogen dioxide in the air to acceptable levels by 2026. Mr Burnham said that modelling carried out by the authority found that introducing charges for vans, lorries, taxis, buses and other commercial vehicles in central Manchester and Salford would not help the region meet these targets by the 2026 deadline. Instead, he suggested that investment in cleaner transport, including funding to increase the numbers of electric buses and taxis, would result in the region reducing nitrogen dioxide levels to acceptable levels by 2025. The decision comes months after Mr Khan expanded the Ulez zone to include the whole of London. This means that drivers of cars that do not meet certain emission standards in all 32 London boroughs must now pay a daily 12.50 charge, or face a fine of up to 180. Mr Khans expansion has faced widespread criticism and backlash, including hundreds of the cameras being used to police the zone vandalised by vigilantes. Mr Burnham had initially planned to bring in a charge in May 2022 that would have seen buses and lorries charged 60 a day to use the regions roads. Vans and minibuses would have been charged 10 a day and taxis registered in Greater Manchester 7.50 a day. More than 1,000 signs were installed in preparation for the charging zones. These have since been covered by stickers saying under review. However, the plan was put on hold in February last year for two years amid fears that people would not be able to afford it. In September, Mr Burnham suggested he had canned the idea of a charge, telling GB News that as long as he was mayor there wouldnt be a congestion charge scheme or a clean air style scheme. In his announcement on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said: By accelerating investment in the Bee [Transport] Network to create a London-style integrated public transport network, and upgrading GM-licensed taxis, we can improve air quality faster than if we introduced a clean air zone, and without causing hardship to our residents or businesses. As part of the investment plan, Greater Manchester is to submit a 86 million investment plan, which will see it spend 51.2 million on 64 new zero-emission buses and 22 million on giving grants to taxi drivers to buy lower emissions vehicles. Hackney carriage drivers will be able to access 8 million to switch to electric vehicles, while 5 million will be spent on new measures to manage traffic flows in Salford and Manchester city centres. The plan will now have to be signed off by the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration next week, before being submitted to the Government for approval. Mr Burnham said: Id also ask government to urgently consider allowing Greater Manchester local authorities to remove charging clean air zone signs, as modelling shows that only Greater Manchesters investment-led plan can meet the legal test placed on the 10 councils to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest. 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 2024 election will officially be underway in just a few weeks, as Iowa voters head to caucus on 15 January. But the shadow 2028 presidential campaign, at least among Democrats, appears to be taking shape as well. Speculation about the next presidential election cycle kicked into second gear last month when California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has repeatedly insisted that his name will not be in the running for the 2024 election, appeared onstage for a rare moderated debate with Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor remains a candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination, but continues to significantly trail frontrunner Donald Trump in both national and state-level polling. Mr Newsoms debate-stage sparring with Mr DeSantis led many to believe that he holds his own national ambitions. Further evidence for that argument can be found in the form of his recent official travel abroad to meet with the leaders of Israel and China. But the California Democrat is hardly the only one taking very public steps towards securing a national profile among their party. On Tuesday, Michigans Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a slate of congressional endorsements through her Fight Like Hell PAC for roughly two dozen centre-left House members; the majority were in key presidential battleground states. Just one was from her own home state. The list includes Hillary Scholten of Michigan, Susan Wild and Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania, Jahanna Hayes of Connecticut, Emilia Sykes of Ohio, Steven Horsford of Nevada, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Lauren Underwood of Illinois. Ms Whitmers resume would be a powerful one in a presidential race. A leader of a purple state who was re-elected through her management of the Covid-19 pandemic, the governor would have a strong case for her ability to win key states that eluded Democrats in 2016 and are once again thought to be on the table in 2024. Gretchen Whitmer (AP) The governor said in a statement accompanying the endorsements: I started Fight Like Hell in order to do everything I can to support candidates up and down the ballot, like President Biden and Vice President Harris, who are fighting like hell for everyday Americans and the will of the majority. Now, Im excited to announce the endorsement of eight candidates who similarly embody these ideals, and have proven their dedication as members of Congress to addressing kitchen table issues and defending our everyday freedoms. Each and every one of these U.S. representatives has been a champion for their constituents, and Im committed to helping them secure re-election in 2024. Her re-election in 2022 came at a significant margin nearly 10 points over her GOP challenger, Tudor Dixon. The victory was seen as both a rebuke of Trump-style conservatism as well as the anti-abortion movement in the state, as Ms Dixon held fast to a hardline position on the issue. The governors brand has remained strong through 2023. An Emerson College poll in October found her running 10 points ahead of President Joe Biden, the presumed Democratic 2024 nominee, in her state. Last week, she delivered a policy victory for abortion rights advocates by signing into law a bill that eliminated a requirement for abortion services to be covered by a separate insurance rider instead of through basic health insurance. Editor's note: The Asbury Park Press is celebrating 31 days of kindness this month, highlighting New Jersey people and organizations that have inspired us throughout 2023. Days after Franklin Township celebrated its "Christmas at the Center" celebration, the decorated Christmas tree was vandalized. Franklin Township's police chief said detectives were combing through surveillance video near the tree's location along Franklinville Lake to identify who was responsible for damaging it, according to CBS News. A volunteer from the recreation committee alerted the community of the damaged tree via Facebook. But the Grinches who did this didn't steal Christmas. After the social media post, the owner of Exley's Christmas Tree Farm donated a tree. "It was the least I could do for the situation," Exley told CBS News. "I'd like to give another one because it's that time of year when you want to give back." The community held another tree decorating event and also created a new tradition by using family ornaments that represent the families, businesses and town. "It's going to be about coming together as a community and saying, 'Hey, so what, we're moving on. It's Christmas. Let's have a great Christmas," Rich Daubenspeck told CBS News. More kindness: Lacey resident took a poke at Walmart then turned the joke into a gift drive This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Act of Kindness: Community received new Christmas tree and create new holiday tradition Before we talk about what happened to my boobs, Id like to stress that I travel a lot and have the whole airport security routine down to a fine art. Not for me the miserable rummaging for rogue items that should have gone into the hold and set the bleepers off. Im never the one arguing the toss about half-empty bottles of perfume that once contained more than 100ml; or frantically glugging contraband drinks. I know whats allowed and whats not; which items of clothing to remove; and that failing to use individual trays for big items even if that means a ridiculous number of containers will only hold everyone up. I find the best way to approach the silliest features of the system is simply to zone out. The fact is that decades of being barked at by hatchet-faced characters in ill-fitting uniforms has knocked any rebellion out of me. Like all frequent flyers, Im proud of letting it all wash over me, shuffling along with a zen-like demeanour until Im through and out and can make a bee-line for Pret. After all, these people are just doing their jobs. We all have our limits however, and having my mammaries manhandled not once but twice by a masticating blonde at airport security last week prompted a fleeting display of emotion on my part with quite extraordinary consequences. Until that point, everything had been going swimmingly as I prepared to board a mid-morning flight to Washington DC to attend a defence conference. My liquids had been meticulously placed in the regulation plastic bag and my handbag ruthlessly purged of anything that might fall foul of rules. If there is CCTV footage of this point in my journey, it will show me waiting my turn at the security gates, then dutifully taking off my jacket and trainers; placing all my electronic devices where they could be readily checked, and progressing through the body scanning arch, which bleeped. I was waved into the usual cylinder for the extra arms-above-the-head check, after which an unsmiling woman did what she had to do. Languidly pulling on a pair of black latex gloves, she made me position myself this way and that and fiddled around with various swabs and wands. So far, so routine. Then came the pat down and the shock. Conducted as if I were a farm animal, it was considerably more invasive than the standard gig. Up and down and back and forth she went, squeezing arms and legs before alighting on my breasts. Cue more rough pushing and shoving, which naturally failed to yield any hidden weapons. I didnt like it any more than I liked her chewing gum in my face, but I wasnt going to say anything, until for no apparent reason, she started the whole process again, including grabbing at my boobs. Instinct kicked in and I reeled back, asking if she would mind not touching me in that way. I might just as well have accused her of rape. In a split second, her sullen passive aggression gave way to furious showboating. Chewing ever more frantically on her gum, making a great display of indignation at my supposed allegations. I was instructed not to move while she radioed for backup. Somewhere in the distance, I could see the line of trays containing my passport, phone and other worldly goods stacking up at the end of the X-ray machine conveyor belt, a perfect target for pickpockets. Going to fetch my belongings was out of the question. After a further kerfuffle, the womans reinforcements arrived and suddenly I was the villain, being kettled by a phalanx of security staff. What followed was a completely unnecessary debate about whether CCTV should be obtained and reviewed to ascertain whether my allegation had any merit. Belatedly, I realised that this proposed exercise was all about protecting staff, not me. After all, Id made it clear I had no interest in making any complaint: I just wanted to get the hell out of there. The incident had been unpleasant but trivial. The clock was ticking, and I had a plane to catch. Much fuss was then made about completing the security process, which apparently had still not been thorough enough. Cue a third, rather more respectful, pat-down by a different lady, just to be sure there really were no penknives lurking in my lingerie. I stood shoeless and stunned while a dull-eyed supporting cast hung around staring at my chest. The drama was only over after a one-to-one debrief with a manager who wanted to know exactly what it was about the way the woman had touched me that had caused me to object. It was a discussion I might have welcomed, had the line of questioning about precise hand positioning not been quite so forensic. Feeling shaken and humiliated, I was finally allowed on my way. What to make of all this? First, that the UK airport experience would be much nicer for all concerned if large numbers of security staff underwent an attitude adjustment. We all know they have a serious job, but keeping everyone safe simply does not need to be like this. I know of very few countries in the world in which going through airport security is so reliably unpleasant, not because of the checks, which are necessary, but because of the offhand manner in which they are typically conducted. Second, that the application of common sense remains in pitifully short supply in these settings. So-called passenger profiling, under which security staff make risk assessments based on the statistical likelihood that an individual of a particular age or background will blow up a plane, gets a bad rap, but has its place. To the best of my knowledge, there has never, in the entire history of aviation, been a terror attack perpetrated by someone like me. Sure, theres always a first time, but two invasive boob checks? Really? Third, that aggressive trade union demands for zero tolerance from employers towards any form of rudeness to staff are not a force for good. I cannot imagine that real brutes and bullies restrain themselves because of unpleasant notices insisting that Abuse wont be tolerated. Meanwhile the balance of power has tilted so far away from the customer that it is increasingly difficult to challenge anyone wearing a uniform over poor behaviour or service. Instantly on the defensive, they rush to switch on their body cams, and make it all about them. Respect goes both ways; power, however petty, should not come with a free pass. Finally, I am left reflecting that I was lucky to make it to Washington. If Id made any more fuss, theyd probably have called the police. My experience is a reminder of how much easier it is for women to shrug off inappropriate behaviour than call it out. When we complain, it is still liable to be turned against us. 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. Story at a glance Findings from a guaranteed basic income pilot program were released on Tuesday. A guaranteed basic income refers to no-strings temporary cash payments to low-income people. Guaranteed basic income programs are becoming more popular across the country. A guaranteed basic income program launched last year in New Mexico has helped boost employment rates and housing security among immigrants, according to a new report. Last February, the New Mexico Economic Relief Working Group and the anti-poverty nonprofit UpTogether rolled out the New Mexico Guaranteed Income Pilot Program for Immigrant Families. Findings from the pilot program were published Tuesday. As part of the program, 330 mixed-immigration status households in both rural and urban communities received $500 a month for 12 months no strings attached. After the year was up, 50 households were selected at random to receive $500 for an extra six months. The report shows that overall, the additional funds eased the hardships mixed-status households routinely face in New Mexico. The program was specifically created to help low-income immigrants, who fared worse during the pandemic than other New Mexicans, according to the report. Mixed-status immigrant families are less likely to have health insurance, stable employment, savings, stable housing and food security, according to the report. Their exclusion from most of the social safety net further exacerbates their tenuous socio-economic conditions, the report states. Despite the numerous challenges mixed-status families and undocumented workers face, our research also found that GI assistance can help reduce these inequities. The number of participants who reported having trouble paying their rent or mortgage on time almost every month decreased by 35 percent after the 12-month pilot, report findings show. And the group that received an extra six months of income experienced a 73 percent increase in the number of households reporting never having trouble paying their rent or mortgage on time, according to the report. After a year of receiving funds, pilot program families noticed an increase in job security. Employment rates went up by 14 and 15 percent among rural households and families that received the six-month extension, respectively. Families taking part in the pilot also noticed a change in their children. The percentage of families that said their child was on track to complete their grade level and graduate increased by 9 percent after the program. And that increase was even more profound among rural families. After the program, 13 percent more rural families with children reported that they were on track in school. New Mexico is not the first place in the U.S. to try using a guaranteed basic income to address poverty. The approach has been tested by several cities in recent years. Compton, Calif announced in 2020 that it would give cash payments to 800 low-income families. Mobile, Ala. launched a guaranteed basic income pilot program for single mothers in 2021. Los Angeles announced it would start a $24 million guaranteed basic income program in 2021 as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Deputy Lyndon Trott was elected after three rounds of a secret ballot Deputy Lyndon Trott has been elected as the new President of Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee (P&R). A motion of no confidence was lodged after P&R failed to get its plans for tax reform approved by the States, with deputies voting by 23 to 16. The other candidates for the top role were Deputies Rob Prow, Peter Roffey and Charles Parkinson. The candidates and their nominators spoke to the assembly and faced an hour of questions before the secret ballot. Mr Trott has served in the States since 2000, including as treasury minister from 2004-2008 and as chief minister from 2008-2012. There were three rounds of voting. In the first round Mr Parkinson was eliminated after a vote of 13 for Mr Trott, 15 for Mr Prow, seven for Mr Roffey and five for Mr Parkinson. In the second, Mr Roffey was eliminated after a vote of 19 for Mr Trott, 16 for Mr Prow and five for Mr Roffey. In the third round the vote was 21 for Mr Trott and 19 for Mr Prow. 'Voted for change' Deputy David De Lisle said the result was "obviously going to be between" Mr Trott and Mr Prow, and he thought "either of them can do a good job". Mr Prow said he was "very pleased with the amount of support" he received, and he would "certainly support" Mr Trott. "I'll be very interested to see how he's going to deliver on what he set out to do," he said. Deputy Gavin St Pier said the States "got to the right outcome", and that he "remained interested" in a role within P&R. Deputy Sasha Kazantseva Miller said: "The assembly has voted for change, I don't think we got the full mandate for the P&R president actually. "It was much closer than I thought it would be, so I think it's going to make it even more challenging to create the assembly, the future P&R and to breach that divided assembly." Deputy Simon Fairclough, one of Mr Trott's nominators, said he was pleased with the result, but that he had "no desire" to join P&R himself. Deputy Neil Inder said it was "democracy in play", but that he was also happy with the result. Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) New Jerseys attorney general sued three firearms dealers Tuesday, alleging one illegally stored firearms that were visible from outside a store and that the two others tried to sell ghost guns. The suits mark the first complaints filed under a 2022 law passed last year. Attorney General Matt Platkin said he filed the lawsuits in state court to send a message to firearms dealers that run afoul of state law. Were going to hold these folks accountable, but they wont be the last, Platkin said during a news conference held with state firearms enforcement director Ravi Ramanathan. I think others in the industry should take notice that if youre violating our laws, were going to come for you. Were going to hold you accountable, too. The suits seek unspecified monetary and punitive damages as well as an injunction against the companies: FSS Armory, of Pine Brook, New Jersey; gun show operator Eagle Shows of western Pennsylvania; and gun vendor JSD Supply, also of western Pennsylvania. The Associated Press left email messages seeking comment with the companies. One of the suits alleges that FSS Armory stored stacks of guns near a window on the ground floor of its shop, an arrangement that was visible online. In January, a group of people traveled to the store, broke the window and made off with more than 20 weapons, including pistols, shotguns, rifles and a revolver, Platkin said. Most of the stolen guns havent been recovered, and those that have been were found at crime scenes or on the black market, he said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter State law requires firearms to be secured and not kept in any window or area visible from outside. The other suit, against Eagle Shows and JSD Supply, alleges the companies aimed to sell so-called ghost guns, which are illegal in the state, to New Jersey residents. Ghost guns are weapons without serial numbers that cannot be traced. JSD Supply sold ghost gun products at Eagle Shows across the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border, while Eagle Shows continues to directly advertise their shows in New Jersey, according to the suit. Its unclear how many such guns were sold to New Jersey residents, but state police have arrested numerous residents returning from out-of-state Eagle Shows with illegal products, Platkin said. The lawsuits were the first brought by the state under a bill Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed in July 2022 aimed at holding gun dealers accountable in civil court. Asked why he didnt bring criminal complaints against the companies, Platkin would only say that civil cases also play a role in upholding the law. New Jersey isnt the only state going after gun dealers in civil court. In October 2022, Minnesota filed suit against a gun retailer, alleging it sold firearms to straw purchasers that ended up being used in a fatal shooting. Earlier this year, Kansas City settled with a dealer it alleged ignored evidence that guns were being sold illegally. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 22-year-old was arrested after being accused of stealing a gun out of a parked police car in the Medical District on Monday. David Murrelle is charged with burglary of a vehicle, tampering with/fabricating evidence, and theft of property. According to Memphis Police, after officers arrived at 951 Court Avenue, they parked their squad car and placed their handguns inside the locked truck. A security guard on the property was given video footage of an unknown man getting in the parked squad car, opening up the trunk, and taking a handgun out, reports state. Man run over by train while escaping armed friend Police say that is when they were notified and checked the trunk of the squad car. One handgun was missing. Shortly afterward, the security guard found the suspect at Poplar Avenue and Dunlap Street. The police were called to the scene. The suspect was identified as David Murrelle; he had on the same clothing as the suspect in the video. He also had the stolen handgun from the MPD squad car with him, police say. There wont be a city left: Downtown crimes impact on the Memphis economy The officer said he was able to get his handgun back from the scene after he saw Murrelle toss it behind a tree. Murrelle was reportedly aggressive and combative with the officers after being taken into custody and to the police department. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Haley facing heat for bringing Chinese company to South Carolina, standing next to CCP flag praising them Former United Nations Ambassador and 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley is facing heat, most recently at the last GOP primary debate, for working to recruit a Chinese-owned company to South Carolina while she was governor and giving a warm speech about the company while standing next to a Chinese flag. "This is rich because when she was governor of South Carolina, she was the number one ranked governor of bringing the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] into her state," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on the debate stage last week. "She wrote a love letter to the Chinese ambassador saying how great a friend China is." "Theres also a video of her as governor standing in front of a Chinese flag with a Chinese business saying that she now works for them, talking about this Chinese company. So, shes been very weak on China." The company DeSantis was referencing was Bluestar Silicones, which acquired 20 acres of land in York County, South Carolina after receiving $600,000 in incentives from the county and state, The Herald reported in 2011. NIKKI HALEY VOWS CHINA WON'T 'THREATEN OR INTIMIDATE' AMERICAN BUSINESSES UNDER HER ADMINISTRATION Nikki Haley in 2012 The Herald also reported that Haley was instrumental in bringing the company to South Carolina and got on the phone to encourage the companys CEO, Pascal Chalvon-Demersay, to come to South Carolina instead of an explored move to North Carolina. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I dont lose well," Haley reportedly said at the time, with The Herald adding that her "charm" was an important aspect of getting the deal done and bringing the jobs to her state. The Herald reported that the deal came down to more than just dollars but hinged on a commitment from Haley's state to "making things happen in the future" and Haley reportedly gave Bluestar leadership her personal cell phone number and said, "I want them to call." In order to get the move finalized, officials at the South Carolina Economic Development office matched the incentive dollar amount that North Carolina was offering and the county also provided property tax relief that cut the companys tax bill by around 45%, Charlotte Business Journal reported . WAR OF WORDS: DESANTIS, HALEY TRADE FIRE OVER WHO WAS MORE CHINA-FRIENDLY GOVERNOR In July 2017, Bluestar Silicones was renamed Elkem Silicones which is a subsidiary of Chinas state-owned Sinochem Holdings Corp as two Chinese entities were integrated. In 2020, the State Department deemed Sinochem and several other Chinese entities as owned or controlled by the Chinese military. On the campaign trail, the GOP presidential candidates have attacked each other on previous ties to China and attempted to position themselves as leaders who will be tough on the communist regime. Haley has faced heat from her opponents for recruiting Chinese businesses as governor and Never Back Down, the main super PAC supporting DeSantis, went after her on social media recently for saying during a meeting with Bluestar, "I officially work for you." Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, left, and Florida Gov. DeSantis, right, have clashed multiple times on who has been tougher on China. In 2016, Haley praised a $300 million investment in Richland County, South Carolina, by the Chinese fiberglass manufacturer China Jushi Co. Ltd., which cited "great support" from the state government for doing so. "The USA project is a big move for the strategic development of China Jushi. With the dynamic development of the American composite global market, plus the great support from South Carolina state government and Richland County, we believe that this USA project will achieve great success," China Jushi CEO Zhang Yuqiang said in a statement at the time, according to China Daily USA . Haley characterized the Chinese company's investment in South Carolina as a "huge win for our state." Critics have pointed to the fact that China Jusi's facilities are located near a U.S. Army base, raising concerns about a Chinese company's presence near a military installation. NIKKI HALEY LAUNCHES FIRST CAMPAIGN AD, CALLS FOR 'MORAL CLARITY,' MOVING ON FROM 'CHAOS AND DRAMA' Former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley South Carolina Gov. Harry McMaster, who has endorsed former President Trump, recently said that Jushi has not caused any issues since moving near the plant, although the company has been fined for environmental violations, The State reported. "As far as anybody knows, theyve caused no trouble and pose no threat," McMaster told reporters. "But again, we got companies from all over the world people coming in South Carolina from all over the place, but this issue weve been aware of the potential threat. Weve been very careful." Bluestar's 20 acre property is also located roughly 10 miles from a National Guard training center. Haley and her team have defended her record on China multiple times and have said that DeSantis "aggressively recruited Chinese companies to Florida including a sanctioned Chinese military manufacturer ." On the campaign trail, Haley has spotlighted that she would rescind federal funding for universities that accept money from China, take back land in the U.S. that China's already purchased, and end "all normal trade relations with" China until it stops flooding the U.S. with fentanyl. US President Joe Biden (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together after a meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' week in Woodside, California on November 15, 2023. "Every governor running for president tried to recruit Chinese businesses to their state. Nikki Haley did it ten years ago," Haley spokesperson Ken Farnaso told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Ron DeSantis aggressively recruited Chinese companies and gave hundreds of thousands of dollars in subsidies to Jinko Solar, a Chinese company raided by the Department of Homeland Security. Ron DeSantis is a hypocritical phony who will say anything to try and save his flailing campaign." Fox News Digital's Kyle Morris and Brianna Herlihy contributed to this report Original article source: Haley facing heat for bringing Chinese company to South Carolina, standing next to CCP flag praising them Nikki Haley is putting her chips on the center of the board in New Hampshire, a New England state where she has surged into a clear second place behind former President Trump. Defeating the former president in the Granite State remains a long shot. Haley trails Trump by an average of 30 percentage points, but she has closed the gap in the last month. Haley has gained about 6 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls over the last month, meaning shes picking up steam at the right time ahead of the Jan. 23 primary. In Iowa, where caucusgoers will vote eight days before New Hampshire, Haley stands in third place behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). But Haley has gained on DeSantis, setting herself up for a critical run in New Hampshire even if she finishes third in Iowa. New Hampshires political class is watching her closely. My vantage point is theyre working very hard, theyre putting in a lot of time, and I think its being reflected in what were seeing on the ground, said New Hampshire-based GOP strategist Jim Merrill. I dont think its reasonable for any campaign to necessarily think theyd beat Trump here, but I think that shes positioning herself, kind of slow and steady, build a momentum, which is what you want. New Hampshire has always been a priority for Haley, whose team saw the state as a strong potential launching pad for her insurgent campaign. Haley traveled to New Hampshire for two town halls immediately after she opened her campaign, signaling its importance. On Tuesday, she won a key endorsement from New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), a popular incumbent who has served since 2017. Haley is hoping the endorsement in the home stretch ahead of the primary can help her get a distance from DeSantis and close in on Trump. A Washington Post-Monmouth University poll found last month that more than 80 percent of New Hampshire registered Republicans and undeclared voters approve of how Sununu is handling his job. Merrill said Sununu is hands down the most popular Republican in New Hampshire and would be a strong advocate for Haley. He said candidates cannot rely on endorsements alone and need to run their own campaign, but Sununus support would be a welcome Christmas gift for Haley. Hes a great spokesman, a great cheerleader, someone whos done a lot for New Hampshire. So if he decides to endorse Nikki Haley, thats going to be another shot in the arm for a campaign thats already beginning to take off, he said. New Hampshire Republican strategist Dave Carney said Sununu is extremely popular with independents in the state, which presents Haley with an opportunity based on the rules of the New Hampshire primary. Voters in the primary do not need to be officially registered with one party to participate, and undeclared voters can choose whether to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary. Carney emphasized that these voters are not monolithic and many will support Trump, but Sununus strongest strength to help the campaign now is to really work hard to get those independents to take a second look at Haley. Merrill said he expects greater participation in the Republican primary among undeclared voters this year because they tend to gravitate toward the race where the action is. He noted that Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) is challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire, which could create some interest, but he has not seen much. My expectation is that undeclared voters are more likely to flock to Republican ballots, and for someone like Haley who, indicators are shes pulled together a broader coalition of conservatives and moderate undeclareds, she could stand to benefit from that over the next few weeks, Merrill said. Interestingly, Haley may have to worry more about former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in New Hampshire than DeSantis. DeSantis has been in the mid-to-high single digits recently, while Christie is averaging about 12 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight. Axios reported Sunday that Haleys supporters plan to emphasize her appeal to voters turned off by Trump and those who lean more moderate in order to win the independents. One of the founders of a PAC called Independents for Haley told the outlet that it plans to take a very targeted surgical approach to increasing turnout from undeclared voters. It might serve Haleys interests best if Christie left the race, as some have called on him to do to help consolidate the non-Trump vote. Republican strategists have said Christies supporters would most likely switch to back Haley if he were to leave the race, so he could have a negative effect on her. New Hampshire GOP strategist Matthew Bartlett said whether Christie could play a spoiler role for Haley in the state is uncertain. He said Christie could possibly get the Never Trump wing of the party consolidated behind him, or voters could recognize that even though they appreciate Christie, their vote will be better served by backing Haley. It seems as if there needs to be a conversation between some of these candidates not being Trump to figure out how this cookie crumbles, Bartlett said. And again, if not, the voters will do it, and well see what they say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar (L) and Ali Baraka, head of external relations, were among seven new people sanctioned by the two governments The US and UK have sanctioned Hamass co-founder and chief PR officer with travel bans and asset freezes in an attempt to crack down on the groups operations in the West. Mahmoud Zahar, Hamass co-founder, and Ali Baraka, its head of external relations, were among seven new people sanctioned by the two governments, Lord Cameron announced on Wednesday. The Foreign Secretary said the move would continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further, making it more difficult to operate in the West. The sanctions were coordinated with the US government and is the second round of restrictions announced since October 7 when the group launched a terror attack against Russia. Hamas is already a proscribed organisation in the UK, making it illegal to work for the group or express public support for it. Lord Cameron said: Hamas can have no future in Gaza. Today's sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further. We will continue to work with partners to reach a long-term political solution so that Israelis and https://t.co/rbyHJoeNnx David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 13, 2023 Mr Zahar, 78, co-founded Hamas in 1987 and has been a leading figure in the group since, serving as foreign minister in the Hamas-dominated government in Gaza from 2006 to 2007. In an interview with Sky News in 2021, he said Israel had no right to exist and that Hamass strategy was to target the country with attacks on population centres. Mr Baraka, Hamass public relations chief, has defended the October 7 attacks in Israel, which killed around 1,200 people. He said that the group was planning its attack for two years and that the Iranian regime finances its military operations. The remaining five people sanctioned on Wednesday include the leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a Hamas-affiliated group, and individuals linked to financing Hamas. The Foreign Office said Khaled Chouman and Rida Ali Khamis, who are on its sanctions list, have channelled funds to Hamas through their Lebanon-based currency exchanges. It said Aiman Ahmad Al Duwaik has been sanctioned for working as a financier for Hamas in Algeria and helping run the organisations overseas investment portfolio. The sanctions are the second round coordinated with the US and the fourth round of US restrictions. A US Treasury spokesman said: The United States and our allies and partners are steadfast in our commitment to dismantling networks that support Hamas funding streams as part of our continuous effort to prevent and deter its terrorist activity. 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 has been unresponsive to overtures made in recent days to try to restart hostage negotiations, a source familiar with the efforts told CNN, as the US and other mediators try to resurrect talks that would see more hostages who were abducted on October 7 be released from captivity. Qatar which continues to play the role of interlocutor has relayed to Hamas new ideas to try to get more hostages out of Gaza, including a potential deal that would include the release of not just the remaining women hostages, but men as well, according to one source familiar with the efforts and a senior US official. Theres not an active negotiation, but theres a real exploration of ideas for how to get this going, the senior US official said. But Hamas has not been responsive to the outreach, the source familiar said. Qatar speaks with Hamas political officials in Gaza who then relay messages to the groups leadership inside the strip who are actively trying to avoid detection by Israel. US officials had said getting answers from Hamas was an incredibly cumbersome process during the first round of negotiations that led to a series of hostages being released. It may now be even harder for Hamas leaders to engage in talks now given the Israeli focus on hunting them down. At the same time, Israel, which resumed its military operation against Hamas after a seven-day truce, believes that its offensive targeting southern Gaza and particularly Khan Younis should exert additional pressure on Hamas that could prove to be helpful in the release of more hostages, sources said. Some US officials agree the military pressure may have the effect of eventually driving Hamas back to the negotiating table. It may be a moment for Hamas to reconsider coming back to the table in a real way, the senior US official said. Since hostage talks that had been taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha broke down earlier this month, formal negotiations have not resumed. But Israel, the US and Qatar have continued to discuss ways to try to jump start the discussions again, multiple sources said, with more than 100 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza. We never stopped, one source familiar with the discussions said. The Israeli prime ministers office believes there are 135 hostages that remain in Gaza, 116 of whom are alive. Israels view that Hamas must first release the remaining female hostages remains unchanged, according to sources. Hamas has refused to do that, arguing that the remaining women are considered soldiers a claim that Israel rejects. The White House has said that eight Americans seven men and one woman still remain unaccounted for. The seeming lack of progress on hostages release comes as President Joe Biden is set to meet in-person for the first time with some of the families of the American hostages on Wednesday at the White House. Meanwhile, Israel has informed the US that they have begun carefully testing out flooding some of Hamas tunnels with seawater on a limited basis to see if it will work to degrade the groups tunnel network on a larger scale. The Israelis have assured their American counterparts that theyre only doing this in tunnels where they do not believe hostages are being held. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Biden said he has heard assertions that there are no hostages currently being held in those tunnels, but that his administration has not been able to confirm that beyond a doubt: I dont know that for a fact, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A high school student in Japan broke open a rock as part of a classroom activity. Inside was a large fossilized creature that turned out to be a new species. Kouta Yatagai, a student at Keio Senior High School, cracked open the rock during science class, according to a Dec. 12 news release from Keio University. The block of stone had been provided by the Konoha Fossils Museum as part of a decades-long educational initiative to bring geology and paleontology into the classroom. Inside Yatagais rock was the fossilized remains of a large scarab beetle, according to a study published Nov. 30 in the journal Paleontological Research. Yatagais teacher recognized the importance of the find and gave the fossil to the studys co-authors Hiroaki Aiba and David Kral for further study, the researchers said. Aiba and Kral identified the fossil as a new species of extinct animal: Ceratophyus yatagaii, or Yatagais scarab beetle. Yatagais scarab beetle is considered large, measuring about an inch in length, the study said. The fossil was split in half but nearly completely preserved. The beetle was likely an earth-boring insect that fed on the feces of other animals. Discover more new species Thousands of new species are found each year. Here are three of our most eye-catching stories from the past week. Limbless creature found digging beneath rotten tree in Vietnam Four-eyed creature with spherical sex organ found in China Sea creature with 328 tentacles found suctioned to rock in Japan Researchers said they named the new species after the student who discovered it. The new species was identified by its teeth and other subtle physical features, the study said. Other species of Ceratophyus beetles are still around but do not live in modern-day Japan, researchers said. Instead, these insects live in central Asia, around the Mediterranean and in California. Finding the fossil of an extinct Ceratophyus beetle in Japan suggests that these insects lived in the region about 300,000 years ago, the news release said. Keio Senior High School is in Yokohama City, an area on the outskirts of Tokyo. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from Keio University. Ghost-like creature with ample genitalia found at power plant. Its a new species Cryptic woodland creature seen eating its young in Australia. Its a new species Scaly mountain creature with a collar found lurking in Ecuador. Its a new species Deborah Lipstadts role as special White House envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism has taken on increasing importance over the past year. Lipstadt, who was unanimously confirmed to the role in March 2022, has been at the forefront of the Biden administrations efforts to combat antisemitism at a time when acts of hate against Jews have hit record levels, including a surge following Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel. A professor at Emory University who has taught about antisemitism and the Holocaust for decades, Lipstadt described fighting hatred against Jews as her lifes work. She designed exhibits at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and represented the White House in 2005 at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. I am an equal-opportunity foe of antisemitism, she said in her February 2022 confirmation hearing. Unless one is willing to fight Jew-hatred wherever one finds it, one should not be a nominee for this position. The ambassador traveled in January with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, to Poland to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. She was a central player in developing the White Houses national strategy to counter antisemitism, a first-of-its-kind effort released in May that outlined how Congress, technology platforms and schools can all play a role in reversing the trend of rising cases of vandalism and violence targeting Jews. More recently, Lipstadt has been meeting with counterparts from Israel and Europe to address the fallout of the October Hamas terrorist attacks, which has included a surge in antisemitic incidents both in the U.S. and internationally, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Lipstadt and more than two dozen of her international counterparts have condemned social media platforms for amplifying antisemitic messages, denounced antisemitic messages on college campuses and urged governments to provide security for Jewish communities following the Hamas attacks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Wisdom O. Cole never intended to be an activist. He thought hed graduate from University of California, Santa Cruz and head to medical school. That changed in 2013, when George Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida. When the verdict came out around Trayvon Martin, basically saying that he deserved to die and George Zimmerman was not guilty, that transformed a lot of the ways that I was thinking, as well as young Black people across America, recognizing that Trayvon Martin could have been any of us, Cole told The Hill. His organizing led him to conversations with leaders including Angela Davis and Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. He began reading and learning about African American studies and became a field and state conference organizer for the Afrikan Black Coalition. It all culminated in 2021 when Cole was tapped to be the NAACPs national director of the Youth & College Division, where he says he ensures young people have the tools to fight for liberation, are encouraged to use their voice and have opportunities to practice speaking about issues important to them. I remember as a kid thinking that the only people who could be in elected office were old white men, but the face of democracy is changing each and every single day, he said. I always believed that as Black people, we are inherently political. Theres so much legislation that is made over our bodies, that are made over our communities, made over our future. Id rather engage, Id rather galvanize millions of young people to engage, to create a new future. For Cole, that means organizing and educating around student loan forgiveness, global climate change, economic equality and ending police brutality. In this moment in time, young people have to see a new deal for them, they have to see a future where the issues that are most important are a priority, and that the people who are in those positions, making decisions, look like you and me, he said. Updated: 4:58 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When deputies Carlos Brito and Manuel Santos were intentionally hit by a driver on Nov. 9, two of their colleagues rushed to provide medical help and then arrested the suspect charged with targeting them. On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister honored deputies Vincent Valentine and Jose Torres for their actions that day. Both received the Life Saving Award. Deputies Valentine and Torres are the shining examples of brothers in law enforcement, Chronister said. Not only were they able to apprehend a very dangerous individual, intent on killing our deputies, but they were able to focus on saving the lives of their squadmates and being there for them in their time of need. Anyone want a historic Kansas City area bridge? Its free. The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking proposals for the relocation and reuse of the Liberty Bend Bridge, which carries the northbound lanes of Missouri 291 over the Missouri River in northern Jackson County. The transportation departments Historic Preservation Section is accepting the proposals until Sept. 30, according to the transportation departments website. The bridge, which has historic transportation and engineering significance, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the Missouri Department of Transportations Kansas City District said in a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday. Under federal law, any state proposing to demolish a historic bridge in a replacement project that uses federal funds must first make the historic bridge available for donations. The caveat is that the recipient must agree to maintain the bridge and features that give it historic significance, MoDOT said on its Free Bridges! webpage. The recipient must also assume future legal and financial responsibility for the bridge. Up to 100% of the cost of what would have been spent to demolish the bridge is potentially available to reimburse recipients for removing the bridge. Funding is not available for those who need the bridge removed and set aside for later pick up. The 1,882-foot-long bridge was built in 1949 when a new channel was cut for the Missouri River. The river was being rerouted to eliminate a long, tight bend in that area. The bridge was built over dry land prior to opening the new channel. Sverdrup and Parcel of St. Louis designed the bridge, a cantilever Warren through truss bridge, with a design based upon equilateral triangles. It was built by Mount Vernon Bridge Co. of Mount Vernon, Ohio. The Liberty Bend bridge is an excellent example of a major river bridge in Missouri and as an early example of a superhighway design, which became popular in the mid-twentieth century, MoDOT said. The Liberty Bend bridge is also associated with efforts to divert the Missouri River to remove a large bend and straighten out the river channel. With the rerouting of the Missouri River, the Liberty Bend Bridge replaced the original bridge that was built in 1927. That bridge remained in use, carrying traffic from the river bottoms up to Arsenal Hill. It was dismantled in the early 1970s when a new four-lane divided Missouri 291 highway was built east of the old highway, according to Wikipedia. In 1995, construction began on a bridge to carry the southbound lanes of Missouri 291 over the Missouri River. That bridge was completed six years later. Those interested in the bridge can contact Tyler Holladay, MoDOTs intermediate historic preservation specialist, for further information or to submit a proposal at Tyler.Holladay@modot.mo.gov, 573-526-3598 or P. O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Replacing the Liberty Bend Bridge is part of the 2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), said Brook Rohlfing, a spokeswoman with MoDOTs Kansas City District. Since the project is a few years away, it will enter the environmental phase soon, she said. There isnt a set timeline or plan for the construction of the replacement bridge, although construction is expected to take place in 2027. The replacement project is expected to cost $87.5 million, according to the improvement plan. In North Carolina, HOAs can initiate foreclosures and also have other powers over homeowners. But there are steps homeowners can take to fight back when issues arise. Heres what to know about what HOAs can control in North Carolina and how to handle disputes with your HOA: What authority do HOAs have in North Carolina? North Carolina HOAs have the authority to approve architectural changes to your property, the state Attorney Generals Office explains. That includes projects such as painting and additions. An HOA may also require its members to pay for construction or repair of common facilities. Be aware that you will have to pay the fees even if you dont use the facilities, the AGs office advises. Whether an HOA can prevent homeowners from installing solar panels has been the subject of legal disputes in North Carolina. A June 2022 state Supreme Court ruling somewhat affirmed a homeowners right to install solar panels. Hopes Foreclosed NC rules make it easy for HOAs to foreclose on homeowners. State law allows them to force the sale of homes for any amount of unpaid dues, no matter how small. Our investigation shows how often it's happening and how it can be devastating to homeowners. How to respond to disputes with HOAs Many homeowners like the work their HOA does 89% of respondents to a survey of North Carolina homeowners by the Community Associations Institute said their HOA experience has been positive or neutral. Still, disputes arise. HOA foreclosures differ somewhat from those initiated by banks or mortgage lenders. Scams sometimes follow foreclosure filings, and a lawyer may be able to help you navigate the process. If youre at risk of foreclosure, declaring bankruptcy can be an option to stop the process, but that should be researched deeply since it can have long-term financial implications. Under North Carolina law, a homeowners last chance to stop a foreclosure with a bankruptcy filing comes upon the expiration of the upset bid period, the Sasser Law Firm explains. This either means the sale date plus 10 days or another 10 days after the final upset bid is submitted at the country courthouse. HOA members have power too If youre unhappy with an HOAs bylaws, members have options under North Carolina law for changing them. Your HOA can require up to 67% of all property owners to vote in favor of a change, and a property owner not voting can constitute a no vote. At least 80% of property owners must vote in favor in order to disband an HOA in North Carolina. HOAs are also required by North Carolina law to hold at least one executive board meeting per year for property owners to speak about any issues. This article is a modified version of a story published on Dec. 6, 2022 HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) When Sarah Koch and her husband Christian moved to Holland in July of 2022, they were looking for a safe, supportive community to raise their children. They never anticipated just how important that community would become. Im not from here, so I didnt expect people to reach out or care as much as they do, Koch said. Six months after they moved to West Michigan, Koch gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Elliana. The name means, My God has answered. We picked her name out before she was born and dont believe it was a coincidence, Koch said. It was a seemingly normal pregnancy, but when Ellie was born, the doctors quickly knew that something was wrong. After a couple of hours of just trying to figure it out, she was diagnosed with congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries without a septal defect, Koch said. The doctors kind of called it a double whammy. And because they couldnt diagnose it right away, she suffered pretty greatly in the first couple of hours. Ellies organs suffered from a lack of oxygen, and she had a stroke two days after she was born. Her kidneys suffered pretty greatly, so she was on dialysis for about 7 months. And she had stage 5 kidney failure at that point, and so we were thinking kidney transplant, Koch said. But miraculously, in July of this year, her kidneys started working. So shes no longer on dialysis, which is amazing and a miracle. Ellie spent the first seven months of her life at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. Elliana Koch spent the first seven months of her life at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) Elliana Koch spent the first seven months of her life at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) Elliana Koch spent the first seven months of her life at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) We are so grateful for Helen DeVos because they saved her life many times, Koch said. And so she wouldnt be here today without them. Ellie was finally able to go home in August. Its been amazing to have her home with us, Koch said. Elliana Koch went home in August 2023. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) It does, however, pose new challenges. Since Ellie was intubated for several months, she relies on a G-tube for feeding and has a trach. On top of typical tasks like diaper changes and getting her dressed, the Kochs do a 30-minute respiratory treatment for Ellie every morning, give her several medications throughout the day and clean the stoma where her trach is twice a day. Its been very difficult to figure out how to be a caregiver for her and manage all the things we have to do for her, but we would take having her home with us over her being at the hospital, Koch said. The pile of medical bills also contributes to the list of challenges. I have to be at home with (Ellie) most of the time, so I cant get a job. So were living off of one income, Koch explained. I was trying to think of a supplemental way to support my family during this time. For years, Koch has made cinnamon rolls for holiday get-togethers, and her husband told her they were good enough to sell. I was like, No, I cant sell those, Koch recalled. And then I thought about it and I was like, Oh, you know, like maybe if I just sell a couple, then thats just a little bit more for our family.' Sarah Koch began making and selling cinnamon rolls to help offset the cost of her daughters medical bills. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) Sarah Koch began making and selling cinnamon rolls to help offset the cost of her daughters medical bills. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) Koch posted about the baked goods and the cause behind them on a community Facebook page, and it took off. More than 100 orders for Sarahs Sweet Cinnamon Rolls have come in so far. Im just really grateful for people willing to support a family that they dont know and that they can see is going through a hard time, Koch said. Even just like a word of encouragement or a prayer, finances, anything like that goes a really long way with us and kind of gives us air underneath our wings. Koch is selling the cinnamon rolls at $18 for half a dozen and $30 for a dozen. She plans to continue fulfilling orders as long as there is a demand. Ellies biggest challenge right now is her lungs. Her parents have been weaning her off the vent and hope one day shell be strong enough to be trach-free. Because of her stroke, doctors dont know what shes capable of cognitively, but she doesnt have any limitations. Ellie goes to occupational, physical and speech therapy three times a week. The 10-month-old has already undergone and will continue to undergo many tests, procedures and potential surgeries. Shes learning every day, but shes also doing some teaching. The Kochs are learning to navigate their new normal with their daughter Ellie and 3-year-old son Caden. (Courtesy Sarah Koch) Shes taught us a lot. This whole journey has taught us a lot. I think the biggest thing right now that shes teaching me is that our circumstances dont define our joy, because if anyone has a reason to not smile its her, but she still does, Koch reflected. We are looking to God for the joy that we have, even though our life is pretty challenging right now. You can support Ellie and her family by ordering cinnamon rolls or donating to their GoFundMe. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Coming up on Home and Away on Channel 5, Irene Roberts and Harper Matheson face an uncertain future after being arrested. Elsewhere, Zara Campbell refuses to back off from her ex-boyfriend Mali Hudson, much to the frustration of Rose Delaney. Our 26-picture gallery offers a sneak peek at what's in store. Monday, January 1: Irene has been arrested She's paying the price for helping Harper and Dana. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Dana and Harper go for a run They exercise on the beach. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Harper and Dana are in for a shock Police turn up to see them. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Harper is next to be arrested Her fierce loyalty to her sister has come back to haunt her. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Irene is processed at the police station Rose takes the lead after arresting Irene at the Diner. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: John arrives He frets over his friend's future. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: John protests He doesn't think Irene's arrest is fair. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Dana also arrives She feels guilty for landing Harper in so much trouble. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Irene waits to be interviewed She knows she's in serious trouble. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Dana makes her feelings known She's shocked by the harsh treatment of Irene and Harper. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Dana tries to reason with Rose Rose ignores Dana, getting on with the job instead. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Rose finds the situation difficult She has to forget about her friendship with Irene and stay professional. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Irene is annoyed with Rose She wishes that Rose hadn't arrested her in the Diner in front of everyone. Channel 5 Monday, January 1: Harper wonders what the future holds She could be heading to jail. Channel 5 Tuesday, January 2: Cash turns up at the police station He has been tipped off about Irene and Harper being arrested. Channel 5 Tuesday, January 2: John hopes that Cash can help But Cash was recently suspended from the police following his own role in helping Dana. Channel 5 Tuesday, January 2: Cash delivers bad news He points out that he's powerless to help as he's not working in the police at the moment. Channel 5 Tuesday, January 2: Irene and Harper realise they're on their own There's nothing that Cash can do. Channel 5 Tuesday, January 2: Irene worries She continues to fear the worst over her future. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Rose tries to avoid a row Mali's ex-girlfriend Zara is still in town, but Rose is choosing to ignore the problem for now. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Xander checks in with Rose He wonders how his sister is coping with Zara constantly being around. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Rose explains her stance Zara has been causing trouble for her relationship, but Rose is trying to rise above it. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Mali leads a surf lesson He keeps a close eye on his students. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Mali helps the students Zara is watching. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Mali heads over He greets Zara. Channel 5 Thursday, January 4: Zara could be getting too close for comfort Does she need to back off? By the end of the week, Rose has issued Mali with an ultimatum to choose between them. Channel 5 You Might Also Like WASHINGTON House Republicans formally authorized their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on Wednesday, taking their most significant step toward impeaching the president. The House voted along party lines by a vote of 221-212 to green light the inquiry. Republicans have alleged the president financially benefited from his familys foreign business dealings, though they haven't publicly released evidence backing up the claims. The votes comes after House Republicans accused the White House of stonewalling their investigation. Authorizing the inquiry, they say, could bolster their legal standing if their requests for information make it to court. The White House says it has cooperated fully with the investigation and provided plenty of evidence disputing House Republicans allegations. The impeachment inquiry only proves how divorced from reality this sham investigation is, said Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for Oversight and Investigations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and GOP investigators leading the inquiry say it's simply an investigation, and House Republicans have not predetermined whether to draft articles of impeachment against the president. To fulfill our constitutional responsibility, we have to take the next step. Were not making a political decision, its not. Its a legal decision, Johnson said at a weekly press conference on Tuesday. We cant prejudge the outcome. The Constitution does not permit us to do so. We have to follow the truth where it takes us. House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., speaks to reporters following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. But House Democrats have questioned the purpose of the investigation, given that Republicans have yet to turn up evidence directly tying Biden to his familys business dealings. What is the crime that Joe Biden is being accused of? They dont have it, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said. Raskin is the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, which is one of three committees tasked with leading the investigation into Biden. The vote to authorize Republicans' inquiry came the same day the presidents son, Hunter Biden was scheduled to testify in a Capitol Hill deposition behind closed doors. But Hunter Biden defied the subpoena, instead delivering impassioned remarks at a press conference early Wednesday morning. He defended his father and accused GOP investigators of weaponizing his substance use disorder to attack the president. In the depths of my addiction, I was extremely irresponsible with my finances. But to suggest that is grounds for an impeachment inquiry is beyond the absurd. Its shameless, Hunter Biden said. There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was involved in my business because it did not happen. Hunter Biden has demanded to testify in a public hearing, rather than behind closed doors. But the GOP investigators leading the probe are asking Hunter Biden to testify in a deposition first, claiming that Democrats would disrupt public proceedings. The House Oversight Committee has said it will begin proceedings to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress. We have specific questions for the presidents son. He does not get to dictate the terms of this subpoena, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., said. Months ago, an impeachment inquiry looked like it was a tough sell for moderate and vulnerable House Republicans, most of them hailing from the 17 districts Biden won in the 2020 election. That lack of support was in part what led then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to open the probe in September without a formal vote. The California Republican criticized Democrats in 2019 for doing the same and vowed to have the approval of the lower chamber before opening the Biden impeachment inquiry. But even those vulnerable Republicans now agree that the White House has been uncooperative and think authorizing the probe will allow them to further investigate. We have enough information and testimony and evidence right now to continue the process of the inquiry, said Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., a Biden-district GOP member. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council in the Indian Treaty Room on the White House campus, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Washington. Voters react to the impeachment push Reactions to the impeachment inquiry among voters across the country were mixed. Jackson Reffitt, a 21-year-old food service worker in Dallas, Texas, told USA TODAY as a Democratic voter, he is happy to see politicians get audited. It's hard to think of something more important when it comes to pressuring people in power, is to really make sure that, you know, things are in order, said Reffitt. And as someone who voted for Biden, if he did something bad, throw it, do whatever you need to, it's as simple as that. I don't think there needs to be any debate about it. He added, If he did something, go for it. They need to crack down on it because once you get lenient then you get loose. Scott Bailey, a 64-year-old restoration business owner in Charlotte, North Carolina, told USA TODAY lawmakers should have held the vote to authorize the inquiry sooner. I don't know why it's taking this long. I'm just frustrated that no one has started sooner. It's very frustrating, he said. But some voters balked at lawmakers spending their time on the impeachment investigation. Erik Peterson, a 47-year-old middle school special education teacher in Eureka, California, said he thinks the vote to authorize the impeachment inquiry is political theater. From my understanding, it's pretty unfounded, Peterson, a Democrat, said. I think it's retaliatory for the impeachment inquiries when Trump was president. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House Republicans formalize impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) House Republicans are eyeing a vote Wednesday to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Republicans are moving ahead with their plan to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden. We should pursue all of the facts wherever they may lead, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). Roy says the investigations goal is to uncover the truth. There is a significant amount of evidence that has come forward that raises questions that this body should want to know the truth about, he added. House Republicans claim that while vice president, President Biden used his political power for personal gain. If theres nothing to hide, why not just go through the process? Why not just hand this a We can compel the production of documents, said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pennsylvania). Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern calls the impeachment inquiry a political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy and no integrity, said McGovern. New Mexico Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez says republicans should be focused on governing. The American public waits for Congress to do its job, to fund our government and lower cost extreme maga republicans want an impeachment inquiry to create more division, she said. The House plans to vote Wednesday on the impeachment inquiry, despite only holding a slim majority Republican leaders say they are confident it will pass. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., tells reporters, "We are very pleased with the vote today," as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, looks on after the House voted to formally authorize its impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Dec. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden as lawmakers voted along party lines. House members voted 221 to 212 to legitimize the ongoing Republican-led inquiry into the Biden family's alleged foreign business dealings. Republicans have argued that formalization was necessary after the White House called document requests unconstitutional without a vote. "We're very pleased with the vote today," said House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky. "I think that it's a message loud and clear to the White House. We expect you to comply." Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol following the vote that the authorized inquiry should "help us get those key individuals in to speak to use in a more timely fashion." "The House has now spoken and I think pretty loudly, pretty clearly with every single Republican voting in favor of moving into this official impeachment inquiry phase," Jordan added. Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speak to reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., after the House voted to formally authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI In a statement after the vote, President Biden blasted House Republicans for what he called a "baseless political stunt." "Instead of doing anything to help make Americans' lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies," Biden said. "Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt." (L-R, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., talk to reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol after the House voted to formally authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI While the House authorized the inquiry into the president, Republican leadership made it clear that the vote does not mean automatic impeachment. "We're not going to prejudge the outcome of this because we can't," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Tuesday. "It's not a political calculation. We're following the law and we are the rule of law team and I'm going to hold to that." Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speak to reporters Wednesday after the House voted to formally authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Wednesday's vote came hours after Hunter Biden defied a request to testify in the impeachment inquiry against his father. Hunter Biden spoke to reporters for about 10 minutes to Capitol Hill, saying he was prepared to testify in front of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and Judiciary Committee, but only in public. The private deposition is part of the House's impeachment investigation against the president. House Republicans, led by Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., vote to formalize an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. Photo by Julia Nikhinson/UPI "I am here to testify at a public hearing today, to answer the committee's questions," Hunter Biden said. Hunter Biden admitted that he "made mistakes" in his personal life, he accused Republicans of trying to "dehumanize me all to embarrass and damage my father. For six years, I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine shouting 'Where's Hunter?' Well, here is my answer, I am here." The House impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden seeks to determine whether the Biden family enriched itself through unethical deals made by the president's son, Hunter Biden, when he served on the board of the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI Republicans had rejected his offer to testify in public and said they would move forward to hold him in contempt of Congress. Since reclaiming the House in January, Republicans have intensified their scrutiny of Joe Biden's family business dealings in an effort to appease hardline party members who accuse the president of abuse of power. Hunter Biden on Wednesday defied a request to testify behind closed doors in the House's impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI But the effort has remained stuck after failing to garner enough votes among Republicans in committee to bring the impeachment issue before the full chamber. However, more moderates came on board after the White House indicated subpoenas seeking testimony and other potential evidence were illegitimate without a formal House vote to authorize the probe. Republicans maintain that the impeachment inquiry will help them get to the bottom of whether the Bidens ever enriched themselves through deals made by Hunter Biden, when he served on the board of the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma from 2014 to 2019. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Hunter Biden said the House inquiry was meant to "dehumanize me all to embarrass and damage my father." Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who has been one of the more vocal advocates for impeaching Biden, also acknowledged the slim chances of the inquiry resulting in the president's ouster, saying "I don't think we have the votes to impeach anyone." The probe, launched Sept. 12 by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has been focused on drawing a connection between Biden and unethical business practices by his son, Hunter Biden, while working with Burisma. Hunter Biden said he was prepared to testify in front of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee and Judiciary Committee, but only in public. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Previously, Republicans called the impeachment effort necessary to obtain official documents and bank records from Joe Biden to determine whether he had taken foreign bribes to help his son, however, there has been no evidence so far to indicate that the president broke the law, while he continues to deny any wrongdoing. In his short time as speaker, Johnson has staunchly defended the probe while expressing confidence that the latest resolution would pass despite the recent removal of New York Rep. George Santos, which left the GOP with a thinner three-vote majority in the chamber. Activist Brad Woodhouse speaks during a press conference ahead of the House vote to initiate the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Democrats, meanwhile, accuse Republicans of "exacting political retribution on behalf of Donald Trump," said House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. "It's painfully obvious that they are trying to hurt President Biden politically to help President Trump get reelected," Aguilar added. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., speaks during a press conference ahead of the House vote to initiate the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Adding to the fallout, Hunter Biden was indicted a second time last week on three felonies and six misdemeanor tax offenses after he allegedly failed to pay his taxes, failed to file his tax returns and filed fraudulent tax returns -- which were the same issues that drew scrutiny from Republicans. The Republican-led House of Representatives on Wednesday voted on party lines to authorise an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, fulfilling a wish articulated by former president Donald Trump and many of his allies who would like Mr Biden to be tainted by the GOP-led probe as he seeks re-election next year. Unlike the last impeachment of Mr Trump the second of his two impeachments under a Democratic-led House not a single member of Mr Bidens party voted to authorise the inquiry. By contrast, ten members of the GOP voted to impeach Mr Trump for the second time after he incited a deadly riot in hopes of preventing Congress from certifying his 2020 election loss to Mr Biden. The resolution authorising the inquiry passed with 221 Republicans voting for it and all 212 Democrats who voted for it voting in opposition. The vote fulfilled a demand made by Mr Trump, who had been pushing that the House begin proceedings against Mr Biden because he had been the subject of two impeachments himself during his term. In an August social media post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: These lowlifes Impeached me TWICE (I WON!), and Indicted me FOUR TIMES - For NOTHING! Either IMPEACH the BUM, or fade into OBLIVION. THEY DID IT TO US! And in interview with right-wing radio host Megyn Kelly the next month, the disgraced ex-president explicitly stated that the GOP impeachment push is a matter of tit-for-tat. I think had they not done it to me, and Im very popular, they like me and I like them, the Republican Party, perhaps you wouldnt have it being done to them, he said. The resolution will give authority to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee to conduct hearings as part of the impeachment inquiry, which was first announced by then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in September. The House vote formalises that investigation and places it under the supervision of Representative James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee. White House lawyers had argued that there was no justification for subpoenas issued as part of the probe without a vote to authorise the inquiry, citing precedents set when Mr Trump directed the entire executive branch to disregard a House probe into whether he used federal funds to blackmail Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a now-infamous July 2019 phone call. Mr Comer, who has represented Kentuckys 1st congressional district since 2016, has long maintained that his investigation is legitimate and is justified by what he has described as smoking guns suggesting wrongdoing by the 46th president and his family, and in particular his youngest and only surviving son, Hunter Biden. But the Bluegrass State Republicans claims about Mr Biden and his son have repeatedly failed to stand up to scrutiny, with some falling into the category of outright lies. Most recently, he claimed that a real estate loan repayment from Mr Bidens brother, James Biden, was evidence of wrongdoing on the presidents part, and last week drew yet more ridicule after he claimed a trio of bank transfers from Hunter Biden to Joe Biden made for the purpose of repaying an automobile loan was evidence that the president had profited from his sons business interests. Mr Comers Democratic counterpart, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, said in a statement that a mountain of evidence and deluge of independent reporting has already discredited every single allegation leveled by Republicans against President Biden in their painstaking and fruitless inquiry. From bogus smears about Ukraine to comical distortions about intrafamily auto payments to desperate and self-debunking cries of obstruction, all proven to be distortions, concoctions, and outright lies, he said. The resolution would does not specifically indicate what crimes Republicans believe that Mr Biden committed that would justify impeachment, but impeaching Mr Biden has long been the goal of many far-right Republicans, including Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene and Colorado Rep Lauren Boebert. Michael Tyler, the communications director for Mr Bidens 2024 re-election campaign, said in a memorandum distributed to reporters that the probe is nothing more than a way to help Mr Trump in his quest for another four years in the White House, The only, single fact in this entire sham impeachment exercise is that its a nakedly transparent ploy by House MAGA Republicans to boost Donald Trumps presidential campaign, he said. Mr Tyler pointed out that House Speaker Mike Johnson had recently said that there wasnt enough evidence to justify impeachment, and noted that the only thing that appears to have changed is Mr Trumps desire to use the government to exact revenge on his real or perceived enemies. Last week, Trump told Sean Hannity he would rule as a dictator on day one. Prior to those comments, Speaker Johnson was privately telling his colleagues there was insufficient evidence to advance impeachment what changed? he said. The only branch of government MAGA Republicans control is following through on Donald Trumps promise to use the levers of government to enact political retribution on his enemies. Instead of trying to deliver results for the American people, Trumps MAGA followers in the House are using their power to pursue an evidence-free impeachment sham all to help Trumps 2024 campaign. Democrats on the Oversight Committee also accused Mr Comer and other House Republicans of doing Mr Trumps bidding. The leader of this is Donald Trump, Rep Robert Garcia of California said in a press conference. And this Congress the majority will do will do everything in their power to ensure that Donald Trump gets reelected and we all know that he is driving all of this process. Rep Jared Moskowitz of Florida told The Independent that Republicans hadnt found sufficient grounds to impeach Mr Biden. This is the Seinfeld investigation, he told The Independent. It's an investigation about nothing. Rep Maxwell Frost of Florida said that the investigation is a waste of resources. If it's a hobby they like and they love researching Hunter Biden and printing out his pictures online and having them in their office, they can do that if they want without spending house resources on an impeachment inquiry, he told The Independent. While Democrats remained in their belief that Mr Trump is driving the train on the Houses impeachment probe, GOP whip Tom Emmer told The Independent that the lower chamber is constitutionally obligated to investigate the claims regarding President Biden. Theyre doing their job its what you should expect, he said. But the man who remains at the centre of the GOP theories about the presidents alleged crime family Hunter Biden took a far different view when he spoke to reporters outside the Capitol Wednesday morning, not long before he declined to give evidence before Mr Comers panel in a closed session. For six years I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine shouting, wheres Hunter? Well, heres my answer I am here, he said, before accusing the GOP of having lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life, so much so that their lives have become the false facts believed by too many people. He also categorically denied that his father had ever been involved in any of his business ventures, not as a practising lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home nor abroad, and certainly not as an artist. There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen, he said. Neither the White House nor Mr Bidens legal team would say whether anyone in the Biden administration had knowledge of Hunter Bidens plans to deliver remarks but not sit for the closed-door deposition, though White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that President Biden had been familiar with what his son had planned to say and do on Wednesday. White House officials have almost always declined to comment on the presidents sons actions, citing his status as a private citizen. But a White House source who spoke to The Independent said administration figures who watched the presidents son speak outside the Capitol viewed his statement as powerful, forceful and emotional. Another person with close ties to the administration predicted that the House Republicans would eventually get the testimony they want from the presidents son in the open session he desires, but cautioned that they would regret it. Hunter Biden, despite all his problems, is a Yale-educated lawyer who served as Chairman at the UN World Food Programme and on the board of Amtrak, they said. Jim Jordan and James Comer are going to find out that theyre out of their league. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press Three presidents of elite universities appeared before the House Education and Workforce Committee on Dec. 5. Since then, these presidents have faced intense backlash for their testimonies. And now the House is set to vote on a bipartisan resolution condemning their testimony on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., introduced the resolution along with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Reps. Jared Moskowitz, R-Fla., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., The Hill reported. The three university presidents responses to Stefaniks line of questioning drew attention, especially their answer to Stefanik when she asked if calling for the genocide of Jewish people violated their schools conduct policies. Related University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill responded that it is a context-dependent decision, congresswoman, when Stefanik pressed her to answer the question. Magill has since stepped down as president, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Harvard University President Claudine Gay also said that it depended on the context. Antisemitic speech when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation that is actionable conduct and we do take action, she said during the congressional hearing. Afterward, Gay apologized for her testimony. When words amplify distress and pain, I dont know how you could feel anything but regret, she told The Harvard Crimson. Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth said that if the speech was targeted at individuals, not making public statements, then it could violate MITs policies. This is not a partisan issue but a question of moral clarify which is why our colleagues from across the aisle have come together with us to introduce a resolution condemning antisemitism as well as the morally bankrupt testimonies of the university presidents from Harvard, Penn, and MIT during last weeks House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing, Stefanik said in a press release. Also a supporter of the resolution, Gottheimer said, I will always defend the right to free speech, even when whats being said is incredibly offensive. But I wont sit back when words and actions violate the law, instill fear, and put students in danger. The resolution strongly condemns the testimony of University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill, Harvard University President Claudine Gay, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth and their failure to clearly state that calls for the genocide of Jews constitute harassment and violate their institutions codes of conduct. Related The fallout from the congressional hearing has included calls for the presidents to resign. As already mentioned, Magill resigned. The Harvard board signed a letter reaffirm(ing) our support for President Gays continued leadership of Harvard University, The New York Times reported. Mark Gorenberg, chair of the MIT Corp., affirmed his support for Kornbluth following the hearing as well and shared a publicly available note from the corporation. She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, all of which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support, the note said. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has been among those making the call for the university presidents to resign, per The Wall Street Journal. When I started out, this was all about antisemitism, he said. The much bigger issue is this ideology on campuses ... that has led to free speech being squelched. As a result of President Gays failure to enforce Harvards own rules, Jewish students, faculty and others are fearful for their own safety even as the physical abuse of students remains unpunished, Ackman wrote in a letter on Sunday, per The Wall Street Journal. Some like Nico Perrino, from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, have a different take on what the university presidents said. He called for the elimination of speech codes on campus. In light of the sudden and convenient discovery of free speech scruples by the college presidents at yesterdays hearing, we should hold the presidents to these scruples, and we should not lose sight of the bigger picture, Perrino said. Double standards are frustrating, but we should address them by demanding free speech be protected consistently not by expanding the calls for censorship. The House vote on the resolution is expected to take place on Wednesday, per CNN. These are Ivy League university presidents that were asked a softball question: Does calling for the genocide of Jews count as harassment under their schools policies? Jared Moskowitz said. Thats not a trick question, and its infuriating that these leaders of young people would try to equivocate with some nonsense about it depends on the context. The House is set to vote Wednesday on a bipartisan resolution condemning the congressional testimony of three university presidents at a hearing last week that centered on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) whose direct line of questioning during the hearing has gone viral introduced the resolution Tuesday with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). This is not a partisan issue but a question of moral clarity, Stefanik wrote in a press release introducing the resolution. Which is why our colleagues from across the aisle have come together with us to introduce a resolution condemning antisemitism on university campuses as well as the morally bankrupt testimonies of the University Presidents from Harvard, [University of Pennsylvania], and MIT during last weeks House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing. During the hearing, Stefanik had pressed the university presidents on whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their schools respective codes of conduct, and all three struggled to respond directly. The moment was captured on video and widely circulated, resulting in broad international backlash. The university presidents have subsequently apologized, and Penn President Liz Magill resigned Saturday. The resolution calls on the other two university presidents to follow suit and resign. The resolution, announced in Scalises daily floor schedule, also broadly condemns the rise of antisemitism on university campuses around the country. These are Ivy League university presidents that were asked a softball question: Does calling for the genocide of Jews count as harassment under their schools policies? Thats not a trick question, and its infuriating that these leaders of young people would try to equivocate with some nonsense about it depends on the context, Moskowitz said. Sub out Jews for any other persecuted minority group and they would never have given that answer. They failed the test, and just like their students there are no makeups, he added. We must, as a nation, stand united with the Jewish people and Jewish students who no longer feel safe in the United States or on our campuses against the hateful antisemitism they are facing today. We must stand up for what is right, Scalise wrote. I applaud Chair Stefanik for introducing this resolution condemning the despicable testimony of those three university presidents and am proud to join her in denouncing the antisemitism running rampant on college campuses. Stefanik pledged to continue fighting to address antisemitism on college campuses. We are only just beginning to address the pervasive rot of antisemitism that has infected Americas higher education system and we will not stop until it is rooted out and those responsible for fostering its growth are held accountable. Antisemitism has no place in America, Stefanik wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The House on Wednesday passed a bipartisan resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses and testimony from three high-profile university presidents over antisemitism at a congressional hearing last week. The measure condemns the testimony given by the presidents of Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania during a contentious House hearing, stating that they were evasive and dismissive when asked if calls for the genocide of Jews violate university policies on bullying and harassment and failed to simply condemn such action. In the wake of widespread backlash over the testimony, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned over the weekend. The resolution states that Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluth should follow suit and resign as well. Lawmakers approved the resolution in a 303-126 vote, with 125 Democrats and one Republican voting against the measure. Three Democrats voted present. The resolution was put forward by House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York, along with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Democratic Reps. Jared Moskowitz of Florida and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. Stefanik has been in the spotlight after exchanges from her questioning of the university presidents went viral. The congresswoman had a sharp response to the news that Magill was stepping down from her position: One down. Two to go. The testimony from the university presidents has generated significant criticism and intense scrutiny from business leaders and donors in addition to lawmakers. It comes at a time of heightened attention to the issue of antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel and the Israel-Hamas war. During the hearing, none of the school leaders explicitly said that calling for the genocide of Jews would necessarily violate their code of conduct. Instead, they said it would depend on the circumstances and conduct. Gay has the unanimous support of the universitys board, Harvards highest governing body said in a statement Tuesday, giving the Harvard President significant cover to remain in her position. Gay apologized last week in an interview with the Harvard Crimson. The Executive Committee of the MIT Corporation, MITs governing board, issued a statement last week saying that Kornbluth has their full and unreserved support. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Matt Egan and Jedd Rosche contributed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rep. Mark Alford wasnt in Congress either of the times the House voted to impeach former President Donald Trump. But as the Missouri Republican lends his full-throated support for an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, who will likely face Trump in a 2024 presidential rematch, Alford insists the inquiry into the Democratic president is different. Theres no comparison, I think, Alford said. This is not tit for tat. This is the truth for America. The House on Wednesday voted 221-212 to formalize an ongoing impeachment inquiry led by three committees: Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means. The investigation focuses on how Bidens son and brother conducted business with foreign companies, and seeks to tie the president to those business deals. House Republicans said the step was necessary because the Biden administration has refused to turn over certain documents, citing the lack of an official House vote authorizing the inquiry, which began in September. It came the same day Hunter Biden, the presidents son, was slated to testify in a closed door hearing with the committees. The younger Biden showed up at the Capitol but refused to testify behind closed doors, holding a press conference where he said he was willing to have a public hearing. There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing, Biden told reporters. They have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life, so much so that their lies have become the false facts believed by too many people. Republicans said they plan to hold him in contempt of Congress. Wednesdays vote split among party lines. Democrats have been quick to denounce the inquiry, saying it has produced plenty of information about Hunter Biden but has found little to show that President Biden has done anything wrong. This is revenge, said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, who voted twice to impeach Trump. I dont think we ought to be wasting our time, if you look at all the issues that we put off to January. I think the American public hired us to do their business and this is not their business and its going to hurt. Trump was first impeached over allegations that he withheld federal funds from Ukraine unless the president launched an investigation into Biden. Trumps second impeachment came after his supporters stormed the Capitol and disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election. Tuesdays vote marked the third impeachment inquiry in the past five years. Since former President Bill Clintons impeachment inquiry in 1998, three of the five presidents have faced impeachment investigations. Casey Burgat, a professor at George Washington University who focuses on legislative affairs, said there has been a shift in how Congress has treated impeachment, where it has become a campaign promise rather than something that occurs after wrongdoing. Its become the latest political cudgel to strike your political opponent with and thats obviously damaging to the institution, Burgat said. But for voters, its kind of just seen as a normal way of doing business now. And, again, thats just not what it was meant to be used for. So far the inquiry has found evidence that Hunter Biden relied on his familys last name to boost business with companies in countries, such as China, Ukraine and Romania. It found a vast network of businesses where Biden could receive money and has called into question two checks from James Biden, the presidents brother, to the president, which the White House has said were loans when Biden was not in office. Rep. Jason Smith, a Missouri Republican, is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the three committees investigating Biden. He has focused on two whistleblowers from the IRS who claimed the Department of Justice shielded President Joe Biden from the investigation. The special counsel who brought charges against Hunter Biden, David Weiss, defended the integrity of his investigation in a closed door hearing with the House, as did an FBI agent who worked on the case, according to the New York Times. Republicans from Kansas and Missouri compared the inquiry to the discovery phase of a criminal investigation, saying its needed to determine whether the president committed any crimes. Im surprised by some members who are on our side of the aisle that would vote against it, said Rep. Eric Burlison, a Missouri Republican who sits on the Oversight Committee. Their logic defies logic. Because if youre saying that you need more evidence, well, this is your chance to get more evidence. This vote is not saying were going to impeach the president. Alford said he believes the evidence will amount to high crimes and misdemeanors, the standard needed for impeachment, but said we dont have the facts yet. Where theres smoke, theres fire, and there is more smoke here then the last Boy Scout camp that I went to, Alford said. Theres a lot of smoke here. Its up to us to find out if theres indeed a fire, because our national security is at stake. Cleaver was dismissive of the Republican claims. While he acknowledged that Hunter Biden made mistakes, he said the president shouldnt be blamed for the actions of his adult son. We can find smoke any and everywhere, it doesnt mean anything, Cleaver said. Smoke usually turns out to be smoke. How they voted A yes vote means the lawmaker voted in support of the impeachment inquiry Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids (D) No Rep. Ron Estes (R) Yes Rep. Jake LaTurner (R) Yes Rep. Tracey Mann (R) Yes Missouri Rep. Mark Alford (R) Yes Rep. Eric Burlison (R) Yes Rep. Cori Bush (D) No Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) No Rep. Sam Graves (R) Yes Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) Yes Rep. Jason Smith (R) Yes Rep. Ann Wagner (R) Yes HOUSTON - Many students in universities will be receiving their bachelor's degree in December, and one Houston-area woman is rising above the odds as a foster care student, receiving her degree from Texas Southern University. Rona-Lin Frank, 25, moved to Houston from New Orleans, Louisiana before Hurricane Katrina struck. She bounced around from relative to relative until Franks says her brother notified Child Protective Services about the treatment she was receiving from her mother and the environment she was living in. Frank then went on to become a foster care youth. She stayed in one home for a short while before having to leave after a few months and eventually, she found her way to another home with a mother she says was "born into my heart". SUGGESTED: Sponsor a child in foster care with Depelchin Childrens Center Holiday Project "The one that I currently have, that has been my mother who was born into my heart I like to call her. You know, we aren't blood, but we are bonded by the situations that brought us together," Frank said. Her foster mother pushed her to pursue her education and Frank attributes that as what helped her become the woman she is today. "You know, I feel like not everybody can say that they had a good experience, but I feel like mine was not the worst one that you'll come across," she said. "You know, coming from the circumstances that I did come from, I can say that they were pretty rough. But I can say that I feel like essentially I ended up where I was supposed to be because that changed me as a person in a positive way." The 25-year-old credits the mother "born into her heart" for being the one to encourage her to take risks and stand up for herself. Frank is preparing to get her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Southern University, which she was also influenced to pursue, based on her experience in foster care when she was younger. According to a 2017 study from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, "Research shows that although over 80% of youth in foster care report wanting to go to college, only 2-9% who attend college receive a bachelors degree." According to Frank, she had a psychologist who gave her insights she wasn't aware of and brought things out of her she didn't know she was capable of. "So I feel like the people in my life kind of helped me shape what my career would look like for me, like what I wanted it to look like. So I feel like psychology was the field for me because I really do have a passion for helping people," she stated. "I feel like ever since I got help as an individual, I feel like that's a calling for me as well because I feel like I take pride in that. I take joy in that, and I really do like to see other people succeed." FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! Frank's message to other youth in foster care or who were formerly in foster care is to not quit. "Your circumstances and your situation that landed you into care is not your fault. You know, you can't feel guilty about the things that have happened in your past," Frank said. "It does not mean that you have to give up on life as well, does not mean you have to give up on an education either. There are a lot of resources out there that can help former and current foster youth, and you have to take full advantage of it." A U.S. warship destroyed a drone launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen after responding to reports of a commercial vessel coming under an anti-ship ballistic missile attack in the southern Red Sea, a U.S. official told The War Zone. The latest in a series of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping began around 8 a.m. local time when the M/T Ardmore Encounter reported that they were being approached by men in skiffs, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. The Houthis then fired two ground-based anti-ship ballistic missiles at the vessel that missed, the official said. https://twitter.com/safiALshami/status/1734913228801507515 The Royal Navy's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations ( UKMTO ) reported that the commercial vessel, which it did not name, was approached by armed men in a skiff that got within a half nautical mile of it. An armed security team on the ship fired warning shots and then there was an exchange of small arms fire. A short while later, the commercial vessel reported seeing an explosion 200 meters astern and went to emergency stations. Ships in the area were then warned by UKMTO to "exercise caution and report suspicious activity." https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1734892185152073775 The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason responded to a call from the commercial vessel and shot down a Houthi drone, launched from Yemen, that was heading toward it, the official told us. There were no injuries or damage reported by either vessel and the Ardmore Encounter continued its trip. The Houthis did not immediately take credit for the attack, but on Tuesday, spokesman for the group Yahya Sare'e said that the rebels will "continue to prevent all ships of all nationalities heading to Israeli ports from navigating in the Arab and Red Seas until they bring in food and medicine that our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip need." https://twitter.com/Yahya_Saree/status/1734483936149987364 The Ardmore Encounter Marshall Islands-flagged, according to The Associated Press . It is an oil tanker that was carrying Indian-produced jet fuel bound for the Netherlands with an option to Sweden, the company said in a statement. "Ardmore Shipping Corporation, owner and operator of the M/T Ardmore Encounter, reports that earlier today the vessel came under attack while transiting the Red Sea," the company said. "No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage onboard, and is considered to be out of immediate danger." The company "is in close contact with the relevant authorities and received military assistance during the attack." We would like to thank the captain and crew of the M/T Ardmore Encounter for their calm and professional actions during the attack, as well as the armed guards onboard and the naval assistance provided in defending the vessel; all acted in a rapid, coordinated, and highly professional manner," said Anthony Gurnee, CEO of Ardmore Shipping. "We also want to highlight the importance of the training and preparations taken prior to the transit, and the effective coordination with all authorities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwT3Rbvkgwc The attack on the Ardmore Encounter came just two days after t he Mason responded to a distress call from the Norwegian-flagged chemical tanker M/T Strinda, that was struck by a land-based cruise missile that caused a fire on board. French Navy (Marine Nationale) FREMM Frigate Languedoc, patrolling off the coast of Yemen, was also involved in the Strinda incident, shooting down a drone threatening the vessel. https://twitter.com/EtatMajorFR/status/1734555052600140260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1734555052600140260%7Ctwgr%5Ecb4717c17bae4cf8b5bb6bf999bbd3ab35b4558b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fcommercial-ship-in-flames-after-red-sea-missile-attack Today's incident was Mason's fourth encounter with the Houthis. On Dec. 7, it downed a drone launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, UNSI News reported . Nov. 27, two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen came down in the Red Sea in its vicinity. At the time, the warship was concluding its response to a distress call from the M/V Central Park, a commercial vessel that had itself come under attack from a group of armed raiders that had attempted to board it. https://twitter.com/fab_hinz/status/1729033366673162564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1729033366673162564%7Ctwgr%5Ecb4717c17bae4cf8b5bb6bf999bbd3ab35b4558b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fcommercial-ship-in-flames-after-red-sea-missile-attack The Houthis have repeatedly attacked shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel. There have been several instances where U.S. Navy vessels have also had to shoot down Houthi drones and missiles . On Nov. 19, the Houthis staged a helicopter-borne raid on the Galaxy Leader, a Bahamian-flagged vehicle carrier transiting the Red Sea. The Houthis still hold the ship and its 25 crew members. A U.S. military official told The War Zone it is believed to be the first Houthi helicopter-borne raid on a ship. You can read more about these incidents and others involving the Houthis in our story here . https://twitter.com/TreyYingst/status/1726643349418057846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1726643349418057846%7Ctwgr%5E57e7e61e9dfa56ad4600b696ad50d221db326a56%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fhouthi-helicopter-raid-on-ship-in-red-sea-seen-in-new-video On Tuesday, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's top spokesman, told reporters that the U.S. continues to discuss the creation of an international task force to provide protection to shipping in the region. "The actions that we've seen from these Houthi forces are destabilizing, they're dangerous, and clearly a flagrant violation of international law," he said. "And so this is an international problem that requires an international solution. We do continue to consult closely with our international allies and partners on implementing a maritime task force." So far, the U.S. has taken no military response against the Houthis. In 2016, the U.S. did retaliate against them after they slung four anti-ship missiles at the USS Mason and USS Ponce on two separate occasions in just three days. Ryder seemingly left all options on the table. "As we've demonstrated in the past, is that our military will not hesitate to take action where we deem it necessary and appropriate, including to protect against actions in the maritime domain that could threaten our forces," he said. When or if that will happen, and when the new task force is launched and how it will respond all remain unknown, but something we will watch closely. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Hundreds of volunteers will spread across Sacramento County next month to determine how much the homeless population has changed in the last two years. On the nights of Jan. 24 and 25, the federally-mandated point-in-time count will again be conducted by homeless nonprofit Sacramento Steps Forward. But there will be one significant change this year Sacramento State will not be involved. Because the count is federally funded, SSF is required to periodically seek bids from entities to conduct the research. Through that process, entities must provide an estimate they would charge to do the work. In response to the (request for proposals), Simtech Solutions, Inc., submitted the strongest proposal, said Kim Winters of Sacramento Steps Forward. This proposal was vetted by a review panel of using objective scoring criteria and an interview panel. Simtech Solutions in 2012 created an app to count unhoused people for the point-in-time counts, which has been used in cities in 13 states, including San Diego, where the company is based, according to its website. Sacramento State, which had been the researcher on the point-in-time count since 2017, submitted a bid do the new count, but SSF did not select it, said Lisa Bates, SSFs CEO. Another key difference this year is that the count will use US Census tracts instead of custom-drawn zones, Winters said. This will allow the results to be compared to the 2020 count. This comparison will be instrumental in identifying at the neighborhood level any race, gender, or age categories that are over-represented in the homeless population, Winters said in an email. Our post-count analysis will assess whether and how this years PIT results differ from previous PIT results. Importantly, the methodology for new results will also be comparable to the last count, which was conducted on two nights in February 2022, Winters said. The February 2022 count determined that there were roughly 9,300 homeless people living in Sacramento County on any given night for the first time surpassing San Francisco (though not per capita). That included about 6,600 who were sleeping outdoors, in tents or vehicles, according to a 106-page in-depth report Sacramento State produced in July 2022. The city and county have roughly 2,220 shelter beds, all of which are typically full on any given night. The result of the new county will partly determine whether Sacramento receives additional federal funding to address homelessness. The new census number, and report will be released in April or May, Winters said. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.sacramento24.pointintime.info. When Eric Peper fell behind on paying his quarterly dues to his homeowner association, he had no idea the HOA could foreclose on him. I found out the hard way, he said. In 2019, after buying a three-bedroom house in southwest Charlotte for $210,000, Peper began replacing floors, putting in granite countertops, and, with a 3% mortgage interest rate, building equity. But his job fixing machine tools slowed during the pandemic, and by July 2021, he was $435 behind on his dues to the Steelecroft Place Homeowners Association. He made sure he paid his mortgage on time, he said, but figured hed pay the HOA when he got his next tax refund. Instead, his HOA foreclosed on him. In 2022, a company named DEV Properties, LLC, bought the house out of foreclosure for $3,700. Peper lost his house, along with his equity, and had to move into a small, rented bedroom. Hopes Foreclosed NC rules make it easy for HOAs to foreclose on homeowners. State law allows them to force the sale of homes for any amount of unpaid dues, no matter how small. Our investigation shows how often it's happening and how it can be devastating to homeowners. Ill never live in a neighborhood with an HOA again, said Peper, now 55. The HOA has all the power in North Carolina. Peper is among hundreds of North Carolina homeowners who lost their homes to HOA foreclosures since 2018. North Carolina rules make it easy for HOAs to foreclose on homeowners. State law allows them to force the sale of homes for any amount of unpaid dues, no matter how small. They simply need to obtain approval from a court clerk a relatively quick and inexpensive process. The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer pored over hundreds of court documents, analyzed state data and interviewed homeowners, experts and attorneys to conduct a first-of-its-kind investigation of HOA foreclosures in North Carolina. We found: HOAs in the state have filed to foreclose in more than 5,500 cases since 2018, against owners of houses, condominiums and time shares. In more than 600 cases, owners lost their property or time-share stakes. Forty-five percent of the states foreclosure filings happened in a single county: Mecklenburg. Small debts can result in big risks for homeowners. Our analysis of more than 100 HOA foreclosure cases showed that about half of the homeowners had debts of less than $2,000. Some owed less than $500 in dues. HOA foreclosures have opened doors to financial predators. One North Carolina firm engaged in bid-rigging to limit competition and help its investors buy foreclosed homes at lower prices, a federal jury found. It also encouraged investors to use the threat of taking homes as a way to shake down owners for tens of thousands of dollars. Those who lose homes to HOA foreclosures typically are stripped of most if not all of their equity. In a review of more than 250 cases from 2018 to 2022, the newspapers found that 62% of foreclosed homes sold for less than $10,000 a fraction of their market value. That leaves little or no money for the homeowners. Johnnie Larrie, Director of the Economic Justice Initiative for Legal Aid of North Carolina, said her office regularly hears from homeowners whove faced foreclosure over small debts. Most, she said, were current on their mortgage payments or had paid off their mortgages but fell behind on HOA dues. You can owe so little, Larrie said. And you can lose so much. State court records show a decline in foreclosure sales since the pandemic struck. The national group that advocates for HOAs the Community Association Institute recommended a pandemic-related moratorium on foreclosures from March 2020 until at least July 31, 2021. While many HOAs heeded that guidance, more than 550 HOAs in North Carolina filed foreclosure actions during that time period, the newspapers found. Larrie and other homeowner advocates say they expect to see an uptick in foreclosures, now that federal housing aid that was available during the pandemic is nearly exhausted. Behind on HOA dues? You could lose your home Illustration HOAs: We need a way to pay our bills More than a quarter of North Carolina residents live in HOA communities, and many of them are happy with their associations. In a 2022 survey by the HOA industrys research arm, the Foundation for Community Association Research, 61% of homeowners in HOA communities here rated their experiences as good or very good. Foreclosure filings represent just a tiny fraction of the more than 1 million homes in HOA communities. North Carolina, the nations ninth-most populous state, has nearly 15,000 HOAs more than all but four other states. The vast majority of those associations never move to foreclose on homeowners, state courts data shows. Attorneys representing HOAs say the organizations need the power to foreclose so they can continue to pay for essential community services such as water and sewer without raising dues for others. State law ensures that homeowners who fall behind on their dues are given plenty of notice and many opportunities to pay their debts so they can avoid losing their homes, they say. Cynthia Jones, president of the North Carolina chapter of the Community Associations Institute, said most HOA board members are hard-working volunteers who bear no ill will toward their neighbors. They dont want to take anyones home, she said. They just need the money to pay their bills. But attorneys whove battled foreclosure actions say state law is tilted against homeowners. If owners feel an HOAs actions are unwarranted, there is no state or federal agency they can turn to. One of the few things people can do is file a lawsuit an expensive proposition that is beyond the reach of many. HOAs, meanwhile, can recover their legal fees on foreclosure cases by billing the homeowners who owe them money. And while federal rules require mortgage lenders to work with homeowners to avoid foreclosure, HOAs face no such requirement, notes Kara Fisher Moskowitz, who heads the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacys consumer protection program. Homeowners are often taken by surprise, Moskowitz said. And theres not a lot they can do to curb abusive HOAs, other than hire an attorney. Kara Fisher Moskowitz, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacys consumer protection program director, said shes troubled by the lack of protections for homeowners in HOA communities. A big problem with the HOAs is they overreach, she said. How foreclosures work In North Carolina, if youre 30 days behind on paying your HOA dues, the association can file a lien against your property. And if you fall 90 days behind, an HOA can move to foreclose over any debt, no matter how small. In more than a third of U.S. states, representatives for HOAs must appear before a judge to get the authority to foreclose on a home. But not in North Carolina. Here, attorneys who represent HOAs usually get the OK during a brief hearing with a clerk in a county courthouse. Clerks check whether the homeowner failed to pay dues, whether the HOA filed a lien, whether the HOA board authorized foreclosure and whether the association has evidence that it made required efforts to notify homeowners about its plans to foreclose. If the answer to those questions is yes, approval is virtually assured. Its not a forum where homeowners are given a chance to argue against foreclosures for other reasons, even if they have evidence the HOA failed to properly handle finances or maintain the community, lawyers familiar with the process say. When new buyers purchase HOA foreclosure homes, the associations and their attorneys are the first to collect. If a house is bought out of foreclosure for more than the HOA and its attorney are owed, the surplus proceeds must legally go to the homeowner. Usually, though, the property sells for such a low amount that the original homeowner collects little or nothing. Any existing liens by mortgage lenders remain on the house after the foreclosure sale. But the foreclosure buyers can often turn a large profit because they typically buy the homes for less than $10,000 and sell them for much more than is needed to pay off the mortgage. The original homeowner sees none of the profit from the second sale. Even if a case does not move all the way to foreclosure, the process often proves costly to homeowners. State law gives HOAs the right to bill homeowners for reasonable attorney fees up to $1,200 in uncontested cases as well as other costs associated with the collection of a debt. Devastating losses In interviews with six homeowners who lost their houses to HOA foreclosures, an Observer reporter heard a common refrain: The experience financially devastated them. Todd Harris, a 59-year-old maintenance mechanic, doesnt like to drive near his old neighborhood. It reminds him of all he has lost. Almost 20 years ago, Harris borrowed from his 401(k) to make a down payment on a new two-story house that had everything he wanted: four bedrooms, 3,200 square feet of space and a two-car garage. It was in a tranquil, ethnically mixed neighborhood with two ponds, just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Raleigh. Hed planned to retire there. But Harris fell behind on paying his dues to the Pine Hall Plantation HOA several years ago. In a letter sent to Harris in April 2019, the HOAs management company demanded payment of $521 for past dues. Hed planned to catch up on the payments, but the bills the HOA sent soon included large additional sums for attorney fees, he said. He didnt have the money to pay it all off, he said, so he asked the HOAs attorney if he could negotiate a repayment plan. He was told he couldnt, he said. They wanted all of the money. On June 9, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the directors of Harris HOA voted to foreclose on him. In August of 2021, a sheriffs deputy posted a notice of the foreclosure hearing at Harris home, records indicate. Harris said the foreclosure notices didnt quickly come to his attention because hed been spending most of his time at his girlfriends house at the time. No one tried to call or email him, he said. I should never have let it get to that extent, he said. But I also think there should have been a better effort by the HOA to let me know how serious the situation was. When Harris finally saw the notices, he called the HOA attorney. But by that time, they said it was too late, Harris recalled. In 2022, a company called YL Properties bought the house out of foreclosure for $115,500. Harris was told he had two weeks to pack his things and leave. Unlike many who lose their homes to HOA foreclosures, Harris did get a sizable check from the sale a little over $100,000. But he lost much more than he gained. He lost more than $200,000 of the equity hed built, he said. He lost the home where hed hoped to retire. He moved into a rented, 10-by-10-foot bedroom in Morrisville, where he sleeps on an air mattress. His old house, meanwhile, was sold to new owners this April for $540,000. To take everything I worked for the last 20 years said Harris, now 59, leaving his sentence unfinished. Its been rough. Hope Derby Carmichael, a Raleigh lawyer who represented the HOA, said fair debt collection laws prohibit her from commenting on such cases. HOAs dont always try to take homes to settle debts. They must first file liens to pressure homeowners to pay up. If that doesnt happen, liens allow HOAs to collect money owed when homes are sold. But a quarter of the roughly 5,600 HOAs that filed liens from 2018 to 2022 went on to file for foreclosure, the newspapers analysis found. Harris said he understands the purpose of HOAs. They keep neighborhoods attractive. And he believes HOAs should be given tools to collect on what they are owed. But there should be more requirements in place before they can foreclose on your home, he said. Small debts, big losses When North Carolina HOAs move to foreclose, they often do so over small debts, the newspapers investigation found. And overdue bills frequently mushroom because HOAs tack on attorney fees, late fees and other costs. Keith Williams house troubles began about five years ago, when he said he forgot to pay his annual HOA bill. In March of 2018, his HOA, Chastain of Raleigh Community Association, sent the Army veteran a notice saying he owed $192. Two months later, the HOA put a $526 lien on his house for late dues and attorney fees. The HOA board voted to pursue foreclosure in June, and by August his debt had grown to $1,590, according to a letter from the HOAs attorney. It kept climbing. One morning in mid-2019, Williams responded to a knock on his front door and was met by a sheriffs deputy and a locksmith. The deputy told him that the HOA had foreclosed on him and that he had five minutes to pack up his things and leave, he recalled. That is a pure disgrace, Williams said. Youre telling me youre going to kick a veteran out of his house because he didnt pay $300? Keith Williams almost lost his house in Raleigh after his HOA foreclosed on him over about $500 in unpaid dues and attorney fees. Williams had bought the three-bedroom house in southeast Raleigh about 10 years earlier and estimated that he had about $30,000 in equity in it. But his HOA got possession of the house by bidding just $2,922 on it in the foreclosure sale. With nowhere to go, Williams slept in his van in a Walmart parking lot for the next week. The HOA told him he could save his house if he quickly came up with about $4,000, Williams said. With the help of friends, family and viewers of a TV news story about his ordeal, he was able to raise the money and get his house back. Since 2018, Chastain of Raleigh has filed at least 26 foreclosure actions, state courts records show. And the association kept pursuing foreclosures in 2020, after many HOAs put a pause on foreclosure actions because of the pandemic. Kristina Bailey, a community manager for the HOAs management company, declined to discuss Williams case, referring a reporter to Carmichael, the associations lawyer. Carmichael also declined to talk about the matter. Some lawmakers see a need to rein in HOAs. An early version of North Carolina House Bill 542, introduced earlier this year, would have prevented HOAs from putting liens on homes and foreclosing for debts of less than $2,500, or one year of assessments. But the North Carolina HOA association opposed that measure, according to its legislative action committee. And the provision was removed from the bill. A diluted version of the bill did not pass in this years legislative session, but lawmakers may take it up again next year. Jones, the lawyer who heads the North Carolina advocacy group for HOAs, said that limiting foreclosures could put a financial strain on associations. If you have an association with a large number of people who are $2,500 behind, they are severely hurting, she said. Rep. Ya Liu, a Wake County Democrat, introduced a bill that would have prevented HOAs from foreclosing on homeowners for debts of less than $2,500. That provision was stripped from the bill after lobbying by HOAs. Rep. Ya Liu, a Wake County Democrat who introduced House Bill 542, said she doesnt buy the argument that such limits would cripple HOAs. A number of other states, including Georgia, have set dollar limits on HOA foreclosures, she noted. Its been very hard to push any HOA legislation through, Liu said. Because HOAs have pretty strong arms and they can reach the leadership in the House and Senate. Did homeowners get adequate notice? Some homeowners say they had no idea they were in danger of losing their homes until it was too late. Gina Ackah owned a three-bedroom house in Raleigh, and began renting it out when she moved abroad for a new job, court records show. She was current on her mortgage and had built up significant equity in the home. But she fell slightly behind on her HOA dues and in 2015, the HOA foreclosed on her to collect past dues of about $200, according to Ryan Adams, an attorney who represented her. The high bidder in the foreclosure auction bought the home for just $2,709. Gina Ackah lost this house, on Glenwood Springs Court in Raleigh, after her HOA foreclosed on her. She was working abroad at the time, and the state Supreme Court found there was no evidence she received notice of the foreclosure. Ackah was working for a petroleum company in Africa at the time and never received word of the foreclosure proceedings because the notices were forwarded to her uncles home in South Carolina and not sent to the email address that the HOA had for Ackah, court records show. Ackah took the case to court and won a hollow victory. Both a trial court and the state Court of Appeals agreed with her assertion that she did not receive notice of the HOAs plan to foreclose. But the appeals court declined to return the house to Ackah, leaving her with no remedy but to seek restitution from the HOA. She chose not to pursue that restitution because of the legal costs involved, Adams said. When you have contact information for a resident, it just seems like they should have to do everything reasonably in their power before starting a foreclosure and taking a home, Adams said. Lucian Cooke also contends his HOA provided insufficient notice before foreclosing. In early 2020, he bought his first home a three bedroom townhouse located in a quiet neighborhood in northeast Charlotte. The home quickly grew in value, and he was depending on the equity to help provide a comfortable retirement. He said he had been paying dues to one HOA, but forgot that he also was responsible for paying dues to a second one. (Some homeowners have to pay dues for two HOAs an umbrella association that oversees a large community and a sub-association governing a section of the community.) Cooke took a job in Chicago for seven months so he said he didnt see any of the mail his HOA had sent him during that time period. I got no emails, no phone calls, no certified mail, he said. One day, he recalled, his girlfriend was at his house when someone came to the door with disturbing news: I own the house now. Ive got the deed. The Davis Lake Community Association had foreclosed on the home to collect on a bill of $2,349. And in May 2022, a Charlotte LLC called DEV Properties bought the house at a foreclosure auction for $4,400. Cooke said he contacted a lawyer, but it was too late. He had to move out of his house and into an apartment. In May 2023, the house was resold for nearly $310,000. Since 2018, the Davis Lake Community Association has filed foreclosure actions against at least 26 of its more than 800 homeowners, state courts data shows. Delton Russell, the former association president who signed the HOAs foreclosure authorization form, declined to discuss the decision to foreclose on Cooke and the HOAs broader policy on when to foreclose. He no longer lives in the community, he said. Jim Slaughter, a Greensboro lawyer whose firm has represented hundreds of HOAs, said North Carolina law requires associations to make extensive efforts to notify homeowners about delinquencies before billing them for attorneys fees, filing liens and foreclosing. The law doesnt require that HOAs make contact with homeowners before filing foreclosure actions. But it does require that associations vigorously attempt to notify homeowners about a foreclosure hearing using the same procedures that are used to deliver a summons either asking a sheriffs deputy to personally serve the notice or sending it by registered or certified mail or a delivery service such as FedEx. HOAs that cant connect with homeowners can fulfill the notice requirements by publishing a legal notice in a newspaper. Seldom is it that the person doesnt know, said Slaughter, a past national president of the College of Community Association Lawyers. Attorneys for HOAs also note that state law gives homeowners many chances to pay their debts and thereby prevent foreclosure sales. Ben Karb, a Charlotte attorney who has represented HOAs in many foreclosure cases, notes that homeowners have the opportunity to do that before a lien is filed, before the case reaches foreclosure, and even up until 10 days after the highest bid is placed on the house during a foreclosure sale. If the homeowner is trying to do something, then the county clerk will work with them, Slaughter said. But while the law requires that HOAs make efforts to notify homeowners, that doesnt guarantee that owners actually receive notice. Jim White, a Chapel Hill lawyer who regularly represents homeowners, said he has heard from many who werent aware their HOAs were foreclosing on them. The number of people who said they werent notified is remarkable, he said. House Bill 542 would strengthen notification requirements. State law doesnt currently specify that HOAs must attempt to email homeowners about delinquencies. The bill would change that by requiring that HOAs send delinquency notice and liens to any email address designated by the homeowner. The bill would also require the court clerks who authorize foreclosures to ask HOAs what efforts theyve made to communicate with homeowners in an effort to resolve the matter. But for now, its incumbent on homeowners to pay attention and make sure they pay their HOA bills, says James Galvin, a Charlotte lawyer who frequently represents homeowners. If you fall asleep on this, they can kick you out of your house, he said. A difficult goodbye Eric Peper stands outside the house in southwest Charlotte that he used to own before his HOA foreclosed on him. Ill never live in a neighborhood with an HOA again, he said. Peper, the former southwest Charlotte homeowner, understands that all too well. During a visit to his former ranch-style house with an Observer reporter, he talked about the workshop he built in his garage, the landscaping he improved, the new hardwood floors he had installed. It was perfect for what I needed, he said, a note of sadness in his voice. The Steelecroft Place Homeowners Association, his former HOA, never reached out to him to offer a repayment plan before foreclosing, he said. Most people have no idea they can do that, Peper said. Officials for the HOAs management company said they dont discuss foreclosure cases. Robert Dortch, the lawyer who represented the HOA in the foreclosure, did not respond to emails from an Observer reporter who asked about the case. When homeowners get behind on their dues, Peper contends, HOAs should be able to put liens on their homes and suspend their pool privileges but not foreclose on them. The HOA has all the power in North Carolina, he said. I dont think thats fair. How we reported this story To investigate HOA foreclosures in North Carolina, The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer conducted a first-of-its-kind analysis of HOA foreclosures in North Carolina. News & Observer data reporter David Raynor analyzed a North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts database of all civil cases from January 2018 to June 2023 to identify HOA-related foreclosure filings Charlotte Observer investigative reporter Ames Alexander then reviewed court files in more than 100 foreclosure cases in Mecklenburg and Wake counties to gather more detailed information on each case. Alexander interviewed six people who lost their homes to HOA foreclosures and more than 30 others, including attorneys who represent both HOAs and homeowners. And he observed a foreclosure auction at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. As part of the data analysis, Raynor discovered that 50,000 liens were filed by nearly 6,000 North Carolina HOAs between 2018 and mid-2023. In roughly 11% of those cases, HOAs started foreclosure proceedings. To see more details on the analysis, click here. (Bloomberg) -- Hungary is prepared to lift its veto on a massive European Union funding proposal for Ukraine in return for billions in financing the bloc has been withholding from Budapest over democratic backsliding, Prime Minister Viktor Orbans chief political adviser said. Most Read from Bloomberg The government in Budapest is holding up a four-year 50 billion ($54 billion) support package for Kyiv that would start next year as part of a broader fight over the EUs budget at a meeting of leaders starting Thursday. The remarks from Balazs Orban, whos unrelated to the premier, suggest Hungary is seeking to extract a heavy price for its consent that may be hard for the rest of the bloc to accept. Hungarys EU funding and Ukraines financing are two separate issues, Balazs Orban, who serves as the premiers political director, told Bloomberg in an interview on Tuesday. But if the EU insists that Ukraines financing should come from an amended EU budget, then the two issues become linked. He also said that Hungary remains opposed to a full four-year aid plan and would prefer the EU offer financing to Kyiv for a single year with no amendments to the budget. Budapest would also consider contributing to the package, he said. Premier Orban, in an interview published on Wednesday, said financial issues could be part of a bargain but underscored that he considered the EUs push to start membership talks with Ukraine another topic on the summit agenda a strategic issue and one that he opposes. Im ready to make a financial deal on financial issues, Orban said in a Mandiner weekly podcast. But Im not ready to make a financial deal on strategic or policy issues. Budapest is raising the stakes just as the EU is expected to release about 10 billion of financing by Wednesday after the government passed laws to strengthen the courts independence. Balazs Orban said Hungary wants the the EU to hand over the full amount around 30 billion that was suspended last year on rule of law and graft concerns. As it stands now, that rest is to remain suspended until the country meets almost two dozen other demands, from ensuring academic freedom to protecting LGBTQ and asylum rights. As part of the bargaining over aid to Ukraine, Hungary would consider an EU proposal to boost financing for border protection a recurring demand from Budapest as well as additional EU subsidies to make the blocs economies more competitive, Balazs Orban said. Read more: Hungary Floats Splitting Ukraine Aid After US Cash Is Blocked The EU money is crucial for Kyiv, which is trying to shore up western support to continue funding its counter-offensive against invading Russian forces. Until now, Hungary has blocked all issues related to Ukraine, clouding the prospects for an agreement at the summit. Premier Orban has twice written to the head of the European Council, urging him to drop Ukraine membership talks from the agenda of the summit. Orbans close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin even after the invasion of Ukraine has triggered scathing criticism from EU and NATO allies. Ukraine membership in the EU remains a red line for Budapest, Balazs Orban said. He said the EU should offer a strategic partnership because Hungary considers that Ukraine hadnt met the criteria to start membership. The government wants the EU to postpone the opening of accession talks to avoid sending a negative signal to Ukraine, he said. Sending a negative signal to Ukraine is the opposite of what Hungary wants, Balazs Orban said. --With assistance from Marton Kasnyik. (Updates with prime ministers comments in fifth and sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky speaks with Hungarys Viktor Orban at the National Congress, in Buenos Aires, Argentina - MATIAS BAGLIETTO/REUTERS Hungary has set a 30 billion (25.8 billion) price tag for backing a fresh round of EU support for Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky challenged Budapest to drop its opposition to the plans. Viktor Orban, Hungarian prime minister, has threatened to block a 50 billion (43 billion) package of support for Kyivs war ahead of a crunch summit in Brussels on Thursday. EU leaders are also set to discuss Ukraines EU membership, which Hungary is also threatening to derail as it attempts to squeeze its own concessions from the bloc. Tensions boiled over on Wednesday with the Ukrainian president saying Hungary had no reason to block his countrys EU membership bid, considered crucial for long-term security. Mr Orban, who has been sympathetic to Vladimir Putin in the past, has suggested he would lift his block on the funding package if Hungary is given 30 billion in EU grants that have been withheld over the erosion of democracy. Budapest hinted it would consider contributing to a new round of funding, worth about 43 billion for Ukraine, if Brussels backs down in the dispute. The European Commission announced on Wednesday that Hungary could claim 10 billion (8.6 billion) in funds after it had satisfied Eurocrats with its democratic and judicial reforms. Hungary has repeatedly signalled it is willing to make financial deals on financial matters, but remains opposed to offering Ukraine EU membership talks. Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister addresses the parliament in Budapest - BERNADETT SZABO/REUTERS Brussels is under significant pressure to deliver much-needed support to Kyiv after Mr Zelensky, Ukraines president, failed to convince Republican politicians in the US to end their own opposition to funding. Hungarys threat of a veto over both the 50 billion lifeline for Kyiv and the accession process to the EU risks dealing a double-blow at a time Ukrainian forces are under significant pressure on the front lines in the war against Russia. Mr Orban has claimed Ukraine is light years away from being fit to join the bloc, despite a report by the Commission insisting the war-torn nation has made sufficient reforms to start talks. Considering the numbers, economic analyses and taking it seriously that talks [with Ukraine] would aim to grant membership then we must say that this thought at the moment is absurd, ridiculous and not serious, he told the Hungarian parliament on Wednesday. Mr Orban was confronted over the issue by Mr Zelensky at the inauguration of Argentinian president Javier Milei earlier this week. I asked him to tell me one reason why. Not three, not five, not 10. Tell me one reason, the Ukrainian president said of their public discussion. Im waiting for an answer. Mr Zelensky is expected to travel to Brussels for the summit if a last minute deal is reached for the bloc to support Ukraine. Figures released last week by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank tracking aid to Ukraine, said commitments had reached a new low between August and October. Global promises of just 2.11 billion (1.8 billion) of support were offered to Kyiv, a 90 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. Kyiv and Budapest have shared a tetchy relationship since Mr Zelensky personally called out Mr Orban, the prime minister, for his lack of support at a European summit in March last year. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the National Congress - MATIAS BAGLIETTO Violate rights of Hungarian minorities The Ukrainians have criticised the Hungarian governments close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin. They shake the hands of Putin, and that annoys us, a senior Ukrainian official said, echoing similar frustrations from Hungarys EU and Nato allies. Meanwhile Budapest argues Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and has been abusing 120,000 Hungarian national minorities living there. Political director Balazs Orban told the Telegraph: I dont understand why it is important for the Ukrainians to violate the rights of Hungarian minorities who do not pose any threat to them. Kyiv has been accused of restricting access to minority languages, including Hungarian, in favour of teaching Ukrainian. Ukraine has dozens of minorities and protecting their rights was one of the seven reforms demanded by the European Commission before it could recommend membership talks. The country has introduced legislation it hopes satisfies the concerns of the Hungarian government, as well as Romania and Bulgaria. But Mr Orbans supporters insist the issue runs beyond legislation and is about the nasty things done to the Hungarians living inside Ukraines borders. Dymtro Kuleba, Ukraines foreign minister, hit back: We are not doing anything horrible to minorities because they are our citizens and they are all equal to us. All citizens in Ukraine are equal, irrespective of their race, nationality or ethnicity. The idea of persecution of Hungarian national minorities is a big fake that is being disseminated. The law that Ukraine has recently passed on education, on the use of language of national minorities in education and media fully accommodates the concerns of the Hungarian government. 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. Interview: "I have obligation to convey truth about Nanjing Massacre" -- Japanese scholar Xinhua) 15:32, December 13, 2023 TOKYO, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- After attending a gathering in Japan's Osaka on Dec. 9 to commemorate the 86th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, Tamaki Matsuoka left for China two days later to attend the national memorial ceremony held on Wednesday for the massacre victims in the east China city of Nanjing, where the tragedy happened. "It has become my way of life," Matsuoka said. The Japanese scholar, 76, has been on a journey for decades to pursue the historical truth of the Nanjing Massacre and reveal the history of Japanese aggression against China. "Now that I know the historical truth, I have an obligation to convey it," she said. It all started in 1982 when Matsuoka became a primary school teacher in her 30s. She later discovered "a problem" with the sixth-grade history textbooks in the school. "The part about World War II was all about Japan's suffering. There were more than a dozen pages about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the bombing of Tokyo, while there was almost no mention of Japan's aggression against other countries," she recalled. In August 1988, Matsuoka visited Nanjing for the first time, where she visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders and met with survivors of the massacre. What she had seen and heard in Nanjing shocked her deeply. After returning to Japan, Matsuoka set about establishing Meishinkai, a civil group dedicated to finding out more about the truth of the massacre and calling on Japanese people to face up to and remember the atrocities committed by the Japanese army. Japan has been trying to deny and conceal its history of aggression since its defeat in the war, and contents such as the Nanjing Massacre are disappearing from Japanese textbooks, said Matsuoka. "Lessons learned from the past can guide one in the future," she said. Matsuoka believes that it is not only necessary to understand the historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre, but also to feel the pain that the survivors are still suffering today, so that people can develop a sense of crisis. "We can never engage in aggression, nor be enthusiastic about war," she said. To pursue the truth, Matsuoka decided to start with both the perpetrators and victims of the Nanjing Massacre, using the testimonies of eyewitnesses to expose the lies of Japanese historical revisionists. So far, Matsuoka has interviewed about 350 survivors and 250 Japanese veterans who were engaged in the invasion of China, based on which she has published six books related to the Nanjing Massacre and produced three documentaries, including Torn Memories of Nanjing. It has never been easy to interview Japanese veterans as Matsuoka received a lot of scolding and rejection. She thought about giving up the work, but the entrustment of the massacre survivors became her motivation to continue. To make her interviews available to the public, Matsuoka's book The Battle of Nanjing - a Search of Sealed Memories, which consists of testimonies from 102 Japanese veterans who participated in Japan's invasion of China, was published in 2002. The following year saw her second book The Battle of Nanjing - Torn Souls of the Victims, which was written based on the testimonies of 120 massacre victims, coming out. The testimonies of those who witnessed the Nanjing Massacre opened another door for the Japanese to know the historical truth about the massacre, and hit home for those historical revisionists who tried to deny the atrocities. During that time, Matsuoka was fiercely attacked by Japanese right-wing activists, but it did not stop her from continuing to pursue and convey the truth about the massacre to the world. "I once promised the survivors of the Nanjing Massacre that I would make the Japanese government acknowledge the history of the massacre and let more Japanese people know the truth about the massacre," she said. At the rally held in Osaka on Dec. 9, Matsuoka called on the Japanese public to reflect on the historical lessons and contemporary significance of the Nanjing Massacre in light of the current global situation, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting history in building peace. "I don't want to fail the expectations of the survivors of the Nanjing Massacre," she told Xinhua at her home in Osaka, looking at the Japanese veterans' letters, wartime diaries and other historical materials on the bookshelves in her study. "Even if I fall down, I believe my companions will keep on going," she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Gabriela Baczynska and Krisztina Than BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary appeared on a collision course on Wednesday with fellow European Union members over Ukraine's bid to join the wealthy bloc, a dispute that could hold up Kyiv's membership drive and was set to overshadow an EU summit. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reaffirmed his opposition to offering neighbouring Ukraine fast-track accession at this week's summit, saying to parliament this would not serve the interests of Hungary or the 27-member EU. With both sides digging in their heels, Ukraine's hopes of securing much-needed financial and military assistance to fight Russian invasion forces hung in the balance. "Our stance is clear. We do not support Ukraine's quick EU entry," Orban, a conservative nationalist who is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the EU, said in a post on Facebook. Orban and fellow EU leaders began arriving in Brussels late on Wednesday for the summit which formally opens on Thursday. Orban has threatened to block proposals to allow Kyiv to start accession talks and to receive substantial financial and military aid from the EU budget. Kyiv wants to join the EU and build alliances with the West as it distances itself further from former fellow Soviet republic Russia, while 50 billion euros ($54 billion) of economic support and 20 billion euros for Ukraine's military would be vital for its war effort. Speaking in Brussels, new Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called Orban a "very pragmatic politician" and said he would seek to find a way to win him over. "Apathy on Ukraine is unacceptable," Tusk said, adding that he will try to convince "some member states" of the need to help the country. In an apparent rebuke to Hungary, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier said there needed to be more decision-taking by qualified majority in the EU to prevent single nations from having a veto on issues such as accession. "National parliaments would still have the final say, but a single country would no longer be able to block every single step," he told German lawmakers. UKRAINE'S CONCERNS In a move likely to ease tensions, the European Union executive unlocked Budapest's access to 10 billion euros of funding previously frozen over concerns Orban had damaged democratic checks and balances. Ukraine is worried that Western military support may be dwindling nearly two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Washington this week to try to press Kyiv's case for more aid. He said during a visit to Oslo that Kyiv had done what was asked of it on the path to EU accession talks, and that Hungary had no reason to block Ukraine's accession drive. "From our side we have been very constructive. We have done absolutely everything, we completed the recommendations of the European Union," Zelenskiy said. A senior EU diplomat said that a way would be found to get funding to Ukraine and circumvent any block from Hungary. "One way or another, we will find the way to give Ukraine money. There are various options," the diplomat said, including a possible side deal by 26 EU members outside the bloc's main budget framework. ($1 = 0.9273 euros) (Reporting by Krisztina Than in Budapest and Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels; Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Gergely Szakacs in Budapest, Max Hunder in Kyiv and Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Mark Heinrich and Daniel Wallis) After weeks of back and forth and a threat to hold him in contempt of Congress, Hunter Biden briefly appeared in the Capitol complex on Wednesday, making a public statement outside the building instead of showing for his scheduled deposition following a subpoena from House Republicans. Hunter Biden railed against the investigation from House Republicans, blasting the probe ahead of a vote to ignite an impeachment inquiry into his father, President Biden. He said he was at the Capitol to testify in a public setting bucking investigators request for a closed-door deposition. For six years, Ive been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine shouting. Wheres Hunter? Hunter Biden said in a statement to reporters. Well, heres my answer. I am here. Let me state as clearly as I can: My father was not financially involved in my business Not as a practicing lawyer. Not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not my investment at all nor abroad, and certainly not as an artist, he said, running through a number of key aspects of the GOP probes. Theres no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen, Biden added. Defying the subpoena runs the risk Republicans will hold him in contempt of Congress one that would add to the mounting legal trouble faced by the presidents son. Were going to move forward with contempt proceedingstheres a process we have to follow but we plan to do that, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Jordan had moved to compel Hunter Bidens testimony as they push forward with an impeachment inquiry into his father, President Biden. Chairman Jordan and I have been very clear when we issued a lawful subpoena to the president son, that we expect him to come in and be deposed. This is a normal process and investigation, Comer said on Wednesday. Jordan reiterated that as well, noting the need to go through information theyve gleaned from thousands of pages of bank records. Every single investigation Ive been involved in, you bring people in for an interview behind closed doors where you can get those facts, and then as the chairman said, wed love for him to come [in] public, he said. House Democrats, however, defended Hunter Bidens choice, noting that Comer had previously offered to drop everything if the presidents son wanted to testify publicly and accusing the GOP of reneging. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member of the Oversigh Committee, said he was disappointed that the panel did not hear from Hunter Biden, something he said could have provided evidence to undercut many of the GOP claims. He also attacked the investigation itself, arguing that Republicans have failed to pinpoint wrongdoing by Biden in an aimless investigation. You know, mysteries are called a who done it? because it starts with a crime and then you try to determine who committed it. This is more like a what is it? Not a who done it? We dont know what the crime is, he said. All of the evidence demonstrates, beyond any reasonable doubt, that President Joe Biden is not guilty of any impeachable offense that we can determine. Hunter Bidens appearance in the Capitol complex at all is a milestone in the long Republican scrutiny of his business activities and tumultuous personal life and comes on the same day that Republicans are set to formally authorize their impeachment inquiry with a House vote. Jordan pointed to that upcoming vote in his remarks. Mr. Bidens counsel and the White House have both argued that the reason he couldnt come for a deposition was because there wasnt a formal vote for an impeachment inquiry. Well, thats going to happen in a few hours. We think its going to pass, Jordan said. He added, And when that happens, well see what their excuse is then. Before Wednesday morning, lawmakers were not sure whether Biden would show up to the deposition. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, had responded to the subpoena with an offer for Hunter Biden to appear before the Oversight panel in a public format, but not a closed-door deposition. Lowell had charged that Republicans use closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort the facts and misinform the public, and to previous public statements from Comer appearing to express support for seeing Biden in a public format. Republicans dismissed the offer, threatening to hold Biden in contempt of Congress if he did not show up for the deposition. Comer had offered a public hearing at a later date and said that he would release the transcript from the deposition, but argued that closed-door format with the committee methodically asking questions was necessary before bringing Biden before a public hearing which would involve five-minute questioning time for members bouncing from Republicans to Democrats. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), a member of the Oversight Committee, said that he left his office to go to the Senate press conference area where Hunter Biden delivered his statement to escort him, or to remind him, this is where youre supposed to be. The House GOPs multi-pronged impeachment probe is digging into hotly disputed allegations about whether President Biden improperly benefited from or used policy to benefit the foreign business dealings of family members, as well as allegations that the Department of Justice improperly slow-walked a tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden. The president and the White House have repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said that Biden was not involved in his familys business dealings. Biden pushed back on key aspects of the probe and actions by the House Republicans. They have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life, so much so that their lives have become the false facts believed by too many people. No matter how many times it is debunked, they continue to insist that my fathers support of Ukraine against Russia is the result of a non-existent bribe, he said, referencing long-standing claims first pushed by former President Trump. They displayed naked photos of me during an Oversight hearing, Biden continued, referencing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) displaying explicit photos of him during a hearing over the summer. They have taken the light of my dads love, light of my dads love for me, and presented it dark. They have no case, Biden said. The deposition also came at an inopportune time in Hunter Bidens broader legal troubles, as he was indicted just last week on tax charges that are among the topics congressional investigators wish to discuss, alongside a now-evaporated plea deal that would have had him plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges. But any comments he makes in the deposition could be used against him in court adding greater risk to a case where he already faces up to 17 years in prison. Still, Democrats argued that Hunter Biden was not in the wrong to skip the deposition, accusing Republicans of cherry picking from transcripts and misleading the public about information that undercuts their claims. They wanted to conduct the deposition in a closed door interview so the public couldnt see it and so they could continue to cherry pick little pieces of evidence and distort and misrepresent what had taken place there. And this is a pattern, Raskin said. They talk obsessively about Hunter Biden, who has his own special counsel whos been appointed to prosecute him. Hes just been brought up on tax charges in California, and we say let the criminal justice process work. Unlike the Republicans, we accept that the justice system could convict the Democrats of crimes. Updated at 11:45 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hunter Biden has called an impeachment probe into his father "shameless," as he refused to testify at a private hearing with Republican lawmakers. The president's son was subpoenaed to appear for closed-door testimony. But Wednesday morning, he reiterated that he would only answer to Republicans at a public hearing. It came as the Republican controlled House prepared to vote on formalising the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden later on Wednesday. House Republicans allege that the president knew of, and benefited from, improper business dealings on the part of his son. Hunter Biden was initially asked to testify on Wednesday morning, but after giving brief remarks near the Capitol, he got into his car and drove away. He took aim at House Republicans for what he called an "absurd" investigation into his father, which he said was based on "distortions, manipulated evidence and lies". "In the depths of my addiction, I was extremely irresponsible with my finances. But to suggest that is grounds for an impeachment inquiry is beyond absurd. It's shameless," he said. "There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen," he added. Rep James Comer - one of the leaders of the impeachment proceedings - said later on Wednesday that Republicans would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against Mr Biden. And he defended the Republicans' desire for a private hearing, insisting it was part of "standard investigative" proceedings used by the House. Republicans have led a months-long investigation into the president that has yet to uncover any concrete evidence of misconduct. The inquiry has centred in part around Hunter Biden, who also faces federal tax and gun charges. He has pleaded not guilty. The impeachment probe has focused on his work for companies overseas, including in Ukraine and China. House Republicans have also alleged that the US Justice Department "impeded, delayed, and obstructed" an ongoing multi-year criminal probe into the president's son. Since launching the inquiry, the three Republican committees leading the investigation have spoken with several Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service officials and have obtained thousands of pages of documents. Speaking outside on a grass patch with the Capitol dome clearly visible over his shoulder, Hunter Biden claimed House Republicans had lied, invaded his privacy and attacked his wife, children and friends. "They have taken the light of my dad's love for me and presented it as darkness. They have no shame," he told reporters. He also claimed Republicans did "not want an open process" where their "baseless" inquiry would be revealed to the American public. Hunter Biden "All we want is the facts," Mr Jordan told reporters. "They should have been here today." House lawmakers are expected to vote on formalising the impeachment inquiry into President Biden on Wednesday evening. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the impeachment vote would occur in a post on X. "The facts don't lie," he wrote in the post. "It's time to get the American people answers." House Republican leaders have expressed confidence that they have the votes necessary to formalise the impeachment inquiry, despite an extremely narrow majority in the chamber in which they can only afford to lose three votes. Democrats and even some Republicans have criticised the impeachment investigation, which the White House has called a "political stunt" designed to hurt the president's re-election bid. But it comes amid growing pressure from hardline conservatives to take action against Mr Biden. Ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched the inquiry in September claiming Republicans had unearthed a "culture of corruption" surrounding Mr Biden. Republicans have held one hearing related to the inquiry, during which an expert witness called by Republicans said there was not yet enough evidence to impeach Mr Biden. The oversight committee claims the Biden family and its business associates received more than $24m (19m) from foreign sources in China, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia and Ukraine between 2014 and 2019. Voting to formalise an inquiry places Republicans in "the strongest legal standing to pursue needed information and enforce subpoenas," Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole said on Tuesday. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Hunter Biden is defending his father and calling House Republicans effort to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden shameless. Theres no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen, Hunter Biden said. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Hunter Biden to sit for a closed-door deposition today as part of the committees inquiry into President Biden and his family, but Hunter Biden insisted he would only testify in public. I am here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the committees legitimate questions, Hunter Biden continued. The presidents son criticized the house GOPs probe several times while speaking to the press. There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing. They have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life, Hunter Biden added. Hunter Biden is facing federal gun charges and was recently indicted on nine tax charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. The state has agreed to drop enforcement of a law backers said was aimed at deterring deceptive practices by anti-abortion pregnancy centers following a legal challenge by anti-abortion groups. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure this summer but it was temporarily blocked shortly afterward by a federal judge who in a scathing opinion called the law both stupid and very likely unconstitutional. An agreement between plaintiffs in the lawsuit and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to make the judges decision permanent, which on Tuesday still needed to be signed by a judge, marks a rare victory for anti-abortion groups in a deep blue state with some of the nations strongest reproductive rights laws. Its also a blow to Pritzker, who has promoted Illinois as a national beacon for abortion rights. Raouls office would be permanently enjoined from enforcing the law, which is made up of amendments to the states Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, according to a copy of the agreement. Pritzker said Tuesday that he hadnt spoken with Raoul about the decision to give up defending the law, but that he thought existing state consumer protection laws still could be used to keep so-called crisis pregnancy centers from providing misinformation, disinformation. Nevertheless, the governor stood by his decision to sign the measure. Its a good idea to protect people who are seeking health care from having their health care provider lie to them, Pritzker said. Democratic state Rep. Terra Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn, one of the measures legislative sponsors, called the agreement a disappointing setback in our battle to protect every womans right to reproductive autonomy and freedom. I am heartbroken by the decision to back down on our promise to Illinois women that these deceptive centers and their staffs will face legal consequences if they tell lies or conceal important health information from the patients who walk through their doors, Costa Howard said in a statement. Organizations that challenged the law and are parties to the agreement include the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, which covers more than 80 of the roughly 100 crisis pregnancy centers in the state, Womens Health Services and the Pro-Life Action League. Under the law, clinics found to be dissuading pregnant persons from considering abortion care through deceptive, fraudulent, and misleading information and practices faced fines of up to $50,000. Shortly after Pritzker signed the measure, the Thomas More Society, a conservative Chicago nonprofit law firm, filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the clinics and other anti-abortion advocates contending the law violated the First Amendment right to free speech. In agreeing to a preliminary injunction in early August, U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston said the law represented a blatant example of government deciding whose speech is sanctionable and whose speech is immunized. The law is likely classic content and viewpoint discrimination prohibited by the First Amendment, Johnston, who was appointed to his post by former Republican President Donald Trump, wrote in his decision. On Monday, Peter Breen, Thomas More Societys executive vice president and head of litigation, called the agreement a significant win for pro-life ministries and free speech in Illinois that will serve as a warning to other states that try to target pro-life ministries with discriminatory laws. The federal court was spot on in holding that (the Illinois law) is both stupid and very likely unconstitutional, said Breen, who represented NIFLA and the other plaintiffs in the lawsuit. (The law) exempts abortion facilities and their speech, while exclusively regulating pro-life organizations and their speech, in flagrant violation of the First Amendment. In a statement Monday evening, Raoul did not explain his rationale for entering into the agreement but said it in no way affects my ongoing work protecting womens rights to access the full range of reproductive health services. Furthermore, this proposed order does not alter Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act or my offices preexisting authority under the act, and I remain committed to protecting consumers against all deceptive practices, Raoul said. Patients in Illinois can be assured that as states continue to enact draconian restrictions on access to reproductive health care, I will not waver in my efforts to ensure that Illinois remains an oasis of reproductive freedom in the middle of our nation. Illinois lawmakers passed the measure this spring as part of their efforts to shore up abortion rights throughout the state following the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year overturning Roe v. Wade, which for almost 50 years granted abortion access nationwide with limited exceptions. Since that ruling, some Midwestern states have restricted abortion access while Illinois has maintained strong reproductive rights protections. Abortion providers have predicted that 20,000 to 30,000 additional patients would be crossing state lines each year to terminate a pregnancy in Illinois, up two to three times the number of patients before Roe was overturned. The law was aimed to address nonprofit clinics, sometimes referred to as limited practice facilities, that often open near or even adjacent to clinics where abortions are performed. Advocacy groups such as the Chicago Abortion Fund, which provides support to people seeing abortions, said the clinics are known to employ deceptive practices such as false advertising and are vague about what services are provided. Raoul has said that the clinics go to great lengths to deceive people seeking abortion care, though his office did not file an appeal to Johnstons preliminary injunction. During testimony over the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argued the potential fines that could be levied under the law would have a chilling effect on their speech, according to Johnstons ruling. The witness for Plaintiff Pro-Life Action League described how the group had stopped the production and distribution of a pamphlet as a direct result of (the law), the judge noted. A more unambiguous chilling and self-censorship of protected speech there cannot be. Johnston noted that at least one of the anti-abortion centers said it didnt know how it could operate in light of the new law, which he wrote prompted at least one center to cancel its sidewalk counseling efforts. The judge also questioned whether sidewalk counselors are deceptive, saying their obvious goal is to convince people to not get an abortion. Nobody is confused as to who sidewalk counselors are or what their goal is, said Johnston. Indeed, a sidewalk counselor wears a pro-life shirt and sometimes has a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus with his arms outstretched. In a statement following the states decision to drop enforcement of the law, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action President and CEO Jennifer Welch said her organization stands by its patients' ability to access reproductive health care including abortion, without being deceived, intimidated or misled. The crisis pregnancy center case marks the second time this year the attorney generals office has opted not to continue defending a recently enacted state law that was challenged on First Amendment grounds. In May, U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. issued a permanent injunction blocking the state from enforcing provisions in a 2021 law that barred judicial candidates from receiving campaign cash from out-of-state contributors and a 2022 law that prohibited contributions of more than $500,000 from a single source to independent expenditure committees supporting judicial candidates. Ahead of last years election, in which Democrats claimed a 5-2 majority on the Illinois Supreme Court, the conservative Liberty Justice Center sued to challenge those provisions on behalf of a former Illinois lawyer who moved out of state and two political action committees that wanted to contribute in excess of the limits. Weeks before the election, Tharp issued a preliminary ruling, finding that the challengers had some likelihood of success in proving their case that the laws were unconstitutional and should be overturned. In his May 18 order, Tharp noted that the state did not appeal the earlier decision and did not oppose the provisions being permanently blocked. Pritzker on Tuesday dismissed the idea that he and Democrats in the legislature have overreached by approving laws that the attorney general has declined to defend. The people who are on the losing end of a vote in the legislature often decide that their recourse is to take this thing to court because they didnt win in the battleground of the legislature, he said. And so thats been their choice to do that. Theyve done it on quite a lot of things ... the vast majority of which we have won on, those of us who have advocated for a law. The state continues to defend challenges to another Democratic initiative, the ban on certain high-powered guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The ban was temporarily blocked on the state and federal levels, but both of those decisions were overturned, one by the state Supreme Court and the other by a federal appellate court panel. ____ In a videotaped criticism of migrant policy, the president of the Illinois NAACP compared migrants to savages and accused them of rape comments that have prompted a call for her to resign. Illinois State Conference NAACP President Teresa Haley made the comments this fall in a conference call with branch presidents from around the state, according to Patrick Watson, former president of the DuPage County Branch NAACP. Watson, who said he resigned in protest of Haley, recorded the video, which he shared Tuesday. In the video, Haley objected to migrants having been given lodging and clothing while Black and homeless people have been ignored. But Black people have been on the streets forever and ever, and nobody cares, because they say that were drug addicts, weve got mental health issues, she said. But these immigrants who come over here, theyve been raping people, theyve been breaking into homes, theyre like savages as well. They dont speak the language and they look at us like were crazy. Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the remarks reprehensible. I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks, he said. I also think that people should recognize that immigrants in this country are all around us. ... Virtually all of us came here from somewhere else. So remarks like that are commentary on our entire society. Extraordinarily inappropriate. Reached by WLS-Ch. 7 while on vacation in Dubai, Haley denied the statements, but when confronted about them being on video suggested it was fake, saying With AI, anything is possible. Watson said he didnt immediately respond to Haley, but got fed up after Haley made recent comments referring to LGBTQ pronouns as they, them, it, which Watson said is insulting to people he knows. This kind of rhetoric drives that kind of hate, Watson told the Tribune. Other NAACP members made comments about migrants getting resources that Blacks did not, but, he said, She was the only one that used this derogatory, hateful language. Im seeing a lot of division, and theyre only fanning the flames, Watson said. This is not the sentiment of the Black community as a whole, its a vocal minority. Public sentiment is very much in favor of helping migrants in DuPage. You can be for raising up your people without denigrating other people. Watson said he reached out to the national organization to raise concerns about the comments. The national organization, founded as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with a stated goal of support for all marginalized people, did not immediately respond to the Tribunes requests for comment. Reached by phone, Carla Jackson-Campbell, secretary of the state NAACP, disputed when Watson said he recorded the call. We are still evaluating all of the information and awaiting more details, she said. Our mission is and always will be to achieve equity and political rights and social inclusion by advancing the needs of Black people. President Haley does embrace the mission of our beloved NAACP. Haley, whom Watson said is running for the NAACP national board, is also president of the NAACP Springfield branch, and won an NAACP Image Award in 2021 as Activist of the Year. In the video, she put her comments in the context of slavery. We were the only people in America who were brought over here against our wills and were slaves, sold into slavery, she said. But unlike everybody else who comes over here, were so kind, were so friendly, you need some clothes, you need a place to stay, were gonna make it happen. Watson said he also was appalled at Haleys use of the N-word in the video. So brother, I feel your pain, Haley said. Im trying not to be a (N-word), but you know Im pro-Black. DuPage County board member Michael Childress, who immediately succeeded Watson as DuPage branch president, said Haley suspended Watson after an unspecified issue earlier this year, and he resigned after a no-confidence vote from local branch leaders. Childress said Haleys comments dont reflect the NAACPs views, but said he would comment further after a previously scheduled meeting of the local branch Tuesday night. rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO In a videotaped criticism of migrant policy, the president of the Illinois National Association for the Advancement of Colored People compared migrants to savages and accused them of rape comments that have prompted a call for her to resign. Illinois State Conference NAACP President Teresa Haley made the comments in a conference call this fall with branch presidents from around the state, according to Patrick Watson, former president of the DuPage County Branch NAACP. Watson, who said he resigned in protest of Haley, recorded the video, which he shared Tuesday. In the video, Haley objected to migrants having been given lodging and clothing while Black and homeless people have been ignored. But Black people have been on the streets forever and ever, and nobody cares, because they say that were drug addicts; weve got mental health issues, she said. But these immigrants who come over here, theyve been raping people, theyve been breaking into homes, theyre like savages as well. They dont speak the language and they look at us like were crazy. Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the remarks reprehensible. I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks, he said. I also think that people should recognize that immigrants in this country are all around us. ... Virtually all of us came here from somewhere else. So remarks like that are commentary on our entire society. Extraordinarily inappropriate. Reached by WLS-Ch. 7 while on vacation in Dubai, Haley denied the statements, but when confronted about them being on video suggested it was fake, saying With AI, anything is possible. Watson said he didnt immediately respond to Haley, but got fed up after Haley made recent comments referring to LGBTQ pronouns as they, them, it, which Watson said is insulting to people he knows. This kind of rhetoric drives that kind of hate, Watson told the Tribune. Other NAACP members made comments about migrants getting resources that Blacks did not, but, he said, She was the only one that used this derogatory, hateful language. Im seeing a lot of division, and theyre only fanning the flames, Watson said. This is not the sentiment of the Black community as a whole, its a vocal minority. Public sentiment is very much in favor of helping migrants in DuPage. You can be for raising up your people without denigrating other people. Watson said he reached out to the national organization to raise concerns about the comments. The national organization, founded as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, with a stated goal of support for all marginalized people, did not immediately respond to the Tribunes requests for comment. Reached by phone, Carla Jackson-Campbell, secretary of the state NAACP, disputed when Watson said he recorded the call. We are still evaluating all of the information and awaiting more details, she said. Our mission is and always will be to achieve equity and political rights and social inclusion by advancing the needs of Black people. President Haley does embrace the mission of our beloved NAACP. Haley, whom Watson said is running for the NAACP national board, is also president of the NAACP Springfield branch, and won an NAACP Image Award in 2021 as Activist of the Year. In the video, she put her comments in the context of slavery. We were the only people in America who were brought over here against our wills and were slaves, sold into slavery, she said. But unlike everybody else who comes over here, were so kind, were so friendly, you need some clothes, you need a place to stay, were gonna make it happen. Watson said he also was appalled at Haleys use of the N-word in the video. So brother, I feel your pain, Haley said. Im trying not to be a (N-word), but you know Im pro-Black. DuPage County board member Michael Childress, who immediately succeeded Watson as DuPage branch president, said Haley suspended Watson after an unspecified issue earlier this year, and he resigned after a no-confidence vote from local branch leaders. Childress said Haleys comments dont reflect the NAACPs views, but said he would comment further after a previously scheduled meeting of the local branch Tuesday night. _____ The long-awaited wet season for California has been absent so far, but there are signs that rain and mountain snow may not be far off for the Golden State, AccuWeather meteorologists say. California generally has some of the first rain events of the winter season in late October, but the period from the second half of November to December often brings an increase in Pacific storms packed with moisture. "It has been a very dry start to the wet season in California, unlike last winter," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. Last year, the weather ramped up in early November when a storm brought 1-2 inches of rain to San Francisco and Los Angeles. The wet season accelerated last December, when 9.66 inches of rain drenched San Francisco and 2.81 inches of rain poured down on Los Angeles. Faithful participate in a bilingual Mass under rain at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Stadium in Los Angeles, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) While the wet season is experiencing a bit of a delayed start, AccuWeather meteorologists believe that it will build in the days prior to Christmas, but perhaps not to the extent of last winter. A weak storm will struggle to push clouds and showers onshore by Sunday afternoon in coastal areas of Northern California, while the balance of the state remains dry through the weekend. However, moisture will reload significantly over the nearby Pacific next week. Areas of rain and wet travel will push inland over Northern and Central California and expand northward to western Oregon and Washington from Sunday night to Monday night. "Snow levels will be fairly high through early next week, remaining mainly above 8,000 feet in the northern Sierra Nevada, so for most places, except for the high country, this will be just a rain event," AccuWeather Meteorologist Haley Tayor said. Even though the timing of a more potent storm for next week depends on the movement and strength of other weather features in North America, there is an indication that a series of storms will start by the middle of next week and continue beyond Christmas. "Focus will turn to a storm that is expected to drop southeastward toward California from Tuesday to Friday," Taylor said, adding, "This storm should ride along the California coast before moving inland somewhere near Southern California or Baja California, Mexico." GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP The storms coming next week will likely be the most significant of the rainy season so far, including for Southern California. There is the potential for the Los Angeles basin to pick up 1-2 inches of rain with locally higher amounts on the mountainsides, Taylor said. Since Hillary brought 2.99 inches to downtown Los Angeles in mid-August, the city has only picked up 0.41 of an inch of rain. So the storms from the middle and latter part of next week have the potential to bring the most significant rain to the region in months. Depending on the track of the storm later next week, and how quickly it pushes inland, snow levels may drop to below the passes in Northern and Central California. One of the driving forces behind an anticipated storm-packed winter for the West Coast in general will be potentially historically strong El Nino. An El Nino occurs when a stream of warm water develops and persists in the eastern subtropical Pacific, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson explained. Water temperatures in this part of the Pacific were approaching 2.0 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit) above the historical average as of mid-December. "This warm plume of water creates a strong temperature contrast zone and results in an active southern jet stream and storm track," Anderson said, adding, "Depending on other conditions, that storm track can be directed into California." This image shows sea surface temperature departures from the historical average on Dec. 11, 2023. Shades of orange and red depict warmer-than-average water, while shades of blue depict cooler-than-average water. The El Nino warm water temperature signature (orange) is clearly visible in the center of the image. A pocket of cool water (blue) prevails southeast of Hawaii. (NOAA) There is a 54% chance that the current El Nino could end up being historically strong and among the top five strongest on record, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service Climate Center. The El Nino pattern and an associated subtropical branch of the jet stream have been delivering rounds of rain to parts of the Southeast states and will continue to do so into this weekend. However, until now, storms have not impacted much of California. AccuWeather meteorologists caution that not all El Ninos are created equal, and the strength of El Nino could be diminished by other factors. The underlying problem as far as storms missing California so far has to do with variable sea surface temperatures north of the tropical Pacific. "There is a large puddle of cool water sitting offshore over the Pacific, southeast of Hawaii, and that has been altering the effects of El Nino thus far," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. An El Nino pattern often ushers in an active storm track and resultant wetter conditions than the historical average across southern parts of the U.S. An El Nino pattern often ushers in an active storm track and resultant wetter conditions than the historical average across southern parts of the U.S. If the cooler-than-average waters remain southeast of Hawaii, this can force the storm track to be farther south, directed more toward Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico rather than California. "However, if this cool water zone is able to warm up, then the subtropical jet stream, and the storms it brings, could return to a typical strong El Nino position over Southern California and into more of the southern United States in general," Pastelok added. The upcoming pattern change for California will most likely be gradual, with some opportunities for rain and mountain snow for the second half of December. However, the pattern may become more intense in the coming weeks and months, depending on El Nino and other factors, such as surrounding sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Whether or not the state of Arizona resurrects a 158-year-old law that bans nearly all abortions is in the hands of the states Supreme Court. The years-long battle, which emerged after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022, is to determine whether or not the state follows an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions or a 2022 law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. On Tuesday, justices spent an hour hearing arguments in the case Planned Parenthood Arizona v Mayes which challenges the 1864 law, first enacted by Arizona approximately 48 years before it even obtained statehood. The Civil War era law criminalises abortions by making it punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or assists a woman in obtaining one unless it is necessary to save the womans life. Six of the states Supreme Court justices vigorously questioned both sides on how the language set out in the 1864 law conflicted with the 2022 ruling and vice-versa. That is the crux of the problem presented: whether or not the 2022 ruling and 1864 ruling can live in harmony due to their seemingly conflicting language. The 1864 law, blatantly punishes anyone who performs an abortion or supplies medication at any point unless medically necessary to save the mothers life. Though it was overridden by the landmark decision Roe v Wade in 1973, it was never amended. However, the 2022 law only outlaws medical providers from performing an abortion after 15 weeks, unless medically necessary to save a womans life. It does not contain a line permitting abortion before 15 weeks. But for anti-abortion activists, the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization meant that states would return to their pre-Roe abortion laws. They say the 2022 laws language specifically does not repel the 1864 law or any other applicable state law regulating or restricting abortion. But abortion-rights advocates say the 2022 law supersedes the 1864 law because it was created before Arizona was a US state. This file photo shows Celina Washburn at a protest on Sept. 23, 2022, outside the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix to voice her opposition to an abortion ruling. (AP) On top of this, Planned Parenthood says the 1864 law removes the right to bodily autonomy and inspires catastrophic consequences. A near-total ban on abortion in our state would be catastrophic to the well-being of our communities and deeply out of touch with the will of the majority of Arizonans, Dr Jill Gibson, the Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Arizona, said. The Arizona Supreme Court has the opportunity to refuse this bleak future and reject this egregious threat to reproductive health care. Our community deserves better we deserve a right to make our own decisions about our bodies and our health. Justices could choose to reaffirm the Arizona Court of Appeals decision, which allowed the two laws to live harmoniously by enforcing the 1864 law only on non-physicians. A split 3-3 decision could also result in this. A ruling in the case is expected to arrive early next year likely setting the stage for the role abortion will play in the 2024 election in the swing state. The oral arguments in Arizona come just one day after the Texas Supreme Court controversially intervened in an abortion case due to the states stringent laws that restricted a medically necessary procedure for a woman. As Soviet ICBM tests and the launch of Sputnik in the 1950s added intensity to the Cold War, the United States turned its attention to the ice sheets of Greenland for an edge. Meant to be a city under the ice, Camp Century was designed to be a series of twenty-one horizontal tunnels spidering through the snow, according to the University of Vermont. Designers boasted that, once complete, it would be three times the size of Denmark replete with a movie theater, hot showers, a chapel, a library, chemistry labs, and, most importantly, a portable nuclear reactor. Destined to house nearly 200 residents, the top-secret missile base in northwestern Greenland, far north of the Arctic Circle, was publicly touted as a remote research community under the auspices of the Army Polar Research and Development Center. In reality, it was a top-secret plan to convert part of the Arctic into a launchpad for nuclear missiles, according to the Washington Post. Dubbed Project Iceworm, the city nestled under layer after layer of ice was to be positioned less than 3,000 miles from Moscow. During the Cold War, the frigid location offered the U.S. Army a more covert and convenient cover for its medium-range ballistic missiles, or MRBMs. The project was to take advantage of the strategic location of Greenland midway between the two superpowers so as to avoid using long-range Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, located stateside, professor Nikolaj Petersen of Denmarks Aarhus University wrote in a 2007 article for the Scandinavian Journal of History. In 1958, the U.S. received tacit approval from Denmark which has maintained control of the worlds largest island since the 1814 Treaty of Kiel after being approached with the plans for Iceworm by U.S. ambassador Val Petersen. According to Petersens account, Danish Prime Minister H. C. Hansen replied, You did not submit any concrete plan as to such possible storing, nor did you ask questions as to the attitude of the Danish Government to this item. I do no[t] think that your remarks give rise to any comments from my side. The U.S. deemed this a green light, with construction slated to begin in June 1959. Despite temperatures as low as -70F, winds as high as 125 miles per hour and an annual snowfall of more than four feet, the audacious project was completed the following October, according to the Atomic Heritage Foundation. The missile force is hidden and elusive, a 1960 planning document noted. It is deployed into an extensive cutandcover tunnel network in which men and missiles are protected from weather and, to a degree, from enemy attack. The deployment is invulnerable to all but massive attacks and even then most of the force can be launched. Concealment and variability of the deployment pattern are exploited to prevent the enemy from targeting the critical elements of the force. U.S. soldiers within the icy catacombs of Camp Century, an Arctic military base in Greenland. (U.S. Army) The audacious $2.71 billion plan didnt account for one thing, however: Mother Nature. It became increasingly clear, in short order, that building an atomic city under shifting ice sheets was tenuous at best. The project was scrapped entirely by 1967, and the massive underground structure collapsed shortly after. Despite this rather large military gaffe, the project wasnt entirely a waste. During the building of Camp Century, U.S. glacier scientist Chester Langway drilled a 4,560-foot-deep vertical core down through the ice, according to an account in the University of Vermont Today. Each section of ice that came up was packaged and stored, frozen. When the drill finally hit dirt, the scientists worked it down for twelve more feet through mud and rock. Then they stopped. For decades, this layer of ice and rock from Greenlands core remained untouched, stored in cookie jars at the bottom of a freezer in Denmark. Then in 2017, it was rediscovered by Jrgen Peder Steffensen, a professor and curator of the ice core repository at the University of Copenhagen, and glaciologist Dorthe Dahl-Jensen, who were going through the universitys extensive collections of ice cores in preparation for a move to a new freezer. Some were oddly labeled Camp Century sub-ice, Steffensen told UVM Today. I never thought about what was in those two boxes. Well, when you see a lot of cookie jars, you think: who the hell put this in here? he continued. No, I didnt know what to make of it. But once we got it out, we picked it up to see these dirty lumps, and I said: what is this now? And all of a sudden it dawned on us: Oh s--t, this is the sediment underneath it. The sub-ice is because its below the ice. Whoa. In October 2019 the overlooked bits of dirt finally had their time in the sun as more than 30 scientists from around the world gathered in Vermont to study what the silty ice and frozen sediment might tell us. The convention discovered that the sediment contained fossilized leaf and twig fragments, proving that plants had once grown under one of the coldest regions on earth, according to the Washington Post story. While the U.S. didnt get to act out its Bond villain lair fantasies, it did, at the very least, further scientific understandings of the world around us and below us. SEATTLE Looking to cement his climate policy legacy, Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday said he will seek new laws during his final legislative session in office to assure a smooth merging of Washingtons carbon market with Californias and to require oil companies to reveal more about their gasoline prices and profits. He also said he would use a windfall of state cap-and-trade revenue to give thousands of low- and moderate-income families a one-time $200 credit on their home electricity bills and to help school districts install new ventilation systems and replace diesel buses with electric models. His legislative and spending proposals comprise an aggressive agenda for the upcoming 60-day session that will be his last opportunity to shape how Washington families and businesses end their reliance on fossil fuels in favor of clean energy. We are not done yet. There is more to do. We are not going to surrender this beautiful, magnificent state to climate change. Never, never, never, Inslee proclaimed at a news conference conducted in front of supporters and Democratic legislators inside the gymnasium at Miller Community Center in Seattle. Ridiculous gas prices When gas prices hovered at the $5 a gallon mark in the summer, Inslee and a cadre of Democratic lawmakers revved up their calls for imposing new transparency and accountability rules on the oil industry. They blamed price volatility on companies pursuing profits. Cap-and-trade critics countered that the companies were responding to the states climate policies. Inslees proposal, to be filed before the session begins Jan. 8, will try to unpack the black box of how oil companies set their prices, explained Becky Kelley, senior policy advisor on climate to the governor. The bill, modeled on an approach in California, would require oil companies to report data on pricing, profit, and transactions to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. It also would empower a new division in the commission to oversee oil industry pricing, and investigate allegations of market manipulation and price-gouging. Potential violations would be referred to the Attorney Generals office. They have been whipsawing us with these ridiculous gas prices, Inslee said. We are going to pass a transparency law so we are no longer victimized by the big oil companies. Inslee distanced himself Monday from a provision in the Climate Commitment Act giving free pollution allowances to petroleum refiners and chemical manufacturers collectively worth tens of millions of dollars. The Legislature, he said, designed the law to ameliorate challenges some industries face in decarbonizing. I think they were mature in recognizing that were not bringing down a curtain tomorrow on fossil fuel, he added. Cashing in on carbon In 2021, Inslee teamed with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate to pass the Climate Commitment Act, arguably the states most ambitious policy for curbing greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on pollution. The state imposes annual limits on emissions for major emitters and requires them to buy allowances at auctions for each metric ton of pollution. Over time the state lowers the limit, or cap, for them. Washington has a goal of erasing fossil fuel emissions statewide by mid-century. The current two-year state budget is the first in which the governor and lawmakers are spending auction proceeds. They spread $2.1 billion among the operating, capital and transportation budgets. That money will go toward electrifying ferries and ports, lowering costs for heat pumps, investing in transit, and assisting tribal communities dealing with disproportionate fallout from climate change. With allowances selling at higher-than-expected prices, the state is now forecasting the program will bring in $1.1 billion more than whats in the budgets. Inslee said his supplemental budget plan coming out Wednesday contains $941 million in new climate-related expenditures with $900 million coming from the cap-and-trade program and $41 million from the state general fund. About $150 million will cover a one-time $200 credit on residential electricity bills to an estimated 750,000 low- and moderate-income Washington families, Inslee administration officials said. Families will not need to fill out paperwork as the state will team with utilities to ensure eligible households receive the credit. Inslee also wants to put money into converting a third state ferry from diesel to hybrid electric, adding rapid electric vehicle charging stations along state highways, and helping school districts buy electric buses. Theo White, a bus driver for the Highline School District, said he drives an electric bus every day and its phenomenal compared to diesel. Students love it, he said, adding that because its much quieter they realize they dont have to talk so loud. Their behavior has changed. Linking with California Director of Ecology Laura Watson announced in early November the state would pursue a union of Washingtons carbon market with California and Quebec. Harmonizing the three programs will require revising some rules in each place. It may take until late 2025 or early 2026 before an agreement might be completed, said Kelley, Inslees climate policy advisor. Inslee said combining markets, or linkage, would ensure a durable carbon market that will allow the state to attain its emission reduction targets and stabilize energy costs for consumers. Inslee is requesting a bill crafted by the state Department of Ecology that would amend several sections of the Climate Commitment Act to facilitate linking the programs. An updated version released Monday adds language empowering Ecology to not enforce provisions that present an obstacle to Washington entering into a linkage agreement with another jurisdiction. A ballot measure to repeal the Climate Commitment Act could add a wrinkle. Backers of Initiative 2117 turned in 420,000 signatures last month and are waiting for the Secretary of State to determine if it will qualify for the November 2024 ballot. If revisions sought by Inslee are construed as creating an alternative to the repeal measure, the legislation might have to appear alongside the initiative next November. Case law and a 1971 Washington attorney general opinion seem to indicate that is what must occur. Democratic legislators and top Inslee Administration officials have been discussing the situation for weeks but Inslee said he was unaware. I have not heard that argument, he said. This story was initially published by Washington State Standard, a nonprofit news organization and part of the States News network, covering state issues. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington governor wants $200 credit from cap-and-trade revenue (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg An Iranian container ship stuck in a Turkish port for three years is preparing to leave in a case that shows the reach and limits of sanctions at sea. Blacklisted by the US, the 187 meter-long (614 feet) container vessel Shamim has sat empty in Istanbuls state-run port of Haydarpasa since unloading there in Jan. 2021, in full view of the thousands of commuters and tourists who take the ferry between the citys European and Asian sides every day. Shamim suffered an engine fault off the coast of Spain in late 2020 and was tugged around 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) to Istanbul, according to two people in the shipping industry with knowledge of the matter. Closer private shipyards in western Europe would likely have refused it due to its US designation, another person said. All asked for anonymity to be able to discuss the sanctioned vessel. While Shamim was ultimately repaired, sanctions slowed the work and also hindered onetime efforts to sell the ship. It attracted my attention because its not normal that it got towed such a long distance from the Mediterranean to Haydarpasa in the middle of Istanbul, said Yoruk Isik, founder of Istanbul-based maritime consultancy Bosphorus Observer. If they wanted to do something under the radar they kind of messed it up. The Iran-flagged ship has been sanctioned since 2020 under measures designed to crimp the Iranian economy and hinder its development of nuclear technology. Washington also sanctioned Shamims beneficial owner Hafez Darya Arya Shipping in January 2021, describing it as a subsidiary of state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. Iran says its atomic program is for peaceful purposes and not for nuclear weapons. It wasnt possible to verify the alleged link between Hafez Darya Arya Shipping and IRISL. Neither company responded to a request for comment. Companies that want to deal with sanctioned entities without risking penalties can apply to the US for exemptions. Its not clear if the Istanbul port authorities sought or got one to host Shamim. The Turkish Transport Ministry and Turkish State Railways, which operates Haydarpasa, didnt respond to a request for comment. The US Treasury declined to comment. Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson last month asked Istanbul shipping companies for their cooperation in stopping what he described as an uptick in US-sanctioned Russian vessels using Turkish ports. He warned that firms that provide services to such ships risk being sanctioned themselves, without identifying any specific companies. Despite the risks, Turkey remains an attractive place to do business for many Iranians thanks to its proximity, visa-free travel and connections to the global financial system. After years of decline, trade between the countries has been rising since 2020, making Turkey the Islamic Republics second-biggest export market, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Shamims owner tried to sell it to local shipyards but couldnt find a buyer again because of sanctions, two people familiar with the talks said. Repair work, involving engineers from Iran, proved challenging due to the extent of the damage and the difficulty in sourcing parts for a blacklisted ship, other people said. Shamim performed tests throughout Monday and Tuesday ahead of its expected departure, one of them added. A Turkish government document seen by Bloomberg shows the ship was fined four times for mechanical changes made without the necessary permission from the port authorities. All the while, Shamim racked up port fees of $1,200 per day, one of the people said. That adds up to about $1.3 million since its arrival. It shows that sanctions really cripple sometimes, said Isik at Bosphorus Observer. You cant stop these countries but you create annoyances, you create logistical nightmares. --With assistance from Firat Kozok and Daniel Flatley. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Israeli soldiers prepare to enter the Gaza Strip, near the Israel-Gaza perimeter fence (13 December 2023) Israel's foreign minister has said it will continue the war in Gaza "with or without international support". A ceasefire at this stage of the conflict would be "a gift" to Hamas and allow it to return, Eli Cohen warned. Israel is facing mounting pressure over the number of Palestinian civilians killed by its military in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis there. On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. And in his strongest comments yet, US President Joe Biden said Israel was losing support worldwide because of its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza. Intense fighting continued in both the north and south of Gaza on Wednesday, while heavy rains worsened conditions for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people who are living in makeshift tents or out in the open. A senior UN aid official also warned that the Palestinian territory faced a "public health disaster" because of the collapse of its medical system and the spread of infectious diseases in overcrowded shelters. The war was triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on 7 October, in which at least 1,200 people - including many women and children - were killed and about 240 taken hostage. Since then, more than 18,600 people have been killed in Gaza, about 70% of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. More on Israel-Gaza war At Tuesday's emergency session of the UN General Assembly, 153 member states voted in favour of a non-binding resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza, and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access". Eight states joined Israel and the US in voting against the resolution, including Austria and the Czech Republic, while the UK and Germany were among the 23 states which abstained. It was put forward by Arab and Muslim states after the US vetoed a binding resolution at the UN Security Council last Friday, saying an immediate ceasefire would allow Hamas to regroup. The day after the General Assembly vote and President Biden's warning, Eli Cohen told a visiting diplomat: "Israel will continue the war against Hamas, with or without international support." "A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," he added, according to a statement from his office. Palestinians crouch next to a fire in a damaged building in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip (13 December 2023) So far, the US has supported Israel's opposition to a pause in hostilities. But senior American officials are increasingly demonstrating discontent with the way Israel is conducting its offensive. On 2 December, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Israel risked replacing a "tactical victory with a strategic defeat" if it did not sufficiently protect civilians in Gaza. Disagreements are also emerging about what a post-war Gaza will look like. On Thursday, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will arrive in Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli media report that their discussions will include a timetable for the end of the war - and some suggest that Mr Netanyahu, by openly disagreeing with the Biden administration, is trying to appeal to his right-wing base. Speaking with Israeli military commanders serving in Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Netanyahu said the war would "continue until the end, until the victory, until the elimination of Hamas". And, reflecting "international pressures", he added that "nothing will stop us". However, as previous Israeli wars show, calls for a ceasefire will soon become too loud to be ignored. Map showing damaged areas in Gaza Israel is continuing to pound Gaza in the meantime, but Hamas and its allies are fighting back. Tuesday was the deadliest day for the Israeli military since its ground offensive began on 27 October. The military said 10 soldiers were killed, almost all of them in a co-ordinated ambush in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, where there has been a focus of the ground operation in recent days. Hamas fighters "threw explosives at the soldiers and shot at them from inside a residential building in which underground terror infrastructure was also located", according to a statement. Hamas said the announcement confirmed the "failure" of Israel's leaders and military in the face of "strong resistance" from the group's armed wing. The UN's local humanitarian co-ordinator, Lynn Hastings, told reporters: "What is happening on the ground is not going to bring peace and security to either the Palestinians or Israelis for many, many years, if not generations to come. So a ceasefire is in the interest of everybody at the moment." She warned that the number of Palestinians being killed and injured was going up significantly every day and that almost half of Gaza's 2.3 million population had fled to the southern Rafah area, on the border with Egypt, in an attempt to avoid the Israeli bombardment. The collapse of the healthcare system, with only one-third of hospitals partially functioning, combined with the unsanitary conditions at overcrowded shelters, also meant there was "a textbook formula for epidemics and a public health disaster", she added. The UN estimates there have so far been 360,000 cases of infectious diseases, including meningitis, respiratory infections and diarrhoea, which is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five worldwide. The Israeli prime minister said: 'Were going all the way, until were victorious, and nothing less' - RONEN ZVULUN/AFP via Getty Images Israel will continue its war on Hamas even if it loses international support, the Israeli prime minister has said. Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would go all the way in its war in Gaza, during a visit to a military base in southern Israel. Were going all the way, theres no question about it, he told troops. I say this despite the huge pain, but also despite international pressures. Nothing will stop us, were going all the way, until were victorious, and nothing less. Mr Netanyahus remarks came a day after Joe Biden warned Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and just hours before Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor, is due to arrive in Israel for talks with the Israeli war cabinet. The US president told donors at a fundraising event earlier this week that Mr Netanyahu should drop the hardliners in his government and reconsider his opposition to a Palestinian state. The White House has also been pushing for the Palestinian Authority, which runs the West Bank, to help take control of Gaza once the war is over. US president said Mr Netanyahu should reconsider his opposition to a Palestinian state - Yuri Gripas/CNP/Avalon Mr Netanyahu, who admits to disagreements with the US on the future of Gaza, said he would not allow the territory to become Hamas-stan or Fatah-stan on Tuesday. The Biden administration has been Israels biggest military backer since the war began, sending 14,000 tank shells among a host of weapons and ammunition. But that support may be at risk if Mr Netanyahu continues to ignore international warnings over the civilian death toll, which is put at more than 18,000 people by the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. When Mr Sullivan lands in Israel on Thursday, he will not place new conditions or red lines on the military aid the US provides to Israel, say US sources, but is expected to deliver what one local observer described as tough love. While Biden said last month that conditioning aid was a worthwhile thought, the president ultimately believes that a strategy of quiet pressure on Israel to change its tactics has been more effective than threatening to withhold weapons, CNN quoted a Biden administration official as saying. Mr Biden faces pressure at home to rein in the Israeli offensive. Young US voters are broadly against Israels actions, polling shows, and they will be a key demographic in the 2024 election. Nevertheless, stopping the war completely at this stage does not serve the security interests of the region, said Matthew Miller, a US State Department spokesman, on Wednesday. But he added: We dont want [the war] to last one day beyond what is necessary. The White House said on Wednesday it had told Israel of its concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. We have had concerns, and weve expressed those concerns about the prosecution of this military campaign, even while acknowledging that its Hamas that started this, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. Mr Sullivan would discuss with the Israelis the need for them to be more surgical and precise with their strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, he added. Mr Sullivan made a previously unannounced stop in Saudi Arabia on his way to Israel on Wednesday, as part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding and to discuss work to build a sustainable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, an official told Reuters. 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. I was inside the Gaza Strip yesterday and witnessed two terrorist tunnels being destroyed with explosives by IDF engineers in Shejaiya. In the same area of Gaza City a short time later, the IDF suffered one of its deadliest single skirmishes since the ground offensive began, with nine soldiers of the Golani Brigade killed in a gun and explosives battle with terrorists. Heavy fighting continues in the north and south of Gaza, both above ground and in Hamass extensive tunnel network, which to give you a sense of scale is assessed to be even more extensive than the London Undergrounds 250 miles. The tunnels bring yet another incredibly formidable dimension to urban combat, which is itself among the most challenging of battle environments, characterised by particularly high casualty rates, especially among attacking forces. Ive been into those tunnels: they are heavily fortified, concrete lined and with lighting, electric power and air supply. Over two decades they have been constructed using vast sums of money, including international aid that should have been spent on civilian infrastructure, and costing the lives of many Gazans including dozens of children sent underground to work on them. This embedded content is not available in your region. Tunnel entrances are mostly inside civilian houses, schools, hospitals and mosques. Terrorists use them to store weapons and ammo, protect commanders and move fighters around to outmanoeuvre forces above ground. Some have been fitted with heavy blast doors to isolate sections within an interconnected network and complicate assaults by Israeli troops. The Israelis have been mapping them for years, using aerial and satellite sensors including visual imagery and sonar, and have developed new techniques for identifying their path from ground level. Despite all that, the IDF still has a far from complete picture, and Hamas have ambushed troops by emerging from the rear in areas that had already been cleared. I was shown a tunnel opening beneath a house in Shejaiya, from which a terrorist emerged to attack IDF troops with an RPG rocket a couple of days earlier. Sometimes Hamass tunnel operations can be disrupted by collapsing them and blocking entrances and exits. That can be done from the air, by explosives on the ground and using sponge bombs that produce a rapidly expanding chemical reaction that forms a rock hard wall. The IDF has also been experimenting with flooding some of the tunnels using sea water to flush the terrorists out. It is a technique pioneered in 2015 by Egypt against Hamas tunnels on their border, but its effectiveness in this situation is not yet fully understood and its likely to be a lengthy process. Flooding isnt without challenges, not least the likelihood that many Israeli hostages are being held captive underground. Only a few days ago IDF soldiers recovered the bodies of two of Hamass hostages from a tunnel in Gaza City. Whenever possible, the IDF avoid going into the tunnels and getting bogged down in fighting on Hamass terms. Tunnel fighting is hugely dangerous, as American and Australian tunnel rats found to their cost in the Vietnam War. Like the Viet Cong, Hamas have booby-trapped many of their tunnels, rigged them with remotely detonated explosives and prepared concealed sniper positions to kill advancing IDF troops. Despite those hazards the Israelis are entering some of the tunnels when necessary, including to rescue hostages, gain intelligence from underground command posts and target high-level terrorist leaders. They use specially trained soldiers, dogs, robots and a range of purpose-designed weapons and surveillance equipment. The IDFs inexorable advance through Gaza both above and below ground has seen rocket launches into Israel dramatically reduced as terrorist freedom of action is choked off. That said, when I was in Shejaiya a volley was launched from further south, but it was knocked down by Israels Iron Dome before it could leave the sky over Gaza. The terrorist command structure, too, is beginning to break down as senior leaders are killed, though the head of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, and his henchmen probably remain underground somewhere in the south, no doubt with an eventual exit planned through tunnels beneath the border with Egypt. An increasing number of terrorists have been surrendering, which is an encouraging sign of plunging morale. But there is still a lot of hard fighting ahead and Israels allies should be working to do what they can to further demoralise Hamas. Joe Bidens false accusation against Israel yesterday of indiscriminate bombing, as well as hints that Americas support is beginning to wane, will have exactly the opposite effect. Colonel Richard Kemp is a former British Army officer 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 truck with electronic panels drives along a street Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, near Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass. The truck displays messages calling attention to a recent controversy involving testimony to Congress by presidents of three prestigious schools, including Harvard University, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania. Harvard's highest governing body announced Tuesday that President Claudine Gay will remain leader of Harvard following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Dozens of student protesters at Brown University were arrested, and a weeklong sit-in at Haverford College ended Wednesday under threat of disciplinary action as U.S. college campuses continue to be roiled by tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. Brown's police department charged 41 students with trespass when they refused to leave the University Hall administrative building after business hours on Monday, according to officials at the Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island. Earlier that day, protesters had met with Brown President Christina H. Paxson and demanded that Brown divest its endowment from Israeli military occupation," the school said in a statement on the arrests. Students were photographed and fingerprinted at the administration building before their release Monday night. Other students waited outside to cheer them on. It was the second round of arrests at Brown in a little over a month as college administrators around the country try to reconcile the rights of students to protest with the schools' imperative to maintain order. Twenty students protesting Israels invasion of Gaza were arrested for trespass on Nov. 8, although Brown dropped the charges on Nov. 27, two days after a Palestinian student at Brown, Hisham Awartani, and two other Palestinian college students were shot in Burlington, Vermont. Brown said Wednesday that while protest is a necessary and acceptable means of expression on campus, students may not interfere with the normal functions of the University." The school warned of even more severe consequences if students fail to heed restrictions on the time, place and manner of protests. The disruption to secure buildings is not acceptable, and the University is prepared to escalate the level of criminal charges for future incidents of students occupying secure buildings, Brown said. At Haverford, outside Philadelphia, student activists began their sit-in on Dec. 6 and occupied Founders Hall, which houses administrative offices. They are demanding that college President Wendy Raymond publicly call for a cease-fire in Gaza, which Israel invaded after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. Hundreds of students participated over the last week, taking deliveries of food and setting up study spaces. Professors even dropped in to teach, according to student organizers. The college asserted that the protesters were hindering fellow students, staff and faculty, and told the sit-in organizers Tuesday night that they must discontinue actions that impede student learning and the functions of the College, which include the sit-in inside Founders Hall, Raymond and the college dean said in a campus message Wednesday morning. Student organizers told The Associated Press that college officials threatened to haul protesters before a disciplinary panel if they didnt leave the hall. About 50 students defied the warning and slept in the building overnight before protesters held one last rally Wednesday morning and delivered letters to Raymond before disbanding. The threat of discipline played a role in the decision to end the sit-in, according to Julian Kennedy, a 21-year-old junior and organizer with Haverford Students for Peace. But he said organizers also concluded that the sit-in would not compel Haverford to meet the group's demands. At this point, we just see that this college as an institution is broken and has lost its values, said Kennedy, accusing Haverford of betraying its Quaker pacifist roots. Ellie Baron, a 20-year-old junior and protest organizer, said the group will pressure Haverford in other ways. Just because the sit-in is over, doesn't mean our efforts are over. We are extraordinarily upset our president refuses to call for a cease-fire," Baron said. A Palestinian American student at Haverford, Kinnan Abdalhamid, was also among the three Palestinian college students who were shot over Thanksgiving break in Vermont. The suspected gunman was arrested and has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder. Officials are investigating whether the shooting, which seriously injured one of the other students, was a hate crime. Abdalhamid, who took part in Wednesday's rally, said in a statement that "our presence here is a powerful message that we will not stay silent, we will not be passive observers. The arrests and sit-in came amid continuing fallout over the testimony given by leaders of the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and MIT at a congressional hearing on antisemitism last week. The presidents drew fire for carefully worded responses to a line of questioning from New York Republican Elise Stefanik, who repeatedly asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the schools rules. Penns president resigned over the weekend while, at Harvard, the governing board declared its support for the school's embattled president. While the Biden administration has maintained its strong support of Israels war aim of eliminating Hamas in Gaza, that support has for weeks been tempered by statements from U.S. officials saying Israel needs to minimize deaths of civilians as it continues fighting. Those mild rebukes appear to have been ignored by the Israelis. Their continued widespread bombing has raised the death toll in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, to 18,600. And the growing tension between Biden and Israels leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, broke into the open on Dec. 12. Biden warned Israel that it is losing support over the war. Netanyahu publicly disagreed with the U.S. goal of having the Palestinian Authority run Gaza. The Conversations senior politics and democracy editor Naomi Schalit interviewed Gregory F. Treverton of USC Dornsife, a former chairman of the National Intelligence Council in the Obama administration, about the divisions between Israel and the U.S. In the end, Israels behavior, says Treverton, shows the limits of influence the U.S. holds. U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18, 2023. Anadolu via Getty Images The U.S. has criticized Israels conduct of the war. Israel has ignored that criticism. That looks like humiliation for the Biden administration. What is going on? This is a pattern weve seen before. We saw it in the war Israel fought against Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. The U.S. was trying to push Israel to be more humane in the way they conducted that war. So while the disagreement is not especially new, it is not just humiliating but also shows the limits of influence. Indeed, throughout the U.S.-Israeli relationship, there has been a lot of the tail wagging the dog. Israel has been good at playing American politics. And so it is hard to put the kind of pressure on Israel that the objective facts would suggest the U.S. should be able to wield. After all, Israel is by far the biggest recipient of U.S. foreign aid. And the U.S. has stood with Israel firmly for a very long time. So to that extent, it is a bit humiliating that all that apparent influence doesnt get listened to. Is Israel, as you say, very good at this because they they live in a rough neighborhood, or because of the pressure domestic politics plays on Biden? What gives them the power to do this? Surely it is partly the rough neighborhood Israelis certainly see themselves as living in a very rough neighborhood. So the typical pattern is the U.S. says go easier. Israel says give us a few more days. That was the pattern in 2006 and has been the pattern this time Israel asks for a little bit more time to accomplish its military objective. But if its ability to ignore U.S. demands stems primarily from living in a rough neighborhood, Israel does have a lot of influence in the United States. Majorities in both parties in Congress support Israel, though there is increasing dissent over that support on college campuses and elsewhere. In a recent Pew poll, four times as many Democrats as Republicans in the U.S. thought Israel was going too far in its military operation. Biden recently said Israel is losing support over the war and its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. Netanyahu said the Palestinian Authority will never run Gaza, despite U.S. support for that idea. What does this more open division tell us? It tells us that things are getting worse between the two countries for sure. It obviously reflects the frustration on Bidens part and the administrations part. It is a marker, I think, of how isolated Israel is now in global public opinion and is obviously taking the U.S. with it. So thats a big source of frustration for the administration. It really is time for some kind of cease-fire again, and maybe another release of some hostages. But that doesnt seem in the cards soon. What are Bidens options at this point? It sounds like youre saying Biden doesnt have much that he can do. And, in fact, it looks like within Israel, Netanyahu whose government may fall once the war slows or ends is using Bidens disapproval to shore up his political standing with his right-wing supporters. Certainly, Netanyahus playing to the right makes the problem even harder for the Biden administration. Netanyahus problem is more his right flank than Washington. And so that makes it difficult for the U.S. to exert the kind of influence it should. And we still dont have an understanding of what the Israeli sense of the endgame is. On the current track, they wind up, it seems, occupying Gaza. They surely dont want to do that. My guess is behind the scenes the Israelis are thinking about some option involving the Palestinian Authority, even though Israel says it wants no part of that. Biden went to a fundraiser the other day and told attendees that Netanyahu was the leader of the most conservative government in Israels history that doesnt want a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict. I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden said. When a president makes such a statement in a fundraiser, its not going to remain secret. What an extraordinary thing for a head of state to say about another government. It amounts in some sense to calling for regime change in Israel. We all assume that once the war is over, Netanyahu will be gone. But obviously if he has any thoughts of staying on, he does need to think about a different coalition. World opinion is going to force him to think seriously about the Palestinians, if not about a two-state solution. Whatever else has happened, Hamas certainly succeeded in its objective of getting the Palestinians desire for statehood back on the global agenda. And Netanyahu is going to have to deal with that at some point. A group of Palestinian men look at the destruction of buildings following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip on Dec. 1, 2023, Said Khatib/AFP via Getty Images) What are the elements that Biden has to consider as he manages this situation going into the future? He starts with generally strong American support for Israel that cuts across both parties. But the thing he needs to cope with is the increasing concern among progressives, especially young people in the Democratic Party, that theres way too much suffering by the Palestinians, that something has to be done. And now it seems to me theres almost a global consensus that this war needs to end. Thats the challenge that the administration faces: to try and heed that global consensus while letting Israel do the things it feels it needs to do in Gaza. And thats really an impossible circle for Biden to square. President Lyndon Johnson used to say that sometimes being president was like being a mule in a hailstorm. Theres nothing to do but to stand there and take it, he said. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Read more: Tel Aviv President Biden issued some of his harshest criticism to date on Tuesday of Israel's conduct in its war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. With health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip saying more than 18,000 people have been killed, Mr. Biden warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was losing international support due to "indiscriminate bombing" in the densely populated region. Those comments put Mr. Biden at odds with Netanyahu, who has shown no willingness to ease the bombing campaign in southern Gaza despite catastrophic losses of civilian life and uncertainty over the fate of more than 100 hostages who are still believed to be held in the territory. Israel's military says Hamas militants, in their bloody Oct. 7 terror rampage across southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people and abducted more than 200, roughly half of whom have since been released, most of them during a week-long cease-fire. Mr. Biden has faced mounting criticism for his administration's response to the war, including his refusal to call for a new cease-fire. The White House and Netanyahu have argued that any new truce would allow Hamas militants to regroup. A picture taken from Rafah shows flares and smoke over Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli airstrikes, Dec. 12, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. / Credit: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty So, the war continues apace, and in southern Gaza, it was another night of blood-soaked casualties from Israeli airstrikes streaming into packed hospitals that are quickly running out of supplies. For the second consecutive night, a missile struck just a few hundred yards from CBS News producer Marwan al-Ghoul in southern Gaza, an area where Israel's military says there are "safe zones." "It's a dangerous narrative. They are, quite simply, not safe," said James Elder, a spokesman for the United Nations' children's aid agency UNICEF, who just left Gaza. "It's a nightmare," he told CBS News. "They are under attack from the air and very much now from the threat of disease." The Israeli military said in a statement on Wednesday that Hamas uses the humanitarian zones to launch rockets and since Oct. 18, when the zones were established, 116 rockets have been fired toward Israel. The statement said that 38 of these rockets fell inside the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian man mourns as he collects the body of a child killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, Dec. 13, 2023. / Credit: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Israel has been urging Gazan civilians to seek shelter along the undeveloped southwest coast of Gaza, in a designated "humanitarian area" about the size of Los Angeles International Airport called al-Mawasi. It now holds several hundred thousand desperate people. Asked by CBS News if the humanitarian area is, in fact, humane, Elder didn't hesitate: "No," he said. "A safe zone requires two things: One, not to be bombed The second one it must have living essentials, water, sanitation, food, protection." "We suffered from the war of cannons, and escaped it to arrive at the war of starvation," Ibrahim Mahram, among those who fled to al-Mawasi, told the Reuters news agency. He said there were five families crammed into a single tent. Displaced Palestinian families live in tents in the Al-Mawasi area of Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt, Dec. 7, 2023. / Credit: Loay Ayyoub/For The Washington Post/Getty The Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said Wednesday that disease was spreading due to a lack of clean water, and that the few health facilities still functioning in the region had run completely out of children's vaccines. Warning of "catastrophic health repercussions," the ministry called on the international community to provide new supplies of vaccines, "to prevent disaster." The head of the U.N.'s World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus, warned over the weekend that that "Gaza's health system is on its knees and collapsing," with only 14 of the territory's 36 hospitals still functioning at all, and supplies dwindling fast. He said the risks were likely to worsen, "with the deteriorating situation and approaching winter conditions." Along with several other Israeli human rights groups, the B'tselem organization said it had sent a letter to President Biden on Tuesday asking that he use his leverage as leader of Israel's most vital ally to "change Israel's policy and prevent deterioration of the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip." NYT Cooking shares a kid-favorite holiday recipe for roasted beef tenderloin Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and Emmy award winning actor, dies at age of 61 Breaking down Biden and Zelenskyy's joint news conference Israel will continue its war on Hamas in Gaza, whether it has international support or not, according to Israel's foreign minister. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Wednesday that agreeing to another cease-fire would be a "gift" to Hamas and that Israels military would continue its ground offensive in Gaza despite waning international support. The comment comes after the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to support a cease-fire. "Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support," Cohen said, Reuters reported. "A cease-fire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel." In his statement, Cohen also called on the international community to act "effectively and aggressively" to protect global shipping lanes. TURKISH LAWMAKER SUFFERS HEART ATTACK AFTER DECLARING ISRAEL WILL 'NOT BE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE WRATH OF GOD' Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen shows an image of an Israeli soldier posing next to a weapons cache, which was allegedly found at the Rantisi Hospital in Gaza, according to the Israeli army, as he speaks in a press conference at the European Office of the United Nations, Palais des Nation, in Geneva on Nov. 14, 2023. On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly voted 153 to 10 in favor of a resolution introduced by Egypt demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, and for the release of all hostages. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The United States voted against its passage, as did Israel, Guatemala, the Czech Republic, Paraguay, Austria, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru and Papua New Guinea. The resolution was ultimately adopted with 23 abstentions. Foreign Minister of Israel Eli Cohen speaks while holding photos of kidnapped Israelis during the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at U.N. headquarters. The Security Council discussed the situation in the Middle East after a terrorist attack by Hamas militants on Israel in which they killed more than 1,400 Israeli civilians and took 203 hostages to Gaza. An emergency meeting was called to vote on the resolution from Egypt out of grave concern over the "catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population." TURKEY'S ERDOGAN SLAMS UN SECURITY COUNCIL AS ISRAEL PROTECTION COUNCIL Ahead of the vote, U.N. General Assembly President H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis opened the emergency session, telling the room full of representatives that tens of thousands of people have died since the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7. Francis emphasized the situation was dire and any more delays in humanitarian care could result in additional deaths. "Clearly, what we are witnessing is the unprecedented collapse of an already crumbling humanitarian system in real time," Francis said Tuesday. "No more time is left. The carnage must stop." Smoke from Gaza City fills the sky in the distance as an Israeli tank heads toward the Gaza Strip on Nov. 22, 2023 in southern Israel. He also said Palestinians displaced by violence have nowhere safe to go. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Ahead of the vote, the U.N. shot down two amendments to the resolution one from Austria and another from the U.S. that specifically condemned Hamas. Both required a two-thirds majority vote to pass and neither reached that mark. Fox News Greg Wehner and Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Israel responds after UN overwhelmingly votes for humanitarian cease-fire: 'A gift to Hamas' Israeli forces shell Gaza from the border area in southern Israel on December 12 (JACK GUEZ) Israel came under pressure Wednesday from its allies over its war in Gaza, with key backer the United States criticising its bombing in response to the October 7 attacks as "indiscriminate". The United Nations General Assembly also overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the devastated territory. The war began after Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities. Vowing to destroy Hamas and to bring the hostages home, Israel launched a withering offensive on Gaza, which is ruled by the militant group. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the war has killed more than 18,400 people, mostly women and children. The ministry reported Wednesday that at least another 50 people were killed in the latest wave of Israeli air strikes across the territory. Biden told a campaign event in Washington that Israel had "most of the world supporting it" after the Hamas attack. "But they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he said. Speaking later Tuesday at a news conference, Biden toned down his comments. Reiterating the United States' support for Israel, he said that "the safety of innocent Palestinians is still of great concern". Washington has been calling for weeks for Israel to take more care to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza, saying that too many Palestinians have been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there was "disagreement" with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift between the allies. And the leaders of Australia, Canada and New Zealand -- other Israel allies -- called for a ceasefire, issuing a rare joint statement to say they were "alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza". Their statement came after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, with an overwhelming 153 member nations of 193 voting in favour. While the United States and Israel voted against the resolution, Australia, Canada, New Zealand all voted in favour. In total, the number of countries that voted for a ceasefire exceeded the 140 or so that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. - 'Hell on earth' - The vote came as the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees Philippe Lazzarini described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth". "Back in #Gaza, endless deepening tragedy. People are everywhere, live in the street, need everything. They plead for safety & for an end to this hell on earth," Lazzarini posted on X at the end of a visit to the territory. In Gaza City, Hamas said via Telegram that Israeli forces raided a hospital and detained its director. The army did not immediately comment, but Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals, schools, mosques and tunnels beneath them as military bases -- claims it has denied. The World Health Organization's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X he was "extremely worried" by reports of the raid, adding that his agency "urgently calls for the protection of all persons inside the hospital". Earlier the UN humanitarian agency OCHA had said fighting had been reported near the hospital for three consecutive days. It also said two mothers were killed in a strike on the maternity ward, and that about 3,000 displaced people were trapped in the facility. Israel's air and ground campaign has reduced much of Gaza to rubble. The United Nations said its satellite analysis agency UNOSAT had determined, based on a November 26 image, that 18 percent of Gaza's infrastructure had been destroyed. On the ground, fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants raged and rocket fire from Gaza into Israel continued. Israel's military announced that eight soldiers had died Tuesday in Gaza, adding to an overall toll of more than 100 troops killed since the start of the offensive. - Children and parents mourn - The UN estimates 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict, half of them children. Aid groups have warned the territory will soon be overwhelmed by starvation and disease, and are pleading with Israel to boost efforts to protect civilians. "The spread of diseases in Gaza has reportedly intensified, especially due to overcrowded living conditions; which adds to the strain on an increasingly overwhelmed health system and an increased risk of people dying," OCHA said in its latest update. It also said many people were missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings, waiting for rescue or recovery. Israeli air strikes Tuesday killed at least 24 people in the southern city of Rafah, where tens of thousands are seeking shelter, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. At Rafah hospital, bereaved father Hani Abu Jamaa cradled the body of his young daughter Sidal, who was killed by shrapnel. He said there had been strong explosions overnight and he only found she was dead when he tried to wake her in the morning. "Even if I live 100 years, I will never find another like her," he said, crying. "May God have mercy on her, oh Lord." In Khan Yunis, southern Gaza's largest city, a family gathered to mourn the death in a strike of Fayez al-Taramsi, father of seven. "How are we going to live after him? He brought us to life," one of his daughters said, crying and clutching his bloodied shirt as the sole reminder of her father. Fears of a wider conflict continued to grow, with Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria, and daily exchanges of fire along Israel's border with Lebanon. The Israeli army said projectiles had been fired from Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday and it had retaliated by striking launch sites. burs-ser/mca Smoke billowing from the Jenin refugee camp during the Israeli raid (MARCO LONGARI) An Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank that lasted more than a day left at least seven Palestinians dead, the Palestinian health ministry said Wednesday, raising an earlier toll. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its medics treated multiple others wounded in the military raid on Jenin, including a 27-year-old woman shot in the chest in the city's refugee camp. The Israeli military said forces "confiscated approximately 30 weapons, ammunition, military equipment and weapon parts", without commenting on those killed. "The forces dismantled six explosives laboratories, underground tunnel shafts, four observation command centres and explosive devices," a statement said. Four soldiers were wounded by friendly fire or during "controlled explosions", the military added. On Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said six people had been killed by Israeli forces in the raid. On Wednesday, it raised the death toll to seven, adding that a sick 13-year-old boy also died after Israeli forces prevented him from reaching hospital. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and in recent months troops have repeatedly carried out deadly raids on Jenin, with the casualties including militants and children. In a separate incident, an AFP journalist witnessed a Palestinian medic urge Israeli soldiers to let an ambulance crew evacuate a man with multiple gunshot wounds. "Recently, we can't evacuate any wounded without an ID number, ID copy, or ID card," paramedic Khalid al-Ahmad told journalists. - Pleas for help - The Red Crescent said on Wednesday the situation in Jenin camp was deteriorating, with "dozens of pleas and appeals to (help) medical cases" while ambulance crews were unable to reach them. "Dozens of citizens are suffering from acute shortages of baby milk and bread, as soldiers are occupying their homes and preventing them from leaving," the medical organisation said before troops withdrew. Jenin camp is home to more than 23,000 people, according to the United Nations, and militants also have a strong presence there. The militant group Hamas -- which Israel is battling in the Gaza Strip -- called the Jenin raid a "desperate attempt to extinguish the flame of resistance". AFP journalists saw residents surround blood on the ground in Jenin and children inspect a house scorched in the raid. Around 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers across the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted on October 7, health officials say. Over the same period, more than 18,600 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive on Gaza according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The war broke out with an attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, in which Israeli officials say around 1,200 people were killed. Most of those killed in both Israel and the Palestinian territories have been civilians. bur-rsc/jd/srm By Ilan Rosenberg and Frank Jack Daniel JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli citizens said on Wednesday the army should not back off its unrelenting offensive to crush Hamas, despite the U.N. General Assembly's ceasefire call, the growing list of troop casualties and a spiralling Palestinian death toll in Gaza. Israel's military suffered one of the deadliest days in the two-month-old Gaza war on Tuesday, with a colonel among 10 soldiers killed, bringing the toll to 115 - almost double the number killed during clashes in the coastal enclave nine years ago. And with much of the enclave laid to waste, conditions dire and more than 18,500 Palestinians killed in the Israeli army's air and ground assault, U.S. President Joe Biden said the "indiscriminate" bombing of Gazan civilians was costing Israel international support. Polls in recent weeks show overwhelming backing for the war despite the rising human costs. Six Israelis who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday said now was not the time back down, regardless of fading global sympathy reflected in Tuesday's U.N resolution. Hamas' killing of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7 revived something Israel previously felt when Arabs staged a surprise attack in 1973 - fears that its neighbours and enemies could do away with the Jewish nation all together, said political scientist Tamar Hermann. "The sense of the people is that this is a threat to the very existence of Israel," said Hermann, of the Israel Democracy Institute, which conducts regular opinion polls on the war. She said that people were prepared for more deaths of soldiers. Speaking in Jerusalem, retiree Ben Zion Levinger said Israel's enemies would view any slowdown in fighting Hamas as a sign of weakness. "If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Levinger, a former IT worker. Although the cost was "terrible," the goal of the military operation was the total destruction of Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair Yuli Edelstein said in an interview. Hamas said the killing of soldiers on Tuesday showed Israel would never achieve its war goals in Gaza. "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing." 'COLLATERAL DAMAGE' After a week-long pause in hostilities in November, more than three-quarters of Israelis said the offensive should resume without adjustments that would reduce either Palestinian civilian casualties or international pressure, according to a poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute. Israeli media reporting of the war dwells less on the civilian cost in Gaza than international coverage does. Hermann said that while views on Palestinian casualties varied depending on Israelis' political leanings, some people felt the deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security. "There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war ... it is being perceived as collateral damage." Only 10% of Israelis thought the army was using too much firepower, according to a Tel Aviv University poll conducted in late October among 609 respondents, with a 4.2% margin of error. Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, who works at a non-profit academic institution, said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants. "It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties, he said. "But this is war, and that's what happens in war." HOSTAGES Along with capturing or killing the Hamas commanders who planned the Oct. 7 rampage through Kibbutzim and a rave in Israel, a goal of Israel's war is to bring back the hostages grabbed by the militants and taken to Gaza. Israel says at least 19 of the 135 remaining hostages are dead, and two bodies were recovered this week. Around 100 of the hostages were released during a week-long truce in November. Portraits of the hostages with the slogan "bring them home" are pasted on walls and bus stops and projected on public buildings across Israel. Israelis have proven willing in the past to make concessions to free hostages or spare their troops lives, but Oct. 7, the deadliest single incident in Israel's 75-year-old history, has hardened opinions. Unsurprisingly given the unstable situation, polling shows Israelis are unsure what a long-term solution would look like. However, the Israel Democracy Institute survey says more than 40% of citizens think the country should pursue the creation of a separate Palestinian state after the war. In a possible sense of the mood, almost 60% of Israelis, including 40% of Arab Israelis, cited destroying Hamas in any way possible as the most important goal of the war, according to the Tel Aviv University poll. Around a third said bringing the hostages home was the main goal. "Right now, we didn't achieve neither the first nor the second," said Hermann. "Most people are ready to continue until the point where at least one of the major aims is achieved." (Reporting by Ilan Rosenberg and Frank Jack Daniel; Additional reporting by Dan Williams; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Lisa Shumaker) QUITO, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's government on Tuesday condemned the killing of four children in an armed attack on Monday night in Guasmo Sur, a poor neighborhood in the southwest coastal city of Guayaquil, amid a wave of violence plaguing the South American country. "The murder of four children in Guasmo Sur demonstrates the cruelty that these inhuman murderers are capable of," the General Secretariat of Communication said in a statement. The government will not rest until the suspects pay for their crimes, said the statement. "In this government, there will be no room for impunity, nor will we give in to those who try to sow terror and desolation in our society." The State Attorney General's Office launched an investigation into the killing of the children with the youngest aged 5 months in the shooting attack that left their parents injured. Guayaquil Police Commander Victor Herrera said at a press conference that, according to initial investigations, the target was not that family, but another at an adjacent house. The tragic incident, which went viral on social media, occurred amid a rise in violent crimes, including murder, extortion and kidnapping, especially in coastal areas. The government has blamed the violence on organized crime linked to drug trafficking and territorial disputes between rival gangs. In 2022, Ecuador registered a record high rate of violent deaths at 25 per 100,000 inhabitants, and the rate is expected to reach 40 per 100,000 in 2023, which would place Ecuador among the most violent countries in the region. By Sakura Murakami and Kantaro Komiya TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday announced he would make changes to his cabinet as he seeks to stem the fallout from a fundraising scandal that has further dented public support for his embattled administration. The premier told a press conference he would make the changes on Thursday, just three months after a previous cabinet overhaul. "I will take the lead in fighting to rebuild the ways of the Liberal Democratic Party to restore trust in politics," he said referring to his ruling LDP party. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, a powerful figure who coordinates policy across government on his behalf, is among four ministers and several deputy ministers expected to go, according to media reports. Kishida said the changes were still being finalised. The shake-up comes as prosecutors investigate whether some lawmakers in the ruling party received thousands of dollars in fundraising proceeds missing from official party accounts, according to media reports. But analysts say a cabinet clearout is unlikely to draw a line under a scandal that has raised serious questions about Kishida's leadership and thrown his government into disarray. Koichi Hagiuda, a high-ranking official from the LDP who oversees budget proposals, has decided to resign, broadcaster NHK and Kyodo news agency reported. Kishida is also considering shelving a planned trip to Brazil and Chile next month, the Mainichi newspaper said. "The most Mr. Kishida can hope for is to arrest the current decline in his personal support. Increasing it, however, will require more than cosmetic changes to personnel," said Corey Wallace, a political science scholar at Kanagawa University. "There's only so many times this tactic works over a short period until diminishing returns sets in." Public support for Kishida's administration has slipped as low as 23% in recent polls, the lowest since he came to office in 2021. He has twice reshuffled his cabinet, replacing ministers linked to a previous scandal in late 2022, and again in September as he looked to shore up his sagging ratings. Support for his ruling LDP has fallen below 30% for the first time since 2012, when it returned to power after a blip in its near total post-war dominance of Japanese politics, an NHK survey on Tuesday showed. The prime minister does not need to hold an election until October 2025, and a fractured and weak opposition has historically struggled to make sustained inroads into the LDP's hold on power despite its at times fractious factional politics. 'UNPARALLELED SCANDAL' While the prosecutors' probe centres on lawmakers from LDP's powerful Seiwa-kai faction, investigators are also looking into whether Kishida's former faction - which he headed until last week - is also involved, according to media reports. Matsuno and the three other cabinet ministers expected to be replaced all hail from the Seiwa-kai faction, often referred to as the "Abe faction" after late prime minister Shinzo Abe. Ex-foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who belongs to Kishida's former faction, is being lined up to replace Matsuno, several news outlets reported. Kishida has also decided to appoint ex-justice minister Ken Saito as trade minister, name Tetsushi Sakamoto as agriculture minister and reinstate former internal affairs minister Takeaki Matsumoto to replace the incumbents, according to domestic media. The factions are alleged to have hidden hundreds of millions of yen of political funds over years in a scheme that saw some lawmakers receiving proceeds from ticket sales to party events that were kept off the books. The LDP is due to hold leadership elections in September, but analysts say it remains to be seen how long Kishida can hold on to his post, especially if he becomes directly implicated in one of the party's biggest financial scandals in decades. The main opposition party earlier on Wednesday submitted a motion of no-confidence in Kishida's administration that was comfortably voted down in a parliament where the LDP and coalition partner Komeito have a clear majority. "Prime Minister, arent you aware that the LDP and its factions caused an unparalleled scandal? Isnt the lack of your crisis control capability catastrophic?," Kenta Izumi, the head of the opposition, said in parliament ahead of the vote. (Reporting by Kaori Kaneko, Satoshi Sugiyama, Kantaro Komiya and Sakura Murakami; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Sonali Paul, Nick Macfie and Tomasz Janowski) In the middle of morning rush hour on one of the most notoriously congested thoroughfares in Los Angeles, dozens of protesters sat in a row stretching from one edge of the southbound 110 Freeway to the other. Calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, they chanted, sang in Hebrew and erected a 7-foot menorah in the middle of the freeway in downtown L.A. on Wednesday. Behind them, those at the vanguard of a miles-long traffic jam grew heated. Videos from news helicopters and social media showed angry motorists exiting their vehicles and skirmishing with the demonstrators south of the interchange with the 101 Freeway. In aerial footage from KCAL News, a man is seen pinning a protester up against the hood of a car while others yell. Some in the crowd grabbed and shoved demonstrators, throwing a traffic cone and protest signs across the freeway. A motorcyclist behind the protest line revved his engine repeatedly. Read more: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather outside Biden fundraiser "You idiots are just hurting working people," someone is heard shouting in a video posted to X by freelance journalist Jon Peltz. Off the freeway, a mother with her daughter in the backseat sat at a red light near the 3rd Street onramp. She threw her hands up and shouted, "Is it over? I'm in support of a cease-fire but we're late." Another woman hung out the passenger window of an SUV with a Palestinian flag shouting, "Free Palestine." Ysidro Palacios idled in his pickup truck on Beaudry Avenue. He was supposed to drive to South Los Angeles at 10 a.m. for a painting job but he was about an hour late. "I turned around and got a coffee when I saw the traffic earlier," he said in Spanish. "I hope they reopen soon." Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza block the 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles with a 7-foot menorah. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) The California Highway Patrol was notified shortly after 9 a.m. that the freeway was blocked, and by 10 a.m. officers were detaining protesters, leading them over to two dozen police cruisers. A tow truck was called to remove protesters' vehicles that were left blocking traffic. By around 10:30 a.m., the last protester had been led away, and the freeway was fully reopened by 11:30 a.m. Authorities arrested 75 protesters on suspicion of failing to comply with a dispersal order, according to the CHP. The agency will investigate any reports of physical altercations, Officer Roberto Gomez said. Organizers with IfNotNow, the progressive Jewish group behind the protest, apologized to drivers but said they felt there was no other way to make their voices heard to stop the killing and mass displacement in the Middle East. We have tried everything else. We have called, we have marched, we have sung, we have prayed. We have written letters and visited offices, Noa Kattler-Kupetz, spokesperson for IfNotNow, said in a statement. Yet politicians like President Biden continue to stonewall, and Israel continues to slaughter innocent Gazans by the thousands. Enough. We cannot wait another day. Read more: Palestinians struggle as a brutal war sours business. Just ask West Bank sweets makers The protesters sang "cease-fire now" and lighted a 7-foot menorah, marking the seventh night of Hanukkah on Wednesday, as cars waited helplessly behind them. They also sang the folk song "Lo Yisa Goy" in both Hebrew and English, whose lyrics roughly translate to nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore, according to the protest group. A protester with his arms bound behind his back said "Free Palestine" when asked for comment as officers led him away. In a statement to the media, IfNotNow wrote that its members "demand an end to the financial support of Israels occupation and documented war crimes." Read more: Campus Palestinian allies demand UC board chair resign, citing 'one-sided' social media actions About 100 people were involved in putting together the protest, Kattler-Kupetz said. "Our action is grounded in our nonviolent philosophy and doing what we can with our bodies and voices" to bring attention to elected officials, Kattler-Kupetz said. The group's action was meant to honor the lives of Israelis and Palestinians who have died in the war, according to organizers with IfNotNow. Hamas militants killed about 1,200 and took more than 200 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israeli forces have killed at least 18,400 in Gaza in the two months since, according to local health authorities. Another protest organized by IfNotNow shut down a Hollywood intersection in mid-November, and during President Biden's visit to Los Angeles last week, over 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at Holmby Park, across from the site of a fundraiser. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A restaurant that specializes in turkey leg and daiquiris is ready to make its Charlotte debut. And the restaurants co-owner has plans to open two breweries next. Jive Turkey Hut will open at 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at 3701 Statesville Ave., co-owner Clarence Boston, a longtime business owner in Charlotte and Atlanta, told The Charlotte Observer. The fast-casual restaurant had been expected to open by Thanksgiving, the Observer previously reported. Boston also is co-owner of two breweries that had expected to open by the end of the year. Another Brewery at 2509 N. Davidson St. in Davidson had anticipated opening last month. However, Boston said theyre still awaiting Internet installation and expect to open in early January. Hippin Hops Brewery & Distillery at 650 E. Brooklyn Village Ave. in the former D9 Brewing Co. space in uptown had expected to open this month. However because of permitting delays, the opening is likely in February or early March, Boston said. D9 has breweries in Huntersville and Hendersonville. Heres what to know about all three business: Jive Turkey Hut will open in November in Charlotte at 3701 Statesville Ave. serving smoked, stuffed turkey legs, such as macaroni and cheese. Clarence Boston/Jive Turkey Hut About Jive Turkey Hut Jive Turkey Hut, co-owned by James Pettis, is in the former 700-square-foot Bodricks Bar-B-Q space, which closed in 2015 after over 15 years in business. The restaurant and bar is a take on the trendsetting Turkey Leg Hut in Houston, founded in 2015. In Charlotte, expect smoked turkey legs, just short of a foot long, stuffed with shrimp Alfredo, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Prices will range from $14.99 to $30 for lobster or etouffee stuffed. Other turkey dishes include smoked wings and grilled turkey burgers. The menu has appetizers such as Thanksgiving egg rolls and salmon bites, entrees including Cajun shrimp or salmon and grits, salmon burgers and grilled or fried chicken sandwich. There also will be a full bar, specializing in frozen daiquiris. Rotating eight kinds of daiquiris, flavors include rum punch, mojitos and margaritas. Prices will range from $8 to $22. Jive Turkey Hut has renovated the former Bodricks Bar-B-Q spot at 3701 Statesville Ave. in north Charlotte. Clarence Boston/Jive Turkey Hut About Another Brewery Another Brewery co-owned by Charlotte bar owner Orlando Botero plays off the growing number of Charlotte breweries, now totaling over 75. The 4,000-square-foot space with a 500-square-foot patio will include a seven-barrel system with 15-barrel fermenters able to produce about 3,000 barrels of beer a year. Another brewery will have a full-service bar and food menu with oysters, shrimp and salmon, as well as baked wings, burgers and sandwiches. About Hippin Hops Brewery & Distillery The Charlotte brewery will be Hippin Hops third location. Two years ago, Boston sold Bostons Mortuary funeral home on Statesville Avenue, as well as his ownership interests in Charlotte bars Firehouse Bar & Lounge in uptown and Recess in Plaza Midwood. He and wife Donnica moved to Atlanta and opened the first Black-owned brewery in Georgia Hippin Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar. The brewery now has two Atlanta locations and a brewing facility in Stone Mountain, Georgia Hippin Hops Charlotte taproom is about 900 square feet, and the 3,000-square-foot outside area that will be used for live music. A second building on site will be used for making beer and liquor. Hippin Hops will have a five-barrel system with 10-barrel fermenters that can produce about 1,800 barrels of beer a year. Hippin Hops Charlotte also will have a 500-gallon still for making liquors including vodka, rum and gin. Hippin Hops spirits, like Boston Thomas Whiskey and Noire Cognac, are available at ABC stores in the Charlotte region. There are many similarities between Israels war against Hamas and the US-led campaign against Islamic State. Both incurred significant yet unintended civilian casualties. Both enemies shared not only measures of savagery but also ideological roots. And in both cases, the need for victory was urgent. Yet when we crushed jihadis in Iraq and Syria, hardly anybody in the West marched for a ceasefire. Israel, as Saul Bellow put it, is expected to uphold the moral burdens everyone else has dumped. Hamas, of course, didnt have them to dump in the first place. Yesterday, however, Joe Biden made his most critical remarks yet of the countrys defensive campaign to neutralise the genocidal threat that led to the rape, butchery and mutilation of more than 1,200 civilians in October. Israels security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them, he said to donors during a fundraiser. But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. He went on to sharply criticise Israels appalling, far-Right cabinet members and Benjamin Netanyahu. They are surely deserving of criticism. But was the timing really right? Lets rewind for a moment. Setting aside the criticism, the word indiscriminate stands out for its sheer falsity. On strategic and tactical levels, Israels armed forces arguably take greater care to protect civilians than those of any other country, providing extensive warning of strikes and asking them to move to safe zones. War is hell and it is messy, but the IDF operates on the understanding that every civilian death is a tragedy on many levels. This ought to be well-known. Equally well-known should be Hamass playbook. Its leaders are deeply aware that every Palestinian death is a victory for Hamas in the arena of international opinion. With this in mind, they stage battlefields among the innocent and attempt to distort the media coverage that comes out of Gaza, meaning that the West sees destroyed homes and suffering civilians, not terrorists or tunnels. They exaggerate the death toll and make no distinction between dead combatants and non-combatants. All of this creates the illusion of indiscriminate bombing. Unsurprisingly, Israelophobic sections of the public and Left-wing media fall for it. But the president? Biden is a Democrat of the old school, whose lifelong friendship with the Jewish state dont forget his UN security council veto last week has been punctuated by tension. A typical example came at a Chanukah celebration at the White House this week, when he turned on the charm. By the way, you dont have to be a Jew to be a Zionist, he said, delivering his favourite line. But despite the doughnuts and menorah, it was not all sweetness and light. Ive known Bibi for 51 years, he continued. He has a picture on his desk of he and I when he was a young member of the Israeli foreign service and I was a 32-year-old senator. And I wrote on top of it, Bibi, I love you, but I dont agree with a damn thing you have to say. Its about the same today. He added that Israel was in a tough spot, as the whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight. To be fair to the octogenarian, the indiscriminate jibe may have simply been one of those trademark Biden blunders that make his advisers bury their heads in their hands. But is this a way to talk about one of your closest allies locked in a desperate struggle for survival? Even if it was off-the-cuff? The Americans have reportedly put the Israeli government under intense pressure to lay out a plan for postwar Gaza. As important as this planning is, the emphasis shows a certain disjunction from the priorities of fighting an existential war. It is striking how the biggest marches in support of Palestine have taken place in London and New York rather than Cairo and Amman, where reality is less comfortably eclipsed by identity politics. The president of the United States should not be subject to such narcissistic popular hallucinations. But his ventriloquism of fallacies like indiscriminate bombing may show how loud these voices are in his ear. The war is splitting his political base, with a poll showing 69 per cent of younger Democrats disapproving of his support for Israel and 77 per cent of older supporters approving of it. In Michigan a swing state with a large Muslim population 38 per cent believe he is showing too much support for Israel. Progressive lawmakers have called for a ceasefire for months. Add to this the vanity of a piqued political movement. After the disruption of Donald Trump, Bidens enthusiasm for returning to the Obama-Clinton school of status quo diplomacy has been clear. Moreover, much of the proper work of the Biden presidency has long been handled by Obama-era advisers and managers who emerged out of hibernation when Biden entered office. Like Obama, Bidens support for Israel is solid but allergic to Netanyahu; like Obama, it always seems to fall short of what is needed. Joe Biden is an old crocodile of the Hill. He has not survived a lifetime in politics and won the top job by living by his values alone. With an election approaching, he is sensitive to the whole worlds public opinion and makes no secret of it. From Israels point of view, the fight against Hamas is one that cannot be lost; but with the rhetoric from Washington beginning to falter, the clock is ticking loudly. 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. KAMPALA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of Ugandan military personnel withdrawing from a regional peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has arrived home. Deo Akiiki, the military deputy spokesperson, posted on X, formerly Twitter, video clips of the troops of Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) shortly after they crossed into Uganda. "UPDF has finally started crossing the border at Bunagana (border town) back to Uganda after withdrawing from the mission area in Eastern DRC," Akiiki said. The UPDF deployed 1,000 troops in DRC under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in November 2022 together with forces from Burundi, Kenya and South Sudan. The decision was endorsed and adopted by regional leaders at the third East African Community Heads of State Conclave on Peace and Security in eastern DRC held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in June 2022. UPDF's exit comes after Kinshasa's decision not to extend the mandate of EACRF beyond Dec. 8. "Welcome back home the gallant pan-African force," Akiiki said. The pullout of army operational forces and equipment in a phased manner, gradual, orderly and sequentially deployed in March this year will end on Jan. 7, 2024, the army said in an earlier statement. Other troops contributed by Uganda in eastern DRC in a joint military operation with their Congolese counterparts will continue the hunt against the Allied Democratic Forces rebels, according to the military. Joe Biden is hugged by his son Hunter and the First Lady after his inauguration in 2021 - KEVIN DIETSCH/AFP Joe Biden is despondent and wracked with guilt over the prosecution of his son Hunter, it has been reported. The US president confided in close aides his belief that his son would not be the subject of criminal proceedings if he had not won the 2020 presidential election, according to Axios. Hunter, 53, could face up to 17 years in prison if he is convicted of the three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences he was charged with last week. He became the first child of a sitting US president to be criminally prosecuted in October when he pleaded not guilty to a felony gun charge. The president and his son earlier this year. Hunter Biden could face up to 17 years in prison - ANDREW HARNIK/AP Only close aides are able to bring up the topic because the presidents mood can swing between fury and dejection in response, according to the report. Hunter told the musician Moby in a podcast interview last week that those pursuing the charges against him were very, very sick people. In their most base way, what theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle, and so therefore destroying a presidency in that way, he said. Hunter Biden has long been troubled by his use of drugs and relationships with prostitutes Hunter could also face contempt of Congress proceedings if he does not appear on Wednesday at a deposition hearing in the Republican-led impeachment inquiry into the president. The presidents relationship with Merrick Garland, the attorney general, is also strained because he appointed a special counsel in August to oversee the federal investigation into his son, Axios reported. His once close friendship with Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator, is also said to have collapsed after he investigated Hunter during the 2020 campaign. He used to be a friend, I dont know what happened to him, President Biden is quoted as saying about Mr Graham at a fundraiser last year. 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. John Walsh returns to Americas Most Wanted on Fox (WJW) The creator of Americas Most Wanted is returning as the face of the program. John Walsh, 77, will host the show when Fox launches a new season series in 2024, according to a press release from the company. Actor Andre Braugher of Brooklyn 99 dead at 61 Walsh became an anti-crime activist following the murder of his son. Adam Walsh was abducted and murdered in Hollywood, Florida, in 1981. No one has been convicted in his death. John Walsh will host the new Americas Most Wanted with his other son, Callahan Walsh. Callahan works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and previously appeared on Most Wanted with his father. NEW YORK, NEW YORK JANUARY 16: Callahan Walsh and John Walsh attend In Pursuit With John Walsh Screening & Conversation at The Paley Center for Media on January 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA JUNE 02: (L-R) Callahan Walsh and John Walsh speak onstage during the Critics Choice Real TV Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 02, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 13: (L-R) John Walsh and Callahan Walsh attends the 2023 FOX Winter Junket at Fox Studio Lot on December 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) John Walsh with wife Reve and childern Megan and Callahan (Photo by Robin Platzer/FilmMagic) MIAMI BEACH, FL APRIL 21: John Walsh attends AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup Day 1 at Raleigh Hotel on April 21, 2011 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for AMG) NEW YORK, NY SEPTEMBER 25: John Walsh attends the 32nd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Miami Project/Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on September 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis ) NEW YORK, NY SEPTEMBER 25: John Walsh speaks onstage during the 32nd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Miami Project/Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on September 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis ) Walshs family founded the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, a non-profit organization that eventually merged with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. LAX passenger arrives on international flight without passport, visa, ticket: report Im in constant awe over how instrumental our loyal viewers are in ensuring we get justice for victims and their loved ones, and today, they have entirely new tools at their disposal to help us fight back and quickly solve even more crimes, John Walsh said in a statement. The new show is s set to premiere Jan. 22. Americas Most Wanted ran from 1988-2011. According to Variety, the show has helped capture more than 1,190 criminals. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Jon Venables, one of Jamie Bulgers killers, has lost a Parole Board hearing to be freed from jail. Venables and Robert Thompson abducted, tortured and murdered the two-year-old in 1993. The Parole Board said on Wednesday: After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. It noted the risks as set out above, doubted Mr Venables ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, and to develop his relationship with his probation officer. The decision comes after a series of delays and following a hearing held behind closed doors last month where Venables asked to be released. The 41-year-old was jailed alongside Thompson after the pair of 10-year-olds snatched James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993. Jamie Bulger's murder in 1993 shocked the UK - ITN Productions Venables has previously been released from prison on two occasions but was sent back both times after being found in possession of indecent images of children. Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, said: James Bulgers barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Boards decision to keep his killer behind bars. Public protection is our number one priority which is why I opposed Jon Venables release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders. There is a long-standing legal order in place to protect the identities of Venables and Thompson because of their young age when they committed the murder. This meant that Caroline Corby, the Parole Board chairman, chose not to hold his parole hearing in public, and that James family was not able to attend. Venables refused to give evidence during the latest hearing because permission had been granted for a lawyer representing his victims relatives to listen to the proceedings. He was not comfortable discussing some aspects of the case with the family representative listening and instead asked the panel to consider his review based solely on written evidence, according to parole papers. Venables will be eligible for another parole review in around two years. Correct decision A spokeswoman for James mother, Denise Fergus, said this was a day she had been waiting years for and thanked the Parole Board for making the correct decision. She added: The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew hed harm again. James father and uncle, Ralph and Jimmy Bulger, said they were relieved in the wake of the ruling, which came after a series of delays and followed a hearing held behind closed doors last month where Venables asked to be released. They said they were grateful to the Parole Board, although they said there had been a failure by the Ministry of Justice to ensure it had all the relevant material before it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. TRIPOLI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Illegal Migration Control Department of Libya on Tuesday deported 963 illegal migrants to their respective countries, Egypt and Nigeria. "The total number of the deported migrants is 963 illegal migrants today. Deportation of illegal migrants from Libya continues on a daily basis," Mohamed Bre'a, undersecretary for Security Affairs of the Department, told Xinhua. "From the deportation office of the Illegal Migration Control Department, a group of illegal Egyptian and Nigerian migrants will be deported to their countries. The Egyptian migrants will be deported by land to their country, and the Nigerian migrants will be deported by air to their country," Bre'a said. Kamala Harris new campaign spokesman called for defunding the police, packing the Supreme Court A former top Hillary Clinton campaign staffer, who was most recently the head of a far-left judicial advocacy group behind the court-packing push and tweeted in support of defunding the police, is being tapped by the Biden campaign to lead communications for Vice President Harris. Sheila Nix, Harris' campaign chief of staff, said Fallon brings an array of understanding on matters important to Americans while touting his experience. "Brian brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge on the issues that matter most to the American people," Nix said in a statement to the Washington Post, which first reported the hire. "We're thrilled to have him join the team, and know he will be a huge asset to reelecting President Biden and Vice President Harris." BILL CLINTON RIPPED HILLARY'S CAMPAIGN AS NOT BEING ABLE TO SELL 'P---- ON A TROOP TRAIN,' NEW BOOK SAYS Brian Fallon, national press secretary for the 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton campaign, speaks during a Bloomberg Politics interview in Manchester, New Hampshire, Feb. 4, 2016. Fallon, who will reportedly begin in his new role next month, previously served as the national press secretary for Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 campaign. He's spent the past several years leading Demand Justice, a progressive judicial advocacy organization. Fallon's group started with efforts to discredit Republican judicial picks while backing Democratic nominees and has since morphed into more advocacy-based endeavors, such as expanding the Supreme Court, or "court packing," along with the lower courts. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP During a 2020 podcast episode, Fallon explained why his organization started leaning into court packing, citing advice from left-wing activist Elie Mystal, who has said he would push for the addition of 10 new Supreme Court Justices so that there are 19 total. He has also called the Constitution "trash." Elie Mystal, right, has repeatedly called for the Supreme Court to be expanded. Fallon said that Mystal "was one of the leading voices calling for ideas like reforming the Supreme Court." He went on to say that if people like Mystal, who "are on the inside," who write for "elite audiences like this are willing to call it out," Demand Justice "should be willing to try to organize by it." "So thats when I first got acquainted with Elie, and we did an event together in December of 2018 and took the house down with storytelling that is on display here, right now, and thats when we decided to sort of lean in on that issue," he said. Demand Justice met with multiple Democratic senators in 2021 to discuss legislation proposing adding 4 seats to the Supreme Court. Several of Biden's top aides have had connections to Demand Justice. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki served as a "communications consultant" for the group. Paige Herwig, Biden's point person on judicial nominations, also worked for the group before joining the administration. Christopher Kang, another co-founder of the group, served in the Obama-Biden administration, where he served as Obama's deputy counsel and special assistant for legislative affairs. 'DEEP, DEEP TROUBLE': DEMS REPORTEDLY BRINGING IN HILLARY CLINTON TO HELP WITH BIDEN'S RE-ELECTION President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition to being an advocate for court packing, Fallon took to Twitter in 2020 to voice his support for the movement to defund police. During his time with Demand Justice, Fallon also enjoyed close access to the Democracy Alliance, a group of wealthy Democrat donors co-founded by George Soros that helps drive the progressive agenda. In 2018, Fallon mingled at an Atlanta gathering of the donor club, where he was in attendance to promote his group before its launch, the Washington Free Beacon previously reported. While Demand Justice's complete list of donors is unknown, Soros is among its earliest-known backers. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS AP The Open Society Policy Center, the advocacy arm in Soros' nonprofit network, donated $2.5 million to Demand Justice around the time of its inception in 2018. Since then, the policy center has provided $5.75 million more to support the group, according to its grant database. The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: Kamala Harris new campaign spokesman called for defunding the police, packing the Supreme Court KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kansas City man has been sentenced in a deadly gas station shooting that happened in March 2022. Camoi Hendricks, a 31-year-old man, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Jackson County Circuit Court. Hendricks pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Lawsuit accuses Lawrence of mismanaging homeless camp behind Johnnys Tavern The shooting happened at a Phillips 66 gas station near James A. Reed Road and Banister Road in Kansas City. According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on Monday, March 14, 2022. Officers found a Lexus parked at the gas pump with what appeared to be a bullet hole in the drivers side window. Kirk Whittaker, a 34-year-old man, was slumped over in the drivers seat. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Investigators say Lansing inmate was murdered less than a year from release Surveillance video showed the suspect entering the store. It also showed him leaving the store and entering Whittakers vehicle on the passenger side. Hendricks remains in the vehicle for several minutes, then exits and walks over to his vehicle, walks back to Whittakers vehicle and leans inside. Hendricks was then seen speeding away from the gas station. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Kanye West has sparked uproar once again after being pictured wearing a pointed black hood resembling those worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The controversial rapper is planning to release a new album, Vultures, with Ty Dolla $ign, on Friday 15 December and has been teasing the project with a number of listening parties. He was filmed wearing the garment while on stage in Miami this week, where he was joined by fellow musicians including Chris Brown, Kodak Black and Offset, as well as his children North, Saint and Chicago. Ahhh here we go... Kanye premieres a new look with a Black version of a KKK hood, podcaster SOUND wrote, sharing a clip of the moment on X/Twitter. West, who legally changed his name to Ye last year, wore the hood during a playback of his new song, Vultures, where he raps the vulgar lyric: I aint antisemitic, I just f***ed a Jewish b****. The Independent has contacted Wests representatives for comment. ahhh here we go Kanye premieres a new look with a Black version of a KKK hood pic.twitter.com/6o9sO7qVu6 SOUND (@itsavibe) December 12, 2023 The stunt from West comes after a string of controversies over his antisemitic statements. In 2022, he made a series of remarks, including a tweet that said he was going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda. In a later appearance on right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Joness show, Infowars, he claimed he likes Hitler and insisted: Weve got to stop dissing the Nazis all the time. Sports and leisurewear brand Adidas cut ties with West after his comments, which wiped his billionaire status overnight. In a statement at the time, Adidas branded the remarks unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, adding that they violate the companys values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness. The artwork for Vultures features a painting by German landscape artist Caspar David Friedrich, whose work was championed by Hitler and the Nazis. On social media, similarities have also been drawn between the font chosen for Vultures and its placement in the top left of the album cover, and album art by Norwegian black metal band Burzum. Burzums notorioius frontman, Varg Vikernes, was convicted in 2014 of inciting racial hatred by publishing blog posts that attacked Jews and Muslims. He denied writing the posts. Ty Dolla $ign and Wests album includes guest artists such as Nicki Minaj, Young Thug and Lil Baby, along with Wests 10-year-old daughter, North. Producer Timbaland also appeared to confirm his involvement after sharing the albums tracklist to Instagram and captioning it: One of my best body of work. Wests last major release was his 2021 album Donda, itself a controversial project that included an appearance by Marilyn Manson, just weeks after the rock musician was accused of sexual and physical abuse by multiple women. Manson denied all of the allegations against him, insisting that his intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. The Vultures release was postponed from a multi-stadium listening event that was announced for 3 November 2023. The complications that Texas abortion law created for a pregnant mother in Dallas have put the state in a national spotlight and not in a good way. Kate Cox left the state to get an abortion at 20 weeks because it wasnt clear that, despite grave risks to her health and a pregnancy almost certain to end in the babys quick death, doctors could legally perform the procedure. We err on the side of life and think that its ethical, healthy and consistent to promote a culture of life in society, but scenarios like this fall into a gray area and demonstrates that our current law is somehow both too vague and too narrow . It must be amended. According to a court filing, Cox, 31, and her husband were excited to expand their family of four. However, after finding out through extensive testing that her baby had full trisomy 18, among many other severe health problems, and was unlikely to survive long past birth, if at all, the couple grew concerned. As Coxs health deteriorated, they became increasingly worried about carrying the pregnancy to term. Coxs physicians told her her pregnancy would pose risks to her health and future fertility, including uterine rupture and hysterectomy. She is at increased risk of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, fetal macrosomia, cesarean delivery, post-operative infections, and anesthesia complication. The justices of the Texas Supreme Court contended her doctor did not argue persuasively that Coxs life was at risk, as Texas strict ban requires to allow an abortion. Though an Austin-based judge granted her an abortion based on the medical emergency exception in the law, the Texas Supreme Court halted it. Worse, Attorney General Ken Paxton informed Coxs attorneys and medical providers that none of them would be insulated from prosecution or civil suits if she went forward with her abortion. We are concerned about the optics of this case and the merits affecting the health, fertility, and lives of Texas women who want to have children here. In their opinion, the nine Republican Supreme Court justices said that Coxs doctor did not assert that Ms. Cox has a life-threatening physical condition or that, in [the doctors] reasonable medical judgment, an abortion is necessary because Ms. Cox has the type of condition the exception requires. The Supreme Court opinion acknowledges that the law does not require pregnant mothers seeking an abortion to be within an inch of death. But in the same breath, the justices assert that Coxs physician presented only a good faith belief that Cox meets the exceptions requirements, not reasonable medical judgment. The opinion acknowledges that not every doctor would reach the same medical conclusions about what is life-threatening and yet eschews this particular doctors judgment on the topic. The justices also tacitly admitted that the law needs clarification, urging the Texas Medical Board to step in. But it is unlikely to do so, unless Gov. Greg Abbott approves. So, as much as the justices say they do not want to weigh in on medical matters, they have and will continue to do so. It forces women like Cox to visit emergency rooms repeatedly. Having been told that she may not conceive children again if she delivers her baby, Cox had to either wait and see or leave the state for an abortion. She chose the latter. Whats pro-life about this decision? Whats pro-life about a law that is written so vaguely that the Texas Supreme Court thinks even in this complicated scenario, a woman like Cox still doesnt meet the exception requirements? The way this law affects medical professionals in this field isnt tenable, either. Without further clarification of the existing law, the court system and the Legislature are forcing doctors in complex situations to either risk their careers or, in some cases, violate their consciences to provide care. The ambiguity in this law could further deter valuable health professionals from staying here or coming here to build a career. Kate Coxs situation doesnt seem engineered to test Texas abortion law, but it has. Without wanting to be, she has become the poster-child for showcasing why Texas law must be amended. With the advice and counsel of physicians in the field of labor and delivery, OB-GYNs, and emergency physicians, this law must be amended to reflect the nuances of the medical exception to better serve and save the lives of both unborn babies and mothers. Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us! We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news and to publish those views in the Opinion section. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days. Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions. You can submit a letter to the editor two ways: Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred). Fill out this online form. Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic. KENNER, La. (WGNO) Kenner police will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during this holiday season. According to the Kenner Police Department, 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2021. This represents a 14% increase from 2020. From Friday, Dec. 15 until Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, officers will be aggressively targeting drunk drivers. Holiday event hosted by New Orleans Saints player Cam Jordan disrupted by gunfire Chief of Police Keith Conley reminds drivers to plan ahead of time before attending events where alcohol will be served. A sober ride home, whether through a friend, a taxi, ride-sharing, or public transportation, is the right choice. The KPD reports that a DWI arrest can lead to time spent in jail, loss of your license and financial costs. Stay updated with the latest news, weather, and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play store and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. YAOUNDE, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian troops have rescued eight abducted students of a government school in the country's war-torn English-speaking region of Northwest, an official said Tuesday evening. The students were kidnapped by "armed terrorists" by 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday from their school in Esu village in the Menchum division of the region, said Abdoullahi Aliou, prefect of Menchum division, in a statement. The vice-principal and discipline master of the school were abducted alongside the students. The attackers also torched two classrooms and an administrative office of the school. Aliou condemned the "continuous barbaric act perpetrated by armed terrorists on innocent unarmed citizens" and assured the population that "investigations and operations are ongoing to track these criminals for punishment in accordance with the regulations in force". All students injured during the attack are receiving medical treatment, he said. Separatist fighters are known to be active in the locality. Since 2017, separatist fighters have been clashing with government forces in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest where they want to create an independent nation. Near the beginning of the inaugural worship service Tuesday morning at First Christian Church in downtown Frankfort, Rev. Corrie Shull thanked Gov. Andy Beshear in a prayer for being a sympathetic leader. Part of the compassionate leadership the governor modeled during his first term was his refusal to bow (to) partisan pettiness, said Shull, who pastors Burnett Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville. It was a theme repeated by those who participated in Tuesdays inaugural events, as well as onlookers who voted to re-elect Beshear. As Shull spoke, Beshear listened from the front row, joined by his wife Britainy and their two children, Will and Lila. During the hour-long service, church leaders across denominations lauded him for being a governor who has valued unity over division a point Beshear, himself, often elevated in his re-election campaign. Hours later, he was ceremonially inaugurated for a second term. Rev. Dr. Corrie Shull of Burnett Ave Baptist in Louisville gives thanks for Gov. Andy Beshears example of compassionate leadership & his refusal to bow to partisan pettiness during the inaugural worship service Tuesday morning. Dr. Muhammad Babar, of Muslim Americans for Compassion, said the challenges Kentucky faces demand unity, resilience and a spirit of collaboration. Babar described Beshear as humble, confident and dedicated. Thats why Kentuckians have once again placed their trust and confidence in his capable hands, he said. Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, director of the Center for Faith and Giving, said our banner must be justice for all, and it has to be a check you can cash. Nick Powers, a retired engineer and Republican whom attended the inaugural breakfast with his wife Susan, a Democrat, said he thinks Beshears aim is to represent all Kentuckians, not just those who politically agree with him. I truly believe that he is the governor for every Kentuckian and not just the red or the blue, Powers said. On the campaign trail, Beshear often criticized his opponent, Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, for running hard on hyper-partisan issues, including Camerons staunch defense of recent anti-transgender laws, including one that outlaws gender-affirming health care for trans youth. A strategist for Beshear pulled no punches when talking about Camerons campaign after the race was over. Beshear has also had back-and-forth with Kentuckys legislature, which leans heavily Republican. State lawmakers say they have no relationship with Beshear. After the church service, early Tuesday afternoon on the steps of the Kentucky Capitol with hundreds of people looking on, Beshear called for a style of leadership that embraces compassion and empathy. One of the most difficult challenges before us that politics and sometimes even our governance has become poisonous and toxic, Beshear said. What is supposed to be an exchange of ideas has devolved into grievances and attacks. We see strategies and commercials meant to make one American one Kentuckian an enemy of another, trying to accuse them of horrible things in order to dehumanize them, so as to somehow justify anger, even hate, turning people against their neighbors just to have one more elected official with a certain letter behind their name. Silas House, Kentuckys poet laureate, read aloud an original poem written for the occasion, titled, Those Who Carry Us. He recalled taking shelter during storms as a child first a flood, then a tornado being ferried to safe spaces by the adults around him. Often these days, I study on those who carry us, House said. The every day people who keep the engine of the world running. When the darkest skies move in, I remind myself that most people are good. I think of school teachers who say, You matter. Bus drivers who are glad to see us each morning, lunch ladies laughing as they ladle out our food. All those who stand up for what is right. There are so many ways to change the world, he said. I thank them for carrying me, even when I didnt know. The girls said they were molested in bed and raped in an administrative office, leered at in the communal shower and surveilled in the bathroom. If they told, they said, they were threatened with solitary confinement and revoked phone privileges. If they stayed quiet, they might get out a few weeks early. Starting in the late 1990s, the complaints by young girls incarcerated at Camp Scott began to pile up all alleging similar sexual abuse by the same man: Thomas E. Jackson, then a deputy at the Santa Clarita juvenile camp. Eventually, the complaints all stalled. The girls finished their sentences and left. Jackson stayed for decades. It wasn't until this fall that Jackson resigned from the Los Angeles County Probation Department, capping a 33-year career during which 20 women say he sexually abused them when they were girls. His last day was Sept. 28. Ernest Walker, a longtime probation supervisor, resigned two days later, also after 33 years with the department. His departure would come nearly two decades after he was accused of having sex with a teenage girl he supervised. Faced with roughly 1,500 plaintiffs accusing the county of tolerating unchecked sexual abuse at its juvenile facilities, the Probation Department has spent the last two years removing alleged sexual abusers from its ranks. Since early 2022, 23 probation staffers including Walker and Jackson have been placed on leave after accusations of sexual violence, according to figures provided by the countys outside counsel. Irvine attorney Courtney Thom, whose firm represents roughly 150 clients suing the county, said she found the sheer number of alleged predators employed until recently by the county "revolting." It makes my stomach sink, said Thom, a former sex crimes prosecutor. To hear that number and I guarantee it's probably double if not more it just shows how irresponsible the county is." Of the 23, the countys lawyers say one employee has been fired, and two identified by The Times as Walker and Jackson, have resigned. Neither Walker nor Jackson has been criminally charged. Tom Yu, who represents Walker, said his client had retired after three decades in good standing and called the allegations that he had sex with a minor "patently false." Jackson did not respond to calls or a letter left at his home. Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar is one of the county facilities where victims say sexual abuse of minors ran rampant. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The crackdown can be traced to the 2019 passage of the Child Victims Act, a state law that gave victims of childhood sexual abuse a new window to sue. Four years later, L.A. County with its sprawling network of foster homes, children's shelters and probation camps and halls has emerged as one of Californias biggest institutional offenders. In April, the county estimated it will need to spend $1.6 billion to $3 billion to resolve a deluge of lawsuits accusing county staffers of raping and molesting the children they were paid to protect an estimate so large that staffers say government services would almost certainly shrink if the higher figure proved true. County officials said at the time that they expected roughly 3,000 people to sue. But as of early November, the county had seen roughly 3,800 plaintiffs some 1,500 of them alleging sexual abuse at the probation halls and camps. Nearly all the rest accuse the countys Department of Children and Family Services of rampant sexual abuse at MacLaren Childrens Center, a since-shuttered shelter for foster kids in El Monte. Dominique Anderson, 30, is one of the more than 1,000 people who say they were forced into close contact with sexual abusers as part of their purported rehabilitation. In May 2021, she sued the Probation Department, accusing Walker of molesting her in a motel room in South Los Angeles when she was a teenager. According to the lawsuit, Anderson was about 13 when Walker, who would have been around 42, slipped her his business card and urged her to call anytime, "no matter the time of day." About a week or two later, the suit says, Walker picked her up at her grandmother's house near Westlake in his car and ejaculated on the way to a motel with her in the passenger seat. They drove to the motel a few miles away at Vernon Avenue and Broadway and had sex in a room he had paid for, according to the lawsuit. When he dropped her back at her grandmother's house, he allegedly handed her $200. Anderson said in an interview that she'd found herself under Walker's supervision after she jabbed a classmate with a pencil and was charged with a stabbing around 2006. A judge ordered her to report to the Probation Department. When she showed up at the Crenshaw office to meet her probation officer, she said Walker who at the time was her officers boss began to flirt. He said, Do you always have this effect on men?'" recalled Anderson, now a customer service representative. I just remember him saying those specific words to me. She said hed scrawled his personal phone number on the card. She called him that night from her grandmothers phone and said the conversation quickly turned sexual. Within a month, she said, he was picking her up from her grandmother's in a silver Mercedes-Benz. In California, it is illegal for an adult to have sex with someone younger than 18, who is considered too young to consent. Anderson said she later anonymously reported Walker to the Probation Department. The complaint stalled, but she said Walker began to leave cash for her in a gas station flower bed near his office in exchange for her skipping her appointments with her probation officer. The bribes, she said, helped buy her silence and secured his job for the next decade and a half. Walker would later become the vice president of Juvenile Field Services for the union representing the countys probation supervisors, according to the group's website. Yu, Walker's attorney, said his client had dedicated his career to serving the residents of L.A. County and left the job a "highly-decorated" peace officer. "The allegations made in the lawsuit are an effort to smear my client's reputation, Yu wrote in a text message, noting Walker had not started working at the department's Crenshaw office until 2007, about a year after Anderson estimated the abuse took place. "The obvious motive is to get paid at the expense of the taxpayers." County officials say these lawsuits have proved particularly thorny to resolve, in part because so many of the allegations are decades old. Records related to the cases some of which date back to the 1950s have disappeared. Staffers have almost certainly died. Others will have retired or moved away. But some never left. In the summer of 2022, after news of the lawsuits broke, the county supervisors agreed at a public meeting that they wanted to see the weight of the county come down on any guards still on the county payroll. We have to clean house, Supervisor Hilda Solis told then-probation chief Adolfo Gonzales after he called it a scale of sex abuse hed never seen in his 50-year career. These abusers will not continue in our service. But finding the accused officers still employed has posed another set of challenges. Most are identified in the lawsuits with pseudonyms JOHN DM-4 ROE, JOHN TP-3 ROE and only a fraction of the filings have identifying details, such as a surname, a nickname or, in one case, a distinctive haircut. The Times found 40 staff members who are identified with their full names. Of those, most have left the department a handful after criminal charges were brought. For example, Jeffrey Eckler and Oscar Calderon Jr., both probation staffers named by multiple women, were charged with having sexual relations with minors they had overseen. Eckler pleaded guilty in 2011 to meeting with a minor for lewd purposes after arranging a sexual liaison at a motel with a teen he met on the job. Calderon, who was a deputy at a Santa Clarita juvenile camp, pleaded guilty to assault in 2017 after he was accused of inappropriately touching four teenage girls. Eckler and Calderon were sentenced to six months and a year in jail, respectively. I spent almost a year in a locked-down facility, with a disgusting, horny, grown man thats supposedly my probation officer, one of Calderons victims said in an impact statement, The Times reported in 2017. Ive never been blackmailed, let alone sexually abused, until I entered that camp. Out of the small pool of easily identifiable employees, the county's lawyers say they found 23 who still work for the county all of whom were placed on leave while the allegations are investigated by the departments internal affairs division, then by an outside law firm. The disciplinary process has sparked outrage among some staff members who say they were abruptly removed from their post without a decent explanation. They toss you to the side like trash, said Altovise Abner, a supervisor who said she was put on administrative leave in February. She said it wasnt until September that she found out shed been accused in a lawsuit of groping a 17-year-old at a juvenile camp in Lancaster around 2006. She declined to comment on the allegations. Others, such as Kenyth Henry, a deputy who was accused in a lawsuit of digitally penetrating a teenage girl at a juvenile facility around 2004, vehemently denied allegations of sexual abuse, but said he felt the department had dismissed him without a fair process. Im a square dude. I don't get in trouble. I dont disrespect women, said Henry, who added his wife had recently left him because of the accusations. When it comes to probation, I sacrificed so much. For them to just not talk to me its very sad. L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis called for the county to "clean house" of probation staff accused of sexual abuse after news of the lawsuits broke. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Attorneys predict the number of probation employees under investigation could easily hit 50. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff, who is overseeing all of the probation lawsuits, recently allowed the two sides to start discovery, meaning attorneys can begin to review documents that could allow them to identify the scores of probation staffers described in the suits with pseudonyms. Thom, whose firm represents Anderson, said the fact that at least 23 staffers accused of abuse remained county employees until recently highlights a systemic failing by the department to listen to victims and discipline guards. "We have a number of survivors who've told us they either reported or tried to report their abuse and they were ignored," said Thom, with Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, a prominent sex abuse case law firm that has litigated hundreds of cases against the Catholic Church. Thoms firm represents at least 19 women who say Deputy Jackson sexually abused them while they were young girls confined at Camp Scott in the late 1990s through the mid-2000s. The lawsuits say Jackson would threaten the women some as young as 12 at the time with extended sentences and solitary confinement if they didnt acquiesce. One woman, at Camp Scott in 1998, accused Jackson of molesting her the first night she was in the box, telling her she had to earn her way out. She said she was released from solitary the next day. At least five of the women reported the abuse to a higher-up at the time, according to the lawsuits. But it wasnt until the women sued the county that Jackson was put on leave and later resigned. Victims say sexual abuse at the camps and halls was an open secret. One man suing the county said a female officer would isolate him while at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar around 2005. He said the woman, who was employed by the county until at least 2022 per county records, would grope and kiss him, once in a room storing shower supplies, another time in a blanket supply room. The Times is not identifying the man in keeping with its policy of generally not naming victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission. Some of the staff knew what was going on, said the man, who was 16 at the time. When she came to get me, they would give a certain look and I feel like they knew but they never said nothing. Both the man and Anderson, who accused Walker of molesting her as a teenager, said the trauma from the alleged sexual abuse became evident when they became parents. Each said they experience paranoia when their children are left alone with adults. Anderson said she has found herself deeply distrustful of bus drivers, teachers, even her own husband. I was so paranoid that I could not let them be alone, said Anderson, who added that the trauma has strained both her marriage and her ability to parent. When I would go take a bath, I would have to call my child to come in and sit next to me in the bath because I'm scared. She said she feels the county has barely reckoned with the lasting damage it inflicted on young people like her children from broken homes who broke the law. In other words, she said, the kind of people nobody would listen to until now. 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. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) criticized Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), saying he is an absolute hypocrite for threatening to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena, although Jordan once did the same thing. Hes for the sanctity of the subpoena by the U.S. Congress until hes the one that gets subpoenaed by U.S. Congress, and he also votes against enforcing subpoenas against people like Steve Bannon and against people like Mark Meadows, Kinzinger told CNNs Kate Bolduan. I mean, the hypocrisy is mind-numbing. After weeks of back-and-forth, Biden briefly appeared at the Capitol on Wednesday, making a public statement outside the building instead of heading inside for his scheduled deposition. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Jordan then threatened Biden, saying the subpoenas compel him to appear for a deposition and that if he didnt show, they would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. Kinzinger bashed Jordan for attempting to hold Biden in contempt and for previously defending former President Trump during his impeachment inquiries by saying that the Department of Justice or the FBI should be the ones to investigate. Biden said he was at the Capitol to testify in a public setting, going against the requests of investigators for a closed-door deposition. He defended his father and said he had no part in his business dealings. The GOP said the deposition was another justification for its impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The former lawmaker said Jordans response to Biden skipping the private meeting is more about winning in the impeachment inquiry than truth or power. Kinzinger said they are going on a fishing expedition trying to find evidence against the president. I am less concerned with what peoples view is on position and what their idea is on policy as much as I am with there is just open and blatant and unashamed hypocrisy, where its all about winning, its all about power, he said. And truth and justice really has no role in what theyre doing. House Republicans are seeking testimony from Biden as part of an impeachment inquiry into the president, partially about his sons foreign business dealings. The House is set to begin its inquiry Wednesday night with a vote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Months of investigation have yet to uncover evidence of misconduct by Joe Biden The Republican-led US House of Representatives has formally backed an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Lawmakers voted 221 to 212 - entirely along party lines - on Wednesday to authorise a resolution that accuses the president of bribery, corruption and influence-peddling off his "brand". Months of investigation have yet to uncover any concrete evidence of misconduct by Mr Biden, and the allegations have been panned by Democrats and even some Republicans. But Republican party leaders have built support for the inquiry by arguing that the administration is "stonewalling" and that investigators need more authority to gather evidence. The White House has condemned the investigation as a "political stunt" designed to hurt the president's re-election bid. Voting to authorise an inquiry is not the same as voting for impeachment, but it advances the likelihood the House will seek to impeach Mr Biden early next year. The House has ultimately opted to impeach three of the last four times this step was taken. What is the inquiry about? Ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched the inquiry in September claiming Republicans had unearthed a "culture of corruption" surrounding Mr Biden. But at the inquiry's first hearing later that month, two of the party's own expert witnesses told lawmakers they did not believe there was enough evidence to warrant impeachment. Since then, the House oversight committee has issued a flurry of legal summonses, demanding testimony from several members of the president's family, including his son and his brother. On Wednesday morning, Hunter Biden defied a congressional subpoena to testify behind closed doors to lawmakers. He told reporters at Capitol Hill he would only give evidence in a public setting and called Republican investigators "shameless". Many of the claims revolve around Hunter Biden's business dealings abroad and his father's alleged involvement in them Senior Republicans have claimed that the White House is rebuffing their information requests, withholding thousands of documents from the National Archives and blocking key witnesses from testifying. In a USA Today opinion piece, current House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote that evidence was mounting "and the pushback from the White House and others must be addressed". "We have no choice," he said at a Tuesday news conference. "We have to take the next step. We're not making a political decision. It's not. It's a legal decision." Voting to formalise an inquiry places Republicans in "the strongest legal standing to pursue needed information and enforce subpoenas", Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole said in a statement on Tuesday. Several of his colleagues, including impeachment sceptics, have been careful in arguing that backing an impeachment inquiry does not mean they are impeaching Mr Biden. But the steps taken this week raise the odds that Mr Biden could be impeached in the House early next year - though he is all but certain to avoid conviction in the Democratic-controlled Senate. So what are the specific claims the inquiry will likely focus on? 'The Biden brand' The oversight committee says the Biden family and its business associates received more than $24m (19m) from foreign sources in China, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia and Ukraine between 2014 and 2019. There is, however, no substantive evidence of any specific payments made to the then-vice-president or that he benefited directly from the payments. But committee chairman James Comer has argued Hunter and other relatives "sold" Mr Biden - who at the time served as Barack Obama's vice-president - as a "brand" to reap millions from corrupt business schemes. He has also said that "it appears no real services were provided other than access to the Biden network, including Joe Biden himself". Last week, the Kentucky Republican released bank records he claimed showed direct payments from Hunter to Joe Biden through a company he owned that received payments from China. But lawyers for Hunter Biden quickly noted Mr Comer had mischaracterised payments between father and son that were already in the public record and happened almost two years after Mr Biden left office. "The truth is Hunter's father helped him when he was struggling financially due to his addiction and could not secure credit to finance a truck," lead attorney Abbe Lowell said. "When Hunter was able to, he paid his father back and took over the payments himself." Lies about business dealings The elder Mr Biden has said his son "has not made money" in China or elsewhere. He has also repeatedly said he never spoke to his son about his business dealings. But Republicans say the evidence they've uncovered refutes both those claims. Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has been accused by the White House of repeatedly mischaracterising evidence during the impeachment hearings Mr Comer has alleged that the president "spoke, dined, and developed relationships with" his son's foreign business targets nearly two dozen times. It is unclear, however, whether the existence or substance of any of these meetings rises to the level of an impeachable offence. In August, Devon Archer, an ex-business partner of Hunter Biden, testified to the House that Mr Biden was put on speaker phone with potential business associates "maybe 20 times" over the span of 10 years. But he told lawmakers the phone calls were "casual conversations" that never delved into business, contradicting Republican claims of bribes, conflicts of interest or any material involvement by the president in his son's foreign ventures. Alleged bribery scheme A key element of the inquiry has been claims Republicans have recently resurfaced after they first emerged in 2019 during former President Donald Trump's first impeachment. An unverified tip to the FBI claimed Joe Biden pressured Ukraine's government to fire its top prosecutor to halt an investigation into the local Burisma energy firm, where Hunter Biden was on the board. An FBI document detailing the claim - in which an ex-Burisma CEO says he paid $5m to both Joe and Hunter Biden - was obtained and released by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley this July. The justice department had investigated the claim for eight months during the Trump administration, but ultimately abandoned its probe due to "insufficient evidence". The former executive, Mykola Zlochevsky, also later rebutted the claim, according to a transcript of an interview released by Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin. He said he had had no contact with Joe Biden or any of his staff members and that Mr Biden had never helped him or the company while serving as vice-president, In his testimony, Mr Archer too said that he was unaware of any such payments. Preferential treatment of Hunter Biden House Republicans have alleged that the justice department "impeded, delayed, and obstructed" an ongoing multi-year criminal investigation into Hunter Biden. This appears to have been confirmed in part by testimony from two Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers, who said the government was "slow-walking" and blocking investigative steps. The department has denied these claims. Other witnesses called by Republicans in July testified that neither President Biden nor Attorney General Merrick Garland interfered in the investigation. But Republicans, who have claimed a broad "weaponisation" of the justice system under President Biden, have sought to contrast ongoing efforts to prosecute former President Trump with what they said was leniency toward the president's son. They pointed to a "sweetheart deal" reached between Hunter Biden and prosecutors earlier this year that would have seen him admit to criminal offences and avoid jail time. But that plea agreement has since fallen apart, and the younger Mr Biden now faces federal charges over tax-related and gun-related misconduct. The city of Knoxville is highlighted in the Beacon Center of Tennessee's annual Pork Report that details what the organization calls wasteful government spending in the Volunteer State. The moderate conservative think tank dinged Knoxville in the report released Dec. 13 for hiring a private firm to conduct the city's police chief search in 2022 and for spending tens of thousands of dollars to fight an open records lawsuit filed by Knox News over the process. In all, the city has spent about $110,419 on the search firm and legal fees through mid-August. (T)he city tried to circumvent open records laws by hiring a third party to conduct a search for a new police chief to avoid a paper trail, the Beacon Center report said. This is akin to asking your dog to eat your homework, just so you can say you dont have it. Props to the mayors office for the creative workaround, but transparency shouldnt be shrouded in secrecy, and luckily a judge agreed. Instead of using its own human resources department that is already funded by taxpayers, the third-party search firm cost taxpayers $43,000 plus an additional $67,000 in legal services to defend this move meant to avoid transparency, the report said. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon chose to hire a third-party search firm to conduct the city's police chief search in 2022. When Knox News asked for records related to search, the city refused to provide them. Knox News sued for the records. The lawsuit is making its way through the courts. In November, Knox County Chancellor John Weaver affirmed Knox News could place city officials under oath to answer questions about the search. Specifically, the citys private attorney argued Knox News questions should be limited to only six city employees and the depositions should be limited to an hour apiece. Weaver disagreed. In a statement to Knox News, city spokesperson Eric Vreeland said Chief Paul Noel, who was ultimately chosen, has previously said he wouldn't have applied for the job had his application not been kept private. "After Chief Noel was hired, the city released to media every single document related to the search, including the names and background of every applicant," he said. "Additionally, the city has tried in earnest to resolve the Knox News lawsuit, which we believe became moot with the release of records that were far beyond what Knox News originally requested." Noel was named in April 2022. The city released the documents 13 months later in May 2023. Vreeland's statement went on to advise Knox News how it could better serve its readers. He also said the mayor's office's actions in the hiring process should be "a closed matter" and attorneys are the "only winners in all of this." How we got here The city invited public input at the beginning of its search for a new police chief and Kincannon promised a transparent process. But when the mayor's office began the real work of recruiting and narrowing candidates, Kincannon prevented the public from learning any meaningful details about the process. Additionally, city leaders deliberately avoided creating public records to hide from residents the details of the process and the people under consideration. As the Beacon report noted, one of the private attorneys hired by the city to fight Knox News' lawsuit admitted in a court hearing the process was designed to avoid creating public records and skirt the law requiring disclosure. The city hired a private firm to conduct a candidate search instead of relying on its own human resources department. That firm, Police Executive Research Forum, handled the hiring process at a cost to taxpayers of $43,000. Kincannon appointed a committee to review candidates, but required members who weren't city employees to sign nondisclosure agreements so they couldn't discuss the hiring process. The city hired Police Executive Research Forum to collect applications and share them with the city, but only by methods that did not create documents, which must be shared with the public under Tennessee open records laws. Police Executive Research Forum set up interviews by Zoom, the online teleconference system. It showed candidates' resumes and other documents within the Zoom so the city did not have in its possession written documents subject to public scrutiny. Kincannon selected Noel, a deputy chief from the New Orleans Police Department. He was sworn into office in June 2022. Knox News sued the city in July 2022 on behalf of taxpayers to see records from the police chief search. The city maintained that releasing candidates names would have a chilling effect on the careers of the men and women who applied. Knox News compiled research and published a report debunking that assertion, and the mayor's office ended up releasing the names anyway under the pressure of the lawsuit. Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Connect with Tyler by emailing him at tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tyler_whetstone. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Spending on police chief search, lawsuit lands Knoxville on Pork Report FILE PHOTO: A South Korean army soldier stands guard at the South's dismantled guard post inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the central section of the inter-Korean border in Cheorwon By Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's defence minister threatened on Wednesday to unleash a "hell of destruction" on neighbouring North Korea in retaliation for any reckless actions. The heightened rhetoric comes after North Korea said last month it would no longer abide by a military pact between the neighbours in 2018 that aimed to reduce tension. Pyongyang's step came after South Korea said it would partially suspend the deal, following the launch of a spy satellite by the North. "North Korea has only two choices - peace or destruction," a South Korean defence ministry statement quoted the minister, Shin Won-sik, as saying. "If North Korea makes reckless actions that harm peace, only a hell of destruction awaits them." The remarks, made during a meeting of top military commanders, come less than a week after Shin visited the South's missile command, which he said would be tasked with "lethally striking the heart and head of the enemy" in the event of a war. North Korea has defended its development of missiles and nuclear weapons as a sovereign right necessary to counter moves by the United States and its allies. "The U.S. aggression and hegemonic moves for strengthened alliance are the root cause of aggravating the regional tension," ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said on Tuesday in a commentary on U.S. drills with Australia and Japan. In his meeting with the commanders, Shin outlined steps the military was taking to boost its capabilities. These include launching its own satellites, improving soldiers' welfare, and "dramatically" strengthening the South's "three-axis" defence system designed to counter the North's military threats, including war plans that call for pre-emptive strikes if necessary. On Tuesday the ministry requested a hike of 4.5% in next year's defence budget, aiming to boost the "three-axis" system with more submarines, U.S.-made F-35A stealth jets, and missile defence systems. Last week, the national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan, meeting in Seoul, agreed on new initiatives to respond to North Korea's threats in cyberspace, from cryptocurrency abuses to space launches. South Korea and the United States will hold talks on nuclear deterrence on Friday as part of Washington's commitment to give Seoul more insight into its plans in the event of conflict with North Korea. Since their 1950-53 war ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty, the neighbours remain technically in a state of war. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Kyiv police officers have searched the Kyiv Metro and Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA) facilities to investigate damage to metro infrastructure, according to a press release on Dec. 13. They are seeking to identify criminal liability for negligence leading to the depressurization and flooding of the Blue Line, which has led to the closure of six stations. Read also: Urgent repairs to shut down section of Kyiv Metros Blue Line for 6 months The KMDA announced a six-month suspension of train services between Lybidska and Teremky stations on Dec. 8. Kyivs Mayor Vitalii Klychko reported that significant leaks and cracks were identified in the tunnels. Read also: Kyiv Metro halts traffic as police investigate causes of a tunnel leak. 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 Mayor Vitalii Klitschko has inspected Kyiv's high-rise building in Dniprovskyi district, which was hit by Russian missiles on the night of 12-13 December, and also reported on the damage to the hospital and morgue in the same district. Source: Vitalii Klitschko on Facebook; Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "I have inspected the residential building in Dniprovskyi district that was damaged by enemy shelling at night, and spoke with the residents. The wreckage of a ballistic missile fell into the yard of the apartment building. As a result, both the house and the kindergarten located nearby were damaged. Cars parked outside burned down, and windows in nearby houses and a school were shuttered." Details: The city mayor specified that the residents of the damaged building were promptly evacuated at night. 13 Kyiv after the Russian attack and work of air defence on the night of 12-13 December PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK In the morning, investigative and operational actions continue, after which people will be allowed to take away first necessities, and municipal workers will cover the shuttered windows with polyethene film. After that, the city will begin its examination. Quote from Klitschko: "If the load-bearing structures of the building are intact, we will promptly restore the housing so that residents can return to their homes as soon as possible. If the damage to the structures is critical, we will consider the option of capital reconstruction of the house. Kindergartens will also have to be rebuilt. During the restoration, the city authorities will provide temporary housing to the affected residents. The rescue service at the site also provides a heating station." , 13 A high-rise building in Dniprovskyi district, damaged by a missile wreckage on the night of 12-13 December PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK 13 Kyiv after the Russian attack and work of air defence on the night of 12-13 December PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK 13 Aftermath of missile wreckage on the night of 12-13 December PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK The blast wave damaged a kindergarten near the apartment building PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK A large crater was formed from the fall of missile wreckage in the area near the apartment building in Dniprovskyi district PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK Cars parked in front of the building burned down during the attack PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO ON FACEBOOK Details: In addition, the wreckage of another missile fell on the territory of one of the city hospitals in Dniprovskyi district. The building of the morgue was damaged, and the main building of the medical institution sustained minor damage. In total, 53 people were injured during the night attack. 20 of them were taken to hospital, including 2 children. 33 people received medical help on the spot, including 6 children. Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, reported that the residents of the high-rise residential building in Kyivs Dniprovskyi district, which suffered the most damage in the overnight missile attack on Ukraines capital, will be temporarily sheltered in an invincibility centre [a warm-up point with Internet access, tea and coffee; thousands of such points were established all over Ukraine-controlled territory] on the territory of school No 98 located nearby. All those affected will be provided with a place to warm up, hot drinks, Internet connection, communication and first aid in the centre. The children at this school will most likely be transferred to studying online. Background: Russia resumed its attacks on Kyiv, using ballistic missiles launched from ground-based launchers, making the launches harder to detect. Twice in the last three days, air-raid warnings were issued after Kyiv residents heard explosions from air defence response. On the night of 10-11 December, air defence network destroyed all eight ballistic missiles that were targetting Kyiv. As a result of the downing of Russian missiles in the capital, its pieces fell in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, where four people were injurred and windows were smashed. There was also damage at two addresses. On the night of 12-13 December, the defenders shot down all 10 ballistic missiles over Kyiv, but missile pieces fell in several districts. As a result, 53 people were injured, including 6 children, and 18 adults and 2 children were hospitalised. Support UP or become our patron! Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Kyivstar, Ukraines largest mobile operator, sees connection and internet outages affect millions Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, faced a major outage on the morning of Dec. 12, the company announced on Facebook. Ukraines HUR disrupts Russian Tax Service, erases entire database, full recovery impossible Cyber experts from the Ukrainian militarys Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) have successfully attacked the Russian Federal Tax System and the IT company Office.ed-it.ru. The paralysis in the operation of the Russian system will persist for at least a month, with full recovery impossible, the HUR stated on Dec. 12. Tusk to advocate clear stance on Russia-Ukraine war in Brussels Soon-to-be Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced his intention to visit Brussels to convince EU leaders to take a clear position on the Russia-Ukraine war in a speech at the Polish parliament on Dec. 12. Zelenskyys whirlwind DC tour Hoping to compel the U.S. Congress to pass the Ukraine aid bill before Christmas, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington, meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and Capitol Hill lawmakers. As long as it takes transforms into As long as we can What else did Biden and Zelenskyy say? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Dec. 12 against the backdrop of the Congressional blockage of additional aid for Ukraine. Russian drones outnumber Ukraines seven to one, says army commander Russia has up to seven times more FPV drones than Ukraine and has become adept at repurposing civilian drones for military use, according to Ukrainian army commander Yuriy Fedorenko in an interview with Suspilne public broadcaster on December 12. Zelenskyy meets with leading U.S. defense companies, pitches European defense hub in Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with executives of leading U.S. defense companies during his visit to Washington, the Presidents Office reported on Dec. 11. Russia has lost 90% of its initial invasion force in Ukraine report Over the course of the war in Ukraine, Russias military casualties have amounted to 315,000 troops, accounting for 90% of the forces with which Moscow invaded in February 2022, Reuters reported on Dec. 12, citing a source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports. Majority of Ukrainians support continuing hostilities even with reduced Western aid A total of 58% of Ukrainians believe that their country should continue fighting against Russia even if there is a significant reduction in Western military aid, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), published on Dec. 12. Navalny goes missing from penal colony, US expresses concerns BBC Imprisoned Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has been removed from the penal colony where he was held, and his current whereabouts are unknown, the BBC reported on Dec. 11. 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 Ukraine's largest mobile operator Kyivstar is receiving help from international IT companies including Microsoft, Cisco, and Ericsson, to restore communications after a major hacking attack, according to the companys CEO on Dec. 12. Each of them has expertise and experience in a specific area. We work a lot with Microsoft, Cisco and Ericsson," Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov said in an interview with Forbes Ukraine. Read also: Powerful cyberattack caused Kyivstar outage that affected millions, company promises compensation "Ericsson is involved in infrastructure restoration. Microsoft is an expert in investigations because we need to understand the source of the problem. Cisco is our provider of cyber defense systems. Read also: Kyivstar still experiencing network problems after hacker attack, says CEO Komarov said that Kyivstar has not communicated with other Ukrainian telecom operators to resolve the problems its currently experiencing. "This is the largest hacker attack on telecom infrastructure in the world. There have been no successful attacks of this magnitude, and, frankly, there are not many countries that Russia has attacked," Komarov added. Kyivstar is continuing to experience network problems after a powerful cyberattack on Dec 12 which disrupted communication services and internet access for millions of Ukrainians. 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 TEHRAN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a speedy delivery of emergency humanitarian aid to the war-torn enclave. In a meeting on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, the two sides also expressed satisfaction with the bilateral ties' progress, and welcomed the further expansion of relations in other areas, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website. The Iranian foreign minister condemned the continuation of the Israeli attacks against Gaza and the West Bank, and the killing of Palestinian civilians, urging for joint efforts by Tehran and Riyadh, as well as other regional countries, to intensify pressures on the United States and Israel to reach an immediate truce and send emergency humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Amir-Abdollahian said the bilateral relations were progressing gradually, expressing Iran's readiness to improve ties with Saudi Arabia in various areas, including economy and trade. The Saudi foreign minister, for his part, said his country and Iran had common positions on the necessity to support the Palestinian nation in reaching an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and sending emergency aid to the coastal enclave, saying that his country would continue efforts to meet those ends. He added that bilateral relations were on the right track, and his country welcomed the further expansion of relations with Iran. The Gaza conflict, having entered the third month, has left more than 18,400 Palestinians dead, and around 1,200 people killed on the Israeli side, according to the official statistics from the two sides. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached in China's Beijing a groundbreaking agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months. On April 6, the two countries officially announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the country executed a Shiite cleric. Now that the Christmas pantomime show put on for us by the Conservative Party over Rwanda has finished its run for the moment, we should pause and think about the serious questions behind the farce. The difficulties Rishi Sunak has just faced reflect a deeper problem for the Conservative Party. The Labour Party meanwhile, can enjoy the Tories discomfiture but not for long as this presages future challenges for them. Rishi Sunaks problem, and that of the Conservative Party more generally, is simple but near impossible to resolve while keeping the party in one piece. It is being torn apart by the realignment of British politics, and the refusal of most of our political and media class to accept it. For many years the aligning issue in politics, which overrode others and sorted voters and politicians into two broad camps, was economics: were you a free marketeer to some degree or an advocate of some degree of state intervention? That is no longer true. The dominant aligning issue is now national identity and national self-governance versus rule-governed cosmopolitanism. The Conservatives have at least two factions, on opposite sides of this divide. At one time shared economic views would have overcome this, but no longer. This was clear in the divisions within the Party over the Rwanda bill, which fell on this new issue. If the Conservatives are being pulled apart by this new divide, what then of the Labour Party? At first, the situation seems straightforward and very much to their, and Sir Keir Starmers, advantage. At the level of MPs or most party members there is no division over the new aligning issue and the questions it raises, such as what to do about migration policy. Labour, and its media ecosystem, are united. They are clearly on the cosmopolitan and globalist side of the new divide. They do not see current levels of migration as a threat to British national identity (independently of economic challenges that it poses). They support the idea that laws made by courts and deriving in most cases from international agreements and treaties, should bind political bodies and legislatures. Changing those laws, for them, should be a matter of a process of international negotiation, not popular democracy. As things stand, the Labour Party is identified with the cause of cosmopolitan liberalism. As the Tory Party rends itself with principled disagreement it can sit and pick up the pieces. This will not last, however, and Labour is going to find in turn that the realignment of politics leaves it facing major challenges. Most commentary focuses on the seething discontent of the radical left with Starmers leadership but he can be relaxed about that. These people make a lot of noise and have support in certain parts of the party and places, but their electoral support is limited. In addition, their quarrel with Starmer and Rachel Reeves is over economics. On the aligning issue of identity, they are on the same side. That will, in a crunch, overcome their distaste for his Blairite economics. The bigger problem for Sir Keir is with his voters. Although the Party is united over issues of identity, the Labour Partys potential voter coalition is definitely not. There is a large bloc of voters who combine left wing economics with nationalist views on questions such as migration, identity, and supranationalism. Many of these voters switched to the Conservatives in 2017 and 2019 but have been alienated by the chaos in the Tory Party and its failure to follow through on the redistributive Levelling Up agenda. Fed up with the Conservatives and feeling the economic pinch, they are now back with the Labour Party, but their position on national identity remains unchanged. This puts them at odds with the consensus of the Labour Party. The Labour Party currently has the benefit of opposition and not being held responsible for things such as the level and nature of migration. This will change very rapidly once they are in power. The voters just described will soon turn on them and be alienated from the new Labour Government. In addition, the Labour leadership is gambling everything on being able to restart economic growth fairly swiftly. If this does not happen, and an objective view would suggest it will not, then the big divide in Labours electoral coalition over identity and nationalism will burst out into the open. Given their sincere beliefs, this will be difficult for them to handle. What, though, will that large minority of Labour voters who take a nationalist position do? They may switch back to a Conservative Party that has finally come down clearly on the nationalist side of the new alignment but many will be reluctant to do that because of their dislike of free market economics. The same factor puts them off permanently moving to something like the Reform Party. The big absence in UK politics is a party that combines left wing economics with support for Parliamentary sovereignty and national identity. There is the SDP, but it has not made the transition from fringe to minor party yet. Sooner or later though, that body of opinion will find expression electorally. When it does, Sir Keir Starmer will find his problems multiplying. 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 large police presence was reported in Uptown early Wednesday morning. Channel 9 crews saw half a dozen police cars surrounding a white hatchback vehicle. Police appeared to be going through the vehicle. ALSO READ: Detectives investigate homicide in south Charlotte double shooting It does not appear that any other vehicles were involved; however, the reason for the search is unknown at this time. Channel 9 has reached out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for more details. VIDEO: Detectives investigate homicide in south Charlotte double shooting LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Metro police are searching for two women accused of committing strong-armed robbery. On Nov. 22, around 5:40 p.m., the women allegedly robbed a business in the 2000 block of East Serene Avenue and battered a victim in the process, police said. The first suspect is described as a woman between 20 and 30 years old, about 56, thin build, wearing a beige sweater, black leggings, a black cross-body bag, and a pierced left nostril. Suspect in strong-arm robbery that occurred on Nov. 22 around 5:40 p.m. (LVMPD) The second suspect is described as a woman between 20 and 30 years old, about 56, medium build, wearing a pink sweater, blue jeans, black knee boots, and a pink cross-body bag. Suspect in strong-arm robbery that occurred on Nov. 22 around 5:40 p.m. (LVMPD) Anyone with information is urged to call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Commercial Robbery Section at (702) 828-3591. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com. Tips directly leading to an arrest or an indictment processed through Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. People learn about an artificial intelligence-driven oil spell detection project at the Exhibition of Engineering Students' Graduation Projects in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Ke) People look at a model of artificial intelligence-controlled traffic lights project at the Exhibition of Engineering Students' Graduation Projects in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Ke) Students present their solar-powered hydrogen production project at the Exhibition of Engineering Students' Graduation Projects in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Ke) The local authorities in Dorohusk rejected a protest permit submitted by Polish truckers who wanted to resume a blockade at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing, Polish media outlet RMF24 reported on Dec. 13. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced on Dec. 11 that the blockade at Dorohusk-Yahodyn had been lifted, and trucks were again moving across the border. Shortly after, it was blocked again by a truck parked across the middle of the highway, which Ukrainian truckers were told had broken down. Traffic resumed "without any difficulties" after removing the truck, RMF24 reported on Dec. 12, citing Polish police. The truckers then announced on Dec. 13 that they planned to restart the blockade on Dec. 18. After the local authorities, including the mayor of Dorohusk, rejected their application for a protest permit, the truckers said they would appeal the decision in court and submit new protest applications at different locations on Dec. 14. Dorohusk-Yahodyn is one of four checkpoints that Polish truckers have blocked since early November in protest of the EU's liberalization of transit rules for Ukrainian truckers. Polish truckers initially launched the demonstration on the grounds that the influx of Ukrainian drivers harmed their livelihoods. Ukrainian officials and industry representatives deny the accusations. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Bells rang throughout Pioneer Place Wednesday as the Salvation Army hosted a local celebrity Bell Ringing. To help raise money to fight poverty and hunger, the Salvation Army brought out local musicians, former Trail Blazers, Miss Oregon and even a few members of the KOIN 6 News team! The ringing was part of the Salvation Armys Red Kettle Campaign which has worked for 130 years to help those in need. Although the celebrity ringing was only on Wednesday, red kettles can be found around Portland all December. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A cup of Joe to help some former GI Joes and sailors, marines, airmen and coastguardsmen. Neptunes Fury, a Norfolk coffee company, is donating part of its revenue to VFW Post 2894 in Chesapeake. The organization needs a boost after making a major difference in the lives of military families. Owner Jason Walker found out about the VFW through his brother-in-law Joe Smith, an Army veteran himself. Walker had switched a couple years ago from brewing beer to coffee, starting Neptunes Fury on the Lobby Level of Dominion Tower. While Walker was pouring his energies into transforming a former restaurant into a cafe with a lovely view of the river, VFW Post 2894 in Chesapeake continued to transform an old fire station into its new headquarters in Hickory. Its the same VFW we chronicled earlier this year, in which it transformed a Chesapeake house after a military couple got nearly $100,000 for repairs and renovations. Walkers brother-in-law was watching. It was actually a story I saw on Channel 10 about them rebuilding a veterans house that had a bunch of floor damage to it, Smith said, and he decided to join the post. He started telling me about all the amazing things theyre doing out in the community and so we decided to step in and help where we could, Walker said. So Walker and Smith collaborated on a limited-edition blend, Veterans Harbor. When you buy a bag of Veterans Harbor in store or online, $5 will go toward the VFW and its renovations. We did a nice, dark complex roast for all the veterans, Walker said. They like it pretty intense. The kind of strong coffee Smith remembers from his days as a door gunner on a Blackhawk helicopter during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. I have sent a mass communication to everyone I ever served with, Smith said. People in Washington state all the way to Fort Bragg are ordering the coffee. We just started this month, but weve already sold a ton, so the veterans love coffee, Walker said with a laugh. He plans to continue donating a portion of the revenue from Veterans Harbor through the end of January. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Dec. 12 against the backdrop of the Congressional blockage of additional aid for Ukraine. Following the negotiations at the White House, the heads of state held a joint press conference. Read also: Biden, Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine aid crisis in White House talks NV compiled the main statements from the two leaders. Joe Biden: Ukraine has already achieved an enormous victory over Russia and Putin, and will emerge from the war proud, free, and firmly rooted in the West unless the U.S. walks away. The US will support Ukraine as long as we can, but without supplemental funding we're rapidly coming to an end of our ability to help Ukraine. Putin is betting that the U.S. will stop assisting Ukraine, and the U.S. must prove him wrong. The Republicans are to blame for the deadlock in aid to Ukraine. The fact that support for Ukraine is blocked pleases Russian propagandists, and perhaps Republicans need to reflect. Right now, Ukraine's freedom is at stake, but if Putin is not stopped, the freedom of almost everyone in the world will be under threat. The White House is working with Republicans and Democrats to find a bipartisan compromise on the border, the U.S. President is ready for a compromise. Ukraine's victory means that Ukraine is a sovereign and independent nation capable of defending itself against aggression. Ukraine will be in NATO, but right now, everything must be done to ensure it wins the war. Read also: Zelenskyy meets with leading U.S. defense companies, pitches European defense hub in Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine has liberated 50% of the territory captured by Russia after Feb. 24, 2022, achieved victory in the Black Sea, and is reviving its economy thanks to maritime export. Presidents discussed increasing of Ukrainian capabilities in 2024. Ukraine intends to destroy Russian logistics on Ukrainian territory and deprive Russia of its advantage in the air because whoever controls the sky, controls the duration of the war. Two-thirds of American support for Ukraine remains in the U.S. Ukraine and the U.S. have shown that partnership is stronger than any Russian aggression. The counteroffensive was difficult, but Ukraine has made serious progress forward, the Defense Forces destroyed the core of the so-called Wagner PMC 20,000 fighters, and Russia did not capture a single Ukrainian village. Zelensky received more than positive signals from senators during his meetings in the U.S., Ukraine counts on the positive result. Giving up territories would be absolute madness for Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A longtime Jacksonville State University official is the new dean of student services at Gadsden State Community College. Andy Green stepped into the new role on Nov. 30, according to a news release from the college. Andy Green is Gadsden State Community College's new dean of student services. His job entails leadership, strategic planning and executive oversight of GSCCs student enrollment, retention and success for credit and non-credit programs. A graduate of JSU (bachelors degree in geography, Master of Public Administration with a concentration in spatial analysis management), Green most recently served as the universitys assistant dean of honors and special programs. Hed previously been an admissions counselor, senior admissions counselor, director of academic advising, director of enrollment management (developing a plan that boosted JSUs first-year and transfer applications by 77% over a seven-year period, according to the release) and director of community engagement I see the opportunities that community colleges have in serving the state of Alabama, Green said in the release. Community colleges provide academic courses, workforce development opportunities, adult education and so much more," he said. I understand the mission of the Alabama Community College System to ensure educational accessibility, excellence and equity for Alabama citizens. This closely aligns with who I am as a person. Green said his focus is helping Gadsden State students achieve their definition of success. What is success? he said. Is it a paycheck? Is it the degree you earned? I want our students to achieve their own level of success and to feel like they are valued members of society. Green noted the value that certificates or degrees from Gadsden State bring to people of all ages, and by extension to their communities. For me, the goal is to ensure that everyone knows what Gadsden State has to offer and to understand that what we have to offer will positively impact lives, he said. Green prioritizes partnerships and a collaborative approach in his work, and said Gadsden State is partnering with organizations as a way of strengthening the workforce both in its service area and across the state. We are bridging education to the private sector for employment, he said. Relationship building is so important. Green is a Jacksonville resident, was elected to the City Council there in 2020, and also serves on the Civil Service a Board and Commercial Developmemt Authority. Hes also held leadership roles in the Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Alabama Banner Users Group and the Alabama ACT Council. Green co-chaired the Calhoun County Complete Count Census Committee, was named Ambassador of the Year and is a graduate of Leadership Calhoun County. He was in the first cohort of The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah Countys Leadership Etowah. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden State names new dean of student services Xi's Vietnam visit to bring bilateral ties into new stage 15:42, December 13, 2023 By Li Aixin and Liu Xin ( Global Times Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, arrives in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam on December 12, 2023, for a state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. Photo: Xinhua China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination, and better handling of differences, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said during a meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on Tuesday. Analysts said Xi's first visit in six years to the Southeast Asian country will also promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, benefiting the two peoples as well as the stability of the region. Xi arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on Tuesday for a two-day state visit. While landing at Noi Bai International Airport, Xi received a red-carpet welcome as Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh greeted him on the tarmac and over 400 representatives of various sectors from China and Vietnam welcomed Xi at the airport. Nguyen Phu Trong held a welcoming ceremony for Xi at the Presidential Palace, followed by a 21-cannon salute. On Tuesday, the main roads in Hanoi were lined with national flags of both China and Vietnam, as well as the flags of the two parties. Near the hotel where Xi is to stay, local residents, overseas Chinese and Chinese students held flags of both countries to welcome him. A Chinese national surnamed Liu who has lived in Vietnam for 13 years told the Global Times that he was very excited about and proud of President Xi's visit. Liu expressed his gratitude for the stable development of China-Vietnam relations, which has brought opportunities to many Chinese and local people. Vietnam welcomed and greeted Xi with the highest level of protocol that is not often shown upon leaders from other countries, which analysts said showcased the great importance Vietnam has attached to China-Vietnam relations as well as the particularity and significance of the bilateral relations. According to media reports, Vietnamese leader Trong will also hold a farewell event to see Xi off on Wednesday. Since last year, General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Trong, State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Chinh successively visited China and the two sides have maintained frequent and high-level exchanges, analysts said, noting that Xi's two-day state visit would push the bilateral relations to a new stage. A community of shared future While meeting with CPV top leader General Secretary Trong, Xi said that China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective and China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. China, Vietnam agree to build community with shared future that carries strategic significance, Xinhua reported. As the year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, analysts from China and Vietnam said Xi's visit would make a prominent landmark as China and Vietnam are socialist friendly neighbors. While the current international geopolitical situation is rapidly changing, and Southeast Asia has become the forefront of competition among major powers, building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance is not only important to China and Vietnam, two socialist countries, but will also add new impetus to regional stability, Ge Hongliang, director of the China-ASEAN Maritime Security Research Center at Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times. As representatives of new emerging economies, China and Vietnam have a shared mission on their development and face various outside challenges, including the impact of protectionism and unilateralism of the US and the West. The China-Vietnam community with a shared future will help the two sides share more opportunities for development and add resilience to challenges, Ge said. High anticipation Xi's visit not only aims to consolidate and strengthen the relationship between the two countries but also echoes to timely policy adjustments by both leaders to adapt to the trends and developments in the world and the region, Nguyen Tang Nghi, vice dean in act at faculty of international relations, College of Social Sciences & Humanities, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Xi's state visit is special because it is not combined with multilateral meetings, which demonstrates the high importance that Vietnam and China attach to bilateral relations. This visit will deepen cooperation and development between the two countries in various fields such as politics and security, especially in infrastructure development and trade cooperation, according to Nghi. China is a powerhouse in technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence and it is also taking a leading position in supporting industries and infrastructure. In the future, areas such as technological cooperation, artificial intelligence, and supply chains will be potential areas for deeper mutual promotion and cooperation between China and Vietnam, Nghi said. Due to its geographical location, Vietnam's role among Southeast Asian countries is increasingly strengthening and a better China-Vietnam cooperation could also help China deeply enter the ASEAN market, said Nghi. Nguyen Vinh Quang, vice president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association, also expressed high expectations for future China-Vietnam cooperation. The China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation still has enormous potential, Quang said, noting that Vietnam's abundant agricultural and aquatic products can meet China's demands, and many Chinese goods are also popular among Vietnamese consumers. Currently, both countries are committed to green development, utilizing clean energy, and developing the digital economy, which means they can complement each other's strengths to achieve common development. Moreover, China and Vietnam have many similarities in their development paths, and exchanging theories and practical experiences can be a highlight of their cooperation. The Chinese-style modernization has enlightening significance and is worth referencing for Vietnam's economic and social development, said Quang. The China-Vietnam bilateral trade continues to maintain a good development momentum and a solid foundation has been laid for broader cooperation, analysts said, noting that since 2016, Vietnam has remained China's largest trading partner within ASEAN. The data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on Tuesday showed that the total value of imports and exports between China and Vietnam reached 1.45 trillion yuan in the first 11 months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 3.6 percent, higher than the overall growth rate of China's foreign trade during the same period. Some Western media have also paid close attention to Xi's visit to Vietnam, as US President Joe Biden visited the Southeast Asian country in September and elevated Vietnam-US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership level. Vietnam prioritizes its national interests and the claim that Vietnam is joining forces with the US to confront China is completely unfounded, Nghi said. The good and diverse relationship between Vietnam and China has been cultivated and developed by generations of leaders from both countries and Vietnam has no reason to ally with a third party to confront China, nor does it have a reason to allow other countries to use Vietnam to confront China, according to Nghi. The prosperity and stability of the China-Vietnam relationship not only hold special significance for the two parties and their peoples but also have an impact on the security, political, and economic landscape of East Asia, said Nghi. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) BANGKOK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate collaboration in various areas under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework, covering infrastructure, economics and digital development, a Thai Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday. Thailand has proposed three key areas for future cooperation at the eighth LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Beijing last week, which include fostering connectivity, tackling new and emerging challenges, and driving growth through innovative collaboration, said Pinsuda Jayanama, a senior official for Mekong cooperation. The LMC consists of six countries, namely China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Through advancing future connectivity, infrastructure development, including Thailand's Landbridge project, linking the Indian and Pacific oceans, and the China-Thailand railway, will help boost connectivity within the LMC region, Pinsuda told a press briefing. With the integration of both physical and digital connectivity, the Southeast Asian country aims to develop information, economic and regulatory connectivity in support of cross-border trade facilitation and special economic zones in the LMC countries, she said. Addressing new and emerging challenges, Pinsuda said transnational crime, online gambling, cyber scams, transborder haze pollution, energy and food security, as well as water management, are common shared interests among the LMC countries. Thailand will also support the building of new growth engines through cooperation in science, technology and innovation, along with promoting the green economy and tourism recovery among the LMC countries, she added. The official also noted that the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), in which China is a partner, will work together with the LMC framework to further the development of the Mekong sub-region in the areas of seamless connectivity, integrated economic cooperation, and smart and sustainable development. Los Angeles Unified has enacted a targeted hiring freeze and is considering closing or consolidating schools as it faces the loss of federal pandemic aid and declining enrollment, superintendent Alberto Carvalho said in an interview last week. Carvalho, who nearly two years ago assumed leadership of the nations second largest school district, said LAUSD is in relatively good financial standing and that enrollment declines are slowing. But, he said, Californias most populous city is not out of the woods yet when it comes to tight budgets and closing schools. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The headwinds facing Los Angeles public schools are by no means unique to that city. Districts around the country are facing the expiration next year of more than $190 billion in federal funds meant to help schools remain open during the pandemic and aid in the recovery of students. Carvalho, who previously served as Miamis superintendent, said LA Unified has avoided the fiscal Armageddon he warned of more than a year ago. He said a reorganization of the district conducted over the past two years, to streamline school support services has netted LAUSD dozens of millions in savings, putting the system in good financial shape. But the district is still developing a plan for roughly 1,800 teachers, counselors and other staffers hired during the pandemic whose salaries have been paid for using the one-time federal aid. Carvalho said strategically essential positions will be kept. We need to ask the question, he said. Is the need still there and is this the right position? To make up for the end of federal aid, he said, LAUSD has imposed a targeted hiring freeze, deciding on a case-by-case basis which of the employees who leave their jobs to replace. It will use the funds from jobs that are not filled to pay for those federally funded jobs it decides to keep. Were going to bank on [attrition] as a key solution to make up for the loss of federal aid, he said. A more complicated challenge now facing Los Angeles schools is a historic enrollment decline which has been ongoing for decades but was exacerbated by the pandemic. While many school districts have experienced large enrollment declines since the pandemic began, several factors make the declines in Los Angeles more dramatic. First, Carvalho said, rising housing costs have forced many families to leave Los Angeles. The average price of a single-family home there is now nearly $1 million, according to Zillow, up by more than a third from five years ago. Local incomes have not kept up with rising costs. The high cost of living has, over the years, pushed a lot of families out, said Carvalho. Its not a function of individuals leaving the school system going to private schools or going to charter schools. Enrollment in LA schools for pre-K through twelfth grade has fallen from 566,604 in the 2012-2013 school year to 422,276 in the 2022-2023 academic year. But Carvalho said the exodus may be slowing. Figures kept by the district show the number of students enrolled this year was down about two percent from the previous year. The citys new Universal Transitional Kindergarten program has helped bolster enrollment, Carvalho said. LAUSD stats show 6,471 students are now enrolled in the districts pre-K programs, up from 5,687 in 2021. Whether this is enough students to keep each of the citys schools in operation, the superintendent said, remains an open question. The district is not making decisions specific to consolidation or closure of schools based on a dire financial position, said Carvalho. But, at some point, shrinking schools may become too small to function, he said. It has nothing to do with the finances, Carvalho said. Its actually something to do with the type of offerings we provide our students. At a certain point a very small, secondary schools cannot offer the elective programs that kids need. It certainly is a tool in the toolbox, Carvalho said of closing or consolidating schools. But its one that is used as a measure of last resort, and we are nowhere near that point. Still the district is looking at high schools with less than 300 students as possible candidates for closure or consolidation, he said. High schools that enroll fewer than 300 students struggle to muster a variety of classes and extracurricular activities to adequately serve their communities, said Carvalho, adding that LAUSD has few schools of that size, and is still developing a plan for them. Decisions to close or consolidate schools are almost always unpopular. But for Los Angeles, its not a question of if, but when, said Pedro Noguera, dean of USCs Rossier School of Education. People have these traditional attachments, but schools that serve 1,000 kids do much better than two schools serving 500 kids a piece, Noguera said. The challenge will be, not just to shrink, but to shrink and get better simultaneously, so people dont feel like theyre losing. Noguera said hes encouraged by steps hes seen Carvalho take, but declining enrollments and the need to make academic progress systemwide are still the big issues facing the district. On the academic front, Carvalho said gains in math scores on state and national exams show the district is making progress. He also pointed to rising attendance rates as a sign LAUSD is on the upswing. The systems average daily attendance has risen from 83% to 93% during his tenure, Carvalho said. The superintendent also provided a few additional updates on the district in his exclusive interview with the 74: Carvalho said he has created a draft version of a controversial, new policy to limit the colocation of charter schools in certain buildings, and that next month he will present the policy as a recommendation to the districts board. He said LAUSD is working on a plan to reinforce its efforts to promote literacy after state test scores released this fall showed a third straight year of declining rates of reading proficiency. Carvalho, who previously turned down an offer to lead New York Citys school system, said he intends to stay on as LAs education boss for the foreseeable future. There will be no additional superintendency for me beyond Los Angeles, he said.Theres something to be said about stable, sustainable leadership. The Portuguese immigrant, who worked his way up from washing dishes and stints of homelessness to become one of the nations most celebrated educators, has already done much to earn the gratitude of his adopted home on the west coast, said Ana Ponce, executive director of GPSN, a local advocacy group. Hes earned the respect of educators and families, said Ponce. Were all rooting for his success. A man decided to buy scratch-offs during a last-minute grocery trip and his decision paid off big, Maryland officials said. The winner was at a Safeway in Arnold buying groceries when he decided hed get a few scratch-offs too, according to a Dec. 13 news release by the Maryland Lottery. He had no clue his decision would score him a $100,000 prize. At first, the man wanted to buy his go-to game but opted for the $100,000 Crossword game and a few Ravens instant tickets instead, officials said. Once he was home with his wife, the two started scratching after dinner, lottery officials said. The first few tickets were duds so the couple didnt think theyd won, until they got to the last ticket, officials said. I started scratching and started to see the words match, the lucky man told lottery officials. I counted out loud until I realized we just won $100,000. The man said his wife started dancing with joy after verifying the win, lottery officials said. Although the winner doesnt have immediate plans for money, the couple said the win was blessing and came to them at a perfect time, just before the holidays, according to the release. Arnold is about 20 miles southeast of Baltimore. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Mom leaves lottery ticket hanging on fridge until son discovers its worth millions 71-year-old lottery winner cant stop yelling on the way home. This cant be real! Nurse made last-second decision to buy $10 lottery ticket. She won big in Maryland People apply for Chinese visa at the service center in Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) BRUSSELS, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Europeans travelers have hailed China's recent visa-free policy for six countries -- with five in Europe -- and a cut in visa fees for many nations. Under the new visa-free policy, with a trial period from Dec. 1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia are able to enjoy visa-free travels to China for up to 15 days. The policy was widely viewed as a boost to inbound tourism for China and a bridge for people-to-people exchanges, particularly with more Europeans planning their trip to this exotic country. For 69-year-old French pensioner Irene, the new policy prods her to make another journey to China soon. Recalling her last visit to China, Irene voiced hope of visiting more provincial capitals and taking the express train between different cities. "China is a really attractive country for us here in France." "We greatly appreciate the favorable visa fee policy," said Volodymyr Gordyeyev, a Ukrainian living in Germany, who applied for a Chinese visa at the service center in Frankfurt on Monday. Gordyeyev referred to a temporary measure taken by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad from Dec. 11, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2024 to reduce visa fees to 75 percent of the normal rates. Gordyeyev is now looking forward to a two-week family reunion with his eldest son, who is living in China with his Chinese wife. He plans to spend Christmas with the couple, and meet his newborn granddaughter for the first time. This will be Gordyeyev's fifth visit to China. His earlier trips took him to different cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Yiwu, and he became an avid lover of Chinese cuisine. "These days, the most common types of Chinese visa applications are those for longer-term or multiple-entry permits," said a staff member at the Chinese visa application service center in Frankfurt. With the new visa-free access to Germans, the center has seen a 25-percent drop in applications. The Chinese Embassy in Malta was one of the first to announce the cut in visa fees on Friday. While the visa fee for Maltese citizens going to China has been reduced from 60 euros (64.7 U.S. dollars) to 45 euros, fees for Malta's residents from other countries have also been reduced to 75 percent of the former amount. The embassy said that the move was aimed at further facilitating personnel exchanges between China and Malta. Meanwhile, the embassy said it has taken a series of measures to simplify visa application this year. Since October, it has canceled online appointments for visa applications, with applicants now being able to go directly to the visa office on Monday and Wednesday mornings. The effects of China's recent moves to facilitate cross-border travel have been immediate. According to the statistics released by China's National Immigration Administration, nearly 18,000 people from the six countries, namely France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, entered China from Dec. 1 to 3, a daily increase of 39 percent compared to Nov. 30, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said last week. He added that about 7,000 of them came to China through the visa-free policy, and the figure accounts for 39 percent of the total number of entries from these six countries. Daisy Zhu, an Italian passport holder who works in Paris, said, "My uncle told me about the visa-free policy ... I plan to fly to Wenzhou in October next year for my cousin's wedding." Zhu, who was born in Italy to Chinese parents, said she has a strong bond with her extended family in her ancestral city in east China's Zhejiang Province. People apply for Chinese visa at the service center in Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) A woman visits the Chinese visa application service center in Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) A woman visits the Chinese visa application service center in Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Michael Manual Jackson-Bolanos / Credit: Detroit Police Department WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Wednesday that a man has been charged with the murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll. Worthy charged Michael Manual Jackson-Bolanos, 28, of Detroit, with homicide felony murder, lying to a peace officer, and home invasion. Worthy said Wednesday that there are no facts that suggest that Jackson-Bolanos knew Woll or that the murder was a hate crime. Woll, 40, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighborhood on Saturday, Oct. 21. Woll attended a wedding the night before and returned home from the wedding sometime after midnight. Investigators found no signs of forced entry into Woll's residence and believe she was stabbed inside her home before making her way out to her yard, where she was found. On Tuesday, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said that it received a warrant request in the case. Prior to the request, Detroit police confirmed a second person of interest was taken into custody on Sunday. Authorities arrested another person on Nov. 8 but released them three days later. Worthy said Jackson-Bolanos was not the first person who was arrested. Court records show he was sentenced in 2014 and 2019 to prison and probation respectively for receiving and concealing stolen property. Jackson-Bolanos has a probable cause court appearance scheduled for later this month. "[It] definitely was frustrating not knowing at all who did this and would they find someone or would they never find someone," said Rabbi Asher Lopatin. Lopatin, who has known Samantha for over five years says the healing can start. "Sam was unique, and we are really missing that, and I think we have to work harder to live up to her standards," he said. As for the Jewish community, Hanukkah is currently underway, a time when some are lighting candles in Woll's honor. "Light is a really appropriate way to remember her because she was that brilliant light that lit up our community with hope," Lopatin said. NYT Cooking shares a kid-favorite holiday recipe for roasted beef tenderloin Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and Emmy award winning actor, dies at age of 61 Breaking down Biden and Zelenskyy's joint news conference A 32-year-old man has been charged with vandalism and hate crimes in connection with antisemitic drawings and graffiti on public and private property, including a Jewish synagogue, in Burbank and Glendale, authorities announced Tuesday. Klinton Allister Dion, a transient known to frequent Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, El Segundo and Los Angeles, faces two counts of vandalism of religious property. Prosecutors also charged the 32-year-old with 10 counts of hate crime since they believe the antisemitic vandalism was done to intimidate and deter people from freely exercising their religious beliefs, a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office stated. According to authorities, Dion left behind drawings of an Iron Cross and a swastika, both Nazi symbols, at an IHOP in Glendale on Nov. 24. Approximately two hours later, he allegedly vandalized Temple Emanu El in Burbank by drawing a large swastika and an Iron Cross on the property, prosecutors said. At around the same time, prosecutors say the transient allegedly drew SS, the well-known abbreviation for the Schutzstaffel, the leading security agency in Nazi Germany, on the walls of a garage and laundry machines at an apartment complex in Burbank. The 32-year-old is also accused of vandalizing the Emmanuel Church in Burbank, property belonging to the City of Glendale, Moonlight Rollerway skating rink and Extra Space Storage Center with antisemitic imagery in November, authorities said. Klinton Dion surveillance photos Despite prosecutors argument that Dion presents a danger to public safety and should be held on $650,000 bail, the court set his bail at $65,000. Womans anti-Mexican outburst caught on video at Disneyland The escalating wave of anti-Semitic attacks against the Jewish community will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County, asserted District Attorney George Gascon. We have a zero tolerance for such behavior and our Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to continue prosecuting such crimes. These charges came on the same day that a homeless man was charged with several felonies in connection with an attack on an Orthodox Jewish couple on their way to synagogue in Beverly Hills on Saturday. If convicted on all counts, Dion faces a maximum 20-year sentence in state prison. Hate crimes can be reported by calling 9-1-1 or by calling L.A. Countys LA vs. Hate hotline at 2-1-1. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced charges Tuesday against Jarris Jay Silagi, a man accused of attacking a Jewish couple over the weekend. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office/Website Dec. 13 (UPI) -- A 44-year-old man has been charged with violently attacking a Jewish couple who were walking to a Beverly Hills synagogue on the weekend, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said, as law enforcement the nation over contends with a surge in anti-Semitic violence. The suspect, Jarris Jay Silagi, is accused of attacking a 75-year-old man and his wife in Beverly Hills at about 9 p.m. Saturday as they were walking to a synagogue to celebrate Shabbat. Police accused Silagi of attacking the man with a belt, causing his victim to sustain a laceration to his head. "During the commission of the crime, the suspect made anti-Semitic statements to the victim," the Beverly Hills Police Department said in a statement, adding that the suspect and his victim had no prior relationship. Authorities said he also attempted to rob the man's wife. Silagi was taken into police custody after fleeing the scene. Authorities said police officers detained Silagi after an individual matching the suspect's description was seen fleeing a senior forensic specialist. Police said he was being held on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery, elder abuse and committing a hate crime. On Tuesday, Gascon said Silagi has been charged with two counts of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and one count each of attempted second-degree robbery, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, Silagi faces life imprisonment. Gascon said the prosecution is recommending that Silagi being held on a $1.3 million bail. "Such acts of anti-Semitism have no place in our community, and we continue to be committed to ensuring justice prevails and holding the defendant accountable," Gascon said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the victims and all those who continue to be targeted for their faith. My office's Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to bring justice to the victims." U.S. law enforcement authorities have said there has been an increase in reports of potential hate crimes and other related criminal violations since the war between Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7. The Jewish Anti-defamation League said that it has tallied a 388% increase in anti-Semitic incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault in the last two months compared to the same period last year. The Council of American-Islamic Relations also said its offices have received 2,171 requests for help and reports of bias in the last eight weeks, representing a 172% increase over a similar two-month period from the year prior. FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee over the weekend that his office has seen an increase in hate crimes investigations over the years, particularly targeting the Jewish community, but that there has been an surge since the Israel-Hamas war began. "That's a troubling trend we were focused on before October 7 that's only gotten worse in the months since," he said. A man was fatally shot in Elliott late Tuesday night. According to Pittsburgh police, emergency crews were called to the 700 block of Lorenz Avenue for reports of a shooting just before 10:30 p.m. Officers found the victim inside the back of a house off Wilna Way. He had been shot several times, once in his back and others to his extremities, and was unconscious and not breathing. The victim was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead a short time later. Wednesday night, the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office identified the victim as Jacob Morroni, 37, of Pittsburgh. Police said witnesses described an altercation between the victim and another man that preceded the shooting. The suspect fled on foot. The Mobile Crime Unit responded to process evidence at the scene. Detectives from the Violent Crime Unit are investigating. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Person killed in head-on crash in Shaler 1 person hurt in Sewickley Heights guest house explosion PHOTOS: House explosion in Sewickley Heights sends 1 person to hospital VIDEO: Pitt Volleyball sent off by fans ahead of 3rd straight Final Four appearance DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts **Related Video Above shows moments before deadly wrong-way crash on I-90.** CLEVELAND (WJW) A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted a 23-year-old man for a wrong way crash that killed a driver on I-90 last week, the prosecutors office said Tuesday. Police video shows moms reaction when arrested for sons death Jalen Jackson is accused of stealing a van from an Amazon delivery driver in Cleveland Heights and leading police on a high speed chase. The pursuit ended when Jackson drove onto I-90 West driving into oncoming traffic, according to police. Jackson reportedly attempted to flee on foot after crashing, but he was apprehended and taken into custody. Man killed in hit-and-run; Willowick police search for driver Curtis Burchall, a 70-year-old doctor from Akron, was found dead at the scene. Heres a look at what Jackson was charged with in the indictment, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office: Two counts of Murder One count of Involuntary Manslaughter One count of Aggravated Robbery Three counts of Felonious Assault One count of Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer One count of Discharge of Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises One count of Having Weapons While Under Disability One count of Vehicular Assault This case is truly tragic and shows Mr. Jacksons complete disregard for human life, said Prosecutor Michael C. OMalley. One man just trying to do his job was carjacked, countless people were put in danger, and another man who had dedicated his life to helping others died as a direct result of the defendants actions. An arraignment date has not yet been set for Jackson. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A man was sentenced to decades in prison on Friday for his involvement in a neighborhood gang rival shooting. A rivalry between the 28th St. and 23rd St. crews in Temple Hill led Amos Reffell and three others to open fire on two people as they were getting out of an Uber on June 2, 2022, in the 3400 block of Brinkley Rd. The shooters used AR-15 assault rifles, a handgun and other weapons in the attack before fleeing down St. Barnabas Rd. in a Dodge Charger. The vehicle crashed at the intersection of St. Barnabas and Stamp Rd., so the suspects fled on foot. Virginia sheriffs office says Tesla was running on Autopilot moments before tractor-trailer crash Officers, however, were able to apprehend Reffell. The investigation to locate the other suspects continues. The shooting victim and several other victims from vehicles struck by Reffell during the crash were taken to the hospital. Reffell was sentenced to 55 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree assault, along with several other related charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A man shot a woman with a crossbow before killing her and stealing from her home, Nebraska police said. He was later found about 1,000 miles away. William Collins, 30, fired a crossbow at a distance at Linda Childers, 71, outside her Washington County home on Aug. 13, Washington County Attorney Scott Vander Schaaf told McClatchy News. He then used a rock to subdue her before dragging her inside her home, Vander Schaaf said. Collins appeared in Washington County court on Dec. 13 and is being held without bond, according to KETV. He is accused of slitting Childers throat and rummaging through her home, stealing her purse, money, shotgun and car, according to KETV, citing investigators. He believed that most folks were not in their homes on Sunday morning and his intent was to find either food or other items that he could try to use to sell for value, and that was the initial motivation, Vander Schaaf said. An attorney for Collins could not immediately be reached for comment by McClatchy News. Childers body was later discovered by neighbors who performed yard work for her, Vander Schaaf said. They were going in to chat with her to make sure that she was happy with what they had done outside, Vander Schaaf said. Collins, meanwhile, left Nebraska and drove through the Midwest, Vander Schaaf said. Law enforcement eventually determined he was somewhere near Galveston, Texas, and he was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in September, according to Vander Schaaf and a Washington County Sheriffs Office news release. Collins was extradited to Nebraska, where he was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and burglary, among other charges, Vander Schaaf said. Washington County is just north of Omaha. Intruder sexually assaults child in bedroom, then flees, California cops say My soul hurts. Family wants answers after 20-year-old is found dead on side of road Youth worker abused 15-year-old taking classes at church, California officials say Wang Peng, executive director of Huawei South Balkans Region, awards a Bulgarian student for her participation in Huawei's "Seeds for the Future" global training program in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 12, 2023. Chinese tech giant Huawei on Tuesday awarded Bulgarian students who participated in two of the company's programs this year. Eighteen students received certificates for their participation in Huawei's "Seeds for the Future" global training program, and the top two of them will have the opportunity to go to China for a week in January 2024. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua) SOFIA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech giant Huawei on Tuesday awarded Bulgarian students who participated in two of the company's programs this year. Eighteen students received certificates for their participation in Huawei's "Seeds for the Future" global training program, and the top two of them will have the opportunity to go to China for a week in January 2024. The company also awarded 50 outstanding Bulgarian students 2,000 euros (2,151 U.S. dollars) each in scholarships. Wang Min, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, said at the event that since Huawei entered the Bulgarian market in 2004, the company has been committed to integrating the digital world into people's lives and building an intelligent world in which all things are interconnected. "I believe that with the support of the Bulgarian government and society, Huawei will provide more opportunities for students, contribute to the development of Bulgaria and work hard to stimulate relations between China and Bulgaria," he said. Nikolay Pavlov, Bulgaria's deputy minister of economy and industry, said that the policy of his ministry was aimed at building a competitive industry by introducing new technologies, innovations and stimulating innovative companies. Achieving this was impossible without the availability of qualified personnel in high-tech sectors, Pavlov said. It was one of the reasons for the ministry to support Huawei's programs focusing on young talents in the field of information technologies, he said. Dobromir Dobrev, a computer science student at the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, was one of the students who was awarded a Huawei scholarship. "This scholarship for me first of all means a huge gesture on behalf of Huawei; it means that someone cares about us, someone sees that we put effort into our studies, that someone appreciates us," he told Xinhua. Even on a subdued night by his standards, Harry Kane finished with as many assists at Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes has managed all season. One touch, a flick with the outside of his boot to unleash Kingsley Coman for Bayern Munichs winner, was all it took for him to eclipse Manchester Uniteds painfully ineffectual captain. That is how stark the gulf between these European superpowers has become. Thomas Tuchel is fond of describing Bayerns capture of Kane as an act of grand larceny. He has spoken more than once of stealing the England captain, which at first glance feels a curious word to attach to a deal nudging nine figures. And yet it was demonstrably true when you looked here at the chasm in class on display. In Kane, Bayern Munich have a marksman so lethal he had broken last seasons Bundesliga scoring record by mid-November. United, by contrast, are making do with Rasmus Hojlund, a striker who after four months is still without a Premier League goal to his name. This was Kanes first game back on English soil, and the sight of No 9 picked out in the black-and-purple of Bayerns away strip must have traumatised United fans. How had they found themselves taking a punt instead on an unproven young Dane from Atalanta? While Hojlund has fared better in Europe than domestically, scoring five times in the Champions League, he looks painfully raw at times. His physical duel here with Dayot Upamecano was a mismatch. Up front, he ploughed the loneliest furrow. All game, he was stranded without service, while Kane could luxuriate in the knowledge that Bayern had total control. And when the chance finally materialised for Kane to impose himself, he put Coman clean through. The goal that officially ends Manchester United's European hopes? Kingsley Coman strolls through the middle of the United defence to give Bayern Munich the lead #UCL pic.twitter.com/vUj9dM3qmt Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2023 Paul Scholes lamented at pitchside that Kane was, alongside Declan Rice, one of the two signings United needed to make last summer to have any hope of a renaissance. Except realities at the club have shifted since his heyday. United no longer hold the same attraction to a talent of Kanes stature as once they did. He sensed a more enticing challenge awaited him in Bavaria, and so far his logic has borne the richest fruit. The club, the fans and my team-mates have made me feel really welcome, and thats part of the reason I can do what Ive done so far, Kane said. I honestly think theres more to come. Im getting to know the club more and more, the way the boss wants me to play sometimes dropping, sometimes staying forward. Weve got enough ability to go far in this competition. Thats the aim of the club, to go and win the Champions League. Here were two clubs on sharply divergent paths. Kane versus Hojlund was far from the only invidious contrast on display. Who, in all honesty, would United rather have: Joshua Kimmich or Sofyan Amrabat? Antony or Jamal Musiala? They are reaping a bitter harvest for years of dubious recruitment. Rasmus Hojlund did not have a particularly effective game - Reuters/Carl Recine A fatalism crept over the crowd once Luke Shaw joined Harry Maguire among the walking wounded. It became more pronounced once news of Copenhagens crucial goal against Galatasaray filtered through. And it defined the mood as Coman at last fired Bayern into a deserved lead. These increasingly careworn fans have seen enough to know what happens as soon as this side trails. Confidence evaporates. A setback turns quickly into an embarrassment. There is little to sugar the pill for Erik ten Hags United. One moment, they are entertaining true European aristocrats. The next, they are bundled out of Europe altogether. Bottom of their qualification group? It is not an outcome that United should meekly tolerate. And it is one that will heighten the demands for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to act decisively when the announcement of his 25 per cent stake finally comes. On paper, this was a mouthwatering collision. But there was seldom the impression that United genuinely believed in their prospects of success. With their fate out of their hands, they hardly played as if ravenous for victory. The ultras from Munich picked up on this flaw in a flash. This is a library, they chanted before kick-off, maintaining the refrain through to the final whistle. The Bayern fans are in full voice at Old Trafford #UCL pic.twitter.com/NW2p7OBXuV Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2023 By then, huge tracts of red seats could be glimpsed. The die-hards were not in the mood to stay any longer than necessary after Comans goal. They knew, in this fraught era for United, how the script would end. Kane could be forgiven for thinking that he had dodged a bullet. Would he have wanted any part of the tempestuous soap opera that has grown to define this place? Or did he feel vindicated in choosing the pursuit of the ultimate prize at Bayern? This was not, on the evidence of another supine United collapse, a question to detain him long. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. As cooler temperatures set in, manatees make their ways up the Orange River to Manatee Park in Fort Myers. Manatees congregate at Manatee Park on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. As cooler temperatures move through the area, manatees move to warmer waters. The water at Manatee Park is warmed by the FPL plant across the street. The sea cows start gathering in large numbers at the park, 10901 Palm Beach Blvd., The water at the park is warmed by the Florida Power and Light plant across the street on State Road 80. Peak viewing is now through March. Manatees congregate at Manatee Park on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. As cooler temperatures move through the area, manatees move to warmer waters. The water at Manatee Park is warmed by the FPL plant across the street. The mammals can't withstand water temps below 68 degrees for extended periods of time. It can cause them to get cold stress syndrome. As they seek warmer waters, the move from the Gulf of Mexico into smaller bodies of water inland. Manatees are considered threatened. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Parking is $2 per hour or $5 for the day. Manatees congregate at Manatee Park on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. As cooler temperatures move through the area, manatees move to warmer waters. The water at Manatee Park is warmed by the FPL plant across the street. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers' Manatee Park draws tourists as sea cows seek warm water Semafor Signals Insights from Rzeczpospolita, The Eurasia Group, and The Guardian NEWS Donald Tusk was sworn in as Polands new prime minister by President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday. The swearing in ceremony marks the end of eight years of rule by the conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS). In his first words as prime minister, Tusk promised to obey the constitution, something the new Polish leader has repeatedly accused his predecessors of failing to do. In a speech on Tuesday, the former head of the European Council laid out his vision for restoring Polands good standing in the EU, where billions in EU funds have been frozen due to rule of law concerns. Tusk also promised to improve access to abortion in Poland, which was drastically curtailed under the previous government. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. A third of Poles think he will be a terrible PM Sources: Rzeczpospolita, El Pais Tusk remains one of the most divisive figures in Polish politics. Over 30% of respondents to a poll from the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita thought Tusk will be a terrible prime minister. 41.8% of respondents held a negative view of the new prime minister, while 31.2% viewed him positively. Tusks image in Poland has been shaped by years of smear campaigns from the outgoing Law and Justice party, El Pais reported. Tusks pro-Ukraine stance will provide a timely morale boost for Kyiv Sources: The Atlantic Council, The Guardian Tusk announced that Polands task is to loudly and firmly demand the full determination from the entire Western community to help Ukraine in this war. His rallying cry has come as a timely morale boost for Ukraine, one analyst at the Atlantic Council, a D.C. think tank, wrote. Tusk has said he will quickly resolve the simmering tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv over European concessions to Ukrainian farmers and truckers. Polish workers have accused Ukrainians of undercutting their salaries and flooding the Polish market with cheap grain, culminating in Polish truck drivers blocking key crossings into Ukraine. President Duda is set to disrupt Tusks reform agenda Sources: The Eurasia Groups Mujtaba Rahman While Tusk has promised to reform Polands justice system and reestablish ties with the EU, he will face serious challenges from Polands president, Andrzej Duda. Duda, who has close ties with the outgoing government, is likely to disrupt Tusks reform agenda, Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia Group wrote. The president has promised to veto any legislation aiming to overturn PiSs judicial reforms, which increased the administrations power over the legal system. A United States Marine assigned to Camp Pendleton in California was killed during a training exercise Tuesday, military officials confirmed. A tactical vehicle rollover occurred around 6 p.m. as the vehicle, described as an amphibious combat vehicle, was making a ground movement during training, the U.S. Marine Corps said in a press release. Fourteen other Marines were in the vehicle when it rolled over, the military said. They were all taken to local hospitals and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton for evaluation and treatment, the Marine Corps said. The Marine killed was identified as being assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. UNCONNECTED EXHAUST PIPES FOUND ON CAR WHERE 3 NC MARINES DIED OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING The entrance to Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, is seen on Sept. 22, 2015. The names of the injured Marines are being withheld, in accordance with Department of Defense policy. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The incident is under investigation. No other details were immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. Original article source: Marine at Camp Pendleton, California, killed, 14 injured in training accident The states drug overdose crisis is persisting at record high levels, exacerbated by a poisoned drug supply that isnt just affecting those who use opioids anymore. There were 2,323 confirmed and estimated fatal opioid-related overdoses between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023 -- about level with last years record highs, according to data the Department of Public Health published Wednesday. As overdoses impact people across Massachusetts, the DPH released a report Wednesday that supports so-called overdose prevention centers or supervised injection sites, where individuals can use pre-acquired drugs free of legal consequences under the supervision of medical professionals who could intervene to prevent an overdose from turning fatal. Such locations have been hotly debated for years and drawn threats of federal prosecution. DPH Commissioner Robert Goldstein said in a statement that these controversial sites can be lifelines, serving not only as places of intervention, but as places of empathy, understanding, and healing. His statement represents a shift for the department. Goldstein said in June that DPH did not understand the feasibility of the sites in Massachusetts and the administration ordered it to a study. That feasibility study conducted by the department, released Wednesday, found overdose prevention centers are a life-saving tool that aligns with DPHs approach to reduce the harms of substance use. We are really taking this position that this is a tool in the toolbox for municipalities to use, and we would like to work with them and work with the Legislature to make these feasible, Goldstein said in a media briefing about the overdose report. Supporters say the facilities would limit the toll of drug use that is already happening, given how quickly fentanyl in particular can make an overdose deadly, and connect users to resources. Goldstein continued, They bring drug use off the streets into a supervising setting. They take the drug litter that may accumulate on streets and in parks, and they bring it inside where it can be disposed of appropriately. And so we think of these as a way to improve community relations and improve the ability of those who use drugs to function and operate within the municipality or within the communities where they are. The powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl is now so prolific in Massachusetts drug supply that its presence is being detected in the vast majority of fatal opioid overdoses, and its also being detected in drugs such as cocaine, benzodiazepines and methamphetamine. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and oftentimes people do not realize it is in the drugs they are using. The synthetic opioid began being recorded as responsible for an increased amount of drug-related deaths about a decade ago. In the first three months of 2023, fentanyl was present in 93 percent of all fatal overdoses. Cocaine was present in 60 percent of opioid-related deaths, followed by alcohol in 29 percent, benzodiazepines in 24 percent, prescription opioids in 11 percent, amphetamines in 10 percent, heroin in 7 percent and xylazine in 4 percent. The drug supply is poisoned. Even for those who are using other substances like cocaine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines, fentanyl is the likely contaminant that is driving overdose deaths, Goldstein said. Non-fatal opioid-related overdoses have begun to decrease over the past few years, Goldstein said. The number of non-fatal opioid overdoses among Massachusetts residents increased by 130 percent from 2013 to 2017 and decreased 18 percent from 2017 to 2021. Although it may be due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and access to medical services, it could certainly be related to the lethality of the drug supply. Once again, our drug supply is poisoned, heavily contaminated with fentanyl, the commissioner said. The feasibility report that [recognizes] that the establishment of overdose prevention centers (OPC) in Massachusetts would be an effective intervention to combat preventable overdoses and decrease fatal overdose rates in the state will head to Gov. Maura Healeys desk for review on Wednesday. These sites have been operating for more than 30 years across the globe, in places like Canada, Australia and Europe, Goldstein said. In particular, in Vancouver, theres a demonstration of a 35 percent reduction in fatal overdose rates within a 500 meter radius of the facility, and a 9 percent reduction in the rest of the city in the first few years of operation, he said. These are an effective evidence-based way to decrease opioid related overdose deaths. The only two centers operating in the U.S. have been running in New York City for the last two years. There has never been an overdose death reported at a sanctioned overdose prevention center, according to DPH. The centers in New York are technically illegal -- running afoul of federal statute that outlaws maintaining a property where illicit drugs are consumed. That concern has loomed large in Beacon Hills previous debates on the issue. Despite this federal law that prohibits what happens there, OnPoint in New York City has been able to operate for the past two years absence any federal legal intervention, and they actually received funds from the federal government that have allowed them to do research and also support some of the activities that are happening within the overdose prevention center, Goldstein said. He added that there isnt much the state can do about the federal liabilities, but that lawmakers and Healey could open doors for these centers by changing state law. Professional licensure boards, many of which fall under the purview of the Department of Public Health, also prohibit medical professionals from violating state and federal law to operate one of these centers. The DPHs report highlights some current legislation (H 1981 / S 1242) that would provide state legal protections for consumers, property owners, medical professionals and public employees. It also makes clear that the decision to open an overdose prevention center would fall to a municipality. Goldstein said these sites work best when there is community support for them. We need to recognize that municipalities may be at risk, both at the federal and state level, should they open absent these liability protections, he said. And so we will say clearly that to be feasible, overdose prevention centers would require at least state-level liability protections. Some Massachusetts municipalities have been working to stand up overdose prevention sites despite the lack of a regulatory framework or support from legislative leaders. In Somerville, city officials are working to approve funding for a mobile clinic, and some city leaders in Cambridge and Worcester are exploring options, according to WBUR. Healey has signaled that she is open to municipalities deciding for themselves whether to open authorized drug use sites, a contrast from her predecessor, Gov. Charlie Baker, who repeatedly warned about the threat of federal prosecution. Governor Healey believes harm reduction strategies are an important part of mitigating the opioid crisis, Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand said in a statement in June. She supports allowing communities to decide whats best for their residents, including the option of setting up safe consumption sites, given the urgent need to help connect people with treatment services, address stigma and save lives. Goldstein and DPH Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Director Deirdre Calvert said the centers could be part of a multifaceted solution to address overdose deaths. The department launched a first-in-the-nation overdose hotline this fall, for those using drugs to be on the phone with someone in case emergency services are needed. DPH also funded a harm reduction vending machine pilot in Pittsfield alongside Berkshire Medical Center, to be used by clients for syringes. In the first month of operation in October 2023, 327 products were dispensed to 179 participants, including 141 safer smoking kits, 91 sterile syringes, and 35 snacks, DPH reported. The department has also sought to distribute naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and fentanyl test strips more widely across the state. The Healey-Driscoll Administration Opioid Strategy reports that the state distributed more than 173,500 doses of naloxone at no cost through more than 170 community distribution programs, and 233,000 fentanyl test strips. The fiscal year 2024 budget invested over $700 million in substance addiction prevention and treatment programs, according to DPH. 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 Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday shelved the citys new policy curtailing public audience seating in City Council chambers, following outcry over the chilling effect the restrictions could pose on the openness of government proceedings. The city clerks website abruptly removed guidelines that had been posted since last week and replaced the link with the message, Implementation of the public seating policy dated 12/7/2023 is postponed until further notice. Johnson spokesman Ronnie Reese said in a Tuesday statement the reversal comes after feedback provided by various stakeholders on whether the rules allow the Council to best conduct the business of the people. Mayor Johnson is fully committed to leading with accountability and transparency, Reese wrote. Our administration is also mindful of the very real concerns that alderpeople have regarding their safety and the ability to conduct meetings without disruption. That is the balance we must strike the balance between democracy and decorum and it is imperative that we have a policy that accommodates both. Government transparency advocates and aldermen had been pressuring Johnson for days to halt the rule change that would have limited how many members of the public could sit directly behind aldermen in chambers, and increased the number of hoops they would have had to jump through to secure those seats. They said removing such public access would water down government access and allow powerful elected officials to operate in greater secrecy. The policy was put forth by the councils sergeant-at-arms Alvin Starks, who was appointed by Johnsons Rules Committee chair Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th. Harris deferred comment Tuesday to the mayors office. Harris initially proposed the changes after several loud demonstrations in chambers during recent meetings, centered around the citys handling of the migrant crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Johnson has ordered audience members removed from chambers after they disrupted proceedings with shouting or chanting. Current procedure has allowed the public to observe City Council meetings from the back gallery behind where the aldermen sit in the 2nd floor chambers. The short-lived rules instead placed the first 70 audience members in third floor seating, with a restricted view behind windows overlooking the chambers. Members of the public were permitted to line up for those spots no more than one hour before the meeting began. The 2nd floor seats were to be set aside for city government staff, disabled individuals and those who have reserved a seat at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone had to show a form of I.D. before being admitted. Only if the third floor filled up and there was room left on the second would some overflow seating have been made available in the chambers public gallery. The rules also moved public commenters ahead of the meeting from a microphone on the floor of the 2nd floor chambers to the 3rd floor, preventing audience members from directly addressing public figures in the same room. The policy was meant to last at least four months, but the sudden reversal signaled the mayors team was responding to mounting pressure from some aldermen, advocates of open government and other critics who said it was a far cry from candidate Johnsons vow to be a transparent mayor. David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, said his team had been involved in talks with the Johnson administration and other concerned City Council members over the changes and were pleased to see that our concerns were heard and acted on. As someone who has covered City Council meetings going back to Council Wars, I know the importance and I have seen it of open contribution to council meetings by members of the public, and Im glad that is being protected, Greising said. Though the policy was officially dated to last Thursday, warnings from BGA and others about access to the second-floor chambers stretched back to the start of this month, when the sergeant-at-arms was seen moving public commenters and other observers to the third floor. That tension has been months in the making, after several council meetings under Johnson were disrupted by boisterous audience members who had times needed to be escorted out, particularly following their outbursts over the amount of money Chicago is spending on migrants. Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, cheered on the reversal Tuesday and said that in the future, The Council does not need to change these rules. They can simply enforce existing rules for decorum in the chamber. One should not need VIP status or navigate complex rules days in advance to watch government at work in Chicago, he wrote. ayin@chicagotribune.com SACRAMENTO A Republican running to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is threatening lawsuit to block McCarthy's chosen heir from the ballot, plunging the race for the outgoing congress member's seat into further uncertainty. The ultimatum from far-right candidate David Giglio reflects a highly fluid situation in California's 20th congressional district, where McCarthy's decision to resign at the end of the year has launched a messy succession fight that reflects the Republican fractures that cost him the speakership. Assembly member Vince Fong initially said he would not run for McCarthy's seat and filed for re-election. But after Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove surprised observers by passing on a Congress bid, Fong reversed course and entered the House contest with McCarthy's blessing. That has pushed Fong into uncertain legal territory. The California secretary of state's office said in a statement that "no withdrawal is allowed" and candidates cannot run for two seats at once but subsequently appeared to soften that stance, telling a reporter that the unusual circumstances merited closer review. Giglio similarly contends that Fong is barred from running for Congress and said that, if the secretary of state concludes otherwise and lets Fong remain in the race, his campaign would file an immediate legal challenge. The candidate slammed McCarthy's bid to elevate his successor in language that echoed conservative Republicans who pushed him out of the speakership. Giglio, a Donald Trump-aligned conservative who was already challenging McCarthy from the right before his retirement, framed Fong's run as an attempt by "McCarthy, spineless RINOs, and special interest groups" to "steal another deep red seat from President Trump and MAGA." "Former Speaker McCarthy and Mr. Fong's misguided actions are yet another example of the corrupt Washington cartel acting outside the boundaries of the law," Giglio said in a statement. Representatives for Fong's campaign and for the secretary of state's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the status of the legal action. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly called special counsel Jack Smith deranged and a thug. Now his attorneys are comparing him to the Grinch. Trumps lawyers made the comparison in a court filing Wednesday that unsuccessfully urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to rule against Smiths request for an expedited appeal on whether Trump can claim presidential immunity in a criminal case accusing him of illegally trying to stay in power after his 2020 election loss. In the filing, Trumps attorneys said that signing off on Smiths proposed schedule would make President Trumps opening brief due the day after Christmas. This proposed schedule would require attorneys and support staff to work round-the-clock through the holidays, inevitably disrupting family and travel plans. It is as if the Special Counsel growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming, I must find some way to keep Christmas from coming. But how?'" Thats a reference to Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, about a character with a heart two sizes too small who hates the whole Christmas season and plots to sabotage the holiday. Film Title: The Grinch (Universal Studios) Peter Carr, a spokesperson for Smiths office, declined comment. Prosecutors filed their response to Trumps legal arguments Wednesday and suggested Trumps attorneys had their math wrong, saying their filing would be due Dec. 23, not Dec. 26. In any event, the publics need for a speedy resolution of these important legal issues take precedence over personal scheduling issues, prosecutors wrote. They did not mention Trumps holiday jab. In a ruling late Wednesday, the appeals court granted Smith's request without explanation. They ordered Trump's team to file their brief in the case by Dec. 23, and gave Smith until Dec. 30 to respond. Trump will then have until Jan. 2 to file to response to that filing. Oral arguments will then be held at a later date. That decision was handed down after the judge presiding over the underlying criminal case, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, halted proceedings in the case until the immunity appeal is resolved. In their Wednesday filing, Trumps attorneys had urged the appeals court not to rush. This appeal presents novel, complex, and sensitive questions of profound importance, they wrote. Whether a President of the United States may be criminally prosecuted for his official acts as President goes to the core of our system of separated powers and will stand among the most consequential questions ever decided by this Court. The manifest public interest lies in the Courts careful and deliberate consideration of these momentous issues with the utmost care and diligence. Trumps lawyers argued that the only reason Smith was seeking expedited consideration was to keep the March 4 trial date on track, a schedule the defense maintains is unrealistic given the enormous volume of discovery in the case and numerous novel legal issues surrounding prosecution of a former president. The prosecution has one goal in this case: To unlawfully attempt to try, convict, and sentence President Trump before an election in which he is likely to defeat President Biden. This represents a blatant attempt to interfere with the 2024 presidential election and to disenfranchise the tens of millions of voters who support President Trumps candidacy, they contended. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case. In a separate appeal of a gag order barring Trump from attacking potential witnesses in the case, his attorneys argued that the trial should be delayed until after the November election. A panel of D.C. Court of Appeals judges shot down that suggestion last week and ruled largely in Smiths favor. Delaying the trial date until after the election, as Mr. Trump proposes, would be counterproductive, create perverse incentives, and unreasonably burden the judicial process, the ruling said. In addition, postponing trial would incentivize criminal defendants to engage in harmful speech as a means of delaying their prosecution, the judges added. Smith's filing argued that time is of the essence. "Expediting the appeal in this case is necessary to vindicate the publics interest in a timely trial," Smith's team contended, and would not prevent "the parties from giving the issues on appeal due consideration." In addition to the appeal before the appeals court, Smith has moved to have the matter heard directly by the Supreme Court. If Trump were to win the 2024 election and the trial delayed, that would call into question when he could be tried. At a hearing this month in Georgia on state election interference charges, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee asked Trump attorney Steve Sadow if Trump could stand trial in 2025 if he were elected in November. The answer to that is I believe that under the supremacy clause and his duties as president of the United States, this trial would not take place at all until after he left his term in office, Sadow replied. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BEIRUT, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Over a quarter or 26 percent of households across Lebanon had children not attending school as the country continues to reel under an unprecedented financial crisis. According to a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the percentage increased from 18 percent in April 2023. "This terrible crisis is eroding the childhood of hundreds of thousands of children through multiple crises. Its severity is crushing children's dreams and taking away their learning, happiness, and future," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF representative in Lebanon. The report also highlights parents' struggle to afford necessities, including food and medication, adding that more than 8 in 10 households, or 84 percent, had to borrow money or buy on credit to purchase essential grocery items. Furthermore, Lebanon's border confrontations with Israel made things worse as dozens of schools in southern Lebanon have closed since October, which affected more than 6,000 students, the report noted. UNICEF urged the Lebanese government to take serious measures to ensure the delivery of essential services for all children across the country. "We must redouble our efforts to make sure every child in Lebanon is in school and learning, is protected from physical and mental harm, and has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society," said Beigbeder. Media Matters is now suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he opened an investigation into the liberal non-profit over its reporting of Elon Musks X. In the lawsuit, the non-profit alleges that Mr Paxtons retaliatory investigation is unlawful and violates its First Amendment rights. The dispute began when Media Matters released a report claiming that adverts from major companies were running next to pro-Hitler and antisemitic content on X. The report prompted a series of major companies including Disney, Apple and IBM to pull advertising from the social media platform. Executives at X quickly condemned Media Matters, claiming the research strategy used to uncover the content next to company adverts was not representative of how regular people use the platform. The organisation had followed accounts that posted the content, then refreshed the X timeline until adverts appeared, X executive Joe Benarroch claimed. An X spokesperson added that the company did not intentionally place the adverts next to the posts from the antisemitic accounts, which have now been demonetised, meaning advertising can no longer run on their profiles. Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Mr Musk also responded to the report by launching a thermonuclear lawsuit against Media Matters alleging it unlawfully interfered with Xs relationships with advertisers. Mr Paxton, a Republican, then announced that he was opening an investigation into Media Matters for potential fraudulent activity related to its investigation of X. At the time, Mr Musk applauded the probe, writing on X: Fraud is both a civil and criminal violation. Now, in the latest twist, Media Matters announced its own legal action against Mr Paxton, suing the AG and asking a judge to permanently block his investigation. While the latest lawsuit does not allege that Mr Musk and Mr Paxton are in collusion, it claims that Mr Paxton was one of several politicians and media figures who swiftly jumped to Musks cause over the report. As well as alleging violations of the First Amendment, the suit also claims the 14th Amendments guarantee of due process and reporter shield laws in Maryland and Washington DC have been violated. The lawsuit claims that Mr Paxtons office sent a letter to Media Matters on 21 November demanding a broad swath of documents related to its reporting. Under shield laws, journalists are protected from being compelled to disclose their sources in certain situations. Attorneys for Media Matters said the request from Mr Paxtons office was intrusive, and many of Media Matters reporters and researchers have since pared back reporting and publishing, particularly on any topics that could be perceived as relating to the Paxton investigation. Elon Musk (AP) These reporters and researchers are also aware that Media Matterss editorial team has been required to hold back stories about X and Musk due to these concerns, the lawsuit adds. Lawyers for Media Matters added that the chill imposed by his retaliatory scheme injures Plaintiffs ability to investigate and publish news stories and further chills their ability to participate in a robust public discussion around political extremism on the X platform. Media Matters, which is based in Washington DC but does carry out business in Texas, is outside of the Texas attorney generals jurisdiction. The Independent has contacted X, Media Matters and Mr Paxtons office for comment. Traffic at the Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing on the Polish-Ukrainian border has reopened after being blocked by a broken-down truck, the Polish media outlet RMF24 reported on Dec. 12, citing Polish police. Dorohusk-Yahodyn is one of four checkpoints that Polish truckers have blocked since early November in protest of the EU's liberalization of transit rules for Ukrainian truckers. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced on Dec. 11 that the blockade at Dorohusk-Yahodyn had been lifted, and trucks were again moving along the border. Shortly after, it was blocked again by a truck parked across the middle of the highway, which Ukrainian truckers were told had broken down. With the blockage cleared, trucks may resume transit through the border "without any difficulties," Polish police said. Local Polish authorities added that there is still a long line, and it may take as long as 32 hours to cross the border. Polish truckers initially launched the demonstration on the grounds that the influx of Ukrainian drivers was harming their livelihoods, and that Ukrainian trucks were carrying Polish goods to other countries. Ukrainian officials and industry representatives deny the accusations. Since the Polish truck blockade began, Slovak truckers have also joined the protest, with Hungarian carriers saying they would join the blockade starting from Dec. 11. Protests continue at the Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska, Medyka-Shehyni, and the Uhryniv-Dolhobychuv crossings. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys Archewell Foundation is launching The Welcome Project in hopes of creating more inclusive communities. This week, the release of the Archewell Foundations annual impact report revealed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry launched a new initiative this year called The Welcome Project. Inspired by the Duchess of Sussexs service work with the U.K.-based Hubb Community Kitchen following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the new project supports women-led programming for recently resettled Afghan women to help build more inclusive and connected communities. With 11 already active Welcome Projects across the nation in states like California, Montana, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., the program is already making impactful progress within communities. The foundations decision to focus on Afghan women stemmed from the intense social isolation the demographic faced during relocation. To foster a sense of belonging, the Welcome Projects not only offer bonding activities but also access to employment opportunities, educational, entrepreneurial resources, and more. We know that when women are well resourced and empowered to direct their own futures, said the Archewell Foundation in a statement, per People magazine. They not only build a better life for themselves but also dramatically improve the lives of those around them, their families, and their communities. In other words, supporting women means supporting communities. Through activities like sewing, art, hiking, swimming, photography, storytelling and cooking, the Archewell Foundation reports bringing together 237 women to date. Of these women, 98.8% describe developing meaningful friendships and feeling as though their culture is both accepted and respected. Similarly, 97.7% noted decreased feelings of loneliness as a result of the social connection. Recommended Stories Meghan Markle The Archewell Foundation, The Archewell Foundation Welcome Project, Meghan Markle Welcome Project, Prince Harry Welcome Project theGrio.com Lifestyle Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce their newest initiative, The Welcome Project Haniyah Philogene Meghan Markle, Variety Power of Women, Tyler Perry, Prince Harry, the holidays, theGrio.com Featured Meghan Markle discusses what her children love about the holidays Kay Wicker Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, Meghan Markle, Renaissance World Tour, Beyonce, Hallowclean, Water Wipes, Halloween time, trick-or-treating, celebrities celebrating Halloween, spooky season, theGrio.com Lifestyle Kelly Rowland talks meeting Meghan Markle and making Halloween magic Kay Wicker Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Archewell Foundation, Archewell Foundation Parents Featured Meghan Markle and Prince Harry talk parenting and protecting childrens mental health in the digital age Maiysha Kai Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 - Day 5 Lifestyle Meghan Markle gives a nod to her Nigerian heritage at the Invictus Games TheGrio Lifestyle Meghan Markle wedding dress, Meghan Markle Clare Waight Keller dress, Duchess of Sussex wedding theGrio.com Lifestyle Meghan Markles wedding dress designer shares the unique details woven into the famed gown TheGrio Lifestyle Meghan Markle Entertainment Everything you need to know about Meghan Markle Shelby Law Featured UK press watchdog finds a tabloid column about hate for Prince Harrys wife, Meghan, was sexist Associated Press This is not the first time Markle has worked with the Afghan community. In 2021, she and her husband, Prince Harry, visited a military base where they met with women from displaced families within the community. Similarly, the quality time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent cooking with the women of that community mirrored the time Markle spent working with the Hobb Community Kitchen in 2018. At that time, the community inspired her to write the forward and assist in the publishing of Together: Our Community Cookbook. Fast forward five years, and Markle is bringing her work with Afghan women stateside, once again leveraging food as a means to create and unite communities. Beyond individual initiatives, the Welcome Projects hosts Welcome Dinners where attendees can connect over a shared meal. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce their newest initiative, The Welcome Project appeared first on TheGrio. Palestinian children are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) GAZA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. "We are open to discuss any arrangement or initiative that could end the (Israeli) aggression," Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau, said in a televised speech aired on Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV, adding that without Hamas, any arrangement regarding the future of Gaza would not succeed. Haniyeh said Hamas welcomed the United Nations General Assembly's resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and applauded the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the ministerial committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit to end the Gaza conflict. He confirmed Hamas's rejection of any post-war political arrangements that exclude Hamas and other Palestinian factions, and urged for increased international pressure to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza. Earlier, Israeli media reported several Hamas leaders' departure from Qatar to undisclosed destinations, suggesting potential relocations to countries such as Lebanon, Iran, or Algeria. No confirmation from Hamas has been obtained regarding these reports. Israel's conflict with Hamas since Oct. 7 has resulted in extensive casualties. At least 18,608 Palestinians have been killed and 50,594 others wounded in the Israeli attacks on Gaza and about 1,200 people have died in the Hamas attacks on Israel. Palestinian children are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) Palestinian children are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A Palestinian child is seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A Palestinian child is seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A Palestinian child is seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) A Palestinian child is seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) WASHINGTON In September, Millennium Space Systems played a key role in a U.S. Space Force mission to demonstrate the ability to deliver a spacecraft and launch it on rapid timelines. The company now says it wants to apply lessons from that mission, dubbed Victus Nox, to other areas including the Space Forces Missile Track Custody program. We will definitely be able to transfer that knowledge and leverage that success from Victus Nox on programs like Missile Track Custody, CEO Jason Kim told C4ISRNET in an interview. For Victus Nox, Millennium took advantage of its active Altair satellite bus production line to deliver a spacecraft in a matter of months a process that typically takes years. Then, just 60 hours before liftoff, the Space Force notified the company that it should ship the satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and integrate it with a Firefly Aerospace rocket. Following the launch, the satellite completed its checkout and was ready for operations in 37 hours. That phase often takes weeks or months, Kim said, and that speed is largely owed to the automated systems Millennium uses for on-orbit checkout. Due to that flexibility and due to the active production lines, we can move really fast, he explained. In late November, Millennium completed its critical design review for the Missile Track Custody program, which aims to develop a constellation of satellites in medium Earth orbit, or 1,200-22,000 miles above Earth. Sensors will equip those spacecraft to spot and track missiles as well as send data to users on the ground. The Space Force plans to develop the satellites in batches, or epochs, with each more capable than the next. The first epoch will include nine satellites, and the second 18. The service requested $538 million for the effort in fiscal 2024, and it plans to spend $3.5 billion through fiscal 2028 to build out the constellation. Millennium is on contract to deliver six satellites as part of the first epoch. The defense firm RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, will deliver three. The service awarded L3Harris Technologies a prototyping contract in June, and the company intends to compete for the second epoch. Now that Millenniums satellite has passed its critical design review, it is set to enter a yearlong test phase. Lindsay Dewald, deputy program manager for the effort, told C4ISRNET the company will use digital engineering tools to validate the systems performance. Were transitioning to high-fidelity testing of various aspects that verify and validate our analysis to date in that digital environment, she said. We perform those tests throughout 2024 while we are receiving parts that are already on order, enabling us to be ready for an integration readiness review. That review will occur in late 2024 or early 2025, she added. The program carries some schedule and technical risks, but Dewald noted the companys use of heritage components and its rigorous digital testing environment should mitigate those and keep the program on pace. As it focuses on the first epochs satellite development, Millennium is also thinking ahead to the second epoch. The Space Force plans to release a draft solicitation in early 2024 and a final request for proposals later that year. The company is establishing a production line dedicated to Missile Track Custody, and Kim and Dewald noted that having a stable satellite design for the first epoch will help the company in later stages of the program when its incorporating new capabilities. Throughout the recent phases ... we kept an eye on not only ensuring we meet our Epoch 1 requirements and capabilities, but how do we put the hooks in and how do we account for being able to do refresh and mature technology in the future to meet the governments mission needs as it develops this critical mission capability, Dewald said. MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee woman was seriously hurt after a hit-and-run crash Friday, Dec. 8 on the city's south side. Family said Tiffany Dane was crossing the street on her way to the store when she was struck. Surveillance video showed a red car hit her and keep going. "To hear and see my mom crippled on the ground screaming for help, and its cold out here. It wasnt a good scene. Blood everywhere," said Brett Dane, 's son. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Brett said his mother suffered broken bones, bruising and brain bleeding. "Its an emotional roller coaster right now. Shes going through a lot of pain. Shes struggling with the pain," he said. "The hospital shes at, theyre doing a really good job helping her. Tiffany and Brett Dane Milwaukee police are searching for the driver. "Turn yourself in. Take accountability for what you did to an innocent woman," Brett said. "Cherish your loved ones. Especially your immediate family, because this was a scare where I could have never talked to my mom again." The family created a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help cover medical expenses. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson on Tuesday announced the nominations of three new members to the commission responsible for oversight of the city's police and fire departments. In a statement, Johnson said he appreciated the nominees' willingness to serve on the Fire and Police Commission. "Each brings a depth of experience and knowledge that will benefit the entire city," he said in the statement. The Common Council must confirm the nominees before they can be seated on the commission. The 15-member council and its committees do not meet again until January. Johnson nominated: Jeff Spence, who served as senior fellow and officer of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and is a former longtime Milwaukee School Board member. His name was in the news earlier this year when he unsuccessfully ran for Milwaukee Common Council and a seat on the School Board. Ramon E. Evans, who has "held several positions as principal" at Milwaukee Public Schools. Christopher J. Snyder, a former Milwaukee Fire Department deputy chief whom Johnson's office said the mayor selected from a list provided by the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215, in compliance with provisions in a state law that went into effect this year. The civilian oversight board is among the oldest of its kind in the country, though much of its powers were curtailed earlier this year by the Republican-controlled state Legislature as part of an agreement that boosted funding to local governments and helped Milwaukee avoid a fiscal cliff. The law known as Act 12 included a series of policy changes aimed at Milwaukee. That included removing the Fire and Police Commissions power to set policies for the police and fire departments, instead transferring that responsibility to each department's chief. A two-thirds majority of the Common Council could suspend or modify those policies. The commission can still issue directives to the chiefs, hire and fire the chiefs and review the disciplinary appeals of police officers and firefighters, among other powers. The bill also requires two members of the commission to be chosen from lists submitted to the mayor by unions representing rank-and-file police officers and firefighters. Snyder's nomination would fill a void left by Gerard Washington, a retired Milwaukee Fire Department official who resigned earlier this year to accept a job out of state. A former member of the Milwaukee Police Department, Ruben Burgos, already sits on the commission and his presence satisfies the state law's provision regarding a police union-approved commissioner, according to Leon Todd, the commission's executive director. That law prompted then-Chairman Ed Fallone and Vice Chairwoman Amanda Avalos in July to resign from the commission in protest. The commission can have up to nine members. It has historically functioned with seven, but Johnson has repeatedly stated a commitment to fill nine seats. There are currently six members of the commission. Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Elliot Hughes can be reached at elliot.hughes@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three nominated to serve on Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Mini volcanoes appeared all over a Texas beach recently, covering the sand in strange scattered mounds, video shows. But it wasnt lava sitting at the bottom of these volcanoes, according to officials, though sticking a finger or toe inside still might not be a good idea. The mounds are made by ghost shrimp, Quintana Beach County Park said in a Dec. 10 Facebook post, sharing video of countless burrows sitting where the sand meets the surf. Normally, land dwellers wouldnt see them, but the park was experiencing an extremely low tide, the post read. Hidden from view in each subterranean hovel, theres likely a ghost shrimp lurking. The ghost shrimps name is half misleading, as its more closely related to crabs than shrimp, experts say, though it does look akin to a tiny lobster being viewed through an X-ray machine. A ghost shrimp. Equipped with a pair of claws and a translucent shell, the ghost shrimp is a gifted digger, according to experts. Despite measuring between 3 to 4 inches, the diminutive shellfish can excavate burrows up to 4 feet deep, the park said. The burrows serve as the ghost shrimps home but are also critical to how it feeds, experts say. Using their legs, the ghost shrimp force water to circulate into their branching burrows, which draws in food particles they can eat, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology. By creating these spider webbing pathways in the seafloor, ghost shrimp benefit more than just themselves. They are an important part of intertidal ecosystems, because they drive oxygen into the sand as they burrow which helps organic matter to decompose, enriching the sediment, and ultimately providing food for more creatures, Quintana Beachs post said. This process is called bioturbation and while its often a good thing, ghost shrimps can sometimes take it too far. Burrowing ghost shrimp arent beloved by all; in fact, if you are a tiny surface-dwelling animal, you may find them to be the worst kind of neighbors, the Washington State Department of Ecology said. Excessive bioturbation from the burrowing activities of many ghost shrimp can turn the mud into quicksand, causing anything on the surface to sink. Quintana Beach County Park is roughly 70 miles south of Houston. Elusive predator with eye-catching coat spotted near California coast, photo shows Man tracks Siberian tiger that killed his dog then it kills him, Russian officials say Hunter shoots trophy buck then her boyfriend drops to his knee, Nebraska photos show It stings, it shocks, it has polka dots. Incredible creature found on Texas beach A beloved Minnesota comic and activist was brutally killed in Colombia after he reportedly went on a date with a woman he met online. Authorities in the South American country notified loved ones of 50-year-old Tou Ger Xiong about the tragic developments in what had initially been a kidnapping investigation after his body was found in the city of Medellin. Investigators told local news outlet El Colombiano that Xiong sustained more than a dozen stab wounds and severe trauma to his body from a 59ft fall. His family only learned of his death on Tuesday morning after his body was identified thanks to the clothes he was wearing. Xiong arrived in Medellin on 29 November and had been posting snippets of his trip on social media. On Facebook, he shared a video seemingly recorded at a Karol G concert, as well as another video of himself enjoying a sunny pool day and listening to upbeat music. The events that led to Xiongs death began on Sunday night after he met with a woman he had first interacted with on social media. A spokesperson with the local attorneys office told El Colombiano that after spending some time with the woman, Xiong was kidnapped by several men. Xiongs brother Eh Xiong told Kare11 that he received a call over the weekend from his slain brother asking for $20,000. Days before his death, Tou Ger Xiong had shared a video of himself enjoying a sunny pool day and listening to upbeat music (Tou Ger Xiong/Facebook) Eh Xiong said he didnt find the request unusual as his brother often borrowed money from him while on vacation, but he couldnt send the money right away because he was about to catch a flight. This time hes like, Do you have a couple thousand? And Im like, Yah, no problem, Mr Xiong told the outlet. I said, When you do you want it? And he said, I want it now because Im in a bit of a situation here. Mr Xiong did not hear from his brother the next day. Acquaintances of Xiong in Medellin alerted authorities that he had been kidnapped and a missing persons investigation began. However, Xiongs lifeless body was found on Monday and the remains were later positively identified. Around 4.40pm that same day, a woman allegedly broke inside the apartment where Xiong had been staying and stole several belongings. Law enforcement arrived at the apartment shortly after the robbery took place but the woman had already fled the scene, the spokesperson for the AGs office said. Xiong was a refugee from Laos who worked in comedy and as an activist. He was remembered as a local leader who worked to uplift his community. US Senator Tina Smith said she had been in touch with the Department of Justice and was actively working to ensure that Xiongs remains were transported to Minnesota once the investigation in Colombia allowed. In honor of our brother Tou Ger, who has dedicated his life to building bridges across cultures, to giving voice for those who may not have one, and to working toward justice for all, we will be creating a non-profit foundation in his name, Eh Xiong said in a statement o Tuesday. We believe that channelling our grief into supporting a cause dear to Tou Ger would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. Xiongs family is in touch with Colombian authorities. The Independent has reached out to the FBI and the Department of Justice. A Casa Grande doctor who had faced 14 official claims of sexual misconduct over more than two decades has never lost his Arizona medical license. Editors note: This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse that may be disturbing. The Arizona Republic generally does not name victims of sexual assault. Panic faded to embarrassment as Meredith Younce drove away from her doctors office. She tried to rationalize: Did that just happen? OK, it did happen. But why? She decided it was wrong. The 22-year-old craved validation, she told The Arizona Republic. She called another person she should trust. Again, she was let down. Her boyfriend dismissed her that day in 1998, she said. Contacted by The Republic, he confirmed her account. Oh, Meredith, she recalled her boyfriend saying, hes a doctor, he sees lady parts all the time. No, she said. Hes a pediatrician, not a gynecologist. When she got home, her boyfriend was waiting with news: she needed to talk to the police, there were other women. At his Casa Grande office, Dr. Michael Ridge spoke with The Republic in September. He denied Younces claim. He also denied, one after another, sexual misconduct claims made about him by 13 other women in court and medical board documents. Ridge welcomed the interview. He beat criminal sexual misconduct charges 24 years ago and settled a related lawsuit. He held a lingering concern about what the Arizona Medical Board could do, though he has emerged from its scrutiny at least 11 times for a variety of issues and kept his license. Ridge, 71, continued to practice medicine despite complaints to the state medical board, including issues with record-keeping, complaints about bad drug prescribing and four sexual misconduct complaints across a generation of women. In the court of public opinion, and in criminal court, Ridge got the benefit of the doubt. Claims that Ridge abused his patients were judged by a changing cast of medical board members, but their reactions were similar. In those cases of he said vs she said, the board didnt side with the women, despite similar claims spanning decades and the #MeToo global reckoning about the handling of sexual misconduct. Dr. Michael Ridge, shown in an exam room at his office in Casa Grande on Sept. 14, 2023, was investigated by the Arizona Medical Board in 1998. The board considered complaints that Ridge sexually abused two patients in 1998. In 2003, it investigated an allegation that Ridge inappropriately touched a patient. In 2011, it looked into a complaint from a woman who said Ridge inappropriately exposed her breasts and stomach during an appointment. And again in 2021, it looked into a complaint that Ridge unnecessarily exposed a womans breasts during an abdominal exam. Three times between 1999 and 2022, the board ordered Ridge to have a chaperone. Its an unusual requirement that another trained professional monitor his exams of women. He was written up for violating that order. Ridge is joined by six other doctors in Arizona who the board requires to have chaperones. That includes one doctor left in place after committing a crime: The board gave a second, then a third chance to a registered sex offender. He holds his Arizona medical license to this day. Why the board didnt take further action is difficult to pin down. Their investigations arent public. The board is mandated by law to protect patients, but its mostly composed of fellow doctors. The board has fought to keep its records so secret they cant even be revealed in civil court, much less to patients. Questions to current board members largely went unanswered. The boards executive director, Pat McSorley, declined an in-person interview and asked that questions be submitted by email. She said that would be more accurate, but she did not respond to some of the questions asked. The board is busy, according to McSorley. Seven investigators handled 1,160 complaints in the past year about 165 per investigator. She said their investigations are uncompromised by the workload, but theyre asking the state for more money for more staff. Another 812 complaints were simply discarded because state laws tie the boards hands in some cases: They cant take anonymous complaints or investigate misbehavior more than four years old, among other restrictions. It doesnt get much better in other states. Despite its flaws, Arizonas board ranks highly among other states for taking action against doctors. The board is mandated by law to coordinate with law enforcement to investigate possible crimes. But at least three times the board got complaints of Ridge inappropriately touching or exposing his patients and did not pass them on to local police. Eleven women spoke out against Ridge as revealed in 1999 criminal court proceedings. His public file shows the state medical board investigated two complaints at the time. In the following years, Ridge was accused before the medical board of victimizing another woman. And another. And another. That whole time, the board left Ridge free to see patients. "It happens way too often and when it comes down to the woman's word against a doctor's word, the medical boards are going to take the doctor's word most times, said Lisa McGiffert of the Patient Safety Action Network, a national patient advocacy group. In all, 14 women formally accused Ridge. He reasoned the stories they told about him couldn't be real. I dont know how you could possibly do any of that kind of stuff, he said, and get away with it. A visit to the doctor, then a visit to police The Republic exposed allegations against Ridge and the boards handling of him by filling in gaps in his state licensing file with police and court documents that contain additional claims of sexual misconduct. Suspicions about Ridge first became public in his 1990s criminal trial. It started with five women, including Younce. As a doctor in a rural area, specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics, Ridge was widely respected and widely defended. In an interview, Ridge wore paisley, called himself a hippie and said patients love his joking bedside manner. He landed in medicine in part because his deep musical appreciation couldnt compensate for a lack of musical talent. His office is adorned with Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix posters. He boasts he helped birth a Jonas brother. No kidding Joe Jonas donated to the hospital, which has a nursery bearing his name. Back in 1998, Casa Grande, a suburb of Phoenix, was half its current size. Younce said she was a patient of Ridges partner, Dr. Douglas Parkin. Meredith Younce, shown in a Christmas vacation photo near the time she saw Dr. Michael Ridge in 1998 for a bladder infection. In February 1998, Younce had a jampacked schedule of work and class, and she had a bladder infection. She had dealt with those before. Treatment was usually pretty quick. No physical examination, just a prescription for antibiotics. But this time she couldnt get an appointment with Parkin, so she scheduled an appointment, for her lunch break, with Ridge. She described her encounter with him in an interview with The Republic. It was chilly. Her 5-foot, 95-pound frame was cocooned in an oversize knit sweater. She wore trendy stirrup pants essentially leggings with loops around her heels. And an elastic waistband. She sat in a small exam room and she waited. Ridge arrived, with a quip: So youre peeing fire, huh? she remembered him asking. He seems a little goofy, she thought. He directed her to lie back on the exam table, asking questions about symptoms. He pulled her sweater up and her waistband down, she said. Younce thought: Which underwear am I wearing? You dont want a doctor to see your crummy underwear. Why is he looking at my underwear? Then he exposed her entire pubic area. The moment he did, she threw her hands over her blushing face. It was a childlike defense: If I cant see you, you cant see me. Suddenly, he stopped. He pulled her underwear and pants back up. He talked about an antibiotic, but Younce recalled he didnt explain what he did. I couldn't hear what he was saying, Younce said. I was just thinking in my head ... it's a bladder infection what is he looking at? Looking at a patients genitals in the way Younce recalled does not have a medical purpose, according to Dr. Burton Bentley, who runs a firm of medical experts in Tucson and said he has testified in court many times himself. At the front desk, Younce longed for consolation. Instead, she got a bill. Youre going to pay $80 for some quack who just took a free peek at your lady parts, she thought. Ridge denied Younce's account of the exam. It didnt happen, Ridge told The Republic. But to say that I remember it now, Id be lying to you. And Im not going to lie to you. Younces boyfriend had a strong mom. Kay Kerbys obituary in September boasted that she didn't suffer fools. Kay heard her daughters friend had a similar run-in with Ridge. So when her son told her about Younce, she took action. She brought Younce to Casa Grande police Detective Michael Glaser. A police records clerk found the detectives 25-year-old report but not the recordings of interviews the report says he made. His report on Younce shows the next day he talked about Ridge to two other women, whom The Republic is identifying by initials. R.M. told the detective in February 1998 she had been a patient of Ridges for more than 10 years and she complained about him to the state medical board. A person identified publicly by the board by the same initials made a complaint to the board dated January 1998. She hurt her knee and went to Ridges office for a referral to an orthopedic specialist. She wore a dress. Ridge had her lie on the exam table. She said that Ridge moved her legs apart "and literally stuck his head between her legs for a better view, the detective reported. Ridge pulled her dress up and her underwear down. He pressed around her pelvic area, asking if it hurt. "No, she said. I told you, I hurt my knee only. Ridge then had her stand on the floor while he went behind her. He pulled up her dress and ran his hand all the way down from the bottom of her buttocks to below her knee. "Did that hurt? "No, and that is the wrong leg. Detective Glaser largely declined to comment when reached by a reporter. I believed the women then, Glaser said, and I have no reason not to believe them now. The detectives report shows he also talked to B.R., also in February 1998. She told him she felt uncomfortable seeing Ridge for the past year. She went to Ridge for abdominal pain. Four to six times, he pulled her pants down or asked her to. She thought that this was strange but he was the doctor and believed that he must know what he was doing, the detective wrote. The last time she saw Ridge was about moles on her back, a month prior. He asked her to get on the exam table. She showed him the moles. He asked if she had looked for others. She said she had checked herself, and she didnt have any. He told her to unbutton her pants, and pulled them down, saying he wanted to check for more. He checked her legs. She felt his whole hand underneath her vagina. He pushed on it twice and asked if she ever had pain there. She said no. He spread her vulva and looked at it. She was sure it was just a short moment. It seemed like a long time. The detective gave her a box of Kleenex as she cried. In an interview with The Republic, Ridge denied what the women said about him. The detective got a search warrant for Ridges office and showed up after hours, when Ridge wasnt there. The detective told Ridges partner, Parkin, that several women had made claims against Ridge. Parkin said he didnt know of any complaints from women. An obituary shows Parkin died last December. Parkin said there wasnt a written policy on treating women, but he always had a nurse present just to cover himself, the detectives report shows. Parkin asked: He didn't penetrate any of these women, did he? The detective later spoke to Ridge in a police station interview room. R.M.s account didnt ring any bells, Ridge told the detective. He may have pulled her pants down to feel her groin pulses. Groin pulses? The detective asked: Was that a normal thing? Yeah, Ridge said. The detective asked Ridge about B.R. "I gave her whole body kind of a look because she worries about moles, Ridge said. "I didn't take her clothes off or anything like that, I may have pulled her pants down to look at the mole I had removed previously. The detective asked: Is there any reason Ridge would check her vaginal area? There was not, Ridge told him. "I believe that I must have done something that offended them, but it wasn't a conscious thing, Ridge said. The detective arrested Ridge on two charges of sexual abuse, searched him and booked him into Pinal County Jail. It happened so fast, Younce said. She was shocked, but glad. She thought: he wont be practicing medicine now. But just as quickly, the town responded. Ridges name and charges hit the local paper. Just the basics in 341 words. The women werent named, their stories werent told. Even so, more than 500 people promptly signed a full-page newspaper ad categorically endorsing Ridge, attesting to his professional and ethical conduct and boasting they came together in 72 hours. Younce was shocked. My school principal signed it, she said. My French teacher signed it. My government teacher signed it, other girls on the cheerleading squad. My dads mechanic. Ridge said the ad made him feel good. In an interview, he said he figured the folks in town liked his humor and cracked a joke about God coming to Earth as a doctor. As news of Ridges arrest spread, the detective got an anonymous phone call. The caller told him that one of Ridges former office managers saw it coming. The detective later tracked down the office manager, Jean Pasell. She couldnt remember the complaint exactly, the detectives report shows. She recalled in about 1986, a woman raised concern about getting a breast or pelvic exam when the patient hadnt come in for one. When Pasell talked to Ridge, he just laughed it off, the detectives report shows. Pasell told The Republic that before the criminal charges against Ridge, she met with two women on different occasions who were distraught and angry. She said they felt Ridge touched them inappropriately. The detective also learned about a ruling the state medical board issued to Ridge. In the months after Ridges arrest, on May 21, 1998, as a result of complaints from two people identified publicly by the board only by the initials B.R. and M.Y.B., the board ordered Ridge to have a female chaperone present during all examinations of female patients, in all work settings. Less than six weeks after the boards order, the detective heard Ridge wasnt abiding. The detective spoke casually with a Casa Grande police dispatcher. Ridge saw her for a female examination, and she told the detective Ridge saw her alone, though she said nothing unusual happened during the exam. The detective drafted a one-page report, but the concern never made it into Ridges file with the state medical board. Jury hears allegations from 6 women As the case moved toward trial, Pinal County prosecutors found more women who accused Ridge of sexual misconduct. Two more women were added to the criminal complaint, for a total of five. The Republic tried to contact every identifiable woman who formally accused Ridge. Only Younce was willing to speak publicly. Some said they were afraid of retaliation. Dr. Michael Ridge continued to practice medicine in Casa Grande for decades despite complaints to the Arizona Medical Board. One woman saw Ridge for allergies in May 1997 and he yanked on her belt and unzipped her shorts; he then stuck his hand inside her shorts and pressed on her crotch around the area of her pubic hair, the state claimed in a court filing 16 months after Ridges arrest. The other woman saw Ridge twice for a sore throat in November 1997, the state claimed. Both times, he pulled up her bra and squeezed her breasts. As court events unfolded, prosecutors said in a filing they found six more women who they said made similar formal claims that Ridge inappropriately touched them, dating from 1987 to 1998. They included a woman hospitalized with a kidney problem who said she woke in bed to find Ridge opening her labia. Patients said Ridge lifted their shirts when they saw him for colds and a woman said he fondled her vagina during an exam. It was just weird, that last woman said. The Republic asked Ridge to respond to each of the allegations of misconduct described in public documents. He denied almost every claim. He conceded a single point: One woman claimed she saw Ridge in September 1997 for a pelvic exam and he did a breast exam, too. Ridge said that was normal. The stack of allegations against Ridge exists in an official court document filed by state prosecutors. But Ridges court file shows prosecutors werent allowed to tell the jury about many of those claims. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge James Keppel allowed into evidence one womans story of Ridge touching of her vaginal area in a sexual way, and ruled that act provided a basis to infer Ridge had an aberrant sexual propensity to commit the crimes he was charged with. Keppel could not be reached for comment. The judge found there was sufficient evidence to conclude Ridge committed the acts described by four other women. And he ruled they could demonstrate Ridge behaved unprofessionally. But the judges job at that moment was to determine whether the acts were relevant to the criminal trial, and he decided they werent. So state prosecutors were allowed to tell the jury about their five main victims and the additional woman the judge allowed. The defense took shots at the women in court filings. At least two of their witnesses saw a connection between promiscuity and a lack of credibility. The judge denied most of the defenses efforts to bring in victims' sexual history. The defense wanted to tell the jury more about one accuser. She had sex with Ridges stepson the same day she said she was abused by Ridge. The judge wrote: The court finds that the fact of her sexual encounter shortly after the alleged conduct of the defendant would be relevant to (her) credibility. He allowed it. Ridges attorney was nervous, the Casa Grande Dispatch reported at the time. He thought the evidence was weak, but there were just so many women. The normal, natural disposition when there are so many victims" is to assume their allegations are rooted in truth, the newspaper quoted him saying. The jury of four men and four women pondered the case through dinner, returning in 5 hours. The verdict came down: not guilty. Especially in a small town, people hold their professionals, doctors and lawyers, they somewhat put them on a pedestal, said Jeff Sandler, one of the prosecutors who tried Ridge. You dont want to think that somebody you trusted your life to would do something like sexually assault another patient. Another prosecutor gave Younce a hug. They said there wasnt enough evidence, Younce recalled the prosecutor saying of the jury. There arent pictures, theres no hidden video. Its just their word. What evidence would there be, Younce mused, other than us telling you what happened? Younce went on with her life, but Ridge lingered on her mind. Either he would get in trouble again or something, something will happen, she said. She was right. But for now, for Ridge, it was time to celebrate. A few weeks after he was acquitted, his wife threw a party at a restaurant in town. Ridge figured 300 to 400 people came, including a few local police officers. Like much of the crowd, they were his patients. Ridge said he danced with his nurse. I think it's easier when you don't feel guilty, Ridge said. I had faith in the system. And my wife had faith in me. He dismissed the womens accusations as a setup to a shakedown after the criminal trial, he settled a lawsuit brought by two of them. Court records dont give a settlement amount, but he recalled it was about $30,000 each. Younce wasnt involved; she said she didnt want Ridges money. He said the town saw them as trashy and said one spent her settlement on breast implants. Ridge filed a lawsuit of his own, targeting Casa Grande and the detective who investigated him. He made claims including negligence and malicious prosecution. Available court documents dont show the outcome, Ridge couldnt remember filing it, the detective declined to comment and the town had no record of a settlement. During his criminal trial, Ridge had described the pace of his thriving practice as full-tilt boogie. With the legal drama behind him, he went back to work. Complaints about Ridge add up at Arizona Medical Board It was unclear whether all the allegations brought up in the criminal case made it to the Arizona Medical Board. Though the judge in Ridges criminal case ruled the accounts of four women could demonstrate Ridge behaved unprofessionally, they are not in his publicly accessible file from the state. The boards investigative file, which could show more complaints by patients, is confidential pursuant to statute. The board was aware of the 1998 criminal case and an investigation was opened, McSorley, the boards executive director, wrote in an email. The board ordered Ridge to use a chaperone based on the two complaints to the board. McSorley wouldnt say whether the board considered the claims of all 11 women who came forward against Ridge as part of that trial, citing the confidentiality of its investigations. The file does show in April 2003, about five years after he was ordered to have a chaperone, the board checked 10 of Ridges patient charts and found he didnt get a chaperones signoff on four. He told The Republic he did have a chaperone, but she messed up the paperwork. Ultimately, the board largely saw it his way. As part of the same action against Ridge, the board considered another accusation about his behavior. M.A. was the 12th woman to come forward, in June 2003. She went to Ridge to manage her pain medication. She told the state medical board while she was alone in an exam room with Ridge, he inappropriately engaged in physical conduct of a sexual nature by running his hand up the inside of her leg, over her panties in her crotch area and back down her same leg and thigh. Ridge told The Republic it didnt happen. He recalled that she dressed in cowboy boots, but inappropriate looking. The boards findings of fact, with no explanation of the significance, also noted her footwear. Her husband and co-workers told her to cancel another appointment with Ridge. But she decided not to cancel. She wanted to see Dr. Ridge, in part, to be able to confirm to at least herself, the assault had occurred, the board wrote. But she didnt confront him. Ridge adjusted her medication, and the visit was uneventful. She was a nurse at a nearby hospital. About a week later, Ridge heard she told other hospital staff about the first encounter. He confronted her. She was in the break room, telling all this bullshit, he told The Republic. So I went in there, and went at her: You need to shut up. This isnt true, youre being totally inappropriate. The Arizona Medical Board is supposed to forward allegations of crimes to law enforcement. McSorley declined to comment on the case, citing the confidentiality of the board's investigations. A Casa Grande police spokesperson said the department had no record of receiving M.A.s complaint from the board. A doctor, a lawyer and a former police chief each said the board should have forwarded the complaint to police. "I believe it's negligent for the board not to do that, said Stanley Kephart, former chief of the Salt River Police Department, who now works as an expert court witness. "You have failed in your duties and that placed people at risk." The board held an emergency meeting months later, in October 2003, to address the issues with Ridge. They discussed Ridges prior history of this type of allegation, their minutes show. His attorney said he religiously followed the order to have a chaperone, the boards minutes show. Ridge noted his acquittal and told the board this situation has changed his life and he takes every precaution to protect himself from any accusations. The board was worried, its minutes show. At one time he was considered a risk to female patients because he is under a current order not to examine female patients except in the presence of a female chaperone, the minutes show. Since the time of the stipulation agreement in 1998 there has appeared to be lack of compliance. For a second time, the board ordered Ridge to have a female chaperone present any time he is in the office. But the board also included the comments of a nurse who said when the woman went back to Ridge for a second appointment, she wore tight jeans and a low cut blouse. Again, the boards findings give no explanation for including the details about her outfit. An administrative law judge later found the 12th woman's account wasnt credible. It makes no sense that M.A. went back to Dr. Ridge for a second visit shortly after he allegedly committed a horrific sexual assault to her, the board quoted the judge as saying in an April 2004 order. Even so, the judge recommended Ridges license be restricted and that he have a female chaperone in all work settings where he is with a female patient. The board gave Ridge a letter of reprimand for failing to have a chaperone, but in the same order they also did away with the requirement that he have one. Seven years later, in 2011, the medical board got another complaint. And again, it sided with Ridge. A woman said Ridge inappropriately exposed her breasts and stomach during an appointment. Between court filings and complaints to the board, this brought the total number of women who had made similar complaints about the doctor to 13. The board found there was insufficient evidence to sustain allegations against Ridge. It was adjudicated with an administrative closure, according to the boards records custodian, Heather Foster. It was never considered at a board meeting and doesnt appear in board minutes. Ridge denied the claim of misconduct. He couldnt remember the womans name but did remember she was all tattooed up. They wrote him yet another letter that recommended he have a chaperone. But it was just a suggestion. While the Board cannot order Dr. Ridge to employ a chaperone because no discipline is being recommended, the letter said, the Board cautions him to take the recommendation for a chaperone seriously. Meredith Younce sits at her dining room table, next to family photos and a printed list of names of Dr. Michael Ridge's supporters as she speaks to The Arizona Republic in her home on Sept. 28, 2023. A jury found Ridge not guilty in Younce's case against the doctor. Board let sex offender keep medical license Every doctor should generally have a chaperone, according to the American Medical Association. But its rare in Arizona to be compelled to have one. Just seven doctors out of about 29,000 licensed in the state today are under that restriction, according to the state medical board. Their vivid histories are buried in licensing files that patients would have to request the board is required by law to scrub its public website of a lot of doctor misconduct. Theres Dr. Redentor Espiritu, who was accused in 2014 of inappropriately touching and attempting to kiss a partially disrobed patient while demonstrating areas where he proposed liposuction, according to a board order in his file. He couldnt be reached for comment. His profile on the states website shows no record of the misbehavior, just that his license has unspecified restrictions. Theres Dr. Charles Kelly II, who was accused in 2020 by three patients, one for inappropriate performance of an examination, one for inappropriate contact during the course of an examination, and one for inappropriate conduct during the course of a colonoscopy, his file with the board shows. He couldnt be reached for comment. Patients savvy enough to use the boards site can find the order to have a chaperone, among other restrictions, at the bottom of his profile. And there is a registered sex offender. In 2003, Dr. Thomas Francis went to a Tucson fast food restaurant with a sex toy to meet who he thought was a 14-year-old girl he had chatted with online, according to a court record and his medical board file. Instead, he met police officers. He pleaded guilty to one count of attempted luring of a minor for sexual exploitation, his licensing file shows. He was placed on lifetime sex offender probation and had to register as a sex offender, his file shows. Scottsdale police confirmed he is registered. He couldnt be reached for comment. The board revoked his license but in the same order stayed that revocation, leaving him free to practice, albeit with restrictions, including the chaperone. The determination to allow continued practice in this case was made prior to my employment with the board, and prior to the appointment of all of the current board members, McSorley said in an email. Francis offered no excuse for what he did, board minutes show. His attorney told the board he embarrassed himself, his family and his practice. But she argued this is not who he is and this is an isolated event of extremely poor judgment, the minutes show. He wasnt sexually inappropriate with a patient. When Francis spoke to the board, he underscored the narrow path he had to walk, including a lifetime of therapy. He said he would go to jail if he missed two sessions in a row. The board voted to let him keep his license and put him on indefinite probation. The board wrote him up once for not having his chaperone sign a patients chart. At the time, his wife, a nurse practitioner, was his chaperone. Even so, he still has an active Arizona medical license. A patient searching for him on the boards limited public website would see no mention of his sex crime and no board actions. Doctors make up two-thirds of board The state medical boards investigations are secret, and doctor misconduct is similarly hard for patients to learn about. The board is forbidden by law from posting documents older than five years. It also is barred by a 2011 law from posting advisory letters that the board issues to doctors in response to complaints against them. Its the most common action the board takes and these letters are expressly public records, if patients happen to know how to ask. The letters arent formal discipline but detail serious issues, including sexual misconduct. The board is mostly insiders by mandate eight of 12 members must actively practice medicine. Five of the 12 have contributed to Arizona Medical Political Action Committee, associated with a doctor group that backed the law on advisory letters. One board member, Dr. Gary Figge, appointed by former Gov. Doug Ducey, simultaneously served as a state medical board member and as the chairman of the PAC. Figge declined to comment. The boards executive director offered a state handbook that instructs public officers on how to avoid conflicts of interest. She also pointed to the boards minutes, noting that all deliberations regarding cases before the Board are discussed in public and a record of the discussions exists for public review. Despite that pledge of transparency, the board is hard to know about. Its investigations are secret. Audio recordings of board meetings started only in 2012, after much of its action on Ridge. The board doesnt track the nature of the complaints it gets, so its impossible to know how many doctors have faced sexual abuse accusations. The board provided a spreadsheet of doctors accused of sexual misconduct whom it took action against 24 since 2018. Six of the doctors kept their licenses, including one convicted in Mohave County court of surreptitious photography. After The Republic asked about the gap in tracking complaints, the boards director said in an email officials were currently implementing a new database system which should be able to track and provide this information in the future. The Republic reached out to all 12 medical board members. The only one who replied was Dr. David Beyer. He declined to comment on Ridge. Certainly, the Board could do a better job with more resources, he said in an email response to a question about their caseloads. That is probably true of every state agency. But I remain proud of the work we have done. Forty-nine minutes after that message was sent, McSorley, the boards executive director, instructed members to defer all questions about board business to her, according to an email obtained by The Republic. McSorley largely declined to comment on specific cases, but offered a summary of the outcomes for Ridge, noting a jury acquitted him, and saying the board wasnt allowed to revisit allegations that underwent the scrutiny of the judicial process. In addition, my observation of the Board is that they are a group of professional members committed to the protection of the public and take their roles very seriously, McSorley said. Find out more: How to check your doctor's history and other options for better health care in Arizona It might be my personality Younce left Casa Grande behind. She got married, had three kids, and got divorced. She has a tidy suburban home with a lagoon-style pool in metro Phoenix, preferring the anonymity of a bigger city. Younce studied for a career in health care compliance, securing a masters degree and a new job in recent years. She also learned she could look up doctors through the state medical boards website. Ridge had lingered on her mind, and it occurred to her to look him up. She found an order the board issued to Ridge. In all, 14 women, including Meredith Younce, formally accused Dr. Michael Ridge of sexual misconduct. He was accused by a 14th woman, J.W., who said he inappropriately performed an abdominal examination by unnecessarily exposing her breasts, the boards order shows. His attorney told the board in a recording of the March 2021 meeting: While Dr. Ridge strongly denies doing anything that would have exposed the patient's breast, he does apologize for the obvious offense the patient took when he reasonably suggested she considered getting vaccinated against COVID and speak with her obstetrician for the welfare of her unborn child and her six other children. His attorney volunteered that Ridge would agree to have a chaperone for the rest of his career. Dr. Ridge has undergone thorough evaluations and assessments in which no evidence was found to support a sexual disorder diagnosis, his attorney told the board. In an effort to bring this matter to conclusion and to finish what remains of a 40-plus-year career, the proposed other action is appropriate. The board members had no questions. They entered a closed session, not available to the public, where they mulled legal advice. When they returned, Dr. R. Screven Farmer opened the floor to the panel of experts tasked with keeping Arizona patients safe. Anyone wish to discuss this? he asked. They were silent. Very good, he said. He called for a vote, and they gave Ridge what his attorney asked for. That included ordering him for a third time to have a chaperone, a requirement he was written up for violating before. Their order shows they did take note of several of the past complaints against him. Ridge told The Republic it was his choice to have a chaperone. After the latest accusation, the board put Ridge on permanent probation, meaning he has to have a chaperone for the rest of his career. California passed a law that would require a doctor on probation to notify patients. In Arizona, patients have to dig around obscure recesses of a state website. Even if patients go looking, they wont find the whole story. Patients can see brief references to five board investigations in the probationary order posted on the boards site, describing issues with two women and unspecified allegations of inappropriate examinations of female patients. McSorley said the board is required by law to give law enforcement allegations of crimes, but also that the staff and board members get no formal training in determining what might be a crime. The Casa Grande Police Department and Pinal County Attorneys Office said they had no record of the board sharing the three complaints against Ridge that it received in 2003, 2011 and 2021. They probably should have been reported, Jeff Sandler, the attorney who tried Ridge, said of the complaints to the medical board. A reporter shared with Casa Grande police the boards documents, in which three women identified by their initials accused Ridge of committing acts of sexual misconduct. Police Chief Mark McCrory said the department did contact the board, but his department didnt plan to act because the board didnt see a crime and no victims came forward to the Police Department. Were done with it, he said. We have real crimes were investigating here. McCrory later added, We were not going to attempt to track down the parties who complained to the Board in an effort to talk them into filing police reports, when obviously they didnt see the need to report anything to us initially." Two police experts said they would do it differently. If I was the police chief, I wouldnt blow it off like that, said Roy Taylor, a former police chief in North Carolina who consults as an expert court witness on police procedure, including in Arizona. A panel of doctors and political appointees arent law enforcement officers so they may not always recognize a crime, Taylor noted. He said he would try to review the boards files and talk to the patients who complained of inappropriate touching similar to the complaints made against Ridge in criminal court in 1998. A third expert, former Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, described how proceeding with a criminal investigation without a victim coming forward to the police is difficult. But he also said the complaints to the medical board appear to be allegations of crimes, and the board should have used its power to forward the complaints to the police, especially given the similarities between them. In response to a summary of The Republics reporting about Ridge and the state medical board, Gov. Katie Hobbs sharply rebuked the board she is responsible for. Her spokesperson blamed her predecessor, former Gov. Doug Ducey, and said they would try to fix problems The Republic exposed. This is a heart breaking story that represents a clear dereliction of duty from the Ducey-appointed majority on the Arizona Medical Board who fought against oversight of their own Board and refuse to take real action on these critical issues, Hobbs spokesman Christian Slater wrote in an email. Gov. Hobbs knows we need to bring transparency and accountability to state government. She will work to reform the system to keep people safe, ensure Arizonans have access to the information they deserve about their medical professionals, and crack down on loopholes in medical licensing accountability. Duceys former chief of staff shot back, saying its time for Hobbs to take responsibility for state government. Dr. Michael Ridge reads court documents regarding accusations against him during an interview with The Arizona Republic on Sept. 14, 2023, in Casa Grande. Business was booming for Ridge. In September, he was focusing on treating older patients and making a mint. In 2020, Ridge billed in the top 1% of his field in Medicare, the federally funded health care program mostly used by people over 65. In the most recent year data is available, he billed $419,025.80. Most of the charges were for office visits. In the September interview, he figured he would stick it out for another year and retire from his practice. He also said he practiced hospice care on the side and he wanted to keep providing that care until he needed it himself. He said he sometimes wondered why so many women accused him of sexual misconduct. Not that he did anything wrong. It might be my personality, he said. But, he said, hes not going to change. Ridge sold his practice to Optima Medical, which runs 15 clinics across Arizona. After talking to Ridge, The Republic asked Optima about him, and the company provided no response. In December, Ridge said he retired. Had trouble negotiating my contract favorable to me so decided to retire. I am proud of my service to MY community and my patients but time to move on, he said in a text message. Pressed further, he simply texted back: Bye. Investigative reporter Andrew Ford exposes wrongdoing and prompts reform do you know something he should write about? Email aford@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Dr. Michael Ridge was accused of sexual misconduct by 14 women Shandong Electrical Engineering & Equipment Group representative Jin Bei (C) speaks at the signing ceremony of the utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Windhoek, Namibia, Dec. 13, 2023. Namibia's power utility, NamPower, on Wednesday signed an agreement with two Chinese companies for the development of the country's first 54MW/54MWH utility-scale BESS.(Xinhua/Chen Cheng) WINDHOEK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's power utility, NamPower, on Wednesday signed an agreement with two Chinese companies for the development of the country's first 54MW/54MWH utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The projected BESS enables electricity to be stored and dispatched when required. The two Chinese companies are Shandong Electrical Engineering & Equipment Group (SDEE), a state-owned enterprise, and Zhejiang Narada Power Source Co. Ltd., a company based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. The KfW Development Bank, a German bank, will provide 20 million euros (about 21.57 million U.S. dollars) in grant funding for the Omburu BESS Project. NamPower will serve as the project executing agency for this project, which is part of the development collaboration between Namibia and Germany, while the Chinese firms are responsible for the construction of the project. Speaking at the signing in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the Omburu BESS is of great importance. "The project will help the government accomplish its goals as outlined in the national planning policies and national integrated resource plan by ensuring electricity supply security, cost-efficient as self-sufficiency," he said, noting that the project will help address and support renewable energy commitments. According to Haulofu, upon commissioning, the project will provide energy shifting, provision of emergency energy, and ancillary services, and play a pivotal role in transitioning toward low-carbon and environmentally sustainable energy systems. Wihencia Uiras, executive director of the National Planning Commission of Namibia, said at the signing ceremony that the event marks a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable and resilient energy solutions. "The BESS project represents a pivotal step toward achieving our national energy goals," she said, adding that the project will enhance grid stability, and promote the integration of renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, Jin Bei, an SDEE representative, said the company is committed to building a world-class facility and making it a landmark in the new energy fields in Namibia. The project is set to start construction by February 2024 with a time frame of about 550 days, with the batteries expected to last around 10 years (4,000 cycles). Currently, Namibia imports up to 70 percent of its electricity from neighboring countries and the above project is set to reduce Namibia's overreliance on imports. This is a locator map for Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. It is the first time they target an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. An American warship, the USS Mason, also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. No one was hurt in the attack, the officials said. The assault on the tanker Ardmore Encounter further escalates a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and also widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel was on its way from Mangalore, India, and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Those guards apparently opened fire to drive off skiffs loaded with men trying to board the vessel, the private intelligence firm Ambrey said. Ardmore Shipping Corp., which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack. No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for, the statement said. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board. It added: Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required. The ship was carrying a load of jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., a joint operation of the oil giant and India's national oil company. The fuel was heading to either Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden, Ardmore Shipping said. Shell declined to comment. Ardmore Shipping traded slightly up early Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange to $13.64 a share. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a separate incident off the coast of Oman. It said a vessel had been followed by smaller boats carrying machine guns and men in gray uniforms before escaping unharmed. On Monday night, a missile also fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. There was no immediate link found between the Ardmore Encounter and Israel. Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between the rebels and Saudi-backed forces. France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones targeting their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to insist the ships do not have links to their country. Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict even during a brief pause in fighting during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of a punishing Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually. In November, Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemens exiled government has held for months despite that countrys long war. Thats raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces could reignite those tensions in the Arab worlds poorest nation. In 2016, the U.S. launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at U.S. Navy ships at the time. ___ Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. A mans execution date has been set for April 2024, the Missouri Supreme Court announced on Wednesday. It is the only execution scheduled next year in Missouri so far. Brian J. Dorsey, 51, was charged in the 2006 killing of his cousin Sarah Bonnie and her husband Ben Bonnie. Their bodies were found in their home in New Bloomfield, in central Missouri, the Associated Press reported at the time. According to a motion, the couple had taken Dorsey into their home to help him escape drug dealers who were seeking to collect a debt he owed them. In 2008, he was convicted on the two counts of first-degree murder in Boone County. His appeals, including with the U.S. Supreme Court, have been denied. In February, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey requested Dorseys execution date be set. The warrant of execution goes into effect at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has not granted clemency in a death penalty case. Missouri was one of five states that carried out executions in 2023, according to a report published earlier this month by the Death Penalty Information Center. Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Alabama also executed prisoners this year. A total of 24 people died by lethal injection this year in the U.S. According to a Gallup poll released in November, a majority of people now believe the death penalty is applied unfairly. Fifty-three percent said they still support the death penalty, down from 60% a decade ago. Missouri executed four people this year, including two men who were granted temporary stays. No new capital sentences were handed down this year in the state. Twelve people remain on death row in Missouri, including Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, who says DNA evidence proves he was wrongfully convicted. The Missouri Attorney Generals Office has requested an execution date be set in that case. Williams filed a lawsuit in August contending that going forward with his execution would violate his constitutional rights to due process. Forty states have abolished the death penalty, paused executions or have not executed anyone in the past 10 years. After Hunter Biden skipped a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, choosing instead to call out House Republicans in a scathing public statement, a Fox News panel slammed the GOP's "botched" effort to begin an impeach inquiry into President Joe Biden. Shortly after the 9:30am deadline, Biden appeared outside the Senate in front of a bank of microphones and announced that hed defy a subpoena from the GOP-led House Oversight Committee unless he could testify publicly. For six years. I have been a target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine shouting Wheres Hunter? Well, heres my answer. I am here," Biden said defiantly. For six years. MAGA Republicans, including members of the House committees who are in a closed door session right now, have impugned my character, invaded my privacy, attacked my wife, my children, my family and my friends, he said. They have ridiculed my struggle with addiction. They belittled my recovery and they have tried to dehumanize me all to embarrass and damage my father, who has devoted his entire public life to service, he said of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-OH, and House Oversight Committee Chairman Jim Comer, R-Ky. Yet here I am, Mr. Chairman, taking up your offer when you said we can bring these people in for depositions or committee hearings, whichever they choose, he concluded. Well, Ive chosen I am here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the committees legitimate questions. Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say. What are they afraid of? Im here. Im ready. I am here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the committee's legitimate questions. Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics. Hunter Biden slams House Oversight Cmte. amid deadline for him to testify before closed doors pic.twitter.com/ie9bPQgAaU The Recount (@therecount) December 13, 2023 In response, Republicans rushed to tell reporters that they planned to continue their pursuit of Biden. Comer, for his part, said Wednesday that Republicans would initiate proceedings to hold Biden in contempt of Congress and could take action sometime after the holidays. Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden. Read my full statement with @Jim_Jordan below. pic.twitter.com/0m5zc4k4a6 Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) December 13, 2023 "Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden, Comer and Jordan said in a joint statement. Contempt proceedings first require a vote by the committee that issued the subpoena. It is then forwarded to the full House floor for a vote. The Department of Justice then decides whether to pursue the case or not. Biden is already facing prosecution by the Justice Department for his failure to pay taxes. In Oversight committee room Were waiting If Hunter Biden doesnt show up - hold him in contempt! Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) December 13, 2023 Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The full House is set to vote on opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on Wednesday. In their statement, House Republicans claimed the inquiry vote would "strengthen our legal case in the courts as we face obstruction from the White House and witnesses." HOLDING HUNTER BIDEN IN CONTEMPT Hunter Biden defied a lawful subpoena today, and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. There will be no special treatment because his last name is Biden. Joe Biden & his family must be held accountable for their corruption. pic.twitter.com/TFcWpVl4PK Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) December 13, 2023 Fox News, which had a live stream going in anticipation of Biden's anticipated appearance on Capitol Hill event, immediately slammed Republicans for getting played by the president's son. On Wednesday's edition of "Outnumbered," Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen called the GOP's impeachment effort a "mistake." Fox News contributor Andrew McCarthy, meanwhile, said Republicans "botched" the rollout. Another Fox News legal analyst, Gregg Jarrett, recently told Sean Hannity that he would advise against Republicans pursuing a Biden impeachment. The intraparty criticism for House Republicans also spread to CNN on Wednesday. "Jim Jordan is an absolute hypocrite, former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger said after Jordan announced his intentions to pursue contempt of Congress charges against Biden, telling CNN: Jim Jordan in front of the Rules Committee when we were talking about holding Steve Bannon or somebody in contempt. He said in front of the Rules Committee that the Department of Justice and the FBI should be the ones investigating Donald Trump. And that would be their role. Now, of course, hes against the Department of Justice and the FBI investigating Donald Trump. Hes for the sanctity of the subpoena by the US Congress until hes the one that gets subpoenaed by the US Congress. And he also voted against enforcing subpoenas against people like Steve Bannon and against people like Mark Meadows. I mean, this is the hypocrisy is mind numbing. In its second decision regarding an eight-year-old school desegregation case, the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that racial imbalances in Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools do not necessarily on their own violate the state constitution. The Dec. 13 order returns the class-action lawsuit to a Minneapolis district court, where it may proceed to trial. Plaintiffs had sought the Supreme Court decision to short-circuit the standard trial court process, asking the justices to rule that the existence of racially imbalanced Twin Cities schools by itself proved their case. If the families who brought the 2015 suit, Alejandro Cruz-Guzman vs. State of Minnesota, move forward, they will not have to prove that the state intended to create segregated schools. They will need to show only that schools in each community ended up with racial imbalances. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. They will, however, have to demonstrate that those enrollment patterns deprive some groups of students of the adequate education they are guaranteed under the state constitution. Over the last quarter-century, Minnesota has required traditional school districts to make good-faith efforts toward integration, resulting in a tangle of ineffective voluntary rules. In trying to craft rules that conform to the law, officials have not been able to prove that racial isolation per se results in poor academic outcomes. Nonetheless, the task forces and policymakers have repeatedly concluded that a large bipartisan majority of people value diverse schools for moral and cultural reasons. The decision overturns a ruling from a state appellate court, which held that only intentional segregation of the type described by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education would violate the state constitution. Related Minnesota Judge Orders Desegregation Case to Trial The lawsuit asks the court to find that Minnesota laws allowing students to attend schools outside their home districts and in public charter schools contribute to segregation. Charter schools are specifically exempted from the states integration rules, which require districts to make good-faith efforts to foster diversity. The plaintiffs asked the court to overturn the relevant portion of the charter school law. In response, a number of charter schools were allowed to join the case. While students apply for seats in blind lotteries, a number of Minnesota charters now enroll students almost entirely of a single race or culture. Several of the schools that joined the suit dramatically outperform their traditional district counterparts, complicating the plaintiffs argument that racial imbalances alone deny students their right to an adequate education. If the plaintiffs prevail, attorneys for the charter schools have argued, the high-performing schools would be hard-pressed to continue with their culturally affirming models which serve the families who sought them out while responding to pressure to enroll a racial and ethnic cross-section of students. Related How Minnesotas Push to Integrate Schools Sparked a War Against Charters Serving Minority Families In the main opinion, the justices made a distinction between state and district policies that exclude particular groups of students intentionally isolating or segregating children and the existence of racial imbalances. Newly installed Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, the first Black woman to hold the post, issued a blistering dissent, arguing that de facto segregation in Twin Cities schools by definition violates the states constitution. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have not yet said whether they plan to proceed to trial. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined 350,000 over an email blunder that exposed details of interpreters fleeing Afghanistan. The 265 people affected had worked with the UK government - some were in hiding when the Taliban seized control. Lives could have been at risk had data fallen into their hands, the data watchdog said. The MoD said it recognised the severity of the breach, fully acknowledged the ruling and apologised to the victims. The information commissioner, John Edwards said the error "let down those to whom our country owes so much". He added: "This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today," he added. Reply all The main breach was first revealed by the BBC in September 2021. It occurred when the Afghan relocations and assistance policy team (Arap) sent a mass email to 245 people who had worked with the UK government, who were eligible for evacuation. Most, but not all as interpreters, In the message, their addresses were put in the "to" field rather than the intended blind carbon copy (Bcc) field - meaning email addresses were visible to all recipients. Further information about those trying to leave Afghanistan, including one person's location, was then exposed when two people responded to the email by selecting "reply all". A MoD internal investigation found two similar incidents, bringing the total number of people affected to 265, the Information Commissioner's Office said. According to the ICO, the Bcc error is one of the top causes of data breaches. 'Could have cost lives' An interpreter affected by the breach, speaking in 2021, told the BBC the mistake "could cost the life of interpreters, especially for those who are still in Afghanistan." "Some of the interpreters didn't notice the mistake and they replied to all the emails already and they explained their situation which is very dangerous. The email contains their profile pictures and contact details." Former defence secretary Ben Wallace said at the time it would be an understatement to say he had been angered by the breach. The incident "let down the thousands of members of the armed forces and veterans," Mr Wallace told the House of Commons in September 2021. The ICO's investigation into the breach found between August and September 2021, the MoD failed to comply with UK data protection requirements for technical processes to safeguard data. It acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which the incident occurred but "when the level of risk and harm to people heightens, so must the response," Mr Edwards said. The watchdog said it had reduced an initial fine of 1m to 700,000 in recognition of the measures taken by the MoD to report the incident, limit its impact and the difficulties of the situation for teams handling the relocation of staff. This was cut further to 350,000 as part of an ongoing effort by the ICO to reduce the impact of government fines on the public. The MoD said it had "cooperated extensively" with the data watchdog to resolve the breach. "We recognise the severity of what has happened. We fully acknowledge today's ruling and apologise to those affected", a spokesperson said. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined 350,000 for accidentally emailing details of Afghans fleeing the Taliban to 245 people. On September 30 2021 the MoD sent an email to vulnerable Afghan nationals who had not made it out of the country before the Taliban took over, but were eligible for evacuation. It could be seen by all recipients, which included 55 people who had thumbnail pictures on their email profiles. Two people replied all to the entire list of recipients, with one of them providing their location. The original email was sent by the team in charge of the UKs Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which is responsible for assisting the relocation of Afghan citizens. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) found that if the data disclosed had fallen into the hands of the Taliban, it could have resulted in a threat to life. Under data protection law, organisations should have measures in place to avoid disclosing personal information, and the watchdog advises the use of bulk email services or mail merge to protect details sent electronically. However, the ICO found that the ARAP scheme had no such measures in place at the time. Following the breach the MoD launched an internal investigation that revealed two similar breaches on September 7 and September 13 had occurred that year, meaning the total number of unique email addresses disclosed was 265. No excuse for not protecting peoples information John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, said: This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much. This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today. While the situation on the ground in the summer of 2021 was very challenging and decisions were being made at pace, that is no excuse for not protecting peoples information who were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm. When the level of risk and harm to people heightens, so must the response. Mr Edwards added that he welcomed the MoDs remedial steps taken and its collaboration with the ICO to ensure its bulk email policies and processes are improved. He added: As we have seen here, the consequences of data breaches could be life-threatening. My office will continue to act where we find poor compliance with the law that puts people at risk of harm. The ICO said that following the breach the ministry had updated the ARAPs email processes, including implementing a second pair of eyes policy for the ARAP team when sending emails to multiple external recipients. An MoD spokesperson said: The Ministry of Defence takes its data protection obligations incredibly seriously. We have co-operated extensively with the ICO throughout their investigation to ensure a prompt resolution, and we recognise the severity of what has happened. We fully acknowledge todays ruling and apologise to those affected. We have introduced a number of measures to act on the ICOs recommendations and will share further details on these measures in due course. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A locally owned brewery recently unveiled its new German-style beer pub in Lancaster County. The new BierHall Brewing (pronounced Beer Hall) is owned and operated by two brothers named Jim and Chris Rommel, who were both born and raised in Lancaster County, PA. Jim says that about a decade ago, his brother Chris received brewing training in Germany and has since continued to hone his craft back here in the States. Together, the brothers new BierHall Brewing location in Lancaster offers a wide variety of German-style brews, such as Ales, Stouts, Lagers, and more! Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Severe Weather Alerts In addition to their personally brewed beers, the new BierHall Brewing also features a full food menu for guests to enjoy as well. We serve a mix of German-American bar food, like our schnitzel and potato pancakes, which we make in-house, Jim added. Courtesy of Nathan Cox Photography Courtesy of Nathan Cox Photography Courtesy of Nathan Cox Photography BierHall Brewing made its official debut back on Saturday, November 18 at their first-ever space on 1703 New Holland Pike. According to Jim, the new location showcases a 10-barrel brewing system, in addition to a 2,700-square-foot dining space that can accommodate about 150 guests at a time. The inside of the establishment also boasts large, German-made beer hall tables, which Jim says helps to create a German feel on the inside of the newly renovated space, while also creating a communal environment for its guests as well. BierHall Brewings hours of operation are currently: Mondays // 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays Fridays // 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays // 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays // 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is important to note that Jim says he and his brother may consider expanding their hours of operation in the future to include lunch service during the weekdays. [Opening BierHall Brewing] feels fantastic, Jim said. It has been a crazy ride to get here. We had about two years of property searching. Long time Stromboli restaurant announces Harrisburg closure; second in the Midstate It was real nice finding a place at home [in Lancaster]. This is a great market for this kind of business! There is a high standard here and we are hoping to meet it. Since their November 2023 grand opening, the Rommel brothers have created about 28 new jobs at their pub. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A woman shot and killed her adult daughter who she said had been bothering her, Indiana cops say. The fatal shooting happened just before midnight Sunday, Dec. 10, at a home in South Bend, according to the South Bend Police Department. The accused shooters son called 911 and told the dispatcher his mother just shot his sister, police said in court documents. Officers found the 52-year-old victim, ZaWondra Lee, dead inside the home and a gun beside her. Her mother, 68-year-old Shirley Lee, admitted to the shooting, telling police she did that to my child, according to the court documents. I told her to stop talking, but she would not stop talking, the mother said, according to police. She said her daughter had been living with her for three months, but they were in a fight because ZaWondra would not leave her alone, police said. The mom shut her bedroom door in her daughters face twice, then came out when she thought they were done arguing, the complaint said. (Shirley) Lee advised she became angry, retrieved her handgun and shot ZaWondra, police said. Lee stated she did not observe ZaWondra with a weapon during the incident. Shirley Lee was charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter, according to a news release. Loved ones called ZaWondra Lee one of the sweetest and most (caring) people and a beautiful woman inside and out. She would (have given you) the shirt off her back, Naomi Guthrie said in a Facebook post. Heaven truly gained an angel. But this is a life that was cut way too short. South Bend is about 90 miles southeast of Chicago. 76-year-old woman was shot and killed, Texas police say. Now her daughter is arrested Mom in custody dispute kills young son, teen daughter and herself, Florida cops say Father shoots and kills wife and 15-year-old daughter as son escapes, Illinois cops say The co-founder of the conservative extremist group Moms for Liberty has refused to resign from her position on a Florida school board, in spite of an active rape investigation into her husband. Bridget Ziegler refused to step down from her position on the Sarasota school board, despite the board taking the rare step of calling for her resignation in a 4-1 vote. Last month, Zieglers husband, Florida GOP chair Christian Ziegler, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Bridget Ziegler, who has not been accused of having done anything illegal, was defiant in her refusal to step down from the school board, a position shes held for nine years, The New York Times reported. I am disappointed, she said Tuesday. I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board. The school board has no legal authority to remove Ziegler. The Sarasota Police Department opened an investigation into Christian Ziegler in November after a woman accused him of rape. The accuser told police that she and both Zieglers had previously engaged in consensual sex with each other, but that she was raped by Christian after Bridget was unable to make it to an October rendezvous. A search warrant affidavit obtained by the Orlando Sentinel says that Christian Ziegler showed up to the womans home and sexually assaulted her. The victim advised Christian did not wear a condom, and he stated Im leaving the same way I came in, the affidavit says. Christian Ziegler has denied wrongdoing, claiming the encounter was consensual. He was seen on surveillance cameras entering and leaving the womans complex, according to the affidavit. The allegations have rocked the GOP, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calling on Ziegler to resign from his position as chair of the Florida Republican Party. I dont see how we can continue with that investigation ongoing, given the gravity of those situations. I think he should step aside, DeSantis said last month. I think he should tend to that. Bridget Ziegler co-founded the group Moms for Liberty, which has pushed anti-LGBTQ+ agendas and worked to remove books from school classrooms that have themes of racial justice and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website. Related... TALLAHASSEE, Florida A cofounder of the conservative parents group Moms for Liberty, Bridget Ziegler, refused to resign from the Sarasota school board Tuesday night despite intense pressure from the board and dozens of community members to step down. All four board members besides Ziegler including two who were endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis passed a resolution calling for her to vacate her position amid revelations surrounding her personal life that emerged as her husband, Florida GOP chair Christian Ziegler, is investigated for an alleged rape. Yet Bridget Ziegler remained defiant in the face of the public admonishment from the board, which has no legal authority to remove her. I am disappointed. I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up and we were able to forge ahead with business of the board, Bridget Ziegler said at the meeting, referencing her position on the board that manages Walt Disney Co.s special land district. During the course of the rape and sexual battery investigation into her husband, Bridget Ziegler told police that she, her husband and the woman leveling the sexual assault claims had sex together a year ago. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Christian Ziegler and the victim had known each other for more than 20 years. On the day of the alleged incident, Christian Ziegler and Bridget Ziegler has attempted to arrange a tryst with the victim, who backed out after she learned Bridget Ziegler couldnt attend. Although Bridget Ziegler is not alleged to have done anything illegal, her critics have denounced her as a hypocrite since she is a outspoken supporter of traditional family values and a Florida law that bans teachers from leading classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, known by opponents as Dont Say Gay. As a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, Ziegler has risen to national prominence and was endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2022 school board election. DeSantis also appointed her to the Florida board that oversees Disneys park in central Florida. Outside of the resolution, the Ziegler investigation is already having ramifications. Earlier this month, a Moms for Liberty chapter in Pennsylvania split from the national group, with its chair telling a local news outlet that Its hard to advocate for parental rights when the co-founder is caught up in the scandal. And Bridget Ziegler last week resigned as vice president of school board programs at the nonprofit Leadership Institute dedicated to aiding conservatives running for office. The board meeting in Sarasota was tense from the start, with dozens of protestors lined up outside demanding Zieglers resignation in the afternoon. One person held a sign reading Dont say 3-way. The student representative on the board was asked not to attend the meeting and student performances that typically take place were canceled due to the board addressing a resolution of an adult nature. One board member, Tom Edwards the lone Democrat of the group pushed for Bridget Ziegler to resign for causing the distraction du jour in long list of distractions drawing unwanted attention to the school district. For me, as chair of the school board, its not about the left, its not about the right its about students, said board chair Karen Rose, who introduced the resolution condemning Bridget Ziegler. Bridget Ziegler spoke only briefly at the meeting, attempting to draw attention to how the board over recent years have passed few resolutions, many of which were tied to political motives. She also noted how the resolution is non-binding powerless to trigger her resignation. This does not have any teeth, is that correct? Ziegler asked the boards attorney in what were her first public comments since the investigation became public. Only DeSantis can remove a school board member and its unclear if the Republican governor is considering action against Bridget Ziegler. DeSantis, however, has suggested that Christian Ziegler should step down as GOP chair with the rape investigation pending. Supporters of Bridget Ziegler who attended the meeting called the boards move against her a political charade. One called out the Republican members of the school board for joining the woke mob against Ziegler, saying Et tu, Brute? This meeting is devoted to a motion that has no more authority than if would if I stood out in the street, said Martin Hyde, a local Republican dubbed the mini-Donald Trump of Sarasota. Yet others turned up at the meeting seeking a pound of flesh from Ziegler over her past support of policies LGBTQ+ advocates say are harmful to students and make them feel ostracized and shamed. Participation in same-sex activity is not shameful, Nick Machuca with Equality Florida, an LQBTQ+ advocacy group, said to a crowd outside ahead of the meeting. However, Bridget Ziegler has done this while simultaneously denigrating our community and working overtime to instill policies that directly marginalize us. That hypocrisy is unacceptable. More than 50 people were injured, including at least six children, after Russian forces launched a powerful attack on Kyiv overnight, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Telegram on Dec. 13. The Russian invaders sent ten C-400 ballistic missiles and ten Shahed kamikaze drones at the Ukrainian capital overnight, and while they were all neutralized, the falling debris caused mass injuries and damage. Read also: Russias military injures four civilians in latest ballistic missile attack on peaceful Kyiv 51 injured people, including six children as a result of the attack, Serhiy Popko, Kyiv governor reported on Telegram. The oldest victim is 80 years old, and the youngest is 5 years old. All have received medical assistance. The enemy shelling damaged the facade of a high-rise building on the Kyivs left bank, causing a balcony fire on the 6th floor, the State Emergency Service (SES) reported. They said that 34 people were injured, including seven children. 15 people were hospitalized, including five that could not move independently, SES said. Preliminary diagnoses include stab and cut wounds, and acute stress reactions. Read also: Ukraine intercepts all Russian missiles and drones launched at Kyiv on Dec. 11 25 residents were evacuated to a safe distance. Firefighting brigades found eight cars burning in the courtyard of the building upon arrival. A kindergarten building was also damaged, with its facade destroyed and windows shattered. A security guard was inside at the time but is not currently in life-threatening danger. 35 private houses remain without electricity following the night attack, the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) announced. The power outage is due to damage to power lines caused by missile fragments. Specialists from DTEK Power company are working to restore the electricity supply. It is currently known that the enemy could have carried out the strikes on Kyiv using 48N6 ballistic missiles from the S400 system, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyys chief-of-staff reported on Telegram. Fragment falls were recorded in other areas of the capital as well. All ten targets flying towards Kyiv on a ballistic trajectory were shot down by an anti-aircraft missile unit of the Air Forces, Ukraines Air Forces reported on Telegram. The type of missiles can only be determined after the examination of the fragments by the relevant services. Two other people were injured in a separate Russian overnight attack on Odesa Oblast on Dec. 13. Read also: 1 dead, many severely injured as air raid sirens awake Ukraine in new Russian missile & drone attack The Russian invaders fired 10 kamikaze Shahed-136/131 drones from the Balaklava area of temporarily occupied Crimea. Ukraines Air Forces and mobile Air Defense units destroyed most or all of the drones Ukraines Air Command reported on Telegram. It is not yet clear whether any drones managed to find their target or if the civilians were injured by falling debris. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko REUTERS/Gleb Garanich REUTERS/Gleb Garanich REUTERS/Gleb Garanich REUTERS/Gleb Garanich REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 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 After a brief bout of dry weather, rain is headed to the Sacramento area, according to the National Weather Service. A storm system coming from the California coast is forecast to bring rain to the Sacramento Valley, foothills and mountains as early as Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. Exact timing and intensity of potential precipitation remains uncertain, but a wetter pattern is expected, the weather service said Wednesday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The rain is forecast to fall in the Sacramento area until the middle of next week, said Eric Kurth, National Weather Service meteorologist. While quiet weather prevails through the end of the week, a pattern change is still anticipated across the weekend and into next week. Exact timing and intensity of potential precipitation remains uncertain, but a wetter pattern is expected. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Qp90OadTVO NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 13, 2023 Whats the forecast for Sacramento area? The incoming storm will bring slightly cool temperatures in the region, according to the Weather Service. According to the National Weather Services five-day forecast, the Sacramento area will experience high temperatures around 62 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Highs will reach about 64 degrees on Saturday before dipping to 58 degrees on Sunday. Overnight low temperatures in Sacramento will remain between 37 to 42 degrees during the five-day period, according to the weather service forecast. About an inch and half of rain is predicated to fall in Sacramento from Saturday night through the morning of Dec. 20, Kurth said. Periods of light to moderate rain are expected Saturday night through Dec. 20, he said. Mild daytime will persist across interior #NorCal thru the remainder of the week. Precipitation chances are forecast to return early next week bringing slight cooling. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/u3IEX8LJET NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 13, 2023 Will Tahoe mountains see snow? According to the National Weather Service, the storm system will bring snow to higher elevations in the mountain. Snow levels will start at 6,000 to 7,000 feet, the agency said, with the highest snow accumulation happening at mountain peaks. Rain and snow are forecast to start Saturday night in the Tahoe mountain, according to the five-day weather forecast. Travel conditions will probably have limited impacts over the weekend, Kurth said, but motorists should still plan accordingly. A quarter of an inch of snow is expected to fall Sunday afternoon, he said, which could make areas around the Donner Pass on Highway 50 slippery. If people are heading back home on Sunday, you know earlier is better, Kurth said. What do we know about the upcoming pattern change? The system will be relatively warm, with snow levels around 6000-7000 ft. Timing & precipitation amounts are still uncertain. Be sure to monitor the latest forecast & follow a trusted source! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/mRA2UAW7eW NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 12, 2023 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. Researchers from Penn State University and the European Space Agency havr located the smallest known brown dwarf by using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Photo courtesy of the European Space Agency Dec. 13 (UPI) -- NASA said its James Webb Space Telescope has spotted the "tiniest free-floating brown dwarf" ever identified. "Brown dwarfs are objects that straddle the dividing line between stars and planets," the space agency said in a press release Wednesday, "They form like stars," NASA said. However, unlike stars, Brown dwarfs don't have enough mass to cause nuclear fusion in their cores the way stars do. Researchers Kevin Luhman of Penn State University and Catarina Alves de Oliviera of the European Space Agency located the brown dwarf by focusing on the relatively young IC 348 star cluster. "This cluster is young, only about 5 million years old. As a result, any brown dwarfs would still be relatively bright in infrared light, glowing from the heat of their formation," NASA said. The researchers identified the brown dwarf using the telescope's near-infrared camera and used the near-Infrared spectrograph microshutter array to examine the identified areas. NASA said it hopes that by observing the brown dwarf, researchers can gain insight into the formation of stars and understand more about massive exoplanets, which have similar characteristics to brown dwarfs. "A free-floating brown dwarf is easier to study than a giant exoplanet since the latter is hidden within the glare of its host star," NASA said. Scientists hope to learn more about how Brown dwarfs form out of gas, as they have far less mass than stars. "We have to ask, how does the star formation process operate at such very, very small masses?" de Olveira said. A Nashville teen is facing a murder charge in connection with a Dec. 3 shooting outside a convenience store in the 4100 block of Clarksville Pike. Investigators say there was a shootout between the suspect and victim near the store, and the 16-year-old critically injured 34-year-old Bryan Thompson during the exchange. Thompson died almost 10 days later. The Tennessean does not identify juvenile suspects unless they are charged in adult court. The 16-year-old turned himself in to authorities Tuesday, according to a news release from Metro Police. Prior to the shootout, the teen drove to the store in a stolen car that belonged to Thompson's brother, police said in the release. Thompson arrived at the store and parked next to the stolen car, the release said, noting that a verbal argument ensued, leading up to the shooting. A pistol with 18 rounds was found during a search of the teen's bedroom, police said. The boy is being held at juvenile detention. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville teen charged after Dec. 3 Clarksville Pike fatal shooting NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) One of seven people believed to have been involved in a deadly Fourth of July shooting is now among Nashvilles Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives. The list is updated every Wednesday on the Metro Nashville Police Department Criminal Warrants Division Facebook page. Each week it features 10 people who are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city, according to police. Over 70 of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives arrested within one year Of the suspects on this weeks list, half are wanted on homicide or murder charges. Two of those people have reportedly been connected to deadly shootings that happened on July 4, including the newest addition to the list, Kejuan Jordan-Cole. He and six others are believed to have shot and killed a man that day, with an estimated 100 rounds fired during the incident. The other half of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are wanted on charges such as rape by an authority figure, child endangerment, aggravated assault and burglary. One man who was added to the list last week has 40 outstanding warrants related to a string of alleged appliance thefts. Wanted fugitive out of Nashville allegedly caught trying to impersonate man While the search for these suspects continues, the Most Wanted list has aided police in several arrests. At least 80 people who have appeared on the list have been taken into custody since the program was first launched in October 2022. According to authorities, tips from the public have been key in many cases, stacking up to a nearly 70% arrest rate among Most Wanted fugitives. Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of Dec. 13. 1. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) At number one, Lagarrion Blacksmith, 34, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. He was added to the list on Nov. 29 after police were reportedly able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar earlier this year. Officers said they found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18. He had reportedly been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened. RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear. Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun. However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. 2. Raceme Crutcher Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 21, since July, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting. RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him. Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts. SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda. Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31 after police reportedly caught him driving a stolen car. However, authorities said Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15. His last location is unknown. 3. Tyrone D. Walker Tyrone D. Walker (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Tyrone Walker, 29, has repeatedly appeared on the list since July 12 after being named in a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder. Police said the charge is related to the August 2021 shooting death of Cecil Holmes Jr. The 39-year-old was reportedly found dead in the Edgehill Homes parking lot on 11th Avenue South after being shot multiple times. RELATED: Police searching for suspect charged in 2021 Nashville apartments parking lot murder The investigation into Holmess death led to the identification of Walker as the suspected gunman, officials reported. In addition to the murder charge, Walker has also been indicted on charges of felon in possession of a weapon, felony probation violation and four counts of failure to appear. Police said his last location is unknown. 4. DeTynn Q. Smith DeTynn Q Smith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) DeTynn Smith, 20, has regularly appeared on the Most Wanted list since March 8. He is believed to be the third and final suspect in the April 2022 murder of 39-year-old Tywane Miller. The incident happened in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven gas station near the intersection of Maxwell and Gallatin Avenues. RELATED: Third suspect sought in deadly Nashville shooting from April 2022 Initial reports from police indicated that Miller was shot and killed by at least one person who got out of a white Ford Flex. Miller died at the scene and a passenger in his car suffered non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, an officer reportedly saw the Flex on Shelby Avenue at I-24. The officer pursued the vehicle as it sped off, but eventually ended the pursuit because of the potential danger to other drivers. The Flex then got onto I-40 and hit the center retaining wall and four other cars before coming to a stop on the interstate between Fesslers Lane and Elm Hill Pike. SEE ALSO: Tywane Millers family continues hope for justice in his death Three occupants, including one believed to be DeTynn, then got out of the Flex and carjacked a 35-year-old Nashville man who was driving a 2013 Subaru Forester SUV, according to police. The Subaru was later found abandoned in a Bordeaux neighborhood. On March 1, MNPD detectives arrested one of the suspects, Deshawn L. Smith, 31, on a first-degree murder and aggravated robbery indictment. Another suspect, Michael Clay, 31, was charged last September. DeTynn is wanted on a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and possession of a gun during the commission of a felony, according to the MNPD. His last location is unknown. 5. Kejuan Jordan-Cole Kejuan Jordan-Cole (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Kejuan Jordan-Cole, 21, is a new addition to the list this week. According to the MNPD, Jordan-Cole is believed to be one of seven suspects involved in another deadly shooting on the Fourth of July. RELATED: Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him on Buena Vista Pike Investigators said the victim, 27-year-old Christopher L. Harris, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle on Buena Vista Pike. Witnesses told police a group of young men approached Harris and around seven of them opened fire. Harris was reportedly struck by the gunfire while standing next to his vehicle. Officers told News 2 as many as 100 rounds may have been fired during the incident. The suspects one of whom appeared to be shooting a rifle left the scene in three separate vehicles, officials reported. Since the shooting, authorities have arrested and charged 16-year-old Jaden Wright, 17-year-old Erion Nesbitt, 16-year-old Kentrell Baugh and 23-year-old Deandre Jordan. SEE ALSO: Metro police arrest 4th of 7 suspects from deadly July 4 shooting in Bordeaux However, police said Jordan-Cole, who was identified as a suspect on August 16, is still on the run. The charges against him include criminal homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His last location is unknown. 6. Michael A. Yarlett Michael A. Yarlett (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Michael Yarlett, 28, is wanted on three counts of aided and abetted rape, according to the police department. Court documents indicate he is one of two suspects in the incident, which happened more than a year ago in September. Yarlett was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 22. His last location is unknown. 7. Terrance Boyd Terrance Boyd (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Terrance Boyd, 43, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for statutory rape by an authority figure, according to officials. He was added to the list on Oct. 25. Police said his last location is unknown. 8. Elmer Vargas Catalan Elmer Vargas Catalan (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Elmer Vargas Catalan, 21, is wanted on over three dozen outstanding warrants related to a string of appliance thefts that occurred at multiple recently constructed homes last month, according to police. Following the crime spree, detectives said they recovered nearly 50 stolen appliances, including ovens and washers and dryers, at two separate locations. While four people believed to have been involved in the burglaries have now been arrested, Catalan is still at large. RELATED: 3 arrested, 2 at large after 48 ovens, dryers stolen from Nashville homes The charges against Catalan include 36 counts of burglary, two counts of aggravated burglary, theft of property greater than $10,000 but less than $60,000 and vandalism greater than $2,500 but less than $10,000. He was added to the list last week. According to investigators, Catalan was last seen in the Hermitage area. 9. Amber Fiddler Amber Fiddler (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Amber Fiddler, 35, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment with a weapon and felon in possession of a weapon. She first appeared on the Most Wanted list on Aug. 23. Her last location is unknown. 10. Taylor G. Lipert Taylor Lipert (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Taylor Lipert, 25, is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants stemming from a Nov. 13 crash in which Lipert was reportedly driving on the wrong side of Interstate 40 with her child in her car. RELATED: Woman facing charges after wrong-way crash on I-40 in Hermitage The crash happened just after 7 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-40 at mile marker 221 near exit 221A, which is the Hermitage exit. According to Metro police, Lipert was driving her Mitsubishi Eclipse west in the eastbound lanes for about one mile before she crashed into a van head-on. The driver of the van, Lipert and her 3-year-old child all sustained injuries from the crash. (Source: WKRN) Detectives believe Lipert got onto the interstate from the 221A exit ramp, where multiple signs that read Do Not Enter and Wrong Way are posted. Lipert reportedly told officers she is new to Nashville, does not know the area and is an inexperienced driver. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Police said she did not show any signs of impairment at the scene. The charges against her include aggravated child endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officials said her last location is unknown. Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The National Theatre has appointed Indhu Rubasingham as its first female director, succeeding Rufus Norris who resigned from the prestigious job in June. Rubasingham, 53, will take over from Norris, 58, as the theatres artistic director and joint chief executive, sharing the role with executive director Kate Varah as part of a co-leadership model. Formerly the artistic director of the Kiln Theatre, Rubasingham, who was considered a frontrunner for the job, said: Its a huge honour to be appointed director of the National Theatre for me, this is the best job in the world. The National has played an important part in my life from tentative steps as a teenage theatregoer, to later as a theatre-maker, and to have the opportunity to play a role in its history is an incredible privilege and responsibility. Theatre has a transformative power the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National, she continued. Ive been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatres stages and to have witnessed firsthand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off. Rubasingham ran the Klin theatre for a decade (Jason Alden) Rubasingham will join the National as director designate in Spring 2024, working alongside Norris in his final year as artistic director. Indhu is an exceptional artist who I respect and admire hugely, and I am so pleased that she will become the next director when I step down in 2025, Norris said. He added: She has run Kiln Theatre expertly for over a decade and I know this experience will be invaluable as she moves to the NT a place she knows well, having directed successfully in each of the three theatres. Together with Kate and the brilliant, dedicated team here, I know that the National will continue to thrive and remain at the heart of British cultural life. In the six decades since it was founded, all of the artistic directors have been white men. Rufus Norris will work alongside Rubasingham durin ghis final year (Brinkhoff and Moegenburg/National Theatre) As far as I am aware we [women] have been around the same amount of time as men, Vicky Featherstone, the artistic director at Londons Royal Court Theatre, told The Times. Of course it is time there is another sort of view at the National. The Nationals deputy artistic director Clint Dyer, who was also a contender to replace Norris, told the Evening Standard a woman would be the best person for the job in an interview earlier this year. I feel the best person should get the job. Im always going to kind of sit on that side. Now if you ask me, Do I think the best person for the job is a woman? Id say Yes, he said. In addition to Rubasingham, other female candidates for the high-profile job included Josie Rourke, who has served as artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse and Bush Theatre, and Lynette Linton, who succeeded Rourke at the Bush. Rubasingham, who was born in Sheffield to Sri Lankan Tamil parents in 1970, graduated from Hull University with a BA Hons in drama. She landed her first theatre job at the age of 18, when she directed a production of Roy Williamss Starstruck that was staged at The Kiln then known as the Tricycle Theatre. In 2012, Rubasingham became the first woman of colour to lead a big London theatre, when she was appointed artistic director at the same north London venue where her career began. Rubasinghams inaugural production after being named artistic director was the multi-award-winningRed Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti, who went on to win the Evening Standard award for most promising playwright. Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti and Rubasingham during rehearsals for Red Velvet (Justin Sutcliffe) The following year, her production of Moira Buffinis Handbagged won an Olivier Award before transferring to the West End. She also produced Florian Zellers triptych of plays The Father, The Mother, and The Son, with both The Father and The Son earning West End transfers. Rubasingham, who was awarded an MBE in 2017, also oversaw a 9m refurbishment of the theatre before it reopened as the Kiln in 2018. The new name, Rubasingham said, was part of the theatres natural evolution and strengthened its association with the Kilburn area. One thing I really wanted to do was make our community feel at the very centre of the place and we felt the name reflected our home in Kilburn, she said. And a Kiln is also a space for transformation, so we felt it fitted in with our ideas of what we should be all about. Rubasinghams unwavering commitment to the local community and emerging talent remains a huge part of her legacy; during her decade-long tenure, she made it the companys mission to amplify and platform diverse voices that look at the world...through different lenses. When Rubasingham reopened the Kiln after the Covid-19 pandemic, it received the Stage 2021 award for London Theatre of the Year. Ms Rubasingham previously led the Kiln Theatre in London, which was embroiled in a row during her tenure over the venues refusal to host the film festival - Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images The National Theatre has appointed its first female and ethnic minority boss, choosing an experienced figure once embroiled in a row over rejecting Israeli funding. Indhu Rubasingham has become the seventh director of the National since it was founded by Laurence Olivier in 1963, and the only person to hold that position not to be a white man. Ms Rubasingham previously led the Kiln Theatre in London, which was embroiled in a row during her tenure over the venues refusal to host an event linked to Israel. The theatre initially did not wish to host the UK Jewish Film Festival while it received funding from the Israeli state and faced protests before the issue was resolved. Ms Rubasingham has become known for supporting new material and has long stated her desire to get young and diverse audiences interested in theatre. She said: Its a huge honour to be appointed director of the National Theatre for me, this is the best job in the world. The National has played an important part in my life - from tentative steps as a teenage theatregoer, to later as a theatre-maker, and to have the opportunity to play a role in its history is an incredible privilege and responsibility. Theatre has a transformative power the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National. A proven record of strong leadership Ms Rubasingham will also serve as joint chief executive of the National alongside Kate Varah in keeping with the theatres dual leadership model. Sir Damon Buffini, chairman of the National Theatre Board, said trustees were thrilled to appoint the incoming director, adding: For over a decade, Indhu has a proven record of strong leadership and artistic success, alongside a commitment to bringing theatre to diverse audiences and broadening access to creative education. Ms Rubasingham was known for her work reaching out to Londons diverse audience during her time at the Kiln Theatre, based in Brent. It was while artistic director of the theatre in 2014 that she was embroiled in a row over the refusal of the theatre to host the UK Jewish Film Festival amid a conflict in Gaza. Ms Rubasingham said at the time: The festival receives funding from the Israeli embassy and, given the current conflict in Israel and Gaza, we feel it is inappropriate to accept financial support from any government agency involved. Environmentally friendly institution The theatre offered to replace the Israeli funding with money from its own budget but was met with protests. The issue was eventually resolved after a matter of weeks and the festival went ahead with the original funding arrangements. Ms Rubasingham, who received an MBE in 2016 for services to theatre, will take over the National during a period which has produced successful new work including from playwright James Graham and hit transfers to the West End. She will also lead a theatre that has pledged to uphold policies to ensure the National is an environmentally friendly institution. The Telegraph previously reported that wigs will be used more sparingly to cut down on using fake plastic locks, and the environmental cost of shipping real human hair, as the National aims to reduce its impact on the environment. 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. Indhu Rubasingham has directed a number of plays at the National Theatre over the past 25 years The National Theatre is to get its first female artistic director in its 60-year history, with Indhu Rubasingham taking over the landmark London venue. Rubasingham will move to the National from north-west London's Kiln theatre - formerly the Tricycle - which she has run for more than a decade. She will replace the National's current director Rufus Norris in 2025. Rubasingham said it would be "a joy to be a part of this iconic building's next chapter". Born in Sheffield and with Sri-Lankan heritage, she will be the seventh director since the National was founded by Sir Laurence Olivier in 1963. To date, its artistic bosses have all been "posh white men", as the Guardian's chief theatre critic Arifa Akbar recently put it - saying Rubasingham was "widely considered to be the industry favourite" to succeed Norris. Rubasingham has worked with author Zadie Smith on White Teeth and The Wife of Willesden Rubasingham's productions at the Kiln have included Zadie Smith's The Wife of Willesden, which saw the best-selling author update Chaucer's The Wife of Bath's Tale. Rubasingham also directed the Olivier Award-winning Red Velvet and Handbagged, both of which transferred to the West End and the US. And she has staged a number of plays at the National over the past 25 years, most recently Kerry Jackson and The Father and the Assassin, both last year. "It's a huge honour to be appointed Director of the National Theatre - for me, this is the best job in the world," Rubasingham said. "The National has played an important part in my life - from tentative steps as a teenage theatregoer, to later as a theatre-maker, and to have the opportunity to play a role in its history is an incredible privilege and responsibility. "Theatre has a transformative power - the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National." 'Proven record' Norris said: "Indhu is an exceptional artist who I respect and admire hugely, and I am so pleased that she will become the next director when I step down in 2025. "She has run Kiln Theatre expertly for over a decade and I know this experience will be invaluable as she moves to the NT - a place she knows well, having directed successfully in each of the three theatres." National Theatre chair Sir Damon Buffini said she had "a proven record of strong leadership and artistic success, alongside a commitment to bringing theatre to diverse audiences and broadening access to creative education". Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has filed a lawsuit against neo-Nazi group NSC-131 and two of its leaders for disrupting drag queen story hours in Fall River and Taunton. The civil suit, which was filed in Suffolk County Superior Court on Dec. 7, names Christopher Hood of Newburyport and Liam McNeil of Waltham as two principal members of the white nationalist terrorism group. It also names as defendants the group itself, an unincorporated association with approximately 30 active members. It says the group has organized violent protests aimed at intimidating, harassing and assaulting non-whites and gay, lesbian and transgender people. A screengrab of a video posted by neo-Nazi group NSC-131 giving the Nazi salute outside of the Fall River Public Library. The suit cites four specific instances in which Hood, McNeil and other group members repeatedly engaged in violent, threatening, intimidating and coercive conduct that interfered with peoples civil rights and access to public spaces including libraries, and damaged, defaced and unlawfully intruded upon property throughout Massachusetts. The suit accuses the defendants of public nuisance, trespassing, civil conspiracy, and violations of the Civil Rights Act and Public Accommodations Law. It seeks injunctive relief, damages, civil penalties, costs and fees. Nazis in Fall River: Racist, homophobic group disrupts a drag event at library. Organizers said they won't be discouraged. When Nazis disrupted story time in Fall River On Dec. 10, 2022, the Fall River Pride Committee hosted a drag story time at the Fall River Public Library on North Main Street, which featured a performer in drag reading childrens books. According to the lawsuit, about 20 members of NSC-131 wearing black masks attempted to disrupt and shut down the event. The group held signs and shouted offensive intimidating slogans, many raising their right arms in Nazi salutes. Two members of the Pride Committee were assaulted, according to the lawsuit, including one who was hit by a door and shoved against a wall, and another who was thrown to the ground and stomped by NSC-131 members. A screengrab of a video posted on Facebook shows neo-Nazis protesting a drag story time at the Fall River Public Library Fall River police officers arrived on the scene; no one was arrested. NSCs conduct in Fall River reasonably caused people to become frightened and apprehensive, to fear for their physical safety, and to feel constrained in their ability to peacefully access the Public Library and attend Story Hour events, the lawsuit reads. At the time, Mayor Paul Coogan stated, While we do have to respect everyones right to protest and use free speech, I feel sick knowing that these individuals who are not members of our community came here only to cause chaos and disruption. Nazis in Taunton: Drag queen event at public library disrupted by apparent neo-Nazi protesters Members of NSC-131, wearing ski masks, disrupted a drag queen story hour at the Taunton Library on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Nazis storm Taunton library, threaten parents and reader On Jan. 14, 2023, about 30 members of NSC-131 disrupted a drag story hour at the Taunton Public Library organized by the Southcoast LGBTQ+ Network, scaring families and small children and causing officers from the Taunton Police Department to evacuate the performer through a side entrance, the lawsuit states. A group of five neo-Nazis entered the building, their faces obscured with ski masks and sunglasses and carrying backpacks, and stormed into a room with families and small children without warning. Because of the NSC members appearance and the manner in which they entered the room, the Story Hour performer and others reasonably feared that the NSC members were going to carry out a violent attack, the lawsuit reads. The neo-Nazis harassed parents and the performer, shouting profanities and offensive language, and attempting to instigate physical fights, the lawsuit reads. Neo-Nazi Lawsuit in Massachusetts by The Herald News on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Lawsuit accuses Nazi group of harassing immigrants at hotels The lawsuit further accuses the group of organized disruption of LGBTQ+ events in Boston, and of engaging in illegal harassment campaigns of non-white, non-European immigrants being given emergency shelter at hotels in Kingston, Woburn and Marlboro. The group has also allegedly tagged communities across the state with graffiti, and dropped bags filled with leaflets weighed with rocks in cities including New Bedford. It is unclear if Hood, McNeil and the neo-Nazi group have legal representation; attorneys for those parties have not yet filed responses to the suit. Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Neo-Nazi group sued after storming drag queen story time at libraries The New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office has opened up a new civil complaint against a Neo-Nazi group that interrupted a drag show event in Concord this June. Group leader Christopher Hood and 19 unidentified males of The Nationalist Social Club 131, violated the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination when they attempted to terrorize, harass and force the cancelation of a drag queen reading show at the Teatotaller Cafe on June 18. Hood and his companions allegedly stood outside the cafe for more than an hour banging on the windows, chanting slurs and phrases, and saluting fashion reminiscent of Nazi Germany. According to the AGs office, NSC-131 were attempting to force the Teatotaller Cafe into violating anti-discrimination laws. Acts of hate designed to terrorize an individual or business into violating our States antidiscrimination laws are simply wrong and will not be tolerated, said Attorney General John Formella. The Department of Justice will continue to enforce the States antidiscrimination laws to the greatest extent possible to ensure that people of all backgrounds can live free from discrimination, fear, and intimidation because of who they are. We must and will send a clear message that New Hampshire is not and never will be a safe haven for hate groups that commit illegal acts that harm our citizens. NSC-131 is an unincorporated association with members in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and other New England states, according to the New Hampshire AGs office. Christopher Hood was found not guilty in June for his role in a fight outside a drag queen event in Jamaica Plain last year. Massachusetts logged the countrys sixth-highest rate of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault in 2022, according to a report from the ADL Center on Extremism. The Law Against Discrimination requires that all discrimination complaints be filed with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights and permit plaintiffs to request authorization to remove those complaints to court. The Civil Rights Unit has requested that the Commission for Human Rights grant it the ability to proceed directly to court, the AGs office says. A violation of the Law Against Discrimination can lead to a possible fine of $10,000. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW An expansion to early years education is needed in Northern Ireland, an independent review has found. It said two year olds should receive up to 20 hours of education per week and three year olds up to 22.5 hours. "Increased investment will extend access and improve quality, enabling early diagnosis and intervention in cases of difficulty," it continued. The authors said early years investment is the most effective contribution to overcome socioeconomic disadvantage. The Independent Review of Education was commissioned in response to commitments contained in the New Decade New Approach deal, which underpinned the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive in January 2020. It comes as schools across Northern Ireland face massive budgetary pressures. The annual funding for education was cut by 70m (2.5%) in the 2023-24 budget set by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris. However, the real-terms reduction, taking inflation into account, is likely to be higher. Among the radical reforms being proposed is the eventual replacement of classroom assistants The report, published on Wednesday, also identified failings in the provision of services for children with special educational needs (SEN). Explaining that the system is not working as intended, the report concluded "thorough reform is urgently required". Among the radical reforms being proposed is the eventual replacement of classroom assistants with fully trained and qualified teachers, other professionals or upskilled classroom assistants. However, the report acknowledged there should still be a role for classroom assistants who, the authors acknowledged, provide a vital and very helpful service. 'Unviable schools' The issue of "unviable" small schools with insufficient pupil numbers is also addressed. The report found that a special commission should be set up to look at education, area-by-area, with a view to closing all unviable schools. It said the proposals should come two years after the commission was established, followed by a 10-year implementation period. The review has also come out against the ongoing development of a shared education campus in Omagh The review has also come out against the ongoing development of the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh. Strule is the biggest school building project to be planned in Northern Ireland. Arvalee Special School, which opened in 2016, is one of of six schools proposed for the site. The panel said the project should cease because it believes it does not provide any educational advantage and the proposed cost cannot be justified. Other recommendations in the report included increasing the school leaving or compulsory education age from 16 to 18. It also wants vocational pathways for school pupils to begin at 14 years of age, alongside reforms of further and higher education to enhance collaboration with schools and universities as well as closer involvement with business and industry. 'Uplift in education budget needed' On funding, the report found there is an immediate need to uplift the education budgets by 291m annually. There currently is no Stormont Executive, with parties engaged in talks about its finances if it should be restored. Education in Northern Ireland is "seriously underfunded", review panel chair Dr Keir Bloom told BBC's Talkback programme, but the quality of educational provision would provide a "fairly solid base" for reform. Dr Keir Bloom was the chair of the review panel The director of the Association of School and College Leaders NI, John Trueman said the report "pulls no punches" and has urged Stormont to "implement the funding recommendations set out in the report as a matter of urgency". "A lot of this will not be easy, but change is needed, and we are ready to work with policymakers on the detail of how this would be implemented," he added. Education Authority chief executive Sara Long also welcomed the call for an immediate uplift in funding "following a decade of chronic underfunding". "This is essential in driving forward further transformation in critical areas, including SEN, to ensure that as a whole system we make the best use of resources, starting with investment in early years support and education, to deliver for our children and young people now and into the future," she said. Single department A single education department at Stormont is another of the report's proposals. The Department of Education is currently responsible for primary and post-primary schools while the Department for the Economy oversees further and higher education institutions. "Really quite substantial problems arise at the present moment from the division of responsibilities between the [departments]," Dr Bloom said, adding there is poor collaborations between schools and colleges due to separate funding arrangements. A single governing body for further education colleges has also been proposed. Mergers and academic selection The report also recommends major reform of the curriculum and its management, and a reconfiguration of the network of schools with the potential to create new "jointly-managed community schools" by merging schools from different sectors. This would result in around 20% of pupils being enrolled in a "jointly-managed" school by 2031. There is a recommendation that "all learners at all stages should have the opportunity to learn alongside individuals from other communities and backgrounds in the same classroom". Reform of the transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary schools to "reduce differences between academically selective and non-selective schools" was also proposed, with schools to take a "pupil profile approach" to selection - this could be through multiple, smaller assessments rather than a single transfer test. Youth assembly members Andrew Martin, Robert Moore, Oliver Mercer, Charlotte McGuckem attended a launch event for the report "This is another report, just like Bengoa, but it's going to need action and it's going to need an executive and assembly to implement. That's going to be up to our politicians, to have the courage to implement," junior assembly member Andrew Martin said after the report was announced. Robert Moore said the youth assembly will be "very proactive" in urging politicians to implement these recommendations, once the executive is restored. Learners have have been "listened to" with the proposals put forward in the report, Oliver Mercer said. "We are looking at a more centralised system of schools, I think that's what young people have been calling for," he added. "The younger that you're bringing people together... that [continues] as you get older," Charlotte McGucken said on proposals for school mergers. TechCrunch Amazon's computer vision and sensor-powered Just Walk Out retail technology, which allows customers to shop at stores and then skip the cashier line when it's time to check out, is now expanding to corporate domains with support for employee badges as the payment mechanism. The retail giant announced today the launch of "badge pay," a new option that will initially bring Just Walk Out technology to a hospital setting. With the launch, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff will be able to grab food and beverages from their hospital's Just Walk Out store by scanning their employee badges. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Wednesday said she shouldnt be judged on her personal feelings toward Donald Trump as she attempts to appeal to voters as the best alternative to the former president. Let me just say this, you know, anti-Trumpers, dont think I hate Trump enough. Pro-Trumpers, dont think I love Trump enough. What you see is what you get. I just call it like I see it and wouldnt it be nice if you werent gauged on whether you love or hate somebody, and instead where you think the country should go? Haley told CNNs Dana Bash. The media loves to sit there and say, But youre not hating them enough or Youre not loving him enough. Look, at the end of the day, I look at it policy by policy. I dont look at the personal side. I dont look at the political side. I look at whats going to get the country back on track, she added. Haley sat down with CNN for a joint interview with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu a day after receiving his endorsement, a critical move that could strengthen the White House hopefuls campaign as she attempts to take on Trump and the rest of the Republican primary field in the first-in-the-nation primary. Trump maintains a significant lead over his rivals in both early state and national polls. Among likely voters in the Granite States GOP presidential primary, 42% say they would vote for him, followed by Haley at 20%, according to the latest CNN Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire. Haley emphasized that though she recognizes the strong support Trump has from voters, chaos continues to follow him. I think President Trump was the right president at the right time. I agree with a lot of his policies, but chaos follows him. Rightly or wrongly, chaos follows him. We cant afford four more years of chaos and survive it, said Haley, who served as Trumps United Nations ambassador for the first two years of his administration. Sununu, who is spending the week campaigning with Haley following his endorsement, said its going to be a 40-day ground game in New Hampshire ahead of the primary. He said he chose Haley over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie because of the personal connections she makes with voters, a key facet of campaigning in the Granite State. It isnt about just the policies. Policy can be easy, he explained. Its about whos really connecting with folks listening, earning the trust, right, spending the time. Thats how we do it here in New Hampshire. Asked whether DeSantis and Christie should drop out of the race, Sununu said theyll make that decision for themselves. Theyre good governors. Theyre good candidates, right? But here in New Hampshire, this is really coming down to Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, he said, predicting the results the primary would help the country realize a Trump nomination doesnt have to be the case. Sununu, who made clear he would back a candidate in the GOP primary, said he thinks Haley meets that criteria. If youre running against the former president, youre making it pretty clear that you not just you have the chops to be president, but youre not going to support him, he said. The New Hampshire governor, who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, contrasted Haley as a candidate with a forward-thinking and detail-oriented agenda compared to the former president, who continues to propagate falsehoods about the 2020 election. She really gets into details to talk about what shes about. What shes going to bring to the table in the future, he said, Not litigating the past, not whining about all the other stuff that we hear from the former president. Haley has faced criticism over how she addresses the former president by Christie, who is also hoping to emerge as the top Trump alternative in New Hampshire. Shes playing for [2028] and she doesnt want any of the people who are supporting Trump right now to be angry with her, he told voters at a town hall in Hooksett last week. If youre worried about people being angry with you, you have no business in my opinion running for president. In the interview, Haley also responded to criticism from DeSantis in which he again called her the establishment candidate. In recent weeks, DeSantis has said Haley is the candidate that more aligned with establishment interests, which he ultimately thinks will negatively impact her standing with Republican voters. During a CNN town hall on Tuesday night in Des Moines, DeSantis reiterated his attacks saying in part, even a campaigner as good as Chris [Sununu] is not going to be able to paper over Nikki being an establishment candidate. The former South Carolina governor dismissed his comments, touting her record from her time in office and emphasizing labels dont matter. You can say something, but it doesnt make it true. I was a Tea Party candidate when I became governor. I was a strong conservative governorAnd then you saw me go to the UN, I took the kick me sign off our backs and America was respected again. Everything Ive ever done has been strong, Haley said. He [DeSantis] can say establishment or whatever. I dont think labels matterand Chriss endorsement has just really given us a big kick at a time that the momentum was building, and this is going to continue to take us where we need to go, she added. Haley also weighed in on foreign policy, specifically about the recent back-and-forth between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which they publicly clashed in dueling remarks over who will govern Gaza post Israel-Hamas war. While Biden holds firm that he believes the Palestinian Authority should take over Gaza, Netanyahu said he wont allow it. Haley criticized the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, condemning Hamas and again calling for its elimination. The Palestinian Authority has done a terrible job at leadingThe people that live in Gaza have had to live under the oppression of Hamas, which is you know, a terrorist organization that has ruined that air. Israel doesnt want Gaza. Thats not the issue, but Israel doesnt want terrorists on their doorstep either, the former UN ambassador said. We need to support Israel being comfortable with whos going to be their neighbors. And you need to make sure that the people of Gaza, the best way to help the people of Gaza, is to eliminate Hamas, she added. Pushed further on who should lead Gaza, Haley said its not up to America to decide. I mean, were going to have to figure this out, right? But I dont think America has to figure this out. I think Israel needs to decide what they want their neighbors to look like, Haley said. Every country deserves to know that they can have a secure border and not have terrorists living on there. So, its going to take Israel a while to figure out how theyre going to get the Palestinians to find good leadership, but the Palestinian Authority has not been good to the people at all, and they havent proven worthy, she added. The two politicians also discussed their abortion stances. While Haley identifies personally as anti-abortion, Sununu said he is in favor of abortion rights. Still, the New Hampshire governor told CNN, When it comes to the abortion issue, no one has answered the question as well as Nikki Haley. Sununu said Haleys position on abortion is one of the number one positives he hears from voters, explaining, Shes exactly where it needs to be. Shes pro-life, and thats great. But at the end of the day, this is going to be a states issue. Haley has said she would sign a 15-week federal abortion ban, but she emphasized its unrealistic she would be able to get 60 votes for such a measure to pass in the Senate. Often describing herself as unapologetically pro-life, Haley has reiterated she believes Republicans and Democrats need to find a national consensus on the issue, such as banning later abortions and agreeing not to jail women who get them. Haley told CNN that as someone who has dealt with fertility issues, her heart absolutely breaks for Kate Cox, a pregnant woman in Texas who sought an abortion after learning her fetus has a fatal condition and doctors told her she could risk her future fertility if she doesnt get the procedure. The Texas Supreme Court reversed a lower courts ruling on Monday that would have allowed Cox to obtain an abortion under the states medical emergency exception, though her attorneys hours earlier said she had left the state to have the procedure. Haley said she thinks states with restrictive abortion laws, like Texas, should make their policies more detailed when it comes to exceptions like protecting the life of the mother in medical emergencies. They should look at when the situation between the doctor and the woman sees something thats dangerous, that might prevent her from having more babies or might be damaging to her body or something, I think youre gonna see the medical board make a decision on where is that line, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The soldiers killed in the fighting in the northern Gaza Strip. Top, left to right, Maj Roei Meldasi, Lt Col Tomer Grinberg, Col Itzhak Ben Basat. Middle, Capt Liel Hayo, Maj Ben Shelly, Maj Moshe Avram Bar On. Bottom, Sgt Achia Daskal, Sgt First Class Rom Hecht, Sgt Eran Aloni Nine Israeli soldiers have been killed in a series of ambushes and a double bombing in the single biggest loss of life for the countrys armed forces since the start of the ground invasion of Gaza. The soldiers were killed in what appeared to be a well co-ordinated surprise attack in the Shujaiyah neighbourhood in the north of the Gaza Strip. The troops there were in an advance stage of sweeping up the area and dismantling Hamas capabilities, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The deaths late on Tuesday night included the most senior Israeli commander killed so far, and come as Israel faces intense international and domestic pressure to wind down its military campaign, which has killed some 15,000 people. Patience is running thin among key allies, such as the US, while families of hostages held in Gaza are also demanding a ceasefire. The death toll of Israeli soldiers passed 100 this week. Eli Cohen, Israels foreign minister, said that a ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas and that Israel would keep fighting if deserted by Western allies. Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support, Mr Cohen said. Gunfire and improvised explosives On Tuesday night, the Israeli troops came under attack from gunfire and improvised explosives as they attempted to clear a building complex of Hamas fighters. The military described Shujaiyah as a compact area where Hamas gunmen are believed to be operating inside civilian buildings with an extensive network of underground tunnels underneath. Hamas is believed to have used video surveillance and observation points around the area to trap a group of Israelis before attacking them from two directions. The group lost communication with other troops, which made the army fear they had been abducted to nearby tunnels. Other troops, including Lt Col Tomber Grinberg, commander of the Golani Brigades 13th battalion, are understood to have gone to their aid, only to land in another Hamas ambush. Three different groups of soldiers appear to have been ambushed in the fighting, which lasted at least two hours. The commanders in the field showed bravery and composure, leading from the front and rushing to aid the wounded soldiers, the IDF said. Israel has not announced the number of Hamas fighters killed in fighting in Shujaiyah but the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper put the number at 350. A heavy, painful toll The IDF now believes the command of Hamass Shujaiyah battalion is largely disrupted, and Hamas is operating in the area with smaller, less organised squads. Speaking about the ambushes, Benny Gantz, a member of the coalition government, called the ground operation in Gaza Israels second war of independence and lamented that it was taking a heavy, painful toll. The casualties included Col Itzhak Ben Basat, the most senior officer to have been killed in Gaza to date, as well as Lt Col Grinberg. Lt Col Grinberg was among a group of soldiers who led a rescue mission at the southern kibbutz of Kfar Azza overrun by Hamas on Oct 7. His battalion was one of the hardest hit during the Hamas attack, losing 41 soldiers that day. He is survived by a wife and a four-year-old daughter, who was previously seen in a social media video, pointing to a picture of Daddy on the front page of a newspaper. The officer told Channel 13 last month: I have a lot to tell her. I hope shes not mad. I havent been home for a month. The deaths of Israeli troops come after Joe Biden warned Israel was losing international backing because of its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. The US president also told donors at a fundraising event that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels president, should drop the hard-liners in his government and reconsider his opposition to a Palestinian state. Mr Netanyahu admitted to disagreements with the US on the future of Gaza on Tuesday, saying he would not allow the territory to become Hamas-stan or Fatah-stan. The White House has been pushing for the Palestinian Authority, which runs the West Bank, to take control of Gaza once the war is over. On Tuesday night, the UN overwhelmingly voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire. 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 claim: Starbucks is closing stores in Morocco and San Francisco because of pro-Palestinian boycotts A Dec. 3 Instagram video (direct link, archive link) shows a woman speaking about recent boycotts against Starbucks. "For those of you who say boycotting doesn't work, Starbucks in Morocco is literally leaving the country," the woman says in the video, which was originally shared on TikTok. "Explicitly for the reasons of the lack of revenue they've had because of the pro-Palestine protest in all of Morocco. ... And in San Francisco, they announced that they will be closing seven stores." The woman refers to several screenshots of articles, saying, "That was literally all of us, guys." The Instagram post garnered more than 20,000 likes in a week, while the TikTok video received more than 100,000 likes in eight days. Similar versions of the claim were shared on Instagram. More from the USA TODAY Fact-Check Team: Our rating: False A Starbucks spokesperson said the chain is still operating in Morocco. The closures in San Francisco predate the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and were part of a regular store evaluation process. Starbucks is still operating in Morocco Starbucks filed a lawsuit against Starbucks Workers United in October after the union shared a pro-Palestinian post on social media that the chain said negatively impacted its reputation. In response, Starbucks workers and online social media users alike initiated boycotts against the company. The woman in the Instagram video refers to an article published by the New Arab, which claims Starbucks and H&M are both leaving Morocco "due to low demand tied to the ongoing boycott campaign." The New Arab article cites an announcement published by the Moroccan outlet Maroc Hebdo, but neither article cites any evidence to back up this claim. Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks spokesperson, told USA TODAY in an email that the claim is false and "Starbucks continues to operate stores in Morocco. The store's 18 locations are still listed as open on Google Maps. Fact check: Blue and white McDonald's wrappers are long-running extras, not Israel support As of Dec. 8, the New Arab article changed its headline to read, "Starbucks and H&M close in Morocco over Gaza boycott, owners deny departure citing 'reorganization.'" The updated article includes comments from spokespeople for Starbucks and the Alshaya Group, which owns Starbucks in Morocco, denying the claim. San Francisco closures predate Israel-Hamas war The second article shown in the Instagram video is a USA TODAY article about seven Starbucks stores closing in San Francisco. The article was published on Oct. 6, a day before the Hamas attack that sparked the ongoing Israsel-Hamas conflict. Similar articles from CBS News and the San Francisco Business Times were published even earlier, on Oct. 3. Fact check: Bella Hadid's departure from Dior is unrelated to her Palestinian support Anderson told USA TODAY the regional vice president of the San Francisco area sent out a statement announcing the closures on Oct. 2. The statement, which Anderson included in her email to USA TODAY, mentions the more than 40 Starbucks still open across San Francisco and the $2.5 million the chain recently invested in store renovations downtown. "Each year as a standard course of business, we evaluate the store portfolio to determine where we can best meet our community and customers needs," Anderson said. "This includes opening new locations, identifying stores in need of investment or renovation, exploring locations where an alternative format is needed and, in some instances, re-evaluating where our stores are located. USA TODAY reached out to the websites and the Instagram user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The TikTok user couldn't be contacted. Lead Stories and Check Your Fact also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here. USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Palestinian protest didn't push Starbucks out of Morocco | Fact check Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, defied a subpoena to testify in a closed-door congressional hearing, instead offering to speak in a public hearing (Drew Angerer) Long a target of US Republicans, President Joe Biden's embattled son Hunter held a rare press conference Wednesday to push back against allegations his father was involved in his often-scrutinized international business dealings. "My father was not financially involved in my business," Hunter Biden, 53, said outside the US Capitol as the House of Representatives prepared to vote on whether to open a formal impeachment inquiry against his 81-year-old father. "Not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of (Ukrainian gas giant) Burisma, not in my partnership to Chinese private businessmen, not in my investments at home nor abroad." Hunter Biden also enraged Republican lawmakers by refusing a subpoena to testify at a closed-door hearing with them on Wednesday, insisting he would only give answers at a public session. Republicans have long used the scandal-plagued younger Biden as a way of targeting the Democratic president himself, especially as Joe Biden faces a likely reelection battle against Republican former president Donald Trump. They have alleged that Joe Biden benefited unduly from his son's business dealings, and vice versa, while serving as vice president to Barack Obama, in what they claim is a family influence peddling scheme. But Republicans have yet to provide any solid evidence of corruption by the president, and an impeachment is highly unlikely to be approved by the Democratic-controlled senate. Hunter Biden still lashed out at the "shameless" impeachment probe. "There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing. They have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life," he said. The House Oversight Committee said in response that it would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against him. - 'From the heart' - President Biden has avoided going into details of his only surviving son's legal woes, but has long expressed his support for him as a father. The White House said the elder Biden knew in advance about his son's remarks on Wednesday. "The president was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. "What you saw was from the heart from his son," she said, and added that the president was proud of his son as he tried to "rebuild his life. That reflected what appeared to be a strategy for Hunter Biden to take an increasingly public role in deflecting the attacks on him and his father, after years of virtual silence. "For six years I've been a target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting 'where's Hunter?' Well, here's my answer -- I am here," he said. The younger Biden faces federal charges for lying about his drug use when he purchased a gun, as well as avoiding paying taxes while spending millions on drugs and escorts. His personal life, in which he long struggled with addiction, has become fodder for Republican attacks over the years, with one hard-right member showing naked pictures of him from a stolen laptop during one House hearing. "They've ridiculed my struggle with addiction, they've belittled my recovery and they have tried to dehumanize me -- all to embarrass and damage my father," he said. His statement came less than a week after another public attack on US right-wingers, whom he accused in a podcast with electronic musician Moby of trying to "kill" him. In his memoir "Beautiful Things," published in 2021, Hunter Biden wrote about his struggle with alcohol and illegal drugs -- his version of many seedy stories that had already been widely reported in the media and spread by the political opposition. Tragedy has also stalked his life. His mother and sister died in a 1972 car crash in which he was badly injured, while his older brother Beau died from brain cancer in 2015, aged 46. "During my battle with addiction, my parents were there for me," he said Wednesday. "They literally saved my life." cjc-dk/dw/mlm China-Vietnam relations have advantages that other bilateral relationships don't have Global Times) 15:54, December 13, 2023 At the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Vietnam from Tuesday to Wednesday. China is the first country with which Vietnam has built a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and Vietnam is also the first Southeast Asian country with which China has established this relationship framework. This is the driving force for the two countries' relations to enter a new stage of development, looking toward the future. Vietnam-China relations have many advantages that other bilateral relationships don't have. Vietnam and China are two neighboring countries, with both land and sea borders. As a result, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are easier to develop than with other countries that aren't as geographically close. The two countries share many similarities, creating favorable conditions for cultural exchange activities such as tourism and study abroad programs between their respective populations. The two countries have similar institutions with the communist party in a leadership role. Therefore, Vietnam and China can exchange and learn from each other's experiences in the development process. In particular, the relationship between the two parties plays an important role in Vietnam-China relations. It is difficult to find any bilateral relationship that, in addition to the official channels of the state and the people, has a stable, powerful and effective exchange channel like the exchange channel between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of China. Over the past 30 years, during significant events, that relationship has been demonstrated. Since normalization, overall relations have developed in an upward direction with occasional bumpy periods. There are difficult times, but along with exchanging and promoting the resolution of disagreements, the two sides still maintain stability and carry out annual exchange plans, including meetings and summit conferences. Theoretical discussions, exchanges with party committees and training cooperation programs were all carried out on schedule. Maintaining stability in the party channel during difficult time in relations has had a positive effect on other areas, preventing disagreements between the two sides from getting out of control. Over the past 15 years since Vietnam and China established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership (2008-2023), Vietnam-China relations have developed extensively in all fields, from politics to economy, culture, security and national defense. Over the past 14 years, bilateral trade turnover has increased around 12 times, from about $20 billion in 2008 to $234.9 billion in 2022. Since 2018, Vietnam has surpassed Malaysia, becoming China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In the context of the global and regional economy being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral economic and trade cooperation still maintains its growing trend and positive development. In 2023, China regained its status as the largest export market for Vietnamese agriculture, forestry and fishery products. China's direct investment in Vietnam has also seen a great increase. In 2008, there were 628 China-invested projects with a total registered capital of about $2.197 billion, ranking 16 out of 84 countries and regions investing in Vietnam. In 2019, the number jumped to 2,807 projects with a total investment capital of $16.264 billion, making China the seventh-largest foreign investor in Vietnam. In addition, relations in the fields of national security and defense, and people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries have also been developing well. But there are still some problems that remain in the relationship. Some limitations and problems in cooperation have not been effectively resolved, such as the trade deficit issue, and Vietnam's agricultural product exports to China sometimes encounter difficulties and lack stability, the situation in the South China Sea is still complicated, affecting relations between the two countries. How to handle and resolve these issues is closely related to the healthy and sustainable development of Vietnam-China relations. Looking ahead, key areas in Vietnam-China cooperation will be promoted in the direction of maintaining and consolidating achievements, gradually resolving problems and removing obstacles. In the field of economics and trade, in addition to maintaining growth in turnover, the two sides emphasize e-commerce, promoting the safety and stability of production chains and supply chains between the two countries. Obstacles in agricultural exports that affect production and farmers' livelihood will be gradually removed, and the process of opening the market for a number of Vietnam's key agricultural products will continue to be promoted. Furthermore, the Vietnamese side will actively promote the process of opening the market for Chinese products. Infrastructure connection saw positive results when the two countries implemented the connection of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan. In the near future, the two countries will focus on cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, e-commerce, digital transformation and digital economy, and the North-South express railway. Strategic trust is enhanced, the social foundation of the relationship is strengthened, remaining problems are gradually resolved, and maritime disputes are resolved by peaceful means, in accordance with the agreement. The principles that the two countries have achieved will be important factors in promoting Vietnam-China relations to develop in a stable, healthy, high-quality direction for the benefit of each country as well as the region and the world. The article was compiled based on an interview with Viet Hoang, a senior lecturer at the International Law Faculty, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. This is an excerpt from the interview. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) William, a 5-month-old baby, was flown into El Paso from Cincinnati on a private jet provided by nonprofit group AeroAngel to have surgery at El Paso Childrens Hospital. William Brumley is a 5-month-old baby who will turn half-a-year-old the day of his surgery on Thursday, Dec. 14. Williams parents say he is a very happy baby, their first baby, and loves bouncing. Playing piano, loves music, likes to sing. And yeah, hes, besides the issue with his skull, hes a happy, healthy guy, said Emily Brumley, Williams mother. Brumley said they flew to El Paso so their son could get a surgery for his skull that fused together early and is causing pressure on his brain. They were flown by a private jet thanks to AeroAngel, a non-profit group that helps families in need at no cost. We do a lot of charity work with the planes for this flight. Our employees, our customers, Million Air here (in El Paso) all donated money to pay for this, to pay the expenses. We dont make any money on the flights. We just, we do it for for the babies and the children, said Lyle Byrum, CEO of ATI Jet. Brumley said they heard that Dr. Yates at the El Paso Childrens Hospital is famous for being able to do a less invasive surgery to fix the issue that their son is battling. Were glad to be able to have opportunity to have a quick and easy flight and not have to deal with all the illnesses and stuff that are going on this time of the year and get everything fixed for him, Brumley said. Brumley said her advice to other parents is to always trust your mommy gut and during this hard time they are thankful for all the support they have been given. It sucks that we have to do this surgery, but to do the much less invasive one would be awesome. So I was like, Well, well fly to the moon for our boy, you know?' Brumley said. If all goes as planned William and his family will fly back to Cincinnati on the Dec. 23, home in time for the holidays. I feel kind of just ready. And my nerves, of course, are high, but I feel just ready to get this over with and and know that he isnt in any discomfort anymore, Brumley said. If youd like to donate to AeroAngel to help William and other families in need, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Dixon Slingerland was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months' home detention. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) The former head of a prominent nonprofit in Los Angeles who pleaded guilty to embezzlement was sentenced Tuesday to six months in federal prison and six months' home detention, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Dixon Slingerland, the former chief executive of the nonprofit Youth Policy Institute, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee to pay restitution of $750,470 and a $10,000 fine, and perform 200 hours of community service. Slingerland's attorney, Vicki Podberesky, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more: Politically wired leader of defunct L.A. antipoverty group admits embezzlement In addition to his professional career, Slingerland was a campaign fundraiser and donor for Democratic candidates. He was also a frequent visitor to the White House during President Obama's administration. He admitted in a plea agreement earlier this year that he embezzled more than $71,000 from the anti-poverty nonprofit that he led, including buying his family a $6,131 dinner at Momofuku Ko, a high-end New York City restaurant. Slingerland also admitted that he did not report nearly $450,000 in total income from the nonprofit on his personal tax returns from 2016 to 2019, according to the plea agreement. Slingerland, who earned about $400,000 annually leading the nonprofit, also said in his plea agreement that he misspent more than $600,000 of the group's funds and put personal expenses on the organizations American Express card. Youth Policy Institute, a nonprofit focused on education and poverty programs, received tens of millions of dollars in federal funding during the Obama administration and was promoted frequently by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti. The group shut down in 2019 following an audit that found a lack of oversight and inaccurate financial reports. Slingerland was also fired from the nonprofit that year. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing lodged that year in federal court, the nonprofit said Slingerland used Youth Policy Institute funds on unauthorized and personal expenses, including tutoring for family members. 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. After over a month of mounting public criticism, the government of Hanover County, North Carolina, has decided to drop its plans to seize the strip club adjacent to its government center building. On Monday night, the Hanover County Commission voted unanimously to rescind its authorization of eminent domain for the Cheetah Premier Gentlemen's Club, local press reported yesterday. "Over the last month we have explored it and we have engaged in some productive dialogue with the property owners and the business owner," Commissioner Dane Scalise told Port City Daily, saying the county will now explore a voluntary purchase of the club. The conflict over the Cheetah Club began in early November, when the county commission voted, again unanimously to authorize spending $2.3 million on the forced taking of the club. The presence of the Cheetah Club next to Hanover's government center building has long been a source of embarrassment for some in the county government. One commissioner has said, "the optics have always been an issue." North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell criticized county commissioners about their offices' proximity to a strip club at a hearing earlier this year. At that meeting, local press noted, the property was only referred to by its tax identification number. County staff presenting the eminent domain ordinance said only that the property was being taken for "public use." Once news of the seizure broke, the county said publicly that the club was needed to expand parking at the county's government center. "I truly believe what set this off was State Treasurer Folwell's comment about the government center being built close to a gentlemen's club, just an offhand comment," said Michael Barber, a lawyer for the Cheetah Club, to Port City Daily last month. In comments to the paper yesterday, Barber applauded commissioners for dropping their eminent domain efforts. "60 hardworking New Hanover County residents can rest a little easier that their jobs are not in immediate jeopardy," he said. Provided the government is taking your property for a public use (which has been very broadly defined by the U.S. Supreme Court), property owners have few legal means to prevent a seizure. Instead, they're left trying to win the court of public opinion. That can be easier for some property owners than others. In the Cheetah Club's case, it appears the local community was exercised enough about losing a valuable amenity to get county commissioners to back off. The post North Carolina Strip Club Now Safe From County's Eminent Domain Efforts appeared first on Reason.com. Addey Munye, 67, shows off her "I Voted" sticker after she cast her ballot in her first election at a polling station in the West Acres Mall in Fargo, N.D, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Munye is originally from Somalia. As we approach the 2024 election season, it is time for North Dakota voters to make a plan to vote. On the national stage, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was a contender in the crowded Presidential primary election before dropping out ahead of the third debate in Miami. In addition to the presidential election, North Dakota will elect a U.S. Senator. Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer told local station KVRR in October that he is preparing to run for reelection. Cramer's son was involved in a police chase that led to an officer's death on Dec. 6.. No matter who ends up in the Senate race, here is what North Dakota voters need to know to cast their vote. More: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum asks voters for a chance in New Hampshire: 5 things to know. Key dates and deadlines for North Dakota voters May 2 - Absentee and mail-in voting begins for the primary election June 10 - Absentee and mail-in ballot deadline June 11 - Primary Election Day September 26 - Absentee and mail-in voting begins for the general election November 4 - Absentee and mail-in ballot deadline November 5 - General Election Day How to register to vote in North Dakota North Dakota does not require voter registration. Instead, voters must provide identification at the polling place or when voting by mail. Here is the list of requirements to be eligible to vote in North Dakota: A U.S. citizen 18 years or older on the day of the election A resident of North Dakota A resident in your precinct for at least 30 days before the election Mail-in voting in North Dakota North Dakota voters can vote by mail by doing the following: Fill out the online form Print the completed form, sign and date it Send it to your county auditor. The address will be provided when you fill out your form. You may be required to add copies of documentation for verifying a new residential address A ballot will be mailed to you. Fill it out, and return it by the day before the election. Election Day voting in North Dakota As registration is not required, voters must bring identification with their current address to the polling place. Voters can not use an out-of-state driver's license as their ID. If the address on your state ID is no longer the same, the Secretary of State suggests updating the ID at least 30 days before the election, though providing supplemental documentation such as a bill with the current address could be an option. Tribal IDs may require additional forms to be turned in. To see full ID requirements, check the North Dakota Secretary of State website. Voters can look up their polling places and operating times online. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Dakota voter guide: Deadlines, online forms and early voting NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (WJW) A local high school principal is on paid leave after allegations were reported to the district, according to a letter sent out to parents Tuesday. North Olmsted City Schools did not say what kind of allegations led to an ongoing investigation of principal Daniel Flood, who was named to the position in the spring. FOX 8 reached out to North Olmsted police, who said they were not investigating the allegations. Man indicted in deadly I-90 wrong-way crash Assistant principal James Koontz has stepped into Floods role in the interim, the district said. Read the letter sent out to families in full below: Dear North Olmsted High School Families, It has come to the Districts attention that there have been questions and speculation in the community with regard to the absence of Principal Daniel Flood. Mr. Flood has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation of allegations reported to the District. It is critical that the investigative process is carried out and therefore we cannot comment on the pending investigation or speculate as to the outcome. But, we take all allegations of misconduct seriously. In the meantime, Assistant Principal James Koontz will serve as the interim building principal. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through this process. Rest assured that we will keep you informed of any significant developments, to the extent permitted by law, and while respecting the privacy of all parties involved. Respectfully, David Brand, Superintendent A reality: Giant goldfish wreaking havoc in Great Lakes The district did not say when they would announce their findings with the public. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A North Tonawanda man who pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in August was sentenced to serve more than seven years in prison, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Tuesday. Michael Angstenberger, 48, was sentenced to 87 months of prison time and 10 years of supervised release. Angstenberger was convicted of receipt of child pornography after posing as a female minor via a Snapchat account with the username catybug1234 to solicit child sexual abuse images from victims aged 12 or under. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly said that Angstenberger communicated with a 12-year-old victim located in Kentucky, asking for sexually explicit photos. The victim sent the images at Angestenbergers request. Angstenberger repeated the same behavior with a second victim in Arkansas, receiving sexually explicit images from the victim who was approximately 11-12 years old, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Latest Local News Justin McMullen is a Western New York native who joined the News 4 team in 2023. You can read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. A group of 20 Northern Lebanon High School Students will be taking a trip to New York City later this month, but it's not just to go see the big city. The high school's Volunteer Club will embark by bus on Dec. 19 for their annual Spirit of Giving trip, a tradition for the school for 18 years now, according to Jennifer Thoman, Mathematics Department Chair at Northern Lebanon High School, who advises the club. Last year, Northern Lebanon High School's Volunteer Club collected 131 blankets, 286 coats, and $2,000 for donation. Gently used coats and blankets are collected by the club and are handed out, along with a hot meal, to the homeless in New York City. Due to high demand for the trip over the years, the club works with two soup kitchens, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and St. Lukes Soup Kitchen, both in New York City. Before the trip, students in the club serve their local community by helping out at the Lebanon Rescue Mission. "We also want to have them see the needs of those around us," Thoman said. "So on Sunday the 3rd, 11 students, another teacher and I, went into the Lebanon Rescue Mission and prepared and served a meal to the men who lived there as well those in the community who needed a hot meal." Money raised by the club is split between the New York soup kitchens and the Lebanon Rescue Mission. Students are required to go out to local business to look for sponsors for the trip to help with the cost of the bus, which has roughly doubled in price over the last 18 years, Thoman explained. Dieffenbach's Potato Chips donates chips and The Hershey Company donates chocolates for the students to take up to the soup kitchen as well. While the program has become more and more popular over the years, this year's group is actually slightly smaller than previous years because one of the soup kitchens did not have enough open spots for volunteers. Usually, they have about 25 students go on the trip. Last year, the students raised $2,000 after the cost of the bus, 131 blankets and 286 coats. They will be raising funds until the day before the trip, Dec. 18. Anyone interested in donating should reach out to jthoman@norleb.k12.pa.us. Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X @djlarlham. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Northern Lebanon Pa. students' trip to NYC benefits those most in need PARIS Norway will donate more National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, better known as NASAMS, to Ukraine, this time with a value of 335 million kroner (U.S. $31 million), the government said in a statement Wednesday. Air defense is vital to Ukraine, and the country is asking for more systems to fend off Russian attacks, according to Norwegian Defence Minister Bjrn Arild Gram. Due to the urgent need for more systems, Norway will supply equipment from its own reserves. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre announced the additional support at a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo, also promising 1 billion kronor in co-financing for a European effort to boost production of artillery shells and missiles for Ukraine. Ukraine is entering the third winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbouring country, Stre said in a statement. When it comes to military support, Norway will now be providing more air defence equipment to protect Ukrainian cities against the Russian attacks. The Norwegian government will donate eight more NASAMS launch systems and four more fire-direction units, which it says is the same number of systems as donated previously. The equipment can be sent within a relatively short time and will be crucial to strengthen Ukrainian air defense against Russian attacks this winter, Norway said. NASAMS is a short- to medium-range system developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon. Norway in March said it would provide two firing units in cooperation with the U.S., in addition to two systems supplied by the U.S. in 2022. The government said the systems from its own reserves can be donated without lowering Norways ability to defend itself. Norway will provide more funds for the countrys industry to boost output of artillery ammunition and missiles, the government said in a separate statement Wednesday. That could allow the Norwegian defense industry to expand production capacity of shells, rocket engines, missiles and explosives by several billion kroner. The country is boosting industry support to 950 million kroner from 500 million kroner, with project applications from Nammo Raufoss, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Chemring Nobel, the government said. Norway will also provide 190 million kroner to the European Union program to boost munition production capabilities. Norway unveiled on Dec. 13 new aid for Ukraine as part of a previously announced multi-year support plan, including air defense equipment, humanitarian assistance, and increased munition production. Oslo announced the assistance during Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Norway. Zelensky has been touring several partner countries in an effort to reinvigorate support for Ukraine. "Just this morning, we learned that Ukraine was under attack by Russian missiles, and you need all the support you can to defend yourself," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said during a press conference with Zelensky. Following talks with Zelensky, Stoere unveiled key allocations of Oslo's five-year $6.8-billion Ukraine funding plan approved earlier this year. Around $12 million is allocated as budget support for Ukrainian public services, including administration, healthcare, education, and pensions. Norway will also disburse $273 million in budget support early next year through the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) under the World Bank. Oslo further pledged additional NASAMS air defense equipment worth $30.5 million. Some of it is to be sent from current stocks, while the rest will be commissioned from the industry for later delivery. "The equipment can be sent within a relatively short time and will be important in strengthening air defenses against Russian attacks during the winter," Norwegian Defense Minister Bjoern Arild Gram said. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Over $91 million is allocated to boost Norway's ammunition and missile production as part of the EU's ASAP plan to replenish Ukraine's stockpiles. Finally, $12.5 million will support the U.N.'s Winter Response Plan for Ukraine, earmarked for food and water, warm clothes, blankets, and places for people to stay if their housing is destroyed during the winter. This funding is in addition to the contributions already announced in 2023. "Ukraine is entering the third winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighboring country," Stoere said. "When it comes to military support, Norway will now be providing more air defense equipment to protect Ukrainian cities against the Russian attacks." As the winter is setting in, Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian missile attack overnight on Dec. 13, resulting in dozens of civilians injured. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is likely to intensify attacks against cities and critical infrastructure, mirroring its strategy from last year. According to the Norwegian government's press release, more than half of Oslo's assistance provided in 2023 was military aid, mainly on air defense. Earlier this week, Norway and the U.K. announced a new maritime coalition aimed at supporting Ukraine's naval capabilities. Read also: Norway allocates $90 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Nick Gray said nuclear power was not safe, not wanted and expensive - KEN JACK/GETTY IMAGES EUROPE Nuclear bosses have accused the SNPs energy secretary of spreading shocking falsehoods about the industry as the Cop28 summit backed accelerating the energy source to reduce the worlds climate emissions. The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) criticised Neil Gray, a close ally of Humza Yousaf, after he told MSPs last week that nuclear power was not safe, not wanted and expensive. Tom Greatrex, the trade bodys chief executive, said Mr Gray had made a series of factually inaccurate statements to justify the SNPs opposition to building more nuclear plants in Scotland. In a letter to the minister, Mr Greatrex said Mr Gray had insulted the 700 workers at the Torness nuclear station in East Torness, which he said operates to the highest standards of safety and was the best power generating asset in Scotland. His intervention came as world leaders agreed their first global stock take at the Cop28 summit in the UAE, backing accelerating zero and low-emission technologies, including...nuclear. Not wanted in Scotland Mr Greatrex said 24 nations at the summit, including Canada, Sweden, Finland, France and the Netherlands, had pledged to triple nuclear power capacity to help meet the challenges of climate change and energy security. Although Mr Gray last week cited Germany as an example of a country that had shut its nuclear plants, Mr Greatrex noted that it burns more coal than anybody else in Europe. Around 57 per cent of electricity used in Scotland was from renewables in 2021 with the rest generated by nuclear and gas plants. In 2020 only 6.4 per cent of non-electric heat demand was met by renewables. The Hunterston B plant in North Ayrshire, one of Scotlands two ageing nuclear power stations, was shut down in January last year. Torness is due to close in 2028, two years earlier than originally planned. The UK Governments energy strategy includes plans for eight new nuclear reactors at existing sites, capable of generating around a quarter of the UKs electricity demand by 2050. Although energy policy is reserved to Westminster, the SNPs control over the planning system means it can block any new plants being built in Scotland. Mr Gray told MSPs last week the SNP Government was discounting nuclear power because it is not safe, it is expensive and it is not wanted in Scotland. In addition, it is not needed in Scotland, he added. We have abundant natural energy resources and capital that can contribute and are contributing to our energy mix. He justified his comments on safety citing an alleged cyber hack on the Sellafield nuclear waste storage site by groups linked to Russia. Insulted professionalism of workers Mr Greatrex said: It is shocking to see the Scottish energy minister spread falsehoods about nuclear power in Scotland. He has devalued the enormous contribution nuclear has made to the nations net zero goals, energy security and jobs and has insulted the professionalism of Scottish nuclear workers with false criticism about safety. Scotland has consistently generated the most nuclear power of any part of the UK, thus avoiding more carbon dioxide emissions than any other power source in Scottish history. Claire Greer, Scottish organiser in energy for the GMB trade union, said: It is increasingly clear that Scotland and the rest of the UK will not come close to reaching emission targets without new nuclear. She added: The continuing anti-nuclear rhetoric of ministers will only slow efforts to address climate change and delay the industrial strategies and supply chains needed for a green economic recovery. A government spokesman said: We recognise that operators such as Torness work to stringent standards. However, the Scottish Government does not support the building of new nuclear fission power stations in Scotland under current technologies. New nuclear power is expensive; will take years, if not decades, to become operational, and has significant environmental concerns. 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. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -New York's top court on Tuesday threw out the state's congressional map, a decision that could eventually pave the way for the Democratic-controlled legislature to draw a new map that gives the party a major edge in the 2024 election. A Democratic-drawn map could flip as many as six Republican-held seats next year, enough by themselves to shift the balance of power in the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives. The case is among several legal battles around the country that could result in new congressional maps in nearly a dozen states, altering the electoral landscape ahead of what will be a hotly contested fight for control of the House. Democrats need to gain a net of five seats nationally next year to recapture a majority. In a 4-3 decision, the New York Court of Appeals ordered the state's Independent Redistricting Commission to restart the map-drawing process ahead of 2024, as Democrats had requested. Any district lines produced by the commission must eventually go for approval before the legislature, whose Democratic majority would be free to reject them and install a more favorable map in a process known as gerrymandering. The complicated case stemmed from the 2022 cycle, when the redistricting commission - approved by voters in 2014 in an effort to eliminate gerrymandering - failed to agree on a map after deadlocking along party lines. The state legislature took over, crafting a heavily gerrymandered map that was aimed at giving Democrats the edge in 22 of the state's 26 districts. The Court of Appeals ruled in a 4-3 decision last year that lawmakers did not follow the proper procedure in enacting the map. As a result, a court-appointed expert drew a much more competitive map that yielded 11 Republican seats, prompting Democrats to file a lawsuit challenging its use in 2024. Since then, a moderate Court of Appeals judge in the 2022 majority retired and was replaced by a more liberal judge, leading to Tuesday's split decision. The three remaining judges from the earlier majority all dissented from Tuesday's ruling, arguing that the court-drawn map should remain in place for the rest of the decade. New York Republicans in Congress slammed the decision. Representative Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican whose district covers the northern tip of New York state, accused Democrats of politicizing the court. "Corrupt Albany politics at its worst," Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican who is likely to be targeted under a Democratic-drawn map, said in a statement. Democrats applauded the ruling. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat from the House representing eastern parts of Brooklyn, said it would "begin the process of drawing fair maps that give New Yorkers an opportunity to elect the representation they deserve." (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Moira Warburton; Editing by Mark Porter and Daniel Wallis) Editors Note: Patrick T. Brown is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a conservative think tank and advocacy group based in Washington, DC. He is also a former senior policy adviser to Congress Joint Economic Committee. Follow him on Twitter. The views expressed in this piece are his own. View more opinion on CNN. (CNN) During the 2016 presidential primaries, Sen. Ted Cruz tried a Texas two-step to win the Republican nomination. The Establishments only hope: Trump & me in a cage match. Sorry to disappoint @realDonaldTrump is terrific, he tweeted prior to the Iowa caucuses, hoping to bear-hug his way into a two-way race against Donald Trump. It wasnt long before he pivoted toward attacking Trump with both barrels. But by then, of course, it was too late. Patrick T. Brown - Courtesy Patrick T. Brown Through much of 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has seemed to have been pursuing a version of that same strategy, shying away from leveling critiques of the former president that could seem too stringent. His campaign strategy was to leverage his successful record of advancing conservative priorities in the Sunshine State to appeal to Trumps supporters, while at the same time connecting with college-educated Republicans longing for a contender with less baggage. A strategic detente towards Trump may have made some sense in the summer months, but the clock has run out. Tuesday nights CNN town hall with DeSantis in Iowa may have been his pivot toward a more direct line of attack. At various points throughout his hour on stage, DeSantis offered his most pointed critiques to date of the former president, dinging him on issues from Covid to abortion to temperament. It was far from the type of gloves-off pummeling that someone like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie might have offered. But it was a sign that DeSantis and his advisers realize the hour is getting late. DeSantis still has a war chest, and Tuesdays town hall illustrated the extent to which he has pushed all his chips in on the Iowa caucuses (unfriendly territory in New Hampshire and South Carolina, the second and third states in the primary lineup, likely influenced his decision). He remains a less-than-fluid campaigner, pandering a little too obviously to pork producers and Iowa farmers. But the format of the town hall played to his strengths as someone comfortable with briefing books and policy white papers, without the crosstalk of the primary debate stage. In the more personal format, his anecdotes about serving as a JAG officer or facing his wifes breast cancer diagnosis, while not show-stopping, helped humanize him. Most importantly, he wasted no time throwing some jabs at Trump, shoehorning a critique of his Covid policies into the first question of the night. He contrasted his experience as governor with his partys cheap talk around immigration and criticized broken promises on a border wall and replacing Obamacare. In stump speeches, DeSantis has been increasingly willing to sidle up to directly criticizing Trump; this was the sharpest his elbows had been on a national stage. His new tactics were most evident when he accused the former president of flip-flopping on the right to life. In a heavily evangelical state like Iowa, DeSantis was smart to say that Trump spoke about the gift of unborn life in 2020 before swinging to calling pro-life legislation a terrible thing this year. Trumps willingness to sandbag the movement to restrict abortion might be a cynically smart play in a general election, but is a real weakness in a Republican primary, and DeSantis was correct to hold him to account. But DeSantis also let slip his instincts with the pre-Trump, tea party-era Republican Party. As in the economic platform he released this summer, he offered some vaguely populist ideas but ultimately relied on policies that wouldnt have been amiss in any GOP administration this century. He rattled off policies that have been on conservative wish lists for decades and remain completely impractical, like a balanced budget amendment or congressional term limits. To the extent that the primary is about ideas, rather than getting back at the elites, DeSantis down-the-line conservative appeals may struggle against Trumps more impressionistic suite of policy stances that can appeal to a broader range of voters. But the general trajectory of the primary suggests a race that wont turn on policy stances. Despite Trumps harsh words for pro-lifers and deviations from conservative orthodoxy, he maintains a position at the head of the party. The fact that Trump continues to amass momentum in most tracking polls suggests GOP voters see a third Trump nomination as their most effective way of thrusting a middle finger towards an establishment they see as corrupt and out of touch. Its possible there is nothing DeSantis could have done differently to alter that fundamental dynamic. But if he is to have any chance at avoiding an early exit from the 2024 race, his criticisms of Trump have increasingly needed to be less subtext and more overt. Tuesdays town hall while far from a full-throated battle cry suggested an 11th-hour reckoning with that fact. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The resignation of Elizabeth Magill, former president of the University of Pennsylvania, has the potential to be an ignominious, watershed moment in American history. Im a Jew and, heaven knows, no one has been more critical of elite colleges than Ive been, but the greatest intellectual threat of these times is neither antisemitism nor Ivy League schools its to academic freedom and the First Amendments protection of speech. Without a rapid course correction, Magills ouster will undermine the values of the American academy and the essence of what it means to be a college student. A lot has been made of Magill, Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluths inadequate preparation for and stilted responses to Rep. Elise Stefaniks pointed questioning during a recent hearing on antisemitism on college campuses. One glaring error they made, which has received little attention, is their failure to correct Stefaniks characterization of the term intifada as synonymous with genocide. Stefanik referenced Harvard students chanting during marches, There is only one solution. Intifada revolution, and Globalize the Intifada. She then asked Gay, You understand that this call for intifada is to commit genocide against the Jewish people in Israel and globally, correct? Gay responded, That type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me, thereby distancing herself from antisemitism but effectively conceding the premise of Stefaniks question and missing an important opportunity to reset the conversation. Intifada the Arabic word for uprising has been used since the 1980s to describe Palestinian revolts against Israel, and while it undoubtedly has been used by Hamas to advocate for the eradication of Jews, the term has no inherent connection to the concept of genocide. On one of the most polarizing issues of our time, in one of the most polarized periods in human history, it would have been important to challenge a characterization of the facts as more extreme than they actually are. It would have been important, too, to counter the subtler premise in Stefaniks question, which ironically is one of the moves that conservatives most detest in the woke left evaluating language by the listeners sensitivities and reactions rather than the speakers intended meaning. The danger in this is obvious. Last month, 65 student groups declared in the Northwestern University student newspaper, When we say, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, the slogan for which the Republican-controlled House censured Rep. Rashida Tlaib we imagine a world free of Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Blackness, militarism, occupation and apartheid. Surely that is protected speech by any imaginable definition. Finally, it would have been worth noting that even the advocacy of genocide however abhorrent would be protected speech. The touchstone here should be the University of Chicagos free speech principles, which were created following a series of disputes over controversial commencement speakers and have been adopted by over 100 universities and endorsed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the nations leading defender of campus speech. Neither Harvard, Penn, nor MIT, have adopted whats known as the Chicago Statement, though the free speech code at Harvard contains several similar elements and a petition at MIT to adopt the Chicago Statement has 163 faculty signatories. The Chicago Statement guarantees all members of the university community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn excluding only language that violates the law, is defamatory or constitutes a genuine threat or harassment. Harvards principles strike a balance between speech, which is privileged in the University community, and the individuals pursuit of inquiry and education. It excludes behavior evidently intended to dishonour such characteristics as race, gender, ethnic group, religious belief, or sexual orientation. So, despite her poor sense of the optics, Gay was correct when she told Stefanik that whether support for intifada violated Harvards Code of Conduct depends on the context. Specifically, it would depend on the speakers intent. Speakers with intent similar to the Northwestern University students would not violate the policy. Speakers who invoked the specter of genocide with the intention of harassing or intimidating would. These colleges are private actors, but the answer would be the same under the U.S. Constitution. Speech advocating unlawful action is protected by the First Amendment unless it is both directed to and likely to produce imminent lawless action. And the answer is resoundingly the same from the standpoint of an educator. Our job is not to promote intellectually safe spaces but rather to challenge students with controversial ideas and views. As the Chicago Statement puts it, education should not be intended to make people comfortable, it is meant to make them think. It is from engaging with people and ideas with which they disagree that people learn and evolve. This is the essence of the value of college. No professor would protect a student who expressed a hateful view with the aim of disrupting a class or making a fellow student uncomfortable. But any teacher worth their salt would die to protect a student trying to articulate their honest conception of justice. Thats why the doxxing of Harvard students who signed a misguided letter blaming Israel for the Hamas attack is so repugnant, a fact that should be particularly evident to the left, which (correctly) embraces the language of restorative justice. A young persons fate should not be determined by their worst misdeed or most intemperate language. Part of what has complicated this episode is that universities have been woefully inconsistent in enforcing their principles. Its simply not credible for Gay to defend Harvard as a bastion of free expression. Harvard ranked dead last in FIREs most recent free speech rankings, and Stefanik was correct to note that Harvard has rescinded admissions offers for sharing inappropriate memes and offensive social media content. Its worth noting that Stefanik is guilty of her own massive hypocrisies. In 2020, Stefanik railed against Harvards Institute of Politics when it removed her from its advisory board after she supported Donald Trumps baseless claims of election fraud. At the time, Stefanik offered a broad conception of free speech on campus. The decision by Harvards administration to cower and cave to the woke Left will continue to erode diversity of thought, she wrote in a statement. "The Ivory Towers march toward a monoculture of like-minded, intolerant liberal views demonstrates the sneering disdain for everyday Americans and will instill a culture of fear for students. Today, however, she is eager to crack down on dissent against U.S. support for Israel amid a controversial war. The answer is not for the left or right to double down. Its to abandon this pathway entirely. Despite the firestorm, Harvard faculty rallied behind Gay, and the university has decided to keep her in place as president. This should be a relief to all those who care about maintaining academic freedom. But the threat is not over. (And while colleges are rethinking their policies, please end legacy preferences.) Its time for universities to reset to neutrality: Adopt the Chicago Statement, and get out of the business of taking stands on political issues unrelated to education. Responding to the issues of the day is the business of politicians. Balanced statements require consideration, nuance and empathy for all stakeholders. After all, colleges are supposed to be places where all kinds of people can learn. This may cost something. Some 50,000 members resigned from the ACLU in the 1970s after the organization and its courageous Jewish attorney David Goldberger defended the right of Chicago-area Nazis to hold a demonstration in Skokie, Illinois. Such risk has not prevented the ACLU and FIRE from defending antisemitic speech. They may lose members today. Colleges might lose support too. Hedge fund manager Ross Stevens threatened to withdraw a donation of approximately $100 million if Magill was not fired. The board of Wharton, Penns business school, was reportedly focused on a proposal to prohibit hate speech. If anyone is equipped to weather this storm its these colleges. Penns endowment is $21 billion. Harvards is nearly $51 billion. If theres a hill for these colleges to die upon, its this one. Any venture down the path of allowing the government or college administrators to determine what speech is worthy of protection will not end well. Because there is simply no way to eliminate so-called hate speech without also cutting deeply into our most cherished freedoms of expression. The essence of safeguarding civil liberties a core piece of the American experiment is to ask what you would think about restricting speech if the shoe were on the other foot. Consider this statement: These arent people. These are animals. Imagine first that it was being said by an Israeli about a Palestinian. Then a Palestinian about an Israeli. Then a Democrat about a Republican. Then a Republican about a Democrat. Each time as you read it, ask yourself whether its protected speech. Interested in the identity of the speaker? It was Donald Trump speaking about undocumented immigrants. I look forward to Elise Stefaniks hearing on that. Editors note: Rep. Jamie Raskin represents Marylands 8th Congressional District and is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. A professor of constitutional law for 25 years at American University Washington College of Law, he was the lead impeachment manager in President Donald Trumps second impeachment and a member of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. He is the author of several books, including Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth and the Trials of American Democracy. The following column is adapted from Raskins posts on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, that he addressed to GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik following her questioning of university presidents at a congressional hearing on antisemitism on college campuses. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN. Dear Rep. Stefanik: Last week you challenged Ivy League presidents to denounce antisemitism with moral clarity by answering some yes/no questions. Dissatisfied with their answers, you have agitated for their removal. University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill stepped down after fierce criticism of her testimony on Capitol Hill, while Harvard University President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluth have faced similar calls to resign for their own legalistic and tone-deaf answers to your questions about people calling for the genocide of Jews. Rep. Jamie Raskin - Courtesy Jamie Raskin We can all agree that the college presidents who appeared before your committee failed basic tests of common sense and moral clarity when they struggled to answer your yes-no questions. But your sharply focused inquiry now invites a broader discussion about the moral responsibilities of leadership when confronting antisemitism. What do you think about tolerance for antisemitism by people who want to be presidentnot of a college in New England but of the United States itself? Following your simple yes/no format, I present five easy questions for you to address with moral clarity on presidential tolerance forand indeed active embrace ofantisemitism. (Please avoid all the waffling, evasion and equivocation you rightfully denounced in the college presidents.) 1. Is a candidate qualified to be president who hosted at his home for dinner Nick Fuentes, an avowedly pro-Hitler, Holocaust revisionist calling for a holy war against the Jewish people, and Kanye West, who vowed to go death con 3 against Jews? Yes or no, Ms. Stefanik? 2. Will you support for president a candidate who proclaimed that there were very fine people on both sides of the antisemitic and racist riot that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017? Yes or no, Ms. Stefanik? To refresh your memory, this was the violence that began with neo-Nazis chanting Jews will not replace us outside a local synagogue and ended with the murder of Heather Heyer by a violent white supremacist in a car. 3. Would you support a presidential candidate whose final 2016 TV ad paired images of George Soros, Lloyd Blankfein and Janet Yellen, three prominent Jews, with voice-over about global special interests who dont have your good in mind? Yes or no, Ms. Stefanik? 4. Do you regret endorsing Donald Trump for president in 2016 just days after he tweeted an image of the Star of David superimposed over Hillary Clintons face and a thick pile of cash? Yes or no, Ms. Stefanik? 5. Are you prepared to renounce the antisemitic great replacement theorywhich you have previously dabbled in and echoed in campaignswhich inspired the perpetrators of Pittsburghs Tree of Life synagogue, Buffalo, New York, supermarket and El Paso Walmart massacres? Yes or no, Ms. Stefanik? Surely you have the moral clarity and ethical consistency to oppose antisemitism both on campus and in government. And surely you wouldnt want people to believe that you only denounce antisemitism when it comes from outside your political partywould you? I very much look forward to receiving your easy yes/no answers. Very truly yours, Jamie Raskin (On Monday, Stefanik responded on X to Raskin, not specifically answering any of his five questions, but listing what she viewed as Trumps accomplishments: Thanks for asking @jamie_raskin, the answer is simple: President Trump was the best friend Jewish people have had in the White House in modern times.) For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Kate Cox, whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis, had to leave her home state of Texas in order to obtain an abortion. (Kate Cox / Associated Press) A historic drama playing out in Texas ended Tuesday when the Texas Supreme Court held that Kate Cox, a woman 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus with trisomy 18, an almost always fatal abnormality, could not legally end her pregnancy in her home state. Cox had taken the rare step of petitioning for a court-ordered abortion . She succeeded in the lower court, prompting Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton to appeal and threaten local hospitals and Coxs doctor with prosecution if she got the procedure . The Texas Supreme Court quickly handed down its ruling: State law did not make an exception for fatal fetal abnormalities and Cox was not near enough to death or permanent impairment of a major bodily function to qualify for an exemption. She traveled out of state to terminate her pregnancy . Read more: Supreme Court agrees to rule on FDA's approval of abortion pills sent by mail Coxs loss in court illustrates the confusing, contentious state of abortion law since Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022. (The Supreme Courts announcement Wednesday that it would take up challenges to medication abortion is another such indicator.) Abortion-ban exceptions are particularly fraught. Their complexities and the current antiabortion playbook add up to an extraordinary reality: Present-day abortion-ban exceptions will fail to protect patient health, no matter how Americans may interpret them or the intentions of the legislators who passed them. When states began criminalizing abortion in the 19th century, almost every ban had an exception for the life of the patient. In the 1960s, legislators introduced additional exceptions: for sexual assault, incest, fetal disability and certain health risks . Even then, exceptions proved to be contentious and unworkable . Early on, before the 1940s and 1950s, prosecutions were rare unless a patient died. In practice, that gave physicians discretion to determine when there was a real threat to patients lives. But later, prosecutors began cracking down on a larger group of abortion providers. Hospitals and physicians responded by setting a high bar for legal abortion to shield themselves from criminal liability. Patients without money or connections had little luck, and it could be daunting, even traumatic, to try to convince physicians that a sexual assault had really occurred, or that a health threat was serious enough to qualify them for an exception. Read more: 'Still in flux.' Abortion's uncertain future a year after Roe was overturned The post-Roe generation of abortion-ban exceptions are even more gravely problematic. The legislators who passed trigger bans before Dobbs, or fresh bans afterward, have often authorized punishments for doctors and others in women's support networks that are much harsher than any that were common before 1973, including life in prison, the penalty in Texas for doctors. Many of the new abortion statutes copy model language developed by antiabortion groups anxious that any exception could become a loophole for abortion on demand. For example, an exception for sexual assault could invite women to cry rape. Or if health dangers included risks to mental well-being, it could be too easy for women to get permission to legally terminate a pregnancy. The new bans seek to eliminate discretion for physicians as well. Some, creating so-called affirmative defenses, require doctors to prove they are innocent rather than mandating that prosecutors establish their guilt. Read more: Editorial: Abortion opponents' latest tactic: Try to keep people trapped in states where abortion is illegal As important, leading antiabortion figures oppose exceptions as a matter of principle. They embrace the idea that a fetus is a rights-holding person, and therefore no exception can be justified if the unborn child is by law treated like the rest of us. Even though as Coxs case shows Texas ban makes an exception almost impossible, for Americans opposed to abortion, it represents compromise. In other words, the goal of the new bans is primarily to protect fetal life. Exceptions appear in virtually every law, but their purpose is more to deter patients viewed as undeserving unless you can prove your imminent demise, for example not to safeguard womens health. Coxs lawsuit is far from the only attempt to clarify or challenge abortion-ban exceptions. A plaintiff in Kentucky has filed a class action seeking permission for an abortion. Lawsuits in Texas, Tennessee and Idaho argue that if state exceptions cannot be more broadly interpreted, then the laws themselves are unconstitutional . In some states, courts have already weighed in on the constitutionality of specific exceptions , with more cases likely to follow. The same message emerges from these cases, whether plaintiffs like Cox win or lose, and perhaps especially if they fail. The exceptions Dobbs brought into effect do not work the way many Americans might have guessed, and may be designed not to work for patients at all. When the states interest in fetal life clashes with real health threats faced by women, patients will always find themselves on the losing side. Mary Ziegler is a law professor at UC Davis and the author of "Roe: The History of a National Obsession." If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editors Note: David Mott is the William S. Apple Distinguished Professor in Social and Administrative Sciences at the University of Wisconsin. William Doucette is the Deborah K. Veale Professor in Healthcare Policy at the University of Iowa. Jon Schommer is a professor at the University of Minnesota. Caroline A. Gaither is a professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, at the University of Minnesota. The views expressed in this commentary are their own. Read more opinion on CNN. Pharmacists swear an oath upon entering the profession to assure optimal outcomes for all patients. But current working conditions are making it nearly impossible to live up to this oath. Using data from the 2022 National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS), a survey of 96,000 licensed pharmacists in the US, we calculated that more than 60% of chain pharmacist respondents reported high levels of work exhaustion and nearly 80% reported low levels of job satisfaction. In contrast, only 15% of community pharmacist respondents practicing in independently-owned pharmacies reported high levels of work exhaustion, and less than 40% reported low levels of job satisfaction. Recently, pharmacists staged walkouts at chains like Walgreens and CVS across the country desperate attempts to draw attention to the poor working conditions and resulting burnout that have been ignored for far too long. Their work situation is particularly concerning given the cold and flu season and the role that retail chain pharmacists play as patient access points for medications, flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, and advisers to manage symptoms and use medications safely. Now, chain organizations have no choice but to invest in their current workplace and workforce to improve working conditions, starting with the immediate need to hire additional pharmacists and technicians. Without significant investment in the chain pharmacy workforce, it is likely that outlets will continue to reduce operating hours or close (also due to competition and the opioid settlements), impacting patient access to pharmacy goods and services. A primary driver of pharmacists unhappiness with their work at chain locations is the assembly line-like environment, where highly trained pharmacists barely have enough time to complete dispensing tasks within the limits chain corporations set, designed primarily to improve efficiency. According to the 2022 NPWS data, we calculated that more than 80% of chain pharmacists agreed that the number of work activities that they perform in their job extends beyond what they were originally hired to do and that their work environments are chronically understaffed. Also, more than 80% agree that their employers focus on meeting workload metrics like dispensed prescription quotas leads to unsafe pharmacy practice, and that leadership consistently overlooks and underappreciates pharmacists. Particularly concerning, we calculated that more than 91% of chain pharmacist respondents in the 2022 NPWS reported that insufficient pharmacist staffing and expansion of their work activities reduce patient medication safety. More than 82% of these chain pharmacists said that their lack of autonomy also hurts medication safety. Pharmacists are more than capable of providing a high level of patient care. They just need more suitable work environments to do it. Why are chain pharmacy work environments so bad? The business of dispensing prescriptions is not as profitable as it once was, leading to fewer dollars available to invest in their pharmacist and pharmacy technician workforce. Profit margins on dispensed prescriptions are dangerously low due to the ever-increasing power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in prescription drug distribution. PBMs administer the prescription drug benefit plan, a common part of health benefits for employees. PBMs essentially dictate to pharmacies the amount of payment the pharmacy will receive for prescription drugs that the pharmacy dispenses to patients. If your insurance covers prescription drugs, chances are that a PBM pays the pharmacy after your cost sharing (copayment or coinsurance amount) amount. Often, PBM payments to pharmacies do not cover a pharmacys costs to dispense the drug. The pharmacy chains responded by reducing staffing and increasing quotas for dispensing. In addition, the Covid pandemic often made pharmacies across the country a primary location for vaccinations. The additional vaccination administration tasks added to an already overburdened workforce made pharmacy working conditions worse. Consumers will walk into this perfect storm during the height of this falls cold and flu season. Strong action is needed to rein in the predatory practices of the PBMs, which have been poorly regulated for too many years. Congress should pass legislation that re-establishes fair payments for pharmacy services and removes fees that PBMs impose. This would allow chain organizations to invest in improving pharmacy working conditions and restore patient medication safety. Quotas drive volume of work and may prevent pharmacists from spending a sufficient amount of time checking for the appropriateness of prescribed medication therapy. Help also needs to come at the state level. Boards of pharmacy are state agencies focused on regulating pharmacy practice to ensure public health, safety and welfare. Some boards have developed and adopted rules and regulations related to workload limits and/or pharmacist and technician staffing ratios designed to allow pharmacists to spend adequate time assessing the appropriateness of prescribed medication and counseling patients to ensure patient medication safety. More regulatory boards need to consider pharmacy workload limits and/or staffing ratios for public safety. Chain pharmacists need help now to weather the current storm they are experiencing. Without immediate action, heightened concerns about patient medication safety, more pharmacist walkouts, pharmacy closings and potentially long delays in consumer access to needed medications and vaccinations are imminent. The rumble of angered and anxious patients is on the horizon. The storm is not yet over. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Oprah Winfrey took a trip to the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday to unveil her new portrait. Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren created the painting, which is around 610 by 58. The painting is on display on the museums first floor. Youngkin announces $2 billion entertainment district in Virginia; Capitals, Wizards moving to new arena Winfrey, who hosts and produces the award-winning talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show, attended a ceremony on Wednesday morning at the museum to reveal the painting. Oprah Winfrey stands next to her newly installed portrait in the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, during a portrait unveiling ceremony in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The portrait shows her in a purple dress at her home in California, the Smithsonian said. As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur, Winfrey has made significant contributions to American popular culture, which earned her a place in the National Portrait Gallery, a news release from the museum read. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Oprah Winfreys portrait is now on display at the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The full-length portrait was painted by Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren. Winfrey is pictured wearing a floor-length purple gown holding an olive branch on her Montecito, California estate. Winfrey attended the invitation-only unveiling ceremony in the museums Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard on Wednesday morning. The National Portrait Gallery says the portrait was commissioned for the museums permanent collection and will be open to the public on the museums first floor starting Wednesday, Dec. 13. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists on Sunday (Oct. 29) killed six Christians in Benue state, following the slaughter of 10 others earlier this month, sources said. In Tse Gamber village, Gwer West County, the assailants early on Sunday killed three Christians and kidnapped another, said area resident Perver Acham. He identified the kidnapped Christian as Iorhon Dam. Acham said three other Christians were slain in Ngai village at about the same time. Also in Gwer West County, herdsmen and other terrorists on Oct. 23 killed three Christians in Agagbe village, said area resident Terna Jacob, who identified them as Iorhemba Cletus, 37; Akaa Clifford, 50; and Igbahemba Abua, 55. They were ambushed and killed by the terrorists, Jacob said in a text message to Morning Star News. Another Christian in Benue state was killed after being kidnapped in September. A family member of 80-year-old Washima Erukaa, a Christian official of the Ukum Local Government Council who had been kidnapped from his home in Zakibiam on Sept. 23, said they learned on Sunday (Oct. 29) that he had been killed on Oct. 23 because relatives were unable to pay the demanded ransom amount. His captors had demanded that we pay a ransom of 5 million naira (US$6,340), but we were not able to raise the money, said the relative on condition of anonymity. However, on Oct. 29, they contacted us by phone and said our father had been killed and buried by them. Fulani herdsmen on Oct. 14 also attacked Imatom village in Logo County, killing three Christians at about 9 p.m., said resident resident Anawa Joseph. He identified the slain as Tertsea Terkimbi Adagundu, Tertsea Mkposu and Mimidoo Umburga. Their corpses were taken to NKST Church hospital morgue, at Anyiin town, Joseph said. Residents said all the victims were members of NKST congregations in their respective communities. In Guma County, terrorists on the night of Oct. 5 attacked Daudu town killing three Christians, residents said. These attacks have been carried out on several communities, but the police and other security agencies are working towards containing the situation, police spokesperson Catherine Anene told Morning Star News in a text message. Not even my village and relatives have been spared in these attacks. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Drought in the Panama Canal could make finding Chilean or Californian wines in the supermarkets more difficult in the new year, experts have said. The Panama Canal Authority has been restricting the number of vessels allowed through the 51-mile waterway since summer, after a drought began to affect the lock system. Wines produced in Chile and California are often transported via the canal. While several retailers reassured The Telegraph that the delays will not reduce wine supplies before Christmas, experts voiced concern that shelves could be more sparse by January. Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade, said people could be forced to change their drinking habits as a result. He explained: The UK could be in for a dry January next month, whether we choose to partake in the annual challenge or not. Because of global shipping delays, supplies of our favourite Californian chardonnays and Chilean merlots, which make their way to us via the Panama Canal, could be badly affected. Given the UK is the second biggest importer of wines in the world, the second biggest global market for US wine and the third biggest for Chilean, the impact of delays along all parts of the supply chain could be profound. Mr Forgione added that the delays could reduce exports from the UK to Hong Kong, Singapore and France and called on politicians to introduce a strategy to protect supermarket supplies. Rebecca Palmer, of wine merchant Corney & Barrow, said low water levels were slowing traffic through the Canal, which may mean wine distributors have to buy stock further in advance. She said: Moving forward, there may be some issues, we dont know at the moment, apparently water levels are low, slowing down traffic through the canal, so we may extend lead times, but we will be guided by our freight forwarders. Mark Baskett, the supply chain manager at Corney & Barrow, said it wasnt possible to use other routes as the costs involved would be huge. Mr Baskett added that this time of year is usually the period of heavy rainfall for the region and that if the first quarter of the year is not wet then the situation could get worse. Other popular consumer goods, including iPhones, fruit, and vegetables, also travel to the UK through the Panama Canal. Up to 18m worth of fruit from Peru could be disrupted by the delays, which could cause shortages on supermarket shelves, according to researchers from retail analysts Russell Group. Recommended How to make money from investing in wine from picking vintages to correct storage Read more Just 22 daily transits through the passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are currently being allowed by the canal authorities, down from a typical average of 34 to 36. This is likely to fall further in February, to around 18 ships a day. Approximately 167 ships crossed through the canal in the first week of December this year, according to trade analysts MarineTraffic, compared to 238 in the same period in 2022. The Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914, moves up to 213bn in cargo annually, including 40pc of all US container traffic. Chile produced 1.2 billion litres of wine last year, of which two-thirds was exported, while the US exported nearly 300 million litres of wine, with the state of California responsible for up to 80pc of the wine produced in the country. A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said that while just 0.5pc of UK imports flow through the Panama Canal, it was working with international partners to build reliable supply chains. The spokesman continued: We will publish a new Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy shortly. 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. Terrorists on Saturday (Sept. 30) killed one Christian and abducted 19 others in northern Nigeria, a day after gunmen in the countrys southwest intercepted a church bus and kidnapped 25 members.The assailants on Saturday invaded Kaduna states predominantly Christian Angwan Waku village, in the Kufana area of Kajuru County, at 12 a.m., an area resident said.A Christian villager was killed during the incident, and 19 other Christians, who include women and children, were kidnapped by the terrorists, said Ben Yunana in a text message to Morning Star News.Area resident Tanimu Makaddas, an assistant to the Kufana area leader, identified the slain villager as Kukah Yari.Another villager, Aboki Dogo, was shot and wounded, Makaddas told Morning Star News in a text message. Hes currently being treated at a hospital.Makkaddas identified those kidnapped as Yakubu Abba, Basiru Maiwada, Keziya Silas, Peace Silas, Lami Istifanus, Habila Musa, Bege Liazarus, Joshua Abuki, Juliana Habila, Stella Yohanna, Genesis Ezikiel, Deborah Ezikiel, Salomi Dutse, Rifkatu Zaphaniah, Tamar Liazarus, Ejah Habila, Rejoice Ezikeil, Catharine Silas and Gundu Rubu.The southern part of Kaduna state, inhabited mainly by Christians, has been under constant attacks from Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists for more than a decade.In southwest Nigerias Ondo state, 17 of 25 church members kidnapped on Friday (Sept. 29) remain in captivity after eight escaped their captors, police said.The members of a Pentecostal church in the Oke Igan area of the city of Akure, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), were on their way to Ifon, Ose County, for a funeral when the terrorists intercepted their bus, said church member Sunday Emmanuel.Twenty-five of them were inside the bus travelling through Ifon road when the gunmen stopped their vehicle and marched them inside the bush, Emmanuel told Morning Star News in a text message, saying eight of them later escaped.Church leaders confirmed the escape of eight members, saying the terrorists had demanded 50 million naira (US$64,770) for the release of those remaining in captivity. Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, regional superintendent of CAC in Odubanjo, Ondo state, said the church choir was en route to Ifon for a Christian wake for the late father of the church organist.At about 4 p.m. on Friday, someone called me that a bus belonging to the church was seen abandoned by the roadside around Elegbeka, and nobody was inside, Pastor Akanmu said. The caller said he suspects the passengers have been kidnapped and so we started contacting our members and security agencies. One of those in captivity called to inform me that their abductors are demanding the sum of 50 million naira as ransom. One of the abductors also took the phone from him and said we must provide the 50 million naira immediately if we indeed love our members.Adetunji Adeleye, commander of Amotekun, a paramilitary security group in Ondo state, issued a statement on Saturday (Sept. 30) saying the captives had been herded into thick forest near Ifon.Eight of the kidnapped Christians, including a nurse, have been rescued after they escaped from the kidnappers den, Adeleye said, adding that personnel from the police, army and other security agencies were searching for the captive Christians.Police in Ondo state on Saturday (Sept. 30) issued a statement. Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, superintendent of police, said that the church members on the bus had been accosted by five gunmen who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush.The church members who escaped were seven women and one man, he said.Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people.In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year.Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity.Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. CHARLOTTE,N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Dozens of frustrated parents attended a board meeting at Corvian Community School Tuesday to confront board members about the direction of the school. It comes after former executive director Stacey Haskell was terminated after the board alleged that she misused funds. Corvians termination letter for Haskell can be viewed here. A CMPD incident report from Dec. 1 shows the school reported $50,000 of embezzled funds stemming from the unauthorized use of a school credit card for clothes, a helicopter ride and a hotel room. I just have no patience for people who take money at the expense of children, said former Corvian parent Alyson Ford. CMS school board names new chair, vice chair after Dayshew tenure ends Tuesdays meeting included a series of public comments and a question-and-answer period, in which parents called for the resignation of certain board members, citing a lack of trust. For it to be going on for three years, when they complete audits, and the board has to approve budgets and how money is spent, why did it take three years to find it? said Ford. Board Chair Ed Franklin also presented a plan to audit the schools finances and improve transparency between the board and parents. Among those improvements included the hiring of new firms to handle forensic accounting, bookkeeping and payroll, and auditing. Ford said she submitted an Open Records Request in August 2021, requesting the schools balance sheets, Paycheck Protection Program expenditures, grant applications, among other information. She said she received the budget and curriculum information she requested, but not the balance sheet or actuals. I will give credit where credit is due, said Ford. Stacey did a great job getting the funding initially and getting it up and running and getting it in brick and mortar. But they have a lot of things to correct and a long way to go. We reached out to Haskells attorney for comment and did not get a response. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Offshore wind developer Avangrid on Monday received state approval to land power transmission cables for its 804-megawatt Park City Wind project under Barnstable's Craigville Beach. The cables would then be routed to a new substation planned on Shootflying Hill Road, then to an existing Eversource substation for connection to the ISO-New England grid. The state Energy Facilities Siting Board's unanimous decision on the company's petition to construct and operate the project followed a more than five-hour hybrid hearing on Monday. It included six pages of amendments to last month's 232-page provisional decision, approved with conditions meant to address any environmental issues. Avangrid is pleased that the Energy Facilities Siting Board voted unanimously to approve our proposal to interconnect 800 megawatts of offshore wind power to the New England grid at Craigville Beach, representing a critical milestone for the project," said Avangrid spokesperson Craig Gilvarg on Tuesday afternoon. A drilling rig, set up along Craigville Beach Road near Short Beach Road in Centerville, is taking a 50-foot test boring as part of the advance work for the Park City Wind project. The state's Energy Facilities Siting Board approved Avangrid's request to build the project. Barnstable intervenor status denied The board on Monday also denied the town of Barnstable's request to be named a limited intervenor, saying it could not grant that at the last minute without setting precedent. Instead of deliberating on the town's points, the state board directed Avangrid "to meet expeditiously with the town to discuss the town's recommended conditions and to report back to the board by Jan. 5." "We'll make it happen," town attorney Charles McLaughlin said at the hearing's conclusion. It's possible to make changes to the decision based on that discussion, according to the siting board. The issues could also be incorporated into the Host Community Agreement, the board suggested, though the town and the company have already drafted an agreement and would need to agree to amend it. Gilvarg said the company's leaders also "concur with the siting board condition to require a meeting between the company and Barnstable town officials to resolve any outstanding matters related to the project." View looking northwest from the water line at Craigville Beach in Centerville where the Park City Wind project will come ashore. The state's Energy Facilities Siting Board gave its OK for the project to get underway. What are Barnstable's remaining Park City Wind concerns? Among the lingering concerns are electromagnetic fields related to the power lines, and what effects they could have on public health. The town would like to see monitoring done at intervals all along the route the cables will take, from the beach to the substation. The Conservation Commission is already requiring this at the beach and Centerville River for a time after the project becomes operational, but McLaughlin said it does not extend beyond that limited geography. Another concern is the amount of dielectric fluid a substance used as an insulator in high-voltage systems proposed to be stored at the substation site. The town and Avangrid previously agreed to a substantial containment system at the planned substation at 8 Shootflying Hill Road as part of the Host Community Agreement signed in May 2022. That plan calls for bathtub-type structures around every component that contains dielectric fluid at the substation, mainly the transformers. The containment system, with enough capacity for the full volume of dielectric fluid plus 30 inches of rainfall, is designed to prevent any fluid, if ever leaked out of substation equipment, from entering the ground below. The same system was agreed to between the town and Vineyard Wind 1. West Barnstable resident Cliff Carroll isn't convinced. He said the full amount of dielectric oil proposed to be stored at the site 125,000 gallons was not brought to light until last Friday. That's in addition to 45,000 pounds of cooling gas referred to as SF6, he said, noting the federal Environmental Protection Agency rates it as the most potent of all greenhouse gases. A drilling rig, set up along Craigville Beach Road near Short Beach Road in Centerville, is taking a 50-foot test boring as part of the advance work for the Park City Wind project. Peter Hansen, a long-time commissioner with the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Water District, shares the concerns about the amount of insulation fluids that will be stored on site. "I just think it's been a done deal. It was almost like the EFSB board, they listen, but there is little response," he said. "They're supposed to oversee it all, but it's almost like they're on the side of the utilities, even though they're supposed to be a neutral board." He said the number a few weeks ago "was like 65,000," and feels like the siting board glossed it over. "Between the residents, the town manager, the town attorney, and the businesses, everyone came forward to try to fight this," said resident Sandy Jones, a member of the grassroots citizens' group Barnstable Speaks which advocates for protection of beaches and water. "I don't know what's going to happen next, but there's such a public push back. We're not going to stop." The siting board's decision is also being applauded in town. Among the organizations pleased to see things progressing is the Association to Preserve Cape Cod. "Conversion to renewable energies and this whole notion of 'I support renewable energy, but just not here,' is not a sustainable position," Association Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb said. In a broader context, he said, the project represents further move away from fossil fuels, which experts agree is critical to addressing climate change. He acknowledges the town does have legitimate logistical issues, but believes much of the pushback using environmentalism as the cause is "without foundation." The Vineyard Wind project, which will begin transmitting first power before year's end, is an example of a beach landing using directional drilling that produced no environmental impacts, he said. As for potential direct impacts from the substations, Gottlieb said, "we've looked at the plans around the substations and the containment systems that they're utilizing and are quite comfortable all of the reasonable steps that can be taken have been taken." "The level of care these companies are taking, frankly, goes above and beyond what is done for a lot of other uses" that pose greater risks to the environment, he said. Heather McCarron can be reached at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Park City Wind gets state OK for Craigville Beach cables. What to know Passengers aboard a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit spent the night in a military barracks in eastern Canada after the plane was forced to land because of a mechanical failure. The Delta Airlines crew diverted the flight on Sunday to Newfoundland and Labrador, WJBK-TV first reported. Passenger Tony Santoro of Troy in suburban Detroit told the television station that passengers were lodged in barracks during the 24-hour delay. "It honestly felt like a hotel," he said. "It wasn't too bad. We had soap, water, everything." Whereas passenger Nathan Johnson said there was little communication from the airline as to what was going on. Delta flight 135 was diverted to Goose Bay airport "out of an abundance of caution," the airline told the Associated Press in a statement. "Crew duty times were impacted due to weather and runway conditions at the Goose Bay airport causing the airport to suspend operations. Delta sent additional aircraft to Goose Bay to bring customers to their final destination Monday." Delta worked with officials in Goose Bay to arrange for food, water and accommodation on Sunday night, the airlines said, adding that passengers will be compensated for the inconvenience. Nathan Johnson, 45, was one of the passengers who spent hours with his wife stuck on the tarmac waiting to get off their flight. Johnson said the passengers were on the tarmac for five hours waiting for another plane to arrive to take them to Detroit. When the second plane did finally arrive, Johnson said passengers boarded and then were told that the crew had timed out and they had to get off again. Johnson and the passengers were eventually taken to the military barracks on school buses around 6 am on Monday. Like the rest of the passengers, Johnson had arrived at the barracks unprepared to spend the night without his checked bags and toiletries. Some passengers did not have coats in the cold Canada weather. Johnson said that he and his wife were forced to sleep in the clothes he had been wearing since leaving Munich, Germany, hours before. "We were shuttled back to the rooms with no understanding of what our next time was going to be as far as when we should wake up or when we should be ready," he said. "There was no communication." Johnson said he looked out the window and saw buses moving at 11 am on Monday. So he and his wife rushed to get on the buses back to the airport, where they had to go through security again with a skeleton staff unprepared to assist all the plane passengers. Their next flight did not depart until 5 pm, with snow falling outside. Johnson's wife had been receiving medical treatment in Germany, so the two were exhausted and eager to get back to their home in Lansing, Michigan. "It was sort of surreal," he said. "It clouded our entire visit." The Amarillo City Council is set to consider a local ordinance that would prohibit using roads and highways in the city to obtain an abortion. If approved, the Panhandle city would be the largest in Texas to put such a rule in place. Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune AMARILLO Near the tip of the top of the state, Amarillo is far from the Capitol in Austin, Dallas busy downtown, and Houstons congested highways. The floating city in the Panhandle is often forgotten by much of the state, residents say. Most of the country has never heard of their home. That changed when the Amarillo City Council took up a proposed abortion travel ban in October. The debate put an unfamiliar spotlight on the city activists flocked to Amarillo, national organizations joined local efforts, and council members' phones rang off the hook. Adding to the public interest was how the council responded to it. Led by Mayor Cole Stanley, the five-member council said they would not rush to approve it. Unlike other city and county officials, Amarillos leaders punted the issue in a rare step that would allow more thoughtful consideration and input from residents. The conversation is set to continue. The council announced Tuesday it will consider the ordinance during a Dec. 19 meeting. The council will use that meeting to navigate the right way forward, Stanley said. The news comes as Texas makes national headlines once again for its restrictive abortion laws a Dallas woman left the state this week to terminate a non-viable pregnancy after a losing legal battle to obtain one here. Council members have not signaled how they could change the ordinance since it was originally presented. With a vote on the travel ban in Amarillo looming, residents including abortion activists, health care workers and legal professionals, are worried. Their top concern: This ordinance would create an atmosphere of fear and make it more difficult to access standard health care in this largely rural area of the state where people have to travel long ways for care as is. [In Texas Panhandle, a long-awaited oasis for mental health care is springing up] There is reason to worry about an erosion to health care for expecting mothers: One study found maternal deaths were two times higher in rural communities in the U.S. than urban areas. The state also ranks last in the U.S. in access to high-quality prenatal and maternal care. Adding to their concerns are the ongoing lawsuits from women across Texas detailing the complications that have come up in much-wanted pregnancies and the traumatic outcomes since the state banned nearly all abortions in June 2022. So many rural counties are maternal health care deserts, and things like this ordinance just worsens it, said Fariha Samad, an Amarillo resident and member of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance. It creates an atmosphere of fear. Even though Texas has a near-total ban, the proposed travel ordinances are the next fight for access. The so-called travel ban would outlaw the use of Amarillos roads to transport a pregnant person for an abortion in another state, opening the door for lawsuits from private Texans against anyone who aids and abet the procedure. The lawsuits are the only enforcement mechanism for the ordinance. Its the enforcement that these residents cant look past. Amarillo civic leaders take pride in having a friendly, neighborly atmosphere in the community. Neighbors turning each other in to collect reward money seemingly goes against that, and some council members said in the first meeting they did not like that element of the ordinance. Id say most people, even here in the heart of Trump Country, are against restrictive statutes, said Ryan Brown, an Amarillo attorney. As written, this ordinance further divides the citizens of Amarillo and will put citizens against each other. Council member Tom Scherlen was happy to see what he calls true democracy during the councils first meeting on the topic. He said both sides were mostly able to speak in a respectful manner, and its a reflection of the close community. Scherlen said Amarillo is very conservative, but he has to represent all viewpoints. Im very pro-life, but I was elected by all citizens to represent all citizens, Scherlen told the Tribune. At some point in time, Im going to have to separate my feelings from what I need to do as a council member. During the last meeting, several supporters of the ordinance from New Mexico and other areas of Texas were in attendance and encouraged the council to adopt the ban and stop abortion trafficking. Similar sentiments were echoed at Tuesday's city council meeting, with one resident pointing to recent abortion legal battles as evidence the ordinance would stand legally. Brown, the attorney in Amarillo, believes the ordinance was written to be confusing. I think the statute is just meant to scare people and deter abortions, Brown said. So the key is to educate people about the weaknesses. Mark Lee Dickson, director of Right to Life of East Texas and the anti-abortion activist behind the ordinance, previously told the Tribune that he believes it would hold up in court. "The abortion trafficking ordinances do not interfere with the right to travel," he wrote in a statement to The Texas Tribune. "The ordinances only impose penalties on those who are using roads within the county to traffic pregnant mothers across state lines for the purpose of an abortion." In the days following the first meeting, Dickson shared on social media that Amarillo would be his primary base of operations for the time being. The ordinance does not directly stop interstate travel by setting up physical barriers or checkpoints at the Texas-New Mexico border, but legal experts say it is still a violation. Nancy Gertner, a retired federal judge and professor at Harvard Law School, said the ordinance challenges constitutional rights because interstate travel is being affected and essentially penalized. By criminalizing support for travel, they are functionally doing the same thing, said Gertner, who spent much of her career advocating for womens rights and civil liberties. Gertner said that if the ordinance passes, people should challenge it regardless of the likely outcome. She added that the next step would be to mobilize voters. We goofed with Roe v. Wade, the movement dissolved because people thought it was secure, Gertner said. It was never secure. So now the political movement is rebuilding. So far, four counties Lubbock, Cochran, Mitchell and Goliad have passed the travel bans. Odessa, with a population of nearly 117,000, and Little-River Academy, a small town of 2,200, have also passed similar policies. Amarillo, with more than 200,000 residents, would be the most populous city in Texas to put a ban in place if it is approved. In November, state Sen. Nate Johnson, a Dallas Democrat, introduced Senate Bill 45, which would prohibit abortion travel bans. Johnson said this is a flagrant infringement upon the constitutional right to interstate travel. Its a pernicious Big Government acting at the local level. Like most bills that did not fit the parameters of the special session, it failed to get a hearing, though it signals Democrats are prepared to make this an issue going forward. Similar bans are being put in other states and are being met with legal challenges. The U.S. justice department filed a statement of interest in two lawsuits out of Alabama seeking to protect the right to interstate travel. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that it demonstrates the departments commitment to defending the right to travel. The department also mentions how the Supreme Court has held the belief that states may not prevent third parties from assisting others in exercising their right to travel. Thanks to the generous support of the community, local businesses and the officers themselves, Penn Township police raised significant funds for a local charity supporting mental health in the community. For the past five years, the Penn Township Police Department has raised money for various charities each November for "No-Shave November," where officers are allowed to grow their beards out while they raise money for charity, said Penn Township Detective Steve Gebhart Jr., vice president of the department's patrolman association. This year, the department was able to raise $7,853, the most they have so far, for Bartz Brigade, a nonprofit in the York area that supports education, prevention, training and awareness about mental health and suicide. Penn Township police officers pose for a photo at the conclusion of their "No-Shave November" fundraiser, at the police department on Wayne Avenue in Penn Township. As a tradition of police departments, officers have to stay clean shaven, Gebhart said. In 2019, officers at the department learned of other local police departments participating in their own "No Shave November." Officers approached administration and got permission to participate, and have done it every year since. The female officers in the department are chosen to select the charity they'd like the funds to go towards, Gebhart said. "They were moved by the fact there were military people involved, and the fact that we want to prevent suicide," Gebhart said. In the past, said Gebhart, the female officers have often also been involved by posing in photos with shaving cream on their faces. "We really do have a great time with it," Gebhart said. Mike Walls, owner of Mikes Towing & Recovery, Inc., presents a $1,550 check to officers of the Penn Township Police Department for their "No-Shave November" fundraiser. Local businesses were among those that made major contributions to the fundraiser. Chief among them were donations from Mike's Towing & Recovery and the York Street Treat, said Gebhart. The York Street Treat donated $2,000, Gebhart said, and Mike's Towing & Recovery donated $1,550 to the cause, for almost half of the total funds raised. "There were a lot of members of the community that donated," Gebhard said. Bartz Brigade Trent Bartz, the son of Bruce Bartz, founder of the Bartz Brigade charity. Bruce started the charity after his son died by suicide in 2015. "I'm just in awe of what they did," said Bruce Bartz, founder of Bartz Brigade, about Penn Township's contribution to his charity. The non-profit was formed in 2020 in the name of Bruce's son, Trent Bartz, who died by suicide in August of 2015. Previously reported: 'I cant let my sons death be in vain:' Hallam man starts program to honor his memory "I never wanted any other parent to feel how I felt," said Bruce. Bruce said part of his goal is to help break the stigma around mental health. "It doesnt mean youre crazy, just means you struggle," he said. "Your story is your story, and one act does not define you," said Bruce. "People that die by suicide, they do not want to die by suicide, they feel its the only way out," he added. "They're very strong people, its hard for them to come out and talk about it." Growing up, Trent had a knack for what Bruce would describe as "some of the stupidest jokes you'd ever hear." "He was a jokester," said Bruce. "He would light up a room with his smile." When Trent was young, he was bullied through school, Bruce said. As he began getting into physical shape, he began being the person who would "always stick up for others," Bruce said. "He stuck up for the little guy," Bruce said. Bruce attributed that to Trent's desire to join the U.S. Army before he had even graduated high school, joining at the age of 17. "He would do anything, for anybody, at anytime," said Bruce. U.S. Army Reserves Corporal Trent Bartz, of the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion out of Aberdeen, Maryland. After graduating in 2013, Trent went through military training before being assigned to the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion out of Aberdeen, Maryland, as part of the U.S. Army Reserves. Following his death, Trent was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal by the Army. Along with his military service, Trent loved working out, Bruce said. He was an avid crossfitter, something that forms a core part of the "Strong Body/Strong Mind" concept that drives many events hosted by the nonprofit and partners. Among those, Bruce said, the nonprofit was recently able to take 12 military veterans on a three-day adventure therapy hike at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. "We cant document the people that we help," Bruce said, "but I know we save lives." Important to Bruce is ensuring the majority of the funds raised return to the community. Bruce said that 90% of funds they raise are allocated back into the community. Bruce was a longtime police officer himself for over 27 years, retiring in 2009 from the Hellam Township Police Department. He worked in the York-Adams public defenders office for 11 years and now works in the York/Adams Mental Health-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(MH-IDD) program. The MH-IDD program sponsors co-responders at police departments across York and Adams, including Penn Township. That was how Penn Township officers first heard of the charity, from Jenna Horton, the local co-responder shared by the Penn Township, Hanover borough and West Manheim police departments. "I'm humbled as to what they did, it's amazing," said Bruce. Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for The Evening Sun. Contact him at hjones@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Penn Township Pa. police grow beards to raise money for charity HARRISBURG Pa. (WHTM) Two Pennsylvania lawmakers announced that they will be reintroducing legislation to decriminalize marijuana. The change proposed is in regards to changing the grading of possession of a small amount of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a summary offense. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nittany Insiders The memo from Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Senator Camera Bartolotta (R- Beaver, Green, Washington) stated that each year in the state, many people are charged with minor possessory offenses and that those charges can hinder their ability to obtain work, childcare, and housing. Currently, the possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor of the third degree. The maximum penalty is 30 days in jail, and a $500 fine. In addition, if a person is convicted of a violation, PennDOT is required to suspend the license for six months. Harrisburg Mall tenants receive eviction notices ahead of proposed demolition The bill proposes that possession of small amounts of marijuana would be reduced to a summary offense and would not cause the persons drivers license to be suspended if they are convicted. The penalty for possession will be a $25 fine for all offenses, and the penalty for consumption in public will be a $100 fine for all offenses. According to the memo, this legislation is based on local ordinances already in place in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Erie. Governor Josh Shapiro has previously offered his support for the decriminalization of adult-use recreational marijuana, saying our state legislature should pass comprehensive marijuana reform, including legislation in a May 2021 tweet and noting that too many Pennsylvanians are locked up for marijuana offenses in August 2022. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Political Dystopia Though this era of artificial intelligence is in its nascent stages, it already sometimes feels like we're living in a Philip K. Dick tech dystopia, from bots that pretend to love you to bots programmed to kill you. Now enter Ashley, which appears to be the first ever AI chatbot meant for political phone banking, according to Reuters. She can speak more than 20 languages, instantly recall her candidate's political positions, have countless conversations with constituents simultaneously, customizing her speech to their concerns and questions, and won't cry and have a nervous breakdown in the break room if an angry voter cusses her out over the phone. Ashley recently phone banked on behalf of Pennsylvania Democrat politician Shamaine Daniels, who is running against Republican Scott Perry, a House of Representative member for the state's 10th congressional district, Reuters reports, making thousands of calls. Ilya Mouzykantskii, the CEO of Civox which developed Ashley, is excited about how this tech will revolutionize politicking. "This is going to scale fast," he told Reuters. "We intend to be making tens of thousands of calls a day by the end of the year and into the six digits pretty soon. This is coming for the 2024 election and it's coming in a very big way." Bot Amok Bots like Ashley bring up troubling questions. What's to stop candidates from using phone bank bots to spread disinformation at astonishing scale? AI is already being used to spread misleading content, such as political operatives of presidential candidate Ron DeSantis releasing AI-generated images of Donald Trump and Anthony Fauci. "All campaigns can use this. So in that sense, who is setting the rules of the road as the campaigns themselves, as they go?" Stanford Universitys Institute for Human Centered AI policy director Russell Wald told ABC News last month. "I think we're in potentially the last days of where we have any confidence in the veracity of what we see digitally." The other question that campaign directors should ask themselves: are these bots even effective? People who donate or have voted in elections are currently inundated with texts, emails and phone calls already. It's an epic sea of spam content. Imagine getting a call from an AI bot in the face of all that. It's just another opportunity to hang up the phone. More on artificial intelligence: Investing.com Accused of Using AI to Plagiarize Other Websites A group of Pennsylvania Representatives plans to introduce legislation to address the concern of lead contamination in drinking water in schools across the state. According to a memorandum, recent reports show 91% of Pennsylvania school districts tested positive for lead. Reps. G. Roni Green, Tarik Khan, Jason Ortitay, Abby Major, Jim Jaddock and Joe Hogan are working together on the efforts. Effects of lead poisoning include brain and nervous system damage, physical growth delays, learning and behavior problems and speech and hearing impairment. Lead exposure can lead to a lower IQ and a higher risk of criminal behavior. The bill will require old drinking fountains to be replaced with lead-filtering water stations by 2025. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Person killed in head-on crash in Shaler 1 person hurt in Sewickley Heights guest house explosion Mt. Oliver mother charged after sick 7-year-old tests positive for cocaine VIDEO: Pitt Volleyball sent off by fans ahead of 3rd straight Final Four appearance DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts In the aftermath of the University of Pennsylvanias president quitting after critiques of her handling of antisemitism on campus, a group of Republican state representatives announced a legislation package promoting education about antisemitism in the commonwealths schools. I cant believe I have to stand here at a podium in 2023 to tell people this, Republican state Rep. Aaron Kaufer said at a news conference Monday about the preliminary proposal. But antisemitism is wrong. Calling for genocide of the Jews or any group for that matter is wrong, its hateful, said Kaufer. The first bill would require universities that receive state funding to acknowledge antisemitism as harassment and/or bullying. That was one issue former UPenn President Liz Magill faced steep criticism over after testifying last week before Congress, which was looking at a rise in antisemitism at UPenn and other college campuses after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and the ensuing war. Magill who stepped down over the weekend struggled to answer questions about whether calls for genocide against Jews would violate UPenns code of conduct. She and presidents of MIT and Harvard failed to explicitly say calls for genocide of Jewish people constituted bullying and harassment on their campuses. Calls for genocide on campus are unacceptable and the fact that the leadership of these elite universities could not see it at such and declare that it was simply contrary to their codes of conduct was a failure of leadership, said GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri. According to the House co-sponsorship memoranda, there would be two additional bills in the package. The second would introduce holocaust instruction transparency in public schools, requiring them to post curriculum guidelines when teaching about the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations. The third bill would make November 9 Antisemitism Awareness and Education Day in Pennsylvania. Hate has no place here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania whether antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia it has no place here, and we must stand against it together, said Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat. The Governor appreciates the bipartisan condemnation of antisemitism, and we look forward to reviewing any proposals to help root out hate as they move through the legislative process, the statement continued. Democrats, who control the state House, did not immediately respond Tuesday to CNNs request for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Graffiti Bridge has claimed yet another truck whose height wasn't short enough to fit underneath the iconic bridge's 10-foot clearance. The latest unsuccessful attempt occurred Tuesday morning and was spotted by Chris Williams, who snapped a photo of the freshly sheared truck around 9:40 a.m. The incident is the first crash in nearly a month, according to The Graffiti Bridge Facebook page, an independently run page that sells trademarked merchandise of the bridge and documents crashes. A truck had the top of its trailer sheared off as it unsuccessfully attempted to pass underneath the Graffiti Bridge at 17th Ave. on Tuesday. On Nov. 14, the page posted an image of another truck stuck underneath the bridge after attempting to drive underneath it with a caption saying, "it's been a minute." Earlier this year, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced at a press conference that he would begin the process to formally designate 17th Avenue near the bridge as a "no truck corridor," which would mean installing signs warning drivers that no trucks would be allowed on that portion of the road, and will enable the designation to appear on GPS programs like Google Maps. Several years ago, the city installed more signs along the road to warn drivers of the low clearance. Still, the situation is complicated by the southern portion falling under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation while the northern side falls under the city's jurisdiction. Wayside Park rehabilitation: Pensacola looks to put $1.4 million into Wayside Park rehabilitation In April, Reeves also put together a funding request from the City Council to put up overhangs above 17th Avenue that would physically warn truck drivers about the height clearance on the 17th Avenue railroad trestle. The cost for the overhangs would run about $140,000 and was initially planned to be taken out of the city's capital fund in its local option sales tax fund. Those plans have since been lumped into a $1.4 million project to rehabilitate Wayside Park, including a pedestrian boardwalk along Bayou Texar underneath the trestle. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Graffiti Bridge shears the top off another truck Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists on Thursday (Nov. 30) killed seven Christians in attacks on two villages in Plateau state, Nigeria, sources said. The assailants attacked Puka and Dinter villages in Mangu County at about 1 a.m., said Yohanna Markus of Puka. Fulani herdsmen together with a group of bandits attacked two of our villages, Puka and Dinter, where they killed seven of our Christian villagers, Markus told Morning Star News in a text message. Aside from those killed, who include five men and a woman, many other Christians were injured and are currently being treated for gunshot wounds and machete cuts. Just after midnight on Wednesday (Nov. 29), a pastor and two other Christians were kidnapped in predominantly Christian Raddi village, Bassa County, a resident said in a text message. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, bandits attacked Raddi, our village and kidnapped three Christian victims, resident Ezekiel Gideon told Morning Star News. Christians kidnapped by the terrorists are Pastor Bala, 50; Keziya Ayuba, 50; and Sunday Ayuba, 40. The three Christians were rescued later that evening in neighboring Bauchi state in a police response to another kidnapping attempt in Toro County, local press reported. On Nov. 15 in Bokkos County, a Christian was killed in Hilltop, a suburb of Bokkos town, said resident Timothy Joseph. At about 7 p.m., Fulani herdsmen attacked Hilltop area of Bokkos and killed one Christian, Joseph said in a text message. One other Christian was injured during the incident. In response to Morning Star News inquiries about the attacks of Wednesday and Thursday, Plateau State Police Command spokesman Alfred Alabo said police had received reports about them and had deployed officers and military personnel to the affected areas. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. NILES, Mich. (WOOD) Officers helped 21 kids with their Christmas shopping in Niles Saturday during its annual shop with a cop event. The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit helped the kids buy Christmas gifts for their family, friends and themselves. After shopping, the kids wrapped the Christmas gifts with Santa Claus. Five families were also given a holiday food basket and gift cards, the sheriffs office said in a Wednesday release. LIST: Holiday events in West Michigan 2023 The event was organized by Reserve Unit Sergeant Kimberly Fedison, who helped obtain donations to cover the cost of the event, which was done in partnership with the Berrien County Sheriffs Office Chaplains, the Saint Joseph City Department of Public Safety, the Southwest Michigan Boys & Girls Club and the Berrien County Sheriffs Office Enforcement Division. The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit annual shop with a cop event. (Courtesy Berrien County Sheriffs Office) The Berrien County Sheriffs Office Reserve Unit Deputies take great pride in assisting families that need assistance especially during the holiday season, the sheriffs office said in the release. The smiles of gratitude on the faces of these children and the hugs provided by the adults and children to the Deputies and Officers are something that the Deputies and Officers will also remember and cherish. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Nicol Harness suffers from congestive heart failure and her only job is selling homemade tumblers and T-shirts through Amazon. Shes a big Luke Combs fan, and says after she went to his concert in Tampa this summer she decided to start offering a Luke Combs-themed tumbler. She says she bought artwork online and sold 18 tumblers for $20 each, for a total of $380. Now, shes learned Combs sued her in federal court in Illinois, along with various others, for selling counterfeit merchandise. The worst partthe case is already closed, and the judge ordered each defendant, including Harness, to pay $250,000 to Combs. WATCH: Luke Combs sings Fast Car with 8-year-old battling cancer Its very stressful. I dont have money to pay my bills, Harness said. I just want this resolved. I didnt mean any harm to Luke Combs. I quit selling the tumbler. I pulled it down. I just dont understand. Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken reached out to the attorney who represented Combs in this case and has not yet heard back. It is unclear whether Combs is aware of the matter. Harness said she had no idea she had been sued until days after she returned from a hospital stay to discover she had no access to the money she had earned through her Amazon storefront. I sent so many messages to Amazon asking for answers but couldnt figure it out, she said. Then, she discovered an email in her junk email folder. It was the notice of the lawsuit in October from Combs attorney giving her 21 days to respond. She never got that chance and says she was in the hospital when the email was delivered to her junk mail folder and sent to an email address she says she rarely uses. In Florida, the law required that youre served notice of a lawsuit by a process server in person. The law recently changed in Illinois and email is now sufficient. Attorney Matt Weidner, who is not involved in this case, says he is surprised by the law change. Crook drains 95-year-old womans bank account Frankly, to find out that in Illinois they are now allowing email service, this may be the test case for why that shouldnt happen, Weidner said. I certainly encourage her to communicate with the court and tell her side of the story. Weidner says this story should serve as a cautionary tale to anyone who sells products online that copyright infringement is a serious violation that could cost you bigtime. I am surprised and sympathetic to this woman is probably just trying to provide for herself, but the law can be very harsh, she said. Harness says shed like to get a message to Combs and the attorneys representing him. I would tell him Im sorry, like I said I didnt mean any harm. Im a supporter of Luke Combs. I respect him. This is not something I meant to go wrong like this. I just want to get back to my day to day life. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates' Endy Rodriguez stands in the dugout during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Pittsburgh, Sept. 4, 2023. Catcher Rodriguez will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery Tuesday, Dec. 12, on his right (throwing) elbow. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. The team announced Rodriguez had surgery Tuesday after he was injured taking a swing while playing in the Dominican Republic. The estimated recovery time is 10-12 months. The 23-year-old Rodriguez is considered a major part of the Pirates' future after making his major league debut in July. He hit .220 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 57 games. Rodriguez is a work in progress as a receiver but did throw out nine of 30 potential base stealers. The Pirates had expected Rodriguez to take on the bulk of the catching load in 2024. Now, they'll likely turn to former top overall draft pick Henry Davis, Jason Delay and perhaps recently signed Ali Sanchez behind the plate. Davis spent most of his 2023 rookie season playing right field. Sanchez signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh on Dec. 1. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB The Auburn Union School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote Wednesday evening on whether or not to rescind the districts diversity, equity and inclusion statement. The five-member panel leans conservative, and the rescission is likely to pass. Three new trustees have been elected since the statement was approved in August 2022. Board President Greg Holt is Deputy Director of Constituent Services for Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove. Jayson Wedge and Renee Grigsby (formerly Dowd, when she was a candidate for her seat) were both endorsed by the Placer County Republican Party and the parents rights group Moms for Liberty. The two other members, Sarah Brichler and Jamie Ross, were on the board when the statement was adopted. Its been a real trend in recent years among academia and corporations to virtue signal their support for social justice causes, Holt said during a discussion at last months board meeting. He also said the districts DEI statement mentions a whole bunch of progressive buzz words. His concerns, he said, were with measuring the statements outcomes. I think it takes a special kind of hubris to proclaim that any institution can provide equality and outcome, he said. I dont think that that is something that the people of Auburn wanted us to support in our schools. Wow, President Holt, said Ross. The origin of the statement was actually that people in the community asked us for it. The move to rescind the statement didnt come as a surprise. Last year, just weeks before he was elected, Wedge said in an interview with Gold Country Media that the DEI statement is an attempt to introduce partisan ideology into the schools. Its a broad brush of division based on subjective interpretations of class, race, sexual orientation and the like. Equality celebrates all students and equity creates bias using faulty data, he said. In the same interview, Grigsby said she is not comfortable with defining and dividing students by race, gender, sexuality, and other categories as outlined in the current boards newly adopted Equity Statement. I believe that offering exceptional educational opportunities to every student in a safe, non-political environment will produce exceptional outcomes with no child left behind. That is equality, not equity. This is the statement in full: In order to develop 21st century, lifelong learners, we must remove obstacles to accessing educational opportunities. Students, staff, and stakeholders have a legitimate expectation to have a barrier-free learning environment which includes the awareness of the historical impact of bias, prejudice, and discrimination which, for generations, has produced predictability of learning outcomes based on race, class, socioeconomic, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, cognitive/physical ability, diverse language fluency, and religion. We will exemplify these attributes: Respect and empower students through agency and advocacy, to ensure a student-centered approach to decision-making and provide a meaningful learning experience to prepare our students to be community leaders and world influencers. Reflect on the diversity of our community and students and the varied interests of our stakeholders. Treat our students health, personal well-being, and sense of safety as paramount to their individual growth and success. Encourage innovative thinking to equitably eliminate opportunity gaps and distribute the publics limited resources. Provide access to high-quality diverse teachers, rigorous coursework and instructional materials (including technology), support services, and extracurricular opportunities. A pilot has died after his plane crashed in Arizona, near the Nevada border, on Sunday, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office. Around 4 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a call about an aircraft being down, about five miles outside Bullhead City. First responders reported seeing heavy smoke near the power lines upon arrival at the crash site. The pilot, who was in critical condition at the scene, succumbed to his injuries at a Las Vegas hospital. TENNESSEE FATHER AND DAUGHTER KILLED IN SINGLE-ENGINE PLANE CRASH Pilot is killed in plane crash in Arizona. Deputies also received information stating that the pilot reported having engine trouble after taking off from the Sun Valley-Bison-Fort Mohave Airport. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. 1 DEAD IN FIERY TEXAS PLANE CRASH NEAR PLANO BUSINESSES: OFFICIALS The identity of the pilot has not yet been released. Original article source: Plane crashes in desert near Arizona-Nevada border POINT PLEASANT BEACH Borough voters rejected a $23.9 million spending plan on Tuesday, one that would have built a new athletic facilities, a multipurpose room for community and school meetings, and made major interior and exterior repairs to the borough two schools. The school referendum was defeated by voters: 652 to 330, according to unofficial results. About 22% of Point Pleasant Beach's 4,490 registered voters cast ballots, according to the Ocean County Clerk's Office. The initiative, had it passed, would have built a Field House with an indoor basketball court and turf field, an inclusive playground, paid for security upgrades, and replaced existing tennis courts with new tennis and pickleball courts. Point Pleasant Beach voters defeated a referendum that would have raised $23.9 million for new athletic facilities, school repairs, offices and a multipurpose room. An architect's rendering shows an illustration of the rejected project. Point Pleasant Beach School District Superintendent William T. Smith had supported the referendum as a way to attract new students to Point Pleasant Beach schools, where enrollment had declined over the past decade. In the 2013-14 school year, schools here enrolled 820 students, according to New Jersey Department of Education enrollment records. By last fall, enrollment had dropped 18% to 669. About 100 of those students were tuition-paying and lived outside of the district's borders, Smith said. "We put togethera comprehensive proposal that we think was situating the district and its students in the best possible way, looking ahead, even 20, 25 years, 30 years," Smith said by phone after polls closed. "It didn't break in our favor this go-round. "We'll take that response from the community and move forward," he said. Ocean County schools: Toms River Regional superintendent says absorbing Seaside school could restore $26M in aid Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Point Pleasant Beach schools spending plan rejected by voters Berlin - Poland has a new prime minister, and with his clearly pro-European Union, pro-NATO stance, Donald Tusk marks a stark change from the country's outgoing, right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. With his election victory, Tusk, a 66-year-old former European Commission president, has also become a new bearer of hope for European progressives and centrists at a time when many nations on the continent are showing increasing affinity for far right-wing populism. Far-right lawmaker douses menorah candles in Poland's parliament Political analyst Wojciech Przybylski, who heads the Visegrad Insight think tank, told CBS News that Tusk's election was "a moment of empowerment and excitement" for Poland. "It woke up the silent majority that oftentimes allows for slipping into autocracy by being silent," Przybylski said, attributing Tusk's win to the politician's "leadership and stubborn, direct campaigning and coordination with other leaders. That's a way to win, and rule." Tusk wants to improve his country's relations with the EU, and addressing lawmakers Tuesday ahead of his swearing in, he said anyone who questions Poland's place in the bloc was damaging its interests. Tusk said Poland which has been a vital backer of its neighbor Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 would be a strong member of NATO and a strong ally of the U.S. as it seeks to gain a leading position among its European neighbors. Donald Tusk addresses supporters at the Civic Coalition's headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, on Oct. 15, 2023. / Credit: Janek Skarzynski/AFP via Getty Images In a clear effort to distinguish himself from his nationalist predecessor, he warned that an isolated Poland would be exposed to greater geopolitical risks. Below is a look at some of the recent political changes across Europe that show how, with Tusk's election, Poland appears to be going in another direction. The Netherlands and Geert Wilders The most recent example of Europe's swing to the right is the Netherlands, where right-wing, anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders' party won a sweeping victory in November's parliamentary elections. Migration and asylum proved to be decisive issues in the election. Wilders had been a prominent figure on the fringes of Dutch politics for years, but his strident anti-Islam rhetoric manifested now in plans to have mosques, Islamic schools and even the Quran banned nationally helped put him in position to lead the next government, assuming he can build a coalition with other parties. Since his party won and he started looking for coalition partners, Wilders has pledged to lead the country for "all Netherlanders." "Sometimes I will have to withdraw proposals and I will do that," Wilders told Dutch lawmakers this week. "I will show the Netherlands, the legislature anybody who wants to hear it, that we will adapt our rules to the constitution and bring our proposals in line with it." Frans Timmermans, who leads a center-left alliance in the country's Parliament, made it clear with his reply that he doesn't trust Wilders to make good on that vow, telling him: "I consider your ideas a threat to the democratic rule of law," according to The Associated Press. Italy and Giorgia Meloni In September 2022, Italians voted in the country's most right-wing government since World War II. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party, is the country's first female leader. As CBS News correspondent Chris Livesay reported, given Italy's disastrous history the last time a hard-right party rose to power under dictator Benito Mussolini ahead of World War II it was a stunning victory for the Brothers of Italy, which, only a few years earlier, had existed only as a party on the fringes of the country's politics. Meloni heads a coalition government with two equally far-right parties and frames herself as a family-focused Christian battling a left-wing ruling elite, and often points at migration as the root of many socioeconomic challenges facing Italy. Not leaders, yet, but tail winds for the far right In Switzerland, the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party was the clear winner in October's national elections. Switzerland is led by a seven-member Federal Council, the members of which are elected by the Parliament. In the October elections, the People's Party bounced back from losing seats four years earlier to enhance its position as the biggest party, by seats held, in the Parliament. In Germany, the right-wing nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is riding high in the polls, currently trailing only former Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union party (CDU). Germany's national Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist organization, after various members made remarks deemed unconstitutional, including antisemitic comments and calls for violence against the current government. The AfD's increasing vote share, however, has forced a lively debate within parties like the CDU over how willing they should be to enter future coalitions with the far right. In April 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron decisively won a second term, beating his far-right-wing opponent Marine Le Pen. But the ability of Le Pen's National Rally party to capture 40% of the vote was a wake-up call for French liberals and centrists that her anti-EU, anti-NATO views have gained traction as the continent struggles to emerge from the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic amid a spiraling immigration crisis. In Austria, where a new Parliament will be elected next year, the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO) is ahead in the polls. The populist, anti-EU party has been a part of governments in Austria several times over the last 25 years, but it has yet to win enough seats to lead one. NYT Cooking shares a kid-favorite holiday recipe for roasted beef tenderloin Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and Emmy award winning actor, dies at age of 61 Breaking down Biden and Zelenskyy's joint news conference The trial of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother of five in Nigerias Bauchi State, will continue following a judges refusal to dismiss the case against her. Jatau has been in prison since last May, accused of sharing a video on WhatsApp that condemned the lynching of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Nigerian student killed by her classmates for sharing her Christian faith. At a hearing last week, Jataus legal team argued that the prosecution had failed to establish the basic elements of their case against Rhoda, but the court still decided to proceed with the trial, said the human rights group ADF International, which is backing Jataus defense. Since her arrest, Jatau has been repeatedly denied bail and held incommunicado, with only sporadic access to her lawyer and family during court appearances, the group said. Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International, criticized the ongoing prosecution and detention, calling it a travesty of justice. The lead counsel for Jataus case, an allied lawyer with ADF International, expressed disappointment with the ruling but affirmed their readiness to defend Jatau. He emphasized the suffering endured by Rhoda and her family for over a year-and-a-half and called for continued prayers for her release. The decision to proceed with the prosecution follows a joint allegation letter from United Nations experts to the Nigerian government. The letter, prompted by appeals from ADF International and other religious freedom advocacy groups, highlighted the threat posed by blasphemy laws to international human rights. It also drew attention to the cases of Yakubu and Jatau. Jataus trial is set to resume on Dec. 19. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison. The cases of Jatau and Yakubu are among numerous instances of violence against religious minorities in Nigeria. Of the more than 5,500 Christians killed for their faith worldwide last year, 90% were from Nigeria. The criminalization of blasphemy in Nigeria has far-reaching implications. In a country with over 200 million people, almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, blasphemy laws exacerbate societal tensions. These laws not only punish individuals for expressing their beliefs but also silence people from sharing their faith and fuel societal violence. Blasphemy laws have also led to brutal mob violence and severe harm to minority Muslims, Christian converts and others. ADF International is also supporting the legal defense of Nigerian musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi Muslim sentenced to death by hanging for sharing song lyrics deemed blasphemous on WhatsApp. Yahaya, who has been imprisoned for over three-and-a-half years, is appealing his case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, with the hope of overturning the death penalty blasphemy laws in the country. Yahaya remains in prison awaiting his appeal. According to a previous report by the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern, Nigeria was one of the worlds top Persecutors of the Year for its treatment of Christians in 2021. The report stated that 50,000 to 70,000 Christians had been killed in Nigeria since 2000. Originally published by the Christian Post Pope Francis' long-awaited trip to his native Argentina is in the works not long after an invitation from one of his fiercest critics. The pontiff told Mexican broadcaster Televisa's N+ news service that a visit to his native Argentina is "pending" just weeks after an invitation from the newly elected President Javier Milei, who previously called the pope an "imbecile." "In an election campaign, things are said in jest they are said seriously, but they are provisional things, things that are used to create a bit of attention, but which later fall away by themselves," Francis said of Milei. A former frontman of a classic rock band, Milei has tempered his past posturing against the pope, who he previously described as someone "who preaches Communism." POPE FRANCIS SAYS HE WILL NOT BE BURIED IN VATICAN, HAS PREPARED A GRAVE IN BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR Pope Francis blesses faithful in front the nativity scene during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, Vatican. Milei invited the pontiff to visit the home country after receiving an unexpected phone call from the Vatican two days after his election. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "We are pleased to announce that His Holiness, Pope Francis, spoke with our future president to congratulate him and to express his wishes for the unity and progress for our country," Milei's office announced last month. JAVIER MILEI, NEWLY ELECTED ARGENTINIAN PRESIDENT, BEGINS 'SHOCK THERAPY' BY DEVALUING PESO AGAINST DOLLAR President of Argentina Javier Milei gives a speech after his inauguration ceremony at National Congress in Buenos Aires. Pope Francis said of the president's tempered rhetoric, "You have to distinguish a lot between what a politician says in the election campaign and what he or she is really going to do afterward, because then comes the moment of concrete things, of the decisions." Francis has yet to visit Argentina since his election to the papacy in 2013. Familia Grande Hogar de Cristo a Argentinian ministry focused on helping in addiction recovery began a campaign in November urging the pope to visit Argentina. People take part in a Mass to reject presidential candidate Javier Milei's criticism of Pope Francis in Buenos Aires on Sept. 5, 2023. "His words, his gestures, his presence will do us good because we desire a country full of love and social justice," the ministry said in a statement. The Catholic ministry added, "Just as he taught us, the challenge is to receive life as it comes with an eye toward those on the side of the road." Original article source: Pope confirms plans to visit home Argentina after invitation from once-fierce critic President Javier Milei Pope Francis wants to be buried outside the Vatican - Shutterstock Pope Francis has revealed that he has prepared his own tomb and wants to break with tradition and be buried outside the walls of the Vatican. In an interview with Mexican television, the pontiff said it was only sensible to make preparations for his passing. But he said that notwithstanding a range of health problems, from intestinal surgery to knee pain and breathing difficulties, he is not planning to resign. The Pontiff, who turns 87 on Sunday, recently had to cancel a number of official appointments, including his presence at the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai, because he was suffering from acute bronchitis. Thank God it wasnt pneumonia, he said at the time, owing to the fact he had part of one lung removed as a young man. In the interview with Mexican TV, he said that he admired the courage of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who became the first pontiff in 600 years to resign when he stepped down in 2013. Pope Francis says he has prepared his tomb in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the church in Rome where he goes to pray before and after every pontifical journey abroad. He prays in front of a Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary holding the baby Jesus. Its my great devotion, said the Pope, who also carries the title Bishop of Rome. He said he wants to be buried in the basilica. The place is already prepared. Pope Francis has prepared his tomb in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - AP/Gregorio Borgia It is one of four major papal basilicas located in Rome and although on Italian soil, it is owned by the Holy See. Pope Francis will become one of the first pontiffs in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. He said he had met Vatican officials to simplify his funeral ceremony. When old age arrives and you reach limits, you need to prepare yourself, he said. I will launch a new funeral ritual [for popes], he joked. While he is not thinking of resigning, he praised the courage of Pope Benedict to step down when he felt he could no longer carry on in the role as spiritual leader of the worlds Roman Catholics. He was a great and humble man who when he realised his limits had the courage to say enough, Francis told the Mexican broadcaster N+. He confirmed that he had an invitation to return to his homeland from the newly elected president of Argentina, Javier Milei. Mr Milei has in the past been highly critical of Pope Francis, his fellow Argentine, calling him a filthy Leftist and the imbecile thats in Rome. 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 one corner: Pope Francis, who insists on a merciful Catholic Church open to everyone, a field hospital ready to bind up the wounds of a suffering humanity. In the other corner: a small but vocal minority that has set itself against the Pontiff and his reforms. A showdown between the two is underway. The unofficial leader of the opposition is US Cardinal Raymond Burke, one of the churchs legal experts and a figure whose style and approach harken back to the church of a different era and whose views closely align with those in its traditionalist wing. Francis, while maintaining he upholds the churchs doctrine and principles, has tried to move the church on from some of those customs he sees as hampering its mission. Those who oppose Francis say they are deeply concerned about his openness to giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics, along with his pastoral welcome to LGBTQ people. They dont like his focus on migrants and the climate crisis, and they want a pope instead who lays down the law and presents doctrine in black-and-white terms. This Pope preaches for a humbler church, one focused on service and which seeks to bring the Christian message into the world. While the attacks on him are likely to have stung, Francis has frequently turned the other cheek, going so far as to say he does not seek to crack down on opponents; hes also appointed to Vatican departments leaders who held different views than his own. Now, though, in the 11th year of his papacy, the Pope is taking more assertive measures to tackle some of the opposition hes been facing, which is centered in the US where American politics also may be in play and in certain Roman circles. With his 87th birthday Sunday and as he battles health issues, he doesnt have time to waste. Francis has decided Burke, an opponent of his for years, will lose some of his privileges, reportedly including a subsidy for his 4,488-square-foot apartment and monthly stipend. It follows the Popes move last month to remove from his leadership post Texan Bishop Joseph Strickland, who had accused Francis of undermining the central teachings of the church, including on politically charged issues like abortion and same sex marriage. Supporters of Burke and Strickland have said Francis is a dictator pope, clamping down on dissent, while others suggest the Pope is punishing his critics. While the attacks have no obvious precedent in recent history, Francis has allowed them to continue, often ignoring them. Hes also aware sometimes silence is the best response and reform often meets resistance. Francis told me that he was taking away the apartment and salary of Cardinal Burke because he was using these privileges against the church, Austen Ivereigh, a papal biographer, told CNN. Ivereigh met the Pope on November 27. Bishop Joseph Strickland, left, speaks on November 15 to supporters outside the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. - Wesley Lapointe/The New York Times/Redux Clearly, his patience had finally run out, Ivereigh explained. For so long, Cardinal Burke had been calling into question Francis authority and his teaching. This would be shocking in any organization, but it is particularly shocking in the Catholic Church, given the special role the papacy has in upholding unity. Francis is happy to be criticized but pointed out cardinals make a specific oath of obedience to the pope and his successors, Ivereigh said. CNN has contacted the Vatican for comment. A Popes tolerance for dissent In 2018, Burke told a group of Catholics in Rome there are circumstances when it would be acceptable to disobey the pope. The crowd reportedly clapped and cheered. This would have been unthinkable under previous pontificates, in which loyalty to the papacy was placed at a premium by conservative Catholics. The traditionalist cardinal from Wisconsin has said the signature reform effort initiated by Francis the synod forgets the divine nature of the church. Its likely to have been the final straw for the Pope. A pope of Cardinal Burkes temperament would not have tolerated such dissent for one day, let alone 10 years, said Dawn Eden Goldstein, a theologian and canon lawyer based in Washington, DC. The Strickland case, meanwhile, is distinct from Burkes. A bishop in the Catholic Church is not a branch manager for the Pope and has a degree of autonomy. Strickland was removed after a Vatican inquiry into his leadership found it was not feasible for him to continue at the helm of the Diocese of Tyler, east of Dallas. Strickland also took the extraordinary step of calling Francis legitimacy into question, something that goes against the communion bishops must keep with popes. Burke, on the other hand, remains a voting cardinal. He was the equivalent of a direct employee of the Pope in Rome, and his criticism of Francis is more judiciously worded than Stricklands has been. Cardinals leading departments in the Roman Curia, the churchs central administration, are given grace-and-favor apartments and paid up to $5,900 a month. But Burke no longer has a job in the churchs central administration, and the decision about his apartment comes as the Vatican seeks to tackle a financial shortfall by ensuring it is getting market rates on its properties. The cardinal had served as the prefect of the churchs supreme court equivalent (where he remains an adviser) and was later patron of the Order of Malta. In this ancient Catholic chivalric group, he became embroiled in the orders public dispute with the Pope. The row centered on condom distribution, with Burke pushing for the removal of one member of the order and claiming to have the backing of the Pope. Documents released by Wikileaks suggested the cardinal did not have Francis authority to do so. CNN has reached out to Strickland for comment, and Burke declined to comment. American politics in play Opposition to Francis is also tied to secular politics. Burke described himself as very happy with the election of President Donald Trump and has joined other US bishops in calling for President Joe Biden, a Catholic, to be refused communion for his support for abortion laws. In 2004, Burke, then a bishop, announced he would not give communion to presidential candidate John Kerry for similar reasons. While Francis has spoken out strongly against abortion, he does not support refusing Biden communion. Strickland has described the US president as evil and sent a video message to a rally seeking to overturn the 2020 election result. The politicized church rhetoric is likely to heat up as the US heads into an election year. MAGA (Make America Great Again) politics and MAGA Catholics overlap in many ways, especially in their culture war approach to everything, David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, told CNN. It is all about generating anger and defining yourself as what you are against as much as what you are for. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke attends a 2017 consistory as Pope Francis elevates five prelates to the rank of cardinal at Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. - Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters Both supporters of Trump and Burke fear they are losing their once-privileged place in the church and society, so they portray the past as a golden age, Gibson said. The Pope has described some of his opponents in the US as backwardists, saying they have replaced faith with ideology. Gibson added: Cardinal Burke and his ilk can justify anything they say or do against the Pope they (believe they) are key to saving the church from the Pope. Pope Francis has hosted both Trump and Biden at the Vatican. Tactics that could backfire Goldstein, the DC theologian and canon lawyer, has met the cardinal on a number of occasions and says there are people and organizations that would like to see Burkes vision of the church become the dominant one because it would make the church more useful to political interests. The cardinal wrote the foreword to a book criticizing the synod, which was supported by a group opposed to Catholic teaching on questions such as care for the poor, the environment, indigenous populations and migrants, she pointed out. The cardinal seeks to create an aura around himself that gives the illusion of a return to a former era and Francis has been tolerant of attacks, Goldstein said. Yet, as Goldstein said, such dissent is novel in recent years and would have been unimaginable in the last few papacies. Others point out that removing the cardinals privileges could have unintended consequences and turn Burke into a martyr for the cause. Massimo Faggioli, a church historian at Villanova University, told CNN it might make Burke, who is supported by donors from the US and is likely to find other accommodation in Rome, a kind of national cardinal. This would be similar to the crown cardinals of the early modern era, who were nominated or funded by a European Catholic monarch, he said. The reported decision on Burke could also influence a future papal election by alienating some cardinal electors who would want to opt for a candidate who governs differently from Francis. The Pope is likely aware of the risks and willing to run them, given his mission. Last September, Francis created 21 new cardinals, including three fellow Argentinean and two other Latin American, 10 Europeans, three African, two Asian and just one from the US, Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago but has carried out most of his pastoral ministry in Peru. Central to the Popes vision is pivoting the church to what is essential to the Christian faith. The Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff recently tweeted a photo of Burke wearing the cappa magna ceremonial cape, a train of watered red silk. Boff, who previously served for many years as a Franciscan priest, is a key proponent of liberation theology, a Latin American movement that places special emphasis on serving the poor. He clashed with Vatican authorities in the 1980s but always maintained healthy relationships with Brazilian bishops and has a good relationship with Pope Francis. Francis is one of us, Boff said in a 2016 interview with German newspaper Kolner Stadt-Anzeigr. My brothers and sisters, conservative Christians, tell me, he wrote when he posted the photo: what does this cardinal with all his pomp have to do with the Jesus who was born in a manger and died on a cross? For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Holy Mass on the day of the feast of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis, who has shunned much of the Vatican's pomp and privilege, has decided to vastly simplify the elaborate funeral rites for a pontiff and be the first one to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The pope, who turns 87 on Sunday, disclosed plans for his funeral in an interview with Mexico's N+ television on Tuesday evening to mark the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the interview with the network's Vatican correspondent, Valentina Alazraki, taped before the pope presided at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis appeared to have recovered from a bout of bronchitis. He laughed often while discussing subjects such as his health, migration, his relationship with the late Pope Benedict XVI, and travel plans. He said his health was good but asked for prayers as he deals with the limitations of old age. Francis disclosed that he has been working with the Vatican's master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to simplify the elaborate, book-long funeral rites for a pope that have been used for his predecessors. Since his election in 2013, Francis has shunned the crimson, fur-trimmed "mozzetta", or cape, and also does not wear a gold cross but has kept around his neck the same faded silver-plated one he used as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He also has not used the plush red "shoes of the fisherman" used by his predecessors. He has kept the same simple black shoes he always used and wears a plastic watch, giving others away so they could be auctioned off for charity. HEALTH 'GOOD', 'IMPROVED' Francis said that because of his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, he has decided to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he traditionally goes to pray before and after each of his foreign trips. The funeral Mass itself would be expected to be held in St. Peter's Square. Many popes are buried in the crypts beneath St. Peter's Basilica. The last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and is buried in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Francis has said he would be ready to resign - as Benedict did in 2013 - if his health became extremely bad, but also believes that papal resignations should not become the norm. He acknowledged that since Benedict's death a year ago perhaps he had become less patient and more firm with his more strident conservative critics who saw the late pope as their standard bearer, saying that sometimes "there are some you need to stand up to a bit". Francis took disciplinary action against two conservative U.S. prelates last month. Asked about his health, he said: "I feel good, I feel improved. Sometimes I'm told I'm not prudent because I feel like doing things and moving around. I guess those are good signs, no? I am quite well". The bronchitis forced Francis to cancel a trip to Dubai this month to attend the COP28 climate summit. He had surgery in June to repair an abdominal hernia and appears to have recovered completely from that operation. He said he was hoping to make three trips next year, to somewhere in Polynesia, to Belgium, and to his native Argentina for his first visit there since his election in 2013. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Christina Fincher, Timothy Heritage and Tomasz Janowski) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of child sexual abuse. Mondays sentencing of Michael Goodall was the culmination of an investigation by authorities from 2021, the Portland Police Bureau said in a press release. The 20-year sentence does not include the possibility of parole. Goodall entered a plea of no contest to the charges on Nov. 29. The judge found him guilty based on that plea. When the sentencing was carried out on Dec. 11, it included multiple charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree unlawful sexual penetration. The investigation all stemmed from a 911 call in March 2021 given by a man who said a 13-year-old girl at the location had disclosed possible inappropriate contact by a known male suspect. As a result of that call, PPB officers with the East Precinct responded to the scene and talked briefly with the child in question to confirm the callers allegation. We can meet this goal: Mayor Wheeler vows to reduce homelessness as part of task force plan From there, the East Precinct Officers consulted with Portlands Child Abuse Team, a unit within the Portland Police Bureau, who then assumed control of the investigation, authorities said. After conducting several interviews with the girl, other children to whom the suspect had access, friends, family, and possible witnesses, the case was built thanks to that testimony and a piece of corroborating digital evidence. It was determined through the investigation that Goodall had begun sexually abusing the victim when she was just 7 years old and that he continued to abuse her regularly up until the disclosure. Police said their Child Abuse Detectives coordinated with CARES Northwest, a multidisciplinary child advocacy center that includes medical providers, specially trained interviewers, law enforcement, and child protective services. Police say if you know of a child that is in danger, call 911 or contact the Oregon Department of Human Services. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (FOX40.COM) It has been more than two years since the Caldor Fire devastated the community of Grizzly Flats, and it is showing signs of rebirth with the return of a community pillar: the post office. For the last two years, those who have rebuilt their lives in Grizzly Flats have had to trek more than 20 miles to Diamond Springs for any mail-related trips. CHP officer takes selfie with creature he found on roadway El Dorado County District II Supervisor George Turnboo told FOX40.com that more than 40% of the Grizzly Flats population is seniors and this drive has served as a serious inconvenience and risk. I am glad that we made this happen, Turnboo told FOX40. I feel for these people and it really gives them hope. Turnboo said that one of the things he wants to make sure is reinstalled at the post office is the community bulletin board. The bulletin board was where community members would meet, and bringing it back would be another step toward rebuilding that sense of community, according to Turnboo. Tahoe National Forest plans to use animals for 2,000-acre targeted grazing Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is scheduled to install a meter and turn on power to the post office on Thursday, according to Turnboo. United States Postal Service representatives in the Sacramento area said there is not an anticipated opening date for the post office. The post office will also need new staffing as the former postmaster for Grizzly Flats retired and the one other employee now works at a different location, according to USPS. The USPS said there will be a grand opening ceremony once the post office is ready to open. Sacramento City Council moves forward with pilot dog park program Turnboo said the next steps in rebuilding Grizzly Flats are the continued development of a community center in partnership with the National Forest Service and the rebuilding of Walt Tyler Elementary School. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The Los Angeles resident who won the $2 billion Powerball jackpot in November 2022 went on a vacation to Fiji with his friends and scrubbed his presence off social media before his name was publicly disclosed in February, according to the New York Post. Sources close to Edwin Castro told the newspaper that he kept his windfall, which was estimated to be $997.6 million after he opted for the lump sum payment, a secret. Insiders told the Post that after returning from his trip, he hired bodyguards for himself and his family. He also reportedly made several real estate purchases, including a $47 million residence in Bel Air and a $25 million mansion in Hollywood Hills. Back in February, Castro became the target of a lawsuit filed by Jose Rivera, who asserted that he bought the winning ticket, but the New York Post reported that Californias lottery commission had evidence supporting that Castro was the lawful winner. A trial date for the case has not yet been set. Read it at New York Post Read more at The Daily Beast. A funeral was held in southwest Nigeria on Saturday (Nov. 25) for a pastors wife shot to death in Taraba state a week earlier, sources said. Oluwakemi Moses, wife of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor serving in Jalingo, Taraba state, was returning to the town with her 2-month-old baby from her native Ondo state when terrorists shot at her vehicle along the Wukari-Jootar highway on Nov. 17, said her husband, Pastor Konye Timilehin Moses. Addressing mourners at her funeral in Akure, Ondo state in southwest Nigeria, Pastor Moses stated in humble supplication that he would love the Lord no matter what, and that the devil was defeated in Christs death and resurrection, then paid tribute to his wife. Goodbye, righteous soul, till the resurrection morning, he said. I love you, Oluwakemi. Keep resting, my dear love, youre indeed in the bosom of our Savior. Til we meet again. Attacks along the Wukari-Jootar federal highway at the intersection of Taraba and Benue states have been relentless, said Taraba resident Emmanuel Yakubu. Despite the heavy presence of military and police checkpoints along this route, incidents like these persist unchallenged, Yakubu told Morning Star News in a text message. Numerous citizens have faced similar ordeals. These occurrences demand immediate action from the appropriate authorities. Yakubu called on the military and the police to urgently intervene. Mrs. Oluwakemi left behind a 2-month-old baby. We vehemently condemn these criminal acts and urge swift action against these perpetrators, Yakubu said. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Senate Republicans are warning the only way President Biden will get another $61 billion for Ukraine is if he overrides Senate Democrats and agrees to border security reforms that substantially reduce the influx of migrants into the country. They complain the White House has refused to engage in a meaningful way with the lead Senate Republican negotiator, Sen. James Lankford (Okla.). Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said negotiations on border security have stalled because its been difficult to get the kind of support out of the administration itself needed to get a deal. McConnell on Tuesday revealed he told Biden directly that the only way well get an agreement is for you to be involved, dont just punt the ball up to Senate Democrats they may never get there. We all know hes the only one that can sign a bill into law, McConnell said of Biden. Without him, there is no deal. The Senate GOP leader said he thinks Biden and White House chief of staff Jeff Zients are getting the message. Ive talked to [Biden] about it. Ive talked to Zients about it, McConnell said, adding there was some indication from the White House this week that maybe theyre going to finally engage rather than just sending James Lankford and his team back to Senate Democrats. But McConnell told GOP senators at a Tuesday lunch meeting he thinks its too late to get a border security deal in time to pass more funding for Ukraine before January. He just said its not going to get done this year; were going to have to revisit it next calendar year, said a Republican senator who attended the meeting. A senior Senate Democratic aide argued the White House has been involved in the negotiations and blamed Republicans for repeatedly returning to their initial demand of attaching key elements of the House-passed Secure the Border Act to Ukraine funding. Senate Democrats have repeatedly said the strict Trump-era border policies in that bill are a non-starter. The long-running Senate negotiations over border security got ratcheted up to a higher level Tuesday afternoon when McConnells and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) staffs joined Lankford and Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.), the lead Democratic negotiator, in the Capitol for a discussion with senior White House staff and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), who has good relationships with senators in both parties, also attended the meeting. A Democratic aide said it was the first time McConnells and Schumers staffs were in the same room with the lead negotiators to hash out an agreement. Schumer also hailed the participation of McConnell staff as a key development. Were still trying. Were trying very, very hard to get this done, he said. The meeting came a few hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a personal appeal for more military aid during a meeting with senators in the wood-paneled Mansfield Room just off the Senate floor. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), a prominent Republican defense hawk, told Zelensky pointedly that he was not going to get more money unless Democrats agree to reform asylum policy to reduce the number of migrants crossing into the U.S. through the Mexico border. I told President Zelensky my No. 1 obligation is to secure my country as well as help yours, and I feel like my countrys border policies are an immediate threat to the safety of the American people, Graham recounted after the meeting. There will be no [foreign aid] supplemental without border security reforms that address the problem. Graham said hes lost faith in Murphys ability to cut a deal with Lankford and called on Biden to get more involved in the talks. The key is to get the commander in chief involved in the negotiations. Sen. Murphy I have no confidence hes ever going to get a deal we can live with because hes worried about selling it to the left, Graham said. The commander in chief if theres a deal to be made is going to have to get involved in the negotiations. Its his job above all others. A Senate Republican who requested anonymity to comment on the lack of progress in the talks said everybody knows that Chris is not the right player on the field now, referring to Murphy. Theres a growing sense that youve got to get somebody else in the room, the senator said. The sentiment was similar on the House side of the Capitol. But we certainly demand that the president does get involved. Its ultimately, the buck stops at his desk, and this is far, far overdue, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday morning. The prospect of Biden getting more involved in the talks has alarmed some immigration advocates. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Calif.) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said in a joint statement Monday they are deeply concerned that the president would consider advancing Trump-era immigration policies that Democrats fought so hard against. But some Democratic senators who view funding the war in Ukraine as a major national security priority would welcome Biden taking a more active role. Were going to run out of time. This is a negotiation that we need the president, Sen. McConnell, Sen. Schumer and the Speaker of the House, for that matter to be involved in, said Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). Bennet said Biden needs to have clear representation, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour in the negotiation. They need to be part of this; they needed to be part of this last week, Bennet said. Senate Republicans now say its highly unlikely Congress will pass more funding for Ukraine before the end of the year as House Republicans plan to adjourn for the year at the end of this week, once they pass the annual defense policy bill. Schumer spoke with Johnson this week to urge him to keep the House in session for another week to give Senate negotiators more time to reach a deal. I told him this because over the past 24 hours, Ive been alarmed to see some of the same Republicans who demand action at the border because its an emergency say that we should leave and come back three weeks from now, suggesting theres no urgency to act before Christmas, he said. Johnson, for his part, said the Senate has yet to send him a proposal, and hes not going to have everybody sit here through Christmas twiddling their thumbs. McConnell, one of the Senates most outspoken advocates for funding Ukraines war against Russia, told reporters Tuesday it now looks unlikely that any foreign aid package will pass this year. McConnell observed its practically impossible, even though we reach an agreement, to craft it, get it through the Senate, get it through the House before Christmas. The Senate GOP leader pointed out the Speaker has said to a number of people that the House is leaving town at the end of the week, which means theres little prospect of sending an aid package to Bidens desk before the new year even if Senate negotiators reach a deal on border security within the next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Maryland State Police said troopers arrested a man on Wednesday for possessing child pornography. Jason Pereira, 40, of Laurel was charged with eight counts of possession of child pornography. He was taken to the Prince Georges County Detention Center. DC man hit, killed in work zone hit-and-run on I-495 in Maryland On Wednesday, Maryland State Police, with help from Homeland Security Investigations and the Laurel City Police, served a search warrant at Pereiras residence. He was arrested at the scene. Police said his electronic devices revealed multiple images of child pornography. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A female prison officer accused of having an affair with an inmate insisted on wearing tight trousers to work, a court heard, as accusations emerged that she had a relationship with a second prisoner. Ruth Shmylo, 26, is on trial accused of having a five-month relationship with manipulative drug dealer Harri Pullen and having secret phone sex with him. The court heard on Wednesday that Ms Shmylo was accused by prison bosses over her behaviour towards other inmates while working as a custody officer at HMP Parc in Bridgend, South Wales. It emerged that she was questioned by jail bosses over her flirtatious behaviour with inmates just months after starting work there and was also accused of blowing a kiss to a third prisoner. Trousers not considered appropriate Dan Hayman, the head of security, said counter-corruption teams questioned Ms Shmylo over her alleged relationships with another unnamed prisoner. He added that Ms Shmylo also chose not to wear prison-issue uniform and instead wore her own skin-tight trousers which left very little to the imagination. Matthew Cobbe, prosecuting, said that between January and April 2021, there had been 20 intelligence reports in the prison that stated concerns surrounding Ms Shmylos behaviour, including her choice of uniform. Mr Cobbe said Mr Hayman had asked Ms Shmylo if it was not better to wear trousers that were a little larger and not quite so fitting. Mr Hayman said: The concern was Ms Shmylo was wearing trousers that she had purchased outside of the uniform supply process which were exceptionally fitted and not considered appropriate. He added: There is a large cohort of male prisoners and a young female officer or any officer wearing inappropriate clothing is something that we would challenge especially trousers that are that fitted and leave very little to the imagination. There were other trousers available but she was not happy with how they fell on her body or how they looked. Mr Cobbe asked Mr Hayman about a series of issues that Ms Shmylo was questioned over by prison bosses including a relationship with another inmate, concerns over use of social media, her relationship with Pullen and the way she was interacting with other prisoners. Convicted drug dealer Harri Pullen is one of the prisoners at the centre of the allegations - WALES NEWS SERVICE Mr Hayman said Ms Shmylo was seen on CCTV blowing a kiss to a prisoner. She explained she was embarrassed by it and said it was a silly mistake, Mr Hayman said. The security head said there were also other safety fears that led to Ms Shmylo eventually being dismissed, adding: There were reports over conversations she was having with prisoners. She was observed to be secretive, whispering, intentionally trying to have conversations out of earshot. Mr Cobbe said there were also discussions of Ms Shmylos relationship with another inmate who was moved to a different wing because of concerns over their closeness. The court heard that there had also been reports that she had sought out a different prisoner on Facebook with a second phone he was feared to have had inside, about which she was questioned by prison officials. Mr Hayman said: This was in relation to a different prisoner who we had reports of Ms Shmylo linking to. Ms Shmylo told us that the only connection was via social media because that person was a friend of a friend but she acknowledged that she had searched for him on Facebook. Ms Shmylo, of Treforest, Pontypridd, denies misconduct in a public office. The trial, expected to last five days, continues. 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. It is ever harder to recall that Rishi Sunak was once considered the most trusted member of the Cabinet for his seemingly sure-footed approach Covid - AFP With his own party calamitously down in the polls and destructively ripping itself apart on seemingly everything from immigration to taxes, its ever harder to recall that our beleaguered Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was once one of the most popular politicians in Britain. Rewind three and a half years to when Sunak was still Chancellor, and it was difficult to open a newspaper without reading some gushing homage to his seemingly sure-footed approach to the crisis of the hour Covid. Polling regularly showed him to be the most trusted man in Cabinet, and the Treasury the only well-functioning department in the Government, in marked contrast to the apparent chaos that had descended on No10. Its not hard to figure out why. As controller of the nations purse strings, only the Treasury is in a position to dole out the money when crisis hits, which it did by the lorry load in the face of the pandemic and on a scale never before seen in peacetime. The 849m dump of cash applied to the now much-derided Eat Out to Help Out initiative was just the tip of the iceberg. In total, the Treasury is estimated to have spent around 400bn on its various Covid support schemes, including 70bn on furlough alone. No one is going to be more popular than a Chancellor who pays people not to go to work but to eat out at restaurants and in pubs instead. Thank God for Rishi, the only competent man in Downing Street, it was widely declared. Mr Sunak must have known that the popularity associated with such largess couldnt last, and indeed was always warned that there would be a price to pay. Well, the Tories are now paying it, and with a vengeance. Many of the Governments current problems can be directly traced back to the pandemic and the policies applied to contain it. As we now know, the man who got the credit for splashing the cash was behind the scenes all along worrying about its costs, and urging as swift a reopening of the economy as possible. So much so that the Chancellor became known internally in government circles as Dr Death, and his Treasury mandarins, worried sick about affordability, as the pro-death squad. The current Covid inquiry might originally have had a nobler purpose, such as weighing the costs and benefits in the balance so that lessons can be learned for the future. Instead, it has descended into an almost laughable blame game in which leading decision-makers at the time are placed firmly in the stocks for a public pilloring. The overwhelming presumption is not that lockdown went too far, but that it didnt go far enough, that the Government left it too late to impose restrictions, and then was too gung-ho in lifting them. Inquisitors are focused almost entirely on the idea that more lives might have been saved had the Government been harder still in its approach, or the path not taken rather than the one that actually was. Lockdown fanatics, such as the University of Edinburghs professor of global health, Devi Sridhar who consistently argued for more robust and persistent lockdown strategies seem to instruct the narrative. Little or no consideration is given to the wider economic and societal harms that such policies inflicted, even though it seems logical to conclude that, had the Government doubled down on the restrictions, the countervailing costs would also have been higher. No one can deny that the Governments handling of the crisis was shambolic, but if we measure success simply in terms of the number of lives saved, the record isnt nearly as bad as made out. Analysis by the Office for National Statistics show that, on all measures of excess deaths during the pandemic, the UK was around middle of the pack out of 33 European countries where comparable data is available, or 13th worst in the most commonly used measure. Excess deaths were quite a bit higher than all the Nordics, a little bit worse than Germany, but hugely better than virtually the whole of Eastern Europe, about the same as France, and significantly better than Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Sweden, which had no formal lockdown and kept schools and bars open throughout, also did somewhat better than us. As to costs, of the major high income economies, only the US spent more as a proportion of GDP on confronting the pandemic than the UK, and the hit to GDP was greater for the UK than anywhere else other than Spain. You would think that the Covid inquiry might focus more on these numbers, and on what worked and what didnt, but instead its only concern seems to be on the Governments supposed failure to contain the virus more fully. It seems callous to say it, but because Covid is at its most lethal among the elderly, the bulk of those that lockdown can reasonably be said to have saved are now dead anyway. In any case, the policy that Dr Death is now most closely associated with to judge by this weeks proceedings at the Covid inquiry is not furlough, bounce back loans, hugely more money for the NHS, and the like, but the supposed recklessness of Eat Out to Help Out, something which at the time many of us thought a welcome break after the deprivations of the first round of home imprisonment. Former scientific advisers have been lining up to say they werent consulted, and in the words of Englands chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, that it amounted to Eat Out to Help the Virus Out. As the epidemiologist Prof Carl Heneghan has commented, thats perhaps because it was the only policy which didnt have their fingerprints all over it, the only one where the blame can be wholly attributed to the politicians. Yet they were indeed very much involved in the decision to allow hostelries to reopen as part of the Governments Living with Covid plan, which predated Eat Out to Help Out by about a month. Is there not something of a contradiction here? In the event, there is scant evidence that the scheme actually caused the second wave, though it might arguably have brought it forward by a few days. There was also ample opportunity for advisers to say something in between the announcement of the scheme and its implementation, but they did not. What is more, there was no dramatic rise in infections until well after the scheme had ended. You might just as well attribute the later spike to the wearing of face masks, which was made mandatory at about the same time as Eat Out to Help Out. The Covid inquiry seems to be spending an inordinate amount of its time on the path not taken, with a heavy presumption that policymakers did too little in their interventions rather than too much. The buck-passing, rewriting of history and name-calling make for good theatre but they have no practical value whatsoever. 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. By Tarek Amara TUNIS (Reuters) - A Tunisian military court on Wednesday handed down a one-year suspended jail sentence on Chaima Issa, a prominent opponent of President Kais Saied, in what the opposition said was part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Issa was charged with inciting the army to disobey and insult the president, her lawyer, Islem Hamza, said. Issa had denied wrongdoing.` She had criticised Saied's efforts to create what she called a "tyranny" and said that parliamentary elections in 2022 were useless and called on the army not to be involved. Issa had already been detained in February along with 20 other political leaders on suspicion of plotting against state security in what the opposition said was an attempt to establish authoritarian rule by Saied, who in 2021 dissolved parliament and seized wide-ranging powers. Issa was freed in July. Rights groups have urged authorities to free the other detainees. Saied has described them as terrorists and traitors and says judges who free them would be abetting their crimes. Wednesday's suspended jail sentence is widely seen by opposition as a further step aimed at silencing critics. The military court does not have the authority to try opponents. Opinion trials must end," said Samir Dilou, a senior official in Salvation Front, a main opposition coalition. "A country in which there was a revolution against injustice would not have the right to put opponents on trial for their ideas and opinions, Dilou, also a lawyer for Issa, added. Issa said before her appearance in court: "Tunisia was a beacon of freedom, but today it has become a large prison where free opinion is besieged." (Reporting by Tarek Amara; Editing by Nick Macfie) Changes to the U.S. au pair program have some worried that it could price out many families who would like to participate in the cultural exchange program. | Adobe Stock Significant changes may be coming to the U.S. au pair program. But critics say it may price families out of participating in a cultural exchange that has helped working families manage child care needs. Au pairs are foreign nationals ages 18-26 who come to the United States on a visa that lets them live with a host family for up to two years. They provide child care in exchange for a modest wage, in addition to room and board, travel expenses and education opportunities. According to The Wall Street Journal, It is intended as a relatively affordable and flexible form of child care for Americans, as well as an opportunity for ambitious young people abroad to come practice their English and immerse themselves in American culture. About 20,000 au pairs come to the U.S. each year. Politico reported that the weekly stipend is at least $195.75 for up to 45 hours of work an amount based on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, minus 40% of that (about $130 a week) for room and board. Among other changes, the minimum amount families would pay an au pair would increase, while the hours worked without overtime pay would decrease. The State Departments rule proposes a new stipend based on a complex equation that accounts for higher state and local minimum wages but keeps the rent and food deduction the same, per Politico. In D.C., families could be paying a $589.46 stipend for a 40-hour week in addition to the other required expenses coming out to roughly as much as a full-time nanny. According to State Department data, more than 21,000 au pairs and U.S. families participated in the program in 2022, including 177 in Utah. NBC12.com reported that many families, especially those with multiple children, find the au pair program less expensive than hiring a nanny or paying for day care. But according to the Alliance for International Exchange, close to 70% of the families taking part in the program would not be able to afford it, since they would have to cover the other costs and the increase in wages. And instead of up to 45 hours a week as an au pair, they would need to pay time-and-a-half to an au pair after 40 hours and get the extra hours preapproved. A cultural exchange The State Department in its proposed rulemaking, published in the Federal Register, said the program develops young foreign ambassadors who return to their home countries more aware of American values, culture and leadership and provides reciprocal cultural and educational benefits to the American families hosting an au pair visitor, especially the young children in the au pairs care. State Department officials wrote that the goal of proposed changes is to clarify and modernize the program by, among other things, restructuring the child care and educational components, replacing the EduCare program with the part-time option, enhancing au pair and host family orientation requirements, formalizing standard operating procedures for rematching au pair with new host families and proposing new requirements to strengthen au pair protections. Program critics and pushback Critics say it simply raises the cost beyond what many families can afford. Politico notes that the program has been roundly criticized for years, with reports that au pairs are overworked and sometimes dont receive the wages they have been promised. There have also been concerns about the programs oversight, per Politico, which notes the State Department outsources program management to au pair agencies, including some for-profit companies. The new rule would also seek to create more formalized and typical working conditions for au pairs, who are sometimes asked to work odd hours to accommodate parents overnight or unpredictable work schedules. Some of the au pairs agencies are asking families to call their state senators and express opposition to the proposed changes. NBC12 quoted part of an email sent to host families from AuPairCare urging them to sign onto a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Tom Tillis, R-N.C, are circulating about the proposed au pair regulations. The letter requests that the Department of State rescind the current proposed regulations and propose a new outline for public comment. We seek your support in asking your senators to sign on. As of Tuesday afternoon, nearly 3,000 comments on the proposal had been posted. The comment period ends Dec. 29. A proposed ski mask ban in Atlanta failed to cross a legislative hurdle on Monday, after the plan didn't advance past a city council committee. The proposal by District 12 City Councilman Antonio Lewis aimed to ban individuals from wearing ski masks and hoods in public places, according to FOX 5. Atlanta's residents voiced their opposition to the proposal during a City Council Public Safety Committee meeting. "The fact that any one of you took this proposal seriously is pathetic," one resident told the city council committee. PHILADELPHIA BANS SKI MASKS: NO DISCERNIBLE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE GOOD Atlanta police share video of a suspected robbery in 2021. "I want to see systemic solutions that keep Atlanta residents safe, and this mask ordinance is not it If theyre committed to doing a crime, a mask ordinance is not going to stop them from doing that crime," said another resident. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I see this as a new way into stop and frisk. Its a new way to be stopped," a woman said during the meeting. One resident, however, didn't understand the opposition. "I think its absolutely absurd that theres objection to this bill. I want to walk around in public and feel safe," a resident said. TENNESSEE MUSLIM FAMILY CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING SON FOR CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY Lewis said the proposal was meant to help police identify criminals who often hide behind facial coverings, such as ski masks. "I have a nephew whose mother was approached while she was in the store and was told Im gonna kill your son and he had on a mask," Lewis said. Lewis said he plans to reintroduce the proposal with changes, such as focusing only on ski masks. Original article source: Proposed ski mask ban in Atlanta fails to move forward in City Council: 'Absurd' A tiny puppy is recovering after facing off against a much larger animal in Ohio and she appears to be doing it with vigor. Zoey, a Jack Russell terrier mix, is recovering with the help of the nonprofit organization From Heaven to Earth Rescue after being kicked by a horse and breaking her front legs, a Facebook post from the shelter reads. Meet Zoey! She is a 6-week-old 2-pound Toy Fox Terrier / Jack Russell mix that we rescued this week, the Dec. 1 post says. She got kicked by a horse and broke both her front legs. She is being a real trooper about it, learning how to walk with the splints on. The organization, out of New Philadelphia, gave a video update on the little charmer Dec. 12 and showed her playing lovingly. Shes due to have a check-up on her legs Dec. 14, the rescue said. Joseph and Rachel Feldman, the founders of Heaven to Earth Rescue, are helping Zoey mend before she is available for adoption, the organization told McClatchy News. Zoey, and other pups in need, will be available for adoption on the organizations website. Police officer finds kitten in SC dumpster. Then, he made a heartwarming decision Stressed cat surrendered before Christmas 2022. A year later, she still needs a home Dolphin unable to survive in wild gets second chance at life in Florida. Meet Wren Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch Freedom Party and prospective future Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has called Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a "terrible dictator," Bloomberg reported on Dec. 13. Wilders, who claimed victory in parliamentary elections on Nov. 22, had been praised by Russian propagandists for his success, viewing it as a win for Moscow given his previous commendations of Vladimir Putin. However, on Dec. 13, Wilders attempted to convince Dutch lawmakers that he is not a "friend of Russia" and considers Russia an aggressor. Read also: Belarus dictator Lukashenko embarks on Africa charm offensive in search of allies "Putin is a terrible dictator," Wilders stated. Read also: First Dutch F-16s arrive in Romania to train Ukrainian and NATO pilots At the same time, he signaled opposition to sustained Dutch security assistance to Ukraine. We believe we shouldnt give military support to Ukraine while we are unable to defend our own country, the politician said during a parliamentary debate. 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 Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked a village in northern Nigeria on early Tuesday (Oct. 31), killing one Christian, wounding two and kidnapping 25 others, sources said. In southern Kaduna states village of Ungwan Baka, Kachia County, the assailants attacked while residents were asleep, said area resident Emmanuei Yusuf. The Christian villagers were attacked in the early hours of Tuesday, Yusuf told Morning Star News in a text message. The injured victims are currently being treated in the hospital. Another resident, Herbert Chindo, said Christian communities in the Kachia area have suffered prior attacks by armed herdsmen and other terrorists. This is the third attack on our community, Chindo said. Please pray for us. On April 3, armed assailants invaded the area and kidnapped eight Christian girls from the Government Secondary School, a public high school in Awon, said area resident Jonah Ayuba. The girls were rescued by the military on April 18, he said. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Australias carpet pythons can reach more than 13 feet in length, but one captured in Queensland is getting attention for girth after swallowing something the size of a human arm. That was the observation of snake catcher Stuart McKenzie in a video that had 34,000 views and 1,700 reactions and comments as of Dec. 13. It quickly becomes clear in the three-minute video that McKenzie is stumped and a bit concerned over what the snake ate before his arrival. This is one of the biggest (consumed) food items Ive ever seen. Look at the size of that, he says in the video posted last week on Facebook. Thats nearly pet-cat (sized), unless its just a massive, massive opossum. Like, if I put my arm next to that, its as long as my arm, whatever that food item is. It was big enough that McKenzie suggested he might take the snake to a veterinarian and have it scanned for a pets microchip. The exact location was not revealed, but it was in Buderim, about 65 miles north of Brisbane, McKenzie says in the Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers video. Commenters on social media quickly began sharing ideas on what the bulge might be, including a rottweiler, wombat, pig and/or small type of wallaby known as a red-legged pademelon. One man joked McKenzie had found snakes have beer bellies, too, while others suggested neighbors better do a head count. Anyone missing a small child? Lyndall Dixon asked. How did he get that down? Huge, Bridget Didsbury wrote. The video concludes with the snake being released into the wild at another location, with its belly still swollen. As for what it ate, the company concluded it was short-eared opossum, a species known to reach about 20 inches in length. Python sneaks into bathroom while homeowner is showering and hogs the toilet paper 6.5-foot snake found coiled under Christmas tree in Australia home, video shows Video shows venomous snakes angry reaction to being snatched from pipe in Australia Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) on Tuesday fired back at Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) for providing what he described as evasive and embarrassing answers to his questions about antisemitism. In a thread on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Raskin facetiously wondered aloud whether Stefaniks account had been hacked by some intellectually frivolous person and whether that imposter was responding to his questions in her name. Rather than directly answering 5 simple questions about vicious antisemitism in Americathe kind of yes/no questions you insist upon!this impostor has changed the subject and dodged all 5 questions in just the way you warned the college presidents never to do! Raskin wrote on X. Stefaniks direct line of questioning of university presidents about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates the schools codes of conduct has now gone viral. All three elite university presidents have apologized, and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned Saturday. Raskin, however, called out Stefanik this week for what he described as a double standard in her eagerness to denounce college presidents for antisemitism but her continued embrace of former President Trump, who, Raskin said, traffics in antisemitism all the time. Where does Elise Stefanik get off lecturing anybody about antisemitism, when shes the hugest supporter of Donald Trump, who traffics in antisemitism all the time? Raskin asked during an interview Sunday with MSNBCs Ali Velshi. She didnt utter a peep of protest when he had Kanye West and Nick Fuentes over for dinner Nick Fuentes, who doubts whether Oct. 7 even took place because he thinks it was some kind of suspicious propaganda move by the Israelis. The Republican Party is filled with people who are entangled with antisemitism like that, Raskin said in the interview, and yet somehow she gets on our high horse and lectures a Jewish college president from [the Massachusetts Institute of Technology]. After the interview, in an X thread on Monday, Raskin posed to Stefanik five easy questions for you to address with moral clarity on presidential tolerance for and embrace of antisemitism Please avoid the waffling evasion you rightfully denounced! Raskin listed four examples of moments when Trump engaged in activity that some have labeled antisemitic and asked whether Stefanik would support a candidate engaged in such behavior. A fifth question asked whether she was prepared to denounce the antisemitic Great Replacement Theory linked to several mass shootings. In response to an MSNBC interview in which Raskin made a similar point, Stefanik wrote on X, Thanks for asking @jamie_raskin, the answer is simple: President Trump was the best friend Jewish people have had in the White House in modern times, Stefanik wrote Monday afternoon on X. She then gave five examples of actions Trump or his administration took that she argued furthered Jewish interests, four of which were specifically actions about Israel: moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, brokering the Abraham Accords, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. The fifth example addressed extending Title VI protections against discrimination to include Jewish students. Raskin, in his recent Tuesday thread, called out Stefanik for suggesting all actions taken in support of Israels government and its policy positions would benefit American Jews. Is the impostor on your account Donald Trump? He routinely mistakes American Jews for Israelis. He told American Jews that the Pences visit Israel and love your country. And they love this country. He told US Jewish leaders we really appreciate you; we love your country also, Raskin wrote on X. Trump thinks Jews should be fine with him dining with antisemites and Holocaust deniers, praising white supremacist rioters and promoting conspiracy theories and insurrection simply because he will give [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] whatever he wants, Raskin said, referring to Trumps widely reported dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Kanye West and Nick Fuentes, who has embraced conspiracy theories about Jews and denied the Holocaust, which killed 6 million Jews in Europe in the late 1930s and 1940s, ever happened. Raskin further pushed back on Stefaniks claim that Trump was a good president for American Jews by pointing to his performance in past elections. But American Jews have twice overwhelmingly rejected Trump at the polls (71% & 68%) and 72% of Israelis today want Netanyahu to resign. Both men face criminal corruption charges and are desperately trying to avoid prison. Right-wing politics isnt the solution; its the problem, he said. Most Jewish Americans support strong democracy and freedom in America and in Israel, and reject authoritarianism, antisemitism and racism everywhere. Thats why we reject Trump, Raskin added. Raskin wrapped his thread returning to his facetious tone, saying, So to quote you from your now-famous JAccuse hearing: I am going to give you one more opportunity for the world to see your answer. Please respond to 5 questions that should be easy for a Harvard grad like you: its all yes or no! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. One of the British Army's first Rastafarian guardsmen has won a claim of race discrimination and harassment against the Ministry of Defence. Dwight Pile-Grey says his 16-year Army career was brought to an end following a row at a guardroom, in which a white guard didn't believe he was a soldier. When he challenged the soldier, he was accused of "playing the race card". He won his case at an employment tribunal. The MoD said it did not tolerate abuse, bullying or discrimination of any kind. Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, he told BBC News he believes his case shows it is worse to accuse someone of being racist in the Army, than it is to actually be racist. The employment hearing was held in June, and Mr Pile-Grey found out he had won the case in October. 'Full of optimism' Dwight Pile-Grey says he always knew he'd stand out in the Army. He was the first Rastafarian soldier to be allowed to wear his hair in locks. He also joined later in life than most, at the age of 37. He signed up in 2005, as an accomplished musician with the Royal Corps of Army Music. He played the French horn in various military bands, eventually taking up a role in the Band of the Grenadier Guards. Mr Pile-Grey took part in dozens of state occasions, tying up his hair to fit into his bearskin. "I was under no illusion as to what I might encounter," he says of joining the Army. "But I was full of optimism." He says there were always questions about his appearance from other guards: "Why are you allowed to wear your hair like that? Aren't you supposed to be a pacifist? Don't you smoke drugs?" Mr Pile-Grey says he put such comments down to "ignorance". But he says there was worse. Soldiers used racially offensive words, he says, including the N-word, while in his presence. Some asked derogatory and racist questions, including about the size of his genitals. Mr Pile-Grey says such ignorance didn't stop him enjoying his job, or rising in the ranks. He became a lance sergeant. But in July 2021, at Wellington Barracks, in central London, he had a row with two white soldiers at the guardroom to his base. Mr Pile-Grey had already been into the barracks for a medical appointment, but he'd gone out to make a phone call. He'd mistakenly left his ID card behind. He was wearing civilian clothes; sunglasses and a Caribbean shirt and he had his locks on display. 'Completely flabbergasted' When he returned, he says the lance corporal on duty, who was white, was "disbelieving that I could be a soldier - he actually stuck his head back into the guard room and said 'this gentleman thinks he's left his ID inside'". "I was absolutely treated differently because of my appearance," he adds. "I've been doing this a long time and I understand when there is a racial element to an interaction." Mr Pile-Grey says he challenged the soldier, who was more junior than him, and he was allowed back in after someone else recognised him. He says he got changed into his uniform and returned to prove to the lance corporal that he was a soldier and to make it clear he could have handled to situation better. In the ensuing conversation, the lance corporal accused him "of playing the race card", at which point a more senior soldier, a white staff sergeant, got involved. Mr Pile-Grey says the sergeant told him, "if I was going to make it into a race thing, then he wasn't interested". He says the staff sergeant then told him to "look at my office", pointing out that it was multicultural, before adding: "We can't be racist." He says the interaction left him "completely flabbergasted". Mr Pile-Grey admits he then lost his temper and describes being bundled out of the guardroom. He then went to see an officer to explain what had happened and was asked whether he wanted to make a complaint. Mr Pile-Greys said he suggested mediation and wanted to explain to those involved why their behaviour was wrong. "They had no understanding or concept that what they were actually saying was racist," he says. Instead, Mr Pile-Grey was eventually told that he'd be the one facing disciplinary action. Eventually he was given a formal charge of insubordination. It was "the straw that broke the camel's back", Mr Pile-Grey says."I didn't feel that I could continue in an organisation that so disregarded my feelings and my welfare, and actively sought to make me a bad person." Mr Pile-Grey made a service complaint, which was eventually rejected. It was only then that he took his case to the employment tribunal, which ruled earlier this year. His claims of direct race discrimination, racial harassment and victimisation were successful. The Ministry of Defence won't comment on individual cases. However, in a statement it said it did not tolerate abuse, bullying or discrimination of any kind. The MoD said it actively encouraged personnel to report unacceptable behaviours and had introduced measures to improve the experience for everyone in the armed forces. Mr Pile-Grey says it is hard for people higher up the chain of command to understand the issues of racism inside the Army. He said racial slurs wouldn't be used in the presence of senior black officers. "It doesn't exist at the top," he added. "They're going to be calling you 'sir'. But if you're a black private, guess what? You're going to hear that every single day." Emma Norton, from the Centre for Military Justice, gave legal support to Mr Pile-Grey. "Not only did the chain of command fail to act on his concerns about racial bias, it then victimised and gas-lit him for having the temerity to complain about it," she says. The Army's response fell woefully short, she says, including during the litigation. She added: "It's lost an excellent soldier in the process." Infographics: Key data on China-Vietnam cooperation People's Daily Online) 15:57, December 13, 2023 Editor's notes: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, is on a state visit to Vietnam from Dec. 12 to 13. Xi's visit comes at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and Vo Van Thuong, state president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. China and Vietnam, close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, share a robust and steadily advancing bilateral relationship. Let's delve into data highlighting the cooperation between the two countries in economic and trade endeavors, tourism, education, and infrastructure construction. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming) My passion for languages developed when I was a student. During my university studies in Cameroons capital city, I worked a few summers for SIL Internationals branch in the central African country of Cameroon. SIL is a well know translation and linguistics research organization, and while I worked for them, I fell in love with what they were doing. When I told the then SIL Cameroon branch director of my desire to join SIL and become a Bible translator, he said, Sorry, Peter. I dont think you can become an SIL member because all our members come with their own financial support. My dream seemed to die then and there. When I finished my degree, I moved to a town in northern Cameroon that borders Chad to teach English as a foreign language at a high school. A Swiss man, also named Peter, was assisting as a pastor at the church I attended. I discovered that he and his wife, Ruth, were also Bible translators. One day after church, Peter and Ruth invited me for supper. While I was at their house, Peter brought out a book and said to me, Peter, here is the New Testament we were working on. It has just arrived from the printer. That New Testament looked so beautiful and special. Almost without thinking, I responded to my hosts, If I could translate the New Testament into my language like this, I will know that my work on earth is done. Eventually, I joined the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) to translate the Bible into my own language Kom. In 2004 I held a copy of the completed Kom New Testament in my hands. My community and I finally had Gods Word in our language. It was enthusiastically received. It was so rewarding to see people reading the Bible with so much excitement and to watch them be blessed and transformed by it. However, the completion of the New Testament did not leave me feeling like my work on earth was done. Instead, my desire to translate the rest of the Bible into Kom began to grow. According to the Wycliffe Global Alliance 2021 Scripture Access Statistics, less than 50 percent of the worlds languages have a portion of Scripture, and less than a third have a New Testament. But what worries me most is the fact that less than 10 percent have a complete Bible with both the Old and New Testaments. Many people who saw me after the publication of the Kom New Testament asked me, When are you going to translate the rest of the Bible? Rather than immediately continuing, I left the village and began to work as a Bible translation consultant for other languages. Over 25 years of practice, I helped substantially in the translation of six New Testaments, but only a few books of the Old Testament. In 2016, while serving as a consultant for the Oroko translation project, the translators asked me if they could include the book of Genesis in their publication of the New Testament. I was not sure if that was a good idea. Where will they put Genesis after the book of Revelation or before the book of Matthew? I wondered. If they asked me that now, I would respond differently. Like the people in my own language community, many around the world that only have the New Testament are asking for the Old Testament. I wish the whole Bible was available for all of these communities. But we must contend with a certain tension. The Old Testament is about three times longer than the New and perhaps just as many times more difficult to translate. Add to this the revision of the New Testament that normally accompanies the translation of the Old, and the task does not become easier. Certainly, that is one reason why few translators and Bible agencies are interested in going on to translate the Old Testament once they are done with New. Another important reason rests behind not doing it, and its not always stated. Bible translation agencies are often confronted with scarce human and material resources. With so many language communities lacking any scripture, Old Testament translations are frequently not viewed as a strategic priority. Coupled with this is the fact that funders who enthusiastically give to New Testament projects, may lack interest in providing funding for longer and more involved Old Testament translation projects. So, translators who want to continue to work in translation often quickly move on to work with another language community or become Bible translation consultants. A United Bible Societies consultant once shared with me that from his perspective limiting translation work only to the New Testament risks people in Africa encountering only a Western, spiritualized Christ. And then he emphasized that the Old Testament is essential for an encounter with Christ which is both Christian and African to occur. ... the Old Testament is essential for an encounter with Christ which is both Christian and African to occur. Furthermore, in Africa, as well as in many other places, people enjoy teaching and learning through stories, and the Old Testament is full of such breathtaking stories. This alone creates an important impetus to translate it. The creation story, and stories about Noah, Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Jacob, as well as many other narratives found in Old Testament books, are mentioned again and again by the New Testament writers. Examples are drawn from the lives of these characters to teach some of lifes most important lessons. These Old Testament stories also provide key insights into Gods character that shed light on New Testament truths. Another Bible translation consultant from Africa called the Old Testament the dictionary of the New. I agree with him. Most New Testaments in minority languages in Africa include an extensive glossary. A quick glance at one reveals so many entries directly from the Old Testament: Adam, altar, Sabbath, Passover, sacrifice, Bethlehem, etc. The glossary can be a way to compensate for the absence of the Old Testament. If clear understanding is one of the main goals of translation, then enjoying and receiving the messages of the New Testament in their fullness requires having access to the Old. Yet this is not always effective because readers are likely to give up reading these passages rather than turn to the glossary every now and then to understand them. This is particularly true when a reader comes to the New Testament afresh from traditional religion or another major religion. With little to no previous exposure to Christian faith, they are left without critical Old Testament context which leaves the New difficult to comprehend. If clear understanding is one of the main goals of translation, then enjoying and receiving the messages of the New Testament in their fullness requires having access to the Old. Aloo Mojola, a Kenyan Bible translation expert, explains in his article, Bible Translation in Africa, that for many of the languages in Southern Africa, the many years of civil war [. . .], notably in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, as well in South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, were both difficult and tragic in every way, not least for the Bible cause because they caused many translation projects to be abandoned. Sadly, there is no shortage of wars, especially, and paradoxically, where Bibles are most needed. The slow pace of translation work in many regions of Africa is best explained by the fact that the twentieth century was the missionary era in Bible translation. In this epoch, missionaries needed several years to learn a language before engaging in translation. The twenty-first century gave rise to the mother tongue translator era in translation. The turn of the century also marked a period of greater access to higher levels of education in many target language communities, significant advancements in our understanding of linguistic science, and noteworthy technological developments. Local speakers bring a deeper understanding of their language and culture to their translation work. Improvements in linguistic science result in alphabets and writing systems that can be produced in record time. And the use of translation software, such as Paratext and AdaptIt, means translation can happen with a speed and efficiency never seen before. These advancements mean translations of New Testaments can be completed faster and attempts at whole Bibles are much more doable. However, as I and my translation colleagues experienced as we started translating the Old Testament into Kom, far fewer translation resources for Old Testament books exist than for the New. This is why, as a translation consultant, I decided to participate on an SIL project team which aims to produce simple guides for translating Old Testament books as fast as possible. Jesus pointed to the importance of the Old Testament when he said the following recorded in Matt 5:17-20 (ESV): Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. The Apostle Paul affirms this in 2 Tim 3:16 (ESV): All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. We need to take heed of these words from Jesus and Paul. Acknowledging that twice as many languages have New Testaments than the Old reveals a critical deficit in global theological comprehension. In the absence of the Old Testament, readers struggle to understand the message of the New. They lack essential background knowledge that sheds light on the frequent references in the New Testament to Old Testament characters, places, and events. In the absence of the Old Testament, readers struggle to understand the message of the New. When the Old Testament is neglected, many communities end up with only the New Testament. In other cases, the Old Testament comes only after the generation of readers who received the New Testament is already gone. The new generation of readers often speaks quite a different form of the language requiring a full revision of the New Testament to take place along with the translation of Old. All of this underscores the critical need to prioritize translating all or at least part of the Old Testament at the same time as the New Testament. Dr. Peter Yuh Kimeng. Photo by Rodney Ballard. Courtesy of WGA. Peter Yuh Kimeng has a masters and PhD in translation from African International University. Peter was the lead translator of the Kom New Testament between 1994 and 2004. He is currently coordinating the translation of the OT into the same language. He is also an adjunct faculty member at African International University and Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary where he served as Academic Dean for two years. Arichea, Daniel. 1990. Theology and Translation: The Implications of Certain Theological Issues to the Task of Bible Translation. In Bible Translation and the Spread of the Church. Edited By Philip C. Stine. Leiden. Brill. Mojola, Aloo Mosotsi. 2007. Bible Translation in Africa. In A History of Bible Translation. Edited by Philip A. Noss. Roma. Edizioni di Storia. Schaaf, Ype. 1994. On Their Way Rejoicing: The History and Role of the Bible in Africa. Carlisle, Cumbria. Wenham, Gordon J. 2000. Story as Torah: Reading the Old Testament Ethically. Edinburg. T&T 2023 Evangelical Missions Quarterly, emqonline.com. This article was originally published in July 2022 in EMQ, Volume 58, Issue 3. Republished with permission. Find the original article here: https://missionexus.org/the-new-testament-is-not-enough/ WASHINGTON Republicans in the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to formally authorize their already ongoing impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. The vote was a show of unity for an often-divided Republican conference and a clear step toward eventually impeaching the president, though Republicans swore they would only go where the evidence takes them. The vote on the House floor was 221 to 212. We are now at a pivotal moment in our investigation, House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.), one of the leaders of the impeachment effort, said on the House floor before the vote. We will soon depose and interview several members of the Biden family and their associates about these influence peddling schemes, Comer said. One Biden family member refused to participate in a deposition on Wednesday: the presidents son Hunter, whose work for a Ukrainian gas company is the centerpiece of Republicans corruption allegations against the president. Instead of sitting for a private interview, Hunter Biden came to the Capitol and blasted Republicans in an on-camera statement, saying theyd mocked his recovery from addictions to crack and alcohol in an effort to destroy his father. There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing, Hunter Biden said. They have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life. The impeachment effort echoes allegations former president Donald Trump made in 2019, namely that as vice president Joe Biden pushed for the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor because his son worked for a Ukrainian gas company. Republicans have been trying to substantiate the allegation for years, despite a pile of evidence to its contrary. Democrats said Republicans wanted payback for the two impeachments of Trump. We are here today not because of any wrongdoing but because Donald Trump wants revenge, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said. One Republican, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), simply said Donald J. Trump 2024 baby when a reporter asked about the vote on Wednesday. Several moderate Republicans had resisted supporting the impeachment effort, but said this week the White House forced their hand by citing the lack of an authorizing vote as a reason not to cooperate with requests for information. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), an outspoken critic of the Ukraine corruption claims against Joe Biden, said he was troubled by the argument from the White House but said Tuesday he was leaning no. I still dont see evidence that links Joe Biden to Hunter Bidens activities, Buck told HuffPost. In fact, I see the exact opposite. In the end, however, Buck joined his fellow Republicans and voted in favor of the impeachment inquiry. Related... The News The House voted to formalize an official impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden after months of investigating him and his family, so far without finding direct evidence of wrongdoing by the White House. The resolution passed 221 to 212 largely along party lines. Republican members who had previously expressed skepticism in opening an impeachment inquiry said they reversed course because they felt the administration was stonewalling Congress. This summer I opposed a formal impeachment inquiry because the president was cooperating by providing information that was subpoenaed. Now, he is stonewalling, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. told Semafor. We need an official inquiry to force him to provide information that the citizens deserve to know. The View From the White House President Biden issued a lengthy statement Wednesday evening following the vote, accusing House Republicans of ignoring pressing issues like border security and Ukraine funding and instead prioritizing a baseless political stunt. I wake up every day focused on the issues facing the American people real issues that impact their lives, and the strength and security of our country and the world, Biden said. Unfortunately, House Republicans are not joining me. Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies. Know More Republicans are investigating the Biden familys business dealings. Rep. James Comer has repeatedly alleged there is overwhelming evidence the president was involved in his son Hunter Bidens business dealings. Last week, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told reporters that impeachment offenses could possibly center around Hunters involvement with Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Republicans alleged that Biden at the time withheld a loan guarantee to Ukraine until officials fired then-inspector general Viktor Shokin. Those claims surfaced during former President Donald Trumps first impeachment hearings and were repeatedly debunked, as officials confirmed Bidens actions were in line with official U.S. policy. The House Ways and Means Committee is conducting a separate investigation into claims made by two whistleblowers alleging that the Justice Department afforded Hunter Biden preferential treatment in dealing with his criminal investigation. The 14-page resolution authorizes the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means Committees to advance their ongoing investigation. Comer told reporters that the official inquiry would strengthen their ability to enforce subpoenas. Hunter Biden appeared at the Capitol on Wednesday, declining to speak in a closed-door deposition, but instead offering to testify at a public hearing. Let me state as clearly as I can: My father was not financially involved in my business, not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home, nor abroad, he told reporters on Wednesday at the Capitol after declining to be privately deposed. Jordan told reporters, we will be looking into holding Hunter Biden in contempt. Restorative Practices teacher Andrew Lazzari writes down the name of a group's egg in a group activity Nov. 27 at Audubon High School, 3300 S. 39th St., Milwaukee. The goal was to find a way to protect the egg using a few materials when dropped from a certain distance. On a winter Monday morning at Audubon High School in Milwaukee, three ninth-graders huddled and fussed over an egg named Billy Bob. Amber Sengsourisack used a marker to draw the eggs anxious facial expression. Her childhood friend, Sophia Duong, and a new friend, Nathaly Alvarado, scrunched scraps of paper and cotton balls into a plastic cup, which would be the eggs nest for a 3-foot drop. Billy Bob cracked on the first drop. The students memorialized him: R.I.P. Billy Bob. A very chill cowboy and princess. The egg drop wasnt for science, but for something that can be a greater achievement in a high school classroom: building relationships, and ultimately a sense of safety. In a class called Restorative Practices, the activity came minutes after the students were asked to write in a journal about what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy, and just before they watched a video about the process of forgiveness. Sengsourisack and her friends said the class activities make them feel more comfortable with each other, which is important in a room where they contend with personal and introspective topics. I feel safe in here, Duong said. The class lays the foundation for Audubons unique system of restorative practices, which staff and students have been practicing for over a decade as a way to foster a safer school and reduce suspensions. Every student takes the Restorative Practices course, and some students go on to lead circles where they help resolve conflicts at school before they escalate. Restorative justice is a framework that focuses on repairing the damage from breaking a rule or committing a crime, instead of punishment. It works to have individuals accept responsibility for their actions and rebuild community relationships all while including those harmed in the process, according to the University of Wisconsin Law School. What that looks like can vary, including mediation, conflict resolution programs, reparations and more. Restorative practices have spread through school districts across the country in recent years. In the last school year, the Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center trained over 300 school staff, from over a quarter of Wisconsin's school districts, in restorative practices. The department is on pace for similar numbers this year, a spokesperson said. The restorative practices teacher at Audubon, Andrew Lazzari, said the class has become especially important for helping students talk with one another and build relationships after the social setbacks and stress of the pandemic, which has had lasting effects on student mental health and participation in school. In the most recent state data, about 52% of Wisconsin high school students surveyed in fall 2021 said they'd experienced symptoms of anxiety in the past year, and 35% had symptoms of depression. Compared to before the pandemic, students in 2021 were less likely to say they felt like they belonged at school, had adults they could go to for help, or participated in school activities. Research has found restorative practices can lead to better attendance and stronger relationships between students and teachers. It can also reduce suspensions and expulsions, which research has found is closely linked with depressive symptoms. Audubon students in the Restorative Practices class do a group activity Nov. 27. Restorative practices course is one piece of MPS' shifting safety strategy MPS, like many school districts, has long grappled with the question of what creates safety in its schools, particularly when its own students are viewed by some as the threat. The answers have evolved with a greater understanding of mental health, trauma responses, and the nuanced struggles that shape how students behave. In recent years, school board members in Milwaukee have campaigned against traditional punitive measures like suspensions and policing in favor of more supportive approaches like mental health services and restorative practices. Students have marched and lobbied for this shift, successfully pushing MPS to cut its last contract with police in 2020 and invest more in mental health services. The district also faced a federal probe a decade ago that showed it was overly suspending Black students. Administrators vowed to change that, with restorative practices and counseling as pieces of the puzzle. Movement has been slow; the disparities in suspensions havent budged. Now, MPS is being forced to bring police back into its schools in January under a new state law. MPS school board president Marva Herndon opposed the law but said she plans to cooperate. Meanwhile, the district plans to continue expanding restorative practices. In 2022, MPS created a Department of Restorative Practices, which is working with a cohort of 13 schools in an "exploration phase" of assessing their communities' "ability and commitment" to implement the practices, a district spokesperson said. How restorative practices work at Audubon High School One of the district's oldest practitioners, Audubon High School has used restorative practices for at least a decade. When Lazzari started at the school nine years ago, he learned how to teach it from a colleague. Restorative Practices teacher Andrew Lazzari explains a group activity to students at Audubon High School. They and other teachers built the curriculum for the Restorative Practices course, which is generally required for ninth-graders. If students transfer into the school later, like 12th-grader Elias Moreno, they take the course later. The goal is to help students build positive relationships and learn strategies for resolving conflicts. "I would say I learned how to look at things in a different perspective, being able to be open-minded to be able to engage with other people while being mindful of what they got going on," Moreno said. Eleventh-grader Liam Aponte said he learned "how to be empathetic towards people and how to resolve conflicts in a way that doesn't involve yelling or getting aggressive." From left, Jeren Pagan, Jaida Campbell, Liam Aponte and Austin Stegall work together during the Restorative Practices class to find a way to protect an egg after it drops from a cup. About five years ago, Lazzari and another teacher added a leaders program, which trains students to lead "restorative circles," where they help other students resolve conflicts. What happens in those circles is called "restorative justice." Moreno is one of the leaders. When Moreno or another seasoned student leads a circle, Lazzari said he sits in the room as a teacher but he lets the student lead. Moreno sets up two items, like a stress ball or stuffed animal, to serve as a "talking piece" that people pass when they talk, and a "center piece" that they can look at while they talk, if they don't want to look at each other. Then each student shares their perspective about what's happening in a conflict. They discuss what harm has been done, and together they come up with strategies to make amends and move forward. "We try to stay away from blaming each other," Moreno said. Moreno has led circles mainly for middle school students. In one case, students had been arguing for days in school. In a circle, Moreno helped them talk through their grudges, and about 30 minutes later, Moreno said they "hugged it out and went their separate ways." Audubon High School student Elias Moreno helps pass out eggs for an activity in which groups have to work together to figure out how to keep the egg safe after dropping it from a certain distance. During another recent circle, Lazzari said students were in a conflict entirely on social media something increasingly common since the pandemic. When the students talked it out, Lazzari said they realized one student thought the other student's post was about her, but it was actually unrelated. After spending so much time outside of school buildings, when students had to learn remotely during the pandemic, Lazarri said, students often just need help communicating with each other. He hopes the communication skills they learn in the class and the circles will carry them outside of high school, too. "Conflict is a part of life," he said. "It might not always be sitting down and having a circle, but learning how to see things from another person's perspective." When Moreno graduates, he plans to study business. He expects his background in restorative practices will help him in his career path. "Being able to know restorative practices at a young age already, it just helps run a business or just be in a business environment; it makes it way easier to be able to solve problems and communicate," he said. Instead of suspending students, Audubon principal turns to restorative circles Principal Holly Jackelen credits the program for empowering her school to keep a lower suspension rate. In the 2021-22 school year, the most recent year of reported data, Audubon had a rate of seven suspensions per 100 students. Districtwide at MPS, there were 34 suspensions per 100 students that year. Back in the 2008-09 school year, Audubon had a suspension rate of 10% and the districtwide rate was 29%, according to DPI data. When Jackelen started working at Audubon High School six years ago, she went through what she called a "paradigm shift" as she learned about the school's restorative practices. But it didn't take long for her to get on board. Holly Jackelen, principal at Audubon High School, credits restorative practices with helping her school keep suspensions down. "Once you see it in action, you're like, how is this not happening all over the place?" Jackelen said. "That's all it took for me, and I'm like, how can we make it grow?" The approach fit with how Jackelen already sought to build trusting relationships with students. "I believe it's my professional and personal responsibility to make sure that someone feels welcome, heard and seen," she said. Jackelen said there are times where the district's code of conduct policy requires suspension, but whenever possible, she turns instead to a restorative circle. When a student does get suspended, Jackelen still likes to have a circle when that student returns sometimes called a "reintegration circle." "I do not like to suspend, because it is not changing the behavior," Jackelen said. "You're not getting to the root of the problem, and that's what you need to get to. And if you've built that trust with that child, you can get it. Relationship building is everything." Moreno, who had transferred from a school with more violent fights, said he thought other schools would benefit from a similar restorative practices program. "If this was moved into different schools, it would stop a lot of the violence," Moreno said. "We would decrease suspension rates, the rates of how many people get in trouble or expelled, and fights." Jaida Campbell listens to Restorative Practices teacher Andrew Lazzari talk about the empathy videos theyOll be watching Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Audubon High School located at 3300 S. 39th St., Milwaukee. Ebony Cox / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel What research says about restorative practices Catherine Augustine, a senior researcher at RAND Corp. who studied a restorative practices program in Pittsburgh, said it can be hard to judge the success of such programs partly because it depends on how a district defines success. "I do think that restorative practices can improve relationships; I 100% believe that," Augustine said. "The how to do it, and how to balance that with other pressures in schools, I don't yet have an answer for." Teacher Andrew Lazzari asks Jalen Skinkis how his Thanksgiving break was during a recent Restorative Practices class. In the Pittsburgh randomized control trial, Augustine found that schools with restorative practices programs were able to reduce suspensions and reduce disparities in suspension rates by race and income. The school transferred fewer students to alternative schools, attendance improved, and teachers said their relationships with students improved. At the same time, academic outcomes did not improve, and even worsened for middle grade levels. Despite mixed results, Augustine's team found the program to be "promising" because of the reduction in suspensions. Many other school districts have also reported a drop in suspensions after implementing restorative practices. Other research has illuminated a long of arc of consequences that can stem from a suspension. The lost time in the classroom can snowball into academic failures. It also makes a student more likely to be suspended again, expelled, and even arrested, according to restorative justice scholar Mara Schiff, associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. Schiff has argued that restorative justice "offers students a means to build empathy, earn redemption and rebuild their dignity through mature reparation of harm." Moreno is living proof of the model at work, he said. In middle school, if he saw a conflict, there was a good chance he would be there "hyping up the situation," he said. Now, he's often the one to intervene. How to add restorative practices in Wisconsin schools Schools can find restorative practices training from the Wisconsin Safe & Healthy Schools Center, a collaboration between the state Department of Public Instruction and the Cooperative Educational Service Agency Statewide Network. WISH offers Restorative Practices for Educators, a two-day training about fostering positive culture, community-building and strong relationships; and Facilitating Formal Conferencing, a two-day training for making preparations and running formal conferences to repair harm. The center also offers guidance for implementing restorative practices throughout a school district. For more information, about implementation supports, contact Katharine Reid, kreid@cesa4.org. Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter Danielle DuClos contributed to this report. Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @RoryLinnane. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How restorative justice works at MPS' Audubon High School in Milwaukee Since a hurricane devastated the area earlier this year, many people in Taylor County are still attempting to regain their footing. On Saturday, Tallahassee's Bethel Missionary Baptist Church will lend its resources to support a community effort aimed at rebounding. The Temple of God Church will be partnering with Bethel Baptist to host the Taylor County Community Inspirational and Wellness 360 Christmas Health Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Temple of God Church, 105 Sandra St. in Perry. Free health screenings, dental kits (with toothbrush, toothpaste and floss), hot food, and toys for children under the age of 12 will be provided at the health fair. Second Harvest of the Big Bend will also be distributing canned and dry food to families. This free event serves as an effort to help the residents of Taylor County restore their community and enhance their quality of life after Hurricane Idalia, according to the news release. On Aug. 30, Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach and flooded the area with up to 8 feet of storm surge, deluging the Big Bend shoreline and riverbanks. With gusts of 125 mph winds, Idalia struck counties in North Florida's core and along the coast, uprooting trees, bringing down power lines, tearing off roofs and destroying crops. An event was held to reveal Bethel Missionary Baptist Church's new Mobile Medical Unit at the church Monday, May 10, 2021. Theres still a lot of tarps on roofs, trees that were on top of properties, and it just looked like an area that still needed a whole lot of help, said Claudette Harrell, project manager at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Bethel has a healthcare ministry made up of church members who are professionals such as nurses and pharmacists. Harrell says the pastor of Temple of God Church, Kelvin Ellis, asked the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr. of Bethel if the church could bring its mobile medical unit to better serve the community. Free health screenings are available at the market. We were so elated that Pastor Ellis selected Bethel to reach out and provide as much help as we possibly can, Harrell told the Tallahassee Democrat. The health fair is also sponsored by other organizations such as Big Bend Hospice, Big Bend Area Health Education Center, Capital Health Plan, the Taylor County Department of Health, and 100 Black Men of America. Democrat Writer Mikiyah Everett can be reached at Meverett@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Free health fair for Taylor County residents after Hurricane Idalia (KRON) The Santa Rosa Police Department has arrested six people on multiple charges stemming from a retail theft. Santa Rosa officers responded to a retail theft at a clothing store located in the 2400 block of Magowan Drive at 11:50 a.m. on Dec. 11. Santa Rosa police arrest woman for alleged possession of loaded, gun narcotics According to police, witnesses reported two men entered the business and stole dozens of designer jackets. The estimated value of the stolen jackets was around $10,000. Police were advised that the suspects fled into a car driven by a woman. A witness to the theft provided the license plate of the getaway vehicle. Property Crimes Investigations Team detectives and SRPD officers patrol searched for the involved vehicle throughout that afternoon. At approximately 5:39 p.m., an officer located the vehicle and made a traffic stop near Cleveland Avenue and College Avenue. The female suspect in the theft was driving the car. However, the other two passengers in the vehicle were not associated with the theft. Despite the pair not being affiliated with the retail theft, police arrested all passengers. According to police, the vehicle search revealed one of the outstanding jackets, methamphetamine, and evidence of identity theft and check fraud. The occupants in the vehicle were Stephanie De Soto, 38, Angela Crawford, 47, and Leo Schild, 42. Officers were able to identify the two male suspects from the evidence from the vehicle search and vehicle occupant interviews. Detectives were able to locate where the two men were staying and received a search warrant for both suspects rooms. The two suspects were staying in the same motel in the 3100 block of Santa Rosa Avenue. Detectives arrested 47-year-old Santa Rosa resident Kenneth Torres and 40-year-old Santa Rosa transient Randall Hendry. A woman identified as 36-year-old Monte Rio resident Jolene Gooler was at the motel at the time of the arrest. According to the police investigation, it was determined that Gooler was involved in the retail theft. Traffic stop led to arrest for gun violation in Santa Rosa According to detectives, they recovered approximately one-fourth of the stolen jackets and believe most of the merchandise was sold for profit. Torres was charged with organized retail theft with intent to sell, burglary, grand theft conspiracy. Hendry was charged with organized retail theft with intent to sell, burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance. De Soto was charged with organized retail theft with intent to sell, identity theft, possession of a controlled substance. Jolene Gooler was charged with organized retail theft merchandise possession, committing felony while out on bail, identity theft, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. Crawford was charged with identity theft and forgery. Schild was charged with identity theft, forgery, possession of a controlled substance. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A Richmond Circuit Court judge denied on Tuesday a request from the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP to gain access to a database used by Governor Glenn Youngkin to restore voting rights to formerly convicted felons. Judge W. Reilly Marchant determined in a Tuesday hearing that the database could be considered working papers and therefore exempt under Virginias Freedom of Information Act. Youngkins attorney argued that to release the database to the NAACP would be to violate the privacy of those seeking to have their rights restored. The attorney for the NAACP argued that access to the database is critical for the organization to understand the governors process. Theres slight disappointment that things didnt go our way but when we look at the overall picture, we have been very successful in pursuing the FOIA action that we started back in May of this year, Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the Virginia NAACP, said in an interview with USA Today after the hearing had adjourned. FOIA reversal The request to gain access to the database came after the Youngkin Administration released some but not all records sought by the Virginia NAACP through a freedom of information request submitted in May. The FOIA request was partially fulfilled just before Novembers election, without the database, in a stunning reversal after the Virginia NAACP filed a lawsuit in October against the governor for not complying with FOIA. Public bodies have five days to respond to a request for information under FOIA. The Virginia NAACP began to investigate the process once the number of formerly convicted felons approved for restoration of rights declined after Gov. Youngkins first year in office. Under the last three governors, the restoration of rights process was more transparent and the rate at which rights were restored was consistent, Bailey said. With this administration, it appeared during the first year that rate would be maintained but suddenly, the following year, it dropped dramatically, he said. We thought we well understood the previous administrations, all three of them and their process but we have no insight into this one at all. The Virginia NAACP began to submit inquiries to the Administration for details regarding the Governors restoration of rights process. After being repeatedly rebuffed, the organization submitted their freedom of information request, Bailey said. Fight for equity The vast majority of people who have had their rights suspended are people of color and other underserved members of the general Virginia population, Bailey said. The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP is bound and determined to ensure that underserved people, specifically people of color, received equitable treatment under the law. Bailey said the organization determined there was a possibility of inequitable treatment after hearing from formally incarcerated felons who had been denied their restoration of rights. The Virginia NAACP plans to continue to review the records they received in November. If it turns out and we dont know yet because we dont understand what the process is to be inherently inequitable, we will continue to fight for equitability, he said. The Youngkin administration did not respond to request for comment. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Richmond Judge ruled in favor of Youngkin in voting rights FOIA battle Two Christians in eastern Uganda were hospitalized after hardline Muslims beat them for their presentation at a religious dialogue, one of the victims said. Musa Kirongosa, 32, and Swidiki Buyinza, 27, of an undisclosed church in Nawaikoke, Kaliro District, were the first to speak at the Christian-Muslim dialogue organized by Muslims on Nov. 13 in Bulumba town. Using both the Bible and the Koran, they argued that Muhammad was a false prophet, with Kirongosa asserting, Truth is only found in Christ Jesus as the one and the only Savior for mankind. Angry Muslims in attendance grew rowdy before the two Christians had finished, forcing them to flee and go into hiding at the nearby home of a Christian, Buyinza said. Some of the Muslims rushed ahead to block the road leading out of the area, and about two hours later, at about 7 p.m. when the area was vacated and quiet, the two Christians thought it was safe to leave. When we left around 7:30 on our motorcycle, just a few kilometers along the Nawaikoke-Bulumba road we were stopped by Buruhan Musobya, a well-known Muslim extremist, and six other Muslims, Buyinza told Morning Star News. They began shouting, Allah Akbar [God is Greater], these are the enemies of our prophet, Muhammad, as well as our religion. Kafir [Infidels]! Kafir! The assailants broke their motorcycle to pieces and tore up their Bibles and other Christian literature, he said. Thereafter they started beating us badly with blunt objects that led to the fracturing of Musas right leg, Buyinza told Morning Star News. Two of the attackers held me tightly and beat me with sticks as four others were beating Musa and stepping on him while he was lying down in the middle of the road. A taxi arrived and flashed its headlights, and the attackers fled, he said. The taxi stopped and passengers got out, including a pastor from Kaliro town who recognized Kirongosa and took the two Christians to a hospital there. Buyinza said he was discharged after spending one night in the hospital, but that Kirongosa received treatment there for five days. One of the sheikhs secretly visited us in the hospital and said that he has been a seeker of Christianity and plans to join the Christian faith after listening to the dialogue where things went wild, Buyinza said. Please pray for the sheikhs salvation and these radical Muslims, and as well the provision of the medical bill. Though we were beaten, we know all things work together for good to those who love Jesus. Their church was preparing to a file a case against Musobya and the other assailants, he said. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. The Supreme Court in Nepal denied the application of a Nepali pastor and upheld the High Court judgement of a one-year jail term and fine, even after there were no witnesses to establish the allegation of proselytization, said the pastor himself. Keshab Raj Acharya, 35, of Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined 10,000 Nepali rupees (75 USD) under the country's proselytization law, which came into effect in August 2018. We were very hopeful from the Supreme Court and the judgement has come as a shock to us. We still are not able to understand the reason for such a judgement, said Junu Acharya, Pastor Keshab Acharyas wife, while speaking to Christian Today. Acharya could be arrested anytime, said Junu. The Supreme Courts verdict came on October 6, 2023, wherein the Court rejected Acharyas fresh application and upheld the High Court verdict of 1 year imprisonment pronounced on July 13, 2023. Supreme Court at the very first hearing rejected our request without even seeing the documents, said Pastor Keshab Acharya to Christian Today. They said that the High Courts decision would be final, and they would not discuss the case further. They simply rejected our plea without even considering it. It took them 2 to 3 minutes to reject the case, lamented Acharya. The Dolpa District Court earlier sentenced pastor Acharya to two years in prison and a fine of 22,244 Nepali rupees (approximately 167 USD) on November 30, 2021 which was challenged in the High Court and the judgement reduced the jail term to one-year along with fine. His wife, Junu, confident of his innocence, stated, "He had not forced anybody to change their religion." Junu believes her husband's prosecution was a deliberate effort by the government to set an example and deter Nepal's Christian community from spreading their faith. She emphasised that Hindu extremists feel threatened by the growth of Christianity in Nepal. Despite a lack of substantial evidence, Pastor Acharya was convicted based on the testimony of one person. No witness came forward to corroborate the allegation. The witnesses said that Keshab is not involved in any kind of religious conversion, and that he had simply distributed paper pamphlets which they read and discarded, said Junu. She further stated that when they were asked if the pastor should be convicted for religious conversion? They said No. The statements of the witnesses are still in the records with the court, Junu claimed. Junu and Pastor Acharaya have been pastoring this church for 9 years and have two sons 5 plus and 4 years old. Legal saga Pastor Acharya's ordeal began on March 23, 2020, when he was arrested at his home in Pokhara, Gandaki Pradesh Province. The arrest followed the circulation of a video on YouTube, where he was seen offering spiritual guidance against the novel coronavirus during a church service. Misinformation soon spread, alleging that Pastor Acharya had claimed, "If you become a Christian, you cannot get infected by COVID." His wife, Junu, clarified that no such statement was made. Initially granted bail of 5,000 Nepalese rupees (approximately 41 USD) by the Kaski District Administration Office on April 8, 2020, Pastor Acharya's release was short-lived. He was re-arrested moments later on charges of "outraging religious feelings" and "proselytising," as stated in court documents. The bail amount was then dramatically increased to 5,00,000 Nepalese rupees (about 4,084 USD) by the Pokhara Kaski District judge on April 19, 2020. Upon being released on bail again on May 13, 2020, he was promptly re-arrested at the courthouse, this time facing a third set of charges. He was then transferred 400 miles to a jail in Dolpa District, a three-day journey. Charges were filed by the Dolpa District Attorney on May 21, 2020, invoking Section 158 (1) and Section 158 (2) of the Nepal Criminal Code, which respectively prohibit converting someone from one religion to another and undermining one's religion with the intent to convert another person. After Pastor Acharya's bail application was initially rejected on May 22, 2020, the bail amount was eventually reduced to 3,00,000 Nepali rupees (approximately 2,500 USD), leading to his release on July 3, 2020. In a letter dated July 18, 2020, the International Religious Freedom Roundtable urged Nepal's attorney general to reconsider Pastor Acharya's arrest, deeming it "arbitrary" and "discriminatory." This call was echoed in the U.S. Department of State's 2020 report on International Religious Freedom. Despite securing bail, Pastor Acharya endured the arduous task of appearing before the court three times each month, once for each case, to fulfil official obligations, his wife revealed. This process was not only financially draining but also physically demanding. The remote Dolpa District, nestled in an isolated corner of Karnali Province, bordered by Tibet, presented additional challenges. With no direct links to other districts, it lacks road access. Travellers are left with no choice but to embark on a complex journey involving a vehicle, bicycle, and ultimately a three-day walk, particularly challenging given the harsh weather conditions. The chairman of advocacy group Voice for Justice - Joseph Jansen told AsiaNews that It is illegal and unethical to compel someone to change their faith by use of threat or coercion; however, Pastor Keshav Acharya did not resort to coercion to convert anyone to Christianity. The pastor only exercised his right to freedom of religion and did not commit any offence. It is regrettable that Nepals anti-conversion laws are worded and enforced in such a way that they may also be applied as anti-blasphemy measures. The Christian community in Nepal has faced increased persecution since 2018, with cases of violence, false accusations and propaganda against Christians. By criminalising conversions, Nepal has been criticised for violating fundamental freedoms of religion or belief. Two images side-by-side comparing an area of the Georgia coast in February 2022 and December 2023. The December 2023 image shows structures that are not in the February 2022 image. In early November, 50 Georgian opposition MPs addressed Nato and EU member states calling for a unified stance against Russia's plan to establish a permanent naval base in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. The Kremlin's plans have raised fears that the base could drag EU-hopeful Georgia into Russia's war in Ukraine and harm Tbilisi's own plans for a port on the Black Sea. "We unanimously and firmly condemn Russia's occupation, militarisation and other actions aimed at annexation of the occupied regions of Georgia, a new expression of which is the opening of a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire port," read the MPs' statement. Weeks earlier Abkhazia's de facto leader, Aslan Bzhania, had confirmed an agreement had been signed with the Kremlin on a permanent naval base in the Black Sea port of Ochamchire. Abkhazia is internationally recognised as part of Georgia, but it has been under the control of Russian and separatist forces since the 1990s. Georgia's foreign ministry has condemned Russia's plan as "a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia", although authorities in Tbilisi have played down the significance of the permanent naval base, describing it as not an imminent threat. "Even if they start constructing the base in Ochamchire, it will take them at least three years," Nikoloz Samkharadze, the head of Georgia's Foreign Relations Committee told the BBC. "We are concentrated on imminent threats, and not on threats that might come in the future." He says the government is more focused on Georgian citizens being killed or kidnapped by Russian forces near the line of occupation that separates Georgia from its breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "We do not observe any moves to start construction in Ochamchire." Map of Georgia BBC Newsnight and Verify have analysed satellite imagery that indicates new dredging and construction work at the port, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to Abkhazia's de facto administration, that dredging work meant Ochamchire could now host larger cargo ships with a displacement volume of up to 13,000 tonnes. Ukraine's intelligence agency claims the work is to enable battleships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet to use Ochamchire as a safe harbour. If Russia were to use Ochamchire to attack Ukraine or if Ukraine chose to target Russian naval boats there, then Georgia would become party to the war, says Natia Seskuria of the Royal United Services Institute. "If Putin needs Georgia to be involved or in some ways be dragged in this war, he will do it if it's in his interests and he has all the capabilities to put pressure on Georgia, unfortunately," she said. Not only does that play into Georgian fears of being sucked into the war, but there are concerns that Tbilisi's own plans for a mega-infrastructure project on the Black Sea coast could be impeded. A deep sea port in Anaklia is the nearest Georgian town to Russian-controlled Abkhazia. The Anaklia project is seen as vital for boosting commerce along the so-called Middle Corridor, the fastest route to deliver cargo between Asia and Europe. The route avoids using Russia as a land conduit, and the World Bank has estimated that it could halve travel times and triple trade volumes by 2030. The Anaklia project could drastically speed up freight travel times by the end of the decade The Kremlin has long opposed it as a US project and Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has claimed that US navy submarines would be able to dock there. But while Georgia has a broadly pro-EU population, its government has a complex relationship with Moscow. In 2020 the Georgian government cancelled a contract to build the deep-sea port, which had been awarded to a consortium backed by Western banks and investors. Mamuka Khazaradze, who led the original Anaklia Development Consortium, says the government in Tbilisi derailed the port's development to appease Moscow. "The biggest problem we have with this government [is] they are serving Russian interests, because Anaklia is not in the Russian interest to be built," he said. And he said that the proof of it was the Russian base being built only 30km (18 miles) up the Black Sea coast. His consortium has taken the Georgian government to international arbitration. "We dredged five million cubic metres of sand, 11 metres deep. We put in 3,500km of pipes," said Mr Khazaradze who heads the opposition party Lelo. The Georgian government has insisted the deep-sea port plan will be revived, and the winning bid will be announced shortly. Georgia's electorate is widely pro-EU, but its government has a complex relationship with Moscow Nikoloz Samkharadze, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, said accusations that his government was pro-Russian were "absurd". "How on Earth can a pro-Russian government sign an association agreement with the European Union, get a visa-free regime with the European Union, and candidate status for the European Union?" Mr Samkharadze said. But he said Tbilisi was obliged to tread carefully with its northern neighbour. "We have had three wars with Russia in the past 30 years. We do not have the Nato security umbrella. We do not have the EU's economic solidarity." He suggested Russia was using Ochamchire to threaten Georgia over its ambitions to join the EU. A final decision on Georgia's bid for EU candidate status is expected from European leaders at their December summit this week. "Russians always use the best timing in order to undermine first Georgia's stability, and second Georgia's quest for European integration," he said. "They try to show to our European and American partners that they are masters in the South Caucasus, so they can do whatever they want." Additional reporting by Robin Forestier-Walker BBC Verify logo The Rwanda bill must be in the "Goldilocks zone" between being "tough enough", abiding by international law and being acceptable to Rwanda, Home Secretary James Cleverly has said. The bill passed its first parliamentary hurdle, despite 29 Tory MPs refusing to back it. However, the government is expected to face trickier battles when the bill returns to the Commons next year. Mr Cleverly said he would listen to "good faith" arguments from MPs. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said the Conservatives were "unified" in their commitment to deal with the problem posed by migration. Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said disagreements over the Rwanda bill were part of an "ongoing psychodrama" in the Conservative Party. The government's plan would see some asylum seekers sent to Rwanda, where they would have their claims processed and potentially be resettled. Ministers hope this will deter people from trying to get to the UK by making the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats. The policy was blocked by the Supreme Court last month over safety concerns, forcing the government to introduce new emergency legislation. The Safety of Rwanda bill has come under attack from different sides of the Conservative party. The right-wingers on the European Research Group have argued the bill in its current form is not robust enough, with leader of the group Mark Francois saying they had been told Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was "prepared to entertain tightening the bill". However, any attempt to change the language could anger other Conservatives who have concerns that could lead to the UK breaching its international obligations. Mr Cleverly said he would listen to his colleagues' concerns and any "good faith arguments" about the legislation. Ms Cooper told the BBC that Labour opposed the scheme because it comes with a "huge cost" and would only see a small number of people sent to Rwanda. Asked if Labour opposed the principle of the idea of "offshoring" - handling claims overseas - she said her party would "look at whatever works". A dot chart showing 313 MPs, mostly Conservative, voted for the Rwanda Bill, 270 voted against and were mostly a mixture of Labour, the SNP and the Lib Dems, and of the 58 that did not vote, 37 were Conservatives, the rest were a mixture of Labour and other smaller parties Labour along with the Liberal Democrats and SNP voted against the bill on Tuesday night; however, no Conservative MP voted against the bill. There had been fears in government that there could be a Tory rebellion, and in a sign of nerves, Climate Minister Graham Stuart flew back from the COP28 climate conference in Dubai to vote. However, in the end the bill passed with a comfortable 44 majority - with 313 in favour and 269 opposed. Twenty-nine Conservative MPs chose to abstain from voting on the bill - including former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Altogether 37 Tory MPs did not record a vote, however some of those may have simply been unable to attend the vote rather than deliberately abstaining. The bill will return to the House of Commons in January, where MPs will be able to propose amendments. Before becoming law, the bill will also have to be approved by the House of Lords where it will meet stiff opposition from some peers. Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan, who earned more than any other city manager in the state last year, will receive a raise, the council decided Tuesday. Chans new annual base salary will hit roughly $420,000, an increase of about $20,000. Chan will also receive 240 hours of leave time, which his contract allows him to cash out at his discretion. Mayor Darrell Steinberg, along with council members Katie Valenzuela and Mai Vang abstained from the vote. Steinberg raised concerns with the 240 hours of leave time. We face a multi-million dollar deficit next year, said Steinberg, referring to the fiscal year that starts July 1. I do have the highest regard, respect and affection for the man sitting to my left ... I wanna say I fully support his salary increase ... as a matter of conscience Ive had a change of heart regarding the hours question. For me it is an ask that I am uncomfortable with at this time given the challenges we face in the upcoming year. Chan declined comment for this story. His total payout will likely be higher than his new base salary. In 2022 Chan earned more than any other city manager in the state, according to data from the state controllers office. That year his base salary was $400,652, but his regular pay was $493,655 due to 10 months of retroactive pay from a raise the council approved in November 2022. His total wages climbed higher, to hit $547,905, because he cashed out his vacation and leave time. According to the city staff report, posted online hours before the meeting, his new raise will include retroactive pay back to Feb. 11, 2023. The council was set to consider a raise for Chan over the summer, but pulled it from the agenda. It has discussed the topic in numerous times behind closed doors since then. During the same meeting, which was called to order at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday after the previous council meeting was adjourned, the council also approved new labor contracts with the police officer union, and Local 39, the citys largest union. The council had previously approved a contract with the firefighters union. The Local 39 contract, which covers some of the citys lowest paid workers, includes raises higher than the 5% Chan received, Steinberg said. The new police officer contract includes 6% raises this year, and 4% raises next year, including retroactive pay for some officers. There are still several outstanding city labor contracts, but the largest ones are now finalized. The council also Tuesday awarded City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood a raise, bringing her new base salary to roughly $368,000 a year, retroactive to March 25. Her current base salary is $351,048 according to an employee salary roster that The Sacramento Bee obtained from a California Public Records Act request. The city treasurer, city clerk, city auditor and director of public safety accountability, whose salaries are lower than Chan and Alcala Wood, also received raises. Under Chans leadership, the city weathered through the COVID-19 pandemic without significant cuts or service disruptions, and opened a new convention center and performing arts center downtown. Since 2018 the city has opened roughly 1,300 homeless shelter beds and spaces, which is more than the county, which has a higher budget. Chan has also come under criticism for annual increases to the the police budget, approved by council, and for not yet opening any homeless Safe Grounds five months after council gave him authority to do so. Chans pay has grown sharply since 2018, his first full year in office. Back then, he made about $305,000 in total wages. As of June, Steinbergs base salary is $164,205, while the other eight council members make $102,793. Gov. Gavin Newsoms salary is $224,000. Valenzuela was the only member to vote against Chans raise in November 2022. Chans current contract expires Dec. 31, 2024. Imagine opening your eyes on Christmas morning to see your neighborhood blanketed by fluffy white snow. Its a scene youve probably watched countless times in holiday films. But snow in Sacramento let alone in December is something of a unicorn. According to the National Weather Service, a white Christmas is defined as at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on the morning of Christmas Day, Dec. 25. In Sacramento, theres a 0 to 10% chance of waking up to an accumulation of snow on the ground on Christmas Day, based on U.S. climate normals between 1981 and 2010, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Climate Data Center. Greater chances of flurries are scattered along the coast and even parts of Southern California. The most northern portion of the state as well as the mountains have between a 51% and 100% chance of snow or a full-out winter storm on Christmas. The U.S. map shows the probability of at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on the morning of Christmas Day or a white Christmas based on nationwide climate normals between 1981 and 2010. Why doesnt Sacramento see large amounts of snow? Meteorologist Sara Purdue with the National Weather Service said the reason the capital city has never seen large amounts of snow is partly due to elevation. The Sacramento Valley trends warmer. The weather service has recorded trace amounts of snow in downtown Sacramento during January but never in December. Purdue said a trace is less than 100th of an inch. Theres a point when the snow is falling that it just melts because its too warm once it gets down here, she said. You go 20 minutes east and youre definitely more likely to see snow on Christmas. When its cold enough to snow in the capital city, the weather is typically clear. When theres rain, the clouds trap heat from the day and create a warming effect not conducive for snow. The more energy that is trapped by the planet, the warmer our climate will grow, NOAAs Physical Sciences Laboratory said. If less energy is collected, the climate will become cooler. Roughly 1.5 inches of snow was recorded roughly 40 miles away from downtown Sacramento in Fairfield on Dec. 27, 1988. A decade later, Sacramento Executive Airport received an unmeasurable amount of flurries. What local cities have come close to a white Christmas? The following areas across the Sacramento Valley came close to a white Christmas, or at least had snowfall near Christmas Day, according to historical data from the weather service: Woodland Trace amounts on Dec. 26, 1948 Redding Trace amounts on Dec. 25, 1927 1 inch of snow on Dec. 25, 1948 Red Bluff 4.4 inches on Dec. 25, 1948 Trace amounts on Dec. 25, 1971 Travis Air Force Base off Interstate 80 Trace amounts of snow on Dec. 25, 1970 Stockton Trace amounts on Dec. 27, 1988 Modesto Trace amounts on Dec. 22, 1965 Is snowfall possible in Sacramento? Purdue said snow in Sacramento is possible, and The Sacramento Bee has proof to back that claim. Here are some frosty photographs of the capital city during winter storms on March 16, 1942, and February 5, 1976, courtesy of The Bees archives: Land Park golf pro Don Oreb braves the snowy weather to give a putting lesson to 4-year-old Rickey Gregson on Feb. 5, 1976, while Chibi despite the doggie jacket has second thoughts about wandering around the park in the snow. A Sacramento resident tries to get some protection from the weather as snow falls amid downtown Sacramento palm trees on Feb. 5, 1976. Dustin Marr sweeps accumulated snow from his car in Locke on Feb. 5, 1976. Inge Gough, Maggie Gomez and Sherry McAtee enjoy a battle during the snow on Feb. 5, 1976, in Sacramento. Henri Lappi skis at the state Capitol on March 16, 1942. The storm dropped 2 inches of snow on Sacramento. The exterior of Jim-Dennys Hamburgers hasnt changed much over the years, as this photograph taken after a snowfall in 1940s shows. Stan Livermon and Charles Brown put the finishing touches on their snowman, February 5, 1976 Sonny Valine wonders if it would be worth it to play a round at Land Park on February 5, 1976. He decided against it because his golf balls were the same color as the fairways. Marlyn Crowe decorates her creation on Feb. 5, 1976 in Sacramento. Snow falls along Highway 160 in Hood on Feb. 5, 1976. Snow lines the cityscape in downtown Sacramento near the capitol in 1942. 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. Its the time of year when talk of ringing in the new year by taking a plunge into freezing waters kicks up. Many of the events in North Texas are for charity or to raise money for a cause such as the Special Olympics of Texas. There are also cities who hold the winter events to attract visitors to lakeside locales like the Lake Granbury Goosebump Jump. The Goosebump Jump is our kickoff event to the Winter-Guest Tourism Season in Granbury, said Tammy Dooley, Director, City of Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Granbury. And the forecast? 100% chance of snow. Its a tradition, some will say. Its good for your health, others will argue. But how healthy is it to jump into cold waters? Heres what experts say. More trending stories: Sneezing? Watery eyes? A Texas tree is to blame. Lost tortoise in Texas travels 50 miles In Texas, who goes first at four-way stops? Is it healthy to plunge into cold water? Some swear by health benefits of cold water immersion, including improving mental health and reducing stress, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, increasing energy and blood circulation, nourishing hair and skin, increasing lung function and improving sleep. Its an ancient practice that dates back to early ancient Egyptian and Greek practices. But health experts paint a different story, stressing that there are many risks involved in whats become a popular trend especially on social media platforms like TikTok. Is jumping into freezing water bad for you? The shock of cold water can immediately put your body in distress, The American Heart Association says, causing sudden spikes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Due to the shock of sudden plunging, cold water immersion can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilating, according to the National Weather Service. Uncontrolled rapid breathing can quickly become a drowning emergency if you inhale water and cannot stay afloat. Because blood vessels constrict in response to sudden cooling, cold water immersion causes an instant and massive increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which increases the danger of heart failure and stroke, per the National Center for Cold Water Safety. Hypothermia can also be triggered faster when you plunge into freezing water. Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castaneda gives details Tuesday on budget cuts she previously announced over the last two weeks Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castaneda released more details about her proposed budget cuts Tuesday night. Over the past two weeks, Castaneda has made three announcements outlining the cuts, which total about $31 million, in broad terms. Castaneda said she plans to announce further cuts, of about $40 million, in late winter or spring. Salem-Keizer School Board gives a report on proposed budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 in Salem, Ore. Salem-Keizer Public Schools savings broken down Here are the previously announced proposals, with a cost breakdown: Eliminating 46 positions, including seven administrator positions, 29 classified positions and 10 licensed positions. Positions end on June 30, and impacted staff have been notified. The staff reductions are expected to save $5.1 million. Senior leader salary concessions. Sixty-three district leaders will have their base salaries frozen next year, which is expected to save $272,000. Castaneda also said she personally will donate $30,000 to student and youth-serving organizations in the Salem-Keizer community. Castaneda began working for the district on July 1, and has a base salary of $285,000 per year. Reducing district purchasing, including investments in technology. This should save $2 million this school year, and $3.7 million next school year. Suspending the purchase of new district vehicles. This should save $500,000 this school year and $500,000 next year. Reducing conference travel for programs such as AVID and dual language instruction, for $350,000 in savings. Reducing the amount of money contributed to a safety cushion for the Public Employees Retirement System debt service account. This is expected to save $6 million this school year and $10 million next school year. Increasing the fees the community pays to use school facilities, for a savings of $500,000. The district did not reply to a request for more information about the new fees. Spending less on furniture and playground improvements, for a savings of $1 million this school year and $1 million next school year. Delaying the opening of planned new career and technical education programs, for a savings of $400,000. The district did not reply to a question about what planned programs will be cut. Salem-Keizer School District position cuts detailed Teachers and members of the public listen as the Salem-Keizer School Board gives a report on proposed budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday. The seven administrator position reductions are expected to save a total of $1.5 million. They include: Curriculum and professional development coordinator Curriculum coordinator Human resources director Planning and property services coordinator Special education coordinator Student equity, access and advancement coordinator Technology supervisor The 10 licensed position reductions should save $1.3 million. They include: Federal programs: Program associate (two positions) Student services: Intake support teacher (0.6 position), instructional mentors (2 positions), registered nurses (5 positions). The 29 classified position reductions should save $2.3 million. They include: AVID: Administrative secretary Curriculum: Instructional technology support Executive administration: Administrative assistant 2 Language services: Native language specialist (two positions) and translator Library media: Administrative secretary (three positions) Student services: Administrative secretary (health services), licensed practical nurse education assistant (nine positions), senior clerical specialist (0.3 position), LRC senior clerical specialist (4.7 positions), special programs bilingual instructional assistant (0.5 position). Classified staff moved out of the general fund into a different fund (0.5 position). Why are cuts needed at Salem-Keizer Public Schools? Salem-Keizer School Board members listen to concerns from the public about the proposed budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday. Salem-Keizer is Oregons second-largest school district, with about 38,000 students across 65 elementary, middle and high schools. Castaneda previously has said the districts budget gap is due to decreasing enrollment, increases in staff and the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Recently, she also has attributed part of the gap to structural problems with Oregons public school funding system, echoing complaints made by Portland Public Schools officials and Gov. Tina Kotek. The Oregon Legislature approved a record $10.2 billion two-year statewide education budget about five months ago, but some school districts say thats not enough. During a school board meeting Tuesday, district employees protested the proposed cuts, saying that they would be devastating for students. Castaneda had said this first round of cuts would not directly affect students. The district chose to cut our Native language specialist, our translators and our licensed practical nurses, all of which are grouped under instructional support, all of which are student facing, said Edie Buchanan, president of ASK-ESP, the districts classified worker union. Several employees noted that cutting five nurse positions would leave only 18 nurses for the entire district. Carrie Litchfield, a teacher in the districts teen parent program, raises concerns about the proposed budget cuts and how those cuts will affect nurse staffing in schools. That caseload averages out to be almost 3,000 students per nurse, said Carrie Litchfield, who works in the districts teen parent program. Our 23 nurses spend their days scrambling to provide the medical care our students require to be physically able to attend and engage in school. Meanwhile, a group of 24 community members, including former Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Christy Perry and a number of former school board members, wrote an open letter supporting the cuts and the districts position as it bargains new contracts with both of its employee unions. Our schools depend on the state for funding much as we conduct our household finances, they can only spend as much money as they have in the bank, the group wrote. Oregon schools are legally required to pass a balanced budget, and the district simply cannot afford the unions salary demands. Tracy Loew covers the education at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem-Keizer schools superintendent shares budget cut details The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried was pitched by close observers as something of a reckoning: for the cryptocurrency industry, for the Silicon Valley move-fast-and-break-things ethos, for the freewheeling zero-interest-rate era, and more generally for the blind spots of American capitalism. But it also lowered an unforgiving microscope on effective altruism, the utilitarian philanthropic movement to which the disgraced FTX CEO subscribed. For, despite their ostensibly laudable intentionsearning heaps of money and giving it away to charities and nonprofits that address major issues like global poverty and public healtheffective altruists appear to have been willing and enthusiastic participants in some of the mans sketchiest schemes. Even though SBFs first trial is over, the aftermath of the 2022 FTX collapse is still unfolding: The crypto exchanges bankruptcy estate continues to claw back the billions of dollars misappropriated by its former CEO; political movements and institutions supported by SBF have either perished or persisted in zombie form, like a pandemic-preparedness referendum in California; and the onetime crypto king faces civil charges as well as another potential federal trial in March over five more criminal charges. As crypto analyst Molly White put it, there are plenty of unturned stones in the SBF story. The vast troves of evidence released to the public during the trial made apparent that some of these stones relate to one of SBFs more peculiar and revealing ventures: the time he and his network spent a fortune to try to elect an EA-minded congressman in Oregon. The early-2022 Democratic contest in Oregons 6th Congressional District was, notoriously, one of the most expensive races in that years midterms cycle by a staggering amount: Carrick Flynns losing primary campaign earned about $12.24 million, which alone is almost double the amount that the Democratic and Republican primary winners earned in total for their general-election campaigns. Previously unreported and unexamined details unearthed from the trial exhibits, and from conversations with Oregonians who observed the primary, show the extent to which SBF and his fellow EAs coordinated their efforts to get one of their own into a seat of power. It was covered primarily as a crypto story at the time, but its really an EA storyabout how, for all their high-minded rhetoric about using their earnings to save lives and better humanitys future, they often ended up just circulating their funds among themselves. Heres the tale we previously knew: In February 2022, when the Democratic primary for Oregons newly drawn 6th District was already well underway, a 35-year-old pandemic and A.I. policy specialist named Carrick Flynn suddenly shook up the race by announcing his candidacy. (He did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this piece.) Although Flynn had grown up in the state and attended the University of Oregon as an undergraduate, his campaign almost immediately elicited suspicion within the district, which encompasses some of the states most populous and liberal areas (Salem, the Portland suburbs). To start, the regions where Flynn grew up and attended college lie in the 1st and 4th districts, respectively. Beyond that, Flynn had been a nonpresence in Oregon, much less local politics, since his graduation. Flynn had spent much of his career abroad, taking on admirable social-service projects in Africa and Asia. He was also an affiliate of the Centre for the Governance of AI, which was established in 2018 as a subsidiary of Oxford Universitys Future of Humanity Institutean incubator for effective altruism and longtermism headed by Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrom. Flynns campaign benefited from millions and millions of dollars spent on his behalf, unprecedented for any House district primary, even though just 2.5 percent of his donations came from 6th District residents. The vast majority of Flynns backing came from figures and political action committees linked to Sam Bankman-Fried. Throughout the race, as local and national journalists zoomed in on some of those connections, Flynn and his campaign constantly denied that he knew SBF, had any direct ties to SBF, or was being supported by SBF for any reasons that were not altruistic in nature. This was despite the fact that both of them had embedded within the same EA circles for years, sharing mutual acquaintances and business partners like Nick Beckstead and Andrew Snyder-Beattie, two FHI alumni whove since worked with the EA-boosting Open Philanthropy Project nonprofit. (Neither of them responded to multiple requests for comment.) So what if effective altruists were pouring a total of $11 million into his race for a district Flynn was hardly familiar with? The campaigns line was that this was simply a result of Flynns political prowess, and of his dedication to EA priorities like pandemic prevention (and nothing, notably, to do with cryptocurrency). In short, Flynn was a white man barging into this race as an outsider, amply backed by a network of other outsiders, in order to overtake a well-known front-runner: Andrea Salinas, whod previously served as a state representative and was shooting to make history as Oregon Democrats first Latina member of Congress. (Salinas office declined a request for an interview.) All around, the optics were not great, which is likely why Flynn lost the primary vote to Salinas by 18 points, even though hed out-earned and outspent the eventual winner by a mile and a half. Afterward, Flynn supported Salinas in the general election and disappeared from the digital sphere following her victorywhich happened to coincide with the fall of Sam Bankman-Frieds crypto empire. The story Flynn liked to tell of how he got involved in politics is that, as the COVID-19 pandemic walloped the U.S., he linked up with his former FHI colleague Snyder-Beattie, whod become a program officer at Open Philanthropy (a nonprofit co-founded by three fervent EAs, including Facebooks Dustin Moskovitz, that once provided a generous grant to launch Georgetown Universitys EA-aligned Center for Security and Emerging Technologywhere Flynn was then working as a research fellow). Flynn and Snyder-Beattie formed a policy team that came up with pandemic-prevention recommendations for the Biden administration and for Congress, although none of it was ultimately adopted. Flynn later told reporters for Voxs EA-funded Future Perfect vertical that by late 2021, a lot of people suggested I should run for office: It actually wasnt my idea. Id moved back to Oregon because I could work from home, and I didnt want to keep living in D.C. Then a new congressional district [the 6th District] kind of opened up under me. And all sorts of people from all different areas of my life were like, You have to run. You have to run. You have to run. And Im not a politician. But enough people said it to me that I started asking other people, people who I really respect, if this is something I should consider. A lot of these people are very into effective altruism reasoning. Very into effective altruism reasoning is certainly one way of describing them. Around the same time, Snyder-Beattie was communicating with Sam Bankman-Fried and others at FTX and Alameda in several Signal group chats, as revealed in a table presented as evidence during the SBF trial: A page from a government trial exhibit titled Signal Groups Samuel BankmanFried Participated in From 2020 to 2022, displaying chats like Biosecurity Conference Bahamas and Bahams-NYE-EA-Meeting, the members who joined over time, and the dates when message auto-delete timers were changed or turned on/off. Department of Justice To be clear, the contents of these chats were not released during SBFs trial, so we have no further insight into what was discussed. Yet its notable that the timeline of these chats and participants coincides with the buildout of EA political infrastructure. First came the establishment of Gabe Bankman-Frieds Guarding Against Pandemics PAC, announced on the official Effective Altruism Forum Sept. 18, 2021. The next day, it received a $5,000 donation from Michael Sadowsky, a former colleague of Gabes at the political data firm Civis Analytics. (That November, Sadowskys People for a Progressive Governance outfit got $500,000 from Singh; Sadowsky did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) On Nov. 1, 2021, Beckstead left Open Philanthropy to become CEO of FTXs own philanthropic arm, the FTX Foundation; shortly after Christmas, his former employers parent company, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund, would receive a tax deductible and flexible donation from FTXs Singh that amounted to an overwhelming $10 million. Also coinciding with the September 2021January 2022 time frame were a series of gifts from SBF and Singh to EA supporters like Zabel ($21,250), Melissa Hopkins ($250,000), Ashley Lin ($68,000), and SBFs brother Gabe ($200,000). These transactions were recorded on an FTX-internal spreadsheet exhibited at the SBF trial during Singhs testimonyduring which he admitted that Alameda money (read: FTX customer deposits) wired into his Prime Trust bank account was often disbursed by others under his name. A portion of an Excel spreadsheet displaying SBFs monetary gifts and donations from Sept. 25, 2021, through April 4, 2022, with recipients like Claire Zabel, Melissa Hopkins, GMI PAC, Elizabeth Edwards-Appell, Protect Our Future, Guarding Against Pandemics, Will Kirkpatrick, the Next 50 PAC, Carrick Flynn, and the House Majority PAC, among others. Screenshot from Microsoft Excel Beginning on Jan. 6, 2022almost two weeks before Flynns Federal Election Commission registration to run on Jan. 19a whole bunch of EAs not only began spending on Flynn, but in some cases maxed out their donations from the jump. Between Jan. 6 and 19, Flynns campaign received such donations from Zabel and Hopkins, who had just received gifts from SBF and Singh, as well as donations from Claire Watanabe, Sadowsky, Snyder-Beattie, and Andrea Lincoln (the girlfriend of FTXs Adam Yedidia, who later testified against SBF during his trial). Various other employees of Alvea, Open Philanthropy, and the EA-supported Redwood Research firm threw in for Flynn as well, along with staffers from the rival A.I. firms Anthropic and OpenAIthe latter of whose board of directors included EA researcher Helen Toner, whod collaborated with Flynn as his colleague at Georgetowns Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Carrick Flynns campaign received more than $450,000 from individual donors before it had even registered or hed made a public announcement. According to FEC filings, the only Oregonian whod donated to Flynn during that January time span was a family member. Snyder-Beattie himself only made an appeal to other like-minded folks to donate to Flynn on Feb. 5, in a post to the EA Forum published a few days after Flynns public campaign announcement. (That post seems to have successfully netted Flynn a few dozen small-dollar ActBlue donations.) It gets even weirder when you look at how the money flowed after Flynns public February announcement. Some of Flynns donors received gifts from SBF & Co. after their donations, according to a spreadsheet released in the trial. For example: Will Kirkpatrick, a corporate sustainability adviser from the U.K., maxed out to Flynn on Feb. 4, then received $50,000 from SBF on March 28 as a gift. Elizabeth Edwards-Appell, an EA enthusiast who formerly served in the New Hampshire Statehouse, gave $5,800 to Flynn on Jan. 14, then got $400,000 from SBF near the end of the month. Speaking of SBF: On March 30, the Bankman-Fried brothers donated $5,000 each to the Next 50 PACwhich in turn dispatched $5,000 to Flynns campaign and another $5,000 to Guarding Against Pandemics the very next day. More funding strangeness revolved around Flynns mysterious campaign manager, Portland native Avital Z. Balwit, who did not respond to multiple requests for comment. During her senior year at the University of Virginia, Balwit worked as a legislative intern for Sen. Ron Wyden and earned a Rhodes scholarship, which granted her the opportunity to study philosophy at Oxford University in 2021. In a Facebook post that April, Balwit announced that shed be living in Oxford for the next 2.5+ years, working first as a research scholar at FHI before beginning philosophy studies in the fall. But she did not stay in Oxford for two and a half years: Per a December 2021 post on her now-deleted Twitter account, Balwit returned to Portland by the end of the year, ultimately forgoing the Rhodes grant. On Jan. 31, 2022, according to FEC records, she earned her first salary disbursement as a staffer for Carrick Flynns congressional campaign, which had officially registered with the FEC just a week earlier. On Feb. 1, she piggybacked off the Flynn campaign launch video to declare shed left Oxford to run Carricks campaign and was honored to work for him! (Her only prior campaign experience had been a high school internship with Oregon Gov. John Kitzhabers successful 2014 reelection effort.) A portion of an Excel spreadsheet tabulating various monetary gifts made under Nishad Singhs name throughout 2022, with recipients like Gabe Bankman-Fried, the Effective Altruism Foundation, Ashley Lin, Avital Balwit, Protect Our Future, Anthropic, and Carrick Flynn. Screenshot from Microsoft Excel According to FEC records, Balwit was the only person to have received any monetary compensation from Flynns campaign. Per an FTX-internal Excel spreadsheet exhibited during the SBF trial, Balwit was also sent a political gift of $19,144 from FTXs Nishad Singh on Feb. 22, 2022an amount that was never reported to the FEC despite its supposedly political intent. In March, Balwit joined the four-judge panel for an official blog contest co-sponsored by the FTX Foundations Future Fund. The first round of the competition disbursed $100,000 prizes to the creators of five newish blogs that engaged with EA concepts. One of the eventual winners? Balwits own sister, Xander. On the archived webpage announcing the contest, Balwits role in Flynns campaign warranted no mention; her formal affiliation was instead listed with FHI, even though she was no longer at Oxford. And yet, a few months later, she told outlets like the Oregonian and Salon that we havent had any conversations with Flynns biggest backers, and that while it appears that [SBF] does do advocacy around crypto, his primary focus is an advocacy project around pandemics. What else was weird about Flynns campaign? Plenty, if you talk to the Oregonian politicos who were there when it all unfolded. On his FEC filing paperwork, Carrick listed a house in McMinnville as his campaign HQ, primary rival Matt West tweeted. When my team dug into Sam and Carricks connections, we noticed that the house was rented out about six weeks before Carrick launched his campaign. This was confirmed at the time by local papers like the Oregonian and the Salem Statesman Journal, which noted that from September 2020 onward, Flynn had stayed with family members in the town of Aloha (which lies in the 1st District) before renting and moving into a house in McMinnville in November 2021. West, whod lived in and around the 6th District for almost a decade after moving to Oregon to work as an engineer at Intel, told me later in a phone conversation that we were not aware of anybody [in local politics] who was working with or supporting Carrick Flynn. He genuinely seemed to come out of nowhere and just have a bunch of money. Further, the concentration of crypto efforts behind Flynns candidacy struck local observers as odd, not least because West himself had direct experience in the crypto industry, as a former developer for the blockchain protocol Yearn.finance. Oregon state Rep. Mark Gamba, a peer of Wests whod previously made a 2020 bid for the U.S. Congress, said to me, It was a little surprising, if that kind of money was going to come out of the crypto industry, that West wasnt getting at least a significant portion of that. The only conclusion Gamba could derive was that it was less a crypto-focused campaign than it was a pretty focused effort to get a particular individual elected. He added that Flynn, early in his campaign, reached out and asked for a conversation. I told him I was willing to meet with him but that I had already endorsed Matt. So it never happened. Doyle Canning, a longtime progressive activist who currently chairs the Oregon Democratic Partys Environmental Caucus, also got a taste of the EA campaigns spillover effects from her perch as a primary candidate for Oregons 4th Congressional District, a race she lost to current U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle. With Flynns campaign, there was definitely a sense among Democratic activists and politicians of, like, Who are these people? Canning told me in a phone conversation. She and others had pinpointed spending in their district from GMI PAC, the pro-crypto lobbying firm headed by Anthony Scaramucci that also received millions of dollars in donations from SBF, Ryan Salame, and Gabe Bankman-Fried. Such vast sums of money going into such small racesit was bizarre enough to capture national attention, but it was local enough for Oregonians to understand why their state had become a lab for free-flowing money, as its local campaign finance regulations are looser than other states. The irony was especially pronounced with Flynns strongest opponent, Andrea Salinas, being a loud supporter of campaign finance reform. Yet Flynns financial backing allowed him to blanket the area with TV, digital, and radio ads, making for a campaign so inescapable that, Canning told me, she came upon constant Flynn promos in the 4th: We saw ads even here! It was like they ran out of TV to buy. For his part, West thinks the spending glut backfired for Flynns boosters, not least because it brought all sorts of negative attention to the outsider: There were tons and tons of comments on social media making fun of Flynns ads nonstop because you could not go on YouTube or Instagram without seeing at least two different Carrick Flynn ads within the same ad break. Two different Twitter accounts, @HenryPicklesPDX and @Carrick_Flynn, popped up solely to poke fun at the candidate. The latter went even further by tweeting out a screenshot characterized as a smoking gun: SBF himself liking Flynns 2018 marriage announcement on Facebook. I dug up that Facebook post and could not find an SBF like thereyes, he still has an accountbut that doesnt rule out the possibility that he could have removed his like after the fact. Notably, another person who liked that Facebook post was Nick Beckstead. The Flynn campaign may have raised a lot of outside moneyto the tune of $11 millionbut it also raised a lot of suspicions. There was the Feb. 4 release of a pro-Flynn ad from Protect Our Futurethe super PAC headed by Michael Sadowsky and funded largely by SBFthat used footage from a Flynn campaign ad that hadnt been made public at that point. (Flynns campaign was filming hundreds and thousands of dollars of b-roll, which is unheard of, as such footage is usually intended for super PAC use, West told me; Flynns campaign denied any coordination with POF to Willamette Week.) And there was the House Majority PACs reception of a $6 million donation from SBF on April 6, and its subsequent spend of $1 million on pro-Flynn campaign adsan unprecedented move for a national Democratic Party institution. Its always a surprise for us, Avital Balwit told local media in response. As West later tweeted, this seemed to represent an effort from national Dems to curry favor with SBF, whod already been a record fundraiser for the party and had planned to spend even more come 2024: Nobody wanted to go up against $15 million of spending, especially when Sam was saying he would spend $1 billion. After Flynns campaign lost, Balwit went on to join the FTX Future Fund full time in June, becoming part of a team that had grown under Becksteads leadership, with Will MacAskill, Yale Law professor Ketan Ramakrishnan, and FHI alum Leopold Aschenbrenner having all joined on Feb. 1. (Aschenbrenner, who did not respond to multiple requests for comment, had also worked at the Forethought Foundation, a MacAskill-founded EA org that was party to the $10 million donation Nishad Singh had given to the Silicon Valley Foundation Donor Advised Fund in December. He now works for Ilya Sutskevers superalignment team at OpenAI.) JUST IN The entire team behind the FTX Future Fund, the Sam Bankman-Fried philanthropy, has resigned. A holy-shit moment in the world of effective altruism. pic.twitter.com/5YY886OdNh Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) November 11, 2022 Balwit would be the last Future Fund hire before FTX collapsed in Novemberafter which all fund advisers formally resigned, claiming in a statement that they have fundamental questions about the legitimacy and integrity of the business operations that were funding the FTX Foundation and the Future Fund, that they condemn the extent that the leadership of FTX may have engaged in deception or dishonesty, and that their hearts go out to the thousands of FTX customers whose finances may have been jeopardized or destroyed. According to court documents, Balwit herself ended up joining many SBF-led Signal group chats: FTX Foundation Funding, EA Discussion, FTX Foundation + GAP Chatter, and, most importantly, Donation Processing, to which Beckstead added Balwit in September 2022. Its unclear whether the latter had anything to do with the Future Fund, considering that neither Ramakrishnan nor Aschenbrenner appears to have been a member of that chat. What we do know, thanks to the trial, is that Donation Processing was at the very least a key instrument for SBF & Co.s straw-donation schemesscreenshots introduced as evidence show how Guarding Against Pandemics employees like Michael Sadowsky, Gabe Bankman-Fried, and Keenan Lantz all worked with SBF and Singh, among others at FTX, to coordinate donations to particular organizations under one anothers names. An Oct. 17, 2022, conversation in the Donation Processing Signal group chat, showing Keenan Lantz and Ryan Salame working to coordinate political donations that will be sent under Nishad Singhs and Sam Bankman-Frieds names, respectively, to the Delaware Democratic Party and the Beto ORourke gubernatorial campaign. Department of Justice It may seem odd that Balwit would join forces with the very people she said were not involved with the political campaign shed managed, but heres something weirder. On Oct. 28, 2022, according to the messages exhibited in the SBF trial, FTX exec Ryan Salame sent Donation Processing a screenshot of an Oregonian article that initially credited a recent $500,000 donation to the Democratic Party of Oregon PAC to a Las Vegas cryptocurrency startup called Prime Trust. Salame insisted on the need to have it corrected, which Lantz said should fall to Singh; in response, Balwit texted, Thats so funny. A Donation Processing conversation between Ryan Salame, Keenan Lantz, and Avital Balwit, including a screenshot of an Oregonian article that misattributes a $500,000 donation to the Democratic Party of Oregon PAC as hailing from Prime Trust. Department of Justice It appears what happened is that Singh, in October 2022, had tried to broker the donation to Oregon Dems through a consultant for Balwits old boss Ron Wyden. Thanks to Singhs own obfuscation, the donation was credited to Prime Trust, which is otherwise spotlighted in internal FTX documents as the home to the bank account Singh would draw upon for gifts to EA folks as well as political donations. (Plenty of Prime Trust money, as Singh testified, came from Alameda Research, which held plenty of FTX customer funds.) There have been state investigations into the circumstances of this donationa federally illegal one, having been initially made and registered under a false nameand whether it violated state laws. The Dem PAC surrendered the donation to the U.S. Marshals Service in June, leaving the local party in a financially precarious spot; Matt West told me that many of the states elected Dems pitched in their own campaign cash to help carry the PAC above water.* Anyway, this spurred a newfound effort within Oregon for campaign finance reform in the state this year, although that ultimately fell flat. Singh admitted to campaign finance violations as part of his plea deal for the FTX trial. While many of the figures involved in Flynns campaign have continued lying low in the aftermath of the FTX explosion, Balwit has taken on a public communications director role for Anthropicthe heavily capitalized A.I. firm that received tens of millions of dollars in investments from SBF & Co. (Company president Daniela Amodei had also donated to Carrick Flynns campaign on Jan. 9, 2022, preceding its FEC registration.) In June of this year, Balwit wrote about A.I. regulation for Asterisk Magazine; her bio mentions her roles at Anthropic and FHI, and that she was selected for a Rhodes scholarship. Theres no mention of Flynns campaign. Or FTX. A court in Pakistan this month granted bail to a Christian falsely charged with blasphemy, but he and his family have separated and gone into hiding amid threats to their lives, sources said. Haroon Shahzad, 45, was released from Sargodha District Jail on Nov. 15, said his attorney, Aneeqa Maria. Shahzad was charged with blasphemy on June 30 after posting Bible verses on Facebook that infuriated Muslims, causing dozens of Christian families in Chak 49 Shumaali, near Sargodha in Punjab Province, to flee their homes. Lahore High Court Judge Ali Baqir Najfi granted bail on Nov. 6, but the decision and his release on Nov. 15 were not made public until now due to security fears for his life, Maria said. Shahzad told Morning Star News by telephone from an undisclosed location that the false accusation has changed his familys lives forever. My family has been on the run from the time I was implicated in this false charge and arrested by the police under mob pressure, Shahzad told Morning Star News. My eldest daughter had just started her second year in college, but its been more than four months now that she hasnt been able to return to her institution. My other children are also unable to resume their education as my family is compelled to change their location after 15-20 days as a security precaution. Though he was not tortured during incarceration, he said, the pain of being away from his family and thinking about their well-being and safety gave him countless sleepless nights. All of this is due to the fact that the complainant, Imran Ladhar, has widely shared my photo on social media and declared me liable for death for alleged blasphemy, he said in a choked voice. As soon as Ladhar heard about my bail, he and his accomplices started gathering people in the village and incited them against me and my family. Hes trying his best to ensure that we are never able to go back to the village. Shahzad has met with his family only once since his release on bail, and they are unable to return to their village in the foreseeable future, he said. We are not together, he told Morning Star News. They are living at a relatives house while Im taking refuge elsewhere. I dont know when this agonizing situation will come to an end. The Christian said the complainant, said to be a member of Islamist extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and also allegedly connected with banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, filed the charge because of a grudge. Shahzad said he and his family had obtained valuable government land and allotted it for construction of a church building, and Ladhar and others had filed multiple cases against the allotment and lost all of them after a four-year legal battle. Another probable reason for Ladhars jealousy could be that we were financially better off than most Christian families of the village, he said. I was running a successful paint business in Sargodha city, but that too has shut down due to this case. Regarding the social media post, Shahzad said he had no intention of hurting Muslim sentiments by sharing the biblical verse on his Facebook page. I posted the verse a week before Eid Al Adha [Feast of the Sacrifice] but I had no idea that it would be used to target me and my family, he said. In fact, when I came to know that Ladhar was provoking the villagers against me, I deleted the post and decided to meet the village elders to explain my position. The village elders were already influenced by Ladhar and refused to listen to him, Shahzad said. I was left with no option but to flee the village when I heard that Ladhar was amassing a mob to attack me, he said. Shahzad pleaded with government authorities for justice, saying he should not be punished for sharing a verse from the Bible that in no way constituted blasphemy. Similar to Other Cases Shahzads attorney, Maria, told Morning Star News that events in Shahzads case were similar to other blasphemy cases filed against Christians. Defective investigation, mala fide on the part of the police and complainant, violent protests against the accused persons and threats to them and their families, forcing their displacement from their ancestral areas, have become hallmarks of all blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, said Maria, head of The Voice Society, a Christian paralegal organization. She said that the case filed against Shahzad was gross violation of Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which states that police cannot register a case under the Section 295-A blasphemy statute against a private citizen without the approval of the provincial government or federal agencies. Maria added that Shahzad and his family have continued to suffer even though there was no evidence of blasphemy. The social stigma attached with a blasphemy accusation will likely have a long-lasting impact on their lives, whereas his accuser, Imran Ladhar, would not have to face any consequence of his false accusation, she said. The judge who granted bail noted that Shahzad was charged with blasphemy under Section 295-A, which is a non-cognizable offense, and Section 298, which is bailable. The judge also noted that police had not submitted the forensic report of Shahzads cell phone and said evidence was required to prove that the social media was blasphemous, according to Maria. Bail was set at 100,000 Pakistani rupees (US$350) and two personal sureties, and the judge ordered police to further investigate, she said. Shahzad, a paint contractor, on June 29 posted on his Facebook page 1 Cor. 10:18-21 regarding food sacrificed to idols, as Muslims were beginning the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha, which involves slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat. A Muslim villager took a screenshot of the post, sent it to local social media groups and accused Shahzad of likening Muslims to pagans and disrespecting the Abrahamic tradition of animal sacrifice. Though Shahzad made no comment in the post, inflammatory or otherwise, the situation became tense after Friday prayers when announcements were made from mosque loudspeakers telling people to gather for a protest, family sources previously told Morning Star News. Fearing violence as mobs grew in the village, most Christian families fled their homes, leaving everything behind. In a bid to restore order, the police registered a case against Shahzad under Sections 295-A and 298. Section 295-A relates to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and is punishable with imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine, or both. Section 298 prescribes up to one year in prison and a fine, or both, for hurting religious sentiments. 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. Detroit police are preparing to file charges over the murder of well-loved synagogue leader Samantha Woll almost two months after she was killed. The Wayne County Prosecutors Office said on Tuesday it had received a warrant request from Detroit police. It is not clear what the charges are or who they seek to charge, however it comes after authorities announced on Sunday that a second person of interest had been taken into custody in the case. The man has not been identified but two sources toldThe Detroit News that he appears to be a total stranger to Woll and is not the same person who was arrested last month. In early November, police arrested a first, also unidentified person of interest before releasing him without charge three days later. Woll was brutally murdered at her home in Lafayette Park n 21 October. Authorities believe Woll was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk. The attack instantly sparked fears of a hate crime due to the timing of the attack, just days after the start of the Israel-Hamas war. However, police insisted there was no evidence of it being an antisemitic attack. Key points New person of interest taken into custody in Samantha Woll murder Detroit police find no evidence of hate crime in Jewish synagogue leaders death First person of interest released without charge What happened to Samantha Woll? Prosecutors office receives warrant request in Samantha Woll murder case Tuesday 12 December 2023 22:01 , Graig Graziosi The Wayne County Prosecutors Office announced on Tuesday that it had recieved a warrant request related to the Samantha Woll murder case, according to ClickonDetroit.com. Obtaining a warrant is a necessary step toward bringing charges against a suspect. A person of interest has been in police custody since Sunday. Detroit police say no sign of hate crime in Wolls killing Tuesday 12 December 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi Wolls murder instantly sparked fears of a hate crime due to the timing of the attack, coming just days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October storming over the border, killing around 1,200 and taking hundreds of hostages back into Gaza. Woll was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. She was well-known in the community for working to build bridges between the Jewish and Muslim communities. However, Detroit police have insisted that there is no evidence of her murder being a hate crime and pointed out that an Israeli flag hanging on the wall of her home was left untouched. What is a person of interest? Tuesday 12 December 2023 19:11 , Graig Graziosi Detroit police have identified two persons of interest with potential ties to the stabbing death of Samantha Woll. One of those individuals was questioned and later released; another remains under police custody. Person of interest is a non-official term used by police to describe individuals they believe may have some noteworthy connection to an investigation. Not all persons of interest go on to become suspects; there should be no presumption of wrongdoing if someone is listed as a person of interest. Some are simply witnesses or turn out to be dead ends for the investigation. Police are unlikely to reveal the names of the persons of interest identified in Ms Wolls investigation unless charges are brought against one or both. First person of interest said they felt responsible for Samantha Wolls death: report Tuesday 12 December 2023 18:12 , Graig Graziosi The first person of interest detained by police investigating the killing of Samantha Woll reportedly told the police he felt responsible for the womans death. The admission was reported by the Detroit News, citing four unnamed police sources. The newspaper filed a FOIA request for bodycamera footage showing the interaction during which the comment was allegedly made, but that request was denied. Detroit police has not charge that individual with any crimes. Detroit police chief says department was watching second person of interest immediately after Samantha Wolls murder Tuesday 12 December 2023 16:57 , Graig Graziosi The second person of interest detained in the Samantha Woll murder investigation was reportedly known to police, according to Detroit Police Department Chief James White. Mr White said Monday that the second person of interest was never a threat to the public and that police had been watching them since the murder. At no time was the community in danger, as this person of interest was under continuous investigation, he said. The person of interest was taken into custody within an hour of the new information surfacing because investigators were familiar with their whereabouts. The individual was taken into custody on Sunday. Police can legally detain a citizen for 48 hours before they must either bring charges against them or let them go. WATCH: Slain Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll's last text revealed Tuesday 12 December 2023 15:16 , Graig Graziosi Second person of interest was reportedly spotted near Samantha Wolls house on the night of her murder Tuesday 12 December 2023 14:00 , Graig Graziosi Police investigating the murder of Samantha Woll took a second person of interest into custody on Sunday. That individual reportedly was seen near Ms Wolls house on the day of her murder, according to the Detroit News, citing police sources. The person of interest was reportedly known to police. Update: The second man to be taken into police custody following the Oct. 21 fatal stabbing of Samantha Woll has been on detectives' radar since early in the investigation, according to two @detroitpolice sources. https://t.co/Dc3LfjBTX9 The Detroit News (@detroitnews) December 11, 2023 WATCH: Friends, family pray for closure in Samantha Woll case Tuesday 12 December 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp Detroit police chief: New evidence led to detainment of second person of interest Tuesday 12 December 2023 13:00 , Graig Graziosi On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James White explained that new evidence led them to detain a second person of interest related to the murder of Samantha Woll. The second individual was taken into custody on Sunday and remained in police custody on Monday. The public must understand that in the context of complex homicide investigations, it is not unusual for there to be a number of suspects, persons of interest, investigative leads, and evidentiary follow-ups that must be thoroughly examined before investigators are ready to submit a warrant to the prosecutors office, Mr White said in a statement, according to the Detroit News. In this case, new evidence surfaced with respect to this particular person of interest that necessitated their arrest at this time. What we know about the murder of Samantha Woll Tuesday 12 December 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene. The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims. Two days after the murder, Police Chief James White declared that few details about the investigation would be shared publicly to protect the probe. He said the killing was not believed to be motivated by antisemitism, and that persons of interest were being looked at. The case then went quite for over two weeks before police announced the arrest of a suspect on 8 November. Now, loved ones of Woll who once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and as a campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, are awaiting news of the suspects name and motive. Heres everything we know about the case so far: What we know about the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest Tuesday 12 December 2023 12:00 , Graig Graziosi IN PICTURES: Crime scene of Samantha Wolls murder Tuesday 12 December 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp Police tape blocks access near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead in Detroit, October 21, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) Police tape restricts access to the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead in Detroit, October 21, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) ICYMI: Suspect released in fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue leader Tuesday 12 December 2023 11:00 , Graig Graziosi Police identified a person of interest in the muder of Samantha Woll in November. No charges were brought against that individual, and they were released, dashing the hopes of her loved ones that her murderer had been caught. Now, a second person of interest is in police custody. Heres an account of what happened after the first person of interest was released from custody: Suspect released in fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue leader Friends hold onto hope that police are close to cracking case Tuesday 12 December 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp Friends of Samantha Woll are holding onto hope that police are close to cracking case following the apprehension of a person of interest over the weekend. Were hoping this time is different than the last they announced an arrest, Sam Dubin, a friend of Woll, told Fox2. Were optimistic that hopefully something will come of this. He added: We are hoping from the detroit police department that they are transparent with what they are finding as to not leave us on edge and not leave us in the dark. Of course without compromising the investigation, but we truly value communication, especially in such a tough instance as this one. This comes after police arrested a first, also unidentified person of interest in November before releasing him without charge three days later. Deadline looms to charge new person of interest in murder Tuesday 12 December 2023 10:00 , Rachel Sharp Detroit Police are facing a looming deadline to bring charges against the second person of interest taken into custody for the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Police confirmed that a person of interest was in custody on Sunday, saying that more details will be released in the near future. The individual has not been identified but two sources toldThe Detroit News that the man appears to be a total stranger to Woll and is not the same person who was arrested last month. Under state law, an individual can only be held for 72 hours before police must charge or release them. WATCH: Friends, family pray for closure in Samantha Woll case Tuesday 12 December 2023 09:00 , Graig Graziosi What is a person of interest? Tuesday 12 December 2023 08:00 , Graig Graziosi Detroit police have identified two persons of interest with potential ties to the stabbing death of Samantha Woll. One of those individuals was questioned and later released; another remains under police custody. Person of interest is a non-official term used by police to describe individuals they believe may have some noteworthy connection to an investigation. Not all persons of interest go on to become suspects; there should be no presumption of wrongdoing if someone is listed as a person of interest. Some are simply witnesses or turn out to be dead ends for the investigation. Police are unlikely to reveal the names of the persons of interest identified in Ms Wolls investigation unless charges are brought against one or both. Ms Wolls loved ones want justice Tuesday 12 December 2023 07:00 , Graig Graziosi Samantha Wolls friends and family are waiting to see if police will bring charges against a second person of interest identified by the Detroit Police Department. Law enforcement initially identified another person of interest, but let them go after a preliminary questioning. To learn that a potential suspect was arrested and shortly after hear that the individual was released without any charges, is absolutely devastating news as we all hope and pray every day that closure and justice are attained after such a brutal, senseless act that cost a bright, exceptional woman to lose her life, Kelly Neumann, one of Ms Wolls friends, told Fox News. A person of interest has no official meaning; its just a phrase police use to describe an individual who they believe is somehow related to the case, but are not willing to name as a suspect for one reason or anoter. Police can only hold an individual for 48 hours without bringing formal charges against them. FULL STORY: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll Tuesday 12 December 2023 06:00 , Graig Graziosi A new person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Detroit Police Department confirmed in a statement on Sunday that a person of interest has been taken into custody in furtherance of the investigation into the murder of Samantha Woll. In an effort to ensure the integrity of this ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time. Additional information will be released in the near future, the statement read. This marks the second person of interest in the case which has gone unsolved for almost two months, since the synagogue leader was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Detroit. Read the full story: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll Tuesday 12 December 2023 04:59 , Graig Graziosi Who was Samantha Woll? Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022. She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit. We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss. According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth. In this photo released by Kimberly Bush, Samantha Woll, left, poses with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on 4 September, 2022 By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read. Senator Stephanie Chang (L) and Samantha Woll (R) (Senator Stephanie Chang/X) More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service. Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times. Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone. You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post. That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday. Who was the first person of interest arrested? Tuesday 12 December 2023 04:00 , Graig Graziosi On 8 November weeks after Wolls murder a major breakthrough appeared to come in the case. Police announced that a person of interest had been taken into custody in Kalamazoo, Michigan. But, the man who was never identified by authorities was released three days later without charge, as the 72-hour charging window closed. Investigators previously told CNN that her killing is thought to have arisen from a domestic dispute, but it is not clear what led them to this belief. Since the release of the first person of interest, the case rumbled on unsolved for another month before a second person was taken into custody this weekend. Detroit police say no sign of hate crime in Wolls killing Tuesday 12 December 2023 03:00 , Graig Graziosi Wolls murder instantly sparked fears of a hate crime due to the timing of the attack, coming just days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October storming over the border, killing around 1,200 and taking hundreds of hostages back into Gaza. Woll was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. She was well-known in the community for working to build bridges between the Jewish and Muslim communities. However, Detroit police have insisted that there is no evidence of her murder being a hate crime and pointed out that an Israeli flag hanging on the wall of her home was left untouched. What we know about the murder of Samantha Woll Tuesday 12 December 2023 01:00 , Graig Graziosi Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene. The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims. Two days after the murder, Police Chief James White declared that few details about the investigation would be shared publicly to protect the probe. He said the killing was not believed to be motivated by antisemitism, and that persons of interest were being looked at. The case then went quite for over two weeks before police announced the arrest of a suspect on 8 November. Now, loved ones of Woll who once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and as a campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, are awaiting news of the suspects name and motive. Heres everything we know about the case so far: What we know about the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll Watch: Person of interest in Samantha Woll murder in custody Tuesday 12 December 2023 00:00 , Graig Graziosi What do we know about the person of interest in custody over Samantha Wolls murder Monday 11 December 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi A new person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Detroit Police Department confirmed in a statement on Sunday that a person of interest has been taken into custody in furtherance of the investigation into the murder of Samantha Woll. In an effort to ensure the integrity of this ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time. Additional information will be released in the near future, the statement read. This marks the second person of interest in the case which has gone unsolved for almost two months, since the synagogue leader was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Detroit. While Detroit police are currently staying tight-lipped about the individual now in custody, two sources toldThe Detroit News that it is a man who is not an acquaintance of Wolls but actually appears to be a total stranger. The man is also not the same person who was arrested last month, the sources said. What is a person of interest? Monday 11 December 2023 16:12 , Graig Graziosi Detroit police have identified two persons of interest with potential ties to the stabbing death of Samantha Woll. One of those individuals was questioned and later released; another remains under police custody. Person of interest is a non-official term used by police to describe individuals they believe may have some noteworthy connection to an investigation. Not all persons of interest go on to become suspects; there should be no presumption of wrongdoing if someone is listed as a person of interest. Some are simply witnesses or turn out to be dead ends for the investigation. Police are unlikely to reveal the names of the persons of interest identified in Ms Wolls investigation unless charges are brought against one or both. Ms Wolls loved ones want justice Monday 11 December 2023 15:14 , Graig Graziosi Samantha Wolls friends and family are waiting to see if police will bring charges against a second person of interest identified by the Detroit Police Department. Law enforcement initially identified another person of interest, but let them go after a preliminary questioning. To learn that a potential suspect was arrested and shortly after hear that the individual was released without any charges, is absolutely devastating news as we all hope and pray every day that closure and justice are attained after such a brutal, senseless act that cost a bright, exceptional woman to lose her life, Kelly Neumann, one of Ms Wolls friends, told Fox News. A person of interest has no official meaning; its just a phrase police use to describe an individual who they believe is somehow related to the case, but are not willing to name as a suspect for one reason or anoter. Police can only hold an individual for 48 hours without bringing formal charges against them. FULL STORY: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll Monday 11 December 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp A new person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Detroit Police Department confirmed in a statement on Sunday that a person of interest has been taken into custody in furtherance of the investigation into the murder of Samantha Woll. In an effort to ensure the integrity of this ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time. Additional information will be released in the near future, the statement read. This marks the second person of interest in the case which has gone unsolved for almost two months, since the synagogue leader was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Detroit. Read the full story: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll What happened to Samantha Woll? Monday 11 December 2023 22:42 , Graig Graziosi Samantha Woll, 40, had spent the night of 20 October at a wedding, before returning to her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood at around 12.30am. It remains unclear if she came home alone or with someone. Her body was found outside the home at around 6.30am that morning. A trail of blood led inside the property, prompting investigators to believe the attack began inside, before she stumbled outside and collapsed from multiple stab wounds. There was no sign of forced entry at her home, police said. Samantha Woll (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue) Who was Samantha Woll? Monday 11 December 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022. She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit. We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss. According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth. In this photo released by Kimberly Bush, Samantha Woll, left, poses with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on 4 September, 2022 By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read. Senator Stephanie Chang (L) and Samantha Woll (R) (Senator Stephanie Chang/X) More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service. Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times. Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone. You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post. That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday. Who was the first person of interest arrested? Monday 11 December 2023 13:00 , Rachel Sharp On 8 November weeks after Wolls murder a major breakthrough appeared to come in the case. Police announced that a person of interest had been taken into custody in Kalamazoo, Michigan. But, the man who was never identified by authorities was released three days later without charge, as the 72-hour charging window closed. Investigators previously told CNN that her killing is thought to have arisen from a domestic dispute, but it is not clear what led them to this belief. Since the release of the first person of interest, the case rumbled on unsolved for another month before a second person was taken into custody this weekend. Detroit police say no sign of hate crime in Wolls killing Monday 11 December 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp Wolls murder instantly sparked fears of a hate crime due to the timing of the attack, coming just days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October storming over the border, killing around 1,200 and taking hundreds of hostages back into Gaza. Woll was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. She was well-known in the community for working to build bridges between the Jewish and Muslim communities. However, Detroit police have insisted that there is no evidence of her murder being a hate crime and pointed out that an Israeli flag hanging on the wall of her home was left untouched. What happened to Samantha Woll? Monday 11 December 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp Samantha Woll, 40, had spent the night of 20 October at a wedding, before returning to her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood at around 12.30am. It remains unclear if she came home alone or with someone. Her body was found outside the home at around 6.30am that morning. A trail of blood led inside the property, prompting investigators to believe the attack began inside, before she stumbled outside and collapsed from multiple stab wounds. There was no sign of forced entry at her home, police said. Samantha Woll (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue) What we know about the murder of Samantha Woll Monday 11 December 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene. The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims. Two days after the murder, Police Chief James White declared that few details about the investigation would be shared publicly to protect the probe. He said the killing was not believed to be motivated by antisemitism, and that persons of interest were being looked at. The case then went quite for over two weeks before police announced the arrest of a suspect on 8 November. Now, loved ones of Woll who once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and as a campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, are awaiting news of the suspects name and motive. Heres everything we know about the case so far: What we know about the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samatha Woll WATCH: Moment Samantha Woll is laid to rest in October Monday 11 December 2023 11:00 , Rachel Sharp What do we know about the person of interest in custody over Samantha Wolls murder Monday 11 December 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp A new person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Detroit Police Department confirmed in a statement on Sunday that a person of interest has been taken into custody in furtherance of the investigation into the murder of Samantha Woll. In an effort to ensure the integrity of this ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time. Additional information will be released in the near future, the statement read. This marks the second person of interest in the case which has gone unsolved for almost two months, since the synagogue leader was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Detroit. While Detroit police are currently staying tight-lipped about the individual now in custody, two sources toldThe Detroit News that it is a man who is not an acquaintance of Wolls but actually appears to be a total stranger. The man is also not the same person who was arrested last month, the sources said. Samantha Woll murder investigation: A timeline Monday 11 December 2023 10:00 , Rachel Sharp 20 October: Sam Woll attends a wedding. 21 October: Woll returns home at 12.30am from the wedding. Its unclear whether she came back from the wedding alone or with someone. At 6.30 am, police discover Wolls body. It appears that she was stabbed inside of her home and collapsed later onto her yard. The initial investigation: Detroit Police Chief James White said he believed the suspect acted alone, and noted he didnt think there was a threat to the community at large. Police said there was no sign of forced entry at Wolls home or any sign that she tried to defend herself. Authorities also ruled out that her death was a hate crime, citing the untouched Israeli flag still hanging in Wolls home. A law enforcement source told CNN that the police were treating Wolls death as arising from a domestic dispute. 8 November: Police announced that they had a suspect in custody for the murder of Samantha Woll. No details about the suspect, nor any charges were released. Under Michigan law, suspects can only be held in custody without charges for 72 hours. 9 November: Investigators wrote in a statement that they had hit a critical juncture in the case. 11 November: The suspect was released from custody without explanation from authorities. 10 December: Detroit police announce a new person of interest is in custody. BREAKING: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll Monday 11 December 2023 09:59 , Rachel Sharp A new person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to the murder of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll. Detroit Police Department confirmed in a statement on Sunday that a person of interest has been taken into custody in furtherance of the investigation into the murder of Samantha Woll. In an effort to ensure the integrity of this ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time. Additional information will be released in the near future, the statement read. This marks the second person of interest in the case which has gone unsolved for almost two months, since the synagogue leader was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Detroit. Read the full story: Person of interest taken into custody in Detroit murder of Samantha Woll SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A cute coyote made headlines this fall when it was caught on camera enjoying a nap in one San Francisco homes pristine backyard. The young male couch coyote spent a quiet November morning snoozing on an outdoor couch until an animal control officer encouraged him to move on. A new article by Time magazine revealed that the viral photographs were shot in the backyard of OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans mansion. The article celebrated Altman as 2023s CEO of the Year. Altman told Time that his firing and re-hiring at OpenAI did not rattle him enough to lose any sleep over. But the wild coyote does when it scratches on his backdoor. (Photo courtesy of San Francisco Animal Care and Control) What keeps him up at night these days is something far more prosaic: an urban coyote that has colonized the grounds of his $27 million home in San Francisco, Time wrote. The OpenAI CEO said he thinks the coyote is very cute, but also very annoying at night. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the OpenAI DevDay event on November 06, 2023 in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Animal Care & Control San Francisco Officer Mullen said he went to the mansion to make sure the coyote was healthy and OK. I approached the coyote and started talking to him, telling him that it was time to get up. He looked at me, got up, took a big stretch and made his way to the edge of the yard, Mullen wrote. (Image courtesy Animal Care & Control San Francisco) Mullen said the wild coyote was likely kicked out of its den and was trying to find a new place to live. As it turns out, the coyote has expensive taste. Altman said the animal basically moved into my house, Time reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen delivers opening remarks during a finance ministers meeting, as part of the APEC Summit, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) WASHINGTON (AP) The United States on Wednesday announced new war-related of sanctions against Hamas, targeting eight officials and representatives who help manage the militant group's financial network. The penalties, coordinated with Britain, are the Treasury Department's latest response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas against Israel. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent those designated from doing business with Americans. The list included individuals based in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Turkey. Among them was Ismail Barhum, who the Treasury Department said in a statement was a member of the Gaza Strip Political Bureau and has worked with Hamas Finance Minister Zaher Jabarin, also under sanction, to aggregate money from global fundraising into the organization's finance accounts. Brian Nelson, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said Hamas exploits seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for the groups benefit and funneling those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza. He said the U.S. and its allies are focused on leveraging our collective tools and authorities to degrade Hamass ability to fund additional attacks and further destabilize the region. Earlier sanctions on Nov. 14 named Hamas leaders and financiers, on Oct. 27, targeted sources of support and financing, and on Oct. 18, designated operatives and financial facilitators. U.S. officials said the new sanctions were coordinated with the Britain's finance ministry and showed an allied commitment aimed at "dismantling networks that support Hamas funding streams as part of our continuous effort to prevent and deter its terrorist activity, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is pressing President Biden to withhold $10.1 billion in military aid to Israel that would support the Israeli militarys invasion of Gaza, arguing that the Netanyahu governments military offensive is being conducted in a deeply immoral way. In a Dec. 12 letter to Biden, Sanders argues that Israels military response in Gaza has turned into a mass atrocity and that it would be irresponsible to provide an additional $10.1 billion in military aid beyond the defensive systems that will protect Israeli civilians from incoming missile and rocket attacks. The Vermont senator warned Israels military campaign will be remembered among some of the darkest chapters of our modern history, noting that since Oct. 7, 18,000 civilians have been killed and 49,000 wounded, 70 percent of whom are women and children. The push by Sanders comes after he received criticism from the left for backing Israel after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The senator and former presidential candidate has been a critic of Israels government but had refused to call for a permanent cease-fire by Israel in November amid calls for one from the left. In the new letter, Sanders ask Biden to support a United Nations resolution, which the United States vetoed earlier this week, calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and full humanitarian access to Gaza. He pointed out that so far 134 United Nations workers have been killed in Gaza and that 1.9 million civilians 85 percent of Gazas population have been displaced. Sanders also asserted that 40 United Nations facilities in Gaza have been struck by Israeli forces despite having shared the coordinates with Israeli commanders in an attempt to avert accidental strikes. The Israel war has been a divisive one for Democrats, and Biden has come under criticism from other figures on the left for not doing more to pressure Israel to back a cease-fire. Sanders wrote that providing another $10.1 billion in military aid to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus regime would allow for the continuation of the Netanyahu governments widespread, indiscriminate bombardment. Therefore, I ask you withdraw your support for that portion of the funding requested from Congress, he wrote, referring to Bidens $106 billion funding request for Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region. Biden on Tuesday at a fundraiser offered some sharper criticism of Netanyahu, arguing Israels bombing of Gaza has been indiscriminate and that this was eroding support for the country. Sanders said the destruction in Gaza has now surpassed the nightmarish thresholds of destruction seen in Dresden, Germany, and Japanese cities during World War II. Israels reliance on widespread and indiscriminate bombardment, including with massive explosive ordinance in densely populated urban areas, is unconscionable, he wrote. Sanders says the United States is complicit in the destruction because it has provided a massive arsenal of weapons and munitions that is now being used to rain terror on Palestinian civilians. He pointed out that the Israeli military has used 2,000-pound MK-84 bombs, 1,000-pound MK-83 bombs and 155 mm artillery shells manufactured in the United States. He cited reports by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post that the United States has provided more than 15,000 bombs and 57,000 155 mm artillery shells to Israel since Oct. 7 and that Israel has dropped more than 22,000 American-supplied bombs on Gaza. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for a blast that killed four worshippers at a Catholic Mass on Sunday (Dec. 3) in an area of the Philippines that had become an autonomous Muslim region in an attempt to end such violence. On the Philippines southern island of Mindanao, the explosion at a gym where the Mass service took place at Mindanao State University in Marawi City also sent more than 40 people to the hospital for treatment of injuries, Lanao del Sur Province Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. told reporters. He said six of the wounded were fighting for their lives. Besides the 40 that received hospital treatment, more than 10 others were treated for lesser injuries at the university infirmary, Adiong said. In a post on the X social media site, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and most heinous, perpetrated by foreign terrorists. Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies to our society, he wrote. SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks online activity of extremist groups, cited a communique from ISIS that stated its fighters detonated an explosive device on a large gathering of Christian disbelievers in Marawi City. Officials reportedly said a grenade or improvised bomb likely caused the blast. Marawi is capital of the Lanao del Sur Province, which is part of the administrative region of Bangsamoro, Muslim-ruled and officially known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Confirmed in a Jan. 21, 2019 referendum, the BARMM was formed from a peace deal with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front, but two other Islamist extremist groups, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf rebels, were excluded from the agreement. Separatist groups in the region have made peace with the government, but small break-away groups continue to operate there, Qatar-based Aljazeera reported on Dec. 5. The bombing may have come in retaliation for a series of Islamist rebel military losses, including the killing on Dec. 1 of 11 suspected Islamic militants in a government offensive in southern Maguindanao Province, said Military Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., according to a Fox News/AP report. The militants belonged to the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute group, which is affiliated with ISIS and operating in Lanao del Sur Province, according to the report. ISIS-affiliated militants in 2017 laid siege to Marawi for five months, forcing more than 350,000 area residents to flee before central government forces liberated the city. A grenade attack near a Catholic cathedral and radio station in Mindanao islands city of Cotabato on Dec. 22, 2019 injured at least eight soldiers and six civilians. Local reports it could have been aimed at a military advance team for a presidential visit as much as at the Christian sites. Police stated the grenade was thrown near the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, seat of the archdiocese of Cotabato, and the radio station owned by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. There have been calls for India to do more to protect the religious freedom of minority faiths after reports that hundreds of Christians have been arrested under controversial anti-conversion laws. UCA News reports that 398 Christians - mostly Protestant pastors and church members - have been arrested in the state of Uttar Pradesh since the law was passed there three years ago. There have been reports of further arrests in the Indian press, with 42 Christians, including 27 pastors, brought in for questioning in Uttar Pradesh at the end of last month. They were rounded up after a complaint was lodged that they had been trying to convert tribal and poor people by fraudulent means. According to reports, police confiscated their religious books and laptops and two in the group were formally arrested. Release International, a ministry that supports persecuted Christians worldwide, is calling on the Indian government to overturn the "draconian" anti-conversion laws, which exist in 12 out of India's 28 states. It said that while the laws are intended to prevent conversion by force, in reality they are preventing Christians from sharing their faith at all, despite this being permitted by the Indian Constitution. Release International CEO Paul Robinson said that the laws have led to pastors being arrested under false allegations and reports of women and children being terrorised as they return home from church meetings. "In the worst cases, pastors have been beaten up and a few have been killed," he said. The warning comes after months of violence and bloodshed targeting Christians in the north-eastern state of Manipur and ahead of important national elections next year, which Release fears will lead to further gains for the Hindu nationalist BJP party. "Given the prevailing trend, the persecution of Christians in India is likely to increase," said Mr Robinson. "Year upon year, our partners are reporting a rise in the persecution of Christians in India." He called for the anti-conversion laws to be repealed to prevent further bloodshed. "We are witnessing the world's largest democracy becoming an increasingly intolerant society," he said. "Release International calls on the Indian government to act swiftly to prevent the spread of this culture of hostility towards minority faiths, and to overturn the anti-conversion laws." Originally published by Christian Today Four missionaries including a pastor and his wife from Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS) were brutally assaulted in a village near Garhwa district of Jharkhand. Pastor P. Sarvanan and his companion P. Andrew are admitted in a GEMS hospital since November 21, after complaints of severe headache and dizziness, informed Andrew to Christian Today. Doctors have done a head CT-Scan on both of us, so that they can treat us accordingly, said Andrew from the hospital where he was hospitalised along with Sarvanan, while speaking to Christian Today on November 23. A church member named Shanti, invited Sarvanan the Pastor of GEMS church in Garhwa city to invite her house and pray for her family. Fifty-four-year-old Sarvanan along with his wife Rosy, 50, Andrew an administrative staff at the GEMS school located in the GEMS campus and Justin (only identified by his first name) an associate of Sarvanan reached Shantis house in their private car at 5 in the evening of November 15. Some Hindu extremists in the village spotted our car and noticed that it is a Christian vehicle because there is a cross hanging along the rear-view mirror next to the wind-shield, they followed us. They came and spotted us and the house we were visiting and went back and reported to the others, said Andrew. Within 10 minutes of their arrival, a mob of about 40 young men, most of them drunk, gathered outside Shantis house and began to create a ruckus. They demanded that the Christians be handed over to them, but the host quickly latched the main door from inside, making sure that nobody enters, narrated Andrew. When the host refused to open the door, the mob warned the host to send the guests out or else they would set the house on fire. Fearing that our resistance will result in a bigger issue, we decided to walk out, said Andrew. The mob pounced on Sarvanan, Andrew and Justin and began to assault them black-and-blue. They hit us with whatever their hands could find. They punched us, slapped us, boxed us and kicked us with their legs. Many of them were carrying wooden sticks and they beat us with them. Others picked up stones and bricks that were lying nearby and hit us with them, said Andrew. When Shanti and Rosy intervened to save the men, they too were beaten, said Andrew. The mob snatched the phones of the Christians and looted their car. Our car was filled with a lot of stuff that we had purchased for our house and for the church. Everything was looted by the people. The car had goods worth Rs 20-30 thousand, said Andrew. After hearing the news of the attack on Sarvanan and Rosy, Vimala Johnson, younger sister of Rosy and a GEMS missionary herself, rushed to visit the family. As Sarvanan was not in a condition to speak to Christian Today, Vimala Johnson spoke on his behalf and narrated the shocking and brutal incident to Christian Today. Johnson said that her sister Rosy was in great pain. She is not able to sleep because of pain in her body due to the internal injuries that she sustained, said Johnson. Shanti is not only the sole Christian in her family but also in the entire village. She has been attending church for the past 3 years. Andrew said that the mob including the other Hindu leaders visited Shantis house later and forced her to reconvert to Hinduism. A Hindu ceremony was conducted and they forced me to recant my Christian faith and accept Hinduism, said Shanti on a call to Andrew. Shanti added that the situation in the village was quite tensed and that the Hindu extremists had warned her to ask the Christians to not approach the police to register a complaint otherwise they will ostracise Shantis family from the village and they will have to live the rest of their lives that way. The persecution in Jharkhand is at its peak, said Johnson, who is a missionary herself. The attack on my sister and the team is the fourth in the last 2 months, she added. Originally published by Christian Post India SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Police in Shippensburg are investigating an incident where shots were fired into a building on Wednesday. According to police, multiple rounds were fired into an apartment building located in the 200 block of East King Street in the borough at around 5:20 a.m. Police said they believe a specific apartment was targeted though no one was hut. Police say theyve identified three 14-year-olds and a 20-year-old who were allegedly involved in the shooting. Police say the teens were dropped off by Ashis Rai after discussing a specific target in a bedroom. One of the teens shot into the apartment before all three fled on foot and were picked up at a predetermined location by Rai, according to police. Eight rounds were fired into the apartment and the firearm was both recovered and discovered to have been stolen. Rai was taken into custody on December 15 and arraigned on charges including attempted homicide. Rai was taken to the Cumberland County Prison without bail, while the three teens are being handled through the Cumberland County Juvenile Pronation Department. Two of the teens are facing charges and the third has charges pending. Pennsylvania State Police, Carlisle station, and Shippensburg University Police Department assisted the Shippensburg Police Department and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Shippensburg Police Department at 717-532-7361. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A new shopping area, a private school and more new homes could be on the way in Indian Land. The planning commission in Lancaster County meets Dec. 19. That group will hear requests for several projects, including some that county planners dont support. Here are the latest development plans, which include combined requests for the potential for 187 new homes: Waxhaw, North Carolina, company Building Bricks applied for a road name change as part of plans to add new retail space in Indian Land. Building Bricks bought property in August behind ALDI, QuikTrip, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dollar Tree along U.S. 521. The almost 5-acre property at 9571 Charlotte Hwy. is east of Lengers Way and Sharonview Federal Credit Union. Building Bricks paid almost $1.4 million for the property. A new shopping center there with three buildings would have access from the KFC parking lot and from the private road connecting ALDI and QuikTrip to the neighboring McGee Brothers property. A sketch plan submitted with the road name application shows three retail buildings at more than 45,000 combined square feet. The largest, at more than 28,000 square feet, sits behind and is oriented parallel to the KFC and QuikTrip. The next largest building is almost 13,000 square feet on the McGee Brothers end of the property, beside a drive now used for truck parking. The sketch plan shows two small offices but labels most of that building as merchandise sales. A third building on the northern end of the property, close to Caliber Collision, includes three spaces at a combined 5,000 square feet. A new Indian Land shopping center is proposed off Charlotte Highway. The owner of 34 acres at Pettus and Barberville roads in Indian Land applied to build a 75-home subdivision. The undeveloped property on Barberville has Pettus run through it. Its adjacent to the Barber Rock development. A sketch plan shows two access points across from one another, both off Pettus. Each side includes homes with privately maintained streets and two cul-de-sacs. The property is near several active developments. A 512-home plan and 224 separate townhomes on Sugar Creek to the north are under construction. A Redwoods plan for 155 residences to the east was approved in 2021 but hasnt begun construction. The back and forth on whether Marvin Academy should set up a private school on property in Indian Land comes back to the planning commission. County staff and the planning commission recommended against the plan in September. Now, Lancaster County applied for a land use change to allow the school, but county staff still recommends against it. Lancaster County planners oppose new subdivision requests to add nearly 270 homes The property owner at 1662 MacMillan Park Dr. applied for a zoning change this summer to allow a school there. That address is part of the 85-acre MacMillan Industrial Park. Its zoned for light industrial use on property the county acquired in 1997. Planners and the planning commission had concerns since there arent many light industrial properties in the area for future growth, but the property owner saw the school as the best opportunity now. The county-introduced application would change its comprehensive plan listing for the property. A mixed-use listing would allow the school. County planners, though, recommend against that move since many businesses that would be allowed in the industrial park have distance requirements separating them from schools. Future growth could be limited. Staff also has questions on how the change might impact economic incentives set up for the larger industrial park, if a parcel essentially is removed from it. Marvin Academy is a Christian school that began in 2016. County staff continues to recommend against a plan for new homes on the southeast corner of Fork Hill Road and Little Dude Avenue. Coulston Enterprises returned with plans for The Sands at Kershaw after planners and the planning commission recommended against it this summer. Coulston wants to put 76 lots on almost 40 acres just outside of Kershaw. The property at one point was zoned to allow worker housing for Haile Gold Mine. The property was rezoned last year to allow medium-density residential construction. Staff notes concerns with fire access and wetlands on the property. Neighboring property owner SMC Global asked to the county not to approve The Sands at Kershaw, citing traffic concerns and availability of water supply. Edgewater would grow by 19 homes on 9 acres under a new proposal. Its at the intersection of Bethel Boat Landing Road and Spinnaker Way. True Homes is the applicant. Edgewater is a much larger development that came from the massive Bear Creek development more than two decades ago. The Bear Creek project was created in 1999 at more than 6,200 acres, but has been broken apart and developed separately since. Coulston Enterprises applied to put 17 homes on almost 12 acres in Lancaster. The property is off the west side of Cane Mill Road, and on both sides of Sienna Lane. Boone Village, as its called in a submitted sketch plan, would put homes off a horseshoe road with two entrances on Cane Mill. Sienna Miller spoke publicly for the first time about her pregnancy as she posed for Vogue - ANNIE LEIBOVITZ/VOGUE Sienna Miller has complained of double standards over criticism of her age gap relationship as she revealed she is expecting a baby with her partner, who is 14 years her junior. The British-American actress, 41, who starred in Netflixs Anatomy of a Scandal last year, told Vogue she is expecting a girl with Oli Green, 27, an actor. Speaking about the stigma surrounding an older pregnancy, she said: I think people are comfortable with a way of living that has existed for many years, which is very misogynistic and patriarchal. And like me being the older woman in a partnership with a younger person or being pregnant over 40 and that thats irresponsible and poor child and its such double standards. Oli Green and Sienna Miller at this year's Wimbledon tennis championships - Karwai Tang/WireImage The actress is already mother to daughter Marlowe, 10, with former partner Tom Sturridge. She said she was more than 31 weeks into her pregnancy. She previously confirmed her relationship with Green by attending a Vanity Fair party with him in February 2022. The couple were photographed along with Marlowe for a Vogue spread, in which Miller proudly displayed her baby bump. Miller shows off her baby bump in the photographs for Vogue - Annie Leibovitz/US Vogue Sienna Miller on the Cover of US Vogue A total surprise She said: Id love to get to a point where I didnt feel the need to make a joke of my being older and having a baby, to show Im in on the joke. She also revealed that the pregnancy was unplanned, saying: I was very fortunate. I wasnt necessarily trying to get pregnant. This happened as a total surprise and biologically was something I was able to do. Reports first emerged of her latest pregnancy last summer, when photos appeared of her in a bikini in Ibiza. In September, she appeared at a Vogue event in London in an outfit revealing her bump. Emily Blunt, Millers longtime friend and fellow actress, is an avid supporter of her relationship with Green. She said she had talked with Miller for many years about how much she had wanted another child after Marlowe. Weve talked about it for years. She just needed the right person, and I really see that in him, Blunt said. In her interview with the magazine, Miller revealed that she had thought the idea of dating Green after they first met was absurd, but added: He worked hard to persuade me to go out for a drink with him. The winter issue of Vogue featuring Sienna Miller is now 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. The Black Santa Houston discusses why representation matters, especially during the holiday season. Back in 2017, a little boy in Texas wanted to have his picture taken with Santa. However, the little boys mother, Magan Butler-Coleman, wanted the Santa in question to look like her son. She needed a Black Santa. The search took almost two years, but eventually, a mutual friend introduced Butler-Coleman to Kelvin Douglas, an educator in the state and a perfect candidate to don the big red suit and play the part. Douglas agreed and the whole experience went off without a hitch for the delighted youngster. It was such a hit that Butler-Coleman was inspired to do more, and, as Douglas recently told theGrio, Next thing you know, it became a business. We were all surprised by the level of interest, Butler-Coleman noted. I knew we had something. Since the Black Santa Houston launched in 2019, Douglas has gone on to re-create that experience for countless Black children throughout the country. From being featured in The New York Times to appearing on the Drew Barrymore Show, hes covered a lot of ground. Its a lot of love and pride that I get out of being able to be that reflection for so many kids and families, said Douglas and hes not alone. Gone are the days of Santa Claus only being depicted and performed as an old white man with a big belly; Black Santas can now be found at aspirational destinations like Disney World and beyond. Santa also isnt just Black and white; these days, he is as diverse as the children who believe in him. Even Macys iconic Santaland experience has expanded its offerings to include a Black Santa and a Spanish-speaking Santa, with more options in the works. At Macys, we believe that Santa is all things to all people who find joy in his goodness and kindness, Kathleen Wright, the director of production operations for Macys Santaland, told theGrio over email. We treasure the memories that families have made and shared with us over the years and enjoy being able to accommodate requests from near and far. When you cant get to a Macys that offers the Santaland experience, thats where performers such as Douglas come in. In addition to traditional Santa meet-and-greets, the Black Santa Houston offers a Black Santa experience for corporate and private events and holiday photo shoots. Douglas said during the holiday season, he starts his long, jolly days at 8 a.m., setting the mood with Christmas music before greeting children and their parents. Some of the children are bursting with excitement, some are shy, and, of course, some cry but he ensures that all leave with a timeless memory of a Santa who looks like them. Douglas credits Butler-Coleman with instilling the importance of offering all families a high-quality experience. The Black Santa Houston strives to improve representation for Black children around the holidays. (Photo courtesy of The Black Santa Houston) So years from now, when these kids look at these pictures, whether theyre laughing in the picture or crying, its going to be something that they reflect on, and its gonna be a great memory for them for years to come, he said. To just think that Im a part of that is a very humbling experience. As an educator, Douglas is also keenly aware of how the timeless holiday memories he now helps create can have a lasting impact on childrens imaginations and conceptions of what they can be. It is crucial because it gives them that reinforcement that they can be anything that they want to be, and thats important, he said. He explained that when children dont see themselves reflected in roles in society such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, entertainers, and so forth, they start to develop an internal narrative telling them they could never be those things. He added, So when they begin to see Black Santas and Black doctors and Black lawyers and Black teachers, they know that they can also become that themselves and even a Black president. Its important that [Black children] always see themselves reflected in society. Its not just the children who are benefitting from the representation; Butler-Coleman said families travel from around the country to Houston for her Santa experience, and not just for their children. They want their children to have this experience. But what I have learned is its actually also the parents wanting an experience they didnt have as a child. So they are all having full circle-of-life moments with the children, and it is beautiful, she explained. Since the Black Santa Houstons launch, the company has experienced significant growth. Due to demand, the operation now includes four different Santa performers and three different Mrs. Claus performers. Last year, Butler-Coleman, whose background is in healthcare finance, secured her first commercial space for the company, officially establishing Santas home base in Houston. The business was also awarded the Wells Fargo Open for Business Grant through The Houston Equity Fund. Building on the success and popularity of The Black Santa Houston, Butler-Coleman recently launched a family sleepwear line. Through the WYNTRY Collection, Black families can bring the experience home with them in matching pajamas with Black and brown holiday characters, including Santa. Butler-Coleman noted, Its hard to capture in words this experience, because we havent reached our full potential. We meet the most amazing families, and theyre the reason were thriving. Douglas added, We pinch ourselves every day thinking about how far this company has come. Recommended Stories Ghetto Gastro, Black Power Kitchen, Jon Gray, Lester Walker and Pierre Serrao, GAP Holiday 2023, Holiday season, theGrio.com Lifestyle Ghetto Gastro wants you to have a happy and elevated holiday season Kay Wicker Black memoirs and biographies, memoir and biographies, Black books, Black memoirs, Black authors, Black celebrity memoirs, Black biographies, Tariq Trotter memoir, MLK biography, August Wilson biography, theGrio.com Featured Gift like theGrio: Gift empathy with Black biographies and memoirs Maiysha Kai Woosah Bride, Black bridal journal, Black bridal brand, Black wedding planner, Black bridal assistant, holiday engagement, engagement season, wedding planning advice, Black brides, Black weddings, theGrio.com Featured Newly engaged? Heres how to start planning your nuptials with less stress Kay Wicker Harvard Business School Spades clinic, Black Harvard Business School students, Black Ivy League students, Black at a PWI, Spades, history of Spades, how to play Spades, Spades in Black culture, theGrio.com Featured Dont know how to play Spades? These Black Harvard Business School students can school you! Kay Wicker Ciara new baby, How many kids does Ciara have?, Ciara Amora Princess Wilson, What is Ciara Lifestyle Ciara and Russell Wilson welcome new baby girl, Amora Princess Haniyah Philogene Entertainment Netflix announces Bridgerton season 3 premiere date TheGrio Staff Elections After losing Houston mayors race, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to seek reelection to Congress Associated Press When all is said and done, the experience is as enriching for Douglas as it is for the families. He tears up recalling the countless memories hes made over the years, including the year a nonverbal child did everything in their power to communicate their joy at meeting him. He chuckles, thinking of how frustrated mothers will resort to bringing their misbehaving children to meet with him for a come-to-Santa moment. He even thinks back to meeting Santa as a child himself, pondering how different the experience would have been if it had been a Black Santa. Representation matters, Douglas said. Whenever you have an opportunity to allow kids to see themselves reflected in society, definitely be a part of that. Butler-Coleman added, My lesson has and continues to be to create the things you wish existed. I have a very deep understanding of what Black families need in our society. And through the magic of the holiday season, it is my goal to provide the positive Black representation that our children need as they develop and start to make sense of the world around them. Oh, and for any young readers wondering why Santa was referred to as Douglas in this story, he has a message directly for you: Santa loves you! Believe that you can do and be anything that you want to be because thats the kind of world we live in. Santa also added a very hearty Ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas! to all. Kay Wicker Kay Wicker is a lifestyle writer for theGrio, covering health, wellness, travel, beauty, fashion, and the myriad ways Black people live and enjoy their lives. She has previously created content for magazines, newspapers, and digital brands. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post The significance of Black Santa appeared first on TheGrio. A Sikh pilot in India has approached a court to seek a permit to carry a religious dagger while flying and inside airports. Angad Singh, a pilot working with Indian private carrier Indigo, has moved the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court seeking permission from the government of India to carry the kirpan. Kirpan, a dagger with a curved blade, is one of the five physical symbols worn by Sikhs which are considered as markers of the Sikh identity. The others are kesh or uncut hair, kara which is a steel bracelet, the kanga, a wooden comb, and kacchera or underwear. The petitioner, Mr Singh, argued that Sikh people working in the aviation industry should be allowed to carry the religious symbol as it has been enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian constitution which guarantees religious freedom. Sikh passengers are already allowed to carry a kirpan when traveling by air. In March 2022, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Indias aviation regulatory authority, issued directives to grant "exceptional regulatory sanction", enabling Sikh air passengers to carry kirpans with blades not exceeding six inches length on civilian flights. A correction notice issued after a few days permitted Sikhs employed at airports to also carry kirpans. Mr Singh said that the same should also be applicable to the employees in the industry. He said he was not allowed to carry his religious dagger at the airport and it was confiscated by the airport authority. Mr Singh highlighted a Delhi High Court judgment that observed there should be no discrimination between Sikh passengers and stakeholders working as ground staff. "The very act of the respondents in not permitting the petitioner to carry kirpan while travelling even when passengers are allowed to carry the same is logic or reasoning as it is easier to control and monitor the actions of the stakeholders and employees such as the petitioner rather than to monitor the passengers who are travelling in the flight, his petition stated. The passengers being permitted to carry kirpan, it defies logic and reasoning why the petitioner should be deprived of carrying the kirpan while travelling. A notification has been issued to the Ministry of Aviation, the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to seek their responses on the matter. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled on 29 January 2024. 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 [God 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 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-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. Singaporeans bid farewell to a two-year-old panda cub on Wednesday as authorities prepared to send him to China where he will join the country's breeding program. Le Le, the first panda to be born in the city-state, made his final public appearance at the River Wonders wildlife park before a month-long quarantine ahead of his departure. Dozens of visitors lined up to see Le Le amble around his enclosure, eating bamboo and carrot sticks that keepers had hidden under paper planes and inside cardboard suitcases. Among them was Lucilla Teoh, a self-described "panda-holic", who wore a t-shirt and hat decorated with panda motifs and sparkly panda earrings for the special occasion. The 61-year-old told AFP she considers herself Le Le's "grand-aunty" as she had watched him grow from a tiny baby into a 73-kilogram (161-pound) cub. "Obviously it's bittersweet, I wish he could stay longer," Teoh said. "But I also feel he has a part to play in panda conservation, that it is important for him to go back to China, grow up a bit, and then hopefully he gets to be a panda ambassador and come out like his parents." Lydia Robangsa, who brought her nine-year-old daughter Dahlia to see Le Le for the last time, said they felt "a bit sad" to say goodbye to the panda. "I think Singapore is his home," the 40-year-old marketing executive said. Le Le was born in 2021 via artificial insemination after his parents, Jia Jia and Kai Kai, failed to mate naturally. The pair, now aged 15 and 16 respectively, arrived in Singapore in 2012 on loan from China. Under the arrangement, their offspring were to be sent to China after reaching independence to join the country's panda breeding program. Panda reproduction -- in captivity or in the wild -- is notoriously difficult, experts say, as few of the animals get in the mood or, even when they do, do not know how to mate. Further complicating matters, the window for conception is small since female pandas are in heat only once a year, for about 24-48 hours. Le Le is scheduled to travel to Chengdu on January 16 in a custom-made crate on board a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F freighter plane. China has long deployed "panda diplomacy", lending the black and white animals to various countries, often to further its foreign policy aims. There are an estimated 1,860 giant pandas left in the wild, according to environmental group WWF, and about 600 in captivity in panda centres, zoos and wildlife parks worldwide. cla/amj/mca Cash and cigarettes were stolen in an armed robbery at a petrol station that involved a man in a ski mask brandishing a handgun and a knife. It happened at the Shell garage on Newmarket High Street in Suffolk at 19:15 GMT on Tuesday. The area was searched by police upon arrival, but they could not find the suspect and no arrests were made. Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the time of the robbery to get in touch. The man wore dark jeans, a light-coloured hooded top with the hood up, as well as a black ski mask with small eye holes. He put a large, Army-style camouflaged rucksack on to the counter and told a staff member to fill it with cash and cigarettes before leaving. Det Insp Cat Thompson said: "Detectives investigating this serious offence are exploring any forensic, CCTV and other opportunities that may be available. "We understand the nature of this robbery will cause concern to residents. Additional uniform patrols have been put in place in the area and residents are welcome to approach officers to ask questions, share their concerns or ask for crime safety advice." Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 18 Fresno County wants to build a massive industrial park off Highway 99 that will negatively impact the health of south Fresno residents that already breathe some of the nations most polluted air. This glaring inequity has drawn the scrutiny of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, first in his March 2022 correspondence to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and during local appearances since. If choices are made that are unlawful, its our job to enforce the law and yes, we will get involved, Bonta said during an August news conference in Fresno. The thing that angers me the most is when people who have power use that power to hurt folks who have less power. I completely agree. But what happens when the abuse of power comes from inside Bontas own house, or at least a parallel wing? Opinion Fresno Countys efforts are being aided by Caltrans, which proposes to make $140 million worth of interchange improvements at North and American avenues that would give the 2,940-acre industrial park better freeway access. However, in Caltrans environmental review of the project, a document that is supposed to study the air pollution and traffic impacts to the Malaga, Calwa and south Fresno communities census tracts that already rank in the top 1% nationally of overburdened areas theres no mention of the Fresno County Business and Industrial Campus. None whatsoever. The harmful effects of millions of semi-truck trips upon tens of thousands of residents health is disregarded. Even though, since fairly early in the process, Caltrans officials had full knowledge of the countys proposal. We know all this thanks to the detailed reporting of Fresnolands Greg Weaver, who reviewed hundreds of internal emails and documents and interviewed a dozen subject experts during his investigation. One of them was Jeanie Ward-Waller, a Caltrans executive currently on leave, who claimed the agencys omission of the industrial park was deliberate and meant to get around avoiding having to talk about more vehicle miles traveled, more emissions, and more impacts on environmental justice communities. Caltrans officials ducked Weavers questions. In its own environmental review of the freeway project, agency officials repelled arguments against including the industrial park by stating people didnt literally live on the property and therefore the project would not have a disproportionate adverse environmental impact. Besides being dismissive, this conclusion flies in the face of established science. Nitrogen oxides, a hazardous gas compound emitted by engine exhaust and linked to numerous health ailments, disperses over a wide area. Caltrans reasoning ignores everything we know about air pollution, said Ed Avol, a USC professor who co-authored a groundbreaking study on the respiratory health of children who live near busy roads. They have not done their due diligence. Unfortunately, they often do quick and sloppy work. Added Mike Kleeman, a UC Davis professor and author of several San Joaquin Valley air quality studies: I dont believe that theres ever a situation where one can say that if no one lives on the land where I am going to build the highway, there are no public health impacts. Rather than admit its mistake or even haste Caltrans stubbornly refuses to redo its environmental analysis to account for the proposed industrial park. Rather, it has relied on legal maneuvers seemingly intended to price out dissenting voices. Caltrans questionable tactic Earlier this year, the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, a Fresno-based group, filed a federal lawsuit against Caltrans to challenge the interchange project. Two months later, the agency moved to cross-file the federal suit into state court to create a second court case on the same topic. Why would Caltrans do that? David Pettit, a senior attorney with the National Resources Defense Council, told Fresnoland such tactics are designed to avoid the cases merits by making litigation as expensive as possible, hoping that the community groups cant pay and then the case will go away. If true, Caltrans should be ashamed. The agency has an ethical obligation to residents of south Fresno to ensure its environmental analysis is as complete and accurate as possible not to bleed dry those that speak against its obvious flaws. Since Caltrans wont do the right thing on its own, the agency should be compelled to do so in court. And I can think of fewer attorneys better suited for such an assignment than the one in Sacramento whose offices legal fees are funded by state taxpayers. After all, Bonta has shown an eagerness to challenge Fresno County over apparent race discrimination in housing laws. Locating new industrial sites in Malaga and Calwa would knowingly add to the recognized environmental and health problems faced by residents, Bonta wrote in his 2022 letter to county supervisors. But what happens when those skids are greased by a fellow state agency? At a time when Bonta should be raising his voice against Caltrans, Californias top cop has been silent. Slovakia will support starting negotiations for Ukraines accession to the European Union as the process is pointless, according to Slovakias new Prime Minister Robert Fico on Dec. 13. We will not obstruct the EUs decision to start negotiations with Ukraine. This is a political decision, unrelated to reality. Ukraine is not ready for negotiations, stated Fico. In recent parliamentary elections held on Oct. 1 in Slovakia, the pro-Russian Smer-SD party, led by Fico, secured victory with 23.29% of the vote. Read also: Fico opposes support for Ukraine and its NATO membership, pledging to halt military aid to Ukraine and focus solely on humanitarian assistance. He also argues that Ukraine and Russia are better off negotiating for the next ten years than killing each other. Previously, Fico propagated false Russian narratives, claiming that the war started in 2014 when Ukrainian Nazis and fascists began killing Russian citizens in Donetsk and Luhansk. Read also: The EU leaders summit is scheduled for Dec. 14-15 in Brussels, where the bloc will decide whether to initiate membership talks with Ukraine. The European Commission recommended starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Nov. 8. However, on Nov. 27, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatened to disrupt the December summit of EU member states. It was revealed on Dec. 4 that Orban intends to block the decision to open negotiations for Ukraines EU accession, citing its poor preparation. 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 Lisa Hancock sweep the sidewalk in front of Vicki Spurling Realty on Main Street in Cherryville Friday morning, Oct. 13, 2023. In 2014, the city of Cherryville established its Main Street Program with the ultimate goal of bringing more commerce to the city, according to Cherryvilles Downtown and Economic Development Director David Day. With several business owners opening up shop in the citys downtown this year and more on the horizon in 2024, It is really working, Day said. Cherryvilles approach to stimulating economic development is multifaceted, Day said. Important aspects of development for the city include revitalization, stand-out holiday decor and an all-around focus on bringing people into town. Cherryvilles revitalization includes repair and beautification of existing businesses, which helps draw shoppers and new business owners to the city, Day said. Equally as important as the beautification of buildings is the addition of public art in the city. Earlier this year, the city commissioned a mural of Cherryville native bluegrass performers Brooke and Darin Aldridge, which was painted in the mini park over the summer. When we put in the mural, that's part of the mural trail, Day said. That brings people into town to come look at the mural. In addition to becoming a stop on the North Carolina Musicians Mural Trail, the city also hopes to become a Christmas destination in the coming years and could be well on its way. Cherryville's new mural honoring Darin and Brooke Aldridge, located at the Cherryville Mini Park. On Dec. 1, the city hosted A Very Cherry Who-ville Christmas on Main Street. Despite consistent rain, city officials estimate a turn-out of more than 3,000 people, following last years official turn-out of around 10,000 people. (We are) trying to promote Cherryville as a destination to look at lights, Day said. The city has decorated downtown with 22 updated light pole wreaths, 22 updated light pole snowflakes, selfie spots in front of the Chamber of Commerce, a mini park and more. When we did the Christmas lights, the economic driver behind that was to bring people into town, Day said. Pretty much everything the Main Street Program develops and does is the driver for the economic development of the town. Efforts to bring more businesses and shoppers to Cherryville have manifested in the form of several new businesses setting up shop this year. The Fuzzy Cow opened its doors this summer to sell sweet treats from frozen yogurt to bubble tea. Contractor Blake Richardson works on the facade of one of the buildings on Main Street in Cherryville Friday morning, Oct. 13, 2023. North Carolina restaurateur Johnny Ray recently announced that he is opening Five Spur Steakhouse in the city sometime next year. A new Floral Shop, Noble Artistry, also opened its doors on Cherryvilles Main Street this year. According to Day, three additional businesses are in the process of confirming plans to move into the citys downtown next year but have not yet made announcements. The way it kind of works, if you get your hub of your town developed, it exponentially moves out to other parts of the city, Day said. Were seeing that, because other businesses are coming into town, and were looking at other areas to bring in businesses, not just Main Street, Day added. This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: City of Cherryville economic development plans coming to fruition EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Socorro ISD bus yard has been hit by thieves twice this month who stole catalytic converters, the district confirmed. Socorro Independent School District issued the following statement: We can confirm that more catalytic converters were stolen. With that incident, a total of 24 buses have been affected. The buses are being repaired. They were removed from circulation as soon as we were made aware of the missing parts. The investigation into the theft is continuing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. This is an excerpt from our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, which sends the biggest unsolved mysteries, white-collar scandals, and captivating cases straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. Just after midnight on Christmas Eve in 1945, Jennie Sodder awoke to the smell of smoke. She quickly discovered that the Fayetteville, West Virginia, home she shared with her husband, George, and nine of their children, was ablaze. When the fire department arrived seven hours later, the two-story framed house had burned to the ground and five Sodder children were missing. No one can say for certain what happened to the Sodders five young children, but their family never saw them again, and their remains were not found in the ashes of their home. Although authorities determined that the children Maurice, 14; Martha, 12; Louis, 10; Jennie Irene, 8; and Betty, 5 had died in the fire, their family disputed the finding and never gave up searching for them. Because of so many peculiar events surrounding the tragic fire, the case captured the public imagination and is one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century. Five Sodder children were never seen again after the fire (left to right): Betty, 5; Jennie, 8; Louis, 10; Martha, 12; and Maurice, 14 Five Sodder children were never seen again after the fire (left to right): Betty, 5; Jennie, 8; Louis, 10; Martha, 12; and Maurice, 14 The siblings older brothers, John, 23, and George Jr., 16, and their father had gone to bed early that Christmas Eve, tired from a long day working at Georges coal trucking business. The younger children, however, were allowed to stay up late to play with the toys their older sister, Mary Ann Marion Sodder, 17, had bought them for Christmas. Their mother took the youngest child, 3-year-old Sylvia, to bed with her at around 10:30 p.m., telling Maurice and Louis to attend to the cows and chickens. Joe Sodder, 21, had been discharged from the Army the day before the fire and was the only one of the 10 Sodder children not home. At about 1 a.m., Jennie bolted out of bed when she smelled smoke and saw flames in her husbands office, blocking her from reaching the phone. She told Marion, who had fallen asleep on the sofa, to take Sylvia outside while she and George frantically tried to rescue the other children. George Jr. and John, who said he woke his siblings but later updated his account, saying that he had only shouted at them ran downstairs. Fire engulfed the staircase to the attic where the children slept, preventing their father from going upstairs. The fact that no one heard them crying out was one of the reasons the Sodders later believed they might not have been in their bedroom at all. At the time, however, George desperately tried other ways to get to his children. He was stymied by two of many unusual circumstances that night. First, a ladder that normally stood by the house wasnt there. He and his sons then tried to move his trucks against the house, hoping to reach the upper floor by standing on top of them, but they couldnt get them started. They could only watch as the blaze destroyed the five-room house. After 45 minutes, only its foundation remained. The Sodder family offered a $5,000 reward for information about the whereabouts of five of their children. The Sodder family offered a $5,000 reward for information about the whereabouts of five of their children. Telephone Sabotage Even if Jennie had been able to reach the familys telephone, she couldnt have placed a call: The line had been cut. George Bragg, a local writer and researcher, told NPR in a 2005 interview that a man later admitted that he had cut them and during the fire was in an outbuilding on the Sodders property stealing a block and tackle (used to remove car engines). While there is speculation that he set the fire as a diversion, its also possible he took advantage of the familys distraction to take the equipment. Still, neither the thief nor anyone else was ever charged with arson in the catastrophic fire. The Lights Were Still Burning Officials initially determined that the fire had been caused by faulty electrical wiring, another finding the family disputed. It couldnt have been an electrical fire, the Sodders believed, because they could see some lights on in the rooms downstairs before the fire consumed the house. Moreover, George had recently hired a professional electrician to do some work, and it had passed an inspection evidence to him that something else had sparked the blaze. Crank Call The phone was working just after midnight, Jennie later said. Its ringing was the first of three separate events, including the smoke, that had awakened her. The caller asked to speak to someone Jennie didnt know. After she replied that they must have the wrong number, the caller responded with what Jennie described as a strange laugh. Thump On The Roof Half an hour later, Jennie heard something like a rubber ball hit the roof. It rolled and hit the ground with a thump, she said. At the time, it didnt worry her, and she fell back asleep again. But a passing bus driver (or passenger the attribution is inconsistent) described having seen balls of fire being thrown on the tar and wood roof, where it was determined the blaze had started. Sylvia later found a rubber object in the yard, the family claimed, that George identified as a type of hand grenade. Officials initially determined that the fire had been caused by faulty electrical wiring, but the Sodders did not believe this to be true because they could see some lights on in the rooms downstairs before the fire consumed the house. Officials initially determined that the fire had been caused by faulty electrical wiring, but the Sodders did not believe this to be true because they could see some lights on in the rooms downstairs before the fire consumed the house. Firefighters Delay Marion reportedly ran to a neighbors home to summon the fire department, but the phone operator failed to respond to her call or a second one placed by another neighbor. George attempted to fill a bucket with water to douse the fire himself. Unfortunately, due to the frigid weather, the water barrel was frozen solid. And they received no help from the fire department their truck didnt respond until daylight, seven hours after another neighbor called them. Various accounts attribute the delay to a war-related staffing shortage, and difficulty in contacting and rousing the firefighters. It is also rumored that the chief didnt know how to operate the fire truck and had to wait for someone who could drive it. Missing Remains Death certificates for the children were issued on Dec. 30, five days after the fire. The cause of death for each was listed as fire or suffocation. Although George and Jennie Sodder later insisted otherwise, a journalist who covered the story for NPR said four people had reported seeing remains including one of Jennies brothers. If so, they werent collected or included in official records. George Sodder himself may have unintentionally destroyed evidence that his children had died. On Dec. 29, he brought in a bulldozer to fill the basement with dirt in order to create a memorial for them. At the time, the grieving family did not doubt the officials determination that the five children did not survive. Only later would John reportedly admit that he hadnt actually seen or heard his five siblings respond when he warned them to escape as he and George Jr. fled. In the burial, cremation, or removal section of the childrens death certificates, burial is selected with the date of Dec. 27. The Sodders address is listed as the cemetery. Buried Beef Liver One of the most bewildering elements of this story involves Fayetteville Fire Chief F.J. Morris. Accounts vary, but according to a private investigator hired by the Sodders, Morris said he had found a body part specifically, a heart at the site and buried it there in a box. The box was dug up and taken to a funeral director. He swiftly determined that rather than a human heart, the box contained what he believed to be beef liver, untouched by fire. Morris allegedly told others that hed planted the fake remains to persuade the Sodders their children were dead a baffling explanation considering the parents were never told about it. In 1949, George Sodder had the site excavated and made a stunning find: human vertebrae. However, there was no way to prove the bones were there right after the fire. They could have been transferred, for example, in the soil Georges bulldozer used to fill in the basement. The vertebrae which had no evidence of charring were sent to the Smithsonian Institution for analysis. It found that they belonged to a single individual, likely a male between the age of 16 and 22. The report stopped short of excluding Maurice, the 14-year-old, saying it was possible, although not probable, for a boy his age to have the skeletal maturation of a 16- or 17-year-old. Supposed Sightings Frustrated by officials unwillingness to further investigate their childrens disappearance, the Sodders hired a number of private investigators, and George himself traveled around the country following up on leads. Their theory that the children were kidnapped by the Mafia, or others was bolstered by a number of alleged sightings throughout the years. For example, a Charleston motel manager came forward in 1952 to say that four children, accompanied by two men and two women, whom she described as of Italian extraction, stayed overnight at her establishment two or three days after the fire. The Sodders found her account credible enough that they included it in a billboard they erected in 1953 at the site of the fire, offering a $5,000 reward later doubled for information leading to the recovery of any one or all 5 of the missing children. What Was Their Fate: Kidnapped, Murdered or Are They Still Alive? the billboard read above individual photos of each child. A number of other witnesses came forward as well. One woman said she saw the children in a passing car while the fire was still burning; another claimed she served them breakfast at a diner just hours later. Perhaps the most convincing lead arrived in a mailed envelope addressed to Jennie Sodder in 1967. A second billboard included a photograph of a man (right) they believe to be their adult son, Louis. A second billboard included a photograph of a man (right) they believe to be their adult son, Louis. Louis Picture Inside the envelope, postmarked from Central City, Kentucky, was a photograph of a man who looked strikingly similar to Louis. Handwritten on the back of the photo was Louis Sodder followed by a cryptic message: I love brother Frankie. Ilil boys. A90132 or 35. The Sodders were convinced it was their son, but they and other investigators could not decipher the message. Louis did not have a brother named Frank, but his mother born Jennie Cipriani did. In fact, at one point the Sodders accused a man named Frank Cipriani of kidnapping the children and raising them as their own in Florida. (The woman who claimed to have seen the children on Christmas morning noticed the car had a Florida license plate, and Cipriani lived in the area where other witnesses said they saw the children.) According to Ciprianis obituary, one of his three sons was also named Frank. The Ilil boys phrase has sleuths stumped, but many have pointed that the five digits in A90132 or 35 could represent postal codes 90135, for example, can be found in the city of Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. In 1967, the Sodders reportedly received a letter from a woman in Houston who said she encountered Louis and his brother Maurice at a bar, where Louis confessed that they were the missing Sodder brothers. Sylvias husband, Grover Paxton, drove George there and met with the men, but they denied they were his sons. I think there was always some doubt in his mind, Paxton told the Charleston Gazette-Mail. He died shortly thereafter, in 1969, and I think he always wondered if those were his boys. Somebody stole them, thats what, Jennie told the Beckley Post-Herald in 1975 about her missing children. She had a second billboard created to include the photo she believed to be an adult Louis. The message was unequivocal, stating the children had been kidnapped and questioning why the police failed to investigate. In an interview with the Charleston Daily Mail in 1976, Jennie said, Nothing is going to get me to give up hope that my children are still alive. Jennie died in 1989, but her surviving relatives and amateur detectives continue to search for clues about what happened to her children. Its possible the mystery will never be solved. Related... The predominantly Muslim nation of Azerbaijan has landed on a persecution advocacy group's list of the worst countries for Christian persecution over its policies toward neighboring Armenia. The United States-based International Christian Concern (ICC), which tracks the persecution of Christians worldwide, released its 2023 Persecutors of the Year report this week. The publication lists Azerbaijan among the top 10 nations hostile toward the faith. The list includes Nigeria, North Korea, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Eritrea, Algeria and Indonesia. Sandwiched between Turkey and Iran, Azerbaijan has warred with Armenia for decades over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which consists of as much as a 98% majority Christian population, most of whom identify as Armenian Apostolic, according to ICC. The two nations have entered into conflict at least twice over the last century, but following a monthslong blockade earlier this year, Azerbaijani forces commandeered Nagorno-Karabakh, a self-known to Armenians as Artsakh, in September. The region was previously controlled by ethnic Armenians as the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh, a de facto independent state internationally recognized as a part of Azerbaijan. After a six-week war with Armenia in 2020, Azerbaijan regained control of territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. An armistice brokered by Russia left the region connected to Armenia only by the Lachin Corridor. Nagorno-Karabakh had been under varying degrees of blockade since December 2022 and was completely cut off from Armenian supplies in mid-June before the September offensive. "Azerbaijan's end game is clear: to rid its borders of Christianity either by forcing the Armenian people and their faith out of Azerbaijan or destroying the people and historical sites," the report states. ICC highlights the language employed toward Armenians by Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, who "uses derogatory rhetoric, such as barbarians, rats, and vandals, to describe and dehumanize the Armenian people." In 2012, Aliyev tweeted, "Our main enemy is the Armenian lobby." "Armenia as a country is of no value," he tweeted "It is actually a colony, an outpost run from abroad, a territory artificially created on ancient Azerbaijani lands." The Armenian lobby is our main enemy and we are the main enemy for them. Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) November 20, 2012 Despite the ancient heritage of Armenia as the world's first Christian nation, the report points to what it described as the international community's "ill-informed understanding of the ancient cultural heritage of Armenia." Videos that surfaced of the 2020 conflict between the two nations showed Azerbaijani forces "intentionally destroying" Christian cultural landmarks like the centuries-old khachkars, or cross-stones, and churches such as the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, one of the largest Armenian churches in the world. "For most people living in the region, to be Armenian is to be Christian," the report stated. "Therefore, persecution against Armenians and Armenian residents of NK is persecution against the body of Christ." Until the September invasion, the region had a predominantly Christian population. The 24-hour Azerbaijan September offensive killed at least 200 ethnic Armenians, including 10 civilians. Over 400 were wounded. Officials last month estimated more than 100,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced from the region. Of the displaced, roughly 32,000 have taken up accommodation offered by the Armenian government, while others chose to stay with friends or relatives in Armenia. In October, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of "ethnic cleansing," warning that "in the coming days, there will be no Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh." That prospect has raised international concern from organizations across the political spectrum, including the National Council of Churches (NCC), which released a statement reiterating its support for the Armenian Orthodox Church, one of the 37 member communions of the NCC. "While genocide typically takes place methodically over months and years, the NCC believes we may indeed be witnessing a continuation of genocide against the Armenian people, one that is borne of supremacy as in other genocides, but rather than consume the perpetrators in swift and orchestrated killing, unfolds over the long term in disparate acts of ethnic cleansing," the NCC statement reads. "As we have noted with alarm the illegal, humanitarian blockade of the region and the destruction of critical infrastructure, and observe the steady stream of refugees flowing through a single geographic conduit to safety, can we not assume this is, in fact, what is happening?" Between 1915 and 1923, an estimated 1.5 million Armenian Christians died after they were expelled from the Ottoman Empire, now known as Turkey. Turkey denied the existence of the Armenian Genocide, and it took over 100 years before the mass killing was finally acknowledged as a genocide by the U.S. government. In a move that threatens to heighten communal tensions, the Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JSM), an affiliate of the pro-Hindu Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has announced its intention to stage a protest rally on Christmas Day in Agartala, the capital of Tripura. The focus of their demonstration is a call for the removal of welfare benefits for tribal people who have converted to Christianity or Islam, asserting that these religions are of foreign origin. The JSM argues that individuals who have embraced these faiths should be eliminated from the official Scheduled Tribes (STs) list. The central argument put forth by the JSM is that converted tribal individuals no longer adhere to traditional customs, advocating for their exclusion from the ST category. This move would deny them crucial benefits such as education, job quotas and other welfare advantages granted under Indias affirmative action programs. Santi Bikash Chakma, the convener of JSMs Tripura unit, made the organisation's stance clear during a press conference, stating, We will organise a massive rally at the Swami Vivekananda Ground on December 25, demanding the delisting of converted people from ST status by amending constitutional provisions. Chakma emphasised that the JSM is not against any religion but advocates for the preservation of indigenous culture, tradition and customs. Critics argue that the proposed amendment could infringe upon the right to freedom of religion enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Moreover, there is concern that holding the rally on Christmas Day, a significant religious occasion for Christians, might aggravate religious tensions in the region. The JSMs affiliation with the RSS adds a political dimension to the controversy, attracting attention not only from the local population but also from national and international observers monitoring religious and tribal issues. The rally, scheduled to take place on Christmas Day, is expected to draw heightened scrutiny due to its potential impact on the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and respecting individual religious freedoms. As the date of the rally approaches, tensions are escalating, and various stakeholders are expressing their opinions on the issue. Father Ivan D'Silva, the secretary for social communication at Agartala diocese, voiced opposition to the rally on Christmas Day, expressing uncertainty about the motive behind such a provocative timing. He remarked, It looks like it is being done deliberately. We called a meeting of all Church denominations in the state and have decided to oppose the rally. Father Nicholas Barla, secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Indias Office for Tribal Affairs, believes the planned rally is part of a political program ahead of the national elections to be held next year. He sees the demand to de-list tribal Christians from the beneficiaries list for STs as part of a larger conspiracy to divide tribal people in the name of religion for the electoral benefit of pro-Hindu parties. The demand for delisting tribal Christians from the beneficiaries list for STs is being raised in various states and provinces of India with sizable tribal populations, Barla said. He warned against using religion as a tool to create divisions and emphasised the constitutional right of people to practise and profess any faith of their choice. Tripura is currently governed by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP is aligned with the ideology of the RSS, which strives to make India into a Hindu rashtra (nation). The BJP's influence in the region adds a layer of complexity to the controversy surrounding the JSM's rally. Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with regional secular outfits, have vehemently opposed the rally, labelling it as unconstitutional and a conspiracy to foment sectarian divide in the state. Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman went further to suggest that the demand to de-list tribal Christians from the ST category was floated to disturb the peace and foment ethnic discord and tension in the state. He cautioned that the pro-Hindu political parties and their affiliate organisations were risking mutual co-existence on the lines of Manipur, where ethnic religious violence has claimed many lives and caused thousands to be internally displaced. Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, chief of the regional outfit Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, also suspected a conspiracy to use religion to divide the tribal people of Tripura. Christians constitute approximately 4.35 percent of Tripuras population, with a significant portion belonging to indigenous tribal communities such as the Tripuri, Lushai, Kuki, Darlong and Halam. The diverse religious landscape includes Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics and members of various neo-Christian groups. As the region braces for potential tensions and protests, the debate over the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and respecting individual religious freedoms intensifies. Originally published by Christian Today India China's top legislator meets with vice president of Mozambican assembly Xinhua) 16:12, December 13, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Helder Ernesto Injojo, vice president of the assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, calling for enhanced exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, stated that China and Mozambique have a deep traditional friendship, and that bilateral relations have developed continuously and rapidly under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two countries, yielding fruitful results in practical cooperation. China is willing to work with Mozambique to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to fully exploit the three advantages of political mutual trust, economic complementarity and friendship between the two peoples, and to push for continuous development of China-Mozambique comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, he said. Zhao said the NPC of China stands ready to strengthen exchanges at all levels of the legislative bodies with the assembly of Mozambique, carry out exchanges and mutual learning on legislation in areas such as high-quality development, livelihood protection and social governance, and provide legal guarantee for bilateral practical cooperation. Injojo said Mozambique firmly upholds the one-China principle, and the Mozambican assembly is willing to collaborate with the NPC of China and make legislative contributions to promoting cooperation in various fields and deepening the profound friendship between the two peoples. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Code of Ethics As a member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Daily International adheres to the EPA Code of Ethics as a minimum standard for its journalistic work. The following is the Code of Ethics in its entirety, which is also available on EPA's website: Principle 1: Mission and ministry Through the ministry of periodical publishing, EPA members should advance the work and witness of Jesus Christ and the Church. EPA members should help all people understand their world in light of biblical truth. Principle 2: Pursuit of truth The foremost responsibility of EPA members is faithfulness to the will of God as expressed in the Bible and to the articulation of the truth. 2.1 Accuracy: Great care should be taken to acknowledge authorship and sources and to verify the accuracy of facts and quotations of both original and previously published material. 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Editors and publishers should submit disputes and difficulties to representative panels of peers for wise advice leading to reconciliation and to spiritual and professional growth. 7.3 Resolving complaints: The EPA Code of Ethics sets standards of performance, which all members promise to keep. It is an enforceable code incumbent on all members. Washington The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will take up the Biden administration's bid to maintain access to a widely used abortion pill, marking the first dispute involving abortion that the high court will hear since members of its conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade last year. Brought by a group of doctors and medical associations opposed to abortion rights, the outcome of the case could have far-reaching consequences by restricting how the drug mifepristone can be obtained, who can prescribe it and when it can be taken. The court turned away a separate appeal from the organizations that asked the justices to decide the legality of the Food and Drug Administration's 2000 approval of mifepristone and a generic version of the drug. The high court intervened in the case during an earlier stage, leaving the availability of mifepristone unchanged until the justices render a final decision, which is expected by the end of June and would have a nationwide impact, even in states where abortion is legal. In response to the Supreme Court's decision to take up the case, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration will continue to stand behind the FDA's approval of mifepristone as safe and effective. She warned that a lower court ruling limiting the drug's availability, if upheld, "threatens to undermine the FDA's scientific, independent judgment and would reimpose outdated restrictions on access to safe and effective medication abortion." "No woman should be unable to access the health care that she needs," she said in a statement. "This should not happen in America, period." The fight over the abortion pill mifepristone Boxes of the drug mifepristone sit on a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on March 16, 2022. / Credit: Allen G. Breed / AP The legal fight involves steps the FDA has taken in recent years to expand access to mifepristone, which is taken together with a second drug, misoprostol, to terminate an early pregnancy. The FDA approved the abortion pill in 2000, and relaxed the rules surrounding its use through a series of actions in recent years. In 2016, the agency extended how late into a pregnancy mifepristone could be taken from seven weeks to 10 weeks; reduced the number of in-person visits required from three to one; and expanded the health care providers who can prescribe and dispense the drugs. In 2021, the FDA removed the in-person dispensing requirement entirely, meaning patients could receive mifepristone through the mail. More than 5 million women seeking to end a pregnancy have taken the drug since its approval by the FDA 23 years ago. The agency has argued that studies show serious adverse events associated with mifepristone are rare. More than half of abortions in the U.S. are medication abortions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In November 2022, the doctors and groups led by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Amarillo, Texas, challenging the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone, as well as its changes starting in 2016. In a preliminary order issued in April, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk found the medical associations were likely to prevail in their case, and he blocked the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone and all subsequent actions from the agency that made it easier to obtain. The decision from Kacsmaryk set off a series of rulings from the courts after the Biden administration appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. The appeals court first narrowed Kacsmaryk's order, reinstating mifepristone's 2000 approval but tightening the rules for its use, after which the Supreme Court put on hold the entirety of his decision. The 5th Circuit then issued an opinion in August after holding oral arguments, finding that the medical groups' challenge to the FDA's 2000 approval of the abortion pill was likely untimely. But the three-judge panel concluded that the agency likely acted unlawfully when it loosened the rules for obtaining mifepristone since 2016, a finding that would limit access to the drug. The Justice Department and Danco Laboratories, the maker of mifepristone, asked the Supreme Court in September to overturn the 5th Circuit's decision, which the Biden administration said is unprecedented. "The Fifth Circuit countermanded a scientific judgment FDA has maintained across multiple administrations; imposed unnecessary restrictions on the distribution of a drug that has been safely used by millions of Americans over more than two decades; and upset reliance interests in a healthcare system that depends on the availability of mifepristone as an alternative to surgical abortion for women who choose to lawfully terminate their early pregnancies," Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote in a petition to the high court. Prelogar argued that the challengers lack legal standing to sue, since they failed to demonstrate that they would be harmed by the FDA's decisions over mifepristone's availability. If the high court were to leave the 5th Circuit's ruling in place, she warned it would have sweeping ramifications by inviting medical associations to challenge any government action that might "incidentally affect" just one of their member's practices. "Pulmonologists could sue the Environmental Protection Agency to challenge regulations that increased (or reduced) air pollution; pediatricians could sue the Department of Agriculture to challenge standards that imperiled (or improved) student nutrition; and emergency room doctors could sue the government to challenge regulations that loosened (or restricted) access to firearms," Prelogar wrote. Lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group representing the abortion rights opponents, urged the Supreme Court to deny review of the 5th Circuit's ruling, arguing that the FDA is not infallible from having its actions reviewed by the courts. "[The FDA and Danco] are wrong to insinuate that the lower court's decision takes mifepristone off the market. It does no such thing," they told the justices in a filing. "The modest decision below merely restores the common-sense safeguards under which millions of women have taken chemical abortion drugs." Supporting the Biden administration and Danco are pharmaceutical companies, more than 250 congressional Democrats and 23 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia. They warned that if the 5th Circuit's decision is allowed to take effect, it would not only disrupt access to a widely used method of abortion, but put at risk the regulatory framework for drug approvals. "Researchers, health care providers, and patients suffering from a range of medical conditions rely on the integrity and stability of the rigorous science-based drug approval process," Democrats in the Senate and House told the court in a filing. "The specter of precipitous judicial meddling therefore threatens access to life-improving and lifesaving drugs." The challenge to mifepristone's approval and the FDA's relaxing of rules for its use marked the latest effort from abortion-rights opponents to restrict access to abortion through the courts, even after their watershed victory 18 months ago with Roe's reversal. More than a dozen states have enacted near-total bans on abortion following the Supreme Court's decision, and 15 states restrict access to medication abortion, such as by requiring that the drugs are provided by a physician or prohibiting the use of telemedicine for mediation abortion. The Biden administration, meanwhile, has sought to make abortion pills more readily available. The FDA in January allowed retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone, and numerous Democratic-led states have enacted shield laws that protect health care providers who prescribe mifepristone to patients in states with stringent abortion laws. NYT Cooking shares a kid-favorite holiday recipe for roasted beef tenderloin Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and Emmy award winning actor, dies at age of 61 Breaking down Biden and Zelenskyy's joint news conference WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear an appeal brought by a man charged with offenses relating to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol in a case that could have a major impact on the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump. The justices will hear a case brought by defendant Joseph Fischer, who is seeking to dismiss a charge accusing him of obstructing an official proceeding, namely the certification by Congress of President Joe Bidens election victory, which was disrupted by a mob of Trump supporters. Two other Jan. 6 defendants, Edward Lang and Garret Miller, brought similar appeals, the outcome of which will be dictated by the Supreme Court's ruling in Fischer's case. Fritz Ulrich, a federal public defender representing Fischer, said he was pleased that the court will clarify the scope of the law in question but had no further comment. Trump has been charged with the same offense as well as others in his federal election interference case. The court's decision to take up the issue, as well as the timing of its ultimate ruling, could therefore affect his case. It will take months for the justices to hear oral arguments and issue a ruling sometime during the courts current nine-month term, which ends in June. Trumps lawyers could use the Supreme Courts involvement as one opportunity to delay his election interference trial, which is scheduled to start in March. Trump is the front-runner in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination, and any delay in his criminal trial in Washington would be to his benefit. If Trump were to win the election in November, he would then be in a position to have the charges dismissed. If the case proceeds as scheduled in March and Trump were to be convicted, he could be sentenced before the election. The election interference case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump is fighting. Two were brought by special counsel Jack Smith, while the others were brought in New York and Georgia. In the Supreme Court case, the only provision of the federal criminal code at issue is 18 U.S.C. 1512(c)(2), which criminalizes any effort to corruptly obstruct, influence or impede any official proceeding. Conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years. The provision was enacted in 2002 as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a bill passed in the aftermath of the Enron accounting scandal. As such, defendants say it was never intended to apply to an incident such as Jan. 6. Trump's lawyers have already made that argument in asking for his indictment to be dismissed. The application of the provision in Trumps case could also raise issues separate from those in the Supreme Court appeals, in part because Trump himself did not participate in the Capitol attack. Demonstrators attempt to breach the U.S. Capitol building during a protest in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Victor J. Blue / Bloomberg via Getty Images file) In lower courts, defendants have said the law has been applied too broadly and questioned whether the word corruptly can be applied to their cases, basing the argument on the theory that the statute refers only to tampering with evidence and not, for example, to the assault of a police officer. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who is overseeing the criminal cases of the three Jan. 6 defendants, initially dismissed the charges, one of several each of the defendants faces. But in an April ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled for the government in a 2-1 vote. The three judges all differed in their reasoning. Fischer is a former police officer who the government says had a physical encounter with another officer and urged rioters to charge and hold the line. Fischers lawyers said he entered the Capitol only after Congress had recessed and was inside the building for just four minutes. Fischer said he wanted to go to war and take "democratic [C]ongress to the gallows if Trump did not get into office for a second term, government prosecutors said. Cant vote if they cant breathe ... lol, he allegedly texted. The Justice Department said in court papers that even if the Supreme Court is interested in taking up the Jan. 6 appeals, it is too early to intervene because none of the defendants have yet gone to trial on the obstruction charge. The government is prepared to proceed to trial and to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that petitioners corruptly obstructed, influenced, or impeded the joint session on January 6, or attempted to do so, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote. She also said that a subsequent appeals court ruling in a different Jan. 6 case, which prosecutors won, has clarified the meaning of corruptly. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has often chafed at the Justice Departments broad application of criminal statutes. The court in 2015 threw out a Florida fishermans conviction under another provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley law. His disposal of red grouper fish while under investigation did not fit within the definition of the laws anti-shredding provision intended to prevent destruction of evidence, the court held. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a Texas county to use a map in the next election that judges had ruled was racially gerrymandered. The court's three liberal justices dissented as the conservative majority in a brief order said Republican-led Galveston County could use a map drawn in 2021 that challengers said wiped out the county's only majority-minority precinct in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The map, the plaintiffs said, discriminates against both Black and Latino voters. Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a brief dissenting opinion that the court's decision means that a map that a district court judge had subsequently approved, which will now not be used, was "concededly lawful ... and nearly identical to the maps that have governed the election of Galveston County's commissioners for decades." Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson both joined Kagan's opinion. The court rejected emergency requests filed by voters and civil rights groups seeking to put on hold a ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that requires the 2021 map to be used instead of the one ordered by the lower court judge. In a complicated chain of events, the appeals court initially upheld the judge's ruling that said the new map was a racial gerrymander under 5th Circuit precedent. But now the appeals court has indicated it is considering overturning that precedent. As a result, the appeals court last week put the district court ruling that would have led to the different map being used on hold. The underlying legal question is whether the 1965 Voting Rights Act requires a majority-minority district when the minority group is a coalition instead of one racial or ethnic bloc. The precinct in question has a 58% minority vote when Black and Latino voters are combined, the plaintiffs said in court papers. The county argues that coalitions of voters are not a protected group under the Voting Rights Act. The 2021 map has white majorities in all four precincts. "In imposing a different map, acknowledged to violate current law ... the court of appeals went far beyond its proper authority," Kagan wrote. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The content of the Editorial & Opinion section does not necessarily represent the views of The Christian Daily. Unsigned editorials represent the view of the Christian Daily editorial board. It does not necessarily represent the view of other Daily staff members. Signed letters, columns and cartoons represent the opinion of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board. Letters to the editor: The Christian Daily welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and limited to 600 words and include your name, city, and telephone number. The Christian Daily reserves the right to edit or reject letters for space, style, and clarity. All letters received become the property of The Christian Daily and cannot be returned. The US Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a long-standing approval of a widely used abortion drug, the first major abortion case to reach the nations highest court after it struck down Roe v Wade last summer. Mifepristone, one of two drugs in a two-drug protocol for medication abortion, was approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration more than two decades ago. But a lawsuit filed by an influential right-wing legal group and anti-abortion activists has sought to revoke that approval as part of a years-long campaign to outlaw abortion nationwide. A ruling to strike down the federal governments approval of the drug could drastically impact access to abortion and miscarriage care for millions of Americans across the country, including in states where it is legally protected. Last year, the courts conservative supermajority revoked a constitutional right to abortion care in a landmark decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization, a ruling that reversed the decades-old precedent established by Roe v Wade. In the months that followed, more than a dozen states effectively outlawed abortion care altogether, or implemented severe restrictions that have complicated access to abortion for millions of Americans. All of those states have separate laws targeting medication abortion, and at least 15 other states restrict access to the procedure. Across the country, weve seen unprecedented attacks on womens freedom to make their own health decisions, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Wednesday. States have imposed extreme and dangerous abortion bans that put the health of women in jeopardy and that threaten to criminalize doctors for providing the health care that their patients need and that they are trained to provide. No woman should be unable to access the health care that she needs. This should not happen in America, period, she added. The administration will continue to stand by the FDAs approval process, she said. Mifepristone was first approved for use by the FDA in most cases up to 10 weeks of pregnancy in 2000. A vast majority of abortions occur within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. From 2019 through 2020, nearly 93 per cent of all abortions were performed before the 13th week, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of all abortions in the US are medication abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which has litigated abortion rights cases across the US in the aftermth of the Dobbs decision, said the Supreme Court did the right thing by agreeing to hear the case. The stakes are enormous, she said in a statement on Wednesday. Even those living in states with strong protections for abortion rights could have their ability to access mifepristone severely restricted if the court rules against the FDA, she said. Lets be clear, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project director Jennifer Dalven said in a statement. This case is the next step in the extremists plan to prevent anyone in the country from being able to get an abortion no matter where they live. Last year, the right-wing legal group Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit in US District Court in Amarillo, Texas on behalf of a group of anti-abortion activists that incorporated in Amarillo as the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine within the same month the complaint was filed. The Alliance Defending Freedom also led the challenge at the Supreme Court that ultimately struck down Roe v Wade. Earlier this year, US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk a former right-wing activist lawyer who was appointed to the federal judiciary by Donald Trump issued a ruling to suspend the FDAs approval of mifepristone. His order was set to take effect a week later, pending a decision from on appeal. Abortion rights advocates, providers, major medical groups and legal analysts condemned the ruling, and the US Department of Justice and Danco Laboratories, which manufactures mifepristone, filed an appeal, which landed at the right-wing Fifth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over the Amarillo court. In August, the panel partially upheld the judges ruling, which will not go into effect until the nations highest court weighs in. Alliance Defending Freedoms senior counsel Erin Hawley, wife of US Senator Josh Hawley, has urged the Supreme Court to overturn the FDAs approval, claiming that it does not reflect scientific judgment but rather a politically driven decision to push a dangerous drug regimen. Abortion rights advocates and providers have warned that eliminating or restricting access to mifepristone could drastically impact an already-fragile landscape for abortion care. Vice President Kamala Harris has warned that the lawsuit is a threat to a womans freedom to make decisions about her own body and another step towards the ultimate goal of a nationwide abortion ban. A ruling that undermines the FDAs drug approval process could also open the door for other activist-driven legal battles over other drugs, potentially inviting other destabilising lawsuits to Covid-19 vaccines, contraception, HIV medication, gender-affirming care, and other life-saving drugs. In this May 3, 2020, photo, the setting sun shines on the Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill in Washington. | Patrick Semansky, Associated Press The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced that it will hear a high-profile battle over abortion medication and attempt to resolve one of the major conflicts that arose after it overturned Roe v. Wade last year. In Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which has been consolidated with the closely related Danco Laboratories v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the justices will decide whether a pill thats used to induce abortion, mifepristone, will remain under the tighter restrictions put in place by lower court judges after a group of abortion opponents challenged its use. The justices will hear appeals from the Biden administration and the maker of the drug mifepristone asking the high court to reverse an appellate ruling that would cut off access to the drug through the mail and impose other restrictions, even in states where abortion remains legal. The restrictions include shortening from the current 10 weeks to seven weeks the time during which mifepristone can be used in pregnancy, The Associated Press reported. The Supreme Court already weighed in on the case earlier this year in an emergency order, which undid the lower courts effort to fully block access to mifepristone as the legal battle plays out, as the Deseret News previously reported. The justices will now be fully briefed on the case and hear oral arguments this spring, with a decision expected by the end of June. Related Supreme Court religion cases Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine was one of four faith-related cases waiting in the wings when the Supreme Court began its current term in October. The cases were notable because the justices had not yet agreed to weigh in on a religion-focused debate, breaking from the pattern established over the past several years, as the Deseret News previously reported. On Monday, the court declined the opportunity to hear two of the cases: Tingley v. Ferguson, which was brought by a Christian therapist seeking changes to Washington states conversion therapy ban, and Vitagliano v. County of Westchester, which centered on a Catholic woman challenging a New York law that establishes a protective zone around abortion clinics. Because the justices will not get involved, lower court rulings upholding both laws will remain in place. The Supreme Court could still agree to hear Missouri Department of Corrections v. Finney, which is about the role religion plays in the selection of a jury. There is also time for additional religious individuals or groups to request help from the Supreme Court and have their case heard this term. Jan. 6 case involving Trump Also on Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case connected to the Jan. 6, 2021, protests at the U.S. Capitol and to former President Donald Trumps alleged role in efforts to overturn President Joe Bidens election victory. The case, Joseph Fischer v. U.S., was brought by a man charged with obstructing an official proceeding and asks whether the 2002 law cited in his case and hundreds of others like it, including an ongoing one involving Trump, is being properly applied, according to Bloomberg Law. By agreeing to hear the case, the Supreme Court could enable Trumps legal team to successfully argue that his federal case needs to be pushed back until after the 2024 presidential election, Bloomberg Law reported. A hearing in that case is currently scheduled for March 4. WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against former President Donald Trump. The justices will review an appellate ruling that revived a charge against three defendants accused of obstruction of an official proceeding. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress certification of Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election victory over Trump. Thats among four counts brought against Trump in special counsel Jack Smiths case that accuses the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner of conspiring to overturn the results of his election loss. Trump is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The courts decision to weigh in on the obstruction charge could threaten the start of Trumps trial, currently scheduled for March 4. The justices separately are considering whether to rule quickly on Trumps claim that he cant be prosecuted for actions taken within his role as president. A federal judge already has rejected that argument. The obstruction charge has been brought against more than 300 defendants in the massive federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to keep Biden, a Democrat, from taking the White House. A lower court judge had dismissed the charge against three defendants, ruling it didnt cover their conduct. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols found that prosecutors stretched the law beyond its scope to inappropriately apply it in these cases. Nichols ruled that a defendant must have taken some action with respect to a document, record or other object to obstruct an official proceeding under the law. The Justice Department challenged that ruling, and the appeals court in Washington agreed with prosecutors in April that Nichols interpretation of the law was too limited. Other defendants, including Trump, are separately challenging the use of the charge. One defendant, Garret Miller, has since pleaded guilty to other charges and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. Miller, whos from the Dallas area, could still face prosecution on the obstruction charge. The other defendants are Joseph Fischer, whos from Boston, and Edward Jacob Lang, of New Yorks Hudson Valley. More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot, and more than 650 defendants have pleaded guilty. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The Supreme Court indicated Wednesday it will take up a challenge to an obstruction law used against scores of Jan. 6 rioters and former President Trump this term. Joseph Fischer, a former police officer accused of being a Jan. 6 rioter, petitioned the high court to eliminate one of the several counts he faces: obstruction of an official proceeding. The charge criminalizes corruptly obstructing, impeding or interfering with an official government proceeding and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Fischers case is joined with two other rioters cases: Edward Lang and Garrett Miller. Hundreds of rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have faced the same charge the official proceeding being Congress official count of Electoral College votes, the final step of the presidential election process that certified President Bidens win over Trump in the 2020 election. Trump himself faces the same charge in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, meaning any Supreme Court decision on the matter could affect his federal criminal case, which is expected to head to trial in Washington, D.C., early next year. Fischers petition to the high court argues that hundreds of cases awaiting trial would benefit from the justices clarification of the statute, providing critical guidance to district courts, prosecutors and defense counsel. Fritz Ulrich, Fischers lawyer, told The Hill they are very happy the court decided to clarify the scope of the statute. The charge stems from a law enacted in 2002 in the wake of the Enron scandal. The energy company went bankrupt and several top executives were imprisoned for fraud and other offenses. Then a senator, Biden referred to the new subsection at the time as making it a crime for document shredding a sentiment noted by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols in his decision to throw out Millers obstruction charge upon finding it did not cover his conduct. Nichols also dismissed the charge in Fischers and Langs cases. The Justice Department, now under Biden, rejected that representation in its appeal of Nicholss decision to toss the three rioters obstruction charges, arguing that actions such as burning a building to conceal the bodies of murder victims would also be encompassed by the statute. Congress prohibited conduct that intentionally and wrongfully obstructs official proceedings, Justice Department appellate counsel James Pearce wrote. The ordinary meaning of obstruct, influence, or impede encompasses a range of conduct designed to frustrate an official proceeding. In a 2-1 ruling earlier this year, the federal appeals court sided with the Justice Department by finding that Nichols wrongly dismissed the obstruction charge in the three rioters cases. Judge Florence Pan noted in her ruling that Nichols was the only district court judge overseeing Jan. 6 cases to rule in that manner. More than a dozen other Washington district court judges agreed with the Justice Departments portrayal of the law. Although the opinions of those district judges are not binding on us, the near unanimity of the rulings is striking, as well as the thorough and persuasive reasoning in the decision, Pan wrote. Judge Gregory Katsas, who sided with Nichols, suggested the Justice Departments interpretation of the crime could supercharge minor advocacy, lobbying and protest offenses into 20-year felonies. Several members of the extremist Proud Boys and Oath Keepers groups faced the charge and were convicted, including the leaders of each group, Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes. Dozens of other defendants with less serious cases have pleaded guilty to the charge or been convicted at trial. If the Supreme Court sides with the rioters, it would undermine those charges in other Jan. 6 cases including the former presidents. Updated at 10:22 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear a challenge to the use of a law behind one of the charges lodged against former president Donald Trump and hundreds of his supporters who took part in the 2021 attack on the Capitol. The case, which will be heard by the nation's highest court next year, could potentially delay Trump's upcoming trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is scheduled to go on trial in March and his lawyers have been seeking to postpone his trial until after the November 2024 election. The timing of this Supreme Court case could have an impact on that calendar. The law in question -- obstruction of an official proceeding -- is among the charges filed against Trump related to the violent disruption by Trump backers of the January 6, 2021 congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory. Joseph Fischer, an ex-police officer who is among more than 300 Trump supporters also charged with obstruction, has sought to get the charge dismissed, which could have a knock-on effect for all the cases -- including Trump's. A conviction under that charge would carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A District Court judge, a Trump appointee, agreed to throw out the obstruction charge on the grounds that the law was intended to prosecute financial crimes following the Enron scandal and did not apply to Fischer's conduct on January 6. That ruling was reversed by a federal appeals court in a 2-1 decision. Now the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, including three justices nominated by Trump, will hear Fischer's appeal next year and is expected to issue a ruling by the end of its term in June -- around four months before the November 4 presidential election in which Trump is expected to face Biden again. - 'Absolute immunity' - Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the election interference case against Trump, asked the Supreme Court earlier this week to rule on whether the former president has immunity from prosecution. Trump's lawyers claim that a former president has "absolute immunity" and cannot be prosecuted for actions he took while in the White House. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is to preside over Trump's March trial in Washington, rejected the immunity claim earlier this month, a ruling appealed by Trump's attorneys. Smith has asked the Supreme Court to bypass the appeals court and take up the immunity case itself on an emergency basis. "Nothing could be more vital to our democracy than that a President who abuses the electoral system to remain in office is held accountable for criminal conduct," the special counsel said. Judge Chutkan, in an opinion issued on Wednesday, said she was pausing all proceedings in the election interference case pending the outcome of Trump's immunity appeal. Trump was indicted in August for conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of obstruction for his efforts to upend the results of the 2020 election won by Biden. The former president is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise American voters with his false claims he won the election. Trump and his two eldest sons are currently embroiled in a civil fraud case in New York, accused of inflating the value of their real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms. Trump additionally faces federal charges for alleged mishandling of top secret documents after he left the White House and has been indicted for racketeering in Georgia on accusations that he tried to overturn the 2020 election results in the southern state cl/tjj The US Supreme Court will hear a case of a January 6 defendant that could potentially affect former president Donald Trumps legal battles. The Supreme Court will hear the case of Joseph Fischer, who was charged for his role in the riot at the US Capitol on January 6. Prosecutors also charged Edward Lang and Garrett Miller for obstructing an official proceeding after they disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. During the Capitol riot, Mr Fischer encouraged rioters to charge and hold the line, and also had a physical encounter with at least one law enforcement officer. He had reportedly sent text messages saying If Trump dont get in we better get to war, and wanted to take Democratic officials to the gallows. All three of the men argue that Mr Fischer could not have obstructed a congressional proceeding because of the fact that Mr Fischer arrived at the Capitol after Congress had already recessed. But in April, the US Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling which said that individuals who assault law enforcement officers can be charged with corruptly obstructing, influencing, or impeding an official proceeding. In August, Mr Trump was charged with obstructing an official proceeding as a result of US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into Mr Trumps actions on and leading up to January 6. Mr Trump was also charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to deny the right for a vote to be counted. The news comes as the Supreme Court will already play another role in Mr Trumps election obstruction case. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court agreed to expedite consideration of Mr Smiths request for a decision about Mr Trumps argument that he is protected for crimes committed while he was in office under the claim of presidential immunity. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, has already rejected the claim, saying that his tenure of office did not bestow the divine right of kings upon the former president. Conservative justices on the Supreme Court Tuesday let a Galveston County, Texas map which both federal district and appellate courts have found to be a racial gerrymander stand Tuesday without explaining their decision. The three liberals dissented. The case may seem niche, as it concerns the map governing the election of county commissioners in Galveston, but it presses on a glaring threat to the Voting Rights Act. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, a Donald Trump appointee, ruled that the map was racially discriminatory in October and ordered a redraw. His decision was affirmed unanimously but reluctantly by a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel, which wrote that the map was a violation of the VRA as it stands, but that the case law is wrong. The judges argued that the VRA does not actually protect districts composed of multiple minority groups (rather than one minority group), and asked the 5th Circuit to take up the case en banc and reverse its own precedent. There is a circuit split on the issue of VRA protection of multicoalitional districts, where minority groups lack significant voting power by themselves, but can swing the seat if they vote the same way. These districts are becoming more electorally powerful, particularly as minority voters move into suburbs surrounding major cities. The 5th Circuit agreed to take up the case en banc. After some back and forth, the court ultimately ruled that it was too close to the election to use new maps despite the lower courts ordering of a remedial map to be drawn two months ago an invocation of the Purcell principle that right-wing judges enjoy using sporadically. That means that the map, which the district judge and 5th Circuit panel have both found to be a racial gerrymander, stands. Black voters in Galveston appealed to the Supreme Court to vacate that stay and let them use new maps, but the Courts conservatives rejected that plea on Tuesday. Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the dissenting liberals. The Fifth Circuits stay itself disrupted the status quo an election map concededly lawful under Circuit precedent and nearly identical to the maps that have governed the election of Galveston Countys commissioners for decades, Kagan wrote. In imposing a different map, acknowledged to violate current law on the theory that the Circuit might someday change that law the Court of Appeals went far beyond its proper authority. The full 5th Circuit plans to hear oral arguments on the critical VRA question in May 2024. This question is coming to a head in another, even more pressing case. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed new congressional maps into law on Friday, after a federal judge ordered the legislature to craft an additional Black-majority district. Judge Steve Jones explicitly warned the Republican lawmakers that the State cannot remedy the Section 2 violations described herein by eliminating minority opportunity districts elsewhere in the plans. But Georgia Republicans did just that. To retain their current 9-5 seat advantage in the House, they obliterated Rep. Lucy McBaths (D-GA) district, a multicoalitional district where a combination of Black, Latino and Asian voters typically elect Democrats. Plaintiffs in the case formally lodged their objection to the map on Tuesday. A hearing is scheduled for December 20. Rather than follow this Courts clear guidance, the General Assembly (1) shuffled Black voters from outside of the vote-dilution area into the new majority-Black district, while excluding over 50,000 Black voters from within the vote-dilution area from any remedy whatsoever, and (2) dismantled CD 7, a majority-minority district anchored in majority-minority Gwinnett County that it had no need to alter let alone eliminate in creating the new majority-Black district in west-metro Atlanta, the plaintiffs wrote, fuming that the map makes a mockery of the court proceedings. Read the Supreme Courts denial of stay here: This embedded content is not available in your region. MADISON - The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday decided not to take up a lawsuit seeking to upend the state's system of education by eliminating funding for independent charter schools and the state's four taxpayer-funded school voucher programs while also lifting state-imposed limits on the amount of funding public schools can receive without a referendum. The ruling from the liberal-controlled court comes after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, a former public school educator, and Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said last month such a legal challenge should begin in circuit court instead of being taken straight to the state's highest court. The lawsuit, brought by Julie Underwood, former University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education dean, and other Wisconsin residents is funded by the liberal Minocqua Brewing Super PAC. Former Democratic candidate for the U.S. House and state Assembly Kirk Bangstad, who owns the Minocqua Brewing Co., has created a political action committee using his brewery's namesake to raise money for Democratic causes. The brewery produces beer with politically-themed names. Bangstad told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the petitioners will pursue the lawsuit through circuit court. "We always thought it was a long shot to get straight to the Supreme Court with this," Bangstad said. "We think that it's super important and this needs to be accomplished in a timely fashion because kids who are not getting the funding they need in public schools aren't going to get that time back." Bangstad said he sought to take the case directly to the state Supreme Court, in part, because he believed the evidence that would be produced by going through lower courts first is already available at the Department of Public Instruction. He said he was disappointed in Evers' position on where the lawsuit should begin. "I think there are political reasons to not want to let this case potentially take the oxygen out of the things that are actually probably more timely or have more of a priority for the state of Wisconsin at the Supreme Court, which is gerrymandering and reproductive rights," Bangstad said. A spokeswoman for Vos, who is a defendant in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If successful, the lawsuit would overhaul the state's K-12 education landscape by effectively eliminating the school voucher programs, one of which is more than 30 years old and used by nearly 30,000 children in Milwaukee. Private school voucher programs provide participating schools with a taxpayer-funded voucher to pay for the tuition for each student who is eligible to enroll in the program. The students are typically from lower- and middle-income families. The state's first voucher program began in Milwaukee in 1990, but the number of vouchers exploded over the last 10 years after Republicans made it a priority to expand the program to the rest of the state. Last school year, about 29,000 students participated in the Milwaukee voucher program, 17,000 in the statewide program, 4,000 in the Racine program, and 2,000 in the state's voucher program for students with disabilities costing a total of about $444 million. Public schools advocates applauded the suit, arguing that vouchers to private schools have drained resources from public schools, while private school advocates slammed the suit and vowed to fight it. Advocates for private school voucher schools said the effort would hurt thousands of low-income families throughout the state who use the programs to attend private schools. The lawsuit asks the court to stop three state officials from continuing the choice programs: Vos, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly and Secretary of the Department of Administration Kathy Blumenfeld. The suit directly petitioned the state Supreme Court to find that the public funding of the state's choice programs and independent charter schools is unconstitutional. While the court usually hears appeals in cases that have already been tried in lower courts, it does have the authority to take cases brought directly to it. The justices rejected the petition on Wednesday and did not offer an explanation. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court declines to hear suit to end voucher programs The Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that provides support for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, is partnering with churches and community groups in an effort to make this festive season a little more festive for those who are far from home. Over the month of December, the foundation will offer 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers an invitation to a Christmas party in their local area. The parties will take place across forty locations, with the events including craft activities, children's parties, and banquets involving singing, games, and drama. "With all the negative rhetoric currently around in our public life regarding migration and asylum, we have heard from many of our friends who are new arrivals that they are feeling less and less welcome in our nation. We want to put that straight by inviting them to a party!" Dr Krish Kandiah, founder and director of Sanctuary Foundation, said. "We are delighted to partner with community groups and churches across the UK who, week by week, do a fantastic job of supporting refugees and asylum seekers." Major businesses including Jude's Ice Cream, Tetley, Britvic, Holland and Barrett, Plaids, and KP have shown their support for the initiative, and their shared desire to offer a warm welcome to those who have had to flee conflicts and other tragedies, by donating products for the events. For many refugees from Ukraine, this will mark their second Christmas celebrated away from home, underscoring the importance of this practical demonstration of the Christian message which underpins the holiday season. "We hope these parties help newcomers to the UK know that many of us are very pleased that they are here and that we are keen to do all we can to support them," Dr Kandiah said. Sanctuary Foundation, which operates in a number of countries, has provided over 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers with Christmas and Easter gift boxes over the past year as part of its ongoing work to offer support for refugees and help them find housing, employment, and well-being. Originally published by Christian Today Churches must never be forced to close again, a Catholic group has said after a survey found that this had a detrimental effect on Catholic worshippers' physical and mental health.The Catholic Union surveyed almost 1,000 people and found that for nearly two thirds (62%), their physical or mental health had been affected by the forced closure of places of worship during the pandemic. Respondents described feelings of loneliness and depression, with one person calling it "one of the most distressing experiences of my life". Another described feeling like "a part of me was missing". The vast majority of respondents (90%) said that if there were to be a pandemic again in the future, places of worship should be regarded as an "essential" service along with food shops and healthcare facilities. Only a quarter thought it was necessary to forcibly close churches and other places of worship at the start of the pandemic, while most (93%) said they did not think politicians gave enough consideration to people's faith when making decisions during the pandemic. A majority (89%) said that having different restrictions in place across different parts of the UK was unhelpful. The results of the survey have been published in the same week as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. The Catholic Union said the findings would inform its evidence to the inquiry. Responding to the results, Catholic Union president and crossbench peer Baroness Hollins called them "shocking" and "distressing". "They confirm that the lockdown of churches was not only hugely unpopular, but had a real impact on people's wellbeing," she said. "The increase in the number of people feeling lonely or depressed as a direct consequence of the closures is particularly shocking. "It is vital that the Covid Inquiry properly considers the decisions to close and reopen churches during the pandemic. "There is a very strong sense that faith and faith communities were pushed to one side when decisions were made, and this needs to be addressed in the learning from the inquiry. It's clear from these results that places of worship should never be forced to close again." Originally published by Christian Today Early this week I tagged along with a group of thirty Dutch visitors to Brussels on a walking tour of the European sector led by two experienced Dutch journalists, Bert and Tijn. For most of those I talked with in the group, Brussels was a fairly unfamiliar city. For widely different reasons, they had responded to the invitation from the website, Brusselse Nieuwe, for a glimpse behind the scenes of the power in Het Brusselse Moeras (the Brussels swamp), the title of a book the journalists had authored. Although I have been involved with Brussels now for over thirty years, and have taught classes on the history and workings of the various EU institutions, I wanted to learn fresh perspectives through the eyes of others. Bert and Tijn told anecdotes about the seamy side of Brussels, of the power struggles between oversized egos, of interns and political scalpers, and about the Prince of Darkness a powerful and well-entrenched civil servant known for manipulating decisions from behind the scenes. Their reference to the swamp was intended both figuratively and literally. The Maalbeek, once an open sewer flowing through the city, was diverted underground in 1872. However it continues to wreak damage to buildings in the city. Maalbeek is the name of the metro station in the European sector reknowned for the suicide bomb attack which killed 35 people in 2016. The European Parliament building, with its circular auditorium for parliamentary gatherings, is built right over the Maalbeek-swamp. Recently the building was discovered to be sinking about one centimetre each year. Which means that in the underground parking areas, mould is growing on the walls, and buckets are strategically placed to catch the seeping water. The whole future of the EP buildings is uncertain. Which is how many Eurosceptics view the future of the European project. For them, the swamp image confirms their fears and criticisms of Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe, fed by the populism and nationalism of recent years. Of course, any hub attracting powerful egos, gold-diggers and huge sums of money will offer material for muck-raking journalists. Yet the French philosopher and Christian thinker Blaise Pascal perceptively observed that in faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who dont. Likewise, in Brussels there is much room for interpretation according to our preconceptions. Brussels reflects the wide range of ideas, ideologies and philosophies which have emerged over centuries of European history. Truncated Some of these are reflected in the much-trumpeted House of European History, set in a park behind the European Parliament. Attempting to provide a welcome Europe-centred perspective as an alternative to the nation-centred histories most of us grew up with, it unfortunately offers a very truncated view of the roots of Europe and European values. After a brief presentation of the Greek myth of Europa and Zeus, visitors are introduced to the Enlightenment and human rights, skipping the historical fact that Europe first emerged as a community of peoples professing the Christian faith, the true source of human rights. My view of Brussels was enriched however as we walked from Luxembourg Square and the European Parliament buildings past sites of various Permanent Representatives (that is, national embassies to the EU, of which there are 27), numerous media buildings which channel news and opinions into 24 official languages, other buildings facilitating efforts of provinces of member states all lobbying for grants, as well as the ubiquitous restaurants where deals are incubated. Brussels facilitates a constant cauldron of conversation between member states and EU institutions, and even non-member states, on issues affecting our daily lives in Europe and beyond. Churchills words came to mind: Jaw, jaw, jaw is better than war, war, war. Eventually we climbed the stairs to emerge at the building of the Council of the European Union. Here ministers of member states regularly meet their counterparts to decide on proposals designed by the European Commission in the Berlaymont building right across the road. Commission president, Ursula van der Leyen, who delivered her State of the European Union address this week in Strasbourg to open the parliamentary year, lives and works on the top floor of Berlaymont, looking out on the Robert Schuman Roundabout. Ah, Schuman! His name had not yet been mentioned. Defining moment It was in the basement of Berlaymont in 1991 when I first heard the Schuman story, told by a Christian official of what was then the European Community. Schuman was the key figure in the story of forgiveness and reconciliation, primarily between the French and the Germans, without which European integration would never have begun. He was recognised as the Father of Europe when he stepped down from being the first president of the predecessor of the current European Parliament. At one point, Europe Day was mentioned in passing. I had the opportunity at the end of the tour to ask who of our group knew what or when Europe Day was. Other than Bert and Tijn, no one knew. Yet, in my perspective, Europe Day, May 9, represents the defining moment of post-war European history. It commemorates the three-minute speech Robert Schuman made on this date in 1950 which triggered the process of European integration and has led to the EU today. It began the draining of the swamp of hatred, bitterness and brokenness widespread across post-war Europe. The speech proposed cooperation and solidarity towards the common good and world peace. In less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee, Schuman laid the foundations of the European house in which today 450 million Europeans live together in peace. Its a day celebrated by grateful newer members of the EU, yet sadly, totally ignored in the Netherlands, for example. I like to call it Interdependence Day, a day to celebrate being part of the European family of peoples, made possible through forgiveness and reconciliation, following Schumans example. Despite Brexit, integration and European solidarity has regained momentum, largely in response to Putins aggression. So theres another story to tell about Brussels. Would you be interested in joining me in the spring on such a tour, starting with the Schuman story, learning about the work of some of the Christian lobby groups and finishing in the Parliamentarium, an interactive museum exploring how together, through dialogue, we can all help shape Europes future? The European Union's highest court has ruled that member state governments can prohibit public employees from wearing religious attire, such as Muslim female head coverings. The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in the case of OP v. Commune d'Ans on Tuesday, siding with a Belgian municipality of Ans, which barred a Muslim woman from wearing a hijab while at work. The EU court was asked whether the municipality's rules prohibiting public employees from wearing "signs of conviction," like religious attire or political messages, violated the European Union's equality framework directive banning discrimination based on disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age in the workplace. The court concluded that the rule was not directly discriminatory to Muslim women because it applied to "any manifestation of belief, including religious belief, without distinction." "[T]he desire of a public body, such as the municipal authority, to pursue a policy of political, philosophical or religious neutrality is, in absolute terms, capable of constituting a legitimate aim," the court's opinion states. The EU directive allows member states a "margin of discretion" to take "account of the diversity of their approaches towards the place accorded to religion or belief within their respective systems," the court ruled, adding that states have discretion when it comes to maintaining a "fair balance" between "achieving the necessary reconciliation of the different rights and interests concerned." The ruling drew strong condemnation from the Muslim rights group Council on American-Islamic Relations, which also urged the U.S. State Department to condemn the ruling. The group contends that such legislation meets the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act's definition of a religious freedom violation and warrants condemnation from the U.S. government. "The Court of Justice of the European Union has trampled on the basic principles of religious freedom by denying Muslim women the right to wear a hijab at work," CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said in a statement. "This decision and past rulings in European nations clearly target Muslims and seek to eliminate expressions of Islam from public spaces." For the past several years, many European nations have debated whether to restrict or ban certain traditional Islamic head and face coverings for Muslim women, citing reasons such as adherence to secular principles and preserving national identity. In 2011, for example, France passed a ban on wearing full-face veils in public that carried the punishment of fines and/or citizenship training. The European Court of Human Rights upheld the law in a 2014 decision. John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Program director at Amnesty International, said in a statement that he believed the 2014 ruling was "deeply disturbing to all those who value the freedom of expression." "If one strips the court's ruling to its barest essence, it is saying you cannot wear full-face veils because it makes people feel uncomfortable. This is not grounds to ban behaviour or a form of expression religious or otherwise that in itself does no harm to others," stated Dalhuisen at the time. "[T]his ruling will end up forcing a small minority to live apart, as it effectively obliges women to choose between the expressing [of] their religious beliefs and being in public." The EU court ruling comes as assorted measures aimed at curbing religious expression among public employees in the United States are being removed. In November, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law that eliminated a 1949 measure that banned public school teachers from being allowed to wear religious attire. Known as Senate Bill 84, the proposal had received overwhelming bipartisan support. Originally published by The Christian Post A major study has found that many religious workers in the UK and US feel uncomfortable expressing their faith in the workplace. The study by consultancy group Pearn Kandola asked the views of over 6,000 US and UK workers who follow Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Christianity. Among the key findings, nearly half (47%) of survey participants did not feel comfortable discussing the religious festivals they celebrate while at work. Only around a third (36%) felt that their line manager was happy for them to take time off for religious festivals. A fifth (19%) reported having requests for annual leave to celebrate a religious holiday or festival rejected by their employer. Less than a quarter (23%) were prepared to wear religious dress or symbols at work and of those who did, only 16% said they felt comfortable doing so. The report noted a mix of some positive and negative outcomes as a result of expressing faith at work. Positive outcomes included better awareness and understanding, improved relationships with co-workers and increased well-being at work. Negative outcomes included "stereotyping and discrimination; being mocked and mistreated; being excluded, and having a sense of isolation". In some cases, there was a conflict between work schedules and religious observance. "Work schedules made religious observance difficult for some. For example, some Jewish employees were unable to observe the Sabbath and some Christians to observe Sunday due to being required to work over the weekend. In a similar vein, some Muslims were unable to attend Friday prayers," the study found. Pearn Kandola said in the report, "Our research has demonstrated that although there are many positive benefits to expressing religious beliefs at work, there are barriers which prevent people from doing so. "Many people are not receiving the support they need to express or practice their religious beliefs at work. "Religion is often overlooked within diversity and inclusion strategies, which may lead to managers being unaware of the accommodations that their employees may need to express or observe their beliefs. "In an organisation where religious expression is perceived to be discouraged, employees may feel unable to communicate their needs to their employer." The report's recommendations for businesses include "understanding and reducing bias regarding religion" and ensuring policies are in place to prevent workplace harassment on the grounds of religion. The report added, "[Our] research has highlighted that many people do not feel comfortable expressing their religious beliefs at work. "When an organisation lacks this sense of inclusion and openness, employees may fear the consequences of expressing their religious beliefs, or face judgement and exclusion if they decide to disclose their beliefs." Five hundred hushed participants at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels last Wednesday listened intently as Palestinian Christian leader, Dr Jack Sara, told of the sense of hopelessness and wanton destruction that followed in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Christians have been caught in the midst of the Palestinian conflict for a lifetime, suffering from both Israeli security concerns on the one hand, and on the other from the militant Islamist Hamas group, whose charter calls for the establishment of an Islamic, rather than a secular, state. We lament the death of all people, Palestinians and Israelis, explained Dr Sara, president of the Bethlehem Bible College. We affirm that every human being is created in the image of God and is worthy of living in dignity and justice. There can be no peace and security without justice and equal rights for all. We call for a comprehensive ceasefire in the whole land. Knesset member Sharren Haskel led out in prayer for peace and for the release of the hostages, adding a warning for the politicians, civil servants, diplomats, lobbyists, activists and church leaders gathered in the European Parliament building, that wherever Jews had been persecuted, Christians had been the next target. Endings and beginnings A brother of a hostage still held by Hamas described the attack on his kibbutz where he had grown up, had been married and till now had raised his small children. At 6.30am on October 7, he and his fellow kibbutzniks found themselves ambushed by a gang of terrorists. Seven members of his defence squad, his friends, were killed in a few minutes. Escaping to his house, he saw his neighbours dead on the ground, their now-orphaned seven-month-old twins crying inside the house. He texted to call the army but only twelve hours later could rescue the babies. Now the keynote speaker had the difficult task of following this dramatic presentation. No stranger to challenging tasks, Mr Eduard Heger, the former prime minister of Slovakia, had himself stepped into government leadership after a turbulent history of corruption and misrule by his predecessors. Just last month I had met Mr Heger in Timisoara and asked to interview him for todays Schuman Talk. It was a pleasant coincidence to discover his name on the programme. He wanted to talk about endings and beginnings, he began, in that order. The Bible gave many examples of endings that became new beginnings, he explained. While we could often only see an ending, God can create a new beginning. Joseph was sold as a slave, yet that led to a new beginning for himself, his own people and also for Egypt. Revenge and conflict, he urged, can be turned into forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus death seemed to be the end for the disciples. But it was the beginning of the church, and of the global mission movement. Naivety In a seminar following on from the breakfast itself, panel members asked how to stop the radicalisation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The complexities and deep-rootedness of the current conflict quickly became apparent as various contributors explained underlying factors often glossed over in the popular media. Without a changed mentality, not only in the Middle East, but also in the West, another October 7 was inevitable, we were warned. This attack had not just happened in a vacuum. Analyses of Palestinian media revealed 94% of the Gaza population supported the terrorist attack. The Palestinian Authority talked of a morning of victory, joy and pride, a story of heroism making our heads touch the clouds. School textbooks, funded by the UN Relief and Works Agency responsible for Palestinian relief work, were displayed which glorified Dalal Mughrabi, a kidnapper and suicide bomber who killed 38 Israelis, including 13 children, in 1978, and who was still being celebrated as a martyr with dozens of schools bearing her name. The original 700,000 Palestinian refugees have multiplied into 5.9 million descendents, all of whom remain in refugee status as no Arab nation will offer them civil rights or work permits, perpetuating the volatile situation. Western naivety has allowed many terrorist proxies to operate within the EU, claimed one panel member. Yet appeasement was not the answer. To believe that the more we behaved like sheep then the less like wolves they would behave was simply the road to oblivion. Peace on earth and goodwill towards all men seem a long way removed from the land where the angels first sang those words. Tragically they will remain absent until there is a changed mentality. Yet we persist in that prayer for Israel and Palestine, and for Ukraine and Russia, this Advent. Notre-Dame, the Paris cathedral devastated by fire on 15 April 2019, will reopen a year from now, says the French President. Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the cathedral on Friday to see the progress of reconstruction work. Last month, an important step in the restoration of the landmark was taken when the spire was added. Macron was shown the new oak spire during his visit to the cathedral last week, where he was accompanied by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. When the cathedral was ravaged by fire, Macron had promised that it would be rebuilt within five years. Then in August this year, Macron announced that the cathedral would reopen on December 8, 2024. The new spire measures 96 metres and has been built in an identical style to the 19th century one that crashed through the roof during the 2019 blaze. Standing with restoration workers on the scaffolding, Macron called the addition of the new spire "an important and emotional moment". "Deadlines will be met. It is a formidable image of hope and of a France that has rebuilt itself," he said. Originally published by Christian Today Mourners gathered at St. Barnabus Catholic Cathedral in Nottingham, England, on Friday to pay their respects to Indi, who died on Nov. 13 after suffering from an incurable mitochondrial disease and related physical ailments, according to the BBC. Indi's small white casket, which was decorated with flowers, was carried through the streets of Nottingham by a horse-drawn carriage, followed by eight Rolls-Royce cars with family members. Italian officials who attended included Minister of Families Eugenia Roccella and Minister of Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli. Indi's death in hospice occurred after Lord Justice Peter Jackson, Lady Justice Eleanor King and Lord Justice Andrew Moylan shot down an appeal from Indi's parents, Dean Gregory and Claire Staniforth, who sought in vain for permission to remove her from life support at home. Indi's situation led to intervention from Italian political leaders, who gave her emergency citizenship on Nov. 6 and offered to give her specialist treatment at the Vatican-run Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Rome at no cost to U.K. taxpayers. Dr. Matteo Corradini, who serves as the Italian consul in Manchester, used Indi's Italian citizenship to request jurisdiction over her case under Article 9 of the 1996 Hague Convention, though a U.K. Court of Appeal dismissed his move as "wholly misconceived" and "not in the spirit of the convention." During Indi's funeral service, Canon Paul Newman read a eulogy on behalf of Indi's father, Dean Gregory, who described his baby girl as a "true warrior." "She didn't only have to battle against her health problems, she had to battle against a system that makes it almost impossible to win," Gregory's eulogy said. "Yet, it was her weakest point, her health problems, that distinguished Indi as a true warrior." Gregory had earlier said that after Indi was first transferred to hospice and removed from life support, she stopped breathing but then recovered, noting that "she is fighting hard." Gregory expressed sorrow at his daughter's many afflictions, but also said her fight to live inspired him and that God used her to expose wickedness. I have now reached the conclusion that this was indeed Indis destiny," he said. "God put Indi on this Earth with the mission to expose evil in the world. He chose her because she was strong, beautiful and special. But now this chapter of Indis destiny is over. Her legacy, however, has only just begun. I wanted to make sure Indi would be remembered forever and she will live on in our hearts and through our voices." Gregory also said that his "greatest comfort at this difficult time" is believing that his daughter is in Heaven because he had her baptized. "I had Indi baptized to protect her and so she would go to Heaven," he said. "It gives me peace to know she is in Heaven and God is taking care of her." Before Indi died, Dean Gregory told New Daily Compass that the U.K.'s health system is "diabolical," and that despite the fact he is not a Christian, he was moved to baptize his daughter because he came to believe he encountered spiritual evil during his family's ordeal. "I am not religious and I am not baptized. But when I was in court, it felt like I had been dragged to Hell," he said. "I thought, if Hell exists, then Heaven must exist. It was like the devil was there. I thought if theres a devil, then God must exist." "I have seen what Hell is like, and I want Indi to go to Heaven," Gregory continued. "In fact, I have decided that me and my daughter should get baptized too. We want to be protected in this life and go to Heaven." Indi's case was reminiscent of British toddlers Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard, both of whom were similarly denied the chance to receive medical treatment at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital by U.K. courts. Originally posted by the Christian Post Vietnamese music, food's rising popularity in China signals increasing cultural exchanges Xinhua) 17:02, December 13, 2023 NANNING/KUNMING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- With its rich twists and turns and authentic performance from the actors, a drama presented by a Vietnamese troupe generated buzz among Chinese audience during the recently concluded 10th China-ASEAN (Nanning) Theater Week in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. "The relationship between China and Vietnam are getting closer and closer," said Nguyen Thi Le Ngoc, the troupe's head. "I hope that the cultural exchanges between the two countries can be deepened in the future, to help bring the two peoples closer to one and another." For 10 years, the Vietnamese theater arts have been part of this theater week. Through the event, a number of unique traditional Vietnamese stage plays, such as parodies and puppet shows, have been introduced to China. As good neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, the Chinese and Vietnamese people, particularly the younger generation, have increased mutual understanding and friendship through cultural exchanges such as drama, music and food. In recent years, Vietnam's electronic music has produced some hit songs with more than 100 million or even billions of online listeners. "Vietnamese songs are usually cheerful and have a strong sense of rhythm. When you listen to them, your body just can't help dancing," said Zhou Jing, a short video fan from Nanning, Guangxi. Nowadays, Vietnamese songs, dances and other cultural elements are increasingly popular in China. Meanwhile, with natural ingredients and refreshing menu, Vietnamese restaurants have sprung up in major Chinese cities over the years. As China and Vietnam's economic, trade, and logistics cooperation continues to strengthen, more and more fresh and original ingredients from Vietnam are transported to China, helping authentic Vietnamese food win the stomachs and hearts of more Chinese foodies. Vietnamese Tran Thi Vi has been running a Vietnamese steamed rice roll shop in Hekou Yao Autonomous County on the China-Vietnam border in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of southwest China's Yunnan Province for about eight years. "I've seen many Chinese tourists interested in our spicy and sour food, especially the steamed rice rolls. And thus I chose to open an eatery in Hekou, so that they can taste the delicacy at their doorsteps," said Tran Thi Vi. A Vietnamese white rice noodle lover, Ma Ting, from Mengzi City of Honghe, explained that she had visited Vietnam several times for sightseeing. Ma fell in love with the local cuisine after her trips. She is addicted to the exotic Vietnamese rice noodles for their diverse styles and appetizing flavors, despite the fact that her hometown is already a famous rice noodle city. "As the people-to-people exchanges between China and Vietnam intensify over the years, more Vietnamese culture will be brought into China, and more similar stories of mutual learning, mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples are bound to emerge," said Sun Xiaoying, a researcher with the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Swiss elections brought an overall slide to the right. The clear winner is the SVP (Swiss People's Party), which won nine additional seats in the National Council. The EVP (Evangelical People's Party) and the EDU (Federal Democratic Union), which practice politics on the basis of the Gospel, are now represented by two politicians each. Unfortunately, the predictions have come true: The Aargau EVP seat of party president Lilian Studer was lost in the federal elections. Marc Jost in the canton of Bern and Nik Gugger in the canton of Zurich, however, were able to defend their seats. In the coming legislature, they will continue the value- and solution-oriented bridge-building policy of the EVP in the National Council as part of the strengthened center parties. Andreas Gafner: "I look forward to working with Erich!" The development of the EDU is positive: it gains one seat and is now represented with two seats in the National Council. Andreas Gafner (Canton of Bern) was confirmed in parliament for another four years and Zurich EDU cantonal councilor Erich Vontobel made the leap onto the national political stage thanks to list connections with the Covid measures opponents "Aufrecht Zurich" and the "Mass-voll!" list. The re-elected Bernese Oberland National Councilor Andreas Gafner is pleased to be able to represent the EDU in the National Council together with his Zurich Oberland party colleague in the future. "We have only met each other a few times in person. Today we congratulated each other on the election by telephone. I'm looking forward to working with Erich!" For Andreas Gafner himself, it is a great satisfaction to have won the mandate as EDU in the canton of Bern on his own. "Four years ago, it worked out mainly thanks to list connections, but this time we have managed it on our own. We were able to significantly increase our share of the electorate - from 2.5 to almost 4 percent!" Lilian Studer: "Grateful for the last four years" The Evangelical People's Party (EVP) entered the elections with gender parity in 18 cantons with more than 350 candidates, while the Federal Democratic Union (EDU) in turn sent around 200 candidates into the race in 14 cantons. While the EDU was able to celebrate a seat gain yesterday, the EVP had to mourn its lost seat. Party President Lilian Studer did not manage to be re-elected due to the loss of a list connection with the BDP (the Conservative Democratic Party, which merged with the Christian People's Party this time to form "Die Mitte" - the Middle). She looks back on her time in the National Council with gratitude: "I thank everyone who worked enormously to make the impossible possible. Now, unfortunately, it wasn't enough. I have considered it a privilege to have been able to help shape our society at the national level for the last four years. I am very grateful for that!" In its media release, the EVP draws attention to the shortcomings of the current Swiss electoral system. This would favor the larger parties at the expense of the smaller ones. EVP National Councilor Marc Jost proposes to abolish the list connections and to introduce a new counting method on the national level (see article in the Tagesanzeiger of 24.09.2023). Originally published on Livenet.ch. Translation by CDI staff. They were following in a tradition linking prayer and politics which dates back seventy years to the inaugural Presidential Prayer Breakfast with President Eisenhower in Washington, DC, and the European Parliament Prayer Breakfasts in Brussels since 1998. Even prior to these initiatives, in 1952, three of the founding fathers of Europe, Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide de Gasperi, had met for prayer at a monastery near Koblenz on the Rhine on the eve of signing the treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community. This was the first step towards breaking the pattern of recurring wars and creating a community of peoples deeply rooted in Christian values. They prayed for a Europe in which nations would build together. Building together was the theme of Fridays event. Those gathered had come for the purpose of strengthening relationships and mutual encouragement for their work in the rough and tumble of politics. Asked to address this topic, I explored Pauls building project analogy in his first letter to the Corinthians (3:10). So what are we engaged in building? was my first question. If the audience had been made up of bishops and pastors, the answer probably would have been: the Church. Yet before me were people active in the public square not church institutions. Had Jesus ever told us to build his church? Well, no actually. Surprisingly, Jesus said very little about the church in his teaching. He would build his church (Matt. 16:18); we were to seek his kingdom. From the Lords Prayer we can deduce the kingdom as being where his will is being done: on earth, in Europe, in the Nordic and Baltic lands, as it is in heaven. Wherever legislation was passed to promote shalom, reconciliation and right relationships in families, business, foreign affairs, agriculture and among ethnic groups, for example then was that not in some sense an advance of the kingdom? But was this not a blind spot many of us seem to share? Do we really believe Jesus is Lord of all? Not just of our personal spiritual lives, or of church life, but also of the public square of politics, diplomacy, business, media. Abraham Kuyper put it this way: there is not one square inch of human activity where Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not say mine! If we really believed that in the evangelical world, surely it would be reflected in our theological seminaries! Unfortunately it is not. Where can young people go to be equipped in public theology as kingdom agents in the public square, to prepare for a career in politics, diplomacy or commerce? How are we engaged in building? was the next question. Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus Christ is the foundation. He is the focus of the prayer breakfast movement, the highest common denominator for believers of all political persuasions. And the Living Word is revealed in the Written Word, the book that has shaped Europe more than any other factor. Yet here we identified another blind spot. Was the Bible merely a book focused on getting us to heaven and saving our souls? Or was its message so much deeper and broader, pointing to the restoration and reconciliation of all things under heaven and on earth? How much do we know of the transforming power of the Bible in shaping our politics, government, democracy, the concept of Europe, European culture, European integration and the European Union itself? How can we identify the spiritual idolatries behind all the -isms, (nationalism, capitalism, socialism, liberalism, etc) each of which absolutises something of Gods good creation, as David Koyzis explains in Political visions and illusions (see also my Schuman Talk with David). Again, where can young aspiring politicians learn Biblical foundations for their callings to the public square? Where are we engaged in building? was the third and last question, which led directly to the third and last blind spot. Most of us are engaged in building at the local level. Evangelicals generally focus on the local church and thus think locally. Protestant churches emerged from the Reformation as territorial churches, such as the Church of England or the Dutch Reformed Church. They tended to think nationally. But Catholics have always viewed themselves as belonging to a universal, catholic church and thus saw a broader picture. Someone said: Catholics see woods; Protestants see trees. To which I add, Evangelicals see branches. We Evangelicals have a blind spot when it comes to thinking Europe. So thank God for the Prayer Breakfast movement as it aims to nurture friendships across political, philosophical and even religious differences, holding prayer events in the European Parliament and the parliaments of many of the 50 European nations. New regulations for religious activity venues in China advance officials desire to replace spiritual instruction with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) political teaching, rights experts say. The Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues announced on Sept. 1 further the CCPs policies of Sinicization, said Olivia Enos, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute who specializes in human rights and national security. Sinicization requires that religious practice conforms to the CCPs goals and ends, Enos told Christian Daily International by email. These latest measures do just that by requiring what is preached from the pulpit to reflect the will of the CCP. The state of religious freedom in China is already dire, but the new regulations continue to heighten persecution of persons of all faiths, she said. It is not possible to worship both the CCP and God at the same time, and the CCP knows that, so if it can replace religious teaching with political teaching, the Party knows that it wins out in the end, Enos said. The latest in a series of measures implemented since 2018 in President Xi Jinpings program to Sinicize religion, the new regulations require CCP propaganda to be included in sermons and formation of groups to study CCP documents, rights advocates said. Worship venues that do not comply with the requirements face liquidation, according to online religious rights magazine Bitter Winter. Directed at the five recognized religious groups, including the government-controlled Protestant (Three-Self Patriotic Movement, or TSPM) and Catholic churches, the new measures state that they must adhere to the direction of Sinicization of Chinas religions. Places of religious activity shall uphold the leadership of the CCP and the socialist system, thoroughly implement Xi Jinpings ideology of socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era, abide by the Constitution, laws, rules and regulations and relevant provisions on the management of religious affairs, practice core socialist valuesand safeguard the unity of the country, national unity, religious harmony and social stability, Article 3 states. Likewise, Article 30 orders the requisite management organization of a religious body to unite and educate religious citizens to love the motherland, support the leadership of the CCP, practice socialist core values[and]adhere to the direction of the Sinicization of Chinas religions. While proselytizing and organized religious education for children have long been banned in China, since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, local officials have been less likely to overlook such activities, an Aug. 30 Pew Rearch Center report noted. While aimed at venues of the five approved religions Buddhism, Islam and Taoism, along with Protestantism and Catholicism the new measures provide further grounds for prosecution of unregistered churches, rights advocates said. The directives assume unregistered churches are illegal, repeatedly making reference to them as comprising illegal personnel involved in illegal gatherings and using illegal property donations, a Chinese human rights attorney now residing in the United States, Chen Jiangang, told Voice of America on Aug. 31. Article 71 stipulates, If a place of religious activity is established without authorization, it shall be punished by the Department of Religious Affairs in conjunction with the relevant departments in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations on Religious Affairs or relevant laws and regulations. Article 72 addresses violations by church leaders, stating, Any member of the management organization of a place of religious activity who violates the provisions of these measures shall be ordered by the registration authority to make corrections; if the circumstances are serious, the place shall be ordered to be closed, and if he or she is a member of the religious clergy, he or she shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations on Religious Affairs. Chen reportedly said the measures mark the first time that authorities demand religious personnel adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the ideology Xi introduced at the 19th National Congress of the CCP in 2017 that was subsequently incorporated into the CCP Constitution. In March 2018, China amended the preamble of Chinas constitution to include mention of Xi Jinping Thought. Thus the new measures not only increase state controls but demand insertion of state ideology in sermons and teaching. Article 36 decrees, Places of religious activity shall establish a study system, and regularly organize the personnel of the place to study the guidelines and policies of the CCP, national laws and regulations, Chinese excellent traditional culture, religious knowledge, and so on. Article 39 stipulates thatthe content of sermons and teachings shall be suitable for the characteristics of Chinas national conditions and the characteristics of the times, and shall be integrated with the excellent traditional Chinese culture and reflect the core socialist values. China defends the measures as protecting freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. The measures help further improve the standardization and institutionalization of the administration of venues for religious activities and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of venues for religious activities and believers, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu told VOA Mandarin by email. Chinese government protects citizens freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. People of all ethnic groups in China are fully entitled to the freedom of religious belief as prescribed by law...We urge relevant parties to stop using the so-called religious issues to meddle in Chinas internal affairs. In other provisions of the Sept. 1 measures, religious bodies cannot organize or engage in religious activities outside their premises without authorization under Article 42, and charitable work is controlled under Article 43, which states that those providing such public welfare must report them to the local religious groups and registration authorities for the record. Article 29, Bitter Winter notes, states that members of management organizations of religious venues will be promptly removed if one of 10 prohibitions are violated, including Participating in illegal[i.e., unregistered]religious organizations, engaging in illegal religious activities, or facilitating illegal religious activities, and,Organizing or hosting unauthorized religious activities held outside the place of religious activity. The measures also prohibit the building of large open-air religious statues outside of temples and churches. This prohibition also applies to private citizens and donors. Each of the administrative measures the CCP has introduced since the Feb. 1, 2018 Religious Affairs Regulations came into force have limited the space in which churches can legally operate, Elizabeth Kendal of the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin notes. To be legal, religious activity must be exercised within strict CCP parameters and under the oversight of the CCPs religious affairs departments, Kendal wrote in the Aug. 16 RLPB. Christian leaders who protested ended up in prison; their church properties shuttered and demolished; their church members persecuted. Among the restrictive measures introduced since the 2018 regulations came into effect was the May 1, 2021, Administrative Measures for Clergy, limitingreligious teaching to those registered in the national database of CCP-approved clergy; the March 1, 2022 Measures on the Administration of Internet Religious Information Services, limiting religious information over the internet crucial for church services, Bible studies and leadership trainings during COVID-19 lockdowns to those who hold an Internet Religious Information Services License; and the June 1, 2022, Measures for the Financial Management of Religious Sites, eliminating the right to determine how offerings can be spent by putting all church finances in the hands of the Communist Partys United Front Work Department and Ministry of Finance. Historically, the effects on churches of new legislation have not been felt immediately and have varied among regions. It remains to be seen how churches will be affected by the new guidelines and how they will respond. But Kendal sounded an alarm regarding the Sept. 1 regulations, concluding, These measures will not merely further limit the space in which Bible-believing, gospel-focused individuals can operate, they will effectively obliterate it. An exiled prisoner of conscience from Nicaragua told members of U.S. Congress he was arrested without a warrant, stripped naked and subjected to multiple interrogations about Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for sermons criticizing the government's human rights violations. The unnamed witness was one of two exiled prisoners of conscience to offer their testimonies for Thursday's U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations hearing. With the hearing titled "An Urgent Appeal to Let Bishop Alvarez Go," witnesses called on President Daniel Ortega to release him. Both of the witnesses are members of the Catholic Church currently living in exile due to criminal convictions by the regime. They shared their stories to help advocate for the bishop's release. Their names were concealed for safety reasons. In February, a court sentenced the bishop to 26 years in prison and issued a fine of almost $5,000. Alvarez was stripped of his citizenship and found guilty of "undermining national integrity" and "propagation of false news." He was also found guilty of "aggravated obstruction of functions" and "disobedience of contempt for authority." According to the witness referred to as Exiled Prisoner of Conscience #2, the injustices against people of faith worsened in April 2018 after armed paramilitary groups and police violently shut down a demonstration of young people protesting the government's social security reforms. Alvarez and some of his clergy defended the protestors, according to the witness, who recalled that the churches served as a refuge for young people "feeling repression" from police and ruling party members. The witness said he was kidnapped by the National Police of Nicaragua, who did not present an arrest warrant before transferring him to Auxilio Judicial de Managua jail. Once there, the exiled prisoner said that he was stripped naked and forced to wear a prison uniform. "That same day the interrogations began, there were more than 30 interrogations, which could take place at any time of the day, even in the early hours of the morning," the witness said. "They blackmailed me and threatened the lives of my relatives because they wanted me to declare that the bishop was a member of an organization that wanted to promote a coup d'etat against Daniel Ortega and that he received money from the U.S. government and the European Union," he continued. In February, the unnamed witness said that he and 222 others, most of them political prisoners, members of human rights organizations and priests imprisoned for defending human rights, were exiled from Nicaragua. The other unnamed witness, referred to as Exiled Prisoner of Conscience #1, testified that he was arrested in the street by two police officers and six members of the security troops. He was later transferred to the El Chipote prison. While he was imprisoned, the exiled Nicaraguan said he was also interrogated about Alvarez, including how much money he supposedly received from the U.S. government and the European Union. The interrogators also asked what worship leaders discussed during parish meetings and if they used this as an opportunity to badmouth the government. "I was accused of undermining the dignity of the state and of Nicaragua, of spreading false news," the exiled witness said. The hearing also featured testimonies from a parent of a prisoner of conscience and Deborah Ullmer, the regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean Programs at the National Democratic Institute. During her testimony, Ullmer named actions the U.S. Government could take to advance democracy in Nicaragua, such as working with Latin American countries and U.S. allies to advance a democratic reform in the country. In his opening remarks, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a senior House Foreign Affairs Committee member, called for Ortega to release Alvarez from prison and allow him to travel to the United States or the Vatican. He noted that 12 priests last month who had been imprisoned in Nicaragua were sent to the Vatican in exile. Smith questioned why the bishop was not among them. In early July, the newspaper Divergentes reported that Alvarez met with a representative of the Vatican who tried to persuade him to be exiled to Rome, which he reportedly refused, demanding his unconditional release. In a statement, Bishop David J. Malloy, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, cited "another breakdown in negotiations." Smith highlighted a video of Alvarez released by the Nicaraguan government this week. The congressman expressed concern regarding the bishop's apparent weight loss. Smith wondered whether the bishop was fed enough at La Modelo, which the congressman described as "one of Latin America's most notorious prisons." "The international community can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening to the people of Nicaragua including and especially people of faith," Smith said. "The regime has closed Catholic radio stations and universities, obstructed access to places of worship, banned public Way of the Cross processions, and frozen the bank accounts of hundreds of Catholic institutions," he added. The lawmaker said prisoners have had their requests for Bibles denied. He pointed to the Nicaraguan government's expulsion of the Missionaries of Charity an order founded by Mother Teresa as another religious freedom attack. In a statement provided Tuesday to The Christian Post by Alliance Defending Freedom International, the legal advocacy group said it filed a petition in September on Alvarez's behalf with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. ADF is awaiting a response. "For simply fulfilling his duties as a bishop and preaching on the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church, Bishop Alvarez has been unjustly convicted and imprisoned," Kristina Hjelkrem, legal counsel for Latin America for ADF International and the lead lawyer on the bishop's case, said in a statement. "The U.S. Congress should strongly condemn the Nicaraguan government's actions against Bishop Rolando Alvarez and strongly advocate that Nicaragua comply with its human rights obligations by releasing the bishop from prison and restoring his full rights," she concluded. Originally published by the Christian Post After a swearing in ceremony at the National Congress, newly inaugurated President of Argentina Dr. Javier Milei participated in an interfaith ceremony at Buenos Aires Cathedral. In what Evangelico Digital reported as an unusual event for a presidential inauguration, Milei, himself of Jewish background, and several of his cabinet ministers listened to short speeches and received prayers from several faith leaders. Catholic Archbishop Garcia Cuerva presided over the ceremony with Greek Archbishop Iosif Bosch, Anglican Bishop Brian Williams, ACIERA President and evangelical pastor Christian Hooft, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish and representative of the Islamic community Shaykh Salim Delgado Dassum also speaking at the altar. ACIERA, which stands for Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic, is the body representing evangelicals in Argentina, serving 415 members and more than 15,000 congregations across the country. Pastor Hooft first expressed to the President the evangelical churches commitment to follow the biblical mandate and pray for him and his entire cabinet of ministers, and for the well-being of all Argentines. He then prayed for forgiveness from God for having turned his back on him on many occasions and not upholding him as the First, the Sovereign and the Almighty. He expressed that Argentines would not accept the curse of poverty and instead prayed that it would again become the prosperous and blessed country it once was. He continued by praying for the President, Vice President and ministers wisdom, temperance and prudence as they carry out the necessary changes and implement essential policies for the well-being of all the people. May you fill them with your Spirit, may you send your angels to protect them and free them from all evil, and may you give them strength from above, but also to all citizens, because today we have to be truly united, all together, no one outside, he prayed. Finally, he prayed for peace and dialogue that are essential for moving forward together and to say to violence: never again. He also prayed for hearts that would be sensitive to those in need, the weakest, the elderly, children and the unborn. May we never lose the human dimension, may we never lack faith, solidarity and truth. The end of the prayer focused on hope in believing again, putting God first as the Source of all reason and justice, as the National Constitution says. God tells you: Argentina, do not be afraid, get up, Hooft said. Although a number of evangelical candidates ran for various offices, ACIERA had not endorsed any party or presidential candidate as representative of evangelical churches during the heated election, according to earlier reporting by Evangelical Focus. Although they are members of our faith communities, the fact is that they do not represent the evangelical church as a whole, nor can they claim to be so representative, ACIERA stressed at that time. Noting a widespread wave of arrests of religious minorities in Iran since June, the U.N. General Assembly last month adopted a resolution calling on the Islamic regime to cease the widespread and systematic use of arbitrary arrests and detention. The Nov. 15 resolution, which passed 80 votes to 29 with 65 abstentions, identified Christians and especially converts from Islam among the recognized and unrecognized religious minorities affected by violations, including but not limited to increased harassment, intimidation, persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention, and incitement to hatred that leads to violence, according to advocacy group Article 18. The group reported that it had documented 106 arrests between June 1 and September, the vast majority of them Christians. Most have been released but under harsh restrictions. Those who have been released have reported being forced to sign commitments to refrain from further Christian activities or ordered to attend Islamic re-education sessions, Article 18 reported. Others said they were summoned for further questioning in the days after their release or ordered to leave Iran, while one said his employment was terminated at the request of intelligence agents. Some of those detained were charged with acting against the national security through establishing or membership of a house church, according to a report by the U.N. Secretary-General in October. The total number of arrests of Christians thus far in 2023 is similar to that of previous years, but what is different is that the vast majority of arrests occurred over just a few weeks from the beginning of July, said a representative of advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC). The arrests of Christians coincided with arrests of members of other religious communities as well, said the MEC representative, whose name is withheld for security reasons. Of course, the reason is a matter of conjecture, and it might be that someone high up gave the order for the security apparatus to put pressure on those more active in promoting their beliefs, leading to conversions but we can only guess at present. Bail amounts to obtain release were exorbitant, ranging from $8,000 (400 million tomans) to $40,000 (2 billion tomans), according to Article 18. The arrests took place across 12 cities, the group reported; while most were converts to Christianity, at least two arrested were Iranian-Amenians, presumably raised as Christians from birth. The rash of new arrests of Christians have coincided with a renewed crackdown on Irans Bahai community, which alongside Christian converts is another unrecognized religious minority group, Article 18 reported. The U.N. resolution appeared to draw heavily on Article 18s reporting. Irans representative to the U.N. dismissed the resolution as biased and politically motivated, saying the classic cast of characters and the usual suspects, i.e. Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States and Israel, were using it to advance their political agenda. Canada had introduced the resolution, which called on Iran to cease monitoring individuals on account of their religious identity and release all religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a minority religious group. The resolution expresses serious concern at the widespread restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of opinion and expression, both online and offline, Article 18 noted. The resolution also criticized recent amendments to articles 499 and 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, saying they significantly escalated discrimination and violenceand other human rights violations against persons belonging to recognized and unrecognized religious minorities. Australias representative to the U.N. expressed grave concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, especially around the persecution of women and girls and oppression of ethnic and religious minorities. Objecting to the country-specific nature of the resolution as threatening national sovereignty were the U.N. representatives of Russia, Venezuela, North Korea, China, Pakistan, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, Eritrea and Belarus, Article 18 noted. Australias representative responded by saying, U.N. member states are indeed sovereign, but sovereignty is not a shield against international scrutiny for behavior that impinges on universal human rights. No country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations. The international community cannot turn a blind eye to these violations and suggest that deaths, violence, arbitrary detention, discrimination and oppression are internal matters. To do so would be to ignore the human rights of the individuals that we, the United Nations, have committed to promote and protect. Those convicted of disrupting national security or other legal pretexts for arresting religious minorities are usually not sent to prison immediately, but must wait months to be summoned with no prior notice. Ethnic Armenian Iranian Anooshavan Avedian, arrested in 2020 from a prayer meeting at his home in Narmak, northeast of Tehran, was summoned to prison on Sept. 13 more than a year after he lost an appeal in May 2022 following his sentencing in April of that year. The 61-year-old Avedian was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of deprivation of social rights including restrictions on employment, for establishing and leading an illegal group with the aim of disrupting the security of the country through educational and propaganda activities, contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam, through the dissemination of false claims, according to Dublin, Ireland-based aid and advocacy group Church in Chains. The verdict was issued by Judge Iman Afshari, who has built a reputation in recent years by issuing harsh sentences against Christians, Church in Chains noted in a press statement. Article 18 reported that authorities contacted Avedian on Sept. 11, the same day another Iranian-Armenian pastor, Joseph Shahbazian, was released from Evin Prison. The timing of Anooshavans summons showed that the general policy of the Iranian government towards Christians has not changed, Article 18 Director Mansour Borji noted on the groups website. Although we have seen a number of Christians released this year, the fact that somebody has now gone to prison on the same charges or for the same activities for which others have been pardoned or released, or had their sentences reduced, shows the arbitrary nature of the judicial system in Iran. Christians will congregate worldwide in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution and even death for their faith this Sunday and next Sunday in observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church has been organized by The World Evangelical Alliance for more than two decades, with many other faith-based organizations encouraging participation. According to Open Doors, a watchdog that monitors persecution in over 60 countries, over 360 million Christians live in countries where they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith. In its annual World Watch List report, Open Doors reported that over 5,621 Christians were killed for their faith in the 2022 reporting period, 90% of which occurred in Nigeria alone. Many Christian advocacy organizations, such as Open Doors U.S. and The Voice of the Martyrs, have offered free resources, such as discussion questions and prayer guides, to help churches or small groups host a gathering for the IDOP. Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors U.S., emphasized in an interview with The Christian Post the role that prayer plays in the organizations mission to combat the global persecution of Christ-followers. He said regardless of the enormity of a problem, prayer reminds Christians of Gods power. It allows us to align ourselves to the hearts of the Father who, as much care and as much passion as we may have for serving the persecuted church, it pales in comparison to Christs heart for His bride, Brown said. Brown said the IDOP is also an opportunity for Christians globally to uplift their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ by proving there are thousands, if not millions, of people thinking about them. The new Open Doors U.S. CEO highlighted concerns that the West is continuing to delve deeper into a post-Christian culture, as it can be easy for those not living under persecution to become consumed with the business of their daily lives. The Christians facing discrimination for their faith, Brown contended, serve as an example to Westerners of refusing to limit their faith despite the culture they inhabit. There have also been persistent trends in Christian persecution, according to Brown, citing the findings of his groups annual World Watch List as another reason for Christ-followers to immerse themselves in prayer. According to a brief on the Open Doors website, North Korea holds the top spot for Christian persecution, but Brown noted that countries like China have used intimidation and government power to oppress people of faith. Brown said in other countries, such as Nigeria, Christians are often subjected to violence. Estimates released earlier this year International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law found that at least 5,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2022, and at least 1,000 were killed within the first three months of 2023. Regarding the IDOP, Open Doors is offering resources for churches participating in the event to share with their congregations, including guides for planning a prayer meeting and sermon notes to help facilitate discussions. As a result of the IDOP, Brown hopes to see people consistently dedicate more time to thinking about their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. The goal is not that this necessarily becomes a once-a-day, once-a-year activity, but that this becomes a springboard into something that impacts us on a regular basis, he said. On its website, WEA also offers a variety of resources, including videos and graphics. [A]s we gather in prayer for our persecuted brethren, we find hope and strength in the Scriptures, WEA states about the event, quoting 2 Corinthians 4:10. This powerful biblical text reminds us that though persecution may strike believers down, it does not destroy their faith. The resilience and unwavering trust in God displayed by our persecuted brothers and sisters serve as a testament to the enduring power of Christ in their lives, it continues. HYDERABAD, India Police in central India on July 26 beat a Christian educator and filed baseless charges against him of human trafficking and fraudulent conversion of eight Christian students he was escorting to a Bible institute, sources said. After arresting Liju Kuriakose off of a bus in Manikpur, Chhattisgarh state, police officers told the students, including five minors, to give false statements that they were being trafficked, said one of the youths, a 17-year-old identified only as Govardhan. We all had vehemently refused and told the police that we have been Christians for a while and are not new converts, Govardhan told Morning Star News. We cannot tell lies about the brother who came all the way from Kerala to help us. When their attempts failed, police sent us to the Child Welfare Committees home. Kuriakose had come from Kerala state to ensure the safe travel of the students, ages 15 to 22 and all from tribal Christian families. They had boarded the bus in Manikpur bound for a railway station in Bilaspur, where they were to take a train to the Bible institute in Kochi, Kerala state, Govardhan said. All eight of us had secured admission in a Bible institute in Kochi, Kerala, and brother Liju came to take us for our own safety, Govardhan told Morning Star News. At around 10:30 a.m., after we boarded the bus, one man appearing to be a passenger caught hold of brother Liju and commanded the bus driver to stop the bus at Manikpur police station. Kuriakose said police were very violent as they questioned him until late at night, leaving him tired, sweating and light-headed. I told them that I was having memory loss and feeling difficulty to breathe, and that I needed to be allowed to sit for some time, Kuriakose told Morning Star News. But they made me sit on the floor and continued questioning as they beat me up in turns. Officers denied him water, he said. They treated me as though I am a human trafficker, Kuriakose said. They confiscated my mobile phone, my ID proofs and checked my bank transactions; they could find no evidence. But as they continued investigating, I was put through severe mental torture. I was not allowed to call my wife. Nobody knew that I was in police custody. It was about 3 a.m. before parents of the students learned they had been sent to the Child Welfare Committee home and became aware of Kuriakoses arrest, he said. After spending the night at a friends house, interrogation continued the next day when officers summoned him to the police station at 11 a.m., where he remained in custody until 5 p.m. The deputy superintendent of police and many higher police officers took turns to question me, he said. It was a traumatic experience. Manikpur police were unavailable for comment. Police filed a First Information Report charging him with human trafficking and luring children to convert by offering them money, Kuriakose said, adding that the students refused to make any statement against him, and he was released on bail. Kuriakose is scheduled to appear before the Judicial Magistrate of First Class in Ambikapur on Aug. 18. I have been receiving calls from the kids asking me to pardon them they have been very disturbed by what happened, he said. I have told them that they are like my own kids. I am trying to make some arrangements such that they can study within Chhattisgarh state, and that they dont have to travel out of the state. Pastor Chander Paul said three of the eight students traveling with Kuriakose belong to his church in Kanakpur, Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh state. The parents consented to the admission of children in the Bible institute in Kochi, Pastor Paul told Morning Star News. The kids were very happy and were very much looking forward to the courses. They didnt understand what was happening. They have been very upset since then. The parents had to submit affidavits to the Child Welfare Committee to get them released from the home, he said. It took around five or six days for all the children to go to their homes with their parents, the pastor said. The students education had stopped for various reasons, and the Bible institute offers bridge courses along with Bible studies to help them return to regular studies, he said. They are taught English, morals and other subjects for one year, Pastor Paul said. The batch of children who joined the course last year went back and sat for their ninth-grade finals and 10th-grade boards. The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say. India ranked 11th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The country was 31st in 2013, but its position worsened after Modi came to power. Amid growing reports of anti-Semitism and continued widespread discrimination, Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, has filed a bill in hopes to add ethnicity to Virginias hate crimes and discrimination law. We need to make sure that the law in Virginia protects Jews and other ethnicities from attacks, Helmer said. He noted that the bill comes at a critical time where there are unprecedented attacks on Americans for being Jewish. In the months since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, bias incidents against Muslims and Jews have been on the rise. Hamas is a political and military organization that governs the Gaza strip, where many Palestinians live. About 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas October attack and over 17,000 Palestinians have been killed in attacks from Israel since, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Virginia law already includes protection against discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status or disability. This year the state legislature passed a bill to adopt a definition of antisemitism. The definition, already embraced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, is not legally binding. Helmer said adding ethnic origin will be helpful particularly for Jewish people who may not necessarily identify with the religion but whose heritage is connected to the ethnicity and culture. Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesperson with the Council on American-Islamic Relations agrees that religion and ethnicity can be conflated. People are often targets for their ethnicity or their perceived ethnicity or their perceived religion, he said, and noted how people who are Sikh are often perceived as Muslim due to the turbans they wear. He said that CAIR is generally in favor of any legislation that strengthens anti-discrimination laws. The matter is also personal to Helmer, who is Jewish and has family in Israel. He has said he was subject to an anti-Semitic campaign flier during his 2021 campaign for the House of Delegates. The flier purported to show Helmer looking at stacks of gold coins a stereotype levied at American Jews. This is a problem Ive been aware of, and Im ready for the General Assembly to take meaningful steps to combat anti-Semitism, he said. Though the Republican Party of Virginia funded the mailer two years ago, the GOP has taken steps in recent years to address the rise of anti-Semitism. Gov. Glenn Youngkin established a commission studying anti-Semitism and Attorney General Jason Miyares created a task force to monitor and investigate reports. On Monday night, Youngkin attended a menorah lighting at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center and announced that he will propose a $2 million boost to Virginias hate crime security grant program in the next state budget. The money would boost the fund to $5 million. Helmer said he thinks there could be an appetite for passing his bill in the upcoming legislative session. This takes meaningful steps and I hope that we can get bipartisan consensus on doing the right thing, he said. While the samurai no longer rule Japan, the bow has endured as the mark of respect. It's a greeting and an apology, a sign of respect and an indication of worshipping and there are numerous subtle distinctions. To the Japanese, the bow is something they do every day. Children bow to their teacher and say "ohayou gozaimasu," or "good morning," at the start of every school day. It would be unthinkable for a business meeting to commence without formal bows. Shop staff and train conductors, hotel employees, janitors and deliverymen all bow to their customers. Even passing a colleague in a corridor will inevitably elicit eye contact and a deep nod. It's a greeting, and it's polite. But a bow to a Japanese person imparts much more information, with each variety having a nuance that communicates a slightly different meaning. "Bowing is a key part of greetings in Japan," said Kiyomoto Ogasawara, the heir to the 32nd headmastership of the Ogasawara-ryu school of "reiho," or etiquette. "Bowing signifies trust and peace by showing vulnerability, as we avert our eyes and expose the head," explained Ogasawara, whose family has served as instructors to generations of shoguns since the school was established more than 830 years ago. ...continue reading Nga mihi ki te hunga e whai ana i to ratou whainga (Greetings to everyone who is pursuing their purpose), After seven years of drawing contemporary missional meaning and social commentary from whakatauki (Maori proverbs), this post concludes the theme. The next post will use a passage of Scripture as the starting point for commentary that seeks to strengthen our participation in Gods missionwhile continuing to do so through an indigenous lens. For this final contribution, however, the whakatauki is: He aroha te whakapiri, he mate i te whakatakariri (Love unites, but anger separates). It should come as no surprise that Maori whakatauki or proverbs tend to be aspirational, even if they also contain a warning. After all, Maori are guided by a strongly collectivist values set. That which is treasured in this world is that which strengthens our relationship bondsto one another, to our habitats, to the unseen spiritual world around us. There is no greater threat to collectivist values than that which would seek to separate or divide the group. The whakatauki above describes this as simply as any. Aroha, loving kindness and mutual affection, bonds us together. The word for unity or bond is whakapiri, which evokes the idea of something glued together. Laminated. A watertight seal. In contrast, whakatakairi is the state of being angry, outraged, or indignant. Anger is a legitimate emotion of course, especially when it is a response to injustice, but left unaddressed it becomes problematic. The common English translation of the second half of the proverb is quite mild. The word mate is much stronger than separates, it is literally death. Anger is a pathway to death. But the collectivist world sees little difference. To separate is to die. Antichrists are those who have left the vine, become separate from the family of God. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine John 15:4 (NLT). John amplifies this concept in his first epistle (1 John 2:18-19) where he discusses the reality of the Antichrist and antichrists. Curiously, these are not people who are persecuting the Church. In Johns understanding, antichrists are those who have left the vine, become separate from the family of God. Presumably because they had a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions (1 John 2:16 NLT) rather than the eternal purposes of God. But they remain a negative influence on Gods people, as false prophets (1 John 4:3b NLT). Such people are cast as liars who deny/renounce the Father and the Son and thereby have become antichrists (1 John 2:22 NLT). They have become unfaithful to the holy fellowship of believers through their desires, words, and actions. They act in the spirit of the Antichrist and you can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act (Matthew 7:16 NLT). And Jesus said that way is ultimately the way of death. In a Maori cosmovision (view of reality), separation equals death, unity generates life. Anger and disagreement are not automatically grouped with the former, but if they are prolonged and turn bitter, with a refusal to accept or be satisfied with appropriate reconciliation, they have great potential to be destructive. Handled well, they can lead to communal transformationto life. The spirit of the Antichrist does not seek life. That is Gods purpose. Forces that oppose God, that accuse the people of God, that steal, kill, and destroy, seek only destruction. But even this resistance to life is a strengthener of life. That is the great mystery of opposition, hardship, and suffering. But it must be processed adequately, toward wellbeing and away from toxicity. We are being herded into tribal camps, based on opinions that now feel like they are life or death options. I firmly believe there is a spirit at work in the world today that is deeply destructive. It is a spirit that promotes wedges that divide, driving us further and further apart from one another over issues that barely 5 years ago might have been dismissed as the stuff of social banter. We are being herded into tribal camps, based on opinions that now feel like they are life or death optionsexistential non-negotiables. It seems that tolerance is a convenience we can no longer afford. It is happening between nations, within nations between those with differing socio-political convictions, between family members, and theologically within the people of God in Christ. As Fritz Breithaupt explains in his book The Dark Sides of Empathy, much of the horror in this world is not because of the lack of empathy but because of the intensity of empathy, usually for the group with which we identify. The problem, with social empathy at least, is an extreme identification with a particular tribal creed over against all others. It is an in-group empathy that is more often than not conditioned by a repulsion for a particular out-group who we grow to hate. We are too easily drawn into a very black and white, binary, simplistic bias that refuses to appreciate the complexity of situations and rejects opportunities to work toward understanding. They are the enemy, we have a righteous cause, end of story. Us versus them becomes the basis for identity, the reason for ones very existence. In my recent visit to South Korea I experienced two quite different perspectives on North Korea from the Christians I conversed with. On one hand there is the view that North Korea would need to fail completely and the State collapse before there could be a reunification. Positioning oneself and ones church for this eventuality is not an attitude of reconciliation. It is a posture of superiority, one that is waiting to impose ideals onto a subdued other. On the other hand, I met Korean believers who are working hard to keep humanising their North Korean brothers and sisters to their South Korean friends and family, with the expectation that reunification will need to honour the dignity and values of the North while conceding some of the problematic aspects of the South. They anticipate the need to co-create a new united Korea within the tensions of the two political ideologies (centralised control in the North, commercialised control in the South). Division in the peninsula is merely 70 years old. Both populations share a common history, both remain largely collectivist, but historic values are expressed differently in contemporary political ideology. A great opportunity exists there for the development of a completely new political reality if the two are ever able to overcome their non-negotiables. May the Lord make it so. Back in the Western hemisphere, one of the interesting things about the nature of political empathies is that, whether left or right, as they become more extreme, they each arc in a horseshoe effect toward a similar conclusion: total control. These days it can be difficult to work out what is a politically right agenda item and what is left. It used to be that the right (individualistic) wanted more personal responsibility and free market for individual gain, whereas the left (collectivist) wanted more state control and regulation for the good of the whole. Relatively simple. As we have seen in the recent elections in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is not nearly so straight forward today. Identity issues have entered the mix. The left now looks more libertarian and the right more conservative when it comes to personal politics. So, the left is much more individualistic, and the right somewhat more collectivist. Yet, taken to their extremes, both ultimately want to control society according to their agenda, the goals informed by their particular values. Without resistance, power in any form of relationship leads to unhealthy control that is more likely to benefit some at the expense of others. As I write, protests are frustrating commuter traffic in major centres around our nation in response to a political shift that threatens to dishonour the dignity and wellbeing of a significant sector of society and diminish the importance of our central founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). Without resistance, power in any form of relationship leads to unhealthy control that is more likely to benefit some at the expense of others. Such power rarely has everyones wellbeing in mind nor a balanced view of the common good. The antidote to excessive control is resistance toward a renegotiated social contract or relational agreement, and peaceful protest is a legitimate part of such a process. Only within wisely tuned tension between opposing positions can a healthy way forward be found for the benefit of all. That requires a willingness to invest time to seek understanding, build trust, and find agreement on shared values that can co-create a more positive future for all. This is what the Bible calls reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul describes our participation in the mission of God as a ministry of reconciliation. He says that we may long for our transformed bodies, but it is what we do in the meantime, in our earthly bodies that will be a source of judgement before Christ. His own ministry defence aside, he notes some attributes that are required to conduct a ministry of reconciliation effectively. We are only to be controlled by the love of Christ (not the love of an ideology, dogma, tribe, ethnicity or even doctrine). Our former allegiances are considered dead (along with anything else that destroys relationships). Life together is only found in following the way of Christ (marked by the character of Christ/fruit of the Spirit). We have ceased evaluating and judging anyone from a human point of view (whether in or outside our faith). New Creation does not refer to the individual but to the fact that people from diverse backgrounds are dwelling together in shalom harmony. These are the basic prerequisites of a biblical understanding of reconciliation, necessary for the process of relationship building (which includes legitimate disagreement, protest, resistance) to take place in a way that leads to unity in diversity. This is the process of co-creating New Creation. Theologian Tom Wright interprets 2 Corinthians 5:17 to mean that, for everyone in Christ, New Creation (aka the shalom Kingdom of God) is manifest in their midst (cf. Matthew 18:20). New Creation here does not refer to the individual but to the fact that people from diverse backgrounds are dwelling together in shalom harmony (Holy Spirit tuned tension), a new social realitythis is the biblical view of reconciliation, and it is only possible in Christ. It should be said that helping people over the threshold of the Kingdom, from darkness (ignorance) to light (understanding), via penitent allegiance to Christ, is only the beginning. The atonement is just the start of the gospel and becoming a disciple is just the start of a process. We must be sure to live the WHOLE gospel. The shaping of disciples in community for the benefit of society is the real work of the Kingdom. Once we are in Christ, we immediate start participating in the co-creating of New Creation as part of the body of Christ, for the transformational benefit of our societies, as witnesses to the world of the power of Christ for the glory of God. This is too often missed out of the gospel narrative when we exhort people to follow Jesus. It is right that they must become allegiant to Jesus as an individual, but that allegiance pledges them to a community of faith, which exists to do good in the world (cf. Gal 6:10, 1 Thess 5:15, 1 Tim 6:18, Titus 3:14, 1 Pet 2:21ff, 3 Jn 1:11). As we actively and attentively wait in the time between Jesus first and second advents, hope in anything else, any other allegiance, is a false hopean antichrist hope. Jesus cosmovision is the only common good capable of unifying a fractured humanity, because only Jesus can provide the kenotic (mutually self-denying) power necessary to achieve it, which comes to those who follow Him by the Holy Spirit. Jesus way both affirms the attributes of our human identity and asks us to be willing to lay them aside in service of the whole (cf. Philippians 2:5-11). This is the good news that is cause for great joy for all people declared by the angels at the first advent. The good news about the One who can, has, and will bring peace satisfying both individual and collective aspirations. Only Christs love, enabled by the Spirit, can laminate us to each another to form a singular whole (cf. John 17:18-26). Submission to Christ and commitment to the way of Jesus is the only solution for a fractured world today. This is the gospel all people in this world need an opportunity to hear, understand, and embrace as we look to His second coming. As Christs ambassadors, we must remain committed to this and nothing else as we co-labour and co-create in our efforts to #stayonmission. Are you not a robot? Click on the button to continue: I am not a bot. Continue... Weather Alert ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM CST FRIDAY... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY... ...WIND CHILL WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM FRIDAY TO NOON CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero. For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 50 below zero. Coldest wind chills are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. * WHERE...Portions of east central, northeast, and southeast Nebraska. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 3 PM this afternoon to 9 PM CST Friday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday. For the Wind Chill Warning, from 9 PM Friday to noon CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be hazardous. Areas of blowing snow will reduce visibilities, even after snow has stopped falling. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday evening and Friday commutes. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && Two soldiers of Benins armed forces died Tuesday December 12 in the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the commune of Karimama, north of the country reeling with terrorism activities. The incident reportedly occurred at Bako Moko in the commune. The soldiers motorbike ran over an IED on their way after they left a military outpost at Bako Moko to fetch potable water. They reportedly died on the post in the explosion. Benin has been grappling since 2019 with terrorism in its northern regions close to Burkina Faso where terrorists and bandits have been sowing havoc. The country suffered its first terror attack in 2019 after two French citizens were kidnapped from Benins Pendjari National Park and their local guide murdered. Authorities until September this year claimed 40 civilians and 20 soldiers have been killed over the past three years. The Tuesday attack is not the first in Karimama. A tricycle carrying bags and two passengers ran over an IED on January 1 this year on the Kofounou-Mamassy Gourma road. The explosion killed two young people. Also on May 4 2023, a truck driver transporting sand was injured when he drove over an improvised explosive device in Loumbou-Loumbou in the Commune of Karimama. The World Bank has resumed cooperation with Gabon several months after freezing all financing projects in the central African country in a reaction to the military coup of August 30 following an electoral process deemed rigged by the military. The Washington-based lender, local media Gabon Review reports, notified the ministry of Finance and Economy in a letter dating back to December 11, of its satisfactions of various reforms carried by the junta-led Administration to reassure multilateral financial lenders. The bank, subsequently to the letter, also sent a team to Libreville to train Gabonese officials on the new electronic disbursement circuits, the media also notes. The incumbent leader of the African country Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema deposed longtime President Ali Bongo Odimba on August 30, following the announcement by the independent Electoral body of August 26 elections making Ali Bongo winner of the presidential elections for another seven years in power after ruling the country for 14 years. Following the coup, several organizations suspended the country. The World Bank and several other financial lenders also put on hold their cooperation and financing projects in Gabon. The World Banks decision to resume activities in Gabon comes one month after the African Development Bank (AfDB) also announced its return to the country. Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and Director General of the French National Police, Frederic Veaux, who is currently on a working visit to Morocco, held talks Tuesday in Rabat on various security matters of shared interest. The two parties explored avenues to bolster security cooperation mechanisms, and discussed strategies for executing joint operations under this cooperation, notably in ensuring security for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, said the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) in a press release. Talks also covered struggle against drug and psychotropic trafficking, curbing irregular immigration, as well as countering the terrorist threat, mitigating cybercrime risks, confronting transnational organized crime, and optimizing the exchange of expertise in all security-related realms, said the DGSN press release. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to prepare for a visit of Abdellatif Hammouchi to Paris soon, the objective being to reinforce security cooperation, broaden the spectrum of this collaboration, and diversify its modalities, aligning with the interests of both nations. These initiatives are founded on mutual trust and shared interests, the press release pointed out. The meeting with the Director General of the French National Police is part of a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings led by the Director General Moroccos National Security and Territorial Surveillance. The goal is to fortify security collaboration and coordination with various regional and international partners and organizations involved in law enforcement, said the press release. The head of the General Directorate of Studies and Documentation (DGED), Yassine Mansouri, has been decorated with The Star of Romania, the highest distinction of this European country, awarded by its president, Klaus Werner Johannis. This decoration is a new recognition of the decisive contribution of Moroccan intelligence services to regional and international security. This decoration is viewed as another significant gesture of recognition to Moroccan security services for their contribution to ensuring security at regional and international levels. Upon the decision of President Klaus Werner Johannis, published in the Romanian Official Gazette on November 6, 2023, Yassine Mansouri was decorated on December 11 with the Star of Romania (Grand Officer Order), the highest distinction in the country, falling under the exclusive prerogatives of the President of the Republic. This decoration was preceded by messages of appreciation to the Moroccan services, in August 2023, for their decisive intervention in the liberation of Iulian Ghergut, a Romanian security officer who had been abducted on April 4, 2015, by the jihadist group Al-Mourabitoune, which pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The Romanian officer was positioned at a manganese mine in northern Burkina Faso, near the borders of Mali and Niger. On August 11, the Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, praised the successful security cooperation between the intelligence services of the two countries. This was conveyed during telephone conversations with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Following the phone call with Akhannouch, the Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu wrote on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Looking forward to continuing dialogue and building our cooperation further. Special thanks to Moroccos intelligence services for the recent cooperation in releasing citizen Iulian Ghergut, who was kidnapped in Burkina Faso. In his phone call with Bourita, Romanian foreign minister Luminita Odobescu lauded the excellent bilateral ties and thanked Morocco for its key role in helping set free the Romanian hostage. The Romanian Foreign Ministry had also issued a statement announcing the release of the security officer and expressing thanks to Morocco for its important support for his release. For his part, President Klaus Werner Johannis thanked, via the social network X (formerly Twitter), the foreign partners who supported Romania in this challenging undertaking. I rejoice at the liberation of the Romanian citizen kidnapped in Burkina Faso! Congratulations to all Romanian institutions involved for their continuous efforts, and thanks to our foreign partners who supported us in this challenging endeavor, he wrote on his X account. This was not the first time that Moroccan intelligence services helped free European hostages. In December 2022, Morocco had helped release German humanitarian worker Jorg Lange in Mali, German media had then reported. Lange was the head of Help Niger NGO and was kidnapped in April 2018 on the borders with Mali together with his driver who was released soon after. Kenya has joined Seychelles, Benin, and The Gambia in announcing the lifting of visa restrictions for all African nationals on 12 December in a move that has been hailed as a step in the right direction. President William Ruto stated in his address at the recent Youth Connekt Africa 2023 Summit in Nairobi that he has long held ambitions to abolish visa barriers among Africans, whom he views as one people, and that he would continue his push for a visa-free continent. Those ambitions were realized on Jamhuri Day on 12 December when Kenya commemorates its independence from British rule. It would make Kenya only the fourth African country to implement visa-free entry policy after Seychelles, Gambia and Benin. Seychelles, one of the worlds major tourist destinations, was the first to do so in 2016. We are going to declare that no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya. It is because we are one people and this continent needs to write its own narrative, Ruto said. Our children from this continent should not be locked in borders in Europe and also be locked in borders within Africa, Ruto declared earlier, on 1 November, to a cheering crowd during an international summit in Congo-Brazzaville. But some experts have cautioned that challenges, such as illegal migration, remain in reaping the benefits of a borderless continent without compromising jobs and security, that is why the opportunities and challenges need to be weighed carefully to make a meaningful transition. Still, when people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers, Alan Hirsch, a research fellow at University of Cape Town, argues in The Conversation. Despite this progress, by the end of 2022 only 27% of African routes allowed Africans to travel visa-free, Hirsch adds. Brian Houston is making plans for 2024 to be his comeback year after a tumultuous season that saw him resign from the leadership of the church he founded, Hillsong, and stand trial and eventually be acquitted of accusations that he covered up his late father's abuse. The 69 year old shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he and wife Bobbie are getting ready to launch a new ministry. "Bobbie and I are starting a weekly online ministry and church in 2024," he said. "I'm excited about building this new community." He did not share any additional details but the announcement comes not long after his daughter Laura Toganivalu and her husband, Peter, stepped down earlier this year as leaders of Hillsong's youth ministry, Hillsong Young & Free, before announcing plans for a new church. It has been a bumpy couple of years for Houston after he stepped down as global senior pastor of Hillsong in 2022. Senior leaders said that at the time that he had breached the church's pastor's code of conduct by entering the hotel room of an unidentified woman for 40 minutes while under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs during the church's annual conference in 2019. Other complaints against Houston alleged that he had sent an "inappropriate text message" to a staffer in 2013. The staffer resigned shortly after. A few months later Houston addressed his departure from Hillsong, denying that it was because of alleged misconduct and accusing Hillsong leaders of issuing public statements that had "made my position untenable". Earlier this year, Houston was acquitted of criminal charges that he covered up abuse committed by his late father, Frank Houston, in the 1970s. He had always denied wrongdoing and the Sydney court ruled in his favour, finding that he had a valid reason for not reporting his father's abuse because he believed that the victim did not want the abuse to be reported to police. But in another dramatic turn of events this year, Houston pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and received three years' probation and a $140 fine. He was also made to take part in an alcohol programme for DUI offenders. Originally published by Christian Today Keith County residents and others interested in the 1894 Perkins County Canal revival can learn more about the projects progress at a Tuesday open house in Ogallala. Staff members of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources will be available to answer questions from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. MT at the Keith County Fairgrounds exhibit hall, 1000 W. Third St. A DNR press release said visitors can see and ask questions about the canals study area, expected benefits and anticipated timeline. No formal verbal presentation will be given. The Legislature set aside a combined $629 million in 2022 and 2023 to invoke Nebraskas right to complete the canal under the 1923 South Platte River Compact. State officials want to protect water flows across the Colorado line against Front Range development. Perkins County pioneers in 1894 dug 16 miles of the canal from near Ovid, Colorado, to southeast of Julesburg before running out of funds. They had planned a 65-mile-long canal to run through and end in Perkins County. The modern plan would finish their work in Sedgwick County and run the canal across southern Keith County before it rejoins the South Platte. At least two storage reservoirs would be built. The South Platte Compact, ratified by both states and Congress between 1923 and 1926, grants Nebraska eminent domain rights inside Sedgwick County if needed to finish the canal there. The canals route in Colorado must stay on or near its intended 1894 path. Ogallala, where Tuesdays DNR open house will take place, also was where Nebraska and Colorado representatives reached agreement on the compact during a meeting on April 24, 1923. Keith County leaders had been pressing to finish the 1894 canal since 1921. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images Nikki Haley is reportedly receiving the coveted endorsement of New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu at a town-hall meeting in Manchester on the evening of December 12. Sununu is a very popular lame-duck governor who chose not to pursue opportunities to run for reelection, for the U.S. Senate, or for president in 2024. Instead, hes set himself up as an anti-Trump kingmaker, giving the crucial nod to a contestant in his states first-in-the-nation Republican primary. That nod is going to Haley, who has recently been running a distant second in New Hampshire polls to the nationwide front-runner, Donald Trump. Thats the good news this week for the former United Nations ambassador and governor of South Carolina. The not-so-good news was that she has lost her momentum in Iowa, according to the latest gold-standard Iowa Poll from Ann Selzer, and is still running third there behind Trump and Ron DeSantis. This sets up two possible paths ahead for the new Republican Establishment favorite, both of which lead to her home states primary on February 24. The upbeat scenario that the Haley-friendly mainstream media (supplemented by the anti-Trump Republican media) will likely project is this: Haley edges DeSantis for second place after all in Iowa, ending his candidacy in the place he went for broke. Establishment Republicans push and pull Chris Christie, who is dividing the anti-Trump vote in New Hampshire, out of the race or otherwise marginalize him (he might not, for example, make the stage in pre-primary debates). Haley finishes a relatively strong second in New Hampshire, amid high hosannas from everyone in the country who loathes or fears the prospect of a second Trump administration. Haley slays the dragon in her home state, beating Trump and making it a competitive two-candidate race as she gathers still more money and hype. She would, in that scenario, certainly have time to gather money and hype, given the unusually long hiatus between New Hampshire on January 23 and South Carolina on February 24 (theres an intervening Nevada primary and caucus that everyones ignoring because the primary in which Haley is competing awards no delegates and the caucus is thought to be rigged for Trump). As Geoffrey Skelley notes at FiveThirtyEight, this could play into a Haley-led anti-Trump cabal: The longer timeframe in 2024 could amplify many standard aspects of the early presidential primary season Long gaps will leave more time for the positive or negative media feedback loop to revolve, and for candidates to potentially gain or lose support based on a strong or weak early result, before a subsequent contest alters the campaign narrative. Deep-pocketed megadonors, outside groups and party leaders will have ample time to judge the state of the race and potentially switch their support. And a candidate on a downward trajectory could also have a harder time surviving financially over the longer gaps between contests. In other words, even if Haley cant squeeze DeSantis or Christie out of the race before New Hampshire, perhaps the money people and anti-Trump Republican elites can get the job done before South Carolina. But theres also a downward path ahead for Haley that seems more likely: Haley finishes a decent but not terribly strong third in Iowa (exactly where the Iowa poll puts her right now). Haley finishes second in New Hampshire, far behind Trump. Haley spends most of her time before South Carolina trying to get DeSantis and Christie (and even Vivek Ramaswamy , a minor irritant but one with some support) out of the race. Haley might then lose to Trump in her home state, effectively ending the GOP nomination fight well before Super Tuesday (March 5) or the projected start date for any of Trumps criminal trials. Currently, Trump is at 49 percent in the RealClearPolitics polling averages for South Carolina, nearly 30 points ahead of the Palmetto States former governor. Trump has been endorsed by the states governor (Haleys successor, Henry McMaster) and by senior senator Lindsey Graham. Ending Haleys candidacy there, much as he ended a challenge by Haleys 2016 candidate Marco Rubio in his home state of Florida, seems quite plausible. The underlying problem for Haley is that theres nothing in her background and message that is appealing to Trump supporters, who represent a solid majority of Republican voters nationally (61 percent in the latest RCP polling averages) and a near majority in the early states where his rivals have concentrated their efforts. Her fans have been avidly promoting her electability credentials as evidenced by some (though not all) polls showing her running better against Joe Biden than any other Republican candidate. But electability is not presently the biggest worry of Trump backers, who are more focused on plotting vengeance on his and their tormenters when he wins. Unfortunately for Nikki Haley, her own backers are squarely in the MAGA crosshairs too. She needs a small miracle and a lot of luck to keep her campaign going through Super Tuesday. WILLIMANTIC, Conn. The killing of a Connecticut nurse making a house call in October was a nightmare come true for an industry gripped by the fear of violence. Already stressed out by staffing shortages and mounting caseloads, heath care workers are increasingly worrying about the possibility of a patient becoming violent a scenario that is too common and on the rise nationwide. Joyce Grayson, a 63-year-old mother of six, went into a halfway house for sex offenders in late October, to give medication to a man with a violent past. She didn't make it out alive. Police found her body in the basement and have named her patient as the main suspect in her killing. Graysons death has her peers and lawmakers renewing their yearslong pleas for better protections for home health care workers, including sending them out with escorts and providing more information about their patients. The calls come during an era of increasing violence against medical professionals in general. Grayson, who had been a nurse for over 36 years, including the past 10 as a visiting nurse, was found dead Oct. 28 in the Willimantic halfway house. She didnt return from a visit to patient Michael Reese, a convicted rapist. No charges have been filed in the killing yet. Its all nurses are thinking about right now, even the hospital nurses because theyve had so many close calls, said Connecticut state Sen. Martha Marx, a visiting nurse and New London Democrat who is calling for changes in both state and federal laws. Marx said she was once sent to a home and didnt find out until she talked to clients there that it was a residence for sex offenders. Often, if a nurse asks for a chaperone, the agency will simply reassign the work to another employee who wont make waves, she said. Grayson's death came about 11 months after another visiting nurse, Douglas Brant, was shot to death during a home visit in Spokane, Washington a killing that also drew calls for safety reforms, including federal standards on preventing workplace violence. While killings are rare, nursing industry groups say non-fatal violence against health care workers is not. From 2011 to 2018, the rate of non-fatal violence against health care workers increased more than 60%, according to the latest analysis by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the number of non-fatal injuries from workplace violence involving health care workers has been higher than that of other industries for years, according to the bureau. In a survey released in late 2022 by the National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the U.S., 41% of hospital nurses reported an increase in recent workplace violence incidents, up from 30% in September 2021. Theres no way home health workers should be sent into somebodys home or apartment by themselves, said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat who represents the congressional district where Grayson was killed. Courtney has been pushing legislation since 2019 that would set up federal regulations requiring health care and social service employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. While several states require such prevention plans, there is no federal law, industry groups say. He says the problem highlighted by Graysons case is not just about safety, but also about attracting and retaining health care workers, many of whom feel the job is just too dangerous. Marx wants to see laws requiring security escorts for nurses in some cases, and for police to provide caregivers regularly updated lists of addresses where violent crime has occurred. She also said patients charts should be flagged to alert nurses about past incidents of violence, if theyre registered sex offenders and other information. Grayson was a nurse for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for 26 years before serving as a visiting nurse for over a decade, according to her family. She also was a beloved foster parent, taking in nearly three dozen children and being honored with the state's Foster Parent of the Year award in 2017. Police still haven't said how Grayson died, and the medical examiner's office said autopsy results remain pending. Willimantic's police chief, Paul Hussey, called the killing one of the worst cases he has seen in his 27 years in law enforcement. Reese, who was on probation after serving more than 14 years in prison for stabbing and sexually assaulting a woman in 2006 in New Haven, was taken into police custody while leaving the halfway house on the day Grayson was killed. He was released from prison in late 2020 and was sent back to detention two times for violating probation, state records show. Authorities said he had some of Grayson's belongings, including credit cards, and was charged with violating probation, larceny and using drug paraphernalia. He is detained on $1 million bail. A public defender listed in court records as representing Reese did not return emails seeking comment. Graysons family is devastated and is seeking answers to an array of questions, including if there were failures of oversight by the state Department of Correction, state probation officials and the company that runs the halfway house. They also want to know whether Elara Caring adequately protected her, according to their lawyer, Kelly Reardon, who said a lawsuit is planned. They were extremely concerned that it was preventable, Reardon said. They certainly felt from the get-go that there were failings in the system that led to this and they want that to be investigated. What factors predict nurse burnout? What factors predict nurse burnout? Understaffing Lack of support from employer Ongoing moral injury Traumatic experiences OSHA Upgrades Employee Head Protection with Modern Safety Helmets Until recently, the agency relied primarily on traditional hard hats. OSHA is enhancing the head protection for its employees by transitioning from traditional hard hats to advanced safety helmets during inspections. This follows a Bureau of Labor Statistics report that head injuries accounted for nearly 6 percent of non-fatal job-related injuries in 2020. According to a release dated Dec. 11, the outdated design of traditional hard hats influenced the decision to switch. While a longtime staple in head protection, hard hats offer limited protection mainly to the top of the head and easily fall off during slips or trips due to the absence of chin straps. The design also traps heat, which can lead to discomfort among workers. On Nov. 22, 2023, OSHA released a bulletin highlighting the improved features of modern safety helmets, which include enhanced side impact protection, integration of chin straps, ventilation, face shields and communication systems. These helmets are designed to provide comprehensive head protection and can include additional safeguards like hearing protection. OSHA recommends companies across industries such as construction and oil and gas adopt these safety helmets since these employees face a high risk of head injuries. The updated helmets are also advised for specialized high-temperature work environments, electrical work, tasks performed at heights, and situations where regulations mandate enhanced head protection. Two Thirds of Retail Workers Worry about Their Safety New Report Shows The report, Motorola Solutions The State of Retail Worker Safety, highlights ways to make the retail space safer. In a new study by Motorola Solutions, many retail workers are expressing concern for their personal safety. Nearly two-thirds of retail employees surveyed said they feel apprehensive about safety risks like theft and hostile customers, which they claim have increased in the past year. According to a release dated Dec. 11, Motorola Solutions The State of Retail Worker Safety report surveyed over 1,000 U.S. retail associates and managers. The first-ever studyconducted by independent market research firm Researchscape in November 2023found 54 percent experienced more petty theft, while 35 percent reported a rise in grab-and-run incidents. And 31 percent of respondents said they have encountered more hostility from customers. The holiday bustle can be a stressful time for retailers. Sales associates and managers shouldnt have to be concerned about their safety on top of everything else, Sharon Hong, vice president of Ecosystem Solutions at Motorola Solutions, said in a statement. Our report found that retail workers are looking for more technology that can help them be better aware of safety threats, spot illicit activity and communicate quickly and seamlessly with other employees and first responders should an incident arise. Among the surveys other findings, retail employees reported a heavy reliance on low-tech methods like landlines (58 percent) and PA systems (45 percent) for emergency communication, with 28 percent of respondents turn to yelling to let coworkers know an incident has occurred. However, respondents largely confess that technology has a positive effect on how safe they feel. Seventy-six percent of respondents said they currently have video security, 64 percent have alarm systems and 44 percent feature merchandise sensors in their stores. Also, 42 percent of those surveyed desire AI for gun detection to create a safer environment, 36 percent want access control systems to lock doors and 30 percent want panic buttons and license plate readers. Meanwhile, 36 percent of retailers who responded have recently updated safety protocols, including emergency response training and better incident communication, to improve preparedness. Roughly a quarter of the workforce has considered quitting due to safety issues, suggesting that investments in advanced safety measures could improve staff retention. The State of Retail Worker Safety is available to download on the Motorola Solutions website. Sultan Al Jaber, President of COP28, brought down the gavel today on a final agreement of the UNs two-week climate conclave. The Global Stocktake the principal document was adopted by 198 nations. You have put common interest ahead of self-interest, said Al Jaber. We have the basis for transformational change. The document, calling for an orderly transition away from fossil fuels, was accepted by all of the worlds major oil producing nations except Iran, which left the summit early in protest of Israels attendance. UAE consensus The revised document came after strong pushback from more than 100 nations against an initial draft issued Monday. The more strongly worded revised document came forth from the Presidents office Wednesday morning, after a night of consultations with top diplomats, ministers and representatives of country groups. What is clearly a compromise document, balancing simultaneous calls for global energy transition and developing countries financial needs, was branded by Al Jaber as the UAE Consensus. Al Jaber, the CEO of major state oil company Adnoc, gave a long list of COP28s accomplishments, emphasizing that, we have language on fossil fuel in our final agreement for the first time ever. This announcement, recognizing that after 30 years of UN-sponsored climate talks the actual cause of climate change is finally named in a consensus document, was greeted with rousing applause by the gathered ministers and delegates in plenary session. Related: Investors Turn Bearish on European Natural Gas Amid Eased Supply Fears The COP28 President continued with superlatives, saying, We have delivered a comprehensive response to the Global Stocktake and set the world on the right direction. He called the agreement, a robust action planled by science and a historic package to accelerate climate action. We have delivered a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies, he continued. We have integrated the real economy into climate action. Al Jaber spoke of a new economic age and went on to assert that the agreement reimagines global finance and builds on the loss and damage requirements of developing nations. Small islands have their say While all 198 participant nations assented, some including Samoa, Bangladesh, Bolivia and others sounded notes of caution. The first to speak after the president was Samoas lead delegate Anne Rasmussen, who, speaking for 39 small island states, pointed out shortcomings in several parts of the agreement, which does not specify peak emissions in 2025, and puts exclusive focus on decarbonization of energy systems. Her statement was greeted with loud applause. Recognizing the applause for the island nations, John Kerry, the top US climate envoy, said the while everyone will see deficiencies in the document, it is still an important accomplishment and he hailed a moment of multilateralism. Beginning of the end This document sends very strong message to the world, said Kerry, that, 1.5 remains within reach. Kerry said that the next round of the countries Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to be delivered in early 2025, will need to be aligned with the 1.5C objective of the Paris climate agreement of 2015. He also restated figures from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), saying that global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 43% by 2030, and 60% by 2035. Transitioning away from fossil fuels to achieve net-0 by 2050 that is clear, in the new agreement, Kerry said. He went further, saying that transitional fuels need to be aligned with the 1.5C objective, and that abatement technologies should be focused only on hard-to-abate industry sectors. He also said the new agreement makes clear that the international financial system must shift away from whatever puts the Paris goal at risk. Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner, followed Kerry, calling the day, a day of gratitudeand silent determination. Humanity has finally done what is long overduewe have arrived at the beginning of the end of fossil fuels. Tackling the elephant in the room The Global Stocktake document directly addresses what Norways top climate negotiator called the elephant in the room, at COP28. ADVERTISEMENT The document calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade. It is compromise language, not as strong as phasing out fossil fuels, and narrowed to energy systems, but stressing the urgency of this decade. Earlier in the day a spokesperson for the COP President called it a finely calibrated document. The new Dubai Consensus document encourages countries to submit economy-wide NDCs, has new specific targets to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030, and begins to introduce new financial architecture by recognizing the role of credit rating agencies for the first time and calling for a scale up of concessional and grant finance. It also states the need to significantly scale up adaptation finance. NDCs next up The Dubai summit may be remembered as the most significant COP since the Paris Agreement in 2015. However, its global goal setting will have effect only insofar as countries follow through with effective national plans. In early 2025, countries are to deliver new NDCs. Some observers noted that the new agreement, with its emphasis on whole-of-economy NDCs, may have the positive effect of compelling large economies to continue moving toward large scale transformation while opening possibilities for new approaches and innovations in emerging economies. More focus on finance is expected next year at COP29 in Azerbaijan, while countries will bring their revised NDCs to COP30 in Brazil, in 2025. By Alan Mammoser for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The more than century-long dispute over the resource-rich Essequibo region in Guyana has intensified. Venezuelas autocratic President Nicolas Maduro asserts, in one of the few issues it agrees on with the opposition, that the 1,450 square mile territory belongs to Caracas. The Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of Guyanas territory, was awarded to the then-British colony in 1899. Venezuela has long opposed the judgment, arguing it was invalidated by a 1966 agreement, made after Guyanas independence, to resolve the dispute. Maduros saber-rattling became more fervent after Exxons slew of world-class oil discoveries in Guyanas territorial waters off the Essequibo. There are fears Caracas will use the results of a recent referendum, where 95% of the 10.5 million votes cast were in favor of integrating the territory into Venezuela, as justification to annex the region. Maduro is eagerly stoking a geopolitical crisis to district Venezuelans, who have suffered immensely under his rule, from U.S.-mandated free elections to be held in the second half of 2024. Indeed, the petrostates dictatorial ruler is caught in a bind because Washington recently granted relief from strict U.S. sanctions in exchange for guarantees of free and fair elections to be monitored by international observers. Less severe U.S. sanctions, which allow Caracas and national oil company PDVSA to access global energy as well as capital markets, are crucial to rebuilding Venezuelas shattered economy. After a decade of draconian rule, rampant corruption, and a massive economic implosion, described as the worst to occur outside of war, Maduro appears incapable of winning such a poll. If the dictatorial leader tries to win by underhanded means and fails to abide by Washingtons conditions, then heavy-handed sanctions will most likely be reimposed. Venezuelas dictatorial ruler is threatening tiny Guyana, a country of less than one million, with invasion by Latin Americas fourth most powerful military. This isnt the first time Caracas has used military force to intimidate Georgetown with Venezuelan military assets encroaching Guyanas territorial waters and airspace many times since 2015. In 2021, I speculated that South Americas latest mega-oil boom could spark a clash between Guyana and Venezuela, or potentially even a broader conflict involving other South American nations such as Brazil. President Maduro, since Exxons first 2015 discovery in the Stabroek Block, which lies in the waters off Essequibo, has been hungrily eyeing Guyanas burgeoning oil wealth. Exxons slew of discoveries along with growing oil production from the Stabroek Block launched an economic boom that saw Guyana become the worlds fastest-growing economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by a whopping 62.3% during 2022. Guyana has administered the Essequibo for more than a century with it considered part of the sovereign countrys territory since independence in 1966. President Irfaan Ali has frequently stated the country is committed to resolving the dispute through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled on December 18, 2020, that it had jurisdiction to resolve the matter. Earlier this month the court weighed in on the current hostilities stating in a December 1, 2023, order: Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area;. President Ali recently pledged to defend the contested territory saying (the) Essequibo is ours, every square inch of it,. Since taking office Guyanas president has focused on building closer ties with Washington while moving away from Guyanas legacy of socialism and anti-colonialism. In July 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Guyana and met with President Ali, who is also seeking to formalize energy security pacts and other agreements with Washington. There is considerable trepidation Caracas will annex the Essequibo. At the end of November 2023, Brazilian intelligence warned Venezuelas army was mobilizing in preparation for an invasion of oil-rich Guyana. Since then, tensions have boiled over, with a Venezuelan military invasion of the Essequibo emerging as a genuine threat. In response to intelligence reports, Brazils Ministry of Defense deployed troops to the countrys northern border with Venezuela and Guyana, as a preemptive defensive measure. This is an important development because Brazil not only possesses Latin Americas most powerful military but Venezuelas armed forces will be required to pass through Brazilian territory to reach the Essequibo due to virtually impassable terrain along the border with Guyana. The size and strength of Brazils armed forces make the country an important regional counterweight to Venezuelas military, which is the fourth largest in Latin America. It is for this reason, that Brasilias commitment to defending Guyanas sovereignty is key to defusing current tensions. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who retains friendly ties with Maduro, urged Venezuelas dictatorial leader to exercise caution and act with restraint. Brazils presidential office went on to issue a statement saying, "Lula emphasized the importance of avoiding unilateral measures that could escalate the situation,". Colombias first-ever leftist president Gustavo Petro also urged caution, while the Organization of American States (OAS) rejected Venezuelas referendum. Under international pressure, Maduro and Ali have agreed to meet this Thursday as part of an attempt to head off military confrontation. Despite that positive development, Venezuelas autocratic regime is ratcheting up pressure on Guyana and Exxon to create justification for the annexation of the Essequibo. Most of Guyanas newly found oil wealth lies in the territorial waters off the Essequibo in the Exxon-operated 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block. Indeed, Maduro is positioning the claim to the Essequibo as a fight against corrupt Big Oil. Caracas alleges supermajor Exxon is meddling in regional politics to enrich itself. The regime even went as far as to claim that leading Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado is involved with Exxon in an international money laundering scheme aimed at keeping the oil-rich Essequibo from Venezuela. Exxon denied those allegations calling them ridiculous. Maduro has since put the Essequibo under military jurisdiction and ordered PDVSA to issue oil extraction licenses. Venezuelas autocratic regime appears intent on fabricating whatever evidence is necessary to ensure Maduro wins next years election. Key among the measures being taken is the regime ordering the arrest of a dozen opposition figures for treason and plotting against the referendum. This includes National Assembly leader and Washington-recognized interim president Juan Guaido, who earlier this year was ejected from Colombia and sought refuge in the U.S., and staffers of presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado. No evidence was presented against the accused, many of whom including Guaido reside in the U.S., with it alleged they engaged in activities to undermine the referendum and money laundering. Maduros actions are ratcheting up tensions at a crucial time for Venezuela and Guyanas oil industries. The latest events could force Washington to roll back recent sanction relief potentially putting energy supermajor Chevrons license to recommence lifting petroleum in Venezuela at risk. That will snuff out any chance of an urgently required petroleum-led economic recovery for the petrostate. Meanwhile, Exxon as well as its partners in the Stabroek Block, Chevron, and CNOOC, are evaluating their sixth project with a nearly $13 billion final investment decision (FID) expected by the end of the first quarter of 2024. During November 2023, oil started flowing from the Payara field with the 220,000 barrel per day Prosperity floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel coming online ahead of schedule. That will lift Guyanas petroleum output to 620,000 barrels per day making the tiny country South Americas fifth largest producer. ADVERTISEMENT By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Since Russias invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the race has been on to secure as much of the worlds regular liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies as possible to compensate for lost energy supplies from the global gas and oil powerhouse. LNG requires much less infrastructure for delivery than gas delivered through a pipeline, meaning not only that it costs a buyer less to establish the facilities needed to benefit from a regular LNG supply but also that quantities can be increased and decreased at very short notice. It can also be bought in the spot market as and when additional urgent supplies are needed. In essence, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, LNG supplies have become the swing gas supply for the worlds major energy consumers. In a demonstration of prescience so extraordinary as to be unbelievable, China began signing massive long-term LNG supply deals with major suppliers a full year before Russian troops moved into Ukraine, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. However, Western firms have begun to turn the tables on the Russia-China alliance, with several major LNG supply initiatives also underway, including a recent deal with major LNG supplier, Oman. The Sultanate is also a vitally important Middle East hub to both the U.S.-led alliance and the China-Russia one. Related: Russias Crude Oil Shipments Jump After Storms Subside Oman is now a top ten global LNG supplier, with exports having reached a high of 1.16 million metric tonnes in April. The late-November deal with BP will see the Western oil and gas giant receive 1 million metric tonnes per year (mmtpy) from Oman LNG, beginning in 2026 and lasting nine years. More important than the amount of LNG is the fact that a major Western company has been able to strike such a deal against the tide of multiple advances by China to secure ever-greater influence over the Sultanate. For both China and its allies, and the U.S.-led alliance, Oman has an importance that goes way beyond its relatively oil and gas reserves. Crucial to both countries is Omans geographically-strategic position, with long coastlines along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea offering unfettered equal access to the markets of the West and the East. According to a senior source who works closely with Irans Petroleum Ministry exclusively spoken to by OilPrice.com, Chinas long-held objective in Oman is to use it to secure control over all the key crude oil shipping route chokepoints from the Middle East into Europe that avoid the Cape of Good Hope route (more expensive and more nautically challenging) and the Strait of Hormuz route (more politically sensitive). This is fully aligned with Beijings broad strategic goal encapsulated in its One Belt, One Road multi-generational power-grab project. Even more specifically, China already has much control over the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz through its all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and fully examined in my new book. The same deal also gave China a hold over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which crude oil is shipped upwards through the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal before moving into the Mediterranean and then westwards. This was achieved as it lies between Yemen - heavily controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis, and now subject to the new China-brokered relationship deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia - and Djibouti, over which China has also established a stranglehold. It is through manipulating proxy forces in these areas, including in and around the Gulf of Oman, that China can dial up or dial down tensions in the global oil and gas sector very quickly and easily, as has been seen recently with the Iran-orchestrated seizure of ships supposedly connected to Israel. China was first able to secure significant influence over Oman around seven years ago when the Sultanate was struggling with funding for its flagship US$8.5 billion 230,000-barrels per day Duqm Refinery Project and ancillary projects (another US$10 billion or so). Already accounting for around 90 percent of Omans oil exports and most of its petrochemicals exports to that point, China was quick to leverage this to sign a US$10 billion investment in the Duqm project - just after the implementation of the nuclear deal with Iran at the beginning of 2016, in fact. The focus of this Chinese money initially was on completing the Duqm refinery, but it was also expanded to include financing for a product export terminal in Duqm Port and the Duqm refinery-dedicated crude storage tanks of the Ras Markaz Oil Storage Park. More Chinese money was also funnelled towards the construction and building out of an 11.72 square kilometre industrial park in Duqm in three areas - heavy industrial, light industrial, and mixed-use. Aside from its vital importance as a key Middle East hub, Oman had also been identified by Beijing as having another key use for it which was to enable its core regional client state, Iran, to finally build its own world-class LNG business, with its key customer being China. The plan is for Iran to utilise at least 25 percent of Omans LNG production capacity at the Qalhat plant. Such an idea was originally part of the broader co-operation deal made between Oman and Iran in 2013, extended in scope in 2014, and fully ratified in August 2015 that was centred on Omans importing at least 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year (bcm/y) from Iran for 25 years through an underwater pipeline, as also analysed in my latest book on the global oil markets. That deal was to have begun in 2017, at which time it was worth around US$60 billion. The target was then changed to 43 bcm/y to be imported for 15 years, and then finally altered to at least 28 bcm/y, also for a minimum period of 15 years. The land pipeline of the project that would move gas from Irans supergiant South Pars and North Pars fields in the first instance would comprise around 200 kilometres of 56-inch pipeline to run from Rudan to Mobarak Mount in the southern Hormozgan province. The sea section would include a 192-kilometre section of 36-inch pipeline along the bed of the Oman Sea at depths of up to 1,340 metres, from Iran to Sohar Port in Oman. Given the potentially sanctions-busting nature of the project, though, the U.S. included the prevention of this Iran-Oman LNG project in its efforts to stop Iran from expanding its hydrocarbons export routes into the booming market of Asia. Before the Saudi Arabia-led blockade of Qatar erupted in 2017, the U.S. offered an alternative for Oman, which was that it increased its uptake of gas from Qatar. This would come via the Dolphin Pipeline running from Qatar to Oman through the UAE, or in LNG form, but Oman refused. Omans desire to re-energise the plans for the Iran-Oman gas pipeline was also fanned at that time by the UAEs demands for an increasingly large fee for allowing the transit of gas from Iran through its waters, again part of the U.S. strategy to persuade Oman to take its gas from Qatar. As it now stands, Oman appears to be playing a similar sort of balancing act between the interests of the U.S.-led alliance and that of China as many other countries in the Middle East have played over the years. On the one hand, May saw Oman make four big deals with Iran as part of a broader plan to jointly develop the shared Hengam offshore oilfield in the Strait of Hormuz. This was the first publicised agreement on cooperation between Iran and a neighbouring country in a shared field, although, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order, Iran and Iraq have been closely cooperating on their many shared fields for decades. The Hengam field lies around 70 kilometres off the southern Iranian coast, to the north of Oman, at the juncture of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that sits almost exactly in the centre of the Strait of Hormuz. This point is the key global transit route for around 30-40 percent of all the worlds oil at any given moment. On the other hand, November saw Oman sign an amendment with Frances TotalEnergies to extend its partnership with Oman LNG. Located on the northeast coast of Oman, the Oman LNG liquefaction complex comprises two liquefaction trains, each with a capacity of 3.8 mmtpy. It is adjacent to the Qalhat LNG project that China and Iran have long been looking to utilise as part of their joint Iran LNG initiative. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Just a few months ago, oil prices were on the rise, talk on Analyst Street was about a deficit to manifest itself by the end of the year, and, as a result, even higher prices. Four months later, oil is depressed, and traders continue selling, worried about a looming glut, which OPEC+ is not doing enough to reduce. And that after the cartel announced cuts of 2.2 million barrels daily. It is an unusual situation, to say the least. It started with Chinese demand early in the year. Oil bulls watched China like hawks as the country emerged from the last pandemic lockdowns and the economy returned to business as usual. Also as usual, however, analysts had perhaps too high expectations about oil demand. And when these did not materialize, traders sold oil, and prices fell. Even though Chinese oil demand broke the record in the course of the year, at least based on crude imports, traders remained unconvinced that the pace of growth would remain unchanged. This was in fact, quite astute, since no country can maintain the same level of oil demand, and especially not a country that issues oil import and fuel export quotas. Indeed, one of the reasons oil prices moved lower in the third quarter were lower Chinese crude imports. These, in turn, were the result of refiners running out of quotas. Traders, however, took it to mean that overall demand is weakening and its time to get out. Meanwhile, in the United States, drillers were getting more oil out of the ground without really trying. This led to a record-breaking output of 13.2 million barrels daily, per the Energy Information Administration. Related: Saudi Aramco Enters Pakistan in Downstream Expansion Drive The news of the record-breaking output further fueled fears of oversupply just months after the market was dominated by equal fears of an oil deficit that led commodity analysts to predict prices of $100 per barrel of Brent by the end of the year. Even the reignition of the Israel-Palestine war could not support prices for longer. Traditionally, any disruption in the Middle East lends upside potential to prices, but this time, the effect was unusually short-lived. A recent escalation from Yemens Houthis, who said they would target any vessel sailing to Israel, has injected some life into benchmarks but a rather weak one. So, traders are selling. In fact, they have been selling so much that positions have declined to just 295 million barrels as of December 5, per Reuters John Kemp. Such a low level of oil positions has been rare, to say the least, over the past ten years. And it has been a sharp drop: on September 19, oil positions stood at 680 million barrels. Kemp suggests that traders were underwhelmed by the OPEC+ cuts. They apparently expected even deeper cuts. Or perhaps there was simply so much talk about the cuts that traders got used to the thought of these cuts and when the news about record U.S. production broke, it was enough to offset the official OPEC+ announcement. It is an interesting development because even in November, some analysts were being upbeat on oil. JP Morgan, for instance, published a forecast arguing that oil was about to enter a supercycle and prices could move above $100 per barrel. Supply sources outside of OPEC are reaching their limits, leaving the alliance to meet rising demand and deplete its spare capacity, the banks analysts wrote. Instead, weve seen OPEC announce additional production cuts and traders scatter because U.S. oil production hit 13.2 millionand is about to hit 13.3 million bpd, which no one apparently thought to interpret as a major drop in output growth. Thats because traders dont seem to be interested in fundamentals such as the one mentioned by JP Morgan and other forecasters. And that means the oil market will most likely continue to be unusually unpredictable. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Argentinas new government will cut energy subsidies and devalue the peso by 50% in a bid to deal with a massive fiscal deficit. The government will also cancel tenders for public works, the new economy minister told media, as quoted by Reuters. According to Luis Caputo, this shock therapy would cause pain over the short term but "The objective is simply to avoid catastrophe and get the economy back on track," he said in a speech. Argentina is home to the second-largest shale formation in the world, the Vaca Muerta. Oil and gas production there is on the rise but it is taking time to turn the country into a large enough producer to start feeling the benefits fully. In fact, a couple of months ago the government threatened oil producers to ban exports unless they ensure adequate supply for the domestic market amid fuel shortages. Local media attributed the shortage to a dollar deficit that prevented the government from securing enough import fuel, causing long lines at gas stations and closing some as they ran out of fuel. Meanwhile, the previous government granted Argentinas oil and gas companies a preferential forex rate to stimulate more business in the sector. "We made the decision to recognize 25% of what (energy companies) export and bring to Argentina to invest using the CCL value so that they increase investment levels over the next 60 days in the oil and gas sector," the then-economy minister said in September. The new governments plans for the oil and gas industry specifically have yet to be made public but it is safe enough to assume it could be treated as a priority growth area. According to Rystad Energy, oil production at the Vaca Muerta could top 1 million barrels daily by 2030, as long as there are enough pipelines to carry oil and a sufficient number of drilling rigs. If that panned out, it would help the Neuquen region, where the Vaca Muerta formation is located, become a net oil exporter and contribute as much as $20 billion in total revenue by 2030. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Hong Kong: Govt condemns prize for NSL suspect The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed its strong disapproval of and firm opposition to the ministries of foreign affairs of France and Germany for issuing a prize to Chow Hang-tung. Chow has been charged on suspicion of committing offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government indicated that she faces a criminal prosecution of incitement to subversion and that the case is awaiting trial in the Court of First Instance of the High Court. It added that as the ministries of foreign affairs of France and Germany have issued their prize to Chow in the name of human rights and the rule of law while judicial proceedings are still ongoing, this is obviously contrary to the spirit of respecting the rule of law. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged these foreign countries to respect the rule of law, abide by international law and the basic norms that govern international relations, and immediately stop interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong. The statement also pointed out that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. It emphasised that Hong Kongs law enforcement agencies take actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law against those who endanger national security. It added that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all prosecutorial decisions being made based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. Meanwhile, the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The statement also outlined that Hong Kong residents enjoy rights and freedoms under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws. It added that the NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in the safeguarding of national security in the Hong Kong SAR, and that the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law, and under the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. The statement reiterated that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge its responsibility of safeguarding national security, effectively preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security, whilst also safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the law. This story has been published on: 2023-12-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Xi says China, Vietnam, under new circumstances, should move forward on path of friendship, cooperation Xinhua) 19:00, December 13, 2023 HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said here Wednesday that China and Vietnam, under new circumstances, should move forward on the path of friendship and cooperation from the strategic and long-term perspective of the relationship. In his meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, Xi said the two sides should ensure sound steering of the bilateral relationship, advance practical cooperation and properly managing problems and differences. The announcement to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance sends a positive message of solidarity, friendship and common development between China and Vietnam as two socialist countries, Xi said. Xi pointed out that in recent years, the National People's Congress of China and National Assembly of Vietnam have maintained good interactions and steadily enhanced exchanges and cooperation at various levels. It is hoped that the two legislatures will further deepen exchanges and cooperation, draw upon each other's useful experience in legislation and supervision, do more to forge closer bonds between the two peoples, and contribute to improving the modernized governance systems and capabilities respectively and to cementing the popular foundation for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Xi added. For his part, Hue said that Xi and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong agreed on the new characterization of the elevated relationship between the two parties and two countries -- jointly building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. This takes forward the special friendship of camaraderie plus brotherhood forged by the older-generation leaders, and will steer the relationship in the direction of steady development in the long run and toward a brighter future, Hue said. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liu Ning) Nga mihi ki te hunga e whai ana i to ratou whainga (Greetings to everyone who is pursuing their purpose), This months whakatauki (proverb) is: He o te kotahi, he o te katoa. (The mistake belongs to the collective.). Ive said before, I started life in Canons Creek, Porirua, Aotearoa New Zealanda notorious neighbourhood in the 1970s, noted for its gang violence and poverty-related issues. One of my most vivid memories is of playing on my front porch with a Tonka toy truck, when a skinny, dishevelled, heavily tattooed white guy stumbled into the adjoining State House one morning bleeding profusely from a stab wound, knife still in. I dont remember much else about that morning. My early life in da Creek is just snapshots. However, when I first saw the movie Once Were Warriors at Missionary Training College, I remember feeling viscerally triggered by many of the scenes. In contrast to the trauma, I also fondly remember collectively singing the national classic Tutira mai, which became the All Blacks rugby team anthem in 2017 (where is it now when we need it most?!) and recorded again in 2020 as a collaboration between US and NZ armed forces with a slightly updated melody in places. As I noted back in 2017, the song was composed by Anglican Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata of Ngati Kahungunu (my tribe) in the late 1950s. It grew in popularity as he performed it in churches and Bible classes around the nation. Its use in public schools was not done with Huatas consent or credit and sadly the version we learned at the time was a little corrupted. Such is the way when cultural artifacts are appropriated! Canon Huata was involved in the Ecumenical Movement, concerned for the unity of the global Church, most visibly represented by the World Council of Churches today. Tutira mai (Come, align) is informed by Huatas desire to see believers unified. In English, the songs lyrics translate to: Come together and align as one, people | All of us, all of us (line repeated) Seek after enlightenment/understanding, and love of others, everybody! Think as one, act as one | All of us, all of us. As my doctoral work was drawing to a close in 2017, from within an Evangelical camp, I considered the fracturing of our Protestant faith and the challenge that the Ecumenical Movement seems not to have solved, while Evangelicals dont attempt to or dont even acknowledge that there is a problem. We fracture into increasingly diverse movements and new denominations. With unity in mind, I concluded my thesis with the lyrics of Tutira mai as a statement of hope in keeping with Jesus prayer in John 17. But I recast the song as a lament in a minor key, a waiata (song) that I perform from time to time to express my yearning for the alignment to which the lyrics call us. The alignment I sang about as a boy in primary school, I believe, is the antidote to the horror of conflict, aggression and outright violence that was the stuff of my upbringing. The song speaks of relational reconciliation to a world ripped apart by acts of relational destruction. Its melody (whichever way it is sung) is a gospel melody. We overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb What is the blood if not whakapapa (lineage, belonging, heritage)? For Maori, unity within a family group or tribe is assumed. The raranga (weave) is whakapapa, it is in the blood (or via adoption), and cannot be broken. Relationships can be strained, and communities wounded by misdeeds, but the connection remains. This kind of assumption is rare these days, at least in what I call the Industrial world. It is still very much the norm for those with values aligned with the Indigenous World, which assumes deep interconnections between all things and understands our lived reality in relational terms. It should be the norm for those of us in Christ too. After all, we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb (and our testimony to that fact Revelation 12:11). What is the blood if not whakapapa (lineage, belonging, heritage)? Eurocentric theologies focus on the sacrifice and that is undeniably significant, but the shedding of blood was for the reconciliation of relationship. So the two, belonging and sacrifice, are intimately related (pun intended). Tutira mai. For all the challenges that can arise in a collectivist social setting (no more so than in an individualist one), those who carry such values, fashioned over eons in tribal contexts, are better equipped to hold unity-in-tension and deal effectively with those who would threaten such unity. In a 2021 interviewwith Moana Maniapoto, Maori kaumatua (elder and statesperson) Ta Timoti Karetu observed, The old people said: He o te kotahi, he o te katoa. The mistake belongs to the collective. Everythings collective with us. Because thats the only way you can get any disciplineby saying you embarrass us all when you do whatever you do. But, he laments, it just doesnt work anymore, which is sad because it was a good way of keeping the community well-behaved (aligned). In the Maori world there is no word for guilty. This was a response to Moana observing that in te ao Maori (the Maori world) there is no word for guilty. Instead, in keeping with Ta Timotis response, there is just responsibility. Youre not guilty for what youve done so much as you are responsible for breaking faith, for breaking the peace. And so, you are responsible for restoring it. Tutira mai. I have recently had conversations with Anglicans on both sides of a rift that threatens to divide the global communion. Both feel they are holding true to the faith with their application of the Word (Scripture) in the world (culture). When I express my sadness that it may come to yet another schism in Protestantism (which itself is the result of a schism) representatives of each side insist that it is not them breaking faith but the other. As we look back through Church history with one particular understanding of unity, it would seem that Jesus John 17 prayer has abjectly failed. Nowhere in the material universe does harmony exist without tension. That is one interpretation. However, if we instead viewed as one in a collectivist way, as an integrated singularity, an indivisible one-ness, an unbreakable weave; if we view it as an expression of harmony, we see that in spite of the tensions, rifts, and schisms, the connection remains. Jesus prayer is fulfilled. This, after all, is how tribes, languages, people, and nations are formed, yet we remain one humanity, made in the image of God. As I am wont to say now, nowhere in the material universe does harmony exist without tension. You cannot create harmony without tension. Harmony is an integrated singularity of multiple tones (tone = tension). In the cosmos, a black hole is called a singularity, the potential tipping point of Artificial Intelligence taking over is called a singularity. The idea signifies the gravity of something drawing all things into itself (cf. John 12:32). That the world will believe that the world will know (John 17:21-22 NLT) that Jesus was lovingly sent to usher in New Creation (or the Kingdom of God if you wish) is Gods primary purpose for us this side of eternity. It is to this reality that we are all witnesses. When one of us makes a mistake, all of us are implicated and affected. We each must take responsibility for repairing the offence, for perpetually repenting and reconciling with the collective. While we may differ on many things because we view them from different biblically-faithful perspectives, the weave of faith holds. It only appears torn to the one who rejects the possibility that those who think differently do not belong in the family. In which case, such a person may be disqualifying themselves. Holding fast to the essentials (and being wary of outright heresy), our extra convictions may differ but our love for one another must not wane. James notes, the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:3-4 NIV). What is this faith if not the fact that Jesus has made us an integrated singularityone spiritual whakapapa? Persevering with one anothers differences, through the trials or troubles that we cause one another, strengthens our Christlike character. Our pathway to maturity starts by accepting that we are inseparable in spite of our differences. Our shalom/harmony, is our single greatest witness to the world of the power of God in Christ to forge New Creation. Tutira mai nga iwi, come into alignment people. This is how we #stayonmission. Arohanui ki a koutou e haere ana ki te ao (love to you all as you go into the world). As ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) moves to expand its trading operations, risk-on traders will be awarded with new cash bonuses starting in December 2024, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with the structural changes.Exxon will categorize traders as system traders on one hand, and those who take risk to boost company profits on the other and cash performance bonuses will be distributed only to the risk-takers. We strive to deliver competitive pay that will attract, reward and retain talented employees in support of the companys business objectives, Bloomberg cited Exxon spokesperson Emily Mir as saying. Specific to select trader job roles, our compensation program is directly informed by company results, global trading results and individual performance.The payment of bonuses has reportedly been a point of dispute among Exxon traders because of the failure to differentiate between regular system traders and those willing to take risk on behalf of the company. The reported restructuring of trading bonuses comes after Exxon in February announced a new trading division to compete with Shell and BP. Exxon recently opened a London trading office, as well. Exxon appeared to have difficulty attracting traders due to its bonus setup, which was less competitive than the large cash bonuses offered by its peers. During the pandemic, Exxon was seen to back down from trading, even as its peers were turning huge profits. In 2021, Exxon cut funding and staff at its trading unit, while others were taking advantage of wildly volatile oil markets. Exxon has the potential to be great, but realizing that potential is not an easy thing to do, Craig Pirrong, a professor of finance at the University of Houston, told Fortune magazine back in February when Exxon announced the expansion and consolidation of its trading unit. It remains an open question how committed they will be. BP, Shell and Glencore and others have stuck with it through ups and downs. Exxon has not done that. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels on Wednesday fired two missiles from a territory they hold in Yemen, targeting but missing a commercial tanker near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that was carrying jet fuel from India and was headed toward the Suez Canal via the Red Sea, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. The Ardmore Encounter tanker had departed from Mangalore, India, and was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, according to satellite tracking data analyzed by AP. The ship had armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the vessel. In a statement to AP, Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the Ardmore Encounter tanker, said No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board, the operator of the ship added. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels around the critical oil flow chokepoints in the Middle East have intensified in recent days. On Tuesday, a ship in the Red Sea was hit by a missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, a day after the Houthis said they would target every vessel bound for Israel. The information came from two unnamed U.S. officials who spoke to the War Zone. Per the report, the target was a commercial vessel by the name of M/T Strinda and it was attacked some 60 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. The news comes a day after the Houthis said they would consider every ship bound for Israel a legitimate target. Separately, the UKs Office of Maritime Trade Operations released on Tuesday a warning for all commercial ships in the Red Sea, saying that an Unknown Entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy over Radio Frequencies has Ordering for a Ship near the Strait to Divert their Course towards Ports in Yemen. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: OPEC kept on Wednesday its oil demand growth forecasts for this year and next, citing better-than-expected economic performance so far this year and blaming exaggerated concerns about oil demand growth for the recent slump in oil prices. In its closely-watched Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) out on Wednesday, OPEC kept its forecast for world oil demand growth in 2023 unchanged from last months assessment at 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd). In the November report, OPEC had said that oil market fundamentals remained strong with Chinese crude imports set to increase to a new annual record in 2023, despite overblown negative sentiment in the market regarding Chinas oil demand performance, and global oil market in general. In the December report, OPEC said today that the oil price plunge in recent weeks was fuelled by exaggerated concerns about oil demand growth, which negatively impacted market sentiment. This year, OPEC continues to expect world oil demand to average 102.1 million bpd, driven by demand from non-OECD countries. For 2024, OPEC expects world oil demand growth at 2.2 million bpd, for an average of 104.4 million bpd, also unchanged from the November assessment. Oil demand is expected to be supported by resilient global GDP growth, amid continued improvements in economic activity in China, the cartel said. Continuous improvements in economic activity, steady manufacturing, and transportation activity mostly in China, Other Asia, and the Middle East, as well as in India and Latin America, are expected to account for the bulk of oil consumption, according to OPEC. The organization also noted that the Economic growth seen in the first three quarters this year in most key economies had been better than expected. OPEC sees global economic growth at 2.9% this year and as this robust economic growth is expected to extend into 2024, the global economic growth is forecasted at 2.6% for the year 2024. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Jerry Wiser knew something was out of the ordinary when his wife, Kris, told him a little after 6 a.m. on Oct. 23 that she didnt feel well and wasnt going to work. Its the one thing we can count on, is her going to work, Wiser said. Shortly afterward, she texted him from inside their Council Bluffs home saying she needed his help. She was feeling sick to her stomach. He asked her whether he needed to stay home for a bit. When she said yes, he knew something was wrong. He texted his boss to tell him he wouldnt be in. When he turned around, he saw his wife lying on the bed, gasping. When he couldnt find her pulse, Wiser, a volunteer firefighter in Tabor, Iowa, called 911 and started chest compressions. A minute later, firefighters from Council Bluffs Fire Station No. 5 arrived and took over. They took Kris Wiser to Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Altogether, the then-58-year-old crop insurance underwriter required 62 electric shocks to keep her heart beating. Doctors determined shed had a heart attack, opened a blocked artery in Wisers heart and temporarily placed a pump in her aorta to get more blood into the organ so it could start to recover. Wiser went home 13 days later. On Saturday, she and her husband and more than a half-dozen other family members took lunch to the fire station to thank firefighters for their efforts. I cant thank you guys enough, Jerry Wiser said. You guys gave me my best friend back. Im so thankful, Kris Wiser said. I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for you guys and (continued) care at Jennie Edmundson. Council Bluffs Fire Capt. Jeff Thielen said it was super important that Jerry Wiser was there and that he started cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately. Indeed, the Wisers stressed the importance of everyday citizens learning CPR. They and the firefighters, however, said a lot of factors came together that day to contribute to Kris Wisers survival. Everybody did everything they were trained for, and it showed, Jerry Wiser said. Firefighter Cody Kempf said the crew arrived so quickly because they were returning from another call. Otherwise, they would not have arrived for another two or three minutes. You maintained circulation long enough for us to get there, he told Jerry Wiser. Overall, only about 10% of those who suffer heart attacks outside hospitals survive the event, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. But survival rates improve if bystanders start CPR immediately. Studies have shown that bystander CPR can double or triple the chances of survival, according to the American Heart Association. Both Jerry and Kris Wiser, who turned 59 in the hospital, are familiar with the odds. Kris Wiser said her sister died of a heart attack in her sleep at age 59 in 2018. Jerry Wiser has been a volunteer firefighter with various Iowa volunteer departments for 28 years. He also works part time as an firefighter instructor for the State of Iowa, working mostly with volunteer squads. Rick Benson, the fire departments EMS operations officer, said Kris Wiser was the departments fifth such save of the year. The department since has had a sixth. Over the past 20 years, the department has revived between 30% and 46% of the cardiac arrest patients it has treated, well above the national average of between 10% and 12%. But the crew had its work cut out for it, as did hospital staff. Soon after Jerry Wiser called 911, he heard firefighters in the living room asking where he was. Hed left the door unlocked for Kris Wisers son, Jake McCoid, whom hed called after his wife became ill. Symptoms of heart attacks can present differently from those in men. While warning signs in men are more likely to include chest pain and pain in the arm, neck or jaw, women may experience chest pressure, abdominal pain, sweating, dizziness and nausea, among other symptoms. The firefighters began a series of lifesaving measures and medications. That included fitting Kris Wiser with a LUCAS device, which delivers consistent chest compressions and frees firefighters for other tasks. They would get a pulse it was strong, a good sign and then lose it. The firefighters shocked Wiser a total of seven times during the 19 minutes she was in their care. Hospital staff took over once they arrived at Jennie Edmundson. They, too, had difficulty getting her heart into rhythm. Dr. Robert Armbruster, a cardiologist at Jennie Edmundson, said he told Jerry Wiser at one point that his wifes condition was not looking good. Her relatively young age kept the team going. Once the team got Kris Wiser to the cardiac catheterization lab, Armbruster opened her right coronary artery, which supplies blood to part of the heart, and placed a stent. He also inserted the balloon pump. By evening, she was in the intensive care unit but showing signs of improvement. Family members had gathered from as far away as Texas. Its just been like a miracle almost that she came through, Armbruster said. It was that impressive. Kris Wiser said she feels great now. She has undergone cardiac rehabilitation as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy to address some lingering issues, mostly with eye-hand coordination on her left side. Shes eager to catch up with Christmas shopping and get back to work. Meanwhile, her son, as well as her 10-year-old grandson, now want to learn CPR. Based on Kris Wisers family history her parents also have survived heart attacks her son also has gotten checked for heart risks. Jerry Wiser said his wifes story already has circulated widely among firefighter instructors across the country. If it can help anybody, Kris Wiser said, I want it out there. For more than a decade, a large bronze top hat has rested next to a stately statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a rock in Louisville, Kentuckys Waterfront Park and, until recently, the accessory had been securely bolted to the former presidents perch. But police are now investigating the disappearance of the hat, which was recently reported missing, Louisville Metro Police said in a statement. The statues sculptor, Ed Hamilton, said he first heard the hat was missing on Saturday morning from the Waterfront Development Corporation, a nonprofit that oversees the park. A Waterfront Park spokesperson said the nonprofit is disappointed that this incident occurred in such a reverent space. In a social media post, Hamilton said someone had stolen the hat. They had to be strong and determined to pry bronze from a base, good grief! the sculptor posted on Facebook. The hat, which stands about 2 feet tall and weighs as much as 40 pounds, was bolted to the rock in two places, Hamilton told CNN. The larger than life Lincoln sits about 8 feet tall, including the rock he is seated on, Hamilton said. If the former president were to be standing, he would tower over park goers at 12 feet in height. The hats disappearance came as a surprise to Hamilton who said the memorial has been a quiet and sacred space since its dedication in 2009. Its been a nice jewel down there and people come and they sit on him and take pictures by him and sit there and meditate along with him while theyre there, Hamilton said. Hamilton is well known for his public memorials that can be seen up and down the East Coast, including The Unfinished March, a sculpture featuring Martin Luther King Jr. in Virginia, and The Spirit of Freedom, a tribute to Black soldiers and sailors who served in the Civil War, in Washington, DC. He created the sculpture of Lincoln, which overlooks the Ohio River, to commemorate a trip the 16th president took to Kentucky in the 1840s. We know he had walked the waterfront back in those days and he actually saw riverboats going up and down the Ohio River that were loaded with slaves, Hamilton said of his inspiration for the piece. So, we know that he saw that and that was one of his torments. So what I tried to do was to create a memorial of Abraham Lincoln not so much glorifying him but I tried to make it more personal, you see? More approachable because he was a people person, Hamilton explained. The sculptor said he tried to create an image of Lincoln that appears to be greeting people who visit the memorial. You can imagine him saying, Oh, hey friends, come and sit with me. Lets talk. We are working with the artist Ed Hamilton to restore the Memorial to its original condition, the Waterfront Park spokesperson said. We appreciate the outpouring of community interest and support. Hamilton hopes the top hat will be returned. But if not, he plans to replace it. And then well put it on there even stronger, he said. ___ 10 most commonly stolen car models in every state Vehicle thefts by state Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana lowa Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming An Omaha man will be sentenced to life in prison in February after being found guilty Tuesday in Douglas County District Court of first-degree murder in the death of an 18-year-old four years ago. Following a seven-day trial prosecuted by Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, James Sawyer, 31, was found guilty of shooting and killing Elijah Foster on Feb. 5, 2019. Brenda Beadle, the chief deputy for the Douglas County Attorneys Office, said Wednesday the penalty for first-degree murder is an automatic sentence of life in prison. The slaying, an Omaha police detective testified, was in retaliation for the Jan. 20, 2019, slaying of Jacque Holbert IV, 21, who detective Brandon Hahn said hung out with Sawyer and the Hillside Bloods. In addition to first-degree murder, Beadle said, jurors found Sawyer guilty on 11 other charges, including first-degree assault, use of a firearm to commit a felony and use of a firearm by a prohibited person. Hahn testified at a preliminary hearing that Foster belonged to the 38th Street Bloods. Hahn said that gang was thought to have been responsible for the shooting death of Holbert, who associated with Sawyer of the Hillside Bloods. Adonus Moses, 32, is accused of being an accomplice in the killing of Foster and has been ordered to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge. His trial date has not been set. A gray Ford Focus that prosecutors said was used in the shooting of Foster was registered to Christina Stover, 43, who officials have said was Moses girlfriend. She is awaiting trial on two charges of being an accessory to a felony. Prosecutors said Foster was fatally shot in the back while driving a Dodge Avenger near 47th Street and Ellison Avenue that was being pursued by Sawyer and Moses. A 20-year-old woman who was an innocent bystander was wounded by shots fired from the Focus as she stood outside her home. Fosters vehicle was struck several times from the rear before a bullet went through the drivers seat, striking his back. Officers recovered 27 shell casings and several projectiles that were consistent with the same 7.62x39 mm rifle, Hahn said. Video surveillance showed that the shooter was sitting in the front passenger seat. The gun allegedly used in those shootings, an AK-47 Mini Draco pistol, was found by police three days later after an attempted drive-by shooting near 39th Street and Kansas Avenue. The gunmans car crashed, and two men ran away. Police followed the mens tracks in the snow, Hahn said, and found Sawyer, Moses and the pistol that can be matched to Fosters slaying. DETROIT Tesla recalled nearly all vehicles sold in the U.S. on Wednesday more than 2 million to update software and fix a defective system that's supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when using Autopilot. Documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators say the update will increase warnings and alerts to drivers and even limit the areas where basic versions of Autopilot can operate. The recall comes after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some were fatal. In November, for example, a Florida judge ruled that a jury should decide whether Tesla and CEO Elon Musk oversold the capabilities of the Autopilot system and caused the fatal crash of a driver who engaged it, took his hands off the steering wheel and seconds later slammed into a truck. The agency says its investigation found Autopilot's method of making sure that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and can lead to "foreseeable misuse of the system." The added controls and alerts will "further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility," the documents said. But safety experts said while the recall is a good step, it still makes the driver responsible and doesn't fix the underlying problem that Tesla's automated systems have trouble spotting and stopping for obstacles in their path. The recall covers models Y, S, 3 and X produced between Oct. 5, 2012, and Dec. 7 of this year. The update was to be sent to certain affected vehicles on Tuesday, with the rest getting it later. Shares of Tesla slid more than 3% Wednesday. Autopilot includes features called Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control, with Autosteer intended for use on limited access freeways when it's not operating with a more sophisticated feature called Autosteer on City Streets. The software update will limit where Autosteer can be used. "If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer when conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will alert the driver it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts, and Autosteer will not engage," the recall documents said. According to recall documents, agency investigators met with Tesla starting in October to explain "tentative conclusions" about the fixing the monitoring system. Tesla did not concur with NHTSA's analysis but agreed to the recall Dec. 5 to resolve the investigation. Auto safety advocates for years have been calling for stronger regulation of the driver monitoring system, which mainly detects whether a driver's hands are on the steering wheel. They have called for cameras to make sure a driver is paying attention, which are used by other automakers with similar systems. Philip Koopman, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University who studies autonomous vehicle safety, called the software update a compromise that doesn't address a lack of night vision cameras to watch drivers' eyes, as well as Teslas failing to spot and stop for obstacles. "The compromise is disappointing because it does not fix the problem that the older cars do not have adequate hardware for driver monitoring," Koopman said. Koopman and Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, contend that crashing into emergency vehicles is a safety defect that isn't addressed. "It's not digging at the root of what the investigation is looking at," Brooks said. "It's not answering the question of why are Teslas on Autopilot not detecting and responding to emergency activity?" Koopman said NHTSA apparently decided that the software change was the most it could get from the company, "and the benefits of doing this now outweigh the costs of spending another year wrangling with Tesla." In its statement Wednesday, NHTSA said the investigation remains open "as we monitor the efficacy of Tesla's remedies and continue to work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety." Autopilot can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, but is a driver-assist system and cannot drive itself despite its name. Independent tests have found that the monitoring system is easy to fool, so much that drivers have been caught while driving drunk or even sitting in the back seat. In its defect report filed with the safety agency, Tesla said Autopilot's controls "may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse." NHTSA has dispatched investigators to 35 Tesla crashes since 2016 in which the agency suspects the vehicles were running on an automated system. At least 17 people have been killed. The investigations are part of a larger probe by the NHTSA into multiple instances of Teslas using Autopilot crashing into emergency vehicles. NHTSA has become more aggressive in pursuing safety problems with Teslas, including a recall of Full Self Driving software. In May, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes NHTSA, said Tesla shouldn't call the system Autopilot because it can't drive itself. From Ford to Tesla: Top 5 electric truck manufacturers of 2023 From Ford to Tesla: Top 5 electric truck manufacturers of 2023 1. Ford 2. Rivian Automotive 3. General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC) 4. Stellantis (Ram) 5. Tesla Motors WILBER, Neb. A jury found Eric Ramos guilty of first-degree murder Tuesday in the killing of a fellow inmate during a riot at the Tecumseh State Prison in 2017. Ramos, who sat stoically during the announcement of the verdict, will get a term of life in prison at his sentencing in February for Michael Galindos killing on March 2, 2017, the only sentence available on the charge. He also will face additional time for use of a weapon to commit the murder and tampering with evidence, both of which the state enhanced, alleging that he is a habitual criminal. After the verdict, Galindos family filed out of the courtroom. A representative for Galindos family members told the Lincoln Journal Star that they wanted to thank jurors for their hard work and dedication. God heard our prayers and guided us through, she said. While at least four inmates were involved, according to video evidence, Ramos is the only one so far to face murder charges, based largely on prison staff identifying him by piecing together surveillance video that they say points to him. But, with no statute of limitation on murder, prosecutors could yet charge others and made it clear at trial that they believe they know the names of others involved. The team retaking control over the prison found smoke rolling out of Galindos broken cell window and found him, face down, dead on the floor inside. An autopsy determined the 31-year-old had been stabbed more than 130 times by sharp objects (at least 40 to the back of his head). Hed been punched, kicked and stomped before ultimately succumbing to smoke inhalation from towels started on fire and pushed through his cell window. Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey OBrien didnt give a motive for the killing, but said video showed Galindo standing on the mezzanine of his housing unit, minding his own business, when he suddenly got pushed and chased to an outdoor mini-yard where a group of inmates savagely attacked him. When he went inside to try to get away from it, they followed, with four inmates stabbing him as he tried to fight them off with a makeshift weapon in his hand. Galindo ultimately escaped to his cell and closed the door, locking it. But his attackers broke the window and threw burning towels into his cell. Surveillance video was the crux of the states case, along with the identification of Ramos by a prison corporal who repeatedly pored over the footage in excruciating detail. Ramos, who testified at trial in his defense, denied it was him in the video. He said he had been nearing parole and was standing by a fence on the mini-yard and didnt even notice the attack when it happened. His attorney, Tim Noerrlinger, argued that the video was poor quality and that it could have been a number of other inmates with similar builds, some of whom had been found with soot or blood on their hands or clothing that hadnt even been tested by investigators. After 16 days of testimony, the jury of six men and six women got the case for deliberations at 2:20 p.m. Monday. The jury worked past 8 p.m., then returned Tuesday morning with the verdict around 10 a.m. We appreciate the hard work of the jury over this past month and are thankful for the verdict, the Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. In the hallway after hearing the verdict, Noerrlinger said Ramos had been prepared for this since he was charged. Noerrlinger said he disagreed with the jurors verdict, though he appreciated their time. Following sentencing, there will be an automatic direct appeal, where he said he intends to raise a number of issues. Toward the end of trial, he had moved for a mistrial, which the judge denied, after the state gave him reports on the 15th day of trial that included previously undisclosed information about a witness for the state who had testified a day earlier and about another potential witness whom the state hadnt previously mentioned. My contention will be on appeal that that was material and deprived him of a fair trial and we should have a new trial in the matter, he said. Noerrlinger said the Nebraska State Patrol did the best they could with the investigation, but he had questions about how they processed evidence and how quickly they started on suspects. Though not important for Ramos case, he wonders if they will ever charge anyone else. If they do, he hopes they process the blood evidence they still have that never was tested for DNA. I think that theres certainly a lot of individuals that they havent identified and a lot of work they could still do to help them figure that out, he said. A second inmate, Damon Fitzgerald, also was killed the day of the riot in a housing unit that shared the same yard. No one has been charged in that death. LINCOLN Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner responded Tuesday to claims that Chief Deputy Ben Houchin had violated state law when a photo of him in uniform was used in a local political candidates campaign advertisement. The campaign of Liz Davids, a Lincolnite running for the District 1 seat on the State Board of Education, used a headshot of Houchin in uniform, along with a quote stating his support for her campaign, in a social media post used to announce his endorsement. A few people raised concerns about the post, noting that Houchin appearing in uniform in a campaign ad appeared to violate state law. Wagner released a statement Tuesday morning on the Lancaster County sheriffs social media pages in response to claims that Houchin had broken the law by posing for a photo in uniform for a campaign ad. This weekend a photo of Chief Deputy Houchin in uniform was used in an endorsement advertisement for a political candidate, Wagner wrote. Many have raised questions if he is violating the law by doing so. Had he posed for the picture wearing his uniform, that would be true. Wagner continued on to say the photo was pulled from the Lancaster County Sheriffs Offices public website by the campaign without the knowledge of or permission from Houchin, who has publicly endorsed Davids. According to state law, members of law enforcement are not allowed to intentionally participate in any political campaign activity while in uniform. Davids campaign promptly removed the photo featuring Houchin in his uniform after a request by the Sheriffs Office and replaced it with a different photo. Davids said the sheriffs statement described the situation clearly and declined to comment further. In March, two county sheriffs and a sheriffs captain each paid a $1,000 civil penalty for participating in a campaign ad for Charles Herbster while in uniform. Herbster, who ran for Nebraska governor in 2022, ran the ad in February and March of last year before it was pulled by his campaign. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon said he doubts he would support an actual impeachment of President Joe Biden, despite casting a vote Wednesday to launch an impeachment inquiry. Bacon and other House Republicans were united in voting to authorize the inquiry, which was approved on a party-line vote of 221-212. The vote is the latest step in a nearly yearlong GOP investigation surrounding the business dealings of Bidens family members. Bacon told The World-Herald that a formal inquiry would ensure Congress would get information that Biden has refused to provide. And in a written statement, Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., described the inquiry as a reasonable next step in the process of investigating corruption. House Oversight and House Judiciary have been investigating allegations into President Biden and his familys business dealings for months, Floods statement read. Formalizing the inquiry will help further strengthen work of the committees as they fully investigate allegations of corruption against President Biden and his family. Impeachment is the process for punishing what the U.S. Constitution describes as high crimes and misdemeanors. A president can be removed from office if the House votes to impeach and the president is convicted in a Senate trial. The decision to hold a vote on launching an impeachment inquiry came as House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team faced growing pressure to show progress in the ongoing probe. While the GOP-led investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. Ahead of the vote, Johnson called it the next necessary step and acknowledged there are a lot of people who are frustrated this hasnt moved faster. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts like Bacons, had been hesitant in recent weeks to take any vote on Bidens impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment, Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a press conference Tuesday. Bacon acknowledged that he had not been in favor of an impeachment inquiry just a few months ago, but said that was because Biden was at the time providing information sought by lawmakers. That cooperation changed, Bacon said, when lawmakers inquired about two payments Biden received that he claimed were loan repayments from his son Hunter and brother James. Biden declined to share more information when asked what the loans were used for, and Bacon said he wants to learn more. I feel like hes pushed our hand, Bacon said. House Republicans have drawn criticism for moving forward toward impeachment since their investigation to date has yet to find evidence of wrongdoing on the presidents part. Bacon acknowledged that most of the suspicion lies on the actions of Bidens family and not the president himself. He said an impeachment inquiry could produce information that would clear Bidens name once and for all. In a recent statement, the White House called the whole process a baseless fishing expedition that Republicans are pushing ahead with despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden. Bacon has been criticized in the wake of a USA Today report last week in which he said he was part of an informal group that was working on gathering support for an inquiry. Bacon, however, said his words were taken out of context. While Bacon is part of the House Republican whip team, he denied urging any representatives to vote for an inquiry. He said as part of the team, his only job was to count the votes of five lawmakers. In a Salon article Tuesday, Bacon was quoted as saying he felt it was more important to have this information for the elections. Let the voters decide. Some critics have said his comment shows Bacon has political motivations to vote for the inquiry. But Bacon told The World-Herald that his decision was not political. Authorizing the inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation will extend well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection. His likely opponent is former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House, although the Senate did not vote to remove him from office. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. Bacon said he believes some of his fellow House Republicans would like to impeach Biden for revenge. But Bacon said he doesnt agree with that motivation. Unless the inquiry turns up compelling evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors that Biden committed, Bacon said he wouldnt support an actual impeachment vote. In the end, I think impeachments are bad for the country, he said. State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, who is seeking a rematch next year of his 2022 race against Bacon, said regardless of the intended motive, an impeachment inquiry is a waste of time and money by Congress. Dysfunction has stalled the Houses work on important issues, Vargas said, and Bacons support for an impeachment inquiry shows he is catering to hard-right Republicans against the best interests of his constituents. Nebraskans deserve to know that he is wasting their time, Vargas said. House Democrats lined up in opposition to the inquiry resolution Wednesday. This whole thing is an extreme political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy, and no integrity. It is a sideshow, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a floor debate. This report includes material from the Associated Press. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 Permissions Policy IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ THIS PERMISSIONS AND POLICIES CAREFULLY BEFORE DOWNLOADING OR CITING CONTENT FROM THE CHRISTIAN Daily WEBSITE. WITH THE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS DESCRIBED ON THIS PAGE FOR CHURCH AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION USERS, ALL USE OF THE CHRISTIAN Daily CONTENT (TEXT, PHOTOGRAPHS, GRAPHICS, ETC.) REQUIRES THE PERMISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN Daily. Please be advised that when articles or photos are credited to a source other than The Christian Daily (such as Reuters or Associated Press), it is most likely that the credited source holds the right to the articles or photos. Please contact that source directly. LINCOLN Nebraskas largest state employee union ratcheted up its fight Wednesday against Gov. Jim Pillens return-to-office order. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents more than 8,000 state employees, filed a petition with the Commission of Industrial Relations asking that the state be ordered to negotiate over the governors directive. The union also filed a motion for temporary relief to stop implementation of the directive before the commission decides. Pillens executive order, which requires state employees to return to working from their offices with some exceptions, is slated to take effect Jan. 2. We took this action today not just to protect the rights of our members, but to protect the public interest, said Justin Hubly, executive director of the union. We remain critically short staffed and any action that would prompt us to lose any state employees will compound the problem. The dispute concerns a Nov. 13 executive order from the governor requiring state employees to work in their offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pillen said he issued the order after a survey of state agencies found many employees working from home. The surveys showed that at least 20% of 12,494 full-time equivalent employees are working full-time remotely or working hybrid schedules, in which they spend some days in the office and some days at home. The governor said at the time that he doesnt believe in working from home, calling it a commonsense expectation that people are most productive when they are working together in the office, where they can communicate face to face and build workplace culture and engagement. NAPE officials have pushed back against the order, saying that there is no evidence of productivity loss and that the change could lead to the loss of valuable employees. A recent survey of union members found that 1,390 employees said they were looking at leaving state government because of the governors order. The union sent a formal demand to bargain letter to state officials on Nov. 27. In the letter, they argued that the terms and conditions of employment are mandatory subjects of bargaining under the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act and the Industrial Relations Act, as well as the current labor contract. State officials disputed that contention. In a statement, Dan Birdsall, the states chief negotiator, said the state has discretion over the determination as to work locations and schedules and that agencies have been directed to make preparations to carry out the governors executive order. Birdsall gave a similar response after NAPE renewed its demand to bargain last week. NAPE said that, under state law, the commission must hear the motion for temporary relief by Dec. 28. The commission is a state agency designed to resolve labor disputes involving state and local government employees. Nebraska law bars such employees from going on strike. Pillens order provides for some exceptions to be authorized by agency heads. Those exceptions include employees whose assigned work hours fall outside the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule and situations in which office space is unavailable without additional cost. Exceptions also can be made to sustain critical operations in a business area with a workforce shortfall, subject to the governors approval. In addition, exceptions can be made for employees who move away from their original office location and no reasonable in-office arrangement is possible, as long as the employee remains in Nebraska. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 LINCOLN Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought his independent presidential campaign to Lincoln Tuesday with a call for people to join him in taking back the country. Kennedy spoke to more than 600 people who turned out for a rally at the Royal Grove bar, where they got to take selfies, buy merchandise and sign petitions to get him on the Nebraska ballot. If you elect me, Im going to return this country to you, he said. Eleven months from now, were going to change things. Among those attending was Paula Clancy of Lincoln, who said she wanted to hear something other than the two traditional candidates. She said she was impressed with Kennedys messages about the financial divide in the country, although she differed from his views on how the country handled COVID. Michael Marquis of Lincoln said he had seen some of Kennedys podcasts and likes the idea of having a third option for president. He said he especially liked Kennedys views about increasing equity for the younger generation and about addressing the housing crisis. A lifelong Democrat, Kennedy broke with the party Oct. 9, when he announced his nonpartisan presidential bid. Already, he said, he has garnered more support than any independent candidate in years. But to have a chance, he has to petition to get on the ballot in each state. Normally, independent candidates pay companies millions of dollars to gather signatures, Kennedy said. Were taking a different route that starts with our thousands of volunteers in every state. Supporters will have the chance to sign ballot petitions at upcoming rallies as well. He is slated to appear at a rally in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday. We have begun signature collection in many of the open states, said Press Secretary Stefanie Spear. We have a robust ballot-access and legal team and Kennedys name will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Nebraska requires only 2,500 valid signatures from registered voters to get a nonpartisan candidate or the candidate of a party not recognized in the state on the ballot. The signatures must be turned in by Aug. 1. Secretary of State Bob Evnens office said Kennedy filed a sample copy of his ballot access petition Dec. 5 and has been cleared to start collecting signatures. That was the same day American Values 2024, the super PAC supporting Kennedys presidential candidacy, announced its intent to pursue ballot access in 10 key states independent of his campaign. The PAC said it expected to spend up to $15 million on the effort. The targeted states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New York and Texas. They represent about half of the required signatures nationwide. Kennedy could be a wild card in a presidential race that looks to be a rematch between President Joe Biden, the Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican. The son of U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, he made his name as an environmental attorney and a vaccine skeptic. He spent decades fighting for clean water, first as was an attorney for the environmental nonprofit RiverKeeper and later as co-founder of the WaterKeeper Alliance. His campaign website lists several environmental victories and actions, including a 2013 arrest in front of the White House for protesting the planned construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline, which has since been shelved, would have carried tar sands oil from Canada across several states, including Nebraska. On Tuesday, he talked about the control that a few large corporations exert over the nations economy and the government agencies that are supposed to be keeping Americans safe. He also talked about the prevalence of chronic diseases among young people, which he said exploded after 1989. Kennedy talked as well about the strategy of those in power to stay in power by sowing division and vitriol and anger among us. What I promise to do is to dim that anger and find the issues, the values we have in common, he said, asserting that the things that unite the country are much broader than the sliver of culture war issues that divide people. A Quinnipiac University national poll of registered voters released Nov. 1 showed that Kennedy would draw voters away from both men. In a hypothetical 2024 general election with Kennedy included as an independent candidate, Biden got 39% support among registered voters, Trump got 36% support and Kennedy got 22% support. A hypothetical two-way race, without Kennedy, was a virtual dead heat, with Biden getting 47% support to Trumps 46%. But a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed that Trumps lead widened to a 5-point advantage nationally with Kennedy in the race. Some 16% of respondents picked Kennedy when given the option, while Trump had 36% support, compared to 31% for Biden. Without Kennedy, the poll had Trump at 38% support to Bidens 36% support, with 26% of respondents saying they werent sure or might vote for someone else. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 BLOOMINGTON A Normal man has been detained in McLean County pending firearm charges. Roderick E. Simmons, 36, was charged Tuesday with one count each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a Class 2 felony; possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, a Class 2 felony; and violating the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Act, a Class 3 felony. According to prosecutors, Simmons was pulled over by Normal police on Monday for erratic driving. When he was stopped, officers smelled cannabis coming from the vehicle, and Simmons produced two bags of cannabis from the center console. When police searched the car, they found a backpack containing a loaded 9mm firearm. Because Simmons pleaded guilty in 2013 to unlawful delivery of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony. As a felon, he is not legally allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition and is ineligible for a FOID card. The state filed a petition seeking to detain Simmons, arguing that he is a danger to the community. Judge Scott Kording ruled that Simmons may have committed the offense, poses a threat to the community by driving with a loaded firearm, and that no release conditions would reduce that risk. He granted the state's position to deny Simmons pretrial release. Simmons's next court date is an arraignment at 9 a.m. Dec. 28. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner NORMAL Heartland Community College increased its property tax levy by about $3 million from last year, though the tax rate is expected to stay the same or decrease due to the overall growth in the tax base. Heartland plans to collect almost $34 million from property taxes for its 2023 levy, which is about a 12% increase from the 2022 levy. The 2023 levy for taxes payable in 2024 is expected to translate to a tax rate of $0.58217 per $100 equalized assessed valuation, a decrease of around $0.00237 per $100 EAV from last year. The 2023 estimated rate would mean Heartlands share of taxes on a $165,000 house would be about $320, a decrease of $1.30 from 2022 taxes payable in 2023. The board of trustees did hold a public hearing before approval of the levy, but there were no public comments. In other business, the board approved plans and a bid for the new student center project, which will be what has been the Workforce Development Center. A contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, P.J. Hoerr Inc. of Normal, for $4,455,660, for renovating space being vacated by operations moving to the new Advanced Manufacturing Center, which is set to open during the spring semester. This renovation will consolidate student support services and student engagement into one building, including the career center, student success, veterans center, game room, recruitment services and more. Work will begin soon after winter break begins Dec. 24 and is anticipated to be completed in mid- to late 2024. Sam Overton, interim vice president for finance and administration, said the projects budget is $5.8 million, and the remaining amount will be used for other contingencies such as IT, furniture and fixtures. The college may pause after the renovation to reevaluate its finances and plans before moving forward, said Heartland President Keith Cornille. This is a multi-phase approach to move towards that student center concept, Cornille said. Theres a natural break there because by this time we will have settled people that have been moving around. The board also approved a new certificate program for cannabis dispensary operations, which will begin coursework in fall 2024. Students can pursue the certification without seeking a full degree, but if a student is seeking an associate degree in applied sciences, they can begin as early as this upcoming spring semester. Since the certificate works into the degree requirements, students can take the course during their time at the college and have the credits applied to their degree. The board also approved the employment contract for the colleges newest vice president of finance and administration, Noah Lamb. Lamb, who has 15 years of nonprofit higher education experience in finance and budgeting, auxiliary operations, human resources, strategic planning and risk management, is scheduled to begin at Heartland Jan. 22. The vacancy was created after the departure of the former vice president of finance and administration, Letisha Trepac, in August. Since then, Overton has been serving as interim vice president of finance and administration. Overton was hired for the interim position on a temporary contract with the college, but will be there through January to help with the transition. Lamb will be relocating from Springfield, Ohio, where he served as assistant vice president of finance and administration at Wittenberg University. Before joining Wittenberg in 2020, Lamb served as assistant vice president of administrative operations at Hodges University in Fort Meyers, Florida, and as a senior budget analyst at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Photos: The 2023 Bloomington-Normal Jaycees Holiday Parade. BLOOMINGTON The Salvation Army of McLean County is asking donations of gifts to distribute to adults without homes. The nonprofit is in need of gifts for 90 individuals, ranging from young adults to senior citizens, who are facing homelessness during this holiday season. Unwrapped donations are needed by Dec. 20 and can be brought to 611 W. Washington St., Bloomington, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Financial donations to support the purchase of gifts can be made at sabloomington.org. Needed Christmas gift items include pajamas in all adult sizes, warm slippers for women in all sizes, hand and toe warmers, shower loofahs, lotions, body wash and shampoos. The gifts will be placed under Christmas trees and presented to residents of The Salvation Army's Safe Harbor Shelter and clients of The Midnight Cafe during a party on Dec. 21. 10 affordable last-minute stocking stuffers for college students 1. Laneige Holiday Hydration Gift Set 2. VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables 3. Ayturbo Womens Fleece Lined Pullover Hoodie 4. Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Mask 5. CYUREAY Womens Convertable Daypack 6. Justay Womens Wool Socks 7. Starface Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches 8. Daybetter Smart LED Lights 9. FantastiCAR 14-in-1 Multitool 10. Iron Flask Hot & Cold Insulated Thermos WASHINGTON The House on Wednesday authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with every Republican rallying behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. The 221-212 party-line vote put the entire House Republican conference on record in support of an impeachment process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president: punishment for what the Constitution describes as high crimes and misdemeanors, which can lead to removal from office if convicted in a Senate trial. Biden, in a rare statement about the impeachment effort, questioned the priorities of House Republicans in pursuing an inquiry against him and his family. Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies, the president said following the vote. Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts. Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. The decision to hold a vote came as Speaker Mike Johnson and his team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden's family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. We do not take this responsibility lightly and will not prejudge the investigations outcome, Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team said in a joint statement after the vote. But the evidentiary record is impossible to ignore. Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. White House: baseless fishing expedition The decision to hold a vote came as Johnson and his leadership team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden's family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. Ahead of the vote, Johnson called it the next necessary step" and acknowledged there are a lot of people who are frustrated this hasnt moved faster. In a recent statement, the White House called the whole process a baseless fishing expedition that Republicans are pushing ahead with despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden. House Democrats rose in opposition to the inquiry resolution Wednesday. This whole thing is an extreme political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy, and no integrity. It is a sideshow," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a floor debate. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts, had been hesitant in recent weeks to take any vote on Biden's impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment, Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a news conference Tuesday. Emmer said Republicans will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, and if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered. Most of the Republicans reluctant to back the impeachment push have also been swayed by leadership's recent argument that authorizing the inquiry will give them better legal standing as the White House has questioned the legal and constitutional basis for their requests for information. Democrats unified in opposition A letter last month from a top White House attorney to Republican committee leaders portrayed the GOP investigation as overzealous and illegitimate because the chamber had not yet authorized a formal impeachment inquiry by a vote of the full House. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, also wrote that when Trump faced the prospect of impeachment by a Democratic-led House in 2019, Johnson had said at the time that any inquiry without a House vote would be a sham. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said this week that while there was no evidence to impeach the president, thats also not what the vote this week would be about. We have had enough political impeachments in this country, he said. I dont like the stonewalling the administration has done, but listen, if we dont have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long-term. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has long been opposed to moving forward with impeachment, said that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote helped gain his support. I can defend an inquiry right now, he told reporters this week. "Let's see what they find out. House Democrats remained unified in their opposition to the impeachment process, saying it is a farce used by the GOP to take attention away from Trump and his legal woes. You dont initiate an impeachment process unless theres real evidence of impeachable offenses, said Rep. Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who oversaw the two impeachments into Trump. There is none here. None. Democrats and the White House have repeatedly defended the president and his administration's cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made a massive trove of documents available. Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating the president's son, Hunter Biden. While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in Hunter Biden and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden's taxes and his gun use. Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. Hes charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed additional charges last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. Democrats have conceded that while the president's son is not perfect, he is a private citizen who is already being held accountable by the justice system. I mean, theres a lot of evidence that Hunter Biden did a lot of improper things. Hes been indicted, hell stand trial, Nadler said. Theres no evidence whatsoever that the president did anything improper. Hunter Biden arrived for a rare public statement outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, saying he would not be appearing for his scheduled private deposition that morning. The president's son defended himself against years of GOP attacks and said his father has had no financial involvement in his business affairs. His attorney has offered for Biden to testify publicly, citing concerns about Republicans manipulating any private testimony. Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say, Biden said outside the Capitol. What are they afraid of? I am here. GOP lawmakers said that since Hunter Biden did not appear, they will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against him. He just got into more trouble today, Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee chairman, told reporters Wednesday. This is a developing story and will be updated. Read more: Photos: Biden impeachment inquiry hearings Local manufacturers of sanitary pads have assured the public that the prices of the items will reduce once the zero tax policy on the product starts in January. The Managing Director of Sunda Ghana Industry Park, Michael Ye, and that of Fay International, Jeanine Hage-Ali, who gave the assurance, expressed the hope that with the scrapping of the taxes, sales would increase and that would lead to the employment of more people. The two executives gave the assurance last Monday when the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women's Caucus in Parliament paid a working visit to the factories of Sunda and Fay International, two of the local manufacturers in Accra, to assess what was happening at their production plant sites. Caucus The delegation was led by the Second Minority Chief Whip and First Vice Chairperson of the Caucus, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe. Other members were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, and the MP for Tempane, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba. They were also joined by student leaders from the University of Ghana and the Accra Technical University to assess the capacities of the factories and know whether they had the muscle to meet local demands. Members of the caucus engaged in a frank discussion with the manufacturers on whether they had the capacity to meet the local demand since imported pads were expensive. Production capacity, cost The two factories have a yearly production output of 6.18 million pieces of the pads. Sunda, the bigger of the two, produces six million pieces a year, while Fay produces about 183,000 a year, producing at 500 pieces a day. The current country's demand, according to the companies, was between 350 million and 400 million pieces a year. Currently, due to the high overhead costs especially at the ports, the companies had to cut down on their workforce, which had impacted on production numbers. Engagement The Second Minority Chief Whip and MP for Ada East asked if the companies had held any discussions with the government and its agencies as to how the process would be done. The two MDs said there had been a prior budget engagement with the government, as well as the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). However, since the budget was presented to Parliament, the companies were yet to meet with the government about when the zero tax policy would take off for them to plan. Ms Cudjoe said the caucus would continue to monitor to ensure that the "government walks the talk." Background The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who presented the budget, said engagements with local manufacturers of sanitary pads revealed that there was adequate local capacity to produce far in excess of local demand. Therefore, as part of efforts to boost the local industry, the 2024 budget proposed import duty waivers to be extended to cover imports of raw materials for the local production of sanitary pads, as well as zero-rating of VAT on locally produced pads. The government said it was in discussions with the local manufacturers to ensure that the concessions reflected in the final price of the products on the market. Currently, the manufacturers said they were burdened with Value Added Tax (VAT) and other levies amounting to 21.9 per cent on imported production materials at the ports of entry. 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. Featured Video The Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) pulsated with excitement as it hosted the biggest gospel musical event of 2023 so far, Rhythms of Africa. Curated by the iconic UK-based Ghanaian gospel musician Sonnie Badu, in collaboration with George Quayes Image Bureau, Rhythms of Africa was a resounding success, with the event selling out completely. The sheer star power of the event which took place on Saturday, December 9, was enough to tell that Rhythms of Africa was meticulously planned and executed. According to Sonnie Badu he invested nearly $180,000 into the Rhythms of Africa program. Stressing he indicated that, Despite the excitement, some folks who promised support let me down, making things tougher. To make ends meet, I even had to sell a special Rolex watch meant for my son, though my wife wasn't too thrilled about that choice. Organizing such events isn't always smooth sailing, and my story highlights the challenges faced when turning a dream concert into reality, he said. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The most popular baby names of 2023 have been revealed with a new claiming first place on the girls' list - although it might not be a surprise. While Muhammad continues to reign for boys, a girls' name that was previously displaced from the top spot has once again secured the crown, according to leading pregnancy and parenting destination, BabyCentre. In new data obtained by the Mirror, Olivia has returned to the number one spot for 2023, partly due to the way in which BabyCentre ranks its names. The parenting platform now considers all spellings of a name as separate entries. While Sophia used to be one of the most popular names in the country, its ranking has dropped significantly since 'Sophia' and 'Sofia' have been categorised separately. It means Lily, which took the top spot in the half-year results and has previously been attributed to Princess Lilibet, has had her crown stolen by an old favourite, Olivia. 'Parents spend a lot of time thinking not only about their baby's name but how it's spelt. They may be small, but these differences are important to parents so we will now be including all individual baby name spellings in our charts,' Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for BabyCentre, told the Mirror. The expert parenting platform previously revealed its half-year data in July - placing Lily at the top of the girls' list, followed by Sophia and Olivia. However, since then, Lily has dropped to fourth place, with Amelia and Isla claiming second and third positions. The top ten girls' names 2023 are now: Olivia, Amelia, Isla, Lily Ava, Freya, Ivy, Sophia, Grace, and Willow. Meanwhile, Muhammad has remained at the top spot of the boys' names list, followed by Noah, Theo, Leo, and Oliver. The name Arthur has remained at sixth place from the half-year data, while Jack has fallen from seventh to tenth place. The top ten boys' names 2023 are now: Muhammad, Noah, Theo, Leo, Oliver, Arthur, George, Luca, Freddie and Jack. The once trendy baby names 'Harry' and 'Meghan' have declined in popularity in Britain, according to BabyCentre. While Harry has crashed down from 13th place to number 31, Meghan and alternate spelling Megan have also dropped in registrations. Previously, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first names saw a huge boost in popularity among new parents. But it seems these names may now have negative connotations due to their fall out with the Royal Family. It comes amid an ongoing race row following the release of Omid Scobie's book, Endgame, in November. The author doubled down to defend his work on UK TV and refused to take the blame for the racism scandal over the naming of two royals in the Dutch translation, declaring: 'I never submitted a book that had those names in it'. The Sussexes' favoured royal writer has squarely blamed the publisher in the Netherlands - and denied it was part of a money-spinning 'stunt' to shift more copies globally. Source: dailymail Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The government has created a record 2.1 million jobs for the youth in the past seven years says Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Speaking at the launch of the Youth Employment Agencys (YEA) latest job and business support initiative, the Business and Employment Assistance Programme in Sunyani, Dr. Bawumia said, Our focus was to improve job creation through the public and private sector. So far, we have recruited in the private and public sectors 2.1m jobs; 975 by the private sector and 1.2 million by the public sector. The data is there and this cannot be disputed. Despite this unprecedented achievement, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the growing youth population and its need for jobs. He emphasized, We have done a lot in terms of job creation, but we still have a lot more to do because the youth constitute the majority of the population. About 70% of the Ghanaian population is youth. The Business and Employment Support Programme, launched by Dr. Bawumia, will support the growth of MSMEs by providing financial assistance to skilled workers and hiring more young entrepreneurs to sustain and expand small and medium-scale businesses. The YEAs business and employment assistance programme is expected to benefit about 10,000 businesses and 20,000 youth. Dr. Bawumia added that the governments efforts to create jobs demonstrate its commitment to youth employment. He said, The youth of this country are our greatest resource, and it is our collective duty to ensure that they are well positioned to make significant contributions to the economic development of our dear nation. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is also the Flagbearer of the NPP in the 2024 elections. The Vice President has promised to continue to address the job market needs of Ghanas youth, and make sure more jobs are created for them in the future. 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 Terms of Service Last updated on January 29, 2019 This page describes the terms and conditions that govern your use of The Christian Daily digital properties, including www.ChristianDaily.com, mobile sites and applications, offered by The Christian Daily and certain of its subsidiaries (CT, us or we). General Rules And Definitions Welcome to The Christian Daily! 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Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), the former Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman in the Ashanti Region, has made a passionate appeal to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer and Leader of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), to choose his running mate from the Ashanti Region for the 2024 general election. According to him, the party stands to gain a lot by consolidating its base and winning more votes from the Ashanti Region if someone is selected from the region to partner Dr Bawumia. Chairman COKA, as he is affectionately called, made the appeal in an exclusive interview with Omanhene Yaw Adu Boakye on Kumasi-based "Sompa TV" and "Sompa 93.1FM" on Tuesday,12th December 2023. Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah said even though many names had come up for consideration as running mate to Dr Bawumia, the party needs someone who appeals to voters. According to him, running mate is about numbers. "If you can't mobilise support within and outside the party to complement that of the flagbearer, you have no business asking to be considered," he added. 'I'm pleading with Dr Bawumia and the leadership of the party to consider selecting someone from the Ashanti Region as running mate for 2024," he appealed. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Prof. Smart Sarpong has expressed delight in Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's visit to Bawku in the Upper East Region, calling for unity in the community. The Vice President visited the town on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 and meeting with the Chiefs and people entreated them to resolve their conflict. "As a son of the North, I am very pained by the conflict that we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis over Chieftaincy", Dr. Bawumia said, adding "this conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku". He further admonished them saying "fundamentally, we are really one people. We have intermarried over the years and our languages are very similar. I believe with every bone in my body that it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku and I will work towards that. We have to work towards it. It is possible". Prof. Smart Sarpong, tackling the Bawku conflict, applauded the Vice President and his team for visiting the area seeking peace among the residents. "He (Bawumia) is doing a lot of things right," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show. The Senior Research Fellow at the Kumasi Technical University also urged the people of Bawku to note that their conflict can only end when they allow for it to stop stressing "we must begin to learn to solve our problems". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In the heart of Kumasi, Ghana's vibrant music scene, one artist is making waves and capturing the attention of music enthusiastsTony Dath, the versatile musician set to become a musical icon. Known for his prowess in Afrobeat, Dancehall, and Highlife genres, Tony Dath has recently signed with AFJ LiberteRecordz. Born Anthony Beedwa, he proudly hails from the Western part of Ghana, bringing a unique regional flavor to his music. With a musical journey spanning close to 15 years, Tony Dath has dedicated the past 5 years to the professional realm, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Meanwhile, his impressive portfolio includes 15 songs, featuring a noteworthy EP, all of which have found resonance in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Among his standout tracks are "Obr3," "Abenaa," "Gyae Su," "Obiba," and "Believer," each contributing to Tony Dath's growing popularity and success. His ability to seamlessly navigate various musical genres has earned him the title of a truly versatile artist in the Ghanaian music landscape.The latest addition to his discography, "MeP3," has quickly gained traction in the market. The song showcases Tony Dath's musical prowess and unique style, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.Nonetheless, Its success is attributed to the artist's ability to blend infectious beats with meaningful lyrics, creating a sound that resonates with a diverse audience.AFJ LiberteRecordz, the label that recognizes and nurtures Tony Dath's talent, expressed enthusiasm about the artist's recent achievements. The record label sees "MeP3" as a testament to Tony Dath's dedication to his craft and a promising indication of even greater things to come.In an era where the music industry is ever-evolving, Tony Dath stands out as an artist who continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound and unwavering commitment to his art.As "MeP3" continues to climb the charts and gain momentum, it's clear that Tony Dath is poised for a significant and enduring presence in the music industry. Fans can expect more exciting releases as the Kumerican artist continues to carve his own path in the world of music. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A caddisfly egg mass sits on the underside of a protruding rock. Credit: Brad Taylor, NC State University. Likening it to providing more runways at busy airports, researchers at North Carolina State University found in a new study that adding protruding rocks to restored streams can help attract female aquatic insects that lay their eggs on the rock bottoms or sides. More eggs that hatch into larval insects is great news for stream restoration because the re-establishment of organisms, such as insects, is often slower than expected in restored streams, says Brad Taylor, associate professor of applied ecology at NC State and corresponding author of a paper describing the research. A thriving population of stream insects generally portends good water quality and overall stream health and provides food for fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even birds, he adds. Most stream insects use rocks protruding above the water as runways to land on, then crawl underwater and attach their eggs to the underside of the rocks. Because restored streams sometimes fail to regain their abundance of aquatic insects even decades following restoration, researchers were interested in testing whether increasing egg-laying habitat in the rock landing areas would increase the abundance and diversity of insect eggs and larvae. Taylor and NC State graduate student Samantha Dilworth selected ten restored streams in northwestern North Carolina and added protruding rocks gathered near the streams to five of them; the other five restored streams did not receive additional rocks. The results showed that the streams with added protruding rocks had almost twice as many egg masses compared to the untreated streams. After adding rocks, egg numbers in treated streams were similar to those in undisturbed streams downstream of state parks and national forests. "This study was a successful proof of concept: adding rocks to restored streams enhances the abundance and diversity of stream insect eggs," Taylor said. The researchers also discovered that some rocks were more attractive to females and received most of the eggs; many rocks received few or no eggs. "The insects are really putting all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, or onto a few rocks," Taylor says. "A future goal is to figure out how and why females select specific rocks so that any rocks added to streams get used because moving large rocks around a stream is hard work." The study also showed that the response of the larval stages of stream insects was weaker than expected based on the increase in eggs in restored streams. "We can restore aquatic insect eggs by adding rocks, but we didn't see a consistent increase of the larval insect stages," Taylor said. "The second year of the study was one of the wettest in recent years, so a lot of the rocks rolled. Insects in restored streams with no added rocks also declined, while those with added rocks did not change or increase, but not as much as expected." "We observed that many rocks rolled, which could have caused eggs to be crushed or exposed to air where they would dry out and die. These sources of egg mortality may explain the weaker increase of larval insects, as some eggs may have never hatched into larvae." "Also, higher larval mortality in restored streams could have been caused by factors unrelated to disturbance of the rock egg-laying runways. For example, priority or primacy effects by established insects or other organisms could be excluding newly arriving insects, and food resources could be limiting larval insects, or other disturbances of larval habitats could be occurring." Taylor plans to follow up with research on how best to stabilize protruding rocks using hydrologic modeling to determine the best locations. To extend the runway metaphor, what will make rocks more like O'Hare International Airport runways than a local grass or gravel airstrip? "If we can get this information to restoration practitioners, they can add rocks that are both more attractive to female insects and stable," Taylor said. "This will make restoration efforts more cost-efficient and effective. There are miles of restored streams, so there are lots of rocks needed. We want to make sure every rock gets eggs." The study appears in Ecological Applications. More information: Samantha Dilworth et al, Facilitating the recovery of insect communities in restored streams by increasing oviposition habitat, Ecological Applications (2023). DOI: 10.1002/eap.2939 Journal information: Ecological Applications 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: Free-ranging European bison in Biaowieza Forest, Poland. Credit: Rafa Kowalczyk At the end of the last ice age, large herds of bison roamed across Europe. But by 1927, the European bison became extinct in the wild, with only about 60 individuals remaining in captivity. Scientists have long debated the exact causes of the grazers' near extinction, and how much humans were to blame. A new study combines fossil evidence, ancient DNA, and modeling to disentangle the threats that forced the European bison's population decline. Rapid environmental change and hunting by humans were the main drivers, according to the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Since the near-extinction of the European bison, enormous conservation efforts have helped to restore wild populations, and its numbers are on the rise. However, the study authors argue that ensuring the species's long-term protection and recovery requires understanding why they nearly went extinct in the first place. "Our study also suggests areas where rewilding attempts are most likely to be successful," said lead author July Pilowsky, currently a disease ecologist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Pilowsky completed the research while working on their Ph.D. at University of Adelaide and University of Copenhagen. Reconstructing the bison's decline "This study is one of the few attempts to reconstruct the process of species extinction," explained co-author Rafa Kowalczyk, who heads the Mammal Research Institute at the Polish Academy of Sciences. "It is a fascinating story of a species that is the last remnant of the legendary megafauna that inhabited the European continent in the late Pleistocene, and a lesson in how easy it is to wipe out a species." To clarify which factors led to the European bison's decline, Pilowsky and colleagues built a detailed simulation that combined paleoclimate data, vegetation and habitat information, the population growth and expansion of Paleolithic humans across Eurasia, and bison population and dispersal dynamics. Historical records, fossil evidence, and ancient DNA were used to independently test the model's accuracy. In a new study, Cary Institute's July Pilowsky and colleagues have reconstructed the European bison's decline over the past 21,000 years. The map shows bison abundance and range over time, based on thousands of simulations. Abundance is shown as the number of bison per 76 km x 87 km grid cell. Gray indicates areas where there is less than 25% model agreement on bison occupancyin other words, high uncertainty. Red points show radiocarbon-dated fossils of European bison, which were used to verify the model's accuracy. Understanding how the species nearly went extinct can help to inform ongoing bison conservation efforts. Credit: Pilowsky et al./Proc. B 2023 Researchers ran 55,000 different simulations to explore how climate, hunting by humans, and land use change affected bison population and distribution across Europe. Toggling off different variables one at a time allowed the scientists to test the importance of each variable. If human removal of forests was turned down to zero, for example, and there was no change in bison abundance and range, then the scientists would conclude that land use change likely was not a factor in the species's demise. After reconstructing 21,000 years of European bison range dynamics, the team concluded that the bison's range began collapsing around 14,700 years ago due to rapid warming of the climate and its effects on bison habitat. After that, the activities of a growing number of humans prevented the bison from bouncing back. Hunting caused range loss in the north and east of its distribution, while land use change was responsible for losses in the west and south. The arrival of firearms in the 1500s dramatically hastened the species's decline. "The stories of the past are being repeated in the present," said Kowalczyk. Land use change, poaching, and climate change are the very same threats that imperil the European bison today. "Learning from the past, and understanding the process of species extinction, can help us better protect the species." Maximizing conservation efforts The European bison is a priority species for conservation because it serves an important role as an ecosystem engineer, restoring grassland habitat. Thanks to efforts to reestablish and rewild the species, there are approximately 7,300 free-ranging European bison today. However, rewilding has been done without a strong understanding of habitats and regions where bison once thrived. As a result, the species has been released at sites ranging from the coastal dunes of the Netherlands to the mountains of the French Alps and the Mediterranean climate of Spain, with mixed success. Of the 47 free-living European bison populations, only eight have more than 150 adults, and all eight depend on supplemental feeding due to poor habitat suitability. By identifying areas where the European bison would be distributed today if hunting and land use change had not occurred, the study zeroes in on regions that are most suitable for the species's reintroduction. These include parts of Poland, Ukraine, and western Russia. With habitat restoration, parts of the Balkans and Germany also have the potential to be good sites for bison reintroduction. "I hope that the maps we've produced can help inform future efforts in terms of where reintroduction efforts should occur," said Pilowsky. "It's especially crucial because of the war in Ukraine. Over 50 percent of all free-living bison are in Ukraine, and conservationists are really worried." Next steps Pilowsky next hopes to adjust the simulations to identify sites that are not only suitable for European bison today, but also in the future under human-caused climate and environmental change. The study's methodology could also be adapted to reconstruct the causes of population declines and range collapses of other large herbivores, including American bison, to improve awareness of past threats and enrich current conservation plans. Lessons learned are informing new lines of inquiry for Pilowsky. At Cary Institute, they are translating the bison simulation code into new software that models disease transmission in wildlife. "I literally have my bison code open on one monitor and my new code that I'm building on another monitor," they said. Instead of simulating bison abundance and range, the new software shows the prevalence and distribution of a disease in a species over time. More information: July A. Pilowsky et al, Millennial processes of population decline, range contraction and near extinction of the European bison, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1095 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A cyclist pedals along boardwalk as Cyclone Jasper approaches landfall in Cairns in far north Queensland on December 13, 2023. A tropical cyclone was building strength as it rolled towards northeastern Australia on 13 December, with authorities warning "life-threatening" floods could swamp coastal regions for days. Tropical Cyclone Jasper hit northeast Australia Wednesday, leaving thousands of people in coastal communities without power and preparing for potentially "life-threatening" floods. The Category Two storm barreled in off the Coral Sea, making landfall at around 5:00 pm on Wednesday (0700 GMT), government meteorologists said. Damaging winds of up to 113 kilometers (70 miles) per hour were recorded as Jasper hit the coast, while meteorologists said pummeled rains could swamp some areas with flash flooding. Rough surf, strong winds and heavy rain pelted the seaside town of Palm Cove, where usually bustling restaurants and high-end hotels battened down the hatches and waited for the storm to pass. Uprooted vegetation littered the town's coastal promenade and rows of coconut palms and melaleuca trees bowed under the strain of Jasper's gusts. "It's over the next few hours that we are expecting to see that heavy rainfall really picking up," government meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said Wednesday afternoon as the storm loomed at sea. "As the tropical cyclone nears the coast, that's when we are going to see the most dangerous and most impactful weather developing." The cyclone "slowly" made landfall near the largely Aboriginal settlement of Wujal Wujal, the Bureau of Meteorology said, whipping up "destructive wind gusts". A man sits outside a hospital as Cyclone Jasper approaches landfall in Cairns in far north Queensland on December 13, 2023.\ A tropical cyclone was building strength as it rolled towards northeastern Australia on 13 December, with authorities warning "life-threatening" floods could swamp coastal regions for days. The tourist cities of Cairns and Port Douglasboth gateways to the Great Barrier Reefwere also in the path of the storm. Deputy Premier Steven Miles had warned that "dangerous and life-threatening" floods could linger for "days to come". About 15,000 homes were left without electricity as winds picked up Wednesday afternoon, utility companies and the Queensland state government said. Authorities are warning of damage to fences, roofs and other propertyand had urged residents to tie down loose items before the storm arrived. Flood watches are in place for rivers across the region and power has preemptively been cut to areas where damage is expected. Four government weather forecasters had to be plucked from a remote offshore monitoring station as Tropical Cyclone Jasper intensified late last week. An Australian naval destroyer was dispatched to evacuate the meteorologists from Willis Island, which lies about 450 kilometers east of the Australian mainland. The forecasters were dropped off in Sydney by the HMAS Brisbane guided-missile destroyer on Tuesday. "Waiting out Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper on Willis Island was not something we wanted to take a chance on," forecaster William Tom said on Wednesday. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Spin one-half moments on a square lattice. In addition to the classical antiferromagnetic order (classical AF), the spin moments can have various magnetic ground states, such as superposition of spin-singlet configurations (resonant valence bond; RVB) or antiferromagnet with large quantum fluctuations (quantum AF). In iridium oxide Sr 2 IrO 4 , spin quadrupole moments coexist with a canted antiferromagnet order. Credit: Institute for Basic Science Liquid crystal is a state of matter that exhibits properties of both liquid and solid. It can flow like a liquid, while its constituent molecules are aligned as in a solid. Liquid crystal is widely used nowadays, for example, as a core element of LCD devices. The magnetic analog of this kind of material is dubbed the "spin-nematic phase," where spin moments play the role of the molecules. However, it has not yet been directly observed despite its prediction a half-century ago. The main challenge stems from the fact that most conventional experimental techniques are insensitive to spin quadrupoles, which are the defining features of this spin-nematic phase. But now, for the first time in the world, a team of researchers led by Professor Kim Bumjoon at the IBS Center for Artificial Low-Dimensional Electronic Systems in South Korea has succeeded at directly observing spin quadrupoles. This work was made possible through remarkable achievements over the last decades in synchrotron facility development. The IBS researchers focused their study on square-lattice iridium oxide Sr 2 IrO 4 , a material previously recognized for its antiferromagnetic dipolar order at low temperatures. This study newly discovered the coexistence of a spin quadrupolar order, which becomes observable through its interference with the magnetic order. This interference signal was detected by 'circular-dichroic resonant X-ray diffraction,' an advanced X-ray technique employing a circularly polarized X-ray beam. Dipole-quadrupole interference in circular dichroic resonant x-ray diffraction. (a) The spin quadrupole moments are formed at a higher temperature (263 K) than the magnetic moments (230 K). (b, c) At low temperatures, the interference between the spin quadrupole and the magnetic moments is manifested by circular dichroic resonant X-ray diffraction, a magnetic signal difference between left- and right-handed X-ray beams. Credit: Institute for Basic Science Further verification of this discovery came through 'polarization-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering', where the magnetic excitations were revealed to significantly deviate from the behaviors anticipated for those in conventional magnets. To complete these experiments, the researchers in South Korea have collaborated with Argonne National Laboratory in the US to construct a resonant inelastic X-ray scattering beamline in Pohang Accelerator Laboratory over the last four years. Last but not least, the researchers used a series of optical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurement, to show that the formation of the spin quadrupole moments occurs at higher temperatures than the magnetic order. Within this temperature range, the iridium oxide has only spin quadrupole moments but no magnetic order, realizing a spin-nematic phase. Taken together, this is the first direct observation of the spin quadrupole moments in a spin-nematic phase. (a, b) Drawing (a) and photograph (b) of the resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometer installed at the 1C beamline of PLS-II. Credit: Institute for Basic Science "This research was feasible because the infrastructure and capabilities of X-ray experiments in South Korea had reached a globally competitive level," says Prof. Kim Bumjoon, corresponding author of this study. "The discovery of the spin-nematic phase also holds significant implications for quantum computing and information technologies," adds Prof. Cho Gil Young, a co-author of this study and professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology. Another exciting aspect of the spin-nematic phase is its potential for high-temperature superconductivity. In the spin-nematic phase, the spins are highly entangled, which was suggested by physicist P. W. Anderson as a critical ingredient for high-temperature superconductivity. Furthermore, given that iridium oxide Sr 2 IrO 4 has been extensively studied because of its striking similarities with the copper-oxide high-temperature superconducting system, which fuels a growing interest in this material as a potentially new high-temperature superconducting system, as well as its relation to the spin-nematic phase. The findings are published in the journal Nature. More information: B. J. Kim, Quantum spin nematic phase in a square-lattice iridate, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06829-4. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06829-4 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new "nano-micro composite" delivery concept for inhaled vaccine: it combines biodegradable microcapsules with protein nanoparticles displaying multiple antigens, thus induces a broad-spectrum immune response and expands the range of vaccine protection. Credit: IPE, CAS Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have proposed a new "nano-micro composite" delivery concept for vaccines. Based on this idea, they have developed a single-dose, dry-powder, inhalable vaccine platform using nano-micro composite multilevel structures, which has been successfully prepared in the laboratory, and the vaccine has been shown to be effective in blocking respiratory viral infection and transmission in animal models. This platform holds great promise for combating future emerging and epidemic infectious diseases. This study was published in Nature on Dec 13. In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in developing vaccines for infectious respiratory diseases. However, most of these vaccines are administered through intramuscular injection, which primarily induces a humoral immune response and relies on blood antibodies to neutralize the virus. Unfortunately, this approach fails to trigger a mucosal immune response and establish a robust immune barrier in the respiratory tract. Moreover, adjuvants commonly used in current vaccines, e.g., aluminum adjuvants, are unable to induce cellular immune responses and are ineffective in combating rapid viral mutations. Additionally, the current liquid form of vaccines necessitates strict low-temperature storage conditions, and the two- or three-dose vaccination schedule also impacts the overall vaccination rate. To address these problems, interdisciplinary integration and innovative research concepts are needed to develop safer and more efficient vaccines for respiratory infections. Construction and mechanism of single-dose, dry-powder inhalation vaccine. Credit: Ma Guanghui's group Taking this approach, Prof. Wei Wei and Prof. Ma Guanghui, from the State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering at IPE, in cross-disciplinary collaboration with Prof. Wang Hengliang and Prof. Zhu Li, from the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, have developed a new vaccine platform to tackle these challenges. This platform combines biodegradable microspheres with protein nanoparticles. The surface of these nanoparticles can simultaneously display multiple antigens, thus inducing a broad-spectrum immune response and expanding the range of vaccine protection. It also allows for the quick and convenient development of other respiratory virus vaccines due to the flexibility of antigen presentation. Moreover, the platform's unique nano-micro composite structure enables an efficient immune response in the lungs by facilitating high-performance delivery. Once the antigen-nanoparticles are released, they can be efficiently taken up by antigen-presenting cells. Additionally, this dry powder vaccine significantly reduces storage and transportation costs, making it suitable for areas with limited refrigeration facilities, thus improving immunization rates. Furthermore, the sustained release of antigens in the vaccine induces long-lasting humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity with just a single inhalation. In later cooperation with Prof. He Zhanlong of the Institute of Medical Biology of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the researchers developed a model of airborne protection, close contact protection, and airborne transmission blocking, which described the benefits of inhaled vaccine for preventing the virus infection and transmission. "The components of this nano-micro system used natural proteins and approved polymer materials, and the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine have been systematically studied in non-human primates, indicating its great potential for clinical translation," said Prof. Wei Wei. More information: Guanghui Ma, Inhaled SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for single-dose dry powder aerosol immunization (N&V), Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06809-8. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06809-8 Zhou Xing et al, A next-generation inhalable dry powder COVID vaccine, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03557-7 , doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-03557-7 Journal information: Nature 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: Pictured is an eelgrass habitat off the coast of the Western Baltic Sea, Falckenstein, at three metres deep. Compared to their Pacific-dwelling ancestors, Atlantic eelgrass populations are much younger, less diverse and therefore more vulnerable to climate change. Credit: Uli Kunz/Submaris Eelgrass, one of the most abundant plants in the ocean, originated in Japan before spreading around the globe. Now, scientists have shed light on both when and how eelgrass adapted and evolved throughout its history. Their research, published in Nature Plants, was able to assess absolute time estimates for major colonization events. It was previously assumed, due to the wide and varied geographic footprint of the plant, that eelgrass began colonizing the oceans about 3 million years ago. The study shows that figure is likely closer to a mere 250,000 yearswith many key colonization events in the Atlantic ocean occurring within the last 40,000 years. Eelgrass represents one of the largest carbon sinks in the oceanoccupying just 0.2% of the ocean floor, these meadows are responsible for almost one-third of carbon sequestered in the ocean. In addition to providing a more detailed timeline of eelgrass's evolution, the study also shows the younger meadows in the Atlantic ocean are much less diverse than their Pacific Ocean ancestorsmeaning these habitats are more vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate. Knowing more about how eelgrass evolved can help inform conservation efforts for at-risk populations. Eelgrass is unique in that there are not many species able to occupy the regions where eelgrass flourishes. The plant can thrive in both frigid and tropical climates, growing off the coasts of Alaska and Norway, as well as California and Mexico. Based on the study, it would seem that once conditions became right for eelgrass, it was able to spread quickly and establish itself in a variety of new environments. This all started roughly 250,000 years ago, when eelgrass traveled across the ocean current from Japan to colonize the southern California and Mexican coastlines. Roughly 100,000 years later, that Japanese eelgrass crossed the Pacific again, only this time it traveled north to Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. Upon its arrival in Alaska, eelgrass quickly relocated to the Atlantic ocean through the Bering strait, which was previously inaccessible due to Arctic ice. However, much of eelgrass's colonization in the Atlantic ocean occurred during the last 20,00040,000 years, establishing itself in Atlantic coastal areas off the shores of places including North Carolina, Norway and Portugal. In order to develop a timeline like this, researchers would normally craft a genetic clock based on its divergence with a different species. However, eelgrass didn't have a reliable calibration tool in the form of another species, so the scientists had to use the genome itself. Approximately 67 million years ago, the ancestor to eelgrass underwent a whole genome duplication event, doubling all of its chromosomes. Over time, the new and old chromosome copies begin to diverge and mutate relative to one another. This change occurs at a predictable rate, enabling researchers to use the genome assembly to calibrate their genetic clock. Various researchers around the globe were each working on their own genetic clock to discover when eelgrass established itself in various locations. One group investigated changes in protein sequences, while others analyzed single point mutations across the genome or changes to the plant's chloroplast genome, each of which has its own rate of change. Once properly calibrated, each molecular clock independently provided timepoints of eelgrass's major global colonization events. The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, a DOE Office of Science User Facility at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, provided sequence resourcesincluding the eelgrass genome assembly that enabled analysis of the whole genome duplication eventbioinformatics expertise, as well as sequencing for all global populations of eelgrass used in the study to reveal colonization events. Looking ahead, scientists can use this information to assess what specific traits make older species of eelgrass in the Pacific Ocean so resilient. That in turn can help inform efforts to preserve the younger, more at-risk species that live in Atlantic Ocean environments and the plant's carbon sink capabilities. More information: Lei Yu et al, Author Correction: Ocean current patterns drive the worldwide colonization of eelgrass (Zostera marina), Nature Plants (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01504-y Journal information: Nature Plants 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: Cylindrical microstructures formed by a photoresist doped with different proportions of nanodiamond are shown in these scanning electron microscope images. Credit: IFSC-USP A nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is a defect in the crystal structure of diamond, where a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom in the diamond lattice and a neighboring site in the lattice is vacant. This and other fluorescent defects in diamond, known as color centers, have attracted researchers' attention owing to their quantum properties, such as single-photon emission at room temperature and with long coherence time. Their many applications include quantum information encoding and processing, and cell marking in biological studies. Microfabrication in diamond is technically difficult, and nanodiamonds with color centers have been embedded in custom-designed structures as a way of integrating these quantum emitters into photonic devices. A study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo's Sao Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC-USP) in Brazil has established a method for this, as described in an article published in the journal Nanomaterials. "We demonstrated a method of embedding fluorescent nanodiamonds in microstructures designed for this purpose, using two-photon polymerization [2PP]," Cleber Mendonca, a professor at IFSC-USP and last author of the article, told Agencia FAPESP. "We studied the ideal concentration of nanodiamond in the photoresist to achieve structures with at least one fluorescent NV center and good structural and optical quality." The photoresist is a light-sensitive material used in the fabrication process to transfer nanoscale patterns to the substrate. Mendonca and his group have made extensive use of 2PP to fabricate three-dimensional microstructures. Simply put, 2PP is a direct laser writing technique in which a high-intensity laser beam is focused on a light-sensitive polymer resin that has not yet solidified to produce the microstructure of interest. In the study, a nanodiamond solution in deionized water was added to the mixture of monomers that comprised the photoresist, and after all the requisite physicochemical procedures had been completed, microfabrication was performed by submitting the sample to pulses from a powerful titanium-sapphire laser controlled by dedicated software to define the exact coordinates of the beam. "Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy measurements were used to confirm the presence and location of the nanodiamonds, while absorbance measurements assessed scattering losses at higher concentrations. Our results show the feasibility of fabricating microstructures embedded within fluorescent nanodiamonds via 2PP for photonics and quantum technology applications," the authors write in the article. The study was part of the Ph.D. research of first author Filipe Assis Couto, with Mendonca as thesis advisor. More information: Filipe A. Couto et al, Integrating Fluorescent Nanodiamonds into Polymeric Microstructures Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization, Nanomaterials (2023). DOI: 10.3390/nano13182571 Provided by FAPESP More Americans say the ideal family size consists of three children, according to a new poll that found younger Americans, Catholics, churchgoers and women are among those most likely to prefer large families. Gallup recently released the results of two separate surveys examining Americans views as to what constitutes the ideal family size. The polls, conducted from June 1-22 and July 3-27, found a roughly equal level of support for large and small families. The survey asked respondents, What do you think is the ideal number of children for a family to have? A plurality of those surveyed (44%) suggested that the ideal family consisted of two children. An additional 3% identified the ideal family as featuring just one child, while 2% believed that the ideal family was one with no children at all. The share of Americans who preferred small families, meaning those who think an ideal family should only have one or two children, added up to 47%. On the other hand, the total share of Americans who favored larger families amounted to 45%. Specifically, 29% thought the ideal family size should include three children, and 12% defined the ideal family as having four children. The share of respondents who preferred family sizes of five and six or more children was 2% in each case. Americans belief that the ideal family size includes three or more children has been rising steadily in recent years, currently up 4 percentage points from the previous reading in 2018 to its highest point since 1971, wrote Gallups Megan Brenan in an analysis of the results. The latest measure is one of the few instances when preferences for smaller families (of one or two children) and larger families (of three or more children) are statistically tied in Gallups trend. In 1971, 52% of respondents asked by Gallup to identify the ideal family size expressed support for three or more children. Since then, the percentage of Americans favoring small families has consistently exceeded the share of Americans who favor large families. Broken down by demographic subgroup, majorities of black adults (57%), Catholics (56%), those who attend church weekly (54%), Hispanic adults (53%), Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 (52%) and those who make less than $40,000 a year (51%) expressed a preference for families with three or more children. Half of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters (50%) and those who attend church weekly or monthly said the same. Additionally, pluralities of Americans between 50 and 64 (48%) and women (46%) favored larger families. Meanwhile, majorities of those who do not identify with a religion (58%), Democrats and Democrat-leaning voters (53%), Americans who seldom or never attend church services (52%), and white adults (51%) thought that the ideal number of children for a family to have was two or less. Half of Americans who make between $40,000 and $100,000 and half of respondents who make $100,000 or more preferred smaller families, as did half of those between the ages of 30 and 49. A plurality of men (49%) and those aged 65 and older (49%) identified families with one or two children as the ideal size. When asked about their parental status, the overwhelming majority of respondents (69%) said they were parents, while 15% of those between 18 and 40 reported that they did not have children but still wanted to. Six percent of respondents aged 41 and older did not have children but wished they had, while the remaining 8% told pollsters they do not want children at all. A majority of those between 18 and 29 (63%) said they do not have children but still want to, while 21% already have children. The remaining 16% do not want children at all. Seventy-four percent of respondents between the ages of 30 and 49 (74%) have children, while 8% do not want them. Eleven percent of those between the ages of 30 and 40 do not have children but still want to, and 5% of respondents between the ages of 41 and 49 did not have children but wish they had. The overwhelming majority of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 (82%) and those 65 and older (88%) already have children, while 11% of Americans aged 50-64 and 6% of the elderly do not have children but wish they had. Small shares of Americans between 50 and 64 (7%) and the elderly (5%) said they did not want children. 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: The left panel shows an image with dot labels of manatees and the right panel shows the density map of the image generated by applying Gaussian distributions to the labeled points. Credit: Florida Atlantic University Manatees are endangered species volatile to the environment. Because of their voracious appetites, they often spend up to eight hours a day grazing for food within shallow waters, making them vulnerable to environmental changes and other risks. Accurately counting manatee aggregations within a region is not only biologically meaningful in observing their habit but also crucial for designing safety rules for boaters and divers, as well as scheduling nursing, intervention, and other plans. Nevertheless, counting manatees is challenging. Because manatees tend to live in herds, they often block each other when viewed from the surface. As a result, small manatees are likely to be partially or completely blocked from view. In addition, water reflections tend to make manatees invisible, and they also can be mistaken for other objects, such as rocks and branches. While aerial survey data are used in some regions to count manatees, this method is time-consuming and costly, and the accuracy depends on factors such as observer bias, weather conditions, and time of day. Moreover, it is crucial to have a low-cost method that provides a real-time count to alert ecologists of threats early to enable them to act proactively to protect manatees. Artificial intelligence is used in a wide spectrum of fields, and now, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science have harnessed its powers to help save the beloved manatee. They are among the first to use a deep learning-based crowd-counting approach to automatically count the number of manatees in a designated region, using images captured from CCTV cameras, which are readily available as input. This pioneering study, published Scientific Reports, not only addresses the technical challenges of counting in complex outdoor environments but also offers potential ways to aid endangered species. Harnessing the power of AI, researchers are among the first to use a deep learning-based crowd counting approach to automatically count the number of manatees in a designated region, using images captured from CCTV cameras, which are readily available, as input. Credit: Florida Atlantic University To determine manatee densities and calculate their numbers, researchers used generic images captured from surveillance videos from the water surface. They then used a unique design matching to manatees' shapeAnisotropic Gaussian Kernel (AGK)to transform the images into manatee-customized density maps, representing manatees' unique body shapes. Although many methods exist for counting, most of the existing counting methods are applied to crowds to count the number of people due to their relevance to important applications such as urban planning and public safety. To save labeling costs, researchers used line-label-based annotation with a single straight line to mark each manatee. The goal of the study was to learn to count the number of objects within a scene and obtain labels to support counting. Results of the study reveal that the FAU-developed method outperformed other baselines, including the traditional Gaussian kernel-based approach. Transitioning from dot to line labeling also improved wheat head counting accuracy, an important role in crop yield estimation, suggesting broader applications for convex-shaped objects in diverse contexts. This approach worked particularly well when the image had a high density of manatees in a complicated background. By formatting manatee counting as a deep neural network density estimation learning task, this approach balanced the labeling costs vs. counting efficiency. As a result, this method delivers a simple and high throughput solution for manatee counting that requires very little labeling effort. A direct impact is that state parks can leverage this method to understand the number of manatees in different regions by using their existing CCTV cameras in real-time. "There are many ways to use computational methods to help save endangered species, such as detecting the presence of the species and counting them to collect information about numbers and density," said Xingquan (Hill) Zhu, Ph.D., senior author, an IEEE Fellow and a professor in FAU's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Examples of algorithm performance with respect to different manatee densities in the scene. The first row shows original images with increasing manatee density from left to right. The second and third rows show ground-truth density map (2nd row) and predicted density map (3rd row) using dot labels. The fourth and fifth rows show ground-truth density map (4th row) and predicted density map (5th row) using line labels and generic Gaussian kernels. The sixth and seventh rows show ground-truth density map (6th row) and predicted density map (7th row) using line labels and anisotropic Gaussian kernels. Credit: Florida Atlantic University "Our method considered distortions caused by the perspective between the water space and the image plane. Since the shape of the manatee is closer to an ellipse than a circle, we used AGK to best represent the manatee contour and estimate manatee density in the scene. This allows density map to be more accurate, in terms of mean absolute errors and root mean square error, than other alternatives in estimating manatees' numbers." To validate their method and facilitate further research in this domain, the researchers developed a comprehensive manatee counting dataset, along with their source code, published through GitHub for public access at github.com/yeyimilk/deep-learning-for-manatee-counting. "Manatees are one of the wildlife species being affected by human-related threats. Therefore, calculating their numbers and gathering patterns in real-time is vital for understanding their population dynamics," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science. "The methodology developed by Professor Zhu and our graduate students provides a promising trajectory for broader applications, especially for convex-shaped objects, to improve counting techniques that may foretell better ecological results from management decisions." Manatees can be found from Brazil to Florida and all the way around the Caribbean islands. Some species, including the Florida Manatee, are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. More information: Zhiqiang Wang et al, Counting manatee aggregations using deep neural networks and Anisotropic Gaussian Kernel, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45507-3 Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The size of the gap in academic achievement between white and minority ethnic medical students in the UK varies considerably, depending on their individual ethnicity and which medical school they attended, finds the largest study of its kind, published in the open access journal BMJ Open. Their findings prompt the researchers to call for urgent remedial action to close the gap and reverse the career-long disadvantage faced by future minority ethnic doctors in the UK. Despite a growing body of research on differences in outcomes within UK medical education, no large studies drawing on national data and universally applicable outcome measures have been done, so hampering a deeper understanding of this complex problem and how best to address it, insist the researchers. And all too often students of different ethnicities are grouped together as one, ignoring potentially key cultural differences, they add. In a bid to tackle these issues, the researchers reviewed the academic performance of 16,020 students (out of an initial 20,525) on entry (201214) to, and exit from, 33 medical schools across the UKfour to six years later, depending on course type. Because most UK medical schools require prospective students to sit admissions aptitude tests, the results of which predict undergraduate performance, the researchers chose UCAT scores (1,200 to 3,000 maximum) for the entry measure as this is the most widely used test. And students' UK Foundation Program (UKFP) application scores (range 34100 points) were chosen as the exit measure as UKFP is the first stage of postgraduate clinical training in the UK and is compulsory for those wishing to work as doctors in the UK. Ethnicity groupings were compiled from completed UCAT form definitions. In descending size order these were white (11,070; 69%), Indian (1,635; 33%), Pakistani (770; 15.6%), Mixed (670; 13.5%), other Asian background (625; 12.6%), Black (470; 7.5%), other ethnic background (350; just over 7%), Chinese (250; just over 5%) and Bangladeshi (180; 3%). The percentage of students from minority ethnicities ranged from just over 9% (30) at Dundee to 60% (400) at Imperial College, London, averaging 29% across all 33 medical schools. These students were significantly more likely to be male, to come from more deprived backgrounds, and to be on standard entry courses. Their average UCAT scores were lower on entry to medical school than those of their White counterparts, although the overall difference was small. And on leaving medical school, minority ethnic students achieved significantly lower UKFP scores than their white peersa difference of around 2 out of 100 UKFP pointswhen grouped as one ethnic grouping. But when assessed separately, these scores varied considerably among different ethnicities. Mixed ethnicity and Indian students had relatively high scores, for example, while Chinese and Pakistani students had relatively low scores, after accounting for aptitude on entry and social and economic background. The academic performance gap was statistically significant at 22 out of 33 medical schools, with minority ethnic students achieving consistently lower UKFP scores than White students, after accounting for aptitude on entry and social and economic background, irrespective of the numbers of minority ethnic students attending these schools. But again the size of this gap varied considerably among these schools, suggesting that some minority ethnic students may be further disadvantaged by the educational environment of their medical school, say the researchers. This is an observational study, and the researchers acknowledge various limitations to their findings, including the strict eligibility criteria which excluded more than 4000 students (22%) from the initial dataset. The researchers were also unable to clarify the meaning of "mixed ethnicity," and there may be important differences in attainment between students of mixed White and Asian ethnicity and those of mixed White and Black ethnicity, for example, they say. But notwithstanding these limitations, their findings show a clear gap in academic performance between White and minority ethnic medical students, they point out. Variable curricula, teaching methods and assessment, and institutional factors, such as attitudes and faculty diversity, may explain some, but not all, of the differences in outcomes among medical schools, they suggest. "Although the underlying causes of the [attainment gap] remain elusive, many medical schools are already implementing strategies to address it," they note. This is to be commended and supported, they say, because, "Our findings suggest that the current teaching and assessment systems are disadvantageous to [minority ethnic] students, and further work is needed to explore exactly what these differences are, why they occur, and how they impact individual student groups. "Medical schools must, therefore, take action to identify and mitigate the reasons for any [attainment gap] within their schools if we are to achieve an equal learning environment for our future doctors," they urge. More information: Is the awarding gap at UK medical schools influenced by ethnicity and medical school attended? A retrospective cohort study, BMJ Open (2023). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075945 Journal information: BMJ Open 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: The trackers on the tail feathers of great frigatebirds took measurements of elevation as well as GPS coordinates, essentially mapping the PBL as they flew. Credit: Abram Fleishman Scientists often field check their findings, heading outside to see if computer models match with what is happening in the real world. But doing so is challenging when the field is two and a half miles up. Enter a new field assistant: The great frigatebird. Great frigatebirds live in tropical regions and routinely fly to 2,000 meters (1.25 miles) in altitude, occasionally reaching heights of 4,000 meters (2.5 miles). A new study shows that great frigatebirds equipped with tiny sensors can give detailed information about the planetary boundary layer (PBL), which is the dynamic atmospheric layer that is closest to Earth and where we experience weather, air quality, and climate impacts. The new research was presented at the AGU Annual Meeting on Wednesday, 13 December in San Francisco and online. The PBL connects the atmosphere with the surface ocean, land and ice. It rises and falls throughout the day and "many weather and climate processes are related to that fluctuation," said Ian Brosnan, a marine scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center who led the work. "So understanding PBL dynamics is fundamental to answering a lot of questions about the Earth system." Current techniques typically rely on ground-based measurements or remote sensing, but for far-flung regions over the oceans, "getting in situ samples of any sort at scale is a challenge," Brosnan said. Brosnan's co-author, NASA ecologist Morgan Gilmour, previously used sensor-laden great frigatebirds to assess whether the boundaries of a marine protected area around Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean protected the animals within it. Brosnan suspected the frigatebirds' flights were related to the PBL; if so, Gilmore's project had also collected critical PBL samples. "I instantly thought the birds could be traveling to the top of the PBL, turning around, and coming back down," Brosnan said. "And they're probably covering a pretty broad area, too." To check if the birds' flight patterns matched PBL altitudes, they compared PBL measurements from 20062019 analysis to frigatebirds' flights. They found that the long-term average PBL heights in that area very closely matched the bird's altitude data. Brosnan's hunch was right. The tagged frigatebirds had sampled temperature profiles in the PBL and had no trouble collecting data during cloudy weather or at night, unlike traditional sampling approaches. "These novel approaches to using animal tracking data can help NASA measure the planetary boundary layer and improve climate predictions and weather and air quality forecasts," Brosnan said. He mentioned that after hearing from interagency scientists about how important global, satellite-based animal tracking data was for their research projects, NASA created the "Internet of Animals" project. This allows scientists to integrate data from remote sensing measurements with data from sensors on animals, now including the great frigatebird PBL data. Brosnan said their work is a good example of how interagency and interdisciplinary collaborations can help tackle larger science questions. "One of the things we're trying to do is bridge between these two communitiesanimal tracking and atmospheric scienceand see if we can enrich the work that we both do." More information: Can tagged great frigatebirds (Fregata minor) be used to track the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer height? agu.confex.com/agu/fm23/meetin pp.cgi/Paper/1321690 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: The round goby came to Danish waters 15-16 years ago and has been very successful in establishing itself here. Credit: Sune Riis Srensen, DTU Aqua Not all new underwater residents are polite. Some overshadow other species or gorge themselves on food sources at the expense of the species already living there. There is little data on invasive species in the Danish waters, fjords, and streams, but with the help of an underwater robot and DNA analyses, we can gain much more knowledge quickly and relatively cheaply. Denmark has recorded approximately 2,600 non-native species, i.e., plants, animals, and fungi that do not originate from the Danish natural environment. The vast majority of these species pose no problems, and some will not even survive our climate in the long term. However, according to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, 77 of the non-native species are invasive. This means that they have successfully established themselves in the Danish environment with consequences for the native flora and fauna or the economy. In other words, an invasive species can become so dominant that it severely affects other animals or plants in our environment. The UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has identified invasive species as one of the five drivers threatening biodiversity worldwide. In the autumn of 2023, the panel published the Invasive Alien Species Report, which further emphasized the seriousness of the problem. The report was made by 86 researchers from 49 countries, and it shows that invasive species are estimated to have played a role in 60 percent of cases where a plant or animal has become globally extinct. In 16 percent of cases, the invasive species were the sole reason why animals or plants became extinct. Invasive species spread through human activity, and IPBES expects the problem to grow in the coming decades. Introduced through ballast water On land, it is easy to spot invasive species, which in Denmark include raccoon dogs, Rosa rugosa, and killer slugs. It is much harder to see what is happening below the surface in our seas, fjords, lakes, and streams, but there are also invasive species here. A total of 85 alien marine species have been recorded in Denmark. Four of them are considered invasive, i.e., they can cause damage to our ecosystems. Some may remember the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi from the media or the round gobya fish originating from the Black and Caspian Seas. They are both marine species that were introduced into Danish waters through ship ballast water 15-16 years ago and immediately settled in. At DTU Aqua, Senior Researcher Jane Behrens helped keep track of the round goby from 2014six years after the 10-20 cm long fish first appeared in the waters of southern Denmark. "By studying the round goby, we learned about its spread and the characteristics of a successful invasive species," says Jane Behrens. Successful invasive speciesanimals and plants alikeoften share the same characteristics: They multiply rapidly, they have good conditions for spreading, they're competitive, and they are capable of withstanding varying environmental conditions. This also applies to the round goby. "It's extremely tough. It thrives in water with both a high and low salt content and in different temperatures, which means that it can spread in many types of aquatic environments. It's also slightly larger than the native gobies and very aggressive when defending its territory, so it ends up dominating food sources and breeding grounds. And it's not picky and will eat many types of food," says Jane Behrens about the fish, which is a perfect example of a successful invasive species. Little knowledge about the damage According to Jane Behrens, little is known about how much damage the round goby is causing to the Danish ecosystems. "We've only done one study, which showed that the round goby can change the fauna in the areas where it establishes itself and multiplies. It does so by selectively feeding on its preferred foods, such as small clams and snails, as long as they're present. This changes the composition of the benthic fauna, which then affects the rest of the fauna because the other animals that also feed on benthic animals will have to find other food sources or feeding grounds." "In Denmark, the round goby hasn't been given much attention, so the data available is limited. We have to look to other countries, such as the U.S., for more knowledge, and their studies show that the round goby has a negative effect on biodiversity, including when it comes to other species of fish. We have good reason to believe that the same is true for us," says Jane Behrens. According to Professor Jens Kjerulf Petersen from DTU Aqua, there are many other invasive marine species in Denmark that are not continuously monitored. He has created a report in which he describes selected threats to Denmark's marine and aquatic environment, including invasive species. "We don't know much about the invasive marine species in this country. Their prevalence and harmful effects are an understudied area because we have no coordinated monitoring systems for invasive marine species. We get random recordings from citizens or our researchers. The knowledge we have mainly comes from singular studies of a single species through a couple of years. And when the project ends, so does the collection of data," says Jens Kjerulf Petersen. Underwater robot can acquire data His colleagues at DTU Aqua, headed by Professor Einar Eg Nielsen, have a technological solution that can reduce the gaps in our knowledge of invasive marine species: an underwater robot that can identify species using DNA analyses. The robot has been given the name ESP (Environmental Sample Processor). The technique of collecting DNA from the environment is called eDNA or environmental DNA. "The robot can operate in water and take samples of the water for up to three months before running out of battery. We can program it to identify up to five different species from the water samples. We can also control how often it takes water samples and whether the samples are taken close to the surface or at the bottom." "With the robot, we can gain a wealth of information about the species we want to monitor, and we can do it day and night and any time of the year. This way, we can gather the information in a much cheaper way than the traditional method of going out on a boat and collecting water samples manually," says Einar Eg Nielsen, who specializes in genetic methods for identifying biodiversity. The ESP was developed in the U.S., where it is used to measure algal blooms, among other things, but the Danish version was further developed by Einar Eg Nielsen's colleagues at DTU Aqua a few years ago, so it can be used to detect DNA traces in the environment. The ESP is connected to the mobile network, so its mission can be changed remotely if necessary. This also enables it to continuously transmit data to the researchers. Einar Eg Nielsen and his colleagues are currently planning a collaboration project with Iceland where the ESP will be used to monitor humpback salmon, an invasive species in the Icelandic streams. In addition, the researchers have a third-generation ESP ready for action in 2024. This version is even more advanced as it can move around and collect eDNA samples rather than remain stationary. Next year, it will be involved in a project involving rsted and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency to map the biodiversity of the offshore wind farms at Horns Rev and Anholt in Denmark. "We can provide the data that will enable us to track the development of biodiversity around the offshore wind turbines. However, we must first define what we want that biodiversity to look like because it's not necessarily a good thing if the biodiversity increases around the offshore wind farms. One of the concerns regarding offshore wind farms is that they might create a kind of corridor for invasive species. We will be able to help clarify this through the eDNA," says Einar Eg Nielsen. Invasive species come at a high price Many other countries are already aware that invasive marine species may come at a high price for both the environment and the economy, while Denmark pays very little attention to them, even though they have a negative impact on our environment, says Professor Jens Kjerulf Petersen. "In Denmark, we see Pacific oysters spreading in the Limfjord and other areas with several negative consequences: They pretty much take over the entire seabed and outcompete other mussels. Those mussels are a source of food for various birds, which will then have to find their food somewhere else. In other words, Pacific oysters create a different biodiversity both above and below the water. They also destroy the recreational value of the area because the bathing beaches become full of sharp oyster shells," says Jens Kjerulf Petersen. The international researchers behind the IPBES report also warned that invasive specieson land and in the waterscan be associated with high costs because they can disrupt entire ecosystems and thus threaten food safety and the drinking water supply. The researchers estimate that the global economic costs caused by invasive species in 2019 amounted to nearly DKK 3,000 billion. Jens Kjerulf Petersen calls for an increased focus on reducing the spread of invasive species in Danish waters: "It's widely accepted that we can't get rid of invasive marine species. But we could limit their spread, just like we do with hogweed, Rosa rugosa, and the black rat. No one expects them to be eradicated completely, but we still spend considerable amounts on reducing the damage they do to our environment. We should do the same for our aquatic environment." Credit: University of Vermont In America, where "having it your way" is a major selling point for everything from fast food to home-building, and making your own way in the world is the gold standard of achievement, individualism stands as the ideal for realizing the American dream. But when and why did this concept take hold in the American imagination, and how does it continue to influence our society and political system todayfor better or worse? A spirit of independence has embodied the American mystique since the country's beginnings, but during the Jacksonian era, the American way of thinking about politics and society grew significantly more individualistic. In a new book, "The Roots of American Individualism: Political Myth in the Age of Jackson," Alex Zakaras, Ph.D., professor in the UVM Department of Political Science, argues this point, tracing the establishment of this ideal back to an often unsung time in the country's history, and illustrates how it continues to pervade our society and political system to this day. Recently named Best Book in American Political Thought for 2022 by the American Political Science Association, the book primarily focuses on Jacksonian America, roughly from 1820 to 1850. It is organized around three key mythsthe myth of the rights-bearer, the myth of the independent proprietor, and the myth of the self-made manand explores how these ideas were used in political argument and helped shape American political thinking. Delving into newspaper articles, campaign speeches and pamphlets, sermons, Fourth of July orations, and more, Zakaras shows how the language of American politics underwent significant changes during this period, with long-term implications. "These myths, this discourse that was so prominent in the Jacksonian era, are still quite powerful today," Zakaras says. The myth of the rights-bearer, one of the origin stories about America centered around the earliest settlers who were fleeing religious and political persecution, persists in our modern conversations around the second amendment and gun rights, for example. If the current dialogue were framed around public health and safety as opposed to personal freedom, Zakaras says, we would think more about balancing such different interests as parents' concern for their kids' safety and the desire to own firearms for hunting and self-defense. But, he adds, "rights language tends to entrench us in absolute claims, so that any incremental encroachment seems like an assault on one's autonomy." This kind of absolutism doesn't leave a lot of room for middle ground or compromise in modern America when it comes to such issues as speech rights, abortion rights, or COVID policies, which are often seen as invasions of individual rights and freedoms. The myth of the independent proprietor was the story that emphasized the property-owning small farmer, epitomizing American freedom. With land came status and standing in the community and control over the foundation of your own economic life. The belief was that not having to depend on others was what enabled you to stand your ground and speak your mind as a free citizen. "I think we can see resonances with this, for example, in the modern discourse around welfare in our society," says Zakaras, "the idea that depending on outside help is somehow humiliating and demeaning, that it reduces you to something less than a civic equal." Even in the Jacksonian Era, he adds, "this was partly disingenuous, because there was a great deal of political interest in having government supply cheap (or free) land to white settlers who were moving West." The third myth, that of the self-made man, has also persisted since Jacksonian times. When Americans are asked in polls whether success or failure is more a matter of individual control or forces outside one's control, they are more likely to say the power lies with the individual. Zakaras argues that this meritocratic perspective, which sets Americans apart from Europeans, has harsh political consequences: It leads affluent people to believe that they deserve everything they have and that any effort to create a more egalitarian society is unfair because it rewards the undeserving. "I think we have a harder time than many other affluent democracies in adopting common-sense policies designed to promote the public good, policies that demand some measure of shared sacrifice," he says. A major theme in the book is the relationship between individualism and race, particularly in terms of white supremacy. "The languages of personal freedom were continually used to reinforce racial hierarchy during the Jacksonian period, and that's been another important legacy," Zakaras says. "The hero of these three myths was almost always a white man, and most white men at the time believed that their own personal freedom included the right to dominate and control othersincluding women and people of color." They tended to see the pursuit of racial and gender equality as an attack on their God-given entitlement to do as they pleased. Another important theme in the book is utopianism. In the 19th century, Americans tended to believe that the old world was corrupt and defined by authority, and that the new world represented a new start for humanity unleashed from repressive aristocratic constraints. This story of living in a classless society free from arbitrary limitations has remained part of our society for more than two centuries. "But the more you're attached to this story, that individuals can be whoever they want to be and go wherever they want to go," Zakaras says, "the more challenging it is for you to consider any alternative way of thinking about America." One of the reasons so many Americans are viscerally resistant to the lessons of critical race theory, Zakaras suggests, is that it bluntly challenges this mythologized vision of the nation and its history. Zakaras notes that he is not out to condemn American individualism outright. He says that the language of personal freedom is quite adaptable, and that "we need to lay claim to it in ways that would press toward a more socially equal society." In the book, he cites how the Abolitionists in the Jacksonian era were able to do just that. "They used the languages of personal liberty and expansive individual rights to press for not just the end of slavery and anti-discrimination measures in the North, but also a pretty broad vision of what it would mean to be free." He adds that the languages of personal independence also were used throughout much of the 19th century to criticize rising economic inequality. We don't have to abandon the language of individualism altogether, Zakaras stresses, even if we're frustrated by the ways in which freedom is used in our current discoursein fact, we shouldn't. Individualism runs deep in the American psyche, and those who are able to harness it gain an important political advantage. "It's not about rejecting individualism altogether; it's about understanding its complexity and the ways in which we can make use of it more productively," he says. With this book, Zakaras has provided an excellent first step on the path toward doing just that. 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: An example of a cloud bow, taken late on a winter afternoon in Santa Cruz, California. The cloud in this case was light coastal fog, so this could also be referred to as a fog bow. In the scene, the sun was positioned low in the sky directly behind the viewer so that backscattered light is observed. While this observation geometry is rare from the surface of the earth, it will be common for PACE/HARP2. Credit: NASA/Kirk Knobelspiesse Some of the same properties of light and optics that make the sky blue and cause rainbows can also help scientists unlock mysteries about cloud formation and the effects of tiny particles in our air. NASA's upcoming PACE mission will offer important insights on airborne particles of sea salt, smoke, human-made pollutants, and dustcollectively called aerosolsby observing how they interact with light. With PACE data, scientists will provide better answers to key questions such as how aerosols affect cloud formation or how ice clouds and liquid clouds differ. Understanding the nature of airborne particles and clouds is crucial to deciphering how climate and air quality are changing. Two instruments on NASA's upcoming PACE mission will look at aerosols and cloudsthe A and C in the name of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem satellite. After launch in early 2024, the PACE mission will scan the Earth and gather data on the chemical composition, movement, and interaction of aerosols and clouds through the use of two cutting-edge polarimetersinstruments that measure light properties. There are characteristics of light that we can see with our eyes, such as color. Other characteristics are invisible to the human eye, like what scientists call polarization. "Polarization is something that we don't have an intuitive sense for because our eyes don't see it," said Kirk Knobelspiesse, polarimetry lead for the PACE mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "If you saw the world through eyes that could see polarization, like our sensors can, you would see rainbows everywhere." Light leaving the sun moves in all different directions like a wavethis is called unpolarized light, said Brian Cairns, deputy project scientist for PACE. When it interacts with something like a cloud or an aerosol particle, however, light can oscillate more in one direction than the others: It is now polarized light. This quirk of light behavior can help scientists learn more about the characteristics and interactions of aerosols and water droplets in the sky. Polarimeters measure the angle at which the light is polarized, which reveals specific characteristics of whatever the light had bounced off of. With these instruments, scientists can piece together the size, composition, abundance, and other traits of the particles in the atmosphere. The two polarimeters on PACEHARP2 and SPEXonemake a great pair because of the complementary differences in what they measure. HARP2, built at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will observe four wavelengths of light from up to 60 different angles. SPEXone, built at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and Airbus Netherlands B.V., will peer down at a narrower swath, using five viewing angles but looking at light at hyperspectral resolutionthe full range of colors in a rainbow. Together the polarimeters will offer a picture of Earth's atmosphere in unprecedented detail. Credit: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Scientists have been observing aerosols from space for decades, though the community has not had polarimetry data for a decade, noted Otto Hasekamp, senior scientist at SRON. PACE will provide polarimeter data from multiple vantage points and, due to technological advancements in the instruments, the data will be of better quality than ever before. "It's exciting to see the culmination of working actively on instrument models and prototypes," said Jeroen Rietjens, instrument scientist at SRON, "then finally seeing it end up on a real satellite." After PACE is launched in early 2024, the satellite will scan Earth every two days, gathering immense quantities of data on the chemical composition, movement, and interaction of aerosols and clouds. "We want to measure properties of aerosols because aerosols affect climate," said Hasekamp. They reflect light back into space and can also absorb it, which plays a role in how much of the sun's energy reaches Earth's surface. Aerosols also affect cloud formation and properties, but the details of these relationships are not fully known to scientists. The data PACE collects will help to clarify some of these unknowns. The new polarimetry data will also offer real-time insights on air pollution. "PACE measurements will not only answer fundamental science questions, but will also improve people's quality of life," said Marcela Loria-Salazar, assistant professor at the School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and PACE early adopter. The PACE Early Adopters program promotes the integration of PACE data into practical applications of science. Loria-Salazar is particularly interested in how aerosols change over time and with location, with an extra emphasis on the altitude of aerosols over the middle of the United States. There, PACE will allow scientists to identify aerosols, while also deciphering what they mean for air quality. The measurements from PACE's polarimeters will also help improve our understanding of Earth's climate. By adding PACE atmospheric data to models, scientists will be able to replace the estimates now used to fill data gaps in those models with data from current measurements. "I'm hoping to help gather the data that will reduce model uncertainty and help us make better predictions for how we expect our climate to play out in the next decades and centuries," Knobelspiesse said. Provided by NASA This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A city with a rich history and continued legacy, commercial eateries are a defining feature of Tokyo's urban life. This study, focusing on a culinary neighborhood in Tokyo, showcases the various ways in which local restaurants support their communities for social sustainability. Credit: James Farrer from Sophia University, Japan Studies on sustainability inevitably touch on food-related topics like food security, culinary heritage, and the sustenance of vulnerable people. Social sustainability is one of the three pillars of sustainability, alongside environmental and economic sustainability, and has become a pivotal topic in various research fields. It includes concerns about social justice, resource distribution and recognition, and political participation of marginalized groups at the local community level. Very few studies of social sustainability have looked at urban foodways in terms of social and cultural infrastructure. More often than not, scholars in Japan have been concerned with how communities preserve culinary heritage, including traditional foods and eateries, especially in the face of globalization and modernization. In short, the question has been one of how communities preserve their foodways. But what if we flipped the question? In a recent study published in Food, Culture & Society, Professor James Farrer of Sophia University, Japan, did this precisely by focusing on how commercial foodways (as spots for social interaction and integration) help sustain their communities. To this end, he undertook an ethnographic investigation in NishiOgikubo (also known as "Nishiogi"), a culinary neighborhood in Tokyo, home to a high density of small eateries. The idea was to understand how independent restaurants in this busy neighborhood support community life, particularly when redevelopment and corporatization are destroying these aspects of city life. "In Tokyo, I observed that neighborhood restaurants, particularly small independent restaurants, serve as social infrastructure for communities. Beyond grabbing a meal and helping someone make a living, they also serve to support the social and cultural life of the community in important ways," explains Prof. Farrer. Prof. Farrer considered Nishiogi, a single neighborhood in Suginami district, as the study's unit of analysis to generate insights that could be extended to the rest of Tokyo and other cities of the world. To gather information for his qualitative analyses, he focused on multiple small-scale and independently-owned restaurants in Nishiogi over the course of seven years. With the help of research assistants, Prof. Farrer interviewed over 70 stakeholders in the community, including business owners and local realtors. After a comprehensive analysis of all the gathered data, Prof. Farrer arrived at some important conclusions about the role of neighborhood eateries with respect to social sustainability. First, he observed that eateries in Nishiogi are an important economic resource for employers, workers, and customers. These places serve as a source of livelihood not only for dozens of Japanese families but also for migrants from around the world. Notably, neighborhood restaurants proved to be an effective entry point for low-resource people, including disadvantaged minorities, single mothers, and youth, into business ownership. Second, neighborhood eateries provide a space for social organization, integration, and networking, making it possible to create and deploy social capital. By enabling customers and workers to form new social ties, the community becomes more tightly knit, which is helpful from the point of view of social sustainability. For example, social ties and capital established can serve as a safety net for vulnerable patrons or crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, the study revealed that eateries can become important spaces for political mobilization. This includes not only formal movements like merchant associations but also diverse informal social movements and activism addressing local causes and issues. Interestingly, because eateries now play an important role in generating social capital, customers become central to these movements, with diverse people like women, youngsters, and newcomers getting involved in decision-making. In summary, these findings suggest that small neighborhood eateries, especially local and independently owned ones, can be instrumental in fostering social sustainability and cohesion. Protecting them from the threats of urbanization is, therefore, essential. "It is important for Tokyo urban planners and citizen groups to understand how neighborhood eateries serve as social infrastructure, particularly the role of independent restaurants in supporting the community economically, socially, and politically. This is because with rapid urban redevelopment, aging, and the rise of corporate restaurant chains, Tokyo is at risk of losing this social infrastructure," adds Prof. Farrer. More information: James Farrer, Urban foodways and social sustainability: neighborhood restaurants as social infrastructure, Food, Culture & Society (2023). DOI: 10.1080/15528014.2023.2262191 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: These three orphaned mountain lion cubs were rescued by wildlife veterinarians from UC Davis and partners in late November. They are now being raised at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Three orphaned mountain lion cubs were recently rescued by the University of California, Davis' Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The cubsapproximately six weeks old at the time of their rescuewere found separately following an extensive search over the span of a week. Each cub was treated in the field for dehydration before being taken to Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Because the young lions were orphaned at an early age, they cannot be safely reintroduced into their native habitat. CDFW designated the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as a safe haven for the rescued cubs, offering them a second chance and lifelong care. "Mountain lions are a keystone species right here in our own backyard," said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "It's been a privilege to nurse these youngsters back to full health, and we now have the honor of caring for them long-term." "While our research teams and our conservation partners continue their mountain lion work in the field, the Safari Park will be a refuge for these three cubs, offering them native landscapes and new opportunities to thrive while sharing the importance of coexistence among wildlife with our guests." The search A search party consisting of UC Davis, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the CDFW was assembled to find the cubs. They leveraged data from the GPS collar of the mother, designated F307 by the UC Davis mountain lion research team, to determine the search area in San Diego County. On the first day of the search, UC Davis team members found the first cub hiding in a hole, and the second was wedged tightly between two rocks. Three days later, they found the third cub crouching in chaparral. The search continued for several more days, and remote trail cameras found no evidence of other cubs. All three cubs were within 250 feet of each other. Due to their young age, they likely would not have survived more than one week on their own. The trio were reunited at the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center and nursed back to full health. "Our UC Davis mountain lion study team really appreciated the help from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the effort to locate the cubs and the willingness of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to give them excellent care long term," said Winston Vickers, director of the Southern California Mountain Lion Program at the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, a program of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "As veterinarians, we use education and research to help people living in mountain lion habitat to protect their pets and livestock at night, assuring the health of both those animals and mountain lions." Mountain lions at risk Mountain lionsalso known as cougars, pumas, or panthersare a keystone species ranging from Canada to the tip of South America. They are extremely versatile and adaptable, surviving in a range of habitats, including high mountains, deserts, coastal areas, and even cities. In Southern California, their proximity to people has put local mountain lions at risk of population decline and even extinction due to low annual survival rates. Ongoing and collaborative efforts between conservation partners like these, which have saved these orphaned cubs, help assure the long-term survival of this iconic species in Southern California. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain An appointed devil's advocate could be one of the many strategies to encourage people to share ideas in meetings, according to new research from the University of Sydney Business School and Lund University. The new research, published in the Academy of Management Learning & Education, draws insight from interviews with 18 academics at a top Western business school to understand the barriers that prevent people from speaking up in meetings. "Everyone has experienced the frustration of hearing people complain in private about an issue at work after staying silent in a meeting with leaders and decision-makers," said Professor Betina Szkudlarek, lead author of the study. "We found that a fear of career damage and a sense that nothing would change anyway, were not the main reasons preventing people from speaking upthese expressed reasons often served as excuses for a wider range of motivations." The researchers identified four main behaviors related to silence in meetings: Opportunism: a focus on individual career progress, in which self-interest outweighs organizational goals, leads to people not seeing value in contributing to organizational change; Convenience: a desire for an uncomplicated working life, in which silence during meetings is seen as the most efficient way to limit the need to take action on the undesired work processes; Ineptitude: the belief that only a few people possess the ability to lead and speak up in meetings; Detachment: related to the trend of "quiet quitting," in which people focus solely on the narrow scope of things and do not feel responsibility for, or connection to, their workplace. Professor Szkudlarek acknowledged that while the study involved a small and specific sample, she believes the findings could have applications beyond academia. To improve meeting participation, she suggests leaders and participants change structures, rituals and expectations to encourage input, and help make meetings a productive use of everyone's time. "Leaders should expect that people come to the meeting prepared and are expected to share their views and ideas," Professor Szkudlarek said. "They can also run breakout groups to encourage idea sharing and give the groups responsibility for leading discussionsespecially around organizational pain pointsand implementing actions, which requires dedicated time in their regular workload. Professor Szkudlarek also suggested those workers already inclined to speak up should create alliances with their quieter colleagues. "A collective voice has more power: think long term, stay engaged and exercise responsibility for enacting change," she said. "For those who struggle to speak up: be courageous. Stop outsourcing the responsibility to others for raising the issues that are important to you. The more you exercise your voice, the more impactful you will become." More information: Betina Szkudlarek et al, Doing Silence: How Silence Is Produced in Meetings, Academy of Management Learning & Education (2023). DOI: 10.5465/amle.2021.0521 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 What are the chances of going to and completing primary school for children in sub-Saharan countries? A current study by Professor Dr. Ilze Plavgo, Professor of Sociology at the University of Mannheim, shows that educational attainment in these countries is characterized by low social mobility. Children's chances to attend school have equalized, but chances to complete six or more years of education are persistently unequal in most countries in the region. Parents' level of education still has considerable influence on children's educational opportunities. Factors such as malnutrition, large number of children, and low public spending on education and teachers impair educational equality. The millennium marked a significant change in the African educational sector. Between 2000 and 2015, most sub-Saharan African countries had sustainable economic growth with GDP growth rates of more than 5% per annum. At the same time, the international community put more focus on providing all children with at least basic education. In the study, recently published in Sociology of Education, Dr. Ilze Plavgo, Professor of Sociology of the Welfare State at the University of Mannheim, and her colleague Professor Fabrizio Bernardi of UNED Madrid analyzed if and where the educational expansion of the early 21st century has indeed contributed to educational equality. The researchers analyzed data from 153 household surveys of 40 countries between 1990 and 2017. Their results show that inequality has decreased when it comes to primary school attendance since more children from lower social groups went to school. However, inequality in completing at least six years of primary school persisted and remained mostly unchanged. For most countries under investigation, there is no indication of increased social mobility in educational attainment (apart from notable exceptions such as Ethiopia, Namibia and Sierra Leone). Children of parents with a higher level of education are more likely to finish primary school, compared to children of parents with a lower level of education. Analyses show major differences across countries in the inequality levels and trends. "We looked at the role different national contextual factors play in explaining variation in educational inequality across sub-Saharan African countries. It can be concluded that malnutrition prevalence, fertility rates, school fees, public expenditures on education, and the number of pupils per teacher systematically explain these country differences," Plavgo explains. During the period analyzed, the financial obstacles for accessing primary schools were partly eliminated and fertility rates slightly declined, leading to moderate improvements of educational affordability. Health and nutritional outcomes improved on average. However, trend analyses indicate that inequality was reduced when it comes to accessing schools but that the demographic and institutional changes were not sufficient in most countries to significantly reduce inequality in completing six or more years of primary school. "A key policy conclusion from our analyses is that tackling material deprivation and increasing public investment in school and teaching resources are key to reducing inequality in primary school completion in this region," says Plavgo. More information: Ilze Plavgo et al, Trends and Determinants of Intergenerational Educational Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa for Birth Cohorts 1974 to 2003, Sociology of Education (2023). DOI: 10.1177/00380407231210279 Journal information: Sociology of Education Provided by Universitat Mannheim Lawmakers in Canada are denouncing a recent report by a Canadian government human rights panel that described Christmas and Easter holidays as examples of systemic religious discrimination. In a motion unanimously adopted Nov. 30, the House of Commons, the lower chamber of the Canadian Parliament, voted in favor of condemning a paper from the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) that cited Christianitys two biggest holy days as examples of present-day systemic religious discrimination because they are statutory holidays in Canada. The motion included language which called on all the House to denounce all attempts to polarize events that have been part of Quebec and Canadian heritage for generations and invite all Quebecers and Canadians to unite as we approach the Christmas season, according to Canadas Global News. Lawmakers adopted the motion just one day after a tense exchange between Bloc Quebecois House Leader Alain Therrien, who introduced the motion, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. I wonder whether Santa Claus is racist? I wonder whether snow has become racist, Mr. Speaker? According to the prime minister, is Christmas racist?" Therrien asked. Im very pleased to stand up and try to answer a totally ridiculous question, the prime minister replied. Obviously, Christmas is not racist. This is a country of diversity. A country that celebrates not just our personal individual beliefs, but we share and celebrate the events of our neighbors, too. That's what makes this country so rich. We share our celebrations, it makes us a more rich and diverse country and we will keep doing that. The Bloc is always looking for ridiculous ways to pick fights, I cant get over it. Published on Oct. 23, the CHRC paper warned that Canadian non-Christians might be adversely impacted because Christmas and Easter are the only two religious statutory holidays in Canada. According to the Discussion Paper on Religious Intolerance paper, discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is grounded in Canadas history of colonialism, which, the paper states, finds its most obvious example in Canadian statutory holidays related to Christianity. As a result, non-Christians may need to request special accommodations to observe their holy days and other times of the year when their religion requires them to abstain from work, the paper added. The report also lists what it describes as everyday manifestations of religious tolerance, including microaggressions that can range from the verbal to the behavioral. Some examples listed in the report include scheduling team meetings on Jewish or Muslim holy days and assuming that a Muslim person is new to Canada. In order to combat religious intolerance, the paper recommends Canadians familiarize themselves with diverse religious days or cultural days of significance that go beyond those linked to statutory holidays, such as Christmas or Easter. Originally published by the Christian Post 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 Thousands of salmon on the West Coast of North America are finding their way into new streams left behind as glaciers retreat. But a new study suggests mining companies are too keen on the newly exposed mineral deposits beneath the shrinking glaciersand few policies are in place to protect the emerging habitats. The paper led by researchers from Simon Fraser University, the University of Montana, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and Gitanyow First Nation Hereditary Chiefs highlights a broad global challenge as many environmental policies struggle to keep pace with climate change. Just a couple decades after some new streams were created, researchers have found thousands of fish, said Jonathan Moore, the lead researcher on the paper and a professor at Simon Fraser University. Salmon have evolved through dynamic landscapes with glaciers' ebbs and flows and are specially equipped to find new habitats where they can flourish. Most North American salmon watersheds or regions are being influenced by contemporary glacier retreat. These glaciers are rapidly declining in volume, thickness and area, accelerated by recent human-caused climate warming. About 60% to 100% of glaciers are predicted to disappear from western Canada by 2100. As glaciers shrink, some of the streams they feed will become warmer, flows depleted and salmon will become stressed and in some situations die. Although the loss of glaciers will decrease water storage and cooling capacity that threatens people and aquatic ecosystems downstream, researchers have found that some glacial retreat will leave behind thousands of miles of new salmon rivers over the coming decades in western North America. Overall, the net effects of glacier retreat on salmon will likely depend on the phase of glacier retreat, the traits of salmon species, and local environmental, geographic and ecological characteristics of watersheds. In Glacier Bay, Alaska, new river systems created by retreating glaciers were colonized by pink salmon within three decades of formation. Sockeye heading up to spawn in the Tulsequah River in Northwestern British Columbia have nearly found their way into a 100-meter deep lake where a glacier stood just two decades ago. And salmon are returning to spawn in the cool glacial melt of Strohn Creek in the Meziadin Watershed, where few fish historically spawned. But as salmon began making their way up Strohn in 2016, the Gitanyow First Nation began tracking notice of work claims in the watershed. "We were just learning that this area was prime emerging habitat, and also a hotspot for (mining) exploration," said Tara Marsden/Naxginkw, the Wilp Sustainability Director for the Gitanyow Chiefs office and a co-author of the paper. The November study found that across 114 subwatersheds forecast to have new salmon habitat in the ice-covered transboundary region shared by northern B.C. and Alaska, 25 had more than 50% of future habitat within about 3 miles of mining claims, and 17 watersheds had more than 90%. Researchers found that more than half of future salmon habitat in Canada has either medium or high mineral potential, an indicator of future potential mining pressure. While Indigenous First Nations have long worked to safeguard their unceded lands from potentially harmful extractive practices like mining, Canadian crown governments are today recognizing the importance of Indigenous traditional knowledge, rights and title. Both the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia have committed to protecting 30% of lands by 2030. Being at the forefront of Indigenous leadership is not new for the Taku Tlingit, the First Nation said in a statement. It was almost twenty years ago when the Taku River Tlingit First Nation won a Supreme Court case that reinforced the B.C. provincial government's requirement to consult with the nation in approving environmental permits or certificates. Taku River Tlingit leaders are now in negotiations with the provincial and federal to strengthen support and to establish crown recognition of the 1.85 million hectare T'aku watershed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, an area three times the size of Prince Edward Island and along the border between northwestern British Columbia and southeast Alaska. The IPCA protects all major salmon rivers, including future predicted salmon habitats, as well as important wildlife habitats and cultural landscapes. "Taku River Tlingit have a sacred relationship with our territory, reflected in the concept of Lingit Kusteeyi (Tlingit Way of Living), which encompasses caring for all life," Jinik/Charmaine Thom, spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit, said in a statement. In 2021, the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs established the Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area, inviting other governments and industry leaders to consult on the management plan. It protects more than 50,000 hectares of spawning habitat and outlines the vision, permitted and prohibited activities that Gitanyow can share with industry and use in consultation with government. "What's really different nowadays is that Indigenous peoples are really leading in scientific exploration and research," Marsden said. "We can't pretend that we don't know anymore, we know," Marsden said of climate change's impacts. "And now what? What action has to be taken now? We can move quicker than colonial governments in doing declarations and management plans and things like that. But it's their decision whether to follow the lead of an Indigenous nation." British Columbia's Mineral Tenure Act is basically a two-zone system: in a park or not, Marsden said. If it's not in a park, then it's largely open to exploration by mining companies. But the B.C. Supreme Court recently ruled that the Mineral Tenure Act violated the duty to consult with First Nations, and ordered the Province to modernize the Act in the next year and a half. "We're kind of in this situation where we're trying to push: look, we're in the Anthropocene [era]," said Mark Connor of Taku River Tlingit fisheries. "Things are changing quickly, we've got to change how we think about these kinds of policies, and start thinking about how we're going to protect areas, not for what they are right now ... but in 50 to 100 years, this is going to be super important." 2023 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Singaporeans bid farewell to a two-year-old panda cub. Singaporeans bid farewell to a two-year-old panda cub on Wednesday as authorities prepared to send him to China where he will join the country's breeding program. Le Le, the first panda to be born in the city-state, made his final public appearance at the River Wonders wildlife park before a month-long quarantine ahead of his departure. Dozens of visitors lined up to see Le Le amble around his enclosure, eating bamboo and carrot sticks that keepers had hidden under paper planes and inside cardboard suitcases. Among them was Lucilla Teoh, a self-described "panda-holic", who wore a t-shirt and hat decorated with panda motifs and sparkly panda earrings for the special occasion. The 61-year-old told AFP she considers herself Le Le's "grand-aunty" as she had watched him grow from a tiny baby into a 73-kilogram (161-pound) cub. "Obviously it's bittersweet, I wish he could stay longer," Teoh said. "But I also feel he has a part to play in panda conservation, that it is important for him to go back to China, grow up a bit, and then hopefully he gets to be a panda ambassador and come out like his parents." Lydia Robangsa, who brought her nine-year-old daughter Dahlia to see Le Le for the last time, said they felt "a bit sad" to say goodbye to the panda. Dozens of visitors lined up to see Le Le amble around his enclosure. "I think Singapore is his home," the 40-year-old marketing executive said. Le Le was born in 2021 via artificial insemination after his parents, Jia Jia and Kai Kai, failed to mate naturally. The pair, now aged 15 and 16 respectively, arrived in Singapore in 2012 on loan from China. Under the arrangement, their offspring were to be sent to China after reaching independence to join the country's panda breeding program. Panda reproductionin captivity or in the wildis notoriously difficult, experts say, as few of the animals get in the mood or, even when they do, do not know how to mate. Further complicating matters, the window for conception is small since female pandas are in heat only once a year, for about 24-48 hours. Le Le is scheduled to travel to Chengdu on January 16 in a custom-made crate on board a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400F freighter plane. Le Le is scheduled to travel to Chengdu on January 16 in a custom-made crate. China has long deployed "panda diplomacy", lending the black and white animals to various countries, often to further its foreign policy aims. There are an estimated 1,860 giant pandas left in the wild, according to environmental group WWF, and about 600 in captivity in panda centers, zoos and wildlife parks worldwide. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: UC Berkeley's Blodgett Forest Research Station is the home of an ongoing, 20-year study investigating the impacts of prescribed fire and restoration thinning on forest health and wildfire risk in the Sierra Nevada. Scroll through the slideshow to show how these treatments have transformed different corners of the forest over the past two decades. Credit: Ariel Roughton/UC Berkeley A 20-year experiment in the Sierra Nevada confirms that different forest management techniquesprescribed burning, restoration thinning or a combination of bothare effective at reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire in California. These treatments also improve forest health, making trees more resilient to stressors like drought and bark beetles, and they do not negatively impact plant or wildlife biodiversity within individual tree stands, the research found. The findings of the experiment, called the Fire Surrogate Study, were published in the journal Ecological Applications. "The research is pretty darn clear that these treatments are effectivevery effective," said study lead author Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at the University of California, Berkeley."I hope this lets people know that there is great hope in doing these treatments at scale, without any negative consequences." Last year, California announced a strategic plan for expanding the use of prescribed fire to 400,000 acres annually by 2025. However, the use of beneficial fire continues to be hindered by multiple factors, including the lack of a trained workforce, the need for specific weather conditions for burning, and fears about potential risks. This study shows that restoration thinning is also a viable option for forest management and can be used in tandem with beneficial fire without harming forest health or biodiversity. "Our findings show that there's not just one solutionthere are multiple things that you can do to impact the risk of catastrophic fire," said study co-author Ariel Roughton, research station manager at Berkeley Forests. "Folks can choose from different combinations of treatments that might fit their needs, and we can show them how those treatments might impact things like wildfire behavior, tree growth and carbon holding in their forests." Surrogates to wildfire Over the past two decades, Stephens and other researchers at Berkeley Forests have used prescribed burning, restoration thinning or a combination of both to treat plots of land at Blodgett Forest Research Station, a 4,000-acre experimental forest located about 65 miles northeast of Sacramento on the unceded lands of the Nisenan peoples. An experimental plot at Blodgett Forest Research Station in 2019, after receiving two separate restoration thinning treatments over 20 years. According to UC Berkeley fire scientist Scott Stephens, the goal of restoration thinning is to remove excess vegetation while preserving large, healthy trees. Credit: Scott Stephens/UC Berkeley The Fire Surrogate Study was one of 13 studies across the U.S. first launched in 1999. Its aim was to study whether the two treatments could mimic the beneficial impacts of lightning fires and Indigenous burning practices on California's forests, which have become dense and overgrown after a century of logging and fire suppression. "Prescribed fire and restoration thinning are both surrogates for wildfire, a key process that happened frequently in California before European colonization," Stephens said. "The impetus of this study was: If you're going to implement these treatments at a large scale, is there anything that's going to be lost?" The study created nine experimental plots and three control plots at Blodgett. Three of the experimental plots were managed only using prescribed burns; three burns occurred over the course of 20 years. Three other experimental plots were first thinned and then burned, and the final three were treated only with restoration thinning. The control plots were left to grow without human interference except continued fire suppression. At the end of the 20-year period, the researchers surveyed the vegetation in each plot and used computational modeling to estimate how many trees were likely to survive wildfire. They found that all three types of experimental plots were significantly more resilient to wildfire than the control plots, showing an 80% likelihood that at least 80% of trees would survive. They also calculated the "index of competition," a measure of how strongly trees must compete for resources like sunlight, water and soil nutrients. By removing excess trees and vegetation, thinning and burning both limited the amount of competition between trees, making them less vulnerable to stressors, like drought and bark beetles. However, the plots that were treated with a combination of thinning and fire had the best index of competition, suggesting that they would be the most resilient to the impacts of climate change. "When you combine thinning with fire, you're able to modify all different levels of the forest structure, and it speeds up the timeline for achieving a more resilient structure," Roughton said. Restoration thinning can also provide financial benefits: Often, larger trees can be sold to sawmills, and the proceeds can be used to help offset the cost of forest management. Over the course of 20 years, the treatments at Blodgett were entirely paid for by revenue from timber. "When I go to Sacramento and talk about [forest management] with legislators, the first question they always ask is about cost," Stephens said. "People in the state government are telling us that they can't be the sole source support for this work. That's why the economics are so important." A control plot at Blodgett Forest Research Station that has received no treatments over the past 20 years. Without active management, this plot has become so overgrown that trees face stiff competition for water, nutrients and other resources, making them highly vulnerable to stressors like drought and bark beetles. The dense understory can also fuel severe wildfires. Credit: Scott Stephens/UC Berkeley Trial by fire In September 2022, the forests at Blodgett were subjected to a real-life test: On the morning of Sept. 9, 2022, the Mosquito Fire breached the north side of the property, burning approximately 300 acres before it was contained two days later. One of the study's control plots was located directly in the path of the blaze, and more than 60% of the trees in this plot were completely scorched. However, neighboring experimental plots that had been treated with prescribed burns served as "fuel breaks," burning less hot than the control and acting as staging areas for firefighters. "We think that, overall, our management actions, coupled with the weather, did have a pretty big impact on the behavior of the fire," Roughton said. The researchers have received a four-year grant from the Joint Fire Science Program to continue the Fire Surrogate Project. With the help of the grant, they have established a new control plot to replace the one that burned and plan to apply a fourth fire to the experimental burn-only plots. They are also collaborating with the United Auburn Indian Community to reestablish Indigenous cultural burning at Blodgett. "We want to be part of the solution, and that's part of our mission at Blodgett," Roughton said. "We hope that by doing these studies and bringing folks here to see the effects of the different treatments, they will take that back and apply it to the land that they're going to be managing." More information: Scott L. Stephens et al, Forest restoration and fuels reduction work: Different pathways for achieving success in the Sierra Nevada, Ecological Applications (2023). DOI: 10.1002/eap.2932 Journal information: Ecological Applications 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: Examination of Viking jaw and teeth. Credit: Carolina Bertilsson, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Vikings in Sweden suffered from painful dental issues and occasionally tried to treat them, according to a study published December 13, 2023, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Carolina Bertilsson of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and colleagues. In 2005, excavations in Varnhem, Sweden uncovered the remains of a Christian church, near which was a cemetery containing thousands of Viking graves dating to the 10th to 12th century AD. In this study, Bertilsson and colleagues performed clinical and radiographical examination of the dentition of individuals from this site. In total, the team analyzed more than 2,300 teeth from 171 individuals. More than 60% of the examined adults had signs of dental caries (tooth decay), most often on the root surface, while none of the juvenile individuals had caries. Other pathologies were also observed, including tooth infection and indications of teeth having been lost before death. Several individuals had caries severe enough to have caused tooth pain, and the authors noted a few cases of tooth abrasion that were likely intentional modifications intended to lessen tooth pain. Some teeth also exhibited abrasions consistent with tooth picking, likely to remove bits of food. The prevalence of dental caries in this population is similar to what has been noted in other European populations of a similar age, although the authors caution that nearly a quarter of these Varnhem individuals' teeth appear to have been lost before or after death, and this likely skews these results. On top an X-ray examination, and X-ray image which reveals carious lesions on posterior molars. Credit: Carolina Bertilsson and Henrik Lund. Viking teeth from Varnhem, Sweden, are clinically examined by Carolina Bertilsson. Credit: Yoichi Ishizuka For example, the prevalence of caries in this population was observed to decrease with adults' age, an unexpected result that likely reflects increased tooth loss in older individuals such that the most decayed teeth were not present. Overall, these data provide insights into the lives of Vikings who suffered from and occasionally attempted to treat dental issues, as well as providing details into the pathology of untreated dental issues. The authors add, "In a Swedish Viking population, around half of the individuals suffered from dental caries. The Vikings performed both tooth filing, tooth picking, and other dental treatment, including attempts to treat dental infections." More information: Bertilsson C, Vretemark M, Lund H, Lingstrom P. Caries prevalence and other dental pathological conditions in Vikings from Varnhem, Sweden, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295282 Journal information: PLoS ONE This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A foot trail leads to an ahu, or ceremonial platform atop Puu Wekiu, an important summit to many Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, on Mauna Kea. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski) Shane Palacat-Nelsen's voice drops to a reverent tone as he tells the story of the snow goddess Poliahu who Native Hawaiians believe inhabits the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii. The tale speaks of a chief who yearned to court Poliahu but was stopped by her attendants guarding the sacred mountain topthe abode of the gods and cradle of creation. Today, this sublime summit on Hawaii's Big Island is also treasured by astronomers as a portal to finding answers to the universe's many mysteries, creating variedand sometimes incompatibleviews on what's best for Mauna Kea's future. The chief was eventually granted access on the condition that he stepped only on the same set of footprints left by the attendant escorting him up and down, said Palacat-Nelsen. He says it's a metaphor for why Mauna Kea must be protected from further human intrusion, pollution and erosion. "You do not go up the sacred mountain unless you are called. You do not go up without a purpose." Mauna Kea is a dormant 14,000-foot shield volcano. In Native Hawaiian lore, it is the first-born son of the sky father and earth mother. The mountain's dry atmosphere and limited light pollution make for a perfect location to study the skiesone of just a handful on the planet. Over the past 50 years, astronomers have mounted a dozen giant telescopes on the summit, with several yielding exalted discoveries, like proving the Milky Way has a supermassive black hole at its center. That research led to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. The proliferation of observatories has troubled many Native Hawaiians, who have pushed back. In their view, such construction is polluting the sacred mountain top and eroding the environment. In 2019, thousands protested a proposed $2.65-billion Thirty Meter Telescope project near the summit. This protest catalyzed the passage of a new state law transferring jurisdiction of the mountain to a new stewardship authority comprising scientists and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Neither side wants to reduce this debate to a culture-versus-science conflict because Hawaiian spirituality embraces science, and many astronomers respect Hawaiian culture. Some observatory staff and cultural practitioners are taking small, tentative steps toward new dialogue, but overcoming the divide will involve difficult conversations and understanding different perspectives. Mauna Kea's summit soars 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above sea level, evoking an ethereal feeling as fluffy clouds swaddle its cinder cones and blanket its reddish, almost Mars-like soil. On a clear day, Mauna Loa, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is visible. Climbing Mauna Kea is like peeling the layers of an onion, says Kealoha Pisciotta, a longtime activist. Its slopes contain ceremonial platforms, ancestral burial sites and and the waters of Hawaii's lone alpine lake, believed to possess healing properties. "The higher you go, the closer your heart is to the heavens," she says, adding that building and bulldozing near the summit threatens people's sacred connection to the land. Palacat-Nelsen, who served on the working group that laid the foundation for the new authority, says to protect the mountain and preserve the summit's sacredness, people must be ready to have uncomfortable conversations. John O'Meara, who moved to Hawaii to become the chief scientist at Keck shortly before the 2019 protest, is now a key player in that dialogue. He's learning about the strong connection many Native Hawaiians have to Mauna Kea, and he's fascinated by similarities between spirituality and astronomy. "We are fundamentally asking the same questions, which are: Where are we? Where did we come from? And where are we going? There is a deep connection to the universewhich is the thing that we should be focusing on," he said. Doug Simons, director of the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy, points to the opening lines of the Kumulipo, a centuries-old Hawaiian creation chant which describes a scene strikingly similar to what astronomers believe existed during the Big Bang. The Kumulipo's description of a dark, eternal form of energy from which everything emerges sounds to Simons like dark energy, which astronomers believe predated the universe. Mauna Kea's telescopes are at the forefront of discoveries about dark energy, Simons said. Lanakila Mangauil, a Native Hawaiian spiritual practitioner, was around 9 when he first stepped on the mountain for snow play at lower elevations. His family never went to the summit. "One of the important spiritual practices on Mauna Kea is our absence," he said. "We stay off it because it is sacred." Mangauil doesn't like to use the word "religion" to describe his spiritual practice. Hawaiians don't have a central religion, he said, but spiritual practices born of different communities, families and environments. Not all Native Hawaiians hold Mauna Kea sacred in a religious sense, including Makana Silva, an astronomer who grew up on Oahu and was raised Catholic. He is now a post-doctoral fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, and visited Mauna Kea's summit for the first time three years ago. He believes astronomy on the mountain should thrive so there's a place for Hawaiians to perpetuate their legacy of innovation. The future of astronomy on the mountain will in large part be decided by the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, which is taking over managing the mountain from the University of Hawaii. Astronomers like Simons worry that if the 65-year lease for the summit lands expires as scheduled in 2033, it could mean the end for astronomy in Hawaii. Simons says that would be "catastrophic" and hurt the aspirations of Hawaii's budding astronomers. Palacat-Nelsen doesn't believe astronomy on the summit will end any time soon. But he does see the lease being renewed at a higher price than the $1 a year the University of Hawaii pays now. He holds out hope for better understanding between the two communities. He recently invited a few Keck astronomers and officials to his family's "heiau" or place of worship on Big Island. It had an impact on Rich Matsuda, Keck's interim director, who said the experience shed light on the extensive preparation required to enter a sacred space, such as leaving one's everyday troubles outside. He has since followed similar protocols when traveling to the summit and believes they could be shared more broadly with other telescope workers. Palacat-Nelsen said such efforts by observatories give him hope that people will become more mindful of their footprints on Mauna Kea. He is grateful to his ancestors for preserving Mauna Kea so current generations have the opportunity to experience the divine. He wonders if he can do that for posterity. "Can they speak about me in that way 200 years from now?" he asks. "I hope." 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Summer heat extremes in 2023 and over time. Credit: NOAA, Arctic Report Card 2023 The year 2023 shattered the record for the warmest summer in the Arctic, and people and ecosystems across the region felt the impact. Wildfires forced evacuations across Canada. Greenland was so warm that a research station at the ice sheet summit recorded melting in late June, only its fifth melting event on record. Sea surface temperatures in the Barents, Kara, Laptev and Beaufort seas were 9 to 12 Fahrenheit (5 to 7 Celsius) above normal in August. While reliable instrument measurements go back only to around 1900, it's almost certain this was the Arctic's hottest summer in centuries. The year started out unusually wet, and snow accumulation during the winter of 202223 was above average across much the Arctic. But by May, high spring temperatures had left the North American snowpack at a record low, exposing ground that quickly warmed and dried, fueling lightning-sparked fires across Canada. In the 2023 Arctic Report Card, released Dec. 12, we brought together 82 Arctic scientists from around the world to assess the Arctic's vital signs, the changes underway and their effects on lives across the region and around the world. Arctic snow cover in 2023 and over time. Credit: NOAA, Arctic Report Card 2023 Heat's cascading effects throughout the Arctic In an area as large as the Arctic, setting a new temperature record for a season by two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit (0.1 degrees Celsius) of warming would be significant. Summer 2023July, August and Septembershattered the previous record, set in 2016, by four times that. Temperatures almost everywhere in the Arctic were above normal. A closer look at events in Canada's Northwest Territories shows how rising air temperature, sea ice decline and warming water temperature feed off one another in a warming climate. The winter snow cover melted early across large parts of northern Canada, providing an extra month for the sun to heat up the exposed ground. The heat and lack of moisture dried out organic matter on and just below the surface; by November, 70,000 square miles (180,000 square kilometers) had burned across Canada, about a fifth of it in the Northwest Territories. The very warm weather in May and June 2023 in the Northwest Territories also heated up the mighty Mackenzie River, which sent massive amounts of warm water into the Beaufort Sea to the north. The warm water melted the sea ice early, and currents also carried it west toward Alaska, where Mackenzie River water contributed to early sea ice loss along most of Northeast Alaska and to increased tundra vegetation growth. Similar warmth in western Siberia also contributed to quickly melting sea ice and to high sea surface temperatures in the Kara and Laptev seas north of Russia. The Arctic's declining sea ice has been a big contributor to the tremendous increase in average fall temperatures across the region. Dark open water absorbs the sun's rays during the summer and, in the autumn, acts as a heating pad, releasing heat back into the atmosphere. Even thin sea ice can greatly limit this heat transfer and allow dramatic cooling of air just above the surface, but the past 17 years have seen the lowest sea ice extents on record. Sea surface temperatures have been rising. Credit: NOAA, Arctic Report Card 2023 Subsea permafrost: A wild card for climate The report includes 12 essays exploring the effects of climate and ecosystem changes across the Arctic and how communities are adapting. One is a wake-up call about the risks in subsea permafrost, a potentially dangerous case of "out of sight, out of mind." Subsea permafrost is frozen soil in the ocean floor that is rich in organic matter. It has been gradually thawing since it was submerged after Northern Hemisphere ice sheets retreated thousands of years ago. Today, warmer ocean temperatures are likely accelerating the thawing of this hidden permafrost. Just as with permafrost on land, when subsea permafrost thaws, the organic matter it contains decays and releases methane and carbon dioxidegreenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and worsen ocean acidification. Scientists estimate that nearly 1 million square miles (2.5 million square kilometers) of subsea permafrost remains, but with little research outside the Beaufort Sea and Kara Sea, no one knows how soon it may release its greenhouse gases or how intense the warming effects will be. Known permafrost zones in the Northern Hemisphere. Greens are subsea permafrost. Credit: GRID-Arendal/Nunataryuk, CC BY-ND Salmon, reindeer and human lives For many people living in the Arctic, climate change is already disrupting lives and livelihoods. Indigenous observers describe changes in the sea ice that many people rely on for both subsistence hunting and coastal protection from storms. They have noted shifts in wind patterns and increasingly intense ocean storms. On land, rising temperatures are making river ice less reliable for travel, and thawing permafrost is sinking roads and destabilizing homes. Obvious and dramatic changes are happening within human lifetimes, and they cut to the core of Indigenous cultures to the point that people are having to change how they put food on the table. Western Alaska communities that rely on Chinook salmon saw another year of extreme low numbers of returning adult salmon in 2023, scarcity that disrupts both cultural practices and food security. Yukon River Chinook have decreased in size by about 6% since the 1970s, and they're producing fewer offspring. Then, in 2019, the year when many of this year's returning Chinook salmon were born, exceptionally warm river water killed many of the young. The returning Chinook salmon population has been so small during the past two years that fisheries have been closed even for subsistence harvest, which is the highest priority, in hopes that the salmon population recovers. The inability to fish, or to hunt seals because the sea ice has thinned, is not just a food issue. Time spent at fish camps is critical for many Alaska Indigenous cultures and traditions, and kids are increasingly missing out on that experience. Highlights from the Arctic Report Card 2023. Credit: NOAA, Arctic Report Card 2023 As Indigenous communities adapt to ecosystem changes, people are also working to heal their landscapes. In Finland, an effort to restore damaged reindeer habitat in collaboration with Sami reindeer herders is helping to preserve their way of life. For many decades, commercial logging was allowed to tear up hundreds to thousands of square miles of reindeer peatland habitat. The Sami and their partners are working to replant turf and rewild 125,000 acres (52,000 hectares) of peatlands for reindeer grazing. Degraded peatlands also release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Keeping them healthy helps capture and store carbon away from the atmosphere. Temperatures in the Arctic have been rising more than three times faster than the global average, so it's not surprising that the Arctic saw its warmest summer and sixth warmest year on record. The 2023 Arctic Report Card is a reminder of what's a stake, both the risks as the planet warms and the lives and cultures already being disrupted by climate change. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. From New York State Police: A Fort Ann man was arrested by State Police for alleged drunk driving after the man crashed his vehicle at the four-way intersection of County Route 17 and State Route 40 in Granville. The news release from Friday, Dec. 8 said Dawson R. Severie, 21, of Fort Ann, was arrested for driving while intoxicated and other traffic violations after State Police responded to reports of a one-car crash at the intersection on Friday Dec. 1 at about 7:52 p.m. The car rolled onto its side on the lawn of a neighboring house during the crash. State Police of Granville responded to the crash and identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as Severie, who was uninjured. He was transported to the state police station in Granville for processing, where he recorded a 0.21% Blood Alcohol Content, police said. The legal limit of driving while intoxicated is 0.08%. Severie was issued tickets returnable to the Granville Town Court on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, and released to a sober third party. Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a new bill mandating all cosmetology students to be required to learn how to style textured hair in an effort to decrease hair inequality. The bill, signed on Nov. 17, will require that education for cosmetologists include knowledge for working with all hair types and textures, including various curl patterns, hair thicknesses, and volumes of hair. Before the bill, cosmetology students interested in learning ways to style textured hair had to seek additional training, which could cost more than $3,000 and many hours of training, according to All Things Hair, a New York organization dedicated to hair inclusivity. For years, the natural hair community has suffered hair discrimination, said editor-in-chief of All Things Hair, Milena Prinzi. The CROWN Act, passed in New York in 2019, prohibits employers and schools from enforcing grooming policies to specifically restrict natural hair styles. The recently passed bill differs in that it will require education for all hairstyles to be added to the curriculum, helping salons to offer services designed for textured hair. The bill will go into effect 180 days from Nov. 17. Catholic organizations are reacting to the findings of an investigation into the FBIs targeting of traditional Catholics, described as a wake up call to any and all Americans who care about basic civil liberties. The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government released an interim staff report titled The FBIs Breach of Religious Freedom: The Weaponization of Law Enforcement Against Catholic Americans on Monday. The publication of the report comes nearly a year after the publication of an internal memo previously circulated in the FBIs Richmond Field Office identifying radical-traditionalist Catholics as a national security threat. The document, distributed in January and published by former FBI Special Agent Kyle Seraphin in February, warned that the increasingly observed interest of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) in radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology almost certainly presents opportunities for threat mitigation through the exploration of new avenues for tripwire and source development. The document defined radical-traditionalist Catholics as those who reject the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) as a valid church council and express disdain for most of the popes elected since Vatican II, particularly Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II. The memo also maintained that RTCs adhere to anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT, and white supremacist ideology. As explained in the document, the Second Vatican Council that took place from 1962-1965 was intended to help the church respond to global cultural changes in the aftermath of World War II and resulted in significant reforms to the liturgy, attitudes towards non-Christian religions, roles and responsibilities of the laity, views on religious freedom, etc. The memo attempted to clarify that radical-traditionalist Catholics compose a small minority of overall Roman Catholic adherents and are separate and distinct from traditionalist Catholics who prefer the Traditional Latin Mass and pre-Vatican II teachings and traditions, but without the more extremist ideological beliefs and violent rhetoric. While the FBI insisted that the document did not meet the exacting standards of the FBI, committed to investigating the basis of the document and vowed that it would never conduct investigative activities or open an investigation based solely on First Amendment protected activity, Mondays report declared: It is evident that the FBI violated the First Amendment. Specifically, the report discovered based on whistleblower testimony that the FBI interviewed a priest and choir director of a church in Richmond: The interviews appear to have occurred in November and December 2022the same time the analysts started drafting the memorandum. This information, which the FBI has refused to disclose, confirms that the FBI directly communicated with Catholic clergy and staff about parishioners practicing their faith. Additionally, the report indicated that a total of four FBI field offices were involved in crafting the memo, despite FBI Director Christopher Wrays testimony before Congress asserting that the effort to create the memo was limited to a single field office. While the Judiciary Committee had earlier confirmed that FBI Portland and FBI Los Angeles offices had assisted the Richmond field office with the document, the investigation reveals that the FBIs Milwaukee field office was consulted on it as well. The report traces FBI Richmonds development of the memo back to September 2022, when the field office began to prioritize the strategic plan for the year to pursue racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists as a top priority and sought to strengthen [liaison] relationships through outreach. Candace Cameron Bure on keeping Christ in ChristmasUnmuteDuration 13:08/Current Time 0:00Advanced SettingsFullscreenPauseUp Next The field office began investigating a single subject who identified himself as a radical traditionalist Catholic Clerical Fascist on social media as an opportunity to conduct outreach with Catholic parishes in the Richmond area of responsibility. The congressional investigation demonstrated that FBI Richmond had never used the term RTC before encountering the mans social media and did not understand its meaning. Brian Burch, president of the advocacy organization CatholicVote, weighed in on the latest developments in the investigation into the origins of the FBI memo in a statement shared with The Christian Post. The latest revelations only raise more questions about the illegitimate targeting of Catholics by the FBI, he said. According to Burch, Despite every effort to downplay the significance of this abuse of power, the FBI still owes Catholics and all concerned Americans answers as to who was behind the effort to spy on Catholics, how far and wide this effort went inside the FBI, whether it is ongoing and whether anyone has been held accountable. The report includes information about the internal review the FBI conducted following the publication of the memo. The FBI also found that the employees involved in drafting, reviewing, and approving the memorandum failed to adhere to FBI standards. The employees lacked professional judgement and lack[ed] ... training and awareness of Domestic Terrorism (DT) terminology, causing them to utilize amorphous and ill-defined terms such as RTC and far-right. Furthermore, the FBIs internal review found that the Richmond Field Office lacked a formal review process. The law enforcement agency also acknowledged that those reviewing the document used less scrutiny because it was an internal intelligence product. While the report noted that the FBIs internal review concluded that all employees involved in drafting, reviewing, and approving the memorandum shall be admonished and their respective supervisors will engage with [the] Human Resources Division to ensure deficiencies are addressed, it raised concerns about the fact that the identities of those responsible for the memo remain unknown. The findings of the Select Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government are a wake up call to any and all Americans who care about basic civil liberties, stated Catholic Association Fellow and radio host Ashley McGuire. The notion that traditional Catholics pose some kind of national threat is so absurd it exceeds even Hollywoods imagination. And yet the FBI, an agency designed to protect Americans and their rights, was spying on Catholics everywhere from their choir lofts to their rectories. McGuire expressed gratitude for the work of this committee to bring this serious breach of our religious freedom to light and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Originally published by the Christian Post Last month, two Queensbury High School students enlisted in the NY Army National Guard. Kaloie Eckerson, a senior, enlisted as a 92G, Culinary Specialist, on Nov. 29, Eckerson will be going to college for Criminal Justice. Her tuition is covered by the NYARNG. Taylor Johnson, also a senior, enlisted as a 13B Cannon Crewmember on Nov. 1. Both Soldiers said they enlisted because they wanted to serve their communities. As National Guard Soldiers, Eckerson and Johnson will serve one weekend a month in the Recruit Sustainment Program, a program that will teach them skills that prepare them for Basic Combat Training. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. Nearly three-quarters of Philadelphia-area adults would visit Atlantic City casinos more if they were 100% smoke free, an online poll by Washington, D.C.-based Normington Petts found. These data indicate that not only will Atlantic City not lose its customer base, but tourism could actually increase if casinos were smoke free, said Jill Normington, a partner at the polling and campaign strategy firm. The polls findings run counter to claims from casino executives and smoking-ban opponents that a ban would harm the resort financially and might even lead to casino closings. New Jerseys 2006 Smoke Free Act banned smoking indoors, except for 25% of casino floors. On Thursday, the state Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee is scheduled to again debate a bill that would end Atlantic Citys casino smoking exemption. Last month the committee failed to move the bill. Auto union boss urges New Jersey lawmakers to pass casino smoking ban Shawn Fain, the international president of the United Auto Workers union, recently won large raises for his workers. Now he's taking aim at a new target: New Jersey lawmakers who are delaying votes on a bill to ban smoking in Atlantic Citys casinos. About 74% of casinogoers polled said they would be more inclined to visit if smoking were eliminated, in addition to 76% of non-casinogoers. This is the latest evidence that going smokefree indoors is good for business, said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers Rights. Its past time for New Jersey legislators to reject casino industry scare tactics and finally close the casino smoking loophole during this lame duck session. Casino workers lives are hanging in the balance. Casino leaders have said the industry could suffer significant monetary losses, leading to about 3,000 layoffs and possibly casino closures if the exemption is ended. Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, declined to comment on the poll because he had not seen it. This poll backs up what we routinely hear from customers at the tables they dont come to smoke, they come to gamble, said Lamont White, a leader of Casino Employees Against Smokings Effects. As Governor Murphy has said, Atlantic City is a gem. Weve got the ocean and the other competitors dont. If we have smokefree air, not only will more people come, but well save the lives of thousands of table games dealers like me. GALLERY: Atlantic City casino smoking ban rally Smoking Ban Protesters seek smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban Smoking Ban ATLANTIC CITY Officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development were expected to continue touring units in Stanley Holmes Village on Wednesday and will meet with residents from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday in the housing complex's community room. The "listening session" is open only to Stanley Holmes residents, a HUD spokesperson said. No media will be allowed to attend. The Atlantic City Housing Authority distributed flyers Tuesday announcing the date and time of the meeting, putting them inside unit doors, residents said. "I'm calling out (of work) for the meeting," said Stanley Holmes resident Luana Molley, adding she wished it was being held after business hours to allow more people to attend. HUD in Atlantic City this week as tenants await judge's order on rent abatements The federal overseer of the Atlantic City Housing Authority, which has been having trouble providing heat and hot water in some of its nine properties, is due to visit Stanley Holmes Village and talk to residents this week. Tuesday through Thursday, HUD planned to conduct inspections at Stanley Holmes, host the listening session and meet with Housing Authority leadership to negotiate a "recovery agreement and action plan," according to a HUD spokesperson. The plan will lay out how the authority will fix a large number of deficits about the way it has operated and maintained its nine communities and scattered sites. It is in response to a severely critical HUD assessment released Oct. 23, and HUDs designation of the authority as troubled in August due to the lack of an updated audit. A year ago, a group of more than 100 residents at the 420-unit Stanley Holmes complex sued the authority over lack of consistent heat and hot water that has continued this heating season. They are awaiting Superior Court Judge John Porto's decision on how much of a rent abatement they will get as the case proceeds. Molley said she will hear what HUD representatives have to say before deciding what to say to them. She purchased a space heater three years ago, Molley said, which she depends on when her unit heat is not working. "It's OK now because it's not below freezing," Molley said. OCEAN CITY Its been years since a car made it all the way to Crook Horn Creek from 51st Street along a badly rutted dirt and gravel road. The city shut the road to vehicle traffic several years ago after a summer of stuck vehicles. Its been longer still since a passenger rail line ran along the tracks alongside that road. The trains stopped running in 1981. But a proposal for the area could bring more bicycles and walkers, with a potential for a new nature trail within about a year. Long-term flood control is also a project goal. Nick Brown with the firm ACT Engineers Inc. discussed plans at a public information meeting at the American Legion hall on 46th Street on Saturday morning. As it stands, it would be tough to ride a bike the length of the dirt road, or even walk the whole way with dry feet, he said. By early next year, plans are to design a nature trail for the dirt road, which runs about seven-tenths of a mile out to the marsh to the Intracoastal Waterway. The project could go out to bid by the summer, with work starting by the end of 2024. The plans call for a paved nature trail, to be a neutral color, and the installation of a split-rail fence, along with new trash cans and other improvements. The project is set to be funded by a $580,000 grant through the New Jersey Department of Transportation, to create an accessible and bike-friendly nature trail. Brown said the work would take place within the current right-of-way and would not impact wetlands or the trees that now grow where the railroad track once ran. The length of the route is densely grown with cedar, bayberry, poison ivy and other plants, and is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. State and federal permits would be required, Brown said, but they would be approvals to maintain an existing structure, not to create a new trail. Plans also call for the reinforcement of the berm along which the railroad ran. That raised section helps protect the Ocean City Homes neighborhood near the nature path, blocking waves that can roll in from the north during storms when the marsh and likely the neighborhood are flooded. Plans are also to improve the ways water drains out of the area. In the longer term, Brown said, the city hopes to use that berm as part of a wider flood-control initiative, which could keep flood waters out, not just reduce the impact of waves. Ocean City approves contract on 52nd Street berm Ocean City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a $58,550 contract to design a berm along a stretch of former railroad track leading into the marsh at 52nd Street. This is 'step one' of a larger conceptual plan for the city to help protect the entire back bay area from flooding and from storms, he said. As proposed, work on that first step could begin next fall and continue into the winter. The path will improve water access and encourage bike riding, walking and running, Brown said. The path has long been used by birders, anglers and families to reach the back bay. A handmade bridge leads over the water at the end of 52nd Street, and there is a locked gate at 51st Street preventing vehicle access but allowing for walkers to pass. For decades, the railroad carried passengers from Philadelphia the length of Ocean City along Haven Avenue and to other shore communities. After the railroad ended operations, people would often walk or drive the dirt road for sunsets, kayak access or to fish. The city decided to close the route to vehicles after several instances in which drivers became stuck. There remain deep ruts in the route, which are filled with water for much of the year. A public comment period on the proposal will be open through Dec. 23. Those who want to comment may email oceancityflooding@actengineers.com. Under a large brass cross of Christ, framed by two towering Christmas trees, and standing alongside a Hanukkah menorah with six burning candles, Bashir Djehiche raised his voice in an almost-song of Arabic. It was a Muslim prayer for peace and unity. Bashir was one of 16 religious leaders from throughout the Quad-Cities who assembled in Davenport's St. Paul Lutheran Church to attend Tuesday's Prayers for Peace interfaith gathering. "The reading was from the Holy Quran, chapter 49, verse 13," Djehiche said after an hourlong service that drew just over 200 people. "It is a prayer to remind us that we all came from one man and one woman. "And though we live in tribes, to know one another we must remember that God asks us to support one another, to cooperate with one another. To be noble in our actions toward each other is the most righteous in the eyes of God. We are asked, each of us, to be a source of goodness." Sharing a sense of goodness in a time torn by wars in places like Gaza and Ukraine was foremost on the minds of John and Eleni Menard. The couple was in the sanctuary before the start of the service, waiting for friends. "We are Christians, and we are interested in sharing fellowship with others, especially people we don't know. I think sometimes it's better to pray than to protest," John Menard said. "Our nephew has this phrase, 'Love and only love.' We've been trying to use that a lot these days." Eleni Menard said she thought peace was always possible if there was communication. "Sharing love, communicating that, would help us find peace, I think," she said. "We came here tonight to share with others." Peter Pettit, the teaching pastor at St. Paul for the past 4 1/2 years, pointed out that it can be " ... frustrating to see religious people in conflict." "So it is important for religious people and religious leaders to offer leadership in the effort to build peace," he said. "We have great strength of diversity in the Quad-Cities interfaith community. And we have a long history of building relationships that make the shared passion for peace natural and, frankly, kind of easy." Rabbi Linda Bertenthal attended Prayers for Peace just days after spearheading efforts to combat two instances of what she described as anti-Muslim hate in the Q-C. "A Muslim woman and her son were harassed outside a museum in Bettendorf, and I made sure to contact her and offer the support of my community," Bertenthal said. "The second incident was also an act of hatred, as a Muslim family had their backyard vandalized and their children's playset completely destroyed. On a Sunday a group of volunteers cleaned up that yard and built a new playset for the children." Hatred, she said, cannot be allowed to stand. "Hate is very seductive," Bertenthal said. "We think it can't spread. So we must be proactive. We can choose to build a caring community. We choose to build peace." PHOTOS: Prayers for Peace 2023 interfaith event A Milan man who pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the bludgeoning death of Julie Bowser Shell in September of 2021 has been sentenced to 55 years in prison. Ward Fontain Davis, 42, was sentenced Tuesday during a hearing in Rock Island County Circuit Court. In addition to the prison sentence, Circuit Court Judge Peter Church ordered that Davis spend three years on mandatory supervised release once his prison sentence is served. Davis pleaded guilty to the murder charge during a hearing Oct. 10 in Circuit Court. Charges of aggravated battery and aggravated arson were dropped in the plea agreement. Davis, a registered sex offender, lived in the same apartment building as Shell. Davis attacked Shell with a hammer, striking her multiple times in the head. Milan police responded to the Pine View Apartments, 718 Hillcrest Road, shortly after 11 a.m. on Sept. 17. A caller to 911 reported Bowser was lying in the roadway after being attacked and that there was a gas can on fire in the apartment buildings laundry room. The attack left Shell, 54, with extensive brain damage that resulted in her death. Davis was required to register as a sex offender after he pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with the intent to commit sexual abuse during a hearing in Scott County District Court in 2002. He was sentenced to two years in the Iowa Department of Corrections for the aggravated misdemeanor. He initially had faced a charge of third-degree sexual abuse a Class C felony that carries a prison term of 10 years. The victim was 14 at the time, while Davis was 20. The Davenport City Council might vote on settlement agreements with the city's departing administrator and two other former employees in public session after all. The city updated its council agenda Tuesday afternoon to add a note to a closed session planned for the end of its Wednesday meeting: "Following the closed session, the City Council may reconvene in open session to consider the ratification of settlement agreements" with departing City Administrator Corri Spiegel and two former administrative employees. Previously, city officials had said Spiegel's $1.6 million agreement would not need to be considered in open session because the council had already consented to it. Retiring City Attorney Tom Warner previously told the Quad-City Times in an email that the City Council consented to the agreement with Spiegel in early October. The $1.6 million agreement was signed by Spiegel and Warner on Oct. 6. The city announced Spiegel's departure Nov. 16 and made the settlement public Nov. 22. The agreement has not appeared on an open council meeting agenda. The council held closed sessions after its Oct. 4 and Oct. 25 meetings. Warner previously cited the Davenport municipal code, writing that it "authorizes the corporation counsel to direct litigation matters and settle claims against the city. "If the amount is above $50,000, the corporation counsel needs consent of the council. In my 29 years at the city, the practice under the ordinance has always been to obtain consent through an executive session, individual conversations or by email," Warner wrote in a November email. About a month before Spiegel's agreement was signed, two other employees requested to separate from the city, citing harassment from elected officials. In emails on Sept. 7, Warner told each employee that he had authorization to offer them lump sum payments in separating from the city one, $157,000, the other, $140,500. The next day they signed separation agreements. Warner signed on behalf of the city. The city's legal department did not respond to emailed questions about who had given Warner the authorization to offer the payment amounts to the employees. An email to Warner on Dec. 5 with questions on the subject prompted an automatic response from Warner that he was "currently out of the office on leave" and directed emails to be sent to an acting corporate counsel. He was set to retire from the city at the end of the year. The city legal department did not respond to questions about Warner's employment status. Mayor Mike Matson did not immediately return a call for comment. Photos: Holiday Train comes to Davenport A Lawrence County jury convicted a Spearfish man Dec. 7 of second-degree murder for killing his wife last year. The jury found that Dreau Rogers shot and killed his wife Destiny Rogers on Jan. 22, 2022 at their residence in Spearfish. The jury also convicted Rogers of six drug-related charges and five charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon, according to a Tuesday South Dakota Attorney General's Office press release. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case, Rogers called 911 at about 12:48 a.m. on Jan. 22 and asked for an ambulance but didn't provide further information. When officers arrived, Rogers told them another man shot his wife and fled the scene. That person's name is redacted in the document. That man provided an alibi that he was at another person's house that evening. According to the affidavit, text messages and photos backed up his alibi. Rogers' sentencing is set for Jan. 2, 2022 in Deadwood. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The investigation involved the Spearfish Police Department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The South Dakota Attorney General's Office and the Lawrence County State's Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. In summer 2023, we led a field class offered by the American Center for Mongolian Studies to explore the impacts of climate change on health in rural and urban Mongolia. Taught by a team of health professionals and resource specialists from Mongolia and the US, the course was offered to an international cohort of students, teachers, and professionals. Given the inland, semiarid location and sparse populations of Montana and Mongolia, we were interested to know if there were similarities in the way that healthcare systems deal with the threats of climate change. In Mongolia, we met health providers in hospitals and rural clinics, and national leaders in public health and climate change. The course drew on insights we gained writing a special report (2021) of the Montana Climate Assessment on climate change and human health. Several similarities suggest the need for greater global communication: First, extreme climate-driven weather events have taken their toll in both places, and rural communities are ill-prepared to deal with consequences. In Mongolia, severe winter storms following a dry summer (called dzuds) have increasingly led to devastating loss of livestock, food shortages, and property damage. Many herder families have been forced to migrate from the countryside to urban centers. In 2009-2010, the National Statistical Office of Mongolia reports that 10.3 million (22%) of the nations livestock were killed by a severe dzud, and spring floods, dust storms, and wildfires compounded the damage. The frequency of extreme weather events in Mongolia will increase by 23-60% by 2050 according to USAID. Similar severe weather events have occurred in Montana. Flash drought was coined to describe the rapid change from late-season snow cover to extreme summer drought. In 2017, for example, conditions shifted from warm and wet during the early growing season to warm and dry in a matter of weeks. This led to substantial crop loss and wildfires. Spring floods, including the 2022 rain-on-snow event in northern Yellowstone National Park, also caught Montana by surprise and resulted in extensive infrastructure and economic loss. Livingston HealthCare was flooded for a short period, and washed-out roads limited services to remote communities. Second, wildfire smoke and hotter summers have become more frequent in both places. Multiple studies report that small smoke particles under 2.5 microns in size are more harmful than previously thought. Once inhaled they pass into the bloodstream and can accelerate atherosclerosis, and risks of heart attack, pre-term delivery, and asthma. Hotter days and heat stress are especially tough on agricultural and tribal communities. The most vulnerable groups are the old and very young, pregnant women, people working outdoors, and those with prior health conditions. Add more days over 90F and increased air pollution from dust storms, mining, and coal burning (especially in Mongolias big cities), and it becomes clear that Montanans and Mongolians face short- and long-term health problems from climate change. Third, rural healthcare delivery is challenging. In Mongolia, many people rely on traveling nurses and doctors, who make regular visits to isolated families for check-ups, vaccinations, and other treatments. But, just as in Montana, anything beyond routine care requires travel and extended stays near a major medical facility, a costly proposition for rural families. Fourth, healthcare providers are aware of climate change, but few are trained to deal with the effects on physical and mental health, and there is little public messaging on this issue. Both regions, for example, have alarmingly high suicide rates that are likely exacerbated by environmental uncertainty. Thankfully, understanding this health-climate nexus is beginning to be incorporated in medical school and public health curricula. However, the challenge is to assure continued training of health professionals, especially those already in practice, and provide proper messaging to share with patients. Health concerns known from the scientific literature to be related to climate, such as depression, cardiopulmonary issues, vector-borne disease, and heat stress, must be fully recognized as such. Our experiences in Montana and Mongolia brought home the shortcomings of healthcare messaging in both regions and identified some gaps to be filled. The Montana Climate Assessment, just like Mongolian reports, should be updated regularly so that local providers have the best available science for decision-making. Improved emergency response planning, networking, and infrastructure are also needed to (i) rapidly reach workers, families, and communities during climate-related disasters; (ii) elevate research in the climate-public health arena; (iii) share findings with local hospitals and emergency and health services who can then communicate them to the public; and (iv) draw on local examples to bolster country-wide recommendations for mitigation and adaptation. A sex trafficking survivor and a man who was abused while working in the porn industry shared their stories during a recent congressional briefing discussing policy solutions to prevent online sexual exploitation. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation hosted the briefing last Thursday on Capitol Hill, featuring a variety of experts discussing online child sex abuse material, sex trafficking and pornography. During the event's second panel titled, "Brazen Networks: Exposing and Combatting Open Online Sex Trafficking," Tanya Gould shared that her trafficker spent four months grooming her. She was later trafficked domestically in Virginia for 18 months right after she exited high school. Gould now serves as the director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Office of the Virginia Attorney General, a position she has held since January 2022. "Historically, it has been easy to let the sexual exploitation of minors slide," Gould said. "It's messy; hard to deal with, but we must face the reality of how it is affecting our communities in our society today." According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in the last year alone, the organization's CyberTipline received more than 32 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, and most cases involved online child sex abuse material. "If you have not been purchased, I understand the disconnect," Gould said. "And we, as survivor leaders, are here to help you understand." "Imagine being a child in America, growing up, and singing the songs of freedom in school, but have no one fighting for them," the survivor continued. "But instead are silent because minors don't contribute financially, and because of that, they have no real value and no real voice." Gould asserted that traffickers are permitted to thrive due to inaction from lawmakers, whom she argued are afraid to deal with the issue. She warned that traffickers typically do not restrict themselves to interacting with minors online, as the goal is to one day meet the minor in person. "We are doing better with what happens in our physical world, but the online world is just as real," Gould said. "Laws to protect kids on this physical plane must exist online. That should go on without saying, but we must." Gould shared a quote she heard once from a leader who felt that the demand for sex trafficking and exploitation is too great ever to resolve. "I debunk that idea and call on our leaders to hold buyers and traffickers of human beings accountable," Gould said, stating that individuals who purchase fellow human beings should be dealt with "harshly." Aaron Crowley, another sexual exploitation survivor, shared his story during the last panel titled "Unveiling Shadows: Exploitation & Injustice in Mainstream Pornography." Crowley is the author of Bought with a Price: A Gay Christian's Memoir from Porn Sets to Love, which describes his experience of being prostituted in the porn industry. Crowley revealed that he was only 9 years old when he was exposed to pornography, admitting that he didn't even understand what sex was at the time. The images he saw at a tender age depicting sexual violence made him believe that sex was supposed to be a violent act. He claimed that when he was eventually raped by a group of men, he didn't realize that he had been sexually assaulted. Crowley's rapists shared the images of the rape online. Still under the impression that violent sex acts were normal, he decided that he should be paid for engaging in them. "So, whenever I was given the opportunity to do mainstream porn, I was already groomed to say 'Yes,'" Crowley said. "And in order to get booked on a shoot, the talent scout required me to have sex with him any time he wanted." "In any other business, that would be considered sexual assault," he added. "But when the business is sex, how do you draw the line between what is 'just business' and what is exploitation?" Producers in the porn industry would also coerce Crowley into committing actions that he didn't want to do by threatening to withhold his pay, knowing that he needed the money. The survivor said that through his work in the porn industry, he met other men who had been "groomed" to see sexual exploitation as normal and who needed the money badly enough to continue complying with the producers' demands. Crowley said that he and the other porn industry workers were encouraged to take drugs, which were often available on set, further inhibiting their ability to give consent. Reflecting on his experience, the survivor said that there is material of him out there that he no longer consents to having online. "Porn requires the bare minimum of consent," he said. "Enthusiastic consent does not exist on porn sets because enthusiastic consent cannot be bought." Another issue discussed during the briefing was the need for greater protection for popular online platforms, including Instagram and Google, in order to safeguard minors from sexual exploitation. NCOSE CEO Dawn Hawkins highlighted several cases of children being exposed to exploitative content or abuse during the first panel, titled" Digital Shadows Child Exploitation on Popular Platforms." Hawkins cited the case of a 13-year-old girl who told NCOSE that a stranger she had never met before could send her a message on Instagram. The anti-sexual exploitation advocate questioned why the social media platform did not have a feature that would prevent strangers from messaging minors. She also noted that only this year, Google decided to blur sexually graphic images for all users by default, which Hawkins said is a "victory." "But why is it taking so long?" Hawkins asked. "As parents, we're afraid; we're overwhelmed, and we're ill-equipped." "We cannot protect our kids because we don't have the power." Attendees of the briefing received a document highlighting NCOSE's legislative priorities, which included the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. The EARN IT Act would hold online platforms accountable if they knowingly allow for the distribution of child sex abuse material, and it would create a federal online Child Exploitation Prevention Committee to establish practices for preventing abuse. The other bill, KOSA, would require social media companies to provide safeguards for minors and make the strongest safety settings the default model. It would also create a duty for social media platforms to mitigate harm to children, including sexual exploitation, and require the platforms to perform an annual audit to assess the risks to minors. In an interview with The Christian Post, Hawkins said that one challenge to enacting legislation that prevents exploitation is that Congress has often been slow to understand what's happening online. "But we're seeing Congress waking up," she said, highlighting the bills that have passed the Judiciary Committee this year. "We're finally at a place where Congress is like, 'We have to do something.'" Hawkins also stressed the need for accountability of social media platforms that allow for sexual exploitation, noting that these companies often claim immunity for anything that happens when people upload child sex abuse material to their sites. "Unless there's a minimum standard across the board, the next big tech company is not going to have even the most common-sense protections," the advocate argued. "It'll be another fight and another fight." After a months-long quest to obtain more documents and piece together more clarity on criteria for the restoration of rights, a judge ruled Tuesday against Virginias state chapter of the NAACP. Ultimately, Richmond Circuit Court Judge William R. Marchant sided with Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration, finding that a database to which the NAACP sought access is exempt under the Freedom of Information Act. Its clearly a working paper, he said. In Virginia, people convicted of felonies permanently lose their right to vote unless a governor pardons them or they petition for a governor to restore the right. Three previous governors from both political parties had worked to streamline the restoration process and make it automatic when someone is released from prison. They did not have to have completed parole. After an inquiry from the Richmond Times-Dispatch and two state senators earlier this year, the administration acknowledged that the process was no longer automatic and that considerations are on an individual basis. Though the administration offered little explanation when asked, a series of Freedom of Information Act responses to the NAACP revealed more insight into who would be more likely to be restored. For example, someone whose request was denied was sent an email saying the individual could reapply next year. Calling the result discouraging, the person asked the reason for the denial. I deserve an explanation, the individual wrote. Im not a violent felon, and Im trying to do something with my life. Criteria for being granted yes has been unclear for much of this year, but an example of a granted application in the FOIA response shows that a person has completed probation, has completed their sentence and has paid their fines. Meanwhile, an applicant labeled ineligible at this time is still on probation and is currently paying fines. Database Having become aware of a database used as a repository for information related to the process, legal counsel for the NAACP argued Tuesday in a hearing in Richmonds Circuit Court that it should have been viewable to their client. When questioned in court, Richard Cullen, counselor to the governor, noted that the database has very limited access for members of Youngkins Cabinet who assist him with the restoration of rights and that registrars can inquire about the status of a petitioner. As the materials are prepared for Youngkins deliberative use, his administration argued that the documents fall under an exemption in state code dubs working papers. Macaulay Porter, a spokeswoman for the governor, said the administration acted in good faith in disclosing what redacted materials it has provided. Lawyers for the NAACP say a more robust understanding of criteria will be helpful for those seeking to have their rights restored. The more we get, the more weve learned about the process, Ryan Snow with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law previously said. But were still left to kind of try to piece together the puzzle pieces. His organization, along with Hogan Lovells, has represented the NAACP. Following the hearing, the Rev. Cozy Bailey, new president of the Virginia NAACP, said that there has been a shroud of secrecy that makes him concerned the process may not be equitable. Today was a technical issue but we will still be working on (this matter), he said. Later Tuesday, Bailey said in a statement: Virginias returning citizens, and all Virginians, deserve to know the truth about Governor Youngkins rights restoration process, and why he has restored voting rights to only a fraction of those eligible. In the meantime, Democratic lawmakers have filed a bill to seek a constitutional amendment that would enshrine automatic restoration of rights upon release from prison into Virginias constitution. In order to pass, a proposed Virginia constitutional amendment must clear the legislature in two different years with an election in the House of Delegates in between, before appearing as a ballot referendum. The next election for the House of Delegates is in 2025, so the issue could not go to voters for a decision until at least 2026. Bailey said that Virginia should be among the other 49 states where the restoration of rights doesnt rest with the authority of a single individual. Close Gov. Bob McDonnell announces the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church Wednesday, May 29, 2013. John Westbrook (left), council liason for councilwomen Michelle Mosby, 9th district, claps after Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Ben Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, speaks about the restoration of rights for non-violent offenders at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. Lisa Kratz, a motivational speaker after being incarcerated, thanks Gov. Bob McDonnell for the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Richard Walker, who had his rights restored a year ago, shakes hands with Gov. Bob McDonnell after he announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. Richard Walker, who had his rights restored a year ago, shakes hands with Gov. Bob McDonnell after he announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Walker is CEO of Bridging the Gap in Virginia. Restoration of Civil Rights Gov. Bob McDonnell announced a plan to automatically restore the civil rights of thousands of Virginias nonviolent felons. Gov. Bob McDonnell announces the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church Wednesday, May 29, 2013. John Westbrook (left), council liason for councilwomen Michelle Mosby, 9th district, claps after Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Ben Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, speaks about the restoration of rights for non-violent offenders at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. Lisa Kratz, a motivational speaker after being incarcerated, thanks Gov. Bob McDonnell for the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Richard Walker, who had his rights restored a year ago, shakes hands with Gov. Bob McDonnell after he announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. Richard Walker, who had his rights restored a year ago, shakes hands with Gov. Bob McDonnell after he announced the automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for non-violent felons on an individualized basis. The announcement was made at Cedar Street Baptist Church. Walker is CEO of Bridging the Gap in Virginia. Virginia Congressman Bob Good, R-5th, has become the new chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, a little more than two months after voting to oust a Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in history. Good, serving his second term representing a congressional district that includes part of Hanover County and several outlying counties in the Richmond region, succeeds Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., who was not among the eight Republicans who voted with Democrats on Oct. 3 to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. The Virginia congressman also fought McCarthys election as Speaker when the new Congress convened in January, voting present on the 16th roll call that ended the long, highly public spectacle. The caucus, comprised 42 of the Houses most conservative members, elected the Virginia congressman as chairman for a two-year term on Monday night after its governing board nominated him on Thursday. Two other Virginia Republicans Morgan Griffith in the 9th District and Ben Cline in the 6th District also are members of the caucus. In an interview Tuesday, Good said his short-term priorities are to defeat the National Defense Authorization Act that the House leadership negotiated with the Senate and a proposal to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Security Act without reforms that House conservatives want. He also promised to hold the line on a House bill to pay for additional aid to Israel with cuts in spending on the Internal Revenue Service, strengthen security at the U.S. southern border with Mexico and pass the remaining five budget bills that are pending while Congress is under the second stopgap spending resolution to keep the federal government open. These are the battles we have been fighting and will continue to fight, he said. Facing criticism However, Good also is fighting off criticism both at home in Virginia, where state Senator-Elect John McGuire, R-Goochland, is challenging him for the Republican nomination in the 5th District next year, and in Congress, where former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., accused him of disloyalty to former President Donald Trump in his bid to regain the presidency next year. McGuire and Greene have criticized Good for endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is badly trailing Trump in the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination next year. Im running for Congress against Never Trump politician Bob Good, McGuire said in a Facebook post last month, eight days after winning a seat in the Virginia Senate. On the day our president was wrongly indicted, Bob abandoned Trump by endorsing another candidate. Good responded Tuesday, Its unfortunate that one of my expected political allies would try to run a dishonest campaign and suggest that I was a never Trumper, which he called demonstrably false. I consider (Trump) the best president of my lifetime, and I will enthusiastically support him if he the Republican nominee, Good said. Greene, whom the Freedom Caucus ejected as a member in July, recently criticized Good on X (formerly Twitter). Greene posted what appears to be hidden camera video of Good saying privately that he is fearful for our ability to win with Trump as the partys nominee. Good cites the baggage Trump could carry from multiple prosecutions. Bob Good caught trashing Pres Trump. Bob Good was endorsed by Pres Trump, which is the only reason he won in 2020. Bob Good is another disloyal fake MAGA Trump traitor. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/7LMxEJoqce Marjorie Taylor Greene (@mtgreenee) December 8, 2023 In the video, said to have been recorded at an Oct. 21 event in Louisa County, Good says Trump might be the only person that can lose to Joe Biden. In the video Good also contrasts Trumps wariness about emphasizing abortion to the actions of DeSantis, who signed a bill to bar most abortions after six weeks. Bob Good caught trashing Pres Trump, Greene says in the Dec. 8 post. Bob Good was endorsed by Pres Trump, which is the only reason he won in 2020. Bob Good is another disloyal fake MAGA Trump traitor. Greene adds: Bob Good says Pres Trump cant beat Biden. Not only is Trump beating Biden by 6 points nationally, hes destroying DeSantis and everyone else in the primary. I wonder how it will go for Bob. Good dismissed Greenes criticism, accusing her of cutting a deal with McCarthy to keep him as Speaker, which he called contrary to how you brand yourself as an establishment fighter. You resort to lying and smearing those who were opposed to the former Speaker, he said. Good added, She was upset that she was removed from the Freedom Caucus, and this is retaliation for that. McCarthy announced last week that he will leave Congress by the end of the year. Last month, Politico asked the ousted speaker whether he plans to get involved in the nomination fight for Goods seat. I dont know. I have to study all these, McCarthy said. Prior to being the speaker, I couldnt get engaged in races. But Im a free agent now. Democrats denounced Goods election as Freedom Caucus chairman. MAGA House Republicans, whove become notorious for their ability to pick a leader, are rounding out their disastrous first year in the majority by electing far-right extremist Bob Good to head the House Freedom Caucus, said Sarafina Chitika, national press secretary for the Democratic National Committee, in a statement Tuesday. Good continues the GOPs sprint to the extreme right on every issue Americans care about and embraces widely unpopular stances: fighting for a national abortion ban, calling for a government shutdown, advocating for ripping away health care and essential benefits, and chasing a baseless impeachment inquiry for political gain, Chitika said. The House GOPs decision to elevate Bob Good to (Freedom Caucus) chair is their latest message to Americas working families that theyd rather push forward their extreme MAGA agenda than join President Biden in making progress on the work hardworking families want to see: lowering costs, creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Photos: McCarthy elected House speaker in rowdy post-midnight vote We are running out of time and money for Ukraine. Last week, the White House Office of Management and Budget made it clear that without the approval of additional funding, we will no longer be able to aid Ukraine. If we fail to heed this warning, we risk derailing the progress Ukraine has made and handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a victory. We also risk sending a message to other autocrats that incursion into free democracies will go unopposed. Putins war in Ukraine threatens the liberal world order that so many fought and died for in World War II. The domino effect of his victory would jeopardize the free world for generations to come. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt: We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away. That is why we must act. If we allow Putin to run roughshod over Ukraine, it is only a matter of time before we face the greatest conflict in Eastern Europe since World War II, requiring direct engagement by the United States to defend our NATO allies. If Putin is successful in destroying Ukraine, he will seek to reconstitute the former Soviet Union. He would attempt to form a federation with Belarus and Ukraine by installing a puppet government and then target Moldova, the Baltics, Georgia and others. Those who suggest that Ukraines war is not our fight fail to remember that should Russia expand its attack and cross a border into one of these NATO countries, we are bound by Article 5 of the NATO charter to defend them. Simultaneously, we must show leaders in Beijing and Tehran that we will not cower in the face of tyranny that the values we fought for in World War II still matter. The Ukrainians fight is our fight. They are fighting for the same principles on which NATO and the United Nations were founded. The decisions we make here in Congress about this conflict will affect not only the survival of Ukraine and its neighbors they also will affect our own national security. To understand this, look to our history. During World War II, Roosevelt championed the United States as an arsenal of democracy to describe our role in providing weapons to democracies fighting to defend themselves. This helped the Allied forces win the war, while kick-starting decades of manufacturing growth and the creation of 17 million new civilian jobs here at home. The military aid we have appropriated for Ukraine is no different. It has delivered weapons to Ukraine and provided funding to replace that equipment for the Department of Defense, creating manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and improving our own military readiness. Unfortunately, in recent months, Congress has repeatedly fumbled opportunities to send aid to Ukraine, bringing us to the do-or-die scenario we face today. In September, a majority of Republicans voted against a $300 million aid package to Ukraine, and a few days later, leadership refused to include additional funding in the continuing resolution. With these actions, Republicans rejected the Reagan Doctrine, which states that we must stand by our democratic allies and defy Soviet aggression. Those values are now seemingly dead within the Republican Party. To make matters worse, Republicans were mired in intraparty squabbles for three critical weeks, leaving Congress gridlocked. There are those who have turned the issue of Ukraine funding into an unnecessary, unrealistic choice between Ukraine and Israel. But we do not have to choose. In the words of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg: We have the capability and the strength to address different challenges at the same time. We dont have the luxury of choosing only one threat and one challenge. The conflict in Israel and the conflict in Ukraine are linked. After all, Hamas and Iranian representatives met with Putin in Moscow. Just as Iran is supporting Hamas attack on Israel, Iran is also believed to be assisting Putin in his invasion of Ukraine. To defeat the terrorist threat in Israel, we must also help Ukraine defend itself from an evil autocrat. As the White House made clear last week: Time is running out to act. We owe it to the American people and to our allies to protect democracy at all costs. We owe it to future generations to prevent an expanded global crisis. Now is our chance lets take it. From the Archives: Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Fourth of July Cancun reinstates courtesy tourist card for minor driving infractions Cancun, Q.R. The city of Cancun will start issuing tourist cards to visitors with rental vehicles later this month. Alma Reynoso Zambrano, President of the Quintana Roo Vehicle Rental Association, says the city of Cancun has reestablished the tourist card that allows drivers a free pass for minor driving infractions. Visitors to the city will be allowed two minor driving violations with only a warning from the Benito Juarez Transit Directorate. The cards will be distributed to people who rent vehicles in the city of Cancun. Reynoso Zambrano said the cards are digital and registered in the name of the person renting the vehicle. A code will be scanned that will identify the name of the car driver. It will also be used to keep track of traffic infractions. He said to date, 10,000 cards have been made. They are currently being distributed to Cancun car rental agencies. The tourist cards will become effective as of December 19. Reynoso Zambrano said the Asociacion de Arrendadores de Vehiculos de Quintana Roo is currently working with the Instituto de Movilidad de Quintana Roo or Imoveqroo to expand the cards to include other municipalities in the state. When the cards come into effect December 19, they will only be distributed to tourists renting cars through agencies in the city of Cancun. In November, Cancun authorities had announced the reinstatement of the tourist card for the winter holiday season. At the time, Cancun Councilor, Alma Reynoso Zambrano who chairs the Public Security, Preventive Police and Traffic Commission, said while the card allows tourists courtesy driving infractions, it is also meant to deter Transit agent corruption against rental car drivers. The Tourist Card was initially implemented in the state of Quintana Roo in December of 2016, but was eventually phased out. Main suspect in Chiapas kidnapping captured at Cancun job site Cancun, Q.R. A Chiapas suspect wanted on kidnapping charges was captured in Cancun Tuesday. The State Attorney Generals Office said the capture was made by Quintana Roo Investigative Police at the request of their counterpart from the state of Chiapas. Quintana Roo authorities completed an arrest warrant against Jose Wilbert N and/or Wilbert N for the crime of aggravated kidnapping in the state of Chiapas, the FGE reported. Jose Wilbert N was considered a main suspect in the kidnapping. Local authorities reported arresting Jose Wilbert N from his place of employment in SM 64. He was arrested Tuesday from a construction job site. He was processed for transfer to the state of Chiapas where he will face charges. The Quintana Roo FGE did not provide details surround the Chiapas kidnapping. Nichupte Lagoon vehicle bridge scheduled for early 2024 Cancun, Q.R. A Cancun bridge megaproject is reported nearing the halfway mark in its completion. The progress update was provided Tuesday by Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA), the company building the bridge. Pillars are still being placed in the lagoon that will be used to support the bridge. Photo: ICA December 12, 2023. ICA is in the process of constructing an 8.8 kilometer long bridge that will take traffic over the Nichupte Lagoon in the Cancun Hotel Zone to the mainland. Crews work at pillar placement near the Cancun Hotel Zone. Photo: Courtesy SICT December 11, 2023. Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta says the Puente Vehicular Nichupte is an infrastructure project requested by Cancun residents for 20 years. She says the bridge will strategically connect the hotel zone of Cancun with Colosio Boulevard and Tulum, Kabah and Bonampak Avenues. The bridge will connect the Cancun Hotel Zone and mainland. Photo: Courtesy SICT December 11, 2023. In addition to improving connectivity, providing security and generating jobs, it will provide workers with a faster way to get to their jobs and homes, she said in an interview. The Secretaria de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), who is overseeing the project says to date, the construction project has created 8,150 direct jobs and 32,600 indirect jobs and is part of a multi-billion-peso infrastructure package being carried out in the city. According to Proyectos Mexico, construction of the Puente Vehicular Nichupte has come in at more than 5.5 billion pesos. It is scheduled for completion in early 2024. A new book offers concrete solutions to entrenched problems that have contributed to the fragmentation, isolation, and desolation of communities across the country. Step one is to start right where you are. Sociologist Robert Nisbet declared our era to be singularly weak in social inventiveness. In a new book on local solutions to Americas social ills, author Seth Kaplan agreeswith some exceptions. Our modern era is not the first one in which the U.S. has weathered rapid social change, Kaplan writes, but its the first time we have endured it without the kind of social innovation needed to mitigate the ill effects of that pelting change. In Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time, Kaplan calls for a quiet revolution in American lifefrom the way government and nonprofits provide services to the way its people conceive of their dreams and aspirations. His book features a handful of individuals and organizations in the vanguard of that revolutionary action and shares practical steps for how you can join. Kaplan, a professorial lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and a state-building consultant, has spent his professional life working with fragile states, countries teetering on the edge of collapse due to economic or political catastrophe. When people learn this, Kaplan relates, they often ask him whether the United States is itself fragile. His answer is that the American state and economy are strongas their resilience under extreme stresses in recent years backhandedly affirmsbut that American society is weak, weaker even than some of the societies deemed fragile in poorer and less powerful regions of the world. Americas peculiar fragility can be found not in our political or economic institutions but in the very places where we live, work, play, and die: our neighborhoods. Americas social poverty contrasts poignantly with our countrys material wealth and is at the root of any number of social pathologies that are giving American exceptionalism a new meaning in comparison with the worlds other rich nations. Among others, Kaplan flags our loneliness epidemic (officially declared by the U.S. surgeon general in May), worsening mental health crisis, family disintegration, and so-called deaths of despair related to alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide as social problems that shock the rest of the world, and ought to shock us. Our prosperity as a nation doesnt seem to have improved our well-being, Kaplan writes in the introduction. If anything, it has left millions of people and families feeling more alienated and discontented than ever. Kaplan argues that repairing American society requires a renewed commitment to placefrom both institutions and individualsand even a reformulation of the American Dream. His vision is attractive in that what it demands is actually quite modest, but its effects could save your neighborhood. Fragile Neighborhoods is distinctive in the amount of space Kaplan devotes to solutions. He spends most of the book profiling five organizations he sees as doing the right kind of social repair in the right kind of way, presenting them as models for the reader to follow in her own community. Besides being a compelling book, Fragile Neighborhoods is a practical one. The problem, as Kaplan sees it, is that American institutions tend to prioritize individual actualization and success at the expense of community. A critical mass of cultural, political, and economic forces has driven us into patterns of life that, in the words of writer Mary Eberstadt, are profoundly unnatural for the ineradicably social creatures that we are. [Many] are suffering as a result, Eberstadt writes, quoted by Kaplan, at times without even knowing that name of what ails them. Nowhere is this partiality for individualism over community more apparent than in our neighborhoods, perhaps represented most clearly in the cookie-cutter housing development without sidewalks. Technically, we live in proximity to each other, but our lives dont intersect. Kaplan summarizes this movement in American life as a transition from a townshipped society to a networked one, where we tend to communicate with each other impersonally and often transactionally. The very concept of belonging to a place, a neighborhood, a localitysomewhere we belong and call home has all but disappeared, wrote the late author and rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. The net result is profound alienation, which Kaplan argues is the source of our social fragility and affects the poor, middle class, and rich alike, albeit in different ways. Kaplan suggests that place-based disadvantagesrather than race, income, or other social factorsis becoming a better lens for understanding why some Americans thrive and others do not. Racial prejudice and its attendant evils linger like ghosts exactly in the physical places that were systematically disinvested in decades ago. For example, one of the most jarring place-based statistics Kaplan shares is life expectancy. Across the U.S., life expectancy varies by more than 40 years depending on the zip code an American is born into. Babies born in the Washington, D.C.-area neighborhoods of Friendship Heights and Friendship Village can expect to see their 96th birthday. Just 10 miles across town in Anacostias Barry Farm, however, the average life expectancy is 63.2 years. Zip code may not be destiny, but it operates like gravity, Kaplan writes. It exerts tremendous pull on its children, for good or ill. Can you break the pull? Of course! But most wont. Attempts to lift hurting communities typically take the form of providing services to individualsmeeting specific needs such as better housing, youth mentoring, or access to better healthcarewhile the conditions creating those needs are left almost untouched. Even when successful, these individual approaches to social problemswhether implemented by government or nonprofitstend to overlook the very local circumstances and context for a communitys problems. These efforts may benefit some, Kaplan writes, but they dont do much to strengthen the institutions and structures that are essential to improving neighborhoods and the lives of residents there on a sustainable basis. The practical effect of these kinds of interventions is often to help individuals get out of a neighborhood. Individually, this can be a good thing; for a community, as its best and brightest leave, it can spell disaster. Since 1970, the number of urban neighborhoods with concentrated poverty has tripled, affecting more than 800 neighborhoods, and the number of impoverished people living in them has doubled. This economic sorting of America exacerbates the problems of material poverty by creating an intergenerational, multiplying effect of environmental stressors, traumatic experiences, and family chaos. Even if individuals are able to escape their dysfunctional neighborhoods, however, they are likely to encounter a new blast of social headwinds in Americas suburbs. Kaplan actually spends more time in Fragile Neighborhoods exploring the social problems of the relatively well off than he does those of the poor. In doing so, Kaplan suggests that American fragility is pervasive and growing in the middle classin other words, at the very core of our national life. If we dont know our neighbors, arent active in local community life, pay for others to raise our children and service our elders, and try to buy our way into a good life, we pay a large price, Kaplan writes. We produce, unintentionally, as it might be, a weak family, a careless community, and a nation that tries hopelessly to revive itself from the top down. So, what should we do? We need to stop thinking about our society as a set of individuals, Kaplan says, and start thinking harder and more creatively about how we can strengthen the ties that connect us and bring us togetherboth within and across neighborhoods. In contrast to top down or vertical approaches, Kaplan prescribes place-based and sideways solutions to American social fragility. When national organizations get involved in neighborhood revitalization, it should be through local chapters intimately familiar with the people and problems faced by the community. Place-based approaches reorient us toward the specific social dynamics present in a particular neighborhood, Kaplan writes, while shining a light on the particular issues, institutions, and structural factors that matter most to the success of any neighborhood. As mentioned, Kaplan spends most of Fragile Neighborhoods exploring solutions to neighborhood fragility. Starting from a framework of key components of community successincluding family structure, social capital, access to opportunity, quality schools, racial and income diversity, vital local economy, public safety, and the built landscapehe introduces us to five organizations applying a sideways approach to community problems. Partners for Rural Impact, for instance, works in Appalachia to reweave the fabric of community by connecting young people to their histories, culture and place and to engage youth academically and socially, to connect the community to the youth and the youth to the community. Life Remodeled in Detroit, meanwhile, has promoted neighborhood revitalization through mass volunteer events, improving school facilities, and developing community opportunity hubs. Since the establishment of the first of these hubs, the Durfee Innovation Society in Detroits Dexter-Linwood neighborhood, crime in the area has dropped; many more students are accessing after-school tutoring, skills development, and leadership programs; and property values are rising. Another featured organization, Communio, works through Christian churches to strengthen marriages, leveraging sophisticated consumer data to market their services directly to couples in danger of divorce. Its model is essentially to build up networks of mutual support among married couples in a designated region, leaving enough flexibility to tailor its approach to the specific needs of the particular people of each place. Each profile is affecting and inspiring, not only for the specific work these organizations are doing, but also for the more abstract reason that they confirm that the American social entrepreneur is alive and well. In addition to calling for a renaissance of institution building, Kaplan exhorts his reader to rethink the American Dream. Today the default aspirations of the young American man or woman tend toward individual success, material gain, and social mobility, Kaplan writes. Encouraged in these goals by many of our institutions, these desires represent a degradation of the Dream, which was once about developing a social order in which every persons potential could be fulfilled. Instead Kaplan encourages us to invest ourselves in more life-giving goals: our communities, our families, and, of course, our place. Can we restore the original vision? Kaplan asks. I believe that we can. Reading Fragile Neighborhoods is a good place to start. A group of Roanoke residents continues calling for preservation of forested land at Evans Spring, while the city council weighs potential for development. Citizens who call themselves Friends of Evans Spring protested outside city hall Monday morning, opposing concept plans that consultants presented to council members last month. Friends of Evans Spring say they dont want to see development on one of the citys largest remaining tracts of its kind, which stretches about 150 acres along the southern side of Interstate 581 across from Valley View Mall, bordering the Melrose-Rugby and Fairland neighborhoods. We seek to establish a publicly accessible nature preserve and green space for Evans Spring, said Nadirah Wright, a member of the friends group, on Monday. As such, we petition Roanoke City Council to direct the city manager to develop a plan. Planners identified Evans Spring as potentially developable land more than 10 years ago, according to city documents. Since 2022, the privately owned land has been subject of a $215,000 planning effort commissioned by Roanokes council. The objective is to collaboratively create a plan that is both economically feasible and has a positive relationship with three adjacent neighborhoods known as Melrose-Rugby, Fairland, and Villa Heights, according to the citys webpage about the Evans Spring. Consultants for the city presented concept plans for Evans Spring in late November, with the most intensive concept calling for some 650 housing units and up to 570,000 square feet of commercial space. The Friends group on Monday petitioned the council to instead acquire the private parcels that make up Evans Spring, and rezone the residential-agricultural land for recreation and open space uses. The group supports revitalizing vacant commercial and industrial sites, but not creating new ones, Wright said. Roanoke has a plethora of underutilized and vacant abandoned commercial and industrial sites that, when accompanied by impermeable concrete and asphalt, traps heat and contributes to storm water runoff, Wright said. We do not want or need more unnecessary, irresponsible development that degrades our environment and lowers our quality of life. Speakers Monday, including Cathy Carter, talked about their experiences with urban renewal, an era from the 1950s to 70s wherein disproportionate numbers of Black households, particularly in the Gainsboro neighborhood and northwest Roanoke, were uprooted and displaced by city planning efforts. Gentrification is coming, Carter said. It is just a fancy word for urban renewal. Others spoke about environmental, health and financial concerns associated with developing the land. Jordan Bell said Evans Spring is important for flood mitigation. In northwest Roanoke, the concern should be not development, Bell said. The concern should be why there is no recreational centers for our children. Mac McCadden said the city council should take a common sense approach to developing Evans Spring. They say they want to come and look at our neighborhood to see whats going on, but they dont live there, McCadden said. Common sense tells me that we need to listen to the citizens who live there. As the demonstrators dispersed, chattering through morning cold, Councilman Luke Priddy said he attended the event to listen. He was the only council member present. All of the concrete and blacktop that is throughout the city of Roanoke, we should consider how we can use those properties before we should look at developing our last available natural resources, Priddy said. The Evans Spring citizens group is focused on protecting the land, saying no to rezoning and making sure the spring stays there, and Priddy said he hears that. We have to consider the rights of the people who own the property. They have a right to develop it as its currently zoned, Priddy said. Any change to that should only be if its a benefit to the neighborhood, and I dont know that these plans are. The council still needs to decide what next steps should be for Evans Spring, he said, adding that Roanoke is poised to declare 2024 as the year of the tree. Knowing the things that were brought up here today, I think its particularly relevant and timely, Priddy said. ROCKY MOUNT The Rocky Mount Police Department has introduced a new initiative focused on building a closer connection with the community, its residents and its businesses. The goal is for town residents to better get to know the police department and its officers. The initiative is something Rocky Mount Police Chief Phillip Young has been planning since he first took the position in August 2022. He was formerly a captain in the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. Young said Rocky Mount is his hometown. It is where he grew up and where his parents and much of his family still live. Of the 27 members in the police department, several are Rocky Mount residents. Of those that dont live in Rocky Mount, nearly all are residents of Franklin County and live nearby. This is our home, Young said. This community deserves the best we can give them. Young said officers have a job to write tickets, answer calls, investigate crimes and make arrests which is done for the safety of the community. He is encouraging officers to continue going the extra mile to help. Being a part of this community means that we need to build relationships, Young said in an email to officers introducing the initiative. Our citizens, from young to old, are dealing with an array of issues including addiction, mental health, poverty, bullying, identity theft, fraud and many other concerns. We need to constantly think about how we can make the situation better for our citizens. Our citizens need our help, and we need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. One of our goals is to assist our citizens and business owners in finding resources so they can overcome problems. One of the ways we will continue to help includes creating a card with community partners and their numbers. This will be an immediate resource that we can give out to those in need. Young said he is working to make officers have more of a presence in the community beyond responding to emergencies. One way is through local events that will also residents to get to know officers. The department recently purchased a popcorn machine, snow cone machine and a grill that employees will be using at events held at the police department and at communities around Rocky Mount. Young sees these events as a way for residents to speak with officers and get to know them. It gives us an opportunity to have a conversation, Young said. The department was recently informed that several students at a local elementary school were in need of jackets. Young said officers pooled money and went out to make the purchases. Signs of the initiative are already popping up around town as well as on the rear window of the towns patrol cars. Officer Ryan King, the departments community resource officer, has been visiting businesses in town asking them to place the sign with words Community First in their windows. King said response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive so far. He said this helps to continue building a relationship between the department and its residents. We cant do it alone, King said. As a community, we can do it together. This initiative is the most recent step in an ongoing turnaround at the department that has been involved in multiple controversies in recent years. Those include a lawsuit against the former police chief Ken Criner and the firing of two officers for their involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Rocky Mount Town Manager Robert Wood said the work being done by Young, including the new community initiative, is helping to move the police departments image in a more positive direction. That could be seen at the recent turnout at events held by the department including the recent Trunk or Treat held on Halloween. With growing distrust of law enforcement nationally as well as concerns in previous years locally, Wood said Young has worked to reinforce trust in the community. This initiative is a way to continue to move that goal forward. The way you address that is by strengthening the relationship with the community, Wood said. After being known simply as the Virginia Veterans Care Center for the past 31 years, the Roanoke facility was officially renamed Tuesday to honor two highly decorated veterans of the Vietnam War. Col. Paris Davis and Capt. Eugene Red McDaniel and their stories of bravery and gallantry are now an integral part of the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center. Davis, retired from the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden earlier this year in recognition of his rescue of three American soldiers during hand-to-hand combat in 1965. Davis was wounded twice, but refused to leave the battlefield until his men were safe. McDaniel is a retired U.S. Navy aviator who ejected from his crippled aircraft above North Vietnam in 1967, was captured, held as a prisoner of war and tortured over the next six years until his release. I am humbled and honored at such a high level for this building to be named after me, McDaniel said during a dedication ceremony at the Shenandoah Avenue center. Had I known 57 years ago, when I ejected into the jungles of North Vietnam, that God was going to use my story in these ways, it would have been a much easier ride, he said. Davis said he was pleased to lend his name to an effort to serve veterans at one of three state centers that offer nursing care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term options for members of the armed forces. This moment is not just about me, it is about the commitment we all share to support our veterans, he said. This center is a testament to the value we hold dear. Operated by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center has 224 beds and provides on-site laboratory work, X-rays, physical therapy, podiatry care and many other health care services. Amenities include a wheelchair accessible nature trail, a deck, library, chapel, barber shop and billiard room. It is next door to the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Davis and McDaniel, both from Northern Virginia, have long records of distinction. Davis was one of the first African Americans to become a Green Beret officer and, in addition to holding the nations highest military honor, is also a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal for heroism. McDaniels military honors include the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star. He is the author of the book Scars and Stripes: The True Story of One Mans Courage Facing Death as a POW in Vietnam. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the keynote speaker at Tuesdays event, told Davis, McDaniel and other veterans in attendance: It is our turn to serve you. What a profound honor it is to name this facility after two heroes who stood for freedom, Youngkin told a crowd of more than 100 that gathered at a stage set up in front of the nursing facility. Providing quality care to veterans is a sacred responsibility, and it is one we must always honor, the governor said. This Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center is another critical step in fulfilling that promise of defining the heroism that defines our country. Photos: Roanoke's newly renamed Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center A Christian advocacy group is celebrating what it claims is a "religious freedom victory" after the guidelines for submitting decorations for this year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree do not explicitly prohibit religious items as they have in previous years. In a statement, the Christian Defense Coalition noted that in previous years, "the guidelines for submitting ornaments to be displayed on the U.S. Capitol Christmas [tree] included the phrase; 'Decorations cannot include religious symbols.'" The organization clarified that the disclaimer meant that ornaments, including "Nativity Displays, the Christ-Child or the Holy Family would be prohibited." The Christian Defense Coalition, led by activist Rev. Pat Mahoney, expressed gratitude that "this year, the prohibition on religious symbols from being displayed on the U.S. Capitol Tree has been removed." The flyer compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service inviting submissions of ornaments for placement on the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree outlined additional requirements and restrictions for ornament submissions this year. Ornaments must be made of "natural, recyclable, and repurposed materials." Bans explicitly outlined in this year's guidelines cover "commercial logos" and "divisive or offensive" material. The flyer warned against using "sharp materials that would pose a danger to people decorating the trees or that could cut or nick tree lighting wires." The USDA sought more than 10,000 ornaments for display on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and "smaller trees that will be displayed this holiday season in Washington, D.C." The Christian Post reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to confirm the coalition's assertion that religious symbols are allowed this year. The USDA directed The Christian Post to the Architect of the Capitol. A response from the Architect of the Capitol was not received by press time. The development comes after the coalition communicated displeasure with the religious symbols ban in an email to the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board. An excerpt from the email to the federal agencies shared by the Christian Defense Coalition includes an assertion that "The 'People's House'... must be a place where all Americans should be afforded the right to come and peaceably celebrate and express their First Amendment Rights." "Since the definition of Christmas is, 'the annual festival celebrating Christ's birth,' it would be deeply concerning if ornaments celebrating His birth were prohibited and censored from being on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree by the order of a government agency," the email stated. In a statement, Mahoney thanked the government for removing "this troubling ban on religious symbols being displayed." "The First Amendment promises freedom 'OF' religion not freedom 'FROM' religion," Mahoney said. "As we celebrate the powerful message and hope of Christmas this year at the U.S. Capitol, let us also celebrate the powerful message of religious freedom and the First Amendment." This year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, lit on Tuesday, came from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The lit tree, a 63-foot Norway Spruce, will be available for the public to view on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol every night from dusk until 11:00 p.m. through Jan. 1. Originally published by the Christian Post Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. US lawmakers gather at the White House on easing gun violence. 'You're not in it alone,' Harris says Live updates | Israel plans to keep fighting as UN General Assembly votes for a cease-fire in Gaza Israel is pressing ahead with an offensive against Gazas Hamas rulers that it says could go on for weeks or months, even as the United Nations voted to demand a humanitarian cease-fire Llewellyn King is executive producer and host of White House Chronicle on PBS. His email is llewellynking1@gmail.com and you can follow him on Twitter @LlewellynKing2. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. GREENVILLE, S.C. Palmetto Care Connections recently concluded its 11th annual Telehealth Summit of South Carolina, providing a platform for health care professionals to discuss and explore the effect of telehealth on rural communities. CareSouth Carolina associate medical director Jeri Andrew served as a keynote speaker for the event. In addition to Andrews, CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis and chief of community health Joe Bittle served as moderators for two other panels during the summit. The How Telehealth Impacts Rural Communities session delved into the significance of telehealth in rural areas, emphasizing that for many residents, it is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial means of care. Andrews, along with other health care leaders such as Graham Sullivan and Carolyn McClain, shared insights on the panel moderated by Graham Adams, chief executive officer of the South Carolina Office of Rural Health. During the session, Andrews, a family nurse practitioner, highlighted how telehealth at CareSouth Carolina has been a vital factor in keeping patients connected with their health care team, especially when face-to-face visits are not practical. I am honored and excited to join a panel of other South Carolina rural health care leaders at Palmetto Care Connections annual telehealth summit to discuss how telehealth impacts rural communities, Andrews said. Here at CareSouth Carolina, we have been able to see firsthand how telehealth services have provided a means for patients to stay connected with their health care team when a face-to-face visit is not feasible or necessary. Moderated by Lewis, the The Other Side of the Camera: Patient Perspectives panel explored the effect of telehealth from the patients perspective. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of how telehealth has influenced the lives of patients in South Carolina, shedding light on the human side of digital health care. Moderated by Bittle, the Digital Inclusion Efforts in South Carolina panel expanded the conversation beyond health care to discuss digital inclusion efforts in the state. The focus encompassed digital literacy, equity with technology, infrastructure, connectivity, education, and more. The panel, consisting of Paola Guiterrez, Stacey Lindbergh, and Ashlee Parra, provided insights into how South Carolina is actively addressing digital inclusion, spanning grassroots initiatives to top-level strategies. The summit served as a crucial platform for professionals and experts to share experiences, insights, and strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of telehealth, with a specific focus on its impact in rural South Carolina communities. In case youre keeping track, it has snowed twice and showcased The Nutcracker three times in the Orpheum Theatre this holiday season. The latest flurry and dance of the sugarplum fairy came Tuesday night when Mannheim Steamroller brought its holiday show to town. A collection of holiday greatest hits, the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas also included a look back at the song that got founder Chip Davis on the charts the C.W. McCall single, Convoy. The taped reminiscence included Davis at a Nebraska coffee shop admitting the two things he didnt want to do was live in Nebraska and write country music. The Omaha resident, however, was able to parlay his country chart success into the beast which is Mannheim, the No. 1 Christmas act in nearly 40 years. Those techno songs (like Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Deck the Halls) are the reason why. To demonstrate that theres more to the six musicians (and their back-up orchestra), they even did cuts from the Fresh Aire albums, including Come Home to the Sea, which sounded like a perfect accompaniment to a reading of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. While keyboardist David Plank got a number of spotlight moments, the other five had ample opportunity to show their versatility. They trotted out recorders and many percussion instruments and bopped along with everything from Rudolph to Joy to the World. A version of Greensleeves, which Davis daughter Elyse recorded several years ago, was among the only vocal offerings of the evening. Elyse Davis performance, filmed in Omaha, should have been done live. What the orchestra could abandon is some manic lighting that made Catching Snowflakes on Your Tongue almost impossible to watch. Practically strobe-like they got the show off to a restless start. Thankfully, traditional carols brought the mood back and all was good in the Mannheim world. O Holy Night was a moving first act closer; Gagliarda reminded us of the goofy videos Davis once produced. While Tuesdays program didnt provide extensive solos for each of the six, it did offer moments that demonstrated their excellence. (Keyboardist Anna Lackaff got a chance to duel a bit with Plank.) Thomas Kincade-like visuals accompanied several songs and, then, there was the snow. It was a nice touch (remember, The Illusionists did it first this year), but wasnt essential. Like everything Mannheim, surprises have just become part of the holiday tradition. The U.S. Census Bureau wants to change how it asks people about disabilities, and some advocates are complaining that they were not consulted enough on what amounts to a major overhaul in how disabilities would be defined by the federal government. Disability advocates say the change would artificially reduce their numbers by almost half. At stake are not only whether people with disabilities get vital resources for housing, schools or program benefits but whether people with disabilities are counted accurately in the first place, experts said. Some also question the timing of the change, which comes just as more people are living with new, long-term conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Census Bureau officials say the proposed change on its most comprehensive survey of American life will align the U.S. with international standards, allowing comparisons among countries. They also say it will better capture how disabilities occur in the real world, since they rarely fit neatly into stark yes-or-no boxes that don't account for variations or nuance. The bureau has spent time, money and energy trying to improve counts of racial and ethnic minorities who have been historically undercounted, but the statistical agency seems willing to adapt questions that will shortchange the numbers of people with disabilities, said Scott Landes, an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University. This, in my mind, is illogical, said Landes, who is visually impaired. There is a piece of me that thinks, 'How dare you to think that we don't count.' I get offended." If given final approval, the changes to the American Community Survey questions would be implemented in 2025. The ACS is the most comprehensive survey of American life, covering commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities and military service, among other topics. The statistical agency was asked to make the change by the National Center for Health Statistics and is accepting public comment on the proposal through Dec. 19. The existing questions ask respondents to answer yes or no if they have difficulty or serious difficulty seeing, even with glasses, or are blind; hearing, or are deaf; concentrating, remembering or making decisions because of a physical, mental or emotional condition; walking or climbing stairs; dressing or bathing; or performing everyday tasks because of a physical, mental or emotional condition. If the answer is ''yes," they are counted as having a disability. Under the proposed change, respondents would be allowed to answer most of the same questions with four choices: no difficulty, some difficulty, a lot of difficulty and cannot do at all. There are tweaks to the language of the questions, and the proposal adds a query on whether respondents have trouble communicating. But the most significant change involves the threshold beyond which people are determined to have a disability. The international standards being considered by the Census Bureau typically define a person as having a disability if they answer cannot do at all or a lot of difficulty for any task or function. During testing last year by the Census Bureau, the percentage of respondents who were defined as having a disability went from 13.9% using the current questions to 8.1% under the international standards. When the definition was expanded to also include some difficulty, it grew to 31.7%. Marlene Sallo said her degenerative spine condition presents difficulties on some days, but overall she is able to function on a daily basis, so she worries that she might not be considered as having a disability with the revised questions. Right now, its not inclusive and it will miss many individuals within my community, Sallo, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network, said last month at a meeting of a Census Bureau advisory committee, of which she is a member. Officials at the Census Bureau and the health statistics agency argue that the change will give officials better information and details about disabilities that can inform how services or resources are provided. Census Bureau officials had two conference calls with disability advocates on the subject this week. Forcing a dichotomy masks nuance, Julie Weeks, an official at the National Center for Health Statistics, said during a presentation last month. The terminology surrounding disabilities has evolved in recent years, moving away from labels that imply inferiority and toward more sensitive language that outlines the specific conditions or circumstances in which individuals or groups live. Disability advocates said the international standards were formulated without their input. Last month, the Census Bureau's National Advisory Committee recommended that the statistical agency not adopt the change until it meets further with disability advocates and researchers. The proposed change is grating to some advocates since it is occurring at a time when disability has grown to be an identity and a social movement, rather than just a function-based definition of someone's limitations. You can be proud of your disability and still not want the pain and symptoms of the conditions that lead to that disability. That is part of a shift in disability as a demographic group, said Bonnielin Swenor, director of the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center, who has low vision. There is a shift of view in disability pride and claiming disability identity as part of who we are ... not as a deficit," Swenor said. How states are helping residents with independent living disabilities How states are helping residents with independent living disabilities States with the most residents with independent living disabilities #10. Idaho #9. West Virginia #8. Ohio #7. Virginia #6. Indiana #5. Utah #4. Kansas #3. Illinois #2. Alaska #1. Wisconsin Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Infrastructure development firm Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific (AG&P) has defended the ongoing construction of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Philippines after some advocacy groups criticized a Japanese bank for investing in the facility. In a statement on Wednesday, AG&P said the planned natural gas import terminal in Batangas City is set to become the country's "first only full-scale LNG terminal." "The phased approach through LNG is fundamental to ensuring a stable, reliable, and equitable shift to 100% renewable energy sources that is vital for the Philippines' economic and energy security," it said. "Natural gas is a key component in this transition as it is a reliable and cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels," the firm added. However, AG&P claimed that NGOs Center for Ecology and Development (CEED) and Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) seek to derail the completion of the project, alleging that they have been hitting Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for backing the terminal. The company said efforts being launched by the groups could obstruct the government's environmental goals as well as impact jobs dependent on energy. "We stand with JBIC and other institutions committed to a reasonable and responsible approach to energy security and sustainability," it said. "We encourage CEED and allied NGOs to participate in constructive dialogue and collaboration, instead of pursuing actions that might hinder national advancement." Last week, Protect VIP filed a complaint at the Manila office of JBIC over alleged issues on cutting of coconut trees, land conversion, and environmental compliance linked to the construction works in the Batangas facility. Gerry Arances, executive director of CEED and co-convenor of Protect VIP, urged Japan to "lead by example in transitioning towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly future" given its position in the global finance sector. SUMY, Ukraine Whenever 52-year-old Anna is agitated, she senses the chilling touch of a gun barrel between her brows a haunting reminder of an encounter with a group of Russian soldiers on her street about a year ago. On that day, amid tears and screams, the soldiers threatened to kill her and her husband, fired bullets on the ground between their feet and then dragged her brother-in-law to an unknown location, apparently furious that he couldn't guide them to where they could find alcohol. Two weeks later, Anna's husband, who himself had been hospitalized previously because of heart problems, found his brother's body in the forest, not far from the village where they lived, in a Russian-occupied area of Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Two weeks after that, he died. "His heart couldn't bear it," Anna said. Alone and afraid, Anna sank into a depression. "I don't know how I coped with it," she says, repeating the phrase over and over as tears run down her face. On Nov. 22, she finally fled her home, joining a trickle of refugees on "the corridor," a 1.2-mile trek along a front line of the fighting that Ukrainians also refer to as the "gray zone," situated between the Belgorod region of Russia and Ukraine's Sumy region. Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of people have fled Russian-occupied areas over myriad routes. Now, nearly two years in, "the corridor" is their only option to cross directly into Ukraine. Allowed to move freely through Russian-controlled zones, most take buses to the corridor from homes throughout the country: Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in the southeast, Donetsk and Luhansk in the northeast, and Crimea, the southern peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. Once they get to the corridor, they must proceed on foot, traipsing through an open, treeless no man's land, the whir of artillery and the whine of drones from nearby battles echoing in their ears. They are warned before they go that no one will be able to guarantee their safety as they cross. Some travel with children or elderly parents. By the time they arrive in Sumy, they are exhausted, barely finding the strength to carry the few belongings they were able to grab before they fled. And yet, for many, to remain in the occupied zones is not an option. "Staying there is equal death for them," said Kateryna Arisoi, director of the nongovernmental organization Pluriton, which set up a volunteer-staffed shelter in Sumy. "They are struggling because of torture, kidnapping, killing. They simply cannot stay there." Civilians in occupied territories are detained for minor reasons, such as speaking Ukrainian or simply for being a young man, according to an an investigation The Associated Press conducted earlier this year. Thousands are being held without charge in Russian prisons and areas of the occupied territories. Ukraine's government estimates at least 10,000 civilians are detained. On both sides of the corridor, refugees are subjected to rigorous searches and questioning. On the Russian side, some, especially men, are not allowed to cross. Many are afraid and agreed to speak to the news media only on condition of anonymity. Anna declined to provide her last name for fear of repercussions against relatives who still live in the occupied area of her province. "They don't consider us human," Anna says of the Russian soldiers. Also prompting many to flee are new laws forcing residents of occupied areas to acquire Russian citizenship. A report by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University's School of Public Health says they must do so by July 2024 or they could be deported, including to remote areas of Russia. At the shelter, those who were able to avoid being issued a Russian passport speak with evident pride. No one speaks aloud about receiving one. The rate at which people cross the corridor depends on the weather and the situation at the front line. Recently, with temperatures steadily dropping ahead of winter, an average of 80 to 120 people have been returning daily, Arisoi said. She said the highest numbers were recorded after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this year, when about 200 people a day were fleeing. More than 15,500 people have passed through the Pluriton shelter since it opened in March, said Arisoi, herself a refugee who fled her home in the eastern city of Bakhmut after it was reduced to rubble and taken over by Russian military forces in May. "I also lost everything. ... I know the feeling when you lose your home, your life, your status, when you become like a zero," she said. Before the war, 73-year-old Halyna Sidorova left Zaporizhzhia city, where her children and grandson are located, to care for her elderly mother in a village outside of Polohy, another city in Zaporizhia province about two hours away by car. During the war, the two areas were divided by a front line that Sidorova could not cross, and she suddenly found herself in occupied territory, isolated from the relatives she had left behind. Sidorova made a decision. Shortly before her 93-year-old mother's death, she told her, "Mom, when you pass away, I'll stay here for up to nine days, come to your grave to say goodbye, and then I'll go home." When the time came, she silently packed her things, grabbed a walking stick, and embarked on the challenging journey: a full day's bus ride through other occupied territories and into Russia, where she set out on foot along the corridor. Sidorova told no one that she was leaving. Throughout the difficult journey, she found solace in a prayer. "I read the prayer the whole way ... the entire journey, even when falling asleep, I continued reading," she said while sitting in the shelter in Sumy. When she finally arrives back home in Zaporizhia city, Sidorova's journey will have taken her nearly full circle. Anna didn't decide to leave until her 10-year-old grandson's birthday. The boy had fled with Anna's daughter to Poland in the early days of the war. When Anna called to wish him a happy birthday, he said to her, "Why are you there? We need you." Less than a week after the call, she left. But the minute she departed, she was homesick. The journey was not easy. The weather was cold and she fell and bruised her knees while dragging a few bags containing her meager belongings. At the shelter in the Sumy region, she sits on a lower bunk, her head leaning against the edge of the bed above her. Still ahead of her is the trip to Poland. Adorning her frostbitten hands are two wedding rings: Hers on the left, her deceased husband's on her right. "I want to go home already," she says, her voice trembling. Upward of 20,000 Ukrainian amputees face trauma on a scale unseen since WWI The final Republican presidential debate before the Iowa caucuses may not happen. CNN announced last week it will host a Republican presidential debate in Iowa on Jan. 10 at Drake University in Des Moines, five days before the first-in-the-nation GOP caucuses. The debate would likely be Iowa voters last time to see presidential candidates in a head-to-head matchup before they cast their vote for their partys nominee for president in the Jan. 15 caucuses. Thus far, only Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has agreed to participate. Former U.N. Ambassador and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has not committed to participating, and Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are not on pace to qualify. Former President Donald Trump has skipped every GOP presidential debate so far and is not expected to attend future debates. To qualify for the Iowa debate, a candidate must receive at least 10 percent in three separate national and/or Iowa polls, CNN announced. One of those polls must be an approved CNN poll of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers. According to latest Iowa Poll released Monday from the Des Moines Register, NBC News and Mediacom, Ramaswamy was polling at a distant fourth place with 5 percent support among likely Republican caucusgoers. Christie, who has not campaigned in Iowa at all, was polling at 4 percent support. Trump polled at 51 percent, DeSanits at 19 percent and Haley at 16 percent. The CNN debate is the first one not sponsored by the Republican National Committee, which last week decided not to participate in further 2024 GOP primary debates, and allow candidates to attend non-sanctioned forums. "Since the RNC pulled out of the debates, many new offers have come in, Haleys campaign said in a statement. We look forward to debating in Iowa and continuing to show voters why Nikki is the best candidate to retire Joe Biden and save our country. That debate should include Donald Trump." Regarding the CNN debate, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said: We just need to figure out which debate makes most sense for us as we have a few options. DeSantis campaign has criticized Haley for being noncommittal on the prospect of a one-on-one debate with DeSantis, even as Haley has called on Trump to break his debate boycott. Haley, in response to a question about Trumps absence from the GOP presidential debates, told the Sioux City Journal it would be highly offensive to skip the Iowa debate: I dont think you get a pass when it comes to an Iowa debate. You cant go and hide when it comes to a debate in the state thats voting, she said. Referencing the most recent RNC debate, DeSantis spokesperson Bryan Griffin said: After that loss, it is no wonder why Haley has failed to confirm she will join Ron DeSantis on the debate stage in Iowa and New Hampshire next month." Previous GOP presidential debates brought Haley a polling boost, making her a target of sustained attacks in the last debate as her primary rivals tried to halt her rise as a plausible alternative to Trump for the partys nomination. Its a mystery as to why Nikki Haley would not take the only opportunity available to share her vision with Iowans days before the caucus, said former Republican Party of Iowa Co-Chair Cody Hoefert, who has endorsed DeSantis, said in a statement. Regardless, our state deserves this unique opportunity to host a nationally televised debate and voters deserve it, too. DeSantis has pinned his hopes on winning the Iowa caucuses, making the CNN debate pivotal for his campaign. He was set to field questions from Iowa voters in a CNN town hall Tuesday night at Grand View University in Des Moines moderated by CNNs Jake Tapper. CNN did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Since Israel launched its military campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas after the horrific attacks of Oct. 7, the situation on the ground for Gazan civilians has deteriorated markedly. Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate from the northern half of the Gaza Strip on Oct. 13, sparking a mass civilian exodus amid heavy aerial and artillery bombardment. As the ground campaign expanded on Oct. 27, it increasingly looked as if there was nowhere for civilians to go that was safe from violence. At least 17,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have already died, leading some activists and scholars to charge Israel with the grave crime of genocide. The genocide rhetoric is now flying in both directions. At a House Education Committee hearing on Tuesday in which Republicans grilled the presidents of Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania about antisemitism on campus, New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik pressed the claim that activists chanting From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free or even using the Arabic word intifada (which, according to my trusty Hans Wehr Arabic-English Dictionary, means shaking off or, more colloquially, uprising) constitute calls for genocide against Jews. With the ideaboth the word and the crime outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocidefront and center in debates, it is worth taking the time to think systematically about what this accusation means and how it fits with existing international law. The U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was crafted in the aftermath of World War II, as part of an effort to understand the Holocaust, prevent a recurrence, and offer a potential crime for which German officials could be held accountable. The existence of the convention is itself quite remarkable. The term genocide had been coined only a few years earlier, by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin, and his advocacy on behalf of the concept has to be considered one of the most successful efforts in world history to give real weight to a neologism. Advertisement Yet, from its inception, both the concept and the Genocide Convention were controversial and contested. During negotiations, the legal term was subject to jockeying from the major powers, who wanted carve-outs to avoid culpability for their own actions, past or planned. The final product was, therefore, both extremely narrow in what it defined as outside the scope of the convention, and maddeningly vague. I spoke with Ronan Lee, an independent research fellow at Loughborough University London, who called it a compromised document due to its inherent limitations.* Its a document of its time, he noted. Nevertheless, it was an important innovation. The very specific nature of genocide is that its a crime against a people, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main text of the Genocide Convention is brief. It defines the crime as intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such by way of five acts: Killing members of the group; Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Notably excluded from the definition of genocide were political or class groups, at the insistence of the Soviet Union, which did not want its leaders hauled before tribunals for the Great Terror, the Holodomor in Ukraine, or other Stalin-era mass killings. The Soviet view was that they were destroying classes, Lee argued. So class is not listed. This compromise made it more difficult to charge officials of Cambodias Khmer Rouge regime, which carried out a program of mass killing against its own citizens from 197579 but did not target any of the groups as such as outlined in the convention. Advertisement But the United States also contributed to limitations on the terms scope. I also reached out to Ohio State University sociologist and genocide expert Hollie Nzitatira, who noted that some countries, including the United States, wanted to exclude cultural groups so they, too, were ultimately excluded in the treaty. The bracketing of multiple types of potential mass killing has provided, over time, a variety of paths for wrongdoers to escape culpability. Advertisement Even more than who was left out of the convention, the question of motivation looms large. The bar of intent to destroy leaves out all manner of wartime and peacetime atrocities, like reprisals against civilians, the deliberate targeting of civilian neighborhoods during bombing campaigns, and even so-called campaigns of ethnic cleansing and expulsions, which have been a depressingly frequent occurrence in the postwar world. And the establishment of intent remains vexing for those seeking to hold the perpetrators of genocide accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Lee argues that the Nazis left a voluminous and unambiguous paper trail that established their intent to murder every Jew in Europe but that todays would-be genocidaires are savvier. Nowadays, people are aware of what the law is, he told me, and they are aware that intent to destroy is an issue that could get you hauled before the International Criminal Court. Nzitatira says, People often forget that intent can evolve over time and that there may not be a clear documentation of the intent of people implementing the genocide. Governments have also become adept at driving trucks through the treatys holes. Officials of Myanmar, for example, have long claimed that they are not targeting the countrys Rohingya minority as such but rather addressing a security threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no magic process that gets set into motion if a genocide is recognized as taking place. Countries that have ratified or acceded to the treaty are obligated to prevent or punish it. The international community has a better track record, to put it mildly, of punishment than it does of prevention. Since the convention entered into force, there have been multiple instances of violence that appear to clearly fit the definition, including the 1994 mass murder of ethnic Tutsis in Rwanda, the ongoing massacres and expulsion of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar and the 200305 killings in the Darfur region of Sudan. None of these atrocities were addressed in a timely fashion by the signatories to the convention, and some campaigns that arguably meet the definition, like Chinas mass detention of its Uyghur minority and other crimes against civilians that remain free, are ongoing without much sign of active contestation from other countries. Advertisement In addition to those limitations, the Genocide Convention is also misunderstood in a variety of ways. Both Nzitatira and Lee emphasized that there is much more to genocide than mass killing. Lee noted, You can have genocide very clearly without an obvious mass-killing element. It might involve removing children from the group. It might involve a repression of their ability to express themselves in religious terms or in terms of language. Nzitatira said, Raphael Lemkin created the term to try to encapsulate destruction of essential foundations of life. This destruction can involve the eradication of language or culture. She added, The harms brought by the eradication of culture are very hard to quantify, but they are no less important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also no magic process that gets set into motion if a genocide is recognized as taking place. Nzitatira says that this trips up people who think that declaring genocide will trigger intervention and that government officials are reluctant to use the term, because they believe that it will obligate them to launch some kind of intervention. She noted, Nothing officially dictates that states must intervene in ongoing genocidal violence, and efforts at creating norms to encourage interventionlike the Responsibility to Protectare far from accepted. Lee points out that in some ways the convention has created the worst of both worlds, in that governments are reluctant to act until the threshold is reached. However, he says, Myanmar has shifted its behavior in response to a 2020 ruling from the International Court of Justice demanding that the government stop committing acts of genocide against the Rohingya. Advertisement Several scholars have noted their frustration with the recent focus on genocide, even beyond as it relates to the war in Israel and Gaza. To them, the attention has crowded out the importance of other war crimes and crimes against humanity. Nzititara says, Within scholarly circles, there is actually a move away from the term genocide because it can be so politicized and because the crime of genocide has been positioned as the crime of crimes. Lee thinks that fixating on the niceties of the convention is somewhat beside the point. I think the only people that really get it in their mind about whether or not a potential perpetrator is going to meet the threshold of the convention are government policymakers at a fairly high level. I actually think governments respond to public opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Lee, the question is whether the public is uneasy with what it is seeing; if so, it is going to demand action, whether that is under the strict rubric of the Convention or not. Nzititara concurred: Situations of extreme violence should not need a fancy label to spur people to action. In a recent appearance on The G-Word: A Podcast on Genocide, City College of New York professor A. Dirk Moses argued, The threshold for that which is shocking and unbearable should be lowered considerably. In doing so, he added, this would implicate many of us in ways we might not expect, pointing to the Saudi war on Yemen and American support for it as an example of what should be considered unacceptable but flies under the radar due to genocides position as the only atrocity that tends to compel international action. Advertisement Advertisement And speaking only for myself, it is possible to find Israels uprooting of the entire civilian population of northern Gaza under conditions of mass deprivation and violence to be a shock to the human conscience without thinking that it meets the narrow standards of the Genocide Convention. In the all-or-nothing world of genocide discourse, many actions that are in fact illegal according to other statutes and conventions get shunted aside in favor of accusations of genocide, which are thought to carry with them a greater obligation for response than do violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which clearly prohibits, among several other things that Israel could plausibly be held accountable for, laying siege to civilian hospitals and their personnel and forcible evacuation of civilians from a conflict zone without proper accommodation, as well as the maintenance of satisfactory conditions of hygiene, health, safety and nutrition for the displaced. In a 2005 article, international lawyer Peter Quayle wrote, Not all extreme atrocity need be, legally, genocide. Instead they are, more likely, crimes against humanity. These crimes have an underrated descriptive power and a legally provable definition. Advertisement Related From Slate Jews Centuries-Old Arguments Over Chanukah Foreshadowed Their Arguments About Israel Read More Where does that leave us with the tragedy unfolding in Gaza? It should be fairly obvious that protestors chanting a slogan (From the River to the Sea) that they insist means not an ethnic cleansing of Israeli Jews but a call for the establishment of a single, binational state for Jews and Palestinians is very much not a call for genocide. You can even find that phrasing distasteful or counterproductive, but trying to hang the word genocide on it, and to punish anyone who uses it, is tendentious. For anyone wishing to protect Israeli Jews, rather than chase after whoevers using the slogan, better to keep the focus on Hamas, whose genocidal intent in both word and deed is close to indisputable. Advertisement Advertisement As for Israel, it is getting increasingly difficult to argue that the military campaign in Gaza is not deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. That is especially true in the absence of any stated plan from the Israeli government to resettle the uprooted and devastated civilian population back in their homes, which have been mostly destroyed, and in light of ominous statements from Israeli officials, like Agriculture Minister Avi Dichters insistence that the war will result in Gaza Nakba 2023, a reference to the term Palestinians use to describe the mass displacement of Palestinian civilians during the 194849 war that established Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Using genocide in the context of this particular conflict, though, does come with significant political downsides. For one thing, even many liberal Jews in the United States find this usage to be a stretch. Political scientist Dov Waxman, the director of the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, wrote in mid-October that leaping to an accusation of genocide at that stage was tantamount to emptying it of all meaning, and that while there are worrisome signs of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, in order for our warnings about this frightening possibility to be taken seriously, we must avoid making unsubstantiated charges of genocide. Genocides association with the singular crime of the Holocaust also complicates any effort to apply its terms to the Israeli government. Advertisement Beyond that, charging genocide against the Israeli government has also invited bad-faith counteraccusations from the political right, leveled not just at college students but also at, for example, anti-Zionist Jews or peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters. It may be such a loaded term, in other words, that it obscures the nature of ongoing crimes, leads to an exhausting debate that calcifies rather than moves public opinion, and gives unnecessary ammunition to those who believe that Hamas atrocities justify anything Israel chooses to do in Gaza. Pro-peace activists might be wise to choose another framework if the goal is to bring as swift as possible an end to civilian suffering in Gaza. Likewise, those like the members of Congress who use the word genocide as a cudgel to foment rage and invite opprobrium (in this case on college presidents) should know that their looseness with the term makes it all the more accessible to those they seek to punish. Meeting accusations of genocide with hysterical hypotheticals in the opposite direction is a terrible way to present oneself as the more credible authority on what it is and what it is not. This is part of Opening Arguments, Slates coverage of the start of the latest Supreme Court term. Were working to change the way the media covers the Supreme Court. Support our work when you join Slate Plus. The Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to consider a challenge to access to mifepristone, the first drug used in medication abortion, teeing up the most important dispute over reproductive rights since Roe v. Wades reversal in June of 2022. Based on the narrow scope of the issue the court ultimately agreed to hear, there is good reason to believe that a majority of justices will quash the case by deciding that the plaintiffs had no business suing in the first place. Such a decision, which will come down months before the 2024 election, will probably be hailed as proof of the high courts sober moderation. It will, in reality, prove no such thing. Rather, that outcome would leave the smoking wreckage of abortion access post-Dobbs intact, while pushing off, for now, its most unhinged expansion by a court below. More dramatically, such a move would leave open the possibility that a future Republican president could ban abortion nationwide without enacting a single new law by exploiting the puritanical Comstock Act of 1873. If, while protecting access to medication abortion, SCOTUS opts to keep this loaded gun on the table, then the legality of abortion in all 50 states will very much be on the ballot next year. In the United States today, most abortion patients use medication to terminate their pregnanciesa protocol that begins with mifepristone, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2000. (Its used in combination with misoprostol, which can also terminate a pregnancy on its own.) More than 100 scientific studies have proven that this protocol is extraordinarily safe and effective; safer even than commonly used drugs like Tylenol, Viagra, and antibiotics. The risk of complications from a medication abortion is very low. Initially, the FDA forced patients to visit the doctor three times over the course of treatment. By 2016 and 2021, however, the agency had relaxed this requirement, and today, it allows providers to prescribe the medication via telehealth and have it mailed to patients, and no in-person visit is required. (It is, of course, generally illegal to provide these drugs in states that have banned abortion.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Lie at the Heart of Overturning Roe Is Now in Plain Sight Read More After the Supreme Court overturned Roe, Alliance Defending Freedoma far-right law firm that opposes all abortion accessfiled a lawsuit designed to pull mifepristone from the market across the U.S. To create a plaintiff, ADF helped establish the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a group of doctors vigorously opposed to reproductive rights. This organization was deliberately incorporated in Amarillo, Texas, so it could bring its suit before the lone federal judge who sits in Amarillo: Matthew Kacsmaryk, an extremist Donald Trump appointee who devoted his life to anti-abortion activism before joining the bench. Kacsmaryk, predictably, sided with the plaintiffs, revoking the FDAs 23-year-old approval of mifepristone in a decision that imperiled the whole biopharma industry by sabotaging the entire federal drug approval process. His ruling would have opened the floodgates to anyone objecting to FDA approval of any drug, for almost any reason, waltzing into court to block it. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit pared back his order but reimposed the old temporal requirements making the medication far more difficult to access. Then the Supreme Court swiftly froze Kacsmaryks entire decision by a lopsided vote. Months later, a defiant 5th Circuit ignored SCOTUS strong hint and tried again to reimpose the old, draconian requirements. So now the Supreme Court has entered the fray again, and will resolve the conflict by the end of the current term in June. Advertisement Advertisement There are good reasons to believe SCOTUS will chuck the case because the shady Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine and its members simply lack standing to sue and really always did. To let the plaintiffs into court, both Kacsmaryk and the 5th Circuit shamelessly butchered the law of standing, a lodestar of judicial restraint which requires a showing of imminent, concrete harm. To arrive at such a harm, the MAGA judges theorized the following chain of events: 1) A doctor with no connection to the plaintiffs prescribes mifepristone; 2) a patient takes the medication and suffers complications; 3) the patient seeks treatment from one of the plaintiffs; resulting in 4) the plaintiff being forced to complete the abortion; and 5) this treatment causes him trauma sufficient to establish standing. Advertisement Advertisement Never before has the Supreme Court held that a doctor faces a concrete harm under the Constitution by doing her job and helping a patient. But set that aside. The deeper problem is that the plaintiffs are merely speculating that on some unknowable day in the future, there is some statistical probability that theyll treat a mifepristone patient. And the Supreme Court has expressly rejected this stats-based theory of standing. By embracing it, both Kacsmaryk and the 5th Circuit flouted binding precedent. Advertisement Advertisement There is a very good chance, then, that the Supreme Court will say the plaintiffs never had a right to file this suit and toss it out. Weve seen hints to this effect already. After all, SCOTUS froze the lower court decisions shortly after they came down, an aggressive intervention that suggests most justices think the case is fundamentally bogus. Moreover, on Wednesday, the court sharply rejected the plaintiffs attempt to broaden their initial attack on mifepristone; a signal that its focused on standing rather than shoehorning its way to the merits. Its a smart bet that a majority is prepared to say that these plaintiffs have no right to sue, ending the cases complicated post-Dobbs issues at the starting gate. At that point all the energy that has led to one win after another for reproductive freedom in the ballot box can be dampened with false assurances that abortion is no longer under threat. Advertisement If a decision against the plaintiffs on standing happens, it may be only a stay of execution for mifepristone. Because the plaintiffs here dont just want to criminalize medication abortion; they want to ban all abortions throughout the country. In order to do so, they argue that the Comstock Act of 1873, a notorious anti-vice law, already outlaws access to reproductive care. One section of the statute makes it a federal crime to send, through the mail or any common carrier, every article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing which is advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing abortion. Taken literally, and read in isolation from other provisions, this section would seem to make virtually all abortions unlawful. Mifepristone is a drug that causes abortion, as is misoprostol, so mailing medication abortion (to a patient, or to a doctors office or pharmacy) would be a criminal offense. But so would the shipping of any article, instrument, or other thing used for procedural abortion. The basic medical supplies necessary to perform abortions in-clinic would suddenly become contraband, their suppliers subjected to criminal penalties. This ban would cut across state lines, applying to red and blue states alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that reason, conservative activists are already pressing the next GOP president to invoke the Comstock Act to ban abortion in all 50 states. They argue that, under the law, doctors, pharmacists, and medical suppliers commit a criminal offense, subject to serious prison time, by facilitating any abortion. There is good reason to resist this interpretation: In the 20th century, lower courts rejected it in a string of decisions to which Congress acquiesced, and the law has never been enforced to prohibit abortions that are permitted under state law. But conservative jurists, including Supreme Court justices, could easily topple this consensus and empower a future president to wield the Comstock Act as a cudgel against abortion access, threatening providers and suppliers with prosecution and imprisonment. Kacsmaryk embraced this sweeping vision of Comstock; so did several judges on the 5th Circuit, including the notorious troll James Ho, though a majority ultimately decided the case on different grounds. If SCOTUS knocks this case on standing grounds, theres no reason to believe that its decision will chill other Comstock-curious judges from adopting Kacsmaryks position someday soon. Advertisement For those drawing comfort in the fact that not-losing at the court constitutes the new winning, there are three important cautions to keep in mind. The first is the standard warning that not-losing on a baseless and indefensible lawsuit never moves the goalposts but invariably moves the Overton window. The second is that not-losing on standing while opening up the prospect of someday losing on Comstock in a case where plaintiffs can make a credible case for standing is a loss for abortion access nationwide. The final caution is that Dobbs itself is a disastrous loss for reproductive freedom. Just ask Kate Cox. A Supreme Court end-of-term surprise in which the headlines blare that the court protected abortion rights is nothing more than an election-year valentine for Donald J. Trump, his three Supreme Court nominees, and the Ken Paxtons of the world, who will all live to immiserate women another day, and the day after that. Dont make the mistake of being lulled into snooze in the same year Dobbs full viciousness is laid bare nationwide. Until every pregnant person in the country has equal access to reproductive freedom, were all still just choosing our own ending inside the same Handmaids Tale. This is part of Time, Online, a Future Tense series on how technology is changing prison. While serving 13 years in federal prison, I had many visions of freedom. I saw myself coming and going just like everyone elsetaking long trips to see my kids and spending time with my aging parents. I dreamed of big, exotic vacations, and also of small moments sitting on the front porch swing. On the inside, people spend a lot of time mulling over ways to make those visions come true. We walk the track on the recreation yard and sit at tables in the library dissecting new policies and debating ways to get to lower security levels or, most elusively, to get out. These conversations are happening in every prison, every day, all over America. Over the past few years, these conversations became my reality. I pieced together my prison puzzle and earned four months of home confinement from the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill signed into law in December 2018. It changed my life. I was able to earn time off my sentence and the privilege of serving a portion of my remaining time in the comfort of a family members homeas long as I wore a GPS ankle monitor. My first stop outside of prison was a halfway house, where I lived for almost two months under nearly constant supervision. On May 30, I was released from the halfway house to begin living in home confinement, the last phase and most sought-after form of incarceration. This came with an important condition: wearing a GPS tracker. Before I was allowed to leave, a staff member knelt down to fasten the clunky monitor on my ankle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was told to call in to the halfway house and report my arrival at my new residence. But the most important instruction I received as they fastened the monitor around my ankle came in the form of a warning. I was told not to tamper with it and not to allow the battery to die. That instruction was accompanied by an unspoken or else. And although there were no more corrections officers with keys and radios to monitor my movements, I still felt followed by an all-seeing, satellite-enabled eye. While driving from the halfway house to my brothers home, where I would reside for the foreseeable future, I felt an elation that I had long dreamed about. At the same time, there was a foreboding feeling that I couldnt shake; I couldnt ignore the new device that was securely strapped around my ankle. There was no sound or loud beeping, but I still felt as if I was tethered to the system. And I was. Advertisement There was a long list of restrictions that governed my life in this rebuilding process. My trips to Walmart or restaurants had to be input into the system and approved at least a week in advance. I had to call the halfway house when I arrived at my job and before I left, despite the fact that I was monitored by satellite 24 hours a day. These redundancies seemed designed as ready-to-deploy excuses to send me back inside. The threat of being returned to prison loomed large every time I left home. Advertisement When I was in prison, I wouldnt have blinked at these requirementsmost incarcerated people would give one leg and gladly wear the monitor on the other just to be free. But once the monitor was secured around my ankle and the conditions that came with it were fully explained, I started to feel the weight of my new world. Advertisement Advertisement Over the next few weeks, my new life began to take shape. The ankle monitor, which was a little larger than a deck of cards, became a part of my body. The tight strap began to dig into my leg, and the heavy box weighed uncomfortably on my ankle. Hoping to alleviate the pain, I folded a sock in half and wrapped it around my ankle beneath the monitor strap. I didnt think twice about it until two weeks later when I was called into the halfway house for an accountability check. During the security pat-down, a staff member saw the sock and accused me of tampering with the device and attempting to remove it. The agreement I signed when I first got the monitor apparently explained that doing so could send me back to prison to finish out my sentence. I could also be charged with escape. For a few tense moments, I watched the facility staff convene an impromptu meeting to decide my fate. I was relieved when they determined that I was not attempting to escape my digital prison, but in fact only seeking comfort in my confinement. After testing negative for alcohol and drugs, and before I was allowed to leave, the staff reiterated the tamper warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Complex Bargaining Process of Googling From Prison Read More On many occasions, I was woken up after midnight by phone calls from the facility telling me that I needed to charge my monitor. They were watching. My fear of returning to prison grew exponentially on a stormy night in July when my GPS monitor died during a four-hour power outage. I called the halfway house to assure them I had not tampered with the monitor but couldnt charge it until the power returned. They told me to expect a phone call every hour. But what if they didnt believe me? I felt nauseous. During the next major storm-induced power outage, I sought refuge in my brothers Dodge Ram truck, with my monitor plugged into a power inverter. Advertisement Advertisement Several times, staff from the facility came to my job to ensure that I was in fact on site. I cant begin to explain the level of humiliation I felt while co-workers looked on as I stood against a wall, pant leg raised, to have my monitor reset by a facility staff member. Co-workers who were in the dark about my situation were now seeing me in a whole new light. I sensed a difference in my working relationships each time it happened. One Sunday afternoon, I got permission to shop at a J.C. Penney at the local mall. While there, I received a phone call from the monitoring center. The voice on the other end came through over the loud noise of Sunday churchgoers and shoppers: Mr. Kinzer, where are you? I sat in dismay for what seemed like an eternity, asking myself why they were asking such a stupid question. Eating in the food court at the mall, I finally answered. The voice ordered me to go back to J.C. Penney. Again, there was an implied or elseapparently, I was only approved to go to J.C. Penney, and not the rest of the mall connected to it. I got up angrily and left the mall, making sure to call the facility to inform them that I was returning to my release residence. Advertisement I soon learned from another staff member that when a persons travel location is input into the system, its enclosed by an out-of-sight geofence. It reminded me of the invisible fences used to keep dogs inside open yards. I faced a similar situation as I waited on my date in the parking lot of a local bowling alley. The call came. I quickly returned to the inside of the bowling alley, just 20 feet from where I sat in my car. Through learned behaviorand for fear of shockthe dog, and I, never ventured outside digital borders. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, more than 57,000 people have been placed in home confinement since March 2020. Many thousands more are hoping to join their ranks. And while digital prison is better than its brick-and-mortar alternative, surviving in this gray space of freedom comes at a steep price. On Aug. 2, after two months, my monitor was removed. The or else that had loomed over my freedom like a dark cloud was finally gone. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Purchasing a car wash franchise grants the advantage of operating under a proven business model and leveraging a recognizable and trusted brand name. This alleviates much of the uncertainty associated with starting a business from scratch. Local and automatic car washes form a significant segment of a sprawling multi-billion dollar industry. Their role cannot be underestimated as they provide a service thats perpetually in demand, irrespective of the time or season. Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here The appeal of this industry is heightened by the fact that labor costs and other associated expenses tend to be relatively low. These two factors contribute to make it a lucrative venture, presenting an attractive and low-risk revenue model for potential investors. This fusion of consistent demand and low overhead expenses makes the car wash industry a perfect opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark in the business world. However, when it comes to making a foray into this industry, there are two principal options available. The first involves establishing a car wash business completely on your own. This route entails acquiring the necessary equipment, scouting for an ideal location, and managing operations independently. Small Business Deals The alternative is to franchise a car wash. This means youll be purchasing supplies, getting access to sophisticated machinery, and availing other essential services from an already established and successful business. The key is to identify the right franchising opportunity that aligns with your business goals and financial capabilities. If youre interested in adopting the franchising route and looking to make a strategic entry into this industry, the following section presents some of the best car wash franchises to consider owning. Our Methodology: The Best Car Wash Franchise Options In identifying the most promising car wash franchise opportunities for small businesses, we have evaluated various factors, each rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important). This ensures our recommendations align with both the financial and operational goals of entrepreneurs. Initial Investment and Fees: Importance 10/10 Clarity and affordability of the initial franchise fee. Overall investment requirements including equipment and real estate. Ongoing royalties and fees. Brand Reputation and Market Presence: Importance 9/10 Strength and recognition of the franchise brand. Market share and presence in target locations. History and track record of the franchise. Support and Training: Importance 8/10 Quality and comprehensiveness of initial training programs. Ongoing support provided, including marketing and operations. Accessibility of franchisors support team. Profitability and Financial Performance: Importance 8/10 Historical financial performance of existing franchise units. Profit margin potential and return on investment. Transparency of financial data from the franchisor. Operational Model: Importance 7/10 Efficiency and effectiveness of the operational system. Innovation in services and technology. Environmental sustainability practices. Growth Potential: Importance 6/10 Expansion opportunities within the franchise system. Market trends and future demand for car wash services. Potential for multi-unit development. Franchisee Reviews and Satisfaction: Importance 6/10 Feedback and reviews from current and former franchisees. Franchisee success stories and case studies. Franchisee turnover and retention rates. Legal and Compliance Aspects: Importance 5/10 Fairness and clarity of the franchise agreement. Compliance with franchise law and regulations. Support in navigating legal requirements These nuanced criteria are not just checkboxes but reflections of your business values, ambitions, and commitment to your entrepreneurial journey. By assessing each aspect thoroughly, youre not just investing in a franchise; youre strategically aligning with a pathway designed for long-term success. Best Car Wash Franchise Opportunities Here are 15 car washing franchise opportunities; each of these franchises brings its unique benefits and potential for growth and profitability. Franchise Name Franchise Fee Total Investment / Capital Requirement Unique Features Mr. Clean Car Wash $35,000 $2.3 to $3.2 million State of the art facilities and diverse profit centers Tommy's Express $50,000 $2 million (net worth), $1 million (liquid capital) 300 point process for franchise development Prime Car Wash $50,000 $3.5 to $6 million, $1 million (net worth), $300,000 to $500,000 (liquid capital) Interior lounge with coffee and snacks Oasis Car Wash Systems None Varies Supplier of car washing equipment Fleet Clean USA $30,000 to $75,000 $158,375 to $321,375 Mobile truck and fleet vehicle washing service DetailXperts $35,000 $88,500 to $195,000, $300,000 (net worth) Eco-friendly steam cleaning D&S Car Wash Systems None Varies Supplier of equipment and materials Green Shine Waterless $19,900 $22,000 to $50,000 Waterless car washing solution Ziebart Not listed $350,000 Wide array of services including detailing, paint correction, rust protection, and undercoating Superior Wash $15,500 $10,000 to $20,000 (working capital) Mobile truck washing Monkey Shine None $250,000 (net worth), $60,000 to $75,000 (liquid assets) Partner company for Grease Monkey Sonny's The CarWash Factory None Varies Supplier of car washing equipment Nanotek Not listed Not listed Eco-friendly mobile service Cactus Car Wash $45,000 $2.3 to $3.8 million Supports franchisees through every step of the process No H2O Up to $40,000 $150,000 to $200,000 Mobile on-demand service 1. Mr. Clean Car Wash Mr. Clean is one of the most commonly known brand names on the list. Franchisees also benefit from support for everything from site selection and training to advertising and supplies. The company is also known for its state of the art facilities and diverse profit centers. The initial franchise fee is $35,000. And the full investment is estimated between $2.3 and $3.2 million. 2. Tommys Express Tommys Express has been in the car washing business for more than 50 years, with a strong brand reputation and name recognition. The company utilizes a more than 300 point process to ensure every detail is covered during franchise development. In addition to helping franchisees with innovation, operations, and marketing, the company also hosts ongoing events and training. The initial franchise fee is $50,000. And the total net worth requirement is $2 million, with at least $1 million in liquid capital. 3. Prime Car Wash Prime Car Wash provides a more thorough experience than many other franchises. In addition to the self-serve features of other franchises, Prime also offers an interior lounge with coffee and snacks. And customers can even enjoy personal service from team members. The initial franchise fee is $50,000. And the company estimates the total investment between $3.5 and $6 million. Franchisees are also required to have at least a $1 million net worth, with between $300,000 and $500,000 in liquid capital. 4. Oasis Car Wash Systems Oasis Car Wash Systems is a supplier of car washing equipment. Since its not a traditional franchise program, theres no specific fee to get started. And business owners dont receive the depth of support and training they might get with other options. However, the company does provide ROI analysis and resources to investors who are considering the car wash industry. And their products, which feature everything from touchless to self-serve systems, can help you get up and running quickly. 5. Fleet Clean USA Fleet Clean is a mobile truck and fleet vehicle washing service. Unlike many other car washing businesses, the target customer for this franchise is other businesses, which can lead to efficiency and high profitability. But that can make the income even more stable and recession proof. It also doesnt require a dedicated location. So the barrier for entry is fairly low. The initial franchise fee ranges from $30,000 to $75,000. But the total initial investment ranges from $158,375 to $321,375. 6. DetailXperts DetailXperts is a car and truck detailing franchise with an eco-friendly twist. The company uses steam cleaning to get vehicles sparkling clean without tons of chemicals. They offer detail shops and mobile units. So there are flexible business options for franchisees to consider. The franchise fee is $35,000. And the total upfront investment ranges from $88,500 to $195,000. Franchisees need a net worth of at least $300,000. 7. D&S Car Wash Systems D&S Car Wash Systems is a supplier of equipment and materials for car washes. As such, there are no traditional franchise fees to get started, and this can lead to high profitability. However, the company provides a wide array of options to help those who want to open car wash businesses. They also offer assistance for things like site selection, financing, graphics, and rehabbing for those who already own a car wash. 8. Green Shine Waterless Green Shine Waterless provides an eco-friendly franchise car washing solution. The company utilizes innovative technology to clean vehicles without water. The company offers two business models one mobile, and the other set up in a specific location like a parking lot. As such, costs tend to be pretty low. The franchise fee is $19,900. And the total costs can range from $22,000 to $50,000. 9. Ziebart Ziebart offers a wide array of services, including detailing, paint correction, rust protection, and undercoating. This usually means more staffing. But it also includes diversified profit opportunities. The company has been around for 60 years and has more than 1,200 units around the world, so theres a strong brand reputation in place. The company does not list a franchise fee on its website. But it estimates the total investment at around $350,000. 10. Superior Wash Superior Wash is one of the industry leaders, with more than 80,000 vehicles washed each week throughout the country. The company offers mobile truck washing, which is a fairly steady and recession proof business. The franchise fee is $15,500. And the company also has a working capital requirement of $10,000 to $20,000 when getting started. 11. Monkey Shine Monkey Shine is a partner company for Grease Monkey, the popular oil and lube franchise. It is offered as an add-on to Grease Monkey franchises. These stores utilize automatic wash bays. So businesses can keep labor costs down and earn money 24/7. Theres no franchise fee associated with the addition. You just need to have a net worth of at least $250,000 and $60,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets. 12. Sonnys The CarWash Factory Sonnys is a supplier of car washing equipment. But the company also provides resources for those interested in opening car wash businesses. This includes a carwash college, investment guides, signage, and consulting. The car wash startup costs vary depending on the equipment and resources you choose. But theres no traditional franchise fee. 13. Nanotek Nanotek is an Australian based carwash franchise opportunity that also has locations internationally. Formerly ecowash mobile, the company provides mobile service thats known for being eco-friendly. The website does not provide fees or financial information about franchises. But you can reach out to the company to inquire. 14. Cactus Car Wash Cactus Car Wash currently operates multiple franchises throughout Georgia and North Carolina. The company works with franchisees throughout every step of the development process and once the business is set up. The franchise fee is $45,000. And startup costs range from $2.3 to $3.8 million. 15. No H2O No H2O describes itself as the Uber of car washing. The franchise offers on demand service through a mobile app to systemize the delivery of efficient car washing service. Since its a mobile business, it also comes with flexibility and low operating costs. The franchise fee is up to $40,000. And the total upfront investment ranges from about $150,000 to $200,000. How Much is a Car Wash Franchise? The investment necessary to set up a car wash business varies greatly and can range anywhere from a modest $50,000 to a whopping $3.5 million. The scale of this investment primarily depends on the specific business model chosen. For instance, Mobile businesses, which merely require trucks and portable equipment instead of a dedicated, static location like an automatic car wash franchise, tend to fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum. However, if youre eyeing a more elaborate setup involving large-scale equipment, land procurement or leasing, and potentially even building a custom facility, youre looking at expenses in the $2 to $3 million ballpark. How Profitable is a Car Wash? The profitability of a car wash franchise can be quite impressive. One of the driving factors behind this is the generally low labor costs associated with the operation of these businesses. Further, the potential for constant revenue generation is substantial if you opt for an automatic service model, allowing you to bring in money round the clock. In the context of more traditional car wash models, the earnings can range between $1,200 and $1,500 per month for each bay. Taking into account factors such as the size of the car wash facility and its location, these earnings could translate to annual profits anywhere between about $80,000 and $800,000. How Do You Start a Car Wash? If you want to know how to start a car wash business, you must do the following: Learn about the car wash industry Conduct market research to size the local opportunity Develop a business plan Identify and acquire the car wash equipment and technology you will need Find a location, and build or remodel a structure Market your business Starting a car wash franchise, like any business venture, involves various intricate steps that can consume a considerable amount of time. Owing to this complexity, many aspiring owners opt for a franchise model. Engaging with a franchisor provides you with a significant head start, aiding you with the foundational elements that are critical to the successful establishment of a business. Investing in a franchise can be likened to acquiring a business in a box. As the franchisee or business owner, you will undoubtedly have a significant amount of work to do to ensure the business thrives. However, with the robust support provided by the franchisor, you can hit the ground running. This allows you to shift your focus more rapidly towards crafting an exceptional car wash experience for your customers, enhancing customer satisfaction, and thereby accelerating the growth of your business. Building new connections with prospective clients is not just a necessary activity, but it can be pivotal for the success and longevity of a small business. Traditionally, handing out physical business cards during networking events has been an effective strategy. However, in todays digital era, the trend is shifting towards using digital business cards, which are proving to be an even more effective and versatile tool for networking and client engagement. After rigorous research and meticulous comparisons, weve compiled a list of the best digital business card apps. These resources can assist you in crafting a unique and representative digital electronic card that encapsulates the essence of your business and presents it in a compelling manner. What is a Digital Business Card? A digital business card, also known as a virtual business card, is a modern take on the traditional business card. Its essentially a digital file, usually a cloud-based record, that houses crucial contact details, a direct link to your business website, and social media accounts, serving as a one-stop access point for your businesss digital presence. The content of a electronic business card is highly customizable according to the businesss needs and owners preference. Some opt for a simple layout with basic contact details, while others prefer a more comprehensive approach, incorporating elements like user biographies, professional photographs, geo-location, and other relevant information. This flexibility allows the business card to provide a broader view of the business. Sharing a virtual business card offers flexibility with several easy-to-use options. You can integrate it in your email through attachments or signatures. Another option is to share the URL of your digital business card via text messages for easy access. You can also generate a QR code for your card that allows prospects to save it directly to their devices with a simple scan. Some digital business card apps even offer the option of sharing cards through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This feature can be incredibly convenient, allowing contactless sharing of your digital business card whenever both devices are NFC-enabled and in close proximity. Small Business Deals Here are the key benefits of sharing digital business cards: They are cheaper than paper business cards. You can easily distribute them. Digital business card creation takes just a few minutes. You can easily update information on digital cards. As an added bonus, digital business cards contribute positively towards environmental sustainability. Unlike their paper counterparts, they leave no physical waste, making them a greener alternative in our pursuit of more eco-friendly business practices. Digital Business Cards in 2023 The use of digital business cards is growing rapidly. According to a report from Market Research Future, the global digital business card market is predicted to touch USD 242.3 Million at an 11.2% CAGR by 2027. So you can expect more small business owners to use digital business cards in 2023. Our Methodology: The Best Digital Business Card Options In todays fast-paced digital world, traditional business cards are giving way to digital versions. Not only are digital business cards more eco-friendly, but they also offer seamless sharing, dynamic content, and easy updates. For entrepreneurs stepping into this modern era, choosing the best digital business card option is vital. In our search for the most effective digital business card solutions for small businesses, we have carefully considered a range of factors. These criteria are rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), ensuring that our recommendations align with the modern networking and professional needs of entrepreneurs. Ease of Use and Accessibility: Importance 10/10 Simplicity in creating and customizing digital cards. User-friendly interface for both creators and recipients. Accessibility on various devices and platforms. Design and Customization Options: Importance 9/10 Variety of templates and design choices. Flexibility to incorporate brand elements like logos and colors. Options for adding multimedia elements (videos, links). Sharing Capabilities: Importance 8/10 Ease of sharing across multiple channels (email, social media, QR codes). Integration with networking platforms and contact management systems. Ability to update shared cards remotely. Networking and Integration Features: Importance 8/10 Features to facilitate networking and follow-ups. Integration with CRM systems and other business tools. Analytics and tracking of card interactions. Privacy and Data Security: Importance 7/10 Measures to protect user data and privacy. Compliance with data protection laws and regulations. User control over shared information and privacy settings. Pricing and Subscription Models: Importance 6/10 Affordability and value for money. Clarity and transparency in pricing structures. Availability of free versions or trial periods. Customer Support and Resources: Importance 5/10 Availability of customer support for troubleshooting. Access to resources like tutorials and FAQs. Community support and user forums. Scalability and Flexibility: Importance 5/10 Suitability for businesses of different sizes. Adaptability to evolving business needs. Options for bulk creation and management for teams. By taking these crucial factors into account, we strive to provide you with insights into the most efficient and effective digital business card services available, tailored to meet the dynamic needs of modern entrepreneurs. What is the Best Digital Business Card Maker in 2023? If youre seeking the premier digital business card maker in 2023, consider Popl, Linq, and QRcard. Popl offers an assortment of NFC products, Linq excels as a networking tool, and QRcard creates efficient QR-code-based cards. However, the best choice will depend on your specific business networking goals. Whether you require versatile NFC products, a powerful networking platform, or swift QR Code access, each platform has unique offerings. By exploring these options in-depth, you ensure an informed decision aligning with your business needs, boosting your networking capabilities effectively. The 11 Best Digital Business Card Makers in 2023 We have listed leading digital business card creators below to help you pick the best option to create a digital business card for your business. 1. Popl A leading digital business card creator, Popl helps individuals and teams make beautiful digital business cards that can be shared in multiple ways. The company offers many NFC products to make digital card sharing easier. You can get a card, wristband, badge, and other options. Key Features: You can instantly share information (contact info, social media accounts, payment apps, videos, and files) by tapping, scanning, or sending. Popl enables you to capture leads from your profile. Then, you can favorite, group, sort, and manage all those leads in Popl itself. You can easily export captured leads to your favorite CRM. Popl can be directly integrated with Zoho, Salesforce, Hubspot, and many other CRMs. Popl solutions can help you grow faster by allowing you to easily make more connections, capture more leads, and generate more sales. Popl offers 24/7 one-on-one customer support to help business owners design perfect digital business cards. Pros: Popl offers mobile business cards with excellent NFC capabilities. The company also allows you to have both physical business cards and digital business cards. You can easily update information on your digital business cards. Cons: Popl offers various digital business card solutions with many advanced features. But these features come at a cost. So you should be ready to buy a subscription plan to use advanced features. Pricing: Popl offers a free plan that allows you to create one free digital business card. Its paid plans start from $6.49 per month, billed annually. Popl also offers a 14-day free trial to try its various paid plans. 2. Blinq If you want to leave a lasting impression on people you meet in a networking event, sharing a Blinq electronic business card can do the trick. Used by leading companies such as Google and Uber, Blinq digital business cards are easy-to-create. And you will have multiple ways to share your digital business card. From the Apple Watch app to smartphone widgets to NFC cards, you have various ways to let people grab your contact details and other related information. Key Features: There is no need to take your phone out of your pocket to share your digital visiting card. You can share your card right from your Apple Watch. You can easily customize your business card with your company logo and color scheme to maximize the success of your marketing efforts. You can add your business card to the virtual background of Zoom and MS Teams. Blinq focuses on the privacy and security of its clients data. So you will have secure sharing of contact information and other related details. Pros: There is no cap on card sharing. So you can share an unlimited number of cards to grow your network. It comes Apple Watch app to share QR codes with prospective customers. You can add notes to your contacts cards to make them more memorable. You can create dynamic email signatures. Cons: Blinq doesnt have the option to print paper business cards with dynamic QR codes on them. But you can download Blinq dynamic QR code and print it on a paper card with a provider of your choice. You may feel Blinq lacks color customization options. You cannot add videos to your business cards. Pricing: Blinq plan for business starts from $5.99 per card per month (three card minimum). All plans come with a 30-Day free trial. For individuals, Blinq also offers a free plan. 3. Beaconstac If you are looking for digital business cards with easy QR code functionality, Beaconstac is the right company for you. And the best part is you dont need an app to share Beaconstac digital business cards. You can share these cards via Apple or Google Wallet. Key Features: The company emphasizes the security of its clients. Its solutions are SOC-2 Type 2 & GDPR compliant and support multi-factor authentication. You can centrally manage your cards as an admin and enforce brand templates. You can integrate it with your favorite CRM software. Beaconstacs digital business cards can be integrated with 5000+ CRMs and HR tools. Beaconstac business cards allow you to track how often your prospects have checked out your business cards. Pros: The bulk creation feature enables you to create digital business cards in bulk in just two clicks. The company offers world-classed customer support to its clients. So you will not have difficulty creating powerful business cards to make an excellent first impression on your prospects. You can easily update your company information with the help of dynamic QR codes. And you can easily add custom colors, logos, backgrounds, and more to your digital business cards QR code. You can get a custom domain for higher plans. Cons: The starting plan doesnt support the bulk creation feature and many other useful features Some small businesses can find it expensive. Pricing Subscription plans start from $6 per user per month. You can contact the company for custom pricing if you are running an enterprise. Beaconstac offers a 14-day free trial. 4. V1CE V1CE is known to offer classy digital business cards. The company offers NFC-enabled cards with worldwide shipping. Moreover, you can order an iPhone NFC smart case with a message. This digital business card solution puts the power of a business card in the convenience of your phone. Key Features: The best thing about V1CE cards is you dont have to buy any subscription or use an app to start using a V1CE digital business card. You can choose a base material of your choice for your NFC card. The company currently makes physical cards in metal, bamboo, or plastic. You can take the help of inhouse-designers of the company to design your NFC cards. You can easily add, edit, and delete the information in your profile to share updated information on your NFC card. Pros V1CE offers stylish digital business cards that allow business owners to change their contact details in just a few clicks. You dont have to pay any monthly fee to use a V1CE digital business card. NFC cards will also have a QR code printed on the back, allowing people with older phones that dont support NFC to capture your contact details. Cons: As the company offers physical cards, there is no free option. So you have to spend money even to try the V1CE product. Sometimes, the product you want to buy might not be available. Pricing: V1CE offers NFC cards made of plastic, metal, and bamboo. So the price can vary, depending on the type of material your pick for your digital business card. Black PVC One card costs $70 (without discount). And the price of the Android NFC case is $51, while the iPhone NFC case costs $70. 5. Mobilo Mobilo offers multiple NFC options. You can pick an NFC card, NFC key fob, or NFC smart button to stick on the back of your smartphone. Its user-friendly interface allows you to customize your business card easily. Key Features: Your Mobilo digital business card comes with four powerful modesbusiness card, landing page, lead generation, and link to any URL. It allows you to track tangible results from your networking efforts. And leads you to generate will automatically be added to follow-up sequences. You can connect it to your HR system to automate on and off-boarding. Doing so will save you time and money. You can create unique email signatures of your team members with interactive QR codes included. Pros: You dont have to pay any subscription fee for using a digital business card for personal use. Buy an NFC product, and you are all set to start using your virtual business card. You can customize your digital business cards QR code to match your branding. You can update all your contact information on your card easily. And the changes are applied to your card in real-time. Cons: There is no free option available. If you want to try this digital business card solution, you have to buy an NFC card. Some business owners may find the landing page minimalistic, and adding a video is impossible. Pricing: Mobilo offers NFC cards made of various materials. So the pricing for a Mobilo business card depends on the type of card your pick. Mobilo digital card pricing starts from $4.99 (one-time cost) for personal use. And for a team of employees, the pricing depends on the number of team members. 6. Linq If you are a networking professional, Linq can be an ideal digital business card for you. Linq allows you to share information with prospects using a customizable page. Key Features: You can create multiple profiles for different settings under one account. You can set up reminders to follow up with new contacts. This feature will help you convert leads into customers. You can fully customize your digital business card to leave a lasting impression on your prospects. You can attach one or more profiles to multiple products. With LinqPro, you can embed videos into your card. Pros Linq offers a wide range of products to choose from, including tags, custom cards, badges, bracelets, and product bundles for networking and events. You can integrate Linq with 380+ CRMs. Linq offers real-time analytics to gauge the success of your networking efforts. It offers flexible subscription plans for teams. Cons: Some users may find Linq virtual business card app is not as intuitive as other solutions are. You have to pay a monthly fee to use advanced features, such as embedding videos, music, forms, calendar integration, etc. Pricing The price of a Linq product depends on the solution you decide to buy. Linq card pricing starts from $11.99. The networking bundle costs $44.99. 7. Haystack Haystack offers beautiful virtual business cards to make a great first impression. It is one of the worlds largest digital business card providers. With Haystack, you can drive traffic to your company website, social media, or other links. Key Features: Your Haystack card will have a unique QR code and a Unique URL. So you can share your Haystack card easily with anyone. Once your prospects have saved your business card in their phones, your name will display when they call you. This means your number will not come up as an unknown number. Your Haystack digital business card lets you add an email signature to any email client. Haystack emphasizes privacy and security. So you dont have to worry about data security. Pros: A free plan allows you to create unlimited cards and save unlimited contacts. A paid plan enables you to create a vanity URL for your business card. You can integrate the Haystack card with all leading CRMs. Haystack offers you analytics to understand how effective your marketing efforts are. Cons: There is no NFC option available presently. Only premium plans offer access to analytics. Pricing: The free plan of Haystack will meet your basic needs, and its business plan starts at $4,95 per month. For enterprise pricing, you can contact the company. 8. KADO Network KADO, as it claims, is an all-in-one networking and relationship science tool. It allows you to share digital business cards, receive business cards, and organize cards. KADO can help you capture leads and centralize your contacts. Key Features: With a KADO digital business card, you can edit colors to complement your branding. A KADO digital business card allows you to include the address of your office location, social media links, videos, and personalized buttons. KADO offers multiple options to share your digital business card. In addition to the mobile app, you can share your e-business card via QR code, widget, wallet, or email signature. KADO comes with an admin control feature that lets you fully control how your employees use their e-business cards. This feature will enable you to oversee analytics, privacy management, integration control, and more. Pros: It is easy to navigate through its user-friendly interface. So it will reduce the time your team would otherwise spend managing your contacts. The best thing about KADO is you can sync all your contacts to one place. You can integrate KADO with 1000+ CRMs. vCard feature allows you to share your contact details with your prospects even when your Internet is not working. Cons: A free plan lacks advanced features like personalized buttons, call-to-action, customized privacy settings, etc. Some small businesses may find KADO business cards costlier than other solutions. Pricing: KADO has a free plan with limited features. Its paid plan starts from $4.95 per month. The company also offers a free trial. 9. HiHello If you have just started your business and dont have money to spend on marketing and networking, HiHello digital business card is your best bet. HiHello free app is available on Android and iOS devices. Key Features: You can share your HiHello digital business card with your prospects in multiple ways, including QR code, Link sharing, Airdrop, NFC tag, Apple Watch, and many more. The business card scanner feature enables you to scan physical business cards and have the contact details added to your address book. And the best thing is human verification is done when you scan physical business cards to ensure you have the correct information. You can share your virtual business card by displaying a QR code on a virtual background during an e-meeting on Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet. Its professional email signature generator helps you create a professional-looking email signature that links to your digital business card. Pros: HiHello offers an easy-to-navigate dashboard to create and update digital business cards. You can include your photo, live photo or video, social media accounts, company logo, Yelp page, chat apps, and much more in your digital business card. HiHello app is the top-rated app on Google Play and App Store. So you can rest assured that youre using a trusted app. You can easily convert an NFC tag into a digital business card with the help of the HiHello app. Cons: It doesnt offer a bulk digital business card creation feature. Some small business owners can find analytics too basic. Pricing: A free plan allows you to create four digital business cards. For a business team of 5+ users, the pricing is $5 per user. And the Professional plan costs $6 per user. 10. Switchit Switchit is one of the best virtual business card providers. And the best thing about Switchit is that you can create one of the best digital business cards for your teams in just a few minutes. It also allows you to create reminders and set alerts based on day and time. This will help you better manage follow-up meetings with your prospects. Key Features: Switchit allows you to add a video/image, third-party content, and custom branding to your digital business card. With Switchits business card scanner, you can click a photograph of any business card and save the contact details digitally in Swtichit and your CRM. Switchit works with Salesforce and HubSpot. Also, you can add up to 18 social media platforms. You can add multiple contact numbers and URLs to your digital business card. This feature is helpful if you want to promote some products or services aggressively. Pros: You will have multiple ways to share your digital business cards, including QR code, Email, text, link sharing, etc. You will have the option to include branded themes in digital business cards. Switchit offers powerful analytics to track the success of your networking efforts. You can create professional custom Zoom background for virtual meetings. Cons: A free plan has limited customization options. Though Switchit offers good analytics to assess the success of networking efforts, this feature is available only in the business plan (topmost plan). There is no option to create an NFC card. A free plan doesnt have a business card scanner feature. Pricing: A free plan of Switchit doesnt offer features you will typically expect in a digital business card. So you will need to go for a paid plan to design a powerful business card. The premium plan of Swtichit costs $6.99 per month. 11. QRcard If you are looking for a digital business card based on a QR code, a QR card can be the right solution. With QRcard, you can create a lock screen image having your personal QR code. This will help you quickly share your digital business card without unlocking your smartphone. Key Features: You can share your business card without an internet connection. Just show your personal QR code to your prospects. All data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. Pros: QRcard comes with an easy-to-use interface. So you can create your digital business card in just a few minutes. You can use any photo as a background image for your personal QR code. Cons: You cannot integrate QRcard with any CRM. There is no powerful analytics available, so you cannot track the success of your networking efforts. You cannot create an NFC card. Pricing: A free plan allows you to add up to three contact details. But with a paid plan, you can add unlimited contact details. You will require to make a one-time payment of $2.99 for the premium plan of QRcard. How to Choose the Best Electronic Business Card If youre looking to choose the ideal digital business card app to create captivating virtual business cards, its crucial to consider several points: Know Your Goals Initiate your search for a digital business card maker by clearly defining your goals. Are you aiming to create an electronic business card just to disseminate your contact information, or do you aspire to utilize it as a strategic tool to bolster your networking efforts? Understanding your objectives will aid you in pinpointing the essential features you require. Check Different Digital Business Card Apps After formulating a feature list predicated on your objectives, start examining the various digital business card apps. Analyze their functionalities to ascertain which solutions are aligned with your specific needs and preferences. Compare Pricing Electronic business cards could come with monthly/yearly subscription fees or might entail one-time costs. Interestingly, some digital business card apps offer a free plan to create these business cards. Therefore, its crucial to contrast the pricing plans of various virtual business card apps, particularly those that provide the features you necessitate, ensuring you obtain the best value for your money. Read about Privacy and Security Always select an electronic business card maker that emphasizes protecting your privacy and ensuring security. Opt for an e-business card maker that employs encryption methods for your data and stores it locally for maximum security. Consider Reviews and Testimonials Never solely depend on the claims made by digital business card solution providers. Instead, make it a point to peruse reviews and testimonials on unbiased third-party sites to evaluate the actual performance and credibility of the e-business card company. Check Customer Support Options The last thing you want is slow or unresponsive customer service. Hence, ensure you choose a company that offers multiple channels for customer service, including chat, email, and telephone calls, providing a prompt reply to your queries. How to Make a Digital Business Card Even though not all digital business card apps are created with the same features, the fundamental process tends to remain the same for most digital business card makers. Step 1: Begin by installing your chosen digital business card app and logging into your account. Once inside, select an appealing digital business card template that you wish to utilize in crafting your unique virtual business card. Step 2: Your next step is to set up your personal profile by providing basic information about yourself. Usually, this includes entering your name, uploading a profile picture, adding a company logo, describing your professional journey, among other details. Step 3: Once youve completed your profile setup, you should input your contact details. These might encompass a contact number, website address, Google Maps location, and other pertinent information. Step 4: Subsequently, you can add in your social media links, a captivating video, an attractive image, or any other data that your digital business card maker supports. Additionally, you can customize the font and color to align with your branding. Step 5: After populating the essential data fields, you can select the specific features you want to activate, which could include URL domain, QR code template, lead collection, etc. Just follow the onscreen instructions to finalize your digital business card. And voila! Your professional and personalized digital business card will be ready in no time. Physical Business Cards Vs. Electronic Business Cards Physical Business Cards Electronic Business Cards Information Included Typically includes basic information such as name, contact number, company name, and title Can include more detailed information like social media links, videos, images, Google Maps, etc. Sharing Hand-to-hand exchange, requires physical presence Can be shared in multiple ways, including QR code scanning, link sharing, NFC tag tapping, email signature, and text messages; no physical presence required Analytics No analytical data available Powerful analytics provided to measure the success of networking efforts Updates Requires a new batch of cards for every update Real-time changes can be made via the digital business card app Cost Printing costs can add up over time, especially with updates Typically cheaper than traditional cards; many apps offer free e-business cards with limited functionality Popularity Usage declining in favor of electronic options Growing in popularity due to convenience, cost-effectiveness, and greater flexibility Electronic Business Cards Final Words Electronic business cards are swiftly gaining momentum in the contemporary business landscape, due to their numerous advantages over the traditional paper options. These electronic cards serve as a more environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, and convenient mode of disseminating contact details. With a wide array of customization options and the ability to incorporate an extensive variety of information, digital business cards have the potential to drastically enhance your professional networking experiences. Furthermore, digital business cards provide you with multiple avenues for sharing, thereby ensuring your prospects can access your details effortlessly. What is included when you send an electronic business card? When you dispatch an electronic business card, it encapsulates all the contact details and relevant information youve incorporated during its creation. Typically, a digital business card creator app allows for the inclusion of your photo, contact details, website links, social media links, videos, and more. However, its important to note that the extent of data you can include on your digital card can fluctuate depending on the service providers guidelines and features. What should be on a digital business card? A well-crafted digital business card should encompass vital contact details such as your name, business name, logo, phone number, email address, and website URL, as well as social media profiles. Additionally, it can be advantageous to include a call-to-action button to motivate recipients to take a specific action, such as scheduling a consultation, visiting your website, or even following your social media profiles. Are electronic business cards worth it? Absolutely! Electronic business cards are completely worth the investment. Digital business cards serve as an exceptional medium for exchanging contact information and cultivating valuable business relationships. In addition to being significantly more affordable than physical business cards, digital cards champion environmental sustainability. They also offer versatile sharing options, including email, QR codes, text messages, link shares, and more. Importantly, they can be seamlessly integrated with your CRM system, thus facilitating the conversion of leads into customers in a streamlined manner. Conclusion The use of digital business cards in 2023 presents an exciting and efficient alternative to traditional paper-based business cards. The shift towards digital business cards is driven by their cost-effectiveness, ease of distribution, and the ability to update information swiftly. As we look ahead, the global digital business card market is expected to continue its growth, indicating a rising trend among small business owners and professionals. When choosing the best digital business card maker in 2023, its essential to align your selection with your specific networking goals. Popl, Linq, and QRcard are among the top contenders, each offering unique features that cater to different needs. Popl, for instance, excels in NFC capabilities and mobile business cards, while Linq focuses on providing a robust networking platform. QRcard offers efficient QR code-based cards. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual requirements and preferences. By exploring these options and considering factors like pricing, customization, and integrations, you can make an informed choice to enhance your networking capabilities effectively. In summary, digital business cards are not just a modern replacement for paper business cards; they are a powerful tool for networking and client engagement in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, embracing digital business cards can be pivotal for the success and sustainability of your small business. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Looking for the best e-commerce suppliers is a crucial part of running an online business. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the right fit for your company. Continue reading to discover 40 of the top e-commerce suppliers for your online business needs. What is an e-commerce supplier? An e-commerce supplier is a company that provides products or services to online businesses. If youre thinking of starting your own ecommerce store, these suppliers can offer a wide range of options, from physical goods to digital products, and they play a crucial role in the success of an online store. E-commerce suppliers can help streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately increase revenue for businesses. Sell Your Business ChatGPT Prompts for Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here How do you find wholesale suppliers online? Finding the Search for suppliers on Google. This is a great way to find suppliers for specific products or services. Just type in the keywords related to your product or service, and youll be presented with a list of suppliers that come up in the search results. This is a great way to find suppliers for specific products or services. Just type in the keywords related to your product or service, and youll be presented with a list of suppliers that come up in the search results. Use online wholesale directories. There are a number of online wholesale directories that list suppliers from all over the world. These directories can be a great way to find suppliers for a wide variety of products and services. There are a number of online wholesale directories that list suppliers from all over the world. These directories can be a great way to find suppliers for a wide variety of products and services. Contact manufacturers directly. If you know the manufacturer of the product you want to sell, you can contact them directly to see if they offer wholesale pricing. If you know the manufacturer of the product you want to sell, you can contact them directly to see if they offer wholesale pricing. Attend trade shows. Trade shows are a great way to meet with potential suppliers and learn about new products and services. Trade shows are a great way to meet with potential suppliers and learn about new products and services. Join online forums and communities. There are a number of online forums and communities where you can connect with other businesses and ask for recommendations for wholesale suppliers. There are a number of online forums and communities where you can connect with other businesses and ask for recommendations for wholesale suppliers. Use social media. You can also use social media to find wholesale suppliers. Many suppliers have active social media accounts where they post about their products and services. You can also use social media to find wholesale suppliers. Many suppliers have active social media accounts where they post about their products and services. Ask for referrals from other businesses. If you know other businesses that sell similar products or services, ask them if they have any recommendations for wholesale suppliers. If you know other businesses that sell similar products or services, ask them if they have any recommendations for wholesale suppliers. Use a sourcing agent. A sourcing agent can help you find wholesale suppliers in specific countries or regions. Here are some additional tips for finding wholesale suppliers online: Be clear about what youre looking for. What products or services do you need? What are your price points? What kind of shipping terms do you need? Do your research. Once youve found a few potential suppliers, take some time to research them. Read their reviews, check their website, and contact them to ask questions. Compare prices. Dont just go with the first supplier you find. Compare prices from several different suppliers to make sure youre getting the best deal. Build relationships. Once youve found a few suppliers that youre happy with, take some time to build relationships with them. This will help you get better prices and service in the long run. Our Methodology to Pick the Best Ecommerce Suppliers In the world of online retail, the suppliers you choose are foundational to your businesss success. Whether youre a budding entrepreneur in the e-commerce sector or an established business looking to expand your product offerings, finding reliable suppliers can be a game-changer. However, the market is inundated with options, and each comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Small Business Deals To assist small business owners in selecting the most suitable eCommerce suppliers, weve carefully considered a variety of factors. These criteria, rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), ensure that our recommendations align with the diverse needs of online businesses. Product Quality and Consistency: Importance 10/10 High standards of product quality. Consistency in product offerings and stock availability. Quality control measures and certifications. Pricing and Profit Margins: Importance 9/10 Competitive pricing to ensure profitable margins. Transparency in pricing structures, including bulk discounts. Balance between cost and quality to offer value to customers. Reliability and Reputation: Importance 8/10 Track record of reliable order fulfillment and delivery. Positive feedback and reviews from other businesses. Stability and credibility in the market. Shipping and Logistics: Importance 8/10 Efficient and cost-effective shipping options. Capability to handle international shipping requirements. Packaging quality and branding options. Integration with eCommerce Platforms: Importance 7/10 Seamless integration with major eCommerce platforms. Automation of inventory and order processing. Real-time inventory updates and synchronization. Customer Support and Service: Importance 6/10 Responsive and helpful customer support. Assistance in resolving issues and answering queries. Language and communication compatibility. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ): Importance 6/10 Feasibility of minimum order quantities for small businesses. Flexibility in MOQ to accommodate growing businesses. Options for sample orders or low MOQ for new customers. Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Importance 5/10 Commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. Eco-friendly products and responsible sourcing. Transparency in supply chain and manufacturing processes. By taking a comprehensive view of each of these critical areas, we aim to guide you toward suppliers who can not only meet your immediate operational needs but also foster growth, scalability, and customer satisfaction in your e-commerce endeavor. Top E-commerce Business Suppliers Here are some of the best wholesale e-commerce platforms that can help you grow your own online store and improve customer satisfaction: Platform Description Alibaba Global wholesale trade platform for buyers and suppliers - One-stop sourcing with access to millions of products - User-friendly interface and mobile app for convenient trading - Fosters international trade relations eBay - Offers a wide variety of products and services - Includes wholesale items for bulk buyers - Millions of sellers worldwide provide an unparalleled selection - Go-to destination for online shopping Doba Instant access to millions of wholesale products - Exclusive product research and streamlined data management - E-commerce fulfillment services and educational materials to help retailers succeed SaleHoo Wholesale supplier directory with 8,000+ vetted suppliers - Over 2.5 million products available - Industry-leading market research tool and exclusive deals Wholesale Central Find wholesale suppliers and products without registration - Connect with verified distributors, importers, dropshippers, and manufacturers - User-friendly approach for exploring thousands of products - Maximizes profits and supports business growth The Thomas Network Connects industrial buyers to 500k+ North American manufacturers - Filtered searches and supplier comparisons for easy procurement - RFQ feature streamlines communication between buyers and suppliers Megagoods - Top drop shipping and wholesale distributor of consumer electronics - Vast selection of products with fast processing and excellent service - Trusted partner in the electronics industry Maker's Row Connects users with US manufacturers - Detailed search filters and factory profiles - Ability to manage production and access learning resources Made-In-China One-stop platform for international trade with Chinese suppliers - Millions of products and verified suppliers available - Trade facilitation services for seamless transactions DHGate Connects international buyers with Chinese wholesale online sellers - Offers quality products at low prices - Over 30M+ products in various categories - Secure buying features for peace of mind 1. Alibaba Alibaba is a global wholesale trade platform for buyers and suppliers. Their mission is to make business easy anywhere, with one-stop sourcing available anytime, anywhere. Whether youre a small business owner or a large corporation, Alibaba offers one-stop sourcing with access to millions of quality, consistent products, making business easy anywhere in the world. Their user-friendly interface and convenient mobile app allow buyers and sellers to connect and trade anytime, anywhere, fostering international trade relations. 2. eBay eBay offers a wide variety of products and services, making it easy to find what you need, including wholesale items. From electronics to fashion, collectibles to home essentials, eBay has it all, including wholesale items for bulk buyers. With millions of sellers around the globe, eBay provides an unparalleled selection for buyers seeking quality products at competitive prices, making it a go-to destination for online shopping. Its also easy to check user reviews and communicate with other users, with support available if issues arise. 3. Doba Doba offers instant access to millions of wholesale products, exclusive product research, streamlined data management, e-commerce fulfillment services, and educational materials to help retailers succeed. With instant access to millions of quality, consistent wholesale products, retailers can quickly add new inventory to their online stores. Their exclusive product research and streamlined data management tools further enhance the efficiency of managing a thriving ecommerce business. Additionally, Dobas educational materials provide valuable insights and strategies to help retailers succeed in the competitive market. 4. SaleHoo SaleHoo wholesale supplier directory offers access to over 8,000 vetted suppliers and 2.5 million products, as well as an industry-leading market research tool and exclusive deals. With access to over 8,000 vetted suppliers and a whopping 2.5 million products, it presents a goldmine of opportunities for business growth. Their industry-leading market research tool equips sellers with the necessary data to make informed decisions, while exclusive deals add extra value to their membership, making SaleHoo a top choice for online sellers. 5. Wholesale Central Find wholesale suppliers and products on Wholesale Central without registration. Connect with verified wholesale distributors, importers, dropshippers, and manufacturers to maximize profits. The platforms user-friendly approach allows buyers to explore thousands of products without the need for registration. Their verified wholesale distributors, importers, dropshippers, and manufacturers ensure secure transactions and reliable sourcing options. Whether youre a seasoned retailer or just starting, Wholesale Central offers a seamless experience to maximize profits and grow your business. 6. The Thomas Network Thomasnet.com connects industrial buyers to over 500k North American manufacturers, offering filtered searches, supplier comparisons, and RFQs in one click. The platforms filtered searches and supplier comparisons simplify the procurement process, saving buyers precious time and effort. Additionally, the RFQ (Request for Quote) feature streamlines communication between buyers and suppliers, fostering efficient business partnerships. 7. Megagoods Megagoods is a top drop shipping and wholesale distributor of consumer electronics with a great selection, fast processing, and excellent service. Their vast selection of products, along with their commitment to fast processing and excellent service, ensures a smooth and reliable buying experience for retailers and online sellers alike. Megagoods reputation as a trusted partner in the electronics industry has earned them a loyal customer base. 8. Makers Row Makers Row connects users with US manufacturers, offering search filters and factory profiles. Users can manage production and access learning resources. The platforms detailed search filters and factory profiles offer valuable insights into potential production partners. Moreover, the ability to manage production processes and access learning resources empowers entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life with confidence. 9. Made-In-China Made-in-China.com offers a one-stop platform for international trade between Chinese suppliers and overseas buyers. It boasts millions of products, verified suppliers, and trade facilitation services. With millions of products to choose from and a network of verified suppliers, the platform ensures buyers have access to a wide variety of high-quality goods that can be sold for high profits. Additionally, their trade facilitation services further simplify the import and export process, promoting seamless transactions between businesses across borders. 10. DHGate DHgate connects international buyers with Chinese wholesale online sellers offering quality products at low prices, with 30M+ products in various categories and secure buying features. Boasting an extensive catalog of over 30 million products in various categories, it offers a wide range of options for sellers and entrepreneurs. With secure buying features and quality assurance, DHgate provides peace of mind when sourcing products from overseas suppliers. 11. Kole Imports Kole Imports provides closeout purchasing, dropshipping, and FBA services. With 35 years of experience, it supplies wholesale general merchandise in various categories. Their focus on closeout purchasing, dropshipping, and FBA services allows retailers to access an ever-changing inventory of general merchandise. This unique approach enables businesses to offer their customers exciting deals on a wide array of products, keeping their offerings fresh and engaging. 12. Uniqbe Uniqbe provides quality global products, top-selling tech products, and marketing support to wholesalers. They assist drop shippers in mitigating risks and offer time and resource savings. Their strong emphasis on marketing support ensures that businesses can effectively promote and sell products to their target audience. Additionally, their tailored assistance for dropshippers helps mitigate risks and saves valuable time and resources in managing inventory and logistics. 13. ASI Partners ASI is a tech distributor in the US and Canada with 9 locations, carrying 150+ product lines. Theyre committed to performance, proven service, and partnerships. Carrying over 150 product lines, they cater to various industries, providing reliable performance and proven service to their clients. With a strong reputation, their focus on building strong partnerships further enhances the overall customer experience. 14. VR Distribution VR Distribution offers exclusive distribution of board games, toys, collectibles, and licensed merchandise with a knowledgeable team and a world-class warehouse. Their knowledgeable team ensures that retailers have access to the latest trends and sought-after products. With a world-class warehouse, VR Distribution is equipped to fulfill orders promptly and efficiently. 15. JDS Marketing JDS offers wholesale personalized gifts and wedding favors with engraving included along with fast service, no minimum orders, blind dropshipping, and a unique assortment. Their commitment to fast service and no minimum orders allows small businesses to thrive while catering to their customers unique preferences. The added benefit of blind dropshipping ensures that the retailers brand remains front and center in every transaction. 16. Born Pretty Born Pretty supplies nail polish and nail art products worldwide, with a US warehouse offering wholesale orders for salons and beauty brands. Their US warehouse provides a seamless and faster shipping experience for salons and beauty brands. With an extensive range of quality products, businesses can find everything they need to meet their customers beauty and nail care requirements. 17. USA Wholesale & Distributing USA Wholesale offers competitive pricing, 9000+ items, and outstanding service for B2B only. Approval for web access is required. With over 9,000 items available, retailers can curate a diverse inventory that aligns with their target markets preferences. Their dedication to providing outstanding service and support ensures a positive and fruitful business partnership. 18. Pure Source Pure Source is a leading contract manufacturer of creams, lotions, and supplements, with FDA, UL, and QAI certification, 24/7 customer service, and a state-of-the-art facility. With FDA, UL, and QAI certification, businesses can rest assured that they are sourcing high-quality products. Their 24/7 customer service and state-of-the-art facility further solidify their commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of their operations. 19. Bamboosa Bamboosa produces eco-friendly bamboo, Tencel, and cotton products in the USA, including baby essentials, socks, sleepwear, and more. Private label is available for selling your own products. Their diverse product range, including baby essentials, socks, and sleepwear, appeals to environmentally conscious customers. Moreover, Bamboosas private label option enables businesses to establish their brand identity and expand their product offerings. 20. Apparel Candy Apparel Candy offers quality wholesale womens clothing made in the USA, starting at $5.50 per unit. They also have off-price wholesale clothing for women. With a starting price of $5.50 per unit, retailers can access a variety of fashionable items for their stores. Additionally, their off-price wholesale clothing ensures that businesses can offer their customers trendy options without breaking the bank. What is dropshipping? Dropshipping is a business model where a retailer sells products to customers without keeping them in stock. Instead, the products are purchased from a third-party supplier who ships them directly to the customer. This saves the retailer time and money on storage and shipping. The retailer makes a profit by charging a higher price than it paid the supplier. In the next section below youll find dropshipping suppliers. Best Dropshipping Suppliers If youre looking to start a dropshipping business, here are some of the best dropshipping services to help get you started: 21. AliExpress AliExpress connects Chinese sellers to global buyers. Its popular for low-priced products, making it a great option for dropshipping, but be cautious of unreliable suppliers. It remains a favored platform for dropshipping due to its vast selection and low-priced products. However, its essential for buyers to exercise caution and thoroughly research sellers to avoid potential issues with unreliable suppliers. 22. Oberlo Oberlos dropshipping integrates with Shopify, offering a range of products, insights, and tools for entrepreneurs to launch and manage their online stores. Offering a wide range of products, valuable insights, and user-friendly tools, entrepreneurs can easily curate their product selection. This seamless integration empowers businesses to focus on marketing and customer engagement, driving growth and success. 23. Wholesale 2B Wholesale2B offers automated dropship solutions since 2004 with access to 1M+ products, integration with 100+ companies, and a 70-80% success rate. heir impressive 70-80% success rate ensures that businesses can establish profitable online ventures. With the convenience of automated dropship solutions, entrepreneurs can focus on growing their business without the complexities of inventory management. 24. Printify Printify enables users to sell custom on-demand printed products through online stores without upfront investment, connecting them to print providers and offering a wide range of features. By connecting users with print providers and offering a wide range of features, Printify streamlines the entire process, from design to shipping. This innovative platform opens up opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses. 25. Redbubble Redbubble is a free, easy-to-use online platform for artists to upload designs and sell personalized products to millions of customers worldwide. With millions of customers worldwide, artists have the chance to reach a broad market while Redbubble handles product fulfillment and customer service. This collaborative approach fosters a thriving creative community and supports artists in their entrepreneurial endeavors. 26. Zazzle Zazzle offers creators an opportunity to monetize their content and creative services, reaching millions of customers while handling product fulfillment and customer service. With a massive customer base, artists can showcase and sell their designs on a wide array of products. Zazzles efficient product fulfillment and customer service ensure a smooth buying experience for customers and a hassle-free selling experience for artists. 27. Printful Printful offers 339 customizable products with local fulfillment, custom branding tools, reliable quality, intuitive design, smooth automation, and no minimum orders. Their custom branding tools and reliable product quality allow businesses to create a consistent brand experience for their customers. With no minimum orders, businesses of all sizes can benefit from Printfuls services, making it a top choice in the print-on-demand market. 28. Fine Art America Fine Art America is a platform for artists to sell their prints, originals, and various products online. With marketing tools and fulfillment handled by the platform, artists can focus on creating their art while tapping into a large community of art enthusiasts and collectors. 29. Displate Displate is a free online marketplace for artists to sell their art on metal posters, earning a 50% commission on each sale. Theyve paid $25M+ in commissions to date. With their commitment to supporting artists, Displate has paid millions in commissions, becoming a favorite platform for creatives seeking to monetize their unique designs and reach a global audience. 30. Merch by Amazon Merch by Amazon is a print-on-demand service that lets creators upload designs for apparel, accessories, and more, with Amazon handling printing, shipping, and customer service. With Amazons vast customer base, creators can reach a wide audience while Amazon handles the operational aspects, making it a hassle-free option for selling customized products. 31. Dropshipper.com Dropshipper.com provides a vast online product database for businesses looking to expand their product offerings without holding inventory. By offering a seamless integration with e-commerce platforms, businesses can quickly add products to their websites and sell directly to customers, reducing operational overhead and increasing revenue potential. 32. National Dropshippers National Dropshippers offers wholesale-priced dropshipping of thousands of products from multiple manufacturers and distributors with personalized assistance available to members. Their personalized assistance ensures that businesses have the support they need to succeed in the dropshipping market, providing a valuable resource for online sellers. 33. Inventory Source This free US directory of 4,000+ wholesalers and dropshippers offers advanced search, full product data, and reseller info all in one place. Inventory Source simplifies the process of sourcing products for online businesses. Their advanced search, full product data, and reseller information streamline the product discovery process, saving retailers valuable time and effort. 34. Modalyst Modalyst offers e-commerce retailers a centralized platform to curate a unique collection of products from a marketplace of millions, with virtual inventory and unlimited dropship products. With virtual inventory and unlimited dropship products, businesses can offer an extensive range of products without the need for upfront investment. This flexible approach supports retailers in adapting to changing market demands and consumer preferences. 35. Spocket Spocket is a dropshipping platform that connects users to top US/EU products with up-to-date inventory, fast shipping, and exclusive discounts. No upfront cost or credit card is required. With up-to-date inventory, fast shipping, and exclusive discounts, businesses can offer their customers a reliable and exceptional buying experience. The absence of upfront costs or credit card requirements makes it a low-risk option for entrepreneurs entering the dropshipping market. 36. Yakkyofy Yakkyofy offers all-in-one e-commerce services, including sourcing, shipping, and warehousing with a luxury concierge service and a focus on reducing complexity and helping businesses grow. With a luxury concierge service and a strong focus on reducing complexity, Yakkyofy is dedicated to helping businesses grow efficiently and successfully. 37. Diecast Dropshipper Diecast Dropshipper offers fast, private-label shipping of die-cast model cars and trucks. They have a large inventory, brand-name items, and excellent customer service. Their extensive inventory of brand-name items and exceptional customer service make them a trusted partner for businesses specializing in die-cast collectibles. 38. Beauty Joint Beauty Joint distributes brand-name cosmetic products and beauty products through both wholesale and dropshipping options, customizable to your business needs. With customizable solutions to fit individual business needs, Beauty Joint supports entrepreneurs in building successful ventures in the beauty industry. 39. EK Wholesale EK Wholesale provides quality clothing for men and women to traders and independent stores. With dropshipping, integrations, automation, and personalized clothing lines, businesses can cater to their target markets fashion preferences while streamlining their operations. 40. Mod Made Mod Made is a contemporary furniture wholesale provider in Southern California with competitive wholesale prices and a unique selection. They prioritize excellent customer service and cater to businesses of all sizes. Their competitive wholesale prices and unique selection offer retailers the opportunity to curate trendy and modern collections for their customers, while their commitment to excellent customer service ensures a seamless buying experience. What are the best dropshipping ideas? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what the best dropshipping business ideas are, as it largely depends on your interests and the market demand. However, some popular niches include health and wellness, pet supplies, home decor, and fashion accessories. Its important to conduct thorough research and identify untapped markets for a successful dropshipping business. How can a beginner start dropshipping? To start dropshipping choose a niche, select a reliable supplier, create an online store, import products, set prices, and promote your store. If youre serious about starting your own e-commerce store, make sure to create a checklist for starting an e-commerce business that includes topics like ecommerce business insurance and taking a dropshipping course to learn how to start dropshipping effectively. Is dropshipping profitable? Dropshipping can be profitable if done correctly, depending on the demand volatility of your offerings. But starting a new business requires research, planning, and execution. With a low startup cost and the ability to sell products without holding inventory, dropshipping can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs surviving demand volatility. What is the best dropshipping supplier? There is no single best dropshipping supplier as it depends on your niche, location, and business needs. However, some popular e-commerce platforms include AliExpress, Oberlo, Worldwide Brands, and Spocket. Its important to research suppliers carefully, read reviews from other dropshippers, and test their products before committing to a long-term partnership. What is the best wholesale supplier? The best wholesale supplier is one that provides high-quality products at a competitive price, has a reliable and efficient shipping process, and offers excellent customer service. Researching and comparing different wholesale suppliers based on these factors can help businesses find the best fit for their needs. How do you find legitimate wholesale suppliers? To find legitimate wholesale suppliers, research various sources such as online directories, trade shows, and industry associations. Verify supplier credentials and request samples to ensure authenticity and quality. Checking supplier references can also help businesses work with trustworthy partners. Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. Electronic signature apps like HelloSign are becoming an important part of modern document management for small businesses. Digital signatures cut down on costs. Signing documents on the go reduces processing time. Whats more, clients are willing to provide signatures and send documents digitally. Consider a report saying that mobile ecommerce sales are expected to account for 54% of ecommerce sales this year. All good reasons to search for an excellent document management tool. The best electronic signature apps are listed here too. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here Our Methodology: The Best Electronic Signature Apps For small business owners, electronic signature apps are essential tools that streamline the contract signing process, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency. In choosing the top electronic signature apps suitable for small businesses, weve evaluated various factors crucial for efficient and secure digital document management. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), ensuring that our recommendations cater to the practical and legal requirements of businesses. Security and Compliance: Importance 10/10 Robust security measures to protect sensitive information. Compliance with legal standards like eIDAS, GDPR, and UETA. Audit trails and document tracking for legal enforceability. User Experience and Ease of Use: Importance 9/10 Intuitive interface for creating, sending, and signing documents. Accessibility across devices and platforms. Minimal learning curve for new users. Integration Capabilities: Importance 8/10 Seamless integration with commonly used business tools and platforms. API availability for custom integration needs. Synchronization with CRM, project management, and other systems. Customization and Flexibility: Importance 8/10 Options to customize signature fields and document workflows. Flexibility to handle various document types and formats. Branding options to include company logos and design elements. Pricing and Value for Money: Importance 7/10 Transparent pricing models without hidden fees. Scalable plans to suit businesses of different sizes. Value for money considering the features and services offered. Customer Support and Resources: Importance 6/10 Availability of reliable customer support. Access to training materials, guides, and FAQs. Community forums or support networks for additional assistance. Mobile Accessibility: Importance 6/10 Efficient mobile apps for signing on-the-go. Full functionality available on mobile devices. User-friendly design for small screens. Speed and Efficiency: Importance 5/10 Rapid document loading and processing times. Quick turnaround for sending and receiving signed documents. Efficiency in managing multiple documents and signatories. By meticulously evaluating these aspects, we aim to recommend electronic signature apps that not only simplify the signing process but also bolster the operational efficiency of a small business. Choosing the Right e Signature App You need to choose the right electronic signature app for important documents. Here are some of the best. Remember to look for the products with mobile app capabilities. Like HelloSign. Small Business Deals 1. DocuSign DocuSign is the e signature product that allows you to sign documents using any device. Security features are one of the other advantages with DocuSign. Any of the documents that you send are encrypted. Whats more, complete audit data is kept. This is the platform used in 180 different countries. You can use 44 different languages to sign documents and send agreements. Theres a PCI data security standard. Thats important for small businesses handling payment data. Best of all, the DocuSign mobile app uses the same admin/password as the desktop. This is a great feature for sales teams or for you when you need to sign documents on the go. DocuSign also offers a free trial. 2. HelloSign HelloSign is a Dropbox company with a variety of tools for managing documents including an esignature solution. There are built-in reminders and different signing options available here to improve your ROI. You can customize signature requests with your company logo and/or tagline. Manage document permissions from a central dashboard. HelloSign offers other important features like solid API documentation. Business plans start at $40 a month. Theres a 30 day free trial with HelloSign. This product also allows you to store signed sales contracts and pdf documents digitally. Hellosign allows you to do the same with an NDA. 3. Adobe Sign This product gets credibility for the Adobe name. Another of the advantages of Adobe Sign is the fact it is easy to use. Get an electronic signature by adding in customer email addresses. There are no downloads or account sign-ups needed with this software. Adobe Sign is an industry leading electronic signature app. Just upload the document, type in the recipients email, and hit send. With Adobe Sign, you can manage all of the documents and track each. There are some excellent integrations for this e signature software including Microsoft 365 and Dropbox. You can also create a PDF document solution for export to Word, Excel and Powerpoint. This solution starts at $16.99 a month for SMB teams. 4. YouSign YouSign is another e-signature software that has a free trial. This esignature solution is scalable and there is no commitment. You can monitor the requests for results in real time. Other features include being able to keep track of docs and files that are timestamped. This is another of the apps that provides legally valid results. This ranks as one of the best electronic e signature products for its flexibility. You can get a subscription for your office, leave and come back when you need to. You can also automate any of the e-signature solution reminders you send. And personalize the user experience to your prospects. 5. SignNow This is another electronic signature app that is easy to use. It works well on any mobile device. You can get an electronic signature from multiple customers at once. SignNow is cloud based and can be used around the globe. This software can also embed the signatures into your website or app. Its a great tool if youre looking for a quick way to complete contracts. A user can collect signatures from customers through online templates you build. Get started with the free startup trial or the business plan that starts at $8 per user monthly 6. DocSketch DocSketch is an electronic signature app that has a free version allowing you several documents per month. This software also allows you to know when all of your items get viewed. Along with being able to send documents for signature, there are sales documents features. This app has more than just digital signatures to offer. Walk customers through bids and proposals that have been approved. They have clients like Cornell University. There are several products to choose from. Along with the free version, theres a personal plan with an unlimited number of documents. If you want to get started with that, its $8 a month. The business plan costs $24 per month. You get in person signing and custom branding with this version. 7. Signable Any good electronic signature app needs to be easy to use. Thats why weve included this software on our list. With Signable, you can upload your PDF documents from the United States or in other locations around the world. You can even convert a PDF to a form that can be filled out. The software includes a PDF converter online that makes this product easy to use. As a result, this document signing product makes it easy for you to upload a PDF and sign it online Signable is one of the products that works especially well with important documents and mobile devices. There is a signature wizard that provides you with different ways to sign your documents. They include drawing on a mark with your finger. 8. RightSignature RightSignature is the esignature software thats designed specifically for business. You can send files that you already have or get forms filled out when you need more information to go with an electronic signature. Its an easy to use esignature app. You can set up a documents for signatures with just one click. Another legally binding feature is the ability to get handwritten signatures. If you are a freelancer or start up, the standard signature plan starts at $12 a month. As far as business plans go, the advanced version costs $60 a month for three team members. You can try this electronic signature app for free before you decide on a plan. They suggest the security features work best if all your employees sign up as a separate user. Business needs to put security first. RightSignature covers that angle with 256-bit EV SSL encryption. Electronic signatures are also backed up in Amazon data centers. 9. Panda Doc This is the signature software that comes with a 14 day free trial to help you get started. The PandaDoc, API is specifically designed to integrate with a businesses applications and websites. Its a great way to speed along personal signing without needing to switch applications. It makes a clients signing experience easier. Contact them to learn about pricing on a business plan or other options they sell to sign documents. 10. Get Accept Theres a free trial with this e signature platform. GetAccept is designed to help sales reps out. This electronic signature software provides custom workflows. This is the legally binding electronic signature software solution that works in a number of countries. The legally binding documents include an email address as part of the audit checks and balances. The user interface provides a transaction history as another feature. There are several options this esignature product provides. Small businesses can get an account that starts at $25 per month per user. A good feature that is offered with this tool is chat. The most popular electronic signatures business plan starts at $40 per month. Another excellent feature included is data analytics. Finally, the enterprise account option includes contract management. This software also has an api for developers. 11. SecuredSigning SecuredSigning is an e signature product that boasts many different software technologies. It works by allowing a user and viewer to see the document before signing. The personalized security features include X509 PKI digital technology. This makes document signing customizable and safer. The legally binding features include video signing and remote witness signing. One of the big bonuses is that user documents are backed up with video recordings when signed. This product can be used in the United States or anywhere around the world. You can also perform remote online notarizations with the signature software. 12. ContractBook ContractBook is the e signature solution that rivals HelloSign for working with contracts. This software and signature app allows businesses to share templates. These templates are specifically designed to provide electronic signatures that reduce any risk since they are legally binding. The platform offers tools for both lawyers and small businesses. Resources include free contract templates and a help center where you can learn more about some of the platforms features. 13. Lightico This is the e-signature app for businesses with customers who need to sign on mobile eForms. As far as mobile apps with esignature capabilities go, this tool is good for small business. With Lightico, you can get electronic signatures through your CRM. This makes signing for any user easier. And providing a good user experience for personal signing improves productivity. This also changes PDF format documents into smart e-forms. Replacing paper and these PDFs for the person signing shortens the sales cycle. The company reports that this signature product can boost completion rates up to 96%. That means you can use the electronic signatures you get to bump your bottom line up. Get started with their product demo. This esignature solution is used in many different industries including auto finance and banking. 14. Eversign Here is another electronic signature app that provides legally binding signatures. Data is encrypted with this app using 256-bit SSL. Eversign also allows your customers to sign documents by integrating with your existing applications. Get a document back after connecting to apps like Dropbox, Salesforce and Google Docs. You can even schedule documents to auto expire with this product. Or, you can transfer documents to other locations. Eversign digital signature also allows you to import documents you or your customers will need to sign from Adobe and the cloud. There is a free e signature trial version. After that, you can sign up for a basic plan that includes three templates and unlimited documents. The professional plan allows for signing for 5 team members and unlimited documents too. Another good feature included with the user interface is the ability to manage documents in the cloud. The features here are similar to industry-leading products like HelloSign. 15. SnapSign SnapSign is the e-signature app that stresses a user-friendly interface. There are a variety of templates for nondisclosure agreements, sales contracts and others. The workflow process for any document can be configured. Theres a history that shows all of your documents. Document signing is possible from anywhere with the global support for applications. Pricing starts at $9.99 per user per month. There are unlimited documents. The business plan for a brick-and-mortar or digital office costs $19.99 per user per month. Documents are unlimited for up to 5 users. The enterprise package has a 30 day free option like the others. It offers third-party integrations for the document platform you use. Call the company for more information on this document signing plan. 16. FormstackSign This is an interesting product if you have a mobile office. Formstack can provide an electronic signature on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. Customers who need to sign documents are alerted via text message. This esignature product saves time since you can create templates for the document types you frequently use. Theres an auto reminder feature so employees dont need to remind customers to sign. People in small businesses in healthcare take note. This app can provide a HIPAA compliant esignature. FDA compliant workflows are also available. The secure data storage and password protection are other bonuses for any document. Take the time to review the hundred plus integrations this app includes. There is a free trial that lasts 14 days and a silver account for individuals that costs $50 a month. The more popular esignature account is the gold platform. It costs $83 per month with advanced features. 17. SignRequest This is the e signature platform with over 300,000 users. SignRequest stresses simplicity. For every signature license they sell, they plant a tree. They are also an ISO 27001 certified company. Any document that gets signed is stored in one place for quick retrieval. There are several signature plans for you to choose from. The first one is free and you get 10 documents per month. The professional and business versions offer a free option and unlimited documents. You can implement any document you get signed with popular tools like Google Drive and Salesforce. Its great for sales people who are mobile. 18. SignEasy SignEasy doesnt require a credit card to sign up. Self signing is easy with this product. You can use your mouse or download a picture of your signature. The application competes with HelloSign for integrations as well as security and document management. Heres another useful option this product offers. There is a document status tracking feature so you can keep on top of your business flow. The platform offers an essential plan for individuals at $8 a month. It comes with an unlimited document option. The pro plan is $15 a month for a single user. The business plan starts with three users who can get clients to sign digitally. Finally, theres an enterprise esignature solution. Electronic Signature Apps Comparison Product Key Features DocuSign Encrypted documents, audit trails, 44 languages, mobile app HelloSign Document management tools, custom branding, central dashboard Adobe Sign No downloads/account needed, integrations with MS 365 & Dropbox YouSign Scalable, real-time tracking, legally valid SignNow Cloud-based, multi-signature collection, embeddable signatures DocSketch Timestamped docs, tracking, sales document features Signable PDF converter, signature wizard, mobile-friendly RightSignature Handwritten signatures, 256-bit EV SSL encryption Panda Doc API for integration, personal signing without app switching Get Accept Custom workflows, transaction history, chat, data analytics SecuredSigning Video signing, remote witness signing, X509 PKI digital technology ContractBook Shareable templates, tools for lawyers and small businesses Lightico Mobile eForms, CRM integration, boosts completion rates Eversign 256-bit SSL encryption, document auto-expiration, cloud management SnapSign User-friendly interface, configurable workflows, global support FormstackSign Mobile-friendly, text alerts, HIPAA compliant SignRequest Simplicity, one-place storage, integrates with Google Drive & Salesforce SignEasy No credit card required, document status tracking, multiple integrations What are electronic signatures anyway? An e signature is basically all about getting legally binding consent on forms without the ability to secure a physical signature on a document. So esignatures replace a handwritten signature. They are used for various things like NDAs and onboarding agreements. Companies like HelloSign also have options for W9 forms. Other companies like Onespan Sign offer compliance options. Why use an electronic signature app? Electronic signature applications like HelloSign are becoming increasingly essential for small businesses. In a world where mobile e-commerce sales are on the rise, the ability to sign and send documents digitally is not just a convenienceits a necessity. Heres why you should consider incorporating an electronic signature app into your business workflow: Convenience : Electronic signature apps allow you and your clients to sign documents from any location, at any time. : Electronic signature apps allow you and your clients to sign documents from any location, at any time. Efficiency : Digital signatures drastically reduce the time it takes to process documents. : Digital signatures drastically reduce the time it takes to process documents. Cost Reduction : They cut down on paper-related costs and other expenses associated with manual document management. : They cut down on paper-related costs and other expenses associated with manual document management. Enhanced Security : Digital documents are encrypted and can be more secure than paper. : Digital documents are encrypted and can be more secure than paper. Customer Expectations: Clients are becoming more accustomed to digital transactions and often prefer them. How legally binding is an Electronic Signature? Having a document signed is an important function for small businesses. When customers sign a contract or invoice with digital signature technology, it can be legally binding. Its been this way in Europe since 1999 and the United States since 2000. There are some factors that make a document signed digitally legal. These include expressed or implied intent. Attribution is another important factor. To make such signatures legal, there must be an audit trail including things like an email address and time stamp. An esignature is also legal when a copy is sent to the client. People need to have an opt out clause they can read before they sign. When choosing an esignature tool, look for instructions on how the product works with pdf files and others. Industry-leading products like HelloSign also assign a queue for signing documents And companies like OneSpan Sign offer additional compliance options. What is the best electronic signature app? Small businesses will want to know what the best electronic signature apps are. Heres a list that includes industry leaders like HelloSign. This product is an industry leader for several reasons. Reasons to choose HelloSign include the fact that it can produce a document which complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPPA) Act. It also allows you to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). HelloSign can also be used with Google Docs and Salesforce too. PandaDoc also makes the list. The platform offers an audit trail as well as customizable templates and document analytics. Onespan Sign offers enhanced compliance which is important for small businesses. SignNow also offers analytics for the document that gets created. Step 1 for the deployment of the solution are customizable templates. These are good for people and sales teams on the go. How do you use a mobile app to sign a document on your phone? Todays businesses need to be sure they can get an esignature on a smart phone. Thats why going paperless means having the right mobile app like the one that comes with the HelloSign product. In most circumstances, you need to tap on an attached email to sign. When you do, youll see some simple instructions for adding your signature and text. Usually, you can tap right inside the document to place any text and on a pen icon if you need to sign your name. Thats the process for a variety of file types like PDF and others. One of the other advantages to using a mobile app like HelloSign is the ability to auto fill in information. Another advantage to these mobile e-signature solutions is validation. Once again, HelloSign, leads the way with a data validation. This alerts the signer if incorrect information is being added. With farm app technology at the forefront, modern farmers can efficiently manage their operations using powerful tools that are just a few clicks away. This guide will delve into the top farm app choices and their key features, offering invaluable insights for those seeking to optimize their agricultural practices. The Growing Role of Farm Apps in the Agricultural Industry As the agricultural sector continues to adapt to modern challenges and opportunities, the relevance of mobile devices and farm apps in the industry is steadily expanding. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem ChatGPT Prompts for Business Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here This section aims to shed light on the multifaceted impact and advantages of incorporating farm apps into your agricultural practices, especially if youre learning how to establish a farm from scratch. Farm apps serve as crucial tools in enhancing operational efficiency, simplifying data management, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices, making them indispensable assets in todays farming landscape. The Rise of Agricultural Apps: A Digital Revolution in Farming Farm apps, also known as ag apps, are fast becoming an integral part of the toolset available to contemporary farmers. These digital platforms offer an array of functionalities that serve to boost both productivity and efficiency on the farm. Small Business Deals From monitoring crop health and conducting soil tests to streamlining the maintenance schedule for tractors and other machinery, farm apps are an all-in-one solution. Additionally, they offer real-time access to essential information such as localized weather forecasts, current market prices for crops, and other data crucial for making timely and informed decisions. These innovative tools not only enable farmers to fine-tune their operations but also offer cost-effective alternatives for those looking to break into farming without a substantial financial outlay. As technological advances continue to permeate the agricultural sector, the uptake of farm apps is projected to accelerate, offering even more enhanced functionalities to farmers around the globe. The Benefits of Integrating Farm Apps into Farm Operations Incorporating farm apps into the daily grind of farming activities offers a multitude of advantages, among which are increased operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and substantial reductions in labor costs. By automating various tasks such as scheduling irrigation cycles or administering fertilizers, these apps help farmers optimize their routines and minimize manual intervention. They serve as a centralized hub for collating and interpreting data related to crop yields, soil health, and climatic conditions, thereby facilitating more informed and strategic decision-making. Furthermore, the automation features of farm apps can significantly cut down on the need for manual labor, allowing farmers to allocate resources more effectively. Farm apps present a compelling value proposition for farmers interested in elevating their agricultural practices, making their operations more streamlined, data-driven, and ultimately, more profitable. Key Benefits of Farm Apps: Enhanced efficiency Data-driven decision-making Reduced labor costs Automated tasks such as irrigation and fertilization Real-time weather information Market price updates Choosing the Best Farm App for Your Agricultural Needs: Our Methodology With technology making significant inroads into the agriculture sector, farm apps have become indispensable tools for modern farmers. These apps provide a host of solutions, from weather predictions to crop management. In identifying the most useful and efficient farm apps for agricultural entrepreneurs, weve considered a variety of factors. These criteria are rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), ensuring that our recommendations align with the practical needs of modern farming operations. Functionality and Features: Importance 10/10 Comprehensive tools for crop management, livestock tracking, and more. Features for weather forecasting, soil health analysis, and planting schedules. Integration of IoT and smart farming technologies. User Interface and Usability: Importance 9/10 Intuitive design for easy navigation and use. Accessibility for users with varying levels of tech-savviness. Compatibility with various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Data Management and Analytics: Importance 8/10 Efficient data collection and storage capabilities. Analytical tools for informed decision-making. Customizable reporting features. Integration with Agricultural Equipment and Systems: Importance 8/10 Compatibility with existing farm equipment (tractors, sensors, etc.). Seamless data exchange with other farm management systems. Support for precision agriculture practices. Cost and Subscription Options: Importance 7/10 Reasonable pricing models suitable for different farm sizes. Transparency in costs and subscription terms. Availability of free trials or demo versions. Customer Support and Resources: Importance 6/10 Reliable customer service for technical support. Availability of training materials, tutorials, and user guides. Active community forums or user groups for peer support. Security and Privacy: Importance 6/10 Robust security measures to protect farm data. Compliance with privacy laws and regulations. User control over data sharing and privacy settings. Scalability and Customization: Importance 5/10 Flexibility to scale up with the growth of the farm. Customizable features to suit specific farming operations. Options for specialized farming types (organic, hydroponics, etc.). With these criteria guiding our research, weve sought out the top farm apps that offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the diverse challenges of agricultural operations. Our recommendations aim to blend functionality with user-friendliness, ensuring farmers have the best tools at their fingertips. Top Farm Apps to Revolutionize Your Agricultural Business Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to manage farms, and farm management apps have become a crucial tool for modern agriculture. This section will explore some of the top farm apps that can revolutionize your agricultural business. Conservis Conservis is a comprehensive farm management system that centralizes data and reporting, providing growers with insights for row and permanent crop operations from planning to financials. By integrating agronomic and economic data with tools such as Zone Economics, Conservis empowers farmers to understand the true production costs, track plans vs actuals, and see the big picture of their farm operation in real time. The platforms customizable dashboard provides real-time access to metrics that matter, enabling farmers to make profitable decisions. Conserviss customer success team provides exceptional support to farmers, with expert services that reduce on-farm labor headaches and delegate data management to a Conservis expert. FarmRaise FarmRaise is a farm management app that helps farmers keep track of their finances on the go. It works offline, so expenses can be uploaded anywhere. It allows farmers to track their cash flow, visualize expenses, and stay off the grid by not requiring bank details. The user friendly app includes an interactive guide to help farmers find what they need, and the Farm Funding Library helps farmers find farm grants that fit their needs. FarmRaise also provides a weekly farm newsletter called the Briefing. The app has a free and premium plan that offers full access to the funding library. CattleMax CattleMax is a cloud-based software program designed for cattle record keeping that has been in operation since 1999. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of ranch management tools to help cattle producers easily organize and track their cattle and ranch records. CattleMaxs enhanced mobile version enables users to update or access records in the field. The software also enables users to keep pasture management, equipment maintenance, rainfall, customers, and more in one place. Its automatic processes and reporting feature allow ranchers to save time and make better decisions. The companys customer service team is composed of ranchers that use the software in their herds. AgriApp AgriApp is a smart farming app designed for Android-based mobile devices. It offers comprehensive information and services related to crop production and management, including crop advisory, soil testing, crop practices, weather forecasting, satellite insights, and more. It also functions as an online marketplace for farmers to buy crop solutions and get real-time agro advisory from experts in their local language. The app provides customizable crop calendars, satellite imagery to collect observation photos for monitoring crop growth and potential, and a community group to connect with fellow farmers for exchanging information and solutions. AgriApp is a free app available on Google Play Store. Farm Service Manager Farm Service Manager is a premium, subscription-based app designed for farm owners, managers, and contractors to manage the service and maintenance history of all farm machinery and vehicles. The app allows users to create accurate service records, set service reminders, and build service histories for each machine or vehicle, increasing resale value and minimizing costly repairs and downtime. It has multi-user access, allowing different levels of access to be assigned to different users, including employees and outside mechanics, from wherever they are on the farm. The app also records part numbers for easy ordering and builds full service and maintenance histories for each machine or vehicle, ensuring that all machinery is running at its full potential. BushelFarm BushelFarm is an innovative farm management software that provides a comprehensive overview of farmers operational and financial performance. It is designed to simplify farm records management and offers intelligent automation to transform farm records into actionable insights. The softwares capabilities include the cost of production analysis, real-time profitability calculations based on market prices, and profit and loss reports at the farm, crop, and field levels. BushelFarm offers three different plans to cater to farmers varying needs and budgets, starting from $19.99 per month to $199 per year. This also makes it a scalable solution that can be customized to the needs of various farmers. Herdwatch Herdwatch is a farm management application widely used in the UK and Ireland. The app offers a hassle-free farming experience by eliminating paperwork and providing real-time data to help farmers make informed decisions. Its a versatile app that suits various types of farms, including dairy, beef, sheep, and arable. Its features include fast, paperless compliance, saving hours on paperwork, and keeping farm records safe. Herdwatch is fully integrated with the Department of Agriculture, ICBF, and Bord Bia, and FRS backs it. Farmers in the UK and Ireland can use the app for free under the basic plan. While currently unavailable outside the UK and Ireland, Herdwatch aims to expand to other countries soon. FarmBrite Farmbrite is an all-in-one farm management software built for multi-species and biodiverse farms and ranches. The platform includes integrated tools for livestock management, farm planning and tracking, financial accounting, order management, and e-commerce. The software allows farmers to track animal and pasture health, grazing activities, soil, and herd health, and automate planning and yield estimates. It also includes features for team collaboration, task management, and detailed financial reporting. With over 40 pre-built reports, integrated dashboards, and custom reports, farmers can gain new insight into their operations and make informed decisions. Farmbrite offers a 14-day free trial and is accessible via iOS and Android apps. AgFiniti AgFiniti is a cloud-based farm management software that integrates with Ag Leaders SMS Software for in-depth analysis. It offers real-time insights and informed decision-making across the entire farm. AgFiniti allows querying fields for yield comparisons, generating real-time prescriptions, remotely accessing InCommand displays, and creating/editing boundaries. It also provides mobile access, cloud storage, and analysis tools such as overlaying maps and yield comparisons. The platform is available in both free and paid versions, with the latter offering additional features like CartACE and multi-year analysis. PickApp PickApp is a revolutionary solution that helps farmers manage their farms efficiently, reduce labor costs, and optimize the quality of their produce. Its advanced data-driven management tools for attendance, productivity, quality control, and location tracking provide farmers with real-time insights and decision-making capabilities. PickApps innovative analytics, automation, and Big Data algorithms improve labor productivity and enhance produce quality. Farmers worldwide can access the platforms customizable portal from their mobile devices or office PCs, and it offers multilingual support, custom reports, and notifications for real-time problem-solving. PickApp is ideal for all types of farms, including enterprise farms, cooperatives, packing houses, and brands. Comparison of Top Farm Apps Below is a comparison table that outlines some of the top farm apps discussed in this article. The table aims to provide a quick overview of each apps main features, availability, and pricing options. Farm App Main Features Availability Pricing Conservis Comprehensive farm management, real-time insights Global Subscription-based FarmRaise Financial tracking, funding library Global Free & Premium Plans CattleMax Cattle record keeping Global Subscription-based AgriApp Crop production and management Google Play Store Free Farm Service Manager Machinery maintenance, multi-user access Global Subscription-based BushelFarm Financial performance, automation Global From $19.99/month Herdwatch Compliance, livestock management UK & Ireland Free & Paid Plans Farmbrite All-in-one, biodiverse farm management Global 14-day free trial AgFiniti Cloud-based, real-time insights Global Free & Paid Versions PickApp Labor productivity, quality control Global Custom Pricing Frequently Asked Questions about Farm Apps How much do farm apps typically cost? The cost of a farm app varies depending on the provider and the features offered. Some farm apps are free to download, while others require a subscription-based service for access to premium features. Its important to note that a free app may not include all the features needed for effective farm management, and investing in a subscription-based service may be necessary. Are farm apps compatible with all types of farming operations? Farm apps are designed to accommodate various farming operations, from crop farming to livestock management, and can be customized to specific needs. They use data and analytics to make informed decisions, can integrate with IoT devices, and are accessible from different devices. While some may be specialized, most apps are flexible and compatible with different types of farming. Even farming games are available to help various types of farmers hone their skills. Can farm apps help with compliance and record-keeping? Farm apps can assist with maintaining accurate records and compliance by allowing farmers to track and record critical data, such as pesticide applications, soil samples, and livestock treatments. The apps can also generate reports and analytics, providing insights into regulatory requirements and certifications. With this data, farmers can ensure compliance with industry regulations and maintain accurate records to support audits and certifications. How secure are farm apps in terms of data protection? Choosing farm apps with strong data security and privacy measures is important to protect sensitive farm data. Evaluating app security can include reviewing privacy policies, verifying the use of encryption, and assessing access controls. Farmers should also keep their devices updated, use strong passwords, and avoid using public Wi-Fi to further protect their data. What are the hardware and software requirements for using farm apps? The hardware and software requirements for using farm apps may vary depending on the app. Typically, farmers need a mobile device or tablet with a compatible operating system, such as iOS or Android, and access to a reliable internet connection. Some apps may also require additional hardware, such as sensors or cameras, to collect data. Reviewing the apps requirements before downloading it to ensure compatibility is important. In conclusion, farm apps can revolutionize agriculture by improving farm management efficiency, helping with crop protection, increasing productivity, allowing you to find used farm equipment, and ultimately leading to higher profits. With the advancements in technology and the availability of these innovative tools, farmers can stay on top of their operations like never before. By embracing these apps, farmers can optimize their farms resources and stay ahead of the competition. So why not explore the potential of farm apps today and take your agricultural business ideas to the next level? One of the worlds largest indoor farms is using advanced tech to build a more resilient food system; check out the video here: Read More: (CNN) The director of the Miss Nicaragua pageant, Karen Celebertti, has resigned one week after the countrys national police charged her, along with her husband and son, with conspiracy and treason, accusing them of involvement in a plot to overthrow the government. Celebertti, who has led Nicaraguas Miss Universe franchise for more than two decades, made the announcement on Tuesday via her Instagram account. The whirlwind, controversial turn of events came on the heels of Sheynnis Palacios groundbreaking win at Miss Universe 2023 which was hosted in El Salvador last month as the Central American countrys first representative to secure the title. For 23 years I have worked with zeal and effort to exalt the name of my homeland Nicaragua I have done it with transparency, with a lot of love and believing in each and every one of the Nicas because talent and beauty abound in every corner of the country, Celebertti wrote in a post on Instagram, without directly addressing the accusations against her. The time has come for my retirement, she added. I know that there will always be more opportunities for us: My husband and I come from hard-working, honest families that have always distinguished themselves by their support of the community I have left an entire life at the service of my country, in the way that I can: with responsibility and professionalism. The charges against Celebertti stem from a period of anti-government unrest in 2018, as Nicaraguans protested changes to the countrys social security. Human rights organizations have estimated that at least 355 people were killed when police forces cracked down on the protests; Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his government has categorized the demonstrations as terrorism and an attempted coup. Earlier this month, police asserted Celeberttis involvement with that alleged failed coup attempt in a statement. Police said they also had evidence that Celebertti had used her role to turn beauty pageants into political traps and ambushes, financed by foreign agents. The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement to CNN that while Celeberttis resignation had been accepted, the organization stand(s) by our partners in asserting the transparency and integrity of their pageant. Going forward, we are seeking a peaceful resolution of the issues raised by the country of Nicaragua, as well as the safety of everyone associated with the organization, the statement continued. We hope that the country will continue to come together and support Sheynnis and Karen as they advocate for a future forged by women and to celebrate the beautiful culture and people of Nicaragua. Anne Jakrajutatip, the founder of JKN Global Group, which owns Miss Universe, also took to Instagram to voice her support for Celebertti, thanking her for being so brave, so strong and so decisive and for believing in what women can do and fighting against all odds without fear. On November 23, Celebertti and her daughter were refused entry into the country when they attempted to return home from Mexico following events related to the pageant. CNN en Espanol reported on Tuesday that, while Celebertti remains in Mexico, her husband and son have been detained in Nicaragua since November 27. Neither Celebertti nor the Nicaraguan government has responded to CNNs request for comment. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Miss Nicaragua director steps down amid conspiracy, treason charges." If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Freelance work is on the rise. Freelancing can be a perfect way for new entrepreneurs to offer services to clients. And hiring freelancers is an efficient way for small businesses to grow a team. So the question is: where can these freelancers and businesses connect with one another? Freelance websites provide a perfect venue for businesses to post freelance jobs. And then workers can browse opportunities and market their services. Whether youre looking for a new freelance job or new freelance designers or writers, here are some of the best freelance websites to consider. Why Hire on Freelance Websites? Freelance websites are rapidly becoming the go-to resource for businesses looking to tap into the talent pool of freelancers worldwide. Whether youre scaling up your operations or seeking specialized skills, these platforms provide a convenient and efficient way to connect with professionals. Here are five compelling benefits of using freelance websites for your hiring needs: Access to a Global Talent Pool : Freelance websites expand your reach beyond local geographies, giving you access to a diverse range of skilled professionals from around the globe. : Freelance websites expand your reach beyond local geographies, giving you access to a diverse range of skilled professionals from around the globe. Cost-Effective Solutions : Hiring freelancers can be more budget-friendly compared to full-time employees, as you can engage them for specific projects without the long-term financial commitment. : Hiring freelancers can be more budget-friendly compared to full-time employees, as you can engage them for specific projects without the long-term financial commitment. Flexibility and Scalability : These platforms allow you to quickly scale your workforce up or down based on your current project needs, providing flexibility thats hard to achieve with traditional hiring. : These platforms allow you to quickly scale your workforce up or down based on your current project needs, providing flexibility thats hard to achieve with traditional hiring. Reduced Time-to-Hire : With features like job postings, candidate searches, and easy-to-use communication tools, freelance websites streamline the recruitment process, significantly reducing the time-to-hire. : With features like job postings, candidate searches, and easy-to-use communication tools, freelance websites streamline the recruitment process, significantly reducing the time-to-hire. Specialized Skill Sets: Freelancers often have niche skills and can bring a level of expertise to a project that might not exist within your current team, enhancing the quality of work and innovation. Our Methodology to Find the Best Freelance Websites When scouting for the best freelance websites to recommend to small business owners and entrepreneurs, we carefully consider a mix of features that these platforms must possess. To aid both freelancers in finding work and businesses in hiring skilled freelance workers, weve assessed a range of online platforms. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), aiming to provide recommendations that cater to the needs of both sides of the freelance marketplace. Diversity and Quality of Job Opportunities: Importance 10/10 (for freelancers) Variety of job listings across industries and skill levels. Quality and legitimacy of job postings. Opportunities for both short-term gigs and long-term projects. Access to Skilled and Diverse Talent: Importance 10/10 (for businesses) Wide pool of freelancers with diverse skill sets and experiences. Mechanisms to verify freelancer qualifications and expertise. Availability of both generalists and specialists. User Interface and Ease of Use: Importance 9/10 Clear, intuitive website navigation and functionality. Streamlined processes for creating profiles, posting jobs, and submitting proposals. Efficient search and filtering tools for jobs and candidates. Fair Pricing and Commission Structure: Importance 8/10 Reasonable and transparent fee structures for freelancers and businesses. Value for money considering the services and features offered. Various payment options, including escrow services, direct deposits, and secure transactions. Effective Communication Tools: Importance 7/10 Reliable in-platform messaging and collaboration features. Tools for scheduling, file sharing, and project management. Availability of support for remote communication, like video calls. Security and Fraud Prevention: Importance 7/10 Robust measures to protect personal and financial information. Systems in place to prevent scams and fraudulent activities. Effective dispute resolution processes. Feedback and Review Systems: Importance 6/10 Comprehensive feedback and rating systems for freelancers and employers. Transparency in displaying reviews and work history. Mechanisms to ensure authenticity and fairness of reviews. Customer Support and Educational Resources: Importance 5/10 Responsive customer service for technical and operational assistance. Availability of educational resources, guides, and best practices. Community forums or networks for additional support and networking. By applying these criteria, we guide small business owners toward freelance websites that are not only reputable and wide-ranging but also align with the financial and operational needs of their businesses Small Business Deals 20 Places to Fill or Find Freelance Jobs See our handpicked list of 20 freelance websites offering opportunities and talent in a variety of fields. Select the one that is right for your small business and use it to fill or find a freelance job. 1. Upwork Upwork is one of the best freelance websites because of its diverse network of both freelancers and businesses. The experience is completely customizable. Small businesses can post a job and then sift through qualified candidates. Or you can let Upwork find freelancers for you. On the other side, freelancers can browse projects posted by businesses or post their own predefined projects for businesses to bid on. There are also tons of categories, including design, writing, IT, sales, and accounting. Upwork also hosts all the communication and payment processes between businesses and freelancers right on the website. For payments, Upwork charges transactional fees. This is usually 3 percent for those hiring and a sliding scale for freelancers. The more work you get on the site, the less they charge. 2. Fiverr Fiverr is a freelance website built for projects. There are no hourly rates just project based pricing. So businesses can find the freelancers they need for specific tasks, like developing a website or logo. And freelancers can find the jobs that best suit their skills and experience level. There are a wide array of categories on the site, including design, marketing, translation, video, audio, tech, and writing jobs. And there are tons of freelancers around the world competing for these jobs so working with international contractors is common. Fiverr also offers business packages built for teams. With this, you can get matched with the right talent and manage collaboration with all of your freelancers at once. Like many other freelance websites, Fiverr hosts transactions right on their platform. This allows them to charge transaction based fees for freelancers and businesses. These vary based on the price of the project. They also offer paid business accounts for $149 per year, with the first year free. 3. LinkedIn ProFinder LinkedIn ProFinder is a platform for finding freelance work right on the popular business networking site. As a business, you can create a project and then receive proposals from up to five providers. Or you can browse service providers in your category of choice. Freelancers can apply to these proposals or create their own offers that businesses can browse. There are a diverse range of opportunities for nearly anyone on LinkedIn. Categories include finance, operations, law, real estate, photography, and freelance writing jobs, among others. Of course, one of the biggest benefits of this option is that so many businesses and freelancers already use LinkedIn for other purposes. So your potential pool of jobs and/or applicants is large. And if you already have a LinkedIn account, getting started is easy. LinkedIn ProFinder offers subscription plans instead of transaction based fees. Service providers get their first 10 projects free and then must sign up for a LinkedIn Premium Business Subscription for $59.99 to continue. Posting jobs and hiring workers is free. 4. TaskRabbit TaskRabbit is a freelance website aimed at those looking for quick labor jobs or help with everyday tasks. Both individuals and businesses can hire workers on this platform. For example, a small business may find someone to deliver documents to a partner across town or fix a broken piece of equipment in their office. For freelancers, the platform is perfect for handymen, movers, delivery drivers, and anyone looking to earn quick cash on labor based jobs. TaskRabbit also specializes in same-day service. So its ideal for those looking for quick help or a fast payday. And theres a user-friendly interface for those looking for help or opportunities. Theres a 15 percent service fees on hourly rates. Those hiring taskers see hourly rates that already include this fee. Taskers can also earn reimbursements for things like mileage or parking, which are not charged any fees. 5. 99Designs Those looking for freelance designers or design based freelance jobs should check out 99Designs. The freelance website is owned by Vistaprint. And it specializes in services like logo design, websites, and graphics. The platform mainly runs on contests, where freelancers submit proposals based on the specs of a project. Then businesses can choose their favorite and get to work. Alternatively, you can use the freelance website like a more traditional job board and hire a specific designer for a brief. For designers, its perfect for those who want to work on a variety of projects or compete with unique ideas. Its also done on an on-demand basis. So if youre a designer with a full time job and just want to earn some extra cash on occasion, competing for bids may be the ideal way to find the best freelance job. Contests come with fixed pricing for companies, starting at $299. You can also get custom onboarding and recruiting tools if you work for an agency that needs lots of design help. For designers, its free to compete for potential clients on 99Designs. 6. Thumbtack Thumbtack specializes in connecting local professionals looking for work with homeowners and businesses who need assistance. Small businesses can find help for everything from snow plowing to office painting. And local professionals can sign up for a profile and compete for jobs right in their local communities. This is one of the best ways for service providers to market their services or for individuals looking for work part time to find contract or freelance jobs as needed. Some of these connections may even turn into long term business relationships. But others may simply provide a way to earn some quick cash as needed. Thumbtack is free both for professionals and those looking for freelance help. The site earns money through Thumbtack Pro, which is essentially an advertising option. Service providers can create a profile and then show up higher in search results for jobs in their category. This is a perfect option for those looking to turn their freelance service into a full time gig. 7. Freelancer Freelancer is one of the best freelance websites for businesses that need to work with a variety of freelancers. There are tons of categories available, including web support, data entry, translation, app development, social media, and sales. So if you regularly need freelancers for various projects, you can just sign up for one account and hire people per hour as needed. For those trying to find work, the large network of businesses that use the job board provides a major benefit. Businesses can simply post a project and sift through bids to connect with qualified freelancers. Freelancers can complete profiles, browse jobs, and write bids. Its also easy to narrow down opportunities based on keywords, location, skills, and a variety of other factors. The freelance website also has a secure payments platform to ensure that both sides are satisfied and payment is received when the job is done. Freelancer is free to sign up and get started. The site does charge transaction fees for businesses that accept bids. Exact fees can vary, but usually fall around 3 percent. 8. Toptal Toptal is one of the best freelance websites for accomplished professionals and the companies looking to hire them. In fact, the website brands itself as a freelance service for workers in the top three percent in their field. Businesses can find professionals from a variety of industries, including software development, project managers, and finance experts. And you can be sure that youre finding qualified professionals who will deliver top tier service. Of course, not just anyone can sign up for an account on Toptal. You have to qualify first. However, the professionals who qualify to market their services on Toptal can easily connect with companies that are willing to pay for quality. This is often a departure from those on traditional job boards who are looking to find the best deal when filling a freelance job. Toptal is a custom service. So companies can work directly with the site to develop a plan for recruiting and finding the best freelancers within a set budget. The freelance website usually requires an initial deposit of $500, which then goes toward your first invoice. 9. Behance Behance is a freelance site mixed with a social network for designers. Those looking for design jobs can post visuals to showcase their work or bid for jobs. And companies looking to hire designers can browse the site for inspiration or post their own jobs. In addition to freelance jobs, the site also lets companies post full and part time design jobs for those looking to hire in-house. In addition to the job board, Behance can also simply be used to showcase creative work. So if youre a designer, you can create a profile and upload some of your work. Then you can share it to social media, your website, or elsewhere online. This may not be the most traditional way to find the best freelance jobs. But there are plenty of companies who may hire designers based on an online portfolio like this. Applying for jobs on Behance is completely free. However, you do need to be invited to sign up for an account. For businesses, posting jobs is even free currently, though thats for a limited time. The site is owned by Adobe. So businesses may need a subscription plan to post jobs in the future. 10. Guru Guru offers a secure platform for top freelancers. The site offers a variety of categories for freelance jobs, including administration, programming, writing, art, finance, legal, and education. The site verifies freelancers and publishes feedback to give businesses peace of mind. Its generally not a place for entry level positions. So its best for companies that are willing to pay a bit more for quality. On the freelancer side, Guru offers flexible plans and payment terms for those who want to create their own experience. The branding of the site also provides a decent chance of finding companies that are willing to pay for top talent. So if you have years of experience or highly sought after skills, this may be one of the best freelance sites for you. The freelance website offers custom solutions for businesses of various sizes. So companies can choose the fee structure that is best suited to their needs. Some allow you to split fees with workers. And others can choose more structured options. Additionally, the company boasts that they have the lowest fees in the industry, though the customizable nature of their fee structure means no specifics are given online. 11. SimplyHired SimplyHired is more of a traditional job board. But you can use it to post and find freelancing jobs as well as hourly and salaried positions. Freelance jobs posted on the site are distributed to top websites like Indeed, giving companies a wide choice of potential candidates. And it prevents you from needing to spend time and money creating multiple listings. It can also be useful for companies to hire in-house and freelance employees using the same platform. For freelancers, the diverse range of job options is the main benefit of this site. Some may even want to find work that fits into a more traditional role. So this site allows you to browse multiple types of opportunities all in one place. Its free to sign up and start posting jobs on SimplyHired. Businesses simply pay for the applicant name and contact information once qualified candidates have been generated. The exact price for contact info varies depending on the type of job posted. And you only pay for the exact number of candidates youre interested in contacting. So if you can tell by the applications who the best freelance hire would be, you only need to purchase that persons contact info. If youd like to interview a handful of candidates, you can select the exact ones or even pay as you go. 12. Work Better Now Work Better Now is one of the best freelance websites specifically for finding virtual assistants. For businesses, this frees up your time so you can work on the important tasks required to grow your business. For freelancers, virtual assistant jobs provide reliable income and work you can do from nearly anywhere. Work Better Now only offers full-time virtual assistants. They work on a set rate of $1750 per month. And that includes all fees, so you dont need to worry about unexpected costs. 13. Upstack.co Upstack is a freelance site specifically for developers. Since this is such a fast growing field, its becoming an increasingly popular option for companies that need some extra tech help on specific projects. The site offers a large pool of global, vetted candidates to help businesses find the best freelance developers quickly. And for freelancers, the site provides access to companies looking for targeted candidates. So your chances of finding a relevant freelance job are extensive. Using Upstack ensures that both sides understand the development industry and are familiar with the terms and rates used to facilitate this type of work. Upstack earns money by marking up developer rates. So freelancers set the amount they want to be paid. Then companies receive pricing information that includes those extra fees. This allows both sides to get the rates they want without having to calculate unexpected expenses. 14. AngelList AngelList is part of Angel.co, the worlds largest startup community. It includes a job board that offers both in-house and freelance work opportunities. Freelancers can search or browse opportunities by industry, keyword, or location. And startups can find candidates who are interested in joining their team in the early days. For startups, AngelList also provides support and tools for connecting with investors and getting other startup resources. So its convenient to manage all of these functions under one account. And using this platform ensures that youll find candidates who are up for the journey of working for a startup. On the other side, AngelList offers freelancers tons of exciting opportunities to get involved in during the early days of running a company. Many workers prefer this type of environment due to the freedom and creativity available in such positions. Posting and applying for jobs on AngelList is free. The company makes money through fund management and other services. 15. PeoplePerHour PeoplePerHour is one of the best freelance websites for those looking for hourly work or those looking to hire people per hour. Businesses can simply post a project, browse candidates, and connect with those who seem like the best fit. On the other side, freelancers can post offers, which are set bundles of services that businesses can browse. This gives them more control over the process and can save businesses time by avoiding the need to create actual job listings. The site also has communication and payments services. They collect payments upfront and keep that money in escrow to ensure freelancers are paid when a job is done, but not before. Theres no fee to register for an account. People Per Hour simply charges transaction fees, which range from 20 to 3.5 percent. These are calculated on a rolling scale. So the more work you do on the site, the less fees youre charged. 16. Indeed Indeed is one of the most visited job boards in the country, with more than 250 million monthly active visitors. So its massive size provides benefits for both businesses and freelancers. Businesses can post a traditional or freelance job. Or workers can upload their resume directly. Theres even a specific section for remote work, which is especially relevant for freelance jobs. And Indeed offers guides and educational materials for both companies and job seekers. Specifically, a job seeker may want to learn more about a specific company before applying for a job. In this case, there are company reviews available from past employees and freelancers. The site also offers salary information to help both workers and companies set competitive rates. Its free to both post and apply for jobs on Indeed. The site makes money by offering sponsored listings and other upgrades. So there are fees if you want to increase visibility for your job or resume. But many get access to plenty of opportunities with free accounts, especially if youre looking for general freelance work or workers. 17. FlexJobs FlexJobs specializes in remote work and flexible job opportunities. This may include a freelance job or a traditional position that simply allows people to work remotely or on their own schedule. This is perfect for anyone who values the ability to work from home or those who want to travel. And it opens up the candidate pool for businesses that want to hire for location-independent jobs. Additionally, the team vets companies and candidates. So everyone on both sides sees only the most relevant opportunities. They also provide customer support throughout the process to make sure the hiring and onboarding experience runs smoothly. The site runs on membership plans. So you need to pay a subscription fee to post jobs or see full opportunities. Employer plans start at $299 per month. And member plans start at $14.95 per month. 18. Craigslist Craigslist offers classified advertising for just about everything including freelance jobs. The main benefit is that its completely customizable, and everyone knows about it. This can help you reach a huge number of candidates for a freelance job posting. And freelancers can browse tons of new opportunities daily. You can even make a post to promote your freelance services. Craigslist is a location-based service. So its best for jobs that may require someone in a particular area, and less ideal for location-independent opportunities. However, there are third-party sites that allow you to search all of Craigslist for opportunities. And if you run a business and need a remote freelance job filled, you could post it to Craigslist in multiple cities. Craigslist postings are generally free. But there is now a charge for job postings, which varies from $10 to $75 depending on your location. Its free to create an account and make other types of postings. 19. Crowdspring Crowdspring is a freelance website that aims to simplify the process of hiring a freelance design person. The site offers a huge variety of design talent including those who can create logos, business cards, social media graphics, and even packaging. There are a few ways to use the site. You can start a project and then choose the best designers. Or you can start a 1-to-1 project to work with freelance designers directly. Crowdspring has a customer support team available to answer questions and help you find the best freelance candidates. For designers, the site lets you bid for projects that are especially relevant to your skills and experience. Pricing for Crowdspring varies depending on the type of service you choose. Contests where designers can bid on a job start at $299. And projects where you work with a single designer start at $200. For designers, the site only accepts qualified applicants and is not currently looking for new designers. But there is a waitlist available. So you can add your contact information and receive updates when a new registration period opens. 20.BizSugar Advisor Directory BizSugar is a community full of small businesses, freelancers, and professionals. And the Advisors Directory provides one place for individuals offering services to connect with businesses that need their help. Theres a huge rang of categories available, including analytics, mobile apps, public relations, video, SEO, and podcasting, among others. The BizSugar Advisors Directory is simply a list of service providers. So you can browse categories or search for a professional you want to work with. Then contact them directly. BizSugar doesnt facilitate transactions or guarantee work. The BizSugar Advisors Directory is free to access for business owners looking for freelance help or guidance. There is still a relatively small number of vetted members offering services. So it may be a good opportunity for freelancers and professionals to really stand out. You can contact BizSugar directly if youre interested in being featured in the directory. BizSugar is affiliated with Small Business Trends. Summary: The Best Freelance Websites Website Description Ideal For Fees for Hiring Fees for Freelancers Upwork Customizable experience with a large network of freelancers and businesses. Various projects across multiple fields. 3% transaction fee. Sliding scale fee based on earnings. Fiverr Project-based pricing with a global pool of freelancers. Task-specific services like design and writing. Varies by project price. Varies by project price. LinkedIn ProFinder Find freelance work on the business networking site. Diverse professional services. Free for hiring, subscription for service providers. First 10 projects free, then requires subscription. TaskRabbit Quick labor jobs or everyday tasks. Local, immediate task-based work. 15% service fee included in hourly rates. Earn reimbursements without fees. 99Designs Design-focused platform running on contests. Freelance designers and design-based jobs. Fixed pricing for contests starting at $299. Free to compete for clients. Thumbtack Connects local professionals with businesses for a variety of services. Local service-based jobs and professionals. Free for hiring. Free to list services, paid advertising option. Freelancer Wide category range for various projects and jobs. Multiple project types across various fields. Transaction fee around 3%. Transaction fee varies. Toptal High-end freelance site for top professionals. Quality, experienced freelancers. Custom pricing, initial deposit required. Qualification required, no specific fees listed. Behance Design-focused platform with a social network aspect. Design jobs and showcasing design work. Free to post jobs currently. Invitation required, no fees listed. Guru Secure platform for experienced freelancers across several categories. High-level freelance work. Customizable fee structure. Fees for using the platform vary. SimplyHired Traditional job board also offering freelance opportunities. A wide range of freelance jobs. Free to post, pay for candidate contact info. Free to apply. Work Better Now Specializes in virtual assistant services. Businesses needing full-time virtual assistants. Fixed rate of $1750/month. Not applicable (full-time positions). Upstack.co Freelance website for developers. Development and tech projects. Markup on developer rates. Set their own rates. AngelList Job board for startups, including freelance roles. Early-stage startups and related freelance work. Free to post jobs. Free to apply. PeoplePerHour Offers hourly work and set service bundles for businesses. Hourly freelance work across various fields. Transaction fees from 20% to 3.5%. Transaction fees from 20% to 3.5%. Indeed Major job board that includes freelance jobs. General freelance work across various industries. Free to post, paid upgrades for visibility. Free to apply. FlexJobs Specializes in remote and flexible job opportunities. Remote work and freelancing. Subscription starts at $299/month for employers. Subscription starts at $14.95/month for job seekers. Craigslist Classifieds for everything, including freelance jobs. Local and remote freelance opportunities. Charge for job postings varies by location. Free to list services. Crowdspring Design-focused platform simplifying the hiring process for freelance designers. Freelance design work and contests. Fixed pricing for contests starting at $299. Waitlist for new designers, no fees listed. BizSugar Advisors Directory Community full of small businesses, freelancers, and professionals. Small business services and freelance opportunities. Free to access. Contact BizSugar for listing. What are freelance websites? Freelance websites are places where freelancers can find potential clients and businesses can find freelance workers. There are several different types of these websites available. For example, 99Designs is perfect for finding graphic design jobs. Fiverr is aimed at helping people connect for small jobs. Similarly, a fast quigig review highlights a platform looking to simplify the process for freelancers and those looking to hire them. And TaskRabbit offers a great way for people to get paid for running errands or completing small chores. Is Upwork better than Freelancer? Both of these freelance websites provide plenty of value, depending on the type of freelance jobs or workers youre looking for. Upwork is ideal for finding or marketing experienced freelancers, while Freelancer is one of the top websites to find beginner freelance jobs. Which is the best freelance website? The best freelance websites may vary depending on what qualities your business is looking for as well as what freelance jobs are in demand and even freelancer compliance. If you want to post jobs to a huge number of freelancers or market your work to lots of paying clients, Upwork and Indeed are popular options. Those who want to keep it specific to design jobs, opt for Behance or 99Designs. However, if youre simply looking to market your offerings or control the process on your own, consider the BizSugar Advisors Directory. Thousands turn out to make it clear that Fico cannot do anything he wants. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Robert Fico did not think there would be protests. He relied on political fatigue among voters and hoped that his attacks on NGOs, the opposition and journalists would sufficiently deter them from taking a more vigorous stance against his government. It was supposed to be a lightning fast hijacking of the state - a special operation that would be over by Christmas. But once again the power of civil society presented itself - a civil society that cannot be bribed with Fico's support packages, because it understands that we are witnessing an expensive campaign at the expense of future generations. The protests will not topple the government and Fico will not resign. But the several thousand-strong crowds have made it clear to Fico that he cannot do anything he wants, and that civil society will not rely solely on the European Commission keeping its word to be more resolute than it was ten years ago with Hungary. At the same time they are also a message to Europe, one that hinders Fico's efforts to defend his dismantling of the rule of law by saying it is the will of the nation. After all, he clearly told his voters that he would intervene against the police state, strangle whistleblowers, and deal with [Special Prosecutor Daniel] Lipsic. And so he has. But the governing coalition's crossing of the line is so grave that if society had remained silent, phrases about how Slovaks deserve nothing but Fico would have proved apt. Moreover, Fico has caught himself in his pre-election trap. At the moment, he cannot attack the tenets of the protests, since he himself fought against the government in the same way in the past, even though his extremely 'quick to forget' voters would forgive him for such a U-turn. These protests are not about Fico's voters. They send a message, especially to the section of society that was told to get used to the new reality after the election. But now this same section of society is beginning to understand that not only it does not have to get used to it, but it must not. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/report-uk-secretly-sent-500-troops-to-cyprus-base-supplying-weapons-to-israel-1115546325.html Report: UK Secretly Sent 500 Troops to Cyprus Base Supplying Weapons to Israel Report: UK Secretly Sent 500 Troops to Cyprus Base Supplying Weapons to Israel At least 500 UK troops were sent to UK military bases in Cyprus in secret, a letter from the British foreign minister to a member of parliament has revealed. 2023-12-12T23:48+0000 2023-12-12T23:48+0000 2023-12-12T23:46+0000 world raf (uk) united kingdom (uk) israel special air service (sas) kenny macaskill nikos christodoulides palestine israel-gaza conflict gaza strip /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/16/1090128492_0:50:3071:1777_1920x0_80_0_0_b9a7de1a40839d859b230af53bc5cac6.jpg The UK has sent at least 500 additional troops to a base in Cyprus, about 200 miles from Tel Aviv, after Israel began its bombing campaign of Gaza, according to UK media.Previously, the UK admitted to sending 1,000 troops to the East Mediterranean to support Israel but did not provide details on where the troops were deployed. But James Heappey, who serves as the minister for the UK's armed forces, confirmed in a letter to a British MP that some 500 troops had been dispatched to Cyprus.The UK has two military bases in Cyprus that are considered UK soil, Dhekelia in the eastern part of the island and Akrotiri in the west. Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri is the larger of the two and also includes a base used by the US military. RAF Akrotiri has been used by the UK as a staging area for bombing campaigns in the Middle East.Heappeys letter also reportedly stated that additional troops were sent to Egypt, Israel and Lebanon, but declined to reveal numbers citing operational security reasons.The latest deployment increases the number of UK troops stationed in Cyprus to 2,717, with an additional 273 civil servants. An additional 129 US troops are known to be stationed within UK bases in Cyprus but it is unknown if that number has increased in recent months.A spokesperson for the Cypriot government denied that the country is being used to provide military aid to Israel, an assertion that was backed by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.However, at least 30 RAF military transport flights have flown from RAF Akrotiri to Tel Aviv since the bombing began. In addition, Israeli media reported that at least 40 US Air Force heavylifter transport planes landed in RAF Akrotiri, along with a handful of Dutch and German military transports.The 2,717 British troops now known to be in Cyprus may not be all the UK troops in the country. In October, it was reported by British media that the UKs Special Air Services (SAS), the elite troops of the UK military, were placed on standby in Cyprus, ostensibly to rescue British hostages held by Hamas and other Brits trapped in Gaza.The day after that report was released, the UK military requested media outlets stop reporting on the SAS in Gaza. The UK government has continued to refuse to confirm or deny the SAS presence in Gaza.British MP Kenny MacAskill, speaking with UK media, called for transparency in troop deployments in the area. Cyprus has offered to act as a humanitarian aid hub for Gaza after hostilities cease. On Tuesday, Cyprus was one of 153 UN General Assembly members to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. In a previous vote held on October 27, Cyprus was one of 45 countries to abstain from voting for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce.In the interim between those two votes, large protests in Cyprus took place in support of a ceasefire and multiple Cypriot MPs criticized the governments stance. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231123/project-nyx-alpha-what-will-uk-do-with-new-cyprus-based-space-surveillance-telescope-1115171672.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231211/mercs-unmasked-us-hired-guns-from-ukraine-spotted-in-gaza-operating-on-behalf-of-israel-1115521415.html united kingdom (uk) israel gaza strip cyprus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino uk support of israel, cyprus role in gaza, british troops in gaza, uk troops in cyprus, raf akrotiri https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/rfk-jr-ukraine-grift-made-obvious-by-zelensky-meeting-with-us-defense-contractors-1115546196.html RFK Jr.: Ukraine Grift Made Obvious by Zelensky Meeting With US Defense Contractors RFK Jr.: Ukraine Grift Made Obvious by Zelensky Meeting With US Defense Contractors The "grift" of the Ukraine conflict is clear thanks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting with US defense contractors, 2024 US independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Tuesday. 2023-12-12T23:13+0000 2023-12-12T23:13+0000 2023-12-12T23:10+0000 world us john f. kennedy volodymyr zelensky ukraine us congress us military aid us foreign aid /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0c/1115546038_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_ea8e8ce2f98bb13b401a49fe2c76b2c8.jpg "Zelensky is literally meeting with defense contractors. The grift is right in our faces," Kennedy said in a statement via social media platform X. "No one bothers to conceal who the real stakeholders are in the Ukraine war." Zelensky met with defense contractors on Monday as part of a trip to the US to bolster support for Ukraine. He also met with the US Congress as lawmakers consider whether to provide further aid to Ukraine. If the Ukraine conflict were a real "humanitarian defense war," then former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not have been sent to Ukraine to derail a tentative peace deal between Russia and Ukraine in April 2022, Kennedy said. US officials should commit to addressing domestic issues as strongly as they commit to supporting Ukraine, Kennedy underscored.Kennedy's remarks came as US President Joe Biden announced during a joint meeting with Zelensky that he had signed a $200 million "drawdown" from the US Department of Defense for the Kiev regime as Republicans continue to impose a blockade against the next iteration of US aid. Biden later stated his administration would support Ukraine so long as it's possible. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/ukraine-on-brink-of-coup-as-zelensky-begs-us-for-more-money-1115541865.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International who is robert kennedy jr, ukraine conflict, who is zelensky meet with in us, us ukraine aid, major us defense contractors https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/china-says-us-must-stop-interfering-in-upcoming-elections-in-taiwan-1115549009.html China Says US Must Stop Interfering in Upcoming Elections in Taiwan China Says US Must Stop Interfering in Upcoming Elections in Taiwan The United States must refrain from interfering in Taiwan's presidential election, scheduled for January 2024, as it is an internal affair of China, Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese State Council, said Wednesday. 2023-12-13T05:42+0000 2023-12-13T05:42+0000 2023-12-13T05:49+0000 world china taiwan us election /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107860/87/1078608724_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_92de1b33f068285fe90ceb680d59ee47.jpg Taiwan will hold the presidential election on January 13, 2024. In April, Taiwan's ruling DPP officially nominated its chairman, Lai Ching-te, as the party's presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Taiwan's incumbent leader, Tsai Ing-wen, is no longer eligible for reelection as she has already served two consecutive terms as the island's president. "Taiwan's election is China's internal affair, and interference by outside forces is unacceptable," Zhu told a news conference. She added that Washington, during the US-China top-level summit in San Francisco in November, made serious political commitments to Beijing on the issue of Taiwan, and US President Joe Biden explicitly said that he does not support "independence for Taiwan." Sandra Oudkirk, the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, earlier said that Taiwan had experienced serious cyberattacks that were allegedly an attempt to destroy the island's "democratic system" and accused mainland China of attempts to interfere in Taiwan's 2024 elections. Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing regards the island as its province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous entity but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official foreign contacts with Taipei and regards Chinese sovereignty over the island as indisputable. The latest escalation around Taiwan took place in April after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with then-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States. Beijing responded by launching massive three-day military drills near the island in what it called a warning to Taiwanese separatists and foreign powers. In August and September, the Taiwanese armed forces reported multiple sightings of Chinese naval and air patrols in the island's vicinity. On September 18, the ministry reported a record high of 103 Chinese aircraft seen near the island in one day. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231205/us-tomahawk-anti-ship-missiles-to-challenge-china-amid-taiwan-tensions--report-1115385789.html china taiwan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International china-us tensions over taiwan, us interference in taiwan election https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/dutch-pm-calls-on-netanyahu-to-take-tougher-approach-to-settler-violence-in-west-bank-1115548810.html Dutch PM Calls on Netanyahu to 'Take Tougher Approach to Settler Violence' in West Bank Dutch PM Calls on Netanyahu to 'Take Tougher Approach to Settler Violence' in West Bank Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has urged his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to "take a tougher approach to settler violence" in the West Bank. 2023-12-13T05:28+0000 2023-12-13T05:28+0000 2023-12-13T05:30+0000 world palestine-israel conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/03/1111647030_0:284:3072:2012_1920x0_80_0_0_f68b8b0cfa15d3072321e29f790dbe47.jpg "Spoke with @IsraeliPM Netanyahu in relation to the resolution being discussed today in the UN ... I stressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu that Israel must take a tougher approach to settler violence in the West Bank," Rutte said on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday. The Dutch prime minister also said that the Netherlands "condemns the violence committed by [Palestinian movement] Hamas, but also calls for substantial humanitarian pauses to allow aid to be delivered and hostages to be released," adding that the country "continues to call on Israel in the strongest terms to exercise greater restraint in its military deployment, which must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law." "I stated that the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza must improve, and it must improve fast. Israel must show more restraint and urgently allow more aid into Gaza. In addition to the call for substantial pauses in fighting, I also specifically asked for aid workers and field hospital materials to be allowed into Gaza and for efforts to ensure help reaches the most affected areas, including northern Gaza," Rutte said. Rutte also welcomed the opening of the Kerem Shalom checkpoint on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt for scanning goods, but also said "it is of vital importance that it be also opened as soon as possible to allow humanitarian access to Gaza." On Monday, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib proposed considering an entry ban to the Schengen Area for Israelis involved in illegal settlement activities in the West Bank. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles said on Monday that the European Union has started working on drafting a list of "extremist settlers" who would be sanctioned by the EU for illegal settling in the West Bank. On October 7, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing over 1,200 people and abducting some 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza and launched a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 18,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, according to local authorities. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231202/report-us-told-israel-it-will-issue-visa-ban-for-west-bank-settler-violence-1115339289.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel-hamas war, palestine-israeli conflict, gaza violence, netanyahu, mark rutte, dutch pm calls on israeli pm to settle violence in west bank, west bank crisis, gaza crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/israel-to-continue-war-against-hamas-regardless-of-international-support---foreign-minister-1115556148.html Israel to Continue War Against Hamas Regardless of International Support - Foreign Minister Israel to Continue War Against Hamas Regardless of International Support - Foreign Minister Israel will continue its war with the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip regardless of the presence of absence of international support, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Wednesday. 2023-12-13T13:25+0000 2023-12-13T13:25+0000 2023-12-13T13:26+0000 israel world eli cohen middle east gaza strip united kingdom (uk) us treasury hamas palestine-israel conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/02/1114668613_0:0:1023:575_1920x0_80_0_0_43492277b5f6ab32321beebaedc06ca6.jpg "Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. The ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the Hamas terrorist organization and will allow it to return and threaten the people of Israel," Cohen said at a meeting with Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts.On October 7, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing over 1,200 people and abducting some 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza and launched a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 18,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the escalation, the local authorities said.The Gaza Strip was divided into north and south sections by the Israeli army in November, with military officials calling on Palestinian civilians to move south to escape active combat.US, UK Impose New Sanctions on Hamas Financial OfficialsMeanwhile, The US Treasury imposed a new round of sanctions on Wednesday in conjunction with the United Kingdom on Hamas finance officials and affiliated financiers, according to a release.The targets include eight individuals, mostly Hamas officials based outside of Gaza.Within Gaza, Ismail Musa Ahmad is a member of the Gaza Strip Political Bureau and regional finance department head who worked with sanctioned Hamas Finance Minister Zaher Jabarin to aggregate money from global fundraising into official Finance Ministry accounts. Nizar Mohammed Awadallah is a Gaza-based Hamas board member and part of Hamas Political Bureau.Based in Turkiye, Haroun Mansour Yaqoub Nasser Al-Din is the head of Hamas Jerusalem office and one of Hamas key financial operatives in Turkey, working in coordination with Jabarin and another senior sanctioned official, Salih Al-Aruri, according to the release,Jihad Muhammad Shaker Yaghmour is a Hamas official representative to Turkey. He was sentenced to life in prison by Israel for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier, but was exiled to Turkey as a part of the Gilad Shalit deal in 2011. Turkey-based Mehmet Kaya has been involved in multiple money transfers on behalf of Hamas over several years, involving tens of millions of dollars, the release said.Hassan Al-Wardian is a senior Hamas official and a key figure in Bethlehem representing Hamas. He previously served as a political and field commander in Bethlehem and has spent time in Israeli prisons.In Lebanon, Ali Abed Al Rahman Baraka is the head of Hamas National Relations Abroad. Maher Rebhi Obeid is also a Lebanon-based senior Hamas political leader and has been part of Hamas Political Bureau since 2010. Obeid is believed to have previously been the militant commander of Hamas in the West Bank. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/netanyahu-says-israel-received-full-us-support-for-ground-operation-in-gaza-strip-1115540099.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/report-uk-secretly-sent-500-troops-to-cyprus-base-supplying-weapons-to-israel-1115546325.html israel gaza strip united kingdom (uk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel, gaza war, israel-hamas conflict, palestine-israel conflict, gaza strip, hamas movement, idf https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/israeli-mercenary-in-ukraine-complains-about-conditions-and-insufficient-funds-1115556373.html Israeli Mercenary in Ukraine Complains About Conditions and Insufficient Funds Israeli Mercenary in Ukraine Complains About Conditions and Insufficient Funds An Israeli mercenary complained about the hardships suffered in the Ukrainian Army and asked for money and weapons through social networks, Sputnik has discovered. 2023-12-13T14:09+0000 2023-12-13T14:09+0000 2023-12-13T14:09+0000 world sputnik ukraine israel mercenaries /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115555442_0:418:975:966_1920x0_80_0_0_4ed885d053b6ce45322d353e16f34f6c.jpg Israel's Ariah Ben Yehudah, 58, is a retired police officer who decided to join the Ukrainian army's Foreign Legion in March 2022. However, his posts on social networks suggest that he may not be fully satisfied with his current situation. The British-born Israeli mercenary often appeals to his subscribers for support, complaining about insufficient funds to maintain his vehicles. He also encourages them to put pressure on governments assisting Ukraine for more military support. In one example, he recently requested that US President Biden provide 500 Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian Army, emphasizing the urgency by asking "how many orphans does the West need? In addition, he conveyed his frustration about the vulnerability of the vehicles he operates, saying he was "sick of flying around in these paper thin war horses."Yehudah briefly returned to Israel when the conflict between Israel and Gaza broke in early October. However, on November 1 he wrote that he had returned to Ukraine. ukraine israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Christina Malyk https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/08/1113208579_137:0:1097:960_100x100_80_0_0_39342d3133a15b1549ec31c158221a34.jpg Christina Malyk https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/08/1113208579_137:0:1097:960_100x100_80_0_0_39342d3133a15b1549ec31c158221a34.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Christina Malyk https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/08/1113208579_137:0:1097:960_100x100_80_0_0_39342d3133a15b1549ec31c158221a34.jpg israeli mercenary in ukraine, foreign mercenaries in ukraine, israeli mercenary ukraine, gaza violence https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/pentagon-says-not-conducting-formal-review-of-israels-use-of-white-phosphorous-shells-1115560538.html Pentagon Says Not Conducting Formal Review of Israels Use of White Phosphorous Shells Pentagon Says Not Conducting Formal Review of Israels Use of White Phosphorous Shells The US Department of Defense (DoD) is not conducting a formal review of the Amnesty International report about Israels use of white phosphorous munitions in the conflict in Gaza, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Wednesday. 2023-12-13T17:04+0000 2023-12-13T17:04+0000 2023-12-13T17:05+0000 israel pentagon military lebanon us department of defense (dod) col. patrick ryder us white phosphorus /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102345/26/1023452607_0:57:2000:1182_1920x0_80_0_0_8c6d7117dd755ae50887f51c34ea7f73.jpg "While DoD is not conducting a formal review, the Civilian Harm Mitigation Response team will consider the report along with other publicly available information related to civilian harm as they carry out their responsibility to advise senior DoD leaders. We have no further specifics to offer about the report at this time," Ryder said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said that the United States is looking into reports, confirmed by the Washington Post and two human rights groups, that Israel attacked southern Lebanon with US-made white phosphorus shells. On Monday, the Washington Post reported that Israeli forces fired white phosphorus munitions manufactured in the US during an attack on the southern Lebanese village of Dheira on October 16, citing its own analysis and the investigations of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/us-looking-into-reports-of-israeli-use-of-us-made-white-phosphorus-shells-in-lebanon-1115557891.html israel lebanon Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International pentagon, us, israel, us department of defense, white phosphorous, phosphorous bombs, phosphorous shells https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/south-korea-netherlands-form-semiconductor-alliance-for-resilience-1115561242.html South Korea, Netherlands Form 'Semiconductor Alliance' for Resilience South Korea, Netherlands Form 'Semiconductor Alliance' for Resilience Seoul and Amsterdam have established a "semiconductor alliance" for supply chain resilience, building on the two countries' unique positions as the world's leading manufacturer and a major semiconductor equipment supplier, a joint statement said on Wednesday. 2023-12-13T18:33+0000 2023-12-13T18:33+0000 2023-12-13T18:34+0000 south korea netherlands economy semiconductors chip chipmaker /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/13/1111991456_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_3ccbfef9c0d67496bb943c3da0664cc8.jpg "Both leaders recognized their unique and complementary position in the semiconductor value chain, and reaffirmed their commitment to build a semiconductor alliance encompassing the participation of governments, businesses, and universities. In this vein, the two leaders agreed to establish a bilateral semiconductor dialogue and a Semiconductor Talent Program, and to continue and expand business-to-business cooperation," the joint statement by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, issued by Yoon's office following the two leaders' meeting in The Hague, read. As part of the two countries' cooperation strategy, Netherlands-based leading producer of chip-making equipment ASML, together with South Korean memory chip giant Samsung Electronics, will invest 1 trillion won ($761 million) to build a joint facility for ultra-fine processing technology in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported. The new "semiconductor alliance" will be the basis for developing Seoul's defense cooperation with the Netherlands as well as with other NATO member states, Yoon said at a joint press conference. By cooperating in advanced technologies, the two countries will strengthen the security of Europe, Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, he added. Rutte told the press conference that the level of interaction between the two countries had increased to unprecedented levels. He also called the Netherlands' cooperation with South Korea in microelectronics very important, while praising Seoul as a crucial partner in defense and cybersecurity. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/south-korea-netherlands-to-create-semiconductor-alliance-1115536603.html south korea netherlands Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south korea, netherlands, chip industry, semiconductors, chipmakers Interview: Closer Belt and Road cooperation to strengthen Jordan-China partnership, says expert Xinhua) 19:13, December 13, 2023 AMMAN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to push for closer Belt and Road cooperation between China and Jordan will open new horizons for the partnership between the two countries, said Jordanian economic expert Awny Al Dawoud. China and Jordan signed the MoU on Belt and Road cooperation in late November, pledging to actively promote policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people ties and further deepen practical cooperation in various fields. China is now Jordan's second-largest trading partner. Bilateral ties in all fields remain uninterrupted since the two countries established diplomatic relations 46 years ago, said Al Dawoud, head of Jordan's Al-Dustour Centre for Economic Studies. "I believe that this memorandum comes as a culmination of the Jordan-China relations that have extended throughout history," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. Al Dawoud said the agreement will open the door for new areas of cooperation as Jordan is now pursuing an economic modernization vision, which is focused on "creating jobs, attracting investments and driving economic growth." Signing the agreement is an important move as the Middle Eastern country's shift toward modernization requires investments in fields of energy, infrastructure and other areas, and "this can be enhanced after the signing of the MoU with China," he said. "We hope to see more Chinese investments in Jordan and even at the regional level as China also enjoys good relations in the region," he added. In the sectors of culture, media and education, China and Jordan enjoy close ties, noted the expert, adding that as the Belt and Road Initiative also focuses on cultural exchanges and youth cooperation, the MoU increases the opportunities for collaboration in these fields. Al Dawoud called for closer cooperation between both sides in the public, government, private, academic and media sectors. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liu Ning) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. supports the proposal to tap civilians with licensed guns to become reservists, saying it is an advantage that they already know how to handle firearms. Im in support of that kasi kailangan natin palakihin ang ating reserve force [Im in support of that because we need to expand our reserve force], Brawner said on Wednesday during a target shooting competition in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. One of the core competencies ng isang sundalo [of a soldier] is that he or she should be adept, should be competent in the use of the firearm, he added. The AFP chief said during the Marawi siege in 2017, only around half of the reservists whom the government mobilized knew how to handle weapons. Kung dati na siyang shooter at kung marunong na siya [If one already knows how to shoot], especially on the safety of handling a weapon, then they're all welcome to join the reservists, Brawner said. Senators Mark Villar and Ronald Bato dela Rosa earlier made the proposal, citing the need for additional manpower to help defend the country should the need arise. A number of gun-owner groups have welcomed the idea of having force multipliers for military and police officers, especially in times of crisis. However, some are not keen on the suggestion, noting issues such as misuse of even registered firearms. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/swedish-mercenary-fighting-on-ukraines-side-killed-in-conflict-zone---report-1115557971.html Swedish Mercenary Fighting on Ukraine's Side Killed in Conflict Zone - Report Swedish Mercenary Fighting on Ukraine's Side Killed in Conflict Zone - Report A Swedish citizen who fought for the Kiev regime was killed in the zone of the Russian special military operation, the Swedish agency SVT reports, citing the Scandinavian country's Foreign Ministry. 2023-12-13T15:05+0000 2023-12-13T15:05+0000 2023-12-13T15:05+0000 mercenaries russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine europe sweden kiev /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115558565_0:98:3072:1826_1920x0_80_0_0_c22bc13fa9d00159f873178778137941.jpg The Swede died in battles in Ukraine. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed... that the man is about 30 years old and a native of Svealand, the message says.The Russian Ministry of Defense has repeatedly stated that the Kiev regime is using foreign mercenaries as cannon fodder, and the Russian military will continue to target and eliminate them throughout the conflict zone. Many mercenaries themselves have acknowledged during various interviews that the Ukrainian military lacks efficient coordination in their action. Moreover, they face a slim chance of survival in battles due to the intense nature of the conflict, which is unlike what they have experienced in Afghanistan and the Middle East. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231002/international-legion-how-foreign-mercenaries-became-disenchanted-with-ukraine-conflict-1113861961.html ukraine sweden kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian special military operation in ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine, foreign mercenaries, hired guns, foreign mercenary killed in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/syria-expects-to-return-of-oil-fields-occupied-by-us-to-govt-control-in-near-future-1115552002.html Syria Expects to Soon Regain Oil Fields Occupied by US Syria Expects to Soon Regain Oil Fields Occupied by US Damascus expects to return oil fields that are important but remain under the US's occupation to the control of the Syrian government in the near future, Syrian Oil Minister Firas Hassan Kaddour told Sputnik. 2023-12-13T10:09+0000 2023-12-13T10:09+0000 2023-12-13T13:39+0000 syria world oil fields damascus middle east us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103092/29/1030922948_0:153:3591:2173_1920x0_80_0_0_612831b92517ce9576d4e7c756227e19.jpg Many oil fields in northern Syria were destroyed as a result of attacks by terrorist groups, these fields returned to the control of the Syrian government, and their restoration began, the official said. In 2024, Syria will conduct seismic exploration north of Damascus and in other areas to search for oil and gas deposits, he added.The reconstruction of an oil refinery in the central Syrian province of Homs, which was seriously damaged during the fighting in the country, is expected to begin in 2024, Kaddour added.Last week, the head of coordination of Iranian activities to carry out repair work at extraterritorial oil refineries, Ali Shahverdi, said that Iran would begin rebuilding the Homs refinery with a processing capacity of 120,000 barrels.The US military currently controls parts of the provinces of Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor and Al-Hasakah, where Syria's largest oil and gas fields are located. The Syrian government considers the presence of the US military on its territory as occupation and state piracy. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231122/to-the-last-drop-us-continues-looting-of-syrias-oil-even-amid-attacks-on-illegal-bases-1115145089.html syria damascus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International syria, syrian oil, syrian oil fields, syrian oil field occupied by us, us illegal occupation of syria https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/ukraine-loses-up-to-250-soldiers-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-24-hours-1115553044.html Ukraine Loses Up to 250 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past 24 Hours Ukraine Loses Up to 250 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past 24 Hours Ukraine has lost up to 250 soldiers both killed and wounded in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday. 2023-12-13T11:54+0000 2023-12-13T11:54+0000 2023-12-13T11:54+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine donetsk russian defense ministry russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/01/1113839242_0:259:3182:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_70a3fb74c0ab2b5e75ac07124112db29.jpg Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled eight Ukrainian attacks in the Kupyansk direction, four attacks in the Donetsk direction and another one in the Krasny Liman direction. The statement comes amid MoD reports on a number of Russia's successful combat missions in the region. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-loses-over-1560-soldiers-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-week--mod-1115478835.html ukraine donetsk russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, ukraine, special military op, russia's special military operation, donetsk, kupyansk, krasny liman, russian ministry of defense, mod https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/us-looking-into-reports-of-israeli-use-of-us-made-white-phosphorus-shells-in-lebanon-1115557891.html US Looking Into Reports of Israeli Use of US-Made White Phosphorus Shells in Lebanon US Looking Into Reports of Israeli Use of US-Made White Phosphorus Shells in Lebanon The United States is looking into reports confirmed by The Washington Post and two human rights groups that Israel attacked southern Lebanon with US-made white phosphorus shells, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday. 2023-12-13T14:39+0000 2023-12-13T14:39+0000 2023-12-13T14:40+0000 john kirby military israel lebanon national security council us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115558091_0:159:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_7471c8e03adb052b4e714d5ba1d12675.jpg "We don't have full transparency and visibility on what exactly happened up in Lebanon with these reported uses of white phosphorus. We're looking into thatWe're asking more questions of our Israeli counterparts about those reports to see if they're accurate and how if white phosphorus was used, how it was used," Kirby told CNN. On Monday, The Washington Post reported that Israeli forces fired white phosphorus munitions manufactured in the US during an attack on the southern Lebanese village of Dheira on October 16, citing its own analysis and the investigations of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The Post found remnants of three 155-mm artillery shells in Dheira with lot production codes using US military terms for munitions produced domestically in Louisiana in 1989 and Arkansas in 1992. Other features, such as their color and markings, also indicate the shells contained white phosphorus. The same codes also appeared on white phosphorus shells next to Israeli artillery photographed by the Gaza border on October 9. Photos and videos reviewed by the Post and Amnesty International also show smoke ribbons characteristic of white phosphorus falling over Dheira. The attack incinerated at least four homes and injured at least nine civilians, at least three of whom were hospitalized. Kirby added that white phosphorous had a "legitimate purpose for illumination and for smoke cover for concealing the movement of your troops." However, Israel has not sent troops into Lebanon during its current war on Gaza. Moreover, the Dheira attack occurred under the cover of night. Residents said that Israel shelled their village with the munitions for hours overnight, leaving them trapped until the next morning. They believe the phosphorus was intended to force them to evacuate their village to make way for future Israeli military incursions. Kirby said the US has "not provided any white phosphorus shells to Israel since October 7," without commenting on the US production codes found on the remnants of the shells used in Dheira. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, Israel has fired white phosphorus munitions more than 60 times into Lebanons border areas since the October 7 Hamas attack. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/ex-cia-officer-ceasefire-veto-and-white-phosphorus-shells-for-israel-show-us-isolatation-1115541630.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231204/israel-shells-lebanon-in-retalitory-move--statement--1115368224.html israel lebanon Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel, phosphorous bombs, phosphorous shells, israel strikes lebanon, us-made phosphorous shells, us-made phosphorous bombs, john kirby https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/us-reportedly-delaying-sale-of-m16-rifles-to-israel-over-west-bank-settler-violence-1115563559.html US Reportedly Delaying Sale of M16 Rifles to Israel Over West Bank Settler Violence US Reportedly Delaying Sale of M16 Rifles to Israel Over West Bank Settler Violence The United States is reportedly delaying the sale of M16 assault rifles to Israel due to Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. 2023-12-13T22:07+0000 2023-12-13T22:07+0000 2023-12-13T22:04+0000 world us israel m16 west bank joe biden us military aid us foreign aid /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115563402_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e6c0b5e6fde124e5545158b025f49f52.jpg Citing US officials familiar with the matter, US media reported on Wednesday that the sale of 20,000 US-made M16 rifles is being sent to the State Department for an additional review because the Biden administration does not feel confident the Israeli government is doing enough to crack down on extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The report underscored that officials within the administration "need more assurances" from the Israeli government that it will do enough to curb the violence in the West Bank.The pullback on the weapons sale came several weeks after an agreement had been struck between Israeli and American officials that none of the rifles would be given to civilian security teams established within border villages near Gaza.The civilian teams are intended to act as first responders in the event of a terror attack, and are trained by Israeli police. However, concerns were spiked within the Biden White House after officials caught wind of a report alleging Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's national security minister, issued an order for police to not arrest any violent settlers in the region.The Wednesday report comes on the heels of a decision by the US to officially impose visa restrictions against any individual believed to have engaged in violence in the West Bank. Reports have indicated that settler violence has more than doubled since the October 7 surprise attack by Hamas. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/dutch-pm-calls-on-netanyahu-to-take-tougher-approach-to-settler-violence-in-west-bank-1115548810.html israel west bank Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International spiked cases of settler violence in west bank, m16 rifle transfers to israel, palestine-israel conflict, us military aid to israel, how much military aid has us given to israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/us-warship-shoots-down-suspected-houthi-drone-in-red-sea---reports-1115557283.html US Warship Shoots Down Suspected Houthi Drone in Red Sea - Reports US Warship Shoots Down Suspected Houthi Drone in Red Sea - Reports A US warship shot down a drone in the Red Sea as it was responding to reports that the Houthis were attacking a commercial vessel by using skiffs and firing missiles, ABC News reported on Wednesday, citing US officials. 2023-12-13T14:17+0000 2023-12-13T14:17+0000 2023-12-13T14:19+0000 military red sea yemen israel houthi uss mason suez canal us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104643/30/1046433038_0:134:2988:1815_1920x0_80_0_0_819667256145ef7192022ea83f613ee6.jpg The officials confirmed that two missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward a commercial tanker vessel in the Red Sea. The projectiles missed the ship, the report said. The attempted attack happened as the tanker was sailing into the Red Sea on its way toward the Suez Canal. The drone was believed to be heading directly at the USS Mason, which is the warship that shot down the unmanned aircraft, officials told ABC News. The US navy reportedly has not yet been able to assess whether the USS Mason was the drone's target. The rise in attacks on commercial vessels in the region comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On Tuesday, the US Central Command confirmed media reports that a tanker was attacked in the Red Sea by what is believed to be an anti-ship cruise missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen with no casualties. Geir Belsnes, the CEO of J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, the Norwegian company that owns the Strinda tanker, said later in the day that the crew of the vessel was not injured, and the ship was on its way to a safe port. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231204/houthi-attack-on-commercial-ships-in-red-sea-a-warning-to-israel-and-us---experts-1115378539.html red sea yemen israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International red sea, youths rebels, uss mason, us warship, youths drone, youths attack in red sea https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/will-ukraine-collapse-in-2024-1115554741.html Will Ukraine Collapse in 2024? Will Ukraine Collapse in 2024? In this weeks episode of the New Rules podcast, we spoke with Scott Ritter about Ukraines looming military crisis and why theres nothing Biden can do about... 13.12.2023, Sputnik International 2023-12-13T10:15+0000 2023-12-13T10:15+0000 2023-12-13T15:12+0000 new rules radio joe biden ukraine volodymyr zelensky military & intelligence russia us arms for ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0d/1115554112_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_626c4ef7ceeb4e35a8dd07ca041db43c.jpg Will Ukraine Collapse in 2024? Will Ukraine Collapse in 2024? - Scott Ritter, former US Marine intelligence officer, former UN weapons inspector.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Simes Dimitri Simes Dimitri News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Simes Dimitri radio, joe biden, ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, military & intelligence, russia, us arms for ukraine, https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/zelenskys-magic-failed-us-congress-rejects-throwing-good-money-after-bad-1115553636.html Zelensky's Magic Failed: US Congress Rejects Throwing Good Money After Bad Zelensky's Magic Failed: US Congress Rejects Throwing Good Money After Bad Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington DC has fallen short of convincing US lawmakers to approve $61 billion in funding for Ukraine this year, as per the US press. 2023-12-13T13:20+0000 2023-12-13T13:20+0000 2023-12-13T13:20+0000 us world volodymyr zelensky joe biden washington dc ukraine kiev republicans congress pentagon /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/02/1100293292_0:34:2588:1489_1920x0_80_0_0_c8130a896fae4102eb6b5a18263827be.jpg Zelensky's Tuesday meeting with US lawmakers reportedly came in sharp contrast with his December 2022 triumphal visit, when he was welcomed by a standing ovation in the House and was gifted an encased American flag that flew over the US Capitol during his visit.This time, Zelensky got a chillier welcome at a close-door meeting after which House Speaker Mike Johnson told the press: "What the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed." As a result, media outlet Bloomberg did not rule out Ukraine failing to get any more funding this year.Rasmus believes that at the end of the day, Biden will make concessions concerning border reforms demanded by Republicans in order to ram the Ukraine funding bill through Congress. However, the academic expects that the final package would be far less than the $61 billion initially requested by Joe Biden.The next year is going to become a year of "finger pointing" as Ukraine is set to lose big and neither Democrats nor Republicans want to parent this defeat.Per Rasmus, the US government has a lot on its plate at home, and time is ripe for solving burning domestic issues. He drew attention to the fact that the US is "running chronic trillion and a half deficits every year.""Why do we have the big gap?" he said. "Well, because we're throwing $1 trillion a year at the defense establishment. The Pentagon gets like $800 [billion] and then $340 billion more for other things. The war is costing $100 billion, $150 billion. Who knows how much now for Israel and Taiwan?"Presently, the Pentagon has just $4.6 billion in additional authority to provide weapons from its stockpiles to Ukraine, but just $1 billion to replace them, the US media has said, adding that it's not enough to support the Kiev regime's military.Meanwhile, next years 50 billion ($54 billion) in Ukraine assistance from Europe is also in limbo amid opposition from Hungary. Europe is also failing to deliver on its earlier commitment to help get 1 million rounds of 155 mm ammo for Ukraine by next spring. As per Reuters, European countries have so far placed orders for just 60,000 artillery shells under the scheme through the bloc's European Defense Agency (EDA). The small volume of orders highlights "bigger struggles" that the EU is facing while trying to deliver on its pledge, according to the media outlet. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/is-zelensky-lying-to-americans-or-is-he-suffering-from-biden-esque-memory-loss-1115550741.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/johnson-after-meeting-with-zelensky-us-lawmakers-need-clear-ukraine-strategy-to-approve-funds-1115543895.html washington dc ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova volodymyr zelensky, zelensky visit to washington, zelensky's meeting with biden, joe biden, aid for ukraine, $60 billion for ukraine, ukrainian botched counteroffensive, house speaker mike johnson, ukraine doesn't have clear strategy for winning, no oversight over ukraine spending of us taxpayer money Kodack Black completed a clean sweep of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund (DSBF) series for three-year-old male trotters and captured his second divisional title in the First State this season with a commanding 1:57.3 win in the $110,000 final on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Bally's Dover. Montrell Teague put 1-20 favourite Kodack Black in play from post seven immediately as the gates folded, but the pair was strung out on the first turn by 17-1 shot Paleface (Ross Shand) before clearing three-sixteenths of a mile in. After being pushed through a :28.2 first quarter, Kodack Black rated middle splits of :59.2 and 1:27.4 before steadily widening his lead through the final turn. The Kodak Lindy-Love On Broadway gelding won by 4-1/4 lengths while well in hand, and his 1:57.3 winning time equals his seasonal mark. Paleface was all-out to save second from his pocket ride. I Got It Made (Ross Wolfenden) circled stalled cover on the far turn and sustained a mild bid through the stretch to just edge the ground-saving Hespookshescores (Russell Foster) for third. Kodack Black, who has won 14 times in his career and banked $262,979, is trained by Clyde Francis for the partnership of George Teague Jr. Inc., David Collins and Lakiyah Teachey. He paid $2.10 to win as the overwhelming public choice. Global Believer S wires the field to win Open Trot Global Believer S put a field of quality trotters to sleep and won the $25,000 Open Handicap on Tuesday night. Driven by Tim Tetrick, Global Believer S charged hard at the start of the race but was pressed to the quarter by a pesky I Get It (Victor Kirby) in :27.3. Tetrick was able to put the brakes on Global Believer S after reaching the half in :57.3, a :30 second quarter. Muscle Dynasty (Corey Callahan) was parked the mile and forced Black Hope (Cole Olsen) and That Ole Bar Stool (Allan Davis) to circle three-wide down the backstretch. Global Believer S, the even odds betting favourite, was in cruise control passing the three-quarters in 1:25.3, a :28 flat quarter. In the stretch, Global Believer S was able to repel the late charges from Black Hope and Muscle Dynasty to win by a half-length in 1:55 flat. He paid $4 for the win. Black Hope finished second while Muscle Dynasty, who was parked the entire mile, lasted to finish third. Global Believer S (Donato Hanover-Platinium Shine) is trained by Per Engblom and owned by Engblom Stable LLC and Kasper Foget, both from New Jersey. He has now won at four different sized racetracks this year. He won for the eighth time in 17 starts this year. Two $110,000 DSBF series finals remain in 2023 at Bally's Dover: the three-year-old filly pace on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and the sophomore male pace on Thursday, Dec. 14. Also on Wednesday's card, Incaseyoudidntknow will look to win her sixth consecutive race in the $26,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace, set as race 13. Boudoir Hanover, who finished second last week, and Majorca N will look to play the spoiler. Ballys Dover races Monday through Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. post time. (With files from the Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund and Dover Downs) The harness racing worlds of New Jersey and Maryland will collide this week, when Freehold Raceway and Rosecroft Raceway play hosts to the Rosecroft-Freehold Driving Challenge. The challenge pits four drivers based at Freehold and four drivers based at Rosecroft. Johnathan Ahle, Vinny Ginsburg, Mark Herschberger and Tyler Miller will represent Freehold, while Eric Davis, William Carter, Trae Porter and Declan Donoway comprise the Rosecroft contingent. The series consists of four races at Rosecroft on Thursday, Dec. 14 and four races at Freehold on Saturday, Dec. 16. The drivers in each series race will be drawn by lot. The point system is as follows: 50 points for first, 25 for second, 12 for third, eight for fourth, five for fifth, four for sixth, three for seventh, and one for eighth. A scratched horse will receive eight points. The driver with the highest point total at the end of the eight-race series will receive $1,000, with second place receiving $600, third place netting $400, and fourth through eighth earning $250 apiece. At Rosecroft, the drivers will also participate in a bicycle race and a round of cornhole with the bicycles being donated to Rosecrofts toy drive. First post time at Rosecroft on Thursday will be 7:15 p.m., while the first race at Freehold on Saturday will be 12:30 p.m. (Freehold Raceway) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said China was likely uncertain that he was on board the wooden boat that came under the Chinese Coast Guard's water cannon attack while on the way to a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal on Sunday. He said he was wearing civilian clothing and covered with a face mask on board the Unaizah Mae 1 when Chinese maritime forces conducted dangerous maneuvers and fired water cannons at them. "Mukhang may suspetsa sila because they were asking for my whereabouts, but sa tingin ko hindi nila alam na nandun ako kaya ganun ang taktika na ginawa nila," the military chief said in an interview on Tuesday. "Although hindi naman ako natakot, but really nakakagalit. And nakakaawa sa mga crew ng Unaizah May. Every time nagre-resupply sila, they have to go through that experience," he added. [Translation: They had an inkling I was on board because they were asking for my whereabouts. But I think they didn't know I was there that's why they deployed that tactic. I wasn't scared but I was upset. I feel bad for the crew of Unaizah Mae because they experience that during resupply missions.] RELATED: Foreign envoys condemn China for back-to-back water cannon incidents in WPS Brawner boarded Unaizah Mae on Dec. 9 so he can visit the troops who will be spending the holidays on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. He recalled that during the initial part of the trip they were shadowed by Chinese Coast Guard, Navy ships, and maritime militia. He added that Beijing's forces started to cut their boat in an attempt to deter them. "Nung 'di kami mapigilan, finally nag-water cannon sila then binunggo nila kami. So kabaliktaran sa sinabi nila na tayo bumunggo sa kanila. We will not do that kasi maliit tayo," Brawner said. [Translation: When they couldn't stop our trip, they hit us with the water cannon then rammed us. That is the opposite of their claim that we hit them. We will not do that because our ship was a lot smaller.] National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya earlier said the incident doesn't constitute an "act of war" even if the AFP chief was on board the ship. Brawner also refuted China's claim its maritime vessels exercised restraint and acted professionally when they blasted water cannons and fired sound alarms, saying the videos of the incident will prove Beijing was lying. Despite China's attempts to block the resupply and rotational mission, Brawner was able to reach BRP Sierra Madre to share a Christmas meal and bring gifts from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Christmas convoy The AFP chief said he believes China deployed more vessels to harass Philippine ships because it found out about the civilian convoy of group "Atin Ito" over the weekend, noting that he witnessed at least 45 of Beijing's ships in Ayungin alone. "Naniniwala kami na hindi lang ro-re (rotational and resupply mission) ang pinaghandaan nila, but they were also preparing for the Christmas convoy kasi na-announce earlier na dadaan doon," he said. [Translation: We believe it wasn't only for ro-re, but they also prepared for the Christmas convoy that was announced earlier.] RELATED: China deployed largest number of ships to block recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal He said troops will continue to provide support and assistance to other civilian groups that will plan to conduct more missions in the West Philippine Sea. The Christmas convoy cut short its trip after it was shadowed by Chinese vessels, but the volunteers on a smaller boat were able to deliver 30% of its goods to the community on Lawak Island on the way back to Palawan. Online voting for the 2023 OBrien Awards for fans and Standardbred Canada members is now open is available until Thursday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. (EST). Ballots have been sent to OBrien Award voters across the country which includes race secretaries, track announcers, track communications staff, harness racing journalists and broadcasters. To access the online voting package, click the following link: O'Briens Voter Documentation. Please review the eligibility criteria as there have been some changes. Heres what you need to know about the voting process: Vote for a first and second place horse in each divisional category Vote for a first and second place person from the three candidates provided for: the OBrien Award of Horsemanship, The Armstrong Breeder of the Year, and the Future Star Award. Vote for a first, second and third place horse in the Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year category. Horse Eligibility: For horses to be eligible for consideration for an O'Brien Award, the horse must have had a minimum of three (3) starts in Canada between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, in addition to any Breeders Crown starts, when the Breeders Crown is hosted in Canada. The type of race (stakes, overnight) is irrelevant and schooling and qualifying races do not represent a start. Vote for a first, second, third, fourth and fifth place person in the Trainer of the Year category (Points assigned will be 5/4/3/2/1 from first to fifth). Vote for a first, second, third, fourth and fifth place person in the Keith Waples Driver of the Year category (Points assigned will be 5/4/3/2/1 from first to fifth). There will be a Second Round of voting for the Trainer and Driver categories. After the ballots have been tabulated, a shortlist of candidates to choose from for the Trainer & Driver categories will be compiled based on point totals in first round votes, to create a Second-Round ballot. Voters in Round One will be sent a link for the Second-Round ballot, no later than Dec. 15, and asked to select a first and second place choice in these categories. The Second-Round ballot deadline is noon (EST) on Monday, Dec. 18. All of the fan votes received will count for one vote towards the voting results of the OBrien Awards. There will be a limit of one vote per person (ie. IP address or email address). The horses / people who receive a first place vote will receive two (2) points and those that receive a second place vote will receive one (1) point. The top two point earners will be the finalists in each category. The number of first place votes will be used as a tie breaker. The mandate given to the voters is to vote for the horses and people who MADE THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO CANADIAN HARNESS RACING IN 2023. Eighteen O'Brien Awards will be given out for the 2023 racing season. Thirteen of these honour the premier horses over the past racing season including the most coveted trophy, Canada's Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year. The horse awards are divided by age, sex and gait. In addition there are five awards for people, one each for Driver of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Armstrong Bros. Farm Breeder of the Year, the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship and the Future Star award. Standardbred Canada has an OBrien Committee that determines the candidates for the OBrien Award of Horsemanship, the Armstrong Breeder of the Year Award, and the Future Star Award. Here are the candidates for Horsemanship: Mark Etsell Rod Hennessy Jason Hughes For the Armstrong Breeder of the Year, the committee has put forward the following candidates for the voters to choose from: Bayama Farms Inc. Harry Rutherford & Diane Ingham Tara Hills Stud Ltd. The candidates for the Future Star Award are: Cassidy Schneider Desiree Jones Zach Mullins The finalists will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The OBrien Award winners will be announced and honoured at the 2023 Awards Gala at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Prince Edward Island on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Equine Guelph is partnering with Standardbred Canada (SC), Ontario Racing (OR) and Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) to offer three online courses this winter in priority healthcare areas of lameness, respiratory and gut health. Sponsored by OR, the Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care course will be first up in January 2024. The two-week online short course, developed specifically for the horse racing industry, will be offered from Jan. 22 Feb. 2, 2024 and is available free (value of $95) to the first 100 Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and/or SC members licence holders who enroll. The first two offerings of the Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care course in 2022 and 2023 filled up quickly, receiving great feedback from students. Repeat participants are encouraged to return to review the material and engage in the lively debates in the discussion forums. Last year, there were over 140 posts on hot topics! Student comments from last year outline the importance of keeping up to date on the increasing amount of material available on the topic of lameness: There is a growing knowledge and so much more to learn about lameness in horses. It is probably the most frustrating part of being a horse owner. I'm pretty good at listening to the horse and seeing the signs but I've learned a lot more here. If you watch them and really listen they will show you where they hurt. The industry pushes so strongly to keep them on the track running -- especially the Standardbreds running every week. Sometimes they need a break and I need to be a stronger advocate! This course will give me more confidence to do that. The videos in the first few units were very helpful. They showed the bones, ligaments, muscle tissue and how they moved/worked together. I am looking at horses differently when they move. Noticing and addressing subtle cues before the horse becomes lame are key to avoiding long layoffs due to injury. With input from experienced veterinarians and researchers such as Dr. Jeff Thomason, the course is packed full of practical tips delivered in easy-to-understand video presentations. Participants will also glean helpful information about bone remodelling during early training which could help guide decisions in routine exercise regimes. Dr. Melissa McKee will act as course instructor and Dr. Orlaith Cleary will be on-hand in week two as guest expert. McKee grew up in the local horse industry. After graduating, she worked in New Jersey at a large equine referral hospital that provided surgical care, lameness, medicine, emergency and ambulatory practice, followed by a year in equine practice in Alberta before returning to Ontario as a founding partner of McKee-Pownall Equine Services. She is certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy through the COAC. McKee has served on the American Association of Equine Practitioners Scholarship, Racing, Education and Ethics committees, and is an equine representative for the Ontario Animal Health Network. McKees professional interests include lameness, diagnostic imaging, MRI, VSMT and racehorse/sports medicine practice. McKee will be joined by guest expert Dr. Orlaith Cleary, who graduated with a veterinary degree from University College Dublin, Ireland in June 2003. Cleary joined the Ontario Equine Hospital team in April 2019. Clearys special interests are in advanced imaging (MRI, CT, scintigraphy), as well as all aspects of soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. McKee and Cleary will be discussing common lameness issues and recent research updates for racehorses as well as early detection and prevention. Students will also learn about the horses musculoskeletal system, how they move, best practices for detecting lameness, assessment tools, management of a lame horse and the latest research. Students will discover the diagnostic tools used in lameness exams and learn which training notes are most relevant to help veterinarians come to a diagnosis. McKee and Cleary will be joined once again by industry ambassadors Ruleen Lilley and Renee Kierans, who will be on-hand as peer helpers to assist students and ask questions on hot topics. The discussion boards provide thought-provoking information that will help students finish the course better prepared to communicate effectively with their vet. Lameness and injuries are ranked as a top three health issue in the Ontario racing industry and we are pleased to make the free course available to trainers and grooms keen on learning about how to reduce the risk through management, said Gordon Thain, Executive Director, OR. Ontario Racing is committed to keeping the racing industry up-to-date on the latest information and education in regard to equine welfare, safety and performance. Ontario trainers, grooms and owners can sign up now for the free Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care course starting on Jan. 22 to help their racehorses reach their full potential. For those who have never taken an online course before, no prior online learning experience is required. Limited registrations available. Be sure to hold the dates and register now for these two-week, racing-exclusive online courses: Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care: Jan. 22 Feb. 2, 2024 Racehorse Gut Health & Ulcer/Colic Prevention: Feb. 12 23, 2024 Racehorse Respiratory Health: March 4 - 15, 2024 Sign-up instructions: Standardbred Canada members - TheHorsePortal.ca/SC (free) AGCO licensees - TheHorsePortal.ca/OR (free) COSA members - TheHorsePortal.ca/COSA (free) Industry members outside of Ontario: TheHorsePortal.ca ($95) (With files from Equine Guelph) Members of the Scotts Bluff County Planning Commission voted Tuesday to table the granting of a conditional use permit (CUP) related to a solar energy project. The project in question was proposed by Situla Energy Project LLC, a holding company of California-based Dunlieh Energy, and seeks to construct a commercial solar energy farm in the southwest part of the county. A public hearing regarding the project was held at the county administrative, with dozens of county residents in attendance. After a short presentation recapping the permit application, community concerns and questions were addressed by Ethan Jahnke, senior project manager at 2DOT Consulting, the firm that arranged the application on behalf of Situla. These questions ranged from environmental impacts to financial and safety concerns. Several speakers expressed concerns about components or substances from the solar panels and batteries contaminating the land or water at the project site, along with concerns about how damaged or failing components would be disposed. Jahnke responded that modern solar panels do not have the leaking issues that were brought up as concerns and the batteries are contained within a liquid cooling system that make fires, explosions or the release of any harmful substance unlikely. With old technology that may have happened, but that doesnt happen anymore, Jahnke said. The batteries are lithium ion, but everything is contained. As for what will be done with damaged panels, Jahnke said the companys intention is to recycle the equipment through specialty services that do so in bulk. Theyre hard to recycle, he said. Its a process, so when you do it en masse you can get it done, and you can get $9 or $10 back per panel. Others asked why a company in California would be interested in establishing such a facility in western Nebraska. Jahnke said that Nebraska is ranked 13th in the nation for solar energy potential, making the identified land very desirable for such a purpose. District 48 Senator Brian Hardin came forward to present his own set of concerns to the commissioners connected to the Sentinel Missile Project spanning nearby Banner County and several other counties in the region. Hardin implied that the time and place of Situlas energy project proposal was strange when compared to the missile project. They could not have chosen a more sensitive place and time. Why is that? Hardin said. I can assure you that Strategic [Air] Command in Bellevue, Nebraska,, congressman Adrian Smith, as well as the attorney general are aware of your proposed energy project, its location and its curious timing. Hardin went on to say that unspecified federal organizations will have questions of their own pertaining to the energy companys ownership, even implying that foreign influence could be involved in business practices, manufacturing, software development, etc. Buried beneath the layers of LLCs, is there Chinese, Russian, Iranian or North Korean ownership? Hardin asked. Hardin followed his comments with a recommendation that the planning commission pause the permit approval process until more information can be gathered on the topic. Other concerns were brought forward related to the condition of Stegall Road, which would act as the main artery for the projects construction traffic, and the further deterioration that the traffic could cause. Some residents also expressed anxiety about effects on property values and how the project would benefit the county and its people. Jahnke was later joined by Dunlieh Energy vice president of business development Scott Ickes, who thanked those present for voicing their concerns and encouraged a continued dialogue. This is fantastic for us to hear, Ickes said. This is why were here, we want to get the feedback from the community, and we relish the opportunity to address each and every one of these issues and systematically answer them. We accept that if we cant do that, we dont expect to get the project approved. Ickes also attested to the track record of solar farms across the country and stated that many of the communities that house them likely had similar reservations that were eventually resolved to the benefit of all parties. There are over 5,000 operating solar farms in the United States as of the end of July of this year, he said. Five thousand six hundred projects have gotten done, so a lot of these challenges have been solved. Were committed to doing that and being good partners with the county and the State of Nebraska. The planning commission approved a motion to table the discussion of the project until more information could be gathered to aid in the decision making process. Building and zoning director Bill Mabin said that the issue will be put on a future planning commission agenda within the next few months once adequate discovery efforts have been made. Its been a whirlwind of appearances, performances and parades across the state for Taylor Loyd in the past six months, and now shes preparing for a performance on the biggest stage next month. Loyd, of Mooresville, is Miss North Carolina, and in January, will be competing for the title of Miss America. She has a timer on her watch counting down the days until she leaves for Orlando, Florida, where the Miss America competition will be held. With the fall semester of her studies at the University of North Carolina behind her, she is concentrating on her preparation for the Miss America pageant. Loyd, an Iredell native, was crowned Miss Statesville last year, and in June, she won the title of Miss North Carolina. I am really using this time to learn as much as I can about the job of Miss America, she said. And make no mistake, being a state or national title holder is a job, she said. In representing North Carolina, she has traveled the state, riding in parades, making appearances at a variety of events and showcasing her talent, singing. She recently sang with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. But with all of the preparation and her busy schedule as Miss North Carolina, Loyd said shes realized that rest is an important part of her life. Rest is a big part of that preparation, she said. Loyd said that, in a way, shes been preparing for this role for several years. Her mother, Cinamon Loyd, was Miss Statesville, and her father, Ashton, was also involved in the organization. Loyd said her parents never pushed her into the pageant circuit. She didnt compete for the first time until she was a teenager. She describes her mother as her biggest cheerleader. Even without pressure from her parents to compete, Loyd said, its something she always wanted to do with dreams of becoming Miss North Carolina and ultimately Miss America. Her desire to represent North Carolina means more than just a title. Loyd is using the platform as Miss North Carolina to promote her social impact project, Healing Hearts through the Arts, which has its roots in a tragic accident that critically injured her brother when both were children. Her brother, Preston, was injured in a lawn mower accident and Loyd said she saw how much music helped her and him during his recovery. She said Preston is super excited about going to Orlando and seeing his sister compete to become Miss America. She said hes proud of her, and especially how she talks about him in appearances and interviews. He said Sis tells the truth about me, she said. Juggling appearances as Miss North Carolina, getting ready to compete for the national title and college courses might present a dilemma for some people, but Loyd said she has been able to incorporate some of her studies with the duties representing the state. She said her professors encouraged her to utilize what she has experienced as Miss North Carolina in her studies. Ive had experiences that I wouldnt have had if I wasnt Miss North Carolina, she said. She pointed to singing with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra as one of those experiences. Loyd said one thing she has taken to heart during the past six months is to enjoy her role and not be as serious. I like to be spontaneous, she said, and that has led her to jump in and do an exercise routine with a group of Marines during an appearance. I asked them if I could join them. I got out and did 20 squats, she said with a laugh. She said she believes her spontaneity and genuine joy for her role makes her relatable for the people she meets along the way. Oh shes a real person, Loyd said she hears from those she meets. That fun-loving spirit, she said, is something she hopes will make an impression on the judges at the Miss America pageant next month. My whole life has led up to this, she said. Loyd said she has group chatted with some of the other women who will be competing for the title, something that might seem unusual since they are all seeking the same job. It is a competition, but weve all made it this far and we have shared experiences, she said. A sendoff party will be held for Loyd in Raleigh on Dec. 30. And then it will be on to Orlando and a week of pageant activities. The Miss America pageant will be broadcast on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. but on what network or platforms it can be watched have not yet been determined. A 24-year-old Vinton woman pleaded guilty to attempting escape, distribution of methamphetamine and other charges in Floyd Circuit Court last week. A deputy tried to pull Amanda Renae Barton over for traveling 70 in a 55 mph zone on Dec. 27, 2022, before she lost control, and the vehicle flipped several times. The deputy found her on the side of the road, and her male passenger was in the middle of the road with severe injuries. The man was taken to Roanoke Memorial Carilion, and Barton was treated for injuries by county EMS, Commonwealths Attorney Eric Branscom said on Dec. 6. In the car, deputies found a bag with drugs, one of which tested positive for more than 12 grams of methamphetamine. Barton was originally scheduled for a trial, but her attorney, Jennifer French of Roanoke, cut a deal with Branscom that brought the dismissal of possession of Schedule II drugs and possessing drug paraphernalia. Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Barton to two years for attempting to elude police and six years for distribution of methamphetamine. All but six months were suspended on both, giving her a year in prison and five years of supervised probation. In another scheduled trial that turned into a plea agreement, Richard Andrew Quesenberry pleaded guilty to cashing more than $3,000 worth of bad checks at Floyd retailers from banks that did not exist or on accounts of fictitious people in September 2022 Judge Fleenor sentenced Quesenberry to four years with three years on probation and one in prison, and ordered him to pay $1,252.21 in restitution to the businesses. In other items in court this week and last: The judge sent Jeffrey Adam Hall Bryn of Texas back to prison a year and nine months for a latest violation from a 2018 conviction of distribution of marijuana. Nine months of the remaining time on probation was suspended. April Elizabeth Akers of Floyd was given two year suspended sentence after pleading guilty for possession of meth. The war in Gaza has changed the way the U.S. feels about its presence in Syria, Abdel Moneim Ali Issa writes in al-Watan. The Republican representative Matt Gaetz encountered a setback as his resolution failed to gain approval in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 8th of last year. The resolution aimed at the prompt withdrawal of unauthorized U.S. forces from Syrian territories, with a specified period not exceeding 15 days. However, the voting results, with 103 in favour and 321 against, resulted in the shelving of the resolution in the councils archives. The preceding outcome reveals a threefold opposition compared to supporters, implying that withdrawal is currently improbable. Nevertheless, the scenario also suggests that the supporters wield substantial influence or are not negligible. Its conceivable that developments and changes may have altered the dynamics, akin to a snowball rolling down a slope, gaining size as it descends from the top to the bottom, indicating a potential shift. After a span of over nine months, Republican Representative Rand Paul attempted once again, this time through the Senate, which serves as the highest legislative authority in the country. Its endorsement is crucial for the approval of resolutions, except in rare instances specified by the constitution for the countrys president. These instances primarily pertain to matters of national security and war. It is worth noting that certain U.S. presidents have issued decisions related to Israel without seeking the Senates approval. This underscores that decision-making bodies in Washington unequivocally regard Israel and all its associated elements as issues of national security. This perspective is further underscored by potential events that could impact all fifty American states. The outcome of the Senate vote last Wednesday on Rand Pauls proposal echoed more resoundingly than its counterpart in the House of Representatives, previously mentioned in March. The supporters amounted to a total of 13 members, while the opponents numbered 84, with the remaining three marked as absent, The ratio here underscores that the size of the opponents is approximately seven times that of the supporters, implying a reversal in the trajectory of the snowball. This can undoubtedly be interpreted through the escalation witnessed in the region, sparked by the ongoing Gaza war, now in its third month. One of its consequences has been an unprecedented increase in U.S. military presence in the area since the conflicts inception, originating from the immersion of the Zionist entity in May 1948. What stands out here is that the Republicans, who were mostly inclined to support a resolution calling for a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, deviated from that stance this time. This change is clearly reflected in the statements made by the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell. McConnell issued a statement on the margins of the project, expressing: Passage of such a resolution would be a gift to Iran and its terrorist network, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said ahead of the vote. Driving American troops from the Middle East is exactly what theyd like to see. He added: It would encourage Irans proxies to open a northern front in the territorial war against Israel, he added, referring to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. In this context, it can be affirmed that the change in overall American sentiment toward military presence in Syria is not the result of a newly emerged perspective suggesting that this presence serves American interests in the region. Instead, it is influenced by the transformations brought about by the al-Aqsa Flood operation declared by Hamas on the dawn of October 7. The consequences of this operation led decision-making centers in the United States to adopt the view that if the storm ball were to expand, it could potentially lead to a third collapse of the existing structure. McConnells recent statement, expressing concerns about the potential opening of a northern front in the ongoing war, supports this perspective. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that this change in sentiment is temporary and transitional, likely to lead to another shift as the causes that led to it diminish. 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. An urgent need exists to reconsider compensation for the demanding nature of the nursing profession, al-Watan concludes. Official sources have confirmed to Al-Watan the alarming increase in the dropout rate within the nursing sector across various government hospitals. This trend is attributed to the adverse effects of economic conditions and the failure to enhance the material and living standards of nurses, in stark contrast to the private sector which entices nurses with significantly higher salaries and benefits. According to reports from hospitals, an urgent need exists to reconsider compensation for the demanding nature of the nursing profession, currently capped at a mere 10 percent. This is particularly pressing at the University Childrens Hospital in Damascus, where 400 nurses operate under challenging conditions, facing substantial pressure while caring for a high number of pediatric patients. Sources from the University Childrens Hospital revealed that several meetings have taken place to address the plight of nurses, advocating for an increase in compensation, improved status for nursing professionals, enhanced incentives, and the allocation of additional nursing staff from educational institutions. These sources also reported a concerning trend of resignations, primarily triggered by insufficient salaries and the demanding nature of the work. Despite numerous resignation submissions, the sheer workload prevents hospitals from approving them, highlighting the indispensable role nurses play in healthcare. The Governments Presidency has requested comprehensive statistics on the nursing workforce in university hospitals, estimated at around 4,500 nurses. It is emphasized that the nursing sector is under considerable strain, particularly as current compensation does not align with the realities of the job. Notably, a significant proportion of nurses commute from outside their home governorate, incurring additional challenges and costs. While acknowledging the constraints hospital administrations face, the sources stressed that the overall number of nurses falls short of meeting hospital needs. Many nurses operate on a rotational basis, contributing to workforce shortages. Furthermore, a percentage of screened and appointed nurses fail to join their assigned positions due to various circumstances. The source explained that the Ministry issued directives concerning graduate nurses, indicating that failure to join the assigned hospital renders them unable to fulfill obligations. In such cases, the nurse and her guardian are required to reimburse double the expenses incurred on her behalf, with the possibility of legal consequences. The non-joining fine has been increased to 7 million Syrian pounds, serving as an additional incentive for nurses to commit to their positions for an extended period. 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. Mekdad, welcoming the Abkhaz delegation, emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to elevate bilateral relations, according to Tishreen. In a recent meeting, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Faisal al-Mekdad and his Abkhazian counterpart, Inal Ardzinba, along with a delegation, explored ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between their nations across various sectors. Ardzinba condemned the repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, labelling them as unacceptable and a blatant violation of international law. He expressed Abkhazias solidarity with Syria in its fight against terrorism and the economic challenges stemming from unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations. Additionally, Ardzinba denounced the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israeli actions against Palestinians, urging an immediate halt to these acts. Mekdad, welcoming the Abkhaz delegation, emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to elevate bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples. Addressing regional issues, Mekdad highlighted the detrimental impact of Israels persistent assaults on Syrian sovereignty and the ongoing suffering of Syrians due to the American and Turkish occupation of Syrian territories. He condemned the atrocities committed by what he termed the racist Zionist entity against Palestinians, calling for a strengthened global response to these unprecedented brutalities. Mekdad also criticized the United States veto of a Security Council resolution aimed at stopping the violence against Palestinians by Israel. The ministers reiterated their support for Russias military operation in Ukraine, viewing it as a move to eradicate neo-Nazism and counter Western interference in other nations for self-interest. Post-meeting, Mekdad addressed the media, focusing on the situation in Ukraine and the Wests continued arms supplies, complicating the crisis resolution. Ardzinba also supported Syrias positions, pointing out that the situations in Gaza and Ukraine stem from Western attempts to dominate international policies and potentially ignite conflict in the Caucasus region. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. The UK has given the green light for the repatriation of a woman and five children from Syrian camps, marking the second instance of such a return since the conclusion of the ground war against the Islamic State over four years ago. Meanwhile, a tragic incident unfolded as a Jordanian border guard lost his life, and another was injured in an armed encounter with smugglers along the Syria-Jordan border. Britain to repatriate woman and five children from Syrian camps Britain has agreed to repatriate a woman and five children from camps in Syria, the second time the UK has allowed an adult to return since the end of the ground war against the Islamic State more than four years ago. The release was announced by the Kurdish administration that controls north-east Syria but a human rights group and a former minister accused the UK of lagging behind other Western nations in allowing families who lived under IS to return. A Syrian news agency reported that the woman and children, understood to be from multiple families, were handed over on Saturday to a group of British officials. All those released hold UK nationality. Robel Baho, deputy co-chair of the Syrian Kurdish administrations foreign relations department, called on the international community to urgently facilitate further repatriations of people who, in most cases, have been held for four or five years. France has repatriated more than 160 children and more than 50 women, while Germany has taken back almost 100 women and children, but Britain has been among the slowest in helping tackle the problem. Maya Foa, the executive director of Reprieve, which assists Britons detained in north-east Syria, welcomed the development but complained that other British families are still being held in desert prison camps because of UK government inaction. Foa warned that British children are growing up in dangerous tent cities patrolled by men with guns and accused the UK of presiding over a cruel, counterproductive, politically motivated policy which she said stood out among Western nations. It is estimated there are about 20-25 women or families with British nationality still held in Syrian camps, plus a number of others whose citizenship was removed and who are now fighting that decision in the UK courts. The most notable of those is Shamima Begum, whose case is now before the Court of appeal. Drone, rockets fired at US-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria A drone and rockets targeted two military bases in Iraq and Syria on Monday housing forces of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, a US military official was quoted as saying. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose formation of armed groups affiliated with the Hashed al-Shaabi coalition of former paramilitaries that are now integrated into Iraqs regular armed forces. These pro-Iran groups violently oppose US backing for Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which erupted on October 7 when the terror group launched a deadly attack into Israel, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians massacred amid brutal atrocities in their homes, communities and at a music festival. The United States leads the international coalition battling jihadists in Iraq and neighbouring Syria, and its forces have come under repeated attack in recent weeks. A drone attack targeted the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq on Monday, without causing casualties or damage, the US military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. And in northeast Syria, several rockets were fired at a base in the Al-Shaddadi region, the official added. Washington has recorded at least 92 attacks in Iraq and Syria since October 17, 10 days after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out. Jordanian border guard killed in clash with smugglers at border with Syria A Jordanian border guard was killed and another wounded in an armed clash with smugglers along the Syria-Jordan border early Tuesday, the state-run Petra news agency reported. The smugglers were intercepted while trying to transport a substantial quantity of narcotics from Syria into Jordan by exploiting the poor visibility in thick fog, Petra quoted a source from the Jordanian Armed Forces as saying. Several smugglers were killed during the clash, and the rest fled to Syrian territory, according to the source. Enditem. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday that it will not issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against church leader Apollo Quiboloy just yet unless there is an ongoing investigation. The DOJs statement was in response to the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros urging them to issue an immigration lookout order for Quiboloy, following a resolution she filed seeking to probe sexual abuse and human trafficking allegations against members of the church leaders Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). Right now dahil wala pa po tayong investigation, preliminary investigation, its one of the requirements eh, na mag-file for ILBO. Otherwise, it might set a dangerous precedent na kung wala pang investigation, wala pang kaso sa korte, maglalabas na po tayo ng ILBO, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano told reporters. [Translation: Right now, [we wont issue] because there are no ongoing investigations yet, preliminary investigation, that is the requirement for us to be able to file an ILBO. Otherwise, it might set a dangerous precedent if there are no investigations, because there are no charges yet in our court. We will issue an ILBO if there is.] So what the department is trying to do is to err on the cautious side of things na hindi naman tayo, we wont jump the gun noh, he added. [Translation: The department is trying to avoid making mistakes, thats why we are cautious, we won't act prematurely.] The justice department spokesperson, however, noted that a Senate investigation will be enough for them to issue the lookout order. I dont know if you remember the Pharmally case where ILBOs were issued on the basis of a Senate inquiry or Senate investigation. 'Yun po siguro mai-justify natin [Maybe that, we can still justify it], Clavano added. Quiboloy faces two complaints one for libel and one for rape, child abuse, and qualified trafficking in persons. Clavano said both were dismissed at the prosecution level and are pending for review at the DOJ. Quiboloys lawyer Ferdinand Topacio told reporters on Tuesday that Hontiveros resolution is meant to bully his client. READ: DOJ urged to issue immigration lookout bulletin order vs Quiboloy Clavano said an ILBO does not bar an individual from leaving the country but only serves as a monitoring mechanism. The SNHR president underscored the challenging nature of documenting violations in Syria, according to Syria TV. The President of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Fadel Abdul Ghani, emphasized that the German-French Award for Human Rights, while a personal accolade, symbolizes the collective efforts of the organization and its dedicated team. In an exclusive interview with the Syria TV website, Abdul Ghani explained that the German and French diplomatic missions nominate individuals, but the final selection involves special committees. The award, though symbolic, holds significant value in documenting the atrocities committed against the Syrian people. Abdul Ghani underscored the challenging nature of documenting violations in Syria, describing it as an arduous task that takes a toll on the psychological and social well-being, spanning over 12 years. He dedicated the Franco-German Award to the victims of the Syrian people, portraying it as a tribute to their courage and sacrifices in the relentless pursuit of justice and accountability. The award, presented annually on International Human Rights Day on December 10, aims to spotlight crimes and violations globally, with a specific focus on the dire situation in Syria. Abdul Ghani lamented Syrias ranking as the worst country in the world for forcibly displaced people, victims of torture, and those forcibly disappeared. Highlighting the significance of the award, Abdul Ghani expressed that it serves as an appreciation and acknowledgment of the tireless efforts of the Foundation. He noted that the team, despite facing numerous challenges, continues its crucial work, making the moral support received through the award especially meaningful. Abdul Ghani shared the profound impact of the award on the team, revealing that numerous messages and blessings received reinforced the importance of the networks role in documenting the crimes perpetrated by the Syrian regime, Iran, and Russia against the Syrian people. The official ceremony for the Franco-German Award for Human Rights took place at the French Embassy in Doha, attended by distinguished diplomats, including the French Foreign Ministry Ambassador to Syria, Brigitte Curmi, the German Ambassador in Doha, the French Ambassador in Doha, and the United Kingdoms representative in Syria, Ann Snow. Also present were key figures like the head of the Syrian National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, the head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, Badr Jamous, and various European, Iranian, and Russian diplomats and journalists. 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. TCP Limited Vs Commissioner of Customs (CESTAT Chennai) Introduction: TCP Limited challenges the rejection of concessional duty rates on the import of Steaming Non-Coking Coal in a case against the Commissioner of Customs. The CESTAT Chennai, after evaluating the grounds for rejection, issues a detailed order. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the case, highlighting the key arguments, legal provisions, and the tribunals ruling. Detailed Analysis: 1. Import and Claimed Benefits: TCP Limited imported Steaming Non-Coking Coal and claimed a 5% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and exemption of 4% Special Additional Duty (SAD) under specific Customs Notifications. The company later sought the benefit of a 4% BCD under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia. 2. Disputed Grounds for Rejection: The Customs authorities rejected the concessional rate, citing discrepancies in the invoices. They pointed out differences in invoice numbers and supplier names between the Country of Origin Certificate (COO) and the actual suppliers invoice from Dubai, UAE. 3. Legal Arguments: TCP Ltd. argued that the PTA allows the invoice to be issued by a third-party country. Referring to operational certification procedures, the company contended that the minor discrepancies in invoice numbers were due to the split invoices for convenience. 4. Tribunals Analysis: The CESTAT Chennai analyzed the grounds for rejection, focusing on the PTA provisions. It observed that the PTA permits invoices from third-party countries. The tribunal dismissed the rejection based on supplier names and minor discrepancies in invoice numbers, emphasizing that these did not impact the PTA benefits. Conclusion: The CESTAT Chennais order in TCP Ltd. vs Commissioner of Customs overturns the rejection of concessional duty rates on imported coal. The tribunal clarifies that the PTA allows invoices from third-party countries and considers minor discrepancies irrelevant to PTA benefits. This ruling ensures that TCP Ltd. is entitled to the claimed concessional rates, setting a precedent for similar cases. The detailed analysis of the legal provisions and the tribunals reasoning provides clarity on the application of PTA benefits in coal imports. FULL TEXT OF THE CESTAT CHENNAI ORDER 1.1 Brief facts are that the appellants imported Steaming Non-Coking Coal and filed two Bills of Entry dated 26.11.2010 and 12.01.2011 for clearance of the same. The said imported goods were supplied by M/s. Coal and Oil Company LLC, Dubai UAE at a unit price of $ 60.11/MT and $59.92/MT respectively and the goods were declared to be of Indonesian origin. 1.2 At the time of filing the Bills of Entry, the appellant claimed 5% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) under Customs Notification No. 21/2002 (Sl. No. 17) and exemption of 4% Special Additional Duty (SAD) under Customs Notification No. 20/2006 (Sl.No. 2). Since the imported goods are in bulk in order to verify the exact quantity pending draft survey report, the Bills of Entry were assessed provisionally. 1.3 Later, the appellant vide letter dated 24.11.2011 claimed the benefit of 4% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) under Customs Notification No. 153/2009 (Sl. No. 197) (as amended) by submitting a copy of the Country of Origin Certificate (COO) issued so as to establish that the goods have been imported from Indonesia under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between ASEAN Countries and Republic of India on fulfilling the conditions stipulated in the Customs Tariff Rules, 2009, as notified under Customs Notification No. 189/2009 (N.T.). 1.4 In view of the claim made by the importer, a personal hearing was accorded. After due process of law, the original authority rejected the claim of the appellant with regard to the concessional rate of duty under the Preferential Trade Agreement. The reason for rejecting the claim was that there were discrepancies in the invoices as the invoice was issued from a third country viz., Dubai, UAE whereas the Country of Origin Certificate was from Indonesia. Secondly, it was also noted that the invoice number noted in the Country of Origin Certificate did not fully tally with that of the invoice issued by the supplier at Dubai. 1.5 Aggrieved by the order of rejection of the concessional rate of duty as per the Preferential Trade Agreement, the appellant filed an appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals) who vide order impugned herein upheld the order passed by the adjudicating authority. Hence, the appellant is now before the Tribunal. 2.1 The Ld. counsel Ms. Shobana Krishnan appeared and argued for the appellant. It is submitted that the appellant had entered into contract with the supplier at Dubai, UAE for supply of the goods. The said supplier has sub-contracted for supply of goods to the Indonesian supplier. There is no dispute that the goods are of Indonesian origin. The authorities below have rejected the benefit of Preferential Trade Agreement alleging that the suppliers name and invoice number in Country of Origin Certificate are different from the actual supplier name and invoice number. 2.2 The Ld. counsel adverted to Annexure III under Rule 13 prescribing operational certification procedures for Customs Tariff (Determination of Origin of Goods) Rules, 2009 of ASEAN Preferential Trade Agreement at paragraph 22 which states that the sales invoice can be either issued by a company located in a third country or an AIFTA exporter. The relevant para reads as under:- 22. The Customs Authority in the importing party shall accept an AIFTA Certificate of Origin where the sales invoice is issued either by a company located in a third country or an AIFTA exporter for the account of the said company, provided that the product meets the requirements of these rules. 2.3 The Ld. Counsel asserted that the Preferential Trade Agreement allows the supply to be made by a third party country and it is only necessary that the goods should originate from Indonesia. In the present case, the Country of Origin Certificate establishes that the goods are of Indonesian origin. The discussions made by the Commissioner (Appeals) in Page 5 was referred to by the Ld. counsel for the appellant to submit that there is a finding made by the Commissioner (Appeals) that there is no dispute with regard to the fact that the goods originate from Indonesia and also that there is no error in filing the invoice of a third party supplier. However, the Commissioner (Appeals) has observed that there are discrepancies noted by the original authority. The Ld. counsel pointed out that the said discrepancies have not been clarified in the impugned order. However, the same may be because the invoice number noted in the Country of Origin Certificate as well as the invoice raised by the supplier at Dubai, UAE shows a very minor difference wherein letters A and B were found added at the end of the number of the invoice on Country of Origin Certificate. It is explained by the Ld. counsel that this is because a single invoice has been split into two for the sake of convenience of the quantity. It is prayed that the appeal may be allowed. 3.1 The Ld. Authorized Representative Shri R. Rajaramanan appeared and argued for the Department. The Ld. AR adverted to the discussions made by the original authority in Paragraph 7 of the order. The discrepancies noted by the original authority are as under:- Bill of Entry No. 701093 dated 26.11.2010 (COO No. 170/KBL/2011) Invoice No. in COO Invoice No. in import invoice Supplier Name in COO Supplier Name in Invoice KJA-2010-703 CNO/10-11/70A PT. Kideco Jaya Agung Coal & Oil Company LLC Bill of Entry No. 747346 dated 12.01.2011 (COO No. 005/KBL/2011) Invoice No. in COO Invoice No. in import invoice Supplier Name in COO Supplier Name in Invoice KJA-2010-782 CNO/10-11/72A PT. Kideco Jaya Agung Coal & Oil Company LLC 3.2 It is asserted by the Ld. AR as the Country of Origin Certificate does not contain the letters A and B which is mentioned in the invoice issued by the original supplier at Dubai, UAE and therefore authorities below have rightly rejected the benefit of concessional duty as per PTA. It is prayed that the appeal may be dismissed. 4. Heard both sides. 5.1 The issue is the rejection of the benefit of Preferential Trade Agreement on the Steaming Non-Coking Coal imported by the appellant. The first ground on which the authorities below have rejected the benefit is that the invoice has been raised by the third party country. On perusal of the Preferential Trade Agreement, we find that in Paragraph 22, it allows the invoice to be issued by a third party country. We therefore hold that the rejection of the benefit of the Notification on this ground cannot sustain and requires to be set aside. 5.2 The second ground for rejection is that there is a difference in the invoice number as noted in the Country of Origin Certificate compared to the invoice issued by the Dubai supplier. On perusal of the invoice, we find that along with the number of the invoice there is an addition of the letters A and B in the invoices issued by the Dubai, UAE supplier. It is understood that the invoices were split into two for the convenience of the quantity of the goods exported and for issuing the Country of Origin Certificate respectively. These discrepancies do not have any bearing to the benefit under the Preferential Trade Agreement. The Ld. counsel has been able to give plausible explanation for the minor difference in the invoice numbers. We therefore find that the rejection of the benefit on the second ground also cannot sustain and requires to be set aside. 6. From the foregoing, we hold that the impugned order rejecting the benefit of concessional rate of duty as per the Preferential Trade Agreement is not justified. The impugned order is set aside. The appeal is allowed with consequential relief, if any, as per law. (Order dictated and pronounced in open court) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A Longview man found guilty of trying to sexually assault a friend of his ex was sentenced Monday to six years in prison. Kitorman Kogoya, 27, of Longview, was handed a concurrent sentence of about six years for his second-degree attempted rape charge, along with three years of community custody, and a six-month stint in the county jail for unlawful imprisonment, according to court documents. A jury found the native Indonesian guilty on Oct. 20 after a two-day trial in Cowlitz County Superior Court. The incident had lasting affects on the victim, according to court records. A report states the woman told a corrections officer her encounter with Kogoya left her feeling more cautious and caused her to view men differently, resulting in trust issues. The attempted rape was reported in May in the 3000 block of Maryland Street in a residential neighborhood off Ocean Beach Highway, southeast of Dairy Queen. Kogoyas ex called 911 to report he sexually assaulted a friend of hers. When police arrived, Kogoya who had no prior criminal history and was enlisted in the U.S. Army told an officer he believed his then wife was cheating on him with the victim. The victim said Kogoya pushed her on a bed and pinned her arms by her sides when she attempted to leave the room. Kogoya reportedly said he was going to be quick with his assault, and attempted to undress her, all while both women demanded he stop, the report states. The victim was able to break free, and the two women locked themselves in the bathroom and called 911, the report says. Family members confirmed the Rouse family as the five people killed Sunday in an apparent murder-suicide at an Orchards home. An in-law, Anne Aquino, identified them in a text message to The Columbian as Stuart Rouse, 64, Cristina Rouse, 63, Ronald Eric Rouse, 57, Kristina Rouse, 33, and Melissa Rouse, 19. Authorities have not officially released their identities, but they confirmed the familial relationship among the victims. Clark County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Chris Skidmore said at a Monday press conference that a man shot his wife, their two adult daughters and his adult brother before turning the gun on himself. The apparent shooter had no known criminal history, Skidmore said, and deputies had not previously been called to the home at 11505 N.E. 92nd St. Our father was a very patriotic man that proudly served his country, Aquino said in a text on behalf of Stuart Rouses surviving sons. He was a caring father and protective of his wife and children. He suffered from undiagnosed PTSD, anxiety and depression. He was a proud man and very loving. The family members described Cristina, Kristina and Melissa Rouse as the kindest, most helpful, generous, sweetest human beings not to mention intelligent. They cared about helping other people the most. Cristina Rouse was captured in Columbian photo archives volunteering for FISH, the local emergency food bank. In a GoFundMe for funeral costs, Aquino wrote, Were still in disbelief and our hearts are shattered. Were trying our best, Aquino said in a text message to The Columbian. It comes in waves. In a Tuesday statement, Clark County Sheriff John Horch expressed the agencys condolences to the family and friends and called the shooting a senseless tragedy. Domestic violence affects our entire community, and we must continue the battle against those who seek to commit acts of violence against the innocent, Horch said in the statement. Deputies responded shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday for a welfare check at the house. The home is near Orchards Highlands Neighborhood Park, north of the Clark Public Utilities Operations Center and Padden Parkway. Aquino said her husband received a text from his father, which the sheriffs office said stated hed harmed others at the house. Skidmore said the relative who received the text didnt see it until about four hours after receiving it. Aquino said she and her husband tried multiple times to reach their family in the house, and when they couldnt, Aquinos brother-in-law called 911. Responding deputies tried to contact the residents but were unsuccessful. Deputies used drones to enter the house, the sheriffs office said, and found several people who appeared to be dead. SWAT members and tactical medics then entered the home and confirmed that five people were dead. No shots were fired when law enforcement was on scene, leading deputies to believe the family was dead before they arrived, Skidmore said. The autopsies will determine time of death. Neighbors described the Rouse family to The Columbian as a typical, normal family, and they said the shooting was out of the blue. One neighbor, J.D. Hartman, said the shooting highlights the need for more mental health resources in the area. The Washington Post said Sundays shooting, along with another in Dallas in which a man fatally shot four people and then himself, set a new nationwide record for annual mass shootings. The outlet said the incidents marked the 37th and 38th mass shooting of the year, topping last years high of 36. The Associated Presss database indicated the shootings were the 40th and 41st mass shootings of the year. People can find the GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/the-rouses. Apple supplier Foxconn plans to invest an additional 139.11 billion rupees ($1.67 billion) in India's Karnataka state, the state government said in a statement on Tuesday. The Taiwan-based company, which assembles around 70% of iPhones and is the world's largest contract manufacturer, has been diversifying production away from China following COVID-19 disruptions and geopolitical tensions. It has rapidly expanded its presence in India over the past year by investing heavily in manufacturing facilities in the south of the country. In Karnataka state itself, the company announced in August an investment of $600 million in two projects to make casing components for iPhones and chip-making equipment. Foxconn is also expected to start manufacturing iPhones in the southern state by April 2024 - a project expected to create around 50,000 jobs. The government did not elaborate on the latest plans for the additional investment in Karnataka, and Foxconn did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any update from the world of technology. To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now! This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: When other developers settled with Google, Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney stuck to his guns, repeating his demand that Google open up Android smartphones to other modes of payment, and without charging a hefty commission. Google' stinging defeat against Fortnite-maker Epic Games in a California courtroom could be an important blow against big tech's decades of supremacy on antitrust matters in the United States. With Washington lawmaking gridlocked and pro-business judges dominant in federal courts, US tech giants have survived unscathed for years against accusations of wielding illegal monopoly power. While Europe, Britain, India and others enforce regulations that at least try to keep big tech in check, Google, Apple, Meta and Amazon have yet to suffer a significant setback on their home turf. But a jury of nine on Monday possibly changed that equation, setting an important precedent that could send tremors in other cases pending against the tech giants. "Big tech is not above the law. This loss isn't just the first antitrust failure for Google, it's the first antitrust loss for any big tech firm," said Matt Stoller, director of research at the American Economic Liberties Project and a critic of big tech business practices. The federal jury in San Francisco took just three hours on Monday to decide that Epic Games was slighted by Google's refusal to let outside apps take payments on Android phones, other than through the search giant's app store. 'Greedy behemoth' After a three year battle, Epic Games was finally vindicated after seeming to be on the backfoot when a different judge largely decided against the video game maker in a case involving Apple. But Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney refused to back down and when other developers settled with Google, he stuck to his guns, repeating his demand that Google open up Android smartphones to other modes of payment, and without charging a hefty commission. John Lopatka, from Penn State University' law school, said it was predictable that juries side with plaintiffs in monopoly cases "where the defendant will be painted as a greedy behemoth." Apple's case, decided by a judge, avoided that fatebut not so for Google. Now two questions remain: what will happen on Google's appeal, and how will the judge order Google to fulfill the jury's decision? This litigation "has some distance to go before we know the final resolution," warned Lopatka. The appeals court that will likely hear the Google case is the same one that largely dismissed Epic's appeal against Apple. However, "appellate courts do not set aside jury verdicts and remedial orders lightly," said Lopatka. The remedy could very likely have a huge impact, with Apple's behavior regarding its own app store potentially affected. Epic very clearly wants the judge "to mandate alternative app stores and alternate billing systems on Android," said Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, a tech industry group. "That would be a pretty sweeping remedy. It would certainly change Android as we know it," he added. 'Changing the world' Big tech's longtime critics point to Google's other major case, where the US Department of Justice is suing Google over its online search. That case will be decided by a judge and not a jury, but Stoller said the Epic decision changes the dynamic. If the judge there "chooses to let Google off the hook, well, he'll look pretty bad," he said. In both cases, Apple looms largeand many wonder whether the iPhone maker will be able to avoid being dragged back to court. "Apple is next over the barrel," said Luther Lowe, head of public policy at Y Combinator, the startup hub. Court documents showed in both cases that Google made huge payments to smartphone makers to ensure that its products kept a predominant place on devices, crushing rivals before they can emerge. "Google and Apple both treat developers as adversaries," Epic CEO Sweeney told The Verge. "We're going to do absolutely everything we can, as quickly as we can, to start changing the world," he added. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain People should demand transparency in artificial intelligence like they do in their breakfast food, says Mike Capps, whose Raleigh company Howso allows users to see how AI arrives at its conclusions. "You'll want the same thing for what's deciding whether you get health care or if your kid gets into college," he said. "You want to have the same nutrition label on the side." The former president of Epic Games, Capps cofounded Howso (originally named Diveplane) in 2018. Since then, artificial intelligence has taken off. Today, organizations use it for major decisions surrounding medical procedures, credit approvals and even paroles. Capps contends too many current AI program engines offer variations of "black box AI" that obscure how final judgments are made "We want people to stop using that crap and use ours instead," he said. "It's a big uphill battle, but we will achieve that." In September, Howso open sourced its AI engine, which allows users to design explainable artificial intelligence-driven platforms. And late last month, Capps traveled to Washington, D.C., to address the 7th Annual U.S. Senate AI Insight Forum. The next day, he spoke to The News & Observer about what big tech companies get wrong about AI, what he believes Howso gets right, and why everyone should care. This conversation has been edited for clarity. Q: Can you give an example of 'black box' artificial intelligence in use today? A: Spotify is putting AI in and they are growing their business with great AI that's black box. Is the DJ choosing music for you based on your history or because Spotify would like you to see more artists like this? We don't know. Q: How is Howso's engine different? A: We do attributable AI, which is that you can say, If Brian gets the surgery, here are the 17 data points that were most important in that decision. I can attribute this decision back to these data points right here. We have a client, Scanbuy, that works with all the big retailers to do customer intelligence. So they use our tool built in so they can do predictions on what customers will buy, but do it in a way that's explainable. N.C. State and UNC are both using it for some projects. There are a few other universities that aren't public yet that are working with it. Part of going open source is (anyone can) use it. So it's pretty recent. Other Howso clients include Mastercard, the Spanish insurance company Mutua de Madrilena, and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Q: How is black box AI a problem overall? A: The way I explain it is: Why do we care what's in cereal? We put the ingredients on the side because if it's not there, do we really trust every food manufacturer to be doing it the right way? Now legally you have to do it. And we know not everybody even reads it, but the fact that it's there is part of how we know. (Doing black box) is also bad software development. We're talking about decisions that have serious human impact. If there is a bug in software, you can go fix it. But if you use a big black box AI system, you don't know if it has a bug or not. It's too complicated to figure it out. And there's no way to fix it. There's no way to go back and say, "Why is it that Brian didn't get the promotion when the AI system said no?" If you can't audit, and you can't fix it, then you have this massive replacement cost. Q: Parole decisions are obviously immensely important. How do you see existing AI falling short in this area? A: Parole decisions are made in a way that have taken prior parole decisions, which may or may not be racially biased, and then doing it at scale. We all know the court systems are behind. We all know we'd like a way to make them faster and more effective. But the trade-off you're making is we might be scaling racism for speed. Q: What obstacles stand between the current AI landscape the explainable AI future you'd like to see? A: True transparent AI systems is just not what's popular these days. We've been beating the drum, along with Dr. (Cynthia) Rubin at Duke, that it's possible, it works. We shouldn't keep going down this black box road. Generally, people want this transparency, but there's concern that by sharing all the data you use to train a big AI model, that that's part of the secret sauce. But there was a great speaker (at the Senate hearing) saying if we can't work together and see how these models are trained, we can't get better together. So, it's basically protecting their financial space as opposed to helping the overall field improve. 2023 The News & Observer. Distributed at Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: China hopes its homegrown C919 passenger jet will be able to compete with models like the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320. China's new domestically produced passenger jet made its debut outside the mainland on Wednesday, with international media in Hong Kong getting their first up-close look. The C919 made its maiden commercial flight in May and is key to Beijing's decades-long ambitions to compete with European and US rivals in the air and cut down China's reliance on foreign technology. Chinese authorities hope the sleek, narrow-body aircraftbuilt by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC)will challenge foreign models like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320. Now on display at Hong Kong International Airport, the C919 will fly over the city's Victoria Harbor on Saturday. Hong Kong leader John Lee on Wednesday hailed the development of the C919 and the ARJ21a smaller, earlier model made by COMACas "important milestones" in China's aviation sector. "China's successful development of a large passenger jet symbolizes its leading position in the transportation manufacturing industry," Lee said at a ceremony at the airport. The C919 has received 1,061 orders from more than 30 clients as of this week, officials said in a statement. China has invested heavily in the homegrown jetliner as it seeks to become self-sufficient in key technologies, but many of the C919's parts are sourced from overseas. The C919 has received 1,061 orders from more than 30 clients as of this week, officials said in a statement. The jet received official certification to fly last year after more than a decade in development but has yet to secure any international buyers. More than 60,000 passengers have been transported by two C919 jets that operate the route linking Chinese cities Shanghai and Chengdu, officials said. Reporters and guests were invited to tour the plane on Wednesday, with the following two days reserved for visits from local community representatives. The C919, which landed in the city on Tuesday, will fly around Hong Kong Island twice Saturday morning if weather permits, the government added. Officials on Wednesday touted the jet's "advanced aerodynamic design, state-of-the-art propulsion system and advanced materials" that they said lead to lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. The C919 can be configured to have between 158 and 192 seats and has a maximum range of 5,555 kilometers, they added. Asia and China in particular are key targets for European manufacturer Airbus and its American rival Boeing, which are looking to capitalize on growing demand for air travel from the country's vast middle class. Airbus earlier this year announced plans to double its production capacity in China, signing a deal to build a second final assembly line for the A320 in Tianjin. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The leaders of South Korea and the Netherlands vowed Wednesday to bolster co-operation in the critical semiconductor sector, amid growing tensions between China and the West over the technology. The two countries, which host some of the world's top tech companies, such as ASML and Samsung, pledged to forge a "semiconductor alliance" involving businesses, researchers and universities. Semiconductor chips are the linchpin of the global economy, powering everything from the smartphone in your pocket to your car, but they have also emerged as a geopolitical battleground. Several Western powers have imposed restrictions on exporting advanced chip-making equipment to China, fearing its use to develop high-tech weaponry. Beijing has described this as "technological terrorism". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters: "We both have thriving technology sectors that are well matched." "ASML... makes machines for the microchips produced in South Korea. Our countries are now going to step up co-operation in this field," he said. Rutte also mentioned the "security risks" involved in the sector and stressed: "We must help each other protect the value chain." For his part, Yoon said the two countries wanted to "combine each other's strengths" in the semiconductor field but also emphasised the security aspect. "Semiconductors are a very important part not only of the economic industry but also of security and the military," he said. On Tuesday, Yoon became the first foreign leader to tour the inner sanctum of ASML's headquarters, the so-called "cleanroom" where the systems are assembled. ASML and Samsung later signed a deal pledging to invest around 700 million euros together in a research plant to develop "cutting-edge semiconductor processing technology." Both firms do a lot a business with China. ASML sells its DUV (deep ultraviolet) systems that print the tiny elements that make up a microchip. Samsung and SK Hynix have based a large portion of their production, especially of advanced DRAM and flash memory chips, in China. Korea is the third-largest trade partner for the Dutch in Asia, while the Netherlands is the second-top partner for Korea in the European Union, according to the Dutch government. During a summit between Yoon and Rutte in November 2022, the two countries signed a "strategic partnership" including a pledge to boost semiconductor ties. 2023 AFP Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Lawmakers have allocated more funds for national defense amid Chinas increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senator JV Ejercito said Wednesday. We are shifting already on external defense so it will cost a lot, but because of the situation, we have to prioritize. So they can expect that the Senate reallyand it was just approved in the bicam (bicameral conference)has allotted quite a big amount, Ejercito told CNN Philippines The Source. The senator did not specify how much was allocated and where it was sourced, but he noted this will help the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in acquiring assets and catching up with the latters delayed modernization program. We have capable people but we just have to equip them, he added. The PCG and the AFP have been in the frontlines to make sure the Philippines maintains its presence amid Chinas increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Lawmakers on Monday ratified the proposed 5.768-trillion budget for next year. Senator Sonny Angara, head of the Senate panel in the bicam, said the joint body committed to increasing the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) following the recent events in the West Philippine Sea. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he pushed for the addition of 10.47 billion to upgrade the countrys defense capabilities and enhance presence in the WPS. He said 6.17 billion was added to the budget of the DND for the Philippine Navy, 2.8 billion for the PCG, 1 billion for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and 500 million for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 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: GXO Logistics In what GXO Logistics calls "a proof-of-concept pilot," a human-centric machine by that name is moving tote boxes in a Spanx warehouse in Flowery Branch, Georgia, that is managed by the global, Connecticut-based company. The 5-foot, 9-inch robot does "repetitive tasks" in a warehouse like moving items onto conveyor belts, according to GXO spokeswoman Fallon McLoughlin. The idea, the company says, is to see how well the robot does those tasks, potentially freeing humans to do other, more valuable things. And as the program advances, the machine will take on more roles. "The beauty of Digit is that it's multi-purpose, so it can learn new tasks as needed, instead of needing new versions of the robot for different tasks," McLoughlin said. Robots have been part of American factories for decades. But they mostly do not walk on two legs, lift boxes with two arms and turn a head to direct their two eyes. In other words, they mostly look just like machines. Digit-the-robot is humanoid, the "first multi-purpose, human-centric robot that is made for work," according to a statement from Agility Robotics, the Oregon-based company that made the machine. While it's called a pilot program, the machine is doing some of that work already, said McLoughlin. "If you ordered a Spanx product over the last few weeks, Digit might have handled it," she said. Economists and others have long speculated on the future of human workers when cheaper, more durable, more replaceable machines are available for many physical tasks. The much-ballyhooed advent of AIartificial intelligenceonly ratchets up the possibilities. Some futurists with a dystopian bent have maintained that inevitable technological improvements will give machines so many capabilities that they will effectively displace a significant part of the workforce. Agility declined to say how much Digit-the-robot cost. But according to Bloomberg News, which estimated its cost against a lifespan of about 20,000 hours, it costs about $10 to $12 an hour to operate, already less than the median pay of a warehouse worker. The company said increased production of the machines will dramatically cut that cost. Asked about whether the robot is cheaper than human workers, an Agility spokesperson said, "We don't look at it that way. The deployment of Digit is designed to help employees by removing one repetitive task from their workflow so they can focus on more complex work." Agility wants to build robot partners that "augment the human workforce, ultimately enabling humans to be more human," according to a statement from the Oregon-based company. Optimists maintain that machines are an economic complement to people, dramatically improving productivity and standards of living. While machines have already replaced humans in many tasks, people have thus far continued working in record numbers, moving to different roles the way they did when automation came to farms and factories a century or more ago. But with technology rapidly evolving, some experts say the outcome is uncertain. And hovering over it all is the ghost of Asimov, who wrote stories in which robots were helpful, some in which they were dangerous and at least one in which they were indistinguishable from humans. Whatever the future, it is on the way: Agility said that it is opening "a humanoid robot factory" early next year. The factory will have the capacity to produce 10,000 robots a year. 2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has come under pressure to be more transparent during strikes by Hollywood writers' and actors' unions. Netflix for the first time published detailed viewing figures about thousands of its shows and movies Tuesday, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the world-leading streaming platform's top hits and highest-profile flops. The report, which Netflix says will be repeated every six months, is a major departure for a company that has historically guarded its data closely, but came under renewed pressure to be more transparent during strikes this year by Hollywood writers' and actors' unions. "This is a big step forward for Netflix and our industry," the company said in a press release. "We believe the viewing information in this report... will give creators and our industry deeper insights into our audiences, and what resonates with them." Since 2021, Netflix has released weekly Top 10 lists, and a regularly updated "most popular" leaderboard based on views within a title's first 91 days on the platform. But the biannual new publication, entitled "What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report," goes further. A new spreadsheet contains data for all shows that were watched by Netflix users for more than 50,000 hoursthat is 18,000 titles in total, representing 99 percent of all viewing on Netflix. The data only covers the period of January to June 2023, meaning that films and series released during that time fared better. Topping the chart was season one of "The Night Agent," a US action-thriller that debuted in March, drawing more than 812 million hours watched globally. Other high-profile Netflix titles performing well were "Wednesday," "You" and "Bridgerton" spin-off series "Queen Charlotte." Non-English language shows were well-represented, generating 30 percent of all viewingmost notably Korean- and Spanish-language titles. The lack of transparency among streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple and Prime Video has long been a bugbear of Hollywood agents, journalists and the stars themselves. But it came into stark focus during this year's Hollywood strikes. Striking actors and writers, previously accustomed to receiving generous "residuals" whenever their shows drew large audiences on television networks, this summer demanded new mechanisms to similarly reward them for hit shows on streaming. Deals struck with those unions to end the strikes did contain bonuses for successful shows, but did not require streamers to publicly release any data. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos denied that the new initiative was triggered by talks with those guilds. He said Netflix in its early years "did not want to provide roadmaps to future competitors" by sharing valuable data. But that policy had "created an atmosphere of mistrust over time," and the company had become more transparent as streaming became more mainstream. "This has been on a continuum for several years. So this is not driven by anything differently than that," he said. He added, "This is probably more information than you need. But I think it creates a better environment for the guilds, for us, for the producers, for creators, and for the press." 2023 AFP Addison Capital Co lessened its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report) by 0.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 24,454 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 94 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for approximately 2.5% of Addison Capital Cos investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Addison Capital Cos holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $3,556,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in JPM. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1,661.4% during the second quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 259,918 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,802,000 after buying an additional 245,162 shares during the last quarter. Manitou Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.5% during the second quarter. Manitou Investment Management Ltd. now owns 210,085 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,555,000 after buying an additional 1,032 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 7.8% during the second quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC now owns 14,865 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,132,000 after buying an additional 1,075 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC increased its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.5% during the second quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 16,980 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,523,000 after buying an additional 1,031 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Armstrong Fleming & Moore Inc acquired a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the second quarter worth $1,483,000. Institutional investors own 68.94% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth JPM has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $176.00 to $169.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Odeon Capital Group downgraded shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $140.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $158.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Friday, September 8th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $168.80. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $5,158,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,113,920. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.79% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Up 0.9 % JPM opened at $160.49 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day moving average is $148.19 and its 200-day moving average is $147.51. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1-year low of $123.11 and a 1-year high of $160.65. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. The company has a market cap of $463.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.58, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.13. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 22.79% and a return on equity of 17.97%. The company had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $39.63 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.12 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 4th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.62%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is currently 25.07%. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) EVP Alexander C. Hadjipateras sold 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.33, for a total value of $294,975.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 63,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,491,673.49. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Dorian LPG Stock Up 1.2 % LPG opened at $38.00 on Wednesday. Dorian LPG Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $15.81 and a fifty-two week high of $45.06. The business has a 50-day moving average of $36.02 and a 200-day moving average of $29.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 2.63 and a quick ratio of 2.61. The company has a market capitalization of $1.54 billion, a PE ratio of 6.00 and a beta of 1.22. Get Dorian LPG alerts: Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The shipping company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.12. Dorian LPG had a return on equity of 28.85% and a net margin of 51.81%. The business had revenue of $144.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $135.02 million. Equities research analysts forecast that Dorian LPG Ltd. will post 7.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dorian LPG Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently disclosed a Variable dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were paid a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. Dorian LPGs payout ratio is 47.39%. LPG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $37.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, November 20th. StockNews.com upgraded Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Pareto Securities raised Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $27.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Dorian LPG presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.58. View Our Latest Research Report on LPG Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in shares of Dorian LPG by 134.6% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,715 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 984 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP increased its position in Dorian LPG by 79.3% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,325 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 586 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in Dorian LPG by 43.8% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,412 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 430 shares during the period. CWM LLC increased its position in Dorian LPG by 63.2% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,413 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 547 shares during the period. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Dorian LPG by 30.7% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,412 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 566 shares during the period. 64.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Dorian LPG Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dorian LPG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dorian LPG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Addison Capital Co reduced its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 24.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,652 shares of the companys stock after selling 878 shares during the quarter. Addison Capital Cos holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $200,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 41.9% during the 2nd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. MRP Capital Investments LLC purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Almanack Investment Partners LLC. purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 3rd quarter worth $43,000. 77.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Down 0.7 % ADM stock opened at $74.56 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $39.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.38 and a beta of 0.82. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 52 week low of $69.31 and a 52 week high of $96.16. The companys 50-day moving average price is $73.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $76.76. The company has a current ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $21.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.69 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.05% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The firms revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.86 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is currently 25.07%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have issued reports on ADM shares. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Stephens lowered their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Archer-Daniels-Midland currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $92.90. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quilter Plc lessened its holdings in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,602,412 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 32,042 shares during the quarter. Bank of America accounts for approximately 0.0% of Quilter Plcs holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Quilter Plcs holdings in Bank of America were worth $45,973,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 9.6% during the second quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 38,802 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,113,000 after purchasing an additional 3,407 shares during the period. Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 1.4% during the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 69,070 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,982,000 after purchasing an additional 933 shares during the period. GTS Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the second quarter worth about $21,164,000. National Pension Service lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 6.4% during the second quarter. National Pension Service now owns 11,015,544 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $315,705,000 after purchasing an additional 662,513 shares during the period. Finally, Equitable Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.5% during the second quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 110,179 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,161,000 after purchasing an additional 558 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.06% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Insider Activity at Bank of America In related news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total value of $176,623.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.27% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Bank of America in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Bank of America from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on Bank of America from $31.00 to $28.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price target on shares of Bank of America in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Bank of America from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.43. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bank of America Bank of America Stock Down 0.3 % NYSE BAC opened at $30.75 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $28.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $28.88. Bank of America Co. has a one year low of $24.96 and a one year high of $37.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.83. The company has a market cap of $243.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.61, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.40. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.81 EPS. The firms revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 26.89%. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGIC Investment Co. (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $18.88. Several research firms have recently weighed in on MTG. StockNews.com began coverage on MGIC Investment in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays started coverage on MGIC Investment in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an equal weight rating and a $19.00 target price on the stock. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on MGIC Investment in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $18.50 price objective on the stock. Get MGIC Investment alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MGIC Investment Hedge Funds Weigh In On MGIC Investment MGIC Investment Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 12,303 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $194,000 after purchasing an additional 633 shares during the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC raised its stake in MGIC Investment by 1.6% in the second quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 44,929 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $709,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the last quarter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. raised its stake in MGIC Investment by 6.8% in the third quarter. Avantax Planning Partners Inc. now owns 11,543 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $193,000 after buying an additional 734 shares during the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp raised its stake in MGIC Investment by 5.3% in the first quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 18,064 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $242,000 after buying an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in MGIC Investment by 6.6% in the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 17,046 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $219,000 after buying an additional 1,060 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.41% of the companys stock. NYSE:MTG opened at $18.31 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.63. MGIC Investment has a 1 year low of $12.15 and a 1 year high of $18.44. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $17.37 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $16.85. The company has a market cap of $5.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.41, a PEG ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.27. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The insurance provider reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $296.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $296.31 million. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 15.28% and a net margin of 61.88%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.86 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that MGIC Investment will post 2.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MGIC Investment Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 9th were given a $0.115 dividend. This represents a $0.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.51%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 8th. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.62%. MGIC Investment Company Profile (Get Free Report MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $16.77, but opened at $17.20. Brookfield Business Partners shares last traded at $17.17, with a volume of 896 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently commented on BBU. Scotiabank set a $27.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Business Partners and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Credit Suisse Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $26.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Finally, Desjardins set a $30.00 target price on Brookfield Business Partners and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $28.80. Get Brookfield Business Partners alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Brookfield Business Partners Brookfield Business Partners Trading Down 0.1 % The firms 50 day simple moving average is $15.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $16.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.26 billion, a P/E ratio of -423.00 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52. Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE:BBU Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The business services provider reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by ($1.05). The firm had revenue of $14.40 billion during the quarter. Brookfield Business Partners had a net margin of 0.67% and a return on equity of 2.21%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.56 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Brookfield Business Partners L.P. will post 3.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brookfield Business Partners Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of $0.0625 per share. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Business Partnerss payout ratio is -625.00%. Institutional Trading of Brookfield Business Partners A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 1.5% during the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 8,779,849 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $133,455,000 after buying an additional 128,970 shares during the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Business Partners by 19.3% during the 3rd quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 81,371 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,229,000 after purchasing an additional 13,155 shares during the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in Brookfield Business Partners by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 166,300 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,525,000 after purchasing an additional 6,700 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brookfield Business Partners in the third quarter worth approximately $476,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 2.5% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 237,099 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $3,604,000 after purchasing an additional 5,877 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.81% of the companys stock. About Brookfield Business Partners (Get Free Report) Brookfield Business Partners L.P. is a private equity firm specializing in acquisition. The firm typically invests in business services, infrastructure services, construction, energy, and industrials sector. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. The firm seeks returns of at least 15% on its investments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Business Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Business Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by equities researchers at Scotiabank from C$31.00 to C$33.00 in a report released on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Scotiabanks price objective suggests a potential upside of 9.42% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research firms also recently commented on CWB. CSFB raised their target price on Canadian Western Bank from C$26.00 to C$31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Cormark raised their target price on Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Monday. Desjardins raised their target price on Canadian Western Bank from C$33.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$33.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 23rd. Finally, National Bankshares set a C$33.00 target price on Canadian Western Bank and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$33.73. Get Canadian Western Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CWB Canadian Western Bank Price Performance Shares of TSE CWB opened at C$30.16 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$28.46 and a 200 day moving average price of C$27.00. Canadian Western Bank has a 1-year low of C$22.96 and a 1-year high of C$31.62. The company has a market cap of C$2.91 billion, a PE ratio of 9.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.59. Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 8th. The company reported C$0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.89 by C$0.05. Canadian Western Bank had a return on equity of 9.04% and a net margin of 32.29%. The firm had revenue of C$291.76 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$292.40 million. Analysts anticipate that Canadian Western Bank will post 3.7156511 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Western Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, notice, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; agriculture lending products; mortgages; lines of credits; registered retirement savings loans; consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) The actions of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian are grounds to declare him persona non grata and he should immediately be replaced, Senator JV Ejercito said on Wednesday. Theres already basis because of his actuations of late and again he has not done anything to ease the tension as a diplomat, Ejercito told CNN Philippines The Source. I reiterate not to cut ties but for him to be replaced with someone more diplomatic so that we can still talk and have communication lines open. Ejercito explained there is no need to recall Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz because this would also mean cutting ties. Several lawmakers want Huang declared persona non grata following the water cannon incidents in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend. The incident that happened during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal even caused severe damage to one of the Philippines vessels. Ejercito said there were also instances when Huang's demeanor was not diplomatic but hostile. Instead of helping ease tensions between Manila and Beijing, he chose to add fuel to the fire, the senator added. The Chinese ambassador prodded and confronted Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner. Citing the AFP official, Ejercito said Huang told Brawner dont provoke us, stop provoking us. As ambassador, you are supposed to practice diplomacy, you are supposed to be the line between your country and the host country, the senator added. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Teresita Daza said on Monday declaring Huang persona non grata needs serious consideration. She explained this may be done if the envoy does something that is unwelcome, but it is an extreme measure that will have intended and unintended consequences. Following China's actions in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend, the DFA summoned Huang on Dec. 11. The Chinese embassy said during the meeting, he lodged stern representations and strong protests to the Philippine side regarding its recent infringements and provocations in waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal or the Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest following Chinas aggression in the West Philippine over the weekend. Coca-Cola HBC AG (OTCMKTS:CCHGY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 3,400 shares, an increase of 580.0% from the November 15th total of 500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 12,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on CCHGY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Coca-Cola HBC from GBX 2,600 ($32.64) to GBX 2,400 ($30.13) in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Societe Generale upgraded Coca-Cola HBC from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 25th. Get Coca-Cola HBC alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Coca-Cola HBC Coca-Cola HBC Trading Up 0.4 % Coca-Cola HBC Company Profile Shares of CCHGY stock opened at $28.98 on Wednesday. Coca-Cola HBC has a 52-week low of $22.99 and a 52-week high of $32.19. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.21. (Get Free Report) Coca-Cola HBC AG engages in the production, distribution, and sale of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages under franchise in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers sparkling soft drinks, adult sparkling, hydration drinks, juices, ready-to-drink tea, energy drinks, dairy, coffee, water, plant-based drinks, premium spirits and flavored alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola HBC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola HBC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skanska AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SKSBF Get Free Report) is one of 124 publicly-traded companies in the Engineering & Construction industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Skanska AB (publ) to related companies based on the strength of its valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, profitability, risk and earnings. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Skanska AB (publ) and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Skanska AB (publ) alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Skanska AB (publ) N/A N/A 1.93 Skanska AB (publ) Competitors $1.58 billion $27.17 million 366.78 Skanska AB (publ)s rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Skanska AB (publ). Skanska AB (publ) is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Insider and Institutional Ownership Analyst Ratings 24.2% of Skanska AB (publ) shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 37.5% of shares of all Engineering & Construction companies are held by institutional investors. 31.0% of shares of all Engineering & Construction companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Skanska AB (publ) and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Skanska AB (publ) 0 0 0 0 N/A Skanska AB (publ) Competitors 177 1416 3106 76 2.65 As a group, Engineering & Construction companies have a potential upside of 21.24%. Given Skanska AB (publ)s rivals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Skanska AB (publ) has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Dividends Skanska AB (publ) pays an annual dividend of $4.38 per share and has a dividend yield of 26.9%. Skanska AB (publ) pays out 51.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Engineering & Construction companies pay a dividend yield of 4.1% and pay out 45.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares Skanska AB (publ) and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Skanska AB (publ) N/A N/A N/A Skanska AB (publ) Competitors 0.80% -4.05% 2.02% Summary Skanska AB (publ) rivals beat Skanska AB (publ) on 8 of the 10 factors compared. Skanska AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Skanska AB (publ) operates as a construction and project development company in the Nordic region, Europe, and the United States. It operates through four segments: Construction, Residential Development, Commercial Property Development, and Investment Properties. The Construction segment builds schools, hospitals, healthcare and science laboratories, rail, subways, airports, highways, bridges, tunnels, commercial offices, and homes. The Residential Development segment develops and sells residential projects, including single and multi-family housing. The Commercial Property Development segment initiates, develops, leases, and divests in commercial properties, including offices, logistics and other commercial warehouses, multifamily rental properties, and life-science. The Investment Properties segment owns and manages investment properties. It also produces asphalt, gravel, rock, concrete gravel, road construction materials, macadam, and concrete. In addition, the company engages in the construction and renovation of buildings; provision of infrastructure services, including operation, maintenance, and construction work; and rental of machines and equipment. Skanska AB (publ) was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Receive News & Ratings for Skanska AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skanska AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC decreased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 599 shares of the companys stock after selling 25 shares during the period. Camarda Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $281,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth about $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth about $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,774 shares during the period. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth about $561,000. Institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the firms 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 sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.2 % Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $585.08 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $587.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $528.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $555.42 billion, a PE ratio of 105.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $309.20 and a 12-month high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. The business 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, equities research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.89%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 81.88%. Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the topic of several research reports. TheStreet lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $673.00 to $722.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $570.82. Get Our Latest Report on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forestar Group Inc. (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) CEO Daniel C. Bartok sold 7,555 shares of Forestar Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.12, for a total transaction of $235,111.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 27,249 shares in the company, valued at $847,988.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Forestar Group Stock Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE FOR opened at $31.22 on Wednesday. Forestar Group Inc. has a 1 year low of $13.72 and a 1 year high of $32.72. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $28.04 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $26.54. The company has a market cap of $1.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.38 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 2.64 and a quick ratio of 2.64. Get Forestar Group alerts: Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.50. The business had revenue of $549.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $373.80 million. Forestar Group had a return on equity of 13.00% and a net margin of 11.62%. Research analysts anticipate that Forestar Group Inc. will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Forestar Group Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. LPL Financial LLC increased its holdings in Forestar Group by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 101,598 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $2,737,000 after buying an additional 403 shares during the period. JBF Capital Inc. grew its position in shares of Forestar Group by 25.0% in the second quarter. JBF Capital Inc. now owns 2,500 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in shares of Forestar Group by 2.8% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 18,908 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 511 shares in the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al lifted its stake in Forestar Group by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al now owns 57,642 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $1,300,000 after purchasing an additional 531 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Forestar Group by 22.5% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,226 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $73,000 after purchasing an additional 592 shares during the last quarter. 35.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Several brokerages have recently issued reports on FOR. StockNews.com raised Forestar Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Forestar Group from $30.00 to $33.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued 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 $32.50. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Forestar Group About Forestar Group (Get Free Report) Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The company acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Forestar Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forestar Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greif, Inc. (NYSE:GEF Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, December 5th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Monday, December 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.52 per share by the industrial products company on Monday, January 1st. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.31%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 15th. Greif has increased its dividend by an average of 2.9% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 3 consecutive years. Greif has a dividend payout ratio of 37.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Greif to earn $5.98 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.08 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 34.8%. Get Greif alerts: Greif Trading Down 1.3 % Shares of NYSE GEF opened at $62.82 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.21, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $65.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.34. Greif has a 52 week low of $57.38 and a 52 week high of $76.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.46. Analysts Set New Price Targets Greif ( NYSE:GEF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 7th. The industrial products company reported $1.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.26. Greif had a return on equity of 18.46% and a net margin of 6.88%. The company had revenue of $1.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.34 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.83 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Greif will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts have commented on GEF shares. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Greif in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Greif from $67.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $94.00 target price on shares of Greif in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Check Out Our Latest Report on Greif Hedge Funds Weigh In On Greif A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of GEF. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Greif by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 13,901 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $904,000 after buying an additional 260 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its holdings in Greif by 9.3% during the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 5,159 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $356,000 after buying an additional 437 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Greif by 3.3% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,595 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $925,000 after buying an additional 463 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its stake in Greif by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 18,432 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,236,000 after buying an additional 599 shares during the period. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. acquired a new stake in Greif during the 1st quarter worth $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.98% of the companys stock. About Greif (Get Free Report) Greif, Inc engages in the production and sale of industrial packaging products and services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Global Industrial Packaging; Paper Packaging & Services; and Land Management. The Global Industrial Packaging segment produces and sells industrial packaging products, including steel, fiber, and plastic drums; rigid and flexible intermediate bulk containers; closure systems for industrial packaging products; transit protection products; water bottles, and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers; and various services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing, and other packaging services to chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mineral product, and other industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Greif Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greif and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Get Free Report) was the target of some unusual options trading on Monday. Traders acquired 8,289 call options on the company. This represents an increase of 85% compared to the typical volume of 4,490 call options. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF stock opened at $63.05 on Wednesday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $60.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.36. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 1-year low of $53.27 and a 1-year high of $64.11. The company has a market cap of $13.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.76 and a beta of 0.68. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Japan ETF A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of EWJ. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 15.7% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 202,282 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $12,462,000 after acquiring an additional 27,428 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 37.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 92,661 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,807,000 after acquiring an additional 25,415 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 15.3% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 89,447 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,511,000 after acquiring an additional 11,850 shares during the period. Wit LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $239,000. Finally, Founders Financial Securities LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $2,797,000. About iShares MSCI Japan ETF iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) had its target price raised by stock analysts at Citigroup from $59.00 to $64.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups target price indicates a potential upside of 11.63% from the stocks current price. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on NVT. Barclays cut their target price on nVent Electric from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on nVent Electric from $60.00 to $57.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $61.00. Get nVent Electric alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NVT nVent Electric Price Performance NVT stock opened at $57.33 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.48 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.97. nVent Electric has a 52-week low of $36.70 and a 52-week high of $58.98. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $51.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $52.04. nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $859.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $881.99 million. nVent Electric had a return on equity of 17.44% and a net margin of 14.98%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 15.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.66 EPS. Research analysts expect that nVent Electric will post 3.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at nVent Electric In related news, insider Michael B. Faulconer sold 2,080 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.07, for a total value of $110,385.60. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 27,613 shares in the company, valued at $1,465,421.91. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 2.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On nVent Electric Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cetera Advisors LLC lifted its stake in nVent Electric by 4.0% in the second quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 5,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $277,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC raised its holdings in nVent Electric by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 12,371 shares of the companys stock valued at $639,000 after acquiring an additional 236 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in nVent Electric by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 9,122 shares of the companys stock valued at $471,000 after acquiring an additional 248 shares during the period. Cookson Peirce & Co. Inc. raised its holdings in nVent Electric by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cookson Peirce & Co. Inc. now owns 7,012 shares of the companys stock valued at $372,000 after acquiring an additional 277 shares during the period. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in nVent Electric by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,897 shares of the companys stock valued at $124,000 after acquiring an additional 283 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.76% of the companys stock. nVent Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) nVent Electric plc designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management. The Enclosures segment provides solutions to connect and protect critical electronics, communication, control, and power equipment; physical infrastructure solutions to host, connect, and protect server and network equipment; indoor and outdoor protection for test and measurement and aerospace and defense applications in industrial, infrastructure, commercial, and energy verticals; and metallic and non-metallic enclosures, cabinets, sub racks, and backplanes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for nVent Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for nVent Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com lowered shares of Rollins (NYSE:ROL Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Tuesday. Several other brokerages have also weighed in on ROL. Stifel Nicolaus raised Rollins from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $40.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. TheStreet downgraded Rollins from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $52.00 target price on shares of Rollins in a research report on Monday, August 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Rollins currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.20. Get Rollins alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Rollins Rollins Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of ROL stock opened at $42.05 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.82. Rollins has a 1 year low of $32.19 and a 1 year high of $45.04. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $38.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.35 billion, a PE ratio of 50.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 0.68. Rollins (NYSE:ROL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The business services provider reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $840.43 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $824.35 million. Rollins had a return on equity of 33.81% and a net margin of 13.77%. Rollinss quarterly revenue was up 15.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.22 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Rollins will post 0.89 EPS for the current year. Rollins Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th were given a $0.15 dividend. This is an increase from Rollinss previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.43%. Rollinss payout ratio is presently 72.29%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Jerry Jr. Gahlhoff sold 7,000 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.00, for a total transaction of $280,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 218,091 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,723,640. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 4.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ROL. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Rollins by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. now owns 16,948 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $726,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its position in shares of Rollins by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 4,927 shares of the business services providers stock worth $211,000 after buying an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its position in shares of Rollins by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 9,871 shares of the business services providers stock worth $342,000 after buying an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Rollins by 3.8% during the 3rd quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 7,150 shares of the business services providers stock worth $267,000 after buying an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Apollon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Rollins by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 16,632 shares of the business services providers stock worth $712,000 after buying an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. 38.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Rollins (Get Free Report) Rollins, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rollins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rollins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:CEV Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 20,659 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $10.08 per share, with a total value of $208,242.72. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 931,997 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,394,529.76. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust alerts: On Friday, December 1st, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 45,600 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $9.99 per share, with a total value of $455,544.00. On Wednesday, November 29th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 25,885 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $9.93 per share, with a total value of $257,038.05. On Monday, November 27th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 10,002 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $9.80 per share, with a total value of $98,019.60. On Monday, November 20th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 21,772 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $9.82 per share, with a total value of $213,801.04. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE CEV opened at $10.10 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.70. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust has a 12-month low of $8.83 and a 12-month high of $10.78. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 18th. Investors of record on Monday, December 11th will be given a dividend of $0.0342 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 8th. This represents a $0.41 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.06%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Almitas Capital LLC lifted its position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust by 42.7% during the third quarter. Almitas Capital LLC now owns 131,118 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,201,000 after purchasing an additional 39,231 shares during the period. Saba Capital Management L.P. lifted its position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust by 12.0% during the third quarter. Saba Capital Management L.P. now owns 644,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,904,000 after purchasing an additional 69,042 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust by 57.3% during the third quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 20,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $189,000 after purchasing an additional 7,505 shares during the period. Fort Point Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the third quarter valued at $191,000. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the third quarter valued at $183,000. 26.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Company Profile (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bakkt Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BKKT Get Free Report) Director Sean Roberts Collins sold 46,501 shares of Bakkt stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.71, for a total value of $79,516.71. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 275,960 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,891.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Sean Roberts Collins also recently made the following trade(s): Get Bakkt alerts: On Monday, December 11th, Sean Roberts Collins sold 51 shares of Bakkt stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.67, for a total value of $85.17. Bakkt Trading Up 8.5 % Bakkt stock opened at $1.72 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $471.04 million, a P/E ratio of -0.96 and a beta of 4.48. Bakkt Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $0.64 and a 1 year high of $2.87. The business has a 50-day moving average of $1.26 and a 200-day moving average of $1.34. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bakkt Bakkt ( NYSE:BKKT Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.19) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $204.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $757.80 million. Bakkt had a positive return on equity of 25.41% and a negative net margin of 24.89%. Research analysts anticipate that Bakkt Holdings, Inc. will post -0.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BKKT. Citigroup Inc. grew its position in shares of Bakkt by 4,335.3% during the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 20,846 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 20,376 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD bought a new position in shares of Bakkt during the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Bakkt by 109.2% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 23,496 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 12,267 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Bakkt in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, HRT Financial LP acquired a new position in shares of Bakkt in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. 8.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Rosenblatt Securities lowered their price objective on Bakkt from $2.10 to $1.70 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BKKT Bakkt Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bakkt Holdings, Inc offers a platform for crypto and redeeming loyalty points. The company's institutional-grade technology platform offers various solutions, such as Custody, an institutional-grade custody solution for market participants; Crypto Connect, a platform that enables consumers, businesses, and institutions to buy, sell, and store crypto in a digital experience; Crypto Rewards that focuses on enabling customers to earn crypto rewards, as well as redeem existing reward currencies into crypto; and Crypto Payouts for customers to automatically invest a portion of payments into crypto. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bakkt Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bakkt and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) A lawmaker wants to stop the sale, especially in online markets, of the vape brand Flava, over supposed 800 million in unpaid taxes. Flava and e-cigarettes are still in the market, in spite of all that is being done here, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said during the House ways and means committees second hearing on the 1.428-billion allegedly smuggled Flava vapes or e-cigarettes. Rodriguez asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to order online marketplace giant Lazada to stop its vendors from selling Flava vapes, while commending rival Shopee for dropping the brand on its platform. Flava continues to sell online. We also urge the DTI to tell Shopee to continue its non-sale online of the flava products, he said. "Let us not allow them to continue selling, especially to minors," the lawmaker added. Flava deems itself as the number 1 brand of vape in the Philippines. Last months warehouse raid uncovered illegally imported Flava vapes worth 1.43 billion with a dutiable value of around 728 million. Rodriguez said the amount is on top of up to 70 million in excise taxes plus 84 million in 12% value-added tax (VAT). "You see how the government is shortchanged by about 800 million" in import duties, excise tax as well as VAT, he said. The committee also ordered no-show Flava chief executive officer Gen Vincent Fabro be held in contempt and issued an arrest warrant, along with Hyperbar vape firm owner Reynald Llanto. Rodriguez also summons to court Shi Lichao, the general manager of a company based in Shenzhen, China, which manufactures the vapes supplied to Denkat Philippines, where Flava claimed they bought their vapes. The lawmaker said the committee report on Flava's supposed tax evasion issue will be out this week. CNN Philippines has reached out to Flava for comment on the matter. Banco del Bajio, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple (OTCMKTS:BBAJF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 846,200 shares, an increase of 338.7% from the November 15th total of 192,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 705.2 days. Banco del Bajio, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple Stock Performance Banco del Bajio, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple stock opened at $3.21 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $3.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.15. Banco del Bajio, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple has a 12-month low of $2.94 and a 12-month high of $4.05. Get Banco del Bajio S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple alerts: Banco del Bajio, S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Banco del Bajio, SA, Institucion de Banca Multiple provides banking products and services in Mexico. The company offers electronic banking, insurance products; credit and credit cards, trust contract; online banking; foreign exchange, and derivative finance services. It also offers working capital and fixed asset, and other loans; investment products; payroll advance services; financial factoring and leasing services. Receive News & Ratings for Banco del Bajio S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco del Bajio S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 50.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 13,339 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 13,550 shares during the period. SPDR Gold Shares accounts for about 1.2% of Camarda Financial Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. Camarda Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $2,378,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc bought a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Old North State Trust LLC raised its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 225.4% in the 1st quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 550 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 40.99% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Price Performance Shares of GLD stock opened at $183.49 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $182.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $180.21. SPDR Gold Shares has a twelve month low of $165.10 and a twelve month high of $192.40. SPDR Gold Shares Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). See Also Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday after Citigroup raised their price target on the stock from $246.00 to $269.00. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the stock. Trane Technologies traded as high as $237.16 and last traded at $236.73, with a volume of 45035 shares. The stock had previously closed at $234.00. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $195.00 to $190.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Trane Technologies from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $191.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Trane Technologies from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their target price for the company from $187.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $222.00 to $226.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $231.00 to $234.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Trane Technologies has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $209.31. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Trane Technologies Insider Buying and Selling at Trane Technologies Hedge Funds Weigh In On Trane Technologies In other Trane Technologies news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 17,585 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total transaction of $3,868,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 93,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,477,820. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . In other news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 13,144 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.24, for a total value of $2,868,546.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 82,235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,946,966.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CEO David S. Regnery sold 17,585 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total value of $3,868,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 93,081 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,477,820. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 32,366 shares of company stock valued at $7,093,065. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in TT. Certuity LLC increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 3.1% in the third quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 1,549 shares of the companys stock worth $314,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 2.4% in the third quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 1,972 shares of the companys stock worth $400,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 1.6% in the third quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,042 shares of the companys stock worth $617,000 after buying an additional 48 shares during the last quarter. German American Bancorp Inc. increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 4.7% in the third quarter. German American Bancorp Inc. now owns 1,100 shares of the companys stock worth $223,000 after buying an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 2.5% in the third quarter. Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,040 shares of the companys stock worth $414,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.66% of the companys stock. Trane Technologies Stock Up 0.8 % The business has a fifty day moving average of $214.37 and a 200 day moving average of $201.59. The stock has a market cap of $54.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $2.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.66 by $0.13. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 31.97% and a net margin of 11.30%. The company had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.80 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.27 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 13.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Trane Technologies plc will post 9.01 earnings per share for the current year. Trane Technologies Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.75 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.25%. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.34%. Trane Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veris Residential (NYSE:VRE Get Free Report) and Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:MNARF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and valuation. Dividends Veris Residential pays an annual dividend of $0.05 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.9%. Veris Residential pays out -6.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust pays out 43.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Get Veris Residential alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 86.9% of Veris Residential shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 9.6% of Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 15.0% of Veris Residential shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Veris Residential $355.02 million 3.86 -$52.07 million ($0.82) -18.11 Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A $1.39 7.35 This table compares Veris Residential and Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Veris Residential. Veris Residential is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Veris Residential and Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Veris Residential -23.98% -5.39% -1.97% Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings for Veris Residential and Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Veris Residential 0 1 2 0 2.67 Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A Veris Residential presently has a consensus price target of $17.67, indicating a potential upside of 18.97%. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust has a consensus price target of $19.50, indicating a potential upside of 90.99%. Given Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trusts higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is more favorable than Veris Residential. Summary Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust beats Veris Residential on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Veris Residential (Get Free Report) Veris Residential, Inc. is a forward-thinking, environmentally- and socially-conscious real estate investment trust (REIT) that primarily owns, operates, acquires, and develops holistically-inspired, Class A multifamily properties that meet the sustainability-conscious lifestyle needs of today's residents while seeking to positively impact the communities it serves and the planet at large. The company is guided by an experienced management team and Board of Directors and is underpinned by leading corporate governance principles, a best-in-class and sustainable approach to operations, and an inclusive culture based on equality and meritocratic empowerment. About Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (Get Free Report) The REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The Units of the REIT trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MRG.UN. With a strategic focus on the acquisition of high-quality multi-suite residential properties in Canada and the United States, the REIT maximizes long-term Unit value through active asset and property management. The REIT's portfolio is comprised of 13,089 residential suites and 229,500 square feet of commercial area (as of October 24, 2023) located in Alberta, Ontario, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland with an appraised value of approximately $4.0 billion at September 30, 2023. Receive News & Ratings for Veris Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veris Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestor Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 5,939.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 73,563 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 72,345 shares during the quarter. Chevron makes up approximately 0.7% of Vestor Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Vestor Capital LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $11,575,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. V Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Chevron by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. V Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,007 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,102,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services grew its holdings in Chevron by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 7,569 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,191,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. NCM Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Chevron by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. NCM Capital Management LLC now owns 5,570 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $909,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. Unionview LLC grew its holdings in Chevron by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Unionview LLC now owns 2,059 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $324,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Finally, Schmidt P J Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Chevron by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Schmidt P J Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,483 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,379,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Stock Performance Chevron stock opened at $142.52 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $150.77 and its 200 day moving average price is $156.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $269.04 billion, a PE ratio of 10.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.25. Chevron Co. has a one year low of $140.72 and a one year high of $187.81. Chevron Announces Dividend Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. The business had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $51.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.56 earnings per share. Chevrons revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Chevron Co. will post 13.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.24%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 44.84%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America upgraded Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $190.00 to $200.00 in a report on Monday, October 30th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $180.00 price target on shares of Chevron in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Chevron in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BNP Paribas raised Chevron from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised Chevron from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $184.00 to $182.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Chevron presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $187.89. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Chevron About Chevron (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestor Capital LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 51.6% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 7,098 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 7,567 shares during the period. Vestor Capital LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,776,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Quarry LP grew its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 52.7% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 142 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of Illinois Tool Works stock opened at $251.75 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $235.21 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $239.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The company has a market capitalization of $75.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.42, a PEG ratio of 4.79 and a beta of 1.13. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1-year low of $214.66 and a 1-year high of $264.19. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $4.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.10 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.35 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $1.40 dividend. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.22%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is presently 54.32%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on ITW shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $238.08. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Illinois Tool Works Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EAD Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 170,800 shares, an increase of 559.5% from the November 15th total of 25,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 250,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund Stock Performance Shares of EAD opened at $6.30 on Wednesday. Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund has a 52 week low of $5.69 and a 52 week high of $7.05. Get Wells Fargo Advantage Funds - Allspring Income Opportunities Fund alerts: Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 12th will be given a $0.0517 dividend. This is a positive change from Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.05. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 11th. This represents a $0.62 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.85%. Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund Company Profile Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Nomura Holdings Inc. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund during the 1st quarter valued at $63,000. Ieq Capital LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at $70,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund during the 1st quarter valued at $80,000. Northern Trust Corp raised its stake in Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund by 17.5% during the 2nd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 14,201 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $92,000 after acquiring an additional 2,118 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund by 20.0% in the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,000 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $95,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. (Get Free Report) Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Allspring Income Opportunities Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. It is co-managed by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in below investment grade debt securities, high-yield debt securities, loans and preferred stocks rated Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc or BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo Advantage Funds - Allspring Income Opportunities Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo Advantage Funds - Allspring Income Opportunities Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitecap Resources Inc. (TSE:WCP Get Free Report) Director Grant Bradley Fagerheim purchased 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$8.70 per share, for a total transaction of C$43,500.00. Grant Bradley Fagerheim also recently made the following trade(s): Get Whitecap Resources alerts: On Tuesday, November 28th, Grant Bradley Fagerheim purchased 10,000 shares of Whitecap Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$9.51 per share, for a total transaction of C$95,100.00. On Thursday, November 16th, Grant Bradley Fagerheim purchased 15,000 shares of Whitecap Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$9.47 per share, for a total transaction of C$142,050.00. On Tuesday, November 7th, Grant Bradley Fagerheim purchased 10,000 shares of Whitecap Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$9.99 per share, for a total transaction of C$99,900.00. On Monday, October 30th, Grant Bradley Fagerheim purchased 15,000 shares of Whitecap Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$10.72 per share, for a total transaction of C$160,800.00. Whitecap Resources Trading Down 3.1 % Shares of WCP stock opened at C$8.73 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$10.16 and a 200-day moving average of C$10.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.40. Whitecap Resources Inc. has a 12-month low of C$8.65 and a 12-month high of C$11.91. The firm has a market cap of C$5.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.78, a PEG ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 2.66. Whitecap Resources Announces Dividend Whitecap Resources ( TSE:WCP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported C$0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.35 by C($0.10). Whitecap Resources had a return on equity of 17.79% and a net margin of 26.66%. The company had revenue of C$1.03 billion for the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Whitecap Resources Inc. will post 1.2822695 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a $0.061 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $0.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.38%. Whitecap Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 48.34%. Analysts Set New Price Targets WCP has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$16.00 to C$15.50 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$13.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Desjardins dropped their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$13.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$15.00 in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$12.50 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$14.77. View Our Latest Analysis on WCP Whitecap Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources Inc was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Whitecap Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitecap Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zijin Mining Group Company Limited (OTCMKTS:ZIJMY Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 8,600 shares, a growth of 855.6% from the November 15th total of 900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 5.1 days. Zijin Mining Group Stock Up 0.1 % OTCMKTS:ZIJMY opened at $32.85 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $31.06 and a 200-day moving average of $31.19. Zijin Mining Group has a 52 week low of $25.66 and a 52 week high of $36.22. Get Zijin Mining Group alerts: Zijin Mining Group Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be issued a $0.098 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 12th. Zijin Mining Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.33%. About Zijin Mining Group Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, mining, processing, refining, and sale of gold, non-ferrous metals, and other mineral resources in Mainland China and internationally. It primarily produces gold bullion; gold, copper, zinc, lead, tungsten, and iron ore concentrates; and copper cathodes, zinc bullion, sulphuric acid, copperplate, silver, iron, etc., as well as molybdenum, cobalt, tin, coal, lithium, platinum, and palladium. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Zijin Mining Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zijin Mining Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Koko Pimentel III sees another ground to question the 2024 national budget in the Supreme Court. In a chance interview with reporters on Wednesday, Pimentel said the 450 billion increase made by the bicameral conference committee to the unprogrammed appropriations is unconstitutional. Ang sabi ng Constitution natin (According to our Constitution), Congress may approve the appropriations proposed by the President for the operation of the government but it cannot increase the appropriations, Pimentel said. He was referring to Article 6, Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution, which states, The Congress may not increase the appropriations recommended by the President for the operation of the Government as specified in the budget. The form, content, and manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by law. Pimentel said the National Expenditure Program from the executive pegged the unprogrammed appropriations at only P281.9 billion, but the bicameral committee, which settled differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill, bloated the amount to P731.4 billion. The result is an almost 6 trillion budget, instead of the original proposal of only 5.768 trillion, Pimentel said. Unconstitutional, he said, adding it can be challenged in the Supreme Court. He said the same flaw also happened with the 2023 budget. Itong 2023 tinawag ko na itong first 6 trillion budget I-add ninyo si unprogrammed, 6 trillion. So, actually 2024 will be the second 6 trillion budget, he said. [Translation: I earlier called the 2023 budget the first 6 trillion budget If you add the unprogrammed appropriations, the amount is 6 trillion. So, actually 2024 will be the second 6 trillion budget.] He called on lawyers who are up to the challenge to file the Supreme Court petition. The minority lawmaker earlier flagged as unconstitutional the allocation of a 2.3 billion intelligence fund to the Office of the President, and urgent the presidential certification of the national spending plan. Should the high court rule that the 2024 budget is unconstitutional, the government will implement a reenacted budget or the expenditure plan from the previous year. Vietnamese ballpoint pen maker scripts educational success story By Thuy Yen, Minh Hue Wed, December 13, 2023 | 8:03 am GMT+7 No Vietnamese citizen or expat whos resided in the country for any length of time in the last 42 years could have avoided using the ubiquitous Thien Long ballpoint pen. After the first Made in Vietnam pen made its debut in 1981, the entrepreneur and his company have not looked back, going from strength to strength as it expanded into a stationery giant listed on the stock market paying out dividends regularly to its shareholders. Businessman Co Gia Tho's desire to produce his own ballpoint pens in Vietnam saw the establishment of Thien Long's first factory in 1981 in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City. In 1996, the Thien Long Trading and Production Company Limited was officially established, marking a new stage of development for Thien Long. Since then, the company has continuously opened new factories and increased its capacity. In 2008, it conducted an initial public offering (IPO) and listed its TLG shares on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) two years later. A Clever Box store of Thien Long Group. Photo courtesy of the group. Forty years since its inception, Thien Long restructured itself to become a group in 2021. Today, the group has eight subsidiaries in stationery production and trading, two of which were established abroad, namely Flexoffice Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) and ICCO Marketing (M) SDN.BHD. (Malaysia). Thien Longs charter capital has increased five times from VND155 billion in 2010 to VND786 billion ($32.43 million) now, with over 58% held by chairman Co Gia Tho, his family members and related organizations. Over the decades, Thien Long has built and developed a wide distribution network that sees its products displayed in commercial centers, chain stores, bookstores and convenience stores in all 63 provinces and cities nationwide. The group has not ignored e-commerce channels and the business-to-business (B2B) model that directly delivers products to schools and businesses. Growing profit, high dividend The group has achieved impressive results with the process of product development, renovation and diversification. In the 2005-2019 period, it recorded continuous growth in revenue and profit. Revenue increased from VND257 billion in 2005 to VND3,252 billion ($134.2 million) in 2019, while net profit rose from VND31 billion to VND349 billion ($14.4 million). In 2020 and 2021, affected by the pandemic, its revenue and profit shrank to VND2,600 billion ($107.26 million) and VND250 billion ($10.3 million), respectively. In 2022, when the epidemic was under control and teaching and learning activities returned to normal, the group recorded revenues of VND3,521 billion ($145.26 million) and net profits of VND401 billion ($16.54 million), record levels in its history. Last year, Thien Long Long Thanh, a subsidiary of the group, put into operation a new factory with a capacity of 739 million products per year. The group also opened a new distribution center at Le Minh Xuan Industrial Park in Binh Chinh district, HCMC, meeting 1,000 orders per shift. In addition, it inaugurated the Clever Box store chain, officially entering the retail segment. The chain has five stores in HCMC and the provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tien Giang. In the first nine months of this year, the group posted revenues of VND2,773 billion ($114.4 million), the same as last year. Its gross profit margin also remained at 44% but increases in sales and management costs saw net profit fall 18% to VND330 billion ($13.6 million). The group has targeted net revenue of VND4 trillion ($170.58 million) in 2023, up 13.6% year-on-year, and after-tax profit of VND400 billion ($17.06 million), the same as last year. As of September 30, Thien Long's total assets value was VND2,661 billion ($109.78 million), 77% of which was equity. The group had debts of more than VND200 billion ($8.25 million), compared to over VND470 billion ($19.39 million) in cash and deposits. Thirteen years since it listed on the stock market, Thien Longs charter capital has soared five times from VND155 billion to VND785 billion ($32.43 million), mainly thanks to share bonuses and share issuances to employees under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The only time Thien Long raised capital was in 2019 when it issued 5 million shares to foreign fund NWL Cayman Holdings Ltd. At the offered price of VND85,000 ($3.5 under the current exchange rate) per share, the group raised VND425 billion ($17.53 million), creating a share capital surplus of VND375 billion. Thien Long also paid regular cash dividends of 20% in the 2019-2021 period; and raised it to 35% in 2022. Under its approved plan, the group will maintain the rate of 35% this year. Reaching out to the world After entrenching itself well in the domestic market, the group has paid continuous attention to developing its presence in foreign markets. It has succeeded in taking FlexOffice and Colokit branded products to 70 countries and territories and has exported its OEM, ODM and Private Label products to major customers around the world. The Thien Long brand has been built up steadily with continuous diversification of products to meet customer needs and tastes. It makes all kinds of office and student supplies, including fine arts devices. Then, last year, the group bravely stepped out of its safety zone, as chairman Tho put it, to experience new things and creating leverage for higher growth in the future. One expression of this approach was the establishment of a partnership with publishing firm PEGA to enable Thien Longs expansion of its knowledge product ecosystem. The group will continue to invest in the development of many products to serve the creative, emotional, spiritual, and personal needs of users, Tho said, adding that these activities would lay the foundation for further diversification. Thien Longs product ecosystem will more fully serve the reading - writing - drawing - listening - seeing functions of the Vietnamese people, he added. Each month at local public libraries in the First Judicial Circuit, volunteer attorneys are working to help self-represented litigants through the Lawyer in the Library program. With eight locations across southern Illinois, free legal advice is available nearby. The Lawyer in the Library program provides patrons needing help with a legal issue the opportunity to sit down with an attorney for a private, one-on-one, 20-minute session and receive advice or help with legal documents. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required at most locations. Participating libraries and their contact information are: Metropolis Public Library with quarterly sessions with attorney Julian Valdes. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-524-4312. Vienna Carnegie Public Library with sessions with attorney Michael Hampleman. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-658-5051. Mounds Public Library with quarterly, walk-in sessions with Valdes. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-745-6610. Stinson Memorial Public Library in Anna with sessions with attorney Gene Turk. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-833-2521. Harrisburg District Library with sessions with attorneys Nina Brown and Kelly Phelps. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-253-7455. Carbondale Public Library with sessions with attorneys Christine Heins and Turk. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-457-0354. Marion Carnegie Library with sessions with attorneys Hampleman and Elisha Sanders. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-993-5935. Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville with sessions with attorney Winter Campanella. For more information or to pre-register to speak to an attorney, call 618-985-3298. On session dates, participants should check in at the library registration desk and bring paperwork pertaining to their legal question or situation, if applicable. Thank you to the following for their support of this program Chief Judge William J. Thurston, First Circuit judges and circuit clerks, volunteer attorneys, library directors, library program coordinators and other library staff members, said Brenda Sprague, who is with the Office of the Chief Judge, First Judicial Circuit. Each Lawyer in the Library program is initially launched with a Self-Represented Litigant/Access to Justice Improvement Grant funding through the Access to Justice Division, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. The programs continue with each Volunteer Attorney coordinating with the Library and the Office of the Chief Judge, Brenda Sprague, Administrative Assistant and ATJ Grant Coordinator. CARBONDALE, Ill. A longtime Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty researcher has been named a fellow by the National Academy of Inventors for its 2023 class. Ken Anderson, professor of geology and director of the Advanced Energy Institute at SIU, is just one of 162 academic inventors receiving the honor this year. He will receive his medal during the NAI 13th annual meeting on June 18 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The NAI recognizes and encourages inventors who have a patent issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and who enhance the visibility of university and nonprofit research institute technology and academic innovation. Election as an academy fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors by the organization. In 2010, Anderson founded Thermaquatica Inc., an energy company focused on his patented process that treats coal, wood or agricultural byproducts with oxygen in superheated water, breaking it down into useful products in an environmentally friendly way. In 2015, Anderson was among five faculty members to form the founding NAI chapter at SIU. Rob Patino, director of the Office of Technology Transfer at SIU, said Anderson is extremely innovative and works tirelessly as an inventor. He has the courage to do all of the difficult things required to be a successful entrepreneur, Patino said. Fostering an inventive spirit at SIU is a priority because those innovations help us build ties with industry partners and elevate the research prowess of the university to levels above the traditional academic sense. Anderson said he is pleased the recognition reflects well on SIUs support for creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurship. This type of recognition is important because it helps build our credibility and our bona fides as we work to push our work out into the private sector, Anderson said. It opens doors for us, which helps us get the work out into the world, where it can make a difference. The Williamson County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 12 to discuss the Paid Leave Act, vote on a new Chairman, approve animal control intergovernmental agreements with local municipalities, approve public defender contracts, and pass a resolution affecting the County Circuit Clerk and States Attorney, among other business. After reciting the pledge of allegiance and a prayer led by Commissioner Jim Marlo, the County Board of Commissioners approved October and November minutes, then got down to business, beginning with discussion on the Paid Leave Act. Its going to be a bookkeeping nightmare, was the consensus of the County Commissioners as they discussed the policy to be adopted by the county that would keep them within the new Paid Leave for All Workers Act. They discussed how the first 40 hours could be pulled from sick time, would need to be used within the year and would not require a doctors note. The decision to accrue sick leave or give it out as a lump sum at the beginning of the year was not determined during the meeting. The Paid Leave Act was signed into Illinois law in March by Governor JB Pritzker as a landmark law for the Midwest, by mandating paid time off to be used for any reason. Under the new law, employees will have up to 40 hours of paid leave over a year, which will mean about a million and half workers will start having paid time off in 2024. The law applies to all employees working for an employer in Illinois. The law currently does not guarantee pay for workers who need to take sick leave, go to the doctor, or just have personal time off. As of March 31, 2024, workers will be able to take the time they need 90 days after they begin work with a new employer and wont have to show a note to their boss to do so. The Board is expected to vote on the particular terms of the policy of the Paid Leave Act the County will adopt on Dec. 15. The next order of business was selecting a new chairman. The Board decided to keep the current chairman in place. Part of this job can be very challenging. And it has been a very busy year. And I cant tell you how much I appreciate your confidence in me, said Tim Atkisson, who will remain the Chairman of the Board. The Board then decided to approve an Animal Control Intergovernmental Agreement between the County and Cambria, Stonefort, Creal Springs, Freman Spur, and Colp. Contracts for Public Defenders were also approved during the meeting, with Allen Roe, Meagan Rich, and Teresa Machicao-Hopkins named as Public Defenders for the County. The Board passed a resolution which would allow the County Circuit Clerk and States Attorney to make an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Office of Comptroller and the County of Williamson to access the Comptrollers Local Debt Recovery Program. Next the Board made Committee and Board appointments. Jeremy Norris for the Williamson County Emergency Telephone System Board, who is also the Chief of Williamson County Fire Protection District; Alex Simpson for Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission; and Rodney Joe Hale for Williamson County Fire Protection District. Finally, the Board concluded with some miscellaneous business of passing a resolution for a pre-approval travel reimbursement for Travis Emery, County Highway Engineering. The Countys policy for travel expenses is $132, which would not cover the hotel cost $209. The resolution would cover the costs of travel to the conference in April, reimbursing Emery for about $2,072. Two men from South Carolina are facing charges in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Christopher George Rockey, 54, of Cross, is charged with the felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Rockey is charged with multiple misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or ground without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in any of the Capitol buildings. Edward Picquet Jr., 61, of Hollywood, is charged with a felony offense of civil disorder in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia. In addition to the felony, Picquet is charged with various misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or ground without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in any of the Capitol buildings. Rockey and Picquet were taken into custody in South Carolina on Wednesday. Court documents allege that security footage shows Rockey and Picquet entering the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, via the Senate wing doors at approximately 2:23 p.m. The two men were allegedly observed in the Rotunda and later among a crowd of rioters moving toward the House chamber and confronting a line of police officers. The crowd pushed through the police line and Rockey and Picquet allegedly continued to walk through the Capitol building, eventually exiting the building via the east front House doors at about 2:44 p.m. The two then allegedly joined a crowd of rioters on the Northside Upper Terrace. Video footage taken at approximately 4:34 p.m. allegedly shows Rockey pushing and grabbing a Metropolitan Police Department officer's riot shield and striking the officer in the face as law enforcement attempted to clear the area. Picquet allegedly moved up to the front of the crowd of rioters, placing his hands on the back of Rockey, grabbing his sweatshirt, and pushing him forward directly into the line of officers. Court documents claim that the two men remained on the Upper Terrace and, in a separate incident, Rockey allegedly grabbed an MPD officer's baton and another officer's riot shield. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina. In the 35 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,230 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. COLUMBIA, S.C. AESC, a world-leading electric vehicle battery technology company, announced Tuesday the expansion of its state-of-the-art battery cell facility in Florence County. During the second of three potential phases, the Japanese company will invest $810 million and create 450 new jobs at the gigafactory. This new commitment follows AESCs initial announcement in December 2022 of $810 million and 1,170 jobs, combining for a total investment of $1.62 billion and 1,620 new jobs. Our partnership with Florence County and the State of South Carolina has exceeded our expectations and we are proud to commit to creating additional high value jobs for this great community for years to come, AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton said. As we continue to make significant strides towards the development of high-performance, longer-range batteries to propel the EV transition in the U.S., we are excited to have Florence County as a partner on this journey with us. The announced investment, set to be complete by 2026, will expand its existing facility still under construction located in the more than 1,000-acre Florence Global Technology and Commerce Park. The expansion will bolster production capabilities and help accelerate the U.S. shift to electric vehicles. According to Florence County Economic Development Partnership CEO Gregg Robinson, who spoke with the Morning News on Tuesday, Florence County and the city of Florence have each invested roughly $15 million in the park. The park was not made only for the battery factory, but Robinson said AESC is its anchor tenant. As part of a multiyear partnership with BMW, AESC will supply technology-leading battery cells to be used in the next-generation electric vehicle models produced at Plant Spartanburg. This advanced battery format will result in 20% more energy density than the current generation, reduce charging time, and increase range and efficiency for electric vehicles by 30%. At meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of up to an additional $50 million in state general economic development bonds in support of the expanded project to offset the costs of additional off-site infrastructure and site preparation, subterranean construction support, and an expanded training center. AESCs continued investment in South Carolina is a testament to the business-friendly environment weve fostered, which has helped to solidify our place as the premier destination for electric vehicle companies to call home. I look forward to the transformative impact that AESCs historic investments will have on not only the Pee Dee but all of South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster said. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to the project. Including the $50 million promised on Tuesday, the state has invested around $250 million in the factory so far, according to Robinson. He said that investment includes dollars to help develop the infrastructure for the factory, like roads and water lines, but also will go to develop a special $20 million training center just for the factorys employees. AESCs expansion in Florence County in merely a year underscores South Carolinas pro-business environment which helps accelerate our companies growth. Congratulations to AESC, and we look forward to the additional, new opportunities this announcement represents, Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said. Florence County Council, at its meeting Thursday, is expected to vote on an additional $5 million in economic development incentives for the company, Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim told the Morning News on Tuesday. Were really excited about their continued investment, Yokim said. Its a great day to be in Florence County. The county has previously approved incentives for AESC, which included a fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement, Special Source Revenue Credits and an interlocal agreement with the city of Florence regarding land acquisition, according to previous Morning News reporting. With todays announcement, the total number of new jobs announced by AESC will exceed 1,600 and result in new capital investment in excess of $1.6 billion in our community. This investment is truly commendable and will significantly contribute to the vitality of our local economy. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with AESC in the years to come, Florence County Council Chair Willard Dorriety said. Florence City Council recently approved the purchase of a $35 million bond, which will go toward the expansion of the citys water and sewer system, primarily to support the new battery factory. Over the next four years, the city plans to take out $446 million in bonds and use an additional $91 million to fully upgrade the system. Michael Hemingway, the citys utility planning and economic development director, told the Morning News that Tuesdays announcement did not change the citys timeline of that project. An expansion of the Pee Dee Regional Water Treatment Plant, needed to support the plant at full capacity, is at the 60% design stage, he said. The expansion of AESC is a testament to our communitys business-friendly environment that supports growth and innovation, Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin said. I am confident AESC will continue to be an impactful and inclusive member of our community. The 450 new jobs created by this announcement will provide increased opportunities for our citizens and help move Florence forward for generations to come. Ervin told the Morning News that the region is growing because of our powerful partnerships. Robinson echoed Ervins sentiments and said AESCs newest investment, and the investment in the company by the state, shows the confidence both have in Pee Dee region to deliver labor and utilities. I cant thank Duke [Energy] enough for the ability to work with them on the power delivery. I cant thank the city enough of the delivery of water and sewer, he said. This is the single largest user on the city system, itll be one of the largest users on Dukes systems, certainly, for the entire eastern Carolinas, and it will be one of the largest employers in our area outside of non-manufacturing. The construction of the factory is on track, according to Robinson. He said all of the steel, which is fully U.S. steel, has already been ordered. The factorys official groundbreaking took place on June 7. We are honored AESC has decided to increase their investment and job growth in the Florence Community, NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill said. This is a testament to the strong business minds that make our community competitive and vibrant, and it will have an extraordinary impact on our region. Congratulations to AESC and Florence County on this exciting announcement. Interested in a job? Individuals interested in joining the AESC team should visit readySCs recruitment website at www.aesc.sctechjobs.com to explore opportunities. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for the company should complete S.C. Commerces online interest form. Morning News reporter Christian Smith contributed to this story. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Transportation authorities are looking to roll out the motorcycle taxi pilot study to more areas outside Metro Manila, an official said. Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza floated the idea during a House hearing on Tuesday, with the following areas included in the report of the Department of Transportation Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG): Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Iloilo, Bacolod, Pampanga, Davao, Zamboanga, Legazpi, General Santos, Pangasinan, and Baguio. The pilot run currently covers three areas: Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro served by Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It. Mendoza said seven new groups have expressed interest in entering the market, namely, Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., Grab Philippines, and Market Innovators Inc. Two groups said while they welcome more competitors in the motorcycle taxi market, the government must spread operations outside the capital region. "Sobrang dami na kasi dito. Mamatay ang mga tricycle (There are too many here. The livelihood of tricycle drivers will die)," National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines president Ariel Lim said. The Passenger Forum lead convenor Primo Morillo backed this, saying the implementation must be countrywide. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). As parties and festivities begin to kick off, Casper residents are reminded that we dont need any holiday tragedies from drinking and driving, Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters told the Star-Tribune. The blood alcohol content of Caspers drivers in driving under the influence incidents is becoming alarming, McPheeters said. Casper police are stopping people who are sometimes four times over the legal limit, and we are finding them in crashes way too often. During the peak of COVID-19, people were isolated from their friends, family, workplace and community, McPheeters said. It may have impacted alcohol usage for some individuals. The general perception is drinking habits have changed, he said. Recently, Casper police have been checking if establishments that serve or sell alcohol are following liquor laws, and four places failed the compliance operation, McPheeters said. A compliance check is performed by an individual, who is 18 to 21 years old, according to Wyomings alcoholic beverages statute. They attempt to obtain alcohol while underage or without identification under the supervision of law enforcement. The business is informed afterwards that a compliance check was performed and of the results. As a person becomes more intoxicated, its harder to judge the objective consequences of drunk driving, McPheeters said. Most people have pointed out their friend or family member is too drunk to drive at some point during their life, and that person often argues that they are fine and gets behind the wheel anyways. That conversation is going to happen 15 times in bars around our community tonight, McPheeters said. The best way to avoid being in an unsafe situation is planning ahead, he said. Make sure a ride home is secured in advance when attending those office parties, holiday parties, Christmas parties, playoff parties, he said. When a person makes the decision to drunk drive, they arent only putting their life on the line. Wyoming averaged 1,100 alcohol-involved crashes over the past 10 years, and more than 50 people die every year in the state from alcohol-involved crashes, according to the states Council on Impaired Driving website. Our officers dont want to standby when firefighters are cutting people out of cars or have people sitting in their living room when a truck comes crashing in, McPheeters said. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. GLOBAL growth is expected to remain weak, with the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region projected to experience 2% GDP growth in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that T&Ts economy is on a broad-based recovery path. Explore these and other international, regional and local economic insights from the Chambers Trade & Business Development Unit. THE Merriam-Webster dictionary defines icon as a person or thing widely admired, especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere. Subhas Panday believes his brother, Basdeo Panday, was such a person... and then some. Trinidad and Tobago has lost a man who blazed a trail like few others before him ever had, and like few others ever will again. These were the words of President Christine Kangaloo as she paid tribute to former prime minister Basdeo Panday at his state funeral, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando, yesterday. Dark days are ahead for the country if the contract of Industrial Court president Deborah Thomas-Felix is not renewed. So warned president of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) Ancel Roget yesterday, outside Presidents House in St Anns, after delivering a letter to President Christine Kangaloo calling on her to reconsider the removal of Thomas-Felix. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, months after it abstained from a call for a "humanitarian truce" between Israel and Hamas. The Philippines is among 153 member-states that voted for the resolution at the UNGA emergency special session on Tuesday (New York time). Ten voted against, including Israel and the United States, while 23 abstained. In October, the Philippines abstained from the UNGA's call for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in Gaza as the resolution failed to mention the terrorist attacks launched on Oct. 7 that saw dozens die, including some Filipinos, the Department of Foreign Affairs explained. When asked about the change in the countrys position, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told reporters: "Kasi humanitarian ang focus (Because the focus is humanitarian)." Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN, told the general assembly that the country is "deeply concerned" about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. He said it is imperative that "any military action considers the impact on civilians and strives to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage." "While we condemn the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks perpetuated by Hamas, the Philippines emphasizes adherence to international humanitarian law, especially principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats," Lagdameo told the general assembly. He called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, adding upholding the law is essential to ensure the safety and dignity of people affected by the conflict. "The Philippines believes strongly that the humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering," Lagdameo added. "This ceasefire is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected civilians irrespective of their affiliation." He also said Manila is seeking to contribute to a solution that respects the rights and needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. At least four Filipinos died after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The Palestinian militant group freed two Filipino hostages during a temporary pause in fighting in late November. It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem. President Ronald Reagan, 1981 inaugural address. Reagan-loving and other traditional Republicans in Arizona should be eager to sign the petition now being circulated to guarantee abortion rights for pregnant people in the state. Government, get out of the way! Thats been the cry for decades from conservative Republicans who have echoed Ronnies oft-quoted maxim. By signing the petition and helping qualify the abortion rights amendment for the November 2024 ballot, you will be advancing what were once bedrock Republican principles: protection of personal freedom and belief in individual responsibility. You will be following in the footsteps of Arizona senator and 1964 presidential candidate Barry Goldwater who said in 1992 while campaigning for another Republican candidate for president, George H.W. Bush, abortion is not something the Republican Party should call for the abolition of, by legal means or by any other means. There is no way in the world that abortion is going to be abolished. You will be following in the footsteps of the late Sandra Day OConnor, Arizonas own, who filled the Supreme Court with her Republican practicality by voting in 1992 in Casey v. Planned Parenthood to uphold the principles embedded in Roe v. Wade guaranteeing the right to an abortion. A decision which was later overturned by a Republican majority on the Supreme Court who seems to have lost its way. Roe, by the way, was written by Justice Harry Blackmun, a Republican lawyer, appointed by a Republican president, Richard Nixon. Unfortunately, the Republican Party leadership of today has been hijacked by extremists spouting MAGA slogans and eschewing constitutional norms. No longer are these faux Republicans being guided by principles of personal freedom and individual responsibility. They support the heavy hand of government interfering in personal reproductive decisions. Very un-Republican-like. Severe restrictions have been placed on the right to abortion in Arizona. As a result, Arizona for Abortion Access is out there circulating a petition to allow the people to guarantee reproductive freedom. Not the government. Ronnie would be proud. By signing the petition you will be following in the footsteps of of voters in Ohio who this year enshrined the right to abortion in their constitution by a 57% majority. You will be following in the footsteps of Kansas and Kentucky where voters rejected efforts to restrict the procedure. And in the footsteps of Virginia where legislative majorities are now protecting abortion rights. Supreme Courts in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where judges are elected, are now guarantors of abortion rights. A petition similar to the one in Arizona is now being circulated in Nebraska to allow pregnant persons and their medical caregivers by force of the state constitution to make reproductive decisions. States like Michigan and California are shoring up already recognized reproductive rights. As Republican you have the obligation to rally behind a womans freedom to make her own health care decisions. Since six extremists on the U.S. Supreme Court upended federal protection for abortion rights, it has been left to the states to provide protection for these rights. Its not happening in many states, including Texas, where a woman was denied an abortion by the courts, at the urging of the Republican attorney general, and was forced to leave the state to save herself from severe health repercussions, and her doctors from being prosecuted by the draconian law there. Arizona voters are fortunate to have the right to place on the ballot a constitutional amendment to make abortion care a fundamental right. Many Republicans have been led astray by the false cry that government should step in and make these very personal decisions for individuals. Ronnie Reagan would not be happy. James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today As befits its name, En Fuego was a restaurant that burned brightly during its relatively short first life. The restaurant, a concept developed by In the Raw founder Greg Hughes, served upscale Baja Mexican-inspired dishes in a lavishly outfitted Brookside location from 2002 to 2005. The menu ranged from such offerings as grilled sea bass, lobster tacos and smoked salmon quesadillas, along with a wide range of tequila-based cocktails. Hughes chose to close the restaurant to pursue other concepts, such as Ford's Filling Station, which were equally ambitious, but didn't attract the same sort of attention and loyalty as En Fuego. As Hughes told the Tulsa World in 2012, when he was working to open En Fuego near 61st Street and Sheridan Road, "I always regretted closing En Fuego in Brookside. I didn't stick with it quite long enough," adding that people often asked him if he was planning to reignite En Fuego. Some 20 years after it originally opened, En Fuego has returned albeit in a much different form. It occupies the east end of the Dock, the large structure on the north side of Guthrie Green, which has been the site of a number of food-related ventures over the years, all of which were projects from respected local chefs and restaurateurs. A good deal of thought has gone into creating the new En Fuego, especially when it comes to making the best use of the relatively small indoor and much more expansive outdoor space of the restaurant. Sliding glass panels can shut off an extremely cozy area, which houses the bar, which is ringed with stools, and about four tables, done in blonde wood. Outside this perimeter and down toward the street are dozens of seating options, from high-top tables to benches to geodesic dome structures that can accommodate up to about eight guests. Most of these outdoor space are set in close proximity to patio heaters, and Mexican-style blankets are draped over some of the chairs. Denise, one of the servers, said of these devices, "We fired those up a few nights ago, and they can really put out the heat." My first visit to En Fuego was on what may be the last truly clement day of the year, so the efficiency of the heaters was not a concern. The glass panels were opened, and one could enjoy a view of the expanse of Guthrie Green, with the appraising eye of Bob Dylan peering at one through a gap in the trees. We've heard chef Cody Stell, who has worked at In the Raw and the original En Fuego, describe this incarnation of the restaurant as "a nice, high-end taco stand," so we started with two of the four specialty tacos on the menu: the Diablo Shrimp ($6) and the Masa Tempura Fish ($6). Both were served in flour tortillas that tasted freshly made and were toasted so they had a bit of crisp to them. About half a dozen shrimp were lightly battered, then tossed in a diablo sauce that was more tangy than devilishly spicy. A layer of good, creamy guacamole, along with lettuce, pico and a bit of cotija cheese, brought all the flavors into balance. The batter on the fish was more substantial, but not overwhelming, and the crunchy slaw and pickled onions added additional crunch as well as some piquant flavors. We also sampled the queso frio ($6 small, $12 large), which might best be described as south of the border twist on that Southern staple, pimento cheese. The blend of jalapeno and chipotle peppers gave it just the right amount of heat. This was all washed down with a Blueberry Lemon No-Jito ($8), one of the quintet of mocktails on the En Fuego menu. Lemon was the dominant flavor, so that the bits of muddled blueberry would come as the occasional, but refreshing, surprise. Our second visit was on a less temperate day, but we chose a time when we were able to secure one of the indoor tables. We started with the Bob Marley Dip ($12), one of the favorite items from the original En Fuego menu (another is the Inverted Taco Salad). This is a layered dip, mostly refried beans, covering a central scoop of ground beef, topped with pico de gallo, an avocado cilantro crema and queso blanco. It was fine, but my companion and I both thought the tortilla chips that are brought to the table when we sat down were put to much better use scooping the house salsa, which had a lovely roasted tomato flavor and chunky texture. My companion ordered the Baja Chopped Salad ($10), a carefully arranged array of tomato, cucumber, avocado, pickled onion, chopped hard-boiled egg, corn, cilantro and both chihuahua and cotija cheese. A choice of protein taco meat, carnitas, chorizo, chicken, shrimp or steak can be added for an additional cost. She, however, preferred it the way it was, especially when topped with the truffle queso fresco dressing, a thick, almost paste-like condiment that, once it was all mixed in, elevated every bite. "It's one of those salads," she said, "that just gets better the closer you get to the bottom of the bowl." I chose the Baja Burger ($15), which centers around a patty made of ground beef and chorizo sausage, topped with onion, tomato, slaw and a hefty dollop of that queso frio. It made for a juicy, messy burger that was full of unusual flavors and a good amount of heat. It was accompanied with fries that one could dip in either ketchup or a malt vinegar crema. Other choices include traditional street tacos, big burritos and quesadillas with a choice of protein; appetizers such as a cocktail de camarones, tuna poke nachos, and wings dressed in an elote sauce. The drinks menu included more than 30 types of tequila, ranging in price from $7.50 to $70 a serving (that last figure is for the 11-year Fuentaseca tequila), as well as a dozen margarita preparations, ranging from the basic recipe to such evocatively named libations as the Slugarita and the St. Germainarita. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. (CNN) Last weekends clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea send troubling signals that their standoff is worsening to a point where lives could be lost, potentially dragging the worlds two most-powerful militaries into open conflict, analysts warn. The escalatory cycle is worrying, said Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a project at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University that monitors maritime activities in the South China Sea. Analysts described Sundays clash, in which Chinese Coast Guard water cannons disabled a Philippine boat, as the most serious of four publicized showdowns this year between the two countries in the waters near Second Thomas Shoal, a feature China claims as its territory but where Philippine marines man an outpost on a grounded ship. The Philippine boats were attempting to bring supplies to the badly deteriorating ship, the Sierra Madre, when the Chinese Coast Guard tried to stop them, both countries acknowledge. A Chinese Coast Guard ship deployed a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessels causing severe damage to (ones) engines, disabling the vessel and seriously endangering the lives of its crew, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement. While no injuries were reported Sunday, the clash, which also included a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, shows that serious injuries or deaths are certainly possible, Powell said. And because the Philippines, like nearby Japan and South Korea, has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, deaths of Filipinos could trigger US forces to respond. US officials have repeatedly cited the treaty in public remarks on the South China Sea and the US State Department this week reiterated Washingtons stance following Sundays clash. The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions, the statement said. Chinas Foreign Ministry, however, told Washington it has no standing in the dispute, saying no third party has the right to intervene. Beijing claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, including many features hundreds of miles from mainland China. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also hold competing claims. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea. But Beijing has ignored the ruling. Flashpoint outpost Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin Shoal to the Philippines and Renai Reef to China, sits in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Manila grounded the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era former US Navy transport ship, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 and has manned it with Filipino marines to enforce its claims to the area. But the rusting vessel is falling apart and is badly in need of regular repairs. The situation on the shoal largely fell out of headlines while China set up military installations on other contested territories in the South China Sea over much of the past decade. And the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tried to forge new economic ties with Beijing. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, has taken a harder line on Chinese territorial claims and strengthened military cooperation with Washington. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told CNN in September that Manila and the rest of the world needed to stand up to what he called Chinese bullying. But Beijing has been steadfast in its claim that Manila is illegally occupying the shoal. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of seriously violating Chinas sovereignty and endangering the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel. But analysts counter that Beijing comes across as the aggressor. China acts, looks like and is being exposed as a bully, said Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center. And Beijing is looking to press its claim, the analysts say. Recent actions seem to point to the Chinese trying to probe for weaknesses to exploit and test the limit of how far Washington would go for its ally, Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, told CNN. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Koh said it may not even take explosive weapons to trigger the US-Philippine mutual defense treaty. When your water cannon attack actually caused physical damage, injury and potentially death, it begs the question about whether it matters whether you use firearms or just the kinetic force of water to qualify as an armed attack, Koh wrote. Any death might not have to be intentional, he said. Even if the Chinese try their best to avoid vertical escalation, what if theres an inadvertent loss of lives, or severe injuries? Will that qualify as armed attack? Koh asked. US involvement Koh, Schuster and others said Washington may have let the situation go too far already, emboldening Beijing to keep up the pressure on Manila to back off on its South China Sea claims. Eric Sayers, a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote on X that Washington needs to escalate things with Beijing. They are estimating we wont because we largely havent for the last 13 years since this type of behavior started, he wrote. Schuster said Washington needs more than State Department statements to dissuade China. Unless (the US) moves forces into position, Beijing will see no reason to avoid escalation, he said. Those forces could be direct US resupply of the grounded ship, the Sierra Madre, or at least joint escorts on the Philippine resupply missions, Koh said. And the resupply missions are vital, said Sayers. If Manila cant get enough supplies to its ship on Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing could be even more assertive, he said. I think the concerning question is what state is the Sierra Madre in? Does it need to continue to be maintained or is there a risk it could fall off the reef? If so, that is an event that could lead to further escalation and a change in the status quo, Sayers told CNN. And he warned that Washington cant lose sight of the importance of support for Manila even while the rest of the world is burning, referring to ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza that appear to be dominating the foreign policy space in the US government. The US needs to demonstrate that Asia is a priority along with Europe and the Middle East, Sayers said. Can Washington walk and chew gum like my Euro-centric American friends insist? is a question that needs a strong answer, he wrote. This story was first published on CNN.com, "China-Philippines maritime standoff escalating on path that could drag US into conflict, analysts warn" Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Killers of the Flower Moon earned a best picture nomination and 11 other nominations for the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards. Martin Scorseses shot-in-Oklahoma film about the Osage reign of terror was nominated for best picture alongside American Fiction, Barbie, The Color Purple, The Holdovers, Maestro, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and Saltburn. Barbie earned the most nominations with a record-breaking total of 18. Oppenheimer and Poor Things, with 13 nominations each, were the only other films to earn more nominations than Killers of the Flower Moon. All three of the primary cast members in Killers of the Flower Moon secured Golden Globe Awards nominations earlier this week and they followed by earning Critics Choice Award nominations Lily Gladstone for best actress, Leonardo DiCaprio for best actor and Robert De Niro for best supporting actor. Killers of the Flower Moon also received a Critics Choice Award nomination for best acting ensemble. Scorsese was nominated for best director and for best adapted screenplay with Eric Roth. Others associated with Killers of the Flower Moon to gain nominations were Rodrigo Prieto (best cinematography), Thelma Schoonmaker (best editing), Jacqueline West (best costume design) and Robbie Robertson (best score). The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards will air Sunday, Jan. 14 on The CW. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. American Airlines has been awarded $22 million by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and will add 300 jobs in Tulsa, officials said Wednesday. American was awarded the funds for the companys planned infrastructure improvements and expansion to its existing Tulsa facilities. The funds will allow American to continue making a multimillion-dollar capital investment in ongoing improvements to the companys Tulsa location and allow for the creation of over 300 additional jobs. We graciously thank Gov. (Kevin) Stitt, Lt. Gov. (Matt) Pinnell and the state of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognizing the important work our team does and appreciate their investment in the future of our Tulsa maintenance base, said Greg Emerson, American Airlines vice president of base maintenance and facilities. American has a long, rich history in Oklahoma, and this investment in our Tech Ops-Tulsa facility and team members ensures a bright future for years to come. American is one of Tulsas largest employers. It operates its largest maintenance base in Tulsa and employs about 5,200 people here. We at the Tulsa Regional Chamber applaud the states $22 million award from the states Business Expansion Incentive Program to American Airlines and its maintenance base in Tulsa, said Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal. American Airlines has been essential to Tulsas economy since the mid-1940s, providing employment to generations of people in this region. This investment, which is earmarked for ongoing improvements and hundreds of additional jobs, again illustrates American Airlines long-term commitment to economic development in this city and state. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, announced that American is among five recipients that will receive grant awards for the Business Expansion Incentive Program and P3 Pooled Finance Program. The awards represent more than $405 million in capital investments to the state with an anticipated creation of 365 jobs and nearly $40 million in annual payroll. The Business Expansion Incentive Program assists Oklahoma companies in making major capital investments in depreciable items such as machinery, equipment and buildings, while the P3 program facilitates local infrastructure development where there is also a benefit to for-profit companies. The following other entities were awarded funds through the two programs: Berry Global Group Inc. City of Fredrick City of Lawton Oklahoma Custom Coating LLC (Ecoat.us) Berry Global, a leading manufacturer in health care, hygiene and specialty products, was awarded $700,000 from the BEIP Program for the companys planned infrastructure expansion and installation of a state-of-the-art printing press within its existing facility in McAlester. This expansion will allow Berry Global to make a $17.7 million capital investment and create 21 additional jobs. We are excited to bring a world-class, state-of-the-art printing press to McAlester with the support of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said Robert Weilminster, executive vice president, Global Operations Health Hygiene and Specialties. This investment will further enhance our position as a leading supplier of breathable printed films in North America while allowing us to expand our talented and diverse workforce. Oklahoma Custom Coating, located in Seminole, received $450,000 to renovate existing facilities to establish its headquarters, as well as purchase new paint equipment for operations. This award will allow the company to make a $5.4 million capital investment for improvements and the anticipated creation of 36 new jobs with $1.6 million in new payroll. The BEIP program kept our planned new headquarters in Oklahoma and allowed us to expand the scope of our project to increase capacity and better serve our customer base, said Adam Adkisson, vice president. The city of Lawton and FISTA were awarded $9.6 million on behalf of FISTA Innovation Park. FISTA is a highly specialized facility that supports aerospace and defense as well as STEM education programs and also serves as an incubator for aerospace and defense businesses. Lawton Fort Sill is excited to receive an award to continue renovating the FISTA and make infrastructure improvements in proximity to Fort Sill, said Krista Ratliff, president and CEO of FISTA. The award will enable investment in an administrative space, a state-of-the-art STEM lab for our students, along with an incubator and accelerator to help entrepreneurs grow their innovations into actual business models. This is going to allow FISTA and Lawton Fort Sill to lead the nation in innovation. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: A look inside the largest aircraft maintenance facility in the world The Tulsa school board moved forward with making Ebony Johnson superintendent late Monday, ignoring State Superintendent Ryan Walters takeover threats and insistence on a nationwide search for other candidates. Drawing loud cheers in the packed Education Service Center Selman Room, the board returned from a 90-minute executive session just after 11 p.m. Monday and voted 4-2 plus one abstention to name Johnson superintendent through June 30, 2026. With Monday nights vote, Johnson is the first Black woman to lead TPS on a permanent basis. Im humbled, Johnson said. Im grateful. Im honored. There have been other superintendents before me that I hold in so much high regard, and Im standing on their shoulders. The two no votes were cast by Jennettie Marshall and ELena Ashley. Jerry Griffin voted to abstain. Griffin said afterward that he supports Johnson being named superintendent but would have preferred the district to also engage in a national search to determine whether Johnson should remain beyond 2025. If she were to enter into a national search, she would win not only here, but Chicago or Denver, too, he said. It would just strengthen her case. Prior to the vote, more than a dozen people used the citizens comment period to urge the board to make Johnson the permanent superintendent. Among them was Jasmine Clayton, who attended McLain while Johnson was principal there and cited her support as a key reason for her graduation and military career after getting pregnant as a junior. She was a pillar of strength for me, Clayton said, prompting Johnson to tear up. The boards earlier move to follow an existing school board policy that allows it to suspend its own rules for the routine hiring of a superintendent via advertising, posting and recruiting in the event of an emergency was controversial for some. That move, along with the decision not to utilize a national search drew criticism from seven of the 20 people who signed up to speak during the public comment portion of the board, including Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences parent Aaron Griffith. Dr. Johnson might be a good person for the job, but this process is not a good one, he said. A request from Marshall to vote on launching a national search was deemed out of order by the boards legal counsel since that possibility was not included on the meeting agenda. Just before the vote to hire Johnson, Marshall alleged that the board violated state law by discussing topics not on the boards agenda behind closed doors during the executive session. After the meeting, Marshall declined to answer the Tulsa Worlds questions about what those topics were but said she would be filing a police report. When asked whether she remained in the executive session after off-agenda topics were discussed, Marshall answered: I stayed in the room for a while, and then I got up and left. When asked about the allegation, Board President Stacey Woolley told the Tulsa World it was Marshall herself who raised the off-agenda topic during the executive session and Woolley said she believes it was an intentional act to try to undermine the boards actions at Mondays meeting. Photos: Tulsa school board meeting Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES The Tulsa school board moved forward with making Ebony Johnson superintendent late Monday despite State Superintendent Ryan Walters takeover threats and insistence on a nationwide search for other candidates. Drawing loud cheers in the packed Education Service Center Selman Room, the board returned from a 90-minute executive session just after 11 p.m. Monday and voted 4-2 plus one abstention to name Johnson superintendent through June 30, 2026. With Monday nights vote, Johnson is the first Black woman to lead TPS on a permanent basis. I'm humbled, Johnson said. I'm grateful. I'm honored. There have been other superintendents before me that I hold in so much high regard, and I'm standing on their shoulders. The two no votes were cast by Jennettie Marshall and E'Lena Ashley. Despite calling on the board in November to hire Johnson on a permanent basis and repeatedly praising Johnson during Mondays meeting, Jerry Griffin ultimately voted to abstain. Marshall said she is not opposed to Johnson personally, but she took issue with school board leaders pushing ahead without a wider search or even considering other qualified employees at TPS. I find myself concerned about the cloud of deception and manipulation that has been cast upon this process by board leadership. Unfortunately, this has taken place as we are fighting to maintain control by the local board, Marshall said. Earlier in the evening, the board voted 4-2 with one abstention to follow a policy allowing it to suspend its own policy on advertising, posting or recruiting for the superintendents position in the event of an emergency. In this instance, board leaders said the resignations of five top administrators and Johnsons inability to attract long term replacements when she was under provisional status constituted an emergency. A request from Marshall to vote on launching a national search was deemed out of order by the boards legal counsel since that possibility was not included on the meeting agenda. Ahead of the executive session, Johnson reviewed the five priorities that have been guiding her leadership of TPS since she became interim superintendent in mid-September directing intensive support of the districts most challenged school sites, increasing oversight of academic outcomes at all school sites, redeploying secondary school workers to increase graduation rates, raising community awareness about a chronic absenteeism crisis in local schools, and developing new fiscal transparency practices. Even after tonight, no matter what happens, we have to keep fighting for our kids, Johnson said. There is a lot happening in the lives of our young people, and we need you all to be here for them. Board member vows to file police report Just before the vote, Marshall alleged that the board violated state law by discussing topics not on the boards set agenda behind closed doors during the executive session. After the meeting, Marshall declined to answer the Tulsa Worlds questions about what those topics were but said she would be filing a police report. When asked whether she remained in the executive session after off-agenda topics were discussed, Marshall answered: I stayed in the room for a while, and then I got up and left. When asked about the allegation, Board President Stacey Woolley told the Tulsa World it was Marshall herself who raised the off-agenda topic during the executive session and Woolley said she believes it was an intentional act to try to undermine the boards actions at Mondays meeting. When asked what off-agenda topics came up, she said Marshall brought up recent allegations made against a TPS-sponsored charter school to try to bait fellow board members and that member Diamond Marshall responded and the two Marshalls got into a shouting match. Woolley said both she and Board Vice President John Croisant, as well as two attorneys present, advised both Marshalls that that topic could not be discussed in executive session. There was a moment where a couple of board members got out of line. They were asked by us, as well as two attorneys, to stop, and they continued yelling over us, Woolley said. They were asked multiple times to please stop. Any board decision is a board decision, and now it is the responsibility of all board members to get behind her (Ebony Johnson) and do what the community has asked us to do, Woolley said. I had well over 850 positive requests for the action that we took tonight, and I received three emails asking otherwise. I think its important that the public know that we have heard very loudly from the public for Dr. Johnson. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. State Superintendent Ryan Walters criticized the Tulsa school boards Monday move to install a local career educator as superintendent. Just two weeks ago, Walters called for urgent action from Tulsa Public Schools to reform academic instruction and fiscal management. After a simple majority of the local school board voted to move forward with the hiring of Ebony Johnson as superintendent to lead the charge without a national search for other candidates, Walters branded the board a rubber stamp and threatened it with drastic action. Despite months of assurances from TPS that it would take seriously the profoundly troubling issues in the district, the TPS board showed the exact opposite last night, Walters said in a noon-hour Tuesday press release. While I welcome a close partnership with Dr. Johnson moving forward, TPS is barreling toward drastic action being taken because the district has been unable to make the tough decisions necessary to turn the district around. The State Board of Education and I expect TPS to make decisions that prioritize student outcomes and not simply be a continued rubber stamp for the unions. Walters initiated state takeover threats against the states largest school district in July and since then has made unrelenting demands for proof that local leaders can produce rapid, significant improvement in student achievement indicators. He has also bashed them for an embezzlement case the district took to law enforcement involving the districts former human resources director, Devin Fletcher. Fletcher recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges in federal court. In the last two weeks, Walters declared that he thought Johnson was not bold or aggressive enough and was too focused on processes rather than student academic outcomes. He persuaded the state Board of Education to adopt new demands for TPS to meet by the end of the current school year in May. He also tried to insert himself into the local school boards decision-making by insisting to school board leaders and even Tulsas mayor that a nationwide search for other candidates be conducted. Over the objections of two board members who aligned themselves with Walters insistence on a national search, a simple majority of Tulsa school board members voted to move forward with making Ebony Johnson superintendent rather than just interim superintendent at a Monday night meeting. School board leaders said the resignations of five top administrators and Johnsons inability to attract long-term replacements when she was under provisional status constituted an emergency. They proposed following an existing school board policy that allows the board to suspend its own rules for the routine hiring of a superintendent via advertising, posting and recruiting in the event of an emergency. A simple majority of the board approved that rules suspension, paving the way for Johnson to be rid of provisional status and offered a full-blown employment contract through June 30, 2026. Earlier on Monday, Johnson wrote to Walters to push back on his meddling in local control matters and accused him of making new misleading or completely false claims about the school district. Johnson wrote that after Deborah Gist departed as superintendent to try to prevent a state takeover, she herself has instructed everyone at TPS to work in earnest to develop a cooperative, results-oriented relationship with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Your memo last week disregarded not only that spirit of shared urgency and cooperation, but took a radical turn by calling my commitment, competence, and level of concern into question. I want to understand this major shift in the state departments rhetoric, she wrote in a letter sent to Walters on Monday afternoon and, echoing his actions, immediately shared widely in a press release. Plainly, Tulsa Public Schools wants nothing more than to rapidly improve outcomes for students. Hiring and supervising the superintendent is one of three primary functions of local school board members under Oklahoma law, along with setting policy and approving annual budgets. Tulsas mayor and chamber of commerce leadership praised the school boards decision. Mayor G.T. Bynum sent a letter to TPS board members last week urging them to make Johnson the permanent superintendent. On Tuesday, he praised the boards decision to give her the job and responded to Walters statement. The challenge for me is that I agree with Superintendent Walters on the stated goal but completely disagree with the way he has gone about pursuing it, Bynum said. We should demand excellence, and we should expect near-term improvement. The kids in Tulsa Public Schools and their families deserve it. He is 100% correct in calling for this. Bynum said conducting a national search for a superintendent would have only limited Johnsons ability to hire the team she needs to achieve the goals set out by Walters. I dont see how you achieve excellence on a fast track by engaging in a lengthy search process when you have a talented and devoted change agent right in front of us, Bynum said. I dont see how you achieve it with name calling, micromanagement and threats. In Johnson, Bynum said, TPS has a leader who has demonstrated an eagerness to work with Walters. I hope he will take her up on that, Bynum said. Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said TPS needs a person who knows the culture of the city, its teachers and students, as well as the promise that all three hold. The Chambers board of directors met with Dr. Ebony Johnson on Monday afternoon and came away extremely impressed with the tenacity with which she is tackling her job, he added. Her long career within TPS has demonstrated she is the right person to lead, and we at the Tulsa Regional Chamber are confident she will engage employers and work with the business community to address the challenges at hand. We totally support her and the TPS system. World staff writer Kevin Canfield contributed to this story. <&rule> The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.(tncms-asset)e4d157fe-7e52-11ee-b8ac-7f1c9a08cddf[6](/tncms-asset) Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on Tuesday awarded the first construction contract in the $5 billion, 15-year toll road improvement program called ACCESS. The board approved a nearly $98.6 million contract with Duit Construction Co. for widening and reconstructing the Turner Turnpike between Bristow and Oklahoma 66 near Heyburn. The widening project will go from mile post 197.26 to mile post 203.07. The project picks up where Driving Forward, the last massive turnpike improvement project, left off with widening the Turner Turnpike from Sapulpa to Kellyville. It will include a new Oklahoma 66 interchange at milepost 202.5 to mile post 204.6 for better access, including entrance and exit ramps for both eastbound and westbound lanes of the Turner Turnpike east of Bristow in Creek County, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director. The ACCESS acronym stands for Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide. The OTA approved the program in 2022. The ACCESS package includes widening the 60-mile segment of the Turner Turnpike between Bristow and Interstate 35 at a cost of $1.11 billion. That will complete the widening of the entire Turner Turnpike between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. It is the second, single-largest dollar construction project to be awarded in OTAs history, said Lisa Shearer-Salim, OTA spokeswoman. The largest was the Gilcrease Expressway for $261 million, she said. The price tag acknowledges the significant amount of paving work that will be done in the area, she said. Construction could start in late winter or early spring 2024 and take nearly two years to complete, Shearer-Salim said. During construction, traffic will remain open to two lanes in each direction, but motorists can expect significant lane shifts and possible night-time closures narrowing to one lane in each direction, she said. In other action, the OTA authorized Director Tim Gatz to enter an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to participate in the design and construction of a new interchange connecting Oklahoma 51 and the Muskogee Turnpike near Coweta in Wagoner County. The agreement will contain details about responsibilities and funding participation for the new interchange, Butler said. This is a project that is certainly mutually beneficial, said Gatz, who also heads ODOT and serves as transportation secretary. There is a need for a new access point from Highway 51 over to the turnpike network. On the tax-supported highway system, Highway 51 is becoming increasingly congested. It will provide access to an alternative route, which is the Muskogee Turnpike, Gatz said. It will benefit both entities and certainly make for safer travel for the public, Gatz said. The OTA also authorized Gatz to enter into an agreement with the Department of Public Safety for an Oklahoma Highway Patrol facility on the Creek Turnpike. The OTA will design the project, but the OHP will fund it, Butler said. Wendy Smith, OTA finance director, said the Gilcrease Turnpike continues to carry an impressive amount of traffic with an average of 21,536 transactions per day. In March, the average daily transactions were just under 17,000, she said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. A wave of etiquette awareness is sweeping through young Vietnamese professionals, fueled by the ambition to excel in competitive work environments. Based on TikTok Trends data over the past four months in Vietnam, the hashtag 'phong thai' (demeanor) has garnered nearly 95 million views. Most of the audience is in the 18-24 age group, comprising 55 percent of the total audience. The second-largest group is viewers aged 25-34, accounting for 34 percent. Contrary to the past when very few people found these classes enticing, numerous youngsters are currently showing interest and enrolling in these classes which are now a common sight on the Internet as well as many social platforms. Around 200-300 students register per month for courses of varying durations and specializations, totaling 30,000 students so far, said Nguyen Quynh Trang, founder of A Dong Style Academy, a pioneering body esthetics and image center in Ho Chi Minh City since 2019. Trang has 109,000 followers on her Facebook account. Most of the participants are female office workers, businesswomen, and housewives, mainly around 18-30 years old. Responding to their individual needs and budgets, students choose from diverse etiquette courses with varying lengths and depths of content. Tuition fees range from VND500,000 (US$20.6) to VND157.7 million ($6,491), determined by the specific format and duration of the chosen course. According to Trang, a class typically accommodates 25-35 attendees. These courses cover table manners, how to walk gracefully, sit elegantly, pose professionally, reduce body hunching and wrinkles, and make attractive facial expressions from eyes to smiles. Meanwhile, a Hanoi-based etiquette center established in 2022 called Lena Academie, which specializes in demeanor and etiquette training, attracts roughly 6,000 followers on its Facebook page. Up to this point, the center has admitted around 100 students, with 10 attendees per month. Its courses last from one session to three days, with tuition fees ranging from VND800,000 ($33) VND8 million ($329). The academy has received attendees of different ages and genders, mostly around 25-45 years old, said Luong Thanh Ha, 43, a lecturer at the center. Lena Academie courses focus primarily on training table manners, handshakes, gait, outfit combinations, and facial expressions. A lot of young people have changed their views mainly due to the popularity of these courses on social networks. After two years of interruption due to the COVID-19 epidemic, this trend has started to take off and has become popular, Trang informed. There are currently around 50 etiquette centers offline in Vietnam, with the majority located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Many used to think that only the wealthy and aristocratic attended these classes, said Trang from A Dong Style Academy. What pleases her the most are young women and housewives in their 30s attending these courses because they want to keep up with the modern world. At Lena Academie, students are taught how to stand properly during social conversations or when posing for a picture. Photo courtesy of Luong Thanh Ha. She believes that having talent alone is insufficient in today's era; it is one's character and style that truly leave a lasting impression. Learning proper demeanor and etiquette can create a professional impression at work, especially for those who are new to the workforce. The courses include various crucial social aspects such as handshakes, communicating, walking, smiling, talking, posing for the camera, and more, Ha informed. Many young people enroll in etiquette courses to upgrade themselves, boost their confidence, and become more energetic, said Ha. What do youth and experts think? Doan Quang Nghia, 21, a university student in Ho Chi Minh City, said he spent VND4 million ($165) on a three-month course that instructs the learners in communication, pronunciation, and facial expressions. He studies with a group of friends, so the tuition fee gets lower. "Investing in soft skills courses, like etiquette training, offers undeniable benefits, as it empowers me to refine my communication and demeanor to a far greater extent," Nghia said. "Furthermore, possessing such skills would greatly benefit me in my job. A part of me is suffering from FOMO, or 'fear of missing out' in which one worries about not being included in important events or good opportunities, and afraid of falling behind my friends and colleagues due to their progress and skills." After taking the etiquette course, he smiles more confidently and understands that he does not need to talk constantly, for a bright smile is enough to attract others, Nghia said. Nguyen Thi Minh Nga, 24, an English teacher in Hanoi, said she is planning on taking an etiquette course by setting aside 5-10 percent of her monthly income to pay for the tuition. Being a timid person who lacks confidence hinders me in teaching and communicating with colleagues. So I suppose attending etiquette classes will help overcome my weaknesses, she explained. Meanwhile, Pham Nguyen Minh Anh, a 22-year-old resident of Binh Chanh District, said that many friends had asked her to enroll in a course with them While Anh initially embarked on this journey solely for the sake of enjoyment, she discovered that the experience also brought her a multitude of valuable benefits through such etiquette training. In the past, I didn't pay much attention to my sitting posture, so I just sat instinctively. I didn't expect that my seated stance would greatly affect the person sitting across from me and that I would create a bad image, said Anh. "Mastering the art of seating involves occupying only half or a third of the chair's width, instantly creating a slimmer and more elongated silhouette. "Elevate the grace by positioning your hands comfortably in front of your thighs, a subtle touch that adds elegance, particularly when adorned in a shorter skirt." Pham Thi Thuy Trang, deputy head of the Department of Sociology under the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, said this fad is a positive indication that young people are highly dynamic and proactive in seeking and selecting information on social networks. They are also able to register for soft skills courses that are most optimal and suitable for their needs. This is an investment in a positive self-image, bringing many benefits, particularly when it comes to job applications, Trang remarked. Beyond a well-crafted resume spotlighting notable expertise and ethical values, she underscored the importance of obtaining soft skills certificates. This not only leaves a significant impact on recruiters but also unfolds a myriad of opportunities for the future. According to Trang, there is a current trend among young people to focus on personalization and self-branding. With social media granting access to a plethora of options and current trends, it has become increasingly convenient for young individuals to discover courses that align with their preferences at an affordable cost. It is crucial to recognize that the growing prevalence of privately owned etiquette centers, despite their extensive media coverage, raises the risk of encountering illegitimate establishments. Therefore, young people should be careful when selecting an institution to study at to avoid scams that could waste both time and money. It is recommended that students choose reputable and well-established institutions that charge moderate tuition. Two great options are the Youth Culture House in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City and the Student Culture House in Thu Duc City, Trang noted. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Katerina vividly recalls the day a younger boy from a nearby school pressed a knife to her friend's throat. Underage crime in Greece is on the rise, official data shows, presenting authorities with a challenge they have never faced at this level before. "He can't have been over 14 years old -- my friend was cracking jokes, he didn't take him seriously at first," said the 16-year-old girl in the capital Athens, who asked to be interviewed under a false name. "That boy peeled off from a group of 20 kids and demanded my friend's cellphone," she said, recalling the event two years later. According to police figures, robbery with violence committed by minors aged 13 to 17 rose from 62 in 2000 to over 470 in 2020, while homicides more than doubled from seven to 16, and rapes increased fivefold from six to 32. With school brawls breaking out on a regular basis, police minister Giannis Oikonomou was summoned to parliament on November 6 to address the issue. He said a "culture of violence" was growing among youths in Greece, with often "shocking" results. "It reflects a failure of family, of school, of society in general," Oikonomou said, adding that police had arrested around 1,300 youths for various crimes and misdemeanours in September. "It is particularly worrying that the average age of perpetrators is falling," Oikonomou said. Experts and officials blame factors including Greece's near-decade economic crisis, and the coronavirus lockdown, for the spread of youth alienation that countries such as Britain, France and Germany are already familiar with. France in 2020 recorded 357 youth gang incidents compared to 288 the previous year, and the interior ministry has identified 74 gangs around the country, 46 just in the Paris region. In Britain, the Children's Commissioner in 2019 estimated that 27,000 children in England alone identified as gang members. Germany, where nationwide figures are harder to come by, has also been shocked by teen killings in recent years. School bullying in Greece is also turning nastier and more frequent, with cases making headlines every week. A study in March supervised by the European Antibullying Network found that one in three Greek school children among nearly 3,000 polled had suffered bullying -- mainly at the ages of 13 and 14, and primarily directed at girls, migrants and those from single-parent families. One in six also said they felt their school was not providing adequate instruction against bullying. Much of the violence goes unreported. "Nobody calls the police -- you don't want to get in trouble," Katerina said. In June, eight minors were convicted of gang raping a 15-year-old boy in the western Athens district of Ilion. In September, a 16-year-old boy threw a lit flare into a classroom in Langadas, near Thessaloniki. And in November, three teenage girls were arrested for beating a classmate in a schoolyard in the Athens district of Peristeri. In addition to the 2010-2018 economic crisis that shook the nation, Covid restrictions and the influence of social media are seen as key factors. "The economic crisis, and the pandemic crisis immediately afterwards, played a major role in children being closed off and feeling very uncomfortable without their friends," Nestor Courakis, a criminology expert and professor of law at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, told AFP. "The result is that they went online, with all that entails in terms of isolation, depression and negative influences," he said. "Youths have become more familiarised with violence." "But the situation is not out of control," Courakis insisted. Katerina's mother, who also declined to give her name, said the working-class Athens district where the family lives was hit hard by the economic crisis. "And teens experience economic hardship more than adults do," she said. She also blames the growing influence of trap, a subgenre of hip-hop featuring lyrics that detractors say promote violence and objectify women. "They play trap even at parties in our local primary school, for children younger than nine," she said. The government says it has doubled the number of psychologists and social workers at schools to 3,200, and a law passed in March foresees additional training to around 125,000 teachers nationwide. Vietnamese and Chinese ministries, agencies, sectors, and localities signed 36 cooperation documents during Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings state visit to Vietnam lasting until Wednesday. After the talks on Tuesday, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his Chinese counterpart Xi witnessed the singing of the 36 documents, which far exceeded the number of cooperation deals inked on the latters two previous visits to the Southeast Asian country. Of the total agreements, four focus on politics and foreign affairs. They were concluded by the two countries Party organizations and Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The security and defense realm has four documents on crime prevention, maritime cooperation, and judicial services. Twenty-four other agreements detail cooperation at government and ministerial levels, while the four remaining were inked by localities of the two nations. Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (L), Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (next to Xi) look at the signed cooperation documents. Photo: Vietnam News Agency As the leader of the Chinese Party and state, Xi earlier visited Vietnam in November 2025 and November 2017. During his visit in 2015, Vietnam and China issued a joint statement with 11 items and signed nine cooperation documents. The visit in 2017 was Xis longest trip to the neighboring country. On the occasion, the Chinese leader and Vietnamese Party chief Trong witnessed the signing of 12 cooperation documents and the handover of seven other agreements between the two countries. The much higher number of cooperation deals during Xis ongoing visit to Vietnam proves the positive development of the two countries relations. President Xi and his spouse Peng Liyuan arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday afternoon for a two-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Trong and his spouse, as well as State President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse. Many Vietnamese officials and diplomats, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, gathered at the airport to welcome the Chinese leader, his spouse, and their entourage. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam considers further promoting its relations with China as its top priority and strategic choice, while supporting a powerful socialist China, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Trong was speaking at his talks with Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee in Hanoi. The talks took place right after the official welcome ceremony for the Chinese leader and his spouse Peng Liyuan, along with their entourage, who arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit lasting until Wednesday. General Secretary Trong highly appreciated the third visit to Vietnam by his Chinese counterpart, saying it reflects Xis special interest in the traditional friendship, bilateral relationship, and good prospects of the two countries. Top priority, strategic choice Trong told his guest that Vietnam considers further developing its relations with China as its top priority and strategic choice, and supports China to become a powerful socialist China that increasingly makes significant contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind. The Vietnamese Party leader also conveyed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the Chinese people to Vietnam's revolutionary efforts in the past, as well as their ongoing support for the current endeavors in building socialism and promoting national development. Trong reiterated Vietnams consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as diversification and multilateralization of external relations. Vietnam proactively and actively integrates into the world, as a friend, a trusted partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, Trong told his guest. Talks between Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in Hanoi on December 12, 2023. Photo: VNA Trong reiterated Vietnam's defense policy of 'four nos,' which are the principles of no engagement in military alliances, no alignment with any single nation against another, no foreign military bases on Vietnamese soil or usage of Vietnam as a pawn to counteract other countries, and no use or threat of force in international relations. Xi expressed his pleasure in re-visiting Vietnam and meeting General Secretary Trong again. He thanked Trong and the Vietnamese Party, state, and people for their respectful, cordial, and thoughtful reception for him and his spouse, as well as for his high-ranking entourage. Xi affirmed that the Chinese Party, government, and people highly value their relations with Vietnam, considering the Southeast Asian country a priority in its foreign policy toward neighbors. He highlighted China's unwavering support for Vietnam's pursuit of building socialism and its commitment to assisting Vietnam in achieving prosperity with content and satisfied citizens. He recalled Trong's recently visit to the Huu Nghi (Friendship) border gate and planting friendship trees there, considering it a message of trust and development in relations between the two Parties, two countries, and two peoples. Since the two sides established their comprehensive strategic partnership 15 years ago with the motto of friendly neighbors, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, and looking to the future as well as in the spirit of good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners, their bilateral cooperation has developed fruitfully in all fields and the rapport between the two Parties and governments has constantly expanded and deepened, both leaders agreed. Building Vietnam-China community with shared future Based on the achievements gained over the past 15 years and in order to meet the new requirements of both nations, the host and guest agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. They also committed to exerting joint efforts for the well-being of both nations and contributing to peace and progress of humanity, in line with the United Nations Charter and international law. This commitment is grounded in the principles of mutual respect, equal cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and the continual resolution of disagreements through peaceful means. Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping speaks at talks with Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on December 12, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency As per the said orientations and principles, the two nations will continuously strengthen political trust and enhance exchanges between senior leaders of the two Parties and countries through diverse and flexible forms, while promoting the strategic guiding role of the two communist Parties over the overall bilateral relationship. The two leaders also concurred on enhancing defense and security ties significantly, making it one of the pillars of their bilateral relations. They committed to intensifying and sustaining economic, trade, and investment cooperation between their nations. They pledged to forged closer multilateral coordination for the mutual benefit of the two countries and actively contribute to the shared interests of the international community. Regarding maritime issues, the two leaders exchanged sincere and candid opinions, emphasizing the need to better control and resolve disagreements at sea to maintain peace and stability in the East Vietnam Sea as well as the wider region. Trong proposed that the two sides implement high-level common perceptions; respect each others legitimate interests; not complicate the situation; resolve disputes through peaceful measures, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC); and finalize a Code of Conduct (COC) for the waterway based on the 1982 UNCLOS. Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, Trong emphasized that in the context of complex international and regional developments, it is important that countries jointly implement policies of peace, cooperation, and development, while complying with international law and respecting each others equality and legitimate interests. He also called for settlement of disagreements by peaceful means, with no threat or use of force in international relations, cooperation for mutual development, and coordination to respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Xi concurred with Trong's views on both sides collectively guiding their respective Parties, peoples, and armies to exert efforts in advancing the solid, stable, sustainable, enduring, and more effective development of Vietnam-China relations. The objective is to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. After their talks, the host and guest looked through and listened to introductions to 36 cooperation agreements in various fields signed between ministries, agencies, and localities of both countries on the occasion of Xis visit. Among these documents, 24 feature cooperation at the government, ministry, and agency levels, four cover politics and foreign affairs, another four mention security and national defense, and the other four describe cooperation between locales of the two countries, according to the Vietnam Government Portal. On the evening of the same day, the hosts, including Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and their spouses, held a grand welcoming banquet for Xi and his spouse. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Xi returns to China after state visit to Vietnam Xinhua) 20:06, December 13, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, returned to China on Wednesday evening after paying a successful state visit to Vietnam. Vietnamese people and overseas Chinese residing there gathered along the road to the airport, waving national flags of the two countries and bidding farewell to Xi. Vuong Dinh Hue, chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Phan Dinh Trac, a member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for Internal Affairs of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the CPV Central Committee, and other party and government leaders and local representatives saw Xi off at the airport. Xi's entourage, including Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, and Wang Xiaohong, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and minister of public security, returned by the same flight. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liu Ning) Dubai (CNN) A new draft of the centerpiece agreement at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai makes an unprecedented mention of transitioning away from fossil fuels, in what some experts are welcoming as the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. But it does not call for the world to phase out coal, oil and gas as more than 100 countries had hoped and includes loopholes that would allow for their continued use, even beyond 2050. The draft, which could continue to be debated, calls on countries to contribute collectively to global efforts to reduce climate pollution in a way that they see fit. It offers eight options, one of which is transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050. Countries could choose other options instead, including contributing to a global goal of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. Climate advocates and policy experts welcomed the call to transition away from fossil fuels the main driver of the climate crisis saying it sends a signal to countries to make plans to wean off coal, oil and gas and recognizes this decade as critical for action. The draft sends a signal that the fossil industrys days are numbered, Teresa Anderson, global climate lead at ActionAid, said in a statement. But Anderson pointed out several weaknesses in the draft, including references to accelerating growth in removal technologies, also known as carbon capture, which would allow for the continued use of fossil fuels if their carbon pollution was removed before entering the atmosphere. Many scientists have expressed concern that carbon capture is expensive, unproven at scale and a distraction from policies to cut fossil fuel use. The text has many loopholes and offers several gifts to the greenwashers, with mentions of carbon capture and storage, so-called transition fuels, nuclear power and carbon markets, she said. Overall, it maps a rocky road towards a fossil free future. The draft was published Wednesday morning local time, more than 12 hours after the summits deadline, as talks ran hours into overtime as countries negotiated language around fossil fuels and other sticking points. There will be widespread appetite to wrap up talks by the end of the day, which will require a vote on the draft in a plenary session that will be publicly available online. What to do about the future of fossil fuels has been the most contentious issue at these talks. Some more ambitious nations and climate advocate had expressed anger and frustration an earlier draft dropped the call for a phase-out. If the text is agreed by countries, it would represent a significant moment, Stephen Cornelius, WWF deputy global climate and energy lead, said in a statement. [But] this cannot be the benchmark by which we judge the outcome of this COP, he said. Countries must use these final hours to push for an even more ambitious text that is fully aligned with preventing the most devastating consequences of the climate crisis. The annual climate talks are often divisive and run into extra hours, but COP28 has been particularly fraught, with criticism that oil interests have derailed the process. The fossil fuel industry was given record access to the conference, a recent analysis showed. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, who is presiding over the talks, also leads the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company as it undergoes a major expansion in oil and gas production. He has consistently rejected criticisms of a conflict of interest and pledged to hold a transparent process. The secretary-general of the oil-producing group OPEC, Haitham Al Ghais, called on members and allies last week to proactively reject any language that targeted reducing fossil fuel use, telling members to support language that focuses on emissions instead. Saudi Arabia and Iraq were among the countries that did not want reference to a phase-out of fossil fuels in the text, Catherine Abreu, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit group Destination Zero, told reporters in Dubai. Kuwaits state news agency KUNA said the countrys delegation to COP28 was reaffirming its rejection of a phase-out as well. The COP28 presidency has fended off criticism that the text had been too watered down. On Tuesday, it said it supported a historic deal that included some language on fossil fuels and aimed for the highest ambition. We are facing the most demanding COP agenda of all time, said COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi in a news conference. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Global climate summit is in overtime as bitter division over fossil fuels delays agreement" A group of seven men and women have been arrested for opening fire to threaten a woman to pay debt in a province in north-central Vietnam. Police in Dong Ha City under Quang Tri Province said on Tuesday night that they had brought a group of seven into custody pending an investigation into a case where these thugs opened fire and asked a woman to pay debt on the local National Highway 9 section on Sunday. The incident transpired at 6:30 am on Sunday, when L.T.T.H., a 22-year-old resident of Quang Binh Province, was coerced into paying VND10 million (US$411.2) by a group comprising five men and two women. The group used a gun and fired a shot to threaten H. before leaving the scene. The shooting caused no casualties, however. A group of debt collectors are involved in a case where they opened fire to threaten a woman in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: Supplied Police quickly verified the case and tracked down the thugs for detention. Police officers arrested all seven, aged between 17 and 27, at 2:00 pm on the same day. They confiscated a gun, four bullets, and a pack of white powder suspected to be narcotics, while impounding two cars. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnamese and Chinese ministries, agencies, sectors, and localities signed 36 cooperation documents during Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinpings state visit to Vietnam lasting until Wednesday. -- Ngo Thi Man, spouse of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prof. Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, visited the Vietnamese Womens Museum in Hanoi on Tuesday. Society -- The international passenger terminal (T2) of Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam has obtained a Welcome Chinese certification from the China Tourism Academy to recognize its efforts for upgrading services to satisfy Chinese travelers. -- A passenger bus rear-ended a car, triggering a pile-up and causing extensive damage to numerous cars on 3 Thang 2 Street in Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon. -- Residents discovered and captured a 3.5kg monitor lizard along the banks of Tham Luong Canal, which runs through Go Vap District in Ho Chi Minh City, and subsequently turned it in to the municipal Forest Protection Department on Tuesday. -- A construction projects roof collapsed in Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon, leading to one fatality, six injuries, and one person still unaccounted for. -- During a discussion on Tuesday, Bui Hoa An, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, described d the concept of studying a Saigon River parellel road, approximately 80 kilometers in length, to connect the city with the southeastern region. The first section under consideration spans from the Ba Son Bridge to the Binh Trieu Bridge, measuring about four kilometers in length and 30 meters in width, with an estimated total investment of around VND3.5 trillion (US$144.2 million). -- A report released by Vietnam National Cyber Security Technology Company on Tuesday showed that there were approximately 13,900 cybersecurity attacks on systems in Vietnam in 2023, reflecting a 9.5-percent increase compared to the previous year. Lifestyle -- The Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang held an opening ceremony for the first International Rice Festival 2023 on Tuesday night. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The international passenger terminal (T2) of Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam has become the first facility of its kind in Southeast Asia to obtain a Welcome Chinese certification from the China Tourism Academy in recognition of its dedicated efforts to enhance services for Chinese travelers. It attained the Gold Certificate, the highest tier in a three-level ranking acknowledged by the China Tourism Academy, a principal governmental research and promotion institute under the management of the Chinese National Tourism Authority. The certification is exclusively granted to facilities that have implemented specialized services for Chinese tourists, aligning each service with the quality standards recommended by Chinas tourism authorities. Da Nang International Airports T2 terminal stands as the sole representative from Southeast Asia to receive this certificate. Globally, Italy boasts four certified Welcome Chinese airports, while France, Russia, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have one each. To secure the Welcome Chinese certification, the T2 terminal has taken various measures, including displaying signage, flight information screens, restaurant menus, maps, and websites in Chinese. Beyond offering complimentary hot water and services from Chinese-speaking staff, its stores facilitate payments through UnionPay and WeChat Pay, two major payment methods in mainland China, along with tax refund counters. Opened in May 2017 at a cost of VND3.5 trillion (US$144 million) to cater to the 2017 APEC Summit Week, the T2 terminal occupies a 21,000-square-meter campus with a capacity for up to six million passengers annually. In March, it became the first terminal in Vietnam to be awarded four stars by Skytrax, the worlds foremost airport and airline rating organization. Do Trong Hau, deputy general director of Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, emphasized that the T2 terminal serves as a crucial gateway and the initial point of contact for international tourists arriving in Da Nang. The Welcome Chinese certification enhances the airport and Da Nangs overall image as a convenient and welcoming destination for the Chinese tourist community. Moreover, it contributes to extensive promotion, linking local tourism services to this vital market. Since the world reopened post-COVID-19, the T2 terminal has consistently implemented infrastructure upgrades, improved green spaces, optimized processes, and developed ecosystems. It has also customized amenities to cater to the preferences of Muslim groups, as well as Chinese and South Korean tourists. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Peoples Committee of Da Nang City in central Vietnam on Tuesday submitted a proposal to the municipal Peoples Council, seeking an investment of about VND70 billion (US$2.9 million) to purchase a firefighting robot and additional equipment. There are over 200 buildings with at least ten floors in Da Nang, most of which are hotels, apartment complexes, and offices, according to the proposal, which was put forth during the 15th session of the Da Nang Peoples Council. Notably, several buildings exceed 100 meters in height, such as the Novotel Danang Premier Han River Hotel with 38 stories, the Da Nang City Administrative Center with 34 stories, the Muong Thanh Luxury Da Nang Hotel with 42 stories, and the Melia Vinpearl Danang Riverfront Hotel with 36 stories. These establishments frequently attract large crowds, posing a high risk of fire and explosion, and complicating rescue efforts while the city has encountered persistent challenges in ensuring fire safety for apartments and high-rises. The Da Nang City Administrative Center stands next to the Novotel Danang Premier Han River Hotel in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre This can potentially lead to disastrous consequences in case of a fire, requiring the investment in new firefighting vehicles and equipment. The city thus proposed the purchase of nine water tankers, seven fire engines, five sets of equipment for rescue efforts in confined spaces, and one firefighting robot. The total investment for the proposed equipment amounts to approximately VND70 billion. Besides the enhancement of firefighting capacity, the 15th sitting of the Da Nang Peoples Council is set to review 156 documents related to socio-economic development and peoples living conditions. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City are investigating the cause of the death of an Egyptian man at a rented house in Binh Thanh District. On Wednesday morning, V.T.N.H., a 35-year-old resident of District 1, arrived at a mosque in Phu Nhuan District carrying a large bag with the intention of praying for the deceased. However, H. later confessed to some mosque employees that the individual in the bag had already passed away. Therefore, these worshipers reported the case to the police agency of Ward 15 in Phu Nhuan District. Police officers identified the deceased as Ali A., a 63-year-old Egyptian. H. acknowledged that upon finding Ali deceased, she enlisted the help of another woman, aged 37 and residing in Tan Phu District, to transport his body to the mosque. Her intention was to request the mosque workers to arrange for his burial. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City grapples with the lingering problem of widespread graffiti, sullying the facades of schools, hospitals, and government buildings, with a definitive solution remaining elusive despite ongoing efforts. Findings from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper showed that a large number of traffic infrastructure facilities, the walls of schools, hospitals, and headquarters of state management agencies in the city were vandalized with spray paint and graffiti in various shapes on Wednesday. Traveling along several city streets, people may easily notice rampant graffiti at spaces under bridges, bus stations, and locations that have large walls. The vandalism has not only defaced downtown areas but also suburban sites, bothering people in the areas. Graffiti was also found to have covered some locations for years. In a recent directive, Le Hong Nam, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security, instructed law enforcement agencies in Thu Duc City an administrative district under Ho Chi Minh City and across the city's 21 districts to intensify patrols to identify and address instances of vandalism that target infrastructure facilities in their respective areas. The agencies were required to report the results of their tasks to the department by Tuesday. Earlier, railcars of Ho Chi Minh Citys metro line No. 1 were vandalized on April 30 at Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc. Police identified Ilyevsky Sergey, a 30-year-old Belarusian man, and another foreigner whose identity remains unrevealed as suspects vandalizing the railcars on the metro line. Sergey is a graffiti artist and entered Vietnam three times, on November 29, 2022, March 7, 2023, and April 27, 2023. He left Vietnam for Singapore on May 3. The municipal police have yet to find the foreigner accompanying Ilyevsky Sergey. Two railcars on this metro line had been defaced by graffiti in June 2022, but authorities have not handled the vandal(s). Below are photos of graffiti defacing buildings across Ho Chi Minh City: A lower part and a pedestrian stairway of the Ba Son Bridge, also known as the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge, in District 1 are seen being covered with both old and new graffiti. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre An electricity transformer box on Ton Duc Thang Street in District 1 is full of graffiti. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre A restaurant along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 is a victim of vandalism. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Vandals spray paint and smear a pier of metro line No. 1 with graffiti. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Some walls of Childrens Hospital No. 2 in District 1 were also disfigured. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre The walls of Tran Dai Nghia High School in District 1 are covered with graffiti. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Lots of graffiti have almost cover a wall at a tunnel in Binh Thanh District for years. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City expects to host Cuban doctors for work and desires to collaborate with Cuban partners in pharmaceutical trade and production, city chairman Phan Van Mai said on Tuesday. The chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee was speaking at a ceremony held by the Cuban Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 65th anniversary of Cubas National Day (January 1) and 63 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba. Mai highlighted the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, originally established by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro. This longstanding bond has been consistently nurtured by successive generations of leaders and the people of both nations, as well as their respective localities, resulting in a robust and flourishing relationship. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City is always one of the localities that actively implement many specific and practical cooperation activities to constantly consolidate and strengthen the rapport with Cuba and Cuban localities. A prominent spot in the relations between Ho Chi Minh City and Cuba is cooperation in the health sector, Mai pointed out. In addition to the existing cooperative agreements on the exchange of research projects, lecturers, doctors, researchers, and students between the city-based Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and Cuba's Medical University of Cienfuegos, the municipal Department of Health is implementing a program for exchange of experience between the city and Cuba in the development of the family doctor model, he elaborated. Accordingly, the city expects to welcome Cuban doctors soon, the mayor affirmed. At the same time, the city wishes to cooperate with Cuban partners in trade and production of drugs, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals, he stated. Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada (R, 2nd) presents flowers to chairman of the municipal administration Phan Van Mai (R) and two other guests at the ceremony making the 65th anniversary of Cubas National Day in the city on December 12, 2023. Photo: Tran Phuong / Tuoi Tre Economically, Ho Chi Minh City is considered an important trade and investment partner of Cuba, with the majority of Vietnamese investors in Cuba being enterprises from the city. Vietnam and Cuba are thousands of miles apart, but the hearts of the two countries' people are as close as brothers, Mai told the ceremony, citing late President Ho Chi Minh. The relationship between the two countries has steadily flourished over time, expanding in both scope and depth across various sectors, from politics, economics to healthcare and agriculture, the citys leader commented. Given global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the enduring connection and spirit of mutual support between the two countries and their peoples have shone brightly, he declared. With commitment and respect, I address you on behalf of the Cuban people and government to this fellow country, for which I feel an extraordinary love, Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada said. Labrada expressed her gratitude to city authorities for their support for the Consulate General in strengthening political, economic, commercial, and solidarity ties between the two nations. We cannot pay greater tribute to our special ties than by hugely growing the solidarity and friendship that unite us with this brotherhood nation, Uncle Ho's land, she said. In this statement, Labrada referred to late President Ho Chi Minh as 'Uncle Ho,' the same words used by Vietnamese people to address their revered national leader. The diplomat was committed to continuing the work to strengthen the political, economic, and cooperative ties between the two countries. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Residents discovered and captured a 3.5kg monitor lizard along a bank of the Tham Luong Canal, which runs through Go Vap District in Ho Chi Minh City, and subsequently turned it in to the municipal Forest Protection Department last week. City rangers said on Tuesday that they had received a rare water monitor from Dau Viet Ha, a resident of Ward 14 in Go Vap. Ha told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that his wife found the live lizard at 5:00 pm on Friday last week. The she called out a nearby man to join hands with Ha to capture the animal. A water monitor found along a canal bank in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre As the live water monitor is an endangered species, Ha quickly contacted the municipal Forest Protection Department for a handover so that the lizard can be protected. "I hope this reptile receives appropriate care and finds a suitable habitat for release, said Ha. The lizard was identified as a female one which weighs about 3.5 kilograms. Water monitor is classified in Group IIB, including rare and endangered forest species as per Vietnamese law. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! From our 2022 Blu-ray Review I dont feel well. Pearl (Mia Goth) lives out her days on the family farm with her strict and controlling mother Ruth (Tandi Wright) and her infirm father (Matthew Sunderland). The daughter of German immigrants, shes stuck under the heel of her mothers nature as the Great War rages amidst the influenza pandemic. As Pearl waits for news of her husband on the front lines in France, she braves her plague-riddled hometown to pass the time at the pictures steadily feeding her growing delusional fantasy of getting out and making it big in the flicks. And shell do anything to make sure her dream comes true. They say boredom begets inspiration, and if thats the case, it worked out brilliantly with Pearl. Due to New Zealands two-week quarantine restrictions for incoming travelers, Ti West had a lot of time to kill ahead of filming his surprise horror smash X. Collaborating with star Mia Goth, the pair concocted a distressing and solemn worthwhile prequel story for Pearl. Filmed practically concurrently with X, Pearl proves to not only be a great film, but its also a haunting and horrifying experience without replaying any of the same cards found in X. Pulling the story back to 1918, the film makes smart use of mask mandates as the influenza pandemic raged on against a beautiful Technicolored backdrop of American youth. Peal parades around much like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz deep in the dreams of a better life elsewhere. Her lone outlet is the pictures where her fantasies grow and inner darkness takes root. West and Goth smartly use the lack of genuine human connection to fuel her growing issues. People are always at an arm's length or further and the few times she actually has any human-to-human contact is cold and inhuman or even tragic. Visually, this film is absolutely stunning. Where X enjoyed the gritty neo-realism of the 1970s, Pearl bathes in classic Hollywood artifice. While the story may take place in 1918 pre-dating Hollywoods golden decade of the 1930s, it pulls from that eras view of simple Americana living. The themes and motifs are splashed on the screen with brilliant reds, blues, and yellows. This color scheme may be distractingly beautiful, but it also deftly ties back into key moments within X completing Pearls journey from a horrible start to a shocking finish. And Mia Goth is phenomenal. As much credit is given to Ti West for pulling together this soon-to-be-trilogy, actress and co-writer Mia Goth deserves ample credit. As shes in virtually every frame of the film, she delivers an incredible performance delving into moments of pure joy coupled with tragic darkness. Much like the first film, Pearl tackles issues of patriarchal sexism. Like any naturally healthy human, Pearl has urges and needs but is deprived of them by the overpowering force of her upbringing and unfortunate geography. Goth brings incredible humanity to this terrifying but tragic character complete with a truly Oscar-worthy near-eight-minute monologue. As to where this film falls in scale to X, well, I have a tough time ranking the two. Theyre distinct cinematic experiences to be sure. Where X has far more humor and shock value, Pearl is more tragic and horrifying. But watching them nearly back to back now as I have, theyre amazingly cohesive. The damnable misery of fortifying my feelings about these movies is the story isnt done yet. Weve still got one more to go. My hope now is Ti West and Mia Goth can close this little loop nice and tight with their unexpected trilogy capper MaXXXine reportedly due out sometime in 2023 (now 2024). Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Rural horror has never looked or sounded so lovely with Ti Wests Pearl on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Turbine Medien. The 4K is pressed on a BD-66 disc with a Region Free BD-50 for the 1080p version. Both discs are housed in a lovely SteelBook case featuring mat black backgrounds, vivid reds, and metallic highlights. Each disc loads to a language menu option letting you choose either German or English, likewise, whichever language you choose, becomes the default audio. Washington (CNN) Rifts between the United States and Israel spilled into public view Tuesday as US President Joe Biden warned that Israel was losing international support for its campaign against Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected American plans for post-war Gaza. The divides, which until now had mostly been contained behind the scenes, reflected growing differences between the two staunch allies as the civilian death toll in Gaza mounts. Speaking to Democratic donors in Washington, Biden voiced criticism of Israels hardline government and said Netanyahu needed to alter his approach. I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden said, calling Netanyahus government the most conservative government in Israels history. He warned support for the countrys military campaign is waning amid heavy bombardment of Gaza and added that the Israeli government doesnt want a two-state solution. Biden said right now Israel has most of the world supporting it, but said theyre starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Speaking ahead of Bidens comments at the fundraiser, Netanyahu admitted Tuesday that he and the US president disagree on what should happen to Gaza after the war. In a statement, the Israeli leader said: Yes, there is disagreement about the day after Hamas and I hope that we will reach agreement here as well. The pair of remarks amounted to some of the most candid to date when it comes to the persistent differences between Israel and the United States, its top international ally. Before the war broke out following Hamas terror attacks on October 7, Biden had been open in his criticism of Netanyahus governing coalition, which includes far-right parties. But he has mostly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Netanyahu in public since the conflict began, despite mounting criticism of the Israeli campaign. Netanyahu has been asked repeatedly for his vision for a post-war Gaza in interviews with international media since October 7, telling CNNs Dana Bash in an interview last month that he did see a role for some kind of civilian Palestinian authority, albeit one that had been reconstructed. But in his statement Tuesday before Bidens remarks at the Democratic fundraiser, Netanyahu said: I would like to clarify my position: I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo. Bidens comments Tuesday in particular, that the current Israeli government does not want a two-state solution suggest major differences with his Israeli counterpart. That idea of a Palestinian state existing alongside the state of Israel took off in the 1990s, with a series of agreements known as the Oslo Accords, which created, among other things, the Palestinian Authority (PA), which assumed partial control over the West Bank and Gaza. The PA was effectively driven out of Gaza by Hamas in 2007 but the Biden administration has made increasingly clear it believes the PA should resume governance of the enclave when the war is over. After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism, Netanyahu said. Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahstan, Netanyahus statement concluded, a reference not just to Hamas but also to Fatah, the largest Palestinian faction, which was instrumental in the signing of the Oslo Accords, and continues to control the Palestinian Authority three decades later. Israel began its assault on Gaza shortly after Hamas terror attacks, which left more than 1,200 people dead. Biden has said Israel has a right and a responsibility to defend itself. In phone calls, however, Biden has encouraged Netanyahu to do more to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza, and top administration officials have said there is a gap between Israels intentions and the realities on the ground. Speaking Monday evening at a White House Hanukkah reception, Biden acknowledged Israel was in a tough spot following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza. And he alluded to differences with Netanyahu amid the current fighting. Well continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas, but we have to be careful they have to be careful, Biden said. The whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight, we cant let that happen. Biden and Netanyahu have a decades-long relationship that has at times been strained. At the Monday evening reception, Biden said he once gifted Netanyahu a photo and wrote at the top: I love you but I dont agree with a damn thing you had to say. Its about the same today, Biden said, adding hed had my differences with some Israeli leadership. Biden administration officials have been pressing their Israeli counterparts in recent weeks to begin planning for what happens in Gaza once the military campaign ends, including insisting on keeping the door open for an eventual Palestinian state. The US says it would reject any proposal that includes Israeli control over Gaza and has warned against shrinking the Palestinian territorys boundaries. The US is also pressuring Israel to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow humanitarian aid trucks to go directly into Gaza on an emergency basis, US officials told CNN. The Israeli government on Tuesday allowed aid trucks to be inspected at Kerem Shalom for the first time since Hamass attack on October 7, but those trucks must still drive back through Egypt before entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing. While the move doubles Israels capacity to inspect aid trucks, it does not resolve the bottleneck that is emerging at the Rafah crossing. Biden raised the issue directly with Netanyahu during their last call last week, the US officials said. National security adviser Jake Sullivan also urged his Israeli counterparts to open up the Israel-Gaza crossing before he arrives in Israel for meetings on Thursday, the officials said. Rafah cannot absorb a sufficient amount of aid to meet the needs of the Palestinian people which are only growing as there have been more people displaced, Sullivan told CNN in a phone interview Tuesday. We need the capacity that Kerem Shalom provides on an emergency basis to get more food, water, medicine and essentials in to be distributed to Palestinian civilians and were putting that quite urgently to the Israeli government to say, We are asking you to do this ASAP because of the nature of the humanitarian situation on the ground, he added. A spokeswoman for the Israeli prime ministers office declined to comment on the US move. Israel has so far resisted the idea. It cut off all commercial and humanitarian aid traffic from Israel into Gaza since Hamas launched its surprise terrorist attack on October 7 and has vowed to sever all ties with Gaza. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Rifts between Biden and Netanyahu spill into public view" General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, right after the official welcome ceremony in Hanoi on December 12. Party General Secretary Trong emphasised that the third visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Xi Jinping coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, demonstrating the Chinese leaders special sentiment toward the long-standing friendship, and the current stature as well as the bright prospects of the bilateral relations. He expressed his belief that the visit will be a new historic milestone, taking the relations between the two Parties and countries to a new height, meeting the aspirations and common interests of their people, for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. In a friendly, sincere and straightforward atmosphere, the two leaders discussed in depth the situation of each Party and country, ties between the two Parties and countries, and global and regional issues of shared concern. General Secretary Trong spoke highly of the historical significance of the CPCs 20th National Congress with the establishment of the "nucleus" position of Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and the guiding role of Xi Jinpings thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era. He also congratulated China on achieving significant new accomplishments since the 20th National Congress under the leadership of Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping. The Vietnamese Party leader said he believes that the Chinese Party, State and people will fulfill the goals and tasks set by the 20th National Congress, successfully realise the second centennial goal, and build China into a strong, modern, wealthy, democratic, civilised, harmonious and beautiful socialist power. Regarding Vietnam's situation, Trong stressed that during more than half the tenure of the CPV's 13th National Congress, Vietnam has made great efforts and achieved important results across the fields in the context of difficulties and challenges that were more serious and complicated than prediction. He shared the goal and direction of developing Vietnam into a socialist-oriented high-income developed country by mid-21st century, together with specific development targets for 2025, 2030, and 2045 set forth at the CPVs 13th National Congress. Party General Secretary Trong affirmed the Vietnamese Party and States consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of external ties, as well as the defence policy of "Four No's" and active and proactive global integration. Vietnam is a friend, a trustworthy partner and an active and responsible member of the international community, he said, reiterating that Vietnam considers developing relations with China a top priority and a strategic choice, supports the strong development of a socialist China making increasingly significant contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind. The host also expressed appreciation for the Chinese peoples assistance in the revolutionary cause, construction of socialism and national development of Vietnam. Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, for his part, congratulated Vietnam on its achievements over the past nearly four decades of Doi Moi (renewal), especially the significant and comprehensive results in implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, promoting synergy and unceasingly enhancing the country's international influence and stature. He expressed confidence that under the firm leadership of the CPV with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the helm, the Vietnamese Party, State and people will successfully implement the major goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress, laying important prerequisites for the successful realisation of the two 100-year goals set by the Congress. The Chinese Party, Government and people attach great importance to the relations with Vietnam, considering Vietnam a priority in China's foreign policy on its neighbourhood, he said, adding that China consistently supports Vietnam's socialism building cause, prosperity and well-being of the people. He recalled and stressed that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs recent visit to the Huu Nghi (Friendship) international border gate and planting of a tree there convey a message of trust and development in the relationship between the two Parties, countries and their people. Looking back on the development of the relations between the two Parties and States, the two leaders agreed that the traditional comrades-plus-brothers friendship, which was set up by President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong, and have been nurtured by generations of leader of both sides, is a valuable asset of both peoples. Since Vietnam and China set up their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2008, the bilateral cooperation in multifaceted fields has seen positive and comprehensive developments, while the relations between the two Parties and States have been continuously expanded and deepened under the motto of friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking towards to the future, and in the spirit of good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners. Highly valuing the relations between the two Parties and States, with numerous achievements of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership over the past 15 years, and facing new requirements, both sides agreed that the building of a Vietnam China community with a shared future carries strategic significance, and pledged to make efforts for the happiness of the two countries' people and for peace and progress of humanity in line with the UN Charter and international laws, and on the basis of mutual respect, equal and win-win cooperation, respect for each others independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and persistent settlement of disagreements via peaceful means. Based on the above-mentioned orientations and principles, they concurred to unceasingly consolidate political trust, increase exchanges between high-level leaders of the two Parties and States in diverse and flexible forms, and bring into play the role of strategically orienting of the Party channel relationship in the bilateral ties. They agreed to strengthen defence-security cooperation in a more practical fashion, making it a pillar in the bilateral ties; step up economic, trade and investment collaboration in a more sustainable and deeper manner; bolster education about the traditional relations between the two Parties and States among the Vietnamese and Chinese people, thus boosting the building of a firmer social foundation for the ties between the two Parties and States; and enhance closer multilateral cooperation for the benefits of the two countries and for the common interests of the international community. Touching on the East Sea issue, they engaged in sincere and frank in-depth exchanges, laying stress on the necessity to better control and actively settle disagreements at sea, as well as maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and the region. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong proposed both sides well concretise the perceptions reached by high-level leaders; respect each others legal and legitimate interests; not to complicate the situation; settle disputes via peaceful measures in accordance with international laws, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982); carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and hasten the finalisation of a code of conduct (COC) in the waters in line with UNCLOS 1982. During the talks, both leaders exchanged an array of regional and international issues of mutual concern. The Vietnamese Party chief underscored that amidst complicated developments in the region and the world, it is important for countries to jointly implement a policy of peace, cooperation and development; comply with international laws; respect each others equality and legitimate interests; solve disagreements via peaceful means; not to threaten and use force in international relations; cooperate for mutual development; and join hands to respond to traditional and non-traditional challenges. Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping agreed with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that two sides will direct their Parties, people and militaries to make greater efforts to develop the Vietnam China relations in a firmer and more stable, sustainable, long-term and effective fashion, on a higher level of their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Following their high-level talks, the two leaders looked at, and were introduced to the 36 cooperation documents signed between ministries, agencies and localities of both sides, which demonstrate the robust outcomes of the Chinese leaders visit. Party General Secretary Trong invited his Chinese guest to a tea party, during which they reviewed their previous meetings and discussions, and enjoyed the unique tea ceremony of Vietnam. In the evening of the same day, Party General Secretary Trong and President Thuong and their spouses organised a grand banquet to welcome Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse./. CA MAU The southern province of Ca Mau has been focusing on trade facilitation to help local shrimp and OCOP businesses sell their specialty products in both domestic and export markets. Shrimp is Ca Maus key product, with annual output topping 250,000 tonnes (22 per cent of the countrys total output). Its shrimp products have been exported to over 60 countries and territories around the world, with the main markets including the US, the EU, Japan, and China. The province has 41 seafood processing plants, who produce around 250,000 tonnes of products a year. Local businesses produce a wide variety of processed products such as steamed, sushi and tempura shrimp, which are well received by consumers. Nguyen Chi Thien, director of the Ca Mau Department of Industry and Trade, told Viet Nam News: The province has been paying a great deal of attention to creating favourable conditions for local businesses to partake in trade facilitation events for both the domestic and overseas markets. Every year, the province takes part in trade fairs and facilitation events in several countries in the region, providing businesses with financial subsidies to join them and find new export partners. Ca Mau has also organised many trade facilitation events and helped local businesses take part in similar activities in other provinces in the Mekong Delta region and across Viet Nam. Through them, many businesses have found partners and markets, especially those selling OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods. Ca Mau has 32 four-star and 113 three-star OCOP goods made from high-quality natural ingredients like seafood, honey, rice, and other regional produce. Some are exported to markets such as Canada and Australia. These goods are being sold through modern retail channels around Viet Nam and linked with tourism areas in the province. They are also sold on e-commerce platforms, especially the provinces madeincamau.com, which features all of Ca Maus OCOP products. The province pays much attention to promoting and helping OCOP businesses sell their goods through a wide variety of channels. The province's 2023 Ca Mau Shrimp Festival and Mekong Delta OCOP Products Network Connection Forum, which ends today, provide businesses with opportunities to introduce their shrimp and OCOP products to locals and visitors from other provinces. Trade facilitation events for promoting OCOP products and for businesses to share experiences and network were held as part of the festival. Nguyen Minh Thai, chairman and director of Mam ca mao ga Co-operative Group, which specialises in processed fish and other seafood products, told the Viet Nam News that in addition to the Ca Mau shrimp festival, the province has also organised trade facilitation trips to other localities. Local co-operative groups can go on up to six such trips every year. Ca Mau helps businesses like his improve the quality standards of their OCOP products and acquire machinery and equipment, he said. Overcoming challenges Despite the provinces trade facilitation efforts yielding positive results, its exports face some challenges. Geopolitical changes around the world have caused economic difficulties, which in turn have led to a fall in consumption and demand. Ca Mau and Viet Nam are facing tough competition from other shrimp suppliers like Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, who are offering competitive prices. To overcome these challenges, Ca Maus shrimp exporters need to keep a firm foothold in their traditional markets while expanding to new ones by keeping their prices competitive. Ca Mau has instructed its departments of Industry and Trade and Agriculture and Rural Development and other relevant agencies to carry out solutions and assist farmers in areas such as fish fry breeding and farming, Thien said. New policies are being created to help farmers adopt modern technologies and save costs either by saving energy or having lower input costs, and these would make the prices of Ca Maus shrimp products more competitive, he added. I believe that in 2024, if Ca Mau Province, businesses, especially seafood exporters, and farmers all carry out the province's decisive solutions simultaneously, we can overcome this challenge. Huynh Quoc Viet, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said at the opening ceremony of the Ca Mau Shrimp Festival on December 10: Ca Mau Province wishes to and is committed to creating favourable conditions for investors to explore and do business in Ca Mau, and play a role in taking its shrimp brand and other produce with great potential in Ca Mau and the Mekong Delta even further around the world, allowing them to participate in global value chains. VNS HA NOI The first-ever White Book on Social Impact Business in Viet Nam 2023 was launched, enabling SIBs to be clearly identified, thereby raising the possibility of them benefitting from support programmes of the government and other stakeholders. The White Book on Social Impact Business in Viet Nam was developed within the framework of the project Leveraging Viet Nams Social Impact Business Ecosystem in Response to COVID-19 (ISEE-COVID), co-implemented by UNDP and the Agency for Enterprise Development (AED) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Social impact businesses (SIBs), government agencies, investors and intermediaries gathered at the SIB Connect 2023 event in Ha Noi on Tuesday. This is the annual festival of the SIB Ecosystem to exchange initiatives, lessons learned, and discuss challenges and opportunities in the ecosystems development. This is also a chance for SIBs to showcase the best quality products, and seek co-operation opportunities and market expansion. The White Paper enables Social Impact Businesses to be officially identified, helping them access government support programmes and other programmes. Along with the report on the ecosystem supporting SIB, the White Paper provides comprehensive information and understanding of the ecosystem landscape, said UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, Ramla Khalidi. Addressing the event, Brian Allemekinders, Counsellor, the Embassy of Canada in Viet Nam, said that Canada's development co-operation programme aims, in part, to catalyse private capital for supporting sustainable and inclusive economic development. SIBs have played and continue to play a crucial role in contributing to Viet Nam's progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The launch of the White Book on Social Impact Businesses in Viet Nam signifies Viet Nam's advancement, recognising not only the business operations addressing social and environmental issues, but also providing a valuable reference database for government agencies to formulate appropriate policies in support of the development of these businesses, he said. The White Paper on Social Impact Business in Viet Nam in 2023 was compiled to reflect the development process and recognise important contributions, and provide an overall picture of SIBs in Viet Nam for statistical activities, research, feedback and policy development of domestic and international agencies, organisations and individuals. In Viet Nams thriving and vibrant SIB ecosystem, there are approximately 27,000 SIBs. However, SIBs in Viet Nam, especially businesses owned by or working with vulnerable groups including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, gender-diverse groups, and other businesses with ideas to solve social and environmental problems, are still facing many difficulties in their efforts to realise the dual goal of driving profit while creating social and environmental impact. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, SIBs in Viet Nam face many challenges, including limited management capacity, lack of social impact measurement frameworks and inadequate access to financing. The ecosystem of SIB intermediaries is also insufficient in terms of quantity, quality and connection. Policies to support SIBs are based on different regulations, making it difficult for SIBs to access. With an ecosystem approach to tackle these interconnected and systemic issues, the ISEE-COVID project has actively supported improving the capacity of SIBs, building coordination between SIB intermediaries, and strengthening government policy-making capacities related to SIBs. The project also applied a policy experimentation approach in supporting SIBs at provincial levels, and put in place a framework for impact measurement and monitoring SIBs. The project's activities have contributed to creating a dynamic and diverse SIB ecosystem engaging the government, investors, SIB intermediaries and SIBs. "Although social impact businesses in Viet Nam are still small in number and scale, their positive role in contributing to sustainable development has been recognised, especially in the context that Viet Nam is trying to promote the application of sustainable business principles and models for domestic businesses to help them have better access to foreign markets and green capital, said Bui Thu Thuy, AED deputy director. In parallel with the White Paper launch event, in-depth dialogue activities, business connections, advisor, expert consultation and exhibition of high-quality SIB products were also highlights of SIB Connect 2023. SIBs are making a wave that changes many aspects of life and business philosophy. Along with economic benefits, more and more SIBs want to make positive social and environmental impacts. The ISEE-COVID project will continue to be part of this transformative movement, enabling SIBs to not only recover from COVID-19 but also prosper in the long run. VNS The awards aim is to support projects and initiatives with the potential for widespread impact and inspiration, as well as discover pioneering units that dare to take the first steps in finding sustainable development models that bring about transformative changes for an entire region or industry. Washington (CNN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Washington on Tuesday to make an in-person plea for the military and economic aid he said is necessary to continue Ukraines defense against Russias invasion. Zelensky, visiting Washington for the third time since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, met with members of US Congress Tuesday morning and US President Joe Biden later in the afternoon. Zelenskys meetings came on the same day the US declassified new intelligence on Russias losses so far in the war. The intelligence shows US officials believe the Russian military has continued to suffer heavy losses in the war but is also determined to continue pushing forward. The visit comes as a deal for a supplemental funding package that includes crucial aid for the war-torn country remains logjammed by congressional Republicans who want the Biden administration to make concessions on border security and immigration policy in exchange for the aid package. A deal remains unlikely with a holiday recess looming. While Biden has said he is open to compromise, a bloc of Republicans remains wary at the idea of adding to the more than $100 billion in Ukraine aid already approved by Congress. Biden officials have said nobody is better at making the case for his country than Zelensky himself. Here are five takeaways from Zelenskys day in the nations capital: Biden says US will support Ukraine as long as we can During a joint news conference with the Ukrainian leader Tuesday afternoon, Biden vowed the United States will support Ukraine for as long as we can. The comment represented a subtle but noteworthy shift in public messaging from the president, who previously said the US will support the country in its defense against the Russian invasion for as long as it takes. The American people can be and should be incredibly proud, the president said on Tuesday. The part they played in supporting Ukraine success will continue to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment as long as we can. Bidens comments could represent a more pragmatic view from the president on the future of Ukraine aid, with time and potentially political will running out before Congress breaks for the holidays to pass more funding, and with future security assistance uncertain under a potential new presidential administration. Months ago, Biden vowed the countrys commitment to Ukraine will not weaken. We will stand for liberty and freedom today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes, the president said during a July speech. Biden later defined the US expectations for Ukraine as the war approaches the end of its second year. We want to see Ukraine win the war, Biden said. Winning means Ukraine is a sovereign, independent nation. And it can afford to defend itself today and deter further aggression. Thats our objective. Zelensky tells senators he expects US to come through for Ukraine Earlier in the day, Zelensky told senators that hes still counting on US support to come through for his nation, according to Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut. The questions from senators were mostly about accountability for US aid and Zelensky tried to assure senators that no money would be used corruptly in Ukraine, according to GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. Rounds said Zelensky did not give a price tag on how much US support will be needed in total for Ukraine. But he tried to impress upon senators that Ukraine needed more air defense systems quickly to shut off a land bridge into Crimea. In a social media post following the meeting, Zelensky described the conversation as friendly and candid and thanked US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and US Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for their personal leadership in rallying bipartisan support for Ukraine among U.S. legislators. I informed members of the U.S. Senate about Ukraines current military and economic situation, the significance of sustaining vital U.S. support, and answered their questions, Zelensky said in a post on X. American leadership, Zelensky said during a news conference later Tuesday, is crucial toward the Ukrainian war effort. No one but Putin wants prolonged war, Zelensky said. We dream of a Christmas in peacetime. Schumer said it was a very good and productive meeting. Zelensky did not answer shouted questions as he passed reporters after the meeting. Schumer added that Zelensky made it so clear how he needs help, including exactly what kind of help Ukraine needs and how that help will allow his country to win. Failure by the United States to provide more aid will likely make Ukraines European allies skittish, Schumer warned. Europe and many other allies will say, What is going on here? he said. Another lawmaker, Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, drew parallels between Republicans failure to act and the early, ultimately failed, strategy by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain to appease Adolf Hitlers regime in Germany. Those who are opposing aid to Ukraine are falling into the same mistake Chamberlain made, Merkley said, warning Republicans to not let history repeat itself. Holdouts say deal remains unlikely Some Republicans who attended that meeting said they remained unmoved after hearing Zelenskys request for assistance, insisting Biden still needed to bargain. I dont know whether he moved the needle at all, Sen. John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, said after the meeting. The only thing that is really holding this up at this point is the unwillingness of the White House so far to acknowledge that theyre going to have to deal with the border component, not just to pay for the current policies, which are releasing millions of people into the interior, but actually changes in the asylum system, changes in the mass release system known as parole, he said. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio an outspoken critic of sending additional funding to Ukraine left the meeting between Zelensky and other senators early. He said Zelensky provided senators with an update on strategic milestones and began taking questions, but the Ohio Republican said his mind remained unchanged about the idea of sending more aid. Another senator who attended the meeting said Zelensky assuaged some concerns Republicans had about corruption in the Ukrainian government and the potential misappropriation of funding. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican who said he supports more aid to Ukraine if its tied to tougher border policy, said Zelensky did not wade into the policy disagreements that are stymying a deal for more aid. We kept it at a high level, Mullin said. We are working through the process. And he understood it. He was very respectful. (He) said, I understand it. Im just here to let you know we need you guys, But, Mullin later said, hopes for a deal remain slim without extensive concessions from the Biden administration. The president previously said he was open to compromise but remained vague on what exactly he would accept. Theres zero chance that an aid package to Ukraine and to Israel will pass the House without real meaningful real meaningful border security, said Mullin, a former member of the House who maintains close ties with some of his ex-colleagues. And Ill tell you, Republicans alike we all stand in step with the House Republicans on doing so. Sen. Tommy Tuberville was blunt about his unmoved position on providing more aid to Ukraine. Were out of money, the Alabama Republican said. Johnson says White House response insufficient Following a roughly 30-minute meeting with Zelensky their first one-on-one encounter US House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Biden administrations response to congressional Republicans demands has been insufficient, and reiterated his stance that a deal remains unlikely without a transformative change at the border. Johnson said his meeting with Zelensky was good but remained firm in his stance that the border should be the primary focus and demanded greater clarity from the White House on the strategy in Ukraine. Johnson insisted the White House has not been able to articulate a clear strategy and at this juncture it is up to the Senate and the White House. I have asked the White House since the day that I was handed the gavel we need a clear articulation of the strategy to allow Ukraine to win, he said, and thus far their responses have been insufficient. It is not the Houses issue right now, Johnson added. The issue is with the White House and the Senate, and I implore them to do their job because the time is urgent. Biden releases $200 million in Ukraine funding Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office, Biden announced he would be releasing $200 million in funding already approved by Congress to help Ukraine with its defensive needs. While thats a small fraction of the $60 billion sought by Biden for Ukraine in his supplemental funding request, the funds will be released shortly, the president said. Congress needs to pass supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess, Biden said. Failure to do so would hand Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him. Biden reiterated warnings he previously made that a Russian victory could cause a cascading failure of democratic norms and values throughout Europe and the world. Weve seen what happens when dictators dont pay the price for the damage, the death, the destruction they cause, Biden said. They keep going when no price is paid. The threat to America, to Europe and the world will only keep rising if we dont act. And I intend that we act, he added. CNNs Manu Raju, Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox and Ted Barrett contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com, "5 takeaways from Ukrainian President Zelenskys critical trip to Washington" Throughout the research, development, production and official licensing of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine, Viet Nam has been transparent, sharing information at each stage of vaccine development with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the international community. The Director of the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nguyen Van Long, spoke with local media about the issue. Could you share about Viet Nam's research and production process of the ASF vaccine? Immediately after US scientists announced successful research on a genetically modified weakly virulent strain of ASF virus with the ASF-G-Delta I177L gene removed, the leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development sent a letter to the US Embassy in Ha Noi and the US Department of Agriculture requesting support and inviting three US scientists, including Dr Cyril G. Gay, head of the Animal Health and Safety Agricultural Research Service; Dr Manuel Borca, the lead scientist at the Foreign Animal Disease Unit; and Dr. Douglas P. Gladue, internationally recognised leader in the field of ASF, to Viet Nam to collaborate on researching the ASF vaccine. As a result, the Department of Animal Health reached an agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding for technical cooperation with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) under the US Department of Agriculture to study the vaccine using the US virus strain, and establish testing and evaluation procedures. Since July 2020, the ARS officially transferred necessary materials, including vaccine virus strains and adapted cell lines, to relevant potential units in Viet Nam for research and production of ASF vaccines. Leading Vietnamese vaccine production companies conducted assessments of the vaccine virus strains, evaluated and selected the transferred cell lines, and developed the research process for the production of the ASF vaccine. Vietnamese partners frequently exchanged information through email or online meetings about the results of each stage of research and production of the ASF vaccine. On April 22, 2023, the Department of Animal Health had a working session with ARS experts. At the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development headquarters in Ha Noi, an official meeting was held with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien to share information on the latest research results, and assess the standards and procedures of studying, testing and evaluation of the ASF vaccine in the United States and globally, as well as the current practices in Viet Nam. On June 3, 2022, in Ha Noi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organised an event to announce the successful research and production results of the ASF, namely NAVET-ASFVAC commercial vaccine produced by the Navetco National Veterinary Joint Stock Company. US Ambassador to Viet Nam, Marc E. Knapper, made a speech acknowledging and highly appreciating the effective and close coordination between Vietnamese and US scientists and agencies. Viet Nam also presented a documentary describing the entire process of organising research, evaluation, licensing and circulation of the ASF vaccine. Is the process of sharing research and production results of the ASF vaccine with international community mandatory for Viet Nam? According to international regulations and Vietnamese laws, Viet Nam is not obligated to report or share comprehensive results and detailed data on research into veterinary drugs in general, or veterinary vaccines specifically. However, because this is a challenging process to research and produce vaccine, and there is currently no commercial vaccine globally, Viet Nam has proactively shared information with FAO and WOAH. On June 8, 2022, FAO and WOAH sent a delegation of experts, including Samia Ali Metwally, senior veterinary expert of FAO and team leader; Catherine Robertson, laboratory expert of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); Mariana Martins Marrana, veterinary expert of OIE; and Pawin Padungtod, senior coordinator of FAO office in Ha Noi, to Viet Nam for a working session. The delegation worked with Navetco Company and units under the Department of Animal Health. During this meeting, Viet Nam presented detailed research and production results of the ASF vaccine. On May 21, 2023, at the 90th annual conference of WOAH held in Paris, France, Vietnamese experts, led by Deputy Minister Tien, met with Monique Eloit, Director General of WOAH, and shared with her about the research and production of the ASF vaccine. The team also reached an agreement for WOAH to continue supporting Viet Nam in evaluating and improving production processes and expanding the use of the vaccine. Immediately after completing the trial use of 600,000 doses of the ASF vaccine on July 8, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an official document permitting the use of two types of ASF vaccines, NAVET ASF VAC and AVAC ASF LIVE. The Department of Animal Health shared this information with Dr Ronello C. Abila, Sub-Regional Representative for South-East Asia of WOAH. At the 33rd Conference of the Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific held between November 13 to 16, 2023, in India, the Department of Animal Health presented a report on the research, production, evaluation and licensing of the ASF vaccine to Monique Eloit, director general of WOAH, and other conference attendees. From November 21 to 22, 2023, at the 5th WOAH Regional Workshop on Swine Disease Control in Asia and the Pacific held in Beijing, China, the Department of Animal Health reported and shared comprehensive information on the ASF situation, as well as the official circulation of ASF vaccine in Viet Nam. Viet Nam affirms that we have been sharing complete and timely information of the ASF vaccine in Viet Nam. Currently, how is the ASF vaccine circulated in Viet Nam? On July 24, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Document 4870/BNN-TY authorising the use of the ASF vaccine nationwide. On December 6, 2023, the Prime Minister issued directives on the prevention and control of ASF, emphasising the acceleration of ASF vaccine administration. As of now, the total pig population in Viet Nam is 30.1 million, an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, the quantity of vaccines used in localities is still limited, primarily due to most provinces conducting vaccine procurement bidding to support the vaccination plan. The total number of produced vaccine doses to date are 4.5 million. The quantity of vaccines supplied and used is over 1.5 million doses. As many as 300,000 doses of the ASF vaccine were exported to the Philippines. The total quantity of stored vaccines is approximately three million doses. In the upcoming time, Viet Nam will continue to expand the ASF vaccine administration. VNS NEW YORK Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, met with UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar in New York on December 11 (US time) to discuss measures for promoting Vietnamese police officers participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Giang thanked the Police Division of the UN Department of Peace Operations and Shahkar for their effective and active support for Viet Nam's efforts to take part in peacekeeping operations, especially training and capacity building for the police officers deployed by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). As an active and responsible member of the UN and the international community, Viet Nam will step up its participation in peacekeeping operations, including police-related ones, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, he said, adding that the country wishes to engage more deeply and substantively in the building of the UNs policy in this field. As the Police Adviser is about to visit Viet Nam at the invitation of the MPS, the ambassador expressed his hope that the trip will be successful to help identify the areas and activities both sides can strengthen cooperation in, including deploying some police officers to field missions and giving technical assistance to help the MPS soon master training matters so as to better meet the UNs requirements and demand in peacekeeping operations. For his part, Shahkar highly valued Viet Nam's active involvement and good results in peacekeeping operations, including police activities, and voiced his hope for closer cooperation with Viet Nam in this regard. He affirmed that in its capacity, the Police Division is ready to give maximum assistance to Viet Nam during the countrys preparation of forces, training, pre-feasibility assessment, and deployment of officers to the field. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping and the high-level delegation of the Chinese Party and State laid a wreath and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Ha Noi on Wednesday morning. The Chinese Party General Secretary and President was accompanied by Phan inh Trac, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committees Commission for Internal Affairs. Later in the day, Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue. The Chinese Party and State leader and his spouse are making a two-day state visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his spouse, and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Vo Van Thuong and his spouse. VNS HA NOI The strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Thailand has continuously developed in substance, comprehensiveness and trust, said Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence. He made the statement at the fifth Viet Nam-Thailand Defence Policy Dialogue, which was organised on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence (MND) in Ha Noi. The dialogue was co-chaired by Deputy Minister Chien and General Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, Permanent Secretary of Thailands MND. Speaking at the dialogue, Chien said this year marked a special milestone when the two countries celebrated 10 years of establishing a strategic partnership. He affirmed that Viet Nams MND always wanted to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with the Thai MND and Royal Army to further promote bilateral defence relations. During the dialogue, the two sides shared their views on the region and the world situation. They highly appreciated the role of the region and the mechanisms led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and affirmed their joint efforts to make positive contributions to strengthen ASEAN's solidarity and central role in regional security. Both sides emphasised resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international laws. They also reassessed the defence cooperation that has been actively implemented in recent times, closely following the key contents oriented and agreed upon by the two sides from the previous dialogue. The previous dialogue achieved remarkable results in exchanging delegations at all levels, effectively maintaining cooperation, and supporting each other at multilateral events hosted by each side. Chien thanked Thailand for supporting and attending the Viet Nam International Defence Exhibition last year, and participating in the ASEAN Military Volleyball Tournament. He congratulated Thailand on successfully organising the 24th ASEAN Army Commanders' Conference, thereby strengthening trust between the ASEAN militaries. They agreed to promote Viet Nam-Thailand defence cooperation, in accordance with the two countries enhanced strategic partnership. The work will focus on strengthening the trust between the militaries of the two countries, exchanging delegations at all levels, promptly sharing views on issues of mutual concern and orienting cooperation to become more substantive and effective. The two sides will step up cooperation in maritime law enforcement forces and human resource training. They will expand work in potential fields suitable to the needs and strengths of each side such as logistics, military medicine, and responding to non-traditional security challenges including cyber security, terrorism prevention and transnational crime. The two countries will support each other within the ASEAN military and defence framework; maintain ASEAN's common stance on regional and international security issues. General Sanitchanog Sangkachantra thanked Viet Nams MND for the respectful welcome and expressed his joy at meeting Deputy Minister Chien again. He hoped that the relationship between the two countries and the two armies would develop comprehensively in all fields. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong hailed the positive and important contributions of Viet Nam and Chinas people, including scholars and youths, in promoting the two countries friendship. General Secretary Trong and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping attended the meeting with nearly 400 friendship scholars and youths of the two countries in Ha Noi on Wednesday. Representatives of the scholars and young generations affirmed that they will do their best to contribute to fostering the two countries friendship. Party chief Trong believed and hoped that the scholars and youth of the two countries will continue to actively contribute to the common efforts of building strong, stable, long-term and effective Viet Nam-China relations. Emphasising that the Viet Nam-China's friendship lies in people, future lies in youth, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping affirmed that the people-to-people exchanges, including cultural exchanges and locality-to-locality exchanges, will contribute to strengthening the relationship between the two countries. He expressed his hope that young people of the two countries will be the inheritors of the friendship, and make contributions to strengthening cooperation beneficial to the development of the two countries. Scholars and the young generation are pioneers in fostering the two countries ties for the progress of humanity, and jointly contribute to the continuing development and long-term stability of an open, inclusive, harmonious, prosperous and developed Asia-Pacific region, he said. The same day Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, and Prof. Peng Liyuan, spouse of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, engaged in an exchange programme with students of the Vietnam National University Hanoi (VNU). Peng said she was impressed by Vietnamese students Chinese proficiency, and praised them for being diligent and intelligent and for their good understanding of China. She said learning Chinese helps Vietnamese students understand more about the land, people and culture of China, and Chinese students studying Vietnamese will also have the opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture. Emphasising that young people and talents play an important role in building the nation's future, Peng said she hopes that Vietnamese and Chinese students will increase exchanges and that the number of Vietnamese students studying in China will keep rising. Peng said she believes that exchange activities between the VNU and its Chinese partners are a good method to achieve this, and she hopes that the Vietnamese university will maintain such activities. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse left Ha Noi on Wednesday afternoon, concluding his State visit to Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and China on Wednesday issued a joint statement on continuing deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, and building a Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The joint statement was released on the occasion of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinpings state visit to Viet Nam. Following is the English translation of the joint statement by the Vietnam News Agency: 1. Accepting the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Vo Van Thuong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping pays a state visit to Viet Nam from December 12-13, 2023. During the visit, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong, and meets with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue. The two sides hold that Viet Nam and China are good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners, and both are socialist countries under the leadership of a communist party, with similar political regimes, compatible ideology and belief, similar development path, shared vision, shared future, and common efforts for happy people and a wealthy and strong country and for the noble cause of peace and progress of mankind. To inherit and promote the traditional friendship of "Viet Nam-China close bonds as both comrades and brothers" and continue to deepen and further elevate the Viet Nam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the two sides agree to build a Viet Nam-China Community with a Shared Future having strategic significance and exert efforts for the happiness of the two peoples and for the cause of peace and progress of mankind. The Vietnamese side supports the building of community with shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative. These initiatives have the aim of protecting the common interest of the whole mankind, for the cause of peace, fairness and progressiveness of people all over the world, meeting the aspiration to build a better world of people in all countries. The two sides reach consensus that the development of relations among states should comply with the United Nations Charter, international law and essential norms of international relations, persist with mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits, win-win cooperation, respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and persist with the settlement of differences through peaceful measures. Following the above-mentioned orientations, the two sides agree to take the Vietnam-China relations to a new stage with stronger political trust, more substantial defence-security cooperation, deeper tangible collaboration, firmer social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, better management and settlement of differences, and joint efforts for boosting the development of the world socialism cause, making positive contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind. 2. In a friendly, straightforward atmosphere, the two sides inform each other on the situations of their respective Parties, countries, as well as the theory and reality of the building of socialism; showing delight at the great and historic achievements that each Party, country has gained during the cause of national development, modernisation and socialism building in line with each countrys conditions; asserting that these fully demonstrate the vitality and superiority of the socialist regimes in Viet Nam and China. The Vietnamese side warmly congratulates the great accomplishments that the Party, Government and people of China have made during the 10-year new era as well as important achievements during the realisation of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. The Vietnamese side wishes and believes that under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the nucleus, following the orientations of the Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, the Party, Government and people of China will certainly continue to diversify and expand the path of Chinese-style modernisation, unceasingly perfect the whole-process people's democracy, strongly promote the new great project on Party building, complete on schedule all targets and tasks set at the 20th CPC National Congress, successfully implement the Second Centenary Goal, turning China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful. China supports and highly values achievements made by Viet Nam over nearly 40 years of oi moi, 10 years of the implementation of the Platform on national construction during the transitional period toward socialism (supplemented and amended in 2011), especially the important and comprehensive accomplishments made since the CPVs 13th National Congress to date, which have propelled Viet Nams synergy and international influence to unprecedented heights. China wishes and believes that under the sound leadership of the CPV Central Committee led by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Party, State and people of Viet Nam will certainly realise major goals and tasks set at the 13th National Congress of the CPV, build Viet Nam into a socialist-oriented developed country with high income by 2045. China affirms its support for Viet Nams prosperous development, well-being of its people, building of a strong, independent and self-reliant economy, promotion of the cause of oi moi, industrialisation, modernisation and comprehensive international integration, development of open and friendly foreign relations, and an increasingly important role in peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world. 3. The two sides look back at the development process of relations between the two Parties and countries, appreciate the invaluable and selfless support that the two Parties, countries and their people have provided for each other in various periods; unanimously agree that the traditional friendship as "both comrades and brothers" founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong and generations of leaders, is an invaluable asset of the two countries people that needs to be inherited, well-protected, and effectively upheld. The Party, State and people of Viet Nam always hold in high regard and deeply appreciate the strong support and assistance provided by the Party, State and people of China in the struggle for national liberation and independence, as well as the cause of socialism building and national development. At the turn of the century, Viet Nam and China set up the motto "friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, looking toward the future and the spirit of "good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, good partners". Fifteen years since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2008, cooperation in various fields has made positive and comprehensive progress. Entering a new era, the Viet Nam-China relationship has kept expanding and deepening, especially with Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's historic visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping following the CPCs 20th National Congress, which elevated Viet Nam-China ties to a greater height. Looking toward the future, China highlights its consistent policy of friendship with Viet Nam, considering Viet Nam a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy. Viet Nam affirms that the Viet Nam-China relationship is always a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external ties. It is a strategic choice of both sides. Both sides affirm their consistent support for the two Parties, countries and their people to persevere with independence in strategy and choice of development paths that suit each country's situation; be persistent in properly handling and actively resolving disagreements through peaceful means on the basis of mutual understanding, mutual respect in accordance with international law, maintaining the good development momentum of Viet Nam-China relations, making more active contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. On the basis of the above common perceptions, in the context of rapid, complicated, unpredictable and unprecedented developments in the world, both sides agree to persist with political orientations of the highest Party and State leaders, looking at and developing the Viet Nam-China relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective in accordance with the "16 words" motto and the spirit of "4 goods", taking the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership as an opportunity to build the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future of strategic importance, striving for the well-being of their people, and for the sake of peace and progress of humanity. 4. To continue deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and firmly promoting the building of the Viet Nam-China community for a shared future, both sides reach consensus to well uphold the overall coordinating role of the Viet Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, actively promote cooperation in the near future, focusing on the following six major orientations, set goals, fine-tune mechanisms, roll out measures and push the implementation of: 4.1. Stronger political trust To grasp the development orientation of the Viet Nam-China relationship, both sides agree to increase strategic exchanges, persist in equal treatment and mutual respect to further consolidate political trust. (1). Both sides vow to further enhance close exchanges between high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries through such forms as bilateral visits, deployment of special envoys, hotlines, exchanges of messages and letters, annual meetings and meetings at multilateral forums, engage in timely strategic discussions on important issues in bilateral ties as well as global and regional issues of shared concern, strategic orientations and directions for the stable and healthy development of ties between the two Parties and countries in the new period. (2) Both sides agree to bring into full play the special role of the Party channel, further enhance the direction and coordination of the high-level meeting mechanism of the two Parties as well as the promotion and coordination roles of the two Parties external relations organisations; improve the efficiency of the exchange and cooperation between the two Parties respective agencies at the central level, Party organisations of localities, especially border provinces (regions); approve the mechanism of theoretical workshop between the two Parties and personnel training cooperation plans, promote delegation exchanges via Party channel, step up exchanges and consult each other in Party building and country management, as well as socialism building and many other fields such as organisation, information and education/popularisation, inspection and discipline enforcement, corruption prevention and combat, judicial reform, mass mobilisation/united front and socio-economy. Besides, they concur to further enhance exchanges and friendly cooperation between the Vietnamese and Chinese Governments, the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the National Peoples Congress of China, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference. (3) Both sides agree to effectively carry out the agreement on deepening the cooperation in the new era between the two Foreign Ministries; maintain regular meetings between leaders of the two Foreign Ministries; continue organising annual diplomatic consultation; enhance exchanges at department-level; well implement staff training plans; and support and create favourable conditions for each other to renovate headquarters and buildings of the diplomatic representative agencies of the two countries. (4) Viet Nam reaffirms its consistency in carrying out One China policy by recognising Taiwan as an inseparable part of the Chinese territory, resolutely opposing any separatist activity seeking Taiwan Independence, supporting the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other states, and not developing any state-level relations with Taiwan. The Vietnamese side holds that the issues of Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are Chinas internal affairs, and expresses the belief that under the leadership of the Chinese Party and Government, the above-mentioned regions will maintain stability and prosperous development. The Chinese side supports Viet Nams efforts in maintaining social stability, ensuring national security, and promoting national solidarity. 4.2. More practical cooperation in defence security Defence and security cooperation, a pillar in the Viet Nam-China relations, plays an important role in consolidating strategic trust between the two Parties and States. To protect their security, contributing to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region and the world, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation mechanisms in defence, police, security, supreme court and supreme procuracy, consider building exchange mechanisms between their judicial organisations, and boost collaboration in the following key fields: (1) Both sides agree to further enhance high-level exchanges between the two militaries; bring into play the role of cooperation channels such as border defence friendship exchange, strategic defence dialogue and hotline between the two defence ministries; effectively carry out the joint vision statement on defence cooperation until 2025 between the two defence ministries; step up exchange and cooperation between the two militaries in the fields of political work, personnel training and joint research; further strengthen cooperation in defence industry, joint exercise and training, health care, logistics, UN peace keeping activities and non-traditional security; continue intensive border cooperation by promoting joint border patrol and encouraging border stations of both sides to set up friendly relations and enhance coordination on border management and protection; and continue effective joint patrols on the Gulf of Tonkin and military ships mutual visits as well as deepen exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the naval and coast guard forces. (2) Both sides agree to enhance high-level exchanges between law-enforcement agencies; promote the role of such mechanisms as ministerial-level conference on crime prevention and combat, and strategic security dialogue; establish the mechanism of deputy ministerial-level dialogue on political security and a hotline between the two public security ministries; forge cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Chinas security and law-enforcement agencies in the fields of security, intelligence, particularly deepening cooperation in government security and regime security; bolster cooperation in traditional and non-traditional security such as prevention of terrorism and online scams, cyber security, immigration management, migration, illegal border crossings, and arrest of criminals fleeing overseas; deepening cooperation and enhance experience exchange in the fields of economic security, food security, energy, water resources, and reform and opening up; boost intelligence cooperation and share experience in the issues of anti-interference, anti-secession, prevention and fighting of "peaceful evolution" and "colour revolution" of hostile and reactionary forces; strengthen cooperation in preventing and fighting legal violations in religion and managing non-governmental organisations, promote staff training; and step up cooperation to protect the safety of organisations, businesses and citizens of one country in the other. (3) The two sides agree to strengthen legal and judicial cooperation, creating a legal foundation for comprehensive cooperation in all fields between Vietnam and China; actively implement obligations of international treaties of which the two sides are members. The two sides effectively implement the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Civil and Criminal Matters between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the People's Republic of China, and the Extradition Agreement between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the People's Republic of China; promote the effective implementation of the Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the People's Republic of China; promote the practical outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and the Chinese Ministry of Justice, jointly perfecting the mutual legal assistance mechanism; study the establishment of methods for resolving civil and border trade disputes; promote legal and judicial cooperation between localities that share the borderline in appropriate forms. 4.3. Deeper and more practical cooperation To persist in win-win cooperation to serve the development of the two countries and promote regional and global economic recovery and sustainable growth, the two sides will strengthen their respective cooperation mechanisms in the fields of infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture, finance and currency; study and build cooperation mechanisms between state-owned enterprises and state-invested enterprises, and transportation agencies, focusing on: (1) Jointly building Two Corridors, One Belt, and Belt and Road The two sides agree to promote the connection of development strategies between the two countries, well implement the Plan on cooperation in promoting connectivity between the Two Corridors, One Belt framework and the Belt and Road initiative between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the People's Republic of China. The two sides promote standard-gauge railway connectivity across the Viet Nam-China border, study and promote the building of Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong standard-gauge railway route, study on the ong ang-Ha Noi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong standard-gauge railway routes at appropriate times. The two sides accelerate the connection and construction of border infrastructure, including the building a road bridge across the Red River in the Bat Xat (Viet Nam) - Ba Sa (China) border area. The two sides encourage businesses of the two countries to cooperate in the fields of road, bridge and railway infrastructure, clean electricity, telecommunications, and logistics; continue close coordination and facilitate cooperation in road, aviation, and railway transport; and strengthen logistics cooperation. (2) Investment The two sides agree to effectively deploy an economic-trade cooperation zone, focusing on intensifying investment cooperation in such fields as agriculture, infrastructure, energy, digital economy, and green development. The two sides encourage and support businesses with real capacity, prestige, and advanced technologies to invest in the other country in areas suitable to the demand and sustainable development strategies of each nation and create a fair and favourable business environment for these businesses. The two sides speed up the implementation of projects using non-refundable aid funded by the Chinese Government for Viet Nam, including a project to build the second facility of the Traditional Medicine Hospital. The two sides agree to enhance the exchange of experience in reforming state-owned enterprises and managing state capital at enterprises, cooperate in training human resources, especially high-level management human resources of state-owned enterprises; encourage state capital management agencies at enterprises of the two countries to increase contacts and connection, and create favourable conditions for enterprises of the two countries to boost mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides actively seek the possibility of strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of key minerals based on market principles and the spirit of substance and sustainability, ensuring security of energy production and supply chains. (3) Trade The two sides agree to apply practical measures to expand the size of bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable direction. The two sides effectively promote the role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA); strengthen cooperation on platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China - ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), and the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair); expand the export of products to each other's market. The two sides agree to enhance cooperation in the fields of standardisation, ensuring harmony of standards for goods and products of Vietnam and China, especially agricultural products, thus facilitating bilateral trade cooperation. The Chinese side will actively accelerate the market opening process for Vietnamese agricultural products such as fresh coconuts, frozen fruit products, citrus fruits, avocados, custard apples, rose-apples, medicinal herbs, buffalo meat, beef, pork, and products from cattle and poultry meat. The Vietnamese side will actively promote the import of Chinese sturgeon, increase exchanges between professional organisations of the two sides, and foster the healthy development of relevant industries of the two countries. The two sides agree to apply effective measures to ensure smooth commodity supply chains serving the production and consumption between the two countries and in the region. Improving customs clearance efficiency, promoting the pilot building of smart border gates on the specialised freight transport routes through the area of border marker No.1088/2 1089 and at the Tan Thanh-Puzhai border gates (the area at border marker No.1090-1091) within the international border gates Huu Nghi (Viet Nam) Youyi Guan (China); rationally segregating the flow of goods at border gates, ensuring the smooth operations of key border gates. The two sides concur that they will promote the role of the Viet Nam-China task force for trade facilitation, further exploit the potential of bilateral trade; promote the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and Chinese Ministry of Commerce on strengthening the Viet Nam-China supply chain, ensuring the safety and stability of the two countries production and supply chains. The two sides agree to promote the role of their joint working group for e-commerce and the engagement of Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises in e-commerce cooperation. The two sides agree to effectively leverage the role of the mechanisms of the land border joint committee and the joint committee for Viet Nam-China border gate management, continue to well implement the three legal documents on the Viet Nam-China land border and related agreements; enhance the management of security and order in the border area; actively promote the opening and upgrading of border gates. Continuing to effectively implement the agreement on vessel navigation in the free navigation area at the mouth of Bac Luan River. Studying cooperation in granting mutual Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificates, stepping up cooperation and exchanges regarding the single-window mechanism, further deepening collaboration on anti-smuggling law enforcement, boosting the Operation Mekong Dragon to achieve even more significant results. The Chinese side supports the opening of a Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing, the active roles of Vietnamese trade promotion offices in Chongqing and Hangzhou (China) in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries; is willing to further create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese side to soon open more trade promotion offices in relevant Chinese localities. The two sides support authorities of Vietnamese and Chinese localities, particularly inland ones with relatively large economic and population scales, in establishing coordination mechanisms, holding trade-investment promotion activities together to capitalise on their potential, strengths, creating new growth drivers for economic, commercial, and trade cooperation between the two countries. Continuing to support cooperation between the two countries' railway companies to enhance the efficiency of the transit of Vietnamese goods through China. (4) Finance, currency The two sides agree to increase the exchange and cooperation between the State Bank of Viet Nam and the Bank of China as well as between the two countries financial supervisory and management agencies. Leveraging the role of the joint working group for finance-currency cooperation to step up monetary cooperation between the two countries. Supporting the deepening of the two sides' collaboration in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the provision of assistance in terms of capital for related projects in line with the banks strategy, policy, and procedure. (5) Food security and green development The two sides agree to actively promote their cooperation in agricultural techniques and agricultural policy exchange, study the implementation of joint works in such fields as low-carbon agriculture, digital agriculture, green agriculture, land and water resources protection, the promotion of green products with low-carbon emissions, and sustainable development; increase discussions and coordination on policies on ensuring food security. The sides concur that they will actively participate in and build the global clean energy cooperation partnership. Deepening cooperation in such fields as biodiversity conservation, climate change response, new energy automobiles, which cover the management of Asian natural reserves, the protection of migratory wildlife, and the control of invasive alien species along the border region. The Chinese side welcomes Viet Nams participation in related activities of the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition. The two sides agree to enhance cooperation in the fields of cultivation and agricultural product processing; deploy the research cooperation for integrated management of the marine and insular environment, implement cooperation in releasing fish fries into and protecting aquatic resources in the Gulf of Tonkin. The two sides will soon sign an agreement on fishery cooperation in the Gulf of Tonkin; and well implement the Viet Nam-China agreement on setting up a hotline on unexpected incidents in fishery activities at sea. The two sides agree to exchange meteorological data in the flooding season, and implement cooperation in such fields as integrated management of water resources, prevention of natural disasters of flooding and drought, safe drinking water in rural areas, economical irrigation, and irrigation science and techniques. The two sides will hold high-level policy dialogues on the sustainable use of cross-border water resources; and enhance coordination in preventing and controlling drought and flooding and in ensuring safety for hydropower dams. The two sides increase the exchange of forecast information about meteorology, weather and dangerous weather conditions and cooperate to develop meteorological services in the Asian region. 4.4. More solid social foundation To enhance mutual understanding and friendship, promote exchanges, mutual understanding and connections between the two nations' people, and consolidate the social foundation of the relations between the two Parties and the two countries, the two sides will enhance exchange mechanisms between the information and education/popularisation agencies of the two Parties, between key communication bodies and publishing houses, between cultural and tourism agencies, youths and localities; and study the building of cooperation mechanisms between education, health care, traditional medicine, and civil aviation agencies, with the following key cooperation areas to be promoted: (1) Popularisation The information and education/popularisation agencies of the two Parties will step up communications and education about the traditional friendship between the two Parties and the two countries and the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Encouraging the two countries to implement cooperation in communications, press publication, radio broadcasting, cinematography, and television broadcasting, and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries' people, especially younger generations. (2) Culture and tourism The Vietnamese side supports China to build a Cultural Centre in Viet Nam; the Chinese side welcomes Viet Nams establishment of a Cultural Centre in China and properly operating the Viet Nam-China Friendship Palace. The Vietnamese side actively supports the Chinese Cultural Centre in Ha Noi to carry out activities. The two sides support cultural organisations, art troupes, and cultural - art training schools of the two countries to carry out exchanges and cooperation. The two sides increase coordination and exchanges of information about tourism policies between the two countries, and coordinate to operate tourism routes and develop tourism products. The two sides well implement the Viet Nam-China Plan on Cultural and Tourism Cooperation for the 2023-2027 period, increase the exchanges of all-level cultural and tourism delegations, and promote the recovery and healthy development of the tourism sector. The two sides safely and effectively conduct the pilot operation of the landscape site of Ban Gioc (Viet Nam) - Detian (China) Waterfalls to create the basis for the official operation, and encourage tourists from both sides to visit the landscape site. The two sides support air transport businesses of the two nations to increase flights between Viet Nam and China basing on the market demand. (3) Education, sports, human resources and science and technology The two sides agree to well implement the Viet Nam-China agreement on educational cooperation; encourage the increase of exchanging students, education managers, and lecturers of the two countries; step up training in specialised knowledge and skills for Vietnamese teachers through scholarship programmes for courses in China; boost exchanges and cooperation between educational institutions of the two countries; actively bring into play the role of the Confucius Institute at the Ha Noi University; and deepen cooperation in vocational training, digital education, and sports. The two sides agree to increase exchanges between universities and research institutions of the two countries. The two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the field of labour on the basis of effectively implementing the agreements on cross-border labour management of the two countries border provinces/regions, thus ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of labourers in border areas of the two countries. The two sides agree to promoting the exchange and cooperation programmes on human resources and skill development, social security and social insurance to meet socio-economic development demand of both countries. The two sides agree to continue well bringing into play the role of the Viet Nam-China Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation; actively enhance cooperation and connections in the fields of the regulations on legal management of nuclear safety, intellectual property, and quality measurement standards; and boost the exchange of delegations at all levels to deepen cooperation in the abovementioned areas. (4) Health care and natural disaster prevention and control The two sides agree to continue implementing cooperation and exchanges in the fields of medicine and health, including health protection and care, prevention and control of infectious diseases, traditional medicine, and natural disaster prevention and control. The two sides agree to support localities of the two countries to implement cooperation in sharing information and jointly preventing and controlling cross-border disease outbreaks. (5) Locality-to-locality, people-to-people and youth-to-youth exchanges Both sides agree to support the countries localities, especially border provinces/areas, to implement exchange and cooperation activities; improve the effectiveness of periodic exchange mechanisms between Vietnamese and Chinese organisations, such as trade unions, and those of women and youths; well organise activities like Viet Nam-China youth friendship meeting, Viet Nam-China peoples forum, border peoples festival; increase exchanges between young leaders, entrepreneurs and volunteers of the two countries. 4.5. Further coordination To protect international fairness, justice and common interests, promote peace, stability and prosperous development in the region, create an external environment beneficial to the development of each country and the Viet Nam-China relations, the two sides concur to persistently uphold multilateralism, strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, and jointly protect the international system with the United Nations as its core and an international law-based international order. (1) Both sides agree to intensify the consultation mechanism on human rights and policies between the two foreign ministries and non-periodic exchanges between resident representative agencies, as well as delegations/ representative offices located in third country or international organisations. (2) The Vietnamese side welcomes a viewpoint on building a community with a shared future for mankind put forth by the Chinese side to promote common values on peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom; supports and is willing to participate in specific cooperation projects within the framework of the global development initiative in line with Viet Nams capacity, conditions and demand; jointly implements the Sustainable Development Programme to 2030; discusses and coordinates policies, supports each other and carries out substantive cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. (3) The two sides affirm to abide by the United Nations Charter and international law, respect each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, efforts for peace, stability, cooperation and development. The Vietnamese side welcomes and supports the Global Security Initiative. The two sides will study the appropriate implementation of suitable cooperation within the initiative, and continue maintaining exchange and close coordination on regional and global security issues. (4) The two sides hold that countries whose fates are closely related to each other and with different civilisations live together in tolerance, exchange to learn from each other. The Vietnamese side supports the Global Security Initiative, for peace, development, fairness, justice and progress of humankind, and is ready to study the implementation of cooperation within the initiative. (5) Both sides advocate that countries carry out exchange and cooperation in the human rights issue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, promote the strengthening of international dialogue and cooperation in the human rights field, not to politicise the human rights issue and not to use the human rights issue to interfere in other countrys internal affairs. (6) The two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in international and regional organisations and mechanisms, such as United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and support each other to run for seats at international organisations. (7) Both sides support ASEAN to maintain its centrality in the unceasingly evolving and changing architecture of the Asia-Pacific region. China supports ASEAN to build the ASEAN Community of solidary, unity, self-resilience and development; accelerates the construction of the version 3.0 ASEAN-China free trade area, deepen the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. (8) The two sides concur to boost Mekong-Lancang cooperation, strive to promote the building of a community with a shared future for peace and prosperity among Mekong-Lancang nations; foster cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion economic cooperation framework. (9) Both sides agree and do their best to protect basic principles and core values of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), promote necessary reforms in WTO, especially the resumption of normal operations of the two-level, binding dispute settlement mechanism. Enhancing cooperation within the WTO framework, the two sides jointly protect legitimate rights and interests of developing members, promote WTO to play more effective role. (10) The Vietnamese side supports China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on the basis of conforming with standards and order of the agreement. The two sides are willing to well implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and boost regional economic connectivity. 4.6. Better management and settlement of differences The two sides engage in sincere and straightforward in-depth discussions on sea-related issues, and stress the need to better manage and actively address differences at sea, and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) and the region. (1) The two sides agree to continue to adhere to important common perceptions between senior leaders of the two Parties and two states, persistently pursue friendly negotiations, strengthen the negotiation mechanism at the governmental level on Viet Nam-China border and affiliated working groups; actively seek basic and long-term solutions acceptable by both sides, in accordance with the Viet Nam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). (2) The two sides reach consensus on actively speeding up discussions on cooperation for joint development at sea, and on maritime boundary delimitation outside the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin; towards reaching substantive progress in these two works. The two sides will continue to actively cooperate in less sensitive fields at sea. Intensifying collaboration in fishery law enforcement, and in aquaculture and protection of creature resources in the East Sea. Intensifying cooperation in search and rescue missions at sea. (3) The two sides agree to continue to comprehensively and effectively implement the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) on the basis of consultations and consensus, work to early reach a substantive and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982. Implementing the mechanisms of senior official meetings (SOM) and the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group meetings on the implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); well controlling differences at sea, avoiding acts that complicate the situation and expand disputes, and jointly maintaining stability at sea. (4) The two sides agree to jointly mark 25 years of land boundary delimitation and 15 years of the signing of three legal documents on Viet Nam-China land border in 2024. 5. The two sides agree that the state visit to Viet Nam by Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is a success, and an important milestone in the history of the relations of the two Parties and two countries, thus contributing importantly to promoting the Viet Nam-China traditional friendship, elevating the Viet Nam-China relations in the new period, and promoting peace, stability and development in the region and the world. The top leaders of the two Parties and states agree to direct relevant agencies, ministries, sectors and localities of Viet Nam and China to build and complete appropriate exchange mechanisms, clearly define units responsible for implementation as well as directions of implementation on the basis of task assignment and reality, build detailed implementation plans and promptly report cooperation progress to the Viet Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation. The steering committee for bilateral cooperation is in charge of assessing, supervising, urging and coordinating works for the following periods, and reporting to each sides high-ranking leaders on the cooperation situation and progress. Based on their needs, the two sides discuss, connect, and review the implementation and settlement of arising issues through friendly consultations. Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping sincerely thanks Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State and the Vietnamese people for their grand, warm and friendly welcome; and respectfully invites Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong to soon visit China again. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong express their thanks and accepts the invitation with pleasure. Ha Noi, December 13, 2023. VNS HA NOI State President Vo Van Thuong on Wednesday hoped Viet Nam and China will intensify substantive cooperation in all fields including trade, investment, transport connections, agriculture, environment, science, technology and health during his bilateral talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping. President Thuong affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always remember the great support of the Party, State and people of China for Viet Nam in the cause of national liberation and development. He noted that developing relations with China is always a strategic choice and top priority in Viet Nam's foreign policy. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping highly appreciated Viet Nam's attachment of importance to the bilateral relations, affirming that China always regards Viet Nam as a country with a special position and gives priority to the relations with Viet Nam in Chinas neighbouring foreign policy. President Thuong proposed the two sides strengthen people-to-people exchanges, organise cultural exchange activities and promote communication on the two countries friendship. Appreciating the proposal made by Thuong, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping hoped that the two sides will continue to strengthen their political foundation and deepen practical cooperation, as well as promote economic recovery and development. He proposed promoting strategic connections between the two economies, effectively deploying the plan to connect the "Belt and Road" initiative and Two corridors, one belt" framework. He also proposed building a stable regional supply chain and production chain, strengthening cooperation among State-owned enterprises, and expanding payments in local currency in bilateral trade. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping affirmed that China is ready to expand imports of goods, especially high-quality agricultural products from Viet Nam, while encouraging Chinese enterprises to increase high-quality, typical investments. Regarding maritime issues, President Thuong requested the two sides persevere with peaceful measures in accordance with international law and high-level common awareness, put themselves in each other's shoes, and control and adequately resolve disputes. He proposed the two sides continue to coordinate closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), promoting the development of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, contributing to regional and global peace, cooperation and development. During the meeting with the Chinese leader the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the common understandings reached between the two General Secretaries, especially the building of the Viet Nam - China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, are an important historic milestone and orientation to elevate the relations between the two Parties and two countries into a new historical period of more stable, healthy and sustainable development. PM Chinh proposed China continue to expand imports of Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products and other items, and deploy smart border gates. He also proposed China further promote investment in Viet Nam, especially in large and typical projects in areas where China has strengths like high technology and green transformation. He hoped the two sides would study to establish a working group on promoting tourism recovery. He also suggested that the two sides control disagreements and properly handle maritime issues in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. Meeting with the Chinese leader on Wednesday, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue proposed the Vietnamese NA and the National People's Congress of China maintain and further strengthen exchanges and contacts at high levels as well as other levels and among specialised committees, and Friendship Parliamentary Groups. He proposed the two legislative bodies promote their important roles in building an open and favourable legal and policy corridor and boost balanced and sustainable development of the economic and trade cooperation, especially in importing more agricultural and aquatic products from Viet Nam. The Vietnamese NA leader also proposed the two sides strengthen coordination at international and regional inter-parliamentary forums, and support each other in hosting international forums and conferences. General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping expressed agreement with the proposals made by NA Chairman Hue. He also expressed his willingness that the two sides promote practical cooperation, and enhance infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Xi showed his support for the People's Republic of China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Vietnamese NA and welcomed Chairman Hue to visit China in 2024 to further intensify legislative cooperation. VNS Viet Nam, China issue joint statement on building community with shared futureHA NOI Viet Nam and China yesterday issued a joint statement on continuing to deepen and elevate the comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.According to the statement, Viet Nam supports the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. Those initiatives share the goal of protecting the common interests of all mankind, for the sake of peace, justice and progress of people worldwide and to meet the desire of building a better world of the two countries people.At the meetings between General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Vietnamese leaders during his two-day State visit to Viet Nam, the two sides exchanged sincere and frank opinions on maritime issues, emphasising the need to better control and actively resolve disagreements at sea, maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea and the region.According to the joint statement, they agreed to continue to adhere to the important common understanding between senior leaders of the two Parties and countries, persevere through friendly consultations, and strengthen the government-level negotiation mechanism on territorial borders and affiliated working groups.The two sides agreed to promote the coordination role of the Viet Nam - China Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee with higher political trust, and more practical national defence and security cooperation, together building "Two Corridors, One Belt and "Belt and Road".They pledged to actively seek basic, long-term solutions acceptable to both sides, in accordance with the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues" between the two countries and international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.The two sides agreed to promote discussions on cooperation for mutual development at sea and discuss the delimitation of waters outside the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin, promoting the above two matters to soon achieve substantive progress.The two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in less sensitive areas at sea, fisheries law enforcement, aquaculture and protection of biological resources in the East Sea.They also vowed to continue to comprehensively and effectively implement the "Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea" (DOC), on the basis of consultation and consensus, to soon achieve the effective and substantive "Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea" (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.The two sides agreed that in 2024, they will jointly celebrate the 25th anniversary of land border delimitation and the 15th anniversary of the signing of three legal documents on the Viet Nam - China land border. VNS HA NOI A ceremony was held by the Embassy of Canada to Viet Nam on Wednesday to mark the commencement of the construction of the new Canadian chancery in Ha Noi, with the attendance of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc and Canadian counterpart David Morrison, who is in Ha Noi for the bilateral political consultation. Located on the 22th floor of the Capital Place building on Lieu Giai Street in the bustling commercial centre of Ha Noi, the chancery is set to be operational towards the end of 2024. The new modern, environmentally sustainable, accessible and inclusive space will serve as a tangible expression of Canada's growing relations with Viet Nam under the Indo-Pacific Strategy, according to Canadian deputy foreign minister David. Viet Nam has been Canada's number one trading partner in ASEAN since 2015. With the implementation of CPTPP, there's been significant growth in bilateral trade. Canada has also been a trusted development partner in Viet Nam, and one of the few partners whose international assistance budget for Viet Nam is growing - since 1990, and Canada has contributed more than $1.8 billion in official development assistance to support stable poverty reduction efforts, the Canadian diplomat remarked. This marks a significant milestone and takes place in the year of the 50th anniversary of relations between Canada and Viet Nam, he noted, adding that "We are proud to celebrate this occasion by looking into the future knowing that Canada's footprint is expanding and a diplomatic team is growing." Vietnamese deputy foreign minister Ngoc recalled the establishment of the Canadian embassy in Ha Noi, saying that Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cam cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Canadian Embassy headquarters on Hung Vuong Street in November 1994 during the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Viet Nam. "It not only laid the groundwork for fostering bilateral relations at that time but also established a solid foundation for the two countries to achieve a high level of comprehensive partnership in the decades that followed," Ngoc stressed. Ngoc highlighted bright spots in the cooperation between the two countries in multiple areas, from defense and security, trade, politics, education and training, to local cooperation, people-to-people diplomacy, environmental protection, ocean protection, and climate change response. He described the relationship between the two countries as having attained fruitful achievements over the years and expressed confidence that the future cooperation between the two sides would continue to develop. "As the bilateral relations between Viet Nam and Canada are developing positively and significantly, it is natural that the workload of the embassy staff have to handle has increased. And in that context, the current chancery on Hung Vuong Street, the witness to the history of relations between Viet Nam and Canada, home to generations of Canadian diplomat, no longer accommodate the ever growing staff of the embassy," Ngoc said. "I'm confident that the new chancery in Ha Noi we will not only meet the need for work space for the embassy staff, but it will also be a venue of value for those who are interested to come to learn about the country of Canada with a rich cultural identities and fantastic landscape, as well as to fully understand the relationship that is growing day by day between the two countries," he stated. Speaking to the press, Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam Shawn Steil said in terms of Canada's Indo Pacific strategy (released late 2022), "Viet Nam is one of the few countries where all of the objectives of our strategy come into play, whether it's security, development, trade, environment, and climate change, or simply advancing our political engagement, Viet Nam is a focus of all five of those strategies." "We see Viet Nam as being a crucial player in peace, security development, and trade in the entire Indo Pacific region," he added. Since 2020, Viet Nam and Canada have since 2020 started to develop a much more comprehensive relationship, including support for Viet Nam's Women, Peace, and Security agenda, a MoU on peacekeeping where Canada will be boosting support for Viet Nam to play an important role in international peacekeeping, as well as capacity building for the military. "Canada and Viet Nam both recognise that defence of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is very important for maintaining peaceful maritime environments," the Canadian diplomat noted, saying that the two sides are launching next year a maritime security dialogue between the two Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ambassador also highlighted environment as a crucial part of maritime security, and so Canada is deploying development assistance projects to facilitate smart coastal community communities in Viet Nam to adapt to climate change. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping in Ha Noi, as part of the latters state visit to Viet Nam. PM Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that the visit by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse demonstrated the importance the Chinese Party and State have attached to Viet Nam and the bilateral relations. Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping congratulated the Vietnamese people on significant achievements they have recorded under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the drastic direction and management of the Vietnamese government, and praised specific and practical contributions by PM Chinh to cooperation between the two countries in spheres. The Chinese leader expressed his belief that under the leadership of the CPV, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Viet Nam will successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th Party National Congress, thus turning Vietnam into a developed, high-income country by 2045. PM Chinh also noted that Viet Nam considers developing its relations with China an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy, and emphasised that important common perceptions reached by the two Party General Secretaries during this visit, especially those on the new positioning of the relations between the two Parties and two countries, and building a Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, serve as historical hallmarks and important orientations to bring the relations between the two Parties and two countries into a new period of more stable, healthy and sustainable development. He affirmed that the Vietnamese government will work closely together with the Chinese government to strengthen coordination and direct relevant agencies and localities to concretise those achievements and high-level common perceptions, helping to beef up the relations between the two Parties and two countries in a stable, sustainable and durable manner. Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping stressed that the Chinese Party and government attach importance to the friendly neighbourliness with Viet Nam, saying Viet Nam is a priority in China's neighbourhood diplomacy. He pledged to direct the Chinese government to closely coordinate with its Vietnamese counterpart to soon put in place the common perceptions, thus enabling people of the two countries to better benefit from the fruitful relations between the two Parties and two nations. Reviewing the practical cooperation between Viet Nam and China in recent times, PM Chinh said the two sides should strengthen strategic exchanges at all levels, promote the important role of the defence-security cooperation pillar, and improve the efficiency of practical cooperation in all fields. He proposed China continue to expand the import of Vietnamese goods, including agricultural and aquatic products, and deploy smart border gates; increase investments in Viet Nam, particularly in high-tech and green transition; step up strategic infrastructure connectivity as well as transport and border gate connectivity; soon establish a working group to completely remove obstacles to pending projects; and accelerate the implementation of non-refundable aid projects. The PM also suggested China expand financial and monetary cooperation, consider establishing a working group to push ahead with tourism recovery, enhance locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen coordination at multilateral forums. According to the PM, the two sides should well control disagreements and properly handle issues at sea in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping concurred with PM Chinh's proposals and affirmed that Viet Nam and China are important partners of each other. He urged the two sides to accelerate strategic connectivity, effectively deploy the cooperation plan connecting the Two Corridors, One Belt framework and the Belt and Road initiative, and ramp up practical cooperation in all fields, bringing tangible benefits to their people. The two sides should work together to boost economic and trade recovery, he said, emphasising that China is ready to expand the import of high-quality goods and agricultural products from Viet Nam, and encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest in the Southeast Asian country. The Chinese leader suggested the two countries enhance infrastructure and supply and production chain connectivity, and raise cooperation quality in the fields of high technology and digital economy. He underscored the need to increase cooperation to maintain security and social order and stability, and expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges to improve understanding and closeness between the people of the two countries. The Chinese leader also suggested the two sides strengthen coordination at multilateral forums in order to build a fair and open international order, strictly implement high-level agreements and common perceptions, control and satisfactorily handle differences, and jointly maintain peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world. VNS HA NOI Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, and Prof. Peng Liyuan, spouse of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, on Wednesday engaged in an exchange programme with students of the Viet Nam National University Ha Noi (VNU). VNU President Le Quan briefed the two ladies on the operation of the university, as well as its cooperation programmes with Chinese partners. Students of the universitys Chinese language faculty expressed their sentiments toward and understanding about China and the friendship between the two countries. They hoped that through leaning the Chinese language and culture, they will serve as a bridge for the friendship, contributing to enhancing the bilateral relationship. During their visit to the VNU, Peng and Tam also enjoyed cultural performances by the students. Peng said she is impressed by Vietnamese students Chinese proficiency, and praised them for being diligent and intelligent and for their good understanding of China. She said learning Chinese helps Vietnamese students understand more about the land, people and culture of China, and Chinese students studying Vietnamese will also have the opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture. Emphasising that young people and talents play an important role in building the nation's future, Peng said she hopes that Vietnamese and Chinese students will increase exchanges and that the number of Vietnamese students studying in China will keep rising. Peng said she believes that exchange activities between the VNU and its Chinese partners are a good method, and she hopes that the Vietnamese university will maintain such activities. Peng and Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping started their two-day State visit to Viet Nam on Tuesday. VNS United Nations (CNN) The United Nations General Assembly has voted to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, in a rebuke to the United States which has repeatedly blocked ceasefire calls in the UNs Security Council. A majority of 153 nations voted for the ceasefire resolution in the General Assemblys emergency special session Tuesday, while 10 voted against and 23 abstained. Tuesdays brief resolution calls for a ceasefire, for all parties to comply with international law, and for humanitarian access to hostages as well as their immediate and unconditional release. It notably contains stronger language than an October vote in the assembly that had called for a sustained humanitarian truce. The vote, hailed as historic by Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour, comes as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third month, and as medics and aid groups sound alarm bells on the humanitarian situation in besieged Gaza. More than 18,000 people have been killed in the enclave since fighting broke out, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the enclave said Monday. Israel has said it will not stop its military campaign until it eradicates Palestinian group Hamas, which controls Gaza, following Hamas October 7 attack on Israel which killed 1,200 people and saw around 240 kidnapped, according to Israeli authorities. Over 100 hostages are thought to remain in captivity in Gaza. Ahead of Tuesdays vote, Israels UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan described the resolution as a disgraceful attempt to bind Israels hands, warning that continuing Israels operation in Gaza is the only way any hostages will be released. Israel has rejected previous calls for a ceasefire, though it agreed to a seven-day truce for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Israel along with the United States, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia and Nauru voted against Tuesdays resolution. While a General Assembly vote is politically significant and is seen as wielding moral weight, it is nonbinding, unlike a Security Council resolution. The United States last week vetoed a ceasefire resolution in the smaller Security Council, which had been approved by a majority of the powerful 15-member body. One singular priority We have one singular priority only one to save lives, said General Assembly President Dennis Francis, opening the emergency session on Tuesday afternoon, warning that civilians in Gaza have nowhere safe to shelter from the fighting and aerial bombardment. Even war has rules, and it is imperative that we prevent any deviation from these principles and values the validity of which resides in their universal application, he said. With vital infrastructure blasted to rubble and limited access to water, medicine and food, more Gaza civilians may end up dying of diseases than from bombs and missiles, UN officials have warned. Hunger is a growing issue in the enclave. Addressing the assembly, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that Washington does agree that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is direand that civilians must be protected with international humanitarian law, but urged nations to support an amendment to the resolution condemning Hamas, which did not pass. A ceasefire right now would be temporary at best, and dangerous at worst, she said. Dangerous to Israelis, who would be subject to relentless attacks, and also dangerous to Palestinians who deserve the chance to build a better future for themselves free from a group that hides behind innocent civilians. In a break with its southern neighbor, Canada cast its vote in support of the resolution, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issuing a joint statement with the leaders of Australia and New Zealand in support of urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. South Africas representative Mathu Joyini meanwhile invoked her countrys own painful past experience of a system of apartheid to impress on fellow states the need to take action in accordance with international law. Tuesdays vote, she said, presents an opportunity for us to illustrate that the organization that was created to give hope for peace is not tone-deaf to the suffering of the most vulnerable. This story was first published on CNN.com, "United Nations General Assembly votes to demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza" A NANG Enterprises from the EU are very interested in the investment environment of a Nang and wish to cooperate with the central city in the fields of education and training, green energy, and environmental protection, said Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Viet Nam Julien Guerrier on Wednesday. At a meeting with Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Ho Ky Minh, the EU official said that the EU is now a major partner of Viet Nam in various fields, ranking third in trade. In addition, it has signed many comprehensive cooperation agreements with Viet Nam in such fields as climate response, security, and defence. He emphasised that in the coming time, the EU wishes to support Viet Nam in realising the goal of building a peaceful country and an open economy with financial, social and environmental sustainability. With a Nang, EU businesses want to cooperate in education and training, scientific research, and innovation, he noted. Minh said that the city now focuses on developing five key areas including tourism and high-quality services associated with resort real estate; seaport and aviation associated with logistics services; high-tech industry associated with creative city building and startups; information technology, electronics, and telecommunications associated with the digital economy; and high-tech agriculture and fishery. He hoped that Ambassador Julien Guerrier will introduce and coordinate with concerned parties to bring business delegations to a Nang to learn about the investment environment and cooperation opportunities here. In 2023, a Nang's exports to the EU are estimated to reach US$290 million while its imports at $138 million. In the 2020-23 period, agencies and non-governmental organisations from EU member countries committed more than VN26 billion (US$1.07 million) to 37 programmes and projects in a Nang. VNS HAU GIANG The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on Tuesday held a ceremony to launch a project on developing one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice linked with green growth in the Mekong Delta region by 2030. The project aims to increase value, sustainably develop the countrys rice industry, increase incomes for rice farmers, protect the environment, and contribute to realising Viet Nams environment commitment. Under the project, greenhouse gas emissions from rice farming are expected to be reduced by more than 10 per cent and low-emission, high-quality rice will account for over 20 per cent of the total for export in the entire specialised rice farming region. Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan highlighted that throughout the implementation of the project, there will be experimental trials of new policies, including paying carbon credits based on performance, focusing on low-emission production tied to green growth, and developing an agricultural economy with a circular approach. At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in the UK in 2021, Viet Nam committed to cutting emissions to net zero by 2050, which poses challenges and difficulties for Viet Nams rice industry and requires it to change, Hoan said. Carolyn Turk, country director of the World Bank in Viet Nam, said that the implementation of the project in the Mekong Delta region, Viet Nams rice bowl, will boost the countrys rice production. She said she believes that the project will effectively support Vietnamese farmers and agriculture, adding the application of science and technology not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also increases productivity, reduces input costs and overall brings a 30 per cent increase in profits for farmers, thus helping Viet Nam achieve goals in protecting the environment and improving farmers' lives as well as food security. VNS Anh uc As the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic still lingers, three years after the first patient was identified, Viet Nam News' Anh uc talked with Sir Jonathan Stafford Nguyen Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England and consultant to vaccine maker Moderna, for insights into how humankind can prepare against the next unknown transmissive diseases. How do you feel about this trip, coming back to your roots in Viet Nam? Were you excited? This is my first time in Viet Nam, and I suppose it's a very emotional trip because when I was a small child in the UK growing up, my father, who is a teacher, talked about Viet Nam. He talked about his education, and how strict it was, and how the UK was nowhere as strict. And he talked about having to walk miles to get to school. So I built up this kind of picture in my head of what Viet Nam was like, or at least what it was like in the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. When I got the chance to come back (to Viet Nam) I still say, automatically, to come back, but I'm not really coming back. I knew Viet Nam would be different. And I knew from Ambassador Long (Nguyen Hoang Long, Viet Nam Ambassador to the UK), it would have progressed so much more than when my dad left it. It was very emotional to be here for the first time. To feel like I kind of knew the place at one level, and yet to realise, at another level, I didn't know that place. It was more like the world I already knew, from Britain. So quite a blend of feelings, but quite emotional because my dad died in 2015. So this is really was about, you know, a journey that I'm making almost on his behalf, as well. You say you have a picture of Viet Nam in the 1930s and 40s. When you came here, what was for you the most substantial difference between the Viet Nam in your picture and the Viet Nam that you have seen for yourself? Modernisation, very, very simply, at almost every level. And you can see that there's a massive amount of construction and development going on. When I landed here, I saw a country that is moving fast to develop. I think that we'll see the big difference. You are the first British person of Vietnamese descent to receive knighthood from the Royal Family. Can you tell us more about that? It was a truly incredible honour. It obviously came on the back of serving the government in the UK, during the pandemic. You know, when you get pulled into an emergency like that, as a public health doctor, you're focused on what you can do to solve the problem, not what the consequences might be for yourself. One of the nice consequences was to be very surprised to have been selected by Her Majesty the Queen (Queen Elizabeth II) at the time, to be awarded knighthood. It's just a very special accolade and it's a very special day to attend your ceremony. Let us move on to a subject that is perhaps more to your liking, which is about epidemiology and viruses. Professor Tam, in your opinion, how has epidemiology evolved over the years? What do you think are the key advancements that have shaped the field? I think the basic theoretical aspects of epidemiology are still quite simple. What's changed is that researchers in other areas of medicine have realised that they need epidemiological methods to do high-quality studies. But that's now changed; you know, orthopaedic surgeons, if they want to do big studies, need to understand epidemiological methods quite often. Epidemiology has kind of moved out into other bits of medicine. The other thing that has changed since I was a boy is the business of statistical analysis, that has really completely changed, and it's changed partly because of computerisation. Since the early 1990s, computerisation has changed everything. The kinds of research techniques available, particularly multiple multi-variable regression techniques, and the level of statistics I no longer understand, has really changed everything, I think. Continuing about the new technologies like AI and new computing power, what role do you think these technologies can play in the design of new vaccines to prepare against new diseases? That's a very good question. We already know, for example, that machine learning can teach computers to read fundus photography, that's the photographs of the back of the eye, better than humans. There are already systems around the world where humans no longer look at the images from the back of the eye, instead, the computer looks and detects subtle abnormalities. Because machine learning learned from looking at millions and millions of films. There are already areas like that, where AI has changed the world. We're just getting into this new world now, beyond machine learning of AI, where the machines are creative too. We're seeing it in the university sector, we first saw it, I think in terms of the idea that students could submit, they could ask ChatGPT, to write an essay for them. And we wouldn't know the difference. That was the kind of low hanging AI. What AI can also do, I think, in the future, is identifying new targets for drugs, and for vaccines, in a way that it would take humans much, much longer to do. I think AI is going to eventually maybe not now, maybe five years from now, maybe ten years from now but eventually AI is going to drive drug design and vaccine design in a way that is revolutionary. But I can't quite tell you how. Because we're not there yet. In light of the recent global pandemic, what lessons have we as humans learned about pandemic preparedness? How can the healthcare systems of countries such as the UK or Viet Nam learn and better themselves to prepare for this? We just faced a very severe pandemic. We would probably say it was the most severe pandemic since the influenza pandemic of 1918. This tells us that although we have societies that are much more modern than society was in 1918, we could still have a virus that causes enormous public health problems and enormous damage. It also tells us that pandemics keep on happening. And if you go back 100 years, there have been five respiratory pandemics: four of them have been due to influenza: 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009, and one of them has been a coronavirus in 2020. We've had five pandemics, respiratory pandemics, in 100 years. That's why I say to young scientists in my lectures, the chances of another pandemic in your working lifetime are almost 100 per cent. They're much higher than the chances of a pandemic in my lifetime, when I was your age: I've actually had two pandemics in my working life: 2009 and 2020. What I would say is that it's easy, in a kind of political sense, to say, "Wow, you know, this was a once in a lifetime experience," you know, they can forget about this. Now, for the next however many years, I don't think you can forget about these things, I think there's ever precedent threats. And you can't predict, if you could predict the next pandemic, if you could just predict the timing of it, you'd be very, very, very rich indeed because everybody would want your knowledge. But nobody can predict pandemics. The more you try to predict them, especially in public, the more often you're wrong. But I can say it's almost certain that there will be more. And we need to make sure that we learn from what happened this time. We need a whole cohort of health professionals, but also government professionals, who understand the need to keep pandemic planning alive, and to keep systems ready to respond. In your opinion, what are some of the most significant, immediate emerging threats to public health? How can we proactively address them? I'm going to surprise you here. But the thing I see, when comparing the UK, for example, to Viet Nam, is I see in the UK, we have a population that is ageing, there are already more old people than there are young people, there are already people living a very long time with chronic diseases. Now, in Viet Nam, the age population pyramid is different. There are many more young people. But it's going to be really important to think about what happens 30 years from now, what happens 40 years from now, in Viet Nam, when I predict that your population would change in its demography to become older, with more chronic illnesses. Your health system in the future will need to deal with other kinds of things we're trying to deal with now, in the UK. My encouragement is, don't take a two- or three-year view of things. Only take a 10-, 20-, or 30-year view, try to think almost beyond your own working lifetime. Think for the next generation. What's it going to look like, and what do we do now to try and make that better. That probably wasn't the answer you were expecting, you're probably expecting me to name a particular virus I'm worried about or something. I'm always worried about a flu pandemic, but actually with my kind of broader public health hat on, I'm worried about ageing populations, and they're changing healthcare demands. On top of that, we live in a world where we just have to accept that climate change started. Global warming is going to change the ecosystem and these rare pathogens that depend upon, for example, insect vectors, they're going to penetrate more and more areas of the world and become more and more problematic, rather than less problematic, if climate change continues, but I'm not a climate change expert. You are a leader in the field. Do you have any advice you would like to give us younger individuals who are aspiring to pursue a career in science and research? The first piece of advice is that if you're going to find something in science that you want to pursue, and become the very best at it, you've got to choose something that really, really interests you. Something that really burns you up at night, something that you have a passion for. Choosing the right subject that suits you, and suits your kind of aspirations, your motivation, is critically important. The first thing I always say to young scientists and your doctors is; don't be in a rush. You've got many, many years of work ahead of you, you have got time to experiment with and see different bits of science, see different bits of medicine, and decide which bit is the bit for you. For me it was respiratory viruses. I just found them absolutely fascinating. They felt like a moving target and because of that I felt it was something that could kind of keep me interested for years and years to come. I've been looking at researching respiratory viruses since 1991 and I've never found a reason to move away from that field. The second thing, and I don't apologise for saying this, is that you are only held back in life or limited by your own drive and your own ambition. It really is up to you how hard you want to pursue that career. But if you are going to make it in science and research in particular, you end up at some point having to be really dedicated. You end up at some point having to give very large amounts of your time, not just your professional time, but your personal time as well, to study and to learning. And you have to keep on learning. So I can kind of give a warning to without apology to young scientists, that you're going to have to work really hard and you're going to have to be very motivated. VNS HA NOI The National Innovation Centre (NIC) is developing a project on developing human resources for the semiconductor industry as part of the countrys efforts to provide 50,000 engineers for the industry, according to NIC Vice Director Vo Xuan Hoai. The centre is working with semiconductor chip giants in the world to explore their demands, thus giving forecasts about human resources demands in the future, especially for those who are operating in Viet Nam or keen on investing in Viet Nam, Hoai told the Lao ong (Labour) newspaper. Many training stages at universities have been designed, focusing on ensuring quality, he said, stressing that Viet Nam is facing a shortage of chief engineers for the semiconductor sector. Meanwhile, the centre has worked with a number of universities such as the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam National University-Hanoi and Vietnam National University-HCM City as well as other universities with engineering faculties to assess their training capacity, he said. The NIC Vice Director revealed that the centre is linking with reputable universities in the world, including Arizona University and Purdue University in the US to learn their experiences and send Vietnamese students to the facilities for training. During its working session with businesses, leaders of the centre proposed that they support Vietnamese students, engineers and labourers to practice. Currently, the NIC has cooperated with Synopsys and Cadence groups of Switzerland to provide chip design copyright to more than 20 universities of Viet Nam. Recently, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has asked for the formation of a semiconductor chip design training centre, in which shared platforms have been developed for universities, said Hoai. He said the country is also preparing other conditions for the growth of the semiconductor sector, with the National Assemblys approval of a resolution on the formation of an investment fund to support businesses in investing in the high technology area, including the semiconductor industry. This is an important foundation for the country to assist local firms when the country applies the global minimum tax from 2024. In terms of infrastructure, Hoai held that the country has advantages from the 2,000-km North-South Expressway, along with many seaports and international airports. Viet Nam has also made preparations in energy sources to welcome high-tech firms, especially those in the semiconductor industry. VNS BAC GIANG Safety Zone 2 (ATK2), Hiep Hoa District, Bac Giang Province, comprising 16 communes, was once the clandestine operational area of the Vietnamese Communist Party's leaders during the pre-revolutionary period (1940 - 1945). Upholding the revolutionary traditions of the people in ATK2, communes in Hiep Hoa today have seen significant achievements in socio-economic development and construction of new rural areas. The 16 communes of ATK2 in Hiep Hoa District include Mai inh, Huong Lam, Hoang Van, Hop Thinh, Hoang Luong, Hoang An, Quang Minh, Mai Trung, Xuan Cam, ai Thanh, Hoa Son, Hoang Thanh, Thai Son, ong Tan, Hung Son and Thanh Van. Before the August Revolution in 1945, ATK2 was an important area for the Central Committee, Provincial Party Committee and the Revolutionary Military Committee of North Vietnam to organise political and military training camps. It was also a place to hide and ensure the safety of high-ranking Party officials during that period. From 1938 to 1945, high-level party members including Truong Chinh, Hoang Quoc Viet, Ngo The Son, Truong Cong Lenh, Le Hoang, Ha Thi Que, Nguyen Trong Tinh, Nguyen Thi Thuan and Le Thanh Nghi came here to help build the revolutionary movement. They were protected and supported by the people of the communes in the region. The people united courageously to fight against invading enemies, contributing to the success of the General Uprising to seize government power nationwide. Today, in the process of economic and social development, the living standards of the people have been improving, with the poverty rate gradually decreasing. All 16 communes have completed the construction of new rural areas, with Hoa Son Commune achieving an advanced level of new rural areas, and Xuan Cam and Hoang Van communes expected to achieve this by the end of the year. In Xuan Cam, high-rise and elegant houses, village roads and alleys have been expanded with concrete surfaces wider than three metres, and many high-tech agricultural models have been established. The Party Secretary of Xuan Cam Commune, Ngo Huu Thuy, said agriculture remains the main economic sector in Xuan Cam, showing vibrancy and shifting towards commodity production. The commune has attracted many businesses to invest in agriculture such as the GOC Food Processing Export Company, which has leased 15 hectares of farmland in Cam Trung village for 15 years for high-tech agricultural production. The project is expected to create regular employment for over 100 workers, with incomes ranging from VN5 million to VN7 million (US$209-$292) per month. In addition to agricultural development, Xuan Cam is also promoting other economic sectors, including detailed planning for the Huong Lam-Xuan Cam Industrial Zone. The highlight of Xuan Cam's economic and social development is the willingness of local communities to donate land for road construction. To build a 1.8km dyke along the Cau River, passing through Cam Hoang village, 175 households in Cam Hoang voluntarily dismantled various structures such as gates, fences, auxiliary constructions and houses, covering an area of over 5,000sqm to expand the dyke width from 5-12 metres. Chairman of the People's Committee of Hiep Hoa District, Hoang Cong Bo, said that the local authorities at all levels in Hiep Hoa District have been working alongside local communities in the economic and social development of ATK2 communes. Transportation infrastructure has been systematically developed, connecting ATK2 communes with other localities within and outside the district. Inter-communal and inter-village transportation systems have been expanded and upgraded. Transportation projects have been the focus of infrastructure connecting with Pho Yen City, Thai Nguyen Province, from National Highway 37 to Hoa Son Bridge, passing through Thang Town and the communes of Luong Phong, Danh Thang, Hung Son, Thai Son and Hoa Son, with a total length of 10.5km. Another project connecting Soc Son District and Ha Noi to Hiep Hoa District through Xuan Cam Commune has also been underway. New schools were built with a total area of over 2 hectares, such as Hoa Son Primary School, Xuan Cam Secondary School and Thanh Van Kindergarten. ATK2 communes have planned industrial zones, clusters and urban service areas to promote industrial development, such as Thanh Van Industrial Cluster, Ha Thinh Industrial Cluster, Hop Thinh Industrial Cluster and Huong Lam-Xuan Cam Industrial Zone. Many areas specialised in high-tech raw material production have been established, such as Huong Luong Celery and Hoang Van Black Pepper. Preservation and enhancement of revolutionary historical sites in ATK2 communes have always been a priority for the local government. Over the past two years, Hiep Hoa District has invested VN65 billion to implement various projects, upgrading the special National Historical and Cultural Site ATK2. Once completed, the project will include infrastructure system construction of the historical and cultural heritage site of Y Son Temple and Pagoda in Hoa Son Commune; upgraded Xuan Bieu Communal House and expansion of the road to the communal house; renovated Traditional Exhibition House of ATK2, reception house, and the courtyard of Cho Van Communal House. Ngo Cong Chinh, party secretary of Xuan Bieu Commune, Xuan Cam District, said with the attention from various levels of government, the special National Historical and Cultural Site of Xuan Bieu Communal House has been renovated and upgraded, bringing joy and excitement to the villagers. It has become an important site for revolutionary education and communication, a source of pride for the people of Xuan Bieu in particular and Xuan Cam in general. To promote the value of ATK 2 historical sites, Hiep Hoa is linked to the development of tourism routes. Recently, the district issued a plan for the development of tours in the 2023-30 period. In this plan, the district is developing domestic routes associated with special ATK2 National Historical and Cultural Sites, such as Cho Van Communal House - Traditional ATK2 Exhibition House; Van Xuyen Communal House - Soi Temple, the site of Ngo Van Thau's Memorial House in honour of a famous local patriot. VNS The CEO of Nvidia, a trillion-dollar company, Jensen Huang, declared that Vietnam is prepared for the growth of AI and promised to work with the country. Read more: NVIDIA Sets Conference Call for Fourth-Quarter Financial Gen Z uses social networks, and AI makes its travel schedule At the seminar on developing the semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment on the morning of December 11 in Hoa Lac, Mr Jensen Huang assessed that AI is becoming a new wave and an important condition for the development of every country. He commented that Vietnam is ready for new technology and will invest in improving human capacity and infrastructure for Vietnam. "We promised the prime Minister that we would establish Nvidia's second home in Vietnam. In Vietnam, we will set up a legal entity," Mr. Huang declared. Nvidia CEO signs on a board at the newly established Semiconductor Circuit Center. Photo: Luu Quy According to Nvidia CEO, countries need three components to take advantage of the AI wave and "Vietnam has enough". The first is data assets about language and culture after decades of digitization, and people are ready to use mobile platforms. The second is the human resources, and the third is the infrastructure. "Artificial intelligence is software, and people create software. To have a strong force of software experts like Vietnam is not easy," he said. However, after having all the ingredients, Vietnam must have a strong vision and commitment to developing new technology. A spokesperson from Nvidia stated that Vietnam may train to increase capacity to support AI research using the current engineering staff, and Nvidia will take part in this process. Mr. Huang promised to open a design centre in Vietnam. He said that Vietnam could produce "a million "AI engineers" and is the most potent team of AI engineers in the world, pointing out that the country is home to numerous computer scientists who work worldwide and is one of the biggest software exporters. Nvidia will also cooperate with domestic partners to develop AI infrastructure, including supercomputers, data centres, and research and development centres. "This trip will open up future trips. I will return to Vietnam and Nvidia's second homeland," he said. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung at the meeting with Nvidia. Photo: Luu Quy At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment, proposed that Nvidia research and implement investment projects on semiconductors and artificial intelligence in Vietnam. "The Vietnamese government is committed to creating favourable conditions for Nvidia to operate here," he said. The Minister also asked Nvidia to consider building an R&D facility and semiconductor chip design laboratory in Vietnam's high-tech park and, at the same time, advise and support training facilities with resources and develop training and practice programs in the field of semiconductors and artificial intelligence; create conditions for Vietnamese engineers and students to participate in internships and work at Nvidia. Mr. Jensen Huang took a photo at the NIC National Innovation Center (Hoa Lac). Photo: Luu Quy Regarding the previous "food tour", Mr Huang said: "This is my first time coming to Vietnam, and I discovered many interesting things. I ate at the market, and people recognized me. I am also a celebrity in Vietnam. I feel very welcomed, like coming home. Thank you very much." On December 9, after arriving in Hanoi, the 60-year-old billionaire dressed comfortably in a T-shirt and black jeans and enjoyed Vietnamese street food with his staff. He chose a sidewalk restaurant on Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, sat on a plastic chair, had snails and rolls on the table, and drank beer. He also stopped by another restaurant on Hang Non Street, ate beef pho, and drank coconut water. The desire for his company's graphics chip models made Jensen Huang, co-founder of Nvidia, a "star" in the semiconductor sector. He was raised in Taiwan and Thailand after being born in Taipei in 1963. With a seed investment of USD 40,000, he and two pals, Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem, created Nvidia in 1993. Also read: Nikkei: Vietnam could welcome the fourth FDI boom Analysts said the company had launched the H100, the most potent GPU graphics processor available then, at the incorrect moment in 2022 since companies were looking to cut costs and lay off employees. But by the end of the year, ChatGPT unexpectedly became popular worldwide, increasing demand for Nvidia's AI chips. Nvidia's capitalization value increased from 400 billion in January to 1,000 billion USD at the end of May. International media continuously praise the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc in the list of the world's best destinations for 2024. Travel Lemming - a famous online travel guide site, announced the world's 50 best destinations in 2024. Phu Quoc ranked 6th, the only representative of Vietnam on the list. The destination must pass many strict selection criteria by a team of tourism experts worldwide to be in Travel Lemming's annual top 50 world tourist destinations. The list for 2024 is aimed at new destinations suitable for long trips and slow and sustainable travel after an "exploding" year in 2023, the "revenge" travel trend. According to the Travel Lemming site, Vietnam's Pearl Island "beckons" international tourists with its visa-free policy and resorts on the world's most beautiful beaches. In addition to the "specialty" of fine white sand, Phu Quoc entertains visitors with red sunsets, turning the sky into a colorful kaleidoscope. The experiences suggested by the travel website when coming to Phu Quoc are taking the Hon Thom cable car, diving to see coral, and watching the sunset. Phu Quoc National Park, a beautiful bay in the south of the island with Kem Beach and Ong Doi Cape, is an attraction to be noticed. Also read: What do you see from the international press being impressed with Vietnam's cable car? Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com "Vietnam's largest island is a hidden gem for tourists passionate about nature and luxury resorts. Phu Quoc has the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, a famous pearl farming industry and breathtaking sunsets best in the world", Travel Lemming describes. The article's author also divides the experience in Phu Quoc into 2 parts: exploring nature and relaxing at the world's most luxurious resorts. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort is suggested, with a unique theme - the campus of a fictional French university in the 19th century. Another advantage that helps Phu Quoc get on the list is that it is the only destination in Vietnam that applies a special visa policy with many advantages when foreigners entering the country are exempted from visas and the temporary stay period does not exceed 30 days. Not only Travel Lemming but after just a few days, Travel Off Path - a famous American travel website named Phu Quoc- is in the top 6 destinations worldwide for 2024. This website called Phu Quoc a "gem". of Southeast Asia", calling this the perfect place to enjoy what nature bestows on this region fully. With nearly 150 km of coastline with fine white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, Phu Quoc is a tropical paradise with a warm climate. In October this year, Travel Off Path also chose Phu Quoc as number 1 in the list of four Southeast Asian islands that are best for solo travel. Solo travelers are suggested to "kill" time by taking the cable car to Hon Thom Island to watch the sea, swim, kayaking... Visitors to Phu Quoc will also feel comfortable walking around at night because the island is very safe. Most recently, Phu Quoc surpassed many world-famous beaches to become the world's leading natural island destination awarded by the World Travel Awards. Being continuously named in the list of best destinations in 2024 by international media has shown that Phu Quoc is increasingly asserting its position on the world tourism map. Previously, the beauty of the beaches in Phu Quoc was also praised and honored by the international press, especially the beaches in the South Island region. Bai Kem was once praised as one of the 50 most beautiful beaches on the planet in 2018, voted by Flight Network travel company (Canada). In 2015, CN Traveler voted Bai Sao into the world's 10 most pristine and quiet beaches, next to famous destinations such as Fiji and Maldives... At the end of 2021, Le Figaro newspaper introduced Bai Sao. Sao is one of the 7 most valuable experiences when coming to Vietnam. Also read: 11 best destinations in Asia in 2024, which places in Vietnam appear? Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com Recently, on November 7, the "bible of the travel world," Lonely Planet, published an article suggesting the 10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam that tourists should experience, including Phu Quoc. According to Lonely Planet's description, Ngoc Island has quickly "transformed" from a sleepy island into an attractive destination not to be missed for foreign tourists and sun lovers. Some of Lonely Planet's suggested experiences for tourists are taking the 8km long cable car from Sunset Town to Hon Thom Island to see Phu Quoc beach from above or taking a tour to 3 pristine islands in the South. Bernardo Bautista, general director and country manager of DHL Express Vietnam delivers the opening speech at the DHL Express Hanoi Gateway grand opening ceremony What is the outlook for trade and investment in Vietnam amid the global slowdown? We remain optimistic about Vietnam's trade growth. Despite the volatile international trade dynamics, the General Statistics Office data as of October reveals a resilient performance. Vietnam's total exports and imports reached $557.95 billion and a trade surplus of $24.61 billion, marking a significant 157 per cent on-year increase. This positive trajectory is in sync with Vietnam's proactive engagement in pivotal international trade agreements. Notably, in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with the US, the country is poised to further expand trade networks. In terms of investment, Vietnam still presents unique opportunities for prospective investors looking to expand into the country. It is strategically located and close to other major and developing markets in the region. There is also a young, educated and motivated workforce here, which is a huge attraction for many companies to invest in Vietnam. The country's foreign investment figures look promising in the first 11 months of 2023, the capital generated by foreign-led projects is estimated at $28.85 billion, an on-year increase of 14.8 per cent. The outlook for trade and investments remains optimistic, underscoring Vietnam's resilience and strategic positioning in the global economic landscape. What are the main reasons for DHL Express investing in the new facility in Vietnam? As trade is gradually normalising after the pandemic, logistics providers like DHL Express are playing an increasingly pivotal role in facilitating interconnectivity and trade flow. In line with Vietnam's promising prospects and rise as a manufacturing hub for the world, we are continuously investing in our aviation network and ground infrastructure in the country. As a vital cog in the supply chain of most companies in Vietnam, the expansion of DHL's Hanoi gateway will provide our customers with the most efficient, time-definite international deliveries, offering them the best possible access to international markets. How does the Hanoi Gateway empower Vietnam's trade flows as well as local businesses? DHL's newly relocated Hanoi Gateway is double the size of the old site. It has an impressive 4,500 square metres of utilisation space, and its peak handling capacity has increased more than four times. The express cargo facility is complemented by a well-established national service network, including another gateway in Ho Chi Minh City, 10 service centres, 17 service points, and 25 dedicated flights per week. Moreover, it is part of DHL's 50 gateways in Asia-Pacific, supported by the Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, North Asia Hub in Shanghai, South Asia Hub in Singapore, and the Bangkok Hub. This strategic investment is a testament to our strong support for customers' growth, bolstering interconnectivity between Vietnam and the rest of the world, and especially opening doors to many opportunities for local enterprises looking to tap into international markets. How does the new investment reflect DHL Express's sustainable development strategy? With sustainability at the core of DHL's business, the new carbon-neutral Hanoi Gateway aligns with our Group's net-zero emissions target by 2050. It features 275 solar panels on the roof, generating an estimated 120kWh per hour, reducing 70 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The facility also employs high-efficiency equipment, including IE3 motors for conveyors, 100 per cent LED lighting, electric forklifts, and green air-conditioning systems utilizing variable refrigerant volume technology. In addition, its building management system software monitors and automatically controls electrical consumption, further promoting energy efficiency. This, coupled with DHL's GoGreen Plus service, can help Vietnamese businesses reduce carbon emissions in logistics operations, thereby contributing to Vietnam's efforts to reach its net-zero goal by 2050. GoGreen Plus is a new service launched earlier this year which utilizes the carbon insetting method and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), enabling DHL's customers to reduce carbon emissions for time-definite international shipments. SAF is produced from a range of sustainable feedstocks, such as using cooking oil, maize, waste, hydrogen, or synthetic CO2, and is currently the sole viable option for long-haul flights. The whole process is verified annually by an independent third-party agency, Societe Generale de Surveillance. What is the importance of the Hanoi Gateway in realising DHL's sustainability roadmap? Our DHL Group announced our sustainability roadmap in 2021, where we indicated that we will be investing up to $7.6 billion in climate-neutral logistics until 2030. DHL Express has also announced several initiatives to build more eco-friendly operations. GoGreen Plus is made possible in part by three of the largest SAF contracts with BP, Neste and World Energy, under which approximately 1.4 billion litres of SAF are secured to enable the GoGreen Plus service. Equally, DHL Express has also collaborated with Eviation, who will deliver up to 12 electric cargo planes from 2027 onwards. In Vietnam, we have continuously invested in our ground infrastructure and vehicle fleet to be more energy efficient. Examples such as solar panels, EVs, LED lighting, and green air-conditioning systems enable us to continue delivering the highest service quality to our customers while lowering our carbon footprint. The inauguration of DHL Hanoi Gateway is an important step in our sustainability roadmap towards a cleaner and greener future. With an array of technologies aimed at maximising operational efficiencies and minimising greenhouse gas emissions, both DHL Express Vietnam and our customers are empowered to make practical contributions to environmentally sustainable business practices. DHL Express opens its largest service center in Hanoi DHL Express marks its 30th year in Vietnam with the opening of its largest service center in Sai Dong B Industrial Park in Hanoi, representing a VND143 billion ($6.22 million) investment. DHL Global Forwarding supports Decathlon's international supply chain DHL Global Forwarding, the leading international provider of air, sea, and road freight services, partners Decathlon, the French sporting goods giant, to provide comprehensive services for its international supply chain operations. What are your thoughts on the emergence of the rapidly rising brands in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam? Disruptive startups have transformed the Southeast Asian landscape, with Vietnam being a prime example. Despite some being less than a decade old, these newbies are emerging as a challenge to major players with $52 billion in revenue, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the total market share. These brands often come from diverse backgrounds, including local companies, small independents, or even part of multinational corporations. Their growth rate is staggering, growing five times quicker in revenue compared to their category growth rate. A combination of factors is contributing to this trend. The rise in single lifestyles and changing consumer habits post-pandemic have significantly impacted purchasing behaviours. Consumers are now more price-conscious, often opting for greater value in their purchases. This means they favour promotions or cheaper alternatives, which can be provided by insurgent disruptors. Together with consumers' behavioural changes, the surge in e-commerce and omnichannel platforms has also facilitated this tendency. In Vietnam, 55 per cent of consumers prefer online channels for product discovery, with social media being the top platform. The shift towards online shopping, where 80 per cent of Vietnamese consumers show a preference, is a significant boon for these disruptors. These platforms offer affordability through promotions, challenging brand loyalty, and paving the way for new brands. The brand-switching rate is rising in non-essential categories by a significant rate of approximately 50 per cent for vacations, fashion, and beauty. How should businesses adapt to compete with these insurgent disruptors? Businesses need to reframe their traditional approaches to increase their operational efficiency and drive better results. Personalisation is key. In Vietnam, consumers value customisation and personalisation throughout their purchasing journey. In a recent report from Meta, BAIN & Company, and DSG Consumer Partners, data shows us that personalised products can enhance recommendations by 74 per cent, willingness to pay more by 70 per cent, and fuel repurchase opportunities by an additional 64 per cent. Hence, companies targeting the Vietnamese market need to offer personalisation to foster brand loyalty and advocacy. Engaging consumers through trusted creators who share the real pros and cons of products and selling customised products tailored to consumer preferences can be game-changers. More efficiently, by leveraging AI-driven personalised recommendations along with one-to-one messaging, businesses can better cater to individual consumer needs. Staying the course in Southeast Asia is also vital. As the third most populous region globally, it offers substantial growth opportunities. Despite facing economic headwinds post-pandemic, consumer confidence in this area is rising again. The working population is anticipated to have grown by 24 million by 2030, signifying a massive market to tap into. Rising incomes and expanding 'high' and 'upper middle' classes will also fuel consumption. To keep up with the proliferation of social media and other e-commerce platforms, businesses should build an integrated channel strategy, taking full advantage of online platforms. Strategic digital planning will help them to reach a broader consumer base and maintain brand loyalty. What role does Meta play in balancing the growth of insurgent disruptors and traditional incumbent models? Meta is a crucial player in this evolving market, especially in this digitalisation era. We provide a suite of tools that help businesses of all sizes save costs, increase efficiency, and enhance results. For example, Meta Business Messaging, enhanced by AI and automation, provides a more secure and relevant experience to customers. This offers a more personalised interaction at scale and is a vital tool in digital marketing that improves business performance. Our data shows that the order value from customers is over 22 per cent higher due to communication between sellers and buyers through business messaging. Likewise, we also have Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns that optimise one's capacity to connect with individuals to purchase the advertised products. Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns applies machine learning to help businesses reach valuable customer segments with less setup time and greater efficiency. Compared to manual shopping ads, this tool requires minimal input, simplifies audience options, and streamlines purchasing processes. To thrive in this competitive landscape, businesses must embrace personalisation, leverage technology, and optimise online presence. With the right strategies and tools supported by Meta, businesses can navigate this changing landscape and tap into the immense potential. Vietnam leads Meta's Business Messaging in the region Vietnam is one of the key markets for Facebook parent-company Meta to roll out its Business Messaging. Ankur Prasad, global director for Business Messaging Product Marketing at Meta, shared his thoughts with VIR's Thanh Van about the potential of the product in Vietnam. The growth of business messaging: how its improving business performance in Vietnam People and businesses have been communicating for years, mainly through face-to-face communication. But technology has changed all of that, including where and how people and businesses communicate. As the world grows more mobile first, peoples expectations of businesses are also evolving. Managed by Pha Le Group, Neo Floor aspires to achieve substantial annual growth in revenue and profits by the end of 2024. This will be accomplished by allocating more than 90 per cent of output to export markets worldwide, with a particular emphasis on the US and the EU. The company holds the belief that the trade dispute between the US and China is unlikely to reach a resolution. However, Vietnamese goods do not incur anti-dumping duties ranging from 8 per cent to 30 per cent on the European market, in contrast to other Asian nations, most notably China. The utilisation of imported input materials in the production of exported products will substantially mitigate the exchange rate risk for the company. Additionally, the factory of Neo Floor in Haiphong city in the north receives preferential import tax treatment and zero VAT on raw materials imported for export purposes, which further alleviates the companys financial burden. Neo Floors six mineral mines also under Pha Le Group two granite mines in Ninh Thuan province, three white marble mines in Nghe An, and one stone quarry in Quang Binh further contribute to its substantial production volume of about 26 million square metres of rigid core vinyl flooring annually. The CaCO3 mine in Nghe An is widely regarded as a prime source of white and brilliant marble in the world. Spanning an expansive area of more than 10 hectares, its reserves are exceptionally abundant. CaCO3 stone powder, PVC plastic, and additives are introduced into the extruder under a specific combining formula to make plastic sheets. The wood grain layer is pressed and coated with UV paint using an additional machine system, after which it is cut to the specified dimensions. Five layers are produced in total: after passing the plastic tile panels through a securing press machine, they are transferred to a rubber base layer. The advantage of raw materials and transparency of the production process enable us to compete more effectively on the global market, said Neo Floor COO Le Quang. Neo Floor is investing in advanced exploitation methods and mastering processing technology with the raw materials at hand. Therefrom it can effectively manage product quality to satisfy the needs of domestic and international markets with an annual CaCO3 stone output of 300,000-500,000 tonnes. Nevertheless, intense competitive pressure compels Vietnamese rigid core vinyl flooring manufacturers to promptly adjust to market conditions, finalise the supply chain, and guarantee origin transparency. Neo Floor incorporates past experiences into its action plans, recalling a period when the company engaged in the exportation of raw materials extracted directly from quarries. Neo Floor made an investment in a production line for CaCO3 (Filler Masterbatch) additives in 2014. These additives serve as fillers in the manufacturing process of domestic and industrial plastic products. The primary objectives of the line are to increase product durability, thermal resistance, and cost savings. The company experienced a substantial surge in revenue following the completion and implementation of the Filler Masterbatch production line in the second quarter of 2016. The selling price of this product is 6-7 times that of stone powder products and 13-15 times that of standard CaCO3 stone. The percentage of the firms total revenue attributable to Filler Masterbatch sales is rising, from 80 per cent in 2016 to 85 per cent in 2017, and then to about 90 per cent in 2018. Nevertheless, due to its reliance on imported critical raw materials and its lack of source independence, Neo Floors profits are significantly impacted by global plastic resin price fluctuations and exchange rate risks. The Filler Masterbatch is composed primarily of primary plastic granules and CaCO3 stone powder, which together account for approximately 70-85 per cent of the volume. However, the cost of this raw material is dozens of times bigger than that of the stone powder, resulting in the virgin plastic resin price comprising 55-60 per cent of the cost structure. This factor is beyond the control of the firm and negatively impacted net profit in H2 of 2018. Neo Floor, whose capacity is approximately 26 million sq.m of floor per year and accounts for nearly half of domestic rigid core vinyl flooring production, seeks to add surplus value to the product by developing consumer goods through the application of technology. Costs and time are reduced through the utilisation of the companys available conditions for transporting products from the factory to the seaport. Additionally, the organisation maintains competitive pricing, on-time deliveries, and high-quality products through utilisation of an efficient logistics model and exceptionally qualified staff. Since 2018, 3 per cent of Neo Floors annual revenue has been allocated to research and development, in collaboration with eminent doctoral candidates from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, to investigate the applications of CaCO3 in depth. Substantial funding backs up SPC flooring opportunities Imports of stone-polymer composite (SPC) flooring into the US market has declined, creating an opportunity for non-Chinese manufacturers like Neo Floor. VIR s Van Nguyen discussed this with Neo Floor CEO Le Quang. Neo Floor takes rigid core vinyl flooring onto grand stage with major tie-ups Neo Floor, which has developed a business strategy suited to the new circumstances, has approached and negotiated with major local and foreign distributors to close orders in recent times. Talking with VIR, Le Tuan Anh, managing partner of DN Legal, said that foreigners right to buy and sell housing from fellow non-nationals is recognised in the new legislation, which was passed on November 27. Under the new law, eligible foreigners can acquire houses directly from other foreigners possessing properties in Vietnam, a right which was not previously expressly recognised under the current law, Anh said. Under the current law, ownership rights for non-Vietnamese individuals can be reflected in the respective certificates of land use rights, housing ownership, and other assets attached to land, such as land use or housing rights certificate for houses acquired via investing in real estate projects, direct purchases with real estate project developers, or gifts or inheritance. Non-nationals will have better direction when it comes to licensing requirements for land certificates, photo Le Toan Each developer can only allocate a specific number of its housing products in each project to foreign buyers. This limitation encompasses a maximum of 30 per cent for apartments and a maximum of 250 landed houses within a commune/ward boundary. Thus, if a foreigner wishes to acquire a home in a real estate project from a fellow foreigner or a local individual, the notary office which notarises the transfer agreement will often require pre-approval or confirmation from the developers acknowledging that such a transfer is within the quota limit, Anh said. A limited number of notary offices still proceed to notarise foreigner-to-foreigner transfer, though this is more of a practice note than legislatively allowed. These factors have led to complex procedures in the secondary market for housing products. Meanwhile, the new law also stipulates clearly that the government will provide detail guidelines of areas that fall within the criteria of national defence. With the new law and guiding decree, we hope to see clear demarcation from the state on sensitive defence areas, which will assist foreigners in determining licensing requirements for issuance of land use right certificates, Anh said. Other new points in the new law include expanding conditions for development and access to social housing. In particular, it offers notable points for additional supported subjects such as businesses and cooperatives in industrial parks. Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, said that the new law could be one of the best over the past 30 years, ensuring the synchronisation and unity of the legal system. The new law has flexible, attractive incentives, for example, using 20 per cent of a projects land for commercial housing development or service business, Chau said. The new law stipulates that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour is the agency in charge of investing in social housing construction. Vice president of the confederation, Ngo Duy Hieu, said one of the top concerns of workers was housing. Currently, the need for housing for workers is huge, while the states ability to meet it is still limited, and businesses are not often interested in social housing in general. Therefore, the confederation is suitable to be responsible for building housing for this group of people, Hieu said. The new Law on Housing is scheduled to take effect in January 2025, along with corresponding decrees and circulars being drafted, and will replace the law from 2014. Thailands condominiums draw foreign buyers While the number of Thai nationals buying domestic condominiums has slowed down, the demand from foreign buyers continues to surge, accounting for 24.6 per cent of the total property transfer value nationwide in the first half of this year, up from 20.5 per cent the previous year. Vietnams path to enhanced corporate governance As the Vietnam Institute of Directors prepares for its Corporate Management Forum and its Board of the Year awards, VIRs Dang Khoi spoke to CEO Phan Le Thanh Long about the current state and future prospects of corporate governance in Vietnam. USM was founded in 2012 by Vo Xuan Boi Lam, a prominent figure in medical device manufacturing in Vietnam. Lam identified a strong need for domestic capabilities that would help Vietnam reduce its dependence on imported high-tech cardiovascular devices. USM currently produces coronary stent systems, PTCA balloon catheters, and intravenous catheters used in interventional cardiology. Its product range also encompasses cardiovascular accessories, medical consumables, traumatology, and orthopaedic products. Much like the groundbreaking strides with cardiovascular products, Lam sees vast potential in establishing domestic production capabilities for orthopaedic products. This expansion direction underscores her commitment to bolstering self-sufficiency and innovation in Vietnams healthcare industry. This strategic move diversifies the company's portfolio and places it at the forefront of addressing the growing demand for orthopaedic solutions in Vietnam and beyond. USM has also successfully ventured into export markets, marking another milestone in its growth story. USMs broad portfolio aligns perfectly with SWEEFs overarching mission to support and promote innovative enterprises led by women. This collaboration strengthens the companys position and highlights the potential for making a transformative impact through gender equality and diversity. Lam said, "We warmly welcome SWEEFs investment, recognising it as more than a financial partnership. It is a strategic alliance, fortified by our common commitment to drive transformative change. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that affordable medical devices and orthopaedic products are accessible to those in need." Beneath the surface of this shared commitment lies a deeper purpose the promotion of womens economic empowerment. This goal is pursued through the creation of employment opportunities and the implementation of supportive workplace policies that contribute to a more innovative and resilient Vietnamese health sector, she added. Jennifer Buckley, managing director of Sweef Capital said, "SWEEFs investment in USM is a pivotal step advancing the cause of accessible and affordable healthcare in Vietnam. Its a commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates, particularly those attributed to cardiovascular disease." "At the heart of this transformative journey is a remarkable woman entrepreneur. Lam recognised the urgent need for domestic manufacturing capabilities to ensure that essential devices and orthopaedic products are readily accessible to the Vietnamese population. Shes a role model in how she focuses on addressing unmet community needs in a sector where women arent commonly found in leadership positions," Buckley continued. SWEEFs first investment was in the Vietnamese edtech company, TEKY, in May. GE HealthCare's 30-year journey to transform Vietnam's healthcare sector During its 30 years of operation in Vietnam, GE HealthCare has played an active role in closing the care gaps, thereby contributing to the sector's sustainable future. Medtronic at forefront of transforming Vietnams healthcare Vietnams healthcare industry has undergone drastic changes in recent years. More innovations in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and treatment approaches have been developed to transform patient care and outcomes. The Demo Day on December 1 was a forum to showcase five finalists from SDGs Innovation Incubator 2023 to present their social business ideas to investors, partners, customers, and support organisations. SDGs Innovation Incubator 2023 is a three-month incubation initiative organised by Youth Co:Lab Vietnam. It aims to empower young entrepreneurs across Vietnam who have developed innovative business ideas that align with the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The top 3 teams selected at Demo Day will go on to represent Vietnam at Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab 2024. This year, the offering received nearly 70 applications from impact startups and businesses from across the country. The top 3 teams selected at Demo Day will go on to represent Vietnam at Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab 2024. Ramachandran A.S., Citi Vietnams country officer said, Citi and the Citi Foundation are active contributors to initiatives that drive positive impact and change. Our commitment goes beyond financial support. It is rooted in our dedication to fully embracing the diversity of the communities we serve. Through partnerships and schemes such as the SDGs Innovation Incubator with Youth Co:Lab, we directly support these passionate entrepreneurs as they address issues that impact society and underserved communities, he continued. Youth Co:Lab is the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in Asia-Pacific, co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation. Since its inception, activities supported by Youth Co:Lab have involved over 255,000 participants across 28 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam among top 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024 Vietnam is projected to be one of the top 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024, witth anticipated GDP growth of 5.8 per cent in the year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Technology startups betting big on Vietnamese landscape Tech startups in Singapore are eyeing the burgeoning Vietnamese market to tap into local growth potential, showing Vietnams promising landscape and Singapores emerging as part of a new wave of deep-tech attraction. President and CEO of the US chip giant Jensen Huang (third, right) visits Vietnam's largest innovation space at the Vietnam National Innovation Centre in Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - Vietnam boasts huge potential to develop semiconductor and AI industries, and pledges to create favourable conditions for NVIDIA corporation, a leading chip producer in the US, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said on December 11. At a roundtable discussion on the semiconductor industry and AI development trends and opportunities for Vietnam, Dung suggested NVIDIA enhance research and development (R&D) activities, carry out semiconductor and AI projects in Vietnam, and build R&D centres and labs at the National Innovation Centre (NIC), and high-tech parks. Dung expressed his hope that NVIDIA will facilitate conditions for Vietnamese engineers to engage in internships and work at the corporation, help Vietnam develop incubators for semiconductor firms, while supporting the country to get access to and implement projects under the USs fund for semiconductor production and development activities. Dung recommended NVIDIA expand cooperative and investment projects in Vietnam and partner with Vietnamese companies to develop a supporting ecosystem for the Southeast Asian countrys semiconductor and AI industries. It can also join hands with the NIC to carry out a project on semiconductor human resources development until 2030, and cooperate with Vietnams education establishments to implement human resources training programmes. Dung stressed that a sound environment and close coordination between government agencies and businesses have an important role to play in developing the spearhead industries and making contributions to improving the competitive edge as well as making Vietnam a leading innovation centre in the region. For his part, President and CEO of the US chip giant Jensen Huang spoke highly of Vietnams potential and opportunities to branch out its semiconductor and AI industries, especially the countrys human resources in the fields. Vietnam is prepared for the AI development wave, and it is time for both sides to set up strategic relations in the fields, he said, adding NVIDIA will expand its existing partnership with Vietnam, making the country its second homeland. According to Jensen Huang, it is necessary for the country to encourage new generations to engage in AI as well as improve the skills of its human resources, and develop 1 million AI experts. NVIDIA stands ready to cooperate with Vietnam to improve its human resources capacity, and AI infrastructure, he stressed. Earlier, Jensen Huang had a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, during which he said NVIDIA wishes to establish a base in Vietnam to attract talents in the fields. NVIDIA is a multinational corporation specialising in the production of innovative graphics processing units (GPUs), application programming interfaces (APIs) for data science and high-performance computing, and system on chip units (SoCs) for mobile computing and the automotive market. The company has more than 27,000 employees, and recently recorded a revenue of nearly 27 billion USD. With the AI fever gripping across the globe, NVIDIA has plans to triple its AI production for 2024. SoftBank Group selling Arm to NVIDIA for up to $40 billion Japan's SoftBank Group said Monday it is selling British chip designer Arm to US chip company NVIDIA for up to $40 billion, potentially creating a new giant in the industry. AI chip giant Nvidia 'extremely likely' to invest in Europe The CEO of Nvidia on Friday said that the world's most valuable chipmaker is "extremely likely" to invest in Europe. The National Assembly has called for heightened vigilance and stringent measures in the banking sector, specifically targeting the pervasive issue of cross-ownership in credit activities and the intricate problem of banks affiliated backyard businesses. This move signifies a renewed commitment to bolstering regulatory oversight in the industry. Vigilant enhancements underway for cross-ownership in banking sector, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Vietnams proposed amendment to the Law on Credit Institutions could see the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) reducing the maximum ownership stakes for individuals and organisations. Currently set at 5 and 15 per cent of charter capital respectively, the proposal suggests lowering these caps to 3 per cent for individuals and 10 per cent for organisations. The ownership stake for related shareholder groups is also proposed to be reduced from 20 to 15 per cent. The SBVs intention behind these changes is to prevent cross-ownership and limit the abuse of power by major shareholders. However, experts question the effectiveness of these measures in curbing cross-ownership. Truong Thanh Duc, director of ANVI Law Firm, said the current ownership ratios are in line with international norms, noting many nations accept higher ownership stakes than Vietnam. The issue isnt the ownership percentage. The crux of the matter lies in ownership transparency and loan supervision. If bank owners hold 15-20 per cent of the banks capital, they cannot manipulate the bank. Recent cases have shown that actual ownership by bank owners can be as high as 80-90 per cent, he said. Dr. Le Dat Chi, head of the Finance Department at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, expressed concern about the draft amendment to the Law on Credit Institutions. The proposed regulations on ownership ratios in the revised Credit Institution Law are unlikely to fully prevent cross-ownership and cross-investments in banks. We anticipate an increase in the use of bogus companies and individuals holding shares on behalf of others, becoming more sophisticated than ever, Chi said. Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Tho from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City argued that cross-ownership is a hidden goal, easily manipulated even with a mere 1 per cent stake in a bank. The draft laws focus on fixed ownership percentages has continually missed its target over the years. Echoing this sentiment, Trinh Xuan An, a member of the National Assembly Committee on National Defence and Security, views cross-ownership as sophisticated and often invisible. The proposed tightening of ownership ratios may be an inadequate solution to an intangible problem, he said. The proposed changes also risk negatively impacting the banking system. If retrospective application is enforced, many significant investors may be forced to divest, particularly diminishing the attractiveness of domestic banks to foreign investors. Instead of reducing ownership ratios, the draft law should aim to clarify the definition of related persons to ensure transparency. The root of disruptive ownership in Vietnams banking system lies in undisclosed and borrowed-name ownership, stated Tran Anh Duc from law firm Allen & Overy LLP Vietnam. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in its feedback to the SBV in August, noted that the current maximum ownership ratios in Vietnam are relatively low compared to other countries. Such low caps are not conducive to governance, as shareholders are less committed to the banks business. Furthermore, reducing ownership stakes would force existing shareholders to sell shares, violating the property rights principle protected by the Constitution, warned the VCCI, suggesting that if ownership reduction is still pursued, it should not be applied retrospectively. Duc from Allen & Overy remarked that the proposed ownership restrictions are ineffective against cross-ownership. Meanwhile, they pose challenges for foreign investors looking to invest in Vietnams banking system and for domestic banks seeking strategic foreign shareholders. Foreign investors have long criticised the low ownership caps in Vietnamese banks. Further tightening these limits will only heighten their reluctance to invest. Simultaneously, reducing ownership ratios will not aid authorities in combating cross-ownership, Duc explained. SBV to end cross-ownership in Vietnamese banks The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has set a target to stop cross-ownership among credit institutions (CIs) by the end of 2020. SBV warns about increasing bad debts, cross-ownership, and risks of BOT projects The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) earlier this week reported on the evaluation of the execution of Resolution No.42/2017/QH14 on piloting bad debt settlement of credit organisations at the 15th National Assembly session. A Montana clerk and recorder who expressed doubt about the integrity of the election process during her 2022 campaign lost her election oversight duties on Tuesday in a vote by county commissioners, reflecting some of the turmoil nationwide since conspiracy theories spread about the 2020 presidential election. Hundreds of people attended the meeting at the Cascade County fairgrounds, and nearly 100 testified either in person or online. More than half the speakers supported Sandra Merchant continuing to oversee elections, at least until her four-year term was up in January 2027. However, one person brought in a petition with 300 signatures in favor of a motion to transfer the election oversight to an appointed county employee, and the school district asked the county to remove election duties from the clerk and recorder's office after issues with the school board election this year. Commissioners Joe Briggs, James Larson and Rae Grulkowski and the clerk are Republicans. Briggs and Larson voted in favor of the motion and Grulkowski voted against it after listening to six hours of public comment. The change takes effect immediately, but Merchant could challenge it in court. Merchant said the motion to remove election duties from her office sought to disenfranchise the people who voted for her to serve as clerk, recorder and elections administrator. Voters "werent electing somebody to take care of the records in the other office. They voted for me because of elections, and now their votes are being thrown out, Merchant said in an interview on Monday. Briggs said he proposed the resolution in response to complaints about the way several local elections have been run since Merchant was sworn in early this year. Lawsuits have been filed. The library board asked for court-appointed oversight for their mill levy election this summer. Its been everything from people not getting ballots that should have to people who got ballots that shouldnt have in these various elections, so there seems to be some systemic problems, Briggs said Monday. The issue needs to be settled before next years general election, Briggs said. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is seeking reelection in a race that could help determine the majority party in the Senate, and two U.S. House races will be on the ballot along with all the major statewide elected races, including governor. Supporters of the motion said Tuesday that Merchant was in over her head and did not have the experience needed to run the elections office. Opponents said she did not receive any help from her Democratic predecessor in learning the job and that she had been subjected to unjust ridicule, vitriol and harassment by those who opposed her successful campaign. Opponents of the resolution said Merchant had cleared the names of about 11,000 inactive voters from the rolls, making it less likely that fraudulent votes would be cast. They also questioned how soon the county would be able to hire someone and how they would pay that person's salary. You're throwing taxpayer money at a problem that doesn't even exist, Wade Stout of Great Falls told commissioners, arguing that many people feel Merchant is doing an excellent job. If Merchant is indeed incompetent, supporters argued, the county should hold a recall election or wait until the voters remove her from office in November 2026. Nationally, there have been concerns about people in position to oversee elections who have expressed doubts about or rejected the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. In some cases, local election officials have been accused of providing access to confidential voting systems in search of evidence to show elections are being manipulated. There is no evidence of voting machines being manipulated and no indication of widespread voter fraud that would have changed the outcome of the 2020 election. The Cascade County resolution proposed that that election oversight be removed from the clerk and recorder's office and be assumed by the county commission, which would appoint an election administrator. State law allows for such a change and a handful of Montana's 56 counties have done it. Merchant defeated Democratic clerk Rina Fontana Moore by fewer than 40 votes in November 2022. Some Republicans had asked the county commission to ask Moore to recuse herself from administering the 2022 election since she was on the ballot, Briggs said. She declined to step down temporarily and Briggs proposed taking election duties away from the clerk and recorders office. However neither of the other two commission members would second his motion. Before Merchant took office, Briggs again moved to transfer the election duties to a non-elected administrator and again, nobody else supported him.. Things changed, however, as problems piled up during this year's elections. It went from being basically a structural issue, of someone in charge of an election should not be on the ballot, to broader questions about how things are being conducted here that didnt exist previously, Briggs said. Campaigning for the office as former President Donald Trump continued to make baseless allegations that widespread fraud cost him a second term, Merchant supported hand counting ballots and opening up ballot tabulators to make sure they could not be connected to the internet. I think she ran on false premises, said Diane Stinger of Great Falls. I think she ran ... stating that elections are corrupt and I can clean them up, which was false. Elections are not corrupt. Merchant has not suggested opening tabulators or going to hand counts since she's been elected, but her supporters haven't given up, Briggs said. In the resolution, Briggs wrote that the county recently spent $200,000 on ballot tabulators and has received persistent criticism and concerns from certain members of the public who are politically aligned to the currently elected Clerk and Recorder that the county's ... tabulators are Wi-Fi connected, capable of being manipulated by foreign governments or other nefarious actors, and that the only way to remove such fears is for Cascade County to open the tabulators for public inspection. However, doing so would void warranties and render the tabulators worthless, he said. ST. LOUIS (AP) The Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday set an April execution date for Brian Dorsey, a central Missouri man convicted of killing his cousin and her husband in 2006. The execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 9 at the state prison in Bonne Terre. It would be the first in 2024 in Missouri. Four of the 24 executions in the U.S. this year were in Missouri. Dorsey, formerly of Jefferson City, was convicted of killing his cousin, Sarah Bonnie, and her husband, Ben, on Dec. 23, 2006, at their home near New Bloomfield. Prosecutors said that earlier that day, Dorsey had called Sarah Bonnie seeking to borrow money to pay two drug dealers who were at his apartment. Dorsey went to the Bonnies' home that night. After they went to bed, Dorsey took a shotgun from the garage and killed both of them before sexually assaulting Sarah Bonnie's body, prosecutors said. Sarah Bonnie's parents found the bodies the next day. The couple's 4-year-old daughter was unhurt. Dorsey pleaded guilty in 2008 but later appealed the death sentence, claiming he should have instead been sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in 2010. Another appeal filed on behalf of Dorsey alleged that he was suffering from mental illness at the time of the killings and that his lawyer was ineffective. The state Supreme Court again upheld the death sentence in 2014. Missouri was among just five states to perform executions this year. The others were Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida. BALTIMORE (AP) FBI investigators are planning to exhume the body of a young woman whose unsolved 1969 killing has been a source of widespread speculation, especially since Netflixs documentary series The Keepers examined the slaying of a Baltimore nun that unfolded days earlier under eerily similar circumstances. Joyce Malecki went Christmas shopping in November 1969 at a suburban mall outside Baltimore and never came home. Her body was found on a nearby military base days later and an autopsy determined she had been strangled. An advocate for the Malecki family confirmed Tuesday that the exhumation was tentatively planned for Thursday. The case received renewed attention after The Keepers was released in 2017, raising questions about whether Maleckis disappearance was linked to that of Sister Cathy Cesnik, who was found dead from blunt force trauma after she went shopping and never returned. Also in 2017, investigators exhumed the body of a Catholic priest, Father Joseph Maskell, to see if his DNA matched evidence from the scene of Cesniks death. The documentary questioned whether Cesnik was killed because she knew Maskell was sexually abusing students at the Catholic high school where they both worked. But the DNA testing didnt reveal a match and the case remains unsolved. The latest source of speculation came earlier this year, when federal and local authorities announced they had solved the case of yet another young womans homicide: 16-year-old Pamela Conyers, who went missing in 1970 from the same shopping mall as Malecki and similarly died from strangulation. Investigators used relatively new DNA technology and genealogy research to identify a suspect in Conyers death: Forrest Clyde Williams III, who died in 2018 of natural causes after spending most of his adult life in Virginia. He incurred nothing more than a couple minor criminal charges over the subsequent decades. When they pinned Conyers killing on Williams, officials said they didnt have evidence connecting him to either of the other unsolved homicides. They also said they didnt believe Conyers knew Williams. Kurt Wolfgang, executive director of the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, said it appears investigators are now looking to extract DNA from Maleckis body, although its unclear what theyre seeking to determine. He said the FBI has shared little information with the family about recent developments in the case, but the timing could suggest a link to Williams. Wolfgang said relatives will be allowed to attend the exhumation, which will otherwise be closed to the public. They want justice out of this thing, said Wolfgang, whose nonprofit has been working with the Malecki family. Even though it was 54 years ago, it would certainly help them to know what happened. A spokesperson for the FBIs Baltimore Field Office declined to comment, citing respect for the ongoing investigation. Federal investigators are in charge of the case because Maleckis body was found on military property. When Malecki was growing up, her family attended a Catholic church outside Baltimore where Maskell served as priest. They lived down the road while Maskell was living in the St. Clement Catholic Church rectory. He was later assigned to Archbishop Keough High School, where he was accused of abusing numerous girls. Wolfgang said Malecki told her relatives she did not like him one bit and told people to stay away from him. But Wolfgang said the family doesnt have any direct evidence suggesting she was one of Maskells abuse victims and theyre hesitant to jump to conclusions about linking the various cases. A woman interviewed in The Keepers claimed Maskell showed her Cesniks body in the days after the nun disappeared. Cesnik was a teacher at Archbishop Keough High School when she was killed. Earlier this year, the Maryland Attorney Generals Office released a report detailing decades of child sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore that identified Maskell as one of its most prolific abusers, saying he targeted at least 39 victims. According to the report, Maskell was transferred to St. Clement after being accused of abuse at his prior assignment one of several times the archdiocese turned a blind eye to his misconduct. He denied the allegations before his death in 2001 and was never criminally charged. CLARKSVILLE, Iowa (AP) A judge sentenced a former Iowa police officer to 15 years in prison for allegedly exchanging nude photos with a minor he met while investigating a sex offender. Iowa Judge Rustin Davenport on Monday sentenced former Clarksville officer Michael William Tobin, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported. Prosecutors said Tobin, 35, met a teenager while investigating a sex offender who had offered minors alcohol and cigarettes for nude photos of themselves. Tobin had sex with the teen after she joined the department's ride-along program in 2021. He then exchanged nude photos with her, had her ask for naked photos of one of her friends, and showed her photos of other nude teenagers that were evidence in another criminal investigation. A jury found Tobin guilty in October. Tobin resigned from his job as a Clarksville lieutenant in 2022. During the sentencing hearing, victims said they hoped Tobins time in prison will remind police that they will be held accountable for abuse of power. After an hour of residents alternately praising and criticizing Woodways plan to add bicycle and pedestrian lanes to part of Estates Drive, the city council voted 4-2-1 this week to continue with the plan. What the Woodway City Council reapproved Monday is an engineering design contract with MRB Group PC for almost $50,000 to develop drawings and plans for changes on Estates from Midway Drive, near Woodway Elementary School, to West Fairway Road, near City Hall and the the Woodway Public Safety Department facility. The plan, first approved last month, calls for one traffic lane each way, with a central turn lane and a separated pair of lanes for cyclists and walkers on the side of the street closest to City Hall. The road would remain as-is, with four lanes and a central turn lane, in front of Woodway Elementary School and businesses close to Highway 84. The changes would be made to the part of the road that already has a more residential character. Four city council members voted Monday to continue with the project, with two opposed and one abstaining. Mayor Amine Qourzal and council members John Williams, Storey Cook and Janell Gilman voted in favor. Council members Dave Russell and David Keyston voted in opposition, and Council Member Gayle Avant abstained. I wanted to bring this back up for citizen comments and another council vote after I saw the social media response to the article in the Waco Tribune-Herald last month, Russell said as council began debate. About 20 residents spoke on the issue during the meeting. Many spoke passionately for the plan, saying they and their families would ride bikes on the street if there were safe lanes. A few spoke passionately against the plan, saying they are concerned about traffic from 100 new homes being built along streets that would feed Estates Drive. Others wanted sidewalks instead of bike lanes in order to leave two traffic lanes in each direction with no turn lane on that part of the street. During council debate, council members asked questions of the traffic engineer who performed a traffic study of Estates Drive between Bosque Boulevard and Highway 84 a year ago, as well as an engineer from MRB. Before putting the project in the budget, the city hired a traffic engineer to verify that the number of vehicles currently travelling and projected to travel the portion of Estates Drive to be changed would be supported by the new configuration of lanes. Some residents during their comments, and Williams during council debate, called into question the validity of the December 2022 traffic study performed by Larry Colclasure, suggesting he may have underestimated the peak traffic. Colclasure said he used methodology common to traffic studies across the state that is designed to slightly overestimate traffic volumes, to support design of road systems that can handle more traffic than necessary for purposes of safety and efficiency. Cook asked whether the plan for redesigning the lanes takes into account delivery drivers who commonly drop off packages and food. MRB engineer Solomon Thomas said the design MRB will prepare does not take into account places for delivery drivers to stop. Trash collection trucks and post office deliveries already stop in traffic lanes, and drivers work around that, Qourzal said. Avant suggested the council should delay the plan and have the designs take into account deliver drivers. Williams and Gilman brought up traffic backups near the school. Williams said parents in line to pick up or drop off children should wrap onto residential streets and that he does not see significant backups along Estates Drive from the school. Gilman said she sees cars backed up across the Highway 84 bridge. After the city provides biking and walking lanes, more children will get to school on their own, requiring fewer parents to drive them, Qourzal said. Cook suggested solving the problem of parents dropping of children is not the city councils duty. Woodway Public Safety Chief Khalil El-Halabi said his department would work with the school to handle any backup of parents dropping off or picking up students. Airport terminal reception The city of Waco will will hold a reception at 11 a.m. Friday at Waco Regional Airport, 7999 Karl May Drive, to celebrate the completion of the airport terminal modernization project. The $9 million project was made possible with $8.3 million from the Federal Aviation Administration. The goal was to create a clean and beautiful terminal that best represents the culture and values of the community. The multi-phase project includes a complete overhaul from floor to ceiling with new terrazzo flooring, vaulted ceilings, lighting, restrooms, furniture, charging stations and more. In addition to the interior renovations, the airport also features infrastructure improvements to ensure the longevity of the facility for years to come, including a new fire alarm, roof system, fire suppression systems and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. Lights in the Village Lights in the Village will resume from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Mayborn Museum, 1300 S. University Parks Drive. The museums Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village will be lit up again for the Christmas displays fourth season. Santa Claus will be back, along with a petting zoo and train. Tickets are $12, or $8 for museum members and Baylor University students. Shortbread cookie fundraiser Cultural Arts of Waco's Yellow Cottage Kitchen is selling shortbread cookies as a fundraiser. Cost is $2.50 for a single or $20 for a full pan. The final pickup day is Dec 21. To place an order, text 254-723-6830. Money raised will be used to create the new Yellow Cottage Kitchen at 402 Tyler St. Yellow Cottage Kitchen is an organization for young adults with neuro-disabilities like autism. The kitchen trains and encourages them to develop life skills and earn certifications in skill areas, including kitchen management, food packaging, herb propagation, customer service and more. Microchipping, vaccination The city of Waco, Animal Birth Control Clinic and Humane Society of Central Texas will hold a free microchip and pet vaccination event from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Oscar DuConge Park, 1504 J.J. Flewellen Road. All pets of city of Waco residents can receive free microchips, free rabies vaccination if the animal is already spayed or neutered, and free DAPP vaccination. For pets not spayed or neutered, and pets of people who do not live in Waco city limits, the rabies vaccine will cost $10 per pet. MCC scholarships The McLennan Community College Foundation will accept applications for the 2024-25 academic year scholarships through midnight Jan. 15 at the foundations website, https://mclennan.awardspring.com/. Applicants must have an MCC-issued student ID and email address to apply. The foundation will offer a second application period May 1-15 for a smaller pool of scholarship opportunities. For more information, contact scholarship coordinator Patrick Koon at 254-299-8818 or pkoon@mclennan.edu. Cultura Mia Cultura Mia Mexican Cuisine, 123 N. 12th St., will hold a Posada and toy drive, from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. All donations can be dropped off at Cultura Mia, both unwrapped and wrapped. The toy giveaway will begin at 4 p.m. The event will include live mariachi, loteria, pinatas, folklorico dancers, local vendors and more. Pictures with Santa Bruceville-Eddy United Methodist Church, 404 W. Third St, will host pictures with Santa and a Christmas cookie fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event will raise money for repairing the roof on the parsonage. Cookies are $10 per dozen. Anyone taking photos with Santa will receive a free cookie to decorate themselves. The church also will host a Blue Christmas gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 21. The public is invited to enjoy fellowship, soup, games and fun. North Pole coat drive The Karem Shriners will hold a coat drive between 5 and 10 p.m. Friday during North Pole Palooza at the Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd. New, unused coats and hoodies will be given to The Cove, a Waco nonprofit focused on ending student homelessness. The first 100 donors will get free popcorn. Lake Whitney bird count Nature lovers are invited to take part in the second Lake Whitney bird count Sunday, part of the 124th National Christmas Bird Count. Participants can learn about the birds of North Central Texas and the hobby of birding. Beginners are welcome, and drivers and experienced birders are needed. For more information, count maps and to sign up, email Mary.K.Devers@usace.army.mil. There are morning, afternoon and all-day shifts available, and participants will meet at the Lake Whitney U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office, 285 County Road 3602, Clifton. BEATRICE Ervin Dixon will close Cedar Creek Pottery at the end of the year after 47 years of business. Dixon grew up east of Beatrice on a farm just a few miles from his studio. He graduated from Beatrice High School and went to the University of Nebraska for two years. He said he was always interested in art. Art was my main interest and I had good teachers, he said. Dixon transferred from UNL to the Kansas City Art Institute. He completed his masters degree at Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. He then taught for seven years at the University of Miami. He moved back to the Beatrice area in 1976 and opened Cedar Creek Pottery. He created the pieces and had a showroom in his home for many years. Any potter will tell you that clay is the material they prefer to use, he said. That was true for me. Its almost magic. You can make almost anything out of it. The forms of the pots thinking of that and working on that if it comes out theres nothing like that creative experience. Dixon chose to make functional pottery and sculptural pieces. I wanted to have a place that if people were looking for art, they could find some," he said. "Or if they were looking for functional pottery, they would find some. If they were just looking for an interesting place that would also be true." Around 1995, Dixon said he was desperate to move the business out of his home. He was looking for a building that he could make work when he found a church. The church had been built in 1895 and was originally near DeWitt. The best part of the building was when a piece of tile from the ceiling fell down during the move, he said. The tin ceiling was above it. The paint peeling was all different colors. That was special. Dixon said people will occasionally come in and say they had been baptized, confirmed or married in the church. He said he always felt supported by the community. No potter can survive without the support of the community, he said. This community has been tremendously supportive. I had a lot of friends, family and neighbors that helped out. There were a lot of people in the beginning that could not have been as interested in pottery as they appeared. They just wanted to help out. Dixon said he felt like hes had a successful career in art. Its been a real pleasure to have been here and do business, he said. Its taken creativity and commitment. Im not much better than anyone else, but now I now know creativity and commitment were keys to my success. Theres not too much that I would change. Dixon plans to continue business at Cedar Creek Pottery until Dec. 31. Im calling it retirement because its the only thing I can think of that is appropriate, he said. Ive been here as a business for 47 years and Im choosing to take a break from that. Well see what happens after that. I might continue some work. Cedar Creek Potter is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 27639 S. 80th Road, east of Beatrice. You can reach Dixon at 402-228-0138. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 WASHINGTON Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used inspirational words, optimistic resolve and a nod to Christmas in appealing Tuesday to leaders in Congress for U.S. aid for his fighters in the war with Russia. But after hours of talks on Capitol Hill, additional American support appeared in grave doubt as Zelenskyy arrived at the White House to huddle with President Joe Biden. The U.S. already provided Ukraine $111 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his grinding invasion more than 21 months ago, but Republicans insist on linking any more money to strict U.S.-Mexico border security changes that Democrats decry. The White House warns if new money isn't provided by year's end it will have swift consequences for Ukraine's capacity to hold its territory, let alone take back land captured by Russia. Meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, Biden said, "Mr. President, I call on Congress to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom." He added, "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess. Before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him." Zelenskyy made his own case during his brief White House appearance with Biden and his private meetings with congressional leaders that Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely to push back the Russian invasion with the help of American and other Western allies and it's no time for Ukraine's friends to step back. "The fight we're in is a fight for freedom," Zelenskyy repeatedly said in the meetings on Capitol Hill, according to lawmakers. Flanked by Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Zelenskyy entered a private meeting with senators with a public bipartisan show of support and to some applause. But more than an hour later few senators' minds appeared changed. Zelenskyy also visited the House leaders, including privately with new Speaker Mike Johnson, whose hard-right Republicans have been the most resistance to any deal. Johnson insisted afterward: "We do want to do the right thing here." Zelenskyy sought to impress on the senators that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, telling them he was drafting men in their 30s and 40s in a show of strength for the battle. To the House Democrats, he showcased his country's embrace of the West by pointing to the Christmas season, telling them it was the first year Ukraine would celebrate on Dec. 25 rather than the day Russians mark the holiday. McConnell said Zelenskyy was "inspirational and determined" in the Senate meeting. But Republican senators exited the meeting unmoved from their position. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said the emergency funding wouldn't gain GOP support unless it includes "real, meaningful border reform." Biden has called for a $110 billion U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. He expressed a willingness to engage with the Republicans as migrant crossings have hit record highs along the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democrats oppose proposals for expedited deportations and strict asylum standards as a return to Trump-era hostility towards migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas headed to Capitol Hill to meet with negotiators as they try to reach a border deal. Ahead of Zelenskyy's high-stakes meetings, the White House late Monday pointed to newly declassified intelligence that shows Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on Russia in recent fighting along the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis including 13,000 casualties and more than 220 combat vehicle losses. The Ukrainian holdout in the country's partly-occupied east has been the center of some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Ukraine came under heavy attack from the air and from cyberspace on Tuesday, local officials said, as nearly 600 Russian shells, rockets and other projectiles rained down on a southern region and unidentified hackers knocked out phone and internet services of the countrys biggest telecom provider. Ukraine also claimed a successful hacker attack against Russias national tax system. One person was killed and four others were wounded during 24 hours of Russian bombardment of Ukraines southern Kherson region, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the regional military administration. The number of projectiles fired at Kherson was the highest in at least two weeks. As winter sets in and hampers troop movements, allowing little change along the front line, air bombardment plays a growing role in the war. U.S. intelligence officials have determined that the Russians think if they can achieve a military deadlock through the winter it will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage, despite the fact that Russians have sustained heavy losses and have been slowed by persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions and equipment. Today in history: Dec. 12 1913: "Mona Lisa" 1915: Frank Sinatra 1917: Edward Flanagan 1939: Douglas Fairbanks 1977: "Saturday Night Fever" 1985: Plane Crash 1997: Ilich Ramirez Sanchez 2000: George W. Bush 2010: Metrodome 2015: Paris Climate Agreement 2020: Donald Trump Cillian Sherlock, PA Tanaiste Micheal Martin is to meet UK foreign secretary David Cameron in London on Wednesday. Mr Martin and Mr Cameron are expected to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to restore the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, and to share perspectives on foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said: It is vital that we continue to strengthen the relationship between our two governments. The partnership between us is the bedrock for ensuring continued peace and prosperity across these islands. UK foreign secretary Lord David Cameron (Dan Kitwood/PA) I look forward therefore to developing a close and open working relationship with Foreign Secretary Cameron. Thirty years ago this week, Albert Reynolds and John Major together achieved the Downing Street Declaration. This joint work enabled the ceasefires and set the scene for the talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. The declaration heralded intensified cooperation between the two governments, and a shared analysis that led, ultimately, to peace. Mr Martin said the visit is an opportunity to focus on wider foreign policy concerns, including on the conflict in Gaza. He added: My view remains clear the international community should insist on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Civilians must be protected, hostages must be released and humanitarian access at scale should be provided as a matter of urgency. It will also be important that the EU and the UK maintain our close cooperation in delivering support for Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression. 11.12.2023 (16:55) Materials of Briefing by Chief of Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Briefing by Chief of Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on U.S. military-biological activity Geneva has convened experts and state-parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. These meetings are held annually to discuss the current status of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, issues of compliance with its provisions, and to review scientific and technological developments with dual-use potential. Let me remind you that in September, Russia initiated a consultative meeting under BWC Article V and in early November submitted questions concerning violations of the BWC by Ukraine and the United States to the UN Security Council for consideration. Although the Western countries did sabotage the vote on the Security Council Resolution on the international investigation of the U.S. biological labs, the results of the vote indicate that the U.S. military-biological activity in Ukraine triggers questions even among its closest allies. The Russian Federation has submitted documentation to prove the U.S. provided funding, scientific, technical, and personnel assistance to work on biological warfare components on Ukrainian territory and to study particularly dangerous and economically important infectious agents. More than 20 questions were asked regarding Kiev and Washington violating the Convention. They concerned the nomenclature and number of pathogenic microorganisms studied under the Biological Threat Reduction Program; conducting research on Ukrainian military personnel and the mentally ill; and concealing the facts of military-biological cooperation by Ukraine and the United States in international reporting under the BWC. Washington and Kiev positioned military biological research as cooperation for peaceful purposes, hiding behind the Conventions Article X. At the same time, none of the questions received substantive answers. At the upcoming meeting of the States Parties to the BWC, Russia intends to return to the discussion. New evidence of the Kiev regimes violation of its obligations under the Convention has emerged since the Consultative Meeting. Back in March 2022, Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland announced the presence of U.S.-controlled biofacilities in Ukraine. Under threat of criminal prosecution at the time of her testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee, Nuland was forced to admit that the transfer of these biological objects and materials under the control of the Russian Armed Forces poses a risk of leaking sensitive information and is of great concern to the U.S. government. On 31 January 2023, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby confirmed the fact of implementation of a number of American scientific programs. At the same time, in his interpretation, the laboratories located in the former Soviet republic were allegedly deactivated and abandoned by the staff in early 2022. Russian specialists gained access to a number of Ukrainian biological facilities, in particular, laboratories in the cities of Rubezhnoye, Severodonetsk, Kherson and their official documentation within the special military operation. Analysis of this documentation confirmed the dangerous nature of Pentagons experiments to assess the Ukrainian populations susceptibility to zoonotic infections, the facts of testing pharmaceuticals on the local population and exporting biological samples to the United States for their possible use in offensive biological programmes. Four facilities were inspected in Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics. A collection of reference strains of microorganisms was found in a storeroom of the veterinary laboratory in Mangush. These reference strains were supplied from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) intended for the study of economically important animal diseases. The received documents confirm that the employees of the Askaniya-Nova Biosphere Reserve, Kherson region, studied routes of migratory birds. The facts of collection and passportisation of avian influenza virus strains, which can reach a mortality rate of up to 40% when transmitted to humans, have been established. Due to the fact that the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not succeed in the so-called counteroffensive, we assume that their activity will shift to non-standard forms of warfare, including using chemical and biological agents. We are informed that the Office of the President of Ukraine is coordinating the actions of national special services in organising an anti-Russian provocative action with poisonous substances. Taking into account the experience of the Syrian conflict, it is assumed that accusing the Russian Armed Forced of using chemical weapons will allow launching a new anti-Russian campaign in the UN institutions and the world media outlets. For this purpose, the Security Service of Ukraine has hired REALAB, a Ukrainian company, which specializes in importing chemicals and precursors. In OctoberNovember 2023, this company purchased in Germany a small batch of triethanolamine and a nitrogenous sodium compound from Honeywell Research Chemicals, a U.S. company. Triethanolamine is listed in the Annex on Chemicals to the Chemical Weapons Convention and is subject to annual declaration. This compound is a precursor for the synthesis of a toxic blister agent nitrogen mustard gas. Nitrogen-containing sodium compounds are highly toxic. Their harmful effects are similar to those of cyanide. According to our assessment, these chemicals can be used by the SBU to produce a chemical agent for limited-scale provocative action on controlled territory in the area of operations of the most actively advancing group of the Russian Armed Forces. It is also believed that Ukrainian forces intentionally contaminate water sources, including drinking water, food and animal feed with pathogenic biological agents. Thus, in November 2023, in Chernigovka, Zaporozhye region, specialists of the Russian Defence Ministry, together with Rosselkhoznadzor, established the deliberate nature of the African swine fever outbreak. More than 7,000 pigs have been slaughtered due to the intentional introduction of the ASF virus into the farm. The disease was detected in the absence of infection carrier activity and natural wildlife migration. Such scenarios are aimed at creating social tensions, increasing public discontent about the actions of the Russian authorities, and threatening food security. During the work of the interdepartmental group in Zaporozhye region, among the documents of the Center for Public Health (Ukraine), a grant agreement between the Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF), Metabiota, and Ukrainian laboratories, including the Institute of Veterinary Medicine. The amount of grants transferred by the Foundation for the UP-4 Project exceeded $180,000. Let me remind you that this project, totalling more than $1.5 million, aimed to study the spread of particularly dangerous pathogens by migratory birds. The main purpose of creating CRDF by the U.S. Congress in 1992 was to recruit scientists from post-Soviet states with experience in developing weapons of mass destruction. Due to the fact that the Foundation is exempt from taxation, Pentagon, through the Department of State and the U.S. Department of Energy, prefers this organisation for the financing of its dual-use projects outside national jurisdiction, including on the territory of Ukraine. Russian specialists have gained documents of the Center for Public Health (Ukraine), including the ones concerning the UP-8 Project. This project was aimed at studying the vectors of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever and analysing blood samples taken from Ukrainian soldiers to study the effects of the disease on the body. The project was commissioned by the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). See the document dated 26 March 2020 (i.e. before the special military operation was launched). It states the decision of Ethics Committee on the UP-8 Project with a remark to suspend the research with all the information deleted. Regulatory authorities make such decisions only in one case: when the risks to project participants significantly outweigh the benefits of implementation. I would like to remind you that it was four years ago, in December 2019, that the first patients infected with the COVID-19 virus were identified. At the moment, the number of cases has reached more than 770 mln people, of whom about 7 mln have died. By a curious coincidence, the pandemic was preceded by a series of research projects on the systematic study of coronaviruses funded by the U.S. Government. Thus, since 2009, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has implemented the Predict Program to study coronavirus diseases and capture their vectors. The United States is currently investigating the origins of COVID-19. A select subcommittee has been established in the U.S. Congress for this purpose. Due to the involvement of EcoHealth Alliance in large-scale experiments with coronaviruses and the CIAs possible influence on the expert examination, on 12 September 2023, the lawmakers publicly demanded from the head of the division, William Burns, detailed materials for the subcommittees work. According to the reporting documents available to us for the Project Assessing Risk of Emerging Infections from Insectivorous Bats in Ukraine and Georgia, coronavirus studies were conducted in 20162020. The report notes that during the work in Ukraine, bats were identified that migrate up to 800 km deep into countries such as Hungary and Russia It is also worth noting that the research involved bioinformatics specialists whose work included editing and combining the genomes of identified pathogens, i.e. research traditionally associated with improving the functions of dangerous viruses. We have repeatedly pointed out that the artificial origin of COVID-19 is evidenced by the genetic variability, which is not characteristic of most coronaviruses, and by the significant differences in the mortality rates, contagiousness, uneven geographic distribution, as well as the unpredictable nature of the epidemic process as a whole. I would like to remind you that in 2020, Italy was the country most affected by the COVID-19 virus, and the Russian Defence Ministry, at the request of the Italian authorities, immediately provided assistance to the Italian people in the midst of the epidemic. It is also difficult to explain the high level of preparedness of American mRNA vaccine manufacturers for the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection. This suggests collusion between various U.S. government agencies and so-called Big Pharma. The spread of the new coronavirus infection has led to a significant increase in the profits of biotech companies that produce vaccines and drugs against coronaviruses, as well as increased the dependence of developing countries on the United States and created the conditions for the continued implementation of dual-use programmes. In this regard, persons who influenced the investigation of the origins of COVID-19 can be added to the list of persons involved in the military biological dossier. We are talking about government employees, medical and pharmaceutical company officials. Among them is Anthony Fauci, a former adviser to the White House and former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Gina Haspel, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2018 to 2021, oversaw the CIAs implementation of military-biological programmes and was part of the investigation on th origins of COVID-19. Nita Madhav, former CEO of Metabiota, organiser of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario forecasting platform, which was completely ineffective. Alex Azar, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021. The activities of these officials clearly show that the U.S. government is deliberately ignoring the most important issues of biosafety and biosecurity in order to make super profits. The U.S. efforts to establish global biological control are accompanied by the replacement of the provisions of the BWC and other norms of international law with its own rules. These rules were developed in the U.S. interest, supported by the collective West, and imposed on third countries for implementation. This is evident in work at relevant international platforms, where Western delegations pushed for decisions only on issues of interest to them, regardless of other states priorities. I would like to remind you that in recent years the Russian Federation has advanced practical initiatives to strengthen the biological weapons non-proliferation regime and improve confidence-building measures. First, it is the resumption of negotiations on developing legally binding protocol to the BWC, with an effective verification mechanism that would include lists of pathogens, toxins, and specialised equipment, and that would be comprehensive. Russia believes that to implement this measure, it is necessary to use the approaches and practical developments of VEREX. The relevant working papers have been prepared and will be presented at the forthcoming meeting in Geneva. The second is to expand the format of confidence-building measures through the provision of information on research and development in the biological security sphere taking place outside national territory. The third is to establish a Scientific Advisory Committee to evaluate scientific and technological achievements, which would have broad geographical representation and equal rights of participation. The fourth is to deploy mobile biomedical units under the BWC. Practical implementation of Russias proposals will help increase transparency of national biological programmes and compliance with Convention requirements by all state-parties, including the United States, without exception. Tags: WtR Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (12 December 2023) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. During active actions in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by artillery inflicted fire damage on the AFU 57th Mechanised Brigades units close to Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The enemy lost up to 105 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled five attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 24th, 63rd, 116th mechanised brigades near Kirovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Petrovskoye, and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). Up to 185 Ukrainian troops and three motor vehicles have been neutralised. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled two attacks of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigades assault groups near Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, AFU 24th, 93rd mechanised brigades manpower and hardware suffered losses near Kurdyumovka and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 240 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two armoured personnel carrier, and four motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two Msta-B howitzers, two D-20 howitzers, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, aviation, and artillery repelled one attack and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 70 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, as well as two D-20 howitzers. ?In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces repelled one attack of the 80th Air Assault Brigade close to Novosyolovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses up to 70 troops and three motor vehicles. In Kherson direction, as a result of artillery fire at the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade units concentration areas near Kamishany (Kherson region), the AFU lost up to 35 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two D-20 howitzers, and two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were destroyed. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 114 areas during the day. Air defence systems intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles, as well as one Tochka-U tactical missile. Moreover, 23 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Belogorovka, Staromikhailovka, Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Alyoshki (Kherson region), Tokmak and Pology (Zaporozhye region). In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,655 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 13,999 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,311 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,222 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR For the third year, the Winona community gathered Monday evening to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a menorah at Levee Park. Six candles shone bright by the end of the Chabad of Southern Minnesota's annual Winona Hanukkah Extravaganza Menorah Lighting Celebration, with five in honor of the first five nights of Hanukkah and the sixth, ever-lit shamash candle. Rabbi David Greene, the co-founder and executive director of Chabad of Southern Minnesota, explained during the celebration that candles are lit each Hanukkah for eight days in honor of the oil that was found and lit when the temple in Jerusalem was rededicated long ago. The cruse of oil that was found was expected to only last one night, but it lasted eight. Greene shared a lesson that can be learned from the olives that are pressed to make the oil that is used for the menorahs. He said as people face pressures in their lives, "The best response to pressure is to turn around and be a light and to be a light to light up everyone else's life, light up your own life with positivity, with acts of goodness and kindness." Multiple leaders from the community, including Winona Mayor Scott Sherman, state Sen. Jeremy Miller and state Rep. Gene Pelowski, attended the celebration Monday evening. Other than enjoying the menorah lighting, attendees of the celebration were able to enjoy hot drinks, donuts, latkes, music and dancing. The eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah started at sunset Dec. 7 and will conclude Friday at nightfall. A Janesville man convicted of a homicide at a Wisconsin Dells hotel in 2021 has been sentenced to life in prison. Jeremy Mondy, 37, of Janesville, pleaded guilty in September to first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting death of a woman in February of 2021. Columbia County judge Todd Hepler gave Mondy the mandatory life sentence on Monday. Mondy will be eligible for extended supervision in 2068 after serving 45 years. Along with the homicide conviction, Mondy was convicted of felony and misdemeanor bail jumping, as well as possession of a firearm by a felon. All sentences related to those convictions will run concurrent with his life sentence. Mondy initially told law enforcement that he and the woman struggled over a gun in the hotel room bathroom before it went off accidentally. He later changed his statement and said he pulled the trigger to defend himself, according to the criminal complaint. He added that he panicked and got rid of the firearm before returning to the hotel room. According to the complaint: A Wisconsin Dells police officer responded to a welfare check request from staff at The VUE Boutique Hotel just after 11:30 a.m. on Valentines Day, Feb. 14, 2021. Mondy responded to three hotel room door knocks from responding officers. Hotel staff reported that Mondy and the woman were seen by housekeeping staff passed out on the bed and bathroom floor, respectively. Mondy told an officer he was OK and referred to the woman as crazy when the officer asked about her. The officer then asked Mondy if the woman was alive, to which he responded no with a blank stare. Another responding officer found the woman dead on the bathroom floor after Mondy was detained. After taking Mondy to the Wisconsin Dells police station, an officer smelled intoxicants on Mondys breath and reported him to likely be under the influence. Mondy told officers the womans name, which is not included in the criminal complaint under Wisconsins Marsys Law, which gives privacy to crime victims. He added that he lived with the woman for a month during 2020 when speaking with state special agents. The complaint states Mondy and the woman had alcohol in the room after checking in on Feb. 13. Mondy was credited with 1,030 days already served. Staffing shortages have caused the Wisconsin Dells Police Department to move emergency dispatch services to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, but Police Chief Nicholas Brinker sees this as beneficial in the long run. In July, the Police Department began 911 call dispatching out of the county office in Portage because of turnover among dispatchers, Brinker said. He added that while the move was not desirable at first, the arrangement could benefit the city more in the future. With us being so short-staffed, it was becoming a public safety issue, Brinker said. (The county) can provide a better, more thorough service. The city unanimously approved the service transfer during a special Common Council meeting on Monday. On Jan. 1, or any day after, the city and county can agree to discontinue the city emergency dispatch center and transfer the entire service to the county. City funding for dispatch services for the last quarter of 2023 was approved during the Oct. 16 Common Council meeting. The most basic way to put it is what were doing right now in our building, which is dispatching police, fire, and EMS, is being moved to Columbia County, Brinker said. The city is still doing some dispatching, with clerical staff assisting. The city also answers non-emergency calls at the police station. City resident Holly Swaney expressed concern with the service transfer. She said she heard from residents that the move is not good for the city and an unspecified business owner told her he could not get through to the Police Department when he called them numerous times on a Saturday night. This may also result in more 911 calls for non-emergency calls due to frustration with getting through the phone tree and listening to the pre-recorded explanation of how to contact a dispatcher at the county, Swaney wrote in a statement. When anyone calls 911 or the Wisconsin Dells Police Department outside of future office hours, which Brinker said the department has not determined yet, a dispatcher located in Portage will answer. Since September-ish, Columbia County has been covering a lot of (dispatch) shifts for us and its something weve been monitoring closely to see if weve had any loss of service, and we havent, Brinker said. Potential response times were also a concern for Swaney, as she said she is interested to see after the first quarter of 2024 how much more efficient transferring services for an emergency will be. Dispatch staffing is a statewide issue, according to Brinker. He said that nearby law enforcement agencies were also facing challenges finding dispatchers, citing the skill level needed for the position as a reason. Ald. Mike Freel said while he hoped to keep dispatching local, he has no issues with it being moved to the county level. The Wisconsin Dells Police Departments dispatching equipment is also outdated, he said, estimating that updating the technology would cost the department roughly $350,000 to $400,000. The Sauk County Sheriffs Office has also helped with dispatching for the department since July. We are supposed to have five dispatchers, Freel said. In the last three years, weve gone through five different dispatchers. Since July, weve been operating our dispatch center 24-7 with three. Around that time in July, we really started evaluating what we have going on with staffing. Clerical office staff will remain at the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, located on Oak Street, during office hours. He said the staff does clerical work and some dispatching. With the transfer to Columbia County, them doing that, theyre going to have three, maybe four dispatchers working, able to help out with call volume, Brinker said. The Columbia County Sheriffs Office received two separate grants, including a federal grant, to update dispatch services, Brinker said, adding that the county is setting up a dispatch area designated for Wisconsin Dells calls. Were not going to see a loss in service at all, Brinker said. Were going to see an improvement in service. Officer positions The Wisconsin Dells Police Department is currently seeking a full-time officer to replace former Officer McKena Huffman, whose last day with the department was Sunday. Another officer, Dylan McKendree, will be on temporary leave for a military assignment in 2024. Brinker said the department will rearrange some officer schedules and that it was approved to add an officer in July. The department also has a mutual aid agreement with the Lake Delton Police Department for assistance on calls requiring numerous officers. Sheriffs offices in Columbia and Sauk counties also have a mutual aid agreement with Wisconsin Dells. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, speaks to reporters after a meeting with President Joe Biden and the families of Americans who were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Washington. From left, Yael Alexander, mother of Eden Alexander, Orna Neutra, mother of Omer Neutra, Adi Alexander, father of Eden Alexander, Liz Naftali, great aunt of Abigail More Edan, who was kidnapped but returned in the recent hostage release in Israel, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, and Ronen Neutra, father of Omer Neutra. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) One small section of kelp floats on the surface as scientific diver Ryan Yee, below left, waits to climb back into the boat after culling urchins at a project site by the Bay Foundation off the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, near Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Once a vast kelp forest, the area is now largely barren, overrun by urchins. The Foundation's Kelp Forest Restoration Project aims to remove much of the urchins in the hope of bringing back the kelp forests. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form FILE - Supporters of "No CMP Corridor" attend a rally at the State Office Building on Feb. 3, 2020, in Augusta, Maine. Two utilities and two media organizations are suing over a referendum that closed a loophole in federal election law that allows foreign entities to spend on local and state ballot measures. Without the Maine law, federal election law currently bans foreign entities from spending on candidate elections, yet allows donations for local and state ballot measures. FILE - The Treasury Building is viewed in Washington on May 4, 2021. The Biden administration hit hundreds of people and firms, from Russia to China to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with economic and diplomatic sanctions Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, as the U.S. targets third-country contributors that are equipping Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) On the heels of high-level meetings on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House to continue his plea for additional funding to fight the war against Russia. A Heartfelt Christmas Promise Nancy Naigle Vanessa Larkin was hoping to turn her business trip to Paris into a working vacation, but instead her company sends her to Fraser Hills, North Carolina home of the best fruitcake in the U.S. Unfortunately, shes not here to spread holiday cheer but to shut down the fruitcake factory and turn it into warehouse space. Widower Mike Marshalls grandfather founded the factory but sold out to a big Chicago corporation years before. Even though Mike was never involved with the business, he wants to preserve one of the last pieces of the towns legacy for future generations, including his 16-year-old daughter. As he shows Vanessa around and she engages in the holiday festivities, she begins to wonder if she can give her new friends a Christmas miracle. Theres also a bonus romance in this one, between Vanessas recently retired second cousin, Anna, and Mikes grandfather Buck. Dafina The Gift of Family Mary Monroe Middle-aged couple Eugene and Rosemary Johnson seemingly have it all, but theyre still holding out hope for the one thing they want most: a child. Theyve fostered teenagers twice, only to have them return to their birth families. Then Rosemary is told shell need a complete hysterectomy, and they feel their dreams slipping out of their hands. When Eugene reaches out to Ethel, the woman who took care of him and his brother as children, to help Rosemary recuperate from her surgery, he has no idea how it will change their holiday plans and their lives. Ethel is a widow in her 60s whos struggling to raise her three great-grandchildren, and it isnt long before the two families start depending on each other more and more. This sweet holiday tale works through complicated real-world problems while tugging at your heartstrings in all the right places. G.P. Putnam's Sons Three Holidays and a Wedding Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley This zany 2023 rom-com was cowritten by two Canadian authors, whose story focuses on two strangers, Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson. They meet when they sit next to each other on a flight to Toronto, as Maryam heads to her sisters last-minute wedding and Anna travels to meet her boyfriends rich family. Scary turbulence makes them confess their deepest secrets to each other, which sounds safe since theyll never see each other again until they find themselves staying at the same snowbound inn after an emergency landing. Befitting a multicultural city like Toronto, where these characters both live, the book incorporates Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan into the story, plus a sprawling cast of characters and a healthy helping of chaos. Editor's note: This article was originally published on Dec. 2, 2020. It has been updated to reflect new books. Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor who mastered gritty drama for seven seasons on Homicide: Life on The Street and comedy for eight on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died Monday at 61 after a brief illness. He won his first Emmy in the lead role of Det. Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street, a dark police drama based on a book by David Simon, who would go on to create The Wire. The show, which focused on the homicide unit of the Baltimore Police Department, ran from 1993 to 1997 on NBC. The show began as an ensemble piece, showrunner Tom Fontana told The New York Times, and it became the Andre Braugher show. All the writers wanted to write for him because he was great. Pembleton was the master of interrogation, breaking down characters played by guest stars like Paul Giamatti and Steve Buscemi. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now Braugher feared he would be typecast after spending most of the 1990s as the brooding detective. If I do it too long, then Ill stop really searching and probing inside my own work, he told the Associated Press in 1998. Thats just a great danger. I think Im going to escape that trap, and get an opportunity to do some work that will be more challenging for me. He managed to make the leap to comedy as a very different kind of cop on a very different kind of show, Capt. Ray Holt on the Andy Samberg-starring show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It ran from 2013 to 2021 on Fox and NBC. Though hed dipped his toe into comedy in the TNT dramedy Men of a Certain Age, Brooklyn Nine-Nine represented a major shift for Braugher, who was known for acting in dark and heavy dramas. Im really a happy guy, he told AARP. Life is good! My familys healthy, we love each other. But thats not the guy Hollywood wants me to be. He would be nominated for four Emmys during the run. Braughers Brooklyn Nine-Nine costar Terry Crews was among those paying tribute to him. Im honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent, Crews said on Instagram. This hurts. You left us too soon. O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023 Marc Evan Jackson, who played Braughers on-screen husband Kevin, shared a photo with him from the set. Andre elevated every moment he came anywhere near, and it was an honor to have known and worked with him, he told People magazine. My deepest condolences to his family, and all those who like all of us, loved him very much. Meeting with Quebec Government Official Melbourne, Dec 13, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) is pleased to report that the Company held a meeting with the Quebec government and Investment Quebec to outline the Company's strategy to help Canada's lithium downstream challenge. The meeting was held with Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economics, Innovation and Energy, and Mr Hubert Bolduc, President, Investissement Quebec International and LU7 Board Members during the COP 28 Climate Conference in Dubai, UAE. Chairman, Iggy Tan; directors, Dr Jingyuan Liu, Patrick Scallan, Fadi Diab; and CEO, Alex Hanly represented LU7. The Company presented the Company's Lithium Dream Team, it's proven track record of building successful lithium projects around the world, and the Company's objective to address the significant challenge facing the Canadian lithium industry by establishing local, smaller-scale, downstream-focused refineries. The Company's trategic approach is to begin with refining operations while securing raw materials and move upstream to take advantage of the highly prospective James Bay region. The discussions were highly productive, and the Quebec Government understood the strategic objective of Lithium Universe. The minister appreciated the unique strategic objective of Lithium Universe and stressed the importance for the Quebec government to integrate its critical minerals supply chain in Quebec Chairman, Mr Iggy Tan said, "the meeting proved immensely fruitful, showcasing Minister Fitzgibbon's profound grasp of the lithium sector and his remarkable vision for Quebec. His emphasis on innovating battery materials left us thoroughly impressed." About Lithium Universe Ltd Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Galaxy team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited. Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects. Related Companies Raiden enters strategic partnership with FQM at Mt Sholl Perth, Dec 13, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Raiden Resources Limited ( ASX:RDN ) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an MOU over the Mt Sholl Ni-Cu-PGE project rights with First Quantum Minerals Australia Ltd. Mr Dusko Ljubojevic, Managing Director of Raiden commented: "This transaction is in line with our stated objective of generating maximum value for shareholders from our entire portfolio of projects, while management's key focus remains the realisation of value from the LCT projects in the Pilbara. The Mt Sholl project is the largest, and currently the only openpitable, Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide resource in the district and may have the potential to unlock a district scale opportunity for development. The current resource and JORC Exploration Target are based on ~85,000 metres of drilling, along with other technical studies undertaken over the past several decades. Work to date has demonstrated the potential for an increase in mineralisation, with all deposits being open along strike and to depth. We look forward to working with the FQMA team, which brings, not only the ability to fund future exploration programs, but also a wealth of technical experience in exploration and development of Nickel Copper sulphide deposits." - Raiden has entered into a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with First Quantum Minerals Australia Ltd ("FQMA") in relation to the Mt Sholl Ni-Cu-PGE project - FQMA will sole fund the project up to decision to mine ("DTM"), with Raiden retaining a 30% free-carried interest up to DTM - Raiden retains gold and Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum ("LCT") rights over the project, with LCT exploration program ongoing - The decision to enter the strategic partnership follows Raiden's proposed acquisition of the remaining 20% project interest in the LCT and Ni-Cu-PGE mineral rights at Mt Sholl Transaction terms Following a 12 month due diligence (DD) period FQMA will have the option to earn into the Ni-Cu-PGE project though staged investments and milestone cash payments to Raiden - During DD, FQMA to pay Raiden $250k in cash and spend a minimum $1.5m (to include: ground based EM & IP, minimum drilling of not less than 3,000m ) - FQMA has the exclusive option to sole fund all exploration activities and studies up to DTM to earn into a 70% project level position, with Raiden's 30% interest free carried - To earn 70% equity FQMA is required to sole fund minimum $25m over 8 years on exploration activities & associated studies - Raiden would receive $10m in staged cash payments throughout the 8 year exploration cycle - At DTM, Raiden will have the option to co-fund its 30% portion of development costs; or dilute to a 20% project level decision in exchange for FQMA funding Raiden's development costs; or sell its interest at fair market value or dilute to a 1% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR") - The parties will aim to execute a binding letter agreement in the following months, which will be consistent with the terms of the MOU. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/F4EA0655 About Raiden Resources Limited Raiden Resources Limited (ASX:RDN) (DAX:YM4) is a dual listed exploration and development company which is advancing the Mt Sholl Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Palladium deposit in the Pilbara. The Company's portfolio host metals and commodities considered critical for the revolution of the energy and electrification revolution. Related Companies loading......... Malibu, CA, Dec 13, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report we speak with Claudia Tornquist, CEO of Kodiak Copper Corp ( CVE:KDK ) ( KDKCF:OTCMKTS ) as the company drills first holes at South Zone to extend Copper Mineralization to Mid Zone and to depth: 0.32% CuEq Over 234 m from Surface within 0.17% CuEq Over 1053 m. Listen to this update as the aggressive 2023 drill program concludes with positive results. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/3UPMRJTW About Kodiak Copper Corp. Kodiak Copper Corp. (CVE:KDK) (OTCMKTS:KDKCF) is focused on its portfolio of 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in southern British Columbia, Canada, where in 2020 the Company made a high-grade discovery at the Gate Zone, which is part of a zoned, copper-gold enriched envelope of significant size. Kodiak also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Both of Kodiak's porphyry projects have been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. The Company's Kahuna diamond project in Nunavut, Canada, hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets. Kodiak is considering strategic options for the Kahuna project. About The Ellis Martin Report The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program. Related Companies Netflix Movie Colman Domingo talks about playing the civil rights activist who fought alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and says it's 'travesty' that a few people knew about the inspiring figure. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Colman Domingo felt "great weight and responsibility" on the film "Rustin". The 54-year-old actor portrays civil rights activist Bayard Rustin - who helped Martin Luther King Jr. and others to organise the historic 1963 March on Washington - in the biopic and felt under pressure to bring the relatively unknown historical figure to life in the picture, which is produced by former US President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama's company Higher Ground. "I thought it was such a travesty that we didn't know anything about Bayard Rustin, his story and his influence on the Civil Rights movement. Then the idea that someone like President Obama and Michelle Obama were making sure this story is told, there's a great weight and responsibility," Colman said in conversation with Jacob Elordi for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series. The "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" star continued, "You want to do all you can to show a living, breathing soul, an ordinary human being trying to do something extraordinary. It's my first leading role in a film. I wanted to do all that I could to get the nuances of his body, his voice and his mind, but also his soul." Jacob and Colman have both featured in the TV series "Euphoria" and the "Saltburn" actor gushed about his colleague's "transformation" to play Rustin. Elordi said, "Your transformation was everything. Starting with your voice. There's not many videos of him talking, but you nailed it." You can share this post! Cover Images/Instagram/BauerGriffin Celebrity Kanye reportedly has a massive disagreement with his spouse over her choices of clothes at the recent outings amid rumors that the rapper is controlling her. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kanye West reportedly had a huge bust-up with his new wife Bianca Censori over her clothes choices. The 46-year-old rapper, who reportedly tied the knot with the 28-year-old model in a suspected non-legally binding ceremony in January in Beverly Hills, often parades around with his partner with her dressed in bizarre outfits including head-to-toe black - sparking accusations he controls her. Bianca has recently worn bizarre outfits recently including nude sheer tops and a silver string bodysuit teamed with oversized stuffed toys - and a source told DailyMail.com they fear her return to a wacky wardrobe style is a reaction to her wearing what she wanted on a recent trip she took to Melbourne, Australia, alone. The insider said seeing her choose her own clothes enraged Kanye, who allegedly prefers her to dress bizarrely in public. They added, "Bianca loved being the centre of attention (in Melbourne), and her friends thought that they got thought to her for a few weeks she seemed to be back to herself." "When she returned to Kanye for the party in Dubai, she was more herself than she's ever been with him, but this did not sit well with him. She wore what she wanted and was seen talking to people, being flirty and having a good time." "This apparently caused a huge fight with them because he does not like his women to be themselves. He wants them to be sexy - but sexy with what he wants them to wear. The next time she is out she is naked with a stuffed animal." "It is like a child holding onto their stuffed animal or their blanket. They do it because the feel secure with it. It helps to relieve anxiety. But when a grown woman is naked in public carrying a stuffed animal this scares those who know her. Instead of carrying a teddy bear, she should be holding onto her husband's hand. She is almost a puppet at this point in Kanye's play." Comedian Kathy Griffin, 62, is among those who have recently accused Kanye "controlling" Bianca. She said in a long TikTok video about she fears the model has "no voice", adding, "I see those photos when she is in those pantyhose and like not even a bandeau top, it's really all about being see-through when I see this woman who has no voice, we have not heard a peep out of her." "I've heard that she has a master's degree in architecture from a university in Australia, she's gorgeous and she seems to have no voice whatsoever." You can share this post! AP Celebrity The 71-year-old is seen receiving help moving from the passenger's seat of a car into a wheelchair after his right leg was partially amputated in November due to 'a massive infection.' Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jamie Spears has resurfaced since having his leg partially amputated following a serious infection. The estranged father of Britney Spears was spotted post-surgery for the first time on Tuesday, December 12. In images circulating online, the 71-year-old was receiving help moving from the passenger's seat of a car into a wheelchair. He was photographed at a warehouse near the Spears' family home in Kentwood, Louisiana with a male friend or caretaker who pushed the wheelchair. For the outing, the father of three wore an olive green sweatshirt beneath a black puffer jacket, which he paired with black pants. The right leg of the pants was cinched off and tied up below the knee, indicating the part which is missing. Sources tell TMZ that Jamie has been fitted with a prosthetic leg, but until he's able to use it he'll have to rely on a wheelchair and a walker for his mobility. As noted by the outlet, the warehouse Jamie was spotted arriving at is owned by Britney, but Jamie has what amounts to a lifetime lease where he has the right to use it to store his RV and other properties. As for Britney, she reportedly has not reached out to her dad, but has talked about missing him. Jamie's right leg was partially amputated in November, four inches above his knee, due to "a massive infection" that "landed him in a hospital for weeks." A source told TMZ earlier this month, "He had five unsuccessful surgeries to contain the infection, and doctors decided the only way to proceed was amputation" in October. A so-called insider additionally told Page Six, "He had a knee replacement and got a terrible infection from it." The source went on saying that the amputation was "a last resort" after multiple unsuccessful surgeries. Following the news of Jamie's leg amputation, Britney posted a throwback photo of her father on Instagram, which she has since deleted. Page Six, however, claimed that the pop star has no intention to make amends with her estranged father despite his health issue. Noting that Britney's recent reunion with her mother Lynne Spears to celebrate her 42nd birthday is not any indication of what the future holds with her father, the outlet reported that even a full reconciliation with Lynne is still "an active work in progress." You can share this post! Cover Images/Instagram/Jose Perez Celebrity The 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' star is reportedly caught canoodling with the 37-year-old ex-wife of a diamond-trading oligarch at a party in London. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Tom Cruise has seemingly found love in a Russian beauty. The actor has sparked dating rumors with socialite Elsina Khayrova after they were allegedly caught getting cozy with each other at a party in London over the weekend. Daily Mail reports that the 61-year-old Hollywood star and the 37-year-old brunette beauty were spotted canoodling at the bash held at Grosvenor Square in Mayfair on Saturday, December 9. They allegedly showed up at the soiree together at 9 P.M. and "spent most [of] the night dancing" with each other on the dance floor. "They were inseparable, clearly a couple," one guest at the almost entirely Russian event told the U.K. news outlet. "He seemed to be besotted with her." The source added, "He spent most the night dancing with Ms Khayrova, but at one point he was just throwing himself around in the middle of a group of women." Seemingly in great spirits that night, "Cruise was very friendly - he kept being asked for pictures and politely declining," the source said. "Eventually, the DJ had to make an announcement in Russian that Mr Cruise didn't want any photos." Elsina wore a strapless black dress with a diamante bow and posed for pictures with Avramenko Aliena, a former Miss Europe contestant, before hitting the dance floor with the "Top Gun: Maverick" star. The pair reportedly left the event together in the early hours. Elsina is the daughter of a prominent Russian MP. She was previously married to Russian tycoon and diamond-trading oligarch Dmitry Tsetkov. During their acrimonious divorce, she was accused of hiding substantial assets, including her 1 million handbag collection, from her husband. As for Tom, he has been married three times, to Mimi Rogers (1987-1990), Nicole Kidman (1990-2001) and Katie Holmes (2006-2012). He is a father to daughter Bella, 30, and son Connor, 28, who he adopted with Nicole, and has daughter Suri, 17, with Katie. He was most recently romantically linked to his "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" co-star Hayley Atwell. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Home Alone' star and the 'Suite Life of Zack and Cody' alum raise eyebrows after the actress is pictured rocking what seems to be a wedding ring on that finger. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - It seems like Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have taken their relationship to the next level. The couple sparked engagement rumors after the actress was pictured rocking what seemed to be a wedding ring on that finger. Brenda wore the eyebrows-rising jewelry when attending Kat Dennings and Andrew W.K.'s private wedding in November. On Monday, December 11, Vogue shared a rare PDA picture of Macaulay and Brenda when reporting details about Kat and Andrew's at-home nuptials. In the said snap, the "Home Alone" star could be seen hugging "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" alum from behind. The 43-year-old actor also planted a sweet kiss on the 35-year-old star's head. The "Get a Clue" actress enjoyed the affection as she smiled and held his arm, flaunting her diamond-encrusted wishbone jewelry. She wore the same band on her left ring when the pair attended the actor's Walk of Fame ceremony earlier this month. During the big day, Macaulay gushed over his girlfriend in his speech. Calling her "absolutely everything" to him, the "American Horror Story" star said, "You're my champion. You're the only person happier for me today than I am. You're not only the best woman I've ever known, you're the best person I've ever known. You've given me just all my purpose. You've given me family." Macaulay and Brenda, who welcomed their first child Dakota in April 2021, confirmed their romance in 2017. They expanded their family when Macaulay's brother Kieran Culkin confirmed earlier this year that the couple secretly welcomed their baby No. 2, a baby boy. "Well, the cousins live in Los Angeles, we live in New York," the "Succession" actor told Access Hollywood back in May. "I have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old and as busy as I am there is no getting on a plane and going." Kieran continued, "I haven't met No. 2 yet and they haven't met [my] No. 2 yet either cause we just haven't been able to figure that out." You can share this post! Netflix TV Season 3 of Netflix's Regency era drama will arrive in two parts, while season 6 of the popular dating show is set to arrive on the streaming giant sooner than later. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - "Bridgerton" has revealed the premiere date for its upcoming season 3. On Tuesday, December 12, Netflix unveiled a date announcement teaser, revealing that the new season will air in two parts. The first four episodes will be available on the streaming giant on May 16, 2024. Meanwhile, the remaining four will be dropped on June 13, 2024. "Gentle reader, you thought I was silenced, but you thought wrong," Julie Andrews, who voices Lady Whistledown, says in the teaser. Season 3 of "Bridgerton" will center on the budding romance between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Dubbing the new season "so romantic," Nicola previously teased, "There were a lot of moments on set where we filmed something and we'd turn around and everyone was sort of clutching their chest being like 'Oh my God.' It was that kind of love." Of her character, the actress further said, "She's like a woman on a mission. She's ready to go, ready to launch herself out into the marriage market in a new way. She wants a whole new look, and she gets it." In other news related to Netflix, the streaming service has also unveiled season 6 premiere date for "Love Is Blind". Not stopping there, Netflix has decided to renew the popular series for a sixth and seventh season. The hit reality dating show announced via a date announcement teaser on Tuesday that the highly-anticipated season 6 will arrive on Netflix on Valentine's Day. Host Nick Lachey shares the exciting news in a new teaser, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you doing? We're not ready for you yet. We haven't even finished installing the pod walls!" "Look, I know you're excited to find love in the pods but we need a little more time, OK? They have to be ready. Go away, we'll see ya!" co-host Vanessa Lachey (Vanessa Minnillo) adds. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The K-pop boyband, which is made up of members Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton, have been appointed by the luxury French fashion brand as its new house ambassadors. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - RIIZE have been named as the newest house ambassadors for Louis Vuitton. The K-pop boyband, which is made up of members Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton, have been appointed by the luxury French fashion house in an Instagram post that featured images of the group in outfits featuring the famous Louis Vuitton monogram. A caption for the joint post read, "Embodying the audacious spirit of the Maison, House Ambassadors RIIZE lend their bold attitude to the graphic pieces of Louis Vuitton menswear." The fashion house explained that the "group has garnered significant attention for its trendsetting and confident fashion style." Louis Vuitton told Women's Wear Daily, "Their comfortable and liberating fashion choices have already piqued interest in the fashion world, and they are eagerly anticipating future collaborations and adventures with Louis Vuitton." RIIZE are the latest South Korean stars to join the house and follow in the footsteps of K-pop icons BTS (Bangtan Boys), who were collectively signed to Louis Vuitton in April 2021 and appeared in the brand's runway show in July of the same year. The fashion firm has strengthened its ties in South Korea with a monumental show in Seoul earlier this year, turning the landmark Jamsugyo Bridge into a runway. RIIZE are just three songs into their career but have quickly gained popularity, with their debut single "Get a Guitar" selling over one million copies in its first week. They debuted as a seven-piece in September although the member Seunghan announced an indefinite hiatus last month after his private social media posts were shared. You can share this post! Texas Hunt Lodge owner Aaron Bulkley closes the gate at the entrance of the White Cross Ranch in 2016. A legal dispute involving the ranch has been settled. Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News A chocolate Fallow deer poses in a field in White Cross Ranch in 2016. A legal dispute involving the ranch has been settled. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News A herd of Red Sheep are shown in 2016 at the White Cross Ranch in Kerr County in the Hill Country. A legal dispute involving the ranch has been settled. Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News An elk braves the cold weather in 2016 at the White Cross Ranch in Kerr County in the Hill Country. A legal dispute involving the ranch has been settled. Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News A Fredericksburg couples nearly 20-month-long legal battle against a Boerne real estate broker over the sale of a Hill Country ranch has come to an end. A Bexar County judge last week signed an order dismissing the case after Bruce Williams and his wife, Linda Davis, filed court papers indicating the parties have compromised and resolved all claims and disputes between them. Lawyers in the case issued a joint statement Wednesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The parties mutually agreed to an amicable resolution, they said. The court has entered a Take Nothing Judgment and there have been no findings of wrongdoing by any parties. ORIGINAL COMPLAINT: Fredericksburg couple sue Boerne real estate broker for fraud over sale of Hill Country ranch The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cant be refiled. Williams and Davis originally had sued broker Harold Trip duPerier III, his brokerage the duPerier Texas Land Man LLC, agent Kevin Meier and others over a 2021 sale of the 2,700-acre White Cross Ranch. In their sixth amended complaint filed in October, the couple alleged the defendants breached a listing agreement to sell the ranch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The couple had listed the property, which they bought in 2010, for $8 million with the duPerier firm. At least a portion of the ranch has been used as hunting grounds for native wildlife and imported exotic animals. According to the pairs lawsuit, they entered into a contract to sell the property to New Mexico rancher Henry McDonald for $7.25 million. But two months later, in January 2021, the couple said they were told another buyer wanted the property for the same price as McDonald. The contract was subsequently assigned to DTB Investments LP, which acquired the assignment for $500,000, the amended suit says. The original version of the lawsuit said Williams and Davis became curious about DTB and discovered that duPerier was its principal. The couple alleged fraud in the original suit but later withdrew that and other causes of action. The ranch was sold to DTB for $7.25 million, but Williams and Davis learned that a subsequent buyer paid $7.75 million for the property a few weeks later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The benefit of the additional $500,000 went not to the sellers, but to the original purchaser, the pairs lawsuit alleged. The couple sought more than $1 million in damages in their suit, which also named DTB as a defendant. In a statement after the complaints filing, duPerier Texas Land Man called the lawsuit an attempted shakedown by an opportunistic pair of plaintiffs who seek in excess of $1 million more than the $7.25 million they have already been paid for the sale of the White Cross Ranch. Cover Images/Kristin Callahan Celebrity The embattled actor shares a long quote by nun Pema Chodron that talks about 'letting go of everything' in order to heal following his sexual abuse scandal. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Armie Hammer says he's focused on "healing" after his sexual abuse scandal. The "Call Me by Your Name" actor, 37, made the declaration as part of a series of Instagram updates he has been giving fans since he relaunched his profile nearly three years after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Armie, who returned to the platform last month, shared a long quote on Tuesday, December 12 by nun Pema Chodron discussing the idea of "letting go of everything" in an apparent nod to the fallout from his controversy, which ended up derailing his Hollywood career. The passage opens with the lines, "Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us. This is the spirit of true awakening. It was all about letting go of everything. Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing." The quote adds "things don't really get solved" and instead "come together and they fall apart" in a cycle. It goes on, "The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy." The quote adds "room for not knowing" is "the most important thing of all," and says, "We never know if we're going to fall flat or sit up tall. When there's a big disappointment, we don't know if that's the end of the story. It may just be the beginning of a great adventure." Armie Hammer shared a long quote in a rare Instagram update. Los Angeles police launched an investigation into rape claims made by a woman named Effie against Armie, but they announced in May the actor would not face charges. Armie has vehemently denied the allegations and his other online updates since the scandal include one in November, which saw him post a clip of his laptop playing a movie while he took a train ride. A few days later, he uploaded a selfie with friends on a beach, captioning it, "When the LA welcome committee demands you do a cold water plunge in the ocean right when you get off the plane ." Armie's dental hygienist girlfriend Lisa Perejma has not appeared in the few images he has shared. The actor recently checked himself into rehab to treat his substance abuse issues with support from fellow star Robert Downey Jr., 58. You can share this post! Cover Images Movie Rocking a business attire that consists of an elegant black blazer, the Oscar-winning actress is seen emerging from her car at the Warner Bros lot in Los Angeles. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sandra Bullock is seemingly back to work four months after the death of her longtime partner Bryan Randall. The Oscar-winning actress was spotted at Warner Bros. studio in Los Angeles on Monday, December 11. Keeping her warm on the chilly day, the "Gravity" star rocked a business attire that consisted of an elegant black blazer. She added a pair of stylish sunglasses, a necklace, a ring on her middle finger and several bracelets as her accessories. The mother of two appeared to be headed to a professional commitment as she was seen emerging from her car at the Warner Bros lot. She carried a black bag and had her phone in her hand, while her silky dark hair was styled in a simple straight do and let loose. Sandra has not worked in a while and last starred in "The Lost City" and "Bullet Train", both of which were released in 2022. There is no official announcement regarding which project she is attached to star next, but her latest sighting may indicate that she's ready to sign up for a new film. Sandra's longtime boyfriend Bryan passed away on August 5 after a three-year battle with ALS, which had been kept out of the public. His family issued a statement to PEOPLE, "It is with great sadness that we share that on August 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS. Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request." "We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours," his family continued. "At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan." Sandra and Bryan met for the first time back in 2015. At that time, she hired him to photograph her son's birthday celebration. The two married in an unofficial ceremony at French financier Arpaud Busson's Three Bees Villa on Harbour Island in the Bahamas in December 2017. When he was ill, he reportedly was mainly cared for at her house in Beverly Hills. She adopted a son in 2010 and a daughter in 2015, whom she raised together with Bryan. You can share this post! Cover Images/Robert Bell Celebrity The Pompano Beach native was arrested on December 7 by a Plantation Police Department officer after officers allegedly saw a black Bentley SUV blocking a roadway around 2:07 A.M. in the 600 block of NW 47th Terrace. Dec 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kodak Black has finally addressed his recent run-in with the law. When hopping on Instagram Live, the "Wake Up in the Sky" spitter declared that he's working on himself. "I was on the lean, homie. I was asleep in front of my family house, bro. That's it. That ain't illegal," the 26-year-old said in the Monday, December 11 livestreaming. "I'll tell God himself, I do Percs and s**t like that, but them was my medicine prescribed to me." Noting that he's spent $350,000 on rehab, Kodak stated that he wants to do better for his children. "I'm working on myself. I'm working right now, homie I've done went to rehab by myself Just me wanting to better myself," he explained. Shutting down the cocaine usage allegations, the emcee argued, "Hell f**k no, bruh. Hell nah." He went on to stress, "And I ain't finna say I'm against motherf**kers who do coke. Man, I ain't on that s**t." Kodak was taken into custody on December 7. According to local news outlets WSVN in Miami and WTVJ South Florida, he was arrested by a Plantation Police Department officer after officers allegedly saw a black Bentley SUV blocking a roadway around 2:07 A.M. in the 600 block of NW 47th Terrace. The officers claimed the vehicle's window was halfway down when they found Kodak asleep at the wheel and smelled the strong odor of burnt cannabis omitting from the vehicle. Once awake and confronted by the officers, the Pompano Beach native admitted there was weed in the SUV, but when the officer noticed a Styrofoam cup that reeked of alcohol, one of the officers told Kodak to exit the vehicle. As Kodak turned his back to the officer and stood in front of the patrol's vehicle's beaming headlights, the officer says he saw white powder falling on the ground next to the rapper. The officer then noticed Kodak's mouth was full of white powder and later observed several white rock-like objects on the ground, which Kodak allegedly said was Percocet. Field tests conducted by the officers at the scene, however, allege the substance was actually cocaine. Authorities involved in the arrest also claim they found cannabis wrapping paper and residue inside the SUV, a clear plastic bag with a white chunky substance inside Kodak's pocket. Kodak, however, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including a gun charge, cocaine possession, evidence tampering and the improper stopping of a vehicle. He's also requested a trial by jury. You can share this post! Media Mic, a leading PR agency known for its innovative strategies and impactful campaigns, is thrilled to announce its recent win of the PR mandate for Astrotalk, India's #1 astrology platform, that is taking Indias vedic sciences global. Astrotalk, a rapidly growing platform that connects users with experienced astrologers, has chosen Media Mic as its strategic PR partner to enhance its brand visibility and strengthen its presence in the media landscape. This collaboration reflects Media Mic's commitment to working with innovative and forward-thinking brands. Media Mic is a new-age communication partner with a focus on innovative ideas, tailor-made communication strategies, consistent brand messaging, and measurable results. The agency will oversee an integrated communications mandate covering brand and corporate communications for Astrotalk. In addition to handling media relations and content creation, Media Mic will also be responsible for launching campaigns, thought leadership articles and industry leadership positioning. Ankita Vazirani, Co-Founder at Media Mic, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "We are excited to partner with Astrotalk, a trailblazing platform that has redefined the astrology landscape. And we look forward to elevating Astrotalk's brand story and helping them reach new heights in the media space, both local as well global. We could all use a little help from the stars. Astrotalk, founded by Puneet Gupta and Anmol Jain in 2017, has emerged as a trailblazer in the astrology market, bridging the gap between consultant astrologers and believers in astrology. India's astrology market, estimated at USD 10 billion, witnesses Astrotalk commanding an impressive 80 percent share of the online astrology market. Boasting over 15,000 astrologers and 400,000 Daily Active Users (DAU), Astrotalk has become the largest online astrology platform, operating on a revenue-sharing model with astrologers. Puneet Gupta, Founder and CEO of Astrotalk, commented, We are pleased to welcome Media Mic as our PR partner. In our pursuit of taking India's vedic sciences global and consolidating our position as the country's top astrology platform, we believe that Media Mics expertise aligns perfectly with our vision. Their strategic approach to PR will help us reach a broader audience and were excited to navigate the journey ahead together. Astrotalk recently captured the nations attention with its unique marketing strategy. CEO Puneet Gupta announced a compelling reward for users if India wins the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final match against Australia. Taking to social media, Gupta shared that INR 100 crore would be 'equally divided' among users and deposited into their app wallets. Gupta's announcement sparked curiosity and discussions on social media, with the move being lauded for its uniqueness. And Media Mic, leveraging its strategic communication prowess, played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the campaign in the media. With a shared vision of bringing astrology into the mainstream, Media Mic is geared up to leverage its expertise in crafting compelling narratives and executing strategic communication plans for Astrotalk. &PriveHD, known for delivering unparalleled content tailored to viewers' preferences, is set to captivate audiences with Prive Theatre Lights Out on 15th December at 7PM. Through the play actor Karan Veer Mehra emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the safety of women in India. The play sheds light on societal insensitivity towards women as it follows the story of middle-class individuals witnessing an assault and underscores the responsibility of those who can make a difference in such situations. Lights Out addresses the critical concern of violence against women within the backdrop of an ordinary, middle-class household. The play unfolds through a compelling exchange between a husband and wife, grappling with the disconcerting echoes of screams emanating from their neighboring residence. While the wife advocates for prompt intervention by authorities to address the violence urgently, her husband presents a contrasting viewpoint. The narrative takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of their circle of friends, spurred into action upon realizing the screams are indicative of a woman enduring sexual assault. Collectively, the group formulates a determined strategy to extricate the tormented woman from her assailants, injecting a palpable sense of urgency and resolve into the evolving drama. Karan Veer Mehra leads the charge in &PriveHD's powerful play on Women's Safety at 7 PM on &PriveHD. Do not miss out! Hype Luxury, Bharat's premier luxury mobility platform and a global enterprise, proudly announces the signing of actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty as its brand ambassador. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Hype Luxury, founded by visionary entrepreneurs Raghav Belavadi and Vijaya Belavadi in 2017, has rapidly expanded to 23 cities in Bharat and operational presence in seven other countries. Offering unparalleled experiences in luxury cars, yachts, and private jet rentals, this collaboration with Suniel Shetty marks a strategic move to propel Hype Luxury to new global heights. Boasting a fleet of over 30,000 luxury cars, 20,000 private jets, and 1800 luxury yachts, Hype Luxury stands as the largest luxury platform, seamlessly integrating various mobility services. Suniel Shetty's association with the brand signifies a significant milestone, aligning with Hype's mission to establish Bharat's first global luxury mobility platform. Suniel Shetty expresses his excitement, stating, "I'm delighted to be the face of Hype Luxury as this association allows one to experience luxury without owning it. Hype Luxury offers vehicle leasing and exclusive services on land, air and water in a more flexible consump-tion pattern, to help customers realise their aspirations and dreams of living a luxurious life. Raaghav and Vijaya have ensured that the brand resonates with HNI & UHNI achievers who are always on the lookout for new concepts of modern luxury without the hassles of purchasing it. By expanding its worldwide range of mobility services, it is responding to changing customer preferences and the trend towards digital, flexible and individual choice." The founders, Raaghav and Vijaya, transformed a nightmare experience into the inception of Hype Luxury when arranging a luxury car for their parents' anniversary proved challenging. Bootstrapping the company, they ensured profitability even during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting their exceptional business acumen. Raaghav Belavadi comments on their association, stating, "Mr. Suniel Shetty epitomizes the essence of luxury and charisma, making him the perfect face for Hype. His association signifies a synergy of elegance and grandeur, elevating Hype to new heights in the world of global luxury mobility experiences". Targeting High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs), the luxury segment has witnessed exceptional growth at a staggering 16% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) globally, gaining prominence in the post-COVID era. Its time to bring premium services to the front line in Bharat. Hype Luxury operates in 23 cities across Bharat, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai, Madurai, Pondicherry and others. Internationally, it has a presence in Dubai, UK, Alaska, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Maldives, New Zealand and French Riviera UnFoldMart, one of Indias premier full-service marketing and advertising agencies has once again been awarded with the social media mandate for Haldiram's Nagpur Frozen Division. Headquartered in Gurgaon, UnFoldMarts mandate renewal marks a prestigious continuation of the partnership with Haldirams Nagpur that began in February 2022. The mandate extended is particularly for their renowned frozen unit, including the popular Minute Khana and other frozen food products. Abhishek Garg, the visionary Founder and CEO of UnFoldMart, expressed his profound satisfaction and ambitious plans for this ongoing partnership. He said, "We are proud to renew our mandate with Haldiram's Nagpur Frozen Division and continue our successful collaboration from last year. Our joint efforts elevated their social media presence and solidified their position as a frontrunner in the frozen food sector. This renewal is more than a business achievement; it represents shared vision and trust between our two companies. We are committed to harnessing our creative energy and social media skills to ensure that Haldiram's Nagpur Frozen Division continues to thrive and resonate with customers across the country. The partnership has been a fruitful one, with UnFoldMart implementing a series of innovative social media, digital strategies and creative campaigns on various platforms like Instagram, youtube, facebook etc that have significantly boosted Haldiram's frozen unit brand visibility and consumer engagement. From leveraging social media platforms with its creative outlook, UnFoldMart has played a crucial role in redefining Haldiram's Nagpur Frozen Division online presence and connecting with a broader audience. The mandate is a testament to UnFoldMart's unparalleled expertise and innovative approach in the realm of social media marketing and creative content creation for the platforms. Adeesh Jain, General Manager, Haldiram's Nagpur (Frozen Unit), echoed these sentiments, highlighting the successful outcomes of the collaboration. "We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our partnership with UnFoldMart! Their creative insights and digital mastery have helped enhance our brand's reach and appeal, and we can't wait to see what innovative ideas and strategies they bring to the table this year. This partnership reflects our confidence in their abilities and we look forward to continuing this remarkable journey together. Looking forward, UnFoldMart is gearing up to introduce more ground-breaking strategies and creative campaigns, aiming to not only maintain but also elevate Haldiram's Nagpur's position in the competitive market of frozen food products. The focus will be on leveraging the latest digital marketing trends, engaging content creation, and exploring new platforms to reach diverse demographics and enhance consumer experience. The renewed partnership is a clear indicator of UnFoldMart's commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver results that resonate with both the brand and its customers. The agency's blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technological prowess makes it an ideal partner for brands looking to make a significant impact in the digital world. Kinetic Green, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in India, has proudly unveiled its new brand identity at a launch event in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for the company. The refreshed brand logo and messaging epitomize Kinetic Green's deep commitment to environmental betterment, showcasing its dedication to crafting highly efficient and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The milestone showcases the intent and vision of Kinetic Green to develop an environmentally conscious, innovative, and sustainable future. This initiative reinforces the company's mission to make green mobility accessible to the masses, spearheading efforts to reduce carbon emissions for a cleaner, healthier planet. Speaking at the event, Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, said, The introduction of our new e-scooter Zulu and the rebranding marks a momentous milestone for Kinetic Green. Kinetic Group has been well known and loved by millions for its revolutionary two-wheelers like the Kinetic Honda scooter and the Kinetic Luna. With the launch of our e-scooter Zulu, Kinetic Green is excited to announce that we will be developing and bringing to our customers a range of 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers in coming years, and now in a green avatar. I am proud to be able to carry ahead the great Kinetic legacy of innovation and service to society, and now adding a new chapter of sustainable mobility to it. Kinetic Greens electric two-wheelers will be zero emission vehicles, thereby making our planet greener and air cleaner. This new phase is, therefore, marked with the unveiling of the new brand philosophy and Planet at our Heart vision, to signal that Kinetic Green is poised to make a significant impact on India's green mobility landscape, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the auto industry. As we enter this era of green technology, the new branding will foster this intent and leadership from the brand. Kinetic Green also pledges to encompass the green philosophy in all aspects of its business, with a target to be a Net Zero company and undertake CSR activity to plant 1 crore trees across India to combat the carbon footprint of the country. The fresh brand identity for Kinetic Green is a representation of the automotive business's evolution. The logo features an upward-styled 'K' that symbolises strength, stability, and forward movement towards a planet friendly world. The seamless integration of 'K' and 'G' conveys a sense of on-the-move momentum, akin to a chequered flag in motorsport. The overall design reflects authority, stability, and simplicity, encapsulating the essence of Kinetic and Green Mobility. Kinetic Green is characterised by trustworthiness, patriotism, innovation, caring, authenticity, and a futuristic outlook. With a legacy of 50 years in the automotive industry, the Kinetic" brand has earned a reputation for trust and dependability. Building on this legacy, Kinetic Green envisions being a leader in green mobility for the masses, making sustainable transportation affordable and accessible to all. Kinetic Green aims to be at the forefront of electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler innovation while contributing to the 'Make in India' initiative. All digital customer touchpoints are being updated with the new branding, including Kinetic Greens website, while physical touchpoints such as dealerships, service stations, and charging stations will soon display the refreshed brand logo. Additionally, the launch of the stylish ZULU will redefine performance with a range of 104 kms, ensuring you can enjoy long rides. With a city speed of 60 kmph, it offers a speedy and fun commute experience. The substantial ground clearance of 160mm makes it well-suited for diverse road surfaces. ZULU is powered by a 2.27 kWh Li ion battery capacity and is equipped with a portable charger, facilitating convenient charging at home. Available in six colours, the Made-in-India Fame II-compliant high-speed electric scooter is available at an attractive introductory price starting from 94,990/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Walmart today announced that the first India-made bicycles are hitting select stores in the U.S. just in time for the holidays. Hero Ecotech Ltd., one of India's foremost manufacturers and exporters of bicycles, has designed a cruiser-style bike for Walmart carrying the Concord brand available in both adult-sized mens and womens versions adding to the companys growing bicycle offerings. Hero Ecotech Ltd. is among many Indian manufacturers who are building supplier relationships with Walmart, helping the company accelerate their goal to triple exports of goods from India to $10 billion annually by 2027. Walmart recently announced the Walmart Growth Summit, an invitation-only event offering export-ready suppliers, micro-, small- and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs), cross border trade suppliers, and innovative companies an opportunity to pitch for business. The event will be held on February 13-15, 2024, in New Delhi. Our goal at Walmart is to provide high-quality products at price points that all customers can access. Our collaboration with Hero Ecotech supports that goal and demonstrates manufacturing growth and capability in India overall, said Andrea Albright, Executive Vice President, Sourcing, Walmart. India is well-positioned to support increased demand for products by Walmart customers, and we are excited about our partnership with Hero Ecotech. This collaboration furthers our work to strengthen resiliency in our global supply while contributing to economic growth worldwide. India's rich history as a leading manufacturer of bicycles is exemplified by Hero Ecotech Ltd. The cruisers sold in Walmart U.S. stores are built with more than 90 percent of raw materials sourced from India. The company stands as one of the premier manufacturers of mobility products in India and holds the distinction of being Indias largest exporter of bicycles, shipping to over 80 countries. At Hero Ecotech Ltd., we are excited about our collaboration with Walmart to bring our products to Walmart customers this year, said Vijay Munjal, Chairman, Hero Ecotech Ltd. We are proud to be among the first Indian-built products to join the bicycle category at Walmart and believe the Concord cruisers represent the quality work of our employees and our company. I encourage manufacturers here in India to consider working with Walmart and seek opportunities to directly engage with them at the Walmart Growth Summit in February. Walmarts commitment to the India market is not new, with the company already exporting products across a range of categories. As part of Walmarts contribution to the countrys Make in India initiative, the company aims to empower 50,000 MSMEs to participate in domestic and global supply chains through Walmart Vriddhi, a comprehensive growth and training program launched in 2019 that helps MSMEs modernize, scale, and meet their domestic and international ambitions. Xi says China-Vietnam friendship's foundation lies among two peoples, future to be created by young people Xinhua) 20:12, December 13, 2023 General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with those representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that the foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among their two peoples and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people. Xi made the remarks while delivering a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. Upon Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan's arrival at the National Convention Center, they were warmly welcomed by Vietnamese youth representatives. Xi and Peng, along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife, Ngo Thi Man, took group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. On behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government, Xi extended his warm regards to the old and new friends who are committed to China-Vietnam friendship. He pointed out that on Tuesday he and Trong jointly announced their decision to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus ushering in a new stage in the relations between the two parties and countries. This is a major strategic decision they have made to revitalize world socialism and ensure the long-term stability and security of the two countries, Xi said, adding that it is rooted in the two countries' traditional friendship and represents the shared interests and aspirations of the two peoples. In the past, the two countries stood by and reached out to each other as they pursued common goals together, he said, adding in modern times, the two parties and peoples stayed true to their common ideals, and supported each other in trying times as they fought for national independence and liberation. Today, while reading the famous poetic line by late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh that "so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers," the memory of those fiery and exciting years of the two peoples is kept alive, Xi continued, adding that the two countries remain firmly committed to their shared aspiration forged in the early days and are pursuing win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership 15 years ago, the CPC and the CPV have pursued people-centered mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering true benefits to the two peoples, he noted, saying that looking ahead, it can be seen that the two countries share the same future. China is now striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, and Vietnam, on its part, is vigorously advancing its industrialization and modernization drive, he continued. China will stay committed to peaceful development, the policy of forging friendships and partnerships with neighbors, and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. And China is ready to share more of the benefits of Chinese modernization with its neighbors, Xi noted. Stressing the foundation of bilateral friendship lies among the two peoples, and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people, Xi expressed three wishes to the youth of the two countries. First, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will carry forward bilateral friendship and play their part in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. With remarkable economic and social advances, China and Vietnam demonstrate to the world that they have found the right development paths, Xi said, adding that enhanced solidarity and cooperation will strengthen their socialist causes. He also voiced hopes that people committed to the China-Vietnam friendship in various sectors in both countries, especially the young people, will take the lead in promoting bilateral friendship, and contribute to the two countries' respective hundred-year pursuit of development goals and to the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Second, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will play their part in promoting the development of the Asia-Pacific and contribute to enduring peace in the region. Noting that the two countries have made tremendous achievements through, respectively, China's reform and opening up and Vietnam's Doi Moi (reform) policy, Xi said this is credited not only to their own endeavors, but also to a peaceful, open and inclusive Asia-Pacific, adding that the Asia-Pacific is the place which the two countries call home, and openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation are the right course to follow. The two countries should strive to build an Asia-Pacific community, create more momentum to boost solidarity and make advances, and make greater contributions to making the Asia-Pacific more harmonious and prosperous, he added. Third, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will be pioneers in promoting human progress and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Noting that the two parties are both Marxist parties that bear in mind the overall interests of the world, and the two countries are both responsible members of the international community, Xi said that they should play a major role in advancing human progress, and should be visionary, look beyond the horizon and shoulder responsibilities entrusted by the times, stand up for international fairness and justice, and contribute their share to global development. Xi emphasized that keeping in mind the journey traversed will enable the two countries to advance along the right path, adding that the challenging paths China and Vietnam have traveled and the remarkable achievements they have made in developing socialism fully demonstrate that enhanced solidarity and cooperation between the two countries has enabled them to overcome all risks and challenges and to move from one victory to another. Xi said the two countries should pursue their respective path to socialism and deliver the gains of industrialization and modernization to more people in the two countries, calling on the two sides to join hands and make even greater contributions to the advancement of humanity. For his part, Trong said under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam and China have consistently supported each other in their struggles for national independence, liberation, and socialist construction. The Vietnam-China friendship is as deep as comrades and brothers, and Vietnam always remembers and appreciates the invaluable support that China has provided over the years, he added. Over the 15 years since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the two countries' political mutual trust has been increasingly strengthened, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, he said, noting that these days, the streets and alleys of Hanoi were filled with a joyous and warm atmosphere, and Xi's state visit to Vietnam has achieved a complete success. The joint announcement the two leaders made to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance represents a historic milestone in Vietnam-China relations, Trong said, adding that it is bound to bring greater tangible benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to the cause of global peace and progress. The future of Vietnam-China relations will be created by the young people, Trong pointed out, expressing his hope that the young people of both countries can deeply understand and carry forward the profound friendship established by the older generation of the two countries' leaders, so as to inject new vitality into the long-term stable development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China and the continuous growth of the socialist causes of both countries. Representatives from both countries reported to the two leaders on bilateral friendly exchanges. They said that during Xi's historic state visit to Vietnam, the general secretaries of both parties took time to personally meet with friendly individuals and youth representatives from China and Vietnam, fully reflecting the high regard and earnest hope of the leaders of the two countries and parties for the young people and friendship cause of China and Vietnam. The two general secretaries announced the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, which aligns with the common aspirations and fundamental interests of the two peoples, conforms to the trend of peace, cooperation and development, and will undoubtedly guide bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to embark on an even better new journey, setting an example of amicable and sincere relations between neighboring countries, they noted. The youth of both countries will carry forward the traditional friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood," engage in close interactions, strengthen mutual learning and exchange, deepen mutual trust and friendship, and actively work towards the goal of "stronger popular support" as proposed by the two general secretaries, so as to make positive efforts and contributions towards building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, they added. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and their spouses pose for group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife meet with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liang Jun) A battery storage site in Pflugerville operated by Key Capture Energy, one of the battery operators asking the Public Utility Commission to tell the state grid operator to back off on new rules for their operations. With operators piling on the opposition, the Texas grid operator is asking for more time to respond to regulators questions over new rules creating penalties for the states growing number of battery storage sites. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the statewide grid, had been seeking the Public Utility Commissions approval to put the new regulations into effect but ran into a buzzsaw of questions during the commissions Nov. 30 meeting. On Monday, ERCOT asked the PUC for more time to answer and to delay its vote until the new year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Given the time required for gathering this information and assembling into an appropriate form, ERCOT is concerned that it may not be able to file this presentation in time to allow careful review ahead of Thursdays scheduled meeting, ERCOT general council Chad Seely wrote in a memo filed Monday. Commissioners and battery operators have been critical of ERCOTs proposed rules, which they say could be used to fine battery storage sites hundreds of thousands of dollars if their systems fall below certain state-of-charge thresholds even if the companies didnt fail to deliver the amount of power they promised. Eleven companies involved in the states battery industry have filed three separate letters this week asking commissioners to strike the financial penalties over the amount of juice they keep in their batteries. Some companies pushed further, stating that even if state-of-charge thresholds arent tied to fines or triggering investigations, theyre still discriminatory compared with rules guiding other energy sources. Some of the companies are also asking commissioners to not delay the vote, saying a decision is essential for market reliability heading into winter. Operators have reiterated over the past year that state-of-charge doesnt directly translate into their ability to provide power and that related fines could hinder their willingness to respond to grid emergencies when extra energy is needed most. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ERCOT officials have said the requirements would help ensure reliability when tapping into batteries for emergencies, with Vice President of System Operations Dan Woodfin comparing it to not just knowing theres a spare tire to lean on, but how much air is in that spare tire. Among the inquiries ERCOT said Tuesday it needs more time to address are real-world examples of battery storage sites state-of-charge issues; real-world examples of batteries service failures; how the regulations can still address risks while retaining batteries flexibility; and why the growth of energy storage sites, such as batteries, require enforcement of charge levels. There have been no reliability problems from batteries, and theres been no evidence provided by ERCOT that this has been a problem, Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty said at the last commissioners meeting. A letter written by Stephanie Kroger of Hunt Energy Network and signed by seven other companies asked commissioners to clearly state that the PUC wont enforce the state-of-charge requirements and instruct ERCOT to remove them from their business practice manual. A letter signed by three of those companies and one other, including outspoken critic and battery operator Eolian, took the strongest stance. Energy storage investors and developers, including energy storage projects currently in the ERCOT interconnection queue, continue to be undermined as a result of the uncertainty of the requirements and treatment of (energy storage resources) they wrote. It is stymieing development. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hobby & Freizeit 13.12.2023 | 09:49:00 | ID: 38360 | Ressort: Verbraucher Welcome to ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO 2024 spa capital of Asia and the market for pools is expanding rapidly, mainly due to the increasing number of expatriates, the ongoing rise in tourism and significantly higher living standards. ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO is organized by Asia Pool & Spa Expo, which is enjoying the reputation of "Oscar" in the global pool & Spa industry. Based in Asia and serving the world, it provides an efficient trade platform for Asian products to go global and for global brands to enter Asia! ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO is co-located with TAAPE which is the one and only water park and attraction expo in Thailand. According to the statistics, TAAPE 2019 attracted International exhibitors from over 20 countries, such as White Water from Canada, Polin Waterpark & Polgun Waterparks from Turkey, Synergy Waterpark from India, Lanchao & Dalang from China. ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO 2024 will be held in IMPACT Exhibition centre,Bangkok,Thailand during 3-5 September,2024. If you are interested in it please contact Shally Li by Website: www.aseanpoolspaexpo.com Bankok (agrar-PR) - Thailand has already been named theASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO is organized by Asia Pool & Spa Expo, which is enjoying the reputation of "Oscar" in the global pool & Spa industry. Based in Asia and serving the world, it provides an efficient trade platform for Asian products to go global and for global brands to enter Asia!ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO is co-located with TAAPE which is the one and only water park and attraction expo in Thailand. According to the statistics, TAAPE 2019 attracted International exhibitors from over 20 countries, such as White Water from Canada, Polin Waterpark & Polgun Waterparks from Turkey, Synergy Waterpark from India, Lanchao & Dalang from China.ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO 2024 will be held in IMPACT Exhibition centre,Bangkok,Thailand during 3-5 September,2024.If you are interested in it please contact Shally Li by grandeur.yu@grandeurint.com Pressemeldung Download: ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO 2024 ASEAN PATIO POOL SPA EXPO A former boss of the Dixie Mafia who ordered the murders of a circuit court judge and his wife in 1987 and who was suspected in the 1967 shooting which killed the wife of Sheriff Buford Pusser of Walking Tall fame is now asking to be released from prison after 51 years. Kirksey McCord Nix Jr. says he cannot receive adequate care for his numerous health conditions while in prison. Nix, now 80, was already serving a life sentence in a Louisianas Angola State Penitentiary for the 1971 murder of a New Orleans grocery store executive when he ordered the 1987 murders of Harrison County (Miss.) Circuit Court Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife, Margaret Sherry, a former city council member, according to court documents. While in Angola, Kirksey was hopeful of bribing his way out of prison by raising money through what prosecutors called a lonely hearts scam designed to defraud homosexual men. Nix and his associates would take out personal ads in national magazines geared to homosexual men, pretending to be a young man looking for a relationship or sexual encounter. When men responded to these ads, they would be told the young man needed money to get to them, with instructions on how to wire the money, which would end up in the hands of a Nix associate outside the prison. Prosecutors said Nix amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars from the scheme. In December 1986, Pete Halat, a Biloxi attorney and Nix associate, told Nix that about $100,000 of Nixs money was missing, with Halat saying he suspected his former law partner, Vincent Sherry, of stealing the money, which ultimately led to the killing of Sherry and his wife. Halat would be elected Mayor of Biloxi in 1989. In 1991, Nix, Mike Gillich and two other conspirators were found guilty of multiple federal crimes connected to the Sherry murders. Three years later, Gillich turned state informant and a second trial, in 1997, produced additional convictions, with Nix found guilty of racketeering, conspiracy to violate the racketeering statutes, fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Halat, who lost a reelection bid in 1993, was also found guilty during the 1997 trial for his involvement in the criminal conspiracy. The second trial also determined Thomas The Thumb Holcomb was the hitman hired by Nix and associates to carry out the Sherry murders. Six years before Nixs first murder conviction, he was a suspect in the shootings of Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife in McNairy County, Tenn., in August 1967. Pauline Pusser was killed, while Buford Pusser, the intended target, had part of his face blown off, but survived. Buford Pusser maintained the Dixie Mafia was behind the shooting and Nix was directly involved. No one was ever charged in the Pusser case and Nix has refused to comment on Pussers accusations. Buford Pusser died in 1974. Nix is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Okla. He is asking for a compassionate release from prison, saying in a federal court filing Nix filed himself that he suffers from multiple medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes and other afflictions which have him confined to a wheelchair, according to the Biloxi, Miss., Sun Herald. Nix says another inmate is being paid to push him around the facility and is only able to eat, bathe or go to the bathroom with assistance. He also said the doctor who provided care in the Oklahoma prison has retired. Nix wrote that he has two relatives, both registered nurses, who could care for him in Eufala, Okla. -- his hometown. The U.S. Attorneys Office is opposing Nixs release, writing in court filings Nix is receiving adequate medical care and has not proven he no longer poses a threat to the public. In his filing, Nix claims he is a changed man. The defendant is not the same person who stood before this court at sentencing, he wrote, and he does not pose any type of threat to any individual or society at large. Former FBI Special Agent Keith Bell, who investigated the Sherry murders, told the Sun Herald Nix should never be freed, noting that the last time Nix was free (1971) he killed a man. He is a habitual criminal who has been involved in serious criminal activities all of his adult life, Bell told the outlet. He was involved in criminal acts when previously free and he continued his illegal actions even after being incarcerated. U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett is expected to rule on Nixs request. A Florida couple kept their two young children locked in homemade cages while the parents worked at the University of Florida, according to police in Gainesville, Fla. An investigation into the potential abuse began when the couples 6-year-old son told an employee at his school he didnt want to go home because hed be locked in a cage his father had built, according to the Miami Herald. The couple also has a 2-year-old child. Investigators arrived at the couples home to find a large unsanded, wooden enclosure made of pressure-treated 2x4s that appeared to be a makeshift cage, according to an arrest report obtained by the newspaper. The cage had two stainless steel bolts to close the door and the rails only had a few inches between them to look through. The 6-year-old told police he would have to go in the cage when he came home from school and in some cases remained there until he left for school the next morning at 7 a.m., according to the arrest report. He also said he was made to wear diapers while he was in the cage, but was allowed to use the bathroom during the day. The younger child, meanwhile, was caged by using an overturned crib placed on top of a mattress on the floor with the 2-year-old inside. Because it was turned upside down, the crib had exposed metal springs. The children were removed from the home and into the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families. As the children were leaving, the 6-year-old reportedly said I didnt want anyone to get in trouble. I just didnt want to be in the cage. The parents, ages 31 and 35, are charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse and one count of child neglect. Aggravated child abuse is a 1st-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Child neglect is a 3rd-degree felony which carries a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of up to $5,000. They were arrested Dec. 8 and placed on administrative leave from the University of Florida on Dec. 11, according to the report. The parents had been biological scientists at the university for many years, a university spokesperson told the Herald. An After School Satan Club plans to begin offering activities to children at a Tennessee elementary school following Christmas break, officials said. The Satanic Temple plans to host the club at Chimneyrock Elementary School in Cordova, news outlets reported. It will begin meeting on Jan. 10 in the schools library and run through the spring semester, according to an announcement Tuesday posted on social media. A flyer about the club says the Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit. It says it does not attempt to convert children to any religious ideology, but offers activities that emphasize a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview. Memphis-Shelby County Schools said in a statement that the district would rent out the space to the organization per its policy. As a public school district, were committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours, the statement said. This means we cannot approve or deny an organizations request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs. A fierce debate over antisemitic language and free speech is roiling college campuses and universities nationwide, ignited by three university presidents who evaded congressional questioning last week over how they would respond to calls for the genocide of Jews. But in Alabama, concerns over Jewish safety animating fierce divisions in other states with higher numbers of Jewish residents are not as big of a concern, according to university presidents and leading rabbis interviewed by AL.com in the last week. Some of the states institutions also score comparably well on free speech assessments than elsewhere in the U.S. Alabama and other states in the South have far fewer incidences of antisemitism compared to other areas of the U.S., largely because there are far fewer Jewish residents living in the South outside of Florida than in the Northeast. Im not saying nothing happens or that comments arent made to people at parties, but in general, its almost nonexistent relative to other universities, said Rabbi Kussi Lipskier, executive director of the Chabad at Bama, who primarily serves the students at the University of Alabama. Rabbi Scott Looper of Temple Beth Or in Montgomery, said hes not heard any concerns voiced at Montgomery area schools, adding that voicing support for the genocide of any group is unacceptable. Free speech should be governed by responsibility no incitement to violence, no threat, he said. Rising cases Palestinian supporters gather for a protest at Columbia University, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in New York City. The federal government has opened civil rights investigations at seven schools and universities over allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.Yuki Iwamura | AP Photo The reactions from university officials in Alabama come as antisemitism incidences reported in the U.S. have surged 337% since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, reaching the highest number during any two-month period tracked by the Anti-Defamation League since 1979. From Oct. to Dec. 7, the ADL reported 2,031 antisemitic incidences, up from 465 incidences during the same period in 2022. On average, over the last 61 days, Jews in America experienced nearly 34 antisemitic incidences per day in the U.S. An overwhelming majority of incidences appear to be happening on the East Coast and California, according to an interactive map the ADL posted on its website. In Alabama, there have been four antisemitic instances since Oct. 7, while neighboring Mississippi has not reported any. Louisiana has had three, Georgia has had six. The incidences in Alabama include an Oct. 8 vandalism at a pizzeria in Auburn, an Oct. 19 harassment incident in Chelsea, and anti-Israel rallies in Birmingham and Huntsville, both occurring in October. Alabama, like the rest of the U.S., has seen an overall increase in antisemitic activity in the past two years. According to ADLs 2022 audit, there were 28 total incidences in Alabama, up from 6 each year from 2019-2021. David Hoffman, senior associate director of Leadership Development Programs at the ADL, said the general trend his organization sees is that where there are larger Jewish communities, there are more incidences of antisemitism reported. Furthermore, we rely heavily on members of the community reporting incidents to us, Hoffman said. It should not be surprising that individuals who are in a smaller minority of their community would be more hesitant to report on misconduct targeting them out of fear for being further victimized. More than nine in 10 Jews (91%) in the U.S. live in 20 states Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas being the only states in the South, according to the American Jewish Population Project through Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. About six in 10 of Jews live in five states New York, California, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Alabama, according to one analysis, has added 4,325 Jewish residents in the past 123 years, tracing back to 1899. The states 10,325 Jewish population accounts for only 0.2 percent of its overall 2020 Census count. None of the states public or private universities are listed among the Top 60 schools for Jewish population by Hillel International. In the South, Tulane University -- a private institution with 7,350 undergraduate students in New Orleans -- stands out by ranking No. 4 with 44% of its enrollment consisting of Jewish students. By comparison, the University of Alabamas undergraduate enrollment of 31,360 consists of approximately 1,000 Jewish students, or 3%, according to Hillel. Alabama reactions Jo Bonner, president of the University of South Alabama, speaks during a groundbreaking for a new 250,000-square-foot Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com Despite low numbers, university officials in Alabama say they are staying on top of the rising concerns. University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, on Friday following a groundbreaking for a new medical school building, told AL.com that USA officials and student leaders have been meeting since right after the Oct. 7 attacks to discuss ways to comfortably and safely discuss international affairs. There were group sessions and opportunities for people to talk about what they were seeing, said Bonner, a former Republican congressman. I think when you live in a country where you are blessed to have free speech and freedom of the press and other freedoms, we have to be careful about using those freedoms when we incite hostility and hatred. He added, Ive been proud of our students and faculty who lead these conversations or are a part of them, where we have not joined the ranks with some of the universities especially on the East Coast that seem to believe to think its OK. Im not surprised by our reaction, Bonner said. Our students have been mature and responsible in talking with each other about what they are seeing as opposed to trying to find a microphone and trying to get national attention. USA, Troy University, Auburn University, and the University of North Alabama have not had any reported incidences of antisemitism since Oct. 7. Lipskier said hes unaware of any incident occurring in Tuscaloosa. The University of North Alabamas mission is to be innovative, inclusive, engaged, evolving, and global, said university spokeswoman Michelle Eubanks. As such, we strive to promote an atmosphere that is free of discrimination of any sort. All members recognize that we are integral part of the community and will respect, honor and protect the freedom and dignity of all. Jack Hawkins Jr., the chancellor Troy University, said their code of conduct clearly classifies any such behavior as harassment, referring to violent or threatening speech. Troy University values the marketplace of ideas that rightly thrives on college campuses, and we endeavor to ensure freedom of speech extends to all students, faculty, and staff, Hawkins said in a statement. However, we strongly opposed discrimination and harassment in any form, including antisemitism and violent threats. Free speech A truck with electronic panels drives along a street Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, near Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass., while displaying messages calling attention to a recent controversy involving testimony to Congress by presidents of three prestigious schools, including Harvard University, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania. Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of Harvard following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP Free speech concerns at colleges around the U.S. are part of the fallout from a Dec. 5 congressional hearing when three university presidents came under fire for being evasive in their responses on a question about speech aimed at the genocide of Jews. One of them University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned Saturday. Harvard University President Claudine Gay, who also faced intense backlash, will remain in her position. Magill, Gay, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth testified as part of a congressional inquiry over a rise of antisemitism on college campuses and universities since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. The trio were criticized for giving non-answers to repeated Yes or No questioning from Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York on whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their schools codes of conduct regarding bullying and harassment. The presidents said it would be a context-dependent decision on whether a violation occurred. In the days after the hearing, the ACLU has released a statement saying the First Amendment protects all forms of speech no matter how offensive the content. Universities have effectively had a lot of double standards on what speech is protected and what speech is investigated and suppressed, said Keith Whittington, professor of politics at Princeton University who will serve, next fall, as director of a new free speech and academic freedom center at Yale University. Rather than question the double standards, universities are likely to decide that they just need to shift the line a bit on which speech they will suppress, he said. Alabama performs relatively well on free speech rankings issued by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which advocates free speech in America. The organization, each year, ranks hundreds of colleges for their protection of students rights and open inquiry. Auburn University was No. 2 out of 248 colleges surveyed by the organization, earning high marks for tolerance. It is one of only four colleges to be given a Good report for speech climate. The only other Alabama-based universities surveyed included the University of Alabamas Tuscaloosa campus (No. 154, Slightly Below Average speech climate), University of Alabama at Huntsville (No. 72, Average speech climate), and University of Alabama at Birmingham (No. 43, Slightly Above Average speech climate). Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania were at the bottom of the rankings. Nadine Strossen, professor at New York Law School and a past president of the ACLU, said that despite the rankings, all of the schools came out very badly related to factors that lead to causing speech suppression and students being afraid of other students. At Auburn, for instance, the university ranked low 247th, for Tolerance for Liberal Speakers. The university, according to the rankings, is considered conservative. The universitys openness score was also somewhat low compared to other universities. Peer pressure, cancel culture, and fear of saying something unintentionally may be viewed as insensitive, said Strossen, who participated with Whittington during a free speech and civil discourse panel at the University of Alabama in early 2022. The conclusion of this analysis is that the difference between the highest rated schools and the lowest rated schools is negligible on that factor. Pressures are to self-censure and not address topics on race, gender, immigration and police issues. And we know that is a pervasive problem that stems beyond campuses. A minister to Alabama Death Row inmates said he had to sign a form acknowledging that he could die in an accident involving nitrogen when the state is scheduled to administer a novel execution method next month. The Rev. Jeff Hood, the spiritual adviser for Kenneth Smith, said he could not counsel Smith in the inmates last moments unless he signed a form acknowledging the risks associated with nitrogen -- the gas Alabama will use for the first time when it executes Smith on Jan. 26, barring legal or other developments. Among the risks listed in the acknowledgment form, obtained by NPR and published in a story the outlet posted Tuesday, is the highly unlikely event that the hose supplying nitrogen to a mask to be worn by Smith detaches, creating a small area of risk [approximately two (2) feet] from the outflow. Additionally, overpressure could result in a small area of nitrogen gas that displaces the oxygen in the area around the condemned inmates face and/or head. Because of the risks, according to the form, Hood will have to stay at least three feet away from Smiths mask, which the minister said will prevent him from anointing Smith with oil and administering the inmates last rites. Hood told NPR that infringes on his religious rights. If we cant guarantee Kennys rights, then certainly nobody elses rights can be guaranteed, Hood told NPR. How far will the state of Alabama go to curtail the religious rights of Alabamians? Health experts told NPR that because nitrogen is colorless and odorless, it may be difficult to discern a safe distance to be away from the gas and the state may put others besides Smith at risk. Despite calling Alabama the most ill-prepared, unprofessional execution squad in the country, Hood said he signed the acknowledgment form last month. He said it was important that his five young children were aware what their father was standing for. The Alabama Department of Corrections did not respond to NPRs request for comment on the form. Jurors on Tuesday saw pictures of the white top and pants Melissa Ann Tremblay, 11, was wearing on Sept. 11, 1988 when she was in South Lawrence, Massachusetts and later found beaten, stabbed and murdered. Pieces of the girls outfit, which was adorned with black and gray stars, was posted on video projectors in the jury box as well as overhead television screens in the Salem Superior courtroom. Julianna Hooper, a forensic scientist with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, said she tested the set for blood and other evidence along with a pair of white sneakers Tremblay was wearing when her body was found in a Lawrence rail yard. Pictures of the sneakers were also shown to the jurors. Several MSP crime lab employees were called to the stand Tuesday as the first-degree murder trial for Marvin Skip McClendon, 76, of Bremen, Alabama, continued. While the murder case was cold for more than 30 years, prosecutor Jessica Strasnick said DNA taken from under Tremblays fingernails matched McClendon, a handyman who frequented the area in 1988. But Henry Fasoldt, McClendons defense attorney, said the entire criminal case is based on assumptions, including leaps made with the DNA, and that McClendon had absolutely no reason to kill Tremblay. Its unclear if McClendon will take the stand in his own defense, Fasoldt told The Eagle-Tribune Tuesday. McClendon was charged with Tremblays murder on April 27, 2022. His trial on a first degree murder charge opened on Thursday, Dec. 7. Presiding Judge Jeffrey Karp ha said the hope is jurors can start deliberating the case by Dec. 20. Tremblay was a sixth-grader at the Haigh School in Salem, N.H., when she was found murdered in Lawrence near the former LaSalle Social Club at 397 Andover St. She was known to play in the adjacent neighborhoods while her mother and her mothers boyfriend frequented the social club. She was last seen alive by a railroad employee and a pizza delivery driver, authorities said. Tremblays mother has since died. However, the girl does have surviving relatives and childhood friends living in the area. Tuesday morning, jurors were bused from Salem Superior Court to Lawrence to see where the LaSalle Club and railyard were located. Later in the day, when testimony resumed, Abbey Scott, a MSP crime lab worker, explained to jurors that fingernails are often collected and tested because DNA can get under fingernails of those someone is in close contact with. Strasnick also questioned Jennifer Montgomery, a supervisor in the DNA unit at the MSP crime lab, about testing from 2019 to 2023 on fingernail clippings taken from Tremblays right hand. DNA collected did not match the late Randy Therrien and Robert Powers, two men who were in the railroad yard at that time who were questioned by investigators. However, Montgomery said the DNA matched McClendon male family members, including Marvin McClendon, in her testimony. McClendon, a retired Massachusetts corrections officer, has been held without bail at Middleton Jail since his arrest and return from Alabama to Massachusetts in 2022. Age 41 when Tremblay was murdered, McClendon is a 1965 graduate of Tewksbury High School and an Air Force veteran. He was living in Chelmsford and affiliated with a 7th Day Adventist Church in Lawrence in 1988, prosecutors have said. Court officers escort McClendon, who uses a walker, from the courtroom to the courthouse lockup during the trial. Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill. ___ (c)2023 The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) Visit The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) at www.eagletribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission awarded integrated licenses to five companies to help start the states new medical marijuana industry Tuesday, voting to pick them out of 33 applicants. The AMCC could award no more than five integrated licenses under the medical marijuana law the Legislature passed in 2021. The integrated companies will cultivate, process, transport, and dispense medical cannabis. Some steps remain over the next few weeks before that work begins. Although the licenses have been awarded, they are not scheduled to be issued until Jan. 9. Before that, the AMCC will receive license fees and conduct site inspections. Commission Chair Rex Vaughn said he hoped that if there are no delays that medical cannabis products could be available by the spring of 2024. The next two weeks well have investigative staff that will go and look at the facilities, Vaughn said. Theyll do on site inspections to make sure that the facility is up to par with what theyve been portrayed to be so that they can move forward when we indeed issue the license at the end of December and into January. Companies that were awarded licenses today were Trulieve Alabama, Inc.; Sustainable Alabama, LLC; Wagon Trail Med-Serv LLC; Flowerwood Medical Cannabis, LLC; and Specialty Medical Products of Alabama, LLC. Nine of the 12 voting members of the AMCC took part in Tuesdays vote at the Alabama Statehouse. The AMCC had heard public presentations from the applicants last week. Ray French, the CEO and a co-founder of Specialty Medical Products of Alabama, said his company already has experience producing gummies from CBD and is ready to begin making the new products. Specialty Medical Products was passed over on two previous rounds of license awards that the AMCC later withdrew. Were so proud on behalf of the commission for taking the time to actually get to know the applicants and really consider this, French said. Im so proud for all of our staff and employees and everybody thats worked so hard. And also for the other people that were awarded. Were looking forward to helping build an industry here in Alabama. French said Specialty Medical Products would have dispensaries in Montgomery, Troy, Opelika, Foley, and Bayou La Batre. The law required the AMCC to award at least one of the five licenses to a company that is at least 51% minority-owned. Trulieve Alabama is the minority-owned company. Alabama Always LLC, which has built a facility in Montgomery and has filed much of the litigation against the AMCCs procedures, was not awarded a license. Well have to assess what happened and regroup and see what to do, William Somerville, an attorney for Alabama Always said. The company has stressed for months that it is ready to begin cultivating cannabis almost immediately and has questioned whether other applicants are as well prepared. The integrated licenses awarded Tuesday are one of six categories of licensees for the states new industry, authorized by legislation that passed in 2021. On Dec. 1, the AMCC awarded licenses to a total of 20 companies in the five other categories: cultivators, processors, transporters, dispensaries, and testing labs. The licenses awarded Dec. 1 and on Tuesday mark the third time the AMCC has awarded licenses. The AMCC rescinded awards it made in June and again in August because of problems with its procedures and lawsuits filed by the applicants. Its a milestone for us, AMCC Chairman Vaughn said. Maybe the third time will be the charm. So, well see how that goes. Were getting tired of swinging. We want to hit the ball and get it in the outfield. And I think today maybe will get us that far. The AMCC made some changes in response to the litigation. The earlier license awards were announced after the AMCC met behind closed doors for hours. The meetings during the third round of awards have all be open to the public. Also for the third round, the AMCC discarded scores from third-party evaluators that were used during the first two rounds of license awards. Under new rules approved in October, the AMCC had each commissioner rank the applicants. The AMCC averaged the rankings to determine a composite ranking. That was then used to determine the order in which applicants would be considered for a nomination and a vote. Because of the requirement that at least one licensee be a minority applicant, the commission voted to take nominations for minority applicants first. Southeast Cannabis Company, the highest ranking minority applicant, was nominated, but only four of the nine commissioners voted to award the company a license. Trulieve Alabama, the next highest ranked minority applicant, was then nominated and awarded a license on a 6-3 vote. Any applicant denied a license has 14 days to request an investigative hearing by the AMCC. We think we have some quality applicants, Vaughn said. It was challenging for the commission to go through this process because you had so many really, really good ones to choose from. I myself had some top picks that did not make it to a vote. So, Im somewhat disappointed for those. But I think that shows that weve got a team effort going as far as the commission. Each commission member has a role to play. Has a vote to cast. And thats how our decisions were made today. And Im very happy with the overall decisions that were made. Doctors can may begin the certification process to recommend medical cannabis to patients after business licenses have been issued. For a patient to qualify for medical cannabis, the patient must have at least one of the qualifying conditions and be recommended for medical cannabis by a certified physician. Qualifying conditions include chronic pain, weight loss and nausea from cancer, depression, panic disorder, epilepsy, muscle spasms caused by disease or spinal cord injuries, PTSD, and others. Products can include gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, oils, and other forms allowed by the legislation. A state prison inmate was killed Tuesday at Elmore Correction Facility in central Alabama. Alabama Department of Corrections officials identified the slain prisoner as 38-year-old Derrek Wendell Martin. He was severing of 20-year sentenced for drug possession out of Lawrence County. The inmate-on-inmate assault happened at 6:20 a.m. Prison spokeswoman Kelly Betts said the incident began as a verbal altercation that escalated into an assault. Correctional officers found Martin on the floor, but he was still conscious when discovered. He was taken to Staton Health Care Unit where Betts said his condition rapidly deteriorated. Life-saving measures were administered but unsuccessful. A physician pronounced him dead at the facility. Inmate Antonio wan Thomas has been identified as the suspect. Charges against him are pending. Thomas, 50, is serving a life sentence for first-degree robbery out of Montgomery County. The investigation is ongoing. Birmingham Fire Station 9 reopened Wednesday for the first time since one firefighter was killed and another critically injured in a shooting five months ago. As you can image, its pretty bittersweet, said Battalion Chief Clay Hendon. A lot of them are glad to be back home with familiar faces but its difficult, and its going to be a challenge for some. Were still healing, Hendon said. Firefighter Jordan Melton, 29, was killed in the July 12 shooting. Jamal Jones, who has since been promoted to the rank of sergeant, is still undergoing treatment and has not yet been able to return to work. Melton and Jones were shot just before 8:30 a.m. that Wednesday after they began their shift. They were performing routine maintenance in the stations bay area when a gunman entered through the open bay door and opened fire in what police say was a targeted attack. Birmingham police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were called to the station, at 1228 27th St. North, where the firefighters had reportedly been shot in the chest and legs. At least one caller reported hearing shots and ran to take cover in the bathroom. Birmingham Fire Station 9 reopened Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, five months after one firefighter was killed and another critically injured in a shooting.(Carol Robinson) The shooter entered the fire station through the open bay door, which typically remains open to be accessible to residents who need their blood pressure checked or other help or information. Melton died five days later. No arrests have been made, and a reward of more than $40,000 remains in place. Station 9, when fully staffed, has five firefighters per shift and make an average of 200 runs per month. They have been operating out of nearby station for the past five months. Hendon said after the shooting, the crews were given the option to stay at Station 9 or transfer to another station. The third firefighter who was at the station when the shooting happened the stations captain - opted to be transferred to another station. Some did not come back and understandably so, he said. The station has been undergoing renovations since the shooting. There was a lot of damage done to the station during that incident, Hendon said. Station 9 went back live at 8 a.m. Fire Chief Cory Moon was there to privately address the crews, and roughly 15 retired firefighters gathered at the station to show support for the returning firefighters. The media was asked to stay away for the first couple of hours after the official reopening. The camaraderie we have let them get through this peacefully, Hendon said. Birmingham Fire Station 9 reopened Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, five months after one firefighter was killed and another critically injured in a shooting.(Carol Robinson) Inside Station 9, there is a memorial plaque honoring Melton. Also, firefighters have permanently sealed off and locked Meltons locker, with some of his personal belongings still inside. Additionally, a scholarship has been established in Meltons honor for the most outstanding recruit in each of Birminghams fire academy classes. Hendon said additional, and significant, security measures have been put into place at Station 9, and all Birmingham fire stations. He said obviously the department would like to see an arrest made in the deadly shooting. Birmingham police on Wednesday said there are no updates for public release. I think we all want to have some accountability, Hendon said, but we also understand the process and as much as we would like information and updates, we have to allow the police to do their investigation and we dont want them to compromise the investigation by giving out information that down the road could cause jeopardy for any kind of prosecution. We would like to see justice for our brother, he said. A variety of gift cards, photographed on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Gift card scams are no joke Americans lost more than $183 million to gift card or card reloading scams between the start of the year and Sept. 30, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission. There were thousands of imposter scams in Texas from January to September according to the FTC, which include credit card schemes. Elderly people are more frequently targeted by scammers, who use ploys such as lottery hoaxes, phishing emails, scam calls and more to steal billions of dollars between 2021 and 2022. Texan elders are the third most victimized in the country. MORE ON THIS: FBI data found Texans lost more than $763 million during holiday shopping scams in 2022 Advertisement Article continues below this ad What do gift card schemes look like? Money stolen from gift cards can be hard to get back, according to a news release from the FTC. Scammers might call victims phone numbers, pretending to be from a government agency to demand payment for fines or taxes. Other times, the person trying to run a scam might lie and say they are from a utility company, that theyre acting as tech support or that they are generously giving out a prize. Usually, fraudulent callers will suggest the fine is urgent to discourage victims from asking friends or family for advice. Criminals will have a specific gift card that they want victims to buy before they ask for the information on the back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some thefts happen after con artists work on building a relationship with the victim through a dating app before asking to buy them a gift card. The FTC says not to bite. Do not ever give money to someone whom you have not met. A popular video posted by the Pinole Police Department in California warns that a growing number of scammers are stealing gift cards to cut out the code under the scratch tab before putting the cards back on the shelf. Once an unsuspecting customer buys the card, the criminal uses the code they stole to access the money the purchaser added to it. Police say consumers should make sure the full gift card is in the sleeve by carefully feeling the package for the entire card. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While you should report scams to the company you purchased the card from immediately, you can report the scam even after it happens. Companies may choose to reimburse you if ask. A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday said prisoners in Alabama have been denied parole and forced to work jobs at fast food restaurants as part of a labor-trafficking scheme that generates $450 million a year for the state, according to a press release. Ten former and current prisoners and labor unions that represent service workers filed the lawsuit Tuesday against Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, a beer distributor and several fast food companies. The lawsuit alleges the prison system makes money by deducting fees from the wages of prisoners. Private companies such as KFC, Wendys, Burger King and McDonalds get a steady supply of workers from the prison system, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit claims the arrangement resembles convict leasing, a system that followed slavery in the South. Prisoners, many of whom were Black and had been arrested for violations of Jim Crow laws, could be forced to work dangerous or grueling jobs for private employers. The governors office did not respond to requests for comment. Parole reforms enacted in 2015 had reduced the number of work-release inmates by 40 percent in 2018, according to the press release. That year, Gov. Kay Ivey began targeting the parole system and rates dropped. The number of prisoners granted parole declined sharply between 2020 and 2022. The rates among Black inmates dropped even further and wait times increased, the lawsuit said. Labor coerced from Alabamas disproportionately Black incarcerated population is the fuel that fires ADOCs extremely lucrative profit-making engine, the suit reads. ADOC enforces express rules that severely punish incarcerated people both for refusing to work and for encouraging work stoppages. Violence and extortion are common in Alabama prisons, which are understaffed. Inmates often take work-release jobs to get out of the dangerous environment and earn money to buy clothes and extra food, the complaint says. This case seeks to abolish a modern-day form of slavery, the complaint says. They have been entrapped in a system of convict leasing in which incarcerated people are forced to work, often for little or no money, for the benefit of the numerous government entities and private businesses that employ them. They live in a constant danger of being murdered, stabbed, or raped that is so profound that the federal government has sued Alabama for inflicting cruel and unusual punishment, and if they refuse to work, the State punishes them even more. They are trapped in this labor trafficking scheme. One inmate, Lakiera Walker, was incarcerated from 2007 to 2023. Her parole hearing was rescheduled from 2020 to 2023, and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall opposed her application even though her victims supported her release, the complaint said. Walker had to perform long hours of work inside the prison that included stripping floors and caring for sick and disabled inmates. She also did roadwork for Jefferson County, where she endured sexual harassment, and worked at Southeastern Meats. She often spent time inside the freezers with inadequate clothing, the lawsuit said. On one occasion, Ms. Walker was so ill that she had to be carried to the healthcare unit and could not work; she was approached by an ADOC job placement officer who told her she had to get up and go make us our 40%, the complaint said. There is no reasonable argument that Ms. Walker posed a threat to public safety for more than a decade before she was released, given her history of performing work both inside and outside prison walls without incident. State Rep. Christopher England, D-Tuscaloosa, said he has been watching the parole board since 2019 and was aware of racial disparities. Many people denied parole for being threats to public safety do work outside of prisons several hours a day, he said. They work jobs every single day for eight to ten hours unsupervised, England said. So, saying they are a threat to public safety is only a convenient excuse to deny them parole. More than 500 companies have contracts with the Alabama Department of Corrections to obtain work from inmates, the complaint said. The inmates are not allowed to refuse work or protest dangerous conditions or long hours. Prisoners who engage in work stoppages can be punished with transfers to a higher security prisons and loss of privileges. They can be sent to solitary confinement. In addition to private employers, the lawsuit also names the City of Montgomery, City of Troy and Jefferson County as agencies that have benefited from inmate labor. The Alabama Department of Corrections deducts 40 percent from inmate wages. Workers must also pay for transportation and clothes, the complaint said. Michael Campbell, an inmate at Childersburg Work Release Center, said he works five to six days a week at a local KFC. He said inmates have begun to lose hope they will ever qualify for parole. It seems like theyre not even really looking to anybodys record, theyre just standing over them and denying every one of them. Embattled Florida Republican Party chair Christian Ziegler faces a vote on Sunday to remove him from his $120,000 a year job following rape allegations lodged against him and the admission that he and his wife had a three-way affair. So far he has steadfastly refused to resign even as Gov. Ron DeSantis and most state Republican leaders want him out. Christian Zieglers wife Bridget, a co-founder of the powerful conservative group Moms for Liberty, faced a resolution Tuesday night calling for her removal from the Sarasota County School Board. Given the continual bad headlines and lack of support, Christian Zieglers time as chair could soon be over, whether charges are filed or not, political analysts said. Setting aside the sexual assault allegations, if there was a consensual three-way relationship of some sort, that would be legal, but inconsistent with the policy messages, policy actions and messaging of the Florida Republican Party over the last five years, said Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami. Mac Stipanovich, a Tallahassee political consultant, agreed that Ziegler could lose his job no matter how the investigation turns out. In the course of it all, (the state GOP) will all wring their hands and talk about innocent until proven guilty and stress alleged and all that, which is appropriate, Stipanovich said. But I believe theyll remove him. The accusation The allegations were brought by a woman who says she had a previous consensual sexual encounter that included Ziegler and his wife, according to a Sarasota Police Department search warrant affidavit. The affidavit states the woman told Sarasota police detectives she had agreed to have a sexual encounter with Ziegler and his wife on Oct. 2 but canceled when she learned Bridget was unable to go. She told police she opened her door to walk her dog and Ziegler entered her apartment and sexually assaulted her, according to the affidavit. The Florida Center for Government Accountability, a nonprofit media organization that first broke the story last month, reported police had recovered video taken by Zeigler of the encounter, but a Sarasota police spokeswoman said nothing in that report had been confirmed. Ziegler has not been charged with a crime. His attorney, Derek Byrd, said he would be cleared of wrongdoing, and Ziegler released a statement earlier this month professing his innocence and claiming he and his wife were being targeted. We have a country to save and I am not going to let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up, he said in his statement. Bewildered and frustrated Ziegler could be taking a cue from former President Donald Trump, Koger said, who famously has refused to admit mistakes or wrongdoing. According to NBC News, Ziegler told Moms for Liberty at their convention in July, Never apologize. Ever. Apologizing makes you weak. But, Koger said, Hes not Donald Trump. He doesnt have the brand name recognition or perhaps the extreme latitude of forgiveness or indifference exhibited by Trump supporters, Koger said. In the Zieglers cases, theyre not more important than the party brand. Trump has been conspicuously quiet about Ziegler as DeSantis, his rival for the 2024 presidential nomination, was quick to call for Ziegler to step aside. DeSantis was soon joined by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, House Speaker Paul Renner, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and CFO Jimmy Patronis in calling for his resignation. State Rep. Spencer Roach, R-Fort Myers, told the New York Times that Zieglers issues were the topic of every water-cooler conversation and every lunchroom conversation. People are befuddled and bewildered and frustrated. These people for years have held themselves as paragons of Christian conservative values. This is a huge breach of trust. Stipanovich said the lack of support for Ziegler was deafening. Theres nobody whos stepped up and said, Its unfortunate, but he should be able to remain as chairman, Stipanovich said. Nobodys said that. He doesnt have a supporter. Power vs. Ziegler Zieglers win in the February election for state chair over Evan Power, a DeSantis ally, had been seen as a victory for Trump in the battle to control the state party. Ziegler had worked with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski as a political consultant before becoming vice chair in 2018, though he has since stressed his neutrality in the GOP primary race. Trump praised Ziegler early last month at the partys Freedom Summit in Kissimmee, saying he has done a fantastic job as state party chair. But after demonstrating his power in the state party in September, when the executive board reversed itself on a loyalty pledge requirement for the presidential primary, and with his huge lead over DeSantis in primary polls, Stipanovich said Trump is probably not willing to insert himself into a leadership fight. In every poll thats out there, hes beating Ron DeSantis like a drum here in Florida, Stipanovich said. I dont think it matters to him whether (Ziegler or) Power is the chairman. Power, who was elected vice chair after losing the chair election to Ziegler, was the one who called for the special executive board meeting at the Rosen Centre in Orlando on Sunday to consider Zieglers fate. The board, made up of county party chairs and state committeemen and committeewomen, can vote to appoint a special investigative committee to look into the allegations, which could ultimately result in his removal from office or expulsion from the party. The board could also suspend some or all of Zieglers authority and pay and take a vote of no confidence or censure. Issues to be discussed include the Chairmans misconduct; neglect of duty; conduct that renders him unfit for the office of Chairman; and/or conduct tending to injure the good name of the RPOF, disturb its well-being, or hamper it in its work. Ziegler has already become less visible in his role, with his last official email as party chairman sent out Nov. 29, the day before the first report of the allegations against him. Bridgets future As for Bridget Ziegler, Sarasota School Board Chair Karen Rose wrote that given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission, according to WFLA-TV in Tampa. The school board on Tuesday evening approved a resolution asking her to resign. DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern did not respond when asked if the governor was considering suspending Bridget Ziegler from her position on the school board or from the position he appointed her to on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the board overseeing Walt Disney World. DeSantis has suspended 23 officials for neglect of duty, incompetence or misuse of authority, according to the Tampa Bay Times, including Orange Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell and Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. _____ 2023 Orlando Sentinel. Visit at orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Sarasota County School Board formally called on Bridget Ziegler to resign on Tuesday as she grapples with the fallout of an ongoing sex scandal involving her and her husband, Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler. In a 4-to-1 vote, the school board signed off on a resolution requesting that Bridget Ziegler voluntarily step down from the post that shes held for nearly a decade. Board Chairwoman Karen Rose, who has long been aligned politically with Ziegler, called the Tuesday vote. Ziegler was the only member to oppose the measure. The resolution is non-binding as Ziegler was quick to note on Tuesday meaning the board cannot force her from her position. Bridget Zieglers position on the school board was called into question late last month after news broke that Sarasota police were investigating a womans allegation that Christian Ziegler raped her during an encounter in early October. According to a search warrant affidavit, the Zieglers had made plans to have sex with the alleged victim, but once Bridget Ziegler canceled, Chrsitian Ziegler showed up at the womans apartment where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Christian Ziegler has claimed that the encounter was consensual. No charges have been filed in the case. He has said that he intends to remain in his position as Florida GOP chairman despite calls from top Republicans to step down. While Bridget Ziegler hasnt been accused of wrongdoing, she acknowledged to investigators last month that she and Christian Ziegler had been involved in a sexual encounter with the alleged victim over a year ago. The Zieglers have been active in conservative circles in Florida for years. Bridget Ziegler was appointed to the Sarasota County School Board in 2014 by then-Gov. Rick Scott and has played an integral role in the conservative education movement, especially under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She co-founded the conservative group Moms for Liberty in 2021 and has said that she helped draft the DeSantis-backed Parental Rights in Education bill called Dont Say Gay by critics which was signed into law last year. Despite Tuesdays vote to call for her resignation, its unclear whether shell bend to the pressure. Under Florida law, the only way a school board member can be removed from the position is through voluntary resignation or by first being suspended by the governor and then voted out by the state Senate. Ahead of the vote on Tuesday, Ziegler expressed frustration over the school boards decision to bring the measure to a vote. She noted that the scandal did not come up during a recent meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the governing board that oversees Walt Disney World Resort, which she also sits on. I am disappointed, Ziegler said. As people may know, I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up, and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board. For many Sarasota County residents, however, the school boards call for Ziegler to resign was justified. One resident who spoke out at the meeting, Julie London, compared Ziegler to former U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York, who was expelled from the House this month over ethics violations. She is Sarasotas George Santos, London said. She turned our town into a laughing stock. If Bridget really did listen and really did care, she would resign on her own volition. Her credibility was low to start with. Now theres none. Another speaker, Paulina Testerman, was even more scathing in her remarks, saying that she would relish the downfall of politicians like [Ziegler] who use our children as a stepping stone in their quest for power and political relevance. If it isnt the consequences of your own actions, Testerman said. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Its always the ones with the dirty hands that are pointing the fingers. 2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hunter Biden on Wednesday defied a congressional subpoena to appear privately for a deposition before Republican investigators who have been digging into his business dealings, insisting outside the U.S. Capitol that he will only testify in public. The Democratic presidents son slammed a subpoena requesting closed-door testimony, saying it could be manipulated. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has said Republicans expect full cooperation with demands. It was scheduled for Wednesday. What are they afraid of? Im here, Im ready, Hunter Biden, who lives in California, said outside the Capitol. He said he was offered a choice to come in for depositions or committee hearings. Well, Ive chosen, he said. Im here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the committees legitimate questions. Republicans are pursuing an impeachment inquiry seeking to tie President Joe Biden to his son Hunters business dealings. They have have so far failed to uncover evidence directly implicating President Biden in any wrongdoing. But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden familys international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of influence peddling in their business dealings, particularly with clients overseas. There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen, Hunter Biden said. Separately, Hunter Biden is facing criminal charges in two states from a special counsel overseeing a long-running investigation. Hes charged with firearm counts in Delaware alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special Counsel David Weiss also filed new charges nine new tax counts last week alleging he schemed to avoid paying about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. A Sheffield man has filed a $50 million lawsuit against a former Sheffield police officer and several Florence police officers, after he was beaten in an incident late last year. The federal lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, stems from a Dec. 23, 2022 incident that happened in a Lauderdale County retail package store. Max Ryan Dotson, who was at the time a lieutenant with the Sheffield Police Department, pointed a gun at Demarcus Key, 44, and hit him while off-duty. The suit also names officers Tyler Barnett, Ryan Wells, Brian Perry, and the cities of Sheffield and Florence, as well as the Good Spirits package store. It seeks damages, claiming unlawful arrest, use of excessive force, violations of civil rights and the Fourth and 14th Amendments, assault and battery, emotional distress and negligence. In July, Dotson was found guilty of assault, menacing and reckless endangerment in connection with the incident. In an interview earlier this year, Key said Dotson approached him at the store and just asked me what I said to his daughter and I kept telling him I didnt know what he was talking about. According to the suit, Dotson hit Demarcus Key in the face when he was in front of the store counter, then pulled a gun on him before leaving the store. The store clerk, the suit contends, told Key to leave, as the police had been called, but Key did not want to leave out the store due to the fear of getting shot and assaulted, according to the suit. Key went outside, where Dotson assaulted him again until Barnett, who had previously worked with Dotson with Florence police, arrived in his patrol car. Dotson says Barnett injured him in the act of putting him in the patrol car. Key told the officer to review the stores video camera footage, saying Dotson was the aggressor. Key was later arrested, while Dotson was allowed to go home, the suit contends. Lawyers for Key say the cities of Sheffield and Florence never disciplined the officers involved in the incident. Dotson is one of 10 Sheffield officers being sued by Marvin Long, an unarmed Black man who was bitten by police dogs two years ago. Companies that have been awarded licenses by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission plan to dispense products in 37 locations in 21 cities across the state, according to the license applications. Joey Robertson, president and CEO of Wagon Trail Med-Serv LLC, one of the integrated companies that was awarded a license on Tuesday, said his expectation is that products could be available by late spring or early summer of 2024. The law passed by the Legislature in 2021 authorizing medical marijuana placed caps on how many licenses could be issued and how many dispensary sites licensees could have. The law allowed up to four dispensary licensees and three sites for each. The law allowed up to five licenses for integrated companies that can have up to five dispensaries each. That adds up to a maximum of 37 allowed. Here is where dispensaries are planned, according to the license applications. Montgomery, 5 Mobile, 4 Athens, Birmingham and Dothan, 3 each Cullman, Foley, and Opelika, 2 each Attalla, Bayou La Batre, Daphne, Decatur, Demopolis, Florence, Gadsden, Loxley, Monroeville, Oxford, Talladega, Troy, and Tuscaloosa, 1 each. Dispensaries can only operate in cities and counties that have approved ordinances or resolutions allowing them. The 13-member AMCC awarded licenses to integrated companies Tuesday. Integrated companies are authorized to cultivate, process, transport, and dispense medical cannabis. The commission distinguishes between awarding a license and issuing a license. The commission will conduct site inspections and collect license fees before issuing the licenses, which is scheduled to happen on January 9. On Dec. 1, the AMCC awarded licenses to 20 companies that will perform only one function in the new industry. The AMCC awarded licenses to seven cultivators, four processors, four dispensaries, four secure transporters, and one testing lab. Those licenses are scheduled to be issued on December 29. License applicants were required to tell the AMCC when they could be ready to begin operations. Unless the process is stalled by lawsuits or for some other reason, products are expected to be available next year. Products can include gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, oils, and other forms allowed by the legislation. Patients who receive a recommendation from a certified doctor and receive a medical cannabis card from the AMCC will be able to buy the products at licensed dispensaries. The products can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, weight loss and nausea from cancer, depression, panic disorder, epilepsy, muscle spasms caused by disease or spinal cord injuries, PTSD, and others. Robertson, president and CEO of Wagon Trail Med-Serv, said the company expects to be ready to begin cultivation within 45 days of being issued a license. The companys cultivation and processing facilities are in Hanceville. Robertson said the company has raised hemp since 2019 under a program regulated by the state Department of Agriculture and Industries and has produced hemp-derived tinctures, topicals, salves, and gummies that are sold online and in retail stores. Wagon Trail Med-Servs dispensaries will be in Athens, Cullman, Decatur, Florence, and Montgomery. With approximately 50 uniformed police officers in attendance Tuesday, the Mobile City Council put a temporary halt to two separate ordinances codifying Alabama state law and city procedures on the handling of body cam footage and restricting pre-dawn raids and so-called no knock warrants. The council voted 5-2 on each matter, and requested city attorneys seek an opinion from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on whether the council is overstepping its legal authority by enacting ordinances overseeing police activity. A supermajority of the council decided to wait another 30 days until January 11 before reconsidering each ordinance that surfaced last month as a response to a rash of complaints over policing in Mobile during the past several months. We need to put in something that sticks, said Councilman Cory Penn who supports the ordinances that he says do not go above and beyond state law and follow already established police procedures. The two ordinances do the following: Ban no-knock search warrants and pre-dawn raids, something which is already being done as a result of an order from Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson last month after a tragic Nov. 13 pre-dawn raid in which a 16-year-old who was not the person police were looking for was shot and killed. The bans include limited exceptions. Requires authorities who deny the release of body cam footage to provide a legal reason for the denial under Alabama law, similar to the provisions that are currently in place through a new state law enacted on Sept. 1. Said Penn, One day, the police chief will retire. I wont be here forever. The truth of the matter is a procedure doesnt stick. The next chief can come in and change it and they dont have to come to the council. Zoghby violation But some new concerns, which did not exist during a council committee meeting over the ordinances last week, surfaced within the past several days over whether the council was violating the Zoghby Act, the 1985 Alabama state law that established Mobiles council-mayor form of government. The law gives the council legislative ability to set policy, but also limits how much authority elected officials have over subordinates of the mayors administration. The police department falls under the mayors purview. Whats being called into question is the use of an ordinance to govern polices and procedures of the police department, said James Barber, chief of staff to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Councilwoman Gina Gregory, who along with Councilman Josh Woods voted No on the 30-day holdover, said she feels the ordinances are unlawful and encouraged them to be tabled until after Marshalls office had a chance to provide a review. She said she did not believe 30 days was long enough to give the Attorney General time to consider them. Why are we not codifying what the fire department does, or what Public Services does? Gregory said. Its the same principle (as with the police department). I believe we are overstepping our authority with Zoghby and state law. Councilman William Carroll said the council has the authority to be policymakers and vote on ordinances that establish city policy if they do not intrude into the agencys day-to-day procedures. Carroll expressed concerns over how the concerns over the ordinances will be raised before Marshall. The Republican Attorney General has been adamant in his support for long-established forms of policing and has expressed his concerns over police reform initiatives since he took office in 2017. Marshalls office did not respond to an immediate request for comment. We know however the question is written will dictate the outcome of the response, Carroll said. There is clearly some confusion between policy and procedure. Penn said he hopes Marshall will deliver his legal opinion on the citys requests but added that neither ordinance should be viewed as an attack on police. A lot of time people put a law in place and send it to the AG, that maybe its viewed as an attack, Penn said. Its not an attack. Its for their protection as well. Police viewpoints Mobile Police Sgt. John Goodwin speaks at the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com Police officers who showed up to the council meeting view it differently. We dont think the city council should have authority to pass an ordinance over the police department, said Sarah Badon, vice-president of the Police Benevolent Association of Mobile. Mobile Police Sgt. John Goodwin said the Zoghby Act prohibits the council from adopting the ordinances, and that federal and state law allows no-knock warrants to be executed. Passing this ordinance will have a devastating effect on the morale of the men and women of the police department and fosters mistrust in the communities we serve, Goodwin said. Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine, who was at the council meeting, said he supported the position from the officers, but that he did not coordinate their appearance before the council. My officers have a right to disagree and dissent on what the city council is trying to do irrespective of my opinion, Prine said. The council meeting was the largest showing of Mobile police inside Government Plaza since controversies over policing erupted earlier this year. Those issues have generated widespread attention in recent months stemming from the handling of the Jawan Dallas death following an encounter with two police officers in Theodore. The officers involved in that incident have since been allowed to return to their patrols and a grand jury found no wrongdoing with how they conducted themselves while encountering Dallas. The Dallas family, after months of pleading to review the body cam footage of his encounter with police, have since said -- after reviewing the footage for the first time last month -- that the police department was responsible for the 36-year-olds death. The body cam footage not been released publicly. On Monday, a $36 million federal lawsuit was filed against the city. Further exacerbating concerns was the killing of the 16-year-old during a pre-dawn police raid. The teenager was not the person police were searching for during a warrant for a marijuana-related arrest of his brother. The teenagers death was the second time in one year in which a Mobile police officer shot and killed someone who was not the person police were searching for while conducting a raid. The Nov. 13 incident prompted Stimpson to announce a ban on most pre-dawn search warrants and announced that former U.S. District Attorney Kenyen Brown was conducting a review of the agencys policies and procedures. That review is still ongoing. We understand what is going on in the community and understand the outcry of the City Council, Prine said, adding that out of a spirit of cooperation, he is supporting Stimpsons ban on pre-dawn raids. Councilman Ben Reynolds said the proposed ordinances are surfacing at a time when council meetings are filled with emotions and hearing from constituents demanding action over the fallout from the Dallas case, and other policing issues that have raised concerns in Mobile. There is a strong desire for members to take immediate action, Reynolds said. It sort of clouds our legislative step-by-step process to make sure we fully understand an issue, get a vote on it and pass a policy that will last generations. An Alabama corrections officer was among the 15 suspects arrested as part of a child sex exploitation sting in Montgomery. Montgomery County law enforcement officials on Monday announced the arrests stemming from an undercover sting targeting child exploitation. On Tuesday, a Department of Corrections spokeswoman confirmed that one of the suspects -- 43-year-old Flanzy Lee Harris -- was an officer at Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery. Harris resigned from his position following his arrest, said ADOC spokeswoman Kelly Betts. Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham called the suspects conduct something serious during a Monday press conference. This is something were not standing for and its something we addressed. The massive sting took several months of training and planning. Assistant Chief Deputy Wesley Richerson of the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said they were targeting people who prey on children. Those arrested, he said, communicated online with who they believed to be children and agreed to pay them for sex acts. Montgomery police Chief Darryl Albert called the suspects the worst kind of predators' and District Attorney Daryl Bailey said, the children of Montgomery are a little safer today. To parents, Richerson said, Please review and monitor what your children are doing online and who they are taking to. You would not leave your front door wide open your childs phone, if unmonitored, is an open door to their life. This operation surpassed all expectations, said Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Dante Gordon. The other suspects besides Harris charged with first-degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act were: Those charged with first-degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act are: - Leon Johnson, 50 - Malik Hazama, 36 - Key Darine Dashun Coley, 28 - Jesus Alejandro Lopez-Vicente, 32 - Jalen Miller, 22 - Anthony Allen, 22 - Jordan Addison Dukes, 30 - James Earl Ellis, III, 28 - Robert Anthony Lusco Jr., 56 - Quentin Lamar Jones, 26 - Johnny Lee Timmons, 29 - AlShon Tupactre Latrell Walker, 21 - Jarvis Frost, 25 - Charity Devontay Wright, 24 Five of the suspects have been released on bond. Ten others remained held Monday in the Montgomery County Detention Center. This is a guest opinion column The fourth GOP Presidential primary debate took place in Tuscaloosa last week and many Alabamians tuned in to hear about key issues. For parents, a key swing vote segment in the 2024 election, school choice was top of mind as they watched which candidates committed to empower American parents through educational freedom. The fact is, school choice is one of the few non-partisan issues that is popular throughout the country. Its not just popular with Republican primary voters, but also among 71 percent of all voters, across almost all demographics. Unlike many of the other issues debated, its a winner among the general electorate too. Here in Alabama, almost 4 out of 5 voters support school choice legislation, as more and more parents want a say in setting their child up for future success with an education that best meets their needs. Just this year, we have seen great steps in the right direction made by lawmakers in the Heart of the South, who redefined eligibility requirements for schools, designating schools that earn a D or below on the states report card as priority schools that are eligible for scholarships. Previously, students were only eligible for scholarships if they were zoned for failing schools in the bottom 6% of state standardized test results. This change will open the doors of school choice to more than 100,000 students in 200 schools, in addition to 100,000 students with unique learning needs who are now eligible. That momentum continues with Governor Iveys announcement that she will put forth an education savings account (ESA) bill for review in the 2024 legislative session. If passed, Alabama would join 19 other states who have expanded school choice policies in recent years. Opponents have long argued that school choice programs will destroy public education, but Florida offers us a nearly 30-year case study that proves that is not true. Since the inception of limited school choice offerings in 1990, Florida has expanded school choice so that now over 400,000 students are enrolled and have a choice between their zoned public school, a private school paid for by a state-funded scholarship, or one of more than 650 charter schools in the state. Students may have the option to transfer to a public school outside of their district or enroll in the Florida Virtual School. The public education system has actually improved dramatically alongside the growth of school choice. When the government provides parents more alternatives, it breaks the stranglehold of special interest unions and puts pressure on public schools to do better. Not to mention, it has also been shown to improve test scores. In 1999, Floridas students were testing well below average on the NAEP, a national standardized test for public schools in the U.S. However, since the inception of school choice in Florida many years ago, Florida ranks in the top ten on the four core tests of the NAEP. Alabama could stand to benefit from the policies that have proven successful in Florida as National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores in Alabama continue to show that very little improvement over the last couple decades. NAEP eighth-grade math scores are the exact same as they were in 2000, and eighth-grade reading NAEP scores are four points lower than they were in 1998; and proficiency scores for the 2022-2023 school year show 49.4 percent proficiency in English, 29.9 percent in math, and 38.5 percent in science. Candidates in future debates should commit to prioritizing school choice via the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal tax credit scholarship bill that would help up to two million students access a school or education service of their parents choice. The ECCA would fund scholarships with private donations, and donors would receive a federal tax credit. Students could use scholarships for tuition, tutoring to address learning loss, special needs services, education technology, and more. The bill would triple the number of students benefitting from private school choice programs, and it would complement the programs already in effect in 31 states, while creating new opportunities in states without school choice. The legislation has more than 100 House co-sponsors and more than two dozen Senate co-sponsors. School choice gives parents the power to choose a learning environment best suited for their childs needs. Children here in Alabama and across the country should not have their potential limited by zip code or income. Candidates must continue to step up and commit to empowering Americas parents so that every child has the opportunity to be seen, heard and succeed in the classroom. Andy Ryan is the Executive Director at the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund. Before joining the AOSF team, he taught and administrated at a K-8 school in Mobile, where he witnessed firsthand the lives that were being transformed by the scholarship program. Andy earned his BA in English Writing and Rhetoric from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas and his Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame. Sometimes, destiny appears with rare clarity. Resistance is futile as the saying goes. It is Alabamas destiny to fight over the permanent headquarters for Americas Space Command until the day the HQ opens in Colorado, as still seems likely, or gets on a plane for Huntsville, its rightful home. Cindy Cruz of the San Antonio Public Library assists Hectoer Guerra during a digital literacy class at the San Antonio Food Bank in December 2021 as part of a program that addresses the internet divide and offers classes, low-cost internet assistance and refurbished laptops. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. is giving a combined $21 million over three years to 20 groups that provide training, tools and connectivity to people across San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, mid-border region and Austin. Robin Jerstad Students at Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio unbox new, free hotspot devices in December 2019. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. is giving a combined $21 million over three years to 20 groups that provide training, tools and connectivity to people across San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, mid-border region and Austin. Matthew Busch/Contributor Estella Cano looks over her pages during a digital literacy class at the San Antonio Food Bank in December 2021 as part of a program that addresses the internet divide and offers classes, low-cost internet assistance and refurbished laptops. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. is giving a combined $21 million over three years to 20 groups that provide training, tools and connectivity to people across San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, mid-border region and Austin. Robin Jerstad /Contributor Saying it can be a major factor in health, a San Antonio nonprofit plans to invest $21 million over three years to help more Texans get online. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc., a faith-based organization that helps uninsured and low-income people access health care, announced Tuesday that its funding 20 groups that provide training, tools and connectivity to people across San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, midborder region and Austin. The goal is to help knock down barriers that keep many offline, especially vulnerable populations that include the aging, incarcerated, disabled, veterans, rural residents, people with language barriers, low-income households and minorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We think of digital equity as a super social determinant of health because without it, you really cant connect to other resources, whether thats health care, education, workforce development, said Monica Gonzalez, a Methodist Healthcare Ministry digital equity supervisor. So, we know it is a basic need in order for our South Texas families to be connected and to really be involved in the digital economy. READ MORE: Suburban Bexar County residents could get faster internet The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the extent of the so called digital divide and how lack of access to digital resources hinders quality of life. Since then, entities at the federal, state and local levels have ramped up investments in closing these gaps. For example, earlier this year, Bexar County set aside $25 million of its $389 million of federal pandemic relief to build high-speed internet infrastructure in unincorporated areas of the county and its suburban cities. An estimated 130,000 households in San Antonio and another 30,000 in Bexar County dont have broadband internet, according to a recent SASpeakUp survey. More than 65,000 lack access to digital devices. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reasons for the disconnect involve affordability, knowledge and availability. Roughly 90,000 of those surveyed said they cant afford broadband. Poor infrastructure especially on the South Side prevents at least 50,000 homes from accessing quality internet service. Citing pharmacy pickups, making medical appointments and SNAP applications, Gonzalez said part of the effort is educating people that internet access is a health necessity. In order to be connected and really be active in todays society, you cant do that without any technology, she said. When we talk about health equity, we cant talk about it without talking about digital technology and digital access. Each of the organizations will help people get devices, education and internet connectivity, depending on individual needs. Some of the groups that will receive funds include Community Tech Network, Empower House San Antonio, Family Violence Prevention Services, Girls Inc. of San Antonio, Goodwill Central Texas and South Texas Rural Health Services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We believe that by investing in advancing digital equity, we are not just helping communities to bridge the digital divide, but are also empowering them to access opportunities, connect with vital resources, and take charge of their well-being, said Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Our commitment to funding digital equity, evidenced by this investment across Texas, is a testament to our belief that everyone deserves the tools and skills to thrive in the digital age. In the 1930s and 40s, American leftism was spread out on a spectrum. At the far left end of the spectrum were the most radical of the leftists, communists, almost all of them members of the Communist Party (the CPUSA). At the right end of the spectrum were the most moderate of the leftists, liberal Democrats, supporters of Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal. In between these two extremes were socialists, who were divided into two main groups, pro-communist and anti-communist. The former, even though for a variety of reasons they were unwilling to join the CPUSA, were generally sympathetic with the main ideas of communism, with the Soviet experiment, and with Comrade Stalin, who was presiding over that great experiment. The latter generally disapproved of Stalins dictatorship and disapproved of the CPUSA for making itself Stalins tool. Since these four groups (i) CPUSA, (ii) pro-Stalin socialists, (iii) anti-Stalin socialists, and (iv) liberal Democrats were all together on the leftist spectrum, it was not surprising that pro-Stalin socialists might be influenced by communist ideas, and that anti-Stalin socialists might be influenced by the ideas of the pro-Stalin socialists, and that liberal Democrats might be influenced by the ideas of anti-Stalin socialists. Indirectly, then, and somewhat remotely, liberal Democrats could be influenced by communist ideas. This seemed unobjectionable during the years of World War II, when the USA and the USSR were allies, when Stalin and FDR were friends of a sort. But when the war ended, when the alliance between the USA and the USSR ended, when Stalin controlled eastern Europe and threatened western Europe, when the Cold War settled in when all this happened, many leading New Deal liberals (e.g., Harry Truman, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Reuther) judged that it would be politically unwise for the Democrat party to have any connection, no matter how indirect and remote, with the CPUSA. If the party and its moderate leftism were to have any future in a communism-hating America, a wall of separation would have to be erected between Democrat liberalism and any kind of leftism to the left of that. And so the wall was erected. Democrats affirmed their patriotic hatred of communism. They created NATO and the Marshal Plan. They purged communists from American labor unions. They absolutely refused to attach the label socialist to any of their plans or policies, even though many of them could with justice be called socialistic. They dismissed as nonsense the common Republican charge that liberalism, correctly understood, is nothing better than creeping socialism. Hence, in the second half of the 1940s, during the presidency of Harry Truman, the Democrat party made it clear that it was a party of nothing more dangerous than liberalism, which is to say moderate leftism. Whats more, it was a party whose liberalism, while sincerely dreaming of racial equality, was (at least for the time being) in electoral alliance with Southern racists and segregationists. It was the party of both racism and antiracism. The immediate task was to fight wicked communism abroad and benighted conservatism at home. The ideal of racial equality (an ideal all liberals shared, even though many of their fellow Democrats abhorred it) would have to be taken care of somewhere down the road. Communism is no longer fashionable, at least in our part of the world. Those who would like to be radical leftists are no longer drawn, like iron filings attracted by a magnet, toward the communist ideal. But there are still those especially among young people who wish to be radical leftists. In a godless world, a world that is purely secular, a world that has rejected the possibility of a supernatural order of being, being a radical leftist is a way of being a post-Christian saint. And what earnest and good-hearted young person does not aspire to a kind of sainthood? Just as in the 1930s and 40s, there is a spectrum of leftism in the USA. At the extreme left end are the true revolutionaries, those prepared to work 12/7 on behalf of the revolution. There is no limit to what they might be willing to do. They despise American Jews because these Jews, like almost all Jews everywhere, sympathize with Israel, which the revolutionaries regard as being, like the USA, a nation of vile oppressors. If these true revolutionaries had happened to be with Hamas on October 7, they would have been willing to murder hundreds of Israelis. I doubt they would have been willing to rape Israeli women, but they would have stood aside as their Hamas comrades took care of that sadistic task. In the middle of the spectrum are those who, too sensible or too timid to become true revolutionaries, are in sympathy with the would-be revolution. These are the young people who turn up at pro-Hamas or anti-Israel demonstrations. And these are the not so young professors who, in their quest for sainthood, sign collective letters that, de facto if not in so many words, condone terrorism and antisemitism. At the right end of the spectrum are many liberal Democrats. They are not anti-Israel or anti-Jew or pro-Hamas or pro-terrorism, but they find themselves in an uncomfortable political alliance with multitudes who are in sympathy with all these forms of wickedness. For the middle-of-the-spectrum leftists the privileged young people who take part in anti-Israel demonstrations and the privileged professors who write anti-Israel letters are a significant part of the Democratic coalition. The time has come for todays liberal Democrats, these moderate leftists, to erect a wall of separation to cut themselves off from the extreme and middle sections of the leftist spectrum. Image via Pxhere. For at least half a century, the Left has been luring this nation into a deadly dance. Like the sirens of Greek myth, their music hits all the right notes: true equality, fairness, justice for all, health, peace, etc. Because the music is so beautiful, and the steps to the dance so familiar, again and again, weve accepted their invitation and blindly followed their lead. This simple political dance can be done to many types of music, for it has only three steps. We have seen its familiar choreography in efforts against racism and crime, in steps to preserve our national security, in efforts to support agriculture and education, etc.; whatever the tune, the steps are the same: Manufacture a crisis Offer emergency solutions people would never accept except for the crisis. Results achieve the hidden goal, unrelated to the supposed problem Well look at three examples below, but in her excellent book Behind the Green Mask, Rosa Koire describes this three-step process as communitarianism, which claims that in matters of public policy, we must balance individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution with (imagined) community rights to assure fairness. So here the three-step process is: Individual rights are selfish, harming the community Individuals cede some of their rights to the community Results: fewer rights/freedoms for individuals, more power for local, state, or federal government The problem (i.e., lack of community rights) didnt actually exist but was manufactured by those whose true goal was abolishing individual rights and freedoms and increasing the power and reach of government to impose their social and political visions. Imagine, Koire wrote, that individual rights are a glass of milk, and community rights are a glass of water. To balance those rights, pour each glass into a pitcher. The result is watery milk, i.e., lessened, watered down individual rights. Community rights are strengthened (i.e., more government power/control) the activists true goal. We can see how this dance played out in the 2008 housing bubble collapse: Step One, the Crisis: Bill Clinton manufactured the crisis, saying poor people couldnt afford to buy their own homes. Of course, poor people have never been able to afford their own homes, so why was this suddenly a crisis? That situation is actually a motivation for good behavior: work, save money, defer children until youre more financially secure, use alcohol (or drugs) only moderately, if at all, etc. But no, to Clinton and the left, it was suddenly a housing crisis. Step Two, Emergency Solution: Force banks and mortgage companies to lower housing loan standards so people who cant afford homes are able to get loans anyway. Using the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) to force Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to make 30% of their mortgage purchases these sub-prime loans in 1977, that requirement grew to 50% by 2000. Bush43 continued this affordable housing boondoggle. In 1991, CRA sub-prime loans were $8 billion; by 2007, they were $4.5 trillion. By 2008, half of all outstanding mortgages in the U.S. were sub-prime (high-risk) loans. Step Three, Actual Results: When financial firms sold these sub-prime loans as mortgage-back securities, the stage was set. When a major increase in loan defaults occurred in 2008, the housing market crashed, taking the stock market with it. The manufactured housing crisis wasnt fixed, but the U.S. economy was devastated which was the true goal all along by the globalist Clinton and his leftist cronies. But that makes no sense, you might say; why would anyone want that result? Because the Left has always supported global government (UN, World Economic Forum, World Health Organization, et al.), but the U.S. has long been the major barrier to that dream, so anything that weakens the U.S. politically, socially, or especially economically, then, is a good thing. Your mistake is in assuming that the Left (whether Clinton, Obama, Biden, Schumer, Pelosi, et al) actually wants whats best for this nation and its citizens they dont. They want whats best for them and the other global elites with whom they share a self-serving globalist fantasy. Another example is the pandemic: Step One, the Crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic was supposedly an existential threat to humankind that demanded draconian emergency measures (turns out that for healthy people, it was barely more deadly than seasonal flu). Step Two, Emergency Solution: business lockdowns, schools closed, vaccine mandates, social distancing, etc. Many small businesses operate on narrow margins, so such lockdowns forced their permanent closings, and even major industries were impacted. Step Three, Actual Results: devastated U.S. (and world) economy again, the global elites primary goal all along, making Western democracies weaker against their globalist push from the UN, WEF, et al. Finally, the biggest example, climate change: Step One, the Crisis: climate change is an existential threat to the earth; if something isnt done immediately, the earth will burn up in X number of years. Step Two, Emergency Solution: eliminate fossil-fuel usage (curtail all manufacturing production, reduce/eliminate gasoline-powered cars, trains, trucks, planes, and ships), drastic restrictions on agriculture and cattle raising, make CO2 (behind oxygen the most beneficial element in the world) a pollutant, etc. Step Three, Actual Results: Agenda 2030 is the UNs supposed response to climate change; if its 17 Sustainable Development Goals are actually implemented, the world will be reduced to mid-1800s-levels of food production, transportation, manufacturing, etc except for the globalist elites behind the climate change scam. More and more scientists are finding the nerve to speak out against the climate hoax, but theyre decades behind the climate-industrial complex that is making trillions of dollars from green energy like solar and wind farms. But its becoming clear even to the environmentalist Kool-Aid drinkers that those renewables wont come close to replacing the cheap and reliable fossil fuels that drive the worlds economy. Eliminating meat and dairy and crippling agriculture will result in the mass starvation of millions of people. Again, who would want those results? Only the globalist elites at the UN, the World Economic Forum, the Club of Rome, et al. -- many of whom are U.S. politicians, industrial magnates, and Big Tech oligarchs -- whose globalist fantasies are based on Malthusian ideas of sustainable levels of world population being limited to one billion people. They know that only a world government with unrestricted power can achieve what they call the peaceful elimination of over 7 billion people, so they see Agenda 2030, the WEFs Great Reset, et al., as the paths to achieve that global power and control. Those globalists use their three-step process in every area of life to bring about the ruination of the U.S. and the Western democracies that are the major barriers to their dreams. Thats the true goal behind all their supposed solutions. It's way past time to stop dancing to the leftists globalist tune, to stop accepting their phony crises and, especially, their crippling solutions that are designed to destroy our republic. Image: Bundesarchiv The Left has charged every Republican President since Nixon with fascism. The two presidents Bush were major targets before the campaign against President Donald Trump. Trump made fun of this during a Fox News town hall with Sean Hannity. The once and future president declared he would be a dictator but only on the first day of his second term when he would close the border and drill, drill, drill for oil and gas. This statement drew the usual outrage on the Left, confirming their warning of Trumps authoritarianism as a threat to democracy. Of course, Trump can only get a second term if he wins a fair election, which polls currently indicate he would. That is the normal definition of democracy. But these zealots assert it is only a true democracy if they win. Any means are justified to win because they know by ideology what the people want better than the people do themselves. Four days after the Fox event, the left-wing journal The New Republic (TNR) sent out a fundraising email exposing Donald Trumps favorite dictators. But their guilt-by-association play failed when one looked at the policies being discussed. Vladimir Putin was first, with flashbacks to the discredited Russian collusion hoax. What better way to smear an avowed nationalist candidate who wants to make his country great again than to allege he is a pawn of a hostile foreign power? But thrown at Trump it was unbelievable from the start. TNR cites Trump saying how clever Putin was in handling President Barack Obama on Crimea and deserves a lot of credit for taking over that strategic territory for two dollars worth of sanctions. But this does not mean Trump backs Putin. Trumps point is that Obama was too weak to deter Putin. As was President Joe Biden who opened the door for the Russian invasion of the rest of Ukraine by declaring Kyiv was outside the NATO defense perimeter. As Trump has said repeatedly, there would have been no invasion had he been reelected. His Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirms in his memoir Never Give an Inch. Fighting for the America I Love the shows of strength that President Trump put on in private conversations with Putin. Trump also sent weapons to Ukraine along with special forces trainers, something Obama refused to do. Pompeo laments that the partisan hysteria regarding the Trump-Zelenskyy phone call and impeachment fiasco weaken efforts to further strengthen Ukraine. As a vocal advocate of impeachment, TNR played a part in Putins aggression even before backing the election of a known appeaser in 2020 who spent his first two years waving a white flag around the world. The results have been wars on multiple fronts that threaten to spread because of lackluster responses by a Biden Administration only reluctantly waking up to an extremely dangerous world. Putin thus still thinks the U.S. will abandon Ukraine and give him a victory that will cement his revanchist regime in power for another decade. And China believes this too. A recent editorial in state media outlet Global Times asked readers to Imagine if the US, the largest single donor to Kiev.... reduces its Ukraine aid. Amid the growing war-weariness in the West, this will certainly deflate Europe's willingness to support Ukraine. In that case, how the war will end is quite obvious. And a war-weary West will eventually abandon Israel, Taiwan, and a long list of other targets to an axis of evil bent on overturning a world order upon which free people depend. TNRs other dictators can be dealt with just as readily. The charm offensive with Kim Jong Un was a diplomatic ploy to appeal to an isolated, immature ruler. Kim did agree to halt nuclear and long-range missile testing. On denuclearization, Trump held firmly to the position that there would be no sanctions relief until North Korea had fully dismantled its nuclear program. It is policy disagreements that are at the core of TNRs complaints about its last two dictators. Rodrigo Duterte was elected President of the Philippines in 2016 and left office at the end of his constitutionally limited four-year term. During his 20 years as mayor of Davao City he transformed the city from a haven of lawlessness into one of the safest areas in Southeast Asia. Dutertes harsh crime-fighting tactics earned him the nicknames the Punisher and Duterte Harry. This was the main issue that led to his landslide election as president. He waged a ruthless campaign against drug cartels, using vigilante and counterinsurgency tactics in a true war on crime. This won Trumps respect and the Lefts hatred, as we see today in America. Defunding the police complements legalizing recreational drug abuse that not only kills more Americans than foreign wars, but also destroys families, careers, and sanity itself while rewarding soulless predators who sell poison for profit. Even without the deadly menace of fentanyl, drug abuse has turned Democrat cities into havens of lawlessness and homelessness. Trumps pledge to close the southern border is a necessary but not sufficient measure to suppress the plague of drug abuse. The polling gaps between Trump and Biden are largest on these immoral and lawless policies that embrace criminals as a key leftist constituent group. The tone-deaf TNRs fourth dictator whose policies are to be condemned is Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi. While it is true he took power in a military coup in 2013, it was a very popular move against a Muslim Brotherhood leader who wanted to turn the country into another Iran. His legitimacy was confirmed by landslide election victories in 2014 and 2018, with another win expected in the upcoming December 17 ballot. Egypt will play a vital role in stabilizing a post-Hamas Palestine focused on peaceful reconstruction. Egypt normalized relations with Israel in 1979 in reaction to the Iranian revolution. The alignment of the Arab states with Israel against the common enemy in Tehran (a Shiite theocracy with genocidal hatred towards all other religions) is an essential pillar of regional security. Those on the Left who have tried to undermine relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia are playing into Irans hands (in most cases knowingly). The brutal, sadistic terror attack on Israel by Hamas, part of Irans terror network, is a direct result of leftist influence within the Biden administration that pushed appeasing Iran and insulting the Arabs. TNR has been part of this campaign. It backs the protests calling for a cease-fire in Gaza that will bring to an end Israels campaign to destroy Hamas and has warned Biden that he is losing support on the Left by backing Israel. It has even claimed that the grotesque reason the Biden administration has not pushed harder for a ceasefire is it would allow journalists broader access to Gaza and the opportunity to further illuminate the devastation there and turn public opinion on Israel. The influential book by Marxist Cornell West, a former Harvard professor now running for president, is titled Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism. By which he means the ugly imperialism aided by the unholy alliance of the plutocratic elite and the Christian Right that has undermined democratic energies within the American Empire. The U.S.-led world order is built on the dangerous dogma of free market fundamentalism and defended by militarism leading to authoritarianism. West has marched with anti-Israel protesters. And while he thinks Putin is a gangster, he blames NATO for provoking his invasion of Ukraine and wants the alliance dissolved because the American empire has little or no moral authority to help Ukraine defend itself. The people should vote out American supremacy. If not, the Left will simply surrender America to the barbarians in their name and still call it democracy. As the new political year dawns, voters need to look beyond slogans and name-calling to analyze the policies behind the rhetoric and make their choices based on what will best make America a secure, prosperous, and decent land, the lead nation in the lead civilization of our time. William R. Hawkins is a former economics professor who served on the professional staff of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. He has written widely on international economics and national security issues for both professional and popular publications. Image: National Archives. When a society thats predominantly Sunni Muslim doesnt even want another group of Sunni Muslims included in the mix, youd think that would be a bit of a red flag for Western governmentsbut apparently Germany just cant get it right, and the European country is welcoming the likelyto-be-terrorists with open arms. (According to the U.S. Department of State, Afghanistan is 80% Sunni; Pakistan has a nearly 97% Muslim population, with most belonging to the Sunni sect.) From an item at Remix News at few days back: The first flight of 188 Afghan migrants expelled from Pakistan for living in the country illegally has arrived in Leipzig as the German federal government vows to accept vulnerable Afghans who dont wish to return to their Taliban-governed homeland. According to Zeit Online, the charter flight that touched down in Germany this week from Islamabad was the first of its kind since the Pakistani government announced in October that it was adopting a mass deportation program for an estimated 1.7 million Afghan illegal migrants from the country citing national security. The move was announced after new data revealed a majority of suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. Back in 2017, a woman named Dr. Cheryl Benard penned an essay that reinforced the disproportionate prevalence of violence within the Afghan populationBenard spent much of her career working on issues related to refugees, and was formerly a program director in the RAND National Security Research Division. From her report, published by The National Interest: Afghans stand out among the refugees committing crimes in Austria and elsewhere. Why? In 2014, when waves of refugees began flooding into western Europe, citizens and officials alike responded with generosity and openness. Exhausted refugees spilled out of trains and buses to be met by crowds bearing gifts of clothing and food, and holding up placards that read Welcome Refugees. [T]here was one development that had not been expected, and was not tolerable: the large and growing incidence of sexual assaults committed by refugees against local women. These were not of the cultural-misunderstanding-date-rape sort, but were vicious, no-preamble attacks on random girls and women, often committed by gangs or packs of young men. Most of the assaults were being committed by refugees of one particular nationality: by Afghans. Benards essay is rife with examples, detailing assault after assault, and even acknowledges the very clear and inarguable pattern that emerged once the correlation became so dramatic the media was forced to report on an assailants country of origin. Now, that was back in 2017, over five years ago; and what has Germany done since then? Well, theyve imported thousands more; according to data sourced from the World Bank, the number of refugees living in Germany in 2022 was over two million, which was a 65.28% increase from 2021. How many of those came in from Afghanistan? Are they behind the spike in stabbings too? Or is that just typical of Muslim third-worlders in general? Is the German government just destined to fall on the wrong side of history? Why do its leaders seemingly always embrace the wrong cause? Back to the Remix item, we learn that the progressive politicians have urged the federal government to accelerate refugee admissions, even if this compromises national security. Whose interests are these politicians representing? Its not rocket science to realize that those conditioned to resort to violence to get a point across are bringing their mindsets with them. Ive said it before but Ill say it again: these cultural enrichers came to conquer, not contribute. Image generated by AI. Having taught college English in my younger days, I have some sense of the arrogance, isolation and entitlement of those tenured pseudo doyens, particularly college administrators. Theyre making the big bucks and have many letters following their often-hyphenated names, so by virtue of their positionshighly paid for very little actual workthey prima facie must be superior beings. They so often act the part, an act hyper-charged by working atop the Poison Ivy League. Imagine the unlimited self-regard of the university presidents of Harvard, MIT and UPenn, Claudine Gay, Sally Kornbluth and Liz Magill, respectively. Actually, one need not imagine it. When they recently appeared before Congress, they demonstrated it by refusing to answer direct questions, smirking, and in general, behaving as the self-imagined academic elite. And about what were they so self-absorbedly tone deaf? They refused to condemn the worst and most widespread antisemitism seen on this continent in generations, wrapping their moral depravity in the First Amendment. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R--NY) did a reasonably good job letting them indict themselves as moral microbes. After all, how hard is it to clearly, and without sidestepping, condemn antisemitism and the genocide it is spawning? For Gay, Kornbluth and Magill, impossible. They refused to say whether advocating violence and genocide violated their campus codes of conduct. Watching such spectacles, Im often amazed when those asking the questions dont ask the most obvious, telling questions in response to slippery witnesses. A case in point being the supremely smug Claudine Gay of Harvard. Im waiting for the next Harvard grad to announce that fact so I can reply with the utmost sincerity: Oh, Im very sorry. It was Gay who repeatedly claimed students crying for the blood, the mass murder of Jews cant really be condemned nor punished. Its a matter of context, you lesser beings. How could you fail to understand such nuance? Oh thats right; youre not capable of nuance, are you (que smug smirk)? Heres what I wished Stefanik had asked: Context? Context like the Holocaust? 10-07? Iran and its proxies daily swearing genocide against Israel and all Jews? Context like your students doing the same, physically threatening and even assaulting Jews? Context like genocide listed as the reason for being of Hamas and Hezbollah in their founding documents? Context like those terrorists raining rockets on innocent civilians, stabbing, raping, mutilating, kidnapping, shooting and blowing them to bits? That sort of context? How about the context of purposely allowing your students to be cruel and abusive, to behave like savages toward others on your campus? Is that the standard of the civilized, Harvard scholar? Is that the veritas for which Harvard strives? Are those the kinds of people you educate and intend to send into the world? Hows that for context? Sadly, the university presidents didnt have to evade any such questions. Instead, they hid behind the First Amendment. Unfortunately for them, as the Supreme Court noted, students dont leave their rights at the schoolhouse gate. However, schools can regulate speech and behavior for legitimate educational purposes. If anarchy reigns, no learning takes place. Tinker v. DesMoines is the relevant case. As they left the hearing room, they surely must have believed theyd won. After all, they always had all of academia, the media and much of Congress on their side. They were female university presidents, diverse, inclusive, equitable and invulnerable. Then the UPenn Trustees had an emergency meeting after a donor withdrew a $100 million dollar pledge. Even for schools with multi-billion-dollar endowments, thats real money. Magill and Gay released typical non-apologies, but Liz Magill was suddenly out, and the shock waves began to reverberate throughout ivy-covered halls. It turns out a substantial number of Americans, and most importantly, wealthy university donors, are still decent people who tend to take the barbaric slaughter of innocents, and genocide, seriously. They also tend to intensely dislike people who dont, and particularly snot nosed college kids who think that kind of demonic barbarism a good thing. Even some congressional democrats have been forced to at least pretend to harbor decency. Whether Gay and Korbluth will face the same fate remains, as this is written, unknown. Perhaps a message sufficiently powerful to wipe the smirks off the faces of university presidents has been sent and received. Perhaps they really can feel shame? Perhaps October 7th really has changed the world for the better, if only to expose the putrid moral decay of so many Americans and our institutions of higher indoctrination. Or perhaps our university presidents and faculties will only go into hiding until this latest storm blows over. Also unknown is whether even nuclear weapons can eradicate the arrogance, isolation and entitlement of our over-educated and under-schooled self-imagined elite. image: commons.wikimedia.org, public domain What was our biggest complaint with Roe v Wade? Abortion was decided by judges, thus leaving legislatures elected by voters out of the conversation. Roe was overturned and now voters get to vote on the issue. As a consequence, you have unconditional abortion in California and restricted abortion in places like Texas. Last week, a judge in Texas went around state law and approved an abortion because the baby was apparently diagnosed with a fatal condition. Before I go any further, let me say that this is a situation that we can all sympathize with. Unfortunately, it does not work that way in Texas no matter how sympathetic we may be with her condition. In Texas, we have a medical exception for abortion. However, it's up to doctors not a judge. This is what the Texas Supreme Court concluded: The Texas Supreme Court on Monday ruled doctors must use their reasonable medical judgment to determine when a patient qualifies for an abortion and called on the states medical board to issue more guidance. The high courts decision struck down a lower court ruling allowing Kate Cox, the 31-year-old Dallas woman whose fetus was diagnosed with a typically fatal disorder, to get an abortion. It came hours after Coxs lawyers announced she would leave the state for the procedure. In Texas, a woman who qualifies for the medical-necessity exception does not need to go to a judge but rather her doctor. Did this woman get a medical report confirming that she qualified for the exception? Who told her to go a judge? Why didn't the judge tell her that she couldn't do anything about it? The story suddenly ended yesterday because the woman left Texas to get an abortion. We understand that these are complicated situations and our sympathy is with the woman. At the same time, what went wrong here is that the judge authorized an abortion rather than leaving it up to doctors. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Public Domain Harvard was once a reputable institution. Now, though, its a joke, and, moving forward, any parent who pays for it or young person who goes into debt for it has inadvertently taken an IQ test and proved to be only in the double digits. The latest example of Harvards fall, not just from grace but from decency, is the fact that two days after its president, Claudine Gay, insisted that its devotion to free speech was so absolute that even genocidal rhetoric deserved its day, Harvard canceled a Democrat congressman who had spoken slightingly of Gays remarks. Im sure youre familiar by now with what Gay said. However, if you were without internet for the past week, she, along with the presidents of UPenn and MIT, stated that her institution would never simply ban offensive speech. Instead, context was everything. In the case of speech calling for genocide, context demanded that it become action (as in actual genocide) before Harvard would even think about shutting it down. For her brave stand, Gay earned the approval of both the Harvard faculty and board. Hundreds of the former signed a statement supporting her, and the latter just voted to keep her in her place. That they kept her shouldnt have been surprising, given that Gay is Harvards first black president. No matter her incompetence, shes not going anywhere. Oh, and it also doesnt matter that shes a Joe Biden-level plagiarist. Pointing that out is just so, you knowracist! Image: Claudine Gay. YouTube screen grab. Gay made her risible statements in the House about Harvards devotion to free speech even though, in September, The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) gave Harvard FIREs worst score ever when it issued its annual report on free speech on Americas campuses. That low score was well earned, given Harvards aggressive efforts to silence any speech opposing its fealty to the leftist victim hierarchy. It turns out, though, that Harvard has a new victim class that it will also protect from any speech that is critical or could be deemed hurtful: Harvard itself! Sohrab Ahmari reports on the steps Harvard took when a Democrat congressman hurt its collective Harvard feelings: As Gay herself said in her opening remarks to the lawmakers, I have sought to confront hate while preserving free expression.... The free exchange of ideas is the foundation upon which Harvard is built. A mere two days after Gay mouthed these words, however, Harvard canceled a student event featuring two Democratic lawmakersone of whom had been critical of Gays testimony. On the afternoon of Friday, December 8, Harvards John Adams Society, a conservative-leaning student group, was to host a discussion on the future of U.S.China relations and their ramifications for American industrial policy, featuring Reps. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts and Ro Khanna of California. It turns out that the John Adams Society worked carefully and diligently with Harvard to bring a speaker to the campus. But suddenly, the whole event was shut down. Writes Ahmari: What happened between December 5 and December 7? Gays congressional testimony took place on December 5. Auchincloss published a statement on December 6 mocking her for her supposed commitment to free speech. Harvard ranks last out of 248 universities for support of free speech, Auchincloss said. But when it comes to denouncing anti-Semitism, suddenly the university has anxieties about the First Amendment. It rings hollow. On December 7, the event was canceled. There are a couple of things happening here. First, tyrants cannot bear ridicule and criticism, and the Harvard administration is, within its four walls, an absolute tyrant. Second, the Harvard tyranny, like all tyrannies, doesnt hold itself to any standards other than those that serve its immediate interests. There are rules, of course, but they are fluid (and you know how leftists love that fluidity). For people opposed to Harvard, the rules flex constantly to keep them in a one-down position. And for Harvard and its alliesanother word leftists lovethe rules fluidity operates in a way that always benefits them. For those of us neither within Harvard nor trying to curry favor with the institution, Harvard doesnt look powerful. Instead, it looks ridiculous: Hypocritical, hate-filled, narcissistic, and the antithesis of the knowledge it purports to impart. Ill leave you with a very good video from Ben Shapiro, in which he discusses what universities were meant to be and how they devolved into leftist institutions that issue credentials to those who have accepted the statist mindset that governs them. He notes that they are in exactly the same position today as the universities were for the Nazis in the 1930s. Ill add that the similarity extends right down to the genocidal antisemitism. The whole discussion about whats happening in academia is good, but the history lesson starts at 17:30 or so if you want to skip ahead. Border surge? As Joe Biden keeps saying 'what crisis?' and fails to stop it, the Mexicans have apparently gotten sick of this. They're out building their own border wall, or at least, starter fence, now. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune: Just south of the border wall in San Ysidro, Mexican officials have installed a chain link fence reinforced with razor wire at the top and bottom that prevents entry to a section of the Tijuana River channel, identified as one of the main points for migrants crossing into San Diego. Behind the barrier, Mexican National Guard and immigration agents keep watch at all times. Just south of the border wall in San Ysidro, Mexican officials have installed a chain link fence reinforced with razor wire at the top and bottom that prevents entry to a section of the Tijuana River channel, identified as one of the main points for migrants crossing into San Diego. Behind the barrier, Mexican National Guard and immigration agents keep watch at all times. Since its installation last month, the number of migrants crossing in that area has decreased. However, it has increased in others spots farther east, such as Jacume in Tecate, just south of the border from Jacumba Hot Springs, according to Mexican officials. As a result, Mexican federal agents have increased their presence there, as well. Wow. When the migrants move, the Mexicans stop them in the next spot, too. They know how this works. And they understand very well the gaslighting of the open-borders lobby effectively shilling for the Mexican cartels who make billions from these crossings: Mexican officials have defended the installation of the new fence in Tijuana. In a statement last month, Enrique Lucero, head of Tijuanas Migrant Affairs Office, said the new fence did not violate migrants right to request asylum since this point is not a legal port of entry to request asylum. No kidding. They know this is an open border and they also know that this arrangement has wrought havoc on their own country as nationals from more than 150 countries stream in, now in numbers exceeding ten thousand entering the U.S. each day. Unlike the Biden administration, they known the nationals in the border zones in their own country are being hit hard. After all, Mexicans are being driven from their homes based on cartel human-smuggling activity around Joe's open borders. As I noted here last month: InSightCrime reports that Mexicans in northern Sonora state are so under siege from cartel infighting over the migrant smuggling trade they are now fleeing their homes -- and into the U.S. According to InSightCrime: On a recent November evening, residents of Sasabe, a small outpost on the US-Mexico border, received threatening messages warning of an impending attack. The next morning, they awoke to several houses engulfed in flames and dozens of men with high-powered weapons shooting at each other around the main plaza. Hours later, nearly 100 locals, among them elderly men and women and young children, took off for the US-Mexico border. They found a hole in the border fence, crossed into the United States, and pleaded with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to protect them. Border cities have also been shut down as cartels fight for turf, as I wrote about here: Cartels don't go to "war" like this unless a lot of money is at stake. And there is. Joe Biden's open borders policies have led to a full-blown war zone at the very edge of the U.S., with scenes like these, all because of the money and power at stake. It's compounded by the Mexican federal government's coddling of cartels. That's a toxic, explosive mixture that has led to this actual national security crisis. Why would three cartels set off this level of violence to gain control of Tijuana? Well, look at the map Tijuana is the gateway to San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, Riverside, Las Vegas, Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, and beyond, all huge markets of intense interest to Mexican drug-smugglers and human-traffickers. Biden's dinner triangle to illegal aliens still breaking into the country has led to more than a million illegal border crossings since his administration took office. With the U.S. no longer controlling its border, cartels have filled the void, collecting some $7,000 per migrant per crossing. That's a lot of fresh capital for the cartels, even as the States are expected to pick up the tab for the migrants themselves. And there are a host of other problems with this open border situation, including corruption of public officials; crime, disorder, and interference with business from the migrants; borders periodically shut down so the Border Patrol can "process" tens of thousands of illegal border crossers, halting legitimate cross-border trade; and more. Fact is, the open borders Joe has opened wide for migrants of all countries has wrought havoc on Mexico and shown signs of destabilizing other countries, such as Panama. All of Latin America is affected by this nightmare in addition to the United States. Mexico has an election coming and some of the opposition candidates seem to be gaining. Mexico City's ruling pols aren't stupid and can see the potential damage to their political prospects if the chaos of the border isn't halted. It makes perfect sense to them to build a wall, something Joe Biden can neither comprehend nor consider because Trump. Joe should be the one doing it, but he's too busy demanding cash for Ukraine's border, he doesn't want any for America's -- he only wants a faster conveyor belt into the states for illegal alien 'processing.' That's his solution and now the Mexicans are calling bee ess. President Trump once with hyperbole said he'd get the Mexicans to pay for the border wall. It looks like Joe Biden has actually achieved that, but not based on anything positive he did, but based on what he didn't do that was his duty to do. He's out touting his 'virtual' border wall while Mexicans are building a real one. Chalk it up to Mexicans doing the job Joe wouldn't do. The ironies abound. Image: BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commons // Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported Why did it take another iteration of Islam clashing with the civility and Judeo-Christian ethos of the West for certain people to realize it was a bad idea to manufacture such a collision? Since when has orchestrating the saturation of destitute Muslims with Third World mentalities in a Western nation ever benefited the hosting population? How could a group of people so conditioned to chaos and savagery, and who strive for conquest by violence, oppression, and fear ever assimilate to a society that values the protection of the vulnerable, and Judeo-Christian character and honor? Should a successful society built by ethnic Germans cater to hateful foreigners that only want to tear it all down, rape German daughters, and kill German sons? Seems like the answers to these questions would be no-brainers, but apparently not, because just a week or so ago, a gang of feral Muslim teenagers beat up Santa Claus in Germany, and there are still people who think diversity is a strength. Heres the story, reported by Remix News today: German state police are searching for a group of youths who are suspected of committing actual bodily harm against a middle-aged man dressed up as Santa Claus on his way to perform at an event in Hesse. The 54-year-old victim was due to perform at the Konigsalm on Konigsplatz in the city of Kassel on Dec. 6 when he was approached by a gang of youths who crossed the street and confronted him. According to the victim, Rainer B., the gang comprised several teenagers of a migrant background around 15 years of age. He told police they insulted him, calling him a son of a bitch and a fat man and ordered him to remove his Santa Claus costume. They said they were Muslim and that Germany was their country, the victim said, as reported by the Hessische Allgemeine newspaper. When he refused, the gang turned violent and struck him, resulting in injuries to his neck and tearing his costume. The man was able to fight off the thugs and continue on to his performance, but the attack left him disheveled, so photographs with the attending children were canceled. Its amazing you can read report after report, and the perpetrators are always the samehow thats not compelling enough to immediately launch mass deportations is beyond me. These hordes of cultural enrichers didnt come to Germany because they wanted to contribute, they came to conquerand, as Western civilization collapses in real time, Western leaders and their governments are deaf, blind, and mute. Image generated by AI. The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone before an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model. The emergence of generative AI systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT have dazzled the world with their ability to produce human-like work but raised fears about the risks they pose. Columnist Michael Taylor assesses the state of the industry a year after ChatGPT put AI in the collective consciousness. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press A banner that riffs on the Revolutionary War era "Join Or Die" cartoon is displayed at an Effective Accelerationism (e/acc) rave in San Francisco. The loosely organized movement is devoted to the no-holds-barred pursuit of technological progress and the belief that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies should be allowed to move as fast as possible. That idea scares the heck out of our columnist. DYLAN PATEL/New York Times The Google DeepMind website is seen last week on a laptop screen. Alphabet's Google said Gemini is its largest, most capable and flexible AI model to date. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg The year 2023 marked the beginning of our species journey with artificial intelligence. Nothing will ever be the same. One optimistic analogy is that were in the equivalent of the early 1980s, those days when computers began to shift from being an obscurely accessible research tool to the dominant method by which everyone interacts with everyone and everything. There are some downsides to the computer age, sure. But non-Luddites generally dont think we should go back to 1979. A pessimistic analogy is that were in the equivalent of the early 1930s, before nuclear technology began to shift from being an obscurely theorized physics idea to, within a decade, a technology by which humans could efficiently wipe out the species. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im considering all this after a bunch of business news in the past few weeks related to the companies leading our AI revolution. Last month, the nonprofit board of OpenAI which fueled this revolution with its viral launch a year ago of ChatGPT briefly fired then re-hired CEO Sam Altman after the company threatened to move over to Microsoft Corp. It shares in OpenAI profit but launched its own AI assistant project called Copilots earlier in 2023. In the last week of November, Amazon.com Inc. announced its own AI assistant named Q. And last week, Google parent Alphabet launched Genesis. Early reports are that its a really powerful authentic competitor to Chat GPT-4. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The race to natural language AI is highly engaged and many other forms of the technology are also rapidly evolving. Stock markets have been soaring in December fueled by optimism about advancements in the field. Im most interested in AI ethics. Like, is this accelerating race to develop stronger AI better or worse for people? Whats freaking me out is that the people who understand this technology best keep ringing alarm bells like its the 1930s rather than the 1980s. Cool kids AI lingo Here are two prominent AI terms you should know that together encapsulate the rising threat. Everyone in and around AI casually refers to their p (doom), which is cute shorthand for My Personal View Of The Probability That AI Causes Catastrophic Harm To Humans. The answers that experts generally give is that they have a shockingly high p (doom), meaning catastrophic harm is very likely, in their opinion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dr. Althea Delwiche teaches the course AI, Communication and Creativity at Trinity University in San Antonio. She told me that when she recently surveyed her class, p (doom) estimates ranged from 2 to 50%. On average, the consensus of the class was that there is a 15% chance of AI bringing about some sort of disastrous scenario for humans. And, she added, My p (doom) is closer to 25%. That feels, uh, bad. The second cool lingo thats developed among this set is e/acc, which stands for Effective Acceleration theory. It posits that everyone should just move as fast as possible in developing AI, without limits and regulations, toward a techno-future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Move fast and break things has long been a Silicon Valley motto, but e/acc applies that in an extreme techno-libertarian way to the development of AI technology that many of its own experts and adherents believe could break, well, the human species. To be fair, e/acc has developed as a response/backlash to industry experts caution, so disagreement within the industry exists. Precious few governance or regulatory constraints exist to slow the development of AI at this point. The combination of high collective p (doom) and adoption of an e/acc approach to rapidly developing technology feels especially irresponsible to me, an admitted non-technologist. Exponential growth As a non-technologist my main personal insight into artificial intelligence is via analogy. Ive been writing and teaching for years about how compound interest, a key theme of personal finance, is underappreciated because our limited and linear human brains cant conceive of the speed and impact of exponential growth mathematics once an exponential thing acquires a certain momentum. Humans are shocked, every time, at how huge viruses, money, social media views, computing speeds and, yes, artificial intelligence become once exponential growth takes off. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Exponential-growth things start out looking small and innocuous, like the farthest-away visible vehicle barely imperceptible on a desert horizon. What we dont tend to realize is that this vehicle is moving 300 mph barreling down on us and accelerating throughout its approach. By the time it gets close enough for us to notice details and start to understand its potential impact it roars past us, unreachable and unstoppable. That, I fear, is artificial intelligence right now. And 2023 is the year we non-experts spotted AI far away on the horizon, an interesting new semi-mirage with seemingly plenty of time for humanity to react. But thats not how exponential growth works and we probably have very little time. Artificial intelligence has not yet reordered everything on the planet but evidence is picking up that in fact, very soon, nothing will be the same. As professor Deliche put it to me: People in other sectors of society are just beginning to grasp how incredibly disruptive these technologies might become. As a result of recent high-profile announcements from Meta and Google, combined with the propagation of AI-related content on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, we have reached a tipping point in peoples awareness. I would personally put my awareness at, oh, roughly the first week of December 2023. Maybe yours is earlier? Or maybe yours is today. Binary thinking I have some further fears about the future of AI and our inability to make it humane. Computer engineering, at its root, is about binary thinking. Ones and zeros. Successful programmers thrive in a world of pure logic, sorting out puzzles through ever-more complex binaries. While the Silicon Valley folks building the AI future as we speak are extremely good at this kind of thinking, are there enough people collectively in that world who excel at the other kinds of thinking? The kind that values poetry, empathy and ambiguity? In short, where does humanity get valued in the race to develop the worlds most powerful super-intelligence? A simple diagnosis of our struggles as a society in 2023 is our discomfort with uncertainty. I mean, our own political system is barely surviving the rise of Twitter bot farms, which exploit our tendency to prefer Manichean approaches to conflict. If AI is on the cusp of reordering basically everything which I think it is who will make the case for the irrational? The imperfect? The human? Delwiche strikes an optimistic note that her Trinity students in the arts and humanities are actually finding niches in the industry. Despite the professors high p (doom), shes actually excited in a way that I struggle to remain: While mass extinction is just one theoretically possible outcome of artificial intelligence, these tools are already being used in countless ways to improve peoples lives. I appreciate the latter part of that phrase. Its the first part, the mass extinction part, thats giving me pause. Ive only begun to observe AI on the far-off horizon this year, but our AI future for better and worse is accelerating toward us. Im not a spiritual person. If I had to define my relationship with God, Id call myself a very open-minded agnostic, shading into a deist. Sometimes, though, things happen that simply cry out for an explanation that transcends mere coincidence. In the case of Israels war against Hamas, two things have happened of late, one directly to Israel and the other in Turkey. The first is uplifting; the second is funny in a mordant way. The first thing that happened was Israels important victory on December 7, which was the same date on which Hanukkah started: Thank you Hashem for letting the Jewish people start Hanukah with a smile thanks to this mass surrender of Hamas terrorists in Gaza. This should be the first of many! Thank you, IDF! pic.twitter.com/ECEu4j7dUu Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) December 7, 2023 By the way, apropos these photos, the pushback from the West is starting, with the result that Israel is now reconsidering whether to publish them. However, I agree completely with Shaiel Ben-Ephraim: As new pictures emerge of Hamas surrenders in Jabalyia, Israel may not to publish them anymore. Tzachi Hanegbi, Israels national security adviser, said these pictures serve nobody. I strongly disagree. Humiliating Hamas in an honor society weakens them. pic.twitter.com/nZ5smLswFa Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) December 10, 2023 As Osama bin Laden said, people prefer a strong horse, and thats especially true with Arab cultures. The people of Gaza and the West Bank, as well as others across the Arab world, need to see that Hamas is not a strong horse. Stripping them down to their undies to ensure theyre not suicide bombers is logical. Showing those pictures so their supporters understand that the hated Jews defeated them is psychologically necessary. But I digress My point is that on the same day that ended with the first night of Hanukkah, the Israelis had a huge military victory. Thats both artistically and spiritually fitting, given that Hanukkah honors a huge Jewish military victory. Indeed, its so fitting that it seems as if there was a little push to make it happen. But if we need more evidence that someone up there may exist and may have a sense of humor, look at todays news out of Turkey: During a speech today, Turkish Parliamentarian Hasan Bitmez collapsed immediately after delivering strong criticisms against Israel. In his closing remarks, Bitmez said, We can perhaps hide from our conscience but not from history, and stated that Israel will suffer the wrath of Allah. Shortly after these words, Bitmez suffered the wrath of Allah, and collapsed. According to Turkish reports, he underwent cardiac massage (CPR), and was rushed to a hospital where he is listed in critical condition. NEW: Turkish lawmaker Hasan Bitmez collapses from a heart attack just seconds after saying Israel would "suffer the wrath of Allah." The 53-year old lawmaker collapsed after giving his speech in the General Assembly Hall in Ankara, the Capital of Turkey. "We can perhaps hide pic.twitter.com/OpoXO2g1z2 Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 12, 2023 Again, with timing like that, its all too easy to believe that a powerful being is sending a message. Alternatively, of course, it could all be a coincidence. Humans, after all, are hardwired to notice patterns, but we also understand that causation and correlation are not the same. As for me, I continue to have that open mind. Image: Michaelangelos Creation of Adam (cropped). Public domain. Back in October Black Shark announced its first-ever smartwatch called the S1, and now its revealing two new models called the S1 Classic and the S1 Pro. If it seems a bit odd to you that a gaming smartphone brand is delving into wearables, youre not alone. But you have to remember, its not unheard of. Razer released gaming phones once upon a time and it also released two fitness trackers and a fully-fledged smartwatch. Black Shark is merely traveling the same road by expanding its product offerings. With the Black Shark S1 Classic and Black Shark S1 Pro, there are a few similarities with the S1. Both new watches come with the same 1.43-inch AMOLED display so you wont lose any screen space. Both new watches should also be IP68-rated for water and dust resistance. However, we cant confirm this at this time since Black Shark doesnt list all of the specs. The watches will still have the capability to track over 100 sport modes though. Black Shark has changed up the design a tiny bit, although it is more noticeable on the Pro model. Advertisement Advertisement With the S1 Classic, the biggest visual change is the side buttons. There are now three of them for starters. All three are digital crown buttons too, with Black Shar having swapped out the flat button you can see on the regular S1 model. On the S1 Pro, the three digital crown buttons remain but it has a more rugged look. The Black Shark S1 Pro smartwatch has AI-based features Ai seems to be at the heart of a lot of products coming out these days. Its not any different with Black Sharks new S1 Pro smartwatch. Its not clear how embedded the AI features are or what they will do. But Black Shark does mention a couple of things. The S1 Pro will have compatibility with ChatGPT. Unfortunately, the company doesnt expand much on that. Only noting that users will get a personalized and interactive experience directly from your wrist. Users will also be able to customize the watch with AI watch faces. One other notable change the new Pro model has is with battery life. The companys first watch was capable of lasting up to 10 days on a single charge. Pretty good compared to most smartwatches. But the S1 Pro bumps that up to a maximum of 15 days. So you almost get an extra work week out of it. Advertisement When it comes to the S1 Classic there is less known about this watch but it will have the same 100+ sport modes and it has a battery life of up to 12 days. So even it will last a little longer than the first watch. Right now these are only available in select international regions. However, Black Shark does plan to launch these in the US at some point. In the US, theyll be available directly from Black Sharks website. The S1 Classic will retail for $66.90, and the S1 Pro will retail for $76.90. Theres no official release date yet for these. If you cant wait, Black Shark is also selling these on AliExpress and they will ship to the US. Keep in mind though, that these will be shipping from China so the delivery time will take longer. Nothing could announce the Phone (3) as early as the end of February during the upcoming Mobile World Congress. As usual, it will take place in Barcelona, Spain. Itd be interesting to see if Carl Pei brings the Nothing Phone (3) to the show and spills the beans. Android Authority mentions Nothings similar moves in the past to showcase the phones. For instance, it notes Carl Pei carried out the Nothing Phone (1) while meeting partners like Qualcomm. Similarly, Qualcomm and Pei partnered for a press release to confirm the Nothing Phone 2s Snapdragon 8-series processor. And, it counts the upcoming MWC 2024 as a similar stunt. The cryptic Nothing to see slogan (via Android Authority) and background image suggest it might be related to the Nothing Phone (3), potentially focusing on improvements in the camera department. Because the Phone (1)s camera was considered a weak point, and with the Phone (2) addressing the processor concerns, its logical to expect camera upgrades for the Phone (3). It adds that something could be on the way: either a high-end sensor, AI-powered features (like Pixel 8 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy S24 series), or something entirely new. Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to expect from the Nothing Phone (3) Nothing is believed to be less likely to bring a design overhaul with the Phone (3) launch. The transparent back design with Glyph LED lights is something that differentiates it from other phones in the market. It may focus more on bringing better processors and cameras this time. Meanwhile, the Nothing users expect to see a telephoto lens, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 3, or at least Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or 4. Nothing prioritizes clean aesthetics and minimal software, offering customization without bloatware. While the Phone (2) added more themes, the Nothing Phone (3) is expected to follow suit. However, the current update promises to lag behind competitors, so longer support for the Phone (3) is something to hope for. Theres no confirmed release date for the Nothing Phone (3), but based on previous releases, July 2024 is a possibility. This timing is unusual, as most brands launch phones in early January i.e. Samsung Galaxy flagships, or around September/October i.e. Apple iPhone launches and Google Pixel launches. No word about the Phone (2a), though Just recently, several rumors emerged hinting at a potential Nothing Phone (2a) release. The companys X bio also said, Something is coming this week. But it turned out that Nothing had plans for its apparel lines, and the mid-range phone is still in the pipeline. E3 has been permanently cancelled and the show will never return, says ESA CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis in an interview with The Washington Post. The E3 convention was the gaming industrys annual gathering and at one time, was the biggest event of its kind in the industry. It catered mostly to journalists, studios, and publishers, and served as a way to showcase upcoming games for all platforms. Over the span of a week, you would get new trailers, announcements, and surprise launches. It was a big to-do that many gamers looked forward to every year. However, more and more of the industry began shifting to hosting their own online events. Because it was less expensive and announcements could be directed right at gamers. As opposed to media who would then write about everything for people to read. It took a while, but E3 slowly began to dwindle. Shows like Nintendo Direct, Sonys PlayStation State of Play, and Microsofts Xbox Games Showcase are now the norm. Nintendo and Sony hold multiple online events throughout the year while Xbox has a big showcase annually. Advertisement Advertisement Even studios have their own livestreams to announce upcoming games or changes to existing titles. Such as CD PROJEKT RED and its recent event to showcase the new Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 update. E3 being permanently cancelled is the result of many things While the pandemic in 2020 is thought of as being the sole reason for the demise of E3, this merely exacerbated what was already happening. E3 has been slipping for years simply due to industry changes. Individual livestream events captured more and more attention. While providing alternative avenues for companies to showcase their upcoming products. Then incidents like 2019s E3 data leak happened. Exposing personal and sensitive information on journalists, financial analysts, and Tencent employees. This no doubt hurt E3 and would inevitably cause mistrust in the ESA. But it wasnt until the show was first cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic that the bigger picture started to come into focus. E3 was dying. The show was once again cancelled in 2022 following 2021s all-digital event, and then it was cancelled once again in 2023. While many probably suspected E3 was finally gone for good, there was no confirmation until now. But perhaps after years of more and more companies hosting their own showcases, and a few years of event cancellations, Pierre-Louis realized it was time. Companies now have access to consumers and to business relations through a variety of means, including their own individual showcases, Pierre-Louis says. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says an appeal to its case against Apple is in the works. An appeal is in the queue for the Supreme Court to consider hearing, Sweeney said on X. The leader of Epic Games, the company behind Unreal Engine and Fortnite, is riding high after Epics win against Google on December 11. In the landmark case, the jury came down with a verdict that Googles Play Store and in-app billing system have illegal monopoly power. The jury also decided that the tie between the two is illegal. And that Googles secret lucrative deals that were designed to stifle competition and keep rival app stores down and out had hurt Epic. Its still unclear what will happen to Google (if anything) following yesterdays decision. Google has confirmed it will appeal the verdict. Judge James Donato will also have to decide on what Googles remedy terms are. Which are supposed to begin in January 2024. But the way is clear for Epic and Sweeney. Its on to Cupertino, the CEO said in another post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Epic Games plans to appeal the Apple trial verdict If youre relatively new to the details of this case, the whole thing is about app store fees. It began with both Apple and Google and each companys 30% fee for any in-app transactions that happened from apps downloaded through their stores. Epic felt these fees were too high and sued both companies. It went to trial with Apple first but that trial had a very different outcome. Apple was awarded the victory earlier this year. Sweeney is not one to take a loss lying down, however. After a victory against the company that owns the largest app distribution platform globally, Epic is going back for another round against Apple. This time to hopefully win. Should that happen, both iOS and Android stand to go through massive changes with regard to the way apps are distributed. Both Google and Apple could be forced to allow other in-app payment systems. They could also be forced to do away with or lower the in-app billing fees. Its tough to say now without knowing for sure whether or not the Supreme Court will even heart Epics appeal. Google has decided to redesign the bookmarks bar in Chrome for Android. Do note that this is not an upcoming change, but one that is already rolling out. Were seeing the change already, and chances are you are too, or will soon. Google Chrome gets a new design for its bookmarks bar on Android Whats different? Well, now you get big image previews for links youve saved, and the same goes for folders theyre placed in. You can check out the two images below, to get a better idea of what it looks like. Advertisement Advertisement Do note that youll need Chrome 120 for Android in order to get this feature. The folders are now blue-colored in the UI, for your general bookmarks folder, and image previews. Favicons are a thing of the past. This change does mean youll see fewer bookmarks on the screen at once, but it sure does look better. Also, plenty of bookmarks can fit on the display still, its just not as many as before. Chances are most people will like this change I actually really like this change, as these large image previews are really useful. I can spot what Im looking for quicker, thats for sure. Recognizing a picture is sometimes easier than looking for a title. That is basically the only change. You can still see additional options on the right side for each link youve saved. That menu is still presented by three dots which are aligned, vertically, which is something were used to. Another thing worth noting is that this change is not yet visible on iOS. Chrome for iOS will likely get the change soon, but Chrome for Android is first in line. Google is no stranger to rolling out some features to iOS first, so now things are reversed. Thats pretty much it. Make sure you update your Chrome for Android to version 120, and youll be able to enjoy this feature with the rest of us. The controversial co-founder of a US-based artificial intelligence company returns four days after his surprise ousting as CEO on November 17, 2023. Former and current CEO Sam Altman founded OpenAI, a software development company, with others in 2015. His co-founders are Elon Musk, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, John Schulman, and Wojciech Zaremba. Advertisement Advertisement Altman was the driving force behind ChatGPT, an AI application that has created equal amounts of excitement and fear. He pitched the idea to Microsoft, succeeding in persuading CEO Satya Nadella to commit resources to OpenAI to the tune of $10 billion. The tech giant has a 49 percent state in OpenAI. Altman also led negotiations for a tender offer that would bump the companys valuation to over $80 billion. OpenAI will use the funds to fuel research and process massive amounts of data. The goal is to get closer to developing an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system. Sam Altman states on the site that the mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence [AGI]benefits all of humanity. AGI is a theoretical framework for creating AI software that can autonomously solve various complex problems across different fields of knowledge. It is strong AI compared to the weak AI software that only functions within narrow parameters. Industry observers also credit Altman for attracting leading AI engineers to the company with the promise of developing massively disruptive technology. His moonshot ethos struck a chord with tech talent eager to do something revolutionary and establish themselves in history. Despite his significant contributions to OpenAI, his ousting as CEO does not surprise people in the know. Altman has been reportedly clashing with the board for some time, primarily over his move fast and break things approach. Advertisement Speculations No one knows exactly what the discussion behind closed doors prompted Altmans dismissal. The board or anyone else in the know has not forwarded confirmation of the reasons behind the decision. An OpenAI announcement offered one reason for the ousting. It claimed that Altman failed to be consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities. Co-founder Greg Brockman resigned in protest, but the notice merely mentions his departure as board chairman. Brockman returned to OpenAI upon the reinstatement of Altman, but it is not yet clear in what capacity. However, Altmans lack of candor is unlikely to be the only reason for such a significant move by the board. An internal memo by interim CEO Emmett Shear denies that the dismissal was due to malfeasance or any disagreement on safety. He did not specify its rationale but pledged to investigate the matter. The lack of information has led to numerous speculations on what really happened. These included too much deference to Microsoft or excessive focus on side projects. Some AI experts believe that the real issue that led to the ejection was a failure in governance. One is David Shrier, an Imperial College Business School AI professor. He believes that the speed of adoption and potential for commercialization of ChatGPT had sparked tensions between OpenAI Inc. and OpenAI LLP. OpenAI is a for-profit company whose owner remains OpenAI Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The unusual relationship culminated in forming a capped profit structure, where any excess profit OpenAI makes goes to the nonprofit. Advertisement On paper, the board has complete control over OpenAI. However, the massive operations and influence of OpenAI and its CEO have essentially rendered the board ineffective. The directors have no governance powers over OpenAI, which Shrier considers alarming. He believes that AI technology could lead to an existential crisis, which makes robust governance critical in managing it. The Letter One of the more substantiated rumors is that the straw that broke the camels back was a letter. Before the board decided to oust Altman, they purportedly received a warning letter from staff researchers. It reportedly stated that OpenAI had made a discovery that was powerful enough to threaten humanity. While the letter is unavailable for review, Murati sent internal communications informing staffers and the board about Project Q*. Without confirming media speculations on the nature of Q*, some OpenAI employees believe that Q* team members have made a breakthrough in developing AGI. The authors flagged the progress of an OpenAI team on optimizing AI models to increase their ability to reason and do scientific work. They pointed out the potential danger that highly intelligent machines could pose to humanity. The letter did not specify the precise nature of the threat. Advertisement The concerns that led to sending the letter to the board appear to have been triggered by software learning to solve math problems. While that might seem a cause for celebration rather than chagrin, AI researchers disagree. The ability to answer math problems with only one correct answer indicates a significant step toward AGI. In the APEC CEO Summit 2023, Altman hinted at significant breakthroughs in AI tech in a discussion with other tech experts. In his speech, Altman said in part that we sort of push the veil of ignorance back and the frontier of discovery forward, and getting to do that is the professional honor of a lifetime. The OpenAI board fired Altman the day after the summit. Why this should cause concern may be encapsulated in what Altman articulated in his article on the site. He stated, AGI would come with serious risk of misuse, drastic accidents, and societal disruption. [However,] because the upside of AGI is so great, we [should not] stop its development forever. Altman suggested that AGI developers and society must figure out how to get it right. Altman has previously brushed aside concerns over releasing products into the market without understanding the consequences. Many have raised concerns over security, bias, confidentiality, accuracy, and ethical issues with ChatGPT since its launch in November 2022. With AGI seemingly at the brink of creation, the fears of what OpenAI will do under Altmans leadership may seem reasonable. Advertisement The Walk Back However, about 700 OpenAI employees thought otherwise. When the board relieved Altman of his CEO duties, they signed an open letter signaling their displeasure. The letter stated they may resign unless the board reinstated Altman and Brockman. It further requested the board to step down, claiming their actions indicated they are incapable of overseeing OpenAI. After their dismissal, Microsoft immediately hired Altman and Brockman to head a new AI research team. It also opened the doors to any OpenAI who wanted to switch. Investors also pressured the board to back down on their decision. Altman, who was once at the helm of YCombinator, had a talent for raising funds and attracting top talent. Maintaining the various software platforms of OpenAI requires copious amounts of both. His absence may have created a big problem for the company in financial and human resources terms. As a result, the OpenAI board would bring back Altman as CEO. They announced the decision on November 21 on X (formerly Twitter) after reaching an agreement in principle with him. The details of the agreement have not been made public. Altman confirmed the reinstatement in an X post, stating that he was looking forward to returning to OpenAI. He said that Nadella fully supports his return under the new board. The Microsoft CEO noted that the changes were an essential step toward more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. Advertisement The Aftermath The powers that be in OpenAI also formed a new set of board members, primarily luminaries in business and technology. The previous board of directors was mainly researchers and academics. The revamped board includes former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers. Quora CEO Adam DAngelo is the only holdover from the original board. Taylor takes on the mantle of OpenAI board director. However, DAngelo led negotiations with outgoing board members that would eventually bring back Altman and Brockman. Former board members wanted to stay and keep Altman and Brockman in check if there was a reinstatement. They expressed concerns that future board members would let Altman do whatever he wanted. During negotiations, the board decided it would stand by its decision to oust Altman and Brockman. However, it was to no avail. Helen Toner, who openly criticized OpenAI in October 2023, stepped down to make way for a fresh start. Rand Corporation scientist Tasha McCauley also vacated her seat. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever also stepped down but appears to have stayed as Chief Scientist. Plans are afoot to expand the board. Before his ousting, Altman had been pushing for months to add more directors that would include more experienced people. The initial board is smaller but unlikely to stay that way for long. By all accounts, the final board will most likely be a diverse group of people who cleave closer to the non-doom side of AI. The composition of the current board suggests that OpenAI will shift to resemble a typical Silicon Valley company. Advertisement It is unclear whether Microsoft will have any role or representation on the board due to the reshuffling. However, given the participation and influence of the tech giant, the directors will likely maintain close ties with Microsoft. External Effects The ongoing drama at OpenAI represents global regulation issues, and people will carefully watch what happens next. It prompted the US Federal Trade Commission to issue staff directives authorizing investigations of AI-powered companies selling products and services. The directives provided legal powers to gather evidence, including documents and testimonies. OpenAIs aborted ousting also affected negotiations over the proposed AI law in the European Union. It occurred as member states were deep in debates over the approach to regulations, specifically aggressive oversight vs. self-regulation. Some believe that regulations should target foundational models, while others maintain they should focus on applications. Three EU countries agreed to support self-regulation, indicating that France, Italy, and Germany trusted companies like OpenAI to act responsibly. However, other members see the OpenAI events differently, believing it proved that more robust protocols are necessary. Relying on visionaries and disruptors in the AI space is bound to lead to a disastrous lack of governance. The failure of the OpenAI board to stand by their decision due to pressure is likely to highlight the power of stakeholders. It amplifies the need for more robust public oversight as the government can theoretically curtail corporate activities that may pose a threat to society. However, calls for government interference with private AI enterprises will probably not go down well with big tech. Advertisement The (Possible) Real Deal The reasons behind Altmans ousting and reinstatement brought the publics attention to the views of fringe groups about AI risks. Additionally, the back and forth between the board and Altman brought to light the conflict between Altmans actions and beliefs. Altman was one of the most vocal advocates of AI regulation when speaking before the Senate. He stated that his worst fear was that the technology and industry would cause significant harm to the world.in a lot of different ways. However, he focused increasingly on raising funds and forging alliances to advance AI technology that he admittedly did not understand completely. Some industry experts consider the disconnect as disingenuous. His professed fear of a dystopian future directs attention away from what OpenAI is currently doing. In the meantime, OpenAI is garnering even more influence and power as a commercial venture. On the other hand, the desire for regulation and commercialization are not mutually exclusive concepts. Disruptive technology tends to be very profitable but always goes through growing pains that are eventually resolved over time. OpenAI, as a for-profit venture and disruptor, will likely go through the same as the lightbulb, Internet, or digital banking. No one wants to go back to before these technologies today, but many feared them at the time. No one in the 1990s would trust their money with anything other than a traditional bank. Yet most people today enjoy the ability to open a retirement account online. Technological advances will always profoundly affect society in good and bad ways. The only question is how people will manage them so that the good outweighs the bad. Road-tripping Texans love their Buc-ee's treats, but let's try not to eat this one. A gingerbread Buc-ee's is on display at the Williamson County Tax Office, created by employee Deanna Vaters, who said in a video shared by the county that she has an annual tradition of constructing office gingerbread houses. In the true spirit of Buc-ee's, Vaters and her husband went big in the sweet rendition of the convenience store chain. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gingerbread, icing and candy were used to create the Buc-ee's store and a canopy covering gas pumps fueling up miniature cars. Vaters also included photo cutouts of her fellow employees in the gingerbread landscape, showing them pump gas and replace flat tires. Other sweet details include customers inside the store, a small dog park, and icing-covered Tesla superchargers. Inspiration for the creation struck when Vaters and her husband were visiting the Bastrop Buc-ee's. "We just enjoy making people happy, and people really appreciate it," Vaters said in the video. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Deanna Vaters and her husband were inspired by the Bastrop Buc-ee's to create a location made of gingerbread. Allison V. Smith for Washington Post via Getty Images Xiaomi has officially confirmed the global launch date for the Redmi Note 13 series. The companys new devices will launch globally on January 4 next year. So the launch event is a little less than a month away. The Redmi Note 13 will hit global markets on January 4 Xiaomis global VP confirmed as much via X, while Redmi did the same. The company is using SuperPower. SuperNote. tagline for this launch event. These handsets will launch in India, as Redmi India already confirmed, but its coming to a number of other regions, including Europe. Advertisement Advertisement The Redmi Note 13 series is basically Xiaomis series of mid-range phones. Those mid-rangers can be quite powerful, though, and in this case, we actually know exactly how powerful. Why? Well, the Redmi Note 13 series did launch in China back in September. We know exactly what to expect, and what phones to expect as well. The Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ all launched in China. Chances are all three will launch globally, though Xiaomi could opt to release two out of three, well see. All three phones are quite powerful, but the Pro models do stand out All three of these devices are quite compelling, thats for sure. Still, the Pro and Pro+ models do stand out, as theyre notably more powerful than the regular Redmi Note 13. Those two phones are fueled by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chips, respectively. Both of those processors are 4nm chips, while the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 used in the Redmi Note 13 is a 6nm processor. The three devices have very similar footprints, and they look quite similar as well. The two higher-end phones do have considerably brighter displays, but all three devices utilize AMOLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate. Youll also find more RAM on the Pro and Pro+, while those two phones also have more powerful cameras. A 200-megapixel main camera is used on both Pro handsets A 200-megapixel main camera is used on both smartphones, while an 8-megapixel ultrawide shooter is too. A 2-megapixel macro camera sits on the back of these devices. The Redmi Note 13 has two cameras on the back, led by a 108-megapixel main shooter. They have different charging speeds, with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ being the fastest at 120W. Neither phone supports wireless charging, though. MIUI 14 will also be included on all three phones, and much more. Despite their recent struggles with 3nm yield, Samsung and TSMC appear on track to begin 2nm mass production in 2025. The two semiconductor foundry giants confirmed to the Financial Times that their 2nm tech is progressing well. They started making 3nm chips last year. Samsung and TSMC are vying for 2nm supremacy Samsung started 3nm (SF3) mass production in June 2022, about six months earlier than TSMC. However, the latter quickly caught up to its arch-rival in achieving a decent yield rate. It went on to produce Apples A17 Pro chip for the iPhone 15 Pro lineup using its 3nm (N3) node. TSMC has also secured 3nm chip orders from Qualcomm. Next years Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured by the Taiwanese firm. Advertisement Advertisement Samsung, on the other hand, has failed to attract major 3nm orders. It has yet to produce smartphone processors using its most advanced node. Industry insiders say the Korean firm has a similar 3nm yield rate as TSMCboth around 60 percent as of October this year. It isnt the best yield but Qualcomm reportedly saw a competitive edge in the latters 3nm tech. This is a big loss for Samsung because it upgraded to the GAA (Gate All Around) transistor architecture with 3nm chips. TSMC is sticking to the older FinFET tech and plans to move to the GAA architecture with its 2nm solutions. The Korean firm sees an opportunity hereit will have more experience with the next-gen transistor architecture, which might help speed up development and production. We are well-equipped to set up for SF2 mass production by 2025, Samsung told the Financial Times. Since we were the first to take the leap and transition to GAA architecture, we are hoping the progress from SF3 to SF2 will be relatively seamless. Unfortunately, the firms technological struggles of the past may continue to haunt it. Industry analysts dont seem to be confident about its 2nm tech. Advertisement Samsung sees 2nm as a game-changer, said James Lim, an analyst at US hedge fund Dalton Investments. But people are still doubtful it can execute the migration better than TSMC. Dylan Patel, chief analyst at research firm SemiAnalysis added, Samsung tries to do these quantum leaps. They can claim all they want, but they still have not released a proper 3nm chip. Apples iPhones may be the first to have a 2nm chip Despite some reports suggesting otherwise, Apples iPhones may be the first to have a 2nm chip. Thats because as things stand, the semiconductor industry seems to have more faith in TSMCs 2nm tech than Samsung. Since the former makes Apples chipsets, it could introduce the worlds first 2nm processor for mobile devices in 2025for the iPhone 17 series. In a statement to the Financial Times, TSMC said that the N2 technology development was progressing well and on track for volume production in 2025, and will be the most advanced semiconductor technology in the industry in both density and energy efficiency when it is introduced. It remains to be seen whether Samsung can challenge it with superior yield and production capacity. Because the home's lot slopes side to side, the house was designed to step down from one end to the other. Ryann Ford Building a new house in Olmos Park requires sensitivity to the independent citys history and architecture. First developed in the mid-1920s, the upscale enclaves houses have long been older and more traditional in style. Yet in recent years, as more money flows into the area, theres been turnover in the housing stock, with newer, more modern homes often replacing so-called tear-downs. Not all of these architectural newcomers play well with their neighbors. It was against this background that, in 2018, San Antonio-based Michael G. Imber Architects was called in to design a from-the-ground-up home for a couple with two young children. The result is what project manager Andrew Gander describes as a "transitional" home, meaning it bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional elements without spoiling the neighborhood vibe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From the outside, the facade has some of the same traditional massing and tectonics as much of the rest of the neighborhood, he explained, referring to the overall look and feel of the home. And then as you enter, the interior opens up to a much more contemporary, cleaner and more modern aesthetic. The great room is dominated by three rows of windows rising to the ceiling, each with a different fenestration to help bring the 21-foot-high room down to a more human scale. Ryann Ford In addition to all that, they also needed to meet the needs of the homeowners, who requested anonymity. They wanted their new home to combine both elegance and comfort while also accommodating their growing family. The showpiece of the house is the spiral staircase in the great room. Almost a piece of sculpture, the graceful structure is a spiraling ribbon of steel-covered plaster. Ryann Ford Visitors enter the house through a large pivot door and into an impressive, wood-lined foyer. Ryann Ford Unlike many modern homes, the great room is not simply a single space consisting of a living area, dining room and kitchen all under one continuous roof. Instead, the different areas are cleverly delineated while still visible from almost anywhere within the space. Ryann Ford This minimalist wet bar in the great room has plenty of cabinet space to hide the accoutrements needed to mix a good cocktail. Ryann Ford The Olmos Park home, designed by Michael G. Imber Architects, was built in the "transitional" style, meaning it bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional elements. Ryann Ford The little black powder room has leatherlike wallpaper. Ryann Ford This large window in the owners' suite walk-in closet makes it feel like being high in a treehouse in the middle of Olmos Park. Ryann Ford The Olmost Park home graced the cover of Luxe Interiors + Design magazine last year. Richard A. Marini/Staff The house, which took two years to construct, has five bedrooms, plus a nanny suite, and eight bathrooms. It was recently chosen winner of the AIA San Antonio 2023 CRAN Award for Modern Home Over 3,000 square feet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The challenge began with the lot itself, which slopes from side to side. The architects solved this problem by designing the house so it steps down from one end to the other. "We took the cross grade as an opportunity to break up the massing of the house," Gander explained. "So it's a two-story house on the right side, and then it transitions down until you get to the far left end where there's a walkout basement and then the garage." Unlike many modern homes, the great room at the center of the house, which one enters from the foyer, is not simply an oversize space consisting of a living area, dining room and kitchen all under one continuous roof. Instead, it's cleverly designed to delineate each of these and other areas, although theyre all visible from almost anywhere within the space. FREDERICKSBURG REBUILD: Home is transformed from midcentury to modern It's a large, grand space, but it's not cavernous, Gander said. You could consider this an open concept home, but there are still very intentionally designed rooms that flow together naturally." Advertisement Article continues below this ad For example, theres a change in elevation separating the living room from the breakfast nook, while a change in flooring signals the transition from the nook to the family room. Dominating the great room are three rows of windows rising to the 21-foot ceiling, the fenestration different in each nine panes in the top row, two side by side in the middle and then stacked horizontals in the doors and ground-level windows. Visually, these help to bring the room down to a more human scale. But the showpiece of the room, and perhaps of the house itself, is the spiral staircase. More a piece of sculpture than a utilitarian way to get to the second floor, the graceful, steel and plaster-covered staircase adorned the cover of Luxe Interiors + Design magazine last year. The staircase truly engages the living space with the upstairs, Gander said. The idea here is that it's a spiraling ribbon of plaster. It took a lot of handwork to get the shaping just right. Softening the look of the white plaster, the staircase treads and risers are white oak, just one example of how the architects judiciously enlisted color and materials to prevent the mostly white interior (spoiler: it's Snowbound from Sherwin-Williams) from becoming too harsh. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other examples include the creamy white and gray marble flooring instead of the more commonly used bright white the unlacquered brass hardware that will, over time, develop a rich patina, the white oak walls that greet visitors in the front foyer and the library off the great room, with its walls and ceiling painted in a masculine sea blue. The walls and ceiling of the library off the main room are painted blue-gray, setting it off from the rest of the house. Ryann Ford The nearby kitchen, while open, sits perpendicular to the great room, so its around the bend and out of sight of anyone sitting at the black-and-white marble dining table. Michael (Imber) was adamant that he was not going to combine these two rooms and make it a bigger kitchen, explained interior designer Parnak Charkhchi of Pars Design Studio who worked on the project. The division between the living room and the kitchen is one of the design elements that brings the traditional concept to this house. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is visible from the great room, albeit up a couple of steps, is the curved breakfast nook banquette, set against a partial wall that provides a backdrop while also blocking the view of the second staircase, a half-turn, behind it. From the beginning, the homeowners wanted a built-in banquette, Gander said. We studied several configurations and came to this elliptical shape. There are a lot of severe geometries in this house, and this gives us something that's more curving. The kitchen is longer than it is narrow, with a large island running down the center. At the far end, a tall arched window opens to a small outside deck. Ryann Ford The kitchen is longer than it is narrow, with a large island running down the center. Topped with ivory-colored Calacatta marble that waterfalls down two sides, it is streaked in gray with a greenish tint. The same marble was used in the countertops and the backsplash. At the far end of the room, a tall arched window opens to a small, outdoor deck that is partially shielded by a row of resin planter boxes and the tall trees in the front yard. Similar to the breakfast banquette, we used curves very intentionally throughout the home, Gander said. The arched window in the kitchen causes tension and brings your eye through the space. And arches often signify passage, like this one that leads to the outside. From the backyard, the five-bedroom (plus a nanny suite), eight-bathroom house can be seen to blend contemporary and traditional elements. Ryann Ford In the second-floor owners' suite, the bedroom is small (or, from another perspective, cozy) and simple, with the leather channel tufted headboard the room's only obvious adornment. In fact, it's not even as large as the walk-in closet. That was a deliberate decision by the homeowners who, according to Gander, decided that a much larger bedroom would be a waste of space. Their feeling was they spend the majority of their time in the public parts of the house, he explained. And they prefer the intimacy of a smaller scale bedroom. The bathroom portion of the suite, however, is a whole other matter. It has marble countertops streaked with an unusual lilac tone and a pair of sinks with artisanal cross-handle faucets that recall historic fixtures. A large, raised window allows so much natural light to flood into the room, the homeowners say they rarely have to turn on the lights, especially in the morning when the window catches the eastern sun. More than 22 million of taxpayers money is being spent on the Bibby Stockholm asylum accommodation barge, the Home Offices top official has said. The vessel being used to house asylum seekers is moored in Portland Port, Dorset. In a letter to MPs, Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft said the vessel accommodation services portion of the contract with CTM, which relates to the barge, was 22,450,772. He said the assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money was currently being updated. Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft set out the figures in a letter to MPs (House of Commons/PA) The figure emerged days after an asylum seeker was found dead on the vessel. South Dorset MP Richard Drax described the news as a tragedy born of an impossible situation and said he had been told by the Home Office that the man was thought to have taken his own life. The cost of the accommodation was set out in a letter to the Home Affairs Committees chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson. Immigration delivery minister Tom Pursglove said the cost was undoubtedly cheaper than housing asylum seekers in hotels. Dame Diana said she was just flabbergasted that a value-for-money assessment was not carried out at the time that the contract was let. Mr Pursglove told her it was being updated and added: This is undoubtedly a more cost-effective way of providing accommodation. The 22,450,772 figure was contained in a variation to the contract with CTM worth almost 1.6 billion over two years to provide hotels and travel for asylum seekers. As well as the payment to CTM for providing accommodation services on Bibby Stockholm, the Government is also paying Dorset Council 3,500 per occupied bed on the vessel, which can hold up to 504 migrants. The council has also received almost 380,000 in a one-off grant to help support local charity and voluntary organisations provide services on board. Sir Matthews letter to the committee also showed that, since 2020, just 1,182 people who arrived on small boats across the Channel had been returned to their home country out of a total of more than 111,800 who have arrived in that time period. The majority of those were Albanian a country with which the UK has a returns agreement and there were only 420 who were sent back to other countries. Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson asked: Is that an acceptable figure? Ministers said they wanted to see more small boat arrivals returned to their country of origin (Gareth Fuller/PA) Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson told him: I want to see those figures as high as possible as far as Im concerned the numbers need to be significantly higher than they are. The ministers were involved in a tetchy clash with SNP MP Alison Thewliss over children who had gone missing while their asylum claims were processed. Earlier this year it emerged 154 children were missing, that figure had now come down to 132. Mr Pursglove said there were no unaccompanied asylum seeking children in hotels now but 132 were still missing and we are working intensively with local authorities and police on the issue. Ms Thewliss told him: Youre not doing a very good job of it if 132 out of 154 are still missing you dont care do you? Mr Pursglove said that was a pretty outrageous suggestion. The committee heard that of those missing, 103 were now adults and 29 were still under 18. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: Todays admissions from the Home Office show the truly appalling scale of Tory failure and chaos, including a disastrously low level of enforcement in the asylum system. Just 1% of small boat arrivals since 2020 have been removed. Even for Albania, which is a designated safe country, only 5% have been removed which is a shockingly low figure. She said it was a disgrace that the unaccompanied children were still missing and the 22 million for Bibby Stockholm was an eyewatering figure. We cant continue with this damaging and costly chaos, Ms Cooper said. Mr Pursglove also told MPs he was confident the Home Office would meet Rishi Sunaks target to clear the backlog of so-called legacy asylum cases applications made before June 28 2022 by the end of the year. I believe we will fulfil it and I also believe we will see these grant rates come down, he said. Immigration delivery minister Tom Pursglove said he was confident the Home Office would meet the target to clear the so-called legacy asylum cases backlog (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA) During the session he was repeatedly asked if the Government was committed to a deadline set to produce a report on what safe and legal routes were available to asylum seekers, as well as any proposed new ones. The questions came after Cabinet Office minister Esther McVey earlier this month appeared to disparage the idea the Government could create new safe and legal routes for migrants. Appearing on BBC Radio 4s Any Questions, she said: When you talk about safe routes that actually means more people will be coming here, if you offer up safer routes. We are taking down immigration. Committee member Tim Loughton a Tory backbencher who backed the amendment to the act reminded Mr Pursglove that the Government was under a legal duty under the Illegal Migration Act to lay the safe and legal routes report before Parliament in January. The minister offered little detail but said: In letter and in spirit, that agenda is being taken forward. Booking a jab should be as easy as booking a cab, the head of the NHS has said as part of a drive to push up vaccination rates. Amanda Pritchard set out plans to extend the NHS app so people can get easier access to their vaccine record, book convenient appointments and keep track of their childrens vaccinations. The NHS has launched a new vaccines strategy to urge people to get jabs in light of a 10-year decline in some immunisations, with particular concern over the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In 2022/23, 92.5% of five-year-old children received their first dose of the MMR jab the lowest level since 2010/11. And only 84.5% of five-year-olds received two doses also the lowest proportion since 2010/11. The new strategy will set out the need for an easy and convenient front door to vaccines and will plan for tackling regional variations in uptake, including overcoming the hesitancy some parents feel regarding jabs for their children. The strategy is expected to say that MMR vaccination rates across local authority areas in England vary by as much as 22% and will point to how building trust in local communities could help drive down this variation. Booking invitations and reminders could be made more personalised and accessible, the strategy will say, while one-stop shops where people can get jabs at the same time as blood pressure checks will be set up. In 2025/26, the ambition is to use the NHS app to streamline access to a wider group of vaccinations for adults, children and young people, including jab invitations, in-app bookings, appointment notifications and access to vaccination records. User-experience will also be improved through people being able to access same-day cancellations and make group bookings. The strategy is expected to focus on targeting hard-to-reach groups, who are already being seen through initiatives such as school vaccination teams attending parents evenings or pop-up family clinics in childrens hospitals. Booking and receiving more than one vaccine in a single visit as is already happening for Covid and flu jabs will become easier, while walk-in services will also be more widely publicised. More use of jab stops in places such as shopping centres will also be encouraged. Ms Pritchard said: Through the NHS app, well make sure booking a jab can be as easy as booking a cab so millions more people can get vaccinated. Users will be able to access their full vaccine status in a matter of seconds and book jabs with a simple swipe and tap. And well continue to expand the amazing work of NHS staff, volunteers and partners to introduce even more pop-up sites in the heart of our local communities. So, when you are invited for any of your vaccinations, please do book without delay it could be lifesaving. Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening for NHS England, said: Vaccination is one of the best ways to boost public health, second only to clean water, which is why our vaccine strategy takes vital lessons from our world-leading NHS Covid-19 vaccine programme and the extraordinary efforts of local teams who found innovative ways to reach people during the pandemic and saved thousands of lives. This includes taking vaccines into the heart of communities where we see lower uptake rates, so offering vaccines at pop-up clinics and health hubs in shopping centres, and local schools teams going into parents evenings to address barriers to people consenting to their childs vaccinations. We want to see even more people supported to take up the offer of lifesaving vaccinations its the best way to protect you and those around you from illnesses which can be fatal, so please do come forward if invited, and if youre unsure or have questions, the NHS is here to help. Health minister Maria Caulfield said: To ensure as many people get vaccinated as possible, we need to make sure the programme fits around peoples lives. More than 33 million people are currently signed up to the NHS app. Scotlands First Minister has said it is disappointing that the Cop28 climate change summit failed to produce a stronger resolution that would have committed countries across the world to phase out fossil fuels. While Humza Yousaf accepted the agreement reached at the end of days of international talks in Dubai was historic, as it contained recognition that the climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis, countries there agreed to transition away from fossil fuels for the first time. With environmental campaigners insisting there is little to celebrate from the deal that was finally agreed, Mr Yousaf said: It is disappointing that there was not a stronger resolution committing to the phase-out of all unabated fossil fuels. Despite that, he said nations must all still strive to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, adding that the world is at a pivotal moment in the fight to tackle the climate emergency. While we welcome agreement at #COP28UAE we would have liked to have seen language around phasing out fossil fuels as part of a just transition to Net Zero in the agreement. We welcome the commitments made around Loss & Damage funding, but promises made must be fulfilled. https://t.co/tcSzsrphxf Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) December 13, 2023 He insisted Scotland would continue to play our part in efforts to combat global warming, with Mr Yousaf saying: It is absolutely crucial that we have political consensus on climate change both at home and abroad and that we work together to make a constructive contribution to addressing this monumental challenge. He also welcomed the agreement reached at Cop28 for 700 million US dollars (559 million) to be used to deal with the loss and damage caused by climate change in poorer nations with the First Minister insisting this was a significant step forward in the fight for global climate justice. He added: This sum is only a fraction of what will be needed to address the irreversible economic and non-economic losses which are being suffered by developing countries every year. His comments came as environmental campaigners accused world leaders of Cop-ping out of delivering on the need to urgently phase out fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. The Scottish Government, meanwhile, was also urged it do more in the fight against climate change, starting with next weeks Scottish budget. The outcome of #COP28 was grossly inadequate. With a cross-party climate summit planned tomorrow, now is the time for @HumzaYousaf to lead the way to a fossil free future, funded by making polluters who caused this crisis pay for their damage. More https://t.co/b2NvQPc8h4 pic.twitter.com/jbD6EEaNEh Oxfam Scotland (@OxfamScotland) December 13, 2023 Jamie Livingstone, the head of Oxfam Scotland, said: Everyone fighting against the global climate crisis has little to celebrate from this disappointing Cop28. Against the backdrop of this grossly inadequate outcome, Scotland must build on its leadership in providing funding for communities facing the irreversible impacts of climate change by also showing the world what a full, fast and fair transition away from our fossil fuel fixation looks like. Mr Livingstone also called on the Scottish Government to use the December 19 budget to bring in common sense taxes in line with the principle that the polluters who caused this crisis should pay for it too. Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, also called on Mr Yousafs government to deliver on its net zero and just transition promises. He said: Scotland has already led the way on harnessing fossil fuel-free power from renewables, but we urgently need progress on the way we heat our homes and on helping farmers to cut emissions. Adding that Scotlands climate plans are off track, Mr Banks said that decisive action from Holyrood ministers on this could help reduce energy bills and tackle the cost-of-living crisis while also reducing pollution. Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: The final outcome fails to give any sense of urgency and ignores what the science has been telling us for decades cop-ping out of delivering a long overdue agreement to urgently phase out from the coal, oil and gas that is fuelling the crisis. This failure means the world remains on track for catastrophic levels of heating and the debt owed to countries who did least to cause the crisis to help them to cope and recover from extreme climate impacts will only increase. Mr Robinson urged the UK Government to cancel the new oil and gas licensing round, adding that the Scottish Government should clearly and strongly oppose new oil development at the same time as developing a robust new climate plan that gets us on track to meeting and exceeding our climate targets. Photograph: NBC/John P. Fleenor Andre Braugher, who starred as Captain Raymond Holt in the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine and as Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street, has died aged 61. The actor died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist confirmed. Instantly recognisable for his deep voice, Braugher came to fame on the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street, which ran from 1992 to 1998. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of the tenacious, arrogant Detective Frank Pembleton in 1998. But it was his performance as the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt in the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine that made him most famous, appearing alongside Andy Samberg in eight seasons. He won two Critics Choice Awards for best supporting actor in a comedy series and received four Emmy nominations for his performance as Holt, the precincts no-nonsense, Black and gay boss. Born in 1962 in Chicago as the youngest of four children, Braugher studied theatre on a Stanford scholarship before attending the Juilliard School for drama. Related: 10 years of Brooklyn Nine-Nine: the most relentlessly funny show of the last decade His first film role came in 1989s Glory when he played a Union soldier in one of the American civil wars earliest African American regiments. The film earned three Oscars, including best supporting actor for Braughers co-star Denzel Washington. In the years that followed, he played a number of roles in television films including revivals of classic crime series Kojak before his breakout in the critically acclaimed police drama Homicide: Life on the Street. A 2010 article in the Guardian called Braughers character Detective Pembleton the smartest, sharpest master of the art of interrogation. He was nominated twice for an Emmy and won in 1998, his last year on the series. Braugher won his second Emmy for the 2006 miniseries Thief, in which he starred as the leader of a heist balancing a high-stakes operation with family struggles. Throughout his three-decade career, he was nominated for an Emmy a total of 11 times and often starred in roles circling the military and police, including his beloved role on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Other appearances included a cop providing insider info to his disgraced partner on the series Hack, an army captain on the military drama Last Resort, and a general in the sci-fi miniseries The Andromeda Strain. In 2020, he spoke to Variety about the complexities of portraying police on television. I look up after all these decades of playing these characters, and I say to myself, its been so pervasive that Ive been inside this storytelling, and I, too, have fallen prey to the mythology, he said. Cops breaking the law to quote, defend the law, is a real terrible slippery slope. It has given license to the breaking of law everywhere, justified it and excused it. Thats something that were going to have to collectively address all cop shows. Many former co-stars and creatives who had worked with Braugher shared tributes on social media. In a post on Instagram, Braughers Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star Terry Crews wrote: Im honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Fellow Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Chelsea Peretti also posted on Instagram with memories from the set: Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. Marc Evan Jackson, who played Holts husband Kevin, posted a photo of the pair of them on set, writing O Captain. My Captain. O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023 Prentice Penny, the showrunner of Insecure who also wrote for Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared memories of Braugher on set, including one of Penny, Crews and Braugher talking on set and then when a white person would walk by, hed look serious again. He then leaned in and said Gotta keep em on they toes. One of my other favorite memories was me, him and Terry Crews talking on set. He was so warm with us and then when a white person would walk by, hed look serious again. He then leaned in and said Gotta keep em on they toes. Again, I fell out! RIP #andreBraugher Prentice Penny (FUX YO BLUE CHECK) (@The_A_Prentice) December 13, 2023 Reed Diamond, who appeared alongside Braugher in Homicide: Life on the Street, remembered their time at drama school together in a statement: As a first year student at Juilliard, I was plunked into a spear carrying role in his fourth year production of Othello. His performance in the title role was astounding, and I marveled at it every night. Several years later I followed him onto Homicide, and was blown away by his power and talent. Ryan Case, who worked on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared other memories on X, including editing the pilot: My challenge was finding takes where he wasnt smiling. We wanted to save that for the end. He was like a giddy school child doing his first comedy and it was so wonderful. In another tweet, Case posted: If there werent men like Andre in this business I probably wouldve quit it a long time ago. The world is worse without him. If there werent men like Andre in this business I probably wouldve quit it a long time ago. The world is worse without him. Ryan Case (@film114) December 13, 2023 The Oscar- and Grammy-winning musician Questlove called Braugher one of my fav character actors in an Instagram post. I would commit to a show on the strength of him being a character, he wrote. Braugher also recently starred in She Said, the drama about the New York Times reporting of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, playing Dean Baquet, the New York Times executive editor. He also played the charismatic lawyer RiChard Lane in the final season of The Good Fight, alongside Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald. Braugher is survived by his wife, the actor Ami Brabson who also appeared in Homicide; their three sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley; as well as his brother Charles and mother Sally. David Tennant returned in Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary specials, but the door has been left open for him to come back one day. (BBC) (BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Disney) Doctor Who fans were delighted when David Tennant made a triumphant return to the BBC series for its 60th anniversary, reprising his role as the 14th incarnation of The Doctor. Viewers expected the final episode of the anniversary specials to end with Tennant regenerating into Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor, marking the actor passing the baton onto his successor, but something different happened there was a bigeneration, which meant there were two Doctors at the same time. Read more: Everything you need to know about Doctor Who's Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road Tennant's Doctor remained on Earth with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and his family, whilst Gatwa stepped into his Tardis to begin his own adventures across time and space. But it begged the question: if Tennant's Time Lord is still around does that mean fans will see him again one day? Will David Tennant return to Doctor Who? David Tennant's first regeneration as the Tenth Doctor didn't stop him from returning for the 50th anniversary episode Day of the Doctor starring then current Doctor Matt Smith and John Hurt. (BBC) With Tennant's Doctor still around there is every possibility of the actor reprising his role in future episodes, and his first regeneration as the Tenth Doctor didn't stop him from doing so before so why would it not be possible now? Narratively speaking, the door has been left open for Tennant to return because of the bigeneration twist. Tennant himself has reflected on the possibility of coming back, again, in a conversation with SFX in which he said: "I think it would be disingenuous to imagine that I might never be asked again because history would indicate that it was always a possibility. So, Im not going to say never because I dont think anyone would believe me. "That doesnt mean I know that I ever will. But I suppose until I cant run down a corridor its always a possibility. But I promise to have no plans." What Russell T Davies has said about David Tennant returning to Doctor Who David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the Doctor Who specials, showrunner Russell T Davies has said that Tennant's Doctor is 'parked' for now. (James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios) Following the release of The Giggle, Davies spoke of the possibility in the companion show Doctor Who Unleashed in which he said that Tennant "is parked" for now. Read more: Russell T Davies opens up about transgender representation in Doctor Who "For once, weve got a happy Doctor who is no longer saving the universe, but is parked with Donna for a happy life, while the Doctor which is always the next Doctor, and thats always true of Doctor Who, the Doctor is the next Doctor is out amongst the stars," he said. At a press event promoting The Church on Ruby Road, the forthcoming Christmas special starring Gatwa and Millie Gibson, Davies reiterated that the show will be focusing on their story now, and so viewers shouldn't expect Tennant to return anytime soon. When asked about the possibility of the actor coming back one day, Davies joked: "I'm sorry it's the age of Ncuti now, so it's David who?" At a press event for the Doctor Who Christmas special, Russell T Davies said: 'I'm sorry it's the age of Ncuti [Gatwa] now, so it's David who?' Adding there were 'no plans, genuinely, yet' for Tennant to return. (BBC) (Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf) The showrunner then added: "No plans, genuinely, yet because it's a busy TARDIS. These two are going to just sail across the universe and capture your hearts. So it's time to look at these two." Read more: Doctor Who: The 60 best stories That being said, Davies also spoke in the Doctor Who podcast of how the bigeneration twist in The Giggle meant that every incarnation of the Time Lord returned in their own timeline: "I think all of the Doctors came back to life with their individual TARDISes, the gift of the Toymaker, and they're all out there travelling round in what I'm calling a Doctor verse. "Sylvester McCoy woke up in a drawer, in a morgue, in San Francisco and Jon Pertwee woke up on the floor of the laboratory." Doctor Who returns with a Christmas special which airs on Christmas Day at 5.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/doctor-who-david-tennant-return-210004370.html Five men, aged between 69 and 90, have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged, non-recent, abuse incidents at Edinburgh Academy, police have said. Police Scotland said that a sixth man, aged 74, will also be reported to the procurator fiscal. The abuse incidents are alleged to have taken place at the school between 1968 and 1992. Edinburgh Academy previously apologised for historic abuse after it was investigated as part of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. Nearly 50 witnesses gave evidence to the inquiry, including broadcaster Nicky Campbell who spoke publicly about the abuse he said he had suffered. Detective Inspector Colin Moffat, of Police Scotland, said: We would like to thank everyone who has come forward and assisted our inquiries to date. While the investigation of child abuse, particularly non-recent offences, can be complex and challenging, anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that we will listen and we will investigate all reports, no matter when those offences occurred or who committed them. If you have suffered abuse, or you know anyone who may have been the victim of child abuse, then please call Police Scotland on 101. A statement from Edinburgh Academy said: It wouldnt be appropriate for us to comment on any individual cases while there are active legal proceedings. However, we can say that we are appalled by, and deeply regret, what happened at the academy in the past. This was examined in detail at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, which we have fully supported, and we applaud the bravery of those who came forward to tell their stories. We will continue to respect the ongoing legal process and would encourage anyone who has been the victim of abuse to contact Police Scotland. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has backed calls for Owens Law, which would force restaurants to publish allergy information on their menus. Owen Carey, 18, died from an allergic reaction after being given a buttermilk-coated grilled chicken burger despite telling staff he was allergic to dairy. Since his death in 2017 his family has called for a new law that would mandate food outlets to put all allergy information on the face of the main menu to ensure customers have full visibility on what they order. On Wednesday the FSA agreed it would like to see written allergy information made compulsory in restaurants and coffee shops, and board members said the body will write to Government ministers to discuss their ideas. Owen Carey died in April 2017 (Family handout/PA) It added that conversations between staff and customers about allergies should be expected. Professor Susan Jebb, chairwoman of the FSA, thanked the Carey family who have campaigned for Owens Law. She said: At the FSA we are committed to making lives better for the two million people who have a food allergy, food intolerance or coeliac disease. In todays discussions, it was clear that the board feel that we should set an expectation that food businesses like coffee shops and restaurants provide allergen information in writing as well as having a conversation. The board also considers that to maximise the likelihood of this happening, written information should be a legal requirement, rather than just guidance. I will write to ministers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and contact my counterpart at Food Standards Scotland to discuss the boards position as the board would like to see them take this forward on a four-country basis. Meanwhile I want us to do all we can in the FSA to provide guidance and support to business so that we can quickly start to make improvements that will be helpful for people with food hypersensitivities when they are eating out. I would also like to thank the Carey family for all their work in highlighting the importance of this issue since their son Owen died tragically after unwittingly eating food he was allergic to in 2017. The teenager, from Crowborough, East Sussex, had a fatal allergic reaction after eating the burger during his birthday celebrations with his family and girlfriend at a Byron Burger restaurant in London. FSA board members said it will now develop guidance on how food outlets can provide written allergy information. A man died after he lost control of an SUV and crashed into a West Side bakery on Tuesday. Ken Branca A man was killed after he lost control and crashed into a West Side bakery on Tuesday. Ken Branca A man died after he lost control of an SUV and crashed into a West Side bakery on Tuesday. Ken Branca A man died after he lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a utility pole and then into the front of a bakery on San Antonios West Side, police officials said. The crash happened about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 1700 block of Fredericksburg Road. The man was driving a 2004 Lincoln Aviator when the vehicle crossed the southbound lanes of Fredericksburg Road, crashed into a utility pole and into the front of Lettys Cakes and More, a bakery at 1717 Fredericksburg Road. Police officials said they are not sure what caused the driver to lose control of his vehicle. They did not say how fast the vehicle was estimated to be traveling at the time of the crash. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The SUV crashed through one of the buildings walls, with part of the vehicle coming to rest inside the bakery. No other injuries were reported to police. EMS took the driver to a local hospital, where he died, police said. The mans name has not been released, as his next of kin has not yet been notified, police said. The bakery started a GoFundMe page, asking that people donate to help pay for repairs. The bakery's operators said on Facebook they were still taking orders from customers. Indhu Rubasingham has been appointed the next director of the National Theatre, it has been announced. The artistic director of Londons Kiln Theatre will join the National Theatre as director designate from spring 2024, officially taking over from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term ends. Ms Rubasingham described the opportunity to play a role in the history of the theatre as an incredible privilege and responsibility as the National Theatre has been an important part of her life from teenage theatregoer to theatre-maker. Rufus Norris will step down as National Theatre director in spring 2025 (Paul Plews/National Theatre/PA) For me, this is the best job in the world, she said. Theatre has a transformative power the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National. Ive been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatres stages and to have witnessed firsthand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off. Theres nowhere like it, and it will be a joy to be a part of this iconic buildings next chapter, leading the company alongside Kate. Ms Rubasingham will work alongside Kate Varah, who becomes joint chief executive in a co-leadership model. Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varrah at the National Theatre (Antonio Olmos/PA) She added she is thrilled to be following in the footsteps of Mr Norris, and is looking forward to working closely with him as she plans her first season from next year. It comes after Mr Norris announced in June that he would be stepping down as director, having taken on the role in 2015. He said: Indhu is an exceptional artist who I respect and admire hugely, and I am so pleased that she will become the next director when I step down in 2025. She has run Kiln Theatre expertly for over a decade and I know this experience will be invaluable as she moves to the National Theatre a place she knows well, having directed successfully in each of the three theatres. Together with Kate and the brilliant, dedicated team here, I know that the National will continue to thrive and remain at the heart of British cultural life. Ms Rubasingham has been artistic director of Kiln Theatre since 2012, with notable collaborations during her tenure including White Teeth by Zadie Smith, and Olivier-nominated The Invisible Hand by Ayad Aktar. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin is to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron in London on Wednesday. Lord Cameron and Mr Martin are expected to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to restore the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, and to share perspectives on foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said: It is vital that we continue to strengthen the relationship between our two governments. The partnership between us is the bedrock for ensuring continued peace and prosperity across these islands. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron (Dan Kitwood/PA) I look forward therefore to developing a close and open working relationship with Foreign Secretary Cameron. Thirty years ago this week, Albert Reynolds and John Major together achieved the Downing Street Declaration. This joint work enabled the ceasefires and set the scene for the talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. The declaration heralded intensified cooperation between the two governments, and a shared analysis that led, ultimately, to peace. Mr Martin said the visit is an opportunity to focus on wider foreign policy concerns, including on the conflict in Gaza. He added: My view remains clear the international community should insist on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Civilians must be protected, hostages must be released and humanitarian access at scale should be provided as a matter of urgency. It will also be important that the EU and the UK maintain our close cooperation in delivering support for Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression. The deaths of a retired couple who were killed by a man with a severe mental health illness were entirely preventable, a coroner has found. Pensioners Marjorie and Michael Cawdery, both 83, were stabbed to death at their home in Portadown, Co Armagh, on May 26, 2017. Paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Scott McEntee, who is now aged in his mid-40s, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was given a life sentence in June the following year. Delivering inquest findings at Banbridge courthouse on Wednesday, coroner Maria Dougan said that on the balance of probabilities the deaths could have been avoided if police and health care workers had dealt differently with McEntee in several interactions in the days leading up to the fatal incident. She identified a series of omission and missed opportunities that, if acted on, would have meant McEntee would not have been in the location of the Cawderys home on the day he killed them. The couples son-in-law Charles Little speaking outside the inquest (Niall Carson/PA) The coroner raised particular concern about a police failure to use powers available to them under mental health legislation to take McEntee to a place of safety when they encountered him in the days prior to the killings. Ms Dougan also said she was not satisfied that all the lessons from the incident had been learned by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Belfast and Southern health and social care trusts. The coroner identified four incidents prior to the killings when McEntee had been displaying signs of mental illness and was involved in interactions with either police or health care staff. The first was in Belfast city centre and then the Mater Hospital in the city on May 22; the second was at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on May 24; the third was the following day in Warrenpoint, Co Down; and fourthly on May 26 at both Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. McEntee, who was from Kilkeel, Co Down, ultimately absconded from Craigavon Area Hospital and broke into the Cawderys home on nearby Upper Ramone Park when they were out shopping. When they returned to their house, he was still in the property and he killed them. Mr Cawdery was a retired veterinary surgeon and research pharmacologist. During his career he had worked for the colonial government of Kenya and Uganda. Mr Cawdery was a civil servant in the colonial government of Uganda and latterly a company director and housewife. Concluding her lengthy findings, the coroner said: I find on the balance of probabilities that the deaths of Michael and Marjorie Cowdery on May 26 2017 in their own home were entirely preventable. She added: On all the evidence before me there was a succession of omissions and missed opportunities emanating from poor communication, a lack of informed and effective decision-making on the part of police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and staff in the Belfast trust and Southern trust in their contact, care and treatment of Mr McEntee. These omissions and missed opportunities, while analysed individually may not be considered grave, the combination had devastating consequences. I find that had these opportunities not been missed, the course of events would have been different and would have changed the outcome. Ms Dougan said the inquest was the most complex and difficult, both emotionally and evidentially, she had presided over. She praised the dignity and resilience of the couples family throughout the process. The coroner expressed concerns that lessons had not been sufficiently learned and said she would be sending her findings and recommendations to the PSNI and Stormonts Department of Health for consideration. I commend the large body of work that has been taken forward by the PSNI and the health and social care trusts to date, she said. The litmus test for lessons learned is what would PSNI officers and trust staff do now when faced with the same situation? Sitting here today, on the written and oral evidence before me, I cannot be satisfied, as acknowledged by some witnesses to the inquest, that some of the failings which have been identified would not occur again. More needs to be done. My hope is that the tragic loss of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery continues to serve as a catalyst for collective and sustained change in the recognition and treatment of people in mental health crisis, thus ensuring that no family continues to endure the pain that the Cawdery family carries. The son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Cawdery has said hearing the evidence about their deaths was brutal and shocking. Speaking outside court, Charles Little, who discovered their bodies inside their home, said: Although we have heard the evidence, going through it again it is still brutal and shocking. What is really, really shocking is the utter chaos that appears to have existed in both the health service and the police, and their inability to appreciate how ill this man was. It was just really breathtaking how bad it was. Mr Little said the deaths should never have happened. I still believe there is no justice when only the ill man is held accountable, he said. As you heard, there was a raft of areas and things which went wrong. I am asking the victims of crime commissioner to push for a review of corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in a public office, all the relevant legislation to take forward and see if there can be reviews of that legislation which can accommodate situations like this and hold people and hold organisations to account. The coroner found it to be entirely preventable, it should not have happened, it should never have happened. In response to the ruling, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing Bobby Singleton said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland acknowledges the stark comments of the coroner today, Wednesday 13 December. I am acutely aware that today will have been another very upsetting and difficult day for the Cawdery family and all those affected by this incident. The Police Service has, following our own internal review and a Serious Adverse Incident Review conducted by the Health Trust, already taken steps to address identified shortcomings in our handling of incidents linked to the murders of Michael and Marjorie. When we receive the full written verdict, which was delivered over four hours today, we will immediately consider the findings and will work with our partners to ensure that any further recommended actions are addressed. In statements to the BBC, the Southern health trust said it accepted and will review the coroners findings while the Belfast trust said it was committed to learning from them. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin heaped praise on David Cameron after the pair met for the first time, but acknowledged divisions on the crisis in Gaza. The pair met in London on Wednesday, amid the backdrop of efforts to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland and growing international concern over the killing of civilians as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas. Mr Martin, like Lord Cameron a former prime minister, resisted any suggestion that he had used the meeting to pressure the UK Government to shift its position to back a ceasefire. Ireland has been among the most vocal European countries in criticising the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and calling for an end to hostilities. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Micheal Martin met on Wednesday in London (Adrian Dennis/PA) We used the occasion to give our perspectives, which are different. And also to explore and discuss the issue, Mr Martin told reporters after he left the lunchtime meeting. The Irish deputy premier said that Lord Cameron articulated the UK Governments perspective on this and their view in terms of how they feel this can be resolved. David Cameron has been to the Middle East, he is going again to talk with Egypt and other states. So I think we each have respective positions on this. Alongside discussing efforts to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the pair also discussed what would a political pathway look like out of the conflict. The Irish foreign affairs minister did not put a timeframe on when he hoped powersharing could be restored, but indicated that it was up to the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to make a decision on the 2.5 billion package offered by the UK Government as part of its bid to restore Stormont. We await the outcome of the discussions this week in respect of the financial arrangements for Northern Ireland which are taking place separate to the more specific ones on the Windsor Framework. So, the DUP will have to make a decision on that obviously, but from what I have seen I think progress has been made, and I think the people of Northern Ireland need a government, he said. His arrival in London came after a week of high drama in Westminster that saw Rishi Sunak bidding to win over would-be rebels and restive Tory MPs to back his Rwanda plan in its first Commons vote. Some MPs pushed the Prime Minister to take a more hardline stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, but those calls have prompted concern that any such move could jeopardise obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Asked by reporters about such calls, Mr Martin said that he and Lord Cameron did discuss the broader issue of migration. Ireland has very strong views in terms of the ECHR and in terms of the degree to which human rights were embedded into the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement. And we remain committed to that. Stressing the need to work collectively to tackle the origin of migration, he said: It has been a very significant political issue in Britain for quite a long time. Thirty years ago this week, the UK and Ireland signed the Downing Street Declaration, a historic agreement that set us on the path to peace. Today, we continue to work together to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. Great to host Tanaiste @MichealMartinTD in pic.twitter.com/abeTYcFbWA David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 13, 2023 It is arguable that migration gave rise to Brexit for example. And I think it is going to be a significant feature across Europe into the future. But we have got to respond, understanding the origins of this and do the best we can to manage the situation in a humane and pragmatic way. The visit came 30 years after former Irish taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former prime minister John Major agreed the Downing Street Declaration, a key step in the peace process. The Tanaiste said he welcomed the return of someone with Lord Camerons experience, who he said as prime minister cared about the Irish-British relationship. He cared enough about the relationship, it was in a very strong position by the time he had left. I do feel that he gets it, and very evident from the lunch today we are dealing with a very experienced leader and politician who understands the way the world works and who is still very committed and very engaged so I think that is positive. Lord Cameron, in a post on social media, said: Thirty years ago this week, the UK and Ireland signed the Downing Street Declaration, a historic agreement that set us on the path to peace. Today, we continue to work together to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. He said it was great to host Mr Martin to discuss cooperation on key international issues, including our support for Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has been fined 350,000 for an egregious data breach that exposed the personal information of Afghan nationals seeking to flee to the UK after the Taliban takeover. Details belonging to 265 people were mistakenly copied in to emails sent by the Government, meaning they could be seen by all recipients, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) found. This could have led to a threat to life if the data disclosed fell into the hands of the Taliban, the data watchdog said. In response to one email, two people replied all with one providing their location to the entire distribution list, which was made up of Afghan citizens eligible for evacuation, according to the ICO. Under data protection law, organisations should have measures in place to avoid disclosing personal information, and the watchdog advises the use of bulk email services or mail merge to protect details sent electronically. The ministrys Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which was responsible for assisting the relocation of Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government, had no such measures in place at the time, the ICO said. It infringed the UKs General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) as a result and left the security of personal information processed by the ARAP team at significant risk, the watchdog found. The original email was sent on September 20 2021 to vulnerable people left behind after the British airlift from Kabul. The MoD then launched an internal investigation that revealed two similar breaches on September 7 and September 13 that year, the ICO said. John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said: This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much. This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today. While the situation on the ground in the summer of 2021 was very challenging and decisions were being made at pace, that is no excuse for not protecting peoples information who were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm. When the level of risk and harm to people heightens, so must the response. I welcome the MoDs remedial steps taken and its collaboration with my office to ensure its bulk email policies and processes are improved so such errors are not repeated. By issuing this fine and sharing the lessons from this breach, I want to make clear to all organisations that there is no substitute for being prepared. Applying the highest standards of data protection is not an optional extra it is a must, whatever the circumstances. As we have seen here, the consequences of data breaches could be life-threatening. My office will continue to act where we find poor compliance with the law that puts people at risk of harm. The ICO said that following the breach the ministry had updated the ARAPs email processes, including implementing a second pair of eyes policy for the ARAP team when sending emails to multiple external recipients. An MoD spokesperson said: The Ministry of Defence takes its data protection obligations incredibly seriously. We have co-operated extensively with the ICO throughout their investigation to ensure a prompt resolution, and we recognise the severity of what has happened. We fully acknowledge todays ruling and apologise to those affected. We have introduced a number of measures to act on the ICOs recommendations and will share further details on these measures in due course. People already settled in Britain will not have to meet new salary thresholds when they renew their visas, the Home Secretary signalled on Wednesday. James Cleverly said the plans designed to cut immigration figures are "forward looking rather than backward". Under new rules announced this month, people must be earning at least 38,700 to bring a family member or partner from abroad to the UK - more than double the current 18,700 minimum income requirement. The salary will also apply to migrants applying for Skilled Worker visas, who must currently earn a minimum of 26,200 per year to come to Britain. The wage requirements are expected to come into effect next spring as part of a swathe of Home Office visa changes.But families said they had been left in limbo after the Government did not confirm how the approach would work or whether the much higher earnings threshold applies to both visa renewals and new applications. Mr Cleverly told LBC: "The proposals we put forward are forward looking not backward looking. "We will make sure that we put clarity, because unfortunately, we made that announcement, and then the narrative moved on very, very quickly. "And I'm conscious, that there are some people who at the moment are unsure and concerned because they don't fully understand the proposals put forward. I have committed to make sure I have a clear explainer as to the implications on people." Asked whether those earning under 38,700 with family member already in the UK would be "okay", Mr Cleverly replied: "Yes. This is forward looking rather than backward." A British mother-of-two who sponsors her Turkish husband to live in the UK told the Standard that the Governments visa changes were "obscene" and would cause "severe" consequences for families who face being ripped apart. "The idea that my children may no longer be able to live with their father in the same country they were born inis just horrifying," Josephine Whitaker-Yilmaz told the Standard. The policy and public affairs spokesperson for migrant charity Praxis is sponsoring her husband via a family visa so the couple can live together in Leicester with their two British citizen children, aged three and seven. "I feel scared. If the Government can do this to British citizens, curtail our rights to family life in this way, with a stroke of a pen, whats next?" The Government has said it will out the full details of the visa changes in the near future. Sentenced: Yuval Keren (National Crime Agency) A former north London rabbi found with hundreds of horrific child abuse images has been handed a suspended jail sentence. Yuval Keren, 56, was handed a 20 month jail sentence suspended for two years at Amersham Crown Court on Wednesday after the National Crime Agency found 1,694 indecent images of children on devices at his Pinner home in July 2022. Of those, 189 images were rated as Category A, the most extreme type of child abuse images. Keren, previously a rabbi at Southgate Progressive Synagogue, had images dating back to 2010, suggesting he accessed them for thirteen years, officers said. Holly Triggs, NCA Operations Manager, said: Yuval Keren had accessed images showing the horrific abuse of children for over 10 years. The NCA is committed to protecting children and ensuring that individuals who collect this material, and create a demand for abuse content, are held to account. The offending came to after light online storage provider Dropbox tipped off police that a user was uploading suspicious images on their platform. Keren was suspended from his position immediately upon his arrest and no longer holds a position within the Liberal Judaism faith. He pleaded guilty to all charges on October 11. Alongside the suspended jail sentence, he was handed 40 hours rehabilitation, 180 hours unpaid work, 10 years on the Sex Offenders Register and a 5 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Two women mourn at a funeral following airstrikes in southern Gaza Strip earlier this month. (Reuters) (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / reuters) Women and girls in Gaza face alarming levels of brutality with more than three women killed every hour, a charity has warned. Thousands of women in the besieged enclave have been killed during the recent escalation of violence sparked by Hamas insurgents' brutal assault on 7 October, which itself has prompted the gathering of more than 1,500 testimonies about Hamas fighters committing sexual violence during the attack. The Hamas-run health ministry puts the toll in Gaza at more than 4,000 women, constituting nearly 70% of the total death toll in the region. The numbers tell a grim story two mothers lose their lives each hour, and seven women perish every two hours. Yara, a mother and humanitarian worker displaced to southern Gaza, told ActionAid: "Today, I no longer have hope. I have become more afraid than before. Every day that passes, this fear and terror increases more. I, as a mother, have only two wishes. The first thing I wish is that I die before my children. I don't want to see my children die in front of me. The second wish is that I die quickly, so when the missile comes to bomb us, I die quickly and I do not stay under the rubble for 16, 17, 18 hours. she added. Watch:Midwife says pregnant women in great danger in Gaza The crisis extends to maternal health, with about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza risking their lives daily due to the lack of adequate medical care. Naimah, a midwife at Al-Awda hospital, recounted the experiences of pregnant women in Gaza to ActionAid, including that of one woman whose house was bombed. Despite suffering multiple injuries, the woman was in active labour and urgently taken to the operating room. Both mother and child were lucky to survive. This woman, who had suffered physical abuse due to the attacks, will also suffer mental health and psychological repercussions. Food scarcity will heavily affect her milk supply when shes breastfeeding her baby, said Naimah. Riham Jafari, coordinator of advocacy and communication for ActionAid Palestine and a gender specialist said: Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman or girl right now. The number of women and girls being senselessly killed in this violence rises by the hour. Read more: Video emerges from inside al-Shifa hospital where newborn babies have had their incubators switched off Hana, a doctor at ActionAids partner Al-Awda hospital in the north of Gaza recounts another incident: One woman's house was bombed, resulting in her needing an emergency C-Section. She lost her newborn, tragically, her husband and the rest of her children were also killed. This woman, who dreamt of a safe family life, is now grappling with mental health issues after losing her newborn and family. Human rights organisations have warned the crisis in Gaza impacts women in specific ways. (Getty/Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto) (Majdi Fathi, NurPhoto SRL) What is gender-based violence? The issue of gender violence in warzones is one of major concern to human rights organisations. Sexual violence in conflict zones is a gross violation of human rights, recognised as a war crime as rape as a weapon of war, and a crime against humanity under international law. The Hamas attack on 7 October, in which more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers in Israel were killed, includes evidence of rape and mutilation. "The reports of alleged sexual violence during the attacks on October 7 are also extremely concerning and must be investigated," ActionAid said. US president Joe Biden said of the accounts last week: Reports of women raped, repeatedly raped, and their bodies being mutilated while still alive. Of women corpses being desecrated, Hamas terrorists inflicting as much pain and suffering on women and girls as possible and then murdering them." Human Rights Watch has warned that, while there is little data on current trends in Gaza, women and girls typically are at increased risk of sexual violence in times of armed conflict. The risk of HIV transmission heightens without access to sexual and reproductive health services, including emergency contraception and psychosocial support. These critical needs are at risk of going unmet as Gaza already struggles to treat those injured by Israeli airstrikes, women urgently require medical supplies, treatment for injuries and diseases, including psychosocial support. The United Nations defines violence against women as, any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. In Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, 87% of women had experienced gender-based violence, while in Yemen, a woman dies in childbirth every two hours. In South Sudan, more than 65% of women face sexual or physical violence, and more than 40% of Nigerian girls marry before 18. Now, with the conflict in Ukraine, the alarming reality persists: women and girls are particularly targeted during wartime, including as a tactic of war. Read more: Israel battles Hamas as UN labels Gaza 'hell on earth' (AFP) Displaced Palestinian women in a refugee camp amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Reuters) (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / reuters) Displacement of women In Gaza the displacement of 800,000 women, often multiple times, exacerbates the crisis, leading to overcrowded facilities with severe sanitation challenges. We are among the displaced people from Beit Lahia from the north of the Gaza Strip. We have no clothes and no water. We go to a far place to gather water. It is not only the lack of clothes or cold weather, but until now we have slept on the ground. The rain has impacted us, Lina told ActionAid. Women and girls, living in these conditions, lack essential hygiene resources, privacy, and face additional hardships during menstruation. Aya, a displaced mother, voiced her struggles: "As a woman, Im suffering. I dont have access to the basic necessities of life. There is no water. I suffered during my period. There was no water available for me to get clean during my period. I had no sanitary pads for my own needs throughout my period. Psychological impact Even before the current war women and girls had experienced human rights violations due to Israels blockade and previous offensives, impacting their mental health. Now with the crisis the psychological toll on women and girls in Gaza is severe, ActionAid has said. The war is disproportionately affecting women. Women who have lost their children, husbands, relatives and family members will continue having feelings of sadness for years, ActionAid's Riham Jafari told Yahoo News. Women who have children with deep injuries will feel pain and sorrow for them. They will be frustrated as those children could not be treated under the collapse of the health system in Gaza. Read more: Keir Starmer Says He Still Does Not Support A Ceasefire In Gaza (HP 2-min read) The future Last Friday the United States vetoed and Britain abstained on the UN resolution at the UN Security Council to pause hostilities. Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals secretary general, said in response that the US "displayed a callous disregard for civilian suffering and brazenly wielded and weaponised its veto to strongarm the UN Security Council. ActionAid says that women and girls in Gaza feel the world has abandoned them and the NGO is demanding a permanent ceasefire. For women like Inaya, a displaced woman from East Rafah, whose home was destroyed by bombing, fled with her family to southern Gaza, will continue to face the challenging conditions of living in a refugee camp. Dont we need to sleep or [water] to drink? Dont we deserve protection? she asks. Watch: UN warns of starvation and collapse of order in Gaza Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham wants to invest money in public transport system instead of charging car drivers - Leon Neal/Getty Images Andy Burnham will ditch Ulez-style charges for Manchester drivers after plans for the clean air zone received a public backlash. The mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority revealed his proposals to improve air quality in the region on Wednesday, which removed charges for certain vehicles in a model akin to Sadiq Khans Ulez zone in London. The plans aim to meet the authoritys legal obligation to reduce nitrogen dioxide in the air to acceptable levels by 2026. Mr Burnham said that modelling carried out by the authority found that introducing charges for vans, lorries, taxis, buses and other commercial vehicles in central Manchester and Salford would not see the region meet these targets by the 2026 deadline. Instead, he suggested that investment in cleaner transport, including funding to increase the numbers of electric buses and taxis, would result in the region reducing nitrogen dioxide levels to acceptable levels by 2025. The decision comes just months after Sadiq Khan expanded the Ulez zone to include the whole of London. This means that drivers of cars that do not meet certain emission standards in all 32 London boroughs must now pay a daily 12.50 charge, or face a fine of up to 180. Mr Khans expansion has faced widespread criticism and backlash, including hundreds of the cameras being used to police the zone vandalised by vigilantes protesting against the decision. The Greater Manchester mayor had initially planned to bring in a charge in May 2022 that would have seen buses and lorries charged 60 a day to use the regions roads. Vans and minibuses would have been charged 10 a day and taxis registered in Greater Manchester 7.50 a day. More than 1,000 signs were installed in preparation for the charging zones. These have since been covered by stickers saying under review. However, this plan was put on hold in February 2022 for two years amid fears that people would not be able to afford it during the cost of living crisis. In September, Mr Burnham suggested he had canned the idea of a charge, telling GB News that as long as he was mayor there wouldnt be a congestion charge scheme or a clean air style scheme. In his announcement on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said: By accelerating investment in the Bee [Transport] Network to create a London-style integrated public transport network, and upgrading GM-licensed taxis, we can improve air quality faster than if we introduced a clean air zone, and without causing hardship to our residents or businesses. As part of the investment plan, Greater Manchester is to submit a 86 million investment plan, which will see it spend 51.2m on 64 new zero-emission buses and 22m on giving grants to taxi drivers to buy lower emissions vehicles. Hackney Carriage drivers will be able to access 8m to switch to electric vehicles, while 5m will be spent on new measures to manage traffic flows in Salford and Manchester city centres. The plan will now have to be signed off by the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration next week, before being submitted to the Government to give the green light. Mr Burnham said: Id also ask government to urgently consider allowing Greater Manchester local authorities to remove charging clean air zone signs, as modelling shows that only Greater Manchesters investment-led plan can meet the legal test placed on the 10 councils to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest. Israeli soldiers start pumping seawater through huge pipes to Gaza tunnels Israels military has reportedly begun pumping seawater into the Gaza tunnels said to be occupied by Hamas fighters, as it pushes further into the terrorist groups stronghold. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have built five pumps to flood the network of tunnels, where Hamas fighters have been hiding and holding hostages. On Tuesday, US officials said the operation had started, and the Biden administration had been told it could take weeks, according to a report. Asked about the report, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, the IDF chief of staff, told a press conference such a tactic would be a good idea. Appearing to confirm the operation, he added: We are seeing a lot of underground infrastructure in Gaza, we knew there would be a lot. Part of the goal is to destroy this infrastructure. We have various ways [to deal with the tunnels]. I wont talk about specifics, but they include explosives to destroy, and other means to prevent Hamas operatives from using the tunnels to harm our soldiers. Soldiers work to connect water pumps to begin operation in Gaza tunnels Troops are using seawater to flood the tunnels News of the tactic, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, came as the IDF released video appearing to show troops confronting and shooting dead Hamas militants in Gaza city. Israels defence minister has claimed his soldiers were pressing deep underground and that some Hamas units were on the verge of being dismantled. In an apparent attempt to support this claim, the IDF released head-cam footage recorded by a soldier in Gaza Citys Shejaiya neighbourhood. It claimed to show the reservist shooting and killing a Hamas gunman before a grenade was thrown by a second terrorist. Despite being injured, the Israeli soldier rushes towards the militant and shoots him dead also. IDF troops are operating deep underground, locating Hamas infrastructures, destroying them, and bringing [Hamas in] Gaza City closer to breaking, said Yoav Gallant, the defence minister. The Telegraph was unable to independently confirm the authenticity of the footage released by the IDF. Israel in tough spot It came as Israel declared 19 of 135 people still in Gaza captivity dead in absentia, after announcing its forces had recovered the bodies of two hostages. The list of 19 includes a Tanzanian national, the government press office said. Tanzania has said that two of its citizens, both farming students, had been among some 240 people taken hostage by Hamas in the militant groups Oct 7 cross-border rampage. One of the Tanzanians was confirmed dead last month. Speaking on Monday evening at a White House reception to mark Hanukkah, Mr Biden said Israel was in a tough spot. He also hinted at the conversations he had been having with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister. Well continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas, but we have to be careful they have to be careful, Mr Biden said. The whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight, we cant let that happen. Half of Gaza population starving As the UN General Assembly seemed poised to consider another ceasefire resolution, the Palestinian foreign minister accused Israel of starving Gaza. The UN World Food Programme has said half of Gazas population of 2.3 million is starving because of the expansion of Israels military assault on the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Israel denies this. As we speak, at least one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of them children, are starving, not because of a natural disaster or because of lack of generous assistance waiting at the border, Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian foreign minister, said at a UN event. Earlier this week, Mr Gallant, the defence minister, pushed back at claims that Israel needed to put an end to its military operation in Gaza and said it would likely take time to conclude. Speaking to Associated Press, Mr Gallant declined to commit to any deadlines, and signalled the ground fighting could go on for weeks, if not months. We are going to defend ourselves. I am fighting for Israels future, he said. He said the next phase would be lower-intensity fighting against pockets of resistance and would require Israeli troops to maintain their freedom of operation. He added: Thats a sign the next phase has begun. An unidentified man was shot and killed during an argument in a post office parking lot on the Northeast Side. mbbirdy/Getty Images An argument between three people involved in a love triangle ended in a fatal shooting Tuesday in a Northeast Side parking lot, police said. A man was sitting in his car outside a post office around noon in the 1900 block of Austin Highway, near Oakwell Trailhead Park, when he was approached by a man and woman he knew, police said. The three began to argue, and one of the men flashed a gun. The other did the same, police said. Gunfire erupted, and the man outside the vehicle was struck and killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Man killed by park police during scuffle identified The other man was taken into custody for questioning. Police said he may have acted in self-defense but that homicide detectives will decide whether charges are warranted. Investigators also were questioning the woman. King Charles III hosts a gathering of faith leaders at Buckingham Palace (PA) The King on Wednesday was praised for his "convening" power during an interfaith meeting at Buckingham Palace. King Charles III, 75, brought together faith leaders from across the UK to try to find ways to help different religions work together. He discussed pressing issues with representatives from faiths including Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities for around an hour in the palace blue drawing room. It comes as the war in Gaza rages and tens of thousands of people have been attending marches in London. The King heard how inter-faith leaders wanted to build on the work forged in response to Covid-19, reach young people at schools and enable teachers to discuss issues such as the Gaza conflict and facilitate mentoring programmes for women. (PA) She said afterwards: "The King is here to act as a convener and facilitator and it is clear he cares a lot about the communities. "With the King convening and facilitating, it encourages us to step out and come together to ease the impact on tensions." Canon Doctor Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations in Birmingham, said: Theres been lots of good interfaith relationships over the years particularly during Covid-19. Geo-politics affects this and straining relationships. People are really feeling hurt and angry and really struggling. Having the King means this is being taken seriously. His questions were genuinely engaged questions and it gives enormous encouragement. Weve got to keep things going. King Charles III hosts a gathering of young UK community and faith leaders at Buckingham Palace (PA) Jodie Franks, of Stand Up! Education Against Discrimination, representing the Jewish community, said afterwards: "I spoke to the King about the importance of interfaith relations on a local level to young people specifically in a school setting." Her group sees people from Jewish and Muslim communities visit schools to speak about Islamophobia and antisemitism. She added: "We find that educators are nervous to broach these difficult topics and don't feel confident to have conversations in classrooms so instead children are not having these conversations in the safe space of the classroom but in corridors instead." The gathering at Buckingham Palace follows the Kings visit to Lambeth Palace Library in November, where His Majesty joined leaders from across the UKs communities to mark Inter Faith Week, which aims to strengthen relations at all levels. It has also emerged that interfaith leaders will join the Windsor Leadership Programme at Windsor Castle. The group of 18 faith leaders, which is invite-only, will meet at Windsor Castle to "explore the complex challenges troubling our nation" and "discuss how we, as leaders, can positively change our troubled society for the better in this era of toxic behavior." The conversations will be confidential and will meet for the first time in the New Year. Graham Clarke was sent 14 fine letters by Tunbridge Wells Council after he drove in a bus lane. (SWNS) A pensioner who immediately paid a fine for driving in a bus lane has been sent 14 letters from the council telling demanding money. Graham Clarke, 82, visited Tunbridge Wells for the first time on 19 November when his sat nav directed him into the bus lane. Several days later he received a letter informing him that he had been fined. Clarke, who claimed the bus lane was not clearly marked, nevertheless paid the fine straight away as he doesnt believe in owing anyone and already realised his mistake. But a few days later he received another fine, with the same reference number and same offence. Clarke, from Petts Wood, London, says he spent 54 minutes waiting on the line with Tunbridge Wells Council before being told his payment had been received and the debt cleared. Graham Clarke was sent the same PCN letter despite paying the fine straight away. (SWNS) Graham Clarke entered the bus lane after turning right into Mount Pleasant Road from Crescent Road in Tunbridge Wells. (SWNS) Despite the assurances from the council, Clarke received the same letter demanding he pay the fine every day for the next seven days. Three days later, on 4 December, the retired printer got another fine. He received another on 8 December, and on 11 December he received three in one day. He said: "They just kept coming. Yesterday I received three which makes 14. I am just absolutely flabbergasted. It is harassment. They are threatening me with the bailiffs and extra costs in these letters but I have paid the fine. More South and South East stories - click above I deserve an apology The grandad-of-10 said it has left him feeling stressed and he does not know how to stop the situation. He added: I hold Tunbridge Wells council responsible as the complaints line is discontinued and the only way is to speak to the traffic parking office line and wait in the queue, which I did last week when I waited 54 minutes one day and again for 38 minutes another day. I think I deserve an apology at the very least, if not compensation for the telephone costs and the time spent on the phone. A spokeswoman for the council said the issue was down to an isolated software issue, adding: We are very sorry that Mr Clarke has received duplicate letters relating to the same case We will be in touch with Mr Clarke to explain this and to apologise. We are working with our software provider to help prevent this from happening again. Bus lane fines can be appealed within 28 days of being issued. (SWNS) Can I appeal a bus lane fine? If you have feel a penalty charge notice (PCN) for driving in a bus lane is not justified, you are entitled to appeal the fine. To appeal the fine known as making a representation you should first contact the local council where the fine was issued, in writing. There is usually a 28-day period after the date of service of the PCN when the appeal can be made. In appealing the fine, you should state reasons why you are appealing. These can include not owning the vehicle at the time, the vehicle was stolen, you moved into a bus lane to avoid a collision or emergency vehicle, inadequate signage or refuting that the alleged offence even took place. Along with your reasons, you should also include any evidence that is available such as photos, witness statements, Google Street View images or receipts. An appeal will be heard at a tribunal and the fine cancelled if it is upheld. However, it the tribunal rejects the appeal, you will be liable to pay the full payment. You cannot appeal a PCN after paying the penalty charge. Recommended reading Xyaire Howard has been jailed for life for the murder of Susan Hawkey (MPS) A robber who terrorised and then murdered a reclusive pensioner before taking his girlfriend on a 13,000 spending spree with her savings has been jailed for life. Xyaire Howard, 23, bound Susan Hawkey, 71, with tape and shoe laces as he forced her to reveal the PIN to her bank card. He then strangled her as he and girlfriend Chelsea Grant, 28, went on spending spree for luxury goods including perfumes, a new television, portable speakers, telephones, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches and handbags. As well as lavish purchases at Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush and Wembley, money was also drained from Mrs Hawkeys bank account and sent to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Ms Hawkeys decomposing body was discovered under a duvet in the living room of her home in Neasden, north-west London, 20 days after she had been murdered. She had been tied up, with her hands taped and tied behind her back, her eyes had been taped shut and a ligature knotted around her neck. Susan Hawkey was murdered in her own home (MPS) At the Old Bailey on Friday, Howard was jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 31 years in prison before being considered for release. He and Grant admitted fraud by false representation over the spending on Ms Hawkeys bank card, while Grant was convicted of three counts ofrobbery and an attempted robbery, and Howard was found guilty of robbery and attempted robbery. Judge Judy Khan KC sentenced Grant to 15 years in prison. She told Howard: It was a calculated and callous course of action, a killing motivated by your greed. The court heard how the couple, from Press Road in Neasden, had preyed on Mrs Hawkey as a highly vulnerable older woman who lived an isolated life withlittle contact with friends and family. She was also a creature of habit and would take the same route with her bank card to the shops and Post Office to withdraw cash. Her family, in a statement to the court, said Mrs Hawkey was kind and generous, she lived with her parents until their deaths, and she had become very reclusive in later life. She wanted to stay in the area where she had grown up and in the home she always lived in, they said. Mrs Hawkey did not have a phone at home and used a nearby phone box to make calls, while she rarely responded to letters, the court heard. Her family said Howard and Grant persistently targeted and preyed on Mrs Hawkey, and she must have felt terrified and helpless in her final days. Chelsea Grant went on a shopping spree with Susan Hawkey's stole savings (MPS) They said they have been left with nightmares about what happened to her, calling it a senseless murder and adding: It haunts us every single day, and will forever be a shadow over their lives. Mrs Hawkey managed to cancel her bank card after she was first robbed by the couple, to stop money leaving her account. She was last seen alive on September 6 last year, and the following day Howard used the victims new bank card to withdraw 250 at a cash machine. Prosecutor Annabel Darlow KC said the PIN must have been forced out of her, and the discovery of her body bound, blindfolded, and with a ligature around her neck indicated she had been forced to hand it over. She added that Howard must have intended to kill Mrs Hawkey, and had the clear intention of ensuring she couldnt interfere with his ability to access the funds in her bank account. The clothes on her lower half had been removed, and her upper clothing had been cut open, the court heard. Ms Hawkeys bank card was finally stopped last September 28 at the request of police and the defendants were arrested at a bus stop. The court heard Howard had searched Google for Barclays transaction limit and Grant typed in the search phrases can you smell a dead body from outside the house and is a dead body a very strong smell, it was claimed. Howard admitted tying Mrs Hawkey up, but claimed he had left her alive. He was seen on CCTV going to a cashpoint without shoelaces on, having apparently used them to restrain the victim. James Cleverly has insisted the Governments Rwanda Bill will not be killed by Tory rebels despite right-wing Conservative MPs saying they could vote the emergency legislation down unless it is strengthened. The Home Secretary said he wants to continue to work with groups including the European Research Group (ERG) to understand their thinking following days of bitter division. Downing Street said Rishi Sunak wont rest until the deportation plan is working after the Prime Minister won a crunch vote in the Commons on the Safety of Rwanda Bill aimed at reviving the policy. Dozens abstained but no Tories voted against the legislation with MPs approving the legislation at second reading by 313 to 269, giving the Government a majority of 44. But the victory is temporary, with right-wing Tory factions making clear they reserve the right to vote against the draft law when it returns to the Commons next year unless amendments are made. (PA Graphics) Touring broadcast studios on Wednesday, Mr Cleverly sought to play down fractures in the Tory ranks, insisting the Conservative Party is united in its desire to get the legislation right. When it was put to him that right-wing factions, including the ERG chaired by Mark Francois, would vote the Bill down in the new year, the Home Secretary told Sky News: Thats your assertion, I dont agree. He added: I will talk to Mark and Ill talk to others, of course, to understand their thinking on this and try to harvest their ideas to make things better. But I cant see if someones got a concern that the Bill might not be as strong as they would like, killing the Bill doesnt strike me as the best way of doing that, because if the Bill isnt on the statute books it cant possibly succeed. Asked whether he was pleased with winning the second reading vote on the Safety of Rwanda Bill on Tuesday, his press secretary told reporters later on Tuesday: I think he will only be content frankly once flights are going off to Rwanda and the deterrent is there and it is stopping the gangs, and we can get the boats further down. It is a third down already at a time when illegal arrivals are up across Europe. He is encouraged by the work we are doing and the impact it is having, but he wont rest until we have got this working and the deterrent is there. She would not set out a timetable for when it would next be debated in the Commons amid suggestions it may not be tabled for its committee stage until mid-January, but insisted the PM still regards the situation as an emergency. Former home secretary Suella Braverman, and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who resigned last week following publication of the Bill, were among the high-profile Tories to abstain on Tuesday, despite MPs being issued a three-line whip to vote in support of the Government. Former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg were among those to back it. A piece of government legislation has not failed to pass a second reading, the first Commons hurdle, since 1986. The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts. Thats what this Bill delivers. We will now work to make it law so that we can get flights going to Rwanda and stop the boats. Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 12, 2023 The legislation is designed to prevent migrants who arrive via unauthorised routes from legally challenging deportation to Rwanda after the Supreme Court ruled the flagship asylum policy unlawful. It seeks to revive the stalled plan by enabling Parliament to deem the country safe in order to block claims against being sent to Kigali made on the basis that it is unsafe. Ministers would be able to disapply the Human Rights Act but it does not go as far as overriding the European Convention on Human Rights, something which Tory hardliners have said is needed for the policy to be enacted. The Home Office has paid 240 million to Kigali so far, with another payment of 50 million anticipated in 2024/25, but no flights have yet taken off. Mr Cleverly insisted on Wednesday that the Governments target of getting deportation journeys running by spring is still credible despite the Tory infighting, but conceded its passage through Parliament would take some time. He highlighted the Prime Ministers attempt to find a middle ground in the scope of the Bill, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme it must be in the Goldilocks zone between resisting further legal challenge and complying with international law. Labour opposed the legislation, with shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire rebuking the Government for returning one of its environment ministers from the Cop28 climate summit for the crunch vote. It is really quite extraordinary that Rishi Sunak had to spend the weekend shoring up votes from his own party they had to get Government ministers back from the Cop negotiations and goodness knows where else, she told TalkTV on Wednesday. This is not a strong Government or a strong Prime Minister. Mr Francois announced ahead of the Commons vote that his group and four other right-wing factions the self-described five families would be abstaining, with a view to putting forward amendments early next year. The other factions include the New Conservatives, Common Sense Group, Conservative Growth Group and Northern Research Group. The ERG leader said Mr Sunak had told colleagues he is prepared to entertain tightening the Bill and that, if the Prime Minister does not accept changes to ensure that happens, then the five caucuses reserve the right to vote against the Government at the next stage. A Tory rebel source told the PA news agency: This Bill has been allowed to live another day. But, without amendments, it will be killed next month. It is now up to the Government to decide what it wants to do. Former home secretary Suella Braverman abstained on the Rwanda legislation (Maria Unger/UK Parliament/PA) The ERG raised concerns ahead of the vote that, while the legislation declares Rwanda a safe country in general, it includes a clause making limited allowances for personal claims against being sent to Kigali. The groups lawyers also complained that the scope of the Bill to disapply elements of human rights law is very narrow and does not go far enough to address the risk of European judges blocking the plan. The Government has said it will listen to changes suggested by MPs but has not committed to accepting amendments. If all non-Conservative MPs oppose the plan, a revolt by 29 Tories could be enough to defeat the Safety of Rwanda Bill at its next test in Parliament. After the forthcoming committee stage, there will be a third reading vote before the Bill is sent to the House of Lords, where it is expected to face heavy scrutiny. Tory moderates urged Mr Sunak to stay the course and continue with the legislation as it is following his Commons victory. MPs in the One Nation caucus agreed to back the Bill this week but have stressed that they will resist any amendments from the right that would risk the UK breaching the rule of law and its international obligations. A senior Conservative has joined European figures calling for greater support for Kosovo in the face of what they describe as attempts to undermine the country. Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton and chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, signed a letter on Wednesday calling for an end to the negative measures adopted by the EU against Kosovo. The letter comes at the start of an EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana, Albania, which is expected to discuss security and the gradual integration of the region into the EU. Ms Kearns joined fellow European foreign affairs committee chairs in urging the EU to provide full co-operation with Kosovo following actions by Serbian nationalists in recent months, including an attack on a village in the north of the country that left a Kosovan police officer dead. The letter said: The attack by thirty heavily armed militants led by former Srpska List vice-president Milan Radoicic on 24th September marked a significant escalation. The situation could have easily spiralled into a broader escalation were it not for the professionalism and bravery of the Kosovan Police, one of whom was tragically murdered. The quantity and type of weaponry seized after the attack raise serious questions over what role the Serbian state may have had in supporting the operation. The attack caused the UK to deploy 200 troops to the country, on top of the 400-strong contingent already there, at the request of Natos Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Tensions in the Serb-majority north have also caused the EU to suspend high-level visits, contacts and financial co-operation with Kosovo, which Ms Kearns and her European counterparts said should be resumed. The parliamentarians, including the chairs of the German, Irish, Czech, Italian and Latvian foreign affairs committees, also cited attacks on Nato soldiers in May, the detention of Kosovan police by Serbia in June, and the boycott of local elections by ethnic Serbs as signs of a pattern of aggression designed to undermine and destabilise Kosovo. They said: It is vital that the international community reject irredentism and aggression and reaffirm support for Kosovos independence and sovereignty. Kosovo formally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following more than a decade of violence between ethnic Serbs and Albanians, which led to the deployment of Nato peacekeeping forces in 1999 and the indictment of Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic for crimes against humanity. Since independence, Srpska List has been the dominant party among ethnic Serbs and maintains links with the Serbian government, which still does not recognise Kosovan independence. Sir Tony Blair should be stripped of his knighthood as a result of his decision to take the UK to war in Iraq, MPs have heard. The Alba Partys Neale Hanvey described the former prime ministers accolade as an insult to every single life lost during the war. Mr Hanvey claimed declassified documents from 1998 show Sir Tony was determined to take military action, contrary to legal advice. The Alba Partys Neale Hanvey called for Sir Tony Blair to be stripped of his knighthood (David Woolfall/UK Parliament/PA) Speaking during a debate on UK military action in Iraq, Mr Hanvey said: How can it be that a prime minister who prosecuted two wars against lawful advice and instruction has been rewarded with a knighthood? This is an insult to every single life lost and it should be withdrawn forthwith and a path to full justice secured. Governments should not lie to go to war and the truth must now be told. The MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath accused the former Labour leader of misleading Parliament and said the consequences were devastating for Iraqis. He said: These declassified documents show Tony Blair was determined to take military action against Saddam Hussein in 1998 against explicit advice and in the absence of sound legal arguments or justification. These documents show Tony Blair dismissed legal objections to his 1998 bombing campaign, this was a direct precursor to his stance over the invasion of Iraq five years later in 2003 which also was deemed illegal by (then) UN secretary-general Kofi Annan. He added: In both instances in 1998 and in 2003 we know Tony Blair received legal advice warning that military action was illegal and in both instances he ignored that legal advice and went on to authorise the deployment of British service personnel. Blair pressed officials, in particular the attorney general, to provide legal justification for the use of force. He received none, but he did it anyway. Blair misled Parliament by claiming that a legal basis for military force, without a UN Security Council resolution existed, when in fact it did not. The consequences have been devastating for Iraqis, for the region and for military personnel and their families. Lives lost in the theatre of war are well understood, but the lives wrecked by the trauma of conflict are less easily quantified and yet every bit as real. Alba Party MP Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) said: The consequences of the Iraq war live with us and reverberate with us to this day. We were taken into war on a false prospectus, we were taken in on deceit and indeed on lies. And its important that that should be brought to account. Shadow solicitor general Karl Turner said he was in favour of maximum transparency wherever that is possible, saying he had no knowledge of how those decisions were arrived at but urged caution before we leap to any conclusions about information that has not yet been published. He encouraged the Government to provide its reasons for not releasing certain documents, adding: Not because I think there is any great mystery being covered up, but precisely because I think the opposite is true and the Government could dispel a lot of unnecessary and ill-founded speculation if it was clear about the broad reasons why some material is withheld. If that is one positive outcome that can emerge from this debate I would welcome it. Another would be to recognise that what motivated much of the action we saw during this period in history was not the desire for regime change in Baghdad but a compulsion that many leaders rightly felt not to repeat the grave mistakes of Bosnia and Rwanda. Solicitor General Robert Courts said: These are historic matters. They have been subject to exhaustive and detailed examination in other places. (Mr Hanvey) will of course know that. He added: These were matters for many administrations ago and not one that this Government can comment on. He told Mr Hanvey he was not able to comment in the debate on why specific documents were not available, but said he was happy to communicate further with him about the issue, saying it was for the Cabinet Office to take a view on whether documents should be disclosed. In 2016, following the Chilcot inquiry, which examined the UKs involvement in Iraq from 2001 to 2009, Sir Tony said: I did not mislead this country. I made the decision in good faith and I believe it is better we took that decision. I acknowledge the mistakes and accept responsibility for them. What I cannot and will not do is say we took the wrong decision As this report makes clear, there were no lies, there was no deceit. Sir Tonys representatives have been contacted for comment. Tens of thousands of students a year in England are being left with little or no maths education after the age of 16, a report has warned. The take-up of core maths which offers an opportunity for students not studying A-level maths to study an alternative maths course is low, according to an analysis by the Royal Society. Fewer than a third of state schools and colleges offer core maths, while nearly 10% of local education authorities in England have no schools or colleges with core maths entries, it found. Only around 7% of A-level students not taking A-level maths are taking the alternative core maths qualification which was introduced nearly a decade ago, according to the analysis of data from the 2021/22 academic year. This leaves around 150,000 A-level students a year with little or no post-16 maths education, the Royal Society has said. It comes after the Prime Minister announced that all pupils in England will study some form of mathematics until the age of 18 under reforms to introduce the Advanced British Standard. The Royal Society is calling for a comprehensive plan to support the greater take up of core maths. In the 2021/22 academic year, only 11,683 students across 740 schools and colleges sat the core maths exam an estimated 7% of the potential numbers, according to the analysis. Sir Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, said: In a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin an increasing number of jobs, young people will require analytical skills more than ever before but were letting a huge proportion of them enter the workplace without sufficient maths, stats and data skills. The Prime Minister is committed to ensuring all young people study some form of maths to 18 core maths can be a way of delivering that but at the moment, provision is just not there. He added: There is a huge proportion of students that are more than capable of studying core maths and there is no reason why they should not be encouraged to do so. We just need to make sure they have access to it. A comprehensive plan to support the significantly greater take-up of core maths qualifications would be an important stepping stone towards achieving a goal of maths for all to 18. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: Institutions struggle to find attractive and cost-effective ways of including core maths in their provision. This is undoubtedly compounded by a national shortage of maths teachers which makes it difficult to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of them for any qualification. This lack of maths teachers is further compounded by the fact that there are far more students taking GCSE maths resit than core maths. Presently schools and colleges have no choice but to prioritise maths teachers for these resits, as the resits are a condition of funding requirement. Until there is reform of this resit policy there will always be too few maths teachers to be freed up to teach core maths. A Department for Education spokesperson said: Maths continues to be the most popular A-level. We have transformed the curriculum and invested 100 million in the Maths Hubs programme to improve maths teaching. Our reforms are already improving maths education and driving up standards. Just last week, England was ranked 11th in the world for maths, up from 27th in 2009. The UK has sanctioned seven further individuals linked to Hamas to isolate them further, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said. In a targeted approach by Britain and the US, leaders and financiers of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another group involved in the October 7 assault on Israel, have had sanctions imposed as part of a new package of restrictions announced on Wednesday. Mahmoud Zahar, the Gaza-based co-founder of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, is among those targeted. The Foreign Office said the sanctions would cut off access to finance through asset freezes and impose travel restrictions on those listed. Hamas, a proscribed organisation in the UK, and PIJ have already been sanctioned by London. It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested the Royal Navy could play a role in helping aid to reach Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza. Hamas can have no future in Gaza. Today's sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further. We will continue to work with partners to reach a long-term political solution so that Israelis and https://t.co/rbyHJoeNnx David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 13, 2023 Lord Cameron said: Hamas can have no future in Gaza. Todays sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further. We will continue to work with partners to reach a long-term political solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. Others targeted include Ali Baraka, Hamass head of external relations. Officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said Mr Baraka has publicly defended the October 7 attacks and sought to justify the taking of hostages. Maher Obeid, a political leader who is said to have held senior positions in Hamas, and Akram al-Ajouri, the Syria-based deputy secretary general of PIJ and leader of its military wing, also feature on the list. Financiers hit with sanctions include Khaled Chouman and Rida Ali Khamis, whom the Foreign Office said have channelled funds to Hamas through their Lebanon-based currency exchanges. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested the UK could play a leading role in providing aid by sea to Gaza (House of Commons/PA) Aiman Ahmad Al Duwaik completes the list, with the FCDO citing him as an Algeria-based financier for Hamas whom the department says has helped run the organisations overseas investment portfolio. Wednesdays announcement follows a UK Government sanction package last month that targeted Hamass political leaders in Gaza, along with other top-ranking officials and financiers. Attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants in October, which saw 1,200 people killed and more than 240 taken hostage, has triggered a bloody two-month war between Israel and Hamas. Tel Avivs air and ground offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 18,400 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas. Nearly 85% of Gazas population of 2.3 million have been forced to flee their homes, and much of the northern part of the territory has been heavily shelled. On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said he had told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Tel Aviv was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing. The United Nations General Assembly on the same day voted overwhelmingly to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, a move that was objected to by the US and abstained on by the UK. Rishi Sunak said the UK supports a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza (Hatem Ali/AP) Mr Sunak defended the decision not to back the UN resolution during an exchange at Prime Ministers Questions. He told the Commons the UK Government supports a sustainable ceasefire that would need to see Hamas no longer launching rockets towards Israel and releasing the remaining hostages. The Prime Minister said he was deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the fighting in Gaza on the civilian population and that too many people have lost their lives already. Mr Sunak told MPs that, during a conversation with Mr Netanyahu last week, he pressed him on opening up the Kerem Shalom crossing, a Gaza border point that lies at the junction of both Israeli and Egyptian jurisdiction, to allow more aid into the enclave. He also said ministers are actively exploring the opportunity for maritime corridors, something the UK is well-placed to lead. The Prime Minister added: I can give my assurance that we will work night and day to get more aid to those who need it. Mr Sunaks official spokesman told reporters the Navy could potentially be involved in the plan to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. Were still exploring the possibility of using maritime routes to deliver aid in to Gaza, the Downing Street spokesman said. We are still exploring the maritime routes, using some of our facilities and capabilities in the area. More than 50 people were injured early Wednesday in a Russian missile strike on Kyiv, just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with President Biden and congressional leaders in Washington to push for more military aid. The Ukrainian Air Force said 10 ballistic missiles were shot down near the capital city at about 3 a.m. local time Wednesday. The falling debris injured at least 53 people, including about eight children, officials said. As winter sets in over the front lines in eastern Ukraine, bogging down an already slow war, long-range bombardment from ballistic missiles take a more central role. The trend could mark a second attempt to hamper the countrys power grid, after the Russian military knocked out energy and heating infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians last winter. Zelensky made little impact in his Tuesday visit to Washington, with Congress not expected to pass a U.S. border security deal a prerequisite for advancing a foreign aid bill, including funds for Ukraine before at least Christmas, despite bipartisan verbal support for the Ukrainian cause. I got the signal they were more than positive, but we know that we have to separate words and, in particular, results, Zelensky said in a press conference alongside Biden on Tuesday. Therefore, we will count on particular results. Biden warned that inaction would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine, he said. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong. If we dont stop Putin, it will endanger the freedom of everyone almost everywhere. Putin will keep going, Biden continued. Ukraines success and its ability to deter aggression in the future are vital to security for the world at large. Zelensky was in Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday to make a similar case to Scandinavian leaders. Russia is eager to exploit divisions, senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden said in a joint statement, The Associated Press reported. We must continue to stand united against Russias illegal and immoral war. They vowed comprehensive assistance for Ukraine, arguing that now is not the time to tire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden on Wednesday morning privately met with the families of Americans being held hostage by Hamas since the terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. The family members of eight Americans believed to be held hostage participated in the meeting in person. They included Yael and Adi Alexander; Ruby and Roy Chen; Ronen and Orna Neutra; Gillian Kaye; Jonathan Dekel-Chen; Aviva, Elan, Shir and Hanna Siegel; and Liz Naftali. Jon Polin, Rachel Goldberg and Iris Haggai joined by phone. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer also attended the meeting. Afterwards, the family members of the hostages spoke to reporters outside of the White House as they held up photos of their loved ones. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of 35-year-old hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, said the meeting with Biden and other administration officials was a terrific meeting and conversation. Family members of American hostages held by Hamas speak to the press outside the White House on Dec. 13, 2023, after a meeting with President Joe Biden. (Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images) I think we all came away feeling that as families of hostages, of American Israeli hostages which are eight out of a total of 138 hostages we felt that, and we felt before, and we were only reinforced in seeing and believing, that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration, he said. Asked whether the president was able to share anything about the conditions of the hostages or where they are, Dekel-Chen said the group is going to keep the content of the conversation private because it was a private meeting. Naftali the great aunt of Abigail Edan, who was released by Hamas last month as a part of the cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and the militant group said Edans release is a miracle and stressed that Biden and administration officials are committed working around the clock to help the release of more hostages. We appreciate, we are thankful to the president and to his team, because we know that they are working 24 hours a day and they are going to work through the holidays, she said. And they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones real people come home to us and to the families across the world and in Israel. Biden has held calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the aim of securing the release of Americans and all hostages held by Hamas. The diplomatic efforts of the United States have helped secure the release of more than 100 hostages, including four Americans: Natalie and Judith Raanan who were released Oct. 20 after extensive diplomacy by the administration; 4-year-old Abigail Eden, whose parents were killed by Hamas and whose mother is American, was released Nov. 26; and Liat Beinin, a high school teacher and a tour guide for Israels Holocaust Museum, was released on Nov. 29. Eight Americans have been deemed as still unaccounted for since the fighting began, including those being held hostage, the White House official said. One of those is a woman who sought release under a previous deal with Hamas, but the deal collapsed when the militant group did not release the additional women they were holding. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will discuss the hostages during his travel to Israel this week. He has met with the families multiple times, most recently last month, the White House official said. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff also met with the families on Oct. 27. Bidens meeting Wednesday with the families of the hostages marks his first in-person meeting with them after he previously spoke with them over Zoom in mid-October. Bidens meeting with the families comes a day after he offered his harshest criticism yet of Israel's right-wing government since the Oct. 7 attack, saying Netanyahu has a tough decision to make. I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden said during an off-camera campaign reception in Washington on Tuesday afternoon. A federal grand jury has indicted Janet Mello, a former civilian worker for the Army, on charges that she stole more than $100 million intended for a 4-H program for children of military families. Courtes of Federal court documents Federal authorities investigating one of the Armys worst theft cases want to keep the $140,000 Mercedes Benz GLS-63 AMG they seized from the alleged thief. They want to hang onto some other items, too a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GTS-AMG, which goes for about $100,000; a 2018 Maserati Grand Turismo, worth about $130,000; and 75 other high-end cars, SUVs, trucks and motorcycles owned by or linked to accused embezzler Janet Yamanaka Mello. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In fact, federal prosecutors say in a court filing, they intend to keep all the luxurious accessories, real estate, jewelry, $18 million in cash and vintage cars and motorcycles seized from or connected to Mello, a former civilian Army employee who is charged with stealing more than $100 million from a 4-H program for children of military families. The document, known as a bill of particulars for forfeiture of property, puts Mello, 57, on notice about what items the feds are targeting for seizure as fruits of her alleged crimes. A federal grand jury indicted Mello last week on five counts of mail fraud, four counts of engaging in a monetary transaction over $10,000 using ill-gotten proceeds, and one count of aggravated identity theft for allegedly forging the digital signature of her supervisor as part of her scheme. Mello's criminal defense attorney, Albert Flores, did not respond to a request for comment. In the end, the government might not keep everything on the list, said a federal agent not involved in the case, who asked not to be identified because he works undercover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That bill of particulars lists and details the property the government might keep, the agent said. When you go and seize stuff, you dont know if all of it was acquired as a result of the crimes they are charged with. It's like an inventory, and what it does is let (the defendant) know that the government is going to seek forfeiture. Generally, forfeited property such as cars, houses, jewelry and real estate is sold at auction to compensate victims and pay other costs stemming from the criminal activity. The property seized from Mello reads like a collector's list of motorcycles. It includes Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, BMW and Ducati bikes, some of them extremely rare and dating to the early 1900s. Also on the list are sought-after classic or muscle cars including a 1966 Mustang, a 1967 Camaro SS and a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition to the 78 vehicles, authorities listed 31 properties in Texas and five other states, including posh estates and large tracts of undeveloped land, that agents believe Mello paid for with stolen funds. Some of the property is in Horseshoe Bay, west of Austin, and some is near the village of Cloudcroft, in the rugged mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The court filing also listed more than $18 million in cash in six bank accounts owned, controlled by or linked to Mello. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the accounts is for a limited liability company Mello runs with her husband. It's called No W Cattle Co. The Mellos and their company are or have been members of the Texas-based American Akaushi Association, which promotes Akaushi cattle, a premium Japanese beef breed that came to the United States in the mid-1990s. That's according to a trade publication called Akaushi Primetime. Three of the seized bank accounts are in the name of a business Mello controlled called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development, or CHYLD. Mello claimed CHYLD provided 4-H services to military personnel and their families, but federal authorities say the company was a shell she used to divert government money to fund her lifestyle. According to court records, Mello started her scam in 2016, while she worked for the government at a job that paid her more than $100,000. At the time, she was emerging from a personal bankruptcy, court records show. Court records said Mello kept the scam going for six years, until criminal investigators with the Internal Revenue Service and the Army unraveled it, culminating in her indictment obtained by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mello worked for the Army at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston as a civilian Child and Youth Services financial program manager, part of the Army's Installation Management Command. Her duties included working with the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program. The program is funded by the Army, Navy and Air Force. Kansas State University administers the program through 4-H military liaisons and land-grant universities, which provide training and curricula to the service branches so that children from military families can participate in 4-H, a network of youth groups that encourages children to undertake hands-on projects in agriculture, health, science and civic leadership. Part of Mello's job was to determine how much money was available for the organizations that applied to participate in the program. Her supervisors approved the grants. Grant awards, which included a memo signed by Mello, were sent to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) with instructions to cut checks to successful applicants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mello formed CHYLD in 2016. Paperwork she filed in Bexar County related to the company listed an address that is a United Parcel Service mailbox on San Antonio's Northeast Side. DFAS sent checks in amounts Mello requested to the mailbox, which she rented. She deposited the checks in bank accounts she controlled, the indictment said. In a scheme that started in the late 90s, a Great Falls bookkeeper defrauded local businesses $500,000 using pre-signed checks to pay off personal and family debt. She was sentenced Monday to 25 months in prison with three years supervised release. Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and to mail fraud and was ordered by the court to pay $492,309 in total restitution, according to the Montana U.S. Attorneys Office. Starting in at least 1997, Durnell used her access to pre-signed company checks and company bank accounts at Kronebusch Electric, Inc., where she worked as a bookkeeper, to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars toward personal credit card debt, personal car loan payments and debts belonging to family members. She used her access to the companys accounting software to hide her theft and make the transactions appear like legitimate business expenses, stealing a total of $500,000 from the Conrad-based electric company. After her scheme was discovered by Kronebusch Electric, Durnell went to work as a bookkeeper at Mitchells Crash Repair in Great Falls, where she again used pre-signed checks to steal more than $15,400. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bookkeeper sent to prison for defrauding Great Falls businesses The band is arguably South Korea's most famous cultural export Imagine if the Beatles broke up at the height of their fame to join the army. That's what the members of BTS, the world's biggest pop band, are doing right now. On Tuesday, lead vocalist Jung Kook joined the rest of his K-pop band members and enlisted for military service - a requirement of all able-bodied South Korean men aged 18-28. Just four weeks ago, he was riding the high of his crossover solo career in New York. He blew the socks off Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon with a scintillating Michael Jackson-esque song and dance. The following night he performed a last-minute public concert that went viral across TikTok to screaming crowds from a Times Square rooftop. In the past few weeks, he's released collaborations with Justin Timberlake and Usher, his debut album Golden hit number one on several charts, and the dance solo for his hit single Standing Next to You has become a TikTok trend. But just as he was soaring into the next stratosphere of stardom, he hit the brakes and returned to Seoul. A few days later, the 26-year-old and three other BTS members held a pizza party livestream, where they told fans the time had come to follow three other band members into military duty. The fans couldn't stop talking about the boys' hair. Gone were the fluffy perms of K-pop stardom - here instead were "eggheads", anonymised buzzcuts of soldiers on the frontline. As South Korea is still technically at war with its hostile neighbour North Korea, most men are required to do an 18 month stint in the army. But there had long been a debate over whether BTS, arguably South Korea's most famous cultural export, would have to serve as well. There had been exemptions given previously to Olympic medallists and classical musicians, and in 2020, the South Korean parliament passed a bill allowing BTS to delay their compulsory military service until the age of 30. Jung Kook in his interview on the Tonight Show with host Jimmy Fallon on 6 November Defenders of the band, including then government ministers, argued that Korea's biggest pop stars had already served their country by earning it billions of dollars and they should be allowed to continue in their superstar capacity. But then last October, their agency BigHit Music owned by HYBE, confirmed that all seven members would fulfil the obligation, starting with the eldest, Jin, who would join in December 2022. The band would go on a hiatus - to accommodate military service and to also allow members time to pursue their own projects. "For Western audiences, it does seem quite cruel that people at the height of their success have to stop and take a forced hiatus whether they like it or not," says K-pop academic Grace Kao, a professor at Yale University. But it's a reality that many in South Korea are used to, she says. BTS follows in the footsteps of the scores of other K-pop idols and K-drama stars who've had to take time out for the military. And with the advanced warning, their fans globally had been steeling themselves for this moment. "It was not a surprise," Prof Kao says. Still that hasn't made the actual day of departure any less bittersweet. BTS' reach is reflected in the range of languages - from Spanish to Vietnamese - in which fans wrote emotional tributes this week. As the four remaining members - RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook - were shown heading off to camp on Monday and Tuesday, the comment threads proliferated with crying emojis. "All of them gone at once," one fan wrote on TikTok. "My heart is hurting OMG, I just can't do this anymore. I'm gonna miss them all so much." BTS' fandom, known as ARMY - an acronym for Adorable Representative MC for Youth- have been measured to be the most engaged social media fanbase of any artist in recent years. Malaysia-based K-pop academic Jimmyn Parc told the BBC he believes many may be experiencing a short "depression". BTS meeting up for one last photo together on Monday - two of the boys already serving wore their uniforms On Monday and Tuesday, a lesser known single from six years ago, Spring Day, suddenly surged to the top of the US' iTunes charts. "ARMY is charting BTS songs in BTS's absence...I've always appreciated this show of love from the fandom," one fan wrote on the band's main Reddit sub-forum, which has over 610,000 members. The tone struck has been reminiscent of WW2 wives sending their sweethearts off to the war. Many BTS fans say they have already pledged total loyalty. It's this level of sheer dedication - from the biggest fanbase in the world - that will most likely sustain the band's status, industry watchers say. "Generally speaking, no matter where you are in the world, if a musical group has a hiatus, it affects their popularity. But I'd venture to say if any group could buck that trend, it would be BTS," says Jeff Benjamin, a K-pop columnist and writer at Billboard Magazine. Key to this is management's strategy of maintaining a steady feed of content. "There have been songs, videos, photoshoots, fan messages and much more all prepared by the members before their enlistment. These kinds of things are super important to continue that support when most groups will need to go quiet at the time," says Mr Benjamin. Meanwhile for the rest of the thriving K-pop industry, BTS' absence offers opportunities for the other bands breaking through. Several have already made it onto Western mainstream charts - listeners having cottoned on to bands like New Jeans, Le SSerafim. "BTS was too focused on by media outlets," says Associate Prof Parc. "This pause will give other K-pop groups changes to receive more of the limelight. It's a win-win situation for the industry." Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters Senate Democrats are pressuring the supreme court justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from deciding whether Donald Trump has immunity from prosecution for alleged crimes he committed while president. Democrats have argued that Thomas poses a potential conflict of interest because his wife, Ginni Thomas, has previously supported Trumps false claims that the election was stolen, the Hill reported. Related: US supreme court to hear January 6 appeal that could affect Trump trial During her testimony to the committee investigating the January 6 insurrection in 2022, Ginni Thomas said she still believed the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. Following the 2020 election, Ginni Thomas also texted Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows and told him to contest the election results, accusing Biden and Democrats of attempting the greatest Heist of our History. The Illinois senator Dick Durbin, who is chair of the Senate judicial committee, has called for Thomass recusal, arguing the relationship between Trump and the Thomas family is unclear. There are so many unanswered questions about the relationship of the justice and his family with the Trump administration that I think in the interests of justice, he should recuse himself, Durbin said to the Hill. Durbin later told CNN that Thomas should think twice and recuse himself from the case. Theres been enough information raised about Mr Thomas and his spouse that he ought to think twice about recusal in this case, Durbin said. The Connecticut senator Richard Blumenthal echoed the calls. Blumenthal told the Hill that the supreme court would be deciding on if Trump can be tried for attempting to overturn the results of 2020 election, which involves Jan 6, which involved [Thomass] wife. Special counsel Jack Smith asked the supreme court on Monday to decide if Trump can be criminally prosecuted. The supreme court quickly responded to say it would, and gave Trump until 20 December to reply. The earliest the court would consider the motion is 5 January, when the justices have their next scheduled private conference. Smiths move came amid fears that Trumps trial could be indefinitely delayed, if as expected Trump appeals a decision from a federal judge on Friday that rejected his immunity claims. The judge in that case, Tanya Chutkan, denied Trumps motion for dismissal, opening up the possibility for him to appeal to the DC circuit court and if necessary the US supreme court. It is of imperative public importance that respondents claims of immunity be resolved by this court and that respondents trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected, Smiths filing said. Only this court can definitively resolve them. (Reuters) -Coinbase will start offering spot crypto trading services on its international exchange from Thursday, the company said, as it expands beyond the U.S. Spot trading on the international exchange, currently geared toward derivatives, will roll out in phases, starting with bitcoin and ether against USDC stablecoin from Dec. 14 for institutional clients, the company said in a blog post. Bloomberg News first reported the development. "The timing of the announcement is prudent," CFRA Research analyst Michael Elliott said. Coinbase "should be able to utilize the launch to gain experience and gauge demand for spot products.. potentially benefiting COIN long-term as they eventually look for U.S. approval." Bitcoin has more than doubled in value this year to hit a 20-month high last week as anticipation of a spot bitcoin exchange traded fund improved trader sentiment and revived broader trading volume. Coinbase's shares, up fourfold so far this year, edged 0.5% higher on Wednesday. In June, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued Coinbase for allegedly selling unregistered securities, which the company has denied. The lawsuit is part of a broader U.S. crackdown on the industry following some high-profile collapses including FTX. (Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Sriraj Kalluvila) Detroit is on pace to record its lowest number of homicides in 57 years, according to city and county officials. The Michigan city has tracked an unprecedented reduction of homicides as of November 30, down 18% in the first 11 months of 2023 compared to that period last year, according to a joint news release from the Wayne County Sheriffs Office and the Detroit mayors office. Detroit reported 228 homicides this year as of November 30, compared to 278 homicides during that period last year, the release stated. Authorities credit the decline in homicides to a partnership between officials from Detroit, Wayne County and Michigan state that began in late 2021 to clear a backlog of cases. We are seeing record drops in gun violence in Detroit because every single part of the criminal justice system is getting past Covid obstacles and is now working again, Mayor Mike Duggan said in the statement. I have never seen such a high level of cooperation. In 1966, Detroit recorded 232 homicides, mayors office spokesperson John Roach told CNN. Since then, the lowest number of homicides recorded for the city in a year was 261 in 2018, according to the release. Roach said there were a total of 309 homicides in Detroit last year. A July 2023 study from the Council on Criminal Justice showed a drop in homicide rates across 30 cities in the United States, including Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles. Among the cities that reported data, the homicide rate was on average 9.4% lower202 fewer homicidesduring the first half of 2023 than in the first half of 2022, according to the report. The report showed Detroit saw a 3.7% decline in homicides during the same period. By comparison, in Chicago, where the Chicago Police Department reported 604 homicides last year, the councils study showed a 7.9% decline in homicides from January to June 2023 compared to the same period last year. During the same period in Atlanta, where the citys police department reported 168 homicides in 2022, according to the FBI, homicide rates dropped by 32.9%, the councils data shows. The Detroit news release also noted that during the pandemic, court criminal dockets backed up, jails were forced to release prisoners for lack of space, and police departments and prosecutors had great difficulty filling vacant positions. As Covid-19-related shutdowns ended, the Wayne County Circuit Court had a backlog of more than 4,000 felony gun cases pending trial in January 2022, according to the release. Last month, the number of pending felony gun cases was 1,330 a decrease of 67%. Our court team and judges have demonstrated their commitment to the community through a restructuring plan and full-force effort to return to being on-site following the COVID shutdown, conducting trials every day, directly resulting in a safer community, and positively impacting hundreds of families seeking justice, Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard said in the release. Correction: A previous headline on this story incorrectly characterized Detroits homicide data. The headline has been updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rural South Carolina farmers charged with killing an armed trespasser were defending their land and their livestock from an uninvited intruder who arrived with a "deadly weapon," according to their lawyers. Ryan Jordan Lindler Sr., 52, and Ryan Lindler Jr., 26, allegedly gunned down neighbor Kevin Lester Newhouse, 36, during a confrontation, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Office. "It's going to come down to property rights, vandalism, a history of trespassing the right to defend others," said attorney Eric Bland, whose law firm Bland Richter is representing the elder Lindler. "All things that property owners guard for and against. People in Lexington County, South Carolina, value their property, and a lot of citizens respect each other's property." Both father and son intend to fight the charges vigorously, he said. ALABAMA ROBBERY SUSPECT TELLS JEWELERS HAPPY HOLIDAYS BEFORE DEPLOYING BEAR SPRAY SHOPKEEPER SHOOTS BACK Ryan Jordan Lindler Sr., left, and Ryan Jordan Lindler Jr. have been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, authorities said. They are accused of killing Kevin Lester Newhouse in a trespassing incident. The younger Lindler is engaged to be married in three weeks, Bland said, and the trespassing occurred at the home he is building with his fiancee, which is about 85% complete. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "These cases will test the right of a property owner to protect their property from trespassers and vandals, including those who may bring deadly weapons onto the property of another," Bland Richter said in a statement Tuesday. The sheriff said over the weekend that the elder Lindler disarmed Newhouse before telling his son to shoot him. "Over the course of their investigation, which included interviews with both Lindlers and witnesses, detectives determined the elder Lindler told his son to shoot the victim," Lexington Sheriff Jay Koon said in a statement. "The shooting happened after the elder Lindler had taken a machete away from the victim, who was unarmed when he was shot and lived near the Lindlers on Seleta Circle." Newhouse tried to get into his house before the shooting, but the elder Lindler allegedly blocked him from doing so, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The younger Lindler told police Newhouse swung the machete at him and his father, striking each of them during the altercation, according to an incident report from the sheriff's office. That's when Lindler Jr. is accused of firing three to four rounds from a Glock handgun. At least one shot fatally struck Newhouse in the head, according to the incident report. Both the handgun and a machete were recovered during a search of his truck, according to a series of warrants in the case. Both men face murder and weapons charges and were being held without bail at the Lexington County Detention Center. They have bond hearings scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m., Bland told Fox News Digital. Bland, whose firm represented several victims of the convicted killer and fraudster Alex Murdaugh, said the Lindlers have been "longtime law-abiding citizens" who grow hay and raise cattle in the rural community. Newhouse lived near their farm. ALEX MURDAUGH A SHELL OF A MAN FOR FINANCIAL BETRAYAL, GLORIA SATTERFIELD SISTER TELLS INTERVIEWER "They're father and son who have zero criminal background," he told Fox News Digital. "Both of them graduated from Gilbert High School. The son has had no, nothing ever in his background ever, other than a speeding ticket. Not even a detention at school." "A great deal transpired" between the alleged trespassing on the Lindlers' property and the deadly confrontation with Newhouse, he said. The Lindlers operate Lindler Farms, a state-certified, family-run range specializing in beef, hay and foraging. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Lindler Sr. also works for South Carolina Electric and Gas and Dominion Energy. His wife works in the local school district. "This is a tragedy all the way around, not only [Newhouse] and his family, but for the Lindlers and their family," Bland said. Original article source:Father and son farmers charged with killing armed trespasser Many states are adopting laws that will phase out gas vehicles in the coming years. To accommodate this, states and private companies alike are looking to refresh infrastructure to provide charging capabilities for electric vehicles. Similarly, the federal government and many states are offering tax credits for EV purchases to encourage the shift to clean transport. To see which states are best positioned for the transition to electric vehicles, SmartAsset ranked states by the amount of DC fast chargers which provide the closest equivalent to a trip to the gas station, in terms of "refueling" per capita. Key Findings California has roughly five times the EV charging stations as New York, Florida and Texas. With over 14,500 charging stations, California far outpaces New York (3,327), Florida (2,913) and Texas (2,472). While California ranked first for most fast chargers per capita, Florida placed 25th, New York placed 29th and Texas 41st. Oklahoma and South Dakota have the most fast chargers per station. Oklahoma has 1.85 DC chargers per station, compared with South Dakota's 1.13. On average, each state has 0.59 fast chargers per EV charging station. Arkansas increased its EV stations almost 40% year over year. Still, Arkansas has a long way to go in terms of a total EV transition. Ranking 49th for the number of DC fast chargers, Arkansas added 62 charging stations between 2021 and 2022, and 13 fast chargers. Alabama doubled its DC fast chargers in one year. The state now has 239 fast chargers, compared with 118 just a year before. Alaska and Rhode Island had the second- and third-highest rates of adding DC chargers, with respective 94% and 81% growth in their counts between 2021 and 2022. The average increase in these chargers statewide was 30%. Michigan is most bullish on Level 2 chargers. Level 2 chargers take several hours to charge an EV to about 80%, so they may be more ideal for apartment buildings, offices or other spaces. Michigan saw a 54% growth in the number of public Level 2 chargers between 2021 and 2022. On average, states increased the number of level two chargers by 15% that year. Top 10 States With the Most DC Fast Chargers Per Capita California In 2022, California led the ranks with the most DC fast chargers per person. In total, the state had 14,616 EV charging stations and 8,465 DC fast chargers, marking a 24.2% growth in DC fast chargers from the previous year. Wyoming Wyoming had the second-highest rate of DC chargers per capita. With 85 EV charging stations, the state had a 22.1% increase in DC fast chargers over one year. As of 2022, the state had 94 fast chargers. Vermont Vermont expanded its infrastructure by increasing its DC fast chargers to 103, up from the previous year by 37.33%. There were a total of 349 EV charging stations in 2022. Oklahoma Despite an atypical 5.1% decline in the number of fast chargers, Oklahoma still had the fourth-highest rate of DC chargers per capita. There were 630 fast chargers among 341 EV charging stations in 2022. The number of stations increased by roughly 9.0% since 2021. Nevada Nevada cracked the top 10 highest rates of DC chargers per capita in part thanks to its 23.8% growth in their numbers. These 426 total fast chargers were spread among 478 EV charging stations in 2022. Maine Maine saw large growth in the number of DC chargers rising 31.1% from 2021 to 2022. The most recent fast charger count was 177, compared with 408 charging stations. Colorado Colorado's commitment to EV adoption was evident with 733 DC fast chargers recorded in 2022, a 25.9% increase from the year before, alongside a count of 1,788 EV charging stations. Oregon In 2022, Oregon had 480 DC fast chargers available, after a one-year growth of 10.6%. These chargers could be found across 1,007 charging stations. Maryland With the ninth-highest rate of DC chargers per capita, Maryland saw the number of DC fast chargers growing to 681, a 16.61% increase. This was amidst a total of 1,373 charging stations. Washington Washington experienced 13.3% growth in fast chargers over one year, for a total of 811 in 2022 compared with 1,777 charging stations. Data and Methodology EV charger and station data for each state comes from the U.S. Department of Energy for 2022 and 2021. Population data is for 2022 and comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey. Cities are ranked by the number of DC fast chargers per capita. Financial Tips for Commuters Take advantage of EV tax credits. The federal government, as well as some states, are offering tax incentives for people purchasing electric vehicles. Make sure your purchase qualifies first. Consider all of your options. If your city has public transportation, it may be a cheaper and easier way to get around in some cases. Weigh the pros and cons of leasing vs. owning a car. SmartAsset's budget calculator can help you get a clear picture of your current spending and how your commute fits in. Need help putting together a budget? If you want to work toward financial freedom, it may be worthwhile to speak with a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Questions about our study? Contact us at press@smartasset.com Photo credit: iStock.com/Thank you for your assistant The post States With the Most EV Fast Chargers 2023 Study appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset. A Florida man accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl inside her Springfield Township home in May 2003 waived his criminal case to court on Tuesday as authorities in two states continue investigating a series of similar incidents during that time. Daniel Danzinger, 61, of Fort Myers, Florida, who was arrested in Florida on Oct. 2 and brought to Erie County later that month for arraignment, waived his preliminary hearing during a brief appearance before Springfield Township District Judge Jeff Gadley. He was then returned to the Erie County Prison, where he is being held on $750,000 bond. Danzinger, a former resident of Ohio, faces charges of burglary, indecent assault, unlawful restraint and simple assault in the attack, which happened on May 6, 2003, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. A Florida man charged by the Pennsylvania State Police in the 2003 sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Springfield Township waived his criminal case to court at his preliminary hearing on Tuesday. Investigators accuse Danzinger, who was 40 years old at the time, of being the man who went to the girl's home after she had just gotten home from school and asked her for directions to an auto parts store. The man then asked to use the phone before he entered the residence, tackled the girl to the floor and sexually assaulted her, according to police. State police developed a DNA profile of the suspect from some evidence collected in the investigation, and in 2008 troopers filed charges in the attack against a John Doe. But investigators were unable to match the DNA profile to anyone until recently, when the profile was sent for genetic genealogy analysis. According to state police, two male siblings were considered persons of interest from the analysis, and from there the investigation turned to Florida where Danzinger was living. Investigators wrote in his criminal complaint that a search warrant was served on Danzinger in late September to obtain swabs from inside of his mouth. When the swabs were sent to the state police DNA lab, the profile from Danzinger was found to match the profile from the Springfield Township assault, according to information in the complaint. Other incidents under investigation The May 2003 assault in Springfield Township was one of a number of assaults or attempted assaults on young girls in Erie County and parts of neighboring Ohio that authorities were investigating at the time. The others included an assault on an 11-year-old girl in Fairview Township in March 2003 and an attempted assault on a 17-year-old girl in Erie in June 2003. Following Danzinger's arrest in October, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a news release stating cold-case investigators in his office were reviewing seven reported sexual assault cases from 2001 to 2003 that occurred in Ashtabula, Lake and Summit counties. The victims in those cases ranged in age from 11 to 18, according to Yost. In the news release, officials stated that investigators believe the Ohio cases are linked to similar assaults in Pennsylvania from the same time period. There were similarities in the incidents, as the suspect was a male who posed as a salesman or repairman and who targeted girls who had just taken a school bus home, according to information in the release. "This predator struck multiple counties in at least two states behavior that suggests more victims might still be out there," Yost is quoted in the news release. No one has been charged in the other assaults and attempted assaults in Erie County and Ohio. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Florida man charged in 2003 assault of girl in Springfield waives case The Sarasota County, Florida, School Board passed a resolution Monday night calling for the resignation of board member Bridget Ziegler, the wife of state Republican Party chairman Christian Ziegler, who is under investigation in connection with allegations of rape and sexual battery. The move, which passed on a 4-1 vote with Bridget Ziegler in opposition, is nonbinding, but it was a significant bipartisan showing against Ziegler, a high-profile conservative activist. It is the latest instance of blowback to the investigation into Christian Ziegler, which was made public this month. Some board members expressed interest in sending a letter asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove her from office, but the board declined to vote on that matter. Ziegler called the resolution toothless but spoke only sparingly ahead of the vote, which took place before the time for members of the public to speak, which was expected to last hours. Bridget Ziegler, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty a group that works to elect conservative women to school boards and pushes conservative policies in schools has played a prominent role in Florida Republican politics in recent years, including having been endorsed in her re-election campaign by DeSantis. It is the distraction de jour in the long list of distractions that has kept the board drama-focused instead of student centric-focused, said board member Tom Edwards, a Democrat, who suggested sending the letter to DeSantis. Sarasota police are investigating allegations that Christian Ziegler raped a woman in early October in her Sarasota apartment, a politically explosive sex scandal that involves Bridget Ziegler even though she is not accused of any wrongdoing. The Zieglers were allegedly planning to have a consensual sexual encounter with the alleged victim, whom the couple have known for 20 years. The woman tried to cancel once she was informed that Bridget would not be participating, but Christian still went to the womans apartment and then raped her, according to a search warrant affidavit that was first reported by the Florida Center for Government Accountability and shared with NBC News. Sarasota police have not confirmed or denied the authenticity of the affidavit, which has been widely reported. Christian Ziegler contacted the woman by social media after the incident, and she told him what happened was not okay, according to the affidavit. He responded by saying: Oh. Thats not good. You are my friend. Known ya for like twenty years now. Lol. Ziegler has not been formally charged, and he has maintained his innocence, but there continue to be widespread calls for him to resign as chairman of the Florida GOP, including from DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott and all of the states Republican legislative leaders. The state Republican Party leadership is holding an emergency meeting Sunday in Orlando to consider disciplinary actions that could include taking away Zieglers salary and reducing his role in the party. It cannot remove Ziegler from his role as chairman at the meeting. Bridget Ziegler is not accused of any wrongdoing, but she has still faced backlash, including calls for her to resign from the school board. She already resigned as vice president of school board programs at the Leadership Institute, an organization that teaches conservatives to run for office. Ziegler has also faced criticism from those who have said she is a hypocrite because she has advocated a far-right agenda that has included being publicly against the LGBTQ community including helping craft legislation that banned the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms up until third grade. Supporters said the bill was about parental empowerment, while opponents dubbed it Dont Say Gay. During the public comment period at Tuesday's school board meeting, attendee Joyce Peralta said she did not care what consensual sexual activities Bridget Ziegler had engaged in. I do care," she added, "about the campaign of hate that Bridget was happy to lead as she trained school board candidates nationwide." Ralph Smith The new year is right around the corner, so it's the perfect time to reminisce about everything that 2023 had to offerincluding the food! There were tons of new recipes that took the world by storm, like those decadent Nutella Toast Pies or the Crispy Feta Eggs that even caught Ree Drummond's eye! "TikTok has some wild trends," she wrote on Facebook, "but this one looks amazing!" Of course, even those who get their newest dinner ideas from TikTok will ultimately turn to Google to find the recipe or similar recipes. So what were the top trending recipe searches on Google this year? According to Google's annual Year in Search, which looks at data that had a high spike in traffic in 2023 as compared to 2022, the top trending recipes might just surprise you! Take a look at the list below and let us know in the comments how many of these dishes you've tried this year. 1. Grimace Shake 2. Lasagna Soup 3. Chicken Cobbler 4. Black Cake 5. Pumptini 6. Hugo Spritz 7. Cowboy Butter 8. Coronation Quiche 9. Brazilian Lemonade 10. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Okay, let's break it down! For starters, those who are a fan of the fast-food giant McDonald's probably recognize the number one spot on this listthe Grimace Shake. It's a purple berry milkshake that was made to celebrate the birthday of one of the most popular McDonald's characters who was first introduced in 1971. Up next, Lasagna Soup! This is one of the Drummond family's go-to weeknight dinners. It's a comforting twist on lasagna that includes all the staple ingredientsnoodles, ricotta, sausage, and tomatoesin soup form! And it can be on the table in less than an hour. Ryan Liebe Wondering what Chicken Cobbler might be? This is another TikTok favorite that combines chicken pot pie with a biscuit topping to make a savory cobbler that's all sorts of comforting. This one we'll definitely add to our winter dinner lineup. Coming in at number four is both a recipe and a new Hulu TV series! The show Black Cake gets its name from a popular Caribbean dessert that's made with warm spices and studded with liquor-soaked dried fruits, and popular around Christmastime. Calling all reality TV fans! Here's another one inspired by the small screen. The Pumptini is one of the top picks for those who follow Bravo's Vanderpump Rules. It's a citrusy martini recipe made with vodka, raspberries, grapefruit juice, and orange liqueur. Speaking of cocktails, the Hugo Spritz is a popular drink that's extra refreshing. It's made with St-Germain, mint, prosecco, and soda water. Ralph Smith At number seven, you'll find one of Ree Drummond's favorite accompaniments for steak: Cowboy Butter! She made this herby compound butter to top bacon-wrapped filets for her hubby Ladd on their anniversary. Talk about a dinner thatll melt your heart! Now, let's talk Coronation Quiche. Those who tuned in to the coronation of King Charles III will remember the popular quiche recipe that they chose for the celebration. It had spinach, fava beans, and fresh tarragon. Another drink made the list of trending searches! This time it's Brazilian Lemonade. The beverage is actually made with limes (not lemons), sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Its all blended together with ice for a creamy, refreshing drink. Last but not least, it's a nod to the popular cottage cheese trend. This old-school product made a comeback in a big way on TikTok with new ways of using cottage cheese, including Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, which is a healthy twist on dessert. You Might Also Like A rendering proposal of what the front entrance would look like in the new San Antonio airport Terminal. Courtesy of San Antonio International Airport The architecture firm thats designing a new terminal at San Antonio International Airport is getting a $90 million contract boost as the city gears up to build the facility the first major step in a $2.5 billion airport expansion. The City Council on Tuesday voted 11-0 to increase the value of Dallas-based Corgan Associates $30 million contract to $120 million. Council members also agreed to pump more money into the contracts of two firms that will help manage construction of the planned third terminal, which is slated to open in 2028. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California-based Anser Advisorys $6 million program-management contract will increase to $30 million, and locally based engineering firm Freese & Nichols contract for construction management will go from $32 million to $55 million. The city hired the three firms to handle the early stages of the terminal project, which at $1.4 billion will be the costliest piece of the expansion. Airport Director Jesus Saenz said the plan had been to increase their contracts once theyd completed the initial phase so they could continue working until the terminal is done. The citys hands-down biggest expense will be the $1 billion agreement with Colorado-based Hensel Phelps, one of the largest airport contractors in the U.S., that City Council also approved Tuesday. On Nov. 29, city officials named the company as the finalist for the terminals general contractor. MORE ON HENSEL PHELPS: San Antonio close to hiring contractor for $1.4B airport terminal City Council approved the contract 10-1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The planned terminal, to be built adjacent to Terminal B, will take up 832,500 square feet. By comparison, Terminal A is 378,524 square feet, and Terminal B is 231,753 square feet. A rendering proposal of what the baggage claim area would look like in the new San Antonio airport Terminal. Courtesy of San Antonio International Airport Sprawling project Hensel Phelps has worked on several major airport projects across the country, including in Seattle, Miami, Baltimore, Austin and Nashville. The company will oversee the construction of a 17-gate concourse, as well as a new customs inspection area, overnight parking spaces for airplanes and a multistory Ground Transportation Center for VIA Metropolitan Transit buses, hotel shuttles, taxis and rideshare vehicles. The transportation facility will include a few hundred parking spaces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the construction manager at risk contract, the budget for the new terminal will be capped at $1 billion. Hensel Phelps is expected to work with Corgan Associates throughout the project to keep costs down. For smaller projects, the city often has designs drawn up first, then hires a general contractor who doesnt work closely with the architect during the construction phase. Under the contract, Hensel Phelps can pick subcontractors as needed, rather than having to select all of them upfront. Another $195 million in the $1.4 billion budget will go toward laying the groundwork for the terminal, including demolition to make way for its construction. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When construction begins late next year, Hensel Phelps operations manager Gary Perrin said it shouldnt slow down travelers since the work will be out of the way of the existing terminals, which will remain fully operational. Last year, Hensel Phelps paid $2.8 million to to settle allegations of small-business subcontracting fraud in Washington, D.C. Saenz said the city was aware of the settlement, but that it wasnt concerning enough to throw the contractor out of the running. Local work District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez cast the only no vote against the contract with Hensel Phelps. When the builder was named the finalist last month, he said hed wanted the city to select a San Antonio contractor to oversee the massive construction project. On Tuesday, Pelaez said he wished the city, including City Council, had made more of an effort to encourage bidders to team up with a local company. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even so, the councilman congratulated Hensel Phelps. My hope is that nobody thinks that my no vote is supposed to be translated into some sort of pejorative statement that reflects on Hensel Phelps. That is not the intent here, Pelaez said. However, Troy Elliott, the citys deputy chief financial officer, said the city was barred from favoring local bidders over nonlocal vendors when selecting a general contractor because that would violate federal rules and the airport is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. Hensel Phelps won the contract over two other contractor groups, neither of which was led by a San Antonio firm. The second-place bidder was Dallas-based Austin Commercial, which had planned to team up with San Antonios Joeris construction company. The third-place bidder was a joint venture between Arizonas Sundt Construction and PCL Industrial Construction in Denver. Plaintiffs stand outside the Capitol after the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Zurawski v. State of Texas last month. The plaintiffs, 20 women who were denied abortions despite severe pregnancy complications and two OB-GYNs suing on behalf of their patients, are demanding that the state clarify medical exceptions to its near-total abortion ban. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against a woman seeking a medically indicated abortion for a fetus with a fatal diagnosis, marking the first time the high court has weighed in on the states abortion bans. In a near-total ban, Texas prohibits abortions beginning at fertilization, with exceptions only for cases in which a pregnant patient risks death or substantial impairment of major bodily function." The seven-page Supreme Court opinion, which came down Monday evening, tosses out a district court's temporary restraining order from four days earlier that blocked the state from enforcing its abortion bans, clearing Cox to terminate her pregnancy. Cox, a mother of two from Dallas, is carrying a fetus with full trisomy 18, a diagnosis her doctors told her leaves the unborn baby with "virtually no chance of surviving," according to her court filings. More than 95% of babies with the condition do not make it to birth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. After a Travis County district judge cleared Cox for the procedure, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a writ of mandamus, asking the high court to reverse the ruling. The Supreme Court put the lower court's order on hold Friday night while it reviewed the case. Cox's attorney said Monday that she had left the state to seek an abortion hours before the Supreme Court's final ruling. Cox's doctors had advised her that carrying the pregnancy to term would increase her risk of fertility loss and other health issues, according to her court filings. Her attorney said she had no option but to seek care out of state. All nine Supreme Court justices are Republicans. Justices Jimmy Blacklock and John Devine concurred with the opinion, according to the filing, meaning they agreed with the decision but not the rationale behind it. The opinion did not list dissenting justices. The ruling seems to provide some clarity that Cox's attorney and plaintiffs in Zurawski v. Texas, another abortion-related case that is pending before the Supreme Court, have asked for, including finding that a doctor does not have to "wait until the mother is within an inch of death" to administer a necessary abortion. It also acknowledges the difficulty doctors face in interpreting the law. However, it still leaves uncertaint the amount of discretion a doctor has to decide whether a condition is sufficiently life-threatening, experts said, and stops short of compelling the Texas Medical Board to issue further guidance. The ruling also dampens hopes that the court will interpret the ban's exception to apply beyond very severe conditions. "It shows how narrow the justices' interpretation of the health exception in Texas law is," Seema Mohapatra, a professor of law at Southern Methodist University, told the American-Statesman. Here's more on the ruling and what it could mean for pregnant people in Texas going forward. The Texas Supreme Court hears oral arguments for Zurawski v. State of Texas in Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. The The plaintiffs, 20 women who were denied abortions despite severe pregnancy complications and two OB-GYNs suing on behalf of their patients, are demanding that the state clarify medical exceptions to its near-total abortion ban. What the Cox opinion means for pregnant patients in Texas While this case applies only to Cox, who is no longer seeking to terminate her pregnancy in Texas, it has broad ramifications, experts say. It addresses the same questions at issue in Zurawski v. Texas, and the ruling "does not bode well" for that case, said Mohapatra, the Southern Methodist University law professor. Plaintiffs in the Zurawski case include 20 women who were denied abortions amid severe pregnancy complications, including several women whose babies, like Cox's, were diagnosed with lethal fetal conditions. Filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, an abortion rights organization, the petition argues that the vagueness of the state's abortion laws is unconstitutional and leads to subpar care from medical professionals. More: 20 women sue state, demanding that the state clarify medical exceptions to its near-total abortion ban During that case's hearing before the high court Nov. 28, Center for Reproductive Rights attorney Molly Duane argued that the court should adopt a "good faith" standard over "reasonable medical judgment." The justices made clear they are relying on the latter standard, legal experts told the American-Statesman. The opinion also does not compel the Texas Medical Board to clarify medical exceptions a request made by Zurawski plaintiffs. Instead, it suggests that the board provide examples, acknowledging that doctors remain confused by the law's language. "The Texas Medical Board ... can do more to provide guidance in response to any confusion that currently prevails," the opinion states. "While the judiciary cannot compel executive branch entities to do their part, it is obvious that the legal process works more smoothly when they do." Texas OB-GYNs will still be fearful to perform abortions as long as the Texas Medical Board does not issue this guidance, said Dr. Leah Tatum, an OB-GYN at Austin Regional Clinic and a fellow at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "I would appreciate an opinion or some assistance from the TMB as physicians in Texas will continue to be apprehensive in some cases where imminent harm is not obvious," Tatum told the American-Statesman. "No one wants to end up in criminal court for trying to do right by their patient, even if a lawsuit doesnt hold water." The justices pointed to Duane's argument about the law's vagueness causing physicians to wait until patients are in mortal danger before they perform an abortion, writing that doctors need not wait until patients are on the brink of death to provide the needed care. It also states that doctors will not be held to a standard of certainty or universal agreement on whether a patient meets the exception. "The statute does not require 'imminence' or, as Ms. Coxs lawyer characterized the States position, that a patient be 'about to die before a doctor can rely on the exception, the opinion states. "The exception is predicated on a doctors acting within the zone of reasonable medical judgment, which is what doctors do every day." These assertions still don't settle the uncertainty around what "life-threatening conditions" constitute, Mohapatra said. "The court draws a line with these statements, but it's not clear where that line is," Mohapatra said. "They're saying, 'You don't have to be at the brink of death,' but at what point do you have to be?" Tatum said she "appreciates" this portion of the ruling but she's unsure it will change how she manages cases. Kate Cox, the plaintiff in the case, will be authorized to obtain an abortion once the temporary restraining order is signed Thursday. 'Good faith belief' not enough for abortion exception; doctors' discretion unclear In legal filings, Dr. Damla Karsan, Cox's OB-GYN, stated her "good faith belief" that Cox had a life-threatening condition putting the function of her reproductive systems at risk and that she qualified for the state's abortion exception on that basis. But the ruling states a patient cannot qualify for an abortion unless a doctor asserts that they're using reasonable medical judgment a higher standard than the good faith belief that attorneys for the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represented Cox, had asked the court to accept. The focus on Karsan's failure to use the term "reasonable medical judgment" leaves the door open for the courts to question doctors' evaluations, even as the justices state doctors have discretion, said Mohapatra, the MD Anderson Foundation Endowed Chair of Health Law at SMU. It feels like gaslighting, Mohapatra said. The court is saying that this is a decision that only a doctor can make and judges don't get involved, yet at the same time, it's saying that the opinion of the doctor Cox's doctor, in this case didn't fulfill the statute. Essentially, the justices are making the decision. The term "reasonable medical judgment" comes from the requirement set out in House Bill 1280 the state's "trigger law" outlawing abortions that went into effect Aug. 25, 2022, 30 days after Roe v. Wade, the landmark case granting a right to an abortion, was overturned that doctors exercise "reasonable medical judgment" in determining whether a woman qualifies for a legal exception to an abortion ban. Texas "laws reflect the policy choice that the Legislature has made, and the courts must respect that choice," the opinion states. The opinion also states that Cox could legally still receive a "life-saving abortion" if her doctor's assessment of her condition changed, or if her condition worsened. "Our ruling today does not block a life-saving abortion in this very case if a physician determines that one is needed under the appropriate legal standard, using reasonable medical judgment," the opinion states. "If Ms. Coxs circumstances are, or have become, those that satisfy the statutory exception, no court order is needed." However, this assertion still doesn't clarify whether the court is taking issue with the medical facts of Cox's case or her doctor's statements, said Mohapatra. "If the doctor would have said that Cox risked substantial impairment of future fertility (with reasonable medical judgment), is that judgment enough?" Mohapatra asked. "Or is the court going to intervene in that case as well?" What's next The ruling has drawn condemnation of Texas' abortion ban from Democrats in the state and across the country, including from the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris, while Republicans have largely avoided commenting. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Republican elected officials have imposed dangerous abortion bans that put the health of women in jeopardy, force women to travel out of state for care, and threaten to criminalize doctors, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday evening in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Their agenda is extreme and out-of-step with the vast majority of Americans. The Texas Democratic Party said in a news release that no one should be forced to carry a pregnancy to term against their will. "The MAGA Republican Party is running on a platform of authoritarianism, forced birth, and human suffering," the party said. Neither Gov. Greg Abbott nor the Texas GOP has commented on the Cox case or the high court's ruling. Neither office responded to multiple American-Statesman requests for comment Monday and Tuesday. Tatum, the Austin OB-GYN, was "not overly surprised" by the ruling but said it still leaves mothers without sufficient rights and protections during pregnancy. "I still believe we can do better in the state of Texas than to continue to uphold that the fetus that Kate (Cox) is carrying has more rights than she does," Tatum said. "Pregnancy is not a benign undertaking. Carrying a pregnancy to term and undergoing a delivery will continue to carry more risk to the person carrying that pregnancy than an abortion." However, the case could advance access to medically necessary abortions if it leads the Texas Medical Board to specify examples in which a woman would meet the exception, she said. "Any improvement in access to this care for patients like Kate would be an improvement for Texans," Tatum said. A more broad and definitive ruling on the question of exceptions to the ban is expected to be issued by the high court in Zurawski v. Texas by the end of June. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How the Texas Supreme Court ruling against Kate Cox affects abortions US House committee chairs Jim Jordan, James Comer and Jason Smith following the vote to formalise the impeachment inquiry - Reuters Republicans have voted to formally approve an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden, a move that heaps fresh pressure on the president. In a 221-212 party-line vote, the entire GOP membership of the House of Representatives backed the probe into alleged high crimes and misdemeanors. The effort will almost certainly fail to remove Mr Biden from office. Even if the House votes to impeach the president, the Senate would then have to vote to convict him on the charges by a two-thirds vote a near-impossibility in a chamber where Mr Bidens fellow Democrats hold a 51-49 majority. Only three other previous presidents - Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Mr Bidens predecessor, Donald Trump - have faced impeachment inquiries. Mr Trump was impeached twice by the House, but escaped being ousted with the support of Republicans in the Senate. Several House committees are already investigating both Mr Biden and his son, Hunter. While Hunter Biden has been charged with nine offences relating to the alleged non-payment of taxes, Republicans have yet to make public evidence they have gathered against Mr Biden himself. Nevertheless, Republicans argued they needed Wednesdays vote to provide them with the full legal authority to proceed with their investigation. Today, the House took a critical step in our investigation into serious matters involving President Joe Biden by formally opening an impeachment inquiry, House Speaker Mike Johnson said afterwards. As President Biden continues to stonewall lawful Congressional subpoenas, todays vote of the full House of Representatives authorising the inquiry puts us in the strongest position to enforce these subpoenas in court. He added: We do not take this responsibility lightly and will not prejudge the investigations outcome. But the evidentiary record is impossible to ignore. Mr Biden, who faces a tough re-election campaign, most likely against Mr Trump, was quick to dismiss the vote, saying it was a distraction from issues that mattered to ordinary Americans. I wake up every day focused on the issues facing the American people real issues that impact their lives, and the strength and security of our country and the world, the president said. Unfortunately, House Republicans are not joining me. Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies. Hunter Biden blames MAGA right Earlier on Wednesday, Hunter Biden gave an unscheduled press conference outside Congress to say his father had no involvement in his business dealings, as he refused to give testimony to a Republican investigation. Mr Trump wasted no time sending out a campaign email calling for Mr Biden to be held accountable for selling out our nation to enrich himself. Mr Biden Jr, 53, was subpoenaed by House Republicans on Nov 8, to appear before representatives investigating the president and pushing for a full impeachment inquiry. Some Republicans argue that Joe Biden benefitted from his sons business interests in China, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia and Ukraine between 2014 and 2019. Hunter Biden, who separately faces federal charges for gun possession under the influence of illegal drugs, held a press conference on Wednesday to say he wanted to ensure the illegitimate investigation does not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies. Speaking outside the US Capitol, he said he had been betrayed by politicians on the MAGA Right, whom he said had impugned my character, invaded my privacy, attacked my wife, my children, my family, and my friends. However, the lawyer and businessman declined to take part in a closed-door evidence session with House Republicans, which his attorney has previously said would be used against him in leaks to the media. He instead offered to appear in a public session to discuss the claims against his father, telling reporters: Let me state as clearly as I can, My father was not involved in my business. His refusal to appear for a private deposition means he now faces charges of contempt of Congress. Jim Jordan and James Comer, the Republican congressmen leading the House committee investigations into the president, said they would now seek charges against him. Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings, they said. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden. House Republicans have alleged that the president had knowledge of, and benefitted from, illegitimate business dealings by his son. Republicans running the committee investigations have previously been accused by the White House of a politically-motivated attack on both the president and his son, in an apparent attempt to distract from legal proceedings against Donald Trump. The committees investigating the president have so far produced no evidence that he benefited from his sons business dealings. The president himself has described the allegations as a bunch of lies. In his statement on Capitol Hill, Mr Biden Jr said: For six years, MAGA Republicans, including members of the House committees who are in a closed-door session right now, have impugned my character, invaded my privacy, attacked my wife, my children, my family, and my friends. They ridiculed my struggle with addiction, they belittled my recovery, and they have tried to dehumanise me all to embarrass and damage my father, who has devoted his entire public life to service. For six years, I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting: Wheres Hunter? Well, heres my answer: I am here. Threatened with contempt Mr Biden Jr has previously been threatened with contempt proceedings if he did not appear before the committees investigating his father. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, said that he would not appear for a deposition behind closed doors because Republican representatives could selectively brief his testimony to the press in an attempt to discredit him. He is making this choice because the Committee has demonstrated time and time again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public a hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings, he wrote. Potential witnesses can be held in contempt of Congress if they do not comply with lawful subpoenas. Separately, it was reported on Sunday that the president feels guilty about the federal prosecution against his son, and believes it would not have taken place if he was not the presidents son. Mr Biden Jr has been charged with four felonies and six misdemeanours, relating to an allegedly falsified tax return and possession of a gun while using illegal drugs. The indictment also details a spending spree on prostitutes and drugs from 2016 to 2019. His lawyer has said the charges are politically motivated. Mr Biden Jr repaid the tax he owed in 2020, with the help of a loan from his attorney. 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 UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. On Tuesday, 153 member states in the 193-strong assembly voted in favour and 10 including the US and Israel against, with 23 abstentions. Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour said it was a "historic day". Israel's envoy Gilad Erdan said before the vote that a "ceasefire only serves to prolong Hamas's reign of terror". Senior Hamas official Bassem Naeem told the BBC that the passing of the resolution confirmed that "the prevailing international will is in favour of stopping the aggression against the Palestinian people". Although the US voted against the resolution, US President Joe Biden had earlier warned that Israel was losing international support because of "indiscriminate bombing" of Palestinians. He also expressed disagreement over plans for the future of the Gaza Strip, saying the Israeli government appeared opposed a two-state solution with the Palestinians. A woman cries as she hugs an injured man after an Israeli air strike on Rafah, southern Gaza, on Tuesday Tuesday's vote was the second attempt by the General Assembly to stop hostilities. In October, it had called for "a humanitarian truce" in a resolution adopted with 121 votes in favour, 14 against and 44 abstentions. Although non-binding, such resolutions are seen as a powerful measure of international opinion, analysts say. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has long been pushing for a humanitarian ceasefire to prevent a "complete breakdown of public order" in Gaza. Last Friday, the UN Security Council - the body tasked with global peace and security issues - failed to adopt a draft resolution calling for a truce in Gaza. The US - one of the council's five veto-wielding council members - blocked the move. Israel has been carrying out air strikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip after a Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October in which Israeli officials say 1,200 were killed and another 240 taken hostage. Some of the abductees were later released during a brief truce. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel has killed more than 18,200 people and injured at least 50,000, including many women and children, during its ongoing military operation. More on Israel-Gaza war Joe Biden US President Joe Biden has said Israel is starting to lose global support over its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza. His comments, made to donors at a fundraising event on Tuesday, marked his strongest criticism yet of Israel's leadership. Mr Biden has offered unwavering public support to the country since Hamas launched its attacks on 7 October. And while he reiterated that Israel could count on US backing, he issued a direct warning to its government. "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world," he told donors to his 2024 re-election campaign in Washington. "But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he said. Mr Biden, however, added that there was "no question about the need to take on Hamas" and Israel had "every right" to do so. The US leader has faced growing pressure, including from within his own Democratic Party, to rein in Israel's military campaign. His remarks align with his administration's recent approach to the war, with officials urging Israel to "put a premium on human life" and give clearer instructions to allow people to avoid the conflict. Senior US officials have also displayed increasing discontent at Israel's military response. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said more than 18,400 people have been killed by Israeli bombing since 7 October, when Hamas broke through Israel's heavily guarded perimeter and killed 1,200 people. In a statement later on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had received the "full backing" of the US for its ground war as well as its goal of destroying Hamas and recovering hostages. He added that Washington had blocked "international pressure to stop the war". "Yes, there is disagreement about 'the day after Hamas' and I hope that we will reach [an] agreement here as well," he said. More on Israel-Gaza war Mr Biden alluded to the pair's disagreement in his comments on Tuesday and said Mr Netanyahu had to "change" his government as well as his stance on a two-state solution, which top US officials have been promoting as the post-war path. That proposal is favoured by the international community to end the decades-long conflict, and would lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank existing alongside Israel. "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," Mr Biden said. "This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him. They don't want a two-state solution." His comments reflect the emerging disagreements about what direction to take after the war. Mr Netanyahu has said he opposes US calls to have the Palestinian Authority, which currently administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, take over control of Gaza. While Mr Biden's words were his bluntest yet, senior American officials have increasingly expressed discontent with Israel's military campaign. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said just days ago that there was a "gap" between pledges by Israeli authorities to spare civilians in Gaza and the reality on the ground. Juan Soto made his public debut as a New York Yankee on Tuesday and addressed the hottest topic at hand. Will he or won't he sign an extension with the Yankees after joining the team last week via trade from the San Diego Padres? He didn't have an answer, of course. He instead put the ball in the Yankees' court when asked if he's open to discussing an extension with his new team. "They know where to call and who to talk to." Juan Soto on a potential extension with the #Yankees pic.twitter.com/cYJawia6me Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) December 12, 2023 "On any contract stuff, they know where to call and who to talk to," Soto said. "I'm here just to play baseball." "Where to call and who to talk to" presumably refers to his agent, Scott Boras, who was on the video call but didn't address the subject. Nobody was there Tuesday to open contract negotiations in public. Soto, meanwhile, reiterated that his priority is all things baseball, including getting to know his new team. "My priority right now is just to get to know the team and get to know the guys, really," Soto said. "Going to the team to New York to Tampa, wherever I'm gonna meet those guys and try to get a good relationship, try to really stick together, get to know those guys and push and try to get the same goal." Is Juan Soto one-and-done in New York, or will he sign an extension? (Tommy Gilligan/Reuters) (USA Today Sports / reuters) How much will Juan Soto command in the wake of Shohei Ohtani's deal? Any answer on a contract extension isn't likely to arrive soon. Soto is not even acclimated to his new surroundings. But the floor on an extension is set, and Soto is going to demand a lucrative, long-term deal whenever he eventually signs. Soto is reportedly expected to command $33 million for the 2024 season in his final year of arbitration eligibility. After that, he'll hit the market as an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't sign a long-term extension with New York. He has turned down eye-popping money. Before being traded to the Padres, Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals in 2021. Those failed talks facilitated his trade to San Diego and ultimately led to his landing in New York. At this point, don't expect Soto to entertain anything that doesn't exceed that number. The market has only gone up since then. See Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Thanks to that deal's unprecedented deferrals, it's not really worth $700 million, as Ohtani won't see $680 million of his salary until after the conclusion of the contract in 2034, and the payments will reportedly be made without interest. Still, it's a remarkable sum of money and good news for Soto in his negotiations. Soto is not going to command the same sum as Ohtani. But somewhere between the rejected Nationals offer and Ohtani's deal is a good place to start. If Soto and Boras don't like what the Yankees have to offer, surely they'll be more than happy to test the open market. Wallpaper art in a private room at Ki Asian Cuisine in Fairlawn. After seeing exterior renovations at Ki Asian Cuisine and getting a look at its menu several months ago, my husband Steve and I were eager to experience the new restaurant that's moved into the space that housed House of Hunan for nearly 40 years at Fairlawn Town Centre. The new restaurant, whose grand opening was Nov. 1, offers Chinese and Japanese fare. It has a clean look with neutral decor inside, featuring beige walls and new flooring and seating. Gone are the red walls from before. Ki Asian Cuisine opened in November in Fairlawn. Wall decor features artful images of glamorous Asian women, including a huge wallpaper mural in the restaurant's back room. The modern aesthetic is both serene and inviting. Outside is a new door with a lotus flower design, imported from China, and a stone and black tile exterior. The restaurant features a sushi bar near the entrance, a sizable bar area and dining room as well as a back room that can be used as a private dining space with the help of decorative sliding doors. The decor at Ki Asian Cuisine looks clean and modern. What we ate at Ki Asian Cuisine Steve and I sat in a comfy booth and ordered pop for him and a pot of hot tea for me on a cold weeknight. We started out sharing a delicious Angel Roll ($13.95), a special roll with shrimp tempura, cream cheese plenty of crab meat on top and spicy mayo, eel sauce, scallions and masago (fish eggs). The Angel Roll offered the perfect crunch with the shrimp, combined with the creaminess of the cream cheese. It was marked with a red chile "spicy and hot" symbol on the menu but we didn't find the spicy mayo too hot. The Angel Roll at Ki Asian Cuisine features shrimp tempura, cream cheese, crab meat, spicy mayor, eel sauce, scallions and masago fish eggs. Service was very prompt and efficient, thanks to our waitress Nicole. More: 'Tis the season: From 'Nutcracker' to 'Rudolph,' Northeast Ohio has holiday shows covered For my entree, I ordered the Happy Family chef's special. It was the first time I'd tried a Happy Family entree, and I'm glad I did. This popular dish packs in a lot of protein, featuring several meats as well as seafood. The Happy Family ($14.95) at Ki Asian Cuisine includes jumbo shrimp, soft morsels of chicken, thin-cut beef as well as roast pork and imitation crab. Crispy vegetables include snow peas, corn and carrots, all in a comforting, light brown sauce. The Happy Family chef's special at Ki Asian Cuisine is made with shrimp, chicken, roast pork, beef and imitation crab. Steve went for the Dragon & Phoenix ($14.95) chef's special, featuring shrimp with mixed vegetables in a brown sauce and a sizable serving of General Tso's deep-fried chicken in a spicy orange sauce. The chicken provided the spice element, which Steve rated low even with its red chile peppers. The Dragon and Phoenix chef's special at Ki Asian Cuisine has shrimp and General Tso's chicken. I had some of my dish left to take home but wanted to try Ki Asian Cuisine's fried donuts ($5.95) for dessert. The 10 little donuts, covered in sugar were delightful and we brought some home for our teenage son to sample. Fried donuts at Ki Asian Cuisine. Lin family restaurateurs After the community had wondered for nearly 1 years what was to become of the former House of Hunan space, Ki Asian Cuisine is a welcome addition to Fairlawn Town Centre. We'd like to go back and spend an evening at the sushi bar. The prices are good here, too, including a long list of dinner specials with fried rice and egg roll for $12.75 and the same specials for lunch for $8.25, including fried rice and wonton soup. The Lins, a Chinese family who previously ran Happy Family Buffet in Coventry Township, own Ki Asian Cuisine. Family member Xiao "Zoe" Liu said the restaurant is waiting for a liquor license. More: Noodle King offers journey through Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese fare in Copley | Local Flavor Ki Asian Cuisine has a huge sushi menu with nearly 60 offerings. Poke bowls; fried rice and noodles; traditional chicken, beef, shrimp and vegetable Chinese dishes are also on the menu. The chef's specials are also numerous, from spicy mango chicken to house special duck. Appetizers included egg rolls, chicken wings and more. Soups include wonton and miso, and salads include seaweed and octopus selections. Lin said the traditional Chinese dishes, which number 24, have been top sellers. The word Ki is part of the restaurant's name for good reasons. First, "ki" is the Japanese word for hope and the Chinese word for auspicious. The special name goes further, Liu said: Ki. is also the abbreviation for the Book of Kings in the Old Testament and the Lin family is Christian. Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com. Details Restaurant: Ki Asian Cuisine Address: 2717 W. Market St., Fairlawn Phone: 330-805-4888 Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday Online ordering: Yes Information:www.kiasiancuisine.com or Ki Asian Cuisine on Facebook This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New Ki Asian Cuisine opens in former House of Hunan space in Fairlawn Chris Rock As a stand-up comedian, Chris Rock is up there with greats like Richard Pryor and Dave Chapelle (controversial though he may be), and he's got the massive net worth to prove it. On top of bringing in the big bucks from his work on stage, Rock has also earned quite the pretty penny from his career as movie and TV star, with roles in Grown-Ups, Empire, Fargo and Rustin, to name a few. He most recently teamed up with Kevin Hart for the new Netflix documentary, Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only, out now. Read on for a look at how Rock got his start and how many millions have come his way since. How did Chris Rock get his start? Rock started out the same way many comedians doby doing standup in the city. While performing in New York City at the age of 18, he was discovered by Eddie Murphy, who gave him a small role as a parking valet in Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). Rocks career steadily snowballed after that. He picked up more small-time movie and TV gigs until 1990, when he first appeared as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. His sketches with fellow SNL stars such as Adam Sandler, Chris Farley and David Spade launched his career to the next level. His first HBO special, Big A** Jokes, premiered in 1994. His second, Bring the Pain (1996), won him two Emmy Awards. What is Chris Rock's net worth? Chris Rock has an estimated net worth of $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Hes one of the highest-paid standup comedians in the world and can earn tens of millions on a single standup special. Between June 2016 and June 2017, he reportedly grossed around $60 million, and the year after that, around $30 million. He would be even richer if not for his eight-figure divorce. In 2016, Rock and his wife of nearly 20 years, Malaak Compton-Rock, finalized their divorce in which Rock conceded about $40 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. Related: Rock of Love: All About Chris Rock's Ex-Wife and Dating History How many specials does Chris Rock have on Netflix? Although Rock has seven standup specials in total, five were with HBOso he has two with Netflix. Tamborine, released in 2018, was his first special in a decade and recounted some very personal struggles, including his 2016 divorce and custody battle. Chris Rock: Selective Outrage came out in March 2023 and focused on pop-culture of the moment, including the infamous Will Smith slap at the Oscars. How much did Chris Rock get paid by Netflix? In 2016, Rock inked a deal with Netflix that paid him $40 million for two comedy specials, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His end of the deal was fulfilled by 2023s Selective Outrageand means he made $20 million per special, cementing him as one of the top-earning comedians of all time. Related: The 42 Best Stand-up Comedy Specials on Netflix How much does Chris Rock make from touring? A headliner such as Rock is guaranteed to bring in big bucks from his comedy tours, although its uncertain exactly how much. One source, TheRichest, estimates his earnings at $100,000 per day for a live show, or roughly $12 million per year for 120 shows. Is Chris Rock the richest comedian? While Chris Rock may be one of the highest-paid comedians, hes by no stretch the richest. Eddie Murphy, for example, who discovered Rock back in the 1980s, has a massive net worth of $200 million that makes Rocks $60 million look slim. In any case, Rock likely lives a very comfortable life with his eight-figure sum of wealth and can still be considered majorly rich and successful as a comedian. How much did Chris Rock make from Madagascar? Among his acting credits, Rock voice-acts as Marty the zebra in the 2005 hit animated movie Madagascar. The film also stars Ben Stiller as Alex the lion, David Schwimmer as Melman the giraffe and Sacha Baron Cohen as King Julien the lemur. Its unknown how much Rock made for his role in the first or second Madagascar films, but he reportedly earned $5 million for his work on the third. How much did Chris Rock make from Everybody Hates Chris? Everybody Hates Chris, created and produced by Rock, is based on the comedian's childhood growing up in Brooklyn and going to a predominately white school. It's unclear what Chris made for the show, which ran from 2005 to 2009, but Forbes estimated that Chris Rock earned $42 million in 2009, the year the sitcom was picked up for syndication, so it's safe to assume the project was lucrative. (It's worth noting that Rock also went on tour, dropped an HBO special and starred in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Death at a Funeral that same year, but his windfall was at least in part due to the success of his show.) How much did Chris Rock make for hosting the Oscars? Chris Rock hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016 (he was merely a presenter the year he was slapped in 2022). He hasn't publicly revealed what he made for those gigs, but former host Jimmy Kimmel once shared that he earned $15,000 for hosting (less than "scale," or the minimum that SAG-AFTRA union members can get paid), so it's possible Rock made a similar amount. Next, Adam Sandler's Net Worth In 2023 Is Staggering! Find Out How Much He Makes Per Movie Andre Braughe and wife Ami Brabson. Andre Braugher, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in shows like Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died at age 61 on Dec. 11, 2023. His death left fans and colleagues grieving the loss of his immense talent and warm spirit. As Braughers co-stars and collaborators post on Instagram about what an amazing person he was, many are shining a light on his love for his family. Braugher leaves behind his wife of more than 30 years, actress Ami Brabson, and their three sons, Michael, Isaiah and John. "I loved every single minute of working with him," Audra McDonald, who co-starred with Braugher on The Good Fight, wrote on Instagram. "He will be so sorely missed. All my love and light to his lovely wife Ami and their sons." "So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with," said Joe Lo Truglio, Braugher's co-star on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it. He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami. Read on for more about Braugher's wife and children. Related: Andre Braugher'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'Homicide: Life on the Street'Dead at 61 Was Andre Braugher married at the time of his death? Yes, Braugher was married to actress Ami Brabson at the time of his passing. The two wed in 1991. Who is Andre Braugher's wife? Before his death, Braugher was married to actress Ami Brabson, a producer, musician and actor who has appeared on shows like Law & Order: SVU, The Jury and All My Children. She holds a MFA from NYU/Tisch Graduate School of Acting. She and Braugher shared a love of the arts, and she stood by him throughout his acclaimed career. Were like-minded; we grew up in similar neighborhoods; we share the same values, he told Variety in 2020. She knows me like the back of her hand, and Im grateful for that. Related: Andre Braugher's Net Worth at the Time of His Death and How He Got His Start in Hollywood Did Andre Braugher have any kids? Yes, Braugher and Brabson had three sons together: Michael, Isaiah and John. They range in age from about 32 to 20. Andre Braugher with wife Ami and eldest son Michael when he was still a small boy. Photo by Mario Ruiz/Getty Images Who are Andre Braugher's kids? Michael Braugher Michael, who is roughly 32 years old at the time of this writing, is the eldest Braugher son. He followed in his parents' footsteps by attending Juilliard and launching a career in acting. On stage, he made his Broadway debut in To Kill a Mockingbird in 2021. On TV, he appeared in two episodes of The Gilded Age Season 2. Isaiah Braugher Braugher's middle Braugher boy, Isaiah, has kept out of the spotlight. John Wesley Braugher The youngest Braugher son, John Wesley, was born in 2003 and seems to live a fairly private life as well. It's unclear what career paths Isaiah and John Wesley are pursuing, but Variety once noted that two of Braugher's three sons had planned to take up acting, so it's possible that one of them is aiming to join the family business alongside big brother Michael. Related: Andre Braugher's Final Role in 'The Residence' Is Unfinished Due to SAG-AFTRA Strike Shutdown What has Andre Braugher said about being a dad? By all accounts, Braugher loved being a father. In the 2020 Variety profile, he shared that he flew home to New York from Los Angeles during filming of Brooklyn Nine-Nine to spend time with his children. I made a choice along the way that Ami and those boys were too important to not spend quantity time with, he shared. The focus on celebrity-nessits not real. So I just chose, in my own way, to sort of drop out. He said that he also believed his career had been interesting but that it maybe could have been larger, before adding: I think it could have spanned more disciplines: directing, producing, all these other different things. But it would have been at the expense of my own life. Ive got three boys, and I want them to know me as someone other than the guy who takes them to the circus every once in a while," he continued. "I wanted to be there through the course of their life because I know how important fathers are. Next, Remembering the Stars and Legends We've Lost In 2023 Courtesy of Bard Graduate Center. What do you think of when you think of African art? Chances are, you might not even have a fully formed idea. In many Western museums, African art usually is relegated to the least desirable galleries and the objects within themmasterworks of wood, fabric, and metalare presented beneath poor lighting with even poorer wall text. How excitingand refreshingwould it be to overhaul this tradition, to present African art in an appropriately rigorous and hallowed environment for us to learn and appreciate these rich and ancient objects? An illuminating new show at the Bard Graduate Center devoted to the tradition of metalworking on the continent has done just that. Sightlines: On Peace, Power and Prestige: Metal Arts in Africa curated by Drew Thomson and on view through the end of December, focuses on one material rather than an unfocused smattering of objects. In doing so, the show becomes an experiment, an exercise in viewing, recontextualizing, and bringing home, as much as it is a tool of instruction and a dismantling of the usual hierarchy in Western art institutions. Courtesy of Bard Graduate Center. We know that African masks inspired Picasso, that African sculpture inspired Brancusi, that African people inspired a whole slew of Western designers, artists, musicians, writers and so on. In Sightlines, however, Thompson presents African art as valuable in its own right, offering thoroughly researched facts pertaining to each objects era and place of origin, andmost impressivelyencouraging the same interpretive approach that is most frequently used in our analysis of abstract and modern art. Metal, obviously, is the center of this exhibition, with objects demonstrating the refined metalsmithing that has dominated each corner of the African continent for centuries, long before European colonization. (Notably absent are so-called Benin Bronzessculptures, plaques, regalia, and jewelry that were stolen by British colonizers during the 1897 sacking of Benin City. Most of those objects not held in private European collections have been on view in the British Museum .) Each floor is organized by theme: extraction, architecture, currency, devotion, adornment, domesticity, and protection. Each of these subjects was an opportunity for Thompson to explore the lifespan of the materialfrom its extraction from the earth to its welding to its use to its formal possibilities. Thanks to exhibition design by Emanuel Admassu and Jen Wood of the New York firm ADWO , historical examples of African metalsmithing dating back several hundred years are arranged in conversation with contemporary works in the outskirts of each gallery. Courtesy of Bard Graduate Center. The extraction segment of the show interrogates the economic repercussions and bodily toll of mining, working, and exporting metal. Double Plot (2018), a sprawling, mixed-media tapestry by Belgium-based Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga and one of the carefully selected contemporary works chosen to support the central theme, acts as the background for this subject, illustrating a very grim tale of how mining warped the African continent beyond recognition for the continued profit of Eastern and Western nations. The tapestrys large-scale shimmering surface and swirling constellations pull you into an unreal world in an effort to tell a very real tale. Courtesy of Bard Graduate Center. The Devotion portion, meanwhile, presents visitors with undeniably chic examples of religious metalsmithing in a trio of gorgeously rendered Ethiopian Coptic crosses. Just behind them Nari Wards sinister tire swing sculpture, Swing Low (2015), haunts the gallery, with equal parts frightful and playful suggestions. Elsewhere, jewelry is presented alongside objects with more physical heft, like a 19th-century iron staff by a Kirdi or Gaanda artist, topped with a spiked arch with a decidedly spiritual feel. A set of ceramic binoculars by Julia Phillips, though light and fun at first glance, actually pertains to surveillance of the body, particularly those that are Black and perceived as feminine. Courtesy of Bard Graduate Center. Domesticity is a particularly poignant theme, given that the Bard Graduate Center is housed in what was once a residential townhouse. Two works by contemporary artist Abigail Lucien bisect a wall abutting the central staircase, suggesting the sister states of light and dark within domestic settingsas homes can be both spaces of safety and spaces of turmoil. In this work, and everywhere else, the exhibition is unfailingly honest. It is designed to stretch our minds and vibrates with possibility, welcoming visitors to consider the lives these objects held before they entered into institutionsand the lives they may yet lead. You Might Also Like China, Vietnam to participate in building global clean energy partnership Xinhua) 20:40, December 13, 2023 HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam agreed to actively participate in building the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership, according to a joint statement issued by China and Vietnam on Wednesday. The two sides agree to deepen cooperation in areas such as biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and new energy vehicles, it said. China welcomes Vietnam's participation in activities related to the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition, the statement added. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liu Ning) James Jordan, III who was falsely arrested. Courtesy of James Jordan, III A mini-excavator like the one shown above figures prominently in a lawsuit filed by a San Antonio man against the city and SAPD. James W. Jordan III says shoddy police work led to his wrongful arrest for allegedly stealing a mini-excavator. Jordan says the real suspect was someone else of the same name. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News James W. Jordan III had just completed an Alaskan cruise and was disembarking in Seattle when the ships security officers arrested him in front of his family. Jordan, then 50, of San Antonio, was wanted on a felony warrant out of Bexar County for the alleged theft of a piece of construction equipment. He spent three days in the King County (Wash.) Jail and says he told every law enforcement official he saw that theyd made a terrible mistake. They had the wrong James W. Jordan, he insisted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now, Jordan is suing the San Antonio Police Department, the city and the detective who prepared the warrant for his arrest. Hes seeking monetary damages for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and other alleged violations of his civil rights. According to the lawsuit, the man police were looking for had the same name as Jordan but was born in October 1954. Jordan was born in April 1972. Similarly, Jordan stands 6 feet tall while the real suspect is 5-foot-7, the lawsuit states. What is more, said Daniel Vela, an attorney for Jordan, the arrest warrant got Jordans weight wrong, and a photo of the real suspect looks nothing like his client. The suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in San Antonio, alleges that Detective Franklin Mcblain, the city and the police department demonstrated a reckless disregard for the Plaintiffs constitutional rights, as they failed to conduct a thorough investigation, validate information, and rectify glaring inaccuracies in the identification process, leading to the issuance of a warrant against an innocent individual. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asked for comment, city officials said in a statement: The city has not been served with the suit yet. We will need to review the allegations in the complaint before we can provide any substantive comment. About a week after Jordans arrest, Bexar County prosecutors rejected the criminal case against him and sent it to back to SAPD for further investigation, court records show. The case was never refiled, nor were charges filed against anyone else, records show. But Jordans suit says the incident nevertheless had a negative impact on him. Hes an operations manager for a local company and lives near Timberwood Park on the far North Side. Jordan was forced to hire a criminal defense attorney, post a bond, incur travel expenses, suffer the humiliation of arrest, lose work, and almost lose his job, according to the complaint. He wants the defendants to pay compensatory damages for pain and suffering, punitive damages and his legal expenses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The arrest stemmed from a police investigation into the theft of a mini-excavator, a tracked or wheeled vehicle used for light demolition, construction projects and landscaping. According to the arrest warrant, the James W. Jordan wanted for the theft had the same name as Jordan but without the suffix. That Jordan and another man, 40-year-old Brian K. Cruz, created a fake company in April 2020 and ordered a mini-excavator to be delivered to a work site, according to court records. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company that owned the excavator, Sun State Equipment, had a no-contact policy for deliveries and pickups and dropped the machine off without interacting with Jordan or Cruz. Later, when Sun State returned to pick up the equipment, it was gone, the arrest warrant states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mini-excavator was worth $56,000. It had an attached GPS device, and Mcblain traced the signal to an individual who is not named in court records. That person said they had purchased the excavator from Jordan and Cruz for $10,000, plus a 2010 Chevy Suburban, the warrant states. Mcblain identified one of the sellers as a James Jordan from a photo of his drivers license, which he had given to the would-be purchaser to help him secure a loan for the $10,000. Mcblain tracked down Cruz using the phone number he had listed on his fake business account, and the would-be buyer picked him out of a photo lineup, court records show. A warrant was issued for both mens arrest in March 2021. Cruz was taken into custody that month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jordan III was arrested on Aug. 3, 2022, after his Alaskan cruise. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, has filed one of three bills that would allow Massachusetts law enforcement officers to stop motorists not wearing their seatbelts. BOSTON If research and statistics indicate that seat belts save lives, according to experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Board, why are 23% of Massachusetts residents failing to buckle up? A trio of Massachusetts legislators Sen. Paul Feeney, D-Foxborough, and Reps. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin and James Hawkins, D-Attleborough believe the answer could be to change how police enforce seat belt violations. They suggest officers be allowed to stop motorists specifically for violations of the states seat belt law. The proposed change would bring the state in line with 35 other states that allow seat belt violations as the primary cause for making a stop or issuing a citation if the lack of a belt is recorded on a traffic-enforcement camera. Currently, Massachusetts only allows law enforcement officers to issue a seat belt violation citation if a motorist is stopped for another infraction. The consequences of this law are significant, Roy said Monday at a Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security hearing regarding the three bills. Seat belts save lives and they save money. Roy cited statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: In 2018 the financial cost of motor vehicle crashes nationwide was $242 billion, with Massachusetts' share coming to $5.8 billion. Of that, 75% of the costs are borne by residents not involved in the crashes. Motor vehicle accidents also take a financial toll on employers, costing them some $827 million a year, according to the statistics. The bills will promote safety, save lives and save money, Roy said. In 2017, seat belt use in Massachusetts hovered around 83% of residents but has been declining since. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rate of seat belt use in Massachusetts was 77% in 2022. Only Nebraska and New Hampshire had lower rates. Contrast that with neighbors Connecticut, where 92.1% of residents buckle up and New York, where 91.9% of residents do, according to the data. If the state were to change the law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates seat belt use would increase by 7.4% Controversy has roiled the state for the last four decades from the time it enacted mandatory seat belt use in 1985, only to have it repealed through a binding referendum in November 1986. It was reinstated in 1994 and challenged again, with voters opting to retain the law. The law has done a lot of good for us in Massachusetts, said Art Kinsman of Region 1 of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, based in Cambridge. However, more could be achieved through the suggested change. Since 2015, an average of 116 people a year die in accidents in Massachusetts because they were unrestrained, Kinsman said. Since 2014, 1,044 Massachusetts residents have died unbelted in motor vehicle crashes. Kinsman acknowledged the states fear of racial profiling as its justification for relegating seat belt infractions to a secondary violation. However, in seven states that have recently changed the laws similar to the change advocated by the legislators, there has been no increase in the percentage of tickets issued to minorities and residents of color, Kinsman said. The states are Delaware, Kentucky, Illinois, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. Those numbers have decreased slightly or stayed the same, Kinsman said. Leah Walton, speaking for the National Transportation Safety Board, called deaths on the nations roadways a public health crisis. Mary Maguire, vice president of governmental affairs at AAA Northeast, suggested legislators think of the personal toll people suffer from motor vehicle accidents. When my son was 17, his life was saved by a seat belt, Maguire told the legislators, saying that because her son survived the crash, so did her family. Our happiness and wholeness was also preserved. The dreams we all have for our children are being fulfilled, thanks to the lifesaving power of the belt, Maguire said. "The belt cuts the risk of death in a crash by 50%." One of the bills would just change the language included in the current statute; two companion bills filed by Roy and Feeney would require the driver and all passengers to be restrained, regardless of their ages. Youngsters would be restrained in appropriate child safety seats, while adolescents between 12 and 16 would also be belted. Adults and teenagers over 16 would be cited and fined directly for seat belt violations; drivers would be responsible for paying a $50 fine for each unrestrained youngster in the car. The bill proposes that the fines be directed to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts ranks among the bottom four states for seat belt use New Mexicos highest court is considering whether a 19th-century federal law allows local governments to ban abortion despite some of the most permissive state laws in the country. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on a challenge from the state, which asked the justices to invalidate local laws passed by four conservative counties and cities. Attorney General Raul Torrez (D) argued the statutes exceeded the authority of local governments to regulate health care access and violated the New Mexico Constitutions guarantees of equal protection and due process of a womans right to bodily autonomy. Abortion is legal in New Mexico up until birth, making it a safe haven for women who are forced to travel from their home states where abortion is either banned or severely restricted. Lea and Roosevelt counties and the cities of Hobbs and Clovis each passed ordinances effectively banning abortion, arguing the 1873 Comstock Act superseded state law. The Comstock Act was an anti-vice law originally written to stop anything that could corrupt morals from being sent in the mail. The law has been largely dormant in recent years and was made largely irrelevant by the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that created a constitutional right to an abortion. But it remained on the books, and now anti-abortion groups are using it to challenge the legality of abortion pills, as well as to stop abortion clinics and hospitals from obtaining equipment needed to perform abortions. The local ordinances were drafted with the help of Texas-based anti-abortion activists, including Jonathan Mitchell, the former solicitor general of Texas who wrote the states anti-abortion bounty law. Mitchell and other anti-abortion activists believe that the Comstock Act supersedes any state-level abortion laws, and can be used to pass a total abortion ban across the U.S. In response to the local actions, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed into law a bill that protects access to abortion and transgender hormone treatments by preventing local governments from banning them. Many of the questions from the justices in the one-hour hearing Wednesday focused on the issue of preemption, and whether the state law or federal law should be enforced. The Supreme Court should nullify the ordinances at issue in this case and prohibit their enforcement, not only because they are preempted by state law but because they constitute a form of gender based discrimination and are unconstitutional, Torrez said in a statement. New Mexico is one of three states where courts are considering abortion actions this week. On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments about an 1864 abortion ban made before Arizona was even a state, and whether it has been limited or made moot by other statutes. In Idaho, a district court will hear arguments Thursday about whether a lawsuit asking for clarity on the medical emergency exceptions from four women who were denied abortions can continue. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The director of the Miss Nicaragua pageant, Karen Celebertti, has resigned one week after the countrys national police charged her, along with her husband and son, with conspiracy and treason, accusing them of involvement in a plot to overthrow the government. Celebertti, who has led Nicaraguas Miss Universe franchise for more than two decades, made the announcement on Tuesday via her Instagram account. The whirlwind, controversial turn of events came on the heels of Sheynnis Palacios groundbreaking win at Miss Universe 2023 which was hosted in El Salvador last month as the Central American countrys first representative to secure the title. For 23 years I have worked with zeal and effort to exalt the name of my homeland Nicaragua I have done it with transparency, with a lot of love and believing in each and every one of the Nicas because talent and beauty abound in every corner of the country, Celebertti wrote in a post on Instagram, without directly addressing the accusations against her. Pageant director Karen Celebertti (left) with Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip (right), who has voiced support for Celebertti following her resignation. - From Anne Jakrajutatip The time has come for my retirement, she added. I know that there will always be more opportunities for us: My husband and I come from hard-working, honest families that have always distinguished themselves by their support of the community I have left an entire life at the service of my country, in the way that I can: with responsibility and professionalism. The charges against Celebertti stem from a period of anti-government unrest in 2018, as Nicaraguans protested changes to the countrys social security. Human rights organizations have estimated that at least 355 people were killed when police forces cracked down on the protests; Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his government has categorized the demonstrations as terrorism and an attempted coup. Earlier this month, police asserted Celeberttis involvement with that alleged failed coup attempt in a statement. Police said they also had evidence that Celebertti had used her role to turn beauty pageants into political traps and ambushes, financed by foreign agents. Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios made history on November 18 when she was crowned Miss Universe 2023. - Hector Vivas/Getty Images The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement to CNN that while Celeberttis resignation had been accepted, the organization stand(s) by our partners in asserting the transparency and integrity of their pageant. Going forward, we are seeking a peaceful resolution of the issues raised by the country of Nicaragua, as well as the safety of everyone associated with the organization, the statement continued. We hope that the country will continue to come together and support Sheynnis and Karen as they advocate for a future forged by women and to celebrate the beautiful culture and people of Nicaragua. Anne Jakrajutatip, the founder of JKN Global Group, which owns Miss Universe, also took to Instagram to voice her support for Celebertti, thanking her for being so brave, so strong and so decisive and for believing in what women can do and fighting against all odds without fear. On November 23, Celebertti and her daughter were refused entry into the country when they attempted to return home from Mexico following events related to the pageant. CNN en Espanol reported on Tuesday that, while Celebertti remains in Mexico, her husband and son have been detained in Nicaragua since November 27. Neither Celebertti nor the Nicaraguan government has responded to CNNs request for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday urged the international community to work for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and called for better representation in global institutions like the United Nations. Speaking at a preparatory meeting of sherpas ahead of the November G20 meeting that Brazil will host, Lula said Brazil will continue to work for a permanent ceasefire that allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. "It is essential that the international community works towards a two-state solution, living side by side in security," he said. Lula said the G20 group of the world's top economies is currently the political and economic forum with the greatest capacity to positively influence the international agenda in a world marked by the resurgence of conflicts, the emergence of protectionist blocs and environmental destruction. "We want to seriously confront the debate about the anachronism of global governance institutions, which no longer have representation," he said, referring to the five-member permanent U.N. Security Council create din 1945. Lula called for reform of multilateral financial institutions so debtor nations are better represented and suggested looking at international taxation mechanisms to help finance development. Brazil's priorities as G20 president over the next 11 months will be the fight against hunger and poverty in the world, the promotion of sustainable development and the reform of global governance institutions, he said. (Reporting by Lisandra Paragguassu and Anthony Boadle, editing by Christina Fincher, William Maclean) 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. Last weekends clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea send troubling signals that their standoff is worsening to a point where lives could be lost, potentially dragging the worlds two most-powerful militaries into open conflict, analysts warn. The escalatory cycle is worrying, said Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a project at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University that monitors maritime activities in the South China Sea. Analysts described Sundays clash, in which Chinese Coast Guard water cannons disabled a Philippine boat, as the most serious of four publicized showdowns this year between the two countries in the waters near Second Thomas Shoal, a feature China claims as its territory but where Philippine marines man an outpost on a grounded ship. The Philippine boats were attempting to bring supplies to the badly deteriorating ship, the Sierra Madre, when the Chinese Coast Guard tried to stop them, both countries acknowledge. A Chinese Coast Guard ship deployed a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessels causing severe damage to (ones) engines, disabling the vessel and seriously endangering the lives of its crew, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement. In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship uses water cannons on Philippine navy-operated supply boat M/L Kalayaan as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday December 10, 2023. - Philippine Coast Guard /AP While no injuries were reported Sunday, the clash, which also included a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, shows that serious injuries or deaths are certainly possible, Powell said. And because the Philippines, like nearby Japan and South Korea, has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, deaths of Filipinos could trigger US forces to respond. US officials have repeatedly cited the treaty in public remarks on the South China Sea and the US State Department this week reiterated Washingtons stance following Sundays clash. The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions, the statement said. Chinas Foreign Ministry, however, told Washington it has no standing in the dispute, saying no third party has the right to intervene. Beijing claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, including many features hundreds of miles from mainland China. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also hold competing claims. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea. But Beijing has ignored the ruling. Flashpoint outpost Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin Shoal to the Philippines and Renai Reef to China, sits in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Manila grounded the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era former US Navy transport ship, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 and has manned it with Filipino marines to enforce its claims to the area. But the rusting vessel is falling apart and is badly in need of regular repairs. The situation on the shoal largely fell out of headlines while China set up military installations on other contested territories in the South China Sea over much of the past decade. And the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tried to forge new economic ties with Beijing. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, has taken a harder line on Chinese territorial claims and strengthened military cooperation with Washington. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told CNN in September that Manila and the rest of the world needed to stand up to what he called Chinese bullying. But Beijing has been steadfast in its claim that Manila is illegally occupying the shoal. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of seriously violating Chinas sovereignty and endangering the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel. But analysts counter that Beijing comes across as the aggressor. China acts, looks like and is being exposed as a bully, said Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center. And Beijing is looking to press its claim, the analysts say. In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship, right, uses its water cannons on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel as it approaches Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday December 9, 2023. - Philippine Coast Guard/AP Recent actions seem to point to the Chinese trying to probe for weaknesses to exploit and test the limit of how far Washington would go for its ally, Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, told CNN. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Koh said it may not even take explosive weapons to trigger the US-Philippine mutual defense treaty. When your water cannon attack actually caused physical damage, injury and potentially death, it begs the question about whether it matters whether you use firearms or just the kinetic force of water to qualify as an armed attack, Koh wrote. Any death might not have to be intentional, he said. Even if the Chinese try their best to avoid vertical escalation, what if theres an inadvertent loss of lives, or severe injuries? Will that qualify as armed attack? Koh asked. US involvement Koh, Schuster and others said Washington may have let the situation go too far already, emboldening Beijing to keep up the pressure on Manila to back off on its South China Sea claims. Eric Sayers, a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote on X that Washington needs to escalate things with Beijing. They are estimating we wont because we largely havent for the last 13 years since this type of behavior started, he wrote. Schuster said Washington needs more than State Department statements to dissuade China. Unless (the US) moves forces into position, Beijing will see no reason to avoid escalation, he said. Those forces could be direct US resupply of the grounded ship, the Sierra Madre, or at least joint escorts on the Philippine resupply missions, Koh said. A general view of a press conference about the recent incidents of Chinese aggression and harassment in Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, in Manila on December 11, 2023. - Earvin Perias/AFP/Getty Images And the resupply missions are vital, said Sayers. If Manila cant get enough supplies to its ship on Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing could be even more assertive, he said. I think the concerning question is what state is the Sierra Madre in? Does it need to continue to be maintained or is there a risk it could fall off the reef? If so, that is an event that could lead to further escalation and a change in the status quo, Sayers told CNN. And he warned that Washington cant lose sight of the importance of support for Manila even while the rest of the world is burning, referring to ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza that appear to be dominating the foreign policy space in the US government. The US needs to demonstrate that Asia is a priority along with Europe and the Middle East, Sayers said. Can Washington walk and chew gum like my Euro-centric American friends insist? is a question that needs a strong answer, he wrote. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Las Vegas dad sparked outrage after he shared a video of a Singapore Airlines crew member spoon-feeding his child. In the clip, 5-year-old Jett Rutherford is seen kicked back in a business class seat watching a movie while a flight attendant kneels in the aisle and feeds him dinner. Were having the greatest flight ever and this just made it more perfect, Jetts father, Michael Rutherford, captioned his now-viral Instagram reel. The internet, however, didnt see it that way. I never expected this kind of backlash, Rutherford, 43, tells TODAY.com. I mean I got a kick out of it. I remember watching her kneeling there next to Jett and and thinking, This is the best thing Ive ever seen. She was going out of her way to make sure my kid had a good experience. I made the video to show how amazing she was. But some people will find negative in everything." Flight attendants are not babysitters. They are there for the safety of the passengers, one person wrote on Rutherford's page. Added another, Excellent service but totally unnecessary. Parents should be ashamed of themselves. Other reactions included both positive and negative comments: That is absolutely ridiculous. That kid is way too old for that crap. Little man is living his best life! Kudos to the awesome flight attendant! "Id be embarrassed, thank the attendant and get my old enough child to get off his device and feed himself. Theres love and attention and then theres raising a kid with ZERO self-awareness." She probably misses her children. This is sweet of her to let the parent sleep." Youre showing the whole world youre a shameful parent Several commenters felt that, at the very least, Rutherford should have encouraged Jett to remove his headphones. Rutherford says people are making judgements based on a 13-second clip. We were on that flight to Japan for 12 hours and I looked after my son the entire time. We played lots of games and we cuddled, Rutherford shares. So when the flight attendant pointed at Jett and said, Can I help him?' I was like, Sure! TODAY.com reached out to Singapore Airlines for comment, but did not hear back by publish time. But a spokesperson for Singapore Airlines told Business Insider that cabin crew undergo extensive training on how to cater to different customer groups, including children, the elderly, and mobility-challenged individuals. Airline reviewer and YouTuber Dan Goz aka Nonstop Dan tells TODAY.com that he isn't at all surprised by how the flight attendant treated Jett. Singapore Airlines is known for having some of the best cabin crew in the world, Goz explains. "Particularly in first class, its a given that the crew will address passengers by the name throughout the flight, kneel when interacting with them and refresh lavatories after every use." This article was originally published on TODAY.com The states of Georgia and Alabama have reached an agreement expected to end a long-running legal dispute over water allocation from the Chattahoochee River Basin. Under the agreement, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will consider a first-of-its-kind proposal to operate its dams and reservoirs to achieve minimum water-flow objectives at Columbus, Ga., and Columbia, Ala., on the Chattahoochee along the states border. In addition, the Corps agrees to maintain the necessary minimum elevation at Lake Seminole, a Corps-managed reservoir about 20 miles southwest of Bainbridge. If the Corps adopts the agreement following a public-comment period, Alabama will drop a lawsuit it brought in 2017 challenging the federal agencys operations in the region, including the Corps policy allowing Georgia to make water-supply withdrawals near Atlanta. While this specific lawsuit is only six years old. the so-called tri-state water wars between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida date back to 1990. This agreement is a win-win for our states, with neither side sacrificing what is important to them, Gov. Brian Kemp said Tuesday. The Chattahoochee River is the lifeblood of Southwest Georgia, and this proposal would give citizens and businesses certainty about the flow of water they need for business and leisure alike. Just as significant, adoption of this proposal would end the current issues related to water supply for metro Atlanta at Lake Lanier, which is crucial to the future of our state. Alabama and Georgia have a lot in common, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey added. But we have spent a lot of time and a lot of money on attorney fees fighting in court over water. This proposal is a big deal for Alabama as the Corps has never before set minimum water-flow objectives in the parts of the Chattahoochee that affect us. It would provide Alabama with long-term assurances that, in times of drought, our citizens will be protected, and our stakeholders will know how much water is coming their way. The agreement announced Tuesday is the most significant since September of last year, when representatives of water supply systems in Gwinnett, Forsyth and Hall counties finalized an agreement with the state of Georgia guaranteeing them water from Lake Lanier through 2050. Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Georgia in a lawsuit brought by Florida over water allocation from the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin. Steps water planners in the Atlanta region have taken during the last two decades to reduce water consumption figured into that ruling. As leaders in water stewardship, we are gratified the parties have come together on an agreement that both protects metro Atlantas water supply and provides the downstream flows Alabama requested, said Katherine Zitsch, senior water policy advisor at the Atlanta Regional Commission. Tuesdays agreement is not the end of water wars litigation. Alabama is continuing to pursue a legal challenge to the Corps 2021 decision to meet metro Atlantas water-supply needs from Allatoona Lake, part of the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River Basin. A Glasgow man has won one of the most prestigious awards in climbing just years after a near-death experience on an expedition. Tim Miller, 27, started climbing local Munros before taking on treacherous, uncharted peaks around the world. He was awarded the Piolet d'Or, dubbed mountaineering's Oscars, for summitting the previously unclimbed Jugal Spire in Nepal. Tim's climb was the first ascent of the treacherous near-vertical route. The 21,532ft (6563m) peak was summited without supplemental oxygen, fixed ropes or Sherpa support - known as "Alpine style". The achievement comes just years after Tim was caught in a fatal avalanche which claimed the life of his friend and fellow climber Christian Huber in 2018. Dig up to the surface While camping at an altitude of 19,300ft (5883m) on the snowy terrains of Pakistan's Ultar Sar mountain, the group was buried under six feet of snow. "It was quite a small avalanche but because we were lying on the bottom of our tent, it buried us," he said. "I was at the other side of the tent so I was cut off from them." Tim managed to chew through the fabric of the tent and dig his way to the surface, however his friends did not emerge. He helped save the life of their other climbing partner, Bruce Normand, but Tim discovered Christian was already dead. Bruce and Tim dug out their kit and spent two days in their broken tent waiting for the weather to ease before being airlifted to safety by a Pakistani military helicopter. "It all went by in such a blur," said Tim. "I didn't take it in immediately because I was so focused on finding what I needed to survive - warmth, food, liquid, and shelter. "When I came down, it all hit me and I saw how much the whole thing had terrified my mum, dad, and girlfriend. But it made me realise how much I need to climb. "When I think about it now, it's like someone else's story that you read in a book." 'In a flow' Tim told BBC Scotland how he learned a lot from the experience and makes sure to plan extensively before embarking on a climb. "It can be scary at times but I feel far more stressed when I'm off the mountain and my phone starts pinging," he said. "You're in flow when you're in the mountains, and I find it quite hard to deal with getting off it and living a 'normal' life." Tim first met legendary climber Paul Ramsden, who he partnered with on his award-winning ascent, while hitchhiking home to Glasgow after climbing Ben Nevis. The pair stayed in touch and meticulously planned the journey up Jugal Spire for years before making the eight-day expedition in the spring of 2022. He added: "There's only a handful of unclaimed peaks out there, and there's so much hard work scouring books and Google Earth before you get there, but it's still unknown until you're on the mountain." It would rain, hail, or snow for at least part of each day of the expedition, and an avalanche ripped the tent apart towards the end of the trip. The two were forced to wrap themselves in the fabric and they spent one night sleeping in a two-foot tall cave. Tim suffered frostbite during their climb up the steep granite face covered in ice, but said the journey was "really amazing". "You're hanging off this mountain where humans aren't meant to be and clipped into a few bit of gear on a rock," he said. "It's like being on Mars." He started climbing with his parents at a young age which sparked his passion, before going on to his first job at the Glasgow Climbing Centre in Ibrox. Now a fully qualified mountain guide, Tim leads expeditions up mountains with trips to Greenland, Iceland and Nepal planned for next year. "I'm incredibly proud to receive a Piolet d'Or, but I never got into climbing for awards," he said. "The award is being able to explore the unexplored, and the adventure itself. "On an expedition you don't have to think about anything else for six weeks; you read, you chat and you climb. "You have to switch yourself off to be alert. All your actions have consequences so there's no choice but to focus entirely. It's like nothing else." On the first night of Hanukkah last week, I attended a candle lighting celebration at Stanford University, my alma mater. The public event seemed muted this year: fewer people in the crowd, fewer children, and less energy. Even the ice menorah looked smaller (I first thought this a trick of the mind, but the rabbi confirmed it). I was surprised. Id expected a bigger crowd than usualand a defiant sort of energyboth because the event was held in a plaza simultaneously occupied by a pro-Palestine sit-in, and because it came on the heels of the viral congressional testimony from the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and Penn. When I got home, a little deflated, I called my parents, who emigrated to Jerusalem in 2019. So whats the vibe there? I asked. Because here its a little depressing. My father, who after four years living in Israel is something of a propagandist for the Zionist way of life, told me it was very freylekh (a Yiddish word meaning merry or joyous). Were going about our lives, he said. People are having parties. Events are still happening in the city. He informed me that a large indoor amusement park for kids, Magic Kasswhich he likes to say quickly and as one wordis up and running. My mother, who generally has a more realist take, said the celebrations were notably muted, the streets emptier. Shed tried making dinner reservations at a popular restaurant but was told that it was closed due to the situation, which is the classy, understated way Israelis refer to the fact that their country is at war. But she also said that people seemed determined to celebrate no matter what. The soldiers fighting in Gaza are our modern-day Maccabees, she told me, referring to the Jewish warrior heroes of the Hanukkah story. Living in America, I often feel like Im living in the minor plotline of the Jewish story, especially around this time of year, when my husband and I dutifully set out menorahs in our window, light the holiday candles, then go about our regular business. This year, that feeling has been amplified by my physical distance from Israel and the war its fighting for its security and for the return of some 130 hostages still held captive in Gaza. And yet, despite this disconnect, I think the Hanukkah story speaks to American Jews right nowand America as a wholefar more than it speaks even to Israel. Hanukkah commemorates a) the victories of the small Maccabean force against a mighty, religiously repressive Seleucids and b) the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE. From a religious point of view, its a pretty minor holiday. Its popularity in America is more reflective of the holidays convenient proximity to Christmas than its spiritual centrality. But in Israel, the minor Jewish holiday has become a major festival. Early Zionists claimed Hanukkah for their own, emphasizing the military victory and the Maccabean model of taking the Jewish destiny into their own hands. In a normal year, at least, to walk the streets of Jerusalem on Hanukkah is to feel a distinct holiday spirit. Schools are closed. Holiday music plays. Shops sell doughnuts in flavors like Banana Coffee-Toffee and Pavlova Cream Cheese. There are concerts, crafts activities for children, and, of course, Magic Kass. (My grandmother, who emigrated just last year to Israel, reports that based on the lines she saw at the mall, Israelis demand for artisanal doughnuts remains strong.) The Hanukkah story is a notoriously flexible one. But critical to most any version is the fact that the Maccabees werent fighting to defend their lives, but their religious beliefs, their distinct and particular Jewish identity. This is what makes the battle different from so many fought in Jewish history (like, for example, the Purim story, in which the Jews squared off against the genocidal Haman). Jews living under Seleucid rule were permitted to live and be part of the society, but there was a cost: They had to cut themselves off from their traditions, profaning the Sabbath, worshiping false gods, leaving their sons uncircumcised. Theres something eerily familiar about this form of antisemitism. One can imagine the Seleucids saying: We have no problem with you being Jewish, you can be part of our culture, we just need you to denounce your people, their traditions, and the homeland theyve prayed to return to for millenia. As many have noted in recent weeks, antisemitism in America is a symptom of a greater societal illness. That doesnt mean we shouldnt read instances of it plainly as what it is: Jew hatred. When pro-Palestinian protesters mobbed a Jewish-owned restaurant in Philadelphia this month, charging the establishment with genocide, that was Jew hatred. When assaults on visibly religious Jews are underreported or ignored by the media and the public, thats Jew hatred. When colleges and universities coddle oppressed students while condoning blatant expressions of antisemitism, thats Jew hatred. But these expressions of hatred are also symptoms of a society thats caught in the middle of a crisis of values, caught between liberal ideals (and the true tolerance they demand) and progressive ideology, which promises a culture not just of tolerance, but acceptance, and yet in truth offers neither. A central ritual of Hanukkah, from a religious perspective, is the lighting of the menorah. The Jewish sages teach that the menorah should be lit at the outside entrance of ones house, or in a window. Why? So that all who pass by can see it. In other words, we publicize the miracles of Hanukkah because the Jewish story has a lesson for the wider world. The menorah prods those who see it, Jews and non-Jews alike, to reclaim our values and rededicate ourselves to the principles that sustain us as a people. My hope, this holiday season, is that America is ready to embrace the message. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. The judge presiding over the federal election interference case against Donald Trump halted all proceedings in the criminal case on Wednesday pending the outcome of Trump's appeal arguing he's protected by presidential immunity. All pending deadlines and court dates in the case will be put on pause but not vacated, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan added. If jurisdiction is returned to this court, it will consistent with its duty to ensure both a speedy trial and fairness for all parties consider at that time whether to retain or continue the dates of any still-future deadlines and proceedings, including the trial scheduled for March 4, 2024, the judge wrote. The ruling does not affect Trumps conditions of release, the gag order or the protective order in the case, the judge said. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called the ruling "a big win for President Trump and our rule of law, as it derails Deranged Jack Smiths rush to judgement strategy of interfering in the 2024 Presidential Election in support of Joe Bidens campaign." Peter Carr, a spokesperson for special counsel Jack Smith's office, declined comment. Former President Donald Trump arrives at the New York Young Republican Club Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Dec. 9, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images) Chutkan ruled this month that presidential immunity did not shield Trump from charges that he illegally tried to subvert the 2020 presidential election results. Trump had contended that the Constitution grants him absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions performed within the outer perimeter of his official responsibility while serving as president as long as he was not both impeached and convicted for those actions. Chutkan disagreed in her earlier ruling, saying the "Constitutions text, structure, and history do not support that contention. No courtor any other branch of governmenthas ever accepted it. And this court will not so hold. Whatever immunities a sitting President may enjoy, the United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass." Trump also argued that denying his claim could have a "chilling effect" on future presidents' decision making processes. Chutkan suggested that could be a positive outcome. "If the specter of subsequent prosecution encourages a sitting President to reconsider before deciding to act with criminal intent, that is a benefit, not a defect," she wrote. "Every President will face difficult decisions; whether to intentionally commit a federal crime should not be one of them," she added. Trump quickly filed a notice of appeal of Chutkan's ruling. Smith then asked both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Supreme Court to hear the appeal on an expedited basis. The Court of Appeals agreed to the expedited hearing request late Wednesday, though no date has been set yet for oral arguments. The court did not explain its reasoning for granting the request. Trump's attorneys had urged them not to expedite the case in a court filing earlier in the day. Whether a President of the United States may be criminally prosecuted for his official acts as President goes to the core of our system of separated powers and will stand among the most consequential questions ever decided by this Court," they wrote. "The manifest public interest lies in the Courts careful and deliberate consideration of these momentous issues with the utmost care and diligence. Smith's team countered that Expediting the appeal in this case is necessary to vindicate the publics interest in a timely trial. The Texas A&M University System board of regents has unanimously approved retired Gen. Mark Welsh III as the 27th president of Texas A&M University, Meredith Seaver/Bryan-College Station Eagle The Texas A&M University System board of regents has unanimously approved retired Gen. Mark Welsh III as the 27th president of Texas A&M University, a little more than four months after he was named interim president of the flagship university following the former presidents resignation over a hiring scandal. The board met for nearly two hours in executive session Tuesday morning before giving Chancellor John Sharp permission to negotiate a contract with the San Antonio native, who will have a starting annual salary of $1.1 million, according to the system. Board Chair Bill Mahomes said regents feel strongly that Welsh will make a Texas-sized impact as president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His remarkable career embodies Aggie core values, he said in a news release. Now his mission is to raise Texas A&Ms national stature in research, education and student experience. After the board vote, Welsh thanked the regents for their confidence in his ability to lead the university of more than 77,000 students. I just promise I will do everything in my power not to let you down, he said. More importantly, not to let down this remarkable university that Ive loved for a long time. Its a big deal for me. The board named Welsh the sole finalist for the job Nov. 17 after Sharp recommended the system make him permanent president. In his first few weeks as Interim President, General Welsh has moved quickly and decisively to reach out to all the stakeholders who hold Texas A&M University dear and near to their hearts, Sharp said in a news release. We are lucky to have such an experienced leader in our midst who supports our Aggie core values. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Welsh, who previously was dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service, has served as university president in an interim role since July. Former President M. Katherine Banks resigned that month after the Texas Tribune reported that the school had watered down its job offer to journalism professor Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, after some board members raised concerns about her perceived liberal leanings. McElroy ultimately turned down the job, saying she felt judged because of her race and gender, and settled with the system for $1 million after the hiring fiasco. An internal investigation found Banks was heavily involved in discussions about making changes to McElroys offer, contradicting her earlier claims that she was unaware of them. Around that time, the Tribune also reported that the school placed a pharmacology professor on paid leave hours after she was accused by a politically connected student of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture, sparking concerns of political interference in university operations and threats to facultys academic freedom. Sharp said in July that Welsh would serve as interim president until the system could conduct a national search for Banks replacement. Over the past four months, Welsh has been on a nonstop tour to rebuild trust in university leadership, which had eroded over the past few years under Banks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He immediately assembled a group of administrators to review one of the major sticking points of the Banks administration: The Path Forward, a set of 41 changes Banks initiated across the university that reorganized administrative offices, merged certain colleges, centralized services and added new academic programs. Faculty and staff largely criticized the changes as poorly conceived and hastily executed, causing confusion among students and employees, and negatively affecting morale. Welsh gathered the feedback from more than 100 listening sessions on campus and spent one morning in October taking questions from hundreds of employees and students, explaining why he was keeping some of Banks plans and changing others. While some faculty wanted regents to commit to a national search and guarantee more room for faculty feedback in the hiring process, many professors and students agreed with the decision to appoint Welsh as permanent president. Were in a very unique place right now in terms of the university, Faculty Senate President Tracy Hammond said last month. There are a lot of things the university needs to be doing to make it more sustainable, provide us (with) more structure. And were in a very unique time. So, I understand the need for having a permanent president sooner rather than later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Welsh, who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1976, had a more than four-decade career in the Air Force before retiring from military service in 2016. File photo of a homeless camp in Boston. Massachusetts has issued a public health warning due to a recent outbreak of hepatitis A among homeless people and those who use illicit drugs. The state's department of public health said at least six cases of infection were reported between Nov. 1 and Nov. 29, including at least four individuals who had to be hospitalized. "Several individuals reported recent homelessness/unstable housing, injection drug use, and/or other drug use, and reported recently seeking services at Boston-area clinics, shelters, and substance use treatment facilities," the agency said in a statement. "These cases have no history of travel outside of Massachusetts and there are no common sources of food, beverages or drugs identified with this cluster." SEE MORE: 450 patients at Mass. hospital possibly exposed to HIV, hepatitis Hepatitis A is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. But the highly contagious virus can also spread easily in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene by way of person-to-person contact or injection drug use. Unlike some other forms of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A usually does not lead to chronic liver disease, and many who contract it are able to fully recover. However, the latest outbreak in Massachusetts is similar to one the state faced in 2018 that involved more than 560 cases and at least nine deaths. Symptoms of Hepatitis A usually occur abruptly and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Practicing good hygiene is crucial in preventing the virus from spreading and vaccination has also proven highly effective in providing long-term immunity. LOS ANGELES (AP) A Russian man who flew on a plane from Denmark to Los Angeles in November without a passport or ticket told U.S. authorities he didn't remember how he got through security in Europe, according to a federal complaint filed by the FBI. Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 4 via Scandinavian Airlines flight 931 from Copenhagen. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer could not find Ochigava on the flight manifest or any other incoming international flights, according to the complaint filed Nov. 6 in Los Angeles federal court. He was charged with being a stowaway on an aircraft and pleaded not guilty in a Dec. 5 arraignment. A trial was scheduled for Dec. 26. A federal public defender representing Ochigava, who remained in custody Tuesday, didnt immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment. The flight crew told investigators that during the flights departure, Ochigava was in a seat that was supposed to be unoccupied. After departure, he kept wandering around the plane, switching seats and trying to talk to other passengers, who ignored him, according to the complaint. He also ate two meals during each meal service, and at one point attempted to eat the chocolate that belonged to members of the cabin crew, the complaint says. Ochigava didn't have a passport or visa to enter the United States, officials said. Customs and Border Protection officers searched his bag and found what appeared to be Russian identification cards and an Israeli identification card, federal officials said in court documents. They also found in his phone a photograph that partially showed a passport containing his name, date of birth, and a passport number but not his photograph, they said. Ochigava gave false and misleading information about his travel to the United States, including initially telling CBP that he left his U.S. passport on the airplane, the complaint says. Scandinavian Airlines did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Ochigava told FBI agents that he has a doctorate in economics and marketing and that he had last worked as an economist in Russia. Ochigava claimed he had not been sleeping for three days and did not understand what was going on, the complaint said. He told officials he might have had a plane ticket to come to the United States, but he was not sure. He also said he didn't remember how he got through security in Copenhagen and wouldn't explain what he was doing in the Scandinavian city, according to the complaint. The 28-year-old was found guilty by a Bangkok court for two posts made before she joined the party A Thai MP has been sentenced to six years in jail under the country's harsh lese-majeste laws. Rukchanok "Ice" Srinork, 28, had pleaded not guilty to posting tweets critical of the monarchy. She has since been released on bail worth $14,000 (11,180) pending an appeal, on the condition that she must not repeat the offence. Ice's Move Forward party, which won this year's election, had urged reform of the lese-majeste laws. But the unelected senate used this as the main reason for blocking the party's attempt to form a government. Opposition to the lese-majeste laws was one of the issues which sparked mass protests in 2020, lasting several months. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, around 260 charges have been filed under the lese-majeste law since 2020. Some 2,000 people have been prosecuted under a variety of laws for their involvement in the protests. Just earlier this week, a 26-year-old man was given a prison sentence just for shouting at a passing royal motorcade about a burden imposed on society. He has been released on bail. On Wednesday, Ice was found guilty of insulting the monarch by a Bangkok court for two posts made before she joined Move Forward - in the first, she criticised the country's handling of the pandemic, and the second was a repost of a tweet that was said to be critical of the monarchy. Ice will lose her seat if she eventually goes to jail. Hers was perhaps the most dramatic of many shock victories by the young Move Forward candidates in the May general election - she won her seat in Bang Bon, a constituency near Bangkok which had been the fiefdom of one of Thailand's most powerful political clans for decades, after a no-frills campaign largely on a bicycle. She was given the nickname of "giant-killer" by a Thai media outlet, for taking the seat from a political heavyweight. Move Forward's leader Pita Limjaroenrat was unsuccessful in his bid to become prime minister Several other leading figures in the Move Forward party are also facing lese-majeste charges - many of whom were activists who took part in the 2020 protests. Those protests were ignited by a controversial court decision in February 2020 which dissolved Future Forward, the previous incarnation of Move Forward and the first party to campaign on a programme of sweeping reform of Thailand's institutions. Future Forward had done unexpectedly well in the 2019 election, mainly on the back of enthusiastic support from younger voters. This year, Move Forward stunned Thailand's establishment by doing even better, winning more seats than any other party thanks to victories like the one Ice won in Bang Bon. After King Vajiralongkorn succeeded his father in 2016, use of the lese-majeste law was suspended for around two years, apparently at the monarch's request. But the boldness of the 2020 protesters in demanding royal reform prompted the authorities to start using the law again, more extensively than at any other time in Thailand's history. The lese-majeste law is notoriously broad, which makes mounting a legal defence very difficult. It is regarded officially as a national security law, and it is extremely rare for judges to acquit defendants. Often the trials are held behind closed doors, with no independent observers. There is also huge pressure on defendants to plead guilty, regardless of the strength of the case against them - conviction is almost certain, and judges routinely halve the sentences of those who plead guilty. Trials in Thailand often take many years to conclude, which means the lives of the young activists facing lese-majeste and many other charges in relation to the 2020 protests will be consumed for the foreseeable future by incessant court hearings. This form of "judicial attrition" has proved very effective at snuffing out the protest movement. Protest leaders, some of whom face dozens of charges, simply have no time now to organise. Generic image of an ultrasound machine and medical equipment. A woman from Reunion Island in France went to the hospital with stomach cramps, only to find out she was pregnant with a baby growing in her bowel. According to a report by the New England Journal of Medicine, the 37-year-old woman went to the emergency room complaining about stomach pain that had lasted 10 days. After doctors conducted an ultrasound, they found that she had an empty uterus and a 23-week abdominal pregnancy, which doctors classified as a "rare type of ectopic pregnancy." As you can see from the X-Ray below, it shows a fetus not within the uterus, but rather situated atop the uterus in the abdominal cavity. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, and these are often found in a fallopian tube. However, abdominal pregnancies, like this one, are extremely rare and account for about 1% of ectopic pregnancies, according to the National Institutes of Health. The NIH says these types of pregnancies pose a serious risk, with maternal mortality rates seven to eight times higher than tubal ectopic pregnancies. Because of how risky this pregnancy is, the woman was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where they were able to care for her until doctors were able to deliver the baby via surgery at 29 weeks of gestation. The baby was taken to a neonatal intensive care unit, and was discharged two months later, while the mother went home 25 days after giving birth. Doctors said that before this ectopic pregnancy, the woman had two previous normal vaginal deliveries and one miscarriage. Federal prosecutors are arguing against a 65-year-old Michigan man's request to receive a reduced sentence after admitting he grabbed a police officer's baton and hit others with it during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot by supporters of former President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, saying he is not remorseful and continues to consider himself a political prisoner. In recent court filings, a lawyer for Matthew Krol, of Linden, who pleaded guilty to a charge associated with his conduct at the riot in August and is set to be sentenced on Friday, argued that given Krol's past humanitarian work helping victims of natural disasters in Haiti, Thailand and elsewhere and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions on Jan. 6, the judge should significantly reduce the 6-year sentence being sought by prosecutors. His lawyer called him "an excellent candidate for home confinement." "Given the opportunity, Mr. Krol will express his personal apologies to the people most affected by his behaviors, including all of the officers involved," lawyer Michael Cronkright, of Lansing, wrote on his behalf to D.C. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras late last week, including testimonials from family and friends on his behalf. But prosecutors zeroed in on the fact that Krol still disputes whether his actions resulted in hand injuries to one officer U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell who suffered what they claim was permanent damage and warrants a tougher sentence. They also pointed to recent posts on YouTube and elsewhere on social media that suggest he is not really remorseful about his actions. Matthew Thomas Krol, 63, of Linden, is seen in police body cam photos taken during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Tessman wrote the judge this week saying that a month ago Krol was interviewed for a YouTube video titled, "Political Prisoner in the DC Gulag Matthew Krol." In it, Tessman said Krol referred to Gonell as "infamous" and said the officer had been "found to be a liar." Prosecutors called the claim spurious, noting that video shows Gonell's outstretched hand when Krol hit him. Tessman also noted that artwork by Krol has been posted on social media in recent months including a drawing of Trump and another piece in which Krol refers to himself as a "J6 political prisoner." "Krol is not a political prisoner, some latter-day Aleksander Solzhenitsyn," wrote Tessman in a filing also signed by Matthew Graves, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. "To claim, as Krol does, that this conduct amounts to prosecution based on his political beliefs demonstrates that he is completely unremorseful and unwilling to accept the reality of what happened on January 6." Cronkright said in a response filed Tuesday to the government's filing that it is possible to have a "factual dispute" over what caused Gonell's injuries while still taking responsibility for one's actions and showing remorse. "This is the case here," Cronkright continued. "Mr. Krol acknowledges that he wrongfully struck Officer Gonell with a baton which he wrongfully took from another officer. He acknowledges that he struck other officers as well. He acknowledges that Officer Gonell was injured and that those injuries appear to him to be serious. ... The government knew that he was disputing the assertion that he caused the injury at the time that they negotiated the plea." Cronkright asked the judge for an evidentiary hearing over the claim regarding who caused Gonell's injury; prosecutors said any desire to cross-examine Gonell at such a hearing "appears to be nothing more than a personal vendetta designed to embarrass" the officer and that the court has all the evidence it needs to sentence Krol. Krol, who has been held in custody since his arrest in February 2022, was identified by video and witnesses as attacking police officers attempting to block a mob of Trump supporters from entering the U.S. Capitol as Congress met to certify the 2020 election for President Joe Biden. Initially, Krol who was known to be involved with militia groups in Michigan and who prosecutors labeled an "associate" of some of the men convicted in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced several charges. In August, he pleaded guilty to one of those charges: assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers while using a dangerous weapon. He acknowledged that he came to Washington to attend Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally that day and was among those who rushed Capitol Police at the U.S. Capitol, wrestling a baton from one and using it to strike at least two others. Prosecutors, in addition to asking Contreras to sentence Krol to 6 years in prison, also said he should receive three years of supervised release and pay $2,000 in restitution. Cronkright has also noted Krol's history of heart problems he has a pacemaker and a troubled childhood as reasons why he should receive a lesser sentence. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Prosecutors: Michigan man in Jan. 6 case still not remorseful Don't expect work on the Newport Pell Bridge to be stopped to aid in the state's traffic flow issues. With the closure of the Washington Bridge's westbound lanes in East Providence causing more commuters to try and circumvent the traffic on Interstate 195 by traveling through Newport leading to traffic tie-ups on the Newport Pell Bridge, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority said the current work on the bridge cannot be stopped. The partial closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence has pushed a high volume of cars to the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano bridges. Yesterday, traffic flowed freely for most of the day, but the westbound traffic at rush hour created significant delays for some drivers. We expect that we will continue to see an increased volume of traffic as drivers adjust to the temporary closure of the Washington Bridge. Traffic backs up on Newport roads on Dec. 12due to work on the Newport Pell Bridge. We are performing a critical maintenance project on the west side of the Newport bridge that necessitates a lane closure. We are not able to stop working, make the surface safe for transit, and open the lane. However, the open road tolling and the relatively light traffic for most of the day made our bridges a viable option for many travelers," RITBA said in a statement released early Wednesday afternoon. Tuesday evening's commute resulted in traffic snaking its way into Newport streets and reaching as far as Middletown in some cases. The increase in traffic created by the Washington Bridge closure combined with work RITBA was doing Tuesday on the Newport Pell Bridge in which a series of 5 to 10-minute traffic stoppages in the westbound lane were taking place to allow trucks to unload sections of median barrier. The work was planned to take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The same work is planned for Thursday, Dec. 14. Work on the Newport Pell Bridge began on Oct. 16 with traffic eastbound reduced to one lane in a 900-yard stretch between the old toll plaza and the bridge. Traffic was also reduced to one lane for the same distance on the westbound side. The first phases of work requiring these lane restrictions are expected to be completed in April. The work is intended to lead to improvements that include rehabilitation of a single-span approach bridge structure, realignment/reconstruction of the highway to bring it up to current design standards, installation of a new toll gantry and demolition of the current toll plaza. Traffic headaches: Newport Pell Bridge work is causing long morning commutes. What to know before traveling While some commuters have turned to the Newport Pell Bridge as a way to avoid traffic in East Providence there has been a call for tolls to be suspended. It does not appear that will be the case, as RITBA said they will be increasing customer service hours and reminded commuters of the toll rate for Rhode Island residents with a transponder. We are adding customer service hours and will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rhode Island E-Z Pass Customer Service Center on the next two Thursdays, Dec. 14 and 21 and on Tuesday, Dec. 19," RITBA said in the statement. "The toll for Rhode Islanders with transponders is 83 cents. Without a transponder, the toll is $6 and will be sent by mail. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newport Pell Bridge work will continue with Washington Bridge closure Russia has lost more than 13,000 soldiers in Ukraine since beginning an October offensive push in the eastern region of the country, according to declassified U.S. intelligence. Russian forces have also lost 220 combat vehicles in addition to the more than 13,000 soldiers on the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, the White House National Security Council (NSC) said in the declassified assessment Tuesday. In military terminology, a loss refers to fighters killed, missing or too wounded to return to the battlefield. NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the intelligence indicates the Ukrainians are defending their country bravely and successfully. But Russia is determined to press forward with its offensive despite its losses, Watson said. It is more critical now than ever that we maintain our support for Ukraine so they can continue to hold the line and regain their territory. There were also reports Tuesday that Russia has lost 315,000 troops since the beginning of the war, when it had around 360,000 soldiers. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder could not confirm those reports at a Tuesday briefing. But I will take it as an opportunity to highlight the fact of the strategic failure of Russia when it comes to the objectives that it had set for itself in Ukraine, he said. It has cost thousands of lives on both sides. Russian troops launched a major offensive in the eastern Donetsk region in late October, aiming to capture the city of Avdiivka and the surrounding area. Russia so far has failed to make any significant progress, and Moscows combat losses there have reportedly been on the scale of the offensive near the destroyed city of Bakhmut from the fall of last year to May. But Ukraine has also failed to make significant progress on the battlefield in a counteroffensive launched in June. The stalemate has shifted the war in the favor of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is trying to lock Ukraine into a long conflict and sap Kyivs resources. U.S. aid for Ukraine is running out, and Congress is struggling to pass another bill to approve billions more to keep Ukrainian troops in the fight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington this week to meet with congressional leaders and President Biden in a bid to shore up more support for his country, but lawmakers on Capitol Hill remain at odds on assistance for Ukraine. Watson on Tuesday urged Congress to act, saying Putin aims to keep Ukraine mired in a stalemate and to erode Western support for Kyiv. Russia seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine, Watson said in the assessment, and ultimately give Russia the advantage despite Russian losses and persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions, and equipment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he is confident the resolution to authorize the GOPs impeachment inquiry into President Biden will pass when it hits the floor for a vote on Wednesday. I think its gonna pass, he told reporters in the Capitol. Johnsons comments come hours before the House is set to vote on a resolution to authorize the Republican conferences months-long, multi-faceted impeachment inquiry into Biden. The legislation is scheduled to hit the floor Wednesday afternoon after the House Rules Committee advanced it on Tuesday. Then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) opened the impeachment inquiry on his own accord in September, opting against holding a formal vote to begin the process. But now, as the probe enters a more combative phase which includes working to execute subpoenas and land high-profile witnesses Johnson is staging a vote to put more legal weight behind the inquiry. The vote also follows criticism from the White House that the inquiry is not legitimate because it has not been established through a formal House vote. The impeachment inquiry is digging into hotly disputed allegations about whether Biden improperly benefited from or used policy to benefit the foreign business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, and other family members, as well as allegations that the Department of Justice improperly slow-walked a tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden. The president and the White House have repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said that Biden was not involved in his familys business dealings. Hunter Biden was scheduled to appear for a closed-door deposition on Wednesday after receiving a subpoena for the inquiry but he declined to appear, reiterating his request that he sit for a public hearing rather than a private deposition. Instead, the younger Biden instead delivered a statement outside the Capitol Wednesday morning that slammed the GOPs investigation and reiterated his father was not involved in his business dealings. Let me state as clearly as I can: My father was not financially involved in my business Not as a practicing lawyer. Not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not my investment at all nor abroad, and certainly not as an artist, Hunter Biden said. Shortly after, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) announced that they would initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings, the pair wrote in a statement. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden. Todays obstruction by Hunter Biden reinforces the need for a formal vote, they later added. Johnson on Wednesday declined to comment on the younger Bidens comments or the move towards contempt of Congress proceedings, telling reporters that he had been in meetings and was not privy to the recent developments. But he did say the House would move forward with the vote to authorize the impeachment inquiry regardless of recent events. We are, he said. Its called for and its appropriate and I think itll pass. Updated at 1:14 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Despite his claims, Donald Trumps business career has had many more failures than successes. His record of catastrophic investments has never held Trump back, however, and now the one-term, twice-impeached, 91-time felony-charged former president has embarked on a new hustle: selling little cut-out pieces of a suit he wore during one of his arrests. It was a great suit, believe me, a really good suit. Its all cut up, and youre gonna get a piece of it, Trump said in a video announcing the sale. Trump wore a blue suit when he was arrested and had his mugshot taken at an Atlanta jail in August. The former Apprentice host has already monetized the mugshot: on his campaign website, people can buy coffee mugs, T-shirts and Christmas stockings bearing the image. The move into fabric sales is a new one, however. To buy a piece of the suit, people first have to buy 47 digital trading cards, each featuring an illustration of Trump, through the Collect Trump Cards website. Buyers will then receive a bit of the suit, or tie, that Trump wore when he was arrested on charges related to his attempts to overturn the election at Fulton county jail in August 2023. Related: Losing the plot: Trump mocked after announcing superhero card collection The suit, according to the website description, is the most historically significant artifact in United States history. The suit is described as priceless. People can buy a piece of it for $4,699.53. Trump, a former TV host, touted his business career as a reason why he should be elected during the 2016 presidential campaign. His efforts have included Trump Vodka, Trump Mortgage and Trump Shuttle, a short-lived airline. All failed. GoTrump, a travel site, didnt last, nor did Trump Steaks. A Trump board game was discontinued after two years, a Trump magazine folded, and Trump University was forced to settle fraud lawsuits for $25m after being accused of swindling thousands of Americans out of millions of dollars. Trump has also filed for corporate bankruptcy six times. Indeed, in 2021, Forbes found that Trump, 77, would be far richer had he simply invested the inheritance he got from his father, who ran a successful, if problematic, real estate company. It is the third series of cards Trump has sold. A batch of 45,000 cards sold out in December 2022 for a total of nearly $4.4m. Trump only netted between $100,000 and $1m from the sales, Forbes reported. The cards include Trump sitting in the chair occupied by Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, and an image of Trump wearing a white cowboy hat, superimposed over an illustration of some running horses. Others show Trump as a kind of half robot, and there is one of him dressed as a Captain America-type character. One card shows Trump, who was medically exempted from the military during the Vietnam war due to a questionable diagnosis of bone spurs, dressed in army garb. It is unclear how many pieces of the suit are available. In 2018 a medical exam, conducted by a doctor-turned-Republican congressman, Trump was 6ft 3in and weighs 239lb, although when Trump claimed to weigh 215lb when he was arrested in Georgia. The former president is known to favor billowy suits with shoulder pads, but the measurements of his chest, waist and inseam are not publicly available. In any case, buyers seeking a piece of suit should beware. Business Insider found that the fine print on Collect Trump Cards includes a disclaimer that if delivery of the bit of suit cannot be fulfilled due to an issue in the manufacturing, production, or delivery, purchasers will have to settle for a limited edition Trump NFT instead. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, women have been sharing their personal stories about what it's like to travel out of state for an abortion. (iStock/Getty Images Plus) (Getty Images) Kate Cox recently made the decision to leave her home state of Texas for a possibly lifesaving abortion amid a highly publicized legal battle to have the procedure locally. But Cox is hardly the first woman to feel forced to do so; since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2022, thousands of women have traveled hundreds of miles for abortions as states restrict reproductive rights and many are sharing their stories of what that experience is like. According to the latest data from research group the Guttmacher Institute, over 92,000 people in the U.S. traveled to other states in the first half of 2023 to receive abortion care more than double during a similar period in 2020. Another recent study found that "two of every five American women do not have access to an abortion facility within a 30-minute drive, and one in four lack access within a 90-minute drive. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to block pregnant people from traveling out of state for an abortion, with some conservative activists even pushing for the implementation of trafficking laws to punish those attempting to get the procedure in reproductive rights-friendly states. Whether theyre trying to end an unwanted pregnancy or making a difficult decision after a fatal diagnosis, women who have shared their stories with news outlets say the process to obtain an abortion is difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Here are just a few accounts from real women in the U.S. describing what its like to travel out of state for an abortion. From Louisiana to Oregon: It was probably one of the hardest things Ive had to go through. Victoria (who asked to withhold her last name for fear of backlash against her and her family) shared her story with CNN of traveling across the country to get a medication abortion for an unwanted pregnancy. It was probably one of the hardest things Ive had to go through, from the moment of discovering that I was pregnant at age 45 to actually having to have to take time off work, travel across the country, do a meeting with a doctor and then take the pills and then skedaddle back home and then go to work like nothing had happened, she said. Every state adjoining her home state of Louisiana had similarly restrictive laws regarding abortion, so she asked a friend in Oregon if she could stay with her for a few days taking two flights and traveling a total of eight hours before landing in Portland. Once I saw that Oregon was so, so protective of reproductive rights, I said, Why would I think about going anywhere else? she said. The second I got the definitive pregnancy result, I was like, OK, lets book a flight to Oregon. When can we do this? Victoria took two medications mifepristone and misoprostol before boarding her flight home. She says the choice to get an abortion wasnt a difficult one to make. I had this feeling that I should be having some kind of deep, psychological moment of reckoning or something, but I didnt really feel that, she said. Ive never wanted to have a kid. I wasnt torn about this decision." Fleeing to North Carolina: Its just hard to get here. Earlier this year, the New York Times reported on the influx of pregnant people traveling to North Carolina as neighboring states clamped down on abortion rights. At the time, abortion was legal in the state for up to 20 weeks, but most abortions are now illegal past 12 weeks of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood estimated that more than a third of its patients in North Carolina are from out of state, and there were also a growing number of no-shows. Its just hard to get here, said Dr. Jonas Swartz, a Duke Health obstetrician and gynecologist. Its a lot. Youve got to arrange child care. If someone gets sick, if you lose transportation, you may just not be able to get here on the day you thought you were going to. Journals in one clinics recovery room included entries about acquiring an abortion out of state. I am here from Johnson City, TN (4 hour drive) due to my state not providing the right to an abortion, one patient wrote. I have a 3 yr. old son, and am just now to a point in my life where I am stable enough to take care of us comfortably. Another child at this time is just not in the cards for us. From Louisiana to New York: I was carrying my baby to bury my baby. So that's why we made the decision. Nancy Davis of Louisiana was 10 weeks pregnant when she found out the fetus had acrania, an abnormality where the fetuss skull doesnt form inside the womb. The condition is lethal, with the baby dying shortly after birth. Still, Daviss doctor in Louisiana, scared of prosecution or being fined, refused to perform an abortion because the fetus still had a heartbeat and Daviss life wasnt endangered by continuing the pregnancy. At 16 weeks pregnant, Davis was able to acquire an abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York. Walking into the clinic over a month after receiving the diagnosis felt horrible, Davis said in an interview with WWNO. I mean, it was devastating. You know, it was traumatizing to even make that decision as a parent, you know? But Davis said she and her partner felt that traveling out of state to have the procedure was the best decision for their baby and themselves. The only thing that came to my mind whenever we assessed the situation and analyzed it, was that I was carrying my baby to bury my baby. So that's why we made the decision. From Texas to Colorado: I have a lot of anger towards what happened to me and what I was made to do. After two years of IVF and fertility treatments, Taylor and Travis of Austin, Texas (who asked us not to use their last name) told FOX 7 Austin they were excited to learn that Taylor was pregnant. But at 17 weeks, the couple learned that the fetus had an encephalocele a sac-like structure that protrudes from the skull and were told the baby either wouldnt survive the pregnancy or would die painfully hours after birth. Because Taylors life wasnt in danger, she wasnt able to get an abortion in Texas, and the couple traveled to Colorado for the procedure. "We were left completely on our own," Taylor said. "We had to be in public in Colorado and, like, go to get food. We were in a hotel. It just was very bizarre to have to go through the worst thing in your life publicly." They also werent able to use their medical insurance for the procedure due to Texass strict abortion laws. The clinic said that they just have too much trouble processing it. So we had to pay out of pocket for everything," said Taylor. She added: "Its a lot of grief. I also am very angry. I have a lot of anger towards what happened to me and what I was made to do. You do feel like kind of like you did something shady on the black market when you just got health care." From Louisiana to up north: I felt incredible relief when I finally walked through the doors of the clinic. Anna (who asked not to use her last name for fear of legal retaliation by Louisiana officials) shared a firsthand account with NPR of waiting weeks for an abortion before she was finally able to acquire one in another state up north. Days before Roe v. Wade was overturned, Anna found out she was pregnant with an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, and rushed to make an appointment at one of Louisianas only remaining clinics. She also made a backup appointment three weeks away the earliest spot available at a clinic in the state she grew up in. The days after Roe fell were followed by a confusing back-and-forth of trigger laws and court injunctions; unsure whether she or the doctor who performed her abortion might face prosecution, she ended up canceling her appointment in Louisiana and traveling out of state for an abortion. Three weeks after my original appointment in Louisiana, I was able to fly to another state, stay with my family and receive a surgical abortion," Anna shared. "I felt incredible relief when I finally walked through the doors of the clinic. It felt like a fortress of safety. The women who staffed the clinic from the people behind the desk at intake, to the nurses, to the doctors, to the volunteers were so incredibly gentle, warm and kind. Anna added: I think about how different my experience would have been if I had been able to make an appointment with my trusted primary care doctor, in my own hometown and receive the care I needed within days of needing it. I don't think that's too much to ask. Pictured are the two tomatoes lost my NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and found nearly one year later on the International Space Station. This picture, taken on Dec. 2, 2023, show the tomatoes as dehydrated, slightly squished and with some discoloration. But there wasn't visible microbial or fungal growth. NASA's Johnson Space Center NASA astronaut Frank Rubio checks tomato plants growing inside the International Space Station for the XROOTS space botany study on Oct. 14, 2022. Credit: Koichi Wakata/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Koichi Wakata/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Two dehydrated and slightly squished tomatoes are having their moment of internet fame. NASA on Thursday shared a photo of the tomatoes that were lost, became the mysteriously missing evidence for a whodunit and were then found all onboard the International Space Station. We might have found something that someone had been looking for quite a while, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli said last week during a news conference celebrating the stations 25th anniversary. Our good friend Frank Rubio, who headed home, has been blamed for quite a while for eating the tomato. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But we can exonerate him. The saga began in 2022 as Rubio harvested tomatoes from an experiment that used hydroponics and aeroponics techniques to grow plants without soil, which could help astronauts grow their own food as they push farther from Earth. The two rogue tomatoes came loose, and Rubio put them in a little bag. I was pretty confident that I Velcroed it where I was supposed to Velcro it, and then I came back and it was gone, Rubio said during a previous press event. I spent probably eight to 20 hours of my own time looking for that tomato. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And while he searched for the tomatoes, he was accused of eating them. I did not eat the tomato, Rubio said, and I wish I had at this point because I think everybody thinks I did. Rubio returned to Earth on Sept. 27 after a record 371 days in space. The tomatoes were found after he returned to Earth, nearly a year after they went missing. NASA said they were dehydrated, slightly squished and had some discoloration. But there wasnt any visible microbial or fungal growth. The tomatoes will not return to Earth astronauts discarded them but rest assured that NASA is continuing its plant research on the International Space Station. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also showed the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions, and ambassadors and other diplomats burst into applause as the final numbers were displayed. The United States and Israel were joined in opposing the resolution by eight countries Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay. The support was much higher than for an Oct. 27 Arab-sponsored resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Today was a historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said after the vote. And it is our collective duty to continue in this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives. The United States has grown increasingly isolated in its support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and abducted about 240 in a surprise attack on Oct. 7. More than the United Nations or any other international organization, the United States is seen as the only entity capable of persuading Israel to accept a cease-fire as its closest ally and biggest supplier of weaponry. In tougher language than usual, though, President Joe Biden warned before the vote that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian cease-fire, Arab and Islamic nations called for Tuesday's emergency session of the General Assembly to vote on a resolution making the same demand. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. But Mansour said we will not rest until we see compliance of Israel with this demand from the General Assembly so that we can see a cease-fire in place. The resolution makes no mention of Hamas, and the assembly defeated two proposed amendments mentioning the militant group. One, proposed by the United States, would have added a paragraph stating that the assembly unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas. The other, proposed by Austria, would have added a call for the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas. The war, now in its third month, has brought unprecedented death and destruction, with much of northern Gaza obliterated, more than 18,000 Palestinians killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry, 70% of them reportedly children and women, and over 80% of the population of 2.3 million pushed from their homes. General Assembly President Dennis Francis, who chaired the meeting, said the world is witnessing an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems, and profound disrespect for both international law and international humanitarian law. He said civilians should never undergo the level of suffering in Gaza and asked, "How many more thousands of lives must be lost before we do something? No more time is left. The carnage must stop. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the assembly how Israel defends itself matters, and she delivered several U.S. demands, which she said the Biden administration will press at the highest levels. Israel must avoid mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza, Thomas-Greenfield said. It must ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance to those who have fled violence and it must allow civilians in Gaza to return home as soon as conditions allow. But she made clear that the U.S. remains committed to Israel's right to defend itself. She asked assembly members why it was so difficult for U.N. nations to condemn Hamas terrorist actions on Oct. 7, to say unequivocally that murdering babies and gunning down parents in front of their children is horrific, that burning down houses while families shelter inside and taking civilian hostages in abhorrent. Israels U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan warned before the vote that a cease-fire will only prolong the death and destruction in the region and will be a death sentence for countless more Israelis and Gazans. A cease-fire means one thing and one thing only ensuring the survival of Hamas, ensuring the survival of genocidal terrorists committed to the annihilation of Israel and Jews, he said. Erdan said if U.N. member nations want a cease-fire they should call Hamas office in Gaza. He held up a sign with a phone number and the name Yehya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Hamas attack, who is at the top of Israel's hit list. The resolution expresses grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and it says Palestinians and Israelis must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It also demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. Tuesday's vote showed major shifts in voting. More than 25 countries that abstained on Oct. 27 supported Tuesday's cease-fire demand, including Albania, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, India, Iraq, Japan, Latvia, Monaco, North Macedonia, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Zambia. Croatia and Fiji went from voting no on Oct. 27 to voting yes on Tuesday, while Hungary, the Marshall Islands and Tonga went from voting no to abstaining. By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber and Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -The United Nations refugee chief warned that the Gaza conflict could spur more displacement in the wider region as U.N. officials, politicians and aid groups gathered in Geneva on Wednesday to seek solutions to a global displacement crisis. A record 114 million people around the world have been driven from their homes, including about 40 million refugees fleeing dozens of active conflicts including in Sudan and Ukraine. Flight from Israel's bombardment of Gaza since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen in southern Israel has also internally displaced 85% of the Palestinian enclave's population. "A major human catastrophe is unfolding in the Gaza Strip and so far the Security Council has failed to stop the violence," Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, an event hosted every four years. "We foresee more civilian deaths and suffering and also further displacement that threatens the region." Grandi also urged the international community not to forget other crises spurring displacement. "While a strong focus remains and must remain on Gaza, I have a plea: please do not lose sight of other pressing humanitarian and refugee crises," he said. Attendees at the forum, which runs until Friday, are expected to make pledges around specific refugee-related issues, such as education and promoting the voluntary return to home countries. Only 60% of refugee children are enrolled in school. Grandi said he hoped there would also be funding pledges to the U.N. agency, which has a $400 million shortfall for 2023. He said there was "great uncertainty" about how much UNHCR donors, including the United States and Germany, can give in 2024. In an interview before the forum, Grandi said many Western politicians were becoming less welcoming in the face of an influx of refugees. On Wednesday, he said host countries facing refugees should not be taken for granted. "Let's remember that most refugees 75% to be precise are hosted by low- and middle-income countries, often already struggling themselves to provide and care for their own citizens," he said. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) Haraz Coffee House in Dearborn, Michigan, is usually teeming with customers eager for a taste of its delicious Yemeni coffee but on Monday there wasnt a single person in sight. The popular cafe on Michigan Avenue was closed, as its owner and employees participated in a global strike calling for a ceasefire in the devastating war in Gaza. Today is the day to put everything that matters in our lives aside to focus on the lives of those in Gaza and to call for an immediate ceasefire, owner Hamzah Nasser told CNN. He closed all 12 locations of his cafes in Michigan, Kentucky, Texas, Illinois and California. Palestinian groups announced the global strike on Saturday, one day after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The strike on Monday and Tuesday saw businesses temporarily close, employees call out of work, consumers refrain from shopping and students skip classes. The call to strike was honored in communities across the world, including many in the United States. More than 270 businesses closed on Monday in the Chicago area alone, according to the Coalition for Justice in Palestine, a local activist organization. Businesses taking part included fitness studios, auto repair shops, salons and private schools. States across the country, from New York to Texas to California, also saw businesses close. Meanwhile, an untold number of Americans took to social media to say they would call out of work or refrain from making purchases. Those who promoted the strike include Palestinian journalists Motaz Azaiza and Bisan Owda, who gained millions of followers on social media through their coverage of the war. This strike is important because everyone is united in saying no and everyone is united in their support for a ceasefire that stops all actions against Gaza once and for all, Owda said in an Instagram video. This strike is painful because its a form of peaceful protest, however at the same time, it harms the economies and the politicians who refuse to see and hear their peoples insistence on ceasing the fire against Gaza. Striking in solidarity with Palestinians Alex Tarzikhan, a legal adviser at a human rights organization in Washington, DC, says she called out of work in solidarity with Palestinians and other people of conscience. Tarzikhan has been closely monitoring the conflict since October 7, when Hamas launched a brazen attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 240 others hostage. Israel responded by imposing a siege and launching deadly airstrikes across Gaza, destroying homes, schools and hospitals in the densely populated territory. More than 18,000 Palestinians, 70% of whom are women, children and elderly, have so far been killed in the attacks, and more than 50,000 others injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which draws its figures from sources in Hamas-run Gaza. Tarzikhan says she regularly checks on Owda and other Palestinian journalists, and is often left feeling helpless by the graphic and heart-wrenching images they post on social media. One of the first things I do as I wake up and before going to bed is check their (Instagram) stories to make sure they are still alive, Tarzikhan said. I decided to join (the strike) because I felt like I owed them that much, morally I wasnt okay continuing on with my daily routine knowing that they had issued a cry for help. A business displays a sign telling customers it is closed in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire. - Courtesy Abbas Hamideh Owdas initial post calling for the strike was liked more than 830,000 times, with followers across the world pledging to participate. After seeing the call, Alexandra Bowman closed her art business in Oakland, California: No emails, no banking, no spending money whatsoever. Bowman said she was motivated by empathy for Palestinians, and instead of working, she and her family spent their time calling and emailing public officials to demand a ceasefire. All of our liberties as human beings are tied together, Bowman said. If I openly opposed police brutality against Black Americans in 2020, I cannot be silent while an entire group of people are targeted by state sanctioned violence. At its core, collective freedom is a practice in empathy, and what is happening to the Palestinian people goes against everything I believe in. Josh, who lives in Queens, New York, says he was unable to fully call out of his job in ad sales, but did manage to scale back the hours. He also refused to spend any money. Josh withheld his last name out of fear of reprisal from his employer, who he believes may take issue with his politics. I want the world to realize what colonization looks like in 2023 and that its not simply a concept you learn in history class, but instead an ongoing horror imposed on the people of the world by Western powers, and a genocide imposed by colonialism is what is happening in Gaza and Palestine, he said. Some who participated in the strike said they did so at great risk to their livelihoods. Heather, who also withheld her last name out of fear of reprisal, closed her restaurant in Jersey City, New Jersey, because she did not feel it was right to break the strike. I think if closing my business brings to light whats going on and educates just one person then I made my impact, she said. And that is why I continue to be vocal and align my business and values with causes that I am passionate about. In nearby Paterson, a city affectionately called Little Ramallah for its large Palestinian community, stores lining the downtown area were also closed on Monday. Heather says the response has been mixed. In addition to the support of patrons, some in her community have sent her threatening messages online. The hate I am receiving for closing my business or supporting a ceasefire has me questioning humanity and how anyone can support any cause in which children are murdered, she said. Still, Heather says she can tell more people are beginning to understand the Palestinian struggle: I feel like the world has finally woken up. Power of the people Americans who participated in the strike told CNN they feel especially guilty for the US support of Israel. In addition to vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, the US provides Israel with diplomatic and military support, including billions of US tax dollars in annual military aid. The US State Department on Friday sent lawmakers an emergency declaration for the sale of $106 million worth of munitions to Israel, bypassing the standard 20-day period that congressional committees are typically afforded to review such a sale. The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives, a State Department spokesperson told CNN on Saturday. We continue to be clear with the government of Israel that they must comply with (international humanitarian law) and must take every feasible step to avoid harm to civilians. But strikers say the mounting death toll shows the US needs to do more to restrain Israel and protect civilians, and that economic pressure could help make that happen. I think if folks would take a real good look at how change and revolution has taken place historically, they would see that boycotts and strikes are actually effective, Josh said, pointing to examples throughout US history, including Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Others cited the global boycott, divestment and sanctions movement that helped topple South Africas apartheid regime in the early 1990s. Bowman said its proof that people arent completely helpless, and by uniting they can have a significant impact on international affairs. If our government cares about anything, it is the economy, and we collectively have the power to make a real change if we use our money wisely, she said. At the absolute bare minimum, trying to make a change even if futile is never worthless because it proves that we still have our humanity, Bowman added. It shows the people in Gaza who are suffering and fighting for their life that people see them and care. CNNs Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A woman was fatally shot by police in California on Sunday after she ignored multiple orders to drop a gun she was pointing at a 3-year-old's head, authorities said. Officials have not determined why Darvet Brown, 35, entered a family's home in San Bernardino with a handgun. Police were called to the home at around 8 a.m. by the child's distraught grandmother, who told officers that Brown had already shot off the gun inside the residence, according to a news release from the San Bernardino Police Department. When police arrived, Brown walked onto the apartment's balcony, pointed a gun at an officer, then retreated into the apartment where the child was located and locked the door, police said. An image captured on a police body camera after an officer kicked the door open shows Brown standing on a bed in the living room with a gun pointed directly at the child, who was seated on the bed. "The child was crying and was in immediate danger of being shot at that moment," said the press release. Police camera footage shows Darvet Brown pointing a gun at a 3-year-old boy. (San Bernadino Police Dept.) That's when officers fired several rounds at the suspect. Police said Brown kept the gun in her hand despite being wounded and ordered to drop her weapon. Officers fired on Brown again, then ran to grab the child. The child was returned to family members outside, uninjured. Medical aid was rendered to the suspect, however she succumbed to her injuries at the residence, said the police press release. Police have determined that Brown was not related to the child. She is a resident of San Bernardino. A neighbor told an NBC News affiliate in Los Angeles that he heard the commotion while he was still in bed on Sunday morning. Yeah I was scared. Of course, who wouldnt be? Jack Quiroz told KNBC. First I heard the helicopter and then I heard gunshots, and I came outside and I seen the police all over the place. Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing, and are urging members of the public with information to come forward. President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a united front Tuesday, as the pair made a renewed push for Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine before the end of the year. Mr. Biden announced he's signed an additional $200 million in drawdown funds for Ukraine, but said U.S. funds will dry up fast. During a joint press conference alongside Zelenskyy at the White House Tuesday, Mr. Biden said, "Ukraine will emerge from this war proud, free, and firmly rooted in the West unless we walk away." "The decisions we make now are going to determine the future for decades to come, particularly in Europe," Mr. Biden said in a meeting with Zelenskyy Tuesday afternoon. "And this is one of those moments. Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess, before they give [Vladimir] Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him." Zelenskyy began his trip to Washington with meetings on Capitol Hill, where he met with senators and House Speaker Mike Johnson to push for more aid. Republicans have demanded stricter border security measures and immigration policy changes in exchange for more funding for Kyiv. GOP senators leaving the meeting expressed support for Zelenskyy, but said the Biden administration must still agree to immigration changes before they agree to another round of assistance. Despite the sharp disagreements on Capitol Hill, Mr. Biden insisted there is still "strong" bipartisan support for Ukraine. "There is strong bipartisan political support for Ukraine a small number of Republicans who don't want to support Ukraine, but they don't speak for the majority of even Republicans, in my view," Mr. Biden said during the press conference. "We're in negotiations to get funding we need, not to promise not making promises, but hopeful we can get there, and I think we can." President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. / Credit: Evan Vucci / AP A Democratic bill with billions of dollars for Ukraine failed to pass the Senate last week, and the prospects for reaching a deal before year's end appear slim. The Office of Management and Budget has warned that U.S. funding for Ukraine will run dry by the end of the month. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for their holiday break this week. White House open to new border expulsion law, mandatory detention and increased deportations in talks with Congress While many Senate Republicans support arming Ukraine, some GOP members in the House have grown skeptical, demanding improved metrics and accountability while insisting that U.S. border security should be the priority. After a briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday, Rep. Mike Waltz tweeted: "Just left a closed-door briefing on Ukraine still NO CLEAR STRATEGIC GOAL outlined by the Biden Administration." Asked by a reporter to clarify his administration's strategy on Ukraine, Mr. Biden said: We want to see Ukraine win the war, and as I've said before, winning means Ukraine is a sovereign, independent nation that can afford to defend itself today and deter further aggression. That's our objective." Mr. Biden emphasized the "growing cooperation between U.S. and Ukrainian defense industries" in his meeting with Zelenskyy, the White House said in a statement Tuesday evening, adding that Mr. Biden "stressed that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of over fifty countries brought together by U.S. leadership." The $200 million drawdown of weapons for Ukraine is a relatively small package that includes essentials like 105mm and 155mm artillery rounds and HIMARS munitions. This year, the administration is having to dole out small tranches of assistance as it stretches the remaining funding. That stands in contrast to last year, when the U.S. pledged a $1 billion drawdown with a Patriot battery to Ukraine on the day Zelenskyy visited the White House. The U.S. intelligence community estimates that Russia has lost the majority of its pre-2022 military personnel to death or injury since the war began, according to a source familiar with the figures, which were recently briefed to Capitol Hill. Before 2022, Russia's military had 360,000 personnel, and of those, 315,000 have been lost in Ukraine. Russia has also lost 2,200 of the 3,500 tanks it had before 2022, forcing Moscow to draw on large stocks of Soviet-era equipment in storage, such as T-62 tanks last produced in the 1970s. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy dismissed the possibility of ceding any territories to Russia to end the war as "insane." "We are talking about human beings," Zelenskyy said, through a translator. "They are being tortured, they are being raped, and they are being killed. And those voices which offer to give up our territories, they offer as well to give up our people. That's not a matter of territory, that's a matter of lives, of families, of children, of their histories." Zelenskyy last visited Washington in September, when he thanked Congress for its help and requested more aid. "I hope that the U.S. Congress will continue to take important decisions to provide financial assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy tweeted after his September visit. "Oversight, transparency, and accountability for all the aid is absolutely important and imperative." Why poverty is on the rise in U.S. suburbs White House open to restrictive immigration changes in foreign aid talks COP28 extended as nations remain divided over fossil fuels remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit Readers slam Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for seeking to stop Kate Cox from having an abortion for medical reasons. Brandon Bell/TNS After a judge granted Kate Cox the right to have a medically necessary abortion in Texas, Attorney Genera Ken Paxton successfully appealed to the state's supreme court. Cox left Texas to have the abortion. Associated Press Editors note: We have received dozens of letters on this issue. This is the second installment from Express-News readers. Send your letter to the editor, 150 words or less, to letters@express-news.net. Include first and last name, mailing address and phone number. Only your name will be published. Threat to medical care Under new abortion laws, penalties for a physician can include life in prison. If a doctor and a patient decide an abortion is medically necessary (as the Texas Supreme Court recently suggested), an attorney can still come back after the fact and allege criminal misconduct of the doctor and staff. I'm an anesthesiologist. In the 38 years I helped with surgeries on young women, Attorney General Ken Paxton could have alleged we were really doing an abortion and charged us with a criminal act. I never assisted with an abortion, but even I would not be safe. Those accused would have to go to trial and hope the judge and jury were understanding of complex medical knowledge. I believe Paxton does not want doctors, nurses and hospitals to be absolutely sure they will not be charged with a crime. If you are a medical provider that helps with surgeries on young women, would you want to go to work every day worried you could be put in prison? More physicians will leave Texas because of this law, and not just doctors that perform abortions. Dr. Robert Luedecke, Helotes Advertisement Article continues below this ad Knocking at the doorstep The hypocrisy of the people in charge of Texas is breathtaking. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I bet all I have (its not much, but Ill still bet it all) that these folks would act differently if their wives and daughters were involved. Controlling womens rights to privacy and their bodies is one of the first steps in a totalitarian society, which by all indications is where we are headed. The fascists in Italy did it. The Nazis in Germany did it. The Chinese did it when they required abortions. The point is that if women are no longer in charge of their bodies, totalitarianism has arrived. Its at your doorstep. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lucia Casares Trump is a threat Recently, the New York Times significantly downplayed the severity of former President Donald Trumps positions on abortion. The headline, Why Trump Seems Less Vulnerable on Abortion Than Other Republicans, fails to capture the gravity of the situation. Trumps seemingly vague statements are a smokescreen for a clear and present danger to reproductive freedom. Trumps appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court and his boastful acknowledgment of overturning Roe v. Wade reveal a deliberate assault on reproductive rights. His statements, such as advocating punishment for women who have abortions and his ambiguous stance on a six-week national abortion ban, underscore the urgency of the threat. Furthermore, Trumps support for a national abortion ban during his time in office, one that could have resulted in doctors facing imprisonment, emphasizes the severe consequences of his policies. The stakes are clear, and the impact is life-threatening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Every journalist in the country has a responsibility to report the reality of Trumps extreme record on abortion. When it comes to our reproductive freedom, actions speak louder than vague words. We must take Trump at his word and recognize the profound threat he poses this November. Alexis Bruton Paxton wants limelight How much longer is our state to be embarrassed by Attorney General Ken Paxton? First he files suit against Pfizer because he thinks it lied about the efficacy of its COVID vaccine. Now he is endangering the life of a woman with another of his foolish suits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Is any of us safe from his efforts at self-aggrandizement? Doris Alderman, Fair Oaks Ranch Not qualified to decide Re: High court blocks emergency abortion order, Metro, Sunday: From Sundays paper I quote Attorney General Ken Paxtons comment, the judge is not medically qualified to make this determination and it should not be relied upon. Did I miss the announcement that Paxton had obtained a medical degree and therefore is qualified to make the determination? Herman Fisher Paxton not a doctor As if its not bad enough that the state of Texas is putting its nose into matters that should be between a doctor and patient, we have an attorney general who has nothing better to do than bully hospitals and doctors into not providing necessary care. From reading this article, and the ones reported earlier last week, the decision made by Kate Cox, her husband and her doctor was not made lightly. An abortion was not what she wanted but became what was needed to preserve her health and the possibility of having children in the future. For Attorney General Ken Paxton to decide that he knows better than the people directly affected by this situation shows unmitigated gall. I guess I missed the mention of him being licensed to practice medicine. He needs to stop wasting taxpayer money on what amounts to frivolous lawsuits. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The 32 servicemen who returned to Armenia from Azerbaijan captivity are currently undergoing a medical examination at the Central Clinical Military (Muratsan) hospital and those who do not require inpatient treatment will return to their families. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan said in response to "Armenpress" question about what is expected after the medical examination and whether the service members will be questioned. "The 32 servicemen who returned to Armenia are undergoing a medical examination and the servicemen who do not require inpatient treatment will return to their families.," she noted. Israel and the United States were among the 10 nations that voted against the resolution New Delhi: In the wake of mounting global concerns over the deaths of thousands of civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive, India on Wednesday struck the right balance and changed its position in the United Nations General Assembly after one and a half months by voting in favour of a resolution seeking an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution also sought the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as ensuring humanitarian access, and was passed with a large majority of 153 (nations) in favour and 10 against, with 23 abstentions, the UN said. Israel and the United States were among the 10 nations that voted against the resolution. Hours before the vote, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar had spoken to Israeli foreign minister Eliyahu Cohen on the situation in Gaza, Lebanon and maritime traffic in the region. It may be noted that on October 28, India abstained at the UNGA on a resolution on the Gaza situation that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip. New Delhi had then said the terror attacks in Israel on October 7 were shocking and deserve condemnation and that there should be a zero tolerance approach to terrorism. After the resolution was passed, Indias UN permanent representative Ruchira Kamboj said: India has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly. The situation that this august body has been deliberating upon has many dimensions. There is the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and large scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children. Ms Kamboj added: There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the long-standing Palestine question. Our challenge in this extraordinarily difficult time is to strike the right balance. The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces is underlined by the Secretary-General invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter. Therefore, we welcome the fact that the international community has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now. On Wednesday, the UN said two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas were voted down by members, which means it couldnt be incorporated into the resolution that was passed. The main resolution did not name Hamas, and so the US proposed an amendment to the draft resolution, calling for insertion of the paragraph Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages in the main text. India voted in favour of the amendment on Wednesday, reports said. The UNGA vote on Wednesday came days after the 15-nation UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The intruders shouted slogans like "Tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed) and were headed towards the Speaker's chair A visitor jumps in the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, with Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury saying they were carrying tear gas canisters. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: In a major security breach on the 23rd anniversary of the terror attack on Parliament, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha from the public gallery during Zero Hour and opened gas canisters, which released thick yellow smoke in the House. After breaching into the Lower House chamber, the intruders shouted slogans like "Tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed) and were headed towards the Speaker's chair. However, before they could reach the Speaker's chair, the MPs and the parliamentary staff overpowered them. Some of the videos on social media showed one of the intruders being thrashed by the MPs after they grabbed him. In a coordinated attack, two persons, including a woman, sprayed coloured gas from canisters outside the Parliament premises while shouting slogans as well. The two who had intruded into the Lok Sabha were issued passes on the authorisation of BJP's Mysuru Lok Sabha member Prathap Simha, as one of them belonged to his constituency. The police are yet to question Mr Simha, but his office defended him, saying MPs generally entertain such requests from members of their constituency. The Congress demanded answers from the government and a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah in both Houses of Parliament on the "serious security breach" in the Lok Sabha, saying, "Does the incident not prove that necessary precautions were not taken?" Parties of the Opposition INDIA bloc will hold a meeting on Thursday morning to discuss their future course of action on the security breach in Parliament. They are considering meeting President Droupadi Murmu over the issue. "The Union home minister gives big speeches but can't maintain security in Parliament; he must resign," TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said. Besides, the TMC MPs also demanded action against the BJP MPs who allegedly helped the accused get passes to enter Parliament. Government sources, however, played down the chances of any serious action against Mr Simha, saying it is a routine practice for MPs to write for passes for people and they cannot be blamed for their conduct. Following the security breach, the Delhi police arrested five people till late Wednesday evening, including one of their accomplices. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, were among the over 100 lawmakers present in the House at the time of the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Shah were not in the House as they were away in Bhopal for the swearing-in ceremony of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav. The police identified the two individuals who jumped in the Lok Sabha as Sagar Sharma from Lucknow and Manoranjan D. from Mysuru. The two who were arrested from outside Parliament are Amol Shinde, 25, from Maharasthra's Latur and the woman identified as Neelam, 42, from Hisar. While Neelam was being taken away by police personnel, she told the media that they did not belong to any organisation and were students. "My name is Neelam. The Indian government is subjecting us to oppression; when we raise our voices for our rights, we are beaten and thrown into jail. We are subjected to undue force. We do not belong to any organisation. We are students and we are unemployed," she said, adding, "Our parents work as labourers, farmers and some are small shopkeepers. An attempt is being made to suppress our voices. Dictatorship will not work." According to the police, in all six people were involved in the conspiracy. Lalit and Vikram are the other two other suspected accomplices involved in the conspiracy. "The two suspects and the four accused stayed in a house in Gurugram and it seems that the incident was planned," said sources. While Vikram was detained from Gurugram, the Delhi police teams have been sent to various locations to nab Lalit, sources said, adding that so far no links between the suspects and any banned groups in the country have been found. However, the police is exploring all angles. According to eyewitnesses, at around 1 pm, two intruded into the Lok Sabha from the public gallery when BJP member Khagen Murmu was raising an issue during Zero Hour. "One of the intruders was trying to reach the Speaker's chair but was grabbed by the MPs. As we grabbed him, he took out a canister from his shoe and sprayed yellow smoke," said one of the MPs, while another MP said that the accused were saying that we were here only to protest. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, immediately adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm, as one part of the Lok Sabha chamber was filled with yellow-coloured smoke. After the incident, security checks were conducted in the House and the gases were found to be non-hazardous. After security clearance, the Lok Sabha reassembled at 2 pm. "The incident that happened today is an issue of concern for all of us and is serious as well... A high-level investigation is being done and accordingly, action will be taken. A comprehensive review will be done regarding the security in the House," said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. During the all-party meeting, called by the Speaker to review security arrangements, the Opposition leaders raised concern over the "major security breach" in Parliament and demanded a probe into the matter as well as the implementation of strict measures in the new building like that in the old one. Passes of former MPs and assistants of MPs have been cancelled. Sources said that in the coming days, security will be further tightened and glass casings could be installed in the visitor's gallery. Modi was seen interacting with the family members of the martyrs, particularly children who had gathered for the ceremony Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack, during a tribute ceremony at the Samvidhan Sadan, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Just hours before the security breach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Wednesday led the nation in paying tributes to those who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on Parliament. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Union home minister Amit Shah, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, science and technology minister Jitendra Singh were among others who offered floral tributes to the martyrs. Modi was seen interacting with the family members of the martyrs, particularly children who had gathered for the ceremony on a wintry morning. Later, Modi was seen having a chat with the RS Chairman. Congress leader Rajiv Shukla was also seen having a word with the PM before he departed from the venue. In a post on X, vice-president Dhankhar said, Remembering the courageous security personnel who laid down their lives during the attack on our Parliament in 2001. Bharat is forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice. Terrorism remains a threat to humanity worldwide, and it is imperative for nations to stand united in eradicating this obstacle to global peace, he said. Paying tributes to the security personnel, Modi said, Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory. Lok Sabha Speaker Birla in a post on X said, Paid tributes to the security personnel and parliamentary staff who made supreme sacrifice while protecting the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack in the Parliament House premises. The example of loyalty, dedication and dutifulness that they presented is worthy of rever ence for the country men. Even Hindu-majority Jammu is not happy with the new UT status The only claim that the Modi government can make is that national security concern was the reason for making the drastic changes in the status of Jammu and Kashmir. (Representative Image: DC) When the Narendra Modi government soon after its May 2019 victory in the Lok Sabha elections brought a bill in Parliament in August 2019 to do away with Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded temporary special status to Jammu and Kashmir, at a time when there was no elected government in the state, and Governors Rule of December 2018, which was valid for six months, was replaced by Presidents Rule in June 2019, there was clear political foul play. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which had wanted to abrogate Article 370 ever since its Jan Sangh days in the 1950s under Syama Prasad Mookerjee, had managed to fulfil a key part of its political agenda. It was indeed legitimate politics however much one disagreed with the politics of the right-wing party. It had the parliamentary majority, though it did not have the courage to campaign in the election that the removal of Article 370 was on its agenda. There was enough political stealth, which could again be defended as a legitimate tactic. The legal challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 and the abolition of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and its bifurcation into two Union territories (UTs) -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh came up in the Supreme Court in 2019 itself. But the Supreme Court chose to take up the issue only now, even as it did in the case of Ayodhyas Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case in November 2019 and the November 16, 2016 demonetisation issue in 2022. The political sting of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two UTs had died down, and there was no expectation that the Supreme Court would quash the abrogation of Article 370, or even the abolition of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant, in a 352-page judgment, upheld the abrogation in a roundabout way. It was easy for the judges to rely on the stated provision that it was a temporary measure, and to turn down the weak case put up by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal and others that once Kashmirs Constituent Assembly was wound up in 1956, there was no way to alter Article 370. (The two others on the five-member bench -- Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna -- gave concurring judgments.) Surprisingly, Chief Justice Chandrachud and the others chose to argue that Jammu and Kashmir had surrendered its sovereignty through the Instrument of Accession of October 1947 signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, and therefore the special status proviso of Article 370 was untenable. The argument of the judges that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 implied residual sovereignty is quite curious. Once Jammu and Kashmir had joined the Dominion of India in 1947 and India became a republic in 1950, there was no question of separate sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir. The issue was the autonomy of the state given Indias federal structure and not the sovereignty of the state. The basic tenet of political theory is that sovereignty is indivisible. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul also said that there was an element of internal sovereignty because the Constituent Assembly of the State was recognised. But that the temporary nature of Article 370 had the implication that the internal sovereignty could be derecognised. Even in the temporary provision that was Article 370, there was the provision that the while the President may, by public notification, declare that this article shall cease to be operative or only be operative with such exceptions is followed by the proviso: Provided that the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State referred to in clause (2) shall be necessary before the President issues such a notification. This has been rationalised by pointing to the fact that there was no state legislature in existence, and that the Governors Rule had been turned into Presidents Rule, and it was Parliament that would take the call. Democratic morality would have required that an important decision like doing away with Article 370 should have been taken when there was an elected Legislative Assembly and government in Jammu and Kashmir. The whole thing was done legally, but it was politically dubious, to say the least. The second major issue was whether the Centre can abolish a state, or bifurcate it into two Union territories. The Supreme Court felt that it was not necessary to go into the issue because solicitor-general Tushar Mehta had assured the judges that elections would be held and the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir would be restored. It would have been appropriate for the court to have given its ruling on the legality of the abolition of statehood. It is indeed clear that Article 3 gives unrestricted powers to the Union to create and alter the boundaries of states. But if federalism is held to be part of the basic structure of the Constitution, then it was necessary for the court to take a stance whether the governments move violated the federal, and thus the basic, structure of the Constitution. For various reasons, the Supreme Court and the Narendra Modi government happen to be on the same page, except for minor differences, on major issues of concern for this government. It is not surprising then that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote an article that reflected his happiness with the Supreme Courts verdict. The question is whether the BJP and Mr Modi have carried the people of Jammu and Kashmir with them. The Kashmir Valley is quiet for now, no doubt, but the issue is whether it is the peace of amity or the peace of fear. Mr Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah can claim as loudly as they can that all is well in the Valley, but there is no independent validation. It is possible and it is necessary to eliminate the terrorists, but it is necessary to respect the differences of opinion that the people of Kashmir have with the state government and with the Centre. Even Hindu-majority Jammu is not happy with the new UT status. The only claim that the Modi government can make is that national security concern was the reason for making the drastic changes in the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Now, national security is a sensitive issue and many things can be done in its name. Ultimately, it is the trust of the people of the former state that will keep it safe. And the people are with India, but the governments need to trust them. The historic document called on countries with an eight-point plan to achieve the goal COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber (C) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Simon Stiell (L) and other officials attend a plenary session during the United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 13, 2023. (AFP) Dubai: Nearly 200 countries on Wednesday clinched a deal that called for a "transition away from fossil fuels," the primary reason for the planet's climate crisis, at the UN climate summit here, a development described as "landmark" by negotiators but criticised by several activists for its lack of clarity. The words "fossil fuel" became part of the final document of the first Global Stocktake deal, being termed the UAE consensus, at the COP28 for the first time in almost three decades of such negotiations, which called for its transition in a "just and equitable" manner. Adopted after nearly two weeks of hectic negotiations, it urges countries to accelerate efforts toward the phase-down of unabated coal power, which is a climb down after India and China strongly resisted the singling out of coal. As COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gavelled through the agreement, the room full of negotiators at the annual Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) burst into applause. Addressing the closing plenary of the COP28, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said the collective efforts here have sent positive signals to the world in reinforcing commitment to maintaining the temperature goals set in Paris. "The way ahead must be based on equity and climate justice, let us implement the Paris Agreement in letter and spirit through the Global Stocktake process," he said. The text of the Dubai climate talks calls for a deep, rapid, and sustained reduction in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5 degree Celsius pathways in a "nationally determined" manner, taking into account the Paris Agreement and their different national circumstances, pathways, and approaches. The historic document called on countries with an eight-point plan to achieve this. It includes a "transition away from fossil fuels" in energy systems in a "just, orderly and equitable manner," accelerating action in this decade, to achieve net zero (balance between greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere) by 2050. It also urged countries to accelerate efforts toward the phase down of unabated coal power, a marginal step up from the 2021 Glasgow deal. However, unlike the previous versions, it lacks references to limiting the permitting of new and unabated coal power generation. This absence suggests a strong pushback from heavily coal-dependent countries such as India and China. Also, there is no mention of oil and gas in the 21-page document, fuels that rich countries continue to use. US Climate Envoy John Kerry said the US along with China, will update their long-term strategies on pathways to net zero emissions by 2050, and encouraged other countries to do the same. Graham Stuart, the UK's climate change minister, said this is the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. "We've heard from the small island states and we understand their concerns. The voices of the islands must be heard," he said. India's neighbours -- Pakistan and Bangladesh -- also spoke at the closing plenary and welcomed the adoption of the landmark agreement. Addressing the gathering after adopting the agreement, Sultan al-Jaber said this is a robust action plan which plans to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. Avinash Persaud, Special Climate Envoy to Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados, said when the dust settles and dawn breaks, this will be seen as one of the most historic COPs. "We have operationalised a loss and damage fund, recapitalised the Green Climate Fund, and orchestrated an international climate finance system that prepares for new levies alongside emboldened development banks and new private sector flows. Today, we have committed to triple renewable investments and have a just transition from fossil fuels," he said. Noting that some parties opposed a clear reference to phase out of fossil fuels during the COP28, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his post on X, said: "Fossil fuel phase out is inevitable." Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance, said the developments in Dubai further underscore the imperative to transition towards renewable energy for achieving Net Zero emissions. Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia, said, "We cannot celebrate the mere inclusion of the reference to fossil fuels in the text if it comes without means of implementation and finance for energy transition for poor and developing countries." Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), said the COP decision hasn't held historical polluters accountable, or established effective mechanisms to finance climate resilience and a just low-carbon transition for the Global South. "The Global Stocktake's final text lacked the candid acknowledgement of problems and the teeth required to fight them." Madhura Joshi, India Lead at independent climate change think tank E3G said, "Though, there are several contradictions, the first Global Stocktake leaves the door open for low-carbon/emission technologies and transition fuels that have the potential to delay action and lock-in resources." by Nirmala Carvalho A new facility for people with autism, Parkinson's and Down syndrome opened in the Indian state shaken by ethnic violence. This occurred on the same day that the new bishop, Mgr Linus Neli, began his ministry in Imphal. At the inauguration, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Girelli noted that the facility was for the people of Manipur, without distinction, and that Pope Francis is praying for them. Imphal (AsiaNews) A new shelter for men with autism, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and Down syndrome was officially inaugurated last Saturday at the Catholic Medical Centre in Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur. Named Street Providence Shelter Home, the facility opened on the same day, 8 December, that the new archbishop, Mgr Linus Neli, officially began his ministry in this frontier Church in northeastern India, shaken for months by violence between ethnic Meitei and Kuki. The consecration of the new archbishop took place at St John Bosco Parish in the village of Senapati in front of 10,000 people in a ceremony led by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon. Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, who was present at the event, used the occasion to deliver a message of unity and peace to this hurt land. Together with the new archbishop, he visited a relief camp at Ideal College in Akampat, handing out materials to the displaced. Local authorities attended the opening of the shelter in Imphal as did Donald Fernandes, the founder of the NGO Street Providence Goa who was instrumental in getting the new facility established. In his address, Archbishop Girelli expressed his appreciation for the initiative. Bringing greetings from Pope Francis, he noted that the pontiff was following events in Manipur with concern and prayed for peace in the state. The apostolic nuncio also said that the home was open to the people of Manipur, without distinction, and for this reason it deserves to be supported by the competent authorities. by Vladimir Rozanskij Four major trials are underway in Moscow under Article 210 of the Criminal Code, the one that provides for life imprisonment for criminal gangs. Among the most popular is the one for the 'Taganka mafia' and the one for the Summa business holding, in which a banker and former minister Mikhail Abyzov are also on trial. Moscow (AsiaNews) - In the last months of 2023, four sensational cases of organized crime to which one of the most severe articles of the penal code, art. 210 which provides for life imprisonment for the formation of criminal gangs. The most fearsome of these is that of the Taganskye, the "Taganka mafia", a central district of Moscow, whose leaders are now behind bars on charges of numerous murders, kidnappings, major robberies, scams, blackmail and mountains of illegal weapons in various depots. The verdict for the Taganskys is expected at the beginning of next year, and the proceedings are at their level with a less bloody group, but also more incisive in the dealings of the black economy, that of the commercial holding Summa, whose founder Zijavudin Magomedov has already been sentenced to 19 years in prison, and his brother Magomed to 18 years, together with some accomplices. Baltika bank owner Oleg Vlasov also received 17 years in prison, and hopes to have it reduced on appeal. Even a former member of the government was included among the great criminals, Mikhail Abyzov, who between 2015 and 2018 was minister of the "open society", a department that was later suppressed and evidently interpreted by him in a sense very little in keeping with the principle of legality, reaching 162nd place in the ranking of the richest men in Russia according to Forbes, with assets of over 600 million dollars. As an investigation by Novaja Gazeta explains, the reformulation of article 210 puts the major crimes of armed gangs on the same level as those of economic groups, using the weapon of preventive detention which postpones the search for evidence, and allows the use of negotiation as the main vehicle for the balance between the State and the mafias. The trial then receives avalanches of papers and folders that no one bothers to read, as everything has already been established in the secret rooms of power and detention. The large mass of accused, lawyers and the public forced the use of the main courtroom of the Mosgorsud, the central court of the capital, transforming the trial into a great spectacle. The main interest was aroused by the exposition of the prosecutor Svetlana Petrenko, who illustrated Abyzov's maneuvers between 2011 and 2014 as "the beneficiary of a series of offshore companies, around which one of the criminal organizations was formed most ramified in all of Russia". In practice, it was a description of the real condition of Russian society, which overcame the mafia conflicts in the 1990s, with a much more effective and widespread system of control of the economy, especially in the exploitation of Siberian energy resources. The paradox is that the unification of investigative processes under Article 210, introduced by Putin in the first years of his presidency, was then contested by Putin himself in 2020, when in the presidential message at the beginning of the year he stated that "we must stop using article 210 as a punitive instrument against businessmen. The Moscow Duma promptly followed the indication, approving a corrective to the Code whereby entrepreneurs and company managers cannot be charged under this article. However, there remains a window for use by the police, which provides "for the connection with particularly serious crimes" the possibility of involving businessmen in the trials of criminal gangs. This is why the ongoing trials try to show these links, not so much with the evidence collected, but with the theories that allow us to paint an overall picture. The Magomedovs' Summa group employed hundreds of thousands of people, providing the state budget with between 20 and 25 billion rubles in taxes, in addition to hundreds of millions intended to support welfare projects, and also funding for the Orthodox Church. In a context of uncontrollable economic crisis, as a consequence of wars and sanctions, a new "division of capital" is necessary, calling judges to operate as accountants of the state economy, white, gray or black, or even red with blood of the mafias. Fofo: Mikhail Abyzov (Wikimedia) New appeal by Francis at the general audience for Israelis and Palestinians to choose peace instead of arms. In the Paul VI Hall the concluding reflection of the cycle of catechesis on apostolic zeal in evangelisation: "Jesus says to every believer and to his Church: open up because the message of the Gospel needs you in order to be witnessed and proclaimed". Vatican City (AsiaNews) May the enormous suffering of the Israelis and the Palestinians end. Please: no to weapons, yes to peace!." Pope Francis again urged today with a new appeal, launched at the end of the general audience with the faithful, held today in the Paul VI Hall. He said: I am continuing to follow the war in Israel and in Palestine, with great concern. I renew my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. There is much suffering there. I encourage all the parties involved to resume negotiations, and I ask everyone to make an urgent commitment to ensure that humanitarian aid will reach the people of Gaza, who are at the end of their tether and in great need of it..May all the hostages be freed." Before pronouncing these words - combined as always with the invitation to prayer for peace in Ukraine and in other regions tormented by war - Pope Francis had today concluded his reflections on apostolic zeal in evangelization, which began last January 11th. After presenting a series of profiles of great evangelizers from all over the world and having underlined some characteristics of the mission in recent weeks, the pontiff focused today on the evangelical page in which Jesus heals a deaf mute by pronouncing the word "effata" over him ( Mc 7,31-37). Francis highlighted the fact that this episode occurred geographically in a region inhabited mainly by pagans. The Gospel - the Pope recalled -the Gospel reports Jesus decisive word in Aramaic. Ephphatha which means be open, may the ears be open, may the tongue be open. And it is an invitation that is addressed not so much to the deaf man, who could not hear him, but precisely to the disciples of that time and of every age. We too, who have received the ephphatha of the Spirit in Baptism, are called to be open. Be open, Jesus says to every believer and to his Church: be open because the Gospel message needs you to witness it and proclaim it!". Closed Christians - he added - always end up badly, because they are not Christians, they are ideologues, ideologues of closure. A Christian must be open to announcing the Word, to welcoming brothers and sisters." Brothers, sisters - concluded Pope Francis - let us all feel called, as baptized people, to witness and proclaim Jesus. And let us ask for the grace, as Church, to bring about a pastoral and missionary conversion. On the banks of the Sea of Galilee, the Lord asked Peter if he loved him and then asked him to tend his sheep (cf. vv. 15-17). Let us too ask ourselves. Let each one of us ask ourselves this question, let us ask ourselves: Do I truly love the Lord to the point of wanting to proclaim him? Do I want to become his witness or am I content to be his disciple? Do I take to heart the people I meet, bringing them to Jesus in prayer? Do I want to do something so that the joy of the Gospel, which has transformed my life, may make their lives more beautiful?. Today's news: The UN votes on a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza; Hundreds of Nepalese are said to be enlisted in the war in Ukraine: Pakistan protested to Afghanistan over the latest attack in which dozens of soldiers died; India asks the US for information about Sikh separatists; Japan tries to keep the squirrels at bay; Plane crashes in Russia increase. THAILAND This morning a Thai court sentenced a 29-year-old MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, Rukchanok Srinork, to six years in prison. She is accused of lese majeste and violating the Computer Crimes Act, two measures used by the government to limit freedom of speech and opinion. The Move Forward party won the most seats in this year's May elections, but conservative forces prevented it from forming a government. GAZA ISRAEL The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favor of a resolution for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire". However, this is a non-binding resolution. Israel continued to bomb Gaza, focusing mainly on Khan Younis in the south. There were also clashes in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, and in Jenin, in the West Bank, where the Israel Defense Forces carried out a drone attack. NEPAL After six Nepalese citizens recruited as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine died last week, Nepal's prime minister revealed that at least 200 of his countrymen may have been recruited by Moscow in exchange for the promise of Russian citizenship. A small contingent of Nepalese are also believed to be serving in the Ukrainian army, finding themselves on the opposing side in a distant war. PAKISTAN Pakistan has protested against Afghanistan's Taliban government over the killing of 23 soldiers in an attack on a military base, demanding action against the perpetrators. The attack, which occurred yesterday, was claimed by Tahreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a group that Islamabad says is affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban or TTP, supported by Kabul. According to experts, the increase in violence is a problem in view of the elections scheduled for 8 February 2024. INDIA India has asked the US to share information on Sikh separatists living on US soil. The request was made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's counter-terrorism agency, in a meeting with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray, an Indian official said. Delhi has long been trying to repress what it considers separatist movements, active mainly in Canada and the United States. JAPAN Kamakura city authorities are campaigning against Formosan squirrels, a non-native species that is damaging the city's wooden shrines and local people's crops. Despite a 2000 law allowing the capture and killing of squirrels, their numbers are increasing, to the point that the local government has submitted a request for additional budget to finance the campaign. RUSSIA Since the beginning of 2023, over 180 plane crashes have occurred in Russia, three times more than the previous year, mainly due to the poor condition of the aircraft without maintenance and assistance from abroad, and the situation continues to worsen; in November there were 12 planes broken down, from 1 to 11 December there have already been 14 accidents with faulty planes. Do Penis Pumps Really Work? Your All-Inclusive Guide to Penis Pumps The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Lets be honest penis pumps arent exactly the coolest product around. Their biggest cultural moment in the spotlight was likely in the 1997 movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. In one iconic scene from the film, when Powers has just been thawed out from being cryogenically frozen for decades and is retrieving his belongings, a penis pump (described as a vacuum constriction device) is plucked from the basket. RELATED: How to Get a Big Penis, Explained Thats not mine! he exclaims. I dont even know what this is, this sort of thing isnt my bag, baby. The scene continues to derive more and more laughs from his ownership of a penis pump, ultimately positioning the object as a cheap gag, and something Powers is ashamed of. But the reality is, a penis pump can serve a serious purpose or rather, multiple ones that can potentially improve your sex life. So, in order to better understand penis pumps and demystify them a little bit, AskMen spoke to a couple of sex experts. Heres what they had to say: What Is a Penis Pump? A penis pump is a viable and safe treatment option for those who have difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection by reversing atrophy and pulling blood-flow into the penis. RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction Considering 50 percent of men experience erectile function problems by their middle-age and one in four men under 40 have reported erectile issues, it is an item you may benefit from becoming familiar with. Additionally, penis pumps can also be used for enlargement, with men who use them reporting that they can make an erection up to one to three inches larger, and even 25 percent girthier. The penis pump itself typically consists of a tube (often made of glass or plastic) that fits over the penis, a hand or battery-powered pump attached to the tube, and a constriction ring that fits around the base of the penis when erect. Reports by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists found that between 56 percent and 67 percent of men whove used a penis pump report that it is effective. The device is also believed to be a safer alternative to erectile dysfunction pills, which may cause hard side effects like fainting, headaches and blurred vision. What Are the Risks of Using a Penis Pump? Though considered one of the less risky treatments available for ED, there are still some minor risks to watch out for when using a penis pump. Since the erection is not achieved naturally this way, the penis may be more purple in color (and a bit numb), but dont fret it happens. When vacuum erection devices (aka penis pumps) are misused, they can cause bruising, skin stretching and nerve damage that lowers sensation, says Susan Bratton, a sex advisor and author of the Pump Guide. These bruises are often painless and generally last a few days. To avoid damage, it is recommended you follow the safety guidelines provided with your pump. If your particular device doesnt come with instructions, Bratton suggests not using it. She also advises against using another item around the house (even novelty products found in many sex shops) as an alternative. Proper pumps are medical devices approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction, she says, remarking that jelqing (the act of manually stretching the penile tissue) is a dangerous, albeit popular alternative as men can bruise, overstretch and hurt their penises by jelqing too hard. A quality pump is an investment in reversing erectile dysfunction, restoring tissue that has atrophied due to lack of intimacy or illness and for penis enlargement. How to Properly Use a Penis Pump Though you should still follow the instructions provided for each individual device, most penis pumps tend to work the same way. Trimming or shaving any pubic hair near the base of your penis is suggested so that it doesn't get caught in the ring. Before using the pump, it's also a good idea to apply a lubricant to the penis so it doesn't pull when coming out. Then, place the pump over your penis and pump the air out of the cylinder using a low vacuum pressure. Once the penis is erect, with the help of lubricant, release the vacuum and remove the pump. If the pump is left on too long or pumped too tightly, it can potentially harm the blood vessels and tissue in the penis, says Dr. Steven McGough, Director of Research and Development at Women and Couples Wellness. This can sometimes cause small blood vessels to bleed, resulting in small red spots called petechiae to form on the penis. Batton recommends using the pump every other day to allow for some rest and recovery. If you choose to pair your pump with a cock ring (which will help maintain a harder erection), limit use of the ring to 30 minutes any longer than that can cut off circulation to your penis and cause serious harm. Purchasing a Penis Pump While some penis pumps are available without a prescription, its best to speak with a doctor before purchasing, as they can suggest a quality device that suits your specific needs. Sure, there are some readily available online and in sex ads, but those might not be safe or effective. RELATED: Investigating the Products Sold in Pornhubs Pop-Up Ads When searching for the right model for you, McGough suggests making sure your penis pump has a vacuum limiter, which keeps pressure from getting too high and harming your penis. Generally, you want a rubber opening at the bottom of the pump that can accommodate multiple penis sizes (diameter), a pump that is durable and reliable, and a quick-release valve for once you have achieved an erection, he says. Interested in getting your very own penis pump? Check out the options below recommended by professionals. Penomet Premium McGough recommends the Penomet Premium Package, which includes several different gaiters (60, 65, 70, 75, 80), a shower strap, a digital exercise handbook, a printed instructional booklet and a three-year warranty. Penomet crafts their product with the consumer in mind, following feedback from thousands of individuals and consumers. The interchangeable gaiter system allows users to safely increase the pressure for a comfortable experience. $127 at Penomet.com Premium Electric Pump System II Bratton recommends this pump developed by a family-owned company thats been in business for over 25 years. Its designed to increase both girth as well as length as you put both your penis and testicles in the cylinder. Dont worry, though, as Bratton assures the testicles are not harmed or enlarged by pumping. In fact, she says they benefit from the increased blood flow. $439 at DrJoelKaplan.com You Might Also Dig: I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results Japan's oldest person, Fusa Tatsumi, died at 116 on December 12 at 9:25 am. Tatsumi was born on April 25, 1907, in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture. Kyodo News reported that she spent her last days at a nursing home in Kashiwara. Tatsumi had an impact on the employees in the nursing home as she was known for often greeting them. Tatsumi Dies at 116 Tatsumi was the second daughter of six children, who married at 32 years old. She raised three children, who went on to grace her with eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. "I can only be grateful that she survived with the help of generous nursing care," Tatsumi's oldest son said. He proudly added Tatsumi was the oldest mother in Japan, who was able to accomplish something that no one could do. The Osaka resident was proclaimed the oldest person in Japan after Kane Tanaka's death, who died on April 19, 2022, at 119 years old. In September 2023, Tatsumi received a congratulatory letter from Osaka Prefecture Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura to honor her long life. Yoshimura posted on X, formerly Twitter, about Tatsumi's death, acknowledging the letter and her longevity. "I still can't forget how energetic Fusa Tatsumi was," he wrote. He noted that they will sincerely pray for the repose of Fusa Tatsumi's soul. Read Also: Ankaragucu President Punches Referee, Prompts Chaos After Turkish Super Lig Match World's Oldest Person According to Fox News, Guinness World Records announced Maria Branyas Morera of Spain as the oldest person living in the world. Her title came after the death of French nun Sister Andre, aged 118. She encountered and survived two world wars, a civil war, and two global pandemics. Morera turned 116 years old on January 17, 2023. She spent the last 22 years in a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, but was born and raised in San Francisco. Despite Morera's old age, she still uses Twitter to communicate with her followers with the help of her daughter. Her bio says, "I am very old, but not an idiot." Her family migrated to the US for eight years when she was only one year old. Morera's father died of pulmonary tuberculosis, and Morera permanently lost her hearing in one ear. Furthermore, she was believed to be the oldest person to survive COVID-19, testing positive in May 2020. Morera's tweets expressed that she was surprised and grateful for the interest generated by her new status. However, she said she would not entertain any more interviews as she was already tired and stressed. She tweeted that she needs peace and tranquility as she lived in the Tura Residence for 22 years and does not want the routine of the residents or the staff who care for them to change. The Residencia Santa Maria del Tura held a special event behind closed doors to acknowledge Morera's title in the coming days. Related Article: Jeffrey Dahmer's Father Passes Away in Nursing Home at 87 @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BMW is often credited with inventing the coupe SUV with the X6. On the other hand, some peeps argue that South Korean automaker SsangYong was first (in 2005) with the aesthetically-challenged Actyon. SUV Photo: Dacia In any case, this kind of body style is extremely popular nowadays. Everyone and their dog seems to be making coupe SUVs, including mass-market brands. Renault comes to mind, a French automaker that's currently pivoting to battery-electric vehicles.A C-segment crossover based on the CMF-B platform of the Captur , the Arkana is available to configure in three well-equipped flavors. The so-called evolution with a lowercase 'e' starts at 31,000 euros in France, meaning 33,470 dollars at current exchange rates. The Rafale is expected to kick off at 44,000 euros or thereabouts, which is a bit steep for excuse my French an effing front-drive Renault.Lower down the spectrum, Renault could very well apply the coupe-recipe to the Dacia Duster. That's exactly what rendering artist X-Tomi Design did to the all-new Duster, which is quite a bit cheaper than the aforementioned Arkana (and the Captur).The design study remains faithful to the real thing, whereas X-Tomi's execution of the rear end has a whiff of "could be" to it. The Renault-owned Romanian automaker is believed to be working on a coupe-styled crossover as part of the C-Neo project, but due to the lack of any official confirmation from Dacia, that's nothing more than wishful thinking.Looking at the bigger picture, a coupe SUV would go against the low-cost brand's low-cost ethos. The X6 is pricier than the X5, which is perfectly fine because Munich's favorite son is a premium automaker. A pricier take on the Duster? Truth is, not so muchThere is, however, a glimmer of hope in this regard. Laurens van den Acker, the Renault Group's design chief, made it clear that his vision for Dacia is for the Romanian marque to challenge Jeep in Europe. Why is that? According to van den Acker, because there's no serious rival for Jeep in this part of the world.Dacia may be well positioned for prospective customers enamored with the outdoors, but taking the fight to Jeep would result in higher prices and lower sales across the board. Considering that Dacia's customers decided on Dacia due to its reasonably priced vehicles, van den Acker's vision may be wide off the mark.Now twinned with the Arkana and Captur on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-B platform, the Duster sold 197,100 units in Europe in 2022. In other words, it sold marginally worse than James May's favorite car. Jokes aside, the Sandero truly is popular in the EU and the UK, having sold a grand total of 229,500 examples in 2022. Coincidentally, the Sandero is a CMF-B affair as well. But as opposed to the Duster, you can't get a four-pot mill anymore. SUV That's a grand total of ten nameplates not bad for an automaker that wasn't even around some 35 years ago, right? Anyway, the luxury vehicle division, which is headquartered at home in Japan but has main operational centers in Brussels, Belgium, and Plano, Texas, the US, is diligently taking care of all of them new and old.One of the latter monikers, the GX mid-size premium, has been around for more than two decades as the luxury sibling of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Earlier this year, Lexus unveiled in a double event alongside the first-ever TX crossover SUV with three rows the third generation GX 550 based on the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture as the ritzier cousin of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.Everyone is hyped beyond belief for the pair, especially since the latter is making a fabled return to America starting sometime next year. But before that happens, Lexus gets the prime time, and the spotlight on the red carpet is now focused on the 2024 GX 550 as it makes its way into nationwide American dealerships starting in early 2024."The wait is over," says Lexus but there are still a few days before we reach 2024. Maybe they were referring to the anticipation of seeing where the all-new GX 550 fits across the brand's MSRP strategy. Well, unsurprisingly, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is one of the most expensive non-hybrid models in the lineup the only one that is costlier is the J300 Lexus LX 600. So, unlike the 2023 GX 460, which kicks off at $60,225, the brand-new GX 550 will retail for at least $64,250 but it does include the delivery, processing, and handling fee, at least.Anyway, we suspect the pricing difference is well worth it given how the third iteration arrives with the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood, producing 349 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque a hybrid powertrain is already available in certain markets and will be introduced to the US "at a later date," too. Standard perks now include the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. At the same time, the optional first-ever Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades are available with standard adventure-ready 18-inch alloy wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires.The "highly capable and efficient twin-turbo" is paired with a ten-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, and the GX 550 boasts an improved EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. At the same time, towing capacity has actually increased for the Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch to 8,000 lbs. SUV The largest carmaker in the world has had a marvelous time this year, and the tidal wave of novelties is seemingly unstoppable the Tacoma mid-size pickup truck is now live on the company's American online configurator That means another 2023 superstar after the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Grand Highlander, or the trio of GR special editions (GR86 Trueno, GR Corolla Circuit, GR Supra 45th Anniversary) is ready to hit the market and start deliveries from nationwide dealerships. Speaking of America, do you think that fans have had enough novelties with the upcoming 2024 Land Cruiser, 2024 Tacoma i-Force Max, 2025 Camry, or 2025 Crown Signia?If you ask the rumor mill and especially the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, not at all. More precisely, the good folks over at the AutomagzPro and CarsVision channels on YouTube have unleashed their resident pixel masters to portray AI-assisted visions of compact Japanese SUVs the hypothetical 2025 Toyota Compact Cruiser FJ and the Suzuki Jimny Sierra Turbo.According to the host and the virtual artist from CarsVision , Toyota might finally unleash a smaller Land Cruiser-like compact body-on-frameto stand beside the Corolla Cross and RAV4 compact crossover SUVs and defy any expectations about rugged and adventurous vehicles. The design is reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser, of course, but also introduces a sense of awe and modernity while the body is potentially just a three-door SUV.Secondly, the peeps over at AutomagzPro are shamelessly stealing the looks of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Jeep Wrangler to envision the unofficial pocket-sized Suzuki Jimny Sierra Turbo that could help the Japanese automaker come back to its former automotive glory in America. Unfortunately, both are entirely wishful thinking at this point, as neither carmaker confirms anything. Interestingly, though, they are not without logic.Toyota could quickly introduce a baby Land Cruiser to satisfy the growing desire for rugged yet compact SUVs . At the same time, Suzuki could easily take advantage of the same underpinnings and Toyota's sales network if they wanted to introduce a sibling in America. So, which one is your favorite the futuristic three-door baby 'Yota or the quirky, boxy, and lovable five-door Suzuki? And do you think they could find success in America, historically the land of the free and the bold but also of humongous automobiles?If you ask me, the effort to set up the return of the Suzuki brand to America is not really worth it. On the other hand, Toyota could do well to bring to market a rugged yet compact Land Cruiser as a counterpoint for the crossovers that only look like powerful SUVs that's a nod to the Ford Bronco Sport. SUV In America, for example, passenger cars include two kinds of Prius hybrids, three instances of Corolla compacts (sedan, hatchback, GR Corolla), a Camry or Camry Hybrid, the Mirai fuel cell sedan, and also the big Sienna alongside the GR86 and GR Supra. Crossovers and SUVs are also well represented: all-electric bZ4X, Corolla Cross & Hybrid, RAV4 & Hybrid, Highlander & Hybrid, Grand Highlander & Hybrid, Venza (only Hybrid), 4Runner, and Sequoia.Only the truck department suffers because they only have the full-size Tundra and mid-size Tacoma to show although both are at least available with i-Force Max hybrid powertrains. Obviously, if there is one segment where Toyota could improve the current roster, it is not the passenger car or CUV or (where the 2024 Land Cruiser, 2025 Camry, and 2025 Crown Signia are coming); that would be the popular pickup truck niche.Since Toyota doesn't dare trespass into Ford F-Series territory with a heavy-duty version to take on the Super Duty, the rumor mill thinks that it has no choice but to try and conquer the newly revived unibody compact pickup truck sector. As such, numerous reports have claimed that Toyota is either modifying the bland Corolla Cross into a pickup truck version or actively considering a rebirth of the Stout nameplate.Naturally, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators always chooses what suits them best. On this occasion, the good folks from the TheAutoReport channel on YouTube have imagined the potential revival of the classic Stout compact pickup truck from Toyota because the resident pixel master had a lot of AI-assisted ideas, and the Corolla Cross derivative is way too easy to achieve, presumably.Instead, the CGI expert unofficially treated us to a handful of 2025 Toyota Stout interpretations . Remember, all these renderings are hypothetical and need to be taken with a lot of salt as Toyota hasn't confirmed anything about a potential clash with the current king of the segment the Ford Maverick, or its only rival, the ritzier and slightly more expensive Hyundai Santa Cruz. Obviously, though, it would be interesting to see if Toyota can bring back the classic Stout charm in a modern setting.As far as the channel's virtual artist is concerned, the revival doesn't need to carry a lot of retro cues the moniker should suffice. Instead, the unofficial design project takes ample inspiration from the likes of Tacoma and Tundra, even though it might not be produced on the same body-on-frame architecture. They also have some thoughts on the powertrain and dare to assume that Toyota would lend the reborn Stout its very best inline-four mills. Cool or not? EV Photo: Honda The zero-emission supermini's downfall started from the very moment Honda revealed it. Penned by Ken Sahara, the cutesy hatchback was and still is too expensive for a B-segment model. Worse still, its driving range leaves much to be desired in comparison to the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt, Peugeot e-208, and recently leaked Lancia Ypsilon EV.At launch, the automaker from Tokyo quoted 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a full charge of the high-voltage battery. At press time, Honda's poor-selling e is listed with up to 220 kilometers (137 miles) under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure as opposed to 362 kilometers (225 miles) for the e-208 and 417 (259) for the Chevrolet Bolt EV.Pricing? As per Honda's Japanese website, that would be 4,950,000 yen or 34,025 dollars at current exchange rates. That means the Honda e costs more than an Odyssey minivan. Oh, and by the way, the Civic Type R kicks off at 4,997,300 yen in Japan.Abysmal value for money? Not exactly so, but alas, all the standard equipment that one can throw at a B-segment hatchback with low driving range won't change the fact that Honda's rather pretty e is too expensive for a subcompact hatch with low range.Part of the reason why Honda failed is the automaker's initial dismissal of electric vehicles. Although we're still a few years off widespread adoption due to battery tech- and charging infrastructure-related challenges, Honda couldn't have been more wrong. Everyone and their dog wants a Tesla, and the rising market share of EVs is slowly but steadily putting fossil-fuel vehicles to shame.Not all is lost, though, because Honda was wise enough to learn from this costly mistake. Over in the United States, the Japanese automaker partnered up with General Motors for the Prologue and the Acura-badged ZDX. Both are twinned with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, whose BEV3 platform is further shared with the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq, Cadillac Lyriq, and the Celestiq.In the Old Continent, a small crossover indirectly replaces the Honda e. Advertised as the Honda e:Ny1, said crossover is close to the HR-V and ZR-V in terms of dimensions. The problem with it, however, is rather familiar. At 47,590 from the outset, it's almost five grand more than a Model 3.Five grand! As if that wasnt bad enough for the obnoxiously named e:Ny1, even the Model Y is more affordable (starting at 44,890) and better in terms of driving range (455 instead of 412 kilometers). When a custom bike shop ventures to build a tracker, the end result will usually be a street-friendly machine equipped with things like a license plate bracket, full lighting, and a front brake. Its far less common to see a fully-fledged race bike made specifically for the track, but such entities are bound to leave quite an impression when they do pop up. Take, for instance, this Triumph TR6 flat tracker from France. Photo: Max Cassagne via Pipeburn Photo: Max Cassagne via Pipeburn It was put together by one Christophe Canitrot, who resides over in Toulouse and has been building custom motorcycles solo for several years. He is heavily involved in the French bike-modding community, much more so than other enthusiasts or even some professional builders. As one of the race directors at the annual Wheels and Waves festival near Biarritz, Christophe takes his craft very seriously in the hopes of inspiring others.The Frenchman also likes to get in on some proper action at Wheels and Waves, being particularly keen on the shows flat-tracking event. At first, his weapon of choice had been a classic Triumph Daytona purpose-built for going sideways and left, but he eventually decided to take things one step further. Whereas the said Daytona still used the stock frame and engine, this wild TR6R only retains the parallel-twin mill.Christophe didnt start by acquiring the donor bike, though, instead kicking things off by hunting down the frame. He was lucky enough to score a brand-new Staracer chassis made by the one and only Roger Attebury, intended specifically for competitive flat track racing. With this fresh skeleton in his possession, Monsieur Canitrot began searching for a suitable power source to match its geometry.Repurposing the engine of his Daytona race bike seemed like the most straightforward solution, but the framework had been designed for a larger 650cc vertical twin. This is how the Triumph TR6R came into the picture, as the projects author found a 1967 model in the U.S. and had it imported to France via Legend Motor. While the TR6 was making its way across the big pond, he gathered a few more bits and pieces before the real fun could begin.These included some snazzy 38 mm (1.5-inch) Ceriani GP replica forks, a fresh pair of aluminum rims, and various aftermarket accessories. As the necessary parts were being collected, Christophe took delivery of the TR6 and proceeded to call in reinforcements for the powertrain-related work. He sent the motorcycles parallel-twin mill to Philippe Fabre, a local mechanic whose services came in handy several times before.Philippe really went to town with the engine makeover, installing a 750cc big bore kit complete with replacement pistons, cylinder barrels, and gaskets. The valves and their associated springs are all new, as well, but you will also find a lighter crank, fresh connecting rods, and a premium camshaft. Furthermore, the twin-cylinder powerhouse benefits from additional modern-day reliability in the form of a Tri-Spark electronic ignition system.It now inhales through Mikuni carburetors topped with K&N air filters, while the exhaust gases are expelled via custom stainless-steel plumbing. Featuring a two-into-one configuration, the pipework was meticulously crafted by Cristoffer Martensson down in Barcelona. Back in Toulouse, Sir Canitrot pieced the rolling chassis together while Philippe was taking care of the engine.The Ceriani replica forks were mated to Staracer frame by way of bespoke triple clamps and bearings, but Christophe didnt mention where the adjustable rear shocks came from. Of course, all the stopping power occurs at the back, where youll come across a drilled brake disc and a high-grade caliper. The latter is operated through a Brembo master cylinder.As for the aluminum rims weve mentioned earlier, theyve been laced to custom wheel hubs and enveloped in flat-track rubber fore and aft. The French moto connoisseur kept things fairly simple when it came to the bodywork, just as youd expect from a dedicated flat track racing machine. We notice a trio of handmade number plates, one up front and the others flanking the seat.They bear the number 71 over a white background, and there is also a slender fuel tank wrapped in a vibrant yellow base. Red Triumph graphics make an appearance, too, because you might as well look the part while going fast around the dirt track, right? Christophe Canitrot fashioned the high-mounted fender and accompanying struts in-house, but the two-piece saddle was made by a local specialist from Toulouse.For the finishing touches, the Frenchman added billet aluminum foot controls and a wide aftermarket handlebar. Still, there are tons of smaller details he hasnt gone into here, and the final result is absolutely top-notch on every level! It looks fully prepared for a life of flat track action, with all the retro charm you could want from a TR6-based build. We reckon itd be even cooler with mud splattered all over it, though. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined forces with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts in a joint statement calling for a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The officials are demanding for authorities to put an end to the "continuous suffering" of the citizens in the war-torn region. In the statement, the ministers said that they were alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza amid the Israeli bombardment of Hamas militants. Australia Calls for Gaza Ceasefire They noted that the price of defeating the Hamas militant group cannot be the continuous suffering of Palestinian civilians. The statement comes as health authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza said that the death toll from Israel's continued offensive has surpassed 18,000. Albanese and his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts, Justin Trudeau and Chris Luxon, respectively, said they are calling for a resumption of the recent ceasefire. They added that they support "urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire." However, the three prime ministers said the ceasefire cannot simply be "one-sided." They noted that the Hamas militant group must release all of its hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its weapons, as per The Guardian. The three officials also condemned the Hamas militant group's unacceptable treatment of its hostages. They have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all of the captives who were being held in Gaza. Both the Australian and Canadian governments consider Hamas a terrorist organization while New Zealand authorities designated the group's military wing a terrorist group. The joint statement also criticized Hamas' initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7. That particular assault resulted in the death of more than 1,200 people in Israel and the prime ministers condemned the heinous acts of violence that were perpetrated in those attacks. These include sexual violence as well as the abduction of more than 200 people. Read Also: Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Make Crucial US Visit, Aiming to End Senate's Assistance Funding Impasse for Ukraine Israel's Continued Offensive Earlier on Tuesday, United States President Joe Biden said that Israel was losing support over its "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza. He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should change his hard-line government. The remarks exposed a new rift between the Democrat and the Middle Eastern leader, according to Reuters. Trudeau spoke in Ottawa and said that he had a very long conversation with Netanyahu on Tuesday regarding his country's position on the Gaza conflict and commitment towards a two-state solution for the embattled region. The Canadian prime minister has consistently argued that Israel has the right to defend itself against the Hamas militant group. However, with the rising death toll, particularly among civilians, in Gaza, he has started to harden his tone slowly. The joint statement is the latest development in Israel facing mounting international pressure to rethink its offensive in Gaza. The United Nations General Assembly voted on Tuesday for a renewed ceasefire. Israel's chief ally, the United States, added pressure on Israel's government to change tack. On the other hand, Israeli authorities have repeatedly refused to consider a long-term ceasefire in the war-torn region. This is unless Hamas releases the hostages that it took from the region during its initial attack, said Inquirer. Related Article: UN General Assembly Vote Hoped To Spark Support for Gaza Ceasefire as Palestinians Call for Global Strike @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Minimalist living and downsizing are still very much "in" right now, but that's not to say there isn't any room left for getting creative. And "creative" is just the right descriptor for this home, an off-grid container home unlike any other we've seen. Photo: Airbnb/Mark Derenthal Photo: Airbnb/Mark Derenthal Photo: Airbnb/Mark Derenthal Photo: Airbnb/Mark Derenthal The developments of recent years served as fuel for a shift in priorities, which, in turn, paved the way for a rise in popularity of alternative housing solutions. For a million reasons, people wanted and needed and still need to to live smaller, preferably in more mobile homes that would allow them to combine the two things popular wisdom says you should never combine in life, business, and pleasure. Tiny houses , which had been around as a niche trend since the early 2000s, became mainstays, as did mobile homes like van or bus conversions, RVs, and other types of wheeled habitats. And then, there are the container homes, which walk the fine line between a brick-and-mortar home and a mobile one while offering the advantages of easy assembly, reduced costs, and the possibility to go DIY (do it yourself) on the project.On paper, container homes have some of the biggest advantages of two different lifestyles: they can be moved around on a flatbed trailer, they can be set up within days with minimal ground prep work, and they come with comparatively reduced costs and smaller carbon footprints, which also makes them more sustainable. Granted, they also have some cons, like the more compact and restrictive layout, but these downsides are nothing that can't be worked around with the right amount of outside-of-the-box thinking.The River Forest Lookout is an excellent example of how creativity comes into play to transform a regular container into not just a home but the most unique, completely off-grid escape. All mobility has been lost in the process, but the view is worth it.In much simpler words, River Forest Lookout is a compound made up of two containers suspended some 60 feet (18 meters) over the forest floor in Epworth, Georgia, U.S. It's not a container home but a "container tower," where each container has been converted into a specific living area, offering all the creature comforts of home for two people.One container is the bedroom, kitchen, and lounge, while the other is a full bathroom, and both benefit from spectacular surrounding views thanks to floor-to-ceiling glazing. How's that for a room with a view?If that's not enough to sweep you off your feet, the Lookout boasts other amenities worthy of a more grounded retreat . There's a balcony with an outdoor barbecue grill that doubles as alfresco dining room, a rooftop terrace with another two-person lounge and a firepit (firepits on the ground areyesterday!), a cozy wood-burning stove inside, and a spacious bathroom where you won't feel like you're compromising just for the sake of a nice vacation spot.Because these are two containers linked by a small platform, the Lookout is able to sidestep the spatial limitations of a standard container home with much gusto. So, instead of the linear layout of a typical container home, you get a space that feels exactly like what it is: an escape into the wilderness, where you can't be reached by the outside world unless you want to. And unless the outside world climbs the stairs to get to you and hopefully isn't afraid of heights.Naturally, because of its location , both on an isolated stretch of rural land and high up in the air, the Lookout is completely off-grid. Owner and builder Mark Derenthal completed the "painstaking" project with an eye to sustainability, which just so happened to fit the practical challenges of the home.The Forest River Lookout is hooked up to a well for water and relies on solar power for electricity. For heating, it relies on the wood-burning stove and wall-mounted propane heaters, and we assume the toilet is a compositing one. No word on the capacity of the solar system, but photos show that the roof of one of the containers is entirely covered in solar cells, so we assume there's enough to run off appliances without keeping a constant eye on the charge levels.The Forest River Lookout is offered as a rental through one of the most popular platforms of the kind, and it's become quite a hit there, as expected. This is like the grown-up version of a tree house, but rendered off-grid and so much awesomer!However, even if you're not in Georgia now or plan to be anytime soon, the Forest River Lookout is still a container home worthy of your attention, if only for showing that we're still to reach peak creativity in this niche of the market. So here's a much-needed dose of inspiration or just eye candy, if you're not looking to get into DIY. AWD EV It will be a while before the 2+ million reservations convert into sales, but at least you know the prices and can easily configure the preferred choice: RWD for $61k,for $80k, and the flagship Cyberbeast for $99,990. However, for the first one, you have to wait at least until 2025, while the other two are expected to start next year from Giga, Texas.A few lucky folks, though, will be rewarded with a Cybertruck AWD or Cyberbeast later this month if they order and pay some $20k more for the fully tricked-out Foundation Series. There's only one problem whatever you choose, there's just one color choice. The silver you see comes from stainless steel, and the only way to hide it is through OEM or aftermarket wraps.If the Tesla options seem costly the official color paint film is $6,500 you can always depend on the aftermarket realm to fulfill all fantasies. But what if your favorite color reportedly the most popular hue is still white doesn't look good on the Cybertruck ? Don't you want to know in advance? No worries, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators is here to save us, as per tradition.Sugar Chow, the virtual artist better known as sugardesign_1 on social media, has decided to dupe innocent bystanders into thinking this Tesla Cybertruck is heading to China dressed in fashionable Polar White. It even has some of the capabilities on display if you want to know them at a glance. But maybe that's not enough?Again, no worries; the artist and 3D animator behind the crxw._ account on social media shows us the Tesla Cybertruck completely aired out and looking like a slammed spaceship for the road. If you ask me, when thepickup truck is dressed to impress the street crowds, it certainly looks like it could be the next star in a major Hollywood blockbuster with the action placed in the near future. Or, it could also serve as a partner for the bounty hunter in a reimagined Blade RunnerAnyway, irrespective of your choice of cyberpunk style, the Tesla Cybertruck remains a veritable showcase of human stubbornness it may end up a flop like the DeLorean DMC-12 because of various or a big success due to its many qualities, but we can all be pretty sure that we're witnessing automotive history in the making and this EV will at least have a cult following for decades to come. MINI is known for making fun cars with a ton of personality, but heres a question we hear a lot. Is MINI a British company or a German one? You may be inclined to say the automaker is British, especially since youve probably seen a Mini with a Union Jack flag on its roof before or remember Mr. Bean driving one, but today the automaker is owned by German brand BMW. SEE ALSO: 2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review In this post, well provide a brief backgrounder on the MINI brand, how it fell into BMWs possession and where it builds its cars today. If youve ever wondered how the familiar bug-eyed hatch got to where it is today, youve found the right post. Scroll below to learn more about the MINI brand. I think that Azerbaijan should return to the negotiation table in the format of meetings. We have already said that most of the job has been done, and now we need to meet and agree on the final wording of key issues, he said, referring to a peace treaty discussed by Baku and Yerevan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev twice cancelled talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian which the European Union planned to host in October. The peace accord was due to be their main focus. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov similarly withdrew from a November 20 meeting with Mirzoyan that was due to take place in Washington. Baku accused the Western powers of pro-Armenian bias and proposed direct negotiations with Yerevan. Bayramov reiterated that offer on Monday when he spoke during a meeting in Brussels of the foreign ministers of EU member states and several former Soviet republics. He did not hold talks with Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the meeting. Mirzoyan indicated on Wednesday that Yerevan still prefers Western mediation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiation process. Our negotiations in the last two or three years have been bilateral and facilitated by international actors. We believe that we should carry on like this, he told a joint news conference with Estonias visiting Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Like I said, most of the job has been done, and if we return and continue with the same mechanisms we will succeed in quickly achieving results. The missing component that would complete the whole process and bring it to a logical end is the political will of Azerbaijans leadership which may and may not be demonstrated, added Mirzoyan. Baku cancelled the Washington meeting in protest against what it called pro-Armenian statements made by James OBrien, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia. OBrien met with Aliyev and Bayramov in Baku last week. He said he told them that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken looks forward to hosting foreign ministers Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Washington soon. No agreement on the talks has been announced so far. Armenian officials suggested earlier this year that Aliyev is reluctant to sign the kind of peace deal that would preclude Azerbaijani territorial claims to Armenia. The Azerbaijani leader claimed late last month that Yerevan itself is artificially dragging out the process. We are determined on the EU side to work with the partners and with them to ensure that as soon as possible a peace treaty will be signed between both sides, Michel told RFE/RL in an interview. In that regard, the president of the EUs decision-making Council was encouraged by last weeks Armenian-Azerbaijani agreement to exchange prisoners reached as a result of direct negotiations. I would like to say that if it was possible for Armenia and Azerbaijan to make some joint announcements a few days ago, this is partially because we help them, he said. We encourage them. We suggested some options and some ideas to bring them closer to each other on the topics that have been announced. And we are still working on additional steps to encourage a peace treaty, a normalization agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Michel was scheduled to host Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in October for further talks on the treaty. However, Aliyev cancelled the talks. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov likewise withdrew from a meeting with his Armenian counterpart slated for November 20 in Washington. Michel declined to comment on Bakus moves. We are still working on a meeting that could take place in Brussels, he said without giving potential dates. Michel would also not say whether the EU or other world powers are ready to act as guarantors of Yerevans and Bakus compliance with the would-be peace treaty. Nor did he clarify whether the treaty will likely make any reference to the rights and security of Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population that fled to Armenia following Azerbaijans September 19-20 military offensive. He pointedly declined to use the word Karabakh, referring instead to this part of Azerbaijan until recently populated by an ethnic minority. We think that they [Karabakh Armenians] should have the right to return or at least to be able to visit this part of Azerbaijan and their security and rights must be guaranteed and there are international standards in terms of protection of the minorities that must be respected in line with the constitution of Azerbaijan, which should be a framework to guarantee those protections of minorities, he said. Brussels is therefore trying to convince the Azerbaijani authorities to demonstrate that they want to protect the minorities and to guarantee that the international standards are respected, added Michel. Even before their mass exodus triggered by the Azerbaijani offensive, Karabakhs leaders and ordinary residents made clear that they will not live under Azerbaijani rule. Only a few dozen Karabakh Armenians are believed to remain in the territory recaptured by Baku. More than 100,000 others fled their homes later in September. Its the residents of our city that gave us the mandate and only they can take it away, Vardges Samsonian told reporters. Civil Contract unexpectedly announced on December 6 the end of the power-sharing deal struck two years ago following a municipal election in which a bloc linked to the citys longtime former mayor, Samvel Balasanian, garnered most votes but fell short of a majority in the local council. Civil Contract finished second in what was a serious setback for Pashinian. Gyumris new municipal council appointed Samsonian, who is affiliated with the Balasanian Bloc, as mayor and two Civil Contract figures as deputy mayors. More than three dozen other members of Pashinians party were also given posts in the municipal administration. All those officials have stepped down since December 6. The ruling party has blamed its exit from the local coalition on shadowy governance on the part of the Balasanian Bloc. But it has still not elaborated on the claims which the Gyumri mayors political team denied in a carefully worded statement issued earlier this week. Civil Contract members attacked their former coalition partner on Wednesday during a tense session of the 33-member local council. But they again announced no plans to try oust Samsonian through a vote of no confidence. Pashinians party controls only 11 council seats, compared with 14 seats held by the Balasanian Bloc. The eight other councilors represent three opposition groups. Two of those groups have explicitly ruled out any cooperation with Civil Contract. They tried unsuccessfully on Wednesday to force a debate on the discord between the Balasanian Bloc and Armenias ruling party. The latter opposed such a discussion. Despite not facing an imminent no-confidence vote, Samsonian will have trouble pushing key decisions, notably the local budget, through the Gyumri council. So far the mayor has signaled no plans to try to regain a majority there by teaming up with local oppositionists. 13 December 2023 22:30 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Ganjiyeva Due to the sanctions, there is a shortage of chicken eggs in the Russian market. In order to overcome this and stabilize the market prices of eggs, Russia intends to import eggs from abroad. Azerbaijan is among the countries whence eggs will be imported. The export of eggs to Russia will create new incentives for the development of production and will provide opportunities for work experience and cooperation in various fields in Azerbaijan. Besides, it is considered an important step to support the development of Azerbaijan's agriculture and raise the level of production. After the export of eggs, Azerbaijan and Russia may have a wider perspective of cooperation in the field of agriculture. In a comment for AZERNEWS on the issue, economist, Eyyub Karimli said that there is a certain surplus in this field in Azerbaijan. This process is expected to be a useful step for entrepreneurs engaged in poultry farming. "Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan can export eggs to Russia. Thus, internal demand in this field is met in the country and there is a surplus in production. And in this regard, we can be included in the list of Russian egg importers. This creates additional profitability for entrepreneurs engaged in local poultry farming. Because at present, due to the high price of poultry feed, certain difficulties arise in this field. Sometimes profitability was observed in the production of poultry meat. And I think that there will be new opportunities for the owners operating in this field," the economist said. Eyyub Karimli emphasized that this import will thrive in the non-oil and gas economy of Azerbaijan. It is a positive indicator that additional income and foreign exchange opportunities will arise. Also, Azerbaijan has sufficient potential for cooperation with Russia in the non-oil sector. "Russia is our second main partner in foreign trade. We can cooperate with Russia in certain areas, mainly in the non-oil sector. The economic potential of Azerbaijan allows this at the moment," emphasized Eyyub Karimli. Also, the economist noted that there may be opportunities for cooperation in other agricultural products, especially in husbandry. Such cooperation is one of the important steps for increasing foreign trade turnover and economic potential. " According to this, we are currently at the forefront of agricultural products - tomatoes, palm nuts, and other products. Of course, we can expand this process further. Also, we may have opportunities for wide cooperation with Russia in the field of fruit varieties, other agricultural products, and hides of livestock. From this point of view, I think that such cooperation will have a positive effect on foreign trade between the countries. This can directly benefit the growth of the country's economic potential," the economist added. NUR Art House has hosted the first stage of project "Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists". The project was organized by the Ambassador Cultural Club with the support of the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan and the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists is a project implemented in three stages. The project started with a meeting of Azerbaijani artists with the Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski, who spoke in detail about the country, its history, culture, traditions, etc. A workshop was also organized for the artists, where they used paint to express their emotions and impressions on canvas. The final stage of the project ended with an exhibition that included art works created during the workshop. At the event, the Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski presented diplomas to the project participants. The workshop curator was Samira Faizova, who led the creative process that united talented artists Eldar Babazade, Roya Hasanova, Gunay Beylarova, Maryam Kiblaeva, Leyla Orujeva, Naila Aslanova, Katerina Rudakova, Sevda Rustamova, Ehtiram Rustamov and Malak Abbaszade. The main goal of Arts Council Azerbaijan in holding this workshop is to stimulate interest in art and popularize the work of talented Azerbaijani artists. The project "Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists" is an excellent example of cultural cooperation that enriches society through art and mutual understanding. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 13:59 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova has received the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagc. At the meeting, Aktoty Raimkulova congratulated the Republic of Turkiye on its glorious 100th anniversary, Azernews reports. During the conversation, the solemn celebration both in the country and at the international level of the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, who provided great services to the strengthening friendly and fraternal ties and the solidarity of the Turkic peoples, was emphasized. It was brought to the attention that during the year Shusha worthily bore the title of the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World within which numerous events were successfully held. In this regard, the large-scale projects implemented by the foundation in different countries were highly appreciated. At the meeting, the sides also hailed the successful cooperation between the foundation and Turkiye, the founding country of the organization. The foundation's projects and activities carried aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkic world were noted as well. The meeting continued with a discussion of further prospects for strengthening existing partnerships. Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations. The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs. The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Following 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 112 people, left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh for Fuzuli on December 13. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt based on 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 358 families - 1298 people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Congress and the White House are considering various policies amid efforts to address the country's migrant crisis, including a new border expulsion law. Authorities are also considering the dramatic expansion of immigration detention and deportations amid efforts to convince Republican lawmakers to back aid to Ukraine. The White House told Senate Democrats it could support those sweeping and hardline immigration policy changes as part of negotiations over President Biden's emergency funding request. White House To Address Migrant Crisis This is a roughly $100 billion package that includes military aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine, as well as finances to bolster border enforcement and hire additional immigration officials. For weeks, a small group of senators have tried to reach an immigration enforcement deal. However, Republicans have conditioned that any further assistance to Ukraine should be tied to changes designed to reduce the unprecedented levels of illegal crossings along the southern border. On Tuesday, Biden and his team said they were working with Senate Democrats and Republicans to find a bipartisan compromise, as per CBS News. They noted that the discussions include policy changes and the provision of necessary resources to secure the border. The president added that he had already offered a compromise on the issue and said that holding Ukraine funding hostage is not how it works. The Biden administration has, in recent days, intensified its engagement with lawmakers. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has engaged with negotiators in the Senate this week. Mayorkas went to Capitol Hill on Tuesday afternoon as lawmakers were talking in an attempt to reach a deal before Congress adjourns for the holidays. Furthermore, a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said that Mayorkas and other officials provided "technical assistance" to lawmakers and their staff. Read Also: Federal Appeals Court Hands Texas a Win Over Biden Administration in Ruling Over Barbed Wires on Border Considering Potential Compromise White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian and the White House Office of Legislative Affairs director Shuwanza Goff met on the Hill with Senate negotiators alongside Mayorkas. According to Politico, these include Sens. Chris Murphy, Kyrsten Sinema, and James Lankford. The trio of officials also met with staff from the officers of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. While White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients was not present as a negotiator, he has been heavily involved in Hill engagement in the last few days. He has spoken with Democratic Senate negotiators Schumer and Lankford several times. Republican lawmakers have argued that the record number of migrants who are crossing the southern border poses a security threat. They note that this is because authorities cannot screen all the migrants adequately. They said those entering the United States are straining the nation's resources. Lankford is leading the negotiations and pointed to the surge of people entering the US from Mexico, saying it is "literally spiraling out of control." He added that they were simply trying to say what tools are needed to get the issue back under control. He noted that this way, there would be no chaos on the southern border, said the Associated Press. Related Article: US Border Crisis: Over 12,000 Migrants Cross the Border- Highest Daily Total Ever @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 12 December 2023 22:20 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev shared a post in his social media accounts on Azerbaijans hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2024 The post says: Azerbaijan consistently supports global climate action and implements various energy efficiency measures. Clean environment and green growth are among our national priorities. Renewable energy is gaining momentum in Azerbaijan. Hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2024, stems from our firm determination to contribute to global efforts to cope with climate change. I express my sincere gratitude to all countries for their valuable support to Azerbaijans bid. We will spare no effort to make the COP29 a success story. I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, for the excellent organization of the COP28 in the UAE and looking forward to working together to advance. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 12:07 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international conference was held in Geneva within the framework of the initiative "Human Rights 75", Azernews reports. The Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN Office in Geneva that people from more than 150 countries, including heads of state and government, vice-presidents, members of parliament, heads of foreign affairs, justice and judicial bodies, heads of scientific and educational institutions attended the conference. The delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Justice - Head of the Penitentiary Service Mirsaleh Seyidov represented Azerbaijan at the event, which was attended by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and other international organizations. The delegation was represented by the responsible heads of the Justice Ministry, the Azerbaijan Republic Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) and the State Commission for Captives and Missing Citizens. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk made an opening speech. The conference discussed the fulfillment of commitments and achievements in this field since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the application of an equal and fair approach to human rights, and other topical issues. The Azerbaijani side gave detailed information about the commitments undertaken within the framework of the initiative "Human Rights 75" - voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs to their former hometowns of residence in the liberated territories, demining, and clarified the fate of persons went missing as a result of Armenia's military aggression and called on the international community to support this. The event then continued with panel sessions. Speaking at the session The Future of Human Rights, Development and Economy, the Deputy Justice Minister M. Seyidov expressed the commitment to the protection of basic human rights provided for in the Declaration, the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized the importance of promoting human rights and humanitarian support to other countries in response to the global pandemic as part of his presidency. It was pointed out that Azerbaijani territories liberated during the Patriotic War were completely destroyed and mined by Armenia during the occupation, emphasizing that 340 people fell victim to mine terrorism after the war, which slowed down the process of reconstruction and the safe return of former IDPs. However, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azebaijan's liberated territories were restored rapidly. He spoke about applying the most modern principles of urban development based on the concept of "smart city", "smart village" in accordance with the "Great Return" program. Besides, the participants of the event were informed about the provision of standards, innovations of Azerbaijan in the field of citizen services, including the brand "ASAN service", which received a number of UN awards, as well as the Best Public Service in the World award at the 10th World Government Summit this year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 10:55 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The Press Council of Azerbaijan has issued a statement in response to agitation against Azerbaijani journalists in French media, Azernews Reports. The statement emphasizes that campaigning against Azerbaijani journalists in French media is inadmissible. It was noted that the smear campaign conducted in the French media against the employees of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAJ) is bad behavior and it contradicts all ethical rules and values. This unacceptable approach is nothing but a weak attempt to justify the restriction of freedom of speech. "As is known, AZERTAGE employee Aygun Huseynova was sent to the French colony of New Caledonia on 3 December this year to cover the liberation movement of the local population. However, at the airport, she was not allowed to enter the territory allegedly because she did not have a visa. The journalist was threatened with arrest. Such an unlawful act caused serious discontent in Azerbaijani media. It seems that all this, as well as the fact that unacceptable behavior in New Caledonia was widely reflected in the world media, prompted the French ruling circles to look for an "argument". This is the only way to assess the "black PR" campaign against AZERTAGE staff and to brand them as "spies". The Press Council declares that there were no illegal actions in the activities of our country's media representatives. They have legitimate human and social motives in their desire to publicize the struggle of the people of New Caledonia for freedom. The failure of the New Caledonia police to take this into account and to create an artificial barrier to the activities of our journalists is a clear disregard for freedom of expression, which is considered an integral part of fundamental human rights and freedoms. It should be noted that the injustice against our journalist was also condemned by the President of the political party "Caledonian Union" Daniel Goa who expressed support for the representatives of our media. In such a situation, the attempt to discredit Azerbaijani journalists in French media once again confirms the intention of the country's government to hide its despotic nature. The aim is clear: to prevent the dissemination of the truth about the peoples under colonial yoke, including the people of New Caledonia. The Press Council of Azerbaijan strongly condemns the smear campaign conducted in the French media against the staff of AZERTAGE and the dissemination of provocative information. The Council considers this an anti-democratic step, intolerant of freedom of speech and states that this approach contradicts both ethical values and the historically progressive nature of French statehood. It is a pity that the country's current President Emmanuel Macron and his autocratic administration are too paralyzed to think about the damage that primitive political games at the level of free speech are doing to the country. The Council calls on the world's media community to raise its voice in protest against the unacceptable actions of the French authorities." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 10:21 (UTC+04:00) The British Parliament expressed support for the joint statement of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia dated December 7, the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK said, Azernews reports. House of Commons member David Duguid, in his speech in parliament, called the joint statement a historical event. He inquired about the efforts of the British government towards achieving a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. British Foreign Minister for Europe Leo Docherty noted that the joint statement of Azerbaijan and Armenia, confirming their intention to normalize bilateral relations, is encouraging. He stressed that the UK fully supports the parties' efforts to achieve a historic and lasting peace. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has said that Russia expresses readiness to hold talks on the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement and hopes that Baku and Yerevan will take into account the relevance of Moscow's proposal, Azernews reports. "Our proposal to hold peace negotiations on the settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the Moscow platform represents an open initiative for our partners from Azerbaijan and Armenia. We hope that Baku and Yerevan remember this," Galuzin emphasized. Deputy added that Russia is always ready for such work, answering a question about a possible meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries in Moscow. "In the conditions of turbulent geopolitical realities of the modern world, Russian-Azerbaijani relations are not subject to fluctuations of conjuncture. They continue to develop progressively for the benefit of the peoples of our countries," the deputy minister said. Galuzin expressed conviction that the expansion of the EU civilian observation mission in Armenia does not contribute to the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In his opinion, it will only increase tension in Transcaucasia. The Deputy Minister stressed that such a decision would not be useful for promoting the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement and considered it useless to involve the European Union in this context. Galuzin also noted that the EU's policy in the South Caucasus, aimed at forcing Russia out of the region, brings only tension and distrust. "We see that the EU's policy in the South Caucasus is aimed solely at forcing Russia out of there while using our achievements in the process of peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan," the deputy minister stressed. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 13:15 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more There is a strong brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Azernews reports, citing Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili telling in an interview with Georgian media. Speaker said he met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, and Prime Minister Ali Asadov during his visit to Baku and added that these meetings were very productive. "In all these meetings, of course, the spiritual bond in relations between our countries was emphasized. It was noted that it is not only friendship and strategic partnership that unites us. We are united by brotherhood. We are friends who support each other in a difficult moment and share each other's joy," the Speaker of Parliament said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 14:29 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Weapons and ammunition abandoned by Armenians were found in Fuzuli. During the regular raid 12 automatic rifles, 5 machine guns, a pistol, cartridges of different caliber, etc. were found and seized, Azernews reports, citing the Barda District Group of the Press Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. On 25 June 2022, the Fuzuli District Police Department's staff discovered various ammunition at the abandoned combat positions. The Press Service said that the employees of internal affairs bodies of Azerbaijan carried out measures to clear the liberated lands from mines and other explosive devices, as well as to collect weapons left behind by the Armenian military units during the retreat from these lands. In particular, five assault rifles, three grenade launchers, one machine gun, a pistol, a mortar, an anti-tank missile system, 44 grenades, seven shells, 2,959 cartridges of various calibers and other ammunition were handed over to the relevant authorities, the statement said. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 16:27 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to Pakistan, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry on his official X account. It was reported that the news of the terrible terrorist attack, which killed 23 soldiers in Pakistan, deeply shocked and saddened. The tweet reads that we express our deepest condolences and solidarity to the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism. Deeply shocked & saddened by news on horrific terrorist attack where 23 soldiers were killed in #Pakistan. Our deepest condolences & solidarity are with brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We condemn in the strongest terms terrorism in all of its forms.@ForeignOfficePk MFA Azerbaijan (@AzerbaijanMFA) December 13, 2023 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 16:42 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Baku and Yerevan are discussing the possibility of mutually withdrawal of troops from the border, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint briefing with his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsakhkna, Azernews reports. According to the minister, the first part of the agreements with Azerbaijan, in particular, regarding the Climate Conference has been fulfilled, and today the second part (exchange of prisoners - ed.) should be fulfilled. But these agreements are not the only possible ones on the way to building trust - other agreements are also being discussed. "For example, we proposed an initiative to withdraw troops from the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. We believe that this will have a positive impact and will help prevent new possible escalations. I am not saying that there is an agreement, it is an idea that is being discussed. There are other ideas," Mirzoyan noted. The minister expressed hope that such mutual steps will have a positive impact on the settlement of relations. "We have said several times that most of the work on the agreement has been done and now we need to meet and reach a final agreement on significant issues," Mirzoyan said. Referring to the format of the negotiations, he noted that it is necessary to continue them with the mediation of international actors, as they have shown their effectiveness. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 17:11 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Ukrainian Energy Minister Galushchenko has thanked all the people of Azerbaijan for the assistance provided to the Ukrainian energy system (Ukrainian Energy Ministry), Azernews reports. In November-December, Azerbaijan sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which consisted of three parts. It includes cable products which are needed to restore power supply in the affected areas of Ukraine. The total value of the humanitarian aid amounted to $7.6m. "Quick and high-quality restoration of power equipment during the war is a challenge for our power engineers. But thanks to our partners, we can promptly restore damaged facilities, thus strengthening our energy security," Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said, thanking all the people of Azerbaijan for this assistance. The first consignment of 10 loads of aid, which contained power transformers and backup power plants, has already been distributed among energy companies in the regions most affected by the attacks. In particular, the aid went to the operators of the electricity distribution system in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhya, and Mykolaiv regions. In addition, companies in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, and Lviv regions received equipment. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Congress to approve Ukraine aid in a joint news conference in Washington on Tuesday. Zelensky first met with senators and top congressional leaders before heading to the White House for a press conference with Biden. Biden, Zelensky Urge Congress to Approve Ukraine Aid The two leaders shared their vision for Ukraine's future in a meeting in the Oval Office. They also addressed the role the US should play in helping the Eastern European nation stave off Russia's invasion. Biden noted Ukraine's freedom was on the line as a massive military aid package was still ongoing in Congress, where Republicans were pushing significant changes to border policy. The White House reported running out of money to support Ukraine by the end of the month. Biden asked Congress for more than $60 billion for Ukraine aid but was turned down. "[Vladimir] Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine," Biden said. He added that they must prove Putin wrong, and the United States Congress must act immediately. He said that Congress would give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could give him if the aid package fails to pass. Biden told Zelensky, "Mr. President, I will not walk away from Ukraine and neither will the American people." Zelensky responded and thanked the US for its support and said they would work together to strengthen democracy's arsenal. However, Congress appeared to be heading into its winter holiday recess without a resolution despite Zelensky's visit on the Biden-backed supplemental aid package of billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as border enforcement. The funding was tied up in a legislative fight as Republicans demanded significant changes to border security and immigration policy, even though they still have not publicly cleared their demands. Read Also: Marvel Star Kat Dennings Marries Andrew W.K. at Los Angeles Home Senate Lawmakers, House Leaders Speak Out Zelensky met with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., after addressing senators at the Capitol. The lawmakers warned they would remain far from a deal on security spending. Johnson asked the White House to clarify the strategy for Ukraine's victory and detail the oversight that would be applied to any money provided to the country. He added the future funding for Ukraine was up to the White House and Senate. He also said that they needed a transformative change at the border. However, so far, they have gotten neither. Johnson insisted any security spending should be tied to a hardline immigration bill that passed the House this year. However, the legislation has zero support from Democrats, setting up a standoff over policy that could be insurmountable. Biden said at a late afternoon press conference that he would work toward bipartisan compromise on changes to border policy. He noted that compromise was how democracy works but also criticized Republicans in Congress for seizing Ukraine's aid for the changes. Related Article: Antony Blinken Defends US Veto to UN Resolution Calling for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 13 December 2023 17:41 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The process of restoring the liberated territories is a historical project. Everything is being restored here. The construction of the Barda-Aghdam railway is being completed, and next year it is planned to finish the construction of Aghdam-Fuzuli and Aghdam-Agjabadi roads, Azernews reports. Bashir Hajiyev, Deputy Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in the liberated territories of the Garabagh Economic District (except Shusha district), said this during his speech at the conference on "The Way of Development of Vocational Education in Azerbaijan for a Strong Economy: a Look Into the Future" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev. Deputy said the construction of Barda-Aghdam railway is nearing completion and two substations have been put into operation on this section by Azerenerji OJSC. Five residential areas as well as 12 villages will be built and handed over to the population by the end of 2026 within the framework of the Great Return Programme. "At the same time, our historical and cultural monuments are being restored. Central forest parks are being designed and construction will start soon. Open-air Victory Museums will be built in all cities by the order of the head of state. Aghdam is known as an industrial city. Construction of factories and plants has started in the city and some of them are expected to be opened next year. Jobs will be created and employment will be provided for the population located here," Bashir Hajiyev said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 15:58 (UTC+04:00) A solidarity forum, "Azerbaijan Volunteers Week 2023," dedicated to the 100th anniversary of great leader Heydar Aliyev, is being held. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's address to the participants of the forum was read out at the forum: Dear youth! I extend my greetings to you as participants of the 6th solidarity forum of Azerbaijani volunteers, congratulate you on International Volunteer Day and wish you all good health and success in your future endeavors. The forum holds special significance as it is organized within the framework of the "Heydar Aliyev Year," announced in our country in connection with the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The volunteer movement, which gained momentum with the blessing of the Great Leader, united Azerbaijani youth on a shared platform and encompassed various domains of our public life over the past period. Guided by our rich cultural and moral values, this movement has embodied noble qualities such as philanthropy, dedication, and selfless assistance in its practical activities, rightfully earning the trust of society. It is gratifying that today our volunteers enthusiastically join social initiatives and innovative projects across every corner of the country, aligning with the goals and principles of the state youth policy aimed at the continuous progress of Azerbaijan. Alongside our eco-activists, they actively engaged in peaceful actions that successfully opposed the illegal exploitation of our natural resources in Karabakh and brought positive results. They also possess experience in coordinating humanitarian aid activities beyond the country`s borders. Now, we stand proudly in a new stage of the development of our independent history. Large-scale efforts are underway to restore the former harmony of life in our liberated territories as soon as possible. I believe that you - the volunteers, who have chosen the recommendations of the Great Leader as your motto - will continue to demonstrate deep dedication to the Motherland and the state, actively contributing to the Great Return through your high level of engagement. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 13 December 2023 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 16:57 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev An exchange of detained servicemen between Azerbaijan and Armenia took place in the direction of Bala Jafarli village of Gazakh district on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, Azernews reports. The exchange took place at ground zero of the Azerbaijani state border near the village of Balajafarli in Gazakh district, on the highway formerly known as Gazakh-Ijevan. Representatives of the State Border Service reported that this road leads to the Azerbaijani villages of Soflu and Barkhudarli, which are Azerbaijani exclaves on Armenian territory. Another Azerbaijani exclave, the village of Yukhary Eskipara, is located to the right of the exchange site, again on Armenian territory, and there are seven villages in total. To recall, the servicemen of the Azerbaijani army Agshin Babirov, born in 2004, and Huseyn Akhundov, born in 2003, were captured by Armenia in Shahbuz district of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the border with Armenia in April this year. They lost their ways in conditions of limited visibility due to bad weather conditions. Besides, following the talks between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between the two countries. Driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian military servicemen. In its turn, driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Armenia releases 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 17:56 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Deputy Chairman of the Youth Union of the Western Azerbaijan Community, MP of the Milli Majlis Kamal Jafarov represents the community at the Global Forum on Refugees, which is held in Switzerland's Geneva from 13 to 15 December, Azernews reports. According to the information, the representative of the community, who took part in interactive discussions during the event, informed the forum participants about the scale of the humanitarian problem caused by the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis in Armenia, the demands of Azerbaijani refugees to return to their homes, as well as the work carried out by the Western Azerbaijan Community in this field. It should be noted that the Global Forum on Refugees, held every four years under the aegis of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, is one of the main formats for discussing the refugee problem and its solution in the international arena. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 18:15 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev As a result of meetings held by the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan (AFSA) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, authorization was obtained to export poultry meat and other poultry products to that region, Azernews reports. Within the framework of the Agency's cooperation with the relevant agency of China, import requirements for the veterinary sector of this country were obtained. In this direction, studies, evaluation of enterprises, strengthening of veterinary and sanitary control of products and other activities were carried out. Also on May 18, 2023, talks were held between a delegation of the AFSA and a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs on the export of products under phytosanitary and veterinary control to the markets of this country. On May 19, importers interested in importing poultry meat to China and producers of poultry meat, and eggs and the Exporters Association held a meeting and inspection of 5 poultry farms. The General Administration of Customs of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs confirmed the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the whole territory of Azerbaijan based on relevant reports and research results provided by the Food Safety Agency. Thus, the decision No. 619 of 2006 of the relevant department of China was canceled. According to the new decision, since December 8, the import of poultry meat and other poultry products produced in Azerbaijan and complying with the laws and requirements of China in the field of food safety is allowed. We inform entrepreneurs that they can apply to the Agency for export of poultry meat and other poultry products to China, as well as for familiarization with the legislation in the field of food safety of another country, as well as for methodological assistance. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Turkiyes Istanbul Airport has reached Level 4 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate by the Airports Council International Europe, thanks to actions in line with its 2050 Net Zero Carbon commitment, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. According to a statement from the air hub, Level 4 means that the organization's carbon management is aligned with global climate targets in line with the IPCC 1.5C 2050 Net Zero targets and that operations are carried out with absolute emission reductions in mind. The highest level is level 5. Since 2019, IGA Istanbul Airport has achieved a 21% reduction in total carbon emissions, moving from Level 1 in the certification program to Level 4. Selahattin Bilgen, the airports acting CEO, said the mega air hub will begin generating its electricity through solar panel systems it will launch next year. "In light of our goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, we plan to be the first airport to start generating all of its electricity consumption through renewable energy sources with our project IGA GES, which we will launch in the first quarter of 2024 and plan to complete by the end of that year," he said. Airports Council International Europe Director General Olivier Jankovec stressed that Istanbul Airport is the first in Turkiye to achieve this success. "I commend the entire IGA Istanbul Airport team for their efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00) The World Bank will provide a loan worth $155 million to Industrial Development Bank of Turkiye (TSKB) for the country's newly established green fund, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. The financing was provided under the guarantee of the Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry, a TSKB statement said on Wednesday. Turkiye Green Fund (TGF), a venture capital investment fund, was established to provide green financing to businesses, promote investment in green technologies, and diversify the financial sector. The fund is forecast to achieve a total equity amount of $405 million, $100 million of which will be at the fund level and $150 million at the company level, in addition to the World Bank loan. Kerem Donmez, the general director of Foreign Economic Relations of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance: I believe that the Turkiye Green Finance Project will be a driving force in achieving our green development goals. The project will create significant new venture capital investment opportunities and contribute to the development of Turkiye's capital markets, Donmez added. Humberto Lopez, World Bank Turkiye country director, said: "The Green Finance Project will ultimately support the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, contribute to financial sector diversification and support the development of domestic sources of long-term finance, capital markets, and job creation." TSKB CEO Murat Bilgic said: "Under this fund, we aim to increase the diversity, amount and, most importantly, the multiplier effect of resources for climate finance in our capital markets." Bilgic noted that TGF will be the first venture capital investment fund in Turkiye and in the world dedicated to green and inclusive transformation, financed through loans. The TGF will be managed by Maxis Private Equity Portfolio Management A.S., one of Turkiyes largest asset management companies and a Project Implementing Entity under the project itself. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 December 2023 21:46 (UTC+04:00) Georgia has maintained the status of a frontrunner in the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Policy Index involving the European Unions Eastern Partnership countries, with the latest ranking revealed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. The report covering Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine placed the country at the top in 11 out of 12 categories, ranging from institutional and regulatory framework, operating environment, insolvency and second chances, entrepreneurial training and women's entrepreneurship. The categories also involve small and medium entrepreneurship skills, access to finance, state procurement, standards and technical regulations, internationalisation of small and medium entrepreneurship, business promotion services and innovative policy. The Georgian Economy Ministry said the ranking highlighted the countrys rapid post-Covid economic recovery and highlighted the globally recognised high standards in regulatory and business environments, while also nothing SMEs in Georgia benefited from simple registration, a preferential tax regime, expanded e-government services, simplified access to finance and more systematic use of Regulatory Impact Assessment. The OECD's 2024 SME Policy Index, in its fourth edition, assessed Eastern Partnership countries based on policies supporting small and medium enterprises aligned with the Small Business Act for Europe and international best practices. Conducted every four years, the index evaluates countries across five critical areas, including responsible government, entrepreneurial human capital, access to finance, market access, and innovation and business promotion. The latest index was developed with the support of the European Training Foundation and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and with the financial assistance of the European Union. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sees a minor relief as the United Kingdom's Rwanda plan passed its first House of Commons vote. Despite the victory, Sunak still faces a battle to get the immigration plan through Parliament amid widespread criticism. The legislation comfortably passed its first Commons hurdle with a majority of 44, but more votes will be held this year. Rwanda Bill Passes First House of Commons Vote No Tory MPs have voted against the Rwanda plan, but some critics on the party's right have rebelled by abstaining from the vote. Opposition lawmakers argued that they had been told the prime minister would consider "tightening" the bill. However, this could potentially risk losing the support of more centrist Tory MPs, who have issued warnings that they would oppose any future changes that would breach international law. As per BBC, the emergency legislation was proposed to revive the government's plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. The British government has argued that the scheme is designed to deter migrants from crossing the Channel aboard small boats. This is an effort that Prime Minister Sunak has made into one of his key priorities. Climate Minister Graham Stuart returned from the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai to vote for the Rwanda plan. This was seen as a sign of nerves in Downing Street over the potential for a tight result. However, some Tories on the right threatened to vote against Sunak's Rwanda bill, but in the end, only opposition MPs did so and the bill passed by 313 votes to 269. More than 30 Tory MPs, including former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, did not record a vote for the plan. Read Also: China Tells EU Officials Not to Be Rivals or Seek Conflict Despite Political Differences Facing Widespread Criticism The result of the vote comes as Sunak has pinned his reputation on the Rwanda bill and amid fears that some of the prime minister's Conservative lawmakers would help defeat the bill because it was not tough enough to address the migrant crisis, according to Reuters. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunak said that the British people should decide who gets into the country. He argued that this should not include criminal gangs or foreign courts. Sunak's Conservatives have been in power for more than a decade and are trailing the opposition Labour Party by roughly 20 points. They have fractured along multiple lines and lost most of their d discipline ahead of the first parliamentary vote on the Rwanda bill. Right-wing Tories who abstained in the latest vote warned Sunak that the bill should become tougher or risk being voted down when it returns to the Commons in early January. Now, the prime minister faces weeks of chaos as he struggles to keep his party together amid internal disputes. Loyalist ministers have warned that rebel lawmakers could push the government to the brink of collapse. The situation comes as Sunak's leadership is in tatters and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is demanding an immediate general election if the Rwanda bill fails, said The Guardian. Related Article: Poland Appoints Donald Tusk as New Prime Minister, Marking Start of Pro-European Union Government @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Aid agencies appeal to world leaders to support refugees, hosting nations Xinhua) 20:42, December 13, 2023 NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- More than ten international aid agencies on Wednesday called on world leaders to honor their commitment to support refugees and the countries hosting them, through increased and equitable responsibility-sharing. The 13 aid agencies under an umbrella body, the Inter-Agency Working Group for East and Central Africa (IAWG), said the leaders taking part in the second Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva, Switzerland, this week should commit to addressing the root causes of displacement in East and Central Africa. "Strong political will and solid leadership are needed to achieve the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees," IAWG said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. IAWG said the GRF presents a crucial opportunity for the world's governments to demonstrate their willingness to do more, and better, on refugee protection and responsibility-sharing through renewed pledging commitments. "However, four years after the first GRF took place, we know that pledges, by their voluntary and non-binding nature, may not be enough to guarantee stronger protection and support for refugees and host communities," IAWG said. According to IAWG, about 4 million refugees are hosted by just four countries in East Africa -- that is over 10 percent of the global number of refugees. IAWG said those host countries already face a multitude of challenges ranging from violent conflict and continued mass displacement to chronic poverty, climate change, and domestic food insecurity, which are crippling their ability to provide sustained and adequate financial support for refugees and asylum seekers. Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda are among the top 10 refugee hosting countries globally, while also ranking in the top 20 countries with the lowest Human Development Index, IAWG said. It urged global leaders to meet their moral obligation and international commitments to share responsibility for the world's refugees and provide sustained and equitable support to refugees and asylum seekers, wherever they may be. IAWG said a growing number of refugees move to cities in search of new opportunities to provide for themselves and their families due to limited support available in dedicated camps and settlements. "However, urban-based refugees are too often overlooked within refugee responses and are sometimes ineligible for humanitarian assistance. As a result, they are forced to compete with urban and low-income host communities, compounding the strain on limited services and resources in the host country." (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liu Ning) California advanced the updated Delta water tunnel project to increase water supplies that would provide more water to millions of people in the San Joaquin Delta in Northern California and some to the South, as reported in the release of the final lengthy environmental impact report of the plan. The proposal discussed that a 36-foot-wide tunnel, buried deep underground, would carry water for 45 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountains to Bethany Reservoir in the Central Valley near Tracy, which would then be pumped to residents. California Advances Updated Delta Water Tunnel Project The officials said their plan was essential to increase water supplies and improve earthquake resilience. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press release on the project on December 11 that doing nothing was not an option. "After the three driest years on record, we didn't have the infrastructure to fully take advantage of an exceptionally wet year, which will become more and more critical as our weather whiplashes between extremes," he added. When heavy rains pour down on Northern California in January, the project could capture water to supply 2.3 million people. Instead, the freshwater through watersheds and downriver would end up in the ocean. The governor's office stated that about two-thirds of the state's water originates in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and water management projects already provide water to 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland in the state, with economic benefits estimated at $400 billion. However, the state is forecasted to lose 10 percent of its water supply by 2040. Newsom explained that the proposed project was essential to updating the water system for millions of Californians. The new approach would redesign following community and environmental input, which is how they can build a California of the future. Now, construction on the project could start as early as 2030. Read Also: Harvard President Claudine Gay Keeps Job Amid Campus Antisemitism Row Environmental Concerns Some environmental groups have questioned the project's impact on fish and the surrounding area. The 3,500-page environmental review also found similar concerns with certain species, including Chinook salmon. The review recommended a series of mitigation efforts, including filters on entranceways to reduce the risk of death to specific fish. California's well-funded environmentalists disapprove of almost any new large-scale water infrastructure project. Furthermore, Delta farmers and community leaders also fear any tunneling project that would degrade their Delta even more. Restore the Delta, a Stockton-based group adamantly opposed to the tunneling plan, said that the state needs to speak openly about the sacrifices expected of the people of the Delta for the project to advance. Doug Obegi, a Natural Resources Defense Council lawyer, explained that the project would result in a worse ecological state for native fish and wildlife in the Delta. The Delta Counties Coalition called the project another deficient plan that would do little to improve statewide water supplies and harm the Delta. Related Article: Ottawa Proposes Long-promised Bill To Improve First Nations Water Quality @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Des Moines (Iowa) Area Community College has made steps to retain accreditation for its dental assistant program, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported Dec. 12. The college became at risk of losing its accreditation in September due to concerns about the college's sterilization space not meeting standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. CODA had also raised issues related to the number of enrolled students compared to the number of chair stations and documentation. Jeanie McCarville-Kerber, dean of health and public services, said in September that the college had fixed all the issues except the sterilization area. Recently, the college's board of directors received an update on the school's progress. Ms. McCarville-Kerber said the school has done everything it can to meet the accreditation requirements. She added that school officials will meet with CODA in January and will receive a final response from its accreditor in February. Fifty-two new ICU beds have gone live at Grady Memorial Hospital an expansion meant to support increased demand the hospital has experienced since WellStar Health System's Atlanta Medical Center closed in October 2022. Grady previously received a one-time allocation of $130 million from Georgia's federal pandemic funds to support its ability to meet a surge in demand as the city's sole level 1 trauma center. Grady officials previously told Becker's that increased trauma volumes are the most significant effect Atlanta Medical Center's closure has had on their hospital. Half of the 52 new ICU beds went live in mid-November, with the rest coming online in early December, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported Dec. 12. Prior to the expansion, Grady had 125 ICU beds. The expansion requires about 130 nurses to staff, Shannon Sale, Grady's chief strategy officer, told the publication, adding that the hospital has hired staff to meet that need. The hospital is also using the state funds to add beds in other areas. It plans to add 90 medical-surgical beds and 24 beds to its rehabilitation services during the first few months of 2024. Read more about the fallout after Atlanta Medical Center's closure here. Kingston, N.Y.-based HealthAlliance is notifying patients that an unauthorized party accessed some of its IT systems, potentially compromising patient information. On Oct. 12, the health system learned that the unauthorized party gained access to its IT network from Aug. 18 to Oct. 13. While within HealthAlliance's IT network, the unauthorized party accessed and obtained files containing patient information. The potentially compromised data varies for each patient but may encompass details such as names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, diagnoses, lab results, medications, treatment information, health insurance particulars, provider names, dates of treatment and financial information. HealthAlliance began mailing letters to all affected patients Dec. 11. The health system did not indicate how many patients were affected. Valhalla, N.Y.-based Westchester Medical Center Health Network and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul are going head to head about the utilization of taxpayer funds from the state to subsidize healthcare, lohud.com reported Dec. 13. The health system recently issued statements cautioning about significant service reductions at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, N.Y., unless it secures a state bailout to address a projected $24 million budget gap for the upcoming year. Westchester Medical Center Health Network claimed that it required tax dollars primarily because of unexpected financial challenges during the pandemic. These challenges surpassed the projections outlined in a government funding deal made in 2019 with the state for consolidating two hospital campuses in Kingston into HealthAlliance Hospital. However, Ms. Hochul's team contended that the health system seemed to have ample funds to avert service cuts at HealthAlliance Hospital, including $160 million in state taxpayer dollars received over the last five years. "Sadly, the misinformation campaign being waged by the hospital system's leadership puts dollars above employees, patients and the well-being of the Hudson Valley Region," a spokesperson for Ms. Hochul said in a statement to the publication. On Dec. 11, the health system gave a statement to the USA Today Network stating that the remarks from Ms. Hochul's administration regarding the situation is an effort to "evade accountability and shift responsibility by engaging in irrelevant and personal criticisms about executive compensation." Westchester Medical Center Health Network told the publication that it not only fulfilled but surpassed the terms outlined in its 2019 agreement with the state, having invested over $70 million in HealthAlliance during the past two years. In contrast, the health system pointed out that the state has "failed to fulfill its commitment for this year's contribution to that plan." Google is launching new healthcare AI models that aim to assist clinicians and researchers in conducting intricate studies, summarizing clinician-patient interactions and more, CNBC reported Dec. 13. The suite of AI models, dubbed MedLM, comprises a large and a medium-sized AI model, both based on Med-PaLM 2, a language model trained on medical data initially announced by Google in March. As of Dec. 13, the AI model is available for eligible Google Cloud customers in the U.S. The tech company noted that the cost of the AI suite varies based on the utilization of different models, with the medium-sized model being comparatively more cost-effective. Aashima Gupta, the global director of healthcare strategy and solutions at Google Cloud, told the publication that Google observed varying effectiveness among medically tuned AI models for specific tasks. This realization prompted the company to introduce a suite of models rather than pursuing a "one-size-fits-all" solution. For example, Google highlighted that its larger MedLM model excels at handling complex tasks requiring extensive knowledge and significant computing power, such as conducting studies using data from an entire patient population within a healthcare organization. On the other hand, if companies require a more agile model optimized for specific or real-time functions, such as summarizing interactions between clinicians and patients, the medium-sized model is deemed more suitable, according to Mr. Gupta. Google also said it plans to introduce healthcare-specific versions of Gemini, its latest AI model, to MedLM in the future. The tech giant released Gemini on Dec. 7, according to the publication. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare is already working out plans to test the Gemini model and is working to implement MedLM. Three rural Arkansas hospitals received preliminary approval for over $6.3 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, the Arkansas Advocate reported Dec. 12. During a Dec. 12 meeting, the legislative council's performance evaluation and expenditure review subcommittee approved the distribution of funds to the hospitals with no dissent or discussion, the publication reported. DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home will receive over $1.5 million, Chicot Memorial Medical Center in Lake Village over $3.4 million, and North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison over $1.3 million. The entire state legislative council is expected to vote on pulling the funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on Dec. 15. Over $1.5 billion was initially given to Arkansas lawmakers to distribute to hospitals in need during the pandemic. Of that, $60 million was set aside for rural hospital emergency relief in August 2022. Along with 18 other hospitals, the three rural hospitals were evaluated by Alvarez and Marsal, a New York-based consulting firm, to see if they met the requirements to receive ARPA funds. With just over 52 days of cash on hand, DeWitt reported experiencing a decrease in patient admissions and low occupancy rates, according to a February consultant evaluation provided to lawmakers from the firm. Chicot Memorial also reported experiencing continued patient volume decreases, with increases in labor costs and hiring challenges. Lastly, North Arkansas Regional saw a reported $5.9 million in losses after the pandemic, which was directly related to an increase in supply and labor costs, along with a decrease in revenues and reimbursements. So far, five of the 18 eligible hospitals have not requested funding. In an effort to make healthcare more accessible for all, Cincinnati-based Mercy Health opened its seventh urgent care facility Dec. 6. At 2,800 square feet, the Mercy Health Colerain Urgent Care focuses on treating allergies; common diseases like the flu, cough, and colds; cuts and minor stitches; sprains, strains and minor fractures; and more, a Mercy Health Cincinnati spokesperson told Becker's. Around $250,000, or nearly $2 million all together, was invested into each of the seven sites as part of Mercy Health's phase 1 improvements, which include IT, technology, equipment, modernization and furnishing. "Opening the Mercy Health Colerain Urgent Care last week is another significant milestone for Mercy Health Cincinnati," Brian Gwyn, president of Mercy Health Cincinnati, said in a statement shared with Becker's. "We are dedicated to providing access to high-quality healthcare close to home for everyone in Cincinnati. Our commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring all communities receive the quality healthcare they need and deserve is exemplified through convenient locations and extended hours." Mercy Health told Becker's they have plans to add additional locations in 2024. After fining the first two hospitals for alleged price transparency violations in 2022, CMS fined 12 more in 2023. The bed counts of hospitals fined for price transparency violations ranged from more than 550 (Jacksonville, Fla.-based UF Health North) to 25 (Salem, Ark.-based Fulton County Hospital). Seven of the 12 hospitals fined this year have fewer than 100 beds, including five with fewer than 50. Fine amounts have ranged from $979,000 for UF Health North to $56,940 for Samaritan Hospital-Albany (N.Y.) Memorial Campus, according to CMS' price transparency enforcement website. CMS levies different civil monetary penalties on hospitals based on the number beds the facility has. Hospitals with 30 or fewer beds can receive a maximum penalty per day of $300. The maximum daily fine for hospitals with at least 31 and up to 550 beds is the number of beds times $10. For hospitals with greater than 550 beds, the maximum daily fine is $5,550. Seven of the hospitals fined in 2023 have appealed their penalties, according to CMS' website. Those appeals are under review, and that process appears to take months. In one case, Wichita Falls, Texas-based Kell West Regional Hospital was fined in April and filed an appeal in May, which remains under review. Terry Stagg, Kell West's IT director, told NBC affiliate KFDX on May 4 that the company the hospital paid to handle the posting of standard hospital charges and shoppable services in a consumer-friendly manner did not follow through with that obligation and the hospital has taken care of it on its own. Kell West CEO Jerry Myers, MD, told the news outlet he does not expect any problems with the appeal because CMS has already fully confirmed compliance. A 13th hospital was fined in 2023 Washington, D.C.-based Saint Elizabeths Hospital but CMS rescinded the $677,440 penalty after it was determined the hospital met exception criteria. CMS also announced changes to the enforcement process in 2023. In April, CMS unveiled a series of changes it said shortens the average time hospitals have to comply with price transparency requirements to no more than 180 days. In November, CMS said further changes will take effect in 2024. A new anti-drunk driving tech will soon be required in the United States. This was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Auto-safety regulators in the U.S. confirmed that they are already in the process of adopting new technology that could prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles. Once this happens, deaths, injuries, and property destruction caused by drunk driving could be avoided. However, NHTSA said that the technology that will be chosen should be 100% efficient. New Anti-Drunk Driving Tech Will Soon Be Required in US According to The Guardian's latest report, NHTSA was directed by the U.S. Congress to mandate a passive tech that can avert over 10,000 road deaths yearly. The law, which was directed in 2021, states that tech safety standards for vehicles should be implemented as early as November 2024 (if a tech is already ready by that time). As of writing, numerous anti-drunk driving and other road safety technologies are already under development. These include breath and touch-based sensors that are designed to detect alcohol, potentially preventing impaired drivers from starting their vehicles. There are also camera-based systems, which can detect eye movements to determine if American drivers are intoxicated. But, before any of these anti-drunk driving innovations are approved, NHTSA is required to check their effectiveness. Once they are ready, automakers will be given three years to integrate the chosen technology into their vehicles. "We are trying to see can we get it done, does the technology exist in a way that is going to work every time," explained Ann Carlson, the acting NHTSA administrator, via Channel News Asia. Read Also: Fact Check: Did Joe Biden Lie About a Drunken Driver Killing His Wife and Daughter? Anti-Drunk Driving Tech Should Be 100% Effective The arrival of the anti-drunk driving tech is critical for the United States, especially since Carlson said that daily driving journeys in the U.S. are close to 1 billion. However, before this auto-safety innovation is implemented, it should be 100% effective. The acting NHTSA administrator explained that even if the technology is 99.9% accurate, it would still lead to some issues. For example, an anti-drunk driving system with 99.9% efficiency could have a million false positives. Carlson explained that these false positives could be drivers who have serious emergencies, such as bringing a family member to hospital. As of press time, NHTSA officials are preparing to gather information and determine how an anti-drunk driving technology should be approved. Related Article: Texas Bentley's Law: Drunk Drivers Now Need to Pay Child Support If They Kill Parents @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. With nearly $62 million in projects and renovations over the last year, Rome (N.Y.) Health has kept itself busy. "At Rome Health, we are redefining what community-based health care looks like, one project at a time," Ryan Thompson, CFO of Rome Health, said in a statement shared with Becker's. "Health care is fiercely local so we're evolving our health care system to meet the needs of our community, based upon the master facility plan that we completed in 2020." Most recently, the nonprofit health system broke ground on a $45.7 million project on the north side of its hospital. The 30,000-square-foot, three-floor surgical services center and new ICU will replace its current "aging operating rooms and intensive care unit," according to a Nov. 29 press release shared with Becker's. Expected to be complete in phases over the next 24 to 30 months, the project is being funded through $29 million in private philanthropy and public funding partnerships, a $26 million New York state transformation grant, and $3 million in the city's American Rescue Plan Act funds. "The $45.7 million capital project will enhance the experience for patients and their families while supporting the care team in delivering the best care out there here," AnneMarie Czyz, president and CEO of Rome Health, said in the release. Prior to the surgical services center and ICU project, the system completed a $3.9 million Women's Surgical Suite project this March, a Rome Health spokesperson shared with Becker's. Adjacent to the system's maternity department, the suite was funded in part by a $3 million ARPA county investment and aims to support mothers who have either scheduled or require emergency procedures. Other recent upgrades include the 2022 completion of an $800,000 renovation project on the system's 2 East medical and surgical unit rooms, with a mission to create a "calming environment" for patients. In its second-largest project over the last year, Rome Health also opened an $11.4 million medical center on the hospital's main campus on Nov. 7, 2022, a press release shared with Becker's revealed. Bringing together primary care, surgical specialists, diagnostic testing and retail pharmacy, the 31,000-square-foot, two-story center features six care team pods and 42 total exam rooms. "Our goal is to make it convenient for patients to get the quality care that they need," Mr. Thompson said. "In addition, we want to make it easy for clinicians to practice here so they can simply focus on delivering the best patient care." Throughout his healthcare career, Greg Wood has spent time walking the hospital floors, sitting in employee lounges and talking with staff. However, he recently got an even closer look at the front lines when he shadowed charge nurse Misty Freeman, RN, for eight hours at Laurinburg, N.C.-based Scotland Health Care System. "I read an article about Suits in Scrubs Day, where hospital administration staff scrub up and spend time with the front-line staff," Ms. Freeman said in a news release about the day from Richmond Community College. "So I presented the challenge to our CEO and he quickly agreed." "I had some really strong relationships with a lot of those folks, and I think they look forward to sharing some of their concerns and opportunities with me," said Mr. Wood, who retired Dec. 1 after more than three decades as CEO of Scotland Health. David Pope currently helms Scotland Health, part of Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health. Mr. Wood agreed to shadow Ms. Freeman as part of "Suits in Scrubs" day in November. It so happened on that same day, nursing students were shadowing nurses as part of Richmond Community College's associate degree in nursing program. "I got to watch how they [the students] were taught and the other things that were going on," Mr. Wood told Becker's. "It was the second day that we had started linking our IV pumps up with our computer system. So the nurses were learning how to do that. I got to see how that interface went from using technology to make nurses' lives a little easier." He said he also was able to report for Ms. Freeman during a daily safety call with nursing leaders and other key clinical leaders. Mr. Wood specifically reported on the total census for the intensive care and the progressive care units. "The biggest takeaway for me, which was a little bit unexpected, was how decisive a charge nurse has to be with decisions being made all day long," Mr. Wood said. "... Throughout the day, the charge nurse gets phone calls and one after another, she has to make decisions from a clinical perspective or from a staffing perspective." Although not new to him, the experience also reinforced for him how well the team works together, he said. "Most of our nurses there are community college graduates," said Mr. Wood. "They're locally trained folks. They're committed to the area. A lot of times they know each other personally. They go to church with each other. So it's amazing how well that team comes together and does whatever is necessary." Overall, he stressed the importance for all hospital and health system CEOs to prioritize engaging with the front lines. "When you have a trusting relationship, there is their willingness to share issues and challenges and barriers that may be very easy for you to address or give them permission to resolve," said Mr. Wood. . Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals have approved a new labor contract with Prime Healthcare's St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, Calif. The contract, approved by 81% of voting union members, covers 600 registered nurses at the medical center, according to a Dec. 13 UNAC/UHCP news release. Highlights of the deal, as cited by the union, include a 9% across-the-board wage increase from the current base rate of pay and placement on the wage grid; 3% pay increases for 2024 and 2025; a minimum 12-week, competency-based orientation for new graduates hired onto the nursing staff and hospital-provided certifications in specialty areas; and expanded protections and pathways for nurses to weigh in more on professional nursing issues. "The improved compensation will assist in recruitment and retention, but the fight for improvement to safe staffing and safe work environments continues," Sandra Marques, RN, chief negotiator of the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association affiliate, said in the union release. "We hope that the hospital is committed to collaborating with UNAC/UHCP-SFRNA to address and resolve those issues. The St. Francis nurses will continue to fight for our patients and our community, who are deserving of quality care." Prime shared the following statement with Becker's: "Today is an encouraging day for both the hospital and the dedicated healthcare professionals that provide an incredible service to the community. This agreement contains provisions and conditions that reward our dedicated nurses while also promoting the exceptional delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients and families. It was important for the hospital to provide economic security to those represented by this [agreement], and St. Francis is pleased to share that there are significant financial increases, not just immediately, but recurring annually over the agreement's lifetime. Prime Healthcare and St. Francis are grateful for the bargaining teams who negotiated in good faith to ultimately reach an agreement that benefits our caregivers and all those we serve." The agreement is effective Dec. 11, 2023, and will run through Dec. 11, 2026. From the former CEO of MetroHealth filing a motion to drop his lawsuit against the hospital's board, to Washington University in St. Louis accusing the Missouri attorney general of violating HIPAA, here are six hospital lawsuits, settlements and legal developments Becker's has reported since Dec. 6: 1. Valhalla, N.Y.-based Westchester Medical Center Health Network was ordered by a jury to pay $120 million to a patient and his family following delayed stroke care that resulted in brain damage. 2. Akram Boutros, MD, former CEO of Cleveland-based MetroHealth, filed a motion to withdraw his lawsuit against the hospital's board due to health issues. 3. Four health systems in Oregon are seeking to resurrect a lawsuit in which they contend the state's inadequate mental healthcare system is causing them to be overburdened with psychiatric patients whom they're ill-equipped to care for. 4. Hazard, Ky.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare and one of its cardiologists agreed to pay over $3 million to resolve allegations they submitted improper Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid claims for services not covered. 5. Washington University in St. Louis filed a lawsuit against Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, accusing him of violating HIPAA during an investigation into its youth transgender care center. 6. A court ruled in favor of a Michigan hospital that denied a nursing student's request to bring her service dog on rotations. A Connecticut man pleaded guilty to offenses related to a bomb threat he called in to Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital in May 2021. Alexander Bradley, 44, called the Yale University Health Clinic and spoke to a nurse. He asked if he had reached the hospital, and when informed he had not, Mr. Bradley complained he was being denied care and stated he would bomb the hospital. Approximately 30 minutes later, he anonymously called the Yale New Haven Hospital and stated he had placed a pressure cooker containing a bomb outside the hospital. The call was a hoax, but it disrupted hospital operations and required a significant response from law enforcement, according to a Dec. 11 Justice Department news release. The FBI's Joint Terrorist Task Force determined the phone number used to make the threat was linked to Mr. Bradley and he was arrested April 28, 2022. Mr. Bradley pleaded guilty to conveying false information about explosives, and false information and hoaxes. He faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced March 7. A congressional probe launched after the Supreme Court's decision in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade has found eight of the nation's largest pharmacy chains allow pharmacy staff to share customer records with police and government investigators without a warrant, according to a Dec. 12 report from The Washington Post. The inquiry, which involved briefings with the nation's largest pharmacy chains, found privacy practices varied widely across companies. Officials with CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid indicated pharmacy staff are instructed to hand over medical records on the spot when requested by police and investigators who present only a subpoena, not a warrant. Amazon, Cigna, OptumRx, Walmart and Walgreens attested that they require demands for pharmacy records first be reviewed by lawyers before handing them over, though they also provide records with just a subpoena. Amazon was the only company that said it had a policy to notify customers when law enforcement demanded pharmacy records as long as there is not a legal prohibition. "Through briefings with the major pharmacies, we learned that each year law enforcement agencies secretly obtain the prescription records of thousands of Americans without a warrant," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., said in a letter describing the findings to HHS Secretary Xavier Beccera. "In many cases, pharmacies are handing over sensitive medical records without review by a legal professional. Although pharmacies are legally permitted to tell their customers about government demands for their data, most don't. As a result, many Americans' prescription records have few meaningful privacy protections, and those protections vary widely depending on which pharmacy they use." Under a HIPAA rule, Americans may request companies tell them if their data has been disclosed, though few do, the lawmakers said in their letter. They called on HHS to bolster HIPAA's regulations and ensure pharmacies can insist on a warrant. Spokespeople from CVS, Walgreens and Walmart in comments to The Washington Post said they are compliant with HIPAA. Amazon said they cooperate with law enforcement as required. Rite Aid declined the news outlet's request for comment and other companies had not responded in time for publication. "We have suggested a warrant or judge-issued subpoena requirement be considered and we look forward to working cooperatively with Congress to strengthen patient privacy protections," CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault told the Post, adding that most investiagtive requests for records come with a directive to keep them confidential. Those that do not specify a confidential directive are considered on "a case-by-case basis" to determine whether it is appropriate to notify a patient. In the first 11 months of 2023, poison control centers across the U.S. received nearly 3,000 calls involving semaglutide a more than 15-fold increase since 2019, according to a Dec. 13 report from CNN. "Oftentimes, it's a person who maybe accidentally took a double dose or took the wrong dose," Kait Brown, PharmD, clinical managing director of America's Poison Centers, told the news outlet. In some cases, patients were hospitalized due to severe nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the report. Officials at state poison centers believe compounded versions of semaglutide may be behind many of the calls, but reported symptoms do not enable them to say with certainty whether the surge stems from Ozempic and Wegovy, which are approved products, or compounded versions. Name-brand drugs are sold in pre-filled pens with some safeguards to keep patients from making mistakes with their dosages. Compounded versions which are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness typically require patients to draw their own doses from glass vials into syringes. "This is where we see a lot of errors. They end up drawing too much," Joseph Lambson, PharmD, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, told the news outlet. Earlier this year, the FDA issued an alert warning the public about compounded versions of semaglutide. Hospital bed counts can provide a granular measurement when assessing health system size. There are about 920,000 staffed beds across U.S. hospitals. In conversation, hospital leaders express frustration today with the split position they find themselves in they expect healthcare delivery to increasingly move out of the hospital, but there is need for more staffed beds today. Inpatient hospital volumes are set to increase by 2% over the next 10 years. Healthcare consultant Sg2 notes that the case mix index reflecting patient severity is up 5% since 2019 while the average length of stay for patients admitted to a hospital has risen 10%. Below are the top 25 U.S. health systems in descending order of hospital beds. Bed data is from the Compendium of U.S. Health Systems for 2022, released in December 2023, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Find a listing of the largest hospitals by beds and health systems by hospitals here. HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.): 37,478 CommonSpirit Health (Chicago): 17,107 Ascension Health (St. Louis): 16,103 Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.): 14,706 Tenet Healthcare (Dallas): 12,690 Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.): 10,528 Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.): 10,077 Providence (Renton, Wash.): 9,511 Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.): 9,217 AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.): 8,041 Prime Healthcare Services (Ontario, Calif.): 6,473 Bon Secours Mercy Health (Cincinnati): 6,053 UPMC (Pittsburgh): 6,047 Lifepoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.): 6,013 Universal Health Services (King of Prussia, Pa.): 5,792 Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.): 5,287 Banner Health (Phoenix): 5,189 Cleveland Clinic: 5,106 Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.): 4,689 Mercy (Chesterfield, Mo.): 4,453 Steward Health Care System (Dallas): 4,143 SSM Health (St. Louis): 4,105 Baylor Scott and White Health (Dallas): 3,991 RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.): 3,972 NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System (New York City): 3,970 An orthopedic surgeon's defamation lawsuit against Los Angeles County and two health systems alleging discrimination was dismissed, My News LA reported Dec. 12. Melani Cargle, MD, filed the lawsuit against Los Angeles County, Keck Medicine of USC and University of California Health Los Angeles. She alleged receiving inappropriate and sexist comments from a supervisor at UCLA. Her complaint also alleged the county shared an internal and public memo saying her allegations were "entirely false," which severely damaged her reputation. However a judge dismissed the claims, granting the county's motion under the state's anti-SLAPP Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, which prevents people from using the courts to intimidate others exercising free speech rights. A spokesperson for Los Angeles County Health Services didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. James Voos, MD, performed arthroscopic knee surgery on Jedrick Wills Jr., an offensive lineman for the NFL's Cleveland Browns. The operation was performed on Dec. 12 at University Hospitals Drusinsky Sport Medicine Institute in Beachwood, Ohio, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the team. Mr. Wills suffered the injury during a game on Nov. 5. He will miss the remainder of the 2023 season but is expected to make a full recovery by the start of next season. Dr. Voos is the head team physician for the Browns and chair of the orthopedic department at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University, both based in Cleveland. The US fuel rollback hits its lowest this 2023. This is a big deal for those planning to travel via their private cars, especially during this holiday season. The American Automobile Association's latest data revealed that gas prices in the United States have fallen to the cheapest in 2023. The US-based motorist organization said fuel prices have decreased by 19% since September's peak after continuous declines for the past 12 weeks. Thanks to these price rollbacks, a gallon of gas now costs only $3.14 (as of Tuesday, December 12). US Fuel Rollback Hits Its Lowest This 2023! USA Today reported that gas prices are declining in the US and other parts of the world because fuel production is drastically increasing despite declining demand. "Historically, crude oil tends to drop nearly 30% from late September into early winter with gasoline prices trailing the play," explained AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross. "More than half of all US fuel locations have gasoline below $3 per gallon. By the end of the year, the national average may dip that low as well," the AAA official added. CNBC reported that the average fuel price in the US could be below $3 a gallon in January 2024 if a major calamity doesn't happen in oil markets. As of writing, experts predict that the downward trend in gasoline prices in the US to continue since there's an expected 7% cut in fuel consumption because of winter. Read Also: Florida Fuel Contamination: Officials Warn of Risks After Alleged Human Error at Port of Tampa Top US States With Lowest Fuel Prices If you are among the Americans who plan on traveling before Christmas and New Year celebrations, here are the top states with the lowest gasoline prices: Texas ($2.60) Oklahoma ($2.68) Mississippi ($2.70) Missouri ($2.70) Louisiana ($2.71) Arkansas ($2.72) Kansas ($2.79) Alabama ($2.79) Tennessee ($2.79) Ohio ($2.80) If you ever visit one of the US states mentioned above, it would be best to fill your car's fuel tank (if you have a spare budget). On the other hand, here are the top US states with the priciest gasoline per gallon: California ($4.70) Hawaii ($4.70) Washington ($4.260) Nevada ($4.020) Oregon ($3.99) Alaska ($3.81) Pennsylvania ($3.49) New York ($3.47) Idaho ($3.43) Vermont ($3.41) Of course, these prices could still change since the downward trend of gasoline costs could change depending on the oil markets. Related Article: US Gas Prices Rise Again Following Global Oil Companies' Announcement of Production Cut @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Northern Irelands biggest new and used car dealer Charles Hurst has announced a raft of redundancies less than two weeks before Christmas. The Belfast Telegraph understands that around 100 employees are facing redundancy across the groups eight sites in the region. The announcement was made internally on Monday within weeks of the dealers parent company Lookers plc being taken private by new owner Global Auto Holdings. A source told this newspaper that business managers and sales teams at the groups 160 sites across the whole of the UK have been told their jobs are at risk. "We feel as if it is a disgrace in the way that we were told and the fact that we were told so close to Christmas, one at-risk employee said. People who have worked for the company for over 40 years have also been told that they are out the door. The move could see as many as 650 staff in total made redundant, which accounts for 10% of the groups 6,500-strong workforce. A spokesperson for Lookers plc, which acquired Charles Hurst back in 1996, said: Last week, Lookers confirmed that a certain number of corporate and support roles that relate to its status as a listed company may be affected by a proposed programme now that the business is no longer listed on the London Stock Exchange. Read more Takeover of Charles Hurst owner Lookers plc approved by shareholders We have now completed a detailed review of our business and operations in order to keep the business efficient and ensure we have a manageable cost base. "Unfortunately, a number of roles have been identified across our operations that are now at risk of redundancy. In September, Lookers plc shareholders voted in favour of a 504m takeover bid from Canadian car giant Global Auto which is part of Toronto-based Alpha Auto Group Holdings, an operator of car dealerships across North America. It was approved by 91% of shareholders. The deal is worth 130p per Lookers share after a previous bid for 120p was rejected. Charles Hurst, which is led by operations director Jeff McCartney, is NIs largest car dealer group and runs Europes biggest automotive retail operation on a 30-acre site on the Boucher Road in south Belfast. Earlier this year the car dealer announced plans for 2m investment and 26 new jobs as it expands its electric car offering, paving the way for a new CUPRA and SEAT dealership. Mr McCartney expressed delight after introducing the ground-breaking hybrid and all-electric vehicles to meet fast-growing local demand for cutting-edge, sustainable and innovative driving options. Lookers reported a pre-tax profit of 84.4m last year on revenue of 4.3bn. It employs around 6,500 people. Founded in Manchester in 1908 by John Looker, the business originally sold bicycles, and the occasional used car. The business quickly switched to selling mainly cars, and in 1973 it listed on the London Stock Exchange. A Co Down man who was caught dealing drugs in the centre of Belfast has been handed a two-and-a-half year sentence. Michael Nelson, from Larch Close in Holywood, will spend 15 months in prison followed by the same period on licence. Belfast Crown Court heard he was acting under a degree of duress having wracked up a 10,000 drugs debt. The 35-year-old was arrested on July 22, 2023 when police observed what they suspected was a drugs transaction in Ventry Lane in Belfast. Nelson fled the scene but was apprehended by police and during his arrest, he was violent and aggressive. He was verbally abusive, struggled and threatened to headbutt an officer. A quantity of drugs were found on his person and when his home was searched, more drugs including high purity cocaine was seized along with cash, deal bags, multiple mobile phones, mixing agents and a deal list. During his interview following his arrest, Nelson admitted dealing cocaine to associates and said his motivation was to pay off a 10,000 drugs debt. He denied ownership of the cocaine and amphetamine found in his home and made the case he had been forced by paramilitaries to hold the drugs. The father-of-one subsequently admitted four drugs offences namely possessing cocaine, possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing both cannabis and amphetamine on July 22, 2023. He also admitted charges of assaulting and resisting police on the same date. Defence barrister Richard McConkey said Nelson was addressing his addiction issues, has been attending Narcotic Anonymous sessions and is now drug-free. Saying Nelson was acting under a degree of pressure, the barrister spoke of Nelson running up a drugs debt then being put upon by criminals to pay that debt. Mr McConkey also spoke of the impact Nelsons behaviour has had on his family, including a threat made to his father as a result of his sons drug debts and a threat issued regarding his mothers home. Judge Mark McGarrity said Nelsons guilty pleas were on the basis that he dealt the drugs on a commercial basis at street level with the Crowns belief that the amount of money involved was substantial. He added that whilst it was accepted Nelson was acting under a small degree of pressure from criminal elements, this was not considered to be significant by the Crown. Noting Nelson has a relevant criminal record for previous drugs offences, Judge McGarrity said he had considered a Probation Report which set out the defendants regret and remorse. Also noted by the judge was the work Nelson has undertaken since his arrest to tackle his drugs addiction. Saying a custodial sentence was both necessary and proportionate, Judge McGarrity imposed the two-and-a-half year sentence. He also ordered that the 1,920 seized should be donated to a local addictions charity and the drugs destroyed. Charles Little speaks outside the inquest into the deaths of his in-laws Michael and Lilian Cawdery, at Banbridge Courthouse, Co Down. The couple, both aged 83, died at their home in Portadown, Co Armagh, on May 26 2017. Thomas McEntee, 43, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was given a life sentence in 2018. Picture date: Wednesday December 13, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ULSTER Cawdery. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The family of a couple in their 80s, killed by a man with severe mental health problems, have said questions need asked of the PSNI and the health service after a coroner ruled their deaths were entirely preventable. Marjorie and Michael Cawdery, both 83, were stabbed to death at their home in Portadown, Co Armagh, on May 26, 2017. In the days before the attack, their killer paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Scott McEntee repeatedly came to the attention of police and health services as he battled severe mental illness. McEntee, who is now aged in his mid-40s, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was given a life sentence in June the following year. In findings that took five hours to deliver, coroner Maria Dougan spoke of numerous missed opportunities in the days before the couple were killed. Delivering inquest findings at Banbridge courthouse, coroner Maria Dougan identified a series of "omission and missed opportunities" that, if acted on by police and healthcare workers, would have meant McEntee would not have been in the location of the Cawderys' home on the day he killed them. The coroner identified four incidents prior to the killings when McEntee had been displaying signs of mental illness and was involved in interactions with either police or health care staff. The first was in Belfast city centre and then the Mater hospital in the city on May 22, the second was at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on May 24, the third was the following day in Warrenpoint, Co Down, and fourthly on May 26 at both Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. McEntee, who was from Kilkeel, Co Down, ultimately absconded from Craigavon Area Hospital and broke into the Cawderys' home on nearby Upper Ramone Park when they were out shopping. When they returned to their house, he was still in the property and he killed them. The coroner raised particular concern about a police failure to use powers available to them under mental health legislation to take McEntee to a place of safety when they encountered him in the days prior to the killings. Ms Dougan also said she was not satisfied that all the lessons from the incident had been learned by the PSNI and Belfast and Southern health trusts. Concluding her lengthy findings, coroner Marie Dougan said: "I find on the balance of probabilities that the deaths of Michael and Marjorie Cowdery on the 26th of May 2017 in their own home were entirely preventable." She added: "On all the evidence before me there was a succession of omissions and missed opportunities emanating from poor communication, a lack of informed and effective decision-making on the part of police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and staff in the Belfast trust and Southern trust in their contact, care and treatment of Mr McEntee. "These omissions and missed opportunities, whilst analysed individually may not be considered grave, the combination had devastating consequences. "I find that had these opportunities not been missed, the course of events would have been different and would have changed the outcome." Son in law Charles Little said the family feel vindicated and hoped that they could now start to grieve. It is exactly what we would have wanted, confirmation that this was entirely preventable. It does leave a lot to be done by the health service and the police when it comes to training. There are major issues when it comes to interfaces between the police and health service, they need to be addressed. The metal health strategy doesnt address this at all, and I have asked that the mental health champion (Professor Siobhan O'Neill) look at this. The case is closed as far as Thomas McEntee is concerned, but we have asked the Victims of Crimes Commissioner to look at possible review into how corporate manslaughter and malfeasance in public office are dealt with in future. Mr Little said the entire family were exhausted to be honest. It has taken six years to get to this, we also feel very sorry for Troubles victims who have been waiting up to 50 years and may never get an inquest and we support them fully. Inquests are an important part of the healing process. We have to try and grieve first and then we really want to see changes made and see them implemented. Speaking of his in-laws he said Mike was a great campaigner for patients to be taken seriously - ironic he ended up being killed by a patient who wasnt taken seriously. I think he would pleased with what happened today and Marjorie was a wonderful woman and supported Mike and was always by his side. They should be here today, as the coroner said their deaths were entirely preventable. Mike and Marjorie should not be dead and the police and health service might want to reflect as to why they are not here, he added. The Independent Review of Education was launched by former Education Minister Michelle McIlveen. The panel included (from left) Robin McLaughlin, Ms McIlveen (pictured here at the launch), Marie Lindsay, Isabel Nisbet, chairperson Dr Keir Bloomer, and vice-chairperson Sir Gerry Loughran (Credit: Brian Morrison) It will take an additional 291m a year to begin to pull the education system out of crisis, according to a two-year review. The financial investment is needed immediately, added the most far-reaching review of education ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. The Independent Review of Education has taken two years to complete, but the expert panel said the first step towards addressing the problems that persist will be to make education a priority for financial investment. Only then will a raft of recommendations be able to be implemented. But the panel warned there would be no quick fix. Instead, they urged politicians to see the financial rewards of an investment in the future of Northern Irelands young people. If implemented, the review could see some major changes to the way the school system operates, including a phasing out of a single transfer test in favour of broader pupil profiles, the establishment of jointly managed community schools to reduce the number of unsustainable schools with low pupil numbers, and a single department responsible for education. Currently, the Department for the Economy has control of finances in further education. The review was a key commitment in the New Decade, New Approach Agreement and focusses on securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, raising standards, access to the curriculum for all pupils, and the prospects of moving towards a single education system. Key recommendations include the need to prioritise investment in education, promote learners learning together, expand early years education, reconfigure the network of schools, simplify the management of education, reform the curriculum and increase the age of educational participation to 18. Launching the final report, panel chairperson Dr Keir Bloomer, said: Our report is focussed on investing in excellent education for all. Our far-reaching recommendations will radically reform the landscape of education building on its strengths and tackling weaknesses. Many of the concerns are common to all developed countries. These include helping people to adapt to and flourish in a rapidly changing society and economy; raising standards of achievement; reducing the impact of disadvantage; encouraging learning throughout life; and enabling the education system itself to make use of emerging technologies. Emphasising the importance of an improved and adequate budget Dr Bloomer continued: Education is the most important investment that any society makes in its own future. The education budget should be seen in this way. Education can deliver a better future for all. However, education in Northern Ireland has suffered from years of underfunding. "Funding has reduced in real terms by 145m over the last 11 years while the pupil population increased by 7%. Per-pupil funding reduced in real-terms by around 11%. These cuts are having a lasting and detrimental impact on learners and need to be reversed. It is also clear that the funding of education in Northern Ireland is inequitable compared to other parts of the United Kingdom. The 2023/24 budget was 2.5% less than the year before against a 6.5% planned rise in England. There is a funding crisis which must be addressed immediately but this is only a first step." Dr Bloomer said the next step involves a sustained carefully-planned programme of investment designed to create an education system that can sustain a flourishing economy and a vibrant cohesive society. We want to see that investment start now so that it can bring about transformation over the next 20 years through progressive reform, he continued. That will provide a seamless lifelong education journey. Children will receive integrated care and education from their earliest years. Learners will be equipped to flourish as individuals and contribute fully to the economy. "There will be early diagnosis of difficulties and effective support for those who need it when they need it, greatly reducing the requirement for later costly longer-term interventions. Northern Ireland has the potential to be a 21st century success but only if it invests adequately in its education system. The panel also considered efficiencies that could be realised within the education system, urging for the network of schools to be planned afresh and that further education should be reformed in ways to reduce costs and support a modern approach to lifelong learning. Simplifying the way in which the system is run will yield modest savings. There were also a series of recommendations relating to the structure of education. Panel member and principal of Banbridge Academy Robin McLoughlin, said: We were specifically tasked with considering a pathway to a single education system. Early in our work we concluded that priority should be embedding a culture of collaboration. Interests of learners should always take precedence over interests of institutions. Our recommendations include a single department responsible for learning and skills, a singular approach to managing schools and new structures to provide better and more responsive support for learners, educators and institutions. We want to see a system that actively promotes learners, from different backgrounds, learning in the classroom together. The Independent Review of Education has taken two years to complete, but the expert panel said the first step towards addressing the problems that persist will be to make education a priority for financial investment An Independent Review of Education, which has taken two years to complete, has found that it will take an extra 291m a year to pull Northern Ireland's system out of crisis. The panel urged politicians to see the financial rewards of an investment in the future of Northern Irelands young people. Here are points from their findings: Investment in Education Education is the single most important investment in the future of society and the economy. Increasing the current level of investment will generate future savings in areas such as health, welfare and criminal justice. The Executive should immediately increase the annual education resource budget by 155m to address the per-pupil funding gap with England and Wales. Northern Ireland needs additional funding of 136m due to a higher proportion of learners with a Statement of Special Educational Needs. This means there is an immediate need to uplift the education budget by 291m. Expand early years education The early years offer a unique learning opportunity for all children. Increased investment in early years will extend access and improve quality, enabling early diagnosis and intervention in cases of difficulty. Early childhood health and education needs should be met through an integrated service. Investment in the early years is the most effective contribution we can make to overcoming socioeconomic disadvantage. The first steps should ensure that all 2-year-olds receive up to 20 hours per week and all 3-year-olds up to 22.5 hours per week. Reform of education governance and delivery structures The formation of a unified department with the sole responsibility of overseeing the entirety of a learners education journey. This would entail merging the existing responsibilities of DE with some of those within DfE, specifically with regard to education, learning and skills. A single authority should be created, in the first instance for Controlled and Maintained schools with the opportunity for other sectors to join. Major reform of the curriculum and its management The curriculum needs to be based on a clear understanding of how learning occurs. It should inspire lifelong learners capable of successfully participating in an ever-changing society. Learners should advance smoothly from early childhood to lifelong learning without abrupt changes, such as currently exists most notably between the primary and post-primary stages. The curriculum should be kept under continual review following radical reform involving a reduction in subject content, improvement of transitions and the development of pre-vocational learning from age 14. Reforms to Further and Higher Education Colleges are a vital part of the education system but there is insufficient understanding of their role. There is a need to simplify the system of qualifications, enhance collaboration with both schools and universities, secure closer involvement with business and industry, ensure greater cost-effectiveness in service delivery and reform governance structures. A single college governance model with fully integrated shared services but operating via local campuses should replace the current regional colleges. A key recommendation is that a unified department be established with the sole responsibility of overseeing the entire education journey. This would entail merging the existing responsibilities of DE with some of those within DfE, specifically with regard to education, learning and skills. Such an arrangement would mean a more holistic approach to funding. The number of places available at Northern Ireland universities should be progressively increased until the ratio of undergraduate places (in Northern Ireland universities) to the age cohort matches that in the rest of the UK. Reconfigure the network of schools A new approach to the area planning process is necessary to create a school network that meets the needs of all learners and promotes social cohesion, while also providing a comprehensive curriculum in a cost-effective manner. This process has the potential to create new jointly managed community schools by merging schools from different sectors. These schools would not be a new type of school, but rather a school managed by representatives from existing sectors. Maximum annual savings of approximately 100m could be generated for investment in education. A single strategic planning authority should be established to oversee a significant reconfiguration of the network of schools and the ongoing development of this revised network. Promote learners' learning together All learners at all stages should have the opportunity to learn alongside individuals from other communities and backgrounds in the same classroom to make meaningful improvements in the level of community mixing in schools to ensure a significant increase in sharing. The proposed reconfiguration offers the potential to create 177 new or reconfigured jointly managed community schools and sixth forms with expanded numbers of learners from different communities attending the same school and learning together. This would result in around 20% of pupils enrolled in jointly managed community schools by 2031. The new single department should report annually on the community mix of learners at an individual school level and schools should report annually on the proactive steps they are taking to ensure a broader community mix in their pupil intake. The option of attending an Integrated school or a jointly managed community school within a realistic travelling distance should be available to all families as soon as possible. Reform of transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary schools To create a seamless transition, reduce differences between academically selective and non-selective schools, and move towards greater parity of esteem between different types of schools, the transfer process at age 11 should be reformed to: Limit the number of students transferring to post-primary schools based on academic criteria. Ensure that the percentage of students admitted through this method who are eligible for FSM reflects the proportion of applications received from FSM-eligible students. Consider approaches to better equalise the distribution of newcomer pupils across the grammar and non-grammar sectors. Offer increased flexibility at age 14 to allow students to transfer to different institutions if they wish. Provide learners with a right to remain in school to take their A-levels (or other post-16 qualifications offered by the school) should they wish, either by remaining in their home school (should there be sixth form provision) or having a right of entry to another local sixth form provision. As soon as is practicable, transition away from using a single test as a means of selection for transfer to post-primary school. Instead use a broader pupil profile. Transform SEN services and provide learner-focused interventions The current policies, practices, and legislation are failing to deliver support for learners with SEN. At the same time, expenditure is out of control in a way that threatens the quality of service for all learners. Thorough reform is urgently required. The use of resources should be based on equitable treatment of all pupils. The system is not working as intended. Many parents conclude that meaningful support is only available at the final stage (where parents receive a statement). Earlier support is vital. Raise the age of education and provide opportunities for lifelong learning All learners should, by law, remain in education or apprenticeship/training until age 18. This could involve full-time education or training or spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering while in part-time education or training. Courses that offer literacy, numeracy and digital skills development at levels 1 and 2 should be available free of charge to all unqualified adults, as these skills offer access to the labour market. Additionally, courses in English as an additional language should be offered at the same levels to assist newcomer adults. Former justice minister said wiping messages was policy after grave concern was expressed to the UK Covid Inquiry Former Stormont justice minister Naomi Long has said her WhatsApp messages did not have anything substantive and said the wiping of messages from devices was standard policy. It comes after the UK Covid Inquiry was told WhatsApp messages sent by former Stormont ministers during the pandemic have been lost after government-issued electronic devices were wiped. Counsel to the inquiry, Clair Dobbin KC, said this included the devices of former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Michelle ONeill. The barrister said that the inquirys legal team had expressed grave concern over the data loss. The head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady has been asked to provide a witness statement to explain the circumstances. Speaking to BBC NIs Good Morning Ulster, the Alliance Party leader said: That was policy, so when we returned our devices they were to be put to factory setting when we returned them. "I have been able to detail some of the groups I was a member of at that time, but it is fairly clear from what I have there was nothing of substance in terms of Covid in those messages. "I would have used WhatsApp fairly sparsely and usually in the context of debates in the Assembly. "Because of where I sat in the chamber and the Covid rules, I couldnt exchange notes with the officials box so we used it to pass messages essentially during debates if there were any issues I needed clarity on. "It is standard policy because when you step out as a minister your phone is taken out and given to someone else. I do know anything we would have had of substance would have been carried in email and paper and documents. I didnt use WhatsApp as a decision tool. I dont think there would have been anything substantive. Read more Belfast restaurant could close doors for good if transport workers strike goes ahead Brenda Doherty, a leading figure in the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, said it was another frustrating episode. "I dont understand how so many political figures had managed to put their phones back to factory reset after such an important period during our lifetime, she said. I think it would be interesting to see... when these phones were reset. Even though it might have been the normal situation in the past this was not normal. "For us it will be waiting to see what date and when the devices were actually reset. Obviously Naomi only knows the way she used her WhatsApp she doesnt know how others used their WhatsApp. "One of the big things that has come out of the module 2 inquiry in relation to Westminster is the toxic environment going on at the time. And some of those WhatsApp messages that were revealed actually really showed you what that environment was like. A barrister representing the Northern Ireland Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group said his clients shared the inquirys concerns over the data loss. WhatsApp messages sent by UK ministers have featured separately in evidence given to the inquiry as it examined decision making by the Government. The inquiry held a preliminary hearing into the devolved Stormont administrations response to the pandemic on Tuesday. Ms Dobbin said informal communications such as WhatsApp messages may be of a forensic value in preserving what individuals thought or knew at a given point in time. She said that after the inquiry was established in 2021, the permanent secretaries of all devolved departments were contacted asking them to ensure no material of potential relevance to the inquiry was destroyed. Ms Dobbin said the inquiry had sought at an early point information on informal communications, including WhatsApp messages, sent by former Stormont ministers or senior civil servants. She said: In August 2023, The Executive Office (TEO) notified the inquiry team of a potential loss of data in relation to the Northern Ireland Civil Service supplied devices that were held by former Executive ministers and senior civil servants. TEO informed the inquiry that the government-supplied devices of the former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster and the deputy first minister Michelle ONeill had been reset to factory settings. It was said this was also the position in relation to other ministers and meant that no data was available from those devices. Ms Dobbin said the inquirys legal team immediately expressed grave concern and sought the detail of what had happened. Ms Dobbin said the TEO had provided a report to the inquiry last week and further information was being sought. The barrister also said that efforts were continuing to recover some of the material which had been lost. Nessa Fee BL, representing TEO, said the work of co-operating with the inquirys modules had been vast for a small jurisdiction. She added: It goes without saying that there has been an absence of government in Northern Ireland since February 2022, the conditions in which the Executive Office and all the other departments are operating in response to this significant inquiry, most notably the financial conditions, are less than ideal. Marjorie and Michael Cawdery, both 83, who were found murdered in their home in Portadown, Co Armagh (PSNI/PA) The deaths of a retired couple who were killed by a man with a severe mental health illness were entirely preventable, a coroner has found. Pensioners Marjorie and Michael Cawdery, both 83, were stabbed to death at their home in Portadown, Co Armagh, on May 26, 2017. Paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Scott McEntee, who is now aged in his mid-40s, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was given a life sentence in June the following year. Delivering inquest findings at Banbridge courthouse on Wednesday, coroner Maria Dougan said that on the balance of probabilities the deaths could have been avoided if police and health care workers had dealt differently with McEntee in several interactions in the days leading up to the fatal incident. She identified a series of omission and missed opportunities that, if acted on, would have meant McEntee would not have been in the location of the Cawderys home on the day he killed them. The couples son-in-law Charles Little speaking outside the inquest (Niall Carson/PA) The coroner raised particular concern about a police failure to use powers available to them under mental health legislation to take McEntee to a place of safety when they encountered him in the days prior to the killings. Ms Dougan also said she was not satisfied that all the lessons from the incident had been learned by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Belfast and Southern health and social care trusts. The coroner identified four incidents prior to the killings when McEntee had been displaying signs of mental illness and was involved in interactions with either police or health care staff. The first was in Belfast city centre and then the Mater Hospital in the city on May 22; the second was at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on May 24; the third was the following day in Warrenpoint, Co Down; and fourthly on May 26 at both Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. McEntee, who was from Kilkeel, Co Down, ultimately absconded from Craigavon Area Hospital and broke into the Cawderys home on nearby Upper Ramone Park when they were out shopping. When they returned to their house, he was still in the property and he killed them. Mr Cawdery was a retired veterinary surgeon and research pharmacologist. During his career he had worked for the colonial government of Kenya and Uganda. Mr Cawdery was a civil servant in the colonial government of Uganda and latterly a company director and housewife. Concluding her lengthy findings, the coroner said: I find on the balance of probabilities that the deaths of Michael and Marjorie Cowdery on May 26 2017 in their own home were entirely preventable. She added: On all the evidence before me there was a succession of omissions and missed opportunities emanating from poor communication, a lack of informed and effective decision-making on the part of police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and staff in the Belfast trust and Southern trust in their contact, care and treatment of Mr McEntee. These omissions and missed opportunities, while analysed individually may not be considered grave, the combination had devastating consequences. I find that had these opportunities not been missed, the course of events would have been different and would have changed the outcome. Ms Dougan said the inquest was the most complex and difficult, both emotionally and evidentially, she had presided over. She praised the dignity and resilience of the couples family throughout the process. The coroner expressed concerns that lessons had not been sufficiently learned and said she would be sending her findings and recommendations to the PSNI and Stormonts Department of Health for consideration. I commend the large body of work that has been taken forward by the PSNI and the health and social care trusts to date, she said. The litmus test for lessons learned is what would PSNI officers and trust staff do now when faced with the same situation? Sitting here today, on the written and oral evidence before me, I cannot be satisfied, as acknowledged by some witnesses to the inquest, that some of the failings which have been identified would not occur again. More needs to be done. My hope is that the tragic loss of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery continues to serve as a catalyst for collective and sustained change in the recognition and treatment of people in mental health crisis, thus ensuring that no family continues to endure the pain that the Cawdery family carries. The son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Cawdery has said hearing the evidence about their deaths was brutal and shocking. Speaking outside court, Charles Little, who discovered their bodies inside their home, said: Although we have heard the evidence, going through it again it is still brutal and shocking. What is really, really shocking is the utter chaos that appears to have existed in both the health service and the police, and their inability to appreciate how ill this man was. It was just really breathtaking how bad it was. Mr Little said the deaths should never have happened. I still believe there is no justice when only the ill man is held accountable, he said. As you heard, there was a raft of areas and things which went wrong. I am asking the victims of crime commissioner to push for a review of corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in a public office, all the relevant legislation to take forward and see if there can be reviews of that legislation which can accommodate situations like this and hold people and hold organisations to account. The coroner found it to be entirely preventable, it should not have happened, it should never have happened. In response to the ruling, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing Bobby Singleton said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland acknowledges the stark comments of the coroner today, Wednesday 13 December. I am acutely aware that today will have been another very upsetting and difficult day for the Cawdery family and all those affected by this incident. The Police Service has, following our own internal review and a Serious Adverse Incident Review conducted by the Health Trust, already taken steps to address identified shortcomings in our handling of incidents linked to the murders of Michael and Marjorie. When we receive the full written verdict, which was delivered over four hours today, we will immediately consider the findings and will work with our partners to ensure that any further recommended actions are addressed. In statements to the BBC, the Southern health trust said it accepted and will review the coroners findings while the Belfast trust said it was committed to learning from them. Amazon, Walmart, and Target will no longer sell dangerous water bead toys. After getting pressured by lawmakers and health advocates, the three e-commerce giants confirmed their decision to halt the sales of these tiny toys. They all agreed on Tuesday, Dec. 12, saying that they would stop selling water beads and marketing them to children before 2023 ends. The efforts of Amazon, Target, and Walmart to stop water bead sales are a big deal, especially for parents. Dangerous Water Bead Toys Will No Longer Be Sold by Walmart, Amazon, Target Based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission data, emergency departments across the United States reported an estimated 7,800 water bead-related injuries between 2016 and 2022. According to UPI's latest reports, the CPSC warns parents and other people regarding the dangers of water-bead toys. Finally, Amazon, Target, and Walmart listened to the warnings of the safety agency and health advocates. "In the interest of safety, Amazon will no longer allow the sale of water beads that are marketed to children, including as toys, art supplies, or for sensory play," said an Amazon spokesperson. Target also confirmed a similar move to remove water beads from its store shelves and online listings. This was followed by Walmart, saying that it would restrict the sale of any water bead toys and crafts marketed to children under 9. "Given growing safety concerns, we will no longer sell water beads marketed to children ages 12 and under," said Target's spokesperson Emily Bisek. Before their announcements, many US lawmakers, such as Rep. Frank Pallone (New Jersey), had already urged them to ban water bead toys. The American politician said he's glad to hear that Walmart, Amazon, and Target are now trying to halt the sale of water beads. Read Also: Five Guys Closing Deadline 2024 Debunked: Here's What Fact-Checkers Say About These Clickbait Ads | HNGN - Headlines & Global News Why Water Beads are Dangerous Healthychildren.org explained that water beads are made of super-absorbent polymer chemicals. This is why they are also called gel beads, crystal soil, hydro orbs, and jelly beads. When these tiny water beads are placed in water, they can grow up to 1,500 times their original sizes. They can also be reused by drying them out and reusing them. They are used as sensory toys for children and autism and other developmental conditions. But they can also be played by other kids. However, health advocates warned that these water beads can put children's lives at risk if they get swallowed, inhaled, or placed inside ears. Once they grow, they can cause blockages that can be life-threatening. It will also be hard to detect them in hospitals because water beads are not visible on X-rays. Related Article: Zara Removes 'The Jacket' Ad Campaign After Critics Claim It Resembles Israel-Hamas War @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Co Antrim man who died following a crash in Armoy at the weekend will be laid to rest on Thursday morning, a funeral notice has confirmed. Michael Scally was 34 years old and from the Ballycastle area. The single-vehicle collision happened in the Coolkeeran Road area, with police saying they received a report around 11.30pm on Sunday of the incident involving a silver Peugeot 207. The man was later taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries where he sadly passed away. There were no other passengers in the vehicle. A funeral notice said Requiem Mass for Mr Scally will take place at St. Patricks & St. Brigids Church, Ballycastle at 10:00 am on Thursday. Internment afterwards will take place in St. Olcans Cemetery, Armoy. The notice said Mr Scally was the much loved son of Ann and the late Kevin, "adored father to Caolan and cherished uncle, cousin, nephew and friend to so many. Paying tribute, SDLP Deputy Mayor councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said: Id like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Michael Scally following his tragic death at the weekend. It is never easy to lose a loved one, particularly in circumstances like these and my heart goes out to them. Mr Scally was from the Ballycastle area and I know that the community will be reeling from his death at such a young age. This is a tight-knit area and people here will support the Scally family in any way they can as they come to terms with their loss. Sinn Fein councillor Maighread Watson also extended her deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Scally. This tragedy will be deeply felt in the local community, and I know that they will rally around to support the Scally and Watson families at this difficult time. I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene of this incident and appeal to anyone with information to please bring it forward to the PSNI. A police spokesperson said: A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened is ongoing. Officers would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to contact them at the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 1912 10/12/23. UUP leader Doug Beattie arrives at Hillsborough Castle, Co. Down. December 13, 2023: Day three of talks at Hillsborough Castle between the five main Northern Ireland Parties and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris. Day three of talks at Hillsborough Castle between the five main Northern Ireland Parties and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris. Pic by Jonathan Porter/PressEye. Conor Murphy, Vice President of Sinn Fein Michelle O'Neill and President of Sinn Fein Mary Lou McDonald speak to media outside Hillsborough Castle after talks between Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and the main political parties. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said there is still work to be done in terms of the bilateral talks process the DUP is engaged in with the Government. The DUP leader made clear that the discussions on Stormont's financial problems and his party's efforts to secure assurances on post-Brexit trade were separate. He said: "Well, look, they are two separate processes, let's be clear about that. "But every day that we make progress is a day that takes us closer to securing our objectives. But we are not there yet. There is still work to be done. This process is not concluded." He said his party would need to examine the legislation Rishi Sunak was proposing on the UK internal market. Mr Donaldson said: "We need to be clear that whatever is happening, whether it's changes to the practical arrangements in terms of how we trade with the rest of the United Kingdom, whether it's about providing a legislative basis for those practical measures to ensure that our place within the United Kingdom and its internal market is protected, not just for now but for the future, of course we want to see that legislation and to ensure that the Government is committed, and will deliver on what is required." 'Sir Jeffrey has struck a deal' Talks to agree an enhanced financial package for Northern Ireland with the goal of restoring power-sharing will resume on Monday. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris MP has this evening chaired another plenary session with the four Executive parties at Hillsborough Castle. Speaking later, he said: I would like to thank the parties for their thorough and constructive engagement over the last three days. The Government has outlined a fair and generous package which could assist a returning Executive to stabilise its finances and protect public services. Over the course of our discussions, a number of points have been raised which require further clarification, including the need for firmer proposals from the parties for how a restored executive plans to deliver the transformation of public services. We will be continuing our dialogue with the parties on these issues over the coming days, with the single focus of seeing the return of a locally elected and accountable devolved government. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content UUP leader Doug Beattie described the meeting as positive but expressed disappointment that no agreement had been reached tonight. He accused SoS Chris Heaton-Harris of failing to answer key questions. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says this is the moment of truth Ahead of the evening session, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the moment of truth had arrived as the final stages of talks got underway at Hillsborough Castle with the Secretary of State. Ms McDonald said the three day process was drawing to a conclusion with productive exchanges. She added that it is now at decision-making point for the Treasury in terms of money and for the DUP in terms of power-sharing. We have to ensure that the institutions are properly funded so that we can deliver fair pay for public sector workers, so we can finance public services and deliver for people, she said. Earlier this afternoon, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party called for roundtable talks between the main political parties and the Secretary of State to be extended. Doug Beattie said he is not optimistic that anything will come out of a meeting due to take place early this evening at Hillsborough Castle. "I dont think there will be a lot to come out of this, he said. "But I do think we have had a good opportunity to discuss the issues. "Personally I think we need to keep going I think theres a degree of momentum here which I think will be lost if we just stop today. "I think we should be coming back together to talk tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. "We shouldnt stop talking until we come up with a solution. Read more Chances of Hillsborough deal fade as talks set to get underway this evening Mr Beattie arrived at the talks venue to discuss a 2.5bn financial package for Stormont on offer by Chris Heaton-Harris. Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle ONeill was escorted straight to the castle doors on Wednesday afternoon in a ministerial car. Shortly afterwards party leader Mary Lou McDonald arrived to meet her and former finance minister Conor Murphy who was already inside. The Secretary of State was spotted making his way across the grounds before going back inside the main building a short time later. NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris seen making his way across the grounds of Hillsborough Castle - presumably for awkward lunch. pic.twitter.com/zhpdUeNzhx Brett Campbell (@WbeeCampbell) December 13, 2023 The meeting is not expected to take place until early evening to accommodate DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson who was in London taking part in Prime Ministers Questions. He asked Rishi Sunak to amend the UK Internal Market Act to "guarantee and future-proof" Northern Ireland's access to the UK internal market "in all scenarios". The Lagan Valley MP was told in the Commons that the government stands ready to legislate safeguard the region's place within the UK's internal market which can be done at pace. Mr Beattie dismissed the commitment as nothing new as he admitted he does not know what the outcome of Wednesdays talks will be. The SDLP is not taking part in the third day of talks discussing the financial package offered by Mr Heaton-Harris on Monday. The proposal on the table includes a lump sum to settle public sector pay disputes and a new "needs-based" funding formula with a fiscal floor. It also includes measures to allow budget overspends from last year and this year to be repaid over five years. However, it requires a future Executive to commit to raising rates by at least 15%. All five main parties have said the proposed funding is inadequate. It comes as Foreign Secretary David Cameron is set to meet Tanaiste Micheal Martin in London. Rishi Sunak said the most vulnerable in NI need devolved government urgentlyUUPs Robbie Butler slams DUP figures ruining chances of Stormont returnSDLP MLA Matthew OToole confirms his party will not attend continuing negotiations today Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and the other parties negotiating to work day and night to restore devolved government at Stormont. It comes following a question from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in the House of Commons during Prime Ministers Questions in which the DUP leader called on Mr Sunak to bring forward legislation to amend the UK internal market act and both guarantee and future proof NIs unfettered access to the UKs internal market in all scenarios. In response, Mr Sunak said the government stands ready to legislate to protect NIs integral place in the UK and the UK internal market but added that this step was alongside an agreement to restore the Executive. "We can do this at pace. Our NHS our police officers and the most vulnerable in NI need devolved government urgently and I think it is incumbent on all of us to work day and night to help achieve that, Mr Sunak added. Robbie Butler Earlier today, UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler slammed those in the DUP who he said are ruining any chance of the party agreeing to return to the Stormont Executive. Mr Butler was asked whether he thought the Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons party were softening their approach in anticipation of a potential deal and financial package being agreed to return the powersharing institutions, with talks to continue among the parties and Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris on Wednesday. In response, Mr Butler told BBC NIs Good Morning Ulster: In my opinion significant work has been done and they probably are at the final points, but I do believe there are those who are intent, and you see it on a daily basis, on ruining any chance of their own party getting back into power. "I think it is abysmal to watch and does wider unionism harm. Mr Butler appeared on the programme alongside SDLP MLA Matthew OToole, with both men optimistic about the chances of an agreement eventually being reached. However when asked if he thought this would be before Christmas, Mr Butler added: It is achievable, but is it likely? Probably not. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long told the programme what she wanted from the DUP was an indication of when they are returning to Stormont. "The DUP has been saying now they want to come back for the past 18 months but they are still not back. At this stage all I want to know is when, she said. On Monday, Mr Heaton-Harris made an offer of a financial package worth 2.5bn to support the return of a Stormont executive. The package would include a lump sum to settle public sector pay claims and the establishment of a new "needs-based" funding formula for public services. It would also allow budget overspends at Stormont from last year and this year to be repaid over five years. Representatives of the five main parties attended talks with Government officials at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday to examine the finer detail of the financial offer tabled. The DUP criticised the government proposals as not adequate on Tuesday, insisting London ministers did not appreciate the seriousness of the financial problems facing Northern Ireland. The offer was made amid ongoing efforts by the Government to convince the DUP to end its blockade of the powersharing institutions. DUP representatives outside Hillsborough Castle (Liam McBurney/PA) Devolved government has not been functioning in Northern Ireland for nearly two years because of a DUP boycott in protest at post-Brexit trade agreements. The DUP has been in negotiations with the Government to secure legislative assurances over Northern Irelands economic position in the UK. Both sides insist that process remains ongoing, but speculation has been mounting in recent weeks that devolution may soon return, with the tabling of the financial package interpreted by many as a further step toward restoration. Despite attending previously, Mr O'Toole confirmed his party would not take part in continued talks this afternoon due to their intention to form an official opposition in any restored Assembly and said it was now up to the parties joining the Executive to press for a deal. "I think the UK government have signalled they are going to move and they can be pushed and there is a negotiation that can be had and there are the outlines of that which have happened over the past few days, he said. I think what needs to happen now is that the parties that are going to form an Executive need to come together and they need to force and push and outcome to get that deal over the line. "We have decided today as a party that we have been there for the past couple of days even though we are not going to be in the Executive... we are not going to go today purely because we think the Executive parties need to come together to really get an outcome that works for them. "It is now for those Executive parties to come together as an Executive and push and make progress from a position of strength I think they can do that and we support them as an opposition party. We can make progress on this more quickly than people expect. The DUP has been contacted for a response. Watch: 34 arrests, 11 garda vehicles destroyed as Dublin city wakes up to aftermath of night of chaos Gardai expect to arrest up to 150 more people as part of the extensive investigation into the Dublin riots that has revealed the full extent of criminal damage and assaults during the night of mayhem. A large number of officers based at Store Street garda station continue to investigate the violent disorder that broke out on the night of November 23. Gardai are probing serious assaults that injured 12 officers as well as less serious assaults on up to four members of the public. Tens of millions of euro worth of criminal damage was caused on the night and officers are investigating those behind crimes that led to three Dublin Buses being destroyed by fire as well as six buses that were damaged by other means. The buses will cost millions to replace, with two of the hybrid buses estimated to cost 570,000 and a diesel bus worth 350,000. A bus on fire on OConnell Street in Dublin city centre A Luas tram was also set on fire in the city centre and sources have revealed that parent company Transdev has still not determined whether the tram can be repaired. However, it is understood a new Luas tram is likely to be needed because of the extent of the damage. If it needs to be replaced this will cost well in excess of 5m, a senior source said. Two garda patrol cars were destroyed by fire while 15 other garda vehicles were damaged. Included in the 15 garda cars and vans that were damaged are vehicles that had windows smashed in or had wing mirrors kicked off, a source said. Garda investigations found 15 retail premises were broken into on the night, with many looted. An overall figure is still not available for the value of goods stolen because the stores are still counting the cost. There have been 34 arrests so far but at least 150 more people are expected to be arrested for a variety of offences in the coming weeks once they are identified by gardai trawling through 6,000 hours of CCTV. All these arrests happened on the night of the violent disorder. But since then, gardai have conducted a number of targeted searches from suspects where evidence was obtained for future prosecutions. Dublin City Council estimates that between 5.45pm and 10.45pm on the day, almost 20m worth of damage was caused, but sources say this may be a conservative figure. The garda investigation into the riots is completely separate to the probe into the violent random attack in which three children and a female carer were stabbed in the incident that preceded the disorder in the capitals city centre. The chief suspect for the attack outside a Dublin city-centre school is being investigated for attempted murder. He remained in hospital last night in an improving and conscious state and may be medically fit to be arrested in the coming days. A separate garda investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) into so-called agitators who incited hatred and violence online on the day has not led to any arrests. However, up to 20 people have now been identified as part of this strand of investigation. None of these individuals was present when the rioting broke out. Andre Braugher, who starred in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life On The Street, has died at the age of 61, his publicist confirmed. The two-time Emmy winning actor starred as Captain Raymond Holt in US comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine alongside Andy Samberg, playing New York police officers in Brooklyns fictional 99th Precinct. Braugher died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen told the PA news agency. Braugher was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards (Erik Pendzich/Alamy) Braugher received an Emmy Award in 1998 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series following his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life On The Street which ran from 1993 until 1999. The actor met his wife Ami Brabson during his time on the US drama, and they later had three children. Braugher later won an Emmy Award in 2006 for outstanding performance by a lead actor in a mini-series for his starring role in Thief, where he played professional burglar Nick Atwater. During his established career, Braugher was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards four of which were for his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine which first aired in 2013 and ended after eight seasons in 2021. His break-out role was in the 1990 film Glory directed by Ed Zwick, alongside Hollywood stars Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington who won his first Academy Award for his supporting role in the film. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Other notable credits include starring as Benjamin O Davis in Tuskegee Airmen, Dr Ben Gideon in Gideons Crossing and Owen in Men Of A Certain Age all roles which won him Emmy Award nominations. Mike Royce, who co-created Men Of A Certain Age, said on X, formerly Twitter: This is impossible for me to process. He was best actor in the world. An incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss. Braugher most recently starred in She Said, the biographical drama which sees Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the investigative journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. He played Dean Baquet, the New York Times executive editor who oversaw the two reporters. US servicewoman Mikayla Hayes is accused of causing the death by careless driving of motorbike rider Matthew Day in August last year (Yui Mok/ PA) A motorcyclist appeared to grab his front brake as a US servicewoman emerged from a junction across his path, before he struck her car and was fatally injured, a court has heard. Airman first class Mikayla Hayes, 25, pulled out to turn right when motorcyclist Matthew Day was 10 to 15 metres from her car, according to the testimony of witness Graeme Pratt. Father-of-one Mr Day, who was travelling south on the A10 on a red-and-white Yamaha motorbike, collided with the defendants maroon-coloured Honda Accord on August 26 last year. The 33-year-old died of his injuries later that day, Norwich Crown Court was told. Motorcyclist Matthew Day, 33, died of injuries sustained in the collision (Family handout/PA) Hayes, who had been travelling from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk to her home in Downham Market in Norfolk, had emerged from the B1160 Lynn Road turning right onto the A10 at Southery in Norfolk. She denies causing Mr Days death by careless driving. Mr Pratt was riding his motorbike behind the Honda driven by Hayes as it approached the junction with the A10. He told the court that the Honda was being driven normally, it wasnt veering across the road. Mr Pratt said that at the junction I pulled up behind the car, it sat there I could see the person in the drivers seat looking both ways. He said: There was heavy traffic they just sat there looking. Hayes had been travelling from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk to her home in Downham Market in Norfolk at the time of the collision (Emma Sword/PA) Mr Pratt said it felt like four or five minutes sat there waiting to get out, that would be an estimate, adding: It felt a long time. He said a car travelling south on the A10 indicated left to turn off at the Southery junction, the motorbike was behind it and my thought process was once that bike was past us there was sufficient gap for both of us to get out. I recall the Honda moving forward, I stayed where I was, I looked up and I could see the Honda pulling out and the motorcycle still travelling down the A10, he said. Asked by prosecutor Rachel Scott what the gap between the motorcycle and the Honda was when the car moved forward, he replied: I would estimate as 10 to 15 metres. Questioned about what the motorbike did as the Honda moved forward, Mr Pratt said: Im presuming the rider grabbed the front brake I watched the front of the bike dip, which is normally pulling the front brake. Asked how soon after the Honda pulled out he saw the bike dip, he replied: Seconds, I couldnt give an exact time. He said that as he saw the Honda move forward I shouted no in my helmet. It was a reaction, he said. I was shouting no to the woman to stop, I could see what was going to happen. He said that when the Honda moved forward there was no urgency to fly across the road. Mr Pratt said he saw the Yamaha motorbike strike the side of the Honda, with the bike and rider thrown into the air. Driver Derek Cummings, who was also queuing for the junction and witnessed the collision, said: It happened so fast. I didnt register any real time between the car moving off and the motorcyclist hitting the car. He said he asked the woman in the Honda if she was hurt and she pointed to her head and suggested she had hurt her head. Mr Cummings added that the woman was clearly very upset, very emotional. The trial was being held at Norwich Crown Court (Stephen Pond/PA) Gary Pammenter, a driver who stopped to help after the crash, said he asked Hayes if she was injured and she said her neck was hurting and her right temple. I initially spoke to her to try to calm her down, then when she said about her head I held her head to prevent any movement, he said. Mr Pammenter said she was wearing US Air Force physical training kit, a grey T-shirt and blue tracksuit bottoms with the Air Force crest on, and he told her he was ex-RAF. She told me she was a mechanic, she told me she was based at RAF Lakenheath, he said. Mr Pammenter said she told him she had been over here for approximately three months. She asked me if somebody could let her husband know, he said. Mr Pammenter said she kept repeating I didnt see him, I looked and didnt see him. I asked what she could remember in case anything had happened she said I stopped, I looked and I didnt see him. He said she was crying. Driver Leona Palmer said she was travelling south on the A10 and when she indicated left for the Southery junction, the motorbike behind her carried straight on. I saw a car come from the Southery turning turn right and I just saw a lady in a red car and she was flapping her hands, she told jurors. I thought whats happened? I had my radio on, I think I heard a bang but I cant be certain. She said she stopped her car and went to reassure the motorcyclist in the road, putting a sheet over his leg which was in a terrible state. She said the motorbike had stayed behind her while she was on the A10, adding: I dont think we got up to 60mph as there was a bit of traffic. Mr Days partner Jenny Smith said, in a statement read by the prosecutor, that she had been with him for four-and-a-half years and ever since I knew Matthew he rode motorbikes. She described him as a good rider, adding: I wouldnt describe Matthew as a risk taker and he would wait for gaps in traffic to overtake, for example. She said she was aware that he smoked cannabis, describing him as a casual user, and said she did not know when he last smoked the drug. The trial continues. The Government has been accused of dragging its feet on sorting new gender identity services in the NHS (Victoria Jones/PA) NHS England is taking time to transform gender services for children and young people, the Health Secretary has said as the Government was accused of dragging its feet on the issue. It emerged in October that the opening of new regional gender identity clinics in England had been delayed as the complex set-up of the new service continues. After an initial aim for clinics to be up and running by spring 2023, this was changed to autumn earlier this year and has now been pushed to April 2024. Dr Caroline Johnson, Conservative MP and member of the Health and Social Care Committee, asked about the development of new services. She said: The Government seems to be really dragging its feet on managing and dealing with this, why is that? Appearing before the committee on Wednesday afternoon, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said there is a need to get this right. She said: I appreciate there is a great deal of pressure for speed on this but it is important we get this right. NHS England are taking time to transform the services available to children and young people and Im very, very grateful to all of the clinicians and other professionals involved in this because it is difficult, I fully accept that. She said NHS England is very much looking to launch this (service) to help ensure that those children who need these services are getting them and getting them from the right experts in the right environment to help them with some of the issues that theyre facing. Sir Chris Wormald, permanent secretary at the Department of Health, rejected the accusation of foot-dragging, saying the NHS is establishing a completely new service, which is a very technically difficult thing to do. He said: We are updated regularly by the NHS on their progress. This is a very technically difficult thing to do. It is establishing a new service, completely new service in a whole set of new institutions for this service. And they are pressing ahead but they are very conscious that the consequences of getting it wrong are very high indeed. So I dont think its foot-dragging. I think they are properly assessing the complexity and the risk while pushing forward on the new service in the way that you describe. The regional clinics will replace the current London-based Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) clinic, which is now slated for closure by the end of March next year. An independent review, led by Dr Hilary Cass, was commissioned in September 2020 amid the rise in demand, long waiting times for assessments and significant external scrutiny around the approach and capacity of the capitals clinic and it was announced in July 2022 that it would be shutting down. NHS England previously stated the new regional services must be ready to take on patients before the Gids service at the Tavistock and Portman Trust is closed, in order to ensure there is no gap in the provision of care. The new service will be made up of the southern hub a partnership between Great Ormond Street Hospital, Evelina London Childrens Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the northern hub a partnership between Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital. A spokesperson for the southern hub previously said they hoped to be fully open by the start of April and that they are working with colleagues on the safe handover of current patients. Meanwhile, at a separate committee, equalities minister Kemi Badenoch suggested some medics were reluctant to work in the gender field because of the hassle they get. The senior Conservative, speaking at a session of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, made the comments as she responded to questions about the delays trans children faced in getting specialist care. Ms Badenoch said there was a general pressure on the NHS that was not specific to gender identity services, even though the Government was spending more than ever. But she said she had been told by whistleblowers that many clinicians do not want to work in this space, because it has become so contentious. We are now seeing a lot of paediatricians saying they do not want to be in this space because of the hassle, she told MPs. They dont always believe that gender-affirming care is right. And yet there is a lot of pressure to start with gender-affirming care as the default. They dont think that that is right I agree with them. Gender-affirming care as a way to treat gender dysphoria should be a last resort, not a first resort. She added there was also increased demand for services from those who may not need them. If many children who dont have gender dysphoria are being told that they are trans, they are going to block the queue for those children who do actually need that care, she said. Parts of the UK may warm up after days of wet weather warnings, the Met Office said (Andrew Milligan/PA) Parts of the UK are set to enjoy a reprieve from current temperatures as a bout of unseasonably warm weather is expected over the next few days and through the weekend, the Met Office has said. There is a chance Scotland could experience its warmest December night on record, with temperatures in the east of the country potentially rising to around the current record of 12.5C on Saturday night. Meanwhile, temperatures could reach 10C during the night in some areas of central England, compared with an average night-time temperature of 1.4C in December in the UK. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A jump is also expected in daytime temperatures with the South West possibly reaching 13C on Friday and Saturday, which is six degrees warmer than the December daytime average for the UK. But the Met Office made clear that while the daytime jump was unusual it was less remarkable than its overnight counterpart. The forecasting body said the UK exceeded 13C during the day in December last year. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the Met Office said: Unusually mild air for December will arrive from the sub-tropical Atlantic. This will lift temperatures widely above average, giving exceptionally mild conditions, particularly in some central and northern areas. Spokesman for the Met Office, Stephen Dixon, echoed predictions of unseasonably mild weather for December. He told the PA news agency: Things are generally kind of turning milder over the next few days as we get this Atlantic influence which has helped develop some of the wet and windy conditions weve seen, particularly in the North West. But were also seeing a ridge of higher pressure developing from the South West which is just helping to bring temperatures up above average for the time of year, through the weekend and into next week. Mr Dixon warned that there will likely be some unsettled weather accompanying the milder conditions, particularly in the North West where heavy rain is expected over the weekend. The Met Office is currently unsure when temperatures will drop back down. Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Terry Crews and Joe Lo Truglio were among those remembering US actor Andre Braugher for his irreplaceable talent, following his death aged 61. The two-time Emmy winning actor was best known for starring in Homicide: Life On The Street and as Captain Raymond Holt in US sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine about New York police officers in the fictional 99th Precinct. Braugher died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen told the PA news agency. During his established career, Braugher was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards four of which were for his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine which first aired in 2013 and ended after eight seasons in 2021. Crews, who played Lieutenant Terry Jeffords in the comedy, paid tribute to US star Braugher who was gone so soon, ending the caption with #ninenine in reference to a fan-favourite saying on the show. Im honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared eight glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent, Crews said on Instagram. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, Stephanie Beatriz, Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero and Andre Braugher of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Erik Pendzich/Alamy/PA) Lo Truglio, who starred as Charles Boyle on the popular sitcom, said he remembers Braugher flying home from filming every weekend to be with his wife Ami Brabson and their three children. He said on Instagram: We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it. He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami. Im grateful to them for allowing us to share eight years with him. He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. Lo Truglio described it as an honour to work with a man who knew what it was really all about, signing off the post as Porkchop in reference to what Braugher once called his character on-screen. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Meanwhile actor Marc Evan Jackson, who played Braughers on-screen husband in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a picture of the pair hugging while on set, wearing their wedding rings. He captioned the post on X, formerly Twitter: O Captain. My Captain. Chelsea Peretti, who played Braughers on-screen administrator Gina Linetti on the show, said she will miss his dulcet tones. On Instagram she said: Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. Braugher received an Emmy Award in 1998 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series following his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life On The Street which ran from 1993 until 1999. The actor met his wife Ami during his time on the US drama, and they later had three sons. David Simon, who wrote Homicide: A Year On The Killing Streets which inspired the series, said Braughers death was too damn soon. Ive worked with a lot of wonderful actors. Ill never work with one better, he said on X. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Stunned and thinking of Ami and his sons and so many memories of this good man that are now a blessing. Braugher later won an Emmy Award in 2006 for outstanding performance by a lead actor in a mini-series for his starring role in Thief, where he played professional burglar Nick Atwater which also won him a Golden Globe nomination. His break-out role was in the 1990 film Glory directed by Ed Zwick, alongside Hollywood stars Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington who won his first Academy Award for his supporting role in the film. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Other notable credits include starring as Benjamin O Davis in Tuskegee Airmen, Dr Ben Gideon in Gideons Crossing which won him a Golden Globe nomination and Owen in Men Of A Certain Age, all roles which won him Emmy Award nominations. Mike Royce, who co-created Men Of A Certain Age, said on X: This is impossible for me to process. He was best actor in the world. An incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss. Braugher most recently starred in She Said, the biographical drama which sees Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the investigative journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. He played Dean Baquet, the New York Times executive editor who oversaw the two reporters. Other credits include starring in 2010 film Salt opposite Angelina Jolie; Passengers in 2008 alongside Anne Hathaway; Duets in 2000 with Gwyneth Paltrow; 1998s City Of Angels with Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan; as well as working alongside Alec Baldwin in 1999s Thick As Thieves and Primal Fear with Richard Gere in 1996. He also starred in 2006 action film Poseidon, alongside Sweet Home Alabama star Josh Lucas. Posting a picture of the pair on Instagram, Lucas wrote: The great Andre Braugher passed away today. He was one of the first actors I ever worked with. And years later we did Poseidon together. I saw him perform Shakespeare in the Park and it was beyond memorable. It was an early preview and towards the end during his monologue as Henry V he just stopped. Dead stop. Silence. He put his head down and clearly we all realise he had forgotten his lines. The pause lasted what seemed an eternity and then like lightning he whipped his head up and exploded with greatness, word perfect. It was a performance I will always remember. He was an actor and man I always deeply respect. If you think that your internet connection is still not fast enough, maybe you'd be interested in upgrading to a 20Gbps plan that Google Fiber intends to offer. That is more than enough to have over a hundred TVs streaming and a hundred more PCs playing online games without lag, but you'll have to pony up $250 for the service. Google Fiber's 20Gbps Internet Internet service providers are upgrading their offers for internet speeds, before Google Fiber's 20Gpbs Wi-Fi 7 Fiber plan, there were already available plans that offer up to 8Gbps, which is more than enough for a busy household. For such speeds, you'll also have to match the price, which costs you $250 apart from taxes and other fees. Unfortunately, even if you do have the money to pay the charge every month, your area might not have access to it just yet. The latest Google Fiber plan will start off in select areas such as Kansas City, North Carolina's Triangle Region, Arizona, and Iowa, as reported by Engadget. The company will eventually release them in other locations, although there's no definite window for that. The beauty of the Wi-Fi plan is that the 20Gpbs speeds are level when it comes to download and upload speeds. You will never have to endure buffering videos and laggy games ever again, even if the connection is available to a whole office building. The fastest service is provided through Google's GFiber Labs division and is possible using the new Nokia 25G passive optical networks (PONs). AT&T also has an offer that's worth $250, but it significantly less gigabytes per second with just 5Gbps. If you want to apply for the plan, assuming that your location is included in the mentioned cities above, you can wait for its official launch in the first quarter of 2024. You'll also have to prepare your devices and make sure that it has the latest standard of Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7. Read Also: SpaceX Starlink Internet Speed Perfect for Online Gaming: Elon Musk Teases to Reduce Ping Under 20 Milliseconds Do You Actually Need It? It sounds enticing especially since you'll see internet speeds like never before. But the question is, what are you going to use it for? It will be a waste to pay $250 when you'll only use a fraction of it, which you can get from other plans. To determine how much Mbps or Gbps you need for your home or office, you need to understand the internet speed required for certain activities. For instance, You only need 25 Mbps to stream 4K content. With 20 Gbps, you can stream 800 4k videos at the same time. For online gaming, according to Tom's Guide, you only need about 50 Mbps, which means that you can have about 400 PCs connected to the same Wi-Fi and not have any problems. For a household with less than ten people, 20Gbps is way too much. It would be a good investment for apartment buildings or offices that hold several tenants or employees who require an internet connection. For 40 people, each can get up to 500 Mbps speeds, which is more than enough for an individual. Related: Google Fiber to Offer 5Gbps, 8Gbps Internet Plans Next Year - How Much Will They Be? People stand near a crater after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) A barrage of Russian missiles targeted Kyiv, wounding at least 53 people, officials said. It came as Ukraines president sought more military support in Europe after a trip to Washington secured no new pledges. Loud explosions rocked Kyiv at 3am on Wednesday as the citys air defences were activated for the second time this week. Ukraines air force said Russia launched 10 ballistic missiles towards the capital and all were intercepted by air defences, though debris hit homes and a childrens hospital. The attack underscored the continuing threat to Ukraine from the Kremlins missile arsenal in the 21-month war. Rescue workers extinguish a fire at a residential house after a Russian rocket attack in Kyiv (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Russia has been stockpiling its air-launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet, according to a recent assessment by the UK Ministry of Defence. That may herald another heavy winter bombardment of Ukraines power grid. Moscow last year targeted energy infrastructure in a bid to deny Ukrainians heat, light and running water and break their fighting spirit. As winter sets in and hinders troop movements, allowing little change along the frontline, long-range air bombardment plays a growing role. Ukraine has dwindling supplies of air defence munitions and other ammunition. That prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Washington on Tuesday in an effort to persuade politicians to approve US President Joe Bidens request for 61.4 billion dollars (49.03 billion) for Ukraine. His trip accomplished no breakthrough. Mr Zelensky said on Telegram on Wednesday that he and Mr Biden agreed to work on increasing the number of air defence systems in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned plea to the US Congress to approve additional aid (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The terrorist state has just demonstrated how crucial this decision is, Mr Zelensky said, referring to the overnight strikes. In Oslo on Wednesday, he met Nordic leaders who feel keenly the potential threat from nearby Russia and are among Kyivs staunchest supporters. Mr Zelensky may also attend a regular European Union summit on Thursday in Brussels, where the continents leaders are expected to discuss their backing for Ukraine. Officials did not confirm such a trip. Russia is eager to exploit divisions, the senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden said in a joint statement in Oslo. We must continue to stand united against Russias illegal and immoral war. They vowed comprehensive assistance for Ukraine. Now is not the time to tire, the Nordic leaders said, amid signs of war fatigue among Kyivs foreign supporters. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her government will unveil a Ukraine support package of almost 1 billion euros (860 million) this week. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Norway announced it will give additional air defences to Ukraine, taking them from its own stocks to ensure speedy delivery. Separately, Latvia and Ukraine announced an agreement on the production of drones, a key part of the war. They said they will aim to enhance Ukraines technological superiority in drone use. Debris from intercepted missiles fell in Kyivs eastern Dniprovskyi district, injuring dozens of people, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. Twenty people, including two children, were admitted to hospital, and 33 people received medical treatment on the spot. An apartment building, a private house and several cars caught fire, while the windows of a childrens hospital were shattered, Mr Klitschko said. Falling rocket debris also damaged the water supply system in the district. It was not immediately clear what type of missile was used in the attack. In other parts of Ukraine, 10 Russian drones were shot down, most of them in the Odesa region, the Ukrainian air force said. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said in a report that Russian forces this year have continued to use explosive weapons with wide area effects in their attacks on densely populated urban areas of Ukraine both in areas close to heavy fighting and in cities far from the contact line. The governmental organisation added in the report published on Wednesday that Ukrainian armed forces, though on a much smaller scale, also shelled populated areas of Ukraine that are occupied by Russia, causing civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. The proposed final agreement from the UN Cop28 Climate Summit in Dubai calls for the world to wean itself off planet-warming fossil fuels, but it stops short of calling for them to be phased out. More than 100 countries had called for that to be included in the final text after an initial draft was released. Instead, the text issued on Wednesday calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade. The transition would be in a way that gets the world to net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 and follows the dictates of climate science. Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, minister of energy of Saudi Arabia, centre, walks through the Cop28 UN Climate Summit as negotiations continued (Rafiq Maqbool/AP) It projects a peak in carbon pollution by 2025 to reach its agreed upon threshold, but gives wiggle room to nations like China to peak later. Intensive talks went well into the small hours of Wednesday morning after the conference presidencys initial document angered many countries by avoiding decisive calls for action on curbing warming. The third version presented in about two weeks does not feature the word oil anywhere in the 21-page document and mentions fossil fuels twice. The aim of the global stocktake is to help nations align their national climate plans with the 2015 Paris agreement that calls to limit warming to 1.5C with Earth on its way to smashing the record for the hottest year. Countries will discuss the text produced by Cop28 president Sultan al-Jaber and his team on Wednesday in a session that could lead to its adoption or could send negotiators back for more work. Activists in a demonstration against fossil fuels at the Cop28 UN Climate Summit (Peter Dejong/AP) Any deal must be agreed by all 198 countries. Some of the language in previous versions that most upset nations calling for dramatic action to address climate change was altered. Actions previously presented as an optional could changed to a bit more directing calls on parties to. Union of Concerned Scientists climate and energy policy director Rachel Cleetus said it was definitely an improvement over earlier versions that environmental advocacy groups like hers criticised. UN Foundation senior adaptation adviser Cristina Rumbaitis del Rio said: Overall, I think this is a stronger text than the prior versions we have seen. But it falls short in mobilising the financing needed to meet those targets. Emilie Beauchamp of the International Institute for Sustainable Development said: If we cant agree on a strong signal on adaptation, where do we go from here? adaptation has been relegated to the broom closet of these negotiations. Other documents presented on Wednesday addressed the sticky issues of money to help poorer nations adapt to global warming and emit less carbon, as well as how countries should adapt to a warming climate. The annual conference was supposed to end on Tuesday but negotiators remained in closed meetings as they reworked the cornerstone document that flopped a day earlier. Navalny has been removed from the penal colony where he was being heldHis allies say Vladimir Putin wants to further isolate him ahead of Russian elections Navalny's current whereabouts are not known. Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been removed from the penal colony where he had been imprisoned since the middle of last year and his current whereabouts are not known, his allies have said. The loss of contact likely signals a Kremlin effort to tighten his isolation while President Vladimir Putin runs for re-election over the next three months, Mr Navalnys spokeswoman has claimed. A constant thorn in Putins side, could Navalny still play a role in the future of Russia despite being in prison? Host Rory Tevlin discussed that with Jason Corcoran, a freelance journalist and Russia analyst. Error Cookies are not enabled. You must enable cookies before you can log in. Login Name Password Lawyers and supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party gather near the National Press Club in Dhaka to mark International Human Rights Day and demand the release of BNP activists in police custody after they were arrested as part of the nationwide crackdown, Dec. 10, 2023. The Bangladesh Election Commission is facing criticism and accusations of constitutional violations following its decision to impose a three-week ban on all political activities, except election campaigning, from Dec. 18 to Jan. 7. Opposition parties and experts have criticized the commission for suppressing political discourse ahead of the Jan. 7 general election after it requested on Tuesday that the Home Ministry ban public gatherings and rallies except for election-related campaigns. The Election Commission has broad power to do many things for the sake of fair elections, but it cannot curb constitutional rights, said Supreme Court lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan. In my opinion, such an instruction is absolutely illegal and will raise further questions about the commissions impartiality. The request came hours after the ruling Awami Leagues general secretary, Obaidul Quader, asked the electoral body to take a strong stand against anti-election forces, referring to the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party that is boycotting the election. Selima Rahman, a member of the BNPs top decision-making body, contends that the ban was specifically designed to target the partys future protest rallies, laying bare the commissions deference to the ruling Awami League party. This ban was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the commission merely acted as a rubber stamp, she told BenarNews. Its an eyewash. The commission has not disputed that its move will affect the opposition party, but said it was necessary to minimize potential violence. Obstructing a fair election is a crime under our law. In light of this, we asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that no political party can do so, Mohammad Alamgir, the commissions top executive, told reporters on Wednesday. A party can boycott an election and peacefully ask the electorate not to cast their ballot in the election. But they cannot engage in terrorizing activities or violence to prevent polling. However, the commissions formal letter sent to the ministry does not appear to have any such caveats. Its imperative to restrain anyone from undertaking or organizing rallies, assemblies or any other political programs except for electoral campaigning that may obstruct electoral works or discourage electorates from casting their ballots, reads the letter reviewed by BenarNews. The BNP has waged protest rallies for months, demanding the governments resignation to pave the way for a caretaker government to oversee elections. The protests escalated to strikes and transportation blockades after security agencies forcibly dispersed its grand rally on Oct. 28, an event that ended in violence. In response to the protests, the government arrested tens of thousands of opposition supporters, including senior party figures. Subsequently, the opposition party announced its formal boycott of the upcoming elections. The ruling Awami League has been in power for about 15 consecutive years. In 2011, it removed the constitutional provision of the caretaker government. Elections since then have been controversial. In 2014, the opposition parties boycotted in protest against the removal of the caretaker system, resulting in the Awami League returning to power virtually unopposed. Despite the oppositions participation in the 2018 election, the ruling party and its allies secured more than 95% of the constituencies in a process marred by widespread reports of intimidation and fraud. Unconstitutional Bangladeshs Election Commission has broad executive and supervisory powers during an election period, including the authority to instruct the executive government to undertake certain measures and even summon the military for election purposes. However, a blanket ban on nonelection-related public assemblies is unprecedented. Muzahidul Islam Selim, a veteran politician who leads the Bangladesh Communist Party, also questioned the commissions authority to issue a directive that will essentially suspend fundamental constitutional provisions. The Election Commission does not have the power to ban assemblies, rallies or any initiatives to mobilize public opinion, said Selim, whose party is not aligned with the opposition BNP but is also boycotting the election. Every citizen has the right to vote and refrain from casting their vote. Similarly, just as one has the right to call for the people to take part in the election, the other has the right to ask the public to boycott the election. The constitution prominently guarantees freedoms of speech, movement and assembly, but the rights can be subject to reasonable legal restrictions in the interests of public order or public health. Sabbir Ahmed, a political science professor at Dhaka University, said the commissions move follows an extraordinary circumstance. Since the opposition party is not contesting the election, the commission wants to restrict its rallies in opposition to the polls. Im not sure whether they have the authority to suspend any article of the constitution temporarily, but the necessity cannot be ruled out. During a news conference on Wednesday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal vowed to comply with the commissions requests. He also rejected the notion that the directive was unconstitutional. The Election Commission is a constitutional body. If they have sent us any instructions, they must have done so after reviewing the constitution, he told BenarNews. Candidates Ganjar Pranowo (left), Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan face off for their first Indonesia presidential debate at the General Elections Commission office in Jakarta, Dec. 12, 2023. In their first televised debate on Tuesday, the three candidates vying for Indonesias presidency in February 2024 clashed over human rights, the conflict in the restive Papua region and the state of democracy in Southeast Asias most consequential country. Observers characterized the debate as lively, as the contenders did not hesitate to challenge one another and broach hot topics, especially in confronting the current front-runner, three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. Anies Baswedan, the former governor of Jakarta, accused the government of failing to address the root causes of violence and injustice in the easternmost region of Papua, where separatist rebels have been waging a low-level insurgency for decades. He said the government should not only enforce the law and protect the rights of all Papuans, but also engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of justice, he said. Prabowo, a former army general and the current defense minister, acknowledged the complexity of the Papua issue and said there were foreign interference and ideological factors behind the separatist movement. We have to uphold the law and protect all Papuans from the brutality of the separatists and terrorists, he said. Ganjar Pranowo, the former governor of Central Java, agreed with Anies. I think dialogue is the most important thing to involve all the important forces and groups to address the root cause of the problem, he said. Violence between Indonesian security forces and separatist rebels has spiked in recent years in the Papua region, a former Dutch colony that was transferred to Indonesia in 1963. Papua was formally incorporated into Indonesia after a United Nations-supervised referendum widely seen as rigged. Human rights groups have accused both sides in the conflict of committing atrocities and violating human rights. Prabowo Subianto (left) exchanges views with fellow candidate Anies Baswedan, during the 2024 presidential candidate debate at the General Election Commission Office in Jakarta, Dec. 12, 2023. [Eko Siswono Toyudho/BenarNews] Graft, money politics, the health of democracy Anies said if elected, he would reform the political financing system to reduce the influence of money in politics and to prevent what he described as the sale of public offices. He also said he would provide free legal aid to citizens who face discrimination and persecution. Prabowo said he would improve the welfare and professionalism of judges, prosecutors and police officers to prevent them from being bribed or influenced. He also said he would empower the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to weed out graft at all levels. The reputation of the KPK has been tarnished in recent years following the passage of a 2019 law to reform the agency. The law, passed under President Joko Jokowi Widodos watch, included the establishment of a supervisory board that curbed the agencys investigative powers, as well as a requirement for employees to take a civics test. The candidates also sparred over the state of democracy in Indonesia, which has been criticized by some observers and activists for declining under Jokowis administration. Anies said he would defend freedom of expression and the role of the opposition in a democracy. He criticized Prabowo for joining Jokowis coalition after losing the 2019 election, saying he lacked the stamina to be in the opposition. Prabowo shot back, saying he did it for the sake of national unity and stability. He denied that democracy was deteriorating in Indonesia, saying Anies was able to win the Jakarta governorship in 2017 despite facing the incumbent government. Ganjar said he would respect the constitutional rights of all citizens and groups, but also uphold law and order. He said he would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the unity of the nation. A staunch defender of human rights Anies wasted no time in attacking the government for giving special privileges to Jokowis son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who became Prabowos running mate through a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that amended the age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates. Prabowo responded by saying that the Constitutional Court had clear rules and its decisions were binding. Anies also criticized the governments suppression of free speech. There are thousands of millennials and generation Z who care about fellow citizens, who care about those who are marginalized when they express their opinions, when they criticize the government, they are faced with violence, with clashes and even with tear gas, Anies said. Amnesty Internationals executive director in Indonesia, Usman Hamid, praised the presidential candidates for discussing Papua in their first debate, but said they ignored the plight of a New Zealand pilot who had been held hostage since February by rebels in Papuas Nduga regency. Usman told BenarNews that Prabowo used anti-foreign rhetoric without evidence and blamed the pro-independence group for the violence and conflict in the region. Prabowos stigmatizing [the rebels] as terrorists will only worsen the situation in Papua. His answer was very wrong, Usman said. Hendri Satrio, founder of the Indonesian Public Opinion Discussion and Study Group, said the election commission surprised the public by presenting a lively debate. Ganjar Pranowo speaks while fellow candidate Prabowo Subianto listens during the 2024 presidential candidate debate at the General Election Commission Office in Jakarta, Dec. 12, 2023. [Eko Siswono Toyudho/BenarNews] Anies drew a clear line as an opposition candidate, while Ganjar appeared to be the most patient of the three. Prabowo did not perform as well as he had in past years presidential debates, he said. The exchanges were at times fiery, with Prabowo raising his voice or trying to interrupt, and appearing irritated over questions about human rights and his running mate. Anies and Ganjar were composed throughout. This debate makes the public anticipate the next debate, which will feature the vice presidential candidates, Hendri said. The match-up is scheduled for Dec. 22. The candidates also sparred over issues that are considered to be their weaknesses, such as Prabowos alleged involvement in past human rights violations, Anies handling of pollution in Jakarta and Ganjars management of fertilizer for farmers in Central Java. During the 2014 presidential election, Prabowo reportedly admitted that he had helped abduct pro-democracy activists in the waning days of strongman Suhartos regime when he was a general in the countrys special forces and was ordered to do so. Thirteen of the disappeared have never been found. Prabowo, who lost the presidency to Jokowi in 2014 and 2019, responded that accusations that he was involved in human rights abuses came up every election year. I am a staunch defender of human rights, Prabowo said. The truth is, former political prisoners and people who were said to have been abducted by me are now on my side. An official prepares ballot boxes before their distribution to polling stations at a warehouse before the general election, in Jakarta, April 15, 2019. In two months, Indonesia, the worlds third-largest democracy, will hold the biggest single-day election on the planet. Indonesians will be voting for their next president and vice president, and theyll also be electing representatives to both houses of the national parliament as well as members of bicameral provincial legislatures. This will all unfold on Feb. 14, 2024, across a vast archipelago of more than 18,000 islands. A voter dips a finger in ink after casting his ballot during general elections in Jakarta, April 17, 2019. [Edgar Su/Reuters] If the scale of this exercise alone isnt daunting enough, consider that close to three-quarters of the countrys population is eligible to cast ballots. Thats almost 205 million people out of a population of nearly 279 million. India, the worlds largest democracy with nearly five times Indonesias population and eligible voters, conducted its 2019 election in phases, over a little more than five weeks. For Indonesia, the general election in February will only be the fifth one since it became a democracy in 1998 with the fall of President Suharto, the longtime dictator. Presidential candidates along with their running mates (left to right) Prabowo Subianto, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Ganjar Pranowo, Mahfud MD, Anies Baswedan, and Muhaimin Iskandar, hold their ballot numbers for next years presidential elections, as they pose for a group photo during a ceremony at the election commission headquarters in Jakarta, Nov. 14, 2023. [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters] Here are 10 facts about what Indonesians call Pesta Demokrasi (Democracy Festival) that make it such a phenomenal spectacle: 1. Roughly 250,000 candidates from 24 parties are vying for around 20,000 seats. 2. More than 820,000 polling stations will be set up across the country, and staffed with more than 7 million election workers and security officers. 3. The February 2024 election, with 204.8 million registered eligible voters, marks a 12% increase from the last election in 2019. And with 52% of them under the age of 40, thats 107 million millennials and Gen Z-ers eligible to cast their ballots. Workers load election materials onto a boat to be distributed in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia, April 16, 2019. [Olha Mulalinda/Antara Foto/via Reuters] 4. Members of the military and the police force 911,362 in total are banned from voting, to ensure their neutrality and prevent them from wielding excessive power in a repeat of the Suharto decades. 5. For the first time, no polling station in the Papuan region will use the undemocratic noken system, under which a tribal leader used to vote on behalf of a villages voters with or without their consensus on a candidate. Indonesian Air Force personnel take part in a ceremony during the military branchs 77th Anniversary at the Halim Perdanakusuma airbase in Jakarta, April 9, 2023. [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters] 6. The presidential candidates in the fray are Prabowo Subianto, whos currently defense minister, and who ran twice before only to lose to incumbent Joko Jokowi Widodo; ex-Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo, whos the ruling partys nominee; and ex-Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan. 7. Indonesia follows the open-list proportional voting system, and is among the few nations to do so. Aspirants compete for a seat with other parties rivals as well as their own. And support for a political party doesnt necessarily mean a vote for its presidential nominee. A general view of Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo delivering his State of the Nation Address ahead of the countrys Independence Day at the parliament building in Jakarta, Aug. 16, 2022. [Bagus Indahono/Pool via Reuters] 8. Out at the polling stations, electors will vote by using a metal nail to punch a hole in the ballot paper, in a method many see as archaic. But its so much a part of the countrys culture that the word used for vote is coblos, which means pierce or perforate. 9. At the end of election day, officials will begin counting votes in public. This is to ensure transparency and prevent electoral fraud. Security personnel will be present to maintain order and protect officials doing the counting. Officials count ballots at a polling center after polls close after the general election in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, April 17, 2019. [Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP] 10. Official results are scheduled to be released March 20, 2024. If none of the candidates wins the required 50% of votes, the election commission will hold a run-off on June 26, with its result declared on July 20. The new president will be sworn in on Oct. 20. Dandy Koswaraputra and Pizaro Gozali Idrus in Jakarta contributed to this report. (Photo : Unsplash/Eduardo Soares) Kroger's spokesperson announced on Tuesday that as collaborative efforts benefit team success, associates must work in their assigned offices three to four days a week starting February 5, 2024, to enhance support for teams, customers, and communities. The company is excited about welcoming associates more frequently to downtown Cincinnati and other locations. The move marks a significant shift from when most employees were permitted to work from home in the early days of the pandemic. The Cincinnati Business Courier initially reported the news on Monday, which a Kroger spokesperson later confirmed through an email to WGB. Shifting From COVID-19 Pandemic Trend During the COVID-19 pandemic, "remote working" became common, requiring employees to work from home instead of offices. As the pandemic eases, employers urge employees to return to offices, emphasizing improved efficiency and collaboration. Kroger employees will work in their designated offices three to four days a week to enhance support for Kroger's teams, customers, and communities starting February 5, 2024. Kroger as The Largest Grocery Store Chain in the U.S. As of January 28, approximately 430,000 people were employed nationwide by Kroger, the largest grocery store chain in the United States in terms of stores, where most staff work in its supermarkets, according to a regulatory filing. The mandate would impact more than 5,800 Kroger Co. regional office workers who live close to a corporate hub in Greater Cincinnati and locations in North Carolina, Illinois, and Florida. It can be recalled that the American grocery chain has encouraged its employees to work two or more days a week since June 2021. Reinforcement of RTO for A Thriving Team in 2024 The letter further explains that associates not nearby can still work remotely but with a limitation. However, in anticipation of the planned merger with Albertsons, the letter emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for the future combined company. Therefore, associates situated away from specific corporate hubs might be required to relocate to an approved company facility by June 2025. As per the letter, whether employees return to in-person offices full-time or are among those "eligible and expected to relocate" will be left to the discretion of associates' team leaders. The letter states that these leaders can decide if they want their teams to be in the office more frequently than the three to four days mandated by Kroger. READ ALSO: Failure in Work-from-Home Strategy, Revealed By Remote Work Pioneers How many employees have been using office space in Kroger's downtown Cincinnati tower since 2020 is unclear. The company chose not to share information about its remote and hybrid working arrangements for a 2022 WCPO I-Team piece on the impact remote working has had on downtown businesses. The letter was sent to Kroger employees in the month when the city of Cincinnati revealed plans to retract tax breaks from General Electric. This decision came after the announcement that GE would relocate from its 12-story office tower at The Banks. RELATED ARTICLE: Hasbro, The "Toy Giant" Announces Providence Office Closure, Plans to Lay Off 1,100 Employees As Part of "Global Business Enablement Project 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rohingya refugees rest on a sidewalk outside a government office after they were refused shelter by local residents following their arrival in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Dec.11, 2023. Indonesia is urging the United Nations refugee agency to find third countries for resettling Rohingya refugees who have sought shelter in the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign minister said Wednesday. Retno Marsudi said she met on Monday with Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees who heads UNHCR, and emphasized the need for a collective approach to the refugee crisis, after more than 1,500 Rohingya had arrived in Indonesia by boat since November. I told UNHCR in the meeting that they should continue to urge states [that are] party to the refugee convention to start accepting resettlement, Retno told a news conference from Geneva. The U.N. high commissioner understood the challenges faced by Indonesia and UNHCR will try its best to help solve this problem by providing assistance to support the lives of the refugees, Indonesias top diplomat told a news conference in Geneva. Retno did not specify whether UNHCRs assistance would go towards the Rohingya in Indonesia. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) speaks with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Geneva, Dec. 11, 2023. [Courtesy X via @Menlu_RI] A UNHCR Indonesia spokesperson in Indonesia, Mitra Salima Suryono, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BenarNews. Retno was in Geneva, the headquarters of the UNHCR, for talks on the crisis in Gaza and Israel at events to mark International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10. Her plea to the U.N. refugee agency came after some residents of Aceh province in Indonesia, where most Rohingya boats have arrived in recent weeks, rejected the refugees and refused to let them land. The Indonesian government then agreed to provide the Rohingya temporary shelter. On Sunday, another 400-odd Rohingya arrived on a boat that reached Aceh, a province at the northwestern tip of Sumatra island. Indonesia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but has a long history of hosting refugees from various conflicts. It allows refugees to stay temporarily, while they wait for a third country to resettle them, a process that can take years. UNHCR has said that about 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers were in Indonesia as of June. They are mostly from Afghanistan, Somalia, Myanmar and other countries, and face uncertain futures as prospects of being resettled in a third country are increasingly dim. Refugees in Indonesia have no access to formal education and jobs. For the Rohingya, Indonesia is a gateway to Malaysia, which is a top destination in Southeast Asia for migrant-workers from many South Asian and Southeast Asian nations. Filippo Grandi (left), the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, talks with a Rohingya refugee during a visit to Kutupalong camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, Sept. 23, 2017. [Dominique Faget/AFP] Last week, Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo said that an entire criminal network was in place to smuggle hundreds of Rohingya into Aceh. He promised strict action against human traffickers. In Indonesia, the smuggling of people is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Police arrested three people in Aceh last week on suspicion of smuggling six Rohingya refugees from a shelter, local media reported. They had planned to transport the refugees by bus to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, to allow them to travel to Malaysia, police reportedly said. Since 2017, about 740,000 Rohingya have fled their homes in Myanmars Rakhine state and settled in Bangladesh refugee camps in and around Coxs Bazar after the Burmese military carried out a brutal crackdown that the U.N. called ethnic cleansing. Human rights groups say the Rohingya refugees had undertaken and continue to take perilous sea journeys to escape the deteriorating situation in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021 and the worsening conditions in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. ASEAN efforts have always failed Still, few countries are willing to open their doors to large numbers of refugees, said Poltak Partogi Nainggolan, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency. On the other hand, efforts to find a joint solution through ASEAN have always failed, he told BenarNews, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Myanmar and Indonesia are members. Last week, local rights groups gave the administration a severe tongue lashing after it said it was contemplating a plan to return the Rohingya to Myanmar. But Mohammad Mahfud MD, the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, had said any return, if it happened, would be through the U.N. Amnesty International in Indonesia approved of Indonesias continued coordination with UNHCR on the Rohingya issue. But Indonesia must not shirk its responsibility to ensure that the refugees have a decent and safe place to live, free from threats of violence, Usman Hamid, executive director of the human rights watchdog group, told BenarNews. [I]t must be committed to protecting the right to life and freedom for everyone, as mandated by its 1945 Constitution. Some Indonesians, in comments and content posted on social media, have accused the Rohingya of being colonizers and demanded their deportation. The controversy has been fueled by misinformation and propaganda on social media platforms such as X and TikTok, where fake accounts and anti-Rohingya posts have gone viral. Nazarudin Latif in Jakarta contributed to the report. Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (right) swears in Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (left), Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and wife Wan Azizah Ismail (both seated) look on at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Dec 12, 2023. In his first cabinet reshuffle, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appointed a top CEO Tuesday to share his duties as finance minister, saying this would allow the economy to get back on track amid sluggish growth and rising consumer prices. Anwar said he sought to include people with more experience and expertise in the cabinet by naming some new ministers and swapping portfolios of others. As he announced the changes, he underscored that the economy, health and education were the top priorities for his year-old administration. Circumstances have changed, not only in terms of past performances but also due to changes in economic growth, [and] the need to manage the cost of living effectively, Anwar said during a special news conference. With the changes, the cabinet expanded from 28 ministers to 31 and deputy ministers from 27 to 29, bringing the total to 60. One minister, V. Sivakumar, who held the human resources portfolio, was dropped from the cabinet. He had faced calls to resign after ministry aides were charged with corruption, according to media reports. Anwar retains the finance ministry portfolio but appointed the CEO of the of the state-run Employees Provident Fund, Amir Hamzah Azizan, as Minister of Finance II,. Amir is new to politics but has worked for more than 25 years at Malaysias Tenaga Nasional energy company and Petronas, the state-owned oil and gas company. My personal view is that the Ministry of Finance, other than [being] headed by me, must have a strong professional team so that we are on the right track and not sidelined by political pressures, Anwar said. Ministers with new portfolios include Zambry Abdul Kadir, a veteran of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party, who moved from foreign affairs to the higher education ministry. UMNOs deputy chief Mohamad Hasan, who was serving as defense minister, took over the portfolio for foreign affairs. God willing, my commitment is to continue the progressive, free and inclusive foreign policy in line with the national interests and international role of Malaysia, he said after his appointment. To replace Mohamad Hasan, Anwar moved UMNO Vice President Khaled Nordin from the higher education ministry. In another notable appointment, Johari Ghani, another UMNO vice president, was named the commodities minister. Johari had been voicing concerns over food security issues in the Parliament after traders reported shortages of chicken, eggs and sugar. He told reporters that he needed to tackle several challenges to ensure the country had an adequate food supply. Fadillah Yusof, a deputy prime minister, will hold the new energy transition and public utilities portfolio. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the UMNO president who also serves as a deputy prime minister, kept his portfolio as rural and regional development minister. Earlier this year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dropped 47 graft charges against Zahid linked to the alleged misuse of funds at a charity he founded to fight poverty. Other moves Anwar transferred Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa to the federal territories ministry. Toxicology expert Dzulkefly Ahmad will serve as health minister, a position he held from 2018 to 2020. Anwar said he gave Dzulkefly the health portfolio because the government needed experience and a stronger focus. The prime minister split the communications and digital ministry. Gobind Singh Deo is returning to the cabinet as digital minister while Fahmi Fadzil will serve as the communications minister. Anwar said the digital ministry would enhance new fields such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation while Fahmi would be responsible for disseminating government policies and information. The new ministers were sworn in during a Tuesday afternoon ceremony at Istana Negara, the National Palace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left), joined by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announces his Cabinet reshuffle during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Dec 12, 2023. [Prime Minister's Office] Tunku Mohar Mokhtar, a political analyst at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said the reshuffle was anticipated to address the vacancy left by the July death of Salahuddin Ayub, who served as Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs minister. Tunku Mohar said Anwar considered two significant factors in filling the cabinet representation of coalition members and the appointment of individuals with experience. The analyst pointed to the appointments of Johari Ghani, Dzulkefly and Gobind Singh as examples of the latter. Their experience would inject stability to the cabinet. Also, having a second finance minister relieves some burdens of the PM, he told BenarNews. Two primary reasons for the cabinet reshuffle were to boost public perception by appointing Dzulkefly as health minister and to signal that the government was open to exploring new strategies, said James Chin, an Asian studies professor at the University of Tasmania. Pointing to Fadhlina Sidek, who was retained as education minister, Chin said the reshuffle might not instill the desired confidence. She was criticized in October for organizing Palestinian Solidarity Week, where photos and videos emerged showing Malaysian students and teachers brandishing toy firearms while waving Palestinian flags at more than one public school, igniting a public backlash. Chin supported Anwars decision to have Steven Sim, a former deputy finance minister, replace Sivakumar as the human resource minister. Meanwhile, Syaza Shukri, an associate professor of political science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said the return of ministers with experience was a positive move. The change may have been due to mounting pressure, she told BenarNews. Chinese President Xi Jinping (center left) and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (center right) attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Dec. 12, 2023. Vietnam has become the latest country in Southeast Asia to agree to a China-led Community with a Shared Future, Beijings vision for a new global order. The two countries announced the agreement at a meeting on Tuesday in Hanoi between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who was in Vietnam on a two-day state visit, and Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Vietnam considers developing the relationship with China its top priority and a strategic choice, the CPVs mouthpiece, Nhan Dan, quoted Trong as saying. Vietnam and China are neighbors sharing strong political and ideological ties, making Xis call for a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future strategically important, said Huynh Tam Sang, a lecturer at Vietnam National University. Xi came to Hanoi three months after U.S. President Joe Biden visited the Vietnams capital, and several weeks after Japans prime minister met with top Vietrnamese officials. This occurs at the same time when Vietnams relations with South Korea, the United States and Japan have been elevated to the comprehensive strategic partnership level, which is on par with Chinas, Sang told Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews. Beijing has likely attempted to boost ties with Hanoi to keep Vietnam within its reach, the Vietnamese lecturer noted. State media in both China and Vietnam have been highlighting the two countries closeness and similarities in their political systems. China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers. We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us, wrote Xi in a signed article ahead of his trip, the third to the neighboring country since he became general secretary of the Communist Party of China. In late November, Vietnam and Japan agreed to cooperate more closely on security issues and work together on defense equipment and technology transfers as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that the two countries were officially upgrading relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In September, Joe Biden announced that the United States was upgrading its relationship with Hanoi, Americas former foe during the Vietnam War. The two countries pledged to work together on semiconductors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Alternative global order The concept of a Community with a Shared Future was originally coined as a Community of Common Destiny. The term had been floating around since the early 2000s, but Xi Jinping formally made it part of the PRCs foreign policy and put it into its constitution in 2017, said Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, referring to China by its official name, the Peoples Republic of China. In September, Beijing released the full text of Chinas proposals and actions for A Global Community of Shared Future. This is Chinas proposed framework for international relations in the Xi Jinping era, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute, a think-tank in Singapore. This concept is often perceived as Chinas endeavor to reshape, or even create an alternative, global order. As a nation that has significantly benefited from deep integration into the existing global order, Vietnam until now has been resisting Chinas pressure to join this initiative, he said, adding The Vietnamese populace, bearing a long and complex history with China, appears disinterested in the concept. People wave Chinese and Vietnamese national flags ahead of the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, Dec. 12, 2023. [Luong Thai Linh/Pool Photo via AP] Communist Vietnam and China are traditional allies but the relationship between them has been far from smooth-sailing. Hanoi and Beijing had a brief war in 1979 and bloody skirmishes took place on their common border during the 1980s. The two countries have also been confronting each other over their territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, since the normalization of bilateral ties in 1991, China has become Vietnams top trade partner with the most economic influence over the smaller neighbor. Chong, from the National University of Singapore, said that in his opinion, China was trying to reach out at the moment, given trouble at home and more vigorous competition from the U.S. and its allies. So while it may not transform into anything concrete, not joining [the Community with a Shared Future] could seem like a direct rebuff of Xi, Chong told RFA. That may be something Vietnam and other regional states would like to avoid. On the other hand, joining can help Hanoi signal goodwill and look for possible areas of economic exchange, he said. During Xis visit, the two sides signed 36 agreements of bilateral cooperation in multiple fields, according to state media. Building a community with a shared future for mankind should start from Asia, Xi wrote in his recently signed article. The wording in Xis article serves as a reminder that the future of Asian countries, like China and Vietnam, should be run solely by Asians, said Huynh Tam Sang from Vietnam National University. Yet, China as perceived by Xi and his comrades is the driving force for the future of Vietnam and other Asian countries. Bamboo diplomacy Before Vietnam, seven other Southeast Asian nations Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia had already agreed to join the China-led community. However, the commitment is higher in Cambodia and Laos, but lower in Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, according to Alexander Vuving, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. Singapore and the Philippines are unlikely to take Chinas side anytime soon, wrote Vuving on X, formerly known as Twitter. With 8 out of 10 members being within China's Community with a Shared Future, ASEAN is shrinking deeper into irrelevance, as demonstrated in the ongoing South China Sea conflict, he added. In Vietnams case, Hanoi insisted that the text include additional words in accordance with the U.N. Charter and international law, based on the principles of mutual respect, equal cooperation for mutual benefits, mutual respect of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and perseverance in solving disputes through peaceful measures. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Vietnam understands that despite unresolved disputes in the South China Sea it needs to maintain cooperative relations with China, for both security and economic reasons, said Zhang Baohui, a professor at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Zhang said that supporting Chinas Community with a Shared Future, at the same time maintaining cooperative relations with the U.S. and Japan, represents Hanois benign signaling to Beijing. Visits by world leaders to Hanoi, in his opinion, show Hanois sophisticated diplomacy with the great powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnams Communist Party, have tea at the partys headquarters in Hanoi, Dec. 12, 2023. [Tri Dung/VNA] Vietnams policy makers have been promoting the concept of bamboo diplomacy, symbolized by the ability of the bamboo tree to bend with the wind but never break. During a one-to-one tea session with Xi in Trongs office, an intricate decoration with two bamboo branches spiraling out of a common vase is seen in the background. The two leaders sipped cups of Vietnamese green tea. The Vietnamese leadership decided to build a shared future with China most probably out of geopolitical concerns, said Truong Nhan Tuan, a France-based Vietnamese political commentator. But Hanoi should always bear in mind Beijings ambitions, warned Tuan, adding and the United States should also be concerned about Vietnam getting closer to China. Radio Free Asia (RFA) produced this report. Dressed in a rented traditional Thai costume, a tourist from Taiwan poses for photographs at the Wat Arun Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Feb. 12, 2023. Saichon Chounchou, a Thai tour guide who speaks Mandarin, has been serving visitors from mainland China for the past 26 years, but lately a majority of his tourist clients have been arriving from elsewhere. Thailands tourism industry has not been attracting nearly as many visitors from China as hoped for after the Chinese government removed pandemic-related restrictions for outbound travelers in early 2023, and the new Thai government waived visa requirements for Chinese visitors. Instead, large numbers of tourists have been arriving from Taiwan, India and other places. The new trend has had a positive effect in terms of spending, said Saichon, 48. Now my clients are Taiwanese, he said. They are regular clients, and they generate revenue for many local communities as opposed to many Chinese on a zero-dollar tour, he told BenarNews. Zero-dollar tourism has run rampant in Thailand for years and refers to tour companies from China taking visitors only to Chinese-run restaurants, spas or stores, cutting potential revenues to local businesses, Saichon said. By comparison, his 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists will stay in a 5-star hotel for five days and the package is 100,000 baht (U.S. $2,793) per person. According to government data, about 585,000 Taiwanese have visited Thailand in the first 10 months of 2023. Saichon expected those numbers to go up as a result of a new visa-free policy for visitors from Taiwan implemented in early November. More than a year after Thailand lifted all Covid-19 restrictions in the second half of 2022, tourism, a key driver of the Thai economy that contributed to around 11% of the GDP in 2019, is picking up more slowly than expected. Bangkok aims to receive as many as 28 million international visitors this year compared to a record 40 million visitors in 2019. That year, more than one-quarter of the international visitors about 11 million were from China. Chinese visitors tour the Pung Tao Gong Chinese Temple in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, Jan. 23, 2023. [Wichai Thaprieo/AP] Between January and Dec. 3 this year, Thailand welcomed over 25 million visitors. Among them were 4 million from Malaysia, 3.1 million from China, 1.4 million from South Korea, 1.4 million from India and 1.2 million from Russia. Before leaving office earlier this year, former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha projected that as many as 30 million tourists would visit in 2023. Political efforts Within weeks of taking office in September, the new Thai government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a visa-free entry for Chinese nationals effective through Feb. 29, 2024. During his recent visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Srettha proposed that the measure could be permanent. Sretthas effort to allow visa-free travel has not been as effective as officials had hoped: Thailand likely will miss its target of 4 million to 4.4 million Chinese arrivals in 2023. The Tourism Authority of Thailand this month revised the target to 3.5 million Chinese by Dec. 31. Chinese tourists are concerned about safety in Thailand, and the Thai government just cant crack the code of why Chinese have not come as much as before, Saichon, the tour guide, said. Chada Triamvithaya, a Chinese studies academic at Thailands King Mongkuts Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, said that while Chinas economic performance has been a factor affecting outbound tourism, concerns about the risk of being kidnapped play a part. Chinas GDP outlook for 2023 was 5% earlier this year, the lowest in decades, as it struggles to recover after years of Covid restrictions and following the sharp rise of youth unemployment in recent months. A March editorial in Chinese state-run news outlet The Global Times addressed concerns on social media about Chinese tourists safety in Thailand. It also noted that Chinese tourists complained about greater price increases, being cheated and worse service experiences than before. Negative information about traveling to Thailand such as Is it still safe to travel to Thailand? and Thailand is not the same as it used to be recently received constant attention on the Chinese internet trafficking of women and removal of kidney have been particularly prominent in the past few days. The piece notes that while these rumors have been refuted, we hope that Thailand will live up to its reputation and not disappoint the expectations of Chinese tourists. Thai officials are working on public relations to restore faith in the nation as a tourism destination. Just last month, Puangpet Chunlaiad, the Prime Ministers Office minister, met with Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, to discuss No More Bets, a Chinese crime film about a couple lured to work overseas who end up in a fraud factory. The film depicts an unnamed country similar to Thailand, which led to some negative comments on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. But real incidents also caused a crisis of confidence among the Chinese. In mid-October, Chinese arrivals at Thai airports fell by 60,000 in the week following the Oct. 3 shooting at Siam Paragon Mall, which killed three, including a Chinese citizen. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, the falling number of Chinese tourists is hitting hard. Chiang Mai used to receive tourists on direct flights from China numbering 2,000 to 3,000 on a daily basis, said La-Iad Bungsrithong, an executive of RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai. But that was between 2015 and 2019. Now, only 500 to 600 Chinese tourists arrive in Chiang Mai daily. Recovery challenges Analysts are hesitant to project if and when the nations tourism can rebound to pre-Covid-19 levels, if at all. Absolutely, this is the start of a new cycle and Thailand remains a favored global destination. The world remains a volatile place politically and economically and tourism is not different, Bill Barnett, managing director of the Phuket-based hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks, told BenarNews. A tourist visits the Si Thep complex, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site, in Thailands Phetchabun province, Sept. 14, 2023. [Manan Vatsyayana/AFP] Even as the Thai tourism sector considers a future with or without Chinese visitors, it is eager to welcome tourists from India along with Taiwan, who recently became the latest group to receive visa waivers effective through May 2024. If the free visas didnt work for the Chinese, it worked for the Indians, said Patcharee Iamrod, a Pattaya-based tour guide who for 15 years has specialized in the Indian market. After the free visa was issued, the number spiked. In 2019, before the Covid shutdown, nearly 2 million Indians visited Thailand an increase of about 25% over the previous year the biggest increase among nations sending visitors to Thailand. I receive about three to five Indian tour groups a month. They usually book a three-country tour of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for about 10 to 12 days. Affordable tickets to Thailand and the convenience now with the free-visa regulation have helped them make faster decisions to come here, Patcharee said. But she said cost-related factors have hindered the recovery of the tourism industry. It seems tourists need a higher budget to travel in Thailand post-Covid, she said. This is because of higher costs. Some hotels were renovated during Covid and have reopened, but with limited staff, they can receive a limited number of guests, so the rate per night is higher. Patcharee said she didnt think that Thailand would ever see the number of Chinese at pre-Covid levels again since we have seen the crackdown on the zero-dollar tourism in Thailand and independent travelers from China have not made their way back that much. Chada, the academic, meanwhile, said effective communication could help win back some of the visitors but would require both people and the media to help communicate to the Chinese. Rukchanok Srinork, a lawmaker from the Move Forward Party, stands outside court ahead of a hearing on her royal defamation case in Bangkok on Dec. 13, 2023. A Thai court on Wednesday sentenced an opposition lawmaker from the Move Forward Party to six years in jail for insulting the monarchy. Rukchanok Srinork, 29, was found guilty under Thailands Lese-Majeste law for posting messages deemed insulting to the royal family on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. After the ruling, some of Rukchanoks supporters burst into tears as she was handcuffed and led from the courtroom. She was heard telling her legal team, Dont worry, we'll meet again. Rukchanok was ruled to have threatened King Maha Vajiralongkorn with two messages posted to X in 2021. One was an invitation for people to wear black on the kings birthday and another concerned the monarchys links to COVID-19 vaccines. Rukchanok initially denied making the posts, but later admitted she was responsible when investigators proved her connection to the X account, the Bangkok Criminal Court said in a statement. After examining the defendants behavior and all evidence, we believe the defendant is guilty of violating Article 112 [Lese-Majeste] and is being sentenced to six years on two counts, the court said. The Appeals Court set Rukchanoks bail at 500,000 baht ($14,000). Rukchanok Srinork (left) arrives at Bangkok Criminal Court to hear the ruling on her royal defamation case alongside former party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat (middle), and current leader, Chaithawat Tulathon (right) on Dec. 13, 2023. [Nontarat Phaicharoen/BenarNews] Rukchanok, a former pro-democracy activist, appeared in court as Thailands Parliament convened for the first time in months on Wednesday. She told reporters she had asked for the ruling to be postponed, but the court refused. So I came to hear the verdict, hoping for a favorable outcome, she said before the hearing. Thailands royal insult law is among the strictest in the world and carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. Since July 2020, when pro-democracy protesters flooded the streets calling for the ousting of former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, at least 262 people have been charged with Lese-Majeste, with at least seven jailed, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The Move Forward Party, which won the most votes in Thailands general election in May, pledged to amend the law as part of an ambitious reform agenda that also included altering the constitution, ending business monopolies and modernizing the justice system and army. But the party was unable to form government after its top prime ministerial nominee, Pita Limjaroenrat, was twice blocked by Thailands bicameral Parliament. Conservative and pro-royal lawmakers are vehemently opposed to Move Forwards progressive policies, including its pledge to reform Lese-Majeste. Rukchanok, who announced her candidacy for Move Forward in January, won her seat in Jomthong-Bangbon-Nongkam district against more fancied rivals. A graduate of the politically-oriented Thammasat University, she campaigned against cronyism and promoted greater equality for all Thais. Vietnamese human rights activist Lu A Da was arrested by Thai Royal Police at his rental home near Bangkok on Dec. 7, his wife told RFA. His arrest comes two weeks after he publicly denounced the Vietnamese governments systematic suppression of Hmong communities in Vietnam. Last Thursday, the police arrested him and took him away while he and our daughter were washing a vehicle, Lus wife Giang Thi A told RFA. Hes now being held in a police station. If we pay 10,000 Thai baht, he will be transferred to the IDC [the Immigration Detention Center], she said. Giang explained that the 10,000 baht (US$280) bail is an administrative fee levied on Lu for having entered Thailand illegally in 2020. If Giang does not pay the fee, her husband will have to remain detained at the police station for 20 days before being transferred to the IDC, she said. RFA contacted the Thai Royal Police about his case but has yet to receive a response. Missionary and activist Before arriving in Thailand, Lu worked as a missionary and preacher at the Northern Evangelical Church of Vietnam. He also served as the head of the Hmong Human Rights Coalition. Lu fled to Thailand with his family in 2020 to escape ethnic and religious persecution and seek official refugee status from the UNHCR. His wife told RFA that their family has applied for refugee status twice since first arriving in Thailand. Their first application was rejected, and their appeal filed in March has not yet been processed by the UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency. Because they have not been officially recognized as refugees by the UNHCR, Lu, Giang, and their two children now face being deported back to Vietnam. Although Thai police have yet to issue an official statement on the case, Lu was likely arrested for denouncing Vietnams systematic suppression of ethnic and religious minorities in a video released by Boat People SOS, a U.S.-based advocacy group for Vietnamese refugees. Tens of thousands of Hmong people in Vietnam are not granted identification and birth and marriage certificates, Lu stated in the video. As a result, children cannot go to school, adults cannot work, and seniors are not entitled to healthcare assistance provided by the government like others from the dominant ethnic group. The BPSOS video was released on Nov. 29 as a preview to the UNs upcoming review of Vietnams implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The findings of the U.N. review were officially released on Dec. 8. Asylum-seekers in Thailand As of December 2023, there are more than 1,000 Hmong asylum seekers living in Thailand, the Hmong Human Rights Coalition reports. Because Thailand has not signed the International Convention on Refugees, Thai police can arrest asylum seekers without providing any justification. In late November, Thai police arrested 11 members of the Montagnard ethnic minority in a raid near Bangkok. As of Dec. 13, they have not yet been released from detention at the IDC. Like the Hmong minority, roughly 1,500 Vietnamese Montagnards have sought freedom from persecution in Thailand. After her husbands arrest, Giang Thi A sought assistance from the Center for Asylum Protection, or CAP, in Bangkok. Yesterday, an attorney there said that they would be paying the fine for my husband today so that the police could send him to the IDC right away, she told RFA. After being transferred to the IDC, the attorney could talk to the Thai police to see how much money they would need [to bail him out]. The head of CAP said that the organization was working with the UNHCR office in Bangkok to support Lu A Da. He explained that individuals who are in the process of applying for or have already been granted UNHCR refugee status can be released from the IDC provided that they post a 50,000 baht bail. RFA reached out to the UNHCR in Bangkok to seek information about Lus case, but the organization responded that they can not provide applicants personal information. Radio Free Asia is a news service affiliated with BenarNews. (Photo : Unsplash/Rubaitul Azad) The United Auto Workers (UAW) has accused Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen of unfair labor practices, filing charges with the National Labor Relations Board. The authorities allege that the automakers unlawfully interfered with worker organizing, as stated by the union on Monday. Hyundai and Honda deny the allegations, while Volkswagen said it takes such claims seriously and will investigate. Union-Busting Claims The union claims that activities include monitoring workers at Honda and confiscating, destroying, and restricting "pro-union materials in non-work areas during non-work times" at Hyundai. At Volkswagen, the UAW claims that management has engaged in actions such as harassing and threatening workers for discussing the union, confiscating and destroying pro-union materials in the break room, attempting to intimidate and unlawfully silence pro-union workers, and trying to unlawfully prevent workers from distributing union literature and discussing union matters in non-work areas during non-work time. UAW President Shawn Fain stated that the companies are breaking the law to silence autoworkers instead of letting them fight for their fair share. He added that the workers demonstrate that they won't be intimidated and will continue to speak up and organize for a better life. READ ALSO: Factory Workers' Firing Amid Union Campaign Denied By Tesla Automakers' Stance Representatives for Honda and Hyundai disputed the union's claims, asserting that joining a union is up to the workers. Hyundai mentioned that the union's description of events in its press statement does not accurately reflect the situation and expressed eagerness to present the facts through participation in the legal process. Honda encourages its associates to gather information on the issue and asserts that the company has not and will not interfere with their right to engage in activities supporting or opposing the UAW, according to a company spokesperson in an email. The filings were not immediately accessible on the NLRB's website, but the union supplied them to CNBC. The alleged actions leading to the accusations against the employers occurred in the past six months, as stated in the filings signed by UAW outside counsel Benjamin Dictor, an attorney with Eisner Dictor & Lamadrid based in New York. The charges emerged about two weeks after the UAW announced an unprecedented campaign to organize 13 non-union automakers in the U.S. This initiative followed the union's successful negotiation of record contracts with the three Detroit automakers: General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. The "30-50-70 UAW Strategy" In a recent online broadcast, Fain discussed the UAW's organizing strategy known as the "30-50-70 strategy." This involves going public when committees reach 30% support. Fain holds a rally at the location by 50% and demands recognition or proceeds to a vote at 70%. Decline in UAW Membership and Expansion Plans The UAW's membership has significantly decreased, dropping from around 700,000 in 2001 to 383,000 in early 2023, peaking at 1.5 million in 1979. Fain has pledged to expand beyond the "Big Three" to the "Big Five or Big Six" by April 2028, when the union's contracts with Detroit automakers expire. In line with the union's negotiation approach and the "Stand Up Strike," Fain clarified that the UAW doesn't target a specific company. Still, instead, all companies are considered targets. RELATED ARTICLE: Washington Post Journalists to Stage 24-Hour Strike, Citing 18-month Contract Talks on Pay Raise and Industry Support 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy skies with afternoon snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Scattered snow showers during the evening. Then partly to mostly cloudy overnight. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. BENNINGTON A Bennington Civil Court judge has extended two stalking orders filed by Peter Geannelis and his wife against Kerry Raheb a former Senate candidate from Vermont until November 2025. The stalking orders are part of an ongoing and sometimes violent dispute among neighbors along a private dirt road in Bennington. In his ruling extending both orders for two years, Judge David Barra stated on Tuesday that there was a preponderance of credible, admissible evidence submitted by both Peter and Monica Geannelis, who reside on the same dirt road as Raheb and his wife Renee Houston and that both plaintiffs continue to be fearful for their safety because of defendants erratic and reckless behavior. Barra also stated that both plaintiffs have changed their daily lives to avoid interactions with the defendant. Judge Barras extended order includes specific language barring Raheb from coming within 300 feet of both plaintiffs, engaging in any non-physical contact directly or indirectly or through third parties, installing any cameras or recording devices at least 200 feet from the plaintiffs property line, threatening, or posting anything about Monica and Peter Geannelis on social media. Also on Tuesday, Barra vacated a stalking order filed by Houston against Peter Geannelis. Barra's decision denied a request by Houston to withdraw the case without prejudice, which would have left the case open for future consideration. Geannelis agreed with the withdrawal but insisted on it with prejudice, meaning it would be final without the court's ability to consider it later. Houston then asked for more time for a new attorney to come up to speed, but that request was also struck down. The judge then vacated the stalking order and closed the case. Both Kerry Raheb and Peter Geannelis are currently facing criminal charges in Bennington County related to the ongoing dispute. Raheb is facing several counts of violating a stalking order, including aggravated stalking against a court order, reckless vehicle operation, disorderly conduct, and violations of his conditions of release after arrest. He is also facing a slew of charges stemming from his arrest, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, eluding, obstruction of justice, reckless endangerment, and driving a vehicle with excessive speed. He is released with a $10,000 surety bond, a ban on possessing firearms, no contact with Geannelis, and a curfew at his residence. Raheb is also scheduled to be arraigned next Thursday on a separate count of false swearing for providing a document to the Vermont Superior Court that was known to be false. Peter Geannelis is also facing charges related to the dispute. He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest for an incident with Raheb on the private road they shared this past September. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ALFORD A founder of Berkshire Communists may face fines and other legal problems if he doesn't stop using a building on his property as a gym and martial arts training space. Select Board members at their meeting Monday night said they have yet to hear from James Chambers also known as Fergie Chambers in response to multiple cease-and-desist notices issued about the the property. A second notice was sent to Chambers by building inspector Matthew Kollmer about the building that houses the groups Berkshire Peoples Gym, informing Chambers that the original permit does not allow for such a use. The building at 274 East Road was permitted, rather, for agricultural storage or farm equipment. Kollmer also sent a copy of the same letter, via certified mail, to Chambers lawyer, Doran, Kelly, Kirkland PLLC in Asheville, N.C. That office has confirmed receipt, according to Roxane Germain, secretary to the board as well as the towns tax collector and treasurer. Chambers, who lives mostly in New Hampshire, previously told The Eagle that the property is not being used commercially, as town officials have alleged. Town officials as well as law enforcement have scrutinized Chambers and his Berkshire Communists organization in recent months after a slew of menacing social media posts by Chambers that were directed at the community and frightened residents. Chambers was vocal in praising Hamas for its massacres in Israel on Oct 7, setting the community further on edge. He has since had his primary Instagram account suspended due to some of the content, according to screenshots sent to The Eagle. He and affiliates of the group also have cast themselves into the spotlight by protesting Israel and weapons manufacturers tied to that country. The group, which describes itself as a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist collective, recently protested outside General Dynamics in Pittsfield, and twice in Great Barrington. The multimillionaire Cox Media heir has spent more than $5 million on property in Alford. On one of those parcels sits the liberatory training space," which offers an array of martial arts and is always free for working-class people and permanently closed to cops, active military, landlords, and capitalists, the website says. That, town officials say, puts Chambers in violation of zoning laws. The cease-and-desist notices from the town order the gym to immediately stop using the building for anything other than personal storage of agricultural equipment. Kollmer also asks that Chambers contact him within 14 days of receipt to schedule a site visit to verify compliance with the foregoing. He wrote that fines for noncompliance could reach $300 per day, and that failure to comply with the Zoning By-Law may also result in civil or criminal action(s) against you. Chambers has the right to appeal, Kollmer also wrote. The inspector could not be reached to answer more specific questions about the alleged violations and whether Chambers has complied with the order within the 14-day period required before fines and other penalties kick in. Harvard President Claudine Gay speaks during a Dec. 5 hearing of the House Committee on Education on Capitol Hill in Washington. Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday. By Park Han-sol Bottega Venetas latest campaign, Bottega for Bottegas, is all about celebrating the long-standing craftsmanship upheld by artisanal workshops around the world. Launched in 2021, the annual initiative takes inspiration from the Italian luxury houses own name, with the word bottega meaning workshop in Italian. Among the four boutique bottegas and creatives highlighted by the Milan-based label this year is master kite artisan Rhee Ki-tai the first Korean craftsperson to be featured in the campaign. Rhee, a third-generation kite maker and president of the Kitai Rhee Kite Preservation Association, operates the only studio in Korea that safeguards the 19th-century craft techniques of yeon (kite) making. He specializes in the production of bangpae yeon, a type of historical Korean fighter kite fashioned from bamboo sticks and hanji (traditional Korean paper made from the bark of mulberry trees). Three other workshops and artisans featured in this years Bottega for Bottegas include Italy-based Modiano, Chinese wood craftsman Liu Wenhui and Taiwanese artist Cheng Tsung Feng. Modiano has specialized in the design and production of playing cards, tarot cards and other paper products since it was founded in 1868 by Saul Modiano. Liu focuses on crafting wooden building blocks inspired by ancient Chinese architecture, while Cheng applies his knowledge of production methods behind traditional handicrafts to his large-scale installations, sculptures and furniture. Throughout December, Bottega Veneta will pay homage to the featured bottegas on its website and the windows of its Milan flagship. In mid-June 1928, a Lee dairy farmer purchased a cow named Pansy from a herd in northern Vermont. The cow was sick, but nobody realized it. Over the course of the next month, Pansys ailment would bring the town to its knees. Based on local death records, the first fatality appears to have been on Tuesday, July 3, when 64-year-old Mary Barrett died at her Summer Street home. Because shed had pre-existing illnesses, her case was not immediately recognized for what it was. The death of Edward Childs followed on July 4, and Shannon Stephens on Friday the 6th. By that time, there were more than 300 Lee residents reporting illness, which at first was thought to be influenza. It was difficult to find pall bearers for Childs funeral, so many of his acquaintances were ill. Five more died on Saturday, and new cases were coming in by the hour, heavily concentrated among Lee residents and a handful of people whod visited town. Lees three doctors George Wickham, C.W. Stratton, and A.M. OConnor traveled relentlessly, augmented by Dr. Leland French, the district health officer from Pittsfield. Nancy Ryan, the towns only visiting nurse, worked day and night to provide all nursing functions until reinforcements began arriving Monday. By that time a dozen people were dead, though the towns undertaker and his wife were too ill to handle them. Commonalities in patients led to looking at local milk supplies, and by Monday samples had revealed the streptococcus germ, confirming a diagnosis of septic sore throat, commonly known as strep throat. State Health Commissioner Daniel Bigelow was helping coordinate relief efforts, which centered around the old Hyde school, converted into an emergency hospital. The hospital was run by Dr. May Holmes, a Lee native who had ably led Worcesters Isolation Hospital since 1896, achieving dramatic results during the influenza pandemic 10 years earlier. Holmes was preparing for vacation when she heard of her hometowns plight. Instead, she arrived in Lee late Monday with equipment and a squadron of her own skilled staff, including two other distinguished women physicians, Dr. Lillian De Armit and Dr. Jean Black. Classrooms were filled wall to wall with cots, with three to four more deaths added to the toll each day. Milk sales were halted, church services and public gatherings were prohibited, and restaurants ordered were to close early. Mills, banks and stores ran at skeletal staffs or shut down entirely. New cases seemed to be slowing, though, and by Tuesday, health officials expressed optimism that the danger was passing. Only a few dozen cases had been reported from nearby towns where residents had visited Lee, most of them mild. Then cases spiked again; eventually 1,000 out of Lees population of 4,000 fell seriously ill. By Wednesday, July 11, there were 70 nurses working in Lee, and by Saturday that number had doubled. Still, Nancy Ryan worked day and night. She would continue to do so until the emergency hospital closed on July 30. There were many competent nurses on hand by then, but she was the towns nurse. There was no cure, though Dr. Holmes was seeing some positive results with serum for scarlet fever, a related streptococcal infection. She was credited with saving at least 100 lives, and later published a study of the epidemic in the New England Journal of Medicine. Over the course of the following week new cases waned again, and deaths slowed to one every couple of days. By July 20, the school was down to 56 patients, and the danger was declared passed, though deaths from prolonged cases continued through the end of the month. In total, 48 deaths were counted in Lee (not including a few outlying cases among out-of-town visitors). The septic sore throat outbreak had claimed about 1.2 percent of its population. Two months later, a London doctor returning from vacation to his messy lab noticed surprising effects of the mold Penicillium notatum in his petri dishes. A decade after that, three Oxford scientists developed his random observations into working antibiotics changed the course of human health. Locally, the epidemic further grew support for milk pasteurization. The town of Lee immediately passed a bylaw requiring it. Commissioner Bigelow pointed to the loss of life and economic cost, estimated at a million dollars in an effort to advance bills in the Legislature, though with limited result. The issue remained hotly debated long after and remains a topic of discussion today, with legislation to ease restrictions on raw milk sales introduced on Beacon Hill as recently as this past spring. Global exchange of knowledge between the startups and Promega scientists to play a central role BioLabs and Promega have announced the expansion of their collaborative efforts to accelerate life science innovation worldwide through support for early-stage startup companies. Promega GmbH in Walldorf, the German branch of global life science manufacturer Promega, will provide equipment, services and training to BioLabs Heidelberg. This initiative further establishes the Rhine-Neckar region as the centre of science innovation in Germany and strengthens the regions supportive ecosystem for early-stage startup companies. The agreement expands the ongoing collaboration, which began in 2019, between Promega and BioLabs, a mission-driven company focused on empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the commercialisation of life science innovation worldwide. Promega currently supports all BioLabs locations in the US and France, enabling entrepreneurs to advance their research in the field of life sciences. BioLabs provides fully equipped and supported laboratory and office space, access to a collaborative community, and connections to a global life science network of partners to more than 250 innovative startup companies worldwide. BioLabs capital-efficient model minimises the barriers to launch a life science startup and enables entrepreneurs to focus on research, not operations, accelerating the pace of commercial cutting-edge technologies. Partnership aims to make global standards in healthcare upskilling more accessible and practical in India Bengaluru-based OC Academy, a leading upskilling online platform for medical professionals, has joined forces with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, UK, to launch Online Postgraduate Diploma Programmes in India. This collaboration crystalises their shared commitment to broaden access to world-class healthcare education. With one of the largest networks of healthcare professionals within OC Academy, this partnership presents Queen Mary with a unique opportunity to further enhance its reputation, leveraging established connections in India through state-of-the-art digital education. This builds upon the firm foundation of Queen Mary being a top Russell Group university destination for Indian students studying in the UK. The final signoff of the agreement took place at the UK-India Healthcare Trade Mission in Mumbai, in the presence of Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner (South Asia) and British Deputy High Commissioner, Western India; and Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, along with Professor Richard Grose, Dean for Global Engagement, and Professor Chie Adachi, Dean for Digital Education, from Queen Mary University of London, and Balu Ramachandran, Founder & CEO of OC Academy. Harjinder Kang expressed, The new programme will be instrumental in helping to educate and train many Indian doctors and nurses to UK standards of excellence and best practice. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia Hoorah, the trailblazing creative agency, is gearing up for yet another triumphant year in 2024, following a stellar performance in 2023. The company's journey from strength to strength has been nothing short of remarkable. Turning market negativity into positivity In 2023, Hoorah faced a challenging market in South Africa, a place not traditionally associated with rapid growth. However, rather than succumbing to the prevailing negativity, Hoorah harnessed it as an opportunity for positivity. The leadership team embraced the challenge, mentally prepared for a tough battle, and emerged victorious. Impressive growth statistics Hoorah's resilience paid off with an astounding 16% increase in revenue and a substantial staff count growth from 80 to 97. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to several key factors: Client relationships: Hoorah 's unwavering commitment to nurturing client relationships led to the vast majority of clients not only remaining but also expanding their portfolios with the agency. New client acquisitions: The agency demonstrated its prowess by securing six new clients, showcasing its ability to attract and retain business. African expansion: Hoorah proudly expanded its African footprint, offering its expertise in Madagascar, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Egypt. This regional expansion opens up exciting new opportunities. Remote work strategy: By strategically utilising remote-based working, Hoorah efficiently built centralised teams in South Africa while extending its reach across the continent. This approach positions Hoorah as a leading African regional partner for global brands. Three key focus areas driving growth Hoorah's growth is fueled by its three core focus areas: Hoorah SA: This division focuses on creative and digital media, delivering innovative and cutting-edge solutions to clients. Hoorah Inside: As the fastest-growing sector within Hoorah, Hoorah Inside builds internal digital creative, data, and media capabilities for brands, aligning with global industry trends. Recognition for Creative Excellence: Hoorah's creative work has garnered recognition at major advertising awards, solidifying its position as a competitor to larger agency players. Stability and independence One of Hoorah's key strengths lies in its stable leadership, efficient management, and its ability to attract top talent in South Africa. Amid a cluttered market where other agencies face decline or closure, Hoorah remains a beacon of client stability and revenue growth. A thorn in the side of competitors As clients increasingly seek alternative and independent agencies, Hoorah's intention for 2024 is clear: to continue to compete with reputable agencies across the globe. Hoorah's remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to excellence can be explored further at HTTP://www.hoorahgroup.com South Africa is currently the fastest growing safari destination in Africa, with the private game reserves and lodges in the Greater Kruger area being the top choices for the wildlife-loving tourists who will happily spend $5000 and more for their Out of Africa experience. Source: Supplied. And this surge in popularity is now also driving increased demand for the farms that make up the Timbavati and Klaserie reserves in particular, according to resident Chas Everitt area specialist Beer Roux. We are getting enquiries all the time now from local as well as international investors who are motivated to buy land here and play a role in preserving areas like this and animals that are under increasing threat from human development, as in other parts of the world. Timbavati and Klaserie are attracting the attention of such investors, he says, as their efforts to protect rhino, wild dogs, pangolin, ground hornbills and other endangered species gain global recognition and because of the quality of their animal sightings. There are no fences between these reserves and the world-famous Kruger National Park, so they are part of one huge conservation area where the wildlife roams freely and the varied habitats enable visitors to see a vast array of animals and birds, including the Big Five, hippos, hyenas, anteaters, zebra, giraffe and many species of plains antelope. They and a few other large reserves in the Greater Kruger also aim to provide an authentic safari experience for mainly US tourists by maintaining lower vehicle and human densities, and enabling guests to participate in tracking and observing animals in their natural environments. As another plus, most lodges and camps in Klaserie and Timbavati are also only about an hours drive from the Hoedspruit Eastgate airport, after a direct flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg, so they are easily accessible. Limited availability amidst high demand But, says Roux, there are currently very few farms, homes or lodges available for investors to buy, despite the fact that Timbavati stretches over more than 53,000ha in total and Klaserie over more than 60,000ha. This is reflected in the fact that there have been less than a dozen sales in both reserves combined since 2020. The demand is really significant and we have a list of local and overseas buyers willing to spend between R30m and R120m for a farm here. But a lot of this land has been in family hands for a generation or two and now has several owners who must all agree to sell." However, Roux says he is aware that most owners in Klaserie and Timbavati are over 65 and may well be thinking about retiring elsewhere or boosting their retirement funds, and for those thinking of selling, his message is: there is demand from an international audience of affluent potential buyers. He said Chas Everitt is able to tap into this global exposure thanks to its membership of Leading Estate Companies of the World, a network of more than 550 market-leading brokerages and 136,000 top real-estate professionals that operates in more than 70 countries. It sells more than $350bn worth of exceptional properties a year. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) for South Africa that will allow the unit to have direct access to Interpols information system. The MoU will strengthen the SIUs investigating tools of trade and access to data systems to combat cybercrimes. Interpol NCB will provide the SIU with up-to-date training resources. The Interpol NCB has a network of data systems in 195 countries that the SIU can tap into, the SIU said in a statement. The agreement was signed by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi and Interpol NCBs Brigadier Ntime Mokhine. The SIU revealed more on the MoU and how this will strengthen the units hand during investigations. Advocate Mothibi said that this MoU is aligned with the SIUs current cybercrimes and data analytics vision and the previous agreements that the SIU has signed to build data analytics and forensics capacity, especially in the war against transnational organised crimes. This will also provide the SIU with access to locate people outside of South Africa that the SIU needs to subpoena for questioning related to investigations. Brigadier Mokhine explained that the importance of this MoU paves the way for Interpol to build relationships with South African law enforcement agencies while enabling Law Enforcement entities to extend their international reach, the statement read. Radio Workshops This Coal Life has been named the Best Standalone Audio Documentary at the International Documentary Associations (IDA) Awards. Image supplied. Radio Workshops This Coal Life has been named the Best Standalone Audio Documentary at the International Documentary Associations (IDA) Awards The IDA Documentary Awards is dedicated exclusively to the documentary genre, celebrating and honouring the years best nonfiction films and programmes. This Coal Life follows the Skhosana family, who built their lives on coal. But South Africa is moving away from it in favour of greener, cleaner energy in what the government has called the Just Transition". The world is watching to see how South Africa and families like the Skhosanas are going to pull it off. The episode tells the story of how the lives of coal families across the country are going to change drastically in the coming years. Earlier this year it also won a number of awards, including the Podcast & Radio Award at the One World Media Awards in London as well as being finalists for both Best Documentary at the Ambies and Best Serialized Story at the Third Coast International Audio Festival. This Coal Life also aired on NPRs daily news podcast Up First in September of this year. Wed like to thank the Climate Emergency Collaboration Group and the African Climate Foundation for their support in producing this story and congratulate the Radio Workshop podcast team on their incredible work; Lesedi Mogoatlhe, Dhashen Moodley, Siya Mokoena, Jo Jackson, Qhamani Sambu, Mike Rahfaldt, and Rob Rosenthal, says Yumna Martin - Radio Workshop Board chair, Linda Barnett - US Radio Workshop Friends chair and Emmanuelle Parr - UK Radio Workshop Friends chair. Thank you to the International Documentary Association for this recognition and for helping spotlight youth-reported stories from Africa, says the three. By Yoon Ja-young KB Financial Group selected four domestic startups to participate in the global proof of concept (PoC) program that it jointly launched with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to support domestic startups aspiring to expand overseas. PoC refers to a series of testing processes that a company conducts to verify the feasibility of new technologies or products before adopting them. The global PoC program is a new initiative launched by KB Financial Group this year to provide substantial support for domestic startups seeking overseas expansion. They can introduce their products and services to major overseas companies and receive customer feedback through the program, assessing the potential for overseas expansion. After initial document screening on 87 domestic startups that applied for the program, the final four startups were selected through one-on-one interviews with Singapore-based major corporations. In collaboration with KITA, the four selected startups will conduct PoC with global companies such as Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) and Procter & Gamble (P&G). This partnership will continue for approximately three months until February 2024. KB will support the startups with the necessary expenses for conducting the PoC as well as holding a Demo Day event in Singapore where the program participants will share their outcomes. "For startups planning to advance into overseas markets, securing references such as collaboration experience with overseas partners is crucial, but it is very challenging in reality, a KB spokesperson said. We will prepare diverse programs to support startups as they venture into unfamiliar overseas markets. Cabinet has considered and approved the draft National Business Licensing Policy for public comments. Image source: Aleksandr Khakimullin 123RF.com This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who briefed the media on the outcomes of the Special Cabinet meeting held last Friday. The Minister said the objectives of the policy are: The provision of a fair, transparent and ethical allocation of business operating licenses in a manner that enables citizens to actively participate in an economic life. The assertion and clarification of South Africas sovereign right to determine the business licensing conditions for foreign nationals in line with the countrys national interests. The development and implementation of smart and effective licensing arrangements that not only reduce regulatory burdens, but also drive empowerment of the previously marginalised communities, whilst reducing compliance burdens and facilitating ease of doing business. At Mondays media briefing, Ntshavheni said Cabinet had approved the introduction to Parliament [of] the SOC Holding Company Bill. The bill proposes: Today Castle Lager launches a limited edition beer, Taste of Victory, specially brewed with the sounds of millions of SA fans' cheers in celebration of South Africa's four-time RWC winning team and officially kicking off the nation's festive season. Image supplied. Castel Lager innovates with its latest offering to celebrate the Springboks' record-breaking feat and 15 December public holiday South Africa's national beer, for over 125 years, has innovated with this latest offering by making beers literally from cheers. Castle Lager brand director, Wendy Bedforth says, According to reports in BBC Science Focus and in Frontiers in Psychology, sound waves can influence the behaviour of yeast cells during fermentation. This suggests that music or specific sound frequencies may impact the rate of fermentation, yeast growth, or the production of certain flavour compounds. Bedforth adds, As a result, music can: Speed up the fermentation process by 30% Make citrus aromas stronger Weaken banana and apricot flavours Intensify vanilla flavours with low frequency Reduce with high frequency. She explains that to make the Taste of Victory brew, they recorded the sounds of 62 million cheers from the Stade de France in Paris, the arrivals hall at OR Tambo, the parade bus as the Victory tour traversed the country, and everything in between. We then composed a track of these Sounds of Victory and played it to our beer at the Rosslyn Brewery for a fortnight; infusing 62 million cheers into our golden, Castle Lager liquid, to craft the limited edition Taste of Victory. The video opens with Faf de Klerk explaining that experiments show that playing music to beer tastes better. Springbok double RWC winner, Damian Willemse adds, The guys at Castle Lager told me they were brewing beers with real fan cheers. We couldn't have won in France without your cheers. Thank you SA! This one's for you. Anyone who is surprised that the ANC-dominated National Council of Provinces (NCOP) health select committee adopted the contentious National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill unchanged has not been paying attention to the governing partys policy strategies. The ANC steadfastly follows socialist dogma in framing policies within an oppressor-versus-oppressed narrative, and as widespread service delivery failures rapidly mount for the government the governing party doubles down on these failed socialist strategies to attempt to deflect from its extensive governance and management inadequacies. The ANC is now truly locked into this perverse narrative. There are virtually no successes to which it can point, leaving deflection as its only strategic option. Add to this that national elections are only a few months away, and this will be a paramount strategy for the ANC to maintain. On the NHI policy strategy the ANC lambastes the private health sector (the oppressor) for its high expenditure versus the lower level of expenditure in the public health sector (the oppressed). This deflection strategy then requires a correction or rather the destruction of the ostensible oppressor. This comes in the form of section 33 of the NHI Bill, which spells the end of private healthcare for the 9-million medical-scheme members, as well as many valuable business interests within the R250bn private healthcare industry. Of course, this strategy ignores the fact that public-health woes have everything to do with the dismantling of governance frameworks and management ineptitude within the public health department, all repeatedly confirmed through audits by the office of health standards compliance, the auditor-general and the health ombud. It also disregards analysis of public health expenditure across the 51 upper-middle income countries, showing that SAs per capita public expenditure is on a par with the average for this peer group, yet public health outcomes languish almost at the bottom. The fact that private health expenditure derives from voluntary, free-market private enterprise, and that the vast majority of medical-scheme members are also the taxpayers who fund public health expenditure, is also disregarded in this strategic misstep. Business groupings Business Unity SA and Business For SA have lobbied the NCOP for friendlier amendments to section 33. While they cannot be blamed for attempting to protect the interests of their members the inherent problem is that section 33 is critical to the ANC maintaining its policy position of finding an oppressor and holding them accountable for the woes of the oppressed. If the ANC dropped this policy stance it would be forced into introspection on why the public sector is in such a mess. But since we should all now be amply informed that reform or accountability does not exist within the ANCs DNA, maintaining section 33 in the NHI Bill becomes incontestable. It is also why implementing an independent NHI governance model with proper oversight and separation of powers simply could not be considered. The governance model in the NHI Bill concentrates unfettered authority with the health minister, such that no amount of lobbying for concessions such as section 33 are of any use since such concessions could be circumvented later through regulatory changes once the NHI is signed into law. Largest SOE Many estimates are that the NHI Fund revenue streams will total about R500bn per annum, making it the countrys largest state-owned enterprise (SOE) by a significant margin. Along with its weak governance, it represents the perfect SOE to fill with political appointees through which to guarantee furtherance of the ANCs vast patronage networks and the enablement of grand-scale corruption. The NHI governance model stands in stark opposition to the findings of chief justice Raymond Zondos state capture inquiry, that the politicisation of the civil service through the ANCs cadre deployment policy is unconstitutional and illegal. These additional concerns, outside those on section 33, are why we at the Free Market Foundation health policy unit have steadfastly maintained our view that the NHI is a ruinous policy in its entirety. It spells disaster not only for the private health sector, but also for those citizens who are forced to rely on public health services. The counter-misinformation service NewsGuard fact-checks most major independent outlets, including Racket. They even bless us with a reliability rating, based on factors like my willingness to answer questions about funding sources (there are none, the site is 100% reader-financed), the lack of a formal masthead (calling myself editor isnt good enough, apparently), and incidents like reporting issues disputed by Stanfords not-always-forthcoming Election Integrity Partnership. I told NewsGuard I believe its business model is illegitimate, because media outlets should gain and lose trust based on how they are evaluated by audiences, not paid services. Since theyre continuing to score sites like mine, Ive decided to regularly fact-check their content, on a scale of 0-to-4 Marks of Satan. The first entries: Chinas Defense Ministry Falsely Claims U.S. is Expanding its Nuclear Arsenal, State-Sponsored Disinformation Risk Briefing, November 16, 2023: NewsGuard tends to opt for layup fact-checks (do Israelis really drink the blood of Palestinians? Is Ukraine forcing pregnant women to fight?), but on November 16th, they took on the Chinese in a nuanced battle, after Chinese defense spokesperson Wu Qian reacted to a Pentagon annual report to Congress that claimed current Chinese nuclear efforts dwarf previous attempts in both scale and complexity. Wu answered by saying the Defense Department was sensationalizing a nonexistent China military threat, adding the U.S. was making excuses for itself as it expands its nuclear arsenal to maintain military dominance. NewsGuard took issue with Wus claim that the U.S. is expanding its nuclear arsenal. Disinformation, NewsGuard wrote! Rather than expanding its nuclear arsenal, the U.S. has consistently decreased its stockpile of nuclear warheads in recent years. Reports published by the nonprofit organization Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists show that the U.S. has reduced its nuclear stockpile from 3,800 warheads in 2020 to 2,708 in 2023. The U.S. State Department also released a fact sheet in 2021 that shows the U.S. has decreased its nuclear stockpile almost every year from 1996 to 2020. Going by warhead count, the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile has indeed been decreasing since the seventies. So, true. Well done, NewsGuard! However, the service left out a big part of Wus statement. The official complained that the U.S. in recent years has exited treaties including the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, upgrading the nuclear triad, while strengthening the so called Extended Deterrence. Thats also true, as is a massive increase in U.S. spending on nuclear weapons development in recent years. Even milquetoast foreign policy think tanks concede that George W. Bushs decision to withdraw from the ABM treaty after 9/11 fueled a new arms race. The Carnegie Center went so far as to blame Bush and the U.S. for Vladimir Putins development of an international hypersonic nuke-delivering glider, describing it as Russia responding accordingly to the cancelation of the ABM. U.S. withdrawal from the 1987 INF treaty is often blamed on Russia having violated it first. Russia rejected the accusations, but either way, the U.S. has undoubtedly responded by rapidly upping plans for new delivery systems and warhead-building capacity. For instance, the U.S. hasnt regularly built plutonium pits the core of nuclear weapons since 1989. Now however the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has plans to build 30 a year at Los Alamos and 50 more a year at a site in Savannah, Georgia. The Congressional Budget Office is estimating $18-$24 billion in costs for this 80-pit-per-annum capability, which doesnt sound like much. However, $756 billion over ten years does sound like a lot, because it is. Thats the current CBO estimate for nuclear spending between 2023 and 2032, and it represents a monster $19% increase over the CBOs previous estimate of $634 billion on nukes for the period of 2021-2030. $76 billion a year is a lot of money even in Washington. For comparison, its almost exactly the entire Department of Homeland Security appropriation for 2022. Overall, while it may be technically correct to say Wu was wrong to complain about an expanded arsenal, in a larger sense Wu may not be wrong to say the U.S. is pumping up its nuclear program in search of hegemonism. Even according to the DoDs own projections, as in the case of Pentagon-published graphs like the one below, our spending on nuclear weapons and weapons delivery development is about to skyrocket for just the third time since the early sixties, buoyed by hyper-expensive programs like the nuclear-capable B-21. The latter is needed to attack Chinese ships in a Taiwan scenario, as Air and Space Forces put it: By percentage of the overall DoD budget, nuclear spending is scheduled to double, a point the Pentagon has been anxious to trumpet. NewsGuard quoted a Wall Street Journal article saying China recently surpassed the U.S. in its number of land-based intercontinental-range missile launchers, seemingly to suggest a goal of nuclear hegemony was disinformation, which it almost certainly is not. This is the kind of report Politifact or Snopes would call misleading or needs context. Here at Racket, well give it 2 Satans: Chinese Officials Spread Graphics Comparing Gaza to Troubled Xinjiang Region, State-Sponsored Disinformation Risk Briefing, November 22, 2023 A week after the nuke entry, NewsGuard printed a tweet from the Chinese embassy in France: NewsGuard, deploying its superior mind-reading technology, described the two-photo spread as an apparent effort to downplay the Chinese governments documented abuses of ethnic minorities there and to paint Israel as the real perpetrator of genocide. How they got that from sans titre (no comment) isnt clear, but these types of gruesome photos of Gaza are all over even the American press nowadays. ABC News is running similar apocalyptic pictures from Gaza, with notations about the more than 1.8 million people who are internally displaced there, along with 17,000 killed. The BBC described satellite pictures showing 100,000 buildings damaged there, while CBS chronicled a city where residents are forced to bury their dead in the streets, because cemeteries are too dangerous to reach. You can find exactly similar pictures on NBC, NPR, the AP, The Guardian, Al-Jazeera, and many others. NewsGuard noted international organizations say the Uyghur and Kazakh minority populations have been detained en masse by the Chinese government, which may be true. But that doesnt make the above not a real picture of Xinjiang, nor do they even bother supporting their own weird assertion about Israel and genocide. Basically this is a half-clever meme with two legit pictures where audiences supply all of the controversial conclusions, and NewsGuard is mad that Jackson Hinkle is tweeting it. However, its not disinformation by any definition. Three Satans: By Lee Kyung-min Asung HMP, the largest shareholder of Asung Daiso, a 1,000 won ($0.76) household goods store, has bought a 34.21 percent stake in Daiso Sankyo, Asungs Japanese equity investment partner, market watchers said Wednesday. The purchase price was about 500 billion won. The acquisition was made in order to shed a long-held misconception that Asung Daiso is a Japanese entity, according to the company. We will start anew with a strong identity as a Korean company, Asung Daiso said. The largest shareholder of Asung HMP is company chair Park Jeong-boo who holds a 50.02 percent stake. The acquisition will raise Asung HMP's total stake to 84.23 percent. Asung Daiso was launched in May 1997 when Park opened a household goods store in eastern Seoul's Cheonho-dong neighborhood. The name of the store became Daiso in 2001 after it formed a joint venture with Daiso Sankyo, which made an equity investment of 3.8 billion won. The business uncertainties of Asung have since been amplified due to repeated moves to boycott Japanese products, because Korean consumers associated the name Daiso with Japans past wrongdoings and deep influence in Korea's consumer market. Asung issued statements repeatedly saying Asung has no relationship with Japan other than it has a Japanese equity investment partner. We do not pay the Japanese partner royalties or exchange human resources. Our Japanese partner does not have any involvement in the management of our company. Many Koreans joined in on a boycott of Daiso and Uniqlo in 2019 and for a few years after that. The collective move was prompted by Japan's curbs on three key materials Korea needed to manufacture semiconductors and displays. They were fluorine polyimide, photoresist and hydrogen fluoride. Japan produces about 90 percent of fluorine polyimide and photoresist and around 70 percent of hydrogen fluoride. The curbs left the local semiconductor industry helpless. Japan put in place the export restrictions in July 2019 in retaliation against Koreas Supreme Court ruling that ordered Japanese firms to compensate surviving South Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. In August that year, Japan removed Korea from its exports whitelist. Korea then lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization. Asung plans to open a new mall on Friday. It will increase management efficiency and strengthen online operations through overnight delivery services in addition to existing strong brick-and-mortar operations. Asung Daiso registered 2.9 trillion won in sales and 239.3 billion won in operating profit last year. It has more than 1,500 stores nationwide. Israel's previously reported somewhat far-fetched sounding plan to flood Gaza's underground network of tunnels, to flush out and kill Hamas operatives, is actually happening. "Israels military has begun to pump seawater into Hamass vast complex of tunnels in Gaza, according to U.S. officials briefed on the Israeli militarys operations, part of an intensive effort to destroy the underground infrastructure that has underpinned the groups operations," The Wall Street Journal reports Tuesday. Water is being pumped from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. AFP via Getty Images The plan was initially widely considered one military 'option' among several, and many observers saw it as unrealistic, given that the tunnels themselves stretch for miles and miles. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially announced that it has initiated the plan, but have only said these operations remain classified. But it's already happening, possibly already for days, writes WSJ: "Flooding the tunnels, which would likely be a weekslong process, began around the time Israel added two more pumps to the five pumps installed last month and conducted some initial tests, U.S. officials said." Some US officials have previously expressed concern about the plan, also given the potential to kill more civilians and further destroy the Strip's infrastructure. A prime issue is that some 137 Israeli and foreign hostages remain in Hamas captivity after the end of last week's ceasefire and prisoner swap deal. Very likely all or many of them are being kept somewhere within the tunnel system and its cavernous rooms. Hamas even has subterranean offices and command centers within. Israel has thus far identified at least 800 tunnels, but believes the network is still much bigger than what's known. "We are not sure how successful pumping will be since nobody knows the details of the tunnels and the ground around them," an unnamed security source told the WSJ last week. "Its impossible to know if that will be effective because we dont know how seawater will drain in tunnels no one has been in before." There's also the question of the seawater destroying altogether what's left of the Strip's already badly damaged water system, which draws on Gazas increasingly saltier aquifer. The whole flooding initiative could also bring down more buildings or entire blocks, making the place uninhabitable for years to come. The White House has reportedly expressed concern to Israeli leaders over the likely disastrous humanitarian and ecological fallout. Russia has been the strongest in warning against flooding the tunnels, saying it would be tantamount to a war crime. As cited in Newsweek days ago, the Kremlin said the following: Russia said that reports of proposals to flood the tunnels were shocking and warned that "if done, this will be a war crime." "Such flooding could be considered analogous to 'do not spare them' order, but it is not only about that and not only about civilians who may be in those tunnels," the statement read. "Of course, there most likely will be civilians, for where else would they go from the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza." When contacted for a response, the IDF told Newsweek it had "no comment" on Russia's claims. Many pundits have questioned whether Israeli leadership is no longer adequately concerned about the hostage rescue aspect of its Gaza operations... On a strategic level, the IDF is worried that sending infantry forces into the tunnels would blunt their superiority in terms of firepower and heavy armor. The military also fears the tunnels are booby-trapped in many places. A month ago there were wild reports and speculations that Israel could pump Sarin gas or other chemical weapons into the tunnels. However, this is unlikely to have ever been a real option given the unpredictable nature and potential spread of nerve agents to confines not intended to be targeted (such as civilian homes, hospitals and buildings above the tunnels). Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Commentary: Xi's visit offers blueprint for China-Vietnam relations Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, kicked off a state visit to Vietnam on Dec. 12. Xi's two-day visit is at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and Vo Van Thuong, state president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Six years after his last Vietnam trip, Xi's visit continues the fine tradition of frequent interactions between leaders of the two parties and countries, akin to close relatives. In particular, the visit is significant as this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. During the visit, the two sides agreed on further elevating bilateral relations and enriching practical cooperation. They laid out a blueprint for the development of China-Vietnam relations and promoted building a China-Vietnam community of shared future that carries strategic significance. This visit is set to chart the course for bilateral relations in the new era and is bound to become a significant milestone in the history of China-Vietnam relations. At present, China-Vietnam relations have made remarkable progress, guided by the spirit of being good neighbors, friends, comrades, and partners. Over the years, the top leaders of the two parties and countries have maintained close communication and frequent interactions through various means. They have carried forward their nations deep friendship characterized by "camaraderie and brotherhood," setting a fine example for contemporary international relations. Vietnam considers the development of relations with China a strategic choice and top priority, while China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. Building a China-Vietnam community of shared future that carries strategic significance responds to the evolving needs of bilateral ties, and injects a strong impetus into elevating bilateral relations to a new level in the new era. China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner for many consecutive years, and Vietnam ranks as China's fourth-largest trading partner. Annual bilateral trade exceeds $200 billion, with economic and trade cooperation yielding benefits for the peoples of both nations. China and Vietnam will advance the docking between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan. They aim to promote infrastructure connectivity and cooperation in industrial and supply chains, thereby expanding the breadth and depth of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The two countries are also broadening channels for people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Along the China-Vietnam border, residents, including businesspeople and tourists, frequently travel between the two countries. In the universities of both nations, an increasing number of young people are studying in the other country and learning each other's language. Online, a growing number of young people are engaging with films, TV dramas, and variety shows from each other's country. During the visit, the two countries, focusing on six major areas: politics, security, practical cooperation, public support, multilateral affairs, and maritime issues, aim to deepen and substantiate their bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation, working towards building a prosperous China-Vietnam community of shared future. As a Chinese saying goes, "Friends and neighbors become closer when they visit each other more often." Exchanges on state governance between China and Vietnam will help the two countries jointly embark on their respective modernization paths, each suiting their own national conditions. This collaboration will enrich the approaches to modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to their peoples. As the world undergoes profound changes not seen in a century, the sound development of China-Vietnam relations will contribute positively to regional and global peace, stability, and development. The author is a researcher with the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) By Lee Yeon-woo As the upcoming general shareholders' meeting season approaches, activist funds are becoming increasingly busy. Following their focus on dividends last year, their attention this year seems to be focused on initiatives aimed at improving corporate governance and enhancing shareholder rights. On Dec. 6, Palliser Capital requested Samsung C&T to improve its governance, highlighting that its shares are undervalued in the market. Specifically, the British asset management fund urged the firm to enhance shareholder value by purchasing treasury stocks and transforming its governance structures into a holding company format. On Dec. 1, another activist fund, Flashlight Capital Partners, sent a letter to the board of KT&G, urging them to improve its nominating process for CEO candidates. The fund criticized the re-election process of KT&G CEO Baek Bok-in as problematic, and noted that the shares have plunged 19 percent since Baek took the helm in 2015. It urged the company to include external figures in the candidate list and to thoroughly document the election process for future verification. KCGI Asset Management, which has been demanding improvements in the governance structure of Hyundai Elevator, has achieved some success, evidenced by the resignation of chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun last month. Even after, the fund continues to press for enhancements to the management structure, aiming to restore corporate value to "normal levels." The funds believe that the so-called "Korean discount" stems from the weak governance of Korean firms, which is often centered around a few major shareholders. It is expected that the activities of these funds will gain momentum early next year. Since most general meetings are scheduled for March, agendas are likely to be submitted by February. "The general annual meeting is a critical platform for enhancing governance," Hi Investment & Securities analyst Lee Sang-heon said in a recent report. He noted that changes could only be achieved if the activist funds, holding only 1 or 2 percent of the shares, manage to win over the support of other shareholders. As individual investors' attention towards the movements of such funds increases, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on shareholder returns will be launched on Thursday. Managed by Truston Asset Management, this ETF will include companies that have been targets of shareholder activism by activist funds, as well as those expected to see a rise in corporate value following improvements in their governance structures. "An activist fund's push for shareholder returns is a great benefit for existing shareholders. However, the stock prices of targeted firms can become highly volatile following the funds' activities. It's risky for individual investors to enter the market (based solely on the expectation that the shares will rise)," an official from a local brokerage firm said. Shinhan's first female CEO has lived up to her mantra; success followed as a result By Lee Yeon-woo Many firsts are associated with Cho Kyoung-sun. Among these, her most notable achievement is becoming the first female CEO of Shinhan Financial Group. Starting her career in 1983 as a bank teller, a position she secured through Shinhan's inaugural open recruitment, she took the helm of Shinhan Digital Solutions (DS), the group's IT subsidiary in November 2021. When Cho first entered the banking industry, numerous barriers impeded the ascent of women to senior management positions. The industry even required women to sign pledges promising to leave their jobs upon marriage. Women were paid less than men, despite having similar levels of education. Additionally, women seeking to transition into roles traditionally dominated by men had to undergo testing. Still, Cho remains modest. "There were limited career options for women back then, mainly roles like teachers, pharmacists or bank tellers. I tried hard to find other jobs because I wasn't confident in customer-facing roles. But despite all my efforts, it was Shinhan Bank that hired me," Cho recalled during a recent one-on-one interview with The Korea Times. "When people ask me how I entered the bank, I feel a bit guilty. Nowadays, young people meticulously plan and prepare extensively for their futures. As for me, I somehow found myself in this position." Not content with just advancing her career, Cho has also been instrumental in supporting the growth and ambitions of female colleagues within the group. For five years, she led Gal Force, Shinhan's initiative for female employees that was active from 1982 to 2016. Additionally, Cho holds the distinction of being the first alumna of SHeroes, a women's leadership development program at Shinhan that began in 2018. Cho believes that as time passes and institutions evolve, so do the barriers that women face. "In my era, the barriers we faced were solid, yet visible. So if individuals had the courage and managed to overcome these barriers, the organization recognized their efforts. The institutions developed over time as well. It was a period where one could think, 'Wow, if I put in the effort, I could become the head of a department or a branch,'" Cho said. Cho's leadership role at Shinhan Bank's branches came at a time when performance evaluations relied heavily on quantitative metrics, particularly whether an individual met the group's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Cho excelled in her performance, which led to her promotion alongside her male colleagues. "Nowadays, a variety of policies and institutions are in place to support women in the workforce and facilitate their advancement within organizations. However, with these advancements, many 'invisible' hurdles have emerged. These obstacles are particularly challenging because they're not easily recognized. Overcoming them can be even more frustrating because society often fails to acknowledge these efforts," Cho added. Cho reflects that every experience she encountered at Shinhan has played a crucial role in shaping her into who she is today. "When I was first assigned to a branch, there was intense competition among my colleagues to work at the front counters. Being assigned to support roles behind the bank tellers was seen as less prestigious. However, I chose to start early in a supporting role. From that position, I could observe all the activities at the front and learn each teller's working style. This experience proved invaluable, both in my branch work and later at the headquarters," Cho explained. There were times when she emulated the characteristics of male leaders as there were no female role models to follow. If male leaders consumed large amounts of alcohol during business meetings, she did too. But, she soon realized that such a style did not suit her. Instead, she sought support from her employees. "I brought my entire seven employees for an open hearted discussion. I acknowledged their natural apprehension, being accustomed to male leadership. I assured them that, although my style differed, I was committed to delivering the same level of performance and asked for their trust. Their candid feedback about their anxieties and my leadership approach was incredibly valuable," Cho shared. As the scale of her responsibilities grew, from leading a team of seven to managing thousands, Cho remained committed to her fundamental questions: Do the employees have a spark of passion? How can I ignite that passion and turn it into a roaring flame? This philosophy was also central to her role at Shinhan DS, a subsidiary that prominently took charge of the group's internal IT system. "After first reviewing the organizational chart of the firm, I felt confident, thinking, 'this will work.' Shinhan DS, being an IT firm, experiences a high employee turnover. Its diverse and inclusive work environment is like a living organism in itself. In my one-on-one discussions with employees, I discovered that they possessed latent passion," Cho said. "To spearhead development, I realized the importance of enhancing our ability to reach beyond Shinhan. I encouraged our employees to strive for significant contracts outside the group, expanding our influence and capabilities." In August 2022, Shinhan DS secured a major contract, valued at approximately 25.8 billion won ($19.5 million), to develop the next-generation card system for Hyundai Department Store. Emphasizing areas like Cloud services and global expansion, Shinhan DS is experiencing the most successful year since its inception. Revenues have exceeded 300 billion won, with a target net profit of 8.8 billion won. "One phrase I often use is, 'let's stop if it becomes too burdensome.' But I'm confident that if I can ignite the employees' passion, they'll continue to push forward despite my suggestion to pause. This belief has once again proven true. They sought more support from the company but did not cease their efforts," Cho said. "My aim is to create an environment where employees, even after leaving Shinhan DS, look back on their time here with passion and no regrets." Cho also believes that a similar set of questions can guide an individual's rise to a leadership position: Have I fully expressed my passion and realized my potential? Have I helped to unlock the potential in others? Most importantly, have I harnessed both these elements to advance my organization's strategy and performance? "Often, women overlook the last but most crucial question. The critical factor is that the company's selection of a management figure is not based on gender. What counts is whether an individual can execute in alignment with the organization's strategies and financial performance," Cho emphasized. "It's common sense that I can't be the MVP of a match if my team doesn't win the tournament. There's no such thing as a 'good defeat.' A defeat is simply that a defeat." "Leadership is important, but what's even more important is to precisely understand what leadership entails," she added. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code A senior North Korean official has held talks with the governor of Russia's far eastern region of Primorsky Krai, Pyongyang's state media said Wednesday, amid speculation that North Korea is seeking to send workers to Russia to earn much-needed hard currency. North Korea's External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho and Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Russian region that borders North Korea, discussed issues of bolstering regional economic cooperation further to a high level in Pyongyang on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The KCNA did not provide any further details on what it meant by economic cooperation. Kozhemyako told a Russian news media outlet ahead of his visit that he will discuss ways to boost cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade and agriculture. There is speculation that the two sides may discuss the possible dispatch of North Korean workers to Russia, a move that is banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions imposed due to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. The National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, said Tuesday it has detected signs of North Korea seeking to send workers to Russia and is closely monitoring the situation. Kozhemyako arrived in North Korea on Monday as the two nations have been strengthening their ties following the summit of the North's leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. (Yonhap) The boss of Ladbrokes owner Entain has stepped down just weeks after the group agreed a 615 million settlement to resolve a probe into alleged bribery at a former Turkish subsidiary. The gambling giant said Jette Nygaard-Andersen requested to leave the role with immediate effect and will be replaced by non-executive director Stella David on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed. Advertisement The group said Ms Nygaard-Andersens decision comes after the gambling giant reached an agreement with the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to settle an investigation into the group over activities at the Turkish-facing business that it sold in 2017, but it did not specify a reason for her departure. Entain chairperson Barry Gibson cheered the resolution of the probe and the agreement, praising Ms Nygaard-Andersen for her exceptional leadership during what has been a hugely challenging period. Advertisement Advertisement He said: It is no exaggeration to say that the HMRC investigation posed a number of threats to our group. He added: Had the matter not been resolved by way of a deferred prosecution agreement, the consequences to the company and all of its stakeholders could have been disproportionate. But Ms Nygaard-Andersen has reportedly come under increasing pressure from activist shareholders, and amid internal discontent over her leadership, as the group has seen its share price languish, according to a recent Financial Times report. Advertisement Entains share price has slumped by nearly 40 per cent in the past six months alone. Ms Nygaard-Andersen said: The past three years have been rewarding and challenging in equal measure. The resolution of the HMRC investigation into the legacy business, which was sold by a former management team in 2017, offers a clean inflection point for me and for Entain. The group is now safe, stable and sustainable and I believe that this is the right time to move on to other business and career opportunities. Advertisement Previously a non-executive director at the firm, Ms Nygaard-Andersen was appointed to the top job in January 2021 following the departure of her predecessor, Shay Segev, after just six months in the role. Advertisement Entains recent settlement came after authorities started investigating the suppliers in 2019, and a year later turned their gaze on the GVC Group, which subsequently rebranded to Entain. The company was alleged to not have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery. It said that the investigation had looked at former employees and suppliers. A woman who is over four months pregnant has told a court how she was assaulted from behind by the expectant father as she walked to a medical check-up. At the Family Law court in Ennis, Judge Alec Gabbett granted the woman a Protection Order after hearing details of the alleged day-time public assault on the woman while she walked on a footpath adjacent to a busy road. Advertisement The woman told the court that the man "has been staying on and off at mine and his mothers at the same time. She said that the morning of the assault they were in each others company but they went separate ways before the man came up from behind and punched her. She told the court: "I didnt know he was behind me." Advertisement Judge Gabbett said: "You are over four months pregnant and you were going for a check up and it is his child and he assaulted you? Advertisement The woman said yes. She said that the mans behaviour "is irrational and erratic and his behaviour has got worse since I got pregnant. Asked was the relationship now over, the woman replied yes' Asked by Judge Gabbett has the man done this before, the woman said that "he has been in prison and has a record of violence I believe. Advertisement Judge Gabbett told the woman: If he breaches the order you are to ring the gardai." In a separate Protection Order case, a woman told Judge Gabbett that her ex-partner "is drinking and driving with my children. The woman told Judge Gabbett: "I am afraid that I am going to wake up and my children are going to be dead. I have repeatedly asked him.. Judge Gabbett said: "If that is happening access doesnt have to take place. You may be up for a breach but maybe you would be able to justify the breach? Advertisement The woman told Judge Gabbett that an access order isnt in place and Judge Gabbett said that "access at your discretion. Advertisement In her statement seeking the Protection Order, the woman said that her ex-partner continues to try to control her, calls her names and puts her down The woman said: I dont fear him but he is very manipulative, and he keeps coming around. In a third case, Judge Gabbett granted a woman a Protection Order after she told the court that ex boyfriend is harassing her and constantly sending her messages. Advertisement She told the court that she has tried to block him but he is "sending videos of himself and has sent a naked picture of himself" The woman said the man "is shining lights on her windows. In a fourth case, a woman told Judge Gabbett that her partner calls her and her children "stupid animals, crazy bastards, invalids and other names that dont translate into English. She said: He says that we should only be feeding the children sandwiches and should not be using electricity. In a fifth case, Judge Gabbett granted a woman a Protection Order after she told the court that she has suffered broken bones from assaults carried out by her ex-partner. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information. Tanaiste Micheal Martin is to meet UK foreign secretary David Cameron in London on Wednesday. Mr Martin and Mr Cameron are expected to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to restore the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, and to share perspectives on foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said: It is vital that we continue to strengthen the relationship between our two governments. The partnership between us is the bedrock for ensuring continued peace and prosperity across these islands. UK foreign secretary Lord David Cameron (Dan Kitwood/PA) I look forward therefore to developing a close and open working relationship with Foreign Secretary Cameron. Advertisement Thirty years ago this week, Albert Reynolds and John Major together achieved the Downing Street Declaration. This joint work enabled the ceasefires and set the scene for the talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. The declaration heralded intensified cooperation between the two governments, and a shared analysis that led, ultimately, to peace. Advertisement Mr Martin said the visit is an opportunity to focus on wider foreign policy concerns, including on the conflict in Gaza. He added: My view remains clear the international community should insist on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Civilians must be protected, hostages must be released and humanitarian access at scale should be provided as a matter of urgency. It will also be important that the EU and the UK maintain our close cooperation in delivering support for Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression. Reforms to Leaving Cert subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics, will allow students to showcase their ability through continuous assessments and reduce exam stress, Education Minister Norma Foley has said. As the Irish Examiner reports, six Leaving Cert subjects have been reviewed and updated, including Arabic, Latin, and Ancient Greek, all of which have now gone out for public consultation. Advertisement It is part of a wider redevelopment of the Leaving Cert, with the first tranche of new and revised subjects being introduced in schools from 2025. There are nine subjects in the first grouping, including those for consultation and business. There will also be two new subjects drama, film and theatre studies, and climate action and sustainable development which will be rolled out on a phased basis to a network of schools in 2025. Advertisement Each of the new and revised subjects will incorporate additional assessment components that are not a traditional written examination. Advertisement These assessments will be worth a minimum of 40 per cent of the available marks and will be externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission. This is another very positive step forward in terms of the new-style Leaving Certificate that our students will experience from September 2025, Ms Foley said. She added the new components would reduce stress among students in the senior cycle, who will have the opportunity to maximise the showcasing of their talents. Student experience is at the heart of the redevelopment. I want students to display their learnings and talents at senior cycle, outside of the exam hall and beyond a terminal exam, she said. More subjects will be introduced to the curriculum for all schools in 2026, including English, geography, accounting, construction studies, and engineering. Ms Foley said the consultation, which is a major milestone in the senior cycle redevelopment, will be open until February 23. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has also contacted schools to participate in focus groups involving teachers, students, and school leaders. Meanwhile, Ms Foley said artificial intelligence (AI) was an extraordinary opportunity for education, but she acknowledged the challenges it poses to teachers. Tanaiste Micheal Martin heaped praise on David Cameron after the pair met for the first time, but acknowledged divisions on the crisis in Gaza. The pair met in London on Wednesday, amid the backdrop of efforts to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland and growing international concern over the killing of civilians as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas. Advertisement Mr Martin resisted any suggestion that he had used the meeting to pressure the UK government to shift its position to back a ceasefire. Ireland has been among the most vocal European countries in criticising the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and calling for an end to hostilities. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Micheal Martin met on Wednesday in London. Photo: Adrian Dennis/PA. Advertisement We used the occasion to give our perspectives, which are different. And also to explore and discuss the issue, Mr Martin told reporters after he left the lunchtime meeting. Advertisement The Tanaiste said that Cameron articulated the UK governments perspective on this and their view in terms of how they feel this can be resolved. David Cameron has been to the Middle East, he is going again to talk with Egypt and other states. So I think we each have respective positions on this. Alongside discussing efforts to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the pair also discussed what would a political pathway look like out of the conflict. Advertisement The foreign affairs minister did not put a timeframe on when he hoped powersharing could be restored, but indicated that it was up to the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to make a decision on the 2.5 billion package offered by the UK government as part of its bid to restore Stormont. We await the outcome of the discussions this week in respect of the financial arrangements for Northern Ireland which are taking place separate to the more specific ones on the Windsor Framework. So, the DUP will have to make a decision on that obviously, but from what I have seen I think progress has been made, and I think the people of Northern Ireland need a government, he said. Advertisement His arrival in London came after a week of high drama in Westminster that saw Rishi Sunak bidding to win over would-be rebels and restive Tory MPs to back his Rwanda plan in its first Commons vote. Advertisement Some MPs pushed the British prime minister to take a more hardline stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, but those calls have prompted concern that any such move could jeopardise obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Advertisement Asked by reporters about such calls, Mr Martin said that he and Mr Cameron did discuss the broader issue of migration. Ireland has very strong views in terms of the ECHR and in terms of the degree to which human rights were embedded into the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement. And we remain committed to that. Stressing the need to work collectively to tackle the origin of migration, he said: It has been a very significant political issue in Britain for quite a long time. It is arguable that migration gave rise to Brexit for example. And I think it is going to be a significant feature across Europe into the future. But we have got to respond, understanding the origins of this and do the best we can to manage the situation in a humane and pragmatic way. The visit came 30 years after former taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former prime minister John Major agreed the Downing Street Declaration, a key step in the peace process. The Tanaiste said he welcomed the return of someone with Lord Camerons experience, who he said as prime minister cared about the Irish-British relationship. He cared enough about the relationship, it was in a very strong position by the time he had left. I do feel that he gets it, and very evident from the lunch today we are dealing with a very experienced leader and politician who understands the way the world works and who is still very committed and very engaged so I think that is positive. The Taoiseach has said Israel is quickly losing support and sympathy around the world over the conflict in Gaza. Leo Varadkar described the UN vote calling for a humanitarian ceasefire as "significant". Advertisement The non-binding resolution was backed by 153 countries, including Ireland, with just 10 voting against. Mr Varadkar said the current situation in Gaza is intolerable and Israel is making a huge mistake. Speaking in the Dail, he said: "I also think this is a disaster for Israel, because this will not bring them security. It won't bring them peace... and they are very quickly losing support and sympathy all around the world. "Even their closest ally, the United States, I believe is having second thoughts about what they are seeing unfolding in Gaza. That is a strategic disaster for Israel in my view, they're making a huge mistake." Advertisement Advertisement The results of a draft resolution vote are seen on a screen as the UN General Assembly holds an emergency special session on the Israel-Hamas war at the United Nations headquarters on December 12th, 2023 in New York City. Photo: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images The UN vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. Israel-Hamas War UN General Assembly votes to demand humanitarian c... Read More The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The United States and Israel were joined in opposing the resolution by eight countries Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay. After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian ceasefire, Arab and Islamic nations called for an emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly to vote on a resolution making the same demand. A protest took place outside the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Tuesday night over this veto. A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were forcibly dragged away from the gates of the residence by gardai as more than 100 people gathered at the protest. Gardai have arrested three men in connection with an arson attack on a house in Limerick. The body of convicted criminal Ger Curtin was found outside the property a week prior to the blaze. Advertisement The house at Sarsfield Avenue in Garryowen was extensively damaged in the fire on November 12th, and an adjoining property was damaged on November 18th. Both properties were unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported. The body of Curtin (42), from Railway House, Spit Land, Old Cork Road, Limerick, was found outside the properties during the early hours of November 4th. A man in his 40s is before the courts charged in connection with Curtins death. The accused faces one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Curtin on November 4th. A Garda source confirmed three men have been arrested in connection with the arson attack on November 12th. Advertisement A statement from Gardai added the men, all aged in their 30s, were detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. This article was amended at 4pm on November 14th, 2023. The cost of insurance, a tipping point in Gaza, and changes to supports for Ukrainian refugees make the front pages on Wednesday. The Irish Times reads: 'Cost of care insurance claims jumps by 25%', while the paper also reports an Irishman killed fighting in Ukraine was a former US marine. Advertisement The Irish Examiner leads with an image from Gaza, where it says the situation is at a 'tipping point'. The Echo reports 364 redundancies has been proposed at VMare in Ballincollig. Advertisement Both the Irish Independent and the Irish Daily Mail both lead with changes to the State's supports for refugees, with the latter claiming the Cabinet fears the changes are 'not tough enough'. Here is the front page of today's Irish Independent: pic.twitter.com/Yc8SCD2nmD Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) December 13, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's Mail... including your guide to surviving the party season pic.twitter.com/0dPbVLAVNa The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) December 12, 2023 Advertisement Finally, the Irish Daily Star report a man killed in a stabbing incident in Dublin on Monday night met a 'violent end'. In Britain, one story dominates the front pages of Wednesdays newspapers as they concentrate on UK prime minister Rishi Sunak winning a vote in the UK's House of Commons on his Rwanda deportation plan. Advertisement Mr Sunak emerged victorious despite the threat of opposition from Tory MPs, but many of the papers warn he faces more tough battles over the legislation. The Daily Telegraph declares Sunak faces down Rwanda rebels and said he hugged the Chief Whip after no Conservatives voted against the Bill, the Financial Times saying he headed off a revolt after a frenetic day of arm-twisting. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Sunak faces down Rwanda rebels'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/673m43DvHU The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 12, 2023 Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 13 December https://t.co/lakja5qauV pic.twitter.com/O1FpColPUk Financial Times (@FT) December 12, 2023 Advertisement But the victory comes with a warning of more battles ahead over the Rwanda plan, the Daily Mail, Daily Express and The Guardian all adding for now on the end of a headline about the outcome of the vote. Tomorrow's front page: Tory rebels hand Rishi Sunak ultimatum after he narrowly avoids Rwanda Bill vote defeat #tomorrowspaperstoday https://t.co/OmiYg6hwlP pic.twitter.com/UGT1MneRQv Daily Express (@Daily_Express) December 12, 2023 Wednesdays GUARDIAN: Sunak avoids major rebellion over Rwanda deportation bill - for now #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/qTmUExXvOT Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 12, 2023 The Metro saves for now for its subhead as it says Rishi saves his bacon after launching a charm offensive with rebels over bacon butties. Tomorrow's Paper Today RISHI SAVES HIS BACON Breakfast butties do trick as Rwanda flight rebels fail... for now #tomorrowspapertoday pic.twitter.com/AXTXZyG0MT Metro (@MetroUK) December 12, 2023 Elsewhere, the threat of what lies ahead takes centre stage with The Times declaring its not over yet with rebel MPs warning they could still defeat his plan, while The Independent says Mr Sunak lives to lose another day. Advertisement The i says Mr Sunak survived a revolt, but faces a new year showdown with Tory rebels a prospect the Daily Mirror describes as The Nightmare After Christmas. Wednesday's front page: Sunak survives Rwanda revolt to set up new year showdown with Tory rebels#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/bMROH0SsuE i newspaper (@theipaper) December 12, 2023 Away from the events at Westminster, the Daily Star heralds the return of the combover. A majority of Americans agree with US president Joe Biden on issues including abortion rights, capping insulin prices and hiking taxes on billionaires, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found, but his campaign faces a tough task in getting angry voters to care. The 81-year-old Democrats prospects for re-election have been dragged down by voters worries about the state of the economy, concerns about Mr Biden's age and a general sense that the country is moving in the wrong direction. Advertisement Benefiting from that unease has been Mr Biden's likely Republican opponent, former president Donald Trump, 77, who has a slight lead over Mr Biden nationally in a head-to-head match-up ahead of the November 5th, 2024, election. Mr Bidens biggest challenge may be overcoming what the poll, concluded on Monday, showed to be the deep mistrust many voters appear to feel toward their political opponents or even politics in general. Advertisement Reuters/Ipsos presented respondents with a line from a recent Trump speech that there are "communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country - that lie and steal and cheat on elections" - without first telling them who said it. Half of respondents said they agreed with that sentiment, including 71 per cent of Republicans and 37 per cent of Democrats. Advertisement The poll then asked respondents if they knew that the line was said by Mr Trump. Among respondents who were aware, 57 per cent agreed, including 84 per cent of Republicans and 38 per cent of Democrats. Rage and grievance are a key driver of Mr Trumps campaign. A lasting challenge for Mr Biden will be to penetrate this cloud of anger by harnessing the relative popularity of his agenda. Michael Ceraso, a Democratic strategist who worked for the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, said the Biden campaign needs to hope that the mood of the electorate shifts to the point where more voters are open to his message. "There is no way you can reach people when they are frustrated. You have to wait for them to dial it down," Mr Ceraso said. "Then you hope you can find the thing that moves the voter back into your column." Advertisement Advertisement There remain plenty of persuadable voters: While the margin between Mr Trump and Mr Biden is small, a quarter of respondents in the poll picked neither candidate, and 15 per cent said they hadn't made up their mind or might not vote. The Biden agenda About half of respondents - including three-quarters of Democrats and a third of Republicans - support passing a law to legalise abortion nationwide, a key plank in Mr Biden's re-election pitch. Independents favoured it by a two-to-one margin. Bipartisan majorities said they supported capping the price of insulin for all Americans as well as imposing a minimum tax on billionaires - also Biden proposals. Legislation passed by Congress and signed by Mr Biden capped out-of-pocket costs on insulin to $35 for recipients of the Medicare federal health plan for the elderly, but Mr Biden wants to extend that cap to apply to all Americans. Advertisement A majority of respondents, 55 per cent, backed Mr Biden's call to ban assault rifles. A third of Republicans and about half of independents said the US should ban assault rifles. Mr Bidens biggest worry continues to be voters fears about the economy despite a series of positive indicators that the White House continues to highlight. Advertisement Nine out of 10 poll respondents said the economy would be important in determining how they would vote, compared with about two-thirds who cited abortion access or climate change. Some 45 per cent of respondents said Mr Trump had a better approach on the economy, with 33 per cent picking Mr Biden and the rest unsure. Trump track Mr Trumps campaign also has an opportunity to connect with undecided voters on his "America First" agenda, which has harnessed dissatisfaction over how the US economy has faired in global trade and decades of military interventions. Advertisement Some 37 per cent of respondents favoured Mr Trump's proposed 10 per cent tariff on all imports - significantly higher than the 24 per cent who said they oppose the idea. An even larger share of respondents, 39 per cent, weren't sure where they stood on the issue. While US public support skews in favour of financial and military aide for Ukraine in its war against Russia, Republicans and independents lean toward Mr Trump's scepticism over arming Ukraine. World Biden vs Trump would be a close rematch, with RFK... Read More The new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 38 per cent of independents were against Ukraine aid, with 27 per cent in favour and 35 per cent unsure. A two-thirds majority, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats, opposed Mr Trump's proposal to impose the death penalty on drug dealers. There was also little support for Mr Trump's musings about leaving the Nato alliance, with just 17 per cent of respondents supporting the idea. Just 29 per cent supported a Trump proposal to cease granting US citizenship to all people born in the US regardless of the legal status of their parents. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, surveying 4,411 adults nationwide between December 5th and December 11th. It had a credibility interval, a margin of precision, of about 2 percentage points. Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has announced he is standing down as Labour leader, triggering the contest to find his successor. The 69-year-old Labour politician, who has been Wales leader since December 2018, said he hoped his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024. Advertisement At a news conference in Cardiff, he said: In the meantime, I will remain as First Minister in the full sense of that job. Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford is standing down (Brian Lawless/PA) He has suffered a slump in poll ratings and has come under fire for policies including the widespread use of 20mph limits on Welsh roads. Advertisement A YouGov poll of 1,004 Welsh voters for ITV Cymru Wales and Cardiff University earlier this month found his popularity is at an 18-month low, with 56 per cent believing he is doing a bad job of being first minister. Advertisement Mr Drakeford was first elected to the Senedd in 2011 as the Member for Cardiff West. He served in various ministerial roles from 2013 under the leadership of Carwyn Jones, before succeeding him as First Minister and Welsh Labour leader in 2018. Mr Drakeford insisted he still had a lot to achieve over the coming months and there would be plenty of time for political obituaries and retrospection once Ive ceased to be First Minister, but not before. Advertisement But he added: In a five-year period, which has seen Wales deal with austerity, Brexit, the Covid pandemic, the climate crisis, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and four different prime ministers so far there will be lots to reflect upon. Until he leaves office, he said he would continue to be fully focused on delivering the promises we made to people across Wales in the last Senedd election. The next Welsh leader and first minister will, I hope, have an opportunity which has not come my way and that is to work with a newly-elected Labour government in London. And I will work as hard as I can to see that Labour government elected. Advertisement Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Drakeford was a titan of Welsh politics. Advertisement Mark has set a clear standard for public service in UK politics, always putting others before himself, Mr Starmer said. Advertisement During his five years as First Minister, against a backdrop of austerity, instability in Westminster and navigating the pandemic, he has delivered for Wales with steely determination and quiet authority. Above all, Mark is a kind and decent man, who lives his Labour values. A proud Welshman, Wales too can be proud of Mark, for his fight for working people. Hes a true titan of Welsh and Labour politics. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him and we all wish him the very best for his retirement. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: I wish Mark well as he stands down from the helm. While we may have different visions for Wales, I know Im joined by colleagues in holding a huge amount of respect for his dedication to the job of first minister. Its important, however, with this announcement that there is no distraction from the really important job of delivering for the people of Wales. Labour politicians jockeying for the role of first minister must not detract from this. North Korea is likely to carry out provocative acts next year in an attempt to intervene in major elections in South Korea and the United States, a state-run think tank said Wednesday. The Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) said North Korea could intensify psychological warfare or online and offline terrorist attacks against South Korea ahead of the South's parliamentary elections in April. The U.S. is scheduled to hold the presidential election in November. "There is a need to prepare for the North Korean version of a hybrid war," Kim Jin-ha, a senior research fellow at the KINU, told reporters. He said North Korea could stage major military provocations in a bid to press Washington to change its course on the U.S. policy on Pyongyang, while hoping former U.S. President Donald Trump wins the election. Ahead of South Korea's elections, North Korea could continue to restore its military measures halted under a 2018 inter-Korean military accord, rather than staging provocations involving conventional weapons, according to Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the KINU. North Korea has vowed to resume all military measures halted under the military tension reduction deal, after Seoul partially suspended it over Pyongyang's launch of a military spy satellite in November. "The North is expected to additionally launch military spy satellites next year and seek to put sea-based tactical nuclear missiles into operation," Hong said. North Korea has vowed to further launch spy satellites in a short span of time, after it successfully put the Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit in November following two previous failed attempts earlier this year. Russia could provide North Korea with technology advice, components and space for satellite tests in a bid to help Pyongyang launch its second spy satellite next year, Hong added. Hyun Seung-soo, a research fellow, said North Korea could press ahead with its seventh nuclear test next year, forecasting that Russia could conduct its first nuclear testing in about 30 years in 2024 to flex its muscle after President Vladimir Putin wins the presidential election in March. (Yonhap) The Republican-led US House of Representatives is expected to hold a vote on Wednesday to authorise an impeachment inquiry into Democratic president Joe Biden after months of investigation. Republicans say Mr Biden improperly traded access while he served as vice president in president Barack Obama's administration, though they have not presented any evidence of misconduct by Mr Biden. The White House says they have no basis for an impeachment inquiry. Advertisement Following is some of what has come to light: Hunter's businesses Republicans have accused Mr Biden of profiting from his son Hunter Biden's business dealings while serving as vice president between 2009 and 2017. According to the House Oversight Committee, Mr Biden met with some of Hunter's business partners during this time and allowed his son to travel with him on official overseas trips. Advertisement Devon Archer, a business associate of Hunter Biden, told the committee that Hunter Biden sought to create "an illusion of access to his father" and put his father on the phone with foreign associates "maybe 20 times" over the course of about 10 years. Advertisement Mr Archer said those conversations did not involve any business dealings, and he was not aware of any wrongdoing by the elder Biden. Republicans have pointed to an FBI document from 2020 in which an informant claims the head of Burisma, a Ukrainian company that included Hunter Biden on its board of directors, said: "it cost 5 (million) to pay one Biden, and 5 (million) to another Biden." According to representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, the FBI dropped the matter after determining there was no evidence to back it up. The head of Burisma, Mykola Zlochevsky, has said nobody from the company had any contact with Joe Biden or his staff and that the elder Biden did not help the firm. Advertisement Mr Archer told the committee that he was not aware of any such payments. Another Hunter Biden associate, Eric Schwerin, also told the panel that he was not aware of any financial involvement by Joe Biden in his relatives' businesses. Advertisement Republicans on the Oversight Committee also say they have records of $20 million in payments from foreign sources to Biden family members and their business associates. A Washington Post fact check found that $7 million of that money went to Biden family members, most of it to Hunter, and none went to Joe Biden. Pressuring Ukraine's prosecutor While serving as vice president, Mr Biden pressured Ukraine to remove its top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin. Republicans and Mr Shokin have separately said Mr Biden was trying to protect Burisma and Hunter Biden from a possible corruption investigation. Advertisement Mr Biden's actions reflected the official policy of Obama's administration, which had concluded Mr Shokin was not doing enough to fight corruption. The European Union and the International Monetary Foundation also backed Mr Shokin's removal on those grounds. US foreign policy officials have testified that Hunter Biden's role with Burisma did not influence the government's decision to seek Mr Shokin's ouster. US government records released by House Democrats show that US officials criticised Mr Shokin for not bringing corruption charges against Burisma. Ukraine's president at time, Petro Poroshenko, told Fox News Channel that there was not "one single word of truth" in Mr Shokin's claim that he was ousted because he refused to investigate Burisma. Advertisement Advertisement A 2020 investigation by Senate Republicans found that US diplomats viewed Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma as "very awkward" while they were pushing an anti-corruption agenda. The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by the then-vice president. Hunter Biden has offered to testify publicly about the matter but has defied an Oversight Committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors. Democrats say Republicans on the panel have misrepresented evidence from other private interviews. Hunter's prosecution Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun and also has been charged separately with tax evasion. His lawyer says he has repaid his taxes in full and would not be facing charges if he was not the president's son. He has been under federal investigation since 2019, and two IRS investigators told the Oversight Committee that the Justice Department improperly interfered with the probe. But US Special Prosecutor David Weiss, a Trump appointee who is leading the investigation, told Republicans that he faced no political interference with his work. US attorney general Merrick Garland elevated Mr Weiss to special counsel in August to give him more authority and independence. A former FBI agent who worked on the probe told the Oversight Committee that he was not aware of any political interference in the case, though he said he was frustrated by a decision by higher-ups to block an interview with Hunter Biden in December 2020, shortly after Mr Biden won the presidency. Former UK minister David Davis has said he stepped in to stop two men attacking a homeless man near the British parliament. The Conservative MP, 74, intervened after seeing a spray of blood as the attackers kicked the mans head at around 11pm on Great Peter Street, Westminster, on Tuesday. Advertisement Former Brexit secretary Mr Davis put himself between the victim and the pair before scuffling with one of them. The veteran politician let the rough sleeper, named Gareth, spend the night on his sofa at his nearby flat and took him to hospital on Wednesday morning because he was still bleeding. Former SAS reservist Mr Davis, the MP for Haltemprice and Howden, told PA: I had to get between them, be very aggressive, one of them took a couple of swings at me and I had to deal with that, slightly manhandle him. Advertisement I didnt hit them, if you hit them youve got to hit them really hard and you might kill them, so I tried not to get into that, otherwise Id be talking from a prison cell. Advertisement I was basically being very aggressive, one of them started to back away and one of them, the more aggressive one, was a bit shocked and that gave me time to get the victim on his feet and away. Eventually it was alright, I think the aggressive one decided he didnt want a straight-on confrontation with me. The parents of murdered toddler James Bulger are relieved after the UK Parole Board made the correct decision not to free his killer Jon Venables from jail, they have said. The 41-year-old, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James in 1993, still poses a danger to children and could go on to offend again, the Parole Board concluded in a decision published on Wednesday. Advertisement A spokeswoman for James mother, Denise Fergus, said this was a day she had been waiting years for and thanked the Parole Board for making the correct decision. Advertisement She added: The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew hed harm again. James father and uncle, Ralph and Jimmy Bulger, said they were relieved in the wake of the ruling, which came after a series of delays and followed a hearing held behind closed doors last month where Venables asked to be released. Advertisement They said they were grateful to the Parole Board, although they said there had been a failure by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure it had all the relevant material before it. In the decision, the Parole Board said: After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. Advertisement James Bulgers mother Denise Fergus thanked the Parole Board for their decision (Jonathan Brady/PA) The panel of parole judges doubted Mr Venables ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, it added. Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson after the pair of 10-year-olds snatched James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993. Advertisement Venables was released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was once again freed in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence, with parole judges last considering his case in September 2020. James Bulgers father Ralph Bulger said he was relieved in the wake of the ruling (Peter Byrne/PA) Advertisement According to a summary of the Parole Boards latest decision, Venables had accepted that he had a long-term sexual interest in children/indecent images of children, despite taking part in a considerable amount of work in prison to address this area of risk. He had a history of taking drugs and secretly trying to use the internet in breach of licence conditions. Advertisement The panel was concerned by continuing issues of sexual preoccupation in this case, warning there were future risks of him viewing more child sexual abuse images and of him progressing to offences where he might have contact with children. Both of these present a risk of causing serious harm to others, the three-page document added. Despite competing views of professionals who provided reports to the Parole Board with some supportive of his release the panel decided there would be a risk to others at this time if Venables was freed from jail. His previous parole review in 2020 determined he used sex and pornography as a means of coping, felt a lack of fulfilment in life and had a need for excitement, as it looked at his behaviour leading up to his more recent offences. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: James Bulgers barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Boards decision to keep his killer behind bars. Public protection is our number one priority, which is why I opposed Jon Venables release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders. Advertisement There is a long-standing legal order in place to protect the identities of Venables and Thompson because of their young age when they murdered James. This meant Parole Board chairwoman Caroline Corby chose not to hold his parole hearing in public, and that James family were unable to attend. Venables refused to give evidence during the November hearing because permission had been granted for a lawyer representing his victims relatives to listen to the proceedings. He was not comfortable discussing some aspects of the case with the family representative listening and instead asked the panel to consider his review based solely on written evidence, according to the parole papers. In a statement, Ralph and Jimmy Bulger criticised the MoJ and said Government officials had been hostile ahead of the Parole Board hearing. They raised concerns that a memorandum of the sexual element of James murder was never admitted to the Parole Board panel. They said: The further offending by Jon Venables has had a traumatic impact on us. We are immensely concerned that the MoJ is incapable of protecting the public and that officials within it are clearly not fit to fulfil their obligations. When asked about the criticism, a spokesman for the MoJ said they had nothing further to add. Venables will be eligible for another parole review in around two years time. A barrage of Russian missiles targeted Kyiv, wounding at least 53 people, officials said. It came as Ukraines president sought more military support in Europe after a trip to Washington secured no new pledges. Advertisement Loud explosions rocked Kyiv at 3am on Wednesday as the citys air defences were activated for the second time this week. Ukraines air force said Russia launched 10 ballistic missiles towards the capital and all were intercepted by air defences, though debris hit homes and a childrens hospital. The attack underscored the continuing threat to Ukraine from the Kremlins missile arsenal in the 21-month war. Rescue workers extinguish a fire at a residential house after a Russian rocket attack in Kyiv (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Advertisement Russia has been stockpiling its air-launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet, according to a recent assessment by the UK Ministry of Defence. Advertisement That may herald another heavy winter bombardment of Ukraines power grid. Moscow last year targeted energy infrastructure in a bid to deny Ukrainians heat, light and running water and break their fighting spirit. Advertisement As winter sets in and hinders troop movements, allowing little change along the frontline, long-range air bombardment plays a growing role. Ukraine has dwindling supplies of air defence munitions and other ammunition. That prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Washington on Tuesday in an effort to persuade politicians to approve US President Joe Bidens request for 61.4 billion dollars (49.03 billion) for Ukraine. His trip accomplished no breakthrough. Advertisement Mr Zelensky said on Telegram on Wednesday that he and Mr Biden agreed to work on increasing the number of air defence systems in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned plea to the US Congress to approve additional aid (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The terrorist state has just demonstrated how crucial this decision is, Mr Zelensky said, referring to the overnight strikes. Advertisement In Oslo on Wednesday, he met Nordic leaders who feel keenly the potential threat from nearby Russia and are among Kyivs staunchest supporters. Mr Zelensky may also attend a regular European Union summit on Thursday in Brussels, where the continents leaders are expected to discuss their backing for Ukraine. Advertisement Officials did not confirm such a trip. Russia is eager to exploit divisions, the senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden said in a joint statement in Oslo. We must continue to stand united against Russias illegal and immoral war. They vowed comprehensive assistance for Ukraine. Now is not the time to tire, the Nordic leaders said, amid signs of war fatigue among Kyivs foreign supporters. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her government will unveil a Ukraine support package of almost 1 billion euros (860 million) this week. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine 13 December 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/TzsUcPGtVV #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/NxHlg5QG0i Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) December 13, 2023 Norway announced it will give additional air defences to Ukraine, taking them from its own stocks to ensure speedy delivery. Separately, Latvia and Ukraine announced an agreement on the production of drones, a key part of the war. They said they will aim to enhance Ukraines technological superiority in drone use. Debris from intercepted missiles fell in Kyivs eastern Dniprovskyi district, injuring dozens of people, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. Advertisement Twenty people, including two children, were admitted to hospital, and 33 people received medical treatment on the spot. An apartment building, a private house and several cars caught fire, while the windows of a childrens hospital were shattered, Mr Klitschko said. Falling rocket debris also damaged the water supply system in the district. It was not immediately clear what type of missile was used in the attack. In other parts of Ukraine, 10 Russian drones were shot down, most of them in the Odesa region, the Ukrainian air force said. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said in a report that Russian forces this year have continued to use explosive weapons with wide area effects in their attacks on densely populated urban areas of Ukraine both in areas close to heavy fighting and in cities far from the contact line. The governmental organisation added in the report published on Wednesday that Ukrainian armed forces, though on a much smaller scale, also shelled populated areas of Ukraine that are occupied by Russia, causing civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Hungary will block a proposal to start talks on European Union membership for Ukraine at a summit of the blocs leaders this week, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said. Mr Orban said that admitting the war-ravaged country would have unforeseeable consequences for the EU. Advertisement EU leaders are expected to vote on whether to begin membership talks for Ukraine during a summit in Brussels that begins on Thursday. EU leaders are expected to vote on whether to begin membership talks for Ukraine (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Mr Orban has maintained that he will block the proposal, which requires a unanimous decision by the leaders of all the blocs 27 countries. Advertisement Speaking to lawmakers in Hungarys parliament on Wednesday, Mr Orban said that the time for bringing Ukraine into the EU had not yet come, and that the development of a strategic partnership with Kyiv should be a prerequisite for beginning membership talks. Advertisement We are interested in a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine, but this requires the establishment of peace as quickly as possible, and a deliberate deepening of the strategic partnership, Mr Orban said, adding that such a process could take a number of years. Everything has its appointed time, but the time for Ukraines membership in the European Union has not yet come, he said. Beyond its promises to block Ukraines membership talks, Hungary has consistently signalled that it will veto a financial aid package for Kyiv worth 50 billion euros (43 billion), a position that has frustrated Hungarys EU partners who stress that aid for Ukraine and its eventual membership are crucial for Europes security. Advertisement Hungary is seen as Vladimir Putins closest ally in Europe (Mikhail Tereshchenko, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Hungary relies on Russia for much of its energy supply, and Mr Orban is seen as Russian President Vladimir Putins strongest ally in Europe. The government in Budapest has routinely blocked work on sanctions against Moscow linked to the war and sought to gain access to additional oil and gas supplies from Russia. Advertisement On Wednesday, Mr Orban disputed a determination by the EUs executive branch, the European Commission, that Ukraine has fulfilled a number of requirements set as conditions for beginning accession talks. Advertisement He also argued that Ukraines membership would reorient the system the 27-nation European Union uses to distribute funds to member countries, resulting in fewer funds for Hungary. The governments position is currently that Ukraines rapid entry into the European Union would come with unforeseeable consequences. Ukraines fast-track accession does not serve the interests of either Hungary or the European Union, he said. Sir Tony Blair should be stripped of his knighthood as a result of his decision to take the UK to war in Iraq, British MPs have heard. The Alba Partys Neale Hanvey described the former British prime ministers accolade as an insult to every single life lost during the war. Advertisement Mr Hanvey claimed declassified documents from 1998 show Mr Blair was determined to take military action, contrary to legal advice. The Alba Partys Neale Hanvey called for Sir Tony Blair to be stripped of his knighthood (David Woolfall/UK Parliament/PA) Speaking during a debate on UK military action in Iraq, Mr Hanvey said: How can it be that a prime minister who prosecuted two wars against lawful advice and instruction has been rewarded with a knighthood? Advertisement This is an insult to every single life lost and it should be withdrawn forthwith and a path to full justice secured. Governments should not lie to go to war and the truth must now be told. Advertisement The MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath accused the former Labour leader of misleading the British parliament and said the consequences were devastating for Iraqis. He said: These declassified documents show Tony Blair was determined to take military action against Saddam Hussein in 1998 against explicit advice and in the absence of sound legal arguments or justification. Advertisement These documents show Tony Blair dismissed legal objections to his 1998 bombing campaign, this was a direct precursor to his stance over the invasion of Iraq five years later in 2003 which also was deemed illegal by (then) UN secretary-general Kofi Annan. Advertisement He added: In both instances in 1998 and in 2003 we know Tony Blair received legal advice warning that military action was illegal and in both instances he ignored that legal advice and went on to authorise the deployment of British service personnel. Blair pressed officials, in particular the attorney general, to provide legal justification for the use of force. He received none, but he did it anyway. Blair misled Parliament by claiming that a legal basis for military force, without a UN Security Council resolution existed, when in fact it did not. The consequences have been devastating for Iraqis, for the region and for military personnel and their families. Lives lost in the theatre of war are well understood, but the lives wrecked by the trauma of conflict are less easily quantified and yet every bit as real. A suspected senior Kinahan gangster has been extradited to the UK to stand trial for alleged firearms offences after a UK National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Liam Byrne was escorted back to the UK by a team of officers from the NCAs Joint International Crime Centre on Tuesday and appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, when he was remanded into custody. Advertisement Byrne, 42, from Dublin, was arrested in June while eating at a restaurant in the Alcudia area of Mallorca. He had flown into Palma Airport from Dubai, UAE, on May 26th. Advertisement The NCAs intelligence-led probe was supported by Spanish police and officers from the Irish police service An Garda Siochana. The agency obtained arrest warrants after messages on encrypted messaging service Encrochat allegedly indicated Byrne was potentially involved in the supply and acquisition of firearms. Advertisement Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations at the NCA, said: The arrest and extradition of Liam Byrne highlights the NCAs ongoing work to target the alleged criminal activities of the Kinahan organised crime group. Advertisement He will now be remanded in custody until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for January 8th, 2024. Another suspected member of the crime gang, Jack Kavanagh, 23, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, who was arrested by Spanish police on May 30 at Malaga Airport, while travelling from Dubai to Turkey, remains in custody in Spain awaiting extradition. Brawn Disney+ When Keanu Reeves makes an entrance in action movie franchises such as The Matrix and John Wick, he tends to come armed to the teeth. But in this finely engineered Formula One documentary hes packing notes. Lots of notes. As narrator and interviewer, amateur therapist and sardonic prompter, the Hollywood star is integral to this motor sport saga about an upstart teams unprecedented season. The cars are fast and Keanus cadence is slow, yet insert a Neo woah here theyre a surprisingly simpatico pairing. Keanu Reeves and Jenson Button in Brawn: Reeves presence changes the documentary formula. Credit: Disney+ From the starting line its a terrific story. In 2009, as the Global Financial Crisis unfolded, Honda decided to close down their fledgling Formula One team. In desperation, the teams CEO, Nick Fry and team principal Ross Brawn, whod previously won multiple world championships with Ferrari, brought the team and a years bare bones racing budget from Honda for a pound. They saved 700 jobs, but the renamed Brawn GP were meant to make up the numbers. Then they started winning races. Written by Simon Hammerson and directed by Daryl Goodrich, Brawn is ultimately about getting the most out of something be it an engine, a budget, the rules, or a person. Theres the odd explanatory aside, but the storytelling goes deep on the mechanics, racing scenarios, and big personalities. You will learn what a double diffuser is, and how it shot Brawns drivers, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello to the front of the grid. The jealousy of rival teams needs no explanation. The ABCs official announcement of the departure of legendary Triple J musical director Richard Kingsmill was a lengthy herogram, the very least Aunty bosses could do for a bloke who has done more than anybody over the decades to bring some much-needed cool to the broadcaster. But the party line from Ultimo glossed over what might be seen as very shabby treatment of The King. Richard Kingsmill was made redundant by the ABC this week. Only a small line in the reams of officially cleared quotes hinted at what went down behind the scenes, with Kingsmill talking about how much Ive still got left in the tank in continuing to contribute to the Australian music industry. Several ABC insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity because they want to keep their jobs, have told us that Kingsmill did not depart voluntarily and The King was made redundant as part of a restructure of the broadcasters youth network. There arent many conversation topics more boring than the demise of humanities enrolments and arts degrees. What makes it so distinctly dull is that no one seriously contests it. When one mother wrote recently in this masthead about the mix of pride and fear she felt when her daughter enrolled in arts, the deluge of comments showed just how deeply her worries resonated, especially with other parents. A truth universally acknowledged, in short. Except that it isnt true: theres remarkably little evidence supporting the idea that liberal arts graduates arent employable, or that the skills and values learned in humanities subjects arent useful. So, to misquote a well-known playwright, we come to praise humanities, not to bury them. The perceived wisdom about the humanities that they do not lead to well-paid jobs is not supported by the facts. Credit: Peter Braig Its true that the numbers of students studying English and history are down by 30 and 36 per cent over 10 years to 2021, according to the federal Department of Education. Against that, only 1.5 per cent of students changed degree plans after the fees for arts degrees were raised by 117 per cent in 2020. Liberal arts graduates are not markedly less successful than others in getting jobs, and their starting salaries are about the same, too. Recent studies from the US report that people with the critical-thinking skills taught in arts and social sciences often end in more highly paid jobs than their counterparts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Arts degrees teach precisely the problem-solving skills and mindsets needed in this uncertain, rapidly changing world. The 2023 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum has a list of the most-wanted skills in the next five years: problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, tolerating ambiguity and strong communication skills. The skills students learn in humanities subjects match this list nearly perfectly. The United States on Tuesday slapped sanctions on more than 250 individuals and entities, including a South Korean national, the Department of the Treasury said in the latest effort to stymie Russia's military procurement efforts amid its war in Ukraine. The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on more than 150 individuals and entities in various countries, including China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for supplying Russia's military-industrial base. The State Department concurrently sanctioned over 100 entities and individuals. "Today's action once again underscores Russia's utilization of Turkiye, the UAE, and the People's Republic of China as well as the use of complex transnational networks and third-country cut-outs, to acquire much-needed technology and equipment for its war economy," the Treasury Department said in a press release. On the latest Treasury sanctions list was a South Korean national surnamed Lee, which the department described as a key procurement agent for AK Microtech, a Russia-based firm specializing in transferring foreign semiconductor technology to Russian microelectronics production companies. AK Microtech was designated by the U.S. in July. "Lee has directed a system of front companies and complex payment networks to acquire equipment and technology for AK Microtech, including technology critical for semiconductor production, from South Korean, Japanese, and U.S. manufacturers," the department said in a press release. In a separate release, the State Department said its latest sanctions target "Russia's future energy export and production capabilities, Russia's metals and mining sector, and third-country networks facilitating sanctions evasion and circumvention." The department, in particular, designated several shipping companies and associated vessels that have been involved in the transfer of munitions between North Korea and Russia. The sanctions list included Maria, which has been identified via imagery and multiple press reports as being part of a group of commercial vessels that have completed multiple deliveries of military equipment and munitions provided by the North to Russia, according to the department. Included in the Treasury list were Beijing Yunze Technology and Chang Guang Satellite Technology China-based commercial satellite imagery companies that provided high-resolution observation satellite imagery to Wagner, a Russian state-funded military company. In a press release, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen pointed out that Russia's war machine cannot survive on domestic production alone. "Our sanctions today continue to tighten the vise on willing third-country suppliers and networks providing Russia the inputs it desperately needs to ramp up and sustain its military-industrial base," she said. (Yonhap) Police in Victoria will vote on whether to step-up industrial action as a bitter pay dispute threatens to drag into the new year. If the ballot is successful, officers would no longer penalise most speeding drivers, refuse to appear in court and stop taking on extra duties. That could impact policing arrangements at the Australian Open tennis as officers volunteer to take on extra shifts to cover major events. The Police Association of Victoria has been pushing for a 4 per cent pay rise and better conditions such as nine-hour shifts during five months of negotiations. Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt. Credit: Luis Ascui Up to 18,000 officers have already imposed work bans, which include attempts to slash state government revenue from lucrative speeding fines and writing messages on police vehicles. Association secretary Wayne Gatt said his members did not want to escalate action but had no alternative as there had been no negotiations in December. Under the proposed action, officers would stop issuing penalty notices except for drink- or drug-driving and serious offences that trigger an immediate loss or suspension of a licence. The further 18 proposed work bans include stopping extra duties, such as taking on extra shifts to police major events and refusing to appear as informants or witnesses at the Supreme and County courts. AAP 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 Orlando Douglas-Giles, from Turramurra High School, had long planned to write about the famous Sirius building, on the west side of Circular Quay, for his final HSC English major work. The fact it is one of the citys last brutalist buildings, and its history as a social housing complex is so interesting to me. But I also took inspiration from my relationship with Sydney and how that has changed over time, he says. Orlando Douglas-Giles was inspired by his city. Credit: Louise Kennerley Orlando, 18, finished first in the highest-level English course in this years HSC for his 6000-word non-fiction essay, The Fishermens Songs. Ive always been a reader, but I became more interested in literature during lockdown. Joan Didions Slouching Towards Bethlehem was a book that helped me find my own non-fiction voice. He credited his high school English teachers for pushing us as a class. There were definitely high expectations, but such high reward too. On Wednesday, Orlando was one of 128 students from 89 schools across the state who were recognised for finishing first in a subject in the 2023 HSC. Advertisement Loading Boys dominated almost all English subjects first-in-course awards, while north shore student Angie Wang became the second girl to top the toughest maths course in a decade. Orlando scored the highest marks in English extension 2, and students from Barker College, North Sydney Boys and Knox Grammar blitzed English standard, advanced and extension 1 respectively. Across NSW, 36 first-place awards went to students at public schools, 30 to students at specialist language schools or private tutors, 10 to Catholic systemic schools and 60 from independent schools. Sydney Grammar took out more first-in-course awards than any other school, with one student, Jeremy Wong, topping four courses: classical Greek continuers, classical Greek extension, Latin continuers and Latin extension. His classmate James Lambert took home first in physics, and Milo Abrahams scored the highest marks in music 2 and music extension. Ethan Jahani was first in Italian extension. Advertisement James Ruse Agricultural High School claimed four first-in-course awards, including in agriculture, biology, and software design, with Jason Phan topping chemistry. Jason, 17, from Fairfield, said he became fascinated by chemistry after watching a YouTuber called NileRed while he was a year 10 student. It opened his eyes to innumerable chemical reactions in his world. There are many important applications of chemistry, from soaps, plastics we use, there are a lot of beautiful and unprecedented reactions, he said. I want to help my community by becoming a doctor. Jason Phan from James Ruse Agricultural High school has topped chemistry. Credit: Louise Kennerley Five students topped two or more subjects, with Mya Stanley from the Rivers Secondary College Kadina High in Lismore placing first in business services and being among 14 students who finished equal first in maths standard 2. Students from Cheltenham Girls finished first in Aboriginal studies and information processes and technology; while Merewether High finished first in engineering and society and culture. Another Turramurra High student, Kiana Levy, achieved the highest marks in drama. Knox Grammar took out three top spots after Jacob Johnstone placed first in English extension 1 and legal studies, and Hugh Latimer was awarded first in economics. Advertisement Despite topping one of the more difficult English courses, Jacob said he didnt read much as a young person. I read very rarely, barely read a book by the time I was in year 9. Jessica Mulcahy (science extension), Charlie Mooney (construction), Ella Ward (primary industries) and Flynn McCowan (Automotive Examination) were honoured on Wednesday. Credit: James Brickwood But I had wonderful teachers, and they instilled a love of learning and that is the most important thing in education. He said studying Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot and Mary Shelleys Frankenstein were his favourite texts in the syllabus. Its so wonderful to take such a deep dive into seminal texts in the western canon. Loading Christian Ciarroni, from Trinity Grammar in the inner west, was awarded first in maths advanced, and Anubhav Ammangi from Redeemer Baptist School in North Parramatta led the state in extension 1 maths. Five students placed equal first in biology, with students from Al-Faisal College, Amity College and James Ruse among the top achievers in that subject. Flynn Adrian McCowan from Norfolk Island came first in automotive examination after studying the subject through TAFE. Youre always challenged, it is very hands-on, he said. Advertisement He hopes to land a mechanic apprenticeship but would one day like to work with a racing team. Overall, more top places were awarded to students at schools in the north shore and Hornsby area (17) than anywhere else, while schools in the city and inner south took 14 first places, and Parramatta institutions won 11 subjects followed by the northern beaches and Ryde. Jordan (Khang) Ho, from North Sydney Boys High, topped English advanced, and Arella Plater, from SCEGGS Darlinghurst, topped design and technology. Credit: Louise Kennerley At SCEGGS Darlinghurst, students placed equal first in music 2 and Chinese extension, while its student Arella Plater, daughter of dual Archibald winner Del Kathryn Barton, scored the highest marks in design and technology. Arellas final major work was a garment designed on Adobe Illustrator and cut with a laser. I wanted to use this new technology in a unique way, she said. Her garment also incorporated jewellery which was made with a 3D printer. Some 97 first-in-course students attended co-ed schools, 20 went to girls schools and 19 went to all-boys schools. A dozen students attended fully selective schools, five to partially selective schools. At a ceremony at Western Sydney University on Wednesday morning, Education Minister Prue Car told those students who placed first in a course they were simply outstanding. Advertisement Far North Queenslanders were bunkering down in homes or evacuation centres as Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the first cyclone of the season to hit Australia, crossed the coast on Wednesday afternoon. Jasper began to roll across the coastline near the small Indigenous community of Wujal Wujal about 170 kilometres north of Cairns from about 3pm. Travel in and out of the region was brought to a standstill, as Cairns Airport cancelled 36 flights in and out of the city and roads and highways were blocked by flash flooding. Police said on Wednesday afternoon 88 people had arrived in two evacuation centres in Cooktown and Edmonton, but they still had capacity for more people. Dramatic thunder and lightning, heavy fog, humidity and rain. Victoria has endured a turbulent start to Australias El Nino summer and the state is set to toss and turn through another restless, sticky night. A severe weather warning was active for much of eastern Victoria with thunderstorms, possible hail and heavy rainfall forecast to hit parts of Gippsland and the High Country. But, the predicted cool change will not flow through the city until the early hours of Thursday. Some areas of northern and western Victoria are also facing extreme fire danger until then. V/Line train services on the Geelong line were delayed on Wednesday afternoon due to lightning strikes causing equipment faults. A thunderstorm asthma alert remains active for the Central, North-Central, West and South Gippsland districts. We spent an evening in South Geraldton this week. Actually, it was Hillarys, but it felt like it was far, far away. We were oop norf for the VIP opening of the Hillarys Beach Club, a massive entertainment venue in a sharp looking new building overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its that time of year again. So, have you locked in your NYE plans? Its quite spectacular. There must have been 600 people at the knees-up. And we were overdressed. When you go to a VIP launch of anything, you put in some effort, and there were some stylishly kitted out women (Erin Ardon looked as serene as ever, former ballerina Kat Hewer looked a million bucks in Scanlan Theodore, and marketing maven Katie Osborne was as radiant as ever and impeccably dressed), but there were also guys in T-shirts and beach shorts. There were even a few pairs of thongs slapping against the floor. Urgent action was needed to address spiralling rates of tradies diagnosed with lung disease silicosis after inhaling dust particles while cutting engineered stone, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke declared just over a year ago. Then on February 27, nine days after this masthead launched a major series on the issue and months after the construction workers union started its own campaign to ban the product commonly used for kitchen benchtops Burke said: We cant keep delaying this. Its time we considered a ban. Im not willing to wait around the way people did with asbestos. In February, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said he was not willing to wait for action. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The former national dust disease taskforce in 2021 recommended a ban be considered by July 2024 if the industry hadnt made measurable safety improvements by then. Burke brought that forward by 17 months. But for all the talk of urgency, Burke went on national radio the next day to say a ban would take at least a year. That afternoon, the nations work health and safety ministers agreed not to a ban, but to give Safe Work Australia six months to come up with what one might look like. London: A postcard from Australia, sent from a time when Peter Weirs film Gallipoli was in cinemas and Rick Springfields hit song Jessies Girl was No.1, has arrived at its destination 42 years on. The card was posted from Sydney to a house in Westgate, near Canterbury, in south-east England, on August 27, 1981, and arrived this month. The card was posted from Sydney in 1981 to a house in Englands south-east. Samantha Williams, who now lives at the address, said circumstances surrounding the postcards backstory, first reported by the BBC, remained a mystery. Williams said one of her children initially thought it was a Christmas card. Signed by a man called Gerry, the postcard features the Sydney Opera House, which at that time was less than 10 years old. London: British MPs have voted to support the governments plan to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda, keeping alive a policy that has angered human rights groups and cost the UK at least 240 million ($459 million), without a single flight getting off the ground. The House of Commons voted 313-269 to approve the governments Rwanda bill in principle, sending it on for further scrutiny. The result averts a defeat that would have left Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks authority shredded and his government teetering. It buys Sunak some breathing space, but tees up further wrangling in the coming weeks. The bill seeks to overcome a ruling by the British Supreme Court that the plan to send migrants who reach Britain across the English Channel in boats to Rwanda where they would stay permanently is illegal. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to stop the boats. Credit: PA The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill faces criticism both from Conservative centrists who think it skirts with breaking international law, and from MPs on the partys authoritarian right, who say it doesnt go far enough to ensure migrants who arrive in the UK without permission can be deported. AUSTRACs regulatory priorities for 2024 revolve around hardening regulated sectors against criminal misuse, with a specific focus on combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and other serious crimes. The organization plans to use its regulatory tools to ensure reporting entities understand and comply with their obligations under the AML/CTF Act. Brokers service their clients throughout the life of their loan and not just at point of sale. This is done by negotiating with the banks regularly by doing pricing health checks and keeping the bank accountable to provide a competitive offer to clients introduced to the bank by the broking business, Desmond said. President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to provide full support for semiconductor cooperation between Korea and the Netherlands as he visited the headquarters of Dutch chipmaking equipment company ASML on Tuesday (local time). Yoon traveled to the company headquarters in Veldhoven as part of his four-day state visit to the Netherlands, which he has said will lead to the establishment of a "semiconductor alliance" between the two countries. "The Korean government will strengthen direct communication channels between the two governments for the success of our cooperation projects and provide all the necessary support," he said during a meeting at the company with business leaders, including ASML CEO Peter Wennink, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Chairman Chey Tae-won. "I hope this occasion will serve as an opportunity to further solidify the semiconductor alliance between Korea and the Netherlands," he said. Yoon was referring to a set of new projects agreed by the two sides on the occasion of his visit to the Netherlands. ASML and Samsung Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) after the meeting on jointly investing one trillion won ($761 million) in establishing an R&D center in Korea to develop next-generation chipmaking technology. ASML also signed an MOU with SK hynix to develop technology to recycle hydrogen used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are crucial for the production of advanced chips, to reduce energy consumption and save costs. Yoon was later given a tour of a "cleanroom" manufacturing facility, together with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, and viewed the production line for a new next-generation EUV lithography machine. (Yonhap) The bill, if passed, would make Washington DC a full-fledged U.S. state. (Photo: Image by Phillip Roulain from Pixabay ) The sovereignty dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana has drawn international attention. Military forces from Venezuela, Guyana, and neighboring Brazil have assembled along their respective borders with the contested region. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reached an agreement last week to meet in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean island nation, by December 14 to discuss resolving their border dispute. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva may attend as an observer. Meanwhile, the United States has intervened in this South American hotspot, showing firm support for Guyana through military exercises. ExxonMobil, a US oil giant, also expressed support for the Guyanese government on Facebook two days ago and pledged to intensify oil exploration in the region. ExxonMobil has successfully drilled over 40 oil wells in Essequibo, producing about 600,000 barrels of oil per day. In September, the company submitted bids for three additional oil exploration areas near Essequibo. Stark Military Disparity The talks on December 14 between Maduro and Ali will focus on the sovereignty of Essequibo, but both sides appear resolute and unwilling to concede. Guyanese Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told the Financial Times on December 13 that Guyana would take all necessary measures for self-defense. Maduro's government opposes Guyana's actual jurisdiction over Essequibo and calls for its incorporation as Venezuela's 24th state. On December 3, Venezuela held a referendum on the Essequibo issue, with over half of the voters participating and 95% supporting Maduro's sovereignty claim. Two days later, Maduro announced plans to issue exploration and mining licenses for oil, natural gas, and mines in Essequibo, giving companies without licenses three months to withdraw. Guyana's defense forces are on high alert. Ali condemned Maduro's actions, stating that Guyana's territorial integrity and sovereignty are under threat. Guyana has reached out to leaders of the United States, India, and Cuba, among others, for help in mediating the situation. The US Embassy in Guyana revealed that the US Southern Command would conduct joint military exercises with the Guyanese defense forces, reaffirming the US commitment to being Guyana's most reliable security partner. When asked last weekend whether the US had promised military aid to Guyana, Ali did not directly answer but mentioned that Guyana had signed a defense agreement with the US to ensure smooth military exercises. Ali added that Guyana does not wish for any conflict. Guyana, with a total population of only 776,000, has a weak military force and would rely on external assistance in the event of a conflict. The Guyanese defense forces, comprising the army, air force, and coast guard, have a total strength of 3,500 personnel. In contrast, Venezuela has 123,000 active military personnel, 36 times that of Guyana, including 63,000 in the army, over 25,000 in the navy, and more than 10,000 in the air force, plus 23,000 in the National Guard. Venezuela also possesses 173 main battle tanks, reconnaissance vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and heavy rocket artillery systems. While Guyana publicly expresses a desire for a peaceful diplomatic resolution, it is also preparing militarily with the US for potential localized conflicts. On December 6, Brazilian army intelligence detected Venezuelan military forces assembling near the Guyanese border. To prevent potential spillover conflicts, Brazil deployed troops to the northern cities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista, near the Venezuelan and Guyanese borders. All for Energy Resources? The Essequibo region, less than 160,000 square kilometers in size, is rich in oil and other minerals. In 1897, the United States, representing Venezuela, and British Guiana submitted their border dispute to international arbitration. Two years later, the tribunal awarded 90% of the disputed land to British Guiana, a decision protested by Venezuela. In February 1966, Venezuela and the British government agreed to form a mixed commission of Venezuelan and Guyanese representatives to resolve the border dispute. Three months later, Guyana declared independence, and Venezuela recognized it but maintained its sovereignty claim over Essequibo. In 2011, Venezuela and Guyana exchanged views on the territorial dispute and signed a joint statement agreeing to continue mediation through the UN Secretary-General's representative. However, the dispute has escalated in recent years. The Associated Press analysis suggests that the Venezuelan government views the land as stolen by Americans and Europeans. In 2015, ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves in Essequibo. Since then, Guyana has established a long-term cooperative relationship with ExxonMobil, as Essequibo is currently under Guyana's actual jurisdiction. The US Geological Survey estimates that Essequibo has about 13.6 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 320 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Rystad Energy, a Norwegian independent energy consulting company, predicts that these rich resources could generate $157 billion annually for the local government by 2040. In March this year, Guyanese President Ali assured the United States that Guyana would strive to ensure US energy security. Ali described the US as a trustworthy partner and stated that Guyana would continue to welcome American investors. GloBULLs welcome international students with Buffalo-style warmth and guidance They were more than just guides; they became our family at UB. For many international students, stepping onto the UB campus is both exciting and intimidating. There are so many questions: What classes should I take? How do I navigate a new culture? Where do I find the best places to eat? Thankfully, UB has the perfect response to these challenges. Its the GloBULLs a unique, personalized approach to student recruitment and support. We wanted a name that was catchy, resonant and embodied the essence of our university," says Sumanth Thummala, leader of the UB GloBULLs program. Glo signifies the global touch and Bulls is a nod to our beloved UB mascot. From the moment an international student is accepted into UB, the GloBULLs reach out proactively, ensuring students have immediate access to resources and support tailored specifically to their needs. The GloBULLs are experienced UB students who act as ambassadors, assisting and providing insights to these students, not only on academic issues but also on cultural acclimation, campus navigation and local places to visit. Its about adding a personal touch to our communications, making sure every student feels at home, says Thummala, a dual-degree Master of Business Administration and Master of Architecture student. From its inception in March 2023, the GloBULLs program has seen notable growth in size and student impact. We proactively hosted 500-plus calls with parents and students, says Thummala. After hosting, the feedback was clear: Parents value a welcoming environment just as much as academic excellence. According to the GloBULLs, they are more than just a typical help desk. We wanted to create an experience where students feel safe and included. Safety isnt just a buzzword; its what parents and students truly value, says Thummala. The GloBULLs' digital transformation has been pivotal. Their once-named UB International Ambassadors Instagram page has evolved into a vibrant space, shedding light on the universitys rich traditions and campus. And with the addition of tools like Zoom and virtual tours, theyve broadened their reach. From emails to Zoom calls, virtual tours, personalized one-on-one sessions and interactive weekly chats, were replicating the domestic admissions experience for our international students, he says. Shambhavi Goyal, a scholarship recipient from India studying computer science at UB, was one such beneficiary. Arriving at UB, she felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything the classes, the campus, the cultural differences. My first few weeks at UB were quite challenging. I had never been in classes with so many students, Goyal says. The complexity of her new life was simplified and made more accessible, thanks to swift responses from the GloBULLs. The GloBULLs ambassadors were quite helpful to me. Every email is answered within a day, sometimes within an hour, she says. The GloBULLs, with their expansive network, proved invaluable. Through numerous sessions, they offered more than just academic guidance. They shared insights about the professors, time management and even about local places to visit, she says. Such personalized touch points helped me ease into the American educational system and the UB community. Goyal credits sessions with the ambassadors for broadening her horizons, connecting her with peers and facilitating early friendships. GloBULLs sessions helped me find a supportive Indian community at UB before arriving, she says. The GloBULLs program works with students from all parts of the globe. Antonio Munoz Carazo, a mechanical engineering student from Costa Rica, faced similar challenges. Arriving at UB was like stepping into a scene from an American movie, he says. Yet, just like Goyal, Carazo found allies in the GloBULLs. They reached out the moment I was accepted, he says. They supported me emotionally, introduced me to clubs like LASA, the Latin American Student Association, connecting me to a piece of home while abroad. For Carazo, the UB experience extends beyond academics. Its the blend of independence, learning and cultural exchange that leaves the biggest impression. The GloBULLs are at the heart of this journey, ensuring a smooth transition. If I had one piece of advice for any international student considering UB, itd be to connect with the GloBULLs, he says. They are swift in their responses, attentive to your concerns and a true friend in a foreign land. For students like Goyal and Carazo, these efforts made all the difference. From assisting Goyal with her tuition deposits to introducing Carazo to diverse student communities, the GloBULLs ensured the students felt at home. They were more than just guides; they became our family at UB, Goyal says with a smile. The company has already sold over 700 plots -- worth about Rs 1,100 crore -- out of 2,100 plots, M3M said. (Representative Image) Realty firm M3M India on Wednesday said it is targeting 5,000 crore in revenue from its 333-acre township in Panipat. In a statement, the company said it has received the license to develop the 'M3M City of Dreams' township at Panipat in Haryana. The company has already sold over 700 plots -- worth about Rs 1,100 crore -- out of 2,100 plots, M3M said. M3M is expecting a topline of Rs 5,000 crore from this project. The company has received RERA registration for the entire 333-acre land parcel that it had acquired from Ambience for Rs 1,500 crore, including necessary government fees. "The company is investing Rs 1,200 crore, towards its development," M3M said, adding that the total cost, including land price, would touch Rs 2,700 crore. Gurugram-based M3M aims to deliver this project in the next 15-18 months. Godrej eyes Rs 3,000 cr revenue from Gurugram project Realty firm Godrej Properties will soon launch a luxury housing project in Gurugram with an estimated revenue potential of around Rs 3,000 crore as it seeks to encash a rise in demand for premium residential properties. The company will develop nearly 750 apartments in a 9.5-acre housing project 'Godrej Aristocrat' located at Sector 49 in Gurugram. The starting price is around Rs 4 crore per unit. According to real estate consultants, Godrej Properties has started seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from potential homebuyers and already received more than 1,200 EOIs. Market sources said the company is expecting to generate revenue of around Rs 3,000 crore from this project. Through a policy and legal framework, we'll restrict access to Indian data. Only trusted and safe models will get access to it, said Rajeev Chandrasekhar Mos IT Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Wednesday announced the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi declaration by all the 29-member countries of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) on the second day of the ongoing summit. The unanimous adoption happened after a four-and-a-half hour long ministerial council meeting, 29 partner countries of the GPAI have unanimously adopted the New Delhi declaration that focuses on collaboration, inclusion and creating a governance framework on AI. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel The declaration promises to position GPAI at the front and center of shaping the future of AI in terms of both innovations, and creating collaborative AI between the partner nations to create applications of AI in healthcare, agriculture and other areas of concern, said Chandrashekar at the media briefing in New Delhi. Ministers and representatives of Japan, France and the UK were also present in the press conference. UK's Minister for AI and Intellectual Property Viscount Jonathan Camrose, Japan's Vice Minister in Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Hiroshi Yoshida and France's Minister for Digital Transition and Telecommunications Jean-Noel Barrot were present at the media briefing. However, the details of the declaration were still not clear as it has not been shared in public. Weve also agreed today that GPAI, in keeping with the values of our partner countries, will be an inclusive partnership that will increasingly focus on including the countries of the global south and making available the benefits of the AI to everyone, he added while talking about the inclusive nature of GPAI. The Minister also informed that Senegal was elevated to the steering committee during the second day of the summit, as India looks to further expand GPAI during its presidency in the coming year. What has been agreed to is that over the next few months we will work together in GPAI to lay out some broad principles, and we can have another mid-term GPAI sitting where we can discuss those principles and targets, he said. The Japanese Minister, while extending support to the declaration, also announced the approval of the GPAI expert centre to be established in Tokyo. The centre will be the first of its kind in the Asian region, he added. French Minister Jean Noel Barrot said that GPAI 2023 was an important summit because the members adopted the New Delhi declaration. "In the next few months under Indian presidency of our partnership, we will be discussing as to how we can pool some of our expert resources with that of the OECD in order to extend our reach and our ability to come up with the best possible solutions for the governance and the deployment of AI for the good of our people," he added. UKs Minister Camrose too highlighted the importance of GPAI and said that the forum makes a strong contribution to the ecosystem of AI regulation by being inclusive and adaptive. India to create AI computing capacity for start-ups, researchers Meanwhile, during a panel discussion earlier in the day Chandrasekar shares that the government will by early January next year create computing capacity that private start-ups and researchers can use for artificial intelligence (AI). The capacity will be created by the public sector and separately in collaboration with private companies. Our aim is to create an enabling framework of AI compute capacity. We will also be creating what we think will be globally the largest and most diverse set of datasets that will be available for our research and start-up ecosystem, said Chandrasekhar at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit in Delhi. Indian companies are working on AI but access to powerful computing capacity is limiting, he said, adding the country will restrict access to its datasets to trusted models. One of the things that we will end up doing through a policy framework and legal framework is restricting access to Indian data. Only those models that are trusted and are safe will get access to it. We have seen in the last four or five years that unrestricted access to data in democratic countries has been misused by certain countrieswe are putting a brake on it, he said. In the next six to nine months, there should be an agreement among like-minded countries of the world about the basic principles around building blocks and ground rules for AI. This process has started from Hiroshima, Bletchley, GPAI and culminates in South Korea. This is not abstract conversations...this has to be a global process and must have maximum participation. And this cannot wait there has to be an urgency to this, said Chandrasekhar, who was part of a panel discussion with ministers from the United Kingdom and Japan. Focus on talent building The minister also cautioned that in the coming years there will be a huge talent deficit and there is a need for academic institutions in India, UK, Japan to understand this and deliver the talent that the AI ecosystem will require. Talent is central to the group of nations strategy that we are trying to reach on AI. There needs to be joint effort among academic institutes, tech industry and the government to shape the forthcoming wave to talent in this segment, he said during the panel discussion. The Parliament witnessed a major security breach on Wednesday when two unidentified men jumped from the visitor's gallery of the Lok Sabha with what looked like gas canisters. The House was adjourned following this breach. The incident happened when Khagen Murmu, a BJP member of Parliament from Maldaha (West Bengal), was speaking in the Lok Sabha. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, said that the men hurled something like a gas canister which emitted a gas inside the House. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 December 13, 2023 Chowdhury said, "Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in the 2001 (Parliament attack)." Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "Suddenly, two young men, around 20 years old, jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hands. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker's chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day when the Parliament was attacked in 2001." S Senthilkumar, DMK leader and a member of the Parliament for Dharmapuri parliamentary constituency, said that the two men started advancing and rushing towards the well of the House and lighted up smoke sticks. They started advancing and rushing towards the well of the house and they lighted up smoke sticks. Security was compromised.???? Two persons jumped from the Loksabha visitors gallery into the Loksabha house while proceedings were going on during zero hour.They started advancing and rushing towards the well of the house and they lighted up smoke sticks.Security was compromised.???? pic.twitter.com/E5UmWl57dI Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel December 13, 2023 Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dimple Yadav said, "All those who come here, be it visitors or reporters, don't carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is a complete security lapse. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha..." #WATCH | Delhi: Two protestors, a man and a woman have been detained by Police in front of Transport Bhawan who were protesting with colour smoke. The incident took place outside the Parliament: Delhi Police pic.twitter.com/EZAdULMliz December 13, 2023 Trust Bank Singapore Limited (known as Trust), is offering its customers sustainable credit and debit cards made from recycled ocean plastic. Assembled at Thales largest Digital Identity and Security (DIS) Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore, the Ocean Plastic card is made from a premium material recycled from plastic bottles collected from coastal communities. With each card containing roughly the equivalent of one reclaimed plastic bottle, Trust supports sustainable innovations in the banking sector by offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cards. Trust launched on 1 September 2022 as Singapores first digitally native bank. In September 2023, Trust passed its one-year mark with over 600,000 customers, becoming one of the fastest growing digital banks in the world. With the goal of minimising its impact on the environment, Trust is collaborating with Thales to offer the first Ocean Plastic payment card in Singapore to their customers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212186288/en/ Trust Bank is offering its customers Thales sustainable credit and debit cards made from recycled ocean plastic. (Photo: Trust Bank) Built for a diverse customer base including environmentally-conscious consumers, the card consists of 70% Ocean Plastic from Parley for the Oceans1, making it one of the most eco-friendly cards available on the market. Thales Ocean Plastic payment cards are manufactured from PET (a type of plastic used in products such as single-use bottles) recovered from coastal areas. Each card contains the equivalent of approximately one discarded bottle that would otherwise threaten vulnerable ocean environments. The cards are manufactured using Thales industry-leading technology at the Digital Identity & Security (DIS) Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore, the largest multi-module manufacturing facility for the Thales Group worldwide. The cards are also fully certified by payment schemes, complying with green manufacturing processes including the ISO 14001 and 50001 certification standards2. Thales processes ensure that the cards environmental impact is minimised at every stage, from resource consumption and emissions during manufacturing to waste and end-of-life disposal. With Thales sustainable innovations in banking cards, we are delighted to collaboratively bring to life the first Ocean Plastic payment card in Singapore. As a digital bank with a core value of Build to Sustain, we hope to continue pioneering more sustainable solutions that reduce our environmental footprint, said Hasan Khan, Head of Credit Card & Lending, Trust Bank. Thales is proud to support Trust as they provide their customers a sustainable payment card. Coupled with Thales contactless banking technology and cybersecurity, the cards offer a seamless payment experience to consumers, while helping Trust contribute towards cleaner oceans. We look forward to further collaboration with them in the coming years. Nassir GHROUS,Vice President, Thales Banking and Payment Services, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. ---- 1 Parley for the Oceans is the global network where creators, thinkers and leaders come together to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction. 2 ISO 14001 deals with resource consumption, waste management and pollution while ISO 50001 is interested in reducing energy consumption. About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and deep tech innovations connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers businesses, organizations and governments in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions. Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of 17.6 billion. About Trust Bank Trust Bank Singapore Limited (Trust) is backed by Standard Chartered Bank and the FairPrice Group. Specifically built and developed for Singapore, Trust aims to bring a new standard in digital banking to consumers, combining it with best-in-market rewards on everyday living expenses at FairPrice Groups extensive island-wide network. Trust had an incredible response from its launch in September 2022 with 100,000 customers signing up in its first 10 days. Its customer base grew to over 600,000 within a year, equating to around 12% of the addressable market in Singapore and making it one of the worlds fastest growing digital banks. Trusts shareholders are Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited (SCBSL) and BetaPlus, a holding company owned by NTUC Enterprise and FairPrice Group. SCBSL and BetaPlus respectively hold 60 per cent and 40 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of Trust. PLEASE VISIT Thales Group Digital Identity & Security View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212186288/en/ Korea launched an investigation into its national who has been added to the latest U.S. sanctions list for suspected involvement in Russia's arms procurements, an official said Wednesday. The U.S. Department of the Treasury said Tuesday (local time) it imposed sanctions on more than 250 individuals and entities, including a Korean national, surnamed Lee, for helping to supply Russia with military equipment and technologies. "We understand that the relevant authorities are already aware of the (national's) alleged illegal indirect exports to Russia and are conducting an investigation related to them," the foreign ministry official said. "The government will continue close coordination with the United States as we bolster efforts for the effective implementation of existing sanctions against Russia." Washington is said to have communicated closely with Seoul to exchange information until the designation of the sanctions. The U.S. described Lee as a key procurement agent for AK Microtech, a Russia-based firm specializing in transferring foreign semiconductor technology to Russian microelectronics production companies. The 61-year-old is the first Korean to be designated in the U.S. sanctions against Russia's war efforts. (Yonhap) Yoon, Rutte say bilateral ties are 'better than ever' By Nam Hyun-woo Korea and the Netherlands agreed to form a semiconductor alliance to create synergy between Korean chipmakers and Dutch chipmaking equipment suppliers, President Yoon Suk Yeol and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced, Wednesday. The two countries decided to establish a semiconductor alliance encompassing governments, companies and universities, Yoon said during a press conference after their summit at the prime ministers office in The Hague. The Netherlands, which is the worlds largest semiconductor equipment supplier, and Korea, which is a powerhouse in manufacturing chips, each hold crucial positions in the global supply chain. Our two countries will combine each others strength to maximize the value and efficiency of their semiconductor partnership. Yoon and Rutte held their fourth summit during the Korean leaders four-day state visit to the Netherlands. During the summit, the leaders explored ideas to deepen bilateral relations, which were already elevated to a strategic partnership during Ruttes visit to Seoul last year. The Korean presidents visit to the Netherlands has been touted as a trip for the semiconductor partnership between the two countries. Before the summit, Samsung Electronics and Dutch equipment supplier ASML agreed to jointly invest 1 trillion won ($762 million) to build a research fab in Korea to develop chip manufacturing technologies using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment, while the two governments agreed to launch a semiconductor dialogue. Until now, the relations between Korea and the Netherlands in terms of semiconductors were a close partnership, Yoon said. On the occasion of my visit to the Netherlands this time, they were elevated to an alliance. Allies share important military intelligence and plan operations together, Yoon added. When we say we have built a semiconductor alliance, it means that the two countries will closely share information, discuss and solve technological problems together in order to maintain the lead between us and followers in the semiconductor industry. It was the first time the two countries used the term semiconductor alliance in a joint statement with the leader of a foreign country. The term symbolizes the two countries relations overcoming supply chain disruptions together so that they can maintain a technological lead in the field of semiconductors, which is a pivotal area determining the core interests of economic security across all industries, Seouls First Deputy Director of National Security Kim Tae-hyo said. While pursuing close cooperation in normal times, the two countries will seek to jointly execute scenarios to overcome supply chain disruptions in times of crisis, Kim added. In the joint statement following the summit, Yoon and Rutte noted that the two countries will facilitate the chip alliance by enhancing intergovernmental knowledge and information exchanges to strengthen the resilience of supply chains for critical items. They also agreed to establish educational programs between their governments, businesses and universities to nurture semiconductor experts. Following the agreement to form the alliance, the foreign affairs ministries of the two countries plan to set up an annual dialogue on economic security, a dialogue on semiconductor policy coordination between industry ministries and a new consultative body on supply chain partnerships. During the press conference, Yoon and Rutte both said bilateral relations are better than ever and noted that their partnership is deepening not only in the semiconductor industry, but also in the fields of national security, economic security, energy, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges. For this, the leaders agreed to establish a biennial two-plus-two foreign and industry ministerial dialogue to deepen the strategic partnership. Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 every year to commemorate the victory of the Indian forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war. India declared victory on December 16, 1971 when India's great military victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which also led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. Since then, the day has been commemorated as Vijay Diwas to remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian defence forces. History of Vijay Diwas Vijay Diwas marks the triumph of the Indian Armed Forces in 'Operation: Vijay' against infiltrating Pakistani troops. The day serves as a tribute and celebration for the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the conflict. Since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, persistent animosity has existed between the two nations for various reasons. The 1971 war was triggered by events related to East Pakistan. The Indian troops became involved due to the targeting of non-Muslims in West Pakistan, necessitating intervention. Lasting for 13 days, the war concluded on December 16, 1971, resulting in the liberation of a new nation named Bangladesh. India's front played a pivotal role, leading to the surrender of nearly 93 thousand Pakistani soldiers and reshaping the global map. This marked a proud moment for the Indian army, representing their first decisive victory since the conclusion of World War 2. Additionally, it was a significant day for Bangladesh, attaining independence. In Bangladesh, this day is celebrated as 'Bijoy Dibos.' In India, military holidays are observed with great enthusiasm. Government officials, the Armed Forces, and citizens collectively express gratitude to their protectors. Significance of Vijay Diwas Vijay Diwas, observed on December 16th, is a key milestone in Indian subcontinent history, representing not only a military success but also a triumph of justice, unity, and humanitarian values. The great significance of this day is reflected in numerous crucial features that have left an indelible mark on the public mind.The humanitarian impact of Vijay Diwas is embedded in the lives of regular people who, although facing enormous adversity, found newfound hope in Bangladesh's liberation. It emphasises the good outcomes of collaborative efforts in times of distress. The battle was not simply about gaining territory; it was also about restoring human dignity and paving the road for a better future. How is Vijay Diwas commemorated? On 16 December, India observes Vijay Diwas, a day steeped in reverence and reflection, marked in various ways by the people of the country. The day commences with the national flag being hoisted at half-mast, a solemn tribute to the courageous soldiers who made sacrifices. As the tricolour waves in the breeze, the nation observes two minutes of silence-a moment of contemplation to honor the bravery and dedication of those who sacrificed their lives for the greater good. Throughout the nation, veterans are honored in diverse ceremonies, their presence serving as a living testament to the resilience and commitment that characterized the spirit of 1971. These events not only express gratitude but also provide an opportunity for the nation to collectively appreciate the sacrifices made by the armed forces. A focal point of the Vijay Diwas celebration is the symbolic Victory Flame ceremony. The flame, ignited at the National War Memorial in Delhi, represents the enduring spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. Carried by a relay of uniformed personnel, the flame travels through different regions of the country, illuminating the path with a message of unity and determination. The journey concludes in a grand ceremony in the capital, where the flame is ceremonially merged with the eternal flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. Assam Direct Recruitment Commission, Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC Assam) has announced 12600 Class 3 & Class 4 openings in various Assam Government ministries. Candidates will be chosen through an online test, interviews, or skill tests, depending on the examination. The ADRE Notification 2023 pdf is now available for 12600 Grade 3 and Grade 4 positions on October 31, 2023. Candidates can apply for Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 until December 29th, 2023. Notification The Assam Direct Recruitment Commission, operating under the Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC Assam), has issued the notification for Assam Direct Recruitment 2023, announcing 12,600 vacancies for Class (Grade) III and IV positions. The Grade 3 category has 7,600 vacancies, while Grade IV has 5,000 openings. The Government of Assam has called for online applications from eligible candidates through the official website at www.assam.gov.in/www.sebaonline.org. The deadline for submitting online applications is December 29, 2023 Steps to Apply Step 1 - Verify Eligibility Criteria: Prior to applying for Assam Direct Recruitment 2023, ensure that you fulfill the eligibility criteria, encompassing factors such as age, educational qualifications, and occasionally, residence requirements. Step 2 - Online Registration: To initiate the recruitment process, register for Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 on the official website, generating a unique registration ID and password. Step 3 - Complete Online Application: Populate the application form with the necessary details, covering personal and educational information. Step 4 - Remit Application Fee: If an application fee is applicable, make the payment as outlined in the job notification. Payment methods and fee particulars are typically specified in the notification. Step 5 - Attach Documents: In addition to the application form, submit various documents, including copies of educational certificates, identity proof, residence proof, and any other documents mentioned in the notification. Ensure you have these documents ready and attach them as instructed. Step 6 - Submit Application: After completing the application form, paying the fee (if required), and attaching the necessary documents, submit your application before the stipulated deadline. Online applications are generally submitted electronically, while physical applications may require in-person submission or mailing. Selection Written Examination: Typically, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria must participate in a written examination. This test evaluates candidates' knowledge in subjects pertinent to the applied position, aiding in the initial shortlisting process based on performance. The Exam Pattern and Marking scheme differ for Grade 3 and 4 posts. Interview/Skill Test: Depending on the written test outcome, candidates may be required to undergo either an interview or a skill test, as per the specific requirements of the position. Grade 3 positions commonly involve interviews to assess candidates' suitability, while Grade 4 positions employ practical skill tests to evaluate task-specific abilities. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are mandated to present original documents for verification, including educational qualifications, age, caste (if applicable), experience certificates, and other pertinent credentials. Any falsification of documents results in immediate disqualification. Age 18 to 40 years Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 Admit Card The Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC Assam) will issue the Admit Card for Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 approximately 10-12 days before the examination date. This applies to candidates who have applied for Class 3 and Class 4 positions. The download link for the Assam Direct Recruitment Admit Card will be accessible on the official website https://assam.gov.in/. To download the Assam Class 3 & Class 4 Admit Card 2023, candidates will need their application number and password. Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 Result The government of Assam will publish a merit list featuring candidates who have been selected and achieved scores surpassing the cut-off marks in the respective lowest Grade Pay category in the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination. The State Level Recruitment Commission will release the Assam Direct Recruitment 2023 Result separately for each stage, including the Written Test, Interview, and Skill Test. South Korea's defense chief warned North Korea on Wednesday only a "hell of destruction" awaits the country if it carries out "reckless" actions amid heightened tensions after Pyongyang scrapped a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik made the warning during a meeting of top military commanders after the North vowed last month to restore all military measures halted under the pact designed to reduce tensions and prevent clashes along the border. "North Korea has only two choices peace or destruction," Shin said. "If North Korea makes reckless actions that harm peace, only a hell of destruction awaits them." "Our military must clearly imprint this on North Korea." Last month, Pyongyang scrapped the 2018 agreement, signed under the previous liberal Moon Jae-in government, after Seoul partially suspended the deal in protest of the North's launch of its first military spy satellite on Nov. 21. The agreement called for measures such as banning military drills and maneuvers near the land and sea borders, disarming the Joint Security Area (JSA) at the truce village of Panmunjom and withdrawing guard posts inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. Since scrapping the accord, the North has begun reinstalling guard posts and deploying heavy arms within the DMZ, according to the South's defense ministry. North Korean soldiers in the JSA have been seen carrying pistols, according to people familiar with the matter. Shin criticized the Moon administration's peace initiative, describing it as "fraud." "'The Korean Peninsula peace process,' which relied on North Korea's goodwill and surreal optimism, was completely fake," he said. "It would not be an exaggeration to describe it as a well-planned fraud." Shin called for educating troops for a strong combat mentality, describing it as the source of strength for Ukraine and Israel in their conflicts, according to his ministry. During the meeting, the participants discussed ongoing and planned defense efforts, such as deploying more satellites and expanding trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Tokyo against North Korean threats, the ministry said. Earlier this month, South Korea's first homegrown spy satellite entered orbit after being launched from the U.S. Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Seoul plans to place five spy satellites into orbit by 2025 to boost its surveillance capabilities. The participants also discussed efforts to strengthen the "three-axis" deterrence system, such as the launch of a strategic command next year to establish a system for South Korea-U.S. joint nuclear and conventional operations, the ministry said. The three-pronged system refers to the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Meanwhile, Adm. Kim Myung-soo, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was set to preside over a meeting of top military officers to assess North Korean military threats, according to the ministry. (Yonhap) Pablo Bergers Robot Dreams got a huge awards season endorsement over the weekend when it won the European Film Award for best animated feature. Four of the last eight films to receive the honor have also scored feature Oscar nominations. The film is adapted from Sara Varons graphic novel of the same name and offers up a colorful and lively version of a music-filled New York City in the 1980s. In the film, Dog gets tired of being alone and builds a robot companion. The two quickly become close friends before uncontrollable circumstances split them apart, and the two begin dreaming of their next encounter. The film won Annecys Contrechamp competition, earned a special jury prize at Animation is Film, and won the audience award at Bucheon. In Spain, Robot Dreams beat out live-action competition to win best film at Sitges and is a favorite to take this years Spanish Academy Goya Award for an animated feature, where its also nominated for best adapted screenplay, original music, and editing. Although Robot Dreams has found tremendous success at international festivals, its profile in the states is still low. However, it was picked up at Cannes this year by indie distributor Neon, which has planned a wide release for the film sometime in 2024. This years European Film Award animated feature nominees were: A Greyhound of a Girl, Enzo dAlo (Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, U.K., Latvia, Estonia, Germany) Chicken for Linda!, Chiara Malta and Sebastien Laudenbach (France, Italy) Robot Dreams, Pablo Berger (Spain, France) The Amazing Maurice, Toby Genkel (Germany, U.K.) White Plastic Sky, Tibor Banoczkia and Sarolta Szabo (Hungary, Slovakia) The 2023 European Film Award for an short, which mixes live-action and animated titles, went to the machinima film Hardly Working, created by a team of artists at Austrias Total Refusal, including Susanna Flock, Robin Klengel, Leonhard Mullner, and Michael Stumpf. The film uses footage from the hit video game Red Dead Redemption 2 to create a fly-on-the-wall style documentary about the lives of NPCs (non-player characters), creating a depressing analogy of life as a worker in a capitalist system. Its exceptionally rare for machinima films, defined as animated filmmaking within a real-time virtual 3d environment, to be recognized by a major awards ceremony. This years short film nominees were: 27, Flora Anna Buda (France, Hungary) Aqueronte, Manuel Munoz Rivas (Spain) Daydreaming So Vividly About our Spanish Holidays (La Herida Luminosa), Christian Aviles (Spain) Flores del Otro Patio, Jorge Cadena (Switzerland, Colombia) Hardly Working, Total Refusal: Susanna Flock, Robin Klengel, Leonhard Mullner and Michael Stumpf (Austria) The European visual effects prize went to Felix Berges and Laura Pedro for their work on J. A. Bayonas Society of the Snow, about a plane that crashed in the Andes in 1972. Fuzzy Door Tech, launched earlier this year by Seth MacFarlanes Fuzzy Door Productions, has released its Viewscreen suite of production visualization tools, which includes Viewscreen Studio and Viewscreen Scout. Viewscreen Studio allows filmmakers and camera operators to visualize and animate scenes in real time across multiple cameras. Assets can be visualized and synchronized across multiple cameras viewfinders during filming, allowing operators to set up their ideal shots. Meanwhile, actors can use the software to animate digital characters from their phones. Viewscreen Scout is a real-time scouting app for iPhone that allows users to pre-visualize scenes, walk sets virtually, block movements, visualize lighting, and more, before cameras start rolling. Viewscreen was created by Fuzzy Door vfx supervisor Brandon Fayette and software developer Gene Reddick, who were tasked with creating a tool that would allow users to visualize and animate virtual assets in real-time. MacFarlane has used the software during the production of Hulus popular sci-fi series The Orville: New Horizons and Peacocks upcoming series prequel to Ted. On the latter, he was able to animate the stuffed protagonists face and body movements while filming. According to MacFarlane: Viewscreen takes the guesswork out of the directing process. Now, you can see vfx elements in real time as youre shooting. Its a true advantage for every facet of filmmaking because it accelerates everything we do. It allows for faster decision-making, quicker visualizations, and provides a clear framework for post-production to ensure the directors vision is accurately achieved. Faith Sedlin, Fuzzy Door Tech president, added: The Viewscreen suite of tools is focused on production visualization, or ProVis for short. ProVis is the ability to visualize digital assets in a live scene in real time any time during production. Ultimately, with Viewscreen, you can evaluate, animate, and fine-tune every aspect of your production to capture the perfect shots in fewer takes. Viewscreen Studio is compatible with Mac OS and Windows 11. Viewscreen Scout works on iOS devices, including iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max and higher or iPad Pro M1 and higher. Viewscreen Scout is included with the purchase of Viewscreen Studio or can be purchased independently. The full Viewscreen suit is now available to U.S. and Canadian productions. Pricing will vary based on the requirements and complexity of the production. More information is available on the Viewscreen website. South Africa regulator recalls Econo Cement product 13 December 2023 South African company Econo Cement has been accused of having a 'sub-standard' product by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). The regulator has asked consumers and hardware stores to participate in a nationwide recall of Econo Cement's CEM V/A S-V 32.5 N product after investigations found it failed to meet the minimum requirements of prescribed strength. CEO of the NRCS, Duncan Mutengwe, said the move was in the public interest to ensure the product does not pose a risk to South Africans and the economy at large. He said the NRCS had ordered the company to stop manufacturing the product, adding that it will confiscate all the stocks currently on shelves. NRCS inspections manager Rhoda Masupye said the regulatory body found that the product had failed the requirements for prescribed strength as far back as May this year. According to the NRCS, if the cement is found to have led to a collapse in buildings or any other infrastructure damage, consumers would be able to take recourse through the Consumer Protection Act. Published under Ramco Cements enhances Kolimigundla clinker capacity 13 December 2023 The Ramco Cements Ltd (RCL) has increased clinker capacity at its Kolimigundla works in Andhra Pradesh, India, by debottlenecking its pyroprocessing system. The debottlenecking process has increased clinker capacity at cement plant by 0.65Mta to 3.15Mta, a company executive told local press. The Kolimigundla plant is now operating at full capacity. The official added that the expansion of the Odisha grinding unit from 0.9Mta to 1.8Mta is expected to be commissioned in January 2024. RCL has planned INR16,000m (US$191.9m) towards capex for FY23-24 and INR2000m-2500m in FY24-25 for ongoing projects. During the September quarter, the company incurred a capex of INR9410m, including the purchase of limestone reserves in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. During the 1HFY23-24, the company sold 8.91Mt of cement and it hopes to sell over 18Mt across the entire fiscal. Published under Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met representatives of eight member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday to expand cooperation in security and the defense industry, the defense ministry said. Shin held the meeting with the NATO representatives of the United States, Britain, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Romania and Poland, who began a three-day visit to Seoul earlier in the day. Their rare visit to South Korea, which is not a NATO member state, is seen as part of NATO's efforts to bolster regional security cooperation with South Korea in the Indo-Pacific, after President Yoon Suk Yeol's consecutive participation in two NATO summits last year and this year. During the meeting, Shin explained the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and shared the consensus that the international community's coordination is necessary to deter and respond to North Korea's provocations, according to the ministry. "The forces threatening South Korea, including North Korea, will face resolute responses not only from the South Korea-U.S. alliance but also from the international community, including NATO," Shin was quoted as saying. The two sides agreed that security cooperation between South Korea and NATO will contribute to global peace and stability, and vowed to implement practical cooperation measures to deepen their ties, the ministry said. The NATO delegation promised to actively support collaboration with South Korea in security areas and the defense industry going forward, it noted. In light of adopting the Individually Tailored Partnership Program in July, South Korea and NATO have been stepping up collaboration in 11 areas ranging from antiterrorism and nonproliferation to emerging technologies and cyberdefense. Last month, South Korea attended NATO's flagship annual cyber exercise, called Cyber Coalition 2023, held in Estonia for the first time to enhance collaboration in the cyberspace domain. (Yonhap) Chinese enterprises yield fruitful results in overseas markets People's Daily Online) 11:24, December 13, 2023 Chinese companies have achieved fruitful results in exporting their products, services, and supply chains, as well as in promoting their brands in overseas markets in recent years. From Oct. 16 to 20, 2023, over 250 Chinese tech companies participated in "GITEX GLOBAL", one of the world's biggest tech shows, which was held in Dubai, showcasing a dazzling array of products, including Tencent Cloud's application TAMM for public services, Terminus' smart city management system - TACOS, Meituan's M-Drone Gen 4, unmanned driving system of Shanghai Jiyu Technology Co., Ltd., and DEEP Robotics' X30 quadruped robot. Various types of robots, including delivery, logistics, and patrol robots from Chinese tech companies were also displayed at the event, attracting crowds of visitors. The export of tech products has become one of the highlights of Chinese companies going global in recent years. A livestreamer of Kilimall, a Chinese e-commerce platform that has set up an overseas warehouse in Africa, introduces commodities during a livestreaming session in Mlolongo, Kenya, Nov. 10, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua) Vivi He, head of ShineGlobal, an industrial think tank, said that technology has become the core of Chinese companies' global expansion efforts. "At the current stage, many Chinese companies have already stood out and become global market leaders," said He. Through technological innovation, financial support and localization, Chinese companies have actively explored the global market and fostered unique competitive advantages in the manufacturing sector represented by smart hardware and automotive, as well as in the digital economy represented by mobile internet, e-commerce, and cloud computing, He added. In this round of the globalization of the digital economy driven by 5G, AI and other technologies, outstanding Chinese companies have made great progress in intelligentization in areas like autos, home appliances, industrial equipment and software, and have obtained good development opportunities around the world. Clothes, furniture and home appliances were once the major force behind Chinese exports. Today, their position is gradually being replaced by electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries and solar batteries. For example, in the global market, six Chinese battery companies ranked among the top 10 for battery installations during the first five months of this year, with two securing first and second spot on the list, according to SNE Research, an international market research firm. In terms of software, Chinese companies have been developing in the global mobile app market for years and achieved increasingly impressive results. A client (left) selects fabric at a booth of an enterprise from China's Shanghai during the 24th China Textile and Apparel Trade Show in New York, the United States, July 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie E) For instance, Chinese app factory Newborn Town, which focuses on overseas emerging markets including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has formed a differentiated product portfolio with multiple social apps like MICO, YoHo, TopTop and SUGO going viral. Chinese lifestyles are reaching more and more countries thanks to the global expansion of Chinese companies and their increasing recognition among people worldwide. New-style tea drinks favored by young Chinese people are becoming increasingly popular in overseas markets. Chinese beverage company Mixue had opened over 1,000 stores in Vietnam and Indonesia respectively by April this year. Chinese catering brands are also winning over overseas consumers with their dining experiences and quality food and tastes, bringing Chinese flavors to the world. According to incomplete statistics, several Chinese hot pot brands have opened outlets across Europe just this year. Micro and short dramas and online literature have become popular cultural exports of China. In addition to international versions of Chinese video apps and their overseas social media accounts, Chinese online short drama apps like ReelShort, FlexTV, GoodShort and MoboReels launched by Chinese online literature platforms have contributed to the immense popularity of these micro and short dramas in international markets. By the end of 2022, the overseas market value of Chinese online literature had exceeded 3 billion yuan (about $421.6 million), and more than 16,000 online literary works had been exported, attracting more than 150 million readers from over 200 countries and regions, according to data from the online literature center of the China Writers Association. Many Chinese companies have improved product value through more diversified marketing channels and refined operations based on localization. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD's new energy vehicles to be exported are parked in an international land port in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Zhu Haipeng) Today, the phrase "Made in China," is associated more with high value-added and premium products like online games, social media apps, livestreaming apps, smartphones, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and innovative medicines. In the first half of this year, Chinese carmakers exported 2.14 million vehicles, surpassing their Japanese counterparts (2.02 million), according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. It was the first time China had taken the crown as the world's largest car exporter, and Chinese NEVs played a crucial role in this change. Additionally, 3D scanners and 3D printers from China are dominating the global consumer market. In Amazon's 3D printer category, the top three sellers are all from Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, while Chinese sellers take up nearly 90 percent of the market share. Customs data shows that from January to June 2023, China exported 1.469 million desktop 3D printers worth nearly 2.2 billion yuan. China's new infrastructure construction has also been benefiting the world. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is one such example. "The advantages of the BDS have been recognized worldwide," said Liu Jingnan, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Officially launched on July 31, 2020, the satellite system, as one of four global navigation networks, has provided services for users in over 200 countries and regions around the world. BDS-based services, such as land confirmation, precision agriculture and smart ports, have been successfully applied in ASEAN countries, South Asia, West Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa to serve local economic and social development. In Kuwait, the BDS assisted Kuwaiti workers in the construction of the 300-meter-tall iconic building of the National Bank of Kuwait to improve accuracy. In Saudi Arabia, the BDS has been used in gathering geographic information for surveying and mapping, aiding in the development of urban municipal infrastructure, and facilitating personnel and vehicle tracking in the desert. The BDS brings benefits to people all over the world, and it is a satellite navigation system that belongs to the world, said Awni Al-Khasawneh, the General Secretary of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences. Another example of the global expansion of China's new infrastructure is Chinese enterprises' cloud computing services. Chinese cloud service vendors including Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Baidu AI Cloud, and Inspur Cloud have made great strides in international markets. China's cloud computing enterprises have also expanded their presence in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and America. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Wild animal cafes to be banned from Thursday, but with 4-year grace period By Lee Hyo-jin A planned ban on the operation of wild animal cafes, set to take effect from Thursday, is drawing complaints from both cafe owners and animal rights activists. Cafe owners are crying foul that the ban will force them to close their businesses, leaving animals with no place to go, while animal activists are advocating for a broader ban on animal exhibits. Wild animal cafes, where visitors can see and touch animals such as raccoons and meerkats, have grown increasingly popular in Korea in recent years. But in response to criticisms that animals are distressed from exposure to customers and suffer from poor management, the Ministry of Environment has decided to prohibit the operation of such establishments. Under the amendment to the Wildlife Protection and Management Act approved at the Cabinet meeting on Dec. 5, beginning from Thursday, it will be illegal to exhibit wild animals in facilities not registered as zoos or aquariums. In other words, owners of wild animal cafes should either re-register their establishments as zoos or cease operations. To minimize confusion, the government has implemented a four-year grace period until Dec. 13, 2027, during which time wild animal cafes are technically allowed to operate without having to face penalties. But the authorities noted that touching the animals or climbing on top of them will be immediately banned from Thursday, with violators subject to a 1.5 million won ($1,140) fine. An owner of a wild animal cafe in Seoul's Mapo District, who wished to be identified by his surname Goo, said he was devastated by the operation ban, which will force him to close a business he has been running for seven years. "As changing my business registration to a zoo, is not a feasible option. I have no other choice than to close it. Frankly speaking, I don't know what I should do now," he said. Goo's concerns go beyond the fact that he is about to lose his job. He lamented that he does not know what he should do with the animals once he shuts down his cafe. "I have yet to hear from the local district office or the environment ministry regarding the animals. The officials are talking about sending them to a government-run protection facility, which is no different from abandoning the animals I have spent years with. They're like my family," he said. Criticisms about the planned ban on wild animal cafes were raised by animal rights activists as well, who believe that the legislation may fail to close existing loopholes in the management of privately raised wild animals. Lee Hyung-ju, head of Animal Welfare Awareness Research and Education (Aware), a Seoul-based animal activist group, welcomed the ban itself, but was quite skeptical that the law exempts dogs, cats and certain types of reptiles and birds. "As the ban applies primarily to mammals, the exhibition of many birds and reptiles will still be allowed," she said. The activist also called for the government to properly establish protection facilities for the wild animals and thoroughly monitor their transferal, saying, "If cafe owners decide to release the animals into the wild, that would lead to serious disruptions in the ecosystem." The environment ministry, for its part, said the wild animals will be able to find a new home at the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province. "Along with the institute in Seocheon, we plan to come up with additional facilities to accommodate the animals and will continue to engage in discussions with the cafe owners," a ministry official at the biodiversity division told The Korea Times, Tuesday. The official also explained that the revised law banning animal cafes primarily focused on the protection of mammals, as they are more prone to distress and have higher risks of zoonosis disease transmitted from animals to humans than reptiles. As a child, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) student Sean Mullins was told all of the things he would never be able to do because he could not see. He says he has been proving them wrong ever since. Mullins, who has been blind since birth, will graduate with an associate degree in Business Management. The Rome native has previously earned Marketing Specialist, Supervisor/Manager Specialist and Technical Management Specialist certificates from GNTC. The Fall Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Dalton Convention Center at 6 p.m. Youve got to prove your worth, Mullins, 21, said. I dont let my blindness stop me. Nothing has been handed to me; Ive worked for everything in my life. I enjoy working for things. Mullins said he can perceive lightness, darkness and shadows, but his cane serves as his eyes. He attended the Helen Keller School in Talladega, Ala., for two years as a young child. He returned to Rome to attend Johnson Elementary School, he said. He graduated with high honors from Model High School. He opted to take Business Management courses online at GNTCs Floyd County Campus because the field offers a variety of career options, he said. He decided to specialize in Marketing because he could give credibility to products to assist the blind. More people will probably buy a product for blind people if a blind person is the spokesperson for it, Mullins said. More people are going to buy your product if they connect with you and understand you. He has worked in the food industry in the past, but after graduation he would like to pursue a career where he can use his degree and certifications in an office or government setting, he said. I look forward to working my way up to be a manager or supervisor, he said. Mullins said he lives a full life. He is active on social media and has been going to the gym for two years; his mother and grandfather provide transportation for him when he does not take a taxi. Ive always been good about time management, but at GNTC I had to prioritize my time so that I could maintain a good work/life/study balance. Mullins is proud to have attended GNTC and says it has something that could interest everyone. The instructors have been responsive and supportive. Mark Upton, program director and instructor of Marketing Management at GNTC, said his wife taught Mullins at Model Middle School in Rome, where he was one of her favorite all-time students. Upton taught Mullins in four classes and found him to be an excellent student. Mullins gave an impressive sales presentation, which is the final project in the Professional Selling course, Upton said. Im amazed by Seans perseverance and tenacity to complete his goals, Upton said, adding that Mullins is undaunted by challenges. With his work ethic and willingness to keep working hard, he can achieve anything. Upton is proud to have been part of Mullins journey at GNTC and looks forward to seeing what the graduate will achieve in the future. Sean consistently exhibited an outstanding level of participation in class, contributing thoughtfully to discussions, said Leyner D. Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management at GNTC. His unwavering positivity was contagious, creating an uplifting atmosphere within the weekly discussions. Argueta said, It was truly a joy to witness the encouragement he brought to the entire class. Mullins said the Youth Success Academy and Accessibility Services at GNTC have been a great support for him. Accessibility Services was vigilant to his needs and worked with Mullins to provide class accommodations when computer programs were not user-friendly. Tammy Pence, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth specialist at GNTC, said she has mentored and advised Mullins since August 2021 when he contacted her about the Youth Success Academys Individual Training Account (ITA) program that assists with college tuition, books and supplies. After confirming his eligibility, she helped him through orientation, discussing his career goals, barriers to success and how to use the resources he has to accomplish his goals. When I first met Sean, I was quickly drawn to his very engaging personality, Pence said. He didnt mind talking about his challenges, but I never got the sense that he was going to let anything hold him back. I loved his determination. His story is helping people. His actions are helping other people, Pence said. As I watched him, I often felt that he was more of an encouragement to me than I was to him. The Youth Success Academy (YSA) supported Mullins by helping to pay for tuition costs not covered by financial aid, paying for his GNTC fees and providing all of his e-books, Pence said. YSA also provides a stipend to help with transportation costs and other expenses while students are in the program. The Youth Success Academy at GNTC is funded through a partnership with Northwest Georgia Regional Commission to provide resources for young people in our area. It is offered at the Floyd County Campus in Rome and Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association has compiled the following overview related to a yet-to-be-named respiratory disease that has affected canines in the United States, with cases recently identified in various locations in the state of Tennessee. The TVMA is a state-wide professional organization, networking Tennessee veterinarians in the interest of veterinary medical excellence, best practices and legislative initiatives.Background:An unidentified canine respiratory disease that is resistant to standard treatments, and also tests negative for common respiratory pathogens, was first identified in New Hampshire in 2022.Since that time, cases of the disease have spread to multiple states in the U.S., including Tennessee. As of this release, the cause of the disease remains unknown, but appears to be viral in nature.Symptoms of the disease seem to follow three principle patterns: chronic, mild to moderate tracheobronchitis lasting six to eight weeks and is unresponsive to antibiotics; chronic pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotics, and acute pneumonia that can be fatal within 24 to 36 hours.It is important to remember that in the vast majority of cases involving this illness, dogs are making full recoveries, said Dr. Forrest Reynolds, TVMA president. However, because we have not identified the disease specifically, and because it appears to be viral in nature, it is important that veterinarians and pet owners know what to look for and how to address the situation should it arise.Assessment and Care:Periodic and even seasonal outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex are normal occurrences within a dog population. The difference in this instance is that the disease has not yet been identified and is resistant to typical CIRDC treatments, yet it mimics symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy.Consider this situation much in the same way you would think about flu, which is also a virus that is mutating every season, said Dr. Reynolds. The same logic applies to treating dogs as it does to yourself or family members. Canines that are elderly or very young, immunocompromised, pregnant or have pre-existing cardiac or respiratory problems are going to be at a higher risk of increased complications from respiratory disease. Brachycephalic (smushed-type faces) breeds such as Pugs and English Bulldogs have an increased risk as well.If your dog does not fit this criterion, they will typically have a full recovery with minimal complications, Dr. Reynolds said. At the same time, all pet owners should be proactive when it comes to the wellness of their animals and seek the opinion of their veterinarian if they are concerned about their pets health.Dr. Reynolds recommends the following care tips for dog owners and dog-related businesses:Owners? Ensure that your dog is current with its respiratory vaccines;? Try to limit close contact with unknown dogs;? Avoid sharing water or food bowls or toys with unknown dogs;? If your dog appears sick, keep them home with you; and? If your dog exhibits persistent CIRDC symptoms, take them to your vet.Dog-Related Business Owners (Non-Vet)? Request that clients keep sick dogs at home;? Consider requiring full vaccinations prior to allowing access to the facility;? Isolate a sick dog until the owner can pick the dog up;? Clean kennels, and food and water bowls consistently and try to avoid sharing these items;? Ensure good ventilation and utilize HEPA filters in enclosed kennel areas; and? Wash your hands before touching a different pet.Proactive Reporting:On Dec. 1, Samantha Beaty, DVM, Tennessee state veterinarian, sent a communication on behalf of the Department of Agricultures Animal Health Division to Tennessee veterinarians requesting that they report all cases of atypical respiratory disease and share lab results. The objective is to help identify this disease more specifically and address potential treatment options going forward.In her letter, Dr. Beaty recommends that vets inform their clients of the importance of vaccinations for all known respiratory diseases and to use caution when comingling animals. She notes that while the exact transmission of the disease is not determined, she recommends limiting interaction between dogs of unknown vaccination status in environments such as dog parks, boarding facilities, doggie daycare and grooming facilities.Professionals seeking additional information about testing can email the Animal Health Division at animal.health@tn.gov. Police officers will be granted greater authority during disasters reported to the police's 112 emergency call center, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) said Wednesday, as the legal basis for the hotline service has been established by parliamentary legislation. According to the KNPA, the National Assembly passed the law on the operation of the 112 emergency call service in a plenary session last Friday, providing the legal grounds for the service for the first time since its inception in 1957. In Korea, people can call the police for help by dialing 112 or the fire department at 119 in emergencies. For the past 66 years, the 112 call service has been operated under an internal KNPA rule, restraining officers' capabilities to systematically respond to and deal with emergencies and protect victims. Under the new law set to take effect in June next year, for instance, police officers dispatched through 112 emergency calls are empowered to enter someone else's building and a fine will be imposed if such a move is deterred. Officers can also have the authority to order citizens to evacuate in case of emergencies reported to the police call center. In 2021, police officers who responded to a 112 report of domestic violence withdrew without entering the house because the door was locked and an hour later the victim was found unconscious inside. A KNPA official said the new law is greatly meaningful, as it will help police officers enforce law and order more confidently in the process of handling 112 emergency calls. (Yonhap) The Kelly Administration announces that the City of Chattanooga will offer a set of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes beginning in 2024. The ESL classes are open to the public, free of charge and provided by the Chattanooga Department of Equity & Community Engagement. The classes will be held at the East Lake Community Center beginning Jan. 8, 2024. Orientation for the classes are scheduled for Dec. 13, and 15 from 9 a.m.-noon at East Lake Community Center. Interested participants can register by clicking here or by scanning the QR Code below. While New Americans are required to demonstrate an ability to speak English at the time of their naturalization exam, ESL is not just about learning the language. Its about bridging cultures, expanding connectivity and unlocking opportunities, said Mayor Tim Kelly. I applaud the Office of Equity & Community Engagement and the partner organizations for taking the initiative to help remove what can be a barrier for non-native speakers and accelerating the process of integrating into our community.Southeast Tennessee Adult Education, funded through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will take the lead on instructing the courses. The courses will be grounded in a workforce development and civic engagement focus while teaching English to non-native speakers. The classes will give students an opportunity to prepare for the HiSet (the high school equivalency exam), giving students a pathway toward a high school education and resources needed to prepare for college or secondary education.One of the most significant barriers that our clients try to overcome every day is simply being able to understand English, said Kelly Valcarce, director of the Office of New Americans. Im thrilled to work with passionate and engaged partners who understand the critical importance of setting every single citizen in this city up for success. With this groups help, I am confident that we can spread this into every community center in Chattanooga.Scan the QR Code below for more information and to register: Previous Next Sheriff Austin Garrett and members of his executive staff joined with local and state elected officials, public servants, members of the local legal community and judges, and the family of former Hamilton County Judge and State Representative, Mike Carter on Tuesday afternoon unveiled his official portrait in the Hamilton County Courts Building. Officials said, "For over four decades, Mike Carter served the citizens of Hamilton County and the state of Tennessee with great honor and distinction. "Throughout his illustrious career, he served as a notable attorney, general counsel for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, Hamilton County General Sessions Judge, and prior to his untimely passing in 2021, he served as the State Representative for District 29." On Tuesday, his wife Joan Carter, who was appointed to serve the remainder of his term as State Representative after his passing, joined with her sons, Stephen and Tim, along with their wives and children, to unveil Judge Mike Carters official portrait . It will hang in the Hamilton County Courts Building. Sheriff Garrett said, Like countless others throughout our county, I was privileged to call Mike Carter a dear friend. The impact his legacy leaves on this county and the people whose lives he influenced is immeasurable. It was an honor to join the Carter Family today as we commemorate this portrait and tribute to Mike. Joachim Edward "Ed" Scholz, was born on January 24, 1933, in Berlin, Germany, to Eduard and Hildegard Scholz, and passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his daughters home in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He was surrounded by family and others who loved and cared for him. Joachim Edward Scholz dedicated a significant portion of his life in service to his adopted country. He emigrated to the United States from Germany in the early 1950s. Shortly afterwards, he joined the United States Air Force where he served a distinguished and decorated career of nearly 27 years, retiring as a Colonel. Serving in Vietnam twice and flying during the Cuban missile crisis, he spent most of his career in national defense. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked briefly for a consulting firm before branching out on his own and starting Orion Research, specializing in the defense industry. After almost 20 years consulting, he dedicated the next 10 years to full-time, volunteer church service. When this church service ended in 2006 he spent another 12 years consulting in the nuclear industry. His greatest service, however, was to the people he lovedfamily, friends, missionaries, and temple patronsthrough various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ed served in these church assignments with his beloved wife, Lois Groves Scholz, whom he married on December 20, 1957 in the Salt Lake City temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together they had four children. He is survived by his children Peter Scholz (Laura), Paris Goodnight (Chuck), Mary Hanks (Jonathan), and Daniel Scholz (Tiffany); 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; Lois sister, JoAnn Ondrak (Lee); and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, many in-laws, and friends, Ed will be interred, in a private ceremony with military honors in the Chattanooga National Cemetery, alongside his eternal companion. His commitment to duty, as reflected in his extensive service record as a Colonel in the United States Air Force, is part of the Joachim Edward Scholz Collection at the Veterans History Project (https://www.loc.gov/item/ afc2001001.86549/ ). This collection, an oral history interview conducted in 2012, stands as a testament to his life, service, and the sacrifices made by many individuals like him. In commemorating Joachim Edward Scholz, may his legacy be honored, and may his family and friends find solace in the cherished memories they shared with him. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Jan. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel on 1160 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mountain, Tn. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343. Pictured, left to right, are Regent Michele Wollert, Maury Nicely and Carolyn Caulkins, first vice regent Auctioneers Michele Wollert, regent, and Tina Staton, parliamentarian Ginger Burnette, Chapter historian Marilyn Garner, corresponding secretary Jean Howell, chaplain Pictured, left to right, are Sharon Schier, registrar, Katrina Daoud, yearbook, and Michele Wollert, regent Tina Staton, parliamentarian Previous Next Members of the Moccasin Bend Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met to raise money for the Fisher House.Their fundraising meeting began with a presentation by Maury Nicely. Mr. Nicely is a member of the law firm of Evans Harrison Hackett and is the author of the Chattanooga Walking Tour & Historic Guide (2002), the East Tennessee Walking Tour & Historic Guide (2011), Hoffa in Tennessee: the Chattanooga Trial That Brought Down an Icon (2019), and Forging a New South: The Biography of Civil War General John T.Wilder. Mr. Nicely gave a presentation regarding the Chattanooga trial of Jimmy Hoffa.Following his presentation and a luncheon, the chapter held its annual New to You Auction. The purpose of this auction is to raise money for the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world. This program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $575 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation, officials said. The Moccasin Bend chapter raised over $200 for this foundation.The Moccasin Bend chapter, based in Chattanooga, welcomes prospective members 18 years or older with lineage tracing back to ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War. Four Jewish-themed, award-winning documentary films produced in Israel, the United States, Netherlands and Lithuania will be screened in person and virtually beginning Jan. 7 for four consecutive weeks. All films have received recognition at festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. The Series is brought to the community by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and in-person screenings will take place at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. All in-person events will begin at 3 p.m. Free popcorn and a drink are available at each in-person screening. A subscription to all four films is $36. Purchase of one film at a time is $12. The films will be available virtually from Sunday noon to Friday noon. Tickets are available online at www.jewishchattanooga.com or in person at the Jewish Cultural Center. The Series schedule is as follows: Generation 1.5 - In person Jan. 7 / Virtual Jan. 7-12 The massive Aliyah, immigration, from the former USSR in the 1990s left an indelible mark on Israeli society. The film documents those who were born in the USSR and immigrated to Israel as children or teenagers. Now adults, they grapple with their identity and sense of belonging in their adopted homeland. 80 minutes, Russian, Hebrew, English subtitles. No trailer available. Broken Dolls - In person Jan. 14/ Virtual Jan. 14-19 1939: a seven-year-old girl flees Nazi Germany on a ship bound for Shanghai. Eighty years later in America, her daughter fights to reinstate her mother's lost German citizenship, and plans a trip to the country that tried to eliminate her. One last journey revealing not only resilience and strength - but deeply buried family secrets. 81 minutes, English Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5xuw87RrdY Spinoza, Six Reasons for the Excommunication of the Philosopher - In person Jan. 21/ Virtual Jan. 21 26 The excommunication of Baruch Spinoza, the Dutch Jewish philosopher who revolutionized modern thought, is a formative, mysterious event in the understanding of his work. Director David Ofek takes us on an intercontinental journey tracing six reasons for Spinozas excommunication. He makes some surprising discoveries. 55 minutes, Hebrew, English, subtitles Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtF90ev7b_o JAccuse! In person Jan. 28/ Virtual Jan. 28 - Feb. 2 The Lithuanian Jewish community was decimated in the Holocaust: over 220,000 Jews, more than 95 percent of the population, were murdered. Grant Gochin, whose family was murdered and Silvia Foti, a Lithuanian woman fighting for those who died, push against Lithuania's systemic Holocaust denial. 87 minutes, English Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnwoP2TrrvU To purchase a subscription or pay for one-film-at-a time, register and make payment on the Jewish Federations website www.jewishchattanooga.com. Payment will trigger the ability to link you to each film, as well as capture your e-mail address in order to send you the viewing codes. Following each film, you will be sent an evaluation to complete. Both the Chattanooga Jewish Film Series and the Chattanooga Documentary Film Series are made possible by corporate sponsors Apogee Wealth partners, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Market Street Partners/Smith + Howard, Barnett & Company Investment Counsel, Patton Albertson & Miller, Chambliss, Kleen-A-Matic and First Horizon. An average of 30 films are reviewed by a committee of volunteers for both the feature film series and the documentary film series in order to choose a minimum of four films for each documentary series. Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the United States and those brought to the committees attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process. Past selections have included Academy Award nominees and winners, as well as Israeli Ophir Award winners. More than 86,000 pounds of litter was removed from communities throughout Tennessee as part of the Tennessee Department of Transportations Third Annual No Trash November, a month-long initiative to ensure the states roadways and waterways are safe from the harmful effects of litter.Spearheaded by TDOTs Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign, the initiative encourages residents to join cleanups through Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB) affiliates, Adopt-A-Highway groups or by hosting their own community cleanups in November.All told, 2,201 volunteers participated in 154 cleanups, collecting 4,303 bags of litter, weighing 86,064 pounds. Thirty-seven of Tennessees 95 counties were represented.The impact of No Trash November continues to grow each year, said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. This initiative affirms why Tennessee is called the volunteer state and is an excellent example of successful collaborations between nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups and state, county and city governments.Officials said, "More than an eyesore, litter on our public roads and waterways has detrimental impacts on safety, the environment and the economy. At any given time, there are 88 million pieces of litter on the states roadways. TDOT spends more than $23 million annually on litter pickup and prevention education, which is funded through dedicated revenue from Tennessees Soft Drink and Malt Beverage industries."We are grateful for our many partners across the state that came together in November to help us in our mission to prevent and reduce litter, said Brittany Morris, TDOT Transportation Program coordinator. This years No Trash November exceeded our goal by more than 36,000 pounds. We also increased the number of cleanups and volunteers and expanded the program to include even more opportunities for student-athletes and youth groups, including Girl Scout Troops.Special recognition for the most pounds collected in four categories (Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate, Adopt-A-Highway Group, Youth Group and River Group) goes to Memphis City Beautiful for collecting 11,936 pounds, HOA Litter Angels in Lenoir City for collecting 960 pounds, The Cleanup Kids in Hamilton County for collecting 340 pounds and Keep Tennessee River Beautiful for removing 13,126 pounds from Cherokee Lake of the Holston River.Learn more about the states litter reduction and education efforts at NobodyTrashesTennessee.com. Visit the event calendar to participate in cleanup and beautification events in your community. Additional ways to get involved include the no-cost Adopt-A-Highway Program and reporting littering incidents through the Tennessee Litter Hotline (1-877-8LITTER). County Mayor Weston Wamp said the county intends to apply for a $250,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for restoration and clean-up efforts on a 300-foot segment of Stringers Branch, a stream running through Red Bank. The section is at a Red Bank park on Redding Road. The creek currently is mainly in a concrete pipe, but it will be allowed to flow naturally. Hamilton County has sought grants with unprecedented success over the past year, resulting in millions of dollars of investment across the county with little to no additional cost to local taxpayers, said Mayor Wamp. Although I have had my differences with leadership in Red Bank, I have never wavered in my commitment to serve the citizens of one of Tennessees most unique small cities. Stringers Branch historically has had low water quality and this grant will leverage improvement opportunities that best ensure benefits to natural resources, it was stated. Restoration efforts include naturalization of a man-made channelization through Redding Road Park and improved public access. We hope to breathe new life into this popular Red Bank creek with a low cost to taxpayers, said Director of Development Services, Nathan Janeway. Our aggressive pursuit of grant funding has allowed us to expedite a number of projects with little expense to the county, and we have every reason to believe the State will award us with the funding for this much-needed project in Red Bank. The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners will vote to apply for the grant at next weeks commission meeting on Wednesday. The grant requires a 20 percent match from Hamilton County. Previous Next An original volume from Historic Rugbys Thomas Hughes Public Library has found its way back home, well over a century after its disappearance. With around 7,000 volumes on its shelves, the library is almost entirely unchanged from the day it opened back in 1882, and it has been widely reported that only seven volumes are missing from the original collection. Today, that number is down to six. I totally nerded out, said Historic Rugby Operations Manager Annie Patterson, recalling the day the book was returned by two local tour guides. Ms. Patterson couldn't wait to inform others in the village of the book's return. "The Thomas Hughes Library is such an important story in our state and national history and the fact that the collection has stayed so intact is a testament to its recognized value in the community for over 140 years, Ms. Patterson said. Since just a few of the original volumes are missing, to have a piece come home is so exciting. It traveled through many caring hands until it reached us and we want to thank everyone who played a part in the journey of this little volume with a big story to tell." Titled Diamonds and Rubies; or The Home of Santa Claus and written by Susie M. Waring, the book was published in 1870 and contains the original Hughes Public Library seal from 1882, as well as the catalog number revealing where it belongs on the shelves. It was purchased more than a decade ago at a Knoxville garage sale; when its owner learned that a friend was headed to Rugby for a ghost tour, he gave her the book and asked her to return it. She passed it along to Miranda Young and Kristy Sumner, owners of History, Highways, and Haunts, LLC, who lead after-dark and paranormal tours in the village. History is important to us, and we are extremely excited that we could facilitate the return of this historic book to the Thomas Hughes Library, said Ms. Sumner. One of our tour guests and friends, Chastity Long, acquired this book and gave it to us just in time for Christmas. Although it is a small book, it is a large piece of Rugby history, said co-owner Ms. Young. The book is now on display in the library alongside other Christmas books from the collection. 27 publishers in the United States and England donated all of the library's books when it opened in 1882, largely to show their respect for Rugbys founder, author and Parliamentarian Thomas Huges. No book in the library was published after the 1880s; the oldest volume dates back to 1687. The library itself has been painstakingly preserved by locals over the decades and is now part of Historic Rugbys village tours. Today, it is the oldest nineteenth-century public library in the country. Rugby resident and volunteer Benita Howell has been enjoying showing the recovered book to the villages holiday visitors. Im glad that its home, especially since its a little Christmas story, she said. Officials said, "No word yet on how much money in fines is owed on a book that was 141 years overdue. We encourage anyone whos concerned about the fee to contribute to the cause at historicrugby.org/donate." Rugby was founded in 1880 as a British colony. It is adjacent to the Big South Fork National Recreation Area and is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Nashville and a little over an hour away from Knoxville. Paul McCartney partially wrote The Beatles' "Yesterday" on a car ride with a movie star. The movie star was sleeping when the gears in Paul's mind started turning. Inspiration comes from unexpected places. Paul McCartney partially wrote The Beatles Yesterday on a car ride with a movie star. The movie star was sleeping when the gears in Pauls mind started turning. Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles Yesterday in the presence of his sleeping girlfriend In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul talked about finishing Yesterday when he was in a car with Jane Asher, his girlfriend. Asher is an actor known for her roles in Alfie starring Michael Caine and The Masque of the Red Death starring Vincent Price. It was a long, hot, dusty drive, he said. Jane was sleeping but I couldnt, and when Im sitting that long in a car, I either manage to get to sleep or my brain starts going. I remember mulling over the tune Yesterday, and suddenly getting these little one-word openings to the verse. Famously, Yesterday initially included lines about scrambled eggs. I started to develop the idea: Scrambled eggs, da-da da, Paul recollected. I knew the syllables had to match the melody, obviously: Da-da da, yes-ter-day, sud-den-ly, fun-il-ly, mer-illy, and yes-ter-day, thats good. All my troubles seemed so far away.' Paul McCartney explained why it was so easy for him to write rhymes for the song After that, the lyrics fell into place. Its easy to rhyme those as: say, nay, today, away, play, stay, theres a lot of rhymes and those fall in quite easily, so I gradually pieced it together from that journey, he said. Sud-den-ly and be again, another easy rhyme: e, me, tree, flea, we, and I had the basis of it. Ultimately, Paul and Asher arrived in Albufeira, Portugal. That city is a famously scenic tourist destination. Even more than that, it played a pretty important role in helping Paul write his most famous ballad. Beatles fans across the world owe a lot to this one city in Portugal. How The Beatles Yesterday performed in the United States and the United Kingdom The Beatles Yesterday became a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, lasting on the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks altogether. The track appeared on numerous compilation albums, including 1. 1 features all of The Beatles No. 1 singles, so its a great resource for music fans who want to get a taste of The Beatles expansive sound. That compilation topped the Billboard 200 for eight weeks, remaining on the chart for 540 weeks in total, making it the Fab Fours most popular record in the U.S. According to The Official Charts Company, Yesterday became a more modest hit in the United Kingdom. There, the ballad only reached No. 8, staying on the chart for nine weeks altogether. We can only speculate why American audiences seemed to respond more to Yesterday than British audiences. In the U.K., 1 topped the chart for nine weeks, becoming a hit for 444 weeks. A certain car ride clearly bored Asher but it set Paul on the path to musical greatness. The aim of the reFuel.ch consortium is to develop robust supply paths for sustainable fuels and base chemicals for Switzerland. The consortium is funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) as part of the SWEET funding program and held its kick-off event on 8 December 2023. Nine Swiss universities, universities and research institutes from various disciplines as well as an industrial partner are involved. As the clock is ticking for climate-friendly solutions, political decision-makers will also be involved. A Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable energy and energy technologies was signed during the visit of Swiss President Alain Berset to Oman, and Empa researcher Christian Bach, the co-coordinator of reFuel.ch, received a corresponding Letter of Interest from the Omani Ambassador to Switzerland, H.E. Mahmood Al Hassani, for future collaboration; the reFuel.ch consortium thus came into being at just the right time. Although these are only the first steps on the long road to supplying Switzerland with sustainabe fuels and base chemicals, they demonstrate the international dimension of reFuel.ch, which brings together more than 60 project partners along the entire value chain. The signing has already been followed by the first concrete steps. For example, a reFuel.ch delegation of 15 industry and research representatives will be travelling to Oman in December to hold talks with the Omani Ministry of Energy and Minerals on the sidelines of the Green Hydrogen Summit there. The talks will focus on the development of approaches for the production of sustainable energy sources and base chemicals as well as regulatory and market solutions. Another European case study will soon be launched in southern Spain. At the same time, the efficiency and therefore also the costs of currently available processes for the production of sustainable energy sources are to be significantly improved. As a center of research and technology, Switzerland can make an important contribution to solving the global climate problem. International cooperation for more efficient production The SFOE-funded consortium is investigating how fossil fuels can be replaced by sustainable energy sources, for example in aviation and industrial processes. The majority of these will come from abroad. Countries in the Earth's Sun Belt could play an important role here. Accordingly, the researchers will be looking closely at foreign production, regulatory and legal framework conditions and the issue of dependency. In order for Switzerland to meet its demand for sustainable fuels and base chemicals amounting to 30 to 60 terawatt hours (approx. 3 to 6 billion liters of diesel equivalent), it needs a PV area of 200 to 400 km2 on site, which is slightly less than the area of Lake Constance. Two to three times more electricity can be generated per square meter of PV area in the Sun Belt than in Switzerland. In future, the electricity thus generated will be the energy basis for the production of sustainable fuels and base chemicals. 'We should not pull back efforts to boost students human rights' By Jun Ji-hye Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) began a one-person protest on Wednesday to oppose the Seoul Metropolitan Councils move to abolish a student rights ordinance that has been cited by some critics as one of the major factors infringing on teachers' rights. The progressive superintendent, who began the protest at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, said he will continue protesting throughout the capital until Dec. 22 when the council is scheduled to wrap up its plenary session. Students who are sufficiently respected can grow up into adults who respect others, Cho said. We should not pull back the efforts to boost students human rights. I ask Seoul citizens to join hands to block the passage of a bill to abolish the student rights ordinance. The student rights ordinance was first enacted in 2010 by a progressive superintendent of education from Gyeonggi Province at the time, and has since been enforced by the Seoul education office and six other regional education offices. The ordinance aims to boost students human rights, banning corporal punishment and discrimination by teachers. Despite its good intentions, the ordinance has faced criticism for emphasizing only students wellbeing, while neglecting the rights and wellbeing of teachers at their workplace. This criticism intensified after an elementary school teacher in her 20s ended her life inside her classroom in Seouls Seocho District in July. Colleagues and teachers' groups believe that the 24-year-old teacher suffered constant harassment from the parents of some of her students, which led to calls for the abolition of the ordinance. Ruling People Power Party members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council have since been moving to introduce a new ordinance and abolish the existing one. According to SMOE, the bill for the abolition is highly likely to be presented during a council meeting next Monday or Tuesday, and passed at the plenary session on Dec. 22. Opposing the abolition, Cho rather raised the need to overhaul the existing ordinance in a way as to increase student accountability and better protect teachers rights and educational activities. Abolishing the ordinance unilaterally will only cause conflict and confusion in the education scene, Cho said. I can never agree with some critics who put the blame on the student rights ordinance for the harassment by parents and infringement of teachers rights. Cho's office noted that respecting teachers rights and complying with school regulations will be made mandatory in its envisioned revision to the existing ordinance. The revision will also prohibit anyone from disrupting reasonable actions of teachers taken to teach and guide students, the office added. Cho said he will demand a revote if the bill is passed. He also considers taking legal action if the bill is passed again in the revote. The rights of teachers and students should coexist and develop together, Cho said. From analytics in mini format with reduced solvent requirements to energy-efficient laboratory technology: at analytica, the Green Lab becomes reality. Exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their innovations and sustainability concepts in Munich from April 9 to 12, 2024. With analytica, we want to help reduce energy and resource requirements as well as the amount of waste generated in the laboratory, says Armin Wittmann, Exhibition Director for analytica at Messe Munchen. analytica brings all the players together and points the way to the green laboratory. Put an end to power-hungry appliances Laboratories have significantly higher energy consumption than office and residential buildings. For example, a freezer that cools samples to minus 80 degrees Celsius consumes as much energy over the course of a year as a detached house. But that neednt be the case. At analytica, well-known manufacturers of refrigeration appliances, including Fryka, Huber, Lauda and Liebherr, will be providing information on the latest developments in refrigeration technology. Energy-efficient appliances with vacuum insulation, optimized sealing systems and natural refrigerants that contribute neither to the hole in the ozone layer nor to climate change ensure sustainable cooling in the laboratory. Other laboratory technology, from fume cupboards to centrifuges, also often leaves a lot to be desired in terms of energy efficiency. For laboratories wishing to identify potential savings, analytica exhibitor Waldner offers a Green Lab consultation. It recognizes the biggest power guzzlers and supports laboratories in the transition to zero carbon. Green chemicals and laboratory utensils However, sustainability in the laboratory starts not with the equipment, but with the chemicals and consumables. Anyone looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to questionable reagents and solvents will find competent advice at analytica at the stands of chemical suppliers such as AppliChem, Carlo Erba, Merck und Roth. It is also possible to clarify whether and how a particular analysis method can be converted to more sustainable chemicals in discussions with the application specialists at the equipment manufacturers. In the case of helium, alternatives are needed, as the noble gas is becoming scarce and increasingly expensive. This is already a real issue for analytical laboratories that require high-purity helium as a carrier gas for gas chromatography, among other things. Special gas filters allow the use of less expensive helium with a lower degree of purity. Systems from analytica exhibitors such as Agilent and Shimadzu also already have helium-saving device settings or are able to be operated with alternative gases such as hydrogen. The enormous demand for consumer goods made from fossil plastic is also no longer in keeping with the times. Gloves and some other items may be reusable, but what alternative is there to laboratory utensils with direct sample contact? analytica exhibitor Eppendorf now offers pipette tips, tubes and PCR plates made from bio-based plastics to reduce the carbon footprint. Less waste thanks to miniaturization and the like The trend towards miniaturization also conserves valuable resources, as analytical devices that process samples in the microlitre range or below consume significantly fewer reagents and solvents. In some cases, non-contact analysis is even possible without the need for any chemicals, for example with the Raman spectroscopes in the portfolio of analytica exhibitors such as analyticon, Anton Paar, Bruker, Horiba, Metrohm and Mettler Toledo. Whether Raman spectroscopes or other analytical devices: Most manufacturers offer repair and maintenance services as well as options for the expansion or return of devices. Users and manufacturers meet at analytica to coordinate their offerings and individual requirements. This is important for bringing about greater sustainability in the laboratory, because when everyone pulls together, it is easier to break away from established routines, emphasizes Susanne Grodl, Deputy Exhibition Director of analytica. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products are displayed at a store in San Francisco on May 17, 2018. White House officials will take more time to review a sweeping plan from U.S. health regulators to ban menthol cigarettes, an unexpected delay that anti-tobacco groups fear could scuttle the long-awaited rule. Biden administration officials indicated Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 the process will continue into next year, targeting March to implement the rule, according to a regulatory agenda posted online. Previously, the rule was widely expected to be published in early January. The 28th annual meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conferencecommonly called COP28is winding down in Dubai. Ive been here with the Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP), which brings 30 emerging leaders from around the world to bear witness to conference events. COP28 includes both intense climate action negotiations with officials from 200 countries and something like a worlds fair, with pavilions from almost every country as well as many different interest groups. One group that is noticeably underrepresented is the American church. Theres a faith pavilion here for the first time, and Ive seen presentations from Muslims, Jews, and many Christians from other parts of the world. But aside from Americans involved via CCOP, Ive not seen anyone representing Christians in the US. Perhaps thats not surprising. Christians are less likely than other Americans to think climate change is a serious problem, and evangelicals have the least concern about the environment of any American religious group. With fellow climate skeptics, theyre apt to argue that there are bigger problems in the world, and anyway, God is in control of the climate. Those rationales for inaction may sound realistic, practical, even biblical. But they miss deeper scriptural themes of love, justice, and the responsibility for creation that God has shared with humanity on this side of eternityand the next. Its true that many people have more immediate problems than climate change, but once you grasp the scale of the risk here, its hard to imagine a more significant threat to so many peoples way of life and livelihood, and even to life itself. Not for nothing does the Department of Defense recognize climate change as a threat multiplier, which amplifies the potential danger to US national security from wars, immigration, and natural disasters. And when you hear directly from people whom climate change is affecting now, the seriousness of the problem is palpable. I attended a session at COP28 at which the representative from Tuvalu was given the floor. He spoke passionately about his small island nation in the South Pacific where the highest elevation is just two meters above sea level. Families have already had to relocate away from the shore because of sea level rise, and storm surges now flood their fields and wells with salt water, rendering them unusable. Article continues below Tuvalus representative was dismayed over the lack of meaningful progress at COP28 to cut greenhouse gas emissions. How can I go home from this meeting and tell them our countrys future has not been secured, and the world doesnt seem to care? he pleaded with the assembly. Our CCOP group met with Rev. James Bhagwan, the general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches. He too testified to the imminent catastrophe for the 15 million people of these island nations, 90 percent of whom are Christians. They wonder why fellow Christians in America seem so unwilling to hear their cries, he reported. Are we not your neighbor? he asked, referring to the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:2537). Are our lives worth less than your comfort? If appeals to faith or justice dont motivate us, Bhagwan added, maybe we would consider a more pragmatic angle: Im not just fighting for Pacific Islanders; Im fighting for you too. Its going to happen to us first, but it will happen to you eventually, and by then it will be too late to do anything about it. A common response to such pleas is that second rationale given by people who dont think climate change is a serious concern: God is in control, they say, so it doesnt really matter what we do. I asked Bhagwan how hed respond to that view. They need some rainbow theology, he answered with a little laugh. Our islands are being destroyed by water, but after Noahs flood, God put a rainbow in the sky and promised never again to destroy the earth with water. So it must not be Gods doing now. It is us! I would point the American church beyond Genesis to Revelation: We need a better eschatology. Too many Christians believe that because this world is our temporary home, it doesnt matter what we do to it. We can extract and consume the earths resources and treat it as a landfill, they think (or act and vote as if they think), because it will be replaced by heaven for eternity. I believe theres a better and more biblical way of looking at Gods intent for our worldat what it means for him to be in control and the role he wants us to play in his plan of redemption. The earth as we know it is not our ultimate home, but neither is it unconnected to our ultimate home. Theologian N. T. Wright reminds us that the New Testament does not say the earth gets trashed and were all whisked away to some immaterial heaven. We are resurrection people. And resurrection is not a second creation ex nihilo; it is a transformation of what now exists. Article continues below Jesus earthly body didnt stay in the tomb or simply disappear. It was transformed into a resurrected body that wasnt limited by the same natural laws. But, crucially, his resurrected body still bore the scars of how his earthly body was treated (John 20:2429). The heavens and the earth will be transformed and renewed at the consummation of Gods kingdom (Rev. 21:1). This redeemed creation will last for eternity, not subject to decay like our current universe. But will it too bear the scars of how we have treated it? Does our behavior now place parameters on what the renewed earth can be? In this Advent season we might also ask whether God is waiting to fully inaugurate the kingdom (2 Pet. 3:9) in part because we havent yet learned to care for his creation. Our climate problems are complex, and I offer no simple solutions. But there is a path toward caring: Start by learning about and praying for those on the frontlines of climate impacts (maybe join Climate Intercessors). Then take action to reduce your own carbon footprint and suggest your church take steps in this direction too. And consider getting involved with organizations like CCOP, the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), BioLogos (where I work), and A Rocha, all of which take both Christian faith and climate science seriously. What we do here and now matters for eternity, and not just for our souls. Bodies matter, land matters, water matters. Bhagwan suggested we could learn something about this from the Pacific Islands indigenous culture, which recognizes that humans are part of creation and rely on the land and sea to flourish. We Christiansof all peopleshould understand this aspect of our dependence on God. We should take an active interest in the present flourishing and eternal future of the planet and its people. In the American church, we have been apathetic about Gods world, and it is time for us to care. Jim Stump is vice president for programs at BioLogos, host of the podcast Language of God, and author of the forthcoming book The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolution Leads to Deeper Faith (HarperOne, spring 2024). [ This article is also available in Portugues. ] Laura was volunteering at the welcome desk of LIFE Central church in Auckland in April 2015 when a friendly man introduced himself, asked a few questions about her church, and then left. Unbeknownst to Laura, after this brief encounter, the man organized one of his coworkers to return to the church the next week. The woman explained that she had just moved from South Africa as a student conducting research on education. After talking for a bit, Laura started to open up to her about some of her struggles and questions about the faith. In response, the woman suggested Laura meet with her mentor, who she said could address Lauras problems about the Bible. She began meeting with the womans mentor, a Korean woman also visiting from South Africa, for weekly Bible studies. After a few weeks, the mentor began pestering Laura to join a larger six-person class that met three times a week. Laura eventually agreed. As someone who had experienced hypocrisy and lukewarm community at the mainline Presbyterian and Pentecostal churches she attended in the past, Laura found the intense, Bible-based classes compelling. Laura recalled a tight-knit group of South Africans, Koreans, and New Zealanders eager to learn Gods Word. Laura said the instructor taught her how to read Jesus parables and the Book of Revelation as prophecies foretelling Jesus Second Coming. The teacher stressed that she and her fellow students needed to know the secret meaning of certain Bible verses to obtain true salvation. At the time, I thought it was a beautiful way to read the Bibleit was so poetic, Laura said. By the end of the year, she and her five classmates officially joined (or passed over) into a group she then learned was called Shincheonji. (Laura asked to use only her first name as she still has friends in the group.) Shincheonji, which means new heaven and new earth, is a religious movement established in South Korea in 1984 by Lee Man-Hee. Members are taught that Lee is the promised pastor of the New Testamentthe messenger mentioned in Revelation 22:16and that the Book of Revelation is written in parables that only he can understand. The group is known for its intensive Bible studies, recruitment of members from existing churches and Christian fellowships, and use of deceptive practices like withholding names and affiliation. After spreading in South Korea, Shincheonji expanded internationally in 1990. The groups internal statistics from 2019 obtained by CT said that almost 32,000 of the groups about 240,000 official members live outside of Korea. Article continues below In response, Christians around the world have pushed back. In South Korea, churches routinely put up signs that read Shincheonji is not welcomed here. Former members have shared their stories on websites, podcasts, and internet forums like Reddit to debunk Shincheonjis theology and expose its deceptive practices. In New Zealand, pastors have held talks and seminars to inform church leaders on how to protect their flock. Christian counselors provide counseling for people leaving Shincheonji. CT tracked Shincheonjis spread in New Zealand over the past eight years, interviewing former members, pastors, and experts on what churches around the world should look for and how churches can respond to the group. Shincheonji in New Zealand did not respond to CTs request to comment by publication time. From humble beginnings Born in 1931, Lee Man-Hee is a Korean War veteran and farmer who claimed that he experienced visions and revelations from divine messengers and from Jesus himself, according to a 2020 article by sociologist Massimo Introvigne, who interviewed Lee and other Shincheonji members. (Introvigne, founder of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), has been criticized for being sympathetic to groups like Scientology.) In the 60s, Lee joined a fast-growing religious group called the Olive Tree, whose founder, Park Tae Son, claimed to have the power of healing and to be the last prophet before the millennial kingdom. Eventually Park started teaching that he was the Messiah and the Bible was wrong. This led Lee and many others to leave the group. Lee was then a member of Tabernacle Temple, a group founded by eight people who gathered on Cheonggye Mountain for 100 days and believed the Holy Spirit gave them an inspired interpretation of the Bible. Yet the group fell into corruption and division, with its founder arrested for fraud. Lee was outspoken about the corruption of the Temple and eventually started his own religious group called Shincheonji in 1984. It wasnt successful at first, explained Ezra Kim, a California pastor with an active ministry counseling current and former Shincheonji members. The group, which primarily focused on Lee Man-Hees interpretations of the Book of Revelation, had less than 120 members in 1986, according to Introvigne. Growth began to pick up after the formation of an in-house seminary called Zion Christian Mission Center in Seoul in 1990, which prepared members through courses and exams. By 2007, Shincheonji had 45,000 members. Article continues below To grow their numbers further, Shincheonji members began targeting Christians from existing churches to join their Bible studies, Kim said. From 2010, the group began employing deceptive tactics (described by members as practicing wisdom) that grew its numbers exponentially. By 2016, Shincheonji reported having 170,000 members. Shincheonjis first overseas branch opened in Los Angeles in 1996, with subsequent branches in Berlin (2000), Sydney (2009), Cape Town (2012), and elsewhere. By 2019, Shincheonji mission centers had been established in 29 countries. Shincheonji reaches New Zealand Shincheonjis first missionaries arrived in New Zealand on visitors visas from South Africa in March 2015, a month before making contact with Laura and her classmates. After Laura officially joined the group, leaders in South Korea appointed her and two other members as key leaders and legal trustees for Shincheonjis official presence in New Zealand, under the name Rakau o te Ora (meaning The Tree of Life). [When] they asked us to sign and become trustees, we were like peak passion, Laura recalled. It was like the beginning of a relationship, [when] youre only seeing the good things. By the time news of Shincheonji had reached New Zealand media in 2017, the groups ranks had increased to around 70 members and recruits, most of whom were poor college students, according to Laura. Most of Shincheonjis growth in Auckland came from Shincheonji members visiting church congregations and campus ministry groups and inviting Christians to join Bible studies, she said. When asked, they would say they were part of Zion Mission Center, New Heaven New Earth, or Mount Zion. (In recent years they have also used names like Cornerstone and Pathways Ministries.) They also falsely claimed their instructors were theologically trained at New Zealands Bible colleges, according to Laura. Members often recruit unsuspecting friends and acquaintances. For instance, in 2017, Jeremy Chong (no relation to the author) had recently graduated from the University of Auckland when his friend and fellow campus ministry volunteer persuaded him to attend a new class led by his mentor. When he showed up at the address for the class, he was surprised to find a lecture room set up inside a suburban home. Article continues below In his class of 10 students, Chong later discovered that half of them (including his friend) were already Shincheonji members pretending to be first-time learners. Initially the lessons took place once a week but eventually grew to twice and then three times a week. Gradually, the teachers began to say, Were part of something more, but well reveal the truth when youre ready, Chong wrote in an online testimony. They also instructed Chong and his classmates to cut ties with their churches, calling them false seeds who were not from the true river. Eventually, Chongs instructors announced a special session where he and his classmates had to dress up nicely in a white shirt and a suit. What he thought was another class turned out to be a big worship service at a rented office building in central Auckland that Shincheonji used as its temple. There, he and his other students passed over into the group. There were a lot of people cheering, Chong recalled. We bowed down to a screen of Lee Man-Hee. In my head, I thought: Why am I doing this? But it happened. And after this, they then told us, Now you know that were part of this group called Shincheonji. Lying and deception in Shincheonji Shincheonji teaches its students not to let their friends and family know about their classes until they have become sufficiently conditioned to accept their more controversial teachings. For instance, Josh was the student president of Auckland Student Life (a campus group affiliated with Cru) in his senior year when he was first asked to lie to his family about attending a thrice-weekly Bible study with a man who claimed his name was Matt. Josh had first met Matt in October 2018 through a high school friend. When Josh shared that he was going on a summer mission trip, Matt then invited him to some mentoring sessions he was leading. (Later, Josh found out that Matt was using a fake name). Josh recalled that his new mentor said a couple of outrageous things, such as God doesnt answer prayer. But to me, it seemed like they were all from the Bible, because he was just able to say Scriptures off the top of his head. (Josh asked to only use his first name, as he continues to counsel current and former Shincheonji members.) Article continues below Shincheonji instructors eventually convinced their recruits that God permits lying if it is done for Gods will. Before Joshs sessions commenced in January 2019, his mentor warned him to keep them a secret, pointing to Abrahams silence before heading out to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22. Josh concocted a story about teaching private guitar lessons three mornings a week, a lie he told his parents, his girlfriend, and Student Life colleagues. When church leaders and a campus staff worker confronted Josh with evidence that he was attending Shincheonji classes, his Shincheonji instructors gave him step-by-step instructions on how to deny his involvement. They even gave Josh pre-written letters expressing inexplicable hurt and confusion about his family and friends accusations and claiming that he was no longer involved in Shincheonji activities. Josh sent the letter to the church yet continued his classes, and in May 2019 he passed over into the group. Inside Shincheonji Life inside Shincheonji in New Zealand was relentless for the former members who spoke to CT. Chong said that after passing over, Shincheonji became church for him. Lessons were scheduled for every day of the week, and he was scolded for working and urged to abandon his family to evangelize. Leaders asked Chong to give them the names of all his friends, including private information such as physical descriptions, their relationships, what their weaknesses are, how well they knew their Bibles so we would know what to target, he wrote. Alannah (then a close friend who is now married to Chong), recalled how tired he was all the time. There were a couple of times wed be hanging out together and he would say: Ive got to go out and meet someone. She wondered if he was seeing his ex. For Josh, the lying continued. I was fully dependent upon them for my decisions [the question] What do I say? was always filtered through them. Zealous to give his life to spread these teachings, Josh worked his way up the ranks to become a cell leader and began to recruit others into Shincheonji using the same methods he was recruited with. Josh and other members were given unrealistic goals to achieve and challenged to change their mindsets since the second coming of Jesus had come with Lee Man-Hee. To justify studying until 4 a.m. for tests, I was told that I should not be able to sleep if I perceived how important this work was, Josh wrote. Article continues below Shincheonjis slowing spread in New Zealand By July 2022, there were at least 200 Auckland-based members from a broad range of ethnic groups, according to internal lists obtained by CT. In contrast, numbers in the capital city of Wellington had grown more slowly: Between the time Laura and several other members started a branch there in 2018 and 2022, Wellington had only grown to 35 members. Laura remarked that Aucklands large immigrant and ethnic church populations have proved more fertile soil as Asian culture takes more easily to the heavenly culture, which is what Shincheonji calls traditional Korean culture. Pacific Island culture is also very hierarchical, Laura said, so in 2023, New Zealandbased Shincheonji members began sending locally trained missionaries to Samoa. In contrast, the more Pakeha (New Zealanders of European descent) population in Wellington proved to be more independent, individualistic, and skeptical, Laura said. Its a lot harder for them to accept the Korean culture and collectivist ideas of [Shincheonji]. Another factor for the slow growth in Wellington could be an increased awareness of Shincheonji and its tactics. Since 2021, New Zealandbased members of the Shincheonji forum on Reddit have frequently posted sightings and warned about the groups deceptive recruitment strategies, such as impersonating a local Bible college and using various front groups like Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). Local media have reported on ex-members stories, and evangelical church leaders in Wellington have also been proactive in warning their congregations, other local churches, and the general public about Shincheonji. In 2019, Andrew Southerton, senior pastor at City on a Hill in Wellington, wrote on his church website that while Shincheonjis classes appear like Bible studies, they are in reality an exercise in social engineering. He added that the cult has sought to exploit many of the best aspects of City on a Hill for its own endsour open and welcoming culture, our love for sharing the gospel with others, and our deep desire to be learning and growing from Gods Word. Article continues below Churches throughout New Zealand report that Shincheonji had swept up entire families, including key leaders, into the group. Often, the extent of deception and damage is only discovered after months of covert activity. Steve Worsley, lead pastor at Mt Albert Baptist in Auckland, said Shincheonji targeted his church extensively between 2016 and 2018. When asked what attracted members to Shincheonji, I was stunned by the answer: Biblical truth, Worsley wrote on his denominations website. If people are experiencing greater hunger for Bible knowledge in cults than in regular New Zealand churches, what should churches do about that? Chongs experience mirrored Worsleys sentiment. He felt super religious during his time in Shincheonji. After all, I was going to a religious thing five times a day, learning the Bible, Chong wrote. It makes you feel hyper-religious. When I did everything, I felt very connected to God. But ultimately, it was a completely works-based group. The turning point for Chong was when his teachers couldnt give a proper answer to why they denied the divinity of Christ. Chong left Shincheonji in 2018 with the help of a Christian friend. Help getting out of Shincheonji What can family members do when they find a loved one is involved with Shincheonji? Kim, the pastor in California who leads Bible studies for ex-members of Shincheonji, suggests three steps to take. First, do nothing, he said. People usually want to say, Shincheonjis a cult or Your Bible study is wrong, Kim noted. Yet Shincheonji instructors have already conditioned them to believe these claims are a form of persecution. The next step is to foster a stronger relationship with the person without speaking negatively about the group. Members of Shincheonji and other cults typically spend more than 20 hours a week together and experience a heightened sense of community and deep purpose. In contrast, Kim points out that most families struggle to have meaningful relationships and rarely talk about issues together. How can you do deep conversation suddenly when youve never done this kind of conversation in real life? Kim said. To save your loved one [from Shincheonji], you need to restore your relationship with them first. Article continues below Only within the safety of a trusted relationshipa process that often takes months or yearsis the final step of gently restoring them (Gal. 6:1) possible. Options include introducing Shincheonji members to former members or experienced pastors, sharing the stories of former members, or passing along resources explaining Shincheonjis frequent doctrine changes, Lees past involvement in doomsday sects, and ultimately the better and completed ministry of Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:2). For Josh, it was through discovering these resources and seeing the numerous contradictions within Shincheonjis teachings that he was eventually convinced to leave the group in 2022. What had once started as such a logical word [referring to Shincheonjis teachings], was now so illogical, he said. Christian leaders should also be aware of cultural practices in their own ministries that commit the same sins as Shincheonji. If cults keep their real agendas from new recruits, then are we fully transparent when we promote or invite people to attend church programs that have evangelistic content? Worsley observed. If cult leaders may not be questioned, do we pastors allow our leadership and Bible teaching to be open to question? For instance, a recent investigation into Arise Church, New Zealands largest megachurch, revealed an internal culture with several features similar to Shincheonji such as centralized power and the practice of uplining, or passing private information on to superiors without consent. Tore Klevjer, an Australia-based biblical counselor who frequently ministers to former members of Shincheonji, suggested viewing Shincheonji through the lens of an abusive relationship. Former members who struggle to engage with the Christian faith will need love and care and space to heal at their own pace, Klevjer said. For those who choose to keep reading their Bible, he recommends changing to a translation different from what was used in Shincheonji (typically the 1984 New International Version) to read Gods Word with new eyes and not automatically see the cult interpretation. When reading the Bible is too difficult, Tore counsels ex-members to pursue other spiritual disciplines or to reflect on Gods creation and his attributes of love and mercy. Josh points out that most people will eventually leave Shincheonji but need help rebuilding their lives, and that it will take time for them to reconsider Christianity. The eventual death of Lee, who is now 92 years old, could also prompt doubts. (According to Introvigne and former leaders, prophecies taught in Shincheonji claim that Lee will not die.) Article continues below Try and be there for them when the time comes, Josh said. He regularly prays for his fellow ex-members as well as members who are unable to leave Shincheonji or those who have considered leaving. As for his former mentor, Hes just a brick wall, Josh said. I hope he leaves and can realize all the wrong things hes done. I just see him as a victimconditioned, exploited. I do feel sorry for him. Lauras decision to leave Shincheonji was sparked by a phone call from a former senior Shincheonji member she admired, who told her that she had left the group. It gave me permission to think about my own doubts, she said in an interview with Radio New Zealand. She cut ties with the group in 2020. However, it took another year before Shincheonji finally removed her name as one of its New Zealand trustees and guarantors for its buildings lease payments. Today, she no longer identifies as a Christian. Laura was circumspect when asked what followers of Jesus could have done differently for her. Like Kim, she noted that if Christians had tried to use doctrine to convince her that Shincheonji was wrong, she would have been prepared with answers for their questions. She would have assumed that she was being persecuted. So the best thing you can do is to show love, Laura said. Thats what Christianity is about, right? Additional reporting by Angela Lu Fulton. Every Christmas, Lou Gallo dresses up as Santa Claus in Busan, South Korea. At the school for young North Korean defectors, Gallo and his wife, Lisa, bring gifts, teach children to decorate gingerbread houses, and talk about the real meaning of Christmas. One year, the Gallos organized a pageant and guided the students through the story of the Nativity, complete with angels, shepherds, wise men, barn animals, a pregnant virgin, and a God who became a baby. Most people who have fled North Korea, however, have never heard of Christmas. The communist regime of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) does not allow Santa Claus or nativities. The North Korean government completely banned Christmas in 2016 and declared December 24 a day to commemorate Kim Jong-suk, Kim Jong-uns grandmother. If North Koreans do know about Christmas, they may perceive it as an American holiday. Some have had the chance to watch smuggled movies like Home Alone, said the Gallos, the founders of NK Missions. The couple, originally from Virginia, see the day of Jesus birth as a prime opportunity to share the gospel with those who know nothing about the good news of great joy. Its also a chance to help change North Korean mindsets about America, since they were taught from an early age to view the country as evil. Wherever we can, we like to bring American culture to them, Lou Gallo said. So Gallo, as Santa, preaches about Christ. He tells them a bit about America and the practice of gift-giving and uses The Jesus Storybook Bible to illustrate how Jesus is the greatest gift of all. But other ministry leaders and pastors in South Korea are less convinced they should use Christmas as an opportunity for outreach to the roughly 33,000 people who have defected from the North since 1998. Sung Eun David Choi, senior pastor of Global Mission Church in Seoul, said North Koreans who live in the South (also called settlers) dont have deep resonances with the holiday that would draw them into conversations about its meaning. They may, in fact, find it offensive. South Korean Christmas celebrations can appear consumeristic, according to Choi. And the religious aspects can seem bizarre and superstitious. They have been taught that Christianity is a religion of the Devil in the communist country. Su Ok Choi, a university student who grew up in the North (no relation to Sung Eun David Choi), said she first thought Christmas was all about gifts. It wasnt until she became a Christian that she saw it had more meaning. Article continues below As I got to know God, I realized that that day was Jesus birthday. So now, when Christmas approaches, the first thing that comes to my mind is gratitude, she said. She tried telling that to her brother. So what? he said. What does that have to do with me? Global Mission Church organizes a party for settlers every year. It combines Christmas traditions with more familiar New Years celebrations. The church currently cares for about 100 North Koreans, including women and children who are separated from family. At the party, the North and South Koreans sing carols and hymns and also hold a talent show. The event allows them to share their longing for family, along with a time for prayer, Sung Eun David Choi said. These efforts are part of the churchs vision for a reunified Korea, drawing from Ezekiel 37:17. Choi said they want to bridge the gap between the divided North and South with our hands. Its hard to say if Christmas is an opportunity or an obstacle for evangelizing to North Korean defectors, according to Stephen Cha, lead pastor of Onnuri Churchs English ministry. One has to be sensitive to the situation. The effectiveness of South Korean Christians in ministering to and sharing the gospel with North Korean refugees during Christmas depends on the individual stories and personal connections with defectors, he said. Onnuri, a Presbyterian megachurch, has run a ministry for North Korean defectors for two decades. Five of its 11 campuses have established communities where North and South Koreans come together for worship and Bible study. One campus, for example, runs two dormitories for college-aged North Korean students. Another has services in Korean and Chinese. The Presbyterians have found other holidays better for connecting to settlers. There are more heart-level connections at Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). These are times when family is greatly missed, Cha said. During these holidays, North Korean refugees often lack a place to go. Part of the problem with Christmas outreach, according to Eric Foley, the CEO of Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK), is that it is too wrapped up in the cultural context of South Korea. Instead of communicating the message of a messianic baby born in a manger and heralded by angels proclaiming peace on earth, Christmass cultural trappings can make Christianity seem completely alien and inaccessible to North Koreans. Article continues below Were trying to help North Koreans to experience Christianity, Foley said, not as a South Korea cultural element but rather as something that is actually indigenous to North Korean culture. The DPRK is currently a hostile place for Christiansit ranked first on Open Doors 2023 list of countries where its most dangerous and difficult to be a Christ follower. But it was once a land where the Christian faith flourished. At the close of World War II, more than 90 percent of Christians on the Korean peninsula lived in the North. When the gospel came to Korea, it first came to people in the North, and when the Bible was first translated in Korea by the missionary John Ross, it was done in a North Korean dialect, Foley said. Foley believes its important to not create more cultural barriers to the gospel. When he meets settlers, he gives them printouts of the Ross Bible and asks them to help update the translation for modern-day readers. Whatever their beliefs, they jump at it. When we approach North Korean defectors, we dont approach them from a standpoint of them having a deficit that needs to be overcome. We approach them as unique assets capable of contributing to our understanding of the Christian faith, Foley said. Too often, Foley said, South Korean Christians see settlers only as objects of pity. If you go to the home of a North Korean defector and you open their refrigerator, he said, what youll see is that they have bags and bags of kimchi. Its because churches only know how to interact with North Koreans from a position of giving to them. An outreach program built around a gift-giving holiday might only underscore the inequality that settlers are already struggling withand that the South Koreans often dont see. South Korean churches are always really good at remembering North Korean defectors at every holiday, Foley said. [But] why do North Korean defectors kill themselves at such an alarmingly high rate? They feel useless. Suicidal ideation among these settlers is more than double the rate of South Koreans, according to a Seoul Institute survey. Christmastime can, however, be a time for North Korean defectors to give instead of receive, Foley said. It just takes some cultural awareness and creativity. In the US and Europe, it is considered rude to show up at someones home unannounced. But among Koreans, it is often regarded as a compliment, since it demonstrates that the host is known to be so welcoming and hospitable that they dont need any notice. They will invite you in immediately. Article continues below So Foley and others have started going to settlers homes during the Christmas season. They show up unannounced, placing ourselves in a position of dependence and need, Foley said, and recognizing the dignity and pride of their refugee hosts. Thats Christmas to us, the director of VOMK told CT. Its not giving but its receiving, because that is what Jesus did. He came to earth, and he received the hospitality of those to whom he came. Isabel Ong is CTs associate Asia editor. [ This article is also available in . ] Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Home Politics Democratic Biden challenger's TV ad shows aborted babies ahead of New Hampshire primary A pro-life Democrat running for president has released a television advertisement featuring graphic images of aborted babies in New Hampshire as the state's presidential primary is slated to take place next month. The presidential campaign of Terrisa Bukovinac, who formerly led the activist group Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, announced in a statement shared with The Christian Post that it will "begin airing explicit anti-abortion ads in the Boston/New Hampshire market." The campaign said the ads will air on the local NBC affiliate during "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Monday, six weeks before Bukovinac is slated to appear on the ballot in the New Hampshire presidential primary. The30-second ad begins with Bukovinac identifying herself as a "secular progressive activist," recalling how "last year, I recovered the remains of these five babies from an all-term abortion center in Washington, D.C." After showing pictures of Bukovinac, the video then shows graphic images of five babies who died in late-term abortions at the Washington, D.C. Surgi-Clinic, including several pictures of the dismembered remains of the full-term abortion victims. "These are the faces of a genocide supported by Joe Biden and my own Democratic Party," Bukovinac lamented, insisting that "we can provide for the working class and resist this extremism." Bukovinac held up pictures of one of the five babies killed in the late-term abortion on screen. She challenged viewers to "never vote for a pro-choice Democrat again," pitching herself as a "pro-life Democrat running for President of the United States." The campaign says the ad is part of an effort to "engage voters on the atrocity of later abortion during the 2024 presidential election by embracing the power of visual storytelling to expose the brutality of abortion." "The ad condemns the Biden administration and the Democratic Party's extreme, out-of-touch abortion platform, which stands at odds with 30% of Democrats," the campaign added, citing a Pew Research Center survey conducted from July 22 to Aug. 4, 2019. The poll found that 48% of Democrats and voters who lean Democratic strongly support the Democrats' position on abortion, while an additional 21% somewhat support it. This leaves 22% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning voters who "agree with neither party" and 7% who either strongly or somewhat agree with the Republican Party's position on abortion. Bukovinac hopes the ad will "disrupt the consciences of the American people, particularly leftists who are complicit in abortion by supporting pro-abortion candidates." "Pretending like millions of pro-life Democrats like myself don't exist isn't a winning strategy," she said. "The right to life must be protected at every age, everywhere, and that is why I am on the ballot as a presidential candidate to be a voice for the innocent and oppressed and rekindle the debate inside the Democratic Party." Addressing concerns that the ad's content might be too graphic for national television, the campaign asserts that Federal Communications Commission regulations "stipulate that news stations 'have no power of censorship over the material' in campaign ads." Her campaign seeks to "communicate the gravity and urgency of the abortion issue to American voters through impactful visuals." The non-binding New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary is slated for Jan. 23. According to The Green Papers, which keeps track of presidential primaries and caucuses, no candidates will receive delegates in the non-binding primary, but the contest is still seen as a barometer measuring opposition to Biden within his party as he remains the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Biden is not listed on the primary ballot in New Hampshire as the state faces a penalty for holding its primary before South Carolina's, which the Democratic National Committee wanted to make the first state in the U.S. to hold its presidential primary ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The DNC has long expressed a desire to give South Carolina added weight in the presidential primary process by making it the first contest. But New Hampshire, which has long served as the first state to hold a presidential primary, opted to keep its primary ahead of South Carolina's anyway. According to the RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring voter intentions in the Democratic presidential primaries based on surveys taken between Nov. 9 and Dec. 6, Biden has secured the support of 68% of Democratic primary voters, followed by Marianne Williamson at 8.4% and Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., at 3.4%. Bukovinac and all other intraparty challengers to Biden are not included in the RealClearPolitics average. Bukovinac told The Christian Post in a previous interview that "this is not a campaign to win," characterizing her presidential bid as a vehicle to serve as "a voice for these babies" and "represent pro-life Democrats in the political sphere." Home Politics Supreme Court to hear abortion pill case after FDA loosens dispensing rules The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge related to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's loosening of restrictions on how the chemical abortion pill mifepristone can be distributed and who can distribute it to patients. In a miscellaneous orders list released Wednesday, the high court agreed without comment to hear the combined cases of FDA et al v. Alliance Hippocratic Medicine et alandDanco Laboratories LLC v. Alliance Hippocratic Medicine et al. While the Supreme Court granted the requests by the Biden administration to review lower court rulings against its relaxing of longstanding distribution regulations, the high court rejected the request of pro-life organizations to weigh in on the legality of the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre praised the court's decision to take on the administration's appeal of the 5th Circuit ruling on mifepristone, which she claims "threatens to undermine the FDA's scientific, independent judgment and would reimpose outdated restrictions on access to safe and effective medication abortion." "This Administration will continue to stand by FDA's independent approval and regulation of mifepristone as safe and effective," she said in a statement. "As the Department of Justice continues defending the FDA's actions before the Supreme Court, President Biden and Vice President Harris remain firmly committed to defending women's ability to access reproductive care." Mifepristone is the first drug in the chemical abortion regimen, which works to destroy the environment in the uterus and starves an unborn baby to death. The abortion pill is reportedly used in about half of all pregnancy terminations in the United States. In November 2022, the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Christian Medical & Dental Associations and four individual doctors filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone. The lawsuit also sought to overturn the Biden administration's recent lifting of restrictions, such as allowing the drug to be distributed by mail or sold at retail pharmacies without requiring women to see a doctor first. Previously, the drug was mostly dispensed by certified doctors or clinics. The pro-life organizations argued that the drug can be dangerous for pregnant women to take when administered outside of a medical environment to women who haven't been screened for ectopic pregnancies or other potential complications that could endanger them. U.S. Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the U.S. Northern District of Texas, a Trump appointee, issued a stay in April of the FDA's 2000 approval of mifepristone, arguing that "FDA acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns in violation of its statutory duty based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions." "There is also evidence indicating FDA faced significant political pressure to forego its proposed safety precautions to better advance the political objective of increased 'access' to chemical abortion which was the 'whole idea of mifepristone,'" continued Kacsmaryk. Kacsmaryk contends that the FDA's loosening of restrictions "resulted in many deaths and many more severe or life threatening adverse reactions." Shortly after the stay was granted, a three-judge panel on the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals partially granted the request of the Biden administration to stop the lower court decision from taking effect. The appellate court panel overruled the district court's suspension of the FDA's approval of mifepristone, citing a six-year statute of limitations as justification. However, the appellate court upheld Kacsmaryk's striking down of the administration's relaxed requirements for distributing the chemical abortion drug. On April 21, the Supreme Court released an unsigned ruling allowing the abortion pill to remain on the market during the legal proceedings. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito indicated they would have denied the requests. Alito authored a dissent suggesting that the appellants "are not entitled to a stay because they have not shown that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm in the interim." "The applicants claim that regulatory 'chaos' would occur due to an alleged conflict between the relief awarded in these cases and the relief provided by a decision of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington," Alito wrote. "It is not clear that there actually is a conflict because the relief in these cases is a stay, not an injunction, but even if there is a conflict, that should not be given any weight." Home World Christian group uplifting families devastated by Hamas in region with ties to King David A Christian organization is working to help an Israeli agricultural community described in the Bible as a resting place for King David's warriors that was left devastated in the aftermath of Hamas terrorist attacks. CityServe is a nonprofit that mobilizes local churches and partnering organizations to bring relief to communities left devastated by war or natural disasters. In an interview with The Christian Post, CityServes Vice President of Government Relations, Todd Lamphere, explained that standing with Israel is one of the organizations 10 initiatives for creating community transformation. Its a mandate by God for the Christian community to stand alongside Israel, Lamphere said. Just the thought of coming alongside our Jewish brothers and sisters who are going through a difficult time right now, it was a no-brainer for us to be there and help. The question was, whats the best way to do that? Read: Who are the Americans held hostage by Hamas CityServe is investing in Ein HaBesor, a Moshav (Israeli agricultural community) near the Gaza border that accounts for over 60% of Israels produce, according to Lamphere. Hamas terrorists attacked the community during its Oct. 7 strike in southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, including 31 Americans. As a result of the massacre, 320 families which included 1,000 adults and 400 children were forced to evacuate due to the Moshavs proximity to Gaza. While the community did not suffer any casualties, the evacuees are unable to return to their homes and are sheltering in hotels located in an undisclosed Israeli city. Because many Israelis have been called to active duty due to the war with Hamas, the farmland is without workers to tend to the crops. Theres no one to harvest the crops or plan for the next season coming up, Lamphere lamented, warning that this will have massive ripple effects, including a surge in food prices. As part of his trip to Israel following Hamas terrorist attacks, CityServes Israel Director Uri Steinberg arranged for Lamphere to meet with the residents of Ein HaBesor. At the time of this interview, the vice president of CityServe said the organization had raised around $250,000 for members of the community, helping them pay for hotel expenses and other necessities. We purchased additional washing machines and dryers so they can do their laundry at the hotels, he said. CityServe has also partnered with various organizations to help the families, including The National Faith Advisory Board, Intercessors for America and Paula White Ministries. While the plan for the moment is to offer financial assistance to the displaced residents, according to Lamphere, the long-term strategy is to help secure the perimeter surrounding the community. Steinberg explained that one of the reasons the group chose this particular town is due to its biblical history, as detailed in 1 Samuel 30. After the Amalekites invaded Ziklag and carried away several captives, including Davids wives, he sought help from God after his men threatened to mutiny. The Lord directed David to pursue the Amalekites, and though most of his men followed, 200 stayed behind to rest at what is modern-day Ein HaBesor. Its a biblical town living up to its heritage, he said. As Lamphere explained, the Moshav had few weapons to fight off Hamas, and one survivor, Dr. Yftach Gepner, had only a stone to use against the terrorists. Due to a recent theft in the area, Ein HaBesors security team had been activated and, despite being outnumbered, they managed to fight off the terrorists. Gepner and his two daughters have traveled with CityServe throughout the United States, sharing their story with church groups and raising money to help the organization financially support the residents of Ein HaBesor. After speaking with a congregation in Nashville, Tennessee, Lamphere said a 12-year-old girl wanted to donate all the money she had been saving to buy a car one day when she turned 16. The girl saved up $1,500 in cash by walking dogs, which she donated to the cause. Stories like that are encouraging. Theres a lot of money that needs to be raised; Im not going to lie, Lamphere said. This is a big lift, but its a necessary lift. Revised Refugee Act aims to screen out terrorists, justice minister says By Lee Hyo-jin Human rights activists are lambasting the Ministry of Justice's plan to strengthen refugee screening by letting authorities reject or revoke the asylum applications or statuses of people who may "damage national security." The activists argue that the move, which goes against the spirit of the International Convention on Refugees, shows that the Korean government is pursuing border policies strictly based on national interest instead of inclusivity. The justice ministry made a pre-announcement of a revision bill to the Refugee Act, Wednesday, seeking to add a clause allowing the government to deny refugee status to asylum seekers who may "damage national security, maintenance of social order or public welfare." Under the current law, the conditions for refugee denials are crimes against humanity, war crimes, grave non-political crimes or acts that violate principles outlined by the United Nations. The revision bill would also enable the government to revoke refugee status if an individual is found to have committed such acts before obtaining the status. In other words, if someone who was granted refugee status is later found to have a record of "harming national security" in their home country, the ministry can overturn its decision and revoke their status. Lee Il, a lawyer with Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL), criticized the justice ministry for not properly following the 1951 Refugee Convention that Korea ratified in 1992. "Countries that have ratified the refugee convention are obliged to provide protection to asylum seekers who meet the conditions stipulated in the treaty. However, the justice ministry has long demonstrated an attitude of not complying with the rules based on arbitrary decisions, with the latest revision bill being one of them," he told The Korea Times. Once legislated, the revision bill is expected to toughen Korea's standards for refugee acceptance, already considered one of the strictest in the world. In 2022, the nation's refugee acceptance rate stood at a mere two percent, according to data from the justice ministry, which was the lowest among OECD nations. Announcing the revision bill, Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said on Tuesday that the new laws will prevent terrorists from entering the country as refugees. "Until now, there has been a lack of a legal basis to prevent terrorists and potential suspects from being recognized as refugees," he said in a statement. "Through this amendment, the refugee vetting process will be able to prioritize the safety of our nation and our people, and this is the global standard." Regarding this, Kim Yeon-joo, a lawyer at Nancen, a Seoul-based refugee support center, denounced the justice ministry for conflating refugees with terrorists, a narrative often used by anti-refugee groups. "Determining whether a person poses a threat to national security can be very difficult. It's not just about what's written in their documents because, in some countries, civic activists who engaged in anti-state protests are labeled as terrorists by their government," she said. In that regard, she expressed concerns that the revision bill could be abused by immigration authorities to screen out asylum seekers or even revoke their refugee status without taking into account the complicated political and religious environment of each nation. The Seoul representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), for its part, said it is reviewing the details of the planned revision bill. From a wider perspective, critics say that the government's move to toughen refugee screening procedures aligns with its broader plan to carry out immigration policies based on national interests and not from a humanitarian perspective. At a National Assembly session last week, Han vowed that his ministry, which is set to launch a separate organization handling immigration affairs, will only accept foreign nationals who meet the nation's standards based on thorough assessments. Lee at APIL criticized the minister's stance of prioritizing national interests over diversity, which could worsen the discrimination and prejudice faced by immigrants in Korea. "For the past few decades, the government's stance toward migrants has been that they can be exploited as virtual slaves for the benefit of Koreans. Apparently, this remains unchanged even as the nation is preparing to launch an immigration agency," he said. Home World Church flooded with donations after thieves pilfer money intended for children's charity Response 'turned something bad into something quite gracious,' priest says An Anglican church in England has been flooded with thousands in financial contributions for a fundraiser after thieves reportedly broke in and stole money intended for a children's charity. Christ Church in the Parish of Wanstead, east London, suffered a burglary during the early morning hours on Sunday, according to posts on the parish's Facebook page. The parish said their CCTV footage showed that the burglary was carried out between 3:30 a.m. and 3:50 a.m. local time on Sunday by two young men decked out in hoodies and jeans, who broke through the large Victorian front doors, forced open the locked cabinets of the parish office, and ultimately pried the church's safe off the wall before making off with it on an e-scooter. The safe contained some cash, but also important parish records that the church speculated would likely be thrown away, and the church advised the public to be on the lookout for an abandoned safe and any discarded papers. The parish, which has two churches in it, further noted that "at least 3 other local churches from the surrounding areas have also been targeted!" The hundreds of pounds that were stolen were raised during the church's Christingle celebration and meant to go to The Children's Society, though a swell of online support managed to raise more for the charity than the thieves stole, according to Yahoo News UK. A JustGiving fundraising page launched after the burglary raised more than 2,265 ($2,843) as of Tuesday, which is more than 400% more than the intended 500 ($627) target. Father James Gilder, the church's rector, said he was "bowled over" by the overwhelming community support. "I am so thankful to everyone," he told the outlet. "It shows the community spirit, it shows how well regarded the church is, which is lovely. The community response has turned something bad into something quite gracious, and shown a little bit of that Christmas spirit." Gilder also told the outlet that the thieves "made a real mess of the church, ransacked cupboards, destroyed metal cabinets and files, pulled doors out of filing cabinets. They damaged quite a lot, actually." Gilder also noted that while he forgives the thieves, "people have to know what's right and what's wrong, and forgiving something doesn't make the action right." "Of course they're forgiven, but they need to know what they're doing isn't just robbing a building it's robbing an entire community," he added. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Yahoo News UK that police responded at around 6:40 a.m. to reports of a break-in and theft at the church, and that they are continuing to investigate the incident. Christ Church Wanstead was robbed before in 2009 when a thief snuck into a side door and stole a 350 collection from an unlocked safe while parishioners were distracted organizing food donations, according to the Guardian-Series newspaper. "It defies belief that someone could be so selfish and heartless," a churchgoer told the outlet at the time. "They obviously knew that the money would be there at that particular time." Home Education Florida school board votes unanimously to keep Bible on library shelves Vote comes after campaign to remove Scripture for 'obscene' passages Officials in one Florida school district have voted unanimously to keep the Holy Bible in its libraries despite a challenge from an atheist activist who claimed Scripture is obscene and harmful. The Superintendents Review Committee of the Broward County Public Schools voted Dec. 6 to allow the Bible to stay on library shelves following an occasionally heated meeting, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. The nine-member committee was tasked only with the questions of whether the Holy book is appropriate for classroom use, not whether it should be available in school libraries, according to The Sentinel. The challenge to the Bibles fitness for school shelves came in April 2022 after Chaz Stevens of Deerfield Beach, Florida, wrote letters to superintendents in Broward County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and other school districts throughout the state asking them to immediately remove the Bible from the classroom, library, and any instructional material in their schools. Steven, an activist who also sells non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of sex toys featuring the names of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former President Donald Trump and other political figures on his website, is no stranger to courting controversy and media coverage after askingthe Florida State Senate in 2014 for permission to open a Senate session "with a prayer to my god Satan." Stevens campaign followed DeSantis signing of House Bill 1467, which allows Florida residents to request the removal of books they find objectionable from school classrooms and libraries. Critics have alleged that the measure stifles the free speech rights of students and faculty on LGBT issues and other matters. Citing HB 1467, Stevens initial letter called not only for the removal of the Bible and the banishment of any book that references it but also calls on education officials to burn what Stevens described as that giant stack of fiction in a pyre worthy of a Viking sendoff. Stevens presented Jose Dotres, the superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with his objections, including references to verses from the Old and New Testaments. He sent a similarletter to Kenneth Savage, the interim superintendent of Lee County Public Schools, indicating that his effort to ban the Bible from public schools extends to the entire state. In his letter to Dotres, Stevens misquotes Genesis 2:18 as It is not good enough for man to be alone, therefore, encourage one another and build each other up! The verse actually says: "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'" Stevens failed campaign to have the Bible removed was echoed earlier this year by another parent in Utah who claimedthe words of Jesus in the Bible are pornographic. A request filed on Dec. 11, 2022, with the Davis School District, located just north of Salt Lake City, called the Bible "one of the most sex-ridden books around" and, therefore, violates Utah state code. According to a copy of the request obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune, which has since been taken down, the parent whose name, address and contact information were not disclosed for privacy concerns specifically asked for the Bible to be removed at Davis High School in Kaysville, about 15 miles north of Salt Lake City. The parent also included with the request alist of more than 130 passages from Scripture that the parent described as offensive. After initially banning the Bible from middle and elementary schools in May, Davis school officials announced they would return Christianitys most sacred book to school library shelves the following month. Home Church & Ministries Influential Presbyterian Church in America pastor resigns years after personal conduct arrest The pastor of an influential Presbyterian Church in America congregation based in Pennsylvania has stepped down from his leadership role years after his arrest for a "personal conduct" charge. Pastor Liam Goligher of Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia resigned earlier this month after a 2014 arrest for "personal conduct" at a city park in Lancaster along with another congregation leader was made public by the watchdog website Anglican Watch. Anglican Watch cited public records that found that a person matching Goligher's description was arrested and pleaded guilty in July 2014 for a charge of violating Lancaster City Code section 98-19.B, which prohibits sexual acts in city parks. Laterreports indicated that Goligher was the guilty party and that Tenth Presbyterian deacon Susan Elzey also pleaded guilty to the same charge on the same day as Goligher. A church staff member directed The Christian Post to a statement posted on the church's website on Wednesday, which explained that the 2014 arrest was "previously unknown to Tenth Church." "The citation is a matter of public record and cites actions which give the appearance of sin. Our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, has specific processes to review the conduct of its ministers," stated the church. "This matter is being referred to the Philadelphia Presbytery who will conduct an investigation. The process of searching for a new Senior Minister at Tenth will follow the formal dissolution of the pastoral relationship according to the polity of our denomination." The statement added that the revelation is "difficult news for the Tenth community, and we are experiencing a wide range of emotions." "Any time there is a breach in the Church, the whole Body feels it deeply," the statement continued. "When the Church is confronted by the appearance of sin, her mission is not to abandon people but to work to seek the truth in the situation and encourage any needed repentance and reconciliation with God and one another." "During this time of trouble and confusion, our only hope at Tenth Church is to humble ourselves, and in repentance and faith seek the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, and to encourage others who struggle with sin in their lives to do the same." This year, Tenth Presbyterian has weathered allegations of abuse from its leadership, with the group Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment releasing a 144-page report last month detailing allegations from over 20 former and current church members against six current and former Tenth Church leaders, according to Ministry Watch. Additionally, Anglican Watch previously accused Goligher of interfering with the GRACE investigation and alleged that the former lead pastor lied to investigators. Home World Italy's 'most handsome man' abandons modeling career to pursue priesthood Edoardo Santini says he grew 'tired of satisfying the will of others' A young man who was dubbed "the most handsome man in Italy" at age 17, recently announced he has decided to give up the glamor of his modeling career to pursue God by entering seminary. Edoardo Santini said in a video posted to Instagram on Nov. 23 that as he turned 21, he has found himself "on the path towards becoming a priest, God willing," as noted by the Spanish-speaking Catholic outlet ACI Prensa. Santini, a native of Tuscany who also studied dancing and acting, said he has decided to "give up modeling work, acting and dance, but I won't abandon all my passions, I'll just live them differently, offering them up to God." During a national pageant put on by the fashion group ABE in 2019, Santini was awarded "Il Bello d'Italia," an accolade distinguishing him as the most handsome man in his country. Santini noted in his Instagram video that he had wrestled with questions about the Catholic Church since he was young, but that he has met people in recent years who have shown him "what it means to 'be Church,'" which he said has given him "the strength to investigate this question that I've taken with me from childhood, but various fears stopped me from studying it at a deeper level." "Last year, I took the first step," he continued, explaining how he went to live with two priests in what he described as the "best experience of my life." He noted that living with the priests helped him to "find in everyday life the answer that I hoped for, which has come to me from above." At the end of the year, it was natural for me to ask the bishop to enter the preparatory course, the year preceding life in the seminary," he continued. "And here I am, studying theology and serving in two parishes of the Diocese of Florence." Santini also cited his grandmother's desire that he pursue something deeper in life, and reflected on how he became "tired of satisfying the will of others and posting photos where I am apparently secure and happy." Santini concluded by noting while he does not know if he will become a priest, he is "here to discover." "But I have taken the step that terrorized me, that stopped me finally being myself," he said. "I am ready to say I made a mistake. I am certain I won't regret it, because now I can shout: 'I am Edoardo, I am 21, and I am happy.'" Santini, who has more than 27,000 Instagram followers, describes himself on his page as "a Christian, priest wannabe," and cites 2 Samuel 14, which notes that no one in Israel was more handsome than David's son Absalom. The Catholic Church in Italy has been hemorrhaging clerical recruits, having trained only 2,103 new priests in 2019 compared to 6,337 in 1970, according to The Times of London. Home U.S. Man who tried to attack Virginia church faces new charge of attempted aggravated murder A man who allegedly tried to attack a church in Virginia during a worship service while carrying a gun and two knives now faces a new charge of attempted aggravated murder. Rui Jiang, a 35-year-old Falls Church resident, was arrested outside Park Valley Church in Haymarket back in September after reportedly making online threats against the congregation. The Prince William County Police Department announced Tuesday that it would be adding the charge of attempted aggravated murder to the previous charges of carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of worship and making threats of bodily harm. The additional charge against the accused, identified as Rui JIANG, stems from the ongoing investigation and analysis of digital evidence obtained during the search warrant executed at his residence in Falls Church, stated authorities. Based upon the recent analysis of the digital evidence, physical evidence collected at the time, and the social media postings on accounts used by the accused depicting the church with threatening language, indications were the accused intended to cause harm, injury, and death to the church congregation. The new charge was served to Jiang on Monday. He's being held at the Prince William Adult Detention Center, according to local authorities. In September, according to police, Jiang made vague threats against Park Valley Church, which included posts to Instagram that a resident of Maryland alerted authorities to. During Sunday worship, an off-duty police officer working an assignment at the church discovered Jiangs vehicle parked at the church, while others saw him on the property. Jiang had entered the church but was detained without violence by the off-duty officer and church staff members. He was found carrying a legally purchased handgun, an extra ammunition magazine, and two knives. Prince William authorities had worked alongside the Fairfax County Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Police Department of Maryland to coordinate their efforts. In a statement, Fairfax County authorities explained that they and other police departments acted swiftly and thus were able to stop a potential active shooter. Since the arrest, detectives from our Threat Assessment Management Unit have been assigned to assist with the investigation, said FCPD back in September. TAM detectives assisted with the execution of a search warrant at Jiangs home. Evidence supporting Jiangs intent to cause harm was recovered from the scene. Detectives will work with our multidisciplinary team to determine the appropriate resources for threat mitigation and management of the case. Last week, the United States Department of Homeland Security released a guide titled Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities that is meant to help churches improve their security. Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, wrote in the guide that she hoped that it would establish or improve security practices that keep your house of worship and congregants safe and secure. CISA remains fully committed to its longstanding partnership with faith-based leaders to advance the protection of houses of worship while preserving their open and welcoming environments, Easterly wrote. Home Church & Ministries SBC pastor faces backlash for saying same-sex marriage ruling shouldn't be overturned A pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention has sparked backlash after stating he doesn't believe Obergerfel, the 2015 case that said same-sex marriage was a constitutional right, should not be overturned. Joel Rainey, pastor of Covenant Church in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, made his comments in response to a Dec. 2 post on X by William Wolfe proposing measures to restore the traditional American family. Wolfe's suggestions included ending no-fault divorce, abortion and access to contraceptives, as well as abolishing sex education in public schools and surrogacy. He also called for the reversal of the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. Want to restore the American family? End no-fault divorce End abortion Reduce access to contraceptives Require men to provide for their children as soon as its determined the child is theirs End sex education in public schools End surrogacy Overturn Obergefell William Wolfe ???????? (@William_E_Wolfe) December 2, 2023 Rainey, who identifies himself as a "Member of Reasonable Twitter" in his bio, pushed back on the latter point, saying that he does not believe Obergerfel should be overturned. In a since-deleted tweet, the pastor said he believes doing so would invalidate all the economic supports built into same-sex marriage and would bring harm to already established unions that the courts have already legitimized," according to Protestia, which first reported the pastor's response. Given the choice between: 1. A nation that outlaws something sinful, but millions still do in secret. 2. A nation that leaves something legal that people choose not to do because they love Jesus more ... I'll take #2. Every. Single. Time. If that's "heresy" to some, so be it, he wrote. In the past, I wouldnt have agreed. But given that culture is moving toward an ever-widening view of what constitutes marriage, its endorsement no longer promotes the common good. May as well just get them out of it altogether. He later clarified: I don't believe in gay marriage. But I also don't believe in using the courts to bring harm to already established unions. Asking for genuine repentance is far different from a court forcing the dissolution of a union that same court legitimized. Given the choice between: 1. A nation that outlaws something sinful, but millions still do in secret. 2.A nation that leaves something legal that people choose not to do because they love Jesus more.... I'll take #2. Every. Single. Time. If that's "heresy" to some, so be it. Joel Rainey. ? (@joelrainey) December 5, 2023 The backlash was swift, with some making analogies to slavery and asking how his logic would apply if the government legalized marriage between an adult and a 9-year-old. Raineys comments come amid an ongoing debate within the SBC about its direction and stance on social issues. Over the years, the SBC has passed numerous resolutions reaffirming its opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. These resolutions often emphasize the belief that marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman and condemn practices and policies that deviate from this standard. SBC churches, which operate independently, are not directly subject to denominational control. However, the SBC leadership has effectively removed congregations from its fold if they do not align with the denomination's positions on certain issues. In 1992, the SBC amended its constitution to exclude churches that implied acceptance of homosexuality. The amendment to Article III of the SBC Constitution stated, Among churches not in cooperation with the Convention are churches which act to affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior. Final approval came at the 1993 meeting in Houston, Texas. In 2021, two churches, Towne View Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, and St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, were disfellowshipped for affirming homosexual behavior in their standards for members and leaders. In May, two churches were expelled from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) for allegedly operating "outside of harmonious cooperation with the churches of the convention due to their public affirmation of same-sex sexuality." The convention had previously removed Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, First Baptist Church of Austin and Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco. In 1998, the BGCT Executive Board withdrew fellowship from University Baptist Church in Austin because the church ordained a gay deacon, BNG notes. In a 2021 podcast, Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Summary, weighed in on President Joe Biden's nomination of Rachel (Richard) Levine a trans-identifying man to serve as his assistant secretary of health. At the time, Mohler warned that Levine's appointment would "bring the power of coercion" and "bring about the process of further normalization." "Normalization means that something that had been considered sometimes unthinkable but abnormal becomes normalized in this society," he said. Citing same-sex marriage as a previous example of something that has become normalized, he contended that "when it comes to transgender[ism], the same effort is now very much underway, and it comes with coercion." Home Entertainment Terri Schiavo nonprofit criticizes docu's portrayal of her death by court-ordered dehydration A national nonprofit named after Terri Schiavo is criticizing a 90-minute documentary released by MSNBC for its depiction of the legal battle between Schiavos husband and parents that gripped the nation and resulted in the womans death by dehydration after a court ordered her feeding tube removed. The film, "Between Life & Death: Terri Schiavos Story," premiered on MSNBC on Dec. 3 and is streaming on Peacock. According to a description of the movie on MSNBCs website, the film uses archival footage to ask universal questions about the governments role in our private lives and who gets to decide if a life is worth living. This film examines how politicians and activists on the religious right harnessed Terris story and the power of the pro-life movement for political gain, laying the groundwork for anti-abortion battles to come, the description reads. The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network released a statement the day after the film premiered, condemning the documentary for portraying Schiavos death through a false lens of compassion, noting that she died after enduring more than 10 days of starvation and dehydration. We recognize that condensing years, if not decades, of events into a 90-minute video is difficult, the nonprofit stated. Still, the final product does not present even a fair portrayal of the brutality that Terri had to endure at the hands of Michael Schiavo and the Florida courts, which enabled his actions. Several years after she married Michael Schiavo, Terri suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest in 1990, and she was later diagnosed with a neurological injury caused by a lack of oxygen to her brain, according to terrishiavo.org. After Terri collapsed, her husband subsequently became her guardian. Terris husband argued that his wife wouldnt want to live with a profound cognitive disability, and in 1998 a few years after becoming engaged to another woman he filed a petition for the tube supplying Terri with food and water to be withheld until she died. His wifes parents and siblings fought to be able to care for Terri, but after years of legal battles, the tube was removed, and Terri died from dehydration on March 31, 2005. Wesley J. Smith, author and senior fellow at the Discovery Institutes Center on Human Exceptionalism, broke down what he noted are some of the misconceptions about the case in a 2019 piece for Evolution News. Smith noted that, in 1992, Michael initiated a medical malpractice suit against Terris doctors, where he testified that he intended to care for his wife for the rest of her life, with specialists testifying that Terri would likely live for many years. The length of Terris life, as Smith pointed out, was relevant when it came to monetary damages. Somehow, the panel was never told that Terri might not live as long as expected because Michael would remove medical treatment, the author wrote. Within months of the money being in the bank, Michael tried to take away her antibiotics when she had an infection thwarted by her family. Michael and his brother-in-law testified during court proceedings that Terri had supposedly made it clear that she wouldnt want to live under such circumstances, with Smith pointing out that even if she had said this, these statements wouldve been made during casual conversations. The family presented contrary evidence of conversations Terri had with friends, he stated. In any event, as a young woman, Terri unsurprisingly never made a clear, deliberate, and carefully considered decision about what she would want if she ever became so incapacitated. Smith also disagreed with the idea that it was only social conservatives who opposed ending life-sustaining measures for Terri, as Ralph Nader, a liberal activist, wanted to save her. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, also a liberal, met and prayed with Terris parents in March 2005. The federal Terri Schiavo law was one of the most bi-partisan passed during the Bush presidency, Smith wrote. It received unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate, including from Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Tom Harkin (who was a prime mover in support of the bill), Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein, etc. Forty-five percent of the House Democratic caucus voting also supported the bill, he continued. I could go on and on. Home U.S. WallBuilders sues DC Metro after it rejects bus ads A major public transportation provider is facing a lawsuit after it rejected an ad by a faith-based organization seeking to advertise on its buses. In a complaint filed Tuesday, the faith-based nonprofit organization WallBuilders asked a judge in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to order the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to declare that its prohibitions on [a]dvertisements intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions or promote or oppose any religion, religious practice or belief are unconstitutional. WallBuilders has secured the legal support of First Liberty Institute, a noted religious liberty law firm, and the American Civil Liberties Union as it seeks to challenge WMATAs policies on advertisements. WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke is the defendant in the lawsuit. The lawsuit comes after WallBuilders unsuccessfully sought to advertise on the Metrobuses that serve residents of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area. One of the advertisements submitted to the WMATA for placement on the buses featured a picture of George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge accompanied by text reading, Christian? To find out about the faith of our founders, go to wallbuilders.com. A second proposed advertisement featured the same text with a picture of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in the background. WMATA rejected the advertisements because the ad review panel has determined that the two attached proposed advertisements are both prohibited by Commercial Advertising Guideline 9, which bans ads intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions. WallBuilders concluded that Guideline 9 appeared to be vague and had the effect of excluding all religious speech from being advertised on the exterior of WMATA buses and asked WMATA to elaborate on the reasoning behind the rejection. After the transit agency failed to respond, WallBuilders submitted revised advertisements that featured the same pictures but omitted all language except for an invitation to visit wallbuilders.com. WMATA again rejected the ads. Although WMATA Guideline 9 prohibits [a]dvertisements intended to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions, WMATA continues to permit advertisements on a variety of controversial issues on which members of the public have varying opinions, including allowing a number of advertisements that criticize or promote religious practices and belief, the lawsuit states. The complaint noted that the WMATA had posted ads promoting The Book of Mormon, described as a play that amounts to a mockery of the Mormon faith and religion in general on its buses. Additionally, WMATA buses have also advertised the Catholic University of America. The ads for the Catholic institution of higher education have included the tagline: Every story is a journey of the spirit. Other examples of WMATA advertisements identified in the complaint as efforts to influence members of the public regarding an issue on which there are varying opinions are promotions of Earth Day, the JxJ DC Jewish Film and Music Festival and the Social Justice School, which exists to catalyze an integrated community of middle-school learners to be scholar-activists who are designers of a more just world. WMATA has also posted an advertisement featuring the phrase DEMAND SUPREME COURT TERM LIMITS in one of its Metrorail stations. The lawsuit contends that Guideline 9 and Guideline 12, which declares that [a]dvertisements that promote or oppose any religion, religious practice or belief are prohibited, as violations of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitutions guarantee of Freedom of Speech. In addition to seeking an injunction preventing WMATA from enforcing Guidelines 9 and 12 against WallBuilders, the plaintiffs are also seeking attorneys fees and costs. In a statement announcing the lawsuit, First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys explained: The First Amendment grants all Americans the right to express their point of view, religious or secular. Rejecting a faith-based advertising banner by labeling it an issue ad, while accepting other ads, such as those promoting a Social Justice School, Earth Day, and the highly controversial idea of term limits for Supreme Court Justices, is clearly hypocritical, discriminatory, and illegal. WMATA must support the freedoms provided in the First Amendment rather than silence Americans through censorship, he added. Arthur Spitzer, senior counsel at the ACLU-D.C., offered a similar analysis of the case: The case against WMATA is a critical reminder of whats at stake when government entities exercise selective censorship. The First Amendment doesnt play favorites; it ensures that all voices, regardless of their message, have the right to be heard. While the ACLU has developed a reputation as a left-leaning organization that often finds itself at odds with faith-based organizations in recent years, Spitzer stressed that the ACLU defends these suits, regardless of whether it agrees with the underlying message because it believes in the speakers right to express it. He reiterated that the government cannot arbitrarily decide which voices to silence in public forums. Home Podcast The Inside Story: Why murdered missionary John Chau's legacy divides 5 years later John Chau's tragic murder in November 2018 sparked a plethora of debate worldwide surrounding the morality, behaviors and goals of Christian missions. Chau was a 26-year-old missionary when he was killed by the Sentinelese tribe after he traveled to North Sentinel Island in India, an isolated region housing the uncontacted and unreached people group. As Christian Post Assistant Editor Leah MarieAnn Klett recently noted, Chau's attempt to bring the Gospel to the group a quest that led to his murder has been praised by some and derided by others. Klett recently screened the new National Geographic documentary "The Mission," which features Chau's personal writings, interviews and accounts from those who knew him best, including his family and pastor. Woven throughout the film is a letter from John's father, who blames "extreme Christianity" for his son's death. "Some, both in the Evangelical and secular arenas, condemned Chau's journey as a reckless one that reflected deep levels of ignorance, pride and cultural superiority," Klett wrote. "Others applauded his commitment to the Great Commission, the biblical mandate to reach all nations with the Gospel, despite great personal risk." Listen to Klett break down these issues on "The Inside Story" podcast: "The Inside Story" takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand what's driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Edifi Anchor Breaker Google Podcasts Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts RadioPublic Spotify Home Opinion How to be a witness in a hostile world Witnessing in the American workplace has always been dicey, and its not getting simpler. Misgendering, deadnaming and using the wrong pronouns create new complications and create a new legal basis for hostile work environments. With language, gender status and compliance becoming sacrosanct, the American landscape for workplace witness approaches what I experienced when teaching at a university in a Muslim country. Here are some lessons from that experience. In a Muslim country, the cardinal rule is NEVER insult Mohammed or criticize Islam. Its corollary is don't say or do anything that questions the truth and superiority of Islam. In the majority Muslim world, Muslim hegemony is a cancel culture where expressive freedom is highly constrained. Draw a picture of Muhammed or accidentally damage a Qur'an and you may die (Ive seen it happen). Blaspheme against the prophet and you may start a riot. If you start a riot, it's your fault and not the rioter's fault. Inadvertently insult the Prophet with a survey that ends up ranking ten figures as more "admired" than Muhammad (as Arswendo did in 1990), and you end up in jail for inspiring riots. So how did I have a workplace testimony in that environment? I accepted that my testimony depended more on identity and behavior than on spoken words. Virtue signaling isnt limited to progressive fundamentalism, its also perfected in the Muslim world. Muslims signal piety through their five pillars: the fast, the pilgrimage, the creed, giving alms and the five daily times for prayer. By avoiding the pillars of Islam, I clearly signaled that I was not a Muslim. By going to church on Sundays and having a personal Bible, I signaled that I was a Christian. Because the society around me was identity-based, whether I was kind or unkind was ascribed to that identity. Identity politics in America, while stifling speech, provides a similar opportunity for identity-based witnessing: when Christians are kind or unkind, that action is ascribed to their Christian identity. Its the same for all the other virtues and vices: honesty, patience, self-control, lying, stealing, cheating and so on. Identity-based evangelism must do a lot of heavy lifting to overcome bigotry and stereotypes. Having a clear identity carries two prices. First, through it, actions speak louder than words. It means behaviors can help one's testimony, but it also means they can hurt one's testimony. Second, having a clear identity as a religious minority can result in discrimination. Many Christians among Muslim majorities try to hide their identities to avoid persecution. But having a workplace testimony, by definition, precludes flying under the radar. Ironically, facing discrimination actually becomes an opportunity to project Christian virtues. Identifying as a committed Jesus-follower when in the majority doesn't earn much credit, but doing so as a mistreated minority says something about ones faith and character. But testimony should be more than non-verbal. Talking about Muhammed or Islam leads into a minefield, but talking about Jesus and one's personal experience with Him never caused me any trouble. And asking to pray in the name of Jesus with people about their concerns or problems was always eagerly accepted. Similarly, challenging progressive social norms is not likely to be well received. But sharing an uplifting personal experience might be, especially in a culture that cannot deny personal experience. Another lesson I learned was that public space in a Muslim country is Muslim space. Religious freedom for non-Muslims only exists in private. I also learned that symbols are important. Therefore, public symbols and public displays of Christian virtue end up insulting Islam, including the Bible. Sharing my faith or giving a Bible had to be done in the setting of a private personal relationship. Secularism has similar attitudes in America, where separation of church and State is often interpreted as separation of religious expression from public space. Christian symbols on public property have been under attack for years. State schools keep trying to throw Christian groups off their campuses. Leaders in business and government are pressured and threatened to keep Bibles and Bible verses out of public spaces and out of their email signatures. Under these circumstances, Christian testimony ends up becoming more private. Personal relationships become more significant. Impersonal religious symbols in public become inflammatory. In this identity-based cancel culture, maintaining good interpersonal relationships for opportunity to talk about Jesus and ones personal relationship to him is critical for workplace witness. Listening to other peoples problems and praying for them can be a powerful tool through which the Holy Spirit can work. But the relationship piece must be balanced with maintaining a clear identity as an uncompromised Christian. Embracing the majority lifestyle and woke virtue-signaling may get you accepted, but after that, you may have nothing perceptible to offer thats any different from the unbelievers around you. So how do Christians handle it when the pronoun and bathroom police demand acceptance of unbiblical sexual expressions? While Constitutional protection for minority religious expression doesn't exist in Muslim countries, American Christians still have Constitutional protections for sincerely held religious beliefs. Employment laws still support requests for religious accommodation. Many organizations are fighting hard to preserve these workplace protections in America as part of their Christian beliefs. Standing firm on traditional Christian positions for marriage and sexuality will have costs, even if it does remain Constitutionally protected. Some Christians may feel called to accommodate pronoun and bathroom demands. They will end up compromising some identity to preserve relationship opportunities. Others will be called to resist pronoun and bathroom demands, though they should do so with kindness and gentleness. They will stand out and be more persecuted. Both callings are valid, with different pros and cons and different ways that the Holy Spirit can move. Both groups will need to have grace and support each other in their different callings. Its bad enough to be persecuted by the majority religion. Christians dont need to be condemning each other. In the majority Muslim world, some churches fortress themselves and avoid reaching out to Muslims in order to protect themselves from violent reprisals. They are islands of socially acceptable private identity in a sea of Islam. Recently, some churches are trying to evangelize their Muslim neighbors and are showing more courage in public spaces. Surprisingly, these outreach-minded Christians often face more hostility from neighboring and fearful Christians than from Muslims. A similar divide has arrived in America. Some Christians are dictating to each other how firm to stand and how much to give in. For good workplace testimony, Christians should not be criticizing each other to unbelieving outsiders. Jesus said that the world will know we are His by our love for one another. Showing that love for other Christians despite disagreement is another important part of workplace witness. The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) stepped down Wednesday amid mounting pressure on him to resign to reform the beleaguered party ahead of April's general elections. PPP Chairman Kim Gi-hyeon announced the decision on social media a day after Rep. Chang Je-won, a close confidante of President Yoon Suk Yeol, said he will not run in the upcoming elections as part of reform measures aimed at winning back voter trust in the party. "I hope that all members of our party will gather strength with a spirit of unity and inclusiveness to gain the hearts of the people through self-discipline and compassion," Kim wrote on Facebook. Kim said he will throw himself into stabilizing the party and achieving victory in the upcoming elections to keep the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea in check. His resignation came nine months after he was elected as the party leader at a convention with the support of Yoon. Chang's decision turned all eyes on to Kim as to whether he will follow suit as the two have been among the PPP heavyweights and confidants of President Yoon Suk Yeol that have been under pressure to give up seeking another term or running in more hard-to-win districts. On the day of Chang's announcement, the PPP leader canceled a planned charity event and reportedly met with his closest aides to gather opinions on his future course of action. The party also canceled a general meeting of lawmakers planned for Wednesday afternoon. Party members have engaged in a flurry of discussions about what Kim should do. "The most significant issue is that the PPP's 'face' should change," said Kim Yong-nam, a former lawmaker and a candidate for the general elections, in a radio interview. "The important issue is whether the party's leader will resign or not." Some lawmakers, including Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, argued Kim should also give up running in the general elections, as he was too late to respond to calls for party reform. "If Kim steps down from the leadership position but maintains his candidacy in his constituency, it will not meet the eye-level of the people," he said in a radio interview. (Yonhap) Home Opinion Overlooked promise of Christmas: Peace on Earth One of the familiar words that typically surround the Christmas season is peace. We see it on billboards, lit up in twinkling lights, and on charms worn around necks. Yet with so many who pray for peace this time of year, why does it seem like peace always eludes us? For Christians, this season is of extreme importance as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior who rescued humanity from our sins and healed our brokenness. One of the central promises associated with the birth of Christ is the hope and expectation of peace on earth. In an era filled with conflict conflict between nations, and conflict even within our own homes the message of peace that Jesus gives should certainly bring a message of hope for all families and communities. There are different kinds of peace Christ offers us. In fact, the Hebrew word shalom, translated peace in the English language, appears 550 times throughout Scripture. There is peace characterized by the absence of conflict. This is a peace the prophets predicted for the world when the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:4). This will happen only when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns to His eternal kingdom. We also find a version of peace when Christ would greet others in Scripture. Peace to you (Luke 24:36), He said to the Apostles. Or Peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, as many of the Apostles say in one form or another in their letters. There is the peace described between Jews and Gentiles. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:14. We learn in the book of Romans that we can have peace with our neighbors, so far as it depends on us, Paul explains. We are to always seek peace rather than conflict with those around us. With so many comforting promises of peace in the Bible, the Christmas story delivers the word peace with heavenly praise. When Jesus birth was announced by the angels to the shepherds outside Bethlehem, they declared, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to those on whom His favor rests (Luke 2:14). This is the living and lasting peace that gives us eternal hope. This is about more than the type of peace that brings an end to disagreement, ending tension and strife. What the angels are declaring is personal peace with God. Its a peace that grips our souls and promises everlasting salvation. The Bible tells us of a God who loves us and promises indescribable peace. Jesus is our peace. Only Christ and Christ alone can give us both internalandeternalpeace. Jesus said to a desperately sick woman who came to Him for healing: Your faith has made you well; go in peace (Mark 5:34). This womans faith in Him would do more than heal her disease; it would give her an eternal peace deep within her soul, a wellness within. Whatever your state of mind is this Christmas, this abundant life is yours when you believe in Jesus and place your faith in the God of peace Jesus Christ. Its true that in this world well still have trouble. The promise of peace doesnt mean our earthly problems just disappear. But this leads us to look forward to the final promise of peace in Scripture. When Christ returns, prophecies are fulfilled, and He will reign on earth in perfect peace and harmony with all of humanity. What a spectacular day that will be! It will be a Christmas celebration forever. We can wait expectantly knowing our future is with Him. This promise of peace on earth remains as real and relevant as ever. Its ours, if well just receive it. Until then, we live with expectancy and with the promise that our future is with Him. He holds the future, including your future, in His hands. Home Opinion Why does GoFundMe and just about everyone else normalize double mastectomies? How is it possible that a 19-year-old woman posts a fundraiser to pay a portion of her $60,000 health care costs to remove healthy breasts, and this is considered normal even heroic? Why does GoFundMe allow someone to put up a plea like this? Why do friends and family salute this rooting for this young person, who is not fully an adult, to make such a life-altering decision? Why do therapists, doctors, surgeons, and insurance companies think this is justifiable? There is not enough medical evidence to support the path this nation is on with so-called gender dysphoria diagnoses. Still, girls across the nation are having double mastectomies, which the movement euphemistically refers to as top surgery. This example I cite is not hypothetical or a composite. This is a young woman, still in college, barely stumbling toward becoming an adult who is making a decision that will remove vital tissue, alter her body, and scar her for life both physically and likely emotionally. This is a young woman who started down the trans rabbit hole at 13 when she reached puberty and felt confused and uncomfortable with not in her body. This is a young woman who had yet to deal with a raft of complex psychological issues stemming from her earliest days. This is a young woman who joined a group of alternative kids in middle school the first clique that ever accepted her and they suggested she was trans. She embraced the concept and narrowed her life to become a trans man, a term for a woman who claims to be a man. Along the way, she abandoned her family and replaced it with an enabling glitter family. She gave up just about everything that was at one time meaningful to her. She had a single focus: to become trans. She used the word with pride like someone might say Im a nurse or a fighter pilot. Her face would light up when shed say Im trans as though this alone could define her and erase all that she was before. It was the prescription she needed to escape a lifetime of unresolved psychological pain stemming from post-birth trauma. Even as early as eight years ago, she found the support she needed beyond her skeptical parents. The local psychologist whod hung an LBGTQ plaque on her door was only too happy to suggest this child break from her non-affirming parents. She had no problem swiftly agreeing the child was trans. Writing a prescription for testosterone not a problem. Zip, there you go! Heres that piece of paper you came here for rather than actually wanting to dig deep and take the painful journey to explore what lies beneath. No, thats not how this works. The child says shes trans, the so-called professional adheres to the diagnosis, the insurance company reimburses the sessions, and the industrial medical complex awaits a lifelong patient who will have her breasts removed and be medicated for the rest of her life, not to mention all the post-care once things start to become complicated or go wrong when this medical experiment is at full tilt. But for now, lets return to the normalization of a young woman raising funds to lop off her healthy breasts. Should platforms like GoFundMe think twice about allowing this or do they have no moral obligation to vet who uses the fundraising platform and how? If there is even a vetting department, their perspective is probably that this kind of fundraiser is helping a distressed gender-dysphoric patient raise the money she needs for the urgent care she requires. Its unlikely the average platform vetter might stop and think about how bizarre or even ridiculous this really is. Theyre not likely to understand this practice is experimental (why would they?) and that too many medical questions linger. People raise money for things all the time maybe this doesnt jump out and scream: Wait! This is irrational! It should. The fundraiser tells her community that health care will cover over $60,000 for this needed surgery. But who has decided this is necessary and not an elective surgery based on a runaway social contagion? She has. Then there are the enablers people who likely mean well when they donate $5 or $20 or $500 and hurl words of encouragement about the courageous thing this young woman is doing to her body. Objectively, its difficult to understand how people hit that pay button before asking themselves whether this really makes sense. Most, maybe many of those sending donations, would never in a million years remove a healthy body part by choice but theyve been indoctrinated to believe that this is a healthy and informed choice. Ultimately the folks at GoFundMe, everyone who enables this young woman along the way, the monetary and emotional contributors, will not be there when this woman navigates the world, carved up, a woman without breasts, a trans man with female genitalia. When the glitter fades and the obsession dulls, all those that stood like fans lined up along the parade route waving metaphorical rainbow flags will be living their lives with intact bodies and likely a general sense of normalcy. Participating in the glory of that childs moment will be irrelevant and way in the past. They wont be there for the potential fallout. Watching this young woman reckon with what she has done will not be their burden. This she will do alone. Originally published at The Daily Signal. Chinese church members harassed on anniversary of crackdown Members of Early Rain Covenant Church have reported harassment and the detention of leaders on the fifth anniversary of a crackdown on the Chinese church. Five years ago, at the church located in Chengdu, Sichuan province, over 100 members were arrested during a period of half a year. The arrests resulted in a nine-year prison sentence for the church's pastor, Wang Yi, and a four-year sentence for elder Qin Defu. Qin was released last year but Wang remains in prison. Church members report that in the run-up to the 9 December meeting, they experienced intimidation in the form of power cuts, warnings over the phone, stalking, police being stationed outside their homes, threats at their door, and being forcibly taken to the police station. A day after the meeting, the church reported that one of its members, Jia Xuewei, had been placed under administrative detention for 15 days, while preacher Dai Zhichao was criminally detained on suspicion of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". They were detained on International Human Rights Day, which this year coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The EU's delegation to China issued a statement on Human Rights Day calling for the release of Pastor Wang as well as other Christians and religious freedom defenders. Mervyn Thomas, the founder president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, welcomed the statement and called for the release of the Early Rain members and "all others who have been detained or imprisoned on account of their religion or belief". "These mass police operations against house churches show the Chinese authorities' utter contempt for universal and inalienable human rights, and they are particularly jarring as the world celebrates the establishment of the fundamental rights enshrined within the UDHR," he said. "We also welcome the EU's statement and urge the international community to continue to highlight human rights violations in China and to hold the Chinese Communist Party to account for these at every possible opportunity." Outgoing chairman calls for unity; PPP leadership lapses into uncertainty By Nam Hyun-woo Ruling People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon resigned, Wednesday, amid mounting calls for him to step down from the chairmanship or give up his bid for reelection in next years general elections. Kim has been in the hot seat after his apparent rejection of the PPP innovation committee's recommendation that he make "a gesture of sacrifice." Amid growing conflicts between party members, PPP heavyweight Rep. Chang Je-won announced he would give up his reelection bid, Tuesday, citing the need for sacrifice, and this apparently created tremendous pressure on Kim to step down from the post. The innovation committee had been launched to resuscitate the party's faltering support rate. "As of today, I am stepping down from the chairmanship of the PPP," Kim wrote on Facebook. "Despite many objections, I would like to fulfill my responsibilities by reflecting on myself for what has happened, in order to ensure the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and the overall victory of the People Power Party, as they are imperative commands from a historical context," he added. Kim said he should take the blame for criticism that the PPP is facing, and that the party should not be split over whether he should retain his post. "I hope all of the party members have the mindset of unity and cohesion and join forces to win the hearts of the people," Kim wrote. "With the general elections coming in 119 days, I will do my best to support floor leader Rep. Yun Jae-ok to stabilize the party and prevent the shameless Democratic Party of Korea from controlling the National Assembly." Kim went into seclusion in his office at the Assembly since Tuesday, canceling all of his planned public events. He did not return to his home in Seoul on Tuesday night in order to avoid reporters. Kim did not respond to the innovation committee's call for a "gesture of sacrifice." The committee disbanded on Monday, earlier than planned and without any tangible accomplishments. As the party's factions clashed over whether the PPP chief should resign, Kim faced increased pressure to set an example for other lawmakers. On Monday, Kim hinted that he would stay in his position, saying, There are issues which are difficult to apply to real politics. But a new twist was introduced on Tuesday as Rep. Chang, who commands a huge influence among the PPP's mainstream pro-Yoon faction, decided not to run for reelection. (The PPPs) general election victory is a necessary condition for the success of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, Chang told reporters. So I am putting the last thing I have on the line. I humbly lay myself down so that the party can roll on to achieve victory in the election, for the success of the Yoon administration. Chang is a three-term lawmaker and known as one of the closest aides to the president. He served as Yoon's chief of staff when he was president-elect. Rep. Changs decision can be interpreted as putting pressure on Chairman Kim, former lawmaker Kim Young-woo of the PPP said in a radio interview with MBC, Wednesday. PPP Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo also said in an interview with broadcaster CBS, The only option Kim has is resigning from the chairman post, and it will be the only way to change the current election dynamics. Now that Kim has chosen to resign from his post, the PPPs leadership faces uncertainties. Given the past cases of a leaders absence, the party can form an emergency committee as its interim leadership or have the floor leader serve as acting chairman. However, either of the options can lead to further uncertainties as the partys leader will soon have to recommend candidates for the general elections. PPP Rep. Ha Tae-keung, a fringe party member who had been calling for Kims resignation, said in a radio interview with SBS, The party should pool its wisdom for Kims exit strategy, so that he can step down from the chairmanship and run in his home turf of Ulsan. Lee Nak-yon, a former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said Wednesday he will create a new political party of his own early next year ahead of April's general elections. Lee, who served as prime minister during the previous administration, also said in a TV interview that the envisioned party will try to join forces with those not aligned with either the ruling People Power Party (PPP) or the DPK with the goal of becoming the No. 1 party in the new National Assembly. "We will try to give hope, albeit small, to people in despair," he said during the interview with SBS TV. Lee said he will be able to give more details early next year. In recent weeks, Lee has voiced strong criticism of DPK leader Lee Jae-myung, his erstwhile rival in the DPK's presidential primary, saying the party's democracy is under crisis due to the leader and his hardcore supporters. Only four months ahead of the general elections, a number of influential figures in political circles have signaled the possibility of creating new political parties and challenging Korea's deeply rooted politics. Lee Jun-seok, a former leader of the ruling party, has also hinted at the possibility of creating a new party and said he could leave the PPP by Dec. 27. (Yonhap) Aquariums in Korea will be banned from purchasing new cetaceans for display starting this week, officials said Wednesday, as animal rights activists have called for the release of whales and dolphins in captivity. The announcement came after the country revised the act on the management of zoos and aquariums, which will come into effect starting Thursday, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The revision centers on prohibiting local aquariums from acquiring new whales and dolphins for display. Additionally, it forbids these facilities from allowing visitors to ride, touch or feed these marine mammals. Korea also made it mandatory to win state approval to open an aquarium, with the existing facilities required to meet the criteria within five years. The revised act provides specific guidelines regarding the procedures and schedules for conducting routine medical examinations on captive species within aquariums as well. "We plan to proactively advertise the changes to ensure their smooth implementation, while maintaining cooperation with the aquarium industry," Oceans Minister Cho Seung-hwan said. Currently, there are 16 dolphins and five beluga whales at local aquariums. (Yonhap) By Shim Jae-yun Various surveys indicate Donald Trump will win the next U.S. presidential election. Polls conducted by major U.S. media outlets such as The New York Times and NBC News predict Trumps victory over his likely archrival President Joe Biden. Trump is now enjoying more than majority support from Republicans as the most promising presidential candidate for the November election. Recently Trump drew attention by flamboyantly eulogizing his past "bromance with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. After tough talk, then we fell in love, he said in a campaign rally at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dec. 2. This shows Trumps expected win will possibly provide fresh momentum for a breakthrough in the stalled North Korea-U.S. relations. Notwithstanding such an optimistic perspective, however, many skeptics are wary of the potential adverse impact his win could have on South Korea-U.S. alliance and bilateral trade relations. They fear Trump may prefer policies that will undermine the Souths interests mainly in security and economic terms. For starters, during his stay in office, Trump labeled South Korea as a free security rider. To Seouls dismay, he asserted that South Korea had managed to protect itself by riding on the safeguard from the U.S. forces stationed here without paying due costs. Given this, he urged the South to sharply increase the defense cost share, even by five-fold. With capricious foreign affairs and security policies, Trump endangered global alliances during his first term as president. In particular, he virtually shattered U.S. ties with the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While calling on NATO members to increase defense budgets, he revealed a negative viewpoint over the raison d'etre of NATO itself. He was also amicable toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. South Korea was never free from Trumps fickle behavior. In 2017 he threatened war with North Korea, aggravating military tension on the Korean Peninsula. Yet the following year, he again snatched global attention by showcasing his friendship with Kim. His actions never ended as simple rhetoric. In 2018, he unilaterally suspended joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises without consulting the Moon Jae-in government, fresh from a summit with Kim in Singapore. Such honey between Kim and Trump seemed to have ended in the 2019 summit in Hanoi. Trump walked out of the meeting due to a difference in stances regarding the envisaged lifting of sanctions on the North in return for the demolition of the Yongbyon nuclear facilities. According to memoirs of Trump staff, he stubbornly pushed to withdraw the U.S. troops from the peninsula but to no avail due to fierce opposition from the White House, State Department and Pentagon. In this vein, his return to the White House is not welcome news for South Korea. Given the lingering nuclear threat from the North, concerns are brewing over the next Trump administrations Korean Peninsula policy. The Yoon Suk Yeol government has been desperate to expand U.S. nuclear deterrence. The Washington Declaration announced in April also focused on extended deterrence capabilities. There has been growing anxiety that such an agreement will evaporate should Trump take power again. This is the reason why former National Security Office chief Kim Sung-han cited the need to utilize the golden time for implementing the nuclear deterrence plan before the presidential election next November. North Korea has continued to build up its nuclear capabilities, including the much-touted intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that can strike the U.S. mainland. Against this backdrop, it is almost impossible to deter the Norths nuclear attacks with only the U.S.-provided nuclear umbrella unless South Korea is equipped with its own nuclear deterrence ability. And such risks could double should Trump retake power. Besides security, concerns are also growing over Trump's attempted imposition of up to 10 percent duties on all imports. If he pursues such a policy again, it will deal a critical blow to the Korean economy, which is highly dependent on the U.S. market. Trumps possible protectionist policies will nudge other countries to follow suit, darkening the global trade environment. Now it is high time for the Yoon administration to brace for the possibility of a new Trump administration, fortifying relations with officials who will be in charge of major policies. It needs to map out a contingency plan to prepare for the worst-case scenario of a possible withdrawal of U.S. forces. The author is chief editorial writer at The Korea Times. Axel Johnson International is an industrial group within Axel Johnson, which also owns Swedish food retailer Axfood and Dustin, the online IT partner in the Nordics and Benelux, among others. The group develops and acquires industrial companies in selected niche markets, including just over 200 companies in six different business areas with a focus on, among other things, technical components and industrial process solutions. In general, the group is decentralized and places an emphasis on the entrepreneurial culture of the individual companies. But there are some areas where central staffs have been created. We reorganized in 2017 and then also decided to create certain central staffs finance, sustainability, M&A and IT, says Marten Steen, CIO at Axel Johnson International. Although the companies within the group have a high degree of self-determination, there are areas where the central IT department controls the decisions, and is responsible for cyber security, and ownership of networks and clients, so M365 applies throughout the group. Those are the areas where we decide centrally, but, having said that, there are no rules without exceptions, he says. If we buy a small company group thats just implemented a new network, for example, well have a dialogue that may end with us connecting to their network instead. Clear process Today, all companies in the group have entered M365 and theres a well-proven and clearly designed process for how new companies are moved into that environment. Steen estimates that on average, between 15 and 20 companies are added each year. So the reason to have everyone in M365 is partly connected to security and partly because theres a lot of information there that everyone should be able to take part in. Stockfotos-MG / Adobe One of Scotland's oldest charities has transferred funds, from its liquidation, to another charity. Balnacraig School announced its need for liquidation in 2021. At the request of the school's board, the liquidator, Shona Campbell, has passed the surplus funds of around 0.9m to the Rock Trust. Kate Polson, chief executive of Rock Trust, said Balnacraig School has preserved a great legacy by ensuring that their remaining funds are invested in preventing young people becoming homeless. We are very grateful to the trustees as the funds have enabled us to invest in a new prevention programme which will make a massive impact on young people and their families, she said. OSCR, the Scottish charity regulator, reports that Rock Trust had an income of 2.68m in the year until 1 March 2023. We were saddened by the need for liquidation Balnacraig School, established in Perth in 1843, decided to seek liquidation as a result of a decline in referrals and the inability to proceed with the sale of the large listed baronial mansion at Fairmount Terrace in Perth. This was its centre of operations, and was put up for sale in 2019. David Law, former chair at Balnacraig School, said the boards hope had been to continue as a charity for young people and while we were saddened by the need for liquidation the board is pleased such a significant sum will be used to support young people in need. He said: The funds derived from the liquidation process are being directed towards the Rock Trust, a charity dedicated to preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable young people in Scotland. The Rock Trust will use these funds to further its mission and expand its reach to positively impact the lives of those in need. The Balnacraig Schools most recent accounts for the year ending 31 March 2020, show an income of 2.25m and expenditure of 2.76m. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, A survey of British Muslims found that 58% expect to cut back on the money they donate to charity in the next 12 months. Despite this, it is the area least likely to be affected by British Muslims personal spending cuts. The respondents were more likely to make cuts to large purchases (77%) and eating out (76%) than their charitable spending. The survey sample shows that British Muslims are twice as likely than the general public to say they will give more to charity in the year ahead. According to the report, British Muslims donate over 1bn a year and represent 6.5% of the population. The research was conducted by Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) and supported by NfP research. British Muslim Charitable Giving II: The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis was based on a total of 1,092 survey responses from British Muslims. Muslims are more likely to donate more to charity than the general public Some 27% of respondents said they would give more to charity next year, 43% said they would give the same amount and 11% said they would give less over the next year. It is worth remembering that this could be due to the higher social grade and lower age profile of the sample, the report states. However, the cost-of-living crisis has had a clear effect on respondents finances, with only 7% of respondents saying they were not worried about their finances. Two-thirds said they were worse off now than they were six months ago. When asked about their future financial stability, 58% of the sample was concerned about paying their monthly bills, 38% about housing costs, and 39% were worried about having to clear debt. Fadi Itani, chief executive of MCF said: This report shows that although British Muslims and other minority groups remain one of the hardest-hit by rising living costs, their dedication to charitable causes remains firm. The insight from this report casts a spotlight on UK Muslims and how their giving has been impacted and will make useful reading to all those with an interest in the sector. Cost-of-living crisis making it harder to volunteer The report also reveals 43% of British Muslims said they had volunteered in the last year, either for a charity, other organisation, or in the local community. Some 52% said they had not, while 5% said they did not know. A third (33%) of the sample said that the cost-of-living crisis has decreased how often they can volunteer. Nonetheless, 25% said they felt compelled to volunteer more often because of the crisis, whereas 33% said it had not had any impact. The remaining respondents were not sure. Respondents were asked to pick five of the things they were most concerned about. The top concern for the survey sample was the quality and cuts to NHS services (53%). Islamophobia was second at 38%, and the third highest-ranking concern was their personal financial security. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, A sunrise over mountains. Wild animals running free. A field of pristine solar panels. These are the images at the top of a slickly produced promotional video for the Saudi Green Initiative, which pledges bold vision and leadership in the fight against climate change. It seems every country and company is airing similar greenwashing videos, never mind their lagging tangible action. But in the case of Saudi Arabia, viewers might find the video especially galling: Is a country that has made itself virtually synonymous with oil really going to lead the world out of the fire? Not likely, according to reporting by the UK-based Centre for Climate Reporting (CCR), which on the eve of the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates uncovered a massive, multipronged strategy by Saudi Arabia to artificially boost fossil fuel demand for years to come. Known publicly as the Oil Sustainability Program, the strategy comprises everything from fast-tracked gas-guzzling supersonic commercial airliners to development projects in Asia and Africanew roads, new airports, a deluge of low-cost carsdesigned to hook emerging economies on Saudi oil. Covering Climate Now spoke recently with Lawrence Carter, CCRs founder and director and one of the reporters on the story. He shared his teams approach to investigations like this and what reporters everywhere should make of leaders dubious promises of climate action. The conversation, with CCNow deputy director Andrew McCormick, has been edited for length and clarity. Find more of CCRs reporting on its website. Starting with the Saudi investigation, what was the germ for that idea? The starting point was a story I did in late 2021, before COP26 in Glasgow. I was leaked a database of government and industry comments on a draft for the [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes] Working Group 3 report, which is the UNs most recent landmark report on climate science. There were thousands of lines of data, and as youd expect there were a whole bunch of comments from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries seeking to strike any sense of urgency from the report and opposing language about phasing out or phasing down fossil fuels. That got me thinking: Given how rich Saudi Arabia is from oil, they must be doing more to secure the future of oil than just writing a few comments to the IPCC. As a reporter, you come up with a lot of hypotheses that dont go anywhere. But in this case, after quite a lot of desk research and time spent chatting with sources, I stumbled across a relatively innocuous-sounding Oil Sustainability Program. On the Saudi Energy Ministrys website, it was framed as essentially this well-meaning development initiative meant to help emerging economies in Asia and Africa. But that was in English. When you flipped to the Arabic version of the ministrys website, it was called the Oil Demand Sustainability Program, and the language was all about making sure the energy transition is financially sustainable for Saudi Arabia. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Then, in May 2023, a source of mine attended this pan-African petrochemical conference in Cape Town, where the head of the Oil Demand Sustainability Program, Mohammed Al Tayyar, spoke. From that, we got additional clues about the initiativebut you could still sense the Saudis were being very careful about how they framed the initiative for a large audience. Much of the presentation was about energy access for developing countries and things like clean cooking with [liquefied petroleum gas] stoves. My colleagues and I still didnt feel we quite had the story; even if nearly everything we could find about the Saudi initiative in public was, we suspected, quite misleading, we couldnt prove what it was up to. Helpfully, though, in that Cape Town presentation, Al Tayyar had said the Saudis were looking for partners. The aim wasnt for the Saudis to fund all these development projects themselves; they were trying to catalyze foreign investmentand they were open to working with anyone. So, to carry the story forward, we decided to approach them undercover, posing as an investment fund. What considerations went into the decision to go undercover? And what did you do to prepare? The first thing we do in situations like this is a public interest balancing test. On one side, we have all the evidence weve gathered so far and what we believe were likely to discover. On the other, we have the reasonable expectation of privacy for the people wed be approaching with subterfuge. In this case, we felt the evidence indicated overwhelmingly that it was in the public interest for us to proceed. Once we decided we would engage in a limited subterfuge, the conversation turned to how. Theres only three of us working at the Centre for Climate Reporting, so it wasnt difficult to work out who would meet with the Saudis, which was me and my colleague Tom Costello, who Ive worked with for years, including on another undercover investigation, into ExxonMobils lobbying against climate legislation. To prepare, we thought: What if we were on the other side of this, if we werent investigative reporters, and if someone were approaching us to invest? How would we verify that person was who they said? So you need a website. You need a phone number that rings and an email address that doesnt bounce back. Its difficult in the modern day to create a false digital footprint, because at this point everyone goes pretty far back. Im sure some longer-term investigations would call for a deeper digital footprint, but in this case we could only do so much for a story we hoped to report out in a matter of months. The Centre for Climate Reporting published its Saudi investigation in partnership with the UKs Channel 4 News. Alex Thomson reports. The climate story is replete with government and business leaders pledging bold action while continuing to invest in the opposite. Was there something about this investigation that stood out to you uniquely? Given how powerful Saudi Arabia is and how obstructive its been on climate, Ive come to the view that it receives far too little scrutiny from journalists. A lot of climate reportingincluding my own in the past; Im not pointing fingershas revolved around the Big Oil majors, like BP and Exxon. I think, in part, thats because these companies are what our audiences know; many in our audiences, if were talking about big media organizations, are likely more interested in a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange than they are in a foreign country. But arguably, beneath this veneer of glossy green propaganda, Saudi Arabia has had an even greater impact in blocking climate action. A few years ago, for instance, I reported on BPs greenwashing efforts and how, simultaneously, the company was lobbying the Trump administration to overturn a bunch of Obama-era climate policies. That was a bit surprising, because at the time BP was doing so much to assuage concerns about their company. But the scale of Saudi Arabias initiative, by comparison, is so much more vast. Its essentially a whole Belt and Road for oil. Yet its been around since 2020, and seemingly no one knew about it. To an extent, I think that might be because of the nature of what Saudi Arabia is doingshifting toward these developing countries. The story might not have gotten the attention it deserves because newsrooms audiences in the UK and US dont have that track record of being very interested in foreign coverage. Speaking of those developing Asian and African countries, sources from there in your story discuss the need for their countries to leapfrog fossil-fuel-centric infrastructures in favor of clean-energy economies. But on social media there are responses to your story from Saudi defenders that go something like: Hey, these are win-win partnerships for these countries and Saudi Arabia, and isnt it paternalistic or hypocritical for the West to weigh in one way or another? What do you make of that? I understand a response that says, Well, hey, whats wrong with a road-building program in this or that country? And as a journalist and someone who doesnt live there, indeed its not for me to say. But to me, the point of this reporting is the motivation for the Saudi initiative. When we were on a video call with officials from the Oil Demand Sustainability Program, they showed us a slidewhich is included in our storydepicting the metrics by which the Saudis select development projects. None of those metrics were about the great development outcomes in the countries in question. They were all about boosting oil sales. Certainly, if some of these projects proceed, and Saudi Arabia helps countries build needed infrastructure, there will be some positive outcomes. But thats not how civil society groups we interviewed in these countries responded to these revelations. Instead, they were quite shocked and upset. One person described the initiative as repulsive and compared it to the tobacco industry shifting its attentions from the US and Europe to developing countries when regulations and public awareness about the dangers of smoking increased. But Ill add that I think there are two bad guys in this story. One is the Oil Demand Sustainability Program, and the other, sort of implicitly, is the Global North or the Westthe rich worldwhich is largely responsible for climate change but whose governments have failed to stump up the funds they promised they would to support emerging economies with the energy transition. In the absence of that support, the Saudis have spotted essentially an open playing field and said to themselves, Well, the people in these countries need access to energy and they dont have it. We produce energy, so we can get it to them. And we can benefit. This conversation will run after COP28, but were speaking while COP28 is ongoing. Just before the conference began, your organization along with the BBC revealed that Sultan Al JaberCOP28 president but also CEO of the Emirati oil company ADNOCintended to use COP28 to secure oil and gas deals. Like with the Saudi investigation, this belied public commitments by Al Jaber to champion climate solutions. How should all this evident bad faith inform journalists approach to global negotiations going forward? I think journalists need to have a very healthy dose of skepticism. We should not take leaders very carefully and very expensively assembled talking points at face value. Broadly, Ive felt very positive about climate journalism in the lead-up to COP28. A lot of the work by climate-focused journalists, whether at the New York Times and The Guardian or at smaller, climate-specific newsrooms, has been very good. But theres a reason Al Jaber has invested so much time and money working with various PR consultancies to manicure his image, and certainly weve seen some quite positive, glossy profiles of Al Jaber, full of all these focus-group-tested lines about his plans for COP28which on the surface always sound ambitious but in reality are more often than not preferential to the oil and gas industry. This is especially problematic, because the publications responsible for this type of coveragethe ones Al Jabers consultants have approached with invitations of accessare the ones read by elites and shaping their opinions. I wish newsrooms taking up offers from people like Al Jaber would more often hold power to account. Stepping back, can you tell us about the Centre for Climate Reporting? We set up in early 2022, with the goal of taking readers into the boardrooms and halls of power where decisions are being made to obstruct efforts to tackle climate change. We aim for big reveals with the potential to move the needle on the publics understanding of the climate issue. And we prioritize reporting techniques that cut through the spin and get to the truth. Those include a lot of source-based reporting and undercover work. What helped you feel confident youd identified a clear niche that CCR could fill? Well, Im always chasing the freedom to report on what I wantbut to be honest, Ive always been just a bit too scared to become a freelancer, which to me is the ultimate plunge. In my previous role at Unearthed, Greenpeaces investigative journalism project, I had a lot of what I wanted from a job. But although Greenpeace is international, Unearthed was still hosted by Greenpeace UK, so I didnt have much geographic freedom. I felt there probably was a role for a new organization to invest in very long-lead, impact climate reporting, on a global scale. I was quite lucky, because in seven years at Unearthed Id built up a track record of stories with a fair amount of impact, and I also had a good sense of the philanthropic organizations that might be interested in funding us. Tom and I had just done that big story on Exxon, which I mentioned earlier, and it had resulted in two big US congressional inquiries and an apology from Exxons CEO. So our pitch was essentially: We want to do more of this. On October 17, the parking lot outside Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, where hundreds of displaced Palestinians had amassed, was hit by an explosive of uncertain origin. The New York Times, among other outlets, quickly reported a claim by Hamas that an Israeli air strike was responsible. Israel denied this, claiming that a rocket launch by a Hamas-allied militant group inside Gaza had misfired. Soon, an Al Jazeera video emerged that seemed to show a launch from inside Gaza. Other outlets, including the Associated Press, began to cite the Al Jazeera video in their analysis. Then, more videos emerged. One, posted to X (formerly Twitter) by a data analyst, seemed to show that the rockets in the Al Jazeera video had nothing to do with the incident at all. The AP issued a retraction. The Times separately changed its initial headline and issued an apology for relying too heavily on Hamass claims. The medias handling of the incident demonstrated both the promise and pitfalls of reporting based on video footage and other data sourced remotely from the internet, including satellite images, social media analytics, and publicly accessible datasets. The ability to turn to open source investigative techniques (often referred to as OSINT) has made it possible for reporters to challenge official accounts of the news and uncover stories that they could not have told otherwise. But reliance on this kind of analysis has also fueled misinformation by lending a false sense of certainty to claims based on impartial and, often, unverified material. When Alexa Koenig started the Investigations Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, Human Rights Center in 2016, she did so to teach future investigators not only how to leverage a growing arsenal of digital forensic tools, but how to do so responsibly. Students in the lab partner with organizations including Amnesty International and the United Nations to investigate human rights violations and potential war crimes. Their work often involves the arduous process of verifying footage, including cross-checking minute details against satellite data. As OSINT methods grew in popularity around the world, Koenig observed a need for a unified ethical framework and set of professional standards to guide practitioners and increase the effectiveness of the field. Koenig and her team convened experts across a range of disciplines for a series of workshops, producing a Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations that was published in 2020 in collaboration with the UN, and established best practices. Koenig is co-faculty director of the Human Rights Center and director of its Investigations Lab, as well as an adjunct professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Recently, we spoke about the promises and challenges of OSINT for journalism, training students in the method, and why the field needs a code of ethics. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. YRG: What were you hoping to achieve when you founded the Investigations Lab in 2016? AK: The idea was to bring together students from different disciplines to support our partner organizations conducting digital open source research. Weve seen how new and emerging technologies are transforming fact-finding. We were part of an effort that began in the early 2000s to think through what these new forms of information meant for evidence collection, for identifying sources, getting background information on atrocities, and so on. Part of that came from our work looking at why a series of very high-profile cases in the International Criminal Court in 2011 were falling apart at very early stages of prosecution. We found that the judges were critiquing the prosecutors for relying on the stories of witnesses without bringing in the corroborating information needed to meet the courts evidentiary standards. That kicked off thinking about how satellite imagery, drone footage, big-data analytics, and all this smartphone-generated content provided a new window into the world of people affected by human rights crises. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Journalism, social science, and human rights spaces really didnt have personnel trained in how to mine these digital sources. We realized we could train students to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these new forms of data to be responsible researchers in getting information out to the world. We do projects that may last only a semester of two and projects that may last multiple years. We had a longstanding relationship with different fact-finders looking at the genocide in Myanmar. This semester were wrapping up a project that involves pulling together a guide for open source investigators on how these methodologies can be helpful in reporting on environmental crimes and climate change. You mentioned the potential weaknesses of these methods. Can you give me some examples? One thing thats been lauded about open source investigations is that they can be democratizing. Most people, if they want to, can learn some of these skills fairly quickly. It takes a lot of practice to get really good at them, but theyre not out of reach for most people who have any proficiency with the internet. I think the challenge, however, is the communitys growth without the safeguards in place around professional ethics. Just because you can do something in digital spaces doesnt mean you necessarily should. An example: a journalist came across a video of a woman being raped, and decided to write an article about it and post stills from the video, including some that included the womans naked body. [The journalist] was trying to draw attention to this really horrific crime and see if people could help identify the perpetrators depicted in the video. However, there was [pushback] over whenever it was appropriate to depict the victim, and the publication ultimately removed some of those photos. Its [a question of]: what can I do versus what should I do? Of course you can post stills from a video thats been publicly posted, but should you have the consent of the victim? Can you think about ways to protect that victim from further dignitary harms before you do so? Why did you feel the Berkeley Protocol needed to happen? We began to think that there needed to be protocols or standards for doing this work, even just in the use of terminology. For example, a journalist would call information that they found online open source evidence. The lawyers who were working with the journalists would get upset because evidence is the information presented in a court of law to prove a fact in dispute. We were finding that people were talking across each other. I had also begun receiving calls from lawyers, investigators, and journalists who were looking at crises erupting in the Middle East and saying, Ive been getting videos and photographs sent to me from people over WhatsApp, or, I found a bunch of videos that are relevant to my cases or story on YouTube. How do I download and preserve this content? How should I tag it and code it so other people can find it later? Another concern was how misleading social media content can be. There can be misinformation or disinformation, fully fabricated data, stuff thats been staged. We realized that everyonefrom practitioners to potential judges who came into a courtroom to readers of a publicationneeded to know how to assess the quality of these investigations and the underlying data. Its very easy to show a satellite image, and draw a bunch of different colored boxes in circles around buildings and trees, and compare it to stills from a video to say where and when something happened. But a lot of people really dont have the training to assess whether thats correct. What did the process of developing the protocol involve? We pulled together a group including journalists, trial attorneys in the International Criminal Court, investigators from the ICC, and human rights practitioners to talk about international guidelines. We had three days of meetings. The first day I expected us to just get a few terms in place to make sure we were all talking about the same thing. Instead of taking the hour or two that I had allotted, it took eight hours. We realized we needed a tool to communicate across communities of practice. We interviewed about a hundred and fifty people across the globe about standard methodology and terminology. We also hosted a series of workshops about contested areas, like, when is it appropriate to use a false identity when doing online research? It turns out there are real tensions between the journalism community and the legal community about this. For law enforcement who also do digital open source investigations, you have a third set of considerations. One of the big workshops focused on ethics. It really came down to three things: What are the security considerations of everyone involved? That can be physical security, digital security, and psychological security. The second bucket is dignity. Are you violating the dignity of other people? And third, accuracy. Are you getting closer to the truth or are you actually just making it look like you are? One thing the Berkeley Protocol recommends is thinking through all these considerations in advance of starting an investigation and doing whats called a digital landscape analysis of who is communicating in digital spaceshow that differs by gender, by geography, by ageso that youre being inclusive. We also decided to make the Berkeley Protocol tool-agnostic. We didnt name Facebook or Twitter or any tools for downloading and preserving digital footage because, if we did, the protocol would be obsolete by the time it was finished. The online environment shifts so quickly. Its a foundational set of principles. Each investigative team really needs to build their standard operating procedures. More and more newsrooms are adopting OSINT or establishing new teams to focus on the methods. How do you think this has been going? What do you think could be improved? Its been really exciting to watch the proliferation of news outlets doing this work. By telling stories in a visual format, theyre engaging to audiences in ways that print stories may not. I worry that theres not much training around OSINT ethics yet. I think theres a trap that people can fall into, of not thinking about the communities that have been affected by violence and how [exposure] can magnify that trauma for that individual or those communities. I would also love to see more training within journalism teams [on verifying digital material]. Journalists are working with such limited budgets and are working so quickly that they often dont feel they have the luxury to do those additional modules beyond the techniques themselves. But ultimately, its whats going to keep us all safe and make sure the reporting is high quality. One of the things that we recommend for verification in the Berkeley Protocol is that whenever you see a video or photograph that you found online, you go through a three-step, very formal verification process: you look at any technical data that is still attached, you do content analysislook at the photo or video compared to satellite imagery and analyze if what you see is consistent with what youve been told about itand then you do source analysis. There is an infamous video called Syrian Hero Boy that claims to be of a young boy rescuing a young girl under fire in Syria. The media outlets that decided to run with that video, as a feelgood story from Syria, often hadnt done that source analysis; they hadnt really queried, who actually posted this and why would they be posting it? The ones who didnt [run the story said], we dont know enough about the source of that to really trust that this is what it claims to be. And they made the right call: this had actually been staged in Malta on the film set of Gladiator. When the director of this short film was asked why he had put this video up on YouTube anonymously, he said that he felt that the Western world wasnt paying enough attention to the plight of Syrians. A lot of the media amplified his video as if it had been legitimate and ended up putting fake information into the world. You can see how easy it is when you dont have the training to ultimately get it right. If you just tack these methods on top of traditional journalism, youre missing a lot of what has made the open source investigations community so strong, which is the spirit of innovation and collaboration across disciplines. I think we can learn so much from each other when we havent all gone through the same academic programs or the same ways of training. Its going to be important for journalists and editors to work with people from other disciplines. To really stay ahead of the ways these methods can enrich storytellingto reach new audiences or better engage audienceswill require being part of that community. Other notable stories: Earlier this week, the father of Anas Al-Sharif, a reporter for Al Jazeera in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike on his home in a refugee camp. Al-Sharif had previously reported receiving threats from the Israeli military; the Committee to Protect Journalists said that it was deeply alarmed by a pattern of journalists in Gaza reporting receiving threats, and subsequently, their family members being killed. Elsewhere, The Guardians Ruth Michaelson spoke with Plestia Alaqad, an Instagrammer in Gaza who became a citizen journalist during the war, and whose personal touch found a niche that television news failed to capture. Andfollowing multiple reports confirming that Israeli tank fire killed a Reuters journalist and wounded others, including from Agence France-Presse, in southern Lebanonthe French government called for a probe. The Verge is out with a package of stories on the year Twitter diedblaming Elon Musk for killing it, and grappling with its legacy as a news cycle accelerator, a tool of mass harassment, an idealistic money-losing workplace, and an infinite joke machine. Nilay Patel looked back on how the platform shapedand ultimately brokethe news industry. I had countless conversations with reporters in the pre-Elon Musk Twitter era who could not fathom doing their jobs without the site, who insisted that Twitter was where sources and scoops and true insight lay, Patel writes. It was utterly wrong and also completely understandable in a way that made arguing about it futile: Twitter could feel like a direct connection to a constantly shifting force in the culture. Recently, members of the News Leaders Associationwhich was formed out of a merger between the American Society of News Editors and the Associated Press Media Editors in 2019voted to dissolve the organization by next summer, after devolving its functions and programs to other nonprofits. Yesterday, the NLA announced that the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida will now oversee the NLAs Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of open government, while the Poynter Institute will inherit its awards program. The group has yet to announce new homes for its diversity survey, training programs, and historical records. Authorities in Russia have reportedly charged Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian American journalist for the US state-backed broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, with distributing fake news about the Russian military. Kurmasheva was already in detention in Russia after she was arrested earlier this year on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent. (The charges marked an escalation in Russias weaponization of that law, as we wrote at the time.) Over the weekend, protesters rallied in the Russian city of Kazan in solidarity with Kurmasheva, though law enforcement quickly broke up the rally. And Politicos Jack Shafer offered some tips to Senator J.D. Vance, who beat Shafer to the pinnacle of press criticism last week when he urged the Justice Department to probe Robert Kagan over a Post op-ed in which Kagan discussed the prospect of resistance to a Trump dictatorship. As much as I might want to sympathize with his takedown of a Washington Post contributor (we press critics must stick together!), Shafer wrote, Kagan is not an American Lenin out to smash the federal government. ICYMI: Azerbaijan cracks down on the free press. Again. Yona TR Golding is a CJR fellow. By Thiago de Aragao SAO PAOLO The Brazilian government, eager to assert itself as South Americas preeminent power, finds itself at a crossroads. The victory of libertarian opportunist Javier Milei in Argentinas recent presidential election has added a new element of uncertainty to Brazils relationship with its southern neighbor. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros threats to annex Guyanas oil-rich Essequibo region jeopardize the increasingly fragile alliance between Brazil and its northern neighbor. These developments have underscored the need for Brazil to focus on maintaining respectful and harmonious relations with its allies and adversaries in Latin America, instead of trying to extend its reach to Europe, the Middle East, and the South China Sea. Venezuelas territorial claims in the Essequibo region date back to the early nineteenth century. Though Venezuela initially agreed to the international ruling that established the current border in 1899, when Guyana was still a British colony, it quickly came to regret this decision. In 2006, Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, audaciously decided to add a star representing Essequibo to the Venezuelan flag. And this month, following a referendum in which Venezuelan voters approved the annexation of Essequibo, Maduro ordered the creation of a new state and presented an updated national map that shows the disputed territory as part of Venezuela. For Maduro, the current dispute offers a chance to boost his popularity ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Amid rising economic uncertainty, Venezuela faces mounting pressure from increasingly impatient creditors, such as Russia and China, and demanding allies like Iran and Cuba. For the first time in many years, Maduro also faces a somewhat organized political opposition, led by presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado, who represents the toughest electoral challenge he has faced so far. To be sure, in Venezuelas political system, winning is not a straightforward process. Even if he receives fewer votes, Maduro could still use the Venezuelan judicial system, one of the most corrupt and outdated in the region, to manipulate the results. To secure her victory, Machado must win by a larger margin than required in normal elections. While Maduros election strategy is certainly unconventional, it is not unprecedented. His use of the Essequibo dispute mirrors Argentinian General Leopoldo Galtieris attempt to quell growing domestic discontent by invading the Falkland Islands in 1982. Of course, Galtieri did not anticipate that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher grappling with domestic economic upheaval and a prolonged miners strike would view the crisis as an opportunity to divert attention from her own political struggles and respond with overwhelming military force. But make no mistake: invading Guyana, or even threatening to do so, is a sign of desperation. Having run out of ideas, Maduro aims to foment nationalist outrage and generate a flurry of domestic and international news stories to divert public attention away from Machado and his own administrations numerous blunders. Moreover, the crisis provides Maduro with a pretext to postpone setting a date for the presidential election. If Maduro were genuinely intent on invading Guyana, he would not have resorted to a public referendum or televised speeches. In the context of the 2024 election, the mere threat of an invasion is more valuable than carrying it out. While Guyanas lack of military capabilities suggests that Venezuela would likely encounter little resistance in an actual conflict, Maduros territorial ambitions face a major obstacle: ExxonMobil. Given that ExxonMobils largest foreign investment happens to be in Guyana, an invasion would inevitably cause a direct confrontation between Venezuela and the United States. The US, already grappling with a migrant crisis at its southern border, would do everything it can to avoid a conflict that could trigger another surge of people heading north. Nevertheless, it still has considerable leverage over Maduro. By mobilizing the Venezuelan expatriate community in Florida, the US could undermine whatever remaining legitimacy his regime may have. The impressive ability of numerous expatriates to engage with the Venezuelan dissident press, fund members of the opposition, and organize rallies that catch Maduros attention tend to be useful, especially when Maduro wants to recuperate some of his momentum with voters. Brazil must take the lead in de-escalating tensions. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has repeatedly suggested that the conflict could be resolved if Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, would just sit down and negotiate. When it comes to the Venezuela-Guyana dispute, Lulas friendship with Maduro puts him in a unique position to call his Venezuelan counterpart and say, Stop this nonsense. Meanwhile, the election of Milei, who has threatened to withdraw Argentina from the Mercosur bloc and labeled Lula an angry communist, has fueled concerns about the future of the relationship between Brazil and its largest trading partner in South America. Diana Mondino, Mileis economic adviser and intended foreign minister, recently announced that Argentina will not join the BRICS group in 2024 as planned, creating further uncertainty. At the moment, there is not much that Brazil can do to ease tensions. But Mondinos recent visit to Brasilia offers a glimmer of hope that the two countries may be able to set aside their disagreements and maintain commercial relations. Mileis presidency will serve as a crucial test for Lulas leadership. For the first time, Brazil faces the prospect of a major trading partner governed by a leader who is openly hostile. Just as he has softened his hardline stance toward China, Milei will likely realize over the next few months that quarreling with Brazil is counterproductive. Meanwhile, Lula must demonstrate the diplomatic acumen required to maintain functional trade relations. In dealing with both Venezuela and Argentina, Brazils strategy must rely on two key principles: pragmatism and efficiency. Thiago de Aragao, executive director of Public Affairs at Arko Advice, is a senior research associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This column was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). CLEVELAND, Ohio A Parma Heights man admitted Wednesday to lying to U.S. authorities about his war crimes conviction for killing a civilian during the Croatian war in the 1990s. Jugoslav Vidic hid the conviction so he could obtain refugee status in America. Vidic, 55, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cleveland to one count of lying on his green-card application. He agreed to be deported after serving a three-year prison sentence here. Vidic faces a 20-year prison term in Croatia. U.S. District Judge David Ruiz must find the plea agreement is fair before handing down the three-year sentence at a hearing on May 29. If he doesnt, Vidic can withdraw his plea, and the case will continue on. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic admitted that he knew he was charged with a war crime when he submitted citizenship paperwork. He denied, however, that he committed the 1991 slaying of Stjepan Komes. Vidic, slight with short-cropped white and gray hair, wore orange jail garb and used an interpreter during the two-and-a-half-hour hearing. He said he only went to school until the 10th grade and when asked how he pled, he said in broken English: I am guilty. Authorities arrested Vidic in January. He lived some two decades in Clevelands western suburbs. Vidic from 1991 to 1995 served in the Yugoslavian Peoples army in a special operations branch called the Red Berets, fighting against Croatian independence. He was assigned to the 39th Reconnaissance-Sabotage Squad and rose to the rank of lieutenant. During a September 1991 siege on the town of Petrinja, Vidic stormed into the Gavrilovic meat-processing plant where he once worked and singled out Komes, an ethnic Croat and former co-worker. Weeks earlier, news cameras recorded Komes shaking hands with Croatias president, Franjo Tudjman. Vidic, an ethnic Serbian, grabbed Komes hand and chopped off his arm at the elbow. Others beat and tortured Komes until he bled to death. His body was found in a mass grave more than a year later. Vidic and others forced women working at the factory to strip to their underwear while hurling insults. More than 20,000 people were killed, and more than 300,000 were displaced during the war that lasted from 1991 to 1995. Vidic was charged in 1994 and convicted at a 1998 trial that was held without his presence. By that point he had fled to Belgrade, where he worked in another meat-processing plant. In 1999, he immigrated to the United States under refugee status. He was allowed in the country because he lied on his greed-card application. While in the United States, Vidic worked as a butcher at several area grocery stores, including Daves Supermarket in Clevelands Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. There, he was accused of sexually harassing four women employees, including groping one woman and exposing himself to another. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the supermarket over the accusations. Daves paid a $300,000 settlement and fired Vidic. Vidic also ran afoul of the law in operating his sausage-making store in Parma called Jugus Meats, where he sold Balkan-style sausages to area stores. In 2019, the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended Vidics meat-selling license after an investigation found he sold hundreds of pounds of uninspected sausage. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, paid a $350 fine and issued a recall on 500 pounds of meat. Agriculture authorities caught him two months later making and selling meat with a suspended license. Vidic again pleaded guilty to selling uninspected meats and was fined $750 and ordered to perform 184 hours of community service. Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here. WASHINGTON, D.C. The war in Ukraine has cost Russia heavily in personnel and equipment, with an estimated 315,000 dead and injured troops since the beginning of the conflict. Reuters reports the numbers come from a declassified U.S. intelligence report. The report says Russia also has lost two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, CNN reports. A source familiar with the report tells Reuters the losses associated with the war in Ukraine has set back Russias attempts at modernizing its military by 18 years. Russias attempt at an offensive has resulted in no strategic gains, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement to the Voice of America. But Russia is determined to press forward, Watson said. Russia seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage despite Russian losses and persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions, and equipment. The report on Russias losses comes on the same day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington in hopes of persuading U.S. lawmakers to approve President Joe Bidens request for $61.4 billion for Ukraine war effort. Republicans have been holding up additional aid, hoping to get the Biden administration to make concessions on border security and immigration policy, CNN reports. The Voice of America reports that White House officials say the declassified report shows that more aid to Ukraine should not be delayed. This shows how Ukraine is having success stopping Russian forces, but Putin is continuing to order his troops forward, a senior administration official tells Voice of America. Its critical we continue to support Ukraine and make sure they have what they need to defend themselves. Zelenskyy arrived in Norway on Wednesday to meet Nordic leaders gathered for a regional meeting focusing on cooperation in security and defense issues. Senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden among Kyivs staunchest supporters attended. We are in a critical phase where Europe must continue to show its support, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement. We must be tireless in our help. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Our China Stories screening and ceremony held in London 17:34, December 13, 2023 By Claire Ding ( People's Daily Online A special event and screening of the documentary series "Our China Stories" was held in London on Dec. 12, drawing approximately 100 guests from the Chinese and British academic, cultural, and artistic communities. (Photo/Jinbiao Guo) "Our China Stories," launched by Peoples Daily Online U.K., profiles influential contributors to China-U.K. cultural exchange across various fields such as art, literature, and academic research, exploring the individuals unique stories and links with China. Over more than two years, the series has produced eight seasons and 43 episodes, providing insights into over half a century of cultural exchanges and collaborations between China and the U.K. Ying Yu, general manager of Peoples Daily Online U.K., emphasized the companys role as a bridge in fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. She expressed the organization's commitment to continually connect people from China and the U.K. The series was also supported by the Chinese Embassy in the U.K., the China National Tourist Office in London, and other valuable partners. Wang Yun, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the U.K., remarked, Our China Stories is a vivid example of promoting exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and British civilizations. It is a link to review the past and look forward to the future, to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Xue Ling, the director of the China National Tourist Office in London, recalled that the idea to produce the series originated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The production of the series has made our dream come true, which is to put our British friends in the limelight and let their China stories reach more people and touch more hearts, she said. (Photo/Jinbiao Guo) During a panel on promoting East-West cultural exchange and mutual understanding, Dame Jessica Rawson, emeritus professor of Chinese art and archaeology at the University of Oxford, commented, It was amazing to travel in China, an enormous country that is incredibly varied, rich and interesting. Recalling when she first started studying Chinese, Rawson recalled feeling quite isolated and stressed the importance of persistence. She emphasized that exchanges and collaborations between the East and the West, despite their stark differences, are crucial. Only continual exchanges can facilitate better understanding between China and the U.K., noted Rawson, adding that the West should strive for a deeper understanding of China, a process that will take a long time. Sinologist, historian and writer Frances Wood said one of the best things in her life is writing about China. She said she was happy to see that many people in England and Europe are now reading books related to China, finding the country as fascinating as she does. Mark Pollard, emeritus professor of archaeological science at the University of Oxford, is fascinated by Chinese materials, especially porcelain and bronzes. He noted that, over the past 40 years, many changes have occurred in collaborations between the East and the West, but mutual learning and exchanging ideas persist. John Moffett, librarian of the Needham Research Institute, also remarked on the great differences between Chinese and Western societies. The more I learn about China, the humbler I am. I found the more distance I traveled in China, the less I understand about this country, he said. (Photo/Jinbiao Guo) The "Chinese Culture on Global Stage" panel featured international producer and choreographer Farooq Chaudhry, sinologist and translator Nicky Harman, Chairman of the Yehudi Menuhin School and Academic Lead at Sothebys Institute David Buckley. All the speakers agreed on the importance of courage and trust in fostering cultural exchanges and collaborations between China and the U.K. They expressed hope for further engagement with China's rich culture and civilization. (Photo/Jinbiao Guo) During the "Creative Collaboration between British and Chinese Artists" panel, projection artist and creative director Cathy Mager spoke about how her collaborations with Chinese deaf artists have been crucial in enhancing dialogue between different cultures. Internationally renowned animal photographer Tim Flach stated his belief that Chinese art has close connections to nature, reflecting China's biodiversity. He stated that his work supports Chinas 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature. Both Gareth Bonello, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and Neil Brownsword, artist and professor of ceramics at Staffordshire University, shared how they were inspired by Chinese cultural traditions on the panel. All the speakers expressed the wish to continue and further collaboration with China in their areas of expertise. They collectively expressed a commitment to creating closer bonds between China and the U.K. through cross-cultural exchanges. (Video produced by intern Liu Chuan) (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) By Park Jae-hyuk Hyundai Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to export system-integrated modular advanced reactors (SMARTs), Koreas locally developed small modular reactors (SMRs), the company said Wednesday. The construction firm will take charge of fundraising to demonstrate and commercialize SMART, as well as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work. The state-run nuclear energy research institute will design the reactors and seek approvals for their projects. Their recent MOU is expected to give momentum to their cooperation for the construction of an SMR in Canada. They signed an MOU in 2021 with the government of Alberta for the construction and asked Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in September to provide a site to demonstrate SMART. They also expressed their intention to join a Canadian nuclear power plant operators new project. In addition, Hyundai Engineering is testing the worlds first fourth-generation micro modular reactor in Chalk River, a small rural village in the Canadian province of Ontario. Through our recent partnership with KAERI, we finished preparation for the export of SMART, so our overseas projects will gain momentum, a Hyundai Engineering official said. From our project in Canada where we are seeing a power generation transition towards SMR, we are also considering expanding our business to Uzbekistan, the U.S. and India. KAERI has developed the 110-megawatt-class SMART model since 1997. It incorporates an integrated pressurized water reactor system used in the worlds leading nuclear plants. Being one-tenth the size of regular nuclear power plants, it can be built even in remote and mountainous areas due to fewer physical and geographical constraints. By Lee Min-hyung Toyota Motor Korea has launched its fifth-generation Prius here equipped with two types of powertrains 2.0-liter hybrid and 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid targeting the growing demand for compact hybrid vehicles with sharper and sportier designs, the carmaker said Wednesday. The company called the models upgraded design bold yet beautiful, appearing sleeker than its predecessor. The vehicle is available in seven different exterior colors. Its price starts from 39.9 million won ($30,350). According to the Korean subsidiary of the Japanese carmaker, the new Prius also comes with enhanced interior technology features, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a blind spot monitor. The head of Toyota Motor Korea spoke highly of the new version of the vehicle, saying it will be the optimal solution in an era of carbon neutrality. The role of powertrains is important for hybrid vehicles, so they can support carbon neutrality, Toyota Motor Korea CEO Konyama Manabu told reporters during a press conference in Seoul. Given the current infrastructure circumstances (for electric vehicles), our hybrid powertrains are still very good enough, as they can make an immediate contribution to carbon neutrality. Other executives who joined the event said the company will also take steps to introduce more vehicles meeting diverse customer demands. Our target customers in Korea include those in their 30s and 40s, Toyota Motor Korea Vice President Kang Dae-hwan said. We will also continue making more efforts to raise awareness of our electrified lineup here. Toyota Motor is confident that the fifth-generation Prius will be able to meet customers' needs. Prius is one of Toyotas major strategic vehicles, and its sales have topped 5.9 million here and abroad ever since its first version made its debut in 1997. The symbolic hybrid vehicle can drive 20.9 kilometers per liter. Two nations agree to coordinate supply chain changes By Baek Byung-yeul Korea and the Netherlands agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear power generation, on the occasion of President Yoon Suk Yeols state visit, the energy ministry said Wednesday, adding that Korea will officially participate in construction bids for new nuclear power plants that the European country aims to operate by 2035. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen supply chain cooperation in response to the restructuring of distribution networks in advanced industries such as semiconductors. Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it signed an MOU on nuclear power cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) signed a contract with the Netherlands' Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy on a technical feasibility study for the construction of new nuclear power plants. KHNP has been expressing its intention to join bids to build new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. The energy ministry explained that the technical feasibility study contract with the Dutch government means that KHNP is officially participating in the bidding process for the nuclear power projects in the country. "The Netherlands currently operates one nuclear power plant and is pursuing the construction of two new nuclear power plants with the aim of commercial operation by 2035," the energy ministry said. "We have agreed to cooperate in the entire cycle of the nuclear power sector, including construction and operation of nuclear power plants, supply of equipment, development of technology such as small modular reactors, education and training, fuel and safety and to establish a joint operation committee between the two governments to build a mutually beneficial partnership." The two countries agreed to establish an annual dialogue body to discuss the supply chains of key items, and to discuss crisis response cases, information gathering and risk assessment. The two countries also agreed to the speedy exchange of information on warning signs of disruptions to supply chains. The United Nations on Tuesday demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as U.S. President Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants. After dire warnings by U.N. officials about a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire with 153 countries voting in favor and 23 abstaining. The U.S. and Israel, which argue a ceasefire only benefits Hamas, voted against the measure along with eight other countries. The resolution is not binding but carries political weight, reflecting a global view on the war. The United States vetoed a similar call in the 15-member Security Council last week. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and urged countries to pressure Israel to adopt the ceasefire. A Hamas official in exile, Izzat El-Reshiq, in a statement on Telegram echoed that reaction, saying Israel should "stop its aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing against our people." Before the resolution passed, Biden said Israel now has support from "most of the world" including the U.S. and European Union. "But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he told a campaign donor event in Washington. Israel's assault on Gaza to root out Hamas has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians and wounded nearly 50,000 since Oct. 7, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel launched its onslaught after a cross-border raid by Hamas fighters who killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel on Tuesday declared 19 of 134 people still in captivity in Gaza dead in absentia after the bodies of two hostages were recovered. In Khan Younis, southern Gaza's main city, residents said on Tuesday Israeli tank shelling was now focused on the city center. One said tanks were operating in the street where the house of Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, is located. After nightfall, Israeli air strikes on Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip killed 11 Palestinians, including two children, health officials said. An older Palestinian, Tawfik Abu Breika, earlier said his residential block in Khan Younis was hit without warning by an Israeli air strike that brought down several buildings and caused casualties. "The worlds conscience is dead, no humanity or any kind of morals," Breika told Reuters as neighbors sifted through rubble. "This is the third month that we are facing death and destruction." Further south in Rafah, which borders Egypt, health officials said an Israeli air strike on houses overnight killed 22 people, including children. Civil emergency workers were searching for more victims under the rubble. Residents said the shelling of Rafah, where the Israeli army this month ordered people to head for their safety, was some of the heaviest in days. "At night we cant sleep because of the bombing, and in the morning, we tour the streets looking for food for the children. There is no food," said Abu Khalil, 40, a father of six. The U.N. World Food Program says half of Gaza's population is starving. "Theres no electricity, no fuel, no water, no medicine," resident Mohammed Obaid said as he inspected debris in Rafah. The Gaza health ministry said that diseases and illnesses including diarrhea, food poisoning, meningitis, respiratory infections, chickenpox and scabies were spreading. Losing support In addition to warning that Israel was starting to lose international support, Biden said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to change his hard-line government and that ultimately Israel "can't say no" to an independent Palestinian state - something that Israeli hardliners oppose. In a further sign of world concern over the conduct of the conflict, now in its third month, Australia, Canada and New Zealand said they supported international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire and expressed alarm at the plight of civilians in Gaza. "The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians," leaders of the three countries said in a joint statement. The three countries said they supported Palestinians' right to self-determination, but that there could be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Rocket fire Israel's military said that over the past day it hit several posts that were used to fire rockets at its territory, raided a Hamas compound where it found some 250 rockets among other weapons and struck a weapons production factory. The ground assault that started in the north has expanded to the southern half of the Gaza Strip since a week-long truce collapsed at the start of December. More than 100 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began in late October. The Wall Street Journal and ABC reported that the Israeli military has begun pumping seawater into Hamas' tunnel complex, where the militant group is believed to be hiding fighters and munitions and basing hit-and-run attacks on Israeli troops in street fighting. Biden said he had heard unconfirmed reports there were no hostages in the tunnels. Some hostages freed during a ceasefire reported they had been held in tunnels. The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports. Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra said Israeli forces had raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on Tuesday and detained its director, Dr. Ahmed Al-Kahlout, along with all medical staff. They were being interrogated within the emergency department, he said. Israel's military did not reply to a request for comment on the incident. (Reuters) In a Tuesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said there is a long road ahead to improve the economic relationship between the U.S. and China. She discussed President Joe Biden's November meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the two leaders took a step in the right direction and were able to have "a very productive, constructive, candid, direct" conversation. "We began the dialogue, which is a good step. Nothing good will happen if we don't even talk," Raimondo said. "But we have a long way to go." However, she said actions speak louder than words, and she needs to see the Chinese government take steps to protect U.S. intellectual property, enable a fair regulatory environment and not target U.S. companies. She said she speaks with many CEOs who say it's getting more and more difficult to conduct business in China, but said she will continue to try and improve conditions. "I'm a dog on a bone. U.S. business deserves an advocate, they deserve a fair shake," Raimondo said. "We're not asking for any special treatment, we just want a level playing field, and we're going to keep making the case." Raimondo also discussed the government's relationship with semiconductor giant Nvidia , saying they are in frequent dialogue with the company. The Department passed regulations that restrict the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to China, potentially cutting off a large and growing market. "It's the U.S. private sector innovation ecosystem that allows us to lead the world in AI," she said. "But we also have to enable them to be competitive, be productive, make money, sell what they can to other countries, including China, as long as it doesn't interfere with our national security." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak avoided defeat in parliament on Tuesday on an emergency bill to revive his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, seeing off a revolt by dozens of his lawmakers that laid bare his party's deep divisions. Sunak, who has pinned his reputation on the strategy, in the end comfortably won the first vote on the legislation in the House of Commons after a day of last ditch negotiations and fears that some of his Conservative lawmakers would help defeat the bill because it was not tough enough. "The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts," Sunak said on X after the result. "That's what this bill delivers." Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled Sunak's policy of deporting to Rwanda those arriving illegally in small boats on England's southern coast would breach British and international human rights laws and agreements. In response, Sunak agreed a new treaty with the East African nation and brought forward emergency legislation designed to override legal obstacles that would stop deportations. In power for 13 years and trailing the opposition Labour Party by around 20 points with an election expected next year, Sunak's Conservatives have fractured along multiple lines and lost much of their discipline ahead of the first parliamentary vote on that bill. Moderate Conservatives say they will not support the draft law if it means Britain breaching its human rights obligations, and right-wing politicians say it does not go far enough to stop migrants from making legal challenges to prevent their deportation. All 350 Conservative lawmakers had been ordered by those in charge of party management to back it, but almost 40 were not recorded as having voted. The bill passed by 313 votes to 269. "We have decided collectively that we cannot support the bill tonight because of its many omissions," Mark Francois, speaking on behalf of some right-wing Conservative lawmakers, said ahead of the vote. That group said they would abstain rather than support Sunak, and Francois warned of further rebellions at later stages of the parliamentary process unless the bill was changed to ensure European judges could not block deportation flights as they did in June last year. "Let's pick this up again in January. We will table amendments and we will take it from there," Francois said. In a sign of the tensions around the vote, Britain's climate change minister Graham Stuart was called back from the COP28 summit in Dubai to vote in parliament, despite critical negotiations still going on. He left parliament minutes after the vote clutching a bag and was expected to return to Dubai. Earlier, Sunak was forced to indicate to would-be rebels during a breakfast meeting in Downing Street that he would listen to proposed changes in an attempt to encourage them to back down from a revolt that would have killed the bill. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 12, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrapped up a series of high-profile meetings in Washington this week with no guarantees that a congressional aid package for Ukraine would be passed this year. But if Congress pushes negotiations into 2024, it could complicate the already fraught process of passing a new federal budget, which lawmakers will have to confront in the coming months. The temporary spending bill currently keeping government agencies open is due to expire Jan. 19 for some departments and Feb. 2 for others. Throughout Zelenskyy's visit, Republican hardliners in Congress expressed sympathy for Ukraine's nearly two-year crusade against an unprovoked Russian invasion. But they would not agree to vote for President Joe Biden's $110 billion emergency aid bill without securing a parallel agreement to implement tougher border security measures and stricter immigration policies. "I recognize your leadership, your country's courage, and I want to continue to help you," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, recalled telling Zelenskyy at the all-senators meeting on Tuesday. "But we're not going to be able to do that until we better secure our own border because I'm worried about a 9/11." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, told reporters on Tuesday that he asked Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the House in session next week to get the deal done. Democrats are willing to cut into the holiday recess to get a package passed, according to a Democratic aide familiar with the matter. "I would stay here indefinitely, but I don't know that all our colleagues will be able to do that," Speaker Johnson said at a Wall Street Journal conference on Monday. Top Senate Republicans are increasingly skeptical that a deal can get done before the year's end. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday that it will be "practically impossible" to pass the supplemental aid in the next two weeks. Punting the negotiations will not make them any easier, however. On the contrary, they will only become more difficult to finalize if they start to bleed into budget talks. That's what happened last September. A small but vocal group of hardline House Republicans nearly shut down the government over their opposition to $6 billion of Ukraine aid included in the federal budget. Hours before a government shutdown deadline of Oct. 1, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to strip out the Ukraine aid to pass a bill to keep the government open. Days later, McCarthy became the first speaker to be ousted from his position. If Ukraine funding talks get delayed to 2024 and become a pawn in the coming budget negotiations, Speaker Johnson could be at risk of meeting the same fate McCarthy did. Johnson already faces an uphill budget battle, without the added burden of Ukraine aid talks. "We'll have a lot of important quick work to do when we get back after the new year," he said Monday. The biotechnology sector has finally picked up steam after a tough 2022 and one under-the-radar stock stands out to fund manager Hugh Dive. That's CSL Limited , an Australian company that researches, develops and manufactures drugs and medical products. Drugs in its portfolio include Aflunov, a vaccine for H5N1 influenza, and Exforge, which is used to control hypertension. Dive, who is the chief investment officer at the Australia-headquartered Atlas Funds Management, describes the company as "high quality" and "very well run, large and very profitable." He oversees around 100 million Australian dollars ($66 million) in assets across various funds offered by Atlas Funds Management. "CSL is a great company it has done very well out of acquisitions over the years, and it is also very efficient at creating immunotherapy blood [treatments]," he told CNBC Pro on Dec. 5. The company's most recent major acquisition was Swiss drug manufacturer Virfor Pharma, for $11.7 billion, announced in December 2021 . According to Precedence Research, CSL stands to gain from an industry boom with the biotech sector poised to grow at a 12.8% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030, according to a July report . Shares in CSL have had a bumpy ride in the past few months, falling nearly 14% between the start of September and the end of October only to jump by 11% last month. Year-to-date, shares were down nearly 5% to 269.50 Australian dollars on Dec. 12. CSL-AU YTD mountain Year-to-date shares in CSL Limited The biotech stock is the third-largest on the Australian stock exchange and accounts for around 6% of the benchmark ASX 200 Index. Like Dive, analysts at Citi are also bullish on the stock despite the price fluctuations. They give it a buy rating and price target of 325 Australian dollars, giving it nearly 30% potential upside. Opportunities for the biotech player include a recovery in the gross margins at CSL Behring its biotherapeutics division over the next 3 to 5 years, as margins from plasma-derived therapies improve, the Citi analysts wrote in a Dec. 5 flash note. Jefferies also likes the stock. "CSL continues to expect double digit earnings growth over the medium-term," thanks to growth across its segments, the investment bank's analysts wrote in a Nov. 14 equity research note. The analysts have a buy call on CSL at a target price of 315 Australian dollars. Of the 17 analysts covering the stock, 14 give it a buy or overweight rating with an average price target of 306 Australian dollars, according to FactSet data. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Paris is, once again, the best city to visit in the world, according to Euromonitor International. The city topped the market research company's annual list of the "Top 100 City Destinations" which compares cities using 55 metrics across six categories: economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability. Dubai placed second on list, followed by Madrid (No. 3) and Tokyo (No. 4) with Japan's capital entering the top 10 list for the first time "thanks to improved developments in [its] tourism infrastructure," according to the report. watch now The weakening of Japan's currency, the yen which has fallen some 14% against the U.S. dollar this year also "attracted tourists to the city, boosting hotel occupancy, to enjoy consumer experiences at very low prices," it said. The top 20 cities list Developed markets continue to lead the rankings, as shown by the top 20 cities on Euromonitor's 2023 index: 1. Paris, France 2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 3. Madrid, Spain 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Amsterdam, Netherlands 6. Berlin, Germany 7. Rome, Italy 8. New York City, United States 9. Barcelona, Spain 10. London, United Kingdom 11. Singapore, Singapore 12. Munich, Germany 13. Milan, Italy 14. Seoul, South Korea 15. Dublin, Ireland 16. Osaka, Japan 17. Hong Kong 18. Vienna, Austria 19. Los Angeles, United States 20. Lisbon, Portugal The full list is dominated by European cities, which took seven of the top 10 spots, and 63 of the top 100 spots. That's thanks to the "fast-paced urbanisation and widespread technology adoption" in the region, according to the report. But Asian cities are gaining ground, showing significant improvement from Euromonitor's 2022 ranking. Tokyo is also the only Asian city in the top 10 list, though the city-state of Singapore is close at No. 11 edging up four places from No. 15 on 2022's list. Five Japanese cities made 2023's top 100 list: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo and Fukuoka. Standout cities Tech stocks have soared this year, with chip designer Broadcom nearly doubling year to date, and iPhone maker Apple and software and cloud giant Microsoft soaring more than 50% each. New developments supported all three Club names Wednesday. Here are the headlines and how we feel about each stock. Analysts at Bank of America kept their Broadcom buy rating and raised their price target on the stock to $1,250 per share from $1,200 following a meeting with CEO Hock Tan. AVGO YTD mountain Broadcom YTD The Broadcom price target boost, a more than 16% premium to Tuesday's close, reflects confidence in management's abilities to realize strong cost synergies, profitability, and cash flows as the company integrates VMware. Based on the discussion, BofA cites as catalysts "strong multiyear visibility" into the company's generative AI opportunities and stability in trough-level non-artificial intelligence legacy businesses that implies a rebound is on the horizon. Broadcom's recent gains have eclipsed our $1,000 price target. We're in the process of deciding how high to raise it. We have Broadcom as a buy as reflected by our 1 rating on the stock. Regarding anywhere workspace provider VMWare, the analysts called out management's intended effort to move at least 60% of the deployed base to a subscription model while possibly achieving double-digit sales growth on a percentage basis. As members know, Wall Street loves subscription models, rewarding these businesses with higher valuations because of the increased visibility they provide while reducing lumpiness in sales as deals are negotiated. On the profitability side, the analysts think Broadcom can get its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and free cash flow margins back to pre-VMware deal levels over time 65%-plus for EBITDA and 50%-plus or better on free cash flow. Aside from the VMWare acquisition, we took a position in Broadcom due to the generative AI opportunity we saw in the company's networking business and because it's the partner to Alphabet for designing custom AI-oriented chips (ASICs or application-specific integrated circuits). We think BofA's view is spot on and with the VMWare acquisition now complete, in addition to monitoring AI revenue growth, we'll be closely watching EBITDA/cash flow performance for signs that the integration is proceeding according to plan. AAPL YTD mountain Apple YTD Bank of America also opined on Apple following this week's federal jury ruling in favor of Fortnite maker Epic Games in its antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet 's Google. Epic took issue with the 30% so-called take rate that Google and Apple charge developers on sales through their respective app stores. If regulators force Google to alter its app store practices or reduce its take rate, would Apple need to do the same? In the immediate term, the BofA analysts don't see much impact given that Google is likely to appeal the decision, which will draw out the process and therefore any required changes. BofA also noted that some of the issues raised were Google-specific while reminding investors that Apple won on nine out of 10 counts a similar Epic legal battle back in 2021. Importantly, Apple has already implemented changes on the one count it lost, which is related to Apple allowing developers to inform users of other payment methods outside of the App Store. Apple has also proactively taken steps to address some of the issues prior to the 2021 Epic ruling. For example, Apple reduced its fee for smaller developers. However, Apple must make changes starting in 2024 regarding the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). So, what's the financial impact if Apple were to lose some App Store sales? Assuming an 85% gross margin, the Bank of America analysts said Apple's App Store business contributed about $1 in earnings per share implying a 10-cent hit for every 10% reduction in App Store sales. Ultimately, we aren't overly concerned. The Google appeals process will take time to play out. Moreover, with Apple's Services overall continuing to grow and new Apple products on the way next year, it could be the case that by the time any impact is felt on App Store revenue if it happens at all Apple will have already found new avenues of growth to offset the hit. The company also has immense pricing power and can likely raise prices elsewhere in the Services segment if needed in order to subsidize a lower take rate, should that prove the result of this recent ruling. MSFT YTD mountain Microsoft YTD Over at Truist, taking a long-term view, the analysts initiated Microsoft with a buy rating and a three-year $600-per-share price target. The target, based on the current $375 stock price implies 60% upside, which would amount to a return of about 17% per year on average. While acknowledging the incredible year shares have had, Truist thinks there's more upside to come due to Microsoft's Azure cloud and artificial intelligence opportunities such as the subscription-based Copiliot AI assistant for the Office suite. In terms of 2024 revenue potential, the analysts cited a survey of over 150 information technology decision-makers at big companies that said more than 80% expect to increase spend with Microsoft and that "a quarter of those respondents expect it to increase by more than 10%." On generative AI, given the strong adoption of Azure OpenAI Service offerings, the analysts believe that the "segment will turn into a meaningful revenue generator," adding that their "conversations across enterprise software indicated that 2024 will be the year when generative AI applications go into production." Microsoft is a financial backer and partner of OpenAI, the startup behind ChatGPT. As for Microsoft 365, Copilot adoption will be key to growing both seat count and average revenue per user. Supportive of the view of strong adoption in the year to come, Truist analysts said, "Over 80% of the enterprise IT buyers that we polled in [their] 2024 IT Spending Survey indicated that they are either currently using Copilot or plan to test it in the months ahead." Security is another area in which the analysts see a material opportunity noting that Microsoft was the "largest share gainer in the cloud security market last year," and that its market share and revenue opportunity stand to become increasingly more significant "as customers increasingly shift to cloud-based architectures." The Truist update on Microsoft increases our conviction that despite the incredible rally we've seen in shares this year, further upside remains. Generative AI opportunities are only now beginning to show signs of monetization. As companies better learn to implement the technology, it stands to open up additional revenue streams and drive cloud adoption. Though we don't have a three-year price target on shares, we do think Truist's projection is achievable given the implied upside is largely in with earnings growth expectations over that timeframe. The Club's near-term price target on Microsoft is $400 per share. We have the stock as a buy-equivalent 1 rating. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AVGO, AAPL, GOOGL, MSFT. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Hock Tan, CEO of Broadcom Lucas Jackson | Reuters COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during the Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change event on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit at Dubai Expo on December 1, 2023. Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images Government ministers representing nearly 200 countries on Wednesday agreed to a deal that calls for a transition away from fossil fuels, after a previous proposal was met with heated and widespread backlash. "With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE Consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies," the summit's UAE presidency said on social media. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been hosting the conference for the past two weeks against a backdrop of controversy, geopolitical conflicts and increasing extreme weather events. "We delivered world first after world first," the UAE summit presidency said in a further social media update. "A global goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency. Declarations on agriculture, food and health. More oil and gas companies stepping up for the first time on methane and emissions. And we have language on fossil fuels in our final agreement." An updated proposal published by the UAE earlier Wednesday, which was agreed on after all-night discussions, called for a "transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science." The draft deal text also urged for "accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power" and for "tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030." Critically, the proposal did not mandate an absolute phase-out of hydrocarbons. watch now A "phase-out" commitment would likely have required a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated, while a "phase-down" agreement would have indicated a reduction in their use but not an absolute end. Many believed the COP28 summit could only be considered a success if it resulted in a deal to phase out all fossil fuels. On Monday, one young climate activist burst onto the stage to call for action on this issue. Licypriya Kangujam, 12, interrupted a presidency event while holding a sign that read: "End fossil fuel. Save our planet and our future." The burning of coal, oil and gas is the largest contributor to climate change, accounting for more than three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. Indian environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam holds up a sign that reads: "End Fossil Fuel. Save Our Planet And Our Future" after running onto the stage during a High-Level Event on day eleven of the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference as negotiations go into their final phase on December 11, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images The Wednesday announcement comes after a previous draft text published in the final throes of the talks triggered widespread criticism for failing to include language on ending the use of fossil fuels, as negotiations laid bare deep divisions among policymakers over the future of hydrocarbons. The draft proposal of Monday suggested a range of options for countries to accelerate climate action but, crucially, it omitted language regarding a phase-out or phase down of fossil fuels. Arduous talks ensued, with Wopke Hoekstra, EU commissioner for climate action, describing "various phases of hope, sometimes also of despair" throughout the talks. "One of the things that truly made a difference, I feel, is the tremendous amount of diplomacy we have deployed and the bridge building we did with our friends in the Pacific and the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Asia and, of course, also North America to make sure that that supermajority would show what it needs in terms of mitigation of human products," he added. watch now Alok Sharma, the U.K.'s COP26 president, on Tuesday said that only a deal including "very clear" language on the phase-out of fossil fuels and a credible plan to deliver that would be good enough to keep alive the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is the aspirational global temperature limit set in the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. Its importance is widely recognized because so-called tipping points become more likely beyond this level. "If we don't reach agreement on that language, I think the consequences are going to be grave," Sharma told CNBC's "Street Signs Europe." 'The beginning of the end' Discussions ran well into the early morning on Wednesday, with the last 48 hours of talks proving crucial, according to a summit delegate, who could only comment anonymously because of the sensitivity of the matter. Reactions to the Wednesday deal have been largely positive. "Whilst we didn't turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end," said U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell, who simultaneously acknowledged, "We're currently headed for just under 3 degrees. This still equates to mass human suffering, which is why COP28 needed to move the needle further. The global stocktake showed us clearly that progress is not fast enough, but undeniably it is gathering pace." The COP agreement adopted on Wednesday "sends very strong messages to the world," said U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry. "Today, I would join with ... the Chinese delegation in announcing that the United States and China ... based on the many initiatives set out in the global stocktake decisions, we will again update our long-term strategies, and we invite other parties to join us in doing so." watch now He did not immediately disclose the details of these strategy adjustments. Not all feedback was positive, amid the summit decision's failure to address a phase-out. "We're very disappointed about this deal. We hoped that this COP could be, and we were fighting for, this COP to be the end of the fossil era, and we do not see that delivered in this text," said Selma de Montgomery, a climate justice activist who traveled from Denmark. "I believe in pragmatic ambition. We have to bring all along. The road to fossil fuel phase-out lies first through massive financial flows for a huge investment in renewables," said Avinash Persaud, special climate envoy of Barbados. "It was a compromise. We are not happy but we all agree," said Russian Federation delegate Mikhail Gitarskiy. Moscow, which critically depends on hydrocarbon revenues, opposed a fossil fuel phase-out throughout negotiations. How did the talks unfold? COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber sparked a backlash earlier this month after he claimed there is "no science" behind calls for a phase-out of fossil fuels. His remarks followed reporting by the BBC ahead of the summit that suggested UAE officials were seeking to cash in on their host status to push for oil and gas deals. A COP28 spokesperson described the documents referred to in the BBC article as "inaccurate." Separately, al-Jaber said last week that his team "very much believe and respect the science" and added that he'd been surprised by the "constant and repeated attempts to undermine the work of the COP28 presidency." Al-Jaber was seen as a contentious choice to lead COP28 discussions in Dubai given that he also works as the head of the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. watch now British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak avoided defeat in parliament on Tuesday on an emergency bill to revive his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, seeing off a revolt by dozens of his lawmakers that laid bare his party's deep divisions. Sunak, who has pinned his reputation on the strategy, in the end comfortably won the first vote on the legislation in the House of Commons after a day of last ditch negotiations and fears that some of his Conservative lawmakers would help defeat the bill because it was not tough enough. "The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts," Sunak said on X after the result. "That's what this bill delivers." Last month, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled Sunak's policy of deporting to Rwanda those arriving illegally in small boats on England's southern coast would breach British and international human rights laws and agreements. In response, Sunak agreed a new treaty with the East African nation and brought forward emergency legislation designed to override legal obstacles that would stop deportations. In power for 13 years and trailing the opposition Labor Party by around 20 points with an election expected next year, Sunak's Conservatives have fractured along multiple lines and lost much of their discipline ahead of the first parliamentary vote on that bill. Moderate Conservatives say they will not support the draft law if it means Britain breaching its human rights obligations, and right-wing politicians say it does not go far enough to stop migrants from making legal challenges to prevent their deportation. All 350 Conservative lawmakers had been ordered by those in charge of party management to back it, but almost 40 were not recorded as having voted. The bill passed by 313 votes to 269. "We have decided collectively that we cannot support the bill tonight because of its many omissions," Mark Francois, speaking on behalf of some right-wing Conservative lawmakers, said ahead of the vote. That group said they would abstain rather than support Sunak, and Francois warned of further rebellions at later stages of the parliamentary process unless the bill was changed to ensure European judges could not block deportation flights as they did in June last year. "Let's pick this up again in January. We will table amendments and we will take it from there," Francois said. In a sign of the tensions around the vote, Britain's climate change minister Graham Stuart was called back from the COP28 summit in Dubai to vote in parliament, despite critical negotiations still going on. He left parliament minutes after the vote clutching a bag and was expected to return to Dubai. Earlier, Sunak was forced to indicate to would-be rebels during a breakfast meeting in Downing Street that he would listen to proposed changes in an attempt to encourage them to back down from a revolt that would have killed the bill. Further challenges Defeat would have been catastrophic for Sunak, severely weakening his authority and raising serious questions about his leadership. But as well as further attempts from his party's right-wing to toughen the bill, there is likely to be strong opposition in the House of Lords, the unelected upper chamber, to any suggestion of Britain breaching its international obligations. Governments around the world are also closely watching the outcome as they too grapple with rising migration levels. French lawmakers rejected their immigration bill last night, in a blow to President Emmanuel Macron. Sunak is Britain's fifth Conservative prime minister in seven years after the vote to leave the European Union polarized politics, leading to repeated bouts of instability. The Conservatives have repeatedly failed to meet targets to reduce immigration, which has soared even after Brexit stripped EU citizens of the right of free movement, with legal net immigration reaching 745,000 last year. About 29,000 asylum seekers have arrived this year via boats down around one-third compared with last year but the sight of inflatable dinghies crossing the Channel remains a highly visible symbol of the government's failure to control Britain's borders a key promise of Brexit campaigners. As a result, Sunak has made "stopping the boats" one of five key pledges. "We will now work to ensure that this bill gets on to the statute book so that we can get flights off to Rwanda and stop the boats," Sunak's spokesperson said after Tuesday's vote. Critics say the attitude towards migrants is immoral, and hours before the vote a refugee charity reported that an asylum seeker had died on a barge off the south coast which houses migrants waiting for a decision on their applications. Keir Starmer, the opposition Labor leader, has promised his party would revoke the policy if he gets into power. Britain has already paid 240 million pounds ($301 million) to Rwanda even though no one has yet been sent there. Even if the program gets off the ground, Rwanda would have the capacity to settle only hundreds of migrants from Britain at a time. (Reuters) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Economy and Climate Action Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) listen during the Budgetary debate in the plenary hall of the German Lower house of Parliament or Bundestag on November 28, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Germany's government has reached a deal on its 2024 budget and will keep current debt restrictions into next year following weeks of tense negotiations, leadership coalition partners announced Wednesday. The government is expected to save 17 billion euros ($18.33 billion) in its core budget by ending climate-damaging subsidies and cost cutting, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a press conference on Wednesday. "Prioritizing means figuring out what we can afford and what we can't, together. It is also about cuts and savings. We don't like doing those, of course, but they are necessary," Scholz said. Germany will also cut spending from its climate and transformation fund, which was at the core of negotiations. Scholz added that the government was sticking to its goals, including supporting Ukraine, pushing ahead with Germany's green transformation and strengthening social cohesion. "These three goals lead us in an unchanged manner. But it is clear that we need to manage reaching them with significantly less money," Scholz said, adding that the government will also preserve its debt brake, first enacted in 2009. The brake caps the amount of government debt and limits the country's structural budget deficit. It can only be suspended in emergency situations, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Budgetary tensions erupted in November after Germany's constitutional court ruled that the government's plans to re-allocate unused emergency debt taken on during the Covid-19 pandemic to its current budget was unlawful. On Wednesday, Scholz said that the ruling would not only impact the current and upcoming budget, but also how further budgets will be created and set up. The decision ripped a hole worth around 17 billion euros into the national budget for 2024, forcing coalition partners to reassess their plans and raising questions about economic policy cornerstones, including the debt brake. Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, makes a statement to the press outside the U.S. Capitol about testifying publicly to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, on Dec. 13, 2023. Hunter Biden on Wednesday defended his business record and denied that his father, President Joe Biden, was financially involved in it. He spoke to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol, where he defied a congressional subpoena to testify behind closed doors. "I'm proud of my legal career and business career. I'm proud of my time serving on a dozen different boards of directors. And I'm proud of my efforts to forge global business relationships," Hunter Biden said. "Let me state as clearly as I can. My father was not financially involved in my business not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home nor abroad and certainly not as an artist," Hunter said. "There's no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen," Biden added. He reiterated that he would only agree to testify in public, rather than behind closed doors. Republicans have already rejected that offer. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said later Wednesday that they will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against Biden for defying the subpoena. "We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden," the House committee leaders said in a statement. Comer, Jordan and other Republicans are leading the investigation into whether the president corruptly profited off his family's business dealings. They have accused Biden of lying about his involvement in his relatives' money-making schemes. SpaceX's next-generation Starship spacecraft atop its powerful Super Heavy rocket is launched from the company's Boca Chica launchpad on an uncrewed test flight, near Brownsville, Texas, on Nov. 18, 2023. The valuation of Elon Musk's SpaceX hit $180 billion based on an ongoing secondary share sale, CNBC confirmed Wednesday. The company is discussing an agreement with investors to sell stock from insiders in a purchase offer at $97 a share, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The offer does not include raising new capital, as the purchase offer represents a secondary sale of existing shares and is expected to close in January. SpaceX typically performs these secondary rounds about twice a year, to give employees and other company shareholders a chance to sell stock. The latest valuation represents a 20% increase from SpaceX's previous high of $150 billion, which the company hit through a July secondary sale at $81 a share. It has a near-monopoly on the U.S. satellite launch market, due to its workhorse Falcon rockets and the struggles of rivals to field operational rockets to compete. SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet business is seen as a key economic driver for the company, with more than 5,000 satellites launched to date and a service boasting upward of two million subscribers. Its monstrous Starship vehicle continues to advance in flight tests, representing an attempt to create a next-generation reusable rocket of unprecedented scale and power. The company is one of the most valuable private companies in the world, classifying it as a "centicorn" or "hectocorn" a $1 billion unicorn, 100 times over. SpaceX's latest valuation ranks the company above the market value of any of the top U.S. defense contractors including Boeing (about $150 billion), Lockheed Martin (about $112 billion) and Northrop Grumman (about $73 billion) as well as the most valuable U.S. telecommunications companies such as Verizon (about $154 billion) or AT&T (about $115.9 billion), according to FactSet data on Wednesday. The company did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the sale process. Bloomberg first reported SpaceX's $97 a share pricing. Here Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Morgan Stanley reiterates Disney as overweight Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $110 per share from $105 and says it's sticking with Disney. "We remain OW as we see its Parks assets limiting downside risk, and see opportunities for the company to improve and unlock value in its Media businesses." Bank of America names General Electric a top pick The firm said General Electric is a "pure-play aviation stock" for 2024. " GE is on track to spin-off Vernova (GE's Renewable Energy & Power segments) in April. We see GE as benefiting from competitors' distractions at both Aerospace and Vernova. We view the cancelation of one of three of GE's offshore wind projects as a positive, as it allows GE to avoid a loss-making contract." KBW upgrades D.R. Horton to outperform from market perform KBW said the homebuilder's outlook looks positive. "We upgraded DHI to Outperform (OP) and reiterated OP ratings on LEN and TOL due to positive earnings and book value growth, healthy liquidity, and track record of delivering value to shareholders via stock buybacks." Morgan Stanley initiates DoubleVerify as overweight Morgan Stanley said the ad software company is innovative. " DV addresses a significant industry challenge and $215bn of total digital ad spend. We see its leading product offering and innovation pipeline (particularly in activation/programmatic) driving 22% sales/23% EBITDA CAGRs through '27." Bank of America reiterates Apple as neutral Bank of America said it sees a balanced risk/reward for Apple. "We rate Apple Neutral as we see risk-reward as balanced. Negatives are: a) weaker iPhone 15 cycle on consumer spending and China risk, b) weaker n-t services trajectory where App Store & Licensing can decelerate." Wolfe initiates Thermo Fisher as outperform Wolfe said it sees share outperformance for the life sciences company. "We expect that TMO shares will outperform the peer group over the next year as confidence builds in the outlook for a return to MSD/HSD [mid single digit/ high single digit] revenue growth and sustained margin improvement." JPMorgan initiates Kanzhun as overweight JPMorgan initiated the China online recruiter and said it has a strong network. " Kanzhun has emerged as a disruptive leader in China's online recruitment market, underpinned by its innovative matching model, scale advantages and strong network effect." HSBC downgrades Ferrari to hold from buy HSBC downgraded the stock mainly on valuation. "In many ways Ferrari is an unusual car company by virtue of demand outstripping supply (the order book now extends to end-2025) it doesn't have to deal with the volatility most other OEMs face around demand and/or model changeovers. Arguably this is reflected in the valuation currently." Bank of America reiterates Broadcom as buy Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $1,250 per share from $1,200 and said it's "best-in-class." "Reiterate Buy, raise PO to $1250 from $1200 following virtual investor meeting with Broadcom CEO Hock Tan, CFO Kirsten Spears, and Head of IR Ji Yoo." Wells Fargo downgrades Johnson & Johnson to equal weight from overweight Wells Fargo said in its downgrade of the stock that it's concerned about "muted" earnings per share growth. "We are downgrading JNJ to EW from OW and lowering price target to $163 (from $170)." JPMorgan upgrades Health Catalyst to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said the data analytics health-care company has "upside potential." "We are upgrading Health Catalyst to Overweight, as we see the valuation as not reflective of earnings potential." Wells Fargo initiates Roblox as overweight Wells Fargo said in its initiation of Roblox that it has a "growing audience platform." " RBLX: Audience Platform w/ Advertising Upside; Initiate at OW, $49 PT." Morgan Stanley names L3Harris a top pick Morgan Stanley said the defense company is its new top pick. "While LHX's new targets are somewhat muted, we think they could represent a new floor. Risk-reward skews positive on upside potential." TD Cowen initiates Cava as outperform TD Cowen said it likes the Mediterranean restaurant's long-term growth. "We are bullish on CAVA's long-term story as the category leader in the attractive Mediterranean segment, while encouraging new unit economics demonstrate portability and lend confidence to the targeted 1,000+ U.S. stores by 2032." Wells Fargo names AT & T a top pick Wells Fargo said the stock is a top idea in 2024. "We believe T provides the most balanced growth in 2024, and we see upside to lowered expectations for postpaid phone net adds and FCF." Morgan Stanley downgrades Coherent to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley downgraded the laser systems solutions company mainly on valuation. "Downgrading COHR to EW from OW given recent performance captures NT upside, still like the stock over the LT." Citi downgrades Church & Dwight to sell from neutral and names Clorox a top 2024 pick Citi said in its downgrade of Church & Dwight that it sees "slowing topline trends." The firm also named Clorox a top pick for 2024. "Our Sell-rated stocks are CHD, KMB, BFB. We prefer names with inflecting results post temporary issues (CLX) or multinational names with higher topline growth potential, lower PL risk, pricing power, share gainers, and exposed to higher growth categories." Morgan Stanley upgrades MSCI to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said in its upgrade of the financial company that it's defensive. "We upgrade MSCI to OW given its defensive characteristics and growth opportunities." JPMorgan names Amazon, Alphabet and Uber top 2024 picks JPMorgan said Amazon, Alphabet and Uber are top ideas for 2024. "We anticipate our coverage universe will broadly re-accelerate revenue growth to more normalized levels, including mega-caps (3 of the Mag 7) returning to LDD% [low double digits] Y/Y growth." Morgan Stanley upgrades Ally Financial and Capital One to equal weight from underweight Morgan Stanley said in its upgrade of Ally Financial that it sees "easing net interest margin pressure." The firm also upgraded Capital One and says it sees slower credit deterioration. "As part of our shift in Industry View, from Cautious to In-Line, we upgrade ALLY to EW (easing NIM pressure as Fed no longer hiking rates) and COF to EW (credit deterioration slowing)." Evercore ISI reiterates Tesla as in line Evercore ISI said Tesla remains the "king of EV's." " Tesla remains (and will continue to remain) king of US EVs, as the 'rise of others' and the "incoming competition" that's been discussed for years has still not taken place." Bank of America names Humana a top pick Bank of America said Humana's "earnings power" stands out. "We see multiple ways for the company to get to $37 in EPS in 2025, despite market concerns that the ramp may be too steep." Truist initiates Microsoft as buy Truist said in its initiation of the stock that its artificial intelligence execution has been "impressive." "We are initiating coverage of MSFT with a Buy rating and three-year price target of $600. In a year when shares of the software behemoth have risen by over 50% (S & P500 up 19%), we expect many investors to be wondering where the upside potential is from here." Evercore ISI reiterates Monster as outperform Evercore ISI said the beverage giant is a top idea in 2024. " MNST is our favorite large cap growth name for 2024." Susquehanna initiates Impinj as buy Susquehanna said in its initiation of the radio frequency ID company that Impinj has an "underpenetrated" total addressable market. "The company holds incredible product and technology, with an expanding application set and commensurate TAM that can implement products for a low cost." Goldman Sachs initiates Opera as buy Goldman Sachs said the web browser and content company has idiosyncratic levers. "We view Opera as positively levered to long-term secular tailwinds within digital advertising and idiosyncratically benefiting from geographic & product mix shift dynamics as a driver of sustained double-digit % growth over the next several years." Oppenheimer downgrades Hertz to perform from outperform Oppenheimer said a transition year is coming for the rental car giant. "We move to the sidelines, as we believe next year will be a transition year for HTZ. " Oppenheimer names Target a top pick Oppenheimer said it sees a "very attractive" risk/reward for Target in 2024. "We are adding TGT to top pick status as we see a very attractive risk/reward scenario and the potential for positive comps later in 2024. We are removing COST from the list due primarily to valuation." Deutsche Bank names Wynn and Las Vegas Sands as top 2024 ideas Deutsche Bank said in an outlook note Wednesday that there are several casino stocks well-positioned to outperform in 2024. "Not dissimilar to our view heading into 2023, which proved incorrect for a myriad of reasons, we believe WYNN and LVS represent the best opportunities for outperformance in 2024." Jefferies adds Ulta to the franchise picks list Jefferies said the beauty company is best in class. "We flag ULTA as a best in class retailer, diversified across beauty product categories and price points." B. Riley initiates Vizio as buy B. Riley initiated the consumer electronics company and said it's underappreciated. "Although we recognize macro-related TV shipment volume headwinds, we believe these risks are more than priced into shares, with the stock underappreciating Vizio's opportunity to grow gross profit, adjusted EBITDA, and FCF via Platform+ ARPU expansion as consumer behavior and, in turn, advertiser spend shift from linear to streaming environments." Former Elle magazine advice columnist E. Jean Carroll watches as Joe Tacopina, lawyer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, makes closing arguments during a civil trial where Carroll accuses Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s, and of defamation, New York, May 8, 2023. A federal appeals court on Wednesday rejected arguments by Donald Trump that presidential immunity protected him from being sued for defamation by the writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling is the latest judicial rejection of claims by Trump that he is protected from either civil or criminal liability because he was president. It comes days after Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to fast-track Trump's appeal of a Washington, D.C., federal judge's recent ruling that he does not have presidential immunity from criminal charges related to his attempt to reverse his loss in the 2020 presidential election. The question of presidential immunity also is being raised in the Georgia state criminal case where Trump and other defendants are charged with crimes related to their attempt to undo his loss to President Joe Biden in that state in the 2020 election. In the Carroll case, a 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals panel said Trump had waived a potential presidential immunity defense by "failing to raise it" for several years in the case in Manhattan federal court, where Carroll alleges he defamed her in 2019 by claiming she had made up a claim of him raping her in the mid-1990s. Trump was president at the time he made those statements. "We hold that presidential immunity is waivable and that Defendant waived this defense," the three-judge appeals panel ruled in a unanimous opinion written by Judge Jose Cabranes. The ruling clears the way for Trump to stand trial in the civil case in January. The trial will solely deal with the question of how much Trump should pay Carroll in monetary damages, as District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan previously ruled that Trump's statements were defamatory. Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, in a statement, said, "The Second Circuit's ruling is fundamentally flawed and we will seek immediate review from the Supreme Court." There is no automatic right to appeal to the Supreme Court, which rarely grants requests for appeals. Carroll's lawyer, Robbie Kaplan, in her own statement, said, "We are pleased that the Second Circuit affirmed Judge Kaplan's rulings and that we can now move forward with trial next month on January 16." Cloud software developer Twilio has hired Qatalyst Partners, the investment bank founded by Frank Quattrone, to advise on its defense against a group of activist investors, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Qatalyst, which previously advised Segment when Twilio purchased it for $3.2 billion in 2020, has been working on the activist matter for months, one of the the people said. Qatalyst launched an activist practice the same year as the Segment deal. While Qatalyst has typically worked to help companies sell themselves, this assignment is focused on the activist defense situation, said these people. Both sources asked not to be named due to confidentiality. Twilio's technology makes it easier for companies to communicate with customers and employees through mobile devices. Twilio shares slipped as much as 1.8% in Wednesday morning trading, before paring back losses. Legion Partners, an activist firm based in Los Angeles, took a stake in Twilio earlier this year and began pushing the company to overhaul its board and strategy. Legion's engagement was led by Sagar Gupta, who left the firm in October for Anson Funds, where he amassed a similar stake. Twilio shares have gained 45% this year, but that follows a miserable 2022, during which the company lost more than 80% of its value. The stock is 84% off its record reached in early 2021. Annual revenue growth slipped to just 5% in the most recent quarter down from over 30% in the same period last year and over 60% in the third quarter of 2021. The activist groups have told Twilio it should at least sell an underperforming unit, its data and applications business, which includes Segment. Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson, who co-founded the company in 2008, said last week that the company would lay off 5% of its employees, with the deepest cuts inside the data and applications unit. The downsizing followed a corporate reorganization earlier this year that included layoffs amounting to 17% of Twilio's staff. Qatalyst is best known for its mergers and acquisitions practice rather than shareholder defense. One of the people familiar with the matter said the bank's current involvement with Twilio is not a precursor to a sale of the company. A spokesperson for Twilio declined to comment. Qatalyst did not respond to a request for comment. Qatalyst was founded in 2008 by Quattrone, who stepped down as CEO in 2016 but remains executive chairman. The firm has advised on some of Silicon Valley's largest recent deals, including Microsoft's $28.1 billion acquisition of LinkedIn, Salesforce's $29.2 billion purchase of Slack and Block's $22 billion acquisition of Afterpay. Qatalyst also worked on Cisco's pending $29.6 billion acquisition of Splunk and Adobe's purchase of Figma, which is awaiting regulatory clearance. Qatalyst's activist practice is helmed by Peter Michelsen, who was hired in June 2020 from Goldman Sachs ' activist advisory group. Michelsen says on his LinkedIn page that he advises "Qatalyst's clients across all technology sectors on matters including activism defense, proxy fights, contested situations, defense preparedness and complex ESG matters." ESG stands for environmental, social and corporate governance. CNBC's Alex Sherman contributed to this report. WATCH: Twilio CEO says company is focused on customers, not competitors Over 50 people have been injured after Russia targeted the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with ballistic missiles overnight, city officials said Wednesday. A hospital, school, kindergarten, morgue and residential buildings were damaged in the attack, Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram, with the latest update stating that 53 people were injured. Twenty of them, including two children, were hospitalized as a result of the strikes. The strike on the capital comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Washington Tuesday to meet President Joe Biden and U.S. lawmakers in a bid to secure a large tranche of additional emergency funding, amid discontent among some Republicans over continuing aid. Googles year in search 2023 reveals the top 10 travel destinations for Indians, ranging from the sandy beaches of Goa to the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life, Dec. 13) Our year-end edition of Where We Eat features delightful food marriages Joel's Place grocerant (where grocery meets restaurant) and Dot Coffee's dagel (the lovechild of a doughnut and bagel). We also asked the Tantoco men, including Joel's Place COO Christopher Tantoco, what you'll need to make room for in your shopping cart. Joel's Place is a grocerant the Rustan's Group's hybrid grocery-restaurant concept. Photo courtesy of JOEL'S PLACE Gather your friends at Joels Place, a new market thats perfect for meetups After selling their supermarket empire off for major payday in 2018, the family that brought gourmet grocering to the Filipino makes a comeback to food retail. Just opened at The Proscenium at Rockwell: Joels Place, or how the Rustans Group translates the food emporiums of Paris and London to upmarket Metro Manila. The premise is: How can we make shopping for your everyday food exciting and theatrical? says Christian Tantoco of his and CEO dad Donnie Tantocos vision of a grocerant their hybrid grocery-restaurant concept. While its hard to imagine anyone saying grocerant with a straight face, shopping at Joels Place does feel like an event. With its lofty ceiling and glitzy signage reminiscent of Wheel of Fortune, the space is a culinary carnival of sorts, where ample seating by the entryway lets you take in the consumerist spectacle. The meat offerings at Joel's Place. Photo courtesy of JOEL'S PLACE Shoppers can liken themselves to a bougie version of Belle meandering from The Fishmonger, past The Butcher, toward the in-house bakery, each section manned by upbeat staff in Breton shirts. But rather than the same old bread and rolls to sell, there are buko pandan profiteroles; boeuf bourguignon-filled empanadas made with croissant dough (cronadas); whole wheat baguettes just a skip away from the rare Italian salumi and Japanese cheeses youll want to stuff them with. From fancy olive oil in hand-painted bottles to haunches of Jamon Iberico, theres a lot to delight the frequent flier set here. According to the senior Tantoco, the store pays tribute to his deceased brother Joel, a man who clearly savored the finer things. Yet as itinerant and indulgent as its namesake was, Joels Place also feels right at home in prioritizing health and uplifting the Filipino. Freshly seafood finds at The Fishmonger. Photo courtesy of JOEL'S PLACE Homegrown goods are as celebrated on shelves as fetishized imports, where asin tibuok from Bohol sits alongside Maldon sea salt and just-harvested pako disappears quicker than the Tuscan kale. Across the sushi counter, an entire wall displays dried local fish. Ill admit: browsing a grocery thats isn't cynical toward Filipino shoppers is a little disorienting. There is Ethiopian jazz playing in place of supermarket jingles or holiday songs. The Piedmontese cheese is cubed and free for the sampling. The delis ready-made adlai paella invites suspicion and curiosity, a verdict you can decide among the friends youve split a serving and a bottle of rose with. This may not strike as everyday shopping as the younger Tantoco proposes, but what can I say being offered the world and assured you can stay to enjoy it is something I could get used to. Joels Place is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is located at the G/F The Proscenium Retail Row, Rockwell Center Makati. Its second location is set to open at Rustans Makati, Ayala Center. Donnie and Christopher Tantoco. Photo courtesy of JOEL'S PLACE Life Recommendations: Donnie, Christian, and Christopher Tantoco of Joels Place New specialty market and food hall Joels Place could be one of the most bountiful father-son bonding sessions in the history of Pinoy entrepreneurial history, conceived at the dinner table by Rustan Group CEO Donnie Tantoco and son Christian. We ask the Tantoco men, including COO Christopher Tantoco, what you need to make room for in your shopping cart. Christopher Tantoco, COO In the cold cuts-side, Dok DallAva Prosciutto, which they limit the production of in Italy to just 30,000 hams a year. This is one of my favorites. Also, our Food for the Gods Biscotti is another must-try. Christian Tantoco. Photo courtesy of JOEL'S PLACE Christian Tantoco, consultant I think the new thing were bringing into the market is when you come here for the holidays and you come here for a steak that youre gonna cook for your friends, or things that youre gonna make at home, youre gonna do so with a drink in hand. Youre gonna be shopping for your groceries but youre gonna have a coffee, a glass of wine, or a smoothie while you do it. Donnie Tantoco, CEO Our just cause [behind Joels Place] is that we want to unleash the unmatchable power of a creative Filipino, and we want to manifest it first in food. So you have this cart of artisan-made Filipino chocolates, Bukidnon dairy, Palawan lobsters, Bukid Amara edible flowers. We have jam thats made by a European in the Philippines. [We want to tell local producers], you focus on your craft, you focus on your creativity, and well take care of the other things thatll enable you to do what you do, and well give you the market, the store, the customer base. Bizus Christmas collection is a stress-free way to spark appetites this season. In photo: The salmon wellington. Photo courtesy of BIZU Slay your holiday spread with Bizus Salmon Wellington If theres one thing Manilas ladies who brunch know like scripture, its that Bizu has always been that bitch. Be it through an immaculate tower of macarons or eggs benedict baptized in luscious hollandaise, the Y2K-born patisserie and bistro has always been a reliable source for pastries and mains that beg to be the center of your tables attention. Dont expect any different for the holidays, of course. With a gift basket brimming with sweets, a crowd-wowing Yule Log Cake, and a selection of roasts for small gatherings, Bizus Christmas collection is a stress-free way to spark appetites this season. Roasts include a Christmas ham and a Beef Wellington whose first slice is sure to drop jaws like a burlesque reveal. But if youre like me and think a healthier alternative to the latter is even more revolutionary, consider the Salmon Wellington instead. Its lighter, just as filling, and not to worry, just as effective at unholstering your guests smartphones for the gram. Each chef-crafted roast comes with a set menu of best supporting dishes to feed five. Save room for the beef cheek bourguignon, an absolute scene-stealer. Reserve your roast at 09176273970 or email concierge@bizugroupe.com. Dot's dagel lineup consists of three savory and three sweet flavors, all within the 100 to 150 price range. Photo courtesy of DOT COFFEE Try the dagel, a doughnut-bagel hybrid With so many new cafe concepts vying for attention in Manila's already-crowded F&B landscape, the recipe for a successful cup seems harder to brew. This may be why we see a lot of new places innovating elements beyond their coffee offerings, whether it be through design or by introducing a unique menu item. Then there's the hybrid pastry. Just last month, we wrote about a specialty cafe chain's adaptation of the Korean-favorite croffle. This week, pandemic-founded coffee brand Dot has thrown their special sauce into the mixing bowl. Their offering? The dagel: a pastry that is essentially a bagel, but made using the dough of a doughnut. Dot's dagel lineup consists of three savory and three sweet flavors, all within the 100 to 150 price range. Texture-wise, the dough might appeal to those averse to the tougher bread of a bagel. Light and airy, it is closer to a milk bread consistency, and makes more sense to pair with sweet fillings (the Milk and Cheese Dagel, at 130, is a level up from your standard ensaymada), but savory works too if you're looking for a quick bite that can fill you up for breakfast or lunch (the HEC Dagel, at 140, has a really fluffy scrambled egg in it). All six flavors are available for takeout and delivery at Dot kiosks throughout Metro Manila. For a list of branches, visit their Instagram or website. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted three Filipino women bound for Singapore supposedly for vacation, but who were later discovered to be illegally recruited to work in the city-state. The Bureau of Immigration said Wednesday the three Filipinos were barred from boarding their flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 last Dec. 8. "They had gone to great lengths to conceal their true purpose, presenting themselves as co-workers on a three-day holiday," BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement. The bureau said the three initially claimed they were working at a logistics company, presenting supporting documents. But authorities later found out that they have active work permits for a hotel job in Singapore. "The victims eventually admitted to learning about the job opportunity through a Facebook group, and travel documents were sent to them by an internet acquaintance for printing," the BI said. The three Filipino workers were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for investigation. Communist-ruled China and Vietnam, at odds over claims in the South China Sea, agreed on Tuesday to boost ties and build a community with a "shared future", three months after Hanoi upgraded its formal relations with the United States. On Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to Hanoi in six years, the two countries announced 37 deals, including on diplomatic ties, railways and telecommunications. As China and the United States vie for influence in the strategic nation, the agreements mark an achievement of Vietnam's "Bamboo diplomacy", although analysts and diplomats said the improvement in relations could be more symbolic than real. Vietnam agreed to "support the initiative of building a community of shared future for humankind", according to a joint statement shown to reporters on Tuesday, after sources said China had been pushing for it. The joint statement is expected to be formally signed on Wednesday. The countries' diplomats had debated the "shared future" phrase for months, following Hanoi's initial reluctance to use it, say officials and diplomats. The Chinese term literally means "common destiny", but its translation in English and Vietnamese is "common future", which may be seen as less demanding. "One declaration, many translations," said a diplomat based in the Vietnamese capital, commenting on the interpretation of the term. In diplomatic ties, the upgrade is symbolic, Le Hong Hiep, a specialist in Vietnamese strategic and political issues at Singapore's IseasYusof Ishak Institute, said. "Vietnam's mistrust of China runs deep, and from the Vietnamese people's viewpoint, there is little to no 'shared destiny' between the two countries, as long as China continues to claim most of the South China Sea," he said. Despite close economic ties, the neighbours have been at odds over boundaries in the South China Sea and have a millennia-long history of conflict. In a sign of possible de-escalation, however, they signed two cooperation agreements for joint patrols in the Tonkin Gulf in the South China Sea and to establish a hotline to handle fisheries incidents, according to one of the agreements. Railways, digital Silk Road Apart from taking ties to a level Beijing may consider above those with the United States, the upgraded status came with the announcement of 36 cooperation deals, according to a list of documents seen by Reuters, and the joint statement on diplomatic ties. That was short of 45 initially proposed, according to one Vietnamese official, and missed agreements on critical minerals and rare earths on which Xi had urged more cooperation in an opinion piece published on Tuesday in a Vietnamese state newspaper. Deals included two memoranda of understanding on cross-border rail development, including one mentioning developing aid. Top officials in both countries had urged a boost to a rail link between the southern Chinese city of Kunming and the northern Vietnamese port of Haiphong, which crosses regions in Vietnam rich in rare earths. China's ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo said earlier this week Beijing was ready to offer grants to develop rail connections, though the volume and terms of possible loans are unclear. Boosting transport links would allow Vietnam to export more to China, especially farm products, while Beijing wants to further integrate the country's north with its southern supply chain networks, where Chinese firms are moving some operations. Stronger rail networks would speed the import of components from China for assembly in Vietnam, effectively expanding China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). So far the Hanoi metro is Vietnam's only project to have received BRI loans and it has not been labelled as part of the initiative, as the country's leaders often grapple with widespread anti-Chinese sentiment. The two countries agreed to jointly promote the "two corridors, one belt" initiative, which is the Vietnamese term for infrastructure projects supported by China. Xi's visit is also expected to boost plans on what is known as the Digital Silk Road, and the two countries signed several deals to cooperate on telecommunications and the digital economy. The content of the agreements is not known but officials had said the increased telecoms cooperation could include digital infrastructure such as 5G networks and undersea optical fibre cables. (Reuters) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 12) The countrys military chief on Wednesday said he does not see China's latest aggressions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) triggering defense treaty commitments with the United States. Yung mga nangyayari recently, yung water cannoning, pati yung pagbangga sa atin, these are not enough grounds for us to invoke the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty), AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. [Translation: What happened recently, the water cannoning and the collision with our ships, these are not enough grounds for us to invoke the MDT.] Brawner recently spoke by phone with his US counterpart, General Charles Brown, to discuss the regions security environment, including Chinas behavior in the WPS. While the nations long-time ally reiterated its commitment under the MDT, Brawner said the US will not necessarily help in the Philippine resupply missions, particularly for troops stationed in the Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal. Philippine vessels, including civilian boats, were recently subjected to aggressive actions by China in the WPS. Brawner was even onboard the supply boat when it was blasted with water cannon by the Chinese coast guard on Sunday. RELATED: AFP chief: China likely unaware, but suspected I boarded vessel hit by water cannon On Monday, the Philippines filed a fresh diplomatic protest and summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, as it demanded that Beijing immediately leave the countrys waters and stop violating its rights in its exclusive economic zone. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Members of the House of Representatives would need to do "a lot of convincing" of senators if they will be pushing charter change next year, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel told reporters on Wednesday. "Kung sinuman may gusto na mag-amend [Whoever wants to amend the Constitution], he has a lot of convincing to do sa [in the] Senado," Pimentel said. "Cold pa rin," he said of the Senate's position on amending the 1987 Constitution. "Kaya maganda rin 2024, di niyo matatapos, 2025, people will be up for election. Twelve seats in the Senate pwede mabago ang sentiment." [Translation: It's still cold. That's why it's also a good plan to do it in 2024, if unfinished, 12 seats in the Senate will be up for election in 2025 and it could change the sentiment.] RELATED: Robin admits cha-cha push may not reach plenary House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the lower chamber can focus on charter change next year, now that it has passed most of the administration's priority bills. "I believe 2024 will allow us again to revisit the whole issue of the Constitution," he said. "Wed like to focus very much on the economic provisions. But even to get there, we have to look at the procedural aspects of the amendment of the Constitution." House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. is confident there will be progress in Cha-cha before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address in July next year. However, Senator Imee Marcos, the president's sister, expressed her irritation at the fresh campaign for Cha-cha. "Please wag magkulit, walang may gusto niyan!" Sen. Imee Marcos said in a text message. [Translation: Don't be stubborn, no one wants that!] "Talagang sinabi na ni PBBM na hindi napapanahon kasi dapat nakatutok tayo sa hanapbuhay ng tao at ibagsak ang presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin at dalawang beses na ibinasura iyan, binasura iyan nang todo-todo ng Senado. Ba't pagpipilitan, bakit gano'n?" she said in a chance interview. [Translation: PBBM already said that it is not timely because we should focus on the livelihood of people and lower the prices of rice and other basic goods. It has been rejected twice in the Senate. Why is it still being pushed?] RELATED: Marcos: Charter change not a priority Pimentel said "it's always a good time" to review the Philippine Constitution but noted this should have "proper motivations" to improve the country's system of government. For his part, Sen. Chiz Escudero said the specific procedure to take in amending the Constitution and the specific proposals or amendments must first be made "clear and unequivocal" before starting any discussion. "We have to be more circumspect of the timing, and then the process is very important," Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also said. Both chambers should be involved When asked if the House could insist on having the sole power to amend the Constitution, Pimentel said it's not possible. He explained that both chambers of Congress must be involved in the procedure of charter change. "Pati kaming pabor sa changing the constitution sa Senado, na kokonti na nga lang kami, we will still be against sa kilos ng House na sila lang," he said. [Translation: Even the few senators who are in favor of changing the Constitution, we will still be against that move of the House.] Last March, the lower chamber approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which called for the convening of the Senate and the House into a constitutional convention to discuss charter change. It has been stuck in limbo in the Senate since then. Now, lawmakers are eyeing a people's initiative as another route for charter change. A people's initiative is one of three ways to amend the Constitution, aside from constitutional convention and constituent assembly. Under Republic Act 6735, or the Initiative and Referendum Act, at least 12% of all registered voters must sign the petition to amend the Constitution. At least 3% of all registered voters in each legislative district must be represented in the petition. With reports from CNN Philippines correspondents Eimor Santos and Xianne Arcangel Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) Former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnie Teves is facing a new complaint before the Department of Justice for allegedly financing terrorism and providing material support to terrorists. This is according to a copy of the subpoena sent to Teves signed last Nov. 14 but was only forwarded to the media on Wednesday. The former lawmaker was directed to attend the preliminary investigation happening today and on Dec. 19. He was also directed to file a counter-affidavit during the preliminary investigation. Teves has been designated as a terrorist and leader of an alleged armed group in August. READ: Gov't designates Teves, 12 others as terrorists The ex-solon was also tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, with a Manila court already issuing an arrest warrant against the former. Last month, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they were working to get the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a "red notice" against Teves. Flying out of the country in late February, Teves has yet to return to face charges lodged against him. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) Lawmakers will summon megachurch leader Apollo Quiboloy to its hearings next year on a bill seeking the revocation of the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation, also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, who also sits as the House Legislative Franchises Committee chairman, said the panel will begin its hearings on House Bill 9710 calling for the repeal of Republic Act 11422, or the franchise granted to Swara Sug in 2018. Tambunting said the panel may subpoena Quiboloy if he snubs the invitation that will be sent by the committee for the hearings on HB 9710. "During the process of the hearing of the bill, then that's the time we will ask for his presence," he said. Quiboloy was invited to the hearings on HR 1499 by the committee but he declined to attend, claiming in a letter that he was no longer an official of Swara Sug when its franchise was renewed under the Duterte administration. 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Gutierrez filed HB 9710 on the same day that the House adopted House Resolution 1499, which calls on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend SMNI's operations over a number of alleged franchise violations. Despite the swift approval of the resolution suspending SMNI's operations, both Tambunting and Gutierrez were cautious when asked about the chances of approving the bill revoking the network's franchise. They said that while several members of the legislative franchises committee appear to be in favor of cancelling SMNI's franchise, it might be a different story when the bill reaches the House plenary and Senate. "If we're going to base it on the committee, based on the members that have been attending, they seem to be in agreement that there are violations," Gutierrez said. "This could pass the committee level, but the question of the House, on the floor, I wouldn't be ready to say, especially for the Senate," he added. SMNI is known as the broadcasting arm of Quiboloy, an individual wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for alleged sex trafficking, fraud, coercion, and bulk cash smuggling charges. The self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" is also the spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose weekly public service show "Gikan ng Masa" is aired on SMNI. (CNN) Finland will close the last operating checkpoint on its Russian border on Thursday, entirely shutting off the NATO countrys eastern border with Russia for two weeks. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in the release that Russia is enabling the instrumentalization of people and guiding them to the Finnish border in harsh winter conditions. Finland is determined to put an end to this phenomenon. The last checkpoint will shut at midnight on November 30, closing the eastern border until December 13, Finlands Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a press release on Tuesday. It comes amid an increasing effort by Helsinki to restrict crossings from Russia, a push that intensified following the invasion of Ukraine last year and Finlands ascension to NATO earlier this year. Finlands Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in the press release that it is necessary to close the entire eastern border with Russia, adding that the decision was taken to protect Finlands national security against this Russian hybrid operation. The Finnish Border Guard said in a social media post that Finlands goal is to end the illegal entry from Russia. Finland takes care of its own border security and the Finnish Border Guard is ready to quickly implement new decisions of the Government, the border guard added. Finland shares an 830-mile-long border with Russia. The crossing was one of the few entry points for Russians after many Western countries shut their air space and borders to Russian planes in response to the Ukraine invasion. On November 16, the Finnish government announced it would temporarily close four crossing points along its border with Russia from this week until February 2024, in an effort to stop illegal border crossings. In Tuesdays press release, Finlands interior ministry said entry into Finland at the eastern border has continued despite restrictions. Since the beginning of August, almost 1,000 third-country nationals have arrived in Finland without a visa via the border crossing points at the eastern border. Most of them have applied for asylum in Finland, the ministry said. In such very exceptional circumstances, the short-term total closure of the eastern border is a necessary and proportionate measure to put an end to this phenomenon and to limit the serious consequences that it has for national security and public order, the ministry added in Tuesdays press release. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday accused Russia of using migration as a tool to create pressure along its border with Finland. We have seen them using energy, we have seen them using cyber attacks, we have seen them using different kinds of clandestine operations to try and undermine our democracies. The fact that Russia is using migration as a tool is now another example of the attempt to put pressure on neighbors, Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Brussels. NATO has not received a request from Finland for support in guarding its borders, Stoltenberg said, adding that he is confident that Finland is capable of dealing with the issue itself. He welcomed the move by the European Unions border agency, Frontex, to deploy 50 guards along the Finnish border. Helsinki closed its border at the end of September 2022, around the time traffic over the frontier intensified as Russians tried to flee President Vladimir Putins partial mobilization of hundreds of thousands of citizens to fight in the war. More than 8,500 Russians crossed the border in one day alone. Earlier this year, the Finnish Border Guard also began the pilot phase of constructing an eastern border barrier fence along some key parts of the border. Colorado Springs artist Nancy Stage Robinson's new show, "Transformation," features mixed media paintings and sculptures. It opens with a free VIP reception Thursday at Cottonwood Center for the Arts and a second free opening reception Friday during First Friday Downtown. Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gorge Social Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. A Tunisian military court on Wednesday sentenced opposition figure Chaima Issa to a one-year suspended prison sentence for "offending" President Kais Saied, her lawyers said. Issa, 43, was found guilty of causing offence to Saied, spreading rumours to harm public security and inciting soldiers to disobey orders, her lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek said in a Facebook post. Issa, a member of the National Salvation Front coalition, said after a court hearing Tuesday that Saied's opponents were being treated like "criminals". "We are not criminals," she said. "We are not plotters. We are not traitors. We are politicians, opponents of the coup of July 25" 2021. Saied, who was democratically elected in October 2019, assumed sweeping powers in July 2021 and has since had the constitution revised to substantially weaken parliament. Issa was arrested in February 2023 as part of a crackdown on Tunisia's opposition. She was released in July with her trial pending. Samir Dilou, a member of Issa's defence team, condemned her court appearance on Tuesday "under the famous decree 54, which penalises false information". "It's dangerous," he told AFPTV. "She should have never been prosecuted for expressing her opinions, nor tried by a military court," Salsabil Chellali of Human Rights Watch said on X, formerly Twitter, following Issa's suspended sentence. Since February, more than 20 Tunisian political opponents, businessmen and others, deemed "terrorists" by Saied, have been jailed over an alleged "plot against internal security". (AFP) Understanding what makes a person likable is an essential part of navigating social interactions. Traits and behaviors significantly impact a person's likability and, therefore, their ability to foster good connections. Likable individuals often exhibit active listening skills, engage fully in conversations and show genuine interest in others. Body language, like maintaining eye contact and facial expressions, contributes to making others feel valued and comfortable around them. Likable individuals excel in finding common ground and expressing authentic interest in the lives of those around them. The Big Five The Big Five personality traits -- openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism -- form the foundation of personality and impact a person's likeability. Each trait plays a significant role in shaping how individuals are perceived in social contexts. 1. Extroversion This trait manifests in outgoing and socially engaging individuals who draw energy from social interactions. High extroversion fosters an ease in initiating and maintaining connections, making it a significant factor in likability. 2. Agreeableness Agreeableness, along with extroversion, is mostly linked with the likability of a person. Individuals scoring high in agreeableness are characterized by cooperation, compassion and a genuine concern for others. This trait establishes trust and kindness, enhancing overall likability. Those lower in agreeableness may display more assertiveness and independence, bringing different qualities to social interactions. 3. Conscientiousness High conscientiousness reflects thoughtfulness, organization and attention to detail. Conscientious individuals plan beforehand, consider others in their actions and contribute to a positive social environment. On the other hand, lower conscientiousness may manifest as spontaneity, providing a dynamic contrast in social dynamics. 4. Neuroticism While higher neuroticism is associated with emotional instability, stress, and anxiety, individuals with lower neuroticism tend to be more composed and emotionally resilient. This trait significantly influences how one is perceived in social settings, affecting overall likability. 5. Openness to Experience Linked with creativity, imagination and intellectual curiosity, openness to experience contributes to a person's likability by fostering an interest in new ideas and a willingness to explore diverse perspectives. Those with lower openness may bring stability and practicality to social interactions. Opening up about mental health is a courageous step toward self-care and healing. Each individual's journey is unique, requiring self-compassion and an openness to diverse responses. The process isn't always easy, yet it is a pivotal step toward personal growth. To address mental health challenges, individuals often encounter the daunting task of sharing their struggles. Taking this step is crucial for personal growth and well-being. Here's a guide to navigating this journey: How to talk about your mental health Self-reflection: Before initiating the conversation, self-awareness is key. Understanding one's emotions helps in expressing them clearly. Identify trusted individuals: Choosing a confidant -- a friend, family member, or professional -- is essential. Having a supportive listener makes the process of sharing easier. Start small: Commencing the conversation doesn't mean revealing every detail. Starting with smaller aspects of feelings or experiences allows for a gradual unfolding. Choose the right time and place: Creating a relaxed and safe environment is crucial. It encourages openness and ensures an uninterrupted conversation. Be honest and direct: Despite discomfort, honesty about feelings is vital. Using clear language fosters genuine connections. Be prepared for different reactions: Reactions may vary widely. Some may offer immediate support, while others might need time to process. Patience is key. What to do after talking to your loved ones It is crucial to acknowledge that seeking professional help and prioritizing self-care is as valuable as sharing thoughts with loved ones. Seeking guidance from mental health professionals offers specialized support and guidance tailored to individual needs. Additionally, practicing self-care post-disclosure and engaging in activities that nurture one's well-being are equally important. These steps contribute to a holistic approach to mental health, boosting the courage to share and the strength to heal. If you grew up with the original Star Wars trilogy, you probalby went through a 15-year roller coaster that was something like this: You wished desperately they would make more movies; You groaned when you heard they were making prequels instead; You bought a ticket out of cautious optimism; You realized you were right the first time. If only they'd made sequels instead, dammit! But here's the thing: they did. The story was continued in novels and comics and video games. Oh, and they were so terrible they actually do more damage to the source material than Jar Jar Binks could have ever hoped to. We mean it. These are the stories that are guilty of... 5 Undoing the Ending of Return of the Jedi As Seen In: The Thrawn Trilogy, X-Wing Series, Jedi Academy Trilogy and many more novels, comics and video games. Everything had wrapped up nicely at the end of Return of the Jedi. We see the Imperial menace defeated over the forest moon of Endor by the likes of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca the Wookiee and Lando "The Last Black Man in the Galaxy" Calrissian. He's a collector's item. The Emperor's plan to recruit Luke to the dark side failed, and Darth Vader redeemed himself by dunking the raisin-faced bastard into the reactor core of the Death Star like Lebron James. Vader, electrocuted and hairless--and decidedly not James Earl Jones--died and the Death Star exploded, effectively wiping out the Sith, releasing their chokehold on the Galaxy and infuriating whoever was the lienholder on the destroyed battle station. "Bank of America is going to be pissed." Advertisement Simultaneous celebrations were held on countless planets because evidently news travels fast through the infinite expanse of fucking space. Our heroes dance with some teddy bears and the credits roll. Not So Fast... In the unofficial "sequel" stories, this happens: That is, the Empire keeps rolling right along, imposing space-tyranny on all who stand in their way. Advertisement And the thing is, it's hard to argue with the idea. Neither the Emperor nor the Death Star had ever been a threat to the Rebellion, so, you know, fuck those first three movies. The Imperials had been able to control the Galaxy without a Death Star for a couple of decades, relying instead on fleet warfare and ground support for good old fashioned genocide. As for the Emperor, does killing the leader of a tyrannical government with a powerful and loyal army immediately end the entire conflict? No. Advertisement According to the majority of the books and comics set after the original trilogy, with the Emperor gone, there were hundreds of Admirals, Generals and Politicians who vied for control of the Galaxy. Without a universally accepted leader, the Empire spiraled into a civil war. The Rebellion is still, well, a Rebellion, which means it still has to gain victory over the remaining Imperials to win, who are in turn fighting amongst themselves. And so, the Skywalker family, which you may remember as being the entire point of the Star Wars saga, fades into the background as we watch the Rebels continue to fight two different Empires for 20 more years. During that time it's fair to assume billions more people died and trillions more words of poorly written dialog were spoken. "George, I don't even know what this means..." "You say what's on the page or I'm leaving you in the fucking desert." Advertisement Advertisement 4 Cloning the Emperor As Seen In: The Dark Empire, Dark Empire II and Empire's End comic series. Oh, hey, speaking of the dead Emperor, he is dead, right? After all, Darth Vader basically sacrificed himself to kill the man and wipe out this dark threat to The Force for all time. Yes, that sure was a meaningful sacrifice Anakin made to redeem himself and save countless lives. Advertisement Not So Fast... That is, until in the "sequel" stories Emperor Palpatine is brought back from the dead in a clone body that inexplicably looks like Buck Compton from Band of Brothers. Or if Billy Zane and Val Kilmer collided at 200 mph. Advertisement Once more, you can see why they did it. You need a villain. And if George Lucas had written the sequel stories, it's hard to believe he wouldn't have done the same, after he contorted every prequel storyline to shoehorn in as many OT characters as he could. Advertisement In this storyline, Palpatine, secure in his new corporeal digs, proceeds to use a variety of nifty tactics that nearly annihilate the Rebels. The reasons why he waited until after his death to employ these tactics are beyond even the wisest of us. To make things worse, Luke Skywalker, forgetting absolutely everything about his dad's story arc, thought the best way to deal with this threat was by becoming Palpatine's new apprentice. Although he tries to sabotage the Empire's efforts from the inside, he eventually succumbs to the Dark Side, presumably because the temptation of paid vacation and a dental plan proved to be too great. He also does convention appearances Advertisement Advertisement After Luke essentially becomes the Sega Genesis to Vader's Master System, Leia comes to her brother's rescue and eventually redeems him (you may remember this as the exact same plot of the original trilogy). Unfortunately it's already too late for most of the galaxy, as the Empire has already managed to decimate entire worlds without a Death Star and is within sight of total victory (evidently "total victory" means "killing every last motherfucker in space"). Palps is eventually killed by Empatojayos Brand, an ancient Jedi better known as Master Desperate Plot Device, thus ending the crisis and allowing the Dark Empire series to stop wasting our goddamn time. "You mean we just retell the exact same story and sell it as a sequel? Brilliant! Pass the cocaine!" Advertisement 3 Adding A Bunch of New Jedi Advertisement As Seen In: Dark Empire, Dark Empire II, Empire's End, The Force Unleashed and pretty much every other piece of media. Pretty much the entire point of the original trilogy was that Luke Skywalker, son of Darth Vader, is the last hope for the Jedi Order and the Galaxy. You know, the other Jedi having been ruthlessly hunted down and destroyed by the Empire and all. Advertisement The only exceptions are Obi Wan, whose force powers seem to have degenerated into keeping an immaculately trimmed beard in the middle of the desert, and Yoda, who seems to have gone so batshit insane that all he can do is talk like Super Grover in cryptic nonsensical jibber-jabber and lift shit out of bogs with his mind. Seriously, we're amazed he didn't start playing the fucking spoons or something. With only these three superpowered individuals left, the future of the Galaxy seems bleak. Advertisement Not So Fast... One thing the good guys have to do to deal with the post-Death Star Empire is enlist the help of Jedi. Lots of them. In "sequel" comics like Dark Forces, much of the plot involves enlisting the help of these guys that are just hanging around in remote parts of the galaxy. As it turns out, contrary to popular belief (a term which here means "what the films specifically told us in no uncertain terms"), the Jedi were not entirely wiped out but merely went into hiding. Again, we understand it's not Star Wars without Jedi and you can't wait for an army to be rebuilt from Luke and Leia's inbred children. The writers only had so many options. Advertisement But are we really to believe that these characters just sat on their fat asses, doing nothing to help while their Jedi brethren were getting thrown in the dumpster? That seems just a little out of character for the Galaxy's "Protectors of Freedom." "Hey, we're on break." Advertisement 2 Superweapons That Make the Death Star Look Like a Pile of Shit Advertisement As Seen In: Jedi Academy Trilogy and, once again, Dark Empire All right, so maybe you think we were taking it too far when we said destroying the Death Star(s) didn't really change anything. After all, clearly these weapons were taking the Empire's power to a new level. The Death Stars were to be a planet-destroying game-changer, forever cementing their hold on the galaxy. Advertisement So if nothing else, taking them out dealt a serious blow to their plans. Not So Fast... You know how in a sequel, you have to keep making everything bigger and better? Even when it doesn't make sense, a.k.a. the "Why Didn't They Just Send The Liquid Metal Terminator The First Time" principle? Well, in the course of the Extended Universe stories, dozens of other, more powerful superweapons are introduced, some so over-the-top that, in retrospect, taking out the Death Star should've been right below "Remember to take Mittens to the vet" on the Rebel's To-Do List. And some of them get ridiculous. Evidently the Empire set aside a little too much funding for the Board of Unnecessary Destruction. "This one will blow the planet up twice." Advertisement The Galaxy Gun is a great example. Advertisement Although its name lacks the same pantshit-inspiring sound as the Death Star, we are told it is a lot more powerful. It was first used during the reborn Emperor's campaign against the Rebels (see Cloning the Emperor, above), and during its operational history it destroyed more worlds than the Death Star. Making that count at least... two. There is also the Sun Crusher, which we have to admit is the most badass name ever given to any weapon, ever. Sadly, this is what it looks like. Advertisement To sum it up, it basically does what its name suggests, firing a bunch of missiles into a star and causing it to collapse and go supernova, destroying the entire surrounding system by way of make-believe science. Unfortunately, we already saw the planet-busting ultra gun in two out of the three original movies, so you can probably guess how the storylines involving both of these turned out (if you said "the Rebels enact a daring offensive that destroys the weapon," you are correct). But once more, what was the alternative? Death Stars three and four? Actually, if George Lucas had written it... Advertisement Frank Sinatra would have been 108 today and if hed had his way, hed still be around recording duets of old classics with Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. But since hes not here to celebrate his birthday, lets honor his memory with these classic SNL sketches featuring the Chairman of the Board himself. Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 5 Sinatra Duets Late-career Sinatra was introduced to a new generation via a series of duets with contemporary artists of the day. Phil Hartman does the honors here, ripping it up with Bono, Kenny G and Meat Loaf. @maximumrocknsoul @maximumrocknsoul @maximumrocknsoul @maximumrocknsoul @maximumrocknsoul 4 Frank Sinatra Dating Advice Woody Allen and Soon-Yi (really, Rob Schneider?) run into Mia Farrow outside a movie theater. Theyre interrupted by Hartmans Sinatra, who gives Allen some love advice that the neurotic comic should have considered in real life. Advertisement Advertisement 3 I Did It In My Style Its Fred Armisen as a Danish song-and-dance man taking on the role of a lifetime Sinatra. Essential if youve ever wanted to see Sinatra through the eyes of Denmark. Play Advertisement 2 Ebony and Ivory How into his Sinatra impression was Joe Piscopo? In the script for this sketch, Frank was supposed to be waiting for Stevie Wonder to show up at the recording studio and Joe said, Frank wouldnt wait for Stevie. Stevie would have to wait for Frank, recalls SNL writer Bob Tischler in SNL oral history Live From New York. It was sick. Advertisement Joe needed to think he was Frank Sinatra, remembers SNL scribe Andrew Smith. And we wanted to write a sketch called Frank Wouldnt Do that, because wed pitch a sketch, and Joe would say, No, no, Frank wouldnt do that. I once wrote a sketch The Gay Frank Sinatra Club. And No, not that, Frank wouldnt do that. So he really got a little squirrelly about this whole Frank Sinatra thing. Joe saw his Frank thing not in comedy terms but as a tribute. Play Advertisement OIL PRICE FORECAST: Oil Rose as Much as 1.4% as OPEC + Blame Exaggerated Demand Concerns for Price Drop. OPEC+ Maintain Upbeat Forecasts for 2024 with Record Demand Expected. IEA Forecast Due Tomorrow to Provide Another Take on the 2024 Demand Picture. To Learn More About Price Action , Chart Patterns and Moving Averages , Check out the DailyFX Education Section . Most Read: What is OPEC and What is Their Role in Global Markets? Oil shook off an early day slump to rally during the latter half of the European session to trade around 1.37% higher on the day and eyeing the $70 a barrel mark. There were a host of fundamental factors at play today with the announcement of the COP28 deal out of the UAE drowned it appears by comments from OPEC+ on its 2024 outlook. Recommended by Zain Vawda How to Trade Oil Get My Guide COP28 DEAL AND OPEC+ FORECASTS The COP28 climate meeting in the UAE finally reached an agreement today with representatives from 200+ countries ratifying it. The agreement is for the reduction of global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change, signaling the eventual end of the oil age. This is obviously still some way away with Oil, Gas and Coal still accounting for about 80% of the world's energy, and projections vary widely about when global demand will finally hit its peak. There were concerns regarding the reaction of OPEC+ members and Gulf States and whether they would be supportive of the measures with Saudi Arabia a particular concern. According to a source familiar with the matter, the Saudi position is that it sees "a menu where every country can follow its own pathway," saying it "shows the various tracks that will allow us to maintain the objective of 1.5 (degrees Celsius) in accordance with the characteristics of every nation and in the context of sustainable development." There has been this ongoing debate particularly in the developing world around the phasing out of fossil fuels with many countries finding it tough. This is likely to remain the case in Developing countries who will need the most support if anything meaningful is to be achieved. OPEC+ today also doubled down on its own forecasts for 2024 while the US EIA lowered its 2024 Brent despite output cuts. OPEC+ also lifted its estimate of 2023 global economic growth based on its latest monthly report released earlier today. The Cartel forecast that Oil demand will grow by 2.2 million barrels a day next year with the OPEC secretariat cautiously optimistic about the fundamental factors affecting Oil market dynamics in 2024. The cartel has earmarked the continued recovery in China and a better performance from Europe as actors influencing its estimates while saying OECD countries are not expected exceed 2019 demand levels. OPEC+ were also quick to attribute the recent drop in Oil prices on exaggerated demand concerns which affected sentiment. Given the positive outlook on demand in 2024 it will be interesting to see what the IEA updated forecast reveals when released tomorrow. There have been diverging outlooks between the IEA and OPEC regarding 2024 and I will be keeping an eye on how significant the discrepancies are. LOOKING AHEAD Looking to the rest of the week and later this evening we have the FOMC meeting which could have a huge impact on overall sentiment. Tomorrow, we have IEA updated forecasts which could impact Oil prices as well as US retail sales and jobless claims numbers which could affect the US Dollar and thus Oil prices. For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the DailyFX Calendar Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter TECHNICAL OUTLOOK AND FINAL THOUGHTS From a technical perspective WTI remains vulnerable below the $70 a barrel mark with support resting around the $67 handle. This of course is a key area of support where we had printed a triple bottom pattern in May and June before the explosive move to the upside began. Today we printed a low around 67.70 before rebounding aggressively but we do need acceptance above the $70 a barrel mark for the recovery to continue. A break back above the $70 a barrel mark immediate resistance rests at $72.15 and just above at the $73.06 handle. A daily candle close above the swing high at 71.50 will see the a change in structure and embolden bulls even further and help speed up a recovery in prices. WTI Crude Oil Daily Chart December 13, 2023 Source: TradingView Key Levels to Keep an Eye On: Support levels: 68.25 67.74 67.00 Resistance levels: 70.12 72.15 73.06 IG CLIENT SENTIMENT IG Client Sentiment data tells us that 89% of Traders are currently holding LONG positions. Given the contrarian view to client sentiment adopted here at DailyFX, does this mean we are destined to revisit the lows at the $67 mark? For a more in-depth look at WTI/Oil Price sentiment and Ways to Use it, download the free guide below. Oil - US Crude Bearish Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short. Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily -2% -5% -3% Weekly -3% -10% -4% Written by: Zain Vawda, Market Writer for DailyFX.com Contact and follow Zain on Twitter: @zvawda The Niskayuna Fire District #1 and the Niskayuna Police Department will escort the big guy in red along the parade route. The Adopt-a-Family Holiday Parade will gather holiday presents for Niskayuna families in need, with residents asked to bring gifts to the parade route during the annual event. NISKAYUNA Santa Claus will be making his way through the streets of Niskayuna on Saturday morning, but Saint Nick will be collecting gifts rather than distributing them. Niskayuna Town Board Member Jessica Brennan, a Niskayuna Central School District social worker, said organizers are encouraging residents to bring holiday gifts for teens and preteens, in addition to stocking stuffers and gift cards. Residents who wish to donate do not need to preregister, the gifts will be distributed based on need to families who sign up via the school district. Our focus is middle school and high school students because theyre the hardest to collect for, Brennan said. The elementary schools kind of have a system they use that wont really work for the middle school and high school. So people can use their creativity and think of gifts that a middle schooler or high schooler might like. Also, gift cards are always really helpful. The event will begin with a new offering at Niskayuna Town Hall at 9 a.m. Santa will be available for photos and hot cocoa will be provided to attendees by Niskayuna Girl Scouts. Residents are encouraged to bring a holiday gift to donate to Adopt-a-Family at the meet and greet. Were learning every year and trying to make it better every year, Brennan said. The parade will commence on Saturday at 10 a.m. and continue for approximately two hours before Santa arrives at Co-Op Plaza at noon for additional photos with children. It really pulls people together for a good cause, Brennan said of the charitable parade. Were collaborating to help families help their neighbors. Its a nice community event that can touch us all this holiday season. Brennan also serves as the president of Nisky NOW, a district program that provides weekly food deliveries to families of students in need. Brennan noted that Nisky NOW is also seeking financial donations for its holiday drive, with donations accepted at niskynow.org. You may find this hard to believe. Only one per cent of voters believe that Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill will stop the boats, according to a poll conducted by YouGov earlier this week. One per cent! I'm pretty sure that around four or five per cent of people believe Elvis Presley is still alive, and probably a similar number are certain that the moon is made of cheese. That a mere one per cent of respondents are confident that the Bill will put an end to the small boats crossing the Channel is hardly a ringing endorsement of the Government's flagship policy, about which politicians have been agonising over the past few days. I'm afraid the tiny handful of optimists are misguided. The Rwanda Bill won't stop the small boats. If it gets through the Commons and the Lords, it'll probably make little difference to the number of illegal migrants turning up on our shores. This will be the case even if the Tory Right succeeds in strengthening the Bill's provisions. You may find this hard to believe. Only one per cent of voters believe that Rishi Sunak's (pictured) Rwanda Bill will stop the boats, according to a poll conducted by YouGov earlier this week That a mere one per cent of respondents are confident that the Bill will put an end to the small boats crossing the Channel is hardly a ringing endorsement of the Government's flagship policy, about which politicians have been agonising over the past few days (file image) Am I being unfair? I don't think so. For all the drama of recent days - Rishi Sunak inviting Tory Right-wing rebels to No 10 for bacon sandwiches at the crack of dawn on Tuesday; talk of replacing him and even of an immediate election - I doubt the Government believes in its heart that its Bill will have a decisive impact. Rwanda has become totemic. A piece of political machismo. A controversy, wildly out of proportion to its real importance that is enabling One Nation Tories and their more Right-wing colleagues to let off steam and grumble and threaten - as if life as we know it will come to an end unless we immediately do exactly what they say. The truth is that vast amounts of time and energy have been expended on a policy which, according to Sir James Eadie KC, the Government's leading counsel in the recent Supreme Court case, would in the immediate future lead to only hundreds of illegal migrants being packed off to Rwanda. Note that there are some 130,000 migrants waiting to have their cases considered at the moment - and more are coming all the time. So even if the Government's own predictions about the number of people likely to be sent to Rwanda are on the pessimistic side, it's going to take a long time to make significant inroads into the figures. The theory, which may be believed by some ministers, is that once would-be migrants see that some of their ilk are being flown off to Rwanda, they will think twice before crossing the Channel. In other words, deterrence will work. But will it? Will reports of just hundreds of migrants being put on aeroplanes deter thousands more from coming here? Your guess is as good as mine - or the Government's. I suspect that if only hundreds - or even a few thousands - are being deported, prospective illegal migrants will know that they are still much more likely to end up in a hotel, or maybe a detention centre, in this country rather than in Kigali, capital of Rwanda. The theory, which may be believed by some ministers, is that once would-be migrants see that some of their ilk are being flown off to Rwanda, they will think twice before crossing the Channel. In other words, deterrence will work (file image) I suspect that if only hundreds - or even a few thousands - are being deported, prospective illegal migrants will know that they are still much more likely to end up in a hotel, or maybe a detention centre, in this country rather than in Kigali, capital of Rwanda (pictured: a hotel expected to be used for migrants in Rwanda) And, of course, it's perfectly possible that the Rwanda Bill will never see the light of day, either because the Lords tear it to shreds because they deem it too draconian, or because Right-wing Tories scupper it in the belief that it isn't draconian enough. Remarks by the new Home Secretary, James Cleverly, suggest that some in the Government may not have very high hopes of its Rwanda policy. Shortly after succeeding the combustible Suella Braverman - who seemingly did believe, and still does, that the policy can work - he struck a more realistic note. This is what he said: 'My frustration is that we have allowed the narrative to be created that this was the be-all and end-all . . . The mission is to stop the boats. That's the promise to the British people. Never lose sight of the mission . . . There are multiple methods. Don't fixate on the methods. Focus on the mission.' Wise words. He has also been accused of describing the Rwanda policy as 'bats***' -the implication being that what there is doesn't amount to much. When asked about this by LBC's Nick Ferrari yesterday morning, he replied: 'That's been an accusation. I certainly don't remember.' Not an outright denial, then. Mr Cleverly strikes me as a down-to-earth, sensible chap, who can see that sending illegal migrants to a country 4,000 miles away isn't a silver bullet. Other, and better, measures will be needed. How depressing that leaked documents show that the Home Office believes small-boats arrivals could continue for up to a decade. The Tory Right are surely misguided in making the Rwanda Bill a make-or-break issue. I'm thinking of MPs such as the pugnacious Mark Francois of the European Research Group, one of five factions on the Tory Right. Some of these MPs delight in being dubbed the 'five families' as though they are Mafia clans. God help us. Not that these Right-wing MPs are mistaken in believing that illegal immigration and -to my mind even more important - legal immigration (about 16 times greater last year) must be urgently brought down. Remarks by the new Home Secretary, James Cleverly (pictured), suggest that some in the Government may not have very high hopes of its Rwanda policy How depressing that leaked documents show that the Home Office believes small-boats arrivals could continue for up to a decade (file image) They are absolutely right about that. But they are wrong to invest so much importance in the single, flawed Rwandan scheme. In fact, the Government has already had some success on other fronts, which it should have trumpeted more than it has. Illegal immigration is down by about a third this year, largely because of a deal with Albania that has almost eliminated illegal migration from that country. Does Rishi share Mr Cleverly's realism? He's an intelligent man, and I suspect he does. The trouble is that he has chosen stopping the small boats as one of the five pledges by which he wants to be judged, and has allowed himself to be increasingly identified with the ill-conceived Rwanda policy he inherited from Boris Johnson and the then Home Secretary, Priti Patel. So Mr Sunak has found himself in recent days desperately defending his prime ministership over the issue before pulling off a surprisingly comfortable victory in the Commons on Tuesday evening. Granted, some of his critics are motivated by a dislike of him as much as they are by a desire to make Rwanda work. His tribulations are by no means over. The rebels will be back in the New Year, when they may well be much more destructive. Of course the PM can't drop Rwanda now. That would be political suicide. But he must see that this policy alone isn't going to be enough. I still don't understand why the Government hasn't given more thought to building an austere but humane detention centre on a remote British territory to which illegal migrants could be sent for processing, where legal challenges by lawyers would be less effective. Let's hope the Prime Minister succeeds in getting a flight or two to Rwanda off the ground in the spring. It would be a minor political triumph, though largely a symbolic one. Reducing immigration, illegal as well as legal, is going to take much more thought than this Government has so far given. A kind-hearted schoolboy is opening a Christmas present bank to help those struggling to afford to buy gifts for their families. Isaac Winfield, 12, from Redditch, Warwickshire, captured the hearts of the nation by opening food banks during the pandemic, using his birthday money, and now he is looking to give assistance to the less fortunate over the festive period. The new bank will open on Wednesday, October 13 and have a range of wooden toys, family games and cosy winter clothing handed out by Isaac and his mother Claire Chapman, 43. And he's received 2,000 worth of donations from Aldi to help him get started. IIsaac Winfield, 12, from Redditch, Warwickshire, has set up a present bank for struggling families, with some help from Aldi Isaac Winfield re-stocking The shed at Greenlands, Redditch which is part of the Friends of Isaac's Food Bank, that was broken into during the early hours earlier this year Isaac, who has a rare chromosome disorder and lives with brothers Toby, 10, and Jacob, 22, has been hailed as 'Santa's little helper' by his community. He said: 'I'm so happy with the donations from Aldi - my shed is so well stocked with gifts for anyone who needs them, just in time for Christmas'. His mother Ms Chapman added: 'Christmas can be a stressful time and Isaac wanted to help as many people as possible have a celebration without worrying about what is under the tree. 'He is absolutely ecstatic about the donation and seeing his shelves full with toys and gifts for families he's dedicated his weekends and spare time to helping is the best Christmas present he could have asked for'. In October this year Isaac made headlines after one of the sheds he uses as a food bank was raided by burglars, stealing over 50 worth of food. Isaac, from Redditch, Worcestershire, was left with bare shelves as a result of the theft, until donations from across the country came in, including 500 worth of groceries from Aldi. Now, the budget supermarket has taken its support of Isaac one step further and donated 2,000 worth of gifts to his new present bank. Isaac Winfield, 11, who suffers from a rare chromosome disorder has asked his mum to donate to his food bank for his birthday present this year after he set it up back in December 2020 Isaac impressed execs at Aldi UK who gave him some generous funding so that he could help families this Christmas Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: 'We're thrilled that we were able to help out Isaac and his local community again. 'His story really struck a chord with us - Isaac continues to do amazing, vital work and helping to ease the mind of families by ensuring there are presents under the tree is certainly an important Christmas gift'. Isaac started his food bank with 40 worth of Aldi groceries in November 2020. Also encouraged people to always make sure toys are up to safety standard They suggest steering clear of batteries and magnets which can be fatal The gifting season is upon us and experts are warning parents to be careful about what they're handing over. While kids love nothing more than tearing into a gift on Christmas Day, there is a risk that it can potentially be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC), there were an estimated 145,500 injuries treated in emergency rooms, and 11 deaths associated with toys among children aged 12 and under in 2022. To help protect your child, here's a list of some of the more popular gifts that have raised the alarm with safety experts. One potentially dangerous item are water beads. They're small and flexible, and can grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to liquid Water beads Water beads are small, brightly colored balls - often sold as toys or in craft kits that kids like to play with. The small flexible beads can grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to water - but can also be potentially fatal if ingested. According to CPSC, water beads don't stop growing once they are ingested, they can continue to grow inside the body. This can lead to severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal blockages and life-threatening injuries. Surgery may be required to remove the water beads. Kids tend to eat the beads as they look like candy, especially to young children. 'We have seen injuries related to both ingestion of water beads and also putting them in noses and ears,' Dr. Sarah Ash Combs, an emergency medicine pediatrician at Children's National Hospital, explained to Today. To avoid a potentially serious or fatal situation, CPSC suggests not giving the beads to kids three years or younger, and keeping any loose beads in a secure container. Button batteries Button batteries - that are small, flat and round - are commonly found in many everyday items, such as remotes and watches. As well as being easy to lose due to their small size, the tiny batteries pose a serious risk if kids accidentally swallow them. According to CPSC, unintentional poisonings rose by a whopping 37 per cent in 2021, noting that 12 kids under five years of age died from ingesting button batteries between 2017 to 2021. As well as being easy to lose due to their small size, the tiny batteries post serious risk if kids accidentally swallow them Dr Shawn Safford, the medical director of pediatric services at UPMC Children's Hospital in Central Pennsylvania, said they were not only a potential choking hazard, but could also poison whoever ingests it. According to KidsHealth, swallowing the batteries can cause life-threatening chemical burns to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, ruptures, bleeding and death. To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, avoid toys with these buttons. If they do contain them, make sure it's well secured. Magnets Magnets can potentially pose the same risk as batteries - in that they reassemble small pieces of candy and kids will often ingest them accidentally. As per CPSC, if a high-powered magnets is swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, as well as potentially blocking the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death. It's not recommended that magnets are kept in the household with kids. Tiny magnets, like the ones found on the back of fridge magnets, can be lethal if swallowed E-scooters and hoverboards Motorized scooters and hoverboards may seem like a fun toy for kids, but they had also be incredibly dangerous, according to emergency room doctors. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported a surge in injuries in children hospitalized for e-scooter injuries between 2011 and 2020. They pointed out non-motorized scooters already posed a risk to kids, with a motor just increasing the threat. The CPSC encourages everyone to be aware of recalls, and to always wear a helmet. However, it's not recommended that kids under 16 ride electronic scooters or hoverboards. Motorized scooters and hoverboards (pictured) may seem like a fun toy for kids, but they had also be incredibly dangerous, according to emergency room doctors Toys with lose or small parts ER pediatricians recommend avoiding buying toys with small parts or things that can break off as kids can accidentally swallow and choke on them. Dr. Sarah Ash Combs, an emergency medicine pediatrician at Children's National Hospital, told Today to not gift toys that include things like building sets, marbles, doll accessories or toys that can be taken apart. 'One thing I tell parents is never give (a child) three years or younger anything that is smaller or fits through a toilet roll (tube),' Safford added. Trampolines Trampolines are a popular toy for kids, but there are some serious risks involved in jumping up and down. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 90 per cent of trampoline injuries occur among children, mostly between the ages of five and 14. Trampolines are a popular toy for kids, but there are some serious risks involved They added that more than 75 per cent of injuries occur when there are two or more kids jumping on the trampoline at the same time. Common causes of trampoline injuries happen while attempting tricks such as somersaults or flips. They also noted that landing incorrectly can lead to head and neck injuries. Be careful of cheap versions of toys According to the CPSC, all toys intended for use by children 12 and under must be third-party tested and certified as meeting the federal toy safety standard, ASTM F963-17. This means the toy has been tested for toxic chemicals, heavy metals, electrical safety, small parts, flammability and more. Queen Letizia of Spain, 51, cut a stylish figure in the black and red midi skirt Queen Letizia of Spain put on a united front with husband King Felipe today as they stepped out to chair a Princess of Girona foundation meeting at the Royal Palace. It's the first time the King and Queen have been seen together in public since the day news broke of a bombshell book that rocked the Spanish monarchy. Jaime Del Burgo, 53, currently based in the UK, recently contributed to a tell-all book about the 51-year-old Spanish royal, in which he makes the far-fetched claim that he and Letizia were still romantically involved after her 2004 wedding to Felipe. Letizia and Felipe were seen on the day the news broke, attending the Annual Meeting of the Cervantes Institut in Madrid, but have not carried out a joint engagement since. However, there was no hint of turmoil today as the Queen, 51, stunned in a co-ordinating top and skirt as she presided over the event with her husband, 55 - the foundation's honorary chairman. Queen Letizia of Spain looked ethereal as she presided over a Princess of Girona foundation meeting at the Royal Palace in Madrid today She attended the event with her husband King Felipe , 55 - the foundation's honorary chairman The Princess of Girona foundation aims to support young people in their professional and personal development, and includes the Princess of Girona Foundation Social Awards and the Talent Rescuers programme. Painting the town red in more ways the one, the queen looked typically chic in a recycled black and red Carolina Herrera Poppy-Print knit skirt. She teamed the midi skirt with a chic black leather belt and a red long-sleeved silk shirt - with the look serving to accentuate her petite frame. A clear favourite of Letizia's, the royal has been spotted in the designer number a number of times, including in January 2020 when she hosted film bosses at the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid. She also sported the look in November 2019 during a visit to Seville, to mark the XVI Congress of the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language (ASALE). Today, the mother-of-two once again personified elegance in the bold look, which she paired with black suede knee-high pointed boots. Keeping things classy, she opted for a pair of gold minuscule drop down earrings, a gold ring that she wore on her index finger and forewent a clutch bag. Her luscious brunette locks - which featured a sprinkle of highlights - were parted just off-centre and were laid voluminously around her face. A nude base, a dash of red sultry eyeshadow and a pink glossed lipgloss were the perfect additions to top off the look. She appeared in high spirits as she made her way across the palace grounds with her husband King Felipe. The king displayed impeccable style in a sharp navy blue suit, a crisp sky-blue shirt and a pressed red tie. Never letting her foot off the style pedal, the royal, 51, stunned in a co-ordinating top and skirt The queen looked typically chic in a recycled black and red Carolina Herrera Poppy-Print knit skirt and a red silk long-sleeved shirt Keeping things classy, she opted for a pair of gold minuscule drop down earrings, a gold ring that she wore on her index finger and forewent a clutch bag He teamed the outfit with a pair of well-buffed black leather loafers, while his left hand appeared wrapped in a black bandage. Both him and his wife posed effortlessly for the cameras and made sure to greet all guests in attendance. The Prince of Girona Foundation is a private initiative set up by civil society entities in Girona, and was founded in 2009. King Felipe VI of Spain is the honorary chairman, on behalf of his daughter Princess Leonor, 18. The Foundation is devoted to identifying young people with talent who can act as role models for other young people, of which both the Princess of Girona Foundation Social Awards and the Talent Rescuers programme were launched to help improve youth employability while fostering educational innovation in teacher training. The Princess of Girona Foundation Social Awards also recognises young people aged 16-35 who have started a business that produces positive changes for society. The Princess of Girona foundation aims to support young people in their professional and personal development, and includes the Princess of Girona Foundation Social Awards and the Talent Rescuers programme The Foundation is devoted to identifying young people with talent who can act as role models for other young people, of which both the Princess of Girona Foundation Social Awards and the Talent Rescuers programme were launched to achieve this The king displayed impeccable style in a sharp navy blue suit, a crisp sky-blue shirt and a pressed red tie The news comes as King Felipe and Queen Letizia have released a new family portrait for their 2023 Christmas card. In the newly unveiled photograph, captured on Princess Leonor's 18th birthday in October, the Spanish family of four appears stronger than ever, despite recent claims. Entrepreneur Jaime Del Burgo, - who claims he was dating Letizia when she first met the heir to the Spanish throne - casused a stir when he shared a selfie the Queen taken in a mirror during one of her pregnancies as 'evidence' of their relationship on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the selfie, the royal can be seen wearing a black pashmina - which Jaime claims belonged to him - and he also typed out a message, supposedly sent to him by the Spanish Queen. It read: 'Love. I wear your pashmina. It's like feeling you by my side. It takes care of me. After sharing the image, other X users questioned the validity of Jaime's claims - given there is no evidence that Letizia sent him the photo or accompanying message. The businessman has since deleted his X account. A spokesperson for the Spanish royals told FEMAIL: 'We have no comment to make about this.' A chilling report by +972 Magazine and Local Call (A mass assassination factory: Inside Israels calculated bombing of Gaza), based on testimony from seven current and former members of Israels intelligence community, exposes the grim reality of Israels war on Gaza. It claims the IDF knowingly selects civilian targets, routinely wipes out entire families, and writes off hundreds of innocent lives at a time as collateral damage. The sources say these tactics are intended to instil fear in the population. Let us call things by their real names: this is terrorism. The report states that the IDFs assault on Gaza (Operation Iron Swords), following Hamas 7 October attack, has seen the army significantly expand its bombing of targets that are not distinctly military in nature compared to past operations. Private homes, government buildings and critical infrastructure (euphemistically dubbed power targets) have all been marked for bombing. According to the +972 report, IDF airstrikes have flattened the Islamic University of Gaza, the Palestinian Bar Association, a UN building for an educational program for outstanding students, a building belonging to the Palestine Telecommunications Company, the Ministry of National Economy, and the Ministry of Culture. To this we can add Gaza Citys al-Buraq school, the mediaeval Omari Mosque, the al-Maghazi refugee camp, and hundreds of other civilian targets. An IDF spokesperson, cited in the report, claims that, during the first five days of fighting up to 11 October, half of the targets bombed in Gaza (1,329 out of a total 2,687) were so-called power targets. According to sources with first-hand experience of these methods, hitting power targets is intended to create a shock and lead civilians to put pressure on Hamas. In many cases, justification for levelling a civilian building is sought by claiming militants live or work there. But, as one former intelligence official notes: Hamas is everywhere in Gaza; there is no building that does not have something of Hamas in it, so if you want to find a way to turn a high-rise into a target, you will be able to do so. Killing militants is only a fig leaf. The real point is to send a message. As another anonymous source notes: If they would tell the whole world that [Hamas or Islamic Jihad] offices on the 10th floor are not important as a target, but that its existence is a justification to bring down the entire high-rise with the aim of pressuring civilian families who live in it in order to put pressure on terrorist organisations, this would itself be seen as terrorism. So they do not say it. The sources claim that, in the past, the IDF would take steps to ensure power targets were evacuated of civilians before a strike with warnings by phone for instance, or roof-knocking with a small explosive prior to deploying heavy ordinance, cross-checked by drone footage. But, the report notes, testimonies and videos from Gaza suggest that the IDF has been hitting targets without any warning to their occupants, exterminating whole families in the process. This practice apparently started on day one. For instance, on 7 October (according to Amnesty International), Israeli forces struck a three-storey residential building in the al-Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City. The building was home to three generations of the al-Dos family: 15 were killed, with the youngest being 18 months old. The report is full of stomach-churning accounts of high-rise buildings, full of civilians, being destroyed without warning. One man, Yousef Amar Sharaf, lost 37 members of his family when the 12-story Al-Taj residential building in Gaza City was brought down. Approximately 20,000 Palestinian civilians have been butchered in Gaza since 7 October / Image: Jim Forest, Flickr Another building, the eight-story Al-Mohandseen residential block, was blown up without warning on 31 October. It used to stand in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp, south of Wadi Gaza: supposedly in the safe zone where Israel directed Palestinians fleeing their homes in the north. 120 people were left buried under the rubble. Nothing happens by accident At the time of writing, approximately 20,000 Palestinian civilians have been butchered in Gaza since 7 October. Two reasons for the unprecedented level of bloodshed (according to the report) are the IDF drastically loosening its threshold for acceptable collateral damage, and speeding up its target selection process, allegedly with the aid of Artificial Intelligence. The intelligence sources are quoted as saying that Israel has a very clear picture of how many civilians will die in a given strike. The sources claim the Israeli military command will sometimes knowingly approve the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an attempt to assassinate a single top Hamas operative. This was the justification for the bombing of the Jabaliya refugee camp, for instance, in which over 200 were killed and 240 injured in order to assassinate one Hamas commander. Nothing happens by accident, says one. When a 3-year-old girl is killed in a home in Gaza, its because someone in the army decided it wasnt a big deal for her to be killed that it was a price worth paying in order to hit [another] target. We are not Hamas. These are not random rockets. Everything is intentional. We are reminded of the case of Ahmed Abu Artema, a Palestinian activist who co-organised the peaceful March of Return in 2018-19. Artema had agreed to give an interview with marxist.com, but the day prior his home was hit by the IDF, killing five of his relatives and hospitalising him. The imperative, according to the sources, is to kill as many Hamas and PIJ militants as possible, as quickly as possible whatever the cost. There are cases in which we shell based on a wide cellular pinpointing of where the target is, killing civilians, they state in the report. This is often done to save time, instead of doing a little more work to get a more accurate pinpointing. The emphasis is on quantity rather than quality, with relatively junior operatives being targeted even when civilian casualties will be high. In the past, we did not regularly mark the homes of junior Hamas members for bombing, said one security official who participated in previous operations. In my time, if the house I was working on was marked Collateral Damage 5 [meaning five or more civilians are likely to die as a result], it would not always be approved. To my understanding, today they can mark all the houses of [any Hamas military operative regardless of rank], a source states. That is a lot of houses. Hamas members who dont really matter for anything live in homes across Gaza. So they mark the home and bomb the house and kill everyone there. Callous calculations According to the report, the process of target selection has been ramped up using a system called Habsora (The Gospel), allegedly based on AI, which facilitates what a former intelligence officer calls a mass assassination factory. The Gospel apparently crunches huge quantities of intelligence to rapidly identify bombing sites. In the past there were times in Gaza when we would create 50 targets per year, said a source. And here the machine produced 100 targets in one day. These cold, callous calculations become the basis for an inhuman campaign of terror. Whats more, despite Israels pledge to destroy Hamas, the military impact of these strikes is limited. According to Israeli commentator Avi Issacharoff, it does not appear that the military arm of Hamas has been significantly harmed. According to the report, the real purpose of such tactics is on the one hand to terrorise the Palestinian people as noted, and on the other, to project an impact of strength within Israel. The article cites a propaganda campaign during Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021, in which images and videos of army strikes on Gaza were deliberately uploaded by soldiers (under fake accounts) to social media, to demonstrate the armys effectiveness to the Israeli public. There is a feeling that senior officials in the army are aware of their failure on October 7, says a source. [They] are busy with the question of how to provide the Israeli public with an image [of victory] that will salvage their reputation. On reading this report, we cannot help but once again emphasise the stinking hypocrisy of Israels western allies. We recall, for example, how US President Joe Bidens press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre thundered against Putins brutality after Russian missiles struck apartment buildings in downtown Kyiv last October. We will continue to impose costs on Russia [and] hold them accountable for its war crimes, she said. In the past two weeks, the US twice voted against UN Security Council resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza / Image: public domain In the past two weeks, the US twice voted against UN Security Council resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza. We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war, said US Ambassador Robert Wood. Britains ambassador Barbara Woodward, whose country abstained, said: Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again. What a sick joke! Israel is committing deliberate, industrial-scale slaughter of civilians in Gaza, raining hellfire down on peoples homes, with the connivance of its imperialist allies, who then make reference to 'international law!' The worthless thieves kitchen of the UN, for its part, is revealed as impotent while the butchery continues. The 972+ and Local Call report provides further evidence of Israels crimes, but in reality they are visible to anyone with eyes to see. There will be no justice at the hands of the so-called international community. Only a revolutionary overthrow of the vicious Zionist regime can avenge the dead. Original report from +972 Magazine and Local Call (A mass assassination factory: Inside Israels calculated bombing of Gaza, by Yuval Abraham) Netflix has treated fans of The Crown to a glimpse of the final episodes by releasing new stills from the show - including a first look at Carole Middleton. The hugely successful series draws to a close tomorrow when the remaining five episodes land on the streaming platform. The last episodes delve into Prince William's university days at St Andrews, where he meets his future wife Kate Middleton, the inquest into Princess Diana's death and Princess Margaret's ill health. In preview images, the Queen - played by Imelda Staunton - is seen being briefed on her Golden Jubilee celebrations, which took place in February 2002. The monarch looks solemn as she inspects figurines of soldiers who will be marching along the Mall. In one of the final episodes, the Queen looks particularly solemn as she inspects the figurines lining up outside the Mall The actress - who is best known for House of Dragon and Maryland - is seen with shoulder-length blonde hair as she plays The Crown's Carole Middleton At one point, the Queen bends down to inspect a figurine horse carriage and has a deeply saddened expression on her face. The landmark moment in her reign came at a particularly poignant time for the Queen - whose dear friend Porchy had recently died. Just one week after her Golden Jubilee, the Queen's sister Princess Margaret passed away at the age of 72. Netflix has released a photo showing the royal - played by Leslie Manville - looking particularly frail as she sits in an empty hospital room. The following month, the Queen Mother, who was 101, also passed away - with her death certificate citing 'extreme' old age. What's more, the final episodes will also delve into Prince William and Kate Middleton's romance as students at St Andrews University in the early 2000s. The show has cast Eve Best as Kate's mother Carole Middleton, who is presented as pushing her daughter to pursue William and even encourages her to 'show off' her figure at the infamous student fashion show. The actress - who is best known for House of Dragon and Maryland - is seen with the shoulder-length blonde hair the royal's mother was sporting in 2001 as she plays The Crown's Carole. Another promotional image shows Kate - played by Meg Bellamy - speaking to her future husband while walking through campus with her boyfriend Rupert Finch, played by Oli Green. Kate - played by Meg Bellamy - seen speaking to her future husband while walking through campus with her boyfriend Rupert Finch, played by Oli Green Pictured: The Queen - played by Imelda Staunton - is seen being briefed on her Golden Jubilee celebrations The final series of The Crown will cover several heartbreaking moments in the Queen's life - including Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother's deaths Prince Philip - played by Jonathan Pryce - is seen looking tearful as he watches Prince William and Prince Charles hugging at High Grove Netflix has released a photo showing Princess Margaret - played by Leslie Manville - looking particularly frail as she sits in an empty hospital room Royal sisters have been recast for the fourth time in the show's four-year history - with Viola Prettejohn, 18, stepping into the role of the late Queen while Beau Gadsdon, 14, takes on Princess Margaret In the image, The Crown's Kate has styled her hair in the Princess' signature bouncy blow-dry and is wearing a waxed navy jacket and green jumper. The future Princess of Wales looks solemn as she speaks to Prince William, who is also depicted as dating another student before their romance took off. Elsewhere, Prince Philip - played by Jonathan Pryce - is seen looking tearful as he watches Prince William and Prince Charles hugging at High Grove. The first episode landing on Netflix tomorrow depicts William - played by Ed McVey - having a strained relationship with Charles - played by Dominic West - after Diana's death. After the pair argue at Windsor Castle, Prince Philip visits William at Eton - where he tells the future King that Charles is 'praying for his forgiveness'. He then drives his grandson to High Grove for an emotional reunion with Charles and watches the touching moment play out from a distance. Former PM Tony Blair - who is played Bertie Carvel - has a starring role in the sixth episode of the final series and is shown looking deep in thought during one of his weekly meetings with The Queen Promotional image also show Mohamed Al-Fayed - played by Salim Dau - looking solemn as he appears on TV claiming his son and Diana were murdered Teenage Prince Harry - played by Luther Ford - is seen looking wistfully out of the window at Eton as he speaks to his brother on the phone Another promotional image shows Prince Charles - played by Dominic West - looking serious following Diana's death Princess Anne - played by Claudia Harrison - looking serious as she watches Charles and Camilla's religious blessing from the pews with her father On top of this, Netflix released an image from a flashback of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret celebrating VE Day in London. The royal sisters have been recast for the fourth time in the show's four-year history - with Viola Prettejohn, 18, stepping into the role of the late Queen while Beau Gadsdon, 14, takes on Princess Margaret. While The Queen famously wore her junior commander uniform for the evening out with her sister and cousin Margaret Rhodes, Princess Margaret appears in a salmon pink dress and pearl necklace for the heartwarming scenes. What's more, the promotional images also show Mohamed Al-Fayed - played by Salim Dau - looking solemn. In one of the episodes, Mohamed is seen giving TV interviews where he labels the Royal Family 'gangsters' and 'terrorists' and claims that Dodi and Diana were assassinated. In another image, a teenage Prince Harry - played by Luther Ford - is seen looking wistfully out of the window at Eton as he speaks to his brother on the phone. Former PM Tony Blair - who is played Bertie Carvel - has a starring role in the sixth episode of the final series and is shown looking deep in thought during one of his weekly meetings with The Queen. The series will end with King Charles' wedding to Camilla in Windsor in 2005 and a promotional image shows Princess Anne - played by Claudia Harrison - looking serious as she watches the religious blessing from the pews with her father. Kris Jenner's former personal assistant has shared the highs and lows of working for the Kardashian matriarch - from having 'nightmares' about the famous family and having to sign an iron-clad NDA to making herself a PowerPoint presentation to study fashion designers' names. Madeline 'Maddie' Steitz, originally from Washington but now living in Venice Beach, California, says that she worked as Kris' personal assistant from February 2022 to April 2022, before she left to start her own business. During those three months, Maddie learned a lot - and she's now become a viral sensation on TikTok for sharing some of the valuable lessons that Kris, 68, taught her. She has also opened up about the secrets that she uncovered while working for the momager - and dished on some of the downsides that come with being employed by a top star. Kris Jenner 's former personal assistant has shared the highs and lows of working for the Kardashian matriarch - from having 'nightmares' about the family to having to sign an NDA Madeline 'Maddie' Steitz, originally from Washington but now living in Venice Beach, California, was Kris' personal assistant from February 2022 to April 2022 During those three months, Maddie learned a lot - and she's now become a viral sensation on TikTok for sharing some of the valuable lessons that Kris, 68, taught her In her most recent video, Maddie reflected on the thing she 'does not miss' about working for Kris - how much time she spent thinking about her boss In her most recent video, Maddie reflected on the thing she 'does not miss' about working for Kris - how much time she spent thinking about her boss. She explained that working for such a prominent family meant they were practically always on her mind, which resulted in her suffering from horrific nightmares when she'd sleep. 'One thing I do not miss about being Kris Jenner's personal assistant is how much time I spent thinking about the Kardashians,' she admitted. 'I would literally have nightmares about all the Kardashians because I just couldn't stop thinking about them all the time. But that's just part of being a personal assistant.' In a follow-up video, Maddie insisted her bad dreams didn't stem from anything negative that Kris did, but that they were just 'part of the job.' 'It's totally part of the job, no matter who you work for,' she said. 'Their whole life is your life. 'One person I used to work for, the lock on their front door would sometimes get stuck and I would think about it at the most random times and not be able to go to sleep because I would be afraid their front door was unlocked.' She added in the caption: 'Personal assistant life is its own form of trauma haha.' She explained that working for such a prominent family meant they were practically always on her mind, which resulted in her suffering from horrific nightmares when she'd sleep In a follow-up video, Maddie insisted her bad dreams didn't stem from anything negative that Kris did, but that they were just 'part of the job' In another video, Maddie recalled having to teach herself how to pronounce the names of fashion designers so that she didn't 'sound like an idiot' around Kris (seen with her kids in 2011) In other videos, Maddie lifted a lid even further on what it was like to be employed by the mogul. She recalled having to teach herself how to pronounce the names of fashion brands after growing up in a 'small town' in Washington and 'never really having a lot of money.' She said she would spend hours 'studying' so that she didn't 'sound like an idiot' when talking about fashion to Kris. Maddie also spoke out about having to sign a non-disclosure agreement, explaining that it's vital in her position since you 'have access to so much info' 'Something kind of funny I learned from being Kris Jenner's assistant was how to pronounce designers' names,' she shared. 'Before working for Kris, I liked fashion and style but not designer [stuff] - I'm from a really small town and never really had a lot of money. 'So I literally had to study designer names, I had like a whole PowerPoint saved. I had to learn how to not sound like an idiot when saying Versace and Gucci and Goyard.' Maddie also spoke out about having to sign a non-disclosure agreement, explaining that it's vital in her position since you 'have access to so much info.' 'I cant really imagine a personal assistant role without an NDA needed. You have to have access to so much info that no matter if its a celebrity or not, privacy is a super important part of the job,' she shared. 'I cant imagine a personal assistant role without an NDA needed. You have to have access to so much info that no matter if its a celebrity or not, privacy is super important,' she shared Maddie also addressed the most 'common misconception' that comes with being a personal assistant to the stars - that it's a super 'glamorous' profession She admitted that while it does come with 'lots of perks,' it's not always as fun as you'd think because you're often stuck doing tedious activities like running errands or organizing things She added that almost everyone she has worked for has had her sign an NDA, regardless if they are famous or not, but that some are 'a lot more strict than others.' 'It all varies depending on the privacy level desired or needed by the client that I worked for,' she continued. 'Some are not that strict at all and others I can only say I worked there and use what's factual work information on my LinkedIn and that's it.' DailyMail.com has contacted Kris' rep for comment. Maddie also addressed the most 'common misconception' that comes with being a personal assistant to the stars - that it's a super 'glamorous' profession. She admitted that while it does come with 'lots of perks,' it's not always as fun as you'd think because you're often stuck doing tedious activities like running errands, folding laundry, or organizing things. 'Imagine if you had an assistant, you would want them doing all the things that you don't want to do,' she said. 'Like scheduling appointments and running errands and having to remember random things. 'It's the perfect job for someone like me who is OCD and loves to be organized, but you don't get to live this perfect dreamlife from being close to someone who is living the perfect dreamlife.' As for how she came to be a personal assistant, she explained that after graduating from Washington State University with a degree in political science and criminal justice, an opportunity kind of fell into her lap. Maddie previously worked as a personal assistant for the CEO of a company called Hireforce and for popular YouTuber Louis Cole She worked for Kris for three months in early 2022, before she stopped to launch her own business, Maddie's Natural Sweetener She said she was working a retail job in LA when she bonded with a customer who was in need of a personal assistant - and asked her if she'd like the role. 'It was kind of fate. I was working retail and I met a woman I got along with really well in the store,' she shared. 'She asked me if I was interested in being an assistant - she was looking for one for the first time and I just said yes. 'We went to lunch and chatted and we just got along so well. I feel like that's the [most important] step, you need to work for someone you really admire and enjoy spending time.' According to her LinkedIn, Maddie then worked as a personal assistant for the CEO of a company called Hireforce from February 2020 until March 2020. She also was an assistant for popular YouTuber Louis Cole, from July 2020 to August 2021. She then landed a job at the investment firm Thiel Capital, where she served as the office coordinator from August 2021 to January 2022 followed by an associate in finance and legal from January 2022 to February 2022. She worked for Kris for three months in early 2022, before she stopped to launch her own business, Maddie's Natural Sweetener. 'I was working as an assistant to different CEOs, both personal and executive, for like four years and I had about six different roles before becoming Kris' personal assistant,' she reflected of her journey on TikTok. 'I got some of those jobs through LinkedIn or recruiting, but most was through word of mouth.' 'The hustle was real. I was also working at least one other job at the same time.' The King was hailed for his 'convening' power during an interfaith meeting at Buckingham Palace today. Charles, 75, brought together faith leaders from across the UK to meet in the palace's Blue Drawing Room to find ways to help different religions work together. He sat with representatives from faiths including Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities for around an hour. It comes as the war in Gaza rages and tens of thousands of people have been attending marches in London. Charles was told how inter-faith leaders wanted to build on the close work forged in response to Covid-19, reach young people at schools and enable teachers to discuss issues such as the Gaza conflict and facilitate mentoring programmes for women. King Charles III hosts a gathering of UK community and faith leaders at Buckingham Palace Akeela Ahmed MBE, from the Muslim community in London, sat with the King and told him there was a 'need for women to have programmes of leadership and mentoring' in interfaith issues. Speaking afterwards, she said: 'The King is here to act as a convenor and facilitator and it is clear he cares a lot about the communities. 'With the King convening and facilitating, it encourages us to step out and come together to ease the impact on tensions.' Canon Doctor Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations in Birmingham, said: 'There's been lots of good interfaith relationships over the years, particularly during Covid-19. 'Geo-politics affects this and straining relationships. People are really feeling hurt and angry and really struggling. 'Having the King means this is being taken seriously. His questions were genuinely engaged questions and it gives enormous encouragement. We've got to keep things going.' Meanwhile, Jodie Franks, of Stand Up! Education Against Discrimination, representing the Jewish community, said afterwards: 'I spoke to the King about the importance of interfaith relations on a local level to young people specifically in a school setting.' Her group sees people from Jewish and Muslim communities visit schools to speak about Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. She added: 'We find that educators are nervous to broach these difficult topics and don't feel confident to have conversations in classrooms so children are not having these conversations in the safe space of the classroom but in corridors instead.' The meeting was to discuss the challenges their communities face, and the ways in which greater cohesion and fellowship can be fostered among them King Charles, 75, engaged in conversation with a number of individuals seated at a round table The King met with several people from various UK communities at Buckingham Palace today He took part in a round table discussion about the challenges these communities face King Charles listened attentively as individuals expressed their thoughts during the round table discussion The King invited members from various women-led UK communities and faith leaders to Buckingham Palace The gathering at Buckingham Palace follows The King's visit to Lambeth Palace Library in November, where His Majesty joined leaders from across the UK's communities to mark Inter Faith Week, which aims to strengthen relations at all levels. It has also emerged that interfaith leaders will join the Windsor Leadership Programme at Windsor Castle, where senior leaders from all faiths will explore 'faith, trust and friendship'. The group of 18 faith leaders, which is invitation-only, will meet at Windsor Castle to 'explore the complex challenges troubling our nation' and 'discuss how we, as leaders, can positively change our troubled society for the better in this era of toxic behaviour.' The conversations will be confidential and will meet for the first time in the New Year. While it is not directly convened by the King, the project very much has his blessing. Hoda Kotb snapped a few drunken selfies at her Today producer's wedding over the weekend, but disgraced former host Matt Lauer is notably absent from the playful shots. The anchor was joined by Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, and other NBC employees when she celebrated Jennifer Long and her new husband, Reid Sterrett, at the Union League Club in New York City on Saturday. Kotb, 59, shared photos from the reception on Monday's show, but there was no mention of Lauer, 65, who was reunited with his ex-colleagues at the high-profile event. 'I took some drunkie selfies, OK, everybody does. It was beautiful, it was nice,' she told her co-star Jenna Bush Hager of the wedding. Hoda Kotb, 59, shared photos of Today producer Jennifer Long's wedding on Monday's show, including some 'drunkie selfies' she took with her colleagues One of the selfies Kobt took after getting a little tipsy shows her posing with her co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, who was standing between her husband, Mike Feldman, and Al Roker 'I would have been at this wedding, and I'm sad to have missed it,' said the former first daughter, who was unable to attend because she had a book event in Maine. From the looks of Kotb's blurry pictures, she and her co-stars had a blast at the star-studded wedding, which was also attended by ex-GMA anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach. One of the selfies Kobt took after getting a little tipsy shows her posing with her co-anchor, Guthrie, who was standing between her husband, Mike Feldman, and Roker. They are all smiling from ear to ear as other guests mill around in the background. In another selfie, Kotb, Guthrie, and Roker are posing with the bride, who dazzled in a long-sleeve white lace gown. Kotb was seated with Guthrie, Roker, and Jones, and they also took a photo while huddled together at the table. The final image she shared was a group shot featuring the newlyweds and many of their guests, but Lauer didn't appear to be included. Lauer attended Long's wedding with his British publicist girlfriend, Shamin Abas, whom he has been dating since 2019. Kotb was seated with Guthrie, Roker, and Sheinelle Jones, and they also took a photo while huddled together at the table The final image she shared was a group shot featuring the newlyweds and many of their guests, but disgraced former Today anchor Matt Lauer didn't appear to be included Lauer attended Long's wedding with his British publicist girlfriend, Shamin Abas Kotb didn't acknowledge the former anchor's presence at the wedding, but she noted that Long is someone who 'can bring everybody together.' 'Thats the magic of her,' she said. 'All people from all the eras whove worked with her were all there.' When Bush Hager asked if it was 'fun' to see some of their 'old friends,' she agreed that it was a nice reunion. 'Yeah, I think its a beautiful gathering when everyones together, and everyone was celebrating her... It was her moment,' she said. Kotb also shared some behind-the-scenes intel, saying Long had a yacht rock band at the reception and 'everyone was on the dance floor.' 'I danced! I danced with everybody,' she said. 'I danced with Roker, I danced with Savannah, I just danced around.' Lauer co-anchored the Today show with Guthrie before he was fired for sexual harassment in 2017 Kotb didn't acknowledge Lauer's presence at the wedding, but she noted that Long is someone who 'can bring everybody together' Guthrie was smiling brightly as she entered the wedding reception with her husband The star-studded wedding was also attended by ex-GMA anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach Kotb replaced Lauer as Guthrie's co-anchor after he was fired in 2017. Lauer was accused of sexual harassment and rape by former network employee Brooke Nevils, with several other women coming forward with similar accusations. She claimed that he raped her in his hotel room at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where she was working for NBC's Meredith Vieira. Lauer has insisted all of his encounters were consensual. Long, who left NBC's Today in 2019 after 21 years, worked closely with both Lauer and Guthrie before jumping ship to be an executive producer of The Tonight Show. Guthrie was reportedly tearful after announcing Long's departure, saying that the entire team would be waving 'pompoms' for her friend in her new role. Long has since returned to Today and now again works closely with Guthrie. Lauer has been living a quiet life since the firing and his subsequent divorce from Dutch model Annette Roque, his wife of 20 years. The King and Queen of Spain have made their first public appearance together since Letizia's ex-brother-in-law claimed he'd had an affair with the royal. The Queen, 51, and King Felipe, 55, brushed off the scandalous allegations and beamed as they arrived at a meeting with officials from the Princesa de Girona Foundation at the royal palace in Madrid this afternoon. Dressed in a scarlet red top and a black skirt with floral detailing, paired with knee length suede boots, mother-of-two Letizia looked up at her husband and smiled as they strolled into the room. Meanwhile Felipe, looking sharp as always in a tailored suit, beamed back at his wife as they appeared deep in conversation. The jolly appearance from the royal couple comes after explosive allegations from the ex-husband of Letizia's sister, Jaime Del Burgo, 53, that he and the Queen were romantically involved while Letizia was dating Felipe. The King and Queen of Spain brushed off explosive affair allegations from Letizia's ex-brother-in-law as they were seen together in public for the first time since the claims came to light this afternoon The entrepreneur, who is currently living in the UK, was previously married to Letizia's sister Telma Ortiz. However in a contribution to a tell-all book about the Spanish Queen, he made the far-fetched claim that he and Letizia were still romantically involved after her 2004 wedding to King Felipe. Jaime, who claims he was dating Letizia when she first met the heir to the Spanish throne - also shared a selfie the Queen took in a mirror during one of her pregnancies as 'evidence' of their relationship on X, formerly known as Twitter, last week. In the selfie, the royal can be seen wearing a black pashmina - which Jaime claims belonged to him - and he also typed out a message, supposedly sent to him by the Spanish Queen. Letizia, 51, glowed in a red long-sleeved top and a black skirt with floral detailing, paired with knee-high suede boots The King and Queen of Spain met with officials from the Princesa de Girona Foundation Letizia and Felipe brushed off the claims made by Letizia's ex-brother-in-law Jaime Del Burgo The royal couple appeared deep in conversation as they entered the palace to attend the meeting It read: 'Love. I wear your pashmina. It's like feeling you by my side. It takes care of me. 'It protects me. I count the hours until we see each other again. Love you. Get out of here. Yours,' After sharing the image, other X users questioned the validity of Jaime's claims - given there is no evidence that Letizia sent him the photo or accompanying message. The businessman has since deleted his X account. The allegations first came to light in a book, Letizia & I, written by journalist Jaime Penafiel. Speaking to El Cierre Digitial, the author, 91, said Letizia was Jaime del Burgo's 'great love' and the pair's relationship turned into a 'great friendship' after she became romantically involved with King Felipe. The businessman told the author that he met Letizia before 2000 and their relationship began on a romantic trip to Venice, years before she met King Felipe. Jaime - who is the son of the former politician Jaime Ignacio del Burgo - claims he was planning to propose to Letizia when she announced that she was dating a mysterious 'diplomat' over dinner at the Ritz hotel in Madrid in 2002. Describing how 'serious and significant' their relationship was, the author made the unlikely claim that Jaime was 'carrying an engagement ring his his pocket' that evening. Letizia reportedly told him that she had 'met someone who would oblige her to quit her profession', which Jaime said led him to deduce her mystery partner was Felipe. After the pair reportedly decided to just be friends, Jaime is said to have advised Letizia: 'Don't announce the romance, just the wedding.' Following their engagement announcement in 2003, Letizia - who had divorced her first husband in 1999 - asked Jaime to be a witness at their wedding. What's more, the royal's ex-brother-in-law also made the far-fetched claim that he 'dealt' with Letizia's pre-nuptial agreement and helped to front the cost of the Queen's family's wedding outfits. He is quoted as saying: 'When the wedding with Felipe came round, I dealt with the pre-nuptial agreement as you know, amongst other things. 'I also had to pay Letizia's family's expenses because [former King] Juan Carlos refused to pay or even go halves with me. So with the help of my friend Felipe Varela, I dressed her mum, grandmother and her sisters. And with the help of Jaime Jason, her father, grandparents and a cousin.' Doctor shared the toys everyone should avoid giving children A doctor has listed the five toys you should never give a child for Christmas. Dr Meghan Martin, from Florida, works in the ER and knows all too well about the dangers of certain gifts. In a now-viral TikTok video the mother-of-four explained how trampolines, water beads, electric scooters, hoverboards and toys with button batteries can land kids in hospital and sometimes cause death. Dr Meghan Martin, from Florida, works in the emergency department and knows all too well about the dangers of certain gifts First Dr Martin said any type of toy that requires a button battery shouldn't be given to children. 'They keep those little compartments closed with these little cheap screws - it's not worth it. They can literally kill kids and they do every year,' she said. Next, Dr Martin urged parents to keep water beads away from young kids as they can be dangerous if swallowed. 'Water beads are sold as sensory toys but little kids can ingest them when they're small and they can get larger and cause bowel obstructions,' Dr Martin said. 'Don't mess with these with little kids and they can cause problems with pets too.' On TikTok the mother-of-four explained how trampolines, water beads, electric scooters, hoverboards and toys with button batteries can land kids in hospital (stock image) Third on the list was electric scooters - a popular gift that tends to be given to kids over eight. But riding a scooter comes with the risk of breaking a bone. 'Kids go way too fast on these,' Dr Martin said. 'They hit a bump, they go flying, they mess up their faces, arms and heads - it's bad news.' Similarly to scooters, hoverboards should also be avoided at all costs. 'We see so many hoverboard injuries right after Christmas,' the doctor continued, adding: 'They break their forearms, elbows and sometimes their heads.' 'Hoverboards can literally light your house on fire.' In New South Wales it's illegal to ride motorised wheeled objects including skateboards, hoverboards and electric scooters. A trampoline is the worst gift to give your children as it can lead to injuries and broken bones (stock image) Lastly, while many Aussie families tend to buy trampolines for the kids to enjoy in the backyard, the gift can lead to injuries and land kids in the emergency room. 'Number one item from the list should not be a surprise to anyone, it's trampolines,' the doctor said. 'I detest trampolines. They keep the emergency department in the orthopedics team in business. 'It doesn't matter if you have a net, it doesn't matter if it's buried in the ground. Most of the injuries actually happen on the trampoline. 'I hope you have a wonderful holiday and do not need to pay me a visit.' Dr Martin's TikTok has since been viewed more than 1.3million times and other parents agreed with her points. 'I refuse to buy anything with button batteries and recently water beads. Thanks for spreading awareness!!' one mum wrote. 'Someone just gave us 10000 water beads, it never came in the house,' another said. 'I'm really wondering how I never broke any bones as a kid with how many times I feel off the trampoline,' a third wrote. Australian workers are sharing the worst Christmas gifts and bonuses they have ever received from their employers. While there are a lucky few who get generous presents and cash bonuses from their bosses others say their workplace shouldn't have bothered calling their gifts 'thoughtless' and 'insulting'. Lots of people said they have been given Christmas hams and turkeys while others were gifted $10 Starbucks vouchers, a cup of hot chocolate or a 'digital cake' despite working at multimillion-dollar corporations. 'What cheap/terrible holiday 'bonuses' are people starting to receive from work this year?' someone asked in a Reddit thread. A sales worker said their team received a book about sales from their boss which they were then required to study. Aussie workers have spilled on the worst Christmas gifts and bonuses they've ever got from their workplace. Some say they've got Starbucks voucher hardly worth the value of one coffee Lots of people were given Christmas hams and turkeys: 'They were delivered to your desk mid-day. There was not enough room in our fridge to store them all,' someone said 'We are supposed to read this book on our downtime (whenever that is) and then management wants to go over the book chapter by chapter in our weekly team meetings,' they said. Another worked at a store that sold cheesecakes. Staff received a cheesecake from another cheap supermarket. 'We got a digital cake. As in a clip inserted into an email as a thank you. There's a grocery store across the street,' one woman said. 'IT thought it would be good to do a phishing email test that looked like the company gave everyone a $50 Amazon card. To say people were pissed is an understatement,' another recalled. 'We are getting a pinata at the holiday party. So we can crawl around on the ground for candy while the boss watches. Fun,' a third wrote. One employee said they were expecting a $1,000-$5,000 bonus around Christmas as their company had doubled their sales over the last year but were left sorely disappointed. 'My owner was super excited to hand me a fat padded envelope with my bonus in it before he and his wife left for the month to head to Aruba,' he explained. 'I opened it in my car before I headed home, and inside was a Shun Folding Steak Knife. Apparently, it was so I could carry my own steak knife to all the fancy restaurant dinners I was going to be having.' One man expected to get a bonus up to $5,000 but received a steak knife instead for 'all the fancy steak dinners' his boos said he would have after the company's sales grew Someone said they were made to chip in $25 for a mandatory Christmas party while another received nothing but a cup of hot chocolate from a well-known and wealthy automotive company. Many reported getting hams and turkeys as well as Starbucks gift cards with barely enough to buy one coffee while others were unfortunately let go from their jobs. 'My husband got fired. So being that he was the sole income provider for our family of four, I would say that's pretty terrible,' one woman replied. 'One year work bought everyone a ham. Didn't matter if you couldn't eat ham. They were delivered to your desk mid-day. There was not enough room in our fridge to store them all,' a second answered. 'A ham and Starbucks gift card the rest of the managers receive cash bonuses,' a third added. READ MORE: Coles workers are furious after discovering what the supermarket is getting them for Christmas Advertisement Someone said they were made to chip in $25 for a mandatory Christmas party while others were even unfortunately fired 'We haven't gotten anything for the last recent years. Except a veiled threat that we should be grateful we are employed,' a fourth said. One man said his wife got a QR code to buy a piece of company-banded merchandise like a water bottle or sweatshirt. 'Only the checkout link is broken so she can't actually order anything,' he added. Another got one extra day off but there were strict stipulations. 'It has to be pre-approved three weeks in advance, it couldn't be between December 20th and January 10th, it couldn't be on a Friday or weekend, and we would be required to come in if asked,' they said. 'The CEO took a vacation for all of December and January.' And finally one worker said: 'We got told we were getting nothing. And the management excuse was 'Well, not everyone celebrates Christmas, so it wouldn't be fair'. 'My colleague hit the nail on the head: 'I've never heard diversity weaponised until I heard that'.' A US expat was confused by what Aussies call certain foods A young American woman who's been living in Australia has listed four words she 'can't wrap her head around' when it comes to food culture. Tate Duane moved from California to Melbourne last year and continues to learn more about the Australian culture. In a viral TikTok video she listed four words and terms Australians use for food that differs to what she's used to back home. 'I don't care what you say, Australians speak a foreign language. This is not the English that I know. Some of these words are so crazy,' she said in a TikTok video. Tate Duane moved from California to Melbourne last year and continues to learn more about the Australian culture. In a viral TikTok video she listed four words and terms Australians use for food that differs to what she's used to back home First on the list was 'jacket potato' - also known as baked potato to some - but Tate said she's 'never heard of that in her life'. 'It's called a baked potato. What do you mean it's got a little jacket on? I think that's actually kind of cute and fun but you bake it. So it's a baked potato,' she said. Next, while Aussies might say coriander, Americans call the herb cilantro. Tate was passionate about this point and said: 'That is cilantro. It either tastes like soap or it doesn't, but all I know is it's cilantro.' Tate then questioned why Aussies call bell peppers 'capsicums' and admitted she didn't know what it was on a menu. 'Where are we getting this capsicum from? I don't know what I'm ordering. What do you mean there's capsicum on this? What?' she continued. She admitted she had no idea what jacket potato, capsicum, coriander and honey chicken was The one type of food that Tate really struggled getting her head around was honey chicken - because back home she calls it orange chicken. 'All I wanted was some orange chicken from a Chinese restaurant here - and your Chinese food is completely different, it's better here,' she said. 'I wanted orange chicken but apparently you guys call it honey chicken. My boyfriend literally ordered it in front of me and I didn't realise that's what I had been wanting. 'And he was like, 'Oh this is what you meant?' What do you mean? It's orange and it's chicken! Yes!' The video has been viewed more than 343,000 times after 48 hours and some Aussies had their own questions to ask. 'Wait... American 'orange chicken' has nothing to do with the fruit orange?' one commented. 'The whole time I thought Americans ate chicken with orange sauce but it was actually honey chicken!?' another said. 'Orange chicken isn't orange flavoured? Honey chicken cos it's honey lol we also have lemon chicken,' a third added. 'Well I was today years old when I learned orange chicken wasn't orange flavoured chicken! I thought it was a variation on lemon chicken,' another admitted. Someone else wrote: 'Never heard of jacket potato I'm Australian.' 'Cilantro is American for coriander.. almost every other country says coriander,' one said. Read more: American expat 'blown away' by everyday kitchen essential that everyone in Australia and New Zealand has How I make an extra $1,400 a month from home on top of my regular job - and anyone can do it Concerns about the dangers of physician associates have been highlighted in a poll as the findings also suggested most patients do not know how they differ from doctors. Almost nine in ten UK doctors (87 per cent) believe the way physician associates (PAs) or anaesthesia associates (AAs) work in the NHS is 'always or sometimes a risk to patient safety', the survey showed. A similar number (86 per cent) said patients are not aware of the difference between the roles. The British Medical Association (BMA), which conducted the poll of 18,000 doctors, is warning a 'blurring' of the distinction 'can, and has, led to fatal consequences'. Associates work under the supervision of a doctor and require two years of postgraduate study but no formal medical training. There are around 1,500 PAs working in hospitals and 1,700 in primary care in England. Some 87 per cent believe the way physician associates or anaesthesia associates work in the NHS is 'always or sometimes a risk to patient safety', the survey showed (Stock Image) A similar number (86 per cent) said patients are not aware of the difference between the roles (Stock Image) They are unregulated and assist doctors by taking medical histories, examining patients, making a diagnosis and analysing test results. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan shows that bosses want to increase the PA workforce to 10,000 by 2036/37. There are also around 320 anaesthesia associates, with plans to boost their numbers to 2,000 over the same period. They assist anaesthetists by reviewing patients before surgery. The Government will lay out legislation today to allow PAs and AAs to be regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) from the end of next year. But the BMA has said that using the doctors' watchdog to regulate PAs and AAs will 'add further, dangerous confusion to the situation'. The union said some 10,000 doctors have written to their MPs to ask them to oppose the legislation. It also cited a separate poll of 2,009 members of the public, which showed 14 per cent had been treated by a PA, 57 per cent had not, and 29 per cent did not know. Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the BMA council, said: 'Doctors in the UK have been growing more and more worried about the consequences of the Government's plan to expand the number of PAs and AAs in England. 'Patients deserve to know who is treating them and the standard of care they are going to receive. The British Medical Association, which conducted the poll of 18,000 doctors, is warning a 'blurring' of the distinction 'can, and has, led to fatal consequences' (Stock Image) 'By blurring the lines and allowing a situation where PAs can act beyond their competence without the public understanding what they are qualified to do, both professions are demeaned and risk losing crucial public trust. 'At every stage we have been clear that the GMC is the wrong regulator for medical associate professionals: it is the body for regulating doctors, which these staff are not.' Actress Emily Chesterton, 30, died of a blood clot at the end of last year after a PA dismissed her symptoms as anxiety and gave her pills instead of directing her to A&E. She believed she had been seen by a GP at her surgery in north London but had actually been seen twice by an associate. Dr Banfield added: 'By giving the impression that PAs can do what doctors can do, the Government is risking yet more patient safety incidents.' One doctor told the BMA: 'Their [PAs] basic knowledge is poor,' adding: 'It is only a matter of time before a patient comes to serious harm at their hands.' Health Education England said the role and clinical duties of PAs and AAs 'cannot, and will not, be as extensive as those of a doctor'. NHS hospitals are braced for what could be their worst winter in history amid the looming threats of flu, Covid and strikes. Seasonal bugs like norovirus are already piling pressure on stretched wards, A&E units and ambulance crews, weeks before demand typically peaks. MailOnline can today also reveal that a dozen hospital trusts have declared critical incidents over the past two months, in a clear sign of escalating tension within the beleaguered service. Health leaders fear that junior doctor strikes over Christmas and the New Year will only exacerbate the crisis. Experts also predict cases of flu will soar in the coming weeks, and have speculated that Covid cases could explode with the emergence of a troubling new variant. Miriam Deakin, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, which represents acute, ambulance and community services, told MailOnline: 'Winter is always difficult for the NHS and this year will be no different. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Our recent survey of leaders across the NHS showed that 80 per cent are expecting this winter to be tougher than last year. 'Nasty bugs including norovirus, flu, Covid and RSV are already ramping up the pressure on stretched services and NHS staff. 'Hospitals, mental health, community and ambulance services are doing everything they can to treat patients as quickly and as safely as possible as we head into winter. 'But faced with staff sickness, winter bugs and handover delays and now more industrial action by junior doctors in the coming weeks, this is looking increasingly difficult. It's vital the government and unions get back around the table and do everything they can to resolve these strikes.' Last year's winter NHS crisis was considered the worst in a generation. Terrifying scenes saw military personnel drafted in to drive ambulances during strikes and waits of up to 30 hours in A&E, with patients treated in corridors and sleeping on the floor due to Dickensian overcrowding. MailOnline's audit found 12 NHS trusts have, since mid-October, publicly declared critical incidents formally signalling that patient care may be under threat. READ MORE: So much for the world-beating NHS! UK doesn't even rank in the top 20 for patient safety - and the US scores even lower Researchers at the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London examined data on 38 developed countries Advertisement These include the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, which yesterday warned that demand for emergency care is 'far outstripping the capacity the hospital has'. As a result, patients are waiting a 'long time' for a bed in the emergency department. Trust chiefs pleaded with the local community to take their relatives or friends home from hospital 'as soon as they are declared ready to'. Bed blocking when a patient medically fit to be discharged remains in hospital is a major problem across the health service. Around 12,000 hospital beds across the country one in seven are occupied by patients declared well enough to go home. Patients should be moved to a care home or offered home support. However, social care staff shortages mean many are left to languish on wards for weeks. Some have spent up to nine months in hospital. It has a knock-on effect on A&E wards and ambulance response times, as 999 crews are stuck in queues waiting to hand over patients instead of being ready to respond to incoming calls. At the same time, hospitals have fewer beds than a decade ago, giving them less space for patients during periods of high demand. It means medics are forced to 'warehouse' patients in emergency departments, where there can be the equivalent of a full ward of patients in need of care. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust also declared a critical incident yesterday, warning that its emergency department and hospital were 'full'. Both ambulance patients and A&E attendees have been left waiting 'much longer' than expected, which the trust admitted was 'not acceptable'. Other trusts that have raised the alarm in recent weeks include Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where a crash in its carpark interrupted power supply to the hospital, and West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where a burst water pipe led to a flood in its emergency department. However, the number of critical incidents publicly announced by NHS trusts is a huge underestimate of the true figure and may be three-times higher than disclosed, hospital bosses have warned. Some trusts choose not to declare one, as it often does lead to any support with delivering care and triggers paperwork and inspections, according to insiders. Your browser does not support iframes. Hospitals have fewer beds than a decade ago, giving them less space for patients during periods of high demand. It means medics are forced to 'warehouse' patients in emergency departments, where there can be the equivalent of a full ward of patients in need of care Bed blocking when a patient medically fit to be discharged remains in hospital is a major problem across the health service. Around 13,000 hospital beds across the country one in seven are occupied by patients declared well enough to go home Latest NHS data for A&E performance shows that 44,655 people, or more than 1,400 a day, were forced to wait at least 12 hours in A&E in October before being admitted, transferred or discharged. Just seven in 10 were seen within four hours the health service's target. But these figures, published monthly, only look at trolley waits the time between doctors deciding a patient needs to be admitted and them getting a bed. Figures capturing exact arrival times at A&E paint a much bleaker picture, with up to one in 10 forced to wait at least 12 hours. One of the country's top doctors labelled the situation 'chaotic' and 'dangerous'. He warned the NHS is in a 'spiral of decline' which will see patients treated in corridors, endure long waits and suffer 'inevitable harm' over the winter. Separate data on ambulance performance revealed response times have slowed. Heart attack and stroke patients in England, known as category two callers, had to wait an average of 41 minutes and 40 seconds for paramedics to arrive on the scene in October This is more than twice as long as the 18 minute target. The average category one response time calls from people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as cardiac arrests was 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The target time is seven minutes. Although nowhere near the terrifying delays seen last December, the responses are slowing ahead of the peak of winter pressures. Separately, around a third of ambulances were forced to wait more than half an hour before handing patients over to hospitals in the week to December 3. NHS rules set out that the process should be completed within 15 minutes and that none should last more than one hour. Recent victims of NHS waits include Pauline Dee, who sat in A&E for 15 hours. She went to the emergency unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on November 21, as she was suffering from chest pain. Samantha Deakin, a mother-of-one (right), died last month after waiting more than two hours for an ambulance. Her partner John Leyland (left), a former first aider, called 999 on November 26 after the 50-year-old began suffering from pain and severe bloating - which he was worried was an internal bleed. Recent victims of NHS waits include Pauline Dee, who sat in A&E for 15 hours. She went to the emergency unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on November 21, as she was suffering from chest pain The former Shropshire councillor arrived at 1pm but was not offered a trolley-bed until 5am the next morning. After seeing a consultant, she was then forced to wait in the hospital until nearly 3pm that afternoon to collect her medication. Another is Samantha Deakin, a mother-of-one who died last month after waiting more than two hours for an ambulance. Her partner John Leyland, a former first aider, called 999 on November 26 after the 50-year-old began suffering from pain and severe bloating, which he was worried was an internal bleed. Mr Leyland called twice more at 20-minute intervals after Ms Deakin became pale and was struggling to breathe. Paramedics finally arrived more than two hours after his first call, despite her case being classed as a category two emergency, which should see an ambulance show up within 18 minutes. Mr Leyland told his partner that he would see her at the hospital. But she vomited blood and suffered a cardiac arrest on her way to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. Ms Deakin was resuscitated but died at the hospital after a second cardiac arrest. He is now considering legal action over 'all the negligence on that day'. Junior doctors 'walked away before final offer', Health Secretary says The Health Secretary has expressed her 'extreme disappointment' that junior doctors walked away from talks. Victoria Atkins said a final offer had not been put before the British Medical Association (BMA) before it announced the junior medics would be striking in England over Christmas and New Year. She warned the action comes at a 'most challenging time' for the health service as she called on NHS staff to 'explain the consequences' of the strikes to junior doctors. When the talks broke down, the BMA said junior doctors had been offered a 3 per cent rise on top of the average 8.8 per cent increase they were given in the summer. The union said the cash would be split unevenly across different doctor grades and would 'still amount to pay cuts for many doctors'. But Ms Atkins said that the discussions were still live when the BMA called the strikes and the Government had not yet made a final offer. Asked about the walkouts at her first appearance before the Health and Social Care Committee as Health Secretary, Ms Atkins said: 'It has been, as far as I'm concerned, a constructive relationship. 'I am extremely disappointed that they have taken the decision to walk away from the discussions we were having which were live and we had not in any way made a final offer or anything of that nature. 'And so it is disappointing, but as I've said since they announced their decision, should they call off the strike action I will get right back around the table with them. 'And I think as we approach next week's strikes but also the very, very significant strikes in January sadly we will begin to see some of the impact that will have on patients, particularly over this period of time, which as everybody knows, is probably the most challenging time for the NHS.' Advertisement NHS bosses have warned that a surge in seasonal viruses are, in part, to blame for rising pressures on hospitals. With the exception of last year, flu admissions are at their highest level since 2015. Data shows that an average of 234 flu patients were in hospital per day in the week to December 3, up by 53 per cent in just one week. Meanwhile, cases of the winter vomiting bug norovirus are also on the rise, with 386 adults in wards per day, up 19 per cent in a week. On top of this, norovirus cases led to 92 beds being closed each day, on average, in a bid to stop the highly contagious bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, from spreading to other patients. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also up 11 per cent in a week among children, with 146 in hospital per day. Covid, however, is having less impact than ever on the health service for this time of year. Just 2.9 Covid admissions per 100,000 people in England were logged in the week to December 3. For comparison, during the same period last year, the figure stood at 5.5. It was even higher in 2021 (6.6) and 2020 (13.5). However, health chiefs have been spooked by a new strain sweeping Britain, which they fear could trigger a fresh wave of infection at a time when the NHS is already bursting at the seams. JN.1, which has mutations that help it dodge immunity people have built up from vaccinations and previous infections, has been spotted hundreds of times in the UK. Health chiefs are now actively monitoring the strain. As well as taking up space in hospitals, Covid spikes can reduce staffing levels if medics are sickened with the virus. The NHS is already logging around 47,000 staff absences per day due to poor health. On top of that, the health service is already short of more than 120,000 members of staff. Any additional pressure would be on top of the health service's work to bring down the record 7.7million waiting list for routine hospital care. The figure has spiralled from 4.2million at the start of the pandemic, which caused delays to snowball. Rishi Sunak made cutting waiting lists one of his 2023 priorities, pledging in January that 'lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly'. However, the Prime Minister has claimed that strikes across the health service have made the task 'more challenging'. The NHS has blamed industrial action for piling pressure on the health service, reducing hospital capacity and services. While consultants are now considering the Government's pay rise offer of up to 20,000 for this financial year, junior doctors, who earn up to 60,000, have rejected the Government's latest offer and are set to stage nine days of walk-outs over Christmas and the New Year. Thousands of junior doctors will abandon posts for three days before Xmas, starting at 7am on December 20. Another six days of action the longest in the health service's 75-year history are pencilled in from 7am on January 2. Junior doctors were offered a three per cent rise on top of the average 8.8 per cent increase they already pocketed in the summer. Data shows that an average of 234 flu patients were in hospital per day in the week to December 3, up by 53 per cent in just one week. Meanwhile, cases of the winter vomiting bug norovirus are also on the rise, with 386 adults in wards per day, up 19 per cent in a week. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also up 11 per cent in a week among children, with 146 in hospital per day. Covid, however, is having less impact than ever on the health service for this time of year Junior doctors in England have voted to stage fresh strikes in December and January after talks between the Government and British Medical Association broke down But the British Medical Association (BMA), which is coordinating the action, said the cash was 'completely insufficient', would have been split unevenly across different medical grades and would 'still amount to pay cuts for many doctors'. This is despite nurses, physios and paramedics having called off strikes after their unions accepted pay deals. However, some are upset by the offer to consultants, who already earn six-figure salaries, on average, raising the prospect of more walk-outs in the coming months. NHS leaders have said they will prioritise urgent and emergency care to 'protect patient safety' during the walkouts. More than 1million appointments and operations have already been cancelled because of the action, which began last winter. However, health chiefs say the figure is even higher because hospitals often stop scheduling procedures on strike days, after they are announced. However, Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, warned that the service will likely face 'another very challenging winter'. Rory Deighton, director of the NHS Confederation's Acute Network, told MailOnline: 'The continued rise in winter viruses and staff sickness suggests that the pressure on health services is only going to continue to mount as we get deeper into winter. 'While it is welcome that flu levels are still lower than last year, there is always the risk that there could be a spike in cases or staff absences as we get deeper into winter.' He said the NHS has an additional 1,400 beds this winter compared to last year but bed blocking 'remains a major challenge'. HM Treasury data shows the NHS annual budget. In 2020/21, the NHS was given 129.7billion of core funding for its usual services, which was topped up with an extra 18billion to help with the pressures from the pandemic. For 2021/22 the Treasury said the health service received 136.1billion pounds of core funding, as well as 3billion to help with the Covid recovery. The health service has been allocated 151.8billion for 2022/23 and 157.4billion for 2023/34. The Autumn Statement topped up these figures by 3.3billion each Mr Deighton added: 'All these pressures can only be exacerbated by the upcoming junior doctors strikes which are scheduled for some of the most difficult weeks of the year for NHS services. 'It is not too late for the BMA to change its mind and for the government to commence fresh talks in the interest of patients this winter.' Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: 'We are already seeing a repeat of the heart-breaking scenes we saw last year, ambulances queueing outside overcrowded A&Es, patients facing dangerously long waits on trolleys in corridors, and hospitals full of patients. 'We are extremely concerned about the coming weeks in October one in nine patients faced a 12-hour wait in A&Es, now in December this number will likely be worse. 'It is extremely challenging for staff, who are delivering care to the best of their ability in an under-resourced, under-bedded system, mitigating the risks for their patients. And it is distressing for patients and their families, who suffer these undignified and uncomfortable waits. 'Each year, winter brings predictable pressures, yet the system and staff are not provided with the beds and resources they need to cope. Inadequate funding and poorly evaluated planning mean that we never break this cycle. 'Staff are tired of it and tired of burning themselves out because the system doesn't have the beds, staff, resources and social care in place to protect patients during winter.' READ MORE: CDC data shows record 40% of adults are obese in these states Customers have criticized Southwest Airlines for a 'ridiculous' policy that gives overweight passengers free seats to accommodate their size. The airline has instituted a 'Customer of Size' policy, which allows overweight passengers whose body takes up more than one seat on the plane to get 'the needed number of seats' for free. The policy states that customers who 'encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)' may purchase however many extra seats they need, which will then be refunded at check-in. The change has provoked mixed feedback among customers. While some body-positive customers have praised the policy for allowing those with obesity to travel more easily, critics say it's 'pandering' to very overweight people - and gives them an unfair advantage. On social media, many have pointed out that free space is not available to customers who are very tall and need extra legroom, those traveling with medical equipment or are wheelchair users. These groups have to pay - often hundreds of dollars - for additional space. Kimmy Garris from Nashville, who describes herself as a 'fat solo traveler' on her TikTok profile, posted a video detailing how to use Southwest Airlines' unique 'customer of size policy' Southwest says in its policy that customers qualify for free extra seats if any part of their body extends past the seat's armrest. Weight and BMI are not taken into account Some have also pointed out that the new rule is likely to worsen the airline's already hectic boarding process. Southwest passengers are unable to book seats ahead of time, which often results in a scramble for window and aisle seats when customers make it to the plane. Southwest's policy states that customers qualify for the free ticket if any part of their body extends past the seat's armrest. 'The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats,' it reads. 'If youre unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to you, you need a second seat.' 'Our policy does not focus on weight.' The airline does not ask for customers' weight or body mass index (BMI), which determines if you are overweight or obese, according to medical guidelines. The extra seat can be purchased ahead of time while booking online and then refunded, or customers can go to the departures gate and ask about the free seat. If you book the seat online, you still have to see a customer service agent at the airport for refund documents. 'The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard,' Southwest's policy states. 'It also helps us ensure we can accommodate all customers on the flight for which they purchased a ticket and avoid asking customers to relinquish their seats for unplanned accommodation.' Jae'lynn Chaney, a plus size travel influencer with about 135,000 followers on TikTok, has frequently advocated for free or larger seats on planes Twitter users have criticized the airline for providing accommodations for obese people but not tall individuals Social media users have also accused Southwest of 'glamorizing obesity' Kimmy Garris, a TikToker from Nashville who calls herself a 'fat solo traveler,' posted a video of herself asking about the airline's policy for obese passengers in October. In the clip, which has more than 900,000 views, the customer service agent gives her an extra ticket for the seat next to her. She is then seen boarding the plane and putting her extra ticket on the seat next to her so no one can sit there. In the overlaid caption, Ms Garris states that this policy 'should be the industry norm.' She adds: 'Flying in [sic] public transportation should be more comfortable and accessible for all people including fat and disabled people.' The latest announcement means the airline has made this perk a company-wide policy. Critics on social media have blasted Southwest, which does not include free accommodations for tall customers or those who need extra space for medical equipment. On Twitter, a user named Tuck wrote: 'Theyve never offered me the seat in front of me because Im 66 and my legs dont fit?' 'Sorry but this is b*******. You need the extra space you pay.' Personal trainer Josh Nabbie criticized Ms Chaney's pleas for free seats by pointing out that passengers with medical conditions who need to travel with additional equipment have to pay extra for accommodations User Curtis Westmoreland said: 'This is rediculous [sic]. We keep rewarding the problem at the cost of our own comfort.' Additionally, a Twitter user named ProudPatriot wrote: 'Glamorizing obesity is not a good look.' 'So what happens if the "person of size" requests 2 additional seats at the gate and takes the seats you and your partner purchased?' User SheezThe1 said. Jae'lynn Chaney, a size 6XL travel influencer with about 135,000 followers on TikTok, has frequently advocated for free or larger seats on planes. In an October video, which reached nearly 73,000 views, text on the screen read: 'Hot take: every airline should have a customer of size policy like Southwest Airlines.' 'If more airlines adopted policies like Southwest Airlines' customer-of-size policy, offering free or reimbursed additional seats for plus size passengers who need more space, air travel would be far more accessible and accommodating to people of size,' the caption read. Ms Chaney also called upon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year with a petition asking airlines to scrap their 'discriminatory' policies and give obese passengers free seats. 'People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination,' she told CNN. 'And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.' In April, personal trainer Josh Nabbie filmed a response to one of Ms Chaney's videos on the subject and criticized the idea of giving extra seats to obese passengers. He said the policy offers an advantage to overweight customers that those requiring other accommodations have to pay extra for. 'You did not think about this for more than 30 seconds,' he said in the video, which has more than 1.4 million views. 'The reality is, everybody has the ability to fly on a plane. Some people just have it worse.' 'Let's say you have some disease and you need to carry medication or special medical equipment with you.' 'You have to pay extra to get that s*** on the plane, or at the very least, spend a lot more time going through the TSA. That sucks, but you have to do it.' 'Say it's not even physical, it's a mental disorder, and you're just extremely prone to anxiety attacks or crowded spaces or something like that. If you want to fly, you have to figure out the accommodations for that.' A TikTok user also stitched one of Ms Chaney's videos and said: 'I can't stand the entitlement of people who have literally put themselves in this position to be this overweight and morbidly obese.' 'The fact that she thinks she deserves two or three free seats on that airplane that costs people money to go travel to god knows where honestly breeds so much narcissism and makes me so mad.' 'None of these people deserve this. You need to pay your fair share just like everyone else.' Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that obesity is on the rise in the US. Rates are highest in West Virginia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, where 40 percent of adults are considered obese. This is defined as a BMI of at least 30. In 19 other states, 35 percent meet this criteria. No state had an obesity rate below 25 percent. Overdoses involving Ozempic and other weight loss shots have surged 15-fold over the past five years, figures show. America's Poison Centers says they handled nearly 3,000 calls related to the medications between January and November this year compared to just 196 in 2019. Among the cases was a man in New Mexico who took ten times the recommended amount as a first dose. Most of the calls were linked to compounded, or pharmacy-made, versions of the drug, officials said, rather than the manufactured product. The above graph shows how the number of calls to America's poison centers over Ozempic has skyrocketed. In most cases, individuals had suffered an overdose of the drug Your browser does not support iframes. It was not clear how many patients who called the centers were hospitalized or died because of their issue. People who overdose on the drug can suffer from severe nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. In severe cases, patients may also suffer from seizures or stomach paralysis. Most of the patients calling after overdosing on the drug were in their 60s, the poison centers said although patients ranged from 40 to 70 years old. In 94 percent of cases the poison centers recorded, semaglutide was the only drug reported on the call. Officials blamed the issue on compounded, or pharmacy-made, versions of the drug which they said often made it easier for people to overdose Among patients who overdosed was a 50-year-old man in New Mexico who gave himself 50 units instead of five as his first dose of the weight loss drug. He was left vomiting for two days and struggling with nausea for a week. In a second, reported in Missouri, a patient accidentally set the pen all the way up and gave themselves an entire month of doses at once. Dr Kait Brown, the clinical managing director of the poison centers, told CNN: 'Oftentimes, it's a person who accidentally took a double dose or took the wrong dose.' It is difficult to overdose using the official Ozempic pens, made by Danish company Novo Nordisk, because users must set the pen to a dose and then click to inject themselves. This helps to avoid any accidental overdoses, although patients can still set the pens too high. But compounded versions made by pharmacies are often distributed in glass vials with patients then asked to fill syringes themselves. This makes it 'easy' to overdose, said Dr Joseph Lambson, the director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. 'This is where we see a lot of errors,' he said. 'They end up drawing too much.' 'I think that whenever we have to rely on a patient to discern what the right dose is, to draw up and then administer, you're putting more chances in there for there to be errors.' A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk said: 'We are taking multiple steps to ensure responsible use of our semaglutide medicines which are detailed on semaglutide.com.' Ozempic first became available in 2017 as a drug to help patients manage their diabetes by suppressing appetite. Wegovy, which uses the same drug but in a slightly higher dose, was given the green light in 2021 for managing weight loss. Popularized by celebrities such as Chelsea Handler and Elon Musk, demand for the medication then took off faster than its manufacturer could keep up with. Data showed there were 230,000 prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Rybelsus in 2019. But by the year 2022 this had taken off to more than five million, according to data from Komodo Health. The shortages allowed pharmacies to start making their own versions of the drug, called compounding, to distribute to patients. But this has triggered alerts from the FDA, warning that they are seeing unapproved doses of the drug and semaglutide salts which have not been approved for use in the drug. America's Poison Centers runs 55 centers across the country staffed by doctors who assist those who have been poisoned. Cases normally involve children who have swallowed cosmetic products, sedatives or objects like small plastic toys. Many legitimate Facebook Marketplace sellers accept cash on the doorstep if you go to collect the item in person. Santander is blocking customer payments when shopping on Facebook Marketplace unless they tick a box saying they have seen the item they are buying in person, Money Mail can reveal. The number of scams on the platform where anyone can list items for sale have exploded this year. More than 7,000 Santander customers have reported losses of 6.5 million to fraudsters on the site, up 50 per cent on last year. Anyone who tries to pay for an item on Facebook Marketplace using Santanders online banking app will have their payment frozen unless they confirm theyve seen the goods. Bait: Popular items used in Facebook Marketplace scams include designer shoes, Moncler gloves, jewelled necklaces, coffee machines, expensive watches and Le Creuset pots However, ticking the box can weaken a customers chances of getting reimbursed if it turns out to be a scam and they did not see the item beforehand. Santander says it would still review the circumstances, in case the victim was vulnerable or socially engineered into giving the bank false information. Banks currently shoulder the cost of refunding victims so continuously update the barriers in place to prevent scams. Money Mail and This is Money have warned for months that customers lack protection when buying items on the trading site. Our Stop The Social Media Scammers campaign has called for a secure payment system to be put in place on social media platforms to protect users. In some cases, items listed on Facebook Marketplace never turn up after payment, leaving users out of pocket. Santander, which made the change last week, is the first bank in Britain to single out the site within its payment systems. When buying goods online, customers are first shown a warning that says: Around 70 per cent of all the scams we see are people making payments to buy goods online. 'We want to help protect you from these scams by giving you some important information. They are then asked to select which online site they are buying the item from. By clicking Facebook Marketplace, customers are shown a tailored scam warning about the risks of shopping via the platform. It says: This is a high risk payment. Facebook Market-place has a policy to protect you against scams. It says you shouldnt send money directly into a sellers bank account. Instead, you should use a secure person-to-person payment, such as PayPal. Check the item in person before you pay for it. Make sure the item is real and not a fake, its in the condition you expected it to be, and it works as described. Facebook Marketplace doesnt offer protection for you as a buyer. If you pay ahead of collection, you risk losing your money. When clicking continue, customers are asked to answer: Have you seen the item in person?, by ticking one of the three following: yes, no or yes, a picture or video. Those who do not tick the yes box and are not paying via a secure means making a credit or debit card payment or using PayPal will be unable to send the money through to make the purchase. In the UK, Facebook Marketplace does not have a built-in payment service, unlike eBay or PayPal, while Amazon uses a credit and debit card payment facility. So shoppers typically use bank transfers to send money directly to sellers, leaving them far more exposed if something goes wrong. PayPal offers buyers recourse if there is a problem with their purchase, while buyers who use a debit or credit card can make a claim to their card provider for a refund if something goes wrong. More than 7,000 Santander customers have reported losses of 6.5million to fraudsters on Facebook Marketplace Many legitimate Facebook Marketplace sellers accept cash on the doorstep before collection. Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander, says: Customers are losing more than ever to criminals on Facebook Marketplace and, as Christmas approaches, we can expect this to increase. Building on existing measures in place to protect customers, this latest move will prompt our customers to think twice before handing over money to any potential fraudsters. Payments will be processed for those who say they have seen the item in person, but they will still be warned their cash may be at risk. Shoppers between the ages of 18 and 25 are more likely to fall victim to Facebook scams. Over-60s are the second most likely age group but, typically, lose the largest amount, at an average of 2,450 per scam, the bank warns. We have received a deluge of letters from BT customers complaining of chaos and confusion around a move to switch Britain's 29 million homes over to new digital landlines. The flood of complains has landed at Money Mail and This is Money after our stories on the digital landline switch. One customer lost the phone number she had used for 50 years after her old copper-wire landline was switched off and a new internet telephone was installed at her home. Other customers say their new digital landlines stop working every time the internet goes down. For those who live in rural villages, that can be a regular occurrence. Customers also complain that the 20 phone adapters being handed out by BT don't work with their old handsets. And many readers tell us they are being forced to help their elderly parents with the switchover because it is proving so complicated. They say the help provided by BT has been woefully inadequate. Number's up: One customer has lost the phone number she has used for 50 years after she was switched to a new internet telephone One 90-year-old said he was left without a landline for more than ten days due to technological issues. In the next couple of years, the Digital Voice programme will move ten million BT customers off traditional copper-wire phone lines to fibre cables that use new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make calls. In total 29 million homes must make the change by 2025. Phone numbers should not be affected by the switch, BT says. That's not the experience of retired shepherdess Gillian Allen, who found calls from family and friends suddenly stopped on October 2 when BT switched her landline off in favour of a digital line. But rather than sending an engineer to fix the issue, the telecoms giant took away the number she'd used for 50 years and replaced it with a new number that had a different area code. The telecoms giant is adamant that customers should not have to change their phone number as part of its BT's switch to Digital Voice. Yet Gillian, 69, is one of dozens of readers who have contacted Money Mail and This is Money to complain about an erratic system they say is simply not fit for purpose and experiences that BT itself admits should not be happening. Worse still is BT's handling of elderly customers during the digital switch, which reader Joss Barnes describes as having been 'absolutely despicable' in the case of their elderly uncle. The stack of reader complaints against BT makes Gillian's story not particularly unusual, but distressing nonetheless. Faults: Some customers say their new digital landlines stop working every time the internet goes down in their area Gillian lives with her brother, Bob, 77, in the village of Nateby, Cumbria, and says: 'It has been a comedy of errors over the past couple of months and despite numerous phone calls, the problem was not solved. Instead, it was more confusing by having our phone number changed.' She adds: 'Fortunately, we had a mobile phone so we could still communicate with the outside world. We had no intention of using the new landline because people would think we'd moved home.' Despite having received letters and cards from BT informing them of the changes, Gillian was unaware of the date of the switch. But she says it was on October 2 that calls stopped coming in. Friends and family said they tried to ring but no one had answered the phone while Gillian said the phone simply did not ring. She contacted BT, who told her to pull her phone line out of the traditional socket in the wall and plug it into the computer hub instead. Oddly, she says calls made by friends whose lines had already been switched to a digital service could get through. It was traditional analogue lines that appeared to be blocked. Baffled by the problem, a BT engineer gave the family a new 'temporary number' in November. But Gillian did not get her old number back. She says: 'When I called asking for the old phone number back, BT told me it had been discontinued.' It was only after Money Mail intervened on her behalf that she got her old number back last week. BT admits that due to 'technical issues', Gillian's original number did not 'port fully'. It failed to comment on what this means or how many other customers have been affected. A BT spokesman says: 'We are really sorry for the issues Gillian has experienced.' Stan Bibby is one of many other BT customers who has contacted us with similar technology glitches. He says: 'When you purchase the 20 adapters, they do not work with many older handsets well, certainly not with mine. 'I could still get a dialling tone and phone out after the digital switch, but my phone no longer rang when I received an incoming call.' The switch is not only affecting phone calls it's detrimental to older people's independence. BT tells frail 87-year old to get doctor's note for 'priority' help if digital landline needs repair Recently widowed Patricia Skuce was left in tears after getting an email from BT suggesting a doctors note might be needed if she wanted help changing her phone service. The 87-year-old suffers from poor health, with hearing difficulties and mobility issues, and lost her beloved husband Ralph to cancer last year. Read more here. Another reader wrote in about her elderly mother's struggles to manage on her own, adding: 'This new technology only adds to the confusion. 'It is deeply frustrating for her because she is totally capable but needs to rely on a younger generation to handle the unnecessary change. 'I am also with BT and was told the old system has run its course. Nonsense! BT replaced my copper phone wires only a couple of years ago, and I think they could be good for at least another 50 years.' Another reader who contacted us was Patrick, 87. He wrote: 'I have been a BT customer for more than 67 years and had hoped this digital switch would not be forced upon us. I will not be bullied into accepting this change.' Yet even BT engineers struggle to solve problems for customers who need help with the switch. Marnie Simmans, 85, a retired United Nations secretary from Reigate, Surrey, was forced to switch to Digital Voice just over a year ago only weeks before BT had to halt its rollout due to shortcomings in the service. The widow, whose husband, Albert, a former electronics engineer, died four years ago, says: 'I was sent a new digital phone in the post with instructions on how to set it up. 'I refused to do it as I did not want to be switched over so BT arranged for an engineer to come out and do it. Unfortunately, he seemed to struggle, too and the phone now switches off when the internet goes down. 'It has stopped working half a dozen times over the past year.' Marnie says her new phone service is much less reliable than it was. She adds: 'I cannot understand how BT can get away with this. Surely, we should be working to improve services not make them worse.' Last year, regulator Ofcom raised concerns over the programme, warning BT did not have enough measures in place to support vulnerable customers in a power cut if they needed to call 999 because digital phones must be plugged into an electricity socket to work, and do not function in a power cut. Big switch: In the next couple of years, the Digital Voice programme will move ten million customers off traditional copper wire phone lines to internet fibre cables Vulnerable households need to ensure they have an alternative in place, such as a mobile phone or an emergency battery pack to plug in for the landline phone. The telecoms giant suspended the rollout until last summer, when it put additional measures in place. BT has started offering 'free' 85 battery packs to those most in need if there is a power cut so they do not lose contact. But batteries will not help if the internet itself also goes down because the phone relies on the digital connection. Concerned customers can demand a 'free' 80 hybrid phone that uses mobile phone signals rather than the internet. But it won't help people such as Marnie who live in areas with 'patchy' or no mobile phone signal. Retired police officer Sandra Wrench, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, says BT's advice for vulnerable people to call on family or friends if they need help with the switch is not realistic. 'As a police officer, I learned there are a huge number of elderly people without any support,' she says. 'It does not matter how many times BT emails or contacts them by post a huge number will be confused by the switch and not realise that on a set date they could be cut off from the outside world. It is ridiculous why can't BT leave landlines in place for the vulnerable and just change them as required with a visit.' Laurence Walterson, 90, got in touch as a concerned BT customer who lives alone and has hearing and visual problems. He says: 'My daughter spent hours on her mobile phone trying to get hold of BT staff to help me with the digital change with frequent promises to call back not materialising. 'I was left for 11 days without a landline. So much for BT's protocol of getting vulnerable people's problems resolved within 48 hours.' The telecoms giant suggests that if there is a power cut or their broadband goes down, 'customers should use their mobile as an alternative, if able'. When asked about vulnerable people without family or friends able to help, BT says: 'We encourage customers with any issues, questions or concerns to get in touch.' The rollout of Digital Voice started in the capital in the autumn, but Ron Rensham, from Congleton, Cheshire, warns that if his experience is anything to go by, Londoners can also expect disruption. 'Despite not living in a remote area and wanting to embrace the technology, it has been a shambles,' he says. 'After more than a year of BT engineers struggling to install broadband and phone upgrades, I now wonder how on earth BT will be able to hit its two-year roll-out target. 'It seems to be ploughing ahead with the plans irrespective of the consequences to the customer.' toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk Scores of pensioners have been left with no way of contacting the outside world as BT's digital landline switchover continues to be besieged with problems. Customers have been left with no phone access for days, lifesaving alarms have been made redundant and numbers and area codes have been changed without permission - leaving many vulnerable people with nowhere to turn. BT is currently switching all landline phones to digital that it serves in Britain's 29 million homes, making them internet based services. But for many the transition with BT to digital landlines has been far from smooth. One customer lost the phone number she had used for 50 years after her old copper-wire landline was switched off and a new internet telephone was installed at her home. Others have reported that life-saving personal alarms, which automatically call for help in the case of an emergency, stop working whenever there are problems with the internet - or stop completely if residents' numbers are changed. It comes as a leading campaign group has called for the government to step in and protect vulnerable customers. This is when the change from the old copper network to a new broadband-based connection will take place across the UK Brenda Rowles lost the phone number that she's had since she moved into her Hampshire home in December 1970 amid the switchover BT is adamant that customers should not have to change their phone number as part of its switch to Digital Voice. In the next couple of years, the Digital Voice programme will move ten million BT customers off traditional copper-wire phone lines to fibre cables that use new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make calls. But Brits have reacted angrily after being plagued with problems during the switchover. One customer, Debbie Calvert, asked: 'Why force people to change their landlines to the digital lines when the customer lives in an area where the mobile phone coverage is shockingly bad resulting in the customers being completely cut off when your stupid internet goes down? 'Taking out the broadband AND 'landline' telephone! Customers don't have reception on their mobiles to ring/text you to report the fault!' In total 29 million homes must make the change by 2025. Phone numbers should not be affected by the switch, BT says. Yet grandmother Brenda Rowles, 78, recently lost her phone number she has used for over 50 years after BT cut off her landline and gave her a new number when she asked to cancel her broadband. Now she is worried her husband, who is in a care home, will not be able to contact her. Mrs Rowles only discovered her landline had changed when she received a letter from her doctor's surgery telling her they couldn't get hold of her. Gillian Allen, who found calls from family and friends suddenly stopped on October 2 when BT switched her landline to a digital line, also had her number changed. To fix the issue, BT gave her a new 'temporary' number with a different area code, removing the number she'd used for 50 years. Ms Allen, 69, lives with her brother, Bob, 77, in the village of Nateby, Cumbria, and says: 'It has been a comedy of errors over the past couple of months and despite numerous phone calls, the problem was not solved. Instead, it was more confusing by having our phone number changed.' She adds: 'Fortunately, we had a mobile phone so we could still communicate with the outside world. 'We had no intention of using the new landline because people would think we'd moved home.' Retired police officer Sandra Wrench, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, says BT's advice for vulnerable people to call on family or friends if they need help with the switch is not realistic Marnie Simmans, 85, a retired United Nations secretary from Reigate, Surrey, was forced to switch to Digital Voice just over a year ago Despite having received letters and cards from BT informing them of the changes, Ms Allen was unaware of the date of the switch until calls stopped coming in. She contacted BT, who told her to pull her phone line out of the traditional socket in the wall and plug it into the computer hub instead. Baffled by the problem, a BT engineer gave the family a new 'temporary number' in November. But Ms Allen did not get her old number back. She says: 'When I called asking for the old phone number back, BT told me it had been discontinued.' It was only after Money Mail intervened on her behalf that she got her old number back last week. BT admits that due to 'technical issues', Ms Allen's original number did not 'port fully'. It failed to comment on what this means or how many other customers have been affected. A BT spokesman says: 'We are really sorry for the issues Gillian has experienced.' Other customers complained of similar problems. Ruth Ridgwell, from Hythe, Kent, said she had been left with 'someone else's number' after the switchover - and added she was not the only person in the area affected. Customers also report 20 phone adapters being handed out by BT don't work with their old handsets. Complaints about the level of help provided by BT suggest it has been woefully inadequate, with many saying they were not aware of the plan at all. Linda Gardner wrote on social media she had no idea of the change until she read about it in the paper: 'I had no idea this change was coming. In case I am not alone and you know anyone who relies solely on their BT landline and/or has limited mobile reception, here is the article. Forewarned is forearmed.' Number's up: One customer has lost the phone number she has used for 50 years after she was switched to a new internet telephone Faults: Some customers say their new digital landlines stop working every time the internet goes down in their area And one 90-year-old said he was left without a landline for more than ten days due to technological issues. Q&A: WHAT IS THE SWITCHOVER AND WILL IT AFFECT ME? Will I need a fast connection? Internet speeds of just one megabit per second (Mbps) should be enough for a good digital phone service. And every UK household has the right to demand a download speed of at least 10 Mbps. Will my bills rise? Customers will have to pay for the internet to use their home phone. But experts have said providers are likely to offer cheap, basic deals similar to landline-only contracts. It is not known if customers with older phones will need to buy a new handset or if they will get one for free. What if the internet goes down? If the internet crashes or there is a power cut, digital phone lines will stop working. Those who are vulnerable or do not have a mobile phone should be offered a back-up such as a battery pack, emergency phone line or mobile phone so they can still call 999 in an emergency. What do I need to do? Nothing yet. Those on landline-only deals or without the internet will hear from their providers later on. BT's handling of vulnerable elderly customers during the digital switch has been slammed as 'absolutely despicable' by Joss Barnes, who has been helping their elderly uncle. Stan Bibby is one of many other BT customers who has contacted us with similar technology glitches. He says: 'When you purchase the 20 adapters, they do not work with many older handsets well, certainly not with mine. 'I could still get a dialling tone and phone out after the digital switch, but my phone no longer rang when I received an incoming call.' The switch is not only affecting phone calls it's detrimental to older people's independence. Another reader wrote in about her elderly mother's struggles to manage on her own, adding: 'This new technology only adds to the confusion. 'It is deeply frustrating for her because she is totally capable but needs to rely on a younger generation to handle the unnecessary change. 'I am also with BT and was told the old system has run its course. Nonsense! BT replaced my copper phone wires only a couple of years ago, and I think they could be good for at least another 50 years.' One elderly BT customer suddenly found her landline stopped working amidst the switchover - a potentially life-threatening situation as she relies on an emergency fob around her neck that automatically calls for help if she needs it. It's an issue that plagues many frustrated Britons, and now a new report has revealed the UK areas with the fastest and slowest broadband The firm told her it would take them a week to send someone out to sort out the issue. Yet even BT engineers struggle to solve problems for customers who need help with the switch. Marnie Simmans, 85, a retired United Nations secretary from Reigate, Surrey, was forced to switch to Digital Voice just over a year ago only weeks before BT had to halt its rollout due to shortcomings in the service. BT tells frail 87-year old to get doctor's note for 'priority' help if digital landline needs repair Recently widowed Patricia Skuce was left in tears after getting an email from BT suggesting a doctor's note might be needed if she wanted help changing her phone service. The 87-year-old suffers from poor health, with hearing difficulties and mobility issues, and lost her beloved husband Ralph to cancer last year. Read more here. The widow, whose husband, Albert, a former electronics engineer, died four years ago, says: 'I was sent a new digital phone in the post with instructions on how to set it up. 'I refused to do it as I did not want to be switched over so BT arranged for an engineer to come out and do it. Unfortunately, he seemed to struggle, too and the phone now switches off when the internet goes down. 'It has stopped working half a dozen times over the past year.' Marnie says her new phone service is much less reliable than it was. She adds: 'I cannot understand how BT can get away with this. Surely, we should be working to improve services not make them worse.' Helen Joberns said she is now stuck with a new digital phone after not being informed of the switch. She said: 'When I renewed my BT subscription (phone and BT internet) I purchased a new phone, but was not told I'd be switched to digital voice at the time of signing up. 'I only found out when my new phone stopped working and googled. I should have been offered the gadget that allows phones to be connected to the system, I wasn't. 'So, ever since, I have a new digital phone and phone line I don't use. I do have medical emergencies, but just have to hope I can use my mobile. 'This was over a year ago. BT should have told me as I was signing up the phone line would be switched over. I have a phone gathering dust, and I am paying for a phone line I can't use.' Michael Bradbrook said he was 'forced' to have a new digital device by BT, and described it as a 'disaster'. 'When I was using the digital voice service the quality of phone calls was rubbish, the phones that BT supplied to me didn't update which left me vulnerable to hackers,' he said. 'I have a family member who is 87 years old and uses a pendant and contact box that gets her in touch with the local warden if anything happens to her. If she gets pushed over to this digital voice and then she will lose that service which will leave her very vulnerable as well which to me BT and the Telephone industry just don't care about and should care about.' Last year, regulator Ofcom raised concerns over the programme, warning BT did not have enough measures in place to support vulnerable customers in a power cut if they needed to call 999 because digital phones must be plugged into an electricity socket to work, and do not function in a power cut. Big switch: In the next couple of years, the Digital Voice programme will move ten million customers off traditional copper wire phone lines to internet fibre cables Vulnerable households need to ensure they have an alternative in place, such as a mobile phone or an emergency battery pack to plug in for the landline phone. The telecoms giant suspended the rollout until last summer, when it put additional measures in place. BT has started offering 'free' 85 battery packs to those most in need if there is a power cut so they do not lose contact. But batteries will not help if the internet itself also goes down because the phone relies on the digital connection. Concerned customers can demand a 'free' 80 hybrid phone that uses mobile phone signals rather than the internet. But it won't help people such as Marnie who live in areas with 'patchy' or no mobile phone signal. Retired police officer Sandra Wrench, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, says BT's advice for vulnerable people to call on family or friends if they need help with the switch is not realistic. 'As a police officer, I learned there are a huge number of elderly people without any support,' she says. 'It does not matter how many times BT emails or contacts them by post a huge number will be confused by the switch and not realise that on a set date they could be cut off from the outside world. 'It is ridiculous why can't BT leave landlines in place for the vulnerable and just change them as required with a visit.' Laurence Walterson, 90, got in touch as a concerned BT customer who lives alone and has hearing and visual problems. He says: 'My daughter spent hours on her mobile phone trying to get hold of BT staff to help me with the digital change with frequent promises to call back not materialising. 'I was left for 11 days without a landline. So much for BT's protocol of getting vulnerable people's problems resolved within 48 hours.' The telecoms giant suggests that if there is a power cut or their broadband goes down, 'customers should use their mobile as an alternative, if able'. When asked about vulnerable people without family or friends able to help, BT says: 'We encourage customers with any issues, questions or concerns to get in touch.' The rollout of Digital Voice started in the capital in the autumn, but Ron Rensham, from Congleton, Cheshire, warns that if his experience is anything to go by, Londoners can also expect disruption. 'Despite not living in a remote area and wanting to embrace the technology, it has been a shambles,' he says. 'After more than a year of BT engineers struggling to install broadband and phone upgrades, I now wonder how on earth BT will be able to hit its two-year roll-out target. 'It seems to be ploughing ahead with the plans irrespective of the consequences to the customer.' Earlier this year, I decided to stock up on postage stamps before they went up in price, but found I had miscalculated what I needed and purchased far too many. I made the purchases over a number of days using my credit card and hadnt realised until later that I had spent more than 1,000 on the stamps. I went back to the Post Office where Id bought them and was told I could return any excess stamps if I produced the receipt. When I tried to do this the next day, I was turned down. I asked to speak to the manager, but she was on holiday. I returned a week later, and this time was told the Post Office did not have the facility to refund the bank card I had used to pay for the stamps. Stamped out: The Post Office refused to refund a reader who accidentally purchased far more stamps than they needed I then phoned Post Office customer services, which passed me to a dedicated stamps team in Durham, which is part of Royal Mail. This team said it could not help as it was not connected to the Post Office. I was simply told to go back to the Post Office. Please help. J.W., Guildford, Surrey. Sally Hamilton replies: One might say you have been passed from pillar (box) to post (office) in your effort to return your excess stamps. I faced a similar fate when trying to get an answer from the Post Office about why you were facing such a struggle to get your refund. A spokesman told me, apologetically, that it was out of their hands and your case would need to be considered by Royal Mail, the issuer of the stamps. This seemed unusual to me, as in most cases when customers seek a refund for a purchase, it is the retailer in this case, the Post Office rather than the manufacturer that is responsible for making any reimbursements. But it seems Post Offices are an exception and cannot issue refunds for stamps, even if a valid receipt is produced. This is apparently because staff cannot be certain that the returned stamps are the same ones that were originally purchased. I suppose they do all look the same. I was told that only Royal Mail can confirm whether a stamp is genuine, using its experts and specialist equipment to validate it. I redirected my enquiries to the Royal Mails press office. Snail mail came to mind while I awaited its response. A couple of weeks passed, with me regularly pressing for an update. Can it really be such a rare occurrence for someone to want a refund on a purchase of stamps? I was told that Royal Mails executive office was investigating and would respond soon. Scam Watch Shoppers should beware of fake emails that appear to be from Asda and claim you have won a free Philips Airfryer, consumer group Which? warns. Scammers are impersonating the supermarket in emails that congratulate recipients on their win. The email says you can claim the prize by adding your shipping details in a link but it leads to a malicious website which aims to steal your money and personal data. Tricksters will ask for your personal and financial information. Report scam websites to the National Cyber Security Centre and dodgy emails to report@phishing.gov.uk Meanwhile, you were becoming increasingly anxious about getting your refund, which you had calculated would be more than 500. You told me you felt foolish for having forked out so much money for stamps you realistically would not get through, even though the rules mean that theoretically you could use them in perpetuity. Following my intervention, Royal Mail finally contacted you directly to discuss resolving the problem. It asked you to send your unwanted stamps free of charge to its head office using a pre-paid Special Delivery Guaranteed envelope so that its team could check their authenticity. This went to plan, with you returning several sheets and books of stamps. You told me your refund of 526.80 was finally delivered by cheque nine months after you had made the original purchase. You told me you planned never to make such a big purchase again, even to beat a price rise. However, in general it can be a first-class idea to stock up ahead of a price hike. The last rise on October 2 (the second in this calendar year) saw the price of a standard first-class stamp rise by 15p to 1.25. First class large letters rose from 1.60 to 1.95 and second-class large letters from 1.15 to 1.55. Standard second-class stamps remained at 75p. Anyone who stockpiled stamps in the years before the modern barcoded versions were introduced can no longer use them. But these can be switched for the new-style stamps using the Royal Mails swap out scheme. Either print out or pick up from a Post Office a swap out form, and send it, along with the stamps, to Freepost SWAP OUT. The exception to the barcoded stamp rule are stamps purchased in previous years with illustrations on them, including Christmas stamps. I have a few of those that I plan to make use of in the next few days. Straight to the point My Nectar card was compromised and I went from being 43.58 in credit to 137.32 overdrawn. I have contacted Nectar five times but have not been able to resolve the issue as I cant remember the answers to my security questions. C.T., Eastleigh. Nectar has agreed to send you a new card with the missing points and has added another 4,000 as a gesture of goodwill. *** I bought antivirus software from McAfee in December 2020 but cancelled the cover in 2021. The policy automatically renewed and I managed to get a refund in 2022. A few weeks ago, I discovered that McAfee had charged another 109.99 to my credit card. Please help. S.V., via email. McAfee says you purchased a two-year policy in 2020. It has no record that you contacted customer services in 2021 but has agreed to refund you the total auto-renewal cost of 209.98 as a gesture of goodwill. *** Eight weeks ago I sent my coffee machine back to Nespresso for repair under guarantee. It still hasnt been returned to me whenever I call Im told it is in the DPD warehouse and will be sorted out shortly but I am still waiting. A.M., Hertfordshire. Nespresso apologises for your experience and has sent you a new machine. It investigated with DPD and says a handling error meant your machine was mislabelled during the repair process. *** I ordered a size 20 dress from Vinted for 13.30, including buyer protection. A size 18 arrived, so I returned it. I addressed it myself as I cant print labels. I asked the seller to contact Vinted so I could get a refund, which they didnt do. Vinted messaged to say they cancelled the return and were releasing the money to the seller. B.W., via email. Vinted says it is sorry you have had an unsatisfactory experience. It understands you were unable to use its shipping label but as you used a postal service outside of the platform, Vinted is no longer responsible. Bailiff threat over 0.00p debt Until very recently, my partner owned a Nissan Micra. It was always taxed in the usual way until earlier this year, when she was awarded the higher rate Personal Independence Payment, a disability benefit. At this point, the taxation class for her car was changed to disabled, which meant she would no longer have to pay vehicle tax. She followed the correct procedure at the Post Office, where staff told her she should cancel her direct debit to the DVLA. Since that time, she has been pursued by the DVLA for arrears which, according to its own documentation, total 0.00p. She has received a threatening letter from the DVLA demanding payment of 80 (reduced to 40 if paid early), plus the outstanding arrears of 0.00p. The DVLA says this is because (contrary to the advice given at the Post Office) it should have been the DVLA that cancelled the direct debit. It is proposing to transfer the fine to a debt collection agency. Why should she pay a fine for arrears that dont exist? C.M., Nottingham. Sally Hamilton replies: You and your partner have hit a roadblock in getting the DVLA to sort out this daft mistake. After I contacted the authority, a member of staff rang your partner to discuss the matter. A spokesman told me it had written to her previously to explain what had gone wrong. Your partner says she never received this letter. Essentially, the Post Office where changes to vehicle tax are made in situations like hers had failed to send on all the documentation that classed her as disabled, and the paperwork it did send wasnt properly stamped. Following my intervention, the situation has now been resolved. Not only has the erroneous penalty for the non-payment of a 0.00p bill been waived, but some of the vehicle excise your partner paid has also been refunded for the period after she was moved to the higher benefit rate. AstraZeneca has agreed to buy its first vaccine company for 875million. The deal to takeover Icosavax will expand the infectious disease business the pharma giant set up during the pandemic. Britains biggest drugmaker said it will take over the Seattle-based group, which is developing an injection that targets both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). RSV is a leading cause of pneumonia in toddlers and the elderly, while hMPV causes very similar respiratory tract infections. The deal thrusts AstraZeneca into competition with arch rival GSK as well as Pfizer and Moderna as they battle to create a commercially successful RSV jab. AstraZeneca said it will take over Seattle-based Icosavax, which is developing an injection that targets both respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus There are no treatments or vaccines available to combat hMPV. Iskra Reic, the head of AstraZenecas vaccines unit, said she was very excited about the opportunity to provide protection specifically to the elderly population for two of the leading causes of hospitalisation. AstraZeneca stormed onto the global vaccine stage with its jab for Covid-19. But it faces mounting questions over the shot. The company is being sued in the High Court in a test case which could pave the way for as many as 80 damages claims worth an estimated 80million related to its Covid jab. But Adam Barker, head of healthcare equity research at wealth manager Goodbody, said the latest deal with Icosavax was interesting and showed that AstraZenecas focus was on several types of diseases Daniel Chancellor, senior healthcare analyst at R&D intelligence group Citeline, added: The acquisition is more symbolic than transformational for its vaccine business. 'Its [Astras] core business is very much going to remain in oncology, cardiometabolic, immunology and rare diseases. The deal is expected to close at the start of next year. The move comes as AstraZeneca continues its deal-making spree. Last month, the Cambridge-based firm revealed it entered the race to develop a weight-loss drug after striking a 1.6billion agreement with a Chinese medical group. AstraZeneca signed a licensing deal with Eccogene to create a pill, named ECC5004 designed to encourage the body to shed weight and lower glucose levels. The push into weight loss drugs was sparked earlier this year when Danish medical group Novo Nordisk began selling Wegovy, a weekly injection, available on the NHS, that tricks the body into thinking it is full. Demand exploded and Novo has been struggling to keep up, leaving a gap in the market. Boots could float on the London stock market next year under plans being examined by its American owner. Walgreens Boots Alliance has resumed talks to sell the High Street chemist after efforts collapsed last year. Among the options being discussed is a listing on the stock market in London, according to Bloomberg, in what would be a major boost for the City. The chain could be valued at 7billion, the same price tag the business was put up for sale with last year before Walgreens backtracked a few months later. It blamed an unexpected and dramatic change in market conditions as its reason for ditching the sales process. Boots's parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance has resumed talks to offload the High Street chemist after efforts to sell it collapsed last year Private equity giants Apollo, TDR Capital and Sycamore made pitches at the time. But Walgreens later said no one was able to make an adequate offer amid volatility in global financial markets. Last month, Boots sold its pension scheme to Legal & General for 4.8billion, paving the way for a potential sale of the 174-year-old chain. At the time, experts said that the pension scheme deal, which was one of the largest of its kind, could make it smoother for a sale of Boots. Should Boots, which began as a family herbal medicine shop in Nottingham in 1849, make a return to the London exchange, it would be a sorely needed boost for UK markets. The London stock market has been blighted by companies opting for New York listings. In a major blow this year, Cambridge chipmaker Arm decided to list on Wall Street despite a campaign by politicians to persuade it to pick London. Boots made a shock departure from London in 2007 when Alliance Boots became the first FTSE 100 firm to be bought by a private equity firm. Walgreens, which took control of the business in 2014, has faced pressure to dispose of Boots in recent years so it can prioritise its US business. Behind the global pharmacy giant is Italian billionaire Stefano Pessina, the largest single shareholder, and his partner Ornella Barra, who is also Walgreens chief operating officer. Speaking to the Mail in March 2022, Barra refused to rule out an IPO for Boots and said everything is on the table. If the offers [from private equity bidders] are not in line with our expectations we could come back to an IPO. At the beginning we had the idea of an IPO, but we didnt start the process because the offers came in. Last night, Boots UK declined to comment on the claims. As many as 1,000 new banking hubs could spring up over the next four years in towns left without any branches. Currently, only 30 hubs centres run by the Post Office where customers can access banking services from the likes of Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Barclays and Santander are up and running, although more have been promised. Labour has pledged to increase the number to 350. But now experts say new rules, designed to ensure consumers and small businesses have nationwide access to cash, could blow that figure out of the water. The new rules were outlined late last week by the financial regulator. Although they received some media coverage, they deserve more because the proposals outlined in a massive tome produced by the Financial Conduct Authority are seismic in their impact. Indeed, game-changing according to many banking experts. Lifelines: Currently, only 19 hubs where customers can access banking services from the likes of Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Barclays and Santander are up and running If enforced properly they should ensure that personal banking services remain available in most towns in the UK for the foreseeable future. This is a rather dramatic statement to make given the current rash of bank branch closures, but its true. The rules represent a big victory for campaigner Derek French, an ex-banker with NatWest who since the 1990s has been calling for a nationwide network of banking hubs (shared branches or community banks) to replace defunct bank branches. They are also a triumph for charities and business groups in particular, Age UK and the Federation of Small Businesses which have lobbied for the elderly and small retailers to have continued access to High-Street banking. Last, but not least, the FCAs intervention is a feather in the cap for both Money Mail and The Mail on Sundays Wealth & Personal Finance section which, in tandem with Mr French, have tirelessly called (over many years) for banking hubs to become a common feature of the High Street. So, what will the FCAs intervention mean? By the end of next year, a last bank in town (over a certain size) will not be able to shut its branch without an assisted service alternative already place. By assisted service, the FCA means a peopled banking service a banking hub run by the Post Office with representatives from the big banks on site at various times during the week to offer help covering issues ranging from mortgages, financial scams through to lasting powers of attorney. Currently, a last bank in town can close before a hub has got off the ground, resulting in a banking desert. Under the FCAs plans, communities will be able to ask for new banking services if they have already been left in the lurch by banks closing their branches. Currently, cash generative businesses in towns with only a Nationwide struggle to deposit takings as it does not offer business banking. As a result of the FCAs plans, the present voluntary arrangement governing what replacement banking services are introduced into a community will be made more formal. Essential: Experts say new rules, designed to ensure consumers and small businesses have nationwide access to cash, will mean many new hubs springing up across the country Currently, cash machine network Link is tasked to assess whether towns losing their last bank should get alternative banking services. These could be a cash machine, a cash deposit service, or a hub. An organisation called Cash Access UK, funded by the big banks, is then responsible for ensuring the new banking services demanded by Link are introduced. These two organisations could continue the work they do, but under the regulators close watch. Both Link and Cash Access UK welcome the FCAs new rules. John Howells, chief executive of Link, describes them as very detailed and comprehensive, while Natalie Ceeney, chair of Cash Access UK says turning the voluntary framework into a legal and regulatory requirement will give everyone more confidence in the future of cash access. Howells believes that because of the FCAs new rules, banking hubs could number 1,000 by 2028, up from 30 today. This is well in excess of Labours pledge to open 350. You could argue that the regulators intervention is locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. It reports that 1,391 bank and building society branches have been shut over the past two years. Plenty more are on death row. Yet, if the FCA delivers on its promises, it should thwart the banks quest to push us into a cashless and faceless banking world. Hallelujah. Australia's youngest-ever murderer who killed a three-year-old girl has allegedly approached infant girls on a public beach just weeks after his prison release. SLD, a sexual psychopath who murdered toddler Courtney Morley-Clarke when he was 13, allegedly approached mothers who were at the Wollongong beach with their young daughters and said: 'Hi, I just got out of jail. Do you come here often?' The now 36-year-old has now been remanded on bail to appear in court next year. SLD, who was released from prison in August despite experts warning he would commit more violent sexual crimes, is charged with failing to comply with an order of 'not associating with children'. In 2001, SLD killed Courtney after strolling down the road from his adoptive home and stabbing her through the heart as she slept in her Point Clare home on the NSW Central Coast. SLD was just 13 when he snatched toddler Courtney Morley-Clarke (above) and stabbed her through the heart. He later led police to her body and gladly took credit for the crime which shocked Australia Courtney's remains, clothed in only a nappy, were found down a nearby embankment after SLD led police to the crime site and gladly took credit for the atrocity. The teenager was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Two decades on from one of the most shocking cases in Australian history, a judge made the 'difficult' on August 25 to allow SLD to walk from prison and live in the community under an extended supervision order (ESO). This was despite assessments by psychiatrists concerned for the safety of females around SLD after one observed the killer was preoccupied with sex and fixated on losing his virginity immediately upon his release. On October 25, SLD went to Bulli Beach in Wollongong with an ESO supervisor and was observed by an off-duty prison officer who, remarkably, was also there at the time and noticed his electronic monitoring anklet. The officer allegedly observed SLD approach a woman with a young girl, and then approach another mother washing an infant at the beach showers. Both women picked up their children and walked away from SLD. The officer then witnessed an encounter at the Bulli Beach cafe between SLD and a woman feeding an infant. After allegedly saying to the woman: 'I just got out of jail. Do you come here often?' he then said, 'I've only been here twice.' The officer confronted SLD, and said: 'I have watched you approach three separate women with their children and try to speak to them. You know you can't do that.' Police came and arrested SLD, who told court Wollongong Local Court the next day the encounters were 'incidental'. When Magistrate Darryl Pearce refused him bail on the basis SLD had breached his SEO because 'he must have been aware there were children', the convicted murderer exploded. SLD allegedly approached three mothers with infant girls at Wollongong's Bulli Beach (pictured) in October 'This is bulls**t,' SLD said. 'Youre basically calling me a paedophile, judge If I get bashed in prison I am going to sue you dog, if I get bashed youre f***ed.' On December 6, SLD was again refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court on February 6, 2024. He has also been placed recently on 12-month community correction orders for three offences which breached his ESO. These were for assaulting another inmate housed at an offender support unit run by Corrective Services at Long Bay correctional complex, for bleeding over another ex-prisoner after slashing his own wrists and for failing to attend a psychiatrist's appointment. SLD is believed to be currently housed in the sex offenders unit at Long Bay. His sentence expired in 2021 but he was deemed too dangerous to be released, until August when a court-appointed expert favoured an ESO over more prison time, saying there was little to no chance of rehabilitation for SLD in jail. Victim's rights campaigner Howard Brown said the latest episode in SLD's brief foray outside prison walls confirmed his 'inability to be successfully re-integrated into the community'. SLD is now back behind bars at Long Bay (pictured) after breaching his orders. He was released from prison in August despite experts warning that he was becoming obsessed with the idea of losing his virginity and could become violent 'Regrettably he is beyond redemption,' Mr Brown said. 'It should also be stated quite clearly that the High Risk Offenders Legislation was introduced the protect the community.' Successive court and correctional authorities have considered SLD's history of a difficult childhood where he was abused by his drug addict mother before he entered the foster system as a two-year-old. He was adopted by a family in Point Clare aged four, but despite his new environment, the boy remained 'disturbed'. By the time he reached his teens, a psychiatrist was convinced he'd never become a functioning social adult. When sentencing SLD for Courtey's murder, Justice James Wood looked at the British case of toddler James Bulger who was tortured and killed by two 10-year-old boys. SLD was diagnosed with a severe personality disorder with antisocial and psychopathic features. His lack of empathy is further driven by an attitude of self-importance and entitlement. An off duty prison officer spotted SLD in a monitoring anklet on Bulli Beach (above) approaching women with very young children In August, the NSW Supreme Court heard SLD was obsessed with sexual fantasies, and his intense desire coupled with his anti-social state could see him 'act without compunction'. Justice Stephen Campbell found SLD was 'liable to offend in a circumstance where his will is denied' and 'his offending may involve the use of a weapon', which has led to fears for the safety of females around him. Under the ESO, SLD was to wear a GPS anklet monitor and Justice Campbell admitted keeping him under the order would be 'extremely challenging'. In his first months living in the Long Bay support unit, SLD was caught breaking his restrictions by accessing WhatsApp, YouTube and link-up app Tagged. When confronted about his wrongdoing, he told the officer: 'Listen miss, I will choose what conditions to follow and what ones aren't important.' A migrant has filmed himself hiding in lorries and travelling in an overcrowded inflatable dinghy across the Channel as he made a 2,500-mile journey from Tunisia to the UK. Ahmed Hamrouni said he came from his home in North Africa as an economic migrant looking for a better life. He has not received permission to stay in the UK but is being allowed to work. His journey took him via eight countries, including Serbia, Romania, Poland and Slovakia - with the Tunisian travelling by rail and road. Footage Mr Hamrouni filmed himself shows him hiding in a lorry during one section of the journey from Romania to Poland. Other videos show him travelling on an inflatable dinghy across the Channel with a number of fellow migrants, who are mainly men. The roar of the engine can be heard as the boat bumps up and down in the swell. Later - with darkness having fallen - the group are seen drifting with another boat seen in the distance waiting to rescue them. The men laugh and chat with one another while another is heard chanting. A photo of Mr Hamrouni with a group of other migrants making their way across Europe The Tunisian on a sunlit beach during his journey, which was several thousand miles Part of the video shared by Mr Hamrouni appears to show him with other migrants on a boat A still from video shared by Mr Hamrouni appears to show him clinging to a lorry during his journey A view of Mr Hamrouni as he was hiding in a lorry during his journey across Europe Mr Hamrouni has been staying at a number of hotels, including a four-star Crowne Plaza in Hampshire. His story emerged today as ministers continue to look for ways to reduce the number of migrants arriving illegally in Britain after crossing the Channel. Rishi Sunak has said he is willing to listen to suggestions put forward by MPs after his Safety of Rwanda Bill was passed by the Commons last night. Ahmed Hamrouni's route to the UK Mr Hamrouni set off from Tunisia to Turkey before making his way to Serbia. He travelled from there to Romania, before heading to Poland 'under a truck'. He went on to Slovakia, before going to Austria and then Germany. Finally, he went to France before making the journey across the Channel to England. Advertisement It comes as Home Secretary James Cleverly vowed to 'fully investigate' the death of a migrant aboard the Bibby Stockholm. The death of an asylum seeker on board the Bibby Stockholm barge will be investigated 'fully', Home Secretary James Cleverly has said. Police were called to reports of a 'sudden death' of a man living on the giant vessel, in Portland, Dorset, early yesterday morning. He is believed to have taken his own life. The first asylum seekers were brought back to the barge in October, some two months after it was evacuated following the discovery of Legionella - the bacteria which can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease - in the water supply. Mr Cleverly told MPs in the Commons: 'Tragically, there has been a death on the Bibby Stockholm barge. I'm sure that the thoughts of the whole House, like mine, are with those affected. 'The House will understand that at this stage I am uncomfortable getting into any more details. But we will of course investigate fully.' Dorset Police said the force received 'a report of a sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm' at 6.22am. The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) drastically revised its figure for the year to December up from 606,000 to 745,000, an increase of 139,000, almost the same as the population of Cambridge . A spokesman said: 'Officers are conducting inquiries into the circumstances of the incident. The coroner's office has been notified of the death.' The news prompted criticism from campaigners who hit out at the conditions on the barge and called for an end to the use of such facilities as asylum accommodation as well as an independent review into the death. The Refugee Council's chief executive Enver Solomon said: 'This is an appalling loss of life but tragically not surprising. 'We know from our work supporting men, women and children in the asylum system that many are deeply traumatised and feel isolated, unable to get the help they need. Some are so desperate they self-harm and feel suicidal. 'Nobody who comes to our country seeking asylum should be left without the support they need yet the system has more hostility than compassion built into it. 'It is imperative that an independent review is carried out into this death so that lessons are learned to avoid any further tragedies of this kind. 'A new approach that always sees the face behind the case and treats every individual person with the dignity and humanity they deserve is urgently needed.' More than 29,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by small boat so far this year, the second highest annual figure on record. Turkish nationals now account for more than one in 10 arrivals, while Albanians represent three per cent compared to nearly a third last year. Afghans account for the single largest group of arrivals from January 1 to November 29, 2023 - 20% of the total - the same proportion as for the whole of 2022. The next largest group is Iranians on 12%, down slightly from 13% last year. Last year saw a record 45,755 asylum seekers arrive in the UK by small boat - 60 per cent higher than 2021 when 28,526 people made the perilous journey and the highest figure since statistics started to be collected in 2018. The mix of nationalities of people arriving on small boats across the English Channel has varied from year to year. More than 29,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by small boat so far this year, the second highest annual figure on record Albanians represent 3% of this year's figure, compared with 28% last year, according to provisional data. But the proportion who are Turkish has jumped from 2% in 2022 to 11% so far this year. In 2018 and 2019, when comparatively few crossings were recorded, most arrivals were Iranian nationals (80% and 66% respectively). A change came in 2020, with Iranians still the leading nationality but accounting for 28% of arrivals, followed by Iraqis (19%), Sudanese (11%) and Syrians (9%). Iranians and Iraqis together accounted for more than half of arrivals in 2021 (30% and 22% respectively), with a mix of countries once again making up the rest. There was another change in 2022: Iranian and Iraqi nationals dropped to 13% and 10% respectively, with Albanian (28%) and Afghan (20%) the leading nationalities. The data for 2023 so far suggests a new trend is emerging, with a sharp drop in Albanian arrivals and a jump in the proportion who are from Turkey. All figures are based on the total number of arrivals where nationality has been recorded by the Home Office. Following the spike in summer 2022 in the number of Albanian nationals arriving in the UK on small boats, the governments of both countries struck an agreement to work together to prevent people from making the journey. This included placing UK border force staff in Tirana airport in the capital of Albania, the exchange of senior police officers, and the creation of a joint migration task force. The cumulative number of small boat arrivals this year currently stands at 29,090, down 34% on the total at the same point last year. The Rwanda scheme has been the government's flagship policy for curbing illegal migration. But the original 140million scheme was signed almost 18 months ago and not a single deportee has yet left UK soil by air. It was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court last month, which said that Rwanda was not a safe country as those flown there could be sent back to their country of origin - a process known as 'refoulment'. Advertisement Brad Pitt has been buying luxury homes and commercial properties in deals worth many millions Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are going through one of Hollywood's most acrimonious divorces, but there's no doubt who has come out ahead in the real estate market. The Fight Club actor kept hold of the family compound and made a fortune when he sold it for $33 million earlier this year. In the last few years he's been busy scooping up luxury homes and commercial properties, having been involved in realtor deals worth $72 million. DailyMail.com can reveal that Pitt purchased three studios from his friend, British sculptor Thomas Houseago, in LA's Frogtown neighborhood, a former rundown industrial zone now popular with the arts community and considered one of the city's hippest areas. Last April, he paid Houseago's firm Clearwater Real Properties LLC $4,095,000 for side-by-side parcels. It's where Pitt was pictured coming and going immediately after the Jolie split in September 2016 when he'd taken up sculpting. In March 2021, Pitt bought another studio from Houseago for $2,933,500 directly opposite the other two. This one is a vintage manufacturing building and Pitt took out a $2million mortgage with City National Bank to finance the deal. In April 2022, Pitt bought two adjoining studios for $4,095,000. In March 2021, he purchased another studio opposite the other two for nearly $3million Brad bought this studio for $3million in 2021. This one is a vintage manufacturing building and Pitt took out a $2million mortgage with City National Bank to finance the deal Pitt purchased the three studios from his friend, British sculptor Thomas Houseago (center) in LA's hip Frogtown neighborhood. Pitt and long-time buddy, Australian musician Nick Cave (left) collaborated last year on Houseago's art exhibition Brad's compound made up of five houses, which he began buying up in 1994. He sold it in 2023 for $33million to oil heiress Aileen Getty In March 2023, Pitt purchased Aileen Getty's three-bed home in Los Feliz for $5.5million - and she took his five-house compound for $33million Pitt and long-time buddy, Australian musician Nick Cave, collaborated last year on Houseago's art exhibition at the Sara Children Art Museum in Tampere, Finland, entitled WE. All three reportedly bonded over their personal struggles overcoming drug or alcohol addiction. Brad and Angie are going through one of Hollywood's most hotly contested divorces. After their break up, he remained in their extensive compound in Los Feliz In July 2022, Pitt went big in the residential housing market spending $40million on American author D.L James' former home, known as 'Seaward', in Carmel, California. He purchased that outright with no mortgage. After their break up, he remained in their extensive compound in Los Feliz, where he and Jolie had raised their six kids, as he owned the place outright. He'd purchased the main 5,338 square foot manor for $1.7million in 1994 and over the next 22 years - 12 of which he spent with Jolie - the estate grew to encompass five adjoining properties. The location became a private fortress, with a skate park, secret cave and three swimming pools for the kids. Pitt sold the property this year in a swap deal with oil heiress Aileen Getty - she paid $33million for the compound and he downsized to her three-bed home in the same area for $5.5million, making $27.5million from the swap minus expenses. He also took the family's Santa Barbara oceanfront home, which he purchased for $4million in 2000, and is now said to be worth $20million. The 15-acre beach abode, located near to Gaviota State Park, was used by the former couple 'as a vacation retreat for themselves and the kids, horseback riding and enjoying time out on the beach.' Angelina Jolie was forced to turn to Pitt after they split when she wanted to purchase her own $24.5million property and he loaned her $8million to be paid back with interest. She took out a $17.15million mortgage with Comerica Bank Brad purchased an oceanfront Santa Barbara home for $4million in 2000, and is now said to be worth $20million In July 2022, Pitt went big in the residential housing market spending $40million on American author D.L James' former home, known as 'Seaward', in Carmel, California. He purchased that outright with no mortgage Meanwhile, Jolie was forced to turn to Pitt after they split when she wanted to purchase her own property and he loaned her $8million to be paid back with interest. She bought late director Cecil B. DeMille's Los Feliz mansion for $24.5million and, not only had to borrow part of her ex's $300million fortune, but also take out a $17.15million mortgage with Comerica Bank. Jolie stated in court docs that Pitt hadn't given any 'meaningful child support' but he claimed that he'd paid over $9million to the Tomb Raider Star. Yet Jolie's lawyer countered this claim, saying most of it was the loan. Samantha Bley DeJean of the Law Offices of Bley and Bley said in a statement: 'Brad was asked to assist in the expense of a new home for Angelina and the children, but instead he loaned Angelina money, for which he is charging her interest on a payment plan. 'Angelina will of course honor that loan. A loan is not, however, child support and to represent it as such is misleading and inaccurate. 'Angelina is asking Brad to pay 50 percent of the children's expenses. He has not. Angelina has had to shoulder the majority of those without his contribution for the past two years. Child support is not optional in California.' Jolie and Pitt are pictured in November 2008 with their six children. The couple separated in 2016, following an explosive argument on a private jet Brad and Angie jointly owned French vineyard Miraval, a 35-room, 1,000-acre estate which they purchased for $60million in 2011, and is now at the center a bitter legal battle between them The pair also jointly owned French vineyard Miraval, a 35-room, 1,000-acre estate which they purchased for $60 million in 2011, and is now at the center of yet another bitter legal battle between them. The former couple had a 'mutual and binding commitment' to the $160 million Chateau Miraval business and both agreed never to sell their share without the other's permission. But a stunned Pitt discovered his ex-wife had 'secretly' sold her 50 percent stake to billionaire Russian oligarch Yuri Shelfer when a 2021 press release announced that he had new business partners, according to the actor's lawyers. In her counterclaim, Jolie accused Pitt of trying to force her into selling to his company, Mondo Bongo, on 'unreasonable terms' and spreading lies that Shefler was 'an ally of Vladimir Putin.' She also alleged that Pitt hid assets and squandered the chateau's funds on vanity projects, including a swimming pool and an ornate staircase that was rebuilt four times. The case is ongoing. A cash-strapped council has been slammed for wasting taxpayer's money after it spent nearly 10,000 on children's colouring books promoting the county's new 20mph speed limits. Oxfordshire County Council, which began reducing the speed of 30mph roads last year, issued the colouring packs - made for children between the ages of five and 11 - to 88 primary schools in early November. The '20 is plenty' activity kits contain word searches where children have to find buzz words used to describe the benefits of the speed limits, such as 'safer', 'cleaner' and 'greener', and paper to draw out 'the benefits of 10mph speed limits'. It also includes a sheet of stickers with 20mph road signs surrounded by love hearts and a spot the difference puzzle with one sketch containing a 20mph road sign while the other has a 30mph road sign. Conservative councillor Liam Walker blasted Lib Dem-Green council's 'completely ludicrous' use of public funds and called on it to 'put the crayons away and instead focus on its job of running council services'. Oxfordshire County Council has been criticised for spending almost 10,000 on colouring books for school children promoting its new 20mph speed limits Across the county, 234 new speed limits have been rolled out or will be imposed soon to Oxford city, as well as surrounding towns and villages The county council has 150,000 spent on advertising the new speed limits at petrol pumps and on social media He told MailOnline: 'This is yet again more financial waste from the coalition pumping so much of our money into this failed 20mph pet project.' Callum McGoldrick, researcher of the TaxPayers' Alliance, added: 'Town hall bosses should put the brakes on this spending at a time when households are struggling.' The council's cabinet member for transport management, Lib Dem councillor Andrew Gant confirmed at a meeting that 8838 had been spent on the colouring and activity packs. A further 1106.40 was spent on delivery. Across the county, 234 new speed limits have already been rolled out or are soon to be imposed across Oxford city centre, as well as surrounding towns and villages. The revised road restrictions were introduced across the county earlier this year and more reduction are planned in a bid to make roads safer, less congested and reduce air pollution. It comes as part of a wider movement to slow down roads across the UK, with 28million drivers living under local authorities where 20mph speed limits are in place or set to come in. In Oxfordshire, 8million was allocated in February 2022 to change road speeds across the area over the next three years. Since then Mr Walker said 150,000 was spent on advertising the new speed limits at petrol pumps and on social media. The speed reduction in Oxfordshire (pictured Witney) comes as part of a wider movement to slow down roads, with 28million drivers living under local authorities where 20mph speed limits are in place or set to come in The activity kits contain word searches where children have to find buzz words used to describe the benefits of the speed limits, such as 'safer', 'cleaner' and 'greener' Conservative councillor Liam Walker blasted Lib Dem-Green council's 'completely ludicrous' use of public funds The council's cabinet member for transport management, Lib Dem councillor Andrew Gant confirmed that 8838 had been spent on the colouring and activity packs. A further 1106.4 was spent on delivery Last month it was revealed that the council was forced to fork out 11,000 to make the newly imposed 20mph road signs in Witney, west Oxfordshire, bigger following reports that the reduction was being repeatedly ignored by motorists. Mr Walker added: '8million being spent on changing the road signs, 150,000 on 20mph petrol pump adverts, 11,000 on making signs bigger in Witney as people weren't complying, and now just under 10,000 on colouring books for kids. 'What a complete waste of taxpayers money that could have been spent on special educational needs, fixing potholes, or building a rocket to send this coalition of chaos to the planet they belong on. 'I'm fed up of this constant waste of our money right before they again hike up our council tax to the highest legal amount. Enough is enough.' It comes as residents within the city are facing a rise in council tax bills after councillors warned of a 'diabolical' financial situation. Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member said: 'Engaging with children can often be an effective way of reaching parents on issues of health, safety and amenity.' A spokesperson added: 'These activity packs are a way of engaging with thousands of primary schoolchildren around the county on the issues of road safety, including the introduction of 20mph speed limits in areas where communities have requested it, and the promotion of active travel. 'The campaign has proved popular so far, and includes a competition to design posters which will be displayed in their local areas to promote the benefits of 20mph areas especially for children.' It is not the first time that the council - once dubbed Britain's 'wokest' county by critics - has come under fire. The local authority, that claims tackling climate change is a priority, faced a wrath from businesses in Oxford after it introduced a series of controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes. Oxfordshire farmers previously rallying outside the Oxfordshire County Council's County Hall over its decision to only serve vegan food at council events Ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson whose famous Diddly Squat Farm shop is just down the road openly opposed the council's plans for vegan-only food to be served Florence Pugh's father Clinton Pugh, who owned various restaurants on the Cowley Road, previously blasted the council for its controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme Earlier this year, a private school blasted the scheme claiming that teachers had resigned or refused to accept job offers saying the LTN had led to gridlock mayhem. The 20,000-a-year Magdalen College School said traffic had become so bad that a nine-minute bus journey would take almost an hour, while journeys by car take 30 minutes longer than before. Florence Pugh's father Clinton Pugh, who owned various restaurants on the Cowley Road - one of the streets impacted by the scheme - said the hated traffic calming measure had wrecked his business blasting the council as 'bullies'. In October the council was accused of hypocrisy after it was revealed that 387 of its 420 vehicles are diesel-powered, despite it urging constituents to take up active travel or use public transport where they can in a bid to reduce cars in the city. Just one its vehicles ran off petrol, none were hybrid and only 32 are electric. And in a move that was sparked fury from Oxfordshire farmers - including ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson whose famous Diddly Squat Farm shop is just down the road - the council banned all meat products from meetings. In March it said it would only be providing 'plant based options' for town hall events in what was described as a 'kneejerk reaction' and a 'kick in the teeth for farmers.' It is an area known for its picturesque scenery and the seclusion of a rural idyll enjoyed by residents. But come the General Election, one person in a remote part of Perthshire will make a unique trip to select their choice as the only voter in their polling district. And they will have their very own ballot box at the Amulree Hall polling station. The revelation that the area is home to the countrys smallest polling district was made last week at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council. Amulree is home to smallest polling district Councillors were asked to approve a review of parliamentary polling districts and polling places, which will create three new constituencies in Perth and Kinross. The lone resident in the parliamentary polling district, termed PLM, is currently in the Perth and North Perthshire constituency. At last weeks council meeting, Strathtay Tory councillor Ian James said: Would we have to legally open Amulree Hall for just one voter? Could we not just chap on their door and hand over their voting form? Election manager Scott Walker said: We do have to have a polling district for that voter. Thats the law. Strathearn SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson said: Its never been an area where weve got involved in significant campaigning. Amulree is a hamlet close to the River Braan, around six miles from Crieff. Its hall hosts fitness classes and meetings of the Scottish Womens Institute. But the solitary voter will not be completely alone as the polling station is shared with neighbouring district, PCT, which has 102 residents. The two districts cannot be merged as they are in different wards. Senior elections manager Christine Grant said: Amulree Hall has two registers. One is PCT which has 102 electors. The PLM with one elector, just with the boundaries it falls within, has to be a register of its own. An Electoral Commission Scotland spokesman said: I have been aware of some rural [polling districts] with very small numbers... I cant say whether the situation in Perth and Kinross is unique. The first rule of politics is never to blame the electorate. As we near the end of 2023, however, I feel my patience with my fellow Scottish voters begin to fray. Its been a truly shocking time for our rulers over at the SNP. But as the partys annus horribilis draws to an end, a troubling question lingers why arent they doing worse? Not to put too fine a point on it: a lot of people in Scotland still say they are going to vote for this clapped-out bunch. What on earth do they think theyre doing? Let us recap events over the past few months. Not in their wildest, most hallucinogenic, nightmares would the SNP have envisaged what has happened to them. Its made the civil war over at the Conservatives look like the Henley Regatta. Humza Yousaf's SNP have been mired in several controversies recently The resignation of Nicola Sturgeon. The police tent. The 110,000 campervan on the back of a lorry. SNP chief executive Peter Murrells resignation. His and Ms Sturgeons subsequent arrest, before they were released without charge pending further investigation. The misinformation spread by the partys spokesman about membership numbers. His subsequent resignation. The arrest of the partys treasurer. His resignation. Humza Yousafs independence strategy. The independence thermometer. Michael Mathesons iPad. The lies he told to journalists. The deleted WhatsApp messages. Two ferries on the Clyde (still unlaunched). The decline in secondary school standards. Lisa Camerons defection. Isla Bryson. The Bottle Deposit Scheme. Heat pumps, or the lack of them. Angus Brendan MacNeil. Theres the secrecy and evasion of a party thats been in power for too long, the lack of direction, the short-termism that in next weeks Scottish Budget will likely see swingeing cuts to public services or brutal tax rises (or perhaps a combination of both) and, finally, the growing divisions due to weak political leadership. There are three years to the next Scottish election but we can say it already: the SNP is out on its feet, deserving of a lengthy time in opposition. I could go on. But heres the rub so might they. For, despite the complete calamity that has struck the SNP since February this year, this is a party that remains on top. True, the gap between the SNP and Labour in second place has narrowed over the past year the days of 50 per cent support are gone. But the fact is that, apart from one poll last month, the SNP remains ahead. A poll by the respected pollster Ipsos Mori two weeks ago put them ten points in front of Labour and 25 per cent in front of the Scottish Tories. And that was for a Westminster election at which the SNP has traditionally fared poorly. Excuse me? Theyre ahead? What? I note all this not because I wish to play Christmas Grinch for readers who are finally beginning to hope that, after 16 years in office, the House of Nat is beginning to creak. I note it because its absolutely gobsmacking. Parties which have been in power for 16 years, which lose their leader, get called in by the police and comprehensively fail to deliver on their domestic agenda do not normally emerge from the wreckage ahead in the polls. They normally discover that a furious public has rightfully turned on them and decided it is time to boot them out and give somebody else a go. This is what electorates in advanced democracies do. The big, startling fact of Scottish politics is that, despite everything thats happened over the past year, the SNP remains competitive. For it to remain in the lead is the equivalent of a sprinter winning the 100 metres after breaking both his ankles on the starting line. It begs several questions. Is there anything the SNP could do that might persuade some Scots to stop supporting them? Invade Orkney? What has got into the many, many people who believe this shower still deserve their votes? Have they completely lost their marbles? What is going on? The answer is simple. Its nationalism. The SNPs biggest achievement over its long, long period in office has been to make Scottish politics primarily about England about them and us. Our politics has become mostly reactive. Its become a response to whatevers going on down south. Scots have been invited to pick a side. Stand up for Scotland? Or sell out with England? In a country where national identity hangs so heavily in the air, it is easy to see how patriotic Scots have felt drawn, compelled almost, to vote as their national party asks. For, in this context, the SNPs policy failures, resignations and political humiliation all become second order issues. And what the polls remind us, as the SNP crawls to the end of this disastrous year, is just how ingrained this form of nationalist politics has become. Im reminded of a survey a few years ago which asked people whether they felt personally offended when their party of choice was attacked. SNP voters were more than twice as likely as backers of other parties to say yes. Those of us who bang our heads on the table asking why thousands of Scots are still backing this failing, ragged outfit might as well ask Rangers fans why they dont back Celtic given theyre ahead of them in the league. I wager that one of the reasons the SNP is not being hammered in the polls is, perversely, because many Scots fear it may get hammered in the polls. Scots may be grumpy with the SNP but many are sticking by the party precisely because they see it as being under attack. I asked one pro-Union political analyst earlier this week how we might get out of this nationalist trap. Independence, he answered, wryly. The argument goes that, once cut loose from the UK, Scotland would finally be forced to grow up. But no matter how terrible Scottish political culture has become, the end of the United Kingdom seems a rather large price to pay to fix it. No, the only way to tackle nationalism is to up the ante. Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats must ram home the fact that nationalism is damaging Scotland. They need to keep showing how the Them and Us game is behind so many of the countrys problems and the failure of government to deliver on any of its promises. They then need to set out a practical, positive and patriotic alternative to demonstrate that Scotlands interests are best served by working together with the rest of the UK, and not against it. That is, of course, easier said than done. Nationalism remains a tough, tough nut to crack. The lesson of 2023 for Scotlands opposition parties therefore is that the work of ending the SNPs rule in Scotland has only just begun. Many Scots remain wedded to the nationalist creed. It requires an awful lot more listening, explaining and cajoling to win them back. Scotlands schools will be able to ban mobile phones over concerns they are fuelling a slump in pupil performance. New guidance is to be published that will allow headteachers to ban the use of digital devices in the classroom, ministers have confirmed. There are growing concerns mobile use in class is damaging education, causing disruptive behaviour and contributing to online bullying. It follows the OECDs Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) research, which showed Scotland has slid down international rankings in maths, science and reading. Ms Gilruth yesterday spelling out her concerns There are concerns that mobile phones are fueling a slump in pupils' performance The report found significantly more pupils being distracted by digital devices in Scotland than across the UK as a whole. The move was announced by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth yesterday in a statement to MSPs. She also unveiled a drive to boost standards in maths and stepped up her threat to withdraw special funding for councils if they fail to protect teacher numbers. Ms Gilruth said: I cannot unilaterally ban mobile phones that power, of course, rests with headteachers and our local authorities. But I want to examine all the evidence on this and encourage schools to take the action they deem necessary. So we will work to provide refreshed guidance to schools on the use of mobile phones in schools as part of that joint action plan to respond to the Pisa research. This will take a range of factors into account, including considering pupils personal circumstances, particularly those of young carers. But our starting position is that headteachers are empowered to take the steps that they consider appropriate and, if they see fit, the guidance will support the use of banning mobile phones in schools. She urged teachers to work with parents and pupils. Guidance south of the Border allows headteachers to ban mobile phone use throughout the school day, including at breaks, to tackle disruptive behaviour and online bullying. Data contained within the Pisa report last week showed 31.1 per cent of pupils in Scotland say they become distracted by using digital devices in most or every lesson, compared with 18.6 per cent across the UK as a whole and a global average of 30.5 per cent. Scottish Conservative education spokesman Liam Kerr welcomed the move. He said: If teachers believe banning mobile phones in classrooms will enhance learning, they should have the power to do so. Last week, Andreas Schleicher of the OECD said: We can see that students use of smartphones was quite clearly linked in Scotland, but also in other countries, to greater student anxiety, to more disruption, to less concentration. Ms Gilruth said maths would be a central focus of improvements to the curriculum after the Pisa report revealed that 15-year-olds in Scotland lag behind those in former Soviet bloc countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovenia and are also outperformed by their peers in England. Tony Buchanan, children and young people spokesman for council umbrella group Cosla, said: Earlier this year we set out clearly to the Scottish Government that additional core funding is crucial to enabling further improvement in the attainment, health and well-being of children and young people, as opposed to financial penalties relating to school staffing numbers. The top Republican countering China's influence abroad is warning that the Chinese Communist Party's infiltration has led to bloodshed on American soil. Several recent egregious incidents will be explored by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during a primetime hearing Wednesday on the CCP's 'transnational repression' efforts. The panel will feature two victims of CCP targeting, including one that was singled out and harassed by communist agents just a few weeks ago in San Francisco, California, during President Xi Jinping's participation in a summit. Chairman Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., told DailyMail.com in an exclusive statement ahead of the hearing that agents of the CCP are increasingly 'targeting people on American soil.' Pro-democracy protesters critical of Xi's human rights violations and rising threats against Taiwan demonstrated outside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California in November He recalled the first trip he conducted as the chairman, which was to visit the site of an illegal CCP police station in NYC where he heard 'horrific' stories about people being 'physically assaulted.' And he warned that there are reports indicating the CCP operates over 100 of these sites globally. 'America should be a haven from persecution, not a hunting ground for an authoritarian regime,' Gallagher told DailyMail.com. 'This a global strategy to surveil, harass, and ultimately, export their model of total totalitarian control, not just within the borders of China, but around the world. This should be very concerning for Americans. We need to defend our sovereignty.' Pro-democracy protesters critical of Xi's human rights violations and rising threats against Taiwan demonstrated outside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California in November. One former Hong Kong native, Anna Kwok, plans to tell the committee about her firsthand experience being a victim of the CCP's transnational repression on American soil. She says it is evidence that the CCP's United Front network is growing within the United States. She will say in prepared remarks obtained first by DailyMail.com, that due to her advocacy work on Capitol Hill, she was put on a list by the CCP for a $1 million bounty and arrest warrant for 'colluding with foreign forces.' Kwok - who lives in D.C. - said that since then, she feels as if she has a 'bold target on my back.' 'Even though I was in the Land of the Free, I was not free; I was trapped in the constant mental pressure of being hunted. Of course, this was the CCPs goal: they wanted to cripple my advocacy initiatives against their regime,' she continues. Kwok detailed horrifying comments on her X profile, including threats and gender-based harassments. She went on to say that during the APEC protests, her coalition of dissidents protested peacefully outside of Xi's event venues. But they were met with 'harassment, intimidation, stalking, and even violent assault from pro-Beijing protesters.' In addition, 'suspicious men' dressed similarly to the national security agents in Hong Kong followed them around, she said. Kwok was 'baffled' that the harassment occurred in 'broad day light' in the United States. It got especially heated after pro-CCP protesters clashed with those opposing Xi's visit and particularly his 'guest of honor' status at a swanky dinner with business and political leaders. Pro-democracy protesters received a slew of threats via social media from Xi supporters warning that they would face violence in San Francisco. And there were reports of protest organizers being followed on the streets by 'plainclothes agents' that were believed to be agents from the Chinese consulate. According to the Human Rights in China (HRIC), over 10 individuals experienced physical injuries and others were hospitalized. Anna Kwok, a Washington D.C. based Hong Kong activist, has been designated by the Hong Kong police as a fugitive with a $1 million Hong Kong dollars bounty offered for her arrest Police line up as they keep an eye on demonstrators outside of the APEC Summit Wednesday 'We won't allow genocide to be normalized,' an organizer said The protesters chanted: 'Biden, Biden telling lies, you dont care if the planet dies' Now, President Joe Biden's Justice Department is facing demands for an investigation into Chinese Communist Party-aligned attacks against people protesting Jinping's visit to San Francisco last month. In a letter obtained by DailyMail.com last month, concerned lawmakers laid out reports of the attacks, including demonstrators 'confronted by Xi's supporters wielding (sic) with metal rods, flagpoles, closed umbrellas, and pepper spray.' 'This is just one of many examples of the CCP attempting to intimidate, silence, and harm dissidents of the People's Republic of China (PRC) living in the United States,' reads the letter sent to the DOJ. The FBI has released age progression photos depicting what a missing Georgia mother and her three-year-old son might look like 21 years after they vanished without a trace. Paula Wade and her son Brandon, then three years old, were reported missing on October 14, 2002, and there have been no suspects or leads in the case since their disappearance. Before vanishing with her son, Paula, who was 26 at the time, appeared to be excited about relocating closer to her parents who lived in Orlando, Florida. The decades-long mystery recently gained renewed attention with the FBI's release of age progression pictures, intensifying efforts to solve the case. The pictures show what Brandon might look like aged 23 and his mother at 45. The FBI has released age progression photos depicting what missing Georgia mother Paula Wade and her three-year-old son would look like today Brandon Wade went missing along with his mom on October 14, 2002 when she failed to show up for work At the time of her disappearance, Paula Wade, or Paula Ann McGrath, weighed 150lbs with brown hair. She has brown eyes and stands at 5'7 'Over the years, the Valdosta Police Department has worked the case but has never been able to find clues as to where the Wade could be or who, if anyone, might have wanted to harm them,' the FBI said in a statement. Authorities also noted Paula used an inhaler for asthma and may be wearing corrective lenses or glasses. Before Paula went missing in 2002, she worked at the Sam's Club in Valdosta, Georgia, and was a good employee by all accounts. 'She was always looking to help people. She was always a team player,' Maria Manning, Paula's colleague at the time, told Newsnation. 'She saw something in me and wanted to add me to her team,' she said, adding that Paula offered her the job that changed her life. Manning, who also lived in the same apartment complex with Paula and Brandon, said there was a close bond between the mother and the son. 'She adored him, she would always have him with her,. She was so proud of him. That was her baby, she was proud of him.' she said. Paula was last seen leaving work on Saturday, October 12. She missed a weekly call with her family on Sunday, and didn't show up for work on Monday morning. 'I knew immediately something was up because she was always at work,' Manning said. 'That's why they immediately reacted. Because Paula didn't miss work. She was always on time.' Her supervisor sent an employee to check on Paula, who reported seeing the mom's 1998 Chevy Blazer in the parking lot but could not find her or her son anywhere. 'There were no signs of a struggle. However, the car was there, her purse was there, her glasses, the keys, her ID card, everything was still there,' Paula's sister Mary Ramsbottom said. 'Except Paula and Brandon. The car seat was also missing,' she added. Before vanishing with her son, Paula, who was 26 at the time, appeared to be excited about relocating closer to her parents who lived in Orlando, Florida There have been no suspects in the disappearances. The mom's 1998 Chevy Blazer was located in a parking lot where she lived but the child's car seat was missing The FBI released images of what the mom and son would look like at their current ages of 23 and 46 The concerned family reported the findings to the Valdosta police department, who searched Paula's apartment and the woods nearby. Authorities described her place as looking 'lived in', according to Valdosta Daily Times. 'They went to other geographical areas based on those tips, searched those areas and did not find anything of evidentiary value,' said Valdosta Police Department Det. Sgt. Paul Garland. 'We still have a feeling she might be out there on her own somewhere, but we do have some indications of foul play,' Sgt. Steve Owens said in 2002. He did not specify what this evidence was. To this day, there has been no suspects as Paula and Brando are still listed as missing. No human remains were ever located during the searches. Paula's father Regis McGrath and her husband Lance Wade were brought in for questioning, but both were ruled out as playing a part in the disappearance. Rumors once circulated when some sources claimed the couple had separated before Paula went missing. Lance indeed was stationed at Shaw Air Force Based in South Carolina, and he should have helped Paula with moving. But authorities confirmed that he passed a polygraph examination and has always cooperated with the investigation 'They gave us the information that we were asking for and they did cooperate with interviews,' Garland said. Wade's purse, glasses, the keys to her car and her ID card were all located in her car Wade was employed at Sam's Club in Valdosta, Georgia at the time o f her disappearance After more than two decades, the family is still waiting for answers. 'Somebody somewhere knows something,' Ramsbottom said. 'I never thought I'd still be saying that 20 years later but somebody must know something.' 'I was robbed of 20 years of growing old with my sister. 'We were robbed of seeing Brandon grow up to become a man. In our minds, he's still a 3-year-old wanting to play ball,' she said. Mary McGrath, Paula's mother, and Ramsbottom live in Orlando, but still visit the Valdosta area every year chasing the case. Ramsbottom handed out missing person flyers on the 21-year anniversary of Paula Wade's disappearance this year at the Sam's Club where she was last seen. 'People always ask, How do you go on? How do you keep looking?' Ramsbottom said. 'Why would I stop? I'm never going to stop, either to my last breath or until we have answers.' A former government worker who threw a glass bottle that almost struck Argentina President Javier Milei while he was riding aboard a convertible on his way to the presidential palace has been arrested. Gaston Mercanzini, 51, was handcuffed outside the Buenos Aires offices of Cronica TV news outlet on Tuesday morning. Mercanzini, who previously worked for the culture ministry in the central province of Entre Rios, was remorseful as cops took him into custody. 'I ask for forgiveness. I didn't want to hurt anyone,' he told police officers. Gaston Mercanzini was arrested Tuesday outside the offices of Cronica TV in Buenos Aires, just two days after he threw a bottle at Argentine President Javier Milei Milei greets the crowd from a balcony at Casa Rosada, the presidential palace in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires authorities had been searching for Mercanzini after he was seen on a surveillance video hurling the container that nearly hit Milei in the head before it struck deputy commissioner Guillermo Armentano on Sunday. Armentano, who is part of the Federal Police's presidential custody unit, was taken to the presidential palace, where he received medical treatment for a cut to his left ear. Mercanzini showed up at the Cronica TV headquarters seeking to apologize for his behavior. Ministry of Security sources told La Nacion newspaper that cops in the area were immediately alerted and made their way to the Cronica TV building, where they arrested Mercanzini without incident. 'After receiving a call from a Cronica journalist, we checked the information and sent, in an articulated manner, investigations detectives who joined the city police personnel to prevent the suspect from escaping,' an Argentine Federal Police source told La Nacion. Mercanzini visited the headquarters of two media outlets to apologize for the bottle throwing incident before he was arrested Tuesday morning Milei was waving at supporters when he was nearly struck by a glass bottle that hit one of the law enforcement agents assigned to his security detail Before attempting to land a sit down with Cronica TV, Mercanzini had also approached the offices of Radio 10 for a chance to apologize for the bottle-throwing incident. Mercanzini was also arrested in July after he smashed a car's door with a metal pipe for attacking a police vehicle. He was arrested on an aggravated damage charge in that case. In August, he was arrested for contempt of court and for civil disobedience. Law enforcement sources told La Nacion that Mercanzini could be face 'attempted manslaughter charges' while others think he could be charged with attempted assault for throwing the bottle at President Milei. Mercanzini had previously worked as the Secretary of Culture in Concepcion de Uruguay, a municipality in the central province of Entre Rios, 198 miles north of Buenos Aires. However, he was removed from the post in 2013 after he took a leave of absence 'for personal problems,' La Nacion newspaper reported. Mercanzini was a follower of the left-leaning Peronism movement based on the ideas of former President Juan Peron, who ruled from 1946 until 1955, when he was overthrown, and again from 1973 until he died in 1974. Sunrise host Nat Barr has highlighted a major problem with the country becoming increasingly cashless after the Reserve Bank boss warned Australians might have to a pay a fee to access coins and notes going forward. Speaking on Wednesday's program, Barr suggested a computer system failure could effectively bring the country to a grinding halt if there was no actual cash circulating in the economy. 'The problem is - do we need cash for those 'just in case' moments like the Optus outage when people couldn't pay for anything and cafes and small businesses had to shutdown for the day because they couldn't do anything else' Barr said. Phone and internet connectivity vanished for millions of Australians on November 8 when the Optus system crashed countrywide, many small businesses complained they were unable to accept payments as they relied on EFTPOS linked to the telco. That outage, caused by a software upgrade error, lasted for about 14 hours before services were fully restored, but there have been others, with Telstra suffering a similar problem in May and Westpac Bank going offline just last week. The Westpac outage in particular highlighted the vulnerabilities with shifting to digital money as many customers mistakenly thought there had been a hack when they logged into their accounts and could not see their money. Sunrise host Nat Barr pointed to recent network disruptions like the massive Optus outage in November that could bring the economy to a grinding halt if there was no circulating cash Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said hard currency was essential and hoped we would not see a world where 'you've got to pay cash to use cash'. Economist Evan Lucas said he was confident there would always be a place for physical cash in the economy as a failsafe but the cost associated with logistically moving it around was growing and banks wanted to recoup some of that. Customers and business already have to pay a fee to the big banks whenever a 'tap-and-go' payment is made, essentially to use the infrastructure and systems that facilitate digital payments. But Barr said the notion of paying for the 'privilege' to use you own notes and coins because they are handled by the bank was difficult to grasp. RBA Governor Michele Bullock told the Payments Network conference this week Australians might soon have to pay for the privilege of holding their own hard-earned money in their hands 'I don't think this will go down well, with Aussies, if we have to pay to use our own cash. Let's hope it doesn't get that.' Her comments were sparked by RBA Governor Michele Bullock highlighting in a conference speech this week that the share of consumer payments made using cash declined from 70 per cent in 2007 to only 13 per cent last year. Bullock said most Australians were ditching cash in favour digital money and that is putting pressure on the running costs of ATMs and physically moving notes and coins around by both banks and businesses. She warned the expense of distributing cash could see customers one day charged for the privilege of using banknotes, like they are now for credit card transactions. 'The issue with cash has always been that businesses don't really understand the costs of cash in their business,' she told event moderator and former ABC newsreader Juanita Phillips. 'They are, at the moment, understanding it a bit more but in the past they haven't really - they haven't internalised the cost of processing.' Ms Bullock is referring to businesses needing to have the equipment to handle cash like registers and safes, security infrastructure or guards to protect it, and paying an employee to physically take it to a bank and deposit it. She said cash did cost businesses but 'the challenge is that it really does have a big community and public service' notion attached to it. 'If you try to charge people to use cash - they're prepared to pay to get it out of an ATM - but if businesses started charging people to use cash, I suspect there would be a very big backlash.' But Ms Bullock argued consumers should end up paying to use cash to reflect the actual cost of its distribution. 'Having said that, as economists, you want people to face the prices of using particular services that reflect the cost of those services,' she said. 'It's very difficult to actually enforce payment of cash but it's going to end up, what's going to happen, and what does happen at the moment, is the costs end up embedded in the costs of the financial institutions that are providing the services.' Police and a sniffer dog patrol a Sydney street after shots were fired at a cash-in-transit vehicle The number of ATMs and bank branches where people can get money out has steadily been declining, though Ms Bullock said the distances people needed to travel to access cash 'has been little changed in recent years'. 'But this may not be the case if access points continue to decline,' she said at the AusPayNet Summit on Tuesday. The RBA was keen to maintain 'a broad coverage of ATMs at reasonable prices, particularly in regional and remote areas' and was open to hearing from industry on ways the central bank's regulation could help, she said. The economics of the distribution system, which includes firms that transfer banknotes, coins and credit cards from one place to another, is also under pressure. The strained economics of this business model was one of the reasons the consumer watchdog approved the merger of the country's two largest cash-in-transit businesses, although Ms Bullock said the sustainability of the model was still in doubt. Australia could be considering alternative models, such as a wholesale distribution arrangement, she said. A leading Voice activist has slammed Australians for being 'too lazy' to vote Yes in October's referendum and said she was 'very, very disappointed' by the vote result. Professor Lisa Pulver Jackson, 64, said she was still struggling to make sense of the rejection of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which got less than 40 per cent support in the referendum. But she claims many No voters have since told her they regretted opposing the proposal and had simply not understood what they were voting on. 'I can't make sense of it. Not at all,' she told Tuesday's The Drum evening panel show, which is being axed by the ABC at the end of this week after 13 years on air. 'I have to say I'm very disappointed in the Australian people.' A leading Voice activist has slammed Australians for being 'too lazy' to vote Yes in October's referendum and said she was 'very, very disappointed' by the vote result The Indigenous epidemiologist and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney added: 'I don't understand. 'People were just too lazy or just too disinterested or just felt it didn't involve them, so they'll just check the box for No because that's simple. 'Don't create change, when it wasn't going to affect them at all. The outcome of this was not going to affect them at all. 'What I do know is that a lot of people have come to me since and said I voted No but I wish I voted Yes now because I've able to work it out.' Prof Pulver Jackson said the Voice was key to updating the Australian constitution which, she said, was written in 1901 by a 'bunch of white men'. 'If you look at the Australian demographic today, that is a very small minority of people,' she said. 'So the Australian Constitution doesn't represent very many people today.' Prof Pulver Jackson called on Australians to help bring on the necessary change. 'I think the modesty of the ask, to say to the 95 per cent of Australians who are not themselves Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people, do you recognise us?' she said. 'Will you, the people of Australia, recognise us in the Constitution, the founding document of this land, a document that was made at a time when your people weren't here? 'Because we are a migrant nation, 40 per cent of Australians are either first or second generation Australians - so they weren't here when this Constitution was made.' Prof Pulver Jackson said the rejection of the Voice was devastating but she still believed there was a chance of reconciliation. 'To say No, I felt, was very, very disappointing,' she said. 'In the context of we should not have a voice at a table where things about us are being decided. Professor Lisa Pulver Jackson (pictured) is still struggling to make sense of the rejection of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament , which got less than 40 per cent support in the referendum Fellow Yes campaigner Roy Ah-See told the show that Indigenous people were demanding more than just 'tokenism and wanted 'substantial change' 'And I haven't been able to work through what that means in my heart of hearts.' But she added: 'I can't believe that reconciliation is dead. There has to be hope. We have to invite Australians to keep on working with us. 'Are we brave enough to go down the journey together and create a Constitution that's fit for purpose for us all, that recognises First Australians and all other Australians as well? 'Not just white guys that were here in 1901. 'Let's have that discussion now. I don't know if reconciliation will be the right word for the process that we go through. 'But I think there's going to be a very big bit of sorry business once we're able to process the grief many of us have.' Fellow Yes campaigner Roy Ah-See told the show that Indigenous people were demanding more than just 'tokenism and wanted 'substantial change'. He believed the rejection of the Voice meant reconciliation was now dead. 'I firmly believe that it's gone,' he said. 'Because we have been rejected in our own country. And what that feels like is just traumatic for our First Nations people. 'To walk around in your own country and not feel accepted, but rather rejected - it's not good.' He praised big businesses like Qantas which came out and backed the Yes campaign but added: 'History will show us that it was the wrong decision.' Woolworths has opened its very first drive-through in Australia shaking up the way the rest of the country could shop in the future. The first Direct to Boot drive-through has opened just in time for Christmas and the busy summer months, in the wealthy suburb Rose Bay, in Sydney's east. The drive-through is an extension of the 'Direct to Boot' option customers already have in 700 Woolies stores. Unlike the current locations, the Rose Bay pick-up hub on Old South Road and Albemarle Avenue does not have a traditional store for customers to walk in and do their shopping. Woolies announced last year they had plans to turn the old 'eyesore' Caltex service station into a grocery pick-up centre, costing $560,000. The new Direct to Boot Woolworths drive-thru store where customers don't have to get out of their car Woolworths said at the time the contactless delivery service would save shoppers time and reduce their risk of being exposed to Covid. Since opening late last week, customers have been able to go online or to the Woolworths app and place an order. There are eight bays for customers to pick up their groceries, and when they park in a space, they just need to confirm they've arrived via the app or an SMS link. A Woolworths team member will then pack the order directly into their boot for no additional charge. 'Were excited for customers to try the innovative design of a stand-alone Direct to Boot service, where they can be in and out with a car full of shopping in a matter of minutes,' eComX managing director Sally Copland told Daily Mail Australia. 'We know our customers are busier than ever before, which is why weve launched a new Direct to Boot drive-thru for the local residents of Rose Bay and surrounding areas.' There are eight parking bays for customers, who need to place their order online or in the Woolworths app Once a customer confirms they have arrived in the app or via SMS, an employee will deliver groceries straight to the boot, without charge Woolworths plan on using the site as a Direct to Boot service in the interim, with feedback sought from the local community. Woolworths director of property development Andrew Loveday thanked the local council for their support. 'We appreciate the support of Woollahra Council to help set this up, while we continue our collaborative approach with planning teams and the Rose Bay community on our long term plans for the site,' he said. The only drawback is customers have to plan ahead, as orders are fulfilled at the Mascot facility and taken to Rose Bay to be collected. The new stand-alone Direct to Boot premises is able to disperse around 50 orders per day. Australia could go cashless in just three years with the nation's biggest banknote delivery company admitting its business model is under threat. Armaguard and Prosegur Australia this year gained regulatory approval to merge, giving the new company Linfox Armaguard a 90 per cent share of Australia's cash-in-transit market. This was based on a promise it would continue to deliver cash until 2026. Despite having a near monopoly, Linfox Armaguard Group chief executive Mick Cronin told Daily Mail Australia he couldn't guarantee his company could still deliver cash in three years' time. 'As cash usage declines, the cost of moving cash around becomes more expensive and the industry needs to develop a long-term and sustainable solution,' he said. Mr Cronin hinted future cash delivery would require government intervention, as his company held urgent talks with the Australian Banking Association. Australia could go cashless in just three years with the nation's biggest banknote delivery company admitting its business model was under threat (pictured is a Sydney consumer paying with a smartphone) Armaguard and Prosegur Australia this year gained regulatory approval to merge, giving the new company Linfox Armaguard a 90 per cent share of Australia's cash-in-transit market (pictured is an Armaguard truck at a Sydney Broadway crime scene) 'Linfox Armaguard is working with Treasury, the RBA, the ABA, major banks and related parties to devise a sustainable industry solution for the ongoing provision of cash in Australia,' he said. READ MORE: Reserve Bank chief issues a chilling warning about Australia going cashless and what this will mean for Aussies Advertisement 'The government has a policy position to ensure cash remains accessible to all Australians, and Linfox Armaguard will continue to work with the industry to review and implement a sustainable cash distribution model.' Mr Cronin has gone public after Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock on Tuesday flagged concerns about Linfox Armaguard's cash-in-transit business model. 'Despite the merger having taken place as proposed, Linfox Armaguard is now indicating that its CIT business continues to be unsustainable,' she told an Australian Payments Network Summit in Sydney. 'The merger was intended to address the structural decline and overcapacity in the CIT industry and reduce the risk of one or both of the CIT companies suddenly exiting the industry, which would cause disruption to the availability of cash in the economy.' The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in June approved the merger on the proviso Linfox Armaguard Group would continue providing cash deliveries to its existing customers until 2026. This was despite acknowledging the merged company would have 'combined national market share ... greater than 90 per cent'. Before the merger, Armaguard had distribution agreements with Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and NAB, while Prosegur, a Spanish company, had a deal with Westpac. Ms Bullock on Tuesday promised she would work to ensure cash was still an option for customers, even though banknotes made up just 13 per cent of transactions in 2022, down from 70 per cent in 2007. 'We also remain focused on access to cash for Australians,' Ms Bullock said. 'Cash is also an important backup method of payment during system outages or natural disasters, when electronic payments might be unavailable.' Linfox Armaguard delivers cash to its 'atmx' and 'Precinct' automatic teller machines. 'Armaguard will continue to assess ongoing needs and aims to ensure an ATM is always within reach,' Mr Cronin said. Linfox Armaguard Group is one of just three cash-in-transit companies operating in Australia, along with smaller competitors Streamcorp Armoured and Brinks Australia. Despite having a near monopoly, Linfox Armaguard Group chief executive Mick Cronin told Daily Mail Australia he couldn't guarantee his company could still deliver cash in three years' time During the last financial year, 718 automatic teller machines were removed, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data showed (pictured is a Commonwealth Bank automatic teller machine in Brisbane) A Reserve Bank report released last month showed 73 per cent of transactions under $10 in 2022 were done with a card, compared with little more than half in 2019. During the last financial year, 718 automatic teller machines were removed, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data showed. This occurred as 424 bank branches closed in the year to June. The number of branches has plunged by more than a third or 37 per cent since June 2017, but in six years, the number of ATMs has plummeted by 59 per cent. Australia has 5,693 ATMs still in existence - less than half the 13,814 level of June 2017. The number of bank branches has fallen to 3,588, down from 5,694. Despite the decline of cash, Linfox founder and trucking magnate Lindsay Fox was 23rd on this year's Australian Financial Review Rich List, with an estimated worth of $4.35billion. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and two fire fighters suffered mild injuries battling the blaze Los Angeles County Fire Department were called to the scene Monday night and managed to extinguish the blaze early Tuesday morning The California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey was engulfed in flames Horrifying photos show the aftermath of the iconic California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey after it was destroyed by the blaze that left two firefighters injured. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the fire was first reported around 11.30pm Monday at the Yacht Club on Admiralty Way. When crews arrived at the scene, thick smoke and flames engulfed the two-story building that was founded in 1922 and built in 1967. 'My dad built this place in the early 60s and it has been our home for many years...such a tragedy to see it burn down,' Steve Hathaway, the former owner of California Yacht Club, told CBS Los Angeles. Pictures show the aftermath of the blaze at the California Yacht Club that was filled with thick smoke and flames Monday night The blaze was extinguished just before 1.30am Tuesday, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The two male firefighters who were hurt suffered mild injuries while they battled the flames. They were taken to a local hospital, Los Angeles County Fire Department PIO Fred Fielding said. No other injuries were reported. Pictures revealed the now charred perimeter of the clubhouse, which according to the California Yacht Club, was where the fire damaged. The many boats surrounding the club were intact, and the roof of the clubhouse also appeared to be untouched by the flames. Only the clubhouse was effected by the inferno as none of the boats docked in the water around it were damaged The California Yacht Club was founded in 1922 and built in 1967 The two firefighters who were injured while battling the flames were taken to a nearby hospital The famed club has been known to frequently host national and international regattas- water races like rowing and sailing. It relocated to Marina del Rey after it was founded near San Pedro in Wilmington Harbor in 1922. The coastal community, located four miles north of Los Angeles, is made of 807 acres, 'of which half is underwater,' according to the Marina Del Rey Tourism Board. The famed club has been known to frequently host national and international regattas - water races involving rowing and sailboats It remains unclear what sparked the blaze but an Instagram post by the club said: 'we will work together on what's next' Marina del Rey translates to 'Harbor of the King' in Spanish and is popularly visited by sail boats, powerboats, along with rented and owned charters. Fishers also come to the water in hopes of catching yellowfin tune, perch, barracuda, rockfish, cod, mackerel and sea bass. 'Thank you to all of the first responders and our thoughts are with the two firefighters injured. Our community is strong and we will work together on whats next,' the California Yacht Club said in an Instagram post. A seventh detainee is expected to be arrested weeks after the High Court ruled against indefinite detention and released 149 non-citizens back into the community. Victoria Police are expected to arrest the man who is wanted in another state on a return to jail warrant in the coming days. Acting Opposition leader Sussan Ley blasted the Albanese government for allowing the release of the detainees - which includes convicted criminals. 'It seems that the only people better off after 18 months of this Albanese government are paedophiles, rapists, murderers, even terrorists,' she told 2GB on Wednesday. But a government spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that Ms Ley 'should apologise for trashing the expertise of our hard working law enforcement officials'. Acting Opposition leader Sussan Ley (pictured) said 'It seems that the only people better off after 18 months of this Albanese government are paedophiles, rapists, murderers, even terrorists' Acting Opposition leader Sussan Ley blasted the Albanese government for allowing the release of the detainees (pictured, a recently released detainee in Sydney) This was a reference to the Community Protection Board announced by the government on Tuesday, to advise which former immigration detainees should be put in preventative detention. Ms Ley was not impressed with that measure, saying 'Does that make anyone feel safe?' 'Bureaucrats are going to meet and discuss not your protection, but whether or not these detainees need to be put forward for measures such as ankle bracelets (and) possible detention.' She said she was not criticising the board itself. 'They're all good people sitting around the table. But I can tell you who else will be sitting in that room - bureaucrats. 'Because they'll be taking the notes, they'll be advising that board what's possible and what's not possible because the people at that table won't have the details of the legislation.' The spokesperson said 'This government won't take lectures from a politician that has spent all morning seeding doubt and division in our border force and law enforcement.' But Ms Ley told 2GB host Mark Levy the government is not doing enough to tackle what has become a rolling crisis over the November 8 High Court ruling. 'Go ask the woman who was allegedly assaulted by one of these predators,' she said. '(Ask) how she feels about the slack approach of the government, about bureaucrats deciding what happens next to people who've already been let out of detention and why weren't the proper checks done.' The government spokesperson said 'Everyday police and law enforcement officers across Australia work to keep our community safe. 'We trust our law enforcement and agencies - including those in our states and territories to deal with the matters outstanding in their respective jurisdictions.' Despite this, Ms Ley said she feared more detainees would be arrested in the coming weeks. Liberal leader Peter Dutton said the government has to answer questions about whether or not 'appropriate checks' were made before the 149 detainees were freed. 'The government just needs to be upfront with the Australian people,' he said. Mr Dutton said Labor had been 'lurching from crisis to crisis' since the High Court ruled a Rohingya man convicted of child sex offences who cannot be deported because he is stateless, could not be held indefinitely in immigration detention. The man cannot be named and is known only as NZYQ. The Community Protection Board set up by the government includes former police officers and border force officials. It will go through the list of detainees and assess what measures should be imposed on them, such as supervision orders and preventative detention. Liberal leader Peter Dutton said the government has to answer questions about whether or not 'appropriate checks' were made before the 149 detainees were freed (pictured, Villawood Detention Centre in south-west Sydney) Last Saturday, high-risk terror offender Ibrahim Ghazzawy, who has 'refused to renounce violence in all contexts', was released from Hunter Correctional Facility after serving an eight-year prison sentence. The Australian reported that a last-minute bid to impose strict rules on him almost failed because Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus office did not have a case ready until three days before the terrorist was due to be released. Ghazzawy was jailed for planning to form a terrorist army in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, and plotting to attack the headquarters of the Australian Federal Police. 'This is the same Mark Dreyfus Attorney-General who lectured a young female journalist, shouting at her "Do not interrupt me", Ms Ley said. The Opposition is not impressed with the Community Protection Board set up by the federal government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured 'He can't be interrupted, he can't be asked questions and presumably he can't get his act together to keep Australians free of these people who could potentially be leaving jail with terrorist hate in their minds.' The government spokesperson responded by saying 'the Opposition have said no to coming to the table and looking at legal advice. 'They said no the first time we proposed legislation to criminalise breaches of someone's visa. 'And now, most shockingly of all, they're saying no to officials from Border Force doing their job and providing expert advice to keep us safe.' Britain is facing 'unprecedented levels' of counter-terrorism arrests as people are being 'energised' towards extremism amid the war in Gaza. Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, who leads national counter-terrorism policing, has warned Hamas' atrocities on October 7 have heightened the danger of an attack on London. He told MPs that in the last two months there has been more terrorism arrests than in the whole of last year, highlighting a 'concerning environment where people are energised towards potentially support for extremist ideologies'. Calls by the public to the anti-terrorism hotline have doubled, while there has also been a 12-fold increase in referrals about extremism online and a 25 per cent increase in counter-terror intelligence. MPs were warned that counter-terrorism policing resources are under enormous pressure as they are dealing with the 'biggest convergence of threats' since the London Olympics in 2012. Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes (pictured) has warned Hamas ' atrocities on October 7 have heightened the danger of an attack on London People search through the rubble of damaged buildings following an Israeli air strike on Palestinian houses, amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas Smoke rises over Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict Across England and Wales, there has been a 680 per cent increase in anti-Semitic crimes and 140 per cent in reported Islamophobic crimes, while there have been 500 investigations for alleged breach of terrorism legislation. The Met has devoted 28,000 officer shifts to policing protests since October, at a cost of 17million in London alone. Nationally, officers have had to tackle 900 protests in the last two months. Addressing the shocking statistics, Mr Jukes told the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee: 'There are states or parts of states that are fuelling some of the division, the polarisation we have seen, particularly with communications online.' He said he is also concerned about ongoing intimidation of British MPs and 'antidemocratic' protests outside their homes. Since September the number of crimes related to the targeting of MPs has doubled as politicians have been attacked for their views on the conflict. 'This is an exceptional period where we have a sense of counter-terrorism risk which is immediate,' Mr Jukes told MPs. 'We have seen in the course of the protests a whole spectrum of behaviour, the extreme of which crosses over into terrorism legislation. 'The arrests for those offences that relate to supporting or glorifying terrorism are in unprecedented numbers when compared to the last decade and are part of a concerning environment where people are energised towards potentially support for extremist ideologies.' Thousands of protesters marched from Bank Junction to Westminster on Saturday, with many holding signs with the words 'Free Palestine' and 'End the siege' A woman holding a placard accusing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Keir Starmer of 'supporting genocide' is pictured during a march through Westminster Shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens' office in Cardiff was covered with red paint and posters accusing her of having 'blood' on her hands after she failed to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza in November He added: 'The threat is going to manifest at two speeds. We have got the immediate of people being energised or galvanised by the amount of hateful material that is being circulated. There is a real risk as we saw in Paris recently of an individual being energised by these events. 'The FBI director talked last week about red lights blinking everywhere and I think that's part of what we're beginning to see - that increase in calls from the public, that increase in online traffic, and increasingly young people involved.' Mr Jukes fears that graphic images from the conflict are being used by terror groups as a recruitment tool to lure in impressionable British teenagers. The Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has received 2,100 reports since the Hamas attack on October 7, the highest level of referrals the unit has ever received since it was set up in 2010 to remove online terrorist material. Mr Jukes' colleague, Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, told the hearing: 'What we are seeing in London is the biggest convergence of threats we have seen for a very long time with the impact of major global events being felt on the streets of London. 'The scale of the policing challenge is enormous.' Mr Twist added: 'I worry about the impact of social media. A contingent of what we see is quite clearly put up to fuel division, to fuel polarisation and make things worse.' Later, the former Home Office extremism tsar Dame Sara Khan told the committee that Britain's lax laws had left Hamas supporters free to glorify terrorism. Two men pictured wearing alleged Hamas-style headbands their balaclava and scarf-covered faces during a protest in London on November 11 She said it was not illegal for extremists to celebrate the Hamas attacks on Israel as long as they avoided specifically encouraging a terrorist act and steered clear of directly supporting the proscribed organisation. Ms Khan, who is now an independent adviser on social cohesion to Michael Gove, called for new laws to tackle hateful extremism, saying it was 'pretty shocking' that neo-Nazis and Islamist groups were able to preach hatred without fear of arrest due to the UK's 'permissive environment'. Lord Walney, independent adviser to the Government on political violence and disruption also told the committee that consideration should be given as to whether existing legislation could be used to curtail ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. In the end it wasn't, as the Duke of Wellington supposedly said at Waterloo, a damn close-run thing. After a day of high tension, the Government comfortably won yesterday's Commons vote on the Rwanda Bill by a majority of 44. But make no mistake. When the result finally came through, the sighs of relief in Downing Street were almost audible. For days there had been an unseemly internecine squabble among Tories threatening to rebel against Rishi Sunak's flagship legislation to send small-boat migrants to the African nation. The 'moderate' One Nation group said the law was too strict, while the European Research Group and others to the Right insisted it wasn't strict enough to stop legal challenges from migrants facing removal. The infighting threatened to dangerously destabilise the Prime Minister. This was a critical test of his authority. If he had lost, it could have delivered a mortal blow. Mercifully, at the eleventh hour, common sense prevailed. The warring factions of the Tory party parked their differences in an apparent show of unity for now at least. For days there had been an unseemly internecine squabble among Tories threatening to rebel against Rishi Sunak's flagship legislation to send small-boat migrants to the African nation Both sides accept the scheme is necessary to deter migrants from crossing the Channel. And they were elected as Conservative MPs on a manifesto promise to cut illegal migration. So they were right to give the Bill its second reading rather than inflict a defeat that could have triggered a general election. However, while this was as good a result as Mr Sunak could have hoped for today, the problem has only been kicked down the road until the New Year. Some MPs have warned that they will tear the Bill to shreds then if Mr Sunak does not toughen it up. Do our democratic representatives not realise how absurd their pompous showboating and self-indulgent parlour games look to voters? This was like a horrible echo of the psychodrama over Brexit. Is it too much to hope they might now move forward towards what should be their common goal to see off the very real and potentially disastrous threat of a Labour government? Keir won't stop boats For all the Tories have got themselves in a dreadful mess over the Rwanda Bill, at least the party has an immigration policy, unlike Sir Keir Starmer. Touring the TV and radio studios yesterday, Labour's leader was eager to mock the Government's plan. In patronising tones, he dismissed it as a costly 'gimmick'. For all the Tories have got themselves in a dreadful mess over the Rwanda Bill, at least the party has an immigration policy, unlike Sir Keir Starmer But while feigning outrage about illegal migration, he has been remarkably reluctant to advance any credible solutions of his own. Indeed, his promise to scrap the Rwanda scheme if Labour wins power even if it worked demonstrates that he is simply not serious about tackling this problem. Sir Keir gloats that the policy which has so far cost the taxpayer 290million is a 'failure', yet its power as a deterrent has never been put to the test. Urged on by the open-borders cheerleaders of the Left, activist lawyers and judges ensured it was strangled before any asylum seekers could be flown to Africa. Quivering with sanctimony, Sir Keir says Labour opposes the Rwanda plan because it is 'against our values'. What appalling values they must be! By voting against the legislation at every opportunity, the party has tried to maintain a system that encourages the desperate to risk their lives in small boats. The truth is, all Sir Keir's ideas for stemming the tide of illegal migration 'smashing' the trafficking gangs, liaising better with France are either flawed or have been tried before without success. His only original brainwave seems to be accepting thousands of refugees from the EU in return for Brussels taking back some of those entering the UK on dinghies. That is a formula for more immigration, not less. Labour's leader is very good at sniping from the sidelines. But, when it comes to answers, he has very little to contribute. Two men have been charged after a cop was allegedly assaulted by a man when a violent scuffle broke out between the man and a female police officer who was called to suburban streets following reports two men were sleeping in a car. Shocking video video captured the terrifying incident which took place on Greenacre Drive in Parkwood, on the Gold Coast on Wednesday around 5.35am. The officer was called to the scene following reports of two men who were sleeping inside a badly damaged black Lexus sedan. Earlier, police had been alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the area with officers told several firearms were allegedly inside the vehicle. Video obtained by the Gold Coast Bulletin which was taken by a person who witnessed the incident shows the cop yelling at a man inside the vehicle to 'get out of the car' after she was seen pointing a taser at the man. The man allegedly tried to reach for a firearm when the officers approached the vehicle. She can be heard repeatedly telling him to step out of the vehicle while another officer chases another man was also inside the vehicle. 'Show me your hands,' she said. After the man refused to comply with the officer's order she then tried to force the man out of the car. 'Get out of the f***ing car,' the officer said. Seconds later the man - wearing a black hoodie and a pair of coloured shorts - is seen allegedly jumping out of the sedan and attacking the officer. She then tasered the man who screamed in agony while writhing in pain on the ground as the officer tried to cuff him. The officer then told him to 'stay down' and was heard saying 'I will taser you again' as she tried to grab the man's hand. As the officer tried to cuff the man he rolled over onto his back and allegedly grabbed the woman's neck before dragging her to the ground. He then managed to break free and allegedly fled the scene as the officer was heard screaming. She was later rushed to hospital after paramedics were called to the street along with several other officers who began looking for the man. The man (pictured) attacked the officer after he managed to break free from the officer's grasp after she tried to cuff him The cop (picture) was heard screaming and suffered several injuries to her head and upper body before the man fled the scene The female officer is currently in a stable condition at Pindara hospital after she suffered injuries to her head and upper body. Police found the man a short time later before he was taken into custody along with the other man who was inside the vehicle. The male officer was also taken to hospital as a precaution after he chased after the other man who had earlier allegedly fled the scene. The two men aged 40 and 36 were later charged with assault and with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle and weapons. Superintendent Scott Knowles from Queensland Police told reporters the female officer hit the ground hard during the scuffle with the man. [He allegedly] assaulted her quite seriously by banging her head against the road surface,' he said. Superintendent Knowles praised the officers for acting swiftly during the chaotic situation. 'They did a fantastic job in successfully apprehending these [alleged] offenders.' Superintendent Knowles said several firearms were found in the black Lexus '[Officers] located a loaded revolver inside the vehicle and our policewoman indicated that [the alleged] offender was trying to reach for that firearm.' After he managed to free break free from the officer, the man (pictured) fled the scene before he was found by police a shot time later Resident Charlie Stevenson who saw the early morning attack said he was concerned for the officer's safety after the man violently wrestled her on the ground. 'He's come at her and just nearly rugby tackled her to the ground. They hit the deck and she must have pulled her taser sort of at the same time and that hit him,' he told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'You feel a bit uneasy. He's nearly going to hurt her.' The 40-year-old man who allegedly assaulted the female officer is also alleged to have stolen a grey BMW from a business in Southport just before midday on Tuesday. He allegedly threatened the owner of the car with a gun before he drove off in the vehicle before the car was found at a carpark in Surfers Paradise around 9.20pm. No was injured in the incident. The two men will face Southport Magistrates Court on December 14. Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Indhu Rubasingham has become the first woman and person from an ethnic minority to lead the National Theatre. It has been announced the artistic director of London's Kiln Theatre will move to the National in spring 2024 to take up the top post previously held by Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Peter Hall. She will officially take over from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term ends. Ms Rubasingham, who was named in Vogue's top 25 powerhouse women, described the opportunity to play a role in the history of the theatre as an 'incredible privilege and responsibility' as the National Theatre has been an important part of her life from teenage theatregoer to theatre-maker. 'For me, this is the best job in the world,' she said. Indhu Rubasingham has become the first woman and person from an ethnic minority to lead the National Theatre The artistic director of London's Kiln Theatre will move to the National to take up the top post previously held by Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Peter Hall 'Theatre has a transformative power the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National. 'I've been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatre's stages and to have witnessed firsthand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off. 'There's nowhere like it, and it will be a joy to be a part of this iconic building's next chapter, leading the company alongside Kate.' Ms Rubasingham will work alongside Kate Varah, who becomes joint chief executive in a co-leadership model. She added she is 'thrilled' to be following in the footsteps of Mr Norris, and is looking forward to working closely with him as she plans her first season from next year. It comes after Mr Norris announced in June that he would be stepping down as director, having taken on the role in 2015. He said: 'Indhu is an exceptional artist who I respect and admire hugely, and I am so pleased that she will become the next director when I step down in 2025. 'She has run Kiln Theatre expertly for over a decade and I know this experience will be invaluable as she moves to the National Theatre a place she knows well, having directed successfully in each of the three theatres. Ms Rubasingham with the executive director Kate Varah at the National Theatre Rufus Norris will step down as National Theatre director in spring 2025 when his second term ends 'Together with Kate and the brilliant, dedicated team here, I know that the National will continue to thrive and remain at the heart of British cultural life.' Ms Rubasingham has been artistic director of Kiln Theatre since 2012, with notable collaborations during her tenure including White Teeth by Zadie Smith, and Olivier-nominated The Invisible Hand by Ayad Aktar. The Government can state 'with confidence' that Rwanda is safe and the Supreme Court's objections to the flagship asylum scheme have been neutralised, a Home Office document stated. The 34-page 'evidence pack' set out how a new treaty with Rwanda signed last week and the new Bill voted through in the Commons last night will prevent removed migrants being put at risk. Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted steps taken by ministers will 'enable Parliament to conclude that the Supreme Court's judgment has been addressed' and 'Rwanda is safe for relocations'. The Supreme Court declared last month the Rwanda scheme unlawful, saying there was a danger migrants sent to the capital Kigali could be moved to another country where they fear persecution a process known as 'refoulement'. Yesterday's dossier set out in detail how this is specifically barred under the new treaty. The agreement also takes various steps to improve Rwanda's asylum system and bolster rights of appeal within the scheme. Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted steps taken by ministers will 'enable Parliament to conclude that the Supreme Court's judgment has been addressed' and 'Rwanda is safe for relocations' The 34-page 'evidence pack' set out how a new treaty with Rwanda signed last week and the new Bill voted through in the Commons last night will prevent removed migrants being put at risk The document claimed: 'These assurances and commitments allow His Majesty's Government to state, with confidence, that the Supreme Court's concerns have been addressed and that Rwanda is safe.' It said work to improve the scheme had been 'undertaken since the legal proceedings were first brought and was not considered by the courts'. Meanwhile, it also highlighted how the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which opposed the scheme during legal appeals in Britain, operates its own refugee scheme with Rwanda. It noted the UNHCR's own literature has referred to Rwanda's 'conducive protection environment'. The document said the measures disapplying parts of current human rights law are 'compatible' with the European Convention on Human Rights. It added that the Strasbourg measures were 'capable of being operated compatibly' with human rights law. Hundreds of vulnerable women and children are being trafficked to Britain to shoplift for Eastern European criminal gangs, retail experts have warned. More than 50 shoplifting groups funding organised crime are being tracked by the Retailers Against Crime (RAC) partnership. And a company in Scotland has identified a gang with 154 members stealing high-value items in bulk to sell or ship abroad. The gangs have been linked to firearms offences, drugs and human trafficking. Retail bosses claim shoplifting is costing stores 1billion a year, with concerns about lost revenue heightened during the frantic festive period, with the Home Office recording an average of 1,000 offences every day. Earlier this month a couple were jailed for shoplifting more than 30,000 worth of alcohol and perfumes from Tesco supermarkets. Marian Oprescu, 27, and his girlfriend Alexandra Radu, 24, (both pictured) of Lincolnshire, targeted stores across 11 counties One gang of 100 people trafficked from Eastern Europe operates in London. Former policeman Adam Ratcliffe (pictured), who runs the Safer Business Network, has mapped out the members through extensive research and hours watching CCTV footage RAC managing director Maxine Fraser said the crime group, being tracked by the organisation since 2019, was based in Glasgow but sent members around the UK to shoplift. She said four young girls had been trafficked to Britain when they were aged between just 12 and 14, specifically to steal on behalf of their abusers. And as many as 15 children continued to work for the gang, she told the BBC's Radio 4's current affairs series File on 4. Many members of the group have been arrested and convicted but due to their age they were soon released and began shoplifting again, she said. Another gang of 100, mostly consisting of female members trafficked from Eastern Europe, operates in London. Former policeman Adam Ratcliffe, who runs the Safer Business Network, has mapped out the members through extensive research and hours watching CCTV footage. 'This group is targeting cosmetic stores going after fragrance, high-value face creams and cosmetics,' he told the BBC. 'They are stealing keys to the secure cabinets within these stores where the products are stored. Marian Oprescu, 27, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 27 shop thefts worth around 25,000 and was jailed for two years and three months Alexandra Radu, 24, (pictured) pleaded guilty to seven thefts worth 6,000 'They go in. Five, six, seven of them at a time. They open the drawer and they fill the bags.' Male handlers watch the operations from a safe distance, with women doing the actual stealing because they are less likely to be seen as a threat by security guards, he added. Those carrying out the crimes are usually at the bottom of the gang's hierarchy shouldering all of the risk but seeing very little reward, Mr Ratcliffe said. 'It's a god-awful life for these people, they are vulnerable and have been exploited,' he said. There were more than 1.1 million incidents of theft reported over the last year, and more than a third of retailers believe theft is worse now than it was 12 months ago, research from the Association of Convenience Stores (ASC) found. More than 50 shoplifting groups funding organised crime are being tracked by the Retailers Against Crime (RAC) partnership (Stock image) A video emerged yesterday of a serial shoplifter walking out of a Next store with hundreds of pounds worth of clothes before stealing 600 from a Co-op then meat from Waitrose. Almost two-thirds of thefts are committed by repeat offenders, with the majority organised and stealing to order for gang members shielding themselves from risk, James Lowman of ASC said. 'In some cases gangs are exploiting vulnerable people with addiction problems to steal for them to re-sell. These gangs are typically stealing higher-value items like meat, coffee, alcohol and confectionery that are easy to sell on.' Earlier this month a couple were jailed for shoplifting more than 30,000 worth of alcohol and perfumes from Tesco supermarkets. Marian Oprescu, 27, and his girlfriend Alexandra Radu, 24, of Lincolnshire, targeted stores across 11 counties. Oprescu was jailed for two years and three months. Radu's sentencing was deferred for six months. A mother-of-four who was stabbed to death by her partner had reached out to his family for help in the days before - as his eerie final texts to his sister are revealed. Anaru Ormond, 32, repeatedly stabbed his long-time girlfriend Siva Auvae, 31, inside their home in Kallangur, north of Brisbane, at 7pm on Saturday. Ms Auvae was able to run from her attacker for about 100m but died in the middle of the street. Ormond then returned to the family home to set it on fire. Ormond died from injuries suffered in the blaze on Sunday morning. His sister Kylie Dulz has since revealed details of the decline in his mental health in the lead up to the killing. Anaru Ormond, 32, repeatedly stabbed his long-time girlfriend Siva Auvae, 31, inside their home in Kallangur, north of Brisbane, at 7pm on Saturday 'Our son, brother, uncle was not the monster everyone is perceiving him to be,' Ms Dulz wrote in a lengthy Facebook post. Ormond had been admitted to the Prince Charles Hospital's mental health unit under an Emergency Examination Authority order on December 3. His family say he was supposed to be in hospital for two weeks but was released on Tuesday, four days before the killing, after showing signs of improvement. Ms Dulz said her brother and Ms Auvae had been together since they were teenagers and shared four children together. Originally from New Zealand, the family moved to Sydney in 2016 before relocating to Queensland. Ormond died after setting the family house alight. He suffered burns and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday 'In the last 2 weeks Siva started noticing a decline in Anaru's mental state, he was showing signs that were causing serious concerns,' Ms Dulz said. 'Siva had reached out to us asking for help. Symptoms included sleeping deprivation, depression as well as becoming anxious and agitated. It got to a point where he needed more help. He needed professional help.' The family were driving to Brisbane on December 2 when Ormond had an 'episode' and abandoned his partner and their children. 'He was driving carelessly, very agitated and he was not 100 per cent present. We believe he abandoned them because he did not want to harm Siva and their kids,' his sister said. Ormond was missing for 16 hours and was later found by his brother in 'bad shape'. He was taken to the police station and admitted to the mental health clinic the following day. Ormond began to show signs of improvement and was released after two days on the basis he continued to take his medication and would return to the clinic the following Monday. 'His delegated guardian (older brother) was in Sydney for work and was not aware that Anaru was being released,' Ms Dulz said. 'Anaru had phoned our brother to let him know of his release. Our big brother phoned the clinic to confirm this was true, they reassured him, based on their professional opinion Anaru will be okay.' Ormond's sister shared their final messages before the tragedy Ormond's sister had spoken to him after his release and said he felt a bit 'low' and was afraid of his mental state. Ms Dulz then revealed their final conversation. 'If anything happens to me, you know it wasn't me my sister, you know me, you know I'm not suicidal, you know I love Siva, I'd never do anything to hurt her,' Ormond said. 'If I go missing, it's not me.' Ms Dulz said she responded saying 'I know my brother, I won't let you go'. He then said: 'I wish you were here my sister, then it would all be okay'. Ms Dulz told her brother to 'hold on' and she would be there soon. 'Had I known how quickly it would all unfold, I would've been there a lot sooner. That will always be my biggest regret in life,' she said. 'No one could have predicted what had happened. His mental state deteriorated so quickly we wrongly assumed we had time on our side. 'No drugs or alcohol were involved. Just the health professionals we are told to trust. 'Sorry our brother and sister, you guys pleaded for help so many times but we failed.' A spokeswoman for Metro North, who oversee Prince Charles Hospital, extended their condolences to those affected by the tragedy but stood by their decision to release Ormond. 'Metro North Health is legally unable to hold voluntary patients in its care for treatment,' she said. 'We are unable to provide any detail on the specifics of this patient case as the matter is before the coroner. 'As part of our standard process, Metro North Health will undertake a review of the care provided... Early investigations indicate the treatment was in accordance with relevant clinical guidelines.' Ms Auvae's death comes just 16 days before Christmas, which would have also been her 32nd birthday. A GiveALittle fundraiser campaign has been launched to support the families of Ms Auvae and Ormond. Ormond's body will be brought back to New Zealand. The Ministry of Defence has been fined 350,000 after an extraordinary data blunder that could have threatened the lives of dozens of Afghans who worked for Britain in the war with the Taliban. In a damning judgement, the UK's Information Commissioner John Edwards said the 'egregious' data breach 'let down those to whom our country owes so much', potentially endangering the lives of 265 Afghans, who had entrusted their personal details to the MOD hoping for sanctuary. The breach took place in September 2021, weeks after the Taliban swept into Kabul and the end of the UK's Operation Pitting evacuation as desperate former frontline interpreters and other Afghans sought help from Britain to escape. This newspaper's award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign highlighted at the time how the MOD sent an email to a distribution list of Afghan nationals eligible for evacuation using the 'To' field, with personal information relating to 245 people being inadvertently disclosed. The email addresses could be seen by all recipients, with 55 people having thumbnail pictures on their email profiles. Two people 'replied all' to the entire list of recipients, with one of them providing their location. In a damning judgement, the UK's Information Commissioner John Edwards said the 'egregious' data breach 'let down those to whom our country owes so much', potentially endangering the lives of 265 Afghans, who had entrusted their personal details to the MOD hoping for sanctuary (file image of armed Taliban security personnel in Kabul) This newspaper's award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign highlighted at the time how the MOD sent an email to a distribution list of Afghan nationals eligible for evacuation using the 'To' field, with personal information relating to 245 people being inadvertently disclosed The original email was sent by the team in charge of the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which is responsible for assisting the relocation of Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan. News of the breach sparked outrage and panic among the former translators, amid fears the details would fall into the hands of the Taliban, who had sworn revenge on the 'traitors' who worked for Britain. One ex-interpreter warned it could be 'a death sentence', another accused the MOD of 'catastrophic failure.' Soon after the data breach, the MoD desperately contacted the people affected asking them to delete the email, change their email address, and inform the ARAP team of their new contact details via a secure form. New regulations and safeguards were put in place to ensure there was no repeat of the error. During the internal investigation, the MOD discovered there had been two earlier similar breaches of data in the days after UK forces left Kabul involving 68 individual email addresses. The original ICO fine had been 1million but was reduced to 700,000 and then 350,000 in recognition of the changes made by the MOD and the fact it had been an difficult, fast-moving situation in Afghanistan with Britain trying to help those most at risk. Explaining the substantial fine, Mr Edwards said: 'This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much. This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty. 'While the situation on the ground in the summer of 2021 was very challenging and decisions were being made at pace, that is no excuse for not protecting people's information who were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm. When the level of risk and harm to people heightens, so must the response.' He added: 'I want to make clear to all organisations that there is no substitute for being prepared. Applying the highest standards of data protection is not an optional extra - it is a must, whatever the circumstances. Last night Ullah, 34, a former translator, whose personal details were compromised, said: 'I was frightened and furious, we were in hiding, under massive stress this made it worse, remember the Taliban had killed several interpreters and others had been tortured' (file image of a Taliban fighter) 'As we have seen here, the consequences of data breaches could be life-threatening. My office will continue to act where we find poor compliance with the law that puts people at risk of harm.' Under data protection law, organisations must have appropriate technical and organisational measures in place to avoid disclosing people's information inappropriately. ICO guidance makes it clear that organisations should use bulk email services, mail merge, or secure data transfer services when sending any sensitive personal information electronically. READ MORE: Hundreds of Afghan special forces who fought alongside UK troops before fleeing to Pakistan after war face being deported back to their Taliban-controlled homeland Advertisement The ARAP team did not have such measures in place at the time of the incident and was relying on 'blind carbon copy' (BCC), which carries a significant risk of human error. The ICO found that the MoD infringed the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), between August and September 2021, by failing to have appropriate technical and organisational measures in place. Last night Ullah, 34, a former translator, whose personal details were compromised, said: 'No one could believe how this mistake could have happened when our lives were so obviously at risk. 'I was frightened and furious, we were in hiding, under massive stress this made it worse, remember the Taliban had killed several interpreters and others had been tortured.' Ullah, who was shot on the frontlines while working with the UK and has now been relocated with his family, added: 'This must never happen again because many Afghans are still hoping to come to Britain and if their personal details were compromised it could be fatal.' A MOD spokesman said: 'The Ministry of Defence takes its data protection obligations incredibly seriously. We have cooperated extensively with the ICO throughout their investigation to ensure a prompt resolution, and we recognise the severity of what has happened. We fully acknowledge today's ruling and apologise to those affected. 'We have introduced a number of measures to act on the ICO's recommendations and will share further details on these measures in due course.' Muslim pupils who voiced outrage after their teacher showed them a Renaissance painting of nude women will be disciplined, France's Education Minister has vowed. The students are said to have wrongly accused the staff member of racism, with posts circulated on social media, prompting a furious row and complaints from parents. The female staff member at Jacques Cartier in Issou, west of Paris, was reportedly left fearing for her life after she showed the 17th century masterpiece - 'Diana and Actaeon' by the Italian painter Giuseppe Cesari - in an art class on Thursday. The work portrays a Greek mythology story in which the hunter Actaeon bursts in at a site where the goddess Diana and her nymphs are bathing. It shows a naked Diana and four nude female companions, and is held at the Louvre museum in Paris. Minister Gabriel Attal visited the school on Monday and said that a disciplinary procedure would be launched 'against the students who are responsible for this situation and who have also admitted the facts'. The Jacques Cartier school in Issou is at the centre of a row after a teacher showed a 17th century nude painting to children A sign hung outside the school claimed that incidents at the school were up while resources to deal with them were in short supply 'Diana and Actaeon' (pictured) by the Italian painter Giuseppe Cesari, portrays a Greek myth in which the hunter Actaeon bursts in at a site where the goddess Diana and her nymphs are bathing French education minister Gabriel Attal said those who made false claims about the teacher in question would be punished Staff members at the school refused to work on Monday in solidarity with the teacher. The crisis comes after a French court on Friday convicted six teenagers for their role in the 2020 beheading of Samuel Paty outside his secondary school near Paris, after they helped to identify him to a radicalised Islamist. Paty, a 47-year-old history and geography teacher, was stabbed and beheaded in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in October 2020, just 12 miles from Issou. Following the latest furore, teachers have said that they too are worried they could be attacked, The Times reports. On Thursday, 'during a French class, a colleague showed a 17th-century painting that showed naked women', said Sophie Venetitay, secretary general of the Snes-FSU secondary school teachers' union. The name of the female teacher and false claims that she had made racist remarks to Muslim students were subsequently circulated on social media, reports said, raising fears that she could be targeted. According to Le Figaro, the students allegedly accused their teacher of racism - claiming that she showed the painting as provocation and as a means to target her Muslim students by showing them naked women. In reference to the furore, Venetitay told broadcaster BFMTV.: 'We know well that methods like that can lead to a tragedy... We saw it in the murder of Samuel Paty. 'Our colleagues feel threatened and in danger.' The painting was reportedly shown during an art class for students aged 12 and 13. 'Some students averted their gaze, felt offended, said they were shocked,' Venetitay said, adding that 'some also alleged the teacher made racist comments' during a class discussion. A pupil's parent sent an email to the school director saying that his son was prevented from speaking during that discussion and that he would file a complaint, she said. Venetitay said it was the 'final straw' for teachers at the school, who had complained of a 'very degraded climate' as well as a 'lack of support' from management despite 'several alerts'. In an email sent to parents on Friday, teachers said they were exercising their right to stay away from classrooms over the 'particularly difficult situation' at the high school. They described 'palpable discomfort' and 'an increase in cases of violence' as their daily reality. Teachers said the students had admitted to making things up in posts online, that that it was too late to quell the anger. 'We're dealing with vindictive parents who prefer to believe their children than us,' they said in a statement. Teachers at the school said behaviour had been deteriorating even before the row, with students fighting and threatening rape. 'We feel we are clearly in danger. We are supported by our direct superiors but not from higher up,' one teacher told The Times. 'This is a real call for help'. Attal said that a disciplinary procedure would be launched 'against the students who are responsible for this situation and who have also admitted the facts'. A team would also be deployed to the school to ensure it adhered to the 'values of the republic', he said. The same school reportedly logged 10 incidents of discrimination or racism in the school term this year, according to French broadcaster BFMTV. Le Figario quoted sources as saying that life at the school has long been been tense. One source told the newspaper that the principle of the school was on leave at the time of the incident, and that 'reinforcements have been sent in order to strengthen the number of school life staff'. History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris Pedestrians pass by a poster depicting French teacher Samuel Paty on November 3, 2020, following the decapitation of the teacher on October 16 Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 A photograph taken on October 16, 2023 shows a commemorative plaque for slain teacher Samuel Paty near the Bois d'Aulne school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, outside Paris Paty's death sparked a large demonstration in Paris by advocates for freedom of speech 'The climate within this college has been tense since the beginning of the year, in particular due to parents of students who systematically question the content of the courses and the punishments,' the source adding, noting that several complaints have been filed by teachers. The tensions come after a series of attacks against teachers in recent years. In 2020, Samuel Paty was murdered after messages spread on social media that Paty had shown his class cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed from the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. And in October, another radicalised Islamist stabbed his former teacher Dominique Bernard to death in the northern town of Arras. A rise in fake news photos generated by AI is eroding public trust in online information, a charity has warned. Thousands of internet users are being duped into sharing bogus images, from Prince William and Harry embracing at the coronation to fake mugshots of Donald Trump. Full Fact said the 'influx' of phoney images often came in response to the increased demand for up-to-date information during major international events. Researchers at the fact checking charity said the intention was likely not to convince people the images were real but to 'reduce trust in information generally'. Chief executive Chris Morris warned the growing problem posed a huge threat to democracy, particularly with a General Election looming. News industry representatives last night highlighted the importance of traditional media outlets in debunking the rise of misinformation and providing a trustworthy alternative. Almost anyone can now create a realistic looking photo using any of the free AI image generators online with just a simple prompt (stock image) Thousands of internet users are being duped into sharing bogus images (stock image) Almost anyone can now create a realistic looking photo using any of the free AI image generators online with just a simple prompt. And with the technology getting both increasingly sophisticated, Full Fact said the images were becoming harder and harder to fact check. The Full Fact report warned there was a 'serious risk that public trust in information on the internet is falling as the number of misleading AI images being shared online rises'. Researchers found 'multiple instances' of AI-generated images that looked believable to the casual viewer being shared thousands of times across forums and social media. In one case, a video with more than 78,000 likes and 2,700 shares circulating on Facebook appears to show photographs of Prince Harry and William embracing at King Charles III's Coronation. The video shows a slideshow of eight photos where the royals can be seen embracing and speaking in various different locations supposedly throughout the celebrations. But the photos are not genuine and were created using AI tools and were published before the Coronation took place. The images were originally published in a blog post where the author explains how they used the AI image generator Midjourney to 'imagine a heartfelt reconciliation between the two brothers'. Among the other AI photos widely circulated were a fake mugshot of former president Donald Trump following his surrender in the US state of Georgia on charges of plotting to overturn the state's election results. It has been viewed over a million times on X, formerly Twitter. Owen Meredith, chief executive of the NMA, which represents local, regional, and national publishers, said: 'Where we must place our faith is in trusted, independent, and editorially controlled journalism. 'Journalists are trained with the public interest in mind - AI is not. It has no such commitment to the values we hold as a democracy. 'Therefore, we must do all we can to support a free and sustainable press in our society, so it can continue to speak truth to power and expose falsities on our behalf.' Mr Morris also highlighted the importance of trusted news publishers and fact checkers in debunking the misinformation but said it was unfair to rely on them to tackle it alone. The charity is calling for the government and Ofcom, the new internet regulator under the Online Safety Act, to dedicate more funding towards media literacy. A mother-of-two has been killed following a devastating accident at her businesss. Thuy Le, 49, was found unconscious in the Erskine Park Bakery in Erskine Park, in Sydney's west, about 9am on Saturday. After being treated by paramedics, she was transported to Nepean Hospital where she died. Ms Le had been electrocuted in the bakery, which is located on the corner of Swallow Drive and Peppertree Drive. 49 year-old bakery co-owner Thuy Le was found unconscious in her shop on Saturday morning The Erskine Park Bakery where the mother was electrocuted However, it was not known what exactly happened in the store, her daughter Leanne Le told 7News. She described her mother as the 'sweetest and kindest person'. Ms Le owned the bakery with her husband Phong. Customers and locals were saddened by the sudden loss and paid tribute to the worker on the the businesses' Facebook page. One commented: 'So sad to hear of her passing, I'm heartbroken.' Another wrote: 'Such a beautiful soul, rest in peace.' 'So so sorry. Just heartbreaking,' another added. Thuy's death is currently being investigated by SafeWork NSW. 'SafeWork NSW is making inquiries and further comment is not available at this time,' a spokesperson said. A report will be prepared for the coroner. The Israeli military has begun pumping seawater into Hamas's network of tunnels across the Gaza Strip, according to a report, as it aims to flush the terrorists out of their underground lair. Israel is said to have installed at least five pumps about a mile from the Al-Shati refugee camp in the north of the coastal enclave that could move thousands of cubic metres of water per hour, flooding 300 miles of tunnels. US officials have now revealed that the operation has begun, with the Biden administration being told that it will take weeks, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Asked about the report, the Israeli Defence Force's chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi appeared to to confirm the news, telling a press conference that employing water pumps to make tunnels inoperable would be a 'good idea'. But it comes amid fears that Hamas is harbouring Israeli hostages in the labyrinth of passages and that the tactic could prove fatal for those trapped inside, with families continuing to pressure the government to bring them home before it is too late. Video shared by Israeli media also appears to show IDF soldiers working on the pipes while underground Video shared by Israeli media also appears to show IDF soldiers working on the pipes while underground Israel is said to have installed at least five pumps about a mile north of the Al-Shati refugee camp that could move thousands of cubic metres of water per hour - meaning they could flood the 300-mile network of tunnels within weeks The IDF announced on Tuesday that it had recovered the bodies of two Israelis taken hostage on October 7 - 27-year-old Eden Zacharia who had been taken from the Nova Festival and army Warrant Officer Ziv Dado, 36. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said 135 hostages remain in Gaza, as their families tirelessly campaign for them to be brought home immediately. Images released recently by the IDF last week appear to show scores of Israeli soldiers setting up a series of black pipes on the sandy beaches of Gaza, apparently to pump water from the Mediterranean. Video shared by Israeli media also appears to show IDF soldiers working on the pipes while underground. 'We are seeing a lot of underground infrastructure in Gaza, we knew there would be a lot. Part of the goal is to destroy this infrastructure,' Lt Gen Halevi said on Tuesday. 'We have various ways [to deal with the tunnels]. I won't talk about specifics, but they include explosives to destroy, and other means to prevent Hamas operatives from using the tunnels to harm our soldiers.' As Israel pushes further into the depths of Hamas's stronghold in Gaza, Israel Defence Forces troops battled terrorists above ground while the air force bombed more targets in the devastated Gaza Strip. The IDF announced that it had recovered the bodies of Israeli hostage Eden Zacharia, 27, who had been taken from the Nova Festival Israeli troops bring the bodies of Eden Zacharia and First Sgt. Ziv Dado back to Israel from the Gaza Strip But more than two months into the war sparked by the Palestinian group's unprecedented October 7 attack, Israel's staunchest ally warned it risked losing backing over the terrible humanitarian toll in Gaza, which the United Nations likened to 'hell on earth'. Biden said Israel had 'most of the world supporting it' after the October 7 attack, which according to Israeli officials killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 240 hostages. But in his most blunt remarks since the war began, Biden said Israel was starting to lose that support 'by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place'. Images released by the IDF appear to show scores of Israeli soldiers setting up a series of black pipes on the sandy beaches of Gaza Israeli forces shell the Gaza Strip from the border area in southern Israel The Israeli army on December 12, 2023 shows soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas has left dead 18,412 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must also 'change' his stance on a two-state solution for the Palestinians, Biden added. Netanyahu said there was 'disagreement' with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift after weeks in which the US leader has strongly backed Israel. Biden's comments came before the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, a call that has so far paralysed the Security Council. President Joe Biden embraced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after stepping off Air Force One in Tel Aviv, Israel, on October 18 Biden has made much of his close relationship with Netanyau. The then vice president is seen here in 2011 in Israel with Netanyahu and his son Yair (second left) and with Jill Biden (right) The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution, exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against, while 23 abstained. The visiting chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, likened Gaza to 'hell on earth' and said of video footage of an UNRWA school being blown up: 'It is outrageous.' Hamas said Israeli forces raided a hospital in Gaza City, the biggest urban centre. 'Israeli occupation forces are storming Kamal Adwan hospital after besieging and bombing it for days,' health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra said, accusing troops of rounding up men in the hospital courtyard, including medical staff. Smoke rises over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 12, 2023 Palestinians search for survivors following an Israeli bombardment in the southern Gaza city of Rafah A seriously injured child is treated by medics at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, following Israeli strikes The army did not immediately comment, but Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals, schools, mosques and tunnels beneath them as military bases - claims it has denied. Israeli official slams the UN as body votes for immediate ceasefire Israel has voiced outrage at the UN's vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with its ambassador warning that fighting will only end when Hamas terrorists 'put down their weapons'. Gilad Erdan made an impassioned speech to the UN General Assembly shortly before the landmark resolution to see an immediate end to fighting between Hamas and Israel was passed. 'If you want a real ceasefire, here is the right address. Here is the phone number of Hamas's office in Gaza, you can all call,' he told delegates before reading out the number of Yahya Sinwar, a terror leader who has been dubbed 'Gaza's Bin Laden'. The furious official went on: 'Tell Hamas to put down their arms, turn themselves in and return our hostages. This will bring a complete ceasefire that will last forever.' Hamas senior official Izzat El-Reshiq responded by welcoming the vote and urged the international community to pile pressure onto Israel to abide by the resolution. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, key negotiator Qatar said earlier this week. Advertisement The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said earlier that 'the hospital remains surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks, and fighting with armed groups has been reported in its vicinity for three consecutive days'. It said two mothers were killed in a strike on the maternity ward, and that about 3,000 displaced people were trapped in the facility. Israel's air and ground campaign has reduced much of Gaza to rubble. The United Nations said its satellite analysis agency UNOSAT had determined, based on a November 26 image, that 18 percent of Gaza's infrastructure had been destroyed. UN agencies and aid groups fear the territory will soon be overwhelmed by starvation and disease, and are pleading with Israel to boost efforts to protect civilians. UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned the humanitarian situation there was 'beyond breakdown'. The world body estimates 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict, half of them children. Israeli air strikes Tuesday killed at least 24 people in Rafah, where tens of thousands are seeking shelter, the Gaza health ministry said. One left a deep crater and gutted surrounding buildings. 'There are still people under the rubble,' said resident Abu Jazar, 23. 'We call on the Arab people and the world to put on pressure to stop the strikes on Gaza.' At Rafah hospital, bereaved father Hani Abu Jamaa cradled the body of his young daughter Sidal, who was killed by shrapnel. He said there had been strong explosions overnight and he only found she was dead when he tried to wake her in the morning. 'Even if I live 100 years, I will never find another like her,' he said, crying. 'May God have mercy on her, oh Lord.' Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, held up what he said was the phone number of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ahead of the non-binding vote on a ceasefire The General Assembly, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favor of the resolution Thousands of Palestinians have set up camp at a UN agency headquarters in Gaza City after homes and shops were destroyed by Israeli strikes. An AFP correspondent said both the Islamic and adjacent Al-Azhar universities had been reduced to rubble, as had the police station. 'There is no water. There is no electricity, no bread, no milk for the children, and no diapers,' said Rami al-Dahduh, 23, a tailor. In the occupied West Bank, where violence has escalated since the conflict began, Israeli forces killed six Palestinians in the city of Jenin, health officials said. Fears of a wider conflict continue to grow, with Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria, and daily exchanges of fire along Israel's border with Lebanon. The Israeli army said in response to projectiles fired Tuesday from Lebanon and Syria, it retaliated by striking launch sites. France said one of its frigates shot down a drone threatening a Norwegian-flagged tanker hit in an overnight missile attack claimed by Iran-backed Huthi rebels. He says he is earning a doctor's salary in the mines A fly-in-fly-out worker has broken down the ludicrous amount of money he's been able to earn by working in the mines in Australia. Cal McIlwaine, an Irishman on a working holiday visa, has saved $45,000 in four-and-a-half months since getting a job in the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Mr McIlwaine admitted there were many cons to the job, such as isolation, but ultimately decided it was worth it given how much money he was able to make. He flagged one major downside revealing workers typically pulled more than double the average work hours in a week, indicating the job was not for the faint of heart. Cal McIlwaine, an Irishman on a working holiday, broke down his earnings as a fly-in-fly-out miner in West Australia's Pilbara region He has been able to save more than $45,000 in four-and-a-half months on the job which is not including the money he spends during his weeks off As a newbie Mr McIlwaine was initially put on a starting salary of $33.50 per hour which Mr Mcilwaine said was easy to save since companies provide meals and accommodation for workers during their stay. 'It's obviously very hard, you're working long hours, it's dirty work in the heat. But you're also getting paid a lot,' he said in a TikTok. Mr McIlwaine revealed that he gets $3,470 in the first week because the Monday is spent travelling to the Pilbara and $3,944 for the second and third week since he can work every day, which means Monday alone is worth $474. Workers get paid differently depending if they are permanent or on a contract and if they are on a flat rate or an hourly one. An hourly rate provides workers with penalties like double pay on a Sunday while a flat rate just pays them a fixed $60 per hour without penalties. In the mines workers are given the opportunity to work more hours than what is typical in other full-time positions, which increases their earnings. 'Up here you're basically just given the ability to work a f***load of hours, I work 84 hours a week but someone back home working full-time is doing 37 hours,' Mr McIlwaine said. 'So I'm essentially working two weeks worth of work in one week here.' He said that he is earning what a doctor would be paid in Ireland. 'Back home for someone to be earning two grand a week you'd need to be a doctor or a nurse or a vet, whereas over here anyone can get into it,' he said. 'Just get your tickets and get your foot in the door in some way shape or form and just slog it out.' Mr McIlwaine also broke down different pay brackets and earnings for other expats looking to make the move to Australia to take advantage of the gruelling work. When doing FIFO work miners fly to a remote location and work full time for three weeks on location before flying out again for a week's break. Mr McIlwaine said that although the work is extremely difficult, it is completely worth it for the opportunity to make lots of money in a short period of time (pictured: the Pilbara region) Since the work is remote there is not much to spend money on at the mines which Mr McIlwaine said makes it all the more easy to save every cent. Unless someone smokes or drinks Mr McIlwaine said it is easy to avoid spending any money for the entire stay. 'The thing with FIFO is you are not spending any money on accommodation, you are not spending any money on food, you are not spending money on anything apart from smokes,' he said. 'You can literally come up here and spend zero dollars. 'That $3,944 equates to about two thousand pounds, and two thousand pounds a week is f****** mental because you'd need to work like five weeks back home to be able to earn that,' he said. Since Mr McIlwaine is on a working holiday visa, he pays less taxes than an Australian would which would affect visible earnings. READ MORE: I dropped law for FIFO work Advertisement People on a working holiday visa are able to earn up to $45,000 before moving up to the next tax bracket. When he first started working, Mr McIlwaine was taxed 15 per cent on all earnings, but since moving up to the next bracket he has had to begin paying 32.5 per cent. 'I've seen a dramatic drop in my last pay which is a bit sad but I've been loving it until now,' he continued. Mr McIlwaine first started documenting his FIFO journey in early September after already having been on the job for two months. After uploading his first photos from the Pilbara region he said that dozens of friends have reached out for advice on whether they should follow in his footsteps. Although the work is hard and the heat is unbearable, Mr McIlwaine said that if people had the might to give it a try they should just 'slog it out'. 'If you want to come over and slog it out for a couple of swings and do a couple of months you are able to rack up a fair whack so it's definitely lucrative and I'm glad I've done it,' he said. 'You just need to weigh up what you value and are you willing to embrace the sock for a little while to make things fruitful and be able to blow all your hard-earned money in your future.' Vladimir Putin unleashed a series of ballistic missiles at Ukraine's capital of Kyiv overnight, leaving more than 50 injured after debris from the rockets slammed into homes and a children's hospital. Some 53 people, including six children as young as five years old, were injured in the bombardment at 3am this morning. Ukraine said its air defences downed all ten ballistic missiles launched from Crimea but the flaming debris from the intercepted rockets hit buildings in the eastern Dniprovskyi district and injured dozens. The debris tore through an apartment building, shattered the windows of a children's hospital and set several cars that were parked nearby on fire. Twenty people including two children were rushed to hospital as a result of the blasts. The Russian bombardment comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned plea to the US Congress to free up 50.3billion ($61billion) of military aid amid a stalling counteroffensive and a waning supply of Western weapons. US Senate Republicans last week defiantly voted to block billions of dollars of funding for Ukraine from advancing in a devastating blow to Zelensky whose soldiers have been unable to make significant gains against Russian troops for months. After speaking with Zelensky in the White House, President Joe Biden last night said Putin is 'banking on the US failing to deliver for Ukraine and accused Republicans of 'turning their backs on freedom's cause'. Without vital aid from the US, Biden warned that Ukraine could lose the war and put Russia in a position to attack NATO allies, sparking World War Three. Meanwhile, Zelensky this morning landed in Norway in an unannounced visit for a meeting with the leaders of the five Nordic countries, who are among Ukraine's main donors in its war against Russia. Staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the police work together to rescue a woman from a burning building after a recent shelling amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, on Wednesday Emergency staff work at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv on Wednesday Emergency staff work at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike in Kyiv on Wednesday An apartment building was set on fire in the missile attack on Kyiv overnight Biden shakes hands with Zelensky as they meet in the Oval Office on Tuesday Yesterday, Biden warned 'extreme' Republicans would be 'judged harshly' by history for 'holding Ukraine funding hostage' in order to get a deal on more security at the US border with Mexico. In Ukraine's capital, people were woken to the sound of explosions as Putin unleashed a series of rockets - believed to be the powerful Russian Islander missiles - at Kyiv. Air defences managed to down all 10 missiles, but the falling debris damaged an apartment building and a children's hospital, leaving at least 53 injured. The military administration in the Ukrainian capital said the city had faced 'the second high-speed missile attack on Kyiv in the last two days'. 'Just like on December 11, the enemy used ballistic weapons,' it said. 'The Russians launched rockets at approximately 3am, most likely from the north-eastern direction.' Kyiv mayor Vitali Kitschko said one of the children's hospitals in the Dnipro district suffered damage, with the windows smashed. Kitschko added: 'In the Dnipro district, the facade of a residential building was damaged by rocket fragments. Residents are being evacuated. Fire and rescue services and medics are working on the spot. 'Four cars are burning in the yard of a residential building. One of the balconies of the building is on fire and the facade of the building is damaged. 'Rescuers have already brought out 15 people, including four children. Fire services extinguish the fire. Evacuation of residents continues. 'A one-story residential building is on fire in the Darnytskyi district. Emergency services arrived at the scene. Fragments of a rocket also fell on a private residential building in the Dnipro district.' The mayor said: 'In total, 53 people were injured as a result of the enemy's night attack. Twenty, including two children, were hospitalised.' Separately, footage showed Russia had put its flag over the ruins of Maryinka, a hotly-disputed town in Donetsk region, as it makes gains on the frontline. And a leading Putin propagandist called on Ukrainian troops to surrender to resurgent Russians. As Moscow claimed fresh battlefield advances and predicted any fresh assistance for Kyiv would be a 'fiasco', Zelensky told Biden as they met at the White House that 'Ukraine can win'. Emergency staff work at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, on Wednesday Local residents gather outside of their apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv on Wednesday Petro Khomyn, 71-years-old, looks at his apartment damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, on Wednesday Zelensky, who wore a black sweater with a small Ukrainian trident symbol and olive green military trousers, shook hands with the 81-year-old US leader as they sat in front of a roaring fire in the Oval Office. 'We are going to stand at your side,' Biden told Zelensky, even though the Ukrainian leader's desperate pleas to Congress to pass $60billion in new assistance for aid for Kyiv fell on deaf ears. 'Congress needs to pass supplemental funding for Ukraine... before they give (Russian President Vladimir) Putin the greatest Christmas gift they can possibly give him,' Biden added. But Zelensky's attempt to keep Ukraine's main backer onside, after White House warnings that funding for Kyiv will dry up by the end of the year, crashed into the realities of a bitter US domestic political divide. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, the gatekeeper for any deal, said his party would not approve Biden's request for more aid for Kyiv unless Democrats meet their demands on immigration and the US-Mexico border. 'What the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win, and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed,' Johnson told reporters after meeting Zelensky. The Kremlin scoffed at the impact of US support, echoing the arguments made by some senior Republicans who say that continuing the flood of weaponry to Ukraine would be futile after Kyiv's summer counteroffensive stalled. 'It is important for everyone to understand: the tens of billions of dollars pumped into Ukraine did not help it gain success on the battlefield,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday. 'The tens of billions of dollars that Ukraine wants to be pumped with are also headed for the same fiasco.' Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington DC Biden and Zelensky enter the room to hold a joint news conference in the Indian Treaty Room Firefighters work at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike in Kyiv on Wednesday Emergency staff work at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike on Kyiv on Wednesday Russia said it was pressing ahead on the ground, just as Ukraine's freezing winter deepens and Moscow's air attacks on Ukraine's cities increase. 'Our units have advanced significantly forward northeast of Novopokrovka,' said the Moscow-installed head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky. Ukraine said Russia had launched a 'massive offensive' with armored vehicles in another part of the front near Avdiivka in the east. In a blow felt by civilians behind the frontlines, Ukraine's main mobile operator said it had been paralyzed by a 'powerful hacker attack.' The US said that in reality, Russia is paying a very heavy price for small gains, with some 315,000 Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine since the war began in February 2022. Russian forces have also lost some 2,200 of the 3,500 tanks they had before the start of the conflict, according to a declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress. The White House said Russia had suffered more than 13,000 dead and wounded in the east just since October. But 'Russia seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage despite Russian losses,' National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said. As the United States ponders its future Ukraine policy, Kyiv's main European ally Poland urged global support. Polish prime minister-designate Donald Tusk called for the 'full mobilization on the part of the free world, the West in support of Ukraine in this war.' The message will likely be echoed loudly by Biden at the White House. Republican senators last week blocked Biden's request for $106 billion in emergency aid primarily for Ukraine and Israel. Talks are ongoing behind the scenes on a deal that would make concessions to Republican demands for tough measures against illegal immigration in return for the Ukraine package. If you know anything about Rahm Emanuel, it's that speaking diplomatically may not be his forte. And yet, his current post demands it. The former White House Chief of Staff (called, in his day, a "pitbull") and the polarizing Mayor of Chicago now serve as the US Ambassador to Japan, one of the US's closest allies. Ian Bremmer was in Tokyo for an exclusive interview with Emanuel. And though the Ambassador did his best to remain "diplomatic," there were flashes of the "pitbull" as well. In a wide-ranging interview, the Ambassador discusses Japan's critical role as a key US ally in the Asia-Pacific and a bulwark against an ever-expanding China. Emanuel also discusses a recent trilateral meeting between the US, Japan, and South Korea at the Camp David presidential compound and the significance of these alliances in countering aggression and promoting diplomacy. Perhaps he is most wary of drifting out of his lane when commenting on wars in the Middle East and Europe. But he does touch on the polarization of the Israel-Palestine issue and the need for a moral grounding in addressing the conflict. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was 'offensive' for Donald Trump to compared himself to members of the U.S. Military in reference to his decision to debate Hillary Clinton in 2015 after the Access Hollywood tape was released. In some of his full-throated criticism of the ex-president, DeSantis again tore into Trump for refusing to take the 2020 Republican presidential primary race seriously specifically by refusing to debate. 'It's a different Donald Trump than '15 and '16,' DeSantis told CNN host Jake Tapper during a town hall in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday evening. 'You know, back then he was colorful, but it was really America first about the policies,' he continued. 'Now it's all about him.' 'And when he's doing this and says that debating Hillary Clinton after Access Hollywood was like an example of bravery that some general told him was more significant than soldiers who fight and die in war, that is offensive, and that is wrong.' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was 'offensive' that Donald Trump compared himself to U.S. troops when discussing his win over Hillary Clinton in 2016 even after the Access Hollywood tape was revealed DeSantis joined CNN host Jake Tapper for a town hall in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday evening where he answered questions from the anchor and the live in-studio audience Seemingly out of the blue, Trump decided to rehash Saturday night the notorious and vulgar Access Hollywood tape, which has not been in headlines for years, and where the then-candidate was heard saying he could use his celebrity status to 'grab' women 'by the p****.' Trump is by far the frontrunner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary even with refusing to debate his competitors so far in the four separate showdowns since August. Speaking live to an intimate in-studio audience at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, DeSantis made the case for why he should be the next U.S. president. Part of his reasoning is that the person who gets the nomination should 'earn it,' which he claims Trump is not doing. 'Debating is the bare minimum that a political candidate should do,' DeSantis lamented on Tuesday night. 'And I would note, Donald Trump has refused to debate throughout this campaign.' 'He doesn't think he owes it to the audience, he doesn't think he owes it to Granite Staters to show up and debate and answer questions,' he said in reference to New Hampshire, which holds the second primary contest after Iowa. 'He doesn't think he should come and have to answer questions from voters,' DeSantis continued. 'Lots of times, he'll come in, do his speech and leave. He's not going to visit all 99 counties. Nobody is entitled to this nomination. You've got to earn this nomination. And part of the way you do it is you show up, you answer people's questions, you shake their hands and you show them that you care about the future of their communities.' CNN, along with hosting the town hall with DeSantis and competitor Vivek Ramaswamy on Wednesday, is also hosting two Republican presidential primary debates, both in Iowa and New Hampshire before the respective primary caucuses and elections in the early contest states. Trump will likely not show up to any debate in the primary elections, claiming that it is not worth his time since he is far above the rest of the field. The ex-president did speak at the New York Young Republican Club's annual gala on Saturday. Donald Trump said Saturday that a general, who he did not name, felt he was more 'brave' then soldiers on the battlefield for debating Hillary Clinton in 2015 (pictured) after the Access Hollywood 'grab her by the p****' tape came to light He bragged about his ability to win in 2016 despite the release of the tape and said he was advised by nearly everyone to drop out of the 2016 race after the video surfaced. He claimed that a general, who he did not name, told him the 'locker room talk' explanation was the 'bravest thing I've ever seen' even more so than seeing Americans die on the battlefield. In the tape, Trump said: 'You know, I'm automatically attracted to beautiful I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.' 'Grab 'em by the p****. You can do anything,' he is heard saying in the tape. The reupping of the lewd remarks comes shortly after he doubled-down telling Fox News Sean Hannity during an Iowa town hall last week that he will act like a 'dictator' if he is reelected but only on 'day one.' Chris Bowen has been accused of betraying Australia's economic interests by calling for an end to fossil fuel use, and yet suffering a humiliation when other UN Cop28 delegates rejected his call. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy made the bold call at the conference for the end of coal and gas energy entirely - moves that would be economically devastating for Australia - yet that was flatly rejected by other nations. 'We have to face this fact head-on,' he said at the UN meeting. 'If we are to keep 1.5 degrees alive, fossil fuels have no ongoing role to play in our energy systems. 'I speak as the Climate and Energy minister of one of the world's largest fossil fuel exporters. 'We embrace that fact and acknowledge it because we also live in the Pacific, and we are not going to see our brothers and sisters inundated and their countries swallowed by the seas. We are not going to do that.' Mr Bowen called for the end of fossil fuels at the talks but a draft agreement showed that was a big hurdle to overcome Chris Bowen is pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese But as Mr Bowen flew out from the two-week summit in Dubai, the conference released a draft deal that did not vow to end fossil fuels and was so watered-down in its commitments that climate advocates called it an 'embarrassing and dismal failure'. Commentator Steve Price labelled Mr Bowen a 'climate zealot and fantasist' on Sky News show The Bolt Report on Tuesday night. 'Chris Bowen, like he does back home, decided to play the tough guy all full of bluster and hubris,' Price said. 'His hilarious declaration included calls for Australia to end the use of fossil fuels in our energy grid. 'He then went to hammer home his fantasy by calling on the world not to phase out fossil fuel emissions but to end their use entirely.' At the conference, Mr Bowen said phasing out fossil fuels was 'Australia's biggest economic potential as renewable energy superpower'. Price did not agree that ending fossil fuel use and export was an economic opportunity for Australia. 'Seriously this is a senior minister in the Australian government standing up in the oil and gas kingdom called Dubai calling for the end of Australia's fossil fuel exports at the cost of billions and billions of lost revenue and hundreds of jobs,' Price said. Price said it was 'delicious' that the draft agreement dropped any mention of phasing out fossil fuels with the conference being held in a tiny kingdom that still manages to be the world's eight largest oil producer. 'The Arab oil producers hosted a climate change talkfest said 'thanks for coming' but we are going to keep doing what makes the palaces of Dubai possible and the country rich by, wait for it, pumping oil out of the ground,' Price said. 'It's so funny I wonder if the climate and energy minister of Australia actually gets the joke.' Host Cop28 nation United Arab Emirates produces more than 4 million barrels of oil per day and the hydrocarbon sector makes up a quarter of the small Arab state's GDP, half of its exports and 80 per cent of government revenues. It is understood that UAE's bordering neighbour Saudi Arabia, the world's second largest oil producer, is the main stumbling block to Cop28 deciding on tougher climate actions. While at the conference Mr Bowen described the Saudi position as 'blunt and clear' but said he had long and respectful meeting with his Saudi counterpart. 'Not every country is yet on the same page,' Mr Bowen said. 'That's why we are here. We didn't all arrive, get off the plane, with the same speaking notes. 'That's what these conferences are about, to draw out the issues and reach a consensus. Veteran climate change actives and former US vice president Al Gore did not hold back in expressing his dismay at the Cop28 draft agreement. 'COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure,' he tweeted. 'This obsequious draft reads as if OPEC (the association of oil exporting nations) dictated it word for word. It is even worse than many had feared.' Conservative firebrand Steve Price did not hold back when commenting on Chris Bowens 'accomplishments' at the Cop28 talks Mr Gore said only one thing could rescue proceedings. 'In order to prevent COP28 from being the most embarrassing and dismal failure in 28 years of international climate negotiations, the final text must include clear language on phasing out fossil fuels,' he said. 'Anything else is a massive step backwards from where the world needs to be.' A devastated fiance discovered the love of his life had died in a car crash after getting an alert on his mobile phone. Taneasha Steer, 25, was killed when the Mitsubishi station wagon she was driving smashed into a tree on Marrabell Road in Allendale, about an hour north of Adelaide, on Monday night. Emergency services rushed to the scene where they found the car in a ditch. Ms Steer, a mother to an 18-month-old boy, was the sole occupant of the car and died at the scene. Luke Andrews (right) found out his fiance Taneasha Steer (left) had been involved in a fatal car crash after receiving an automated collision alert sent to his phone Her fiance Luke Andrews dashed to the crash site after receiving an automated collision alert sent to his mobile phone. Mr Andrews expressed his heartache in an emotional post to social media following the tragedy. 'I love you forever my beautiful girl,' he wrote alongside a photo of their family. Ms Steer's grandmother Christine Mcdonagh broke the news of her granddaughter's death on Facebook. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write this,' she wrote. 'Our beautiful beloved granddaughter Taneasha was killed in a car accident at 6:30pm Monday evening. 'Taken so young our hearts will be forever broken. We love you darling always and forever.' Ms Mcdonagh said the family was in 'shock and disbelief' and were 'heartbroken beyond belief'. 'We are all so lost. Shattered into a million pieces,' she said. Ms Steer, who is a mother two an 18-month-old boy, died at the scene after the car she was driving smashed into a tree on Monday night Ms Steer's father, David, also spoke of his pain and said he had been looking forward to his daughter's wedding. 'I think I maybe slept for three hours last night because I'm crying so hard and just weeping so hard,' he told 7News. 'I was just so looking forward to walking her down the aisle.' Tributes for Ms Steer flooded social media, who was described as being 'loved by many'. 'My heart is shattered, left feeling very empty what a horrible world we live in,' one friend wrote. 'I'm in so much disbelief another beautiful soul taken way to soon,' another said. 'Rest easy Taneasha Steer thankyou for the laughs and always being up for a chat. You were loved by many.' Tributes for the family (pictured) have flooded social media and a GoFundMe has been set up to help support Mr Andrews A GoFundMe Me set up by Mr Andrews' brother Brayden has raised more than $16,000 so far. Brayden said Mr Andrews was called to the scene of the crash at 6.30pm on Monday to learn his partner had been killed. 'I would like to share this to help my brother with the support of child care fees and to be able to give him time off work to be able to spend time with [his] 18 month old baby boy Tatum,' he wrote on the page. 'To everyone who knew neash she was always the life of the party and brought so much joy to plenty of lives.' South Australian police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the horrific accident, with major crash investigators currently on the case. Ms Steer is the 107th life lost on South Australian roads in 2023, compared to 66 deaths on the state's roads at this time last year. Police said Williams draped himself in a cross formation across Gutgsell The suspect in the brutal murder of a Nebraska priest laid across his victim to form a 'human cross' after the fatal stabbing, according to court documents. Kierre L. Williams, 43, is accused of killing Fr. Stephen Gutgsell in his rectory at St. John the Baptist in Fort Calhoun on Sunday. When police arrived at the bloody scene, officers found Williams, of Sioux County, Iowa, lying perpendicularly across the clergyman in a cross shape, court filings claim. Williams has since been charged with homicide and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Police have not released a motive in the slaying, but both Gutgsell and Williams have had previous run-ins with the law. Kierre L. Williams, 43, is charged with the murder of Fr. Stephen Gutgsell in Nebraska. Prosecutors say they found Williams lying across the body of his alleged victim in a cross shape at the priest's Nebraska rectory Gutgsell, 65, was taken to an Omaha hospital on Sunday, where he died from his stab injuries, church officials said Williams of Sioux County, Iowa, has a criminal past including for cocaine possession and evading police in Florida in 2008 Gutgsell was discovered with 'a severe laceration to his face and was bleeding profusely,' according to the affidavit filed Tuesday in Washington County court. Williams was discovered lying on top of the priest with his back against his chest, the record states. As police approached the two men, Williams was ordered to crawl away from Gutgsell to allow EMS workers to provide aid. The record states he complied but gave an 'incoherent statement' when asked if he was armed. No weapon was immediately discovered, although Williams was covered in blood. Gutgsell was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police later found a knife in the priest's bedroom 'next to a large pool of blood.' Officers took Williams into custody, where they zip-tied his wrists and placed a bag over his hands to preserve the DNA evidence. Before joining St. John the Baptist (pictured) in Fort Calhoun, Gutgsell oversaw an Omaha church where he stole from the congregation. Police have ruled out a link to his embezzlement conviction with his murder The clergyman racked up massive credit card debts which he resorted to theft to pay before parishioners got wise to the scheme and he was forced to resign from his post. Years later, he joined the Fort Calhoun church (pictured) where he was stabbed to death At one point, the suspect became aggressive, according to the documents and had to be placed in a restraint chair. Cops are yet to release a motive in the murder and it is not known if the men knew each other. The filings obtained by WOWT reveal William has previous convictions for cocaine possession and evading the law in Florida in 2008. Gutgsell also had legal issues as he was arrested in 2007 for embezzling $125,000 from his Omaha congregation. Police ruled out that case was connected to his killing. He reached a deal in the case that saw him sentenced to probation instead of 20 years in prison. He was also forced to pay $40,000 in restitution. Gutgsell said through his lawyer at the time he was 'deeply ashamed' of his conduct. Years later, his brother Fr. Michael Gutgsell, also a priest, would also be accused of stealing from his parish. Michael reached a plea deal with prosecutors earlier this year after being charged with stealing nearly $200,000 from an elderly priest. Earlier this year, Gutgsell's brother, Fr. Michael Gutgsell, reached a plea deal with prosecutors after being charged with stealing nearly $200,000 from an elderly priest. Gutgsell avoided a 20-year prison term for stealing from his congregation and a $25,000 fine and was instead ordered. He also had to complete 500 hours community service, pay $40,000 in restitution to the Archdiocese of Omaha and was placed on probation for five years Court documents state that Fr. Michael managed to steal the money after obtaining power of attorney for 'vulnerable' Fr. Ted Richling, who he was accused of exploiting. He was also accused of stealing at least $94,000 from St. Joseph Church in Springfield, Nebraska, where he was serving as a priest. This charge was later dropped in March 2022 after he repaid the money. In another bizarre twist, Fr. Michael then gave the money he stole to homeless man Michael Barrett, who he met while priest of Omaha's cathedral in 2013. The clergyman allegedly believed Barrett would pay him back, court documents state. Artificial intelligence guru Sam Altman has warned the technology could be used to sway American voters in the 2024 election. One concern of OpenAI co-founder Altman - who was spectacularly fired then reinstated as the company's CEO last month - is that the technology could be used to scan voters' social media posts. He says people could then be targeted with personalized, AI-generated disinformation including highly emotive messages that could shift their voting preferences. The tycoon, whose firm is behind ChatGPT, believes AI 'will be the most powerful technology humanity has yet invented'. But, he told the audience at Time magazine's annual gala in New York City, it will create potent tools for those looking to sway an election, enabling techniques far more sophisticated than those currently available. Sam Altman, 38, on Tuesday appeared on stage at Time magazine's annual gala, where he was named CEO of the year Altman and Sam Jacobs, editor in chief of Time magazine, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Tuesday night Altman, speaking after being named Time's CEO of the year, warned of how AI can empower troll farms in their quest to interfere with elections. 'They make one great meme, and that spreads out and all of us see the same thing on Facebook or Twitter. That will continue to happen and get better. 'But the thing I am more concerned about: What if an AI reads everything you have ever written online - every tweet, every article, every everything? And right at the exact moment sends you one message, customized just for you, that really changes how you think about the world. 'That's a new kind of interference that just wasn't possible before AI.' The St Louis-born tech entrepreneur, in a discussion with Time's editor in chief Sam Jacobs, insisted he was optimistic about AI's potential, presenting a generally sunny picture of medical advances and increased access to learning. 'I think we will see education changed deeply and improved forever,' he said. 'I think the kids in kindergarten today, by the time they reach 12th grade will be smarter and better prepared than the best kids of today.' Altman is seen with Jacobs, who interviewed him during Tuesday's event He said the experience of his firing and rehiring at OpenAI had been 'painful and exhausting' and he had not yet had time to process what had happened - but that he was 'happy to be back at work.' 'I think everybody involved in this, as we get closer and closer to super intelligence, everyone involved got more and more stressed as the stakes get higher,' he said, trying to explain the dramatic events. 'And I think that all exploded.' Altman said the team at OpenAI were working 'to build tools that are helpful to people' - and that they realized they had huge responsibility. Critics fear a nightmare Terminator II: Judgement Day-type scenario where sentient machines decide to exterminate their creators and take over the world, turning it into an apocalyptic hellscape. 'If we can create abundant intelligence for the world, and abundant energy, then our ability to have amazing ideas for our children to teach themselves, for healthcare, for people to be more productive, to uplift the economy, for people to help themselves - then if we put those things into action with energy they are two massive, massive things,' he said. 'Now they come with downsides. And so it's on us to figure out how to make this safe, and put it responsibly in the hands of people. 'But I think we see a path now where the world gets much more abundant and much better every year, and people have the ability to do way, way more than we can possibly imagine today.' Altman said he understood there were many skeptics, and many people fearful about the vast power of AI. They include Elon Musk - who co-founded OpenAI with Altman, before leaving the company in 2018, and becoming one of its most strident critics. Musk has argued that AI is becoming too powerful, without sufficient guardrails. Altman said on Tuesday that he was 'very grateful Elon exists in the world,' adding: 'I think he's done some amazing things.' He also praised Musk's work on electric vehicles and space exploration, and said his criticism about Microsoft controlling OpenAI - Microsoft has invested $13 billion in the company - was unfair and inaccurate. Altman is pictured with his fiance, Australian software engineer Oliver Mulherin The San Francisco-based CEO said he still believed he and his team were developing something beneficial for humanity. 'I think in 2023 we started to see it; 2024 we'll see way more; and by the time the end of the decade rolls around I think we'll be in a way better place,' he said. 'It sounds silly and sci-fi optimism. But if you think about how different the world will be. Today they have ChatGPT - it's not very good. 'Next they have the world's best chief of staff. And after that, every person has a company of 20-50 experts that work super well together, and after that, 10,000 experts in every field. 'If someone wants to focus on curing disease they can do that, or create art - they can do that.' Addressing his dramatic November 17 firing before being rehired at OpenAI on November 21, Altman said that it should be viewed in the context of 'a crazy whole year' - noting that ChatGPT was only released a year ago, and the company's profile and reach exploded. And he said he believed, in the long run, the firing-rehiring drama would be beneficial for the company. 'It's been extremely painful for me personally but I actually think it's been great for OpenAI,' he said. 'We've never been more unified. We have never been more determined and focused. 'And we always said this moment would come when we were building AGI. We didn't think it would come so soon. 'But we are stronger for going through it. 'I wouldn't wish it on an enemy, but it did have a positive effect on the company.' He said he was extremely proud of how his staff reacted, and carried on working despite the turmoil. But, he admitted, it had been intense and draining. A teenager who was allegedly abducted and run over is out of hospital and has opened up about the traumatic event. The 15-year-old had just left school when he was allegedly forced into a car in Glen Huntly, in southeast Melbourne, on September 4. He then fell out and was dragged 150m at the intersection of Grange and Neerim roads. The boy sustained life-threatening injuries and his mobile and belongings were allegedly stolen following the altercation. A teenager who was allegedly abducted and run over is out of hospital and has opened up about the traumatic event Police allege three teenagers had attempted to abduct the school boy. The teen spent six weeks in an induced coma with nerve damage to his right eye as well as hearing loss and his recovery is ongoing. He has since opened up about the shocking ordeal and thanked the medical staff who saved his life. 'When I woke up out of my coma, I'd been taken care of,' he told 7News. 'My body was healed. Thank you so much. I'm here and there's no need to worry about me. I'm doing all right.' His mother is thrilled that her son has been able to return to school for a few hours a week. 'I'm so thankful. It's a miracle to have him back home and thank you to everybody in the community who support us,' she told the news outlet. The teen spent six weeks in a coma following the incident, suffering nerve damage to his right eye as well as hearing loss The boy's last memory from the day he was allegedly attacked was sitting in a maths class. His goal is to go back to school full time next year. However, his parents no longer let him walk alone and he is driven everywhere he needs to go. Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe to support his recovery, which had raised more than $42,000 as of Wednesday. The fundraiser's organiser said the boy 'is a sweet, soft-spoken young man full of potential'. 'He is the proud older brother of two younger siblings, who adore him. His love and protection have always been a guiding force in their lives. 'Every donation, regardless of its size, brings us one step closer to securing [his] future & health, and your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes are also a source of strength for him and his family.' Swain said Harvard is now 'redefining' plagiarism at it looks to protect Gay She accused Gay of 'harming academia' and black people for refusing to quit Harvard is 'redefining plagiarism' in a bid to protect embattled president Claudine Gay, an academic whose work was allegedly lifted without credit has claimed. Political scientist Carol Swain hit out at the Ivy League institution after it admitted there were 'instances of inadequate citation' in the president's phD thesis but failed to take any further action. She accused Gay of 'harming academia' and black people for refusing to resign. 'My message to Harvard University is you don't get to redefine what is plagiarism [...] What they have done is very demeaning to every person not just racial and ethnic minorities, anyone who has worked hard in school, who has tried to follow the guidelines it is an insult to our intelligence,' Swain said. In a separate interview, Swain told City Journal that, 'a white male would probably already be gone.' Swain joins a growing number of critics calling for Gay's resignation amid the fallout from her disastrous Congressional hearing, where she said calling for a Jewish genocide is permissible, depending on 'context.' Harvard, however, continues to back Gay, and, on Tuesday, announced she would remain in her role despite the outrage. Political scholar Carol Swain claimed Harvard is trying to 'redefine plagiarism' to protect president Claudine Gay as she faces mounting calls to quit over her failure to get a grip on anti-Semitism sweeping her campus Demands for Gay's resolution increased after her disastrous hearing before Congress where she refused to outright condemn students using anti-Semitic hate speech Truck carrying messages for Gay to resign have been spotted near the Harvard campus Swain was named by the Manhattan Institute's Christopher Rufo and Christopher Brunet as among those who the Harvard leader plagiarized in her 1997 dissertation. 'Claudine Gay needs to step down,' Swain told Fox Digital. 'Obviously, the Harvard Corporation did not have the courage to fire its first Black president, someone who should never have been elevated in the first place.' Gay has denied plagiarizing any work, and said she has always 'worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards'. An investigation by the Washington Free Post found that in four papers, including Gay's doctoral dissertation, that were published between 1993 and 2017, she 'paraphrased or quoted nearly 20 authorsincluding two of her colleagues in Harvard University's department of governmentwithout proper attribution,' A probe launched by her own university found 'instances of inadequate citation' in her academic writings, although it stopped short of finding any 'research misconduct.' Harvard Corporation said a team of 'distinguished political scientists' reviewed Gay's published works on December 9 but found 'no violation' of research standards. Gay subsequently confirmed she would be submitting amendments to four articles. The decision has angered retired Vanderbilt University professor Swain. 'My blood pressure is rising today because of Harvard University's decision,' she said. Swain claims that Gay lifted her seminal text Black Faces, Black Interests, without giving proper credit Gay was accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words However, Gay did not use any quotation marks or in-text citations - Voss and Palmquist are not cited anywhere in her dissertation 'If Harvard thinks it would be bad optics to release or fire their first black president, the optics are much worse for them standing by her trying to redefine plagiarism. It's ridiculous, it's absurd and it's hurt their brand,' Swain told Fox. The scholar is an outspoken conservative in the liberal world of academia and previously served on President Donald Trump's '1776 Commission,' which sought to increase 'patriotic education'. Swain claims Gay failed to cite her seminal text, Black Faces, Black Interests and is getting a 'free pass' because she is a 'product of the DEI schemes'. 'They have decided that they would rather lower standards for everyone rather than to hold her, who attended the most, you know, elite schools in America, to the same standards that average Americans are held to,' Swain said. The Executive Committee of Harvard University's Alumni Association announced their full support for the scholar, and asked the school's governing boards to publicly back her, according to The Harvard Crimson. The group wrote: 'President Gay is the right leader to guide the University during this challenging time... She is thoughtful. She is kind. She is resolutely dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our very diverse community. Gay was accused of 'harming academia' and 'harming black people' by refusing to step down amongst the plagiarism claims Despite her calamitous exchange with NY Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik on Capitol Hill, Gay has retained the support of her institution Numerous pro-Palestine gatherings have sprung up on Harvard's campus since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel 'We recognize that there was disappointment in her testimony this past week. President Gay has pointed this out and apologized for any pain her testimony causeda powerful demonstration of her integrity, determination, and courage.' Gay's testimony before Congress drew heavy criticism as she skirted around decrying hate speech against Jews outright. Billionaire donor and Harvard alum Bill Ackman branded Gay 'morally bankrupt' over her exchange with NY Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik on Capitol Hill last week. Ackman had already pulled funding from the institution over its inadequate handling of anti-Semitism in the wake of tensions between pro Israel and pro Palestine supporters following the October 7 attacks. He claimed the college has lost $1 billion in donations, 'from a small group of Harvard's most generous Jewish and non-Jewish alumni'. Gay, 53, survived a scheduled meeting of Harvard's board on Sunday amid calls for her removal. The same could not be said for her equivalent at UPenn Liz Magill, who stepped down as president amid fierce criticism of her responses at the same hearing before Congress. She and Gay appeared along with MIT leader Sally Kornbluth who gave similarly ambiguous answers around whether hate speech is permitted on campus. A mysterious shipwreck stretching over 230 feet long has been found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. The discovery was made by Lithuanian state-run energy company Ignitis Group, around 120 square kilometers from the coast, as it was surveying the seafloor for a wind farm project. It detected a vessel that measures 230 feet long and 20 feet high. The ship has been unexplored and hidden for decades. The sunken boat was located 125 feet beneath the surface of the ocean, according to the Ignitis Group. Researchers are working to identify its origins as it was found in area where 19 shipwrecks have been registered. The Baltic Sea is renowned for being dangerous waters and there is estimated to be up to 100,000 shipwrecks lying beneath it. A mysterious shipwreck stretching over 230 feet long has been found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea by chance The discovery was made by Lithuanian state-run energy company Ignitis Group around 120 square kilometers from the coast as it was surveying the seafloor for a wind farm project Ignitis Group detected a vessel that has been unexplored and hidden for decades The Ignitis Group came across the mysterious shipwreck by complete chance as it was surveying the seafloor. It used sonar to detect the huge vessel which has remained untouched for years. Lithuanian officials told the company it was not aware of any sunken ships in the area. A spokesman for Ignitis Renewables, an arm of Ignitis Group which focuses on green energy, said authorities had confirmed the vessel had not been recorded in any national database. The energy firm said historical and underwater archaeological research will help paint a better picture about what happened to the ship and how old it actually is. The Ignitis Renewables spokesman said this 'will be valuable for the country's scientific community and historians'. 'While carrying out research on the Baltic Sea floor for the offshore wind power park project, we have found a previously unknown sunken ship,' Ignitis Group wrote in a post on social media last week. 'We are handing this unusual finding over to experts, who will help reveal more information about this object. 'In addition, all the detailed information about the seabed will not only be used in our project, but also share it with the Lithuanian science community.' Data collected will also be used to help the company develop its first offshore wind farm in Lithuania. It hopes to use green energy to fulfill around a quarter of Lithuania's electricity demand. The previously unstudied area where the shipwreck was found stretches 75 miles. Research will determine whether Lithuania will formally register the shipwreck in its national database of historically significant places. The sunken boat was located 125 feet beneath the surface of the ocean using sonar In 2019, the remains of a 500-year-old ship so 'astonishingly preserved' it looked like it 'sank yesterday' were found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea Augustina Kuriliene, chief officer at the department of cultural heritage, said: 'Once the ship's dating becomes clear, a decision will be made on its registration in the Register of Cultural Values.' She added the country will follow UNESCO guidelines for protecting and preserving underwater culture heritage. Archaeologist Elena Pranckenaite said the sunken ship can help paint a picture of the history of shipping in the area. In 2019, the remains of a 500-year-old ship so 'astonishingly preserved' it looked like it 'sank yesterday' were found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Experts found the incredible shipwreck - located 24 nautical miles from the Swedish coast - while scanning the icy depths with a sonar device. The vessel, which dates back to the Late 15th or early 16th Century, still has its masts in place, swivel guns on deck and even parts of its rigging remain. This, experts believe, is because a lack of oxygen in icy depths helps to deter sea animals from ravaging the remains. Also still on the deck is the 'incredibly rare' tender boat, which would have been used to ferry crew to and from the shore. Pictures and video taken during the inspection of the vessel reveal the incredible remains in full details. Queensland's next premier Steven Miles was a climate change campaigner before getting into politics, but will now lead a state dependent on coal royalties to help those struggling with the cost of living. Labor's incoming leader in 2007 posed in a picture with former U.S. vice president Al Gore, following the release of his blockbuster documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Dr Miles, who has a PhD for writing a University of Queensland thesis on union recruitment, last year told Mr Gore via X that '15 years ago you inspired me to do more to address climate change'. The future state MP from Labor's Left faction had joined Gore's The Climate Reality Project campaigning for renewable energy. 'Thank you for all your advice and support since then,' he gushed on social media. Dr Miles still features on The Climate Reality Project website as an environmental hero. 'In a very conservative state home to over 50 major coal mines, he is one of the very ministers to hold the line on climate change and continue to advocate for solutions within the Queensland government,' it said. Labor's incoming leader in 2007 posed in a picture with former U.S. vice president Al Gore, following the release of his blockbuster documentary An Inconvenient Truth Queensland's outgoing Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk appointed Dr Miles as environment and heritage protection minister in February 2015 as Labor returned to power, with responsibility for national parks and the Great Barrier Reef. READ MORE: Inside the deal that made Steven Miles the next premier of Queensland Advertisement At the time, he was the newly elected member for Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane's inner-west, winning the seat for Labor on a primary vote of just 32.6 per cent with preferences from the Greens, who scored 22.2 per cent of the vote. Dr Miles declined to contest the newly created seat of Maiwar in 2017, which the Greens won after his old seat of Mount Coot-tha was abolished and merged with Indooroopilly, then held by the Liberal National Party. He instead became the new member for Murrumba, in Brisbane's north, later replacing Jackie Trad as deputy premier in May 2020 after she lost her seat of South Brisbane to the Greens and her prospect of becoming the state's next leader. Dr Miles will be leading a state that delivered a record Budget surplus of $12billion in 2022-23, with $10.5billion of that coming from increased coal and petroleum royalties. Treasurer Cameron Dick, who will be the new Right faction deputy premier from Friday, credited 'progressive coal royalties' for the record Budget surplus and cost of living help. 'This is the largest budget surplus ever recorded by any state or territory government,' he told Parliament in June. 'We can deliver our states biggest cost of living program, our state's biggest building program, and deliver lower debt, because of one simple reason: progressive coal royalties.' Mr Dick also boasted about being able to fund $500 in electricity rebates, with $250 of that from the federal government. 'Today, for all those Queenslanders facing cost of living pressures, I have a simple message. Help is on the way,' he said. The state government is ironically using the proceeds from coal royalties to fund its Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, to bring 22 gigawatts - or 22billion watts - of new wind and solar projects by 2035, with 'grid scale batteries' and pumped hydro. The future state MP from Labor's Left faction gushed: 'Thank you for all your advice and support since then' Dr Miles in that social media post told his followers Mr Gore, an American Democrat, was proud of him. READ MORE: Dick Smith reveals Bob Hawke converted him to nuclear cause Advertisement 'I'm really proud of what we have achieved in Queensland and of our Energy and Jobs Plan,' he said. 'Here's a photo of us both looking much younger to celebrate.' The Queensland Climate Action plan aims to have 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Queensland Climate Transition Bill 2023 proposed to ban 'all new coal, oil and gas approvals, ending exports of fossil fuels by year-end 2030'. State-owned coal-fired power stations would be turned into 'clean energy hubs'. The move to transition away from coal acknowledge an inconvenient truth with regards to coal royalties. In 2021-22, the Queensland government received $8.4billion in royalties from coal and petroleum, including liquefied natural gas. This made up about 30 per cent of the state's total taxation and royalty revenue. Fossil fuel royalties increased to an estimated $17.6billion in 2022-23, thanks to high coal prices. Even as coal prices fell, the state expected to receive annual fossil fuel royalties of more than $5billion for the next four years. EXCLUSIVE The family of a highly regarded surgeon allegedly murdered during a home invasion have broken their silence as the troubled past of his accused killers is revealed. Dr Michael Yung, 61, died after allegedly being assaulted by young couple Kerem Aydin, 22, and Jacinta Davila, 27, at his $2million home in Gilberton in Adelaide's inner-northeast, early on Monday. The pair appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court bruised, bandaged and sobbing on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Dr Yung's devastated loved ones paid tribute to the intensive care paediatrician, describing him as a 'loving and loved father, son, brother, uncle and cousin'. 'We are all absolutely devastated by Michael's death. His death has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled,' the family said in a statement. 'Michael was a knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate paediatric intensive care specialist. Well respected paediatrician, Dr Michael Yung (pictured), died after allegedly being attacked in a home invasion Kerem Aydin, 22, and Jacinta Davila, 27 (pictured) have been charged over Dr Yung's alleged murder Jacinta Davila (left) and Kerem Aydin (right) pictured outside court on Wednesday 'He dedicated his life to the care and treatment of critically ill children and their families at their most vulnerable time.' Loved ones said Dr Yung's selfless devotion to the children he treated and their families extended not just across South Australia but throughout the nation and internationally. During his extensive career, Dr Yung set up a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in Kilifi, Kenya, worked in remote Indigenous communities, and was a 'wise and patient teacher and mentor to generations of aspiring ICU doctors'. His family said he set up the Kathryn Brown-Yung Foundation charity - in the name of his late wife who died suddenly three years ago - which supports scholarships for Indigenous medical students. Dr Yung's loved ones invited those who wished to remember Dr Yung to contribute to the foundation. The heartfelt tribute comes as Daily Mail Australia can reveal his accused murderers both have a history of appearing before court for minor crimes. In August, they were ejected from their rental property for failing to pay rent. Over the past six years, the couple have each appeared in court more than 20 times for various minor matters, which cannot be reported for legal reasons. Aydin and Davila faced court on Wednesday, where the young father was seen with a black eye Mr Yung's son shared a the above photo of him with his parents on social media on Monday as his father fought for life in hospital Davila and Aydin, both from the inner western suburb of Thebarton, were arrested at a home in neighbouring Torrensville on Tuesday night. They have been charged with murder, aggravated serious criminal trespassing and committing theft using force. In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Michael Jandy heard the couple - who appeared via video link - were linked to the crime scene by DNA evidence on a headtorch and blood stains found at Dr Yung's Gilberton home. CCTV footage showed two people outside the house at the time of the attack, but the quality of the footage was not strong enough to positively identify them on its own, he was told. Aydin, sporting a bandage over a bruised and swollen left eye, did not apply for bail. Davila, who sobbed throughout her appearance, will return to court next Wednesday when Mr Jandy will consider releasing her on home detention bail. Her lawyer said she was the sole carer of the pair's eight-month-old baby and remaining in custody throughout a lengthy trial would bring undue hardship on the child. The pair had unsuccessfully attempted co-parenting after the child was conceived during a one-night stand, he said. The court heard the pair were arrested outside a shopping centre after they had attempted to shoplift a first aid kit from a Chemist Warehouse to patch up Aydin's injuries, allegedly sustained during the break-in. Crime scene tape and forensic cleaners were seen at the Yungs' home on Wednesday Tributes have begun to mount on the pavement outside Dr Yung's home Mr Jandy said he was inclined to accept the defence case that special circumstances should be afforded to Davila because of her parental obligations but he was yet to make his mind up about releasing her on bail. The prosecution opposed her bail, arguing the alleged offending was serious in nature, the case against her was a strong one and she was a risk of tampering with evidence. Whilst there was a relatively strong case that Davila had tampered with evidence by attempting to wash blood from clothing found at the pair's house, there was an obvious question mark surrounding the strength of evidence attaching her to the crime scene at the time, Mr Jandy said. While he acknowledged her DNA was found on the headtorch at the crime scene, he said there was the potential for secondary transfer from her to the crime scene via Aydin. 'Absent of any other evidence putting this defendant at the scene of the crime at the time, the case will remain possibly equivocal in relation to her,' Mr Jandy said. The pair are due back in court for a charge determination hearing in March. Japanese authorities have approved disputed plans to build the country's first gaming resort. In 2019, the building will open in Osaka, a city in western Japan. Contentious New Casino in Japan Casinos have long been prohibited in Japan. In an effort to boost tourism and generate jobs, a law permitting exceptions to games like poker or baccarat was established in 2018. A rise in crime and gambling addiction has some members of the public concerned. In addition to the casino, the 5.3 million square foot (49 acres) development will also include a hotel, convention center, shops, and a museum. The project's initial investment is 1.8 trillion yen ($13.5 billion), and MGM, a casino operator located in the US, and Orix Group, a Japanese corporation, both control 40% of the business. By the way, the 2023 Forbes Global List 2000 included MGM Resorts International as the best gambling company, which is very high praise. Undoubtedly, MGM is one of the finest companies in the world to have a major stake in a new bustling gambling business in Japan. It is major and reputable businesses like MGM that, thanks to their decades of experience, can help build new strong gambling industries across the globe. On the other part of the globe, for example, in Latin America, the gambling industry is expected to be worth around $4.4 billion by 2026. Local businesses including Kansai Electric Power, West Japan Rail, and Panasonic, located in Osaka, will hold the remaining 20% of the new casino project. Project Expectations The casino, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, should grow into a tourist attraction that advertises Japan to the rest of the world. Officials hope the resort will bring in around 20 million visitors a year and bring in approximately 1 trillion yen in economic advantages for the region, according to a Japanese news source. The proposal for the project dates back several years, but it was shelved because of the Covid-19 epidemic and a corruption case involving a lawmaker from the ruling party who was accused of accepting payments while in charge of casino policy. Its believed that gambling has a promising future in Japan. The nation boasts the third-largest economy in the world with nearly 126 million citizens. Furthermore, it is close to wealthy Asian gamblers, particularly those from China. Macau is the only city in China where casinos are legal. Similar plans to build a casino in Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park with a Dutch theme, have been made by the Nagasaki prefecture. Australia's top diplomat in the UK ditched an annual Australia Day gala event because it was determined 'taxpayers should no longer bear the cost' of such an event, the government now says. The black-tie event, which is usually held on January 26 each year in London, was estimated to cost $55,000 this year if it were to go ahead, a spokesperson for High Commissioner Stephen Smith told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. It is the second reason provided by the department in the days since the decision was revealed. Initially, 'sensitivities' around Australia Day and the date were cited as a factor in the decision. But a spokesperson said on Wednesday: 'Supporting the gala dinner in the past has cost the Australian High Commission. 'The High Commission determined that Australian taxpayers should no longer bear such a cost.' The black-tie event, which is usually held on January 26 each year in London, was estimated to cost $55,000 this year if it were to go ahead, a spokesperson for High Commissioner Stephen Smith (pictured at No. 10 Downing Street) told Daily Mail Australia Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured with his wife) called on Mr Smith to apologies for the apparent Australia Day snub But a spokesperson for Mr Smith - who was the country's former foreign affairs and defence minister - argued the event was not 'cancelled', simply that the Australia Foundation decided not to proceed with the gala dinner. READ MORE: Key architect of Indigenous Voice To Parliament reveals the surprising reason she thinks many Aussies voted NO Advertisement 'It is the Government's view that Australia Day should continue to be held on 26 January. 'The High Commission has already planned and will host an appropriate event to mark Australia Day at Australia House, as embassies and consulates do around the world.' Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Mr Smith to apologise for the apparent Australia Day snub. In a televised address aired on Tuesday, the Opposition Leader called the decision to move the date 'crazy' and 'utterly unacceptable'. 'How can we have a High Commissioner who is ashamed of Australia Day? Australia Day is a celebration of our history and our heritage,' Mr Dutton said. 'I think the vast majority of Australians will be celebrating Australia Day and I think the High Commissioner in London, if he's not prepared to celebrate Australia Day, if he's ashamed of Australia Day, then frankly I think he should be looking for a new job.' Opposition leader Peter Dutton called the decision to move the date as 'crazy' and 'utterly unacceptable', and called for Mr Smith to publicly retract his decision Kylie Minogue attends the Australia Day Gala Dinner at Australia House in London on January 24, 2015, the event now scrapped by High Commissioner Stephen Smith READ MORE: Melbourne council pushes to scrap Australia Day celebrations and fly flag at half-mast to mark Day of Mourning Advertisement The date January 26, which marks the First Fleet's landing at Sydney Cove in 1788, is considered a day of mourning for Indigenous communities with some referring to it as Invasion Day, or Survival Day. A survey of over 2,000 people conducted by YouGov in 2022 found that 56 per cent of people were in favour of keeping the date of Australia Day as is. Nearly half of those aged under 35, however, supported a changed date. Opposition Indigenous Affairs spokesperson Jacinta Nampijinpa Price told 2GB earlier this week that Mr Smith's decision to move the date of the event was 'un-Australian'. 'I think it's a put down to put an end to any celebrations on Australia Day. I think we have to get back to being proud of what it means to be Australian,' she said. The Coalition's criticism of moving the gala came amid discussion from party leaders on how the country should progress its efforts to achieve Indigenous reconciliation in the aftermath of the defeated Voice referendum. Speaking out publicly for the first time after the October 14 loss, Voice architect and prominent pro-Voice campaigner Professor Megan Davis told the AFR that the grassroots Indigenous rights movement would continue its advocacy, despite some Aboriginal communities believing the opportunity for reconciliation was 'dead.' Former Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt also spoke out earlier this week, telling the Sydney Morning Herald that despite the rejection of a constitutional Voice the prospect of closing the gap should be tackled in a 'pragmatic' way. Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney's priorities in 2024 would focus on issues identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including health, education, jobs, housing and justice The government has yet to confirm how it plans to pursue other parts of the Uluru Statement, including Treaty and Truth. It has already allocated $5.8 million to 'commence work on establishing an independent Makarrata Commission to oversee processes for agreement making and truth-telling.' A spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney said the minister's priorities in 2024 would focus on issues identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including health, education, jobs, housing and justice. This includes new funding for justice reinvestment to reduce incarceration rates, investment into basic services in remote areas, and replacing the 'failed' remote employment and community development services program. On social media, Kerem Aydin, 22, and his partner Jacinta Davila, 27, looked like a normal couple excitedly hurtling though a whirlwind romance. Referring to each other as 'King' and 'Queen', the couple - who met in July 2022 - shared news of their holiday in Turkey, delighting loved ones with news of their engagement and newborn daughter's birth. But then on Monday, something drastically changed. Top doctor Michael Yung, 61, was gravely injured in what at first appeared to be a home invasion at his $2million home in the affluent Adelaide suburb of Gilberton. On Tuesday night, the sad news broke that Dr Yung - a well-respected paediatric surgeon - had died in hospital. And then in a dramatic twist, Aydin and Davila were on Wednesday charged with Dr Yung's murder. Kerem Aydin (left), 22, and his partner Jacinta Davila (right), 27, have been charged with murder, serious criminal trespass and committing theft using force Prominent Adelaide paediatrician Michael Yung, 61, died after being attacked in an alleged home invasion Dr Yung was allegedly attacked at 4.20am on Monday, and rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. His family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support on Tuesday afternoon after doctors informed them his injuries were 'non-survivable'. Dr Yung had received injuries to the chest, bowel and head, causing bleeding of the brain. Aydin and Davila, both from the inner western suburb of Thebarton, were arrested in neighbouring Torrensville on Tuesday night. Footage showed Aydin being tackled to the ground by a plain-clothes police officer at Torrensville Plaza, in Adelaide's inner-west, about 7.30pm on Tuesday. Davila was then seen running away out of the plaza while pushing their eight-month-old child in a pram, before she was also arrested by heavily-armed officers from the Special Tasks and Rescue squad. Police allege the couple had stolen a first-aid kit from a Drake's Supermarket at the plaza to treat Aydin's injuries just prior to their arrest. The couple have been charged with one count each of murder, serious criminal trespass and committing theft using force. The couple have been active on social media, posting about being a loving family with a baby who enjoy travelling to Turkey, according to The Advertiser. According to Facebook, the couple, who refer to each other as 'King' and 'Queen', met in July 2022 before later having a baby and getting engaged. The pair announced their pregnancy to Facebook friends on September 5, 2022. 'Can finally share our secret expecting mini me 2023,' Davila wrote. The couple have painted a picture of themselves on social media as a loving duo with a baby daughter Aydin and Davila appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday On March 18 the couple publicly announced the birth of child on Facebook with the caption: 'The Princess is here'. Just over a month later, Davila also announced her engagement to her partner. Aydin, who is of Turkish background and refers to himself as 'The Turk', is currently a student at TAFE SA and has worked several different jobs. His LinkedIn claims he has been a 'self-employed CEO' for the past five years but does not name his company. He posts about his love for his partner and baby daughter. 'Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful fiance, the mother of my daughter and the love of my life,' he wrote on Mother's Day. '[The baby] and I love you with all our hearts, too the moon and back infinite times. You are the best mum, the greatest mum, the most amazing mum.' He regularly posts to Facebook about his love for Turkey and has travelled there on numerous occasions, most recently in 2017. 'I come back to Australia in one month, kind of sad to be leaving Turkey so soon but I have many things to do back in Australia. Anyway, it's been a blast so far,' he wrote. Davila's social media suggests she has worked in various roles, most recently as a sales assistant at retail fashion label Veronika Maine. On LinkedIn, Davila described herself as 'honest and hardworking individual' with a 'friendly, driven personality'. Jacinta Davila (left) and Kerem Aydin (right) pictured outside court on Wednesday On March 18 the couple publicly announced the birth of child on Facebook with the caption: 'The Princess is here' Just over a month later, Davila also announced her engagement to her partner 'I pride myself on having a confident, friendly and driven personality. I have the ability to work in both a team environment and independently,' she wrote. Davila has also shared some more controversial posts on X. 'You don't like me? Add yourself to the list b*****! #jealousyisacurse,' one post reads. 'Oh my I feel so special that your tweet was about me! Like I give two f**** about what you think of me #gochokeonad**k ciao x,' another said. The pair appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday. Magistrate Michael Jandy heard the couple were linked to the crime scene by DNA evidence on a headtorch and blood stains found at Dr Yung's home. Aydin, sporting a bandage over a bruised and swollen left eye, did not apply for bail. Davila, who sobbed throughout her appearance, will return to court next Wednesday when Mr Jandy will consider releasing her on home detention bail. The pair are due back in court for a charge determination hearing in March. On Wednesday, Daily Mail Australia revealed the pair both have a history of appearing before court for minor crimes. In August, they were booted out from their rental property for failing to pay rent. Over the past six years, the couple have each appeared in court more than 20 times for various minor matters, which cannot be reported for legal reasons. One neighbour who lived next to the couple in Mansfield Park, Adelaide, about 12 months ago described them couple as 'nice' and 'polite', the Adelaide Advertiser reported. Davila's brother told the same news outlet he had not spoken with his sister in at least six years. He said he was only aware of allegations his sister murdered Dr Yung after seeing media reports. On Monday, while Dr Yung was still fighting for life in Royal Adelaide Hospital, his 30-year-old son shared a family photo on Facebook. The image, taken in 1996, shows Dr Yung, his late wife Kathryn, and his son playing with party blowers as they celebrated one of his childhood birthdays. Mr Yung's son shared a the above photo of him with his parents on social media on Monday as his father fought for life in hospital. Dr Yung's son was at the home at the time of the alleged attack and police will allege they arrived to find him 'distraught'. His father was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he was placed into an induced coma following emergency surgery, before his life support was switched off just over 24 hours later. SA Police had been investigating a string of break-ins across wealthy suburbs such as Gilberton, Medindie, Walkerville, Henley Beach, Fulham and Tennyson under Operation Mandrake. Police have confirmed detectives are not seeking any other suspects over Mr Yung's death. Police have confirmed detectives are not seeking any other suspects over Mr Yung's death Dr Yung was the former head of the Women's and Children's Hospital paediatric intensive care unit and had practised medicine for almost four decades. The eminent paediatrician's death is the most recent tragedy for his family after Kathryn Browne-Yung, his health policy expert wife, suddenly died in her sleep in March 2020. Shortly after her death Dr Yung created a $5,000 scholarship to support Indigenous medical students in the name of his 'kind, thoughtful and intelligent' wife. His family have requested for donations to be made to the Kathryn Browne-Yung Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. Ten Israeli soldiers, including a high-ranking official, were killed while fighting Hamas forces in the Gaza strip yesterday. Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Grinberg, 35, Major Roei Meldasi, 23, Major Moshe Avram Bar-On, 23, Sergeant Achia Daskal, 19, Captain Liel Hayo, 22, Major Ben Shelly, 26, Major Rom Hecht, 20, Sergeant Oriya Yaakov, 19, Eran Aloni, 19, and Itzhak Ben Basat, 24, died amid battles in Gaza City's Shajaiya neighbourhood. Several of the servicemen were killed by an explosive device, while the remaining soldiers were gunned down by Hamas fighters after being cut off from the rest of their troop, according to Israeli media. It marks the worst loss of life in a single day for the Israeli Defense Forces since they launched their operation in response to Hamas' ruthless October 7 attacks. At least 115 Israeli soldiers have died since ground operations began in Gaza in late October. But 18,412 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli attacks since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Grinberg, 35, (left) and Captain Liel Hayo, 22 (right) were among those killed in the northern Gaza strip on Tuesday Major Moshe Avram Bar-On, 23, (left) and Major Roei Meldas, 23, (right) were killed in battle Staff Sergeant Oriya Yaakov, 19, and Sergeant Achia Daskal, 19, died in the fight against Hamas forces Major Ben Shelly, 26 and Major Rom Hecht, 20, died in the incident in the Shahja'iya neighborhood Five of the Israeli soldiers killed in battle in the northern Gaza strip were in the Golani Brigade, including Lieutenant Colonel Grinberg who was the commander of the 13th Battalion. Major Meldasi, a company commander in the 13th Battalion, Major Bar-On a company commander in the 51st Battalion, Sergeant Daskal a fighter in the 51st Battalion and Captain Hayo a platoon commander in the 51st Battalion were also killed. Major Shelly and Major Rom Hecht of the Special Rescue Tactical Unit died in the same battle in the Shahja'iya neighborhood. The IDF also announced that Sergeant Yaakov a fighter in Battalion 614, the School of Combat Engineering lost his life in the northern Gaza strip. Hamas fighters opened fire at the Golani forces in the area on Tuesday before the Israeli soldiers approached the source of the shooting. A explosive device was then detonated and several soldiers were wounded by the explosion and contact was lost. Other Israeli forces attempted to rescue the servicemen with the help of the air force and artillery but a second bomb was detonated. A third force attempted to locate the disconnected soldiers who were hurt in the battle. It comes as Israeli media revealed 13 IDF casualties were caused by friendly fire. Another six died following accidents related to 'weaponry, machinery, trampling' with one death caused by firing irregularities. Soldiers killed by friendly fire were mistakenly identified during airstrikes or died during tank shelling and gunfire, according to Times of Israel. One soldier reportedly died in gunfire that was not intended to strike them and another two died in accidental misfires. The Israeli military has announced that 10 soldiers including a high-ranking official have been killed while fighting Hamas forces in the Gaza strip The servicemen were killed in a battle in the northern Gaza strip and another three seriously wounded as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on for the 67th day Israeli forces pose in a car as they get prepared before entering the Gaza Strip for an attack in Nahal Oz, Israel on December 12, 2023 18,412 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli attacks since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry At least 115 Israeli soldiers have died since ground operations began in Gaza in late October While two soldiers lost their lives in incidents after armored vehicles ran over troops, and two more were killed by shrapnel. The Israeli military has begun pumping seawater into Hamas's network of tunnels across the Gaza Strip, according to a report, as it aims to flush the terrorists out of their underground lair. Israel is said to have installed at least five pumps about a mile from the Al-Shati refugee camp in the north of the coastal enclave that could move thousands of cubic meters of water per hour, flooding 300 miles of tunnels. US officials have now revealed that the operation has begun, with the Biden administration being told that it will take weeks, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Asked about the report, the Israeli Defense Force's chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi appeared to to confirm the news, telling a press conference that employing water pumps to make tunnels inoperable would be a 'good idea'. But it comes amid fears that Hamas is harboring Israeli hostages in the labyrinth of passages and that the tactic could prove fatal for those trapped inside, with families continuing to pressure the government to bring them home before it is too late. The IDF announced on Tuesday that it had recovered the bodies of two Israelis taken hostage on October 7 - 27-year-old Eden Zacharia who had been taken from the Nova Festival and army Warrant Officer Ziv Dado, 36. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said 135 hostages remain in Gaza, as their families tirelessly campaign for them to be brought home immediately. Images released recently by the IDF last week appear to show scores of Israeli soldiers setting up a series of black pipes on the sandy beaches of Gaza, apparently to pump water from the Mediterranean. Video shared by Israeli media also appears to show IDF soldiers working on the pipes while underground. 'We are seeing a lot of underground infrastructure in Gaza, we knew there would be a lot. Part of the goal is to destroy this infrastructure,' Lt Gen Halevi said on Tuesday. 'We have various ways [to deal with the tunnels]. I won't talk about specifics, but they include explosives to destroy, and other means to prevent Hamas operatives from using the tunnels to harm our soldiers.' Five of the Israeli soldiers killed in battle in the northern Gaza strip were in the Golani Brigade, including Lieutenant Colonel Grinberg who was the commander of the 13th Battalion Major Shelly and Major Rom Hecht of the Special Rescue Tactical Unit (669) died in the same battle in the Shahja'iya neighborhood At least 115 Israeli soldiers have died since its ground offensive in the Gaza strip began in late October At least 20 of them were caused by accidents with 13 caused by friendly fire or internal fire from its own troops As Israel pushes further into the depths of Hamas's stronghold in Gaza, Israel Defense Forces troops battled terrorists above ground while the air force bombed more targets in the devastated Gaza Strip. But more than two months into the war sparked by the Palestinian group's unprecedented October 7 attack, Israel's staunchest ally warned it risked losing backing over the terrible humanitarian toll in Gaza, which the United Nations likened to 'hell on earth'. President Joe Biden said Israel had 'most of the world supporting it' after the October 7 attack, which according to Israeli officials killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 240 hostages. But in his most blunt remarks since the war began, Biden said Israel was starting to lose that support 'by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place'. Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas has left dead 18,412 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must also 'change' his stance on a two-state solution for the Palestinians, Biden added. Netanyahu said there was 'disagreement' with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift after weeks in which the US leader has strongly backed Israel. Biden's comments came before the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, a call that has so far paralyzed the Security Council. Advertisement Kamala Harris has been heckled during a holiday speech at her home by a Democratic lawmaker demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The Vice President was accosted by Delaware representative Madinah Wilson-Anton who unrolled a banner that read 'ceasefire' during the event on Monday. Harris was speaking at her and second gentleman Doug Emhoff's residence at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where they had been hosting festivities for officials when she was interrupted. 'Madam Vice President, I am a rep from Delaware. Did you know in Bethlehem they are not celebrating Christmas? Did you know in Bethlehem, baby Jesus is under rubble? Why won't you call for a cease-fire?' Wilson-Anton shouted at Harris. The Vice President fired back: 'I appreciate you wanting to be heard, but right now I'm speaking.' The Vice President was interrupted during her speech on Monday by Delaware Democratic Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton calling for a ceasefire in Gaza Wilson-Anton unfurled a banner which read 'ceasefire' before she was escorted out of the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC where the event was being held Wilson-Anton was then escorted out of the room. She later took to X, formerly Twitter, to post a video of the incident. The 30-year-old was elected as the first Muslim official in the state after being voted into the Delaware House of Representatives in 2021. She previously worked at the University of Delaware's Biden Institute. Wilson-Anton joins the likes of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) in calling for a ceasefire. Harris refused to engage with the representative, telling her: 'I appreciate you wanting to be heard, but right now I'm speaking.' Pictured: Harris in a social media post lighting a menorah with second gentleman Doug Emhoff Wilson-Anton was then escorted out of the room after the outburst during Harris' speech Her outburst comes after a group of more than 40 interns wrote an anonymous letter demanding the president and his deputy call for an 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza. The missive accused Biden and Harris of having 'ignored' the 'pleas of the American people.' The White House has stopped short of calling for a full ceasefire but has pushed for humanitarian pauses in Israel's airstrikes on Gaza. More than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed in the bombing, according to the nation's health ministry. A seven-day ceasefire was previously agreed by the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and for Hamas to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian captives. The temporary cease-fire expired on December 1. Cars were stranded in floodwater in London last night as a roundabout turned into a 'boating lake' and more than 200 other parts of Britain remained on alert. Vehicles had to be abandoned at Abbey Wood in south-east London at about 6pm as four fire engines and 25 firefighters tried to clear standing water from the roads. A 50-yard cordon was imposed along with road closures. While the cause of the flooding has not yet been confirmed, it followed heavy rain over the capital. The Environment Agency imposed 31 warnings for 'expected' flooding as well as 185 alerts for 'possible' incidents. One alert in London today covered a stretch of the River Thames from Teddington to Fulham. High tide at 2.15pm could bring flooding of low-lying roads and footpaths. But conditions are expected to become drier in many areas over the coming days, with high pressure building and unseasonable highs of 14C (57F) this weekend. Meanwhile there was rail chaos in the East Midlands after floodwater overwhelmed pumps at Draycott in Derbyshire today, between Derby and East Midlands Parkway. Network Rail said its pumps were working but the volume of water coming off the fields had flooded the tracks. National Rail warned disruption was 'expected until the end of the day', affecting CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway services. Cars are stranded in floodwater at a roundabout in Abbey Wood, south-east London, last night Firefighters attend the flooding in Abbey Wood yesterday evening after heavy rain in London Vehicles abandoned in Abbey Wood last night as 25 firefighters tried to clear standing water A 50-yard cordon was imposed in Abbey Wood last night along with road closures The flooding in Abbey Wood yesterday evening followed heavy rain over London Trains are delayed in Derbyshire today after floodwater overwhelmed pumps at Draycott In Abbey Wood last night, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were called at 6.15pm to a roundabout where Yarnton Way, Harrow Manorway and Eynsham Drive meet. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Time to hang up the winter coat? Britain could enjoy mild 14C temperatures by the weekend and may stay in double figures overnight due to tropical air from the Atlantic Advertisement Eyewitness Charlie Robery shared a video on X of water coming onto their bus and said: 'Anyone got a boat?!' Another observer added: 'Didn't know Abbey Wood had a boating lake by Lidl.' An LFB spokesman said: 'A number of vehicles were stranded in floodwater. There were no motorists stuck inside stranded vehicles and they were able to leave their vehicles before the arrival of the brigade. 'Firefighters have worked alongside multi-agency service partners to reduce the level of floodwater. Efforts are ongoing by partners to clear standing water from the area. 'Road closures remain in place and motorists are advised to continue avoiding the area.' Two fire engines from Bexley and Erith fire stations and two fire and rescue units from Bexley and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene. The LFB the incident was left in the care of the 'relevant water authority' at 9.31pm. Flooding was also reported on Nathan Way in nearby Plumstead last night, where firefighters responded and road closures were imposed. Today, there was a cloudy start to the day for much of England and Wales with some rain around for eastern areas, although it was brighter further north and west. Any cloud and rain was expected slowly clear eastwards through the afternoon and evening with sunny spells developing more widely for England and Wales. The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts (in amber) and warnings (in red) for England A flood alert in London today covers a stretch of the River Thames from Fulham to Teddington Cloud and rain will then spread into western Scotland and Northern Ireland through this evening, with clear spells developing further east. READ MORE Britain braces for another soaking: Barriers are deployed to protect homes along the River Severn as water levels continue to rise Advertisement Where it stays clear for longest in England, there may also be some frost before cloud and rain spreads into all areas later in the night. A cloudy start for eastern areas will follow tomorrow with cloud lingering for the far south and east for much of the day. Sunny spells will be developing widely further north and west with long sunny spells and some showers for western Scotland with a gusty, westerly breeze. Friday will begin fine and bright with sunny spells developing through the morning for most and just some showers for the far north. It will then be a cloudy but mild day on Saturday with some drizzle around and a gusty wind. The Met Office said some parts are expected to enjoy 'remarkable' mild temperatures for December this weekend with the mercury potentially getting up to 14C (57F). Forecasters said unusually mild air for December will arrive from the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean in the coming days, lifting temperatures widely above average. The 'exceptionally mild conditions' are particularly expected in central and northern areas of the country with daytime temperatures set to reach the mid-teens Celsius. The jet stream track will shift further north and this will allow pressure to build in the South High pressure will build in the South later this week with temperatures expected to hit 14C Minimum temperatures are unlikely to fall below double digits in the South later this week Temperatures are also expected to stay at 10C even overnight in the North later this week Minimum temperatures 'could be even more remarkable, widely staying in double figures and perhaps locally remaining in the low teens Celsius throughout the night'. READ MORE Now Met Office says it COULD snow on Christmas Day: Forecasters say there is 'increased' chance of a dusting of the white stuff in late December and the New Year Advertisement The jet stream had brought frequent areas of low pressure in recent days including two named storms, but its track will shift further north allowing pressure to build. Britain's highest maximum temperature ever recorded in December was only four years ago when Achfary in the Highlands hit 18.7C (65.7F) on December 28, 2019. While such heights are unlikely to be reached this week, the Met Office is expecting a peak of 14C (57F), with the North East set to be the mildest area. And the unseasonably warm conditions will be in stark contrast to two weekends ago when even daytime temperatures in the South were widely below freezing and the Lake District faced heavy snow . Met Office meteorologist Oliver Claydon told MailOnline: 'Later this week the jet stream will move further north and allow pressure to build from the south. 'As well as bringing a drier spell to much of the UK, it will bring in milder Atlantic air from the South West. 'This unusually mild air for December will push temperatures for much of the UK above average with daytime temperatures in the mid-teens and overnight temperatures potentially in the low teens in some locations.' He said the warm weather could also be helped along by the foehn effect. This is a change from wet and cold conditions on one side of a mountain, to warmer and drier conditions on the other. READ MORE The town surrounded by flood water: St Ives in Cambridgeshire is almost cut off after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Advertisement In Britain, it tends to happen over the Highlands where the moist prevailing westerly winds encounter high ground along Scotland's west coast. This can mean the west faces wet weather while the lower lying east enjoys warmth and sunshine. Mr Claydon said: 'As well as the source of mild air, the foehn effect will help push temperatures even higher in some north-eastern parts of the UK. 'The highest temperature is likely to be around 13C to 14C, most likely in the North East of the UK.' It comes as flood barriers were deployed to protect homes along the River Severn on Monday as its levels continue to rise. The Environment Agency installed the defences in the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury, with the river expected to have peaked in the town yesterday and in Worcestershire today. The Met Office said the amount of rain which fell in England and Wales between December 1 and 9 was more than double what is normally expected. An average of 52.1mm (2.05in) fell across the two nations. This was 50 per cent of the usual total for the whole of the month, when only 26 per cent of December rainfall would normally occur on the first nine days. A 39-year-old man who allegedly sent 17 million scam texts his lounge room using a specially designed machine has been arrested following a dramatic police raid. Detectives from the cybercrime squad on Tuesday morning broke down the door of a home in Moorebank, in Sydney's west, after an investigation into the use of SIM boxes. SIM boxes are electronic devices that can hold more than 250 active SIM cards which can send 150,000 scam text messages a day. Police allege that two active SIM boxes, an EFTPOS machine, a number of SIM cards and electronics consistent with running a fraudulent text message scam operation, where discovered at the property. A 39-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sending out more than 17 million scam messages Police seized two SIM boxes from the man's house when they raided the property early on Tuesday morning The 39-year-old was placed in handcuffs and taken to Liverpool police station. He was charged with using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence. The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Liverpool Local Court January 17. In the scam texts, the man allegedly claimed to be from a range of companies including Australia Post and toll company Linkt. Former digital forensic police officer Michael Heikkilae explained that scammers often pretend to be from well-known organisations. 'They will send out links from common Australian businesses such as Australia Post or banks and the idea is to instill a sense of urgency in clicking the link or providing information,' he told A Current Affair on Wednesday. Police allege the man's set-up may have cost Australians millions of dollars. Police have warned Aussies of the dangers of phishing scams, which claim to be texts from reputable institutions, in the lead-up to Christmas. 'As we enter the final lead-up to Christmas, a lot of people will be expecting online deliveries; but under no circumstances should you ever click on a link you receive in an SMS message or email,' cyber squad Commander Detective acting Inspector Jason Smith said. Police allegedly found a number of SIM cards when they searched the man's property An image of one of the scam texts messages the man allegedly sent trying to trick people into handing over money 'Scammers will often pretend to be from a reputable company or financial institution so even if it's a company you regularly deal with, the safer option is to independently log into that company's website to check your account. 'Legitimate businesses will never call or SMS customers seeking confidential information. Always be suspicious when you receive such requests'. According to Scam Watch, Australian have lost $92million in scams in the year to September 30. The most commonly reported scams were road toll scams with more than 19,000 reports and government impersonation scams with more than 17,000 reports. The most common delivery method for scams is via text message, followed by email. Fraud experts have issued fresh warnings over the latest 'hi mum' texts where scammers 'prey on our goodwill with emotive stories' and con parents into thinking their children are in trouble. The highly effective phone scam plays on parents' fears when scammers send a text message from a different number pretending to be one of their children before asking them to send money. One error-ridden message sent from a standard UK phone number which was seen by MailOnline this morning read: 'Mum, bad start to the day! Ive dropped my phone, please messge me back here,, (07922221899) once youve seen this!' But this message is by no means an anomaly. In recent weeks, several people have reported receiving similar messages and have shared screenshots of incidents in which they have been targeted by ruthless scammers. Pictured above are examples of scammers posing as children to con parents into sending money Another message from a regular number said: 'I've been stressed out all morning mum. Please message urgently on 07510884785 xx'. Meanwhile a longer message said: 'Hi mum, just letting you know i've dropped by phone like an idiot earlier on and it's cracked the screen really bad so i'm on a old phone for the meantime, i would've called but i can't hear anything coming from this phone it's really old but luckily i have insurance so i'll get a new one in about 2 days.' It appears that the scammers include several errors and 'kisses' in their messages in an attempt to perhaps make the texts more informal or personal. Other messages shared on social media include one which read: 'Hi Mum this is my new number so save it please. I had to upgrade x'. While another read: 'Hello Mom, could you please send me a text message on my temporary number 07510884785 as soon as possible? Many thanks! x.' Data shared to MailOnline by TSB shows that 'Friends and Family fraud' accounts for 53 per cent of all impersonation scams, with 93 per cent originating on WhatsApp. The average loss for the fraud victim is more than 1,600. Matt Hepburn, fraud spokesman for TSB, said: 'Friends and family impersonation scammers prey on our goodwill with emotive stories and pleas for urgent financial help, simply to steal money intended for someone close to us. 'If you receive one of these texts, contact the individual directly before engaging any further, and certainly before ever making a payment as it's highly likely to be a scam.' Consumer group Which? said that they first heard reports of the 'devastating' scam in 2021 - and warned that his has moved from WhatsApp to other channels, such as text messages, like the ones above. Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: 'It is devastating to see the impact that the notorious 'Hi mum/dad' scam continues to have on people. Scammers will use any hook they can to try to steal money and personal information from victims. 'Unfortunately, preying on the concern of loved ones is no exception, especially at a time when people are struggling to pay their household bills. 'If you find yourself receiving a message from a friend or family member asking for money there are some simple things you should do. Firstly, it's really important not to transfer funds immediately. 'Enquire further by asking who specifically it is by name and by calling them or asking for a voice note. 'The bank details they give will probably not match those of your loved one and it's likely the scammer will tell you it's because they can't access their bank account. Social media users have fumed at the 'really nasty scam' which is said to be doing the rounds again 'We first heard reports of this scam in 2021 and it has now moved from WhatsApp to other channels, such as text messages. You can report scam messages on WhatsApp by opening up the WhatsApp chat with the unknown number and selecting Block and Report. 'If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding it to 7726 before blocking the number.' She added that those who are concerned they have given money to a scammer should contact their bank and report it to Action Fraud or the police if in Scotland. Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud at Santander, told MailOnline: 'It's natural to want to immediately act on any messages from loved ones asking for help, but scammers will impersonate friends and family members to panic you into transferring money without thinking about what you're doing. 'Always take the time to consider what you're being asked to do. Any requests to transfer money to a new account or excuses why a person can't speak directly on the phone should be treated as a red flag.' Some social media users have fumed at their own 'stupidity' for falling for the scam, while others described it as 'really nasty'. One wrote on X: 'So I fell for the 'hi mum I've lost my phone scam on Friday. Had never heard of it unfortunately and was kicking myself at my own stupidity. Bank reimbursed me and then yesterday I got another text saying 'hi mum, still can't find my phone xx' ha cheeky bugger.' Another posted: 'I received a message on my phone purportedly from my daughter who often works away. It said she had badly damaged her new phone & had to buy a new one & she was using her friends phone. I tried ringing it, no answer. I asked them the name of my grandson's, no response. Alarm bells.' As messages of support flooded in, another wrote: 'It's def a scam. Ring your daughter on her usual number. I had this & nearly fell for it. Then my son had the same, with message 'Hi mum..'. It's a really nasty scam, doing the rounds again.' Steve Wilson, North Europe senior director at Norton, also issued warnings of the scam, with their research showing that text scams are one of the most common fraud methods. Mr Wilson told MailOnline: 'Scammers are constantly identifying new ways to target people, and with 17.9 million Brits falling victim to cyber crime last year alone according to our Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report, scammers' efforts are unfortunately working. 'As a prevalent example, we're seeing a rise in fraudsters approaching parents under false pretences and impersonating their family members, with the main objective being financial gain. In fact, our research has found that text scams are one of the most common scam methods (31 per cent). 'Fraudsters will pose under the guise of being a family member or friend in an emergency situation and reach out urgently asking for money. 'The messages will usually be sent from compromised accounts of friends or family, so it may appear to be coming from them, but the number may be unknown and unrecognisable. 'Scammers are tugging at our heart strings, and through impersonation they're able to target the most vulnerable and steal money out of innocent people's pockets.' A family has been left shattered after a mother-of-five suddenly died aged 33. Chelsea Turvey, from Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast, tragically passed away on December 6 at 4.53pm. Ms Turvey had only just celebrated for eight-year wedding anniversary with her husband, Jamie, and their children Atreyu, Alexis, Kruize, Jaxon and Tyson. Her cause of death has not been made public by her family. Chelsea Turvey, 33, from Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast, tragically passed away on December 6 at 4.53pm. Above with her best mate Hollie Simpson Ms Turvey's best friend, Hollie Simpson, started a fundraiser on behalf of the grief-stricken family to help provide support during the tough times they're facing. 'If you were lucky enough to know Chelsea and have her touch your heart like she did so many, hold these memories close and carry her with you always,' Ms Hollins wrote. 'As friends and family, we have all witnessed the incredible love and kindness she poured into others, and in this heartbreaking time we want to ease the financial burden for her family to allow them to focus their time and energy on the children. 'Rest easy our angel, we will take care of Jimmy and the kids.' The GoFundMe page has raised just under $10,000 of its $20,000 goal in under a week. Ms Turvey had just celebrated her eight-year wedding anniversary to husband Jamie who she is survived by alongside their five children (all pictured) Another close friend of Ms Turvey's described her as a 'star in every which way' for her passion as a mother and loving wife. 'We will do our very best to make sure your kids and jimmy know you love them so so much and be like their mother and never give in or up,' she wrote on Facebook. 'We are not even close to stand in her shoes and try to keep her family perfectly loved and cared for like she did - but we gotta try to be brave now.' A funeral service will be held for Ms Turvey on Saturday. David Sharaz sent a 'paranoid' email to Lisa Wilkinson on Brittany Higgins' behalf in case the government was screening her devices. The email, titled 'everything you need', was revealed in a list of documents uploaded to the Federal Court's website on Wednesday, amid Bruce Lehrmann's defamation trial against Wilkinson and Network Ten. There was no date on the document but it was likely sent around January 2021 when Wilkinson found out about Ms Higgins' rape allegations, and refers to a phone call they had on the same topic. Ms Higgins alleged Lehrmann, her former colleague, raped her in Parliament House in March 2019. He strongly denies the allegations. In the email, Mr Sharaz wrote: 'Hi Lisa - Thank you for your time over the phone today, and your sensitivity around what I truly feel is an injustice. Brittany Higgins is pictured with David Sharaz on her way to Marie Claire 'Women of the Year' awards in Sydney in November Pictured: The email David Sharaz sent Lisa Wilkinson in January 2021 'I'm sending this on behalf of Britt, purely because, and this sounds paranoid, we just don't know who might be keeping a close eye on her.' He then asked Wilkinson to speak with him if she needed more information, adding 'and I can put Britt on'. Earlier in the defamation trial, the Federal Court heard Ms Higgins appeared to believe the government put software on her phone when she worked as an advisor to former employment minister, Michaelia Cash. An audio clip from a pre-interview meeting with Ms Higgins, Mr Sharaz, Wilkinson, and Network Ten producer Angus Llewellyn was played in court. That meeting took place in a Sydney hotel room on January 27, 2021 - after Mr Sharaz sent the email to Wilkinson. Ms Higgins had told the group she was trying to take screenshots of conversations she had with her former Parliament House bosses, before she tried to update her phone. The update failed and she claimed to have lost all her data, including her photos. Lisa Wilkinson is pictured, left, with her barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC outside the Federal Court on Wednesday Under cross-examination on Tuesday, Mr Llewellyn said Ms Higgins was suggesting the government hacked her phone - adding that he didn't personally think that's what happened. 'I go for stuff up rather than a conspiracy,' he said. On Wednesday, the court heard Ms Higgins was 'terrified' the government would interfere with the forthcoming episode of The Project, during which her rape allegations were publicly aired for the first time. Mr Llewellyn said: 'Ms Higgins was very, very worried that the story was going to be somehow stopped by the government. Justice Michael Lee interjected: 'Ms Higgins was worried about the government stopping the story?' He replied: 'She was terrified.' The judge continued: 'What was the possible basis, as an experienced journalist, would you think there was a possibility of the government stopping publication?' Mr Llewellyn said he didn't understand injunctions - which is a court order that prevents a person or entity from doing something, and said Ms Higgins was simply afraid the story would be stopped somehow. Lisa Wilkinson is pictured with Brittany Higgins At the end of the email Mr Sharaz sent Wilkinson, he thanked her for speaking to her executive producer about doing a program based on Ms Higgins' allegations. He said Ms Higgins, who was still working for Senator Cash at the time, wanted to be 'out of Parliament House' by the time the story broke and the police investigation was relaunched. 'In addition to this I've gone and looked up the ACT Policing crime stats for 2019 and there was one reported sexual assault during the time Britt's incident occurred,' he wrote. He attached a timeline of Ms Higgins rape allegations and a map of other sexual assault allegations in Canberra in 2019. Ms Higgins' rape allegations were aired on The Project on February 15, 2021 - a few weeks after that email was sent. Mr Lehrmann is now suing the Wilkinson and the network over that broadcast. He was not named, but he claims former colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist. Ms Higgins, Mr Lehrmann and Mr Llewellyn have been cross-examined. Wilkinson's cross-examination will begin on Thursday. A conman who sold How Clean is Your House star Aggie MacKenzie a 770,000 north London home from hell has been jailed for seven years. David Farrah-Tunnicliffe, 51, was previously locked up in 2010 for five years over a 10 million fraud. Upon his release, the serial conman setup Glenmore Construction which sold the TV star the north London home which cost 150,000 to set right due to raw sewage collecting under the kitchen as well as leaky walls and roof. In a case that concluded this week, Farrah-Tunnicliffe was jailed for seven years after he admitted to money laundering in a 2 million scheme. He was also found to have stolen the identity of a dead man whose bank card was found in a wallet Farrah-Tunnicliffe left in a bank. David Farrah-Tunnicliffe, 51, admitted to money laundering and fraud in court earlier this week after 2 million scheme was uncovered by police How Clean is Your Home host Aggie MacKenzie , 68, was sold a home from hell by the fraudster Police found the 770,000 raised from the sale of the horror home to Aggie MacKenzie was used to buy a swanky Brighton flat. The luxury goods brand, Bulgari, also lost at least 500,000 to Farrah-Tunnicliffe paying fake invoices. Police started investigating Farrah-Tunnicliffe again in 2019 after a bag which contained his passport and a number of bank cards with different names was handed into Brighton Police Station. Farrah-Tunnicliffe also left his wallet in a bank which had the bank of cards belonging to the man, who died in 2018, who he had impersonated. An investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) discovered that Farah-Tunnicliffe was setting up companies in alias names which were used to launder the proceeds of frauds. Another investigation was launched jointly with the National Investigation Service (NATIS) and SEROCU. It found that Farrah-Tunnicliffe was involved in applying for and obtaining rate relief from six councils and one loan he fraudulently received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money laundering total amounted to 2,149,385.99. A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation is ongoing, police said. Investigating officer, DS Maria Isom, of SEROCU, said: 'This has been a lengthy and complex investigation in which Farrah-Tunnicliffe, Harper and Robertson have used multiple bank accounts to launder the proceeds of invoice and investment frauds. 'As a result, victims from across the world have lost large amounts of money. 'Farrah-Tunnicliffe was highly knowledgeable and acted as a coach to Harper and Robertson, enabling them to carry out the money laundering. 'Consequently, he will now spend time in prison. 'I hope this case demonstrates the commitment that SEROCU has to tackling large-scale fraud and that offenders can expect to be caught and taken to court.' Farrah-Tunnicliffe was found to have acted with a accomplices, who also received sentences. David Harper, 45, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which was suspended for 20 months after he admitted to money laundering. John Robertson, 75, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which suspended for 18 months after he admitted to money laundering. Aggie MacKenzie, 68, told The Sun after the fraudster was locked up: 'He is someone without empathy, probably a narcissist, doesn't care who he screws over. 'I suspect he doesn't take any responsibility for his crimes. 'In some ways I feel sorry for him because his whole life is a lie.' Have you dealt with Farrah-Tunnicliffe? Email: Dan.Grennan@MailOnline.co.uk With Indias GenZs and Millennials showing surging interest in travel to Japan and South Korea, and an increased appetite to learn Japanese and Korean, Airbnb and Duolingo are launching a unique campaign that provides travelers with an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of these two unique countries. The program aims to reduce the language barrier that often impedes deeper cultural immersion, and equip travelers with essential language skills to enhance their appreciation and understanding of local customs and traditions. The spike in language learning on Duolingo perfectly aligns with the increased searches for local stays on Airbnb, demonstrating a desire amongst Indians to break down the language barriers and engage in more meaningful connections with the local communities while traveling to Japan or South Korea. Recent Airbnb data has revealed a significant uptick in travel interest to Japan and South Korea. Airbnb has seen an almost 75% growth in searches for Airbnb stays in Korea and almost a whopping 300% increase for stays in Japan. Concurrently, Duolingo has reported a notable trend in language learning preferences among Indians, with Japanese and Korean emerging as some of the most popular languages learned on the platform. Globally, Japanese ranks as the fifth most learned language, while Korean has jumped to the sixth position, as highlighted in the 2023 Duolingo Language Report, which tracks the worlds biggest trends in language learning. The report also indicated a remarkable 75% year-over-year growth in Korean language learning among learners in India. This parallel rise in travel and language interests underlines a growing fascination with Japanese and Korean cultures among Indian travelers. Building on these trends, Airbnb and Duolingo are teaming up to transform the travel experiences in Japan and South Korea, targeting the language barrier that often impedes deeper cultural immersion. This collaboration seeks to equip travelers with essential language skills, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of local customs and traditions. ...continue reading Advertisement This is the terrifying moment a mother-of-four was held hostage at gunpoint by her stalker ex-boyfriend for eight hours and left fearing she would never see her children again. Rhianon Bragg, from Snowdonia in North Wales, was subjected to a campaign of harassment by Gareth Wyn Jones after she ended their relationship in 2019 which culminated in the horrifying ordeal. The brave mother has since revealed she felt his horrendous stalking was 'much worse' than being held at gunpoint, and has slammed news that he will be freed next year despite concerns about the safety of the public. The former mechanic is serving a four-and-a-half year jail term for stalking and making threats to kill, but is set to be released in February automatically at the end of his sentence. That's despite a Parole Board panel last month finding it would not be safe to release him and that he has never accepted culpability for his crimes, with his victim calling his impending freedom 'absolute madness'. Ms Bragg met mechanic Jones when he came to fix a puncture she had while rushing to see her father who'd had a stroke Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, Ms Bragg again slammed the decision to release him and revealed the terrifying impact his actions had on her. She claimed that despite the horror of being held at gunpoint, the 'emotion' she felt while being stalked by him was 'much worse'. She told host Susanna Reid: 'You talked about when I could see him, in some ways that's almost the easier type [of thing to deal with]. 'It's when you can't see them and when you don't know where they are and when you don't where they're going to crop up next.' Ms Bragg added that the nightmare of being stalked by her ex left her thinking about ending her own life as a way to escape him. READ MORE HERE: Ministry of Justice is slammed for sending victim's personal details to her violent stalker in clerical error Advertisement She said: 'It had got to the point where the pressure was so intense, it was so incessant - I'd been reporting to the police all the way through, I was being told nothing was happening, that they couldn't do anything about it - and it had got to the point where I was considering taking my own life as a way out. 'To have the gun at your chest and someone else making the decision that they're going to end your life isn't as bad as someone behaving to you in such a way that you consider taking your own life.' Jones had started harassing Ms Bragg and her four children when she ended their five-year relationship in 2019. She reported Jones to the police a number of times. He was arrested three times and had his legally held guns taken away, but no further action was taken and his firearms were returned. Prosecutors later admitted they could have charged Jones three months earlier with harassment and spared Ms Bragg her gunpoint ordeal. Last month Ms Bragg said the justice system was 'broken' after learning of his release. It came nearly two years after finding out the Ministry of Justice divulged details of her psychological report to Jones while he was in prison in a 'horrendous' clerical error. Ms Bragg said: 'I cannot conceive how anything other than a completely blinkered, unjoined up, broken justice system, would release an offender that it had just classed as too high risk to release. The mother-of-four, who went to the same public school as the Princess of Wales, said Jones 'waged a campaign of terror, stalking and harassment' against her and her children Ms Bragg wrote in the Mail that she recognised Jones's semi-automatic weapon because she had previously used it to shoot clay pigeons 'It's mind-blowing, absolute madness - what will they say to his next victims? It's not like they're pretending he won't reoffend.' She continued: 'We're hoping for a workable, sustainably funded Victims Bill. I think there's no hope of that, when the system can't even contain known offenders. 'We are just guinea pigs.' Jones will spend five years on licence when he is released from prison, meaning he will be managed by probation staff with the chance of being recalled to prison if he commits further crimes. A summary of the Parole Board panel's decision on Jones said that he had held 'traditional beliefs around gender roles in relationships and evidenced jealousy and a sense of entitlement', while struggling to manage conflict. It found that he saw asking for help as a sign of weakness, and noted that there were emotional and mental health difficulties in this case. A release plan where Jones would live in designated accommodation with strict limits on his contacts, movements and activities was not deemed robust enough. The panel concluded: 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.' Ms Bragg said: 'I'm relieved the Parole Board recognise this offender can't be safely managed in the community, because as one of his victims, I really don't feel like I've been listened to at most stages of the justice process. 'I have always said that he was mentally unwell and that he wouldn't think he had done anything wrong. I don't think that's really been taken into account, at least now that's been stated. 'The night he held me hostage and was threatening to murder me, he even said that I had made his life harder because I hadn't started a new relationship. He tried to use jealousy as an excuse, when there had never been anyone else to be jealous of. 'He had always said that his previous relationships failed because the women ran off with other men, he's never confessed to any abuse. I've met both his ex wives, they're amazing survivors, who I admire greatly.' A rogue landlord has been fined half a million pounds after renting out a large shed as five separate flats - ten years after neighbours first tipped off the council. Yehuda Levhar of Sudbury, north-west London, rented out the shed without seeking planning permission. Brent Council was first alerted by locals as long ago as 2013. At the same premises, Levhar also pleaded guilty to renting out a house as two flats - without planning permission - at Hendon Magistrates' Court in 2021. After being alerted to the rogue landlord's activities, the council issued an enforcement notice, Harrow Online reports, but Levhar refused to comply. Ten years later, he has finally been brought to justice and ordered to pay 485,000. Levhar rented out a large shed as five different flats illegally, a court has found He was finally fined at Hendon Magistrates' Court, ten years after the council was first tipped off about his activities The case was complicated after officers were told by tenants their landlord was named Barry Jacobs - meaning his true identity could not be found. The premises were eventually registered with the Land Registry under the name Yehuda Levhar. Officers successfully tracked Levhar down in 2020. Levhar was prosecuted last week, following three years of court hearings. He has been ordered to pay 60,000 in court costs and a 1,000 fine to the court. He was also handed a 424,000 confiscation order, designed to make him repay the Government for the criminal profit he has made over the years. Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, said: 'Yehuda Levhar has felt the force of the law for choosing to rip off tenants, house them in appalling conditions and ignore planning regulations. 'This sort of exploitation is illegal and we will root out every last landlord in Brent who acts like this. 'We will utilise in full force our recently granted borough-wide licensing, which will enable us to improve standard of living for renters in Brent, and give landlords clear guidance on what responsibilities are expected of them to safeguard renters' security.' Advertisement Breathless bodycam footage has revealed the moment an Israeli reservist fought off two Hamas gunmen in a lethal close quarters gunfight that unfolded in the hallways of a building in Gaza City. The adrenaline-filled clip shows how the soldier from the Yalam unit of Israel's Combat Engineering Corps was confronted by Hamas fighters as he stalked through the structure in the city's Shajaiya neighbourhood. Entering a room whose door had been blown off its hinges, the soldier at first appears to be alone - but the moment of calm is immediately shattered as a pair of Hamas gunmen appear from the rubble and begin shooting. The reservist reacts at unbelievable speed, leaping back into the hallway for cover before peeking round the corner and blasting one terrorist from mere feet away. Taking cover again, the soldier pauses for a moment of rest. But seconds later, he is blown off his feet by the brutal blast of a grenade hurled into the hallway by his foe. The IDF reservist is seen blasting a Hamas gunman from less than 10 feet The body of the first Hamas gunman is seen splayed out on the ground The IDF soldier returns to the hallway to recover before a grenade is thrown by the second Hamas gunman The explosion blasts the IDF reservist off his feet but he somehow miraculously survived The IDF soldier surged back into the room, rounded a corner and faced down with the second terrorist For a split second it looked as though the savage explosion may have incapacitated the fearless soldier. But he heroically dragged himself to his feet, waded through the debris and forced himself back into the room to hunt down the one remaining Hamas fighter. As he turned a corner, the terrorist appeared at the top of a staircase and squeezed off a single shot from his pistol, but missed. His lack of marksmanship proved fatal. The Israeli reservist immediately returned fire, pumping five rounds of hot lead into the Hamas attacker from near-point-blank range and sending him crumpling to the floor. The stunning footage underscores the intensity of the fighting between the IDF and Hamas fighters in Gaza. The Israeli army said Wednesday that 115 soldiers have been killed so far in its offensive in the Gaza Strip. It said 10 soldiers died in fighting in the north of the territory on Tuesday, the deadliest day for the military since the ground assault began on October 27. But now Israel is facing mounting pressure from its allies over its war in Gaza, with key backer - the United States - criticising its bombing in response to the October 7 attacks as 'indiscriminate'. The United Nations General Assembly also overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution yesterday that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the devastated territory. The war began after Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities. Vowing to destroy Hamas and to bring the hostages home, Israel launched a withering offensive on Gaza, which is ruled by the militant group. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the war has killed more than 18,400 people, mostly women and children. The ministry reported Wednesday that at least another 50 people were killed in the latest wave of Israeli air strikes across the territory. Biden told a campaign event in Washington that Israel had 'most of the world supporting it' after the Hamas attack. 'But they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place,' he said. Israeli soldiers operate at the Shajaiya district of Gaza city amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip December 8, 2023 Israeli soldiers operate with a tank at the Shajaiya district of Gaza city amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip December 8, 2023 Israeli soldiers operate at the Shajaiya district of Gaza city amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip December 8, 2023 A view of the damaged area after Israeli air strikes on December 12, 2023 in Rafah, Gaza A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during an Israeli strike on December 11, 2023 Washington has been calling for weeks for Israel to take more care to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza, saying that too many Palestinians have been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there was 'disagreement' with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift between the allies. And the leaders of Australia, Canada and New Zealand - other Israel allies - called for a ceasefire, issuing a rare joint statement to say they were 'alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza'. Their statement came after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, with an overwhelming 153 member nations of 193 voting in favour. While the United States and Israel voted against the resolution, Australia, Canada, New Zealand all voted in favour. The vote came as the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees Philippe Lazzarini described the situation in Gaza as 'hell on earth'. 'Back in #Gaza, endless deepening tragedy. People are everywhere, live in the street, need everything. They plead for safety & for an end to this hell on earth,' Lazzarini posted on X at the end of a visit to the territory. Meanwhile, fears of a wider conflict continue to grow, with Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria, and daily exchanges of fire along Israel's border with Lebanon. The Israeli army said projectiles had been fired from Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday and it had retaliated by striking launch sites. An electrician who punched a millionaire banking boss to death will be released from prison today in time for Christmas - after just eight months behind bars. Steven Allan knocked Paul Mason to the ground during the sickening unprovoked attack and then fled on a rickshaw as the 52-year-old lay dying in the street. Allan, 35, was jailed for three-years and nine months in April after admitting manslaughter but has been freed early on licence. Mr Masons devastated family were given the news by probation officials and say they are horrified Allan will be out having not even served a year of his sentence. His sister Rachel Mason told MailOnline: As we approach our third Christmas without Paul, his killer will be released today from prison after serving just eight months of his three year and nine-month sentence for brutally killing Paul and running away as he lay dying on the streets of the West End. Steve Allan, 35, was jailed for three-years and nine months in April after admitting manslaughter but has been freed early on licence Paul Mason hit his head on the pavement after being punched and despite doctors' attempts to save his life by replacing part of his skull with a titanium sheet, he died six months later Mr Allan knocked Paul Mason to the ground during the sickening unprovoked attack and then fled on a rickshaw as the 52-year-old lay dying in the street He is free to spend Christmas with his loved ones and we are left with a huge Paul shaped void again this Christmas. Steven Allan killed Paul as he was drunk, apparently anxious and out of control. Justice has not been served, over 60,000 people signed the petition to have the unduly lenient sentence reviewed and agreed it was clearly murder. This review though was denied by the Attorney General. The judge stated in court he would receive a substantial sentence, he didnt. The justice system failed us. Its incredibly painful to know Pauls killer will have spent such a short time in prison for such a violent attack on a wholly innocent man. Ms Mason called on the Government to overhaul the manslaughter sentencing guidelines so that another miscarriage of justice like this cannot happen again. She added: What hope do we have for a decent, kind, peaceful society in the UK if we dont punish killers appropriately? Mr Mason, the CEO for Qatar National Bank, had been enjoying Christmas festivities three years ago when his night ended in violence and tragedy. He was with two friends at The Ivy Club, an exclusive private members' club in Soho, on the evening of December 15, 2020. As he emerged from the club, he helped a female friend into a black taxi before walking towards the junction where he was attacked. Allan had been drinking in a number of bars when he bumped into Mr Mason and accused him of stealing a friend's mobile phone. He marched across the road and was captured on CCTV attempting to grab something from Mr Mason, who shrugged him off and stepped back. Allan followed him and punched with his right fist, knocking Mr Mason towards a building and onto the floor. As he tried to get back on his feet Allan punched him a second time and then delivered an upper cut that caused him to fly back and land on his back with his head hitting the pavement. Three off-duty nurses who witnessed the attack tried to help Mr Mason, who had been knocked unconscious, and he was rushed to hospital where doctors carried out a procedure to replace part of his skull with a sheet of titanium. Allan had been drinking in a number of bars when he bumped into Paul Mason (pictured) and accused him of stealing a friend's mobile phone before the unprovoked attack Mr Mason's sister, Rachel Mason (pictured), called for an overhaul the manslaughter sentencing guidelines so that another miscarriage of justice like this cannot happen again Mr Mason had been the chief executive officer at Qatar National Bank (pictured) at the time of his death Mr Mason was killed after spending an evening at the Ivy club in the West End, a well-known haunt for actors and executives Despite their best efforts he fell into a coma and died six months later on June 4, 2021. Allan, from Hook in Hampshire, fled the scene, but later handed himself in to police. He admitted manslaughter but a jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for 24 hours to find him not guilty of murder in February following a retrial. In her victim impact speech, Ms Mason revealed her oldest brother Simon, a recovering alcoholic, drank himself to death in September 2021. He died just six days after his 56th birthday having binged on vodka to numb the pain of losing his brother. Mr Masons family demanded a review of Allans sentence and set up an online petition, which more than 60,000 people signed. But the Attorney General decided not to refer Allan's sentence to the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. Labour's Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general, expressed her 'disappointment and disbelief' at the decision and demanded Government action for bereaved families. Solicitor general Michael Tomlinson, one of the Government's law officers, acknowledged there were 'strong feelings' over the 'unprovoked and violent attack' on Mr Mason. But he stressed the threshold for a sentencing review was not met in Allan's case. The 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Vladimir Putin's 'favourite propagandist newspaper' has been found dead at her home in Moscow. Anna Tsareva, the deputy editor of pro-Putin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, was found by her father after he became worried he hadn't seen her for a couple of days. Police have opened an investigation into her death, according to Baza online news outlet. Initial reports say there was no indication of a break-in to her apartment or any 'signs of a violent death'. It is understood she had developed an unspecified acute respiratory viral infection, and had suffered a high fever for several days. However, Shot media reported today that it is suspected she died of 'acute heart failure'. Anna Tsareva, the deputy editor of pro-Putin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, was found dead by her father after he became worried he hadn't seen her for a couple of days Police have opened an investigation into Anna Tsareva's death In September 2022, her boss Vladimir Sungorkin, 68, (pictured with Putin) editor-in-chief and director general of Komsomolskaya Pravda, died of an apparent heart attack. Her body was found by her father who became worried that she had not been in touch since Sunday. He entered her flat in Bolshoy Tishinsky Lane in central Moscow. Tsareva was reported to be in charge of content on Komsomolskaya Pravda's website, including stories about Putin's war against Ukraine. It is the biggest news website in Russia, attracting 83.9million readers in October. She had been deputy editor-in-chief for six years. In September 2022, her boss Vladimir Sungorkin, 68, editor-in-chief and director general of Komsomolskaya Pravda, died of an apparent heart attack. But his death had been seen as suspicious after medics found signs of suffocation. He is often included among a list of dozens of untimely or mysterious deaths since the start of Putin's war. Sungorkin fell unconscious on a tour of the Russian far east minutes after suggesting his group 'find a beautiful place somewhere for lunch.' Anna's body was found by her father who became worried that she had not been in touch since Sunday Anna Tsareva, 35, (right) deputy editor-in-chief of Putin's favourite propaganda newspaper 'Komsomolskaya Pravda' found dead in Moscow Colleague Leonid Zakharov said: 'Three minutes later, Vladimir began to suffocate. We took him out for fresh air, he was already unconscious Nothing helped. 'The doctor who did the initial examination said that apparently it was a stroke. But this is the initial conclusion.' Sungorkin had been sanctioned by the West over the war. He was branded by the European Commission as 'one of the main actors in foreign information manipulation and interference activities or propagandists who often speaks out on Ukraine, creating misinformation and manipulating facts.' He was accused of 'disseminating and legitimising aggressive anti-Ukraine and anti-Western propaganda of the Putin regime under direct Kremlin authority in one of Russia's most popular media outlets.' The commission stated: 'The newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda has been described also by President Vladimir Putin as his favourite newspaper.' The editor 'is therefore responsible for supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine'. KP was the largest newspaper in the USSR and - after the fall of the Soviet Union - Russia. Tsareva previously worked as deputy editor at then staunchly independent Echo Moscow radio station under highly-respected editor-in-chief Alexei Venediktov. She also had a stint at state news agency TASS. Advertisement This is the moment a farmer who was caught driving with his dog tied to the back of his car before dumping it was arrested - while he sat having a haircut and indulging in a cup of tea. Police bodycam footage shows cruel Kim Norman Rendall being detained halfway through the trim as his white husky Daisy was bleeding out. Rendall, 65, was given a suspended sentence yesterday after he was filmed dragging Daisy for around 200 metres while tied with a rope in High Littleton, near Bath. The dog was left severely injured in the incident on the afternoon of April 17 this year and had to put to sleep after failing to recover. Bristol Crown Court heard numerous motorists witnessed the horror and tried to stop Rendall by beeping and flashing their lights at his red Nissan Micra. But Rendall refused to get help for his dog or tell police where he had dumped her when they turned up at his home to find him enjoying a cup of tea and a haircut. Rendall (pictured) was sentenced yesterday to eight months in prison, suspended for two years Daisy (pictured) was eventually found by police but was left severely injured in the incident and had to be put to sleep nine days later after failing to recover A farmer was caught dragging his white husky down the road before she later died due to her injuries Rendall was sentenced on Tuesday to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, 300 hours of unpaid work alongside a 20 year disqualification from having or keeping animals with the exception of cattle, and fish. He was also ordered to pay 5,000 costs. As he arrived at court he was greeted by supporters of Daisy waving banners demanding 'justice' for her. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Michael Longman said the defendant had shown a 'high degree of recklessness' in his actions. He said the excuse of social awkwardness 'does not begin to explain or mitigate your behavour'. The judge told Rendall that even if he had not realised the extent of Daisy's injuries by the time he drove off he had still showed an 'arrogant distain' towards her. He described obstructing the police who were trying to get medical help for the dog as ''truly dreadful' and added: 'I don't believe that you were devastated. You showed a deliberate disregard for Daisy's welfare in failing to seek treatment.' Rendall had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two counts of causing the unnecessary suffering of an animal contrary to the Animal Welfare Act. A video, released by the RSPCA showed Daisy being dragged along the road in High Littleton, near Bath. Distressed locals stopped and confronted him while Daisy bled onto the road and attempted to stand up. Prosecutors said he drove for around 55 seconds - covering a distance of approximately 200 metres. This is the moment Kim Norman Rendall was arrested while he was having a haircut The poor pooch had been haemorrhaging blood onto the road and was barely able to stand up following the incident Daisy sustained complicated and traumatic injuries (pictured) - including both hind legs suffering full-thickness skin loss and an open fracture of a foot Distressed witnesses dialled 999 when he laughed at their pleas for him to take the dog to a vet. He went on to state: 'I'll do what I want, it's my dog'. After stopping he took a bin from his vehicle, placed Daisy in his boot and drove away. Prosecutor Gregory Gordon said Daisy was tied to the boot latch, which stopped the boot from closing. 'It is clear that the boot was never closed, it was never intended to be closed', he added. Police attended the Micra's registered address, his mother's home, within an hour and Rendall was found there indulging in a cup of tea and having a haircut. He refused to tell officers where Daisy was and said he would get his own veterinary care for her. Given the urgency of the situation, he was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. In response, the court heard he said: 'I don't like this at all, I don't like this at f***ing all'. He was described as rude and aggressive towards custody officers when they booked him in and his trainers were covered in blood. In the meantime, 18 police officers and a drone unit were deployed in a bid to locate Daisy and get her the life-saving treatment they believed she needed. One police officer who later found Daisy described her injuries (pictured) as 'the worst thing I have ever seen' and it made her 'feel physically sick' Following a two-and-a-half hour hunt in the Somerset countryside, she was eventually located in a cow barn in Gossard Lane, High Littleton. She was rushed to Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital in Bath in a police vehicle travelling on blue lights and sirens. Vets said she sustained complicated and traumatic injuries - including both hind legs suffering full-thickness skin loss and an open fracture of a foot. Despite the best efforts of vets to treat Daisy, her pain could not be controlled and she was put to sleep nine days later. An earlier hearing heard how one witness 'fell to the floor and went into shock' following the incident and was prescribed Diazepam by her GP due to being unable to sleep. PC Natalie Cosgrove also described Daisy's injuries as 'the worst thing I have ever seen' and it made her 'feel physically sick'. 'I felt shocked, I couldn't sleep and I cried... I hugged my own dog crying in sympathy for Daisy', she told the court previously in a victim person statement. She added that the dog's suffering was 'something that cannot be described' and said she was 'traumatised' when Rendall smirked in his police interview. 'I just felt incredibly sorry for her, that a human let her down so badly. 'This is one of those jobs that will haunt me forever.' Rishi Sunak faces the final PMQs of the year today amid fears the Tories are plunging into a repeat of Brexit wars after he dramatically saw off a mutiny on his Rwanda plan. The premier will aim to send his troops into the Christmas break on a positive note after yesterday's extraordinary arm-twisting and coaxing. The emergency legislation designed to get deportation flights going cleared its first Commons hurdle by 313 votes to 269 - a majority of 44. However, dozens of MPs abstained - with grim threats from both the wings of the party to crash the Bill when it returns to Parliament in January. Rebels on the Tory Right say the will 'kill' the new laws unless Mr Sunak toughens them up, while there are complaints from the One Nation faction that it already goes too far in watering down international human right rules. MPs have voiced alarm that the situation is 'Brexit all over again' with the 'same arguments, the same groups, the same people leading them'. Those tensions ended the premierships of David Cameron and Theresa May, and only finally eased thanks to Boris Johnson's 2019 election landslide. But in a round of interviews this morning James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right. He risked fuelling tensions with right-wingers by suggesting they would be harming their own interests by blocking the Bill. In a round of interviews this morning Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right A file picture of migrants crossing the Channel on a small boat 'We of course are more than willing to listen to good faith amendments that are designed to make the Bill better, keep it within the bounds of international law, keep it in a state that the Rwandans are happy to work with,' he said. Put to him that 'a lot of Tories' do not want the legislation to work, he told Sky News: 'No, this is absolutely wrong. The Conservative Party is united on the desire to get this right and to stop the boats. 'The Labour Party's position is to try and wreck it.' Despite a day of sabre-rattling, no Tories voted against the legislation last night. Some 29 deliberately sat out the division, including Suella Braverman and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick. Several of those who abstained seem to object to the harshness of the measures rather than them being too weak. It would have needed around 29 Tories voting against or 57 abstentions to overturn the government majority. In reality the figure would have had to be higher as five independents supported the party line. They included ex-Tory Peter Bone, who has just returned from being suspended from the House. Rishi Sunak seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief as he was driven away from Parliament tonight The government had a relatively comfortable margin of 44 in the second reading vote The emergency legislation intended to get Rwanda deportation flights up and running passed its first hurdle in the Commons by 313 to 269 - a majority of 44 Posting on social media after the announcement, Mr Sunak said he can 'deliver' on his vow to Stop the Boats Tory MPs sitting on the top left of the picture as the division took place appeared to be abstaining A defeat on the totemic policy could well have been terminal for Mr Sunak - although he still faces a massive test to push the legislation through the rest of the Parliamentary process. One rebel on the Tory Right said: 'This Bill has been allowed to live another day. But without amendments, it will be killed next month. It's now up to the Government to decide what it wants to do.' Who were the Tory abstentions? An analysis of the Commons voting list reveals there were 29 likely Tory abstentions on the Second Reading of the Rwanda Bill. They were: Sir Jake Berry Suella Braverman Sir Bill Cash Miriam Cates Rehman Chishti Simon Clarke Theo Clarke Sarah Dines Richard Drax Sir James Duddridge Tobias Ellwood Natalie Elphicke Mark Francois Chris Green Jonathan Gullis Sir John Hayes Adam Holloway Tom Hunt Robert Jenrick Dr Caroline Johnson David Jones Danny Kruger Marco Longhi Craig Mackinlay Stephen McPartland Robin Millar Jill Mortimer Jesse Norman Sir John Redwood Advertisement Any attempt to harden the legislation - even if Mr Sunak were minded to do so - would provoke howls of protest from the One Nation wing of the party. Moderates have already been voicing disquiet at the measures to loosen human rights rules. Ex-Cabinet minister Damian Green told Sky News that the law 'goes right to the edge of what is acceptable' He pointed out that the government had 'quite a big win', adding there was 'less opposition than people were expecting'. Mr Sunak was seen hugging chief whip Simon Hart in the Commons just seconds after the result was declared. Posting on social media after the announcement, Mr Sunak said: 'The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts. 'That's what this Bill delivers. We will now work to make it law so that we can get flights going to Rwanda and stop the boats.' Before the vote, Mark Francois, chair of the right-wing ERG bloc, said: 'We have decided collectively that we cannot support the Bill tonight because of its many omissions.' He added that Sir Bill Cash, the senior Conservative backbencher, was expected to come forward with proposals to toughen the Bill in the coming weeks. 'The Prime Minister has been telling colleagues today he is prepared to entertain tightening the Bill,' Mr Francois added. 'We very much hope... those amendments may yet be accepted. If they are not and the Bill remains unamended again, collectively, we agreed to reserve the right to vote against it at Third Reading.' Hardliners were incensed by the government's tactics during a frantic day of coaxing and strong-arming. An hour-long breakfast summit at No10 - where potential rebels including Lee Anderson, the Conservative deputy chairman, Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger were served bacon rolls - failed to break the deadlock. In a sign of alarm among Tory whips, Net Zero minister Graham Stuart was dragged back from the COP28 summit in Abu Dhabi to vote, before heading back to the Middle East in a near-7,000 mile round trip. MPs on one Commons committee were ordered to cancel a Caribbean visit in order to take part in the showdown. One senior right-winger told MailOnline that whips had 'wound people up' by being 'on transmit rather than receive'. Despite voting to support the Bill, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said he could always rescind his backing at a later date. He said: 'We always reserve the right to do what we have to do when we think it doesn't work, my personal view is I want to see the Government listen and engage. 'Right now this was a very difficult Bill to get through, very contentious, it was the toughest bit of legislation concerning people's rights, in terms of asylum seekers, that we've seen, and that's because the crisis is big and many people are dying in the channel. 'It's happening all over Europe France is in defiance of the European court, sending people back. 'Denmark passed legislation to send people back, Sweden is doing the same, Germany is in turmoil, Italy is talking about defying the court this is not just the UK. 'It's part of the problem that all around Europe we're facing, so this is the issue here on our island and we have to resolve it, otherwise it creates chaos.' Mr Jenrick led Tory opposition to the legislation during a bad-tempered Commons debate. The MP, who plunged the PM into chaos by quitting as immigration minister last week, branded parts of the emergency legislation 'sophistry' and warned it will not work. He said that tougher action is needed because 'the public are watching' and will not tolerate failure. Labour is claiming that the UK is now set to hand the African nation 400million after Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed another 50million is due next year. Mark Francois, the chair of the European Research Group, said MPs on the Tory right were withholding support for the Rwanda legislation Robert Jenrick led Tory attacks on Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plans today during a bad-tempered Commons debate The 'five families' trying to make Rishi an offer he cannot refuse The New Conservatives A right-wing traditionalist group led by evangelical Christians Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger. Its ranks are drawn mainly from MPs first elected in 2019, with a lot of Red Wall politicians including Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson involved. was only formed in May but has made headlines agitating for a more hardline party that is tough on immigration, pro-traditional families and strong in fighting the culture war. It has called for a hard cap on migrant numbers. European Research Group An older Brexiteeer group on the right of the party which came to the fore during the Brexit years under Jacob Rees-Mogg. It played a key role in organising opposition to Theresa May and has continued to be a thorn in the side of the Government when it wants to be. Led now by Mark Francois it has convened a 'star chamber' led by veteran eurosceptic Bill cash to run the rule over the Rwanda law. Common Sense Group Another informal group on the right led by Suella Braverman ally Sir John Hayes and Sir Edward Leigh. In 2021 it backed a 'Britain Uncancelled' campaign with Sir John launching a blistering attack on statue-toppling, politically correct woke warriors, and demanded to know why Whitehall departments granted 'huge sums of money' to groups that were 'entirely hostile to British values of fairness, open-mindedness, mutual respect and reasonableness'. One Nation Caucus A group of more than 100 MPs on the moderate wing of the party. It has described leaving the ECHR as a red line for its members. It is said to be unhappy at the law giving ministers unilateral plans to brand Rwanda as 'safe' and over-rule human rights laws and may yet refuse to back the new law in Parliament. Northern Research Group A group founded by ex-Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry to represent Conservatives in seats in the north of England, many of which switched from Labour for the first time at the last election. Less openly ideological than some of the other groups, but regards immigration as a key issue for its voters. Advertisement A Commons defeat would have marked the first time that a Government had failed to get legislation past a first reading since 1986, when Margaret Thatcher wanted to scrap restrictive Sunday trading laws. The Safety of Rwanda Bill has been drawn up in response to last month's Supreme Court ruling that sending Channel migrants to the east African state would be unlawful. The court found that Rwanda's asylum system was potentially unsafe because there was a risk that migrants could be sent back to their home countries where they might be ill-treated. Ministers signed a treaty with Rwanda last week stating that migrants sent from the UK will not be deported to their home countries. The legislation would declare in law that Rwanda is safe, ruling out further court challenges to the principle of the scheme. It also excludes the plan from parts of the Human Rights Act. But to the dismay of critics, individual migrants will still be able to lodge legal appeals. The widow of Outback Wrangler star Chris 'Willow' Wilson is suing his co-star's helicopter company and Australia's civil aviation authority, alleging both failed in their duty of care to her late husband when he fell to his death. Mr Wilson, a star of the Netflix reality program, died in a helicopter crash in a remote part of the Northern Territory on February 28 last year. He was collecting crocodile eggs while suspended from a Robinson R44 helicopter known as VH-IDW when it plummeted to the ground near the NT's King River. Mr Wilson's widow Danielle has now lodged Federal Court proceedings over what her lawyers allege were 'wrongful acts or omissions' which caused or contributed to her late husband's death. Helibrook, the company owned by Mr Wilson's co-star Matt Wright, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), are both named as respondents. Mr Wilson's widow Danielle (pictured together) has now lodged Federal Court proceedings over what her lawyers allege were 'wrongful acts or omissions' which caused or contributed to her late husband's death Ms Wilson was collecting crocodile eggs while suspended from a Robinson R44 helicopter known as VH-IDW when it plummeted to the ground near the NT's King River Ms Wilson is seeking costs, damages, interest, interest on costs and 'such other order as the court sees fit' for the psychological harm caused by the conduct. In court documents, Ms Wilson's lawyers allege CASA breached its duty of care to Mr Wilson by approving Helibrook's slinging operation. According to a factual background listed in the documents, picking up or suspending people by aircraft was banned between 2007 and 2021 unless authorised by CASA. Regulations from December 2021 onwards only allowed slinging operations under strict regulations. At the time of the crash, the Robinson helicopter was operating under a CASA instrument allowing such slinging operations. Ms Wilson's lawyers alleges appropriate conditions were not in place, without conducting a proper or appropriate risk assessment and 'without ongoing monitoring, assessment and/or verification of participants conducting the activity and their practices'. A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found the crash was likely caused by the helicopter running out of fuel. The bureau determined Mr Wilson was likely dropped from a height greater than 5m when the pilot attempted to make an emergency landing, which caused his death. Helibrook, the company owned by Mr Wilson's co-star Matt Wright (pictured), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), are both named as respondents. In the documents, they further allege Helibrook breached its duty of care to Mr Wilson by not undertaking a risk assessment of the slinging operation. '(Helibrook) failed to engage suitable pilots and/or appropriately train pilots and other personnel in relation to slinging operations,' the documents allege. Ms Wilson's lawyers claim the company failed to ensure pilots briefed the crew on emergency procedures and maintain the helicopter. It is further alleged the company 'permitted VH-IDW to be flown in a manner that compromised the pilot's ability to ensure there was adequate fuel' for the operation. Sebastian Robinson, the pilot at the time who suffered serious injuries in the crash, allegedly failed to undertake a risk assessment as an employer of Helibrook. Ms Wilson's lawyers claim a risk assessment would have identified 'a range of matters', including the likelihood of her husband's death from heights greater than 5m. They allege Mr Robinson for whom 'Helibrook is vicariously liable as employer or equivalent' failed to ensure VH-IDW had adequate fuel 'at all times'. The bureau determined Mr Wilson (pictured) was likely dropped from a height greater than 5m when the pilot attempted to make an emergency landing, which caused his death 'CASA owed Mr Wilson a duty to exercise reasonable care in the exercise and performance of its statutory powers and functions', her lawyers allege in the documents. 'Helibrook owed a duty of care as his employer or equivalent. In the documents, Ms Wilson's lawyers state the applicant 'claims in negligence as against CASA and Helibrook' and 'in the alternative... the applicant claims damages for the death of Mr Wilson for which Helibrook is strictly liable for as a carrier'. In their assessment of the alleged harm caused to Ms Wilson, her lawyers claim: '(She) suffered nervous shock or psychiatric harm and loss of maintenance and support of Mr Wilson during the course of his lifetime (and) costs (including costs of attending any coronial inquest).' A CASA spokeswoman said it would not be appropriate to comment on the proceedings as they were before the courts. A spokesman for Gillis Delaney Lawyers, who represent Mr Wright, said the proceeding had been forwarded to Helibrook's insurer 'who will be conducting the defence to the claim'. 'The application notes that the pilot, who was an independent contractor, is responsible and alleges that Helibrook is liable for his actions,' the spokesman said. Ms Wilson's lawyers claim the company failed to ensure pilots briefed the crew on emergency procedures and maintain the helicopter. Mr Wilson is pictured 'The proceedings will be defended by the insurance provider and we expect that contractor pilot and his company will be joined in the proceedings.' In addition to the recent claim, Mr Wright has been committed to stand trial on a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice in the Northern Territory's Supreme Court next year. Mr Wright has 'strenuously' denied any wrongdoing. During the committal proceeding on December 7, Mr Wright's representatives issued a statement acknowledging 'one of the seven charges was today committed to trial for next year'. The other charges against him include one count of intimidating a chopper pilot, one count of destroying evidence, one count of fabricating evidence, two counts of unlawful entry and one count of making a false declaration. 'The other charges will remain, pending resolution of the charge now before the Supreme Court,' Mr Wright said in a statement. 'I'm hopeful the remaining charges will all be withdrawn once this charge is dealt with next year.' Two of Wright's co-accused, Michael Burbidge and ex-policeman Neil Mellon, have pleaded guilty to destroying evidence for their role in the incident. A man has been jailed for 22 years after he tied up and assaulted a Melbourne mother before binding her children's hands, covering their eyes and stuffing them into a car boot. Jiangang Ji had waited for their father to leave for work before breaking into the house while armed with a knife to take the children, then aged five and three. They were safely returned to their parents after a nearly 12-hour ordeal on August 23, 2021 but they are still affected by the terrifying experience that sparked a Melbourne-wide search. Ji was on Wednesday ordered to serve at least 15 years of the sentence. The children were forced to watch as Ji, now 38, bound and assaulted their mother. She begged him not to hurt her children, and Ji asked her for money. Through a translation app he demanded she ask her husband for $1 million to ensure her children would be safe, and also sent a ransom request directly to the husband. Jiangang Ji has been jailed for 22 years after he tied up and assaulted a Melbourne mother before binding her children's hands, covering their eyes and stuffing them into a car boot Ji bound the children with tape and covered their eyes, carrying them one-by-one to the boot of their mother's car before returning and again assaulting the mother, including threatening her with a knife, leaving a more than 10cm laceration to her abdomen. A County Court jury found Ji guilty of assaulting her, and he pleaded guilty to other charges including kidnapping, aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and theft. The mother waited until she believed Ji had left and, while still bound and gagged, was able to run into her Blackburn North street and stop passing drivers who called police. Ji, who arrived in Australia on a tourist visa in late 2017, had previously worked for the woman's husband as a plasterer in his building business. Police were able to track Ji and return the children to their parents. When interviewed by officers Ji admitted taking the children, claiming he had been treated poorly by their father and admitting he committed the offences as "revenge". Judge Gabrielle Cannon said his crimes were planned and calculated, and committed when the woman and children were particularly vulnerable in their own home. She said the children were very young and obviously distressed, and yet Ji had still felt the need to bind them and tape their eyes before driving them unrestrained in the boot of his car. Although Ji told police they were well cared for, she said he left them alone for four hours locked in a room. Jiangang Ji had waited for their father to leave for work before breaking into the house while armed with a knife to take the children, then aged five and three The family has since sold their car and moved house to help the children forget the trauma, but the father said he still has to be home before dark or his family do not feel safe. Judge Cannon said Ji told medical experts that he was drinking heavily at the time and suffered a workplace injury while also affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, forcing him to rely on limited savings to support himself. She found he was suffering a moderate to severe depressive disorder which contributed to his ability to make appropriate and rational judgments and raised significant concerns about the lack of treatment he received in prison. A year ago he received a referral for a psychological or psychiatric assessment from a mental health nurse but Justice Health did not respond to inquiries from the judge or Ji's lawyer about why that hadn't been followed up. "I haven't got anything at all from them which certainly is a concern of itself," Judge Cannon said. Ji expects to be deported to China, where he has a wife and two children, after serving his sentence. He has already spent more than two years in custody. Annie had forgiven her husband many times for alleged infidelity during their relationship, which began when they were teenagers in Sheffield. The couple married in November 2021 but have now split after a 13-year relationship where they had three sons together while Kyle, 33, built a glittering football career, most recently as a 160,000-a-week defender with Man City and England. But off the pitch Annie, 30, always took back Kyle despite claims he was unfaithful, including with a reality star in the back of his 200,000 Bentley. There were also allegations he held a sex party in lockdown with escorts and shared texts with a Playboy model while away with England. After Kyle was caught on CCTV in a bar apparently flashing friends and fondling a mystery blonde woman's breasts last year, his wife famously posted on social media: 'No matter how good you are to people, it won't make them good to you'. But it appears it was his on-off relationship with Lauryn Goodman that was the trigger for the split after an alleged promise to Annie that he was no longer in contact with her was broken and he was kicked out of the family's 2.4million Cheshire mansion. Lauryn has hinted heavily that Kyle is the father of her two children and lives in a 2.5million seaside home the footballer may have paid for. 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Associate Professor Steve New told undergraduates studying Economics and Management to use AI tools to help generate first drafts of essays before critiquing them. Prof New said the tools, including ChatGPT, 'should help you produce a much better essay than you would produce unaided', if it was used 'thoughtfully and critically'. However, it is understood AI tools are only permitted in the tutorial essays, which play no part in degree grades, and that the use of AI in exams and other formal assessments is forbidden. The tutorial essays generated with the help of AI are discussed and fact checked by students in small groups as part of their course. Associate Professor Steve New told undergraduates studying Economics and Management to use AI tools to help generate first drafts of essays before critiquing them An aerial view of All Souls College in Oxford University where a Professor told students to use AI to write essays In guidance to students, Prof New said that AI should 'increase your ability to think hard about the subjects you discuss, and make you more confident in framing a clear and persuasive argument', The Telegraph reports. He added: 'But the document that emerges should be yours. You need to write stuff you will stand by. The AI can produce humdrum 'some say this, some say thatmeh' essays in a fraction of a second; you should be producing compelling, tightly-argued, evidence-based prose that you believe in.' The course notes that 'AI might without you realising steer you towards particular intellectual or ideological positions'. AI tools like Chat GPT are capable of producing detailed essays capable of passing doctors' exams and writing scientific essays. Under new guidance, English and Welsh Judges are allowed to use the technology to help them write legal rulings. This is despite warnings AI can make up fictional cases that never happened. MailOnline has contacted Oxford University. Advertisement Nigel Farage returned to Britain from Australia today - as a new poll revealed his I'm A Celebrity stint has left him more popular with Tory voters than Rishi Sunak. The former politician turned television presenter and reality star touched down -seemingly alone - at Heathrow this morning after coming third in the ITV reality show. Beaming and decked out in two-tone pink he stepped into a political soap opera in Britain where attempts by Mr Sunak to solve the small boat crisis have left the Tories a shattered, divided shell. A new poll by JL Partners for the Sun today showed that Mr Farage's popularity has risen by five points during his stint Down Under. He now has a net popularity of 18 with Tory voters from 2019, compared to -3 per cent for Mr Sunak, though both have heavy negative ratings with all voters, -29 to -41. Reports at the weekend said some Tories want him to link up with Boris Johnson to lead the Tories, though there is no realistic prospect of that happening before a general election as neither is currently an MP. Speaking at the airport, Mr Farage referenced the polling, adding: 'Well, it's all very flattering, a little bit bewildering. It's gonna take some time for me to sort of really take it on board. But fascinating, right?' The former politician turned television presenter and reality star touched down at Heathrow this morning after coming third in the ITV reality show. A new poll by JL Partners for the Sun today showed that Mr Farage's net popularity has risen by five points during his stint Down Under. He now has a net popularity of 18 with Tory voters from 2019, compared to -3 per cent for Mr Sunak, though both have heavy negative ratings with all voters, -29 to -41. He said the PM's Commons victory on the Rwanda Bill last night still meant the Government was heading for 'catastrophic defeat'. 'They've no idea what's coming down the track towards them. And I think the last thing I heard before I went into the jungle was that (ex-PM David, now Lord) Cameron was back... if it's got that bad, they must be in real trouble,' he said. 'And I see that he's just about managed to squeak through a vote on Rwanda. But I mean, it's gonna make no difference at all. No, they're in dire, dire trouble. And all Labour have to do is, frankly, not tear each other apart, and play safe and the election is theirs I think.' Speaking at the airport, Mr Farage referenced the polling, adding: 'Well, it's all very flattering, a little bit bewildering. It's gonna take some time for me to sort of really take it on board. But fascinating, right?' He said the PM's Commons victory on the Rwanda Bill last night still meant the Government was heading for 'catastrophic defeat'. In a round of interviews this morning Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right Mr Sunak faces the final PMQs of the year today after he dramatically saw off a Tory mutiny on his Rwanda plan - for the moment. The premier will aim to send his troops in to the Christmas break on a positive note after yesterday's extraordinary arm-twisting and coaxing. The emergency legislation designed to get deportation flights going cleared its first Commons hurdle by 313 votes to 269 - a majority of 44. However, dozens of MPs abstained - with grim threats from both the wings of the party to crash the Bill when it returns to Parliament in January. Rebels on the Tory Right say the will 'kill' the new laws unless Mr Sunak toughens them up, while there are complaints from the One Nation faction that it already goes too far in watering down international human right rules. But in a round of interviews this morning James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right. He risked fuelling tensions with right-wingers by suggesting they would be harming their own interests by blocking the Bill. An ailing Pope France has said his tomb is already prepared outside the Vatican and plans for a simpler funeral are in place, but insisted he has no intention of retiring. The 86-year-old's comments suggest he is set to be the first pontiff to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The pope, who turns 87 on Sunday, has shunned much of the Vatican's pomp and privilege, and has decided to vastly simplify the elaborate funeral rites. He disclosed plans for his funeral in an interview with Mexico's N+ television on Tuesday to mark the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the interview with the network's Vatican correspondent, Valentina Alazraki, taped before the pope presided at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis appeared to have recovered from a bout of bronchitis. An ailing Pope France (pictured today) has said his tomb is already prepared outside the Vatican and plans for a simpler funeral are in place, but insisted he has no intention of retiring He laughed often while discussing subjects such as his health, migration, his relationship with the late Pope Benedict XVI, and travel plans. He said his health was good but asked for prayers as he deals with the limitations of old age. 'It is true that all journeys are now all rethought,' Francis told N+. 'If they're close by, they can be done. If they're farther away they are rethought. There are limits.' Francis disclosed that he has been working with the Vatican's master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to simplify the elaborate, book-long funeral rites for a pope that have been used for his predecessors. Since his election in 2013, Francis has shunned the crimson, fur-trimmed 'mozzetta', or cape, and also does not wear a gold cross but has kept around his neck the same faded silver-plated one he used as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He also has not used the plush red 'shoes of the fisherman' used by his predecessors. He has kept the same simple black shoes he always used and wears a plastic watch, giving others away so they could be auctioned off for charity. Francis said that because of his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, he has decided to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He has long emphasised his role as bishop of Rome and has a particular devotion to the icon of the Virgin Mary at the basilica located near Rome's main train station. He traditionally goes there to pray before and after each of his foreign trips. Francis said that because of his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, he has decided to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, seen above. Francis goes to the basilica to pray before the Salus populi Romani ('Salvation of the people of Rome'), a Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus Francis goes to the basilica to pray before the Salus populi Romani ('Salvation of the people of Rome'), a Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus who in turn is holding a jewelled golden book. 'It's my great devotion,' Francis said, adding that he had already decided he wanted to be buried nearby in the basilica. 'The place is already prepared.' Many popes are buried in the crypts beneath St. Peter's Basilica. The last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and is buried in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Francis has said he would be ready to resign - as Benedict did in 2013 - if his health became extremely bad. 'I ask the Lord to say enough, at some point, but when he wants me to,' he said. But, he said, he also believes that papal resignations should not become the norm. Asked about his health, he said: 'I feel good, I feel improved. 'Sometimes I'm told I'm not prudent because I feel like doing things and moving around. I guess those are good signs, no? I am quite well'. Francis has already said if he retires, he would want to live outside the Vatican somewhere in Rome in a residence for retired priests. The bronchitis forced Francis - who had part of one lung removed as a young man -to cancel a trip to Dubai this month to attend the COP28 climate summit. He had surgery in June to repair an abdominal hernia and appears to have recovered completely from that operation. He said he was hoping to make three trips next year, to somewhere in Polynesia, to Belgium, and to his native Argentina for his first visit there since his election in 2013. The comments regarding his funeral came before the pope on Wednesday renewed his call for an 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza and pleaded for an end to suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. 'I renew my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,' the leader of the world's more than 1.35 billion Catholics said during his Wednesday audience. 'May this great suffering for the Israelis and the Palestinians be over,' he said, urging the release of all Israeli hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. A mother-of-three who mocked her neighbour's Sri Lankan accent and threw eggs at her van during a feud over a parking space faces jail. Victoria Dillon, 52, waged a five-month hate campaign against her next door neighbour Kalaithevy Mauourathan when her family started parking their van in a communal space she wrongfully believed was legally hers. In a bid to stop the van being parked there, Dillon also put notes through their door demanding she park elsewhere and blocked the space with cones and wheelie bins. She was only stopped when Miss Mauourathan contacted the police who sourced Land Registry documents to show Dillon that the land did not actually belong to her. Dillon was later quizzed and charged with racially aggravated harassment. When told she faced a prison sentence of up to 12 weeks the sales manager, who had to be told to stop talking to friend in court, replied that wouldn't happen as she was 'a respectable person'. Victoria Dillon (pictured) mocked her neighbour's Sri Lankan accent during a row over a parking space The row erupted after Kalaithevy Mauourathan's family started parking their van in a communal spot that Dillon mistakenly believed belonged to her At Sefton magistrates court, Dillon of Huyton, near Liverpool denied the charge of racially aggravated harassment but pleaded guilty to an 'amended version' on the day of her trial. She was bailed for reports but still faces up to two years jail if the case is sent to crown court for sentence. Miss Paula Grogan, prosecuting, said: 'This is a harassment matter that has continued over an approximately five-month period. The victim in this matter is a lady who lives directly next door to the defendant. It is a semi-detached house and they are in the two halves of the semi. 'It would seem that a dispute arose because this lady believed that a parking space directly outside of her property was in fact her land. 'She took exception to the complainant's family parking in that space. I do not know if the lady has her own vehicle or not and they were parking their van in the space. That seems to have started this behaviour where the lady was effectively taking steps to stop them parking in that space which she believed was legally hers. 'She put notes through the door to stop them doing it. She puts out cones. She moved her bins. It escalated on one occasion, which was videoed, when she threw eggs at the van, and so on and so forth. 'The matters were reported to the police who ultimately spoke with the defendant at the police station. She was shown Land Registry documents which, the lady consequently conceded, established that she did not in fact own the land that was the subject of the dispute. 'Therefore her neighbours were entitled to put their vehicle there. During one incident on the 15 November towards the end of this course of conduct the lady was involved in some verbal altercation with her neighbour and during that time she mimicked their accent. 'That is the racially aggravated element of the offence and the basis on which this lady has pleaded guilty to the racially aggravated offence and that is accepted by the Crown. Dillon (pictured) also threw eggs at her neighbour's van and put notes through her door telling her to stop parking there When told she could face 12 weeks in prison in court, Dillon responded by saying it wouldn't happen as she's a 'respectable person' 'The complainant is here to give evidence but it is a guilty plea on the day of trial and that has saved a considerable amount of time and saved the complainant having to give evidence about the incident. 'There will be an issue of compensation and I think that while it is not easy, it is not impossible to impose a restraining order which will stop the lady from any such behaviour in the future. Because of the nature of the offences, and the racially aggravated feature, a pre-sentence report will be necessary.' In January 2021 Dillon who runs an online boutique was sentenced to six months jail suspended for a year after she turned her home into a cannabis farm. Police found eight mature plants and 229 'juvenile' plants which were expected to be grown elsewhere during a raid on the property. She later she said she had been promised 15,000 to store the plants for a friend. Magistrates ordered a probation report and adjourned for sentencing on January 9 at Wirral Magistrates Court. Dillon, who was allowed to sit in the body of the court rather than the dock due to her hearing issues, had to be told to stop speaking to her friend in the public gallery while the case was being heard. At the end of the hearing, JP Thomas Rock asked Dillon's lawyer to tell her client how to behave in the courtroom warning her that she faced a possible sentence of 12 weeks. 'That won't happen,' Miss Dillon said. 'I am a respectable person.' But Mr Rock told her: 'It is in your interests to cooperate with the probation service and get this matter closed. It is not acceptable to be leaning over and trying to have a conversation with your friend.' Britons could miss out on some of their favourite wines this Christmas because of low water levels in the Panama canal. Authorities in the central American country are limiting the number of vessels that can transit the 50-mile canal which links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Already, the delays are threatening an estimated 22million worth of fruit, vegetables and meat according to research by data analytics firm Russel Group. Britain relies heavily on imports from the South American country, according to a study of UK-bound ships using the canal by data and analytics firm Russell Group. Authorities in Panama are restricting the number of vessels able to transit the canal Most of the exports from Chile to Britain are sent by ship using the Panama Canal Researchers claimed the products may be in short supply in shops this month. Most of the disruption will be related to fruit, with 18million worth coming from Peru. They issued a warning over fears the ongoing disruption - due to a drought - may result in 'empty or reduced quantities of these items on the supermarket shelves'. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Low water levels threaten Christmas deliveries Advertisement It comes after the Panama Canal Authority began restricting vessel transits in the summer as the drought limited supplies of water needed to operate its lock system. Only 22 daily transits are now allowed, down from about 35 in normal conditions - and the situation will worsen in February when transits will fall further to 18 a day. With many UK consumers starting to shop for perishable items ahead of Christmas - now less than a fortnight away - concerns are building that the disruption may stop such exports from Peru and other South American countries such as Chile and Ecuador making the journey. Water levels in the 50-mile canal from the Pacific ocean to the Atlantic have fallen to their lowest since the mid-1900s. Scores of massive container ships carrying gifts such as the new iPhone, TVs, bikes and clothes are being delayed by up to four weeks and the crisis could last for several months. Low water levels are restricting the number of vessels who are allowed to transit the canal Among the goods that are being delayed are Californian Chardonnay and Chilean Merlot Congestion in the canal could have a wider impact across the global supply chain with experts also warning that Christmas in the UK and Europe could be adversely affected. Marco Forgione, Director General of the Institute of Export & International Trade, said: 'The UK could be in for a dry January next month, whether we choose to partake in the annual challenge or not, because of global shipping delays, supplies of our favourite Californian Chardonnays and Chilean Merlots, which make their way to us via the Panama Canal, could be badly affected. 'Given the UK is the second biggest importer of wines in the world, the second biggest global market for US wine and the third biggest for Chilean, the impact of delays along all parts of the supply chain could be profound. 'But it's not just British wine lovers who stand to be disrupted. We're also a top exporter, with the UK acting as a hub for global wine supplies and selling it to the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore and France. 'If we want to avoid gaps on supermarket shelves, it is imperative that the policymakers create an import strategy which builds diverse supply chains to withstand impacts of these sorts of disruptions.' The average wait time in the queue has risen from 4.3 days on November 7 to 11.7 this month, data revealed. Before the route experienced delays, some 38 ships passed through each day Leeds Council needs to find 65million worth of savings ahead of the next financial year's budget A special needs school has reportedly charged a local council nearly 2.5million to educate just one child with disabilities. Leeds City Council was charged the sum by Stafford Hall School in Halifax, West Yorkshire, at a time when it needs to find 65million worth of savings ahead of next financial year's budget. The place at the school is over several years and includes accommodation on the premises for the child, according to analysis of council data. The school can take up to 12 children and young people from age 11 to 19 who have 'autism, severe and complex learning difficulties and who exhibit associated challenging behaviours'. According to the school's website, most pupils have experienced serious trauma. Special needs Stafford Hall School in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has reportedly charged Leeds City Council nearly 2.5million to educate just one child with disabilities Leeds City Council has said that its spending on educating pupils with special education needs and disability can vary depending on the child's needs and fees in the sector are 'spiralling', according to the The Local Government Association (LGA). It is believed the money will be paid to the school over the time the pupil attends, BBC West Yorkshire reported. Group Young Foundations run Stafford Hall School, which was this year rated 'good' by Ofsted after a previous report in 2021 said it 'requires improvement'. According to BBC West Yorkshire, the 2.5million fee is much higher than what is usually spent on pupils with special needs. They reported that, by way of comparison, Leeds City Council paid 1million in total for placements for four children in total in the same week that the contract with Stafford Hall was agreed. Leeds City Council said that the spending covers the contract's lifetime. They added: 'The costs outlined on the decision notices represent the lifetime of the contracts the full length of time that the young people will attend the respective schools, which in these cases represent several years. 'The costs also represent the specific specialist education, health, and care needs for these young people which vary on a case by case basis. Leeds City Council always ensures that decisions around independent school placement for pupils with EHC Plans are made in line with the relevant legislative requirements' Leeds City Council needs to find 65million worth of savings ahead of the next financial year's budget LGA Children and Young People Board chair, Cllr Louise Gittins, told the BBC: 'Councils continue to face significant challenges managing the ever-increasing rise in demand for support from children with SEND. 'To help alleviate the huge strain they are under, we are calling on the government to use the upcoming local government financial settlement to eliminate councils' high needs deficits, which have arisen as a result of the spiralling costs of providing support outstripping the SEND budgets available to councils.' Stafford Hall School declined to comment when asked why it charged 2.5million for a single child and if this fee was typical. Local councils will no longer be forced to earmark greenfield land for building new homes under a shake-up of the planning system, it has emerged. Housing Secretary Michael Gove is expected to soon announce reforms in a bid to appease rebel Tory MPs who have warned about a general election backlash. According to The Times, changes will be made to how local authorities are required to set aside and designate enough land to meet their future housing needs. The newspaper reported, under the reforms, councils will be able to set local plans with fewer homes if they can demonstrate meeting the target would damage the character of an existing area or require building on the green belt. Councils will also be given an exemption from building new homes on prime agricultural land, it added. Housing Secretary Michael Gove is expected to soon announce reforms in a bid to appease rebel Tory MPs who have warned about a general election backlash Local councils will no longer be forced to earmark greenfield land for building new homes under a shake-up of the planning system, it has emerged According to The Times, changes will be made to how local authorities are required to set aside and designate enough land to meet their future housing needs Ministers are said to believe the changes will allow more homes to be built in the long-term because local authorities will be incentivised to produce realistic plans for their areas that have local support. A Government source said: 'We are reforming the planning system to put local plan-making at its heart. 'This will allow communities to take back control of housing in their area, while supporting much-needed development in brownfield and inner-city sites. 'We are on track to see a million new homes completed this parliament and are accelerating our plans in Cambridge, central London and the heart of Leeds.' There are a number of Tory MPs in the party's traditional heartlands who fear losing their seats at the next general election due to opposition to local housebuilding. Former Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers, Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet, led a backbench rebellion against existing planning rules. She said she hoped planning reforms would respect 'local democratic input'. 'The Government has a longstanding commitment to ensure the voice of local communities continues to be heard in relation to what is built in their neighbourhood,' she said. 'We all recognise how important it is to build the homes we need. It is possible to do that whilst still respecting local democratic input, for example by focusing on high-density delivery in urban city centre sites. 'Once it is published, I'm sure the new NPPF (National Policy Planning Framework) will be carefully scrutinised by all sides of the debate.' But the Government is risking a backlash from industry, with critics warning the reforms would amount to a 'NIMBY's charter' to block developments. An industry source told the newspaper: 'This will be disastrous. 'Under the old system there were strong incentives for councils to produce realistic plans to meet their future housing needs. 'Under this system there will be next to nothing to stop councils effectively imposing a moratorium on building the homes that we need.' A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: 'Our target of delivering 300,000 homes a year and one million over the course of this Parliament remains we are clear councils must play their part and have clear plans on how they will help us achieve this. 'However, homes must be built in the right places and the greenbelt must be protected. 'We will shortly be publishing our response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation which sets out how we will encourage the adoption of local plans, deliver the homes we need as well as wider changes to speed up the planning system.' Security minister Tom Tugendhat launched an extraordinary jibe at Lord Cameron today over his warmth towards China as PM. Mr Tugendhat threw shade at the Foreign Secretary after he posted on social media about having talks with the son of imprisoned Hong Kong businessman and democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai. Lord Cameron said the UK 'opposes the National Security Law' imposed by the Beijing-backed administration and 'will continue to stand by Jimmy Lai and the people of HK'. Retweeting the message this morning, Mr Tugendhat - known for his hawkish stance on China - observed: 'I guess the golden era is over.' The comment is a reference to the phrase Lord Cameron used as he pushed for closer ties with the Asian superpower. Security minister Tom Tugendhat launched an extraordinary jibe at Lord Cameron today over his warmth towards China as PM Retweeting the message this morning, Mr Tugendhat - known for his hawkish stance on China - observed: 'I guess the golden era is over.' As PM the peer was photographed drinking beer in a pub with Xi Jinping during his state visit in 2015. Since then relations have chilled significantly, with China accused of human rights abuses towards Uhgur muslims, oppression in Hong Kong, aggression towards Taiwan and industrial-scale espionage. Lord Cameron's previous stance was raised by Tory MPs - some of whom have been sanctioned by Beijing for being critical of the regime - when he was appointed to the Foreign Office. However, last month Lord Cameron mounted a staunch defence of his Downing Street policy. '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 in an interview. '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 China had become 'much more aggressive, much more assertive' since he left office and 'security and protection' were now much more important. But he added: 'Engaging China is one part of the approach we need to take. 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.' Mr Lai founded the now-defunct Apple Daily in Hong Kong but was arrested in 2020 during a crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement. The 76-year-old is a British passport holder. Andy Burnham defiantly boasted he would improve Manchester's air quality without bringing in a Ulez-style car tax today, in what appeared to be thinly veiled criticism of fellow Labour mayor Sadiq Khan. Mr Burnham said that the northern city would make 'faster' improvements if it focused on reforming public transport instead of bringing in its own clear air zone. And he urged the Government to allow local authorities in Greater Manchester to remove CAZ signs, having ruled out copying the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone in September in the wake of Labour's shock loss in the Uxbridge by-election. That vote was turned into a de-facto referendum on Mr Khan's expansion of the daily 12.50 vehicle charge to all London boroughs. Mr Burnham today announced he wants to invest 86.7million in electric buses for the Bee Network, as well as upgrades to taxis and traffic control. 'By accelerating investment in the Bee Network to create a London-style integrated public transport network, and upgrading GM-licensed taxis, we can improve air quality faster than if we introduced a Clean Air Zone, and without causing hardship to our residents or businesses,' Mr Burnham said. Mr Burnham said that the northern city would make 'faster' improvements if it focused on reforming public transport instead of bringing in its own clear air zone. And he urged the Government to allow local authorities in Greater Manchester to remove CAZ signs, having ruled out copying Ulez in September in the wake of Labour's shock loss in the Uxbridge by-election. That vote was turned into a de-facto referendum on Mr Khan's expansion of the daily 12.50 vehicle charge to all London boroughs. 'Since the first bus services came under local control, we have listened to feedback to make improvements and deliver change and are already seeing the benefits the Bee Network brings, with more people getting on board with lower fares under a locally controlled service, with new, state-of-the-art electric buses. 'I'd also ask government to urgently consider allowing Greater Manchester local authorities to remove charging Clean Air Zone signs, as modelling shows that only Greater Manchester's investment-led plan can meet the legal test placed on the 10 councils to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.' Greater Manchesters proposal includes a 51.2m investment in zero-emission electric buses, 30.5m to fund grants for cleaner taxis, and 5m for measures to manage traffic flow on some roads in the centre of Manchester and Salford. It believes the scheme would bring air quality within legal limits for nitrogen dioxide on local roads in 2025, while a Clean Air Zone in the centre of Manchester and Salford would fail to meet the governments own compliance date of 2026. Greater Manchester was the first English region to take its bus network back into public ownership since privatisation, in September. Mr Burnham introduced the yellow-branded Bee Network in the hope that it would bring lower fares and better services for Mancunians. The network uses 50 electric buses fitted out in a yellow and black livery with several hundred more due to be delivered in the next few years. But it has not been without controversy, as in October Mr Burnham came under fire over a series of delays and cancellations. Frustrated passengers complained of 'nightmare problems', with buses arriving two hours late and turning up already full. Others moaned about some buses failing to arrive up at all, leaving them wondering if services had been abducted by 'aliens'. Gary Lineker probably breached the BBC's social media guidelines when he taunted Tory minister Grant Shapps in a tweet amid a row over the Rwanda scheme, the BBC's incoming chairman said today. Samir Shah, who is the Government's choice to take over the Corporation, told MPs that he thought the Match of the Day star's social media post 'on the face of it' breached impartiality guidelines. He appeared to also swipe at the former footballer-turned-broadcaster by saying Lineker had not been 'helpful' by signing an open letter calling for Rishi Sunak's Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme. Though insisting that Lineker signing of the letter had not broken any of the BBC's rules, Mr Shah believed that the star had breached guidelines at the 'third opportunity' in taunting Mr Shapps. Lineker, the Corporation's highest-paid star, previously sparked an impartiality row after comparing then Home Secretary Suella Braverman's migrant crackdown to Nazi Germany. At the time, he received what was in effect a 'slap on the wrist' from BBC bosses. It is understood that chiefs 'spoke to' Lineker this week about his tweets after coming under fire for signing an open letter criticising the Rwanda scheme, which aims to tackle the Channel migrant crisis by deporting asylum seekers to the east African country. A tweet by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker appeared to breach BBC impartiality guidelines, the Corporation's potential future chairman has said Samir Shah told MPs he did not think it was 'helpful' that Lineker signed a letter calling for the Government to scrap the Rwanda Scheme Gary Lineker 's social media post about Defence Secretary Grant Shapps appears to breach BBC guidelines, Mr Shah says On October 11, the former England striker posted on X, formally known as Twitter, a collage photo of four different images of Mr Shapps, all captioned with a different name Mr Shah said the BBC 'needs to find a solution' to arguments over impartiality as he called the ongoing row between Lineker and the corporation a 'psychodrama'. READ MORE HERE: Gary Lineker ignites yet another impartiality row as he signs an open letter criticising the Rwanda scheme Advertisement He said: 'I don't think it was very helpful either for Gary Lineker or the BBC or the cause he supports because it becomes a story about Gary Linker and the BBC. As far as I'm aware, the signing of the letter did not breach those guidelines. 'But the more recent tweet in which he identifies a politician does, on the face of it, seem to breach those guidelines. I'm not sure how egregious it is but I imagine the BBC is looking into it and considering its response.' Mr Shah added: 'The initial two posts were considered, as far as I'm aware, that they did not breach but the last ones, that identified specifically two politicians, seems to me on the face of it to breach the guidelines.' Lineker shared a collage of four different images of Mr Shapps, all captioned with a different name, on X/Twitter after the Defence Secretary questioned whether the BBC star should be expressing political views. Mr Shapps had said the ex-footballer 'should stick to football and stop meddling in other matters'. Lineker was hitting back after the Defence Secretary questioned whether the Match Of The Day host should express political views, claiming the 63-year-old 'should stick to football and stop meddling in other matters'. Lineker wrote: 'A tad rich coming from someone who can't even stick to one name. 4 chaps Shapps'. Mr Shapps was previously accused of breaching the code of conduct for ministers and MPs by continuing to work as a marketer of get-rich-quick schemes under the pseudonym Michael Green after entering Parliament. He has also been accused of using the pseudonyms Sebastian Fox and Corinne Stockheath. Lineker has also hit out at Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis, who accused Lineker of breaching the BBC's impartiality rules last week. He wrote on social media: 'Jonathan hasn't read the new guidelines... or, should I say, had someone read them to him?' On hearing Mr Shah's announcement today, Mr Gullis posted on social media: 'I appreciate the incoming Chairman's views. I will await to see if any action will be taken by Tim Davie.' Whilst he admitted the signing of the letter had not broken any of the BBC's rules, Mr Shah believed the former footballer had breached guidelines at the 'third opportunity' with the post about the Tory minister Grant Shapps questioned whether the Match Of The Day host should express political views, claiming the 63-year-old 'should stick to football and stop meddling in other matters'. Lineker has also hit out at Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis, who accused Lineker of breaching the BBC's impartiality rules A previous Twitter scandal involving the ex-striker led to the BBC strengthening social media guidelines for staff on issues of impartiality and civility. READ MORE HERE: The BBC should split from 'insolent' star Gary Lineker, a former top executive at the corporation suggests Advertisement Lineker was also among a group of celebrities to sign a letter calling for the government to scrap its Rwanda scheme and for political leaders to come up with a 'fair new plan for refugees'. Asked by Damian Green MP if he thought Lineker was giving the BBC 'two fingers' with his political posts, Mr Shah added: 'Were I to be chair, first of all I would be thinking if we have the balance right between freedom of expression and the duty to be impartial. 'It's very clear when it comes to news and current affairs and when it's not, but there is this grey area in which Mr Lineker sits and I share your frustration and I would invite the director-general and his team to find a solution.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'We aren't going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets. 'While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone's character. We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.' Lineker's social media activity has seen him come under fire from critics for his attacks on government policy. Earlier this year he sparked fury among Conservatives when he likened Suella Braverman's migrant crackdown to Nazi Germany. In a tweet he called Ms Braverman's measures to stop the small boats 'beyond awful' and 'an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s...' Later, amid calls for him to be fired, the BBC star doubled down and said he would 'continue to try and speak out'. He also aimed more personal comments towards Ms Braverman, retweeting a post calling her 'utterly devoid of sensibility' after her exchange with a Holocaust survivor. Last year Lineker spoke out in support of Just Stop Oil, saying that 'history will look back very favourably on these people' after protesters stormed the British Grand Prix. Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured) was slammed by Lineker over her measures to stop small boats illegally reaching the UK Lineker was embroiled in a row with a senior BBC journalist following his tweet about sewerage (pictured) One person demanded Lineker quit after his comments in 2016 about his remarks over the refugee crisis. When someone said 'you deserve it, hope you lose your job', Lineker retweeted and defiantly said: 'I won't.' Lineker appeared to show his support for Just Stop Oil protesters in July 2022 following their demonstration at Silverstone Grand Prix, which saw some activists storming the track His outspoken views on topics such as Brexit have also drawn criticism from his own colleagues, with BBC cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew admonishing him for tweeting: 'Extraordinary to watch us take our country back and rip it to shreds in the process'. Mr Agnew told his colleague on Twitter: 'Gary. You are the face of BBC Sport. Please observe BBC editorial guidelines and keep your political views, whatever they are and whatever the subject, to yourself. I'd be sacked if I followed your example. Thanks.' Speaking today Mr Shah said if he was chairman of the BBC, he would invite the director-general Tim Davie to 'interrogate quite forcibly' if the social media guidelines were delivering what they intend to do. He also said it was the Cooperation's 'duty to monitor' the guidelines. Mr Shah said: 'I think it's our duty to monitor and see how well guidelines are delivering their purpose. 'I do think we need to find a solution to this because it doesn't help anyone and it does damage the reputation of the BBC if we are constantly in this round, not just with this particular presenter or not. 'The BBC's reputation matters and this isn't helpful and we do need to find a solution to it and if I were to be chair I would be keen to bring about a solution.' During the hearing with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Shah was also asked if the BBC is having a 'good war' with regard to the Middle East conflict. He replied: 'The BBC journalists are working in very dangerous, very difficult circumstances. 'We need to be cautious, sitting here in the safety of Britain, (asking) if they are having a good war or not. There have clearly been some mistakes - there is no question the BBC has acknowledged those. 'Emotions are very high and people are taking very strong views either side and it put the BBC in a difficult position to get that right and be impartial. 'There is enough criticism of the way the BBC has covered this war, if I were to be chair, to review it. 'You didn't mention it but I may as well mention it - the word 'terrorist' - we need to look again at that.' The BBC currently does not describe Hamas as terrorists but attributes the word to others, such as the UK Government. Mr Shah was also asked whether he thought it was appropriate that BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb, a former press secretary for Theresa May, 'lectured' Newsnight staff on how to be more impartial. Gary Lineker has repeatedly come under fire for his political views, which critics say breach BBC impartiality rules Mr Shah said: 'I do need to hear everyone else's account of it, including Sir Robbie's account of it. 'I can't, if I were chair, make a decision without actually gathering the facts and evidence yourself.' Mr Shah added that it would not be appropriate for members of the BBC board to lobby the Culture Secretary over who should be the head of Ofcom. It comes after Nadine Dorries alleged in her recent book that Sir Robbie lobbied her when she was in the post to appoint Lord Gilbert to the role. Mr Shah said: 'It would not be anything to do with them, Ofcom are the regulators.' He said he would talk to interim chairwoman Dame Elan Closs Stephens about her investigation into the matter. Mr Shah says applied for the role of BBC chairman after being encouraged to by political broadcaster and long-time friend Andrew Neil. Shah's predecessor, Richard Sharp, resigned from the role after failing to declare his connection to an 800,000 loan made to Boris Johnson. A US warship shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction after two missiles fired by the rebels narrowly missed a commercial tanker loaded with jet fuel in the Red Sea in the latest flareup in the region. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Ardmore Encounter was travelling north towards the Suez Canal in the Red Sea when it was targeted by two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi rebels. During the same incident, an American warship shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction, a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. The assault on the tanker Ardmore Encounter further escalates a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and also widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip. It marks the first time Houthi rebels have targeted an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. It comes after a speedboat with armed men aboard approached two vessels transiting off the coast of Yemen's Red Sea port of Hodeidah today. During the same incident, an American warship shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction, a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. Pictured: US Destroyer USS Mason in 2021 The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Ardmore Encounter (file image) was travelling north towards the Suez Canal in the Red Sea when it was targeted by two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi rebels Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel was on its way from Mangalore, India, and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Those guards apparently opened fire to drive off skiffs loaded with men trying to board the vessel, the private intelligence firm Ambrey said. Ardmore Shipping Corp., which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack. 'No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for,' the statement said. 'The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.' It added: 'Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required.' The ship was carrying a load of jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., a joint operation of the oil giant and India's national oil company. The fuel was heading to either Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden, Ardmore Shipping said. Shell declined to comment. Ardmore Shipping traded slightly up early Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange to $13.64 a share. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a separate incident off the coast of Oman. It said a vessel had been followed by smaller boats carrying machine guns and men in gray uniforms before escaping unharmed. On Monday night, a missile also fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. There was no immediate link found between the Ardmore Encounter and Israel. Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between the rebels and Saudi-backed forces. US military Central Command said the anti-tank cruise missile, launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, hit the Strinda (file image) last night France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones targeting their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to insist the ships do not have links to their country. Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict - even during a brief pause in fighting during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of a punishing Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually. In November, Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemens exiled government has held for months despite that countrys long war. Thats raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea - or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces - could reignite those tensions in the Arab worlds poorest nation. In 2016, the U.S. launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at U.S. Navy ships at the time. Police are hunting three men who posed as police officers to lure a woman into their car and give her a lift home, in a terrifying echo of Wayne Couzens' appalling crimes. The young woman bumped into the trio following a night out in Bournemouth town centre. One of them showed her a false warrant card proof of identification carried by police officers and offered to drive her home in a silver Volvo with unknown registration plates. Three men pose as police officers in sinister attempt to lure a woman into their car and give her a lift home One of them offered to drive her home in a silver Volvo with unknown registration plates The incident happened at 3.30am on November 30 in Bournemouth town centre and police are appealing for witnesses around at that time During the journey, the men illuminated a blue flashing light and sounded a siren fitted to the vehicle. She was dropped off at an address in the north of the Dorset town and she was not harmed in any way. The incident calls to mind the horrific murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, a marketing executive living in Clapham, south-west London. She disappeared on the evening of March 3, 2021, and her body was not found until a week later. Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens emerged as the prime suspect and eventually pled guilty to murder when he was tried. Couzens was served a whole life order and the case dealt a huge blow to public confidence in the Met Police Couzens used Covid powers to conduct a fake arrest of Ms Everard as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham. He went on to commit crimes so horrific they shocked the nation and undermined confidence in the police over the next few hours. Couzens used his warrant card and handcuffs to carry out the crime and had been planning for at least a month before the abduction. In September 2021 Couzens was served a whole life order, and has more recently also been found guilty on three counts of indecent exposure which occurred prior to murdering Ms Everard. The incident in Bournemouth happened at 3.30am on November 30, 2023. PC Jordan Skinner, of Bournemouth police, said: 'This was a very uncomfortable experience for the woman involved, who placed her trust in three men who did not turn out to be who they claimed to be. 'It is fortunate that the victim did not come to any harm. Impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence, which ultimately undermines and erodes the public's confidence in policing. 'Therefore, we are carrying out an investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident. 'We have obtained CCTV images of the vehicle involved and the three men we would like to identify. 'I appreciate these are not great quality and their faces cannot be clearly seen, but it may be someone can recognise them from the clothing they are wearing. 'I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the relevant time and witnessed any suspicious activity. I would also urge any motorists who were driving in the vicinity and may have relevant dashcam footage, or residents with home CCTV or doorbell cameras, to please check their devices for anything that might assist our enquiries.' Several businesses have been torn apart by a raging fire in the Bronx as firefighters continue to battle the blaze. One person was injured as the fire, which began at around 3.30am, ripped through several businesses inside a commercial building in the Kingsbridge area. Video shared on social media shows huge flames tearing through the building, with eyewitnesses telling how they were woken to the overwhelming smell of smoke. It appears that a local barber shop, seafood market, meat market, florist and cleaning business have been affected, reports ABC7 New York. 'I saw a lot of firefighters and I woke up to the smoke. I got surprised because things like this don't happen in the neighborhood. These businesses have been around for over 30 years. These people are nice people,' an eyewitness called Miguel said. Officials said the fire started at the Cold Cut City Bunny Deli in the early hours of this morning, with witnesses claiming the blaze began in the kitchen at the back of the business. Several businesses have been torn apart by a raging fire in the Bronx as firefighters continue to battle the blaze Officials said seven other businesses sustained fire and water damage as a result of the blaze. The fire came just days after another six-story building in the Bronx collapsed, ripping families' homes apart. Surveillance video showed a school bus passing close by as the apartment suddenly gave way without warning, sending scaffolding and tonnes of concrete, bricks and metal onto the street below. Passersby by could be seen running for cover from the carnage that came without warning in the Morris Heights neighborhood at around 3.30pm on Monday as the school run was well underway. Photos of the scene showed the bare walls of several units inside the apartment building with some completely exposed. At ground level, it was a scene of complete destruction with a pile of rubble below. A scaffolding shed at the foot of the building also toppled in the collapse and was surrounded by a heap of sheet metal, bricks, concrete and metal rods. Firefighters said they didn't find anybody trapped in the enormous mound of rubble after a corner of the Bronx apartment building collapsed, leaving apartments exposed like a stack of shelves and a convenience store partly buried under bricks and wood. Part of a six-story building crumbled to the ground in the Bronx on Monday afternoon, resulting in a scene of destruction with a pile of rubble below Footage shows the moment the building collapsed. Within an instant the street is consumed by a cloud of dust as bricks, concrete and twisted metal fell to the ground, left. Passersby, right, quickly made a run for it Firefighters spent hours searching a pile of debris that was 12 feet (3.6 meters) high in spots, the fire department reported on social media late Monday night. No victims were found but two people received minor injuries while evacuating the damaged building, the department said. The proprietor of the ground floor shop said the people inside got out safely, city officials said. During the search, firefighters used buckets, power tools and heavy equipment while officials kept a watchful eye on the portions of the building that remained standing. 'Our main objective is to get to the bottom of that pile,' Fire Department Chief of Department John Hodgens said at an earlier news conference. 'We'll be here until it's down to the street level, just to make sure if there are any victims under there, hopefully we can get to them in time.' Officials were looking into what caused the collapse, which happened at a 1927 building that had been undergoing facade repairs. A worker at a nearby deli, Julian Rodriguez, said he was behind the counter when he heard people screaming about a building collapse. 'When I went outside, all you could see is the debris and a smoke cloud in the street,' said Rodriguez, 22. 'And you could see inside the structure: people's beds, their doors, closets, lights, everything. It was really scary.' The corner of the building collapsed to the sidewalk living part of people's homes exposed A building facade collapsed in the Bronx as city agencies work to assess the situation A corner of the building stood with its walls sheared off and floors sagging, with a heap of debris spilling out into the street. In one apartment, a bed stood feet away from the edge of a floor that now jutted out into the air; in another, art hanging on the wall was visible. Elsewhere, an armchair rested on a floor that tilted precariously down, like the top of a staved-in box. One of the collapsed rooms appeared to be a child's bedroom. A tiny pink jacket hung on a hook. Boxes of playthings and clothing were visible on cabinets that still stood on the remaining parts of the floor. Firefighters shined bright lights into apartment windows from high ladders and used at least one drone to peer in. A search dog plied the pile, which included twisted and jumbled metal, apparently from scaffolding, and a robotic dog also headed into the debris. Firefighters carted away rubble in buckets and used circular saws to cut through the collapsed scaffolding, and an excavator clawed through the rubble. 'We're tunneling into that debris pile as safely as we can,' Hodgens said. 'Firefighters right now are in a dangerous position. We don't know what caused this corner of this building to come down. We don't know if any of it is going to come down.' A 2020 inspection found cracked brick and loose, damaged mortar on the building's facade, Buildings Department records show. Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said Monday that work had started but he didn't believe any workers were there at the time of the collapse. 'I want to be clear: Unsafe facade conditions is not the same as an unsafe building,' he said at the news conference. While the property had seven unresolved violations, they weren't structural, he said. Oddo said officials would scrutinize drawings pertaining to the collapsed area. The images were submitted as part of permitting for the facade work. The phone rang unanswered at a possible number for the building's owner. Security camera video obtained by several news organizations showed people scattering off the sidewalk as debris rained down in a billowing cloud of dust. A resident of the building's sixth floor, Domingo Taveras Tejada, said he was slightly hurt in the panic of the escape. 'When I heard the collapse, I went running and I fell down the stairs. When I went outside, I saw the collapse,' the 32-year-old said. Building resident Norma Arias told The New York Times she had just returned from buying cilantro at the bodega when she heard a loud boom in her first floor apartment and heard a neighbor scream, 'Everybody get out. The building is coming down.' Buildings Department records show the structure has nearly 50 apartments. Residents were being directed to a school to get help, and the city was parking buses near the building as a place to stay warm. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford today announced his resignation after five years in office. The 69-year-old triggered a contest to find his successor as Welsh Labour leader and expressed his hope that a replacement First Minister will be installed before Easter. Mr Drakeford announced his departure at a news conference in Cardiff on the fifth anniversary of the day he first became First Minister. During a rollercoaster half-decade in power, Mr Drakeford saw his popularity surge as he led Wales through the Covid crisis. But his approval ratings have since slumped amid continued woes for the NHS in Wales and the controversial imposition of widespread 20mph limits on Welsh roads. At the beginning of this year, Mr Drakeford was struck by tragedy when his wife Clare died suddenly. He spent most of 2020 isolating from Clare in a hut in their garden in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding during the Covid pandemic. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford today announced his resignation after five years in office At the beginning of this year, Mr Drakeford was struck by tragedy when his wife Clare died suddenly Mr Drakeford saw his popularity surge as he led Wales through the Covid crisis, during which he staged daily TV briefings Mr Drakeford was first elected to the Senedd in 2011 as the Member for Cardiff West. He served in various ministerial roles from 2013 under the leadership of Carwyn Jones, before succeeding Mr Jones as First Minister and Welsh Labour leader in December 2018. When the Covid crisis hit in early 2020, Mr Drakeford and other devolved leaders - such as Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon - saw their popularity soar as they led their nations through the pandemic. Mr Drakeford followed both then-prime minister Boris Johnson and Ms Sturgeon in holding daily TV briefings. He often found himself at odds with Westminster over what level of pandemic restrictions to impose, as all four nations pursued their own Covid rules. As the pandemic eased, Mr Drakeford saw a slide in his approval ratings among Welsh voters as he was confronted by various crises in public services. Last month, NHS waiting times for treatment in Welsh hospitals hit another record high. Mr Drakeford also faced intense anger over his imposition of widespread 20mph limits on Welsh roads. A recent YouGov poll of Welsh voters found Mr Drakeford's popularity to be at an 18-month low, with more than half believing he is doing a bad job of being First Minister. Mr Drakeford is immediately standing down as Labour leader, but stressed he would continue to serve as First Minister until his replacement is found. 'In the meantime, I will remain as First Minister in the full sense of that job,' he said. Mr Drakeford insisted he still had a lot to achieve over the coming months and there would be 'plenty of time for political obituaries and retrospection once I've ceased to be First Minister, but not before'. He added: 'In a five-year period, which has seen Wales deal with austerity, Brexit, the Covid pandemic, the climate crisis, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and four different prime ministers so far there will be lots to reflect upon. 'The next Welsh leader and first minister will, I hope, have an opportunity which has not come my way and that is to work with a newly-elected Labour government in London. 'And I will work as hard as I can to see that Labour government elected.' Mr Drakeford pictured on a visit to Qatar last year after he travelled to support the Welsh men's football team during the World Cup Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently sought to distance himself from a past claim that Mr Drakeford's administration would be a 'blueprint for what Labour can do across the UK' Mr Drakeford pictured with King Charles, then Prince of Wales, at Llwynywermod in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, in 2019 Mr Drakeford was the only member of the Welsh Government cabinet to vote for Jeremy Corbyn during the Left-winger's first Labour leadership bid in 2015 Mr Drakeford in the Welsh Senedd in October 2017 when he announced his intention to stand in the Welsh Labour leadership contest to succeed Carwyn Jones A group of people protest against 20mph speed limits outside the Senedd building in Cardiffin October Mark Drakeford's life and political career 1954: Born in Carmarthenshire. He is raised in West Wales before going to study Latin at the University of Exeter. 1977: Marries Clare Buckle, with whom he has three children. She died in January. 1980s and 1990: Sits as a Labour councillor on South Glamorgan County Council. 1991-1995: Works as a lecturer in applied social studies at what is now the University of Swansea. 1997: Works for the Yes for Wales campaign in the referendum on devolution. 2000 - 2010: Welsh government health and social policy adviser and later head of First Minister Rhodri Morgan's political office. 2011: Elected to the Senedd as Member for Cardiff West, an area he has lived in since the 1970s. 2013: Appointed minister for health and social services. 2016: Made cabinet secretary for finance and local government. 2018, September: His son Jonathan, then 31, is jailed for almost nine years for rape. 2018, October: Becomes the leader of Welsh Labour and then First Minister, replacing Carwyn Jones, after beating Vaughan Gething. 2020: In October he breaks with UK-wide Covid protocols to bring in a two-week 'firebreak lockdown, while England was still under localised restrictions. 2023, September: Drakeford's government reduces the statutory speed limit on Welsh restricted roads those with streetlights no more than 200 yards apart from 30mph to 20mph. 2023, December: Announces he is to step down after serving a five-year term Advertisement Mr Drakeford had previously announced his intention to quit the Welsh Parliament at the next Senedd elections in 2026. But he signalled he planned to remain involved in political debate even if he was away from the frontline. 'I think of it like Tony Benn when he decided to leave the House of Commons, he said, "I'm going to stop being an MP in order to spend more time in politics",' Mr Drakeford said in August. 'I'm not going to be a Member of the Senedd after 2026 but I am not going to step back from the debate or stop thinking about Wales' future.' Born and raised in west Wales, Mr Drakeford has lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for more than 30 years. Before entering politics he worked as a probation officer before becoming a lecturer at Swansea University and then Cardiff University, where he became professor of social policy and applied social sciences. His first move into government came as a special adviser to former first minister Rhodri Morgan, and he wrote Mr Morgan's 'clear red water' speech which promoted the differences between Labour in Wales and New Labour in London under Tony Blair. Seen as on the Left of Labour, when he became leader in 2018 he promised to govern 'in the radical socialist tradition of Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot'. The only member of the Welsh Government cabinet to vote for Jeremy Corbyn during his first national leadership bid in 2015, in office Mr Drakeford largely maintained the party's enduring dominance of Welsh politics leading the party to a strong performance in the 2021 Senedd elections. Earlier this year, Labour's national leader Sir Keir Starmer sought to distance himself from his past claim that the Welsh Labour government would be a 'blueprint for what Labour can do across the UK' if they entered power at Westminster. Speaking in October, Sir Keir said he 'can't pretend' there are not challenges in his relationship with Mr Drakeford's administration. 'I don't think anybody watching this would suggest there aren't challenges,' he said. 'Of course, there are challenges.' Mr Drakeford and Clare had three children during their marriage. Their son, now known as Jay Humphries, was jailed this summer for breaching a sex offender's order after his release from prison. He was sentenced to more than eight years in prison in 2018 under his old name, Jonathan Drakeford, after being found guilty of rape and inflicting actual bodily harm. Speaking in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Mr Drakeford's 'devoted public service'. He told MPs: 'I know everyone will want to join me in wishing Mark Drakeford all the best as he moves on from his many, many years of devoted public service.' Tory chairman Richard Holden also thanked Mr Drakeford for his service, but said Labour's '25 years of failure running Wales cannot be ignored'. 'Sir Keir calls Wales his 'blueprint' for a Labour government across the UK but Welsh Labour are failing the Welsh people across the board,' Mr Holden added. 'With falling schools standards, blanket 20mph speed limits, and blocking meal deals in supermarkets, the Labour Government in Wales have been focused on short-term soundbites.' Sir Keir hailed Mr Drakeford as a 'titan' of Welsh politics, saying: 'Mark has set a clear standard for public service in UK politics, always putting others before himself.' 'During his five years as First Minister, against a backdrop of austerity, instability in Westminster and navigating the pandemic, he has delivered for Wales with steely determination and quiet authority,' he added. 'Above all, Mark is a kind and decent man, who lives his Labour values. 'A proud Welshman, Wales too can be proud of Mark, for his fight for working people. He's a true titan of Welsh and Labour politics. 'It has been a pleasure to work alongside him and we all wish him the very best for his retirement.' Nicola Sturgeon, who quit as Scotland's first minister earlier this year, hailed Mr Drakeford as 'one of the most decent, dedicated, principled, and impressive politicians' Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: 'I wish Mark well as he stands down from the helm. 'While we may have different visions for Wales, I know I'm joined by colleagues in holding a huge amount of respect for his dedication to the job of first minister. 'It's important, however, with this announcement that there is no distraction from the really important job of delivering for the people of Wales. Labour politicians jockeying for the role of first minister must not detract from this.' Ms Sturgeon, who quit as Scotland's first minister earlier this year, hailed Mr Drakeford as 'without doubt one of the most decent, dedicated, principled, and impressive politicians I had the privilege of working with in my time as FM'. The former SNP leader added: 'He will be the hardest of acts to follow'. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth paid tribute to Mr Drakeford's 'dedication to public life' and the 'tone of his leadership' during the Covid pandemic. But he added: 'When he took office, the First Minister spoke of the opportunities that came with the position of leading the Welsh Government. 'Regrettably, those opportunities have been squandered, resulting in longer waiting lists, falling educational standards and a stagnant economy.' Rachel Evans, Director of Countryside Alliance Wales said: 'I wish Mark Drakeford the very best for the future. As we start a new chapter for Wales, I sincerely hope Welsh Labour end their ongoing attack on our countryside and rural communities. 'We will be urging all candidates to be the new FM to work with the people of the countryside to enhance and promote rural Wales. Right now it feels like it's Cardiff against the countryside and that needs to change.' Advertisement Hamas terrorists have been caught breaking every rule of engagement in the book from clutching children as they shoot, dressing as women and firing from mosques, Israeli drone pilots have claimed. As the civilian death toll mounts, UAV operators have given a unique insight into the atrocities they are witnessing on the ground. Extremists have learnt to exploit their strict rules of engagement with barbaric cynicism leaving IDF forces with impossible decisions. The Daily Mail has been handed a trove of damning evidence from the Air Force that show aerial images of missile launchers placed by schools, mosques, and nurseries. It also includes incriminating footage of the militants stealing humanitarian aid from their own people and beating civilians within Gaza. Men, purportedly Hamas terrorists, are seen unloading a truck said to be carrying aid into Gaza. Israel has accused the terror group of hijacking aid trucks carrying supplies that were meant for the civilians of the beleaguered coastal strip In one aerial clip, the group of men are seen beating another. According to IDF drone operators, the group was made up of Hamas fighters, while the victim on the end of the beating was a civilian from Gaza We travelled to Palmachim Airbase on the Mediterranean coast near Tel Aviv and spoke to three female drone pilots who face desperate moral challenges every day. 'When we recognise children following terrorists we stop attacking,' said the unit's deputy commander who can only be identified as Major R. 'They learnt from this. Now they're going down the street with a child in their hand.' The 31-year-old lives on the base with her two children, aged four and one, and says motherhood has made what she sees Hamas doing even harder to comprehend. 'The war caused a lot of children's lives to be taken in the Gaza Strip and in Israel as well,' she said. 'I'm very, very sorry for the childhood of these children. 'I'm not the only one, I know. If I'm putting my children to bed these days a lot of parents feel guilty. That there are children of Israel that are staying in Gaza, and our children are here.' Major R was a drone pilot when Israel last had troops in Gaza nine years ago and she says the difference is stark. 'The terror foundation accelerated at an unbelievable rate. Underground tunnels, all the weapons, the storage next to hospitals and schools. The IDF said the footage was captured in Shejaiya, Gaza by a drone A man with a stick or baton is seen hitting another man while standing on the back of an aid truck, that the IDF said was carrying supplies into Gaza The IDF said Hamas took the aid back to its stronghold, even though it was meant for civilians 'It is much developed, and much worse than we knew and could even have imagined. We can see when we follow the trucks that are bringing humanitarian aid, the Hamas terrorists are going there and stealing all the equipment. 'The civilians are throwing stones at them and Hamas threaten them with guns. It is a very hard situation to see.' Among those under her command now are 24-year-old attack pilot, Captain N, and intelligence drone operator Captain H, 26. The young women are among just a handful of females on the base and have a sense of duty and professionalism that belies their age. Despite witnessing Hamas commit atrocities against her own people, Captain N knows that she must remain calm when at the controls. 'I don't think about revenge,' she said, cooly. 'I don't think about this because, like my commander said, I am a professional. 'Because this is the difference between me and them, the difference between my country and the terrorist organisation. I'm not like one of them.' Explaining exactly what 'one of them' does, Captain N told of the violations of international law she and her fellow pilots have witnessed. 'They take the women's clothes and they put them on so that we will think that they are women and will not attack,' she said. 'The terrorist will also have a gun in one hand and pick up a child in the other, and then he shoots with one hand while holding the child, one hand the gun. 'During the ceasefire we saw many, many people taking poles to make missiles. The ceasefire was meant to see the civilians get humanitarian aid, and they are using that to arm up.' The pilots all get psychological counselling on the base for what they see up close on their two daily four-hour flights on the Hermes 900s. Captain H, 26, witnessed the October 7 atrocities from her drone monitor. She was a dance instructor in the reserves when she got called in at 6.30am that morning. An Israeli drone pilot examines a Elbit Hermes 900 UAV being used in IDF's Gaza operation Israel's Captain H, 26, witnessed the October 7 atrocities from her drone monitor. She was a dance instructor in the reserves when she got called in at 6.30am that morning 'It was awful,' she said. 'They were everywhere, thousands of terrorists just killing people, civilians. Young people in the party and families in the Kibbutz. 'We were faced with a situation we have never seen before, to detect between enemies and our own people.' Asked how she coped with seeing the carnage close up, she said: 'You really don't have time to struggle. You need to operate, and not to think. 'But later on, like two weeks later, there was one day that something fell down and I realised what happened. That was devastating. 'Because you realise how many people you have lost, how many in this horrible situation we were forced into.' On juggling her emotions with her daily job, Captain H added: 'When we come through the door we must forget everything. We must be professional. 'Then when we go home, then this is the time when we feel we can grieve and we can cry. We have our emotions, these just come right back.' Her commander, Major R, has one glimmer of hope from the awful situation given what she has seen on the ground. The IDF previously released satellite images which it claimed proved Hamas was placing military targets, such as missile launch sites, near key civilian infrastructure on Gaza A satellite image released by the IDF purportedly showing a rocket launch site near a school A satellite image released by the IDF purportedly showing a rocket launch site near a nursery A satellite image released by the IDF purportedly showing a rocket launch site close to a UN building 'Sometimes I feel like the Palestinian people, their civilians and children, and our intentions are almost identical,' she said. 'Civilians on both sides think that we cannot continue with Hamas. 'We only hope that they will choose another authority rather than Hamas so that we can live side by side.' In one drone clip shared by the IDF, a group of what appear to be Hamas fighters in Gaza are shown stealing aid off a humanitarian truck. The group of armed men are seen crowded around the truck, while one is shown hitting a civilian with a weapon or some kind of baton. The IDF accused the terror group of transporting the packages to their stronghold, this depriving the citizens of the aid that was meant for them. 'All the aid goes underground. It does not reach all the people,' an elderly Palesinian woman said in an television interview last week. 'We came here from Gaza city ... all the aid is meant for us. I am not afraid, I am talking to them as well. Hamas takes everything to their homes. They can take me, shoot me or do whatever they want to me.' Other footage released by the IDF shows what they claim to be missile launchers near buildings such as schools or medical sites. The Israeli military has long accused Hamas of positioning weapons and other military targets near civilian infrastructure in an attempt to deter the IDF from striking such targets, in effect using the civilian buildings as shields. IDF soldiers prepare to enter the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Israel's border with Gaza in southern Israel, December 13 The three drone pilots spoke as the IDF suffered its deadliest day in Gaza since the ground operation to eliminate Hamas was launched on October 27 The three drone pilots spoke as the IDF suffered its deadliest day in Gaza since the ground operation to eliminate Hamas was launched on October 27. Israel's army said today that the number of soldiers killed so far in its offensive in Gaza had reached 115, after 10 soldiers had been killed in fighting in the north of the territory on Tuesday, the deadliest day so far. Separately, the army said on Tuesday it had recovered the bodies of two hostages taken on October 7. The two were Ziv Dado, a solider, and Eden Zecharya, a Supernova festival-goer. Meanwhile, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said on Wednesday it had exhausted its supply of vaccines for children and warned of 'catastrophic health repercussions'. The day before, the UN's human rights' chief Volker Turk said the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip was 'beyond breakdown'. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution on Tuesday demanding a ceasefire in Gaza - taking the lead from the paralysed Security Council. The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution - exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Ten countries including the United States and Israel voted against while 23 - including the United Kingdom - abstained. Among those to vote in favour were Israel's long-standing allies Canada, Australia and New Zealand, whose leaders also released a rare joint statement. It said: 'The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.' With the deteriorating situation on the ground, US President Joe Biden warned Israel it risked losing global support for its war against Hamas with 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza. An Israeli Apache military helicopter flies over an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, 13 December Israeli forces shell the Gaza Strip from the border area in southern Israel on December 12 In Biden's most blunt remarks since the October 7 attack, the president told donors that Netanyahu needed to 'change' his stance on a two-state solution. Netanyahu meanwhile said there was 'disagreement' with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift after weeks in which the US leader has strongly backed Israel. Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostages, of whom 105 have been released and several killed, according to Israeli officials. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed at least 18,400 people, mostly women and children. Rishi Sunak's plan to reduce net migration by 300,000 is 'by no means certain' to work, government advisers warned today - as they said a cap on numbers was the 'only practical way' of controlling the number of people granted visas. The Home Office's Migration Advisory Committee said factors influencing net migration, which stood at 745,000 in official figures released last month, were hard to control. It said this uncertainty meant specific overall targets were 'largely unworkable' and 'the only practical way to control immigration on a visa route tightly is to introduce explicit caps on numbers'. However, it warned caps on specific types of visas were hard to set, would create 'unintended consequences' and hamper the UK's ability to respond rapidly to future skills shortages. The Prime Minister's plan to reduce net migration by 300,000 is 'by no means certain' to work, government advisers warned today Earlier this month the government set out a far-reaching programme of immigration reform that is intended to slash net migration by 300,000 Today's report, which loads more pressure onto Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary James Cleverly, also found: The 'only way' to avoid having to bring in large numbers of people to work in social care is to 'pay social care workers properly'; Lower take up of care worker visas in Scotland and Wales may be down to higher wages than in England; Post-study work visas are likely to be fuelling low-wage migration rather than drawing 'global talent' into highly paid jobs. Earlier this month Mr Cleverly set out a far-reaching programme of immigration reform that is intended to slash net migration by 300,000. The changes include barring care workers from bringing family members with them to Britain and boosting the salary threshold for a work visa from 12,500 to 38,700. In addition, a UK-based individual or household will have to prove they have an income of 38,700 to win a family visa for a relative. That is more than double the current 18,600, which has not increased since 2012. But in its report, the Migration Advisory Committee warned the impact of the changes was uncertain. 'Net migration cannot be precisely controlled because the Government does not control all the levers, making it difficult to hit a particular target,' the report states. 'The exact impact, for example, of the Government's package of measures intended to bring down net migration is by no means certain.' These graphs were released today as part of the report by the Home Office 's Migration Advisory Committee For example, it said curbs on foreign students bringing dependents could simply result in students without dependents taking up visa places. It continues: 'Our analysis highlights how difficult it is in practice to have confidence in the likely impact of a particular policy change on long-run net migration, which suggests that policymakers may want to be cautious in the promises they make on future migration levels.' Professor Brian Bell, the committee chairman, adds: 'We know that recent figures have shown net migration reaching a record of 745,000 last year. 'We caution governments in making promises on specific migration targets given the challenges in predicting the effect of policies.' Professor Bell said skills shortages in the care sector would continue if wages continued to be too low to attract domestic workers. This graph shows the number of visas issued each year. It shows the dominance of visas for students and health workers The report warns that the 'only way' to avoid having to bring in large numbers of people to work in social care is to 'pay social care workers properly' 'The only long-term, sustainable solution is for the Government to provide sufficient funds to enable local authorities and providers to pay care workers significantly above the minimum wage,' he writes. The report also hit out at the UK's system of post-study visas, which allow international students and their dependants to work in the UK for two years after graduation. It said that these were likely to be fuelling low-wage migration rather than high-skilled 'global talent' given the number of students who were graduating from less selective universities. 'The most likely outcome is that their performance in the labour market will be weaker than previous cohorts... we expect that at least a significant fraction of the graduate route will comprise low-wage workers,' the committee states. A teacher was killed while walking with her family on a bridlepath when an escaped cow went into 'fight mode' and tossed her over a gate, a court heard. Marian Clode, 61, was on an Easter break in Northumberland with her two grandchildren, husband, daughter and son-in-law, when a cow charged at her and attacked her three times. She died days later in hospital in April 2016, having suffered a severe spinal chord injury in the fall. Farmer Alistair Nixon, 62, on behalf of the JM Nixon partnership which runs Swinhoe Farm, near Belford, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to plead guilty to a health and safety breach. Marian Clode, 61, was on an Easter family holiday in Northumberland with her two grandchildren, husband, daughter and son-in-law, when a cow attacked her three times while she was walking on a bridleway Ms Clode, a primary school teacher, died after she was attacked by the cow on this bridleway Alistair Nixon, 62, on behalf of the JM Nixon partnership, which runs the farm, admitted a health and safety breach during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court (pictured today outside Newcastle Crown Court) Alistair Nixon, on behalf of the JM Nixon partnership, admitted a health and safety breach during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court (Alamy/PA) Marian Clode was 'flipped like a ragdoll' over a wooden gate by the lead cow in a group that broke free from a farm and which farmer Alistair Nixon, 64, took the decision not to pursue. Mrs Clode, 61, was found face down and unresponsive in an adjoining field by her son-in-law as her screaming grandchildren aged seven and eight looked on in shock. The family had been staying in a holiday cottage on Nixon's farm and were given no warning that the cattle were being moved from their winter sheds onto summer pasture that day. They had walked around a lake and past a cave in the Northumberland countryside and were returning to the cottage when they were confronted by around 15 cows and calves thundering towards them along the 800M stretch of bridleway. The children were lifted to safety over a barbed wire fence, but Mrs Clode had no escape as the lead cow turned 90 degrees and charged at her three times with its head down, causing fatal injuries as it threw her into the air. The court was told that, following a protracted legal process that has taken place over seven years, the farming family could face a fine of up to 250,000 for having no 'suitable and sufficient' plan in place to prevent the tragedy. After the cattle got past Nixon's quad bike he followed them for a distance but then decided not to pursue them further, leaving them in a direct collision course with Mrs Clode, her daughter Lucy Rowe, son-in-law Kevin Rowe, their young children and her husband, Christopher. She suffered catastrophic injuries and died three days later in hospital without regaining consciousness. Craig Hassall, KC, prosecuting for the Health and Safety Executive, said the family had been enjoying a break in Pine Cottage, one of the holiday lets which forms part of the Nixons' Swinhoe Farm in scenic Northumberland countryside near Belford. He said they could have had no idea of the danger that was about to greet them over the brow of the hill as they walked along the enclosed Dick's Oldwalls bridleway towards the cottage. Nixon, along with two farmhands and a gamekeeper, were preparing to move the cattle from their winter sheds and had them held in a yard, with the farmer parking his quad bike to prevent escape. However, Mr Hassall said: 'Some of the cattle in the first group got past Mr Nixon, some seven to eight cows and five or six calves passed him and the quad bike. 'He said he got onto the quad bike and made his way to the bottom of the hill, deciding then not to pursue that breakaway group. 'That first breakaway group was essentially left to its own devices along the bridleway, over the brow of the hill where no one at the farmyard could see what they were doing.' Nixon's plan had been for the gamekeeper to turn the cattle into their summer field, but they encountered the Clode family before they reached their destination. Mr Hassall told the court: 'Kevin Rowe describes seeing a group of about 15 cows and calves coming over the brow of the next hill at speed. 'The children started screaming and he immediately lifted them over the barbed wire fence to his right and climbed over himself. 'Ahead of him he saw Marian Clode had moved to the right hand side of the bridleway, close to a wooden gate.' Lucy Rowe was struggling to get over the fence as she had snagged her clothes and was helped by her husband. Moments later they could only watch helplessly as her mother was attacked. Mr Hassall said: 'The cow at the front of the group turned 90 degrees to its left and towards Marian Clode. It charged at her two to three times and tossed her over the wooden gate. 'Kevin Rowe made his way across the field and pushed through a hedge to find Mrs Clode unresponsive and face down on the ground.' Alistair Nixon caught up on his quad bike and dialled 999, but there was nothing that could be done to save her. Mr Hassall said the Nixon partnership had failed on a number of counts and their culpability was high because they had adhered to the same inadequate plan for moving cattle for the past 25 years. He told the court: 'There was no suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks involved in moving cattle along a public right of way. 'If there had been that would have led to proper safety measures beingput in places.' He said Nixon's quad bike was not correctly positioned to stop the cows and a gate that could have been used to prevent their escape was left open. Mr Hassall added: 'There is no evidence whatsoever of any sense of urgency is seeking to regain control of these seven or eight cows and their calves that set off alone and went out of sight over the hill and were left entirely uncontrolled. 'It takes us to Rule 58 of the Highway Code which says cattle being taken along a public right of way must be kept under control at all times.' The prosecution said the offence was aggravated by the fact the bridleway was enclosed by fencing, providing nowhere else for the cattle to go and giving the Clode family limited chance of escape. No signs were erected warning that cattle were being moved and no one from the farm notified holidaymakers on their property that it would be happening. A report by livestock expert Mirian Parker said that consideration should have been given to the state of the animals after their long winter indoors. She said: 'During turnouts to summer pasture even older cows may trot or run or demonstrate play behaviour like prancing or bucking due to the anticipation of space, fresh air and new grass.' She was of the opinion the cattle would have been in that 'anxious or excited state' and suddenly encountering the family may have appeared to be a threat, especially with calves present. Cattle who perceive a threat to offspring will go into 'fight mode' and are known to attack people by charging, head down, the court was told. Lucy Rowe provided a personal statement to the court, which was not read out in full, but in it she mentioned the effect on her children of seeing their grandmother killed. In 2020 the case was the subject of an inquest in Newcastle, which found Mrs Clode died as the result of accidental death. After a four day hearing a jury returned a verdict of accidental death, finding that Mrs Clode died from cardiac arrest, brain and severe spinal injuries as a result of being butted three times. Lucy gave evidence at the coroner's court, saying: 'My mum was leading the walk at that point. We were about two minutes away and I think she just wanted to get back and get settled. 'As the cattle came over the brow of the hill I could see Kevinliterally throw the children over the barbed wire and I could see my mum, who was in the most danger, stand to the right hand side and tuck herself under the gate by a tree. She had no time to do anything. 'I got over the fence, I cut my knees on the barbed wire. They were running very very fast and we were trying to get out of danger. Judge Tim Gittins indicated he will pass sentence on Thursday, having heard from the prosecution and defence on Wednesday and the hearing continues 'The lead cow, this big black cow, slowed down, so they all slowed down. It must have caught sight of my mum. 'It turned, backed up, hit her, backed up again, hit her again, backed up again and hit her, and flipped her over the fence like a ragdoll. 'Before the first charge my mum knew it had seen her and was going to attack her - she screamed. That was the last thing she ever said.' Mrs Clode, born in Derry, Ireland and living in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was a respected teacher who dedicated her life to her pupils and family. Judge Tim Gittins will pass sentence on the Nixon partnership on Friday and is expected to impose a financial penalty on the family farm, which has a herd of 140 suckler cows and calves. Mr Hassall urged him to consider a starting point of 54,000, which could rise to as much as 250,000 if he places the offending in the most serious category of safety breaches. Tom Gent, for the Nixon partnership, said: 'Mr Nixon would wish to apologise and express heartfelt sympathy to all those who knew Mrs Clode and in particular her close family. 'It is an area he travels daily. He is reminded of this tragedy every day and in my submission it is important to mark the significant impact this has had on him when he ascended that hill on his quad bike to find the horrors of what had happened. 'It will live with him and his family forever.' Mr Gent said there were no conspicuously troublesome or over protective cattle in the herd at the time and years previously, when aggressive cattle had been noted, they were sold by the partnership. He said Nixon had always been careful to ensure the passage of his cattle was secure, a method which had worked well for years. His intention had been to lead the cattle to their target field on his quad bike, keeping them under control at all times so as not to infringe the Highway Code. Mr Gent said that a plan was in place but at the point the cattle bolted past Nixon's quad bike it was 'found to be deficient.' He added: 'The partnership fell short of the expected standard but it did not fall far short, a plan was in place. There is no evidence of systemic failure.' Nixon, pictured, will be sentenced at 10 on Friday at Newcastle Crown Court, pictured today outside court Even older cattle being moved from their winter sheds to open field can become more excited, play-fighting, prancing and bucking, he said. The cattle behaviour expert said a number of issues could have made the cow react as it did, including a fear of falling if it was being forced quickly downhill by more dominant animals behind. Judge Tim Gittins said whether it was a single factor or a combination was not clear, adding: 'Something did trigger the fight reaction.' Mr Hassall replied: 'They are all reasons that might contribute in these particular circumstances to a particular cow going into fight mode rather than flight mode.' The prosecution said the defendant had not made a 'suitable and sufficient' assessment of the risk of moving cattle down the public right of way. Tom Gent, for the Nixon partnership, said: 'Mr Nixon would wish to apologise and express heartfelt sympathy to all those who knew Mrs Clode and in particular her close family. 'It is an area he travels daily. He is reminded of this tragedy every day and in my submission it is important to mark the significant impact this has had on him when he ascended that hill on his quad bike to find the horrors of what had happened. 'It will live with him and his family forever.' Mr Gent said there were no conspicuously troublesome or over protective cattle in the herd at the time and years previously, when aggressive cattle had been noted, they were sold by the partnership. He said Nixon had always been careful to ensure the passage of his cattle was secure, a method which had worked well for years. His intention had been to lead the cattle to their target field on his quad bike, keeping them under control at all times so as not to infringe the Highway Code. Mr Gent said that a plan was in place but at the point the cattle bolted past Nixon's quad bike it was 'found to be deficient'. He added: 'The partnership fell short of the expected standard but it did not fall far short, a plan was in place. There is no evidence of systemic failure.'Judge Gittins indicated he will pass sentence at 10am on Friday after hearing from the prosecution and defence on Wednesday. Mrs Clode was born in Derry and lived in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. Advertisement A Zara store in Scotland was forced to close this morning after being targeted by pro-Palestine activists chanting 'Boycott Zara' as the fallout from an advertising campaign which some claimed 'mocks deaths in Gaza' continues. The store on Buchanan Street, Glasgow saw around a dozen people waving Palestinian flags and placards arrive outside its door, video on social media shows. It comes after stores around the world have been hit by protests after the fashion giant was accused of insensitivity around a campaign which featured mannequins with missing body parts and wrapped in white sheeting. Many online drew comparisons with the distressing images to come out of the war between Israel and Hamas, with bodies wrapped in white shrouds being routinely seen in Gaza. Zara withdrew the images and yesterday issued a statement saying it 'regrets the misunderstanding', adding the campaign was conceived in July and shot in September, a month before the conflict broke out. The activists forced the closure of the store on Buchanan Street, Glasgow on Wednesday morning Fashion giant Zara came under fire for its new campaign that features a mannequin wrapped in white plastic and surrounded by rubble More than 1,200 people were killed when groups of Hamas militants crossed into Israel on October 7, most of them civilians. In Israel's response, which has seen heavy bombing of the Gaza Strip, more than 18,200 people have been killed. Images from Glasgow this morning show the Zara store's shutters closing while activists, some wearing high-vis jackets and with megaphones, standing around the entrance. Some held bundles of white cloth covered in fake blood, while others laid them on the ground. Critics previously accused the retailer of insensitivity towards deaths in war-torn Gaza after images from the fashion shoot featured mannequins with missing limbs and a model in a wooden box and surrounded by rubble. Other images, which have since been removed from the firm's Instagram page, show supermodel Kirsten McMenamy posing with mannequins wrapped in white cloth and plastic. One image showed a model holding a mannequin wrapped in what appeared to be white plastic. The UK's Advertising Standards Authority said it had received 110 complaints that the ad's imagery referenced the current Israel-Hamas conflict and was offensive. Images from Glasgow this morning show the Zara store's shutters closing while activists, some wearing high-vis jackets and with megaphones, standing around the entrance Some placed effigies of dead babies on the ground outside the fashion store The protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs with slogans such as 'Free Palestine' At some Zara stores, graffiti has covered up the brand's name as activists scrawled pro-Gaza slogans on the walls Some Zara outlets in Montreal were vandalised following the controversy The campaign for the Spain-based fashion giant quickly received a wave of backlash online, with posts branding it 'shameful,' 'disgusting' and a 'mockery'. Six posts showcasing the campaign, which was shot by British fashion photographer Tim Walker, were scrubbed from Zara's Instagram page. Mr Walker has previously photographed celebrities such as Stormzy and Jodie Comer for the covers of British Vogue, as well as taking shots of Lady Gaga, Emma Corrin and Miriam Margolyes. Zara said at the launch of the collection on December 7 that it was inspired by men's tailoring from past centuries. The photos appeared to show an artist's studio with ladders, packing materials, wooden crates and cranes, and assistants wearing overalls. There had been calls for boycotts of the fashion brand, owned by Inditex, which also owns other popular high street stores such as Pull and Bear and Bershka. In Montreal, Canada, activists sprayed Zara stores with pro-Palestinian slogans this week. Social media users took to X to criticise the campaign, referring to it as 'shameful,' 'disgusting' and a 'mockery'. These two images have been deleted from their Instagram page after they were compared to photos of dead bodies in Gaza Zara released a statement on Instagram on Tuesday morning Some social media users drew parallels between mannequins used in the campaign and distressing pictures of bodies wrapped in shrouds from Gaza Yesterday footage emerged online which showed protests at stores in Madrid and Stockholm. In Madrid, activists waved large Palestinian flags and gathered outside the entrance, gluing up posters which when translated bore the motto: 'We are all Palestinian'. In a Stockholm store, protesters carrying bundles of cloth made to look like dead babies entered the premises and waved placards and posters. Zara described the new clothing line on its Instagram page as: 'A limited edition collection from the house celebrating our commitment to craftsmanship and passion for artistic expression.' Taking to social media on Tuesday morning, Zara said: 'After listening to comments regarding the latest Zara Atelier campaign 'The Jacket', we would like to share the following with our customers. 'The campaign, that was conceived in July and photographed in September, presents a series of images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor's studio and was created with the sole purpose of showcasing craftmade garments in an artistic context. 'Unfortunately, some customers felt offended buy these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created. 'Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone'. Zara has been contacted for comment. James Bulger's mother has hailed the Parole Board's decision to keep killer Jon Venables behind bars and says the prospect of him being free 'terrified' her. Venables' bid to be released from prison was rejected by the Parole Board just days after he claimed he was 'completely rehabilitated'. The murderer, who was one of two boys jailed for the killing of two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, had his application rejected after officials said they believed he was still dangerous. The now-41-year-old was originally released from prison in 2001 but has since been returned behind bars twice for possessing indecent images of children. James' mother Denise Fergus today said it is a 'day to celebrate', adding she feared he would 'harm again'. Jon Venables, pictured here in his mugshot, was just 10 year's old when he brutally murdered toddler James Bulger in 1993 The murder of James Bulger (pictured), who was kidnapped from a shopping centre and tortured to death shocked the nation James' mother Denise Fergus has praised the Parole Board and said it is a 'day for celebration' Kym Morris, spokeswoman and chairwoman of the James Bulger's Memorial Trust for James' mum Denise Fergus, said: 'This is the day Denise has waited for years. 'The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he'd harm again. This is a day we celebrate and we thank the parole board for making the correct decision.' James' father Ralph and his uncle Jimmy Bulger added in a joint statement they were 'relieved at the decision', and that Venables' continued offending after his release 'had a traumtic impact on us.' It was reported last week that Venables had claimed he was 'reformed' and 'no danger' to the public in his latest bid for freedom, sparking pleas from James's family to keep him locked up. He had been granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would 'harm his mental health' if it took place in public, but he did not attend to give evidence in person. Now after two weeks of deliberations, the Parole Board has determined that the child murderer is still too much of a danger to the public to be released. The news of his continued stay behind bars was greeted with joy by James's mum, Denis Fergus, who a spokesperson said was 'celebrating' the decision. Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, backed the decision to keep Venables behind bars. He said: 'James Bulger's barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Board's decision to keep his killer behind bars. 'Public protection is our number one priority which is why I opposed Jon Venables' release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders.' A spokesperson for the Parole Board told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Jon Venables following an oral hearing. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. 'Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. 'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' 'Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.' It was reported last week that James' family had written to the Parole Board over suggestions that one of their son's killers could be released. A family source said last week: 'The family has written to the decision makers, saying they believe Venables is a danger to the public and to children, and that he needs to be kept locked up.' The insider went on to say that it should be 'a cut and dry case' and that were was no need for extra time to debate if 'monster' Venables should be released. Venables' parole bid has already sparked controversy after it emerged that he skipped giving evidence during the two-day hearing to prevent 'disproportionate emotional stress.' Venables and fellow 10-year-old Robert Thompson horrified Britain when they snatched toddler James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. Robert Thompson, pictured here in his mugshot, who murdered James Bulgar with Venables, has not reoffended since his release from prison James Bulger was kidnapped by Venables and his co-accused Robert Thompson, before being killed and his body left next to a railway line in Liverpool The pair kidnapped and tortured James, before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line 30 years ago. The child killers were convicted of murder in November 1993 and detained indefinitely. The pair were released aged 18 in 2001 after just eight years and given new identities. Thompson has not reoffended. Following his released in 2001, Venables was recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, having been found to be in possession of indecent images of children. Venables was turned down for parole in 2020 after serving his minimum 40 months. After his 2001 release he was given a new name - which may happen if he is freed again. Previous conditions placed on Venables included informing his parole officer if he ever got a job and getting their permission before leaving the UK. He had to regularly see a forensic psychologist and was banned from contacting Robert Thompson or any member of James Bulger's family. He also had to ask his parole officer for permission to leave Merseyside, stay overnight in the same house as a child under 16 or spend time with anyone under 12. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has claimed he has a longstanding issue with Harvard over its selling $85M worth of stock he donated for $10M - but denied that it's the reason he's calling his alma mater out on anti-Semitism. Ackman, 57, responded to an article by The New York Times titled, 'Bill Ackmans Campaign Against Harvard Followed Years of Resentment', which claims his 'long-held personal grudges' against the school are partly behind his campaign to oust Harvard president Claudine Gay after her congressional testimony on campus anti-Semitism. Ackman called the premise of the story 'entirely false and misleading' as he took to social media to clarify the details behind one of the alleged grudges outlined by the Times. 'I have held no resentment toward Harvard ever. And I have none now,' he wrote. 'The story gives the impression that my motivation for raising issues about antisemitism at Harvard and President Gay were due to prior grievances. This is entirely false and misleading.' Ackman continued to explain that he donated the $10million stock when he was low on liquid cash while going through a divorce and as his investment firm Pershing Square 'had gone through a large drawdown.' Billionaire investor Bill Ackman revealed he has a longstanding issue with Harvard over a $10million stock donation Harvard President Claudine Gay at the congressional hearing on antisemitism on campus Ackman said he wanted to support the school when the possibility of recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty emerged However, Ackman said he wanted to support the school when the possibility of recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty emerged. He wrote: 'It was important to me that I could fulfill our long-term plan to recruit him despite my difficult personal circumstances at the time.... I knew Harvard could find the money from someone else, but I wanted to fulfill my original plans for the Foundation of Human Behavior initiative. 'It was important enough to me that I agreed to give Harvard stock in a private venture-backed company that I expected would be worth many multiples of that value in only a few years. 'My agreement with Harvard provided that if and when the company went public in a few years, if the stock was worth more than $15m, I would have the right to allocate the excess realized value above $15m to the Harvard-related initiative of my choosing. In the event the stock was worth less than $10m, I committed to make up the difference with an additional donation to the University.' But Ackman claims that when he called Harvard in January 2021, after learning the stock was now worth $85million, he discovered that Harvard had sold the stock in March 2020 at a massive discount - $10million. 'I was not happy as you might expect. To make matters worse, none of HMC, the administration, or even my development officer had the courtesy to apologize. I heard from no one by email, phone or otherwise,' he added. Ackman said then-Harvard president Larry Bacow eventually 'apologized and promised to rectify the situation' - but never did 'despite Ackman's periodic reminders.' He concluded: 'To be extremely clear, my advocacy on behalf of antisemitism, free speech on campus, and my concerns with DEI at Harvard have absolutely nothing to do with my unfortunate experience as a donor to the University. I am extremely grateful for the education I received at Harvard College and HBS. I am just trying to make sure that current students and those in the future have the same opportunity to learn at Harvard that I had.' The Times' article on Ackman came hours after The Harvard Corporation announced that Gay would keep her job despite calls for her ousting. Ackman claimed sources told him the school did not want to be seen as bowing down to him after he wrote an open letter to the board demanding Gay's firing. The Harvard Corporation - the college's executive board - said in its statement: 'Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing.' The board acknowledged Gay's mistakes in handling anti-Semitism on campus, adding: 'So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamass brutal terrorist attack, and the Universitys initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation. 'Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the Universitys fight against antisemitism.' The Harvard Crimson was first to report Gay would keep her job despite widespread calls for her to resign from the political and business worlds after her disastrous appearance on Capitol Hill last week where she refused to say that calling for the genocide of Jews constituted harassment. The board continued: 'In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay. At Harvard, we champion open discourse and academic freedom, and we are united in our strong belief that calls for violence against our students and disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated. 'Harvards mission is advancing knowledge, research, and discovery that will help address deep societal issues and promote constructive discourse, and we are confident that President Gay will lead Harvard forward toward accomplishing this vital work.' Gay, the school's first black president, was appointed to the post in July 2023. She sparked fury during a congressional hearing last week after she said that it depended on context whether calls for the genocide of Jews at Harvard constituted harassment and violated the rules. She was subsequently forced to issue an apology following the hearing that cost University of Pennsylvania Liz Magill her job over a similar response. A defective system that's supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot needs to be fixed Tesla is recalling more than two million of all its vehicles sold in the U.S Tesla is recalling nearly all of the vehicles it sold in the U.S, more than 2 million across its model lineup, to fix a defective system that's supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot. Documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators say the company will send out a software update to fix the problems. The recall comes after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some were deadly. The agency says its investigation found Autopilot's method of ensuring that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system. The recall covers models Y, S, 3 and X produced between October 5, 2012, and December 7 of this year. Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective system that's supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot NHTSA scrutinized Autopilot and was looking into 830,000 Tesla vehicles with the system, a required step before seeking a recall Tesla makes up for around 70 percent of the crashes, but Elon Musk's car brand has also produced a larger share of self-driving or assisted-driving vehicles The software update includes additional controls and alerts 'to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility,' the documents said. The update was to be sent to certain affected vehicles on Tuesday, with the rest getting it at a later date, the documents said. Autopilot includes features called Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control, with Autosteer intended for use on limited access freeways when its not operating with a more sophisticated feature called Autosteer on City Streets. The software update apparently will limit where Autosteer can be used. 'If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer when conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will alert the driver it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts, and Autosteer will not engage,' the recall documents said. Depending on a Teslas hardware, the added controls include 'increasing prominence' of visual alerts, simplifying how Autosteer is turned on and off, additional checks on whether Autosteer is being used outside of controlled access roads and when approaching traffic control devices, 'and eventual suspension from Autosteer use if the driver repeatedly fails to demonstrate continuous and sustained driving responsibility,' the documents say. Recall documents say that agency investigators met with Tesla starting in October to explain 'tentative conclusions' about the fixing the monitoring system. Tesla, it said, did not concur with the agency's analysis but agreed to the recall on December 5 in an effort to resolve the investigation. A deadly horror-smash saw Tesla driver Fredrick Scheffler II, left, lose control of his Model Y and crash into teacher Kyle Riegler, right, killing both men Firefighters were allegedly unable to reach one driver, Dr Awan, because the retractable door hands didn't pop out. Tesla claims it should have unless the power to the car was 'abruptly' cut off In July a female driver, 66, and her male passenger, 67, were killed when their Tesla crashed into the back of a Walmart truck shearing the roof off the vehicle - its automated system probed during the investigation Auto safety advocates for years have been calling for stronger regulation of the driver monitoring system, which mainly detects whether a driver's hands are on the steering wheel. They have called for cameras to make sure a driver is paying attention, which are used by other automakers with similar systems. Autopilot can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, but is a driver-assist system and cannot drive itself despite its name. Independent tests have found that the monitoring system is easy to fool, so much that drivers have been caught while driving drunk or even sitting in the back seat. In its defect report filed with the safety agency, Tesla said Autopilot's controls 'may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.' A message was left early Wednesday seeking further comment from the Austin, Texas, company. Tesla says on its website that Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving system cannot drive autonomously and are meant to help drivers who have to be ready to intervene at all times. Full Self Driving is being tested by Tesla owners on public roads. In a statement posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter, Tesla said safety is stronger when Autopilot is engaged. NHTSA has dispatched investigators to 35 Tesla crashes since 2016 in which the agency suspects the vehicles were running on an automated system. At least 17 people have been killed. The investigations are part of a larger probe by the NHTSA into multiple instances of Teslas using Autopilot crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes. NHTSA has become more aggressive in pursuing safety problems with Teslas in the past year, announcing multiple recalls and investigations, including a recall of Full Self Driving software. In May, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes NHTSA, said Tesla shouldnt be calling the system Autopilot because it cant drive itself. In its statement Wednesday, NHTSA said the Tesla investigation remains open 'as we monitor the efficacy of Teslas remedies and continue to work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety.' In January, California prosecutors filed charges against a man who allegedly ran a red light and killed two people in 2019 while driving a Tesla on Autopilot. Kevin George Aziz Riad, 27, pled not guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Tesla's automatic system was again questioned when a Model Y car slammed into a Hyundai killing the drivers of both cars. How does Tesla's Autopilot work? Autopilot uses cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radar to see and sense the environment around the car. The sensor and camera suite provides drivers with an awareness of their surroundings that a driver alone would not otherwise have. A powerful onboard computer processes these inputs in a matter of milliseconds to help what the company say makes driving 'safer and less stressful.' Autopilot is a hands-on driver assistance system that is intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver. It does not turn a Tesla into a self-driving car nor does it make a car autonomous. Before enabling Autopilot, driver must agree to 'keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times' and to always 'maintain control and responsibility for your car.' Once engaged, if insufficient torque is applied, Autopilot will also deliver an escalating series of visual and audio warnings, reminding drivers to place their hands on the wheel. If drivers repeatedly ignore the warnings, they are locked out from using Autopilot during that trip. Any of Autopilot's features can be overridden at any time by steering or applying the brakes. The Autopilot does not function well in poor visibility. Advertisement The Tesla, was being driven by mortgage adviser Fredrick Scheffler II, 49, who lost control and veered into oncoming traffic along the Sunset Highway, close to the Pacific Coast near Necanicum. Scheffler's 2020 car crashed into a Hyundai Santa Fe being driven by Kyle Riegler, a 26 year-old band teacher who worked at the nearby Seaside Middle and High Schools. Scheffler, a married father-of-one from Portland, died shortly after the smash. Riegler was was airlifted from the crash site, a stretch of the state's heavily wooded Sunset Highway, near the Pacific Coast, to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, where he died that night. It remains unclear what caused the smash, and cops are investigating. In July a female driver, 66, and her male passenger, 67, were killed when their Tesla crashed into the back of a Walmart truck shearing the roof off the vehicle. The NHTSA said at the time that it was too early to disclose a possible cause, but that Tesla's controversial autopilot self-driving technology was being probed over the incident. Also in July a motorcyclist was killed by a Tesla driving on autopilot on a Utah highway. The biker, who has been identified as Landon Embry, 34, was killed when a 2020 Tesla Model 3 merged into his lane and struck the back of his motorcycle, sending him flying from the bike. He died at the scene. The crash bore a striking similarity to a score of Tesla crashes that have occurred since 2015 in which drivers were killed when their cars merged into tractor trailers and wound up beneath them. The 2015 Teslas were the first to use the company's autopilot technology but did not include fully automated options. Instead, they used several features intended to assist drivers, including automated in-lane steering, and automated lane changing prompted by the driver's commands. 'The driver is still responsible for, and ultimately in control of, the car,' Tesla wrote in a blog post announcing describing the then-new features. They're warned to always keep their hands on the wheel. Meanwhile, the electronic door handles of a Tesla that crashed in May is being investigated as part of the cause of death if Dr. Omar Awan, 48, who died in February 2019. Awan survived the initial impact, but his family have sued Musk's car company claiming his death could have been avoided were it not for the Tesla's door handles, the lawsuit states. The recall comes as new film Leave the World Behind, starring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke - which has quickly risen to the top of Netflix, shows a scene with a couple being chased by driverless Teslas. But the cars end up all crashing into each other and cause a pile-up on the road. Police have donated 1,000 tonnes of fake designer gear to the homeless after a huge counterfeit raid - but they had to remove bogus brand labels before giving them away. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) shut down over 100 fake designer shops in central Manchester as part of 'Operation Vulcan'. The large-scale operation aims to rid the area of counterfeit goods. Many of the shops were found to be selling fake designer clothes, handbags, shoes and Rolex watches. The raid resulted in almost 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit items being repurposed, recycled or donated to the homeless. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) shut down over 100 fake designer shops in central Manchester as part of 'Operation Vulcan' Many of the shops were found to be selling fake designer clothes, handbags, shoes and Rolex watches Pictured: Greater Manchester Police donate clothes to charity Mustard Tree after the raid However, the police had to remove the fake designer labels from the clothing - which is called debranding. Items that were unsuitable or unsafe were shredded to create new items such as bedding or blankets. Packaging and boxes that the items were sold in have been recycled into insulation for houses. Greater Manchester Police donated hundreds of items of clothes to a local anti-poverty charity the Mustard Tree. The fake labels had to be removed from the counterfeit clothing before they could be donated Pictured: The counterfeit good inside one of the shops that were shut down for selling them A Greater Manchester Police officer poses next to some of the counterfeit designer clothes which were confiscated The charity works to combat poverty, inequality, and homelessness in Manchester. Inspector Dan Cullum of Greater Manchester Police said: 'The community and their needs are at the heart of Operation Vulcan and the fact that we have been able to repurpose and recycle everything and give it back to those in need really makes a difference.' Harry Dwan from the Mustard Tree said: 'This donation is gratefully received and will now be provided to those who need it most such as those sleeping on the streets, low-income families and those who are most vulnerable in the community. 'We can't thank the Op Vulcan team enough.' A horrified colleague has called out a leading NAACP activist for hate speech after she denounced migrants as raping, burgling savages who do not speak English. Teresa Haley was complaining to branch presidents of the Illinois NAACP about support that Chicago authorities were offering to the 26,000 migrants who have arrived in the city since August last year. Haley who heads the NAACP state conference also used the N-word and sneered at transgender people during the video call which was recorded by former Du Bois County branch president Patrick Watson. 'These immigrants who come over here, they've been raping people, they've been breaking into homes, they're like savages as well,' she said. 'They don't speak the language and they look at us like we're crazy.' More than 26,000 have arrived in Chicago since August last year amid tension with residents Patrick Watson who recorded the comments accused Haley of betraying the organization's legacy with 'derogatory, hateful language' Haley suggested 'AI' may have been used to doctor her words when reached on holiday in Dubai by WLS-Ch7, adding: 'With AI anything is possible.' But Watson said the comments were heard by everyone at the meeting. 'We've had immigrants who've been shot at, we've had immigrants who've been killed,' he added. 'We have had people who have been beaten up because of their immigration status, and enough is enough, it's time to stand up and say no to hate. 'You can be for raising up your people without denigrating other people.' Haley is a rising star in the organization and won its activist of the year award in 2021. She is campaigning for a seat on running on its national board and found backing from current DuPage County board president Michael Childress who said she had his full support. 'These comments are not indicative of what the NAACP stands for, but I'm not going to speak on behalf of Teresa Haley and say she should or shouldn't resign or things like that,' he added. Haley who has a bachelors degree in 'communication' runs a training and consulting service and bills herself on its website as a 'dynamic speaker'. She told the meeting that migrants were benefitting at the expense of black people. 'We were the only people in America who were brought over here against our wills and we're slaves, sold into slavery,' she said. The city's airport and police stations have been used to shelter the thousands of migrants But the city is budgeting a $150 million spend on new facilities at the start of 2024 As winter approached, Mayor Brandon Johnson has opened camps for migrants, some of which are being placed in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods 'But unlike everybody else who comes over here, we're so kind, we're so friendly, you need some clothes, you need a place to stay, we're gonna make it happen.' Watson said she also complained about being asked to use transgender pronouns she described as they, them, it'. 'What the hell is that?' she demanded. When Watson protested at her remarks she told him: 'So brother, I feel your pain, I'm trying not to be a n******, but you know I'm pro-black.' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called remarks 'reprehensible' and 'extraordinarily inappropriate'. 'I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks,' he added. 'I also think that people should recognize that immigrants in this country are all around us. 'Virtually all of us came here from somewhere else. 'So remarks like that are commentary on our entire society.' The NAACP, founded in 1909 as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, describes its mission as support for 'all marginalized people'. But Carla Jackson-Campbell, a senior NAACP executive, said the group was 'still evaluating all of the information and awaiting more details'. Illinois State Governor JB Pritzker denounced the remarks as 'extraordinarily inappropriate' 'Our mission is and always will be to achieve equity and political rights and social inclusion by advancing the needs of Black people,' she added. 'President Haley does embrace the mission of our beloved NAACP.' Black residents made up most of the protesters who stormed a meeting of Chicago City Council last month as it debated whether it should retain its sanctuary city status. And in September a group of Black homeowners protested outside the City Hall, calling on the city to redirect the funding spent on migrants to their neighborhoods. The city plans to spend $150 million on migrant services in the first six months of 2024 alone at a time when campaigners estimate there are more than 50,000 homeless black people. 'The South Side has been under-resourced, under-funded for years, for decades,' community organizer Jessica Jackson said during the demonstration. 'We have schools that need to be reopened.' She continued: 'For them to be sympathetic to their needs, saying it's a humanitarian issue crisis when Black people have had a humanitarian crisis for housing, employment and everything else. 'How do we get pushed to the back?' Five years ago Haley had protested at the use of the N-word by colleagues, branding it 'disrespectful'. 'We are living in a time when people are changing, but the world still remains the same,' she told a chapter meeting. Haley who has a bachelors degree in 'communication' runs a training and consulting service and bills herself on its website as a 'dynamic speaker' She suggested 'AI' may have been used to doctor her words when reached on holiday in Dubai by WLS-Ch7, adding 'With AI anything is possible' 'The NAACP is not just about black folks sir, it is about all folks, working and living together and being respectful of one another.' Watson admitted that others on the video call had raised concerns about migrants but said Haley was 'the only one that used this derogatory, hateful language' 'Thinking of the rich history of the NAACP, it's the oldest civil rights organization in the country,' he added. 'And to have an Illinois state president engage in that type of rhetoric and that type of speech, I could have never imagined I would have heard that from a civil rights leader.' Six asylum seekers who faced being transferred to the Bibby Stockholm said they would 'rather kill themselves than be sent there', campaigners have claimed. A man died on the barge yesterday in what is being treated as suicide - prompting activists to argue that conditions on board contributed to his mental turmoil. The tragedy came after a 23-year-old man tried to kill himself in a hotel car park in Essex last month after hearing that he was due to be transferred to the vessel. And Nicola David, from the One Life to Live charity, said six other migrants who were previously due to be transferred from the same hotel to the barge had said they would 'rather kill themselves than be sent there'. It is unclear if they were ever sent on board. A man died on the barge yesterday in what is being treated as suicide - prompting activists to argue that conditions on board contributed to his mental turmoil Ms David said that a letter signed by the 39 men who previously stayed on the barge described how they had found the Bibby Stockholm to be a 'terrifying residence' like a prison and had left them feeling 'stress and anxiety'. She added: 'Nothing about the Bibby Stockholm has gone well it wasn't even the Home Office's first or second choice of barge, so they had to settle for something 50 years old, rotten, and unfit for use. READ MORE - Bibby Stockholm asylum seekers reveal migrant who died in suspected suicide on barge was screaming at 3am very loudly for 15 minutes Advertisement 'The barge had endless delays for repairs, Legionella, failed plumbing, and fire safety failure. 'I discovered that it costs more per head than hotels, not less, so the Government's strategy doesn't add up. There are claims going through the High Court.' Emergency services were called to the Bibby Stockholm at just after 6am yesterday to what officers described as a 'sudden death'. Richard Drax, Tory MP for South Dorset, said he could 'confirm that tragically there has been a suicide'. He added: 'I am in close contact with the Home Office. Local organisations are investigating what has happened. This is very sad news, anyone taking their life is very tragic.' Home Secretary James Cleverly told MPs: 'Tragically, there has been a death on the Bibby Stockholm barge. I'm sure that the thoughts of the whole House, like mine, are with those affected. 'At this stage, I am uncomfortable getting into any more details. But we will, of course, investigate fully.' Protesters hold up a welcome sign for migrants outside Portland Port, where the Bibby Stockholm is located A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are aware of reporting of an incident involving an asylum seeker on the Bibby Stockholm. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time'. The first asylum seekers were brought back to the barge, moored at the Port of Portland, in October two months after it was evacuated following the discovery of potentially fatal Legionella bacteria in the water supply. Campaigners have claimed a man on the vessel tried to take their own life earlier this year. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: 'This is an appalling loss of life but tragically not surprising. We know from our work supporting men, women and children in the asylum system that many are deeply traumatised and feel isolated, unable to get the help they need. Some are so desperate they self-harm and feel suicidal. 'Nobody who comes to our country seeking asylum should be left without the support they need, yet the system has more hostility than compassion built into it. 'It is imperative that an independent review is carried out into this death so that lessons are learned to avoid any further tragedies of this kind. 'A new approach, which always sees the face behind the case and treats every individual person with the dignity and humanity they deserve, is urgently needed.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'My heart goes out to the family and friends of an individual who has lost their life.' Others held signs saying 'Portland Port - making millions out of misery' Charity Care4Calais criticised conditions on the Bibby Stockholm, which has been blighted by problems since it docked in Dorset earlier this year. Steve Smith, the organisation's chief executive, said: 'Our thoughts are with all those stuck on board the Bibby Stockholm who will be experiencing a deep feeling of grief and worry today. 'The UK Government must take responsibility for this human tragedy. They have wilfully ignored the trauma they are inflicting on people who are sent to the Bibby Stockholm, and the hundreds being accommodated in former military barracks.' Former home secretary Suella Braverman previously insisted the barge was safe amid threats of legal action from firefighters and protests about the suitability of the plan. Portland has been a focus of demonstrations by campaign groups. Carralyn Parkes, who is mayor of Portland, lost a High Court fight in September against then-home secretary Suella Braverman over the lawfulness of housing asylum seekers on the barge. Mrs Parkes wanted to argue that housing migrants there was illegal because it allegedly breaches planning and equality laws. But Mr Justice Holgate ruled that Mrs Parkes, a member of Portland Town Council, did not have an arguable case. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Anderson Cooper's heiress mom Gloria Vanderbilt created a secret 'grief map' to help him clear out her home after her death - including a calendar permanently set to the day of his brother's 1988 suicide. Cooper, 56, has been on a slow journey to uncover his family's hidden memories and belongings after the death of his father, brother, and mother - who died aged 95 four years ago. Once he started clearing out her Upper East Side apartment, he began finding notes she'd left him - which he said created a type of 'treasure hunt' for his grief. Gloria Vanderbilt, once one of the most famous women in the world, died in June 2019. Her apartment was covered in sentimental belongings from Cooper's late father Wyatt Emory Cooper, who died in 1978, reports the NYTimes. The luxurious home was covered in objects once owned by his beloved older brother, Carter, who died after jumping from his mom's balcony in July 1988 while she pleaded with him not to take his own life. Cooper, 56, has been on a slow journey to uncover his family's hidden memories and belongings after the death of his father, brother, and his mother four years ago Once he started clearing out her Upper East Side apartment, he started finding notes she'd left him - which he said created a type of treasure hunt of his grief Anderson Cooper's (right) brother Carter (left) died by suicide in 1988 when he was 23 years old. The family is pictured together walking in New York in 1976 Across the rooms, Cooper started uncovering his family member's possessions - with handwritten notes by his mom. A pair of satin trousers came with the note: 'These are Daddy's pyjamas,' and a pair of spectacles, 'Daddy's glasses.' His father, who was the heiress' fourth husband, died when the CNN journalist was just 10. He recalled crying in the moment, and then almost never again. Gloria Vanderbilt had even memorialized what she was wearing on one of the worst days of her life - the death of her son Carter. Cooper, a father-of-two, found a white silk shirt next to a knitted skirt during his rummage, with the note: 'Blouse and skirt I was wearing when Carter died.' Carter, 23, died when Anderson was 21. He jumped off the balcony of their mother's New York City 14-story apartment building as she pleaded with him not to. Gloria Vanderbilt, above, wearing a polka dot dress, while she was still married to Leopold Stokowski in an undated photo Gloria was only 18 months old when her father Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, a drinker and gambler who frittered away his inheritance, died. Too young to take control of her trust, her mother, Gloria Morgan, spent the the money on herself, partied her way across European soignee circles, including with the Prince of Wales, and funded her extravagant lifestyle by pilfering her daughters $2.5 million trust fund. Above, Gloria at age 30 in 1954 Cooper started uncovering his family member's possessions - with handwritten notes by his mom. A a pair of satin trousers, came with the note: 'These are Daddy's pyjamas,' and a pair of spectacles, 'Daddy's glasses' Carter, 23, died when Anderson was 21. He jumped off the balcony of their mother's New York City 14-story apartment building as she pleaded with him not to Vanderbilt later reveal in an interview on her sons talk show, Anderson Live, that she immediately considered killing herself after Carter went over the balcony. She said to Anderson: 'There was a moment when I thought I was going to jump over after himI thought of you and it stopped me.' When he was going through his late mother's belongings, another treasure he uncovered was an antique Victorian bronze calendar on her bedside table. It was locked on a date - July 22, 1988 - which was the day Carter died. She never moved the dial again, and took it with her everywhere she lived after the tragedy. Anderson now keeps the calendar in his living room. The Yale-educated journalist says he has about 70 boxes left to go through. When he was sifting through some earlier this year, he found an essay written by his father, which had never been published. It was titled: 'The importance of grieving.' He recorded himself sifting through Gloria's belongings, including a set of her paintbrushes, notes, letters, and photographs. Since his mother's death, and the physical and mental unpacking that went with it, Cooper started a podcast on grief, called: 'All There Is With Anderson Cooper.' The couple had two children, Chris and Anderson. Above, the family - Cooper, Anderson, Carter, and Vanderbilt - at their home on Southampton, Long Island, on March 30, 1972 The Yale-educated journalist says he has about 70 boxes left to go through. When he was sifting through some earlier this year, he found an essay written by his father, which had never been published. It was titled: 'The importance of grieving' Cooper was raised by his mother and father, writer Wyatt Cooper (pictured in 1970), who was Gloria's fourth husband The journalist has been on a journey to uncover all of the hidden memories of his family Gloria Vanderbilt died at age 95 in 2019 The journalist has now used the treasures he found in his mother's apartment to decorate his own $4.3million Greenwich Village home. He has covered the wall next to the main staircase with his mother's paintings and portraits. Gloria was the heiress to the Vanderbilt fortune - and was a common feature in magazines and newspapers from her early adolescence. Vanderbilt was born into unimaginable wealth on February 20, 1924 as the heiress to a railroad fortune; her life story is one marked by privilege, glamour, powerful friends, famous lovers, and penetrating sadness. She wanted to feel it all, she wanted to feel lifes pleasures, its pains as well, said her son, Anderson, after she died. In 1934, Gloria was just a little girl when she became the center of a sensational lawsuit that was heard and reported around the world, it was dubbed as The Trial of the Century. After splitting from her husband, Leopold Stokowski, Vanderbilt dated Frank Sinatra, and they are seen above at a musical opening at the tail end of 1954 Gloria (pictured with her mother in 1939) socialized in Manhattan as she grew up and charmed film and play directors until she made connections in Hollywood Gloria Vanderbilt married her fourth husband Wyatt Cooper on December 24, 1963 and was with him until his death on January 5, 1978. Above, the couple at supper dance thrown in honor of Liza Minnelli in 1972 Glorias paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney sued for custody of little Gloria citing the neglect and immoral influence of her mother as cause. Salacious details from behind the curtain of Americas richest family captivated the poverty-stricken public during the Great Depression. Whitney slammed Morgan with reports of her alleged erotic interested in women, while the defense argued that Whitney's work as a celebrated sculptor featured nudes. Custody was eventually awarded to Gertrude Whitney, but Gloria was left traumatized and even more isolated from the event. Years later, Gloria would write in her autobiography: If you've never had a mother or a father, you grow up seeking something you're never going to find, ever. You seek it in love and in people and in beauty. While the Vanderbilts would become one of Americas most illustrious families, their roots stretch back to a humble Dutch farmer from the village of De Bilt in the Netherlands who came over to the colonies as an indentured servant in 1650, according to the book, 'Commodore Vanderbilt and his family: A biographical account of the Descendants of Cornelius and Sophia Johnson Vanderbilt.' Gloria inherited millions, but was also a self-starter, with her own line of blue jeans and a fashion empire that raked in $100 million a year. Her lavish life made her a much-loved figure of the time. She was married four times and had affairs with the most coveted men - including Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Cooper said in a 2017 documentary: 'My mom has lived many different lives and has inhabited many different skins.' Vanderbilt left an indelible mark on the cultural history of America, but her own story of self-invention and survival that has become a symbol of perseverance. In the eulogy for his mother, Cooper said: 'She always worked hard, always pressed on, always believed the best was yet to come.' The coastal community of Huntington Beach - located about one-hour south of Los Angeles - has been a southern California conservative stronghold for years. But the red hot culture wars are increasingly dominating the city's politics, with its right-wing city council guiding the community in a hardline conservative direction. In September the city proclaimed itself a 'no mask and no vaccine mandate city.' The council has established a review panel to examine children's books in the city library for sexual content, and banned the rainbow LGBTQ+ flag from flying at city hall during pride month. The group has also sued the state over requirements stipulating that the city must create more housing in the next ten years, according to the Los Angeles Times The city's new mayor, Gracey Van Der Mark, told a crowd of supporters in her first mayoral speech earlier this month that she and her colleagues believe the city 'has been set on a great course.' Tony Strickland, current councilmember and former mayor, claimed the council's Republican majority was elected to 'shake things up' - and 'we're doing just that'. Southern California's Huntington Beach is experiencing a wave of culturally conservative operations, as the Republican stronghold is governed by a right-wing City Council In 2022, a newly-elected conservative city council banned the flying of any flag - including the pride flag - that isn't the US flag or a military flag from City Hall The majority of voters in Huntington Beach are Republicans, though political breakdowns have become more dynamic in recent years as the number of Democrats and Independents increased. The beach city, which is somewhat economically and racially diverse, is comprised of about 60 percent white residents and 20 percent Latino residents. Though the city government has remained relatively conservative in recent years, there was a brief period in 2021 when the council had a liberal majority. With Strickland's election in 2022, the council swung hard in the other direction. The politician ran as part of a slate that included a retired police officer, local businessman and vocal parental rights activist Van Der Mark. The city's 86th mayor Van Der Mark - and its first Latina mayor - is responsible for the elimination the book 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' from the city library's adult/teen section. The group said they would tackle the issues of top importance to residents, including homeless encampments, which were spiraling out-of-control, housing mandates, and other unfriendly business-regulations. However, according to the Times, once the four member slate took office, the conservative majority pivoted focused to a more socio-cultural agenda. One example of such an effort was the immediate decision to ban the flying of the pride flag - or any non-American or military flag - from City Hall. While some residents feel the council may be overstepping, others fully support the social renovations. One resident, Cari Swan, even led an effort last year to recall some members of the last council for being Republicans who too frequently voted with Democrats. However, in October, hundreds of residents streamed into the council's chambers to protest the advisory board that had been installed to review the children's section of the library. 'Leave our kids alone' and 'Free people read freely,' read signs from demonstrators who claimed the review board amounted to a book ban policy. Earlier this month, Gracey Van Der Mark, a conservative parental rights activist, was installed at the city's first Latina mayor The idyllic beach city about an hour south of Los Angeles has long been a conservative stronghold in the notoriously left-leaning area Young Huntington Beach residents protested the council's (successful) efforts to remove some books from the city's library Tony Strickland - a conservative City Council member and the city's outgoing mayor Huntington Beach has faced its share of challenges, including in 2021, when a White Lives Matter protest broke out at the pier, drawing a group of far-right demonstrators and members of the Proud Boys. In the 1990s, the city's then-council passed a Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity, which was part of a larger effort to bring the community together and successfully brand the area as family friendly and safe. The original statement says that 'everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of their racial background, their nation of origin, the religion they practice, their sexual orientation, gender or disability status. It is the right of all citizens to pursue their daily lives with the knowledge that they will not be physically harmed or verbally abused.' Following the inauguration of the new council, a vote to dissolve the human relations committee, which had written the original declaration, passed. A new version of the resolution removed all references to hate crimes and added in references to safeguarding children from 'sexual grooming' and 'exploitation.' It also says that the city will 'recognize from birth the genetic differences between male and female and respect the strengths and benefits of each.' The teacher has now been fired but some parents say this is 'not good enough' Outraged mothers told local news their children were now experiencing 'behavioral changes' and 'withdrawal' Parents at Options For Learning, Head Start in South El Monte discovered their children were being given essential oil patches without their consent Parents at a Los Angeles school have voiced their concern after a teacher applied 'mood-calming zen patches' to their children without consent. An instructor at Options For Learning, Head Start in South El Monte was caught placing the essential oils patches on preschoolers when a parent turned up to the classroom without notice. The teacher, who has not been named, has since been fired from the school. 'We were surprised and really upset because you bring your kids, and you expect it to be good, you know,' parent Vicky Cano told Fox 11. Cano's four-year-old Destiny showed the outlet where the teacher had placed the patch on her arm. Destiny Cano points out where the teacher placed the calming patch Concerned parents told local news of their concerns after discovering the 'calming patches' 'I don't even know what the teacher was thinking when she did that,' another concerned parent Cynthia Rodriguez said. 'Maybe it was easier for her to control all the kids and have them fall asleep faster' Rodriquez added. Some parents have also reported 'withdrawal' symptoms from their children. One parent told Fox 11 'we've seen a lot of behavioral issues, sleeping patterns, eating patterns different.' 'We've seen the children are having like withdrawal,' the mother explained. Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, a physician, told Fox 11 that despite the patches only containing essential oils, there is always the risk of an allergic reaction when applying any substance without proper consent. He said, 'As a physician, I would emphasize that applying any substance like an essential oil without a thorough understanding of their health history and parental consent is not advisable.' He also emphasized the lack of regulation of the products. The 'mood-calming zen patches' used by the unnamed teacher contain essential oils The incident took place at Options For Learning, Head Start in South El Monte, California Concerned parent Maria Contreras, whose child was allegedly affected, speaks out 'Their effects are not uniformly regulated or standardized by anyone so there is a risk with that in itself,' he explained. 'Our internal review of the incident at South El Monte Head Start confirms that the aromatic stickers were given to a limited number of students one class of 16 students,' Options for Learning CEO Paul F. Pulver said in a statement. 'Their distribution violated our policy requiring parental decision-making and consent on all suck matters. 'The employee who provided the stickers has been fired.' However, parent Stephanie Rodriguez expressed dissatisfaction, stating, 'Firing her is not good enough at all. I want justice; she should be in jail.' Some of the concerned parents have now removed their children from the school, Fox 11 reported. A 12-year-old schoolgirl threatened a teacher with a knife at a school in northern France on Wednesday, the latest in a growing number of incidents that have raised tensions in the French education system. The schoolgirl is said to have challenged her teacher at the Hautes-Ournes high school in Rennes and brandished a blade in the middle of the classroom, judicial sources told French media. Other staff members managed to restrain the girl before she was able to commit any violence, and promptly handed her over to gendarmes who were called urgently to the premises. The motive behind the armed threat made by the student, who was born in 2011 in Marseilles, is currently unknown. But Rennes prosecutor Philippe Astruc said the schoolgirl went to class 'with the apparent intention of killing her English teacher', adding local authorities had opened a criminal investigation into the incident. The unsettling threat comes less than a week after a French court convicted six teenagers for their role in the 2020 beheading of Samuel Paty outside his secondary school near Paris, after they helped to identify him to a radicalised Islamist. And it is not the only incident of tension between staff and students. Last week, a teacher at Jacques Cartier school in Issou, west of Paris, was said to be fearing for her life after a group of Muslim students threatened her and accused her of racism when she showed an Italian Renaissance painting to the class. The schoolgirl is said to have challenged her teacher at the Hautes-Ournes high school in the south of Rennes It came shortly after a teacher in Issou, west of Paris, 'feared for her life' after she was lambasted on social media for showing students this Renaissance painting - 'Diana and Actaeon' by the Italian painter Giuseppe Cesari A sign hung outside the school in Issou claimed that incidents at the school were up while resources to deal with them were in short supply The Jacques Cartier school in Issou is at the centre of a row after a teacher showed a 17th century nude painting to children French education minister Gabriel Attal said those who made false claims about the teacher in question would be punished The students are said to have expressed outrage after the teacher showed the 17th century masterpiece - 'Diana and Actaeon' by the Italian painter Giuseppe Cesari - in an art class on Thursday. The work portrays a Greek mythology story in which the hunter Actaeon bursts in at a site where the goddess Diana and her nymphs are bathing. It shows a naked Diana and four nude female companions, and is held at the Louvre museum in Paris. Fellow staff members refused to work on Monday in solidarity with the teacher, as Minister Gabriel Attal visited the school and said that a disciplinary procedure would be launched 'against the students who are responsible for this situation and who have also admitted the facts'. The name of the female teacher and false claims that she had made racist remarks to Muslim students were subsequently circulated on social media, reports said, raising fears that she could be targeted by extremists. Sophie Venetitay, secretary general of the Snes-FSU secondary school teachers' union, told broadcaster BFMTV: 'We know well that methods like that can lead to a tragedy... We saw it in the murder of Samuel Paty. 'Our colleagues feel threatened and in danger.' Paty, a 47-year-old history and geography teacher, was stabbed and beheaded in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in October 2020, just 12 miles from Issou, after being tracked down by an Islamic extremist who saw his name online. Paty had shown his class cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed from the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo during a discussion about free speech. And in October, another radicalised Islamist stabbed his former teacher Dominique Bernard to death in the northern town of Arras. In an email sent to parents on Friday, teachers in Issou said they were exercising their right to stay away from classrooms over the 'particularly difficult situation' at the high school. They described 'palpable discomfort' and 'an increase in cases of violence' as their daily reality. History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris Pedestrians pass by a poster depicting French teacher Samuel Paty on November 3, 2020, following the decapitation of the teacher on October 16 Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 A photograph taken on October 16, 2023 shows a commemorative plaque for slain teacher Samuel Paty near the Bois d'Aulne school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, outside Paris Paty's death sparked a large demonstration in Paris by advocates for freedom of speech Teachers said the students had admitted to making things up in posts online but that it was too late to quell the anger. 'We're dealing with vindictive parents who prefer to believe their children than us,' they said in a statement. Teachers at the school said behaviour had been deteriorating even before the row, with students fighting and threatening rape. 'We feel we are clearly in danger. We are supported by our direct superiors but not from higher up,' one teacher told The Times. 'This is a real call for help'. Minister Attal said that a disciplinary procedure would be launched 'against the students who are responsible for this situation and who have also admitted the facts'. A team would also be deployed to the school to ensure it adhered to the 'values of the republic', he said. The same school reportedly logged 10 incidents of discrimination or racism in the school term this year, according to French broadcaster BFMTV. 'The climate within this college has been tense since the beginning of the year, in particular due to parents of students who systematically question the content of the courses and the punishments,' a source said, noting that several complaints have been filed by teachers. In a motion seeking a release from custody, it was also claimed one of Lewis' friends had a knife before the fight ensued A teenager accused of joining the mob that beat Jonathan Lewis to death claims that the victim and his friends instigated the fateful fight. Eight Las Vegas teenagers were arrested in connection with Lewis' fatal beating in November, after footage captured the moment he was mercilessly stomped, kicked and punched outside his school. Investigators believe the fight erupted over a pair of stolen headphones, with an attorney for one of those arrested, Gianni Robinson, 17, claiming his client was initially targeted in the violent episode. Attorney Robert Draskovich argued in court documents filed earlier this month that Lewis and two of his friends pushed Robinson into a car and punched another teen, causing the mob to then set on him, reports the Las Vegas Review Journal. He also alleges that one of Lewis' friends was seen with a knife as the melee began. Gianni Robinson, 17, one of four alleged members of the mob that killed Jonathan Lewis last month being charged as an adult, claims that the victim started the fight and he did not deliver any fatal blow Jonathan Lewis, 17, died on November 7 in hospital after succumbing to fatal injuries he sustained in the fight six days prior On Tuesday Draskovich acknowledged his client was involved in the fight, but argued only one person is to blame and Robinson did not fatally injure Lewis. 'What happened to Jonathan Lewis is horrendous,' he said. 'But my client didn't do that.' Robinson filed a motion to be released from custody while awaiting trial alongside Damien Hernandez, 17. Hernandez and Robinson are set to be charged as adults with two other teenagers - Dontral Beaver, 16, and Treavion Randolph, 16 - while five others remain in the juvenile system. The four tried as adults are facing charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. In his motion seeking to release Robinson from custody, Draskovich claimed that one of the teenagers with Lewis before the fight had a knife. He said that Robinson did not know all of the others in the mob that targeted Lewis, and argued his fatal injuries were caused by one of the others. 'Gianni is not legally responsible for the actions of the youth who it is believed inflicted the mortal injuries upon the deceased,' Draskovich wrote in the motion. 'Upon information and belief, but for the actions of that one youth, Jonathan would still be alive.' Dontral Beaver, 16 (left), and Gianni Robinson, 17, were arrested alongside six others accused of attacking Lewis Damien Hernandez, 17 (left), and Treavion Randolph, 16 (right), have both been charged with murder as adults Four others remain in the juvenile court system but will face a hearing for a judge to decide whether to try them as adults, while the four already being charged as adults were done so automatically because of their ages. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has also previously claimed the teenagers involved could face 'varying degrees of culpability' in Lewis' killing. Allegations that Lewis and his friends instigated the fateful fight differs from the version of events offered by his father, Jonathan Lewis Sr, in the days after the beating. He said his son was targeted in the melee because he had rushed to help another student being picked on by the mob. He said Jonathan was initially attacked by a few students who the 17-year-old shook off 'because he was so strong.' 'But then all the other kids joined in and beat him to death after that,' he added to NewsNation. Treavion Randolph, 16, is one of the eight suspects who was arrested for the beating. His family told DailyMail.com that he is a good boy 'who has never been in any trouble', and claim he was not in the viral video of the attack Photos show a sweet-faced teenager looking delighted on his elementary school graduation day in 2014 The family of another of those awaiting trial as an adult, Treavion Randolph, told DailyMail.com that he is a good boy 'who has never been in any trouble', and claim he was not in the viral video of the attack. Treavion's step-grandmother Andrea Corsey, 55, said his family have been left devastated by Lewis' death and by the 16-year-old's arrest. Andrea, who is married to Treavion's grandfather Lovell Randolph Sr, 54, said: 'Everybody is devastated by what they say he's done. 'I can't understand it. He's never been in any trouble. He comes here for birthdays and holidays. It's a very sad situation.' Randolph's uncle, who asked not to be named, added: 'I've seen that video. I've watched it all. You can't see Treavion on there. 'They say they identified him from that video, but we don't know for sure. We haven't been told much. We don't know a lot about the whole thing.' Andrea added: 'We all looked for him [in the video] because, as you see, he has an enormous amount of hair. 'So, when you don't see that, it's like, how did they specifically identify him? It's very difficult to say.' Mahadev betting case: App co-owner Ravi Uppal detained in Dubai In a major development in the Mahadev Online Books betting money laundering case, one of the owners of the app, Ravi Uppal has been detained by the Dubai Police in UAE, sources said. The sources said that Uppal has been detained on the basis of the Red Notice issued against him by the INTERPOL on the request of the Indian financial probe agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, the ED sources remained tight-lipped. Uppal is being probed by the ED in a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal betting apart from the Chhattisgarh Police and Mumbai Police. The ED in October this year had filed a charge sheet against Uppal and another promoter Sourabh Chandrakar, before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. As per the ED, the projected proceeds of crime in this case is about Rs 6,000 crore. A company awarded a no-bid contract to care for and feed New York City's migrants trashed as many as 70,000 uneaten meals worth $776,000 in just one month, per a new report. DocGo, a medical services company, was given the $432 million deal to care for about 4,000 migrants in the city's care upstate - but has been accused of wasting taxpayer money as mayor Eric Adams was forced to slash billions from city services to address the crisis. From October 22 to November 10, the company threw out over 70,000 meals, marking them as 'wasted' in internal documents reviewed by The New York Times. The trashed food cost taxpayers about $776,000. As The Times notes, at this rate wasted food would cost the city $1million a month. The meals are going to waste for various reasons, including that many migrants are not present when they are served because they're working or looking for work. Moreover, many have reportedly started cooking in their hotel rooms. However, some migrants have also said the food made them sick and has quality issues such as the presence of mold. At the Red Rood Plus in Buffalo, a company employee noted migrants 'dislike the food strongly,' adding 'Clients angry and claim that the food has mold and is making them sick.' DocGo, a medical services company, was given the $432 million deal to care for about 4,000 migrants in the city's care upstate - but has been accused of wasting taxpayer money From October 22 to November 10, the company threw out over 70,000 meals, marking them as 'wasted.' Meal provided by DocGo seen above The company, which previously worked as a COVID-testing firm, was given the no-bid contract in May to help bus migrants upstate and care for them as the city ran out of room A migrant from Haiti told The Times he had to go to the hospital after he ate his first DocGo meal and now has to wear a special belt around his stomach to help the gas the food gives him. DocGo, which had no prior experience caring for migrants and previously worked as a COVID-testing firm, has been accused of mistreating the asylum seekers in its care. The company was given the no-bid contract in May to help bus migrants upstate and care for them as the city ran out of room. The contract states the food is meant to be provided with no profit to the company. Back in August, governor Kathy Hochul opened a probe into the company over complaints by migrants who claimed they were lured to Albany with promises of jobs and legal assistance and then abandoned by DocGo. The company's CEO Anthony Capone, who faced allegations that he lied about his educational background, resigned in September citing 'personal reasons.' A spokesperson with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development told The Times DocGo had recently began ordering fewer meals and it's aiming to cut $66million from the program by the end of 2024. DocGo spokesman Rob Ford claimed: 'The data presented by The New York Times is once again taken out of context and is not accurate... DocGo continually monitors food consumption and works to proactively identify opportunities for savings on behalf of N.Y.C.' The firm was founded in 2015 by Stanley Vashovsky with the goal of 'revolutionizing medical transportation and mobile healthcare delivery.' Migrants have claimed they were lured to Albany with promises of jobs and legal assistance and then abandoned by DocGo Adams signed $5,056,744,415 in nearly 200 contracts for migrant services since last year, when he declared a state of emergency, allowing City Hall to bypass a competitive bidding process to address the surge of asylum seekers. However, he lost that power earlier this month after it was revoked by comptroller Brad Lander, who is auditing the contract with DocGo. He has said he has 'serious concerns about the selection of this vendor and its performance of contract duties.' 'There are just too many outstanding questions and concerns about DocGo and this $432 million no-bid contract,' Lander added. 'New Yorkers deserve real-time oversight and accountability to understand how this price tag was reached, ensure this company has the experience to provide the contracted services, and vet the integrity and responsibility of this vendor.' Last month Adams announced a $110.5 billion budget, claiming cuts across all departments were necessary after the city spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on the migrant crisis. Adams signed $5,056,744,415 in nearly 200 contracts for migrant services since last year The budget cuts would cause NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, or 13.5 percent, by postponing the next five academy classes, bringing officers below 30,000 - down from 36,000. Education would also take a $1 billion hit over two years and it would cause a delay in the rollout of composting in the Bronx and Staten Island, causing reduced trash pick-ups as well as cuts to the city's pre-K programs. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library also would need to eliminate Sunday service due to the budget cut. 'Without sufficient funding, we cannot sustain our current levels of service, and any further cuts to the Libraries' budgets will, unfortunately, result in deeper service impacts,' the libraries said in a statement. The cuts would also decrease funding for two children's programs: summer school and universal prekindergarten. Democrats have turned on President Joe Biden for considering hardline immigration policies in exchange for sending billions in aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Reports this week reveal Biden's administration is in talks with negotiators in Congress to dramatically expand detentions and deportations at the border, as well as essentially revive pandemic-era Title 42 policies by expelling migrants without hearing asylum claims. In exchange, Republicans would get on board with Biden's $100 billion proposal for a joint package to send military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, Israel to defend itself against Hamas terrorists and Taiwan with looming threats from China. But progressives are not happy with both the immigration overhaul of it all or the fact that Biden's latest aid proposal includes money for Israel amid the squad's call for a ceasefire with Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Pro-immigration group FWD.us called the proposal 'Title 42 on steroids,' according to NBC News and the group argues it allows Biden to declare an indefinite emergency for almost any reason. Progressive Democrats are furious with President Joe Biden's plans to allow expulsion without hearing asylum seekers' claims in a dramatic turn of events that could see the White House embracing far-right border policies to get a $100B aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan At least 20 House Democrats including members of the squad replied in a back-and-forth on X over the last week saying they would vote against a supplemental bill for immigration overhaul 'Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right, not a bargaining chip. I know because I escaped war to find freedom in America,' wrote Rep. Ilhan Omar, who came to America as a refugee fleeing war in Somalia. 'Immigration policies that put caps on the vulnerable fleeing violence betray our values and is flat-out inhumane,' the Minnesota lawmaker and founding squad member added in her Monday post. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandor Mayorkas was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to promote the new proposal, which would effectively reinstate Title 42 just seven months after Biden finally put an end to it. The supplemental bill would allow immigration officials to pause asylum laws without a public health emergency. Backlash for the negotiations started with a tweet from Capitol Hill reporter Sahil Kapur with NBC News, who posted a quote from Texas Sen. John Cornyn on December 4. 'There's a misunderstanding on the part of Sen. Schumer and some of our Democratic friends,' Cornyn said, according to the post on X, formerly Twitter. 'This is not a traditional negotiation, where we expect to come up with a bipartisan compromise on the border. This is a price that has to be paid in order to get the supplemental.' New Jersey Rep. Rob Menendez (D) then launched the 20-part Twitter call and response where Democrats, including several members of the squad, condemned Republicans for holding hostage more aid to Ukraine in exchange for immigration negotiations then called-out a colleague to do the same. Democrats turned on President Joe Biden for his negotiations with Republicans to overhaul the immigration system and border policies including essentially reinstating Title 42. Biden said during a White House press conference Tuesday (pictured) that his team is 'working with Senate Democrats and Republicans to try to find a bipartisan compromise' As temperatures drop, migrants are still crossing the southern border in record-breaking numbers every month especially after Biden ended Title 42 policies earlier this year. Pictured: Migrants from Latin America and Africa wait to be transported to border patrol stations after illegally crossing the border from Mexico on Tuesday, December 12 'We're here to have a real conversation to fix our broken immigration system,' Menendez wrote. 'But we cannot pay this price at the expense of our American values, not as as (sic) a nation of immigrants.' 'I am a NO on a supplemental that includes the GOP's extreme immigration policies,' he added, prompting progressive Texas Rep. Greg Casar to respond with: 'WBU @RepCasar?' This led to Casar replying to the X post with a quote tweet writing: 'House & Senate Democrats must NOT throw asylum seekers under the bus. It's ridiculous that Republicans are demanding we hurt immigrants in exchange for Ukraine $.' All 20 of the Democrats who replied indicated or flat-out said they are against a supplemental bill to pass these Republican immigration policies. 'My mom was an asylum seeker. She came here from Cuba when she was a little girl with her family,' Gen Z Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-N.Y.) wrote as part of the chain on X. 'As Republican leaders fight for a bill that guts our asylum program, I'm a HELL NO on a supplemental that includes GOPs extreme anti-immigrant policies.' 'What about you @RepRobertGarcia?' he promoted, to which the fellow New York Democrats replied: 'As an immigrant myself, I know first-hand how broken our immigration system is, and I know how crucial immigrants are to our communities. We cannot support a supplemental that includes radical GOP anti-immigrant policies. No way.' A main point of the call-and-response thread was for Democratic lawmakers to put them and their colleagues on record that they will oppose the deal, despite the White House advocating for it. 'As the 'price' for funding critical foreign aid, extreme Republicans want to destroy our country's asylum system and pass cruel, anti-immigrant policies,' Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) posted to X. 'We need to debate & pass real reforms, not these ridiculous nonstarter policies from the GOP.' To handle to surging migration, Republicans are hoping to get a supplemental package to expedite deportations and detentions, while also expanding expulsions for those claiming asylum. Democrats claim the GOP are using migrants to hold Ukraine aid hostage Rep. Ayanna Pressley said Republicans are advocating for a 'cruel' system that 'treat people as pawns' Fellow progressive lawmaker Summer Lee also said the proposal is treating migrants as 'political pawns' Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-N.Y.) replied to her tweet with: 'You're 100% correct.' 'We need comprehensive, care based immigration reform. That starts with protecting asylum seekers, not villainizing them. America was built by immigrants, let's give them and the system the care and thoughtfulness it deserves.' Biden said during a White House press conference Tuesday that his team is 'working with Senate Democrats and Republicans to try to find a bipartisan compromise.' The talks, he added, include looking at 'changes in policy and provid[ing] the resources we need to secure the border.' Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration with approval from Congress has sent more than $75 billion in financial and equipment assistance to Kyiv. Republicans claim this is more than enough and are not keen on sending even more money to Ukraine. They have rejected Democrats who have tried to push through a joint aid package that includes aid for both Ukraine and Israel. But now, members of the GOP are willing to take another look at Ukraine aid as long as it comes in a joint package form and gets them their long-desired immigration overhaul. Biden, under the latest negotiations, is looking at expanding the process to expedite migrant removal from the U.S. without court hearings if they don't ask for asylum or fail their initial asylum interviews. This sort of policy is limited to the border region, but would be expanded nationwide. Additionally, Biden would be willing to mandate detention of migrants who are allowed into the U.S. while waiting on trials for their claims, rather than letting them loose into the country. It is unclear if the U.S. has the space to detain such a volume of migrants who cross illegally. A billionaire crypto investor and longtime Joe Biden supporter is switching his allegiance to Dean Phillips in the 2024 White House election, citing the president's advancing age. Mike Novogratz, the chief executive officer of GalaxyInvestment Partners, a cryptocurrency-focused firm, said the country needs 'fresh people.' 'I worked hard in 2020' for Biden, Novogratz told CNBC. This time around, 'I think he's too old. I think Trump is too old, too. We need fresh people.' Biden turned 81 in November. Donald Trump, who is leading in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination, turns 78 next June. Mike Novogratz, the chief executive officer of GalaxyInvestment Partners, a cryptocurrency-focused firm, said he'll support Rep. Dean Phillips in Democratic presidential primary Novogratz gave $200,000 to support Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee in 2020, and more than $1 million to Defeat By Tweet, a super political action committee that opposed Trump. He will co-host a campaign fundraiser for Phillips in New York at the home of David Barry, the president and CEO of Urby, a real estate company, on Saturday. Novogratz, 59, a former partner at Goldman Sachs, has a net worth of $1.5 billion. He told CNBC he views Phillips as a smart centrist with a strong business record. In October, Phillips, a Minnesota representative not well-known nationally, launched his long-shot bid against Biden. Meanwhile Novogratz also said he plans to meet with Republican candidate Nikki Haley next month, as he weights whether or not to help her defeat Trump in the race for the GOP nomination. A Biden campaign spokesman said he didn't know Novogratz. 'I don't know who that is but we appreciate his support of the president and wish him the best,' Biden campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo said to CNBC in a statement. President Joe Biden, 81, has faced questions about his age; he is the oldest elected president in American history Rep. Dean Phillips trailed Joe Biden by 69 points in a November poll Biden, who is the oldest president in American history, has faced questions about his mental and physical health. His doctor has declared him healthy and fit to be president. But polls show Americans are concerned about his age in a way they are not concerned about Trump's, who is only three years younger than Biden. An August Associated Press poll found that 77% said Biden was too old to be effective in a second term. Phillips also referenced Biden's age when he announced his decision to challenge the president in the Democratic primary. He has a steep climb. A Morning Consult poll in November showed him trailing Biden by 69 points. He pointed out to the Washington Examiner that both Biden and Trump would be well into their 80s by the end of their term if elected. He also noted that numerous polls show significant concerns about both men among the public, adding: 'They don't want either in the White House.' 'There's this immense appetite for change,' Phillips said. 'A substantial desire to turn the page and what I call the exhausted majority's frustration with the arguing, and the dysfunction, and the nonsense, and seeking somebody who has not been part of it, is not causing it, and they want someone new.' Rishi Sunak and Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni are 'likeminded' on immigration, Downing Street said today as it was confirmed the PM will speak at a festival organised by her right-wing party. Rome tonight confirmed Mr Sunak will speak at an event in Italy this weekend that has previously been attended by Hungary's Viktor Orban and ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon. The four-day Atreju event starts tomorrow, with X and Tesla billionaire Elon Musk also expected to speak. No10 today refused to discuss the PM's travel plans for a weekend when he could be expected to meet his own backbenchers to discuss his plan to start Rwanda deportation flights next year. But his press secretary said: 'They obviously get on and they came in at a similar time. But most of all they have a like mind on wanting to act on illegal migration, so they formed an effective working relationship on that - and with other countries of a similar mind.' Ms Meloni, 46, has struck up a warm friendship with the PM since taking office around the same time as he entered No10. They have been seen getting on well at international events and also during a visit to Downing Street earlier this year. Mr Sunak is said to have been lined up as a speaker at an event in Italy this weekend that has previously been attended by Hungary's Viktor Orban and ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon (pictured at the event in 2018). Ms Meloni, 46, has struck up a warm friendship with the PM since taking office around the same time as he entered No10. They have been seen getting on well at international events and also during a visit to Downing Street earlier this year. The festival is named after a character in the 1980s fantasy film The NeverEnding Story and was founded by Ms Meloni in 1998. Initially it was linked to the youth wing of the National Alliance, the successor to a neo-fascist party started by allies of Benito Mussolini. At this year's edition, held in the ancient Roman Castel Sant'Angelo fortress near the Vatican, one of the other notable guests will be Spanish far-right opposition leader Santiago Abascal. Mr Musk has accepted an invitation from Ms Meloni to attend the gathering. Last night he replied 'yes' to a post on social media platform X, which he owns, saying he had 'reportedly accepted' the invite, and linking to an Italian newspaper article. Mr Musk has accepted an invitation from Ms Meloni to attend the gathering. The article, from Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper, said Musk would be a guest at Atreju,' a four-day festival starting on Thursday that is organised by Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. Atreju's X account confirmed Musk's attendance separately, saying he was the 'mysterious' guest mentioned in a previous post, adding that he would come on Saturday. Musk had previously travelled to Rome in June to meet Meloni. He told public broadcaster RAI after that meeting that he had discussed with her possible remedies to Italy's demographic crisis and risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has penned a blistering letter calling President Joe Biden 'complicit in carnage' and demanding he cut US aid to Israel by $10 billion amid its war on Hamas. 'Israels military campaign will be remembered among some of the darkest chapters of our modern history,' wrote Sanders, in a letter that came on a day when Biden himself issued public criticism of Israel for its campaign inside Gaza. 'And it is being done with bombs and equipment produced and provided by the United States and heavily subsidized by American taxpayers. Tragically, we are complicit in this carnage,' he wrote. The US has long long provided billions in military aid to Israel and Egypt, and Biden requested a new infusion after the brutal Hamas attack inside Israel on October 7. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), called it 'hypocritical' for the US to provide $10 billion in 'unconditional' funds to Israel, which is fighting its war on Hamas in Gaza Sanders told the Washington Post it was hypocritical 'to give $10 billion more in unconditional funds to a right-wing, extremist government led by Netanyahu ... to continue this war. Biden on Tuesday said Israel was losing support around the world amid its campaign in Gaza. Speaking at a closed-door political fundraiser in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, Biden said: 'They're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. 'I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move. Bibi's got a tough decision to make. This is the most conservative government in Israel's history,' he said. Sanders also turned up the heat on Biden in an appearance on CBS 'Face the Nation.' President Joe Biden issued his harshest criticism to date against Israel - above Biden with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in October Graves damaged during the Israeli ground offensive are seen in the Fallujah neighborhood, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, December 13, 2023 'The United States must do everything it can to put pressure on Netanyahus right-wing extremist government to end this disastrous military approach, which is causing such horrific damage to human life in Palestine,' he said. 'You're talking about 1.9 million people displaced,' he said. 'It is a humanitarian disaster and the United States has got to put all of the pressure that it can to tell Netanyahu to stop this disastrous military approach.' Biden has requested $14 billion in additional aid to Israel, while holding regular consultations with Netanyahu and dispatching powerful US military assets to the region. Hunter Biden made a shock appearance on Capitol Hill where he defiantly declared that his father is innocent of corruption allegations and accused Republicans of being 'shameless' for trying to impeach him. In a dramatic tirade outside Congress the first son said his father was 'not financially involved' in his controversial business dealings and that there was no evidence because it 'did not happen.' As Republicans move forward with an impeachment probe into Joe Biden, his son defied a subpoena compelling him to give a private deposition on Wednesday. Instead, he delivered an emotional public statement in which he tore into the 'unrelenting Trump attack machine' and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for showing naked photos of him in Congress. Hunter admitted making 'mistakes' in his life due to his crack cocaine addiction but went on to blast Republicans investigating him and accused them of 'turning my dad's love into darkness.' Now Republicans are formally initiating contempt of Congress proceedings against the president's son for failing to appear for his subpoenaed deposition. Hunter Biden shockingly showed up Capitol Hill on the morning of his mandatory deposition to acknowledge 'mistakes' he made due to his crack cocaine addiction while blasting Republicans investigating him for 'turning his 'dad's love into darkness' Republicans have threatened to begin the process of holding Hunter Biden in Contempt of Congress if he doesn't show up for his impeachment probe deposition at 9.30am on Wednesday Speculation is swirling around Washington D.C. over whether the first son will show up for his closed-door interview in the GOP investigation into his father's involvement in foreign business deals Hunter said: 'I am here today to acknowledge I have made mistakes in my life. Im also here today to correct how the MAGA right has portrayed me for political purposes. 'In the depths of my addiction I was extremely irresponsible with my finances,' he admitted. 'But to suggest that is grounds for an impeachment inquiry is beyond the absurd.' Hunter spoke outside of the Senate side of the Capitol hours before a planned Republican vote to formalize the ongoing impeachment inquiry into his father. He said: 'It's shameless. There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen.' Speculation had been swirling around Washington, D.C., over whether the first son would show up for his closed-door interview in the GOP investigation led by Oversight Chairman James Comer into his father's involvement in his foreign business deals. Hunter was subpoenaed by Republicans last month along with James Biden, the president's brother, and Biden family associate Rob Walker. Attorneys for James have been in touch with the committee and they are working on scheduling a time for his closed-door testimony. Hunter's decision to bypass the deposition at 9.30am on Wednesday sets up a showdown with Republicans who will now begin the process of holding him in contempt of Congress. If Hunter is held in contempt of Congress by a committee vote, his case would go before the Biden-led Department of Justice. If DOJ agrees to prosecute the case, he could face up to 12 months jail time or a fine of up to $100,000 if convicted. 'Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,' a statement by Comer and Jordan read. 'We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden.' Comer and Jordan questioned what Hunter said earlier Wednesday that his father was not 'financially' involved in his dealings. 'Exactly how was Joe Biden involved?' they questioned in the statement. 'Evidence shows Joe Biden met with Hunter's business associates and his name was at the center of the family business strategy.' Hunter accused House Republicans of warping his relationship with his father. They turned 'my dad's love into darkness,' he said. Later, after Hunter skipped the deposition, Comer said there were 'mountains of evidence' against him and he does not get to dictate the terms of his subpoena. 'We expect to depose the president's son, and then we would be happy to have an open hearing,' Comer said. 'I don't know anyone in more trouble than Hunter Biden and he just got in more trouble today.' Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said that 'we're here to get the facts' and in his long experience of conducting investigations, that is done behind closed-doors first. Hunter Biden arrived on the Senate side of the Capitol on Wednesday morning with his attorney Abbe Lowell House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan reacts to Hunter Biden's statement Lawmakers were kept in the dark about whether Hunter would show up or skip his testimony - with Comer telling reporters 30 minutes before his arrival: 'I'll let you know when I know.' Comer has presented a case to his fellow Republicans which he says tracks over 20 shell companies set up by Biden family members to funnel in over $25 million in foreign cash while Joe was the sitting vice president. Hunter refuted those accusations in his statement, including those relating to Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company where he sat on the board. He said: 'Let me state as clearly as I can, my father was not financially involved in my business, not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with the Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home and abroad and certainly not as an artist. 'During my battle with addiction my parents were there for me. They literally saved my life. 'They helped me in ways that I will never be able to repay, and of course, they would never expect me to.' Hunter Biden speaks on Capitol Hill The first son delivers his statement He went on to slam the Republicans investigating his finances and who are attempting to tie his business dealings to Joe. 'For six years MAGA Republicans, including members of the house committees who are in a closed-door session right now, have impugned my character, invaded my privacy, attacked my wife, my children, my family and my friends,' Hunter continued in his short address in front of the Capitol. 'They have ridiculed my struggle with addiction, they have belittled my recovery and they have tried to dehumanize me, all to embarrass and damage my father who has devoted his entire public life to service.' He named the three investigating Republicans - Comer, Jordan and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. They 'distorted the facts by cherry-picking lines from a bank statement, manipulating texts I sent, editing the testimony of my friends and former business partners, and misstating personal information that was stolen from me. 'There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing. They have lied over and over,' the president's son said. The 53-year-old was charged with evading $1.4 million in taxes last week. Comer and Jordan have said Hunter has 'no choice' but to comply after they issued him a subpoena compelling him to appear for a private deposition. 'If Mr. Biden does not appear for his deposition on Dec. 13, 2023, the committees will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,' they said. Hunter's lawyer Abbe Lowell has insisted the deposition should be out in the open, claiming Republicans have 'demonstrated time and again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public'. The anticipation of Hunter's date with Congressional investigators came as Republicans moved one step closer to authorizing the full impeachment investigation into his father. The resolution passed out of the House Rules Committee Tuesday, its final step before heading to the House floor. Only Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., is still solidly a 'lean no.' 'Ive got 24 hours to get some sense knocked into my head,' he joked to reporters. Even the moderate and Biden district Republicans seem to be onboard with authorizing the inquiry - and insist it does not put them in a bind of being obligated to hold a vote on impeaching the president further down the line. 'With anything with due process, there's there's a chance for all outcomes to occur,' Rep. John Garcia, R-Calif., who represents a district Biden won in 2020, told DailyMail.com. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy had declared the inquiry open in October, but now Republicans say they need a vote to fully green-light the probe due to White House 'stonewalling.' Holding a vote to impeach the president could prove more politically divisive - and potentially damaging to Republicans from swing districts. Not holding a vote to impeach Biden risks looking like the investigation has exonerated him. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer slammed Hunter Biden for not testifying Speaker Mike Johnson insisted they were not under any obligation to push through with impeaching the president just by opening an inquiry. 'We're not going to prejudge the outcome of this,' he told reporters. 'It's not a political calculation. We're following the law.' The vote will come on a day when Hunter Biden is in DC - but is not expected to show up to his mandatory deposition on Capitol Hill. Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer and Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan have threatened to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of court if he does not appear for a closed-door deposition by December 13. Authorizing the probe with the approval of a majority of the House is a way for Republicans to bolster their standing in potential court battles. Hunter's lawyers have insisted their client will only testify publicly. Republicans have said he must first come in for a private deposition before he gets a public testimony. Now, Republicans say Hunter could hide behind the shield of the most recent Department of Justice indictment - which hit him with nine criminal charges for avoiding paying taxes while spending millions on an 'extravagant lifestyle.' The first son and his wife Melissa attended a function at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Los Angeles' Palms neighborhood Speaker Mike Johnson insisted they were not under any obligation to push through with impeaching the president just by opening an inquiry. 'We're not going to prejudge the outcome of this,' he told reporters. 'It's not a political calculation. We're following the law' President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden holding Beau Biden and Naomi Biden watch fireworks on the South Lawn of the White House on July 04 The probe is investigating whether Biden partook in the business deals that capitalized on his name to enrich his family and whether he used the Department of Justice to offer special treatment to his son. Republican impeachment investigators will need to significantly ramp up the proof they have of Joe Biden's involvement in his family's overseas business dealings if they are to have the votes to impeach the president. Some Republicans say they have not yet seen enough proof to convince them to impeach the president. 'The thing about evidence is that you need to see it before you prejudge it,' Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., chair of the pragmatic Main Street Caucus told DailyMail.com. House Republicans have uncovered evidence of payments from Hunter and James Biden to Joe Biden's bank accounts after lucrative business dealings, but the White House has shown evidence suggesting those could be loan repayments. Donald Trump is reportedly mulling the idea of cutting a deal with North Korean Kim Jong Un that would allow him to keep some nuclear weapons if he wins a second term next year. People familiar with his thinking said he was exploring an agreement that would lift some sanctions as part of an agreement not to be build any more nuclear warheads. But Trump himself dismissed the idea later Wednesday, saying it was 'fake news.' South Korea's spy agency said recently it expected its secretive neighbor to conduct a nuclear test next year its first since 2017. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are already at their highest in years. Kim is believed to be accelerating his nuclear and missile program, and has enshrined in law his nation's right to launch preemptive strikes. President Donald Trump met with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, in February 2019 This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile in a launching drill in Pyongyang, North Korea on March 16, 2023 Against that backdrop, Trump is reportedly keen to strike a deal. 'He knows he wants a deal,' a source told Politico. 'What type of deal? I don't think he has thought that through.' Such thinking would upend Washington's stance on North Korea as well as Trump's own hardline position, but would capitalize on the former president's friendly relationship with his North Korean leader. One of the ideas being considered, sources told the outlet, would involve encouraging Kim to freeze its nuclear program, in return for aid and some relief from economic sanctions It would include a verification mechanism to ensure he kept his word. Hours after the story was published, Trump took to social media to deny the plan. 'A Fake News article in Politico, through anonymous sources (as usual!), states that my views on Nuclear Weapons in North Korea have softened,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'This is a made up story, DISINFORMATION, put out by Democrat Operatives in order to mislead and confuse. The only thing accurate in the story is that I do get along well with Kim Jong Un!; Current U.S. policy demands that Pyongyang gives up its nuclear weapons. Trump and Kim met again the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea on June 30, 2019 Kim taking part in a commemorative photo with participants of the Fifth National Mothers' Convention in Pyongyang earlier this month Trump took a tough line on Kim after North Korea tested its first ICBM in 2017 Part of Trump's motivation for changing tack is reportedly that it would allow a new administration to save resources and energy on pointless arms talks, which could be refocused on the bigger threat from China. But it would likely rattle allies such as Japan and South Korea, as well as Republicans in Congress. During his first term, Trump's position was encompassed by the acronym C.V.I.D., or the 'complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization.' Tensions grew after North Korea tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile, and Trump promised to rain 'fire and fury' on Kim's hermit nation if it threatened the U.S. He called Kim 'little rocket man,' and at one point he even discussed the idea of launching a nuclear attack on North Korea and blaming it on another country. His approach later softened. The two leaders met in 2019 and sent personal letters to each other, although their relationship did not deliver agreement on North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Experts estimate that North Korea has built at least 40 warheads, and could have more than 100. Trump is the clear frontrunner to win the Republican 2024 nomination, and currently leads President Joe Biden in national polls. The terrifying fall occurred last Monday on Koolau Summit Trail in Oahu, Hawaii He miraculously survived after rescuers located him using his social media post Ian Snyder, 34, went missing after he fell 1,000 feet from a treacherous trail A California hiker has spoken out about his miraculous survival after falling a thousand feet from a treacherous trail in Oahu, Hawaii. Ian Snyder, 34, disappeared for three nights following his terrifying accident last Monday on Koolau Summit Trail, one of the most challenging trails in the islands. It was only thanks to an eerie video he posted on social media that rescuers were able to pinpoint his location at the base of a waterfall. Snyder was found dehydrated and suffering from multiple broken bones, and was immediately airlifted to a local hospital for medical attention. After spending three days in hospital, Snyder met his rescuers and expressed his gratitude in person during a press conference on Tuesday. Ian Snyder, 34, managed to survive at the base of a waterfall for three days after falling a thousand feet from a treacherous trail in Oahu, Hawaii and breaking multiple bones Thanks to his eerie social media post, rescuers were able to pinpoint him with the help from members of a local hiking group Ian Snyder, 34, disappeared for three nights following his fall last Monday on Koolau Summit Trail, one of the most challenging trails in the islands 'I couldn't believe when people were telling me, ''you fell 1,000 feet down the cliff'' and I'm like how did I even survive?' the father of three said Tuesday. 'It's a miracle first and foremost. I'm glad to be here, incredibly glad to be here and glad to be in mostly one piece,' he added. The hiker and travel blogger said he had no recollection of the fall but woke up to find one arm broken, with no idea of how long he had been lying there. He was fortunate enough to fall near a waterfall, which helped keep him alive. 'I made sure I had a spot where I could get the water as needed with my right hand,' he said. 'And I kind of just hunkered down from there and time passed.' 'I'm incredibly grateful to all of you for the job you do each and every day,' he told firefighters and the emergency crews at the conference. The hiker and travel blogger said that he had no recollection of the fall but woke up to find one arm broken, with no idea of how long he had been there After spending three days in the hospital, Snyder met his rescuers and expressed gratitude in person during Tuesday's press conference 'I couldn't believe when people were telling me, ''you fell 1,000 feet down the cliff'' and I'm like how did I even survive?' he said Tuesday Snyder is a travel blogger who has three internationally adopted kids. He wrote flights and reviews for a travel publication and regularly posted about his trips on X, formerly Twitter. It was his last eerie social media post before he vanished for three days that ended up helping to save his life. In the post, he wrote: 'current situation', along with a video showing the view of a valley and the Koolau summit shrouded in clouds. The family, having reported the missing to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), sought help from members of the Oahu Hiking Community group on Facebook. 'We were just so thankful for that post. That was our starting point because I had no idea he was in Hawaii. He doesnt always tell me his trips,' his sister Sara Borgeson told KITV. After the police determined the hiker's last known geolocation, rescue teams then conducted an aerial search. Snyder is a travel blogger who has three internationally adopted kids He wrote flights and reviews for travel publication and regularly posted about his trips on X, formerly Twitter He posted photos and videos showing the view of a valley and the Koolau summit shrouded in clouds before he had gone missing for three days Snyder was found 1,000 feet below the Pali Notches Trail and was provided with basic life support before being transported to a hospital. When he was recovering in hospital, he was in a lot of pain - 'a lot more pain than he was even when he's out there for those three days,' Borgeson said in an interview with KITV. He suffered a 'fractured cheekbone, a broken bone either in his finger or hand, and lots of scratches,' she explained. 'There were truly angels surrounding him those 3 days,' Borgeson wrote after the rescue, reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 'We are so thankful for the local community there on Oahu, and for the countless people who have been praying for him. Thank you!! she added. Snyder said at the press conference: 'I made my peace with God. I said, ''I know you. I know that Christ is Lord and He's my Savior. I will be OK whether I live or whether I die.'" He learned a valuable lesson from the terrifying experience to avoid hiking alone in Hawaii, but also mentioned that he plans to continue exploring trails. 'I don't know how this will be used instrumentally by God through my life, but I hope it will be useful in the long run,' he said. After the police determined the hiker's last known geolocation with the help from the hiking community, rescue teams then conducted an aerial search Snyder was found 1,000 feet below the Pali Notches Trail and was provided with basic life support before being transported to a hospital Snyder reunited with families after recovering at a hospital Amber Fonte with the Oahu Hiking Community said: 'I thought the best gift we could give to to the family was that we had found a body. 'When we had a found a whole human living and breathing and waving at the sky. It was like Merry Christmas.' Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh A Delhi court on Tuesday deferred its decision on the bail petition of Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in connection with the money laundering case related to the excise policy scam, being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Special Judge M.K. Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue courts reserved its judgement for December 21, following an extensive hearing involving arguments from both sides. Senior advocate Mohit Mathur, representing Singh, contended that the Enforcement Directorate had not summoned the accused for questioning until October 4, the day of his arrest. He emphasised that his client seeks bail, asserting its constitutional significance, rather than seeking dismissal of the case. The defence also highlighted apparent "contradictions of statements" made by Dinesh Arora, an initially accused turned approver in the case. The ED alleges that Singh maintained a close association with Arora since 2017, as corroborated by Arora's statements and call records. Its remand note claims Singh's involvement in a conspiracy to illicitly collect kickbacks from liquor groups operating under the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The court also learned of close associations between Singh's aides - Vivek Tyagi, Ajit Tyagi, and Sarvesh Mishra - and Arora. Singh's defence countered, asserting that the evidence against the AAP leader had been manipulated. During the recent court session, the ED opposed Singh's bail plea, contending that the investigation was ongoing and releasing him could jeopardise the probe, potentially leading to tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses. In response, the court instructed the ED to submit any written arguments within the next two days. On Monday, the court extended the judicial custody of Singh till December 21. It also granted permission to Singh to appear before the Parliaments Privilege committee to file his submissions in breach of a privilege matters. Singh had to appear before the committee on October 5, but was arrested by the ED on October following day-long searches at his residence here. According to ED sources, the financial probe agency filed a 60-page charge sheet against Singh, alleging that Singh was involved in conspiracy, money laundering and helping the accused. The ED has also named one more person as accused in the chargesheet, however, they have not revealed the name so far. Singhs arrest was the second big arrest in the case after former Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia. The ED had also arrested AAP communication incharge Vijay Nair in the case. The liquor scam case pertains to allegations that the AAP-led Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it. The AAP has strongly refuted the charge and accused the BJP government at centre of indulging in political vendetta. Stockport is leading the latest charge for the UK's most tragic festive fir, with residents branding the tree a 'disgrace'. The 12ft slender spruce has sparked outrage among locals who say it resembles a 'pipe cleaner' and 'looks like it's had a bit too much to drink'. The tree was planted on a roundabout in the town and was chosen to 'minimise the impact on road users.' It was not intended to be a Christmas tree, but the Council said members of the community were keen to have lights on it. Zoe Gough, 64, pictured next to the tree and pretending it is the leaning tower of Pisa Zoe works in a supermarket near the tree and said residents had compared it to a 'pipe cleaner' The tree is located on a roundabout in Stockport and was chosen to 'minimise the impact on road users' It comes after locals in Willenhall, West Midlands, hit back at Walsall Council for their town's spindly 20ft tree. The 'pathetic' attempt at the Christmas tree infuriated locals, who say it makes residents in the town look like scrooges. Patricia Walton, 75 (pictured) stood next to Willenhall's Christmas tree put on the Lock Worker's Memorial by a busy junction Residents compared the tree to a 'beanstalk' and labelled it a 'waste of money'. Baffled locals in Denton, Greater Manchester, took to social media to complain about 'shocking' lights on two trees in their town centre. Existing trees near to the Christmas tree in the town square have also been decorated with lights, but two of these sets appear to have a handful of working bulbs on them. Only a handful of fairy lights appear to work in a set draped around a tree in Denton town centre in Greater Manchester A Tameside Council spokesman said they had erected an official Christmas tree in the town centre but denied having anything to do with the lights added to the existing trees nearby. Tameside Council has also vowed to replace a tree in nearby Hattersley after backlash from locals there. The 'living tree' was planted outside The Hub, a community centre on Stockport Road, but the threadbare spruce hasn't thrived. Residents have reacted in fury over a 'shocking' Christmas tree that has been put up in Hattersley in Hyde Meanwhile, the BBC has come under fire for its own Christmas tree outside its Broadcasting House in Portland Place in London. Employees of the broadcaster criticised the tree, calling it a 'bit stark', while another joked that 'very very little time or licence fee money was spent' on the spruce which is noticeably different in comparison to previous years. The BBC has also come under fire for its own Christmas tree outside its Broadcasting House in Portland Place in London Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council said the roundabout spruce would benefit the community for 'many years to come' once it reached its full potential. But residents are not happy, with some labelling it as a 'disgrace' and joking that the council has 'declared war' on Christmas. Zoe Gough, 64, who works at a supermarket facing the tree, said: 'I see it every day. 'Customers come in and see the tree and say 'What's that?' It's 'blink and you miss it'. 'People say it looks like a pipe cleaner. It's just there and it's wonky. I think it looks like it's had a bit too much to drink. 'The lights aren't very good on it. But it's made us laugh and it's better than nothing.' People took to social media to share their thoughts on the less-than-festive fir, which has almost no extended branches. Residents have branded the tree as the 'worst in the UK' Some residents joked the council had 'declared war' on Christmas Zoe said the tree 'looks like it's had a bit too much to drink' One person defended the tree saying it needed time to grow, noting the 'great' and good' of the world were once children Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council said the spruce would benefit the community for 'many years to come' once it reached its full potential One person wrote: 'It is a disgrace this Christmas tree. Years ago it was really nice and colourful. 'It is probably the worst Christmas tree in the whole of the UK. 'Stockport spend stupid money on cycle paths. Go to Crewe Market Hall, the trees are lovely.' Another chimed: 'It's an absolute disgrace. 'They've got a beautiful tree outside St George's Church, far better than the branch thing we've been subjected to.' 'I think the wind just blew it down the road from an actual tree.... surely that's not it,' said another. Zoe said the lights on the tree are not very good, but it has made people laugh The tree was not intended to be a Christmas tree but the Council said the community were keen to have lights on it The newly-planted tree is a living picea omorika Serbian spruce tree and replaced a dead tree One person joked: 'The battle lines for the war on Christmas have been drawn.' Defending the tree, one person said: 'If its planted and alive, it will grow. Give it time. The great & good of this world were once children.' A spokesperson from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council said: 'The main Christmas tree in Bramhall is a tree provided each year in the centre of the village next to the church. 'The newly planted tree at Bramhall roundabout is a living picea omorika Serbian spruce tree - it replaces a dead tree and has not been intentionally planted as a Christmas tree but the community were keen to have lights on it. 'The tree will be there for many years to come and was chosen as it is an upright variety, to minimise the impact on road users. 'As the tree continues to grow over the years it will fill out and benefit the area for future generations by providing an essential habitat for wildlife.' The Democratic mayor of Boston has sparked outrage after inviting city councilors to a holiday party intended only for 'electeds of color.' Michelle Wu's invitation for the December 13 'Electeds of Color Holiday Party' appeared to have been sent out to all councilors in error by her aide, Denise DosSantos. DosSantos followed up the email 15 minutes later apologizing for the invite, clarifying that it was only meant for the city's six councilors of color. The seven white council members were not welcome. 'I wanted to apologize for my previous email regarding a Holiday Party for tomorrow,' DosSantos, a black woman, wrote. 'I did send that to everyone by accident, and I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.' There was no apology for actually planning to host a racially segregated party. Wu was slammed by outgoing City Councilor Frank Baker, who told the Boston Herald that it was 'unfortunate and divisive.' Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (pictured in October) sparked backlash after planning a race-based Christmas party for 'electeds of colour' Wu's director of City Council relations, Denise DosSantos, reportedly invited the chamber to the exclusive event by accident, and apologized for any offense caused The move quickly divided Boston's city council, with some saying they were not offended by the party while others questioned Wu's judgement. Wu was elected Mayor of Boston in November 2021, becoming the city's first female and first Asian American mayor. Michael McCormack, an attorney and former five-term Boston city councilor, said Wu's hosting an exclusive party is not typical of her office, and argued former mayors Tom Menino and Ray Flynn would have invited the entire chamber. 'The problem is that Boston and race, unfortunately, are synonymous,' McCormack said. 'I'm just hoping it was a mistake. It's not something that anyone in the mayor's office should be proud of.' However, Wu's spokesman Ricardo Patron said on Wednesday that the mayor was asked to host the annual party by the Electeds of Color group, and the host and location changes each year. He said the party was just one of a number that were happening over the festive season, and Wu was planning a larger holiday party next week for all her cabinet members, city councilors and the entire legislature. Baker said he didn't see the additional, exclusive party as a 'good move' given heightened tensions in the city council, but said he was not personally offended. The Boston City Council comprises of seven white council members and six of color. Pictured (L-R) is Brian Worrell, Kendra Lara, Sharon Durkan and Julia Mejia (L-R) Erin Murphy, Ruthzee Louijeune, Frank Baker and Gabriela Coletta (L-R) City Council president Ed Flynn, Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon, and Michael Flaherty Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson defended Wu, saying: 'Just like there are groups that meet based on shared interests or cultural backgrounds, it's completely natural for elected officials of color to gather for a holiday celebration' Wu, a former member of the city council, was elected Mayor of Boston in 2021, becoming the city's first female and first Asian American mayor 'I find it unfortunate that with the temperature the way it is, that we would further that division,' he said, adding: 'I don't really get offended too easily. 'To offend me, you're going to have to do much more than not invite me to a party.' Others defended the move, with black city councilor Brian Worrell saying the holiday party was an example of Boston's government reflecting 'all kinds of specific groups.' 'We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and city government,' Worrell told the Boston Herald. 'This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color has been around for more than a decade.' Worrell also reportedly said DosSantos has a good working relationship with the city council and he didn't take offense to the way the incident unfolded. 'As she said in her follow-up email, she meant no ill will,' he said. Some critics questioned Wu's judgement as it is claimed hosting an exclusive party is not typical of her mayoral office, and the move may not have flown if carried out by former mayors such as Ray Flynn (left) and Thomas Menino (right) The event was revealed after Mayor Wu's director of City Council relations Denise DosSantos (pictured) accidentally invited the entire chamber instead of only 'electeds of color' Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, in an email to DosSantos and Wu's team, said the email invite 'should not offend anyone and there is absolutely no confusion.' Feeling there were 'no need for apologies at all', Fernandes Anderson said: 'Just like there are groups that meet based on shared interests or cultural backgrounds, it's completely natural for elected officials of color to gather for a holiday celebration.' She continued: 'Many groups celebrate and come together in various ways, and it's not about excluding anyone. Instead, it's about creating spaces for like-minded individuals to connect and support each other.' The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of cases stemming from the January 6 riot, including Donald Trump's election fraud trial. The court announced it would rule on whether or not a defendant can be charged with obstructing an official proceeding. That is among the four charges facing the former president in Special Counsel Jack Smith's federal case. But the announcement could throw a wrinkle in the prosecutor's plan to start Trump's trial on March 4. Justices are expected to hear oral arguments in March or April, with a decision by early summer. The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of cases stemming from the January 6 riot, including Donald Trump 's election fraud trial Trump faces four charges brought by the special counsel: Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; conspiracy to defraud the United States; and conspiracy to deprive citizens of their voting rights At least 152 people have been convicted of obstructing an official proceeding, according to the Associated Press, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. In all, the charge has been brought against more than 300 people, accused of trying to prevent Congress certifying Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. The case is brought by former Boston police officer Joseph Fischer who was indicted on seven charges following the 6 riot including one count for anyone who 'corruptly ... obstructs, influences and impedes any official proceeding.' A lower court dismissed the charge after Fischer's lawyers argued he did not try to interfere with any documents or records. Federal prosecutors appealed and a three-judge panel on the D.C. circuit reinstated the charge. Now the nation's highest court will have its say. Trump faces four charges brought by the special counsel: Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; conspiracy to defraud the United States; and conspiracy to deprive citizens of their voting rights. Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges, and to dozens more charges stemming from three other criminal prosecutions. Meanwhile, his lawyers told a federal appeals court on Wednesday that it should not rush its consideration of whether the former president is immune from prosecution. The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would hear the case of Fischer v United States More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the January 6 riot, and more than 700 defendants have pleaded guilty His legal team accused Smith of trying to hurry through the 2020 election case through before next year's presidential vote. 'The prosecution has one goal in this case: To unlawfully attempt to try, convict and sentence President Trump before an election in which he is likely to defeat President Biden,' defence lawyers wrote. 'This represents a blatant attempt to interfere with the 2024 presidential election and to disenfranchise the tens of millions of voters who support President Trump's candidacy.' They want to argue that Trump is immune from prosecution for actions he took as president, and lodged an appeal after the trial judge rejected their position. Smith is trying to speed things up by taking the question to the Supreme Court and asking justices to consider it during its current term. A British executive who ran oil and metals trading at Goldman Sachs in the US is retiring after earning an astonishing 80million ($100million) in just three years. Ed Emerson, who was born in Argentina but has a British passport, has amassed more than the Wall Street investment bank's own chief executive since 2020. The 47-year-old studied in England, graduating in psychology from the London School of Economics before doing a finance master's at the University of Reading. The keen polo player then joined Goldman Sachs in 1999 as an analyst and climbed the ranks to become managing director in 2008 and partner four years later. He is married to Natalie and they bought a new mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, for 12.8million ($16million) last year. It is not known whether they have any children. While he is a private figure, Mr Emerson is known for enjoying practical jokes, having once got up in the middle of the night while on holiday with friends in Costa Rica to scatter fake snakes around their rented accommodation, reported Bloomberg. Ed Emerson was born in Argentina but has a British passport. He graduated in psychology from the London School of Economics before a finance master's at the University of Reading Last year Mr Emerson bought his new home in Palm Beach near Goldman Sachs' offices in South Florida. The property covers 5,392 square feet and has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It also comes with deeded access to the beach. Mr Emerson oversaw the resurgence of the Goldman Sachs communities unit which earned 2.4billion ($3billion) last year. The division also had revenues of 1.6billion ($2billion) for the prior two years, which saw him earn an estimated 80million ($100million) over three years. Mr Emerson became one of the highest-paid executives in US banking after earning more in the past three years than Goldman Sachs chief executive David Solomon, who took home 61.9million ($77.5million) over the same period. Following a 24-year career with the bank, Mr Emerson will officially retire in March next year but is expected to stay on for now as an advisory director to help with the transition, according to the Daily Telegraph. Ed Emerson and his wife Natalie bought a new mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, for 12.8million ($16million) last year. It is pictured under construction in May 2022 He will be succeeded by Xiao Qin and Nitin Jindal, who will jointly lead the firm's storied commodities business. Revenue from Goldman's commodities business has been significantly lower in the first three quarters of 2023, according to the company's earnings filings. But up until that period it had been a bright spot within results in recent years after Mr Emerson turned around its poor performance. He made the most of volatility in the markets since the pandemic began in 2020 and the surge in energy prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Ashok Varadhan, Dan Dees and Jim Esposito, the three leaders of Goldman's global banking and markets division, paid tribute to Mr Emerson in a memo. Mr Emerson earned more in the past three years than Goldman Sachs chief executive David Solomon (pictured last month), who took home about 62million over the same period They said he 'played a critical role in advancing the firm's oil business' and helped 'cement Goldman Sachs' position as a leading franchise in commodities'. Mr Emerson was vocal critic of Mr Solomon within the bank and criticised strategy decisions that saw the bank lose billions of dollars, reported The Times. He was also said to have told colleagues that he planned to stay involved with the bank and was close with Mr Varadhan and Goldman Sachs president John Waldron. Mr Qin currently leads commodities trading in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific regions, and also runs trading for oil and refined products worldwide. He was promoted to managing director in 2010 and partner in 2016. Mr Jindal manages commodities trading in the Americas and natural gas and power trading in North America, and he joined Goldman as a partner in 2018. A Ulez vandal who spray painted a camera because he was being charged 12.50 every time he left home has today become the first person to be punished by a court. Carpenter Stephen Nunn, 60, was caught by police dressed in all black covering one of Sadiq Khan's much-hated cameras with white paint in Hayes Lane, Bromley, south London, at 10.20pm on October 27. Police questioned Nunn before searching his home in West Wickham, where they found a poster which stated Rishi Sunak had 'blood on his hands' and other paraphernalia relating to the anti-Ulez campaign, Bromley Magistrates' Court heard. Nunn was today given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 100 hours' unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay 349.78 to Transport for London (TfL), said to be the cost of cleaning the camera. Stephen Nunn, 60, has been the first person to be punished for vandalising a Ulez camera by being handed a 350 cleaning bill The carpenter was caught by police dressed in all black covering one of Sadiq Khan 's much-hated cameras with white paint in Hayes Lane, Bromley, south London, on October 27 The carpenter was also ordered to pay 85 in prosecution costs and the spraying device he used to deface the camera will be forfeited and destroyed. Althea Moore, prosecuting, told a hearing last month: 'He was dressed in what they described as all black, carrying a long pole with a mechanism on the top, a spraying device, which he has pointed at the Ulez camera, spraying it with white paint. The court was shown photographs of the spraying device and the camera covered with white paint. Len Hodkin, defending Nunn, told the court in November that the introduction of Ulez had created significant problems for the carpenter. He was being charged 12.50 each time he left the house to care for his brother, who has bipolar disorder, or go shopping. Nunn had worked as a self-employed carpenter for the last 40 years, but that came to an end two years ago when he had an operation on his shoulder, the court heard. 'He and his wife fell upon hard times as he was the sole breadwinner so he used up his life savings and had to borrow money to keep the household going,' said Mr Hodkin. 'Once the charges came in it became apparent he couldn't afford to pay 12.50 every day so he had to pass the cost onto his customers, which made him less competitive. 'He's not a young man who can carry his tools on public transport. 'Around the day in question he had to look after his brother who suffers from bipolar disorder.' The device used to spray the camera was just a tool for destroying wasps' nests that Nunn already owned, said Mr Hodkin. Nunn dressed in all black and using an anti-wasp spray attached to a long pole to deface the camera when he was caught He also said that anti-Ulez campaign material the police found at his home was the kind of publicity material handed out by campaigners in the street. Nunn was a 'hard-working man who has fallen on financial difficulties', and he has never been in trouble with the police before, he said. 'The offence was the culmination of two or three years of financial hardship, having to look after his brother and perceiving himself as being penalised due to the implementation of Ulez,' Mr Hodkin added. 'It's a very divisive topic.' Magistrate Phiroze Neemuchwala had said he was satisfied that the use of the spraying device indicated Nunn's actions were premeditated. Nunn, of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, admitted damaging property. London South Senior Crown Prosecutor Alza Rashed said: 'Stephen Nunn may well have thought, by dressing all in black and damaging the Ulez camera late at night, that he might have got away with it, but he was caught in the act by police officers and arrested. 'Causing damage to Ulez cameras will result in prosecution whenever our legal test is met.' Last month the Met Police revealed there have been 987 crimes relating to the cameras in the capital, including 220 reports of them being stolen and 767 being damaged. A lawyer representing one of three Tacoma police officers accused of killing black man Manuel Ellis in March 2020 says that the victim 'created his own death' during the altercation. '[The officers] were trying to defuse the situation in the beginning, and it spun out of control. This is a situation where [Ellis] created his own death. It was his behavior that forced the officers to use force against him,' lawyer Wayne Fricke said. Ellis was addicted to methamphetamine, and it caused him to be violent, unpredictable, and paranoid, said Fricke, who represents Tacoma police Officer Christopher Burbank. Fricke went on to insinuate that the motivation for the trial of the cops in the case was political. The attorney accused the Washington Attorney General's Office of opting to 'compound this tragedy' by turning it into a criminal case. Police officers Burbank and Matthew Collins are accused of second-degree murder in the death of Ellis, officer Tim Rankine is charged with first-degree manslaughter. The family of Washington state man Manuel Ellis, 33, who was killed by Tacoma cops in 2020, has already reached a $4million proposed settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit Tacoma police officers Christopher Burbank (left) and Matthew Collins (center), have been charged with second-degree murder. Officer Timothy Rankine faces a charge of first-degree manslaughter Fricke's remarks followed closing arguments by special prosecutor Patty Eakes, who urged the jury to compare the officers' statements with videos and witness testimony to determine the officers' credibility. Eakes is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Washington Attorney General's Office. Ellis, who repeatedly told the officers, 'Can't breathe, sir,' died March 3, 2020, nearly three months before George Floyd's death would spark an international outcry against police brutality. This is the first trial of officers charged in a suspect's death since voters approved a measure in 2018 removing a requirement that prosecutors must prove police acted with malice. Collins' lawyer, Jared Ausserer, also gave his closing arguments on Tuesday. Rankine's lawyer was expected to do so Wednesday. The prosecution will then have one more chance to address the jury before it begins deliberations. Eakes played audio clips of the officers' statements and compared them with video and witness testimony to show that they contradicted each other. Collins stated that Ellis grabbed him by his vest, lifted him off his feet and threw him into the street like a child, despite the fact that he weighs about 230 pounds (104 kilograms) with his gear on, Eakes said. But none of the witnesses saw that happen and it's not on the videos, she said. 'Is it believable anyway?' Eakes asked. 'I suggest to you it's not. This isn't a comic book.' Ellis' sister, Monet Carter-Mixon, and mother, Marcia Carter-Patterson (pictured shielding her face in June 2020), continue to pursue their federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Tacoma and against individual officers Ellis, a father of two, was returning from a store on March 3, 2020, when he was stopped by police, allegedly for trying to get into cars. Police said they had to restrain him because he attacked them Collins also claimed that, as he held Ellis to the ground, he feared he might be alone in trying to control the suspect because he couldn't see Burbank nearby. But Eakes played a video and displayed screenshots clearly showing Burbank standing right in front of Collins the whole time. Burbank made similar claims in his statement to investigators. He said Ellis hit him in the mouth, using 'wild strikes,' and claimed Ellis was 'assaultive' the entire time. But the videos show Ellis' legs never moved while he was on the ground, with Collins on his back, placing him in a chokehold. They also show his hands in the air, with his palms in 'a surrender-type position,' Eakes said. The officers' statements were contradicted by six witnesses, she said. 'They make Mr. Ellis out to be violent in ways you don't see on the video,' Eakes said. 'Why? They're justifying the use of force that you can see happened in that video. Do you trust the video? Do you trust what the eyewitnesses say?' Lawyers for the officers said the videos and witnesses are flawed and the officers acted appropriately. Witness Sara McDowell, who used her phone to record the early part of the incident, can be heard on the video yelling, 'Just arrest him, just arrest him,' Fricke said. 'If there's nothing to arrest him for, why did she say, 'Just arrest him?' Fricke asked. 'They know something happened before this video kicked in.' 'And once he began resisting arrest, the officers had every means within their power to make an arrest. When he started fighting that arrest, he was resisting arrest. They have an obligation to get him under control and that's what they were trying to do.' Burbank did what he was trained to do and what the facts required him to do, Fricke said. 'No one wanted him to die, but ultimately he died, and that's sad,' Fricke said. 'We don't compound that tragedy by convicting innocent people of these charges.' In his closing argument, Collins' attorney, Ausserer, urged the jury to question the credibility of the witnesses, including McDowell, who made one of the videos. 'If she was so upset, why did she wait three months to come forward?' he asked. He also questioned why the two phones that recorded the videos stopped working after the phone owners met with the family's lawyer. The officers can't be found guilty of felony murder if no felony was committed by them, Ausserer said. They made a lawful arrest because Ellis committed assault when he punched the patrol car window and he resisted arrest, he added. 'If there was probable cause, there is no felony and we're done,' Ausserer said. 'The tragedy of his death doesn't make the actions of Officer Collins criminal.' But that is little consolation for sleep-deprived residents living nearby The crypto-currency has soared in value since the 180-megawatt mine was plugged in this summer Neighbors of America's first nuclear-powered Bitcoin mine say it is loud enough to shake their homes Residents of a sleepy Pennsylvania town are demanding to know why they are being kept awake by a local mine when the only thing being produced are Bitcoins. The Terawulf facility in Salem Township is the first Bitcoin mine in the country to run solely on nuclear power, generated by the nearby Susquehanna plant. But vast amounts of electricity are needed to run computers that create the crypto-currency and the noise generated has driven some neighbors to despair. 'The gentleman that's house is the last house on Confers Lane, you could literally go inside his house, put your hand on the wall, and feel the vibration from the fans. it was that bad,' said Ernest Ashbridge III, vice president of Salem Township board of supervisors. On Tuesday fed-up residents told the power boss they had endured enough of the endless noise. The Terawulf facility in Salem Township is the first Bitcoin mine in the country to run solely on nuclear power , generated by the nearby Susquehanna plant 'It's terrible. The droning, you can't sleep at night, it wakes you,' said Stephen Bodnar who lives about a mile away from the operation. 'I have a little pond in front of my house where I used to sit and have my coffee at,' he added. 'I can't even enjoy that because I can't even hear the water over the Bitcoin. It is louder than the waterfall.' Talen Energy won over locals with promises of hundreds of news jobs and an economic boom in the township of 6,000 when they announced plans for the operation last year. 'Amazon, Google, all those cloud computing applications, those are the potential clients, customers that we will have in the data center buildings,' said Dustin Wertheimer, VP and Division CFO Talen Cumulus and Susquehanna Data Center. 'On the coin mining side, there will be computers again located in those buildings and those computers will run computations that will trigger and generate the issuance of coins.' The controversial cryptocurrency has been in the news again after a wild ride since the start of December. A rally last week saw it rise above $44,000 to reach its highest level in almost two years - then on Sunday it lost 6.5 percent of its value in just 20 minutes and dipped below $41,000. Global bank Standard Chartered thinks bitcoin could surpass $100,000 before the end of 2024 - yet well-known JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon said last week that US lawmakers should 'close it down'. The first 1,500 Bitcoins out of Salem Township were sold for $37.6 million after the 180 megawatt mine was plugged in this summer, but that was little consolation to residents at an angry town hall meeting on Tuesday. Bitcoin was trading for $44,000 on Friday - the highest it had been in 20 months - before falling back down to about $40,500 on Sunday evening. It has since partially recovered The power company sent director of operations Alex Brammer to promise that they are already working on making things quieter. 'We're trying to do everything we possibly can to cut this down to as low as humanly possible,' he told them. He said that most of the drone is coming from exhaust fans inside the building and promised a rebuild that will cut the noise in half by March of next year. 'Well, I'm happy that they're doing this and they act like they actually care so, the proof is in the package,' said Bodnar. A 'malingering' female police officer has been sacked after repeatedly reporting her former boyfriend for assaulting her - only for detectives to discover he did not exist. PC Nadia Thurley, 29, made 14 allegations against 'fictional' ex Dan Jones which led to police wasting 'extensive' resources investigating the supposed crimes. She has since been found guilty of perverting the course of justice. The officer was caught out when police installed covert CCTV cameras at her home without her knowledge, in order to catch the alleged abuser. They revealed that no one had been to the address, where claimed to have been assaulted, in days. Today, the chief constable of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary sacked PC Thurley, saying he was 'saddened' that an officer with firsthand knowledge of victims of such 'horrific crimes' would 'choose to lie about a violent assault'. Her criminal conviction was labelled as among 'the most serious that a police officer could face,' with investigators saying her 'extensive lying' has done damage to public confidence in both PC Thurley and the police force. PC Nadia Thurley, 29, made 14 allegations against 'fictional' ex Dan Jones which led to police wasting 'extensive' resources investigating the supposed crimes The 29-year-old was arrested and suspended from service after she made several domestic abuse claims which 'did not take place' A disciplinary hearing was told PC Thurley joined Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary towards the end of 2018 as a Police Staff Investigator before joining as a Constable on 27th April 2020. Some 16 months into her service, the 29-year-old was arrested and suspended from service after she made several domestic abuse claims which 'did not take place'. Presenting the case, Detective Inspector Simon Clifford said that in total PC Thurley made 14 complaints she had been attacked by 'Dan Jones'. The claims began in December 2020, just eight months after she joined as a constable, when PC Thurley appeared at work with 'visible injuries' and told colleagues she was assaulted by an ex-partner. The allegations continued and DI Clifford told of one example, in March 2021, when PC Thurley said she was approached by Dan Jones in the New Forest telling police he was 'armed with a knife'. DI Clifford said: 'PC Thurley details to attending officers that she panics and runs, cross country, towards her car. 'Attending officers note that PC Thurley does not have any mud or debris on her clothing despite extremely boggy and muddy conditions.' In the hopes of catching Dan Jones, an operations team installed covert surveillance cameras in PC Thurley's home in Marchwood, near Southampton. DI Clifford said: 'These were installed to gather evidence of the identity of Dan Jones, who remains unidentified by PC Thurley other than by name.' Unaware of the CCTV, in July 2021 PC Thurley reported a further two incidents at her home address claiming 'Dan Jones' had attended her home. PC Thurley was arrested and charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice for the two incidents in July The detective inspector said: 'Significantly, given the evidence that PC Thurley provides at the scene of the route taken by Jones into her address, it can be proven from the CCTV cameras that nobody attends her address.' Weeks later in July, PC Thurley was arrested and charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice for the two incidents. Last month, following a court case at Bristol Crown Court, a jury found her guilty of the offences - which she denied. She is due to be sentenced on January 18. DI Clifford told this week's disciplinary hearing that 'fabricating the existence of a boyfriend is dishonest and lacks integrity and disciplinary action is warranted'. PC Thurley did not attend the hearing, held at Hampshire Constabulary Operational HQ in Winchester, Hants. Instead, the female officer sent an email which stated: 'The only representation I wish to make is to say that all I have ever done is tell the truth, and follow directions given by my line managers.' It is understood PC Thurley, now of Woking, Surrey, has been 'unwell' and suffered PTSD from an incident in 2020, whereby she witnessed a fellow officer get stabbed. However, DI Clifford said: 'It is the [appropriate authorities] case, as it was in the case of the Prosecutor at trial, that this is not a case about mental health but one of malingering, or lying.' Throughout all the investigations, PC Thurley did not provide any details to investigating officers about the identity of 'Dan Jones'. DI Clifford added: 'PC Thurley has provided no verifiable evidence of Dan Jones. 'Depending on the source of information, she was either seeing him for 12 months or 18 months, she can only describe him as a white male with dark hair and dark eyes, with a tattoo on his ankle - but then to others she has said no tattoo. DI Clifford said: 'PC Thurley's criminal conviction represents some of the most serious that a police officer could face' 'He is anywhere between 5' 8' and 6' and either a slim, average or muscular build.' He continued: 'PC Thurley's criminal conviction represents some of the most serious that a police officer could face as one that goes to the heart of an officer's honesty and integrity. 'The public confidence in both PC Thurley and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary will be damaged when they know a police officer has lied so extensively.' Scott Chilton, Chief Constable for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, dismissed PC Thurley with immediate effect, without notice. He said a 'considerable amount of resources' were pulled to investigate the allegations and that 'PC Thurley has done little, if anything at all, to assist in this investigation'. Scott Chilton (pictured), Chief Constable for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, dismissed PC Thurley with immediate effect, without notice Chief Constable Chilton said: 'I am saddened that a serving police officer, knowing firsthand the impact that such horrific crimes have on victims, chose to lie about a violent assault. 'Nadia Thurley's actions diverted response officers, specially trained investigators and surveillance officers away from genuine victims as they spent months trying to find a fictitious offender who she claimed was responsible for very serious attacks upon her. 'Nadia Thurley reported crimes to colleagues who did everything they could to investigate her reports, then lied and obstructed their investigations. 'Whatever the reason for these actions to deceive the police and criminal justice system, there is no doubt that it impacts the women and men who are beaten, stabbed and abused by their partners and ex-partners and look to the police to bring their perpetrators to justice. 'Perverting the course of justice is a very serious offence, and even more damaging when it is done by someone who is expected to uphold the law and keep people safe from harm.' A mother has today completed her 157 walk with a life-sized horse statue in memory of her equestrian teenage daughter who took her own life having raised nearly 50,000. Emma Webb crossed the finish line at the International Horse Show at the ExCel London this afternoon on the eighteenth day of her colossal trek from Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales. Ms Webb, who lost her daughter Brodie - a promising equestrian - at age 16 to suicide in March 2020, wants to raise awareness around mental health in young people. Her JustGiving campaign has already received 48,000 in donations for suicide prevention charities. This comes after the heart-warming moment she was surprised by Prince William on day 13 of her fundraising walk. Pictures show the triumphant mother crossing the red tape at the exhibition centre in east London as she is cheered by followers including members of the armed forces in uniform. Emma Webb arrives at the London International Horse Show at ExCel London at the end of her 157 mile walk in memory of her late daughter Ms Webb crossed the finish line at the International Horse Show at the ExCel London this afternoon on the eighteenth day of her colossal trek from Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales Brodie Webb (pictured) took her own life at age 16 following a riding session in March 2020 She said upon completing the journey: 'I just hope that it has raised awareness and, you know, maybe prevent somebody from taking their own life or encourages somebody to open up a conversation about seeking support.' Speaking to BBC Breakfast this morning as she set off to complete the final leg of her journey Ms Webb said: 'I cannot believe it's the last day, it's gone so quickly.' Ms Webb said she wanted to 'raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention'. She was accompanied at the front of the convoy by her mother, Brodie's grandmother, Pam, whose voice trembled with emotion when she said she was 'very proud' of her daughter. Ms Webb's JustGiving page for Riders Minds and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide has already raised more than 48,000, an extra 60 per cent on top of the original 30,000 target. While the challenge is now over, donations are still coming in, with more than 2,200 people having sent something as of around 5pm this evening. Ms Webb's JustGiving page for Riders Minds and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide has already raised more than 47,000, nearly an extra 60 per cent on top of the original 30,000 target Brodie, 16, was a promising equestrian with all A-star predictions for her GCSEs Ms Webb smiled happily as she arrived in London today as more than 2,200 people have donated to her fundraising campaign for suicide prevention charities Emma was oblivious when the Prince of Wales greeted her last week as she pulled the resin horse through the streets of Slough. A video showed the moment he casually strolls towards her and shouts 'boo' before embracing her in a warm hug. She told MailOnline: 'He put his arms out and I thought "right, I'm going to have a nice hug" so he gave me a nice hug, or a Welsh cwtch!' The campaigner, who was walking with two other mothers bereaved by suicide, said at the time that it meant 'everything' that Prince William, a well-known champion of mental health, had come to support her - and he even leant a hand pushing Miles along for the 20 minutes he was there. Emma said: 'I was aware that he'd seen what I was doing on the news, but I wasn't aware that he was going to turn up on the streets of Slough and walk with me, so it was amazing! He appeared from behind the horse and shouted "Boo" at me! 'I turned around and I was just gobsmacked that he was stood there. Me, a little old Welsh lady from Newport with a plastic horse and the Prince of Wales is just stood in front of me! 'I didn't really know what to do when I saw him. He put his arms out and I thought "right, I'm going to have a nice hug" so he gave me a nice hug, or a Welsh cwtch!' This is the heartwarming moment Prince William surprised a woman near Slough during a charity walk. Emma set out on the trek to raise awareness of suicide (Pictured: Emma Webb in shock, a few of her pals and Prince William) After surprising a stunned Emma, the prince reached out for a hug 'To have a hug from the future King, it's just unthinkable, it was like an out of body experience.' Emma said she and the other mother chatted to the prince for around 20 minutes about mental health, suicide prevention and their loved ones. She also told the prince about the 'mishaps' she has had on her trek, including walking through mud, ice and along narrow towpaths - resulting in bits of Miles breaking - but how kind strangers have always been ready to help her. Emma added of the prince's visit: 'For Prince William to come out and recognise what we're trying to do...it's just amazing. 'You can't get a more supportive backer than the Prince of Wales, so it really means everything to me that he came out.' A vigilante woman sobbed in court as she was found guilty of murder after chasing down an elderly man and shooting him dead when he left the scene of a car crash. Hannah Payne, 24, was in tears with her head hung down when Judge Jewel C. Scott announced the guilty verdict Tuesday afternoon in Clayton County, Georgia. Payne 'acted like a cop' and pursued Kenneth Herring, 62, in her vehicle after witnessing him make a minor collision with a truck on May 7, 2019. She cut him off and then leapt out of her car, punching Herring through his window before taking out the gun and killing him on the busy highway near the intersection of Riverdale Road and Forest Parkway on the outskirts of Atlanta. 'Kenneth Herring, who was unarmed and minding his own business, was chased down, detained, shot, and murdered,' the lead prosecutor said during the state's closing arguments. 'You don't get the death penalty for committing a traffic offense.' A vigilante woman sobbed in court as she was found guilty of murder for chasing down an elderly man and shooting him dead when he tried to leave a scene of a minor car crash Hannah Payne, 24, was in tears with her head hung down when Judge Jewel C. Scott announced the guilty verdict Tuesday afternoon Payne was convicted of murdering Kenneth Herring, 62, after a minor traffic accident on May 7, 2019, which occurred on a busy highway near the intersection of Riverdale Road and Forest Parkway in Georgia The Georgia woman was charged with two counts of felony murder, three counts of possession of a weapon during a crime , and one count each of malice murder, aggravated assault, and false imprisonment. Twelve Peach State jurors reached a verdict after about 90 minutes of deliberating, determining Payne unlawfully attacked and murdered Herring. She is set to be sentenced on Friday. Payne took the stand on Monday, insisting that she never meant for her handgun to fire a bullet, and claimed he shoot himself during a struggle for the weapon. 'I pulled it out and immediately started trying to just continue to push against the door with it like push it away from him' she testified. 'He grabbed my hand with the gun in it.' 'As he's pulling it is when it the trigger went off,' she added. 'After it went off, my entire body kind of fell backwards.' But the state had used witness testimony and recordings to prove otherwise during trial, stating that Payne rather intentionally cut Herring off with her car, then jumped out and 'very aggressively' ran up to the man before yelling profanities at him. She then allegedly began punching the startled man through his window, before withdrawing her weapon and threatening to shoot him twice, when she 'immediately' shot him. 'She's using deadly force; she wasn't faced with deadly force,' District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson when she was initially charged for murder. 'You cannot claim self-defense and use deadly force unless you're not the initial aggressor she is. The Georgia woman was charged with two counts of felony murder, three counts of possession of a weapon during a crime , and one count each of malice murder, aggravated assault, and false imprisonment Payne, 21 at the time of her crime, reportedly 'acted like a cop' and tried to stop Herring from leaving the scene of a crash. Payne decided to follow his pickup truck after she saw it hit a tractor-trailer near Clark Howell Highway on May 7, despite a 911 dispatcher instructing her to stay at the scene. Herring's family described him as a hard-working man who was not a violent person In 2019, Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge William H. West ruled there was probable cause for the prosecution to proceed in the murder case against Payne in a preliminary hearing. Herring left the scene of the accident that day appearing to be in the middle of a medical emergency described by a witness as 'probably like diabetic shock,' Clayton County Police Detective Keon Hayward testified. 'He was disoriented, he was asking what happened, who hit me, whats going on,' Hayward described. Payne, who was not involved in the accident, followed Herring and blocked his car at an intersection roughly a mile down the road, where she confronted him. Armed with a 9 mm gun, she told him to return to the crash scene, and then pulled a handgun on him. Payne's lawyer Matt Tucker argued that an altercation between Payne and Herring 'ended in her handgun discharging', fatally wounding Herring, WXIA-TV reported. He said that the shooting was an act of self-defense, describing his client as a 'Good Samaritan' for blocking Herring's pickup truck with her Jeep after witnessing Herring strike a semi-truck and make an attempt to drive away at around 6:15pm. But Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson described that claim as 'dubious' as Georgia law allows for 'citizen's arrest' only if the citizen witnesses a felony. Lawson claimed that the collision was a misdemeanor traffic offense. She told the court: 'You cannot claim self-defense and use deadly force unless youre not the initial aggressor she is. Herring's estranged wife, Christine, said her husband was not the aggressor, saying witnesses saw Payne strike her husband three times as he sat in his car disorientated Herring allegedly struck a semi near the intersection of Riverdale Road and Forest Parkway in Clayton County and tried to leave, but was blocked by Payne's Jeep Police in Georgia say Payne shot Herring in the stomach after blocking his Dodge pickup truck with her Jeep after the crash on May 7, 2019 (pictured) 'I guess she thinks shes the police or wants to be a police officer she's blocked him in and he has nothing [he is unarmed], and then she shoots him.' Herring's wife, Christine, described the killing as as vigilantism and claimed there was a racial element to it, comparing the shooting to the death of Trayvon Martin. She said at a press conference afterwards: 'I know he was having a diabetic episode, because he don't just run off the scene. I knew he was trying to get to the hospital. 'I had a feeling about that. He was a hard-working man, he stayed true to himself. He's not a violent man so I knew in the accident with her, it was not true. She said her husband was not the aggressor as he could not get out of his truck because she had blocked him in. 'I wondered why she followed him and did not do what the 911 operator said and get the tag number and stay back. I wondered why she followed him all the way, blocked him in and killed him.' 'They said she punched him in the face three times. She was trying to act like the police.' Detective Hayward claimed that Herring remained at the scene of the accident for about 18 to 20 minutes before leaving. Witnesses claimed that Payne approached Herrings car, 'repeatedly striking' him through the driver's side window as he sat behind the wheel before the gun was fired. Payne broke down as defense argued that Herring was having a medical episode as he drove away from the scene of the crash in 2019 Payne appeared emotional at a hearing in 2019 where a Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge ruled there was probable cause to proceed with murder charges against her Hayward also described how Payne called 911 as she followed Herring, and stayed on the line during the episode. Defense claimed that the phone was knocked out of her hand in the background she can be heard telling Herring to 'get out of the car, get out of the car, get out of the f*****g car.' Hayward testified that when she picked the phone back up, she told the 911 operator: 'He just shot himself with my gun.' Tucker claimed that Payne was given 'mixed communication' by the 911 operator who told her to remain at the scene but also get the vehicle tag number as Herring left. He said: 'Throughout this whole event Ms. Payne was compliant, she stayed at the scene, she got on 911. 'She did everything she felt she needed to make sure that this hit-and-run was handled properly and that her actions were handled properly.' Workers leave the construction site of Shirley Chisholm Village, an housing development for educators being built near 43rd Avenue and Judah Street in San Franciscos Sunset District. Harry Mok/The Chronicle State regulators have given their blessings to housing streamlining legislation approved last week by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, thus allowing the city to avoid a series of punishments that could have included a loss of funding for affordable housing as well as a relinquishing of local control over the development approval process. In a statement, David Zisser, an assistant deputy director with the California Department of Housing and Community Development, known as HCD, said the constraints reduction ordinance the board approved on Dec. 5 was consistent with state law. He said HCD would continue to provide technical assistance to help the City meet its housing commitments and added that the city still needs to respond to a Nov. 28 corrective action letter explaining how it is implementing other overdue required actions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State officials had given the city 30 days from Oct. 25 to approve legislation from Mayor London Breed that would streamline the notoriously long and complicated process to get homes approved and built. While the city missed its first deadline, it was granted another 30 days to approve the legislation. The legislation that eventually passed included some amendments to the original legislation sponsored by Mayor London Breed, including protections for rent-controlled units and historic buildings. The amendments protected both single-family homes built before 1923 and rent-controlled housing units from being demolished for market-rate projects. The package to reform San Franciscos Byzantine housing permitting and review process is a key part of the states goal to force the city to build 82,000 housing units over the next eight years, 46,000 of which are supposed to be affordable to low- and moderate-income families. The reforms slash red tape and allow many projects to go forward without a hearing at the Planning Commission. The full amended reform package passed by a 9-2 vote, with Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan opposed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A spokesman for Breed praised the HCD decision. Obviously this is great news for San Francisco, said Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed. We have been focused on making sure our policies not only meet the standards of HCD but also meet the standards of what we have committed to in our housing element. This is a good step, but we have a lot of work to do. We cant lose focus. After the vote, Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who co-sponsored the legislation, said the reform package is just the beginning. Despite all the salacious stories written in the media, by and large, I feel like we all came together and worked collaboratively on this very complicated piece of legislation, Melgar said. But there is still a lot of work that still needs to be done. We need to fulfill our obligation to the state, but we also need to address our housing needs in San Francisco. Customers were also able to buy In-N-Out merchandise outside the restaurants Famous California burger chain In-N-Out has opened its first store in Idaho and was welcomed by eight-hour-long lines at its drive-thru on opening day. Fans of the fast-food chain began camping outside the new location the night before its December 12 launch in frigid 30 degree weather. By the time it was morning, hundreds of people had been standing in the drive-thru line to get their hands on the chain's unique burger and fries. The drive-thru line began at a dirt lot nearby and had a sign telling customers there was a wait of at least 7-8 hours. But this did not deter locals who queued up outside the fast food chain. Videos shared by customers show groups of people bundled up in heavy coats and jackets in front of the store, waiting to taste the chain store's famous Animal-Style Fries. Fans of the fast-food chain began camping outside the new location the night before its December 12 launch in frigid 30 degree weather Videos show groups of people bundled up in heavy coats and jackets in front of the store, waiting to taste the chain store's famous Animal-Style Fries Marvin and Jackie Mejia, both 34, arrived in a white SUV and told the Idaho Statesman that they had been waiting for this day since April. Asked when they planned to come back, Marvin joked, 'probably tomorrow' and said the traffic and long lines wouldn't deter them. Tammy Taub, stood in line at the nearby merchandise trailer, trying to purchase a pair of In-N-Out sweatpants, while her brother worked his way through the drive-thru line in his car 'I like In-N-Out, but he's very excited about it,' Taub said. 'It's definitely a thing. It's like a phenomenon.' Miranda Presson, 38, and Chase Presson, 39 arrived early and decided to park and wait in the outside line instead of in the drive-thru line. Miranda set a timer on her phone when the pair joined line and noted that it took them 45 minutes to reach the front. One guest in line told IdahoNews6: 'Listen I've been hopeful for a long time; I have been waiting for years. I actually drove by here about a month ago, and took a picture of the store with the chain link still up.' While another told the channel: 'I said you know I got an extra sweatshirt in the back of the car, put it on, and let's just warrior it out!' One guest in line said: 'Listen I've been hopeful for a long time; I have been waiting for years. I actually drove by here about a month ago, and took a picture of the store with the chain link still up' Many began to line up around the store to pick up orders in person In-N-Out merchandise was also being sold outside the store 'I like In-N-Out, but he's very excited about it,' Taub said. 'It's definitely a thing. It's like a phenomenon' One TikTok user also shared a video where the owner and President of In-N-Out Lynsi Snyder can be seen cutting a red ribbon at the entry door of the store. The billionaire also shared a video on her Instagram of happy customers and employees posing to click pictures while she signed autographs. Snyder's video also shared a glimpse of the In-N-Out merchandise being sold outside the store. In another post, she wrote: 'Opening in Idaho with Store 4-0-0 because after 75 years our Customer is our hero! Meridian! In-N-Out is officially in Idaho! We're so happy to open our 400th store in 2023, our 75th year! 'This store marks the first location in our eighth state, and in recognition of this milestone, we've dedicated this store to our Customers, our most important asset. We're forever grateful for our Family of Customers who have made us the Company we are today, and we can't wait to serve you quality burgers at this special store!' One TikTok user also shared a video where the owner and President of In-N-Out Lynsi Snyder can be seen cutting a red ribbon at the entry door of the store The billionaire also shared a video on her Instagram of happy customers and employees posing to click pictures while she signed autographs The store's incredible opening comes a month after it was announced that the state of New Mexico, specifically its capital city of Albuquerque, will be getting a location of the Christian chain by 2026. Snynder made the announcement on Instagram: 'We're excited to share that we will be fully in the Four Corners, serving our Customers in New Mexico, by 2027!' 'It's an exciting day for our Company, the In-N-Out Family and our Customers. Stay tuned for more details. We're looking forward to serving quality burgers, fries, and shakes in Albuquerque, NM! #innout' It's a change of tune for In-N-Out, whose president once said they didn't plan to expand any further towards the east coast in her lifetime. The chain currently has 394 open restaurants, but none of them are open east of Texas and that will remain the case for another two years. The state of New Mexico, specifically its capital city of Albuquerque, will be getting a location of the Christian chain by 2026. Owner and President of In-N-Out Lynsi Snynder made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday Lynsi Snyder is the owner and president of In-N-Out and is the sole granddaughter of the company's founders Snyder said in 2018 in an interview with Forbes she believed putting restaurants in every state would take away 'some of its luster.' 'I dont see us stretched across the whole U.S. I dont see us in every state. Take Texasdraw a line up and just stick to the left. Thats in my lifetime,' Snyder said. In spite of Snyder's previous statements, the company has now solidified plans to bring a corporate office and multiple locations to the state by 2026, she said. 'We are very excited to provide Tennesseans with our quality burgers, fries and shakes,' said the sole granddaughter of Harry and Esther Snyder, the company's founders. 'In every decision I make, I always consider what my family would want. I have no doubt that my grandparents, dad and uncle would be proud of this decision to grow our Associate family and serve even more amazing Customers beginning in Nashville and the surrounding areas,' the president continued. Built on strong Christian beliefs, the company is known to print Bible verse on some of its packaging. It was originally founded by Harry and Esther Snyder and is now operated by their granddaughter Lynsi Snyder. Bible citations include Mark 3:16 on the bottom of soda cups, while milkshakes are printed with Proverbs 3:5. If you order a burger or cheeseburger, youll get one verse, Revelation 3:20, but if you get a Double-Double, a double burger, youll get another, Nahum 1:7. The company's owner, Lynsi Snyder, said in 2018 in an interview with Forbes she believed putting restaurants in every state would take away 'some of its luster' Lynsi, pictured here, said she added further Bible verses to the items since she took the reigns of the company The practice had been started by Lynsi's uncle Rich Snyder prior to his death in 1993. She previously told the Christian Post: 'It was my uncle Rich who put the Bible verses on the cups and wrappers in the early 90s, just before he passed away. 'He had just accepted the Lord and wanted to put that little touch of his faith on our brand. Its a family business and will always be, and thats a family touch. 'In later years, I added verses to the fry boat, coffee, and hot cocoa cups.' Rich had been a born-again Christian philanthropist and is also said to have begun each company meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. According to Forbes, Lynsi has a net worth of $4.2 billion, and first became a billionaire in 2017. The new Idaho location boasts one drive-thru lane, indoor seating for 84 guests, and a covered patio with outdoor seating for 32 guests. The starting wage is set at a starting wage of $17.50 per hour for employees. An American woman who was kidnapped and held for a $19,000 ransom in Guatemala has been rescued, authorities announced on Tuesday. The unidentified woman, 35, was found in Jobompiche, a remote village in the northern Peten department of the Central American country. On X,the Guatemalan Interior Ministry posted an image showing a woman flanked by two armed officers who work for the country's National Civil Polices Anti-Kidnapping Command. In translation, the post reads that the woman is a 'foreign citizen' who had been 'deprived of her freedom' while in the village. Investigadores del Comando Antisecuestros de la @PNCdeGuatemala, logran la liberacion de una ciudadana extranjera, que fue privada de su libertad en la aldea Jobompiche, de San Jose Peten. pic.twitter.com/klWB974Sbg MinGob (@mingobguate) December 12, 2023 Urgente Comando Antisecuestros libera, sana y salva a estadounidense Nuevamente efectivos del Comando Antisecuestros PNC logran otro exitoso rescate, ahora fue en aldea Jobompiche, San Jose, Peten, donde liberan sana y salva a mujer de 35 anos, de nacionalidad estadounidense pic.twitter.com/QdcKneVUza PNC de Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) December 12, 2023 The woman was found and extracted from the northern Peten department, where Mayan culture was partially established In another post, the national police say the woman, who is 'of US nationality,' was 'released safe and sound' following a 'successful rescue.' A picture, posted by the national police, of several officers on the side of the road, appears to show where the rescue took place. Two officers stand in the middle of a road that runs through a thickly forested area, facing a short, squat man whose face is blurred. The man is standing beside two small motorbikes while a third officer, who is mostly cut out of the image, heads in the opposite direction. The authorities added that the woman's kidnappers had asked for $19,000 in exchange for her safe release. It is not clear exactly how or why the woman was taken - and how she was eventually freed. Passengers have been left incandescent with rage after the Elizabeth Line was once again thrown into chaos. Rail bosses said the Elizabeth Line was disrupted between Abbey Wood and Reading, Maidenhead and Heathrow Terminals because of a broken rail. National Rail said the issue meant there would be delays 'until the end of the day'. Furious travellers branded the service 'p*** poor' and questioned whether there was ever a day that the Elizabeth Line ran smoothly. It is yet another disruption on the beleaguered tube line that has been plagued by delays and disaster for weeks. Earlier today, Sadiq Khan revealed he was 'deeply concerned' about the train chaos and blamed Network Rail. It is yet another disruption on the beleaguered tube line that has been plagued by delays and disaster for weeks. Pictured: Delayed trains yesterday Last Thursday, thousands of commuters endured four hours of power failure hell as they were left stranded in the dark before having to trudge back to the station along the tracks Earlier today, Sadiq Khan revealed he was 'deeply concerned' about the train chaos and blamed Network Rail Yesterday, passengers fumed after four separate issues including a signalling fault, defective track, a lineside fire and overhead wire issues caused huge delays. Last Thursday, thousands of commuters endured four hours of power failure hell as they were left stranded in the dark before having to trudge back to the station along the tracks. At a TfL board meeting today, Khan said: 'I do want to say something about the Elizabeth line. 'I am deeply concerned about the recent incident on December 7 where several busy trains including four Elizabeth line services were stuck west of Paddington. 'I appreciate this was caused by another operator's train damaging overhead wires in the Acton area and as a result the power had to be turned off by Network Rail, resulting in all lines being blocked in and out of Paddington. Passengers fumed today at even more delays on the beleaguered Elizabeth Line Office of Rail and Road data on the cancellations score by operator from July to September 2023 and the percentage point (pp) change compared with the same period last year 'However, the service on the Elizabeth line has not consistently met the high standards to which we all aspire and which it was aimed to deliver since its launch last year. 'Londoners and others are rightly frustrated by the recent delays, cancellations and at times inadequate customer communication. 'Furthermore the new connectivity the line delivers means that when it does have reliability issues it causes wider disruption to London's transport network, with other TfL services often bearing the brunt of additional passengers.' At the same meeting, TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: 'The Great Western Network Rail infrastructure is our key challenge for the service. 'Failure of points, the signaling system and problems with overhead line electrification on the western surface section have continued to disrupt services. 'In addition, we continue to focus on train reliability and performance.' Speaking about last Thursday's incident, he said services were impacted for two subsequent days while repairs were carried out. He added: 'This was a very significant event and as an industry we are working together to ensure we learn from it. 'Firstly I want to sincerely apologise to affected customers for the disruption. I also want to thank staff involved in the detrainment who worked calmly and safely to assist passengers from the trains. 'However the length of time customers spent stranded was not acceptable and a full review is underway. Additionally we are working through our service recovery measures for those customers affected.' Today, passengers slammed the service. One passenger said: 'Does the Elizabeth Line ever have a day where there are no delays or cancelled trains? It really is a p*** poor service,' Another said: 'Six days in a row there's been issues on this line.' A third added: 'The Elizabeth Line has cancellations again! How is this possible every day?!' A Network Rail spokesperson said: 'We share the mayor's pride in the incredible change the Elizabeth Line has brought to travel in London and we also share his concern about reliability of the service and how we are looking after and caring for our passengers, particularly at times of disruption. 'Huge investment and resources across the capital and its transport providers have gone into making the line the success it is today and we are as determined as the Mayor to see that success continue. 'We look forward to meeting with him and TfL, and together, working in partnership, to make it better.' MailOnline has contacted TfL and National Rail for comment. A teacher from Queens, New York City, was seen smiling as she left court with her husband by her side after being charged with raping a 14-year-old student and sending him sick messages. Melissa Rockensies, 33, went before Judge Pandit-Durant with her attorney, Brian Griffin, on Wednesday for a conference hearing in Queens Supreme Court. She is charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17-years-old. Rockensies, of Massapequa, walked out of court with her husband William, as she flashed a smile. She was the dean at Corona Arts & Science Academy, and she was one of the victims summer school teachers and counselors. Melissa Rockensies, 33, went before Judge Pandit-Durant with her attorney, Brian Griffin, on Wednesday for a conference hearing in Queens Supreme Court Rockensies walked out of court with her husband William, as she flashed a smile The teen, who did not want to be identified, previously told the New York Post that Rockensies began grooming him shortly after she began filling in as an educator at his school last year. He claims that the mother-of-three began messaging him on Instagram, sending a slew of lewd messages including one that allegedly said 'I'll be moaning for you all day.' The 14-year-old who was a student at the Corona Arts and Sciences Academy told the outlet that he felt like Rockensies had 'taken advantage of him because of his age.' He said their communication started after he'd started emailing her over a problem with another kid at the school and that he'd felt 'comfortable with her.' 'I was vulnerable with her. I'm smart but I don't make good decisions. I work off of impulse. If someone says let's go do something I'd say all right let's go do it,' he said. Over the course of almost a year the victim claims that she sent the depraved messaged in between taking care of her children. She is charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17-years-old The teen, who did not want to be identified, told the New York Post that Rockensies began grooming him shortly after she began filling in as an educator at his school last year.= In September, after allegedly exchanging hundreds of emails, the pair began messaging on Instagram, with Rockensies eventually suggesting to meet up in person, the teen claimed In a text exchange obtained by the New York Post, the teen claimed Rockensies allegedly wrote: 'You're gonna be lucky once I put this kid to sleep.' In another text seen by the outlet, Rockensies allegedly wrote: 'I want you so bad and now I gotta go read kids books like wtf'. She also allegedly wrote to the boy: 'Study up on your technique and I'll be moaning for you all day and all night daddyy' and 'I wanna be able to kiss those lips of yours.' In September, after allegedly exchanging hundreds of emails, the pair began messaging on Instagram, with Rockensies eventually suggesting to meet up in person, the teen claimed. He told the outlet that the pair went for a walk in the park after she went to the supermarket, where she's been accused of hugging the boy 'really close' and then asking to 'kiss him.' 'This came out of nowhere. I wasn't expecting it because she said she has a husband and stuff. I felt weird like I had to hug her back. I hugged her. I kissed her. That's how it started.' The alleged sexual abuse continued until late May, or early June the teen claimed and would typically take place in her car before and after school its been alleged. 'She'd tell me where to go to meet her, where the car is parked,' he claimed and said that she tried to meet him every day except Wednesday, when 'she had to watch the kids.' 'Every time we'd meet up, we'd have sex,' he claims adding that she would allegedly give him gifts like money and nicotine devices. William Rockensies (left) claims that his wife Melissa is 'innocent' of the allegations made against her following her arrest 'Most of the time she [gave] me money. The most she ever gave me was $500,' he said. Last month, the teacher claimed that the teen had been threatening to 'extort' her and accused him of saying that he'd 'shoot her and her kids' if she didn't pay him $5,000. It is unclear if Rockensies revealed why the pupil was blackmailing her. The student has rebuffed these allegations, saying that he'd been banned from Instagram after skipping summer school and someone else had been messaging her from his account. After the threats were reported, the teen said he went to authorities and showed them their explicit messages - the teen's grandmother told the New York Post that she was 'disgusted by the abuse.' 'They are making him out to be the monster and he is not. The victim is my grandson,' she said, noting that she planned on getting him into counseling. 'He is a minor. She is old enough to know better.' After Rockensies arrest her husband, William, defended the 33-year-old who he claims is 'innocent'. The couple were seen leaving their home in Massapequa together on Wednesday, following her arraignment hearing in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday. Both remained silent as they got into their vehicle to leave their home, after Rockensies was seen taking a baby into the property. She was a dean and teacher at the school at the time of the allegations, and has pleaded not guilty to rape in the second and third degree, criminal sexual act in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. Speaking to the New York Post her husband said: 'My wife is innocent. She's the mother of three kids. She loves them very much. 'She's been a big part of the community at her school. We all support her. We're saying she's innocent. I won't elaborate any further why.' Judge Anthony Battisti ordered the defendant to return to court on November 24, with the teacher facing up to seven years in prison if convicted. She was released without bail. District Attorney Melinda Katz said: 'These disturbing allegations represent an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools. The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school 'On behalf of the victim and his family, and the overwhelming majority of teachers committed to the education and well-being of our children, we will seek to achieve justice in this case.' Rockensies was previously the dean of Leadership and Student Support at the middle school, and attended several of the education facilities events with parents and students. Social media posts worryingly show her posting about helping children understand 'consent' from October last year. It advised that children should not keep secrets from their family, as well as respecting their answer when they say 'no'. Authorities have not confirmed if the alleged rape took place on or off campus, with married Rockensies posting about how emotional she was to lose her Class of 2023 referring to herself as a 'proud school mom'. The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school. In a statement, they said: 'This alleged behavior is extremely concerning and wholly unacceptable. 'This employee has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue termination. 'Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students.' A federal judge overseeing Rudy Giuliani's defamation trial rapped the former Donald Trump lawyer for comments Tuesday evening where he called the case 'political' and attacked the integrity of the gaggle of lawyers arrayed against him. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell cautioned Giuliani after the attorney for former Georgia election workers Wandrea 'Shaye' Moss and Ruby Freeman brought up the issue. Giuliani had delivered a podcast performance where he called the case against him a 'political hit job' and raised murky financial motives about the lawyers assisting the women who are suing him. He had said 'there might be a few questions about exactly how political is this' and mentioned money 'coming from different directions.' After getting admonished directly, Giuliani responded to the judge that 'I thought I could make comments about counsel,' but pledged not to do so in the future. Former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani used a Tuesday night live stream to call the case against him 'political' and complained about the lawyers arrayed against him. The judge overseeing the case called him out for the comments The judge wasn't entirely buying it, telling him: 'Theres a lot of accidents going on here Mr. Giuliani,' NBC News reported. She indicated the comments violated a stipulation by the court. Giuliani also complained about the plaintiffs saying of Moss and Freeman: 'Theyre seeking $40 million. Oh, yeah. Theyre seeking $40 million for the damage that I allegedly did to them. One of them did testify that she has no money. They do have an endless number of lawyers in the courtroom, however, for people that dont have any money.' The two Georgia election workers are seeking $43 million in damages, in a case where a judge has already ruled the former Donald Trump lawyer defamed them. Giuliani appeared to be cognizant of the potential risks in his livestream, where he mused that 'I shouldn't go into any great detail about the substnace of the case which might or might not violate, I guess, the stipulation, hmm, maybe the order she entered today. I'm not sure I haven't looked at it.' He appeared to mock plaintiff's lawyer Michael Gottlieb, saying that he was doing the legal work 'from the bottom of his heart.' Giuliani's battle with the court has echoes with Trump's fraud trial playing out in New York, where the former president has fumed about a gag order against him. The case had another parallel: expert witness and Northwestern University professor Ashlee Humphreys testified about the reach of the social media damage to the plaintiffs in the civil case. She also testified in E. Jean Carroll's rape case against Trump that found him liable for sexual abuse. The testified that the 'defamatory claims had a significant, negative and long-lasting impact on the reputations of Ms. Freeman and Ms. Moss,' the Guardian reported. She also spoke about the massive reach of misinformation about them. Trump mentioned them, saying there had been 33 million online impressions of Freeman after Trump called Freeman a 'professional vote scammer' during his call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Rudy Giuliani, former personal lawyer for President Trump, is facing the civil equivalent of the 'death penalty,' according to his lawyer. A jury will decide on damages after two former Georgia election workers successfully sued him in civil court The trial will determine if and how much money Giuliani will have to pay to Shaye Moss (left) and her mother Ruby Freeman (right) after the lawyer for former President Donald Trump repeatedly pushed debunked claims that they were trying to steal the election for Joe Biden The court action came after Giuliani's lawyer urged a Washington, D.C. jury not to hit him with the civil 'death penalty' and instead keep damages to a 'fair and proportional' figure. Giuliani defense lawyer Joseph Sibley argued Monday that his client shouldn't be held responsible for the actions of others, and said the two workers were asking for the 'civil equivalent of the death penalty.' Wandrea 'Shaye' Moss, a former voter registration officer in Fulton County, testified at the second day of Giuliani's defamation trial Tuesday that her life 'flipped upside down' in early December 2020 when Trump allies began falsely claiming her and her mother, Ruby Freeman, engaged in election fraud after the November election. She told the jury Tuesday that she feared for her life after Giuliani and other Trump allies falsely accused her of attempting to rig the 2020 election. 'How can someone with so much power go public and talk about things that he obviously has no clue about?' Moss, 39, said of Giuliani. 'It's just obvious that it's lies.' Giuliani is facing financial difficulties as he fends off separate criminal conspiracy charges in Georgia. This summer he put his Manhattan co-op up for sale for $6.5 million, then slashed the price this fall. The jury hearing the case features biographies that speak to the federal city where Giuliani's financial future will be determined. It includes a Forest Service employee, a Defense Intelligence Agency analyst, an accountant for the Girl Scouts, and an Al Jazeera journalist, CBS News reported. A federal judge has already determined that Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, defamed Moss and Freeman. The only issue for the jury to decide is how much Giuliani owes in damages U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who is overseeing the case, scolded Giuliani earlier on Tuesday for repeating the accusations as he left the courthouse following the first day of the trial Giuliani's lawyer has said that there is limited evidence that his statements were the cause of the harm the two workers suffered. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who is overseeing the case, scolded Giuliani earlier on Tuesday for repeating the accusations as he left the courthouse following the first day of the trial. Giuliani told reporters on Monday outside the courthouse that 'everything I said was true' and again accused Moss and Freeman of 'changing votes,' according to an ABC News report. Giuliani confirmed in court on Tuesday that he made the statement. Lawyers for the plaintiffs noted that the judge has already deemed that Giuliani's prior statements were false and he should not be allowed to challenge that determination during the trial. Howell said Giuliani's Monday remarks 'could support another defamation claim' and contradicted his lawyer's statement in court that the workers were 'good people.' The judge said it would be 'grossly unfair' for Giuliani to make similar statements when he testifies at trial, which is expected later this week. Giuliani lawyer Joseph Sibley told the judge that the case has 'taken a toll' on the 79-year-old Giuliani, but he would be able to manage his client's statements in court. 'I can't control what he says outside the courtroom,' Sibley said. Israel ignored Joe Biden's criticism of its bombardment of Gaza, vowing its war against Hamas will continue no matter what and rejecting one of the American president's key requests regarding the Palestinian Authority. 'Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,' its Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said. His double down came after Biden issued a stunning rebuke of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning Israel is losing support across the globe and its conservative government needs to 'change'. Netanyahu had his own response, using Biden's critique to rally the right in Israel by rejecting Biden's call for the West Banks Palestinian Authority to be revitalized in order to take over governing Gaza after the war. He vowed he 'wont allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo,' referring to the 1993 Oslo accords that was meant to allow limited Palestinian self-rule. The country's conservative right-wing hates the agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used Biden's critique to rally the right in Israel The Israeli Prime Minister also has indicated he will keep Israeli troops in Gaza indefinitely. Biden has been supportive of Israel since the surprise attack by Hamas forces on October 7th killed 1,200 people. But his words of warning - given Tuesday behind closed doors at a political fundraiser - were his strongest echo yet of concerns about the collateral damage from Israel's military assault on Hamas: more than 18,000 Gazans killed and a massive humanitarian crisis in the West Bank. 'They're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place,' Biden said of Israel. But Israel is rejecting any idea of a reduction in forces or a ceasefire. 'A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel,' Cohen said. Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet with Netanyahu to discuss how long the fighting will continue. 'I will certainly be talking to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the war cabinet and the senior national security leadership of Israel, about timetables about how they are thinking about that,' Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal forum on Tuesday. But he wouldn't say whether or not he'd talk about pressuring Israeli officials to shorten its military campaign. The U.S. is starting to feel its own isolation when it comes to unabashed support of Israel. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council passed a cease-fire resolution - which the U.S. promptly vetoed. But, on Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelming supported a non-binding measure of the same proposal. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in October Biden is sending National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to Israel Netanyahu, meanwhile, has flatly rejected American plans for the future of the region. He ruled out any role for the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority in Gaza, which Washington wants to see, opening up a divide between the allies. 'There is disagreement about 'the day after Hamas,' Netanyahu said in the video statement posted on social media, 'and I hope that we will reach agreement here, as well. 'After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism,' Netanyahu said. 'Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahstan.' Sullivan said he would speak to Netanyahu and other officials about plans for the region after the war. 'We've been clear that we believe that reoccupation of Gaza is a bad idea,' he said. 'It should not happen. We believe that the Israeli government ultimately understands that as well. We also believe there will have to be some kind of interim security arrangement as we work on a long term political solution for both Gaza and the West Bank.' Biden has pressed for a two-state solution for the area. Israel has retaliated hard against Hamas since the terrorist group attacked on October 7th. But many nations are expressing concern about the number of Palestinian civilians being killed as Israel bombs Gaza. Nearly 16,000 Palestinians have been killed and most of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced since the war began. Damage also has been considerable. Nearly 40,000 buildings or about 18% of all pre-conflict structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip, a U.N. assessment showed on Tuesday. With little aid allowed into Gaza, Palestinians face severe food shortages along with a lack of water and other basic goods. Some worry that Palestinians will be forced out of the territory altogether. About 1,300 people on the Israeli side have died since the war began. Israel says Hamas still has 117 hostages and the remains of 20 people who died in while in captivity or during the initial attack. She cited nine cases which ha been created by an artificial intelligence bot A woman who used an AI bot to defend herself in a court case against the taxman has lost her appeal against a 3,265 tax bill. Felicity Harber cited nine court rulings to support he appeal against a fine for not paying capital gains tax on an investment property she had sold. All nine of the rulings she relied on were fake and were made up by an AI bot, such as ChatGPT. Five of the fake rulings related to successful defences using mental health issues. The remaining four offered prior cases involving ignorance of the law. Felicity Harber cited nine court rulings to support he appeal against a fine for not paying capital gains tax on an investment property she had sold The tribunal ruled that Harber was unaware that the cases she had cited in her defence were created by artificial intelligence The court heard Harber purchased a property for 135,000 in 2006 and rented it out to tenants. In October 2018 Harber sold the house for 252,000 - leaving her with a capital gains tax liability of 16,300 - which she failed to pay. The case in front of the first-tier tribunal tax chamber heard that Harber was unaware that the judgements she was relying on in her appeal were fake and invented by an AI chatbot. The prosecution's legal team tried to find the cases cited on judicial databases but were unsuccessful. After noting the American spelling in some of the cases and the repeated use of unusual phrases they discovered that a chatbot had been used. READ MORE: Judges given 'ok' to use ChatGPT to help write legal opinions but warned the chatbot can invent fake case law Advertisement The tribunal heard Harber was assisted in her appeal 'by a friend who worked in a solicitor's office'. After discovering her defence had been created using an AI Chatbot, Harber asked the Tribunal how could they be confident that the cases cited by HMRC were genuine. The Tribunal said: 'HMRC had provided the full copy of each of those judgments and not simply a summary, and the judgments were also available on publicly accessible websites such as that of the FTT and the British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILLI). Mrs Harber had been unaware of those websites.' Judge Anne Redston ruled: 'We acknowledge that providing fictitious cases in reasonable excuse tax appeals is likely to have less impact on the outcome than in many other types of litigation, both because the law on reasonable excuse is well-settled, and because the task of a tribunal is to consider how that law applies to the particular facts of each appellants case. 'But that does not mean that citing invented judgments is harmless. It causes the tribunal and HMRC to waste time and public money, and this reduces the resources available to progress the cases of other court users who are waiting for their appeals to be determined.' Judge Reston also quoted a recent warning by the Solicitors' Registration Authority: 'All computers can make mistakes. AI language models such as ChatGPT, however, can be more prone to this. That is because they work by anticipating the text that should follow the input they are given, but do not have a concept of "reality". The result is known as hallucination, where a system produces highly plausible but incorrect results. More than 130 migrant children who have disappeared from UK hotels since the summer are still missing six months later, a minister admitted today. Immigration delivery minister Tom Pursglove admitted that just 22 of 154 under 18s who absconded in the past six months have been recovered, as he faced MPs today. In a testy exchange with the Home Affairs Committee he said that of the 132 still at large 88 per cent were Albanian, and suggested they had been picked off by organised crime gangs. More than 100 of them have turned 18 since they disappeared, he admitted under questioning from SNP MP Alison Thewliss. But he rejected her 'outrageous suggestion' that he and his officials 'do not care' what happens to those missing. It came as the committee was also told that the Bibby Stockholm barge moored off Portland as accommodation for migrants is cost9ing more than 22million - and that since 2020 just 0.4 per cent of Channel boat arrivals have been returned to their country of origin. Immigration delivery minister Tom Pursglove admitted that just 22 of 154 under 18s who absconded in the past six months have been recovered, as he faced MPs today. In a testy exchange with the Home Affairs Committee he said that of the 132 still at large 88 per cent were Albanian, and suggested they had been picked off by organised crime gangs. More than 100 of them have turned 18 since they disappeared, he admitted under questioning from SNP MP Alison Thewliss. Mr Pursglove said there were no unaccompanied asylum seeking children in hotels now but 132 were 'still missing' and 'we are working intensively' with local authorities and police on the issue. Ms Thewliss told him: 'You're not doing a very good job of it if 132 out of 154 are still missing... you don't care do you?' Mr Pursglove said that was a 'pretty outrageous suggestion'. The committee heard that of those missing, 103 were now adults and 29 were still under 18. Mr Pursglove, who only took on his new role last week, clashd with the SNP MP again when he raised the fact that 88.6 per cnt of the missing were Albanian,. Asked what the relevance was, he added: 'That very often links into serious criminality and that is often the explanation for why these circumstances arise. 'Criminal gangs responsible for the trade across the channel often have a footprint in this way, trying to take advantage of vulnerable children.' It came as the committee was also told that the Bibby Stockholm barge moored off Portland as accommodation for migrants is cost9ing more than 22million - and that since 2020 just 0.4 per cent of Channel boat arrivals have been returned to their country of origin. In a letter to MPs, Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft said the 'vessel accommodation services' portion of the Bibby Stockholm contract with CTM, which relates to the barge, was 22,450,772. He said the assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money was 'currently being updated'. The figure emerged days after an asylum seeker was found dead on the vessel. South Dorset MP Richard Drax described the news as a 'tragedy born of an impossible situation' and said he had been told by the Home Office that the man was thought to have taken his own life. The cost of the accommodation was set out in a letter to the Home Affairs Committee's chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson. Mr Pursglove said the cost was 'undoubtedly' cheaper than housing asylum seekers in hotels. Dame Diana said she was 'just flabbergasted that a value-for-money assessment was not carried out at the time that the contract was let'. Mr Pursglove told her it was being 'updated' and added: 'This is undoubtedly a more cost-effective way of providing accommodation.' The family of missing Gaynor Lord today criticised internet ghouls who have been speculating about what happened to her. Outlandish theories on social media such as TikTok include a serial killer on the loose who murdered Nicola Bulley earlier this year before striking in Norwich, police 'covering up' the truth, and a rapist attacking the mother-of-three. A family member of Ms Lord's, who asked not to be named, told the Mail: 'There's been lots of things being said, like ''Has she run away with anybody?'' and things like that. 'It's not very helpful. It's hard enough as it is.' The investigation into Mrs Bulley's disappearance in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, in January was marred by conspiracy theorists and armchair detectives opining about what happened. Her family criticised the 'wildly inaccurate speculation' online over her death after an inquest found no evidence of third-party involvement. Mrs Bulley's body was found in the River Wyre after a three-week search and a coroner concluded in June she had died from accidental drowning. Online claims about the disappearance of Ms Lord, 55, include: 'Police covering up advancing serial killer way too similar to the nb [Nicola Bulley] case 4hrs away from nb case.' FRIDAY 2.44pm Gaynor Lord leaves her shift on the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store, Norwich, early before exiting via the loading bay on Bedford Street, two minutes later FRIDAY 2.47pm Gaynor is spotted on CCTV walking onto London Street past Cosy Club Ms Lord left her shift in a city centre department store on Friday but never made it home Another said: 'It's the serial killer they are trying to hide it from us.' Among comments questioning police integrity was 'Don't believe a word they say after Nicola Bulley' and 'This is starting to sound a familiar story and it's being brushed under the carpet'. Vloggers also posted videos of themselves outlining the case, often riddled with errors, with other unsubstantiated claims. One speculated: 'Just been doing a bit of digging into Wensum Park. I found some reports that there have been issues of rape happening in this park over a period of time. Some went back to 2012. So this is a concern.' Norfolk Police have repeatedly stated they are not aware of any 'third party' involvement in Ms Lord's disappearance. Norwich City Labour councillor Keith Driver said: 'I think we should let the police get on with their job and find out what happened to her as soon as possible. 'The police I know none of them would sweep anything under the carpet. They're doing a really good job and they've got my support.' Timeline of Gaynor's movements before going missing on Friday, December 8 2.44pm Gaynor is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store her clothing is clearly visible 2.45-2.46pm She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street 2.47pm Walks onto London Street past Cosy Club 2.48pm Gaynor makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral 3.22pm Gaynor is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance shortly before exiting through the archway she puts her coat on 3.23pm She is seen to walk away from the cathedral on Queens Street here you can see a clear image of the coat she was wearing 3.49pm This is the last sighting of Gaynor on CCTV near the Playhouse on St George's Street 3.53pm Walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street 4.01pm Gaynor walks up St Augustines Street her final movements captured in CCTV before going missing Advertisement Responding to concerns witnesses might be put off from contacting the police, he added: 'If anyone has got any information at all they should come forward.' Labour colleague Vaughan Thomas added: 'Anyone with information or knowledge would need to tell the police and social media is not helping. I would urge people to ignore social media.' Norfolk Police declined to comment. Ms Lord's half-brother Allan Weston, 43, who lives in Blackpool, Lancashire, said: 'We are all very worried. It is out of character and we just want her home.' Ms Lord was seen leaving a city centre department store in Norwich where she worked at 2.45pm on Friday but never made it home. A huge search has been underway, with police divers called in after her coat was found in a river in the nearby Wensum Park. Her clothes, two rings, mobile phone and glasses were also discovered nearby at around 8.10pm on the night she went missing. Images and footage released by Norwich Police this afternoon show the missing mother smiling as she left her place of work, before she was spotted on camera running down a street in the city centre with her coat in hand. It comes as specialist deep water police divers from neighbouring Lincolnshire constabulary were pictured searching Wensum Park this afternoon. The teams were equipped with enhanced sonar equipment to search the water. Speaking of the CCTV, Norwich Policing Commander, Superintendent Wes Hornigold, said: 'Today we are releasing the footage of Gaynor's last known steps on Friday afternoon before she went missing. 'We hope this will help to jog the memory of anyone who may have seen her in the city that afternoon or who may have footage of her journey. 'We are particularly keen on hearing from anyone who may have seen Gaynor in the cathedral grounds which she enters at 2.50pm and leaves at 3.23pm. 'It's not clear where she goes inside the cathedral grounds during this time so we're keen to hear from anyone who may have seen her there. 'We are continuing our extensive searches but would appeal to the public to come forward with any information which may help to find Gaynor. 'In the footage you can clearly see what she was wearing when she went missing. 'This is a particularly stressful time for her family and specialist officers continue to provide support.' It comes after a witness said she saw a woman matching Ms Lord's description in Wensum Park - where her clothes were later found - at around 4pm. Rosie Richards, who lives locally, said: 'It's really upsetting... I'm just thinking of her friends and family, because she is a sort of similar age to my mum and that would be awful to be going through what they are going through right now.' FRIDAY 2.48pm Gaynor makes her way onto Queens Street before crossing into Tombland and walking towards Norwich Cathedral As she walks along the pavement the mother can be seen still holding her coat in her left hand. This CCTV was filmed in Norwich city centre FRIDAY 3.22pm Gaynor is seen leaving the Cathedral grounds approximately 30 minutes later. At 3.49pm she is spotted on CCTV near the Playhouse on St George's Street before walking along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street. At 4.01pm she walks up St Augustines Street This timeline shows what we know so far about how Ms Lord's disappearance unfolded Police say the 'most likely scenario' is that she entered the water. The case has similarities to that of Nicola Bulley, who sparked a high-profile search earlier this year when she dropped off her two daughters at school in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire. Her body was found in the River Wyre on February 19, about a mile from where she vanished while walking her dog on January 27. Her phone and the dog's harness were discovered nearby. An inquest in June concluded she accidentally drowned. Yesterday, Ms Lord's daughters both reposted several versions of Norfolk Police appeals for information about their mother's disappearance on Facebook. Alexandra Lord, 22, wrote above one of them: 'Please share, if anyone knows anything please do contact the police! We want her home!' Next to another message she wrote: 'Anything you may know small or large please contact the police!' Elder sister Charlotte, 24, a fashion entrepreneur, also reposted the police appeals on Facebook. Wensum Park has been closed to the public since Saturday while specialist teams search on land and in the water. The huge police search operation in the centre of Norwich, involves 10 vehicles, a police drone and two search and rescue RIBS along the River Wensum. She was last seen heading toward the Anglican Cathedral in the centre of Norwich on Friday before she disappeared. Later the same day a member of the public discovered her belongings in the city's Wensum Park, around a mile away from work. She was reported missing after failing to return home. Police crews are seen today searching water in Wensum Park for any sign of Ms Lord, who went missing on Friday Today police divers are searching the river and using sonar in Norwich's Wensum Park Police scour the River Wensum in Wensum Park today after Ms Lord's disappearance A police diver is seen in a wet suit with an oxygen tank as the search continues for Ms Lord Police divers were called in after her coat was found in a river in a nearby park She was last seen heading towards the cathedral in the centre of Norwich A witness, Rosie Richards, said she saw a woman matching Ms Lord's description in the park at around 4pm Norwich Constabulary declared her missing after they identified the items and learned she'd failed to return home from work that evening. A police spokeswoman added: 'We won't be drawn on her state of mind. We are still trying to establish the facts. But it was completely out of character.' Norwich policing commander Superintendent Wes Hornigold said: 'Gaynor left work early and didn't take her normal route home. We haven't been able to establish why she left early and her disappearance is out of character, so we are naturally concerned for her welfare. 'There's no evidence that Gaynor has come to harm and, while we have a number of enquiries ongoing, given where her clothing was found and other items, there is a real possibility she has entered the water.' Police are trawling through CCTV to try and trace Ms Lord's movements during a five-hour window before she was officially declared missing by police late on Friday evening. Mr Hornigold, who said the force was seeking assistance from other constabularies with diving expertise, added: 'This is clearly a distressing time for her family. We have specialist officers supporting them and continue to keep them updated on our ongoing work.' Police revealed that she'd left her work as a retail assistant for spirits distiller Bullard Gin, based at the city's Jarrold Department Store, at 2.45pm, before her shift was due to end at 4pm. Ms Lord's daughters both reposted several versions of Norfolk Police appeals for information about their mother's disappearance on Facebook. Pictured: Ms Lords' daughter Alexandra, 22 'Given the nearby waterways, we do have to be open to the possibility that Gaynor has entered the water and we've carried out extensive searches on the river this weekend,' police said Police divers, assisted by fire crews and the coastguard, scoured the nearby River Wensum yesterday Wensum Park in Norwich has been closed to the public since Saturday while specialist teams search on land and in the water A huge police search is under way for a missing woman who didn't come home from work A police drone at Wensum Park searching for Gaynor Lord Officers have also used drones and foot searches to search for further clues Police said the park would remain closed as they hunt for further information about Gaynor's whereabouts Police divers have used sonar equipment to examine the water Police divers, assisted by fire crews and the coastguard, scoured the nearby River Wensum yesterday using sonar equipment and said they have to be 'open to the possibility that Gaynor has entered the water'. Officers have also used drones and foot searches to search for further clues and said they do not suspect third party involvement. A spokesperson for the force said the park would remain closed as they hunt for further information about Gaynor's whereabouts. Ms Lord, who has blonde shoulder-length hair in a bob, is described as white and 5ft 6 inches. Wensum Park was opened in 1925 and has a children's paddling pool, a playground and a pavilion. A labyrinth was installed in the centre as part of the city's millennium celebrations. Anyone with information or who knows of her whereabouts should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 427 of December 8, 2023. Former BP chief executive Bernard Looney will miss out on up to 32.4million in pay, pension and bonuses, after the firm said he committed 'serious misconduct' in misleading its board about past relationships with colleagues. The company dismissed the Irishman without notice and said he will not receive further salary or benefits from the dismissal date, December 13, nor will he be paid an annual bonus. The oil giant will also 'claw back' some of the money already paid to Mr Looney, including 50 per cent of the cash bonus handed to him in 2022, when he was paid a total of 10million, including 8.4million in bonus and share awards. BP said in a statement: 'Following careful consideration, the board has concluded that, in providing inaccurate and incomplete assurances in July 2022, Mr Looney knowingly misled the board. 'The board has determined that this amounts to serious misconduct, and as such Mr Looney has been dismissed without notice effective on 13 December 2023. This decision had the effect of bringing Mr Looney's 12 month notice period to an immediate end.' Former BP chief executive Bernard Looney will miss out on up to 32.4million in pay, bonuses and shares, the company said BP is now reportedly under pressure to claw back millions in bonuses paid to Mr Looney After news of his resignation broke, insiders claimed that the tycoon had a 'reputation' for workplace flings before he became CEO Chief Financial Officer Murray Auchincloss has been acting as interim CEO while the oil firm conducted a probe into accusations on Looney and a search for Looney's successor. More than 2billion was wiped from BP's share price in the wake of Mr Looney's shock departure in September. He resigned after admitting that he had not been 'fully transparent' during a probe in 2022 following allegations about his private life. After news of his resignation broke, insiders claimed that the tycoon had a 'reputation' for workplace flings before he became CEO. The reasons behind Mr Looney's resignation go back to May last year when BP was alerted by an anonymous source to claims about his past relationships. After it launched a review, Mr Looney 'disclosed a small number of historical relationships with colleagues prior to becoming CEO' but was found not to have breached BP's code of conduct. After his resignation BP's market valuation dropped from 90.8billion to 88.2billion and dragged London 's FTSE 100 lower The board 'was given assurances by Mr Looney regarding disclosure of past personal relationships as well as his future behaviour'. Further allegations then emerged in September, reportedly made by a female whistleblower, over a relationship Mr Looney had not previously disclosed. Mr Looney subsequently 'informed the company that he now accepts that he was not fully transparent in his previous disclosures', BP said, adding that he 'did not provide details of all relationships'. BP has now added that assurances given to them in July 2022 were 'incomplete', and that he 'knowingly misled' the board - amounting to 'serious misconduct'. Asbel Bernal spends time with her 6-year-old daughter, Sofia, at their home in Napa on Nov. 8. After more than a decade in Napa, the family fell on hard times amid illness and job loss, but Season of Sharing helped get them back on track. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle It wasnt until Asbel Bernal failed an exam last May for her Napa Valley Adult Education class that she realized just how big a toll her familys money and health problems were taking on her. The once talkative, cheerful student told the class translator, who noticed she seemed down, that she was having trouble focusing because of the stress. Bernal had lost her job a few months earlier, her husband and teenage son were both experiencing health issues, and the family of five was struggling to stay afloat in the shadow of Napas wine industry. Sometimes no matter how hard you work, it is not enough, Bernal said in Spanish through a translator. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bernal and her husband, Miguel Vega Zepeda, moved to California from Jalisco, Mexico, 13 years ago, and live legally in the U.S. They briefly stayed in Santa Rosa, where Vega Zepedas friend connected him with winery field work, before moving to Napa. For the past few years, Bernal found seasonal work at the local wineries, making sure bottle labels were correct and that bottles had the right amount of fluid inside. In the offseasons, she cleaned homes and worked winery events. She jumped from one short-term job to the next until last year, when a co-workers extended absence allowed her to stay on at a winery beyond the typical May-November period. Then the co-worker returned and Bernal found herself out of a job. Asbel Bernal and her husband, Miguel Vega Zepeda, moved to California 13 years ago from Jalisco, Mexico. They have three children, including 6-year-old daughter Sofia, shown here at their home in Napa on Nov. 8. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Around the same time, Vega Zepeda began feeling unwell. My stomach was swelling up as if I were pregnant, he said in Spanish through a translator. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A doctor determined the issue was a hernia. And while Vega Zepeda has health insurance through his job supervising the bottling process at a winery, the family racked up hundreds of dollars in co-pays for emergency room visits, MRIs and medication. The bills continued to accumulate when the couples 15-year-old son came home from school with chest pains and difficulty breathing, landing him in the emergency room, then in a San Francisco hospital. Doctors found lumps in his lungs which can happen when the body is fighting a strong infection, his parents said. The family of five including Bernal and Vega Zepedas teenage son, 19-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old daughter already lived paycheck to paycheck. Now they were barely affording basic necessities. They stopped going on family outings; whenever the youngest asked to go to McDonalds, the answer was always no. While Bernal and Vega Zepeda tried to keep their worries hidden, Bernal said their children could sense they were struggling. More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $192 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate. I am very expressive, she said. Even if I dont want them to notice, they see me and obviously they know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After hearing about Bernals situation, the class translator referred her to someone who could provide job leads. That person also told Bernal about the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, which works throughout the year to help house, care for and nourish residents of the nine-county Bay Area. Through Season of Sharing, Bernal and her family received enough financial assistance to cover two months of rent. While health and finances are still a challenge, Bernal and Vega Zepeda said the donation helped them restart and feel less alone. It helped us a lot. It brought us a lot of peace of mind, Vega Zepeda said. The family of five including Bernal and Vega Zepedas teenage son, 19-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old daughter already lived paycheck to paycheck. After job losses and illnesses, they could barely afford basic necessities. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Bernal now has a stable winery job. Each day, the parents leave for work at 5:30 a.m. and the eldest child takes the others to school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vega Zepeda and Bernal hope to continue their education and enroll in an English class. Although its a little difficult for us, we wanted to continue studying something, Bernal said. Their 15-year-old still sees a doctor for his lung issues. And Vega Zepeda takes medication to prevent inflammation related to his hernia. There are still days he wakes up in pain, and struggles to get down food or water. He said he hasnt received a clear answer as to whether he needs surgery, and worries doctors wont recommend treatment that his insurance doesnt cover. The family is on an affordable-housing waiting list, but Vega Zepeda believes it will be years before its their turn. Due to the high prices in Napa, the couple is considering leaving, even though it is where their children grew up and the city which is 40% Hispanic and 20% foreign-born reminds Bernal of her old hometown in Mexico, where she met Vega Zepeda when they were both 15. Napa is a place much like where we lived (in Jalisco). But sadly, Napa is a place that is very expensive, Bernal said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republicans are beginning proceedings to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress after he defied a subpoena requiring him to sit for a closed-door deposition Wednesday as part of their impeachment investigation. Hunter appeared outside of the Capitol on Wednesday to deliver a dramatic tirade slamming 'shameless' Republicans, and declared that he would be skipping his deposition that was scheduled for 9.30am. Now Republicans say that his 'obstruction' of their investigation has forced them to take the president's son to court to compel his cooperation - or he will face jail time. 'Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,' a reactionary statement by Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan read. 'We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden.' If Hunter is held in contempt of Congress by a committee vote, his case would be referred to the Biden-led Department of Justice. If DOJ agrees to prosecute the case, which is unlikely, he could face up to 12 months jail time or a fine of up to $100,000 if convicted. 'We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden,' said Jim Jordan Hunter Biden shockingly showed up Capitol Hill on the morning of his mandatory deposition to acknowledge 'mistakes' he made due to his crack cocaine addiction while blasting Republicans investigating him for 'turning his 'dad's love into darkness' The first son also said his father was 'not financially involved' in his controversial business dealings and that there was no evidence because it 'did not happen.' Comer and Jordan questioned what Hunter meant when that his father was not 'financially' involved in his dealings. 'Exactly how was Joe Biden involved?' they questioned in the statement. 'Evidence shows Joe Biden met with Hunter's business associates and his name was at the center of the family business strategy.' Hunter was subpoenaed by Republicans last month along with James Biden, the president's brother, and Biden family associate Rob Walker. Attorneys for James have been in touch with the committee and they are working on scheduling a time for his closed-door testimony. Republicans are also expected to hold a voter later today to formalize their ongoing impeachment inquiry into Joe. 'Todays obstruction by Hunter Biden reinforces the need for a formal vote,' said Comer and Jordan. 'President Biden and his family must be held accountable for their corruption and obstruction. And we will provide that to the American people. Hunter Biden made a shock appearance on Capitol Hill where he defiantly declared that his father is innocent of corruption allegations and accused Republicans of being 'shameless' for trying to impeach him. Hunter delivered an emotional public statement in which he tore into the 'unrelenting Trump attack machine' and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for showing naked photos of him in Congress. Hunter admitted making 'mistakes' in his life due to his crack cocaine addiction but went on to blast Republicans investigating him and accused them of 'turning my dad's love into darkness.' Republicans have threatened to begin the process of holding Hunter Biden in Contempt of Congress if he doesn't show up for his impeachment probe deposition at 9.30am on Wednesday Speculation is swirling around Washington D.C. over whether the first son will show up for his closed-door interview in the GOP investigation into his father's involvement in foreign business deals Hunter said: 'I am here today to acknowledge I have made mistakes in my life. Im also here today to correct how the MAGA right has portrayed me for political purposes. Putin has lost nearly 90 per cent of his pre-invasion army, with 315,000 personnel either killed or injured since war began, according to US intelligence. A declassified US intelligence report assessed that Moscow's losses in personnel and armoured vehicles to Ukraine's military have set back Russia's military modernisation by 18 years, a source familiar with the intelligence said on Tuesday. Russia has also lost almost two-thirds of its tank force, or 2,200 out of its 3,500 pre-invasion stock, the congressional source said. While it is widely known that Putin's forces have been subject to huge losses in Ukraine, the assessment sheds new light on the extent of those setbacks. The Russian embassy referred a request for comment to the Russian defence ministry in Moscow. The ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The declassified US intelligence report assessed that Moscow 's losses in personnel and armoured vehicles to Ukraine's military have set back Russia 's military modernization by 18 years, a source familiar with the intelligence said (File Photo) In this handout videograb of footage taken and released by the Russian Ministry of Defence on September 25, 2023, Russian troops prepare to shell Ukrainian positions around the area of Kupiansk in eastern Ukraine Fighters of the Russian Volunteer Corps stand next to a seized armoured personnel carrier during a presentation for the media in northern Ukraine, not far from the Russian border, on May 24, 2023, amid Russian military invasion on Ukraine Russian officials have said Western estimates of Russian death tolls in the war are vastly exaggerated and almost always underestimate Ukrainian losses, which Russian officials say are vast. The source said the recently declassified US intelligence report assessed that Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 with 360,000 personnel. Since then, the report found, 315,000 Russian troops, or about 87 per cent of the total with which it started the war, have been killed or injured, the source said. Those losses are the reason Russia has loosened recruitment standards for deployment in Ukraine, the source added. 'The scale of losses has forced Russia to take extraordinary measures to sustain its ability to fight. Russia declared a partial mobilisation of 300,000 personnel in late 2022, and has relaxed standards to allow recruitment of convicts and older civilians,' the assessment said, according to the source. The Russian army began the war with 3,100 tanks, lost 2,200 of them and has had to 'backfill' that force with T62 tanks produced in the 1970s, leaving it only 1,300 tanks on the battlefield, the source quoted the report as saying. Kyiv treats its losses as a state secret and officials say disclosing the figure could harm its war effort. A New York Times report in August cited US officials as putting the Ukrainian death toll at close to 70,000. Ukrainian soldiers taking part in the counter-offensive have said several units lost a high percentage of their combat force due to the savage nature of the conflict, as they attempted to penetrate heavily fortified Russian positions and remove troops that had been entrenched there for months. Russia has a population around three and a half times the size of Ukraines, and tens of thousands of its prisoners have been released so that they can be used in the conflict. Rescuers respond at the site of a missile explosion in the yard of a high-rise residential building in Dniprovskyi district on December 13, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. For the second night in a row, Russia was attacking Kyiv with ballistic missiles A wrecked, burned-out car lies in the yard of a high-rise residential building in Dniprovskyi district after a missile explosion on December 13, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine Its military also has been strengthened by some 300,000 men mobilised to join the war in Ukraine since September of last year. Writing in the Ukrainian journal Tyzhden, historian Yaroslav Tynchenko and volunteer Herman Shapovalenko last month said Shapovalenko's Book of Memory project had confirmed 24,500 Ukrainian combat and non-combat deaths using open sources. The real figure was likely higher, they said. The source spoke as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a last-ditch plea for more military aid to US lawmakers on Capitol Hill, where he faced a skeptical reception from key Republicans. At a news conference later in the day, President Joe Biden reaffirmed continued support to Zelensky, and warned lawmakers they risked handing a victory to Russia. Zelensky on Wednesday urged allies in Europe and the US to continue to back Kyiv, as disputes in Brussels and Washington hold up new aid packages. He was speaking ahead of a meeting with the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, in which he will seek financial support for more weapons production. 'You can't win without help,' Zelensky told reporters after talks with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. 'But you can't lose, because (all) you have (is) your country.' On Wednesday, a barrage of Russian missiles targeted Kyiv, wounding at least 53 people, officials said. Loud explosions rocked Kyiv at 3 a.m. as the city's air defenses were activated for the second time this week. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 10 ballistic missiles toward the capital and all were intercepted by air defenses, but their debris struck homes and a children's hospital. The attack underscored the continuing threat to Ukraine from the Kremlin's missile arsenal in the 21-month war. Russia has been stockpiling its air-launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet, according to a recent assessment by the Ministry of Defence. A driver was rescued from the roof of his Mini this morning after being surrounded by nearly 3ft of water, as almost 200 flood alerts remain in place across other parts of Britain. The stranded man, photographed in Essex, was sat on top of his red car trying to phone someone while surrounded by murky water. Meanwhile in Norfolk huge lorries were forced to plough through flooded roads, while some drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles after the River Delph burst its banks. In Abbey Wood, south-east London, other motorists were forced to evacuate the roads with four fire engines and 25 firefighters frantically trying to clear standing water from the road. A 50-yard cordon was imposed along with road closures. While the cause of the flooding has not yet been confirmed, it followed heavy rain over the capital. The Environment Agency has imposed 37 warnings for 'expected' flooding as well as 147 alerts for 'possible' incidents. Tonight skies are expected to clear with conditions becoming drier over the coming days. High pressure is now building and will bring unseasonable highs of 14C (57F) this weekend. A man sits on the top of his red Mini after getting stranded in nearly 3ft of water in Essex as flooding hits the UK A lorry tries to make its way through flood water on the A1101 in Welney, Norfolk, following heavy rainfall A tree surgeon team are brought to remove a large fallen tree from a busy commuter route in Kidderminster, the West Midlands Earlier today rail chaos was sparked in the East Midlands after floodwater overwhelmed pumps at Draycott in Derbyshire between Derby and East Midlands Parkway. Network Rail said its pumps were working but the volume of water coming off the fields had flooded the tracks. National Rail warned disruption was 'expected until the end of the day', affecting CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway services. In Abbey Wood last night, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were called at 6.15pm to a roundabout where Yarnton Way, Harrow Manorway and Eynsham Drive meet. Eyewitness Charlie Robery shared a video on X of water coming onto their bus and said: 'Anyone got a boat?!' Another observer added: 'Didn't know Abbey Wood had a boating lake by Lidl.' An LFB spokesman said: 'A number of vehicles were stranded in floodwater. There were no motorists stuck inside stranded vehicles and they were able to leave their vehicles before the arrival of the brigade. The man was seen sat casually on top of his car speaking to someone on the phone Vehicles make their way along the flooded country lanes on a dark, wet morning in Dunsden, Oxfordshire Cars struggled to make their way down country roads this morning after flooding hit parts of the UK 'Firefighters have worked alongside multi-agency service partners to reduce the level of floodwater. Efforts are ongoing by partners to clear standing water from the area. 'Road closures remain in place and motorists are advised to continue avoiding the area.' Two fire engines from Bexley and Erith fire stations and two fire and rescue units from Bexley and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene. The LFB the incident was left in the care of the 'relevant water authority' at 9.31pm. Flooding was also reported on Nathan Way in nearby Plumstead last night, where firefighters responded and road closures were imposed. Today, there was a cloudy start to the day for much of England and Wales with some rain around for eastern areas, although it was brighter further north and west. Any cloud and rain was expected slowly clear eastwards through the afternoon and evening with sunny spells developing more widely for England and Wales. Cars are stranded in floodwater at a roundabout in Abbey Wood, south-east London, last night Firefighters attend the flooding in Abbey Wood yesterday evening after heavy rain in London Vehicles abandoned in Abbey Wood last night as 25 firefighters tried to clear standing water A 50-yard cordon was imposed in Abbey Wood last night along with road closures The flooding in Abbey Wood yesterday evening followed heavy rain over London Trains are delayed in Derbyshire today after floodwater overwhelmed pumps at Draycott The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts (in amber) and warnings (in red) for England Cloud and rain will then spread into western Scotland and Northern Ireland through this evening, with clear spells developing further east. READ MORE Britain braces for another soaking: Barriers are deployed to protect homes along the River Severn as water levels continue to rise Advertisement Where it stays clear for longest in England, there may also be some frost before cloud and rain spreads into all areas later in the night. A cloudy start for eastern areas will follow tomorrow with cloud lingering for the far south and east for much of the day. Sunny spells will be developing widely further north and west with long sunny spells and some showers for western Scotland with a gusty, westerly breeze. Friday will begin fine and bright with sunny spells developing through the morning for most and just some showers for the far north. It will then be a cloudy but mild day on Saturday with some drizzle around and a gusty wind. The Met Office said some parts are expected to enjoy 'remarkable' mild temperatures for December this weekend with the mercury potentially getting up to 14C (57F). Forecasters said unusually mild air for December will arrive from the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean in the coming days, lifting temperatures widely above average. The 'exceptionally mild conditions' are particularly expected in central and northern areas of the country with daytime temperatures set to reach the mid-teens Celsius. The jet stream track will shift further north and this will allow pressure to build in the South High pressure will build in the South later this week with temperatures expected to hit 14C Minimum temperatures are unlikely to fall below double digits in the South later this week Temperatures are also expected to stay at 10C even overnight in the North later this week Minimum temperatures 'could be even more remarkable, widely staying in double figures and perhaps locally remaining in the low teens Celsius throughout the night'. READ MORE Now Met Office says it COULD snow on Christmas Day: Forecasters say there is 'increased' chance of a dusting of the white stuff in late December and the New Year Advertisement The jet stream had brought frequent areas of low pressure in recent days including two named storms, but its track will shift further north allowing pressure to build. Britain's highest maximum temperature ever recorded in December was only four years ago when Achfary in the Highlands hit 18.7C (65.7F) on December 28, 2019. While such heights are unlikely to be reached this week, the Met Office is expecting a peak of 14C (57F), with the North East set to be the mildest area. And the unseasonably warm conditions will be in stark contrast to two weekends ago when even daytime temperatures in the South were widely below freezing and the Lake District faced heavy snow . Met Office meteorologist Oliver Claydon told MailOnline: 'Later this week the jet stream will move further north and allow pressure to build from the south. 'As well as bringing a drier spell to much of the UK, it will bring in milder Atlantic air from the South West. 'This unusually mild air for December will push temperatures for much of the UK above average with daytime temperatures in the mid-teens and overnight temperatures potentially in the low teens in some locations.' He said the warm weather could also be helped along by the foehn effect. This is a change from wet and cold conditions on one side of a mountain, to warmer and drier conditions on the other. READ MORE The town surrounded by flood water: St Ives in Cambridgeshire is almost cut off after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Advertisement In Britain, it tends to happen over the Highlands where the moist prevailing westerly winds encounter high ground along Scotland's west coast. This can mean the west faces wet weather while the lower lying east enjoys warmth and sunshine. Mr Claydon said: 'As well as the source of mild air, the foehn effect will help push temperatures even higher in some north-eastern parts of the UK. 'The highest temperature is likely to be around 13C to 14C, most likely in the North East of the UK.' It comes as flood barriers were deployed to protect homes along the River Severn on Monday as its levels continue to rise. The Environment Agency installed the defences in the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury, with the river expected to have peaked in the town yesterday and in Worcestershire today. The Met Office said the amount of rain which fell in England and Wales between December 1 and 9 was more than double what is normally expected. An average of 52.1mm (2.05in) fell across the two nations. This was 50 per cent of the usual total for the whole of the month, when only 26 per cent of December rainfall would normally occur on the first nine days. Advertisement A tranche of evidence in the case against Marvel star Jonathan Majors has been released, including a video of the alleged assault he currently is on trial for. The videos, photos and text messages paint an unflattering portrait of Majors - who was tipped as the next face of the superhero franchise. Majors, 34, is on trial in New York for allegedly beating up his former partner Grace Jabbari, 30, after she saw a text on his phone from another woman. The evidence released by the court showed security camera footage of Majors repeatedly shoving and scuffling Jabbari back into their SUV - after he allegedly broke her finger and hit her head in March this year. Photos showing both of their injuries were also presented at Majors' trial. Jonathan Majors is seen in police bodycam as he was arrested in March. The clip is part of the trove of evidence that has been released during his assault trial Majors found Jabbari slumped in the closet the next day, called the police who came round and arrested him after speaking to Jabbari. Among the evidence released by the court were photographs of Majors and Jabbari and their injuries The court has been shown evidence of the fight, including pictures of the swelling on Grace Jabbari's fingers Pictured: A cut behind Jabbari's ear. While the charges against Majors are only misdemeanors, the stakes for him could not be higher - and he is fighting for his reputation and his career There is also an audio recording of Majors berating Jabbari during an argument for not living up to the standards of Michelle Obama and Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King. Text messages sent by Majors after a fight are also included in the evidence - and prosecutors say they were part of a cruel and manipulative pattern of abuse and appeared to admit hitting her. The messages also show Majors urging Jabbari not to seek help because it might spark an 'investigation'. There is also a photo of a dent in the wall that Jabbari claimed was caused when Majors threw a candle at her during another fight in Los Angeles. While the charges against Majors are only misdemeanors, the stakes for him could not be higher - and he is fighting for his reputation and his career. Since his arrest in March after the incident, his career has been put on hold and Magazine Dreams, his film about a troubled bodybuilder which was tipped for an Oscar, has been shelved. Majors played Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel series and was being lined up as the linchpin of the next chapter in the superhero universe, but that now hinges on the outcome of the trial. The video, shown to court, shows Jabbari and Majors scuffling on the street after a fight While there is no footage from inside the car, there is security camera footage of the SUV stopped in the street as Majors repeatedly pushes Jabbari back inside. He then can be seen leading her to the sidewalk by the hands and then running off - with Jabbari in pursuit Majors is seen repeatedly shoving Jabbari back into the SUV in March 2023, footage shows Evidence shown to court reveals Jabbari's swollen finger and marks to her neck In her testimony, Jabbari said that she felt excruciating pain as Majors twisted her fingers to grab his phone back after she took it from him The 34-year-old has denied assault with intent to cause physical injury, assault recklessly causing physical injury, aggravated harassment and harassment. Even if he is cleared, the evidence that has now been released could hamper his comeback with Disney, which owns Marvel and was due to release Magazine Dreams. It includes a 30-minute video of the night of March 25, which shows Majors and Jabbari, 30, a British-born choreographer and dancer, going out for dinner and returning home. The jury has heard that while driving back to their apartment in Manhattan, a message popped up on Majors phone which was from another woman called Cleopatra saying: Wish I was kissing you. While there is no footage from inside the car, there is security camera footage of the SUV stopped in the street as Majors repeatedly pushes Jabbari back inside. He then can be seen leading her to the sidewalk by the hands and then running off - with Jabbari in pursuit. In her testimony, Jabbari said that she felt excruciating pain as Majors twisted her fingers to grab his phone back after she took it from him. She said that he then hit her on the side of the head to get her to release the device. Text messages between Jonathan Majors (black bubble) and Grace Jabbari (blue bubble) from September 22, 2022 The court has heard that Jabbari met up with some strangers on the street who offered to take her for a drink to console her, so she went to a nightclub with them and went home and passed out. Majors found her slumped in the closet the next day, called the police who came round and arrested him after speaking to Jabbari. Among the evidence released by the court were photographs of Majors and Jabbari and their injuries. Jabbari and Majors began dating in the summer of 2021 while she was working as the movement director for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. which was being shot at Pinewood Studios in the UK. But prosecutors said that within a few months Majors began to show his true colours, which were violent and abusive. Jabbari is seen showing a police officer her cuts the morning after the alleged fight A picture taken after one of the couple's fights in LA when he allegedly threw a candle at Jabbari, July 9, 2022 Majors is accused of grabbing Jabbari (pictured right) and twisting her arm on the way home from a night out after she spotted a flirty text from another woman. He denies the allegations Among the incidents Jabbari testified to was a fight in July 2022 in Los Angeles where he threw a candle at her, leaving a dent in the wall - a photo of the damage is among the exhibits. Recounting the incident to the jury, she said: It started in the bathroom and as I tried to get away to the bedroom it stayed in that area. Once he was in that rage, that was mainly in the bedroom area. (He was throwing) anything in his reaching distance, candles and bedroom objects. I walked around (hiding) so he wouldnt come for me. He was really, really shouting and really angry. (I was) scared and knowing I needed to calm him down because I wanted it to stop. The evidence also includes an audio recording of Majors berating Jabbari following another fight in London in September 2022. She had angered him by bringing a friend back to their house and told the court that that following day he tore her headphones off her head and called her stupid for not knowing why he was angry. Jabbari said that Majors then grabbed all of her items from the house, stuffed them into trash bags then put them into the garbage bins. In the audio, which is released for the first time, Majors could be heard saying how dare you and telling her to be more like Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King, and Michelle Obama. The actor, 34, warned Jabbari she had 'no perspective of what could happen' if the truth about a head injury got out, according to text messages read during Majors' criminal trial Jonathan Majors arrives at court on December 13 Majors can be heard saying: I am a great man. A great man. I am doing great things not just for me but for my culturefor the world. He said he needed a woman that supports me, a great woman who would make sacrifices. Majors can be heard saying that Jabbarii took away from the plan and the plan is everything. The court also released dozens of texts between Jabbari and Majors sent after a fight in September 2022. Majors wrote: It's just fake. And you have, I fear, no perspective of what could happen if you go to the hospital. They will ask you questions and, as I don't think you can actually protect us, it could lead to an investigation, even if you do lie and they suspect something. Jabbari responded that she would tell the doctor that she bumped my head After a fight in September 2022 - it is not clear if it was the same one, Majors threatened to kill himself in text messages if Jabbari went to get treatment. A domestic violence expert for the prosecution has told the court that threats like this can be a way for an abuser to maintain control over their victims. Majors said: Last night I considered killing myself versus coming home. I need love too. Or maybe Im such a monster and horrible man, I don't deserve it. And I should just kill myself. In this way, my existence is miserable, I want to die. Jabbari replied: I will not go to the doctor if you dont feel safe with me doing so, or dont trust me to. I promise you I would never mention you but understand your fear. Majors responded: Im a monster, a horrible man, not capable of love. Im killing myself soon Majors has been supported in court every day by his girlfriend Meagan Good, the model and actress. He has at times appeared incredulous at Jabbaris testimony and has sat in court reading the Bible which he has brought with him to court every day. A former lumberjack arrested on suspicion of cutting down Britains best-loved tree will face no further action after being cleared by police. Walter Renwick, 69, had repeatedly denied any involvement in felling the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrians Wall in Northumberland in September and said he was watching Netflix in his campervan at a farm eight miles away when it happened. Northumbria Police have never named any of the arrested suspects, but released a statement yesterday to reveal a man in his 60s previously arrested on suspicion of criminal damage will now face no further action by police. Two men in their 30s remain on police bail. Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said: I would like to reassure the public that our investigation continues, and we are committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the damage, and in bringing any offenders to justice. Walter Renwick, 69, had repeatedly denied any involvement in felling the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrians Wall in Northumberland in September Northumbria Police have never named any of the arrested suspects, but released a statement yesterday to reveal a man in his 60s' will face no further action Police search teams were seen taking away a chainsaw in an evidence bag from a barn on Plankey Mill Farm in Northumberland in October Sycamore gap is an iconic part of our regions landscape and we know just how much outrage this incident has caused. As always, we continue to welcome any new information from members of the public that could help progress us the investigation. Mr Renwick was evicted from the farmhouse that had been home to three generations of his family shortly before the Sycamore Gap crime. He said he was identified as a suspect as he worked as a lumberjack for 40 years. When first accused on social media he insisted he was innocent, commenting: I didnt do it. I am a former lumberjack and I have just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger. My brother came down to make sure I hadnt been arrested as he had heard the rumours. Its very sad. Its an iconic tree. MR Renwick (pictured at his home), 69, will face no further action after being cleared by police The 300-year-old sycamore was nicknamed Robin Hoods Tree after it featured in the 1991 blockbuster film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner But it was the perfect night to do it. There was a full moon so it would have been well lit and the wind would have meant there was barely any sound. Trees have their own DNA and you can use the dust to track down which tree was felled, so itll be easy to find who did it. He later said: Im the most boring person in the world. I was watching Netflix. I didnt know it was cut down. The 300-year-old sycamore was nicknamed Robin Hoods Tree after it featured in the 1991 blockbuster film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. Part of the Hadrians Wall UNESCO world heritage site, for decades it had drawn walkers and visitors and was a magnet for photographers, and wedding proposals. Two 'XL bullies' were spotted running loose on the street in Sheffield while jumping at a woman's car and trying to attack another pet dog, residents alleged. Pictures were uploaded on Facebook of the two dog running riot in the street, where they reportedly got up to a host of antics - including approaching a child's pram. Bully Watch UK shared footage of the abandoned dogs on X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'Two Bully XLs with no collars and no leads loose in Sheffield this morning. 'Circled a pram, attacked another dog and then went and entered a school.' X users reacted with dismay over the incident. Baz wrote: 'Sadly we are going to see a lot more of this as owners dump their Bullies.' A woman pictured one of the two loose dogs as it leapt up at her car in Sheffield The dogs were roaming the streets without collars or leads, and so sign of their owner Footage was uploaded which appeared to show the powerful dogs strolling the streets while unattended The dogs are said to have circled a woman walking a pram and approached cars before police took them to a kennel Vee tweeted: 'For goodness sake. Hope the attacked dog is OK and no other casualties. Where is the responsible dog ownership?' Marlene added: 'There will be some excuse for this there always is!' Police were later seen bundling the dogs in the back of their vehicles after they were alerted by neighbours. A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'We were called this morning to reports that two dogs, believed to be XL bullies, were loose in the street on Cradock Road in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield. 'We also received a separate report that two dogs, which are believed to be the same dogs, had tried to attack another dog on nearby Northern Avenue. 'Officers attended and the two dogs were seized and have been taken to kennels. Enquiries are ongoing to seek to locate the owners.' The incident follows a wave of recent headlines about XL Bullies, which were unknown in the British Isles until several years ago. Earlier this week, footage taken at Stratford station in London showed two 'XL Bully' dogs launch a crazed attack on a rail platform next to an oncoming train after a woman allegedly lost control of them. The woman was seen standing over a dog with white and light-brown fur. She appears to fit a harness onto the big dog, while she looks down the platform toward a second dog, who has white fur with large brown patches. The second dog, which is on a lead, can be seen jumping up at a man and aggressively snapping at him. The attack comes days before a government ban on the breeding, selling or owning of unlicensed XL Bullys due to six Britons being killed by the animals in just one year. The suspected XL Bully attacks the man, who according to bystanders came to help the woman struggling to control her dogs. The suspected XL Bully attacks the man (pictured left lying on the floor), who according to bystanders came to help the woman struggling to control her dogs Confusion over the ban on XL Bullies will leave police even more stretched during the hectic Christmas period, MPs said yesterday. Dog owners face a race against time to meet the new rules, with legislation coming in on December 31. This means owners have to apply to have their pets exempt from the crackdown - which means they would have to pay 92.40 for a certificate and the dog would need to be microchipped and neutered, among other rules. The second option would be to have their dogs put down, with the Government offering 200 in compensation to these owners - which a 'large tranche' of vets say they will not do. However, there is a lack of clarity over the legislation's definition of an XL Bully which MPs said will lead to headache for police enforcing the ban and a likely legal challenge. A suspected XL Bully attacks a man (pictured left lying on the floor), who according to bystanders came to help the woman struggling to control her dogs, in Stratford yesterday When the owner (pictured) finally gets a hold of the second dog, the terrified man runs away just before the train stops at the platform MPs told MailOnline today such ambiguity poses a risk to public safety, while a dog expert said the introduction of the ban will be an 'absolute shambles' as the Government do not have an appropriate system in place to deal with the fallout. Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns told MailOnline the ban 'without clear specifics' could pose a 'risk to public safety'. She said: 'The misguided XL Bully ban will come into play at a time when the police are already overstretched during the busy Christmas period. 'Without clear specifics on the banned breeds, law enforcement may face confusion, potentially leading to unnecessary police force in the coming weeks. 'This ambiguity poses a risk to public safety. 'Until we can define the breed and conduct proper research, this ban should not proceed to prevent wasting police time and resources.' Former Conservative minister Sir Chris Chope said the vague definition of an XL Bully will lead to a legal challenge and a headache for the police, who have to enforce the ban. He told MailOnline: 'There's going to be an issue for the police anyway, because then the numbers of these dogs is much higher than the Government has estimated. Will you be affected by XL Bully ban? Contact: Dan.Grennan@MailOnline.co.uk Sen. Lindsey Graham claims the threats of another 9/11-style attack have never been higher thanks to President Joe Biden's lax foreign affairs policies. The South Carolina Republican noted that Biden's FBI Director Christopher Wray has issued warnings about current threat levels facing the homeland and Graham slammed the president for not securing the border enough to prevent high risk individuals from crossing undetected. Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7 leading to the largest single day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust and an ensuing multi-month conflict. It has also heightened tensions and raised anxieties over an attack on U.S. soil. 'To President Biden: On your watch, the conditions for a 9/11 are greater than I've ever seen since 9/11,' Graham told Fox News on Wednesday. 'According to your own FBI Director the threat level against America is at an all-time high. He sees blinking lights everywhere.' Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned there is a growing threat of a 9/11-style and level terrorist attack in the U.S. under President Joe Biden's leadership and since the Hamas attacks on Israel Comes amid continued unrest in the U.S. after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and divided Americans over supporting Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. Pictured: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators lay on the ground outside the White House under sheets covered in fake blood 'Since October 7, when we've been helping Israel after the barbaric attack by Hamas, all the jihadist groups in the world are urging their members to attack us here at home,' he added. 'The border is beyond broken over 9000 a day coming across. It is unsustainable.' 'The likelihood of another 9/11 grows every day.' Sen. Graham goes against some of the more populist members of his Party who do not want to send more aid to Ukraine, but is still critical of Biden for not standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin before the invasion nearly two years ago. The U.S. has so far already sent approximately $75 billion in military assistance to Kyiv, but Biden wants to send more and is lumping that in with a sweeping $100 billion package with combined aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 'If we give up on Ukraine, we'll have a wider war,' Graham said, but added: 'The last person I want to be lectured to about Ukraine is Joe Biden.' Biden has been slammed for ignoring issues at the southern border while pushing for more aid for Ukraine to defend its borders against Russia after invasion in February 2022. While Graham told Martha McCallum on The Story that he agrees with needing more security at the border, he also agrees with Biden that it's necessary to send aid to Ukraine. Graham told Fox News: 'To President Biden: On your watch, the conditions for a 9/11 are greater than I've ever seen since 9/11. According to your own FBI Director the threat level against America is at an all-time high. He sees blinking lights everywhere' 'If President Biden had given Ukraine the weapons they needed early on, they would have even done better than they have today,' he claimed. 'He was slow to give them tanks, didn't want to give them F-16s, didn't want to give long-range artillery.' 'He could have stood up to Putin before the invasion, but he was afraid to be provocative,' the South Carolina senator said. However, he insisted, 'we're not going to help Ukraine until we help ourselves,' in claiming the focus needs to be on securing the border and preventing threats of terrorist attacks to the homeland. Graham, a longtime friend of Biden's, said he warned the president when he was elected that reversing all of Donald Trump's policies would cause the federal government to 'lose control of the border.' Cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch was today involved in a furious clash with a Labour MP who claimed she was 'inflaming' hate against transgender people. The Women and Equalities Minister angrily accused Jarrow MP Kate Osborne of 'lying' about her and fumed at being 'maligned by people making false statements'. In fiery exchanges during a committee hearing, Ms Badenoch said politicians should be able to disagree on trans issues without worrying about 'triggering people'. She also warned against a 'chilling effect' on politicians or clinicians 'raising concerns' on matters such as women's prisons or single-sex spaces. Ms Badenoch was dragged into an angry row with Ms Osborne after the Labour MP raised concerns about a 'rising tide of hate' against trans people. She accused the Cabinet minister, during her appearance in front of the House of Commons' women and equalities committee, of 'inflaming the situation... with some of the language you have used'. Cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch (pictured) was today involved in a furious clash with a Labour MP who claimed she was 'inflaming' hate against transgender people The Women and Equalities Minister angrily accused Jarrow MP Kate Osborne (pictured) of 'lying' about her and fumed at being 'maligned by people making false statements' Ms Osborne told her: 'You've also made these statements using inflammatory language that likens children and young people coming out as trans to the spread of a disease.' But Ms Badenoch hit back, telling the Labour MP: 'I have never said that. That is a lie. 'That is a lie and I think you should withdraw that statement. That is a lie. You are lying. You are lying. 'I have never, ever used the word disease. This is exactly what I am talking about - you are making statements in a select committee that are not true.' Ms Badenoch's anger at Ms Osborne drew a rebuke from Tory committee chair Caroline Nokes, who urged the two MPs to avoid 'unparliamentary language'. But Ms Badenoch challenged Ms Osborne to give further details of her allegation, adding: 'What she has said is not true. We have to use facts in this room, we can't just make stuff up. 'When was that statement made and where? Where did you get that from?' When Ms Osborne responded that she was 'not here to answer your questions', Ms Badenoch continued: 'Because you don't know, it is not true and you should not be saying that in this committee. 'I won't have my name maligned by people making false statements about me. That is not true. We have to do better than this.' The exchanges came after Ms Badenoch told Ms Osborne she 'fundamentally disagreed' with her claim that she was 'inflaming the situation at times' with her choice of language. The Labour MP challenged the Cabinet minister over her recent comments that 'almost an epidemic of young gay children' are being told they are transgender. Ms Badenoch also claimed last week that young people being 'rushed' into gender transitioning was like 'a new form of conversion therapy'. But, responding to Ms Osborne this afternoon, Ms Badenoch defended her remarks. 'One of the things that was really noticeable after I made that statement was how many people said this is the first time that anybody has said this,' she said. 'How can that be causing a rise in hate crime? I'm really sorry but I think what you have just said is part of the problem. 'Because we need to be able to have disagreement without turning it into "I feel unsafe" or "this triggering people". 'People out there might do things on Twitter or whatever - as legislators we should be the grown ups in the room. 'You are right that the reports are showing there is an increase in hate crime against transgender people. 'But I do think that is very strongly linked to a lot of predators exploiting rules that are made for trans people to carry out activities that those rules should be nowhere near. 'We see it with men exposing themselves in bathrooms, we see it with people trying to access single-sex spaces such as women's prisons when they have been convicted for violence against women. 'And their victims are being forced to refer to them with female pronouns. That is not right. 'So we have to make sure we can sweep all that away and when we do life will get better for transgender people.' She added: 'I'm not going to shy away from this. We cannot create a chilling effect on politicians or clinicians or anyone else raising concerns. That is not what our job is.' A busy highway in downtown Los Angeles was shut down during rush hour Wednesday morning after crowds of protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza brought traffic to a standstill. The protest on Interstate 110 was organized by a group called IFNOTNOW, which characterizes itself as 'a movement of American Jews supporting the end of U.S. support for Israels war on Gaza'. The protest started at roughly 9am, with photos and videos capturing demonstrators linking arms in the southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway while chanting: 'Down down with occupation'. Clashes later broke out between some frustrated drivers and protesters, with videos showing them shoving and pushing each other, as reported by ABC 7. A busy highway in downtown Los Angeles was shut down during rush hour Wednesday as crowds of protesters demanded a ceasefire in Gaza Cars are gridlocked on the busy I-110 Wednesday as anti-Israel protests brought the rush hour to its knees Cars backed up on the busy I-110 during rush hour as the protest brought downtown LA to a standstill Demonstrators called for a halt to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, bringing the traffic on Interstate 110 to a standstill on Wednesday morning The protest was organized by a group called IFNOTNOW, characterizing itself as 'a movement of American Jews supporting the end of U.S. support for Israel s war on Gaza' The protest started roughly at 9am, with photos and videos capturing demonstrators linking arms in the southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway while chanting: 'Down down with occupation' Officers can be seen tying protesters' hands and taking them into custody shortly after 10am In a video posted on social media, a man can be seen throwing a traffic cone at the menorah the protesters had set up. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene at around 10am and asked people to leave. More officers were called shortly after the protest was called 'an unlawful assembly' by authorities, and police began tying protesters' hands with zip-ties. Officers can be heard saying: 'If you do not leave this area, you will be subject to physical arrest and detention.' Some demonstrators were taken into custody and placed into CHP cruisers parked on the freeway. Most protesters were removed by 10.30am and officers opened the three left lanes on the freeway, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. Cop cars are seen on the I-110 as pro-Palestinian protesters shutdown the highway More officers were called shortly after the protest was called 'an unlawful assembly' by authorities, and police on the scene began tying protesters' hands with zip-ties In a video posted on social media, a man can be seen throwing a traffic cone at the menorah that the protesters had set up A fight broke out between frustrated drivers and protesters, with videos showing them shoving and pushing each other The protest started roughly at 9am and brought the traffic to a standstill This is what this interchange looks like now: pic.twitter.com/1jqeueDmAR Jon peltz (@JonnyPeltz) December 13, 2023 Authorities had to push vehicles off to the shoulder as some appeared to have come to a stop due to mechanical problems, KTLA reported. The activist group IFNOTNOW announced the protest on Wednesday morning but did not specify that it would lead to the shutdown of traffic. 'As American Jews, we refuse to be silent. We demand an end to the financial support of Israel's occupation and documented war crimes, including the indiscriminate mass murder of over 18,000 Palestinians and the forced displacement of 1.9 million civilians,' the group said in a statement. A mother-of-two was fatally shot in the head by a boy of 16 as she desperately tried to hold her front door shut to protect her family, a court heard today. Lianne Gordon, 42, was allegedly gunned down during a shock triple shooting at her home in Vine Close, Hackney, in east London on December 5, which left two others injured. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, went to the address on a bicycle, clad in a balaclava and armed with a 9mm self-loading pistol, it was claimed. He allegedly fired the gun, wounding a 20-year-old man in the buttock and injuring another 16-year-old boy in the thigh. He then allegedly attempted to barge his way into Miss Gordon's home, shoulder-slamming and kicking the door in a bid to get in. The youth is charged with Ms Gordon's murder and the attempted murders of the 20-year-old man and the other 16-year-old boy. Lianne Gordon, 42, was allegedly gunned down during a shock triple shooting at her home in Vine Close, Hackney An aerial view of the scene in Hackney Downs, with police tents and cordons visible He is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. The youngster appeared at the Old Bailey today via video link from HMP Feltham wearing a grey prison issued tracksuit. Prosecutor Louise Oakley told the court: 'Shortly before half six on 5 December 2023, the 20-year-old and the 16-year-old approached the home address of Lianne Gordon on foot. 'As they did, they were confronted by [the defendant] on a bicycle. 'He was dressed in dark clothing and wearing a balaclava and had in his possession what is believed to be a 9mm self loading pistol. 'He discharged the firearm in the direction of both of those young men with a number of shots being fired. 'Both run for cover but both received gunshot wounds. 'Those gunshots were heard by members of the public but importantly Ms Gordon and her daughter. 'Having fired those shots [the defendant] tried to force his way into her home address. Ms Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene and the two male victims, who suffered gunshot wounds, were taken to hospital and later discharged Police officers at the scene near Vine Close, Hackney, east London, following the shooting incident Police said the victims were not related but were believed to have known each other 'He shoulder barged the front door and kicked the front door to try and gain access. 'Lianne Gordon tried to ensure the door stayed closed to keep her family safe. 'She was unable to do so and [the youth] continued to force his way into that property. 'He discharged that firearm and a bullet struck Lianne Gordon in the head. That was a fatal gunshot and she died.' The gunman fled and police and paramedics arrived shortly before 6.30pm. Ms Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene and the two male victims, who suffered gunshot wounds, were taken to hospital and later discharged. Police said the victims were not related but were believed to have known each other. Judge Angela Rafferty, KC, remanded the teenager in youth detention accommodation ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 8 next year. Two provisional three-week trial dates were identified on June 17 and September 2. Ms Gordon lived in Hackney with her two children, a 16-year-old girl and 21-year-old boy who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. She was previously described as a 'beautiful soul' who had devoted her life to teaching children and caring for her disabled son. Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants. He can be reached at Jordan.Parker@sfchronicle.com. A US 'spy' who fled the UK after a car crash that left a mental health nurse unable to walk has reportedly been tracked down at his family home in Texas. Isaac Calderon was due to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on December 1, charged with causing Elizabeth Donowho, 56, serious injury by dangerous driving in a collision in July. The 22-year-old, who is wanted by West Mercia Police, is now back living with his parents in his hometown of Humble, Sky News reported on Wednesday. Ms Donowho, from Malvern, Worcestershire, told Sky News she felt 'pleased that Mr Calderon has been found' and wanted him to 'face our justice system as soon as possible'. She previously said she had 'suffered multiple fractures' during the collision, including to her sternum, right hand and both ankles. Elizabeth Donowho was unable to walk for six weeks following the collision that happened on the A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire on 31 July American 'spy' Isaac Calderon, 22, is living with his parents in this house in Texas after he fled the UK Ms Donowho, of Malvern, Worcestershire, said she was left unable to walk for six weeks after the collision - in which she broke both of her ankles, as well as suffering a fractured sternum and a broken bone in her hand Pictured: Scans show Elizabeth Donowho's ankle after the crash which she claims left her unable to walk for six weeks Calderon, who Ms Donowho said was described as a 'flight risk' by police, was able to leave the UK on a commercial flight on November 25 and return to Houston, Texas. West Mercia Police told Ms Donowho that Calderon had been carrying out work 'associated with the secret service' and working on matters 'that might come under the Official Secrets Act' before the crash on the A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire on July 31. At his home in Humble, Calderon's father, Manuel, confirmed his son is living there and claimed the incident has been 'blown out of proportion'. Mr Calderon reportedly said his son had been in the UK on a work visa and had recently been employed in a warehouse, although he could not remember the company's name. According to Sky News, he said he paid for his son to fly home because he was 'struggling to support himself', and so he could seek further medical treatment following the collision. At his home in Humble, Calderon's father, Manuel, confirmed his son is living there and claimed the incident has been 'blown out of proportion'. Pictured: Nurse Elizabeth Donowho Pictured: The A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire where the crash occurred on July 31 Radd Seiger (left), who has acted as an advisor and spokesman for Harry's Dunn's family, including his mother Charlotte Charles (right) is now supporting Ms Donowho (centre) Mr Calderon also reportedly said his son is part of the American National Guard and serves 'a few weeks a year'. He said his son would not be able to discuss the case further as he is seeking legal advice and claimed they had not heard from US or UK authorities recently. Ms Donowho, who previously said she has been unable to work since the crash, told Sky News: 'I feel sick. 'I'm obviously pleased that Mr Calderon has been found. However I am confused as to why I am learning this news from the media rather than the authorities. 'All I want is for him to face our justice system as soon as possible and an explanation as to how he was able to leave in the first place.' On Monday, West Mercia Police said they were engaging with Calderon's solicitor to 'inform him of the warrant and the need for him to return to the UK'. 'We have also prepared appropriate paperwork should we need to request extradition, to ensure that the case can be heard in court,' a spokesperson added. Ms Donowho previously said she was told 'the extradition process' had begun and it is understood there are no issues surrounding diplomatic immunity. She said police had cited the case of Anne Sacoolas when explaining that Calderon was a flight risk - a US citizen who was able to leave the UK after diplomatic immunity was asserted on her behalf following a road crash that killed teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn. The Hereford Times said Calderon's occupation was given as an American soldier during December's court hearing. Harry Dunn was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside US military base RAF Croughton Anne Sacoolas was able to leave the UK when diplomatic immunity was asserted on her behalf Calderon has been described as a 'private citizen' by the US embassy and police said he had been in the UK on a work visa. It is understood police were not advised of any intention Calderon had of leaving the UK. Ms Donowho previously told PA: 'It was just a normal evening driving home from work. 'I had no warning really that there was going to be an incident - the first thing I knew was a big silver object hurtling towards me, I couldn't identify it as a car. 'It turned out that the side of the car was coming towards me and there was nothing I could do to avoid it, I just had to brace myself for the impact and the inevitable.' Calderon was interviewed on August 15 by officers, 15 days after the initial crash, as he required immediate hospital treatment. West Mercia Police has been approached for comment. Fights at a centre for Asylum seekers break out almost every night between migrants of different nationalities, a migrant has told. Video footage reportedly shows fights erupting between men at the Wethersfield asylum centre in north Essex - with chairs thrown and one man suffering a bloodied face. An anonymous asylum seeker said the centre on the former military base 'has many, many problems', adding that 'no one on the camp is feeling safe'. It comes after migrants housed at the centre staged a recent protest over 'its 'prison-like' conditions, complaining they were freezing due to poor clothing and bedding and didn't have access to doctors. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Fighting and any forms of vandalism at Wethersfield are totally unacceptable.' Scuffles between different migrant groups are a regular occurrence, an asylum seeker at Wethersfield said The asylum seeker said the centre on the former military base 'has many, many problems', adding that 'no one on the camp is feeling safe' A government source said there has been a small number of incidents. The asylum seeker told the BBC there has been 'almost nightly fighting with another nationality, because the number of people is many'. A few of the minibuses transporting the migrants to the nearby centres of Colchester, Braintree and Chelmsford have allegedly had their windows smashed and damaged on the base. The Home office said it will continue to 'work closely with our provider to ensure people behave appropriately on site'. A spokesperson added: 'The safety of individuals remains our utmost priority.' Asylum seekers started being housed on the large Wethersfield site in July. The reports of fighting come after migrants billeted at the former military base held a protest last month over the 'prison-like' conditions. About 40 men demonstrated outside MDP Wethersfield in Essex, complaining they didn't have access to doctors, were freezing and unable to contact their families. They noisily chanted 'Wrong plan, wrong place' and 'It's like a prison' during the protest. Last month about 40 men demonstrated outside MDP Wethersfield in Essex over their living conditions The Wethersfield asylum seekers said the base is 'like a prison' during the last month's protest Braintree District Council did not manage to stop the Home Office from using the former military base to house up to 1,700 single male asylum seekers. The plan was furiously opposed by residents and Braintree District Council challenged the site at a judicial review, arguing it is not suitable. Earlier last month the High Court said it was reserving its judgement until a later date, following a two-day hearing. Local resident and campaigner David Price, who runs Wethersfield Protest, told the BBC one man had complained to him: 'It's too cold. We can't live there. We don't have anything, we don't have internet.' The man had not been able to speak to his family for four months, he said, adding many of the protesters had rashes on their bodies. Blake Temperley, who lives nearby, said the men had called for access to doctors. She added: 'They said it felt like a prison. It's freezing and they haven't got the right clothing. Some were wearing flip flops.' The road to the base was blocked during the protest, which started in the morning and ended at about 12.30pm, according to Essex Police. The family of an Irish man are pleading for help after learning he is fighting for his life in a Thai hospital after a rare mosquito bite. Relatives of James Burke, 36, of Cork, are facing a 2,700 (2,300) bill each day to keep him in intensive care in Bangkok hospital. The truck driver had planned to return home on November 19 after spending several weeks holidaying in Thailand. He texted his family saying that he 'couldn't wait to get home' while heading by taxi to an airport in Bangkok. But at some point during the journey, Mr Burke is thought to have been struck down by a sudden bout of illness, later determined to be Dengue fever, the Irish Independent reports. His sister Margaret Creed said: 'James never made it home. That was the last we heard from him.' Relatives of James Burke, 36, of Cork, are facing a 2,700 (2,300) bill each day to keep him in intensive care in Bangkok hospital Mr Burke was heading to Bangkok International Airport when he suddenly fell ill. Tests revealed he had suffered a rare mosquito bite infection Mr Burke's parents, Walter, 83, and Maureen, 76, of Effin, County Limerick, and his eight siblings spent days frantically texting and searching for information after they lost contact with him. Eventually, they managed to contact his hotel, who revealed he was in hospital suffering from a critical illness. A Thai translator told the family that clinicians needed their permission to intubate Mr Burke in Bangkok Hospital. Speaking to PJ Coogan on the 96FM Opinion Line, Mrs Creed said: 'They said he needed to be intubated and put on a ventilator due to respiratory failure. He had acute kidney failure, pneumonia, a bleed on the brain and severe nerve damage. 'We don't know if he will ever be the same again and we can't go out to him because we have spent every penny of our savings on the hospital. 'We don't know where to turn, we are at the end of our tether. We have been through every TD [member of the lower house of the Irish Parliament]. Our family are so distressed.' Mrs Creed says her brother has slightly improved, but he remains intubated in intensive care and has a 'vacant look' in his eyes most of the time. Although Mr Burke took out holiday insurance, it had expired by the date of his hospital admission and the firm won't pay. He could be transported home by air ambulance, but this would cost his family around 176,000 (151,713). Mrs Creed says her parents are deeply distressed by her brother's condition and are anxious for him to return home. The family have been taking turns to talk to Thai doctors at 2am to get an update on Mr Burke's health, speaking through a translator. But they are concerned that the language barrier means they cannot ask the right questions. They have now set up a GoFundMe page to bring Mr Burke back to Ireland, where he can be cared for in a local intensive care unit within easy reach of his family. More than anything, they say they want to have him home in time for Christmas. Mr Burke's sister added: 'The cost [of] the hospital is 2,700 euros daily and this will continue until James is able to come home. We as a family have exhausted our savings and we are in serious crisis. 'We are waiting for a miracle now. Christmas is fast approaching and all we want is to have our brother James home.' Republicans voted today to formalize their ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden's connections to his family's shady business dealings. Since the start of 2023, Republicans have been investigating Joe Biden over his alleged connections to his son Hunter's extremely lucrative multi-million dollar influence peddling scheme spanning decades. But how did Hunter get his hands on a 2.8-carat diamond from the Chinese, $83,000 a month from Ukrainians and $1 million from mysterious Romanians? By trading in on the Biden family's influential 'brand,' the GOP claims. The estimated up to $40 million was raked in through 20 shell companies and fake accounts created while Joe Biden was vice president, at the same time he was joining Hunter's business calls and stopping by at lavish dinners. From the use of pseudonyms in at least 82,000 emails to discuss shady Ukraine deals, to an alleged $10 million bribery scheme to providing Hunter access to flights on Air Force Two and more, the president's involvement in his son's business is getting harder and harder to ignore. Now Joe himself is at the center of the Republican-led impeachment inquiry over his alleged participation in the profitable scheme with foreign adversaries of the U.S. In September, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unilaterally launched an impeachment inquiry over the Biden family's 'culture of corruption' that he said could take down President Biden's political career. Since then, the House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees have issued subpoenas to the top players involved including Hunter Biden, James Biden and other family members, donors and business associates. And after Hunter refused to comply with the subpoena for his closed-door testimony, Republicans started contempt of Congress proceedings against the president's son. Through bank records obtained by House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., the top Republican also has discovered two checks from James Biden to Joe for $200,000 and $40,000 'loan repayments.' Comer claims the checks are evidence that Joe knew about and benefitted financially from his family's business dealings, and says the money can be traced back to China. In addition, federal prosecutors indicted Hunter on illegal gun charges that have a maximum sentence of 25 years in jail. And last week, nine new criminal charges were filed against Hunter by the Department of Justice for allegedly spending millions on 'drugs, prostitutes and exotic cars' while avoiding paying taxes. President Biden has maintained his innocence, saying he has never been involved in his son's business dealings. And the White House has pushed back on the GOP-led probe saying it's a political and 'desperate' attempt to slander Biden. But Republicans say that the administration is stonewalling their requests for additional information and the formal impeachment inquiry vote will force them to turn over documents and provide witness testimony. DailyMail.com breaks down exactly how the Biden familys coffers have ballooned in the lucrative orbit around Washington, D.C., for years. WATCH HERE: After Hunter refused to comply with the subpoena for his closed-door testimony, Republicans started contempt of Congress proceedings against the president's son The House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees have issued subpoenas to the top players involved including Hunter Biden, James Biden and other family members, donors and business associates Emails show that Hunter's company 'frequently used the Biden name to gain access to and favors from the White House' Then-Vice President Joe Biden waves as he walks out of Air Force Two with his granddaughter Finnegan Biden and son Hunter Biden on December 4, 2013 in Beijing, China A TV news crew in Atlanta was held hostage by a drunk homeless man who claimed he was armed with a gun, police have revealed. Brandon Logan is accused of threatening to shoot Atlanta News First journalists Asia Wilson and Lauren Swaim if they called police and demanding they order him food. The journalists were inside their news van on Monday night, preparing to go live from the parking lot at the Clayton County Sheriff's office in Jonesboro, when they were approached by the suspect. Wilson managed to text her newsroom and alert them of the situation. Their colleagues tried contacting the Clayton County Sheriff's Office but called 911 after not getting help, according to Atlanta News First. Police arrived at the scene about an hour and a half after the journalists were first approached by Logan, who never had a gun, according to officials. Brandon Logan is accused of threatening to shoot two Atlanta journalists on Monday Police arrived at the scene about an hour and a half after the journalists were first approached Atlanta News First journalists Asia Wilson and Lauren Swaim waited over an hour for police ANF anchor Allen Devlin said the texts sent by the journalists while they were kept hostage were 'terrifying, bone-chilling messages.' 'Things like, 'We need help,' 'He's gonna shoot,'' Devlin said. After failing to get help from the sheriff's office, three of the station employees, including Schrader headed to the scene. They flagged down a police car during the 20-minute drive to the sheriff's office from the newsroom. That was when the officer then found the two journalists - still with the suspect. Logan, who appeared in court on Tuesday, has been charged with assault, battery, public drunkenness and false imprisonment. Wilson managed to text her newsroom and alert them of the situation Wilson and photojournalist Lauren Swaim were approached by the suspect on Monday night 'The victims attempted to leave the property but due to Brandon Logan's threats, and bodily movements acting as if he had a weapon, the victims felt as if they were being held hostage,' said judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson, as reported by WSB-TV. The homeless man allegedly also shoved one of the journalists and tried to hit the other. 'It was a strange situation,' said Erik Schrader, the general manager of the CBS affiliate station. Schrader told AJC: 'We really want answers to why it took so long to get them extricated. I'm hopeful in the coming days we can find out what led to that.' University of Pennsylvania bosses have issued a new statement vowing to 'heal' the anti-Semitism torn campus after appointing an interim president, following the shock resignation of Liz Magill. U.Penn Alumni President and college trustee Michael Barrett sent the oblique email following the promotion of Dr J. Larry Jameson - which made no mention of specific steps he's planning to tackle anti-Semitism. He wrote: 'We have all been hurting through this time, and Dr. Jameson's appointment is a key step towards healing.' Barrett then shared a statement from Jameson himself. It said: 'With respect for one another, support for one another, and adaption to our changing world, Penn can truly lead in this moment, and emerge better and stronger than before.' Dr. J. Larry Jameson, a longtime dean at Penn Medicine, was given the role of interim president following Liz Magill's resignation over the weekend Michael Barrett - Penn Alumni president and college trustee - sent out this letter about the appointment of interim President Dr J. Larry Jameson Magill finally caved the mounting pressure to step down following a disastrous performance in front of Congress, during which she failed to acknowledge that a call for the genocide of the Jews would constitute campus harassment Barrett's brief letter followed one from Jameson about his appointment as interim head of school. He too referenced the necessity of 'healing.' 'I am trained as a physician - healing is in my nature and skill set,' he told the broader university community. One word and subject matter that did not make it into either public not was 'anti-Semitism,' a bigotry that comprises the bulk of the issues the school has been facing 'through this time.' Both notes were dispatched after Magill resigned Saturday, following her disastrous appearance on Capitol Hill where she - along with the presidents of Harvard and MIT - refused to agree that calling for the genocide of Jews was against university rules. Harvard president Claudine Gay and her MIT counterpart Sally Kornbluth remain in their posts. Jameson is UPenn's longest serving dean and has worked as Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System as well as Penn Medicine since 2011. He will remain as interim president until the board of trustees appoints a permanent replacement for Magill. 'Penn is fortunate to have the benefit of Dr. Jameson's experience and leadership during this time of transition. A consummate University citizen and the longest serving current dean, Dr. Jameson is a collaborative, innovative, and visionary leader with extensive engagement with each of Penn's 12 schools,' Penn's Interim Board of Trustee's Chair Julie Platt said in a statement to the university community Tuesday. Magill resigned from her post as president on Saturday following fierce backlash to her controversial congressional testimony. She, along with the presidents of Harvard and MIT, was summoned before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce by lawmakers concerned by reports of a rise in anti-Semitism at leading universities. They faced questioning from GOP caucus chair Elise Stefanik but failed to assert that calls for genocide against Jews on campus would definitively constitute harassment - which is prohibited by their student rules. UPenn has remained under fire over anti-Semitism on campus since October 7 - and even before. Examples of hateful behavior include anti-Jewish slogans being projected onto three of the school's buildings The above slogan is uniformly understood to be a call for the extermination of the state of Israel and its people Following significant outcry, including more than 70 lawmakers calling for her resignation, Magill stood down. Just minutes after Magill's statement the chair of the U.Penn's board of trustees, Scott Bok, also resigned. Bok's Vice Chair, Julie Beren Platt - mother of television and musical theatre star Ben Platt - was named interim chair of the board. In a brief statement issued Saturday evening Magill said: 'It has been my privilege to serve as President of this remarkable institution. 'It has been an honor to work with our faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members to advance Penn's vital missions.' Before tendering her resignation, Magill issued a groveling video apology attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said that during the hearing she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. 'There was a moment during yesterday's Congressional hearing on antisemitism when I was asked if a call for the genocide of Jewish people on our campus would violate our policies,' she said. 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. 'I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. It's evil, plain and simple.' The former global diversity executive used her position to make fraudulent charges and receive kickbacks from the payments A former global diversity executive at Facebook has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $4 million from the company. Barbara Furlow-Smiles, 38, served as Lead Strategist, Global Head of Employee Resource Groups and Diversity Engagement at Facebook from about January 2017 to September 2021. During that time, lawyers from the US Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Georgia said she cheated and defraud the company out of over $4 million. She charged Facebook fraudulent invoices, then received kickbacks and used the money to live a luxury lifestyle in California and Georgia. 'This defendant abused a position of a trust as a global diversity executive for Facebook to defraud the company of millions of dollars, ignoring the insidious consequences of undermining the importance of her DEI mission,' said US Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. Former global diversity executive at Facebook, Barbara Furlow-Smiles (pictured), pleaded guilty to stealing more than $4 million from the company 'Motivated by greed, she used her time to orchestrate an elaborate criminal scheme in which fraudulent vendors paid her kickbacks in cash. She even involved relatives, friends, and other associates in her crimes, all to fund a lavish lifestyle through fraud rather than hard and honest work.' Furlow-Smiles scheme operated in two ways to cause Facebook to pay for goods and services they never received which she received kickbacks from. The former diversity executive linked PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App accounts to her Facebook credit cards and used those accounts to pay friends, relatives, and other associates for goods and services purportedly provided to Facebook. However, those individuals never provided goods and services to the company. To conceal the fraudulent charges Furlow-Smiles submitted fake expense reports claiming her associates provided services such as merchandise or marketing services. Once they received payment from Facebook, her associates would send most of the money back to Furlow-Smiles either in cash or transfer to accounts in her or her husbands name. To conceal the transactions sometimes her associates would wrap up the cash in other items like t-shirts or she would direct her associates to pay each other. She also got the company to make payments for her benefits in other ways including payments of more than $18,000 to a preschool for tuition Furlow-Smiles also caused Facebook to onboard or provide contracts to people who paid her kickbacks including friends, relatives, former interns from a prior job, nannies and babysitters, a hair stylist and her university tutor. She also got the company to make payments for her benefits in other ways including payments of nearly $10,000 to an artist for specialty portraits and more than $18,000 to a preschool for tuition. 'Furlow-Smiles used lies and deceit to defraud both vendors and Facebook employees,' said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. 'The FBI works hard to make sure greed like this doesn't pay off and those who commit fraud are held accountable.' Furlow-Smiles sentencing is scheduled for March 19 before US District Judge Steven D. Grimberg. ITV insiders tonight hit back at Nigel Farage after the arch-Brexiteer sensationally claimed that he was 'stitched up' by channel bosses during his run on I'n A Celebrity by censoring him, reducing his air time and showing him nude multiple times. The former UKIP leader today strolled into the GB News studio, sporting his I'm A Celeb jungle hat, and was greeted by applauding staff as he returned to the station for the first time since his trip to Australia. Mr Farage finished in third place after reaching Sunday's final, but claims he has now learned 'people up at the top of ITV were doing their best to make life quite unpleasant for me'. Fuming about a 'stitch-up' at ITV, he accused bosses of deliberately censoring him, reducing his air time as well as showing him naked multiple times. He also claimed to have learned that Kevin Lygo allegedly made an obscene joke about him on stage while he was in the jungle. Mr Farage has warned that Director of Television Mr Lygo should 'look what happened' to Dame Alison Rose at NatWest - who was forced to quit after the Brexiteer was de-banked because of his politics. ITV staff hit back at the claims, with one staffer insisting to the The Times: 'It's all a lot of noise... We were definitely no tougher on him than the others.' On his return to the GB News office, Mr Farage told staff: 'I forgot what the place looked like. [...] It was a lot of fun. Actually, it was so good I would do it all again. I would actually do it all again but it's tough. It's tough. I was like 20 years older than anybody else in there but I survived it.' Nigel Farage touched down at Heathrow this morning after coming third in the ITV reality show The beaming politician was sporting his I'm A Celeb jungle hat as he arrived at the GB News studio for the first time since returning from Australia today (pictured) Pictured: Kevin Lygo, ITV's Director of Television, has been blasted for reportedly making 'life quite unpleasant' for the politician Mr Farage came third in the reality show as former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson was crowned the winner and boxer Tony Bellew came second - defying critics and left-wingers who vowed to boycott the show. Speaking to GB News as he left Australia, he said: 'It seems whilst I was in the Jungle, one or two people at the top of ITV were doing their best to make things unpleasant for me. What I will say to Kevin Lygo, the boss of ITV, it's up to you mate. If you want to go to war with me, you really can. The last person to do that was Dame Alison Rose, from NatWest bank, and look what happened to her'. Mr Farage also learned of claims that Mr Lygo allegedly joked aimed an offensive one- handed gesture at him at an event attended by stars Susanna Reid, Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly in late November. Joking about the sign language interpreter on stage next to him, Mr Lygo apparently said: 'I don't know any sign language, I just know the sign for Nigel Farage.' He later said of the Brexiteer: 'Don't worry, he knows he has to come home from Australia in a dinghy.' Nigel farage told cheering staff lining the halls of the GB News studio: 'It was a lot of fun. Actually, it was so good I would do it all again' He added: 'I would actually do it all again but it's tough. It's tough. I was like 20 years older than anybody else in there but I survived it' Hitting back, Mr Farage said last night: 'I would suggest, Mr Lygo, that I am prepared to ignore your rude, one-handed gestures, the rude pathetic attempts from your staff to stitch me up. 'I'm prepared to forget all of it if we can call a truce. But if you really, really want to go to war with me, I don't think it will do ITV's share price an awful lot of good'. Around 840million was wiped off NatWest's share value after Dame Alison admitted sharing information about Mr Farage to the BBC. The former chief executive of Natwest Dame Alison Rose was forced to quit her role amid the fallout over the de-banking row with Mr Farage. Dame Alison Rose initially tried to cling on to her 5million-a-year post despite dramatically admitting she was behind the sharing of a customer's financial details. But she finally fell on her sword in July following an extraordinary intervention from the PM and Chancellor, who made clear their 'significant concerns'. Nigel Farage returned to Britain from Australia today - as a new poll revealed his I'm A Celebrity stint has left him more popular with Tory voters than Rishi Sunak. The former politician turned television presenter and reality star touched down - seemingly alone - at Heathrow this morning after coming third in the ITV reality show. Decked out in two-tone pink he stepped into a political soap opera in Britain where attempts by Mr Sunak to solve the small boat crisis have left the Tories a shattered, divided shell. A new poll by JL Partners for the Sun today showed that Mr Farage's popularity has risen by five points during his stint Down Under. He now has a net popularity of 18 with Tory voters from 2019, compared to -3 per cent for Mr Sunak, though both have heavy negative ratings with all voters, -29 to -41. Reports at the weekend said some Tories want him to link up with Boris Johnson to lead the Tories, though there is no realistic prospect of that happening before a general election as neither is currently an MP. Speaking at the airport, Mr Farage referenced the polling, adding: 'Well, it's all very flattering, a little bit bewildering. It's gonna take some time for me to sort of really take it on board. But fascinating, right?' A new poll by JL Partners for the Sun today showed that Mr Farage's net popularity has risen by five points during his stint Down Under. He now has a net popularity of 18 with Tory voters from 2019, compared to -3 per cent for Mr Sunak, though both have heavy negative ratings with all voters, -29 to -41. He said the PM's Commons victory on the Rwanda Bill last night still meant the Government was heading for 'catastrophic defeat'. 'They've no idea what's coming down the track towards them. And I think the last thing I heard before I went into the jungle was that (ex-PM David, now Lord) Cameron was back... if it's got that bad, they must be in real trouble,' he said. 'And I see that he's just about managed to squeak through a vote on Rwanda. But I mean, it's gonna make no difference at all. No, they're in dire, dire trouble. And all Labour have to do is, frankly, not tear each other apart, and play safe and the election is theirs I think.' Speaking at the airport, Mr Farage referenced the polling, adding: 'Well, it's all very flattering, a little bit bewildering. It's gonna take some time for me to sort of really take it on board. But fascinating, right?' He said the PM's Commons victory on the Rwanda Bill last night still meant the Government was heading for 'catastrophic defeat'. In a round of interviews this morning Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right Mr Sunak faces the final PMQs of the year today after he dramatically saw off a Tory mutiny on his Rwanda plan - for the moment. The premier will aim to send his troops into the Christmas break on a positive note after yesterday's extraordinary arm-twisting and coaxing. The emergency legislation designed to get deportation flights going cleared its first Commons hurdle by 313 votes to 269 - a majority of 44. However, dozens of MPs abstained - with grim threats from both the wings of the party to crash the Bill when it returns to Parliament in January. Rebels on the Tory Right say the will 'kill' the new laws unless Mr Sunak toughens them up, while there are complaints from the One Nation faction that it already goes too far in watering down international human right rules. But in a round of interviews this morning James Cleverly insisted Conservatives are 'united' in a desire to get the legislation right. He risked fuelling tensions with right-wingers by suggesting they would be harming their own interests by blocking the Bill. Advertisement This is the moment Israel's Ambassador to Britain had a furious outburst during a heated interview about the bombing of Gaza - before warning that it could take months to wipe out Hamas. Tzipi Hotovely dismissed calls for a two-state solution for the Israelis and Palestinians in an interview with Sky News. She said: 'I think it's about time for the world to realise that the Oslo paradigm failed on October 7 and we need to build a new one.' When asked if the new one would include Palestinians living in a state of their own, Ms Hotovely replied: 'I think the biggest question is: "What type of Palestinians are at the other side?"' She continued: 'The answer is absolutely no and I'll tell you why. Israel knows today and the world should know now, the reason the Oslo accord failed is because the Palestinians never wanted to have a state next to Israel. They want to have a state from the river to the sea.' Ms Hotovely, 45, said in the interview: 'I think it's about time for the world to realise that the Oslo paradigm failed on October 7 and we need to build a new one' Palestinians salvage their belongings after an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on December 13, 2023 When it was put to her that the two-state solution might be dead, she said: 'Why are you so obsessed with a formula that never worked, that created this radical people in the other side? Why are you obsessed with that?' Ms Hotovely, 45, also complained about the fact that the Palestinian Authority had refused to condemn the 7 October attack. Speaking of events last night, she was asked about UN demands for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. She replied: 'Ceasefire? No. It just basically means we would like to welcome another attack [like that seen on] 7 October.' She also pushed back on US President Joe Biden's comments on Tuesday suggesting that Gaza was being bombed 'indiscriminately'. She said: 'Do you remember any country in the world creating a humanitarian corridor to the enemy? I don't remember you helping Nazi Germany during the war, and I don't remember America helping the Japanese during the Second World War.' Last month, Ms Hotovely appeared on Andrew Marr's LBC programme when she was asked about the idea of a 'two-state solution', in which Israel would co-exist alongside an independent Palestine state. A view of demolished buildings after Israeli attacks in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 13, 2023 Smoke rising in Shuja'iyya neighbourhood of Gaza is seen from Israel as it continues to deploy soldiers, tanks, military aircraft and armoured vehicles on Gaza Strip in Nahal Oz, Israel, on December 13, 2023 Mr Marr asked about a two-state solution, saying: 'You don't think that after what happened on October 7 a two-state solution is any longer possible?' Ms Hotovely replied: 'It's not possible because as we speak, the leader in the politic of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, refuses to condemn those horrific crimes that Hamas committed, so he doesn't even try to look like a different leader than the leaders that are in Gaza.' The October 7 massacres have been described as Israel's 9/11. Around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. In retaliation, Israel has launched an offensive on Gaza City which has caused thousands of civilian casualties. Israeli authorities insist they do not want to occupy Gaza permanently at the end of the war and that its troops are trying to root out Hamas and the remaining hostages taken by the terrorists in a bid to guarantee Israel's own security. Ms Hotovely pointed out that Israel ended its occupation of the strip 18 years ago. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was slammed by the ambassador for 'refusing to condemn' the October 7 attack Palestinian members of the Ezz Al-Din Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas burn military armored vehicle belonging to Israeli forces near Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 7 Ms Hotovely added: 'In 2005, we left Gaza, so we had no interest in controlling the people of Gaza. 'But the problem that created the seventh of October was the fact that Israel had zero security control on all the ammunition in Gaza. 'So the prime minister said that in order to demilitarise the Gaza Strip, Israel must have military abilities in the Gaza Strip, like we have in many other places in the region in order to protect our people. 'And I'm afraid no other country will volunteer to demilitarise the Gaza Strip.' Ms Hotovely has been described as a hardliner, and while serving under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as his settlements minister she made a speech in which she said Israel had tried too hard to appease the world. Her appointment as the ambassador to the UK caused controversy, with critics saying she was a supporter of the annexation of Palestinian land. The ambassador has hit out at the UK on occasion since the war started and claimed that London feels less safe for Jews than Israel. Writing for the Daily Mail on October 12, Ms Hotovely said: 'In the UK, anti-Semitism is on the rise a 324 per cent rise from this period last year and as a mother here, it truly pains me to read that pupils of Jewish schools in this country have been told not to wear their blazers on the way to school.' Speaking to the Daily Telegraph on November 2, she said that the Jewish community felt fear due to 'jihad ideology' witnessed during pro-Palestinian protests in the capital city over the past month. Ms Hotovely, who has previously been called 'Zionist scum' and harassed by angry mobs on Britain's streets, said that even in a democracy, freedom of speech needed to be limited to prevent people spouting hatred. Ms Hotovely pointed out that Israel ended its occupation of the strip 18 years ago She told the outlet: 'Since those demonstrations started, I keep getting WhatsApp messages from friends in Israel. They ask me: "Do you feel safe there? Do Jews feel safe?" 'They feel like London is less safe during this war than Israel. They see the same jihadi ideology on the streets of London as in Gaza and they wonder what is going on.' Ms Hotovely, who was the first woman ever appointed to her position, has herself has been subjected to vile anti-semitic abuse whilst speaking across Britain. Last year, she was branded 'Zionist scum' by protesters who tried to block her car as she attended a Cambridge Union debate. The protesters were heard chanting Hamas slogans and set off flares as they demonstrated. In 2021, she branded hard-Left activists 'shameful' after they tried to intimidate her following a lecture at the London School of Economics. The diplomat was harassed by an angry mob after delivering a lecture to the LSE's student union debating society. Author and 1619 Project founder Nikole Hannah-Jones has slammed critics of Harvard President Claudine Gay, insisting 'it's racist' to call for her ousting over her controversial remarks at a congressional hearing on anti-Semitism last week. Hannah-Jones claimed on CNN Tuesday that criticism against President Gay is a diversionary tactic aimed at undermining initiatives addressing racial inequality. When asked by CNN's Abby Phillip if Gay is being singled out as someone solely surviving in her position due to her race, Hannah-Jones firmly stated, 'Well, it's racist' Refuting the claim, she emphasized the absence of proof supporting the notion that Gay's qualifications were solely based on her being a black woman. 'I mean, we have no one has produced a shred of evidence that shows that the sole qualification that President Gay had was that she is a black woman,' she added. On Tuesday's episode of CNN 's NewsNight, Hannah-Jones claimed that criticism against President Gay is a diversionary tactic aimed at undermining initiatives addressing racial inequality Pulitzer Prize winning author @nhannahjones on conservatives who say Harvard President Claudine Gay only kept her job because she's Black. It's racist. It defies logic. And the fact that of those presidents, who all came under intense scrutiny, that only one has been called pic.twitter.com/hyyrdRXoKL Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) December 13, 2023 Harvard University President Claudine Gay sparked fury during a congressional hearing last week after she said that it depended on context whether calls for the genocide of Jews at Harvard constituted harassment and violated the rules New York Times' 1619 Project In August 2019 the New York Times Magazine published the 1619 project, a collection of essays, photo essays, short fiction pieces and poems aimed to 'reframe' American history based on the impact of slaves brought to the US. It was published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in the English colonies. It argues that the nation's birth was not 1776 with independence from the British crown, but in August 1619 with the arrival of a cargo ship of 20 to 30 enslaved Africans at Point Comfort in the colony of Virginia, which inaugurated the system of slavery. The project argues that slavery was the country's origin and out of it 'grew nearly everything that has truly made America exceptional.' That includes economic might, industry, the electoral system, music, public health and education inequities, violence, income inequality, slang, and racial hatred. However, the project is debated among historians for its factual accuracy. In March 2020 historian Leslie M. Harris who served as a fact checker for the project said authors ignored her corrections, but believed the project was needed to correct prevailing historical narratives. One aspect up for debate is the timeline. Time Magazine said the first slaves arrived in 1526 in a Spanish colony in what is now South Carolina, 93 years prior to the landing in Jamestown. Some experts say slaves first arrived at present-day Fort Monroe in Hampton, instead of Jamestown. Others argue the first Africans in Virginia were indentured servants as laws on lifetime slavery didn't appear till 17th century and early 18th century, but worked essentially as slaves. Advertisement 'That's insulting. It defies logic. And the fact that, of those presidents, who all came under intense scrutiny, that only one has been called out as a so-called diversity or affirmative action hire just speaks of a black woman of this country have gone through historically and continue to go through every day.' Hannah-Jones also claimed there was a connection between the pushback against diversity and inclusion efforts and the attempts to remove President Gay. She argued that the alleged concern over anti-Semitism was a guise for perpetuating a propaganda campaign against racial equity. 'They're using the guise of pretending that this is about concern over anti-Semitism, which is, of course, something that all of us should be concerned about,' she asserted. 'It's really just further their propaganda campaign against racial equity.' Hannah-Jones highlighted Harvard's historical racial quotas, emphasizing the university's 370-year practice of exclusively appointing white men as presidents. She found it ironic that the first black woman to break this tradition is now being labeled as unqualified, describing it as a manifestation of how racism operates. 'When you think about the fact that Harvard, this nation's oldest university, had about a 370-year explicit racial quota of only hiring white men to be the president, it's laughable to think that the first ever black woman following that unbroken line of white racial quotas is the one who's unqualified,' Hannah-Jones stated. 'I mean, this is kind of the beauty of how racism works. If you are black and you don't achieve, if you don't succeed at the highest echelon, it's because you're lazy and you're not smart enough,' she continued. 'If you do achieve and you do succeed and you do rise to the top of your profession, it's because you didn't deserve it.' She said calls for Gay's termination are simply a distraction. She called out critics like Chris Rufo, whom she labeled as not a serious person engaged in propagandist efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 'Chris Rufo is not a serious person. He is a person who has been trying to attack what he calls DEI, but really any efforts to address racial inequality,' she said. 'He has explicitly said that he does propaganda work. And the fact that we're all talking about it means that he's being successful.' When asked by CNN's Abby Phillip if President Gay is being singled out as someone solely surviving in her position due to her race, Hannah-Jones firmly stated, 'Well, it's racist' She emphasized Gay's qualifications, attributing the criticism against her to a broader campaign against initiatives addressing racial inequality. 'She's clearly qualified and really, I'm perplexed to try to figure out what does race have to do with the criticism that she hasn't handled the protests on her campus correctly,' she said. 'They just see this as an opening to further soul racial division and to further their campaign of trying to attack any efforts around diversity and anti-racism.' Gay sparked fury during a congressional hearing last week after she said that it depended on context whether calls for the genocide of Jews at Harvard constituted harassment and violated the rules. Nikole Hannah Jones appeared on the cover of Essence Magazine. She won a Pulitzer for her reporting reframing the history of the United States She was subsequently forced to issue an apology following the hearing that cost University of Pennsylvania Liz Magill her job over a similar response. She made history in July when she became the first person of color and only the second woman to lead Americas oldest institution of higher education. Despite calls for Gay's resignation, Harvard has backed the 30th president and announced that she will remain in her position with the full support of the Ivy League college's governing body, the university's board announced Tuesday. The Harvard Corporation - the college's executive board - said in its statement: 'Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing.' The board acknowledged Gay's mistakes in handling anti-Semitism on campus, adding: 'So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamass brutal terrorist attack, and the Universitys initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation. 'Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the Universitys fight against antisemitism.' The Harvard Crimson was first to report Gay would keep her job despite widespread calls for her to resign from the political and business worlds after her disastrous appearance on Capitol Hill last week where she refused to say that calling for the genocide of Jews constituted harassment. Billionaire hedge fund alumnus Bill Ackman - who has led a campaign to unseat Gay that included plagiarism allegations against the scholar - claimed Harvard's board did not want to be seen kotowing to him. In its statement on Tuesday, Harvard's board addressed accusations that Gay plagiarized part of her dissertation, saying they opened a probe at Gay's own request. 'The University became aware in late October of allegations regarding three articles. At President Gays request, the Fellows promptly initiated an independent review by distinguished political scientists and conducted a review of her published work,' the board said. Claudine Gay, pictured during her disastrous appearance before Congress on December 5, will remain as Harvard President, it was reported early Tuesday A billboard truck at Harvard University on Sunday demanding the removal of president Claudine Gay 'On December 9, the Fellows reviewed the results, which revealed a few instances of inadequate citation. While the analysis found no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct, President Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications.' The board continued: 'In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay. At Harvard, we champion open discourse and academic freedom, and we are united in our strong belief that calls for violence against our students and disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated. 'Harvards mission is advancing knowledge, research, and discovery that will help address deep societal issues and promote constructive discourse, and we are confident that President Gay will lead Harvard forward toward accomplishing this vital work.' The Harvard Corporation, formally the President and Fellows of Harvard College, has 12 members, including Gay, former president of Amherst College Biddy Martin and former American Express CEO Kenneth I. Chenault. Gay, who on Monday denied reports she is a plagiarizer, first sparked fury following the October 7 massacre of 1,200 people in Israel with a tepid condemnation of the outrage. Rachel Swan is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. She joined the Chronicle in 2015 after stints at several alt weekly newspapers. Born in Berkeley, she graduated from Cal with a degree in rhetoric and is now raising two daughters in El Cerrito. She can be reached at rswan@sfchronicle.com. A fireman who drove an hour to return a lost handbag has posed for a touching photo with the woman who left her item at a Christmas party. Footage posted on TikTok this week shows firefighter Nyma Zadeh, who returned a bag he found at a petrol station in North London by driving all the way to Hertfordshire. The doorbell camera video showed Nyma, who describes himself as an Iranian Scouser on Instagram, approach a door at night. 'I've got your bag. Are you Georgia?,' he asked. Georgia Gerrelli quickly confirmed it was her bag and said she had been 'crying her eyes out' over losing it. She has now met her hero in person and the two posed for a heart-warming picture together. Footage posted on TikTok this week shows firefighter Nyma Zadeh (second from left), who returned a bag he found at a petrol station in North London by driving all the way to Hertfordshire. The bag belongs to Georgia Gerrelli (left), who Nyma now met in person (pictured right: owners of Bows Boutique where Georgia works) Footage posted on TikTok shows firefighter Nyma (pictured) approach a door at night. 'I've got your bag. Are you Georgia ?,' he asked Nyma (pictured), who describes himself as an Iranian Scouser on Instagram, found the bag at a petrol station in North London and drove all the way to Hertfordshire to return it Georgia, who works as an aesthetic practitioner, said after meeting Nyma: 'Probably one of the nicest [people] I have ever got to meet, thank you Nyma for coming down. 'It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you in person, I will be forever grateful.' Georgia had lost her bag following a Christmas party by her employer Bows Boutique, who shared the doorbell footage that has been watched by millions already. Nyma said he was going to wait until the next morning to return the bag, but remembered how stressed his ex girlfriend was when she had lost hers and decided to bring it to Georgia right away in the early hours on Monday. Georgia repeatedly offered to give him money for returning her bag, but humble Nyma refused. 'Just pay it forward. Just do something nice for the next person,' he said. 'I'm a firefighter, I don't need money for doing a good deed.' Georgia expressed her gratitude in person but also wrote under the photo of the two that she will be 'forever grateful' Nyma was identified as the man in the video by one of his friends, who commented: 'This is a mate of mine. This is him all over, such a caring man' Nyma was initially identified as the man in the video by one of his friends, who commented: 'This is a mate of mine. This is him all over, such a caring man.' Another friend, fellow firefighter Seb who works at the same station, said he would like to request that Nyma is recommended for his kind actions. The doorbell camera footage was posted by a fashion retailer called Bows Boutique, who revealed employee Georgia had lost her bag after attending the company's Christmas party. 'It's safe to say [Nyma] was the hero and we are all at Bows so grateful for making our girl so happy. 'How amazing is this to do and a huge thank you,' the fashion store wrote on TikTok. Bows Boutique posted the picture of Georgia meeting Nyma in person this week and said the firefighter was 'such a genuine kind man' This isn't the first time that Nyma went out of his way to help others. Last year, he found and returned dog Zuko to his owner after he had been lost The company also posted the picture of Georgia meeting Nyma in person this week. 'We made it happen! Nyma came to Borehamwood today and met [Georgia]... He is such a genuine kind man, it was an absolute pleasure to meet him,' Bows Boutique captioned the post. 'His video's had millions of views and we hope he will be a positive influence on many... What a true gentleman.' This isn't the first time that Nyma went out of his way to help others. Last year, he found and returned dog Zuko to his owner after he had been lost. The grateful owner donated 250 to the Fire Fighters Charity to thank Nyma, according to Clare Delaney, who works for the charity. The new arrivals are now being forced to sleep in their cars because the community does not have the resources to house them An expensive ski resort town near Aspen has seen a major influx in migrants over the past month Venezuelan migrants are flooding to a posh Colorado ski resort town with no homeless shelter after hearing rumors that there are plenty of jobs to be offered. Major U.S. cities are seeing huge influxes of migrant arrivals and Denver - with 2,600 migrants in the city's shelter system and 200 on the streets - isn't the only Colorado hotbed affected by the crisis. Carbondale is a home rule municipality in Garfield County, Colorado, with a population of around 6,434. The town is a 30-minute drive away from the high-end ski resort town of Aspen - located in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Described as a small town with a big heart, the expensive community is overrun by at least 125 Venezuelan migrants who travelled to the remote mountain neighborhood after hearing word that there are plenty of job opportunities on offer. However, the town is known for luxury ski chalet homes and is already facing a housing crisis - so the new arrivals have been left with no choice but to sleep outside in their cars. Venezuelan migrants are flooding to Carbondale - a posh Colorado ski resort town with no homeless shelter after hearing rumors that there are plenty of jobs to be offered Described as a small town with a big heart, the expensive community is overrun by at least 125 Venezuelan migrants who travelled to the remote mountain neighborhood after hearing word that there are plenty of job opportunities on offer The town is known for luxury ski chalet homes and is already facing a housing crisis, so the new arrivals have been left with no choice but to sleep outside in their cars The arrival of 125 migrants have raised the city's homeless by 500 percent, which has put a significant strain on the town's resources The cheapest property currently on the market in the small town is $720,000 - with most houses valued at roughly $2 million, according to Zillow. While there are small homeless shelters nearby in Aspen, they're usually overrun and have long waitlists. Even as the weather drops to lows of 10 degrees at night, migrants are piling up to sleep in the vehicles they drove to the mountain town. Edgar Hernandez told 9news that he's living in the back of his Honda with four of his other friends, and said there's another car with five more. Hernandez and his brother bought the car using several weeks' worth of salaries each, but they decided it was worth it to travel from Denver to the mountains to where they heard that there were more jobs on offer. 'If you need me to clean a bathroom, I'll do it,' Hernandez said. 'If you want me to wash your car, tell me and I'll go wash it quickly. What we want is to work.' 'We don't want to become a destination for people,' Mayor Ben Bohmfalk (pictured) said. 'We can't take more people than we have now. We're really over what we can handle' The arrival of 125 migrants have raised the city's homeless by 500 percent, which has put a significant strain on the town's resources. 'We don't want to become a destination for people,' Mayor Ben Bohmfalk said. 'We can't take more people than we have now. We're really over what we can handle.' Bohmfalk said that last week he asked the state for more than $200,000 to help house and feed the migrants and insisted that the town did not have the facilities to take them on. 'We don't want people to see these stories and think, oh, Carbondale is the place to go. They're really welcoming,' Bohmfalk said. 'We are absolutely not equipped to take more people.' The town opened up an emergency shelter that holds up to 60 people inside a building that had extra space, the rest of the homeless population are sleeping in the parking lot. Edgar Hernandez who immigrated from Venezuela is living in the back of his Honda with four of his other friends, and said there's another car with five more The town opened up an emergency shelter that holds up to 60 people inside a building that had extra space, the rest of the homeless population are sleeping in the parking lot. Carbondale is a home rule municipality in Garfield County, Colorado, with a population of around 6,434. The town is a 30-minute drive away from the high-end ski resort town of Aspen - located in Colorado's Rocky Mountains The cheapest property currently on the market in the small town is $720,000 - with most houses valued at roughly $2 million, according to Zillow The Mayor is worried that the new arrivals are not going to survive in the freezing weather: 'It's below 10 degrees at night most nights, and it will be for the next few months,' Bohmfalk said. 'If people sleep outside in those conditions, they might not make it.' Even despite the challenging conditions that Carbondale's new migrant population is facing - it is apparently better than their previous lives. 'Life is already much better here than Venezuela,' said Hernandez. 'A thousand times better.' The migrants began pouring in a month ago and, at the time, Bohmfalk said: 'We have a long history of absorbing immigrants into our communities and they're a critical part of our workforce.' However, as more and more newcomers arrive the Mayor is insisting that the town cannot handle this rise in homelessness. 'We're trying to be human beings. At the same time, we have to maintain some guardrails and some limits on what we commit to because we just cannot be the destination for more people.' Bohmfalk told CBS he is disappointed by the lack of support coming from state and federal agencies. 'When we talk to our supporters in the Department of Local Affairs and said, you know, "Is there state support for this or federal support, is there some agency that kind of comes in when this happens in a community?" They basically said "No."' In October - Denver's liberal government asked officials at border towns to distribute fliers telling asylum seekers to stay away, after 21,000 new migrants arrived this year The fliers include messages such as: 'Denver's resources have been exhausted' Denver's local government plans to limit the length of time individual migrants can stay in temporary shelters, while extending the time limit for families In October, Denver's liberal government asked officials at border towns to distribute fliers telling asylum seekers to stay away from the Colorado capital, after 21,000 new migrants arrived this year. The fliers included messages such as: 'Denver's resources have been exhausted,' 'the city cannot provide shelter long-term' and 'housing in Denver is very expensive and there aren't many affordable housing options available.' In its attempt to mitigate the crisis, Denver's local government plans to limit the length of time individual migrants can stay in temporary shelters, while extending the time limit for families. A depraved killer who strangled a vulnerable 71-year-old woman so he could take his girlfriend out on a 13,000 using the pensioner's savings has been jailed for life. Xyaire Howard, 24, bound Susan Hawkey with tape and his shoelaces in her own home, forcing her to reveal her PIN number. During the break in the murderer - who was 23 at the time - slashed open Ms Hawkey's top exposing her breasts and pulling down her underwear. With her eyes taped shut, the cruel killer then strangled her with another shoelace before leaving her body to rot under a duvet on her living room floor. As her body laid decaying Howard and his girlfriend Chelsea Grant, 28, went on three week splurge emptying thousands of pounds from her bank account. Xyaire Howard, 24, bound Susan Hawkey, 71, (pictured) with tape and his shoelaces in her own home, forcing her to reveal her PIN number Howard and Grant (pictured on CCTV as they were using the card) were both sentenced today Today 'depraved' Howard (pictured) was jailed for life with a minimum term of 31 years The killing last September came after Howard and Grant had already repeatedly robbed Ms Hawkey. Howard was convicted of murder, attempted robbery and two robberies. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Grant was cleared of murder but found guilty of three robberies against Ms Hawkey and one attempted robbery. The defendants, of Press Road in Neasden, had admitted fraud by false representation in relation to their misuse of her bank card. Today Howard was jailed for life with a minimum term of 31 years and Grant was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Judy Khan KC said the couple were motivated by their 'greed and dishonesty'. She said Howard had 'terrorised' Ms Hawkey and subjected her to 'humiliation and degradation' to get access to her money. Judge Khan told him: 'It was a calculated and callous course of action, a killing motivated by your greed.' Grant (pictured) was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The couple could not bear to look at each other as sentence was passed She accepted Grant was not present when Ms Hawkey was 'stripped and degraded' by her boyfriend. But once she realised the vulnerable victim was dead, the defendant did nothing to report it, the judge said. In a victim impact statement, Ms Hawkey's family described her as a 'proud woman' who led a reclusive life after the loss of her parents and job. The defendants had identified her as an 'ideal victim' and 'easy pickings' last summer, prosecutor Annabel Darlow KC had said. Ms Hawkey was a 'creature of habit' and would take the same route with her bank card to the shops and Post Office to withdraw cash. After she was robbed, Ms Hawkey cancelled her card but not before the defendants had used it for a few small transactions, the court was told. She was last seen alive on September 6 last year, the same day the defendants were seen walking to and from her home, jurors were told. The next day, Howard used her new bank card to withdraw 250 at a cash machine. Mr Darlow said: 'When Susan Hawkey's decomposing corpse was found by the authorities, she was bound and blindfolded, and a ligature was around her neck. 'For some reason, all of her lower clothing, including underwear, had been removed and her upper clothing had been cut down the front. An item of clothing had been placed over her head and her body concealed under a duvet.' Over the course of three weeks, Howard (pictured) and Grant made 146 transactions totalling some 13,000 Ms Darlow added that a ligature around Ms Hawkey's neck had been tightened with sufficient force to break one of the bones in her neck. The court was told of the defendants' 'massive spending spree' at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush and Wembley shops as they 'burned through' Ms Hawkey's money. Over the course of three weeks, they made 146 transactions totalling some 13,000. Luxury purchases included perfume, a new television, portable speakers, telephones, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches and handbags. Some of the money was withdrawn in cash and both defendants sent money to St Vincent and the Grenadines using money transfer services. The victim's bank account went from a balance of more than 16,000 to just 3,434.03, jurors heard. Ms Hawkey's bank card was finally stopped last September 28 at the request of police and the defendants were arrested at a bus stop. Jurors heard Ms Hawkey (pictured) was a retired bank worker who was just 5ft 1 inches tall and of very slight build. She did not have children and she struggled to cope after the loss of both of her parents and a partner Jurors heard Ms Hawkey was a retired bank worker who was just 5ft 1 inches tall and of very slight build. She did not have children and she struggled to cope after the loss of both of her parents and a partner Ms Hawkey's only surviving relatives are cousins and one said in an impact statement: 'Susan was a very kind, generous, smart and hard working person 'After losing both her parents and the job she loved she led a reclusive life.' Her family had suggested she move away from run down Neasden in northwest London but she wanted to stay in the area she had grown up in and the house she had always lived in. The cousin said her family cannot bear to imagine what her final moments were like. 'She must have felt terrified and helpless, all for the greed and selfishness of Howard and Grant,' the cousins said. 'We will never know exactly what happened to Susan, making our nightmares even worse.' The cousin said the rest of the family 'are haunted every single day and a shadow will remain over their lives.' The White House press secretary on Wednesday said President Joe Biden was 'familiar' with what his son Hunter was going to say earlier in the day as he laid out his case for defying a congressional subpoena to testify. But Karine Jean-Pierre did not answer questions about whether the president offered advice or questions about whether Hunter Biden, 53, should be prosecuted for his snub of the Republican investigation. 'As you know, Hunter Biden is a private citizen. And so I certainly would refer you to his representatives,' she said when asked if the president watched his speech. 'You know, the president was certainly familiar with what his son was going to say. 'And I think what you saw was from the heart from his son, and you've heard ... heard me say this, you've heard the president say this, when it comes to the president, the first lady, they are proud of him, continuing to rebuild his life.' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday said President Joe Biden was 'familiar' with what his son Hunter was going to say earlier in the day as he defied a congressional subpoena to testify before Republican investigators Hunter Biden delivered a speech on Capitol Hill blasting Republicans for their 'illegitimate investigations' based on 'distortions, manipulated evidence and lies' She stonewalled follow up questions about how the president was 'familiar' with his son's speech, and whether the two had discussed it. Earlier, the president's son appeared on Capitol Hill where he lashed out at Republicans and set out his reasons for refusing their summons to a closed-door deposition. 'I'm here today to make sure that the House committees' illegitimate investigations of my family do not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence and lies,' he said. Instead he offered to testify in public. 'What are they afraid of? I am here,' he said. Republican leaders quickly said they were ready to launch contempt of Congress proceedings. They have for months tried to tie President Joe Biden to his son's business dealings. So far, their evidence has failed to find anything that implicates the elder Biden in any wrongdoing. At the White House, Jean-Pierre did not say whether or not the president had watched his son's speech. Instead she set out the ways in which Biden was focused on the important business of running the nation. Republicans have tried for months to find evidence linking the president to his son's international business dealings. They have come up short so far 'We just went back and forth about what's happening at the border and how he wants to make sure that we secure the border, and the work that he and his team have been doing on negotiating to make sure that there's a bipartisan compromise,' she said. She stonewalled on other questions about whether the president was relaxed about his son defying a subpoena. 'I'm just not going to get into into specifics on that,' she said, referring reporters' questions to Hunter Biden's personal representatives. Nor did she engage with questions about comments Biden made in 2021 about Jan. 6 suspects defying subpoenas issued by House investigators. He was asked by CNN's Katelyn Collins whether they should be prosecuted by the Justice Department? 'I do, yes,' he said. Hunter Biden arrived on the Senate side of the Capitol on Wednesday morning with his attorney Abbe Lowell sparking speculation that he would actually testify President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden holding Beau Biden, and Naomi Biden watch fireworks on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4 'I don't have anything to add,' she said. But she was clearer on another question when she was asked whether Biden would issue a pardon. 'The president is not going to pardon his son,' she said. The president's son also faces criminal charges in two states. He is charged with firearm counts in Delaware, where he is accused of breaking laws against drug users having guns in 2018. And Special Counsel David Weiss also filed new charges and nine new tax counts last week, alleging that he schemed to avoid paying about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. An Illinois boy was found beaten and starved at his home before he tragically died in hospital had a sign on his bedroom door read: 'Don't give Navin any food.' Navin Jones, eight, was found unresponsive in a skeletal and emaciated state at his Peoria home on March 29, 2022. His father now faces up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder - while his mom already pleaded guilty to the heinous crime. The little boy weighed just 30 pounds, and he was found in a locked room that was covered in urine and feces. He had signs of physical abuse across his face, body, arms, and legs. A note on Navin's bedroom door read: 'Don't give Navin any food or drink. Do not let him out of the room. He has what he needs until I wake up.' Navin Jones, 8, seen here not long before his death, was found unresponsive in a skeletal and emaciated state at his Peoria home on March 29, 2022. His father now faces up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder - while his mom already pleaded guilty to the heinous crimes A note on Navin's bedroom door read: 'Don't give Navin any food or drink. Do not let him out of the room. He has what he needs until I wake up' Prosecutors said that the boy's room was disgusting and deplorable, with just a bed and one toy, while the rest of the home on North Gale Avenue was 'well furnished' with a fully stocked fridge and pantry. His mother Stephanie Jones, 37, faces at least 20 years in prison when she is sentenced next February. The boy is seen here when he was younger In return for her guilty plea, State's Attorney Jodi Hoos agreed not to give her a life sentence. Jones has now agreed to testify against the boy's father Brandon Walker, 41. His trial is ongoing. Body cam footage has since revealed the moment that Peoria police showed up to Jones and Walker's home after Jones called 911 to report Navin was cold and lifeless. Officers in the clip immediately take issue with Jones' story and the state of the boy's body. Stephanie, the mother, is seen sitting on the steps of the home, crying into her hands, while smoking a cigarette. When the father is told that there is a chance the child cannot be resuscitated, Brandon runs to a car, smashes his fists onto the hood, and shouts: 'There's no f**king way.' Jones and Walker were both charged with first degree murder. Jones pleaded guilty, while Walker's trial is still ongoing Rope, used to keep his bedroom door shut, is seen here Navin's bed in his family home Navin's closet, which had feces and urine inside, police said Bodycam inside the home showed the clutter - but also the bare room that Navin had been living in. Rope, used to keep his door shut, was visible, as was a note written to his older brother by one of his parents, saying not to feed Navin. Before being in the care of his mother and father, Navin was being looked after by his legal guardian, his grandmother, Laura Walker. She had been doing so since the boy was just five months old. After briefly leaving Washington in July 2021, she returned to find Walker and Jones refusing to give the boy back to her. In an attempt to get the boy back under her watch, Laura Walker contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Washington Police Department, and the Peoria Peoria Department. She said that nothing changed despite her efforts. Stephanie, the mother, is seen sitting on the steps of the home, crying into her hands, while smoking a cigarette When the father (brown shirt) is told that there is a chance the child cannot be resuscitated, Brandon runs to a car, smashes his fists onto the hood, and shouts: 'There's no f**king way' Cops performing a wellness check at the home just a month before the boy was found unconscious and died DCFS investigated Laura Walker's claims, but said that her allegations were 'unfounded.' In February 2022, an anonymous tip led DCFS to visit the home. Navin was observed to be 'sickly,' thin, and small. Because Navin told the caseworker that he wanted to stay with his parents, they noted that he was safe. Just over a month later, on March 29, Navin was found unresponsive. Stephanie, his mother, told cops she put the boy in the shower when she noticed he wasn't breathing. Navin died later that day in the hospital. Detective Roberto Vasquez, who attended the scene, said the smell coming from the little boy's room was unlike anything he had smelt before. There were no sheets or blankets on his bed. In court, forensic pathologist Amanda Youmans who performed Navins autopsy said that the little boy had lost the fat layer under his skin and showed signs of chronic malnutrition His bedroom door did not have a doorknob, and instead, there was a rope to keep it closed. In court, forensic pathologist Amanda Youmans who performed Navins autopsy said that the little boy had lost the fat layer under his skin and showed signs of chronic malnutrition. Navin would have had limited mobility before his death because his muscles had to atrophy. The boy was also covered in bruises - including on his wrists - consistent with being restrained that had been caused by blunt force trauma. Youmans said that his death was ruled as failure to thrive due to malnutrition. The boy also went into cardiac arrest, triggered by starvation. Shocking text messages between Jones and Walker, seized in October 2021 and showed in grand jury testimony, showed Walker wanting to put the boy in the basement after he peed on the wall. Gary Morris, Walker's attorney, has blamed DCFS for not giving legal guardianship to Jones and Walker. He said: 'DCFS has got to be more responsible about getting the guardianship changed from one person to another when they need medical attention because everyone agreed they couldn't take the child to the doctor and that is a fact.' Brandon Walker's trial is ongoing, after Stephanie Jones pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Thursday. Whale watchers in California received a pleasant surprise as a pod of orcas appeared for the first time in two years. The Eastern Tropical Pacific pod with nearly 12 killer whales, including two calves, had been seen in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a sub-region of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Harbor Breeze Cruises spotted the black and white killer whales on their first trip around midday on Monday and posted pictures of the pod on their Facebook page. The Eastern Tropical Pacific pod with nearly 12 killer whales, including two calves, had been seen in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Harbor Breeze Cruises spotted the black and white killer whales around midday on Monday and posted pictures of the lot on their Facebook page The pod was sighted again at around 3pm by Harbor Breeze, but the whales were busy hunting dolphins this time The pod was sighted again at around 3pm by Harbor Breeze, but the whales were busy hunting dolphins this time. 'These are mammal-eating orcas and they were actively hunting dolphins yesterday. They ended up killing two dolphins,' said Jessica Rodriguez of Newport Coastal Adventures, another whale-watching charter that spotted the orcas. In a video posted by one of the whale watchers, which they called a 'once in a lifetime experience', the animal is seen jumping in and out of the water. According to the Orange County Register, this pod of orcas typically spends time off Mexico and rarely ever travel to Southern California. In a video posted by one of the whale watchers, which they called a 'once in a lifetime experience', the animal is seen jumping in and out of the water This pod of killer whales was last seen in July 2019 while they chased and hunted a pod of 20 to 30 dolphins Orcas usually travel in pods with up to 40 individuals. Each pod makes its specific clicking sound, allowing members to recognize each other easily. Out of the three kinds of killer whales, it is estimated that close to 200 Transient orcas reside off the California coast and prefer to hunt marine mammals. Orcas are also one of the most unpredictable marine mammals showing up sporadically, making their recent appearances even more special. This pod of killer whales was last seen in July 2019 while they chased and hunted a pod of 20 to 30 dolphins. A Boston fertility doctor has been accused of impregnating a woman with his own sperm after promising to use an anonymous donor's. Sarah Depoian, from Maine, has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Merle Berger over the artificial insemination he performed on her in 1980. Depoian alleges that she and her husband were assured by Berger that she would receive sperm from 'a medical resident who resembled her husband, who did not know her, and whom she did not know.' The suit, filed Wednesday in US District Court in Boston and obtained by DailyMail.com, alleges Berger, who has denied the allegations through his lawyer, instead 'inserted his own sperm into her body.' Sarah's daughter, Carolyn Bester, now 42, took a home DNA test last year that led her to suspect that Berger was her biological father after the results revealed she was related to Berger's granddaughter and his second cousin. Dr. Merle Berger has been accused of impregnating a woman with his own sperm after promising to use an anonymous donor's Sarah Depoian (right) with her daughter Carolyn Bester (left) conceived through artificial insemination 'After speaking with one of her newfound relatives, Carolyn pieced together that Berger is her biological father,' the suit states. 'To say I experienced shock when I figured this out would be an extreme understatement,' Bester said in a statement. 'It feels like reality has shifted. I just want to say how proud I am of my mom for speaking out, and I'm honored to stand by her side.' Depoian confronted Berger through counsel, and he did not deny that he had used his own sperm, or deny covering up his misconduct, the suit alleges. 'The allegations, which have changed repeatedly in the six months since the plaintiff's attorney first contacted Dr. Berger, have no legal or factual merit, and will be disproven in court,' Berger's lawyer, Ian J. Pinta, told DailyMail.com in a statement. The suit accuses Berger of fraudulent concealment, intentional misrepresentation, and violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law, and seeks monetary damages. In the filing, Depoian claims she suffered 'significant mental anguish, anxiety, stress from physical violations, sleep disturbances including nightmares, and difficulty in her marital relations.' 'She suffers mistrust of the medical profession. There are days when she is so overwhelmed with anguish, stress and anxiety, that she is unable to function normally.' Depoian also called Berger's action 'an extreme violation. I am still struggling to process it. I trusted Dr. Berger fully. We thought he would act responsibly and ethically. I will never fully recover from his violation of me.' The Boston lawsuit states: 'Dr. Berger's misconduct was not a mistake: Rather, in order to engage in the actions discussed in this lawsuit, Dr. Berger needed to masturbate in his medical office, walk over to his patient while carrying his own sperm, and then deliberately insert that sperm into his patient's body all while knowing that she did not consent to his sperm entering her body.' 'Some people call this horrific act medical rape,' Adam Wolf representing Depoian said. 'But regardless of what you choose to call it, Berger's heinous and intentional misconduct is unethical, unacceptable, and illegal.' Pinta argues instead that the case needs to be seen in its historical context. 'Dr. Merle Berger was a pioneer in the medical fertility field who in 50 years of practice helped thousands of families fulfill their dreams of having a child,' Pinta said in a statement. Adding: 'He is widely known for his sensitivity to the emotional anguish of the women who came to him for help conceiving. The allegations concern events from over 40 years ago, in the early days of artificial insemination. At a time before sperm banks and IVF, it was dramatically different from modern-day fertility treatment.' A lawyer for Berger did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Republicans voted to formalize their ongoing impeachment inquiry into whether President Joe Biden was connected to or profited from his son Hunter's shady business deals. The 221-212 party-line vote opens the door for the GOP to get more evidence about schemes that have seen the Biden family get millions from countries including China, Ukraine and Romania. And the Bidens will now have more of their bank records, mortgage details, emails, text messages and mobile phones subpoenaed, along with anything else Congress wants to see. Since the start of 2023, Republicans have been investigating Joe Biden over his alleged connections to his son Hunter's extremely lucrative multi-million dollar influence peddling scheme spanning decades. With a formal impeachment inquiry vote, Republicans say the White House can no longer stonewall them for requested documents and depositions. But top GOP leaders have argued it wasn't necessary. 'You do not need a full vote of the House to do an impeachment inquiry to do the investigation that we're constitutionally obligated to do,' GOP Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., told DailyMail.com ahead of the vote. The 221-212 party-line vote opens the door for the GOP to get more evidence about schemes that have seen the Biden family get millions from countries including China , Ukraine and Romania The House voted to give full authorization to the Biden impeachment inquiry on Wednesday - preparing for bitter legal battles with the Biden team It also comes on the day Republicans moved to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress when he defied their subpoena 'But they're blocking witnesses from testifying, the National Archives is withholding thousands of documents,' he claimed. And the White House is 'not going to acknowledge or recognize these subpoenas without a vote,' continued Emmer. He said that new Speaker Mike Johnson when faced with that fact said, "Well, if we're gonna have to go to court to get these enforced anyway, you might as well eliminate any objection that they have,' Emmer continued. Speaker Johnson and his leadership team applauded the House for taking a 'critical step in our investigation' with approving the impeachment inquiry. 'As President Biden continues to stonewall lawful Congressional subpoenas, todays vote of the full House of Representatives authorizing the inquiry puts us in the strongest position to enforce these subpoenas in court,' Johnson, Emmer, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and GOP Chair Elise Stefanik said in a joint statement. As a result of full authorization, Republicans plan to bring in Hunter associates Rob Walker, Eric Schwerin, Tony Bobulinski and Kevin Morris. They also hope to get the rest of the Biden pseudonym emails that the GOP says the National Archives is failing to provide. President Biden slammed the 'baseless' House Republican impeachment 'stunt' in a statement following the vote. He said there is a lot of work Congress needs to get done - including authorizing additional funding to Ukraine, Israel and the southern border. 'There is a lot of work to be done. But after wasting weeks trying to find a new Speaker of the House and having to expel their own members, Republicans in Congress are leaving for a month without doing anything to address these pressing challenges,' said the president. 'Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies,' Biden continued. The vote came just hours after Republicans moved to start proceedings to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress when he defied their subpoena. Republicans subpoenaed Hunter along with James Biden, Joe's brother, for testimony last month. And Hunter was supposed to appear at 9.30am Wednesday for his scheduled closed-door deposition. But the president's son gave a dramatic five-minute address on Capitol Hill defending his father and explaining the struggles he's had with his crack cocaine addiction while slamming Republicans for taking advantage of his situation. Hunter then sped off in an Escalade away from the room where he was supposed to give closed-door deposition, violating the terms of the subpoena. The National Archives has handed tens of thousands of documents over to House Republicans. The DOJ, FBI, IRS and National Archives have made nine witnesses available to discuss ongoing investigations and the Treasury Department has made 2,000 pages of suspicious activity reports available. The Oversight Committee has also obtained and pored over 37,000 pages of bank records and hours of whistleblower testimony. But Republicans insist there is more to see. They are, for example, demanding more information on the 82,000 emails Joe Biden sent using a pseudonym, related to both official and family business. They are also looking for more information on Hunter's 2014 and 2015 taxes - which Special Counsel David Weiss admitted the statute of limitations had been allowed to expire on Hunter's failure to pay taxes on $1 million in income from Burisma. 'So now you've got the indictments on nine counts last week, none of those about 2014, 15 which was -- that's a really important year for respect to the vice presidency,' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told DailyMail.com. Republicans are probing the extent to which Joe Biden was involved in his son's overseas business dealings. They point to Biden pressuring Ukraine to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin - who was investigating Burisma and who he accused of corruption. Republicans are probing the extent to which Joe Biden was involved in his son's overseas business dealings They also point to testimony from Hunter associate Devon Archer, who said Joe Biden was in contact with Hunter's business partners around 20 times over 10 years - either on the phone or at dinners. Hunter Biden gave an emotional five-minute address to the press where he admitted, 'in the depths of my addiction I was extremely irresponsible with my finances.' But, he said, '[Republicans] have taken the light of my dads love for me and presented it as darkness.' Hunter said his dad had never been involved in any of his business ventures. 'My father was not financially involved in my business, not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with the Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home and abroad and certainly not as an artist.' A Minnesota deputy made a selfless call to crawl across thin ice to rescue two fishermen and a dog who had fallen through while fishing and were freezing. The dramatic incident occurred on December 3 in the city of Nowthen, about 35 miles north of Minneapolis. Deputies arrived just after 3.30pm in response to a call for help received by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. A witness passing by the body of water saw the two men and a dog and was able to push a canoe to them while they waited for emergency responders to arrive. Captured on body camera, Deputy Chris Fjeld made the call to begin the rescue operation before better equipped responders were on the scene. Sheriff's Deputy Chris Fjeld, who bravely hopped onto the ice to save two fisherman and a dog befoer backup had arrived His fellow officers, including Curt Grabmeier, voiced concern about the mission, stating clearly several times that they 'don't like it.' 'Chris, where you going? Chris, I don't like it,' said Grabmeier, whose body camera recorded the whole scene. 'These guys are hypothermic,' Fjeld responded, implying that they perhaps could not wait much longer to be rescued. Fjeld is then seen shifting his body onto the ice and positioning himself on his stomach to begin gliding toward the ice hole where the victims were stuck. The deputy was anchored to his fellow officers with a rope that would be used to drag back Fjeld and the survivors. Several times, the rope was extended to its end and had to be tied to another one. A female officer on site who works for the St. Francis Police Department, called to Fjeld that the Fire Department was en route and he could wait for someone in a 'gumby suit' to handle the rest of the operation. A gumby suit is a neoprene immersion suit that is often critical to survival if an individual finds themselves stranded in cold water. In what seemed like an impossibly long amount of time - though it was actually just a few minutes - Fjeld was twice pulled back to shore having executed two successful rescues of the fisherman. The dog, once placed on the more stable ice, was able to trot back to shore and safety. Sheriff's Deputy Chris Fjeld climbs onto the unreliable ice, tethered by a rope his colleagues will use to pull him and the victims back to shore Fjeld is reeled back in once both victims and the dog have been returned to dry land Above the objections of his colleagues, the law enforcement officer did not think twice before hopping onto his stomach and making his way toward the men, who he believed were likely hypothermic In a statement following the remarkable rescue, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office said: 'We are thanksful all involved are ok and are proud of Deputy Fjeld's selfless actions to help others in need.' The law enforcement officials also used the close call as an opportunity to remind the people of Nowthen not to walk on frozen over ponds, many of which are not thick enough to support a person. Doing so puts you at a 'significant risk of falling through and experiencing hypothermia or death,' it said. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has condemned the group behind billboard trucks that have been going around the Harvard campus displaying messages shaming university president Claudine Gay. The Ivy League has been swarmed by billboard trucks replaying Gay's remarks to Congress amid backlash over her claim that calling for genocide of Jews on campus doesn't necessarily break the rules. While Ackman has led the campaign to oust Gay, he said on Wednesday he does not support the trucks - which have also been parked outside her official residence - calling them 'unfair' and 'an insult.' The investor wrote: 'Whoever is behind the so-called doxxing trucks at Harvard needs to stop this now. We can agree or disagree with Harvard, and we can support or criticize President Gay's leadership. But to disrupt her home with these trucks is unfair to her and her family, and an insult to all of us. Please stop. Thank you.' A conservative group, Accuracy in Media, has taken credit for the trucks which have remained on campus after Harvard's executive board said it would stand behind Gay despite the uproar over her testimony on Capitol Hill. A conservative group, Accuracy in Media, has sent billboard trucks to call for Claudine Gay's firing around the Harvard campus. While Ackman has led the campaign to oust Gay, he said on Wednesday he does not support the trucks, which he called 'unfair' and 'an insult.' Trucks parked up outside Claudine Gay's official residence on the Harvard campus. Ackman believes that they are crossing the line with the action Billionaire investor Bill Ackman revealed he has a longstanding issue with Harvard over a $10million stock donation The trucks have displayed messages such as: 'Claudine Gay REFUSES to protect Jewish students,' 'Claudine Gay, its time to RESIGN' and 'Claudine Gay: the best friend Hamas ever had.' Ackman's statement comes after Ackman revealed a longstanding issue with Harvard over its selling $85M worth of stock he donated for $10M - but denied that it's the reason he's calling his alma mater out on anti-Semitism. The billionaire responded to an article by The New York Times titled, 'Bill Ackmans Campaign Against Harvard Followed Years of Resentment', which claims his 'long-held personal grudges' against the school are partly behind his campaign to oust Gay. Ackman called the premise of the story 'entirely false and misleading' as he took to social media to clarify the details behind one of the alleged grudges outlined by the Times. 'I have held no resentment toward Harvard ever. And I have none now,' he wrote. 'The story gives the impression that my motivation for raising issues about antisemitism at Harvard and President Gay were due to prior grievances. This is entirely false and misleading.' Ackman continued to explain that he donated the $10million stock when he was low on liquid cash while going through a divorce and as his investment firm Pershing Square 'had gone through a large drawdown.' Whoever is behind the so-called doxxing trucks at @Harvard needs to stop this now. We can agree or disagree with @Harvard, and we can support or criticize President Gay's leadership. But to disrupt her home with these trucks is unfair to her and her family, and an insult to Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) December 13, 2023 Harvard President Claudine Gay at the congressional hearing on antisemitism on campus Ackman said he wanted to support the school when the possibility of recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty emerged However, Ackman said he wanted to support the school when the possibility of recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty emerged. He wrote: 'It was important to me that I could fulfill our long-term plan to recruit him despite my difficult personal circumstances at the time.... I knew Harvard could find the money from someone else, but I wanted to fulfill my original plans for the Foundation of Human Behavior initiative. 'It was important enough to me that I agreed to give Harvard stock in a private venture-backed company that I expected would be worth many multiples of that value in only a few years. 'My agreement with Harvard provided that if and when the company went public in a few years, if the stock was worth more than $15m, I would have the right to allocate the excess realized value above $15m to the Harvard-related initiative of my choosing. In the event the stock was worth less than $10m, I committed to make up the difference with an additional donation to the University.' But Ackman claims that when he called Harvard in January 2021, after learning the stock was now worth $85million, he discovered that Harvard had sold the stock in March 2020 at a massive discount - $10million. 'I was not happy as you might expect. To make matters worse, none of HMC, the administration, or even my development officer had the courtesy to apologize. I heard from no one by email, phone or otherwise,' he added. Ackman said then-Harvard president Larry Bacow eventually 'apologized and promised to rectify the situation' - but never did 'despite Ackman's periodic reminders.' He concluded: 'To be extremely clear, my advocacy on behalf of antisemitism, free speech on campus, and my concerns with DEI at Harvard have absolutely nothing to do with my unfortunate experience as a donor to the University. I am extremely grateful for the education I received at Harvard College and HBS. I am just trying to make sure that current students and those in the future have the same opportunity to learn at Harvard that I had.' The Times' article on Ackman came hours after The Harvard Corporation announced that Gay would keep her job despite calls for her ousting. Ackman claimed sources told him the school did not want to be seen as bowing down to him after he wrote an open letter to the board demanding Gay's firing. The Harvard Corporation - the college's executive board - said in its statement: 'Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing.' The board acknowledged Gay's mistakes in handling anti-Semitism on campus, adding: 'So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamass brutal terrorist attack, and the Universitys initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation. 'Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the Universitys fight against antisemitism.' The Harvard Crimson was first to report Gay would keep her job despite widespread calls for her to resign from the political and business worlds after her disastrous appearance on Capitol Hill last week where she refused to say that calling for the genocide of Jews constituted harassment. The board continued: 'In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay. At Harvard, we champion open discourse and academic freedom, and we are united in our strong belief that calls for violence against our students and disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated. 'Harvards mission is advancing knowledge, research, and discovery that will help address deep societal issues and promote constructive discourse, and we are confident that President Gay will lead Harvard forward toward accomplishing this vital work.' Gay, the school's first black president, was appointed to the post in July 2023. She sparked fury during a congressional hearing last week after she said that it depended on context whether calls for the genocide of Jews at Harvard constituted harassment and violated the rules. She was subsequently forced to issue an apology following the hearing that cost University of Pennsylvania Liz Magill her job over a similar response. Farleys East, an Oakland coffee shop, is closed through the holidays after a viral video showed anti-Israel graffiti in the restroom. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Former employees of an Oakland coffee shop said they were thrown under the bus after a video of anti-Israel graffiti in the cafes restroom went viral on social media, leading three employees to be fired. Farleys East in Oakland has been shut down since last week, when a video showing the phrase Zionism = fascism written on the restrooms mirror was shared thousands of times on various social media platforms. But employees said the graffiti had been up for months and the business owners never addressed it until it started getting attention online. The video was taken on Dec. 3, according to Former Farleys East United a group of current and former employees speaking out about their treatment. The group said in a statement that the customer approached staff to complain about the graffiti. After letting the woman speak, a manager then asked her to step aside so the staff could continue distributing drinks, but the woman refused and became agitated, according to the statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its at that point the group said the woman began filming the workers asking her to leave and blocking her access to the restroom. Eventually, the video shows the employees letting the woman film the restroom, and then saying free Palestine as she left. The day after the video, another customer complained about the graffiti both in person and later over the phone, when she began to argue and yell, according to Former Farleys East United. Adan Ortega, a former assistant manager at Farleys East, said the graffiti had been on the mirror since October, but that the owners never addressed it or cleaned it off. There were several other pieces of graffiti and stickers on the bathroom walls and fixtures, none of which had ever been removed before, Ortega said. After the second incident, Ortega told owner Chris Hillyard about the harassment and asked him to take down the graffiti in order to prevent more customers from complaining. But employees allege Hillyard didnt take actions to investigate the two incidents with customers or remove the graffiti until the video began to go viral. Privately, Ortega said, Hillyard sent an email to employees calling the workers' comments inappropriate but saying the video didnt capture the full context of the situation. Publicly, Farleys East posted a since-deleted statement on social media saying staff handled the situation poorly and calling the graffiti in the bathroom hate speech. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That statement, and one other, were later deleted and replaced by a longer statement that said Farleys East would not tolerate behavior making anyone feel unwelcome or unsafe and announced that the three employees in the video had been fired. None of Farley's Easts statements addressed how long the graffiti had been up or whether management was aware of it. A representative for the coffee shop declined to comment further and said the cafe would remain closed for the holidays. All current employees are still being paid during the closure, according to the representative. By Thursday morning four days after the video was taken Farleys Easts phones were ringing nonstop, with some people telling employees they wanted the cafe to burn down and other saying they hoped the employees died, according to Ortega. That night and the following morning, the three employees seen in the viral video were fired, Ortega said. Three other employees, including Ortega, later resigned in solidarity over the owners behavior. The workers pictured in the videos continue to be harassed and doxed online, according to Former Farleys East United. The group has called for a boycott of the cafe until the owners meet several demands, including apologizing to the employees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ortega acknowledged that Farleys Easts owners were making decisions while dealing with intense harassment of their own. But he said the statements posted online seemed to be throwing staff under the bus in order to appease online critics. Ortega, who had been working at Farley's East since before the pandemic, said he felt confused and hurt. Former minister and ex-SAS reservist David Davis has been hailed a hero after he stepped in to stop two men attacking a homeless man near Parliament. The Conservative MP, 74, had just left the dramatic Rwanda vote in the Commons on Tuesday night when he intervened after seeing a 'spray of blood' and the attackers 'kicking seven bells' out of the man. As the thugs kicked the man in the head on Great Peter Street, Westminster, the former Brexit secretary put himself between the victim and the pair before scuffling with one of them. Did YOU see what happened? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk Guto Harri, ex-No 10 communications chief, said he also helped stop the attack at around 11pm on Tuesday, saying the intervention 'prevented a man being killed'. Mr Davis then let the rough sleeper, named Gareth, spend the night on his sofa at his nearby flat and took him to hospital on Wednesday morning after seeing he was still bleeding. David Davis has been hailed a hero after he stepped in to stop two men attacking a homeless man near Parliament Mr Davis then let the injured rough sleeper (pictured), who was identified only as Gareth, spend the night on his sofa The MP for Haltemprice and Howden, said of the brawl: 'I had to get between them, be very aggressive, one of them took a couple of swings at me and I had to deal with that, slightly manhandle him. 'I didn't hit them, if you hit them you've got to hit them really hard and you might kill them, so I tried not to get into that, otherwise I'd be talking from a prison cell. 'I was basically being very aggressive, one of them started to back away and one of them, the more aggressive one, was a bit shocked and that gave me time to get the victim on his feet and away. 'Eventually it was alright, I think the aggressive one decided he didn't want a straight-on confrontation with me.' He added that the altercation was over 'in a minute' and that his main concern was not his own safety but getting the man 'out of risk'. The Conservative MP, 74, intervened after seeing a 'spray of blood' as the attackers kicked the man's head Mr Davis told The Evening Standard, who first reported the story, 'It was messy, but he's all right. He's still alive and that's the important thing.' The veteran politician successfully passed the grueling SAS selection process 40 years ago. Asked by the newspaper if he employed any of his training when tackling the louts, he said: 'Only to stop them from hitting me, really.' While he admitted he has broken his 'nose and a few teeth in the past' while intervening in attacks previously, he said 'this time I was OK'. The White House cleaned up President Joe Biden's stunning rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the two men have a close relationship and that the U.S. will not second guess Israeli decisions. White House spokesman John Kirby was repeatedly grilled in Wednesday's press briefing on what was President Biden's intention when he said Israel is losing support across the globe and its conservative government needs to 'change'. Kirby said Biden was merely expressing concern about civilian casualties in Gaza. He also reiterated Biden's support for a two-state solution after Netanyahu indicated he planned to keep Israeli troops in Gaza long after the fighting ended. 'He was expressing concerns that that that we continue to see civilian casualties in Gaza and, again, that we want to make sure that as they work to minimize that they actually have those kinds of results that they are able to minimize,' he noted. White House spokesman John Kirby was repeatedly grilled in Wednesday's press briefing on what was President Biden's intention when he said Israel is losing support across the globe Pressed repeatedly about the status of American-Israeli relations and if Biden was putting conditions on his support of the war against Hamas, Kirby said: 'He expressed those concerns as a real friend of Israel, somebody who loves and respects Israel and has for his whole public life.' He noted that Biden and Netanyahu remain friends. 'They have a long standing relationship. They're going to keep that relationship. They're going to keep talking. I think you can expect that he will be talking to Prime Minister Netanyahu in the future about what we can do to continue to support Israel.' The American reassurance came after Israel vowed its war against Hamas will continue no matter what and rejected one of Biden's key requests regarding the Palestinian Authority. 'Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,' its Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said. His double down came after Biden's rebuke of the Israeli prime minister. Netanyahu had his own response, using Biden's critique to rally the right in Israel by rejecting Biden's call for the West Banks Palestinian Authority to be revitalized in order to take over governing Gaza after the war. He vowed he 'wont allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo,' referring to the 1993 Oslo accords that was meant to allow limited Palestinian self-rule. The country's conservative right-wing hates the agreement. The Israeli Prime Minister also has indicated he will keep Israeli troops in Gaza indefinitely. Kirby on Wednesday noted Biden 'still believes that a two-state solution is possible. It's a vision, he understands it right now it can look a little elusive given what's going on in Gaza.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used Biden's critique to rally the right in Israel Biden has been supportive of Israel since the surprise attack by Hamas forces on October 7th killed 1,200 people. But his words of warning - given Tuesday behind closed doors at a political fundraiser - were his strongest echo yet of concerns about the collateral damage from Israel's military assault on Hamas: more than 18,000 Gazans killed and a massive humanitarian crisis in the West Bank. 'They're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place,' Biden said of Israel. But Israel is rejecting any idea of a reduction in forces or a ceasefire. 'A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel,' Cohen said. Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet with Netanyahu to discuss how long the fighting will continue. 'I will certainly be talking to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the war cabinet and the senior national security leadership of Israel, about timetables about how they are thinking about that,' Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal forum on Tuesday. But he wouldn't say whether or not he'd talk about pressuring Israeli officials to shorten its military campaign. The U.S. is starting to feel its own isolation when it comes to unabashed support of Israel. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council passed a cease-fire resolution - which the U.S. promptly vetoed. But, on Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelming supported a non-binding measure of the same proposal. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in October Biden is sending National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to Israel Netanyahu, meanwhile, has flatly rejected American plans for the future of the region. He ruled out any role for the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority in Gaza, which Washington wants to see, opening up a divide between the allies. 'There is disagreement about 'the day after Hamas,' Netanyahu said in the video statement posted on social media, 'and I hope that we will reach agreement here, as well. 'After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism,' Netanyahu said. 'Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahstan.' Sullivan said he would speak to Netanyahu and other officials about plans for the region after the war. 'We've been clear that we believe that reoccupation of Gaza is a bad idea,' he said. 'It should not happen. We believe that the Israeli government ultimately understands that as well. We also believe there will have to be some kind of interim security arrangement as we work on a long term political solution for both Gaza and the West Bank.' Biden has pressed for a two-state solution for the area. Israel has retaliated hard against Hamas since the terrorist group attacked on October 7th. But many nations are expressing concern about the number of Palestinian civilians being killed as Israel bombs Gaza. Nearly 16,000 Palestinians have been killed and most of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced since the war began. Damage also has been considerable. Nearly 40,000 buildings or about 18% of all pre-conflict structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip, a U.N. assessment showed on Tuesday. With little aid allowed into Gaza, Palestinians face severe food shortages along with a lack of water and other basic goods. Some worry that Palestinians will be forced out of the territory altogether. About 1,300 people on the Israeli side have died since the war began. Israel says Hamas still has 117 hostages and the remains of 20 people who died in while in captivity or during the initial attack. Child killer Jon Venables 'lost the plot' and 'went mad shouting and screaming' after losing his parole bid, it has been claimed. The Parole Board agreed on Tuesday that Venables, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James Bulger, remained a danger to children and could not be trusted outside of jail. James's mother Denise Fergus hailed the decision and said her child's killer should never 'see the light of day again' following the news he will be kept behind bars. Venables, now 41, was just 10 when he and another boy took toddler James from a shopping centre and tortured and killed him before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line in 1993. The parole board said they were concerned Venables has 'continuing issues of sexual preoccupation' and were 'not satisfied' he was safe to be back on the streets. A source told The Sun that Venables 'lost the plot' when told his bid for freedom had been rejected, adding: 'He went mad, shouting and screaming.' Ms Fergus told The Mirror yesterday: 'I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years so the decision to not let him walk free is the best thing that has happened to me for 30 years. 'It's a huge day for us. I could barely sleep for the dread and fear, one of the most evil men on the planet could be back on our streets. I had braced myself for his release.' Toddler James Bulger (pictured) was murdered after being kidnapped from a shopping centre and tortured James' mother Denise Fergus has said his killer Jon Venables should never 'see the light of day again' Jon Venables, pictured here in his mugshot, was 10 when he brutally murdered toddler James in 1993 She added: 'I don't think he should ever see the light of day again. I have never said that before but now I mean it. What he did to James and his reoffending actions after show he can't be rehabilitated.' Toddler James was murdered after being grabbed from a shopping centre by Venables and Robert Thompson - both aged 10 - before dragging him two miles to a rail line where they tortured and beat him to death. The men were released aged 18 in 2001 and given new identities. Venables was sent back to jail in 2010 and again in 2017 after he was caught with child sex abuse images on his computer. Thompson, also 41, has not reoffended. Venables' bid to be released from prison was rejected by the Parole Board just days after he claimed he was 'completely rehabilitated'. Ms Fergus said it is a 'day to celebrate', adding she feared he would 'harm again'. Kym Morris, spokeswoman and chairwoman of the James Bulger's Memorial Trust for James' mum Denise Fergus, said: 'This is the day Denise has waited for years. 'The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he'd harm again. This is a day we celebrate and we thank the parole board for making the correct decision.' James' father Ralph and his uncle Jimmy Bulger added in a joint statement they were 'relieved at the decision', and that Venables' continued offending after his release 'had a traumtic impact on us.' It was reported last week that Venables had claimed he was 'reformed' and 'no danger' to the public in his latest bid for freedom, sparking pleas from James's family to keep him locked up. He had been granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would 'harm his mental health' if it took place in public, but he did not attend to give evidence in person. Now after two weeks of deliberations, the Parole Board has determined that the child murderer is still too much of a danger to the public to be released. The news of his continued stay behind bars was greeted with joy by James's mum, Denis Fergus, who a spokesperson said was 'celebrating' the decision. Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, backed the decision to keep Venables behind bars. He said: 'James Bulger's barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Board's decision to keep his killer behind bars. 'Public protection is our number one priority which is why I opposed Jon Venables' release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders.' A spokesperson for the Parole Board told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Jon Venables following an oral hearing. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. Robert Thompson, who murdered James Bulger with Venables, has not reoffended since his release from prison 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. 'Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. 'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' 'Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.' It was reported last week that James' family had written to the Parole Board over suggestions that one of their son's killers could be released. A family source said last week: 'The family has written to the decision makers, saying they believe Venables is a danger to the public and to children, and that he needs to be kept locked up.' The insider went on to say that it should be 'a cut and dry case' and that were was no need for extra time to debate if 'monster' Venables should be released. Venables' parole bid has already sparked controversy after it emerged that he skipped giving evidence during the two-day hearing to prevent 'disproportionate emotional stress.' James Bulger was kidnapped by Venables and his co-accused Robert Thompson, before being killed and his body left next to a railway line in Liverpool Venables and fellow 10-year-old Robert Thompson horrified Britain when they snatched toddler James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. The pair kidnapped and tortured James, before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line 30 years ago. The child killers were convicted of murder in November 1993 and detained indefinitely. The pair were released aged 18 in 2001 after just eight years and given new identities. Thompson has not reoffended. Following his released in 2001, Venables was recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, having been found to be in possession of indecent images of children. Venables was turned down for parole in 2020 after serving his minimum 40 months. After his 2001 release he was given a new name - which may happen if he is freed again. Previous conditions placed on Venables included informing his parole officer if he ever got a job and getting their permission before leaving the UK. He had to regularly see a forensic psychologist and was banned from contacting Robert Thompson or any member of James Bulger's family. He also had to ask his parole officer for permission to leave Merseyside, stay overnight in the same house as a child under 16 or spend time with anyone under 12. Officer candidates who failed part of the Army's rigorous selection procedure are still being accepted for training, the Mail can reveal. Due to an unprecedented recruitment crisis, the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has lowered its entry standards and for the first time applicants who did not make the grade at the Army Officer Selection Board have been taken on. The shock move, decried by senior defence sources last night, comes amid deepening concerns about the size of the Army and its fighting capability. Under current plans, the Army will be reduced to just 73,000 full-time soldiers by 2025, with further cuts expected. There is also a 17billion shortfall in defence funding, according to the National Audit Office. Officer candidates who failed part of the Army's rigorous selection procedure are still being accepted for training, the Mail can reveal (File Photo) Colonel Hamish de-Bretton Gordon (pictured), a former AOSB instructor who also commanded the Army's chemical warfare regiment, said: 'For generations British Army officers have been regarded as the best in the world' Before this autumn, candidates had to pass the Army Officer Selection Board before attending Sandhurst. It consists of rigorous leadership and planning tasks, psychometric tests and interviews over four days. Colonel Hamish de-Bretton Gordon, a former AOSB instructor who also commanded the Army's chemical warfare regiment, said: 'For generations British Army officers have been regarded as the best in the world. 'Those generations have all had to pass AOSB. In my time I gauged very few failed who should have passed and vice-versa. Reducing standards, however excellent Sandhurst is, is a retrograde step to increase numbers. 'MoD should focus on reducing the administration blockages that mean it takes ridiculously long for applicants to get there and review medical standards which exclude perfectly capable individuals.' Before this autumn, candidates had to pass the Army Officer Selection Board before attending Sandhurst. It consists of rigorous leadership and planning tasks, psychometric tests and interviews over four days Last night the Army confirmed that passing AOSB was no longer a stipulation for entry to Sandhurst. It said its 'assessment methodology' had been reviewed, to include a 'greater emphasis on a candidate's capacity to develop even, if they narrowly missed out on passing AOSB under the previous criteria'. 'This helps us maximise the potential of all aspiring officers and has no impact on the standard required to commission into the British Army from RMAS.' The Army has also scrapped a 12-week preparation course for candidates who only just made the grade at AOSB. They are to proceed directly to Sandhurst. Privately, senior officers conceded the current recruiting environment is 'challenging'. In 2012 the MoD awarded a 495million ten-year contract for army recruitment to Capita. Despite failing to meet targets, the Capita deal was extended until next year, for another 140million. MPs on the Public Accounts Committee called Capita's performance 'abysmal'. Republicans in Congress have fired the starting gun on a monumental battle that could lead to Joe Biden becoming the first U.S. president removed from office - but there is still a long way to go. By authorizing a formal impeachment inquiry, the House GOP has increased the chance of Biden, his son Hunter and their associates, being dragged before Congress to answer questions about allegations of corrupt foreign business dealings. The Bidens could now have their bank records, mortgage details, emails, text messages and mobile phones subpoenaed, along with anything else Congress wants to see. Such impeachment inquiries into a president have been extremely rare throughout U.S. history. DailyMail.com breaks down what the vote means, what happens next and how likely it is Biden will be convicted: What is an impeachment inquiry? The Constitution gives Congress the power to impeach the president for treason, bribery and other 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' An impeachment inquiry can be launched by the Speaker, or by any member of Congress who secures a majority vote for it in the House of Representatives. In the Biden case several committees - Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means - have already been investigating allegations that he corruptly used the office of Vice President to help his son Hunter make money from deals in countries including China and Russia. Their discoveries included that Biden repeatedly met with his son's foreign business partners, and took him on Air Force Two trips. It contributed to the Republicans holding a vote to authorize the impeachment process to pursue more evidence. The committees will now be able to hold hearings and call witnesses, who could include Hunter, his business partners, and even Joe Biden himself. Ultimately, the findings of the various investigating committees will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee. What are articles of impeachment? The Judiciary Committee will prepare articles of impeachment, which are proposed charges based on the evidence. The Republican-led Judiciary Committee will then vote on whether to adopt the articles. If it does, then the articles will be sent to the House, which will debate them and then vote on whether the president should face a trial on the charges. Only a simple majority of the House - where the Republicans outnumber Democrats 222 to 212 - is needed to proceed. If the articles did pass the House then Biden would be officially 'impeached'. The ensuing trial of President Joe Biden would be held in the Senate, presided over by the Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts. The Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict the President and remove him from office. Joe and Hunter Biden are under investigation by committees in Congress Has a President ever been successfully impeached? In the history of the United States so far, no President has been convicted in the Senate. Donald Trump was impeached twice and acquitted both times in Senate trials. Bill Clinton was impeached and acquitted on charges of perjury and obstruction relating to the Monica Lewinsky affair. Richard Nixon resigned before he was impeached amid the Watergate scandal. President Andrew Johnson faced impeachment in February 1868 as a result of repeated conflicts with Republicans in the aftermath of the Civil War. The trial began when he was accused of violating The Tenure of Office Act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton from the cabinet. The impeachment vote failed by just two votes in the Senate. What does the Constitution actually say about impeachment? The United States Constitution says that the House of Representatives 'shall have the sole Power of Impeachment' and that 'the Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments(but) no person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two-thirds of the Members present' Impeachment can be pursued against the president, vice president, and other government officials. The process of impeachment started in England and it was later adopted by state governments in America. In the U.S. Constitution it became a key plank of the system of 'checks and balances'. It allows Congress charges to hold executive officials to account and remove them for 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' The wording 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors' was not defined further by the Founding Fathers and its meaning has long been debated. Why did Republicans choose to hold a vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry - even though they didn't need to? Throughout the Republican investigation into the Biden family and business deals, the GOP has accused the White House of stonewalling their requests for documents. The vote to authorize the impeachment inquiry, they say, will knock down this wall and allow them access to more files. Republican Rep. Tom Emmer told DailyMail.com: 'You do not need a full vote of the house to do an impeachment inquiry or to do the investigation that we're constitutionally obligated to do. 'That was something created under the last administration, with Nancy Pelosi and the sham impeachment where Democrats just ran into the room and said, "we've got a case". 'They filed articles of impeachment on a phone call. 'We're not going to acknowledge or we're not going to recognize these subpoenas as valid without a full vote. 'We're going to have to go to court to get these enforced anyway. You might as well eliminate any objection that they have.' How likely is it that Biden will be impeached? Speaker Johnson is plowing ahead with the impeachment vote and betting the slim Republican majority won't stand in the way. But the GOP still has a long, uphill battle to get to a conviction. The articles of impeachment still have to be approved in committees and then a majority in the House needs to approve them. When the trial reaches the Senate, Republicans need a two-thirds majority for a conviction. There are 48 Democrat Senators and three Independents who tend to vote with them. It means Republicans would struggle to get close to the votes needed. Sir Keir Starmer was yesterday facing questions about whether he forced out Wales's Labour First Minister to boost the party's chances at the next election. Mark Drakeford announced his surprise resignation at a news conference in Cardiff. The 69-year-old triggered a contest to find his successor on the fifth anniversary of the day he became the country's leader. Welsh Labour sources speculated that Sir Keir was gearing up for the possibility of an early general election in 2024 and wanted Mr Drakeford gone because it could threaten the party's chances at the polls. Mr Drakeford's approval ratings have slumped in recent months amid chaos in public services and the NHS, with almost a quarter of the population on waiting lists and more than 26,000 people still waiting over two years for treatment. Sir Keir Starmer (right) was yesterday facing questions about whether he forced out Wales's Labour First Minister to boost the party's chances at the next election. Mark Drakeford (left) announced his surprise resignation at a news conference in Cardiff Welsh Labour sources speculated that Sir Keir was gearing up for the possibility of an early general election in 2024 and wanted Mr Drakeford gone because it could threaten the party's chances at the polls Meanwhile, drivers have been angered by the rollout of blanket 20mph zones on roads that used to be 30mph and a ban on building new motorways over fears about rising carbon emissions. The country's education system is at the bottom of UK league tables. A furious backlash was sparked when Mr Drakeford's administration announced plans to spend nearly 18million a year more adding 36 more politicians to the Welsh Parliament despite moaning that there is not enough money to deliver its priorities. And in June the Labour-run administration was accused of acting like a 'nanny state' after banning meal deals deemed to be too high in fat, sugar or salt. A Welsh Labour source said: 'It seems pretty obvious that the party leadership sees Mark as toxic and has asked him to step aside in the event that the election comes earlier. They know his record will be used by the Tories to beat up Keir.' There is growing speculation among MPs that Rishi Sunak may call an election in the first half of 2024 if his Rwanda Bill runs into further trouble in the Commons. In October Sir Keir said that he 'can't pretend' there are not 'challenges' in his relationship with the Welsh administration in Cardiff. The Labour leader yesterday hailed Mr Drakeford as a 'titan' of Welsh politics. But later, his spokesman wouldn't say whether he was sad to see the First Minister go. Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: 'Mark Drakeford served Wales through some of our most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and I wish him all the best in his retirement. The Labour leader yesterday hailed Mr Drakeford as a 'titan' of Welsh politics. But later, his spokesman wouldn't say whether he was sad to see the First Minister go 'However, he is leaving behind many large elephants in the room. Let us not forget that the Welsh government's policies are Sir Keir Starmer's 'blueprint' for the rest of the United Kingdom.' Mr Drakeford had previously announced his intention to quit the Welsh Parliament at its next elections in 2026. He was first elected in 2011 as the member for Cardiff West and served in various ministerial roles from 2013 until becoming First Minister and Welsh Labour leader in December 2018. At the beginning of this year he was struck by tragedy when his wife Clare died suddenly. Yesterday he confirmed he is standing down immediately as Labour's Welsh leader, but said he would continue to serve as First Minister until his replacement has been found. Police have shot a man dead after a disturbance at a motel. It's alleged the man went to the back of a motel on Herbert Street in Bowen, in Queensland's Whitsunday region, where a disturbance unfolded at about 5.30am on Thursday. Officers and paramedics attended the scene after a member of the public called in the altercation. He then entered the motel and returned with a large knife where he began threatening officers and paramedics, police say. It's alleged the man went to the back of a motel on Herbert Street in Bowen, in Queensland 's Whitsunday region, where a disturbance unfolded at about 5.30am on Thursday (stock image) Police then opened fire on the man. He was treated by Queensland ambulance and police officers already at the scene but they were unable to revive him. He died at the scene and a crime scene has been declared. 'This matter is under investigation by Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner, with the investigation subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission,' a Queensland Police spokesperson said. More to come. NEW If you've ever watched a science-fiction film from the 80s, you know that predicting the future of technology is never an easy task. But at CES 2024, some amazing gadgets are providing a glimpse into your future life. And, from transparent TVs and flying cars to gym leggings that zap you fit, that future is looking more like a sci-fi than ever. With ChatGPT having exploded into our lives last year, it is no surprise that CES has seen more than its fair share of nifty AI devices. So, whether you're looking for a robot butler or AI personal trainer, there might be a gadget coming soon that has just what you need. It'll be the first Blue Origin flight since September 2022 which ended in failure Flight window for the uncrewed launch opens on Monday, the firm has said It's been 15 months since its last launch, which ended in a disastrous explosion that set back operations for over a year. But now space tourism firm, Blue Origin, is finally preparing to fly again. The company, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has confirmed it will launch its phallic-shaped New Shepard suborbital rocket from West Texas as early as Monday. It will mark the firm's first mission since the dramatic uncrewed malfunction just over a minute after launch in September 2022 due to a failed rocket booster. No people will be on board next week, although the company does aim to send humans to space next year for the first time since August 2022. It will mark the first mission since a dramatic uncrewed explosion in September 2022 due to a failed rocket booster. The capsule - which would have had people inside had it been a crewed launch - shot away from the booster and eventually fizzled out (pictured) READ MORE Blue Origin's New Shepard has its FIRST failed launch flight The engine went out on the bootser a minute and five seconds after liftoff Advertisement Blue Origin confirmed the news with a post on X/Twitter. 'We're targeting a launch window that opens on Dec. 18 for our next New Shepard payload mission,' it said. This means Monday is the earliest the launch will take place, although it could be later on next week depending on what the weather is like at the firm's launch facility in West Texas. The flight will carry 33 science and research payloads for clients into space, including NASA and various US universities. Also on board will be 38,000 postcards sent in by students as part of a programme led by Club for the Future, Blue Origin's educational non-profit. Once the postcards come back to Earth, they'll be stamped 'Flown to Space' and returned to each student as a unique souvenir. However, the launch still needs to be cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has probed the September 2022 launch failure. In a statement to AFP, the FAA said it is 'continuing to work on outstanding items related to the license modification application.' A Blue Origin spokesperson said 'we expect to receive approval'. Jeff Bezos (pictured) wants to pioneer an era of commercialised space travel, although Blue Origin customers are currently having to pay several million dollars for the experience Prosperous times: Things were going smoothly for Blue Origin until the explosion in September 2022. Here, a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket lifts off with a crew of six, including Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of the first American in space Alan Shepard, from Launch Site One in west Texas, December 11, 2021 Blue Origin: The space firm launched by Jeff Bezos Amazon founder and outgoing CEO Jeff Bezos entered the space sector in 2000, two years before SpaceX was formed by Elon Musk. Based in Kent, Washington, it originally focused on sub-orbital spaceflight services, building cheaper, more reliable and reusable launch vehicles. The firm currently has two launch vehicles, the suborbital New Shepherd, named for the first American in space, Alan Shepherd, and New Glenn, named for John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth. Bezos has announced they are also working on New Armstrong, after the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, although no details have been revealed. Advertisement In September 2023, the FAA announced it had closed its probe into last year's crash, ordering the company to carry out 21 corrective actions before it could resume launches. A report blamed the failure of an engine nozzle caused by higher-than-expected engine operating temperatures. This caused the New Shepard rocket to fall back to the ground shortly after liftoff, even as the capsule carrying research experiments escaped and floated safely back to Earth. 'During the mishap the onboard launch vehicle systems detected the anomaly, triggered an abort and separation of the capsule from the propulsion module as intended and shut down the engine,' said the FAA. The fact the crew capsule ejected right away was viewed positively, suggesting that any crew would have been safe if they had been aboard. It was supposed to be the 23rd mission overall for the New Shepard rocket programme, but it ended up being the first to end in failure. If and when next week's flight is a success, Blue Origin will be looking towards its next round of crewed flights into orbit and back. After blasting off, lucky passengers travel at the speed of sound past the Karman line (the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space). They then float weightless for several minutes and 'witness life-changing views' of Earth, before descending gently under parachutes. Pictured, the interior of the Blue Origin crew capsule. Bezos wants to pioneer commercial space travel, although customers are having to pay several million dollars for the experience Blue Origin's New Shepard is made up of a rocket and nose cone with room for up to six passengers to travel up to 65 miles above the Earth It's unclear who will be on the next crewed Blue Origin flight into orbit, which is expected to happen next year. But Lauren Sanchez, Bezos' girlfriend, has already stated her intention to lead a crew comprised solely of women in early 2024. In all, Blue Origin has flown six crewed flights some passengers were paying customers and others flew as guests since July 2021, when Bezos himself took part in the first flight. These crewed flights have included celebrity guests who have flown for free, including Star Trek legend William Shatner. Blue Origin is also working on a moon lander, called Blue Moon, which it aims to launch in 2024. 'Blue Moon is a flexible lander delivering a wide variety of small, medium, and large payloads to the lunar surface,' the firm says. Advertisement Cold-packed lunches and soggy sandwiches could soon be a thing of the past with this high-tech satchel. The world's first 'microwave bag' offers piping hot food in minutes, no matter where you might find yourself. The bag can reach temperatures of 176F (80C) in as little as five minutes, according to its developers. Shaped like a laptop bag, the Willtex Willcook is designed to be slung over the shoulder to heat up food on the go. With an external battery clipped in, its creators say it has charge to keep your lunch toasty for up to eight hours. The Willtex Willcook bag claims to be the world's first 'microwave bag' capable of heating up food in as little as 20 minutes The bag comes with a detachable battery pack that provides enough power to keep food hot for up to eight hours at a time Created by Japanese company Willtex, the Willcook is 'a lightweight, portable, bag-shaped portable microwave bag made possible by a patented technology in which the cloth generates heat.' While the Willcook calls itself a 'microwave bag' it doesn't actually use microwaves to heat food. This differentiates it from the portable microwave developed by the Japanese tool manufacturer Makita. Instead of microwaves, the bag makes use of an advanced fibre material, developed by the Japanese Sanky Consys fibre technology. The Willcook would not be the first consumer product to implement heating technology into fabric designs. The Willcook bag uses self-heating fibres to reach temperatures of 176F (80C) in as little as five minutes This bag joins a host of heated coats, socks, and even shoe insoles designed to beat the cold. Last year, scientists from the University of Texas even developed a self-heating pillow and mattress designed to trick users into falling asleep. However, unlike these other inventions, Willtex claims that every individual fibre of this material is capable of producing heat itself rather than relying on other heating elements. Even while the material can be cut and sewn like any other cloth, its creators claim it can reach truly astonishing temperatures. Willtex says that the temperature of the material can be controlled anywhere between 104F (40C) and 482F (250C) - hot enough to fire pizza. However, it doesn't say whether the microwave bag itself will be limited to a safer, lower temperature. Its creators also claim that the Willcook's insulation makes it able to keep beers and other cold drinks cool for longer even in the hot sun The inner layer, which contains the heating elements, also contains a material treated to resist oil, water, and stains when heating food. This is then contained in a layer of insulation to prevent the bag from becoming uncomfortably hot when carrying it. Finally, the outermost layer is a twill material which makes the Willcook appear like any other laptop bag. The internal temperature can be checked on and adjusted on the fly using the 'HOTOPIA' companion app. The bag won't just be useful for winter, as the insulated layer can also keep drinks cool. Willtex said: 'WILLCOOK also has a high cooling power due to the effect of the heat insulating cotton and the aluminium film with high heat shielding effect that are included for heat retention.' The site oddly claims that beer can be kept at a 'delicious' 118F (48C) for up to two hours but this could be due to translation issues on the English language site. The bag is available in three different colours for 23,000 (126.05) while the battery is sold separately at 6,500 (35.62). The bag is now available for order on the Willtex website but delivery options are only available for Japan at the time of writing. Willtex says the Willcook will make an appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. A legacy business plaque is seen by the entrance to St. Marys Pub in San Francisco. The managaer of the city's Legacy Business Program is proposing changes to the way it makes grants to support historic bars, restaurants and other businesses. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A San Francisco program to support historic businesses could change the way it distributes about $1 million in grants each year, modifying a system that currently favors landlords. At a meeting of the citys Small Business Commission Monday, the Legacy Business Programs manager, Richard Kurylo, proposed changes that would require landlords to share the grants with their legacy tenants. He cited recent reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle as inspiration. San Franciscos Legacy Business Program was established in 2015 by the Board of Supervisors, with funding approved by voters, to preserve bars, restaurants, arts venues and other businesses more than 30 years old. Initially, the program made two kinds of grants: one directly to legacy business owners, and another to landlords that renewed the lease on a legacy business tenant for 10 or more years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But as more legacy businesses joined the registry, there wasnt enough funding for both grants. So since 2020, the grants of up to $24,609 each have only gone to landlords, who arent required to share them with their legacy business tenants. Under the current rules, the Office of Small Business cant force landlords to share their grants. Is there a way that landlords can share the funds with legacy businesses without going back to the voters? Kurylo said he asked himself. There is, he concluded, proposing that the city create a new legacy business fund in the administrative code. The new fund would require that landlords share at least 50% of the grant with legacy businesses. (Currently, about 60% of landlords share some portion of the grant by choice.) Katy Tang, executive director of the Office of Small Business, called the proposal a creative way around this problem we see, which is wed love for more of the funding to go directly into the hands of small businesses. The changes would first go before the Small Business Commission as an action item, then would require an ordinance passed by the Board of Supervisors and signed by the mayor. The city attorneys office has deemed the change acceptable, said Kurylo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If the changes are implemented, they might mean more funding for the citys nearly 400 registered legacy businesses, such as 12 approved by the Small Business Commission at the Monday meeting. Those included a Thai restaurant in the Castro, a collectibles store beloved by Robin Williams and Guillermo del Toro, and an arts organization co-founded in 1976 by Ruth Asawa. The owner of one new legacy business, quirky Sunset District scoop shop Polly Ann Ice Cream, thanked the program for support, which also includes free business consulting and an ineffable sense of pride. An extremely rare 'mutant' bird that is half male and half female has been discovered in Colombia. Scientists have revealed that a bird with half its feathers green and the other blue features both male and female characteristics. The mutant honeycreeper was spotted by an amateur birdwatcher last year, who snapped a photo and shared it with researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand. The team has finally determined the stunning, unique plumage is due to it having two sexes - females are green, and males are blue. Biologist Hamish Spencer, who was visiting Colombia on vacation, was floored by the sight, noting the observation is the first to be made in more than one hundred years of any green honeycatcher. Female green honeycreepers are usually green, and males are generally aqua-blue. This bird's dual coloration led scientists to conclude it was both male and female 'It is very striking, I was very privileged to see it,' he said in a statement. As if its colors didn't make it unique enough, Spencer and his colleagues suspected the bird was also half male and half female. Females of the species are usually green, while males tend to be aqua-blue. So, since the bird was half of each color, it stood to reason that the colors corresponded with the sex. The team said the bird is a particular example of bilateral gynandromorphy - male on one side and female on the other. Gynandromorphy is often seen in arthropods, including lobsters, crabs, spiders, and insects. Gynandromorphy is very rare in birds, much rarer than in insects or crustaceans. This specimen is only the second gynandromorph green honeycreeper ever reported. But it has been occasionally reported in birds, specifically in sexually dimorphic birds - those species whose males and females look very different from each other. 'In birds, the phenomenon is thought to arise as a result of an error during egg meiosis, with subsequent double fertilization by separate sperm,' wrote Spencer and his colleagues in their paper on the bird, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Field Ornithology. As a result, one side of the bird has female cells, and the other has male cells. Scientists suspected this bird could be a young male, because of the patchy pattern of its head feathers. But it was observed for almost two years, long enough for a bird to grow into adulthood 'Many birdwatchers could go their whole lives and not see a bilateral gynandromorph in any species of bird,' Spencer said in the statement. 'The phenomenon is extremely rare in birds, I know of no examples from New Zealand ever.' Indeed, this bird was only the second example of a gynandromorphic honeycreeper ever described in the scientific literature. The first, described over 100 years ago, was also half blue and half green but on the opposite sides from this one. 'This particular example of bilateral gynandromorphy - male one side and female the other - shows that, as in several other species, either side of the bird can be male or female,' Spencer said. The scientists explained that the new bird's color split was not precisely 50-50, but they were still confident that the bird was a gynandromorph. This gynandromorphic honeycreeper was seen feeding on fruit left out by a property owner In fact, the patterns on its head 'might be considered a little reminiscent' of those seen on a young male honeycreeper. But this doubt was dispelled by one huge clue: The reddish-brown irises of its eyes marked it as an adult. Plus, young male green honeycreepers' feathers do not molt in a half-and-half pattern, and this particular bird was observed for 21 months, much longer than the species' juvenile stage. Though the bird seemed to behave much like the other green honeycreepers in the area, it may have had trouble occupying a role in the bird society: It often waited until the other honeycreepers had left before it fed on fruit left out by the property owner. Advertisement Welcome to the world's biggest castle - so big it's practically a kingdom. Poland's Malbork Castle, a blockbuster Gothic behemoth spread across 52 acres (2.27million square feet) on the east bank of the River Nogat in Malbork, around 25 miles south of the coast. The show-stopping medieval leviathan - a Unesco World Heritage Site - took 132 years to build, contains 30million bricks and is around double the size of Buckingham Palace and four times bigger than Windsor Castle. There are three fortified castles within two rings of defensive walls; several hundred houses; granaries, and a labyrinth of moats, stairways, turrets, towers and halls. Enough for a lifetime of fairytale adventures. Britannica explains that the first bricks of Malbork Castle were laid in 1274 by knights of the Teutonic Order - a major religious movement in eastern Europe during the late Middle Ages - who secured the land from Prussian warriors. Behold the biggest castle in the world - Poland's Malbork Castle. This blockbuster Gothic behemoth is spread across 52 acres (2.27million square feet) Malbork Castle is situated on the east bank of the River Nogat in Malbork, around 25 miles south of the coast The show-stopping medieval leviathan took 132 years to build, contains 30million bricks and is around double the size of Buckingham Palace and four times bigger than Windsor Castle Malbork Castle was built in stages and was the headquarters of the Teutonic Order for some 150 years, according to the online encyclopedia. At its peak, the fortress could store enough food for 400 people for two years and was home to 3,000 knights and laymen who had 'easy access and control over trading ships arriving from the Baltic Sea', as highlighted by History Hit. The first of the three castles to be built was High Castle, described by Lonely Planet as 'the formidable central bastion that was begun around 1276'. Over the following decades, the site 'expanded considerably', with the addition of Middle Castle, built to the side, and Lower Castle, built further along, the travel publication explains. There are three fortified castles within two rings of defensive walls; several hundred houses; granaries, and a labyrinth of moats, stairways, turrets, towers and halls. Enough for a lifetime of fairytale adventures Britannica explains that the first bricks of Malbork Castle were laid in 1274 by knights of the Teutonic Order Visitors can tour parts of all three castle buildings including St Mary's Church (left) and Gothic-style corridors (right) Every year more than 300,000 tourists from 84 countries roam the site's treasures In 1457, it was seized by the Polish army during the Thirteen Years' War when the knights' military power started to break down. The castle then became the home of Polish kings, but later invasions meant it fell into decline and it was eventually taken under government protection in the 1800s, Lonely Planet adds. Today the castle is a museum, with Britannica describing it as 'beautifully restored'. Every year more than 300,000 tourists from 84 countries roam the site's treasures, which also includes the Summer Refectory, once a dining room hosting 'important ceremonies and meetings' in the Middle Ages, according to the castle's website. Visitors can explore the Summer Refectory, above, once a dining room hosting 'important ceremonies and meetings' in the Middle Ages, according to the castle's website At its peak, the fortress could store enough food for 400 people for two years and was home to 3,000 knights and laymen 'It served as an audience hall, where the grand master received foreign messages and distinguished guests,' it adds. 'Today we know that the walls of the hall were painted red at the time, and the vault was covered with lush plant tendrils, painted red and green.' The site also has several exhibitions displaying around 2,000 exhibits, including amber, weaponry and Neolithic and contemporary art. And the vistas? 'The best view is from the opposite side of the river - you can get there via the footbridge - especially in the late afternoon when the brick turns an intense red-brown in the setting sun,' Lonely Planet adds. For more information visit zamek.malbork.pl/en/home. A travel vlogger has shared the country they perceived as being the 'most underrated in Europe'. She began the video by saying: 'This is the most underrated country in Europe. It's super affordable coming from the west and I'm honestly not sure why more westerners aren't coming here'. Posting on her TikTok account @haleyandzach_, Haley added: 'There's beautiful architecture, monasteries, churches and castles. 'It's the birthplace of wine and the food is absolutely delicious so make sure to put [the city] on your bucket list'. Users in the comments blasted the vlogger for her apparent lack of geographical knowledge, even though she was correct to name Georgia as a European country, given that it lies in Eurasia A wide selection of Georgian wines are available to try from various different retailers The city in question is Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, which lies in both Europe and Asia. Pictured: the traditional Georgian dish of khachapuri, a cheese and egg pizza Georgia travel advice Advice on the Government website says that the political situation in Georgia is generally calm, and although homosexuality is legal in Georgia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. Same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted. Pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest. There are frequent small earthquakes in Georgia. The most recent significant earthquake took place in 2022 an earthquake measuring 6.2 struck 104km south-west of Tbilisi. Source: GOV.UK Advertisement The country in question is Georgia, which lies in both Europe and Asia. Users in the comments questioned the vlogger for her perceived lack of geographical knowledge, even though she was correct to name Georgia as a European country, given that it lies in Eurasia. One user commented: 'as someone from Europe we never learned that Georgia was a part of Europe'. A second questioned: 'Is Georgia in Europe?' A third wrote: 'I've heard so many good things about Georgia it's definitely in the bucket list.' The Embassy of Georgia's official website states the following on the country's geography: 'Georgia is situated in the Eastern European region of South Caucasus. In the southeast, it has a border with Azerbaijan, in the south with Armenia and Turkey, and in the north with Russia. 'The western part of Georgia meets the Black Sea, which connects Georgia physically to the European Union.' Other users were shocked to find out that wine originated in Georgia, as they wrote: 'Birth place of wine????? haahahahahah God Dionysus was from Georgia??' A response which confirmed the birthplace of wine read: 'Yeah. Armenians brought wine into the Mediterranean. In fact, they are a couple of thousand years older than Greeks'. The country is considered to be the birthplace of wine as archaeologists were able to trace the worlds first known wine creation back to the people of the South Caucasus, all the way back in 6,000BC. Inhabitants of Georgia at the time discovered that grape juice could be turned into wine by burying it underground during the winter months, per National Geographic. As Georgia is the oldest producer of wine, it naturally offers a wide variety, with the most notable being different variations from the country's Saperavi grape. This grape gives off aromas of autumn berries, ripe dark fruits, cassis and spice, with hints of leather, licorice, chocolate and coffee, according to Pocket Wine. During her visit to Georgia, Haley can also be seen trying another of the country's typical dishes, khinkali, which is a soup dumpling that has been delicately folded to create an easy finger food One drawback for British travellers could be the fact that direct flights to Tbilisi are currently unavailable from the UK, with holidaymakers needing to make a stop elsewhere, which you could choose to do in Istanbul. Pictured: A panoramic view of Tbilisi at sunset According to current data from flight comparison website Skyscanner, return flights from London to Tbilisi are available from 174. Pictured: A general view of Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi Attractions in Tbilisi include the towering Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Bridge of Peace, with local dishes such as khachapuri - a cheese and egg pizza - proving to be a popular hit with tourists. During her visit to Georgia, Haley can also be seen trying another of the country's typical dishes, khinkali, which is a soup dumpling that has been delicately folded to create an easy finger food. Among the best places to consume these soup dumplings are sakhinkles (khinkali houses) in Pasanauri, a village 50 miles north of Tbilisi, where wild mountain herbs accentuate the filling's flavour. Khinklis Sakhli is also a popular spot among locals back in the capital of Tbilisi. One drawback for British travellers could be the fact that direct flights to Tbilisi are currently unavailable from the UK, with holidaymakers needing to make a stop elsewhere, which you could choose to do in Istanbul. According to current data from flight comparison website Skyscanner, return flights from London to Tbilisi are available from 174. Nepali influencer Anjana Aryal went from homemaker to entrepreneur by sharing recipes on TikTok. But her lucrative business collapsed last month when the Himalayan republic banned the Chinese-owned short video app. Filming with her mobile phone in one hand and cooking with the other, Aryal rapidly became a social media star in Nepal last year, garnering millions of views from a following of nearly 600,000 people. That all came to a sudden halt when Nepal banned TikTok to protect 'social harmony', following similar restrictions imposed in other countries on concerns over data security, obscene content and its owner's alleged ties to the Chinese government. 'My life changed a lot because of TikTok. A lot,' Aryal, 39, told AFP from her home in Kathmandu. 'So many recognise me because of TikTok wherever I go.' Influencer Anjana Aryal, pictured, earned almost $3,000 (2,400) in October from endorsements on TikTok, but her income has been hit by Nepal's ban on the app Filming with her mobile phone in one hand and cooking with the other, Aryal rapidly became a social media star in Nepal last year, garnering millions of views from a following of nearly 600,000 people She earned nearly $3,000 (2,400) from endorsement deals just in October, more than double Nepal's average yearly income. Encouraged by her audience, Aryal also started a business selling her own brand of pickles, which saw her inbox flooded with orders. But since the ban, Aryal and other prominent Nepali content creators have seen their revenue streams dry up, jeopardising their livelihoods. 'People were earning, running businesses or just being entertained on TikTok. Everyone has been affected now and they don't know what to do,' she said. Owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet with more than one billion users. Its explosive growth has given its content creators and influencers an immense audience, and its editing features and AI-powered algorithm have proved particularly attractive. But the algorithm is opaque and often accused of putting users into content silos, and the platform has also been blamed for spreading disinformation. Encouraged by her audience, Aryal started a business selling her own brand of pickles, which saw her inbox flooded with orders It has faced intense scrutiny in the United States and other nations over user data security and the company's alleged ties to Beijing. Multiple countries have sought to tighten controls on TikTok, and the platform has been banned in neighbouring India. Growing criticism of the app has worried influencers around the world. Some, such as those in Pakistan, have lost income because of periodic government restrictions on TikTok. Others in the United States have voiced fears to local media about losing thousands of dollars in income if bans are enforced. Nepal's government justified its ban on the platform by accusing it of damaging the Himalayan republic's social fabric. It came days before a huge rally called by a prominent businessman who was using TikTok to organise a campaign demanding the reinstatement of Nepal's monarchy. 'My life changed a lot because of TikTok. A lot,' Aryal, 39, told AFP from her home in Kathmandu Owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet with more than one billion users 'So many recognise me because of TikTok wherever I go,' Aryal said Dozens of content creators staged a rally in Kathmandu demanding the ban be lifted last month. Advocate Dinesh Tripathi, who is challenging the decision in court, said the ban was an attack on people's freedom of speech because the government was fearful of 'dissenting voices'. 'The state's first and foremost duty is to facilitate the people to exercise their rights and freedom, not prohibit it,' he said. Manish Adhikari, who uses TikTok to discuss cars and Nepali start-ups, said he had several endorsement deals scuttled by the ban. 'Brands started to call me... and I wondered if I was getting out of business, is my work going to stop?' Adhikari said. Adhikari has shifted to Instagram, but the views and followings are a fraction of his earlier audience. 'I lost all my audience because I was not as active on any other platform,' he said. 'Now I have to start from zero.' Nepal banned TikTok in November to protect 'social harmony'. Pictured: A view on Namche Bazar in Nepal's Khumbu district There are around 2.2million TikTok users among Nepal's 30million people, according to the Internet Service Providers Association. But Monayac Karki, founder of Nepali influencer marketing agency Uptrendly, said TikTok's popularity had been rising exponentially. He added that the ban had torpedoed a market with an estimated worth in excess of $5million (3.99million) each year for advertisers and content creators, and which was set to grow rapidly. 'I really hope this ban is a temporary one and it will be lifted soon,' he said. She was left heartbroken in February when she discovered her fiance Dean Gibbs was sending flirty texts to one of her friends. But Married At First Sight bride Cheryl Maitland, 32, appears to have mended her fraught relationship, after she was spotted getting cosy with Dean on Tuesday. The on-off couple were seen enjoying a date at Burleigh Beach on the Gold Coast, looking very much an item as they strolled down the sand and lay in the sun together. At one stage, police officer-turned-plumber Dean lovingly placed a hand on Cheryl's derriere. Cheryl put her curves on display in a tiny pink-and-white triangle bikini, while tying her blonde locks into a topknot. Married At First Sight bride Cheryl Maitland, 32, (left) hinted that she's back with her fiance Dean Gibbs (right) as they enjoyed a romantic date at Burleigh Beach on the Gold Coast on Tuesday - months after she caught him sending flirty texts to her friend Her tattoo-covered lover meanwhile flaunted his muscle-bound torso in a pair of blue-and white striped boardshorts. Cheryl has not featured Dean on her Instagram since their fallout earlier this year, however the duo are still following each other's accounts. The sighting comes ten months after Cheryl dumped Dean after discovering flirty texts her fiance sent to one of her female friends, Maria Pepi. She posted the texts on Instagram upon discovering them on February 12, and called the pair two 'dogs' and said she 'hopes the sharks get these two' next time they go to the beach together. At one stage, police officer-turned-plumber Dean lovingly placed a hand on Cheryl's derriere The on-off couple looked very much an item as they strolled down the sand and lay in the sun together The leaked texts, which had a flirtatious tone, centred on Maria and Dean planning meet-ups as recently as January, including one time when they arranged to go for a 'crazy' sunrise swim and coffee together. Cheryl's angry reaction suggested Dean may not have told her he was catching up with one of her mates. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any infidelity took place. Cheryl put her curves on display in a tiny pink-and-white triangle bikini, while tying her blonde locks into a topknot Her tattoo-covered lover meanwhile flaunted his muscle-bound torso in a pair of blue-and white striped boardshorts Cheryl has not featured Dean on her Instagram since their fallout earlier this year, however the duo are still following each other's accounts The sighting comes ten months after Cheryl dumped Dean after discovering flirty texts her fiance sent to one of her female friends, Maria Pepi He also appears to have tried to conceal the texts on his phone by saving Maria under a man's name, 'Andrew Galata - Burleigh.' However, Cheryl was allegedly able to prove he was texting her friend by cross-refencing the number for Maria on her fiance's phone with Maria's number in her own contacts. Maria had been pictured with the couple in multiple Instagram posts, which suggests the trio have been good friends for a while. Cheryl, who was famously matched with two grooms on season four of MAFS, had been dating disgraced former Victoria Police officer since early 2017. The couple became engaged in March 2022 and he announced the news on Instagram with the caption: 'Pop the champagne, she's changing her last name!' The leaked texts, which had a flirtatious tone, centred on Maria and Dean planning meet-ups as recently as January, including one time when they arranged to go for a 'crazy' sunrise swim and coffee together Dean also appears to have tried to conceal the texts on his phone by saving Maria under a man's name, 'Andrew Galata - Burleigh' 'Fake influencer' Suzan Mutesi is coming up in the world. The Australian-Ugandan influencer, 37, who was once labelled a 'pest' for 'gatecrashing' the Logies, recently turned heads at the British Fashion Awards. Wearing a very revealing dress supplied by a luxury formal dress hire company OMT Formal House, Suzan rubbed shoulders with the likes of Amal Clooney and Kate Moss at the star-studded event. Constructed primarily of sheer yellow tulle, the dress' eye-popping chest section revealed everything underneath including Suzan's decision not to wear a bra. As a result, many of the public photos had to blur the influencer's nipples. 'Fake influencer' Suzan Mutesi is coming up in the world. The Australian-Ugandan influencer , 37, who was once labelled a 'pest' for 'gatecrashing' the Logies, recently turned heads at the British Fashion Awards Wearing a very revealing dress supplied by a luxury formal dress hire company OMT Formal House, Suzan rubbed shoulders with the likes of Amal Clooney and Kate Moss at the star-studded event Her hair was styled in long cornrows dyed white, and she completed her look with pearls from Pandora and small black handbag by Freelance. Suzan's customary 'face-tuning' and photoshopping of other photographer's work was also on full display, with the social media star sharing altered pictures of herself to her Instagram account. Suzan, who has been accused of purchasing some of her 1.2 million followers on Instagram, is open about her photoshopping skills and earlier this year spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about her 'digital artistry.' Many of the public photos had to blur the influencer's nipples Her hair was styled in long cornrows dyed white, and she completed her look with pearls from Pandora and small black handbag by Freelance 'Sometimes the main photographer... will not bring their lights. So not all the camera settings are set to accommodate for a dark skin girl or other skin tones,' she explained to Daily Mail Australia. 'It depends also on the room. Sometimes the lighting in the room... like the room is beautifully decorated but it's got shadows and its dark.' Suzan, who was accused of photoshopping a lion's head on her shoulder to look like Kylie Jenner in May, explained she often makes sure to use the ProRAW settings on her iPhone before having someone else take snaps of her from low angles. Suzan's customary 'face-tuning' and photoshopping of other photographer's work was also on full display, with her sharing altered pictures of herself to her Instagram account. Pictured: Suzan before and after her photographic alterations She then puts them through apps like FaceTune and Photoshop on her phone to create a more enhanced version of her red carpet pictures. 'It helps when you have a good foundation obviously. If you don't look amazing you're not going to get the best shot,' she joked. As for the dark smoky eye makeup which suddenly appears in many of her Instagram photos, Suzan said poor lighting is to blame. Suzan rubbed shoulders with the likes of Kate Moss (left) and Amal Clooney (right) at this year's Fashion Awards 'That's what happens when you have down lights. It dims your face, it doesn't lighten it up,' she said of her official red carpet snaps. 'So when I brighten up that photo, it highlights the features and the eyes, but you can also go on PhotoTune and highlight your eyes in a way that heightens the liner just a bit so you see exactly how the eye is.' Suzan revealed her favourite go-to editing app is FaceTune which she will often use for event photos when there is poor lighting. She said the iPhone Photoshop app also makes it into her arsenal sometimes, but 'you have to make sure you photo is in a good setting' before you edit it in the app. Suzan Mutesi has finally opened up about her Photoshop skills after months of making headlines for her highly edited Instagram picture. Left, before editing. Right, after editing 'Having those settings before taking the photo helps you amp up your photo because you can't just drastically go from one thing to the other unless you're just having fun,' she said. Suzan has been called out several times by influencer watchdogs and media headlines for heavily editing her photos. She often adds designer items or changes backgrounds completely so she appears to be living a more luxurious lifestyle than she really is. However, Suzan likened her chronic photo editing to Chris Hemsworth becoming Thor for a movie, or Beyonce sharing a professional glam photo of herself online. 'Barbie doesn't look like Barbie every day. She's just an ordinary girl in jeans... Sometimes people will hate, but I'm a digital artist and I love it,' Suzan said. She added: 'You're not that person, but it just looks better on your socials and it just highlights that life better.' Television star Julian Morrow has lost his last bid to overturn a court's decision he was not defamed by a former business partner who once dubbed him 'Lord Voldemort'. The High Court's refusal to grant Morrow leave to appeal against an earlier ruling against the founding member of The Chaser comedy team could set him back more than $2.5million in legal costs. Morrow had unsuccessfully sued fellow TV producer Nick Murray who referred to him as the supreme villain from the Harry Potter books and films. Murray is a co-founder and managing director of CJZ, the production company behind popular programs including Bondi Rescue, Go Back to Where You Came From and Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery. Television star Julian Morrow (above) has lost his bid to overturn a court's decision he was not defamed by a a former business partner who once dubbed him 'Lord Voldemort' After six judges of the High Court rejected Morrow's appeal, Murray compared his foe to the knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail who refuses to give up a fight even after his four limbs are lopped off. 'The whole thing is a ridiculous farce and a massive own goal for Morrow,' Murray told Daily Mail Australia. 'This case highlights a weakness in the Australian legal system where we have had to spend millions of dollars defending a legal case that had no merit and during which Morrow kept coming at us like Monty Python's Black Knight. 'We had no way of stopping the case, which could have destroyed our company, other than by spending more money to defend the litigation, including on the hopeless High Court appeal.' Morrow told Daily Mail Australia the High Court outcome was 'disappointing' and referred to some findings made in his favour in the original NSW Supreme Court case. 'I agree with Nick this whole thing has been a ridiculous farce,' he said. Julian Morrow (second from right) and erstwhile business partner Nick Murray jointly produced a consumer affairs show called The Checkout (above) which ran for six seasons on the ABC Morrow and Murray, both of whom are legally qualified, had jointly produced consumer affairs show The Checkout which ran for six seasons on the ABC from 2013. The program, which used a satirical sketch-comedy format to highlight misleading, dishonest and unethical practices of well-known brands, was cancelled in 2018. Murray agreed to sell Morrow his share of the pair's TV production company for $50 before learning his onetime partner was pitching a show similar to The Checkout to the ABC without him. Nick Murray (above) learnt his onetime partner was pitching a show similar to The Checkout to the ABC without him Morrow's proposed program, Are You Being Served? did not go ahead after Murray refused to sign a deed to release their joint venture The Checkout Pty Ltd. What followed was a years-long multimillion-dollar legal dispute which saw Morrow engage barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC to claim Murray had breached their sale agreement. Chrysanthou is currently representing Lisa Wilkinson in the defamation action brought by alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann against the journalist and Network Ten. She has in the past successfully acted in defamation proceedings for other high-profile clients including Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and actor Geoffrey Rush. Murray, whose company also produces Gruen for the ABC, launched a counter-claim that Morrow had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by attempting to revive The Checkout. Morrow alleged a series of angry emails Murray sent to ABC management contained 'injurious falsehoods' that implied he had fraudulently deceived Murray. In one email Murray referred to Morrow as Lord Voldemort and threatened to discontinue Gruen XL - an extended version of the program which runs the night after its original screening - if the national broadcaster developed a show with Morrow. Nick Murray's email to ABC dubbing Julian Morrow 'Lord Voldemort' Nick Murray wrote to Michael Carrington, then acting head of content distribution at the ABC, on September 13, 2019. In this edited extract of his email Murray refers to Julian Morrow as 'Lord Voldemort' and mentions discontinuing his production of Gruen XL. [Gruen XL ran on ABC2 the night after Gruen screened on the main channel and included extra discussions on the topics covered in the original]. 'FYI, we are paid $1450 per week for Gruen XL. When we agreed to start Gruen XL, we had no idea how hard it would be to do. I suspect that is why no one else is doing a similar thing.' 'It is a significant exercise for me personally as I cut the show because the rest of the team are working on the following week's show by Wednesday. It is very difficult and results in me having a 14 hour day in the edit suite running two edits and two audio suites concurrently. 'So Gruen XL is a source of some frustration. 'That is the background to my comment that my enthusiasm for Gruen XL will reduce to zero in the circumstances you describe below. I have offered to repay the $1450 per week personally so neither the ABC, nor [Cordell Jigsaw] is out of pocket. 'On the other hand, I have been very disappointed by the refusal of ABC legal to provide the documents we've been seeking. We are stuck in the middle here and are receiving no assistance in our attempts to resolve it. The ABC is in possession of the material which would enable us to prove or disprove our suspicions. We've already spent a huge sum on legal fees and have received another threat of legal action this week. It is debilitating. 'That is why I don't want to continue Gruen XL if there is a new show developed with Lord Voldemort. 'As an aside, I wrote to [ABD managing director] David Anderson some weeks ago about this issue requesting a meeting and never heard back. That doesn't shout valued partner to me.' Advertisement Morrow, who claimed Murray sought to 'destroy him and his relationship with the ABC', called character evidence from witnesses including the broadcaster's medical expert Dr Norman Swan and former Labor senator Kristina Keneally. Last year a NSW Supreme Court judge awarded Morrow $35,000 in defamation damages but the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling. Justice Christine Adamson found in June that Murray had made out the defence of qualified privilege as the ABC had a commercial interest in negotiations between him and Morrow, and he was entitled to update management about them. She ruled Morrow had not proved his erstwhile business partner was acting with express malice when he sent the emails, as he believed his allegations to be true. Morrow is a foundering member of The Chaser satirical comedy team. His failed court action against Nick Morrow resulted in an order he pay what has been estimated as more than $2.5million in legal costs Morrow also failed in his appeal against a finding he had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by not informing Murray of his attempts to resuscitate The Checkout. 'His failure to disclose his negotiations with the ABC constituted misleading or deceptive conduct,' Justice Adamson found. Morrow's company, The Checkout Pty Ltd, was ordered to pay $500,000 to Murray's company, CJZ - formerly known as Cordell Jigsaw - in damages. Morrow, who was also ordered to pay Murray's legal costs for both proceedings, said he was 'very disappointed by this outcome'. 'We need to absorb the decision and work out what's best from here,' he told Nine Newspapers at the time. Morrow subsequently sought to appeal both decisions to the High Court which on December 7 refused him leave and awarded he pay Murray's costs. In the attempted defamation appeal, the court found 'the application does not raise a question of law of general importance and has no apparent prospect of success'. In the commercial appeal, the court stated 'the grounds of appeal proposed in the application raise no question of law of general importance and have no apparent prospect of success'. Gemma Collins dressed up as a fairy Godmother as she promoted Heathrow Express' new Elf Concierge Service at London's Paddington train station. The former TOWIE star, 42, stole the scene in the lilac sparkling maxi gown looking like a real-life fairy. The TV star dazzled in a beaded tiara and sported a glamorous make-up palette with thick eyeliner, pink lipstick and matching eyeshadow. The bardot number featured a matching sheer tulle on her upper body, decorated with sparkling embellishments. The actress became one of Santa's helpers as she assisted festive train travellers with their luggage, while promoting the launch of Heathrow Express' new service. Gemma Collins dressed up as a fairy Godmother as she promoted Heathrow Express' new Elf Concierge Service at London's Paddington train station The former TOWIE star, 42, stole the scene in the lilac sparkling maxi gown looking like a real-life fairy Elves were on hand to help passengers with their heavy bags and offer travel advice. Gemma radiated happiness while beaming for the camera, while she was also seen handing out free teddy bears to passersby. The Real Full Monty sensation looked stunning as she rocked her long platinum tresses in flawless waves. The free service will run up until December 17 at the Paddington station to help the extremely busy flow of travellers over the yuletide season. The media personality posed alongside the elves as she did the ribbon cutting, celebrating the launch of the brand-new service. The star brought a typically vibrant vibe to the event, and also posed up with the teddy bears for a promoting photoshoot. Gemma looked in her element as she also stopped to chat with some fans and was seen taking a selfie with some of her admirers. The Dancing On Ice star was cheered by the crowd and beamed down the lenses as she posed with some of the travellers, and helped setting off their journeys. The TV star dazzled accessorising with a beaded tiara with gold leaves embellishments, and sported a glamorous make-up palette with thick eyeliner, pink lipstick and matching eyeshadow The actress became one of Santa's helpers as she assisted festive train travellers with their luggages, while promoting the launch of Heathrow Express' new service Gemma radiated happiness while beaming for the camera, as she was also seen handing out free teddy bears The Real Full Monty sensation looked stunning as she rocked her long platinum tresses in flawless waves The star brought a typically vibrant vibe to the event, and also posed up with the teddy bears for a promoting photoshoot Gemma looked in her element as she also stopped to chat with some fans and was seen taking a selfie with some of her admirers 'Hopping on board your train, safe in the knowledge that you've got a very cute teddy to gift a loved one at the other end is a really fun and lovely thing to do. I'm delighted to be helping launch this magical experience and seeing these bears go global,' Gemma said Gemma said thrilled of her experience: 'It's been great to help Heathrow Express launch their Christmas Elf Concierge service. I love this time of year and getting to spend it with family and friends.' 'Hopping on board your train, safe in the knowledge that you've got a very cute teddy to gift a loved one at the other end is a really fun and lovely thing to do,' she continued. 'I'm delighted to be helping launch this magical experience and seeing these bears go global.' A Heathrow Express spokesperson said: 'Gemma lit up the platform in a dazzling Fairy Godmother gown and surrounded by a team of elf helpers, kicked off the campaign aimed at spreading some global festive cheer.' Armie Hammer took to Instagram Stories Tuesday with a quote from nun Pema Chodron about 'letting go of everything' and healing, nearly two years after his star was dimmed by a sexual abuse and cannibalism controversy. Hammer, 37, posted the quotation to his 1.1 million followers that read, 'Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us. 'This is the spirit of true awakening. It was all about letting go of everything. Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing.' The quote reposted by the Santa Monica, California native continued: 'We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things dont really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. Its just like that.' Chodron's statement said that 'the healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.' Armie Hammer, 37, took to Instagram Stories Tuesday with a quote from nun Pema Chodron about 'letting go of everything' and healing, nearly two years after his star was dimmed by a sexual abuse and cannibalism controversy. Pictured in LA in 2019 The quote had been published in Chodron's 2016 book When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times The quote, published in Chodron's 2016 book When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, continued, 'When we think that something is going to bring us pleasure, we don't know what's really going to happen. When we think something is going to give us misery, we don't know. 'Letting there be room for not knowing is the most important thing of all. We try to do what we think is going to help. But we don't know. We never know if we're going to fall flat or sit up tall.' The quote concluded: 'When there's a big disappointment, we don't know if that's the end of the story. It may be just the beginning of a great adventure.' Hammer, who returned to the social media platform last month, spoke about overcoming 'land mines' over the past few years in a November 4 post in which he could be seen working out with a landmine press in what appeared to be a large, unfinished basement. In text added towards the bottom of the clip, Hammer said, 'Been a lot of land mines over the last couple years....finally found one that works for me #landminepress.' The actor, who's appeared in films such as Call Me By Your Name, The Lone Ranger and The Social Network, expressed his gratitude for the 'support' that he has received since his return to Instagram. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. star wrote out to his fans, 'All jokes aside thank you all for the love and support.' Hammer the following day took to the site with a post posed alongside friends on the beach, saying, 'When the LA welcome committee demands you do a cold water plunge in the ocean right when you get off the plane' Hammer spoke about overcoming 'land mines' over the past few years amid allegations of both cannibalism and sexual assault in a video November 4 Hammer the following day took to the site with a post posed alongside friends on the beach His latest posts come three days after the actor made his return to Instagram amid a turbulent few years which saw him shunned from Hollywood following the emergence of sexual assault allegations. Hammer reappeared on the app with a bizarre video without an explanatory caption. He appeared to be sitting on a train with a laptop resting on his lap as a clip from the 1968 mystery movie The Swimmer played on the computer. The comments section was flooded with welcoming posts from fans whom were happy to see the actor back on their Instagram feeds. The post came after the Los Angeles District attorney announced the actor would not be charged over claims of sexual assault. It also comes after the end of his marriage to Elizabeth Chambers. The Social Network star had been under investigation for sexual assault since February 2021 after his ex-girlfriend, Effie Angelova, 26, accused him of 'violently' raping and abusing her in 2017. In May, the LA County District Attorney announced the actor would not be charged over claims of sexual assault following Effie's accusations of rape. Hammer posted a statement to his Instagram account after a spokesperson LA DA George Gascon announced he wouldn't face charges due to a 'insufficient evidence.' The Call Me By Your Name actor could be seen working out with a landmine press in what appeared to be a large, unfinished basement Hammer also expressed his gratitude for the 'support' that he has received since his return to Instagram and wrote, 'All jokes aside thank you all for the love and support' 'I am very grateful to the District Attorney for conducting a thorough investigation and coming to the conclusion that I have stood by this entire time, that no crime was committed,' Hammer wrote. 'I look forward to beginning what will be a long, difficult process of putting my life back together now that my name is cleared.' (The post no longer appears on his Instagram.) Tiffiny Blacknell, Director of the DA's Bureau of Communications, said in a statement that they were not able to prove Angelova's claims. 'Sexual assault cases are often difficult to prove, which is why we assign our most experienced prosecutors to review them.' 'In this case, those prosecutors conducted an extremely thorough review, but determined that at this time, there is insufficient evidence to charge Mr. Hammer with a crime,' she said. 'As prosecutors, we have an ethical responsibility to only charge cases that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. We know that it is hard for women to report sexual assault,' Blacknell added. She did say that the county would continue to provide support to alleged victims with services. He has denied the accusations of rape through his attorney and said all of his sexual encounters were 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance and mutually participatory.' He appeared to be sitting on a train with a laptop resting on his lap as a clip from the 1968 mystery movie The Swimmer played on the computer The Los Angeles District attorney announced the actor would not be charged over claims of sexual assault and also after the end of his marriage to Elizabeth Chambers; seen in 2018 Several other women came forward and accused Hammer of being interested in kinky sex and even cannibalism in the wake of Angelova's claims. The Social Network actor was dropped by his personal publicist and former agency as well as multiple projects following the allegations. 'I'm not responding to these b******* claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic,' he said in a statement to the Daily Mail. The actor subsequently claimed he tried to commit suicide in the Cayman Islands following the backlash. The actor has admitted he was emotionally abusive towards his former partners, but blamed his actions on being traumatized by a youth pastor who allegedly sexually abused him when he was 13. The scandal began when the Instagram account House of Effie started leaking disturbing messages, said to be sent by him between 2016 and February 2020, that include conversations about BDSM, in addition to numerous sexual references to cannibalistic acts and blood-sucking. In one message, the actor allegedly writes to the woman: 'I am 100% a cannibal. I want to eat you. F**k. That's scary to admit,' the message continues. 'I've never admitted that before.' Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich then also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together. Lorenze told Page Six that the actor had carved the letter 'A' into her pelvis to brand her and then sucked the blood that oozed out. Hammer posted a statement to his Instagram account after a spokesperson LA DA George Gascon announced he wouldn't face charges due to a 'insufficient evidence' The actor was previously married to Elizabeth Chambers from 2010 until their divorce was finalized earlier this year in June; seen in 2018 in NYC Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich then also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together; seen in 2020 in Santa Monica, California In March 2021, Angelova officially came forward alleging: 'On April 24, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles, during which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall bruising my face. He also committed other acts of violence against me to which I did not consent.' Angelova said she thought Hammer was 'going to kill' her and claimed he beat her feet during the alleged attack 'so they would hurt', according to Variety. The 26-year-old claimed she met Hammer on Facebook when she was 20, before falling in love with the actor. But she has since said she fell victim to 'manipulation tactics'. Shortly after, the LAPD confirmed it was investigating the actor after a 'community member' came forward with an attorney on February 3, 2021, with a sexual assault claim. Hammer has continuously denied the allegations made against him. Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington is bracing for tropical Cyclone Jasper as strong winds hit the far north Queensland coast on Wednesday morning. The Sunrise host, 45, offered a firsthand account of the escalating situation during a live segment from Port Douglas. 'We are not far from our hotel, which is just across the road here,' he said, pointing to his accommodation. 'You can understand why that tide and storm surge is so critical to watch at the moment... [we] could get inundated,' he continued, pointing to the proximity of his location to the cyclone's path. The area, already littered with palm fronds and fallen coconuts, braced for the full impact of the storm, expected to make landfall around 6 or 7 PM. Shirvington then introduced viewers to Craig, the hotel manager, before the camera panned over to show damaged roofing at the entrance from the strong winds. Furniture from verandas, where guests would typically enjoy drinks and views, had been stowed away to prevent damage from the category two winds, which could reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. 'Many of those things, oddly, have been thrown in the hotel pool to keep it underwater [because] they don't have anywhere else to store it,' he explained. Sunrise host Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington has been caught in tropical Cyclone Jasper as strong winds hit far the North Queensland coast The 45-year-old offered a firsthand account of the escalating situation during a live segment from Port Douglas on Wednesday morning Matt's co-host Natalie Barr and presenter Matt Doran filled in at the Sydney studio 'These winds are getting stronger by the second.' 'There are residents still walking around, you've got to take care,' he warned viewers. Local police have warned of the severity of the situation, advising residents to exercise caution. Jasper is forecast to cross the coast somewhere between Port Douglas and Cape Flattery, about 440km north from Cairns and make landfall at about 6pm local time. The Cable Car Redux is seen in the Starlite Room at the Beacon Grand Hotel. The bar, formerly known as Harry Dentons Starlight Room, is reopening in February. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The Clarified Pornstar is seen in the Starlite Room at the Beacon Grand Hotel on Monday, December 11, 2023 in San Francisco, Calif. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle San Franciscans will soon once again sip cocktails and take in sweeping views from the historic rooftop cocktail bar on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand, formerly known as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, in Union Square. The bar at 450 Powell St., now renamed Starlite and opening on Feb. 2, 2024, was most famously known as Harry Dentons Starlight Room, named after the legendary barman and nightclub owner who died in 2021. It was once a place frequented by both locals and tourists, as well as celebrities and legends like poet Allen Ginsberg and writer Herb Caen over the years. The bar briefly rebranded as Lizzies Starlight in 2019 and shuttered soon after the pandemic, along with the hotel, which was renamed and reopened in 2022. To help breathe new life into the top-floor bar, the Beacon brought on an all-star cast to help on the beverage, food and design. Scott Baird makes a Pisco Punch in the Starlite Room at the Beacon Grand Hotel. Were trying to go back to making fun and interesting drinks, said Baird. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle On the drinks front, the hotel tapped the James Beard-nominated industry vet and Trick Dog cofounder Scott Baird. I wanted the menu to be effortless and easy, something that people can engage with and be entertained by, said Baird, whose final menu will contain 13-15 cocktails. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Take the Cable Car, for example, a sweet and sour rum-based cocktail created by Tony Abou-Ganim, an old bar manager in 1996. Baird riffs on the bars signature drink, adding his own San Francisco-inspired spin with the incorporation of Chinese 5 Spice Syrup (a nod in the direction of nearby Chinatown) as well as a tableside pour of coastal scented fog made by dropping dry-ice into water infused with a mix of redwood, cypress and eucalyptus essential oils. With the first couple sips, you get a coastal California smell, said Baird. It smells like Muir Woods. Then theres Bairds spin on the Pornstar martini, a cocktail created in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah in London at his bar Townhouse. Despite the name, the drink is not actually a martini, but is served in a martini glass, and is made with vanilla-flavored vodka and passion fruit along with a sidecar of Champagne; Baird clarifies his version and lines the rim with luster powder (a shiny edible glitter) that sticks to your lips after a sip. The Clarified Pornstar is seen in the Starlite Room. The drink is made with vanilla-flavored vodka and passion fruit along with a sidecar of Champagne. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Were trying to go back to making fun and interesting drinks, said Baird. We want the drinks to feel celebratory. On the food side, the Beacon brought on D.C.-based chef Johnny Spero, of Michelin-starred restaurant Reverie, to help create a menu of fun and snacky bites to complement the cocktails. Items include oysters on the half-shell, grilled and raw, hot fried chicken buns, and a churro tiramisu for dessert. Alice Crumeyrolle, a Ken Fulk alum who helped with the Boulevard refresh, provided the interior redesign. Under her own firm, Maison A., she adds an emerald and golden jewel tone color palette to the space, evoking the Art Deco era. Velvet upholstered banquettes and glass chandeliers add panache to the 360-degree city views. There will be 90 seats in the space, or slightly more depending on how comfy and close people get on the couches. The view from the Starlite Room at the Beacon Grand Hotel. The top-floor bar was previously known as Harry Dentons Starlight Room. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle There will also be nightly vinyl DJ sets and listening parties featuring a mix of funk, soul, disco and groove, bringing a touch of nightlife back to the space. Signaling its return, the recognizable star above the hotel has already been spinning, according to Baird. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Grace Dent reportedly decided to leave I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! after struggling to live with certain campmates. The food critic, 50, sensationally left the show after just eight days in the jungle 'on medical grounds', but will make an appearance in the Coming Out show on Wednesday. Now, sources are claiming that Grace decided to leave after finding it difficult to share a sleeping space with 'divisive characters,' and struggled with the 'lack of control' in the jungle environment. An insider told The Sun: 'Grace also tells how she found it hard being in camp with people who under normal circumstances, she wouldn't share a sleeping space with - and that includes divisive characters like Nigel [Farage]. 'She also is expected to lift the lid on the elements she found hard with camp life, including the 'lack of control' she felt, and there being ''nowhere to hide''.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Grace Dent for comment. Grace Dent reportedly decided to leave I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! after struggling to live with certain campmates The food critic sensationally left the show after just eight days in the jungle, but will make an appearance in the Coming Out show on Wednesday Grace is set to open up about her time in the camp in a sit-down interview that will feature during the Coming Out show. In it she recalled her toughest moments and confessed: 'Leaving my campmates and the girls will be the greatest regret of my life.' Her key takeaways from the experience were: 'Take risks, say yes, and the things that you think you can't do, you can.' Meanwhile, Britney Spears' sister, 32, admitted: 'The first few days in camp were tough for me.' Speaking about her fellow campmates, she added: 'These wonderful humans just scooped me up and brought out a side of me that I just didn't think that I had.' And it seemed as though her campmates left a lasting impression, as Jamie Lynn revealed: 'I think I wanna move to the UK, I'd like them to adopt me' adding: 'I've literally made life-long friends.' Grace became the first contestant to leave the show this year amid mounting speculation about her ill appearance, with sources telling MailOnline being voted for another gruesome Bushtucker Trial 'pushed her over the edge.' Jamie Lynn followed her exit citing 'medical issues', leaving the series in crisis after two stars opted to leave for the first time in the show's 21-year history. Now, sources are claiming that Grace decided to leave after finding it difficult to share a sleeping space with 'divisive characters' In an interview that will appear in the Coming Out Show, Grace recalled her toughest moments and confessed: 'Leaving my campmates and the girls will be the greatest regret of my life' The former campmates will join the rest of the cast including Jungle King Sam Thompson , 31, in their first sit-down interviews since fleeing Australia Jamie Lynn Spears followed Grace's exit citing 'medical issues', leaving the series in crisis after two stars opted to leave for the first time in the show's 21-year history Speaking about the pair returning for the show's reunion episode following their shock exits, a TV source told MailOnline: 'Jamie and Grace will be speaking for the first time since they quit life in the jungle. 'Viewers will finally get to hear first-hand the highs and lows experienced by both of the stars, who are yet to open about the reasons behind their shock departures. 'Grace goes into detail about the struggles she faced while Jamie hints that the love and admiration she has for her campmates will see her travel to the UK for a reunion.' On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title. The ITV final was watched by a peak audience of 7.6million and the series has reached over 25million viewers including across streaming platform ITVX. Sam was congratulated by his co-stars including This Morning host Josie Gibson who presented him with the floral jungle crown. The cast have since been enjoying their freedom and luxuries, sunbathing in Australia, with Sam singing JLS hits alongside Marvin Humes. Celebrating the end of the series with a party, the celebrities were reportedly 'tame' and opted out of a late night in favour of catching up with loved ones at home. Shortly after her return to the UK, Grace shared a post with her followers saying she was 'overwhelmingly sad' over having to leave the show earlier than anticipated On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title Shortly after her return to the UK, Grace shared a post with her followers saying she was 'overwhelmingly sad' over having to leave the show earlier than she anticipated. She explained that her 'wet' time in the jungle with no contact from friends and family left her in appreciation of 'normal life', which she now sees as 'beautiful.' Grace added: 'I didn't go out as I planned or I wanted, but I did what I could, and I did it in a siren red gel manicure without chipping a nail. I didn't cry when I took off my bra to find a family of mealworms living in the right cup. At some level, this *must* be an achievement.' Meanwhile, Jamie, who jetted back to the US after leaving the camp, described starring in I'm A Celeb as an 'incredibly special time' saying her co-stars were some of the 'best people' she had ever met. Jamie struggled from the get-go because she missed her children and the wet weather conditions also made her time in the jungle harder to cope with. Although her reason for leaving has not been officially revealed, Jamie spent a lot of her time on the show in tears and said being away from her two daughters became overwhelming. I'm A Celebrity... Coming Out will air on Wednesday 13th December, 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Julia Morris was all smiles on Wednesday after she received a complete cosmetic dental makeover in Melbourne. The veteran presenter, 55, shared a video to Instagram capturing her undergoing the treatment at a private clinic in the northern suburbs. She began the footage by showing her pre-treatment yellowing teeth and explained why she needed some cosmetic work on her chompers. 'My 55-year-old teeth guys. They're not all mine, some have been knocked out,' she said. Morris then revealed her friend recommended a local dentist to her who performs top-notch cosmetic treatments, so she quickly booked an appointment with them. She was then seen lying on the clinic's recliner as the dentist gave her teeth a thorough makeover. A post-treatment Julia then beamed from ear to ear as she flashed her brand new pearly whites to the camera. 'I could not be more pleased with the results, seriously! Got my smile a reboot. Thank you to the whole team. I can't stop smiling,' she tells her fans. Julia Morris (pictured) was all smiles on Wednesday after she received a complete cosmetic dental makeover in Melbourne The veteran presenter, 55, shared a video to Instagram capturing her undergoing the treatment at a private clinic. She begins the footage by showing her pre-treatment yellowing teeth and explains why she needs some stylish cosmetic work performed on her choppers Morris has been giving herself a glam new look since separating from her husband, and in August she called her post-divorce plastic surgery one of the 'best decisions' she's ever made. The comedian went under the knife and had an upper blepharoplasty, which improves the drooping eyelids, and a brow lift from renown Melbourne surgeon Dr Andrew Greensmith. Dr Greensmith shared striking before and after photos of Julia on his Instagram page, which showed Julia looking incredibly fresh-faced after the tweaks. She is seen lying on the clinic's recliner as the dentist gives her teeth a thorough makeover 'Best decision I ever made. You opened my eyes on so many levels. This comment is not sponsored. Just wide-eyed praise and so happy,' Julia wrote in the comments section. It comes after Julia announced her divorce from her husband of 16 years, Dan Thomas in May last year. During a candid interview with Stellar magazine she said the breakup was a long time coming. 'Let's just say I wasn't married to the person I thought I was,' Julia explained candidly. Scheana Shay got emotional while discussing how Vanderpump Rules' co-star Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal affected her. The reality TV star, 38, appeared on episode three of Bravo's Hot Mic podcast hosted by, Alex Baskin, on Tuesday, and shared she's had a difficult time trying to figure out how to navigate her friendships post Scandoval. Scheana teared up as she talked about the difficulties of dealing with the fallout from the scandal, after it was revealed that Tom, 40, had cheated on his longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix, 38, with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss, 29. 'Outside of Ariana, I feel like I was the person next mostly directed by all of this, but I'm not allowed to feel anything because it's not about me, because it's only about her,' she shared. 'I'm struggling with how can I tell my story while still keeping it about her. Because it's not about me, but it is kinda about me. Scheana Shay, 38, teared up on Bravo's Hot Mic podcast on Tuesday, while discussing how Vanderpump Rules' co-star Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal on Ariana Madix affected her 'Outside of Ariana, I feel like I was the person next mostly directed by all of this, but I'm not allowed to feel anything because it's not about me, because it's only about her,' she shared Last season it was revealed that Tom, 40, had cheated on longtime girlfriend Ariana, 38, with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss, 29; Tom and Ariana seen in 2021 'And it was so hard. And I don't know that Ariana will ever understand how hard this was on me personally. Because yes, it didn't happen to me. I wasn't cheated on. But there was a lot that he did do personally to me.' 'It was this whole inner struggle all season long where I'm like, I have things that I need to work through so I can sleep at night, so I can be a present mother,' she said as her eyes got teary. 'And I'm someone who always tries to work towards a path of forgiveness, because that's just who I am.' 'And so it has been such a struggle to try and stay loyal while working on putting myself first.' 'And just that whole struggle where it's like I always put everyone first and I feel like this is the first season where I'm like I have to do what's best for me first.' 'I lost weight after the scandal, I was in court after the scandal, I was fighting rumors online about my own husband after the scandal.' 'I mean, it really did a number on me that I don't think a lot of people realize,' she went on. 'It is, you know, an ensemble cast. It's not just Tom and Ariana, but I feel like this season that we just filmed, it was trying to figure that out.' 'I'm struggling with how can I tell my story while still keeping it about her. Because it's not about me, but it is kinda about me' 'I don't know that Ariana will ever understand how hard this was on me personally... it didn't happen to me. I wasn't cheated on. But there was a lot that he did do personally to me' Elsewhere in the podcast she revealed why she was spotted in Tom Sandoval's hotel room at BravoCon 2023 in Las Vegas Shay shared that she was in a discussion with Below Deck Down Under's Captain Jason Chambers when they all decided to move to Sandoval hotel room 'The bar closed, the lights went on. As we're all walking down the hall, that's where everyone else continued to go. We're like, "Well, we're having a great conversation, let's just go"' After her affair with Sandoval was exposed, Leviss quit the show and isn't expected to be back for future seasons; Pictured with Sandoval and Madix in 2022 'For me personally, trying to see, you know, do I just stay Team Ariana and say eff Tom forever?' 'Do I try and work towards a path of forgiveness for me personally? Do I try to be his friend again? Is that me being disloyal to her?' Elsewhere in the podcast she revealed why she was spotted in Tom Sandoval's hotel room at BravoCon 2023 in Las Vegas. 'The bar closed, the lights went on. As we're all walking down the hall, that's where everyone else continued to go. We're like, "Well, we're having a great conversation, let's just go."' Shay shared that she was in a discussion with Below Deck Down Under's Captain Jason Chambers when they all decided to move to Sandoval hotel room. 'We sat on the couch, as you see in the story Sandoval posted. I'm literally sitting in the corner talking to Captain Jason.' However, she did say she confronted Sandoval about the things he's been saying in regards to Ariana. 'After that, I pulled Sandoval aside. I told him I did not like the things that I heard he said about Ariana that day on the carpet. I said, "I don't care if you're saying she did this, you deserved what happened to you. I don't like that you're continuing to bring things up. You keep picking a scab. I need you to let her heal."' 'Talk about anything else in your life, but let her be,' she continued. 'I literally put him in his place and Captain Jason can attest to that. He was there for part of the conversation where I'm yelling at Sandoval in his room.' After Leviss' affair with Sandoval was exposed, she quit the show and isn't expected to be back for future seasons. In the extended trailer for Season 11 Vanderpump Rules released on Monday, Tom Schwartz drops the bombshell that he has previously 'made out' with fellow reality star Scheana 'Ive cheated. I was a makeout slut. I made out with Scheana in Vegas and nobody knows that,' he reveals Scheana's podcast appearance comes a day after the extended trailer for Season 11 of the Bravo series was released, where Tom Schwartz dropped the bombshell that he previously 'made out' with Scheana. 'Ive cheated. I was a makeout slut. I made out with Scheana in Vegas and nobody knows that,' he told Lala Kent. While the timing of the Las Vegas tryst between Schwartz and Shay is unclear, Kent is visibly shaken and responds 'What?' Later in the explosive clip, Schwartz tells his ex-wife Katie Maloney, 'It was just one kiss,' as she fires back, 'My feelings never mattered to you.' Vanderpump Rules returns Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m. on Bravo. Advertisement Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori broke into uncharacteristic laughter as she got a lap dance in a restaurant in Miami on Sunday. The Australian designer, 28, who is known for regularly sporting a stoic look alongside her flesh-fleshing outfits, couldn't contain her amusement as friend DJ Sky High Baby began gyrating on her as she sat next to West, 46. Bianca, who was flashing her bare bust in a flesh-colored bodysuit, was seen laughing and encouraging her friend as they twerked on her lap - as an oblivious West chatted with pals at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen - where he held his album listening party. The star wore a furry hat as she loudly cheered her friend on - before singing along to the music. The sighting came two days before West's controversial album listening event on Tuesday - which saw the star branded a 'disgusting human being' by fans after the rapper wore a black Ku Klux Klan type hood. Kanye West 's wife Bianca Censori broke into uncharacteristic laughter as she got a lap dance in a restaurant in Miami on Sunday The artist put on a fabric head covering featuring a point at the top at an overnight listening event with collaborator Ty Dolla Sign as they performed their controversial track Vultures which features vile lyrics about a Jewish woman. Vultures features the 'offensive' lyrics: 'How am I anti-Semitic? I just f***ed a Jewish b****.' This is not the first time that Kanye has worn a black hood reminiscent of a KKK one as he sported one at the beginning of his music video for BLKKK SKKKN HEAD in 2013. The star was slammed as 'disgusting' and 'weird' for wearing the ensemble with daughter North, 10, onstage nearby, while his daughter Chicago, five and son Saint, eight were also present. This comes weeks after Kanye was slammed by Jewish organizations who branded him 'pathetic and sad' over vile lyrics about a Jewish woman in his latest song. The lyrics prompted a furious backlash among some fans at the time and has now prompted condemnation from the American Jewish Committee among others. 'To fuel the flames of antisemitism and promote such bile to his millions of followers, especially at this fraught and dangerous time for the Jewish community, is unforgivable,' spokesman Richard Hirschhaut told TMZ. He added that the West's choice is unsurprising however, given his previous antisemitic remarks. The Australian designer, 28, who is known for regularly sporting a stoic look alongside her flesh-fleshing outfits, couldn't contain her amusement as friend DJ Sky High Baby began gyrating on her as she sat next to West, 46 The star wore a furry hat as she loudly cheered her friend on - before singing along to the music Bianca looked delighted as her pal twerked on her in the clip But he said this latest scandal, 'seems particularly pathetic and sad.' The Anti Defamation League also joined criticism, telling the outlet: 'At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, its disgusting to see Kanye once again use his platform to spew Jew hatred.' West has a documented history of antisemitism and last year lost out on a number of partnership deals after going on an explosive anti-Semitic rant. The ex-husband of Kim Kardashian vowed to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' in a string of sick posts online. Shortly after the tweet, the Praise God rapper told Piers Morgan he only meant to take aim at certain specific Jews, who he felt exploited him. When the talk show host contended the comments were 'as racist as anything you've been through,' the Gold Digger rapper retorted, 'that's why I said it. I fought fire with fire.' In an interview with right wing talk show host Alex Jones in early December, Kanye praised Hitler for his 'redeeming qualities'. He also maintained that the 'Holocaust is not what happened' and promoted the conspiracy theory that Black people are the real Jews. Kanye was branded a 'disgusting human being' by fans after the rapper wore a black Ku Klux Klan type hood in his latest attempt to shock just weeks after being slammed for anti-Semitic lyrics during a listening event in Miami on Tuesday This came during a listening event where 10-year-old daughter North joined him on stage West's rants saw him lose out on lucrative contracts with The Gap, Adidas and Balenciaga and more. He was also dropped by his management team at Creative Artists Agency. The 46-year-old has been in the Middle East recording new work with collaborators Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Bump J and others. He performed 'Vultures' for the first time at Lil Durk's show in Blu Dubai alongside the rapper and Ty Dolla $ign. West was joined in Dubai by wife Bianca Censori, with the two reunited following her trip home to Australia to see family. Other video showed the couple and West's collaborators dancing to the track, which was released last Wednesday. His decision to debut the song comes at a time when anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise amid the ongoing Israel Hamas conflict. Racism against Jewish people and Muslims has soared in the wake of the October 7 attack. According to the Anti-Defamation League the number of anti-Semitic incidents increased fourfold. The Anti Defamation League also joined criticism, telling the outlet: 'At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, its disgusting to see Kanye once again use his platform to spew Jew hatred' The watchdog counted 312 anti-Semitic incidents between October 7-23, ranging from harassment to vandalism and physical assaults. Meanwhile college campuses ands schools have seen a notable spike, according to the American Jewish Committee. A record number of incidents were reported, with nearly 100 incidents occurring at US universities between October 7 and 30. The soaring number of incidents has prompted the White House to introduce a series of measures to tackle the 'alarming' rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks. It's one of the top jobs on Australian television. And Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington has proved to be a winner on Channel Seven's top-rating Sunrise. But Seven bigwigs have now suggested they weren't always convinced the 45-year-old former Olympian was the right choice to replace retiring veteran David 'Kochie' Koch. Speaking to industry blog Mediaweek, Sarah Stinson, Seven's director of morning television alluded to the network's reservations. 'We've been absolutely thrilled and relieved,' she said of the show's continued ratings dominance. Sunrise bigwigs have admitted they're 'relieved' that Matt Shirvington has worked out as David Koch's successor as the hit program remains Australian TV's top breakfast show They also revealed they're delighted 'Shirvo' has clicked with co-host Natalie Barr. 'He and Nat have such natural chemistry, and that's come across on air,' said Stinson. While taking a few rare losses in the ratings against arch rival Today on Channel Nine last month, Sunrise is predicted to end 2023 as Australia's most watched breakfast show. David Koch (pictured left, with Natale Barr) who was the longest-serving breakfast TV anchor in Australian history, stunned viewers and the industry in May by announcing he was leaving the program after 21 years And Stinson has described the hit program as being 'more than a television show' for its fans, since viewers no longer have to catch the show on Seven's main channel. The program is expanding its reach via social media and streaming and can be viewed on mobile devices. 'Sunrise now is beyond a television show,' Stinson declared. Speaking to industry blog Mediaweek Sarah Stinson, Seven's director of morning television said that the chemistry between co-host Natalie Barr and Shirvington has worked for fans Meanwhile, Sunrise executive producer Sean Power told the publication that while Sunrise has dominated the breakfast TV ratings for twenty years, it's still out to take chances. 'We never take the fact that there's such extraordinary dominance for granted,' he said and has promised fans some surprising segments for the new year. 'Some of the things on the whiteboard are outrageously huge,' he declared. Shirvington, who shares teenage daughters Siena and Winter and a five-year-old son named Lincoln with wife Jessica, was announced as Koch's replacement in June, after being with Seven since 2020 Pictured: Shirvington at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week Koch, the longest-serving breakfast TV anchor in Australian history, stunned viewers and the industry in May by announcing he was leaving the program after 21 years. Shirvington, who shares teenage daughters Siena and Winter and a five-year-old son named Lincoln with wife Jessica, was announced as Koch's replacement in June, after being with Seven since 2020. Nine's Today, meanwhile has struggled to gain ground over Sunrise in recent years, partly due to the revolving door of presenters on the Nine show. Despite recent setbacks, Seven Network executives are no doubt eager to pop the champagne corks after the end of the upcoming ratings season, with Sunrise presumed the overall winner. This will be Sunrise's 20th year of winning first in its timeslot, after taking out the top spot in the overall ratings survey last year. According to the 2022 OzTam survey year, Sunrise had an average national daily audience of 397,000 viewers. Seven said it was '31 per cent bigger than its nearest competitor'. Nicolas Cage's new movie The Surfer was officially announced on Tuesday. The Stan Original feature film has been teased for months now after Cage, 59, was spotted shooting the movie in Western Australia earlier this year. The Academy Award winner stars in the lead role in the psychological thriller. The week the Australian streaming platform shared a first look image of Cage in character, appearing disheveled and distressed while examining a bullet. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium) and written by Thomas Martin, The Surfer is an intensely unnerving feature film shot in a single location in Yallingup, which is known for its iconic beaches. The Surfer will premiere soon in theaters and on Stan. Nicolas Cage 's new Stan Original movie The Surfer was officially announced on Tuesday. The Australian streaming platform shared a first look image of Cage in character, appearing disheveled and distressed while examining a bullet Cage plays a man who, after returning to Australia to buy back his family home, is humiliated in front of his teenage son by a group of local surfers who claim ownership over the secluded beach of his childhood. Wounded by the gang, he defies them and remains at the beach to demand acceptance. As conflict escalates he is brought right to the edge of his sanity and his entire identity is thrown into question. Cage plays a man who, after returning to Australia to buy back his family home, is humiliated in front of his teenage son by a group of local surfers who claim ownership over the secluded beach of his childhood. Pictured: Cage in the lead role of Ghost Rider (2007) The Surfer is a Stan Original Film in partnership with CinemaPlus, who will be releasing the film theatrically in Australia. Joining Cage is an impressive Australian ensemble cast is Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Charmed), Nicholas Cassim (Mr Inbetween), Miranda Tapsell (The Dry), Alexander Bertrand (Australian Gangster), Justin Rosniak (Last King of the Cross), Rahel Romahn (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Finn Little (Stan Exclusive Series Yellowstone), and Charlotte Maggi (Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child on Fire). The film is an Australian/Irish Co-Production and produced by Tea Shop Productions, Arenamedia, Lovely Productions and Gramercy Park Media with support from Screenwest through the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. Joining Cage is an impressive Australian ensemble cast including Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon (pictured) Rounding out the Aussie ensemble cast is The Dry star Miranda Tapsell (pictured) The announcement of The Surfer reinforces Stan's commitment to champion uniquely Australian stories. This summer, the streaming platform aims to deliver an impressive summer slate of must-see Stan Originals including Stan Original Film Jones Family Christmas, the brand new season of Bump, Prosper starring Richard Roxburgh and Rebecca Gibney, and Revealed: Ben Roberts-Smith Truth on Trial. Stan is celebrating 17 nominations for the 2024 AACTA Awards. Meryl Streep's daughter Grace Gummer and Mark Ronson looked like newlyweds while attending a holiday soiree at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, in New York City. Even two years after tying the knot, the couple were inseparable as they mingled with other attendees at the intimate event, hosted in support of Save the Children, on Monday night. Gummer, 37, was seen gazing adoringly at Ronson, 48, before he proceeded to play guitar all evening, alongside musical guests, Monika, Marion Raw, Cat Power, Lykke Li, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt performed for the room. The charity event was co-hosted by Yola Mezcal and Gabriela Hearst for Save The Children. For the occasion, the actress wore a figure-hugging black gown with a racy cutout across her left side and her brunette tresses in loose waves. Look of love: Meryl Streep's daughter Grace Gummer and Mark Ronson looked like newlyweds while attending a holiday soiree at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, in New York City Sweet: Even two years after tying the knot, the couple were inseparable as they mingled with other guests at the intimate event, hosted in support of Save the Children, on Monday night The entire evening was emceed by podcast host, Sam Fragoso. At one point, Ronson and Wyatt performed their Golden Globe-nominated song, Im Just Ken, from the Barbie Movie, while the audience cheered and sang along. Wyatt also did a rendition of his hit track, Animal. The party was full of the performers friends and family including Grace's older sister, Mamie Gummer, Katie Couric, Justin Theroux and more. In March, Grace and Ronson welcomed their first child, a baby girl, whose name has not been publicly revealed. Ronson married Grace, an actress who had a regular role in US drama Mr Robot, in an intimate ceremony in August 2021 after dating for a year. Before announcing they were expecting, the Uptown Funk DJ, 47, spoke of his desire to become a father, saying: I realized I do want a family. I need to do the things that are going to get me there. I think I could keep going and trying to be Peter Pan but I would rather come home at 8pm to someone I love and let someone else do the partying from now on. Inseparable: Gummer, 37, was seen gazing adoringly at Ronson, 48, before he stepped up to play guitar all evening for performers like Monika, Marion Raw, Cat Power, Lykke Li, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt Looking good! For the occasion, the actress wore a figure-hugging black gown with a racy cutout across her left side and her brunette tresses in loose waves A night to remember: At one point, Ronson and Wyatt performed their Golden Globe-nominated song, Im Just Ken, from the Barbie Movie, while attendees cheered and joyfully sang along (Grace pictured with Gabriela Hearst) Streep's eldest daughter, Mamie, welcomed a baby boy in February 2019. In August 2022, Ronson shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife, who he said made him 'someone who spouts hallmark nonsense.' 'When people used to tell me their spouse was their best friend, i thought they were spouting hallmark nonsense or that they were some freak anomaly of love,' he admitted while enjoying a tropical getaway on their anniversary. Friendly: Grace pictured with Gabriela Hearst, who turned heads in a ruffled frock with a peekaboo detail above her hip Star-studded affair: The party was full of the performers friends and family including Grace's older sister, Mamie Gummer, Katie Couric, Justin Theroux and more Now he identifies as 'someone who spouts hallmark nonsense or is 'a freak anomaly of love.' Ronson continued: 'Or maybe I just married the most incredible human being around. Happy Anniversary to my darlingest, you've made me happy beyond my wildest .' Gummer and Ronson had been dating for about a year before they tied the knot on the British DJ and producer's 46th birthday. Parents: In March, Grace and Ronson welcomed their first child, a baby girl, whose name has not been publicly revealed; seen in April 2022 Happy family: Grace and her husband pictured with her mom, Meryl Streep, in September 2022 Ronson announced that they had tied the knot in an Instagram post, where he professed his love for the actress. 'To my truest love...out of nowhere, you made 45 hands down the greatest year of my life,' he wrote. 'And i'm sure it took me 45 years to become the man worthy of your love. I hope I spend every one of these birthdays by your side til my last day,' he added. 'And beyond. Forever and ever yours (and yes, we got married),' Ronson concluded. Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone led stars as they attended a special screening of their latest blockbuster Killers Of The Flower Moon at the East Room in London. The Hollywood favourite, 49, looked smart in a total black ensemble including a buttoned jacket and matching sweatshirt. Meanwhile Lily, 37, exuded chic in a cherry red print dress, which she teamed with eye-catching long drop pendant earrings. The actress tied her raven locks in a side braid, as she beamed for the camera. Boiling Point star Stephen Graham and his actress wife Hannah Walters also cosied up as they attended the special screening. Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone led stars as they attended a special screening of their latest blockbuster Killers Of The Flower Moon in at the East Room in London Boiling Point star Stephen Graham and his actress wife Hannah Walters also cosied up as they attended the special screening The Bodies star, 50, donned a navy jacket and grey shirt underneath, teamed with matching pocketed trousers. Hannah, 47, rocked a smart total black ensemble - including coat and a maxi dress. The Whitechapel sensation donned also black boots and oozed fashion as she carried a matching Prada tote bag. The Malpractice star donned her platinum tresses in a perfect blow-dry and flaunted a pink lipstick. The long-time lovebirds - who tied the knot in 2008 and share Grace, 18, and Alfie, 17 - looked in high spirits as they cosied up to one another in front of the camera. British actress Dominique Tipper also made a stunning appearance, flaunting her toned legs in a chic ensemble. The Monday star, 35, donned a print mini dress, teamed with a asymmetrical beige and white jacket which she wore buttoned up. Dominique exuded glamour as she towered herself in a pair of gold metallic stiletto heels. The Bodies star, 50, donned a navy jacket and grey shirt underneath while Hannah, 47, rocked a smart total black ensemble - including coat and a maxi dress British actress Dominique Tipper also made a stunning appearance, flaunting her toned legs in a chic ensemble Dominique exuded glamour as she towered herself in a pair of gold metallic stiletto heels The Fast Girls sensation didn't spare the bling as she rocked gold square drop earrings, a matching watch and a slew of rings, finishing off with a pearl pendant necklace Fantastic Beasts favourite Katherine Waterstone also attended the event as she posed with American film director Janicza Bravo Meanwhile Janicza, 42, displayed her edgy sense of style in a buttoned denim maxi dress and animal print boots The Fast Girls sensation didn't spare the bling as she rocked gold square drop earrings, a matching watch and a slew of rings, finishing off with a pearl pendant necklace. Fantastic Beasts favourite Katherine Waterstone also attended the event as she posed with American film director Janicza Bravo. Katherine, 43, was the epitome of class in a navy suit-cord, featuring a double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers. She completed the elegant look with cream stiletto heels, and donned a subtle make-up palette. Meanwhile Janicza, 42, displayed her edgy sense of style in a buttoned denim maxi dress and animal print boots. The Zola director accessorised with a beige nude beanie and gold hoop earrings, finishing off with a bold red lipstick. Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon at Cannes is a sweeping American epic about greed and exploitation on the bloody plains of an Osage Nation reservation in 1920s Oklahoma. The $200 million blockbuster - starring Leonardo, Lily, Robert De Niro and Jess Plemons - is adapted from David Grann's nonfiction bestseller, and it stretches nearly three and a half hours. The movie sees Leo playing alongside Hollywood legend Robert, 80, and charts a wave of murders among oil-rich Osage Indians in the 1920s. The plot centers on the FBI's investigation into a string of murders after several members of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma were slaughtered. It marks Leo's first film on the big screen since 2019 Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He also starred in 2021 film Don't Look Up which streamed on Netflix. Killers of the Flower Moon focuses on a little-publicized chapter of American history involving the Osage Nation. In the 1920s, the Osage tribe became wealthy almost overnight after oil was discovered beneath their land, earning them more than $30 million in annual revenue at the peak of the boom, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Subsurface minerals within the Osage Nation Reservation were tribally owned and held in trust by the government. Mineral leases earned royalties that were paid to the tribe as a whole - with each allottee receiving one equal share also known as a headright. But these headrights could only legally be attained by outsiders if they married into the tribe. Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon at Cannes is a sweeping American epic about greed and exploitation on the bloody plains of an Osage Nation reservation in 1920s Oklahoma The $200 million blockbuster - starring Leonardo, Lily, Robert De Niro and Jess Plemons - is adapted from David Grann's nonfiction bestseller, and it stretches nearly three and a half hours The plot centers on the FBI's investigation into a string of murders after several members of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma were slaughtered It marks Leo's first film on the big screen since 2019 Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood It was during this time that rancher William K. Hale, a native of Greenville, Texas, encouraged his subservient nephew Ernest Burkhart to wed Osage member Mollie Kyle (later Mollie Burkhart). Leo plays a weak-willed man who marries a wealthy Osage Indian and is drawn into the deadly schemes of his kingpin uncle (De Niro). The movie, who debuted in cinemas on October 6, received a rapturous nine-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Cannes Film Festival earlier in May. Minnie Driver has recalled just how 'devastated' she was as her ex Matt Damon accepted an Academy Award for their film Good Will Hunting back in 1998. Video of Damon and Ben Affleck accepting the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay was posted on the Instagram account Movie Shmood and contained a glimpse of Minnie somberly watching her co-stars as Affleck gave her a shout-out in their speech. Driver and Damon started a relationship after starring as love interests in the film, but went their separate ways following their year-long whirlwind romance in 1998. By the time the Oscars rolled around, Damon had already moved on with a new girlfriend who attended the ceremony with him. Driver did not say who the new girlfriend was, however the actor did begin dating actress Winona Ryder shortly after their break-up. It is unclear if Ryder was the girlfriend, though she did attend the 1998 Oscars. After a fan commented that Driver looked 'so sad' at the ceremony, the actress leaped into the comments section to explain her appearance. 'Matt had ended our relationship a few weeks before this, and was at the Oscars with his new gf... I was devastated. Wish I could have celebrated more as it was an amazing moment for all of us, and for this wonderful film !' Driver, 53, commented. Minnie Driver has revealed why she looked so downcast watching ex Matt Damon accept an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting back in 1997 Video of Damon and Ben Affleck accepting the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay was posted on the Instagram account Movie Shmood, and contained a brief glimpse of Minnie somberly watching her co-stars as they gave her a shout-out in their speech Driver has been dating Addison O'Dea since 2019. As for Damon, 53, he has been married to Luciana Bozan since 2005. The world learned Damon and Driver had called it quits after the actor revealed their split on The Oprah Winfrey Show, saying: 'Well, Im single. I was with Minnie for a while, but were not really romantically involved anymore, were just really good friends. I love her dearly.' 'I care about her a lot. We care about each other a lot. It wasnt meant to be and if it wasnt meant to be then its not meant to be.' Driver hit back in a subsequent interview with the Los Angeles Times: 'Its unfortunate that Matt went on Oprah; it seemed like a good forum for him to announce to the world that we were no longer together, which I found fantastically inappropriate.' 'Of course, he was busy declaring his love for me on David Letterman a month previously,' she said. Last year the actress appeared on ITV's This Morning where she told Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes of her public split from Matt: 'It was dramatically reported on but I wouldn't change a second of it.' Earlier in the day, Minnie spoke to Chris Evans on the Sky Breakfast Show, where she opened up about her time in Hollywood and their romance during that time. She said: 'Matt Damon was just this lovely, talented, great person who was also very young and got famous very fast. And people don't always behave well in situations when you're under pressure. Minnie and co-star Robin Williams watching Affleck and Damon accept the award Driver and Damon started a relationship after starring as love interests in the film, but went their separate ways following their year-long whirlwind romance in 1998 Driver did not say who the new girlfriend was, however the actor did begin dating actress Winona Ryder shortly after their break-up; Damon and Ryder pictured at the Golden Globes in 2000 The couple at the premiere of the Damon-led film The Talented Mr. Ripley in 1999 Ryder pictured attending the 1998 Academy Awards Driver recalled the devastation she was feeling at the time of the ceremony She also posted a separate comment remarking on her expression with several laughing-crying emojis 'It was a very sweet romance that we had. And I really do look back on it with such fondness no matter how it ended up. It was just sort of dramatic and tabloid-y and was really unbelievable.' She recalled what it was like to find out he dating other people through the press: 'At the time, it was weird, walking down the aisle in the supermarket with magazine covers in stereo of him making out with his new girlfriend after we'd broken up. 'We really did fancy each other, we really were good friends at that point. And they let us improvise a lot, there was a lot of real, the way in which we spoke to each other.' The actress cemented her rise to fame with the 1997's Good Will Hunting which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Affleck and Damon victorious at the 1998 Academy Awards Damon and Driver pictured in their critically-acclaimed film Good Will Hunting Minnie also addressed the romance while promoting her memoir Managing Expectations last year on TODAY. The actress wrote she was advised by her mother to love Damon with 'loose hands' - but Driver insisted her parents were big fans of the actor. 'They loved Matt,' Minnie said on the show. 'It was really being with an actor who was ascending at a rate of knots just like I was, and it's super combustible, like you know, teacher Phil Hook would say. 'That was just a recipe for not necessarily for disaster but combustibility and everybody's moving at a rate of knots. They wanted me to just calm down and not be in love as well as be rocketing to fame.' She was once one of Australia's most recognisable child stars, shooting to fame at the tender age of 12 after being cast in the iconic series The Saddle Club. But life looks very different for Lara Jean Marshall these days. In an essay published by SBS, the former child star, 35, revealed she abandoned her Hollywood dreams in recent years and is now pursuing a career in journalism. Shortly after she finished filming The Saddle Club in 2003, Lara relocated from Australia to Hollywood in the hopes of parlaying her local fame onto the international stage. Unfortunately, making it as an actor wasn't as easy as she'd hoped. The Saddle Club star Lara Jean Marshall, 35, has penned a heartfelt essay for SBS revealing why she turned her back on Hollywood after trying to make it as an actor for a decade 'I worked jobs that could give me the flexibility to act and went above and beyond to make it but I was getting little in return,' she lamented. Lara said she became worn down by the many difficulties of living overseas, blaming 'red tape and other obstacles' as the reason why she couldn't break into the industry. 'It got to a point where the lifestyle was negatively impacting my mental health and stressing me financially. I decided to stop acting because I was sick and tired of being powerless over my own life,' she said. Shortly after she finished filming The Saddle Club in 2003, Lara relocated from Australia to Hollywood in the hopes of parlaying her local fame onto the international stage. (Pictured on The Saddle Club) After turning her back on acting, Lara returned to Australia and enrolled in a journalism course. In November 2022 she was announced as the new co-host of Power FM Ballarat's breakfast show The brunette said abandoning her dream 'really hurt', describing her efforts as 'a huge loss'. After turning her back on acting, Lara returned to Australia and enrolled in a journalism course. In November 2022, she was announced as the new co-host of Power FM Ballarat's breakfast show. 'Thanks to my new career, I can engage with the local community through on-air competitions and giveaways, playing the latest hits, joking with listeners and empathising with the personal struggles they may have,' she enthused 'Thanks to my new career, I can engage with the local community through on-air competitions and giveaways, playing the latest hits, joking with listeners and empathising with the personal struggles they may have,' she enthused. Lara's latest acting credit was in in the 2019 short sci-fi film Remarkable, in which she played a supporting role. She is also set to appear in the upcoming TV series We Were Tomorrow opposite Underbelly star Gyton Grantley, which she filmed in 2019. Lara starred in 52 episodes of The Saddle Club as Lisa Atwood, and also released five albums with her co-stars Sophie Bennett and Keenan Macwilliam. Speaking to Ten back in 2019, Lara revealed she was still in contact with Sophie and Keenan, confirming they had 'remained really close' after filming. Just as the vines go dormant for a long winters nap, Wine Country tourism typically slows down this time of year. Theres no traffic, fewer crowds and more reservation availability for the top wineries. That makes it an ideal time to visit Napa and Sonoma and discover the newest tasting rooms that opened over the past 12 months. The year brought Bordeaux to Napa, offbeat blends to Sonoma, plus beautiful new dwellings for three of Wine Countrys most classic and popular wineries. Read on for the five most exciting tasting room openings and refreshes of 2023. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Food pairings at Robert Mondavi Winerys new temporary tasting room Arch and Tower in downtown Napa. Juliana Yamada FREELANCE/Juliana Yamada Special to The Chronicle Robert Mondavi Winery In anticipation of a multi-year renovation, Napas most famous winery opened a temporary tasting room this summer to fill the gap and its far from a modest replacement. Instead, its a seriously splashy upgrade from Robert Mondavis original digs in Oakville. Mondavi moved into downtown Napas historic, 9,600-square-foot Borreo Building. Named Arch & Tower, the 1877 stone structure has been transformed into a modern and industrial tasting space with a touch of old Hollywood glamor. Fancy food pairings like waffle fries with trout roe and creme fraiche-spiked ranch or wine-braised beef croquettes were created in collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd of the Southern Smoke Foundation in Texas. These are available through the Legend Lunch ($165) or between 4 and 7 p.m. during the winerys golden hour offering. Traditional wine flights ($65) are poured on the riverfront terrace, and walk-ins are welcome. 930 Third St. Napa. robertmondaviwinery.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad The entrance to the barrel cave at the Bordeaux-inspired Cathiard Vineyard in St. Helena. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Cathiard Vineyard Napa Valley has become synonymous with showy, glass-walled and distinctly modern wineries. But Cathiard Vineyard, arguably the most under-the-radar opening of the year, is refreshingly French. Owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard restored the rundown Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux and brought inspiration from the famous French region for a three-year renovation of one of Napas oldest wine estates. Featuring an ivy-cloaked, 1885 stone winery and caves, the Cathiards addition of 19th-century European antiques, fountains and stone statues complete the propertys moody, Old World vibe. The estate also complements Cathiards old-school winemaking style. The St. Helena winery produces three estate reds that stand out for their freshness and elegance versus Napa Valleys signature power and ripeness. Tastings (from $125) require a splurge, but Cathiard offers a different kind of wine experience and its certainly cheaper than a flight to Paris. 1978 Zinfandel Ln., St. Helena. Cathiardvineyard.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad An extensive record collection preserved from the previous owners, the McCrea family, sit on display in the living room of the newly remodeled main house at Stony Hill. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Stony Hill Stony Hill, one of Napa Valleys original cult wineries, has historically evaded tourists throughout its 71-year history. But thats changing. Stony Hills new owners have given the property a stunning makeover. For the first time ever, theyre encouraging visitors to experience the winerys famously elegant white wines including rare-to-Napa grape varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer in person. Despite its rural location up a narrow, forested road, Stony Hill is suddenly one of the hottest reservations in Wine Country. Nestled within 360 degrees of vineyard and mountain scenery, the founders original 1951 family home has been transformed into the Residence at Stony Hill, a midcentury modern oasis that youll wish you could move into. Tastings (from $75) take place in one of the homes many indoor or outdoor settings: perhaps in the courtyard overlooking St. Helena; in the living room next to an epic vinyl collection and wood-burning fireplace; or within the cozy library. Old family photos scattered throughout the home give a sense of a simpler Napa Valley before the glitzy visitor centers arrived. 3331 St. Helena Hwy. North, St. Helena. stonyhillvineyard.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sonoma's Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah specializes in eccentric, one-off blends. Jess Lander/The Chronicle Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah Pinot Noir and Chardonnay abound in Sonoma, but for something entirely different, book a tasting ($40) at Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah. Here, the wines are about as eccentric as the brand name and the man behind them. Renegade winemaker Hardy Wallace (formerly of the defunct natural wine sensation Dirty & Rowdy) is best recognized by his funky, neon eyewear. For Extradimensional, a brand he started with his wife, Kate, Wallace creates exciting, one-of-a-kind wines that blur traditional blending boundaries. White and red grapes, for instance, often end up in the same bottle. Wallaces approach is to use an array of grape varieties across a wide geographical radius to surf the apocalypse. By that, he means hes seeking creative new ways to craft balanced wines in a changing and unpredictable climate, which is becoming more difficult to achieve through conventional thinking. But dont call these wines experimental: Wallace said one blend may go through 90 trials before it is finalized. Most wines are one-offs produced in quantities of 100 cases or less, so there will likely be new wines to try during every visit to the new tasting room, located one block off the Sonoma Plaza. 27 E. Napa St., Suite E, Sonoma. Winecoyeah.com An outdoor seating area at the renovated Domaine Chandon in Yountville. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Domaine Chandon Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sparkling wine icon Domaine Chandon unveiled a transformation of its Yountville estate this fall timed with its 50th anniversary. The stunning renovation brings one of Napa Valleys most visited wineries and the first in America to earn a Michelin star back into the inner circle of Wine Countrys hospitality elite. Named Chandon Home, visitors will find a sprawling campus of indoor and outdoor wine tasting nooks, plus the return of its restaurant for the first time since 2014. Despite the fancy refresh, Chandon continues to be one of the most accessible wineries in Napa Valley. Dogs, kids, groups and walk-ins are all welcome. There are experiences for every budget (and for people without one) including a bubbly tasting flight with bites ($55); a five-course wine and food pairing ($155); a communal feast inside a cabana ($175); and a party on a vineyard-view hilltop with two dozen friends for $7,000. Choose your own adventure. Dame Arlene Phillips has warned harsh trolls to 'back off' Layton Williams after he has been at the receiving end of hurtful messages since appearing on Strictly. While his close friend Arlene, 80, supported the West End actor, James Jordan, 45, claimed 'it isn't right' Layton is on the show. Layton, 29, who has been a victim of constant trolling and bullying, has been slammed by the former Strictly Come Dancing star because of his career history. As Arlene shared her support to the actor after hearing of his troubling experience, she also urged viewers to 'not pick on Layton'. Speaking to The Mirror, she said: 'Unless the public gets behind Layton, he wont win, and in many ways, I think thats a tragedy because yes, he has danced but the force and the personality that Layton puts into it is his own. Dont pick on Layton. Dont pile on hate. Dame Arlene Phillips, 80, has warned harsh trolls to 'back off' Layton Williams after he has been at the receiving end of hurtful messages since appearing on Strictly While his close friend Arlene, 80, supported the West End actor, James Jordan , 45, claimed 'it isn't right' Layton is on the show 'There is no one I can think of who comes in with an attitude as positive as Laytons. Whatever he is working on, nothing gets him down. He brings joy into a room and he is a truly beautiful human being. 'He is one of my favourite all-time people. I have to tell you. Am I biased about Layton? Completely. I want him to win. Because Layton has worked very hard for everything he has and everything he does and I cant imagine one person I know that has worked with him who hasnt just fallen in love with who Layton is.' While Arlene sang the actor's praises, James waded into the row adding he thinks Layton shouldn't have been in the line-up in the first place as he insisted he was the 'best dancer' the show had seen. He told Hello magazine: 'It's the best dance I've seen in any of the Strictly Come Dancing's all round the world. I loved it, I watched it and thought oh my god that was epic, but does that make it right? 'Is that what Strictly is supposed to be? Is that what Strictly has come to that we have fully-trained dancers on the show? For me, its not what Strictly is supposed to be. 'It was so good but what is everyone else supposed to do. So for me, I would say to anyone who is thinking of doing Strictly, dont do Strictly unless youre a trained dancer.' The Everybodys Talking About Jamie and Billy Elliott star recently got a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood for his performance with Nikita Kuzmin, 25, last week, for their Charleston. Layton and Nikita bagged a perfect 40 for the second week running for their version of Gene and Donald O'Connor's jig to Fit As A Fiddle. Layton, who has been a victim of constant trolling and bullying, has been slammed by the former Strictly Come Dancing star because of his career history As Arlene shared her support to the actor after hearing of his troubling experience, she also urged viewers to 'not pick on Layton' Speaking to The Mirror, she said: 'Unless the public gets behind Layton, he wont win, and in many ways, I think thats a tragedy because yes, he has danced but the force and the personality that Layton puts into it is his own. Dont pick on Layton. Dont pile on hate' While Arlene sang the actor's praises, James waded into the row adding he thinks Layton shouldn't have been in the line-up in the first place as he insisted he was the 'best dancer' the show had seen (James pictured with wife Ola in 2012 on Strictly) He told Hello magazine: ' It's the best dance I've seen in any of the Strictly Come Dancing's all round the world. I loved it, I watched it and thought oh my god that was epic, but does that make it right?' James added: 'Is that what Strictly is supposed to be? Is that what Strictly has come to that we have fully-trained dancers on the show? For me, its not what Strictly is supposed to be.' They first danced the Rumba to Lift Me Up by Rihanna, which they got 36 out of 40 points for, before leaving Craig, 58, gobsmacked by their Charleston. Craig got to his feet as he gave them a very rarely-seen standing ovation for the routine as he clapped them, while Layton and Nikita looked very surprised by the strict judge's praise. Craig told them: 'That's the best Charleston that I have seen in 20 years.' While Motsi Mabuse echoed him as she added: 'There is nothing that has been better, and this is a testament to your hard work and anyone around you, well done.' Craig, Motsi, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all gave Layton and Nikita 10 points for the routine, seeing them get a perfect score for the second time. The pair appeared completely overwhelmed upon getting their scores and Nikita broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner. Nikita also made a cryptic comment about Layton still bringing 'joy' to people despite what happens in his 'personal life' as he hinted at difficulties. He said: 'You try to bring joy to everyone - no matter what happens outside or in your personal life - I'm not going to go into that - you always bring joy. Layton and Nikita bagged a perfect 40 for the second week running for their version of Gene and Donald O'Connor's jig to Fit As A Fiddle They first danced the Rumba to Lift Me Up by Rihanna , which they got 36 out of 40 points for, before leaving Craig, 58, gobsmacked by their Charleston Their latest dance comes after Nikita hit back at trolls who have continued to make hurtful comments about Layton during his Strictly stint Layton is often targeted by trolls for his West End background and some claim that the celebrity is a 'professional dancer' and that he has an 'unfair' advantage Talking about the hateful comments sent to him online, Layton said: 'It's like: "Can you not just dress like a man, please please please put a suit on!" and I'm like: "Girl, relax!''' Layton added: 'I'm sure you know how it feels, you can have 1000 amazing messages and then just one [negative] and you're like: "Urgh!" but in these moments, I've said it before and I'll say it again... even Beyonce has haters, so!' 'You make me shine with how much you are shining, you are one of my best friends.' Their latest dance comes after Nikita hit back at trolls who have continued to make hurtful comments about Layton during his Strictly stint. The pair addressed the ongoing trolling during a joint appearance on ITV's This Morning last week, with Nikita describing it as 'sad and unnecessary'. Layton is often targeted by trolls for his West End background and some claim that the celebrity is a 'professional dancer' and that he has an 'unfair' advantage. Talking about the hateful comments sent to him online, Layton said: 'It's like: "Can you not just dress like a man, please please please put a suit on!" and I'm like: "Girl, relax!''' Nikita was quick to defend Layton as he said: 'We get a bit defensive of our partners and just to see sometimes people speaking things or saying things they shouldn't be saying. 'Sometimes things also get to him, and that's a personal side, I find it sad and unnecessary [the trolling]. At the end of the day, we just want to make people happy, we just want to put on a show...' Layton added: 'I'm sure you know how it feels, you can have 1000 amazing messages and then just one [negative] and you're like: "Urgh!" but in these moments, I've said it before and I'll say it again... even Beyonce has haters, so!' 'Mama' June Shannon confessed she's 'emotionally and mentally mind-f***ed' after losing her eldest daughter Anna Marie 'Chickadee' Cardwell, at age 29, to stage four adrenal carcinoma last Saturday. 'It's so quiet in here, the machines aren't running, [Anna's] not sitting in here watching cooking shows, and it's just so quiet,' the grieving 44-year-old - who boasts 1.9M social media followers - said on TikTok Monday. 'The chair that she was in, you know, nobody is sitting in it right now, because it has a blanket and a pillow that she used and that's where she passed away at.' June invited her Georgia-based fans and supporters to Anna's funeral during visitation from 2-3pm at the Williams White-Columns Funeral Home in Gordon 'after we, the family, spend time with her a couple hours before.' 'At 3 her service will happen. It will be a short but amazing service. So many of her songs - we're doing something for her which is going to be the Tina dance with her as one of our last things, because y'all know that b**** loved to do the Tina dance for y'all on the bed,' Shannon - who was only 15 when she welcomed Cardwell - said. 'Mama' June Shannon confessed she's 'emotionally and mentally mind-f***ed' after losing her eldest daughter Anna Marie 'Chickadee' Cardwell, at age 29, to stage four adrenal carcinoma last Saturday The grieving 44-year-old said on TikTok Monday: 'It's so quiet in here, the machines aren't running, [Anna's] not sitting in here watching cooking shows, and it's just so quiet. The chair that she was in, you know, nobody is sitting in it right now, because it has a blanket and a pillow that she used and that's where she passed away at' 'So many times y'all loved that. And when she was actually down and about and she couldn't do it anymore after chemo y'all missed that. So I want to say thank you for loving her. Thank y'all for going in and tapping her screen, showing her love, gifted her, commented, showed her love, telling her that y'all were there to support her that is what matters the most. So let's blow up Anna's TikTok! Show her some love on her page because Anna wouldn't want it any other damn way, you know what I'm saying?' The Mama June: Family Crisis star gained legal custody of the Five Star Toyota salesperson's 11-year-old daughter Kaitlyn Elizabeth Clark, whose father is rumored to have been her high school sweetheart Caleb Clark. Anna's youngest daughter Kylee Madison Cardwell turned 8 the same day she died, and her ex-husband Michael Cardwell gained legal custody of his child. 'You also have to think that one of her children are staying with me and another one of her children lost her mother on their birthday which is super sad,' June wrote on Instagram Monday. 'I have to stay as strong as I can be as leading up to this, not being able to sleep, but an hour here an hour there, I am grieving but I wouldn't want us sitting around crying 24 seven either having to be strong like a** because my body hurts. My mental emotional s*** is all out of whack so the people that are positive and are saying prayers and well wishes. We love y'all.' Shannon also called the tragedy 'one of the hardest things I've ever had a face of my whole entire life life.' The grandmother-of-four announced the news Sunday by sharing their final family portrait, revealing Cardwell passed away peace peacefully at 11:12pm surrounded by loved ones after giving 'one hell of a fight for 10 months.' Before her death, Anna secretly wed her boyfriend since 2017 - Eldridge Toney - on March 4, and the We TV cameras were rolling at the intimate ceremony for the upcoming seventh season - according to TMZ. The former Walmart stocker was introduced on Toddlers and Tiaras and the spin-off Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, which TLC canceled in 2014 after four seasons due to June's boyfriend Mark McDaniel who was convicted of molesting Cardwell. June invited her Georgia-based fans and supporters to Anna's funeral during visitation from 2-3pm at the Williams White-Columns Funeral Home in Gordon 'after we, the family, spend time with her a couple hours before' Shannon - who was only 15 when she welcomed Cardwell - said: 'At 3 her service will happen. It will be a short but amazing service. So many of her songs - we're doing something for her which is going to be the Tina dance with her as one of our last things, because y'all know that b**** loved to do the Tina dance for y'all on the bed' She continued: 'So many times y'all loved that. And when she was actually down and about and she couldn't do it anymore after chemo y'all missed that. So I want to say thank you for loving her. Thank y'all for going in and tapping her screen, showing her love, gifted her, commented, showed her love, telling her that y'all were there to support her that is what matters the most' The Mama June: Family Crisis star gained legal custody of the Five Star Toyota salesperson's 11-year-old daughter Kaitlyn Elizabeth Clark (R, pictured May 23), whose father is rumored to have been her high school sweetheart Caleb Clark Anna's youngest daughter Kylee Madison Cardwell turned 8 the same day she died, and her ex-husband Michael Cardwell (R, pictured in 2019) gained legal custody of his child June wrote on Instagram Monday: 'You also have to think that one of her children are staying with me and another one of her children lost her mother on their birthday which is super sad. I have to stay as strong as I can be as leading up to this, not being able to sleep, but an hour here an hour there, I am grieving but I wouldn't want us sitting around crying 24 seven either' Shannon also called the tragedy 'one of the hardest things I've ever had a face of my whole entire life life' The grandmother-of-four announced the news Sunday by sharing their final family portrait, revealing Cardwell passed away peace peacefully at 11:12pm surrounded by loved ones after giving 'one hell of a fight for 10 months' Before her death, Anna secretly wed her boyfriend since 2017 - Eldridge Toney (R) - on March 4, and the We TV cameras were rolling at the intimate ceremony for the upcoming seventh season Viewers of Australian YouTube podcast Fresh Perspectives were left shocked when an enormous snake made a surprise appearance during a recent edition of the series. Andrew Ward of Regen Farmers Mutual remained surprisingly calm when the carpet python unfurled from the roof right behind him while he was guest starring on the show. 'There's a snake behind you,' exclaimed the shocked podcast hosts. Ward kept a cool head and laughed off the presence of the reptile. 'It's only a carpet python. Don't worry...I don't have a name for it because snakes can't hear you anyway,' he said. Viewers of Australian YouTube podcast Fresh Perspectives were left shocked when an enormous snake made a surprise appearance during a recent edition of the series 'There's a snake behind you,' exclaimed the shocked podcast hosts He also made a quip about the snake's gatecrashing being more interesting than what he was saying. Commenters expressed their amazement in the comments to the video on social media. 'Welcome to Australia,' said one, while another wrote 'Australians built different.' Andrew Ward of Regen Farmers Mutual remained surprisingly calm when the carpet python unfurled from the roof right behind him while he was guest starring on the show 'Way too calm for me! I would have been out of there,' one other comment read. Meanwhile one viewer joked 'That carpet python is a paid actor.' The carpet python is a large snake in the Pythonidae family found in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Morelia spilota is its scientific name and it is one of the largest pythons in the world, measuring from 2 to 4 metres and weighing up to 15 kilograms. The serpents capture and kill their prey (usually small mammals, birds and lizards) by constriction and have been known to devour small cats and dogs as well. Carpet pythons are generally not dangerous to humans as they are nonvenomous. However, they might defensively bite if threatened, as seen last month when Robert Irwin shared footage of a python attacking him. Jamie Laing was the first to share congratulations among his former Made In Chelsea co-stars when Sam Thompson was crowned King Of The Jungle on Sunday. And now the Candy Kittens entrepreneur has continued to sing Sam's praises, gushing how 'proud' he is to have completed I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Speaking to The Mirror, Jamie said: 'He nailed it, he honestly nailed it. He's wanted to do it for so long and it's a tough show, you go in there and you have to perform for three weeks and be up for anything, so he went in there and knocked it out of the park. 'I'm super proud of him. I think he must be exhausted coming out, I think it would be absolutely exhausting, just thinking, you have no food in there, you have no energy. He's going to come out and have the biggest rest and relax over, I imagine.' The reality star, 31, was announced the winner on the show, beating Tony Bellew to the top spot after being the bookies' favourite to win for the past couple of weeks. Jamie Laing, 35, was the first to share congratulations among his former Made In Chelsea co-stars when Sam Thompson, 31, was crowned King Of The Jungle on Sunday And now the Candy Kittens entrepreneur has continued to sing Sam's praises, gushing how 'proud' he is to have completed I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Other stars from the show sending messages of congratulations after the win were Olivia Bentley, Ruby Adler, Josh Patterson, Oliver Proudlock and Reza Amiri-Garroussi. Jamie wrote in his caption: 'Right, where do I begin For as long as I've known Sammy T he's always lit up the room he's entered and without a doubt he's done that in the Camp and to his camp mates. When we were younger he'd always talk about how much he wanted to do the Show, be in there, he didn't care about winning it but just taking part would be magical. 'Well he's in the final and I know winning it for him will be the cherry on top of this unbelievable memory!! Proud of you buddy!! You wanted this - Now go and WIN IT!!' Sam broken his silence on Tuesday after being crowned the winner. Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers. The reality star added that he was 'a bit nervous' when he first entered the jungle as he feared he'd 'make himself look like a d**k.' Posting a snap at Brisbane Airport ahead of boarding his flight home, Sam wrote: 'I'M COMING HOME!!!! I only just got my phone back this morning, and I don't quite know where to begin, but I want to start first of all by saying thank you. Speaking to The Mirror , Jamie said: 'He nailed it, he honestly nailed it. He's wanted to do it for so long and it's a tough show, you go in there and you have to perform for three weeks and be up for anything, so he went in there and knocked it out of the park' Jamie added: 'I'm super proud of him. I think he must be exhausted coming out, I think it would be absolutely exhausting, just thinking, you have no food in there, you have no energy. He's going to come out and have the biggest rest and relax over, I imagine.' Other stars from the show sending messages of congratulations after the win were Olivia Bentley , Ruby Adler, Josh Patterson, Oliver Proudlock and Reza Amiri-Garroussi Sam broken his silence on Tuesday after being crowned the winner. Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers The Made In Chelsea star was crowned King Of The Jungle in Sunday's final, beating out boxer Tony Bellew and politician Nigel Farage Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there aren't quite the words to describe how grateful I am for each and everyone of you who supported me during my time in the jungle. 'You made a young boys dream (now slightly older) come true, and I will never ever forget that. 'When I first stepped foot in that jungle, I didn't know what to expect, and I was a bit nervous about whether I was going to make myself look like a d**k as I know I'm a bit full on especially when there's a lot of people and energy around at all times. 'Coupled with not knowing what was going on in the outside world, I would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous! 'Having said that, being on a show I genuinely never thought I'd get a chance to do, and getting to meet Ant and Dec and do all of these iconic experiences that I've always watched on the TV just made me so damn happy that I stopped worrying about all that on day 2! 'I had no idea of all the support, love and kindness that you all showed me, and reading some of your comments and messages, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude!!! 'Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be crowned King of the Jungle, or that I'd get to do CYCLONE! Every time Ant and Dec walked into camp, I convinced myself that it was going to be me that went next. 'There's no way that people were actually voting for me. But each time I stayed another day, I felt more and more humbled and emotional. Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers Sam (centre) came out on top with over 50 per cent of the vote after boxer Tony Bellew, 41 (left) finished in second place and Nigel Farage, 59, (right) came in third 'Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!! I have more people to thank, and a couple more soppy posts, but my first thank you had to be to all of you. I Love you. ' Sam shared the post as this year's I'm A Celebrity stars boarded their flights back to the UK on Tuesday. Reality TV star Sam won the 2023 King of the Jungle title on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures revealed. He came out on top with over 50 per cent of the votes, beating boxer Tony Bellew, 41, who finished in second place and Nigel, who came in third. ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two. In the first round Sam raked in 43.35 per cent which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87 per cent and Nigel with 25.78 per cent. Then in the final vote Sam's lead only increased as he bagged 56.64 per cent of viewers votes beating Tony's 43.36 per cent by a whopping 13 per cent. Nicky Hilton showed off her casual sense of style as she stepped out with her mini-me daughters, Lily and Teddy, in New York City on Tuesday. The fashion designer, 40 who recently attended mother Kathy Hilton's star-studded holiday bash was seen strolling along a sidewalk in the bustling city with her two eldest children. She shares Lily, seven, and Teddy, five, as well as a one-year-old son with husband James Rothschild whom she tied the knot with in 2015. The socialite sported a pair of fitted, black leggings as well as a black, knit turtleneck sweater for the brief outing. Hilton layered the ensemble with a thick, tan Max Mara coat that was zipped up at the front to help her stay warm in the chilly temperatures. Nicky Hilton, 40, showed off her casual sense of style as she stepped out with her mini-me daughters, Lily and Teddy, in New York City on Tuesday The socialite sported a pair of fitted, black leggings as well as a black, knit turtleneck sweater and a warm, Max Mara tan coat that was zipped up at the front Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and pulled back into a low bun to prevent any loose strands from falling onto her face. Nicky accessorized her outfit for the daytime excursion by adding a pair of mini, hooped earrings as well as fashionable shades. She easily carried a black purse that was draped over her right arm to hold a few items she needed. The businesswoman was seen walking alongside her daughters who were dressed warmly in matching, teddy bear coats. Earlier this year in March, Hilton opened up to People about keeping a balance between motherhood as well as her career as a successful fashion designer. 'Balancing my kids with my fashion design business is a never-ending battle. But it's important to set the right example for the children from the beginning,' she expressed to the outlet. 'My daughters like the colors pink and purple now, and they are girly girls in the sense that they love fashion and dressing up.' The socialite then humorously added, 'My youngest daughter used to tell me that her favorite color was gray. Thankfully that has changed!' Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and pulled back into a low bun to prevent any loose strands from falling onto her face The businesswoman was seen walking alongside her daughters who were dressed warmly in matching, teddy bear coats And most recently, Nicky also opened up to the outlet about her growing bond with Paris Hilton - who is also the mother of two little ones. The media personality welcomed son, Phoenix, via surrogacy earlier this year in January as well as daughter, London, also via a surrogate last month in November. She shares her two children with husband Carter Reum - whom she tied the knot with in 2021. Earlier this month, Nicky explained to People that both she and her older sister have bonded over motherhood. 'I mean, usually around this time of the year we're trying to figure out what we should do for New Year's Eve, should we go to Vegas?' 'But this year we're talking about doing a trip with all the children,' she expressed to the publication. Nicky has been keeping busy and recently got into the festive spirit as she attended her mother, Kathy Hilton's, annual Christmas party in Bel Air over the weekend on Saturday. She dressed for the occasion wearing a halter-styled, red lace minidress that contained a hem that stopped a few inches above her knees. And most recently, Nicky also opened up to the outlet about her growing bond with Paris Hilton - who is also mother to two little ones 'But this year we're talking about doing a trip with all the children,' Nicky happily expressed to the publication Nicky has been keeping busy and recently got into the festive spirit as she attended her mother, Kathy Hilton's, annual Christmas party in Bel Air over the weekend on Saturday; seen with Paris (left) The blonde beauty slipped into a pair of open-toed, silver strappy heels that glittered under the bright lights. Hilton was later joined by her sister, Paris, who color-coordinated with Nicky in a shirt-sleeved, red dress that contained sparkling, silver heart embellishments on the front. The stylish duo paused for a fun photo session together while standing in front of a lavishly decorated Christmas tree. Paris and Nicky also crossed paths with a few celebrity guests at the event, including actress Kate Beckinsale - who confidently flaunted her new blonde hairdo - as well as Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade. George Clooney is responding to reports that Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling will reunite to play his character Danny Ocean's parents in an Ocean's Eleven prequel It was reported back in October that Gosling, 41, had come aboard to reunite with his 33-year-old Barbie co-star Robbie in an Ocean's Eleven prequel via GamesRadar. Little else has been revealed about the project, though Clooney was asked about it on the red carpet premiere of his new film The Boys in the Boat. When asked if he heard about the project, Clooney told People, 'Yeah! Margot Robbie is my mother? I've always thought that.' 'Ryan Gosling is my father. Now when you think about it, it makes sense. Truly,' Clooney added. George Clooney is responding to reports that Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling will reunite to play his character Danny Ocean's parents in an Ocean's Eleven prequel Parents: It was reported back in October that Gosling, 41, had come aboard to reunite with his 33-year-old Barbie co-star Robbie in an Ocean's Eleven prequel via GamesRadar Josey McNamara - who co-founded Robbie's production company LuckyChap with the actress, her husband Tom Ackerley and Sophia Kerr in 2014 - spoke about the prequel in an interview back in October. 'I cant really say much, but I think were just trying to do right by the franchise. Im excited for people to experience it when its ready, he said in the interview. He also teased that the prequel could just be the latest of many future collaborations between Robbie and Gosling. 'Theyre wonderful together. The more projects even outside of that we can have them do would be amazing,' the producer said. The Ocean's Eleven prequel was first announced in May 2022, revealing Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Bombshell) was directing from a script by Carrie Solomon. While no story specifics were given, the story was set to take place across Europe in the 1960s. Gary Ross and Olivia Milch, who directed and co-wrote, respectively, the 2018 all-female spin-off Ocean's Eight, are both set to executive produce. That report said that the goal was to get production started by spring 2023, though that never came to fruition due to the writers and actors strikes. He also teased that the prequel could just be the latest of many future collaborations between Robbie and Gosling The 2001 remake starred Clooney as Danny Ocean, who leads a team of thieves on a seeminlgy-impossible mission to rob a Las Vegas casino The film - which also starred Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, earned $450 million worldwide from an $85 million budget, spawning two hit sequels The original Ocean's Eleven was a Rat Pack movie starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., which debuted in 1960. The 2001 remake starred Clooney as Danny Ocean, who leads a team of thieves on a seeminlgy-impossible mission to rob a Las Vegas casino. The film - which also starred Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, earned $450 million worldwide from an $85 million budget, spawning two hit sequels. The franchise was revived in 2018 with Ocean's Eight, an all-female spin-off following Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), Danny's younger sister, who leads a team on a heist at the Met Gala. Hugh Grant was looking his best on Tuesday evening when he got back on the publicity trail for his upcoming musical prequel Wonka. The 63-year-old screen legend was spotted out in New York City as he headed to a taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He opted for a classic look with a well-tailored black suit as he was spotted walking up to the studio in Manhattan. Grant can be seen onscreen as Lofty, a diminutive Oompa-Loompa who befriends a young Willy Wonka. Timothee Chalamet plays the chocolatier in his early years, before he developed the stature of the character in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Hugh Grant, 63, looked debonaire in a well-tailored black suit as he headed to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in New York City on Tuesday evening Gene Wilder created an iconic portrait of the figure who originated in Roald Dahl's 1964 novel Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and Tim Burton later directed Johnny Depp in the role for a remake retitled after the book. Hugh eschewed overly tight suits in vogue with some younger stars in favor of a flowing, better fitting design. He opted for a color-free ensemble featuring a white dress shirt and a textured black tie that complemented his jacket. He kept his salt-and-pepper hair styled short, and he smiled as he arrived at the building. In Hugh's new film Wonka, Timothee Chalamet plays an aspiring chocolatier who moves to a fantastical European city to sell his seemingly magical treats, only to be tricked into decades of indentured servitude. As he tries to sell chocolates to to pay off his debts, Wonka discovers that a tiny thief has been stealing his wares. Lofty reveals that Wonka had previously stolen chocolates from the Oompa-Loompas that he was supposed to be watching over, so the tiny creatures banished him until he could get the sweets creator to repay his debt in chocolate. Lofty manages to escape Wonka's trap, only to rejoin him later to help him defeat a corrupt chocolate cartel. Wonka was initially blasted over its first trailer and ad campaign, which attempted to hide the fact that the movie is a musical by not highlighting its songs. Other social media users lambasted the film and Chalamet for what they perceived as groan-worthy jokes and a wooden performance in the trailer. However, critics who have finally had a chance to see the film have been largely positive, countering those early uninformed opinions. The film now holds a 76 percent fresh rating from the most prestigious critics surveyed by Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the praise, Hugh recently revealed that he had no interest in appearing in Wonka and only took the role to help pay for his family luxurious lifestyle. The silver fox wore a black patterned tie and a white shirt with the classic outfit He stars as the Oompa-Loompy Lofty in the upcoming prequel Wonka, inspired by Roald Dahl's novel Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Timothee Chalamet plays the title character Hugh confessed to Metro recently that he 'hated' the experience of filming Wonka (pictured) and objected to wearing the motion capture suit, which he likened to a 'crown of thorns' The Four Weddings And A Funeral star, who has five children ranging from five to 13, told Metro: 'I slightly hate [making films] but I have lots of children and need money.' Speaking of the motion capture suit required to digitally transform him into an Oompa-Loompa, he said: 'It was like a crown of thorns, very uncomfortable. 'I made a big fuss about it. I couldn't have hated the whole thing more... and frankly, what I did with my body was terrible, and its all been replaced with an animator,' he vented. But if audiences react the way critics have to Wonka, Hugh will likely being crying all the way to the bank. Married At First Sight bride Olivia Frazer has been spotted hooking up with her ex-partner at an influencer event in Sydney on Friday. Footage taken by Daily Mail Australia shows Olivia, 30, wrapped with her arms around her former flame while in line at the bar at Bedouin in Sydney's Double Bay. Olivia couldn't keep her hands off him as she gazed into his eyes, before they picked up a drink and walked over to a nearby table. Olivia then introduced her beau to friends, Carolina Santos and Cody Bromley, who also attended Bedouins 5th birthday bash. The former couple are understood to have dated for years, and were even set to walk down the aisle in real life - but things abruptly ended. Married At First Sight bride Olivia Frazer has been spotted hooking up with her ex-partner at an influencer event in Sydney on Friday. Both pictured Olivia couldn't keep her hands off him as she gazes into his eyes, before they picked up a drink and walked over to a nearby table Keeping mum about their hookup, Olivia told Daily Mail Australia: 'He came and met me at the party. Lovely guy'. It comes weeks after Frazer's disastrous stint with a cheating boyfriend in Scotland. She moved to the UK earlier this year after meeting a Scottish fellow who convinced her he was the man of her dreams, only for Olivia to discover he had a secret girlfriend. It comes after the TV bride moved to the UK earlier this year after meeting a Scottish fellow who convinced her he was the man of her dreams, only to discover he had a secret girlfriend 'It's important to remind other girls not to ignore red flags from the start because you so desperately want it to work with someone,' she said after the messy split. 'I feel like I've been completely scammed and made a fool out of,' she continued. 'We spoke almost every day, he told me he wanted me to meet his son once I got to Scotland and made me feel so wanted.' Olivia's relationship with her on-screen husband Jackson Lonie came to an end in May last year. Bradley Cooper brought along a special date to the Los Angeles premiere of his new film Maestro daughter Lea, six. The 48-year-old actor was a proud father as his little one, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Irina Shayk, made her first-ever red carpet appearance on Tuesday evening. Lea looked adorable in a leopard print Dolce & Gabbana dress teamed with sparkly gold ballet flats. The youngster, who favors Bradley with her blue eyes and blonde locks, held hands with her movie star parent as they walked the red carpet. Lea appears in the film as a younger version of Maya Hawke's character Jamie Bernstein, according to IMDb. Bradley Cooper brought along a special date to the Los Angeles premiere of his new film Maestro daughter Lea, six Lea was also joined by Bradley's A Star Is Born co-star Lady Gaga who attended the premiere Lea favors Bradley with her blue eyes and blonde locks Lea pulled her golden tresses back, rocked sideswept bangs, and flashed a cute red manicure for her special night. The tot even carried a small red and black purse crossbody-style as she accompanied her father. Bradley was dapper in a navy three-piece suit teamed with a white shirt and black tie. He added black dress shoes and sported a shadow of a beard along with a short haircut. Missing from the scene was 37-year-old Irina, who showed her support via a social media post. Taking to her Instagram Stories, where she entertains 23.3 million followers, she uploaded two photos back-to-back. The first was a promotional black and white Maestro poster, under which she wrote, 'Congrats @maestrofilm So proud Daddy and Lea.' The second image showed the back of Lea's head as she sat in a dark theater while the name 'Lea pictures,' Cooper's production company, was illuminated on the screen. At the star-studded affair, Lea made a splash as she posed with big name celebrities like Carey Mulligan and Lady Gaga The 37-year-old singing sensation looked smart in a plunging black pantsuit with a sparkly silver design embroidered across the front Bradley and Lady Gaga looked thrilled to be back in each other's company Carey cut a glamorous figue in a navy strapless dress with a shimmering detail Little Lea proudly flashed her bright small while taking her place in photos At the star-studded affair, Lea made a splash as she posed with big name celebrities. The lucky little girl was photographed with Bradley's A Star is Born co-star Lady Gaga, who looked typically stylish. The 37-year-old singing sensation looked smart in a plunging black pantsuit with a sparkly silver design embroidered across the front. Her short, platinum bob was arranged in a side part and uniform barrel curls. The New York native flashed a short, milky white manicure as she carried a black clutch. Her visage was beautifully made up with rosy-hued cosmetics with a flawless matte finish. Bradley was every inch the doting father as he held hands with his daughter at the premiere Lea was dressed in an animal print dress and gold shoes for the event Lady Gaga looked incredible in a black blazer and matching trousers Bradley was dapper in a navy three-piece suit teamed with a white shirt and black tie The cast of the Netflix film looked fantastic as they dressed to the nines for the premiere Irina was a proud mom as she took to Instagram on Tuesday to promote Maestro Weeks ago, the Silver Linings Playbook actor revealed to Access Hollywood that he had an 'amazing' time working with his daughter his only child on the movie. He even went as far as referring to Lea's part in the feature as a 'role' rather than a 'cameo.' 'I wouldn't say cameo,' he said with as he laughed with costar Carey Mulligan. 'I wouldn't wanna disrespect her it's a role.' When asked how special it was to share the experience with her, he answered, 'It was amazing. Yeah, it was incredible.' Irina recently enjoyed time in Miami, where she spent time with on-again love interest Tom Brady. On Friday night she hit the town with the former NFL star, 46, who split from ex-wife Gisele Bundchen last year. Shayk and Brady were initially romantically linked in July after attending billionaire art heir Joe Nahmad's wedding to model Madison Headrick in Sardinia, Italy. Irina and Tom's fling was said to have 'fizzled' two months ago, but it appears the two are still seeing each other. Irina recently enjoyed time in Miami, where she spent time with on-again love interest Tom Brady Shayk bundled up in a sleek black winter outfit as she stepped out in NYC earlier this month During the Friday outing, Irina was seen jumping into the passenger seat of Tom's vehicle as he came to a stop near a curb on a busy street. The retired athlete kept casual in a short-sleeved polo shirt and he wore a cap on top his head. Shortly after the model situated herself in the sleek car, the pair drove off to head to their next destination for the evening. Later, Brady attended a private bash, but Shayk wasn't seen by his side, per TMZ. Glenn Powell has been doing the press rounds for his new movie Anyone But You recently, as he revealed a rather harrowing story that almost lead to his death. The 35-year-old actor stars alongside Sydney Sweeney as a couple who dated briefly and find themselves at a destination wedding where they pretend to be a couple... despite their rather intense hatred towards one another. Powell hit the red carpet for the upcoming comedy's New York City premiere, ahead of the December 22 release date, where he told Variety about the near-death mishap. The scene in question happens when Sweeney's character Bea has to take a spider out of Powell's character Ben's shorts. 'You just have to grip it and rip it on a scene like that. You know youre not going to leave that filming day looking cool, so you just have to embrace it,' Powell said. Glenn Powell has been doing the press rounds for his new movie Anyone But You recently, as he revealed a rather harrowing story that almost lead to his death The 35-year-old actor stars alongside Sydney Sweeney as a couple who dated briefly and find themselves at a destination wedding where they pretend to be a couple... despite their rather intense hatred towards one another Powell hit the red carpet for the upcoming comedy's New York City premiere, ahead of the December 22 release date, where he told Variety about the near-death mishap 'Taking your clothes off on the side of a cliff in a hurry is not safe either,' Powell said, referring to the harrowing experience. 'Nobody talks about that safety issue on set, where I almost died falling off a cliff taking my pants off too fast. But its a really fun scene, so it was all worth it,' Powell said. The scene was also rather dangerous for Sweeney too, revealing on the red carpet that the spider bit her. 'Theres the spider itself, which actually bit me, and that was a whole thing. And then we have the part of Glen bending over and me checking to see if there are more spiders,' she said She added that it took half a day to film the spider scene, joking, 'Im very acquainted with Glen now.' There had long been rumors of a steamy romance between Sweeney and Powell during production, but both stars have denied any romantic connections. The romance rumors heated up when Powell's girlfriend Gigi Powell unfollowed Sweeney on Instagram before the couple broke up, though Sweeney is still with her fiance Jonathan Davino. 'Its a rom-com. Thats what people want! Glen and I dont really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much,' Sweeney said. 'Taking your clothes off on the side of a cliff in a hurry is not safe either,' Powell said, referring to the harrowing experience Bit: The scene was also rather dangerous for Sweeney too, revealing on the red carpet that the spider bit her Romance rumors: The romance rumors heated up when Powell's girlfriend Gigi Powell unfollowed Sweeney on Instagram before the couple broke up, though Sweeney is still with her fiance Jonathan Davino She added, 'Hes such a hard worker, and Im a hard worker. Were excited for the press tour. She added, 'I literally just left ADR with him. We talk all the time like, "Thats really funny."' Powell opened up in a Men's Health cover story about the rumors, revealing they were 'disconcerting.' 'When all that stuff happened, you know, publicly, it felt disorienting and unfair. But what Im realizing is thats just a part of this gig now,' he said. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the state Department of Housing and Community Development are requestinig to intervene in a builders remedy lawsuit against the wealthy Los Angeles County city of La Canada Flintridge. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Californias builders remedy is getting big backers in court: Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta. On Tuesday, Bonta and Newsoms state Department of Housing and Community Development filed a request to intervene in a builders remedy lawsuit against the wealthy Los Angeles County city of La Canada Flintridge. The request, subject to court approval, throws significant legal weight behind a largely untested provision of California law that says developers can bypass local zoning and design restrictions for projects with affordable units in jurisdictions without state-approved housing plans. Its a move likely to reverberate across California: More than a third of jurisdictions still dont have state-approved housing blueprints outlining how they plan to accommodate their share of the 2 million homes the state needs by 2031 and the states action could be a green light for developers to pounce and submit projects under the builders remedy that likely would never get approved otherwise. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It should also serve as a warning to San Francisco, where the Board of Supervisors tested the states patience by inserting last-minute amendments into Mayor London Breeds legislation to streamline the citys notoriously lengthy and complex permitting process. The state housing department signed off on the policy Tuesday, allowing San Francisco at least for now to avoid having its housing plan decertified, which would have opened it up to builders remedy projects like the proposed 50-story skyscraper in the Sunset. Just like San Francisco, La Canada Flintridge tried to play games with the state on housing. One of its more spurious tactics: claiming that a California law designed to desegregate historically exclusionary communities, known as affirmatively furthering fair housing, is unconstitutional due to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down affirmative action in college admissions. La Canada Flintridges lawyers made that claim in response to a lawsuit from development company Cedar Street Partners, which is challenging the citys denial of its builders remedy application for an 80-unit mixed-income project with hotel and office space. It would be the citys first multifamily housing development in more than a decade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cedar Street Partners filed the application long before La Canada Flintridge secured state approval for its plan to accommodate 612 homes over the next eight years. But La Canada Flintridges lawyers argue that the city approved its own plan before state approval and thus wasnt subject to the builders remedy. This self-certification argument is absurd and the state is saying so. La Canada Flintridge, Bonta argues in the filing, is without the legal authority to declare that its own housing element substantially complies with state law. A lawyer for La Canada Flintridge has not responded to a request for comment. The state is seeking to intervene in a separate lawsuit against La Canada Flintridge brought by the California Housing Defense Fund, but the issues are almost identical to those raised in the Cedar Street Partners case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a pair of Nov. 22 rulings in Los Angeles County Superior Court, La Canada Flintridges requests to throw out both lawsuits were denied, and the citys argument about the unconstitutionality of affirmatively furthering fair housing was described as unpersuasive. Those rulings sent a clear message to other jurisdictions: Refusing to accept builders remedy applications invites a judicial determination that city was in bad faith, triggering court-ordered approval of project & fines, UC Davis law professor and California housing law expert Chris Elmendorf noted on X (formerly Twitter). Bonta and Newsoms move is likely a preview of more aggressive action to come. Starting Jan. 1, the Attorney Generals Office will have the unconditional right to enter any lawsuit filed over a potential housing law violation the result of Newsom signing into law a bill authored by two San Francisco Democrats, Assembly Member Matt Haney and state Sen. Scott Wiener. Bontas latest filing underscores the extent to which hes zeroing in on tougher enforcement of housing laws as he seriously considers a run for governor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Far too many Californians struggle to access affordable housing, and cities have a duty to facilitate, not block, affordable housing to alleviate our housing crisis, Bonta said in a statement. His willingness to intervene is not going unnoticed. The attorney general is really taking these things really seriously, Alexandra Hack, a principal at Cedar Street Partners, told me. I really do hope that this is a signal to any other jurisdiction that refuses to do their part to provide their fair share of housing. One would hope that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is listening. The city has long been reluctant to remove unnecessary barriers to housing production: Before the state significantly ramped up pressure, supervisors had been slow-walking Breeds streamlining legislation for months. If San Francisco continues to view the prospect of new housing with unfettered suspicion making it increasingly difficult for anyone but the very wealthy to build a life here it will be allying itself with the same city that argues housing laws intended to integrate historically exclusionary neighborhoods are unconstitutional. Fans of the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine have flooded social media with tributes to one of the show's stars, the 'iconic' Andre Braugher who passed away on Monday at the age of 61. His publicist said in a short statement that the man best known for playing Captain Raymond Holt in the Fox/NBC hit and Det. Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street. Multiple co-stars paid tribute to the Chicago-born actor as one of the best that they ever worked with across television and movies. His legions of fans are also in mourning. One such fan called Braugher 'the heart of Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' another said that the character's success was 'all down to Andre Braugher's incredible comic delivery' while another described him as 'such an iconic actor.' Braugher's cause of death has not been made public, his publicist Jennifer Allen told numerous media outlets that the actor died after a battle with a 'brief illness.' The two-time Emmy winner Andre Braugher passed away, age 61, on Monday night following a brief illness (pictured in 2006) Many fans awoke to the tragic news that Andre Braugher passed away on the morning of December 13 The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist said on Tuesday. He was 61 Braugher starred alongside Andy Samberg in the police satire Brooklyn Nine-Nine for eight seasons from 2013 through 2021 in the role of Captain Ray Holt 'I need 3-5 business days to recover from hearing that Andre Braugher died. I am so devastated. RIP,' fan NordieByNature wrote on X. 'Waking up to the worst news ever, i'm so sad about andre braugher. Captain holt will always be one one of my favourite characters ever,' another Lovatoloki wrote. 'Absolutely devastated hearing that the world has lost Andre Braugher. Obviously known for many roles, but Captain Holt brought so much joy to so many. Sleep well Captain,' Ricker666 wrote. Another fan, Theo James, wrote that he and his father bonded over Brooklyn Nine-Nine after he came out to him. 'His character on Brooklyn 99 meant so much to me. I started watching with my dad around the same time i came out and it really helped us bond.' X influencer Rex Chapman said that Braugher's death was a 'crushing loss.' 'Andre Braugher had a way of speaking like he loved every weird little clause of a sentence, like somehow his voice and his gravity could hold onto more separate thoughts and rhythms and linguistic turns than most people could ever hold at once. it was such a pleasure to hear him,' wrote fan Kathryn VanArendonk. 'Andre Braugher's death really hits hard. By modern standards, he was a young man. RIP to a guy I loved in everything he was in,' wrote SeaTKJ. In all, he had 11 Emmy nominations, according to the Television Academy's website, and 67 acting credits, according to IMDB.com X influencer and former basketball star Rex Chapman called Braugher's death a 'crushing loss' He had previously established himself as a dramatic actor playing Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide from 1992 to 1998, a breakout role for which he won his first Emmy in 1998, for lead actor in a drama series. Born and raised in Chicago, Braugher earned a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.F.A. from Juilliard Braugher established himself in the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, the lead role on 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' a dark police drama based on a book by David Simon Some fans remember Braugher's other work. 'Homicide: Life On The Street is a masterclass of both acting and storytelling. Trying to imagine Baltimore Homicide without Frank Pembleton is incomprehensible,' Boodsm tweeted. 'I was first introduced to Andre Braugher watching the 1989 film Glory. He was an incredibly captivating actor who could deliver intense dramatic emotions and also make you laugh out loud with his deadpan delivery and precise comedic timing. #rip,' wrote Stephen Scherer. Braugher established himself in the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, the lead role on 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' a dark police drama based on a book by David Simon, who would go on to create 'The Wire.' The show, which focused on the homicide unit of the Baltimore Police Department, ran for seven seasons on NBC, and would win critical acclaim with Braugher as its dramatic center and breakout star. He would win his first career Emmy for the role, taking the trophy for lead actor in a drama series in 1998. He feared he would be typecast after spending most of the 1990s as the brooding detective. That would not prove to be a problem. He would go on to play a very different kind of cop on a very different kind of show, shifting to comedy as Capt. Ray Holt on the Andy Samberg-starring 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.' It would run for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021 on Fox and NBC. Though he'd dipped his toe into comedy in the TNT dramedy 'Men of a Certain Age,' 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' still represented a major shift for Braugher, who was known for acting in dark and heavy dramas. 'I just felt as though it was an opportunity to do something strikingly different from the rest of my career,' Braugher told the AP in 2019. 'I like it because it just simply opens up my mind and forces me to think in a different way. So I think I've become much more sort of supple as an actor, and more open to the incredible number of possibilities of how to play a scene.' He would be nominated for four Emmys during the run. Also from Brooklyn Nine-Nine was Terry Crews, who said Andre 'showed me what a life well lived looks like' Also grieving Andre was Kyra Sedgwick (L), who Instastoried that 'playing his other half in Brooklyn Nine-Nine will forever be one of the highlights of my career' Perhaps the most heartbreaking of all tributes, Melissa Fumero, who played Det. Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine posted a photo of Braugher's desk in the show, empty and dark Braugher's 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' co-star Terry Crews was among those paying tribute to him Monday night. 'Can't believe you're gone so soon,' Crews said on Instagram. I'm honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts.' He added, 'You showed me what a life well-lived looked like.' Braugher most recently starred in 'She Said,' the 2022 film about the New York Times journalists who broke the story of Harvey Weinstein's years of sexually abusing women. Braugher played Times editor Dean Baquet. Born and raised in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford and got a master of fine arts degree from Juilliard. He had his breakthrough role in 1989's 'Glory,' starring alongside Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar for the film about an all-Black Army regiment during the the Civil War. Braugher played the bookish, frightened union corporal Thomas Searles in the film. 'I conceived that character as heroic, but I got a lot of scripts after that where I'm constantly crying,' he told the AP in 1993. Despite the part, he told the AP in 2019 that before 'Homicide' he struggled to find work in a Hollywood where roles for African American actors were 'few and far between, Period.' Braugher won his second Emmy for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for the 2006 limited series 'Thief' on FX. Braugher would be nominated for 11 Emmys overall. His other film credits included 'Primal Fear' and 'Get on the Bus,' and his other TV credits included 'Hack,' 'Gideon's Crossing' and 'The Good Fight.' He also acted frequently on the stage, often doing Shakespeare. He won an Obie Award for playing the title role in 'Henry V' at the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he also appeared in 'Measure for Measure,' 'Twelfth Night' and 'As You Like It.' Braugher was married for more than 30 years to his 'Homicide' co-star Ami Brabson. He is also survived by sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley, his brother Charles Jennings and his mother Sally Braugher. The acting world is in mourning with the news that Camden Toy - an actor best known for playing some of the most iconic monsters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer - has passed away. The actor's death was reported by friends on Facebook, many of whom put together a Remembering Camden Toy page. The actor was 68 years of age at the time of his passing on Tuesday, with his partner Bethany Henderson revealing he was battling pancreatic cancer for the past two years. 'For many reasons we were very hopeful for, at least, a longer and more fruitful time on planet Earth,' Henderson wrote on December 8. 'Even the more recent challenges felt more like a hiccup in progress. Unfortunately, it looks like weve reached the end of the road with the doctors treatment,' she added. The acting world is in mourning with the news that Camden Toy - an actor best known for playing some of the most iconic monsters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer - has passed away The actor's death was reported by friends on Facebook , many of whom put together a Remembering Camden Toy page. 'His condition has declined a lot in the last 2 months and tremendously in the last several days,' she said. Henderson added that the actor chose not to reveal his cancer diagnosis publicly, 'for many reasons.' 'So, unfortunately, this may be new and shocking news to many of his fans. We both apologize for this and please know that he has appreciated you all so much, as have I!' she said. Toy grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and took an interest in the film industry at an early age. He moved to New York City where he was one of the founding members of the Nada Theatre.' Toy ultimately moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a fan favorite on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, playing some of the show's most iconic monsters. He played The Gentleman in the show's Emmy-nominated Season 4 episode Hush in 1999 and appeared in five episodes of the show's seventh and final season. He was so frequently in his heavy prosthetics for the show that star Sarah Michelle Gellar claimed she had never seen his actual face until a producer showed him a photo. Toy played Gnarl in an early Season 7 episode and recurred as the Ubervamp in four more episodes that season. He was also cast in the Buffy spin-off Angel playing a new character dubbed Prince of Lies. Other roles include The Insider's Guide to Film School, The Bay, Average Joe and a voice role on Call of Duty: Vanguard. He also served as a film editor on Zen Noir and a number of short films and worked on the editing staff of other projects as well. Hilary Duff proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday - after revealing she is expecting baby number four. The Lizzie McGuire alum, 36 who announced the big news with a humorous Christmas card held a smile on her face as she arrived to Century City Mall for a shopping excursion. The star shares daughters Banks, two, and Mae, five, with husband Matthew Koma, as well as son Luca, 11 - whom she welcomed with ex, Mike Comrie. Duff opted for an all-black ensemble that comprised of a warm, turtleneck sweater as well as a pair of loose-fitting trousers. She slipped into a pair of black, heeled boots and carried a black, cross-body bag with a gold-chained strap over her left shoulder. Hilary Duff proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday - just hours after the actress revealed she is expecting baby number four The star opted for an all-black ensemble that comprised of a warm, turtleneck sweater as well as a pair of loose-fitting trousers She accessorized the look with a pair of gold-hooped earrings for a flashy flare as well as a gold watch on her left wrist. Hilary's blonde locks were parted to the side, and effortlessly flowed down naturally past her shoulders. The beauty was seen stepping out of a sleek SUV as she arrived to the shopping mall and cradled a large, pink water bottle in the crook of her left arm as well as an iced drink. She also carried a pair of fashionable shades in her hand in case she strolled underneath the bright sunshine. Earlier on Tuesday, Duff took to her main Instagram page to officially announce that she is expecting baby number four - her third with husband Matthew Koma. The former Disney channel star shared the happy news with a hilarious Christmas card showing her posing with Koma, their daughters Mae and Banks, as well as her son Luca. Showing off her bump in pajamas, the star playfully screamed in the card captioned, 'So much for Silent Nights.' She also wrote on the post, 'Surprise surprise!' and 'Buckle up Buttercups, we're adding one more to this crazy bunch' alongside photos of her children. She slipped into a pair of black, heeled boots and carried a black, cross-body bag with a gold-chained strap over her left shoulder Earlier on Tuesday, Duff took to her main Instagram page to officially announced that she is expecting baby number four - her third with husband Matthew Koma Social media users and celebrities jumped to the comment section to express their excitement upon hearing the news. Mandy Moore sweetly typed out, 'Love this. What a cute card!! ,' while Elle Fanning penned, ' woohoooo.' Pretty Little Liars stars, Ashley Benson - who is expecting her first child - wrote, 'Yessss' and Lucy Hale added, 'Ahh Congrats you guys!' Dakota Fanning also joined in to include a slew of red heart and happy face emojis while Amanda Kloots added, 'I love this.' 'Ahh congrats !!!,' typed out Jenna Dewan, and Ireland Baldwin also added a few red heart emojis to Duff and her family. Back in June, Hilary talked to Shape and got candid about raising three children and parenthood. 'I've had to get really good at being disappointed in myself,' she admitted. 'I think that when you have a baby, you're just wired to think that you are loaded with all the answers and all of the capability, and we're still just human beings.' However, she expressed that motherhood is 'endlessly rewarding' and stated, 'I just love watching my kids form into their own individual unique selves...' The former Disney channel star announced the happy news with a hilarious Christmas card showing her posing with Koma, their daughters Mae and Banks, as well as her son Luca The star shares daughters Banks, two, and Mae, five, with husband Matthew Koma, as well as son Luca, 11 - whom she welcomed with ex, Mike Comrie 'I love [parenting] with my husband. I love feeling like hugs and cuddles can make everything better. I love the pressure of being like, "How the f**k are we going to make it through this day?"' 'And making it through the day and being like, "I don't know how everyone is tucked in and fed and happy after all the things we've had to do today."' Hilary has also opened up about the way she feels about her body as a mother of three while talking to Women's Health last year in May. 'I'm proud of my body. I'm proud that it's produced three children for me. I've gotten to a place of being peaceful with the changes my body has gone through,' she said. She arrived at her current state of mind possibly 'after having Banks,' she mused, noting that after she and her first husband split up she 'didn't even know if I was going to have the opportunity to have another child.' She expressed to Shape that motherhood is 'endlessly rewarding' and stated, 'I just love watching my kids form into their own individual unique selves...'; seen earlier this month in Beverly Hills Hilary has also opened up about the way she feels about her body as a mother of three while talking to Women's Health last year in May 'So, being a mom again, maybe. It was a whole mix of things - of being settled and realizing that I'm powerful and talented and smart. All mental things.' During the same interview she extolled the virtues of therapy, stressing the need to look after her emotional state as well as her physical condition. 'We bust our a** to get our bodies in shape and to look the best we can. We get facials and Botox and our hair done and highlights and brows and lash lifts and all this s***,' the A Cinderella Story star revealed. 'But I want to work on the inside. That's the most important part of the system.' Pierce Brosnan put on a loved-up display with his wife Keely Shaye Smith as they rode around Malibu together on Tuesday. The James Bond star, 70, looked typically dapper in a casual black zip-up cardigan and black trousers, which he styled with a relaxed-fit T-shirt and black skater trainers. He rode alongside his journalist wife, Keely, 60, who he tied the knot with in 2001, as they looked happier than ever. The couple rode matching bicycles as they shielded away from the Californian sun in large black-out sunglasses. Keely looked carefree as she sported a pair of khaki shorts and a casual grey T-shirt for the day trip. Pierce Brosnan put on a loved-up display with his wife Keely Shaye Smith as they rode around Malibu together on Tuesday She kept comfortable in a khaki zip-up jacket and completed her look with a pair of nude flip-flops. Pierce and Keely have been married for 22 years after tying the knot at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland in 2001. The pair first met in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 1994, three years after Pierce's first wife, Cassandra Harris, died in 1991. He has previously said of Keely: 'I found a great woman in Keely Shaye. Not if I searched a million times over would I find one as good.' Pierce gifted Keely 60 roses in September and shared a sweet tribute to his wife as she marked her 60th birthday. 'Sixty roses for my brown-eyed girl on her 60th birthday,' Pierce began in his birthday post. 'Forever happy and blessed was I to be sitting there when you walked around the corner early one morning in Cabo San Lucas,' he added of their first meeting. Pierce and Keely have two sons, Dylan, 26, and Paris, 22, the youngest of the actor's five children. The James Bond star, 70, looked typically dapper in a casual black zip-up cardigan and black trousers, which he styled with a relaxed-fit T-shirt and black skater trainers The Mamma Mia! star also has a son Sean, 38, and an adopted son Chris, 49, as well as his late adopted daughter, Charlotte with Cassandra. Pierce adopted Cassandra's children, Chris and Charlotte, after their father, Dermot Harris, died in 1986. Pierce is renowned for playing secret agent 007 in four of the James Bond films - Golden Eye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. The actor had his last outing as 007 in Die Another Day in 2002 and although he was eager to do a fifth film, producers decided they wanted to reboot the role to stay relevant in a post-9/11, post-Jason Bourne world. He previously insisted he has 'no regrets' about how he left the franchise, when he was told he was being replaced over the phone. Speaking to The Guardian in 2020, Pierce said: 'There's no regret. I do not let regret come into my world It just leads to more misery and more regrets. Bond is the gift that keeps giving and has allowed me to have a wonderful career. 'Once you're branded as a Bond, it's with you forever, so you better make peace with it and you'd better understand that when you walk through those doors and pick up the mantle of playing James Bond.' She is never shy showing off her sensational physique. And Emily Ratajkowski was at it again on Tuesday night as she put on a very leggy display while attending a Miu Miu event in New York. The model, 32, made sure all eyes were on her in the skimpy ensemble as she posed in tiny leather shorts with gold belt detailing. She completed her look with a matching cropped jacket with gold buttons that flashed her abs and boosted her height with strappy black heels. The brunette beauty also toted a bag from the designer as she posed up a storm at the event. Emily Ratajkowski put on a very leggy display while attending a Miu Miu event in New York on Tuesday night The model, 32, made sure all eyes were on her in the skimpy ensemble as she posed in tiny leather shorts with gold belt detailing Emily commanded attention in the daring leather shorts and a matching top as she arrived for the swanky fashion event She wore her silky dark tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a natural makeup look to show off her pretty features. It comes after earlier this week the Gone Girl actress took to her Instagram stories to share an adorable snap as she posed for a quick mirror selfie with two-year-old son, Sly. The Inamorata founder shares her little one with ex, Sebastian Bear-McClard - whom she initially tied the knot with in 2018. However last year in July the two split and a few months later in September, she filed for divorce. In the photo, Emily could be seen holding her son in her arm while his head rested on her shoulder. With her spare hand, she held up her phone to take the selfie in the reflection of a mirror in what appeared to be a living room. Behind the star was a large couch as well as a Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments in the corner. Along with putting her main focus into motherhood, Ratajkowski has also been filtering through quite a busy schedule. She completed her look with a matching cropped jacket with gold buttons that flashed her abs and boosted her height with strappy black heels The brunette beauty also toted a bag from the designer as she posed up a storm at the glitzy event Emily's daring look showcased every inch of her jaw-dropping figure She posed up a storm in the racy leather outfit as she arrived for the Miu Miu event She wore her silky dark tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a natural makeup look to show off her pretty features She attended the SELECT NY event in Manhattan in New York and looked incredible in the matching set She posed with model Paloma Elsesser inside the event who wore a sheer jumper and matching skirt Chloe Crane-Leroux, Izzi Allain, Stephanie Hui were also in attendance at the star-studded NYC event She recently whisked herself away on a tropical vacation and uploaded an assortment of snaps to Instagram that had captured fun moments from the trip. Emily joined model, Tina Kunakey, as they visited Turks and Caicos and the pair posed up a storm while on a scenic shore. The mother-of-one stunned wearing an orange bikini while Kunakey also flaunted her figure in a patterned two-piece swimsuit. The duo struck a variety of poses on a spacious beach as the warm sun shone down on them. In the caption of the photo series, the former Nickelodeon actress simply penned to her followers, 'turks and tina.' Chef Sophia Roe cut a chic figure in a tweed black and white coat and black dress worn underneath Model Yvesmark Chery looked in great spirits as he posed at the event in a shiny blue jacket and black trousers Model Jessie Andrews wore a beige sheer cardigan and matching skirt and toted a bright red bag The cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine have paid tribute to Andre Braugher following his death at the age of 61. The actor, known for playing Captain Raymond Holt in the comedy, passed away on Monday following a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed to Variety. His devastated Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars took to social media to pay tribute to Andre following the sad news of his death. Terry Crews, who portrayed Terry Jeffords in the Fox and NBC sitcom, thanked Andre for his 'wisdom' and 'friendship' across the eight years they starred together. Alongside a picture of Andre, Terry penned: 'Can't believe you're gone so soon. I'm honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. The cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine have paid tribute to Andre Braugher following his death at the age of 61, including Terry Crews (pictured on the show with Andre in 2014) His devastated Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars, including Kyra Sedgwick, took to social media to pay tribute to Andre following the sad news of his death The actor, known for playing Captain Raymond Holt in the comedy, passed away on Monday following a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed 'This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. 'Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness, and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like.' Kyra Sedgwick also took to her own Instagram to share her 'heartbreak' and admitted that 'playing his other half in Brooklyn Nine-Nine will forever be one of the highlights of my career'. Kyra, who starred as played NYPD Commissioner Madeline Wuntch, shared a throwback selfie of herself in costume alongside Andre as she planted a kiss on his cheek. 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of the brilliant Andre Braugher. Sending love to all of his family and friends,' she penned in a caption. Meanwhile, Dirk Blocker, who played bumbling detective Michael Hitchcock on the hit show, called Braugher 'fiercely intelligent' and 'remarkably kind'. He wrote: 'Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer. I am devastated. 'I love him. The 9 years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.' Terry Crews , who portrayed Terry Jeffords in the Fox and NBC sitcom, thanked Andre for his 'wisdom' and 'friendship' across the eight years they starred together Meanwhile, Dirk Blocker, who played bumbling detective Hitchcock on the hit show, called Braugher 'fiercely intelligent' and 'remarkably kind' Chelsea Peretti shared a snap of Andre posing with a painted portrait of his Brooklyn Nine-Nine character Raymond and wrote that she 'hates' that she won't see him again Chelsea Peretti, known as Gina Linetti in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, also shared a snap of Andre posing with a painted portrait of his own character Raymond to her social media. 'Love you. Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat,' she gushed. 'You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. 'Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to [my character] Gina?' Joe Lo Truglio shared his fond memories of Andre and sweetly told how he would fly home every weekend while filming Brooklyn Nine-Nine to be with his wife Ami and their three sons - Michael, 31, Isaiah, 27, and John, 20. Joe, who played Charles Boyle, wrote in a lengthy tribute: 'So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with. 'We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it (sic). 'He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami. I'm grateful to them all for allowing us to share eight years with him. 'He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. What you probably don't know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch. 'At first, it was odd because well - it was Andre Braugher crooning at full volume from behind closed doors - but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world, because the man was so full of song and that's why the world took notice. 'I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop.' Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Joe Lo Truglio wrote about how Braugher would fly home every weekend to be with his family and how he used to 'belt bassy vocals from his dressing room' on lunch breaks Melissa Fumero, who played Amy Santiago, poignantly re-shared an old post of Andre's character Raymond's empty desk to her Instagram Stories as she paid tribute Joel McKinnon Miller also took to Instagram to share a black-and-white snap of Andre on the set of Brooklyn Nine-Nine as he shared his condolences with the star's family Marc Evan Jackson, known as Kevin Cozner on the show, took to social media to share a sweet selfie of Andre hugging him, alongside the simple caption: 'O Captain. My Captain' Melissa Fumero, who played Amy Santiago, poignantly re-shared an old post of Andre's character Raymond's empty desk to her Instagram Stories as she paid tribute. Joel McKinnon Miller also took to Instagram to share a black-and-white snap of Andre on the set of Brooklyn Nine-Nine as he shared his condolences with the star's family. An actor prepares Sending love to Andres family and friends and all of us who had the honor of working with him,' Joel - who starred as Norm Scully - penned. Marc Evan Jackson, known as Kevin Cozner on the show, took to social media to share a sweet selfie of Andre hugging him, alongside the simple caption: 'O Captain. My Captain.' As well as his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars, a whole host of acting talents also paid tribute to Andre as they mourned his passing. Viola Davis - who starred alongside Andre in ABC's Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'Good Times' in 2019 - admitted she was 'heartbroken' after hearing the sad news. 'Heartbreaking. You went way too soon,' she wrote on Tuesday in a post to her 12million Instagram followers. 'I loved every minute of working with you - your talent, your bottomless heart, your love of your family, your wife. You were a great man. God bless your children, your beautiful wife. You will be missed Andre Braugher.' The pair also co-starred as Dr. Charlene Barton and General George Mancheck in 2008's two-part sci-fi miniseries The Andromeda Strain, based on Michael Crichton's 1969 novel. And in 2003, Viola guest-starred in one episode of CBS crime drama series Hack, in which Andre starred as Philadelphia police officer Marcellus Washington. As well as his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars, other actors also paid tribute to Andre, including Viola Davis - who starred with him in ABC's Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'Good Times' Viola Davis admitted she was 'heartbroken' after hearing the sad news: 'I loved every minute of working with you - your talent, your bottomless heart, your love of your family, your wife' The two-time Emmy winner passed away, age 61, on Monday night following a brief illness (pictured in 2006) The 58-year-old Emmy winner - who played NYPD Commissioner Madeline Wuntch - also wrote: 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of the brilliant Andre Braugher. Sending love to all of his family and friends' Josh Lucas (L) co-starred with Braugher in Wolfgang Petersen's 2006 disaster film Poseidon, and wrote that he was 'an actor and man I always deeply respect' The Tonight Show bandleader Questlove called the Chicago native 'one of my fave character actors' and wrote: 'Wow, man this is sad for his loved ones and family and friends and for the legions of fans who loved his work. Rest in power #AndreBraugher' Today anchor Al Roker (L) shared a snap of the pair smiling together captioned: 'His honesty and integrity shone through every role he portrayed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family' Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter fondly recalled collaborating with Andre in FX Network's 2006 heist miniseries Thief and said the 'powerful actor' was 'nothing short of seeing pure talent and integrity at work' Josh Lucas co-starred with Andre in Wolfgang Petersen's 2006 disaster film Poseidon, and wrote that he was 'an actor and man I always deeply respect.' 'He was one of the first actors I ever worked with,' the 52-year-old SAG Award nominee said. 'And years later we did Poseidon together. I saw him perform Shakespeare in the Park and it was beyond memorable. It was an early preview and towards the end during his monologue as Henry V he just stopped. Dead stop. Silence. 'He put his head down and clearly we all realize he had forgotten his lines. The pause lasted what seemed an eternity and then like lightning he whipped his head up and exploded with greatness, word perfect. It was a performance I will always remember.' He also called Andre 'one of my fave character actors', adding: 'Wow, man this is sad for his loved ones and family and friends and for the legions of fans who loved his work. Rest in power #AndreBraugher.' Today anchor Al Roker shared a snap of the pair smiling together captioned: 'His honesty and integrity shone through every role he portrayed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.' Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter fondly recalled collaborating with Braugher in FX Network's 2006 heist miniseries Thief and said the 'powerful actor' was 'nothing short of seeing pure talent and integrity at work.' Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph - who never had the opportunity of acting with the Kojak alum - retweeted the tragic news and wrote: 'This really shook me! RIP Andre!' Between 2009-2011, Andre starred in TNT's Men of a Certain Age and co-creator Mike Royce wrote on Facebook: 'Hard to even process this news. Andre was the best actor in the world and an incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss.' Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph - who never had the opportunity of acting with Braugher - retweeted the tragic news and wrote: 'This really shook me! RIP Andre!' Between 2009-2011, the Homicide: Life on the Street alum starred in TNT's Men of a Certain Age and co-creator Mike Royce wrote on Facebook: 'Hard to even process this news. Andre was the best actor in the world and an incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss' Andre also received a touching tribute from Shondaland founder Shonda Rhimes, who said she was 'deeply saddened' by the news and called him 'an extraordinary actor' and a 'warm and kind soul' The 53-year-old Emmy Hall of Fame winner (3-L, pictured April 14) executive produced Braugher's (R) final acting project - Netflix's upcoming eight-episode murder-mystery The Residence It's unclear when audiences will get to see The Good Fight actor's (2-R, pictured on April 14) posthumous curtain call as A.B. Wynter in the White House who-done-it created by Paul William Davies, but it will probably premiere next year Andre is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years Ami Brabson (R, pictured in 2022) and their three sons - Michael, 31; Isaiah, 27; and John, 20 - as well as his brother Charles Jennings and mother Sally Braugher Andre also received a touching tribute from Shondaland founder Shonda Rhimes, who said she was 'deeply saddened' by the news and called him 'an extraordinary actor' and a 'warm and kind soul.' Shonda, 53, executive produced The Good Fight actor's final acting project - Netflix's upcoming eight-episode murder-mystery The Residence. It's unclear when audiences will get to see Andre's posthumous curtain call as A.B. Wynter in the White House series, created by Paul William Davies, but it is expected to premiere next year. Andre is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years Ami Brabson and their three sons - Michael, 31; Isaiah, 27; and John, 20. The Classical Theatre of Harlem trustee - who graduated from Stanford University in 1984 - also leaves behind his brother Charles Jennings and mother Sally Braugher. A TOWIE star was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after contracting malaria. Vas J Morgan, 35, took to his Instagram Story as he told his followers he had ended up in hospital with the disease just three days after travelling to Ghana in Africa. Vas - who appeared on The Only Way Is Essex from 2014 to 2018 - shared a snap of his hand attached to a drip as he received treatment. The reality star captioned the post: '3 days in Ghana and already contracted malaria. Road to recovery starts now.' He later added as he reassured his fans: 'Sorry to panic everyone. I perhaps should think before posting something so worrying. Me and my Sagittarius need for attention. A TOWIE star was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after contracting malaria Vas J Morgan, 35, took to his Instagram Story as he told his followers he had ended up in hospital with the disease just three days after travelling to Ghana in Africa Vas - who appeared on The Only Way Is Essex from 2014 to 2018 - shared a snap of his hand attached to a drip as he received treatment 'I am very sick but I'm in good hands and I am told I will have a very speedy recovery. Thankfully we caught it very early. 'I'll be back to the village for @vasmorganfoundation asap!' The NHS says: 'Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. If it's not diagnosed and treated quickly, you can die from it.' Symptoms include a high temperature, sweats and chills, headaches and feeling confused. Vas appeared on TOWIE on and off for four years and also starred in Celebs Go Dating in 2018. The star has a host of celebrity friends and is often seen on nights out and at parties with them, including Rita Ora, TOWIE's Chloe Sims and Paris Hilton. Vas didn't appear to have the most positive experience on TOWIE and lashed out at ITV2 bosses for practicing 'systemic racism', by forcing him to stereotypical story arcs and failing to support him through his personal battles. He's been open about his struggle to find love and his experience of homophobia. He later added as he reassured his fans: 'Sorry to panic everyone. I perhaps should think before posting something so worrying. Me and my Sagittarius need for attention' He added: 'I am very sick but I'm in good hands and I am told I will have a very speedy recovery. Thankfully we caught it very early' Vas revealed he was gay on the show in 2015, after he attempted to kiss pal Jasmin Walia amid confusion about his sexuality. The TV personality, who is now sober, has also openly discussed his mental health struggles, as well as his alcohol and drug addiction. In 2018 he went on to appear on Celebs Go Dating and by 2020 he become the first British reality star to feature in Forbes magazine. After ditching reality TV, Vas focused on other projects such as launching the important initiative I Am Enough on Go Fund Me. He revealed that he has raised more than 20,000 in under 12 hours to help give members of black communities better access to mental health services. Vas set up the fundraiser after the tragic death of George Floyd, who was filmed choking to death after white police officer Derek Chauvin, pinned the 46-year old to the ground by pressing a knee into the back of his neck. Shortly after this, Vas launched the WE MATTER platform to allow a safe space for people to discuss mental health issues without judgement and stigma. The star has a host of celebrity friends and is often seen on nights out and at parties with them, including Rita Ora (seen), TOWIE's Chloe Sims and Paris Hilton Amy Dowden has revealed that her time on Strictly Come Dancing 'saved her life' as it led to her breast cancer diagnosis. The professional dancer, 33, found a lump in her chest the day before her honeymoon in 2022 and completed her course of chemotherapy this November. Appearing on Wednesday's This Morning alongside Giovanna Fletcher, Amy credited the BBC show with saving her life but said her diagnosis has taken away what she 'loves most'. In 2021 Amy was paired with Giovanna's husband, McFly frontman Tom Fletcher, during which she became close friends with his wife. Giovanna happened to be organising a trek to Wales for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! when someone pulled out at the last minute - and invited Amy to join them instead. Amy Dowden has revealed that her time on Strictly Come Dancing 'saved her life' as it led to her breast cancer diagnosis Amy was paired with Tom Fletcher in 2021, during which time she became close to his wife, Giovanna Amy confessed that the trip opened her eyes to the important of regularly checking her breasts for any changes. She said: 'It was an amazing group and one woman said she was walking because she lost her friend in her earlier twenties and I thought, hang on a minute, here I am trying to raise awareness and I don't check myself. 'Strictly literally saved my life pairing me with the Fletchers. I got to know my own chest and I knew something was wrong. 'I did still go on my honeymoon - I found it the day before I went on my honeymoon and didn't tell my husband.' Amy and Giovanna are now planning another trip for the charity next year, which Amy said will feel like a 'full circle' moment. She completed her course of chemotherapy in November but said her cancer journey is far from over. The chemo caused neuropathy, meaning she temporarily lost feeling in her hands and feet, causing her to land on her foot at a strange angle and break her metatarsal. Giovanna (right) asked Amy to join her on a CoppaFeel! trek to Wales, which inspired Amy to begin checking herself Amy found a lump in her chest the day before her honeymoon in 2022 and has since completed a course of chemotherapy Amy joined in with the CoppaFeel! trek at the last minute (pictured) but it ultimately led to her own diagnosis Amy is pictured with Giovanna during her 2022 wedding to husband Ben Jones She continued: 'I'm taking every day as it comes. I though once I rang that bell I would be fine but it's not been like that, I find it mentally a lot tougher now. The journey isn't over yet. 'I've had what I love the most taken away from me and I just find that so cruel.' It comes after Dragons' Den star Sara Davies has revealed she helped convince Amy to undergo chemotherapy. She appeared on Monday's Loose Women to talk about her friendship with the dancer, who she met when appearing on the show in 2021. Sara said Amy was reluctant to get chemo as she was scared of losing her hair and not being able to dance on the current Strictly series. Sara explained on the show: 'I was with her when she made the decision, she had had the mastectomy and she thought that was it as they had taken it out. 'And straight away she thought of chemo ''I don't want to have it because I don't want to lose my hair or I won't be able to dance this year on strictly'. Tom and Amy were paired together on the 2021 series, and finished in seventh place Dragons' Den star Sara Davies has revealed she helped convince Strictly's Amy Dowden to have chemotherapy amid her breast cancer battle The businesswoman, 39, appeared on Monday's Loose Women as she chatted about the dancer, 33, (seen) who she met when appearing on the show in 2021 'But the doctors told her she should and I said ''if the doctors are saying you HAVE you!''. It's life changing you have to embrace it'. Amy was also rushed to hospital recently after suffering another scare following her breast cancer battle. The star was diagnosed with a blood clot on her lung but is recovering well. She said her Strictly co-star Neil Jones rushed to help her after she needed injections for the blood clots following hospitalisation. She has been on blood thinning tablets since August amid her treatment but since the clot on the lung she has moved onto stronger injections. Taking to her Instagram story on Sunday after attending one of the live Strictly shows in London she said: 'So big shout out to Mr Neil Jones, who helped me last night, because it's like a proper beasting. 'I've had so many people message me and say, 'Yeah they're nasty, aren't they?' She added of her health in general: 'I got two blood clots in my arm, and then to have developed another blood clot on my lung, obviously I need something stronger. 'So I've gone onto the injections, which I'm getting used to,' she said, before confessing that she's 'rubbish' at giving herself the jabs. Christina Hendricks has admitted that she misses her Mad Men character 'every day' as she reflected on time on the smash hit show. The actress, 48, portrayed sassy 60s secretary Joan Harris on the period drama for seven series, until the show's grand finale in 2015. Her character, who rose to become a partner of an advertising agency, became a huge fan favourite and Christina secured Emmy nominations for her performance. Reflecting on the show, Christina admitted that she misses her character 'every day' and described Joan was 'the love of my life'. 'I miss Joan every day,' she told The Telegraph. 'Only time will tell, but she might be the love of my life as far as characters go. Christina Hendricks has admitted that she misses her Mad Men character 'every day' as she reflected on her role on the smash hit show The actress, 48, portrayed sassy 60s secretary Joan Harris on the period drama for seven series, until the show's grand finale in 2015 'She grew, learned, made mistakes every season she was never one thing and I was so grateful for that.' Christina was hugely passionate about her role on Mad Men and was famously dropped by her agency over the job because they didn't think the show would 'make money'. However, that didn't stop her from going ahead and accepting the part anyway, because she was 'in love' with the character, Christina previously admitted. Christina said she still has some mementos from her time on Mad Men, admitting she sneakily took some of the ashtrays from the office set while she was also given some items from Joan's apartment when the series ended. Christina previously revealed how playing Joan, who battled sexism to rise from steely secretary to boardroom boss, helped shape her life. Speaking to the Mirror in 2020, she said: 'Playing Joan meant so much to me and she is a character that still stays with me. 'I learned how to love myself and be more confident and more ambitious because of her.' Mad Men, which aired from 2007 until 2015, followed the tangled lives of staff at a 1960s Manhattan advertising agency and also starred Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, January Jones and John Slattery. Christina also recently opened up about her wedding plans to her fiance George Bianchini, after they got engaged earlier this year. Christina was hugely passionate about her role as Joan on Mad Men and was famously dropped by her agency over the job because they didn't think the show would 'make money' Mad Men followed the tangled lives of staff at a 1960s Manhattan advertising agency and also starred Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, January Jones and John Slattery Christina also recently opened up about her wedding plans to her fiance George Bianchini, after they got engaged earlier this year, telling how they haven't yet set a date Last month, she revealed that she hasn't yet set a date but confirmed that she wants to tie the knot in New Orleans. 'It will be very festive, because we love New Orleans,' she told People. 'I've gone there for years throughout my life, and I just think it's one of the greatest American cities. I love that it has its own cuisine, architecture, music and spirit. It's just a very vibrant and sexy city.' The couple met on the set of her former series Good Girls, where he was a camera operator. Sparks didn't fly until they met again a few years later when the production moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles. They started dating in 2020 and popped the question to each other in March 2023. At the time, she shared a snap of the two of them on Instagram and captioned it: 'We proposed to each other and we said yes!!! I will love and care for him forever. @steadig.' Sarah Parish took a trip to Pig Beach with her husband Jim Murray during their lavish Bahamas holiday on Tuesday. The actress, 55, looked incredible in a white swimsuit with a square neckline and key hole detailing as she took a dip in the sea. Sharing a series of photos to Instagram of their day out, Sarah and Jim, 48, smiled side-by-side while holding a pig. Another snap showed the Bancroft star feeding a pig in the sea before she held it in her arms. Alongside the update, she wrote: ''Just me and my pig. Amazing day swimming with pigs in the Bahamas. This Regent Cruises on the Grandeur is exceptional. Highly recommend.' Sarah Parish, 55, took a trip to Pig Beach with her husband Jim Murray, 48, during their lavish Bahamas holiday on Tuesday The actress looked incredible in a white swimsuit with a square neckline and key hole detailing as she took a dip in the sea The holiday comes after Sarah slammed the employment tribunal system as 'corrupt' after the doctor who saved her baby's life lost his high-profile whistle-blowing case. The British actor launched a scathing attack on the tribunal service during an interview after attending a party at Winchester Rugby Club, thrown in honour of hospital consultant Martyn Pitman. She was one of around 50 people who turned out at the party to show their support to Mr Pitman, with the actor presenting the 'brilliant' obstetrician with 2,000 raised to send him and his wife on holiday. Mr Pitman, 57, took Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) to an employment tribunal claiming he was sacked for 'blowing the whistle' after complaining about the 'avoidable' death of a mother during childbirth. The hospital consultant was also Parish's maternity consultant for both her pregnancies at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, Hants. The first being in 2007 with Ella-Jayne, who sadly died at eight months after being born with a congenital heart defect. Parish fell pregnant again at 41, with second child Nell, and was coming up to 34 weeks while working abroad when she felt something wasn't right. Parish says it was thanks to Mr Pitman that both her and her daughter, now 14, are alive and healthy. Another snap showed the Bancroft star feeding a pig in the sea Alongside the update, she wrote: ''Just me and my pig. Amazing day swimming with pigs in the Bahamas. This Regent Cruises on the Grandeur is exceptional. Highly recommend' The doctor, who served HHFT for decades, also claimed he was targeted for warning about clinical negligence, midwifery staffing levels, deteriorating midwifery morale, and patient safety. However, his case was unanimously dismissed at Southampton Employment Tribunal, Hants, last month. Mr Pitman was due to take HHFT to court again, this time claiming unfair dismissal, but at the party he announced he is waving the white flag and has withdrawn the claim. Speaking during the interview, Parish said: 'The system is corrupt, there is no doubt and because of that there is no point. 'It would have been terrible for his mental health to carry on but we certainly haven't heard the last of him. 'We all know Martyn Pitman and how brilliant he is - hundreds of women have told incredible stories, there is no way that man has done anything wrong. 'All he did was speak up and try and make it better. 'I have to care because someone like Martyn Pitman is fired from the job he is so brilliant at it leaves people in a position where they could get hurt as there isn't going to be a Martyn Pitman to save their lives any more. The holiday comes after Sarah slammed the employment tribunal system as 'corrupt' after the doctor who saved her baby's life lost his high-profile whistle-blowing case (Dr Martyn Pitman and Sarah pictured) 'They have lost the best obstetrician in Winchester rather than fessing up which tells me that they don't care about the future of their patients and that frightens me.' Broadchurch star Parish was one of the many guests to attend the party at Winchester Rugby Club, where people contributed to a photo wall, stalls, and a raffle. The actor presented him with 2,000, raised by members of the 'Friends of Martyn Pitman' Facebook group for him and his wife to go on holiday. Mr Pitman also alleged the employment tribunal process is 'corrupt'. Black Friday shoppers enter Macys on Union Square in San Francisco on Nov. 24. Retail experts foresee decent sales growth for luxury goods, toys and tech during the holiday season. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle On paper, everythings going great in the United States. On Friday, the Labor Department reported that the U.S. economy added 199,000 jobs in November, with hourly earnings up by 4% during 2023. Holiday shopping, a yearly indicator of economic health, is looking up, too: Retail experts foresee decent sales growth for luxury goods, toys and tech during the holiday season, especially among younger generations. Gen Z and Millennials are expected to spend more this year compared to 2022. According to data from Adobe, in the peak hour (7 p.m.-8 p.m.) of this years Cyber Monday, consumers spent $15.7 million every minute. Yet despite all that spending, Americans are still incredibly anxious about the economy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a November CNN poll of 1,795 American adults, 84% of respondents said they were worried about the economy; in fact, 71% rated it as poor, and a majority dont believe its going to get better. Are Americans just ignorant? Or, as one Financial Times analyst put it, are our individual politics warping our sense of reality? Its a key question that will dog President Joe Biden as well as anyone hoping to take his seat next year. But I get why Americans are so discontented. Everything costs more now, from basic groceries to the prestige television shows you need to pay multiple bespoke streamers to access. People have taken to the streets in several cities to protest the way the U.S. sends a mind-boggling amount of money every year to subsidize military ventures for allies like the Philippines and Israel. And even if there are more jobs on the market, the number of people patching together a life via unstable and benefit-free gig work has grown tremendously, to what the World Bank estimates to be 12% of the global labor market. In the Bay Area, achieving the so-called markers of American middle-class life a family, a house, a decent retirement fund has become nearly impossible for non-millionaires and likely for a decent share of millionaires, too. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 2023 San Jose State University study found that 0.001% of the households in Silicon Valley now possess $260 billion in total wealth; meanwhile, the average number of people served each month by Second Harvest of Silicon Valley food bank is up 80% from 2019. There are more homeless young people in San Jose than anywhere else in the country. Most of us are much closer to joining those young people on the streets than becoming billionaires. Looking at all the homes I cant buy on Zillow just makes me depressed, and every time I feel depressed, I buy yet another plant for my little apartment. Sure, one could argue that every succulent on my shelf is a teeny-tiny bite taken out of a future down payment on a house. But I dont think most Americans know how else to address our frustration over how fragile it all seems. In a recent newsletter, the writer P.E. Moskowitz also blames COVID-19 for Americans dissatisfaction. They wrote, We have not collectively recovered from a several-year period of watching millions of people die while strapped to machines in hospital parking lots and hallways; of being isolated from each other for longer than we ever have been; of being scared of the simple human pleasures of touch and camaraderie. In other words, we all have PTSD, and none of us seem willing to admit it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a call, Moskowitz said that we still need to grieve. COVID took so much away from us, and you saw some emotional-economic reaction to that once lockdowns abated: The coining of the phrase revenge travel for the uptick in global tourism as borders opened up in 2022 says a lot. As a Millennial New Yorker, Ill always remember those weird days after the Sept. 11 attacks, when then-President George W. Bush told us to just act normal, go to work and spend money: We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we dont conduct business where people dont shop. In San Francisco, then-Mayor Willie Brown, flanked by his motorcade, drove down to Union Square and exhorted residents to buy, buy, buy. Is it any surprise that in the shadow of a mass mortality event, were doing what weve been trained to do? No one said we had to be happy about it, but the small dopamine hit that comes with buying a new iPhone is at least something. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For folks without much economic footing, spending might take the place of stability: a method of gaining some semblance of control, or solace, in uncertain times. Per Moskowitzs take, trauma has a way of foreclosing on the future. Next year, whichever presidential candidate can articulate a better future will likely win the day. Because as it stands, all of this spending has major long-term implications. This year, Americans collectively accumulated a record $1 trillion in credit card debt, and usage of high-interest buy now, pay later platforms is expected to triple to 900 million users by 2027. This year's Royal Variety Performance is set to hit TV screens across the nation this Sunday. The star-studded event took place on November 30, with Hollywood stars and royalty in attendance. Many eagerly anticipate the star-studded event every year, wondering what talent will hit the world-renowned stage at the Albert Hall. But who is in this year's line up - and which royals will be going? MailOnline details everything you need to know about the performance broadcast this weekend. The Royal Variety Show is set to hit screens across the nations at 8pm this Sunday, with a flurry of celebrities and royals in attendance But who will be performing and what surprises are in store? MailOnline reveals everything you need to know (pictured: Samantha Barks as Elsa in Frozen) Who is hosting the Royal Variety Show? Actor and The Chase host, Bradley Walsh will be presenting the Royal Variety Show this Sunday. Discussing his upcoming hosting gig, the Blankety Blank presenter said: 'I am so excited to be presenting this year's show. 'It's been 30 years since I first performed at the Royal Variety Performance, so what an absolute honour to be hosting.' 'The line-up is incredible and I can't wait for you all to see what I have in store.' This isn't Bradley's first rodeo as he has previously performed at the Royal Variety Show three times, in 1995, 1999 and 2005. Actor and The Chase host, Bradley Walsh will be presenting the Royal Variety Show Which royals will be attending the Royal Variety Show? King Charles III has not been to a Royal Variety Performance since being appointed monarch. In 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - Prince Edward and Sophie - represented the royal household at the event. A year prior, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, attended the show on behalf of the family. This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the show once again, accompanied by the Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden. King Charles III has yet to attend a Royal Variety Show since he was made King (pictured) In attendance at the glitzy event are the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden Who will be performing at the Royal Variety Show? Superstars and musical theatre stars will grace the stage of this year's Royal Variety Performance. Headliner and pop icon Cher will be performing a few tracks from her brand new Christmas album - Cher Christmas. But she won't be the only pop powerhouse to step out, with Melanie C from the Spice Girls set to give a heart-warming tribute to theatre producer Bill Kenwright. Another Hollywood name taking up the baton to perform will be Ted Lasso actress, Hannah Waddingham, who will be putting on a show alongside the ENO chorus. The night won't be short of musical acts either, with McFly - who will be celebrating their 20-year anniversary - Zara Larsson, Paloma Faith and Rick Astley set to sing. But the night won't only be accommodating pop music fans only - there will be plenty of theatre highlights for those who prefer the West End to the UK Top 40 charts. During the two-and-a-half hour show, several beloved Disney casts - including The Lion King, Frozen, Hercules, Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast - will flurry across the stage in celebration of Disney's 100th anniversary. West End musicals will also be let lose on the stage, with medleys from the casts of Crazy for You, The Little Big Things and Sister Act, headed by vocal virtuoso, Beverly Knight. Cher is set to headline the event, performing tunes from her new festive album Other notable names singing a tune are former Spice Girl, Melanie C, as well as Ted Lasso actress, Hannah Waddingham (pictured) There will be plenty on offer for theatre fans too, with performances from Disney casts such as Frozen, Aladdin and the Lion King in celebration of the company's 100 year anniversary Multiple West End shows will also be heading over to the Albert Hall including, Crazy For You, The Little Big Things and Sister Act, headed by vocal virtuoso Beverly Knight (pictured) West End show Unbelievable - written by Derren Brown, Andrew O'Connor and Andy Nyman - will also be centre stage. Among the Royal Variety Performance 2023 line-up is distinguished pianist Lang Lang who will share the limelight with child prodigy and winner of Channel 4's The Piano, Lucy, 14. There will be laughs in store for viewers, with Tom Allen, Rosie Jones, Ellie Taylor and Simon Brodkin queuing up to have the crowd in hurls of laughter. Another comic who will be performing is Britain's Got Talent winner, Viggo Ven, who will be welcomed by Simon Cowell. Marching their way into the spotlight will be The Fanfare Trumpeters of The Band of the Welsh Guards, with the National Youth Choir, who will perform the National Anthem. The 2023 Royal Variety Performance will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on 8pm Sunday, December 17. West End show Unbelievable - written by Derren Brown, Andrew O'Connor and Andy Nyman - will also be centre stage The performance have viewers in hurls of laughter with a flurry of comedians in attendance including Tom Allen, Rosie Jones (pictured), Ellie Taylor and Simon Brodkin Kate Beckinsale has been wowing fans with her very youthful appearances in recent months after getting a glamorous new makeover. The actress marked a landmark birthday as she turned 50 in July, but she has been rolling back the clock with her very glamorous appearances in recent months. Most recently, Kate made a younger than ever appearance at Kathy Hilton's annual Christmas party as she posed for elegant snaps with Nicky and Paris Hilton. She showed off her brand new bleach blonde curled hairstyle after she ditched her signature brunette up-do, looking strikingly different with her new look. Kate put on a very glamorous display at the party as she strutted her stuff in a fitted pink metallic gown and completed her look with a high-glamour make-up palette. The Pearl Harbor star was hit by claims that she had plastic surgery amid her glitzy makeover, but she strongly shut down the rumours earlier this year and insisted she can't 'risk' getting Botox due to a medical condition. As Kate continues to impress fans with her very youthful looks, MailOnline takes a look back at how she has rolled back the clock. Kate Beckinsale has been wowing fans with her youthful appearances in recent months (left) after getting a glamorous new makeover, proving she has rolled back the clock (right in 1997) MailOnline takes a look at how she has rolled back the clock as she looked as incredible as ever (she is pictured left in 2003 and right in 2001) Most recently, Kate made a younger than ever appearance at Kathy Hilton 's annual Christmas party as she posed for elegant snaps with Paris and Nicky Hilton She showed off her brand new bleach blonde curled hairstyle after she ditched her signature brunette up-do, with fans being amazed by her youthful looks Turning 50 (2023) Kate marked her milestone 50th birthday in July and has been wowing fans with her youthful complexion, looking as incredible as ever. She often shows off her stunning looks and glamorous fashion sense in an array of Instagram posts, and has recently been impressing with a new bleach blonde look. An array of cosmetics experts have given their insights into how Kate might maintain her incredible looks, after she hit back at surgery claims and spoke about her skincare treatments - including platelet-rich plasma facials. Dr. Rayan Alalola, Aesthetic Doctor at Reflect Clinic, exclusively told MailOnline: There's no denying that Kate Beckinsale looks amazing is absolutely glowing. Whilst Kate has denied rumours of cosmetic surgery, and claims she can't have botox, there are other treatments she may have had. 'It's likely she follows a medical grade skincare routine and has regular aesthetic treatments to keep her skin glowing and youthful. 'Kate has possibly had skin tightening treatments such as Morpheus8 which works on lifting and contouring the skin - this would help prevent sagging skin around the face, neck and jawline. 'As well as that it's likely Kate has regular laser treatments and /or skin peels to rejuvenate the skin and help rid of dark spots and pigmentation. 'Kate may have also had injectable skin boosters or dermal filler to replace lost collagen and keep skin luminous and radiant.' While Riccardo Frati, of Frati Cosmetic Surgery, said: 'Kate Beckinsale previously stated that she's had no threads, no thread lift, no Botox, no laser, no nose job, no filler. 'The sensational looks she's attained must certainly be due to regular, excellent skincare treatments, facials, prep to boost collagen, and radio frequency, to achieve skin tightening and collagen growth. Lifestyle will be a key factor in how she has achieved her appearance. 'Kate has also stated that she applies SPF whenever she's in the sun and has done since she was young. This will be a contributing factor in preserving her collagen integrity. Key treatment will be the use of advanced skin care products.' In September, Kate hit back at claims she's had a nose job after sharing a filtered bikini snap. She wowed her fans with a series of sizzling bikini pictures that appeared to use an Instagram filter. One follower wrote: 'I'm just curious do you have nose job? if you mind me asking', prompting Kate to respond: 'nope but again thanks so much for asking.' December 2023: Kate marked her milestone 50th birthday in July and has been wowing fans with her youthful complexion December 2023: Cosmetics experts have given their insights into how Kate might maintain her incredible looks, after she hit back at surgery claims and spoke about her skincare treatments September 2023: Kate showed off her figure in a bikini snap, but was forced to hit back at claims she has had a nose job Forties (2013-2023) Before going blonde in recent weeks, Kate was well-recognised for her long brunette locks, often styled in a voluminous up-do or ponytail. Over the past ten years, she has continued to impress fans as she has rolled back the clock with her youthful looks and dewy complexion. Kate often also shows off her incredible figure in her glamorous outfits, from elegant gowns to ab-flashing bralets and fashionable co-ord sets. However, throughout her 40s, Kate was hit by surgery claims and was forced to deny that she had gone under the knife on numerous occasions. Just months ahead of her 50th birthday, Kate insisted that she has never even tried Botox after a fan asked her if she had gotten a 'facelift'. Responding to the fan's remark, Kate responded: 'No threads, no thread lift, no Botox, no laser, no nose job, no filler.' Kate said she instead has skincare treatments including 'facials with PRP [platelet-rich plasma] to boost collagen and microcurrent for skin tightening and oxygen' and said although she would be open to trying laser, she is 'a bit scared' so hasn't yet. Further doubling down on her remarks when a fan asked her why 'celebrities have to deny their face procedures', Kate added: 'I haven't had a facelift or filler or Botox. I'm not lying and I don't have to accept people accusing me of things I haven't done.' Kate said she can't 'risk' getting Botox because she has mast cell activation syndrome, a condition that causes mast cells to release inappropriate amount of chemicals into your body, causing causes allergy symptoms. It came just years after Kate was previously forced to deny having any cosmetic procedures done back in 2021. She also credited her youthful appearance to her good genes in a wide-ranging interview with The Sunday Times. 'I haven't had any. I'm not against people having it. [But] I do get p**sed off. It's sort of a given that I've had it, which I just literally haven't,' she said. 'My family are generally on the younger-looking side. Even my dog is nine and looks like a puppy.' She also admitted she gets frustrated with the resounding assumption that she has gone under the knife thanks to her ageless appearance and said she is fearful something would go wrong if she got any surgery. She told the publication: 'I haven't had any [cosmetic work]! I'm not against people having it. [But] I do get p**sed off. It's sort of a given that I've had it, which I just literally haven't. 'I'm frightened of paralysing my face. My mum's voice is in my head, very loud, at all times. My mum wouldn't even get a facial, she is suspicious of anything like that, and looks f**king radiant and amazing. 'I know if I did do Botox, I'd be the one that would get the droopy eye, and my mum would go, 'I f**king told you! See? You should never do that'.' Kate's mother is 76-year-old actress Judy Loe, the widow of Kate's father, Rising Damp star Richard Beckinsale, who died in 1979 of a heart attack aged just 31. November 2021: Kate often also shows off her incredible figure in her glamorous outfits, from ab-flashing bralets to fashionable co-ord sets November 2013: Kate previously said she can't 'risk' getting Botox because she has mast cell activation syndrome as she hit back at surgery claims She credited her youthful appearance to her good genes. Her mother is actress Judy Loe (pictured with Kate in 2008), the widow of Kate's father, Rising Damp star Richard Beckinsale Thirties (2002-2013) During her 30s, Kate rocked her famous wavy brunette locks, a look she became synonymous with during the time. Speaking about ageing, Kate insisted that she had no intention of going down the surgery route back in 2012 because she wanted to age naturally. She told Glamour magazine: ' I feel like beauty is a gift that you have for a while, and you enjoy the hell out of it while you have it. ' And if you're lucky enough to have a daughter and you give it to her, you enjoy the fact she has it. My mother was always very, very beautiful she still is, in her sixties. 'I'm sure she feels, 'Wouldn't it be nice if my neck did this?' but not to the degree of cutting parts of herself odd and dragging them behind her ears. I feel very similar. ' I much prefer how my mother looks to the people I see here [in Los Angeles] with wind-tunnel face.' She told how it was only after meeting her husband Len Wiseman - who she split from in 2015 after of 11 years of marriage - that she ever felt 'sexy'. Kate also previously admitted that she never appreciated her striking beauty until she was in her late twenties. She said: 'Feeling attractive didn't come until I was 29 and with LenAt the time it was partly perceived as if I'd gone all Hollywood, but it wasn't like that at all. 'It was just OK for me to walk around and feel feminine and attractive. I like feeling liberated like this.' She told how it was only after meeting her husband Len Wiseman - who she split from in 2015 after of 11 years of marriage - that she ever felt 'sexy' (both pictured in January 2014) June 2006: Kate also previously admitted that she never appreciated her striking beauty until she was in her late twenties Twenties (1993-2003) Rising to huge fame in 2001 after playing the lead in Pearl Harbor, Kate sported an array of different looks as she showed off her red carpet fashion for the first time. She had earlier starred in dramas including 1994's Prince of Jutland and Emma in 1996, before her huge success in the early 00s. Kate became massively famous starring in a whole host of movies from 2001's Serendipity, to 2003's Underworld and 2006's Click. She also famously dated Michael Sheen after they met in 1995 on a touring production of The Seagull, and were in a relationship until 2002. They went their separate ways after seven years together, after welcoming their daughter Lily, now 24, together in 1999. Michael and Kate are still close friends, and she has said of him: 'I really love him and like him and we make each other roar with laughter.' She also famously dated Michael Sheen after they met in 1995 on a touring production of The Seagull, and were in a relationship until 2002 Danielle Harold touched down at Heathrow on Wednesday following her stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! The Eastenders actress, 31, who was the fifth campmate to be eliminated from the show, was seen putting on a very cosy display with Pete Wicks when the series wrapped at the weekend. Arriving back in London, she wore a comfortable, oversized hoodie with a matching pair of knitted, flared trousers. Danielle covered her face with a large pair of sunglasses after the long flight and sported her I'm A Celebrity hat. Flashing a smile, she topped her casual outfit off with a crossbody leather handbag and some trainers. Danielle Harold, 31, touched down at Heathrow on Wednesday following her stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! At the weekend, Pete put on a very cosy display with bikini-clad Danielle on a boozy I'm A Celebrity night out. The TOWIE star, 35, - who jetted to Australia to support winner Sam Thompson - and the EastEnders actress appeared to be getting on very well at the bash. The pair were joined by the rest of their campmates including shirtless Fred Sirieix who was seen carrying a huge tray of shots at Cali Beach - a beach club in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast of Australia. Danielle put on a busty display in a black bikini top as she leaned in for an intimate chat with Pete while at the venue. The blonde beauty - who was the fifth contestant to be eliminated from the Jungle - later looked in great spirits larking about as she jumped on Pete's back and cuddled up to him. The group left the venue about 8pm and staggered home with Danielle walking with her family and Frankie Dettori after the taxi couldn't fit them all in. An onlooker told The Sun: 'Danielle and Pete were incredibly cosy. They were cuddling a lot and were very tactile. They acted like a couple. 'Danielle seemed very happy with Pete and at one point jumped on his back. They posed for pictures together, too. They looked good together.' Arriving back in London, she wore a comfortable, oversized hoodie with a matching pair of knitted, flared trousers At the weekend, Pete Wicks, who had jetted out to support pal Sam Thompson (pictured together) put on a very cosy display with bikini-clad Danielle on a I'm A Celebrity night out Danielle and Pete are both currently single. Before former Danielle was voted out Pete was seen spending time with her mum Lisa Marie and stepdad in the hotel. When asked about her relationship with him, Danielle simply said: 'I know Pete from outside. 'Me and Sam are incredibly close and I said to him that Pete and my mum were going to get on like an absolute house on fire.' Tammy Hembrow turned heads on Wednesday when she stripped down to a skimpy red and orange bikini for a day out at the beach. Frolicking through the waves on the hot Queensland day, the newly engaged influencer, 29, flaunted her famous curves in a tiny ensemble at Snapper Rock. Showing off the fruits of her labour, the fitness guru was not shy about putting her assets on display as she hiked her bathing bottoms up over her hips. She proudly strutted out of the waves after dunking her short blonde bob under the salty water, slicking it back against her head. To dry off, she wrapped a huge blue striped beach towel around her lower body before pulling a white cap down over her soaking tresses. Tammy Hembrow, 29, (pictured) turned heads on Wednesday when she stripped down to a skimpy red and orange bikini for a day out at the beach Never one to miss a photo op, the blonde beauty struck a pose as she knelt in the sand for a few impromptu selfies. Showing off her various tattoos, she donned a pout and hid her eyes behind a pair of dark shades as she snapped the photos. Before Tammy went diving through the waves, she arrived at the beach in style with a bright pink Fendi handbag under her arm and a pair of tiny blue shorts. Frolicking through the waves on the hot Queensland day, the newly engaged influencer flaunted her famous curves in a tiny ensemble at Snapper Rock Showing off the fruits of her labour, the fitness guru was not shy about putting her assets on display as she hiked her bathing bottoms up over her hips She proudly strutted out of the waves after dunking her short blonde bob under the salty water, slicking it back against her head Tammy made headlines on Sunday when she posted a video to Instagram capturing the heartwarming moment Love Island Australia star Matt Zukowski proposed to her while on holiday in the Maldives. The footage shows the precious moment Matt, 28, got down on one knee at the beach and pulled out an engagement ring for Tammy. The clip is filmed from a distance and shows the lovebirds standing in a decorative love heart display on the sandy shore. To dry off, she wrapped a huge blue striped beach towel around her lower body before pulling a white cap down over her soaking tresses Never one to miss a photo op, the blonde beauty struck a pose as she knelt in the sand for a few impromptu selfies Showing off her various tattoos, she donned a pout and hid her eyes behind a pair of dark shades as she snapped the photos A shocked Tammy raises her hands to her face in disbelief before excitedly jumping into Matt's arms as she happily accepts his proposal. Tammy captioned the footage with some heartfelt words: 'Never in my life have I felt so safe, so loved, so understood, so cared for. What a plot twist you were.' Tammy has been engaged two times before. Her first time was with fellow influencer Reece Hawkins. In November 2021 the fitness guru became engaged to restaurateur and former Ironman Matt Poole. The pair split in December 2022. Before Tammy went diving through the waves, she arrived at the beach in style with a bright pink Fendi handbag under her arm and a pair of tiny blue shorts Tammy appeared to be having a conversation with someone on her phone Upon arrival to the beach, she slicked her short blonde tresses back into a tiny bun Flashing her massive engagement ring, Tammy was surround by friends who arrived in preparation to spend the day on the beach The influencer looked incredibly fashionable in her casual blue striped shorts and orange bikini At one point, she could be seen taking a seat on the footpath as she and her friends tried to find a place to set up for the day. Bella Thorne has revealed that her fiance Mark Emms bought her five engagement rings before she was set on her favourite. The actress, who got engaged in May this year, said her husband-to-be 'saw her face' after he popped the question and new it wasn't 'the one'. Bella admitted she 'didn't see anything wrong' with the first ring but the entrepreneur insisted on her finding the perfect style. Speaking to The Messenger the Blended star said: 'He got me one ring that was so beautiful, and I didn't see anything that was wrong. We actually went through four rings after that one. This is my fifth one.' She continued, 'He saw my face when I saw the first one, and he was like, "Yeah, let's go get you a different ring". And I was like, "What, why?" And he was like, "Well, I can just feel that something's not right with that." Bella Thorne has revealed that her fiance Mark Emms bought her five engagement rings before she was set on her favourite The actress, who got engaged in May this year , said her husband-to-be 'saw her face' after he popped the question and new it wasn't 'the one' (pictured with the first ring he proposed with) 'I was like, "What are you talking about, the ring is beautiful! Don't be silly." He's like, "No, I just know you, and I saw your face, and there was something not right about it. So let's just go get other ones." And then he went and got literally four other rings, and it was so ridiculous.' The former Disney star said she 'wore each ring for like two weeks to try it out' as Mark 'wanted it to be perfect'. She added: 'He was like "I want it to be perfect. So it needs to be something that you absolutely know that it's you,'' and so it actually turned into this ring after trial and error.' The Midnight sun actress finally settled on a 10-plus carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring. Bella went on to discuss her vision for the couple's 'fairytale' wedding in the UK, where Mark is originally from, and gushed that she would love to be surrounded by 'huge trees and lots of twinkling lights'. The couple got engaged in May, one year after meeting on the beach in Ibiza at Cara Delevigne's birthday party. Mark, who also owns the New York City hotspot The Mulberry, actually popped the questions at Bella's house in California on Mother's Day. It comes after Bella shared a slew of adorable snaps and clips to her Instagram stories last month as the couple celebrated their one year anniversary. Bella admitted she 'didn't see anything wrong' with the first ring but the entrepreneur insisted on her finding the perfect style The former Disney star said she 'wore each ring for like two weeks to try it out' as Mark 'wanted it to be perfect' - pictured with the final ring of choice The Midnight sun actress finally settled on a 10-plus carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring American Horror Stories star Bella and her fiance posed together in a sweet photo announcing the news on social media. The actress made sure to included the 10-plus carat diamond ring prominently in the photo. 'It was love at first sight as the sun rose,' Bella told Vogue Weddings. The Divinity star told the publication she'd like to have the wedding at a country manor in the United Kingdom, but has not announced a wedding date. 'Every bride does not need one gown,' she said hinting at multiple wardrobe changes, 'but four!' Previously Bella was engaged to ex-boyfriend and B3N frontman Benjamin Mascolo in 2021 but called it quits on their relationship in June 2022. She has had a number of high profile relationships including with the likes of Charlie Puth, Mod Sun, Scott Disick, Tyler Posey and Greg Sulkin. Stephen Fry's reboot of legendary American quiz show Jeopardy! is set to return to UK screens on New Year's Day on ITV1. The actor and comedian, 66, will host 20 episodes of the series, which sees contestants play to win, using their best general knowledge, winnings that are built up over each round. Increasing the stakes, participants will play an extra round compared to the original, giving contestants a chance to take home even more money. Self-proclaimed Jeopardy fan Stephen said the timing for the new show 'feels right' as Brits' obsession with 'whodunnits' is greater now than ever. The QI star said: 'There are so many pub quizzes and quizzing leagues around Britain and so many professional quizzers. Stephen Fry 's reboot of legendary American quiz show Jeopardy! is set to return to UK screens on New Year's Day on ITV1 The actor and comedian, 66, will host 20 episodes of the series, which sees contestants play to win, using their best general knowledge, winnings that are built up over each round 'We enjoy shows that don't shy away from fairly tough questions and areas of knowledge. We love to watch people who are good at something.' The American classic first appeared on screen in the UK in the 1980s, and now Stephen will bring a modern twist to the cult classic. The show made Alex Trebek a household name, with him hosting the show for 37 seasons between 1984 and his death at age 80 in 2020. Stephen Fry said the reboot will not be too far different from the original but does warn that the new show will last longer the original. He said: 'Its not very different at all. The set design and colours are the same and the wondrous old-style font, too. 'The only real difference is that the UK version is a little longer with an extra round. The signature Jeopardy! oddity of the questions being answers and the responses having to be given in the form of questions remains the same. 'Its amazing how the contestants manage this, almost no slip-ups at all. I was fairly insistent from the outset that we shouldnt compromise on the standard or dicker about with the rules and procedures which are time-honoured and proven. 'Fortunately, ITV and Whisper, the production company behind the series, were in complete agreement.' Increasing the stakes, participants will play an extra round compared to the original, giving contestants a chance to take home even more money British versions of Jeopardy! appeared on UK TV screens between 1983 and 1984 on Channel 4, ITV from 1990 to 1993, and Sky One from 1995 to 1996. Sunil Patel - the CEO of Whisper, which is producing the show - is now excited to 'introduce 'Jeopardy!' to a new generation of ITV quiz fans'. Looking forward to the new series, Sunil said: 'I can't think of a more perfect pairing: an iconic American quiz show and the legendary Stephen Fry. 'It's an absolute thrill to introduce Jeopardy! to a new generation of ITV quiz fans, with its unique twist on the traditional question-and-answer format where viewers can play along at home.' Keeley Hawes revealed the huge teddy bear-like dog that she and her husband Matthew MacFadyen adopted from Battersea. The actress, 47, shared the happy news to Instagram alongside a sweet photo of herself and their latest addition to the family, a goldendoodle. Keeley could be seen as she cradled her dog, Buster, while another gigantic fluffy animal took centre stage in the comedic snap. She captioned the photo: 'Thank you Battersea for the newest member of our family. We couldnt love her more. Buster is recovering.' The Vicar of Dibley star has been vocal about her support for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in the past, often sharing an insight into her visits to the rescue centre online. Keeley Hawes, 47, revealed the huge teddy bear-like dog that she and her husband Matthew MacFadyen adopted from Battersea The actress shared the happy news to Instagram alongside a sweet photo of herself and their latest addition to the family (pictured with Matthew at The Animal Ball in June) Keeley has completely changed up her look as she stepped back in time for her new role. The actress is starring in the BBC's star-studded production of Gill Hornby's best-selling and much loved novel Miss Austen. The adaptation, from BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb, sees Keeley star as Cassandra Austen who discovers a stash of Jane Austen's private letters after her death. Transforming herself for the role, Keeley has ditched her golden choppy bob and dyed her hair a dark brunette. In newly-released pictures, the star's locks were styled in a wavy chignon as she kept her makeup to a minimum and in keeping with the 1830 setting. She is seen in an old fashioned navy, long-sleeved dress. Keeley will star alongside Patsy Ferran, Jessica Hynes and Mirren Mack in the four-part drama. Directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Aisling Walsh, filming for the literary mystery began in the UK last month with an expected release date scheduled for late 2024. Matthew starred in Succession alongside Brian Cox Keeley completely changed up her look for her role in BBC show Miss Austen Keely ditched her golden wavy choppy bob and glam makeup for the new literary mystery set in the 1830s The plot follows Cassandra Austen notoriously burning her famous sister Jane's letters and reimagines it as a fascinating, witty and heart-breaking story of sisterly love, while creating in Cassandra a character as captivating as any Austen heroine. The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie) who is about to lose her home following her father's death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane's reputation. On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth. In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane's unforgettable stories. Cassandra's re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella's heartache and distress. Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane. Speaking about the show Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, said: 'Miss Austen is the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, vivid and engaging characters and beguiling period charm BBC viewers certainly have a treat in store.' While the executive producer Christine Langan added: 'To have this hugely entertaining female-driven story told by such a stellar cast, led by Keeley Hawes, as Bonnie Productions' first drama is genuinely a dream come true. The adaptation, from BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb sees Keely star as Cassandra Austen (Rose Leslie, Keeley, Mirren Mack and Jessica Hynes L-R) 'Gill Hornby has found an ingenious way into the Austen world, creating female characters modern audiences can empathise with and delight in. 'I'm so honoured to be bringing this wonderful novel to the screen in collaboration with the deeply talented trio of writer, Andrea Gibb, director, Aisling Walsh and producer, Stella Merz.' Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson said: 'Miss Austen is a beautifully told story about the loves and losses of the Austen sisters. 'I'm thrilled that this heartfelt, romantic, and funny adaptation is in the hands of a remarkable ensemble cast led by the incredible Keeley Hawes.' Advertisement Sam Thompson had an emotional reunion with his girlfriend Zara McDermott when he arrived back in London after his triumphant I'm A Celebrity stint. Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, The King Of The Jungle, 31, teared up as he was greeted by his partner, 26, at Heathrow Airport. Radio presenter, Sam was crowned the winner on Sunday night's final, beating Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage, where he came out with over 50 per cent of the votes. Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him. Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part. Sam Thompson had an emotional reunion with his girlfriend Zara McDermott as he arrived back in London after his triumphant I'm A Celebrity stint Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, The King Of The Jungle, 31, was greeted by his partner, 26, at Heathrow Airport Zara dressed casually in an oversized cream hoodie and grey gym leggings, layering over a fleece teddy coat. Sam was joined on his flight by best pal Pete Wicks who had flown out to greet him in the jungle while Zara has remained at the couple's home in London. She had previously explained to fans of the show that she wouldn't be in Australia due to her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. 'Pete is going. We've had a few laughs and jokes about this,' she explained in an Instagram post. 'But in all seriousness; Sam thought I was still going to be in Strictly (bless him, the optimism), so Pete cleared his whole diary for 2/3 weeks to be there.' Earlier, Sam shared a photo to his Instagram as he waited for his flight at Brisbane Airport after finally getting his phone back. Making his triumphant exit, the radio presenter admitted he was 'overwhelmed with gratitude.' Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers. Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him The pair were ecstatic to see each other after Sam's extended time away Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part Sam pulled Zara in for an emotional hug The pair have been together since 2019 The radio presenter was crowned the winner on Sunday night's final, beating boxer Tony Bellew and politician Nigel Farage , where he came out with over 50 per cent of the votes Zara dressed casually in an oversized cream hoodie and grey gym leggings, layering over a fleece teddy coat Sam was joined on his flight by best pal Pete Wicks (R) who had flown out to greet him in the jungle while Zara has remained at the couple's home in London The reality star added that he was 'a bit nervous' when he first entered the jungle as he feared he'd 'make himself look like a d**k.' Posting a snap at Brisbane Airport ahead of boarding his flight home, Sam wrote: 'I'M COMING HOME!!!! I only just got my phone back this morning, and I don't quite know where to begin, but I want to start first of all by saying thank you. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there aren't quite the words to describe how grateful I am for each and everyone of you who supported me during my time in the jungle. 'You made a young boys dream (now slightly older) come true, and I will never ever forget that. 'When I first stepped foot in that jungle, I didn't know what to expect, and I was a bit nervous about whether I was going to make myself look like a d**k as I know I'm a bit full on especially when there's a lot of people and energy around at all times.' 'Coupled with not knowing what was going on in the outside world, I would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous! 'Having said that, being on a show I genuinely never thought I'd get a chance to do, and getting to meet Ant and Dec and do all of these iconic experiences that I've always watched on the TV just made me so damn happy that I stopped worrying about all that on day 2! 'I had no idea of all the support, love and kindness that you all showed me, and reading some of your comments and messages, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude!!! 'Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be crowned King of the Jungle, or that I'd get to do CYCLONE! Every time Ant and Dec walked into camp, I convinced myself that it was going to be me that went next. 'There's no way that people were actually voting for me. But each time I stayed another day, I felt more and more humbled and emotional. Sam threw his arms in the air in celebration Zara had previously explained to fans of the show that she wouldn't be in Australia due to her stint on Strictly Come Dancing 'Pete is going. We've had a few laughs and jokes about this,' she explained in an Instagram post Zara added: 'But in all seriousness; Sam thought I was still going to be in Strictly (bless him, the optimism), so Pete cleared his whole diary for 2/3 weeks to be there' The presenter wrapped his arm around Zara Pete made a stylish arrival in a dark blue denim jacket and sunglasses The trio pulled each other in for a group hug Zara had been spotted waiting patiently for him to return They departed the airport hand-in-hand Marvin and Sam also shared a hug at the airport Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers Sam (centre) came out on top with over 50 per cent of the vote after boxer Tony Bellew, 41 (left) finished in second place and Nigel Farage, 59, (right) came in third He continued: 'Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!! I have more people to thank, and a couple more soppy posts, but my first thank you had to be to all of you. I Love you. ' Sam shared the post as this year's I'm A Celebrity stars boarded their flights back to the UK on Tuesday. Reality TV star Sam won the 2023 King of the Jungle title on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures revealed. He came out on top with over 50 per cent of the votes, beating boxer Tony Bellew, 41, who finished in second place and Nigel, who came in third. ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two. In the first round Sam raked in 43.35 per cent which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87 per cent and Nigel with 25.78 per cent. Then in the final vote Sam's lead only increased as he bagged 56.64 per cent of viewers votes beating Tony's 43.36 per cent by a whopping 13 per cent. Sam had been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers. In the lengthy Instagram post, Sam wrote 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was 'overwhelmed'. He said: 'I'm really overwhelmed, I didn't think I'd even be invited on the show. I don't know what to say.' Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: 'I'm so grateful, thank you so much. I've dreamed of doing this show for years and years and you've made a boy's dream come true.' Sam had been open about being a superfan of the show and admitted it was '100 times' better than he had expected it to be. As a top West End theatre star, Strictly finalist Layton Williams has fallen victim to online trolls who say he is too experienced at dancing to be on the show. And now the former Billy Elliot performer, 29, has hinted that the hate could have been brought on because of his multiracial background and the fact he is gay. Williams, who is dancing with male professional Nikita Kuzmin, 25, says that the level of trolling has been 'shocking' and admits that while Strictly has featured same sex couples in the past, he is the first 'queer' contestant to fully express their 'flamboyant' personality on the ballroom floor. Speaking ahead of Saturday's final, he said: 'Obviously, I was aware of the fact that it might have noise, but I definitely did not anticipate how much it has been because I am definitely not the first person to be in this position and I don't understand why it's shock horror news because I'm not the first and won't be the last, let's keep it moving, you know? 'From the very beginning, I've been like, cool, if people are going to expect a certain level, let's give them that and then some.' West End theatre star Strictly finalist Layton Williams has fallen victim to online trolls who say he is too experienced at dancing to be on the show The former Billy Elliot performer has hinted that the hate could have been brought on because of his multiracial background and the fact he is gay Williams, who is dancing with male professional Nikita Kuzmin, says that the level of trolling has been 'shocking' Williams who starred in West End hit Everybody's Talking About Jamie also claims that his critics only lambast him when he is getting high scores and that his social media quietened down during the weeks he received lower scores from the judges, such as when he danced the Viennese Waltz to There Are Worse Things I Could Do from Grease and was given just 28 points out of 40. 'It has been hard, the pressure of feeling like you have to do well,' said Williams who will on Saturday go up against Ellie Leach, 22, and Bobby Brazier, 20, in a bid to lift the Glitterball Trophy. 'This is the funny thing, no one is going hard and moaning or complaining when I'm rubbish... remember the Viennese Waltz? I didn't get many tweets that week did I! It's only when you're doing cute that people want to drag you down, which is fine, and we have managed to get around that. 'It has not defined my journey, what has defined my journey has been who we have been able to inspire, not people that are keyboard warriors, they are just a small percentage.' The trolling echoes 2018 when former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 42, was vilified for being too much of a talented dancer. However, in contrast to the online negativity, Williams says when he's approached by Strictly fans in the street, he is shown a lot of love as he admits starring on one of the BBC's most watched shows has increased his public profile. He said: 'When I am out in the streets honey, I was shopping on Sunday in Selfridges doing my thing and I was being approached and I was like, oh my God I'm on TV... the love is crazy, they really be coming up to me and nobody is coming up to me in the streets and try and cuss me down, do you know what I mean? 'Honestly, I am taking from this and look back on my Strictly journey with a smile. It's all love here. I have found myself a new friend so I'm happy.' The Bad Education actor admits that while Strictly has featured same sex couples in the past, he is the first 'queer' contestant to fully express their 'flamboyant' personality However, in contrast to the online negativity, Williams says when he's approached by Strictly fans in the street, he is shown a lot of love Kuzmin has also called for Strictly viewers to realise that the show hasn't been easy for Williams, saying: 'I would like people to realise that I know he makes it seem easy... on the floor he makes it seem easy, but we are putting in the hours and the choreography is really hard... 'There is nothing either similar technologically or choreographically to anything he has done before so we are working really hard, and I hope people appreciate it.' Williams, who hails from Bury, Manchester, was awarded a scholarship to train at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School and latterly, Italia Conti. After performing as young Michael Jackson in the musical Thriller Live and in Billy Elliot, Layton was cast as the lead in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, which is a story about a young drag artist called Jamie Campbell and the struggle he faced trying to embrace his identity while living in a small northern town. And Williams says he wanted to do the same on Strictly as the character he played and not hold back from being his true self on stage. He said: 'I wanted to have fun and be me but in order to do that I needed to be true to exactly how I felt... we would always have discussions at the beginning where we would say what are we giving here because when I go out and about, sometimes I am cutesy and casual in my little fluffy vest but sometimes I am in full glam and you'll see me on the red carpet and I'll be doing that and I didn't want to put that side of me away just because I'm on national TV, I want to celebrate that.' Williams says the team at the BBC show have enabled him to express himself creatively, with the star wearing a dress on the series, as well as sequins, glitter, and makeup. He said: 'If I was feeling like I wanted to be expressive, the Strictly team have been so great... I think it is the first time they've had someone that has been so, a male celebrity that has been queer, of course they have had them in the past but someone that has been so flamboyant. They have got behind me. 'It is the little ripple effect of love that has been spread across the UK... in these times, people are just a little bit grumpy, I'm like cheer up girls, it's just a cheeky high kick and a flip and a lip so just get into it and that's my biggest achievement.' Strictly Come Dancing: The Final is on Saturday 16th December at 7pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer Williams says the team at the BBC show have enabled him to express himself creatively, with the star wearing a dress on the series, as well as sequins, glitter, and makeup Declan Donnelly beamed on Wednesday after he became the latest I'm A Celeb star to touch down in Heathrow Airport after spending nearly a month in Australia. Dec and his co-host Ant McPartlin, both 48, have just wrapped the latest series of the jungle reality competition, which saw Sam Thompson crowned winner. And the very happy presenter joined his wife Ali, 44, and their kids, Isla, five, and Jack, 17 months, as they returned to the UK. The family had all flown out to Australia together, spending time together before filming began as they enjoyed several beach days on the Gold Coast. Dec looked casual in a Ralph Lauren half-zip sweatshirt and green cap, while Ali, whom he has been married to since 2015, looked classy but comfy in an all-white ensemble. Declan Donnelly beamed on Wednesday after he became the latest I'm A Celeb star to touch down in Heathrow Airport after spending nearly a month in Australia The very happy presenter joined his wife Ali, 44, and their kids, Isla, five, and Jack, 17 months as they returned to the UK Also landing back on the flight was Danielle Harold, who had put on a very cosy display with Pete Wicks at the wrap party. Meanwhile King Of The Jungle Sam Thompson was reunited with his girlfriend Zara McDermott. Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, Sam, 31, teared up as he was greeted by his partner, 26, at Heathrow Airport in a very emotional reunion. Radio presenter Sam was crowned the winner on Sunday night's final, beating Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage, where he came out with over 50 per cent of the votes. Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him. Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part. Zara dressed casually in an oversized cream hoodie and grey gym leggings, layering over a fleece teddy coat. Sam was joined on his flight by best pal Pete Wicks who had flown out to greet him in the jungle while Zara has remained at the couple's home in London. The family had all flown out to Australia together, spending time together before filming began Dec and his co-host Ant McPartlin , both 48, have just wrapped the latest series of the jungle reality competition Dec looked casual in a Ralph Lauren half-zip sweatshirt and green cap Sam was crowned King of the Jungle on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures have now revealed. The reality star came out on top with over 50% beating Tony, 41, who finished in second place and Nigel, 59, in third. ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two. In the first round Sam raked in 43.35% which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87% and Nigel with 25.78%. Then in the final vote Sam's lead only increased as he bagged 56.64% of viewers votes beating Tony's 43.36% by a whopping 13%. Sam had been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers. Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant and Dec announced the results, before admitting he was 'overwhelmed'. Sam Thompson had an emotional reunion with his girlfriend Zara McDermott as he arrived back in London after his triumphant I'm A Celebrity stint Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, The King Of The Jungle, 31, was greeted by his partner, 26, at Heathrow Airport Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part Lisa Kwong, right, principal of Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School, leads students off the playground for a snack in September. Californias $68 billion budget deficit could force it to make cuts to public education. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Regarding California schools could face cuts as state budget deficit soars to $68B (California, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 7): We are reading yet another article about our states increasing budget deficit and cuts to our public schools, and once again our leaders in Sacramento are not providing us any real solutions to this. Whats most absurd is that we were so close to finding a real sustainable solution to fully fund our public schools. Californians came close to reforming Proposition 13 with a ballot measure in 2020 that lost by 2 percentage points. And if people forgot, according to the 2020 initiative, reforming just the commercial side of Prop. 13 would help the state restore over $12 billion for our public schools and services every year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As the article mentions, California is famously a boom-and-bust state, its fortunes tied to high-tech companies and the stock market. And therein lies the problem. We need to stop relying on a volatile economy and start figuring out a more sustainable source of revenue for one of if not the most important public service. Maybe one that funds public schools the way every other state does property taxes. Gillian Garaci, San Francisco Support public transportation Regarding Bay Area voters arent ready to fund BART, transit agencies with taxes. Heres why (Bay Area, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 8): Id like to offer my support for public transportation while acknowledging that transit officials must steward public funding responsibly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 80% of respondents to the Metropolitan Transportation Commissions poll who agreed its important to preserve transit in the Bay Area are right. Letting our transit systems deteriorate would be a disaster safety, reliability and ridership could decline, and service cuts might render the system unusable. People would be forced to utilize their cars more or use rideshare apps for longer trips boosting greenhouse gas emissions at a pivotal moment in the climate crisis. Transit, even for those who dont frequently ride it, is a public good. It enables the modern economy to function and alleviates congestion from our crowded highways. Given the increased cost of living, we cannot ask riders to bear more of the costs, especially on BART, where fares are already prohibitive for some. The costs of sustaining and improving our transit systems should be borne by taxpayers via income and sales tax, yes, but also by the companies that benefit from public transportation via a payroll tax. Brian Wagenaar, San Francisco Advertisement Article continues below this ad No comparison to Trump Regarding Bush won either way (Letters to the Editor, Dec. 8): George Steffner engages in some hypocrisy of his own in his letter when he tries to reframe Al Gores presidential election loss as similar to Donald Trumps claims. I am very tired of this both sides are the same argument coming from the right. No, both sides are nowhere near the same. The right is the group that continues to push the stolen election lies of Trump. As for Steffners claim, this is all easily Googled: Media organizations later analyzed the ballots and found that, under specified criteria, the originally pursued recount of undervotes of several large counties would have confirmed a Bush victory, whereas a statewide recount would have resulted in a Gore victory. Florida later retired the punch-card voting machines that produced the ballots disputed in the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The right is still trying to rig elections, just as a right-leaning Supreme Court orchestrated Bushs win. Bret Yeilding, Seattle Charge polluters Regarding To phase out or phase down fossil fuels? That is the question at COP28 climate talks (U.S. & World, SFChronicle.com, Dec. 5): Heres hoping that COP28 negotiators can reach a global consensus. Whether theres a phase-out or phase-down of fossil fuels, it will be important to have carbon pricing globally. It is also encouraging to see a bipartisan collection of new climate bills in Congress that would reduce emissions through carbon taxes or a carbon fee and dividend, along with carbon border adjustments that would reduce emissions abroad. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sienna Miller has revealed Emily Blunt was her 'wing-woman' on her first date with her now boyfriend Oli Green. The model, 41, who is pregnant, said she coaxed the actress, 40, into heading out to meet Oli, 27, in New York after he 'worked hard' to get her to agree to a drink. Sienna admitted she initially thought their romance 'wouldn't go anywhere' and so asked Emily to join her. Emily revealed in Sienna's interview with Vogue: 'When I got there, it was so beautiful between them. I just gave her a hug and went, "Im going to slip away". The two were first romantically linked in early 2022 when they were spotted together in New York, with the couple first meeting at a Halloween party thrown by a mutual friend. Sienna Miller has revealed Emily Blunt was her 'wing-woman' on her first date with now boyfriend Oli Green The model, 41, who is pregnant, said she coaxed the actress, 40, into heading out to meet Oli, 27, in New York after he 'worked hard' to get her to agree to a drink Although they kissed when they first met, Sienna said she then 'retreated', believing the relationship wouldn't 'go anywhere'. However, Sienna and Oli's romance blossomed and they moved in together after they both contacted Covid and had to isolate. Emily said of her friend's relationship with Oli, who is an actor: 'I see so much of her in him, that free-spirited, curious, guileless thing that he has. Hes the kind of guy you could just bring anywhere, and everyone would love him.' The Devil Wears Prada star added Sienna has 'talked about wanting another child for years' but just 'needed to find the right person'. The actress is expecting her second child, a baby girl, with Oli. Sienna has daughter Marlowe, 11, with her ex Tom Sturridge, 38. And while Emily has been a good friend to Sienna, the actress also explained how the fashionista helped her find herself again after being encouraged to head on a night out in New York after the birth of her daughter. Emily said: 'It was a sort of reclamation of my identity. I had been feeling that animalistic sense of just being someones mother for weeks on end. 'And I remember having to pump and dump because it was just so much fun. Ill just say, I do not go out like that. But when you are out with her, its sort of intoxicating.' The actress is expecting her second child, a baby girl, with Oli Sienna and actor Oli, 27, have been dating since 2021 and he is 15 years her junior (pictured together in October) Emily has two daughters Hazel, nine, and Violet, seven, with husband John Krasinski, 44. The actresses have been friends for years and have attended the Met Gala together for three years in a row. Sienna said she still wants to try for a natural birth, and shes recently switched to a doctor who is aligned with that viewpoint. The actress, who was previously in a long-term relationship with Jude Law, 50, confirmed she was expecting her second child during a beach holiday in August. Sienna and actor Oli, 27, have been dating since 2021 and he is 15 years her junior. Vogue's Winter 2024 issue is available on newsstands nationwide on January 23rd. Mama June Shannon's reality show will include her daughter Anna 'Chickadee' Caldwell's final decline with cancer. Chickadee died Saturday at the age of 29, having previously revealed she was battling adrenal carcinoma that progressed to stage 4. Now insiders have told TMZ that the last three weeks of her life, which she spent in hospice, will be shown on Mama June: Family Crisis with Chickadee's approval. Evidently Chickadee wanted to help viewers understand the experiences of cancer patients, and consequently kept the camera crew with her into her final hours. However the team behind the reality show declined to film her death and will not shoot her funeral, in the interests of allowing the family to grieve privately. Mama June Shannon's reality show will include her daughter Anna 'Chickadee' Caldwell's final decline with cancer Their reticence comes despite the fact Chickadee herself was allegedly willing to allow both her death and funeral to appear on reality TV. Her view is said to have been that she was reliably frank with her fans and hoped for them to understand all the suffering she underwent. Mama June, 44, announced her daughter's death in an Instagram post on Sunday. Two days before her somber announcement, the reality star had asked her fans and followers on social media to pray for her ailing daughter. 'With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us,' June began her heartbreaking post. 'She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM.' 'She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she wont and we will will be updating yall with more information as we get it today [sic],' Shannon continued. 'We love yall and continued prayers and thoughts for our family [during] this difficult time,' she added. Accompanying the caption was a photo of Mama June and her family, including Anna, who sported short hair amid her cancer treatments. Chickadee died Saturday at the age of 29, having previously revealed she was battling adrenal carcinoma that progressed to stage 4 Accompanying the caption was a photo of Mama June and her family, including Anna, who sported short hair amid her cancer treatments Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer in January after complaining of stomach pain. The Mayo Clinic reports adrenal carcinoma is a rare cancer that affects the adrenal glands in the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce hormones which deliver instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in the body. The mother of two girls, Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, eight, underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy in an attempt to beat her cancer. Over the summer, the From Not to Hot star revealed that Anna's cancer was terminal. 'We know it's terminal. She's stage 4. She's not gonna go into remission,' she wrote, adding: 'We've all accepted that, so I just tell people one day at a time 'cause you never know.' 'With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us,' June began her heartbreaking post. 'She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM' On Friday she took to social media to ask her 758,000 Instagram followers for prayers. 'Yall we are asking for prayers for our family as we are going through this process,' the Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo alum wrote. 'We really appreciate yall for all the thoughts and prayers and we will update yall whenever we can,' she said, adding, 'just know that all of your thoughts and your prayers are very much appreciated during this time, she explained, adding the hashtags, '#mamajune #cancersucks #family #prayers.' She didn't mention her daughter explicitly, but her followers knew immediately she was referring to Cardwell. 'Anna sending you many many many prayers. God bless you sweetheart. ,' one concerned fan wrote. 'Lord please have Anna in your hands and help her and her family In this time that they need you,' added another. One follower empathized with June's struggle, writing, 'From a mom of a cancer warrior.. angel.. my sincere thoughts and prayers for you all.' June's 23-year-old daughter, Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird reposted adding, 'Say a prayer for our family.' Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer in January after complaining of stomach pain Cardwell's 18-year-old little sister Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson took to social media on Sunday to remember her as well. Sharing with her 1.1 million followers, Thompson wrote, 'This is one post I wish I didnt have to make.' She shared the same family portrait as her mom did along with a heartbreaking caption as she grieved the fresh loss. 'Last night we all surrounded Anna with love & let her know it was okay to go. Unfortunately around 11pm Anna took her last [breath],' she said. The note continued, 'Anna was in so much pain last night but now as a family we all know she is at peace now. I really dont know what to say as my heart is completely broken.' The college student voiced: 'Watching my 29 year old sister this last year battle this horrible disease hasnt been easy. Anna was a fighter & still is. Lord please wrap your arms around her 2 babies & our family as the next couple of days will make this all a reality.' She went on to say that her bigger sister waited until she arrived home to transition. 'Im so glad that you waited til i was home to take your last breath! I wouldve loved for you to get to see me graduate college but i know you will forever cheer me on in heaven!' she said in the caption. 'We will all make sure your legacy lives on forever. And i promise to always make sure to celebrate our birthday like you never left! The sky looks a little bit different today. We will always love you Anna,' a heartbroken Honey Boo Boo added. And finally, she said, 'You hit me hard with his one Anna but i know [you're] in a better place now and pain free forever!' Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson took to social media on Sunday to remember her late sister Anna Eventually, Anna's cancer spread to her liver, kidneys and lungs The mother of two girls, Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, eight, underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy in an attempt to beat her cancer Eventually, Anna's cancer spread to her liver, kidneys and lungs. The average age of patients with adrenal cancer is 46, but it can occur in people of any age, even in children, according to the American Cancer Society. Adrenocortical carcinomas start in the outer layer of the adrenal glands, which are next to the kidneys. The adrenal glands are small glands producing hormones. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous. Love Island star Montana Brown's six-month-old son Jude was rushed to hospital after a horror fall on Wednesday. The reality star took to Instagram as she shared her overwhelming emotion after Jude ended up in A&E after a terrifying accident. The mother-of-one explained that Jude fell off the kitchen counter while she was getting her porridge out of the microwave, leaving her 'crying her eyes out.' Sharing a snap of Jude in his auntie's arms at the hospital, Montana candidly revealed that she had the 'worst mum guilt' after he managed to 'launch himself off the kitchen counter'. The star was overcome with emotion and cried her eyes out at the shock, but luckily had Jude's auntie and uncle to support her at the hospital. Montana Brown's son Jude, six months, was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror fall on Wednesday, leaving her 'crying her eyes out' Sharing a snap of Jude in his auntie's arms at the hospital on Instagram, Montana revealed that she had the 'worst mum guilt' after her son managed to 'launch himself off the kitchen counter' Sharing a snap on her story, she wrote: 'Jude had his first fall. 'He was in a dockatot [form of baby lounger] type thing and in five seconds managed to launch himself off the kitchen counter and landed on the hard tiles. 'Literally the worst mum guilt of my life. Thank god for his auntie and uncle who came with me to get him checked out. 'He seems absolutely fine but just a big mark on the front of his head but feel better coming to A&E. 'Did I cry my eyes out? Yes. Will I be scared to put him down without wrapping him in pillows... YES. 'He is definitely moving way more and so curious to try fling himself off everything even my arms he is launching his body backwards so that's fun. 'But still feeling sick to my stomach that it happened tbh, turned around to get my porridge out of the microwave and as I turned back saw him launch himself backwards I feel so [emoji]. 'I know these things happen but his first proper cry went through me...' The reality star took to Instagram as she shared her overwhelming emotion after Jude ended up in A&E after the terrifying accident The star shares her son with her fiance Mark O'Connor, yet it isn't the first time the baby has been in the wars - back in August, Montana opened up about how J ude had had to get laser treatment to release his tongue and lip tie The star shares her son with her fiance Mark O'Connor, yet it isn't the first time the baby has had health complications. Back in August, Montana opened up about how Jude had had to get laser treatment to release his tongue and lip tie. His strip of tissue attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth was shorter than usual, causing the difficulties Montana had with breastfeeding him. A tongue tie can result the baby having a heart-shaped appearance which causes a struggle to latch on to the mother's breast. Likewise, an upper lip tie is attached to the gums that prevents lip movement and makes breastfeeding difficult for your baby. Taking to her Story with an update for her followers at the time she said: 'Thanks for your kind messages and to those who have had similar experiences. It makes me feel less alone and like there is light at the end of the tunnel. It just feels horrible at this stage.' She added that they were going to see an osteopath about the tension in his neck and face. Montana added: 'He has also been throwing up a lot like projectile which is not normal so we are seeing a paediatrician too as his skin is also a bit rashy. 'In case it is allergies I am going to cut out egg, gluten, soy and dairy and see if that makes a difference too.' She went to say his breathing was not quite right either and that she wasn't sure what was causing what due to the different symptoms. Netflix viewers have urged all movie buffs to watch the streaming giant's new true-story hit as they said the powerful film is a perfect 10/10. I Can Only Imagine, starring J. Michael Finley, was released on the streaming platform just a few days ago and has been met with rave reviews from across the UK. The film, which hit cinemas for the first time in 2018, is based on the life story of Christian rocker, Bart Millard. It follows the traumatic life of Bart, who had a complicated and abusive relationship with his father, Arthur played by Dennis Quaid. The family drama follows the musician through the breakup of his family, his high school career, and his introduction to music. Netflix viewers have urged movie buffs to watch the streaming giant's true story film as they said the 'powerful' hit, which stars J. Michael Finley (pictured) as Bart Millard, is a perfect 10/10 The film, which hit cinemas for the first time in 2018, is based on the life story of Christian rocker, Bart Millard (pictured in 2021) It follows the traumatic life of Bart, who had a complicated and abusive relationship with his father, Arthur played by Dennis Quaid (pictured) Bart released a song titled I Can Only Imagine with his band MercyMe - and this hit inspired the creation of the movie. In an interview with PEOPLE, Bart said he was nervous about the movie as he said he wasn't sure he was ready to dig up stuff from the past. He said: 'I remember being nervous more than anything because even though I had said yes to the movie, the idea of digging up stuff I've been trying to bury most of my life and then putting it up on a big screen I wasn't sure I was ready.' But the musician found his peace with the release after having sessions with a grief counsellor. Speaking in 2018, Millard continued: 'If this had come out five years ago I don't know if I would have been able to go through it. 'I'm in a great place now, but I never thought in a million years it would actually happen.' The decision to give the move the green light has gone down well as Netflix viewers from around the country have been taking to X, formerly Twitter, to encourage others to watch, as they say it is 10/10. One person wrote: 'I can only imagine' on Netflix 10/10 I cried.' The decision to give the move the green light has gone down well as Netflix viewers from around the country have been taking to X, formerly Twitter, to encourage others to watch, as they say it is 10/10 Another fan penned: 'I can only image' on Netflix, please go RUN and watch it! fr. 20/10' A third commented: 'I Can Only Imagine is on Netflix. And anytime I watch it. I just ball crying. Makes me miss my wela so much' One tweeted: 'I Can Only Imagine movie on Netflix was absolutely amazing and so well donewow, just wow!!!!' Another said: 'I can only imagine .. Netflix .. must watch' A fan put: 'I can only imagine on Netflix is such a beautiful movie' Yvette Nicole Brown is officially off the market. The Community star, 52, revealed that she is engaged to actor Anthony Davis while co-hosting The View on Tuesday. 'I have some news, and I heard that The View is the place to announce things like this. I'm engaged,' she gushed. As she made her big announcement she held up her left hand to show off her diamond engagement ring. She continued: 'And he's here! He's here! That's Tony,' pointing to her fiance, who was seated in the audience. Yvette Nicole Brown is officially off the market. The Community star, 52, revealed that she's engaged to actor Anthony Davis while co-hosting The View on Tuesday She held up her hand to show off her ring when on The View And Anthony couldn't hold in his excitement as he gushed: 'She's just the most beautiful person in the world.' Co-host Sunny Hostin said: 'You are one lucky man,' before asking the couple how they met. The pair met many years ago but only reconnected fairly recently and that's when sparks flew. 'We've known each other since we were in our 20s,' Brown said. 'We were in an acting class together at church years ago. He's an amazing actor, by the way. Anthony Davis, everybody. He was married at the time, and we were platonic friends, and then we lost touch for a few years.' The Drake and Josh alum explained that Davis reached out in 2021 after her mother died. 'Then he found me,' she said, adding: 'After he divorced.' The Act Your Age star feels like her late mother guided Anthony to her. 'I feel like my mom and his mom kind of did it,' she explained. 'He's just wonderful he's a nice man, you guys. He's a nice, kind, loving man.' 'I have some news, and I heard that The View is the place to announce things like this. I'm engaged,' she gushed as she held up her hand. She continued: 'And he's here! He's here! That's Tony,' pointing to her fiance, who was seated in the audience She also showed off her ring on December 9 when with Tom Bergeron at MPTF's Lights, Camera, Take Action! Caring for Hollywood's Crews Telethon And the blushing bride-to-be revealed the clever way Davis proposed. She wore the ring in early November They were in Ohio where her high school Warrensville Heights High School, had re-named its auditorium after her. 'We were celebrating that, and then [Davis] gave me a [lottery scratch card] and the scratcher said, "Will you marry me?"' she recounted. 'I thought I was going to win some money and I won a man,' she joked. She has been wearing the rock for a while. In early November she had it on at the American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes event at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. And she flashed the rock again at the End Well's 2023 Symposium at Skirball Cultural Center in LA on November 16. Rufus Sewell stepped out hand-in-hand with his new fiancee Vivian Benitez on Wednesday as they are seen for first time since his proposal. The actor, 56, who played love rat Jasper in festive movie The Holiday, popped the question to the American actress, 27, last week. Heading out shopping in London, the couple looked for furniture at Soho Home in Notting Hill. Rufus wrapped up warm in a in navy blue wool coat that he teamed with a pair of grey jeans and smart shoes. Vivian - who has starred in Arsenal and Criminal Minds - looked stylish in a double breasted trench coat. Rufus Sewell, 56, stepped out hand-in-hand with his new fiancee Vivian Benitez, 26, on Wednesday as they are seen for first time since his proposal The actor, 56, who played love rat Jasper in festive movie The Holiday, popped the question to the American actress, 26, last week Last Wednesday, Vivian poked fun at their age gap as she celebrated her 27th birthday, one day after announcing their engagement She layered a white jumper underneath, with a pair of brown trousers and leather boots. On Wednesday, Vivian poked fun at their age gap, a day after announcing their engagement. Alongside the snap, Vivian wrote on Instagram: 'Please pass on to anyone worried about our age difference, that its ok now- I turned 27 this morning' Announcing their happy news the day before, Vivian shared an image of the pair of them cuddling up on social media, as well as the beautiful diamond ring Rufus gave her. This will be the third time Rufus has tied the knot. She wrote in the caption: 'Til death, (or him continuing to walk on bathmats with his outside shoes) do us part.' Rufus forked out around 8,000 ($10,000) on the engagement ring he gave to his fiancee Vivian. The stunning ring has a gold band and features a 1.25 round cut diamond in a solitaire setting. Heading out shopping in London, the couple looked for furniture at Soho Home in Notting Hill Announcing their happy news last week, Vivian shared an image of the pair of them cuddling up on social media, as well as the beautiful diamond ring Rufus gave her Rufus wrapped up warm in a in navy blue wool coat that he teamed with a pair of grey jeans and smart shoes Vivian - who has starred in Arsenal and Criminal Minds - looked stylish in a double breasted trench coat She layered a white jumper underneath, with a pair of brown trousers and leather boots Rufus famously played Kate Winslet's onscreen love interest in The Holiday - but his character turned out to be something of a love rat Steven Stone's diamond expert Maxwell Stone estimated the rock to be worth a cool 8,000, significantly less than the typical celebrity engagement ring. He said: 'Rufus Sewell has kicked off the festive season by popping the question to his girlfriend Vivian Benitex. 'The Holiday star gifted the actress with an elegant engagement ring that boasts a 1.25ct round cut diamond in a solitaire setting, sat on a yellow gold band. 'Known for their brilliance and adaptability, round cut diamonds stand out as the top preference for engagement rings. The circular shape of the diamond is symbolic of an enduring and seamless connection between two people. 'Vivian joins a wealth of celebrities who wear a round cut diamond engagement ring including Charli XCX, who announced her engagement to George Daniel just last week, showing off her 1ct round cut diamond that's also in a solitaire setting. 'I'd estimate Vivian's ring from Rufus to be worth 8,000 ($10,000). In our recent study, we found that the average value of a celebrity engagement ring in 2023 was 289,900 thus, Vivian's sparkler carries an incredibly modest price tag in comparison.' It appears Rufus popped the question during a romantic getaway in Rome as Vivian shared a snap of herself in the city a day prior to their exciting announcement. A host of Vivian's pals took to the comment section of the engagement post to share their congratulations. A family member wrote: 'You are soooo good together. this makes my heart sing, We have a wedding to plan!' Others typed: 'Oh my goodness!! The best couple. Congratulations you two, so much love to you both!' and 'I am so excited!!!!! YAY!!'. The couple keep their relationship relatively private but have made some red carpet appearances over the years together. In 2021 they put on a loved-up display at the premiere of Old in New York and Rufus sometimes features in Vivian's Instagram posts. Rufus' first wife was his long-term girlfriend, Australian fashion journalist Yasmin Abdallah, 47. Yasmin met Rufus in Australia aged 19, and the couple married when Yasmin was 23 in 1999. They divorced in 2000. Yasmin previously spoke about their short-lived marriage in an interview with Elle. She met Rufus in a bar in Australia and after several months of dating, they relocated to the UK and mixed with the Primrose Hill set. 'I dont know if I was accepted to be honest some weird, shaved-head Aussie-Lebanese girl who wasnt quite part of the mix,' she said. 'I ended up making some wrong decisions, wrong business decisions, and I ended up losing the store, which was devastating for me. 'Rufus and I were no longer together, and that was quite traumatic. I was broke. It was a time of big loss. But it was also a time of great healing, when I went on dare I say it a spiritual journey.' The actor married his second wife, scriptwriter and producer Amy Gardner, in 2004. They sadly divorced in 2006. They are parents to a son, William Douglas. Amy went on to marry film producer Will Ricker. Rufus also has a daughter called Lola, 10, from his relationship with Ami Komai. It's a busy time for the actor, who is set to star as Prince Andrew in a new adaptation of Newsnight's bombshell interview with the Duke. But the heartthrob will reportedly wear facial prosthetics to make him look 'less handsome' for his role in the show, which will depict the story behind Newsnight's interview with Andrew. In the adaptation, which will be titled Scoop, Gillian Anderson will portray Emily Maitlis, who grilled Andrew in the 2019 interview over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The film will be based on the book Scoops: Behind The Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews, former BBC producer Sam's account of how she gained access to Andrew for the infamous interview, which aired in November 2019. In 2021 the couple put on a loved-up display at the premiere of Old in New York and Rufus sometimes features in Vivian's Instagram posts (pictured together on his birthday in 2021) It's a busy time for the actor (left), who is set to star as Prince Andrew (right) in a new adaptation of Newsnight's bombshell interview, he will reportedly wear facial prosthetics The role couldn't be further from the brooding Lord Melbourne in ITV's smash hit series Victoria. The actor said on This Morning he had no idea how popular his portrayal of the British PM would be in the series which starred Jenna Coleman as Melbourne's monarch. 'I was in America when it came out, I talked to Jenna to see what was going on, it took me by surprise,' he explained. 'At my age it's quite nice to be objectified! Having complained about it for years I was like "thank you very much!"' Sienna Miller has addressed the 15 year age gap between her and her boyfriend Oli Green, stating that younger men nowadays see women more three-dimensionally. The actress, 41, and fellow actor, 27, who are currently expecting their first child together, appeared in a new interview with British Vogue. Sienna described how the couple had met at a Halloween party thrown by a mutual friend and kissed, before she retreated at first. She explained: 'I was like, This is absurd. This will not go anywhere. And then he worked hard to persuade me to go out for a drink with him.' The romance quickly blossomed, with the help of her wing-woman Emily Blunt, and the pair moved in together for a week after being simultaneously struck down with Covid, that 'sort of fast-tracked intimacy.' Sienna Miller has addressed the 15 year age gap between her and her boyfriend Oli Green, stating that younger men nowadays see women more three-dimensionally The model, 41, and the actor, 27, who are currently expecting their first child together, appeared in a new interview with British Vogue Despite their age gap, Sienna said that Oli's family have been welcoming, saying: 'I would imagine it would be complicated for anyone to get their head around, but theres been nothing but love and joy.' She herself said that it is not a problem for her, explaining: 'I dont think you can legislate on matters of the heart. I certainly have never been able to.' She doesn't fear Oli will leave her for someone closer to his own age, as she says: 'For Oli, it is real that I might want to be with someone older.' Sienna insists that the age difference is not a big deal because Oli is wiser than her previous older partners. She attributes this both to how he was raised but also because he grew up in a different era, where young boys being made more aware of the dynamics between men and women due to the rise of feminism, and being better partners as a result. One of her friends, Jeremy O. Harris explained: 'Female friends of mine in their 40stheyre meeting younger people who are seeing women as three-dimensional figures. I do want to credit that to some level of the feminist movement working.' Sienna said: 'I see it with Olis friends. Theres awareness of the dynamics that enter relationships between men and women now that we just didnt have 20 or 25 years ago. 'I feel like my whole adolescence was dodging bullets and advances in a really delicate way, to not offend somebody. Sienna insists that the age difference is not a big deal because Oli is wiser than her previous older partners (pictured together in July) She attributes this both to how he was raised but also because he grew up in a different era, where young boys being made more aware of the dynamics between men and women due to the rise of feminism, and being better partners as a result (pictured in March 2022) 'Whereas the girls that he grew up with, theyre probably like, "Nono, thank you. Moving on".' Sienna previously spoke about how men of a younger age were more progressive and enlightened in another interview with British Vogue last December. She stated: 'There's a misogyny that is ingrained in men of my age and older that I don't see in [the] generation below'. Oli and Sienna began dating in 2021, but weren't romantically linked publicly until early 2022 when they were spotted together in New York City. Soon after, in March, their romance was confirmed when they left the BAFTAs together as they headed for British Vogue's Fashion & Film afterparty. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Vanity Fair Oscars party and have made several public appearances together since, including at Wimbledon in July 2023. The couple are currently expecting a baby girl together, confirming their pregnancy news in August and revealing their baby's gender in the Vogue publication. Sienna is already mother to 11-year-old daughter Marlowe with her ex Tom Sturridge, 38. Vogue's Winter 2024 issue is available on newsstands nationwide on January 23rd. Sienna previously spoke about how men of a younger age were more progressive and enlightened in another interview with British Vogue last December The Im A Celebrity final on Sunday night saw Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson become the 2023 King of the Jungle. Sam is now set to reunite with his fellow campmates and their families on the Coming Out show, airing on Wednesday night. Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears are also reportedly set to appear, following their shock exits from the show, both of which were on 'medical grounds'. Here's all you need to know about the reunion episode. The Im A Celebrity final on Sunday night saw Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson become the 2023 King of the Jungle What time is it on? The special episode will air on Wednesday, December 13 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. It will air for one-hour, ending at 10pm. What is it about? The campmates will reunite with each other and their families, while taking part in their first interviews since leaving the jungle. A synopsis of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Coming Out reads: 'A behind-the-scenes look at what happens when winner Sam and the other contestants leave the jungle to return to VIP paradise. 'Featuring interviews with the stars' friends and family as they wait for their return and access all areas to the 2023 campers as they gather for a wrap party and reminisce on their time in the jungle. Ant and Dec present.' I'm A Celeb quitters Jamie Lynn Spears and Grace Dent are returning for the show's reunion episode following their shock exits. The former campmates will join the rest of the cast including Jungle King Sam Thompson, 31, in their first sit-down interviews since fleeing Australia with food critic Grace recalling her toughest moments. Grace, 50, became the first contestant to quit the show this year amid mounting speculation about her ill appearance, with sources telling MailOnline being voted for another gruesome Bushtucker Trial 'pushed her over the edge.' Britney Spears' sister, 32, followed her exit citing 'medical issues', leaving the series in crisis after two stars opted to leave for the first time in the show's 21-year history. But Jamie and Grace will be back on camera on Wednesday night during the programme's I'm A Celebrity... Coming Out episode, where they will detail their emotional experiences in the Aussie jungle. A TV source told MailOnline: 'Jamie and Grace will be speaking for the first time since they quit life in the jungle. 'Viewers will finally get to hear first-hand the highs and lows experienced by both of the stars, who are yet to open about the reasons behind their shock departures. 'Grace goes into detail about the struggles she faced while Jamie hints that the love and admiration she has for her campmates will see her travel to the UK for a reunion.' The carmates will reunite with each other and their families, while taking part in their first interviews since leaving the jungle A synopsis of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Coming Out reads: 'A behind-the-scenes look at what happens when winner Sam and the other contestants leave the jungle to return to VIP paradise.' I'm A Celeb quitters Jamie Lynn Spears and Grace Dent are returning for the show's reunion episode following their shock exits Who was the I'm A Celebrity 2023 winner? On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title. The ITV final was watched by a peak audience of 7.6million and the series has reached over 25million viewers including across streaming platform ITVX. Sam was congratulated by his co-stars including This Morning host Josie Gibson who presented him with the floral jungle crown. Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers. The reality star added that he was 'a bit nervous' when he first entered the jungle as he feared he'd 'make himself look like a d**k.' Sam won the 2023 King of the Jungle title on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures revealed. He came out on top with over 50 per cent of the votes, beating boxer Tony Bellew, 41, who finished in second place and Nigel, who came in third. ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two. In the first round Sam raked in 43.35 per cent which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87 per cent and Nigel with 25.78 per cent. Then in the final vote Sam's lead only increased as he bagged 56.64 per cent of viewers votes beating Tony's 43.36 per cent by a whopping 13 per cent. Sam had been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers. On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was 'overwhelmed'. He said: 'I'm really overwhelmed, I didn't think I'd even be invited on the show. I don't know what to say.' Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: 'I'm so grateful, thank you so much. I've dreamed of doing this show for years and years and you've made a boy's dream come true.' Sam had been open about being a superfan of the show and admitted it was '100 times' better than he had expected it to be. Josie Gibson touched down at London's Heathrow Airport with her beloved son Reggie on Wednesday after a whirlwind month in Australia for I'm A Celebrity. The This Morning star, 38, was the last woman standing in the jungle before she got voted out by the public after the Celebrity Cyclone. On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title, and Nigel Farage who came third. And arriving into London wrapped up in a cosy black jacket and stylish hat, Josie couldn't wipe the smile off her face despite the long 24hr flight. Josie made sure to catch-up with all the cuddles she missed with Reggie after spending 23 days in the jungle with no contact. Josie Gibson, 38, touched down in Heathrow Airport with her beloved son Reggie, five, on Wednesday after a whirlwind month in Australia for I'm A Celebrity She made sure to catch-up with all the cuddles she missed with Reggie after spending 23 days in the jungle with no contact While Josie touched down in the jungle, viewers can be excited to see more footage of the campmates in Wednesday night's I'm A Celebrity... Coming Out show. Fred Sirieix weighs in on Josie in tonight's reunion show about their cooking feud in camp. The First Dates star, 51, struggled to pass over the reins to the This Morning star after she was voted in by camp leader Nella Rose to become camp chef. Since the duo have left the jungle, the pair have completely squashed any animosity following their cooking disputes. But now in the Coming Out reunion show, Fred, as always, has detailed his truth thoughts to fiancee Fruitcake as they headed to the hotel upon his exit. Speaking about their feud en route, he said: 'When you cook in camp, you have to cook fast because everyone is very hungry and you have to know when to cook the ingredients to get the best out of them. 'I'm just watching a car crash in real time and the thing that makes it worse is she doesnt listen.' Fred ordered his driver to stop off at McDonalds for a double sausage egg McMuffin with cheese, before arriving at the hotel. And arriving into London wrapped up in a cosy black jacket and stylish hat, Josie couldn't wipe the smile off her face despite the long 24hr flight The This Morning star was the last woman standing in the jungle before she got voted out by the public after the Celebrity Cyclone (pictured with Fred Sirieix) Fred Sirieix, 51, weighs in on his jungle feud with Josie Gibson during the I'm A Celebrity ... Coming Out show which airs Wednesday The First Dates star struggled to pass over the reins to the This Morning star after she was voted in by camp leader Nella Rose to become camp chef - which caused a lot of tension between the pair at dinner time But now in the Coming Out reunion show, Fred, as always, has detailed his truth thoughts to fiancee Fruitcake as they headed to the hotel upon his exit Speaking about their feud en route, he said: ' When you cook in camp, you have to cook fast because everyone is very hungry and you have to know when to cook the ingredients to get the best out of them' He added: 'I'm just watching a car crash in real time and the thing that makes it worse is she doesnt listen.' Fred was greeted by everyone with open arms, giving Nella a big hug and he told Reggie, Josie's son, his mummy loved him before going to his hotel room Fred was greeted by everyone with open arms, giving Nella a big hug and he told Reggie, Josie's son, his mummy loved him before going to his hotel room. Once inside, Fred was treated to spa bath overlooking the Gold Coast skyline in his hotel room and soon stripped off to have a relaxing bath. After coming out of the jungle, Fred has said he is on the search to find Josie her man. Speaking after he left the jungle on Sunday's show, becoming the third celebrity to lose the public's vote, Fred said: 'We talked a lot about Josie's love life and I am on the search for a man for her.' As the host of the Channel 4 match-making show, First Dates, Fred makes a living out of pairing hopeful singles together and suggested single mother Josie should appear on the show. He said: 'There are two ways to go. We can go for First Dates because we are going to be filming again. 'But I think I need to fast forward this and I need to think about my friends, because she does not want to be with a celebrity, understandably. 'I am thinking about my friends and who I could match her with.' Josie has been put in the hands of professionals when it comes to finding love as her former I'm a Celebrity co-star and First Dates' Maitre'd Fred says he is on the search to find her a man Speaking after he left the jungle on last night's show, becoming the third celebrity to lose the public's vote, Fred said: 'We talked a lot about Josie's love life and I am on the search for a man for her' As the host of the Channel 4 match-making show, First Dates, Fred makes a living out of pairing hopeful singles together and suggested single mother Josie, 38, should appear on the show Josie's last known relationship was with the father of her child, Terry Bond, whom she broke up with four months after five-year-old Reggie was born the pair had known each other since they were 17 and reconnected briefly during the pandemic. Fred continued: 'She is very easygoing, her son is her priority, and she is very big with her work I know exactly the type of man she likes but I need to think who I am going to introduce her to. 'She is busy and she does not have time to waste because it is either Reggie or it is work but also, I had a long conversation with her, as a mum it was very difficult for her. 'There was this very strong New Zealand guy and she said, 'Oh you New Zealand guys are big and strong,' and I was thinking, she likes a man to be a man, not a skinny one like me, she likes a strong one.' It comes after Fred spoke out on his dispute with Josie after viewers accused him of 'misogyny'. The TV star became the third campmate to be voted off the show on Tuesday's episode after being embroiled in a 'sexism' row when the role of camp cook was passed on from him to Josie, with viewers claiming he was 'controlling' the This Morning host when she attempted to make dinner. The This Morning presenter - a single mum - previously revealed her sadness at jetting off to Australia leaving son Reggie (seen together) Fred appeared to have put his feud with Josie behind him as he greeted her son Reggie with a warm hug after his elimination from I'm A Celebrity on Tuesday While Fred had attempted to defend his in his post-show interview with Ant and Dec, he has now admitted he had to clear the air with his mother, who had scolded him over his 'unacceptable' behaviour. Speaking on Wednesday's This Morning, he confessed: 'I spoke to my mum and she said 'Frederick' - she calls me that when she's upset - 'what did you do with Josie? Why are you telling her what to do?' 'I got a telling off from my mum she said it's unacceptable and she didn't want me to do it again... she was mad!' Fred continued: 'In all fairness, the meals Josie cooked were good. 'She could cook the meal on the day but I was concerned with how she would use and recycle the bones, vegetables and peels so we could make stock and improve the day after.' I'm A CelebrityGet Me Out Of Here! Coming Out Wednesday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX Nick Pickard beamed on Wednesday after he became the latest I'm A Celeb star to touch down at Heathrow Airport after spending nearly a month in Australia. The Hollyoaks star, 48, arrived in London to his family holding up 'welcome home uncle Nick' banners at the gate. Nick cut a casual figure in a grey jacket and a white T-shirt while pushing along a luggage trolley. He was joined by his girlfriend Sarah Corrin, who bundled up in a grey hoodie and beige trench coat. It comes after an alleged I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 'feud' has been revealed as Sam Thompson and Nick have snubbed one of the stars of the show. Nick Pickard beamed on Wednesday after he became the latest I'm A Celeb star to touch down in Heathrow Airport after spending nearly a month in Australia The Hollyoaks star, 48, arrived to his family holding up 'welcome home uncle Nick' banners at the gate It has emerged that the pair have failed to follow third place runner-up Nigel Farage on social media, joining Sam's girlfriend Zara McDermott in failing to do the same. However it appears there is no love lost as the former UKIP leader has not followed any of them either. So far, the GB News presenter has only followed EastEnders star Danielle Harold on Instagram, and she has returned the favour. Other campmates and their loved ones appear to have also snubbed Nigel as Marvin Humes , his wife Rochelle and Nella Rose also don't follow him. While Sam and Nick both took part in the show with Nigel, Sam's girlfriend Zara has also snubbed him. Nigel was met on the iconic I'm A Celebrity bridge by his French girlfriend Laure, and the pair jetted home together. It comes after Jamie Lynn Spears also appeared to snub one of her campmates after quitting the show earlier this month. Jamie-Lynn is yet to follow Nigel with his handle noticeably absent from the list of accounts she is following. On Sunday evening, Sam was crowned King of the Jungle, beating heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew to the title. The ITV final was watched by a peak audience of 7.6million and the series has reached over 25million viewers including across streaming platform ITVX. The cast have since been enjoying their freedom and luxuries, sunbathing in Australia, with Sam singing JLS hits alongside Marvin Humes. Celebrating the end of the series with a party, the celebrities were reportedly 'tame' and opted out of a late night in favour of catching up with loved ones at home. His family appeared to be very proud of him after spending three weeks in the jungle Nick cut a casual figure in a grey jacket and a white T-shirt while pushing along a luggage trolley He was joined by his girlfriend Sarah Corrin, who bundled up in a grey hoodie and beige trench coat They also had masks with with Nick's face on the front Nick shared a sweet embrace with one of his family members Sam won the 2023 King of the Jungle title on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures revealed. He came out on top with over 50 per cent of the votes, beating boxer Tony Bellew, 41, who finished in second place and Nigel , who came in third. ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two. In the first round Sam raked in 43.35 per cent which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87 per cent and Nigel with 25.78 per cent. Then in the final vote Sam's lead only increased as he bagged 56.64 per cent of viewers votes beating Tony's 43.36 per cent by a whopping 13 per cent. Sam had been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers. Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was 'overwhelmed'. He said: 'I'm really overwhelmed, I didn't think I'd even be invited on the show. I don't know what to say.' Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: 'I'm so grateful, thank you so much. 'I've dreamed of doing this show for years and years and you've made a boy's dream come true.' On Tuesday, many of this year's I'm A Celebrity stars were spotted boarding their flights home from Australia. I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson beamed as he made his way through Brisbane Airport as he prepared to jet back to the UK after the boozy wrap party. Also at the airport heading home was runner up Tony, 41, and his wife Rachael Roberts and sons as well as Josie Gibson , 38, who was with her son Reggie, five. First Dates star Fred Sirieix arrived with his fiancee Fruitcake, while Hollyoaks ' Nick Pickard and his girlfriend Sarah Corrin were also at departures. Sam was joined by close pal Pete Wicks , 35, who came over to support him, as well as Marvin Humes and his wife Rochelle . YouTuber Nella Rose, 26, was also seen arriving at the airport at a similar time and wore a tight black bodysuit. Rochelle, 34, rocked a comfortable green hoodie while Marvin, 38, opted for an equally as relaxed ensemble as he pushed their bag through the terminal. An I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! feud has been revealed as Sam Thompson, (centre) Nick Pickard, (right) and Zara McDermott have snubbed one of the stars of the show Sam was crowned King of the Jungle with Tony Bellew (left) coming in second and Nigel (right) finishing in third The group looked like they were catching the same flight home as they checked in their bags. Nigel looked as close as ever with his girlfriend Lauren, who cut a stylish figure in a blue striped shirt and jeans, which she teamed with brown boots. She had her arm in a sling as she appeared to be on the mend after suffering a minor injury while surfing. According to The Sun, Laure had to be taken to hospital to have her arm checked over, and is expected to wear the sling 'for a week or two'. Despite the injury, Laure was in good spirits as she flashed a smile while heading into the airport, ready for their flight home. From left: Harvard President Claudine Gay, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth appear before the House Committee on Education on Dec. 5 When asked if they would ban any advocacy for the genocide of Jews on their campus, they gave evasive answers viewed as insensitive to hate and antisemitism. Magill has resigned over the controversy. Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press Above all, the First Amendment means that all ideas even deeply offensive ones can be expressed on a college campus. There are certain views that we all hope never would be voiced, but the central premise of the First Amendment is that it is worse to give the government the power to outlaw particular ideas than to allow them to be voiced. As Chief Justice John Roberts declared, If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable. This issue came to national attention last week at a congressional hearing when three presidents of prestigious universities refused to say that they would ban any advocacy for the genocide of Jews on their campus. The problem was that they were asked a deeply emotional question, but they attempted to respond with a nuanced answer that was technically correct on the law but too dispassionate about the traumatic impact of such speech at unversities. The media latched on to a soundbite and presented the presidents as insensitive to hate and antisemitism, even though they had issued many condemnations in other answers. To be clear, advocacy of genocide against Jews is abhorrent and inconsistent with the values of every institution of higher education we are familiar with in the United States. University leaders must speak with great clarity and force on this basic point. Leaders must not evade the serious challenges associated with the fact that too many faculty and students speak in ways that are truly horrific and frightening to Jewish students. This must be a matter of urgent attention and sustained focus throughout American higher education. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the details of what exactly this means in terms of what can and cant be done by a university are more complicated. To begin with, private universities do not have to comply with the First Amendment, which applies only to government institutions. However, most private universities aspire to comply with the principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom, and the university presidents who testified said that their campus policies were designed to mirror the constitutional obligations imposed on public universities. This leads to the second incontrovertible point: The First Amendment imposes an absolute bar on what public universities and colleges can do about the isolated and fleeting expression of even abhorrent views by students or faculty. It is tempting to say that any advocacy of genocide should be banned and outside the scope of the First Amendment. That, though, is not and never has been the law. Allowing the government such a power of censorship would not be easily cabined. Some argue that what Israel is doing in Gaza is genocide. Could a university then ban speech supporting Israel? Those who oppose abortion have often described it as a form of genocide. Could a college so inclined ban all pro-choice speech? The courts have been consistent that hateful speech is constitutionally protected. In the early 1990s, over 360 colleges and universities adopted hate speech codes. Every one, without exception, that has come to court was declared unconstitutional as a violation of the First Amendment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But there certainly are circumstances where universities can punish advocacy of genocide or other hateful speech. Speech can be punished if it is incitement of illegal activity, which the Supreme Court has said requires that there be a likelihood of illegal activity and that the speech be directed at causing imminent illegal activity. Speech is not protected by the First Amendment if it is a true threat, meaning that the speaker acted with a conscious disregard that there was a substantial likelihood that the speech would be regarded as a threat of violence which is a standard that in many circumstances would allow punishment of advocacy of genocide. And a university must act if speech rises to the level of harassment, which usually requires that the speech be so severe and pervasive as to materially interfere with educational opportunities based on race, sex, religion or national origin. What also was not expressed is that there is much that university officials can and should do besides punishing speech when there is hateful speech. Indeed, federal law requires that colleges not be deliberately indifferent when there is harassment. University officials have many tools, including using their voices to condemn hateful speech, providing educational programs and training about antisemitism and other types of bigotry, and providing support for students. If people are advocating genocide, that must be responded to as an abhorrent violation of campus values, even when the First Amendment does not permit the censorship or punishment of the individual speaker. Pete Wicks has left his followers in hysterics after sharing an 'awkward' snap of the moment his pal Sam Thompson reunited with his girlfriend Zara McDermott. The former TOWIE star, 35, took to Instagram to share a funny post of the moment Sam emotionally reunited with his partner after being crowned I'm A Celebrity champion. Posting a snap of the couple at Heathrow Airport, Pete stood alongside a loved-up Sam and Zara, stoically holding a bunch of balloons. He captioned the post: 'They were reunitedI was awkward [balloon emoji].' Adding to the joke, Pete accompanied the image with a snap of the cartoon character Carl from the animated film Up. Pete Wicks has left his followers in hysterics after sharing an 'awkward' snap of the moment his pal Sam Thompson reunited with his girlfriend Zara McDermott The former TOWIE star took to Instagram to share a funny post of the moment Sam emotionally reunited with his partner Fans were quick to poke fun at the snap, with one writing: 'Brilliant! Bet you felt like a Balloon,' while another joked he was 'third wheeling.' Sam's sister Louise also commented: 'The reference is priceless.' Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, The King Of The Jungle teared up as he was greeted by his partner at Heathrow Airport. Radio presenter, Sam was crowned the winner on Sunday night's final, beating Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage, where he came out with over 50 per cent of the votes. Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him. Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part. Sam was joined on his flight by best pal Pete Wicks who had flown out to greet him in the jungle while Zara has remained at the couple's home in London. She had previously explained to fans of the show that she wouldn't be in Australia due to her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Fans were quick to poke fun at the snap, with one writing: 'Brilliant! Bet you felt like a Balloon,' while another joked he was 'third wheeling' Stepping off the plane on Wednesday, The King Of The Jungle teared up as he was greeted by his partner Zara at Heathrow Airport 'Pete is going. We've had a few laughs and jokes about this,' she explained in an Instagram post. 'But in all seriousness; Sam thought I was still going to be in Strictly (bless him, the optimism), so Pete cleared his whole diary for 2/3 weeks to be there.' Earlier, Sam shared a photo to his Instagram as he waited for his flight at Brisbane Airport after finally getting his phone back. Making his triumphant exit, the radio presenter admitted he was 'overwhelmed with gratitude.' Sharing a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers. The reality star added that he was 'a bit nervous' when he first entered the jungle as he feared he'd 'make himself look like a d**k.' Posting a snap at Brisbane Airport ahead of boarding his flight home, Sam wrote: 'I'M COMING HOME!!!! I only just got my phone back this morning, and I don't quite know where to begin, but I want to start first of all by saying thank you. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there aren't quite the words to describe how grateful I am for each and everyone of you who supported me during my time in the jungle. 'You made a young boys dream (now slightly older) come true, and I will never ever forget that. 'When I first stepped foot in that jungle, I didn't know what to expect, and I was a bit nervous about whether I was going to make myself look like a d**k as I know I'm a bit full on especially when there's a lot of people and energy around at all times.' 'Coupled with not knowing what was going on in the outside world, I would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous! In a lengthy Instagram post, Sam wrote 'there aren't quite words to describe how grateful he is,' and he's been 'overwhelmed' by support from viewers 'Having said that, being on a show I genuinely never thought I'd get a chance to do, and getting to meet Ant and Dec and do all of these iconic experiences that I've always watched on the TV just made me so damn happy that I stopped worrying about all that on day 2! 'I had no idea of all the support, love and kindness that you all showed me, and reading some of your comments and messages, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude!!! 'Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be crowned King of the Jungle, or that I'd get to do CYCLONE! Every time Ant and Dec walked into camp, I convinced myself that it was going to be me that went next. 'There's no way that people were actually voting for me. But each time I stayed another day, I felt more and more humbled and emotional. He continued: 'Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!! I have more people to thank, and a couple more soppy posts, but my first thank you had to be to all of you. I Love you. ' Anyone But You co-stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell have been fuelling on-set romance rumors for months. But fans have begun to question the whispers, with many wondering whether the pair have been faking their chemistry as part of a publicity stunt to promote the movie. The film follows Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell), who pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances while attending a destination wedding in Australia. Weighing in on X (formerly Twitter), one suspicious user wrote: 'Everybody eating that Sydney Sweeney Glenn Powell drama up right now is so funny to me because it's sooo clearly a f**king publicity stunt.' 'All this Sydney Sweeney Glen Powell s**t is just publicity for the plot of the movie. Wake up,' another claimed. Backlash is mounting against Sydney Sweeney, 26, (right) and Glen Powell, 35, (left) as fans call their chemistry 'fake' and manufactured to promote their new rom-com Anyone But You 'It's so obvious all those Glenn Powell/Sydney Sweeney things were manufactured by the movie's PR team so that the movie gets more attention. Please! Because how else would people be talking about this movie? Nobody gave a f**k before this,' yet another wrote. The on-set rumours began to swirl at the beginning of the year during filming and quickly gained traction after Glen quietly split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris in April. Sydney finally shot down the speculation during a tell-all interview with Variety, saying 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want!' The film follows Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell), who pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances while attending a destination wedding in Australia She added: 'Glen and I don't really care.' 'We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker,' she continued. 'We're excited for the press tour, and I literally just left ADR with him. We talk all the time like,' the blonde beauty quipped. Despite the pair continually denying any possibility of a romance, fans of the two Hollywood heavyweights found such statements hard to believe after the rom-com co-stars were spotted spending a lot of time together in Australia... when they weren't filming scenes. The on-set rumours began to swirl at the beginning of the year during filming, and quickly gained traction after Glen quietly split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris in April A production member on the film even relayed that many of the workers on set 'thought they were already a couple.' They continued, 'I knew him from Top Gun. But I just assumed they were a couple in real life. That's what it looked like to most of us. And to some of the extras as well.' Although the 6ft heartthrob did break up with his girlfriend while filming Anyone But You, with Gigi even unfollowing the White Lotus star, Sweeney is still very much together with fiance, Jonathan Davino, 38. The couple were first linked in 2018, and reportedly became engaged in 2022. Anyone But You in set to hit theaters on December 26 Jimmy Barnes is currently recovering in ICU following open heart surgery. The rocker underwent the procedure after a bacterial infection spread to his heart, infecting a healthy valve the 68-year-old had replaced several years ago due to a congenital defect. Open heart surgery is primarily given to adults to unlock arteries, allowing blood to flow to the heart more efficiently. It treats heart problems such as heart failure, congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, aneurysms and coronary artery disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The surgery involves cutting the chest open, with incisions used in modern procedures that are much smaller than those made in traditional surgeries. What is the life-saving surgery Jimmy Barnes (pictured) had after suffering from heart problems for years There are two ways to perform an open-heart surgery - using an on-pump which involves a heart-lung bypass machine or an off-pump where the heart continues to beat on its own. Jimmy informed his followers on Wednesday he was undergoing open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart. Following the procedure, the Scottish-born Aussie took to Instagram to let his followers know he is healthy, happy and likely to make a full recovery. Late last month, Jimmy was forced to cancel his headlining appearance at Rock the Boat cruise festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, after being hospitalised with bacterial pneumonia. He then had to pull out of his scheduled performance at By The C in Torquay on December 2 after his condition failed to improve. Jimmy has a string of sold-out headlining gigs booked for January and February, including multiple shows at the Red Hot Summer Tour festival. However, Jimmy confirmed on Wednesday his upcoming shows will likely be axed after doctors found his infection had spread. Jimmy is currently recovering in ICU following open heart surgery. The procedure is primarily given to adults to unlock arteries, allowing blood to flow to the heart more efficiently A timeline of Jimmy Barnes' recent health woes December 13, 2023: Barnes undergoes open heart surgery after announcing the bacterial infection has spread to his heart December 1, 2023 : Barnes pulls out of By The C in Torquay a day before his scheduled appearance due to his continued battle with bacterial pneumonia November 28, 2023: Barnes pulls out of Rock The Boat 2023 in Noumea after being diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia December 2022: Barnes undergoes hip surgery to ease years of severe chronic pain May 2022: Barnes is diagnosed with Covid-19 had is forced to cancel several performances Advertisement Jimmy wrote in a statement: 'Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday... despite everyone's best efforts the bacterial infection I've been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart. 'It's infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I'll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear this infection and put in a clean valve. He went on to express his frustration and shock at the diagnosis, writing: 'Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feel hugely frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I've been in decades! 'Anyway, as you can hopefully appreciate, this has all happened very suddenly so it's going to take a few days for everyone to figure out what is going to be doable with my upcoming shows.' Jimmy informed his followers on Wednesday that he was undergoing open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell's loved ones gathered for her funeral service in Gordon Georgia on Wednesday - four days after her tragic death from cancer aged 29. Mama June Shannon's daughter Cardwell died Saturday having previously revealed she was battling adrenal carcinoma that progressed to stage 4. Mama June, 44, and Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson, 18, was seen among the mourners heading into the funeral home to pay their last respects to Cardwell alongside sister Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird, 23. Friends and family embraced before heading into the service, where a sign warned mourners not to bring in cell phones - or risk leaving the funeral. Cardwell's order of service saw her listed under her marital name Anna Marie Toney - after marrying husband Eldridge Toney during her cancer battle. Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell's loved ones - including mom Mama June and sister Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson, 18 - gathered for her funeral service in Gordon Georgia on Wednesday - four days after her tragic death from cancer aged 29 Mama June Shannon's daughter Cardwell died Saturday having previously revealed she was battling adrenal carcinoma that progressed to stage 4 The poem Broken Chain was also read at the service, which reads: 'We little knew the day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. 'It broke our hearts to lose you. But you didnt go alone. For part of us went with you. The day God called you home. 'You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you. You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.' Cardwell's funeral will be open casket, with her remains divided and plans to make 'special jewelry or crystals' with her ashes inside. The funeral home will also fingerprint Cardwell with the family considering getting tattoos of her prints. Cardwell reportedly requested an open-casket funeral and wanted fans to be able to attend as she was close with them. Mama June, 44, announced her daughter's death in an Instagram post on Sunday. Thompson was seen speaking to loved ones before the service began Shannon wore a patterned dress and jacket as she arrived at the service Cardwell's husband Eldridge Toney was seen making his way into the service Anna's sister Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird, 23 was also in attendance at the service Honey Boo Boo was seen walking into the service with a companion Friends and family embraced before heading into the service, where a sign warned mourners not to bring in cell phones - or risk leaving the funeral Shannon's husband Justin Stroud was seen making his way into the service Cardwell's order of service saw her listed under her marital name Anna Marie Toney - after marrying husband Eldridge Toney during her cancer battle Two days before her somber announcement, the reality star had asked her fans and followers on social media to pray for her ailing daughter. 'With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us,' June began her heartbreaking post. 'She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM.' 'She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she wont and we will will be updating yall with more information as we get it today [sic],' Shannon continued. 'We love yall and continued prayers and thoughts for our family [during] this difficult time,' she added. Accompanying the caption was a photo of Mama June and her family, including Anna, who sported short hair amid her cancer treatments. Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer in January after complaining of stomach pain. The Mayo Clinic reports adrenal carcinoma is a rare cancer that affects the adrenal glands in the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce hormones which deliver instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in the body. The mother of two girls, Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, eight, underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy in an attempt to beat her cancer. Over the summer, the From Not to Hot star revealed that Anna's cancer was terminal. 'We know it's terminal. She's stage 4. She's not gonna go into remission,' she wrote, adding: 'We've all accepted that, so I just tell people one day at a time 'cause you never know.' Cardwell's funeral will be open casket, with her remains divided and plans to make 'special jewelry or crystals' with her ashes inside Chickadee was mother to two daughters - Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, eight Cardwell secretly got married to partner Eldridge Toney after finding out she had stage 4 cancer Accompanying the caption was a photo of Mama June and her family, including Anna, who sported short hair amid her cancer treatments On Friday she took to social media to ask her 758,000 Instagram followers for prayers. 'Yall we are asking for prayers for our family as we are going through this process,' the Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo alum wrote. 'We really appreciate yall for all the thoughts and prayers and we will update yall whenever we can,' she said, adding, 'just know that all of your thoughts and your prayers are very much appreciated during this time, she explained, adding the hashtags, '#mamajune #cancersucks #family #prayers.' She didn't mention her daughter explicitly, but her followers knew immediately she was referring to Cardwell. 'Anna sending you many many many prayers. God bless you sweetheart. ,' one concerned fan wrote. 'Lord please have Anna in your hands and help her and her family In this time that they need you,' added another. One follower empathized with June's struggle, writing, 'From a mom of a cancer warrior.. angel.. my sincere thoughts and prayers for you all.' June's 23-year-old daughter, Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird reposted adding, 'Say a prayer for our family.' Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer in January after complaining of stomach pain Cardwell's 18-year-old little sister Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson took to social media on Sunday to remember her as well. Sharing with her 1.1 million followers, Thompson wrote, 'This is one post I wish I didnt have to make.' She shared the same family portrait as her mom did along with a heartbreaking caption as she grieved the fresh loss. 'Last night we all surrounded Anna with love & let her know it was okay to go. Unfortunately around 11pm Anna took her last [breath],' she said. The note continued, 'Anna was in so much pain last night but now as a family we all know she is at peace now. I really dont know what to say as my heart is completely broken.' The college student voiced: 'Watching my 29 year old sister this last year battle this horrible disease hasnt been easy. Anna was a fighter & still is. Lord please wrap your arms around her 2 babies & our family as the next couple of days will make this all a reality.' She went on to say that her bigger sister waited until she arrived home to transition. 'Im so glad that you waited til i was home to take your last breath! I wouldve loved for you to get to see me graduate college but i know you will forever cheer me on in heaven!' she said in the caption. 'We will all make sure your legacy lives on forever. And i promise to always make sure to celebrate our birthday like you never left! The sky looks a little bit different today. We will always love you Anna,' a heartbroken Honey Boo Boo added. And finally, she said, 'You hit me hard with his one Anna but i know [you're] in a better place now and pain free forever!' Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson took to social media on Sunday to remember her late sister Anna Eventually, Anna's cancer spread to her liver, kidneys and lungs Eventually, Anna's cancer spread to her liver, kidneys and lungs. The average age of patients with adrenal cancer is 46, but it can occur in people of any age, even in children, according to the American Cancer Society. Adrenocortical carcinomas start in the outer layer of the adrenal glands, which are next to the kidneys. The adrenal glands are small glands producing hormones. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous. Shannon's reality show will include her daughter Cardwell's final decline with cancer. Insiders have told TMZ that the last three weeks of her life, which she spent in hospice, will be shown on Mama June: Family Crisis with Chickadee's approval. Evidently Chickadee wanted to help viewers understand the experiences of cancer patients, and consequently kept the camera crew with her into her final hours. However the team behind the reality show declined to film her death and will not shoot her funeral, in the interests of allowing the family to grieve privately. Their reticence comes despite the fact Chickadee herself was allegedly willing to allow both her death and funeral to appear on reality TV. Her view is said to have been that she was reliably frank with her fans and hoped for them to understand all the suffering she underwent. Paris Hilton clarified that she was only joking when she claimed not to have changed her son Phoenix's diaper for the first month of his life. After sparking outrage across social media following an episode of Paris in Love, in which she confesses to sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild that she was 'too scared' to personally change her baby boy, the heiress, 42, informed her more than 16.5 X followers that she was just 'having a bit of fun' with viewers. 'Just wanted to clear the air about something. On my show, #ParisInLove, I joked about changing a diaper for the first time, which, let's be honest, was just me having a bit of fun,' she captioned a video showing that she actually changed Phoenix's diaper the same day he came home from hospital. She continued: 'In all seriousness, when it comes to being a mom, I'm fully involved and loving every moment of it. It's interesting how a playful comment can be taken so seriously.' Silly: Paris Hilton clarified that she was only joking when she claimed not to have changed her son Phoenix's diaper for the first month of his life; seen earlier this month Despite explaining that 'even though this season was the most real, authentic and raw' she had been with her fans, the mother-of-two admitted that sometimes she still leans into the 'whimsical character' she portrayed on The Simple Life. 'It's a role that's hard to shake off completely. While I love a good laugh, I also believe in being real and responsible, especially as a parent. Let's remember to find the humor in life, but also to cherish and respect the real moments,' the reality star, who is married to Carter Reum, concluded. 'Happy Holidays and much love to you all!' Paris faced substantial backlash after she acted reluctant to learn to change a dirty diaper in front of your younger sibling. Nicky acted shocked when Paris said she had 'never' changed his diaper, before a nanny stepped in to instruct her which side was the front and back. The mother-of-three also advised her sister to 'be gentle' and 'get in the little crevices.' Paris' nanny also encouraged her to talk to Phoenix while changing him. In a confessional, Nicky noted that Paris was a total 'tomboy' growing up that liked to 'hang out in the backyard, build forts [and] play with her pet rats.' 'She wasn't one to really talk about having a baby,' Nicky recalled. 'But motherhood you gotta get your hands a little bit dirty.' Just a joke: After sparking outrage across social media following an episode of Paris in Love, in which she confesses to sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild that she was 'too scared' to personally change her baby boy, the heiress, 42, informed her more than 16.5 X followers that she was just 'having a bit of fun' with viewers 'Just wanted to clear the air about something. On my show, #ParisInLove, I joked about changing a diaper for the first time, which, let's be honest, was just me having a bit of fun,' she captioned a video showing that she actually changed Phoenix's diaper the same day he came home from hospital She continued: 'In all seriousness, when it comes to being a mom, I'm fully involved and loving every moment of it. It's interesting how a playful comment can be taken so seriously' Under Paris' tweet, fans replied with supportive messages, reminding her that she doesn't 'need to explain' her choices 'to anyone.' 'You're a great mom!' one reminded, while another assured her that there's 'nothing wrong with having help' to allow herself to 'rest and recharge.' On Thanksgiving, Paris revealed that she welcomed a baby girl, named London, via surrogate. Her little girl was born on November 11, 2023, at 11:43 a.m. at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Hugh Grant revealed he is now a major Blackpink fan thanks to eldest child Tabitha, he told Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday night. The actor, 63, appeared on The Tonight Show looking dapper in a black suit and a dark blue tie, where he spoke about his love of the K-Pop band. Part way through his interview, Jimmy said: 'I can say that you are a fan of Blackpink.' 'I love Blackpink,' Hugh readily confirmed. Jimmy showed Hugh and the audience a tweet Hugh wrote in July, which read: 'Very grateful to three eleven year olds for taking me to see @BLACKPINK yesterday. Hugh Grant, 63, told Jimmy Fallon on his show on Tuesday that he is a major Blackpink fan thanks to eldest child Tabitha, 12 Blackpink made history by becoming the first ever Korean band to headline a major UK music festival as they performed at BST Hyde Park back in July Blackpink members (L-R) Lisa, Rose, Jisoo, and Jennie, receiving honourary MBEs at Buckingham Palace in November Jimmy showed Hugh and the audience a tweet Hugh wrote in July, which read: 'Very grateful to three eleven year olds for taking me to see @BLACKPINK yesterday. Am rabid Blink now' 'Am rabid Blink now. Slept with my heart hammer.' 'Blink' is the name given to fans of the K Pop group and the hammer is Blackpink's official concert glow stick, known as Hammer Bong. 'Are you a Blink?' Jimmy asked. 'Now I am, yes.' Hugh confirmed. 'I have a daughter who dragged me to this thing and uh-.' 'You didn't want to go,' Jimmy interjects. 'Well, it's not automatically a grumpy 63-year-old Englishman's cup of tea, you know, K-pop.' Hugh admitted. 'But it was a huge concert in Hyde Park in London and she took me along and what was fascinating - she's a very good girl, you know, she's a very good girl at school, she's a very good girl at home she's marvellous. 'She turned into a raving nutcase. Suddenly, she's got this hammer in her hand, going crazy like this.' Speaking about Tabitha, who he does not picture, at the concert, Hugh said: 'She turned into a raving nutcase. Suddenly, she's got this hammer in her hand, going crazy like this' Both Tabitha and her younger brother Felix, 11, are Hugh's children from his relationship with receptionist Tinglan Hong (pictured in 2017) Hugh hilarously impersonated his daughter, swinging an imaginary hammer around his head. 'It was like The Exorcist!' He exclaimed. 'But, after an hour, I'm-.' Hugh picked up the imaginary hammer again, this time impersonating himself. 'They are talented,' Jimmy agrees. 'They're amazing, I love 'em, yeah.' Hugh finished. Tabitha has a younger brother, Felix, aged 11 and both children are from Hugh's relationship with receptionist Tinglan Hong. In between Tabitha and Felix, John was born. His mother is Hugh's current wife, Anna Eberstein. Felix was born just three months after John, meaning that both women were pregnant at the same time. In between Tabitha and Felix, John was born to Hugh's now wife, Anna Eberstein (pictured in December), meaning that both women were pregnant at the same time. Hugh and Anna have two other daughters together This year, Hugh featured in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel film Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet (both pictured at the LA premiere of the film in December) Hugh portrayed an Oompa Loompa in the film directed by Paul King and released in the UK on 8 December Hugh and Anna have been married for five years. They have a further two children together, daughters born in 2015 and 2018. Neither of Hugh's youngest two children have been publicly named. This year, Hugh featured in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel film Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet. Hugh portrayed an Oompa Loompa in the film, directed by Paul King and released in the UK on 8 December, a role he has since said he 'couldn't have hated' more. Police are warning Americans about a rise in a holiday scam dubbed 'card draining' - that leads to people being given totally worthless gift cards. Sneaky crooks are temporarily stealing batches of gift cards from stores - sometimes hundreds at a time - so they can make a note of the card number, as well as the PIN or activation code. At this point the cards are worthless as customers are yet to load cash onto them. But criminal gangs then return them to store shelves - knowing holiday shoppers will, over the next few weeks, load them up with anything from $5 to $500 at popular retailers like Target. Scammers also know that the recipients of the gift cards are unlikely to try to spend them until Christmas Day. By that time, the gangs will have spent the money loaded to them, leading to confused recipients getting worthless gift cards. Police are warning Americans about a rise in a holiday scam dubbed 'card draining' - that leads to people being given totally worthless gift cards Cops are warning shoppers to check for any signs that a card has been meddled with - such as scratches or scuff marks or parts of the card missing - before purchasing. This is because - to get the numbers - the crooks typically will have scratched off the silver security foil. They then replace this with a near identical sticker or more foil, which is sold online on sites like Alibaba. Damage to the card or foil is a tell-tale sign that fraudsters have obtained the card's details - putting any funds added to the card at risk of being stolen. In 2023, Americans are expected to spend $29.3 billion on gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation. Earlier this month, a man was arrested and accused of tampering with gift cards in a Target store in Sacramento, according to the County Sheriff's Office in California. Under a Facebook post by the Sheriff's Office warning of the scam, one person wrote: 'Last Christmas, we received a Target gift card with zero balance and but was a sensitive subject to bring it up with the senders. That probably explains why the gift card was zero in balance.' Police said Ningning Sun was seen stealing gift cards and replacing them on the rack with another set of seemingly identical ones. It is thought he was putting a batch of cards that he and his gang had obtained details for back on shelves. Detectives then discovered over 5,000 gift cards from Target and Apple in his possession. Earlier this month, Ningning Sun was arrested and accused of tampering with gift cards in a Target store in Sacramento Detectives then discovered over 5,000 gift cards from Target and Apple in Sun's possession The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said their investigation found Sun was part of a gift card scam spanning California and several regions across the country. 'Sun was part of a scam that tampered with gift cards, scanned the bar code, and stole money from the gift card as money was loaded on them,' a statement read. 'Victims are completely unaware it is happening, and the money is often siphoned to an off-shore account within seconds. These operations are very sophisticated and modifications to the gift cards are often virtually undetectable, even to the trained eye,' it continued. When a customer buys a gift card, the store worker will scan the bar code and then load on the shopper's desired cash balance. Most cards will then have a hidden pin code or activation code which the recipient will need to reveal - often by scratching or peeling off a protective covering or envelope. Gift cards for Target and Apple have been targeted, among other retailers, police warn Cops are warning shoppers to check for any signs that a card has been meddled with - such as scratches or scuff marks near the bar code on the back of the card - before purchasing Authorities in Pennsylvania have also issued notices about this 'card draining' tactic. The authorities named Visa Vanilla and Apple gift cards as having been targeted by fraudsters. The offender will neatly open or slightly adjust the gift card package to reveal the card numbers and pin codes, copy this information, and return the gift cards to the racks, the police warning read. 'When a victim purchases one of these unknowingly compromised gift cards at the store, activates and adds value to the gift cards, the offender will use the available funds.' Other county authorities in California alerted shoppers about a slightly different tactic also being used by criminals. Police in Pinole, California, said in an Instagram video that scammers were stealing gift cards, removing them from sealed envelopes and then cutting off the code that the recipient needs to activate the card, which is hidden beneath the sealed envelope in the store. Police in Pinole, California, warned shoppers about the scam in an Instagram video They would then return the tampered card to the store - with the bar code still visible for the teller to scan and add funds. When a victim would then buy the card and load it up with money, the scammer would have access to the code, and be able to steal the cash. 'What we're advising to do, is if you are buying a gift card, feel for the entire card, which should be the same size as a credit card,' Pinole Police Department's Sergeant Duggan said in the video. 'Or with the permission of the store, when you go up to purchase these, remove them from the sealed envelope and make sure that the whole card is there.' Realty firm Godrej Properties will soon launch a luxury housing project in Gurugram with an estimated revenue potential of around Rs 3,000 crore as it seeks to encash a rise in demand for premium residential properties. The company will develop nearly 750 apartments in a 9.5-acre housing project Godrej Aristocrat located at Sector 49 in Gurugram. The starting price is around Rs 4 crore per unit. According to real estate consultants, Godrej Properties has started seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from potential homebuyers and already received more than 1,200 EOIs. Market sources said the company is expecting to generate revenue of around Rs 3,000 crore from this project. Real estate consultant Anarock Vice Chairman Santhosh Kumar said the Gurugram housing market remains buoyant despite a sharp appreciation in prices. In March, DLF Ltd sold 1,137 luxury apartments, priced Rs 7 crore and above, in its housing project in Gurugram for over Rs 8,000 crore within three days. Property brokerage firm RISE Infraventures Ltd co-founder Sachin Gawri said, Housing demand in Gurugram is good, especially from end-users. Prices have risen sharply in the city, so investors have become a little cautious. During the April-September period of 2023-24, Godrej Properties has achieved 48 per cent growth in its sales bookings to Rs 7,288 crore from Rs 4,929 crore in the year-ago period. Out of the total sales booking of Rs 7,288 crore in the first six months of this fiscal, the Delhi-NCR market contributed sales of Rs 3,186 crore. Its housing project Godrej Tropical Isle at Sector 146, Noida, alone contributed sales of Rs 2,016 crore. Last month, Godrej Properties Executive Chairperson Pirojsha Godrej told PTI that Delhi-NCR is a big market for us. We are planning to launch housing projects in Noida, Gurugram and also Ashok Vihar, Delhi, during the current and next quarter. Pirojsha Godrej had said that the company was focusing on the launch and timely execution of new housing projects across major cities. Shira Stein is The San Francisco Chronicle's Washington correspondent, covering national politics and policy with a particular eye to the impacts on California. She was previously a health care reporter and received several awards for her work covering the COVID-19 pandemic for Bloomberg. She also covered the fall of Roe v. Wade, including being the first to report President Joe Bidens consideration of a public health emergency for reproductive rights; the Trump administrations efforts to lower prescription drug prices; and the third legal fight to overturn the Affordable Care Act. She previously interned at the Washington Post, Bloomberg Law, and the Colorado-based Durango Herald. She is a native of the Bay Area and a graduate of American University. She can be reached at shira.stein@sfchronicle.com. Domestic passenger vehicle wholesales rose by around 4 per cent year-on-year in November, driven by robust demand for utility vehicles, industry body SIAM said on Tuesday. Passenger vehicle dispatches from companies to dealers rose to 3,34,130 units last month, the best ever figure for the month of November, from 3,22,268 units in same month last year. Two-wheeler sales rose to 16,23,399 units last month, a growth of 31 per cent as compared to 12,36,282 units in November 2022. Similarly, three-wheeler dispatches also rose to 59,738 units last month, registering an increase of 31 per cent over 45,664 units in last November. The flash floods and the resultant mishaps including the loss of human lives are the fallout of the failure of local bodies to fortify the metropolis from floodwater Tamil Nadu, is at the receiving end of the North East Monsoon from October to December every year. Cyclones, tornadoes and tidal waves attacking the 1076 km long coastline is a routine event during this period. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a research and development organisation under the Ministry of Earth Sciences based in Hyderabad keeps the nation abreast of all aberrations taking place on the sea surface as well as underneath the sea including tsunami waves. Tamil Nadu is one of the States enjoying top priority in the 24/7 control room of the INCOIS which is monitoring all three oceans and issuing alerts about impending cyclones, tidal waves and tsunamis. The institution routinely holds mock drills to check the preparedness of the States along the East and West Coasts to face natural disasters. The INCOIS also acts as the regional warning centre for all countries that lie along the Indian Ocean Rim as well as the Arabian Sea. It offers free services to Pakistan, West Asian Nations and African countries as a humanitarian gesture. But it has to be mentioned with disappointment that Tamil Nadu pays scant regard to the alerts issued by this internationally reputed institution. The Dravidian party that rules Tamil Nadu always ignores warnings from INCOIS as Stalin and his sidekicks are busy demolishing Sanatan Sharma. Since 2006, cyclones and flash floods have become a regular event in the annual calendar of the State. The State Government has not learnt even a single lesson from the disasters which are ravaging Tamil Nadu. It is found that the DMK spends a lot of time safeguarding secularism and pluralism but the same care should be shown in preventing the State from natural disasters. The flash floods and the resultant mishaps including loss of human lives are the fallout of the failure of local bodies to fortify the metropolis from floodwaters caused by the overflowing or release of surplus water from the six reservoirs that feed the city of Chennai. The Israeli technologists who visited the metropolis were aghast to see the profligacy of the States politicians and bureaucrats and the failure to harvest the rainwater. Nearly 90 per cent of the rainwater received by the State is wasted in the Bay of Bengal. The DMK and Stalin could have made the Centre interlink the major rivers in south India so that Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Puthussery and Telangana could get an uninterrupted supply of water. The rainwater and stormwater drainages in Chennai and other major cities in the State have not yet been cleaned. The clogging in canals that act as carriers of surplus water is the main cause of floods and water logging. These issues could be resolved by locally available technology. Dr Sundara Rama Prabhu, head of the Department of Physics, IIT-Madras developed a nanotechnology-based sed solution to resolve this issue. Prabhu had claimed that the stormwater and drainage water being carried through Kooum, the most polluted river in the country and meandering through Chennai could be recycled and reused at a cost of Rs 100 crore. However, the state administration is not impressed with the cost of the project as those in corridors of power would not consider any innovations that are less than Rs 2000 crore! Once the fury of North East Monsoon is over, it is time for Kaveri politics. Tamil Nadu insists that Karnataka should release Kaveri water as per the decisions of the Supreme Court and the Kaveri Water Dispute Tribunal. But for that to happen, Karnataka should get copious rainfall in its catchment areas. If the South West Monsoon fails (which is certain to happen) Tamil Nadu will start fretting and fuming for more water from Karnataka. Other than asking for Central assistance and water from Karnataka, has the Tamil Nadu Government done anything to address these burning issues? The DMK has wielded power at the Centre during 1996-1998, 1999-2003 and 2004 2013. The general public should have a right to know what the DMK has done for the State during these periods. It is fine if the leaders in Chennai succeed in their efforts to amass wealth but they should show some kind of compassion to the people who voted them to power. Demolish Sanatana Dharma but reduce the burden of the poor. Hundreds of people in Chennai suburbs and neighbouring districts have lost their houses and belongings in Cyclone Michaungs fury. (The writer is a special correspondent with the Pioneer, views are personal) Conflict resolution does not seem to be a priority for big nations as they are busy playing their power games even as thousands die every day More than two months have passed since the Israel-Gaza war started, but the war is still not showing signs of stopping. According to media reports, more than 200 people are killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks almost every day. Meanwhile, there have been continuous calls and demands from all over the world for a ceasefire in Gaza (Gaza Ceasefire UN Resolution). America has just given a blow to a similar UN effort for a ceasefire by stopping it. The UN ceasefire proposal has not been successful in being passed because of America. America has vetoed this proposal. The resolution presented by the UN demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. 13 member countries voted in favour of this resolution but America vetoed it. In fact, after the attacks on Israel on October 7, the Jewish country has continued its attacks in Gaza, vowing to eradicate Hamas. At the same time, some countries including America are fully supporting Israel by calling this matter a terrorist matter. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used Article 99 of the UN Charter, a very rare use by the UN, to call an emergency Security Council meeting to call for an immediate ceasefire. He appealed for the release of the hostages, saying that "the brutality committed by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." However, in the meantime, America, which helps Israel, vetoed the UN resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the UN Security Council to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian system may collapse, and public order could completely break down. More than 36,000 have been injured since the start of the war, according to the Hamas-run government. Humanitarian assistance has been "reduced virtually to nothing", raising fears of widespread hunger and disease amongst the population. The fighting has so far killed some 17,487 people in the Palestinian territories, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. According to Israeli figures, Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, while taking more than 200 hostages. Israel has turned a vast area of Gaza into a wasteland in the missile attack. The United Nations believes that about 80 per cent of the population has been displaced, and people are facing a lot of problems with food, water, medicine and fuel. "People have started cutting telephone poles to get heat or maybe to get a little firewood for cooking," said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier. The Israeli military, showing pictures of navy ship attacks in the Mediterranean Sea, said it had targeted 450 targets in Gaza in 24 hours. Israel and Hamas should leave the war (Israel-Hamas War) and find a solution to the problem through dialogue, many countries including India have given this advice. Saudi Arabia has also advised Israel and Hamas to find a solution to the problem through dialogue. A Gaza resident told news agency AFP that he had lost everyone he loved. Along with this, he said, "May God punish those who are silent after seeing our suffering. Let us tell you that even during the ceasefire, 91 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and said an international peace conference should be convened to find a permanent political solution leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The US Ambassador also said that America strongly supports a durable peace in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security. But we do not support the call for an immediate ceasefire. This will only sow the seeds for the next war, as Hamas has no desire to see durable peace and a two-state solution, he said. (The writer is a senior journalist, views are personal) Attending the 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) diamond jubilee celebration was a homecoming; sad Indian army is not recruiting these die-hard Gorkha fighters anymore, a hara-kiri of sorts The name and fame of legendary Gorkha warriors have risen meteorically due to the biopic on Field Marshal Sam (Bahadur) Manekshaw whose own reputation as a soldiers General has also skyrocketed after his bonding with Nepals Gorkha. Sam never actually commanded any Gorkha unit. Still, he enjoyed the awe, aura and magic of the Gorkhas.Ask any Army formation commander who his best troops a: Gorkhas is an instant response. They have set records on battlefields and in peacetime. Back from visiting Nepal last month and my Paltan reunion last week, I shudder to think about the sacrilege India is committing by compelling Nepal to suspend Gorkha recruitment as Agniveers. Last month at the Chanakya Dialogue held at Manekshaw Auditorium Nepali scholar and historian Chiranjung Thapa noted: India should not take Nepals Agni Pariksha. Gorkha ex-servicemen or Bhu Pus at Pokhara, Butawal, Chitawan, Nepalgunj and Kathmandu celebrate Jubilees. These sometimes parallel events reflect the burgeoning regimental spirit of seven Gorkha regiments and 38 battalions of the Gorkha Brigade. These get-togethers recall the Gorkha ex-servicemens hand in protecting the territorial integrity of India which Prime Minister Modi himself acknowledged in Nepals Parliament in 2014 when he said: In every war India has fought, Gorkhas have shed their blood. Any doubt about their loyalty or commitment to India is instantly removed when at an ex-servicemens commemoration in Pokharas Kantipur Party Place in Ram Bazar. I am the lucky one. I seldom miss these events since I became a veteran.Last week 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) popularly FOFIF which was re-raised on 1 January 1963 after its demobilisation end of World War II celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Veterans from India and Nepal received this welcome note: welcome home. Its been a rather long waitwe have been yearning most intently for the Diamond Jubilee. To have you join us as we cross this historic milestone to reminisce old times, bask in the glory of battalions triumph, to live bitter sweet memories, to celebrate our heroes and to redeem our pledge of devotion to our paltanwe are happy you are here. No other battalion in the history of the Indian Army in its second avatar has won as many awards, citations and trophies as FOFIF. I am one of the few left who joined Paltan on its reincarnation in Dehradun. In 1965 we broke the back of Pakistans insurgency, in 1971 created history twice in Bangladesh with the first ever khukuri attack at Atgram and the first ever heliborne attack in Sylhet, spearheaded the Jaffna attack in Sri Lanka with IPKF, foiled Chinese forays in north Sikkim last year bagging Army Chiefs citation. The prestigious International Cambrian Patrol Competition trophy was also won Space restricts listing all the laurels. But winning three MVCs, six VrC (three posthumously) 12 Sena Medals and 25 commendation cards for gallantry alone in a short span of 60 years is both historic and enviable. Nearly 200 retired and serving officers and families came for the grand reunion. 300 Gorkha ex-servicemen with families converged in several buses from different parts of Nepal. They were the star attraction of homecoming. These diminutive fighters regaled one another with battle tales while referring to each other by the last two digits of their army number at the time of recruitment. hey challis (44)! Malai Chinhiyo?? (you recognize me) and 44 would say: Kinha na Chinhe (why would I not recognize you). Similarly 55 (pachpan). This guffa (conversation) is liberally sprinkled with Old Monk, nowadays responsibly imbibed by the Gorkhas. Mandir Parade with puja, havan and arti is the start. The Bahun baje (Brahmin priest) blesses all during their first face-to-face meeting after years even decades. Pagal Gymkhana is a traditional afternoon of fun: gambling, eating Nepali food and of course, consuming considerable amounts of propellants. The not-so-pagal Gymkhana is the perfect place to chat with Burhos from Nepal and their families. Every regiment has its Colonel - the seniormost serving General Officer. He hosted the officers to a lavish dinner. Former Army Chief Gen Dalbir Suhag is a son of the battalion. He was present greeting every one of the 500 or so guests. One evening we were all treated to a Himachali feast of food and all the eating and drinking were adding calories.The piece de resistance was the Diamond Jubilee dinner at Piffers Mess which lit up outshining the Raisina Hill during the Beating Retreat. A film depicting the battalions milestones is excellently choreographed. A presentation of paintings of different battles follows. The culmination is the unveiling of the Diamond Jubilee trophy. The next morning's wreath-laying is as poignant as comforting the Veer Naris during the Sainik Sammelan. Barakhana is letting the hair down with gusty nautch followed by an innovatively illuminated band concert. The night won't end singing and dancing to Khemraj Gurungs immortal, Vari Jamnua Pari Jamuna. Am returning to NOIDA with additional baggage and nostalgia but feeling ten years younger thats the magic of the reunion and FOFIF motto of Kafir Huno Marnu Jati-(Better to die than be a coward.) (The writer, a retired Major General, was Commander, IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, currently the Integrated Defence Staff. Views are personal) In a groundbreaking move, Ayodhya is set to witness a massive economic transformation with the largest-ever investment in a single district in India. British conglomerate Trafalgar Square Capital has pledged a staggering `75,000 crore to establish cutting-edge defence manufacturing units in Ayodhya. The landmark decision was cemented through the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the company and local authorities. Trafalgar Square Capital is among the five major multinational companies expressing keen interest in Uttar Pradesh under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy. The distinguished list includes the Hong Kong-based Taushan International Group, RG Group, Austin Consulting Group, Cosis Group, Indo European Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, Britains Trafalgar Square Capital Group, ABC Cleantech, and Unicorn Energy from Germany. Trafalgar Square Capitals strategic choice of Ayodhya for its ambitious venture is set to have a profound impact on the regions economic landscape. The colossal investment is expected to generate a substantial employment boost, creating at least 26,000 new jobs. Notably, this investment in defence manufacturing units breaks new ground, occurring outside the conventional defence corridor. The `75,000 crore investment in a single district is unprecedented in the country, highlighting Ayodhyas emergence as a key player in the industrial sector. Germanys Unicorn Energy is also set to make substantial investments in Uttar Pradesh, venturing into Lucknow and Jaunpur with two solar energy projects valued at approximately `42,000 crore. These initiatives are projected to employ around 2,200 individuals, further contributing to the States economic growth. Adding to the solar energy influx, the GMR Group has sealed an MoU worth `40,000 crore for solar energy investment, with the specific location yet to be determined. The Aditya Birla Group is set to infuse `25,000 crore into the State economy by establishing a large textile and readymade unit, promising significant contributions to the local manufacturing sector. In another significant development, the Hinduja Group has committed `25,000 crore to ventures in the film, media, and solar energy sectors, building on their earlier agreement with Ashok Leyland for electric vehicle production. Locations for these investments are yet to be finalised. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has also made substantial strides by signing six MoUs, directing `74,000 crore towards solar power and energy projects in Jhansi, Sonbhadra, and Prayagraj. This marks a significant step in expanding the renewable energy portfolio in the state. As Uttar Pradesh emerges as a magnet for global investments, these transformative initiatives promise to reshape the economic landscape of the region, setting Ayodhya on a trajectory of unprecedented growth and development. Ending the nine-day suspense, the BJP on Tuesday sprang another surprise by naming first time MLA from Sanganer, Bhajan Lal Sharma (56), as Rajasthan Chief Minister after selecting Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai as Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh respectively. Diya Kumari, a member of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family, is a two-time MLA and one-time MP and Prem Chand Bairwa, a Dalit face in the BJP, will be the Deputy Chief Ministers and Vasudev Devnani the Speaker of the State Assembly. The announcement came nine days after the party registered a resounding victory in the Assembly elections, overthrowing the ruling Congress led by Ashok Gehlot. Sharmas appointment marks an end to a 25-year-old trend where the State only witnessed Gehlot and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje taking turns to rule the State. Sharma later met Governor Kalraj Mishra Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and staked claim to form the next Government in the State. BJP State president CP Joshi presented a letter to the Governor, informing him that Sharma has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in the State, according to a Raj Bhawan statement. Sharma was accompanied by senior BJP leader and party central observer Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and former Chief Minister Raje, Deputy Chief Minister-designates Diya and Chand. Earlier at the BJP State legislative party meeting, the CM-designates name was proposed by Raje, who was herself considered to be running for the top post in the presence of three observers, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Vinod Tawde, Saroj Pandey and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, the BJP incharge for Rajasthan. The RSS-backed Sharma won the Sanganer constituency by defeating Congress candidate Pushpendra Bhardwaj with a margin of 48,081 votes. He belongs to Bharatpur district but he was given ticket from Sanganer Assembly seat as Bharatpur seat wasnt considered winnable for upper castes. According to BJP leaders, Sharma, who is at present the BJPs State general secretary, holds a Masters degree in Political Science. He is considered close to the partys ideological mentor RSS and its chief JP Nadda. Before becoming MLA, he served as the general secretary for the BJP four times. As per his affidavit, his total assets amount to `1,46,56,666, whereas his liabilities amount to `35 lakh. He completed his MA from Rajasthan University, Jaipur, in 1993. After Vishnu Deo Sai for Chhattisgarh and Mohan Yadav for Madhya Pradesh, Sharma is the third surprising choice for the chief ministerial post by the BJP. The party ignored obvious choices like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Raje and Raman Singh and entrusted largely unknown faces with running the Governments and spearheading its designs for the upcoming 2024 general elections. All the three chief ministerial choices reflect the BJPs attempt to balance respective caste equations while warding off possible anti-incumbency. It is learnt that selecting a Brahmin face as Chief Minister in Rajasthan will also impact other neighbouring States as Brahmins are 11 per cent in UP, 20 per cent in Uttarakhand, 18 per cent in Himachal and 6 per cent in MP. Earlier on Tuesday, three BJP observers, led by Singh arrived in Jaipur to oversee the legislature party meeting, where the Chief Minister-elect was picked.The team was welcomed by CP Joshi and Raje. Several BJP MLAs have called on Raje in recent days in what was seen as a show of support, amid speculations the party may spring a surprise this time. She also met party leaders in Delhi. Kumari, a member of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family, is a two-time MLA and one-time MP. The 51-year-old BJP leader, who became an MLA for the first time in 2013 from the Sawai Madhopur Assembly seat, was said to be among the frontrunners for the post of Chief Minister. In 2019, she was elected as an MP from Rajsamand. She is the daughter of erstwhile Jaipur royal Sawai Bhawani Singh, who earned distinction in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war as a Lt Colonel and Commanding Officer of the Para Commandos of the 10th Parachute Regiment. Kumari is also associated with several non-government organisations, including the Eye Bank Society of Rajasthan, and Rays, an NGO working for HIV+ children, of which she is the patron. Bairwa, who was declared Deputy Chief Minister along with Kumari, is a Dalit face in the BJP. The 54-year-old won the Dudu constituency in the November 25 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Bairwa, who defeated Congress Babu Lal Nagar with a margin of 35,743 votes, is Ph.D from the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. The BJP won 115 seats in the Assembly elections, while the Congress got 69 seats. Elections were held on 199 of the 200 seats in the State. While the BJP had not projected any CM candidate during its Rajasthan campaign, the names of MP-turned-MLA Balaknath, Raje, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Kirori Lal Meena and Diya Kumari had been doing the rounds in political circles. Polling in Karanpur was deferred due to the death of Congress candidate and sitting MLA Gurmeet Singh Koonar. It will now be held on January 5. As Israel-Hamas conflict continues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and later said Discussed the Gaza situation, Lebanon and safety of maritime traffic in the region. Will continue to remain in touch. The phone conversation came two days after Jaishankar spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. Just spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister @elicoh1. Discussed the Gaza situation, Lebanon and safety of maritime traffic in the region. Will continue to remain in touch, the External Affairs Minister posted on X. Israel has continued its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation to the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7. Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire. Around 17,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. India has been calling for de-escalation of the situation and create conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-State solution to the Palestine issue. India has strongly condemned the terror attack by Hamas. There have been concerns over the safety of maritime traffic in the region. A missile reportedly fired by Yemens Houthi militants hit a commercial tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on late Monday, triggering concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar have raised concerns over the deteriorating situation arising out of the conflict and have repeatedly called for restraint and de-escalation. Jaishankar had also spoken to Cohen in November when he reaffirmed Indias commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and a two-State solution. Spoke this afternoon with FM Eli Choen of Israel. Appreciated his sharing the Israeli assessment of the current situation. Reiterated our firm commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two-State solution, Jaishankar had posted from his official handle on X. We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation and have called for restraint, de-escalation and emphasised peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha last week. Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in UAE earlier this month and emphasised a two-State solution to the conflict. The Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is not possible to collect data of illegal migrants living in various parts of the country as entry of foreign nationals is clandestine and surreptitious. In its affidavit filed in the top court which is examining the constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act relating to illegal immigrants in Assam, the Centre said 17,861 people have been granted citizenship under the provision. Answering the courts query posed on December 7, the Centre said 32,381 people have been detected as foreigners under the orders of foreigners tribunal with reference to the period of 1966-1971. Replying to the courts query about the estimated inflow of illegal immigrants into India, including but not confined to Assam after March 25, 1971, the Centre said illegal immigrants enter the country without valid travel documents in a clandestine and surreptitious manner. The detection, detention and deportation of such illegally staying foreign nationals is a complex ongoing process. Since entry of such foreign nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to collect accurate data of such illegal immigrants living in various parts of the country, the Centre said. The Government said in the past five-years from 2017 to 2022, 14,346 foreigners were deported. Giving some figures, the Centre said 100 foreigners tribunal are presently working in Assam and as on October 31, 2023, more than 3.34 lakh cases have been disposed of and still 97,714 are pending as on October 31. It said the number of cases pending before the Gauhati High Court, arising from the orders of the Foreigners Tribunal are 8,461 as on December 1, 2023. The Government gave details about the working of the Assam Police, fencing of borders, border patrols and other mechanisms adopted to dissuade infiltration. On December 7, the top court directed the Centre to provide data on the number of Bangladeshi immigrants granted Indian citizenship in Assam between January 1, 1966 and March 25, 1971. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, which is hearing a batch of pleas on validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act had asked the State Government to provide the data to the Centre for filing an affidavit. It had also asked the Centre to inform it about the steps taken to deal with illegal immigration into India, particularly the North Eastern States. Section 6A of the Citizenship Act relates to illegal immigrants in Assam. The provision was inserted into the Citizenship Act as a special provision to deal with the citizenship of people covered under the Assam Accord. It says those who came to Assam on or after January 1, 1966 but before March 25, 1971 from specified territories, including Bangladesh, in accordance with the Citizenship Act amended in 1985, and since then are residents of the northeastern State, must register themselves under section 18 for acquiring Indian citizenship. As a result, the provision fixes March 25, 1971 as the cut-off date for granting citizenship to Bangladeshi migrants in Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invoked a popular crime series to assail the Congress on the recovery of more than `350 crore from premises linked to its MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu. This is the second time in a week that Modi has taken on the Congress on the huge recovery of cash amount from Sahu. The Prime Minister made the remarks in reaction to a social media post by the BJP. The post featured a video showing pictures of Sahu with senior Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. It also displayed the piles of cash recovered during Income Tax raids on premises linked to the Jharkhand MP. The BJP captioned the video Congress presents the Money Heist! while the series popular title song plays in the background. In India, who needs Money Heist fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting, the Prime Minister said in his post. The cash seizure in the Income Tax departments searches against Odisha-based Boudh Distillery Private Limited owned by the family of Sahu the Congress Rajya Sabha MP has been calculated at `351 crore and is the highest-ever haul in a single action by any probe agency in the country, official sources said. Last Friday when the huge haul was reported, Modi had taken similar swipe at the Opposition on the issue of corruption, asserting it is Modis guarantee that they will have to return every penny looted from people. The PM had tagged a news report of the Income Tax department recovering at that time `200 crore in cash from various locations of the Jharkhand MP. The Congress though issued a notice seeking explanation from Sahu the party said its the MPs internal matter and not that of the party as he is a businessman for more than four decades. Hitting out at the INDIA Bloc, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Modi Governments resolve to take tough action against corruption with renewed vigour is the only reason for Opposition leaders to unite and step up their attack on Central probe agencies. The INDIA Bloc parties have given a guarded response on the huge haul of currency from their partners MP. Addressing a Press conference, Rijiju and BJP leaders Sangita Singhdeo, Rameshwar Teli and Nisith Pramanik said the haul of `351 crore from premises linked to Congress MP Sahu was not a one-off. There are cases against leaders of Opposition parties, including those from Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Delhi, they added. The very many shops of corruption opened by the Congress should be shut down. Strict action is being taken, Rijiju told reporters. It would not be wrong to say that the coming together of the INDIA alliance has nothing to do with democracy but its a union of corrupt people for the betterment of the corrupt by the corrupt people, he added. The Congress should be called the corruption party because the Congress is the root of corruption, Rijiju said. Rijiju said `42 crore was recovered from the relative of a Congress leader in Bengaluru; in West Bengal, several Ministers in the Mamata Banerjee Government are involved in corruption; in Tamil Nadu, Senthil Balaji, a Minister, is in jail and the party that calls itself staunchly honest (kattar imandar) has found several of its leaders in jail. Rijiju said Modi gave several guarantees to the people to make India a developed nation by 2047, make it the third largest economy in the world, and ensure that the Government benefits reach the public. Another guarantee was action against every corrupt persons. That is why you must have seen Congress leader Rahul and his friends hate Modi a lot. The anger is because of the strong action against corruption, he said. Rijiju said corruption increased during the Congress regimes because the party believes in the principle of perpetuating corrupt practices. Congress leaders indulge in corrupt practices and also encourage others to do so. It is their policy to loot and let others loot, the senior BJP leader said. He said the voters rejected the Congress in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan after several of their scams came to light. Asked about the cash seizure, senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, I have not seen `350 crore in my life. In fact, if you ask me, how many zeros are there, I will have to count. The Congress party has clearly said the party has nothing to do with the cash that was seized and only Sahu, the gentleman allegedly concerned has to explain the position. In a major relief to bus passengers in the chilly winter, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to give a 10 per cent discount on fares in air-conditioned (AC) buses in Uttar Pradesh. Passengers will be able to avail of this discount from December 16. This fare relaxation by the state government has been provided as a special winter discount from December 16, 2023 to February 28, 2024. UPs Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashanker Singh said that passengers would also have the facility to travel in air-conditioned buses run by the UP State Road Transport Corporation by paying 10 per cent less fare during the winter season. He mentioned that seeing less traffic of passengers in air-conditioned bus services with the onset of winter season, the fares of air-conditioned buses are being reduced. The fare for AC 32 buses will now be Rs 1.47 per km per seat. Similarly, the fare for AC 22 buses will be Rs 1.74 per km per seat, the fare for AC sleeper buses will be Rs 2.33 per km and the fare for Volvo (high-end) will be Rs 2.58 per km per seat. Dayashanker Singh said that this decision had been taken after due consideration to make AC services profitable. Notably, fuel consumption decreases in winter and at the same time, the load factor also reduces due to higher fares. The transport minister said that it had come to notice that the travel facility for the differently-abled was not allowed in the newly operated Rajdhani buses. He instructed the officials to ensure travel facilities for divyangjan in Rajdhani buses as the fares of Rajdhani buses had now been made equivalent to regular buses. Kate Cox, a Texas resident, left the state after being denied an emergency abortion. Associated Press Californians thought their abortion rights were safe after Gov. Gavin Newsom, in response to the Supreme Courts toppling of Roe v. Wade, signed more than two dozen bills giving the state the strongest protections in the country. But two new developments from outside the state show that Californias safeguards may be vulnerable, even after voters approved 2022s Proposition 1, which enshrined abortion rights into the state Constitution. Theres going to be a showdown between the states that may threaten the protections Californians have and the outcome of that will depend on federal courts, said Mary Ziegler, a professor of law at UC Davis and leading scholar on abortion rights. California has done a lot of what it can do to create protections, but these looming threats are out there because of the courts and the 2024 election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first threat is raised by the case of Texas resident Kate Cox. The Texas Supreme Court this week overturned a lower courts ruling that approved her request to terminate her pregnancy under the states medical emergency exception to its strict abortion laws. It is illegal to perform an abortion in Texas after fertilization. Cox, who is 21 weeks pregnant, is carrying a fetus that has trisomy 18, a fatal genetic condition. In 95% of cases, the fetus doesnt survive full term, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Cox, who has visited the emergency room four times in the last month to treat the leaking of fluid, diarrhea and other symptoms, opted to leave Texas to seek an abortion in another, undisclosed state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened to criminally prosecute any hospital or physician who helps Cox obtain an abortion. California has laws that protect abortion providers from prosecution, even from outside the state. But some of these laws are new and untested in the courts. And the Supreme Courts overwhelming conservative majority is decidedly opposed to abortion rights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weve passed a lot of shield laws here in California to do as much as we possibly can here in California to protect patients and providers, said Lisa Matsubara, chief legal and advocacy officer for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. That being said, some of them are sort of new and novel ideas. So theyve yet to be sort of tested legally. Matsubara conceded that we cant really control whats happening in other states. And so wed like to see stronger federal protections as well. Stronger federal protections arent coming under the current divided federal government. Ziegler, the author of Roe: The History of a National Obsession, said the Texas case tells her that sooner or later were likely to see a legal confrontation about this issue. She said it might come from abortion opponents like Paxton saying that Californias shield laws are impermissible or illegal. California lawmakers did everything they could to protect Californians from that kind of liability, Ziegler said. But theres still a lot of legal gray area, and were likely to see clashes in court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the head of the Legislative Womens Caucus and a driving force behind many of Californias abortion rights protections, said legislators have passed more than two dozen laws trying to clear up those abortion gray areas over the past two years. But Coxs case highlights the complexity of Californias challenge. As long as you are operating in California and physically in California, we have protected you, Skinner said. But whats pretty close to impossible to do is protect you if you go to Texas. If youre standing in Texas and Texas has documentation that you violated the law and they decide they want to prosecute you, that is much harder for us to protect. The other development that could reverberate in California is this weeks disclosure that law enforcement agencies secretly obtained the prescription records of thousands of Americans without a warrant from some of the nations largest pharmaceutical chains, revealed in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra from several Democratic House members, including Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego. The letter said House members were concerned about the outpouring of concern from Americans about health privacy and surveillance after the Supreme Courts June 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that rescinded the constitutional right to obtain the procedure and left regulation up to individual states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Skinner said, Its appalling that any pharmacy would turn over prescription information to law enforcement without a subpoena. But help could be coming soon for abortion-seekers who see California as a sanctuary. Skinner pointed to a new state law that will take effect in January that could give people seeking abortion care in California additional protections, even if they live out of state. Pharmacies that do business in California will be prohibited from disclosing a patients private health information regarding abortion, contraception and gender-affirming care to an out-of-state law enforcement agency. Advocates for abortion rights, including Newsoms office, said Tuesday they were monitoring these cases and would assess whether they expose any vulnerabilities in California law. The California Future of Abortion Council, a coalition of abortion rights organizations and leaders that has crafted much of the states leading-edge legislation, met earlier this month to begin mapping out new proposals to the Legislature. The council will meet again next month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has triumphed over the lethal poison Aluminium Phosphide, traditionally associated with almost 100% mortality. Over the last month, the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff at AIIMS Bhopal MICU has defied the odds by successfully saving the lives of three out of five patients affected by Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning. The key to this remarkable success lies in the early initiation of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), a groundbreaking approach that has proven to be the linchpin in the battle against this deadly poison. The doctors at AIIMS MICU emphasize that the timely administration of CRRT has been a crucial factor contributing to the unprecedented success in treating Aluminium Phosphide Among the survivors are a 17-year-old female, a 20-year-old male, and a 44-year-old male, all of whom sought medical attention at AIIMS within 12 hours of ingesting the poison. These patients presented with severe metabolic acidosis, marked by a pH level below 7.0 and the serum lactate levels in the range of 20mmol/L. The comprehensive treatment protocol employed by the AIIMS Bhopal MICU team included CRRT, high-dose vasopressors, ionotropes, anti-arrhythmic drugs, and vigilant monitoring of serum electrolytes. This holistic and multidisciplinary approach underscores the commitment of the medical professionals at AIIMS Bhopal to ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the tireless team for their hard work and unwavering efforts. Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating, "The success in treating Aluminium Phosphide poisoning is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our medical team. This breakthrough highlights the importance of innovative medical interventions in critical situations." The State government employees, angry over the dismissal of a section of employees who have not passed the Computer Proficiency Certification Test (CPCT) (compassionate appointment), are preparing to agitate in the new year. Regarding this, Madhya Pradesh Clerical Government Employees Association has called a meeting in January. Union President MP Dwivedi while talking to media persons said that the previous government did not pay attention to the demands of the clerks. This was the situation when the movement was carried out in 7 phases from May to October 2023. For the first time in a decade, the Kalambandh strike was successful across the state. He told that the biggest demand of clerks is a time scale pay scale similar to that of clerks of ministry service. There is also an argument that the clerks of the ministry service are transferred only in the ministry, whereas the clerks posted in other departments are posted in any district of the state. Therefore they have greater financial needs. Dwivedi says that there is a big demand regarding the grade pay of Assistant Grade-3. Presently they are being given grade pay of Rs 1900 and we are demanding Rs 2400. The movement of the Sangh regarding these demands will continue and that is why a meeting has been called in January. A strategy will be prepared in that. Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Tuesday pulled up department officials over the deplorable state of sewers following an inspection in Chitla Gate, Chawri Bazar and Nehru Hill JJ Colony, an official statement said. She also ordered strict action against those responsible for the maintenance of sewers, it said. According to the water department, complaints were received about sewer water overflowing in streets in these areas due to negligence in sewer cleaning. During a thorough inspection, the Water Minister found that sewage water was overflowing onto the streets in several lanes. This is causing significant inconvenience to people, and the streets are also being damaged. After conducting the inspection, Atishi directed the officials to take strict action against those responsible for the poor maintenance of sewers. The public is suffering due to Delhi Jal Board officials negligence and the Kejriwal government will not tolerate it. Officials must ensure clean water and better sewer systems for the public. If they cant fulfil this duty, they should resign, the statement quoted Atishi as saying. The minister said that the responsibility of the Jal Board is to provide people with clean water and better sewer systems. If officials cannot fulfill this responsibility towards the public, they should resign from their jobs. In the Kejriwal government, such negligence towards the public will not be tolerated. She also directed officials firmly, saying that with the help of experts and technology, sewer lines throughout the entire area should be cleaned promptly. All relevant officials should conduct daily ground visits. For dedicated innovation and excellence in the field of information technology, BHEL has been adjudged the winner of three Governance Now PSU IT Awards for the year 2023. The Governance Now PSU IT Awards are given to honour the efforts and excellence of PSUs in IT. The company was unanimously selected for the awards in the categories of Cybersecurity and Data Protection, IT Innovation and Excellence in Software Development, by an independent jury. The awards were received by JP Srivastava, Director (E, R&D) and Director (Finance) - Addl Charge along with other senior officials of the company from Dr.Vikram Singh, Former DGP, Uttar Pradesh, at a function held in New Delhi. My BHEL Mobile APP (for Employees) and e-CARE Mobile app (for Ex-Employees) developed by DTG BHEL Bhopal were awarded in the Excellence in Software Development category. Rajeev Singh, Executive Director, BHEL Bhopal, presented the Award, in the presence of Shri Gautam Majumdar, General Manager (CMG, PMG, CC & DTG) to NP Sanodia, AGM(IT), and Vivek Pathak, Sr DGM (IT) and Rajneesh Rai Sr Manager (IT) and congratulated the team for their continuous innovation in software development. The Bharatiya Janata Party has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central leadership of the party have taken care to provide representation to all sections of society while finalising the chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisagarh. The BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt said that decisions were inclusive and taken in a democratic manner by the party leaders. The BJP is a cadre based party which is why the MLAs established coordination and elected their leader unanimously in these States, he said. Bhatt also congratulated Vishnudev Sahay, Mohan Yadav and Bhajan Lal Sharma for being chosen as the chief ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively. Bhatt further said, After the President, the Chhattisgarh CM was selected from the Adivasi community which shows the commitment of the party to take the ignored section of society forward. Similarly, handing over the reins of the CMs office to an OBC party worker in Madhya Pradesh shows that our policy and decisions also accord importance to the backward section of society. Selection of Bhajan Lal for the post of Rajasthan CM shows the maturity of the party in choosing an able and capable party worker from the general category, the BJP State president said. HC to hear 5,994 ETT teachers recruitment case on Jan 30 Chandigarh: Hearing the case related to the recruitment of 5994 ETT teachers in Punjab School Education Department, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday fixed January 30, 2024, as the next date for the hearing, maintaining that the decision will be taken on the next hearing that case can be heard. Sharing the information, the government spokesperson said that the issue regarding the recruitment of 5994 teachers was discussed in a hearing before a double bench comprising Justice Deepak Sibal and Justice Amarjot Bhatti. Punjab VB apprehends 9 officials in 7 bribery cases during Nov Chandigarh: Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in November, arrested nine government officials red-handed while accepting bribes across seven distinct entrapment cases. Among those involved, two doctors, two power officials, and two police personnel were apprehended. Additionally, six criminal cases have been registered, in which 14 accused were involved. A spokesperson said that within this period, special courts have decided seven cases filed and contested by the VB, resulting in the conviction and sentencing of eight officials, with the sentences ranging between three and seven years, accompanied by fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 60,500. 115 youth from across all districts participating in state-level workshop Chandigarh: To enhance the social, cultural, and moral standing of the states youth, Punjab Governments Department of Youth Services on Tuesday launched the first phase of State-Level Youth Training Workshop (for boys) at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The workshop is scheduled to run until December 15. Spokesperson said that the goal is to provide proper guidance to the youth on vocational courses, Punjab Government schemes and initiatives for their welfare and development. A total of 115 youth from all districts of Punjab are actively participating in this training workshop in which various subject matter experts will share their insights with the youth. Govt to spend Rs 3700 crore in new road construction next year, says Hry Dy CM Chandigarh: Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Tuesday said that Rs 3700 crore will be spent on construction of new roads in the state next year. Of this, Rs 57 crore will be spent on village Siwani to Singhani and Lohani-Obra-Behal road in Bhiwani district. He was addressing villagers in Kalod village of Bhiwani. Kurukshetra University and Rekhi Foundation sign MOU to establish centre of excellence for Science of Happiness Chandigarh: To establish a 'Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness' at the University, focusing on fostering happiness and holistic well-being among students and the community, the Kurukshetra University has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rekhi Foundation to establish centre of excellence for Science of happiness. Vice Chancellor Som Nath Sachdeva said that the collaboration between KU and the Rekhi Foundation seeks to create a pioneering hub that will pioneer research, education, and practices centered around happiness, mental health, mindfulness, and holistic development. Punjab Govt to allocate Rs 5L grant each to 29 villages for establishing common crematoriums Chandigarh: Punjab Government will release a grant of Rs five lakh each to 29 villages for setting up of common crematoriums. The file regarding the same has been approved by the state Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. The grant will be provided under the state governments special policy under which villages, consolidating multiple crematoriums into a common one, are entitled to receive a special grant of Rs five lakh from the government. Pb Minister directs officials to ensure zero delay in issuing NOCs after ascertaining facts Chandigarh: To increase the efficacy of the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department and streamline its functioning, Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Tuesday directed the officers to speed up the ongoing projects and complete them promptly. At the same time, the Minister issued directions to properly utilize the grants received to ensure that they do not lapse. The Minister, in a high-level meeting, was apprised that as per the development plan for Dirba Park, toilets, a boundary wall are proposed to be constructed besides the landscaping, walking track, guard quarter would also be done. As regards the plantation, it would also be undertaken after mid-February as by then the winter season would be over. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday announced date sheet for class 10 and 12 board exams with the examination for both classes beginning from February 15.The class 10 exams will conclude on March 13 and the class 12 exams will end on April 2. The CBSE Board exams will last for 55 days and conclude by April 10, 2024. On the first day, the examination will be held in two sessions: from 10.30am to 1.30pm and from 10.30pm to 2.30pm. On other days, it will be held in one, two, three, and four sessions. CBSE Class 12 board exams will be conducted from February 15 to April 2, 2024 while Class 10 board exams will be held from February 15 to March 13, examination controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said. While preparing the date sheet, the board has kept in mind that there is sufficient gap between two subjects. Dates of competitive exams like JEE have been kept in mind while deciding schedule for class 12, Bhardwaj said. The date sheets have been prepared by avoiding more than 40,000 subject combinations to ensure that no two subject exams fall on the same date, he added. As per the schedule, the Class 12 board exams will be held on February 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, March 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30, April 1 and 2. Class 10 exams will be conducted on February 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, March 2, 4, 5, 7, 11 and 13. For class 10, on February 15, exams for five subjects are scheduled---Painting, Rai, Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa. Similarly, on the first day, exams for four subjects are scheduled for class 12. They are --Entrepreneurship, Kokborok, Capital market operation and Physical activity trainer. To pass the external examination for Secondary/Senior School Certificate, a minimum of 33% marks is required in each subject. For the Senior School Certificate Examination (Class 12th), if a subject includes practical work, candidates must secure 33% marks in both theory and practical components, in addition to achieving 33% marks in the overall aggregate, to successfully qualify in that particular subject. The CBSE Board Exam 2024 question paper will contain 50% competency or case-based questions and 20% response-type questions. 20% will be multiple-choice questions (MCQs); 30% will be constructed response questions (short answer/long answer type). Last year, 38,64,373 students registered for the CBSE Board exams. Earlier, in July, it was announced that the time table for academic year 2023-24, will begin on 15 February 2024, and will conclude on 10 April. Last year, the date sheet for the Class 10, 12 exams was released on 29 December. Generally, the board publishes the datesheet approximately 1 to 1.5 months ahead of the first day of examinations. In the 2023 academic year, Class 10 exams concluded on March 21, while Class 12 exams were extended until April 5. Meanwhile, CBSE had also recently announced that the board will not award any overall division, distinction or aggregate to the students appearing for the Class 10 and Class 12 exams in 2024. The board will neither calculate nor declare and inform the percentage of marks. Additionally, the board also clarified that if a candidate has taken more than five subjects, the decision to determine the best five subjects may be taken by the admitting institutes or the employer recruiting the CBSE board student. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education in India announced that board exams for classes 10 and 12 will be held twice a year starting from the academic year 2024-25. This major change is aimed at reducing exam stress and offering students more flexibility and the opportunity to improve their scores. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has affirmed that appearing for Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year will not be mandatory for students. / The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau carried out raids across 11 districts of the state, on the intervening night of December 11-12 as part of a crackdown against illegal mining, Home Minister Anil Vij said on Tuesday. During the operation, 358 vehicles were checked leading to the confiscation of 52 vehicles, including 22 dumper trucks, five heavy earth moving machines, excavators, tractor-trolleys/overloaded vehicles which were being used in illegal mining activities, Vij said. He said that the recently-constituted Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has been gathering intelligence on the illegal mining operations throughout the state. The minister said 51 teams, comprising 480 police personnel of various ranks, carried out synchronized raids by setting up 30 checkpoints and 66 mobile parties, commencing from 11 pm on Monday which continued till early this morning. The raids were carried out across Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Faridabad and Palwal for sand mining and Nuh, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri for stone mining, he said. Vij had issued directives to the Bureau, urging them to intensify the campaign against illegal mining and illicit liquor in the state with greater rigour and effectiveness. He said that collaboration with other stakeholder departments of Transport, Town & Country Planning, Power and Irrigation are also underway and similar campaigns will be launched in future as and when more officers, manpower and resources are made available to the Bureau. A S Chawla, Additional DGP Haryana State Enforcement Bureau stated that the simultaneous targeting of such antisocial elements at multiple locations is bound to yield positive outcomes. Hry Police launches Operation Akraman, registers 653 FIRs against violators Vij also informed that Operation Aakarman was conducted by the Police in the state on December 10 in which a total of 1390 teams along with 7079 police personnel were deployed in this operation and a total of 653 FIRs were registered against the violators. He said that out of 653, 50 FIRs have been registered under IPC and a total 1103 accused have been arrested. Additionally, 385 FIRs were logged under the Excise Act, resulting in the seizure of 4573 bottles of English liquor, 7302 bottles of desi liquor, 1107 legal bottles, 464 illegal bottles, 2346 liters of lahan and 53 bottles of beer. A District Reserve Guard (DRG) trooper was injured on Tuesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The blast took place near Saletong village in Kistaram area when the police and CRPF carried out demining operation while setting up a new camp there. The injured trooper was identified as Joga. He was shifted to a hospital. Two security personnel were injured on Monday in the same area. The new camp is meant to facilitate road construction and other development works in Saletong, a Maoist stronghold. The camp is located on the strategically important Chintalnar-Kistaram route. Punjab Police on Tuesday said it has dismantled two prominent criminal networks. The operations were conducted by Amritsar Commissionerate Police, resulting in the arrest of individuals involved in both drug and arms smuggling. Amritsar Commissionerate Police on Tuesday informed that it successfully uncovered an inter-state arms smuggling racket with the apprehension of a key operative, Amritpal Singh alias Kallu (28), hailing from Bhullar village in Tarn Taran. The arrestee, with a criminal record related to the NDPS Act and other offenses, was nabbed in the area of Bhaini village in Amritsar. The police team, acting on credible intelligence about illegal weapons being transported from Madhya Pradesh to supply criminal elements in Punjab, executed a swift operation. The arrest led to the recovery of a substantial arsenal, including 13 .32 bore pistols, 26 magazines, two live rounds, and the impounding of the suspect's Hyundai I-20 car. Amritsar Commissioner of Police (CP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar on Tuesday disclosed that the arrested individual admitted to procuring pistols from Madhya Pradesh for Rs 35,000 each and selling them for Rs 50,000 in Punjab. A comprehensive investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network, identify the procurement and supply chain, and bring all involved parties to justice. A case under FIR, dated December 10, 2023, has been registered under the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta, Amritsar. In a parallel operation, Amritsar Punjab Police dealt a significant blow to the narcotics network by apprehending four individuals involved in a drug smuggling racket. The arrested individuals were identified as Vikramjeet Singh alias Vicky, Rashpal Singh, Gourav alias Kali, and Sahil Kumar alias Manthan all residents of different areas in Amritsar. The police seized three kg of heroin and recovered Rs nine lakh in drug money from the possession of the accused. The operation was carried out by Police teams from CIA Staff-1 under the supervision of DCP Investigation Harpreet Singh Mander and ADCP City-3 Abhimanyu Rana. The arrests occurred during a special police checking in the Gol Bagh area, behind the Railway Station in Amritsar. Mayor London Breed addresses supporters at the kickoff campaign for Affordable Homes Now in San Francisco in April 2022. Justin Katigbak San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Ahsha Safai are candidates for the mayors job in the next election. Juliana Yamada/The Chronicle Daniel Lurie, philanthropist and Levi Strauss heir, speaks in September during a launch event for his mayoral bid in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Mayor London Breeds 2024 re-election bid is facing early skepticism from some prominent San Francisco labor leaders, which could add to her political problems next year when she already faces whats expected to be a difficult campaign for another term. The San Francisco Labor Council endorsed three incumbents who are running to keep their seats on the Board of Supervisors in November: Dean Preston, Connie Chan and Myrna Melgar. But the council, which represents about 100,000 union workers and their families in the city, has not granted an early endorsement in the mayors race either to Breed or any of her challengers. More trouble for S.F.s budget: Mayor Breed asks for 10% cuts next year Advertisement Article continues below this ad Unions have strategic reasons not to back any mayoral candidate for the time being. Negotiations are set to begin early next year on new contracts for the vast majority of the city governments union employees. Contracts will expire in June. Labor leaders will likely seek wage increases for their public sector members just as Breed is trying to close another huge budget deficit and as her re-election campaign is ramping up. At the same time, city workers are newly empowered to go on strike after provisions of the City Charter that forbade them from doing so were gutted by a state employment board, though the city has appealed that decision. But the decision by some union leaders not to endorse Breed early is also a symptom of disagreement over key issues, particularly around housing policy. The most vivid example came last year, when Breed and the labor council backed dueling ballot measures, Propositions D and E, that sought to promote the construction of homes in different ways. Voters rejected both measures. Some of the membership has just soured on her, said Kim Tavaglione, the labor councils executive director. Tavaglione said the council endorsed Preston, Chan and Melgar mostly because of their extraordinary support of labor. But council leaders have chosen not to make a recommendation in the mayors race yet due to the coming contract negotiations and dissatisfaction with some of Breeds stances on housing, she said, pointing to the fight over Props. D and E as one example. The upcoming budget battles are going to be a definite telltale sign of where shes at and how she prioritizes things, Tavaglione said of Breed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Breed is already in a vulnerable position going into the 2024 mayoral race, as recent polls have shown she is unpopular and most voters feel the city is headed in the wrong direction. San Franciscos economy and reputation have taken major hits since the pandemic, which led to a glut of empty offices and plummeting commercial real estate values as remote work took hold among the citys major employers. Simultaneously, the citys crises of public drug dealing and overdose deaths have worsened while brazen retail thefts and the shuttering of major stores such as Nordstrom have fueled anxieties about property crime and the future of the Union Square shopping district. Maggie Muir, a political consultant for Breeds reelection campaign, projected confidence about the mayors prospects in a statement to the Chronicle on Tuesday. The mayor is focused on continuing to make our city clean and safe for residents and workers, and she looks forward to talking with labor about her work as part of their endorsement process, Muir said. Breed already has the endorsement of one high-profile labor group: The Nor Cal Carpenters Union, which has been aligned with Breed on Prop. D and other housing issues. London has been a stalwart supporter of moving housing, which is the No. 1 issue affecting our membership, said Jay Bradshaw, the unions executive secretary-treasurer. Were confident in her ability to take the city forward. We believe her plans around housing and revitalizing downtown are all going to be to the benefit of our membership and, we would argue, across the board. Still, at least one of the mayors former allies in labor now appears uncertain about whether to back her in 2024. Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, said his labor group has had a number of disagreements with Breed since it endorsed her candidacy in both the 2018 and 2019 mayoral races. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to Props. D and E, Gonzalez cited this years SB423, a successful state bill that extended a policy requiring cities to fast-track the construction of some homes if they fall behind on their state housing goals. Breed supported the bill; Gonzalezs group opposed it because it lacked language that would effectively require a certain amount of union labor. There have been some instances when the citys lobbyists and the mayors weight have been thrown around in Sacramento and its been against the position of blue-collar workers in the city, Gonzalez said. He said he anticipated that union leaders would have a better sense of who they wanted to endorse for mayor including Breed, potentially in the spring. Breed did not plan to run for reelection in the same year that most union contracts for city workers expire. The city closed its last round of negotiations with the labor groups in question in May 2022. At the time, Breeds reelection campaign was supposed to take place in 2023 the year before the contracts ended. But later that same month, Preston, the supervisor, introduced a proposal to shift the citys mayoral elections to presidential election years in an effort to increase turnout. The proposal ultimately became Proposition H, which was approved overwhelmingly by voters in November 2022. The measure passed over the objections of Breed, who opposed it because she said it needed more public input and review by experts. She also described it as a political power grab in comments to a local radio station. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jason McDaniel, a political scientist at San Francisco State University, said that if the mayor had been able to lock up an early endorsement from the labor council, it might have sent a discouraging message to other people thinking about jumping into the mayors race. That was the case when former Mayor Willie Brown got the labor council to back him for another term in 1998, in what the Chronicle described as an unprecedented early endorsement more than one year before his reelection. But its a different situation with Breed, McDaniel said. Shes much weaker than Willie Brown was in 1999. Because of her vulnerability, labor endorsements could provide an important boost to Breeds campaign, McDaniel said. An incumbent who has high approval ratings and is in a strong position could survive without the union endorsements. One whos in a more vulnerable position needs them quite a lot, he said. Its going to be a signal to people who are concerned that support is crumbling. I do think union endorsements are one of the most important endorsements in this city, especially in the current context. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Breeds main 2024 competitors, Supervisor Ahsha Safai and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, are both hoping to win over labor leaders to bolster their own campaigns. Safai has union connections to draw on owing to his time as political director for Service Employees International Union Local 87, which represents janitors. I feel confident that I should have some good support within organized labor, he said. Im going to fight for every ounce of it. Im not taking anything for granted, but I think its an important part of my narrative and my story the ability I have to bring labor and business together. Safai said if he is elected mayor, he will appoint a high-ranking staff member with expertise in labor issues as part of an effort to make sure unions felt they were part of the decision making process at City Hall. Lurie, for his part, said he has been meeting with as many labor leaders as possible. I have told labor that I will have an open door, and Ive been having many productive conversations, Lurie said. I recognize the crucial role that labor unions play in shaping the wellbeing of our city. I think we have to always honor the working class and the working people that make this city run. As unions consider who they want to back next year, much about the mayors race remains uncertain. For one thing, the field isnt fully set yet: Other potential 2024 candidates include Mark Farrell, the former mayor and supervisor, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Mission business owner Manny Yekutiel. McDaniel, the political scientist, cautioned against reading too much into Breeds reelection prospects based on her current support from organized labor alone unless she were to lose all of the union support she had in the past. azad releases book New Delhi: Former Union Minister and senior politician Ghulam Nabi Azad released a book Jawahar on the life and times of Jawaharlal Darda, a freedom fighter, politician and journalist. Speaking at the function in New Delhi, Azad said that nowadays the rift between the politicians is getting wider and bitterness has taken over. The book was originally written by Aprna Velenkar and the Hindi version is done by Kiran Moghey. The congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, Vinod Tawde, National General Secretary of the BJP, Janardan Dwivedi, Minister of State for health SP Singh Baghel the veteran congress leader were prominent leaders presents as guest of honour. tuf unveils initiative close the gender gap New Delhi: The Udaiti Foundation (TUF), a leading womens economic empowerment organisation, unveils its groundbreaking initiative, Close the Gender Gap (CGG) data hub at Women in India Inc Summit today with an aim to drive transformative changes in gender representation and policies within the formal sector. This event witnessed the presence of high-level stakeholders from the corporate sector, convening industry leaders and experts to delve into critical discussions on hiring, retention, advancement, and leadership of women in corporate India. Some of the delegates include Naina Lal Kidwai,Former Group Head HSBC India & Former President, FICCI,Jasjit Kang, SVP & Business Head, Digital Operations & Platforms, Wipro; Manjaree Chowdhary, Senior Executive Director and General Counsel, Maruti Suzuki India; Pankaj Rai, Group Chief Data Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt Ltd; Sabeena Shaji, Vice President, Human Resources, Federal Bank, Shailja Mehta, Director, Dasra and Shalini Puchalapalli, Country Head and Director, Google Customer Solutions at Google among others. Congress appoints observers to 14 districts New Delhi: Delhi Congress on Tuesday appointed observers to all the 14 districts in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, officials said. These observers will work at the ground level to strengthen the party in coordination with the party leadership at the district level, an official statement said. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Arvinder Singh Lovely announced the names of the observers, it said. Lovely said that a joint meeting of the district Congress committees and observers will be held this week. These observers will make the recommendations for the appointment of active workers as presidents to all the 280 Blocks and other posts of office-bearers, he said.The observers will hold meetings with senior leaders, and various categories of workers before finalising the names of the block presidents and office-bearers unanimously, he said. 74th all india commerce conference soon New Delhi: The Delhi University and O P Jindal Global University have joined hands to host the 74th All India Commerce Conference from December 13 to 15, a statement said on Tuesday. The theme of the annual conference this year is One Earth, One Family, One Future and Delhi Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena will be the chief guest at the inaugural session while more than 2,500 delegates from India and abroad are expected to take part in the event. The Delhi Universitys Department of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce and Business, and Delhi School of Economics will host the AICC of the Indian Commerce Association, the statement said. Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh will preside over the inaugural session and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya will be the chief guest at the valedictory session, it said. Vijay Shankar Nayak, senior leader of Jharkhand Bachao Morcha and central president of Jharkhandi Soochna Adhikar Manch, has said the above things today in his reaction to the seizure of Rs 500 crore by the Income Tax Department in the raid at the house of Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu. He also said that today, if the Income Tax Department honestly investigates the MPs, MLAs, ministers and bureaucrats of all parties, then thousands of crores of rupees will be seized so that Jharkhand will be free from all the outstanding loans. . Mr. Nayak further said that the bureaucrats and politicians in Jharkhand are looting the state due to which the name of Jharkhand is being tarnished at national and international level. Even before this, IAS Pooja Singhal had about 28 Crores of rupees in cash were seized, now more than Rs 500 crores have been seized from the MP's house, which proves that some people have turned Jharkhand into a plunder zone. On one hand, the people of the state are deprived of basic needs, people do not have pure drinking water, people lack health care, people lack roads, our mothers and sisters are forced to die due to lack of roads, our mothers and sisters are deprived of protein. Due to lack of blood, 70% are suffering from anemia, our future generations children are malnourished and on the other hand, the nexus of some so called leaders, ministers, legislators and bureaucrats has worked to ruin Jharkhand. Shri Nayak also said that the Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate is only harassing the leaders of the opposition party and is not even trying to touch the leaders of the ruling party or the Bharatiya Janata Party, due to which It seems that only the leaders of BJP are purely corruption free and honest and all the people of other parties are involved in corruption which is a serious matter and also a matter of anger. Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate are a wink in one eye. Do not use antimony and all the MPs of Jharkhand should honestly search the movable and immovable properties of MLAs, ministers and bureaucrats, only then CBI, ED and Enforcement Directorate can be freed from these allegations, otherwise their action will be considered as one-sided action and discriminatory action. Will be considered. Nayak is senior leader Jharkhand Bachao Morcha Central President Jharkhandi Information Rights Forum On Tuesday, under the 15th Tribal Youth Exchange Program being run during the year 2023-24, courtesy of Central Reserve Police Force 158th Corps and Nehru Yuva Kendra, Lohardaga, 10 male and 10 female students from Lohardaga, a total of 20 youth were sent to Bangalore ( Sent to participate in the Tribal Cultural Exchange Program organized in Karnataka). Where they will get an opportunity to meet the tribal youth coming from other parts of the country, to know about their lifestyle, culture, regional characteristics and to make others aware about the culture and lifestyle of Lohardaga (Jharkhand). In a one-week cultural exchange programme, they will get an opportunity to participate in various types of cultural and educational programs and visit sites of historical importance. After participating in this program, they will develop a better understanding about the cultural diversity and unity of the country. To guide them in their journey to Bangalore (Karnataka), one male and one female member have been appointed from the Central Reserve Police Force. They will stay with them during the journey and program and will help or support them as per requirement. Till now 158 btt. 140 boys and girls have been sent by CRPF to different parts of the country. The contingent going to Bangalore (Karnataka) was flagged off by CRPF 158th Battalion Commandant Rahul Kumar and officials of Nehru Yuva Kendra. In this program, officers and soldiers of 158 battalion along with Abdul Farooq Khan of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Lohardaga, Accounts and Program Assistant and their other officials were present. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in its budget 2023-24 has proposed the establishment of its first lactation management unit or milk bank at the Swami Dayanand Hospital. However, during the budget speech, the MCD commissioner did not elaborate on the planned project. The Swami Dayanand Hospital (SDH) is located in east Delhi and is the only civic hospital in the region. A senior doctor at SDH said a detailed proposal on the modalities of setting up the milk bank will be sent to civic authorities by the hospital. It will essentially be a facility where mothers milk can be stored at low temperatures, so that it can be used for babies in the future. It will be akin to a blood bank, the doctor said. Sharing the purpose of such a bank, he said at times, a child after birth may not be in a position to feed or may be admitted in an ICU. The idea is to store mothers milk so that when a baby needs it, it is available if the mother is either not lactating or lactation level has gone down, the doctor said. In such a scenario, milk is collected using breast pumps by a mother, and it is then hygienically handled by a trained staff and carried to the designated milk bank. The AIIMS has such a facility, he said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has termed Modi Jis Guarantee Van, which is reaching every village and city under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, as the carrier of security, prosperity and happiness in the life of every citizen. Interacting virtually with more than four lakh people simultaneously on Tuesday, Yogi urged them to accord a grand welcome to the van in villages and towns. The yatra has been conducted in 490 rural and 18 urban areas. If any needy person in the village has not got the benefit of schemes like housing, toilet, LPG cylinder, free ration, Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ayushman Insurance, bring them to the van to get the benefits immediately, he added. The chief minister appealed to people to listen to the prime ministers message on Modi Jis Guarantee Van and benefit by getting acquainted with government schemes. He said that the aim of the government was to saturate the entire state 100 per cent with the public welfare schemes of the double-engine government. The chief minister said that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas was not just a slogan, but a resolution, and work culture. In the last nine and half years, the entire country has seen, known and accepted this resolution and seen it change into reality. Before the year 2014, the benefits of government schemes were given on the basis of faces, but during the rule of Modi ji, the poor, women and deprived sections are getting the benefits of every scheme without any discrimination, Yogi said. Discussing the importance of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, he said that merely running schemes for public welfare was not enough, but it was necessary to ensure that the benefits reached the eligible people easily and on time. Despite all efforts, there are a large number of people who have not been able to benefit from public welfare schemes. To help such people, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was started by Prime Minister Modi on Tribal Day (November 15) from the birthplace of Lord Birsa Munda, he pointed out. Calling upon every aware citizen, including public representatives and the intelligentsia, he said it was the responsibility of all to provide benefits to every eligible person who had remained deprived so far. Addressing the beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, the chief minister said: In this special yatra, an important programme on the theme Meri Kahani Meri Zubaani is for you only. Narrate your experiences to the people gathered near Modi Jis Guarantee Van. It will be inspiring for others. Yogi pointed out that joining the government schemes means bringing happiness to ones life. Discussing the situation during the previous governments, he said when the Scheduled Caste list was made, there were no Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the Centre and in the state, and a large number of people were deprived of housing and other schemes. He further pointed out that a fresh selection of beneficiaries in the Modi government was made and as a result, in the last nine and half years, toilets have been constructed in the houses of 12 crore people in the country, including 3.5 crore in UP alone. Earlier, no one thought that toilets should be built in the homes of the poor. The dream of giving MSP (minimum support price) to farmers at 1.5 times the cost is being fulfilled under the Modi government. Twelve crore farmers are getting Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, including 2.63 crore farmers of UP. As many as four crore people in the country and 55 lakh people in the state have got housing facilities, while 50 crore people in the country have got a guarantee of health insurance of Rs 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. A total of 10 crore people in the state are connected to this scheme, while 80 crore people are getting free ration, Yogi said. He pointed out that the prime minister has envisioned realising the resolution of Developed India by 2047, the centenary year of Independence, adding that this dream would be realised with everyones cooperation. We are showing the ways to fulfill the prime ministers five-pledge resolve of a developed India, Yogi added. The elevation of son-in-law of Uttar Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, a three-term MLA, as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh could not have come at a worse time than this for the Samajwadi Party, which is struggling to retain its caste-based vote bank among the Other Backward Classes. Mohan Yadav has opened a third front for the SP, which is already facing the twin challenges of Hindutva and Labharthi (welfarism) from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Samajwadi Party president nursing national ambitions will now have to focus more on Uttar Pradesh for keeping his communities flock together and guard against poaching attempts by the BJP, said a political analyst. The SP, since its inception in October 1992, has solely depended on past prejudices based on caste and religion for consolidating its OBC-Muslim vote bank. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has punched a big hole in caste identity politics of the SP by floating a new fourfold order. Instead of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra, which are separate and hostile entities, the prime minister has posited a fourfold Varna order of the underprivileged namely women, farmers, youth and the poor, which have no mutual hostility. During the last one decade, the SP failed to prevent the rise of the BJP in two Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019, and lost the UP assembly elections in 2017 and 2022, besides losing two elections to urban local bodies and two panchayat elections. The new order proposed by the prime minister is a big challenge for the caste census plank pursued by the SP and the opposition bloc Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Despite over 80 per cent population of Scheduled Castes- Scheduled Tribes-Other Backward Classes in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the caste census plank failed to click. Mohan Yadav is a big question mark on the USP of the SP, which has enjoyed the most preferred choice of the Yadavs of Uttar Pradesh for the last over three decades. The BJP, by elevating Mohan Yadav as the chief minister of a big state like Madhya Pradesh, has presented an alternative to the Yadav community of the Hindi belt. Mohan Yadavs elevation is a big outreach to the Yadavs in the Hindi belt without offending other OBCs, and leaves a big hole in the SPs strident demand for caste census and also prepares ground for new leadership. Moreover, the elevation of Mohan Yadav has reinforced the BJPs credentials among the OBCs, that it is not a party of the upper caste alone. Mohan Yadav is also a profound symbol of vindication of Prime Minister Narendra Modis constant refrain against the family and dynasty rule. From Bhopal, the BJP has sent a loud and clear message to the Yadav community that it is not averse to the political aspirations of the community, that it can provide a national platform to the community and they need not be solely dependent on regional parties like Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, said Dr AK Verma, a political analyst. A SP insider said Mohan Yadavs elevation could make a dent in the influence held by the Yadav political families in the Hindi belt. The BJP, which has been sweeping states in the Hindi belt for the last nine years on the basis of a committed vote base among the upper castes, OBCs and sections of Dalits and tribals, had one frontier it had failed to breach Yadavs in the Hindi belt, particularly in the most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. With the elevation of Mohan Yadav to the top post in a large state, the BJP, party insiders say, has made a strong pitch to Yadavs across the Hindi belt. None can deny the impact it will have when Mohan Yadav campaigns in areas with a strong Yadav presence in states like UP and Bihar, where Yadavs have largely sided with SP and RJD. Even if a section of Yadavs shifts to the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, the impact will be huge as the BJP already has significant leads, said a SP leader and added, Mohan Yadav is not just a signal to Yadavs to support the party but also a signal that they need not support Yadav political families, like the SP and RJD families. Even without a powerful family background, a Yadav can rise in politics. The newly elected assembly members, senior party members, public representatives, acquaintances and followers continued to congratulate the newly appointed Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav for the new responsibility. Party workers and general public from various districts of the state including Ujjain, Bhopal greeted him with bouquets and slogans at Vindhya Kothi and Vishram Bhawan located in Professor Colony. Newly appointed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav acknowledged their greetings and thanked them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Odisha towards the end of this month, informed BJP Chief Whip Mohan Charan Majhi here on Tuesday. Modi is likely to visit Odisha on December 24. During his trip, he may attend various party programmes in the western region of the State, Majhi said. After the PM, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda are likely to visit Odisha between December and January next year, he told media. PM Modi had last visited Odisha in June this year to take stock of the situation of the deadliest triple train mishap at the Bahanaga railway station in Baleswar district. The Delhi Government will carry out a pre-feasibility study to explore the construction of an elevated flyover in Bawana Village that will connect it to nearby Kanjhawala and Narela Road. According to the Public Works Department (PWD) official, the department has floated a tender to appoint a consultant to carry out the study. The request for construction of the flyover was made by Bawana MLA Jai Bhagwan The consultant will carry out a Traffic Volume Count survey for all categories of vehicles for 24 hours on any midweek working day, showing all turning movements with classification of vehicles at every intersection, said an official. The consultant will also analyse the survey data -- including peak-hour traffic flow and peak-hour intersection load -- to check the need for a flyover or an underpass, the official further explained. The consultant will conduct a cost-benefit analysis by taking into account the economic, environmental and social costs in implementing the project, the official said. The report will also have details of savings in journey time, man hours, fuel consumption and reduction in vehicular emission. The consultant will prepare the drawings, report and presentation as required to explain the scheme of flyover or underpass, he said. The proposed elevated flyover will connect Bawana Village with DSIIDC Bawana, Auchandi, Kanjhawala and Narela Road. The Bawana MLA had requested the PWD minister to look at the possibility of the construction of a flyover in the area to ease congestion, the official said. Following the request, we were directed to carry out a pre-feasibility study. On the basis of its report, a more detailed study will be carried out and building plans prepared. A detailed proposal will be submitted to the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre, he said. MLA Jai Bhagwan said the construction of a flyover is his dream project. There is a lot of congestion on the Bawana Road and the construction of a flyover with multiple arms will ease the woes of commuters, he said. In the area, 97 per cent of the people are in favour of the construction of a flyover. The remainder are opposed to it since they think that their shops on the main road will be impacted but that wont be the case, the MLA told Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday clarified that protests have not been banned on the campus and are allowed at designated areas. It came a day after the institute faced flak over its series of stringent measures against staging strikes or dharnas within its boundaries. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in a revised Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual has stated that putting up wall posters, and staging dharnas within 100 metres of the institutes academic buildings can lead to a fine of up to Rs 20,000 or expulsion, while any anti-national act will attract a Rs 10,000 fine. The Rs 20,000 fine for holding protests at prohibited areas of the campus is an old rule and not a new one approved unanimously by the universitys executive council (EC) last month, the official said on the condition of anonymity. We have not changed anything. These rules were already there in place. We have just introduced a few other regulations to ensure no disruption is caused to the academic process. Students still have the democratic right to protest at designated places, the official told PTI. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) on Monday had shared the Chief Proctor Office manual released in November and it has outlined 28 types of misconducts, including a fine of Rs 10,000 for anti-national slogans, restriction on putting wall posters, staging dharnas within 100 metres of the academic buildings, among other punishable acts that could lead to a fine of up to Rs 20,000 or expulsion from the university. The stringent measures outlined in the manual are aimed at stifling the vibrant campus culture that has defined JNU for decades. The JNUSU demands that the university administration immediately revoke the new manual of the office of the Chief Proctor Manual, the students union had said. Vice-Chancellor Santishree Pandit said the rules and regulations against misconduct have been in place at the varsity since long and the manual was made legally sound by getting it approved by the EC. This is old not new. Passed unanimously by the EC last month as the manual had to be made legally sound. The fines are on indiscipline of drinking, drugs and misbehavior in hostels and towards women. The proctors office since 1969 has been taking action, imposing fines and rustications, she said. Student bodies at the university have condemned the move saying that it snatches away the democratic right of students to register dissent. Following the ECs nod to the manual, JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was fined Rs 10,000 for forcibly pushing open the locked door of the Teflas Students Union Office on March 2 and given a warning not to repeat such an act. According to the revised manual, if a student receives five or more punishments during the duration of their study, they can be expelled from the university and will not be allowed to register for the semester until the fine is paid. Among the changes in the revised manual is a ban on protesting within 100 metres of academic buildings of different schools which houses offices of chairperson, deans and other important office bearers. Earlier, the restriction was on protesting within the 100 metres of the administrative block, which houses the office of the vice-chancellor, registrar and proctors, according to high court orders. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is taking heat for recent controversial comments that homeless people have to be made to be uncomfortable, a reference to the idea that regularly sweeping encampments encourages unhoused people to accept offers of shelter. Justin Katigbak/Special to the Chronicle San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is taking heat for recent controversial comments that homeless people have to be made to be uncomfortable, a reference to the idea that regularly sweeping encampments encourages unhoused people to accept offers of shelter. During a Dec. 4 public forum, dubbed Take Action: San Francisco, Jenkins was asked by KGO-TV reporter and former Chronicle columnist Phil Matier if anything legal could be done about thousands of unsheltered San Franciscans declining shelter and services. Jenkins initially replied that the recourse is obviously outside the criminal justice system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But when pressed by Matier again, the citys top prosecutor continued, They have to be made to be uncomfortable is the truth of the matter. We cannot make it comfortable for them to pitch a tent on our sidewalks and stay, she said. So thats the theory of being able to now respond and say, Now you have been offered shelter, you have refused it, now you must move. The comment made by Jenkins, which suggests that living on the street can be comfortable, comes amid continuing debate in San Francisco and in major cities across the nation over when officials should be allowed to clear encampments. Homeless advocates say such sweeps are cruel and further destabilize unsheltered individuals while wasting public money that should instead go toward housing and treatment. But politicians, such as Mayor London Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom, argue that permitting people, some of whom are dealing with untreated mental illnesses or substance abuse, to live in squalor also is not a viable option. City data indicates that in recent years, unhoused people have refused referrals for shelter in more than half of the instances in which an outreach worker has engaged with them and offered housing or shelter. In November, for instance, street outreach workers engaged with 350 people, offering them shelter and services. In 213 of those encounters, or 60% of them, people declined assistance, city data showed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Advocates argue that shelters are not viable long-term housing options and many individuals reject shelters because of the living conditions and strict rules that bar bringing pets and belongings with them. When city outreach workers offered Rachae Hampton a bed at a shelter earlier this month, the 29-year-old said she declined because of restrictions on visitors and the belongings she was permitted to take with her. After turning down the bed, Public Works employees and police officers came by and instructed her to move. When she couldnt carry the tent she was sleeping in, Hampton said, they took it away. Its really frustrating, she said. I spent money on this stuff. The citys policy is to provide street dwellers with 72-hour notice before an encampment cleaning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When city workers come across unattended but not abandoned belongings, theyre supposed to bag and tag the property and hold on to it for 90 days. If owners are present but fail to collect and move their belongings, Public Works is required to engage police and then bag and tag the items. Hampton said she was not informed that she could recoup her tent later. An ongoing lawsuit about how San Francisco treats unhoused individuals limited the citys ability to clear encampments. But in September, encampment sweeps began ramping up again following new guidance from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the city interpreted as allowing it to enforce laws that prohibit sitting, lying or sleeping on public property in cases of people who have declined a specific offer of available shelter or otherwise have access to a home. A brief clip of Jenkins comments was shared nearly 300 times on X, formerly known as Twitter, and garnered more than 200 comments the overwhelming majority of which criticized her reply. I find camping *as a leisure activity* to be uncomfortable, California YIMBY Policy Director Ned Resnikoff wrote on X. It boggles my mind how anyone could think that the problem with chronic unsheltered homelessness is that its too comfortable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Does she think its like the Four Seasons? asked another X user. Jenkins declined an interview request through her spokesperson, Randolph Quezada. Quezada did not reply to questions seeking clarity on what Jenkins meant when she said uncomfortable and how she thought that approach would help solve the citys homelessness crisis. Opal Goza, 45, said she began sleeping outside in the Tenderloin in August, when the RV she was living in got towed. Since then, she said, shes been in crisis mode. Were living in third-world conditions, Goza said. Theres not enough bathrooms, not enough trash cans. Goza and her friend switch off sleeping throughout the day and at night so that they can keep each other, and the large pink suitcase they share, safe. Theyre typically asked to move several times a day, either by police officers, business owners or security guards, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I think direct help would be much more effective, she said, adding that she had not been approached by a city outreach worker yet. Breed and SFPD Chief Bill Scott also took part in the forum. Jeff Cretan, a Breed spokesperson, said he understands that people get upset by a sound bite but that the reality is that we have to be more firm when we offer services. In addition to adding 300 new shelter beds, which will allow the city to conduct more encampment sweeps, Breed is also forging ahead with implementing a new state law that expands involuntary commitment of people with severe mental illness. Our hope would be that people realize that accepting shelter and services is what they need to do, even if it takes two, three times of moving them, Cretan said. Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, the nonprofit organization that sued the city, called Jenkins sentiment a tried and failed strategy. It wastes resources and exacerbates homelessness, she said about forcing unhoused individuals to move and clearing encampments that later pop up again a few blocks away. If we want to continue our failed response, then we should do what DA Jenkins is asking for. Should the city want to solve the problem, Friedenbach said, it needs to build trust and engage thoughtfully with unhoused people rather than continuing to move them and hope they disappear. John Do, senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, which is representing the coalition, called Jenkins rhetoric very troubling. Its pretty uncomfortable that folks have to be outside to begin with, so this idea that they need to be harassed frankly is concerning, Do said. It essentially calls for some vigilante justice. Tom Wolf, a formerly homeless San Franciscan who advocates for increased drug treatment and recovery services, disagrees. The city is on track to see its deadliest year on record for accidental overdoses. Although Wolf said Jenkins position in the criminal justice system muddied her statement, he stands by what she said. The cold winds coming from the north have increased the effect of cold in Madhya Pradesh. There was a severe cold in many districts including Bhopal and Narmadapuram on Tuesday morning. Pachmarhi, Gwalior and Rajgarh are the coldest. There has been a decline in the day and night temperatures here. According to meteorologists, the weather is like this due to the clouds clearing and Western Disturbance not being active. It will be cold like this for the next 2-3 days. Senior meteorologist said that there is no new system nearby. The clouds have dispersed and the humidity has decreased. At the same time, cold wind is coming from the north-west. Due to this, the effect of winter has increased in the state. The state capital Bhopal recorded day temperature at 26.8 degree celsius and night temperature at 12.4 degree celsius. The Met has issued warning of shallow to moderate foggy conditions in the districts of Shivpuri, Gwalior, Dipiya, Pabhand, Morena, Reha, Chhatarpur, Satna. The temperatures were recorded above normal temperature in Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Rewa and Ujjain divisions while significantly higher than normal in Narmadapuram, Shahdol and Sagar divisions. Rajgarh remained the coldest in the state. Here the mercury dipped to 7.6 degrees at night. In Pachmarhi it was 8.8 degrees. The night temperature was 10.5 in Rewa, 10.6 in Umaria and 10.8 in Guna. At other places the mercury remained above this. The highest night temperature of 15.6 was recorded in Narmadapuram. There will no house in the state where one or the other scheme of the government has not reached, today every household is getting the benefits of government schemes. Abu Sarkar is always with you in your happiness and sorrow. Chief Minister Hemant Soren said these words while addressing the program "Apki Sarkar Apke Dwar" at Bada Dhaka located in Gadi Koraiya Panchayat of Dumka block. Soren said that if any person is still deprived of the benefits of government schemes due to any reason, then they should go to the camps being organized in Panchayats under this program which is running from November 24. The entire team of officials present here is ready to solve peoples problem. The Chief Minister said that camps are being organized in all the panchayats under the program Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwar. People's enthusiasm about these camps is at its peak. People from every class and section including poor, needy, tribal, Dalit, backward, farmers-laborers, elderly women and youth are coming to the camps to join the schemes of their need. There is a festive atmosphere in the camp. This shows how much trust the common people have in our government. I assure everyone that the Abu government is committed to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people at all costs. The Chief Minister said that our government is giving pace to development by fulfilling the basic needs of the people like food, clothing and shelter. Abua Housing Scheme is going to fulfill the dream of 8 lakh poor people of having their own home. By issuing 20 lakh additional green ration cards, they are giving them grains and now the government has also decided to give them gram pulses. Under the Sona-Sobaran Dhoti-Saree Scheme, the poor are being given dhoti/lungi and saree for Rs 10 twice a year. The Chief Minister said that government is empowering the people economically, socially and educationally. The government is working with full force to get rid of the tag of poverty and backwardness that has been attached to the state for the last two decades. With everyone's cooperation, we are working to give a new direction to the state. The Chief Minister said that pension is a means of living in old age. Because of this, the Abua government is providing social security to every elderly, widow and disabled person. To ensure that no eligible person is deprived of pension, we have started the Universal Pension Scheme. I want to tell you that the stalls which are seen most empty in the camps are the stalls of the Universal Pension Scheme, because today every elderly person has been covered by this scheme. On building infrastructure in State, the Chief Minister said that the road network is being laid rapidly across the state. Thousands of kilometers of rural roads are being built. Mukhyamantri Gram Gaadi Yojana has been started for better connectivity from village to city. Under this scheme, old people, women, disabled and students will get free transportation facility. At the same time, the government has set a target of providing water to every farm. For this, Megalift Irrigation Project equipped with modern technology has been started. In the days to come, every farm will flourish throughout the year and farmers will become even stronger financially. The Chief Minister said that the state cannot be strengthened without strengthening the rural economy in Jharkhand. This is the reason why the government is working for the empowerment of villages and villagers. Our government is promoting rural entrepreneurship and livelihood through various means. Under Phulo-Jhano Ashirwad Yojana, the government has now decided to give Rs 50 thousand instead of Rs 10 thousand to provide women with respectable livelihood. The Chief Minister said that financial constraints will no longer become a hindrance in the education of poor children of the state. Girls will no longer be a burden. In order for girls to study better, they are being given the benefit of Savitribai Kishori Phule Savitri Yojana. Under this scheme, all the girls living in the house will get its benefit. Now she will become a doctor, engineer and officer. Lack of money will not be a hindrance in this, because the government will bear the entire expense of their education. Schools of Excellence have been opened to provide better education to the children here than private schools. At present the number of these schools is 80, the government is moving towards increasing them to 5 thousand. He said that today the government is bearing the entire expense of higher education of 50 students abroad. At the same time, the government is also providing financial assistance for preparing for competitive exams and doing various courses. On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 5358 schemes worth Rs 1035.10 crore. In this, the foundation stone of 5308 schemes worth Rs 835.71 crore was laid, while the inauguration of 50 schemes worth Rs 199.38 crore was completed. At the same time, assets worth Rs 53 crore, 23 lakh 10 thousand were distributed among 34077 beneficiaries of various schemes. On this occasion, Ministers Satyanand Bhokta and Badal, MLAs. Stephen Marandi, Nalin Soren, Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Sita Soren, Basant Soren and Dinesh William Marandi, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Joyce Besra, Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Vinay Kumar Choubey and others were present. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday left for the state's second capital Dumka to take part in the government's ongoing outreach programme, skipping the Enforcement Directorate sixth summons issued to him. With this, speculations were rife that he may skip the summons of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED has issued a fresh summons to Soren for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam, sources at probe agency said. Soren, 48, was asked to depose before the federal agency's regional office in Hinoo area at 11 am and get his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday, they said. This was the sixth ED summons issued to Soren, however, he skipped the summons. However, in the letter addressed to the ED, Soren sought to know in what capacity the ED summoned him, as an accused or to support the investigation. Though Soren didnt appeared before probe agency, an official from Chief Minister Office reached the ED office and submitted a letter to probe agency officials. This was the sixth ED summons issued to Soren, but he has never deposed and instead, filed petitions before Supreme Court and later, the Jharkhand High Court seeking protection from the ED action, terming the summonses as "unwarranted". The official also said that Jharkhand CM had a pre-scheduled programme in Dumka on Tuesday. He would participate in the ongoing 'Apki Yojana, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar' (your scheme, your government at your doorstep), which, commenced in the state on November. Notably, the ED on Sunday issued a sixth summons to Soren in a case related to an alleged grab of 8.46 acres of tribal land in Ranchi. However, the ED insiders maintained that they wanted CM to explain the sources of his properties. Soren has fought a protracted legal battle to avoid being questioned by the agency in this case, which the ED is investigating independently. On October 4, Chief Minister Hemant Soren skipped the fifth summons issued to him by the Enforcement Directorate. The probe agency summoned him for questioning in a money laundering case pertaining to land grabbing in the state, however, Soren failed to appear. Soren had challenged the ED summons in Jharkhand High Court as he had filed a petition with a plea to stay the summons issued by the probe agency. Soren moved the state High Court after his petition to the Supreme Court was rejected and he was directed by the apex court on Monday to approach the concerned High Court with his plea against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons. A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi refused to entertain the plea filed by Soren. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Jharkhand Chief Minister sought to withdraw the plea. The ED wants Soren to appear for recording his statement regarding properties owned, possessed and occupied by him. The ED has served five summons to Soren in less than two months. The CM, on the other hand, has ignored the earlier four summons, which had required him to appear on August 14, August 24, September 9 and September 23. The ED, on its part, has remained persistent, issuing summon after summon. The JMM has alleged that there is an effort being made to target the Jharkhand Chief Minister, who hails from a tribal community. The Centre is using its agency to build a narrative against Soren, but the people of Jharkhand know the truth and will not hesitate to reply to all the tantrums by the BJP, said the party. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, said that Uttar Pradesh was fast emerging as a data centre hub in the country, adding that the state received investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore, including several proposals related to the development of semiconductor manufacturing units and electronics manufacturing, during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) which was also graced by President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Anandiben Patel, the chief minister advised youths to think of building their careers in this thriving sector. He said: India is fast emerging as a big economy globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a commitment to make India a $ 5-trillion economy by 2027. In line with this goal, Uttar Pradesh is also progressing towards becoming a $ 1-trillion dollar economy. Chief Minister Yogi remarked further, In the last nine and half years, India has explored possibilities for its youth energy. The result is that the image of the country has changed in every field. He said that achieving the goals of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living had become much easier with technology and digitisation. He said the essence of religion was not confined to the practice of worshipping deities. Indian saints consider performing ones duties and staying conscious of ethical values also as a religious duty, the chief minister pointed out. Emphasising the importance of artificial intelligence (AI), Chief Minister Yogi said that the AI technology could also be used to develop digital hospitals, which could be immensely helpful for people residing in rural and remote areas. The convocation ceremony witnessed the conferring of degrees on 315 students. Degrees were awarded to 65 students of the 2018 batch of BTech in information technology programme. Additionally, a total of 147 students from the 2019 batch of the BTech in information technology and computer science programmes received their degrees. Furthermore, degrees were conferred on 23 students of the 2020 batch of the computer science programme in addition to 27 students of MTech in computer science of 2021 batch, 22 students of the MBA in digital business of 2020 batch, and 20 students of the 2021 batch. Moreover, degrees were conferred on two students each from the PG diploma in artificial intelligence and machine learning programme for the years 2020 and 2021. Three students from the PG diploma in data science for the sessions 2020 and 2021, and six students from the PG diploma in business studies for the sessions 2020 and 2021 also awarded their degrees. nBJP leader Vishnu Deo Sai will take oath as Chhattisgarh's new Chief Minister on Wednesday. He will be the fourth to helm the state and the second tribal elevated to the top post, after the late Ajit Jogi. Sai will be sworn-in along with his council of ministers at a grand function to be held at 2 p.m. at the Science College Ground in Raipur, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda and other party leaders are expected to attend the event. Tribal leader Vishnu Deo Sai, a seasoned politician, who had previously served as a Union Minister, emerged unexpectedly as the choice for the chief minister's post in Chhattisgarh after a week-long suspense. Following a crucial meeting of the BJP's newly-elected 54 MLAs in the state, held in Raipur on Sunday afternoon, Sai's name was formally declared as the Chief Minister. The announcement was made by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP leader Raman Singh at the BJP legislature meeting. Later, on Monday, Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan invited to form the government. Sai won from the Kunkuri Assembly seat defeating his nearest rival, U.D. Minj of the Congress, by 25,541 votes. Sai holds a prominent position within the BJP, having served in various capacities, including as the state BJP chief and a Union Minister. He belongs to the Kanwar tribe, which holds a substantial presence in the Surguja region. He headed the Chhattisgarh unit of the BJP from 2020 until 2022. He was the Union Minister of State for Mines and Steel in the first Modi cabinet. He is highly regarded among tribal voters. Sai started his political career as a village sarpanch. In 1989, he was elected as a 'panch' of Bagia village panchayat and next year became the sarpanch unopposed. In 1998, he was defeated in Assembly polls from Pathalgaon seat. He won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Raigarh constituency from 1999 to 2014. He was not given a ticket in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Meanwhile preparations for the swearing-in ceremony were given final touches on Tuesday. An official said about 1,000 police personnel have been deployed for security arrangements. Intensive checks are being conducted in many parts of Raipur, he said. He said the oath-taking ceremony will take place on one stage. Another one will be for VIPs and the third stage for the newly-elected MLAs. Speculations is on in political circles that the new council of ministers may be a mix of fresh faces and old-timers. As per the norm, the Chhattisgarh cabinet can have a maximum of 13 ministers including the chief minister. Speculation is also rife that there be two deputy chief ministers one each from OBC and the general category. In a remarkable turn of events, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), renowned as one of premier management entrance exams, has experienced an extraordinary 40% surge in registrations compared to the previous year. The overwhelming response has seen a staggering total of 135,000 applications, highlighting the escalating interest in management education among ambitious candidates. XAT, steeped in a rich history spanning several decades, has consistently served as a gateway for aspiring leaders seeking admission to esteemed business schools across the country. Graduates of the program have gone on to occupy influential roles within top-tier companies, not only in India but on the global stage as well. The enduring appeal of XAT lies in its ability to attract talent from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. What sets XAT apart is its distinctive test format. Unlike other exams, XAT is conducted simultaneously nationwide, with all candidates taking the same test on the same day and at the same time. This approach ensures a level playing field, fostering diversity among candidates. Professor Rahul Shukla, the Convenor of XAT, emphasized the test's commitment to diversity, stating, "XAT has always been a proponent of diversity, and our tests design reflects that. We've emphasized this message to our candidates, which may be one of the driving factors behind this historic surge in registrations." The success of this year's registration surge can be attributed to a well-organized campaign that effectively reached out to participants, supported by associate business schools. Professor Shukla remarked, "We are committed to taking XAT to new heights. While we have never compromised on the standard of the test, this year we made a concerted effort to dispel misconceptions. We wanted to convey that XAT is a smart test for smart aspirants. It's heartening to see 135,000 smart aspirants registering with us." XAT's enduring legacy, coupled with its innovative approach and inclusive format, solidifies its position as the most sought-after management entrance test in India. With the surge in registrations this year, XAT continues to stand as a testament to the aspirations and determination of India's future business leaders. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level aptitude test conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is one of the oldest and the second largest exam for MBA/PGDM admissions. The XAT exam will be conducted in 80+ cities across India. The scores of the XAT will be valid for admissions at XLRI Jamshedpur and other Xavier Associate Management Institutes. Apart from these, the scores are accepted by over 160 premium B-schools across the country. With the latest technology and testing patterns, the XAT exam provides a holistic assessment of prospective business management candidates. It's critical to assess the decision-making of the candidates and this sets XAT (xatonline.in) apart from any other aptitude test. XAT is a national-level MBA entrance test held annually for admission to management programmes at XLRI and other top B-schools of India - Loyola Institute of Business Management, Chennai, St. Josephs Institute of Management, IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, Sri Balaji University, TAPMI Manipal, XIMB Bhubaneswar, FORE School of Management, New Delhi etc. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Police to provide protection for a week to a businessman and his family after he filed a petition alleging threats from BJP MP Kirron Kher and her aide. The petition filed by Chaittnya Aggarwal through senior advocate Anmol Rattan Sidhu submitted that the businessman, his wife Ruchika Aggarwal and their two minor daughters were apprehending a threat to their lives from the Chandigarh MP. The petitioner also alleged that there were some financial issues between him and the respondents which might be the reason for such apprehension. He submitted that he came in contact with Kher's aide Sahdev Salaria through a BJP worker. The petitioner claimed that Kher gave him Rs 8 crore for investment. He has already returned Rs 2 crore and the remaining is to be returned, Aggarwal added. Owing to fluctuations in the market, the petitioner sought time to generate profits on the investment and return the money, according to the plea. The petitioner claimed that he was threatened to immediately return the money along with interest and was being constantly harassed by Kher and her aide. However, public prosecutor Manish Bansal submitted before the court that no complaint has been received in any police station regarding the same at the behest of the petitioner or his wife or minor daughters. He further submitted that in case of any such threat, there is helpline number 112 to report such matters but neither has the petitioner nor any of his family members called the helpline number. Petitioner's counsel Sidhu submitted that "given the profile of respondent no.2 (Kher) if they have straightaway come to this court, it cannot be a ground to refuse protection to their life and liberty". Without commenting on the merits of the case and the admissibility value of any of the allegations in the petition, the court said in a December 11 order, "If this court does not give them protection for the time being, that might amount to not exercising the constitutional jurisdiction." "Thus, in the facts and circumstances peculiar to this case, it shall be appropriate that the concerned Superintendent of Police and the concerned SHO provide appropriate protection to the petitioner for one week from today," it said. The court further said if the petitioner no longer required the protection, then it may be discontinued before the expiry of the one week. "This protection is subject to the stringent condition that from the time such protection is given, the petitioner and his wife shall not go outside the boundaries of the place of residence, except for medical necessities, to buy household necessities, and for bereavements in the families of the close relatives or close friends," the court said. The court also imposed certain restrictions to ensure the protection is not flaunted or misutilised. It clarified that in case the petitioner or his wife violates any of the conditions, the order of protection shall stand recalled automatically. The Janata Dal (United) will hold its national executive meeting here on December 29, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expected to address its members amid fresh moves within the opposition INDIA bloc to join forces to take on the ruling BJP. A party statement said its president Rajiv Ranjan Singh, better known as Lalan Singh, has called the meeting on December 29. The meeting will come days after the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for December 19. The JD(U) has been peeved with the alliance for not giving any key position to Kumar, the longest serving chief minister in the bloc, while maintaining its commitment to fight the BJP. Its leaders have often projected their leader as a prime ministerial material who can counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi without, however, making an official demand for this. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises. All four have been detained by security forces. Two persons, involved in the Lok Sabha incident, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. Sharma had come to the visitor's gallery as a guest of Mysuru Lok Sabha member Prathap Simha. The two jumped into the chamber from the public gallery at around 1 pm. And while one was spotted jumping over the benches, the other was left dangling from the gallery before jumping into the Chamber, according to several MPs present in the House. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm as one part of the Lok Sabha chamber was filled with yellow-coloured smoke. "Two intruders have been arrested from inside Parliament, two from outside. All their belongings have been seized...The entire matter is being investigated thoroughly," Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said when the House re-convened at 2 pm. With some members raising the issue of the recent threat to attack Parliament, Birla said "What you are referring to, it is not that matter as per preliminary report." While the affiliation of the protestors was not known immediately, US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently released a video threatening to attack Parliament on or before December 13. Birla also called a meeting of MPs from all parties later in the day to address their concerns over the matter. Members who overpowered the two persons inside the Lok Sabha chamber said,"one of them was saying I am a patriot and came here to protest." Many Lok Sabha members beat up the intruders before handing them over to security. JD(U) member Ramprit Mandal said the intruders had hidden the gas canisters in their shoes and sprayed yellow-coloured gas in the Lok Sabha chamber. Mandal, who was near the intruder, said RLP member Hanuman Beniwal and other members overpowered the person. "One of the two was raising slogans 'Tanashahi nahi chalegi'," Mandal said. "Suddenly there was a commotion in the House. One person was seen jumping from one bench to another. It was a very tense moment, anything could have happened. I thought, what if he has a bomb or fire equipment in his pocket? It is a serious security lapse," Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Trinamool Lok Sabha leader, said. "Two people jumped from the public gallery, there was smoke and everyone ran. They have been caught by some MPs and security personnel. One of them is Sagar. He was the guest of Mysuru member Prathap Simha," Lok Sabha member Danish Ali said. "It is a big security lapse. It is the anniversary of the Parliament attack. This is a matter for probe," said Ali. Congress member Karti Chidambaram said the two persons pulled out canisters that were emitting yellow smoke. "The smoke could have been poisonous. It is a serious security breach," he added. "They started advancing and rushing towards the well of the house and they lighted up smoke sticks. Security was compromised," DMK member D N V Senthil Kumar said on X. "Certainly, there is a loophole. At first, I thought a person might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious," BJP member Rajendra Agrawal said. "Home Minister Amit Shah gives big speeches but can't maintain security in Parliament, he must resign," TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said. In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security." Security has been beefed up in the area following the incident. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. After opening the gas canisters that emitted the smoke outside the Parliament building, the two protestors also raised slogans such as "Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed), "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Bheem, Jai Bharat", police officials said. In the bustling halls where global climate talks are being held, onetime farmer Joseph Kenson Sakala of Malawi is sharing the story of how fossil fuel development upended his life and hoping that negotiators listen to many such stories and then move decisively to cut the use of the coal, oil and gas warming the planet. Sakala grew maize and produced enough to sustain his family and to help feed his broader community of Mchinji. But he was forced out by water and soil pollution from coal mining in his East Africa nation, he said. Sakala now leads a non-governmental organization, Youth for Environment and Sustainable Development, that helps farmers adapt to climate change. Climate crisis and damages because of fossil fuel extraction destroyed me, Sakala said. Now in Malawi, there are just a few rich people who are making money at the expense of so many people like us who are suffering. At the COP28 talks in Dubai, 34-year-old Sakala told his story in a meeting of African countries, spoke with Nepal leaders chairing the group of Least Developed Countries, and hosted an event on fossil fuel extractions effects on vulnerable communities. The health issues his community faced from pollution will reach others unless leaders agree to phase out fossil fuels, Sakala said. The fate of fossil fuels is the central question at the United Nations-led talks, with activists and experts saying that a quick phase out is the only way to bring emissions down sharply enough to avert catastrophic warming. Some oil-rich nations argue, instead, for a slower and open-ended transition. Alice McGown, a mapping specialist who has worked to identify fossil fuels in protected areas for the non-profit Leave it in the Ground Initiative, said preventing the extraction of those fuels could prevent trillions of dollars in damages from climate change. Its also essential to stay within the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit of warming since pre-industrial times called for in the Paris Agreement, she said. It is clear that the vast majority of fossil fuels must stay unburned. The International Energy Agency has pointed to the incompatibility of new fossil fuel extraction projects with the Paris targets and keeping fossil fuels in the ground has been described as the next big step in climate policy, she said. Soumya Dutta, a researcher and activist, described the potential impact of coal mining in a central Indian forest that is home to a diverse ecology and tribal communities. Some mining has already taken a toll on Hasdeo Arand, a forest of about 1,700 square kilometres, and more is expected. The impact would be felt not just on the indigenous groups but on the biodiversity too, Dutta said. Hasdeo Arand forest alone is home to 82 species of birds, 167 varieties of vegetation, out of which 18 are considered threatened and endangered butterfly species. The forest is a habitat and a major migratory corridor for elephants, and has had confirmed sightings of tigers. With most of Indias energy coming from coal and oil, its reluctant to commit to phasing out completely, said Dutta, a key coordinator with the India-based Movement for Advancing Understanding on Sustainability And Mutuality (MAUSAM), a coalition of more than 40 organisations and networks working on sustainability. Thats despite evidence of increases in extreme weather flooding, droughts, and heat waves that have hit India and other countries in recent years, he said. Kjell Kuhne, director of the Leave it in the Ground Initiative, has pointed to a major development that COP28s host nation, the United Arab Emirates, plans for the Persian Gulfs Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the largest marine protected area in the gulf. He called it a huge contradiction as nations meet in Dubai to try to figure out how to head off the disastrous climate change. Drilling has not yet started and that is why we are here, because if UAE aspires to be in a leadership role in certain spaces and this is something it should not be done and there should be a definitive push to absolute phase out, he said. PTI UZM Annie is a reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. She previously was a digital producer for The Chronicles Datebook section. She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a degree in journalism. During her time there, she spearheaded a culture column, produced radio pieces for NPR-affiliate station KCBX, and was a DJ and writer for KCPR, the campus radio station. Before joining the Chronicle, she was an associate producer at SFGATE and interned at VICE and Flood Magazine. Shes particularly interested in communities and scenes that are often misunderstood. She can be reached at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Hostmore plc (LON:MORE Get Free Report) insider Helena Feltham acquired 40,653 shares of Hostmore stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 21 ($0.26) per share, with a total value of 8,537.13 ($10,716.96). Hostmore Stock Performance LON MORE opened at GBX 22 ($0.28) on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 18.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 18.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1,145.20. The firm has a market cap of 27.75 million, a P/E ratio of -28.95 and a beta of 1.13. Get Hostmore alerts: Hostmore Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Hostmore plc operates in the hospitality business. It operates American-themed casual dining restaurants under the TGI Fridays brand; cocktail-led bar and restaurants under the 63rd+1st brand; and fast casual dining restaurants under the Fridays and Go brand. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Hostmore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hostmore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading activity on Monday. Stock traders purchased 78,614 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 26% compared to the typical volume of 62,485 call options. Insider Buying and Selling at Snowflake In other Snowflake news, SVP Christian Kleinerman sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.00, for a total value of $249,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 661,789 shares in the company, valued at $109,856,974. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Frank Slootman sold 4,167 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $147.79, for a total transaction of $615,840.93. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 182,913 shares in the company, valued at $27,032,712.27. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Christian Kleinerman sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.00, for a total transaction of $249,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 661,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $109,856,974. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 195,910 shares of company stock worth $33,484,102 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 8.30% of the companys stock. Get Snowflake alerts: Institutional Trading of Snowflake Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Global Trust Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Snowflake by 7,500.0% during the second quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 152 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 270.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC now owns 185 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 333.3% in the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 130 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Provence Wealth Management Group acquired a new position in shares of Snowflake in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 54.1% in the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 205 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.74% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently weighed in on SNOW. Capital One Financial upgraded shares of Snowflake from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $195.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Snowflake from $190.00 to $183.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 24th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Snowflake from $190.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Snowflake from $194.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $144.00 price target on shares of Snowflake in a report on Thursday, August 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $195.37. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Snowflake Snowflake Stock Performance Shares of NYSE SNOW opened at $193.50 on Wednesday. Snowflake has a 1 year low of $119.27 and a 1 year high of $196.66. The firms 50 day moving average price is $161.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $164.53. The firm has a market cap of $63.72 billion, a P/E ratio of -72.20 and a beta of 0.96. Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 29th. The company reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.09. Snowflake had a negative net margin of 33.35% and a negative return on equity of 14.46%. The firm had revenue of $734.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $713.75 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.60) earnings per share. Snowflakes revenue was up 31.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Snowflake will post -1.71 EPS for the current year. About Snowflake (Get Free Report) Snowflake Inc provides a cloud-based data platform for various organizations in the United States and internationally. Its platform offers Data Cloud, which enables customers to consolidate data into a single source of truth to drive meaningful business insights, build data-driven applications, and share data and data products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Snowflake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snowflake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WPP plc (LON:WPP Get Free Report) insider Thomas Ilube purchased 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 719 ($9.03) per share, for a total transaction of 14,380 ($18,051.72). WPP Trading Up 0.4 % LON WPP opened at GBX 737 ($9.25) on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of 7.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,504.08, a PEG ratio of 11.46 and a beta of 1.11. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 713.99 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 774.38. WPP plc has a 12 month low of GBX 656 ($8.23) and a 12 month high of GBX 1,082 ($13.58). The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 187.82. Get WPP alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on WPP. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of WPP in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Numis Securities reaffirmed an add rating on shares of WPP in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Macquarie lowered their target price on WPP from GBX 850 ($10.67) to GBX 800 ($10.04) in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of WPP in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 1,093.29 ($13.72). WPP Company Profile (Get Free Report) WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for WPP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WPP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Addison Capital Co cut its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,393 shares of the companys stock after selling 305 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International accounts for approximately 1.4% of Addison Capital Cos holdings, making the stock its 25th largest position. Addison Capital Cos holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,990,000 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. Capital World Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,342,014,000 after buying an additional 4,368,323 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,376,231,000 after buying an additional 1,092,991 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,316,761,000 after buying an additional 1,056,110 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,793,812,000 after buying an additional 1,745,868 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,166,000 after buying an additional 2,430,519 shares during the period. 79.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of PM stock opened at $92.88 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $91.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $94.17. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $87.23 and a 52-week high of $105.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $144.19 billion, a PE ratio of 18.03, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The business had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.21 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.53 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.97%. Insider Buying and Selling at Philip Morris International In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total transaction of $942,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 198,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 13th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $95.00 price objective for the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $114.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $109.27. View Our Latest Stock Report on Philip Morris International 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eight analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have issued a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $72.50. Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BUD. UBS Group raised shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. HSBC raised shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Institutional Inflows and Outflows Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BUD. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 82,251.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,778,048 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $286,874,000 after acquiring an additional 4,772,246 shares in the last quarter. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust bought a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 2nd quarter worth about $96,594,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3,774.4% during the 3rd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 1,197,204 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $65,775,000 after acquiring an additional 1,166,304 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 11.6% during the 3rd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 10,367,287 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $573,311,000 after acquiring an additional 1,077,724 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3,313.9% during the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 823,558 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $46,712,000 after acquiring an additional 799,434 shares in the last quarter. 5.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV stock opened at $63.29 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $109.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.29, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.20. The firms fifty day moving average is $58.28 and its 200 day moving average is $57.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 52-week low of $51.66 and a 52-week high of $67.09. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The consumer goods maker reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.86. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.56% and a return on equity of 14.94%. The company had revenue of $15.57 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.72 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.81 earnings per share. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Company Profile (Get Free Report Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the fifteen analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, ten have issued a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $484.07. A number of analysts have recently commented on LMT shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $440.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, September 18th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a neutral rating and a $470.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Lockheed Martin Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Trading Up 0.1 % Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LMT. Lee Financial Co increased its position in Lockheed Martin by 367.6% in the 1st quarter. Lee Financial Co now owns 477 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $210,000 after buying an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 240.0% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 4,124 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,821,000 after buying an additional 2,911 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 56.8% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 23,153 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $9,995,000 after buying an additional 8,389 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 18.4% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 28,807 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $12,716,000 after buying an additional 4,472 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 20.4% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 107,366 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $47,391,000 after purchasing an additional 18,201 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.26% of the companys stock. LMT opened at $451.62 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day moving average is $443.49 and its 200-day moving average is $445.44. The company has a market cap of $112.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.50, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Lockheed Martin has a 1-year low of $393.77 and a 1-year high of $508.10. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.67 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $16.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $6.87 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Lockheed Martin will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $3.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.79%. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.04%. Lockheed Martin Company Profile (Get Free Report Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong Fleming & Moore Inc purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 760 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $357,000. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth about $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after purchasing an additional 4,774 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth about $561,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss 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 approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance LLY stock opened at $585.08 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $587.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $528.98. The stock has a market cap of $555.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 105.99, a PEG ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $309.20 and a fifty-two week 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. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its 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. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.89%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 81.88%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on LLY shares. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $650.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $630.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $673.00 to $722.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $570.82. View Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aviva plc (OTCMKTS:AVVIY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 49,700 shares, a drop of 49.5% from the November 15th total of 98,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 49,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.0 days. Analyst Ratings Changes AVVIY has been the subject of several recent research reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Aviva from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Barclays raised their target price on Aviva from GBX 470 ($5.90) to GBX 472 ($5.93) in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Aviva in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued an overweight rating for the company. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Aviva from GBX 470 ($5.90) to GBX 480 ($6.03) in a research note on Friday, August 18th. Finally, Berenberg Bank raised their target price on Aviva from GBX 481 ($6.04) to GBX 493 ($6.19) in a research note on Monday, August 21st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Aviva presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $488.00. Get Aviva alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on AVVIY Aviva Trading Up 0.6 % Aviva Company Profile Shares of AVVIY opened at $10.88 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.05. Aviva has a 12-month low of $9.25 and a 12-month high of $11.35. (Get Free Report) Aviva plc provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. The company offers life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pension, and annuity products, as well as pension fund business and lifetime mortgage products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Aviva Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aviva and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boxhill Technologies PLC (LON:BOX Get Free Report)s stock price passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.06 ($0.00) and traded as low as GBX 0.06 ($0.00). Boxhill Technologies shares last traded at GBX 0.06 ($0.00), with a volume of 510,219 shares changing hands. Boxhill Technologies Trading Up 10.0 % The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 0.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 0.05. Boxhill Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Boxhill Technologies Plc, through its subsidiaries, provides lottery administration and payment processing products and services in the United Kingdom. It provides lottery management services, including financial reconciliation and management, draw management, player communication, and prize provision services for society lotteries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Boxhill Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boxhill Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Huntsman Co. (NYSE:HUN Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Reduce from the eleven analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $25.40. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Huntsman from $26.00 to $22.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. UBS Group cut their target price on Huntsman from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. TheStreet lowered Huntsman from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Bank of America raised Huntsman from an underperform rating to a buy rating and set a $27.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $28.00 target price on shares of Huntsman in a research report on Monday. Get Huntsman alerts: Get Our Latest Report on HUN Huntsman Stock Down 2.1 % HUN opened at $24.30 on Friday. Huntsman has a one year low of $22.14 and a one year high of $33.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.88. The stocks fifty day moving average is $24.09 and its 200-day moving average is $25.73. The company has a market capitalization of $4.24 billion, a PE ratio of 52.83 and a beta of 1.11. Huntsman (NYSE:HUN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by ($0.04). Huntsman had a return on equity of 2.90% and a net margin of 1.27%. The firm had revenue of $1.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.56 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.71 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 25.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Huntsman will post 0.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. Huntsman Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.2375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.91%. Huntsmans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 206.52%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Huntsman by 101.9% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,792,098 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $43,727,000 after purchasing an additional 904,696 shares in the last quarter. Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new position in Huntsman in the third quarter valued at about $134,000. Harvest Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Huntsman by 4.4% in the third quarter. Harvest Investment Advisors LLC now owns 43,481 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,061,000 after purchasing an additional 1,829 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank grew its stake in Huntsman by 115.1% in the third quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 16,417 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $401,000 after purchasing an additional 8,786 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Huntsman by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 1,770,005 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $43,188,000 after acquiring an additional 55,828 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.44% of the companys stock. Huntsman Company Profile (Get Free Report Huntsman Corporation manufactures and sells diversified organic chemical products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, and Advanced Materials. The Polyurethanes segment offers polyurethane chemicals, including methyl diphenyl diisocyanate, polyether and polyester polyols, and thermoplastic polyurethane. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Huntsman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntsman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mayor London Breed speaks during a news conference in November. San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai is accusing her of putting the brakes on plans to build a new library in his district because he is challenging her for mayor next year. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai is accusing Mayor London Breed of putting the brakes on plans to build a new library in his district because he is challenging her for mayor next year. Safai on Tuesday publicly asked Breed about the citys intention for the Ocean View branch of the San Francisco Public Library system, which is currently located on Randolph Street. Officials for the past several years had been looking to build a newer and larger library branch nearby on city-owned land at Brotherhood Way and Orizaba Avenue, but Safai said Breeds administration is no longer advancing the project at that site and is now examining other possible locations, frustrating him and community members. Breed told Safai during her monthly question-and-answer session with the Board of Supervisors that the city has good reasons for not moving forward with the Brotherhood Way site. Theres not enough community consensus, and its too expensive at a time when the city faces a huge budget deficit and needs to constrain spending, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Safai said the community is on board with the Brotherhood Way site. He told the Chronicle he suspects a different motivation might be to blame: because he is running for mayor next year against Breed. It just feels like retribution, Safai said in an interview. It feels like shes trying to punish the community because shes angry at my challenge to her position as mayor. San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai is accusing Mayor London Breed of putting the brakes on plans to build a new library in his district because he is challenging her for mayor next year. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle 2021 Breed spokesperson Jeff Cretan firmly denied that the mayors race had anything to do with the administrations position on the Ocean View library project. Thats wrong, he said in a text message. This is about the project and the community, not about any elected official. We are continuing to work on a proposal that works best for the community and the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At Tuesdays board meeting, Safai said District 11 which includes the Excelsior and Ocean View neighborhoods has the citys highest concentration of young children, families and seniors aging in place. But he said the Ocean View library branch, which was constructed very quickly 23 years ago under former Mayor Willie Brown, is the smallest outpost in the city library system. Safai said at the meeting that elementary schoolchildren must enter the library in shifts, otherwise it would be too crowded. This is an absolute disservice to our children and youth, he said. Breed maintained that the Brotherhood Way location simply wasnt a feasible place to build a new library right now. Shares of Physicians Realty Trust (NYSE:DOC Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the nine brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.70. DOC has been the subject of several research reports. Citigroup lowered their target price on Physicians Realty Trust from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 22nd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Physicians Realty Trust in a research report on Sunday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and issued a $15.00 price target on shares of Physicians Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. Get Physicians Realty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on DOC Physicians Realty Trust Trading Down 2.0 % Shares of DOC stock opened at $12.29 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.85, a current ratio of 2.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stock has a market cap of $2.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 64.69, a P/E/G ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 0.89. Physicians Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $10.52 and a fifty-two week high of $16.34. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.03. Physicians Realty Trust (NYSE:DOC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.20). The company had revenue of $138.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $133.31 million. Physicians Realty Trust had a net margin of 8.60% and a return on equity of 1.56%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.26 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Physicians Realty Trust will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Physicians Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.23 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 2nd. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.49%. Physicians Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 484.24%. Insider Transactions at Physicians Realty Trust In related news, SVP Laurie P. Becker sold 22,322 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.47, for a total transaction of $300,677.34. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 55,776 shares in the company, valued at approximately $751,302.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.13% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Physicians Realty Trust A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DOC. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Physicians Realty Trust by 279.4% during the 2nd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,360 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 1,738 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 25.6% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,775 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 769 shares during the period. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC increased its stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 30.5% during the second quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 4,344 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 1,016 shares during the period. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its stake in Physicians Realty Trust by 42.4% in the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 5,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $70,000 after purchasing an additional 1,712 shares during the last quarter. 95.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Physicians Realty Trust (Get Free Report Physicians Realty Trust is a self-managed health care real estate company organized to acquire, selectively develop, own, and manage health care properties that are leased to physicians, hospitals, and health care delivery systems. The Company invests in real estate that is integral to providing high quality health care. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Physicians Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Physicians Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 4.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,494 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 803 shares during the period. Camarda Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,311,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC now owns 49,112 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,141,000 after acquiring an additional 797 shares during the period. Plancorp LLC lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 8,973 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $574,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares during the period. Security Asset Management lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 20.3% during the 1st quarter. Security Asset Management now owns 9,230 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $640,000 after acquiring an additional 1,558 shares during the period. Wealth Architects LLC raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.8% during the second quarter. Wealth Architects LLC now owns 8,012 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $512,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Osterweis Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 69.6% during the second quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,049 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $323,000 after buying an additional 2,072 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance BMY opened at $50.53 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $102.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.82, a PEG ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.34. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $52.48 and a 200 day moving average of $58.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.18. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a fifty-two week low of $48.25 and a fifty-two week high of $79.36. Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 18.44% and a return on equity of 51.59%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.99 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to purchase up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.75%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. This is a positive change from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 57.87%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 3,071 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 79,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,878,702.24. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II bought 8,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 35,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,768,255. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 3,071 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 79,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders acquired 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994 over the last quarter. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have weighed in on BMY. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $68.00 to $54.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 27th. William Blair downgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $60.00 price objective (down previously from $70.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $81.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $63.59. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coombe Bender & Co LLC boosted its stake in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) by 3.0% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 15,669 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 449 shares during the period. Coombe Bender & Co LLCs holdings in Unum Group were worth $747,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Unum Group during the second quarter worth $241,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 59.0% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 239,572 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $11,428,000 after purchasing an additional 88,907 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 24,018 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,146,000 after purchasing an additional 2,961 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $249,000. Finally, First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 29.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. now owns 12,346 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $589,000 after purchasing an additional 2,826 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock. Get Unum Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth UNM has been the subject of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Unum Group from $54.00 to $53.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Unum Group from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Unum Group from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Unum Group from $59.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Unum Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $54.50. Unum Group Price Performance NYSE UNM opened at $45.32 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.29 and a quick ratio of 0.29. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $45.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $47.13. Unum Group has a 1 year low of $36.27 and a 1 year high of $52.15. The company has a market cap of $8.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.32, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.98. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.92 by $0.02. Unum Group had a return on equity of 15.54% and a net margin of 10.07%. The firm had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.51 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 7.74 earnings per share for the current year. Unum Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 27th were given a dividend of $0.365 per share. This represents a $1.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 26th. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 23.59%. Unum Group announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, October 31st that authorizes the company to buyback $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to repurchase up to 5.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Unum Group news, EVP Puneet Bhasin sold 8,188 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.39, for a total transaction of $347,089.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,302,540.02. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.94% of the stock is owned by insiders. Unum Group Company Profile (Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor acquired 39,897 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,572,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EEM. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter valued at $146,000. AMI Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 5.7% in the first quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,268 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $509,000 after buying an additional 605 shares in the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 62.5% in the first quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 65,005 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,935,000 after purchasing an additional 25,000 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 14.5% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 8,965 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $405,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135 shares during the period. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 9.3% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 892,269 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $40,286,000 after purchasing an additional 76,229 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.58% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSEARCA EEM opened at $39.27 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $38.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $39.16. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 52-week low of $36.38 and a 52-week high of $42.53. About iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 1.4% 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 35,280 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 482 shares during the quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,598,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in Altria Group by 100,097.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,100,359,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,846,307,000 after purchasing an additional 1,099,261,791 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in Altria Group by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 96,401,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,367,008,000 after purchasing an additional 7,546,851 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Altria Group by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 70,564,529 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,262,710,000 after purchasing an additional 1,240,150 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in Altria Group by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 43,615,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,962,702,000 after purchasing an additional 1,585,048 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 37,025,033 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,672,836,000 after purchasing an additional 1,168,982 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Insider Transactions at Altria Group In other news, Director Robert Matthews Davis acquired 1,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $40.50 per share, with a total value of $48,600.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at $343,156.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on MO shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $47.53. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Altria Group Altria Group Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of MO stock opened at $41.36 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $73.15 billion, a PE ratio of 8.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.66. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $41.43 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.25. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $51.57. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. Altria Groups revenue for the quarter was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.28 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.48%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 79.84%. Altria Group Company Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) by 12.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 19,563 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,129 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF comprises 0.9% of Elevated Capital Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest position. Elevated Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $2,822,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the second quarter worth $28,000. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the second quarter worth $29,000. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 1,428.6% during the second quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 214 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the first quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Salem Investment Counselors Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 150.5% during the second quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 263 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF stock opened at $153.75 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a one year low of $81.37 and a one year high of $113.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.56 billion, a PE ratio of 19.35 and a beta of 0.91. The businesss fifty day moving average is $144.96 and its 200 day moving average is $143.73. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report issued on Wednesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have a $163.00 target price on the stock, down from their previous target price of $170.00. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential upside of 5.11% from the companys previous close. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on JNJ. StockNews.com raised shares of Johnson & Johnson from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. HSBC started coverage on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. They set a hold rating and a $175.00 price target for the company. UBS Group raised shares of Johnson & Johnson from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $167.00 to $180.00 in a report on Friday, December 1st. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $158.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $179.00 to $172.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.75. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on JNJ Johnson & Johnson Price Performance Shares of NYSE:JNJ opened at $155.07 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $152.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of $159.75. Johnson & Johnson has a one year low of $144.95 and a one year high of $181.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $373.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.51, a PEG ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 0.57. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The company reported $2.66 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.52 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $21.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 36.32% and a return on equity of 37.14%. On average, analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.01 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JNJ. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Tower View Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 183.3% during the 3rd quarter. Tower View Wealth Management LLC now owns 255 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC lifted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 43.0% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC now owns 286 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. 68.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Johnson & Johnson Company Profile (Get Free Report) Johnson & Johnson, together with its subsidiaries, researches, develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the healthcare field worldwide. The company's Consumer Health segment provides skin health/beauty products under the AVEENO, CLEAN & CLEAR, DR. CI:LABO, NEUTROGENA, and OGX brands; baby care products under the JOHNSON'S and AVEENO Baby brands; oral care products under the LISTERINE brand; TYLENOL acetaminophen products; SUDAFED cold, flu, and allergy products; BENADRYL and ZYRTEC allergy products; MOTRIN IB ibuprofen products; NICORETTE smoking cessation products; and PEPCID acid reflux products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust plc (LON:JESC Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 499 ($6.26) and traded as low as GBX 494.50 ($6.21). JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust shares last traded at GBX 499 ($6.26), with a volume of 179,129 shares. JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 107.92, a quick ratio of 107.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.72. The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 499 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 499. The company has a market capitalization of 795.72 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.60. About JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust (Get Free Report) JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust plc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Europe, excluding the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan European Smaller Companies Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OTCMKTS:OROVY Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $62.24 and traded as low as $60.48. Orient Overseas (International) shares last traded at $62.42, with a volume of 1,528 shares. Orient Overseas (International) Trading Up 3.2 % The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $62.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $67.86. Orient Overseas (International) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Orient Overseas (International) Limited, an investment holding company, provides container transport and logistics services in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The company offers supply chain management services; and containerised shipping services in various trade lanes comprising Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, Asia/Europe, Asia/Australia, and Intra-Asia trades. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Orient Overseas (International) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orient Overseas (International) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 1,188.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 196,516 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 181,267 shares during the quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $19,184,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PM. Capital World Investors boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.9% during the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,342,014,000 after buying an additional 4,368,323 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock worth $10,376,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092,991 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock worth $9,316,761,000 after acquiring an additional 1,056,110 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,793,812,000 after purchasing an additional 1,745,868 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,166,000 after purchasing an additional 2,430,519 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of PM opened at $92.88 on Wednesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $87.23 and a fifty-two week high of $105.62. The business has a 50-day moving average of $91.80 and a 200 day moving average of $94.17. The firm has a market cap of $144.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.21 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.53 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.60%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 100.97%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Barclays reduced their target price on Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Bank of America dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday, September 29th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered 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. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $109.27. View Our Latest Analysis on Philip Morris International Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total transaction of $942,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock. About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Supervisor Dean Preston speaks during Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco. Preston is interviewed in a new documentary about San Franciscos homelessness and drug crises. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Supervisor Dean Preston argues in a new documentary that capitalism is to blame for San Franciscos ills including rampant drug use, homelessness and crime in the Tenderloin, prompting critics to question the logic of the supervisor, whos the only Democratic Socialist on the board. The new investigative documentary by the British outlet UnHerd founded by British Conservative Party political activist Tim Montgomerie explores how San Francisco has failed to deal with its homelessness, drug use and crime problems and how the Tenderloin is ground zero for the citys ills. Preston said in the film that the neighborhoods problems are absolutely the result of capitalism and what happens in capitalism to the people at the bottom rungs of society. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The biggest driver of why folks are on the street is because they lost their jobs, income, or were evicted from their homes, usually for not being able to pay rent, Preston told the UnHerd interviewer. So, you have major landlords literally causing folks to lose their homes, and real estate speculation making it impossible for folks to find an affordable place to live. Critics of Preston point out that San Franciscos housing crisis has helped drive the homelessness crisis by driving up rent. The city has been deemed the toughest place to build homes in California. They point out that San Francisco has some of the toughest renter protections in the country, making it more difficult for speculators to push out vulnerable tenants. Since the documentary aired, Prestons face and quotes have been plastered over conservative outlets like Fox News, the Daily Mail and Daily Wire. Preston is up for reelection in 2024 and moderate groups are trying to unseat him, including the political action group GrowSF, which is running the Dump Dean Preston campaign. Dean Preston votes against building more housing, votes against businesses, and he doesnt care about crime thats affecting our residents and our small business community, the Dump Dean website says before listing 31 Reasons to Dump Dean Preston. Preston, who represents District 5 which encompasses the Tenderloin, Japantown, Western Addition and Haight-Ashbury has consistently criticized Mayor London Breed and other lawmakers for leaning on law enforcement to address open-air drug use and rampant drug dealing. The approach that weve taken is very inconsistent as a city ramping up enforcement activities, whether its sweeps of homeless people or drug users, doing a series of arrests usually tied with some news cycle and then, a few days later, a few weeks later, a few months later, the same thing happens, Preston said in the film. Arresting drug users has not made our city any safer. Its actually made it less safe: it increases overdoses. UnHerd has been criticized for its often conservative-leaning bias in the way it reports certain stories. Montgomerie has been a longtime conservative political commentator and worked in the administration of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He also has promoted far-right, antisemitic views in the past that misrepresent Marxist scholarship, according to the Independent, a United Kingdom news outlet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an interview with the Chronicle, Preston said it was pretty clear to him that UnHerd has a strong bias about him and his policies when he began the interview for the documentary. He said that homelessness is a prime example of what happens when you turn the basic needs of human beings over to private interests, which is the heart of the approach under capitalism. Asked why other cities have been able to deal with problems that San Francisco cant seem to address, Preston said cities across the U.S. are also facing affordability crises, and that San Francisco is not unique. He said a UCSF study that noted that 90% of unhoused people in California are from the state shows how economic pressures, people losing income, and losing their jobs is one of the biggest drivers of homelessness in California. He said people cant exit homelessness because of runaway housing prices due to very wealthy owners who continue to profit from our cities. In a more socialist society, Preston said, San Francisco would look like Vienna, Austria, where about 60% of people live in social housing public housing and other limited-profit housing. If the state were to repeal the Costa-Hawkins act which limits a citys ability to impose controls on rent prices and the Ellis Act which allows landlords to give just-cause reasons for evicting tenants and then invest in permanently affordable housing options, San Francisco could start to look more like Vienna, which has all but eliminated homelessness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But he said the problematic combination of capitalism and its corporate Democrat defenders are making that goal nearly impossible. He criticized Mayor London Breed for her refusal to spend money raised from property sales over $10 million to buy more land for affordable housing. SFI Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report) by 10.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 22,052 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,106 shares during the quarter. SFI Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $964,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the first quarter worth $34,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the third quarter worth $37,000. Key Financial Inc bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the second quarter worth $43,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 38.7% during the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,040 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bartlett & Co. LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the second quarter worth $66,000. Get iShares MSCI India ETF alerts: iShares MSCI India ETF Price Performance Shares of INDA opened at $47.38 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $44.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $44.16. iShares MSCI India ETF has a 12-month low of $30.57 and a 12-month high of $38.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.38 billion, a PE ratio of 23.86 and a beta of 0.68. About iShares MSCI India ETF The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INDA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boliden AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BDNNY Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 8,200 shares, a growth of 485.7% from the November 15th total of 1,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 14,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Boliden AB (publ) Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS BDNNY opened at $55.97 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $53.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.25. Boliden AB has a 52-week low of $48.66 and a 52-week high of $92.60. Get Boliden AB (publ) alerts: Boliden AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BDNNY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.79 billion for the quarter. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Boliden AB (publ) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Citigroup raised Boliden AB (publ) from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $382.50. Read Our Latest Report on Boliden AB (publ) Boliden AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Boliden AB (publ) engages in the exploring, extracting, and processing of base metals and precious metals in Sweden, other Nordic region, Germany, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Business Area Mines and Business Area Smelters. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boliden AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boliden AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A steady stream of moisture is expected to blow into Northern California on Wednesday, leading to patchy fog in the morning and evening. This moisture could also end up affecting temperatures over the course of the day. Baron/Lynx An area of high pressure will expand into Northern California on Wednesday, creating a mild and tranquil weather pattern for the Bay Area before more unsettled conditions arrive this weekend. For Wednesday, the outlook includes a chance of fog in the morning, followed by a steady rise in daytime temperatures. And for some residents, it could also translate into warmer overnight conditions. Winds out of the northwest are expected to gently blow into the region Wednesday morning, raising humidity levels and generating another round of fog thats likely to hold on to the bay shoreline and neighboring valleys throughout the day. That said, sunshine should pierce through the veil of cloud cover by noon, warming the ground to the lower 60s by the water and mid-60s inland. This ebb and flow of fog and sun will continue throughout the rest of the workweek, with daytime highs rising another 3 to 5 degrees between Wednesday and Friday. However, youll still want to wear a sweater after sunset. The mercury is expected to fall to the 50s in the evening and 40s overnight in the North Bay and East Bay. Thankfully, fog is likely to return to most of the shoreline. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like a blanket, these clouds and humidity will shield the Bay Area from the freezing air floating over Northern California tonight. Temperatures are expected to run 3 to 5 degrees warmer than the last couple of nights across the inland valleys in Walnut Creek, San Jose and Santa Rosa, which should help alleviate the recent cold spell. Just be sure to watch for reduced visibility on roads, as fog shrouds the region through Thursday morning. Wednesday breakdown San Francisco: Patches of fog are likely to circulate throughout the west side and Twin Peaks in the morning hours, while San Franciscans downtown can look for overcast skies. Sunshine is likely to break through some of the cloud cover by the afternoon. Expect daytime highs in the lower 60s and light winds out of the northwest. Thicker layers of fog and mist return tonight, likely drawing in scattered drizzles in the Castro, the Mission and Noe Valley. The humid air overhead will trap some of the warmth from earlier in the day, keeping lows from falling below 45. Advertisement Article continues below this ad East Bay: Scattered waves of fog and mist are on tap for residents in the Tri-Valley area and along the bay shore this morning. Up to a tenth of an inch of drizzle could fall on the Oakland and Berkeley hills before sunshine gradually returns by noon. Look for a mostly cloudy Wednesday afternoon with highs in the lower to mid-60s. Light winds and the return of more humidity will promote another round of foggy conditions tonight, reducing visibility to a quarter-mile on the foothills and near the Caldecott Tunnel. Look for nighttime lows in the mid-40s. North Bay: Rounds of foggy conditions are expected throughout the morning hours across the inland valleys of Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties. Watch out for reduced visibility along Highway 101 from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunnier skies are anticipated to return by the afternoon, but Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Guerneville should only expect temperatures to reach the mid-60s. Cooler air along the bay shore and delta will keep daytime highs closer to 60 in Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo. Clouds and mist return in the evening, followed by dense fog on the Sonoma and Marin shorelines and in the highlands. This humid air will keep nighttime temperatures above freezing, but its likely to make road travel difficult overnight. Be sure to use low beams and give yourself plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pacific Coast and Peninsula: The immediate coastline and the San Bruno Gap can expect patches of morning fog while overcast conditions settle across the rest of San Mateo County. Most of the fog should lift by noon, allowing daytime temperatures to reach the mid-60s. Fog is then expected to return after sunset to the areas that experienced it in the morning. Look for nighttime lows in the lower 40s. South Bay and Santa Cruz: Patchy fog is anticipated to develop on the Cupertino Hills and Highway 101 corridor between Morgan Hill and Gilroy this morning, while thicker fog settles along the shoreline of Monterey Bay. Most of the foggy conditions should clear out by noon, allowing daytime temperatures to reach the lower 60s by the water and mid-60s in the inland valleys and mountains. Fog returns to the same areas tonight, while the Santa Clara Valley can expect overcast skies. Look for nighttime lows in the lower to mid-40s. Rua Bioscience proudly announce the strategic appointment of Mr. John Sanders as the Chief of Sales and Marketing for Australia, marking a pivotal moment as he becomes the first Australian employee of Rua Bioscience. Mr. Sanders, with a rich background in the cannabis sector, brings a wealth of experience to Rua Bioscience. His noteworthy three-year tenure at Cannasouth Bioscience, a NZ-based medicinal cannabis company, coupled with his extensive commercial experience in the pharmaceutical sector, including roles at Roche, Bayer, Merk and Sharp & Dome, uniquely positions him for success in this dynamic role. As Rua Bioscience embarks on strategic expansion in the Australian market, Mr. Sanders will play a crucial role in overseeing sales and marketing operations from Melbourne. His appointment is a key step in our strategy to broaden our presence and reach in growing the Australian medicinal cannabis market. Expressing his optimism, Paul Naske, CEO of Rua Bioscience, commented: "The appointment of John as Chief of Sales and Marketing for Australia is a significant milestone for Rua Bioscience. His impressive pharmaceutical and industry track record align seamlessly with our growth strategy in Australia. Under Johns leadership, we are confident in the success of our sales and marketing endeavours in this strategically important market. Rua Bioscience remains committed to delivering value through strategic appointments and expansion initiatives. The company looks forward to the positive impact Mr. Sanders will undoubtably bring to operations in Australia. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: AFT broadens R&D pipeline with new product candidate ATM - Response to Synlait's market update announcement ENS - NZMDT DETERMINATION TWL and nChain agree to cancel agreement with settlement Accountant gets home detention for wage subsidy fraud BIF acquires shares in NewFish KMD Brands Trading Update NEF - Director Appointment: Neal Barclay FPH announces executive management team changes December 20th Morning Report Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI0 Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister-designate Mohan Yadav is scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy here on Wednesday. At least half a dozen ministers are also likely to be sworn in by Governor Mangubhai Patel on the occasion. The chief minister-elect of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai is also set to take the oath in Raipur at 3 pm on Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremonies of the chief minister-designates of the two states will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J.P. Nadda, party sources in both states said on Tuesday. Official sources here said that Yadav was scheduled to take the oath at around 11.30 am at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. State BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma, accompanied by some senior party leaders on Tuesday, visited the venue to review preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the chief minister. Meanwhile, Mr Yadav on Tuesday called on the senior leaders of the BJP at their respective residences in Bhopal to take their "blessings and guidance" before assuming office. He met the outgoing chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the latters official residence here to "take his blessings". Mr Yadav also paid courtesy visits to former Union minister and senior party leader Uma Bharti, former Union minister Narendra Sing Tomar, former BJP Lok Sabha member Rakesh Singh, former minister Narottam Mishra. "I am meeting senior party leaders to seek their blessings," he said. Mr Yadav, an OBC leader, is the surprise pick of the BJP for the post of chief minister in Madhya Pradesh. State Congress president and former chief minister Kamal Nath also met him here on Tuesday to congratulate him for being appointed as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. "My party will play the role of a constructive opposition," Mr Nath told reporters. Chhattisgarh chief minister-elect is also scheduled to take the oath at Raipur on Wednesday. His swearing-in ceremony will be held at the sprawling Science College Ground in Raipur, an official spokesman for the Chhattisgarh government said. One or two ministers are also likely to take the oath along with the chief minister. Mr Sai has extended an invitation to all the newly elected MLAs in Chhattisgarh on the phone. He also extended his invitation to former chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel and state Congress president Deepak Baij on the phone on Wednesday to attend the occasion. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy along with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at a review meeting. (Twitter) Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday decided to appoint a committee to go into the revamping of the contentious land record management system Dharani even as he decided to get a comprehensive survey of lands done in the state. The committee will comprise ministers, officials and other stakeholders who will thoroughly study the procedures presently adopted and the changes that the Congress promised to bring in. As an immediate measure, grievance cells would be set up at mandal level to resolve the pending applications running into lakhs. The Chief Minister expressed displeasure over 18 lakh farmers still not given pattadar passbooks and more than 23 lakh grievances were pending. He wanted details of expenditure of Rs 83 crore granted by the Centre for launching a comprehensive project that includes survey of lands, digitisation of records and bringing in the Title Guarantee Act. The Chief Minister also asked the revenue officials to furnish all details about the tender process for selection of the agency to maintain Dharani, fund flow, third-party audit to find discrepancies in change of ownership and procedures followed in a foreign company gaining control over the project. He inquired about the location of the server, security audits, payment modules and asked the officials to come up with a detailed report. Official sources said the Chief Minister questioned the legal sanctity to the Dharani Act and highlighted major lacunae in the Act which has no appellate provisions. To the utter shock of the participants in the meeting, the officials informed him about the previous government not framing rules, after adopting the Dharani Act. The framing of rules is mandatory after bringing in any legislation. The Congress carried out a sustained campaign to replace Dharani with a better and fool-proof land record management system despite a counter campaign by former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao that farmers would lose their lands and would not get financial assistance under Rythu Bandhu. There were allegations that the ownership of thousands of acres was changed to benamis of powerful politicians in the previous regime using Dharani. There were also allegations that physical records pertaining to lands since Independence were inaccessible. Rescuers digging tunnel to reach the infant stuck in borewell BHUBANESWAR: Prayers of thousands of people bore fruit as a joint operation carried out by Odisha fire services personnel and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) successfully retrieved an infant stuck in a 20-feet open borewell in Odisha Sambalpur district. The newborn, it is suspected, was dumped by some unscrupulous persons in the borewell at Laripali under Rengali block. The rescue operation started after some local people heard the voice of the infant at around 12 noon and informed the district administration. "It was a challenging rescue operation. However, we are so happy that we successfully rescued the infant alive," said the rescuers. Soon after the rescue at 9.42 pm, the child was rushed to Sambalpur with a highly equipped ambulance. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRAF) personnel had also rushed to the spot to chip in for the rescue operation. Fire services director general Sudhanshu Sarangi informed that high-precision Victim-Location Cameras (VLCs), also known as thermal cameras, had been flown to the Sambalpur from Cuttack for monitoring the condition of the infant. The VLCs reached the spot at 8.55 pm. As per reports, the infant was stuck in around 15 to 20 ft depth inside the borewell. The rescuers said the intermittent cries of the child inspired them to carry out the rescue mission with renewed spirits. Sources said the child has not suffered any serious injuries. It was not clear how the infant got into the well, which is far from human habitation. Report last came in said a 20-feet pit had been dug near the borewell to reach the stuck child. Fire personnel are trying their best to save the infant, sources said. "It was a delicate operation. We left no stone unturned to rescue the child. Since we heard the intermittent cries of the infant, we were quite optimistic that we would be able to save its life," said doctors present at the site. Senior officials of the state government monitored the rescue operation. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $231.77. CRL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $280.00 to $275.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $250.00 to $215.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Guggenheim dropped their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $255.00 to $225.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $212.00 to $209.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Get Charles River Laboratories International alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on CRL Charles River Laboratories International Stock Performance NYSE:CRL opened at $210.73 on Friday. Charles River Laboratories International has a 1-year low of $161.65 and a 1-year high of $262.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.81, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 1.37. The companys 50-day moving average is $188.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $198.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The medical research company reported $2.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.37. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1 billion. Charles River Laboratories International had a return on equity of 18.15% and a net margin of 11.27%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.63 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Charles River Laboratories International will post 10.57 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity at Charles River Laboratories International In other Charles River Laboratories International news, CEO James C. Foster acquired 5,620 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $178.05 per share, for a total transaction of $1,000,641.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 202,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,080,586.15. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO James C. Foster purchased 5,620 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was bought at an average price of $178.05 per share, for a total transaction of $1,000,641.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 202,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,080,586.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, COO Birgit Girshick purchased 1,322 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $187.82 per share, with a total value of $248,298.04. Following the purchase, the chief operating officer now directly owns 44,449 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,348,411.18. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,935,727 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,685,568,000 after buying an additional 66,602 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 8.6% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,198,037 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,092,887,000 after buying an additional 411,153 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 35.3% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,506,293 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $505,821,000 after buying an additional 653,790 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,091,017 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $439,636,000 after buying an additional 37,816 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 24.4% in the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,750,110 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $367,961,000 after acquiring an additional 343,076 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.91% of the companys stock. Charles River Laboratories International Company Profile (Get Free Report Charles River Laboratories International, Inc, a non-clinical contract research organization, provides drug discovery, non-clinical development, and safety testing services in the United States, Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles River Laboratories International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles River Laboratories International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eiffage (OTCMKTS:EFGSY Get Free Report) is one of 125 publicly-traded companies in the Engineering & Construction industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Eiffage to related businesses based on the strength of its risk, earnings, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation and institutional ownership. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Eiffage and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Eiffage alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Eiffage N/A N/A 34.71 Eiffage Competitors $1.63 billion $30.90 million 351.66 Eiffages competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Eiffage. Eiffage is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Institutional & Insider Ownership Profitability 38.4% of shares of all Engineering & Construction companies are held by institutional investors. 30.5% of shares of all Engineering & Construction companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Eiffage and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Eiffage N/A N/A N/A Eiffage Competitors 0.88% -3.66% 2.12% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Eiffage and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Eiffage 0 1 2 0 2.67 Eiffage Competitors 177 1482 3211 76 2.64 As a group, Engineering & Construction companies have a potential upside of 20.84%. Given Eiffages competitors higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Eiffage has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Dividends Eiffage pays an annual dividend of $0.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Eiffage pays out 25.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Engineering & Construction companies pay a dividend yield of 4.0% and pay out 45.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Summary Eiffage competitors beat Eiffage on 9 of the 13 factors compared. Eiffage Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eiffage SA engages in the construction, property development, urban development, civil engineering, metallic construction, roads, energy systems, and concessions businesses in France and internationally. The company operates through Construction, Infrastructure, Energy Systems, Concessions, and Holding Company segments. The Construction segment offers urban development, building design and construction, property development, and maintenance and facilities management services. The Infrastructure segment is involved in undertaking civil engineering, road and rail design and construction, drainage, earthworks, and metallic construction. The Energy Systems segment designs, constructs, integrates, operates, and maintains energy and telecommunication systems and equipment. The Concessions segment constructs and manages concession contracts and public-private partnerships. The company was founded in 1844 and is based in Velizy-Villacoublay, France. Receive News & Ratings for Eiffage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eiffage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Argentina S.A. (NYSE:TEO Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $5.86 and traded as high as $8.70. Telecom Argentina shares last traded at $8.28, with a volume of 447,337 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Scotiabank cut shares of Telecom Argentina from a sector perform rating to a sector underperform rating and set a $5.70 price objective for the company. in a research report on Friday, November 24th. TheStreet raised Telecom Argentina from a d+ rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Telecom Argentina from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Get Telecom Argentina alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Telecom Argentina Telecom Argentina Stock Performance The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $6.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Telecom Argentina (NYSE:TEO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The utilities provider reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.40) by $0.63. The firm had revenue of $1.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $982.89 million. Telecom Argentina had a net margin of 0.44% and a return on equity of 5.56%. On average, analysts forecast that Telecom Argentina S.A. will post -2.37 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telecom Argentina Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Barclays PLC bought a new position in shares of Telecom Argentina during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Telecom Argentina by 73.8% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 17,530 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $87,000 after buying an additional 7,445 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Telecom Argentina by 13.4% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 68,606 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $329,000 after buying an additional 8,096 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new stake in shares of Telecom Argentina during the third quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Telecom Argentina during the first quarter worth $62,000. About Telecom Argentina (Get Free Report) Telecom Argentina SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services. The company offers mobile telecommunications services, including voice communications, high-speed mobile Internet content and applications download, online streaming, and other services; and sells mobile communication devices, such as handsets, Modems MiFi and wingles, and smart watches. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Argentina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Argentina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tgs Asa (OTCMKTS:TGSGY Get Free Report) is one of 102 public companies in the Oil & Gas Equipment & Services industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Tgs Asa to related companies based on the strength of its risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and earnings. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Tgs Asa and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Tgs Asa alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Tgs Asa N/A N/A 4.02 Tgs Asa Competitors $907.42 million $23.54 million 90.08 Tgs Asas competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Tgs Asa. Tgs Asa is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Analyst Ratings Tgs Asa pays an annual dividend of $1.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.3%. Tgs Asa pays out 45.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Oil & Gas Equipment & Services companies pay a dividend yield of 5.6% and pay out 240.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Tgs Asa is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Tgs Asa and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tgs Asa 0 1 2 0 2.67 Tgs Asa Competitors 245 1349 1909 137 2.53 As a group, Oil & Gas Equipment & Services companies have a potential upside of 7.15%. Given Tgs Asas competitors higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Tgs Asa has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Profitability This table compares Tgs Asa and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tgs Asa N/A N/A N/A Tgs Asa Competitors -13.62% -14.68% 1.00% Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Tgs Asa shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 38.2% of shares of all Oil & Gas Equipment & Services companies are owned by institutional investors. 21.4% of shares of all Oil & Gas Equipment & Services companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Tgs Asa competitors beat Tgs Asa on 7 of the 13 factors compared. About Tgs Asa (Get Free Report) TGS ASA provides geoscience data products and services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. The company offers geophysical data, including multi-client seismic data; geological data comprising well data products, and interpretive studies and services; and interpretation products and data integration solutions. It also provides imaging services, which include depth and time imaging; marine, land, and ocean bottom nodes; and transition zone, multi component, and 4D time-lapse processing. The company was formerly known as TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA and changed its name to TGS ASA in June 2021. TGS ASA was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Receive News & Ratings for Tgs Asa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tgs Asa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verity Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 2.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 7,063 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Duke Energy were worth $634,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Norwood Financial Corp acquired a new position in Duke Energy during the second quarter valued at $27,000. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Duke Energy during the second quarter valued at $28,000. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN grew its stake in Duke Energy by 200.0% in the second quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 312 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in Duke Energy in the first quarter valued at about $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.68% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of DUK opened at $95.33 on Wednesday. Duke Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $83.06 and a 1 year high of $106.43. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $89.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $90.65. The stock has a market cap of $73.47 billion, a PE ratio of 60.72, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.45. Duke Energy Dividend Announcement Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.92 by $0.02. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.24% and a net margin of 4.47%. The firm had revenue of $7.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.13 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.78 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.59 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a $1.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.30%. Duke Energys payout ratio is 261.15%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Duke Energy from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Guggenheim decreased their target price on Duke Energy from $102.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Duke Energy from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. Mizuho cut their price target on Duke Energy from $92.00 to $91.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Duke Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $98.55. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on DUK Duke Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TruScreen included on the Vietnamese Ministry Of Health Approved Technical List Highlights: TruScreen included on the Vietnamese Ministry of Health approved Technical List The Technical Listing will simplify and shorten the procurement process for public hospitals. The Technical Listing will enable nationwide adoption of TruScreen in the public healthcare sector. TruScreen Group Limited (NZX/ASX:TRU) is pleased to advise that it has been included in the Vietnamese Ministry Of Health (MOH) approved Technical List. This significant milestone enables TruScreen to be used nationally from top level hospitals to community health centres. The listing reduces the need for individual hospitals to seek prior approval thereby shortening dramatically the procurement process. The MOH recognised the value of the Truescreen technology in accelerating the cervical cancer screening at lower public healthcare costs with greater innovative patient-focused approach. The listing by the MOH was based on extensive clinical evidence supporting TruScreen, positive feedback from local users at several levels of the public healthcare providers, including leading gynaecological hospital, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital. The Inclusion in the approved Technical List will allow our distributor Gorton Health Services (GHS) to expand distribution of the TruScreen AI-enable technology in Vietnam. CEO, Dr Beata Edling said: We are delighted that the Ministry of Health in Vietnam has approved TruScreen as the technology that will assist Vietnam in achieving the World Health Organisation targets in cervical cancer screening. The work of our partner in Vietnam, GHS, has prepared Truscreen for an accelerated national uptake. We congratulate GHS on their efforts and look forward to this new phase of growth development. This announcement has been approved by the Board. 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Related News: AFT broadens R&D pipeline with new product candidate ATM - Response to Synlait's market update announcement ENS - NZMDT DETERMINATION TWL and nChain agree to cancel agreement with settlement Accountant gets home detention for wage subsidy fraud BIF acquires shares in NewFish KMD Brands Trading Update NEF - Director Appointment: Neal Barclay FPH announces executive management team changes December 20th Morning Report SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid will bring a motion to Derry City and Strabane District Council to make Derry and Bethlehem Twin Cities. Councillor McDaid said the proposal was intended to show solidarity with people in Bethlehem and victims of violence in Palestine and Israel. She said it was important to show that people have not forgotten the horrors of the past few months. Councillor McDaid said: As the end of the year approaches we felt it was important to recognise the suffering that has destroyed so many lives in the Middle East over the past few months. "Derry is a city where people are no stranger to oppression and I believe that the coming together of these two historic places would be incredibly symbolic and send a powerful message of solidarity with the Palestinian people. It would also show that we will not forget the brutality which has been perpetrated against civilians in the region and remind us that many innocent people around the world could use our support at this time of year. "In the future this relationship could open the door to cultural and faith exchanges, possibly through the arts, music, and language, and create opportunities for our museums, academics, and researchers, while laying the foundations for economic advancement to the benefit of people in both Derry and Bethlehem. "I look forward to bringing this motion to council and repeat our call for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages to end the violence that has caused so much damage and cost thousands of lives." Prosecution counsel in the case of the only British soldier charged in connection with the Bloody Sunday killings in January 1972 has told a preliminary inquiry that statements by civilian witnesses who are deceased should be admissable as evidence. Soldier F who is charged with the murder of Jim Wray and William McKinney on January 30 1972 and five attempted murders of others involved in the civil rights march is facing the final stages of a preliminary inquiry to decide if he will be returned for trial. Today the prosecution argued that the statements of those deceased witnesses should be admitted and their 'reliability and fairness' assessed by the trial judge. He said that there was some 'fundamental' issues such as the fact that British soldiers entered Glenfada Park and fired shots. Citing the case of Patrick O'Donnell who was shot and wounded on Bloody Sunday and is now deceased the prosecution barrister said that his evidence 'was fundamentally consistent with other civilian and military statements.' He said that the argument that people could not be cross examined was simply the nature of hearsay evidence. The prosecution said that they would be seeking other hearsay statements regarding the aftermath of the shootings and the pathology reports. Defence counsel for Soldier F Mark Mulholland KC argued that a lot of the statements were unreliable. He cited one witness in particular who he said in a 1972 statement he talked of seeing 'three boys shot at the rubble barricade' but in his statement to the Saville Inquiry talked of one person being shot there. Mr Mulholland said this was a problem with admitting hearsay statements. The hearing continues. District Judge Ted Magill who is dealing with the PI has indicated he wants it concluded this week. The education budget in Northern Ireland needs an additional 291 million to address special educational needs and meet a funding gap with England and Wales, an independent review has found. The Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland, which was a key commitment in New Decade New Approach, raises major concerns of an ongoing funding crisis. It said education in Northern Ireland needs 155 million to address a funding gap with England and Wales while 136 million is needed to address the additional cost of having a considerably higher proportion of pupils with statements of special educational needs. Panel chairman Dr Keir Bloomer said education in Northern Ireland has suffered from years of underfunding. He said the report has far-reaching recommendations to radically reform the education landscape in the region. Dr Bloomer said: Our analysis shows that recurrent funding for the Department of Education has reduced in real terms by 145 million over the last 11 years while the pupil population increased by 7%. During that time, per-pupil funding reduced in real-terms by around 11%. These cuts are having a lasting and detrimental impact on learners, and need to be reversed. The panel also claimed funding in Northern Ireland is inequitable compared to other parts of the UK. Dr Bloomer said: The 2023/24 budget for the Department of Education, as announced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in April 2023, was 2.5% less than the prior year budget. This compares unfavourably to the 6.5% planned rise in the English schools budget. The report, which was published on Wednesday following two years of work, makes 25 recommendations, including that all learners should, by law, remain in education or apprenticeship/training until age 18. This could involve full-time education or training, or spending at least 20 hours per week working or volunteering while in part-time education or training. The report recommends the formation of a single unified department to oversee learning and skills by merging some of the responsibilities of the Department for the Economy with the Department of Education. The panel also concluded that further education should be reformed to reduce costs and support lifelong learning. This would involve simplifying the qualification system, expanding the number of university places and a single college governance model with fully integrated shared services operating via local campuses to replace the current regional colleges. In addition, it seeks the expansion of early-years education so that all two-year-olds receive up to 20 hours per week. Other key points among the 25 recommendations include the need to prioritise investment in education, promote learners learning together, reform the curriculum and increase the age of educational participation to 18. It also focuses on access to the curriculum for all pupils, the prospects of moving towards a single education system, securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, and raising standards. It recommends there should be a limit on the number of students transferring to post-primary schools based on academic criteria and increased flexibility for students to transfer to different institutions. The panel said there should be a new plan for the school network to promote greater community cohesion under a single strategic planning authority. This process could potentially create 177 new jointly managed community schools by merging schools from different sectors. This would result in one in five pupils enrolled in such schools by 2031. The panel recommends that all schools should take steps to ensure a greater mix of religious background in their pupil population. The report said the reformed network could generate maximum annual savings of approximately 100 million for reinvestment in education. The reform of the school network follows concern over the number of small schools in Northern Ireland, with more than 245 primary schools below minimum thresholds for pupils 21 of which had fewer than 30 pupils. The PSNI will have to take a new approach to dealing with paramilitary groups due to funding pressures, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has told MPs. During an appearance before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Mr Boutcher said he wanted to utilise all financial and legal possibilities to challenge the impact of terror groups on society in Northern Ireland. A recent report from the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) said that heightened vigilance against paramilitaries in Northern Ireland is needed, with 194 households currently homeless due to paramilitary threats. The report also said even though it has been over 25 years since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, paramilitarism represents a continuing threat to individuals and society. Mr Boutcher told the Westminster committee that among his first tasks since becoming chief constable were arranging meetings with the IRC and the multi-agency Paramilitary Crime Task Force. He said: I visited the task force, I sat down with all the different component parts, obviously we have got the National Crime Agency, Her Majestys Revenue and Customs involved, and looked at some of the end to end investigations to reassure myself that we are using every tool in the box to deal with these issues. There is a bit of test case around an unexplained wealth order and I am keen to make sure that we utilise all of those financial, legal opportunities to challenge and impact on these paramilitary groups. There is a real priority for me because they impact so disproportionately all the communities in which they operate, whether that be through intimidation, drugs, that we have a meaningful plan to deal with them. Mr Boutcher said neighbourhood policing was key to tackling the impact of paramilitarism. He said: Early interventions in those neighbourhoods of people who are being lured into paramilitary activity, often coercively, we have to have ears and eyes on the ground. That is why it is so important that we protect our neighbourhood policing. That is the uniform softer end of things, but the sophisticated side of dealing with these paramilitary groups the term I often use is the lawfully audacious way that we come up with ways to take these organisations down is something that I want to focus on. He said he had already discussed the issue with the head of the National Crime Agency and would be holding a further meeting. But he also said that funding pressures facing the force mean new ways to tackle paramilitarism would be needed. He said: We are going to have a 9% reduction in the task force, that means people, that means less policing, we have got to make sure that it remains a priority. We probably are going to have to think more outside the box about how we deal with these organisations. It is quite a few years on now from the Good Friday Agreement. We have reached a tipping point where I think we are going to have to take a new approach, we are in a different financial context and envelope about what we can do and cant do. For your reassurance, that is a focus for me. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said crunch talks between the main political parties and the Government on power sharing and funding for Northern Ireland are at a moment of truth. Speaking to reporters ahead of the final session of the three-day talks at Hillsborough Castle, Ms McDonald said the negotiations were drawing to a conclusion following productive exchanges. It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the Commons that the Government stands ready to legislate to ensure Northern Ireland remains part of the UKs internal market, but only if devolved government is restored. The Stormont Assembly and executive have been effectively collapsed for more than a year-and-a-half amid DUP protest action over unionist concerns around post-Brexit trading arrangements. The Northern Ireland Secretary has outlined a 2.5 billion package from the Government, including money to settle outstanding public sector pay demands, which is dependent on a restored power-sharing administration in Belfast. Ms McDonald told reporters: Were now at a decision-making point for the Treasury in terms of money and for the DUP in terms of power sharing. She said Northern Irelands institutions had to be properly funded and that public-sector workers needed fair pay. We are now at the moment of truth, a moment of decision. We are very, very determined that we have government that can deliver for every citizen, every person, here in the North. Ms McDonald said there was uniformity across all the parties in terms of the financial request from the Government. We need a similar unity in purpose and action in terms of getting the executive up and running. She said it was time for the DUP to make a decision on returning to power sharing. The plan and the purpose of all of this now is to get power sharing back up and running. We have set out the case very, very clearly to the British Government, very clearly to the Treasury of what is required financially to meet the needs of the North for public services, for fair pay for public sector workers, and we need a positive response to that. And the case for restoring power sharing is unanswerable at this stage, and weve equally made that case. HIGHLIGHTS If you are a budding business or even an established one, you should start relying on Instagram too. A personal Instagram account is pretty different from a Business account. Creating a Business account alone is just not enough, you need to take care of some basics too. Instagram is not just a picture-sharing platform anymore. As part of our everyday lives now, Instagram is a key player. This social media platform not only allows users to socialise, and share about their lives but also helps businesses grow. Have you heard about influencer marketing? Yes, that is a product of Instagram too. From big business houses to small homegrown businesses, everyone is taking the Instagram way to grow their business. According to Instagram, 63% of people feel that the social media platform allows them to make better connections with brands. Instagram allows both brands and their clients to interact. If you are a budding business or even an established one, you should start relying on Instagram too for good reach and marketing. And you should know that a personal Instagram account is pretty different from a Business account. And if you are looking to create a business account on Instagram, then you are just at the right place. Let me quickly tell you how you can create a business account on Instagram. Also read: How to create an Instagram account in 5 simple steps How to create an Instagram Business Account? Step 1: Lets start from the basics. Download the Instagram App from your smartphones app store, if not done already. You can even use the Instagram website to create a new account. Once this is done, click on Create New Account. Step 2: Now, you have to sign up on Instagram. While doing this, be extra careful. Use your business email ID, use your companys name, create a username related to your company, and set up a strong password. Also, if you already have a Facebook business page, then you can use that to create your Instagram account, that will be easier too. Step 3: Your account has now been created. You now have to convert this Instagram account into a business one. To do that, go to the profile section of your Instagram account. Just simply click on the bottom right icon, then when you reach your profile page click on the three lines on the top right corner. Then click on settings. From there select the Account option, then scroll down and select Switch to Professional Account. You will now be asked to describe yourself: as a creator or as a business. You can even describe your work niche. Select the Business option account here. You have an Instagram Business account which you can use to help grow your business. But there are a few other things that you need to take care of. Also read: Want to create a broadcast channel on Instagram? Heres how to do it What to do next? Creating a Business account alone is just not enough, you need to take care of some basics too before your account is fully ready. Step 1: Firstly, complete your profile. Add a profile picture, and bio, and add in your companys details. This would include information like a website, store hours, and contact information. Step 2: Remember I mentioned using your Facebook Business page to create your account? Well, if you havent done that, do it now. This is necessary because you need access to your Facebook Business page to be able to access certain business tools on Instagram. To do this: Go to your profile page, then click on the three horizontal lines on the top right corner, then click on Settings, then go to Business, and finally choose Connect a Facebook Page. Make sure that you are logged in to Facebook on the device that you are using at that point. Step 3: Now that you have taken care of all the basic requirements, start following people, invite your Facebook page followers to follow you on Instagram too, post content, and grow your business. That was the full guide for you to create a Business Instagram account. However, if you are not someone who wants to run a business through Instagram, heres how you can create a personal account. Taiwanese robot makers showcase key technologies at Japan's iREX event As the world's most important robot technology exhibition, the 2023 Tokyo International Robot Exhibition (iREX) is considered the largest in history. With the current global surge in automation demand, Japan stands out as a pioneer in robot technology and a top market scale-wise due to its severely aging population. This makes it a market that many companies are actively pursuing. In 2023, several prominent Taiwanese manufacturers attracted plenty of attention at iREX. Some secured long-term orders from major Japanese automakers and robot manufacturers while establishing technology development collaborations with Japanese electronics manufacturers. Reportedly, companies like Techman Robot (the world's number two collaborative robot (cobot) maker), Hiwin (which specializes in robot-related components), Touche Solutions, and LIPS all exhibited key technologies and showcased integrated solutions that garnered attention. Due to the increased demand for automation driven by the labor shortage, robot application scenarios have spread to various industries worldwide. For robot manufacturers and related businesses, delivering comprehensive solutions over individual machines to reduce the barrier to entry has become more crucial. In particular, integrating sensing technology to enhance a robot's perceptual capabilities has become especially mature and widespread in various industries, whether to improve the robot's accuracy, user-friendliness, or autonomous learning. In recent years, Techman Robot has emphasized AI vision as the core of its robots. It is currently the only robot brand that offers native vision and positioning capabilities. At iREX 2023, the company showcased a comprehensive AI cobot. Techman Robot's current automaker clients include major brands like Toyota and Germany's Continental. It's reported that the technology is capable of multi-angle AI defect detection to create production records, receiving praise from Japanese automakers. Touche Solutions has been cultivating touch-based robot technology for a long time and has developed a robot tactile "skin." Its products have made their way into companies like Japan's Kawasaki Robotics and Mitsubishi Electric. Through tactile sensing, the robot skin can enhance the safety of non-conventional collaborative robot arms, achieving effects similar to cobots. Touche Solutions has already developed over 20 specifications of robot skin, and its T-Skin robot received the 2023 Taiwan Excellence Award. iREX 2023 marked the company's first exhibition in Japan, where it secured long-term orders from various Japanese robotic arm manufacturers. As for Hiwin, it shared products and applications that include industrial robots and electric grippers and emphasized the concept of sustainable manufacturing. 3D vision provider LIPS showcased next-gen edge intelligence and low-latency 3D robot visual solutions. They introduced the LIPSedge 3D camera and 3D AI edge accelerator with edge computing capabilities, which have been adopted by several major Japanese companies. In recent years, the Japanese government has offered over US$930 million in funds to develop robot technology in key industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. Investments cover areas such as autonomous driving, aerospace robots, and next-gen robot research. Due to Japan's severely aging labor force and the need to improve its industrial digital transformation progress, significant business opportunities are emerging. It's expected that in the future, more funds will be invested in robotics and automation. On the other hand, Japanese investments in Taiwan have been consistently active in recent years, reaching a historic high of around US$1.7 billion in 2022. According to Taiwanese officials stationed in Japan, Taiwan plays a crucial role in smart manufacturing, with local companies excelling in integrating information and flexible production in the short term and providing customized smart solutions. Coupled with Taiwan's strengths in industries such as communication, electronics, and semiconductors, there is potential for the two sides to become strategic partners based on industrial complementary collaboration. Taiwan and Japan can work together to develop business opportunities in digital transformation, creating a secure and trustworthy supply chain ecosystem. While Japanese and European companies historically dominated the global robot industry, the situation has changed in recent years. Industry sources revealed that Taiwanese companies, which traditionally compete with South Korea and China in the mid-to-low-end product markets, are now finding more opportunities with Japanese manufacturers as they increasingly seek a balance between cost and quality. In the future, business opportunities for Taiwanese robot manufacturers will continue to grow. ASML and Samsung to invest KRW1 trillion to establish a joint semiconductor R&D center During the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the Netherlands, leaders including Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, visited the headquarters of ASML and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for various semiconductor collaborations. The MOU includes the establishment of a research and development center, research on hydrogen reuse technology, and talent cultivation. According to reports from South Korean media Hankyung and Chosun Biz, Samsung and ASML recently signed an MOU at the ASML headquarters in the Netherlands. Starting in 2024, they will invest KRW1 trillion (US$758 million) to establish and jointly operate a new-generation semiconductor R&D center. Park Chun-sul, Chief of the Economic Office at the South Korean Presidential Office, stated that the government will provide comprehensive support from the establishment to the operation of the research center. SK Hynix will collaborate with ASML on the R&D of hydrogen reuse technology for application in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment. Since EUV lithography equipment requires using a carbon dioxide laser to strike liquid tin droplets to generate a light source, hydrogen is needed to prevent tin oxidation. If the related technology is successfully commercialized, each EUV device could reduce costs by approximately KRW16.5 billion per year. The two countries also signed an MOU to jointly cultivate future semiconductor talents. South Korea, including institutions like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Chung-Ang University, and companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, will participate. The Netherlands will have institutions such as Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Imec in Belgium, ASML, ASM, and NXP participating. The goal is to cultivate about 500 advanced professionals, including master's and doctoral graduates. President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed that the South Korean government is committed to strengthening direct communication between the two nations and will provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the collaborative project. The aim is to fortify the South Korean and Dutch semiconductor alliance. During the visit, Yoon Suk-yeol, Lee Jae-yong, and Chey Tae-won also toured ASML's 2-nanometer semiconductor new-generation EUV equipment production line, marking ASML's first public disclosure of its cleanroom to external parties. Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) in South Korea highlighted that the collaboration between South Korea and the Netherlands in the semiconductor field has evolved into a strategic alliance. He anticipates that this partnership will be advantageous for South Korean manufacturers in obtaining EUV equipment from ASML. The U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot performs a demonstration over the Al Maktoum International Airport during the first day of the Dubai Airshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 13, 2023. Many coalition partners have expressed interest in the United States advanced platforms, including the F-35 Lightning II and the MQ-9 Reaper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jhade Herrera) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases X Help Keep Us From Drying Up We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways: On-demand earth imaging: Capella Space's SAR satellites and strategic collaborations Capella Space, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in data and satellite solutions for both government and commercial applications, has revealed its plans to launch two Acadia-generation satellites with SpaceX in 2024. Mission management and integration services will be provided by Exolaunch. Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, Capella's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites are designed to provide rapid, on-demand Earth imaging, regardless of time of day or weather conditions. This approach enables key applications such as monitoring infrastructure and supply chains, assessing disaster damage, and gaining agricultural and forestry insights. Capella's ground station operations involve partnerships with providers like AWS, ensuring rapid downlinking and utilizing a highly automated processing pipeline. Customers can request images for testing, and the company takes a picture of the specified location. Impressively, 95% of images reach customers within eight hours, with most delivered within three to four hours. Human intervention is minimal, ensuring a seamless process of quality assurance and delivery to customers, who receive notifications via email with a link to retrieve their new images. Capella's imagery captures the Jiuquan Launch Center where China launched its new commercial CERES-1 rocket. Addressing privacy concerns, one representative of Capella Space clarified that its satellite imagery, with a resolution of 50 centimeters, is not detailed enough to identify individuals. Capella Space has established strategic partnerships with various US government agencies, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), the US Air Force, the US Navy, and the US Space Force. While the primary focus is on serving the US government, the company collaborates with governments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region for applications beyond defense, such as disaster response and monitoring. Regarding clientele, defense remains a primary industry focus, followed by collaborations with private sectors, including mining, agriculture, and insurance. The company also engages with non-profit organizations, offering open data programs and humanitarian efforts in response to disasters. In addition to its collaboration with SpaceX for the upcoming satellite launches, Capella Space will continue working with Rocket Lab to deploy satellites into orbit. The company acknowledges the challenges inherent in space endeavors, despite the recent failure during a Rocket Lab launch. However, Capella emphasizes the importance of maintaining a large satellite constellation in space to mitigate risks and ensure the continuity of its advanced Earth observation solutions. Mexican government greenlights Tesla's gigafactory construction Tesla can officially start building a gigafactory in Mexico, according to the Mexican government. The plant is expected to make the US$25,000 EV, the company's more affordable vehicle demanded by the slowing market. According to Mexico-based Milenio, the country's federal environment ministry notified Tesla's legal representative in Mexico on December 11 that the government has approved land-use permits for the project. The factory is located in Nuevo Leon, a northern state of Mexico. Reuters reported that the site will occupy about 645 acres of land. In October, Nuevo Leon governor Samuel Garcia said that Tesla and its suppliers will likely bring in US$15 billion of investment in the area. The gigafactory in Mexico reportedly will begin production in 2025 and aims to produce one million cars annually. According to US-based Teslarati, the plant is expected to manufacture Tesla's more affordable EV with a price tag of around US$25,000. The vehicle will better meet consumer's needs as the demand for premium EVs has decelerated. DIGITIMES Research said Tesla's Mexico plant is larger and has a higher production capacity than its factory in Shanghai. With the US EV market's potential, Tesla can expand its footprint in Mexico in the long term. According to Reuters, although Tesla has yet to reveal the capital expenditure for the Mexican plant, the Nuevo Leon government said the project would cost over US$5 billion. The state government plans to spend over US$130 million building infrastructure like an electric power substation and roads. Mexico has risen to be the world's seventh largest car producer, according to DIGITIMES Research. The country makes more than three million cars per year and exports 90% of them. Approximately 85% of the vehicle exports go to the US. Jessie Lin, senior analyst with DIGITIMES Research, said the tension between the US and China makes Tesla bring its production back to North America. Manufacturing in Mexico can enjoy the tax benefits as the country signed the North American Free Trade Agreement. Moreover, transporting products from Mexico to the US is convenient. The US EV market holds much potential. DIGITIMES Research estimated that the market will see 8.5 million EVs by 2030, providing Tesla tremendous space to seek further growth in North America. De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has taken its place on the world stage for the past 12 days as the COP 28 climate conference talks reached their conclusion in Dubai. DMU were official observers at what were the most important climate talks in decades as a new deal was struck between nations, calling on all countries to move away from using fossil fuels. Our postgraduate students and academics have had a front row seat to the negotiations, debates and meetings taking place among the 198 nations while back on campus in Leicester, students and staff took part in a series of climate action events. DMU was the only UK university to have its own pavilion in the COP28 Blue Zone, where the official negotiations take place. It is also the only UK university to be a United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) global hub representing SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington said: DMU has been playing its role on the world stage for the past 12 days and I could not be more proud. We have taken our place at the top table at a world event and that is where I want this university to be positioned. Our delegation has made important contacts and held exciting conversations with influential organisations and I am hopeful some of this will bear future for this university. There is now much work to be done to build on COP 28 and create a real legacy. A delegation of senior leaders, academics, and researchers contributed their expertise during the talks. It has also been an opportunity for high-level talks between DMU and governments, royalty, fellow universities and other universities and NGOs, while visitors to the pavilion included: The King of Malawi HRM Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani met with Professor Raffaella Villa and researcher Ogemdi Anika to discuss their biogas research and its possible adaptions in his primarily agricultural country. Nigerias Minister for Youth Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim met with PhD student Abi Okoya to discuss her work on building capacity within the countrys universities to upskill students to provide innovate and entrepreneurial solutions to plastic waste. A delegation from Mongolia also had talks with researcher Jennifer Dranttel about her work on using mycelium in the lining of traditional gers, or yurts, to cut out harmful pollution DMUs pavilion also staged talks between the C40 Cities organisation, which are represented with governments in the official negotiations on climate action in urban areas, and held joint research events with the UK Science and Innovation Network, University of Miami and the UK Universities Climate Change Network. There were meetings with representatives of other universities throughout the potential working together on partnerships, projects, and collaborations. PVC International Simon Bradbury met with Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Dr Lipeka Deka met with the British government minister Stephen Barclay, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. VC Katie Normington met Sir Steve Smith, the UK Governments International Education Champion. Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola and PhD student Abi Okoya whose work focuses on capacity building in Nigeria, also met with the President of Nigeria, the countrys Minister for the Environment; Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on the Sustainable Development Goals, and Nigerian Princess HE Toyin Ojora Saraki, President of the Well-Being Foundation Africa, to discuss their work in the country and potential projects in the future. Professor Oyinlola, the Director of the Institute for Energy and Sustainable Development, added: COP 28 has been very successful. We have been able to connect with and speak to some very high-profile people in the Nigerian government, including the President. I am looking forward to some significant outcomes and work on projects that will build capacity and bring significant impact and affect peoples lives. More than 500 students and staff supported events in DMUs Leicester campus, which included working with the Canals and River Trust to clean up the River Soar, to welcoming green SMEs to campus to share their business journey, a Question Time-style event for first time voters, providing free breakfasts for cyclist commuters and the DMU Climate Awards, recognising research and public engagement that helps the planet. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. AN UNAUTHORISED meat processing plant in Co Louth was among a number of food businesses around the country issued with closure orders during the month of November. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported on Tuesday morning that ten enforcement orders were served on food businesses last month for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The unauthorised meat-cutting business was operating from a premises in Blackrock, Co Louth, and was ordered to close with immediate effect by an authorised officer of Louth County Council under the FSAI Act, 1998. According to the closure order, issued on November 24; "the establishment was operating as a meat cutting plant, also producing meat preparations and meat products, without approval from the competent authority and as such was not subject to the required official controls to verify compliance with food law." No hot or cold running water facilities were available on site for hand-washing or equipment sanitization, and no records were kept of cleaning and sanitation, temperature control, pest control or training. "The overall condition of the premises and manner of operation poses a serious risk of food contamination and presented a grave and immediate danger to public health," the closure order read. Five more closure orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on establishments in Kerry, Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Sligo. Three closure orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on two Limerick city-based takeaway restaurants and one in Co Meath, while one prohibition order was served to a bakery in Tipperary. Some of the reasons for these enforcement orders in November include evidence that people were living and sleeping in the food preparation area; dead mice found in the ingredient storage area which is a part of the food production area; ongoing cockroach infestations; large food storage containers found to be covered in food debris, dirt and cobwebs; evidence of mould and mildew on a chip storage container and on the chip scoops, and evidence that food infested by rodent droppings was placed on the market. Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of FSAI, emphasised the need for all food businesses to take responsibility and commit to their legal obligation to comply with food law, ensuring that there is a strong food safety culture in their business. "Food law requires all food businesses to be notified to the relevant competent authority prior to operating. This requirement ensures that food businesses will be registered and/or approved with the appropriate inspection agency to ensure food safety and protect consumer health," Dr Byrne said. "Every food business must have a food safety management system in place to protect consumers health and prevent instances, such as those seen in the Enforcement Orders in November. Each business must also have a positive food safety culture embedded within it. Failure to comply with basic food safety legal requirements is not only a potential risk to public health, but also a risk to the food businesss reputation if things go wrong," she continued. Fianna Fail Senator in Louth and Seanad Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed Cabinet approval of Committee Stage Amendments to the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022. The approval includes new provisions in respect of the regulation of international surrogacy agreements and the recognition of certain past surrogacy arrangements. It is intended that the finalised approved legislative provisions relating to international surrogacy will be included in the Bill at the next stage, Committee Stage, as well as measures to allow the possibility for retrospective recognition of parentage in respect of domestic and international surrogacy arrangements. Senator McGreehan said: The progression of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is hugely welcome. "I have worked very closely on the legislation, having worked on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy. "It is complex and far-reaching and will, for the first time, encompass regulation on a wide range of areas related to assisted human reproduction. The Bill is the first Bill globally that we are aware of that will regulate for domestic and international surrogacy. "It will set out a process for future surrogacy both here In Ireland and internationally and, critically, provide a pathway for retrospective parenthood. "It is so important for these children and these parents that have been advocating for this and looking for this for a very long time." This is a good day for children and families and the priority now must be on progressing this legislation as early as possible in the new year as a priority. Green Party Senators have put forward a motion calling on the government to extend scalp cooling technology to all people receiving cancer treatment. The motion is calling for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda to have the hair retaining service extended to it. Senator Pauline OReilly, Chair of the Green Party and the Green Party MEP candidate for Midlands North West for the upcoming European Elections, said it is important to many people going through cancer treatment that they retain as much hair as possible. Currently, only seven hospitals offer scalp cooling treatment which, Senator OReilly says, is an increasingly effective method of preventing hair loss for those undergoing certain types of chemotherapy. Senator OReilly says that it is essential that this service is extended to all 26 public hospitals providing anti-cancer therapies in Ireland. The motion calling for an extension of scalp cooling services across all public hospitals is before the Seanad today and is being put forward by Green Party Senators Pauline OReilly, Roisin Garvey, and Vincent P. Martin. Senator OReilly said: Keeping your hair during cancer treatment shouldnt be a matter of geography. People living in Louth or receiving treatment there shouldnt be at a disadvantage to other areas. Losing your hair through cancer treatments is often one of the most difficult side effects that people have to deal with. For many people, and women in particular, their hair is an important part of who they are and retaining it can help them retain their dignity during a very difficult time. When given the option, many people will choose to use the cold cap treatment and what we want is all hospitals who treat cancer to offer this service. We hope the government will look positively on this proposal. The Annual Louth GAA convention was barely twenty minutes underway when the most hotly anticipated item on the evenings agenda came up for discussion on Tuesday night. Childrens Officer Dermot Clark announced that he had received a communication from Croke Park that was to be read to the meeting. The letter began by stating that the Central Council representatives of the new Louth Stadium Committee wished to address what they said were inaccuracies presented in the recent interview with the Louth GAA chairperson Peter Fitzpatrick published in the Irish Independent, Argus and Drogheda Independent. The letter went on to detail the key inaccuracies that need to be addressed, saying that Croke Park were always at the table and have been actively been involved in the Louth Stadium project since December 2022. It also claimed that had Louth GAA proceeded in July with the stadium build, funding would not have been sufficient to cover the extensive expenses, including the payment to the contractors and design team. The letter further stated that the re-tendering of the project will be contingent upon the resumption of donor proceeds from the Louth Stadium project by INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service). Additionally, it said, the phase one design must be reviewed and costed to align with the budget constraints of Louth GAA. Finally, it claimed that there were incidents where requests to postpone the opening of tenders, and instructions to cease all works issued on 14th July were disregarded or inaccurately communicated. The central council reps said that going forward, it was their intention to engage in open dialogue with the Louth County Committee early in the New Year to rectify these misunderstandings and shed light on the efforts undertaken by the committee thus far. Taking the mic to address the letter, outgoing County Chairman Peter Fitzpatrick gave a robust response and said he would not apologise for pushing Croke Park to get a new stadium in Louth after waiting 65 years. He said he was no longer a member of the committee, which meant there are no shackles on me. I think its very important that the people of Louth know what is happening at the moment, he said, adding, I think Croke Park is totally and utterly wrong. I was elected to the Central Council back there last year to represent Louth and I will be honest with you, in the last twelve months Ive been a torn in their side. Outlining his frustrations with headquarters, Fitzpatrick said that: I have never or will ever look for a top job in Croke Park, my only reason for being in Croke Park is to fight Croke Park. I am fed up for the last 65 years. No matter what happens in Louth, we always seem to be the bridesmaids and neve the brides and I really really am getting sick of it. You go back to 2010 and look at the way Croke Park treated Louth. We dont seem to have a voice up there and to me, and Ill say it openly, theres a clique in Croke Park He continued: I was at a central council meeting in July and I swear, red rag to a bull [sic], they mentioned two million going to New York, Larry McCarthy (GAA President), mentioned eighteen million going to Casement Park, mentioned money going to Kildare, Waterford, Meath. I asked whats happening Louth, do you know what they said back to me? Under consideration. Louth, Hyde Park and Semple are under consideration. Fitzpatrick also brought up a letter sent by a named individual in the middle of the year, saying it was the biggest problem we had in dealing with Croke Park, saying that stalled the whole situation. The letter raised a number of questions about Ground Stabilisation and the financing of the project. The outgoing chairman finished by saying it was imperative that everyone on the committee and Louth GAA generally work together to get the new stadium. When the floor was opened to the delegates Des McDonald of St. Nicholas took issue with what he said was the singling out of one man (who wrote the letter) and saying he was the only reason we didnt get funding from Croke Park. He called on Fitzpatrick to retract his statement and further stated, if I was sitting in Croke Park, I wouldnt give Louth any funding either. No one knows whats going on. You were bringing stuff up here that this room has never heard before. If the people in this room had of heard half the stuff that was going on, you might have had backing here. We need to get our house in order here, all the clubs, he said. He concluded by saying that he had no problem with you [Fitzpatrick] getting up here to defend yourself. In response Peter Fitzpatrick said that he had been gagged by Croke Park in how much of the information he could relay, but now that he was stepping down from official positions he could speak more freely and that as far as he was concerned we do have our house in order and that he was not singling out one individual but merely repeating information that was in the public domain. From the floor Cooleys Brian Rafferty asked the outgoing Chairman if he thought it was helpful for him to get up and say these things about Croke Park, adding we cant go ahead with this stadium without Croke Parks backing and I dont think its helpful that youre up there saying such bad things about Croke Park, at the end of the day, without them we wont have a stadium. In response, Peter Fitzpatrick said he wouldnt be chairman after tonights meeting and that the new chairman would be able to deal with Croke Park. Similarly, from the top table Dermot Clarke referenced the letter sent by the named person and said, Yous as a management committee, the infrastructure committee that was looking after the stadium, received a letter from 9th June warning against proceeding with the proposed signing of the letter of intent with the construction company, etc. That was on 9th June [the letter] that went out to clubs happened on 27th June, so we were told long before [the letter] to stop. He went on to say that some of the Chairmans words were not helpful and that the issue of IIP money and the Department of Justice was very sensitive. He concluded by saying the new management committee will need to work with Croke Park and as their letter states headquarters was willing to do so. In response Fitzpatrick said that if he was being honest I dont trust Croke Park going on to say that he was initially told by Dublin that there was 5-6 million available for the stadium and then was subsequently told at a meeting on 18th July that that money was never there. He said that Louth was treated as a small fish in a big pond and that he felt that Croke Park was a talk shop adding its jobs for the boys up in Croke Park. He said he hoped the next chairman and central council rep would be strong with Croke Park but acknowledged they would all have to work together. Dermot Clarke replied that, John Horan has said that Croke Park will be behind us, the big thing is that we get INIS to approve what we have to get done and the money starts coming forward, adding that it was now in the hands of the Department of Justice, but that, Weve addressed all the issues. Fitzpatrick reiterated that what he was doing with his comments was throwing down the gauntlet to Croke Park to act and said he felt being told Louth Stadium was under consideration was a warning and he wanted to flush Croke Park out and I want Croke Park to support the new stadium. From the floor Pat OBrien of the Sean OMahonys said that history would look favourably on the actions of Mr. Fitzpatrick as, unlike others in his position previously, he had the balls to take on the challenge of building a new stadium. This sentiment was met with considerable applause in the room. Meanwhile Paul Murtagh of Mochtas said that while he agreed with 90% of what Pat OBrien said he felt that you (Fitzpatrick) shouldnt have come out tonight [because] it looks like youre bitter against Croke Park, because youve done such great work. He said it was sad to see the top table questioning the chairman, saying it had been going on for twelve months and was toxic adding its all over the internet. every time you look it up, someone is saying something about the chairman, someone is saying something about the secretary, its gone toxic. He said he was delighted Fitzpatrick was leaving for your own good and health after the pressure you have been under. He finished by thanking him for his service and by saying the new chairman needed to clean the slate and make it a priority to inform the people of Louth about what was going on. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin heaped praise on David Cameron after the pair met for the first time, but acknowledged divisions on the crisis in Gaza. The pair met in London on Wednesday, amid the backdrop of efforts to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland and growing international concern over the killing of civilians as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas. Mr Martin, like Lord Cameron a former prime minister, resisted any suggestion that he had used the meeting to pressure the UK Government to shift its position to back a ceasefire. Ireland has been among the most vocal European countries in criticising the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and calling for an end to hostilities. We used the occasion to give our perspectives, which are different. And also to explore and discuss the issue, Mr Martin told reporters after he left the lunchtime meeting. The Irish deputy premier said that Lord Cameron articulated the UK Governments perspective on this and their view in terms of how they feel this can be resolved. David Cameron has been to the Middle East, he is going again to talk with Egypt and other states. So I think we each have respective positions on this. Alongside discussing efforts to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the pair also discussed what would a political pathway look like out of the conflict. The Irish foreign affairs minister did not put a timeframe on when he hoped powersharing could be restored, but indicated that it was up to the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to make a decision on the 2.5 billion package offered by the UK Government as part of its bid to restore Stormont. We await the outcome of the discussions this week in respect of the financial arrangements for Northern Ireland which are taking place separate to the more specific ones on the Windsor Framework. So, the DUP will have to make a decision on that obviously, but from what I have seen I think progress has been made, and I think the people of Northern Ireland need a government, he said. His arrival in London came after a week of high drama in Westminster that saw Rishi Sunak bidding to win over would-be rebels and restive Tory MPs to back his Rwanda plan in its first Commons vote. Some MPs pushed the Prime Minister to take a more hardline stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, but those calls have prompted concern that any such move could jeopardise obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Asked by reporters about such calls, Mr Martin said that he and Lord Cameron did discuss the broader issue of migration. Ireland has very strong views in terms of the ECHR and in terms of the degree to which human rights were embedded into the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement. And we remain committed to that. Stressing the need to work collectively to tackle the origin of migration, he said: It has been a very significant political issue in Britain for quite a long time. Thirty years ago this week, the UK and Ireland signed the Downing Street Declaration, a historic agreement that set us on the path to peace. Today, we continue to work together to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. Great to host Tanaiste @MichealMartinTD in pic.twitter.com/abeTYcFbWA David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 13, 2023 It is arguable that migration gave rise to Brexit for example. And I think it is going to be a significant feature across Europe into the future. But we have got to respond, understanding the origins of this and do the best we can to manage the situation in a humane and pragmatic way. The visit came 30 years after former Irish taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former prime minister John Major agreed the Downing Street Declaration, a key step in the peace process. The Tanaiste said he welcomed the return of someone with Lord Camerons experience, who he said as prime minister cared about the Irish-British relationship. He cared enough about the relationship, it was in a very strong position by the time he had left. I do feel that he gets it, and very evident from the lunch today we are dealing with a very experienced leader and politician who understands the way the world works and who is still very committed and very engaged so I think that is positive. Lord Cameron, in a post on social media, said: Thirty years ago this week, the UK and Ireland signed the Downing Street Declaration, a historic agreement that set us on the path to peace. Today, we continue to work together to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. He said it was great to host Mr Martin to discuss cooperation on key international issues, including our support for Ukraine. MBABANE After just three months of ESCCOM announcing a revision for content guidelines, Sabelo Dlamini, EBIS Director has affirmed that the radio station has been compliant with the guidelines thus far. With the revision and August update of the broadcasting guidelines 2022, all radio and TV networks in the country are now mandated to air 60 per cent local content. This decision aligns with Section 32 of the Eswatini Communications Commission Act, 2013, which tasks the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) with regulating and overseeing the provision of radio and television broadcasting services and their associated content. ESCCOM, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the communications sector in Eswatini, including telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, and radio spectrum allocation, derives its authority from the Swaziland Communications Commission Act no. 10 of 2013. Established on July 31, 2013, the commission assumed regulatory powers from the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) and Eswatini Television Authority (Eswatini TV).The primary role of a regulator is to ensure the proper functioning of the sector and protect the interests of consumers and other stakeholders in an equitable manner. An effective regulator is crucial for ensuring fair market entry, compliance with existing regulations, and enforcement. Governments must foster an environment conducive to good governance and regulatory success to achieve this. Independence is a pivotal attribute for an effective regulator. However, the effectiveness of a regulator extends beyond structural and financial independence. It also depends on achieving successful functionality, ideally in an independent and autonomous manner. Additionally, an effective regulator should demonstrate accountability, transparency, and predictability. In light of these regulations, EBIS is compliant with the Act, with programmes such as the top 20 chart, striving to achieve the 60 per cent local content benchmark, considering factors such as airplay, popularity, and listener requests. Bongani DJ Tizalami Dube, a host of the top 20 chart show on EBIS 2 FM, highlighted that their show predominantly features local content, which has been a consistent practice. In a recent weekly music chart show, approximately 70 per cent of the songs were local, including tracks by artists such as; YoungZesh, !Sooks, iYA, Manana, and Uncle Waffles. Furthermore, Channel Yemaswati has been exceeding the 60 per cent local content requirement, with a focus on broadcasting 90 per cent local content, since its inception. The station emphasises human interest stories within the kingdom, catering to its niche market. Following the issuance of the Broadcasting (Content) Guidelines 2022, local radio stations and programmes have demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the outlined guidelines. Section 7 of the guidelines, outlines obligations pertaining to broadcasting services, including the requirement for commercial broadcast licenses to air a minimum of 30 per cent local content, and for community broadcasters to ensure that 70 per cent of the content addresses community issues and needs. Notably, public broadcast licenses must ensure that 70 per cent of local content aired, is produced and supplied by independent local producers, while commercial broadcasters must ensure at least 40 per cent of their content is local. These guidelines play a vital role in shaping the broadcasting landscape and promoting local content. So what does this really mean? It is worth noting that, this applies to both radio and television. The guidelines define local content as the total of all television or radio programmes, which meet at least five of the following conditions; The production is made in either Eswatinis indigenous or official languages; All, or a majority, of the production and post-production is done in Eswatini; The content deals with issues that are unique and relevant to Eswatini audiences; At least 60 per cent of the actors, leading cast, major supporting cast, major technical crew, and production crew members are emaSwati; The location of shooting, in case of audio visual programmes or performance was wholly or partly in Eswatini; The authors of the programme are emaSwati (whether or not the program is produced in conjunction with a co-producer, an executive producer or director who is not liSwati) The production company producing the programme should be based in Eswatini, employing more than 60 per cent of emaSwati, and be wholly owned by emaSwati, or have at least 50 per cent shareholding. In neighbouring countries like South Africa (SA) some of the broadcasters have kept a 90 per cent local content ratio, when it comes to content that they broadcast. For example public broadcaster SABC, airs 90 per cent local music across its 18 radio stations; this began back in May 12, 2016. This increase in the numbers set for the network, was said to be an action legislated to help local artists to get the recognition and support internally. Questions yet to be answered are, why has the regulation been set to a higher content than before? Are all broadcasters aware of this change? and what measures are they going to take to ensure that the content they broadcast complies with the guidelines in the different categories like; programming, music and news? Also if they think that this will be an advantage or disadvantage to them. MBABANE I am the owner of the car. A businessman, Noah Nyawo, has come out to clear the speculations about the circulating videos of flamboyant cars on social media, following that some people claimed that His Majesty King III allegedly bought the cars as gifts for Emazinyane, amid the drugs shortage in health facilities. Nyawo said the blue Lamborghini belonged to him, not Emazinyane as some had speculated. The car was found parked inside a garage at his home. This comes after government clarified that the cars were sponsored by friends of Prince Majaha, the Gcaba brothers, who are transport moguls from KwaZulu-Natal. Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said the circulating social media posts suggesting that His Majesty allegedly bought the cars was misinformation and misrepresentation of facts. The distortion of the facts around the birthday celebration of Prince Majaha, is yet another desperate attempt at sowing discord within the nation and should be outrightly rejected as crude propaganda perpetuated by the hostile political elements, which have an agenda against the country and royalty in particular, Nxumalo said. The Gcaba brothers, according to Buzz South Africa, are members of a prominent Gcaba family from Umlazi, South Africa. The family owns multiple businesses, with the taxi business being their major business venture. Following peoples reactions, some disputing governments clarification on the matter, this publication went on to seek the real owners of the car. Nyawo was identified as one of the owners of the cars, the Lamborghini Huracan, which was found parked at his homestead. According to Kelly blue book website, the Lamborghini huracan 2017 model cost around US$200 000 which is equivalent to E3 816 000. He stated that the social media posts were not true and were merely distortions of facts. According to Nyawo, the car belongs to the Nyawo family and is not new, as some would suggest. He admitted that the car was a 2017 model and any information which suggests that His Majesty bought the car was false. This is a 2017 model and you cannot find a 2023 Lamborghini model anywhere. Most of the time you will find the cars without number plates and some would suggest that they are new, which is not true, Nyawo said. Facts Adding, he further clarified ownership of the other luxury cars, saying that the Gcaba brothers wanted to meet the individual who circulated the wrong information on social media. Nyawo explained that the Gcaba brothers did not want their names to be associated with wrong information, lacking facts. These people do not like seeing unverified information being spread. This person, wherever he is, must know that they are looking for him, to answer for the false information, he said. He went on to state that some people spread unverified information to drive a certain narrative, which is wrong and must never be allowed. According to Nyawo, the people writing on social media must not abuse their independence. He mentioned that people could be independent when expressing their views, but when talking about other people, there must be evidence. The businessman said emaSwati must know that they were responsible for what they wrote. Meanwhile, Nxumalo, in his statement, said the intention was obviously to create the perception that royalty was being extravagant in the midst of so many national challenges, hence, the argument of lack of drugs in hospitals as if drugs in hospitals were bought by royalty. He stated that drugs were bought by government, not the royalty and they had seized the opportunity of addressing the issue, with a team that had been commissioned to invigorate and rectify the issue. Also, drugs shortages in hospitals are a by-product of corruption and theft, not Ferraris which were never bought by the King for Emazinyane in the first place, he said. EMPLOYEES at Ballincolligs VMware are facing a Christmas bombshell as 364 redundancies have been proposed for the company in Ireland. It comes as US-based global firm Broadcom announced it had completed its acquisition of VMware last month and employees received correspondence informing them of organisational changes and possible redundancies. The most recent letter sent to staff stated: We are proposing to make headcount reductions in order to simplify the organisation structure by introducing clear lines of accountability and streamlining processes. We have provisionally identified that certain functions and positions will not be required as a result of the ability to take advantage of group resources and synergies. VMware employs more than 1,000 people in Ireland, with most of these in Cork. People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry called it a Christmas bombshell in the Dail yesterday. The new owners of VMware are proposing 364 redundancies that is one job in every three. "How can a family enjoy their Christmas when their job is on the line like this and the new year is threatened by the spectre of unemployment, he asked. In response, Leo Varadkar said that VMware got in touch with Employment Minster Simon Coveney yesterday, and that they told him that the company will seek to avoid the proposed redundancies, where possible, and will explore that in the consultation process with staff. The IDA will work with the local leadership team to understand the skills profile of the affected employees and to match that with existing or target client skills requirements, Mr Varadkar added. Mr Coveney told The Echo : This is a significant blow to the workforce in VMware as a result of a merger. My thoughts are with the workers and their families. The IDA will now engage with the company as the collective redundancy process progresses through the 30-day consultation period. It is important to note that the workers involved are highly skilled and are likely to be sought after elsewhere in the broader economy. There are also a range of Government supports available to anyone who is being made redundant, including assisting with appropriate training and development opportunities and income supports. VMware said employees would be retained on performance, skills, and expertise. The company stated that consultation will take place on alternatives to the redundancies, ways in which we might reduce the redundancies, how we can mitigate the impact on employees ... the proposed make-up of the pools from which we select employees ... selection criteria and method of selecting employees for redundancy. REDUNDANCIES The headcount reductions are expected to take effect between February 9, 2024, for those employees required to work through a transition period, up to October 31. People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry (inset) said of the VMware job losses: How can a family enjoy their Christmas when their job is on the line like this and the new year is threatened by the spectre of unemployment?. Green Party councillor Collette Finn told The Echo: At this time of year, coming up to Christmas, it must be an awful worry for people we just have to try and see if other jobs can be attracted into the area. Fine Gaels Garrett Kelleher added: The employees of VMware play a key role in the local community and economy here in Ballincollig, including regularly sending teams out to work voluntarily on projects with local organisations, such as Ballincollig Tidy Towns, for the betterment of our local community. Fine Gael councillor Derry Canty said: We expected the company to keep growing and growing, so to get this news, so close to Christmas week, is just terrible. Fergal Dennehy, of Fianna Fail, said: Particularly for a company where we expected expansion and growth in the region of 200 additional jobs, to see a reversal of that is bad for the economy. A young man who overcame childhood adversity to get 505 points in his Leaving Cert and study science in college but got involved in a litany of recent crimes was told by the judge If you were sober you could have an excellent life. Judge Mary Dorgan said to 26-year-old Daniel Ciemiega of no fixed address as she sentenced him to a total of four months in prison, You have intelligence. What has happened is your whole life has broken down because of your addiction issues. I hope you get to be clean and move away from your present life. I have every hope that you will do so. Joseph Cuddigan, solicitor, said the young man who came to Ireland from Poland at the age of 13 is a very bright man. Mr Cuddigan said Mr Ciemiega had overcome very challenging childhood circumstances to get 505 points in his Leaving Cert and do three years of a chemical bio-pharmacy degree and only has one more year to do. Mr Cuddigan said the accused was very anxious to put these matters behind him so that he could return to college. On that point, Judge Dorgan said to the young man who appeared by video link from prison, Because you are intelligent I have every hope that you will do so. The four-month sentence, made up of a number of sentences, was for a series of recent crimes including burglary, public order offences and obstructing a drugs search. Sergeant Gearoid Davis outlined the background to the series of events, out of which the accused man pleaded guilty to several charges. At lunchtime on Wednesday, August 23 there was a burglary at Abbey Court House, Georges Quay, Cork. The defendant entered the building at 1.30 pm and got a lift to the second floor the office of the Department of Social Welfare. He placed his hands under the Perspex on the desk and moved his hands around. He then took off his shoes and climbed over the Perspex into the staff area. He placed a high-vis jacket on and had an identity tag for a member of staff in his hand. He looked through a desk. He was stopped by a member of staff and he left the building," Garda Davis said. Two days later he was arrested. He resisted and ran, after kicking out at Garda Emer McCarthy at Mardyke Walk, Cork. On August 7 the same defendants home at Watergrasshill was searched under warrant. As soon as the guards arrived, he picked up a grinder and shook the contents into his hand and threw it out the window. He pleaded guilty to obstructing a drugs search arising out of that. He had 19 previous convictions for having drugs for his own use, two for obstructing drugs searches and three for drug-dealing. At 6 pm on September 9 Garda Ross Broekhuizen encountered him by the war memorial on South Mall and asked him his name and he replied, Im not telling you anything fuck off. As he was being arrested he violently lashed out, punching and kicking Garda Broekhuizen. The guard got him onto the ground and called for assistance. He restrained him until assistance arrived and Mr Ciemiega was taken to the Bridewell. A Dublin man confessed to gardai that he was responsible for the recent epidemic of heroin overdoses in Cork. That was the allegation made by Detective Garda Derry OBrien who arrested 30-year-old Josh McGuinness of no fixed address and originally of Harmonstown Road, Raheney, Dublin. Mr McGuinness was brought before Cork District Court today charged with dealing heroin and cocaine on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. Det Garda OBrien gave evidence of the accused man being questioned during his detention: Mr McGuinness made admissions in relation to knowing that deals being sold were to blame for the recent epidemic of overdoses in Cork city area over the past week. Josh McGuinness was arrested on Tuesday morning, December 12, and charged with four counts, namely being in possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and cocaine for his own use and having both drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused was applying for bail and was willing to comply with all directions that might be imposed. He said he would go back to live in Raheney, keep a curfew and stay outside County Cork. Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and remanded the accused man in custody until December 20. Everyone is entitled to their freedom and the presumption of innocence. He was caught red-handed and it is alleged that he made admissions to being responsible for the recent epidemic of overdoses, Judge Dorgan said. During the objection to bail, Det Garda OBrien said the accused had a severe crack cocaine addiction that extended to consuming 15 to 20 deals of the drug per day at a daily cost of 600. The detective said the accused was stopped and searched and found in possession of heroin valued 2,000 and cocaine worth 1,000 and that the drugs were broken down into deal-sized bags, ready for sale and distribution in Cork city centre. The cocaine he was allegedly dealing was described as crack cocaine in 34 individual deals; along with 21 deals of heroin. The defendant got into the witness box at Cork District Court in his application for bail. Mr Burke put to the accused the concerns the gardai had about him committing further crimes if granted bail. He replied: No, it is not going to happen. However, the application was refused and on the application of Sergeant Aisling Murphy, Judge Dorgan remanded Mr McGuinness in custody until December 20. A man is spending his 40th birthday in prison because he was so desperate for alcohol that he walked into a supermarket twice and drank a bottle of vodka off the shelf without paying. His previous record of offending was described by the sentencing judge as shocking. Sergeant John Kelleher said Roy OCallaghan, of Bridgefield Close, Curraheen, Cork, has 262 previous convictions, 92 of them for being drunk and a danger, and 70 for theft. Sgt Kelleher said that on September 27, Roy OCallaghan went to Tesco in Wilton Shopping Centre and took a 13 bottle of Huzzar vodka off the shelf and drank it without payment. He carried out an identical offence at the same store on December 8. At Cork District Court, he pleaded guilty to both thefts. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a sentence of six months, with the last three months suspended. The judge also put OCallaghan on a 12-month probation bond. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendants problem is alcohol and he had been off it but had regressed. He suggested that the thefts were at the lower end. Judge Dorgan said: It is at the lower end, but it warrants a sentence; it is a shocking record. Mr Buttimer said that the accused, who has been in prison many times, would be starting a custodial sentence on his 40th birthday. THE Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has said the 364 proposed redundancies at VMware, following the companys acquisition by Broadcom, are a shock, particularly at this time of year. Speaking in the Dail, Simon Coveney said his department would do everything possible to support the companys Irish workforce, most of whom are based in Ballincollig. He was responding to a question from Cork North-West TD Aindrias Moynihan. The company announced in recent weeks that it is restructuring and that there would be job losses, and that negotiations would be going on during December and January, and earlier this week, the company announced that 360 people will lose their jobs in the new year, Mr Moynihan said. That is a massive blow to the people themselves and the wider area, but especially to the 360 staff. That is more than a number. Those are real people with families, commitments, mortgages, hopes, and aspirations, all of which are now hanging in the balance. Mr Moynihan asked: Will the minister outline the efforts being made to minimise those job losses and to provide support to any people who lose their jobs? Mr Coveney responded that the issue was obviously a big concern to him, saying that VMware is a fantastic company with a skilled workforce who have done an amazing job for quite a long time in Cork. He explained: VMware has been acquired by a company called Broadcom. We knew that when the acquisition or merger took place, there would be an impact. The workforce also knew that. Unfortunately, it means 360 job losses. The IDA has been working closely with the company, and will continue to do so, as will my department. We will do everything we can to support the workforce. !It is really bad news. However, this is a highly skilled workforce and there will be other employment opportunities available quickly for people, Mr Coveney continued. Nevertheless, it is still a shock, particularly at this time of year. I assure the deputy that the agencies of the State will be working closely with the staff to support them in any way we can. A new contemporary sculpture trail throughout Cork City, Island City - Corks Urban Sculpture Trail, has been officially launched by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork. The unique cultural trail of five public artworks has been installed over the past six months, with the final installation going live later this week. The ambitious project, which has been two years in the making, is the biggest single investment in public art in the city. The Cork City Council initiative was funded by Failte Ireland under the Urban Animation Investment Scheme with commissioning support from the National Sculpture Factory. The temporary artworks, which will be in situ for the next five years, are located on Careys Lane, Cook St, the Exchange Building on the intersection of Princes St and Oliver Plunkett St, Cornmarket St (Coal Quay), and Triskel Christchurch. Intended to illuminate Cork citys unique heritage in an arresting, intriguing, and playful way, the project is reimagining public spaces for locals and visitors alike, creating points of interest for people to connect with the city centre. It includes prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D; a large crafted table where people can eat, play, and socialise; a lane-length overhead sculptural piece that responds to the shifting shape of the city; an art nouveau crafted lamp-post that encourages people to look up and explore the architecture as they navigate through the city; and a light installation that highlights stories of Corks past, present, and sustainable future. The five artworks include: Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds] on Careys Lane, by Niamh McCann; Boom Nouveau on Cook St by Forerunner; The Face Cup at The Exchange Building, Princes St/Oliver Plunkett St by Fiona Mulholland; Urban Mirror on Cornmarket St (Coal Quay) by plattenbaustudio; and Tempus Futurum at Triskel Christchurch by Brian Kenny. Commenting at the launch of the city arts trail, Mr McCarthy said: I am delighted that this week we will see the completion of Island City Corks Urban Sculpture Trail the most ambitious arts project we have undertaken at Cork City Council and the single biggest investment in public art our city has ever seen. I was delighted to meet all of the inspiring artists and architects at their individual unveilings over the past few months and to hear the incredible process, detail, and love that has gone into each installation. This has been an exceptional project for all, bringing art to the streets of Cork and enriching our urban environment and its heritage and history. In fact, it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our cultural sector. We believe this initiative will deepen the citys connection with public art and encourage locals and visitors to explore new areas of the city as art comes to life on our streets. We really hope that people enjoy the trail, which will be in situ for the next five years, he added. Cork City Council would like to sincerely thank our partners Failte Ireland, who funded the project under the Urban Animation Scheme, and the National Sculpture Factory for commission support. Failte Irelands director of product development Orla Carroll said she was so pleased to see the launch of the Island City trail, and highlighted how animating urban areas is essential to transforming and reimagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming, and vibrant places to visit. Experiences like this trail will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and immerse themselves in Corks strong heritage, unique culture and thriving food offering, she said. Cork City Council arts officer Michelle Carew said it has been an inspiring and rewarding experience to work with the commissioned artists throughout the process of delivering on the project. Muireann Duffy The national median monthly rent is now 1,300, new research has found, while the median deposit is 1,000. Research carried out on behalf of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) found the median rent nationally has increased by 300 since 2019/2020, when the study was last carried out. In a survey of renters, 31 per cent of said their rent has increased since they began their tenancy. Of the 69 per cent who said their rent had not increased in that time, half had been renting for five years or more. Meanwhile, those whose rent had increased since it had done so in the last 12 months. Despite the increase in average monthly rents, the vast majority of those surveyed (93 per cent) said they had been able to pay their rent as it fell due during the preceding 12 months. The report found the number of renters in employment has increased since the last study in 2019/2020, with 78 per cent of tenants now in work compared to 66 per cent three years ago. The report authors noted that as some of the research contained in the last report was collected in 2020, the findings were impacted by the Covid pandemic. Asked why they are renting, 30 per cent mentioned their inability to get a mortgage, 13 per cent said renting allows them to live somewhere they cannot afford to buy, and 8 per cent said they are saving for a mortgage. Just over one third of tenants said they expect to be owner-occupiers in five years' time, while just under half said they expected the same in 10 years' time. Almost one fifth (18 per cent) of renters surveyed were in receipt of some form of rental assistance, with the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) accounting for 83 per cent of those cases. Just short of 90 per cent said they make a top-up payment in addition to their rental assistance, with the average top-up amounting to 184.38. Landlords The report also complied information on landlords, finding that the age profile of small lordlords those with one or two properties is getting older. The majority of small landlords (79 per cent) were aged 45 and older, up from 68 per cent in the 2019/2020 report. Nearly all (94 per cent) of this cohort said they identify as 'part-time landlords', holding a different primary occupation. In 2022, 90 per cent of landlords said their relationship with current tenants is positive or very positive, up from 88 per cent. Commenting on the report, RTB director Niall Byrne said the research provides important insights into the rental sector, which "enhances the understanding of the profile as well as the concerns and intentions of landlords, tenants and letting agents in Ireland". "This type of comparative research is important in identifying and monitoring trends across the rental sector," he added. MANZINI About Eight civil servants have reportedly been interviewed by the police to date as part of investigations into the shortage of medical drugs in public health facilities. According to sources, following the call by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to intensify investigations into any corrupt practice by service providers and government employees throughout the entire supply chain of pharmaceuticals, with the intention to punish offenders; eight people have been interviewed. It is worth noting that in February 2023, the Auditor General (AG), Timothy Matsebula, presented his Forensic Investigation Proposal and Audit of Acquisition, Distribution and Management of Pharmaceuticals Report, where he stated that drugs worth E151.6 million were missing and or unaccounted for in public health facilities around the country. Budget This is despite that in the past five years; the Ministry of Health was awarded a budget of E12.66 billion. Conversely, the call to present information to the police was also emphasised by the Director of Funduzi Forensic Services, Zakhele Dlamini. Dlamini said people with information should assist government in finding the root cause of the medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies shortage. He said this would assist the police in investigating the issue in line with the forensic investigation done by his entity. Dlamini said by registering information with the police, the whistle-blowers would be assisting in speeding up the investigations into the health crisis. He pleaded with the nation to assist in bringing the issue to its finality. Dlamini said his company was willing to assist in any manner regarding the investigation as per their commitment to government. Funduzi Forensic Services was recruited by government to conduct a forensic investigation into the supply of medicines to public health facilities. The sources shared that, the police had engaged with the eight civil servants and others who were implicated, seeking information to establish their role in the procurement of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies. Questioned It has been gathered that those who were interviewed were also questioned on what they knew about what led to the shortage of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies in public health facilities. One of the people interviewed insinuated that the police had sought to establish the role she played in the whole procurement process and the loopholes they supposed could have been exploited. The sources stated that the investigation was headed by a team specialising in organised crime. They claimed that more people were expected to appear before the police so that the leak could be identified and those accountable for any wrongdoing be taken to task. The shortage of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies was also a thorny issue during submissions by the members of the Peoples Parliament Sibaya, which was commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III in October. The public called for those responsible for the shortage of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies to be arrested, as they were frustrating the health infrastructure of the nation. Leading to the eight being interviewed, the Manqoba Khumalo-led Health Crisis Sub-committee was shocked to learn that one of the reasons that lead to the shortage of drugs in the country was unavailability of E85 000. This amount was what the Central Medical Stores (CMS) needed to service and/or renew a licence for its fleet management system, which included closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and tracking devices. Informed The sub-committee was informed that government had said it did not have a budget to service and/or renew the licence. As such, the CMS team said the CCTV cameras and tracking devices in their delivery trucks were not functional. The sub-committee comprises of Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Minister of Labour and Social Security Khumalo, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg and Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health Khanyakwezwe Mabuza. They were tasked by Cabinet to address the ongoing health crisis in the country and they visited the CMS warehouse in Matsapha, to get a feel of the prevailing situation so that the committee can make an informed decision. Chief Police Information and Communication Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that police were investigating the issue. However, she could not divulge much as she said the investigation was ongoing and a report would be availed once it was completed. Muireann Duffy A second man has been arrested in connection with an incident in Dublin on Monday night in which a man was killed. Ionel Nicolae Diaconu (45) died following the incident at a residence in the Castle Park area of Tallaght shortly before 9pm on Monday. A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the Dublin region. In an update on Tuesday evening, Gardai confirmed a second man was arrested in connection with the incident on Tuesday and has been detained under the same piece of legislation. A post-mortem examination on the deceased's body has been carried out by State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons, Gardai said. Invesitgations into the matter are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01-666 6000, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666 111. A FORMER Cork teacher and business- woman, Marian OSullivan, has set up Corks first Sister Shed, which aims to provide support and a safe space for women of all ages to meet for a cuppa and chats, as well taking part in activities. Based at the SMA Parish Hall in Wilton, the Sister Shed, which celebrated its first birthday in November, is under the umbrella of Sister Sheds CLG, a company formed in Dublin. (There are 22 Sister Sheds in Dublin.) Marian, who taught Irish and history at Colaiste an Phiarsaigh before switching to running a prefab business with her husband, is now retired. She wanted to do something constructive with her time. I thought about the Mens Sheds and said to myself, why cant there be a womens shed? I started to do some research and came across a radio broadcast of two women in Dublin who are cousins and set up the first Sister Shed there. Hard-working volunteers Brid Flynn, Sandra Doyle, Sylvia Walker, Maria O'Kelly, and Marian O'Sullivan at the party. Picture: Larry Cummins The women empower each other and have some fun, and maybe learn something and do different activities. Once she secured the premises, Marian went about advertising the Sister Shed. Maria OKelly, from Wilton, came on board. We put up posters and people got to hear about what we were doing through word-of-mouth. To their pleasant surprise, 40 women turned up at the first meeting. The Cork Sister Shed now has 87 members. About half of the membership turns up at the weekly Wednesday gathering. This voluntary not-for-profit organisation is applying for charitable status which will enable it to apply for funding. Membership costs 36.50 a year and the Cork sisters donate a fiver at each gathering to cover running costs, which include facilitators that come and teach the women everything from craft work to pilates. They also go on an annual trip. They went to Killarney this year and plan to go to Dublin in 2024 where they may visit the Dail. The average age of the Cork Sister Shed membership is around 60, says Marian. It includes some retired women. It helps combat loneliness and isolation. Asked what she gets out of the group, Marian, the chairwoman of the Cork Sister Shed, says it has given her confidence. I had never done public speaking before. Also, it gives me a great lift when I see the women enjoying themselves. It inspires me to go on and do more. Maria OKelly, vice-chair of the Cork Sister Shed, says it is unbelievable that so many turned up on the first day. Marians daughter and my daughter are friends and they said I might like to get involved. So I spent two Fridays putting up posters in shops and post offices. Wilton Sister Shed is based in the SMA Parish Hall Wilton celebrating their first anniversary. Picture: Larry Cummins We didnt realise that there was such a need for a group of women to get together and support each other. It sounds great in theory and on paper, but to actually see the ladies physically come in was amazing. Women can be shy initially but we like to talk. Members are mainly from the Wilton and Bishopstown areas but there are also women from Tower, Rochestown and Carrigaline and a few other places. Maria, a former resource teacher who now works in marketing, says the Sister Shed has allowed her to speak to people again. During the last few years, I was slow to get into conversations in case people didnt want to speak because of Covid. You had to respect each persons space. Sylvia Walker, Rose O'Sullivan, and Breda Quinlan at the party. Being involved in Sister Sheds has broadened Marias network. My husband knows so many people. If we were out walking, hed say 7-Nil referring to the amount of people he met and none for me. But now Im catching up! Rose Howard, Deirdre Murphy, Hilda O'Regan, Valerie Noonan and Eleanor O'Keeffe at the party. Rose OSullivan, from Bishopstown, says the Sister Shed is something to get out of bed for. She thinks more should be done for retired people and points out that they have plenty of experience and wisdom to pass on. A former supervisor in Christ King Secondary School, Rose had to retire because of her age and vulnerability to Covid. Retirement takes away your confidence. You feel alone. My job meant a lot to me. Sister Shed is something she enjoys. It fills a gap. Thirty years ago, on Christmas Day, Roses husband died, leaving her with three children to provide for. It was very hard, to be honest. In those days, you just got on with it. I had one son in college in Dublin and I had to pay for his digs. There was very little left after burying my husband. I had to go out and do paid housework the week he died because a bill came in the door and I hadnt enough to pay for it. I was doing school runs. I had two jobs a day, going to clean one house, coming home to get the dinner ready and go out to another house. Marie Scully with Anne Corrigan and her sister-in-law (also named) Anne Corrigan enjoying the anniversary celebrations. I was also making up curtains with another woman. I had no choice. Life became easier when Rose got the job in the school; I loved the work and every student there. I miss them all. I still cant get used to being idle. While chatting to me, Rose gave a demonstration of The Slosh a kind of line dancing that you can do on your own. Its an apt metaphor for the single life with a good sense of fun. Sheila McCarthy and Rose O'Sulliva on tha dance floor at the party. Breda Quinlan, from Blackpool, reckons she is the only northsider in the Sister Shed. Im after making great friends with everybody. Seven of us went on holidays together to Torremolinos to Stars in the Sun which was all the showbands. It was brilliant. I wouldnt have known about it only for the club. Bredas niece, Maria OKelly, suggested that her aunt, who is single and lives alone, join the Sister Shed. I love coming over here every Wednesday morning. Its great to get out. I leave home at 10.15 to get here for 11am. Sometimes the traffic is busy but I dont care. Frances Long, Patricia Murphy, Anne O'Sullivan and Chris McGerty. You never know whats going to happen. Its always a surprise which makes it better. We do dancing, singing, we go on trips. On St Patricks Day, we had a party and everyone dressed in green. Theres a lady that comes to us to do knitting and crochet. Last week, we did chair pilates. We had a fellow in doing relaxation exercises with us. Its so calming. Asked if she feels isolated, Breda says: No. I have loads of friends. Ive become great friends with Rose OSullivan. The Sister Shed has made Breda more confident. And its a reason to cross Corks north/south divide. The Sister Shed marked their first anniversary recently with a party. A massive lemon-flavoured birthday cake was shared by the women, with tea and coffee. And there was a trip down memory lane courtesy of Linda Kenny and Alf McCarthy singing well known songs such as Que Sera, Sera and Oh What a Beautiful Morning, with Maurice Healy on keyboards. Everyone joined in the singing, forgot any worries they had, and celebrated a positive initiative that has brightened up the lives of the women attending Corks Sister Shed. The use of generative AI technology has moved beyond the curiosity phase for retailers and become the foundation for software business applications that enable enterprises to conduct business better and more quickly, according to a report released Monday by Coresight Research and Digital Wave Technology. The 19-page report outlined how generative AI technology is being used to enhance product design, automate the creation of products, improve the definition of products, accelerate the creation of advertising ideas, and power product development. According to the report, retailers can also achieve significant productivity gains from AI. It cited one multibillion-dollar-revenue North American retailer, with more than 2,000 stores, that sells products across a range of categories that was able to drive an efficiency increase of greater than 90% in the process of onboarding products to the digital store by using generative AI. MIT45, a health supplement maker in Salt Lake City, has seen similar gains. Weve managed to boost work productivity significantly, achieving an 80% to 85% improvement, said CEO Ryan Niddel. Were using AI to streamline various processes, including drafting contracts and documenting standard operating procedures, he told the E-Commerce Times. For instance, he continued, our general counsel, who earns a substantial six-figure salary, used to spend hours drafting contracts. Now, with AI, he can generate a draft in just six minutes and rapidly enhance it. Thats just one example of how were actively incorporating AI into our operations, he added. Tedium Buster Generative AI can also accelerate the brainstorming process in advertising, the report noted, by creating text, voice, video, and image content. Creative professionals can be resentful of technology invading their turf, but thats not the case with AI, maintained Lori Schafer, CEO of Digital Wave Technology, a provider of enterprise AI applications in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The copywriter still has to be the pilot, and AI is the copilot, she told the E-Commerce Times. The copywriter tells the AI what to look for, and the AI takes a lot of the tedious work away so the copywriters can focus on the strategy of what theyre writing. Its freeing up their time from the menial tasks, so copywriters end up loving the solution, she said. Its making their job more meaningful. AI can write copy and create images that can then be proofread and edited by marketing team members, explained Mike Allmond, vice president and co-founder of Lovers Lane, a national retail chain specializing in intimate and adult-themed merchandise headquartered in Plymouth, Mich. This helps marketing teams ideate and formulate new campaigns and strategies while the legwork is being handled by AI, he told the E-Commerce Times. Generative AI, when properly trained, can avoid or correct translation errors, flag wording that might be socially unacceptable, and recommend language that has proven to be more effective in a local region, added Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst with the Enderle Group, an advisory services firm in Bend, Ore. This is one of the early areas where AI has showcased huge early benefits, he told the E-Commerce Times. Targeting Preferences As someone who utilizes AI daily to help with my companys marketing and creative initiatives, I can safely say that AI is like having an extra set of hands and more importantly, brain for my creative and marketing efforts, said Brian Prince, founder and CEO of Top AI Tools, operator of an AI tool, resource, and educational platform, in Boca Raton, Fla. It efficiently automates repetitive tasks, like data analysis and customer segmentation, freeing up my team to focus on more creative aspects, he told the E-Commerce Times. AI-driven tools can also provide insights into customer preferences, a significant advantage to retailers focused on crafting personalized and effective marketing campaigns that can help boost retail profits, he added. One way to identify those preferences is to use AI to analyze the content of what people are watching. This gives brands the ability to better align their message within content that evokes the same, or similar emotions to their digital advertisements, explained Tricia Allen, vice president of business development at Hotspex Media, a digital media agency in Toronto. Weve seen emotional alignment drive attention up by 20%. And its also more successful at engaging viewers, with a 12% increase in video ads watched to completion, she told the E-Commerce Times. Aid to Continuous Improvement The report also noted that generative AI can be useful in the process of continuously improving products. To complete the product launch journey and feed into the continuous cycle of product development, analyzing product feedback is vital, it explained. Generative AI can glean information from reviews of existing products, which can inform product enhancements. Machine learning-based solutions have long been able to mine product reviews for sentiment, and the unique capabilities of generative AI to analyze, summarize, and compose text take this function much further, the report continued. Product reviews contain a goldmine of data useful for product development, product description, and attribution enhancement. Identifying product issues early in development can reduce costly returns for a retailer or brand, it added. Continuous improvement is key in all industries, especially retail, and AI is a crucial player in this arena, Prince said. By constantly analyzing customer feedback and market trends, AI can identify areas for product enhancement. It also helps in A/B testing, allowing retailers to experiment with different features and quickly determine what works best, leading to products that better meet consumer needs, he added. Work With an AI Expert The report recommended brands and retailers ready to embrace AI technology partner with an organization that understands the needs of their business and has a built-in AI platform with the security, policies, and procedures to ensure that brand-confidential information stays secure, and its guiding principles include safe AI ethics. You really need to work with an expert that understands how to write AI and do a business solution, Schafer said. If youre trying to use the AI models that are on the mass market right now, you can run into the problem of hallucinations. That means the AI is going to give erroneous answers to things its not trained appropriately to answer. Kory Daniels, CISO of Trustwave, a global cybersecurity and managed security services provider, added that as more business intelligence and customer analytics platforms integrate generative AI into their tools, the retail sector must vet and audit the security protections within those systems. While the potential benefits of these tools could be substantial, the security of these systems has not yet been proven, he told the E-Commerce Times. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a risk-benefit approach and carefully consider the implications with the CISO leading the way. Retail businesses need to carefully consider the risks and benefits of using generative AI before deploying it, he said. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its annual Arctic Report Card for 2023, and the findings show that amid rising global temperatures in what is likely to be the hottest year ever recorded, 2023 was the warmest summer on record for the Arctic. The 2023 Arctic Report Card found that warming, caused by humans, is affecting humans and ecosystems in the Arctic. This region warms faster than any other part of the world, according to NOAA. The overriding message from this years report card is that the time for action is now, Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator, said in a statement. NOAA and our federal partners have ramped up our support and collaboration with state, tribal and local communities to help build climate resilience. At the same time, we as a nation and global community must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are driving these changes. The report found that surface air temperatures in summer 2023 were the highest ever recorded in the Arctic at 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius), although this was not the warmest recorded year as a whole for the region. The report noted that 2023 was the sixth-warmest year on record for the Arctic, with records dating back to 1900. Sea ice continued to decline, and NOAA shared that the past 17 Septembers have had the lowest sea ice amount on record. Further, the highest point on the Greenland Ice Sheet experienced melting for the fifth time in 34 years. This high point, known as Summit Station, reached a temperature of 32.7 degrees Fahrenheit in June. The Greenland Ice Sheet as a whole lost about 350 trillion pounds of ice from September 2022 to August 2023, NOAA said. The changes in sea ice and increasing temperatures have led to notable shifts for salmon. Sockeye salmon have thrived in warmer waters, but heat waves have led to declines in the numbers of Chinook and chum salmon. Record-low numbers of Chinook and chum salmon led to fishery closures and have impacted food security for Indigenous communities. The report card showed an increase in phytoplankton blooms in parts of the Arctic Ocean. While phytoplankton play an important role in marine ecosystems, rapid growth of these organisms, known as blooms, can kill marine life by depleting oxygen in the water, as NASA explained on its website. Another concern raised in the report is the potential melting of subsea permafrost, which could release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. NOAA highlighted in the report that it is critical to follow Indigenous communities knowledge and guidance on curbing environmental impacts of warming in the Arctic and making the region more resilient. (REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra)An Iraqi rapid response member stands guard near the field hospital, as Iraqi forces battle with Islamic State militants, western Mosul, Iraq March 9, 2017. An Iraqi church damaged and defaced by the Islamic State in 2014 has been rededicated for the parish's celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, just as the terrorist group that had sought to crush Christians and those opposing its tyrannical way of life is showing signs of stirring again. The Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Behnam and Mart Sarah in the Iraqi city of Qaraqosh welcomed Archbishop Petros Mouche of Mosul, priests, and the local Catholic community to celebrate the solemnity on Aug. 16, Catholic News Agency reported. Archbishop Mouche rededicated the church's altar, which the terrorist group Islamic State had burned and the restart was heralded.. Also known as Daesh, IS tried to eliminate Christianity in areas under its control, including by destroying churches and forced conversion, Aid to the Church in Need reported. At the same time central government legislation in Iraq has prompted fears Christian children could be forced to renounce faith. After renovations and rebuilding, the interior of the church, once charred black by fire, has been painted white in the long process of trying to undo the past. "All these people do not see the community reborn only as stones, but as faith around Christ who is celebrated in the Resurrection. So, the Resurrection of Christ is the resurrection of the community itself that goes on. Our community has about 800 families," Father George Jahola told Vatican News in an interview published Aug. 15. Five years ago, on the August Feast of the Transfiguration, the group calling itself Islamic State devastated the city of Qaraqosh in Iraq's Nineveh Plains causing Christians to flee the region. "In 2014 we left our churches and our homes. The city had about 50,000 Christian inhabitants," Fr. Jahola said. Now the Christian population in the city has been reduced to half of what it was. About 26,000 Christians have returned to Qaraqosh, Jahola explained. During their occupation, the Islamic State desecrated the churches in Qaraqosh, in some cases writing battle instructions on church walls. St. George's Syrian Catholic Church was turned into a bomb factory and used as storage for supplies of deadly chemicals to make powerful explosives. The church of the Immaculate Conception was used as an indoor shooting range with mannequins as targets, according to Aid to the Church in Need. The Church of Mar Behnam and Mart Sarah was charred black and its bell tower was demolished. "But we never stopped imagining how beautiful our church would be, once fixed," Fr. Jahola said. Christmas Mass was celebrated in the church in Dec. 2018 during the church's reconstruction. The bell tower was rebuilt in 2019. "We started the reconstruction project even before the liberation of the city, in the Nineveh Plains, when we were refugees," Jahola said. "We have worked to rebuild houses and communities as believers, because this is the sense of belonging both to a parish and to a community." IS was driven from Mosul in 2017, and the last remaining town of the original caliphate in Syria fell earlier this year. However, many Christians who fled the ISIS onslaught in 2014 have not returned to their homes in Mosul and the Nineveh region. SECURITY THREATS FOR CHRISTIANS AND YAZIDIS REMAIN Although the territorial IS caliphate had gone, security threats to Christians and Yazidis in the region remain. There are up to 15,000 ISIS fighters estimated to have remained in Iraq, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). And IS is according to global media reports in the process of regrouping and preparing to wreak havoc again. The New York Times reported August 19 that five months after American-backed forces ousted the Islamic State from its last shard of territory in Syria, the terrorist group is gathering new strength. It reported that IS is conducting guerrilla attacks across Iraq and Syria, retooling its financial networks and targeting new recruits at an allied-run tent camp, American and Iraqi military and intelligence officers said. Though President Donald Trump had hailed a total defeat of IS this year, defense officials in the region see things differently, acknowledging that what remains of the terrorist group is here to stay. (Photo: Kim Cain)Participants from world-wide Christian organizations and churches who met in Strasbourg, France on September 9, 2014 to discuss ways for church groupings to tackle Christian persecution together at a meeting convened by the Global Christian Forum. Anti-Christian hate crimes are escalating globally with the latest report issued by Aid to the Church in Need UK with work over the past two years showing oppression or persecution of Christians has increased in 75 percent of the countries surveyed. The Roman Catholic Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) held its annual international Red Week campaign to draw attention to religious freedom and persecuted Christians across the world. The report shows that Christian numbers in the Middle East have plummeted over the years as they are impacted by conflicts. The campaign is traditionally held in November with buildings and landmarks in several different countries lit up in red, and a series of special initiatives, prayer actions and testimonies. At around the same time the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights said that successive hate crime reports indicated that graffiti and vandalism against places of worship. These included the desecration of cemeteries and arson attacks against churches are some of the more common types of crimes motivated by bias against Christians and members of other religions said the OSCE. MIDDLE EAST CHRISTIANS Of particular concern is the plight of Christians in the Middle East where, in several countries, once flourishing communities risk disappearing as a result of mass migration due to various reasons, ranging from Islamic fundamentalism to discrimination, wars and economic woes. According to the report, since the foundation of the State of Israel, in 1948, the number of Christians in the Palestinian territories has fallen from 18 percent to under 1 percent of the population, due to ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and economic difficulties. In the past two years over 5,000 Christians have left the territories, including Jerusalem, adding to the tens of thousands who have already left, mostly for Europe, the United States, and Canada. Still, the Christian exodus from Syria and Iraq has been even more dramatic, especially during the Islamic State's (Daesh) insurgency in 2014-2017. The exodus in Iraq started after the U.S.-led military intervention in 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussein, due to insecurity and violence. It intensified dramatically during the Daesh occupation of the Nineveh Plain, the cradle of Mesopotamian Christianity, when more than 100,000 were forced to flee their homes seeking refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan or neighbouring countries, or leaving the region forever for North America , Australia, or Europe. EMIGRATION OF IRAQI CHRISTIANS The Catholic report said the emigration of Iraqi Christians continues today, despite the military defeat of Daesh, due to the economic crisis, discriminations and ongoing political instability and insecurity. It cites the primate of the Chaldean Church, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, said this exodus is unprecedented. On the eve of the second Gulf War, Christians in Iraq were estimated between 1 and 1.4 million. Since then, their numbers have plunged by at least three quarters. Syria has a similar pattern with the ongoing civil war between Bashar al-Assad's regime and insurgents and the threat of a full-scale resurgence of Daes, as well as a dramatic economic crisis are still forcing Christians to leave the country. It is discouraging many of them from returning to their homes. As a result, the size of the Christian community has dropped from 10 percent before 2011 to less than 2 percent, and now its very existence is in danger, according to the ACN report. (Photo: Open Doors) Disturbing revelations for India and China - the world's two most populous countries - which have seen a dramatic increase in the persecution against Christians, the 2019 Open Doors World Watch List reveals. "As they are each home to more than a billion people, even an incremental rise in persecution has an outsized, exponential impact in these countries," said Open Doors in its Global List of Worst Religious Persecution Offenders on Jan. 16. "China jumps a shocking 16 spots on the Open Doors World Watch List from No. 43 to No. 27, while India enters the top 10 list for the first time. "Russia, which last appeared on the list in 2011, enters at No. 41," said the report. In India, Hindu nationalists fueled a crackdown on Christians and churches, promoting the widespread oppression of religious minorities. Such is the rapid deterioration in the last several years, as non-Hindus are increasingly regarded as outsiders in their own country said Open Doors. "In some areas, this has translated to brutal violence against Hindus who have converted to Christianity," said the report. "The situation in India is volatile, and religious minorities in particular face extremely dangerous situations with mobs of violence breaking out and demanding death sentences." China's dramatic rise in 16 spots from last year's ranking is one of the highest jumps on the list. "The heightened power of the Chinese government is being wielded to remove any challenges to the absolute authority of President Xi Jinping, even if those challenges are related to personal faith in a god other than the State," said Open Doors. New Chinese regulations and government crackdowns have made open worship for unregistered churches increasingly risky, particularly in certain regions of the country. "Pastor Wang Yi's recent arrest along with some 150 Christians is a recent indicator of the expanding level of control and religious persecution." Open Doors list is in its 27th year, describing itself as the "world's definitive assessment of religious persecution based upon in-depth, rigorous analysis of on-the-ground, first-person research." It says it is a "a global indicator of where human and religious rights are being violated, and those countries most vulnerable to societal unrest and destabilization." Across the 50 countries on the Open Doors World Watch List it is estimated that more than 245 million Christians now experience high, very high or extreme persecution, an increase from 215 million in 2018, said the organization. Open Doors top 10 countries for persecution against Christians 1. North Korea 2. Afghanistan 3. Somalia 4. Libya 5. Pakistan 6. Sudan 7. Eritrea 8. Yemen 9. Iran 10. India Marcel van Helten (left), CEO of Red Lion Controls, and Staffan Dahlstrom, CEO of HMS Networks, after signing the agreement The Swedish industrial communications technology manufacturer HMS Networks is going to acquire Red Lion Controls, a US-based manufacturer of industrial automation solutions. HMS Networks has reached an agreement to this effect with Red Lion's parent company Spectris Group Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, HMS Networks will acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Red Lion Controls Inc. and Red Lion Europe GmbH as well as certain assets in other countries. With the acquisition of Red Lion Controls, HMS Networks aims to expand its presence in the North American market and to complement its product and solution offering. "The product offerings of the two companies are complementary and have limited overlap," says Staffan Dahlstrom, CEO of HMS Networks. Red Lion Controls has four development sites in York/Pennsylvania (USA), Mobile/Alabama (USA), Dinkelsbuhl (Germany) and Pune (India) as well as production sites in York and Dinkelsbuhl. The company employs around 400 people worldwide, 300 of whom are based in the USA. The Dinkelsbuhl site is the former MB connect line GmbH, which was taken over by Red Lion Controls in April 2022. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Lesen sie mehr zum Thema MBABANE EmaSwati wishing to travel abroad, who are in need of travel documents, have to wait until December 21 or 22 before they can get them. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a statement on the suspension of several services at its head office. The ministry has indicated though that alternative means would be put in place to assist those with emergency situations to travel outside the country. The suspension is with effect from yesterday. Reason The reason behind the suspension of the services, according to Principal Secretary (PS) Nhlanhla Nxumalo, is that the Immigration Department is relocating from the first to the second floor of the headquarters. He said the relocation was in preparation for necessary renovations to enhance service delivery. The production centre will undergo comprehensive renovations, starting today and will remain closed until Thursday, December 21, 2023. As a result, there will be a temporary halt in the production of all types of travel documents, including international passports and other related documents, said Nxumalo. Relocations The PS further said the ministry understood that the relocation might cause inconvenience to their valued clients and stakeholders. He then regretted any inconvenience caused. On national radio yesterday, Mlandvo Dlamini, the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, further stated that the ministry previously reported of the challenges they faced in producing travel documents, more especially at the production centre, which ended up affecting the service delivery. This is not a bad timing as some people may think, since each day is crucial in the ministry. During the rainy seasons, the production machine had been always exposed to rain. As a ministry, we are trying to sort this problem once and for all. 2024 must be joyful year for everyone, he said. The communications officer also indicated that the Civic Registration Department would experience a few disturbances. He then pleaded for emaSwatis cooperation during this period as the ministry was relocating. Aramco, one of the worlds leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 40% equity stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO). The planned acquisition is Aramcos first entry into the Pakistani fuels retail market, advancing the companys strategy to strengthen its downstream value chain internationally. GO, a diversified downstream fuels, lubricants and convenience stores operator, is one of the largest retail and storage companies in Pakistan. The transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. Additional outlets This transaction would enable Aramco to secure additional outlets for its refined products and further provide new market opportunities for Valvoline-branded lubricants, following Aramcos acquisition of the Valvoline Inc global products business in February 2023. Mohammed Y Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream President, said: Our second planned retail acquisition this year aligns with Aramcos downstream expansion strategy, with a clear path ahead for growing an integrated refining, marketing, lubricants, trading and chemicals portfolio worldwide. GO has a significant storage capacity, high-quality assets and growth potential, which will help launch the Aramco brand in Pakistan. Aramco Executive Vice President of Products & Customers, Yasser Mufti, signed the agreement with GO founder & CEO Khalid Riaz. Others who attended the ceremony included Aramco International Retail Director Nader Douhan, Aramco Vice President of Retail Ziyad Al Juraifani, GO Chairman Tariq Kirmani, Al Qahtani and GO Chief Operating Officer Zeeshan Tayyeb.--TradeArabia News Service Bank ABC, Menas international banking powerhouse headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the signing of a financing agreement with Yellow Door Energy, the leading sustainable energy partner for businesses in the Middle East, Africa and beyond. The signing ceremony was held at the Bank ABC branch at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). In line with COP28 UAEs Climate Finance objectives, the facility will refinance 25 solar PV assets, totaling over 42 megawatts, located on Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls across the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. The multi-million-dollar non-recourse long-term financing provides much needed climate finance to support renewable energy in the GCC and advance the just transition. During the signing ceremony, Ammar Khalil, Senior Executive Officer, Bank ABC in DIFC, said: "We are pleased to partner with Yellow Door Energy to finance this solar PV project, which assists Majid Al Futtaims energy transition plans in the region." "This transaction underscores Bank ABC Groups commitment to empower clients to lead the transition towards a more sustainable, low carbon economy. At Bank ABC in DIFC, we are focused on arranging and advising financing deals that align with the Groups ESG priorities and meet our clients unique needs," he stated. Yellow Door Energy CEO Jeremy Crane expressed delight at partnering with Bank ABC to lead the climate finance transition for businesses in the GCC. "Bank ABCs capacity to project finance a ground-breaking facility that funds 25 sites across three countries is precedent setting. Yellow Door Energy is a trusted developer and investor for banks focused on green financing in the private sector across the Middle East and Africa," noted Crane. "Our esteemed customer, Majid Al Futtaim, has demonstrated the importance of climate finance in their business, leading the just transition. Together with all our customers, we are unlocking green financing for leading commercial & industrial-scale businesses with significant energy needs," he added.-TradeArabia News Service #VisitCzechia, in association with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Qatar and Kuwait, strengthened connections and highlighted the diverse attractions of the country, during the two-week-long Middle East Road Show 2023. Running from October 30 to November 2, it covered prominent cities across the Middle East, namely Doha, Kuwait City, and Dubai. The roadshow, aimed at establishing robust ties between the Czech tourism industry and the Middle Eastern market, presented the country's multifaceted offerings, with an emphasis on spa and wellness retreats and leisure destinations. It also featured B2B meetings and a networking dinner with travel agents, facilitating dialogue and relationship-building opportunities. The event was held in partnership with airline partners: Qatar Airways in Doha, Jazeera Airways in Kuwait, and Emirates Airlines in Dubai The roadshow hosted a delegation comprising 13 partners representing a spectrum of entities, including DMCs, hotels, spa resorts and medical tourism sectors from the Czech Republic. The workshops drew in over 70 travel agents in Doha, 60 travel agents in Kuwait City, and 65 travel agents in Dubai. Notably, travel from Middle East countries to the Czech Republic has surged significantly, showcasing a year-on-year increase of 32.68% compared to the previous year. In 2022, the Czech Republic warmly welcomed over 25,829 travellers from the Middle East, involving an average stay duration of 3.35 days. Barbara Andelova, International Marketing Manager New Markets, CzechTourism, said: "We are immensely pleased with the success of our B2B roadshow in the Middle East. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed reaffirmed the growing interest in Czechia as a travel destination." "We are excited about the partnerships established during this event, which we believe will further enhance the flow of tourists to our beautiful country," she noted. The CzechTourism delegation included the following partners: spa region, Karlovy Vary; spa hotel and properties: Axxos Hotels & Resorts, Ensana Health Spa Hotels, Hotel Thermal, Spa Teplice, Grand Hotel Marienbad Betriebs, Savoy Westend Hotel, Grandhotel Pupp Karlovy Vary, Luxury Spa Hotel Olympic Palace; Destination Management Company (DMC): Graficon DMC and Mondial; medical tourism company: Medical Spa Janske Lazne, Darkov Spa Medical Group.-TradeArabia News Service Abuja, Dec 13 (UNI) At least 10 people were killed and seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a speeding bus rammed into a truck in Nigeria's southwest region early Tuesday, the traffic police said. The incident, which occurred on the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which goes through the southwestern states of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, was caused by loss of control due to overspeeding, Florence Okpe, a spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, told reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The bus driver lost control and rammed into the moving truck while "negotiating his way" to an interchange along the expressway, Okpe said. She said the injured were rushed to a private hospital while the remains of the dead victims were deposited at a morgue in the Sagamu area of Ogun. Deadly road accidents are frequently reported in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, bad road conditions, and reckless driving. UNI/XINHUA ARN A Japanese company has received preliminary state approval for an $80 million tax exemption for a chemical manufacturing site it has proposed in Jefferson Parish. The UBE Corp. facility plans to manufacture chemicals needed for electric vehicle batteries. (Canva) A state panel approved an $80 million tax break this week for a Japanese company that promises to create nine full-time jobs once it builds a chemical plant in Jefferson Parish UBE Corp. plans to construct a new facility that manufactures chemical solvents for electric vehicle batteries inside the Cornerstone Chemical Complex, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Waggaman. The Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry approved the companys application for a $8 million first-year property tax break under the states Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP). Louisianas ITEP offers industrial manufacturers huge exemptions on property taxes, which local governments rely on to pay for things such as public schools, drainage, roads, law enforcement and other public services. Under ITEP, companies get to claim the exemption each year for a maximum of 10 years, bringing the total value of UBEs tax break to an estimated $80.8 million, according to Louisiana Economic Development records. UBE has promised to create nine full-time jobs at the new plant with an average annual salary of $55,000. That average adds up to a total annual payroll of $495,000. The company estimates it will also create 300 temporary jobs during the construction phase. The Board of Commerce and Industry, without discussion, quickly approved UBEs application alongside dozens of others taking advantage of Louisianas wealth of corporate tax incentives. Wednesday marked what was likely the final meeting of board members appointed during Gov. John Bel Edwards administration. UBEs ITEP application will still have to go before Jefferson officials its parish council, school board and sheriff for local approval. If they dont act, which is often the case, the Board of Commerce considers it tacit approval. The Jefferson Parish Council was expected to vote Tuesday on an ITEP application from a Texas-based company that wanted to build a fertilizer plant at the same location in Waggaman. A subsidiary of American Plant Food Co. withdrew its request at the last minute following immense public pushback over reneged job promises. UBE plans to begin construction at the Cornerstone site as early as August 2024 and complete the project by July 2026. The post Louisiana board approves $80 million tax break for EV battery chemical plant with 9 permanent jobs appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. Fort Johnson, LA (71446) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible late. High 72F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 54F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. PARIS/TAIYUAN In Houetteville Castle in Normandy, France, colored glaze products from China have been on display for more than half a month, and many people have come here to see these exquisite artworks from the East. The company overseeing the Shanxi Zhangbi Ancient Fortress was invited to participate in the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel at the Louvre Museum in Paris from Nov 2-5. In just a few days, this ancient fortress with a history of more than 1,600 years attracted thousands of people, and its colored glaze cultural products were popular at the expo. "To let more people know about these exquisite artworks, I advised Lu Yang, the head of Zhangbi Ancient Fortress scenic spot, to display them at our castle in Normandy after the expo, and then tour Europe," says Nathalie Geslin-Yu, president of the Club Des Chatelains Chinois de France (Chinese owners of French chateaux club), a French castle organization. "The brilliant colors and oriental shapes of the cultural products attract people. I bought a collection myself." The colored glaze pieces are handmade and include ceramics, models of buildings and sculptures. Colored glaze items were widely used to decorate palaces, temples and pagodas in ancient China because of their color and different shapes. "The artwork has elegant lines and gorgeous colors, which is highly appreciated and collectible," says Bai Huaibin, an expert in traditional colored glaze production who participated in the expo. Lu says the most popular exhibit at the expo is a representation of Xie Zhi, a one-horned mythical creature reputed to be able to distinguish between good and evil. This doeeyed creature has long been popular in China, even before it made its appearance in France. "Xie Zhi was often placed on the roofs in ancient times and is a symbol of bravery and justice. Now they often appear at the gates of courts and procuratorates," says Lu, who mentioned that Xie Zhi resembles the unicorn in Western culture, a creature that symbolizes purity and is believed to suppress anything morally degraded. In Jiexiu city, North China's Shanxi province, where Zhangbi Ancient Fortress is located, there are many colored glaze items that are hundreds of years old, among which the components on the top of the Kong Wang Hall in the fortress are particularly exquisite. Rebuilt in 1631, the roof of the hall is decorated with differently shaped yellow, green, and blue glaze components, such as dragons, phoenixes, peonies and warriors. In addition, the two peacock blue tablets located under the eaves of Kong Wang Hall are the only Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) colored glaze tablets to have been found in China so far. The reason why these components were well-preserved is closely related to the fortress' military purpose. Lu says that in ancient times, Zhangbi Ancient Fortress was located in the border zone between the northern nomads and the central plains. To resist foreign enemies, the ancients built a military and civilian castle with tall walls and underground tunnels, which could be used in wartime to ready troops, and to store grain during peacetime. Gong Hua, secretary-general of the World Castle Association, says that when it comes to castles or fortresses, many would think of Europe, but China actually also has many castles, especially in Shanxi province, and the numerous castles in the Fenhe River and Qinhe River basin are comparable to the world-famous French Loire Valley castle group. "This exhibition gives the European public access to Chinese castles for the first time through videos and cultural and creative artworks. The original introduction video, without any explanation, was watched by many visitors from beginning to end. Many people have expressed interest in going to China to see more castles," Gong says. Lu says that during the expo, French castle owners, European cultural heritage industry associations, companies and castle lovers had extensive exchanges with him on the protection of historical buildings, cultural tourism industry development and other topics. "France has many cultural protection and development enterprises. I hope we can continue to expand cooperation areas in the future," says Lu. "Castles are an important part of world cultural heritage and a common topic between Chinese and foreign cultures," says Gong, adding that they will take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France and the Year of Culture and Tourism between China and France next year to promote cultural connectivity between the two countries through cultural exchanges and cooperation. On the stage, in front of the towering No. 9 blast furnace of Masteel (Ma'anshan Iron and Steel Company), an inspiring story unfolds: Three generations of steelworkers dedicate themselves to cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, ultimately creating high-speed train wheels that belong to the Chinese people. On December 11th, the drama "The Glow of the Furnace Illuminates the World" was splendidly performed at the Lu'an Red Theatre, receiving a warm welcome from the audience. "The Glow of the Furnace Illuminates the World" revolves around the theme of Masteel workers upholding the spirit of craftsmanship and independently developing high-speed train wheels. It tells the story of Chen Gang, who steadfastly returns to China after studying abroad and overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve the localization of special steel and high-speed train wheels. The drama portrays a group of new-era craftsmen and showcases the practice of Anhui's transition from a traditional agricultural province to an emerging industrial province, and from a manufacturing powerhouse to a province driven by innovation. "This drama premiered in November last year in Ma'anshan City. It is the first drama jointly produced by the province, city, enterprise, and institute. It is also the first industrial-themed drama in our province. We feel extremely honored to bring this play to Lu'an for performances," said Duan Xiaobo, Director of Anhui Provincial Drama Theatre. He added that the play has toured more than 20 cities across the country this year and participated in the 18th China Theatre Festival, receiving widespread acclaim. "The character of Chen Gang embodies the stories of many technically skilled workers who have received higher education. He is not a rough and tough person but engages in scientific research with a passionate, determined, and delicate heart. I am extremely proud to portray such a role," said Ke Junhao, who plays the leading role of Chen Gang, expressing his excitement about performing in the old district of Lu'an. "In this drama, the relentless pursuit of dreams by young people deeply touched me," said Mr. Yue, an audience member. "I brought my child to watch the play, hoping that he can also gain some insights." Source: anhuinews.com Crown Dependencies publish commitment to increase accessibility to company beneficial ownership information The Crown Dependencies have today (December 13) published a joint commitment to increase transparency and accessibility to information held on their registers of beneficial ownership. The central registers of company beneficial ownership in Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man already exchange information with international law enforcement entities and tax authorities around the world. In line with the shared global aim of combatting financial crime in all its forms, access to the information will be extended to include: financial services business and certain other businesses (collectively described as obliged entities) who are required to conduct customer due diligence those media and civil society organisations who can demonstrate a legitimate interest in accessing the information in order to combat financial crime The joint commitment follows careful consideration of recent decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights which recognise the incompatibility with public access with the right to privacy, and the recent international developments in response to this. (It therefore replaces the commitment published in June 2019). The commitment states: We have a longstanding and independently verified track record of meeting international standards. We are proud of our global leadership in tax cooperation, in combatting money laundering and in countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing. We will continue to provide appropriate and effective transparency which can support those critical objectives. The Crown Dependencies have already undertaken substantial preparatory work to enable obliged entity access, and it will be implemented before the end of 2024 in a manner that puts in place appropriate safeguards to effectively manage any interference with privacy rights. Subject to necessary approvals in the Crown Dependencies legislatures, access for those with a legitimate interest will be provided in line with international obligations extended to the three islands, recognising that there is a crucial balance to strike between protecting human rights and combatting financial crime. The Crown Dependencies will develop and deliver legitimate interest access in a leading timeframe, taking into account international developments. Proposals to agree the definition of legitimate interest will be presented to the islands parliaments by Q4 of 2024 at the latest with implementation following in a reasonable timeframe afterwards. OpenAI will pay German publisher Axel Springer to use its news articles to train its AI models and show real-time information from Axel Springer's brands, which include Business Insider and Politico in the US and Bild and Welt in Europe, in ChatGPTs responses. None of the companies disclosed how much the deal was worth, but Bloomberg reported that OpenAI will pay the publisher tens of millions of euros over the next three years. This partnership with Axel Springer will help provide people with new ways to access quality, real-time news content through our AI tools, said OpenAIs chief operating officer Brad Lightcap in a statement. We are deeply committed to working with publishers and creators around the world and ensuring they benefit from advanced AI technology and new revenue models. OpenAIs partnership with Axel Springer comes on the heels of concerns from creators, authors, and publishers who have criticized and sued generative AI companies for training their models on their content without consent or compensation. Some publishers like The New York Times, Vox Media, BBC News, Reuters, and CNN have blocked OpenAI from accessing their data. Striking deals with AI companies, however, could provide a brand new revenue source for publishers who are currently going through the worst year for the media business in decades. As part of the deal, Alex Springer will provide OpenAI with both current news articles as well as archives from all its brands to train its large language models, the foundational tech that powers ChatGPT. When ChatGPT uses Axel Springers articles in its responses, it will include attribution and links to the pieces for transparency. Axel Springer will also be able to use OpenAIs technology to improve its own products, The Wall Street Journal reported. This isnt the first deal that OpenAI has struck with a news publisher. Earlier this year, the company entered into a two-year partnership with The Associated Press to use select content from the APs archives dating back to 1985 to train its AI models, although the terms of that deal do not include letting ChatGPT use AP content in its responses. OpenAI also has a $5 million partnership with the American Journalism Project to explore how local news organizations can benefit from artificial intelligence. Andre Braugher, the actor best known for his roles in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Brooklyn Nine Nine," has died. He was 61. The Emmy Award-winning actor passed away on Monday after a brief illness. His publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed the news of his death to Variety. Born in Chicago, Braugher's acting career spanned decades, marked by his versatility. The award-winning actor first gained widespread acclaim for his role in the 1989 film "Glory," alongside Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington. However, it was his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC drama "Homicide: Life on the Street" that earned him recognition from award-giving bodies. The actor even won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1998 after being first nominated for the same show in 1996. Braugher's career took a comedic turn in 2013 when he joined "Brooklyn Nine Nine" as Captain Raymond Holt. His performance as the the stoic yet endearing police officer brought him further acclaim, winning him a Critics' Choice Television Award in 2014 and 2016. Always our Captain. We love you, Andre. pic.twitter.com/Mh0p0VlOlJ Brooklyn Nine-Nine (@brooklyn99) December 13, 2023 He also starred in other movies like "City of Angels" alongside Nicholas Cage, and "Salt" with Angelina Jolie. According to Deadline, the actor was set to star in the Netflix show "Residence" before his untimely death. The news of Braugher's death has left Hollywood and his fans mourning. Tributes have poured in on social media, expressing their grief and honoring his legacy. I am so heartbroken, andre braugher you will always be so loved thank you for bringing captain holt to our screens pic.twitter.com/XPOolPJJVf j (@janineteaques) December 13, 2023 rest in peace andre braugher here's one of my most favorite scenes of him on brooklyn nine-nine, thanks for the laughs andre pic.twitter.com/IztwTlgs26 December 13, 2023 From the HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET pilot. Our first real look at the mercurial Frank Pembleton, played so magnificently by Andre Braugher. May he rest in peace. Ill likely be posting more of his standout scenes from Homicide in the coming days. Hes a legend. pic.twitter.com/RY2WqIcX67 Jay Faerber (@JayFaerber) December 13, 2023 Braugher was a scholar and earned a B.A. from Stanford University in 1984. He then received a post-graduate degree from Juilliard School's Drama Division in 1988. He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, who also starred in "Homicide: Life on the Street," and his three children. The Power to Change programme is an Actis-backed initiative that works alongside governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to create positive social impacts for local communities across Nigeria, Senegal, and Mozambique. Power to Change is run in partnership with energy producer Azura Power, which is majority-owned by Actis. It focuses on education, work and economic growth, good health and wellbeing, which relate to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8 and 3. Actis reports Power to Change has helped to improve school facilities, safety and attendance while promoting internships and training, facilitated access to micro-credit loans, particularly among women, to support entrepreneurial income generation as well as increased clean water access and maternal and infant care in the areas Azura has energy projects. "As a leading sustainable infrastructure investor, Actis builds sustainable value creation into the core of our businesses," said James Magor, director of sustainability at Actis. "Our work with Azura Power exemplifies this with Azura's 'Power to Change' programme delivering life-changing impact for communities in Senegal, Nigeria and Mozambique." Examples include the Azura-Edo natural gas power station in Nigeria where 300 kW of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) power was provided at tertiary education facilities, while a vocational skills and training programme was started for the farming community with an initial 30 trainees taken on. In addition, six mechanical and electrical engineering students at the University of Benin undertook internships with Azura. Elsewhere, in Senegal, Azura reports it catalysed a $120,000 investment to provide pottery manufacturing facilities over three years and a $6,000 grant from Azura provided training for 64 women across 15 different villages in soap production. In addition, an Azura grant has constructed a new maternity building and a residence for healthcare workers at Tenga Health Centre in Mozambique's Moamba District. Are you looking for a keynote speaker who combines humor with motivation, leaving your audience both entertained and inspired? Look no further than Jan McInnis, a renowned funny motivational speaker who is making waves in the convention circuit. Jan McInnis stands out in the world of motivational speaking with her unique blend of humor and insightful commentary. Her ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds makes her an ideal choice for any event. McInnis possesses the rare talent of delivering powerful messages through laughter, ensuring that her presentations are not only memorable but also impactful. Her recent performance at the annual School Secretaries Conference is a testament to her exceptional skills. M.J., the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, praised McInnis's performance, saying, "Jan McInnis was the perfect keynote speaker for our annual School Secretaries Conference! Her hilarious observations were generously sprinkled throughout her presentation in a way that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. She created the perfect mood for our day, and the attendees absolutely loved both her message and her delivery. She is definitely a 'can't-miss' keynoter!" Jan McInnis's presentations are more than just a series of jokes; they are carefully crafted messages that resonate with her audience, encouraging them to embrace change, handle stress effectively, and create a positive work environment. Her ability to tailor her content to fit the specific needs of each audience makes her presentations particularly effective. As you plan your next convention, consider Jan McInnis for a keynote experience that will leave your audience laughing, thinking, and most importantly, feeling motivated to take on their challenges with a fresh perspective. About Jan . . . Jan McInnis is a keynote speaker, comedian, comedy writer, and author. She has written for Jay Leno's Tonight Show monologue as well as many other people, places and groups radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, guests on the Jerry Springer show (her parents are proud). For 20+ years she's traveled the country as a keynote speaker and comedian sharing her unique and practical tips on how to use humor in business (yes it's a business skill!). She's been featured in the Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post for her clean humor, and she's the author of 2 books. Spanish lawmakers on Tuesday began debating a controversial bill to grant an amnesty to Catalan separatists that was pledged by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in order to remain in power. The amnesty offer came six years after a failed independence bid by Catalan separatists, with Sanchez insisting it would help "turn the page" on Spain's worst political crisis in decades that still stirs up very raw emotions. For years, Sanchez opposed such a move but recently admitted that he had had a change of heart. Even though such a step was "complex to explain" to the Spanish public, it was a "necessary decision" to learn from what happened in 2017 and move towards a "resolution" of the conflict with Catalonia, he said Monday. Lawmakers officially launched the parliamentary debate late Tuesday with a vote by 178 deputies in favour out of 350. Lawmakers also approved the creation of three commissions sought by Catalan separatist parties in return for their support for Sanchez's left-wing coalition, including one to investigate a spying scandal involving Catalan leaders. According to Citizen Lab, more than 60 mobiles linked to the Catalan separatist movement had been tapped with Pegasus spyware after the failed Catalan independence bid in 2017. - 'Never-ending story' - "What we're trying to do is.. to find a way out of this never-ending, hopeless confrontation" over Catalonia, said Patxi Lopez, spokesman for Sanchez's Socialists as the parliamentary debate kicked off. Promising the measure would be swiftly adopted by Spain's parliament had won Sanchez the key support of Catalan separatist lawmakers that enabled him to be sworn in last month for a new term in office. It will likely take several months to become law, but when it does, it will allow the courts to drop the charges against hundreds of separatist leaders and activists facing legal action over the October 2017 crisis. That process should be completed within two months. First and foremost, the move benefits Carles Puigdemont, who headed Catalonia's regional government when it staged a referendum banned by Madrid then made a short-lived declaration of independence. Considered by many Spaniards as public enemy number one, he fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution although the amnesty will allow him to return home. - 'The saddest session' - Although the amnesty proposal is backed by a majority drawn from the ranks of the left, the radical left and Basque and Catalan parties, it has deeply divided Spanish society and provoked an outcry from parts of the judiciary. In recent weeks, huge crowds of protesters have hit the streets to denounce the amnesty, answering a call by the right-wing opposition Popular Party (PP) placed first in July's general election but without enough support to form a government. Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who has angrily denounced the measure, described Tuesday's debate as "the saddest parliamentary session" since February 1981 when disgruntled right-wing officers stormed parliament in an attempted coup d'etat. "This is a humiliation for Spain," he declared. The PP, which holds an absolute majority in parliament's Senate upper house, has promised to do everything to delay the adoption of the bill that the Socialists want fast-tracked to speed up its promulgation. The Senate can delay but not block the adoption of the measure. Accusing Sanchez of a "coup d'etat", the leader of the far-right Vox party Santiago Abascal went a step further in his criticism over the weekend, saying the prime minister would meet a dictator's end. "The time will come when... the Spanish people will want to string up (Sanchez) by the feet," he told the Argentine daily Clarin, in remarks that prompted an angry backlash from the government. Denouncing Abascal for "hate speech that seeks to polarise and incite violence", Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said such language hadn't been heard "in Spain for many decades, since times that were very dark," referring to the 1936-39 civil war and ensuing dictatorship that ended in 1975. More worrying for the government is the fact that the amnesty has deeply divided Sanchez's Socialists, with a survey published Monday in El Mundo daily showing 45.8 percent of those who voted for him in July were opposed to the measure. mg/hmw/js/sn Western community's grassroots campaign raises $41 million in funding for breast cancer awareness in 2023 LAS VEGAS, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP), the Western Community's grassroots campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, returned to the Thomas & Mack Center to celebrate its 19th annual fundraiser. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo took place during the 10-day competition that has become a much-loved tradition, capping off a year of rodeo fundraisers across the country. This year's top Tough Enough to Wear Pink events includes the Cattlemen's Days rodeo in Gunnison Valley, Colorado, which broke records by raising well over $1 million. Other notable TETWP fundraisers included efforts by the Magic Valley Stampede Rodeo in Filer, Idaho, Rodeo Rapid City in South Dakota and TETWP Central Montana. Tough Enough to Wear Pink was created to galvanize professional rodeos across the country to rally against breast cancer with the ongoing support of dedicated western community sponsors such as Montana Silversmiths and Purple Cowboy Wines. "What's so important is that money raised in the community stays in the community," shares Lacey Wheatley, Executive Director of Tough Enough to Wear Pink. "The funds promote early detection and mammograms, provide transportation to medical appointments, support local clinics and hospitals and aid families. It's truly a grassroots effort. We are extremely thankful for Montana Silversmiths for their commitment to the campaign since the very beginning." Montana Silversmiths crafted and contributed a custom belt buckle presented last night to 2023 honoree Nataushia Morales to thank her for her service and inspiration. After being diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, Morales learned how to barrel race and compete competitively in local events across California and the western United States. About Tough Enough to Wear Pink: Tough Enough to Wear Pink was co-founded by Purple Cowboy wines founder, entrepreneur, President and CEO of Connect the Dots LLC, and breast cancer survivor Terry Wheatley and Karl Stressman, CEO of the American Quarter Horse Association in 2004. Wheatley's goal is to bring the sport of professional rodeo and the western community together to rally against breast cancer. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tough-enough-to-wear-pink-back-in-the-saddle-at-the-national-finals-rodeo-302013183.html SOURCE Tough Enough to Wear Pink Anyone who lived through 2020 observed that some messages received treatment online that stood in stark contrast to other messages. Conservative voices and messages were censored and banned, while progressive voices and messages flowed freely. If a person spoke against COVID-19 lockdownsand later vaccinesthere was a good chance that a social media platform would take down the post. If one were to suggest that suspicious activities occurred surrounding the 2020 election, the label misinformation might appear. The primary vehicle to censor internet speech is to label disfavored messages as dis-, mis-, or mal-information. While the category of malinformation is seemingly the most offensive - true information that government censors believe lacks sufficient context - the other categories can be just as malignant. Mis- and disinformation require someone to determine what is true and what is not. As the facts have unfolded, the source of this phenomenon was something more sinister than company policy or leftwing tech employees. Our government was involved in censoring its own citizens. After Elon Musks historic takeover of Twitter, he released documents that proved that conversations took place between company personnel and federal officials that resulted in a coordinated effort to ban, de-amplify, or censor Twitter accounts. Evidence exists that other social media and internet companies had similar coordination with government officials. While we believe the vast majority of government officials are dedicated, hard-working people who want to do the right thing, they can still make mistakes and get it wrong. Whether out of a well-meaning but misguided belief or self-interested desire to hide inconvenient or embarrassing narratives, government officials can beand often arewrong about things. This is particularly true when what is being censored is an interpretation or narrative, rather than a verifiable fact. Clearly, the governmental practice of coordinating with internet companies has become a systemic problem, while also something that officials feel emboldened to do. This should concern all Americans, regardless of whether they agree with any particular message that is being suppressed. After all, if government can censor your neighbor today, it can censor you tomorrow. So, what can be done? There are some simple solutions to address these basic problems. The first is that Congress, the courts, or both, should prohibit the government from having a seat at the content table. The First Amendment reflects a commitment to the values of free expression that prohibits the government from being an arbiter of speech. That principle should be applied to the internet. To do this, defined lines should be drawn to prevent the blurring of government and private actors. Censorship has thrived under the guise of being the actions of private companies, who are in fact third-party intermediaries. The government has pointed the finger at private companies and claimed that the censorship was not done by government, when in fact a government official picked up the phone or sent an email informally urging the action. As documents from watchdogs and lawsuits have shown, this relationship was often either collusion or coercion. New policy must clearly define who can and cannot evaluate internet content and for what reasons. Law enforcement may have limited legitimate purposes such as identifying child pornography, for example, that other officials like the Secretary of Transportation would not. Some censorship is done under the guise of preventing foreign interference. But in the world of the internet, it is nearly impossible to decipher what messaging is foreign and what is an American citizen expressing constitutionally-protected speech. Rather than suppress the perceived dis or even malinformation, government institutions should persuade with their own information that can be evaluated and considered by all. Another tactic to justify censorship is to redefine the authority granted to federal agencies. For example, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a Department of Homeland Security subagency, has expanded the definition of critical infrastructure beyond the traditional and acceptable meaning and has hinted at wanting to go as far as to regulate Americas cognitive infrastructure. The power given by Congress to the Department to oversee the safety of dams, power plants, etc., should not be transformed (by executive fiat nonetheless) to empower bureaucrats to police ideas and anecdotes. The stretching of definitions must be addressed by Congress. Government also funds private companies who perform censorship activities. The Global Disinformation Index, for example, was awarded grant money from the State Departments Global Engagement Center. Put simply, this activity is inconsistent with the values underpinning the First Amendment and must be prevented from happening. Finally, these policy changes need teeth. Government officials who are found to continue to coordinate with internet companies to suppress speech must face consequences in the form of firing, civil liability, or even criminal liability. As with any innovations in history, over time, bad actors learn to abuse the newly found powers to their advantage. With the internet, it took a decade or two for censorship to develop. But now that the problem exists, it is time to dismantle the censorship regime before it becomes too late. Simple and common-sense reforms, consistent with what is described above, would go a long way toward stopping the modern censorship industrial complex from becoming business as usual. Gary Lawkowski is a lawyer with the Dhillon Law Group, where he advises and represents clients on legal issues including matters concerning the Freedom of Information Act. He previously served in government as Counselor to the Secretary of the Interior, Senior Advisor to the Domestic Policy Council, and Counsel to three Commissioners on the Federal Election Commission. Curtis Schube is the Executive Director for Council to Modernize Governance, a think tank committed to making the administration of government more efficient, representative, and restrained. A school district in eastern Pennsylvania will pay The Satanic Temple $200,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit, and allow students to attend meetings of the After School Satan Club on school property should it ever decide to meet. The Saucon Valley School District initially agreed to let the Satan club whose motto is Educatin with Satan use school facilities, the New York Port reported. It met a few times last spring, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Waste of the Day 12.13.23 But the district withdrew permission after public outcry, protests and a threat in February that shut down schools for a day. The Satanic Temple, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a lawsuit, accusing the school district of discrimination. The settlement not only allows the club to meet in Saucon Valley Middle School, but has the district pay $200,000 in attorneys fees. The ACLU called the settlement a victory for free speech and religious liberty. The organization claimed that The Satanic Temples First Amendment rights were violated when the public school district wouldnt allow the After School Satan Club to meet on school grounds when it allows other religious groups to meet incluidng the Christian-based Good News Club. But Saucon Valley school district attorney Mark Fitzgerald said the reason the district changed its mind is due to safety. By enforcing its policies regarding the use of facilities, the district maintained a safe educational environment for its students in the face of credible threats of violence that had already caused closure of the schools and panic in the community, Fitzgerald said. After $200,000 of taxpayer funds were given to lawyers for The Satanic Temple, however, the groups director admitted that it didnt intend to hold meetings. Director June Everett told the Inquirer that the club will be on hold because the Good News Club had seemingly been disbanded, and her club will only resurrect if the Christina club resumes. The Satanic Temple starts After School Satan Clubs in public school districts only where Christian-based religious programs are allows to used facilities, Everett said. To make a point about speech, rile up a community and get a win in the courts, the group cost taxpayers $200,000. The #WasteOfTheDay is brought to you by the forensic auditors at OpenTheBooks.com Businesses can now apply for 5,000 of financial support through the Royal Countryside Fund's rural start-up initiative. The charity, founded by King Charles in 2010, is inviting small businesses across Britain's rural areas to apply for funding, which is now in its fourth year. A total of 5,000 is on offer and will be awarded to one winning business, or shared between a number of rural start ups. One of the biggest barriers to setting up a new rural-based business is the initial financial demand, coupled with the challenges of working remotely. The Rural Countryside Fund says the fund is an opportunity for rural businesses to receive financial support as they embark on a new business venture. Keith Halstead, executive director of the charity, urged countryside-based start-ups to apply for this year's round. He said: "The Rural Start-Up Fund stands as a testament to our joint commitment to nurture innovation and livelihoods in the heart of the countryside. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how their business will, in some manner, support rural areas, promote conservation, or support rural sustainability. A total of 5,000 is available in the Rural Start-Up Fund in 2023/24 to be awarded to one winning business or shared between a number of rural start-ups. In addition, as part of the Rural Start-Up Fund, they will receive mentoring support from an expert to further guide and support them. Applications close on 12 February 2024. The British public are dreaming of a traditional Christmas, opting for classics such as roast potatoes, farm-reared turkey and gravy over more unusual dinner choices such as vegan nutroasts. The new poll by rural insurer NFU Mutual will come as a boost to farmers and independent rural businesses providing Christmas fodder for people up and down the country. Sixty-four percent of people said tradition was the most important factor when planning their Christmas dinner, and 74% stated roast potatoes were essential to the plate. This was closely followed by gravy (58%), pigs-in-blankets (45%), and farm-reared turkey (37%), with 37% plumping for the humble brussels sprout. The results suggest the traditional Christmas dinner is sacrosanct, but shockingly, over a third of those surveyed said non-traditional Yorkshire Puddings were essential. When it comes to the centrepiece, turkey still rules the roost with 37% saying it is essential to the Christmas dinner, while 14% opted for beef. Just four in every hundred say a vegan nutroast is essential, while a mere 3% want fish and 2% selected goose. Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, said British farmers and rural businesses provided the nation with "high-quality, nutritious, and affordable food, especially at Christmas". "Our research shows roast potatoes are the most essential item for a Christmas dinner, closely followed by gravy and that festive favourite, pigs in blankets. Turkey was predictably the most popular centrepiece while Brussels sprouts were voted the most essential vegetable. "Even though Brits still strive to put on the perfect Christmas roast, a third believed Yorkshire Puddings belonged on the plate, which will no doubt spark debate with traditionalists. "The good news for British farmers and growers and other rural businesses is that they are perfectly placed to provide people's dream food throughout the festivities and into the new year. A third of young diners are too frightened to order their own food at a restaurant. Young people do not like ordering their own meal A new survey has found that "menu anxiety" is felt the most by Gen Z eaters, with 34 per cent aged between 18 and 24 admitting that they ask others to choose a dish and speak to the waiter for them. The study, conducted by the Italian restaurant chain Prezzo, also demonstrated that a third of 25-to-34-year-olds decided what to eat based on how the meal will be perceived on social media. Social anxiety amongst younger generations is thought to have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic as it has led to people communicating in person a lot less frequently. Prezzo chief executive Dean Challenger said: "Whilst most people look forward to dining out during the festive season, we know - as our research shows - it can be stressful for some." Kate Micucci is recovering from lung cancer. Kate Micucci is recovering from lung cancer The 43-year-old Big Bang Theory actress shared the devastating news on TikTok in a post taken from a hospital bed that she branded a Sick Tok. She also revealed in the clip doctors had caught the disease really early and she had been able to undergo surgery last week to remove the cancer. Kate told fans: Its really weird, because Ive never smoked a cigarette in my life so uh, you know, it was a surprise. She added doctors got it out and that shes now all good. Kate added: Its been a little bit of a trip and (Ill) probably be moving slow for a few weeks but then Ill be back at it. At the end of her video, Kate appeared content as she walked in the hospital with her IV drip, while admiring artwork in the halls. She also told fans that she is looking forward to getting back into painting herself amid recovery. The video ended with a photograph of her lying in her hospital bed and smiling with a miniature box of Frosted Flakes in one hand and a banana in the other. Kate also revealed she had found her lung cancer by replying to a fans question in her comment section. She wrote online: I had one thing in my bloodwork that came back really high. So I went to a preventative doc who did a few scans. He scanned my heart and thats where the spot in my lung was noticed. Kate has been flooded with well-wishes since her announcement, with the American Cancer Society posting: You got this! We are here for you during your journey. The group warns about 20 per cent of people who die every year from lung cancer in the US have never smoked or used any form of tobacco. As well as The Big Bang Theory, Kate is renowned for her voice work in the likes of DuckTales, and as Velma in a string of Scooby-Doo! projects. The Pogues are reissuing Fairytale of New York in the wake of frontman Shane MacGowans death. The Pogues are reissuing Fairytale of New York in the wake of frontman Shane MacGowans death Their new seven-inch vinyl pressing of the drunk tank Christmas classic is on the way after hard-living Shane died aged 65 on 30 November from pneumonia after months of battling horrific illnesses. Proceeds of the sale of the record are going to a charity long supported by late frontman Shane the Dublin Simon Community, which helps the homeless. Emma Kilkenny, the groups head of fundraising and communications, said: We would like to say a huge thank you to The Pogues and Shane McGowans family for their generosity in creating such a special legacy for Dublin Simon Community with this release. Music is an emotional and visceral gift that can lift spirits and bring hope to people at their lowest point. Shane regularly performed at the charitys annual Christmas Eve Busk, with his last public performance before his death at the 2021 event. Emma added about the show: We share the truly magical memory of Shanes performance at the very special Christmas Busk recorded in St Patricks Cathedral during Covid lockdown. She concluded her statement by saying: The Christmas Eve Busk is a beating heart at the core of Dublin Simons fundraising and Shane was always a very welcome and truly amazing addition to this special event. The new seven-inch is available to pre-order now, and 6 (about $7.50) from each sale will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community. Shanes star-studded funeral took place at St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Ireland, on Friday (08.12.23), with mourners including Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, Sir Bob Geldof and Irelands President Michael D Higgins. Its been reported one of Shanes final wishes was for his mourners to have a last drink on him, with around 10,000 left behind the bar at The Thatched Cottage pub, where his VIP was held. Sienna Miller is expecting a baby girl. Sienna Miller is expecting a baby girl The 41-year-old actress previously announced her pregnancy to the world, and she's now confirmed that she's preparing to welcome a daughter with her partner, Oli Green. Sienna has actually been battling her own prejudices about being an older mum. The actress - who already has Marlowe, 11, with actor Tom Sturridge - told Vogue: "Id love to get to a point where I didnt feel the need to make a joke of my being older and having a baby, to show Im in on the joke." Sienna actually showed off her growing bump back in September, when she wore a two-piece ensemble to Vogue World in London. The actress has now confessed to feeling anxious about her bold fashion choice. She said: "I was nervous about the idea of it, but once I had it on, everything else felt boring. "I was like, Ill have that photo for the rest of my babys life. Its kind of fascinating to fight your own prejudice against yourself. Im constantly doing that." Meanwhile, Sienna previously revealed that she froze her eggs in order to future proof her fertility. The 'Edge of Love' star - who previously had a high-profile romance with Jude Law - admitted that she felt under pressure to have more kids while she still could. Speaking to ELLE UK magazine in 2022, Sienna explained: "Biology is incredibly cruel on women in [their 30s] - thats the headline, or it certainly was for me. "Then I got to 40 and I froze some eggs. Having been really focused on the need to have another baby, Im just like, if it happens, it happens. That kind of existential threat has dissipated." Sydney Sweeney feared she was "going to die" after she was bitten by a spider on the set of 'Anyone But You'. Sydney Sweeney feared she might die The 26-year-old actress stars in the new rom-com alongside Glen Powell - but Sydney was left fearing for her life after she bitten by a Huntsman spider while they filmed a scene together. The blonde beauty - who shot the movie in Australia - said on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon': "We are filming and the thing just starts biting me but we are in the middle of the scene and I'm supposed to be screaming but then my screaming got a little serious." Initially, the production team didn't appreciate the seriousness of the situation. Sydney explained: "They thought I was making really serious dramatic choices in a rom-com. No one cut so I'm just sitting there with a spider on my arm biting me. And I'm screaming and just everyone is watching. Glen was the only one who was like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, I think this is a little real'. "I thought I was going to die." Meanwhile, Sydney previously revealed that she "thrives in chaos". The actress has enjoyed a meteoric rise over recent years, and Sydney doesn't have any intention of slowing down. The Hollywood star told Variety: "Sometimes I love this crazy run Im on, because I fall in love with so many characters and I want to do them all. And I love what I do. And then sometimes Im like, OK, maybe I should do one to two projects a year so I can give myself time at home with my family. "But I think that Id get so unsteady. I thrive in chaos. I love having, like, five projects that Im juggling, and Im also reading ten scripts and three books at the same time. I love it." To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, the star opened up about his soft side, his bond with Ranbir and more. What went into making the decision to do the role in Animal? I had to work with Sandeep Reddy Vanga because I think hes an incredible director with a unique style. He thinks with so much conviction and creates a world that is so different from other filmmakers. When he met me and narrated the role, I knew it was just going to be a 15-day schedule but in those 15 days, the kind of character he had given me had so much potential if I just got it right. When he told me he was mute. I thought I was looking for characters that were outside my comfort zone. But your biggest comfort is your voice. This was always gonna be very challenging. I learnt sign language for a month and I gave it my best. I'm seeing all the reactions now and I guess I created the character in the right way for people to give me so much love and affection. How did your family react to your role in Animal? What was your experience of watching Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Sunny Deol in Gadar 2? Apart from my father and my brother, everyone has seen it. They are all so happy because they know what I've been through and every actor's dream is to live that moment when their work becomes a craze. The magic of cinema is something else. But I always thank OTT platforms because OTT is where I got to do different kinds of characters with Class of 83, Aashram and Love Hostel. It has been a couple of days since Animal came out but I feel like I'm dreaming. I still keep thanking God for giving me this opportunity. I also thank my fans for giving me love in such abundance. I don't know what to say. We're a very close-knit family and we all live together. Whatever we do affects the other so it makes me very happy that the year has been phenomenal. The kind of character my dad played in Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani, I don't think any other actor can match that. Seeing him was magical. When Gadar 2 was released we were all on top of the world because it meant so much to us. And when I started filming for Animal, I had a gut feeling that it was going to be a great film but didn't know how people were going to perceive it and what kind of reception it'd get. But this is all wow. A great year for the Deols. What went into filming the viral entry scene? I still remember, Sandeep Reddy Vanga had already found the music, a Persian song and he said that it would be played during my introduction, its a wedding sequence so it required dancing. When I started enacting it, he said, I dont want the feel of Bobby Deol. I want you to do something different. So Saurabh Sachdeva, who plays my brother showed me some steps. I remember when I was a kid, I used to go to Punjab and all the male members would drink and put a glass on their heads and start dancing. So I thought that would be amazing for this character to do. I did it and it became so viral. The song has gone viral and the step just blended into it. The song is all about rejoicing, it doesnt really matter how you dance. Its about being happy in the moment. What went into filming that fight sequence with Ranbir Kapoor? Your bromance with Ranbir Kapoor has been a treat for fans Bobby: It was emotional. If you look at my character, when he's a child, he sees his grandfather committing suicide by burning himself. He couldn't take that. He's a family man, he's a romantic and he could kill for his family. It's the same thing with Ranbir Kapoor's Ranvijay. So during the fight, those watching would wonder who to sympathise with. Both characters have emotional backstories. Ranbir is such an amazing actor, I'm a huge fan. After the last day of filming when I woke up, I was actually sad. I've ever felt Iike that in so many years. I was like Omg it's over. I wanted to spend more time with Sandeep, Ranbir and Pranay. I think Ranbir is one superstar who has no insecurities. He gave me so much respect and love. We both are from similar family backgrounds within the film industry. We connected in so many ways. He's very similar to me. There's this one picture I've posted on Instagram with the two of us lying on the ground between takes of our fight sequence and I was discussing my first son's birth. He was talking about how he proposed to Alia Bhatt. We just kept talking about family so I guess it just happened. We weren't trying much. It was natural and it felt like we were meant to work with each other and get so close to each other. At what point in your journey as a famous actor did you decide to show your soft side openly? It's just the Deols. We Deols are very emotional people. It's something we are not ashamed of. We're so blessed and that's the reason why we're so emotional. Did you feel the pressure of fitting the mould of a male Bollywood star and how do you define masculinity now? I think the Deols are one of the most alpha families in the film industry. We're the real He-men, my dad and then my brother. I guess it's just been that way so it wasn't difficult. But for me, I guess it's been different from my brother and my dad. I always try to pick characters who are strong without raising a hand, you can still be a powerful character. I've done some roles like that so it's just the way we are. Animal is currently in theatres. Bobby Deol has been grabbing headlines for his stint in Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor and more. From his viral entry scene to the fight sequence, his character has started several conversations. Grandeur Brunch The exclusive Grandeur Brunch was a celebration of design, providing an elegant and creative atmosphere for the invited guests. It served as a perfect setting for networking and enjoying the culmination of design brilliance. In retrospect, D/code 2023 emerges as a beacon of design excellence, encapsulating a symphony of creativity, innovation, and avant-garde design. From engaging exhibits that showcased the latest trends to thought-provoking keynotes and dialogues that explored the future of design, every facet of the event was a testament to the evolving landscape of creativity. The Designer's Corridor, Trends Excellence Awards, and the vibrant array of events, from "Speed Dating with the Stars of Design" to the "Couples in Design Jenga Challenge," added layers of excitement and diversity. As the curtains fall on D/code 2023, it leaves behind an indelible mark on the design world, celebrating not only the established luminaries but also the rising stars and the innovative visions of tomorrow's design leaders. Ranbir Kapoor has been riding high on success since the release of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal. Not only has the film become his biggest hit, but it also holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing A-rated film in Indian cinema. Recently, a Twitter user encountered the actor at the airport and shared that Ranbir's next project is set to be Ramayana, scheduled to commence in the summer of 2024.Additional details about the film's shooting schedule are now emerging. According to a report by a leading news portal, As part of the pre-production process for Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor is scheduled to visit the VFX office of DNEG in LA early next year. In January 2024, he will participate in technical rehearsals lasting a couple of weeks, primarily focused on pre-visualization.The world of Ramayana has been crafted by the Oscar-winning VFX company, DNEG, which is also leading the production of this epic. The creators aim to pioneer innovative filmmaking technology, with extensive testing already conducted with all three leads: Ranbir, Sai Pallavi, and Yash.Ramayana is set to be a trilogy, with the first part concentrating on the characters of Ram and Sita, introducing Hanuman. The second part will delve into the character arc of Raavana, portrayed by Yash, while the third part will unfold the epic battle between good and evil. The teaser of Siddharth Anand's Fighter starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor was released a few days ago. The teaser has received a fantastic response and everyone is eagerly waiting for the film. In the teaser, we don't get to hear any dialogues but the makers have used captions in between like 'To fight us? You must good', 'To catch us? You must be fast', and 'To be beat us? You must be Joking'. While everyone is going gaga over the teaser, Mumbai Police recently shared a video and gave a twist to the teaser. They shared a video featuring the cops and used the captions like 'To find them, we are good', 'To catch them, we are fast', and 'To beat us? You must be joking'. The official Instagram handle of Mumbai Police captioned the video as, "In this journey called life, some 'battles' are best left to experts to fight." Check out the video below... We must say that the social media team of Mumbai Police is very creative! Talking about Fighter, it is Siddharth Anand's third film with Hrithik and Deepika. However, the audience will get to watch the fresh pairing on the big screens for the first time. While the teaser was released a few days ago, reportedly, the first song of the movie will be out on 15th December. In the teaser, we do get a small glimpse of a couple of songs from the movie, and everyone is keen to watch Hrithik and Deepika's sizzling chemistry on the big screens. Apart from Hrithik, Deepika, and Anil, Fighter also stars Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi, and their first look posters were released recently. Fighter is slated to hit the big screens on 25th January 2023 which will be a Repuiblic Day weekend. Are you excited for Fighter? Kareena Kapoor On Jaideep Ahlawat's Performance In Jaane Jaan: Renowned Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan recently made her OTT debut with Sujoy Ghosh's thriller Janne Jaan. The film premiered in September on Netflix and was lauded for its brilliant performances by lead actors Kareena, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma. While Kareena seems to have found new friends in her Jaane Jaan co-stars, the 43-year-old actress, ever since she worked with Jaideep Ahlawat, has been praising his craft, and she recently lauded his performance in the film. Kareena Kapoor on Jaideep Ahlawat's performance In Jaane Jaan The Laal Singh Chaddha actress recnelty expressed her admiration for Jaideep Ahlawat's exceptional acting prowess in the final jail scene of the much-acclaimed film, "Jaane Jaan." When Katrina Kaif Opened About Her Equation With Kareena Kapoor: I Can Feel If A Person Is Being Fake Or Not In a candid revelation, Kapoor shared how, despite her seasoned experience as an actor, she found herself in awe of Ahlawat's performance. The last scene in "Jaane Jaan" evidently left a lasting impression on Kapoor, showcasing Ahlawat's ability to captivate even the most seasoned actors in the industry. Talking about her experience working with Jaideep Ahalwat, in a recent roundtable, Kareena revealed, "Sujoy did my angle first with the close-ups, finished my angle, and then Sujoy said now Jaideep's angle, and suddenly Jaideep does it. In 24 years of working, after my shot, I'm not that kind of an actor; I'm like, I have done it, I'm gone, whatever it is, leave it because I've always been this confident actor, and obviously the shot happened, and I froze. I was like, I've never seen something like this before." "I worked with every actor in this industry, and I told Sujoy to retake my shot, and he asked why, to which I said, What has he (Jaideep) done? I said, I don't know, I feel like some faltu. Do it again, do it again, and he was like, "No, no, you are also fab." As audiences continue to appreciate the nuances of Ahlawat's performance in "Jaane Jaan," it is clear that his dedication and skill have earned him the respect of both fans and industry peers. With 'Bambai Meri Jaan & 'Kaala, Heres How The Industry Witnessed The Rise & Rise Of Avinash Tiwary Arbaaz Khan & Giorgia Andriani Breakup: Model-actress Giorgia Andriani, who recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend and actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, clarified that Malaika Arora had no role in their separation, stating that there was no interference from her side. Arbaaz and Giorgia dated each other for four years, and after their breakup news hit headlines, many speculated that Arbaaz's ex-wife, Malaika Arora, might be the reason behind it. However, Giorgia refuted the claims and described their split as "too many differences.". Giorgia on breakup with Arbaaz Speaking to Hindustan Times in an interview, Giorgia responded to the rumours blaming Malaika for her break-up with Arbaaz and stated, "There was no interference from her side, ever. She was not the reason behind us parting ways." Giorgia Andriani Opens Up On Split From Arbaaz Khan For First Time: We Both Know It Wouldn't Have.. The Italian beauty went on to explain what exactly led to their decision to separate. She said, "What I value in a relationship is having similar interests, but sadly we didn't share any mutual interests, which was not favorable for our relationship." The 34-year-old continued to say, "For example, I am a whimsical person and I like to travel on a whim. If I'm free and I decide I want to go somewhere, I go. It didn't feel right when he didn't want the same things. Arbaaz loves to sit and watch movies and documentaries. I am very different, I can't sit." Despite not being involved romantically now, Giorgia made it clear that they both remain "very good friends" and will continue to be. "After the breakup, people are bitter and they don't have much to say to each other, but in our case, that's not what it is. We still crack jokes, and I am still very fond of him. So yes, we are still in touch." On the professional side, Giorgia will be making her South debut with the movie Martin. Malaika Arora Reveals How Ex-Husband Arbaaz Khan Stick With Her In Difficult Times, 'Jo Bhi Ho He Arbaaz Khan, on the other hand, is currently seen in Bigg Boss 17 as Salman Khan's co-host. In what came as a shocking news from the Kannada television industry, Rahul Ravim who is known for his performance as a lead actor in the popular show Nandini, has been missing. The news came to light days after his wife Lakshmi filed a complaint of harassment against him. According to media reports, the Chennai police is currently looking out for him and he seems to be absconding. For the uninitiated, Rahul had married Lakshmi in December 2020 and the media reports suggested that the marriage had hit the rock bottom soon after they tied the know. It was reported that Rahul was accused of having extra-marital affairs. In fact, it was reported that the couple got into an ugly fight after Lakshmi got a tip off about Rahul's association with another girl. Following the lead, she visited his apartment and found a girl in his bedroom. Irked with the same, Rahul had allegedly assaulted Lakshmi. The media reports suggested that the incident took place on April 26 this year. And while Lakshmi had filed a case against him, Rahul had alleged that his wife wasn't mentally sound. However, his rebuttal went in vain as the Madras High Court dismissed the allegations. In fact, this bail plea has also been rejected on November 3 and an arrest warrant has also been issued against him. However, Rahul has been missing and the cops are still trying to get a hold of him. For the uninitiated, Rahul, who happens to be a model turned actor, got his shot to fame with the show Ponnambili. He was also seen in films like Indian Love Story and Kattum Makan. However, he became a household name with his stint in Nandini which was a bilingual show. Ranhul was last seen in Sun TV's show Kannakananne EQS-Ad-hoc: Samara Asset Group p.l.c. / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision/Acquisition Samara Asset Group p.l.c. enters into a purchase agreement for the acquisition of various fund 12-Dec-2023 / 20:30 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Public Disclosure under MAR Article 17 Samara Asset Group p.l.c. enters into a purchase agreement for the acquisition of various fund shares and Limited Partnership interests with a net asset value of approx. EUR 121.4 million in total Partial payment for those fund stakes to be funded in kind through a share issue Sliema, Malta, 12 December 2023. Samara Asset Group p.l.c. (ISIN: MT0001770107; Ticker: SRAG:GR) ("Samara") announces that today it has signed a purchase agreement with Apeiron Investment Group Limited (C 51843) ("AIG") pursuant to which Samara shall acquire shares / Limited Partnership interests in four venture capital funds (the "Stakes"), with underlying holdings in approx. 115 companies, predominantly in Europe and the US, across the Crypto, Fintech, Deep Tech and Life Sciences sectors. The combined net asset value of the Stakes, which is also the purchase price, amounts to approx. EUR 121.4 million. This transaction strengthens Samara's balance sheet and Samara's positioning as a holding company in crypto, tech and life sciences. The transaction is planned to be carried out in two steps, as described below. As a first step Samara will acquire Stakes in one of the funds ("Assets") from AIG with a net asset value (and hence purchase price) of approx. EUR 47.6 million. The consideration payable by Samara for this first step of the transaction consists of (a) a cash component in the amount of approx. EUR 10.0 million and (b) a share component whereby Samara will transfer (i) approx. 1.2 million shares in Northern Data AG (a German company, ISIN: DE000A0SMU87), and (ii) approx. 4.8 million ordinary shares in Samara (i.e. treasury shares) to AIG. This step of the transaction is expected to close today. In the second step, Samara will acquire the Stakes in the other three funds from AIG (the "Further Assets") with an aggregate net asset value (and hence purchase price) of approx. EUR 73.8 million. The consideration payable by Samara for the Further Assets will be settled by the transfer and/or issue of approx. 48.0 million ordinary shares in Samara at an issue price of approx. EUR 1.54/share (being the volume weighted average trading price of Samara's shares for the 20 trading days ended on 11 December 2023). The purchase agreement provides for a price adjustment in due course in the event that the aggregate net asset value of the Assets and the Further Assets set out in the FY23 audited accounts of the underlying funds differs from the aggregate valuation originally attributed to them in the purchase agreement. The consideration for the Further Assets will be funded through an issue of shares in Samara to AIG. Samara will hold an extraordinary general meeting ("EGM") towards the end of January 2024 for the purpose of seeking shareholder approval of, inter alia, all relevant resolutions needed to enable Samara to issue ordinary shares to AIG for the purposes of the transaction. Closing of this step of the transaction is subject to the said shareholder approval. Samara expects to publish the EGM notice and all other ancillary documents soon. Media Contact: Samara Asset Group p.l.c. 66/67, Beatrice, Amery Street, Sliema, SLM 1707, Malta https://samara-ag.com/ E-mail: info@samara-ag.com End of Inside Information Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement: 12-Dec-2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Sustainable Markets Initiative's Founder, His Majesty King Charles III, opened the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum at reception in Dubai More than 1,000 private sector CEOs, Heads of State and Philanthropic leaders came together at first-ever Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, for which the Sustainable Markets Initiative was the Strategic Partner Industry Transition Initiatives across its Task Forces and Country Engagement DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Strategic Partner to the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum (BPCF) helped convene more than a 1,000 CEOs, global leaders, and philanthropists from over 80 countries. The Forum was led by the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates and held alongside the World Climate Action Summit. The Forum launched on November 30 with a high-level reception, which was hosted by the COP28 Presidency and the Sustainable Markets Initiative, in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, the Founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The event highlighted the mission of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and echoed The King's vision for Nature, People and Planet on a global stage. The reception also highlighted opening remarks from Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum shared the private sector's progress and released its Purpose Statement and aims for COP29. Read Purpose Statement. "The Sustainable Markets Initiative, as a private sector led organisation, has transformed how the global business community convenes at world events like COP28. Our members, as global CEOs from a wide range of industries, and finance, are scaling the sustainable transition and are demonstrating action across their value and supply chains," said Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. "As the 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition, we know it is a business imperative and we must address climate change now, with speed and results. Our member companies, with their global reach, ingenuity, and resources, are helping to bring real world demonstrations of a sustainable transition forward at scale, supporting a path to a more sustainable future." Pre-COP28 and COP28 Highlights: Terra Carta Seal: 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners were announced November 28. The Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. It is awarded to companies which have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's ten Terra Carta Articles. The 2023 Terra Carta Seal had 17 winners, which span multiple geographies and industries. Press release. Terra Carta Design Lab: At the COP28 BPCF, one of the event sessions focused on supporting sustainable innovation. The Sustainable Markets Initiative's Terra Carta Design Lab was highlighted. This global competition, inspired by its guiding mandate the Terra Carta, invites students to design high-impact solutions to address climate change. Four design schools participating in the program include the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Royal College of Art. Press release. Task Forces: Launched three new Task Forces, Circularity, Fusion, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications. The Task Forces' help to build foundational and transformative activities to accelerate the transition. Agribusiness Task Force: Launches first-of-its-kind Blended Finance framework to make regenerative farming financially viable for farmers; projects in India, the US and the UK explored to prove concept. Companies call for 10 policy changes which could help to unlock a projected $1.2 trillion that regenerative agriculture can add to the worldwide economy. Asset Manager and Asset Owner Task Force: As part of a wider collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Asset Manager and Asset Owner Task Force, the Climate Bonds Initiative mapped the degree of alignment of 13 corporate transition frameworks and highlighted areas where further work and alignment is needed. The project addresses the pressing challenge of navigating through various corporate transition frameworks. The goal is to create a navigator tool that enables financial institutions to orientate their corporate portfolios in a way that is consistent with those frameworks. Read more at the Climate Bonds Initiative webpage. Blended Finance Task Force: Along with nine other leading organisations, the Task Force came together to advocate for scaling private capital mobilisation with a Call to Action that launched at COP28. Read more on the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative website. Energy Transition Task Force: Launched Decarbonising Industry How-to Guide, which outlines a roadmap to decarbonising three of the hardest-to-abate industries - steel, aluminium, and mining. The guide and the decarbonisation initiatives that it recommends exemplify how cross-industry cooperation can result in strong positive impact and accelerated results. Launched Global Grids, Money & Models: Unblocking Investment and Unlocking Africa's Renewable Energy Future report, which highlights the profound potential that investments in electricity grid networks hold for sub-Saharan Africa. The report provides a strategic blueprint for government and private sector engagement in electric grid development, particularly as transmission projects grow more attractive for investment. Health Systems Task Force: Health Working Group: In early November launched a Health Working Group in China with the Sustainable Markets Initiative's China Council. Read the Health Systems Task Force November 29 Press Release: Members of the Task Force are in advanced discussions with energy providers in China and India to scale renewable power across their supply chains. This is the first time that companies from across the global healthcare sector have come together to pioneer such initiatives in these countries. Recognising the importance of a harmonised method to measure and report the environmental impact of medicines and healthcare products, the Task Force worked with the Pharmaceutical Environment Group (PEG) through a newly created consortium and NHS England to support the development of a sector-wide standard for medicines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The consortium and NHS England intend to work with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to reach consensus among the sector's stakeholder groups including healthcare systems, providers and professionals, representative bodies, academics, and patients to establish the standard. An international measurement framework is also being developed to calculate the carbon emissions from different patient care pathways. Three new members joined the Health Systems Task Force to contribute broader sectoral expertise. Insurance Task Force: Global Risk and Resilience Fellowship Program report highlights the inaugural year of the Fellowship, which paired city leaders with a deep understanding of urban resilience challenges, and insurance experts to collaboratively develop solutions that empower cities to build a safe, equitable, and sustainable future. Read more about the initiative. Published a report, Insuring a Sustainable Future, which explores the critical role the insurance industry is playing in the growth of clean and emerging technologies, de-risking investment and enabling recovery post climate-related disasters. Private Equity Task Force: Launched a Private Markets Decarbonisation Roadmap (PMDR) in collaboration with the Initiative Climat International and Bain & Company. The PMDR helps to support global private markets firms (General Partners or 'GPs') with a common language and approach to speak about decarbonisation and drive meaningful progress by disclosing their portfolio's decarbonisation evolution. To access the PMDR, visit the Bain & Co. webpage. To read the press statement, please visit the Principles for Responsible Investment webpage. Sustainable Building Task Force: Launched a paper on Decarbonization in the Built Environment: Addressing Embodied Carbon in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. The report outlines solutions, challenges, and best practices for reducing embodied carbon in a building's MEP system - a significant, but often not highlighted, component of a building's overall emissions. Country Engagement: The Sustainable Markets Initiative established a new regional council in Africa, and its China Council launched a Health Working Group. The Sustainable Markets Initiative's Country Engagement team supports three Country Councils, which focus on supporting private and public sector engagement and collaboration to build momentum for more sustainable actions and accelerate the transition in country. Notes to editors: Additional COP28 activities: RE:TV, a partner to the Sustainable Markets Initiative, had a significant role at the BPCF as it captured leading stories across its member platform and demonstrations of how companies are accelerating the path to low-carbon and net zero solutions. Sustainable Markets Initiative Showcase: At COP28, the Sustainable Markets Initiative member companies and partners showcased recent demonstrations of progress through a digital storytelling series that highlighted sustainable transition projects, investment, and business activities across the globe. This showcase was highlighted as a successful articulation of real action in motion across the globe at COP28 amongst attendees. About the Sustainable Markets Initiative Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world's 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition.? Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative's mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action.? Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org Sustainable Markets Initiative's Terra Carta His Majesty King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, launched the Terra Carta at the One Planet Summit in January 2021.?The Terra Carta serves as the mandate for the Sustainable Markets Initiative and provides a practical roadmap for acceleration towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation, and resources of the private sector. The Terra Carta is supported by the 56 members of the Commonwealth, C40 Cities and the United Kingdom's 13 Core Cities. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299261/COP28_Nov30_Reception.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299262/COP28_Press_Release_12122023.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/as-strategic-partner-for-cop28-business-and-philanthropy-climate-forum-sustainable-markets-initiative-expands-focus-on-industry-transition-with-global-leaders-to-align-industry-finance-and-country-roadmaps-302013314.html BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Global Times Online: The "Linyi Trade City - China Aggregation" International Brand Promotion Conference themed on "Gathering and Selling of Quality Goods around the World" was held in Beijing on December 10, 2023. The conference gave a detailed introduction to the achievements of Linyi, East China's Shandong Province in the trade and logistics industry in recent years and Linyi Trade City's transformation and upgrading, aiming at further enhancing the influence of Linyi Trade City's international brand and helping the investment attraction to a new level. Zhang Xiaobin, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Linyi Municipal Committee and head of the city's publicity department presided over the conference. More than 100 foreign envoys, business representatives attended the event. Ren Gang, Secretary of CPC Linyi Municipal Committee, delivered a speech at the conference, pointing out that in recent years, Linyi has vigorously implemented the strategy of developing itself into a top trade and logistics city, and cultivated Linyi Trade City. Awais Zafar, First Secretary of Pakistani Embassy in China, said that China-Pakistan friendship is profound and long-lasting. The development of Linyi reflects the vitality and innovation of China's economy. Building a modern trade and logistics city not only tapped Linyi's own development potential, but also promoted it to become an important participant in the world economy. Chen Jian, former vice minister of China's Ministry of Commerce, Juan Xinyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Linyi Municipal Committee, Vice Mayor of Linyi City, Zhou Keren, Former Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Zhu Siqiao, associate researcher of the Institute of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, also addressed the conference. Yu Xinwen, Chairman of Shandong Huafeng Enterprise Group, Guan Zhaojun, CEO of Shandong Lanhua Group, Sun Siyong, Chairman of Linyi Wholesale Market Group, Sun Baoan, President of the Linyi Wholesalers Association, and Li Hui, General Manager of Linyi Xinminghui Safety Technology spoke as enterprise representatives respectively. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/linyi-trade-city---china-aggregation-international-brand-promotion-conference-kicks-off-in-beijing-302013469.html Rawafed Libya expands partnership with Eutelsat Group as it adds new exclusive LEO agreement to existing GEO services. LEO connectivity to address sectors including oil and gas sector, telecoms, and financial services, as well as government applications and humanitarian groups. Partnership is based on a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract, with options to extend or expand, with services due to start in early 2024. Regulatory News: Eutelsat Group (Paris:ETL) (LSE:ETL), the world's first GEO-LEO satellite operator, has today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between Eutelsat OneWeb, its connectivity business unit and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications Technology (RLTT), the Libyan telecoms operator, for the delivery of high-speed, low latency connectivity across Libya. RLTT is expanding its relationship with Eutelsat Group to include a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services, in this new landmark agreement. Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) powered connectivity constellation, delivering full connectivity over Libya from early 2024. The multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract further cements the existing long-standing relationship between Eutelsat Group and RLTT. The services will provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for a range of applications including commercial connectivity to the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries, Government sectors, cellular backhaul for telecoms operators and remote connectivity for humanitarian organizations. Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said: "Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering. We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. By building on existing customer relationships, we are able to grow the business in international markets and continue to bridge the digital divide globally." Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications Technology, said: "We have been working with Eutelsat Group for several years now and are excited to bring its high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across the oil and gas, cellular backhaul and humanitarian sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we are able to meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Through this exclusive deal, we look forward to bringing unmatched connectivity across Libya." The announcement comes as Eutelsat OneWeb continues to grow at a rapid pace in the African market, with the signing of a distribution agreement with NEC XON covering Sub-Saharan Africa in November. Demand for connectivity in the region is very high, with agreements such as these helping to bridge the digital divide across the continent and bring high-speed connectivity, regardless of location. About Rawafed Libya For Telecommunications and Technology (RLTT) RLTT is a Telecommunication Technology firm that offers a wide spectrum of expertise and solutions within telecommunications, IT solutions, software, and hardware solutions. Rawafed is the leading internet service and telecoms solutions provider and is at the forefront of satellite and wireless internet connectivity in the Libyan market providing our products and solutions across all industry sectors banking, education, health, media, oil gas, security, transport and utilities. Founded in Libya 2012, with a head office in Tripoli and offices in various locations in Libya and Cyprus, RLTT has several years of proven experience in the management and implementation of innovative solutions for telecom technology infrastructure, nationwide. Customers choosing RLTT as their solutions provider benefit from the unique advantage of having installation, local support, and maintenance all provided by just one company which continually demonstrates its ability to deliver on time with an eye for detail. Find out more at: https://rltt.net/en/ About Eutelsat OneWeb: Eutelsat OneWeb is a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, the global leader in satellite communications delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 37 Geostationary satellites and a low Earth orbit constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group's unique suite of in-orbit and on-ground assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,700 people from 50 different nationalities. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange. Find out more at www.eutelsat.com/oneweb View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212240805/en/ Contacts: Eutelsat Media Inquiries: Anita Baltagi +33 1 53 98 47 47 abaltagi@eutelsat.com Katie Dowd kdowd@oneweb.net Alastair Elwen +44 20 7251 3801 eutelsatgroup@fgsglobal.com Armand Noury +33 6 60 07 16 97 eutelsat@agenceproches.com Investor Thomas Cardiel +33 6 99 07 86 47 tcardiel@eutelsat.com Hugo Laurens-Berge hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com Christine Lopez clopez@eutelsat.com The global demand side platform (DSP) system market has witnessed growth due to extensive adoption of smartphones, emergence of high-speed internet, and surge in adoption of ai converging in AdTech. NEW CASTLE, Del., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Demand Side Platform (DSP) System Market by Type (Real Time Bidding (RTB) and Programmatic Premium Buying (PPB)), End User (Retail, Automotive, Financial, Healthcare, Telecom, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032" According to the report, the global generated $21 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $228.4 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 27.3% from 2023 to 2032. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chains, regional landscapes, and competitive scenarios. Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities The demand side platform (DSP) system market is expected to witness notable growth owing to extensive adoption of smartphones and emergence of high-speed internet, surge in adoption of ai converging in AdTech, and rise in use of artificial intelligence. Moreover, the emergence of advertising automation and growing interest of business owners in online advertising to increase brand awareness are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, rising adoption of ad-blockers to avoid online advertising limits the growth of the demand side platform (DSP) system market. Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/181786 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 2023-2032 2022 Market Size in 2022 $21 Billion in 2022 Market Size in 2032 $228.4 Billion by 2032 CAGR 27.3 % No. of Pages in Report 311 Segments covered Type, End User, and Region. Drivers Extensive adoption of smartphones and emergence of high-speed internet Surge in adoption of AI Converging in Adtech Rise in use of artificial intelligence Opportunities Emergence of advertising automation Growing interest of business owners for online advertising to increase brand awareness Restraints Rising adoption of ad-blockers to avoid online advertising COVID-19 scenario Initially, the onset of the pandemic led to substantial shifts in ad spending and consumer behavior. Many advertisers reduced their budgets or halted campaigns due to economic uncertainty and changes in consumer habits. Advertisers started redirecting their budgets toward channels that showed resilience and adaptability, such as connected TV (CTV), streaming services, and digital content platforms. In addition, the pandemic accelerated the digital transformation across various industries. Companies, realizing the importance of online presence, increased their investments in digital marketing and e-commerce, driving the demand for ad tech services. Buy this Complete Report (311 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/demand-side-platform-dsp-system-market/purchase-options The solution segment to rule the market By type, the real-time bidding (RTB) segment held the major share in 2022, garnering more than two-third of the global demand side platform (DSP) system market revenue, owing to increasing emphasis on privacy-compliant, data-driven advertising strategies and first-party data utilization and contextually targeted advertising has gained momentum. However, the programmatic premium buying (PPB) segment would also showcase the fastest CAGR of 29.6% during the forecast period, owing to access premium inventory automatically while still employing the efficiency and targeting capabilities of programmatic advertising. The retail segment to dominate by 2032 By end user, the retail segment accounted for nearly one-third of the global demand side platform (DSP) system market share in 2022, and is expected to rule the boost by 2032, owing to the ability to access diverse ad inventory, and enabling them to place ads in targeted digital spaces where their potential customers are likely to be present. However, the healthcare segment would also display the fastest CAGR of 32.5% throughout the forecast period, owing to enhance data traceability, to improve the patient experience, and to save unnecessary administrative costs, boosting the demand for demand side platforms (DSPs). Asia-Pacific garnered the major share in 2022 By region, North America garnered the highest share in 2022, holding more than one-third of the global demand side platform (DSP) system market revenue in 2022, and is projected to retain its dominance by 2032, owing to the rising demand for interactive ad formats, such as shoppable ads and immersive experiences, reflects the evolving preference for engaging content. The Asia-Pacific region would also portray the fastest CAGR of 31.2% during the forecast period, owing to connected TV (CTV), hyper-personalization, geotargeting, augmented reality & virtual reality (AR/VR), and integrated consumer journeys. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/181786 Leading Market Players- Amazon The Trade Desk Adobe Meta Mediamath Microsoft Corporation Pubmatic, Inc. Magnite, Inc. Simpli.Fi Google LLC The report analyzes these key players in the global demand side platform (DSP) system market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model): AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Trending Reports in ICT & Media Industry: Network Equipment Market Size is Expected to Reach $69.7 Billion by 2032 Multi-access Edge Computing Market Expected to Reach $102 Billion by 2032 Cloud Native Technologies Market Expected to Reach $53.6 Billion by 2032 Online Language Learning Platform Market Expected to Reach $44.8 Billion by 2032 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/demand-side-platform-dsp-system-market-to-reach-228-4-billion-by-2032-at-27-3-cagr-allied-market-research-302013520.html Rising interest in leisure & recreational trikes and accessibility of trikes to people with locomotor disability drive the growth of the global trike market. PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Trike Market by Propulsion (IC Engine, Electric, and Human Powered), Application (Healthcare, Leisure, and Others), and Type (Reverse and Delta): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global trike market was valued at $2,556.71 million in 2022, and is projected to reach $5,185.37 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 7.6% from 2023 to 2032. (We are providing trike industry report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, Potential and Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis) 123 - Tables 64 - Charts 379 - Pages Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10450 Prime determinants of growth The global trike market has experienced significant growth and transformation, driven by rising interest in leisure and recreational trikes, and accessibility of trikes to people with locomotor disability. However, competition from other mobility options and high price of trikes restricts the market growth. Moreover, growth of electric trikes, and customization and personalization in trikes presents new opportunities in the coming years. Report Coverage and Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $2,556.71 million Market Size in 2032 $5,185.37 million CAGR 7.6 % No. of Pages in Report 379 Segments Covered Propulsion, Application, Type, and Region. Drivers Rising interest in leisure and recreational trikes Accessibility of trikes to people with locomotor disability Opportunities Growth of electric trikes Customization and Personalization in trikes Restraints Competition from other mobility options High price of trikes Russia-Ukraine War Scenario The Russia-Ukraine war has impacted trike sales due to economic instability, affecting consumer confidence and purchasing power. Additionally, the geopolitical tensions may have disrupted supply chains and increased production costs, resulting in higher prices for trikes. The IC engine segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By propulsion, the IC engine segment held the highest market share in 2022, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period 2023 to 2032, due to ease of availability of the fuel and the robust power provided by the IC engine powered trikes. However, the electric segment is projected to have the highest CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032, owing to its ability to have lower operating costs than the gasoline-powered vehicles, therefore gaining market globally as these bikes offer easy and comfortable ride with accessibility to the people of different ages and physical abilities. Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/10450 The leisure segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By application, the leisure segment held the highest market share in 2022 and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.2% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the trikes capability of providing individuals with an enjoyable and recreational experience. It be used by the people of different ages, gender, and people with locomotor disability. It offers a unique way to explore the outdoors, engage in physical activity, and have fun. Thus, creating its demand in recreational and leisure activity. The delta segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period By type, the delta segment accounted for the largest share in 2022 and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. However, reverse segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.3% from 2023 to 2032, owing to its features which provides enhanced stability, balance, and some provide leaning mechanism which helps in the sharp cornering and offering a unique experience to the rider, therefore creating its demand in the trike market. North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, due to the presence of major firms, such as Can-Am and Harley- Davidson, that helps to boost the trike market expansion in North America as both the manufacturers sell trikes with their line-up of motorcycles and other recreational vehicles. However, the Europe region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the growth in region's tourism and the adoption of sustainable mode of transportation. The demand for trikes in Europe region is expected to grow rapidly. Key Developments in the Trike Industry: Leading companies in the trike industry are employing various strategies, including acquisitions, agreements, expansions, partnerships, contracts, and product launches, to fortify their market positions. In July 2023, Piaggio updated its existing models, MP3 400 and MP3 530, with life support equipment. This product enhancement is anticipated to attract a new customer base for the company, particularly in urban settings. In June 2023, Can-Am, a BRP company, collaborated with the shoe company Shoe Surgeon to design three custom trikes. This partnership serves as a promotional avenue for the company's trikes, aiming to attract new customers. In March 2023, Piaggio is expected to develop airbags for its trikes, enhancing safety standards and improving the overall models. In January 2023, Harley-Davidson launched an upgraded version of the Freewheeler trike. The upgrades include changes in the rear wheel size from 15 inches to 18 inches and software enhancements in electronic systems, such as the cornering enhanced anti-lock braking system and cornering enhanced traction control. These product upgrades are poised to attract new customers to the company. Key Highlights of the Report: The trike market study comprehensively covers regions including North America, LAMEA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The research provides a detailed regional and segment analysis for each country, presenting values in ($million) for the projected period from 2023 to 2032. The study integrates high-quality data, professional opinions, and analysis, along with critical independent perspectives. The research approach aims to offer a well-balanced view of global markets, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions to achieve their ambitious growth objectives. A thorough review of over 3,700 product literature, annual reports, industry statements, and other comparable materials from major industry participants was conducted to gain a profound understanding of the market dynamics. Procure Complete Research Report (PDF with Qualitative and Quotative Data, Insights, Statistics, Tables, Charts, Figures) - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/trike-market/purchase-options Leading Market Players: - Harley Davidson Inc. Piaggio & C. SpA KWANG YANG MOTOR CO., LTD. BRP YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD Polaris Inc. Campagna Motors Inc. Arcimoto Electric Bike Technologies Inc. Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global trike market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Similar Reports we Have on Automotive Industry: Electric Three-Wheeler Market Research Report 2023-2032 Three-Wheeler Market Research Report 2023-2032 Electric Tuk-tuks Market Research Report 2023-2032 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trike-market-to-reach-5-185-37-million-globally-by-2032-at-7-6-cagr-allied-market-research-302013528.html This partnership aims to enhance financial research and market insights across emerging global markets. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Quasar Markets, an AI-powered fintech research platform, announced its partnership with Dragon List Global, a company focused on a variety of emerging market industries worldwide including finance, energy, healthcare, economic development, education, and commerce. Quasar Markets Partners with Dragon List Global to Revolutionize FinTech Research To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/190874_7564acc834208b48_001full.jpg This strategic partnership, led by Quasar Markets' long-time collaborator and now strategic investment partner, Dragon List Global, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the fintech industry. The collaboration benefits from the shared history and mutual trust between the leaders of the two companies. At the helm of this partnership is Oliver N.E. Kellman, Jr., J.D., Chairman and CEO of Dragon List Global, renowned for his expertise in geopolitics, international and domestic business development, and special projects. Oliver's distinguished career in global investments, trading, and geoeconomics, as well as his engagements with Congress, heads of state, and sovereign wealth funds, will significantly contribute to this collaboration. "I have known Steven for over two decades. I have been with him since the inception of Quasar Markets as Chief Global Operations Officer, and there is no person I would back personally or with my company more than him. I believe Quasar Markets is the cutting-edge technology that will change the way finance operates," stated Oliver. Steven E. Orr, CEO of Quasar Markets, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "Our collaboration with Dragon List Global, under the guidance of Oliver's profound experience and network, is a crucial step in our mission to revolutionize financial market research with AI." About Quasar Markets Quasar Markets offers innovative AI-powered solutions for researching financial markets, providing unparalleled automation, insights, and personalized client experiences. With a next-gen Web3 platform and strategic partnerships with industry leaders, Quasar Markets is reimagining the future of finance. For more information, visit: https://quasarmarkets.com/. About Dragon List Global Dragon List Global is focused on a variety of emerging market industries worldwide including finance, energy, healthcare, and more. Through its strategic partnerships, Dragon List Global also provides services in all aspects of infrastructure, construction both residential and commercial, development, and revitalization throughout the Middle East, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, as well as other regions throughout the world. For more information, visit: https://www.dragonlistglobal.com/. Contact Info: Name: Steven E. Orr Email: steven@quasarmarkets.com Organization: Quasar Markets Address: Wesley Chapel, Florida 33543, US Phone: +1 (202) 841-9009 Website: https://quasarmarkets.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190874 Oscillate Plc - Director/PDMR Shareholding PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 13 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED BY THE COMPANY TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014, AS AMENDED ("MAR"). ON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. Oscillate Plc AQSE: MUSH ("Oscillate" or the "Company") DIRECTOR'S SHARE DEALING The Company announces that on 12 December 2023, John Treacy, non-executive director of the Company, purchased 880,000 ordinary shares in the Company at 0.54 pence per share. Following the above purchase, Mr Treacy owns 880,000 ordinary shares, representing approximately 0.42% of the issued share capital of the Company. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Enquiries Company: John Treacy ir@oscillateplc.com https://oscillateplc.com Corporate Adviser: Peterhouse Capital Limited Guy Miller & Heena Karani Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7220 9796 BioLabs and Promega today announced the expansion of their collaborative efforts to accelerate life science innovation worldwide through support for early-stage start-up companies. Promega GmbH in Walldorf, the German branch of global life science manufacturer Promega, will provide equipment, services and training to BioLabs Heidelberg. This initiative further establishes the Rhine-Neckar region as the center of science innovation in Germany and strengthens the region's supportive ecosystem for early-stage start-up companies. The agreement expands the ongoing collaboration, which began in 2019, between Promega and BioLabs, a mission-driven company focused on empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the commercialization of life science innovation worldwide. Promega currently supports all BioLabs locations in the US and France, enabling entrepreneurs to advance their research in the field of life sciences. The global exchange of knowledge between the start-ups and Promega scientists plays a central role, underscoring why Promega prioritizes support for incubators such as BioLabs, says Dr. Hans-Joachim Mueller, General Manager of Promega GmbH. "The blend of advanced equipment and targeted knowledge exchange is a potent catalyst for enhancing the innovative capacity of these companies," says Mueller. "We can bring Promega products directly into the development process of start-up companies so they can more quickly bring their technologies to market." Nicolas Bardonnet, General Manager of Promega France, says Promega support of BioLabs in Europe is reaffirmed by outcomes witnessed in the US. "It is clear that this type of engagement with incubators has a substantial impact and significantly accelerates the R&D projects of young biotech companies." Johannes Fruehauf, Founder and President of BioLabs added: "BioLabs' partnership with Promega enables our residents to focus on the innovative research and the cutting-edge technologies they are working on. We are thrilled to be expanding our collaboration with Promega and we look forward to working with Promega in Germany and France." BioLabs provides fully equipped and supported laboratory and office space, access to a collaborative community, and connections to a global life science network of partners to more than 250 innovative startup companies worldwide. BioLabs' capital-efficient model minimizes the barriers to launch a life science startup and enables entrepreneurs to focus on research, not operations, accelerating the pace of commercial cutting-edge technologies. About BioLabs BioLabs is the definitive growth partner for science-based entrepreneurs, empowering companies to accelerate their science, grow their business, and have a lasting impact on the world. The BioLabs difference is in their sector-defining ecosystem: delivering best-in-class lab space, essential business services, a powerful network of innovators and guides who offer "been-there" insight, and site teams with unparalleled experience guiding founders through the operational complexities of growing a biotech company. BioLabs centers are in key innovation hubs across North America with additional sites in Paris and Saclay France, Heidelberg Germany and Japan. More information is available at https://www.biolabs.io About Promega Corporation Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company's portfolio of over 4,000 products supports a range of life science work across areas such as cell biology; DNA, RNA and protein analysis; drug development; human identification and molecular diagnostics. These tools and technologies have grown in their application over the last 45 years and are used today by scientists and technicians in labs for academic and government research, forensics, pharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics and agricultural and environmental testing. Promega is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches in 16 countries and over 50 global distributors. Since 1997, Promega GmbH has been present in Germany as a subsidiary of Promega Corp. With more than 150 employees, it is responsible for the distribution of the Promega products in Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe. In 2019, the company moved from Mannheim to Walldorf. Since then, the logistics center and administration have been located under one roof. Learn more at www.promega.com or visit the Promega Connections Blog. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212235980/en/ Contacts: Promega GmbH: Dr. Anette Leue +49 6227 6906 0 anette.leue@promega.com BioLabs Global: Business Development Department BioLabsBD@biolabs.io Europe ranked as cheapest region for the second year running NA ranked best region for speed of business Growth in legal services and increased digitalization sees average global cost reduce by 4% Global average time increased by 48% with greater disparity in tech adoption around the world Overall, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore rank as top jurisdictions globally Europe retained the top spot as the cheapest region for multinationals to operate entities in this year amid greater disparity globally, with the digitalization drive playing out at different speeds around the world. According to data compiled by Entity Portfolio Management (EPM) leader Mercator by Citco (Mercator) in its annual Mercator Entity Management Report 2023, combined global average costs for multinationals to complete entity-related activities reduced by 4% in 2023. An uptick in the use of digital tools drove greater cost efficiency in some regions, easing the processes of entity management, while the growth of the legal and company secretarial support sector also played a part as a range of providers helped to reduce costs. For the second year running, Europe ranked as the lowest cost region for multinationals to operate in, driven by the ongoing implementation of the EU Digitalization Directive and a highly competitive legal service market. In comparison to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America (LATAM) are most expensive, with many jurisdictions within those regions still requiring wet-ink signatures and multiple steps for notarization, translation and legalization of foreign documents. The data sourced directly from Mercator's EPM technology platform, Entica also showed North America (NA) is the fastest region, benefiting from widespread adoption of e-signatures and electronic filings, with average time to complete tasks decreasing by 14% in 2023. However, all other regions saw either an increase or no discernible change in time, with the efficiency gap widening between those jurisdictions embracing digitalization and those jurisdictions still relying on traditional legalization methods, physical filings and in-person meetings. This is most pronounced in Asia-Pacific (APAC), which has some of the most efficient processes for multinationals as well as some of the most complex. This disparity results in global average time increasing by 48%. Ranked per individual jurisdiction, Malaysia emerges as the most favorable location overall in which to base entities in 2023 based on the overall cost and time involved in managing entities followed by Singapore and Australia. In contrast, Taiwan, Vietnam and Norway are the lowest ranked. Kariem Abdellatif, Head of Mercator comments: "Overall, we continue to see the digitalization drive revolutionizing how multinationals manage and maintain their global portfolio of entities and 2023 has seen more jurisdictions across the world embrace digital tools to streamline processes and increase efficiency. "What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the gap is widening between Global Financial Centres with streamlined, tech driven solutions such as Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States and those jurisdictions still relying on traditional in-person processes. In those jurisdictions, the added complexity not only creates administrative burdens for in-house teams, but also costs multinationals more time and money. "Of course, the purpose of this report is not to advise multinational companies on where to base entities or subsidiaries this is obviously dictated by necessity but to set expectations and provide foresight on the relative cost and time it takes to complete key activities to keep entities in compliance around the world." To read the full report please visit: https://mercator.net/mem-report-2023/ The Mercator Entity Management Report 2023 is part of Mercator's Entity Portfolio Management Series, providing direct insight on the cost and time to manage a global portfolio of entities, based on real-life data. - ENDS - Notes to editors: The statistics that form the basis of this report cover the period between October 2022 to November 2023 and are drawn directly from Mercator by Citco's proprietary EPM technology platform Entica which individually records all the activities undertaken for clients. The data covers over 180 jurisdictions and 20 different types of corporate secretarial tasks. The data represents $3.41 trillion in market capital across all major business sectors and relates purely to the activities of multinational companies. About Mercator by Citco (Mercator) The pioneer of Entity Portfolio Management (EPM), Mercator creates lasting partnerships with its clients to understand their individual needs and offer ease, efficiency and visibility through a clear layer of oversight. Mercator's unrivalled knowledge of EPM and proprietary technology Entica is evolving the way companies view and manage their portfolio of entities, helping them navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As a part of the Citco group of companies (Citco), Mercator works closely with our Governance Services team a bespoke, centralized service offering BPO accounting, Common Reporting Standard, directorships and payroll services, among others. The transparency offered by Mercator's data insights combined with Governance Services' proactive expertise means Citco can support any multinational corporation on all of your entity management needs. About the Citco group of companies (Citco) The Citco group of companies (Citco) is a network of independent companies worldwide. These companies are leading providers of asset-servicing solutions to the global alternative investment industry. With over $1.8 trillion in assets under administration and 9,800 staff deployed across 36 countries, Citco's unique culture of innovation and client-driven solutions have provided Citco's clients with a trusted partner for more than four decades. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213334242/en/ Contacts: Annabelle Duke Amelia Fairburn Instinctif Partners Mercator@instinctif.com FICO partners with Ukrainian credit bureau to launch innovative credit score for Ukrainian refugees in Poland Global analytics software leader FICO, recognized as a global leader in credit scoring analytics, has launched an innovative FICO Score as part of an effort aimed at helping Ukrainian refugees get credit. This initiative is part of FICO's long-standing commitment to financial inclusion, supporting an inclusive lending ecosystem, and developing innovative solutions to enable consumers to responsibly get access to credit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213390604/en/ In alliance with FICO and Poland's Biuro Informacji Kredytowej (BIK), the Ukrainian Bureau of Credit Histories (UBCH) will be able to provide a FICO Score that lenders can use when offering credit to the estimated 6 million displaced Ukrainians settling in Europe. This credit score, based on UBCH data, will be available first to Polish lenders looking to meet the needs of the roughly 2 million Ukrainian nationals who have relocated to Poland since the war began. The FICO Score is the standard measure of consumer risk and has been made available in over 40 countries to date, improving risk management, credit access, and transparency. The project was made possible when three entities the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group; BIK, the only credit bureau in Poland; and UBCH, Ukraine's largest credit reporting agency established a secure cross-border data corridor to carry credit data between Ukraine and Poland. FICO leveraged its advanced predictive analytics model to create a FICO Score based on UBCH data, which scores the UBCH data, giving lenders a forward-looking assessment of an individual's credit risk based on their available credit history. "For the millions of Ukrainians displaced by the war, getting credit is a challenge," said Julie May, vice president of Scores for FICO. "Lenders rely on credit histories and credit scores based on those histories to make decisions, which this initiative provides. FICO undertook this humanitarian effort with local partners to help ease the burden on Ukrainians by enabling a path toward accessing the credit they need. Access to credit provides an opportunity to give financial independence to refugees so they can get loans, apply for credit cards, buy a car or home, or fund businesses." FICO plans to roll out the FICO Score based on UBCH data through BIK and UBCH to Poland and other countries in the region that have access to a data corridor. "Providing access to credit for Ukrainian refugees displaced through the war in Ukraine is a fundamental obligation for us," said Mariusz Cholewa, CEO of BIK, and president of the European credit bureau association, ACCIS. "Supporting citizens as they settle improves their quality of life at a time when they have already been subject to upheaval and trauma. For us, this is not a commercial operation but a humanitarian effort to ease the burden." "We hope to boost credit access and economic resilience for displaced Ukrainians during the ongoing war with the deployment of the FICO Score," said Bohdan Pshenychnyi, director, UBCH. "Providing credit histories to lenders in other countries is the right thing to do so that Ukrainians can benefit from their positive credit history earned at home and can qualify for loans. As the leader in credit scoring, FICO is the only partner who can provide the trusted solution we need." Making Credit More Accessible and Affordable Enabling access to the FICO Score for Ukrainian refugees is just one way that FICO works to increase credit access globally: As part of its Financial Inclusion Initiative, FICO offers the FICO Score for International Markets. FICO Scores have been made available in more than 40 countries across five continents. Score for International Markets. FICO Scores have been made available in more than 40 countries across five continents. Innovative solutions developed by the FICO Scores team can enable credit access for an estimated 1.3 billion consumers globally using alternative data. Scores team can enable credit access for an estimated 1.3 billion consumers globally using alternative data. FICO also partners with innovative firms such as Belvo in Brazil, to enable use of Open Banking data and FICO analytics to score more consumers. "Access to credit is incredibly important for individuals to achieve their financial dreams, as well as for the economy," May said. "However, responsible lending depends on sound risk management. By using our leadership in predictive analytics to provide robust risk tools, we help lenders serve more people while giving consumers more options to access credit to improve their financial health." About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 215 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 2.6 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at www.fico.com. About BIK Biuro Informacji Kredytowej S.A. (Credit Information Bureau) supports the security of financial institutions and their clients by providing a safe system for exchanging credit and economic information and innovative anti-fraud solutions. As the only credit information agency in Poland, through the website www.bik.pl and the Moj BIK mobile application, it enables individual clients to monitor their own credit history and warns against credit fraud attempts via BIK Alerts. The anti-fraud solutions in BIK portfolio systems are: BIK Anti-Fraud Platform, Cyber Fraud Detection Platform and new currently developed Behavioural Biometrics Platform. BIK collects and provides data on the credit history of individual customers and entrepreneurs from the entire credit market, as well as data from the area of non-bank loans. The BIK database contains information on 164 million accounts belonging to 25 million individual customers and 1.4 million companies, including 845 thousand micro-entrepreneurs running a business. BIK has the highest competences in the field of data science, market analysis and modern technologies. It combines the features of a modern technology company with the attributes of a public trust institution. BIK actively participates in the work of ACCIS, which represents the largest group of organisations responsibly managing data to assess the financial credibility of consumers and businesses in the world. Credit Information Bureau (Biuro Informacji Kredytowej S.A.) together with the Economic Information Bureau InfoMonitor (Biuro Informacji Gospodarczej InfoMonitor S.A.) and Digital Fingerprints (Digital Fingerprints S.A.) are part of the BIK Group. Learn more at https://en.bik.pl/about-us. About the Ukrainian Bureau of Credit Histories Ltd. (UBCH) UBCH is a highly technological bureau with the largest database of credit histories in Ukraine. The bureau's database contains information on more than 25 million borrowers both individuals and legal entities. The company's innovative solutions help improve decision-making processes, reduce financial risks, and increase safety levels for all participants of the financial market. The bureau collects and analyzes information that constitutes each credit history, aggregates data from public registers and other open sources, and also develops and provides predictive analytics and fraud prevention services. The bureau's activity is aimed at strengthening mutual trust and respect between borrower and lender, with an important component being the social focus. In cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the bureau implements a comprehensive project to improve the level of financial literacy among Ukrainians, which includes educational projects for the general population. UBCH is a full member and co-founder of the ALE "Association of Credit Information Providers in Eurasia", established on October 23, 2018 to promote the development of credit reporting in Eurasia. For more information, visit www.ubki.ua. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213390604/en/ Contacts: FICO UK PR Team Wendy Harrison/Parm Heer ficoteam@harrisonsadler.com FICO US PR Team Julie Huang press@fico.com BIK Press Office Aleksandra Stankiewicz-Billewicz + 48 512 164 131 aleksandra.stankiewicz-billewicz@bik.pl Dr. Javier Cavada, President and CEO, EMEA, Mitsubishi Power speaking during COP28 TOKYO, Dec 13, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), underscored its progress to fast track the development of the hydrogen ecosystem at COP28, which just concluded in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.In recognition of the key role of hydrogen to achieve the decarbonization of energy systems, over 30 countries launched last week the COP28 Declaration of Intent on Hydrogen which is designed to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen on a global scale and meet global energy demand.Mitsubishi Power is a frontrunner in developing a hydrogen ecosystem for the decarbonization of energy systems, harnessing decades of experience.Investing heavily in the development of clean technology, the company has completed the world's first 30% hydrogen blend power generation validation on a grid-connected state-of-the-art 1,650 class J-series Air-Cooled (JAC) gas turbine using hydrogen produced and stored on the same site.Speaking at Climate Action's Hydrogen Transition Summit, Dr. Javier Cavada, President and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power, emphasized the role of hydrogen in future proofing the global energy systems: "It's time to act and find pragmatic solutions that will allow us to drive a fair and just energy transition. We know there is a pressing need to decarbonize; what is changing now is the scale and speed at which this needs to be achieved."The Middle East region is heeding the call with a rapidly growing investment in hydrogen which Cavada commented on: "The Middle East and North Africa has the potential to become the world's clean energy hub."According to a report from the Global Hydrogen Council, hydrogen has the potential to abate up to 60-80 GT of CO2 by 2050 but to achieve this requires rapid acceleration."We need to remember that the decisions we make in the next two years will determine the next twenty years of the energy transition. We have a duty to future generations to Unite, Act and Deliver," added Cavada, echoing the theme of COP28.The company is also deploying an industry and utility-scale integrated commercial hydrogen facility in Utah, in the United States, through a groundbreaking partnership with Chevron U.S.A. Inc's New Energies Company (formerly Magnum Development) on the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES Delta) Hydrogen Hub.Bill Newsom, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas, and Craig Broussard, President, CEO and Board Chair, of ACES Delta were invited to share their experience on the world stage at the Hydrogen Transition Summit, as a best practice that will support developers and operators to adapt this successful model in other regions of the world.Commenting on the experience, Bill Newsom said: "It took 100 years to build the hydrocarbon infrastructure we have today. The challenge lies in building an infrastructure for renewables in less than 30 years. We all agree on the why and the what; it's about taking action now with real projects."To learn more about Mitsubishi Power's hydrogen roadmap, click here.Source: Mitsubishi Power, Ltd.Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil extended losses on Wednesday to hover near a six-month low on demand concerns and apprehensions that the OPEC+ alliance may not comply with the supply cuts. As demand worries intensify and prices drop, it is speculated that oil producers could unwind production cuts next year and 'flood the market' to fight for market share. Benchmark Brent crude futures dropped half a percent to $72.88 a barrel after touching their lowest level since late June on Tuesday amid concerns of softening demand and oversupply. WTI crude futures were down 0.4 percent at $68.34. Concerns over Chinese recovery weighed on prices in the absence of fresh stimulus measures from Beijing at the Central Economic Work Conference to revive the housing market. On the positive side, an estimated decline in U.S. crude stocks helped limit the downside in oil prices. The American Petroleum Institute late Tuesday reported an increase of nearly 600,000 barrels in U.S. crude oil inventories, against expectations of a decline of 2.6 million barrels. Official inventory data from the U.S. Information Administration (EIA) is due later in the day. The EIA in its latest short-term energy outlook report raised its forecast for supply this year by 300,000 bpd to 12.93 million bpd from its previous report. 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. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- H.E. Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inaugurated the first-ever Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The opening ceremony, president over by H.E Minister Al-Rajhi, was witnessed by an audience of over 6,000 participants and attendees, hailing from over 40 countries. Included among the audience were high-ranking ministers from Saudi Arabia, policymakers, leaders of multinational organizations, heads of business, academics, and representatives of labor. Minister's Welcome In his opening address H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi highlighted Saudi Arabia's role in pioneering efforts that bolster international labor markets, allowing them to keep pace with frequent changes. He continued to highlight that dynamics of the labor market today are altogether different from those witnessed prior, including an increased demand for skills required by future jobs, new professions, and the changing nature of the global workforce. H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi shared a number of statistics emphasizing the gravity of ongoing labor market dynamics, both related to emerging technology, such as the expectation that artificial intelligence technologies will create 133 million new jobs by 2030, as well as those related to changing worker preferences, such as the approximately 22 million people in the United States that now work full-time from their homes. Given these factors, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi implored the audience that efforts be taken to ensure new technologies are implemented to maximize value for the global economy, build work environments free of exploitation, and avoid widespread sudden job loss. The minister's address surveyed Saudi Arabia's local labor market, characterizing it as one of the world's most diverse, with an established status as a preferred destination for some of the global community's brightest minds and top talents. He highlighted how this includes local talent as well, particularly young Saudis who have achieved high levels of preparation and education. He stressed the talents of this cohort have motivated the Kingdom to create private sector-led work environments that meet the needs of the Saudi people. Bridging the local with the global, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi emphasized Saudi Arabia's keenness to cooperate with international partners in order to strengthen resiliency in light of past international crises that demonstrated the need for a unified approach. He added that only by cooperating can the global community leverage global labor market dynamics to bring about positive change on a global scale. The opening ceremony made way for the start of the two-day conference, during which approximately 150 experts will participate in over 40 unique keynote addresses, panel presentations, and breakout sessions focused on the current challenges and future changes facing labor markets. The sessions are organized across eight key tracks: Global Labor Market Catalysts, Skills & Productivity Conundrums, Labor Market Makeovers, Work for All, AI Needs People?, Labor Market Re-engineered, The Right Way to (De)Regulate, and The Future Proofed Organization. Ministerial Roundtable The morning's events were immediately preceded by a ministerial roundtable discussion, during which H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi received minister-level labor officials from over 24 countries. During the session, participants discussed the most pressing opportunities and changes facing labor markets, and considered joint efforts that can be undertaken to address these challenges. During the roundtable, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi stressed that the current stage of the global labor market's evolution necessitates international solidarity, cooperation, and exchange in order to effectively respond to rapid, unprecedented changes related to workplace practices, emerging technologies, and geopolitical circumstances. Addressing the ministers, he characterized the inaugural GLMC as an apt opportunity to engage in this knowledge exchange and dialogue in order to formulate policies that lay a foundation for work environments that are resilient to ongoing and future challenges. For more on the Global Labor Market Conference visit www.globallabormarketconference.com About the Global labor Market Conference (GLMC) The Global Labor Market Conference is a platform that aims to convene experts, specialists, and representatives of labor market stakeholders to engage in discussions about current and future international market challenges and propose innovative solutions to address them. Launched in Riyadh by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this annual conference seeks to establish a forum for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and as a driving force for positive changes in labor practices on a global scale. The event will gather Excellencies, the Ministers of Labor from G20 countries, leaders of pertinent international organizations, high-ranking officials, and figures from government and private sectors worldwide. It will also draw participation from major investors in both local and international private sectors. The conference's primary focus will be on policies and best practices related to labor markets, while emphasizing the pivotal roles of employers and governments in shaping a harmonious and inclusive labor market. In addition to the core conference program, which will delve into topics concerning the future of labor markets, the ongoing transformations in the world of work, and the influence of globalization, several ancillary activities will take place. These will include specialized workshops, diverse events, the signing of numerous memorandums of understanding and agreements, and the recognition of distinguished institutions and organizations within the labor market through the "Labor Award." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299838/Opening_Ceremony_Approved_Photo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2251303/GLMC_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saudi-minister-of-human-resources-and-social-development-inaugurates-the-first-ever-global-labor-market-conference-302013869.html AP30663 achieved proof of mechanism with first-in-class SK channel inhibition compound in atrial fibrillation - primary endpoint met: 99.9% probability of superiority over placebo AP31969, a novel compound being developed for sinus rhythm maintenance in atrial fibrillation, commences dosing in phase 1 COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acesion Pharma ("Acesion" or "the Company"), a biotech company pioneering first-in-class novel therapies for atrial fibrillation ("AF"), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, today announces the publication of data in Nature Medicine with the full results from its Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial of AP30663, a first-in-class SK ion channel inhibitor for conversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm. As previously announced, the trial met its primary endpoint, thereby demonstrating the first ever proof mechanism for SK channel inhibition as a novel treatment for AF. AP30663 Phase 2 trial results In the trial, patients with a current episode of AF lasting for seven days or less were randomized to receive an intravenous infusion of 3 or 5?mg/kg of AP30663 or placebo. The primary endpoint of the trial was cardioversion from AF to sinus rhythm within 90?min from the start of the intravenous infusion, analysed using Bayesian statistics. The primary endpoint occurred in 42% (5 of 12), 55% (12 of 22) and 0% (0 of 25) of patients treated with 3?mg/kg AP30663, 5?mg?kg/1 AP30663, or placebo, respectively. Both doses demonstrated more than 99.9% probability of superiority over placebo, surpassing the prespecified 95% threshold. No ventricular arrhythmias were observed, and adverse event rates were comparable between active and placebo group. The results are now published in the high-impact journal Nature Medicine (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02679-9). AP31969 Phase 1 trial initiated In addition to the publication of the above phase 2 trial results, the company has also successfully dosed the first healthy volunteer subjects in a phase 1, first-human-dose, clinical trial of AP31969, an oral first-in-class SK ion channel inhibitor designed to maintain sinus rhythm in patients suffering from AF. The phase 1 trial is planned to consist of two parts: single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose. In addition, the effect of food on the absorption of the compound will be investigated. Results from the trial are expected in Q3 2024. AP31969 is being developed for chronic oral maintenance treatment to prevent AF recurrence (maintain sinus rhythm) and has shown strong pre-clinical efficacy combined with a promising safety profile. Anders Gaarsdal Holst, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Acesion, said"We are pleased that Nature Medicine has recognised the importance of our AP30663 results for conversion of AF to sinus rhythm and accepted them for publication in their prestigious journal. Based on this achievement of clinical proof-of-mechanism, and enabled by our recent successful Series B financing, we have now also moved our oral SK inhibitor AP31969 into clinical development. Through this study, we will learn about the safety, as well as the pharmacokinetics of AP31969 and it is an important step towards addressing the large unmet need within atrial fibrillation." AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. Existing drug therapies for AF are associated with the risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. With AP31969, Acesion is aiming to develop a safer alternative. About Acesion Pharma Acesion builds on 20 years of know-how with development of small-molecule SK inhibitors and is the world leader in the field of SK channel inhibition, being the only company able to identify and progress SK channel inhibitors into clinical trials. In pre-clinical studies, inhibiting the SK channels has been shown to result in pronounced antiarrhythmic effects in the atria while avoiding effects on the ventricles, the major chambers of the heart and the source of most safety issues with existing drugs. Furthermore, the SK channel has strong genetic validation, with genes encoding the SK channels having one of the strongest associations to AF in human genome-wide association studies. Acesion's AP30663 IV is a short acting conversion therapy that has completed a phase 2 trial proving the value of this first-in-class mechanism in AF and thereby de-risking Acesion's broader SK inhibitor pipeline. Acesion's oral program with lead candidate AP31969 is designed and engineered using in house knowhow to optimise for, and meet, very high hurdles in both efficacy and particularly safety where existing treatments fall short of patient needs. Acesion Pharma is backed by Novo Holdings, Canaan, Alpha Wave Ventures, Global BioAccess Fund, Wellcome Trust, Broadview Ventures and FC Capital. https://www.acesionpharma.com/ About atrial fibrillation (AF) AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia mainly affecting the elderly population. Lifetime risk for development of AF is estimated at more than one in three. It is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. AF is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, resulting in an irregular and high heart rate. AF is associated with impaired quality of life, increased rate of hospitalization, and a five-fold increased risk of stroke. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with AF also face a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. AF is often treated by electrical shock to bring the heart back to its normal rhythm (conversion). This requires general anesthesia in a hospital setting. In addition, many patients are likely to benefit from chronic treatment to prevent AF and maintain normal sinus rhythm. Existing drug therapies for cardioversion or prevention of AF are associated with risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. A landmark New England Journal of Medicine published clinical trial (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2019422) has shown that sinus rhythm maintenance treatment improves survival and long-term outcomes for AF patients. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acesion-pharma-announces-nature-medicine-publication-of-clinical-results-in-atrial-fibrillation-302013125.html JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Target Disease Indication (Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Cardiac Transplantation Rejection, Cold Agglutinin Disease, COVID-19, Generalized Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Hereditary Angioedema, and Neuromyelitis Optica), Therapeutic Area (Cardiovascular, Genetic, Hematological And Vascular, Infectious, Neurological), Molecule Type, Type Of Therapy, Route Of Administration (Intravenous, Oral, And Subcutaneous), Region, Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031." According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global next-generation complement therapeutics market is valued at US$ 6.9 Bn in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 23.04 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 14.39% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. The complement system recreates a crucial role in innate immunity and maintaining tissue homeostasis, and it protects against infection and flags apoptotic cells and debris for disposal. This complement system also contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and has driven industries and research institutes to develop novel 'next-generation' therapeutic drugs targeting different proteins and functions of the complement system. Request for Free Sample Pages:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2269 Factors such as the high prevalence of immune system and infectious diseases, ongoing clinical trials related to complement-targeted therapeutics, growing clinical research activities for developing complement therapeutic drugs, fast adoption of next-generation technologies, availability of well-established healthcare infrastructures are projected to expand the growth of the market during the forecast years. Increasing clinical studies on complement-targeted therapeutics to treat diseases such as COVID-19, cardiac transplantation rejection, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and others are expected to enhance the growth opportunities in the global next-generation complement therapeutics market. On the other hand, an undiagnosed population with complement deficiency may restrain market adoption over the forecast period. Regionally, North America is expected to lead the next-generation complement therapeutics market over the forecast period (2023-2031), owing to the fast adoption of next-generation technologies and increasing R&D investments to develop novel complement-targeted drug therapeutics. Apart from this, Europe holds the second position in this market regarding revenue share. Key market players operating in the next-generation complement therapeutics market include Amgen, CSL Behring, Innovent Biologics, Novartis, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, and UCB, among others. Key Developments In The Market: In January 2022, Kriya Therapeutics, Inc., teamed up with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation for Research Development to license next-generation complement-targeted gene therapies for treating geographic atrophy and other ocular diseases. Curious about this latest version of the report? Obtain Report Details @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2269 Market Segments Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Target Disease Indication, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Cardiac Transplantation Rejection Cold Agglutinin Disease COVID-19 Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Guillain-Barre Syndrome Hereditary Angioedema Neuromyelitis Optica Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Therapeutic Area, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Cardiovascular Genetic Hematological and Vascular Infectious Neurological and Neuromuscular Disorders Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Molecule Type, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Biologic Small Molecule Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Type of Therapy, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Monotherapy Combination Therapy Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Route of Administration, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Intravenous Oral Subcutaneous Global Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Region, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa North America Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Country, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) U.S. Canada Europe Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Country, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Germany France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Country, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) India China Japan South Korea Australia & New Zealand Latin America Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Country, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Next-Generation Complement Therapeutics Market, by Country, 2023-2031 (Value US$ Mn) GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Why should buy this report: To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global next-generation complement therapeutics market To receive an industry overview and future trends of the next-generation complement therapeutics market To analyze the next-generation complement therapeutics market drivers and challenges To get information on the next-generation complement therapeutics market size (Value US$ Mn) forecast to 2031 Significant investments, mergers & acquisitions in the next-generation complement therapeutics market industry For More Information @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2269 Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic: Integrase Inhibitors Market PARP Inhibitors Market KRAS Inhibitors Market Fusion Inhibitors Market About Us: InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 718 593 4405 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com Follow Us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/2tBXsgS Follow Us On Facebook @ bit.ly/2H9jnDZ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1729637/InsightAce_Analytic_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/next-generation-complement-therapeutics-market-worth-23-04-bn-by-2031---exclusive-report-by-insightace-analytic-302013890.html JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Silicone Hydrogel And Hydrogel), Usage (Daily Disposable And Frequent/Planned/Extended Wear), Application (Corrective, Therapeutic, And Cosmetic Lenses), Distribution (Retail Optical Stores, Hospitals & Ophthalmology Clinics, And Online Stores), Design, Region, Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market is Valued at US$ 6.63 Bn in 2022 and it is expected to reach US$ 14.9 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 9.63% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. Disposable Contact Lenses Market Report Scope Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 6.6 Bn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 14.9 Bn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 9.63% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Material, Usage, Application, Distribution, Design 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; France; Italy; Spain; South East Asia; South Korea Competitive Landscape Johnson & Johnson, Bausch+Lomb, Alcon, CooperVision, Hoya Corporation, Novartis International AG, SynergEyes, Zeiss Group, and others Request for Free Sample Pages:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2272 Disposable contact lenses can reduce complications that more commonly result from contact lenses worn for a longer time. These lenses are comparatively more comfortable, safe, and a better choice for people with dry eyes or allergies. The rising cases of eye disorders, fast advancements in contact lens designing technologies, the growing popularity of disposable contact lenses, rapid adoption of silicone hydrogel disposable contact lenses, surging product innovations and launches, rising investments in these lenses, and the increasing trend of wearing colored disposable contact lenses are expected to drive the market over the forecast period. As per CooperVision's study, regular users of digital devices complain about eye tiredness (75%) and dryness. Over 90% of individuals use digital devices for more than 2 hours each day, and around 60% use them for over 5 hours a day, which is projected to offer new opportunities for the disposable contact lenses market in the upcoming years. However, specific side effects of disposable contact lens usage, such as dryness and red eyes, may restrain market expansion during the forecast years. Furthermore, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market growth due to lockdown situations and fewer eye care consultations. North America is expected to dominate the disposable contact lenses market during the forecast period (2022-2031), followed by Europe, owing to the high prevalence of eye disorders and the increasing product launches. In addition, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to register maximum growth in the next few years due to the growing manufacturers of contact lenses and increasing demand for disposable contact lenses. Major market players operating in the disposable contact lenses market include Johnson & Johnson, Bausch+Lomb, Alcon, CooperVision, Hoya Corporation, Novartis International AG, SynergEyes, and Zeiss Group, among others. Curious about this latest version of the report? @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2272 Few Key Developments In The Market: In March 2022, CooperVision expanded the industry's first U.S. plastic-neutral initiative to include all silicone hydrogel 1-day contact lenses. The MyDay daily disposable family joined the clariti 1-day family, the first net plastic neutral contact lens. CooperVision expanded the industry's first U.S. plastic-neutral initiative to include all silicone hydrogel 1-day contact lenses. The MyDay daily disposable family joined the clariti 1-day family, the first net plastic neutral contact lens. In March 2022, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care received FDA approval for its Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses help prevent ocular itch due to allergic conjunctivitis and provide vision correction. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care received FDA approval for its Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses help prevent ocular itch due to allergic conjunctivitis and provide vision correction. In January 2022, Alcon launched Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism, the company's third disposable water gradient contact lens for U.S. patients. Alcon launched Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism, the company's third disposable water gradient contact lens for U.S. patients. In August 2020, Bausch + Lomb launched the Bausch + Lomb INFUSE silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily disposable contact lens, the only SiHy daily disposable with a next-generation material infused with ProBalance Technology to support ocular surface homeostasis and help decrease symptoms of contact lens dryness. Market Segments Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Material, (Value US$ Mn) Silicone Hydrogel Hydrogel Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Usage, (Value US$ Mn) Daily Disposable Frequent/Planned/Extended Wear Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Application, (Value US$ Mn) Corrective Lenses Therapeutic Lenses Cosmetic Lenses Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Distribution, (Value US$ Mn) Retail Optical Store Hospitals & Ophthalmology Clinics Online Store Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Design, (Value US$ Mn) Spherical Toric Multifocal Global Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Region, (Value US$ Mn) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa North America Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Country, (Value US$ Mn) U.S. Canada Europe Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Country, (Value US$ Mn) Germany France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Country, (Value US$ Mn) India China Japan South Korea Australia & New Zealand Latin America Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Country, (Value US$ Mn) Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Disposable Contact Lenses Market, by Country, (Value US$ Mn) GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Why should buy this report: To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global disposable contact lenses market To receive an industry overview and future trends of the disposable contact lenses market To analyze the disposable contact lenses market drivers and challenges To get information on the disposable contact lenses market size (Value US$ Mn) forecast to 2031 Major investments, mergers & acquisitions in the disposable contact lenses market industry For More Information @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2272 Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic: Myopia Control Lenses Market Precision Optics Market Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market About Us: InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 718 593 4405 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com Follow Us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/2tBXsgS Follow Us On Facebook @ bit.ly/2H9jnDZ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1729637/InsightAce_Analytic_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/disposable-contact-lenses-market-worth-14-93-bn-by-2031---exclusive-report-by-insightace-analytic-302013902.html Walking Together in Harmony and Gathering the Wisdom of the Silk Road COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a report from Xinhua Silk Road On December 12, the 8th South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable took place in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The Forum was attended by more than 400 monks, scholars, government officials, and representatives from all walks of life from 25 countries and regions including China, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Japan, India, Vietnam, the United States, France, etc. It marks the first time that the Roundtable in its entirety has been held in a country other than China, with the number of participating countries and regions and attendees reaching a record high. Master Yinshun, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China and Abbot of the Shenzhen Hongfa Temple, delivered a keynote speech. Representatives from various countries and regions focused on the theme of the Roundtable "Walking Together in Harmony and Gathering the Wisdom of the Silk Road." Through exchanges and dialogues, attendees have reached a consensus on multiple topics, including improving the mechanism of mutual learning among civilizations, promoting people-to-people exchanges along the Silk Road, and deepening exchanges and cooperation among Han Chinese, Chinese Tibetan, and Theravada Buddhism. In addition, attendees have signed an initiative for the Roundtable, agreeing to work together to implement the initiative, jointly promote exchanges and mutual learning, enhance people-to-people connectivity, and contribute to peace in the South China Sea. The South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable was launched in 2016. As the founder, Master Yinshun has been committed to promoting international exchanges on Buddhism. He is known as the Xuanzang (an influential Chinese Buddhist scholar-monk of the Tang dynasty) in modern times, and he is widely lauded for his efforts in driving international communications. Over the past seven years, with Master Yinshun's efforts and the participation and support of all parties, the Roundtable has brought together Buddhists in the region and has made great achievements in Buddhism, education, charity, and environmental protection. The Roundtable has become a high-end platform for international folk cultural exchanges. Taking the opportunity of the Colombo Forum of the Roundtable, Shenzhen Hongfa Temple and the Shenzhen Chaoshan Youth Chamber of Commerce have jointly launched a medical charity event named the "Silk Road Brightness Tour" which has provided free surgeries and treatment for 100 impoverished cataract patients in Sri Lanka. Over the past decade since its launch, this transnational charity program has brought light and joy to nearly 10,000 patients in Nepal, Laos, Cambodia, and other countries. During the three-day Roundtable, an education sub-forum and a youth sub-forum will be held. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2023-south-china-sea-buddhism-roundtable-held-in-sri-lanka-302013909.html DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinMENA FZE, a subsidiary of CoinMENA B.S.C. (c), one of the few regulated crypto asset service providers in the region, has successfully obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license for VA Broker-Dealer services from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate and offer its services in and from the Emirate. CoinMENA B.S.C (c) has, to this point, been serving clients in the UAE from its base in Bahrain. With the award of the VARA license, CoinMENA FZE can now serve clients from its Dubai Head Office and utilize local banking services, offering UAE-based users the convenience of instant money deposits and withdrawals. Commenting in a joint statement, CoinMENA's co-founders Dina Sam'an and Talal Tabbaa said: "Thanks to the regulatory clarity from VARA, Dubai is becoming a global hub for crypto and digital asset financial services." "Building strong relationships with local regulators has been a priority for us since day one," said Sam'an. "We are delighted to have received a license from VARA, which further strengthens our market position and gives confidence to our users and investors." "Dubai is at the forefront of crypto growth and innovation, launching various initiatives to push the adoption of the digital asset in the region," added Tabbaa. "Working with VARA will enable us to better serve our institutional and retail users in the Emirate as well as reduce fiat to crypto transaction costs." About CoinMENA Headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, CoinMENA B.S.C. (c) is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a crypto asset service provider (category-3). CoinMENA FZE, a subsidiary of CoinMENA B.S.C. (c), is licensed as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) for Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer services from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). CoinMENA seeks to empower new and seasoned investors in the MENA region who want access to crypto asset investment options by allowing them to participate in the new digital economy. Through CoinMENA, investors can buy, sell, store, and receive digital assets safely and securely, as well as deposit and withdraw in their local currency. Through competitive fees, high liquidity, and an educational approach, CoinMENA aims to be the simplest and most trusted digital assets exchange platform in the region. About VARA: Established in March 2022, following the effect of Law No.4 of 2022, VARA is the competent entity in charge of regulating, supervising, and overseeing VAs and VA Activities in all zones across the Emirate of Dubai, including Special Development Zones and Free Zones but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. VARA plays a central role in creating Dubai's advanced legal framework to protect investors and establish international standards for Virtual Asset industry governance, while supporting the vision for a borderless economy. For more information visit: www.vara.ae Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299884/CoinMENA.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coinmena-fze-receives-a-vasp-license-for-va-broker-dealer-services-from-dubais-virtual-assets-regulatory-authority-vara-302013917.html MELBOURNE, Australia and SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagion Biosystems Limited (ASX: IBX) recently announced positive results following completion of the IBI10103 phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety and clinical feasibility of MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent (MSH2IA) as an adjunct to MRI for the assessment of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients diagnosed with HER2+ primary breast cancer. The trial met its endpoint of safety and tolerability, and showed that blinded radiologists may be able to distinguish suspicious lymph nodes that are infiltrated with metastatic HER2+ cancer from those involved in a healthy immune response or otherwise normally reactive. Thirteen women definitively diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer were enrolled and treated with the drug without any safety issues, toxicity or drug-related adverse events reported. Dr. Isaac Bright, Managing Director and CEO of Imagion, presented the data at the international San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium last week and said, "Patients with HER2 positive breast cancer need better staging options that are safe, reliable, comprehensive, and less invasive than today's standard of care - axillary ultrasound and serial biopsy procedures. Too many of these women endure unnecessary interventions that provide incomplete information and impose unnecessary costs on global healthcare systems. We are encouraged by MSH2IA's potential to increase the accuracy of disease staging, and thus improve treatment decisions." You can download a copy of the poster HERE >> https://info.imagionbio.com/sabcs-2023-poster-request IBI10103 Phase I Study Results The IBI10103 clinical trial was closed in October 2023 and evaluated the potential of the world's first molecularly targeted MRI contrast agent, MSH2IA (MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent), to enhance clinicians' ability to non-invasively and more accurately determine the stage of HER2+ breast cancer. This trial, which was a multi-center open-label study, demonstrated the drug is safe and well-tolerated. An international panel of blinded radiologists assessed pre-dose versus post-dose MRI scans of treated patients. 5 patients' scans were not interpretable due to image artifacts or tumor invasion that precluded lymphatic drainage of MSH2IA to axillary lymph nodes. In a comprehensive assessment of the other 8 patients' scans, the radiologists recognized MSH2IA uptake in both normal and malignant lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes were recognized by a uniformly dark contrast distributed throughout the entire node. Tumor-metastasized lymph nodes were observed to have heterogeneous scattered darkening. Importantly, MRI assessment of post-MSH2IA imaging achieved parity or outperformed standard-of-care axillary ultrasound imaging in all 8 of these patients. Molecular MRI with MSH2IA achieved nearly perfect patient-level concordance, as 7 of these 8 patients identified with tumor-metastasized lymph nodes post-MSH2IA MRI imaging were confirmed by post-surgical pathology analysis to have metastatic disease. The Company continues to work towards its Investigational New Drug application for submission to the US FDA, which was initially planned for Q1:2024, but now likely to be delayed as Imagion works to ensure sufficient resources are in place to pursue clinical development of the MagSense imaging technology. As the global first-mover enabling molecular MRI, these results are very promising for Imagion and for improved precision oncology care. The Company is encouraged by the feedback IBI10103 results are attracting from prospective partners. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Poster Dr. Bright announced these findings last week in a premiere Spotlight poster presentation titled, 'Noninvasive Detection of Lymph Node Involvement in Subjects with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer using the MagSense HER2 Test Reagent - A First-In-Human Phase I Study' at the international San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference. You can download a copy of the poster HERE >>https://info.imagionbio.com/sabcs-2023-poster-request About HER2+ Breast Cancer More than 2 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and approximately 20% of them are diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. Accurate disease staging is crucial, as treatment strategies vary based on primary tumor characteristics, lymph node status, and more distant metastatic disease. The current clinical standard of care for breast cancer staging relies on clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging. Axillary ultrasound for staging breast cancer is highly subjective and operator-dependent - as many as 50% of breast cancer patients may have their disease inaccurately staged. Inaccuracies at the outset of disease management leave a number of patients inadequately treated and subject others to wasteful and potentially harmful treatments and interventions. Molecular MRI with MSH2IA may emerge as the new standard of care for accurately staging the disease in patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. About MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent The MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent features a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle core synthesized at Imagion's GMP-compliant facility in San Diego, CA. It is coated with biocompatible polymers and functionalized with the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab or Herceptin. MSH2IA is designed to be a single dose injected near the primary tumor and has been proven to drain through lymphatics, specifically targeting and binding to HER2+ breast cancer cells. About Imagion Biosystems Established in 2017 and headquartered in the San Diego, California, US, Imagion Biosystems is an ASX-listed company dedicated to developing innovative medical imaging technologies for various cancer types. Imagion Biosystems is advancing clinical development of its MagSense platform technology to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, introducing molecular imaging to MRI. The Company's lead program has demonstrated its innovative technology embodied in MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent (MSH2IA) is safe and well-tolerated in patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. Imagion Biosystems' MagSense pipeline includes prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain cancer programs. For more information, visit https://imagionbiosystems.com Authorisation & Additional information This announcement was authorised by the Disclosure Committee of Imagion Biosystems Limited. Australian Media & Investor Relations: Geoff Hollis, CFO and Company Secretary geoff.hollis@imagionbio.com +61 438 168 008 U.S. Media Contact Casie Ost casie.ost@imagionbio.com +1-619-693-4428 Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299580/Phase_I_Study_update_with_MagSense_HER2_Imaging_Agent.mp4 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/imagion-announces-positive-results-from-ibi10103-phase-i-study-demonstrating-safety-and-clinical-feasibility-of-molecular-mri-with-magsense-her2-imaging-agent-302013521.html CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Sterile Medical Packaging Market by Material (Plastic, Metal, Paper & paperboard, Glass), Type (Thermoform trays, Sterile bottles & containers, Pre-fillable inhalers), Sterilization Method, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to grow from USD 57.5 billion in 2023 to USD 94.6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2028. The demand for sterile medical packaging is propelled by advancements in packaging materials and technologies, such as the development of barrier films and aseptic packaging solutions, contribute to the market's growth. The ongoing trend of single-use medical devices and the global focus on improving healthcare infrastructure further drive the demand for sterile medical packaging solutions, fostering innovation and market expansion. Browse in-depth TOC on "Sterile Medical Packaging Market" 454 - Tables 56 - Figures 342 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=261270541 By Material, Plastic is expected to be largest material segment during the forecast period Plastic materials dominate the sterile medical packaging market, holding the largest share, primarily due to their unparalleled versatility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to diverse packaging needs. Plastics offer a wide range of options, from traditional polymers to advanced, specialized formulations designed for sterile applications. Their ability to provide an effective barrier against contaminants, coupled with lightweight and durable characteristics, makes them ideal for packaging a variety of medical devices and pharmaceutical products. By Type, thermoform tray is expected to be largest segment during the forecast period The trend towards single-use medical devices has propelled the demand for disposable and cost-effective packaging solutions, further boosting the popularity of thermoform trays in the sterile medical packaging market. The adaptability of thermoform trays to various product shapes and sizes, coupled with their enhanced protection and cost-effectiveness, positions them as a preferred choice, contributing to their accelerated growth in the industry. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=261270541 The chemical sterilization method is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. Chemical sterilization is particularly advantageous for heat-sensitive materials that may be compromised by traditional methods like steam sterilization. The method's flexibility in accommodating various packaging formats, including complex and intricate devices, contributes to its widespread adoption. Moreover, the ability to achieve high sterilization efficacy while maintaining material integrity positions chemical sterilization as a crucial solution in the evolving landscape of sterile medical packaging. As regulatory standards evolve and industry demands for efficient, material-friendly sterilization methods increase, chemical sterilization stands out as a rapid and effective option, driving its prominence in the market. By Application, Pharmaceutical & biological accounts for the largest application during the forecast period. As advancements in medical research and development lead to a surge in specialized and sensitive pharmaceutical and biological products, the need for reliable and contaminant-free packaging becomes paramount. Sterile medical packaging ensures the integrity and sterility of these delicate substances, safeguarding them from external contaminants and environmental factors. The heightened emphasis on healthcare quality, coupled with the rise in biopharmaceutical innovations, positions pharmaceutical and biological applications at the forefront of the sterile medical packaging market, making it the fastest-growing segment as the industry strives to meet evolving standards and address the unique requirements of these critical sectors. Make An Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=261270541 North America is the largest market during the forecast period. Stringent regulatory standards and a strong emphasis on infection control contribute to the adoption of sophisticated sterile packaging technologies. The region's proactive approach to incorporating innovative packaging materials and techniques, in response to evolving industry trends and consumer expectations, further propels its growth. As North America continues to witness technological advancements in the healthcare sector and an increasing focus on patient safety, the demand for sterile medical packaging solutions is on the rise, making it the fastest-growing market in the global landscape. Key Players The leading players in the sterile medical packaging market are Amcor plc (Switzerland), DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (US), Berry Global Group, Inc. (US), West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (US), and Sonoco Products Company (US). Browse Adjacent Market: Packaging Market Research & Consulting Related Reports: Medical Packaging Films Market - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/sterile-medical-packaging-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/sterile-medical-packaging.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sterile-medical-packaging-market-worth-94-6-billion-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302013635.html Milestone Celebration: Canon commemorates 5 years of innovation in Saudi Arabia with the inauguration of its enhanced "Canon Experience Centre" a testament to continuous growth and commitment to the Saudi market. Canon Experience Centre features a curated display of a range of products for the business community, offering visitors a holistic view of Canon's extensive printing applications, solutions, and product portfolio. In addition to convenience, the experience centre aims to help Saudi customers make informed buying decisions and discover the opportunities of tomorrow. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon Middle East inaugurated its largest customer experience centre in Riyadh today catering to the business community, offering an elevated customer experience. Since establishing its largest direct operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2018, Canon has remained steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the digital transformation outlined in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy. This continuous development underscores Canon's unwavering dedication to the plans set forth in 2018, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the country's evolving technological landscape. With a dedicated team on the ground, the Company's direct presence has not only facilitated a deep understanding of the local market but has also enabled Canon to establish close partnerships with businesses seeking advanced digital and technology-based imaging services. Canon aims to further expand its range of products and services across the Saudi market, where there is a growing need for digital and other technology-based imaging services to support a more agile, robust, and efficient business environment. During the inauguration,Venkatasubramanian (Subbu) Hariharan, Managing Director of Canon Middle East and Turkey, stated, "Canon aims to add value to the Saudi economy by contributing to the development of a well-defined digital infrastructure mandated by Vision 2030 and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi economy. As a company, we are committed to aligning with the ambitious goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The dedication to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification has motivated us to invest in the Saudi economy and create opportunities for the local workforce. Furthermore, our contribution to Saudization will support building a skilled and empowered Saudi workforce." "We value our strong relationship with our customers in Saudi Arabia, and together, we aim to improve the experiences of our business partners and consumers in the country. Through our strategic investments into Canon Experience Centre in the country, we would like to not only bring convenience to our customers but also help them make informed buying decisions," added Subbu. In a recent study commissioned by Canon, titled "State of the Middle East Print Industry," printers were surveyed about the top prospects for print industry growth within the region. Notably, 66% of respondents highlighted Saudi Arabia as the leading destination for such growth. To meet the growing demand for imaging and printing solutions among businesses and end users, this transformed immersive state-of-the-art facility aims to provide Saudi corporates with an immersive and dynamic environment to explore a wide range of Canon's cutting-edge printing solutions, and applications, including production print, inkjet, wide format, and office printers with wide range of output samples enabling customers to first-hand discover print opportunities of tomorrow. Canon's regional leadership team inaugurated this centre in the presence of its customers and partners. Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East, stated, "With the opening of Canon Experience Centre, customers in Saudi can benefit from personalized business consultations and discover tailored solutions. The experience centre will also offer live demonstrations of applications, allowing visitors to test print quality on various materials before they make their final purchase. In addition to serving as a flagship facility for Canon's latest innovations, this innovative centre in Riyadh showcases the company's state-of-the-art printing technology." "Various dedicated product zones within the experience centre have been created, allowing visitors to engage directly with Canon's solutions, providing a comprehensive experience. This centre will feature a curated display of product demonstrations with widespread range of print application & samples for the local market, offering visitors a holistic view of Canon's extensive imaging product portfolio," added Shadi. The Canon Experience Centre in Riyadh is strategically designed to serve as a central hub for showcasing the latest technologies, offering a unique space for workshops, regional training sessions, and engaging customer events. The primary objective is to establish a closer connection with customers in Saudi Arabia, enabling them to experience Canon's diverse product range first-hand. This revamped flagship centre's opening is the culmination of a breakthrough year for Canon in the region. The company is projecting 11% revenue growth in 2023, inspired by its commitment to serve the 'Customer of Tomorrow.' Underlying this progress is the company's commitment to innovation, dedicating more than 8% of its global sales to R&D annually. The Canon Experience Centre is open five days a week from 09:00am to 05:00pm to serve our customer's needs. Location pin to visit - https://goo.gl/maps/6R5CQmJ9HGJ2 & Contact details +966112796230 / info@canon.sa About Canon Middle East Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE. Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei - 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299950/Canon_Middle_East.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267778/4454203/Canon_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/5-years-of-partnership-and-progress-canon-elevates-saudi-presence-with-unprecedented-canon-experience-centre-debut-302013974.html International green energy company Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) through its Growth Markets Fund II are the winners of the auction-based competitive tender for development of an offshore wind farm in the Liivi 2 sea area in Estonia, having placed the highest bid in the amount of EUR 1.7 million. COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The maritime area for the offshore wind farm is located northwest of Ruhnu Island, near Estonia's Baltic Sea coast, covering approximately 115 square kilometres, with a total capacity of up to 1.4 gigawatts (GW) is expected to become operational post-2030. "With today's announcement, we are taking an important step in expanding our presence in the Baltic states, a core market of CIP's Growth Markets Funds. We believe this project could be a cornerstone investment in Estonia's transformation into a sustainable, long-term European green energy hub," said Ole Kjems Srensen, Partner in CIP and Head of the Growth Markets Funds. "This is the second offshore wind tender secured by the Ignitis Renewables in the Baltic States. By winning, the group achieves its strategic goal of securing a second offshore wind development project in our home market, which is a substantial step towards our overall objective to achieve 4-5 GW of installed green and flexible capacities by 2030," said Darius Maikstenas, CEO of Ignitis Group. He highlighted that this achievement marks yet another significant milestone in the Baltic region's energy transition. It supports the goals of decarbonization and enhances energy security by advancing the use of offshore wind. This year Ignitis Renewables and CIP have signed an agreement to collaborate exclusively on offshore wind opportunities in Estonia and Latvia. The partnership leverages Ignitis Renewables' leading market position in the Baltic region and CIP's global offshore wind expertise. Ignitis Renewables and CIP aim to become active and long-term partners for the energy transition in the Baltic region, supporting Baltic states' decarbonization targets and energy security ambitions through the deployment of offshore wind. About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the world's largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. CIP manages 12 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 26 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 150 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 500 employees and 12 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com About Ignitis Renewables Ignitis Renewables is an international green energy company operating in the three Baltic states and Poland. Its objective is to develop a low-carbon electricity generation portfolio with a focus on offshore wind, onshore hybrid, Power-to-X and storage technologies. By developing new projects, the company is implementing the strategic goal of Ignitis Group to enable green and flexible capacity build-out and to deliver 4-5 GW of installed green generation capacities by 2030. For further information, please contact: Oliver Routhe Skov, Head of Media Relations, CIP Phone: +45 30541227 Email: orsk@cip.com Thomas Knig, Partner - Investor Relations, CIP Phone: +45 7070 5151 Email: tkon@cip.com Paulius Kalmantas, Ignitis Renewables Communications Partner Mobile. +370 617 51616 Email: paulius.kalmantas@ignitis.lt Regulatory News: TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE): The consortium of EDF (40%), TotalEnergies (30%) and Sumitomo Corporation (30%) announces that it has been selected as strategic partner by the Government of Mozambique and entered into a joint development agreement for the development of the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project (MNK). Located on the Zambezi River, 60 kilometers downstream from Cahora Bassa and 60 kilometers from Tete City, MNK is currently foreseen as a 1,500 MW run-of-river hydropower project, for which the consortium signed today: A joint development agreement with the Gabinete de Implementacao do Projecto Hidroelectrico de Mphanda Nkuwa (GMNK), Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM) and Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB). EDM and HCB will own 30% of the project while the consortium will own 70% of it. A framework agreement with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME), paving the way for the future concession agreement. Throughout the development of the MNK project, the consortium will leverage EDF's extensive hydropower experience and reputable technical expertise, TotalEnergies' know-how in developing large and complex integrated energy projects worldwide, especially in Africa, and Sumitomo's global experiences in financing strategic IPP projects, including in Sub-Saharan Africa. The MNK project would increase Mozambique's available electricity production capacity by more than 50% and could power more than 3 million households in Mozambique and the surrounding region. It would help promoting economic and social growth in Southern Africa and make a significant contribution to the region's energy transition by providing reliable, competitive, renewable electricity. The next development step will consist in performing additional studies, which output will help defining the best options in terms of environmental and social impact while ensuring the technical and financial viability of the project. Supported by the African Development Bank and the World Bank through IFC (International Finance Corporation), the project will implement the highest international standards in environmental, social and governance criteria. In particular, the consortium will follow rigorously the required steps and methodology as well as work closely with all stakeholders prior to project implementation. "TotalEnergies is delighted to be able to expand its presence in Mozambique beyond the Mozambique LNG project with a large investment in renewable energy, which will benefit to the people of Mozambique. It is a new example of TotalEnergies's ability to implement its multi-energy strategy in oil gas countries to support them in their energy transition", said Mike Sangster, SVP Africa and Vincent Stoquart, SVP Renewables at TotalEnergies "We are looking forward to contributing to Mphanda Nkuwa project which is a great opportunity to bring our technical expertise in hydropower and our strong environmental and social commitment in favor of local communities and biodiversity. This project will significantly enhance the access to electricity in the region and is fully in line with EDF's ambition to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions that drive economic development", said Beatrice Buffon EDF Group Senior Executive Vice-President, International Division. "We are pleased to get involved the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project. This project will contribute to the increase of access to electricity around the regions as well as becoming a green energy hub in southern African countries. Sumitomo Corporation focuses on achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. In order to achieve this target and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, Sumitomo Corporation will further endeavor to be part of renewable energy projects", said Koichi Taniguchi, Corporate Officer, General Manager, Global Power Infrastructure Business Division. TotalEnergies and electricity As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the end of 2023, TotalEnergies' gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 22 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. @TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213325543/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The UN General Assembly has voted by an overwhelming majority for immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly was convened as the ongoing Israeli attacks targeting Hamas resulting in humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Member States adopted a resolution, demanding an 'immediate humanitarian ceasefire,' the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as 'ensuring humanitarian access.' The resolution was passed with a large majority of 153 in favor and 10 against, with 23 abstentions. General Assembly votes are non-binding, but it reflects the general global opinion on the issue. Israel and the United States, which has repeatedly blocked ceasefire calls in the UN Security Council, were among the 10 nations that opposed the resolution Tuesday. The resolution also reiterated the General Assembly's demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, 'notably with regard to the protection of civilians.' Two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas by the U.S. and Austria failed to secure two-thirds majority. U.S. ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield demanded an immediate investigation into the allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas during and after its October 7 attacks in Israel, which killed more than 1200 people. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday that the last barely functioning hospital in northern Gaza is a 'humanitarian disaster zone', highlighting the disastrous consequences of ongoing Israeli bombardment for critically ill and injured civilians across the enclave. Briefing reporters from Gaza, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO's representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described corridors overflowing with trauma patients at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where doctors treat people on the floor and fuel, oxygen, food and water are scarce. In just 66 days of fighting, the Strip has been transformed from a 'reasonably functioning health system' to a situation where more than two thirds of its 36 hospitals and more than 70 per cent of primary health care facilities are out of commission, Dr. Peeperkorn said. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that the Kamal Adwan Hospital - also in the north - was being forcefully evacuated on Tuesday, according to Gaza's health authorities. Some 68 patients including 18 in intensive care and six newborns are reportedly at the site, alongside thousands of displaced people seeking safety. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX NEW BRUNSWICK (dpa-AFX) - Medical technology firm Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. (IART) announced Wednesday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Acclarent, Inc. from Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company, for $275 million in cash at closing. This is subject to customary purchase price adjustments, and an additional $5 million upon the achievement of certain regulatory milestones. Irvine, California-based Acclarent is an innovator and market leader in ENT procedures and upon closing, Integra will be one of the leading providers of ENT products and technologies. The Acclarent portfolio includes its groundbreaking balloon technologies for sinus dilation and eustachian tube dilation as well as surgical navigation systems. Acclarent will become part of Integra's Codman Specialty Surgical (CSS) division. Integra expects to provide detailed guidance regarding the financial impacts of this transaction upon closing. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the second quarter of 2024. Following the close, transition services, including transition manufacturing services, will be provided for up to four years. 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. COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Idaho Strategic Resources (NYSE American:IDR) ("IDR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its 2023 Mineral Hill exploration program, which included mapping, sampling and evaluation for development. These efforts resulted in the discovery of a new pink carbonatite, which yielded 34.1% total rare earth oxides (TREO). Bulk sampling along both the known and newly discovered carbonatite trends may contain some of the highest grade REE values ever identified in the Mineral Hill District. The Upper Roberts' carbonatite trend is made up of multiple-colored, multi-grade carbonatites. Mapping this summer indicated a new parallel exposure of pink carbonatite, immediately adjacent to the main pale-yellow carbonatite discovered last year. This pink unit was continuously traceable along trend of the pale-yellow carbonatite for approximately 200 feet (60 m) with up to 24-inch (60 cm) thicknesses. One sample (#98377) from this newly discovered carbonatite went as high as 34.1% TREO which includes >4% Neodymium (Nd)-Praseodymium (Pr) (see table below). The pale-yellow carbonatite, previously reported on July 13, 2023, contains abundant sand-sized monazite crystals, and assayed 23.5% TREE (elemental) or 28.2% TREO (oxide). Mineralogy analysis is still pending, but the rare earth ore mineral is dominantly monazite, although bastnaesite and ancylite were also observed. An additional pale green carbonatite was mapped and noted to contain ilmenite with magnetite crystals, which measure up to 2 inches (5 cm). REE grades of this pale green carbonatite yield values between 1 and 3% TREO. The carbonatite trend was traced approximately mile with variable thicknesses between 2 to 5 feet (0.6-1.3 m). Idaho Strategic's President and CEO, John Swallow added, "I am extremely pleased with the grades discovered at the Upper Roberts occurrence within our Mineral Hill REE Project. To be able to provide samples like this to interested parties looking to advance the U.S.' rare earth supply chain is invaluable to Idaho Strategic. Our track record of responsible production within the state of Idaho and our ability to advance mineral deposits in-house from exploration to production has provided us a leg up on others in the REE and broader critical minerals industry. Given we operate in our own backyard, we understand firsthand the responsibility of working in someone else's." New outcrops of carbonatite were also found during mapping efforts. These mapped outcrops, show additional trends broken by faulting and intruded by additional igneous activity. Geochemical analysis for these additional carbonatite exposures is pending, but these assay results may point the way to the heart of the carbonatite system. Additional field work on the Mineral Hill project included the collection of large bulk metallurgy samples for mineral processing and concentrate development evaluations. These samples were gathered along strike of the main carbonatite trend beginning at the 28.2% TREO exposure and continued 25 ft uphill towards the recently mapped 34.1% TREO outcrop.The bulk samples included both pink and pale-yellow carbonatite units, since they are contiguous. The results of the bulk samples (#98370-#98376) range from 20.8% to 28.6% TREO. The company is planning to develop drill targets that will further define Upper Roberts' REE potential. The next step will be cross-section interpretations to aid in planning for drill testing and permitting. Future work in this area will include the continuation of mapping efforts over the remaining 1,800 acres in order to locate new carbonatite occurrences. IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Rob Morgan commented, "These latest assays are some of the highest TREO grades to come out of this district, or for that matter the US, in recent history. I am excited about these recent developments that we discovered through mapping and believe this is only the beginning of many more great advancements to be made in this area. We have so much more land left to evaluate, and it feels as if the heart of this system is still out there to be discovered." Mineral Hill lies in the northern part of the larger, 70-mile long, Idaho REE-Th Belt. The Mineral Hill district straddles the Idaho-Montana border and ends at the Sheep Creek occurrences on the Montana side. IDR maintains 109 unpatented claims covering approximately 2,000 acres in the Mineral Hill district. IDR began mapping efforts in September and completed two months of reconnaissance/detailed scale mapping with sampling. Approximately 40 acres were mapped in detail, while reconnaissance mapping completed another 60 acres. Carbonatite outcrops are hard to locate in the field because they are very easily weathered and do not form bold outcrops. Mapping efforts identified other potential carbonatite deposits and furthered the extents of the main known carbonatite mineralization to over -mile along a continuous trend of carbonatite - referred to as Upper Roberts. Figure 1: Pink carbonatite-sample #98377 Figure 2: outcrop showing pink and yellow carbonatite and location of bulk-sample Qualified person IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Robert John Morgan, PG, PLS is a qualified person as such term is defined under S-K 1300 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release. About Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. Idaho Strategic Resources (IDR) is an Idaho-based gold producer which also owns the largest rare earth elements land package in the United States. The Company's business plan was established in anticipation of today's volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. IDR finds itself in a unique position as the only publicly traded company with growing gold production and significant blue-sky potential for rare earth elements exploration/development in one Company. For more information on Idaho Strategic Resources click here for our corporate presentation, go to www.idahostrategic.com or call: Travis Swallow, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Email: tswallow@idahostrategic.com Phone: (208) 625-9001 Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by forward-looking words such as "intends", "potential", "believe", "plans", "expects", "may", "goal', "assume", "estimate", "anticipate", and "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, assumptions, intentions, or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information includes, but are not limited to, Idaho Strategic Resources targeted production rates and results, the expected market prices of gold, individual rare earth elements, and/or thorium, as well as the related costs, expenses and capital expenditures, the potential advancement of the Company's projects, the potential development of the Mineral Hill REE project, the potential for the Mineral Hill REE project to be an economic source of rare earth elements, and IDR's plans to further exploration and development of its Mineral Hill REE project. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of Idaho Strategic Resources as of the date such information is provided and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of IDR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The forward-looking statement information above, and those following are applicable to both this press release, as well as the links contained within this press release. With respect to the business of Idaho Strategic Resources, these risks and uncertainties include risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreaks, if they occur, including our ability to access goods and supplies, the ability to transport our products and impacts on employee productivity, the risks in connection with the operations, cash flow and results of the Company relating to the unknown duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; interpretations or reinterpretations of geologic information; the accuracy of historic estimates; unfavorable exploration results; inability to obtain permits required for future exploration, development or production; general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; fluctuating mineral and commodity prices; the ability to obtain necessary future financing on acceptable terms; the ability to operate the Company's projects; and risks associated with the mining industry such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, and energy prices), ground conditions, failure of plant, equipment, processes and transportation services to operate as anticipated, environmental risks, government regulation, actual results of current exploration and production activities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, permitting timelines, capital and construction expenditures, reclamation activities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from this forward-looking information is available in Idaho Strategic Resources filings with the SEC on EDGAR. IDR does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. SOURCE: Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Cancellation of Certain Share Options Granted under the Reserved Grant of the 2021 A-Share Option Incentive Scheme 13.12.2023 / 13:40 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Announcement on Cancellation of Certain Share Options Granted under the Reserved Grant of the 2021 A-Share Option Incentive Scheme Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 13 December 2023 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Cancellation of Certain Share Options Granted under the Reserved Grant of the 2021 A-Share Option Incentive Scheme. The announcement is fully available at: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/1213/2023121300857.pdf IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 13.12.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com MarketVector IndexesTM ("MarketVector") announces the licensing of the MCM-BlueStar Israel Bonds Index (MBILB) to Defiance ETFs. The firm today launched the Defiance Israel Bond ETF (NYSE Ticker: CHAI), a first-of-its-kind fund that invests in Israeli government and corporate bonds, offering diversified exposure to the Israeli fixed-income market. The CHAI ETF will track the MCM-BlueStar Israel Bonds Index. The MCM-BlueStar Israel Bonds Index (MBILB) tracks the performance of US Dollar and Israeli Shekel-denominated bonds issued by the Israeli government or Israeli corporations, based on a methodology that was developed in partnership with Migdal Capital Markets ('MCM'). "We are proud to partner with Defiance to support the launch of their innovative and pioneering Israel Bond ETF," said Steven Schoenfeld, CEO of MarketVector. "Tracking the MCM-BlueStar Israel Bonds Index, we are confident that investors will gain diversified exposure to Israeli Government and Corporate bonds denominated in both US Dollars and Israeli Shekels. With more than 12 years of experience in managing Israel-focused indexes, MarketVector is uniquely qualified to benchmark the dynamic Israeli fixed-income market," he continued. The Index provides exposure to 35 bonds issued by the Government of Israel and related entities, as well as Israeli corporate issuers. The definition of an Israeli company is aligned with the methodology of the flagship BlueStar Israel Global Equity Index ("BIGI"), which considers a range of factors including but not limited to country of incorporation and headquarters, geographic revenue and asset distribution, country of founding, and domicile of members of the executive team and board of directors. The MBILB index aims to maximize its exposure to Israeli Government Bonds and Corporate Bonds denominated in USD, but may also include ILS-denominated bonds to meet diversification requirements. Components are weighted by their market value with a maximum weight of 25% for sovereign debt, 7.5% per any single corporate issuer, and 5% for any single bond. The index is reviewed and rebalanced on a monthly basis. For more information on the index, visit MarketVector's index page. More information about the ETF can be found at israelbondetf.com. Key Index Features MCM-BlueStar Israel Bonds Index (MBILB) Number of Components: 35 Base Date: June 29, 2022 Base Value: 1,000 About MarketVector Indexes www.marketvector.com MarketVector IndexesTM ("MarketVector") is a regulated Benchmark Administrator in Europe, incorporated in Germany and registered with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the MarketVectorTM, MVIS, and BlueStar names. With a mission to accelerate index innovation globally, MarketVector is best known for its broad suite of Thematic indexes, a long-running expertise in Hard Asset-linked Equity indexes, and its pioneering Digital Asset index family. MarketVector is proud to be in partnership with more than 25 Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) issuers and index fund managers in markets throughout the world, with more than USD 30 billion in assets under management. About Defiance www.defianceetfs.com Founded in 2018, Defiance stands as a leading ETF sponsor dedicated to income and thematic investing. Our actively managed options ETFs are designed to enhance income, while our suite of first-mover thematic ETFs empowers investors to express targeted views on dynamic sectors leading the way in disruptive innovations, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, 5G, hydrogen energy, and electric vehicles. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213237198/en/ Contacts: Media Eunjeong Kang, MarketVector +49 (0) 69 4056 695 38 media-enquiries@marketvector.com Sam Marinelli, Gregory FCA on behalf of MarketVector 610-246-9928 sam@gregoryfca.com Across large cap, Tesla, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Rivian and Enphase Energy rise to top 10 Tesla was the most shorted stock across large-cap securities in the Americas in November, replacing Exxon Mobil Corp after a one-month hiatus, according to the latest Shortside Crowdedness Report from Hazeltree, a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology for the alternative asset industry. The report is a monthly listing of the top 10 shorted securities in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions in the large-, mid-, and small-cap ranges. During the month of November, the electric vehicle sector regained its position at the top, while oil and solar remained steady frontrunners, with multiple stocks among the 10 most shorted in their categories based on their Hazeltree crowdedness score. In the Americas, this included Tesla (99), Exxon Mobil Corp (85), Chevron Corp (82), Rivian Automotive (78), and Enphase Energy (70) in the large-cap category, Lucid Inc. (74) in the mid-cap section, and Sunnova Energy (99). Other highlights from the November 2023 report include: Americas In the large-cap category, Tesla was the most crowded with a score of 99, replacing Exxon Mobil Corp (85), as the top shorted security. Rivian Automotive had the highest institutional supply utilization (38.57%) for the fifth consecutive month. In the mid-cap category, luxury electric vehicle maker Lucid Inc. had the highest institutional supply utilization (96.39%) and community borrow fee (14.16%). SOFI Technologies remained the most crowded security for the third consecutive month (99). In the small-cap category, solar energy company Sunnova Energy was the most crowded security (99). Also notable, Pure Cycle Technologies Inc. displayed the highest institutional supply utilization (93.05%) and community borrow fee (5.61%). EMEA In the large-cap category, LVMH was the most crowded security for the third consecutive month (99), while Koninklijke Philips NV had the highest institutional supply utilization (16.21%). In the mid-cap category, KingFisher plc, Alstom, and Remy Cointreau SA were the most crowded securities (99), while Alstom had the highest institutional supply utilization (51.23%). In the small-cap category, Nordic Semiconductor ASA and e-commerce retail company THG PLC moved into the Shortside Report series, joining NEL ASA as the most crowded securities (99). Also notable was Swiss pharmaceutical research company Idorsia Ltd, with the highest institutional supply utilization rate (98.96%) and community borrow fee (13.90%). APAC In the large-cap category, Aeon Co, Advantest, Fortescue Metals Group, and Oriental Land Corp were the most crowded securities (99), while Canon Inc. led in institutional supply utilization (23.09%). In the mid-cap category, Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd joined the Shortside Report Series as the most crowded security (99). Pilbara Minerals Ltd stood out with the highest institutional supply utilization (59.21%). In the small-cap category, Money Forward Inc. was the most crowded security (99) for the fourth consecutive month, while Flat Glass Group had the highest institutional supply utilization (45.71%). "November's report shows a continued focus from alternative asset managers on shorting energy stocks in the Americas," said Stephanie Miller, CEO of Hazeltree. "Hazeltree's data is an insightful snapshot into market sentiment and can act as a foundation for understanding deeper trends." The Shortside Crowdedness Report tracks shorting activity in three different metrics: Hazeltree Crowdedness Score: This score represents securities that are being shorted by the highest percentage of funds in Hazeltree's community in a pre-defined category. The securities are graded on a scale of 1-99, with 99 representing the security that the highest percentage of funds are shorting. This score represents securities that are being shorted by the highest percentage of funds in Hazeltree's community in a pre-defined category. The securities are graded on a scale of 1-99, with 99 representing the security that the highest percentage of funds are shorting. Institutional Supply Utilization: This figure represents the percentage of the institutional investors' supply of a particular security that is being lent out. The institutional supply utilization rate is an indicator of how "hot" a security is in terms of the supply-demand dynamic. It is possible to see 100% utilization of a security's availability, making it difficult to establish new short positions. This figure represents the percentage of the institutional investors' supply of a particular security that is being lent out. The institutional supply utilization rate is an indicator of how "hot" a security is in terms of the supply-demand dynamic. It is possible to see 100% utilization of a security's availability, making it difficult to establish new short positions. Hazeltree Community Borrow Fee: This figure is the average weighted fee for what funds in the Hazeltree community are paying to borrow a security. The fee is represented as the annualized cost calculated as a percentage of the price of the security. The data contained in the report comes from Hazeltree's proprietary securities finance platform data, which tracks approximately 12,000 global equities across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. The data is aggregated and anonymized from the contributing Hazeltree community, which includes approximately 700 asset manager funds. To view Hazeltree's November Shortside Crowdedness Report and past reports, click here. Note to editors: If you are a member of the media/press and would like to be included on the distribution list for this report, please contact hazeltree@backbaycommunications.com About Hazeltree Hazeltree is a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology. Purpose-built for the alternative asset management ecosystem, Hazeltree's modular platform aggregates internal and external data, providing a comprehensive view of operations and counterparty relationships while proactively highlighting opportunities to extract more value from every transaction. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London and Hong Kong. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213842477/en/ Contacts: Media: BackBay Communications hazeltree@backbaycommunications.com Asahi Kasei has developed a novel membrane system for dehydrating organic solvents for pharmaceutical applications without the application of heat or pressure. This system can contribute to the optimization of manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry. The company has now begun collaborating with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., of Osaka, Japan, for the practical verification of this system. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213885508/en/ Hollow Fiber Membranes for Dehydration (Photo: Business Wire) Used to dissolve active ingredients and intermediates, organic solvents play an essential role in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals. To achieve the desired results in various process such as reactions and crystallization, such solvents need to be dehydrated. Standard dehydration methods such as vacuum distillation require the application of heat. These methods are not only time- and energy-intensive, but may also have undesired effects on the pharmaceutical intermediates contained in the organic solution, especially those which are sensitive to heat. Asahi Kasei is a global manufacturer of membranes which are utilized in various industries, including virus removal filters and water treatment membranes. Asahi Kasei has now further leveraged its expertise to develop a novel dehydration membrane system including a hollow-fiber module and draw solution for organic solvents in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This system utilizes the phenomenon of osmosis, in which a liquid moves through a semipermeable membrane due to concentration differences. The development of the forward osmosis membrane and the draw solution enables the removal of water without the loss of intermediates. Being able to handle highly soluble liquids such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), toluene or methanol, this membrane system can dehydrate organic solvents below 1,000 ppm without applying heat or pressure, thereby minimizing the impact on heat-sensitive pharmaceutical intermediates. In addition, compared to the conventional technology of vacuum distillation, the process time required can be shortened and energy consumption can be significantly reduced. The membrane system can be used with a variety of organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, esters, and hydrocarbons. To evaluate the performance of the membrane system in practical use, Asahi Kasei is collaborating with Osaka-based Ono Pharmaceutical. Commercialization is targeted for 2027. About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every era. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges through its three business sectors: Material, Homes, and Health Care. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/. Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213885508/en/ Contacts: Company Contact Europe: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt Fringsstrasse 17, 40221 Dusseldorf Tel: +49 (0) 211-3399-2058 E-mail: sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu TT Compliance and TT Quantitative Trading Solutions build on existing strengths, recent acquisitions through new strategic focus CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trading Technologies International, Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform provider, today announced the launch of two new lines of business, TT Compliance and TT Quantitative Trading Solutions (QTS), to further support the company's growth into new asset classes. The two dedicated lines of business build on TT's past offerings in trade surveillance and algorithmic/quantitative trading solutions that were strengthened by TT's acquisitions of Abel Noser Solutions - the industry-leading provider of transaction cost analysis (TCA) for investment managers, brokers, asset owners and consultants - in August 2023 and RCM-X - a technology provider of algorithmic execution strategies and quantitative trading products - in March 2022. TT Compliance TT Compliance will leverage both the firm's long-standing TT Score trade surveillance offering built originally for exchange-traded derivatives as well as Abel Noser's complementary Compliance+ solution largely used for U.S. equities. In addition, TT is working with KRM22 plc (AIM: KRM), which focuses on risk management and capital markets, to extend the capabilities of TT Score and Compliance+ by building a new multi-asset class surveillance platform scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2024. The new TT Compliance business line will be run by Ted Morgan, who has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Abel Noser and will assume the role of EVP Compliance on Jan. 1. TT CEO Keith Todd said: "Sound compliance and robust trade surveillance are must-haves and only growing in importance across asset classes as regulators around the globe are imposing significant fines and holding firms accountable for the actions of their people. We see a tremendous opportunity to both capture new business and provide a second line of defense for clients who already rely on our technology for their trading-related needs." TT QTS Since TT's acquisition of RCM-X, the firm has significantly bolstered its capabilities in quantitative trading solutions, including the introduction last year of TT Premium Order Types, a suite of sophisticated algorithmic execution strategies based on popular RCM-X technology. The newly branded TT QTS led by Joe Signorelli - who has been serving as Managing Director - RCM-X and prior to the acquisition as CEO of RCM-X - will encompass a broader multi-asset algorithmic trading offering, including not only TT Premium Order Types and the firm's TT Strategy Studio but also a new suite of quantitative solutions for fixed income trading, beginning with U.S. Treasuries. TT also previously announced the forthcoming acquisition of START, a broker-neutral trade optimization platform, from Abel Noser LLC in a second transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. That technology, which is used by some of the largest U.S. investment management firms, particularly for equities, will be integrated into the TT platform as part of the new TT QTS business line. Todd said: "We are calling the new business line QTS to underscore that our team is not just developers building algos. These professionals are experts in data science and analytics, along with trading and risk management in multiple asset classes, on top of their coding and development skills. We're excited to further expand into new asset classes and bring our award-winning tools to a broader user base as we continue to grow our multi-asset offering." In July, TT won the 2023 Waters Rankings Award for Best Algorithmic Trading Provider, based on votes from thousands of sell-side and buy-side market participants. Reorganization into Six Business Lines The two new business units are part of a reorganization of the firm into six distinct lines of business that will work in concert to support clients' multi-asset needs. The new lines of business include: TT Futures & Options - led by Alun Green, as announced last week TT Fixed Income - led by Christopher Heffernan, also announced last week TT FX - led by Tomo Tokuyama, as announced in June TT Data & TCA (transaction cost analysis) - led by Abel Noser Solutions CEO Peter Weiler - who will become EVP Data & TCA on Jan. 1 TT Compliance - led by Morgan TT QTS - led by Signorelli All business line leaders will report to Justin Llewellyn-Jones who, as announced last week, will join TT as COO on Jan. 1. With the restructuring of TT's offerings into these new lines of business, Nick Garrow, who currently serves as EVP Multi-Asset & Buy-Side, will assume the role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) on Jan. 1. He will be responsible for driving revenue growth across business units and geographies, with specialists for each business unit and teams devoted to buy-side and sell-side clients throughout three primary regions - the Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). About Trading Technologies Trading Technologies ( www.tradingtechnologies.com ) is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology platform provider to the global capital markets industry. The company's award-winning TT platform connects to the world's major international exchanges and liquidity venues in listed derivatives alongside a growing number of asset classes, including fixed income and cryptocurrencies. The TT platform delivers advanced tools for trade execution and order management, market data solutions, analytics, trade surveillance, risk management and infrastructure services to the world's leading sell-side institutions, buy-side firms and exchanges. The company's blue-chip client base includes the Tier 1 banks as well as brokers, money managers, hedge funds, proprietary traders, Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), commercial hedgers and risk managers. These firms rely on the TT ecosystem to manage their end-to-end trading operations. In addition, exchanges utilize TT's technology to deliver innovative solutions to their market participants. TT also strategically partners with technology companies to make their complementary offerings available to Trading Technologies' global client base through the TT ecosystem. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1672454/Trading_Technologies_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trading-technologies-announces-new-dedicated-business-lines-to-fuel-growth-across-asset-classes-in-2024-302013510.html Oversubscribed Third Private Equity Fund Closed at $2.8 Billion Hard Cap, Alongside Dedicated LP Co-Investment Vehicles Fund Focuses on Buyout and Growth Investments in Industrial Decarbonization Sector HOUSTON and BOSTON and DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ara Partners ("Ara" or the "Firm"), a leading private equity and infrastructure investment firm specializing in industrial decarbonization, today announced that it has closed over $3 billion of new capital commitments. The Firm has concluded a successful fundraising for Ara Fund III ("Fund III" or the "Fund"), closing on $2.8 billion of limited partner commitments, alongside dedicated limited partner co-investment vehicles. The Fund was significantly oversubscribed at an increased hard cap, exceeding its $2 billion initial target, and received the support of Ara's existing investor base and a diverse set of new institutional investors comprised of pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and foundations from North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Fund III will continue Ara's strategy of investing in the decarbonization of the industrial economy, the greatest source of carbon emissions globally. Leveraging significant technical and operations expertise, the Fund will pursue both buyout and growth investments in industrial companies primarily headquartered in the United States, Canada and Europe that have the potential to achieve reductions in carbon emissions across sectors, including industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, and food and agriculture. Ara's predecessor fund, Ara Fund II, closed in September 2021 at approximately $1.1 billion, above its $650 million target. Ara has total assets under management of approximately $5.6 billion. "We are grateful for the extraordinary interest in Fund III demonstrated by Ara's increasingly global, blue-chip investor base," said Charles Cherington, Managing Partner of Ara. "The strong support from new and existing investors, is a testament to their confidence in our talented team, our investment strategy, and the compelling opportunities in the industrial decarbonization sector. We look forward to collaborating with our world-class portfolio company management teams to generate strong returns for our investors in the coming years." Fund III has already completed four investments: Vacuumschmelze, a leading global producer of advanced magnetic materials and the largest producer of rare earth permanent magnets in the Western Hemisphere; Genera, a sustainable pulp and packaging producer; CFP Energy, which provides market-facing solutions in environmental and green energy products to industrial customers across Europe; and Cycle, a fully integrated developer of distributed biomethane facilities. "The growing, global presence of Ara's platform and portfolio directly reflects the industrial economy's continued demand for the technological innovation and infrastructure needed to decarbonize," said Troy Thacker, Managing Partner of Ara. "The support we have received for Fund III will enable the Ara team to continue investing in high-growth companies globally that are positioned to build value while achieving positive environmental impacts." Mr. Cherington and Mr. Thacker founded Ara in 2017. Ara's experienced investment team also includes Partners Chris Picotte, Cory Steffek, and Tuan Tran, as well as Teresa O'Flynn and Churchill George Yong, Co-Heads of the Firm's infrastructure strategy. The investment team operates from offices in Houston, Boston, and Dublin, and is supported by a deep bench of operating professionals with experience across industries. Rede Partners acted as placement agent, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal counsel in the formation of Fund III. About Ara Partners Ara Partners is a private equity and infrastructure firm focused on industrial decarbonization investments. Ara Partners invests in the industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, infrastructure, and food and agriculture sectors, seeking to create companies with significant decarbonization impact. It operates from offices in Houston, Boston and Dublin, Ireland. As of September 30, 2023, Ara Partners had approximately $5.6 billion of assets under management. For more information about Ara Partners, please visit www.arapartners.com. Contacts Mark Semer / Alex Jeffrey Gasthalter & Co. arapartners@gasthalter.com (212) 257-4170 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ara-partners-closes-over-3-billion-of-new-capital-commitments-302013579.html Salsify joins global industry leaders as Alliance surpasses important milestone of 100 members BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2023announced today that it has joined the MACH Alliance , a not-for-profit industry body that advocates for open and best-of-breed enterprise technology. Salsify is a Product Experience Management (PXM) platform empowering brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to win on the digital shelf. Its inclusion in the MACH Alliance is confirmation that Salsify meets the MACH certified standard of modern technology: Microservices based, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS, and Headless. "Salsify has invested heavily in building a platform that fits into a composable tech stack built for the future," said Casper Rasmussen, MACH Alliance president. "We know they will be a strong advocate for the adoption of these principles across the industry, and with their customers." MACH technologies, designed for seamless collaboration and flexibility, empower businesses to evolve at their own pace. With easy integration and adaptability, MACH tools enable tailored solutions in each domain, avoiding the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach. This flexibility extends to evolving tech stacks over time without extensive replatforming. Natively built with modern development tools, MACH solutions offer high flexibility for crafting unique and competitive customer experiences, responding swiftly to changing needs and fostering cost-effective innovation. "The Salsify platform was originally architected as a native multi-tenant SaaS platform with the core principles that the MACH Alliance embodies. We appreciate the Alliance's validation of those efforts, and are proud to join this community," said Julie Marobella, Chief Product Officer at Salsify. "We look forward to working with the Alliance and its member community to advocate for and be held accountable to a higher technology standard that meets changing customer expectations and embraces a new way of doing and thinking about business." "Salsify is a foundational component of the modern, composable, digital tech stack we have been building at Dawn Foods," said Gireesh Sahukar, VP of Digital at Dawn Foods Global and Ambassador at MACH Alliance. "I was delighted to support and advise Salsify's MACH Alliance review process and endorse Salsify's commitment to building an interoperable, agile, and future-proof platform." Regardless of company size, brands must operate at an optimal level across the digital landscape within a complex mishmash of the technology available to them. Salsify is solving this at scale by enabling world class digital execution that grows revenue and delivers on customer satisfaction. Thousands of brands worldwide use Salsify's unified PXM platform to centralize product content and deliver it to every digital touchpoint, with automation that manages that process efficiently and helps keep brands competitive. Retailers also struggle to maintain a competitive assortment and digital experience due to the growing volume, variety and volatility of suppliers and product data the digital shelf requires. For further detail on Salsify's MACH-approved Product Information Management. About MACH Alliance The MACH Alliance is a [501(c)(6)] non-profit organization, governed by an independent board and does not endorse specific vendors, members or otherwise. The Alliance was formed in June 2020 to help enterprise organizations navigate the complex modern technology landscape. It aims to guide and show the business advantage of open tech ecosystems that are Microservices based, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS and Headless. All MACH Alliance members meet certification principles that are published on the website. The MACH Alliance welcomes technology companies and individual industry experts who share the same vision for the future. Learn more at machalliance.org . About Salsify Salsify helps thousands of brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in over 140 countries collaborate to win on the digital shelf. The company's Product Experience Management. BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A team of geneticists has assembled a complete human genome reference for Han Chinese, the first of its kind and which could potentially promote precision medicine in China. The telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gapless diploid genome sequence of a healthy male individual, named T2T-YAO, contained two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, and the Y-chromosome that passes only from male parents to male offspring. A complete and accurate reference genome has been a long-standing goal in the biomedical research community since the initiation of the Human Genome Project three decades ago. A similar work, T2T-CHM13, published in 2022 by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, fulfilled 8 percent of the previously unknown highly repetitive region in the human genome. However, it was of European-origin and without the Y-chromosome, thus not enough for representing all individuals worldwide. The scientists from Peking University People's Hospital and Beijing Institute of Genomics (BIG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collected samples from an ancient village in Hongtong County in Shanxi Province in the north of China, a place believed to be a starting point of the countrywide mass migration in around the late 14th century. The YAO part of the name stems from the sampling point located near the ruins of the capital of the legendary Chinese emperor Yao, while T2T stands for telomere-to-telomere or end-to-end sequence of all chromosomes in the genome. The quality of YAO sequencing is the best among all currently available human genome assemblies, according to the study published in the journal Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics. Also, this version with a single set of chromosomes has reached a high quality of fewer than one error per 29.5 million basepairs, which is "generally better than that of T2T-CHM13," said Kang Yu, a scientist from BIG. GENETIC DISCREPANCY At the early stage of gene sequencing, scientists found a strong similarity between human genes and those of chimpanzees and even rodents. Also, based on partial human genomes that contain mainly protein-coding genes in previous studies, it had been believed that the genome differences between individuals of different races were only 0.1 percent, which meant that all humans could share a single reference genome. However, a comparative analysis conducted by the Chinese team has revealed that about 11 percent of YAO's genome is not alignable to that of T2T-CHM13, with about 3,000 different genes in each genome, a discrepancy much wider than previously estimated, said Gao Zhancheng from Peking University People's Hospital, the paper's correspondence author. The significant discrepancies between the individual genomes of the two human populations in the study are mainly attributed to the mass of non-coding DNA, accounting for nearly 99 percent of the genome, he added. Recently, some of those non-coding DNA sequences were found to serve important functional roles, such as in the regulation of gene expression, while the functions of other non-coding DNA remain unknown. Gao and his collaborators have found that YAO is mostly of East Asian origin and admixed with sporadic predicted markers of South Asia, Europe, and America. The markers from South Asia are a little more than those stemming from Europe and America, revealing greater genetic exchange between the East Asian and South Asian ethnic groups, according to the study. In addition, the haplotype of Y-chromosome in YAO, a predominant type in China and Asia, has also been identified in ancient DNA samples from a Neolithic site in the nearby Shaanxi Province dating back to approximately 4,000 years ago, which suggests a potential genetic continuity in the region from the earliest days of human habitation in this part of China. The reference human genome is known as a genetic "navigation map" widely used in human genetics and medical research, and the great genome discrepancies among ethnic groups suggest that YAO is a more appropriate reference genome for Han Chinese. The YAO genome can provide more accurate gene and mutation information for the Han Chinese population in establishing a technical system and quality benchmark for clinical research such as genetic disease diagnosis, disease risk prediction, cancer studies, and precision medicine in China, commented Cheng Jing from Tsinghua University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. 'Distilled' explores the top trends driving consumer conversations around the world, including the rise of neo-hedonism, an increased focus on emotional wellbeing over physical health, and obsession with emerging technologies. The report's findings and thought leadership are not siloed to the TBA industry, supporting brands in any region or industry. LONDON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, maker of Smirnoff, Gordon's, and Guinness, has today launched a global report offering insight into consumer trends around the world. Combining in-depth quantitative analysis from the past two years with expert foresights into next year's consumer behaviors, "Distilled: A Diageo Foresight Report," provides essential reading to brands, regardless of region or industry, wanting to understand current consumer attitudes and how to navigate their future. The report has uncovered five global trends that are shaping consumer behaviour. These are: Neo-Hedonism : consumers are re-evaluating how they spend their money, searching for innovative ways to experience pleasure in their everyday lives. This is one of the newer trends but on the rise (+39%), with consumers searching for meaningful & unique experiences over wealthy gifts. : consumers are re-evaluating how they spend their money, searching for innovative ways to experience pleasure in their everyday lives. This is one of the newer trends but on the rise (+39%), with consumers searching for meaningful & unique experiences over wealthy gifts. Betterment Brands: consumers' conversations show them to be increasingly eco-conscious, becoming more aware of the environmental and social impact of their choices. Although not a new phenomenon its importance cannot be downplayed, with consumers increasingly (+44%) seeking ways to align their purchasing decisions with their values. consumers' conversations show them to be increasingly eco-conscious, becoming more aware of the environmental and social impact of their choices. Although not a new phenomenon its importance cannot be downplayed, with consumers increasingly (+44%) seeking ways to align their purchasing decisions with their values. Conscious Wellbeing: there has been a transformation in how consumers define health and happiness, with consumers having a more holistic view of wellbeing. The report found over 2.7M discussions globally of self-love (+40%). there has been a transformation in how consumers define health and happiness, with consumers having a more holistic view of wellbeing. The report found over 2.7M discussions globally of self-love (+40%). Expanding Reality: technologies like AI, VR, and AR are revolutionizing how consumers perceive and interact with reality. Conversations around the technologies has risen 94% including a 134% rise in discussions of AI-enabled relationships - the fastest growing micro- trend identified in the report. [1] technologies like AI, VR, and AR are revolutionizing how consumers perceive and interact with reality. Conversations around the technologies has risen 94% including a 134% rise in discussions of AI-enabled relationships - the fastest growing micro- trend identified in the report. Collective Belonging: consumers are increasingly seeking real and virtual spaces that embrace unity, acceptance, and allow them to engage with like-minded individuals. The report uncovered 28.7M mentions of the topic globally (+41%) making it our most discussed trend, including a 42% increase in conversations around championing inclusive cultures. 'Distilled' has been created by Diageo's 'Foresight System', a digital tool developed by Diageo and its data and insight partners that monitors and tracks global conversations from web sources and social media platforms. This included conversations in English, Chinese Mandarin and Spanish across social media, YouTube, television, online forums, and digital media. The report also offers Diageo's foresights for global consumer behaviors in 2024. This includes a shift towards more mindful approaches to adventure, the increased popularity of fully customisable products, and the rise of more immersive learning experiences. For more foresights, visit the report.[2] Mark Sandys, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo, commented: "To be entrepreneurial in mindset and action, brands mustn't be afraid to look beyond their own walls. The trends showcased in 'Distilled' underline the need for brands to embrace change, reimagine strategies, and stay agile in responding to evolving consumer needs, presenting itself as an essential tool for brands planning future innovation." Giles Hedger, Global Consumer Planning Director at Diageo, commented: "Socialising is the wider behavioural 'category' that drives Total Beverage Alcohol consumption - it's the fuel that powers the engine. At Diageo, our ambition is to understand socialising better than any company on Earth, and to do so we need to understand the forces that are shaping it. Our Foresight System allows us to detect and track long-term consumer shifts and approach our marketing and innovation with that mindset, and we're thrilled to be sharing some of these insights." Notes to editors: Visit the dedicated 'Distilled' website here and below, or download the full report attached. About Diageo: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. 1. The data presented in the report tracks conversations between July 2021 and June 2023. Any percentage growth rates referenced reflect an increase in conversations between the periods of July 2021 to June 2022 and July 2022 to June 2023. 2. Foresights can be found on pages 10, 16, 22, 28 and 34 of the report. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300024/Diageo_Distilled.jpg PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300025/Distilled_a_Diageo_Foresight_Report_2023.pdf View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/diageo-launches-inaugural-global-consumer-trends-report-distilled-302014083.html Forbel and Pampa Baja achieve certification, with remaining farms to be certified in 2024 TARRYTOWN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Consumers in the United States can look forward this coming year to SUNRAYS mandarins independently certified as Sustainably Grown by SCS Global Services. Forbel, a producer of SUNRAYS mandarins, has become the first citrus grower in Uruguay to achieve certification, and together with Peruvian SUNRAYS grower, Pampa Baja, are now the first Sustainably Grown certified citrus growers worldwide. This milestone achievement follows Jac. Vandenberg's announcement last year of its goal to have all SUNRAYS mandarin growers Sustainably Grown certified by the end of 2024. "Collaborations and partnerships are critical to turning ideas into actions, and this achievement by our grower partners is a testament to that. We are proud to be working with the teams at Forbel and Pampa Baja who share the same deep passion for sustainability and the protection of our species. Their commitment to sustainability is now verified by their achievement of becoming the first citrus growers in the world to earn Sustainably Grown certification," said John Paap, sustainability manager at Jac. Vandenberg, a fourth generation, family-owned and operated fresh produce importer. Sustainably Grown is among the world's foremost sustainable agriculture standards. It provides customers with assurance that products meet strict environmental standards, that farm workers and farm communities are protected and engaged, and that the farm is economically resilient. "We are proud to work with Jac. Vandenberg and their SUNRAYS growers, who value healthy and sustainable farming practices." said Kevin Warner, SCS Global Services Director of ESG certifications for the food and agriculture sector. "The Forbel team exceeded our expectations in meeting the stringent requirements of our standard, setting an important precedent in the Uruguayan fresh produce industry." Founded in 1986 in Paysandu, Uruguay, Forbel is one of Uruguay's top five citrus exporters. The company is fully committed to sustainability, embracing regenerative farming practices that enable it to nurture robust and resilient agroecosystems in harmony with nature. Achieving the SCS Sustainably Grown certification marks a significant milestone that demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the new sustainability requirements globally. "It has been a challenging and demanding process for the entire Forbel team, but the satisfaction is immense due to the success achieved," says Malena Miglionico, Operations Manager, Product & Certifications at Forbel. "This accomplishment reinforces the company's commitment to implement sustainability practices: economically viable, socially beneficial, and environmentally respectful". The first Sustainably Grown certified SUNRAYS mandarins, the "snack with impact," will be available in supermarkets across the United States this coming summer, shipped from these certified farms. Consumers can be confident that these mandarins, which will carry the Sustainably Grown certification mark, have been third-party certified against the most comprehensive standard for sustainable agriculture. "The world as we know it is changing rapidly, putting the security of people and other species increasingly at risk. As the global climate becomes ever more unstable and erratic, our industry has seen firsthand the impact this has had on our supply chain," said Paap. "At Vandenberg, nature has a prominent seat at the decision table. We take the current state of our planet and species extremely seriously, and that shows in everything we've been doing over the last decade, from our innovations in packaging to sustainable farming initiatives and participation in shaping industry practices and standards around sustainability. We all want to contribute to a better future. Offering visibility into the important work going on behind the scenes allows our consumers to participate and be a part of that positive impact." READ MORE Learn More About Sustainably Grown Certification About Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. Jac. Vandenberg is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated fresh fruit importer and marketer delivering fresh produce that is delicious, nutritious and delivers social and environmental impact. Its products include SUNRAYS sustainable, zero waste grapes and mandarins. For more information, visit www.jacvandenberg.com. About SCS Global Services SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com. Media Contact: Shyama Devarajan Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: SCS Global Services Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-services Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: SCS Global Services View the original press release on accesswire.com DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services, is delighted to announce the launch of its Desalination Center of Excellence The initiative, in line with ENGIE's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2045, addresses the critical need for sustainable water solutions in a rapidly changing world. The Center was launched in the UAE on 10 December at COP28, in alignment with COP's 'Food, Agriculture, and Water' thematic day. The launch event saw the participation of several high-profile attendees, including water and desalination experts, c-level executives from regional and global companies, as well as government ministers and officials. Through the Desalination Center of Excellence, ENGIE aims to secure access to sustainable water for people so that future generations flourish and live in harmony. Through the center, ENGIE endeavors to unleash the group desalination know-how and experience to drive strategic and operational decisions. With ENGIE currently producing 5,800,000 m/d of desalinated water daily, the Center is positioned to play a crucial role in meeting the growing global demand for water. It aims to address this challenge by utilizing the desalination capabilities it has developed in the region. Latifa Lahsine, Head of the Desalination Center of Excellence at ENGIE said, "With more than 30 years of experience, ENGIE stands as a leader in desalination and potable water solutions. We are proud to launch our Desalination Center of Excellence, a hub dedicated to address and promote solutions for water scarcity and a carbon neutral world. By adopting a collaborative approach with our key stakeholders, the Center serves to foster a resilient approach for shared water challenges. We envision a future in which all communities and industries in the region thrive on sustainable, clean, and safe water resources." The Center aspires to be a global example for excellence in desalination, propelling the advancement of technology and sustainable water solutions through stakeholder collaboration, innovation, research, education. The Center will initially focus addressing the desalination market needs and challenges through technical watch and research and innovation programs, enhancement of the RO membrane based technology being of importance. The Center will also focus on promoting energy efficiency, investigating alternative applications of brine water treatment options, and studying the environmental impacts of desalination. With over three decades of desalination expertise, ENGIE has established a robust presence in the GCC region, managing a diverse portfolio of 19 desalination assets, four of which are currently under construction. The launch of the Desalination Center of Excellence underscores ENGIE's commitment to the region and cements its role as a global champion in the energy transition. About ENGIE Group ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 96,000 employees, its customers, partners and stakeholders, the Group is committed to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose ("raison d'etre"), ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers. Turnover in 2022: 93.9 billion Euros. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Euro 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, Euronext Vigeo Eiris - Europe 120 / France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG-X). Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300041/ENGIE_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/engie-launches-desalination-center-of-excellence-to-amplify-sustainable-water-solutions-302014119.html LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB:TGCB), a cybersecurity company focused on developing innovative cyber threat intelligence and autonomous correlation and threat hunting tools and Query Inc, a leading provider of security operations platforms, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at fortifying cybersecurity measures through the integration of Tego Cyber's threat intelligence feed into Query's federated search platform. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to bolster cybersecurity defenses by providing Query customers with complimentary access to Tego Cyber's cutting-edge threat intelligence feed during the trial period. Query customers will be provided with a trial license to Tego's threat intelligence feed to combine the power of highly-contextualized threat intelligence with Query's federated search. Matt Eberhart, CEO of Query, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: "At Query, our mission is to improve security operations with data. Partnering with Tego Cyber allows us to integrate their top-tier threat intelligence directly into the daily workflow of security operations enhancing our users' ability to make informed data-driven decisions and work more effectively and efficiently." Shannon Wilkinson, CEO of Tego Cyber echoed the excitement, saying, "We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Query in this strategic partnership The integration of Tego Cyber's threat intelligence feed into Query's platform will provide users with a comprehensive view of the threat landscape. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions and enabling organizations to stay one step ahead of cyber adversaries." Jonathan Rau, VP and Distinguished Engineer for Query, added, "Query's federated search allows analysts, detection engineers, SecDataOps specialists and anyone else looking to glean insights across of all of their security-relevant data by surfacing normalized data points within. Using Tego within Query, analysts can quickly orient, decide and act even faster as Tego provides data points that you would normally have to use multiple different tools and workflows to retrieve and normalize. Whether it is a suspicious hash, a domain name, or IP address by onboarding Tego into Query analysts can get up-to-date and relevant cyber threat intelligence data with a significant depth of open-source intelligence that can help determine if an indicator is malicious or not or if an incident requires further investigation before closing it." Melissa Knight, Tego's Chief Information Security Officer stated, "With the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, having access to detailed threat intelligence is essential for organizations to proactively defend against sophisticated threats. The integration of Tego Cyber's threat intelligence feed with Query's platform empowers security professionals to perform federated searches, offering a comprehensive view of the threat landscape. This contextualization will facilitate more informed decision-making, accelerate incident response, significantly reduce triage timelines, and establish a proactive and resilient defense posture." This partnership exemplifies the commitment of both Query and Tego Cyber to deliver innovative solutions that empower organizations to navigate the complex and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. About Tego's Threat Intelligence Feed Tego's threat intelligence feed is a combination of over 45 different open-sourced threat data and closed threat intelligence sources that are brought into the Tego threat intelligence platform. The Tego threat intelligence platform processes, deduplicates, and enriches the threat data/intelligence to provide additional context needed by Security Operations teams to investigate and remediate threats. Formatted in the Open Cybersecurity Schema Framework (OCSF) standard, the threat intelligence is provided to the customer in an easy-to-use format. About Tego Cyber Inc. Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB: TGCB) was founded to mitigate the disparity in the rapidly evolving cyber threat hunting, correlation, and threat intelligence market. The Company is focused on developing solutions for threat intelligence and autonomous threat hunting/correlation. Tego's curated threat intelligence feed not only contains a comprehensive list of indicators of compromise, but also provides additional context including specific details needed to counteract threats so that security teams can spend less time searching for disjointed indicators of compromise. Tego's threat correlation engine integrates with top security and data lake platforms to proactively identify threats. The Tego threat correlation engine allows security teams to find threats faster using curated data feeds, powerful and low latency searches across large disparate data sets, and user-friendly visualizations that help reduce the time to detection and response. For more information, please visit https://tegocyber.com. About Query Query is the first comprehensive search engine for security operations teams. Query uses federated search technology to unlock the abundance of data and data sources relevant to security operations teams in the enterprise. Query not only exposes much more data for security teams, it also breaks the cycle of more data driving more storage and compute expense, allowing teams to regain control over their architecture. For more information, follow Query on Twitter (@Query_AI) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/queryai), or visit http://www.query.ai. Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this press release, those which are not purely historical or which depend upon future events, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future constitute forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also consult the risks factors described from time to time in the Company's Reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Annual Reports to Shareholders. Contact: Tego Cyber Inc. 8565 S Eastern Avenue, Suite 150 Las Vegas, Nevada 89123 USA Tel: 855-939-0100 (North America) Tel: +1 725-726-7840 (International) Email: info@tegocyber.com Web: tegocyber.com Facebook: facebook.com/tegocyber LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tegocyber Twitter: twitter.com/tegocyber SOURCE: Tego Cyber Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Permitting And First Nation Engagement Milestones Achieved VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:BLLG)(FSE:7BL)(OTCQB:BLAGF) is pleased to provide an update on ongoing mine permitting and First Nation engagement on its Dome Mountain Gold Project, located a short 50-minute drive from Smithers, British Columbia. 2023 has been a very busy year for the entire team at Blue Lagoon Resources. The Company's all important mine permitting started by the submission of the Joint Mines Act/Environmental Management Act Permits Amendment Application (JMAEMAP) in October 2022. After meeting various requirements, an initial ministry screening process was completed in July 2023 and the application was resubmitted for review shortly thereafter. Since then, two rounds of comments have been completed by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI), the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV),and the Lake Babine Nation (LBN) and the Company and its technical consultants have responded to, and have completed, two rounds of responses and expect to resubmit the updated application on or before January 6, 2024 for further review and acceptance. The JMAEMAP outlines plans for an initial five year mine plan which includes water treatment, reclamation and closure and production of up to 75,000 tonnes per year of mineralized material from the hi-grade gold-silver mineralization in the Boulder Vein. In addition to permitting, the Company has spent considerable time in consultation with the Lake Babine Nation, including visiting and presenting in Lake Babine communities and on-site visits to the proposed Dome Mountain Mine site by various members of the Lake Babine council and hereditary chiefs. The Company and LBN have worked tirelessly to draft a mutually beneficial agreement, which is expected to be signed in the coming days, that lays the foundation for co-operation, mutual respect, and partnership with regards to developing the Dome Mountain Mine Project. "Working with the Lake Babine Nation on our application to restart underground mining at Dome Mountain has been a very positive and important learning experience for all of us at the company" said Rana Vig, President and CEO of Blue Lagoon Resources. "With our unwavering commitment to respect environmental and cultural sensitivities, we have found the Lake Babine Nation open and supportive to restarting responsible mining at Dome Mountain, which will lead to long term economic benefit by creating valuable jobs and various contract opportunities in the region," he added. In addition to permitting work, 2909 meters of diamond drilling was completed during 2023 in a phase one program which continued to expand the blue-sky potential of the Boulder Vein system. The drill program confirmed high grade gold continues to depth and along strike of the known Dome Mountain resource (see press releases - May 2023), providing a significant opportunity to expand on the known system once drilling recommences on the project. 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. For further information, please contact: Rana Vig President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 604-218-4766 Email: rana@ranavig.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon 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 gold and silver prices, and continued availability of capital and 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. SOURCE: Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) ("Grizzly" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the first assay results for rock samples collected from the newly acquired and staked mineral claims in the Westbridge area of the Greenwood District. These are some of the first results from work conducted in the Westbridge to Beaverdell target areas within the Greenwood Precious and Battery Metals Project. In addition, results will also be forthcoming from additional prospecting and sampling in the Greenwood area and from recent work conducted at the Robocop Property following up on copper-cobalt anomalous soils identified in work over the last two years. Highlights: A total of 51 rock grab samples were collected from outcrop and mineralized dump material across the Colby and Enterprise claims acquired in early 2023 (Figures 1 & 2). Additional staking has been conducted to expand and firm up the land position in the area. Rock grab samples (40) from showings and mineralized dumps in the Colby area returned 13 samples with >1.0 gram per tonne (g/t) (0.029 ounces per ton [opt]) gold (Au) and 8 samples with >5.0 g/t (0.146 opt) Au up to 26.2 g/t (0.764 opt) Au including 12 grab samples with >30.0 g/t (0.875 opt) silver (Ag) up to 460 g/t (13.42 opt) Ag. The high Au and Ag values are often accompanied by high lead and zinc in the 0.1 - 1% range. The high values are associated with gossanous pyritic material in quartz veins and breccia in what appears to be quartzite in contact with a diorite or felsic porphyry (Figures 3 & 4). A total of 11 selected rock grab samples from the Enterprise showing and historical workings yielded 3 grab samples with >1.0 g/t (0.029 opt) Au up to 32.0 g/t (0.933 opt) Au including 3 grab samples with >30.0 g/t (0.875 opt) Ag up to 187 g/t (5.45 opt) Ag (Figures 1 and 2). Sulphide mineralization at the Colby and Enterprise historical workings is associated with quartz veins, breccia and skarnified/silicified sedimentary rocks and intrusions. The alteration patterns are consistent with intermediate sulphidation epithermal mineralization. Brian Testo, President and CEO of Grizzly Discoveries, stated, "We are excited with the new results to date from the new Westbridge mineral claims and we are planning follow-up exploration including extensive soil and rock sampling programs along with ground geophysical surveys. Much of newly acquired ground has seen little exploration and evaluation since the 1980's. We also are looking forward to pursuing a number of high grade gold - silver - copper showings and historical mines with drilling in the New Year along with additional exploration for significant battery metal prospects in our current 165,000+ acre land holdings in the Greenwood District. We have barely scratched the surface in terms of exploration!" Figure 1: Initial Gold Results Rock Sampling 2023 - Westbridge Area, Greenwood Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_002full.jpg Figure 2: Initial Silver Results Rock Sampling 2023 - Westbridge Area, Greenwood Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_003full.jpg Figure 3. Gossanous sulphide mineralization from vein outcrop Colby Claim. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_004full.jpg Figure 4. Main adit quartz vein, sulphides and brecciated quartzite Colby Claim. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_005_006full.jpg As the Company awaits drilling permits from the BC Government, significant ground based prospecting and sampling programs have been executed at the newly staked Marshall Lake claims as well as at a number of other exploration target areas including Midway, Imperial, Sappho-West Lexington and Beaverdell areas (Figure 5). A total of more than 800 rock samples and 3,800 soil samples have been collected during the 2023 field season. Results will be announced as they are received and interpreted over the coming weeks. Update on Drilling: Drilling will initially be focused at the historical Midway Mine (Figure 5) but the intent is that eventually the Company will complete new drilling in 2024 at Midway, Imperial, Copper Mountain (Mable Jenny, Coronation and Prince of Wales targets), and potentially the Sappho areas, depending upon the timing of the receipt of drill permits, additional funding and weather permitting. We eagerly await drilling permits from the BC Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources. The permit applications were submitted initially in January-February of this year and the Company is now awaiting final comments and any required conditions or changes resulting from the recently completed 30 day notification periods. Archaeological and biological surveys are being conducted where required. Figure 5: Grizzly active exploration target areas 2023. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_007full.jpg Summary of 2023 Exploration at Greenwood: An extensive rock and soil sampling program along with new geological mapping during 2023 has been conducted in preparation for drilling. The work has yielded two new showings identified near the historical Midway Mine including up 5.64 g/t (0.165 opt) Au from a showing 400 m to the north of the Midway Mine and a second showing along an apparent fault structure with 4.19 g/t (0.122 opt) Au from a grab sample collected about 375 m to the west of the Midway Mine. At least 6 new areas with anomalous gold (> 100 ppb Au), silver or copper in soils have been identified across the Midway Mine Property with the results from follow up exploration in progress (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). A summary of all the Midway results will be provided once all the results are received. To date, gold-silver-base metal mineralization appears to be related to veins and stockworks at contacts between altered ultramafic-carbonate rocks (listwanites) in contact with diorite intrusions in a complex structural setting, with the intersections of structures playing a key role in the localization of alteration. At the historical Imperial Mine area, a total of 50 new rock grab and rock chip samples were collected from the Imperial showing area, with 6 samples returning greater than 1 g/t(0.029 opt) Au up to 12.1 g/t (0.353 opt) Au and 8 samples retuning greater than 40 g/t (1.167 opt) Ag up to 469 g/t (13.68 opt) Ag (Figure 5). The samples define a targeted north - south strike length of over 170 m for future drilling. The samples show significant amounts of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and Cu with several samples yielding greater than 2% combined base metals (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). Geological mapping is in progress and ground geophysical surveys are planned prior to conducting drilling at this target. The Copper Mountain area continues to yield excellent results from a number of showings including the Coronation and Prince of Wales historical mines along with the Mabel Jenny area (Figure 5). A total of 9 of 14 rock grab and chip samples collected this year from a new zone discovered late in 2022 has yielded greater than 1 g/t (0.039 opt) Au up to 13.75 g/t (0.40 opt) Au (along with up to 61.9 g/t (1.81 opt) Ag) and up to 0.475% Cu and 2.93% Zn (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). The discovery was made along a new logging road cut late in 2022 and appears to demonstrate quartz vein stockwork mineralization in an altered diorite over a strike length of more than 400 m when combined with anomalous samples from 2022. Geological and prospecting crews have concluded prospecting, geological mapping, rock and soil sampling within the Greenwood Project area and have conducted an initial pass at the new mineral claim area staked August 1, 2023 (See Company News Release dated September 7, 2023). A number of existing showings and parts or extensions to known showings have been acquired with the staking of the new mineral claims including but not limited to Marshall Lake, Sylvester K, the Great Laxey, Eholt and lands adjacent to and surrounding the historical Phoenix Mine. Results from the initial sampling programs on these new claims will be released as they are received (Figure 5). The geological and prospecting crew has made several discoveries of sulphide, quartz vein zones and skarn on the new claims (Figure 5). Sulphide showings associated with skarn at Marshall Lake hosted in Triassic Brooklyn Formation sedimentary rocks including limestone that has been intruded by diorite. The showings have been trenched and bulk sampled in the past (1960's to 1970's) yielding significant copper, silver and gold. Little to no modern exploration has been performed at the Marshall Lake target as well as a number of other showings in the Brooklyn sequence such as the Great Laxey. The goal is to have a pipeline of high priority precious metal and battery metal targets that are all permitted and ready for a long 2024 drilling campaign in order to prioritize these assets into those that can deliver future mineral resources with additional drilling, eventually leading to some form of economic studies and scenarios that might be able to take advantage of local toll treating opportunities that exist in the Greenwood - Republic region. Quality Assurance and Control Rock and soil samples were analyzed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic emission spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+10 g/t Au). Rock grab and rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. The sampling program was undertaken by Company personnel under the direction of Michael B. Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. The technical content of this news release and the Company's technical disclosure has been reviewed and approved by Michael B. Dufresne, M. Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 72,700 ha (approximately 180,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by a highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage. On behalf of the Board, GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Brian Testo, CEO, President Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4 For further information, please visit our website at www.grizzlydiscoveries.com or contact: Nancy Massicotte Corporate Development Tel: 604-507-3377 Email: nancy@grizzlydiscoveries.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. Caution concerning forward-looking information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Grizzly in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Grizzly's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Grizzly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190834 inriverthe leading software company powering the entire product journey with revenue-driving product information management (PIM) across every customer touchpoint, announced today that it is now a certified member of the MACH Alliance, a global community dedicated to shaping the future of enterprise technology. inriver's entrance into the Alliance caps a pivotal year for inriver as it continues to solve the evolving demands of commerce with a new breed of PIM to power the entire product journey. "We're thrilled to formally welcome inriver to the MACH Alliance. Their presence, along with seven global business leaders also announced today, carries significant momentum to further our work, as we have now surpassed 100 members," said Casper Rasmussen, President of the MACH Alliance. "inriver joins the other members as pivotal components of the MACH ecosystem, who all share a collective mission to ensure businesses can thrive in today's constantly evolving digital age." Increased customer needs and ongoing regulations such as the EU's Digital Product Passports require enterprises to prioritize sustainable and transparent manufacturing practices, increasing the necessity for more product information. inriver's new breed of PIM is an industry-leading, multi-tenant SaaS solution for large enterprises that address these growing demands, with built-in digital shelf analytics, integration and syndication capabilities, connecting digital ecosystems with flexibility and ease. "We are proud to join the rich and innovative ecosystem that makes up the MACH Alliance," said Niels Stenfeldt, CEO and Board Member at inriver. "This honor is especially timely, as companies across the globe need to employ novel tactics to meet new standards of sustainability. At inriver, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions to meet these requirements for sustainable product data, exemplified by our substantial investment of 42% of our 2023 revenue into research and development. We look forward to working with our peers in the Alliance as we, collectively, shape the future of enterprise technology." MACH-certified members carry the stamp of approval buyers need to help them build a guaranteed future-proof tech stack. All members of the MACH Alliance must meet a stringent set of certification standards and remain in compliance to display the MACH Certified seal. Further, in 2022 inriver achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, which is an auditing procedure developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the highest level of requirements within the industry to further protect and secure customer data and the availability of its product. SOC 2 Type 2 is an auditing procedure highly adopted by cloud-based service providers and ensures inriver's customers can focus on driving revenue with peace of mind and confidence in the security of their data. To learn more about the inriver and the new breed of PIM, please visit inriver.com. About the MACH Alliance The MACH Alliance is a [501(c)(6)] non-profit organization, governed by an independent board and does not endorse specific vendors, members or otherwise. The Alliance was formed in June 2020 to help enterprise organizations navigate the complex modern technology landscape. It aims to guide and show the business advantage of open tech ecosystems that are Microservices based, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS and Headless. All MACH Alliance members meet certification principles that are published on the website. The MACH Alliance welcomes technology companies and individual industry experts who share the same vision for the future. Learn more at machalliance.org, read here about MACH certification and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About inriver inriver powers the entire product journey at every touchpoint. The inriver configurable PIM solution, with built-in digital shelf analytics and integration capabilities, connects to your digital ecosystem flexibly and efficiently, growing as your company grows. With more demands on product data than ever, B2B and B2C enterprises need a PIM solution that supports the entire product cycle, from sourcing to decommissioning and every stage. inriver helps brands, manufacturers, and retailers turn product information into strategic assets, maximizing profitability at every touchpoint for 1,600+ global brands. Headquartered in Malmo, Sweden, and with offices worldwide, inriver has a team of over 375 people ready to strengthen your product journey. For more information, visit inriver.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213216950/en/ Contacts: press@inriver.com Bluefin, the integrated payments pioneer in PCI-validated encryption and tokenization services that protect payments and sensitive data, today announced a global agreement with Scheidt Bachmann Fare Collection Systems GmbH, a leading provider of system solutions that make using public transport easy. Scheidt Bachmann has integrated the Bluefin PCI P2PE solution based on Decryptx as an option into its payment processing software platform which allows Scheidt Bachmann to offer PCI-validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solutions directly to their clients. Scheidt Bachmann have upgraded more than 3,800 ticket vending machines with P2PE protected payment devices throughout the UK and Ireland for their national rail services. The ticket vending machines are mission-critical infrastructure for the UK and Ireland's transport network, providing ticketing services for most of the largest operators including Govia Thameslink Railway, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Nexus, Transport for Greater Manchester, Scotrail and both operators LUAS and Irish Rail in Ireland. Additional projects with Bluefin are underway for Unattended ticket vending across North America. The solution is fully integrated with the Scheidt Bachmann payment host and seamlessly reaches multiple acquirers in the markets. "The collaboration among the teams from both organizations was outstanding as we were successful in meeting timelines for migration," said Andreas Raschmeier, CEO of Scheidt Bachmann Fare Collection Systems GmbH. "The expertise and strong dedication of everyone involved made it possible." "This agreement is a significant milestone for Bluefin as we extend our PCI-validated P2PE solutions globally," said John Perry, Chief Executive Officer of Bluefin. "Securing payment and sensitive data is the highest priority in an expanding global market that truly needs protection now more than ever." About Bluefin Bluefin is the recognized integrated payments leader in encryption and tokenization technologies that protect payments and sensitive data. Our product suite includes solutions for contactless, face-to-face, call center, mobile, E-commerce and unattended payments and data in the healthcare, higher education, government and nonprofit industries. The company's 300 global partners serve 35,000 connected enterprise and software clients operating in 60 countries. Bluefin is a Participating Organization (PO) of the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC) and is headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Waterford, Ireland and Vienna, Austria. About Scheidt Bachmann Scheidt Bachmann provides innovative solutions for a mobile world that shape signalling systems, parking solutions, fuel retail solutions and fare collection systems worldwide. Scheidt Bachmann's Fare Collection Systems division is a leading provider of system solutions that make using public transportation easy. In partnership with transport operators around the world, we are committed to making travel as pleasant and stress-free as possible for passengers. We combine the innovative products and services of our brand FareGo with the unique expertise of our international team. The result is reliable, intuitive, and forward-looking fare collection systems that help make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213306533/en/ Contacts: Taylor Odekirk Walker Sands, for Bluefin BluefinPR@walkersands.com PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Loyalty Juggernaut, Inc. (LJI), the provider of GRAVTY, the Loyalty and Digital Marketing industry's first cloud-native, patented, AI-powered, autonomous platform for both loyalty programs and ecosystems in airline, hospitality, retail, financial services, telco and multi-brand, diversified business groups, announced their inclusion in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Loyalty Program Vendors. "We are delighted to be named in this report by Gartner," said Shyam Shah, CEO of Loyalty Juggernaut. "In an age of cookie-less consumers, loyalty programs are table stakes across industries as the reliance on high-quality zero and first-party data grows in driving individualized customer experiences and maximizing the effectiveness of digital marketing and data initiatives." The Market Guide states "Industries that depend on loyalty initiatives - such as retail, and travel and hospitality - are adapting to disruptive technology entrants able to entice both B2C and B2B customers in new ways." GRAVTY provides a unique value proposition for brands looking to transform their loyalty programs to innovate greater, faster, and smarter to deliver on digital consumer expectations. LJI GRAVTY is the 3-time winner (2021, 2022, and 2023) of the Golden Loyalty Award for Best Technology Innovation. Gartner, Market Guide for Loyalty Program Vendors, By Brad Jashinsky, Halle Stern, 22 September 2023 GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Media Contact: Email: media@lji.io About Loyalty Juggernaut Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Loyalty Juggernaut, Inc. (LJI) is the NextGen customer engagement and loyalty solutions enterprise helping brands transform their loyalty programs into data-led business to maximize customer value and compete at scale. LJI's GRAVTY platform powers over 40 loyalty ecosystems globally, involving 4,000+ participating brands across 12 industries. Customers include Viva Aerobus, Global Hotel Alliance and Deutsche Telekom. ecosystem loyaltymarketing loyaltyprograms customerengagement loyaltyrewards CX. Follow us on LinkedIn . More at www.lji.io Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2251954/Loyalty_Juggernaut_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/loyalty-juggernaut-lji-recognized-in-the-2023-gartner-market-guide-for-loyalty-program-vendors-302014033.html FAIRFIELD (dpa-AFX) - Prolec GE, a subsidiary of the joint venture between General Electric Co. (GE) and the Mexico-based private firm Xignux, Wednesday announced an additional investment of $85 million to meet North American demand for single-phase pad-mount transformers. The company will increase its manufacturing capacity in Monterrey by equipping a new facility capable of annually duplicating the number of transformers produced at its existing Mexico facility. Further, utilizing this opportunity Prolec GE will incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and the new facility will be located less than one mile from its existing location. Construction of the new plant will begin in 2024 with the project slated to be completed in June 2025. As per the company, an investment of $85 million to double the single-phase pad-mount transformer manufacturing capacity will help meet its electrification goals while improving grid resiliency, and efficiency. The latest investment by Prolec GE brings the investment to more than $145 million in North America. In pre-market activity, GE shares are trading at $122.30, down 0.02% and on the New York Stock Exchange. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent analysis of Tripadvisor data by Audley Travel has revealed which capital cities around the world have the highest number of five-star rated restaurants. Topping the list is Seoul, South Korea, followed by Tokyo, London, Paris, and Bangkok. Here, Audley's travel experts discuss what makes these destinations ideal for gourmet travellers. "Eating and drinking are both central to South Korean culture and are among the primary ways that many South Koreans socialize," says Rebecca Nagasaki, a South Korea country specialist. "Additionally, Seoul is a city where you can taste cuisines from across the country. I think that combination is why it topped the list." Almost every meal comes with banchan. Literally translated as "small dishes," Nagasaki says they are part condiment and part snack platter and they act as accompaniment to the main meal. Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage) is common, but there's a wide assortment that might be served including pickled daikon or fried anchovies. For the main meal, Nagasaki suggests trying panjon, a scallion pancake often served with seafood, as well as sundubu jjigae, a filling, fiery soup made with a tofu base. "Also, for the full experience, be sure to go to a chimaek, which serves fried chicken and beer, as well as a barbecue, where you can grill your own meats over a communal fire. These are really boisterous places full of laughter and K-pop as friends catch up." The rest of the top five is rounded out with Tokyo, London, Paris, and Bangkok. "Eating out is a passion in Tokyo," says David Peat, Japan senior product executive. "Many people have small apartments without kitchens and eat out often. Combine that with the country's enthusiasm for food and every meal you eat in Tokyo is excellent, whether you're in an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant or just a tiny noodle bar with only a few tables. "You can stick to familiar dishes, like ramen and sushi, and enjoy your trip. However, I also suggest branching out a bit. Probably the best way to experience the city is to just pick a restaurant at random and order something, also at random. No matter where you go, it will be amazing." London's third-place ranking comes thanks to its cosmopolitan culinary pedigree, says Beth Blakely, UK senior product executive. "In London, you can find a restaurants serving cuisine from almost anywhere in the world. That said, visitors looking for classic English fare will be able to find pubs serving fish and chips and hotels that offer elegant afternoon teas." Paris, the gastronomic capital of Europe, and Bangkok complete the top five, both with storied culinary scenes that showcase the country's different regional dishes. The full list Seoul, South Korea - 4,926 five-star restaurants Tokyo, Japan - 4,597 five-star restaurants London, UK - 2,345 five-star restaurants Paris, France - 2,055 five-star restaurants Bangkok, Thailand - 1,798 five-star restaurants Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300039/Audley_Travel.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/audley-travel-unveils-list-of-top-culinary-capitals-around-the-globe-302014199.html VistaJet named 'Best of the Best' by Robb Report Hong Kong; Also awarded 'Best AOC Charter Operator' for the fifth year* at the Asian Business Aviation Association's Icons of Aviation Awards; Vista recorded 68% year-on-year growth in flight hours across the Asia Pacific region as at September 2023. Hong Kong/Singapore, December 13th 2023 - VistaJet, the world's first and only global business aviation company, has been proudly honored by Robb Report Hong Kong as the 'Best of the Best' in the aviation category for 2023. VistaJet also clinched the title of 'Best AOC Charter Operator' from the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) for a fifth year running. 'Best of the Best' by Robb Report Hong Kong is an annual print and digital compendium in which the best brands, products, services, places, and experiences are bestowed with the ultimate accolade, celebrating the marriage of remarkable craftsmanship, exceptional design, and impeccable quality. The AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards are voted by the private aviation community, to recognize best business practices, operations standards, and service excellence in the industry. "It is an honor to receive these two prestigious awards that are highly recognized in both the luxury and private aviation sectors. We couldn't have done it without the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our global team, who delivers the highest standards on every flight. We are truly proud of what we have accomplished during our soon-to-be 20 years in the industry. This is just the beginning." - Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet. "We are delighted to honor VistaJet as an award winner in the Aviation category of Best of the Best 2023, Robb Report Hong Kong's annual anthology of the finest luxury brands, products, and experiences. VistaJet is a leader in the aviation field, and the company's continued excellence and pioneering initiatives are a testament to its success." - Tak Man, CEO, Robb Report Hong Kong "On behalf of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), I am delighted to congratulate VistaJet on winning the Best AOC Charter Operator award at the AsBAA Icons of Aviation (IOA) 2023 awards gala. This award is a testament to VistaJet's commitment to providing its customers with the highest quality charter service. VistaJet has consistently set the bar high for the industry, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as a leading AOC charter operator in Asia. We look forward to an even bigger and better IOA in 2024, and we encourage all our members to continue to strive for excellence. Our utmost congratulations again to VistaJet on their well-deserved award." - Jenny Lau, Chairwoman Asian Business Aviation Association As at September 2023, Vista's total flight hours grew over 22% globally across its leading VistaJet and XO brands. The Group's strong growth included rapid expansion in Asia, which witnessed an impressive 68% growth rate in flight hours year-on-year. The VistaJet Program membership delivered an increase of over 40% globally and 16% in Asia year-on-year. Add-on hours by existing Members grew 46% year-on-year for Vista and 13% in Asia as demand for private travel remains strong. The demand for ultra-long-range travel to and from Asia has been a significant factor propelling this growth. This has been serviced by the Vista Members' fleet of more than 360 aircraft covering all categories, from short-range aircraft to its flagship Global 7500, the largest and longest-range business jets in the world, able to fly 17 hours non-stop. VistaJet recently launched the aviation industry's first 360 Wellness program, spanning four continents and 20 disciplines. The program provides comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight and at-destination wellbeing experiences. The VistaJet Wellnessprogram is meticulously tailored for its Members, and the seamless services help passengers stay at their best throughout their travels. In the lead-up to its 20th anniversary in 2024, VistaJet will continue to pioneer better ways to fly and live with its exclusive offerings. * The last AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards took place in 2019. The event was placed on hold between 2020-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. --ENDS-- Information VistaJet | press@vistajet.com About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. The company has flown corporations, governments, and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours and guaranteed access to the Vista Members' fleet of over 360 mid, long, and ultra-long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. VistaJet is part of Vista- the world's first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-light solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation. More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17 and is incorporated in Malta under Company Number C 55231. VistaJet US Inc. is an Air Charter Broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet and its subsidiaries are not U.S. direct carriers. VistaJet-owned and U.S. registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC. Attachments Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports encouraging assays from the 100% owned Silver Queen Au-Ag project, British Columbia, in its initial three holes from the Autumn 2023 core drilling program on the Cole Lake target. These latest drill results at the Cole Lake target returned multiple intercepts of strongly enriched precious and base metals, including: A 1.0 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 1.0/t Au, 287g/t Ag, 0.3% Cu, 0.5% Pb and 4.0% Zn (7.0g/t AuEq or 576g/t AgEq) within an 8.9 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.3g/t Au, 66g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 0.3% Pb and 1.2% Zn (1.9g/t AuEq or 157g/t AgEq) from the Cole Vein in drillhole SQ23-095 ; A 1.9 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 325g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 1.2% Pb and 1.6% Zn (5.7g/t AuEq or 467g/t AgEq) within a 3.8 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 212g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 0.9% Pb and 1.3% Zn (4.0g/t AuEq or 328g/t AgEq) from the Cole Vein in drillhole SQ23-096 ; and A 0.7 metre (est TT) interval averaging 2.0g/t Au, 89g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 7.9% Pb and 17.2% Zn (14.7 AuEq or 1206g/t AgEq) within a 2.4 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.9g/t Au, 33g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.4% Pb and 5.0% Zn (4.8g/t AuEq or 391g/t AgEq) from a hangingwall vein in drillhole SQ23-097. These results from the first three of nine core holes tested both the NW-SE-trending Cole Vein and the NNW-SSE-trending Cole Shear as part of Equity's 2023 drill program on the George Lake and Cole Lake target areas (Figure 1). Historical work on the Cole Lake target has included trenching, surface sampling, drill testing with 20 holes as well as the development of a shallow 25 metre shaft on the main Cole Vein which was supplemented by Equity's surface mapping, sampling and 3D modeling to form the basis for current drill targeting. These three holes form a vertical fan and confirm both the overall tenor and thickness of mineralization in the main Cole Vein to depths of +250 metres below surface (Figure 2). Mineralization remains open both at further depth and laterally where holes with pending assays will provide information along a +500-metre projected strike-length of the vein. Drilling also identified a number of shallow high-grade intercepts within the top 30 metres of drill holes SQ23-096 and SQ23-097. The intersected mineralization is strongly enriched in precious-metal and remains open for further drill testing and delineation, forming the basis for further drilling in 2024. This is the first set of assay results from nine core holes totalling 2,961 metres completed on the Cole Lake target in September and October 2023. Assay results from the remaining six holes are anticipated in the coming weeks. VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "We are very pleased with the initial drill results from the Cole Lake target, which confirms both historical results from the mineralized zone and continues to highlight the further exploration potential, both laterally and to depth of not only the Cole Vein itself, but also of several additional hangingwall structures. The Cole Lake target is the last of four target areas successfully tested in 2023 which continues to underscore the significant exploration potential of the overall property. Of note, neither the Cole Lake nor the George Lake zones were incorporated into our most recent resource update on the Silver Queen property and represent entirely new target areas for further expansion and resource delineation". Figure 1: Plan of the Cole Lake and George Lake Target areas showing Spring - Autumn '23 drilling To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/190837_fcb98c0f04eb2b36_002full.jpg Figure 2: Cross-section of the Cole Lake Target, looking northwest, showing both the main vein set and several hangingwall veins To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/190837_fcb98c0f04eb2b36_003full.jpg Table 1: Select Currently Reported Composites from 2023 Drilling on the George Lake Target Hole # From To Interval Au Ag Cu Pb Zn AuEq AgEq (m) (m) (m) ETT(m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) Comments SQ23-095 9.2 10.3 1.1 0.8 1.7 302 1.1 0.4 0.4 7.2 591 inc. 9.9 10.3 0.5 0.3 2.9 695 2.6 0.5 0.3 15.2 1243 SQ23-095 182.7 193.6 10.8 8.9 0.3 66 0.1 0.3 1.2 1.9 157 25.8% Dilution inc. 186.7 188.0 1.3 1.0 1.0 287 0.3 0.5 4.0 7.0 576 SQ23-095 295.7 296.0 0.3 0.2 0.3 133 0.1 0.3 0.6 2.4 197 SQ23-096 22.4 26.5 4.1 2.6 0.5 209 1.7 0.7 0.4 5.7 465 53% Dilution inc. 22.4 22.7 0.3 0.2 1.3 435 8.3 0.2 0.1 17.7 1450 and inc. 23.8 24.4 0.6 0.4 1.5 1073 6.3 4.0 1.6 25.3 2070 SQ23-096 166.4 167.6 1.3 0.8 0.3 37 0.1 3.5 2.8 3.5 288 44% Dilution inc. 167.2 167.6 0.4 0.3 0.9 104 0.2 9.1 8.2 9.8 802 SQ23-096 232.3 237.9 5.6 3.8 0.2 212 0.2 0.9 1.3 4.0 328 inc. 235.2 237.9 2.8 1.9 0.2 325 0.2 1.2 1.6 5.7 467 SQ23-097 29.4 30.9 1.5 0.9 0.7 725 1.0 0.4 0.1 11.1 905 inc. 29.4 29.8 0.4 0.2 2.4 2455 1.1 1.1 0.2 34.3 2808 SQ23-097 82.8 86.7 4.0 2.4 0.9 33 0.1 2.4 5.0 4.8 391 50% Dilution inc. 85.6 86.7 1.1 0.7 2.0 89 0.2 7.9 17.2 14.7 1206 SQ23-097 195.0 198.5 3.5 2.1 1.3 42 0.5 0.9 1.2 3.3 272 38% Dilution inc. 197.6 198.5 0.9 0.5 3.5 47 0.4 2.0 2.3 6.4 528 SQ23-097 275.2 295.9 20.7 12.5 0.3 15 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.7 61 Anomalous (+10g/t AgEq Cutoff) inc. 276.1 277.3 1.2 0.7 2.2 101 0.1 1.4 1.1 4.6 378 Notes: drill core samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Downhole composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and <20% internal dilution, except where noted. Reported intervals are core lengths, true widths undetermined or estimated. Accuracy of results is tested through the systematic inclusion of QA/QC standards, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream. AuEq and AgEq were calculated using prices of $1,800/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, $3.50/lb Cu, $0.95/lb Pb and $1.30/lb Zn. AuEq and AgEq calculations did not account for relative metallurgical recoveries of the metals. About Silver Queen Project The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility. The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate with effective date December 1st, 2022 was detailed in a News Release issued on Jan 16, 2023, which can be found by clicking here and the full Technical Report can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca/) and the Company's website. More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under-explored. About Equity Metals Corporation Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The Company also has royalty and working interests in other Canadian properties, which are being evaluated further to determine their value to the Company. Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr." Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at corpdev@mnxltd.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190837 BENTONVILLE (dpa-AFX) - Sam's Club, a division of Walmart Inc. (WMT) and a leading membership warehouse club, announced Wednesday plans to reopen its Grapevine, Texas, location in late 2024, after closure due to significant storm damage in December 2022. The revitalized club, situated at 1701 W State Hwy 114, will not only restore convenience to its members but also bring new jobs, innovative services, and a renewed commitment to the Grapevine community. Following extensive renovations, Sam's Club is eager to reintroduce an enhanced shopping experience to its valued members. This initiative will generate new jobs within the Grapevine community, contributing to the overall economic growth and providing valuable career opportunities for local residents. As part of its reopening announcement, Sam's Club will be providing $30,000 through a grant and in-kind charitable donations to support the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE), further strengthening its ties with the Grapevine community. In celebration, Sam's Club is offering the Dallas/Fort Worth market an exclusive discount on new memberships. Potential members can join as a Plus member and get $50 off your next in-club purchase of $50 or more or join as a club member and get $30 off your next in-club purchase of $30 or more. These offers are exclusively available at Dallas/Fort Worth Sam's Clubs and are not redeemable in other markets. 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. HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform, has partnered with top online travel agencies, including Trip.com, a global one-stop travel service provider and Tuniu, an integrated leisure travel service provider in China, to launch selected tour packages and travel guide on the Alipay app for international tourists travelling to China. The first batch of the launch includes a total of 20 packages aimed at helping international tourists navigate their travels in China. The packages include tours with an English-speaking guide at famous tourist attractions such as the Palace Museum and Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Jiuzhaigou National Park (Jiuzhai Valley) in Sichuan Province, Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, and Shanghai Disney Resort and the Bund in Shanghai. Some of the attractions offer discount up to 20%. Alipay and Trip.com also launched a China Travel Guide in the app with comprehensive travel advice in the country. The guide provides detailed information on topics such as pre-travel checklists, visa applications, attractions, hotels, mobile payment, communication, transport, booking services and more. Cross-border travel, including inbound travel to China, is witnessing a continuous surge globally given the increase in flights and favourable policies. According to Trip.com data, from January to October this year, inbound tour orders increased 125% year-on-year compared to 2022. Starting from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, travellers holding ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia can enjoy visa-free entry to China. They can also stay for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes. "With its leading global travel services, Trip.com seeks to collaborate with industry partners like Alipay to continue enhancing the experience of inbound tourists and draw more international travellers to China. Trip.com aims to increase the number of inbound tourists served in 2024 by more than 150% compared with 2019," said Jiqiang Wang, vice general manager of digital marketing at Trip.com. "We are delighted to work with partners across the industry to enhance international tourists' payment and travel experience in China. As the leading digital wallet in China, Alipay will continue to optimise products and services to better serve international visitors," said Yaoyao Jin in charge of international travellers' usage of Alipay. "We also encourage more merchants and service providers operating digitally on Alipay platform to enhance their services for international travellers." Together with Trip.com, Alipay also launched the "New Year, New Exploration" campaign on social media, inviting international tourists interested in exploring China to travel like a local using their mobile phone. Alipay has been continually improving its products and services for international travellers. After downloading the Alipay app, overseas tourists now can sign up and link their international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International to pay at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across China, including restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls and public transport. It also integrates frequently-used travel services, including hotel booking, air tickets booking, car-hailing, exchange rate checking, and translation. In addition to using Alipay to pay like a local in China, international tourists from 7 countries and regions including Malaysia and Singapore can also use their home e-wallet while travelling around China. These home e-wallets include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), mPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch 'n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Hipay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay (South Korea), Toss Pay (South Korea) and TrueMoney (Thailand). About Alipay In the digital era, Alipay has evolved from a trusted payment tool to an open platform that connects businesses, institutions, service providers, and other partners with consumers. Alipay enables partners from various industries to offer safe and convenient payment options. It also enables partners to communicate and deliver different digital services to their customers in China through Alipay mini programs, lifestyle accounts and other tools. The Alipay platform has connected over 80 million businesses with more than one billion consumers. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 510 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802535/trip_com_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alipay-partners-with-tripcom-to-launch-selected-china-tour-packages-and-travel-guide-for-international-tourists-302014224.html Journalist Carol Costello explores the emotional complexities of the 1984 Phyllis Cottle case in her podcast "Blind Rage," discussing recent DNA results that affirm Samuel J. Herring's identity as the assailant and challenge the Ohio Innocence Project's claims. CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Esteemed journalist and former CNN and HLN anchor Carol Costello navigates the emotional complexities of the 1984 Phyllis Cottle case, expressing anger and bewilderment as the Ohio Innocence Project challenges the conviction. In her latest podcast series, Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage, produced by Evergreen Podcasts, Costello revisits the brutal attack in Akron, Ohio, and the sub sequential conviction of Samuel J. Herring for charges including kidnapping, rape, aggravated robbery, felonious sexual assault, aggravated arson, and attempted murder. Carol Costello Presents Blind Rage Carol Costello Presents Blind Rage Podcast Cover In the podcast's latest episodes, "Update: The Unthinkable" and "Update: DNA Results | 'I'm a Gun Man,'" Costello presents the irrefutable details outlined by Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh. Forensic scientists have now solidified a conclusive 1 in 1-trillion match, definitively linking the DNA discovered on Phyllis Cottle's clothing to Samuel J. Herring and affirming him as the assailant. Phyllis Cottle's family, while relieved the case is over, issues a cautionary statement urging the Ohio Innocence Project and media partners to exercise better due diligence in future cases, considering the impact on victims' families. In the wake of these revelations, Carol Costello remains committed to providing a platform for exploring complex true-crime narratives and their implications for the justice system. Tune into Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. The podcast continues its dedication to unraveling the intricate facets of the Herring case in forthcoming episodes. For additional insights into the podcast's research and a written forum, visit Carol Costello Presents. Stay updated by following her on Facebook and Instagram. Carol Costello currently is a Special Advisor and Ambassador at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). In her role at LMU, Carol teaches a broadcast journalism course within the university's journalism program. Additionally, she is the creator of Project Citizen, a program established in 2019 at LMU that provides resources and mentorship for student journalists with a core mission to bridge the partisan divide in the country. Her work reflects her dedication to fostering journalistic talent and addressing societal challenges through educational initiatives. For media inquiries or interview requests with Carol Costello, please contact Samantha Maloy from Evergreen Podcasts. About Evergreen Podcasts Evergreen Podcasts is an established podcast production network with a catalog of entertaining and thought-provoking shows rooted in high production quality and artistic integrity. With a diverse range of podcasts spanning genres such as true crime, pop culture, comedy, and beyond, Evergreen Podcasts connects listeners with engaging content that informs, entertains, and inspires. For more information, visit evergreenpodcasts.com. # # Contact Information Samantha Maloy Director of Marketing smaloy@evergreenpodcasts.com SOURCE: Evergreen Podcasts View the original press release on accesswire.com MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / EMQ, a pioneering force in reshaping the automotive industry with state-of-the-art connected vehicle technology, is proud to announce its recent participation in the prestigious Connected Vehicles Europe 2023 event. As a vital part of the Automotive Cybersecurity, Connectivity, and SDV Week, this event offered a dynamic platform for industry leaders to discuss practical case studies and delve into integrating connected vehicle data with 5G technology. The event, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Munich, Germany, covered crucial topics like Cyber Security, GDPR Compliance, Europe's perspective on Standardization, and the imperative of Mandating Technology Development and R&D. EMQ actively contributed by presenting insights in the "Performance Challenges for Next-Generation Vehicle Services" session. Having revolutionized the automotive landscape with its innovative connected vehicle technology at Automotive USA 2023 in Detroit, EMQ again showcased its expertise at Connected Vehicles Europe 2023. The event brought together senior OEM leaders to discuss the future of software-defined electric vehicles and strategies for an autonomous future. At Connected Vehicles Europe 2023, EMQ demonstrated the prowess and scalability of EMQX, renowned as the world's most scalable MQTT-based IoT messaging platform. EMQX is instrumental in supporting various vehicle services for leading automakers such as Volkswagen, Lucid Technologies, Scania, BMW, and Great Wall Motors. With EMQX, over 20 million vehicles globally benefit from EMQ's commercial products and services, establishing EMQ as a pivotal player in the future of connected vehicles. EMQ's CEO, Dylan Kennedy, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, "We are thrilled to bring our insights and advancements in connected vehicle technology to this influential forum. As the automotive industry evolves, we are focused on addressing the performance challenges of next-generation vehicle services. This event is an excellent opportunity for collaboration, learning, and fostering innovation within the industry. EMQ is committed to playing a significant role in shaping the future of connected vehicles and ensuring that our solutions contribute to the success of the broader ecosystem" EMQ's participation in Connected Vehicles Europe 2023 underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the automotive industry, offering cutting-edge solutions for the ever-evolving connected vehicle landscape. To discover more about EMQ's transformative impact on the automotive industry, please visit https://www.emqx.com/en/solutions/internet-of-vehicles About EMQ EMQ is a leading global provider in the MQTT-based Messaging Platform domain. Its flagship product, EMQX, is a robust and unified MQTT platform, serving as a foundational component for modern IoT solutions. It supports up to 100 million concurrent IoT device connections per cluster, boasts a throughput of up to 1 million messages per second, and ensures sub-millisecond latency. EMQX is trusted by over 20,000 enterprise users worldwide, connecting more than 100 million IoT devices, and catering to over 400 customers in critical IoT scenarios. This includes prestigious brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen, and Ericsson. EMQ's global R&D center, a hub for innovation and development, is located in Stockholm, Sweden. With over ten offices spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, EMQ demonstrates its extensive global reach and commitment to providing top-tier IoT solutions on a worldwide scale. 305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037 www.emqx.com | contact@emqx.io Contact: Melanie Wu PR Manager melanie@emqx.io SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Fear of contaminated water is no longer a trickle but a torrent driving a global surge in the water testing kit market. As disease outbreaks and pollution rise, stricter regulations and user-friendly tools are fueling this boom, with regions like India, battling high levels of untreated wastewater, seeing particularly robust demand. NEWARK, Del., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the latest analysis, the water testing kit market value is estimated to total US$ 1.9 billion in 2024. Over the forecast period, global water testing kit sales are set to rise at a CAGR of 5.4%, totaling a valuation of US$ 3.3 billion in 2034. Water Testing Kit Market Research Coverage, 2024-2034: Attribute Details Estimated Market Value (2024) US$ 1.9 billion Projected Market Size (2034) US$ 3.3 billion Anticipated Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.4% CAGR Forecast Period 2024 to 2034 Historical Data Available for 2019 to 2023 Key Regions Covered North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa Key Countries Covered United States Canada Brazil Mexico Argentina United Kingdom Germany Italy Russia Spain France BENELUX India Thailand Indonesia Malaysia Japan China South Korea Australia New Zealand Turkiye GCC Countries South Africa and North Africa Key Market Segments Covered By Products Test Type Water Type End-user By Region Report Coverage Market Forecast, Competition Intelligence, Market Dynamics and Challenges, Strategic Growth Initiatives Request Exclusive Sample Report: Water Testing Kits Market Strategic Insights https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18676 Multiple factors are predicted to drive the growth of the water testing kit industry during the forecast period. These include rising waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera, increasing health awareness, and advancements in water testing solutions. Besides the health risks associated with contaminated drinking water, industrial wastewater's discharge into rivers threatens ecosystems and human health. The need for water testing kits becomes crucial in such cases, thereby fueling their demand. For instance, it is estimated that 62.5% of wastewater is either untreated or only partially treated in urban India. This is prompting both households and industries to use water testing kits. The growing concerns surrounding water quality and pollution across various sectors are expected to fuel the demand for water treatment kits. Similarly, implementing stringent water quality regulations will create growth prospects for water testing kits. "Discharge of pollutant water from industry and commercial sectors and growing awareness about safe and drinking water issues are expected to propel sales of water testing kits globally through 2034," says Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Key Takeaways from the Market Study The global market for water testing kits is set to total US$ 3.3 billion by 2034. by 2034. Based on product, the portable water testing kits segment accounted for a value share of 56.3% in 2023 in 2023 By test type, the chemical tests category held a market share of 42.1% in 2023. in 2023. By water type, potable water segment is set to grow at a 6.0% CAGR through 2034. through 2034. By end-user, laboratory, and diagnostic centers segment is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8%. North America held a global share of 32.7% in 2023. in 2023. Demand in the United States is projected to rise at a 6.1% CAGR through 2034. through 2034. China is poised to register a CAGR of 6.3% between 2024 and 2034. Understand global, regional, and country-level parameters with growth opportunities, historical data (2019-2023), and forecasts (2024-2034). Buy this report today! Who is Winning? Market players focus on developing and offering innovative water testing kits to meet the diverse needs of customers. This includes the development of kits with improved accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and faster results. Key water testing kit manufacturers are investing in research and development to enhance testing capabilities, expand the range of contaminants detected, and improve the overall user experience. They are also adopting strategies like partnerships and acquisitions to expand their footprint. Recent developments: In March 2021, Lovivond launched new Water Safety Kits to identify safe drinking water. Leading Manufacturer in Water Testing Kits Industry: Key companies are focusing on improving water testing methods to detect contamination in drinking water. They are launching new products with user-friendly features. This will further boost the target market. Camlab Ltd Flinn Scientific Inc. Transchem Agritech Pvt. Limited Galgo (UK) Ltd Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd Danaher Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Sigma-Aldrich Corporation Lamotte Company Merck KGaA APPLIED MEMBRANES, INC. HANNA INSTRUMENTS INC. GE Appliances Taylor Water Technologies LLC Aquagenx Tintometer GmbH Wilhelmsen WaterScope Ltd. Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis. What Does the Report Cover? Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a unique perspective and actionable insights on the water testing kit market in its latest study, presenting a historical demand assessment of 2019 to 2023 and projections for 2024 to 2034. The global water testing kit industry is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present a complete market intelligence approach to the reader. The research study is based on the product (portable water testing kits, test strips kits, and color disk kits), test type (physical tests, chemical tests, bacteriological tests, and radiological tests), water type (potable water, marine water, swimming pool water, pond water, sewage effluent, and cooling & boiling water) and end-user (laboratory and diagnostic centers, hospital clinic, research and academic institutes and others) across seven key regions of the world. About Healthcare Division at Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) facilitates corporates, government, investors, and associated audiences in the healthcare sector to identify and accentuate vital aspects applicable to product strategy, regulatory landscape, technology evolution, and other crucial issues to achieve sustainable success. Our unique approach to gathering market intelligence equips you to devise innovation-driven trajectories for your business. Know more about our sector coverage here. About the Author: Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher. Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation. Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Healthcare Domain: Respiratory Pathogen Testing Kits Market by Product, Infection/Symptom, Technology, End User & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Product, Infection/Symptom, Technology, End User & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Market Survey on Fungal Testing Kits Market Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, 2023-2033. - A Detailed Analysis of the Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Market by Vitamins and Minerals, from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Vitamins and Minerals, from 2024 to 2034. Dental Hygiene Instrument Market Forecast by Periodontal Probes and Dental Handpieces from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. Forecast by Periodontal Probes and Dental Handpieces from 2024 to 2034. - Anti-fungal Therapy Market Forecast by Azoles, Polyene macrolides, and Others from 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. Forecast by Azoles, Polyene macrolides, and Others from 2023 to 2033. - Antibiotic Drugs Market Forecast by Dermatological and Respiratory Infections from 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis helps businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sparkling-future-for-water-testing-market-to-reach-3-3-billion-as-concerns-over-dirty-water-rise--future-market-insights-inc-302013824.html JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden has warned that Israel was losing international support for its military operations targeting Hamas in Gaza. Biden's remarks, which marks Washington's unprecedented move critical of Israel, came at a Democratic donors' event in Washington Tuesday. Speaking at a Campaign Reception, Biden said that the United States, the European Union, and most of the world were supporting Israel's security operations, 'But they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place (in Gaza).' Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, said, 'He's a good friend, but I think he has to change and - with this government. This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move.' 'This is the most conservative government in Israel's history,' according to him. Meanwhile, the UN's top humanitarian official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Wednesday that a ceasefire in Gaza is 'the only way forward' and 'in the interest of everybody' as the war there threatens peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis for years or even decades to come. Lynn Hastings stressed that the intensifying hostilities have pushed almost half of the population of the Strip, or about a million people, into Rafah in the south, compounding the dire health and hunger crisis. 'The reason why Gaza is not safe is not just because of the airstrikes but also because of these conditions created by the massive displacement of the population into smaller and smaller areas', which also jeopardizes the humanitarian operation in the enclave, she said. Hastings also insisted that a ceasefire could be conducive to the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly terror attacks in southern Israel on 7 October, and reiterated calls for access to the hostages. Speaking to reporters in Geneva in a teleconference from Jerusalem, the UN official stressed that in Gaza infectious diseases are spreading, less than a third of all hospitals are at least partially functioning, shelters have long ago exceeded their capacity, and the vast majority of people do not have enough food or water. Almost half of the population in the north and one third in the south is experiencing 'severe levels of hunger' according to a recent assessment by the UN World Food Program (WFP). Briefing reporters from Gaza, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO's representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described corridors overflowing with trauma patients at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where doctors treat people on the floor and fuel, oxygen, food and water are scarce. In just 66 days of fighting, the Strip has been transformed from a 'reasonably functioning health system' to a situation where more than two thirds of its 36 hospitals and more than 70 per cent of primary health care facilities are out of commission, Dr. Peeperkorn said. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that the Kamal Adwan Hospital - also in the north - was being forcefully evacuated on Tuesday, according to Gaza's health authorities. Some 68 patients including 18 in intensive care and six newborns are reportedly at the site, alongside thousands of displaced people seeking safety. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX The global Automotive Smart Window market is driven by factors such as surge in demand for electric & hybrid vehicles and high demand from passenger car segment. WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, " Automotive Smart Window Market by Technology (Electrochromic (EC), Polymer Dispersed Liquid Device (PDLC), and Suspended Particle Device (SPD)), Type (OLED Glass, Self-Dimming Window, and Others), Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicles, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles, and Passenger Cars): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global Automotive Smart Window industry generated $1.7 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate 12.3 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 22.50% from 2023 to 2032. Download Research Report Sample & TOC: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/16083 (We are providing report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, Potential and COVID-19 Impact Analysis) 123 - Tables 66 - Charts 251 - Pages Prime Determinants of Growth The automotive smart window market is expected to witness notable growth owing to surge in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles and high demand from passenger car segment. Moreover, lower prices of advanced materials and high demand from Asia-Pacific are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, high product cost and capital investment for R&D limit the growth of the automotive smart window market. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.7 billion Market Size in 2032 $12.3 billion CAGR 22.50 % No. of Pages in Report 251 Segments covered Technology, Type, Vehicle Type and Region. Drivers Surge in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles High demand from passenger car segment Opportunities Lower prices of advance materials High demand from Asia-Pacific Restraints High product cost and capital investment for R&D COVID-19 Scenario Manufacturing and distribution were delayed by lockdowns and supply chain interruptions, which extended project schedules. Major players operating in the automotive smart windows are expected to make moderate R&D cuts, which are anticipated to allow them to sustain a rich and evolving product portfolio. In addition, companies are expected to fund new innovations, rather than setting the bare minimum budget needed to keep R&D running. Key players in the automotive smart windows have shifted toward agile supply chain network model that has multiple pathways to prevent single points of failure. It can help them balance costs with better assurance for business continuity and sustainability. The Suspended Particle Device (SPD) Segment to Maintain its Lead Position during the Forecast Period By technology, the suspended particle device (SPD) segment holds the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than half of the global automotive smart window market revenue, and is projected to maintain its lead position. This is because this technology is being highly used in every sector that is using smart glass-based products. The electrochromic (EC) segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 24.20% from 2023 to 2032. The stringent CO2 regulations in various countries are pushing hard the automobile manufacturers to manufacture light-weight vehicles with better energy performances, which are influencing electrochromic materials consumptions and are estimated to boost the overall growth of the automotive smart window market for electrochromic materials industry over the forecast period. Inquiry before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/16083 The OLED Glass Segment to maintain its Lead Position during the Forecast Period By type, the OLED glass segment holds the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than three-fifths of the global automotive smart window market revenue, and is expected to maintain its leadership throughout the forecast period. This is because OLED glass does not require any type of backlighting as compared to LCD. The self-dimming window segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 24.58% from 2023 to 2032. Self-dimming windows protect the internal heating and cooling of the ambience, which saves energy and cuts down the operation costs. Therefore, high demand from automotive sector for self-dimming windows, which leads to the market growth. The Passenger Cars Segment to Maintain its Lead Position during the Forecast Period By vehicle type, the passenger cars segment holds the largest share in 2022, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global automotive smart window market revenue, and is expected to maintain its leadership. The light commercial vehicles segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 22.98% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the development of the automotive industry, increase in industrial activities, and development of the e-commerce industry. North America to Maintain its Dominance by 2032 By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global automotive smart window market revenue and dominates the market and is projected to maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period. Growing sales of sports, utility, and luxury vehicles would add to the market growth of the automotive smart window HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/automotive-smart-window-market.html" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/automotive-smart-window-market.html" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/automotive-smart-window-market.html" industry . Leading players in the segment are already integrating smart windows into their mass-market models. Asia-Pacific is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 24.16% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the development of the automotive industry, increase in industrial activities, and development of the e-commerce industry. Rapid growth of industrialization, low operating cost, and increase in population are some key factors responsible for the market growth in Asia Pacific. Leading Market Players: Pleotint LLC PPG Industries Hitachi, Ltd Gentex Corporation Ravenwindow Saint Gobain View, Inc. Corning Incorporated Research Frontiers Inc. AGC Inc. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global Automotive Smart Window 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. Key Benefits For Stakeholders: As per the automotive smart window market outlook, this report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the automotive smart window market analysis from 2022 to 2032 to identify the prevailing automotive smart window market opportunities. The automotive smart window Market Forecast research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network. In-depth analysis of the automotive smart window market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities. Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market. Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players. The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global automotive smart window market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and automotive smart window Market growth strategies. Automotive Smart Window Key Segments: By Technology Electrochromic (EC) Polymer Dispersed Liquid Device (PDLC) Suspended Particle Device (SPD) By Type OLED Glass Self-dimming Window Others By Vehicle Type Light Commercial Vehicles Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles Passenger Cars By Region North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arebia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Rest of LAMEA) Procure Complete Report (251 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/3v4YS6j Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount + COVID-19 Scenario): Smart Glass HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market"and HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market"Smart Window HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-glass-and-smart-windows-market"Market was valued at $5.1 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $19.6 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.0% from 2021 to 2030 Smart Windows Market size was valued at $3.91 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $8.97 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 11.4% from 2019 to 2026 window sensors market size was valued at $7,430.0 million in 2017 and is projected to reach $15,392.3 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 9.3% from 2018 to 2025 Automotive HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593"LCD HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593" HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-lcd-display-market-A31593"Display Market was valued at $7.2 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $12.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031 Automotive Lidar Sensors Market was valued at $793.2 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $11.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 31.7% from 2022 to 2031 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automotive-smart-window-market-to-reach-12-3-billion-globally-by-2032-at-22-50-cagr-allied-market-research-302014104.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / GoDaddy As originally published by GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiative The big fact: *Microbusiness density in Colorado remains largely steady, despite the economic swings over the last four years, according to GoDaddy Venture Forward. Higher income: Colorado microbusiness owners surveyed make more money than the average United States microbusiness owner, with 58% making $2,500 or more monthly revenue from their business, compared to 51% of the overall survey population. And while it may be easy to assume this success is due to assistance, it's not the case for the majority of microbusinesses. Even though Colorado residents (43%) claim more awareness of business assistance funding compared to the rest of the population (36%), and the cost of living in Colorado is 12% higher than the national average, few of them actually take advantage of resources. Only 8% of Colorado residents take advantage of local government, federal government, or non-government resources. More experience: According to Venture Forward research, 69% of Colorado microbusiness owners started their business before 2020, compared to 62% of the rest of the U.S. sample. This timeframe coupled with a lack of assistance may signal that there are more seasoned entrepreneurs in Colorado equipped to weather economic bumps and challenges. Surprising business location: With the pandemic-induced a shift to online businesses, it's no surprise that more than half (55%) of Colorado microbusiness owners conduct business on their website. What's unique is that nearly double the number of microbusiness owners in Colorado (46%) conduct business in a physical location compared to 27% of the entire U.S. sample. This could be because their businesses are locally focused - as most of their customers are located within their neighborhood (20%), city (40%), or state (39%). The research: GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these *microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics. Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 36,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: GoDaddy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy View the original press release on accesswire.com CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Device Connectivity Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.6 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $7.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 21.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth of the medical device connectivity market is majorly driven by the rise in telehealth and monitoring patients from far away, which is giving big chances for companies in the medical device connectivity market to grow. People also prefer getting healthcare at home, which adds to these growth opportunities. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=83792455 Browse in-depth TOC on "Medical Device Connectivity Market" 417 - Tables 38 - Figures 471 - Pages Medical Device Connectivity Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $2.6 Billion Estimated Value by 2028 $7.4 Billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 21.5% Market Size Available for 2021-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product & Services, Technology, Application and End-user Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Increasing consolidation in the healthcare industry Key Market Drivers Favourable government support and initiatives The medical device connectivity solutions segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. Categorized by product and services, the medical device connectivity market consists of medical device connectivity solutions, peripheral technologies/medical devices, and medical device connectivity services. In this market, the largest share was attributed to medical device connectivity solutions. This segment's significant market share is driven by heightened EHR and interoperability solution adoption in healthcare organizations. This trend is fueled by escalating regulatory demands, evolving healthcare policies, and the transition of point-of-care diagnostics from hospitals to home-based care. Additionally, the increasing necessity for integrated healthcare systems aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes further contributes to this segment's prominence in the market. The wireless technologies segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. Categorized by technology, the medical device connectivity market is divided into wired, wireless, and hybrid technologies. In the year 2022, the wireless technologies segment held the greatest market share within medical device connectivity. Wireless technologies in healthcare provide improved quality by ensuring doctors receive immediate patient updates, allowing quicker treatments. These tools facilitate shorter hospital stays and cost reductions via remote patient monitoring, all while maintaining treatment effectiveness. These advantages are driving the expansion of the wireless technologies sector in the industry. The vital signs & patient monitors segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. Based on applications, the medical device connectivity market has been segmented into vital signs & patient monitors, ventilators, anesthesia machines, infusion pumps, imaging systems, respiratory devices, and other applications. The vital signs & patient monitors segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. This is because these monitors are widely used for ongoing patient monitoring, particularly due to the increasing occurrence of chronic conditions among older demographics. They're crucial in emergency settings and operating rooms, contributing to their extensive adoption. The hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market in 2022. Based on end users, the medical device connectivity market is segmented into hospitals and surgical centers, maternity and fertility care, trauma and emergency care, tertiary care centers, home care settings, ambulatory and OPD, imaging and diagnostic centers, and others. In 2022, the hospitals and surgical centers segment accounted for the largest share of the medical device connectivity market. A significant portion of this segment's market share is due to several factors. Firstly, there's a high number of patients, and hospitals have substantial financial capabilities to invest in advanced medical device connectivity solutions. Additionally, hospitals are experiencing declining profit margins, pushing them to prioritize top-quality patient care and safety. Moreover, the rising use of remote patient monitoring devices, especially for COVID-19 patients and those with chronic respiratory illnesses, is boosting the adoption of medical device connectivity solutions and services in this sector. North America is expected to register the highest CAGR in the medical device connectivity market. The North American market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The reasons for this include increasing collaboration among healthcare providers, extensive use of clinical device connections to manage healthcare expenses, higher cases of COVID-19 patients in the US, strict regulations set by government and non-government bodies, and the existence of numerous companies in the area. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=83792455 Medical Device Connectivity Market Dynamics: Drivers: 1. Favourable government support and initiatives Restraints: 1. High cost of deployment for small healthcare organizations Opportunities: 1. Increasing consolidation in the healthcare industry Challenge: 1. Integration between various hospital information systems and medical devices Key Market Players of Medical Device Connectivity Industry: The prominent players in the global medical device connectivity market are, GE Healthcare (US), Silex Technology (Japan), Digi International Inc. (US), Bridge-Tech Medical (US), Iatric Systems Inc. (US), Honeywell International (US), Ascom Holdings AG (Switzerland), Wipro Ltd. (India), Medicollector LLC (US), Dragerwerk AG & CO. KGAA (Germany), Stryker Corporation (US), iHealth Labs Inc. (US), Cisco Systems (US), Lantronix Inc. (US), True Process (US), TE Connectivity (Switzerland), Infosys (India), S3 Connected Health (Ireland), Spectrum Medical Ltd. (UK), Oracle Corporation (US), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Masimo (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Baxter International Inc. (US), and OSI systems (US). The break of primary participants was as mentioned below: By Company Type - Tier 1-35%, Tier 2-45%, and Tier 3-20% By Designation - C-level-35%, Director-level-25%, Others-40% By Region - North America-45%, Europe-30%, Asia Pacific-20%, Latin America- 3%, Middle East and Africa-2% Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=83792455 Medical Device Connectivity Market Recent Developments: In October 2023, Philips announced new interoperability capabilities that offer a comprehensive view of patient health for improved monitoring and care coordination. The interoperability of Philips Capsule Medical Device Information Platform (MDIP) with Philips Patient Information Center iX (PIC iX), provide hospitals with a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive patient overview. Philips is creating an open patient monitoring ecosystem to bring together disparate medical devices and systems on a single interface. Interoperability between MDIP and PIC iX gives clinicians a new clinical perspective that enables the capture of streaming data flowing freely from a variety of medical device manufacturers on an open, scalable, secure platform. In February 2023, the province of Nova Scotia, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and IWK Health (IWK), entered into a 10-year agreement with Oracle Cerner to implement an integrated electronic care record across the province. This technology can help improve access to patient information for healthcare professionals. During 2021, Koninklijke Philips N V entered into an agreement to purchase Capsule Technologies Inc. This move aimed to enhance Philips' position in delivering connectivity solutions for patient care management within hospital settings. Capsule Technologies, being a prominent provider of medical device integration and data technologies to healthcare organizations, contributed to this strategy of expanding Philips' leadership in the field. During 2021, Masimo Corporation introduced iSirona, a connectivity solution designed for integrating with EMRs, surveillance monitoring, managing alarms, providing mobile notifications, incorporating smart displays, and enabling analytics. Medical Device Connectivity Market - Key Benefits of Buying the Report: The report will enrich established firms as well as new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the pulse of the market, which in turn would help them, garner a more significant share of the market. Firms purchasing the report could use one or any combination of the below-mentioned strategies to strengthen their position in the market. This report provides insights into the following pointers: Analysis of key drivers (rising geriatric population and the subsequent need to expand healthcare access, cost benefits of telehealth, ability to reduce burden on medical resources, advancements in telecommunications, and rising investments in telehealth solutions), restraints (variable regulatory standards across regional markets, healthcare fraud, informal usage of social media for healthcare practices), opportunities (impact of AI in remote patient monitoring market, RPM benefits againts infectious diseases), challenges (behavioral barriers and healthcare affordability, and data accessbility issues). Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on product portfolios offered by the top players in the global medical device connectivity market. The report analyzes this market by products & services, technology, applications and end users. Product Enhancement/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming trends and product launches in the global medical device connectivity market Market Development: Comprehensive information on the lucrative emerging markets by products & services, technology, application, and end user Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products or product enhancements, growing geographies, recent developments, and investments in the global medical device connectivity market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, product offerings, competitive leadership mapping, and capabilities of leading players in the global medical device connectivity market. Related Reports: IoT Medical Devices Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Remote Patient Monitoring Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 mHealth Solutions Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Telehealth & Telemedicine Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Healthcare IT Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 2.60 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/medical-device-connectivity-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/medical-device-connectivity.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medical-device-connectivity-market-worth-7-4-billion--marketsandmarkets-302013684.html EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: HomeToGo SE / Transaction in own shares HomeToGo SE: Release of a capital market information 13.12.2023 / 17:00 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Disclosure according to Art. 5(1) lit. b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 in conjunction with Art. 2(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 // Share Buyback Program - Interim Report Luxembourg, 13 December 2023 - On 13 September 2023, the Management Board of HomeToGo SE with the consent of the Supervisory Board approved a share buyback program with a volume of up to 10 million. Under the program, up to 5.7 million shares of the Company may be repurchased in the period between 18 September 2023 and 31 December 2024. The Company announced the terms of this program on 13 September 2023 pursuant to Art. 5(1) lit. a) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 and Art. 2(1) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052. In the period from 4 December 2023 until, and including, 8 December 2023, a total of 5,159 shares were bought back as follows: Date Number of shares acquired Weighted average price (EUR)1 04/12/23 1,600 2.45 07/12/23 1,809 2.61 08/12/23 1,750 2.64 1Rounded to the nearest decimal; excluding ancillary costs The purchase of shares is carried out exclusively on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange's Xetra trading venue by a credit institution that has been commissioned by HomeToGo SE. Detailed transaction information pursuant to Art. 2(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 can be found on the investor relations website of HomeToGo SE ( http://ir.hometogo.de/ ). About HomeToGo HomeToGo was founded in 2014 with a vision to make incredible homes easily accessible to everyone. To pursue this vision, HomeToGo was able to build and constantly grow a trusted and easy-to-use technology platform that brings together property suppliers with travelers from all across the world. HomeToGo operates a marketplace for vacation rentals that connects millions of travelers searching for a perfect place to stay with thousands of inventory suppliers across the globe, resulting in the world's most comprehensive inventory coverage in the alternative accommodation space. HomeToGo's marketplace is beneficial to both of its customer groups: Consumers who visit HomeToGo's websites gain access to the largest inventory in one place, and supply partners who use the platform's reach and technology solutions are better able to serve a wide range of customers and generate more high-quality demand. While HomeToGo SE's registered office is located in Luxembourg, HomeToGo GmbH is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. HomeToGo operates localized apps and websites in 25 countries. HomeToGo SE is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the stock ticker "HTG". For more information visit: www.hometogo.com/about Media Contact Caroline Burns press@hometogo.com Investor Relations Contact Sebastian Grabert +49 157 501 63731 IR@hometogo.com 13.12.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) is drafting a new rooftop PV decree that rules out the possibility for homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid. Apricum analyst Moritz Stitcher tells pv magazine that the mechanism sends the wrong message for the sector.Last week Vietnam's MOIT said it is accepting feedback for a new draft decree to encourage rooftop solar. According to the draft legislation, rooftop solar would be linked to the national grid for self-use, but the energy cannot be sold to other organizations, individuals or back to the grid. Moritz Stitcher, a Southeast ... 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. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CCMI) (OTCQB: RIINF) ("CCMI" or the "Company") has received initial assays on mineralized material from the surface stockpile at its flagship Bull River Mine ("BRM") project near Cranbrook, BC. The Company began screening and crushing of stockpiled material in November 2023. To-date approximately 40,000 tonnes of mineralized material on surface has been screened and crushed. All this material has been reduced to minus 3 inches in size and material that is minus 5/8 inches in size ("Fines") has been placed in a separate pile. Approximately 30% of the material that has been screened and crushed has reported to the Files stockpile. The Fines have been sampled over a period of 17 days by mine personnel under the supervision of Gary Low P.Geo. Samples were sent to ALS Laboratories in North Vancouver, British Columbia for independent assay analysis. A summary of all assay results is presented below. On average, the Fines graded 2.51% copper, 0.32 g/t gold and 18.45 g/t silver for a copper equivalent ("CuEq") grade of 2.93%. Summary of the Stockpile Assaying at Bull River Mine Project Weight Cu Au Ag CuEq Sample ID (kg) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) 28251 1.57 0.85 0.10 5.00 0.97 28252 1.48 0.88 0.11 9.00 1.05 28253 1.59 4.04 0.31 32.00 4.58 28254 1.59 3.86 0.22 30.00 4.31 28255 1.52 1.43 0.25 10.00 1.72 28256 1.56 1.33 0.15 8.00 1.51 28257 1.35 3.63 0.90 27.00 4.57 28258 1.55 3.07 0.39 21.00 3.57 28259 1.78 3.77 0.39 28.00 4.33 28260 1.81 4.80 0.52 35.00 5.53 28261 1.38 2.15 0.25 17.00 2.50 28262 1.38 3.50 0.69 25.00 4.26 28263 1.45 2.41 0.25 17.00 2.76 28264 1.52 1.07 0.06 6.00 1.17 28265 1.56 1.09 0.14 9.00 1.28 28266 1.54 2.25 0.33 16.00 2.65 28267 1.65 2.02 0.43 15.00 2.49 26.28 2.51 0.32 18.45 2.93 *Copper Equivalent (CuEq) for drill intersections is calculated based on US$ 3.80/lb Cu, US$ 2,000/oz Au and US$ 24/oz Ag with 100% metallurgical recoveries for all metals. Assays have not been capped. The formula used for the calculation is: CuEq = Cu % + ((Au grade) X (Au price / 31)) / (Cu price X 22) + ((Ag grade) X (Ag price/31)) / (Cu price X 22). Previously, the Company announced that it had entered into an Ore Purchase Agreement ("OPA") with New Afton (see press release dated October 5, 2023, on Sedar+). Under the terms of the OPA, CCMI will deliver up to 90,000 tonnes of mineralized material from the Bull River Mine to the New Afton Mine near Kamloops, British Columbia over a period of two years. The Company currently has a large stockpile of approximately 180,000 tonnes of mineralized copper, gold and silver material on surface at BRM. Under the OPA, stockpiled material will be screened and crushed and then sorted through an X-ray transmissive ore sorter prior to transporting to the New Afton mill facility. Ore sorting will separate low grade and waste from higher grade material so that only higher-grade material will be transported. In April 2021, the Company completed an ore sorting study on stockpiled material from the BRM using similar X-Ray transmissive technology ("XRT") (see press release dated April 19, 2021, on Sedar+). In that study, 61% of the material reporting to the sorter was accepted as mineralized and 39% was rejected as non-economic low-grade or waste, with the average grade of rejected material at 0.17% CuEq which is below the cut off grade ("COG") for the mill. Only coarse material that was greater than 5/8 inch in size was used in the study. The Company estimates that approximately 25% of the entire stockpile will be Fines which, at minus 5/8 inch in size, are too fine to be effectively separated by the ore sorter. The OPA does not currently contemplate sending Fines to New Afton, but given the grade of Fines to-date, the Company may elect to send some of this material to New Afton in addition to the higher-grade material separated by the ore sorter. The Company cautions readers that these initial assay results for the Fines may be higher than what will be achieved by screening and crushing the entire stockpile. The Company is currently reassembling the ore sorter in its in-door 5,000 square foot maintenance facility. Pending arrival of transfer conveyors, the Company plans to complete recommissioning of the ore sorter in early to mid-January 2024. The Company is reviewing options for transportation of mineralized material to New Afton by truck and/or rail. Once a transportation option is selected, the Company could send initial shipments to New Afton from the Fines stockpile. Ian Berzins, President and CEO commented, "We are pleasantly surprised by the overall grade and consistency of these initial assay results from the Fines stockpile. The Company had initially planned to send approximately two thirds of the mineralized material in the stockpile to New Afton and retain the Fines for processing at our existing mill. Should we continue to see assay results in excess of 2.5% CuEq for the Fines, we may have optionality to increase the amount of material sent to New Afton under the OPA." Qualified person CCMI's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gary Low P.Geo., who serves as a Consultant to the Company and is a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. About Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. CCMI is a mining company primarily focused on two near-term copper production assets in Canada. CCMI's main asset is the 100% owned Bull River Mine project (>135 million lbs of copper) near Cranbrook, British Columbia which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, gold and silver. CCMI also owns a 34% interest in the Thierry Mine project (>1.3 billion lbs of copper) near Pickle Lake, Ontario which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, nickel, silver, palladium, platinum and gold. Contact Information Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. Ian Berzins President & Chief Executive Officer M: +1-403-512-8202 E: iberzins@canadiancriticalmineralsinc.com Website: www.canadiancriticalmineralsinc.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; and other risks. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and the risks identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. 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, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this new release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190898 LONGi Delivers Climate Action Solutions in Support of Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (LONGi), the world's largest solar PV producer, today concluded an active week at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP28 summit. During the annual event, LONGi announced several major partnerships and new initiatives, including a pioneering three-year partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to transform the agency's logistics hub into solarized facilities. "The Conclusion of COP28 marks the beginning of a transformative journey for LONGi and new partners as we jointly champion sustainable development, energy equity, and environmental resilience on a global scale," said Li Zhenguo, LONGi's founder and president. "LONGi strives to be a key player in addressing climate challenges and fostering a more eco-friendly and equitable future through both research and development of solar technology and in our partnerships and sustainability commitments." The need to embrace renewable energy across all nations was front and center at the summit. Some 123 countries signed the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which pledges to "triple the world's installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030". As a part of the pledge, nations also committed to putting "the principle of energy efficiency as the "first fuel" at the core of policymaking, planning, and major investment decisions." Throughout the event, LONGi's activities reinforced the opportunity solar offers to all countries and the company's position as a leader in sustainable development through clean energy to deliver affordable solar power at scale. Leaders from the company shared LONGi's vision to implement sustainable development and its "energy equity" commitment, including an initiative of "Green Power+ Green Hydrogen" to make the world carbon-neutral. LONGi shared examples of how the company is promoting "energy equity" in developing countries and provided insights from groundbreaking solar projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar that showcase the potential for clean energy transformation in the Middle East. LONGi's Vice President Dennis She also participated in the "Corporate Action to Promote Just Transformation" panel hosted by the United Nations Global Compact, highlighting how companies are actively participating in the global energy transition. Also in alignment with the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, LONGi published its third climate action white paper at COP28. In it, LONGi reports it slashed operational emissions per revenue unit by nearly 40 percent in 2022, demonstrating a significant reduction in emissions is possible with investment in clean energy. Additionally, the report highlights how 47 percent of LONGi's total electricity consumption is now sourced from sustainable alternatives, eliminating approximately 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, LONGi has also pledged to achieve a 100 percent annual sourcing of renewable electricity through 2028 to 2030, showcasing a steadfast commitment to sustainable energy practices. "This is a critical juncture, demanding a collective effort from individuals, governments, and businesses alike to tackle the challenge of climate change," said Li Zhenguo. "Solar energy will continue to play a crucial role, and LONGi is ready to answer the call by not only meeting the demands of the present but also addressing the challenges of tomorrow." About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300152/LONGi_COP28.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1606520/LONGi_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/longi-paves-the-way-for-a-solar-filled-future-with-new-partnerships-commitments-to-clean-energy-at-cop28-302014377.html Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 13 For immediate release 13 December 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 107,262 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 848.00 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 26,037,494; 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 198,953,809. The figure of 198,953,809 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 EQS Newswire / 13/12/2023 / 18:30 CET/CEST NANJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 December 2023 - On November 17, Evan Kail, the American pawnshop owner who donated an album containing photos of atrocities committed by the Japanese Army in World War II in China, updated the complete electronic archive of the album and published a lengthy article titled "Through the Storm" on his personal website. This article recounts his journey over the past year. People take part in a candlelight vigil in commemoration of victims of the Nanjing Massacre on the occasion of the tenth National Memorial Day Last year, Kail claimed to have discovered "new evidence of the Nanjing Massacre," sparking a global discourse on "rethinking the historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre" through social media. His findings garnered widespread attention worldwide. In his article, Kail candidly admits to facing many challenges in his quest for the truth but asserts that, given the chance, "If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't do anything differently." Towards the end of the article, he quotes a line from a thank-you letter he received from the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago last year: "History serves as a mirror for the people today and your donation certainly inspires everyone with a kind heart to safeguard peace." Kail reveals that he reads this letter whenever he feels down, using it as a reminder to bravely face the storm. The search for truth is never easy, prompting us to shift our focus to the other side of the globe. In the city of Nanjing, China, the Memorial Hall for the victims in Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese Army stands as a solemn monument on the site where the atrocity occurred. The "Wailing Wall" in the memorial is a shared tombstone for the 300,000 victims of the massacre. On December 13, 1937, after the Japanese occupation of Nanjing, in violation of international conventions, the Japanese military brutally massacred unarmed civilians and disarmed Chinese soldiers. One-third of Nanjing's buildings were destroyed, and the city witnessed nearly 20,000 cases of rape and sexual assault. Substantial public and private property were looted, and the total number of casualties, according to post-war judgments by the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal, exceeded 300,000. The ancient city of Nanjing endured an unprecedented catastrophe. When the "Wailing Wall" was established in 1995, it was 43 meters long and 3.5 meters high, engraved with the names of 3,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre. In the 28 years since its creation, the wall has seen several expansions, with names now totaling 10,665, and its length has nearly doubled. The Wailing Wall in the Memorial Hall China's efforts to seek, prove, and commemorate individual lives have never ceased. Since 2014, December 13 has been legistated as the National Memorial Day for the Victims in Nanjing Massacre. This year marked the tenth National Memorial Day. On this day, the China holds a national memorial ceremony at the Memorial Hall, where people pay tribute to the victims, express gratitude to international friends such as John Rabe, John Magee, and Minnie Vautrin, and reaffirm their stance of "Remember history, cherish peace and create a better future" This year, a total of 27 activities were organized. On December 3, survivors Xia Shuqin, Liu Minsheng, and Ai Yiying, accompanied by their families, visited the Memorial Hall. Facing the "Wailing Wall," they bowed, laid flowers, observed a moment of silence, and mourned their relatives and compatriots who perished 86 years ago. However, as time passes, the witnesses are dwindling. Currently, there are only 38 surviving Nanjing Massacre survivors. Survivor Chang Zhijiang's memories live on through his daughter Chang Xiaomei. In recent years, Chang Xiaomei has not only accompanied her father but also participated in various testimony activities. She also wrote and published "The Life History of Nanjing Massacre Survivor Chang Zhijiang." Chang Xiaomei emphasized that as descendants of survivors and inheritors of historical memory, they bear a heavier mission and responsibility. She is one of 23 Nanjing Massacre historical memory inheritors, a number that continues to increase. On December 8, the Memorial Hall announced that it had collected 1,103 pieces (sets) of historical materials this year, including the Japanese Army field daily records, field reports of Japanese 12th artillery regiment headquarters, and original copies of American newspapers during the Nanjing Massacre. Notably, reports from , New York Times(December 6, 1937) and Chicago Daily Forum (December 14, 1937) about "a race between two Japanese officers to see who will be the first to slay 100 Chinese with the Japanese sword" , which have important historical, cultural relic, and exhibition values. The Memorial Hall's collection now totals 193,000 pieces (sets) of various items, with many valuable artifacts coming from overseas, including donations and collections from Japan. On December 9, the Japanese citizens' organization "Continuation of Nanjing Memory Association" held a gathering in Osaka, Japan, calling on the Japanese people to reexamine the historical lessons and significance of the Nanjing Massacre in the context of today's world. Emphasizing the importance of not forgetting history and building peace, over 150 Japanese citizens attended the event, where a documentary film about American doctor Robert Wilson was screened. The film tells the story of Wilson's efforts to save Chinese victims during the Nanjing Massacre. Tamaki Matsuoka, founder of the " Continuation of Nanjing Memory Association" said: "I started going to Nanjing 35 years ago for field investigations, interviewing and collecting testimonies of survivors of the Nanjing Massacre, and collecting testimonies of veterans of the Japanese Army who invaded China in Japan. During this process, I felt that pain caused by the Nanjing Massacre to the survivors remains." Ms. Nomura, a participant at the meeting, said that the history of the invasion of China by the Japanese Army was not covered at all in modern history courses in Japanese schools. Many Japanese young people do not know this history. "This is a big problem." Zhou Feng, Director of the Memorial Hall for the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese Army, emphasizes the crucial role the memorial has played in safeguarding the "Unforgettable Memories" of the tragic event. Over the decades, the Memorial Hall has served as an authoritative channel and a sacred space of remembrance, utilizing artifacts to reconstruct a comprehensive understanding of the Nanjing Massacre. Zhou hopes that this profound appreciation for historical memory will inspire more individuals to yearn for and uphold the values of peace. In late October, the exhibition titled "World Memory, Vision for Peace: The Historical Reality of the Nanjing Massacre" toured Madrid, Spain, and Budapest, Hungary. Featuring over 100 historical photographs, 10 tangible exhibits, and 9 replicas, the exhibition narrated the brutal actions of the Japanese Army in Nanjing and the subsequent international tribunal that prosecuted Japanese war criminals. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy gave speech at the exhibition Diaries and letters from Western individuals provided a third-party perspective, reconstructing historical events. This includes reports from Spanish media such as El Diluvio during the Nanjing Massacre and photographic works by Hungarian war correspondent Robert Capa, published in the US magazine Life. These works were capturing international attention for the Chinese battlefield. Marcelo Munoz, Honorary Chairman of the Spanish Confucius Institute, stressed the importance of remembering history to articulate the truth, uphold justice for the victims, and prevent the recurrence of atrocities. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy emphasized that young people need to understand the significance of peace, recognizing that collective human development can only occur in a peaceful environment. Why does the Nanjing Massacre matter to all of us? Because it is a tragedy that belongs to all of humanity, an indelible memory that mankind cannot afford to forget. In 2015, the " Documents of Nanjing Massacre " were included in the UNESCO "Memory of the World Register" .This collection comprises 11 groups of archives, including the 16mm film camera and film negatives of American pastor John Magee, the original verdict of the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal against Japanese war criminal Tani Hisao, the testimony of American Miner Searle Bates at the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal, and foreigner diaries titled "Occupying Nanjing - Witness Accounts." These are among the most typical Nanjing Massacre archives. During a recent event of opening precious archives to the public, after closely inspecting the original documents, Nanjing youth Yan Binlin remarked, "Opposing war, cherishing peace, is the common voice of humanity." The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. News Source: Media OutReach 13/12/2023 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 Top PR leaders and companies globally were recognized in 32 categories during a prestigious online ceremony DAVOS, Switzerland, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Davos Communications Awards recognized a significant number of Ukrainian and Brazilian remarkable accomplishments in the field of communications. Organized by the World Communications Forum Association, the annual awards celebrated outstanding achievements in public relations and communications globally during a prestigious online ceremony. This year's competition attracted 95 entries from 20 countries, with a diverse range of participants, including PR professionals, agencies, in-house teams, and organizations spanning all continents and sectors. Notably, Ukrainian and Brazilian PR achievements shone brightly across several categories, emphasizing their global leadership and innovation. All winners are listed at www.davosawards.com. Entries were received in 32 categories from Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Lithuania, Malaysia, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. Maxim Behar, President of the World Communications Forum Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse and impactful work showcased at the Awards: "These awards represent a global celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the field of public relations and communications. The impressive entries from around the world highlight the evolving landscape of our industry and the crucial role it plays in shaping narratives and fostering connections across borders." "This year's entries have truly set a remarkable standard, offering nothing but excellence in the field of communications. We've witnessed campaigns that not only met but exceeded industry benchmarks, demonstrating a keen understanding of the ever-changing communications landscape", said the Jury Chair Arun Sudhaman, CEO & Editor-in-Chief at PRovoke Media. The ceremony began with the announcement of winners in four special categories, reflecting the most interest and high-volume quality entries, with three winners in each category - gold, silver, and bronze. Best Leader in Public Relations and Communications Gold Winner: Viroslava Novosylna, CEO & Founder, SLOVA Tech PR Silver Winner: Chhavi Lekha, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Brand Reputation, IndiGo Bronze Winner: Ana Maria Campos, Communications Leader, Latam Intersect PR for Peru/ Latin America PR Consultancy of the Year Gold Winner: Latam Intersect PR Silver Winner: Djembe Consultants Bronze Winner: 4CO Digital Agency of the Year Gold Winner: Kyiv City Council Silver Winner: DOST Digital Innovations Center Bronze Winner: Sherlock Communications Excellence in Communications Response to Russia's Invasion Gold Winner: Kyiv City Council Silver Winner: Nova Post Bronze Winner: PR Army In addition to these special categories, 28 other categories recognized outstanding entries, including new categories focusing on current industry trends and digital innovations. B2B Communications Campaign Winner: Effectivo Communications Ltd. Best Content Marketing Campaign Winner: Sherlock Communications Best Corporate Affairs Winner: ELES Best Crisis Communications Leader Winner: Katja Fasink, Chief Communications Officer, ELES Best CSR or ESG Winner: PRAIS Corporate Communications Best Digital or Social Media Campaign Winner: RADA Public Relations Best Influencer Marketing Campaign Winner: KWT Global Best Internal Communications Campaign Winner: Nova Post Best Lifestyle Campaign Winner: Effectivo Communications Ltd. Best Marketing Communications Campaign Winner: Bombela Concession Company Best Public Relations Campaign Winner: Nova Post Best Use of Brand Winner: DTEK Renewables Best use of SEO Winner: Sherlock Communications Communications in the Age of Crypto Winner: WhiteBIT / Gagarin Show Employer Branding Campaign Winner: 4CO Engage for Change Campaign Winner: Menasse & Menasse-Eibensteiner Kommunikation Global Communication Campaign Winner: bzBee Consult Sdn bhd Health & Wellness Campaign Winner: PRAIS Corporate Communications Inclusive Marketing Campaign Winner: Marco Agency In-house Team of the Year Winner: Aditya Birla Group Instagram Campaign Winner: BGI Genomics Co., Ltd Metaverse & VR Project Winner: Latam Intersect PR Outstanding Freelancer of the Year Winner: Catherine Fisette, Founder & Principal, Les Incorrigibles PR Rising Star Winner: Livia Gammardella, Digital Planning and Strategy Coordinator, Latam Intersect PR PR Silver Star Winner: Didier Lagae, CEO & Founder, MARCO Agency Special Event Winner: DTEK Renewables TikTok Campaign Winner: KWT Global Viral Post of the Year Winner: Nova Post The ceremony kicked off with a keynote presentation from the WCFA President Maxim Behar and the Jury ChairArun Sudhaman, CEO & Editor-in-Chief at PRovoke Media, who revealed the winners. The creative efforts of PR experts and professional teams all over the world were evaluated by 14 expert judges - PR practitioners and senior industry leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America andLatin America. Partners of the Awards were PR Newswire - a part of Cision Group Ltd. and O'Dwyer's Public Relations News. The President Maxim Behar also announced the Association's upcoming projects - the Davos Communications Summit 2024 in April and the new monthly WCFA PR Master Classes and Webinars, which will be announced soon on www.wcfaglobal.com For more information, visit www.davosawards.com About Davos Communications Awards: The annual Davos Communications Awards, launched by the World Communications Forum Association in 2021, are global prestigious awards that recognize exceptional professional work done by businesses, governments and academia in public relations, marketing, branding, social media, CSR and leadership. Entries are open to agencies, in-house teams and individuals from any sector to help celebrate and showcase professional excellence in the industry. Winning a Davos Communications Award is an opportunity for professionals and businesses to pitch themselves as the best, to stand out from the competition, increase their credibility, and motivate their teams. About World Communications Forum Association: The World Communications Forum was founded in 2010 in Davos, Switzerland, where the Association was registered in 2014. The WCFA is a n organization committed to active global discussions and exchanges focused on the development of communications expertise of its members and be an active voice in its key role in business, society and politics. Every year the forum gathers prominent representatives of the communication and public relations sector from around the world, who, through dialogue and discussion, exchange experiences and ideas to shape the art of global communications. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300285/2023_Davos_Communications_Awards.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300286/Maxim_Behar.jpg Contact: Maxim Behar, WCFA President E: max@m3bg.com, mainoffice@wcfaglobal.com T: +359888503113 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ukraine-and-brazil-dominate-at-2023-davos-communications-awards-302014451.html NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Aegis Capital Corp. (www.aegiscapcorp.com) a full-service wealth management, financial services and investment banking firm is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Ballinger, Managing Director Mr. Ballinger is a seasoned wealth management professional with over 40 years of experience as a financial professional. Mr. Ballinger gained his experience working at PaineWebber/UBS and then Smith Barney as a wealth management coordinator. Prior to working in the brokerage industry, Mr. Ballinger worked as an auditor for Deloitte. He has a BA in accounting and economics from the College of William & Mary. With over 45 years of experience working in financial services, Mr. Ballinger's focus going forward will be serving the investment needs of his high-net-worth families through the Aegis Capital platform. Robert Eide Aegis' CEO commented: "We welcome Frank to Aegis. With over four decades of experience, he brings an understanding of industry-leading advisory, investment, and planning solutions to his clients." Michael Pata Aegis' Head of Business Development commented: "Frank will be a great addition as we continue to expand our Timonium, Maryland office location. As we continue to grow, we are committed to ensuring our integrated and robust platform provides the most relevant wealth solutions to meet changing varied needs of our financial advisers and their clients." About Aegis Capital Corporation Aegis Capital Corporation "Aegis" has been in business for over 35 years catering to the needs of private clients, institutions and corporations. Aegis was founded in 1984 and offers its investment representatives a conflict free service platform and is able to provide a full range of products and services including investment banking, wealth management, insurance, retirement planning, structured products, private equity, alternatives, equity research, fixed income and special purpose vehicles.Aegis is able to provide quality service through its primary clearing relationship with RBC Clearing & Custody whose parent company, Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY), is one of the world's leading diversified financial services companies. Member: FINRA / SIPC. Any questions contact: Michael Pata, Head of Business Development Telephone: 1-212-813-1010 mpata@aegiscap.com www.aegiscapcorp.com SOURCE: Aegis Capital Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Skyhook Adventure, the leading adventure travel booking platform, is excited to announce its acquisition by a private investor. This milestone marks a new chapter in Skyhook's journey to provide adventurers with unparalleled access to dream-worthy explorations and unforgettable experiences. Founded in 2018, Skyhook Adventure has rapidly grown into a thriving community of adventure-seekers, connecting travelers with the very best local adventure guides worldwide. Unlike traditional booking platforms, Skyhook prides itself on being more than just a means to an end; it's a tribe of like-minded explorers bound by a shared passion for adventure. With Skyhook, adventurers gain exclusive access to top-tier local guides who possess in-depth knowledge of their respective destinations. This intimate connection allows travelers to embark on journeys that go beyond the ordinary, offering truly authentic experiences that immerse them in the heart of their chosen destinations. The Skyhook community also fosters connections among fellow intrepid travelers, encouraging the sharing of stories, tips, and advice. Whether hiking through remote mountains, diving into the depths of the ocean, or exploring vibrant cultures, adventurers can find camaraderie and inspiration within the Skyhook family. Over the years, Skyhook has proudly served more than 20,000 travelers, helping them turn their adventure dreams into reality. This acquisition by a private investor demonstrates a strong belief in Skyhook's mission to make adventure accessible to all and to connect people with the world's most exciting destinations. Skyhook Adventure's CEO, Mark Whitman, had this to say: "As we embark on this new chapter, we remain committed to our core values of fostering a sense of community, promoting responsible and sustainable travel, and continuing to be the go-to platform for adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences with local guides". About Skyhook Skyhook is an adventure travel booking platform connecting travelers with the best local guides around the world. Launched in 2018, Skyhook has had over 20,000 people book trips on the platform. The platform features over 80 unique trips from 50 independent guides in 18 countries. For more information about Skyhook Adventure, please visit https://www.skyhookadventure.com/. Media Contact Organization: Skyhook Adventure Contact Person: Mark Whitman Website: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/ Email: mark@skyhookadventure.com City: London State: London Country: United Kingdom SOURCE: Skyhook Adventure View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Mary Kay: Water, a fundamental and precious resource, is at the center of sustainability and crucial to Mary Kay's manufacturing process. As a global sustainability advocate, Mary Kay is committed to creating and implementing sustainability initiatives related to water at its global manufacturing facility in Lewisville, Texas. This year, Mary Kay launched an employee Water Steering Committee responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities for water reduction and good water governance. Led by Nichole Jones-Dooley, Plant Manager at Mary Kay's Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing and R&D Facility, more than half of Mary Kay's Water Steering Committee members are women! As Mary Kay implements additional water initiatives, the company continues to make strides in corporate water stewardship. Recent progress includes: At the end of June 2023, to help us identify possible improvements in water efficiency as well as to monitor the efficacy of our optimizations, Mary Kay installed additional in-line flow water meters to measure water usage in designated areas. In August 2023, Mary Kay implemented an improvement that is projected to save approximately 100,000 gallons per month. Between 2021 and 2023, Mary Kay optimized several manufacturing cleaning processes which resulted in saving a projected 572,000 gallons of water each year based on production forecast.1 "For 60 years, Mary Kay has committed to delivering advanced product technology while maintaining industrial excellence and we are continuing our commitment with the launch of the Water Steering Committee," said Jones-Dooley. "Water sustainability is not only ethically imperative but a necessity for the well-being of humanity and the planet. By taking collective action to preserve and protect this invaluable resource, we help ensure the ongoing availability of water to meet the needs of the environment and communities around the world." The Mary Kay Water Steering Committee's future actions include: Continuous monitoring of water usage at our global manufacturing facilities. Working cross-functionally to build a comprehensive water dashboard to gauge water usage at the company's manufacturing facilities with the goal of identifying additional water stewardship improvements. As the world grapples with the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, women leaders continue to be at the forefront of water stewardship innovation and principles. For the most recent updates on Mary Kay's global sustainability strategy, click here. 1 Methodology: These projected water savings are calculated by monitoring the data pulled from our flow meters and forecasting the annual projections based on daily and weekly averages. We will continue to monitor water usage and forecast savings as projections are subject to change based on external factors such as demand. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay View the original press release on accesswire.com Believes the Board Should Heed Shareholder Feedback by Focusing on Closing Samsung C&T's Steep Trading Price Discount Relative to NAV, Which Recently Narrowed to ~63% in Response to Well-Received Investor Advocacy Calls on the Board to Adopt a Clear Capital Allocation Framework and Implement a Transparent Executive Compensation Structure Aligned with Shareholder Returns Intends to Exercise Right as a Shareholder to Propose Resolutions at Samsung C&T's 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Whitebox Advisors LLC today issued the below letter sent to Samsung C&T Corporation's (KRX: 028260) Board of Directors. 21 November 2023 For the attention of the Board of Directors of Samsung C&T Corporation: Chung, Byung Suk Cochet, Philippe Lee, Janice Yi, Sang Seung Choi, Joong Kyung Koh, Jung Suk Oh, Sechul Jeong, Hailin Lee, Joonseo Dear Members of the Board of Directors, As you are aware, Whitebox Advisors LLC (together with its affiliates, "Whitebox" or "we") owns a significant stake in Samsung C&T Corporation ("SCT" or the "Company"), currently holding 0.5% of the Company's outstanding common shares. We are a long-term shareholder that has repeatedly sought to engage with SCT's Board of Directors (the "Board") and representatives of the management team in a constructive, private manner since 2017. While we appreciate the dialogue, it is disappointing that our feedback and views have been repeatedly dismissed or ignored. Today, we are writing to share our recommendations for addressing the Company's 68% trading discount to the value of its underlying assets, which is depriving minority shareholders the benefit of SCT's high-quality businesses.1 Whitebox has invested in holding companies globally for decades and has made recommendations that are tried, tested and proven to be effective at reducing holding company discounts. After many years of being told to be "patient" because strategic actions cannot be taken until the criminal proceedings of Mr. Lee, Jae Yong (SCT's de-facto Chairman and controller) are resolved, the Company's recent decision to ignore minority shareholders and invest even more capital to grow its assets have compelled us to take a more engaged stance. During our last meeting at the Company's Seoul headquarters, we met with SCT's shareholder advocate, Mr. Yi, Sang Seung, and Team Head of IR Finance, Mr. Bae, Young Min. As an expert in finance, Mr. Yi clearly understands the harm caused to minority shareholders by the current discount to net asset value ("NAV") and remarked that he too was frustrated with the Company's share price. During our discussion, Mr. Yi commented that he found our analysis and recommendations, including for a share buyback, "compelling" given SCT's current discount to NAV. We want to ensure the full Board understands our views and recommendations to address the persistent discount to which SCT's shares currently trade: Increase shareholder returns by re-allocating cash generated from SCT's operating businesses, as well as passing through income from affiliates, towards dividends and share buybacks. Adopt a clear capital allocation framework to ensure that any decision to invest, make acquisitions or buy back shares are benchmarked against the Company's cost of capital and each alternative. Implement a transparent executive compensation structure aligned with minority shareholders that incorporates the removal of the SCT discount as a key performance indicator. By taking these actions, we believe the Board would demonstrate SCT's commitment to enhancing value for minority shareholders, which would be widely supported by institutional investors and corporate governance advocates. Priority #1: Increase Shareholder Returns SCT's stock performance has been poor, with the Company delivering -6.7% in total shareholder returns ("TSR") over the last five years.2 Over the same period, the share prices of Samsung Electronics and Samsung Biologics (accounting for 79% of SCT's NAV) have risen 34% and 84%, respectively, and SCT's operating businesses have demonstrated impressive results with operating profit CAGR of 23% between 2018 and 2022. Clearly, SCT shareholders are not participating in SCT's economic success. Quantifying the above, we estimate that the value of SCT's listed and unlisted holdings have grown 70% since 2018, contributing KRW 16.5Trn (KRW 89,000 per share) to the asset value of SCT.3 Despite this, shareholders have only received a cumulative KRW 2.4Trn in dividends (KRW 12,800 per share), while the Company's share price has steadily decreased, depriving shareholders of over KRW 17.7Trn (KRW 95,000 per share) in returns. Despite continued engagement from minority shareholders, SCT's new 3-year Shareholder Return Policy does little to address the glaring and expanding discount between the Company's assets and its share price. The policy is essentially the same as the two previous shareholder return policies, limited to the redistribution of 60-70% of dividend income from its publicly listed affiliates, primarily dependent on dividends paid by Samsung Electronics. The increasing profits generated by Samsung Biologics, the Company's biggest growth asset, and SCT's unlisted holdings, remain excluded from shareholder returns and will instead be deployed into ever-expanding asset growth. Shareholders have missed out, not because of a lack of growth, but rather a lack of shareholder returns. SCT includes treasury share cancellation as part of its Shareholder Return Policy, but we would not characterise this as a shareholder return. To be clear: we wholeheartedly agree with the decision to cancel treasury shares as it removes a negative overhang, eliminates the potential to issue shares at a 70% discount, and is in line with corporate governance best practices. However, the cancellation of treasury shares, without an accompanying share buyback, does not put capital or income into the hands of shareholders. Treasury shares are not paid dividends and are not used in the calculation of earnings per share.4 Therefore, the cancellation has no impact on returns to shareholders. This brings us to our recommendation to allocate a portion of free cash flow from all businesses and affiliates to dividends and share buybacks. Announcing and implementing this type of capital management policy in the near-term will signal to the market that SCT is prioritizing shareholder returns. Priority #2: Adopt a Clear Capital Allocation Framework We estimate SCT's NAV, post cancellation of treasury shares, to be KRW 56.1Trn versus a market capitalization of KRW 18.7Trn. While SCT has plenty of assets that have been performing strongly, minority shareholders have not been able to participate. We recommend the Board focus on narrowing SCT's steep trading discount, which is currently 68% relative to its NAV. We believe this can be done by adopting a transparent capital allocation policy that prioritizes new investment, benchmarked against cost of capital and share buybacks. Between 2018 and 2022 the Company has invested an average of KRW 500Bn per annum on capital expenditures. While this investment may have supported the improvement in the performance of SCT's assets, none of this benefit has been passed to shareholders. And yet, the Company is now proposing to more than double capital expenditures to KRW 1.2Trn per annum, effectively eliminating the potential to return cash to its shareholders through buybacks or dividends. If history is an indication of the future, shareholders are unlikely to benefit from this step up in investment. Return on Capital Employed at SCT averaged 4.2% between 2018 and 2022, compared to Bloomberg's estimate of SCT's Weighted Average Cost of Capital of 12.3%. The Company has destroyed shareholder value, with a track record of decision making that appears to ignore the interests of its minority shareholders. With SCT's 68% discount to NAV, every $1 SCT uses for share buybacks yields $3 in assets, a certain and immediate 300% return. Alternatively, every $1 invested directly into assets is worth only 33 cents to shareholders. The contrast in outcomes is so stark that we cannot fathom how an objective and optimal capital allocation policy excludes a share buyback. Given the extraordinary risk-free return opportunity available through a share buyback versus the uncertainty of investing in new growth assets, we find it difficult to understand the logic behind the decision not to allocate at least a portion of free cash flow to virtually guaranteed returns. In light of this, we request a copy of the Board Minutes and financial reports prepared to support this decision. Priority #3: Align Executive Compensation to Performance We believe that SCT's opaque executive compensation model should be adjusted to align executive incentives with shareholders' interests. While there is minimal information available regarding the Company's remuneration policy, we have records of SCT's executive compensation awarded since 2016. The data does not demonstrate any linkage between compensation and TSR, with the highest compensation being awarded in 2018 and 2022 despite SCT TSR dropping -15% and -3% in those years, respectively. In fact, there are no details regarding the criteria that determine the level of executive compensation. In 2022, the highest paid executives were Messrs. Choi, Chi Hoon and Lee, Young Ho, both receiving over KRW 7Bn despite being officially retired and presiding over the merger between Cheil Industries and SCT, which severely damaged the reputation of the Company and shareholder value. We recommend SCT adopt a transparent incentive structure that aligns executive compensation with shareholder returns and includes a key performance indicator linked to the narrowing of the Company's steep discount to NAV. In conclusion, we continue to believe that there is significant shareholder value to be realized at SCT. If the Board follows our recommendations and takes the clear steps required to improve shareholder returns, refine capital allocation and enhance corporate governance, we firmly believe the Company's share price will begin to reflect the true value of its assets. This will be to the clear benefit of SCT, its employees, minority shareholders and all Company stakeholders. Due to the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we request your response to this letter, including the Board Minutes and financial reports requested herein, by 8 December 2023. If the Board does not meaningfully engage with us on our recommendations to enhance shareholder value at SCT, we intend to share our views with our fellow shareholders in due course. We look forward to your prompt response. Yours faithfully, Simon Waxley Head of Equity, Whitebox Advisors LLC About Whitebox Whitebox Advisors LLC ("Whitebox") is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager that seeks to generate optimal risk-adjusted returns for a diversified base of public institutions, private entities and qualified individuals. Founded in 1999, Whitebox invests across asset classes, geographies, and markets through the hedge fund vehicles and institutional accounts we advise. The firm maintains offices in Minneapolis, Austin, New York, London and Sydney. ___________________________ 1 NAV is estimated using the market value of listed assets, a multiple of EBIT for unlisted assets, book value for land bank and net debt as of 30 June 2023. Treasury shares are treated as cancelled. All prices as of 31 October 2023. 2 Source: Bloomberg. TSR includes dividends reinvested. Calculated as of SCT's share price from market close on January 2, 2018, through October 31, 2023. 3 Unlisted value growth estimated by applying a constant EV/EBIT multiple of 8x to operating profit from consolidated businesses ex Biologics. 4 See Samsung C&T Consolidated Financial Statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213228045/en/ Contacts: Contacts Longacre Square Partners Greg Marose Charlotte Kiaie, 646-386-0091 whitebox-SCT@longacresquare.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Chakana Copper Corp. (TSXV: PERU) (FSE: 1ZX) (the "Company" or "Chakana") announces that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has granted an extension to the closing time of the Company's non-brokered private placement of up to 55,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of C$0.04 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$2.2 million (the "Private Placement") (see new releases dated October 18, 2023, October 19, 2023 and November 6, 2023). The Company has closed C$821,659.84 of the Private Placement to date. The extended date for final acceptance of the Private Placement is now January 12, 2024. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.06 per Share for a period of two years from closing of the Private Placement. The Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants in the event that for any ten consecutive trading days the closing price of the Shares is greater than $0.09. Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and Gold Fields Nazca Holdings Inc. ("Gold Fields"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited (see news release dated April 19, 2019), Gold Fields exercised its participation right to purchase 8,555,643 Units in the first tranche of the Private Placement for total proceeds of C$342,225.75 and currently owns 19.9% of the outstanding shares in the Company. Gold Fields has informed the Company that it intends to participate in the second tranche of the financing. In addition, directors and officers of the Company purchased an aggregate of 3,185,852 Units in the first tranche of the Private Placement for total proceeds of C$127,434.09. The company intends to use $2M of the proceeds from the Private Placement for exploration drilling and development of the Company's high-grade copper-gold-silver discovery at the Soledad Project, located in the Ancash region of Peru, and for general working capital and administrative purposes. On June 28, 2023, the Company received final approval to drill numerous targets on the southern-half of the Soledad project (see news release dated July 5, 2023), including the Mega-Gold porphyry target, the La Joya high-sulfidation epithermal target, and additional high-grade outcropping tourmaline breccia pipes. The remaining funds will be used for general working capital and administrative purposes, including salaries payable to non-arms length parties. There are no proposed payments to persons conducting investor relations activities. The Soledad project is an emerging copper-gold-silver discovery in the active Aija-Ticapampa mining district. An initial Inferred Resource (MRE) of 191,000 ounces of gold, 11.7 million ounces of silver, and 130 million pounds of copper hosted in tourmaline breccia pipes and open at depth was published in Q1 2022 (see news releases dated January 11 and February 23, 2022) contained within 4.8 million tonnes grading 0.72 g/t gold, 61 g/t silver and 0.97% copper assumed to be extractable by underground mining methods, plus an additional Inferred Resource of 1.9 million tonnes grading 1.29 g/t gold, 37.1 g/t silver and 0.65% copper assumed to be extractable by open pit mining methods. The currently defined resource reflects only a small portion of the potential of the Soledad mineral system as the tourmaline breccias are just one of several mineralization styles related to a major intrusive center at Soledad that are subject to ongoing exploration. Chakana may pay finder's fees on some portion of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement to certain arms-length parties who assist the Company in introducing subscribers to the Private Placement. The Private Placement is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. The securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Private Placement. Members of the Company's management team may participate in the Private Placement including subscriptions from related parties of the Company as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The participation of management in the Private Placement is exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements pursuant to exemptions contained in sections 5.5(c) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. 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 Chakana Copper Corp Chakana Copper Corp is a Canadian-based minerals exploration company that is currently advancing the Soledad Project located in the Ancash region of Peru, a highly favorable mining jurisdiction with supportive communities. The Soledad Project is notable for the high-grade copper-gold-silver mineralization that is hosted in tourmaline breccia pipes and other intrusion-related styles of mineralization. An initial inferred resource estimate for seven breccia pipes was announced in January 2022 (see news release dated February 23, 2022), with 6.73 Mt containing 191,000 ounces of gold, 11.7 million ounces of silver, and 130 million pounds of copper. In addition, extensive multidisciplinary exploration has defined 154 exploration targets, 28 of which have been tested to date (18%), confirming that Soledad is a large, well-endowed mineral system with strong exploration upside. Chakana's investors are uniquely positioned as the Soledad Project provides exposure to base and precious metals. For more information on the Soledad project, please visit the website at www.chakanacopper.com. Qualified Person David Kelley, an officer, and a director of Chakana, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD (signed) "David Kelley" David Kelley President and CEO For further information contact: Investor Relations: Info Email: info@chakanacopper.com Telephone: 720-233-2166 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statement Advisory: This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the use of proceeds and completion of the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Chakana to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, the interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project (the "Project"), the potential to expand the mineralization, and to develop and grow a resource within the Project, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our belief in the potential for mineralization within unexplored parts of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190968 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV)(OTCQB:REVVF) ("Revolve" or the "Company") an owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects is pleased to announce that it has increased the size of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), as described in the Company's news release dated November 16, 2023 (https://revolve-renewablepower.com/revolve-announces-closing-of-first-tranche-of-non-brokered-private-placement/) to include a second tranche of up to $1,000,000. All currency in this news release is denominated in Canadian dollars. Revolve completed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement on November 16, 2023 (the "Offering") of 5,267,062 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.285 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of approximately $1,501,112. Management, employees and insiders of the Company invested a total of $226,740 in the Offering. The Company intends to include a second tranche of up to $1,000,00 in the Offering and to issue a further 2,850,000 Units of the Company. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire one addition Common Share at a price of $0.45 for a period of eighteen (18) months following the closing date of the Offering, subject to the Acceleration Right (as defined below). The Warrants contain an acceleration provision, whereby if the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is equal to or greater than $0.60 per Common Share for 15 consecutive trading days, then the expiry date of the Warrants shall automatically accelerate and the Warrants will expire on the date that is 30 days after the date that notice of such acceleration is provided to the Warrant holders (the "Acceleration Right"). Similar to the first tranche of the Offering, the Company intends to pay a cash commission of 5% to certain arms-length third parties (the "Finders") who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. The Private Placement is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico with a portfolio of approx. 2,838MW under development. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve Renewable Business Solutions currently has an operating portfolio of 6MW with an additional 3MW under construction phase and 156MW under development. Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" (or "RTB") status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects. Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG (distributed generation) assets. For further information contact: Steve Dalton, CEO IR@revolve-renewablepower.com Or Sunita Prasad VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations Phone: +1 778-885-5550 IR@revolve-renewablepower.com Forward Looking Information Although Revolve believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Revolve can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering, including TSXV's final approval of the Offering; the anticipated use of the Offering; and the completion and timing of any additional tranches, as well as, information relating to the business plans of Revolve and Revolve's management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business in the United States and Mexico, including the planned MW capacity of its projects; its expansion into the distributed generation market; potential opportunities in the distributed generation market; the completion and timing of the development of its planned portfolio of distributed generation projects; the completion of the Offering, including final approval of the Offering by the TSXV; potential revenues and cashflows generated from its DG division; and the Company's plans to develop, construct and finance rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency projects of up to 5MW and enter into long term power purchase agreements for the sale of electricity from the projects with the underlying customers. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, and includes, but is not limited to, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to the extent of regulations pertaining to the Company's projects and Revolve's ability to continue as going concern. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information, including but not limited to: the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises, including COVID-19; labour availability; disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve. 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. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Revolve as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Revolve does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Revolve Renewable Power Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Delphina, a San Francisco, CA-based LLM-powered copilot for data science, closed a $7.5m seed funding round. The round was co-led by Costanoa Ventures and Radical Ventures with participation from 20+ prominent angel investors, including Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li. The funding will be used to expand its team and accelerate product development. Co-Founded by Jeremy Hermann and Duncan Gilchrist in 2023, Delphina is a copilot for data science that speeds predictive AI model building and deployment. It uses large language models (LLMs) to accelerate the routine, time-consuming tasks in predictive AI workflows, reducing them from months to days. By identifying and preparing relevant data, training models and deploying pipelines, the platform makes it faster and simpler for any enterprise even those without dedicated AI teams to productize common AI business use cases, like forecasting, personalization, pricing or fraud detection, to name a few. Delphina is deployed with five design partners. They expect full commercial availability in the second half of 2024. FinSMEs 13/12/2023 Photo of Lendo founders: Osama Al-Raee, CEO, is on the left, and Mohammed Jawabri, COO, is on the right. Lendo, a Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based shariah-compliant debt crowdfunding marketplace, raised SAR 105m ($28m) in Series B funding. The round was led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly-owned company by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), with participation from Shorooq Partners, AB Ventures and other investors. The company will use the funds to support its customer base in Saudi Arabia, introduce more innovative financing products, and accelerate market expansion plans. Led by Osama Alraee, CEO, and Mohamed Jawabri, COO, Lendo is a shariah-compliant, debt crowdfunding marketplace that helps pre-finance outstanding invoices for businesses in Saudi Arabia. The platform, a community of creditworthy borrowers and sphisticated investors looking for alternative investments, is licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). FinSMEs 13/12/2023 WTWH Media, a Cleveland, OH-based digital-first B2B media and marketing company, acquired Engineering.com, a Toronto, Canada-based leading digital B2B media company. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Engineering.com is a digital B2B media company with a mission to inform, inspire, and engage engineering minds. The company maintains an audience of more than two million registered users across its platforms, including Engineering.com, Eng-Tips, Tek-Tips, and TenLinks. Led by Scott McCafferty, CEO, WTWH Media is a digital-first B2B media and marketing company that connects brand marketers with targeted, hard-to-reach audiences of executives and practitioners. It serves three core industry verticals including Engineering, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Foodservice, Retail, and Hospitality. WTWH Media maintains a portfolio of engineering-focused digital media properties, including Design World, EE World Online, and The Robot Report. By adding the digital B2B media assets of Engineering.com to its network of brands, WTWH Media expands its reach and bolsters its position as a provider of news, information, and value-added insights for the engineering community. This strategic combination will enable both organizations to explore new opportunities, enhance content offerings, and provide even greater value to their respective audiences. FinSMEs 13/12/2023 Basking in the success of her latest release with Sam Bahadur, director Meghna Gulzar is reportedly gearing up for her next project with Sidharth Malhotra. Notably, the project will mark their first-ever collaboration. As per the latest developments, the duo has been in talks for quite some time now, discussing various ideas, and has finally settled on a captivating story. According to a Pinkvilla report, the film will be based on a horrifying true story, the details of which are yet to be unveiled. Meanwhile, both Meghna Gulzar and Sidharth Malhotra are also expected to confirm the news anytime soon. Meghna Gulzar-Sidharth Malhotra to come together for a project? As per the fresh updates, the project which aims to portray the true story on the big screen will commence shooting around mid-2024, spanning two months at authentic locations, with initial location scouting set for the first quarter of 2024. After discussing the same for several long months, the two have finally found the right subject, which they believe will shock audiences. In the meantime, Meghna Gulzar who is known for helming projects like Talwar, Raazi, Chhapaak, and Sam Bahadur was deeply moved by the anticipated films narrative, thus prompting both parties to move forward. Sidharth Malhotra on the work front Last seen in Shantanu Bagchis Mission Majnu, Sidharth Malhotra presently has a lot of projects in the pipeline. From Rohit Shettys Indian Police Force to Karan Johars production Yodha, the actor is gearing up for a couple of releases in the coming months. In the meantime, the actor is reportedly also eager to collaborate with director Siddharth Anand, the face behind films like War and Pathaan. According to sources, the Shershaah actor is in talks with Mamta Anand and Siddharth Anand or an actioner, which will most probably be helmed by Rohan Khambati. The source further added that the actor is willing to do more in the action space and believes that no one is better than Siddharth Anand to bring the genre to the big screen. If everything goes well, the filming will begin by the end of the year. Alia Bhatt is currently busy with Jigra, her next film that will arrive in 2024, and Hansal Mehtaas next is The Buckingham Murders with Kareena Kapoor Khan. And a report by Peeping Moon says the two are likely to collaborate for a film supposedly a biopic on a journalist. Nothing has been confirmed yet. Recently, in an interview with Elle US Magazine, the actress revealed why she avoided watching parents Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdans films during childhood. She said, Honestly, I was very sensitive as a child and I took the films too seriously. I didnt want to see my mother being pushed out of a window or see her suffering. That wasnt something I wanted to engage with. On nepotism Alia Bhatt, who has experienced the same nepotism debate several times in the past, has made an intriguing revelation recently. Sharing her take on being a star kid, the actress told a news portal that she was initially naive about her privileges. She further added that while she had always known her familys presence in the film industry but things werent always easy for her too. Expressing her inclination towards movies, the Brahmastra star remarked, But its not like my father ever spoke to me like, Oh, the day you want to act, we will give you this movie. In fact, according to her, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has never even brought up the privilege part. Never, she continued. Hansal Mehta on Netflixs Scoop In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the filmmaker talked about chasing stories over stars and a lot more. He said, My method is very simple, its something I have been following for a long time- Choose the person whos right for the character. We try to be very honest to that basic hallmark. The Golden Globes are all set for their 81st edition and fans actors the globe cant wait for it. From the venue to the time to the nominees, heres everything you need to know about the 81st ceremony: Venue Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Date January 7, 2024, on a Sunday Time The 81st annual Golden Globes Awards will start at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET. Where to watch The Golden Globes Awards 2024 can be watched live on the official YouTube channel of CBS News. Nominations Two of the biggest hits of the year, Barbie and Oppenheimer, are leading the nominations. The other films in the nominees are Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, and Past Lives. Succession was the top-nominated television program, with nine nods including for series stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin, followed by Hulus The Bear. As always there were some big surprises, like Jennifer Lawrence getting nominated for her bawdy R-rated comedy No Hard Feelings for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy. She was nominated alongside Robbie, Stone and Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple), Natalie Portman (May December) and Alma Poysti (Fallen Leaves). Lawrence, in a statement said she had so much fun making the movie that it almost feels wrong to accept such an honor but I will!!! I cannot wait for some lukewarm Chardonnay. Lets go!!! The Color Purple was expected to do better. The adaption of the stage musical got only two nominations total, both for actors, for Barrino and Danielle Brooks for her supporting performance. Left out was Colman Domingo, who was nominated for best drama actor for Rustin. Sofia Coppolas widely acclaimed Priscilla got only one nomination, for actor Cailee Spaenys portrayal of Priscilla Presley. Her category mates in best female performance in a drama include Gladstone, Annette Bening for Nyad, Sandra Huller for Anatomy of a Fall, Greta Lee for Past Lives and Carey Mulligan for Maestro. Netflix got the most nominations overall, with 13 total for a slate which included Maestro, May December and Rustin, followed by Warner Bros., which made Barbie and The Color Purple with 12. With inputs from agencies The friendship between actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol dates back to the time when the two made their entry into the Indian film industry. While the world knows about how SRK is a shy person and treats his female actresses with utmost respect, Kajal on the other hand is just his opposite. However, the two still share a friendship bond that fans enjoyed to see. On the professional front, while Shah Rukh and Kajol have worked together in many successful films, the two are also happily married to their respective partners and are among the few stars who got married at a very young age. However, many know that Shah Rukh Khan along with his entire family had also attended Kajols wedding and pre-wedding ceremonies, a picture of which is now going viral. The viral picture with seems to be from Kajols mehendi ceremony shows SRK posing with his wife Gauri Khan and a very young Aryan Khan at the event. Shared by a fan account on the X platform, the photo features Kajol at the front as she has henna on her hands, while SRK and Gauri remain in the back. One cannot miss the little Aryan in Shah Rukhs lap as he remains focused on the mehendi design on his hands. Throwback Thursday: This picture of Shah Rukh Khan with Gauri and Aryan from Kajols Mehendi ceremony is pure gold, the caption read. Throwback Thursday: This picture of Shah Rukh Khan with Gauri and Aryan from Kajols Mehendi ceremony is pure gold @iamsrk @itsKajolD @gaurikhan pic.twitter.com/sNcvungqPB Arzoo #Jawan (@SHAH_MyLoveLife) July 23, 2020 The photo has caught fans attention and is being shared widely across social media platforms. For the unversed, Kajol got married to actor Ajay Devgn in 1999 after dating each other for a few years. The couple has two children, son Yug, and daughter Nysa. On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan are parents to three lovely kids, elder son Aryan Khan, daughter Suhana Khan, and the youngest AbRam. SRK-Kajol films Besides being the bestest friends in real life, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have also worked in a number of hit films. Beginning with the 1993 film Baazigar, the two featured in hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, My Name Is Khan, and Dilwale among others. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief Christopher Wray is on a three-day India visit to meet top security and intelligence officials for discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation, sharing information, cybercrimes, extraditions etc. On Tuesday, Wray met National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director Dinkar Gupta and other senior officers at the NIA headquarters in Delhi. Later in the day, the FBI director paid separate visits to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and top Intelligence Bureau officers. During the meeting, candid and wide-ranging discussions were held on a host of issues, including activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks, ongoing investigations in the US in the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, investigation of cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in a statement. The meeting comes just days after the US accused an Indian citizen and an unnamed Indian official of being involved in a failed attempt to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, and reportedly sent a warning to India about the schemes involvement. Aggressive investigation into attacks on Indian consulate During a high-level meeting with NIA director general Dinkar Gupta, the chief of premier US agency said that the FBI is aggressively investigating the attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on 19 March and 2 July this year. Gupta told the delegation led by Wray, which visited NIA headquarters on Tuesday, that the nexus of terrorists and gangsters was spreading to the US as well. Also Read: How Pannun murder plot dominates India, US talks The consulate was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters on 2 July who tried to set the diplomatic facility on fire following the killing of separatist Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Earlier, on 19 March, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters attacked and damaged the Indian consulate in San Francisco. Raising slogans, the protesters broke open the makeshift security barriers raised by the local police and installed two so-called Khalistani flags inside the consulate premises. Two consulate personnel soon removed these flags. A team of NIA had visited San Fransisco in August to collect evidence including the CCTV footage and exchange information regarding the attacks with local law enforcement agencies there. He met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Praveen Sood on Monday. The visit, although planned in May, comes against the backdrop of activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating from the US and Canadian soil and an indictment filed by US prosecutors in a federal court in Manhattan last month, which alleged an Indian government employee who described himself as a senior field officer responsible for intelligence, ordered the assassination of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. At Tuesdays meeting, the NIA spokesperson said Gupta also highlighted the active nexus between the terrorist outfits and terrorist elements with members of organised criminal syndicates, which was spreading to the US as well. Cyber threats, terror funding, and encrypted apps in focus Wray underscored that both agencies have a lot in common and the similarities are far greater than the differences. On the nexus between terror actors and organised crime syndicates, Wray said that a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in the cyberspace as well, NIA added. On the impact of 9/11 attacks in the US and 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Wray underlined that these terror attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats and stressed the need to take the partnership and cooperation between the two agencies to the next level to deal with the constantly evolving challenges and threats of terrorism. Also Read: Could plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun derail India-US ties? During the meeting, Gupta also pointed out that threats in the cyber domain were increasing. Digital space was also being effectively exploited by terrorists and extremists for propagating radical views and recruitment. He further added that NIA was seeing the use of cryptocurrency for terrorist financing, according to the spokesperson. Wray and NIA top brass also further discussed the use of cybercrimes to fund terrorism. This evolution of the cyber-threat needs a joint response towards investigation of cyber-threat cases, Wray stressed, according to the NIA statement. The issue of obtaining data from encrypted apps was also taken up during the meeting. The difficulties encountered by the law enforcement agencies across the world in obtaining data from encryption Apps also came up for discussion during the meeting. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror related crimes, cyber enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes. Wray also remarked that newer challenges mean that there are new opportunities for law enforcement agencies (LEA) to cooperate in newer ways. He thanked the NIA for the enduring cooperation between the two agencies, and looked forward to exploration of new opportunities to collaborate further, the spokesperson added. Also read: How a man named Nikhil Gupta plotted to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Gupta thanked the FBI for being a very significant partner in the training and capacity building of Indian police officers. Both agencies agreed to explore increasing their interactions and collaborative initiatives on the training track. Director Wrays visit signifies a step towards deepening the cooperation and shared commitment between the national agencies of US and India to combat terror in all its manifestations around the globe, NIA said. With inputs from PTI After much speculation and conjecture, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surprised one and all on Tuesday (13 December) when it announced Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA, as its choice for Rajasthan chief minister. Simultaneously, the party also announced that Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa would be the deputy chief ministers. Among all the names and announcements, perhaps, Kumaris name was the least surprising as she is a rising star in the state. Moreover, her name was also doing the rounds as potential chief ministerial candidate shortly after the BJP wrested power from the Congress in the recently-concluded Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Kumari told the media that the BJP government would work to make Rajasthan a developed state, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party high command for making her deputy chief minister. Also read: Why has BJP picked new CM faces in Hindi heartland? We take a closer look at the rise of Diya Kumari from palace to politics. Shes royalty Princess Diya Kumari, 52, is a member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. She is the granddaughter of Man Singh II, the last ruling maharaja of the princely state of Jaipur, and the daughter of Sawai Bhawani Singh, who earned distinction in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war as a lieutenant colonel and the commanding officer of the Para Commandos of the 10th Parachute Regiment. She is a graduate in fine arts and design skills and holds a diploma in those subjects from London. She is also associated with several non-government organisations, including the Eye Bank Society of Rajasthan, and Rays, an NGO working for HIV+ children, of which she is the patron. She was also elected to serve as a member of the governments National Tiger Conservation in 2019. The combination of belonging to royalty and yet having a down to earth persona has earned her the name of daughter of Jaipur and the princess who walks on the streets. In fact, it is this image that has helped made her popular in the state and popular with the people. Rise in politics Kumari made her foray into politics in 2013 and joined the BJP. Interestingly, it was former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje who was instrumental in Kumaris entrance into politics. Kumari joined the BJP at a rally in her presence, then BJP president Rajnath Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who at the time was the Gujarat CM. In that very year, she contested from the Sawai Madhopur Assembly constituency and was pitted against both the Congresss Danish Abrar and veteran tribal leader Kirodi Lal Meena, who contested on a ticket of the National Peoples Party (NPP). Kumari defeated her experienced rivals to win Sawai Madhopur. Later during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she contested from Rajsamand and was elected MP with one of the biggest victory margins of 5.51 lakh votes. In the 2023 Assembly elections, she won the polls from the Vidhyadhar Nagar constituency after defeating Congress candidate Sitaram Agarwal. During her campaign for the Assembly polls, the 52-year-old made a pitch for the environment, education, healthcare, and womens empowerment. The second Raje As Kumari makes strides in politics, many have kept comparing her to party veteran Vasundhara Raje. However, her relations with Raje are fraught with tensions and they can be dated back to 2016. It was then that Kumari and the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur sparred with the Raje-led state government after Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) officials sealed the gates of the family-owned Rajmahal Palace hotel during an anti-encroachment drive. Images of the confrontation between Kumari and government officials during the sealing exercise made it to newspaper front pages and the incident drove a wedge between Raje and her. In fact, earlier when asked how she would feel if she was ignored for the chief ministers post due to her alleged conflict with former CM Vasundhara Raje, she had responded by saying that she didnt want to comment on such things. #WATCH | When asked about speculations that she was not given the CM post due to her reported conflict with former CM Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan Deputy CM-designate Diya Kumari says, I dont comment on such things. All of us have worked together. She was there too, I received pic.twitter.com/dil0H6cPRJ ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023 I dont comment on such things. All of us have worked together. She was there too, I received her blessings too, Kumari said. Notably, she has kept mum on the apparent strife with Raje and has never commented publicly on any other state BJP leader. She has focused on increasing the importance within the party, finding place in the partys state executive as a general secretary, addressing press conferences against the Congress government, and leading protests. And it seems that her efforts have finally borne fruit. With inputs from agencies Dove maker Unilever has come under the fire for greenwashing its consumers about its products. The United Kingdom regulator Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has opened a probe against the British FMCG giant over claims that it misled consumers that their products are environment-friendly, according to BBC. Issuing a statement on 12 December, the watchdog said an initial review into the multi-billion companys tactics found that it was using a range of concerning practices, like corporate greenwashing, to sell its products. The statement read, Essentials like detergent, kitchen spray, and toiletries are the kinds of items you put in your supermarket basket every time you shop. More and more people are trying to do their bit to help protect the environment, but were worried many are being misled by so-called green products that arent what they seem. It added that it was concerning Unilever might be overstating how clean and green its products were. Unilever owns brands such as Dove, Comfort and the deodorant brand Lynx among others. It highlighted the use of colours and imagery, such as green leaves, to make its products appear greener than they were. Responding to the statement, Unilever said that it was disappointed by the investigation, while adding it would cooperate with the watchdog. We refute that our claims are in any way misleading. Unilever is committed to making responsible claims about the benefits of our products on our packs and to these being transparent and clear, a company spokesperson said. If the company is found guilty of greenwashing claims, the agency could take legal action and the case could even go to trial. Heres all we know about the shady world of greenwashing. All creatives designed by News18 The Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on its been over two months that both sides continue to wage war against each other. Amid the death and destruction, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) once again convened and this time voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. A whopping 153 countries of the 193-member UNGA voted in favour of the resolution, while 23 nations abstained from the vote and 10 countries voted against it. Of the 10 who voted against the resolution was the United States and Israel. Its important to note that the resolution calling for a ceasefire isnt binding. However, it does serve as an indicator of global opinion. India was among the 153 countries that voted in favour of the resolution that demanded for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional release of all hostages. This marks a change from the October vote when India had abstained from voting on a resolution, which urged for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. We take a closer look at Indias stance on the Israel-Hamas war and how it has voted on the issue at the UN. India votes in favour of ceasefire On Tuesday (12 December), India was among the 153 nations that voted in favour of a resolution, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution, introduced by Egypt, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably about the protection of civilians. Today, the #UNGA Emergency Special Session adopted resolution ES-10/22 demanding: Immediate humanitarian ceasefire. All parties comply with their obligations under international law. Unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. pic.twitter.com/IiBjS5g5Uf UN GA President (@UN_PGA) December 13, 2023 It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. Ruchira Kamboj, Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said: India has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly. The situation that this August body has been deliberating upon has many dimensions. There is the terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children. There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the longstanding Palestine question. #WATCH | At the United Nations General Assembly, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj says, "India has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly. The situation that this August body has been deliberating upon has many pic.twitter.com/r77zRWLuiB ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023 She added, Our challenge, in this extraordinarily difficult time, is to strike the right balance. The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces are underlined by the secretary general invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. We, therefore, welcome the fact that the international community unity has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now. India abstains in previous vote Indias vote on Tuesday is quite different from how it voted previously on the matter at the UN. On 27 October, India abstained from voting on a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas war. At that time, the resolution had been adopted by a vote of 120-14. India was the only stand out in South Asia, with all the other seven nations voting in favour of the resolution. In its explanation, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel said that it did not mention Hamas and that the UN needed to send a clear message against terror. We hope that the deliberations of this assembly will send a clear message against terror and violence and expand prospects for diplomacy and dialogue while addressing the humanitarian crisis that confronts us. #IndiaAtUN Ambassador @PatelYojna, Deputy Permanent Representative, delivered the explanation of India's vote at the 10th #UNGA Emergency Special Session today Statement: https://t.co/6tOLVQnNv4 pic.twitter.com/phbvs5GiP8 India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) October 27, 2023 She added that the 7 October attacks deserved condemnation. The terror attacks in Israel on 7 October were shocking and deserve condemnation. Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality, or race. The world should not buy into any justification of terror acts. Let us keep aside differences, unite, and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, Patel said. Following Indias abstention, Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy appreciated the support extended by India to Tel Aviv. Speaking to news agency ANI, he had further alleged that the resolution was like having a UN resolution three weeks after 9/11 and not mentioning Al Qaeda or the Twin Towers being brought down by plane strikes. So, we appreciate the support of international friends who are standing by Israel's side and want Israel to defeat Hamas, he said. Notably, weeks after India abstained from voting on a resolution calling for a ceasefire, the country voted in favour of a United Nations resolution that condemns Israeli settlements in Palestine on 12 November. The resolution was titled Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. Indias balancing act on Israel-Hamas war Since the war has begun, New Delhi has maintained a nuanced and balanced take on the situation. Having close ties to Palestine and Israel, India has refused to take sides on the issue. Indias first response to the 7 October attack came in the form of a tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed solidarity with Israel. This was further reiterated by Modi in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. Later, he held a phone call with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, condemning the explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. The Ministry of External Affairs had then also issued a statement saying it continues to abide by its long-standing position on the resumption of negotiations towards a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a weekly press briefing, further stated that New Delhi views the attack launched by Hamas against Israeli citizens on 7 October as a terrorist act. Our position on Palestine has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards a sovereign independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side and at peace with Israel. That position remains the same, he had then said. With inputs from agencies Chaotic scenes erupted inside the Parliament on Wednesday (13 December) after two individuals entered the Lok Sabha and opened smoke canisters. The incident reportedly occurred during Zero Hour in th House at 1.02 pm. The concerning event comes on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack when five terrorists had entered the Parliament House Complex. The gravity of the latest security breach was not lost as just earlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other bigwig MPs from several political parties paid floral tributes to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 attack. After the Lok Sabha resumed after a brief adjournment, Speaker Om Birla said the lower house and the Delhi Police are investigating the incident. He said that the initial probe revealed that the smoke from the canisters was harmless and not a cause of worry. What have MPs revealed about the security breach in Lok Sabha? Lets take a closer look. Footage captures security breach The CCTV footage from the Lok Sabha showed that one man, donning a dark blue shirt, was jumping across desks in the House to evade capture, while the other was in the visitors gallery spraying smoke, according to NDTV. They were eventually caught by the MPs and security staff. Members present inside the House said that the two intruders were chanting slogans such as tana shahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be accepted). One of these men has been identified as Sagar Sharma, while the other persons name is yet to be known, reported Indian Express. Meanwhile, two more suspects, a 25-year-old man named Amol Shinde from Maharashtras Latur and a 42-year-old woman named Neelam from Jind in Haryana, were held close to Transport Bhavan, which is near the Parliament complex. They were also carrying coloured smoke canisters that sprayed red and yellow smoke, as per NDTV. Delhi Police sources told the news channel that the two incidents are likely related. Speaker Birla told the Lok Sabha, As per the preliminary investigation, both of them (suspects) have been held and all their belongings have been seized. The two suspects, who were outside, have also been arrested. VIDEO | As per the preliminary investigation, both of them (suspects) have been held and all their belongings have been seized. The two suspects, who were outside, have also been arrested, says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Parliament security breach. pic.twitter.com/X0YbcVimN3 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 MPs reveal what happend in Lok Sabha Recalling the incident, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram told reporters that it appeared that one person had fallen from the visitors gallery. Zero Hour was going on in the House, I was awaiting my turn to speak. Suddenly, it appeared that one person had fallen from the visitors gallery. Then we realised that it was a deliberate act of him jumping into the well. There was another person, both of them pulled out canisters that were emitting yellow smoke. He told NDTV that one of the intruders started running towards the Speakers chair. He took out his shoe, he was overpowered by certain members, but he had a canister in his hand which he had opened. Another person jumped down and also opened a canister. Both the canisters emitted yellow smoke. #WATCH | Security breach in Lok Sabha | Congress MP Karti Chidambaram says Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitors gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run pic.twitter.com/RhZlecrzxo ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 The Congress MP expressed apprehension about the smoke from the canisters. How could two people bring cannisters into the visitors gallery? The gas could have been poisonous, it could have been a toxic gas, The Quint quoted him as saying. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13 December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001, he added. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the House proceedings when the incident took place, said that he noticed one person falling from the visitors gallery, while the other was leaping on the desks. One of them took something out of his shoes that was emitting smoke. The security personnel caught them, and it remains to seen who they are, what was their objective and what organisation are they associated with, Indian Express quoted him as saying. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha sees major security breach: How Parliament is protected from threats Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI, Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel. House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001 (Parliament attack) Addressing the Lok Sabha later, Chowdhury hailed the MPs who overpowered the intruders inside the House and questioned the security arrangements in the Parliament. How did an incident like this take place on the anniversary of the Parliament attack. Does this prove that enough precautions were not taken? I am happy to say that all our MPs showed courage and overpowered the two men, he said. VIDEO | On the same morning (of Dec 13) in 2001, the old Parliament was attacked. While we agree this attack is not the same as that one, does this not prove that necessary precautions were not taken? says LoP @adhirrcinc in Lok Sabha on the Parliament security breach. pic.twitter.com/v12zffGV8S Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who reportedly caught hold of the two men intruders inside the House, said, He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and threw it outsideThis is a major security breach. MP Danish Ali, who was recently suspended by his party Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), told NDTV a visitors pass was recovered after the scuffle, which was issued by BJP MP Pratap Simhas office. According to BSP MP Ram Shiromani Verma, security personnel found an Aadhaar card with a Lucknow address on one of the two intruders, reported Hindustan Times. Security lapse Describing the incident as a terrible experience, Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said: Nobody could guess their target why were they doing this? We left immediately but it was a security lapse! Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dimple Yadav told reporters, All those who come here be it visitors or reporters they dont carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is complete security lapse. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Union home minister Amit Shahs statement on the incident in Parliament. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back, with Union minister Piyush Goyal accusing him of politicising the security breach. With inputs from agencies Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday (12 December) introduced the three updated criminal law Bills in Lok Sabha to replace the existing criminal laws. Earlier this week, the Centre had withdrawn the three criminal law Bills introduced in August. The Union home minister said the revised bills have included changes recommended by the Parliamentary Committee of Home Affairs. Grammatical and language errors have been corrected. The Bills were examined at length by the standing committee and it was necessary to include the suggestions. There are no major changes. Had we continued with the old Bills, several official amendments would have had to be made, so we decided to introduce new Bills instead, Shah told the Lok Sabha, as per The Hindu. Whats new in these three redrafted Bills? Lets take a closer look. Terror provision expanded The Centre has proposed to widen the definition of terrorism to incorporate threats to the economic security of the country. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, which seeks to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, defines a terrorist act as, Whoever does any act with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India or with the intent to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country. Under terrorism, the revised bill also includes causing damage or destruction of property in a foreign country, intended for the defence of India or any other governmental purpose. In the earlier version, it was only limited to government or public facilities, public places, private properties within India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduces three amended criminal law bills -The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, The Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023- in Lok Sabha. The previous bills were withdrawn to introduce pic.twitter.com/6VV8JLVlJx ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023 Any act that damages the monetary stability of India by way of production or smuggling or circulation of counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or of any other material will amount to terrorism. The redrafted Bill further states: Overawes by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force or attempts to do so or causes death of any public functionary or attempts to cause death of any public functionary kidnapping or does any other act in order to compel the Government of India, any State Government or the Government of a foreign country.commit a terrorist act. As per Hindustan Times (HT), the updated Bill proposes death or life sentence in case a terror act results in the death of a person. In other cases, a jail term ranging between five years and a life term is recommended. On cruelty against women The revised Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita bill defines cruelty against women to include harm to their mental health. The criminal code describes cruelty as any wilful conduct, which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide, or to cause grave injury, or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical). The updated bill retains the suggestion of the previous legislation that provided a jail term of three years for the husband and in-laws of the woman if convicted. This comes amid a recent National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) report which said that crimes against women increased by four per cent last year as compared to 2021. The report also stated that Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives accounted for the most crimes against women. ALSO READ: Capital punishment, lynching, sedition: How criminal laws could change Other changes The BNS-Second has replaced the minimum sentence of a seven-year jail term for mob lynching with life imprisonment. The maximum punishment is still the death penalty. The offence of murder remains punishable either with a life term or death sentence. According to Indian Express, the Bill has brought back the phrase unsound mind and dropped mental illness. The earlier version of the criminal code had used mental illness as defence of the accused. Revealing the identity of a rape victim will be a penal offence. As per the revised Bill, printing or publishing any matter related to court proceedings without permission will attract imprisonment for two years. The judgments of the High Courts and the Supreme Court are not included in this. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), proposed community service as an alternate punishment for petty offences. The revised criminal code defines community service as work which the Court may order a convict to perform as a form of punishment that benefits the community, for which he shall not be entitled to any remuneration. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 seeks to supplant the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The revised versions of these three criminal law Bills will come up for discussion on Thursday (14 December), with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla allotting 12 hours for the same. The voting on the three criminal codes will take place on 15 December. With inputs from agencies On 15 December, cannabis will for the first time be grown, sold, and consumed legally in the Netherlands as part of a four-year trial across the country. Its a pretty common mix-up thinking weed is totally legal in the Netherlands. But surprise, its not. For the past 50 years, the official stance of the country has been to tolerate the sale of limited quantities of marijuana in what are locally known as coffee shops. However, the possession of more than five grams (0.2 ounces) of cannabis remains illegal, as does commercial cultivation, although authorities have often overlooked these practices. Now, a significant shift is underway as cannabis commerce is poised to emerge from the shadows. Commencing in mid-December, a select group of three officially sanctioned companies will be granted the authority to domestically cultivate and supply marijuana to coffeeshops for the first time. But, why has the Netherlands decided to change its cannabis policy after decades of toleration? What specific changes will occur during the four-year cannabis experiment in the Netherlands? What are the potential benefits and objectives of the cannabis experiment. Heres a closer look. Wait, its not already legal? This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Netherlands, whose capital Amsterdam has for decades been considered the worlds top draw for cannabis smokers. In fact, cannabis is not legal but gedoogd (tolerated). Selling and using cannabis is illegal but the authorities choose not to pursue or prosecute lawbreakers, according to the governments website. It is however completely illegal (and not tolerated) to cultivate cannabis in the Netherlands or supply it to the famous coffee shops where it can be smoked. Why change the system? The toleration policy was adopted in the 1970s to differentiate between hard and soft drugs but has led to a bizarre legal grey area that the experiment hopes to clear up. The law has driven the supply of cannabis to the countrys 570 coffee shops underground, with local authorities complaining of related petty crime and anti-social behaviour. So, whats happening? The legislation is being temporarily suspended to allow growers and suppliers to operate legally in 11 municipalities, supplied by 10 growers. All coffee shops in the municipalities have to take part, so that the same rules apply to everyone and consumers know they are getting the same quality of product everywhere. Other rules remain the same: a maximum of five grams per person per day, a ban on selling to underaged smokers, no hard drugs, and no alcohol on the premises. Only people living in the Netherlands can partake. The municipality of Amsterdam East has also applied to participate. Coffee shops will be able to stock more than the current maximum of 500 grams on the premises as a general rule up to one weeks stock, according to officials. What are the benefits? The weed will be carefully tracked and tested, so consumers will know exactly how strong the cannabis is. This is measured by the levels of THC and CBD, the substance that produces the effects. Potentially dangerous heavy metals and aflatoxin which occurs naturally in cannabis will also be monitored. The product itself is expected to be of very high quality. Coffee shop owner Rick Brand told AFP in October it was impossible to know what exactly he was selling under the old rules. What weve been receiving until now sometimes contains pesticide, but also foreign agents to increase weight. Actually, we dont really know, he said. Authorities are hoping for a drop in petty crime and anti-social behaviour. Coffee shop owners are looking forward to operating with legal clarity. What happens next? Independent researchers will monitor the experiment throughout its four-year duration. The aim is two-fold: to see if it is possible to regulate the supply chain of cannabis to coffee shops, and to see whether this reduces petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The government will decide on the future of Dutch coffeeshop policy on the basis of these outcomes and other factors, according to its website, with a view to eventual decriminalisation. One unknown hanging over this policy and all policies is the Geert Wilders factor, after the far-right leader won elections last month. His PVV Freedom Party wants to scrap the tolerance policy for good, close coffee shops, and push for a drug-free Netherlands. They were ranked bottom of the parties to vote for in the last election by cannabis-kieswijzer.nl, a website that assesses political parties by their cannabis-friendly policies. With inputs from AFP The persons behind the breach in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday have been identified and arrested. Two persons on Wednesday afternoon jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery. They opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke and triggered panic among the MPs. The House was quickly adjourned after the incident. Meanwhile, a man and a woman were detained outside Parliament with cans that emitted a similarly yellowish smoke. The two protestors chanted Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi (dictatorship will not be allowed), Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Bheem, Jai Bharat. A fifth person was also held. Two intruders have been arrested from inside Parliament, two from outside. All their belongings have been seizedThe entire matter is being investigated thoroughly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said when the House re-convened at 2 pm. The incident comes on the day that terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. But what do we know about these individuals? Lets take a closer look: As per NDTV, the two men who jumped into the chamber have been identified as Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan. The people held outside Parliament have been identified as Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde. Sources told News18 another individual named Lalit Jha who was recording the suspects was also held. All the individuals were part of a group called the Bhagat Singh Fan Club. They stayed in touch over social media, as per the police sources. A sixth unidentified person is remains unnamed, as per NDTV. The five others stayed at Jhas home in Gurgaon. Sharma, the son of Shankarlal Sharma, is from Lucknow. As per Deccan Herald, his pass was signed by BJP Mysuru MP Pratap Simha. Manoranjan, 35, is the son of the son of D Devaraj. Sources told NDTV Manoranjan is from Mysuru. He has an undergraduate degree in Computer Sciences from a city college. Manoranjan, who is unmarried, would work in farming alongside his father, as per Indian Express. He was previously employed at a Bengaluru IT company and would frequently travel to Delhi and Bengaluru. Devaraj told Indian Express, If he has done something wrong, he is not my son. But let me tell you, he is good I was unaware he is in Delhi. He was a student leader in his college days, but I do know about his affiliations. I condemn his act. Four days ago, he left saying he was going to Bengaluru I got calls from my friends and relatives about the incident. I tried reaching him out but his phone was not working. I am utterly shocked, but I want to make it clear that he is an honest citizen and a good son. But I condemn his act of entering the Parliament, Devaraj added. I do not know what my son does when he goes out. Only thing I know is that he reads a lot of books. We are honest people and good citizens of this country, Devaraj said. Devaraj told News18 that his son is not affiliated with any group nor any political outfit. Devaraj said he identified his son looking at pictures on the TV. Devaraj insisted that Manoranjan only wanted to do good for society. Neelam Devi is from Hisar in Haryana. She was studying for the civil services exam. Her brother has said she participated in 2020 farmers protests against the Centre. However, he added that she does not have a link to any political party, as per NDTV. Network18 quoted Neelams brother as saying, We didnt even know that she went to Delhi. All we knew was that she was in Hisar for her studiesShe had visited us the day before yesterday and returned yesterday. She has qualified BA, MA, B.Ed, M.Ed, CTET, M.Phil and NET. She had raised the issue of unemployment several times and had also participated in farmers protests Neelams mother added, She was worried about unemployment. I had spoken with her but she never told me anything about Delhi. She used to tell me that she is so highly qualified but has no job, so it is better to die. As per Indian Express, Shinde is from Latur in Maharashtra. Shinde hails from Jari village of Chakur tehsil, as per News18. His parents are labourers. Shinde, who is unmarried, was trying to join the army and the police. While he cleared the police physical, he could not pass the written exam. Shinde was said to be under stress for the past few days. Police have visited his home. With inputs from agencies With 2024 approaching, people across the world are keeping a keen eye on who will come to power in India after the crucial Lok Sabha elections. After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered a resounding victory in the election in three Hindi heartlands, money managers are very much in favour of the Narendra Modi-led government returning to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP dethroned the Congress in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while retaining the state of Madhya Pradesh with a massive majority. With this victory, the party has set the mood for the general elections in 2024. BJP most likely to retain power: Fitch Rating agency Fitch said there is a likelihood of policy continuity to be maintained in India as the incumbent administration is most likely to retain power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due in April-May. We believe it most likely that incumbent administrations will retain power in India (BBB-/stable) during the general elections in April-May, Fitch said in a statement. The rating agency said the size of the majority of the next Indian Parliament, however, could influence the ambitiousness of the administrations reform agenda. Modi win in 2024 polls: Jefferies Global brokerage firm Jefferies said the win of the BJP in the recently concluded Assembly elections has reinforced consensus expectations of a Modi win in the 2024 national poll. The BJPs win in three states is much better than what exit polls suggested, analysts at Jefferies said. Competitive populism from both the BJP and Congress is also clearly visible, the brokerage said. Jefferies analysts also said the boost to investor sentiment should augur well for domestic cyclical sectors. Among the sectors, Jefferies is bullish on banks, industrials, power, property and midcaps. BJP policy continuity at the centre in 2024: BofA According to Bank of America, or BofA Securities, a better-than-expected outcome for the BJP reinforces policy continuity at the centre in 2024. The government has announced a few populist measures including cut in LPG cylinder prices, extension of the free food grain programme for five years, the brokerage said, adding that it believes some more could be announced in the run-up to the election. BofA said it does not see it impacting the governments fiscal consolidation path. Better-than-expected tax revenues may offer additional resources, allowing the fiscal deficit to stay on course to achieve the targeted 5.9 percent of GDP in FY24, the BofA Securities analysts said. a clean sweep for the BJP: Nomura Analysts of Nomura in a recent report said the strong performance of the BJP in the Assembly elections suggests the current BJP government is retaining the support of the electorate in the states where it did well in the 2019 general elections. The win of BJP in state polls should somewhat allay market concerns around political risks into the general elections, Nomura added. It indicates that there is broad political support for the BJP and PM (Narendra) Modi, and reaffirms the early opinion polls for the general elections that have so far predicted a clean sweep for the BJP, Nomura said. Most of the BJPs seat share was concentrated in large states of Northern and Western India. In most of these states, the BJP won a significant number of seats, which leaves limited room for upside, the brokerage firm said. With inputs from agencies The Delhi High Court on Wednesday denied National Conference leader Omar Abdullahs request for a divorce under the Special Marriage Act, rejecting a number of accusations he made against his estranged wife, including ones of cruelty and desertion. The high court denied the appeal filed by Abdullah, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, who was contesting the 2016 ruling of a family court that denied him a divorce, stating that his argument lacked substance. Both of Abdullahs sons from a previous marriage are by his wife Payal. The appellants (Abdullah) allegation that respondent (Payal) did not support the appellant in his political career has also not been found to be substantiated, A bench of Justices Sanjeev Sachdeva and Vikas Mahajan said while upholding the family courts judgment. While the high court pronounced the verdict on Tuesday, the 68-page judgment was made available on the courts website on Wednesday. On Abdullahs allegation that his wife was using the kids as pawns for her own ulterior motives, the high court noted that the family court has held that the allegation of tutoring the children has not been established. Appellant had access to his children and had been meeting them and spending time with them. Even this allegation has not been established by the appellant, the bench said. The high court said it has examined the evidence led by the parties and it was of the view that the family court rightly concluded that Abdullah has not been able to prove that respondent has treated the appellant with cruelty so as to constitute a ground for divorce under the Special Marriage Act. In view of the above, we find no infirmity in the view taken by the family court that the allegations of cruelty were vague and unacceptable and that the appellant failed to prove any act which could be termed as an act of cruelty, whether physical or mental, towards him. Consequently, we find no merit in the appeal. The appeal is accordingly dismissed, the bench said. One of the grounds raised by Abdullah in the divorce petition was that his spouse refused to shift to Kashmir in 2002, when he moved there to prepare himself for the ensuing elections due to which he had to fly to Delhi on weekends to meet his children. In response to the allegation, Payal had deposed that it was the decision of her husband and not hers due to security reasons and, more importantly, because the Jammu and Kashmir government operated from Srinagar and Jammu for six months alternately which would repeatedly displace the children. The high court said the family court has rightly held that the estranged couple was in Delhi till 2002 on account of the exigencies of Abdullahs own work and not on the insistence or preference of his wife to be here. Further that it was natural for the children to have been admitted in a school in Delhi, as the appellant and the respondent were residing in Delhi. The claim of the appellant that it was respondents adamancy in getting children admitted in Delhi school was thus held to be not tenable. The respondent in her testimony had deposed that appellant had been attacked twice while he was in Jammu and Kashmir along with the respondent and the children, it noted. The high court further noted that keeping the childrens education in mind they both took a conscious decision of putting the kids in a school in Delhi. The family court has held that appellant may have had to frequently travel to Srinagar on account of his political compulsions, but such travel could not be termed to be on account of the matrimonial discord between the parties. Parties continued to have interactions as a family and frequently travelled together for vacations and the appellant as per his own testimony regularly visited the respondent and the children in Delhi. This arrangement of respondent and children residing in Delhi while appellant commuting to Srinagar on account of his work, cannot be termed as an act of mental cruelty towards the appellant, the bench said. On August 30, 2016, the family court had dismissed Abdullahs plea, holding that he could not prove his claims of cruelty or desertion which were the grounds alleged by him for seeking a decree of divorce. In his plea seeking divorce, Abdullah had claimed before the family court that his marriage had broken down irretrievably and he has not enjoyed a conjugal relationship since 2007 and that the couple, married on September 1, 1994, was living separately since 2009. The couples two sons are staying with their mother. In August this year, a single judge bench of the Delhi High Court had directed Abdullah to pay Rs 1.5 lakh as monthly interim maintenance to his estranged wife. It had also ordered him to pay Rs 60,000 each on a monthly basis for the education of his two sons who are pursuing law. The high courts order had come on petitions by Payal Abdullah and the couples sons against the 2018 lower court orders granting her and them interim maintenance of Rs 75,000 and Rs 25,000 each till they attained the age of majority, respectively. The judge had observed that Abdullah has the financial capacity to provide a decent standard of living to his wife and children and that he should not abdicate his duties as a father. (with inputs from PTI) One of the youngsters detained by police from inside Lok Sabha has been identified as Manoranjan, son of Devraj. His father identified him looking at the visuals of the on television. Manoranjan, a resident of Mysore, and another youth jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery. The duo were allegedly carrying tear gas canisters. Manoranjan had left three days back saying he is going to Bengaluru, Devraj told News18, claiming that his son has no links with any organisation or political party. He wanted to do good for the society, his father said. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Manoranjan, 35, had completed engineering from Vivekanand University, Bangalore, and was unemployed. The incident was reported on the same day when the old Parliament bulding was attacked by terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits in 2001, killing nine people. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said one person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas, when Zero Hour was in progress. The two people were overpowered by the Lok Sabha members and the watch and ward staff. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. "This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in the 2001 (Parliament attack)," Chowdhury said. BJP MP RK Singh Patel was the person who caught hold of one of the two culprits behind the Parliament security breach. Talking to News18, Patel said, While we were on our way out I saw a security personnel grappling with one of the perpetrators. I lunged towards him and brought him down by his neck after which several other MPs arrived at the scene. The perpetrator tried to smother us with the smoke canister he was holding. The Lok Sabha on Wednesday was adjourned till 2 pm after two individuals jumped from the visitors gallery and burst smoke canister inside the house. Both of them have been detained by police. The incident came on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack of 2001. Preliminary probe suggests that the perpetrators hid the smoke cannisters inside their shoes. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Furthermore, protests were going on outside the Parliament premises. The police detained two people, identified as Neelam and Amol Shinde, from the protest who were also seen bursting smoke colour bombs. Who is RK Singh? RK Singh Patel is the BJP MP from Banda in Uttar Pradesh. In 2019, Patel was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 17th Lok Sabha representing Banda. Also, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha from the Banda constituency in the year 2009. He was elected as a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Manikpur constituency in the year 2017, while he was elected as a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Karwi constituency in the years 1996 and 2002, respectively. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla said that he caught hold of the two individuals who jumped from the visitors gallery in Lok Sabha when the winter session was underway on Wednesday. He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and continued throwing it outsideThis is a major security breach Singh said after he and his colleagues safely evacuated from the Parliament. The Lok Sabha on Wednesday was adjourned till 2 pm after two individuals jumped from the visitors gallery and burst smoke canister inside the house. Both of them have been detained by police. The incident came on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack of 2001. Earlier today, BJP MP RK Singh Patel said that he had who caught hold of one of the two culprits behind the Parliament security breach. Talking to News18, Patel said, While we were on our way out I saw a security personnel grappling with one of the perpetrators. I lunged towards him and brought him down by his neck after which several other MPs arrived at the scene. The perpetrator tried to smother us with the smoke canister he was holding. Over the past few months, cases of sextortion and part-time job scams have climbed dramatically in the country, leading to a challenging task for authorities. Government data has revealed that complaints related to job scams skyrocketed by a massive 400 per cent, transforming into the latest concern for law enforcing agencies. The data shows that in August, 2,252 cases were reported on the government portal and helpline. But, the situation rapidly deteriorated September as the numbers soared past 9,000, leaving officials stunned. In October there was a further spike, with reported cases crossing the threshold of 9,400. The sudden spike in job scams is unprecedented and has thrown law enforcement agencies into a tizzy, trying to figure out the several causes that may have led to the surge At about the same time, police and other legal agencies had to deal with another critical challenge cases of sextortion. Though initially unnoticed in government data, this crime exploded onto the scene in September, with a sudden surge of 4,376 reported cases. The figures climbed even higher in October, breaching 4,800, as victims reached out to government portals and helplines seeking justice. Investment scam complaints also saw a surge in the third quarter of the fiscal in comparison to the first quarter. With the Union Home Ministry stepping in, a surprising downturn emerged amidst this digital chaos in cases related to Chinese loan app frauds. These scams, which had claimed lives across the country, witnessed a decline starting January. Despite an average 7,900 cases monthly, the Union government received only 7,100 complaints in August. By October, the numbers further fell to 7,052. Last week, MHA, with the help of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, blocked about 100 websites involved in organised investment, such as part-time job frauds. The ministry said these websites, which facilitated task-based and organised illegal investment related economic crimes, were learnt to have been operated by overseas actors using digital advertisement, chat messengers and rented accounts. It was also learnt that the proceeds from the large-scale economic frauds were seen to be laundered out of India using card network, crypto currency, overseas ATM withdrawals and international Fintech companies. In this regard, several complaints were received through 1930 helpline and NCRP and these offences were posing significant threat to the citizens and involved data security concerns, the MHA said in a statement. In a major security breach during Zero Hour in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, two men, both carrying smoke canisters emitting an unidentified yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors gallery and ran amok inside the Lok Sabha. Footage from the Houses CCTV system showed one man, wearing a dark blue shirt, leaping across desks to avoid being captured, while his accomplice remained in the visitors gallery spraying smoke. Later, both men were overpowered by several MPs and Parliament security staff. The incident happened when Khagen Murmu, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from West Bengal was addressing the ongoing winter session of the parliament. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Khagen Murmu of the BJP was addressing the House when the security breach occurred and the two men jumped down from the visitor's gallery. Murmu hails from Malda (North) in West Bengal. Murmu, 63, is a first time Member of Parliament and started his current term in May 2019, when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. Earlier, he served four terms as a MLA from Habibpur constituency as a member of CPI(M) from 2001 to 2019. Murmu is a Santhali leader. He was first elected from Habibpur constituency as a member of CPI(M) in 2001. In 2019, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and won the general elections from Malda (North) constituency. Earlier this year, Khagen Murmu representing the Malda North constituency had been booked by the police in connection with a road blockade and alleged vandalism of a police outpost. Murmu and the local BJP unit had denied the charges and alleged that the police were acting at the behest of the Trinamool Congress. On Wednesday, BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings as soon as the disruption happened. The incident comes on the 22nd anniversary of the deadly 2001 Parliament attack. Police personnel later said that the incident was not linked to the earlier Parliament attack. The House has resumed proceedings after being adjourned. Hours after security breach at Parliament, senior officials of Intelligence Bureau on Wednesday questioned two detained youths Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan who jumped onto the floor of the Lok Sabha from visitors gallery during zero hour. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 In all, four persons were detained in the case, said police. We are going through their background. Sharma is a native of Mysore and pursuing engineering from a university in Bangalore while other person is also from Mysore, said an official, adding, that a team of IB along with the local police have departed to their native places for a detailed investigation. Their phones have been obtained and they have been questioned over their links with any organisation. The written material recovered from them have been seized for investigation, the official added. The official said they are in touch with multiple agencies who are out on field to get more details of all four people. We have procured CCTVs of all check points from where they crossed before entering to visitors gallery, the official said. The security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on the old Parliament building have raised questions over the security. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has called an all-party meeting today to discuss the security breach. Earlier, speaking after the resumption of the lower house the speaker informed the house that two people had been detained. Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police the Speaker told the House. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our brave hearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it prove that we failed to maintain a high level of security?All the MPs fearlessly nabbed the two people but I want to know where were the security officials when all of this happened? #WATCH | Lok Sabha security breach | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our brave hearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it pic.twitter.com/maO9tGOZ0l ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 The matter also was raised in the Upper House when LoP in Rajya Sabha Malliakrjun Kharge said, We request you, kindly adjourn. Let the Home Minister come and give more details. Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal responded saying, I think Rajya Sabha is the House of Elders. We should give a message that this countrys strength is above all this. House proceedings should continueI think Congress is politicising it and this is not a good message for the country With inputs from agencies After the security breach on Wednesday, the Indian Parliament has stopped making all visitor passes with immediate effect. Also, the entry of all personal assistants of parliamentarians except that of Union ministers has been disallowed in the building. Earlier in the day, two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and they were allegedly carrying valid visitors passes for the day. The visitors passes for the Parliament are issued for about two hours. Not just the Parliament, but the Maharashtra Assembly too has stopped issuing gallery passes for the ongoing winter session. A security officer of the Assembly had written a letter to the Maharashtra Speaker a few days ago requesting to limit visitors passes as there is intelligence report that visitors can indulge in improper activity. Security breach in Parliament On Wednesday afternoon, two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a similar-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery, spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress. One of them was identified as Sagar Sharma, while the second intruder was identified as Manoranjan D. A senior police officer said the intruders were in the Parliament security units custody. Both are being interrogated by security officials. They will be handed over to the local police, the officer added. A few minutes later, a man and a woman were arrested for protesting outside the Parliament building carrying cans that emitted yellow and red smoke. They were later identified as Neelam, 42, of Haryanas Hisar, and Amol Shinde, 25, of Maharashtras Latur. After opening the gas canisters that emitted smoke outside the Parliament building, the two shouted Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi (dictatorship will not be allowed), Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Bheem, Jai Bharat, officials said. While she was being taken away by police personnel, the woman told reporters that they did not belong to any organisation and were students. My name is Neelam. The Indian government is subjecting us to oppression; when we raise our voices for our rights, we are beaten and thrown into jail. We are subjected to undue force. We do not belong to any organisation. We are students and we are unemployed. Our parents work as labourers, farmers and some are small shopkeepers. An attempt is being made to suppress our voices. Dictatorship will not work, she said. Police said the two were arrested for violating prohibitory orders that are perennially in force in the area. The area around the Parliament was turned into a fortress following the incidents with the deployment of police and paramilitary. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora visited the Parliament to take stock of the situation after the twin security breach. The Delhi Polices Special Cell has been tasked with the investigation of both the incidents, according to officials. Forensic teams visited the Parliament to gather scientific and physical evidence. The incidents came on a day when the nation is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. With inputs from PTI A delegation of I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu on the issue of security breach in Parliament, according to a report. According to a News 18 report, there will be a meeting of I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders in Parliament at 10 am on Thursday and time will be sought from the President for the meeting. Opposition parties are likely to demand Home Minister Amit Shahs statement in both the Houses on the issue, added the report. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting of MPs on Wednesday, where he assured them that no visitor passes would be made till further orders. According to News 18, Opposition MPs told the Speaker that concrete measures must be taken to strengthen the security apparatus at Parliament. It was agreed that the PA and PS of MPs will not be allowed inside the Parliament premises, the report added. MPs also asked for metal detector to be put into place for their entrance. Some of the MPs also asked for the media to be disallowed in Parliament but the Speaker defended the right of the media to cover Parliament. He said that a designated corner would be made for the media so that there is no crowd in front of the gates from where the MPs enter the Parliament premises. Emerging from the meeting, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that they have requested the Speaker to carry out a detailed probe into the incident. The Speaker called an all-party meeting at 4 pm. During this meeting topics of security issues were raised. We also raised several other issues in front of the Speaker The incident of security breach that took place today was also discussed For the past several days this has been discussed that some terrorist organisations will attack the Parliament on December 13. The government was aware of this. Still, there was a breach, why? We requested the Speaker that a detailed probe should be done into this incident We also gave other suggestions to the Speaker, said Chowdhury. #WATCH | Security breach in Lok Sabha | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, The Speaker called an all-party meeting at 4 pm. During this meeting topics of security issues were raised. We also raised several other issues in front of the Speaker The pic.twitter.com/LZ99kmH4Ez ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 In a major security breach on the 22nd anniversary of Parliament terror attack, two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans outside Parliament premises. Birla informed the House that four persons have been arrested two from inside the House, and two from outside Parliament in connection with the incident. He said the Lok Sabha is conducting a probe and the Delhi Police has also been instructed to do so. The smoke that was released by the intruders appeared to be harmless in the initial probe, he said, adding it looked like it was sprayed to create sensationalism. With inputs from agencies Congressman Shashi Tharoor expressed alarm over the security lapse in Parliament on Wednesday, stating that a sitting member of the ruling party appeared to be sponsoring the invaders. Shashi Tharoor went on to urge that Union Home Minister Amit Shah provide a thorough explanation. Two attackers broke into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror assault by entering through the guest gallery. This was a serious security breach. The fact that these people (intruders) were apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling partyThese people smuggled in smoke pistols, which shows there is a serious security lapse. Not only did they fired the pistols but also shouted some slogans inaudible to some of us. The new building does not seem to be configured very well when it comes to security in comparison with the arrangements in the old building, Tharoor said. He further said the meeting has been called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Congress will raise concerns regarding the incident. This is the anniversary of the assault on Parliament in 2001. Now we are seeing another breach of security on that anniversary. The Speaker has convened the floor leaders for a meeting at 4 pm, but I do believe that the matter is serious enough that the Home Minister may want to explain to the nation about the security lapses and security arrangements, he added. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha stated that a comprehensive inquiry into the security breach in the House is currently in progress. Two individuals with canisters in their hands leaped into the House from the visitors gallery during a security breach in the Lok Sabha, according to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. They yelled slogans and let off yellow gas from canisters before MPs subdued them. Images showed an unidentified individual leaping from the Lok Sabha visitors gallery, followed by a small disturbance. The House convened till 2:00 PM. The event occurred when BJP MP Khagen Murmu brought up his problem while members were discussing vital public matters. Simultaneously, two individuals, including a woman, sprayed colored gas and shouted slogans outside the Parliament premises. (With agency inputs) Congress workers protested in front of BJP MP Pratap Simhas office in Mysuru Wednesday evening after reports that the miscreants who trespassed into the Lok Sabha chamber, earlier in the day, had allegedly procured passes by the lawmaker. To express their anger, the Congress workers congregated in front of Simhas office at Jaladarshini Guest House in Mysuru and accused him of being directly responsible for this act. The protestors shouted slogans of condemnation against Simha saying that an act of terrorism was being carried out by entering the Parliament. A large number of policemen were deployed at the spot during the protest. VIDEO | Congress workers hold protest BJP MP Pratap Simhas office in Mysuru following the security breach in the Parliament earlier today. pic.twitter.com/COLNONFz3U Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 Who is Pratap Simha? Pratap Simha, 42, is a Member of Parliament from Mysuru in Karnataka. In the 2019 elections, he won from the Mysuru constituency with vote share to 52.27 per cent, while in 2014 he bagged 43.46 per cent of votes. Simha is a former journalist and is well-known for a series of columns. In 2007, he has wrote a biography of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even had earlier said he idolises PM Modi. One of the intruders to the Lok Sabha on 13 December, 2023, is a Mysuru-based engineer Manoranjan D. According to PTI report, Manoranjan D introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MP's office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament. Three passes were issued at the behest of Simha for Wednesday. However, one person, a woman, had to return as she arrived with her child whose name was not mentioned in her pass, the PTI report added. Manoranjan D has been pursuing Simha and his office for the pass for over three months. Facing criticism, Simha's office said MPs generally entertain such requests from members of their constituency. How passes are issued to Parliament visitors? Those willing to visit the Parliament first has to request in the name of the Member of Parliament from their constituency. The lawmakers in whose names the passes are issued, make a security check for the visitors' access and check the identity cards submitted by such visitors. The visitors are then made to pass through stringent security checks by the guards and electronic machines deployed at the entrance of the Parliament. With inputs from agencies An incident of security breach was reported in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, 13 December, after two youngsters jumped from the visitors gallery and allegedly burst smoke canisters, creating panic among the lawmakers present in the House as the session was underway. The incident came on the day of the 22nd Parliament attack anniversary. Reports said one of the visitors, who jumped into Lok Sabha chamber from gallery, was seen leaping over benches. A YSRCP MP told News18 that one person tried to approach the speaker after jumping from the visitor's gallery. Two people - a man and a woman - have been detained. A joint interrogation will happen soon. As per reports, multiagency joint interrogation will happen in the incident. #WATCH | Delhi: Two protestors, a man and a woman have been detained by Police in front of Transport Bhawan who were protesting with colour smoke. The incident took place outside the Parliament: Delhi Police pic.twitter.com/EZAdULMliz ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Preliminary probe suggested that the canister was hidden in the shoes of the two people. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the Chair of Speaker, said "There is a loophole for sure. When the first person came down, we thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious. The person tried to open his shoes and took something out after which smoke came out. Action will be taken against this. The Speaker and responsible people will make the decision on this. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reached the House when all of this happened..." #WATCH | Security breach in Lok Sabha | BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the Chair of Speaker, says "There is a loophole for sure. When the first person came down, we thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became pic.twitter.com/J8C9VmT1j2 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm. Security agencies have been asked to go through all CCTV footage. The footages are being checked and staff who were on duty are being questioned about how did the breach happen. Anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police reached inside the Parliament to question the people who caused the security breach at the Lok Sabha. Who are the two men arrested for security breach inside Lok Sabha? The two men arrested for security breach inside the Lok Sabha have been identified as: 1. Sagar Sharma s/o Shankarlal Sharma 2. Manoranjan D s/o Devraj D Door No. 2016 Vijaynagar Mysore 2nd stage Karnataka, Age 35, BE Computer Mysore Vivekanand University, Bangalore Pass of the accused Who were the two people protesting outside Parliament? There was protest reported outside Parliament too. Two protestors, a male and female have been detained by local police in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting with colour smoke. 1. Neelam d/o Kaur Singh r/o Red Square Market, Hisar, age 42 2. Amol Shinde s/o Dhanraj Shinde r/o Latur , Maharashtra, age 25 years #WATCH | Delhi: The two people protesting with colour smoke outside the Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan were detained by Police and taken to Parliament Street Police Station. pic.twitter.com/ja9IgU7P9k ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said he saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. "One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security," he added. Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) December 13, 2023 Another Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the two people were shouting some slogans and had canister emitting yellow color. "Very unfortunate that parliament attacked again on anniversary," Karti said. VIDEO | "Zero Hour was going on in the House, I was awaiting my turn to speak. Suddenly, it appeared that one person had fallen down from the visitors gallery. Then we realised that it was a deliberate act of him jumping into the well. There was another person, both of them pic.twitter.com/FjbFWyyi3n Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 "I don't know, unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas," Trinamool Congress leader Kakoli Dastidar said. VIDEO | "I don't know, unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas," says Trinamool Congress leader Kakoli Dastidar on reported security breach in #Parliament . pic.twitter.com/k6s2lUzx0J Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 "Both of them were overpowered by security officials," MP Danish Ali said. VIDEO | "Two people jumped from the public gallery and there was smoke. There was chaos all around. Both of them were overpowered by security officials," says MP Danish Ali on reported security breach in Lok Sabha. #Parliament pic.twitter.com/fJIFOnkgdb Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said since the benches at the back of the Lok Sabha were unoccupied which helped in catching hold of the duo. #WATCH | Security breach in Lok Sabha | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant says, "...Nobody got injured. When they jumped down, the benches at the back were unoccupied so they were caught...Two ministers were in the House." pic.twitter.com/ig0Z1z2dCG ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse." #WATCH | Security breach in Lok Sabha | TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay says, "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments pic.twitter.com/efnwGGTdvJ ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 What's not allowed inside Parliament? No water bottles, paper are allowed in the Parliament. Also, no visitor are permitted to even carry a sheet of paper. Only media is allowed their cell phone. This is a developing story. Refresh for more updates As Bangladesh is gearing up for its 12th parliamentary election, otherwise known as Jatiyo Sangsad, on 7 January next year, the country has been grappling with a major political crisis for quite some time with the main Opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), deciding to not participate in this election. The Oppositions demand is to hold the election under a neutral caretaker government instead of the present government-administered Election Commission, to ensure it is free and fair. While election is supposed to be an internal matter of any sovereign nation, it doesnt seem to be so in Dhakas case. Since 2022, external actors, predominantly Western countries, have been intervening in Bangladeshs election process the United States being the most overt one. Following October 28 violence amid demand for free and fair elections in Bangladesh, the US has expressed concern and condemned the incident as political violence, while the European Union (EU) was deeply saddened over what it called violence. Seven countries viz, Australia, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Norway, United Kingdom and United States have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the violence. The question is why are western countries meddling in the Bangladesh election? In international relations, nothing happens in vacuum and no actions by any sovereign nations are taken without self-interests. The US intervention in other countries (Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Vietnam, to name a few) to instil democracy are cases in point. Now, with the US using the same rhetoric in Bangladesh, constantly insisting on the need for Bangladeshs election to be free and fair raises concern about Washingtons actual intention and interests in Bangladesh. Historically, the US had not been in favour of the creation of independent Bangladesh under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and has maintained close relations with Khaleda Zia and the BNP, a sentiment carried from since pre 1971 Pakistan times. The US has been a significant player in brokering a settlement in 2007 between the BNP and the Awami League which resulted in the BNP-led governments stepping down and the eventual rise of Sheikh Hasina to power in 2009. In the previous two elections (2014 and 2018) in Bangladesh, the US expressed disappointment and concern about the election results which were largely alleged to be unfair and rigged. Nevertheless, it continued to cordially work with the Hasina government. However, in this election, one can notice a shift in attitude and in tone. A number of steps taken in the last couple of years by the US also connote that this is not a sudden shift. It is important to note that Bangladesh is highly dependent on the US economically. The US is the largest foreign investor in Bangladesh, third largest trading partner and largest market of Bangladeshs ready-made garments and biggest investor in Bangladeshs energy sector. Moreover, Bangladesh is also the largest recipient of US assistance in Asia and a leading collaborator in the field of education, research and intellectual property. The growing Chinese investments in infrastructural projects is perceived by Washington DC as Dhakas increasing tilt towards Beijing. Bangladeshs strategic location makes it a significant player in the Indo Pacific region, and hence, it has become a target for influence by two major competing powers; the US and China. In 2020, the then US Deputy Secretary of State invited Dhaka to join the Quad and wanted it to be part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) established in early 2022. However, Dhaka refused to join any military alliance like Quad. Meanwhile, in 2021, then Chinese envoy warned Bangladesh from joining any military alliance as it would lead to substantial damage to (Sino-Bangladeshi) bilateral relations, to which Dhaka curtly responded that we decide our own foreign policy. Thus, Bangladesh tried to maintain a cordial and balanced relations between the two major competing powers, without overtly siding with one over the other and following the foreign policy principle of friendship to all and malice to none. This is officially reflected in Dhakas Indo-Pacific outlook released in April. The suspicion and mistrust between Bangladesh and the US stems from the latters criticism of Awami League governments poor human rights record and its intensifying vocalisation of the countrys democracy issues. In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Bangladeshs elite paramilitary force; the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and seven of its current and former members for their alleged extra-judicial killings and disappearances. In December 2022, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas visited homes and met families of victims of enforced disappearances, including the house of BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon. Haass actions triggered reaction from Awami League leaders who accused Haas of supporting the BNP and meddling in the countrys domestic affairs. Washington further refrained from inviting Bangladesh in its Democracy Summits in December 2021 and March 2023. In February, the US State Department counsellor Derek Chollet expressed concern that erosion of democracy in Bangladesh would limit Washington DCs cooperation with Dhaka, reiterating its desire of seeing free, fair and inclusive elections. During Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momens visit to Washington in April, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned Momen that the world is looking to Bangladesh for the next election to make sure Bangladesh sets up a strong example of a free and fair poll. The warnings translated into actions in May when the US announced a new visa policy for Bangladeshi citizens whereby the Washington DC is to take steps to impose visa restrictions to persons and members of their immediate family who are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. Recently, the US introduced Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards globally, which will allow America to impose sanctions, penalties and visa restrictions without having to go to the United Nations (UN) first, raising concerns among Bangladeshs ready-made garment (RMG) exporters of its ramifications, considering USs position as the largest export destination of Bangladeshs RMG. Bangladesh did not remain a silent spectator to the US warnings and actions. In April, Sheikh Hasina accused the US of seeking a regime change in Bangladesh, an undemocratic action, whereby they (the US) are trying to eliminate democracy and introduce a government that will not have a democratic existence. Tussle of words were reported from Bangladesh officials, pointing weakness in Americas democracy and calling America a bunch of hypocrites and not in a position to lecture Bangladesh on democracy. Hasinas remarks showed US dissatisfaction during her trip to Washington DC in April end to celebrate 50 years of partnership with the World Bank when none of President Bidens administration officials took out time to meet her. On the other hand, Dhakas response to US imposed visa restrictions showed that it wasnt bothered, while reiterating its promise to conduct free elections, the electoral process to be under strict vigilance, including by the Election Commission-accredited international observers, and taking necessary measures to ensure unlawful practice or interference by any individual, group or entity in the conduct of election. It is clear that the US is hinting towards a regime change in Bangladesh. This is reflected in the US-based Human Rights Watch report released recently to assess the election scenario in the country that accused the government of claiming to commit free and fair elections with diplomatic partners while simultaneously the state authorities are filling prisons with members of the political opposition. However, in order to meet its strategic interests, the US is also indirectly projecting Islamist fundamentalists like Jamaat-e-Islami who are in opposition as victims of state violence. Such tactics have further precipitated the political crisis in Bangladesh. History has witnessed the repercussions faced by Afghanistan because of Americas support for Mujahideen fighters in 1989 that led to the rise of Taliban as we see today. Pushing its strategic interests under the garb of democracy promotion has been an age-old tactic of America. Therefore, the US meddling in Bangladeshs election should be viewed with concern. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The morning of November 30, 2023, was awkward for India-United States relations. Halfway across the globe in New York, the US District Court issued an indictment accusing an Indian government employee of directing a plot against the assassination of a US citizen and a Khalistani terrorist. But on the northeastern edge of the nation, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, was seen enjoying the scenic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh. While the first development risked a breakdown in the India-US ties, the latter was a welcome affirmation of Indias claims along the disputed boundary with China. Both events aptly summed up the India policy of the Biden administration: a policy of contradictions. Though there have been more positives than negatives, the laundry list of contradictory actions sent under the Biden administration is so long that I cannot not think about Chinese political theorist and senior CCP politician Wang Hunings Tocqueville-esque memoir America Against America (1991). Today, excessive decentralisation and openness in American institutions without a strong executive is hampering US foreign policy efficiency. A lack of policy coordination is sending mixed signals to allies and partners around the globe. Take Indias example. On a fine morning breakfast, a senior US National Security Council official declares that bilateral relations with India were the most important. During the lunch, the US Department of State accuses India of democratic backsliding and purging free speech. For drinks, the US Department of Defense signs unprecedented deals with India to co-produce GE-404 jet engines and Stryker armoured vehicles. By dinner, officials posted at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom find alleged religious intolerance in India frightening. But all day, the US-India Business Council was proactive in networking with the scientific and business communities to make cooperation on trade and technology fruitful. In the after-party, the US Ambassador to India is upping his public relations game by X-ing about Indias culinary diversity and grooving on Bollywood numbers. Such are the mood swings of the American foreign policy establishment regarding India. These contradictions have long permeated the government level and have seeped into civil society as well. Indias opinion in the US looks deeply divided today. While American investors and tech CEOs increasingly bet on Indias growth story, an NYT-WaPo column comes out every other week on the domestic politics and human rights in our elected autocracy. Even the Indian diaspora is not left out of this quandary. A 2020 study on Indian-American attitude by the Carnegie Endowment for World Peace finds that the partisan views on Indias domestic politics tend to mimic those within the diaspora communities in the US. It is no wonder that we see heightened socio-cultural consciousness in the resurgence of the conservative Hindu-American movement against caste-based legislations and a deracinated advocacy from some DC-based India watchers at the same time. What should be made of these mixed signals coming out of the United States? A devils advocate would argue that is precisely how a liberal democracy should function. Freedom of expression and thought is a norm in the US, and it is acceptable for various interest groups to have conflicting interests. India is just another issue on which Americans are unable to agree. Some would argue that India is not unique. Even the Saudis are in the same boat, leading to their strategic diversification in China and Russia. The United States has historically had credibility issues, from South Vietnam to Afghanistan (and Ukraine in the pipeline). Further, it is a frequent meddler in the internal affairs of the Global South, neighbour Bangladesh being an example close home. But, I observe a transformational shift in the forces that shape US-India relations. The fundamental conflict about India is between the material and ideological impulses of the American establishment. President Bidens words from his inaugural speech are a living testimony of these contradictions, We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example. The Biden administration has sought to apply the unipolar playbook of projecting military and economic power along with its self-exceptionalism and democratic zeal. But when it comes to India, this has utterly failed because the corresponding forces run contradictory to each other. The India-US story looks bright when institutions like the Department of Defense, the military-industrial complex, and Silicon Valley drive the narrative. Their organisational interests are tied with Americas material interests of securing the Indo-Pacific, selling arms to India, and leading the innovation race with China, respectively. However, India becomes a lost cause when institutions batting for American exceptionalism take precedence. As a result, Indias democratic system and religious pluralism are condescended by them. Its concerns for territorial integrity and terrorism are dismissed in the name of free speech and the rule of law. Similarly, Indias diaspora networks have gradually churned in the last ten years. In this period, the trust in top leadership of both countries has been at an all-time high. Unlike the Clinton-Vajpayee or Bush-Manmohan era, official communication is not significantly shaped by Track-II and backchannels anymore. The biggest losers in this development have been those groups who derived their credibility from cultivating trust in post-Pokhran and civil nuclear deal years. As India-US strategic partnership becomes comprehensive today, those interlocutors have been replaced by business, technology, and military-industrial elites. The interests of the new professional elites are material and not affected by Indias domestic politics. When they see India, they see a market. However, the interests of old intellectual elites are ideological and closely tied with who rules India. The current government has sidelined them for various reasons, a mismatch of worldview being one. When Narendra Modi visits the US, he meets the CEOs, entrepreneurs and military contractors. When Rahul Gandhi visits the US, he visits think tanks, activists, and universities. The writing on the wall cannot be clearer. The material-ideational tussle can be observed in the diaspora as well. What can New Delhi do in these circumstances? It has to be patient till a strong and realpolitik-driven President takes the Oval Office to ensure that material forces triumph over ideological ones in American institutions. Without a strong White House, some ideological US bureaucracies occasionally would emerge over their national interest of courting India. Nevertheless, India should selectively cultivate favourable entities such as the Department of Defence, the Military-Industrial Complex, Silicon Valley, the US-India Business Council, and the professional diaspora. The strategic objective should be to cultivate a strong Indian lobby in US politics, akin to the Irish or the Jews. Then looms the larger strategic questions. Do we, in India, understand the US enough? How long can China be the sole driver of Indias relations with the US? To what extent India should adopt a competitive position against China depends strongly on the strategic trust it can place in the United States. Contradictory behaviour from the US would not adversely affect the ties. Still, it would imply that India can never, in theory, rule out the possibilities of rapprochement with China. My observations reflect only one reality: though China remains the biggest strategic challenge for India, the United States is the biggest intellectual challenge for our strategic community. The author is currently pursuing PhD at Indiana University Bloomington and holds a B Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. He writes frequently on India-US relations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In a landmark decision on Monday, December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Central governments decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The verdict, delivered by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, comes after a lengthy legal battle that has captivated the nation. The court, in its majority judgement, held that the Presidential Orders issued in 2019, which revoked Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were constitutionally valid. The bench concluded that Article 370 was a temporary provision and that the President, acting under Article 370 itself, had the power to revoke it. The verdict sparked a range of reactions across the country. Supporters of the government hailed it as a historic moment for Indias national integrity and a step towards bringing Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream. However, critics expressed concerns about the potential impact on the regions unique culture and identity. While acknowledging the setback, former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reacted to the SC verdict by calling it disappointing, adding that Kashmiri people are not happy. However, his willingness to accept the verdict and his positive response to the scheduled assembly polls suggest a pragmatic approach to moving forward. His stance reflects the complex emotions and conflicting perspectives existing within the region. One of Azads primary concerns lies with the potential for increased unemployment in J&K. He believes that the removal of Article 35A, which restricted job opportunities to locals, could lead to an influx of applicants from other parts of the country, further exacerbating the existing unemployment woes. JKNC leader Omar Abdullahs statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account exhibits disappointment along with unwavering resolve. He emphasises the long-term nature of their struggle, suggesting that the legal battle may continue even after this verdict. This determination sends a powerful message of resilience and commitment to their cause. While Abdullahs statement doesnt specify the exact nature of the long haul ahead, it implies continued political and legal efforts to challenge the abrogation of Article 370 and push for a resolution that respects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. This statement will likely be interpreted in different ways by various parties. Supporters of the abrogation may see it as a sign of defiance and continued resistance. Others may view it as a necessary expression of disappointment and a commitment to seeking a just solution. Regardless of interpretation, Abdullahs statement is a clear indication that the fight for Kashmirs future is far from over. While addressing a workers convention, Abdullah also said that the SCs decision has harmed the bond between J&K and the rest of the country. He launched a scathing attack on the Central government, questioning its claims of progress in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. He asked a series of pointed questions, highlighting the lack of tangible improvements in the region: Jobs: Can any youth say that a government officer came to their house and offered a job on August 5, 2019? Economy: Is there a factory here where our youth is earning employment? Healthcare: Has a new hospital opened where our patients are being treated? Education: Has a school, college or university been established where our children are studying? Governance: Has it become easier for us to go to any government office? Do government officials treat us with respect today? Do they meet our demands? Safety: Is the fear of guns over? Abdullahs questions implicitly criticise the governments narrative of significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation. He challenges them to identify even one area where the lives of people have demonstrably improved. This statement is likely to resonate with many in J&K who have not experienced the promised benefits of the abrogation. It highlights the gap between government pronouncements and the livid realities of people on the ground. Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone emphasised that despite the legal removal of Article 370, it remains a fundamental part of the political aspirations of the people of J&K. This suggests a deep-seated belief that the article served a vital purpose in safeguarding the regions identity and autonomy. Despite the disappointment, Lone expresses hope that justice will eventually prevail. His statement, Let us hope at a future date Justice wakes up from its slumber of pretence suggests a belief that the current situation is not permanent and that the fight for a just resolution continues. Lones statement that Justice has eluded the people of Kashmir is likely to resonate with many Kashmiris who share his views on the significance of Article 370 and the lack of statehood. It may also fuel further resentment and resistance against the governments actions. Conversely, supporters of the abrogation may view Lones statement as an attempt to re-ignite tensions and hinder progress in the region. They may argue that the Courts decision is final and that its time for everyone to move forward. Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), used strong language to convey her deep disapproval and the significant implications of the verdict for J&K. Mufti described the verdict as nothing less than a death sentence, highlighting the gravity of the situation and suggesting a complete destruction of the hopes and aspirations of the people. She further stated that the decision marked the defeat of the idea of India with which Jammu and Kashmir had acceded in 1947. This suggests a fundamental betrayal of the promises and principles upon which the region joined the Indian Union. Muftis specific mention of J&K as a Muslim-majority state adds another layer of interpretation. It suggests that the verdict specifically targets and undermines the identity and interests of the Muslim population. This fiery statement has the potential to fuel criticism and concerns about the handling of the Kashmir issue and Muslims overall in the Indian Union. However, it seems that Kashmiri leaders are deliberately ignoring the pros and emphasising on the cons of the abrogation of Article 370. Karan Singh, a Congress leader and son of former Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, offered a more positive perspective on the Supreme Courts verdict regarding Article 370. Singh acknowledged that a segment of the population will be unhappy with the decision. He encouraged them to accept it as a finality, recognising the SCs validation of the abrogation. This implies a call for pragmatism and moving forward within the current legal framework. Singh also urged individuals to channel their energies towards fighting the next elections. He suggested that this is a more constructive way to express dissent and advocate for their interests than dwelling on negativity or engaging in futile resistance. This promotes active political participation and engagement as a means of change. Potentially, Singhs message of acceptance and constructive engagement may contribute to calming tensions and facilitating a transition to a more stable political environment. His emphasis on elections could encourage higher voter turnout and broader representation of diverse viewpoints within the political system, thereby suggesting continued political participation in shaping the future of J&K. Keeping political interests aside, one cannot deny that there has been a starkly visible improvement in ground security, tourism and a reduction in terror incidences in the valley which was marred by terrorism since three decades. In his judgement, Chief Justice Chandrachud acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding the issue and emphasised the need for a nuanced approach to address the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Court also directed the Centre to take steps to conduct Assembly elections in the Union Territory by September 30, 2024, and restore statehood to it at the earliest. Furthermore, the Court recognised the importance of addressing the concerns of the people of J&K and directed the government to take various measures, including: Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the historical grievances of the people. Implementing effective measures to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region. Initiating dialogues and consultations with all stakeholders, including political groups and civil society organisations, to ensure a peaceful and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the Courts decision, the future of J&K remains shrouded in uncertainty. The success of the upcoming elections, the governments implementation of the Courts directives, and its ability to address the concerns of the people will all play crucial roles in shaping the regions trajectory. The situation in J&K is likely to remain fluid in the coming weeks and months. As the dust settles on the Supreme Courts verdict, it will be crucial to monitor the region closely and observe how the political and social landscape evolves. Yana Mir is a journalist and social activist. She is the vice-president of All JK Youth Society. She tweets at @MirYanaSY. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. In Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif is now talking about peace, though we have heard that before, but this time he is campaigning on it. As Pakistans elections are slated for February 2024 all bets are on Nawaz Sharif as he returned to Pakistan last October. Sharif has got the armys support, and his chief rival Imran Khan is in jail. So it is the definition of a stage-managed election but the question is: Why is he talking about peace with India? After all, it has never been a winning strategy in Pakistan. So why is he doing it? Further, Nawaz Sharif also talked about the Kargil War. He was Pakistans prime minister back then, and his role has been heavily debated. Did he know?Did he know, but disapprove? Or did he support? But Sharif says he did push back against the Generals, and thats why he was toppled in 1999. Seems like a virus going around. First, Imran Khan started praising India. He brought soundbites of Indias foreign minister to his rallies and then Nawaz Sharif joined in. In September, he was all praises for New Delhi. He talked about Indias moon landing and the G20 summit. Of course, this is all campaign talk. Its what they do in office that matters. But elsewhere, Pakistan is chasing a reset, like with the United States. Army chief Asim Munir is heading to the US. Its his first trip to America after taking office in 2022. Hes visited Saudi Arabia. Hes visited China and the UAE. But he had not visited the US. While there, he will hold talks with senior politicians and military officers. It follows some key defence deals between Pakistan and the US. First, was an F-16 upgrade package, it was approved last year. The package was worth around 450 million dollars. The second was signed this year, that too, in a very secretive manner. Reports say it could set the stage for more military purchases. So Pakistan and the US are doing business again. That wasnt the case after the fall of Kabul. The Biden administration was unhappy with Imran Khan. In fact, Biden did not have a single phone conversation with him. Imagine that, two years, zero phone calls. So why the U-turn? Islamabad needs American help with bail-outs. Plus, Chinese funding isnt up to the mark. This year, Beijing refused multiple projects proposed by Pakistan. So what does Islamabad do? Attempt a reset, could that also be one reason for the sudden outreach to India? Well, Washington hasnt said much. The US has said it supports direct talks between India and Pakistan, beyond that, nothing. But recently, New Delhi and Islamabad have found themselves in similar circles, they both buy Russian energy, they are both close to the US. And now, Pakistan wants to join the BRICS. So we come back to the original question: Why is Pakistan talking about peace with India? And why now? 2024 is the election year in Pakistan, India and the US. So major foreign policy changes are very unlikely. New Delhi hinted at the same last week. This was evident when foreign ministry spokesperson was asked about Pakistans attempt to join the BRICS. Watch: Indias position has always been clear. Act on terror, clear up your business, and then we can sit down and talk. So Pakistan needs to show progress, whether it is cutting support to terror groups, or stopping anti-India propaganda without that, there can be no reset. Nawaz Sharif could be the man for the job, he has a history of progress with India. But the question is: Does he have the armys blessings? Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional grouping of 15 countries; four of these members have been suspended in the last two years because of an epidemic of coups. The military has overthrown the elected government in four ECOWAS member states, namely Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In just the last three years, Mali has seen two coups, and so has Burkina Faso. Niger became the fourth coup-hit West African nation earlier this year. These overthrows have become a headache for the regional bloc. Niger seemed to be the last straw. ECOWAS was up in arms, literally! It issued an ultimatum. The group threatened a military intervention in Niger to ensure the return of the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, to power. The deadline was set for August, which came and went, with no military action. Instead, ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on Niger planning to force out the junta with economic warfare instead. That hasnt worked either so now, ECOWAS is softening its stance further. I would like to reiterate the imperative of the region to continue to re-engage under military rule, and basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance. No alternative. On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals, said the ECOWAS chairman, and Nigerias president Bola Tinubu. Tinubu was one of the most adamant when it came to punishing the Niger junta. And now, hes talking about re-engaging. During Sundays meeting, ECOWAS finally agreed to engage with the junta. This means two things: One, it has officially recognised it as the present government of Niger, and two, ECOWAS seems to have finally given up on returning the ousted Mohamed Bazoum to power. But thats not all. To ensure Bazoums release and put in place a short timeline for the return of democracy, the ECOWAS is dangling both a carrot and a stick before the junta. If Niger releases Bazoum sanctions will be lifted, if not, they will continue. Also the threat of force will remain if Niger does not comply with the ECOWAS commission. Since ECOWAS hasnt really done anything forceful yet, that threat may not really work. But the lifting of sanctions would help the people of Niger. The restrictions on trade have hurt the economy and ordinary people are paying the price. If the junta refuses to engage with ECOWAS, it could hurt their support. But are humanitarian considerations the only reason for ECOWAS softening its stance? Or is something else at play? It is important that we also review some developments in our sub region, including the move by some of our members under military rule to float an alliance of sahel states, said Bola Tinubu. Three of the coup-hit west african nations have formed an alliance Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. They are working together to fight terrorism in the Sahel region. And reports say they have been making gains. Does ECOWAS want to stop the coup-hit nations from becoming successful on their own? Or does it want to stop them from inspiring similar coups in other West African Nations? Whatever the reason, ECOWAS seems to have come to the negotiating table and well see if this helps in reversing the trend of coups in the region. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Vietnam, a southeast Asian country, smaller in size than the Indian state of Rajasthan, with a population of 100 million and among the fastest growing economies in the region. Vietnam is on the global map as a magnet. It is winning over leading investors. Securing big deals and big money and attracting the biggest global companies like Samsung, LG, Foxconn and Apple. And the world is taking note. World leaders are visiting Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. In September, US President Joe Biden visited Vietnam and now, Chinese President Xi Jinping has landed there on Tuesday morning for his first visit in six years. The purpose of the visit is strategic and commercial, Xi wants more synergy with Vietnam. Reports say, on day one, hes signed 37 agreements there. The biggest headline is a rail project called Hanoi Light Rail Line Two a cross border rail project that could boost trade. Xi Jinping has also called Vietnam a diplomatic priority. He said China and Vietnam should seek mutually beneficial solutions to disputes. Xi was talking about the disputed South China Sea. Both China and Vietnam claim parts of it. Though China has been aggressive, its forces bully and provoke neighbours, but today, President Xi has promised stability. Basically, hes making an outreach. That tells you a thing or two about the growing significance of Vietnam. The US fought and lost a long war here. Decades later, the US president came to woo Vietnam. The Chinese have been trying to browbeat it, but now their president is talking about synergy. So the question is: What makes Vietnam so important to both political and business leaders? Why are they investing in it? What is Vietnams Unique Selling Point (USP) that makes it so appealing? Vietnam is well connected and strategically located. It sits at the crossroads of international trade. Businesses operating from here can access 55 markets around the world including 15 G20 countries. Plus, they have good infrastructure. One estimate says: Vietnam has over 300 ports and more than 20 airports. Thanks to its location it has easy access to major economies and markets like China, India, Japan and South Korea. Ships from Vietnam can access the US too from the South China Sea to the Pacific ocean. Businesses like this connectivity. Also, the workers are widely available, and at competitive rates. In Vietnam almost three dollars is paid for one hour of work. On average, Vietnams labor costs are half as much as Chinas labor costs at US $2.99 (VND 68.000) per hour compared to US $6.50 (VND 148.000) per hour Further, Vietnam has political stability. In 2020, the US State department looked into Vietnams investment climate and stated: Vietnams political and security environment is largely stable. Protests and civil unrest are rare, though there are occasional demonstrations against perceived or real social, environmental, labor, and political injustices. While as per the British government: Vietnam is one of the more politically stable countries in Southeast Asia. Remember, this is a single party state and a communist country. But its very different from China. It has none of the policy fluctuations that Xi Jinping likes to spring upon Beijing. In Vietnam, the focus is on enabling growth and the numbers speak for themselves. A Japanese investment bank did a study recently which looked at 56 companies that left China and 26 of them went to Vietnam, which is the highest number. And now, even Chinese suppliers are moving to Vietnam. Chinese firms spent the first 50 days of 2023 investing in 45 new projects in Vietnam, the most from a single country. In the first 50 days of 2023 Chinese suppliers launched 45 projects in Vietnam. These are companies that make a range of goods from solar panels to electronics, robotics and Home appliances etc. Plus, foreign investment has shot up in Vietnam. It has received FDI commitments worth over 25 billion dollars. Almost 15 percent more than last year, and October saw a big bump. Foreign investment commitments in October were worth $5.3 billion, against a monthly average of $2.2 billion in the rest of the year. With this its new monthly average is 2.2 billion dollars. So this is a jump of more than 100 percent. Last year, Vietnam saw a growth rate of eight percent, which was highest in Asia. And now, as the world de-risks or de-couples from China, it is a turning point for Vietnam. This could be the making of a new Asian Tiger. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The pushback in the United States against rabid antisemitism in universities that calls for the genocide of Jewish people and obliteration of the state of Israel is nothing short of spectacular. Heads are rolling, progressives are getting bashed, the toxic DEI program in universities is coming under increasing focus and donors are demanding accountability, pulling millions of dollars in planned funding from universities for failing to ensure the safety of Jewish students and punish those who indulge in pro-Hamas activism. The shocking conduct of the three Ivy League college presidents during their recent testimony before a US House of Representatives committee on antisemitism, where the trio was grilled for over five hours for failing to stop antisemitic acts on their polarized campuses, has become a lightning rod for an unprecedented blowback against the shape-shifting ideology known variously as wokeism, progressivism, critical race theory, postcolonial theory, queer theory or even identity-Marxism that has captured all the elite and critical institutions in the US. Former New York Times opinion editor Bari Weiss, known for taking on the monoculture of woke orthodoxy, summarises it well in a piece for The Free Press: It started with the universities. Then it moved on to cultural institutionsincluding some I knew well, like The New York Timesas well as every major museum, philanthropy, and media company. Then on to our medical schools and our law schools. Its taken root at nearly every major corporation. Its inside our high schools and even our elementary schools. The takeover is so comprehensive that its now almost hard to notice itbecause it is everywhere. The extent of the problem became evident when presidents of three elite colleges Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania were called to the Capitol Hill at a hearing before the Houses Education and Workforce Committee, and despite repeated urgings for clarification on whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates the policies of their institutions, Claudine Gay of Harvard, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and Sally Kornbluth of MIT failed not only to give a clear answer but even worse, tried to contextualise the calls for violence against Jewish people. In well-briefed, coordinated and wooden responses that shocked the entire world and made video clips of the hearing go wildly viral on social media platforms, Gay and Magill were seen smilingly rebut questions from House members on the safety of Jewish students (nearly 70% of whom were exposed to antisemitism this year) with stock replies that showed a disdain for the process, the lawmakers and insensitivity towards the concerns of students who had been threatened, among other things, with bodily harm. For instance, on a specific question from Republican lawmaker Elise Stefanik Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvards rules on bullying and harassment?, Harvard president Gay replied, It can be, depending on the context. The exchange drew widespread condemnation for the moral rot at the heart of American elite universities, the ethical failures and the bankruptcy of leadership qualities on display, held hostage by the totalitarian campus Left. Stefanik was so taken aback by the conversation that in a subsequent post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, Dr. Gay was asked by me 17x whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvards code of conduct. She spoke her truth 17x. And the world heard. The fallout was swift. Penn president Magill voluntarily stepped down from her role after the fiasco followed by board chair Scott L Bok who also resigned, and made it clear in a letter that the decision was directly related to the hearing where Magill made a very unfortunate misstep and her position was no longer tenable. Gay is hanging on to her job, for now, as the Harvard board and faculty members have rallied around her but she is under tremendous pressure with 74 members of the US Congress, among others, demanding her resignation in a letter to the governing board members along with other notable voices such as former US assistant treasury secretary Monica Crowley, who called Harvard a corrupt Marxist indoctrination factory that traffics in evil and keeping Claudine Gay as President means you condone anti-Semitism, racism and plagiarism. These views were echoed by members of the US National Association of Scholars, a nonprofit that seeks to reform higher education, for Gays promotion of racist policies and record of plagiarism, an allegation that has snowballed into a major controversy , and billionaire hedge fund owner Bill Ackman, a Harvard alumni who said the university threw its weight behind Gay because otherwise it would look like they were kowtowing to me. The stark irony is lost on none. These higher educational institutions that are a hotbed of Leftist agendas, shut out contrarian and dissenting voices over ridiculous concepts such as trigger warnings, safe spaces and microaggressions to leave space only for the totalitarian ideology that leads to even justifying terrorism, but on the safety of Jewish students, Asian students, antisemitism or Hinduphobia, their leaders take recourse to free speech absolutism. The penny is finally dropping. The fallout of the Israel-Hamas war, the pro-Palestinian demonstrations where calls such as from river to the sea, Palestine will be free, intifada, reverberated on American colleges normalizing and even justifying the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust, and the stunning hypocrisy and moral vacuity on display during the testimony by the Ivy League college leaders have led to an aftershock that is now forcing the American polity to sit up and take notice, including the Democrats. Politico reported that Magill, who was ousted as president of UPenn, faced scorching criticism from top Democrats in her state and other lawmakers including senators Bob Casey, John Fetterman, who said Magills testimony was embarrassing and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a first-term Democrat. The Biden White House weighed in, terming the calls for genocide monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country. The Education Department has launched an investigation against 21 schools across the US for possible violations of Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects students from discrimination based on race, color or national origin. The greatest pressure has been applied by angry donors, many of them Jewish, who are pulling funding worth millions. In fact, UPenn lost $100 million the day after the testimony. BBC reported that major donor Ross Stevens was aghast at Magills handling of the questions. According to Ackman, who has been relentless in calling for accountability from the university boards, Harvard president Gays lack of leadership has cost the university more than $1 billion. And thats not all. Washington Post reported that more than 70 members of US Congress on Friday signed a letter urging Penn, MIT and Harvard to remove the incumbents, and a 21-year-old Jewish student Eyal Yakoby, 21, a senior at Penn, is suing the university to hold the students and faculty responsible for breaking policies and law. The offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the font of the cultural dogmatism that is largely behind the institutionalization of the toxic ideology in college campuses, have attracted the greatest scrutiny. American states that vote Republican, such as Texas, have outlawed DEI offices. As Weiss writes in the piece mentioned above, DEI, and its cadres of enforcers, undermine the central missions of the institutions that adopt it. But nothing has made the dangers of DEI clearer than whats happening these days on our college campusesthe places where our future leaders are nurtured It is there that professors are compelled to pledge fidelity to DEI in order to get hired, promoted, or tenured. I have gone at some length in cataloguing the extent of the blowback against the normalization of genocide and violence against the Jewish people. It could be because the West, especially the US, is in a collective shock over the leadership failures of elite universities in banning the calls for mass killing and threat of physical abuse against Jewish students and faculty. Non-enforcement of the law is a unique moral failure in institutions that disseminate knowledge and build future leaders. Influential people, including the liberal media, seem to have experienced a collective epiphany. As Harvard president Gay, suitably chastised, told student-run Harvard Crimson on Thursday, I am sorry Words matter. Yet amid all the outrage, some of which is necessary to clear the cobweb of political agendas on American college campuses, the duplicity in applying the principles of free speech and recognizing its boundaries is equally stark. Free speech principles cannot be applied selectively. If, as Fareed Zakaria writes in CNN, it is understandable that Jewish groups would wonder, why do safe spaces, micro aggressions, and hate speech not apply to us? If universities can take positions against free speech to make some groups feel safe, why not us? There is an increasing recognition in the US that the campus Left orthodoxy has gone too far and must be put in check. Calls for genocide against Jewish people cannot be justified under the principles of free speech and the state of Israel has the right to retaliate against forces that calls for its extinction through slogans such as from river to the sea. The context here is immaterial. If the students are mature enough to issue such threats, they should also be ready to face the consequences. And yet, when the stage shifts from the US to faraway India in the Global South, then suddenly these principles are applied differently. Voices that recognize that threats of violence against a nation and its people on American campuses is wrong, suddenly turn preachy, take an absolutist stand and indulge in sermonizing claptrap against India that seeks to deal threats of violence by students on its college campuses with an iron hand. In 2016, when then student leaders at JNU Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested and a sedition case filed against them in a 1200-word chargesheet for allegedly raising anti-India slogans at an event on Jawaharlal Nehru campus in February 2016, activists in America and western media laid on to India with unqualified support for the perpetrators and acerbic commentary against the government. The JNU students were chargesheeted under IPC Sections 124A [sedition], 323 [voluntarily causing hurt], 465 [forgery], 471 [using as genuine, forged document], 143 [punishment for unlawful assembly], 149 [unlawful assembly with common object], 147 [rioting], 120B [criminal conspiracy], according to a report in The Hindu, and Delhi Police furnished more than 10 pieces of video evidence and testimonies of 90 eyewitnesses, for raising incendiary slogans against the Indian state for its execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, a terrorist who met his fate after a prolonged legal battle that reached a denouement in Supreme Court. The students, according to media reports, had allegedly termed the hanging of the Parliament attack convict as judicial killing, casting aspersions on the judicial process where Afzal received all possible legal aid, and raised slogans such as Shaeed Afzal Guru (martyr Afzal Guru), Tum kitne Afzal maroge, ghar-ghar se Afzal niklenge, Pakistan zindabad, Kashmir ki azaadi tak, jung rahegi-jung rahegi. Three years later, Delhi Police cited forensic evidence of video footage to confirm that slogans like Bharat tere tukde honge, inshallah inshallah were raised at the JNU, where over 50 people had gathered in 2016 to protest the Supreme Courts upholding of convicted terrorist Gurus death sentence. New York Times in an editorial wrote that the circumstances of Muhammad Afzals trial and execution remain controversial and in a display of supreme arrogance, demanded that the Narendra Modi drop the charges of sedition against the offenders, who were termed advocates of freedom of speech. Khalid was later arrested again for his alleged role as one of the key conspirators of the New Delhi riots in 2020. The Delhi high court a month later rejected his bail plea after a trial court in Delhi had denied bail to Khalid stating that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the accusations against him were prima facie true, as The Hindu had reported. Interestingly, in March 2021, the US State Department released its 2020 report on human rights that mentioned Umar Khalids arrest. The New York Times report in 2020 that covered the riots claimed that Delhi police had turned against Muslims. The Guardian report made Khalid, who was charged the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), appear as a messenger of peace, love and goodwill. This duplicity isnt new, of course. But every act of pious indignation against the campus Left in the US that has sought to normalise violence against the Jews will be accompanied by a completely different set of standards when students at an Indian university issue threats of dismemberment of the Indian state and promise attendant violence. Voices in the West that are sensitive to the concern of Jews towards antisemitism on American campuses or in society and promise corrective action, show complete disregard for the concerns of India whose central, post-Independence identity is built around the trauma of Partition, not to speak of the civilizational memory of waves of Islamist invasion and violence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. India is set to embark on a new mission that will combine the powers of AI with healthcare and agriculture. This will also bolster Indias computing capabilities, with a specific focus on providing support to small businesses and startups, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023, Modi outlined the missions objective to establish robust AI computing power within the country, facilitating improved facilities for innovators and startups. This will help Indias innovators and startups get better facilities. Under this mission, AI applications in agriculture, healthcare and education-related sectors will be promoted, said the Prime Minister. Underlining the importance of inclusivity in AI technology, Modi emphasized the need for development guided by human and democratic values. He stated, The more inclusive the development journey of AI, the more inclusive will be the results. The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of incorporating emotions, ethics, and efficiency in the direction of AI development. The direction of AI development will totally depend on human and democratic values. It is up to us to keep a place for emotions along with efficiency, ethics along with effectiveness, he said. Prime Minister Modi also raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI, emphasizing the dual nature of the technology as both a tool for development and a potential threat. He highlighted challenges such as deep fake technology, cybersecurity risks, data theft, and the possibility of terrorists exploiting AI tools. While AI can become the biggest tool for development, it can also play a vital role in destroying the 21st century. The entire world is facing the challenge of deep fake. Apart from this, cybersecurity, data theft and terrorists getting hold of AI tools also present grave dangers for the world, Modi said. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the union minister for electronics and information technology, shared Indias commitment to harnessing AI for inclusive growth. Vaishnaw outlined the vision for AI applications in sectors such as native language-based citizen services, accessible healthcare, and precision agriculture techniques to enhance crop yield. India believes in harnessing the potential of AI for inclusive growth. This vision translates into AI use in sectors such as serving citizens through native language, making healthcare accessible and improving yield through precision agriculture techniques, Vaishnaw said. Addressing the event, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, acknowledged the accelerated pace of AI development in the last 18 months. He stressed the importance of transparency and bias-free algorithms in AI models to build trust among users. The GPAI, a global alliance consisting of 29 countries including the US, the UK, the EU, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Australia, Belgium, and France, aims to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. The alliance is grounded in principles such as human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. The GPAI Summit 2023 marks a pivotal moment in international collaboration on shaping the future of AI. (With inputs from agencies) On the second day of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit in the capital, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the imperative for a united effort involving the technology industry, academic institutions, and governments worldwide to shape the emerging wave of talent in artificial intelligence (AI)-related roles. Chandrasekhar underscored that while governments play a role in nurturing talent, the collaboration between industry and academia is crucial to lead the charge towards meeting the future demands of AI-related jobs. It is clear that there is going to be a huge talent deficit in AI. There is an urgent need for our academic institutions, whether in the UK, Japan or India, to understand this and start delivering the talent that this AI ecosystem will require, the minister said. He emphasized the urgent need for academic institutions globally, including those in the UK, Japan, and India, to comprehend the looming talent deficit in AI and actively contribute to supplying the necessary workforce for the AI ecosystem. Citing a McKinsey study, Chandrasekhar pointed out the potential economic value of AI tools reaching $26 trillion. However, he highlighted a significant obstacle hindering the full business potential of AIthe shortage of individuals possessing the essential skills and capabilities for AI innovation. The minister specifically addressed the demand for cutting-edge talent in the AI industry, particularly architects and designers proficient in crafting large-language models (LLMs). Chandrasekhar noted that as AI advances, the complexities and required capabilities will increase, necessitating a talent pool at the forefront of building these capabilities. To bridge the talent gap, Chandrasekhar emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts across international academic networks and industries. He stressed the need to realign coursework and curriculum to prepare students for future-ready jobs and equip them with essential skills, steering away from retrospective approaches. The ministers call for a collective approach seeks to ensure a proactive and coordinated response to the evolving demands of the AI landscape. (With input from agencies) Drunk driving is a major concern in the US, so much so that several US government agencies have been trying to get carmakers in the country to equip their vehicles with devices or technologies that wouldnt allow drivers to operate their cars when they are drunk. However, because of administrative issues, state laws and federal regulations, any progress made in this area dies a quick death. In a recent announcement, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA has once again emphasised the inadequacy of current in-car technologies, used by major automakers such as Ford and GM, in addressing the challenges posed by drunk driving. The agencys stance is detailed in a newly released 99-page advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, serving as a precursor to potential regulations mandating advanced in-car systems capable of detecting alcohol impairment in drivers. The NHTSA is actively soliciting public input to identify suitable technologies for inclusion in vehicles that can effectively prevent or mitigate the risks associated with drunk driving. The agency acknowledges the absence of commercially available options and has invited comments from the public for 60 days following the publication of the notice in the Federal Register. After evaluating 331 driver monitoring systems, the NHTSA found none capable of adequately identifying impairment that would come from being drunk among commercially available options. While three systems in the research and development phase claim to detect alcohol-based impairment, they were not disclosed in the report. The impetus for this initiative stems from President Bidens mandate in the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, tasking the NHTSA with developing a federal motor vehicle safety standard to determine driver impairment through passive monitoring or accurate detection of blood alcohol concentration, or a combination of both. According to NHTSAs findings, blood alcohol detection technology appears to be a more viable near-term solution. However, challenges arise as many states currently require active engagement with breathalyzer-based alcohol ignition interlocks, which contradicts the laws passive requirement. A potential alternative explored by NHTSA involves a public-private partnership with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety dating back to 2008. DADSS or Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety has developed both breath- and touch-based methods for detecting driver impairment. While the breath-based method is considered active, the touch sensor, designed to be embedded in the push-to-start button, could be deemed passive. Robert Strassburger, CEO of ACTS, suggests that the touch sensor might be the most viable short-term option, pending public feedback. He emphasizes the importance of consumer acceptance and avoiding a significant shift in how drivers interact with their vehicles. The NHTSA faces a challenging timeline, with the final regulation requiring standardization by November 2024. The complexity of the rulemaking process is evident in the multitude of questions posed by the agency, ranging from issues related to driver monitoring to defining the term passive. Concerns include ensuring the drivers identity when using a touch sensor in the start-stop button and deciding whether the system should prevent a car from starting if the driver is deemed too impaired. Complicating matters further, scenarios such as a driver attempting to escape a wildfire add layers of intricacy to the ongoing regulatory efforts. After Azerbaijan made a significant advancement in their long-running battle, the two countries exchanged prisoners of war at their border on Wednesday in an effort to normalise strained relations. In exchange, Azerbaijan released 32 Armenians, the majority of whom had been detained in late 2020. Armenia returned the two Azerbaijani troops whom it had been holding since April 2023. The removal of troops from Armenia and Azerbaijans shared border was reportedly under discussion, according to a report earlier on Wednesday by Russias TASS news agency, however no decision had been made as of yet. Thirty-one personnel from Armenias armed forces captured in 2020-2023 and one serviceman captured in Nagorno-Karabakh in September have crossed the Azerbaijani-Armenian border and are on Armenian territory, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook account. In the last thirty years, the neighbours in the South Caucasus have engaged in two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region that is a part of Azerbaijan but where ethnic Armenians gained de facto independence in the 1990s. Following a swift onslaught by Azerbaijan in September, the majority of Karabakhs 120,000 ethnic Armenian residents fled to Armenia. The two parties stated they reconfirm their intention to normalise relations and to reach a peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity when they announced the planned prisoner swap last week. The European Union and the United States, who have been trying for decades to get the two nations to sign a peace treaty to resolve unresolved issues like boundary demarcation, hailed the deal. Following its dissolution in 1991, the Soviet Union included both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although Russia views itself as the regions security guarantee, the conflict in Ukraine has overextended and diverted it throughout the last two years, contributing to a fall in its authority. (With agency inputs) The European Unions chief executive Ursula von der Leyen called on Wednesday for the bloc to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Her remarks ahead of a key European leaders summit were in sharp contrast with Hungarys criticism of giving more aid to Kyiv. For some time now, Hungary is opposed to granting Ukraine more financial aid and has threatened to veto plans to advance Kyivs EU membership bid at a summit of the blocs leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. Ukraine is looking to the summit for a positive signal on its future in the European Union and existential budget aid as the country is increasingly exhausted from nearly two years of fighting a war against a Russian invasion. As the war drags on, we must prove what it means to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament ahead of the leaders summit. Her Commission has proposed that the summit takes a decision this week to start EU membership talks with Ukraine once it meets the four outstanding conditions set out previously to advance Kyivs EU hopes. The Brussels EU executive suggested that could happen in March. Von der Leyen said on Wednesday the laws Ukraine passed last week including on national minorities, an issue raised by Hungary cleared three of the remaining tasks, meaning that only one was missing: a new lobbying law to rein in oligarchs. While EU officials and Budapest say they may work around Hungarys opposition to a proposal to give Ukraine 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in economic aid through 2027, advancing Ukraines European aspirations requires unanimous backing of all the blocs 27 states. Hungary whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban boasts about his ties with Moscow at a time the bloc is trying to isolate it for waging the war against Ukraine has dug its heels in, setting the stage for a showdown at the years final summit of EU heads. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday night survived a crunch vote in the UK Parliament as none of his party MPs voted against the governments Safety of Rwanda Bill. The vote in the House of Commons passed by 313 to 269, a majority of 44 votes. Around 38 Conservative MPs were recorded as not taking part in the vote, with sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman and resigned Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick believed to be among them. Earlier, Sunak had launched a charm offensive at 10 Downing Street in a bid to win over MPs from within his Conservative Party threatening to rebel against the bill, aimed at overcoming legal hurdles in the way of deporting illegal migrants to the east African nation. Ahead of the early-stage vote on the bill, Sunak hosted a breakfast summit for the Tory rebels on the extreme right of the party who are opposed to the bill because they feel it is not strong enough to circumvent legal challenges. However, more centrist Tories are against the toughest anti-immigration law ever being toughened further to threaten the UKs human rights obligations. With the opposition parties voting against it, Tory rebels either voting against or abstaining in Tuesday nights vote to defeat the bill was seen as a test of Sunaks authority within his own party. More than 40 members on the Tory right continued to discuss how they would vote and many planned to abstain or vote against it. Sunaks breakfast charm offensive ahead of a weekly Cabinet meeting proved enough to ensure he didnt become the first UK PM in nearly 40 years to face a defeat on a vote at such an early stage of a government bill. This was just the first parliamentary test for the Safety of Rwanda Bill, referred to as the second reading in the Commons, giving MPs a chance to debate and vote on its main principles before any amendments. The government says the aim of the policy is to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel and it is central to the plan to stop the boats, one of Sunaks top priorities ahead of a general election year in 2024. Under the plan, the UK plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda while their asylum claims are processed and hopes it will act as a deterrent for people smugglers bringing migrants illegally to UK shores. The new law is intended to deal with the UK Supreme Court having ruled the policy unlawful last month. The opposition Labour Party has accused the Tories of infighting rather than coming up with workable solutions on the issue of illegal migration. As Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a visit to Hanoi on Wednesday, China and Vietnam announced that they had decided to intensify their security cooperation in their pursuit of a shared future society. During Xis two-day visit, the neighbours under Communist ruleclose in terms of their economies but at odds over South China Sea boundariessigned hundreds of agreements to cooperate and decided to establish more hotlines in case of emergencies in the disputed waters. The nations, who have fought each other for millennia, promised to cooperate more closely to develop military industry links and intelligence sharing in a 16-page joint declaration. They claimed that part of their goal was to prevent the possibility of what they dubbed a colour revolution encouraged by adversarial forces, using a term for popular uprisings that have shaken former Communist nations. They announced the establishment of a strategic China-Vietnam community of shared future to promote the upgrading of China-Vietnam relations, Xi told the chairman of Vietnams parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue, at a meeting earlier. The decision was a historic milestone, and joining such a community was a strategic choice, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said when he met Xi, who was making his first visit this year to an Asian nation. The warm comments followed months of talks on how best to describe ties. In Chinese, the shared future phrasing uses a word meaning destiny, but is translated in Vietnamese and English as the more prosaic future. Xi has pushed hard for the upgrade in ties, especially after Vietnam elevated the United States in September to the highest tier of its diplomatic ranking, the same as Chinas. As China and the United States vie for influence in the strategic nation, the pacts mark an achievement for Vietnams Bamboo diplomacy, although analysts and diplomats said the improvement in relations could be more symbolic than real. Xis visit to Vietnam, which is home to a growing number of Chinese manufacturers, is only his fourth overseas this year after trips to Russia, South Africa and the United States. A list from Vietnamese officials revealed that the agreements were made on three telecom and digital data co-operation projects, as well as potential investments in rail connectivity and security. The specifics of the agreements remain undisclosed, but analysts and officials have stated that digital economy agreements may open the door for Chinese financing of Vietnams 5G network construction as well as investments in underwater infrastructure. According to Hung Nguyen, an expert in supply chain matters at RMIT University Vietnam, the agreements represent the goals of both parties. China, for example, has constructed an underwater data centre in its southern island of Hainan, while Vietnam is working to expand its infrastructure. He went on to say that data centres, satellite ground tracking stations, and telecom infrastructure might be major investment targets. However, the long list of deals was missing a few important items. For instance, no agreement on rare earths was announced, despite Xi calling for more cooperation on vital minerals in a piece published in the official Vietnamese newspaper. But both pledged in the joint declaration to look for ways to work together on important minerals. Vietnams major mines are situated in a location where this weeks deals will benefit the rail network, and it is estimated that Vietnam has the second-largest rare earth reserves in the world, after China. (With agency inputs) According to Taiwan security authorities, Taiwans military thwarted four attempts by Chinese forces to enter the islands delicate contiguous zone last month. They saw this as a stepped-up Chinese effort to intimidate voters before of important elections. Taiwans government has presented the Jan. 13 presidential and legislative elections as a choice between peace and war and urged Taiwanese citizens to make the right choice, but Taiwan officials have frequently warned that China is attempting to push voters towards candidates desiring tighter relations with Beijing. Over the last four years, Taiwan has been subjected to frequent military incursions by China, which it claims is an attempt to coerce the democratically ruled island into accepting Chinese sovereignty. According to Taiwan security authorities and diplomats stationed in Taipei, China has increased these missions prior to Taiwans election as campaigning has intensified. According to several Taiwanese security officials who spoke with reporters about the issue and an internal memo summarising the Chinese actions, Chinas air and naval forces conducted four coordinated manoeuvres in November that approached Taiwans contiguous zone, which is 24 nautical miles (44 km) off its coast. The letter said that the Chinese military actions were a part of a multi-front campaign of voting interference, which also involved disseminating false material to influence public opinion and engaging in political exchanges with Taiwanese officials. One of the officials, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject, described the contiguous zone drills as simulating an intrusion and testing the response of our national military. The source also stated that Taiwan sent troops to drive the Chinese military out. According to the officials, Chinese actions in November also included balloons that repeatedly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait for two days in a row and marine research ships that approached the straits contiguous zone off Taiwans eastern and western sides. (With agency inputs) Amid growing concerns over United Nations Relief and Works Agencys (UNRWA) actions in the Gaza Strip, the lower house of the Swiss legislature has decided to cut funding to the UN agency. After the development, Philippe Lazzarini commissioner-general of UNRWA, expressed his disappointment over the decision and hoped that the House will revise its decision as UNRWA is the first responder in Gaza and a lifeline for millions. Taking to X, Lazzarini wote, Disheartened by Switzerland Parliaments national council move to cut aid to @UNRWA, as the Agency is recognized as a major humanitarian actor in #Gaza & the region. Hope the Senate will revise this decision as @UNRWA is the first responder in Gaza and a lifeline for millions, he added. Disheartened by Switzerland Parliaments national council move to cut aid to @UNRWA, as the Agency is recognized as a major humanitarian actor in #Gaza & the region. Hope the Senate will revise this decision as @UNRWA is the first responder in Gaza and a lifeline for millions. Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) December 12, 2023 As a country that leads on International Humanitarian Law, I am disappointed in this decision to cut aid to the largest and most active Humanitarian Agency on the ground in #Gaza today. Cutting funds jeopardizes services during an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, Lazzarini wrote in another tweet. As a country that leads on International Humanitarian Law, I am disappointed in this decision to cut aid to the largest and most active Humanitarian Agency on the ground in #Gaza today. Cutting funds jeopardizes services during an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) December 12, 2023 Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in early October, UNRWA has come under fire for employing people who celebrated the 7 October atrocities and deleting social-media posts that accused Palestinian terror groups of hoarding humanitarian aid. In mid October, the UN body deleted a post on X that accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian supplies. @UNRWA received reports that yesterday a group of people with trucks purporting to be from the Ministry of Health of the de facto authorities in #Gaza, removed fuel and medical equipment from the Agencys compound in #GazaCity, the agency wrote without explicitly naming Hamas. @UNRWA fuel & other types of material are kept for strictly humanitarian purposes any other use is strongly condemned. it added. However, hours after publishing the note, UNWRA quietly deleted the message. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed to Haaretz, a left-leaning Israeli publication, that the story is accurate. Israeli officials were quick to flag that one of Gazas most influential humanitarian groups had sought to cover up Hamass pilfering aid intended for Gazan civilians. Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from UNRWA in Gaza. The amount of fuel stolen is enough to power Gazas water desalination facilities for six days, IDF wrote following the revelation. A similar note was released by Israels Foreign Ministry: Wait @UNRWA Did Hamas also break into your Twitter account? Or are you just scared of disappointing your terrorist friends? Following the embarrassing admission, UNRWA issued an URGENT CLARIFICATION on X, seeking to contextualize the now-deleted post. With regards to reports on social media of looting of an UNRWA warehouse. UNRWA would like to confirm that no looting has taken place in any of its warehouses in the Gaza Strip, the group wrote later Monday. The images circulating on social media were of a movement of basic medical supplies from the UNRWA warehouse to health partners. In early November, a research report by UN Watch found that nearly two dozen UNRWA staffers had celebrated Hamass slaughter of Israeli civilians. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, reality surpasses our wildest dreams, wrote Osama Ahmed, a UNRWA teacher in Gaza, in a characteristic Facebook post captured by the watchdog organization in its report UNRWA: Hate Starts Here. The publication also documents numerous senior-ranking members of the organization gloating about the October 7 atrocities. With inputs from agencies In his civil fraud trial in New York, former US President Donald Trump is accused of lying to lenders about his wealth, and the trials testimony came to a conclusion on Wednesday. The New York attorney general filed a lawsuit with the goal of severely restricting Trumps commercial activities in New York, the state where he owns some of his famous properties, and fining him at least $250 million. The front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, Donald Trump, has dismissed the lawsuit as a scam and denied any wrongdoing. Following closing arguments on January 11, Justice Arthur Engoron, the presiding judge in the case, is anticipated to render a written decision. Trumps financial statements were found to be fake by Engoron, effectively limiting the trial to damages. Trump has an allure. Expert testimony and financial data were the main focus of the trial, which started on October 2. Additionally, it included carefully followed excursions to the witness stand by Trump, his grown children, and Michael Cohen, his former attorney and fixer. In a stubborn and meandering testimony in November, Trump admitted that the asset assessments on his financial statements were off, but he said that the banks using the data to price his loans were unaffected by the inaccuracies. In addition, Trump retaliated against Engoron and elected Democrat Letitia James of New York, alleging that they were biassed against him politically. At his sporadic court appearances, Trump vented his frustrations to media by making provocative remarks that he said were interfering with his campaign. Although Trump was free to criticise James and Engoron, he was prohibited from discussing court employees in public due to a restricted gag order that was placed on him after he made a social media post criticising the courts chief clerk. For breaking the injunction twice, Engoron fined Trump a total of $15,000. Trump is appealing the charge. The case might have serious repercussions for Trumps real estate business, which is the foundation of his enormous fortune and served as his launching pad into politics. In September, Engoron declared Trump guilty of fraud and revoked the business licences for the properties that made up the bulk of his holdings, such as Manhattans 40 Wall Street and Trump Tower. Trump is almost certain to challenge any decision against him, so that order is on hold while he files an appeal. As he runs against President Joe Biden in the election of November 2024, Trump is confronted with a plethora of further legal issues, including four criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty in all four. (With agency inputs) Retail experts have issued a warning that Eastern European criminal gangs are trafficking hundreds of vulnerable women and children to the UK, compelling them to shoplift for illicit gains. As per reports, the Retailers Against Crime (RAC) partnership is actively tracking over 50 shoplifting groups financing organised crime, with a Scottish company identifying a 154-member gang stealing high-value items in bulk for resale or international shipment. These criminal networks, connected to firearms offenses, drug activities, and human trafficking, are causing a financial burden on stores, estimated at 1 billion annually. During the festive season, concerns about lost revenue are heightened, with an average of 1,000 shoplifting offenses recorded daily by the Home Office. Maxine Fraser, managing director of RAC, revealed that a crime group based in Glasgow has been under surveillance since 2019. This group sends members across the UK to shoplift, even trafficking young girls aged 12 to 14 for this purpose. Up to 15 children are reportedly still working for this gang. Despite arrests and convictions, their age often results in quick release, enabling them to resume shoplifting. In London, another gang of around 100, predominantly comprising female members trafficked from Eastern Europe, focuses on cosmetic stores, targeting high-value items like fragrances and face creams. Former policeman Adam Ratcliffe, running the Safer Business Network, was quoted in a report saying that male handlers oversee operations from a safe distance, utilising women for theft to minimize the risk of detection. Ratcliffe noted the grim conditions for those executing the crimes, as they bear all the risks with minimal rewards. Research from the Association of Convenience Stores (ASC) indicates over 1.1 million reported theft incidents in the last year. More than a third of retailers believe theft has worsened, with almost two-thirds of thefts committed by repeat offenders operating for organized gangs. James Lowman of ASC highlighted that these gangs often exploit vulnerable individuals with addiction problems to steal higher-value items like meat, coffee, alcohol, and confectionery, which are easily resold. Recent cases, such as a couple jailed for shoplifting over 30,000 worth of alcohol and perfumes, underscore the severity of this issue. Following a string of social media posts criticising the government, Ethiopias peace minister was sacked and taken into custody on suspicion of having ties to an illegal rebel organisation. Taye Dendea is accused by federal police in a statement made on Tuesday of being a member of the Oromo Liberation Army, a group that is prohibited as a terrorist organisation, and of collaborating with anti-peace forces that are trying to destroy Ethiopia. The statement was made public along with a number of images that the police claimed were taken from Tayes residence and included guns, identity cards, cell phones, and OLA flags. The OLA has been fighting the government for a long time. Although it has been accused of targeting other groups based on their ethnicity, it asserts that it is fighting for increased representation for the Oromo, the biggest ethnic group in Ethiopia. In the meantime, human rights organisations have said that the government is deliberately targeting civilians in its military campaign against the OLA. Taye, a prominent member of the ruling party and an ethnic Oromo, has been more critical of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Taye denounced last weeks decision to forbid an opposition march in the capital Addis Ababa and held the government accountable for the collapse of recent peace negotiations with the OLA. Posting his letter of termination from Abiy on Facebook on Monday, Taye called the prime minister a barbarian who plays with human blood. Regarding Tayes portrayal of Abiy, the prime ministers office did not immediately respond. Much of Oromia is now ungoverned due to the OLA conflict. Since the peace negotiations broke out last month, over 50 people have died in the area, a state-appointed human rights panel claims. (With agency inputs) A special court in Pakistan on Wednesday charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his close associate former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case. They are accused of leaking state secrets and violating the countrys laws. Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqernain presided over the proceedings at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where the two leaders have been incarcerated in the case. The judge read out the charges against the two leaders, who were present inside the courtroom, but both of them pleaded not guilty. This marks the second instance of their indictment. The initial indictment took place on 23 October, but the process was invalidated by the Islamabad High Court. Judge Zulqernain, during a 4 December hearing, emphasised the necessity for a fresh indictment following the Islamabad High Courts ruling, which deemed all previous proceedings illegal due to procedural issues related to the jail trial. Consequently, a new process was initiated to conduct an in-prison trial for the duo, ensuring all procedures were completed, and the case was restarted from the beginning. The Federal Investigation Agency had registered the cipher case on 15 August, accusing Khan and Qureshi of violating the secret laws of the country. The case revolves around allegations that a diplomatic document sent by the Pakistan embassy in March of the previous year was mishandled by the two leaders, leading to a breach of the nations confidential laws. With inputs from agencies According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the United States and Britain on Wednesday slapped new penalties on individuals in Turkey and abroad who have ties to the violent Palestinian organisation Hamas. According to a statement from the Treasury, the penalties are aimed at eight individuals who support Hamas goals and objectives overseas and assist in handling its finances. Hamas continues to rely heavily on networks of well-placed officials and affiliates, exploiting seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for the groups benefit and funneling those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza, said Brian Nelson, under secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Treasury added that a number of the Hamas executives targeted were headquartered in Turkey, including Haroun Mansour Yaqoub Nasser Al-Din, one of the organizations principal financial operatives in that country. It said that Haroun Nasser Al-Din was a part of a network that sent funds to the Hamas headquarters in Hebron, a West Bank city, from Gaza and Turkey, and that this helped fund Hamas operations aimed at escalating instability in the region. Nelson ended November by visiting Oman and Turkey as part of US efforts to block the flow of money to and from Hamas and other organisations. In a synchronised move on Wednesday, the British Foreign Office announced that it had sanctioned seven more individuals associated with Hamas, including the organizations co-founder Mahmoud Zahar and its head of external relations, Ali Baraka, who had previously been sanctioned by the US. A head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organisation and other participants in the Hamas-supporting financial network, including people in Lebanon and Algeria, are also the targets of the UK sanctions. Hamas can have no future in Gaza. Todays sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said. We call on the American administration and the British government once again to review their aggressive policies towards our Palestinian people, Hamas said in a statement. Following the terrorist group from Palestines fatal incursion into Israel on October 7, which Israel claims resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, Washington earlier placed three rounds of sanctions on the group. Ismail Musa Ahmad Barhum, who assisted in transferring funds from international fundraising into Hamas finance ministry accounts, and Jihad Muhammad Shaker Yaghmour, Hamas official representative in Turkey, were among the other individuals named by the US. Mehmet Kaya, who is also headquartered in Turkey, was the focus of the penalties due to his many money transfers that he made on behalf of Hamas, ultimately providing tens of millions of dollars of financial services for Hamas, according to the statement. (With agency inputs) A last-minute budget agreement was reached on Wednesday by German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs coalition, averting an uncontrollable political crisis following the upheaval of its spending plans by a constitutional court order. Scholz acknowledged that some places would need to be saved, but he promised Berlin would continue to support Ukraine financially in its conflict with Russia. He also said he would push for sustainable EU assistance for Kyiv. Last month, the highest court in Germany determined that the government had violated a constitutional debt rule by moving $60 billion (or $65 billion) intended for pandemic assistance to a climate fund. The shocking decision destroyed budgetary plans and caused chaos in Scholzs triangular alliance. Scholz and his junior coalition partners fought for weeks before coming to a deal for 2024 early on Wednesday, following the adoption of an emergency budget for 2023. Germany will be able to adhere to its financial obligations for Ukraine and its aspirations to become climate neutral thanks to the coalitions new measures. According to Scholz, it would also uphold its welfare commitments. Additionally, Germany is going to restore its debt brake rule, which is a national legal requirement that prohibits the government from borrowing more than 0.35 percent of GDP annually to finance a structural deficit unless there are special circumstances. Scholz declared that climate-harming subsidies would be eliminated in order to close the 17 billion euro deficit revealed by the court decision. However, Robert Habeck, the Greens minister of economy, acknowledged that incentives to encourage people to transition to electric cars and support for the solar energy industry will also suffer. The budget compromises were met with quick criticism, and the crisis occurred during a period when the German economy was already experiencing difficulties. According to Gerd Landsberg of the federation of German cities and towns, the savings coming at a time of economic weakness will have a negative impact on the economy, the daily Rheinische Post said. According to ING analyst Carsten Brzeski, the risk is high that the German economy will remain in a minor recession next year because of the more restrictive budget in 2024. Under former chancellor Angela Merkel, the debt rule was implemented in 2011 with the intention of emphasising Germanys dedication to budgetary restraint. The conservatives have contended that it would be reckless to saddle younger generations with additional debt in light of the ageing population. Opponents, however, see the regulation as a German preoccupation that is impeding the potential for expansion of the EU heavyweight. There has been an increasing demand for Berlin to expand its budget at a time when the largest economy in Europe is already in danger of going into recession. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and an energy crisis brought on by Russias conflict on Ukraine, the rule had been suspended since 2020. The government was forced by a court judgement to temporarily postpone the debt brake rule for 2023, even though it was supposed to return this year. Scholzs Social Democrats had requested for a two-year extension of the debt brake suspension during negotiations over the 2024 budget. However, the liberal FDP of Christian Lindner had strongly objected to this action. Scholz did, however, imply that should more be required for Ukraine, the government might reconsider its position on the brake. If the situation through Russias war against Ukraine were to intensify because of a worsening situation at the front or should other supporters withdraw their help, or due to a growing threat for Germany or Europe we would have to react, Scholz said. Ahead of a conference of EU leaders on Thursday, Scholz spoke in parliament later to lay out Berlins position. He urged allies to be realistic on other wishes and expectations for the EU budget while stressing that obtaining ongoing assistance for Ukraine was a top priority. (With agency inputs) The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution called Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. India voted in favour of the ceasefire resolution in the UNGAs emergency session on the Middle East on Tuesday. As many as 153 nations, including India, voted in favour of the resolution, while 10, including US, Israel and Austria, voted against and 23 countries, including Argentina, Ukraine and Germany abstained from voting. The resolution demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as ensuring humanitarian access. It further demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, with regard to protection of civilians. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said that a terrorist attack occurred in Israel on October 7. She noted that there is an enormous humanitarian crisis and a large-scale loss of human lives. India has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly. The situation that this August body has been deliberating upon has many dimensions. There is the terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children. There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the longstanding Palestine question, Kamboj said. She said that India welcomes the unity of international community in finding a common ground the address the multiple challenges faced by the region at the present time. Our challenge, in this extraordinarily difficult time, is to strike the right balance. The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces are underlined by the secretary general invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. We, therefore, welcome the fact that the international community unity has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now, Ruchira Kamboj said. Meanwhile, United States-led amendment to the draft resolution was not passed at the UN General Assembly. As many as 84 nations voted in favour of the amendment; 62 voted against while 25 voted abstained. Furthermore, Austria-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis failed to pass at the UN General Assembly. 89 nations have voted in favour of the amendment, 61 voted against the amendment and 20 abstained from voting. Israels Permanent Representative, Gilad Erdan, said that the UN General Assembly finds itself about to vote on another hypocritical resolution. He said, Not only does this resolution fail to condemn Hamas for crimes against humanity, it does not mention Hamas at all. This will only prolong the death and destruction in the region, that is precisely what a ceasefire means. Erdan said that Hamas only intention is to destroy Israel and the group has announced that it will repeat its atrocities again and again until Israel ceases to exist. He called for the need to hold Hamas accountable and added that a ceasefire means only one thing which is the survival of Hamas. He asked, So why would anyone want to aid Hamas in continuing their rule of terror and actualizing their satanic agenda? He further said, We all know that the so call humanitarian ceasefire in this resolution has nothing to do with humanity. Israel is already taking every measure to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Munir Akram, Pakistans Permanent Representative to the UN, said it was a matter of deep regret, that some friends of Israel have introduced amendments to once again condemn only one side but exonerate the other. He said, This is a war against the Palestinian people. He added, Israels goal is to erase not only a people but the entire idea of Palestine. Its campaign is a carbon copy of the massive campaigns of racial slaughter by other settler colonial regimes in history. The vote comes as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third month, with medics and aid groups expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has said it will not stop its military campaign until it destroys Hamas. Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas after its attack on Israel on October 7. Amidst the ongoing Philippines-China naval standoff, an Indian warship has been docked in Manila for a goodwill visit. As a part of its regional deployment in the Indo-Pacific, INS Kadmatt, Indian Navys Kamorta class anti-submarine warfare corvette, Tuesday commenced its two-day visit. This is INS Kadmatts second visit to the Philippines. Its first port was in October 2017. On 13 December, there will also be a maritime partnership exercise between INS Kadmatt and Philippine Navys BRP Ramon Alcaraz in the West Philippine Sea. The docking of the Indian warship in Manila comes amid heightened tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. China, Philippines trade blame after boat-ship collision in South China Sea Over the weekend, Chinese and Philippine vessels were embroiled in multiple clashes in the South China Sea amid a continued escalation of tension between both countries over maritime territory. On Sunday, the Philippines said the latest incident of collision happened during its resupply mission to a tiny garrison on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, which is a flashpoint for Manila and Beijing. This came a day after the Philippines sea task force said its vessels were damaged after being directly targeted by a Chinese coast guard ship that used water cannons to obstruct three government boats delivering provisions to Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal, off the main island of Luzon. Reportedly, General Romeo Brawner, the Philippine military chief, was on board during the incidents. The Philippines has lodged diplomatic protests and summoned Ambassador Huang Xilian. The tension between Manila and Beijing over the sea flared up again in recent months after multiple incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels, including two previous collisions. Indo-Pacific important for India Meanwhile, talking to reporters, Indias ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said the Indo-Pacific region holds considerable importance for India, emphasising the central location of the Philippines within the region. He also highlighted the strong partnership between India and the Philippines and the close ties between both countries as fellow democracies. We have a shared interest in peace and stability of the region. So you will expect that India will continue a strong navy and maritime security engagement, he said. Kumaran also called for a rules-based order and respect for international law, after the recent face-off between China and Philippines vessels. We fully support our Philippine friends in their efforts to ensure that whatever happens in the seas respects the constitution of the seas, he said. With inputs from agencies In the latest indication of improving relations between the two Gulf adversaries that produce oil, Iranian media said on Wednesday that Iranian pilgrims will start visiting Saudi Arabia regularly for the first time in eight years on December 19. According to the semi-official Fars news agency, flights carrying Iranians making the annual Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia will depart from ten airports around Iran. Fars stated that the first group of Iranian pilgrims to perform the Umrah will depart on December 19. China negotiated a deal in March that saw the restoration of full diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which had been severed in 2016 over Riyadhs killing of a Shiite Muslim cleric and the subsequent seizure of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Since 2016, Iranian pilgrims have only been allowed to finish the haj, a religious obligation that is strictly regulated by annual quotas and timings and is considered mandatory for Muslims who intend to perform it once in their lives. It is now possible for Iranians to perform the Umrah as well; this lesser pilgrimage is not usually considered obligatory in Islam and can be done at any time of the year. The goal of talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran is also to revive nonreligious travel between the two nations, with aircraft connecting their capitals. According to Fars, by the end of February 2024, up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims are anticipated to visit Saudi Arabia. (With agency inputs) The Israeli military has started pumping seawater into Hamas tunnel complex in Gaza, the Wall Street Journal has reported citing unnamed US officials, adding that the process would be likely to take weeks. A few US administration officials have said the process could help destroy the tunnels, where Israel believes the Hamas group is hiding hostages, fighters and munitions, the WSJ reported. Other officials have expressed concerns the seawater would endanger Gazas fresh water supply, the newspaper reported. Israels military did not immediately provide comment on the report. US President Joe Biden too has declined to directly answer a question on reports that Israel was pumping seawater into Hamas Gaza tunnel complex, referring only to assertions that there were no hostages in the areas targeted. Citing unnamed US officials, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had recently begun pumping seawater into Hamas vast labyrinth of tunnels underneath Gaza, in a process that would be likely to take very long. ABC News later published a similar report and said the flooding appeared limited as Israel evaluates the strategys effectiveness. Israels military said it was looking into the reports. Responding to a question about the reports at a press conference in Washington, Biden said: With regard to the flooding of the tunnels. Im not at lib-, well. There (are) assertions being made that there are no hostages in any of these tunnels. But I dont know that for a fact. Biden added: I do know that, though, every civilian death is an absolute tragedy, and Israel has stated its intent, as I said, to match its words with actions. Israel and the United States clashed in public for the first time on Tuesday over the conduct and future of the war against Hamas, as the two allies grew further isolated by worldwide calls for a cease-fire. The conflict arose when Israeli soldiers carried out attacks over Gaza, smashing Palestinians in their houses. President Joe Biden claimed he reminded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israels indiscriminate bombing was costing it international support and that Netanyahu should reform his coalition, which is dominated by hard-right parties. Just hours later, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire by a vote of 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The non-binding vote is largely symbolic, but it serves as an important barometer of world opinion. None of the major powers joined Israel and the United States in their opposition to the cease-fire. Bidens comments came as the White House national security adviser heads to Israel this week to discuss with Netanyahu a timetable for the war and what happens if Hamas is defeated. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel next week for a visit the Pentagon said aims to show US support for Israel but also to press the need to avoid more civilian casualties in Gaza. The war ignited by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel has already brought unprecedented death and destruction to the impoverished coastal enclave, with much of northern Gaza obliterated, more than 18,000 Palestinians killed and over 80% of the population of 2.3 million pushed from their homes. The US has urged Israel to do more to reduce civilian casualties since it launched its invasion of southern Gaza at the beginning of the month. But the toll has continued to mount at seemingly the same dizzying rate. The health care system and humanitarian aid operations have collapsed in large parts of Gaza, amid Israels blockade of the territory and intense airstrikes and fighting, and aid workers have warned of starvation and the spread of disease among displaced people in overcrowded shelters and tent camps. Devastation in the north Gaza City and much of the surrounding north have already suffered widespread destruction from more than two months of bombardment. Amid the rubble, Israeli ground troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters, more than six weeks after soldiers invaded the north. Fierce clashes raged Tuesday in Gaza Citys Zaytoun and Shijaiya neighborhoods, as well as in Jabaliya, a densely built urban refugee camp, residents said. Tens of thousands of Palestinians remain in the north, huddled in homes or in UN schools-turned-shelters. As airstrikes and drones smash houses, first responders are unable to reach anyone buried in the wreckage, residents said. It was massive, Mustafa Abu Taha, an agricultural worker, said of the sound of gunfire and explosions in Shijaiya, where he lives. Amal Radwan, a woman sheltering in a school in Jabaliya, said the situation was catastrophic, as Israeli troops tried to advance deep into the district and unleashed heavy fire against fighters. Whenever the resistance hit them, they hit us very hard. It has become crazy. They strike everywhere with no regard to women or children, she said. Outside Gaza City, Israeli troops using a controlled detonation blew up a school run by UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, in the northern town of Beit Hanoun. Footage posted online showed soldiers cheering as they watched the building collapse in a giant blast and pall of smoke. UNRWA chief Phillippe Lazzarini confirmed the demolition in a post on X Tuesday, calling it outrageous. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. On Saturday, it said militants opened fire from inside an UNRWA school in the town. Israel also has begun flooding some Hamas tunnels, a US official confirmed Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the action. Israelis said they are testing the targeted flooding of tunnels on a limited basis and are exploring the idea as one of a range of options to degrade the tunnel network, according to another US official familiar with the matter. President Joe Biden said during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that there were assertions that no hostages were in Gaza tunnels being flooded with seawater by the Israelis, but I dont know that for a fact. Indiscriminate bombing Bidens comments were a startlingly direct criticism of Israel even as his administration continues to give unwavering diplomatic and military support for the military campaign in Gaza in the face of mounting international outrage. Tuesdays General Assembly vote was held after the US vetoed calls for a cease-fire at the UN Security Council last week and rushed tank munitions to Israel to allow it to maintain the offensive. The UN secretary-general and Arab states have rallied much of the international community behind calls for an immediate cease-fire. Israel launched the campaign after Hamas and other militants streamed into the south on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 240 others hostage. About half of those remain in captivity. At least 105 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive, the army says. Israel and the US say any cease-fire that leaves Hamas in power would mean victory for the militant group, which has governed Gaza since 2007 and has pledged to destroy Israel. Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas, saying it positions fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers in dense urban areas, using civilians as human shields. But the two allies have also had differences over the timetable of the war and over how Gaza should be ruled in the future. In a briefing with the AP on Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signaled that the current phase of heavy ground fighting and airstrikes could stretch on for weeks and further military activity could continue for months. Netanyahu has said the military will have to keep open-ended security control of Gaza after the war ends. The Biden administration has said Israel should not return to a military occupation and the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza as talks resume on creating a Palestinian state next to Israel. Netanyahu appeared to firmly rule that out Tuesday, acknowledging there is disagreement about the day after Hamas.' I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo, he said, referring to the peace process in the 1990s that created the Palestinian Authority and was intended to reach a two-state solution. The authority governs pockets of the occupied West Bank and governed Gaza until the Hamas takeover in 2007. Strikes and raids across Gaza Strikes overnight and into Tuesday in southern Gaza where almost all of Gazas population of 2.3 million is now crowded killed dozens, according to hospital records. Islam Harbs three children were among those killed when Israeli airstrikes flattened four residential buildings in the town of Rafah on the Egyptian border. At least 23 people were killed, including seven children and six women, according to an Associated Press reporter who saw the bodies arrive at a hospital. My twin girls, Maria and Joud, were martyred, and my little son, Ammar, also martyred, Harb said. In central Gaza, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah received the bodies of 33 people killed in strikes overnight, including 16 women and four children, according to hospital records. Many were killed in strikes that hit residential buildings in the built-up Maghazi refugee camp. In the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital, ordering all men, including medics, into the courtyard, said Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry. The hospital had 65 patients in intensive care and six newborns in incubators, the UN said, and some 3,000 displaced people were sheltering there with little food or water. The Israeli military says it is rounding up men in northern Gaza as it searches for Hamas fighters. Photos and videos circulating online show groups of detainees stripped to their underwear, bound and blindfolded, and some who have been released say they were beaten and denied food and water. Asked about the hospital, the military said it continues to act against Hamas strongholds in the north of Gaza, including Beit Lahiya and takes all feasible precautions to mitigate harm to noncombatants. The Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Tuesday expressed his happiness to attend the launch of the first Made in India bicycles at a Walmart store in America. Make in India, Make for the World! Delighted to witness the launch of Walmart first made in bicycles, manufactured by #HeroCycles #Ludhiana. pic.twitter.com/DMYVpt46DF Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) December 12, 2023 Taking to X, Sandhu said, Make in India, Make for the World! Delighted to witness the launch of Walmart in the US first made-in India bicycles, manufactured by #HeroCycles #Ludhiana. Walmart had recently announced a collaboration with Hero Ecotech Ltd., a prominent Indian manufacturer and exporter of bicycles, to introduce India-made bicycles in select US stores just in time for the holiday season. The cruiser-style bikes, branded as Concord and available in adult-sized mens and womens versions, contribute to Walmarts expanding range of bicycle offerings. Hero Ecotech Ltd. is among many Indian manufacturers who are building supplier relationships with Walmart, helping the company accelerate their goal to triple exports of goods from India to $10 billion annually by 2027. According to a press release by the company, Indias rich history as a leading manufacturer of bicycles is exemplified by Hero Ecotech Ltd. The cruisers sold in Walmart US stores are built with more than 90 per cent of raw materials sourced from India. The company stands as one of the premier manufacturers of mobility products in India and holds the distinction of being Indias largest exporter of bicycles, shipping to over 80 countries. Walmarts commitment to the India market is not new, with the company already exporting products across a range of categories. As part of Walmarts contribution to the countrys Make in India initiative, the company aims to empower 50,000 MSMEs to participate in domestic and global supply chains through Walmart Vriddhi, a comprehensive growth and training program launched in 2019 that helps MSMEs modernize, scale, and meet their domestic and international ambitions. With inputs from agencies A local official reported that terrorists assaulted a military camp and a community in central Mali on Tuesday, killing about twenty troops and at least five civilians. Tuesday afternoons incident happened in a rural commune in the south-central Segou region of Mali. According to the official over the phone, armed attackers assaulted the town of Farabougou and an adjacent military base, shooting indiscriminately. The officer, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that militants overran and destroyed the camp, killing about thirty soldiers. There were many civilian and military victims, he said, adding that the bodies of five villagers had been found and many more were injured. The aftermath is still being assessed, he said. One of the many nations in West Africa, Mali is grappling with a jihadist insurgency that began in its parched north following the 2012 hijacking of a Tuareg uprising by terrorists. Millions of people have been displaced and large areas of territory have been taken over by factions associated with the Islamic State and al Qaeda, causing thousands of deaths and spreading the bloodshed throughout the Sahel region south of the Sahara. (With agency inputs) At least 53 people were hurt in Russias second missile attack on Kyiv this week, which also damaged homes and a childrens hospital, according to Ukrainian officials on Wednesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also begged for additional assistance for his nation. Residential apartment building windows were blown out, and terrified residents poured out into the street to survey the damage. Parked cars were destroyed and a large crater in the ground was blown by missile debris. Around three in the morning (0100 GMT), all ten ballistic missiles that were aimed at the capital were shot down by Ukraines air defense systems, the Air Force of Ukraine announced on the Telegram app. Just yesterday, (U.S.) President (Joe) Biden and I agreed to work on increasing the number of air defence systems in Ukraine. The terrorist state demonstrated how important this decision is, Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram, referring to Russia. Falling debris caused injuries and destruction in four of Kyivs districts along the Dnipro River, which cuts through the capital, officials said. Thirty-five buildings were damaged, according to the citys military administration. Ukraines national police said 53 people, including six children, had been injured by the attack. Eighteen people have been hospitalised, it said in a social media post. There was no air raid siren. At around 4 a.m. (0200 GMT), I heard an explosion. We fled to the corridor, (the explosion wave) threw me into the doors, Olena Ustinova, 45, a local administration clerk, told Reuters. I regained consciousness and started to shake the doors but they were blocked. I shouted for help from my balcony and emergency workers came to help me. Ukraines Armed Forces General Staff identified the projectiles as Iskander-M ballistic missiles, as well as S-400s: extremely fast missiles intended for air defence, but which have also been used to hit ground targets. AIR DEFENCES Zelenskiy, who was visiting Norway on Wednesday, said his main priority was to strengthen air defences. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, praised Western-supplied air defence systems and their operators after Ukraine downed all 10. The effectiveness of Western weapons in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers cannot be doubted, Yermak said. The Air Force said it also shot down all 10 Russian-launched attack drones over the Odesa region in southern Ukraine. Windows and entrances at a childrens hospital in Kyivs Dniprovskyi district were shattered by debris, but based on initial assessments, there were no casualties, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. These (ballistic) missiles fly at a speed up to 8,000 km per hour, Klitschko told Reuters while visiting a site near one of the damaged buildings. Kyiv military administration chief Serhiy Popko said 17 people, including seven children, were evacuated from a residential building in the Dniprovskyi district after debris hit a building and nearby cars, causing a fire. The attack followed a salvo of ballistic missiles that targeted Kyiv on Monday and injured four people. There was no comment from Russia about Wednesdays attack, which also damaged buildings in Kyivs Desnyanskyi, Darnitskyi and Holosiivskyi districts. Both Moscow and Kyiv deny targeting civilians in the nearly 22-month-long war that Russia launched against its neighbour in February 2022. (with inputs from Reuters) The birth of their baby should have signalled the start of a new chapter in the lives of the young Palestinian couple. Instead, the horrific conflict in Gaza, now in its third month, has made delivery and motherhood difficult for Salim and Israa al-Jamala. First, they braved a risky trek to a maternity ward, evading missile fire. And now, the couple is taking refuge with their infant in a partially tented courtyard of another hospital, where they cant adequately care for their now 3-week-old daughter, named after her mother. Salim, 29, was cradling infant Israa, swaddled in blankets in a cot cobbled together from wood pieces, and said that his wifes breast milk is insufficient since she cannot eat enough due to severe food shortages. Baby formula and treatment for the infants recurrent cough are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The war, sparked by a lethal Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, has wreaked unparalleled devastation, with more than 18,000 Palestinians killed and almost 50,000 injured in Israels invasion, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza. The original Hamas attack in Israel killed over 1,200 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians. Despite the damage, some 5,500 births are expected during the next month, out of an estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, according to the World Health Organisation. However, the health system is on the verge of collapse, with two-thirds of Gazas 36 facilities currently closed. The remaining 12 health care institutions are only partially functional. Even in operating hospitals, doctors describe a dearth of essential drugs and equipment required to treat babies, such as ventilators, formula milk, and disinfectants. Another big problem for hospitals that have been running primarily on generators since the beginning of the conflict, when Israel cut Gazas energy supply. Electricity sometimes comes on for a few minutes before dropping off, said Wisam Shaltout, head of the neonatal intensive care unit at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Salim and Israas odyssey began in mid-October. During that period, the Israeli military had been issuing daily warnings to residents of northern Gaza, including Gaza City, to head to the southern half of the territory ahead of a looming Israel ground offensive in the north. Heeding the warnings, Salim, a heavily pregnant Israa and their 5-year-old son fled their home in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City and headed south on foot. The family of three shortly arrived at Shifa hospital in Gaza City before managing to secure a taxi later that day to take them to Al-Aqsa Hospital where they found shelter. When 26-year old Israa went into labor on Nov. 23, the pair were told to head to Al-Awda Hospital, near the Nuseirat refugee camp, as it still had a maternity ward. The couple managed to find a Red Crescent ambulance to take them to Al-Awda, just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away. But it was a frightful stop-start journey that took more than an hour because three airstrikes hit near the road. Most arriving at Al-Awdas maternity ward have no vehicle to help. Some pregnant women are too scared to go at all, fearing airstrikes that in some cases have also struck ambulances, said Dr. Yasmin Kafarneh, who runs the obstetrics department at Al-Awda. She said she believes her department is the only functioning maternity ward in southern Gaza. Before the war, the department used to handle around six births a day. Now, pregnant women arrive from all over and more than 70 babies are delivered each day. Under the current conditions, first-time mothers are permitted to stay and receive treatment in the hospital for around four hours after giving birth, while those who have previously given birth can stay for only half that time. Israa gave birth at 2 a.m. on Nov. 24, but the joy was short-lived. Just after daybreak, the family was told by medical staff they had to leave to make room for others. They secured a donkey cart to carry them back to their shelter at the Al-Aqsa Hospital. They have little to eat, some days just onions. Their neighbors make fires to stay warm, sometimes burning plastic that releases toxic fumes. The atmosphere here is all smoke, all dust, Salim said. It is not an appropriate environment for a newborn girl! The babys health has deteriorated, said Salim, troubled by her persistent cough. Israa was born just hours before a cease-fire took effect that lasted a week. After fighting resumed and ground forces advanced in central and southern Gaza, their shelter became even more crowded. Given the circumstances, Salim said he has done the best he can. But hes scared for his daughter. I do not know whether she will be alive tomorrow, he said. The unanimous decision from October 23 that declared military trials of civilians invalid was conditionally suspended by the Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday, allowing civilians to be tried by military courts. A majority of five judges on the six-member Supreme Court bench rendered a decision on a series of intra-court appeals (ICAs) that contested the courts earlier ruling. The lone female judge on the bench, Justice Musarrat Hilali, disagreed with it. Attorney General Mansoor Awan requested the court to permit the military trials of civilian suspects to resume under certain conditions during the hearing. The Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday conditionally stayed the October 23 unanimous ruling that ruled civilians cannot be tried in military courts, thereby permitting civilians to be convicted in military courts. The Supreme Courts six-member bench decided a number of intra-court appeals (ICAs) that challenged the courts previous decision, with a majority of five judges reaching a verdict. Justice Musarrat Hilali, the lone female judge on the bench, disapproved of it. During the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Awan asked the court to allow the military trials of civilian suspects to continue under specific guidelines. The decision permits the military authorities to try more than a hundred citizens who were turned over to them for their alleged involvement in the May 9 attacks on the military station. (With agency inputs) Lok Sabha Security Breach: Six individuals were involved in the planning and execution of the Parliament security lapse plot, the Delhi Police disclosed on Wednesday. A manhunt is being conducted, according to them, to find the other two accused who are still at large, while four of the suspects have been taken into custody. An ANI report said that five of the suspects have been identified, citing sources. The accused came from outside the nations capital and lodged at a co-conspirators home in Gurugram, Haryana. Four of them were nabbed earlier today: two inside the Lok Sabha and two outside the Parliament. Officials from Delhi Police say that preliminary inquiries have shown that all four of the accused and an unidentified fifth person entered Delhi from the outside and lodged at the Gurugram residence of a co-conspirator named Lalit Jha. The Delhi Police said that although four of the suspectsSagar Sharma, Manoranjan, Neelam (42), and Amol (25)have been taken into custody, a manhunt has been started to find Jha and the other accused, who has not yet been named. According to Delhi Police officers, initial investigations into the detention of Neelam and Amol outside Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan discovered that they were not carrying any identification documents or cell phones. They added that both have denied having any affiliation with any organisation. Senior Intelligence Bureau personnel had visited the new Parliament building, the scene of the serious security breach, earlier in the day. On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two people broke major security earlier today when they leaped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They yelled slogans and blasted yellow gas from canisters before being overcome by MPs. Simultaneously, two individuals, one of which was a woman, shouted tanashahi nahi chalegi and shot coloured gas from canisters outside the Parliament buildings. Security personnel have taken custody of all four of them. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan are the two people who have been recognised as being involved in the Lok Sabha incident. As a guest of Prathap Simha, a member of the Mysuru Lok Sabha, Sharma had arrived at the visitors gallery. Around 1:00 pm, the two leaped into the chamber from the public gallery. And according to other MPs in the House, one was seen leaping over the seats, while the other was seen dangling from the gallery before diving into the Chamber. A section of the Lok Sabha chamber was filled with yellow-colored smoke, so BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was presiding over the proceedings, postponed them till 2:00 pm. Two intruders have been arrested from inside Parliament, two from outside. All their belongings have been seizedThe entire matter is being investigated thoroughly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said when the House re-convened at 2 pm. The Parliament House complex has temporarily been closed to tourists in the wake of the security incident. Reports stated that those who had day permits valid for entry were being turned away from the front desk. According to officials, no written directive banning visitors has been issued as of yet. Visitor passes are typically good for two hours. Significantly, the security lapse occurs in the wake of a recent threat video released by US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who promised to strike Parliament by December 13 at the latest. (With agency inputs) The 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper known for its pro-Putin stance, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence. Anna Tsarevas father made the grim discovery after becoming concerned about her prolonged absence. Tsareva, responsible for content on Komsomolskaya Pravdas website, including coverage of Putins actions in Ukraine, had been in this editorial role for six years. The newspaper, boasting 83.9 million readers in October 2023, is the largest news website in Russia. The circumstances surrounding Tsarevas demise have prompted a police investigation. Preliminary reports suggest no signs of a break-in or violent death. While she had battled an unspecified acute respiratory viral infection with a high fever, speculation has arisen about the possibility of acute heart failure as the cause. This incident follows the September 2022 death of Vladimir Sungorkin, Komsomolskaya Pravdas editor-in-chief and director general. His apparent heart attack raised suspicions due to signs of suffocation found by medics. Sungorkin had faced Western sanctions for his role in disseminating pro-Putin propaganda related to the war in Ukraine. The European Commission labeled Sungorkin as a key figure in foreign information manipulation and interference, accusing him of supporting actions undermining Ukraines territorial integrity. Komsomolskaya Pravda, described by President Vladimir Putin as his favorite newspaper, has a controversial history and was once the largest newspaper in both the USSR and post-Soviet Russia. Tsareva, who previously held editorial positions at Echo Moscow radio station and TASS, becomes another name added to a list of untimely or mysterious deaths linked to Putins regime. The circumstances surrounding both Sungorkin and Tsarevas deaths have ignited speculation, adding to concerns about media independence and the consequences of aligning with pro-Putin narratives. A Tunisian military court on Wednesday handed down a one-year suspended jail sentence on Chaima Issa, a prominent opponent of President Kais Saied, in what the opposition said was part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Issa was charged with inciting the army to disobey and insult the president, her lawyer, Islem Hamza, said. Issa had denied wrongdoing.` She had criticised Saieds efforts to create what she called a tyranny and said that parliamentary elections in 2022 were useless and called on the army not to be involved. Issa had already been detained in February along with 20 other political leaders on suspicion of plotting against state security in what the opposition said was an attempt to establish authoritarian rule by Saied, who in 2021 dissolved parliament and seized wide-ranging powers. Issa was freed in July. Rights groups have urged authorities to free the other detainees. Saied has described them as terrorists and traitors and says judges who free them would be abetting their crimes. Wednesdays suspended jail sentence is widely seen by opposition as a further step aimed at silencing critics. The military court does not have the authority to try opponents. Opinion trials must end, said Samir Dilou, a senior official in Salvation Front, a main opposition coalition. A country in which there was a revolution against injustice would not have the right to put opponents on trial for their ideas and opinions, Dilou, also a lawyer for Issa, added. Issa said before her appearance in court: Tunisia was a beacon of freedom, but today it has become a large prison where free opinion is besieged. A female Member of Parliament (MP) in Thailand, Rukchanok Ice Srinork, has been sentenced to six years in prison and risks losing her seat if bail is denied. The charges stem from alleged disparaging remarks about the monarchy made on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to which she pleaded not guilty. Ices Move Forward party, advocating lese-majeste law reform, secured victory in this years election. However, the unelected senate utilized the partys stance on reform as the primary reason to hinder their government establishment efforts. The roots of the widespread protests in 2020 were, in part, opposition to the lese-majeste laws. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reports approximately 260 charges under the law since 2020, affecting around 2,000 individuals involved in the protests. Recent incidents include the imprisonment of a 26-year-old man for shouting at a royal motorcade, released on bail afterward. Ice was found guilty on Wednesday for posts criticizing the pandemic response and sharing a tweet critical of the monarchy before joining Move Forward. Ices victory in Bang Bon, a constituency near Bangkok, was a significant upset, earning her the nickname giant-killer. Notably, other Move Forward party figures, many 2020 activists, also face lese-majeste charges. The 2020 protests were triggered by the dissolution of Future Forward, Move Forwards predecessor, which campaigned for institutional reform. Move Forwards success in 2023 surpassed expectations, winning the most seats in the election, including Ices victory. King Vajiralongkorns ascent in 2016 briefly saw a suspension of lese-majeste law enforcement, but the 2020 protests led to its resurgence. The laws broad scope makes legal defense challenging, and guilty pleas are common due to the near certainty of conviction. Trials in Thailand, often held in camera without independent observers, can last for years. This judicial attrition has effectively stifled the protest movement, leaving activists entangled in ongoing court hearings, limiting their ability to organize and lead. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in UK has been fined of 350,000 following a severe data breach that could have jeopardized the lives of 265 Afghans who aided Britain during the conflict with the Taliban. Information Commissioner John Edwards condemned the breach as egregious, emphasizing the potential harm to individuals who had entrusted their personal details to the MoD in hopes of sanctuary. The breach occurred in September 2021, shortly after the Talibans takeover in Kabul and the conclusion of the UKs Operation Pitting evacuation. An email sent by the UKs Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) team inadvertently disclosed personal information of 245 individuals due to an email distribution error. The breach triggered outrage and panic among former interpreters, fearing that the Taliban could exploit the exposed details. One described it as a potential death sentence, while another labeled it a catastrophic failure on the part of the MoD. In response to the breach, the MoD urgently contacted affected individuals, urging them to delete the email, change their addresses, and provide new contact details through a secure form. The MoD implemented new regulations and safeguards to prevent a recurrence of such errors. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) initially imposed a 1 million fine, later reduced to 700,000 and eventually settled at 350,000. Edwards justified the substantial fine, emphasising the breachs severity and the obligation to protect vulnerable individuals. During an internal investigation, the MoD discovered two prior breaches involving 68 individual email addresses shortly after UK forces left Kabul. The ICO found the MoD in violation of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for failing to have appropriate security measures in place between August and September 2021. Ullah, a former translator whose details were compromised, expressed disbelief at the mistake, given the evident risk to lives. Stressing the importance of preventing a recurrence, he highlighted the ongoing risk for Afghans seeking relocation to Britain. In response, a MoD spokesman acknowledged the severity of the incident, expressed regret, and outlined the steps taken to address ICO recommendations. The spokesman assured a thorough resolution and pledged to share further details on the implemented measures. BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A group of Chinese researchers established the first pan-genome map of the tea plant and completed the pan-genome sequencing of 22 cultivars, facilitating the genomics-assisted breeding of the crop, according to Science and Technology Daily. Tea is one of the world's oldest crops and is grown to produce a variety of flavored beverages. Despite advances in sequencing technologies, the genetic mechanisms underlying key agronomic traits of tea remain unclear. Researchers from the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and other institutions selected 22 cultivars representing the broad genetic diversity of the tea plant for pan-genome sequencing and created a complete pan-genome map. The research, which was published in the journal Nature Plants, discovered strong correlations between allelic variants and flavor-related chemistries. The study also found multiple key genes related to agronomic traits such as leaf color and tea aroma. These findings deepen the understanding of the genetic basis of tea quality and provide valuable genomic resources to facilitate its genomics-assisted breeding, according to the study. Britain is experiencing an unprecedented spike in counter-terrorism arrests, driven by a concerning rise in support for extremist ideologies linked to the conflict in Gaza. According to Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, leader of national counter-terrorism policing, the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 have significantly increased the risk of a potential attack on London. In the last two months alone, terrorism arrests have surpassed the total for the entire previous year, creating an environment where people are increasingly inclined to support extremist ideologies. Public calls to the anti-terrorism hotline have doubled, referrals about online extremism have risen twelvefold, and theres a 25% uptick in counter-terror intelligence. According to the commissioner, counter-terrorism policing resources are under immense pressure, facing the most significant convergence of threats since the 2012 London Olympics. Across England and Wales, anti-Semitic crimes have surged by 680%, Islamophobic crimes by 140%, and there are 500 investigations for alleged breaches of terrorism legislation. The Metropolitan Police has dedicated 28,000 officer shifts to manage protests since October, costing 17 million in London alone. Nationally, officers have dealt with 900 protests in the last two months. Assistant Commissioner Jukes expressed concerns about the polarisation fueled by online communications and ongoing intimidation of British MPs, with incidents of antidemocratic protests at their homes. Crimes targeting MPs have doubled since September. The immediacy of the counter-terrorism risk is emphasised, with arrests related to supporting or glorifying terrorism reaching unprecedented numbers. Jukes warns of a dual-speed threat, where individuals are rapidly energised by hateful material, akin to recent events in Paris. Graphic images from the conflict are feared to be recruitment tools for terror groups targeting impressionable British teenagers. The Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has received a record 2,100 reports since the Hamas attack on October 7. Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist highlights Londons exposure to a broad array of threats, influenced by major global events. He expresses worry about social medias role in fueling division and polarisation. Former Home Office extremism tsar Dame Sara Khan criticises existing laws, stating that supporters of Hamas can glorify terrorism without legal consequences unless explicitly encouraging a terrorist act. She advocates for new laws to address hateful extremism. Independent adviser Lord Walney suggests exploring existing legislation to curtail ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. The overall sentiment among officials is one of urgency, recognising the need for comprehensive measures to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the current environment. A recently declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress reveals the severe impact of the war in Ukraine on Russias military capabilities. According to a Wall Street Journal report, approximately 90 per cent of its prewar army has been lost due to death or injury, with thousands of battle tanks destroyed. The assessment, obtained from a congressional source, discloses that since the February 2022 invasion, 315,000 Russian personnel, constituting 87% of Moscows prewar force of 360,000, have been killed or injured. Additionally, Russia has suffered a significant blow to its tank force, losing nearly two-thirds, or 2,200 out of its 3,500 preinvasion stock. While it was already known that President Vladimir Putins military sustained substantial losses in Ukraine, the assessment provides new and detailed information about the extent of these setbacks. The release of this assessment coincides with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington, where he is advocating for continued US military assistance. Despite a major counteroffensive by Kyiv this year, large portions of Ukrainian territory remain occupied by Russia. The US has not released recent estimates of Ukrainian casualties, and the Ukrainian government has not disclosed such figures. However, officials have acknowledged that Ukraine, with a significantly smaller population than Russia, has also experienced tens of thousands of troop casualties due to death and injury. According to a Reuters report, citing a source, Russian officials have said Western estimates of Russian death tolls in the war are vastly exaggerated and almost always underestimate Ukrainian losses, which they say are vast. At a news conference on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed continued support to Zelensky, and warned lawmakers they risked handing a victory to Russia. With inputs from agencies China and Vietnam should oppose any attempt to mess up Asia-Pacific, President Xi Jinping said Wednesday during a trip to Hanoi, as Beijing seeks to counter expanding US influence with the communist nation. The trip is Xis first to neighbouring Vietnam in six years, and the two nations committed to deeper ties and signed more than 30 agreements, including a pledge to develop rail links between Vietnam and China. The two-day visit comes after Hanoi upgraded diplomatic ties with Washington when US President Joe Biden visited in September. Xi said China and Vietnam should be vigilant against and oppose any attempt to mess up Asia-Pacific, according to Xinhua, Chinas official state news agency. We should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and jointly maintain a sound external environment, Xi said. Bidens visit was part of US efforts around the world to contain Chinas rising economic power and to secure supplies of crucial materials needed for high-tech manufacturing. China and Vietnam said in a joint statement Tuesday they would continue to deepen and increase bilateral relations. They agreed to build a community with a shared future, and said the visit was a historic landmark in bilateral ties contributing to peace and stability and development in the region and the world. Vietnam has long pursued a bamboo diplomacy approach, striving to stay on good terms with both China and the United States. It shares US concerns about Beijings increasing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea, but it also has close economic ties with China. Xi said Wednesday that China was ready to work with Vietnam to find a long-term solution to maritime issues and help reach a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, according to Xinhua. On Wednesday, Xi laid a wreath at the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh and met with Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong. Chinh said Vietnam was committed to supporting China to strongly develop, promoting its role as a major country with important contributions to the international community, supporting initiatives by comrade Xi Jinping for peace, cooperation and development in the world. Two livestock groups have filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to delay the imminent release of gray wolves in Colorado to allow for what they say is a legally required review of its potential impacts. The Colorado Cattlemens Association and Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, naming the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife as defendants. "The associations representing ranchers and farmers across Colorado have filed litigation to address concerns about the potential impacts of wolf introduction on livestock and rural communities," they said in a news release. The action comes as Parks and Wildlife is trying to begin releasing wolves into the state by the end of this month, based on language in a 2020 ballot measure that Colorado voters approved requiring restoration of wolves to the state. Colorado plans to source its first wolves from the state of Oregon. According to the two livestock groups, they expressed detailed concerns about the impacts of releasing wolves during the Parks and Wildlife process to develop a restoration plan and their concerns weren't sufficiently resolved in that process. They said the subsequent renewal of a longtime cooperative agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service and Parks and Wildlife that now authorizes the release "is clearly a major federal action" that is subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act. Rancher Andy Spann, president of the Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association, said in the release, Impacts of wolf reintroduction, as would any other action of this magnitude, need to be properly reviewed to avoid unintended negative consequences to the natural environment, wildlife, and people of the impacted communities. GCSA put forth our concerns throughout the public process. We believe that much of our input, and that of many others across Western Colorado, was diminished by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. We regret that a course of litigation on this and other issues seems to be the only recourse left to have these concerns legitimately addressed. The two groups say that the lawsuit seeks to ensure that the economic, ecosystem and animal welfare concerns of livestock producers are adequately addressed before any further steps to reintroduce wolves occur. The wolf reintroduction plan includes measures to reimburse livestock owners for the loss of livestock to wolves, along with assistance regarding nonlethal means of deterring wolf attacks, such as through the use of devices to scare them away from domestic animals. The plan also allows for killing wolves in some circumstances such as attacks on livestock, and the Fish and Wildlife Service recently finalized a rule authorizing such killings despite the gray wolf being federally listed for protection in states including Colorado under the Endangered Species Act. The rule also provides other flexibility to Parks and Wildlife to carry out its plan while complying with the federal law. SUPPORT FOR RULE The livestock industry supports that rule, known as a 10(j) rule based on the section of the Endangered Species Act authorizing it. "That's what drives the wolf plan forward. Without the 10(j) it doesn't move forward," Spann said Tuesday in an interview. While an environmental impact statement was prepared as part of issuing that rule, the plaintiffs in the suit say another one is required for the renewal of the cooperative agreement. The document prepared for the 10(j) rule "does not address the environmental consequences of reintroducing gray wolves in Colorado," the suit says. A Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson said that the agency isn't able to comment on the suit due "to the nature of active litigation." A Parks and Wildlife spokesperson said that agency is reviewing the suit with its attorneys and has no further comment at this time. Michael Saul with the group Defenders of Wildlife said in a news release that his group is "sorely disappointed by this transparent, eleventh-hour attempt to delay efforts to bring wolves and their ecological benefits back to Colorado. Coloradans voted, the state worked extensively with ranchers and conservationists alike to prepare, and the lawful path forward is clear. Defenders stands poised to respond to ensure this last-minute maneuver will not thwart the historic return of the wolf." The Fish and Wildlife Service and the agency now known as Parks and Wildlife reached the agreement in question in 1976 in an effort to work cooperatively to protect endangered and threatened fish and wildlife, and according to the suit they have renewed the agreement annually since then. That renewal is contingent on the federal government reconfirming that the state has acceptable conservation programs for fish and wildlife, consistent with the Endangered Species Act, the suit says. The suit says the Fish and Wildlife Service's recent decision to renew the agreement authorizes Parks and Wildlife to take actions that would otherwise be unlawful under the act, including but not limited to capturing and transporting gray wolves to Colorado. It says that in acting on the matter Fish and Wildlife Service was required to prepare an environmental impact statement considering the restoration plan's "impacts on the human environment because of the highly controversial and consequential nature of reintroducing the gray wolf to Colorado." RELEASE AREAS Parks and Wildlife has identified an area roughly between Glenwood Springs, Vail and Aspen, and a second one further south, including the Gunnison Basin, as preferred locations for wolf restoration. The plaintiffs in the suit say the release of wolves is likely to have negative effect on their members, including as it pertains to range management and use of grazing allotments, and impacts to the efforts by the Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association to protect the Gunnison sage-grouse, which is federally listed for protection. The conservation groups WildEarth Guardians, Earthjustice, the Western Watersheds Project and the Endangered Species Coalition said in a joint news release that authorization for Colorado to transport wolves into the state comes not from the cooperative agreement between the agencies but from the 10(j) rule, which was adopted following extensive public involvement and robust environmental analysis. This flimsy lawsuit is a last ditch effort to stop a democratic process because some business owners didnt like the outcome, Lindsay Larris, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians, said in the release. For the past three years, the concerns of ranchers and livestock owners have been elevated in painstaking and deliberate state and federal processes. Government officials have bent over backwards to accommodate this special interest, but apparently, nothing but the complete absence of wolves on the landscape will be enough. Florida mother fears her family will be devastated as trial on trans health care ban begins A Florida mother tearfully testified that her family could be torn apart if the state's ban on trans health care for children is allowed to take effect Eighth grader Aiden Wades composition The Woods next to her new violin on Dec. 8. Wade is the 2023 winner of the symphonys Crystal Baton Composition Competition, a competition where students compose a melody that is 16-64 measure in length with the winning piece performed by the symphony during its holiday concert. Wades 23-measure piece got her a good grade when she turned it in in November, and then she forgot about it until she received word that she won the Crystal Baton. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams has announced that the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana became one of the first nationwide to receive a... By For the Courier Governor Greg Gianforte has announced he will launch a task force to address rising property taxes and how to restrain their growth to help Montana homeowners. Property taxes are too high. Over this year and next, our $1,350 property tax rebate... By For the Courier The Montana Public Service Commission plans to take up motions to reconsider a rate hike for NorthWestern Energy, according to the chief legal counsel for board that reviews public utilities. Chief legal counsel Lucas Hamilton said on Dec. 4 the P... Dear Fellow Montanans, The ongoing changes to our state's economy present opportunities and challenges that our education system must address. We need to ensure that students are prepared to succeed in today's economy and have the skills to adapt... Russian Diplomat Expelled Amid EU Spy Purge Is Now An OSCE Election Observer In Serbia By Mirjana Jevtovic, Mark Krutov, Maja Zivanovic December 12, 2023 BELGRADE -- A Russian diplomat and alleged spy expelled by the European Union for "illegal and disruptive actions" is serving as an election observer for upcoming parliamentary and local elections in Serbia as part of a mission with Europe's largest security body, an RFE/RL investigation has found. Aleksandr Studenikin, 49, was listed as a counselor at Russia's permanent mission to the EU in Brussels when he and 18 other Russian diplomats were designated personae non gratae in April 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine two months earlier. The EU said the blacklisted Russian diplomats engaged in activities "against the interests and security of the EU and its member states." Now Studenikin is among a group of 30 election observers representing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Serbia's elections for parliament and 65 municipalities on December 17. A media report had previously alleged that Studenikin was an employee of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). A senior European official with access to classified information also told RFE/RL that Studenikin works for the SVR, though Studenikin himself denies any intelligence links. Studenikin is one of four Russians on the list of the long-term observers with the observation mission of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). These observers are responsible for monitoring the entire electoral process, "gaining an in-depth understanding of the overall administrative procedures and campaign environment," according to the OSCE. The group also includes observers from the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Belarus, and seven other countries. While Studenikin's assignment in Serbia is temporary, the Balkan country has become a destination for Russian diplomats kicked out of the EU. An investigation by RFE/RL in March found that at least three Russian diplomats with ties to Russian intelligence who were blacklisted by EU member states had resurfaced as accredited Russian diplomats in Serbia, one of the few European countries that has not leveled sanctions against Russia over the Kremlin's all-out war on Ukraine. Their expulsions came as EU governments blacklisted hundreds of Russian diplomats following Moscow's February 2022 invasion, with several of these states citing alleged espionage as the grounds for expulsion. The Serbian elections come amid mounting pressure on Belgrade from Western governments to impose sanctions on Moscow over Russian aggression in Ukraine. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party and President Aleksandar Vucic have held their coalition together with parties seen as strongly pro-Russian, while the pro-EU opposition has struggled to gain popularity in a country where a majority of the population sees Russia as a friendly nation. Vucic has sought to balance Belgrade's aspirations to join the EU with its friendly relationship with Russia, which shares Serbia's Orthodox Christian heritage and has supported Belgrade in disputes with the West. Russians working for the OSCE have previously encountered difficulties entering certain EU countries. Last year, Polish authorities declared two Russian employees of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly personae non gratae, saying they posed "a threat to state security." One of the employees, Darya Boyarskaya, was detained at the Lithuanian-Russian border while attempting to visit relatives in Kaliningrad. OSCE member countries select the individuals they want to join an election-observation mission. The OSCE itself does not manage the recruitment of these observers, who are recommended by member states. Studenikin, who previously worked at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, arrived in Serbia on November 19 to begin his work as an OSCE election observer. Studenikin's group of observers is responsible for several municipalities in eastern Serbia, and he has met with local political representatives in Zajecar and Kladovo, near the borders with Bulgaria and Romania, respectively. Studenikin has attended campaign events for both ruling and opposition parties in the region where he has been deployed, according to news reports and an RFE/RL source. Such activities are expected of long-term observers, according to the OSCE. Reached by telephone in Serbia, Studenikin claimed to RFE/RL that the basis for his expulsion was information on his LinkedIn account, which included his employment with the OPCW. "We had about 500 people expelled from Europe. It turns out that if you're Russian, you're a spy," he said. "Whether a diplomat or not, that doesn't matter to everyone." An ODIHR spokesperson told RFE/RL that the organization had "not been informed" that the EU had declared Studenikin persona non grata. Election observers are selected by their respective countries and "must abide by the observer code of conduct," the spokesperson added. "Any serious violation of the code will lead to the immediate withdrawal of an observer's accreditation," the spokesperson said. RFE/RL sent inquiries about Studenikin's role as an election observer to the Serbian Foreign Ministry, the Serbian Central Election Commission, and Russia's permanent mission to the OSCE in Vienna. None responded in time for publication. Asked about Studenikin's expulsion last year, the Belgian Foreign Ministry referred questions to the EU's External Action Service, which did not respond to an inquiry in time for publication. 'Contrary To Diplomatic Status' Studenikin's inclusion on the EU blacklist announced in April 2022 was first reported in a joint investigation by the EU Observer and the Dossier Center investigative group. The EU Observer alleged that he works for the SVR. The senior European official with access to classified information that RFE/RL spoke to also said Studenikin was an SVR employee, which Studenikin denied. "Maybe I would like to work for someone [like that], but such an opportunity has not presented itself in my career so far. So, no, definitely not," he told RFE/RL. In an e-mailed response to an inquiry about Studenikin, the SVR said it declined to comment. The EU did not release the names of the 19 blacklisted Russian diplomats or directly accuse them of espionage, but said they engaged "in activities contrary to their diplomatic status." "The European Union is acting in response to the illegal and disruptive actions by designated members of the Russian Mission against the interests and security of the EU and its member states," the EU said in a statement. Studenikin's name still appears on the website of Russia's permanent mission to the EU, where he is listed as an adviser on industrial cooperation. That list, which appears not to have been updated, includes multiple Russian diplomats who have since left Brussels. They include Denis Pavlov, a diplomat who has been dispatched to the Central African Republic to coordinate between Russian mercenaries and local police, a recent RFE/RL investigation found. Chemical Weapons Background Studenikin was not a career diplomat prior to joining Russia's permanent mission to the EU in 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile. With a military education in chemical defense, Studenikin worked at the OPCW, the 193-member organization with the stated task of permanently eliminating chemical weapons. Russia has had a fraught relationship with the OPCW since 2018, when the organization confirmed that a powerful Soviet-era nerve agent known as Novichok was used in the near-fatal poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England. Britain has accused Russian military intelligence of responsibility in the attack. Novichok was later identified as the substance used in a similar attack on Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny in 2020. Taken together, the discovery suggested the possibility that Russia had an undeclared, secret chemical-weapons program in contravention of international treaty. Russia denies involvement in the Skripal and Navalny poisonings despite substantial evidence documenting the presence of Russian intelligence operatives connected to both incidents. Moscow also denies it maintains a secret chemical-weapons program. In October 2018, Dutch and U.S. authorities accused Russian military intelligence of a plot to hack the computer systems of the OPCW. Russia last month lost its reelection bid for a place on the OPCW's Executive Council, marking the first time in the organization's history that Moscow will not have a seat on the decision-making body. A source who worked in the OPCW headquarters in The Hague for more than 10 years told RFE/RL that Studenikin came to the organization as an inspector but quickly moved to the International Assistance and Cooperation Department, responsible for supporting "state parties' efforts to meet their obligations under the convention" as well as "facilitating the national implementation and responding and dealing with threats involving toxic chemicals." Leaked Russian tax records indicate that Studenikin has also worked as an expert at Russia's now-defunct Federal Agency on Industry, which, among other things, was responsible for fulfilling Russia's obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Studenikin's LinkedIn profile states that he completed several training courses related to protection against chemical weapons. These include sessions at Britain's main training center for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. RFE/RL was unable to establish when this purported training took place. Studenikin told RFE/RL that his employment with the OPCW ended simply because his contract ended. The OSCE handbook for long-term election observers like Studenikin states that for this role, the organization requests people "with experience in the administration of elections, election-related legal expertise, and/or comparative observation experience." Studenikin's LinkedIn profile does not mention any experience in election monitoring or other work with the OSCE, whose work has frequently been criticized by Western governments as being paralyzed by Russia. The OSCE held its annual summit in North Macedonia in November, with the foreign ministers of several member countries boycotting the meeting because of the presence of Russia's top diplomats, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Carl Schreck, Andrei Soshnikov, Sergei Dobrynin, and Mike Eckel contributed to this report Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/32726073.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DFA Summons Chinese Ambassador to protest back-to-back harassments in the West Philippine Sea Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 11 December 2023 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned today Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to convey the strong protest of the Philippine Government against the back-to-back aggressive and harassing actions undertaken by Chinese forces against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend. DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro verbally delivered the protest against the Chinese dangerous maneuvers that led to collision, illegal shadowing and undue use of water cannons against the rotation and resupply mission undertaken by the Philippines yesterday in the Ayungin Shoal for the Philippine Government detachment in the BRP Sierra Madre. The DFA reiterated to the Chinese Ambassador that Ayungin Shoal is not an island. It is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, in accordance with UNCLOS and as upheld by the 2016 Arbitral Award. As such, the Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the feature. As a low-tide elevation, Ayungin Shoal can neither be the subject of a sovereignty claim nor is it capable of appropriation under international law. Undersecretary Lazaro also emphasized that the Philippines' resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre are part of the regular operations of the Philippine Government in line with domestic and international law. She stressed that China has no right to interfere with the Philippines' legitimate activities in the Philippines' own EEZ, including in the waters around Ayungin Shoal. The actions of the Chinese vessels within the Philippine EEZ are illegal and violate the freedom of navigation. The Philippine Government firmly asked China to immediately undertake the following actions: (1) direct its vessels to cease and desist from its illegal actions against Philippines vessels, and to stop interfering in legitimate Philippine Government activities, or lingering in waters around Ayungin Shoal, and doing any action that violates the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone; (2) comply with its obligations under international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration, and the 1972 COLREGS; and (3) adhere to its commitments under the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The DFA likewise expressed the Philippines government's strong protest against China's conduct of dangerous maneuvers and use of water cannons against three (3) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels, the Datu Sanday, Datu Bankaw and Datu Tamblot, which were engaged in a humanitarian and support mission to provide fuel and grocery packages to Filipino fishermen who are only trying to fish in their traditional fishing ground of Bajo de Masinloc. The same messages were likewise conveyed by the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs the previous day. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australian Government concerns about recent actions in the South China Sea Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 12 December 2023 The Australian Government shares the grave concerns of the Philippines Government about a pattern of dangerous actions conducted by Chinese vessels against Philippines vessels and crew in the South China Sea, including incidents near Scarborough Shoal and at Second Thomas Shoal on 9-10 December. Actions by the Chinese Coast Guard and other Chinese vessels, such as water cannoning and ramming, endanger the peace and security of the region, threaten lives and livelihoods, and create risks of miscalculation. Australia has consistently opposed destabilising and coercive actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air and the militarisation of disputed features. Australia emphasises the importance of all states being able to exercise rights and freedoms, including freedom of navigation, in a manner consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Australia reiterates that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally binding on the parties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on actions taken by People's Republic of China against Philippines vessels in South China Sea Global Affairs Canada Statement December 12, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: "Canada condemns the actions taken by the People's Republic of China (PRC) this weekend against Philippine civilian and government vessels in the South China Sea, first at Scarborough Shoal on December 9 and then at Second Thomas Shoal on December 10. The use of dangerous maneuvers, collisions, water cannons and long-range acoustic devices against Philippine vessels endangers lives and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability. These incidents are the latest in an increasingly worrisome pattern of acts of intimidation by the PRC in the South China Sea. "The PRC's actions demonstrate a clear disregard for navigational rights and freedoms and are inconsistent with its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Canada reiterates that the 2016 ruling of the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal in the matter of the South China Sea is binding on the parties. "Canada remains committed to the principle that disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 Release Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Visit to Silicon Valley, California Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout: Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited locations in Silicon Valley today to discuss the Department's drive toward innovation to counter the strategic pacing challenge presented by the People's Republic of China and to ensure the Department is delivering the most cutting-edge technologies to warfighters. At the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Deputy Secretary Hicks met with personnel who are accelerating the U.S. military's adoption of commercial technology to strengthen national security and received an update on DIU projects through a series of capabilities demonstrations. The demonstrations, which covered capabilities that include air defense; virtual training for pilots; augmented reality for warfighters; and hybrid space architecture demonstrated the breadth of capabilities that DIU has helped integrate into the Department. The Deputy then met with nine companies to discuss the Department's Replicator Initiative, offering an opportunity to engage directly on their experiences working with DoD. "It's clear that the character of warfare is changing," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks. "Replicator is part of how at DoD we're putting our thumb on the scale to make sure America, not our strategic competitors and adversaries, are the ones who see, drive, and master the future character of warfare." She also met with a dozen innovation thought leaders in a round-table setting to discuss the challenges associated with scaling innovation in mature organizations. Finally, Deputy Secretary Hicks visited two companies, Kodiak Robotics, and Skydio, to see demonstrations of how these companies are using AI and advanced manufacturing processes to address urgent needs in commercial sectors. Throughout her trip, Deputy Secretary Hicks is focused on driving forward DoD innovation efforts. Her visit comes on the heels of Secretary Lloyd Austin III's visit to DIU on December 1, where the Secretary focused on accelerating the adoption of leading commercial technology throughout the military and growing the national security innovation base. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3615717/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 Transcript Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: Good afternoon, everyone. Just a few things to pass along at the top, and then I'll get right to your questions. Secretary Austin was honored to host President Zelenskyy yesterday at the National Defense University and provide introductory remarks. As Secretary Austin said, America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is unshakable. He also said that, quote, "Ukraine matters profoundly to America's security and to the trajectory of global security in the 21st century. That's why the United States has committed more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine's brave defenders," end quote. The Department of Defense will continue to work closely with our allies and partners worldwide to support Ukraine as it fights for freedom and to meet the clear objectives set out by President Biden: a free and sovereign Ukraine that can defend itself today and deter more Russian aggression in the future. The department also continues to stay actively engaged in our objectives related to the current situation in the Middle East region, which are protect U.S. forces and citizens, support Israel's inherent right to defend itself, work closely with Israel to help secure the release of hostages from Hamas and ensure the crisis doesn't escalate into a broader regional conflict. In support of these objectives, Secretary Austin will travel to the Middle East region next week to meet with leaders in Bahrain, Qatar and Israel. He also will have an opportunity to meet with some of our forces deployed to the region to thank them for their service and for all that they and their loved ones do for our nation. We'll have more details to announce regarding the secretary's trip in the near future. Shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, Secretary Austin spoke this morning with his Japanese counterpart, Ministry of Defense Kihara, to express his thanks and gratitude for Japan's support with search-and-recovery operations following the recent tragic CV-22 mishap. The two leaders also plotted progress on accelerating U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral security cooperation and exchanged views on maritime security in the Middle East. A readout of the discussion has been posted to the DOD website. And finally, I'd like to take a quick moment to recognize one of the department's senior leaders who will be departing next week after three years here in the Pentagon. Dr. Mara Karlin has served in multiple critical roles, to include acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, later, as assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities, and most recently as performing the duties of deputy under secretary of defense for policy. During her tenure, Dr. Karlin has managed the writing and ongoing implementation of the National Defense Strategy, a pivotal document in guiding the department, particularly in linking strategy to resources even amid evolving global crises. As she embarks on her next chapter, on behalf of Secretary Austin and all of us here at DOD, we wish her the very best and are confident that her impact on national security will continue to resonate for years to come. And with that, happy to take your questions. We'll start with Associated Press, Lita. Q: Thank you. On this new maritime task for effort, can you give us an update on where that stands in terms of gathering more countries to participate? How many do you have at this point? Will this include sort of a formal escorting of ships, through the BAM, do you think? And is the U.S. already starting to do that, particularly in light of what happened yesterday in the Med? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Lita. Well, first of all, we are continuing to take the situation in the Red Sea extremely seriously. There should be no doubt about that. The actions that we've seen from these Houthi forces are destabilizing, they're dangerous, and clearly a flagrant violation of international law. And so this is an international problem that requires an international solution. We do continue to consult closely with our international allies and partners on implementing a maritime task force. I don't have any specific announcements to make today, and we will have more to provide in the near future, but as you highlight, we do continue to patrol the international waterways throughout the region to support freedom of navigation and efforts to ensure safety, security, and stability. The only other thing I'd say on that, as we've demonstrated in the past, is that our military will not hesitate to take action where we deem it necessary and appropriate, including to protect against actions in the maritime domain that could threaten our forces. Q: Just as a follow-up, is the U.S. providing ships as escorts at this point or are companies requesting that? GEN. RYDER: I'm not aware of any specific companies requesting, but as you know, as evidenced last night, our ships will respond to distress calls and certainly we'll continue to work with our allies and partners in the region to, again, support freedom of navigation and security and stability in the region. Okay, Jennifer? Q: Can you give us more details of what the U.S. did to help the Norwegian ship and what was done by the U.S. military and the French military? GEN. RYDER: Sure. Just in terms of background, as I understand it, yesterday, around 4 pm Eastern Time or midnight Yemen time, the Motor Vessel Strinda, which is a Norwegian-flagged vessel, was attacked while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb by what appears to be an anti-ship cruise missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. They reported a fire on board. We're not aware of any casualties. At the time of the attack, there were no U.S. ships in the vicinity, but the USS Mason did respond to Strinda's mayday call. At the time, it was approximately 90 nautical miles away when the attack occurred. The Mason was prepared to render assistance. Ultimately, though, it was determined that it was not required, but the Mason did remain in the vicinity of the ship and the area to provide presence in order to deter any further aggression from Houthi territory. Q: And what about the French ship? How close was it to -- GEN. RYDER: I'd have to refer you to the French. I just don't have those details. Q: Lastly, yesterday, the renewal of the 702 FISA hit a snag on Capitol Hill. What would be the impact on the U.S. military and intelligence gathering if 702 does not pass by the end of the year? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jennifer. Well, you know, just for context, I think that Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ron Moultrie really said it best in his recent op-ed on this topic, and that is intelligence saves lives. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, allows us to collect vital intelligence, importantly under federal court supervision, of non-U.S. persons who are located abroad who who use U.S. communication services and whose communications are assessed by our Intelligence Community to have foreign intelligence value. Every single day, that capability, that authorization, enables intelligence reports, which contributes to protecting U.S. service members and enabling mission success. If that were to lapse, if Section 702 were to lapse, it would really undermine our ability to address complex challenges, managing competition while avoiding and preventing conflict. Our ability to work with allies and partners, for example, to support Ukraine's defense would be downgraded. Our service members would be at greater risk and our country would be more vulnerable due to our inability to determine or assess emerging threats. So this is why we really need Congress to swiftly reauthorize a vital intelligence collection law -- this vital intelligence collection law before it expires this month. Thank you very much. Meghann? Q: Can we get an update on the attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria and the injuries that have come from those? GEN. RYDER: I'm not aware of any new injuries at this time. Right now, I am tracking a total of, let's see here -- we're tracking approximately 89* attacks at this time. Again, you know we'll keep you updated on that. Again, just to underscore and not to mitigate the dangers at by any stretch here, these are dangerous attacks but they have largely been unsuccessful. And again, I'm not going to get into telegraphing or speculating on any response, but again, we will do what we need to do to protect our forces. Q: When was the most recent? Today, yesterday? GEN. RYDER: We'd have to get back to you on that. Thanks very much. What's that? Q: -- a follow-up on -- GEN. RYDER: Yeah, let me go here first and I'll come back to you. Carla? Q: (Inaudible) had a journalist embedded with some soldiers in Israel. They went on the first patrol yesterday, first patrol since October 7th, since these attacks started. Can you talk about how these Iranian-backed attacks have hindered the counter-ISIS mission in Iraq and Syria since October? GEN. RYDER: Well, as you know, I mean, CENTCOM just put out a release highlighting their statistics on the Defeat ISIS mission. So that mission continues, and that's why we have forces in Iraq and Syria right now, and we'll continue to stay focused on that mission. So despite these attacks, which, as we've talked about before, it's not the first time these Iranian proxies have done these types of activities, we continue to stay focused on that mission. Certainly, if our forces are put into danger, we will take appropriate action to protect them, but it's not going to deter us from doing what we're there to do in the first place, which is ensure a lasting defeat of ISIS. Q: And can I follow up on something separate? So Pakistan's Army Chief -- their new Army Chief is going to be visiting the Pentagon tomorrow for the first time. Can you tell us a little bit about what Secretary Austin is looking for during this meeting? Will they be talking about the deportation of Afghans from Pakistan or potentially buying munitions to go to Ukraine? Just any details you can provide? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Carla. I don't have any meetings to read out from the podium. Certainly, as you know, when the Secretary meets with foreign counterparts and leaders, we provide a readout. So if we have a readout to put out, we'll certainly do that. Let me go to the other side of the room here. Q: Last question -- how would you assess U.S.-Pakistan military relations at this point? GEN. RYDER: Pakistan continues to be an important partner in the region. And so obviously through CENTCOM, we continue to stay in close contact with them, particularly when it comes to issues like counter-terrorism. Thank you. Nancy? Q: Thanks. I have two questions for. Last week, we'd asked for the number of sorties that -- on average that the Ford and the Ike conducted since they've gone to the Israeli border, and on average, it was -- I think it was about 50 sorties a day, which is pretty regular for an aircraft carrier. So given that there doesn't seem to be any indication that they're sort of having to do an (sic) notable amount more of sorties, can -- can you give us a sense why there continues to be a need for two carriers, and if we'll get any sense of -- or any timeline for when we'll hear whether the Ford will be extended again or not? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Nancy. So I'm not going to get into deployment timelines or potential future ops and things like that. In terms of why those carriers are there, as you know, as I highlighted in my opener, part of this is working to deter the spread of a potential regional conflict -- in other words, supporting our deterrence efforts in the region. And so in addition to the two carrier strike groups, we also sent additional aircraft into the region, as well as air defense capabilities, all of which are intended to, one, protect our forces, but two, provide us with options, should we need to respond to a wide variety of contingencies. And so certainly, airpower being an incredibly flexible capability, provides you with the kinds of assets you might need to respond to, again, the full spectrum of contingencies. But again, right now, those forces are there to support our original deterrence efforts and send a clear message that we do not want to see this broaden into a wider conflict. Q: A separate topic: On Monday, the French minister of the Armed Forces said a frigate came under direct attack from two drones launched from Yemen. The U.S. has interdicted way more drones since that, but has made the assessment that U.S. ships aren't being targeted. Can you help me understand how the U.S. has made the determination; why it seems that the French have been more assertive in seeing these as a direct attack, where the U.S. has not? GEN. RYDER: Well, I think, again, part of this has to do with the situation and why you're responding. And so if a drone, for example, you know, I think it was a week or two ago, you had the situation where three commercial vessels were under attack, and the U.S. had sent a ship to respond. I believe it was the Carney. And so as those drones are heading towards the Carney, it's not clear whether it's heading toward a commercial ship, whether it's heading towards the Carney. But the bottom line -- it's within the threat ring where that commander has to make a determination, so that drone will be taken down in self-defense. What you don't want to do is let it hit you, and then say, "Oh, yes, I guess they were trying to attack us." So again, we're going to be circumspect in that. When we say we don't know if it was the intended target, but we do know that it presented a potential threat, and we're going to take appropriate action. Q: I guess what I don't understand is that earlier, the U.S. assessment was that you didn't believe that the military vessels were being targeted. So I guess that's why I'm a little confused, because the French can be quite certain that they were. GEN. RYDER: I mean, I can't speak for the French. And again, I'm relaying to you the information that we have. Q: So just to clarify, is it the U.S. believe that those drones are potentially targeting the U.S. carr- -- destroyers, the Carney and others? Or is it that you don't know? GEN. RYDER: Well, they clearly present a threat, and we're going to take appropriate action in self-defense. The only other thing I'd offer is if you see the comments coming out of, you know, Houthi spokespeople themselves saying what they're attempting to target here. And so again, the targeting of any commercial vessels in the region is a violation of international law, and again, we'll work with the international community to address these threats going forward. Let me give you some new colleagues. Yes, sir? Q: Thank you so much. I will go back to the -- Secretary Austin's phone call with the Iraqi prime minister. In the phone call, he point (sic) out to the Iraqi military groups that attacks by Iran, Qatari, Hezbollah and (inaudible), that they are responsible for the -- most of the attacks. How did you get that -- to that conclusion, that these two groups are responsible for the most of the attacks? GEN. RYDER: Section 702, the -- I'm kidding. I'm not going to get into intelligence, but the bottom line is, you know, what we put out speaks for itself. Q: Do you expect the Iraqi government to put accountability to these groups? And does the United States is -- and is opposed to the Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani, who addressed these threats? GEN. RYDER: Well, I'm not going to go beyond the readout that we provided, which clearly highlighted the secretary's conversation with the prime minister as it relates to the inherent right to protect U.S. forces. And look, Iraq is an important partner to the United States. We're obviously there. We have a force presence in Iraq at the invitation of the government of Iraq to help their forces as they continue to work for the lasting defeat of ISIS. And so again, that will continue to be our focus. But we do very much appreciate the Iraqi Security Forces and the assistance that they have provided when it comes to addressing these threats, and we'll continue to stay in close coordination and communication with the Iraqi government. But at the end of the day, if our forces are threatened, we will not hesitate to take action to ensure that they remain safe. Q: And last question GEN. RYDER: You guys are like multi-question folks today. Q: Last question, promise. Do you believe that the Iraqi government could do that? Because since the very beginning of these attacks, you are addressing the Iraqi government to stop these attacks, but it hasn't happened. GEN. RYDER: Again, I'm not going to go beyond what we highlighted in our readout. You know that we've conducted strikes within Iraq when our forces were threatened. And look, our focus there is on the Defeat ISIS mission. You have these groups that are attempting to exploit the situation in -- in the Middle East right now to work towards their broader strategic goal of expelling the United States from Iraq and Syria. But we do not want to see a return of ISIS, and we'll continue to work closely with Iraqi government and others to ensure that doesn't happen. Let me go to Joseph here, and then I'll -- Q: Just on some other topic, in March, I believe, General Kurilla was testifying on the Hill, and he said there had been seven -- around 78 attacks on U.S. troops since, I think it was January, 2021 until January of this year. That's -- you know, that's two years, I know. Just from October 17th until today, we have somewhere around 90 attacks. You guys have previous -- more or less said that these attacks are not linked to what's going on in Gaza. You've also -- you also said at the top the U.S. is trying to contain, you know, this -- this conflict in Gaza. Is it still the -- the department's assessment that what's happening in Gaza is not linked to these attacks on the U.S. troops? And secondly, I mean, is it the department's assessment that deterrence is -- is -- is working when we've seen the number of attacks in, I guess, two months more than what we had seen in two years? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, well again, our focus, as I outlined those objectives, is to prevent the situation, the conflict between Israel and Hamas from broadening into a regional conflict. And so no, we don't assess that that has happened. It has been contained to Israel fighting Hamas in Gaza, and that will continue to be a focus. You know, we've talked about this before. The situation in Iraq and Syria, why our forces are there and the fact that you have Iranian proxy groups who are being encouraged by Iran to, again, exploit this situation to their -- to their advantage in order to meet the strategic game of expelling U.S. forces from that region, which again, oh, by the way, are there at the invitation of the government of Iraq. And so you know, we're going to continue to stay focused on that mission. We're going to continue to do what we need to do to protect our forces, and I'll just leave it at that. Q: And just a second one, if I can follow up on the task force that's being discussed. I know you don't have anything to read out but we reported earlier today that there is -- the U.S. is in talk with 12 nations about this task force. Can you confirm that? And then also, can you elaborate at all on the Secretary's conversations next week on his trip? Does he plan to ask at least about that to Qatar and Bahrain to join? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, (Joseph ?). So right now, no. Again, I'll have more for you -- more information in the near future, as it relates to our efforts to work multilaterally, in terms of the Red Sea region. And as far as the trip goes, again, we'll have more information in the future. All right, let me go back over to here. Lara? Q: Thanks. Last month, the -- President Biden and President Xi promised that they would resume military communications. I'm wondering if you could tell us when that's going to happen? GEN. RYDER: So I don't have any specific calls or meetings to announce right now. We have been working closely with our Defense Attache Office, and our policy team's been in active coordination with Beijing in order to arrange communication, but again, nothing to announce at this point in time. We have underscored many times the importance of ensuring that senior leader level communication continues to mitigate potential risk and prevent miscalculation. And so we'll continue to stay very focused on that. Q: -- Secretary Austin doesn't have a Chinese counterpart right now, have they offered someone to speak in his place? GEN. RYDER: Again, right now, we're reaching out. Don't have anything to announce at this time. So thank you very much. Janne? Q: Thank you, General. Congratulation on your promotion. GEN. RYDER: Thank you. Q: Getting two stars. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act says that the U.S. troops stationed in South Korea will be maintained at the current level. Does this include troops deployed for joint exercise? GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Janne. So as you know, right now, we have approximately 28,500 U.S. forces assigned in the Republic of Korea. In terms of forces coming in for exercises, that is a variable number that depends on the size of the exercise, the of requirements, and things like that. So that won't change. So the bottom line is, you know, when it says force levels will be preserved, I take that at face value. Obviously I'm not going to talk about pending legislation but, you know, exercise numbers can fluctuate, again, just depending on the requirement. Q: -- Ukraine, do you think military cooperation between North Korea and Russia will lead Putin's war in Ukraine to victories? GEN. RYDER: Look, Janne, you know, what we are singularly focused on -- working with the international community to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to be successful on the battlefield, both in the short-term and in the long-term, in terms of deterring future aggression from Russia. So I'll just leave it at that. Ryo? Q: Thank you. I have two questions on the Secretary's call with the Japanese Defense Minister. First, on the Osprey crash, I wonder if the Secretary shared the progress on the investigation into the crash with the Japanese Defense Minister? Because the Pentagon said the investigation will be transparent. GEN. RYDER: Yeah, again, I'm not going to have anything to provide beyond what's in the readout. As you highlight, broadly speaking, yes, the Department of Defense will continue to work closely with our Japanese allies to share information as it relates to the investigation, you know, at and as appropriate. Q: Secondly, the Secretary also discussed maritime security in the Red Sea. So does the Pentagon hope that -- that Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, will join your maritime -- maritime task force in the Red Sea because what's going on in this critical waterway matters to the economies in the Indo-Pacific region? GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I'm not going to speak right now for any individual countries. As I highlighted, this is an international problem that requires an international solution. So we are engaged with many different nations to discuss this challenge, and as I mentioned, may have more future in the days ahead. Now, I better go to the phone or else I'm going to get in trouble here. Let's go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose. Q: Thank you. What evidence does the Defense Department have that if Vladimir Putin wins in Ukraine, that he might target Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, all of which are protected under Article 5 of -- of NATO? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. So I don't want to get into hypotheticals, but broadly speaking, you know, past performance is usually an indicator of future performance. And so we've seen Russia conduct gray zone operations. We know that their goal, which they have failed at, was to eliminate Ukraine as a nation. And so the concern here is yes, if Putin were allowed to win, there's -- Russia won't stop, that they will move on to other countries and attempt to either invade or destabilize. And so this does put us in a situation where NATO could be threatened and U.S. requirements and commitments under Article 5 would be something that we would obviously take very seriously. So again, this is why Ukraine matters. It's not just about Ukraine, it's about international security, not only in Europe but also globally. GEN. RYDER: -- Reuters, Phil? Q: Hey, Idrees here. Two quick questions. Firstly, Israel has said that it will deploy its own war ship to the Red Sea. Are the U.S. ships already in the region working with them? And will Israel be part of any maritime effort in the region? And -- and secondly, President Biden earlier today said that Israel is losing support over what he called their indiscriminate Gaza bombing campaign. Does the Secretary agree with the President that the bombing by Israel has been indiscriminate? GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Idrees. So I don't have anything to announce regarding Israel. I'd refer you to them to talk about their own operations in the Red Sea region. And look, Secretary Austin's comments at Reagan were very clear, when it comes to two things. One, that our support for Israel's inherent right to defend itself is ironclad, and number two, that we will continue to expect Israel to conduct its operations in accordance with the law of armed conflict, highlighting that not only does Israel have a moral obligation to protect civilians but it's also a strategic imperative. Thank you. Come back in the room for a few more here. Matt? Q: Thanks, Pat. Today, Reuters reported that a declassified U.S. intelligence report determined that Russia has lost some 315,000 troops, either to injury or death, total casualties, and also that its losses in personnel and vehicles has set its military modernization efforts back by some 18 years. Are you able to confirm any parts of that report or do you have your own estimates for casualties on either side of the conflict? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Matt. I don't have anything to provide on those reports. Nor do I have numbers to provide on casualties. But I will take it as an opportunity to highlight the fact, again, the strategic failure of Russia when it comes to the objectives that it had set for itself in Ukraine and the fact that it has cost thousands and thousands of lives on both sides needlessly, which is why, again, we will continue to work very closely with Ukraine to ensure that they have what they need to defend their people and protect their sovereign territory. So, I'll just leave it there. Dan? Q: Thanks, General. I wanted to follow up on the individuals that appeared to be responsible for the hijacking some days ago that you said appeared to be Somali. Can you give us an update on where they are? If they're still detained underway with the U.S. Navy? If you've clarified where they're from and just where they are now? GEN. RYDER: Sure. They are Somali. They are still aboard the USS Mason, while we continue to work with the Department of Justice on next steps. So, as we have more information to provide, we will do that. Q: Do you believe them to be working in any kind of way with the Houthis or was this just a coincidence at a time when there's a lot of Houthi operations? GEN. RYDER: Yes, I don't have any further information to pass along, Dan. And as we get updates, we'll be sure to pass them. All right. I'll get one second. Yes, sir? Q: Thank you very much. You just said that Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States is expecting Israel to be careful in its bombing campaign in Gaza when it comes civilian casualties. What if Netanyahu government or the IDF continue to indiscriminately attack civilians in Gaza and continue to wide -- use the white phosphorous like it did in Southern Lebanon? What steps will the United States government will take? GEN. RYDER: Again, look, we have been very clear with our Israeli partners that we have the expectation that they will conduct their operations in accordance with the law of armed conflict. It is the importance of taking civilian safety into account has come up in every single conversation that Secretary Austin has had with his counterpart and that continues to happen at multiple levels. And again, look, we understand that Israel is fighting to defend its people from a terrorist threat in the form of Hamas that brutally attacked the people of Israel on October 7. And we also understand that they are in an extremely difficulty fight in an extremely dense urban terrain where the enemy has intertwined themselves among the civilian population and are using them as human shields. So again, we understand that, and we will continue to support Israel in their efforts to defend their people and defend their country. But we will also continue to talk to them about the importance of mitigating civilian casualties and the importance of ensuring that civilian aid is provided to the people of Gaza. Let me go back to the phone here and then we'll do one more in the room. Heather from USNI. Q: Thanks so much. Just a follow up on Nancy's question. Because the French are saying that they were attacked and they are a NATO ally, what responsibility does that put on the United States to help protect French military ships that might be getting attacked or other military ships that may consider the drones or missiles being shot in the Red Sea to be attacks? GEN. RYDER: Yes, thanks Heather. So, you know, my understanding is operations in the Red Sea, it's not a NATO operation, per se. Clearly, France is a close ally. And should they ask for our support or call on us to support them, you know, we will, obviously, respond and be there to help. But, again, it's not a NATO mission, as I understand it, going on right now within Red Sea. You've got the combined maritime force that has over 39 nations that work together on a multiple number of efforts to seek provide security and regional stability to include Red Sea navigation. So, again, nothing to announce on that front. More to follow in the near future. But I'll just leave it there. All right, sir, you get the last question. Q: (inaudible) U.S. and the military-to-military relations are concerned, how would you highlight 2023? Also, any mission accomplished (inaudible) between the two countries and including (inaudible) 2023? GEN. RYDER: I absolutely enjoyed my job in 2023. I enjoy spending time with all of you here. But in terms of the relationship between the United States and India, you know, with obvious focus on the Department of Defense, I think it has been a very good year. I think we've made great progress in terms of further bolstering our relationship and our -- and our cooperation. You've heard us talk about things like INDUS-X and working on defense cooperation efforts to include in the industrial base as far as developing things like jet engines in India, working collaboratively to produce armored vehicles in India, the ability of our ships to go to India -- our Navy ships to go to India to be repaired. And so all of this working toward the common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty is respected, and countries can operate in international airspace, sail the international waterways freely and without harassment. So, again, we'll continue to work closely with our partner, India. And we look forward to further progress in 2024. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. -END- *CORRECTION: Maj. Gen. Ryder made a post-briefing correction to press in attendance at the briefing noting that there were approximately 92 attacks in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3615604/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 Release DOD Awards $161 Million to Universities to Purchase Equipment Supporting Defense-Relevant Research The Department of Defense today announced awards totaling $161 million to 281 university researchers under the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. The grants will support the purchase of major equipment to augment current and develop new research capabilities relevant to the Department at 120 institutions across 39 states in fiscal year 2024. DURIP is a strategic investment through which the DOD champions the country's scientific ecosystem. The program equips universities to perform state-of-the-art research that boosts the United States' technological edge, while ensuring that the future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce remains second to none. This year's awards will accelerate basic research in areas the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy prioritizes, including quantum computing and quantum networks, bioelectronics, hypersonics, autonomy, and the design, development, and characterization of novel materials. "DURIP awards build vital research infrastructure, advancing the exploration of knowledge and upholding the cutting-edge capabilities of our academic institutions," said Dr. Bindu Nair, director of basic research in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, whose mission is to continuously advance technological capabilities and innovation within the DOD. "This funding underpins the enduring scientific excellence of our universities, nurtures the development of the next STEM workforce, and catalyzes scientific innovations that will lead to unprecedented military capabilities in the years ahead." The program is administered through a merit competition by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, and Office of Naval Research, and seeks specific proposals from university investigators conducting foundational science and engineering research relevant to national defense. Awards made by the military service research offices are subject to successful completion of negotiations with the academic institutions. The list of winning proposals can be downloaded here. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3615077/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 By Jim Garamone , DOD News U.S. Remains Steadfast in Support of Ukraine, Israel Ukraine's battle against Russia should concern the whole globe, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today during a news conference. What happens to Ukraine has consequences not only to that country but nations throughout Europe and into the Indo-Pacific. It will most likely be absorbed into Russia. However, there is no guarantee that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be satisfied with just that. "Broadly speaking, past performance is usually an indicator of future performance," Ryder said. "We've seen Russia conduct 'gray zone' operations. We know that their goal, which they have failed at, was to eliminate Ukraine as a nation. "So, the concern here is, yes, if Putin were allowed to win, Russia won't stop [and] they will move on to other countries with attempts to either invade or destabilize," the general continued. That situation could put NATO allies under direct Russian threats, Ryder said. The United States and all other NATO nations would defend those allies under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty that established the alliance 74 years ago. It "would be something that we would obviously take very seriously," Ryder said. "So, again, this is why Ukraine matters. It's not just about Ukraine. It's about international security, not only in Europe but also globally." The United States has been stalwart in its support of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. "That's why the United States has committed more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine's brave defenders," the press secretary said. "The Department of Defense will continue to work closely with our allies and partners worldwide to support Ukraine as it fights for freedom and to meet the clear objectives set out by President Joe Biden." The United States will also continue to support its Israeli allies. "The department also continues to stay actively engaged in our objectives related to the current situation in the Middle East region, which are to protect U.S. forces and citizens, support Israel's inherent right to defend itself, work closely with Israel to help secure the release of hostages from Hamas, and ensure the crisis doesn't escalate into a broader regional conflict," Ryder said. The press secretary said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to the Middle East next week to meet with leaders in Bahrain, Qatar and Israel. The secretary will also meet with service members deployed to the region "to thank them for their service and for all that they and their loved ones do for our nation," Ryder said. The United States is working with allies and partners in the region on activities in the Red Sea. The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to threaten shipping in that critical sea line of communication. "We're continuing to take the situation in the Red Sea extremely seriously," Ryder said. "There should be no doubt about that. The actions that we've seen from these Houthi forces are destabilizing, dangerous, and clearly violations of international law. This is an international problem that requires an international solution. We do continue to consult closely with our international allies and partners on implementing a maritime task force." Ryder said DOD will make more details of the force available as the allies and partners continue their negotiations. In the meantime, U.S. Navy ships "continue to patrol the international waterways throughout the region to support freedom of navigation and efforts to ensure safety, security and stability," he said. Ryder said those ships in the region will continue to take all measures deemed "necessary and appropriate including to protect against actions in the maritime domain that could threaten our forces." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules criminalising the violation of EU sanctions European Commission Press release 12 December 2023 Brussels The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission's December 2022 proposal to harmonise criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU restrictive measures. While the Russian aggression against Ukraine is ongoing, it is paramount that EU restrictive measures are fully implemented and the violation of those measures is punished. Once adopted, the new rules will harmonise the relevant criminal offences related to violation of sanctions and penalties for those offences across the EU and make it easier to investigate and prosecute such violations in all Member States in the same way. They will also establish the same level of penalties in all Member States, closing existing legal loopholes and increasing the deterrent effect of violating EU sanctions in the first place. The new rules will include a list of criminal offences related to the violation and circumvention of EU sanctions, such as for example: failing to freeze assets, breaching travel bans and arms embargoes, providing prohibited or restricted economic and financial services, transferring funds to a third party or providing false information to conceal funds that should be frozen. The new rules will also establish common basic standards for penalties for both natural and legal persons, including imprisonment of at least five years for certain offences and enhanced rules on freezing and confiscation of proceeds and assets subject to EU sanctions. The new rules are linked to the new EU Directive on asset recovery and confiscation that was also provisionally agreed by European Parliament and Council today. The two initiatives come in the context of the 'Freeze and Seize' Task Force, set up by the Commission in March 2022, and will contribute to the enforcement of EU sanctions. Next steps The European Parliament and the Council will now have to formally adopt the political agreement. Once formally adopted, the Directive will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background EU sanctions are one of the EU's main tools to promote the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which include safeguarding the EU's values, its fundamental interests and security; consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law; preserving peace; preventing conflicts and strengthening international security. Since March 2014, the EU has adopted a series of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, which have been further strengthened after Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The effective implementation and enforcement of sanctions are essential to weaken Putin's war machine. Currently, not all Member States criminalise the violation of EU sanctions. Even where such violations are already punished by criminal penalties, criminal law provisions on breaches of EU sanctions vary significantly across Member States. Existing legal loopholes and lack of harmonisation currently facilitate the violation of EU sanctions and give raise to lead potential offenders to choose the most favourable jurisdiction (forum shopping). Inconsistent enforcement of restrictive measures ultimately undermines the Union's ability to speak with one voice. To strengthen the enforcement of EU sanctions and ensure EU level harmonisation in this field, the Commission followed a two-step approach. In May 2022, the Commission proposed adding the violation of EU restrictive measures to the list of EU crimes. At the same time, the Commission proposed new reinforced rules on asset recovery and confiscation, which will also contribute to the implementation of EU restrictive measures. Following the adoption on 28 November of the Council Decision identifying the violation of Union restrictive measures as an area of serious crime that meets the criteria set out in Article 83(1) of the TFEU, the Commission put forward a proposal for a Directive on the violation of Union restrictive measures, as a second step, in December 2022. Quote(s) The agreement reached today demonstrates the EU's steadfast commitment and unity in enforcing its sanctions regime. This Directive will ensure that EU sanctions are applied uniformly throughout the Union by closing loopholes and removing safe havens for those trying to play our system. Any breaches or circumvention of the EU's sanctions regime will be punished in all Member States consistently. Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency - 11/12/2023 We have a deal on the criminalisation of the violation of EU sanctions. The new rules will ensure that such offences are effectively punished in all Member States in the same way. This is a crucial step forward in strengthening the effective enforcement of EU sanctions, ensuring that sanctions have a biting effect, most importantly in respect to the restrictive measures imposed against Russia and Belarus in the context of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice - 11/12/2023 Today's agreement is a big step forward in our crackdown on all kinds of sanctions evasion or circumvention. The message is clear - those trying to get around our sanctions - are committing a crime under EU law. This agreement will stop the criminals finding the weakest link in the EU because penalties for breaking the law will be harmonised across member states. Together, we are reinforcing the integrity of our sanctions framework. Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union - 11/12/2023 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FAO requires $1.8 billion to save lives and livelihoods of 43 million people in 2024 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Acute hunger is set to soar as emergency agriculture support remains massively underfunded 11/12/2023 Rome -- In 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a total of $1.8 billion within the Humanitarian Response Plans to assist 43 million people to produce their own food, as acute hunger continues to escalate worldwide. The announcement by FAO was made as part of the United Nations' large-scale humanitarian appeal, which was launched today on behalf of more than 1,900 humanitarian partners and covers 72 countries impacted by crises, both directly and indirectly. Throughout 2023, humanitarian needs remained unacceptably high, with approximately one in every 33 people (258 million people) in 58 countries and territories facing acute hunger driven by armed conflicts, economic shocks, climate extremes, poverty and inequality. Concurrently, humanitarian budgets began tightening, leaving millions without assistance. Emergency agriculture assistance is largely overlooked On average, two-thirds of those experiencing acute food insecurity rely on agriculture for their survival. In humanitarian contexts, emergency agriculture interventions that enable people to produce their own food - often in combination with direct food distributions and cash transfers - can be the most efficient way to meet critical humanitarian needs while maximizing the impact of every single dollar provided. Yet only 4 percent of total humanitarian funding going to food sectors is allocated to emergency agriculture assistance. Food crises will continue to dominate the global outlook for 2024. Further funding squeezes are expected, while extreme weather events driven by the climate crisis and El Nino interact with new and intensifying conflicts and economic instability, pushing more people into hunger. 2023 FAO response in review By the end of November, FAO had assisted more than 30 million people experiencing food crises in 2023, despite funding cuts. Last year, at a cost of just $598 million, FAO's emergency crop and vegetable production support alone enabled 23 million people in 29 countries to grow their own food and meet their family's cereal needs for an average of 11 months. Overall, the crops and vegetables produced had a value of $2.75 billion. That represents an average return on investment of $6 for each $1 provided to FAO. Decisions to fund emergency agricultural interventions at scale are having a measurable impact. In Afghanistan, for example, wheat packages provided by FAO not only could meet a family's annual wheat needs, but the seeds provided yield far above the alternatives, with net increases of over 0.5 tonnes per household. With this level of agricultural assistance, combined with food assistance and cash transfers, the number of rural Afghans suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity has started to fall, decreasing from 47 percent of the measured population in March to May 2022 to 40 percent in April 2023. Likewise, despite widespread fighting at a critical moment in the agricultural season in Sudan, with the tireless effort of local partners and support from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in securing access to rural communities, FAO was able to rapidly distribute quality crop seeds to almost 1 million farming households in time for planting. Harvests from these seeds should be sufficient to feed about 13 million people for over 7 months. Funds are urgently needed to pre-position critical inputs ahead of upcoming planting seasons - for example, in Ukraine and South Sudan. FAO advocates for flexible, unearmarked funding to be provided through the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA). This is the most effective way of supporting FAO's work, enabling the Organization to quickly act when situations deteriorate or new crises emerge. "At a time of global funding cuts, this type of support is both life-saving and cost-effective," stressed FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol. "Emergency agriculture interventions are life-saving and transformational, and they must be funded." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 12.12.2023 - Press release This statement was issued today (12/12/2023) by a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson: The attacks by the Houthis in Yemen on international shipping, most recently last night on the Norwegian-flagged tanker "Strinda", are completely unacceptable. They are threatening international trade, maritime security, and stability in a region that is already highly vulnerable. We assume that these attacks would not be possible without Iran's long-standing support for the Houthis. The attacks must stop, the hijacked M/V "Galaxy Leader" and its crew must be released immediately, unconditionally and unharmed. UNGA to vote on resolution for cease-fire in Gaza after US' veto Global Times US prefers helping Israel realize its goal rather than protecting lives By Yang Sheng Published: Dec 12, 2023 10:43 PM The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire on Tuesday afternoon local time, after the US vetoed a similar resolution on Friday. Experts said that even if the General Assembly passes a nonbinding resolution, the conflict would not stop because Washington, the only major power that is able to effectively restrain Israeli forces from worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, prefers to clear the way for Israel to realize its ultimate goal rather than protecting lives. After the US vetoed a resolution in the UN Security Council on Friday, Arab and Islamic nations called for an emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly on Tuesday. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But as UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday, the assembly's messages "are also very important" and reflect world opinion, the Associated Press reported. Riyad Mansour, Palestinian ambassador to the UN, told AP on Sunday that the defeated resolution in the Security Council was cosponsored by 103 countries, and he is hoping for more cosponsors and a high vote for the General Assembly resolution on Tuesday. In the vote on Friday at the Security Council, among the 15 members, 13 of them voted in favor of a brief draft resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while Britain abstained and the US vetoed it. This proves that Washington does not care about diplomatic isolation or criticism from within the US or around the globe, and unfortunately, the reality is that apart from criticism and sending humanitarian aid, the UN's role has reached its limit, said Chinese experts. Ma Xiaolin, dean of the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "even if the US abstains and lets the resolution pass, if Israel refuses to execute it, and Washington refuses to sanction Israel and maintains its military and economic support, a UN cease-fire resolution would still be useless." However, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major power, is still making efforts for peace and humanitarian issues in Gaza. Representatives of a dozen UN Security Council members, except the US and France, on Monday made a trip to the Rafah crossing, the only border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, joined ambassadors from other Security Council members on the visit organized by the United Arab Emirates, aiming to assess the humanitarian situation and challenges faced by the Palestinian people, media reported. Zhang said that China has been "making unremitting efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at an early date and has provided urgent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian side." China will continue to urge the Security Council to play a responsible role in making the realization of a cease-fire a matter of the utmost urgency on the one hand while promoting the expansion of humanitarian access on the other, so as to alleviate the suffering endured by the Palestinian people, he said. The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 18,000 as a result of the conflict since October 7, the Xinhua News Agency reported. As of Monday, a total of 18,205 Palestinians have been killed and 49,645 others wounded in the conflict, according to the ministry's spokesperson Ashraf al-Qedra. If Israel's operation continues, with military advantages and firm US support, it might be possible to see Israel claiming "victory" and ending its operation in the coming months, but this would not put an end to the crisis, experts said. Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that although it seems like Israel is currently controlling more and more areas of Gaza, if it has to occupy the whole Gaza Strip, then the real challenges will occur. "In order to realize its goal to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, or totally disable the governance of Hamas in the region, Israel must take over the governance and rebuild the region based on Israel's preferences, and in order to realize this plan, it has to cooperate with local Palestinians and other Palestinians in the West Bank, and [do that] after killing 18,000, or more, of them during this war. Everyone can see how hard it would be," Liu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing in English by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 12th, 20:15 IDF Press Release Press Briefing 12.12.23 IDF I'd like to share an update on Israel's war on Hamas and our Hostage rescue effort: IDF special forces recovered the bodies of 2 Israeli hostages during a complex hostage rescue operation in Gaza. 27-year-old Eden Zakaria, who was taken hostage by Hamas from the Nova music festival and 36-year-old Command Sergeant Major Ziv Dado who was taken hostage while on active duty. Sadly, we did not reach them in time. We send our heartfelt condolences to their families. Our special forces located the bodies of the hostages inside underground infrastructure in a densely populated area in Gaza. Hamas is holding our people hostage in brutal conditions while hiding among and under the people of Gaza. This makes our hostage rescue operation in Gaza complex. But it will not deter us from our mission, our duty, to rescue our hostages from Hamas. Our hostage rescue operation will continue for as long as necessary until all our hostages are home. For 67 days, women, men, children and babies have been in Hamas captivity in brutal and inhumane conditions. The Red Cross must urgently gain access to our hostages. The hostages in Hamas captivity aren't just Israelis. They are citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, Argentina, and other countries. Freeing our hostages from Hamas - is a global fight. The taking of hostages is a crime against humanity. Hamas blocking the Red Cross from visiting the hostages is cruel and inhumane. Hamas is a barbaric terror group. Those who claim to value human life must speak out in every forum until every hostage is home. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah attacks Zionist forces' base in north Palestine IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 12, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The forces of Lebanon's Islamic Resistance, Hezbollah, have attacked the Zionists' military base in north Palestine, news sources reported. According to Lebanon's news network Al Mayadeen, Hezbollah targeted the Zionist base in al Motellah in the northern occupied lands. The attack has killed and wounded a number of the Zionist forces, Al Mayadeen reported. About the incident, the Zionist media announced that three anti-armor guided missiles have targeted al-Motellah and caused fire in a residential unit. Already, Hezbollah had issued a short statement in which it announced that the Lebanese Resistance forces attacked the Branit military settlement and directly targeted a group of the occupying forces. On October 7, 2023, Palestine's Resistance movement - Hamas - did launch an unprecedented operation dubbed Al Aqsa Storm against the Zionist regime of Israel. To retaliate against the operation, the regime closed all the Gaza Strip crossings and bombarded that region. Since then, over 18,000 Palestinians including children and women have been killed in Gaza. 1483**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Turkiye call for imposing pressure on Israeli regime to stop Gaza war IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 12, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign ministers of Iran and Turkiye have underlined the need for developing diplomatic efforts to put pressure on the Israeli regime to accept a ceasefire and stop onslaught in the Gaza Strip. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation on Monday night in order to discuss mutual and regional issues, particularly the continuation of crimes committed by the Israeli regime against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Iran's top diplomat described the United States' all-out support for the Israeli regime as the underlying matter, which emboldens the regime to continue its war crimes, and called for the end of the atrocities and genocide as well as the implementation of rescue operations in the war-stricken Gaza. Amirabdollahian also attached importance to the development of mutual ties between Tehran and Ankara, as well as the upcoming meeting between presidents of both nations. Fidan, for his part, pointed out to the eighth summit between high-ranking officials of the two countries in the near future, appreciating diplomatic endeavors made by Iran to help establish a truce in Gaza, naming the issue of Palestine as the focal point in today's Islamic world. 4208**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli official: Battle in southern Gaza requires 3 to 4 more weeks ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 12 December 2023 / 10:42 While the US hopes the Israeli occupation's operation in the Gaza Strip would end in December, the Israeli official said the operation for 'Tel Aviv' will likely last until the end of January. Tehran- ISNA- In Khan Younis, the high-intensity warfare is expected to last another three or four weeks according to Axios, which cited a senior Israeli defense official. Despite the pressure, the Biden administration is not "pulling the brakes" on the Israeli occupation's operation across the Gaza Strip with the alleged goal of eliminating Hamas. The Israeli official told Axios that the Israeli Occupation Forces "have made significant progress" in northern Gaza, but that the operation in the southern city of Khan Younis "has just started." Significantly, the US has also allegedly not given "Israel" a firm deadline to stop the operation, said the Israeli official, while White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer corroborated that information when he told the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, earlier last week, that "This is their conflict. That said, we do have influence, even if we don't have ultimate control over what happens on the ground in Gaza." According to the Israeli official, "Israel" is aiming to end the operation by the end of January, however, the US would be satisfied if said operation could be concluded by the end of December. In other words, said the Israeli official, "The US message is that they would want us to finish faster, with less civilian casualties and more humanitarian aid to Gaza," adding "We want the same thing, but there is another player here and this is the enemy that doesn't agree." "The US understands this. We are working together. We need them and they need us," said the Israeli official. This is discussed as the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas Resistance movement, said there were casualties among Israeli soldiers who had sheltered themselves in a civilian building after they attacked their positions with TBG rockets. The al-Qassam said its fighters were engaging in numerous confrontations west of the Jabalia refugee camp. The al-Aqsa Brigades said their fighters attacked an Israeli armored vehicle in the western Jabalia direction, which killed and wounded all the soldiers aboard. The al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, said their fighters engaged in fierce urban combat with the invading enemy forces, with two Israeli tanks being partially or completely destroyed west of Jabalia after they were attacked with the tandem RPGs. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian and Russian FMs speak about Israeli war on Gaza ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 12 December 2023 / 10:36 Iranian Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart have discussed bilateral ties and regional issues including the latest developments regarding the Israeli war on Gaza and in the West Bank during a telephone conversation. Tehran- ISNA- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov have discussed bilateral ties and regional issues including the latest developments regarding the Israeli war on Gaza and in the West Bank during a telephone conversation. Amirabdollahian pointed to the recent meeting between the Iranian and Russian presidents in Moscow and the issues of bilateral cooperation, noting the importance of continued consultations and contacts between the high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation. The top Iranian diplomat expressed regret over the US veto of a UN Security Council resolution that demanded an end to attacks and crimes by the Israeli regime against civilians in Gaza. He said the move gave the green light to the Zionist regime to continue its genocidal war against the residents of Gaza. Amirabdollahian underlined the necessity of taking immediate action to stop war crimes by the Zionist regime and to get more humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. During the telephone conversation, the Russian foreign minister also described the meeting between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as highly significant. Lavrov expressed satisfaction with the trend of cooperation between the two sides under the current circumstances in the occupied Palestinian territories. He underscored the need to continue international efforts toward achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, increasing the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the territory, and forming an independent Palestinian state. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran and Turkiye calls for International pressure on Israel to accept ceasefire ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 12 December 2023 / 10:33 Amirabdollahian spoke with Hakan Fidan on the phone and exchanged views on issues on the agenda in the bilateral and regional ties most notably the Zionist regime's ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Tehran- ISNA- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on the phone on Monday and exchanged views on issues on the agenda in the bilateral and regional ties, most notably the Zionist regime's ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. During the phone call, the Iranian foreign minister underlined the deepening and expanding relations between Iran and Turkey. He also highlighted the importance of an upcoming meeting between the presidents of the two countries. On Palestine, the Iranian foreign minister said the United States' all-out support for the Zionist regime propels the occupying regime's incessant crimes against the Palestinian residents in Gaza and the West Bank. Amirabdollahian said utmost efforts should be made through initiatives and diplomatic means to stop the crimes and genocide in the Gaza Strip, stressing on the need for immediate relief for the Palestinians and alleviating their sufferings. Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign minister pointed to the upcoming 8th high-level meeting between Iran and Turkey in the near future. He also praised Iran for its diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza, saying Palestine is the Islamic world's pivotal issue. The Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers said diplomatic talks and efforts should continue and expand at regional and international levels in order to apply pressure on the Zionist regime to accept a ceasefire and stop the onslaught in Gaza. End item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regional conflict imminent as Gaza war expands, Tehran tells Beijing ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 12 December 2023 / 10:26 In a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the war on Gaza has now extended into West Asia, warning that the region is on the brink of erupting unless immediate action is taken to halt Israeli assaults on Palestinian territories. Tehran (ISNA) - "The scope of the war in the region has expanded, and if the attacks on Gaza are not stopped immediately, there is the possibility that the region explodes at any time, with all parties losing control", Amir-Abdollahian told his counterpart, Yi. "Unfortunately, the American side does not understand the danger of the further expansion of the war. The life of its ally, [Benjamin] Netanyahu, is only in the continuation of war and genocide. The situation in the region will not remain like this," the Iranian foreign minister further said about the Israeli prime minister's decision to continue the war on Gaza despite increasing international pressure. "The security of the region is important for all of us", Amir-Abdollahian said, noting that Iranian authorities have engaged in several discussions with regional countries on this matter. He also voiced frustration over the US decision to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He urged China to take an active role in halting the war, highlighting Beijing's prior constructive endeavors in fostering peace and stability in the region. On his part, the Chinese diplomat expressed regret over the US veto of the resolution and reaffirmed his country's commitment to achieving a ceasefire and delivering aid to Gaza. The officials also delved into discussions about Tehran-Beijing relations, with both expressing positive views over the development of bilateral ties. The Chinese diplomat has been very vocal about the necessity of implementing a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. China has already contributed to aiding Gaza through the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian FM: Two-state solution will not help Palestinians ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 12 December 2023 / 10:25 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the concept of the two-state solution in Palestine will not help the Palestinian cause, since Palestine is currently occupied by Zionists. Tehran (ISNA) - Speaking to an online Doha Forum, the foreign minister argued that the US use of its veto power at the UN Security Council to allow atrocities in Gaza to continue indicates that Washington completely supports the Israeli occupation and apartheid. He recalled Iran's diplomatic suggestion for resolving the issue, emphasizing Iran's position regarding Palestine is that there should exist one state and one state only, while the Jewish population can either choose to live under this government like the rest of the citizens or travel to another country. Iranian parliament Mojtaba Zonnouri told Sputnik in early November that "Muslim countries must come to an agreement and take practical action ... There are two options for action. According to the first option, most Arab countries favor the creation of two independent states - Palestine and Israel. Iran does not accept this scenario. Iran has the simplest and most democratic proposal ... We accept any type of one state and government formed by democratic elections." Amir-Abdollahian emphasized on Friday the urgent need for swift and effective actions by the international community and relevant international institutions to halt the war crimes being committed by Israel against the people in Gaza. In a phone call with the Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Foreign Minister discussed the developments of the devastating aggression on the Strip. Amir-Abdollahian also briefed Al-Nakhalah on the recent diplomatic efforts undertaken by Arab and Islamic countries, including Iran. This includes the talks by the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Thursday End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvia calls for launching EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12.12.2023 On 12 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krisjanis Karins, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels. In the light of the European Commission's annual Enlargement Package, the agenda of the meeting included a discussion on EU enlargement and reports on the Western Balkans countries and Turkey. For the first time, the meeting of the General Affairs Council also considered reports on Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Krisjanis Karins expressed support for the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, as those countries have demonstrated significant progress in meeting the conditions set out for them. The meeting failed to take political decisions on the further process, and discussions will continue at the European Council. Latvia joined the declaration of the majority of countries, which underlined the need for recommendations from the European Commission to be followed in political decisions, which also includes the recommendation on the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. At the meeting, the ministers continued preparations for the European Council on 14 and 15 December, exchanged views on improvements to the rule of law dialogue, which envisages sharing best practice between Member States on the rule of law matters. Ministers approved the Council conclusions on policy tools for managing demographic change, which will provide support to Member States in addressing challenges related to demographic change. Representatives from the Member States were introduced to the roadmap for the 2024 European Semester aimed at evaluating the economic situation in the EU as a whole and providing a framework for the coordination of economic policies among the EU Member States. The Council then discussed the proposal for the creation of an EU macro-regional strategy for the Atlantic area, which will make it possible for the countries in the region to jointly find solutions to their problems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's treatment of Palestinian captives reminiscent of Daesh: Iran FM Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 5:13 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the way the Israeli regime treated a group of Palestinians it arrested earlier this week in Gaza is reminiscent of the terrorist acts carried out by the Daesh group in Iraq and Syria in recent years. "The inhumane conduct of the Zionist regime vis-a-vis Palestinian citizens held captive in the Gaza Strip is an example of the Daseh-like nature of this regime," said Amir-Abdollahian during a high-profile United Nations meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. The comments come days after videos released on the internet showed dozens of Palestinians being stripped and abused by Israeli soldiers in a camp in northern Gaza. The detained Palestinians, among them journalists, were forced to kneel on the ground while being searched and questioned by the Israeli guards. Israeli regime authorities first denied the authenticity of the video but later admitted they had wrongly arrested many of those people on suspicion of being members of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Amir-Abdollahian said during the UN meeting in Geneva, which was attended by top diplomats from the West Asia region, that there was no doubt that the Israeli actions in Gaza in the past two months were blatant examples of war crimes and genocide. He warned that the conflict would spread to other parts of the region if there is no immediate action to halt "the savage attacks by the apartheid regime of Israel" towards the people in Gaza. Nearly 18,500 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of the Israeli attacks that started on October 7, the day on which Hamas launched a major operation into the occupied territories near Gaza, killing some 1,200 Israeli settlers and military forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel deliberately starving Gaza population: Palestinian FM Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 5:04 PM The Palestinian foreign minister says Israel has been using starvation as a weapon of war against the population of Gaza as its brutal war on the besieged enclave enters its third month. Addressing a UN meeting in Geneva on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Riyad Al Maliki said "As we speak, at least 1 million Palestinians in Gaza, half of them children, are starving, not because of a natural disaster or because of lack of generous assistance waiting at the border." "They are starving because of Israel's deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war against the people it occupied," Maliki added. He condemned the international community for taking no action in response to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, describing it as an "utter international failure." "Rather than insisting on respecting the Palestinian people's basic right to eat and drink water, we are living through this dystopian reality that excludes Palestinians from the basic, most basic rights afforded to all human beings." Israel's ambassador Meirav Eilon Shahar did not specifically respond to the prime minister's remarks in a speech at the same UN meeting. According to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is starving. "There's not enough food. People are starving," WFP Deputy Director Carl Skau wrote on X, following a visit to the besieged coastal strip on Friday. He said his team had reached more than a million people, "but the situation is untenable. We need to get our supplies in," Skau wrote, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Israel, however, stepped up its bombardment of the besieged territory since the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for peace in Gaza on Friday. Before the vote at the Council meeting on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Gaza was at a "breaking point" with the humanitarian support system at risk of collapse. The regime has brutally killed more than 18,200 people in Gaza since October 7. According to the Gaza health ministry, two-thirds of those killed are women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli troops storm Gaza hospital, rounding up Palestinian men Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 3:08 PM Israeli forces have stormed a hospital in northern Gaza, rounding up Palestinian men for interrogation, health officials say. The regime's forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital on Tuesday, after imposing a siege on the complex and shelling the hospital for days. The Gaza Health Ministry warned on Monday that "the lives of patients at the hospital are at risk." And Ahmed al-Kahlout, head of the hospital said that Israeli forces bombed the maternity ward, resulting in the deaths of two mothers along with their newborn babies. He also warned that the situation in the hospital is "extremely difficult" due to a severe shortage of water, food, and fuel. The troops of Israel targeted the women's maternity unit "without prior warning or explanation." Following the raid on Tuesday, Kahlout said Israeli troops gathered the hospital's medical teams and displaced men in the courtyard. He said there were 65 cases of infections, 12 children in intensive care, six premature babies, 100 medical personnel and 3,000 displaced people inside the hospital. Ashraf al-Qudra, the spokesman for the Gaza health ministry also confirmed that Israeli forces are taking the Palestinian men with them. He expressed fear that they would be subject to arrest or execution. "We urge the UN, World Health Organization and Red Cross to immediately act to save the people inside the hospital and to protect it." Israel launched its relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip from the air and land on October 7, when he also imposed a siege on the populated enclave. The regime's forces have so far killed more than 18,412 people in Gaza. Two-thirds of those killed are women and children. At least 50,100 people have also been injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: EU sanctions others, looks the other way on Gaza genocide, ethnic cleansing Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 11:30 AM Iran has denounced the EU's recent sanctions on its defense industry over "baseless" allegations of drone delivery to Russia, slamming the block for turning a blind eye on Israel's "genocide" unfolding in the Gaza Strip. In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani "strongly condemned" European Council's "destructive actions" and imposing sanctions against 6 persons and 5 entities involved in Iran's development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). "The desperate efforts of some malicious actors with political motives in order to use the inefficient sanctions and spread of false information only create more self-made obstacles in the path of relations between the Islamic Republic and Europe and prove ineffective," he said. Kan'ani said the EU talks about international law and the United Nations Charter, while it is "practically turning a blind eye on Israel's war crimes" and violation human rights and international humanitarian laws. He further criticized EU for not making any tangible efforts to stop Israel's "unquestionable genocide and ethnic cleansing" against the "oppressed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank." Kan'ani also reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's supports for efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Ukraine military conflict through peaceful means. Tehran says it reserves the right to retaliate after the European Union imposed new sanctions against Iran in connection with the allegation, he concluded. The European Union and the US have long accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. The Council's sanctions, announced on Monday, imposed restrictive measures against the Shahed drone-maker Shakad Sanat Asmari, its CEO, deputy CEO and chief scientist. The other companies hit were the Baharestan Kish Company, Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif, the Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company and the Kimia Part Sivan Company. The US has also imposed similar sanctions on a number of entities and individuals based in Iran and other countries, accusing them of supporting Tehran's drone development. Iran has repeatedly rejected the West's claim, saying it has not sold any weapons to Russia for the the war against Ukraine, and asked the West to offer evidence for the allegation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Four Palestinian youths killed in Israeli drone strike during West Bank raid Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 11:07 AM At least four young Palestinian men were killed when the Israeli military carried out a drone strike during a raid in Jenin, as the regime is tightening its grip on the West Bank amid the onslaught in Gaza. Director of Jenin Government Hospital Wissam Bakr told the official Palestinian news agency WAFA that a group of Palestinians were directly targeted with an unmanned aerial vehicle in the attack on the al-Sibat neighborhood of Jenin city on Tuesday morning. Bakr said one other person was injured in the aerial assault. Palestinian medical sources identified the slain Palestinians as Rafiq al-Dabbous, Mahmoud Abu Srour, Bakr Siddiq Zakarneh, and Thaer Abu al-Tin. Bakr added that Israeli military aircraft dropped toxic smoke bombs in Jenin's hospital yard, as the regime's forces prevented the transfer of Abu al-Tin to the medical facility. Palestinian ambulance crews, subsequently, shifted him to a health center in the city of Qabatiya, located six kilometers (3.7 miles) south of Jenin. Israeli forces "continue to storm Jenin camp and ambulance crews are prevented from entering to deal with medical cases without prior coordination," the Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a statement. Israeli forces are encircling three hospitals in the area, WAFA added. Local sources said Zakarneh's father suffered a stroke when he heard the news about his son's death. His other son, Sidqi, was fatally shot by Israeli forces back on December 8 last year. Director of the Jenin Education Department, Salam al-Taher, announced that schools in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and its refugee camp will hold their classes online. Local sources noted that Israeli forces are still preventing members of the press from reaching out to the areas where raids are underway, and stop them from covering what is happening there. Before this attack, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 275 people had been killed in the occupied West Bank since the outbreak of the Israeli onslaught against Gaza. Israel waged a war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The Israeli aggression has so far killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and wounded 49,645 others. The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hunger stalks everyone in Gaza as Israel uses food as 'weapon of war': UNRWA Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 10:48 AM The UN agencies have warned that Palestinians in the besieged strip face widespread hunger and dire conditions, amid Israel's genocidal war. "Hunger stalks everyone," the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, adding, "Too many people haven't eaten now for two, three days in the Gaza Strip." The UNRWA slammed Israel for "systematically" using food, water and fuel "as weapons of war" in Gaza. It came as the World Food Programme (WFP) revealed in a report published last week that 91 percent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry, while 63 percent reported enduring entire days without food. The WFP conducted the rapid food security assessment during the seven-day truce that expired on November 30. UN Special Rapporteur on Food Michael Fakhri also told Al Jazeera Arabic, "Every single Palestinian in Gaza is going hungry," warning of a "genocide" in Gaza. All these reports, which reflect the dire situation fellow human beings are undergoing in Gaza, have not deterred the US from "shamefully" vetoing a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire on Friday. The US move drew wide condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and other global leaders and organizations, and even American lawmakers. However, the United States turned a blind eye to the worldwide criticisms and once again defied calls for ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirmed its support for a "military solution" to the crisis, in an open endorsement of the genocide. "We think there can be a military solution to taking out the leadership of Hamas that planned and carried out the attacks of October 7, in taking out the militants who crossed into Israel and carried out those attacks," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday. 'Gaza's health system collapsing' The World Health Organization Executive Board also warned of a total breakdown of Gaza's healthcare system. "Gaza's health system is on its knees and collapsing, with the risk expected to worsen with the deteriorating situation and approaching winter conditions," the WHO's director-general said. "As more and more people move to a smaller and smaller area, overcrowding, combined with the lack of adequate food, water, shelter and sanitation, are creating the ideal conditions for disease to spread," he added. The statement comes as up to 1.9 million Gazans, who account for more than 85 percent of the entire population of Gaza, have been displaced across the strip since the start of the aggression. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, one in six people in Gaza are ill with an infectious disease. Nicholas Papachrysostomou, the emergency coordinator in Gaza for Doctors Without Borders, told Al Jazeera, "Every other patient in Rafah has a respiratory infection, amid rainy and cold conditions." "In some shelters, 600 people share a single toilet. We are already seeing many cases of diarrhea. Often children are the worst affected," he said. Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 49,645 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel dropped over 22,000 American bombs on Gaza in first 6 weeks of war: Report Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 9:58 AM Israel dropped more than 22,000 US-supplied guided and unguided bombs on the Gaza Strip in the first six weeks of its bloody war on the besieged Palestinian territory, a new report reveals. Citing intelligence data supplied to Congress by the US administration, The Washington Post reported that weapons developed by the United States have played a central role in Israel's brutal onslaught on Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. In just six weeks into the onslaught, the US supplied the occupying regime with at least 15,000 bombs, including 2,000-pound (900 kilograms) bunker busters, as well as 50,000 155mm artillery shells. The figures suggest Israel dropped roughly one American-made bomb on Gaza for every 100 people living there. The report quoted unnamed officials as admitting that the US is not conducting "real-time assessments of Israel's adherence to the laws of war." A US official said the administration was unable to make a contemporaneous evaluation of Israel's compliance because of a lack of access both to the intelligence Israeli forces' use for their assaults and to the intentions of the regime's military commanders. On Saturday, the US State Department approved the emergency sale of 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel for about $106.5 million. The purchase will bypass congressional review, which is usually a requirement for foreign arms sales. The United States has offered untrammeled support for Israel since October 7, when the usurping entity waged the war on Gaza following a historic operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 49,645 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to Turkey: 'Maximum efforts' needed to stop Gaza genocide, provide aid Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 8:45 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, called for "maximum efforts" to end the Israeli regime's genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Amir-Abdollahian said diplomatic initiatives and immediate provision of aid to the people of Gaza are needed to assuage the pain inflicted by the Israeli regime's war on the besieged territory. It came after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said President Ebrahim Raeisi's trip to Turkey was canceled a few days ago. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Kan'ani said the meeting had once been postponed and was set to be held after the participation of the Iranian and Turkish delegations in a UN Security Council meeting in New York, but the Iranian delegation did not make the trip because of a delay in the issuance of Amir-Abdollahian's entry visa. He also hailed the "constructive" relations between Iran and Turkey, but at the same time, said the Palestinian people expect Muslim countries to use all their capacities against the Israeli regime. Kan'ani said, "It is expected that some regional and Muslim countries use their deterrent power in their relations with Israel to support Palestinians. It is a moral and humane expectation, and the desire of the Palestinian people." During his phone conversation, Amir-Abdollahian stressed the importance of strengthening ties between Tehran and Ankara as well as the upcoming meeting between the two countries' presidents. He also said Iran considers Washington's all-out support for Israel as the reason behind the continuation of the occupying regime's atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. For his part, Fidan appreciated Iran's diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that Palestine is the central issue of the Muslim world. The two ministers also stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts that aim to exert pressure on the Israeli regime to accept the ceasefire calls and stop its war on Gaza. Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 49,645 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen says strikes Israel-bound tanker ship with cruise missile in Red Sea Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 8:38 AM Yemeni Armed Forces claim responsibility for a missile strike on a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea as it was heading towards an Israeli port. Speaking at a press briefing broadcast live from the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a on Tuesday, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the strike on the oil tanker Strinda was a "victory" for the Palestinians getting killed in an Israeli "massacre." The strike was "a victory for the oppressed Palestinian people, who are currently being subjected to massacre, destruction, and siege in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the calls from freedom-loving Yemenis and people from other Muslim nations," Saree said. "The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil," bound for Israel, the military spokesman added claiming responsibility for the missile strike a day earlier. Saree said that Yemeni forces targeted the ship near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with "an appropriate naval cruise missile." According to Saree, over the past two days, Yemeni Armed Forces have blocked passage of several Israel-bound ships. "Yemeni naval forces did not opt to target the Norwegian-flagged oil tanker till after its crew rejected all warnings and did not pay heed to any of our calls to stop," he said. Saree warned that the Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to target any ship that "violates the terms of our previous statements." "Yemeni forces reiterate that they will continue to target all ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea bound for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality unless our steadfast brethren in the Gaza Strip receive the food and medicines they need," he stated. Earlier, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) had issued a statement, saying an anti-ship cruise missile "launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen" hit the Strinda. "There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS Mason responded ... and is currently rendering assistance," the statement said. The private intelligence firms Ambrey and Dryad Global confirmed the attack happened near the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. The relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza has killed at least 18,205 people, most of them women and children, in Gaza since. Another 49,645 individuals have been wounded as well. On December 4, the Yemeni army targeted two Israeli ships in the Red Sea as they were attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reports revealed that Israeli shipping companies have already decided to reroute their vessels in fear of attacks by Yemeni forces. Yemeni forces have also launched missile and drone attacks on targets in the Israeli-occupied territories of Palestine after the occupying regime's aggression on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: No more captives will be released until war ends; Israeli reports aim to relieve pressure Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 7:16 AM The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas says there will be no new captive swap with Israel until the unrelenting aggression against the besieged territory stops. In a press briefing in Beirut on Monday, Osama Hamdan, Hamas representative in Lebanon and also a member of the group's politburo dismissed reports that said Israel is ready to resume contact with mediators for the possible release of the remaining Israeli captives held in Gaza. "There will be no agreement on the exchange of more captives for prisoners before the onslaught [against Gaza] ceases. The Israeli media reports about the possibility of a new prisoner swap [with Hamas] are meant to mislead the public opinion in the face of increasing domestic discontent," Hamdan said. "No compromise is acceptable over the blood of fallen Palestinians. [Israeli prime minister] Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to escape from the regime's internal conflicts, especially the crisis with the families of the captives held in Gaza." Earlier on Monday, Israel's Channel 12 television channel reported that the new prisoner exchange deal would be carried out within the framework of a truce, and would include women still in captivity, patients, the wounded, and elderly people. It added that Israeli officials believe that the chances of reaching a new prisoner swap deal with Hamas are not likely next week, but Israel still believes in opening a new path. Since November 24, Hamas exchanged 110 captives, including 80 Israelis, for 240 Palestinians illegally abducted by the regime and kept in Israeli jails during a 7-day pause in the Gaza war. The truce, meditated by Qatar and Egypt, also allowed the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza after weeks of Israeli attacks on the territory. Israeli sources say Hamas still holds 137 captives after it carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7 in the occupied territories, during which some 1,200 Israeli settlers and military forces were also killed. Hamas has repeatedly said that talks over Israeli soldiers being kept in Gaza will be held at a later stage. A spokesman of Hamas's military unit, who is known by his nom de guerre Abu Obeida, said on Sunday that the only way for the group to release Israeli captives alive is for the Israelis and their supporters to accept its conditions, including the release of Palestinian abductees. "Neither the fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership... nor its supporters... can take their prisoners alive without an exchange and negotiation and meeting the demands of the resistance," Abu Obeida said. Hamas launched the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. Since then Israel has begun an unprecedented bombing campaign of Gaza and targeted civilians in the Strip. The Israeli aggression has so far killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and wounded 49,645 others. Israel has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden stresses 'unshakeable support' for Israel as Gaza death toll surpasses 18,000 Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 6:43 AM US President Joe Biden has pledged "unshakeable" support for Israel as the death toll from the occupying regime's genocidal aggression against the Gaza Strip surpasses 18,000. Biden made the remarks during a ceremony marking a Jewish holiday at the White House on Monday night, amid mounting pressure on his administration over its provision of lethal weapons to Israel at the height of the Gaza war. He said that his "commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, and the security of Israel, its right to exist ... is unshakeable." Washington will "continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas," he added, referring to the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance group that conducted a historic operation against the occupying entity more than two months ago. The US president, however, called on Israel to be "careful" and cautioned that public opinion could shift in the Gaza war. Biden also highlighted the work his administration has done to secure the release of Israeli war prisoners, saying he "personally spent countless hours" working with Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian counterparts on both fronts. He acknowledged differences between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the years and at present. During a week-long truce, Hamas released 105 war prisoners, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners. In exchange, Israel released 240 Palestinian abductees. Israel believes about 137 prisoners are still being held in Gaza, while there are thought to be 7,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, many detained without charge. Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 49,645 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Situation in Gaza 'apocalyptic', destruction greater than World War II Germany: EU's Borrell Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 12:05 AM The European Union's foreign policy chief has sounded a serious alarm about the extent of destruction caused across the besieged Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli regime's genocidal war on the territory. The situation in Gaza is "catastrophic, apocalyptic," Josep Borrell said in Brussels on Monday after chairing a meeting of the EU's foreign ministers. "The destruction of buildings in Gaza...is more or less or even greater than the destruction suffered by the German cities during the Second World War," he noted, adding, "85 percent of the population is internally displaced." Israel launched its devastating military aggression against Gaza on October 7 following an operation staged by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. Independent experts estimate that as much as 40 percent of housing units in Gaza has been either damaged or totally destroyed. According to the United Nations, as many as 1.8 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, many living in overcrowded UN shelters in the coastal territory's south. The European official noted that the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has resulted in "an incredible number of civilian casualties." "Civilian casualties are between 60 and 70 percent of the overall deaths" based on Gaza Health Ministry's figures, Borrell said, adding, "The human suffering constitutes an unprecedented challenge to the international community." More than 18,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed during the Israeli onslaught on Gaza so far, while upwards of 49,600 others have been wounded. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble. Settler violence in West Bank Elsewhere in his remarks, Borrell said the European Union was "alarmed by the violence [against Palestinians] in the [occupied] West Bank by extremist settlers." He said he had presented a discussion paper to the EU foreign ministers looking at "imposing sanctions against extremist settlers in the West Bank," who have stepped up attacks against Palestinian residents. Borrell added that he would soon make the discussion paper a formal proposal, which may include refusing visas to extremist Israeli settlers.. Earlier this year, an international human rights organization similarly warned about a "sharp increase" in violent assaults by extremist settlers across the occupied Palestinian territories "under the political cover" provided by the Israeli regime. EuroMed Rights, a network of 68 human rights organizations, institutions, and individuals based in 30 countries across Europe and the Mediterranean region, said the number of settler attacks in the first half of the current year had reached 1,148, "nearly equaling the total number of attacks recorded in the [entire] previous year (2022), which was 1,187." Concluding his remarks, Borrell condemned the Israeli regime's decision to approve 1,700 more housing units in the occupied city of al-Quds, which Brussels considers a violation of international law. In a statement issued on November 3, Michael Lynk and Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the United Nations special rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the West Bank and on adequate housing, similarly denounced Israel's plan to build the new settler units. The UN experts condemned Israeli settlements as "the engine of the occupation," saying the Tel Aviv regime's illegal construction activities "trample" on human rights law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian President Says No EU Green Light Means A Win For Russia By Ray Furlong December 12, 2023 PRAGUE -- As the European Union heads toward a crucial summit in Brussels this week, Georgia President Salome Zurabishvili says she's under no illusion as to what it will mean if her Caucasus nation fails to be given the green light to become a candidate for membership in the bloc: a loss for Georgians and a win for Russia. The EU's 27 leaders were meeting in the Belgian capital on December 14-15 to discuss what could be a historic enlargement agreement. The key decision will be whether to give Moldova, Ukraine -- and possibly Bosnia-Herzegovina -- the go-ahead to start EU accession talks. But they will also discuss Georgia becoming an official EU candidate country after the European Commission recommended last month that it be granted such status if and when it fulfils remaining conditions set out by the bloc. Asked in an interview at RFE/RL headquarters in Prague on December 12 on how failing to get that status would be greeted by her compatriots, Zurabishvili, a career diplomat who became Georgia's first female president in 2018, didn't hesitate. "Very bad...because it would mean very deep frustration, in the public opinion, even deeper after the recommendations made by the commission.... The frustration would be enormous," she said. Just as dire, she added, would be what such a decision would mean for Moscow, which has long considered Georgia, a former Soviet republic, part of its sphere of influence. Such a decision would hand Russia "huge satisfaction." "Because of course, and we all know that, frustration is what can be best exploited by people that manipulate propaganda, fake news and all of that, and they will start blaming the European Union for, once again, forgetting Georgia, letting Georgia down. And all these themes will of course, come from and play for Russia," said Zurabishvili, the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country was annexed by Moscow's Soviet rulers. "Russia will consider that Georgia remains in a gray zone. And we all know, again, that for Russia to consider any country as being completely in a gray zone means that they consider that it's theirs to play with." The EU decision comes at a time of deep polarization in Georgian politics. After the Rose Revolution in 2003, the country became a close ally of the United States, and its enmity with Russia deepened to the point that the two fought a war in 2008 over the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. But the current government led by the Georgian Dream party has taken a less confrontational approach toward Russia, even as it continued moving closer to the West at the same time. In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Georgian Dream has doubled down on its policy of accommodating Moscow. Just how Georgia should deal with Russia has become the sharpest point of contention in the country's politics. Meanwhile, Georgian Dream has also taken a sharp turn toward social conservatism, embracing rhetoric of "family values" and identity, inspired by the example of Viktor Orban's Hungary. With parliamentary elections coming up in Georgia next year, the country may be at a crossroads in its post-Soviet path. Zurabishvili, who has been at odds with Georgian Dream -- which in October spearheaded a failed drive to impeach the president over her visits to European Union countries -- has accused the party of attempting "to kill Georgia's European future and democracy." She said she plans to see out her term, which runs past the elections, and bring political consensus back to the country. But, when asked if Georgia's EU future is on the line, would she enter the race in some way, she said: "If Georgia's European future is on the line, I would consider anything." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/interview-georgia-zurabishvili- green-light-eu-member-russia/32727836.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU's Michel Still Working On 'Plan A' For Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia By Rikard Jozwiak, Zoriana Stepanenko December 12, 2023 BRUSSELS -- European Council President Charles Michel said he is still working on "Plan A" when it comes to giving the green light to opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and granting Georgia EU candidate status, along with providing further financial aid to Kyiv, at a crucial EU summit in Brussels this week despite a repeated threat by Hungary to block the process. Heading into the December 14-15 summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has demanded EU leaders avoid any decision on Ukraine's coveted goal of getting a green light for membership talks even as the country fights Russia's full-scale invasion. Orban insists that a "strategic discussion" is needed first about Ukraine's EU membership and warned that forcing a decision could destroy EU unity. Decisions on the enlargement of the bloc and a review of its long-term budget, which includes 50 billion euros ($54.1 billion) in aid for Kyiv, must be agreed unanimously by all 27 member countries. Ukraine is counting on the EU funds to help its economy survive in the coming year. "Everyone can see what is at stake and what are the positions expressed by the different countries," Michel told RFE/RL in an exclusive interview. "I think it must be possible to make an additional step. And I'm working on Plan A, not on other plans," he added. Talks on providing further economic and military aid to Kyiv and pressing forward on EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and other regional countries are expected to take the spotlight in the crucial two-day gathering of the bloc's leaders. Michel said all of the other 26 member states support further assistance to Kyiv, including the economic aid package, and he was quick to dismiss the suggestion that accession talks be postponed for the "strategic debate" Orban has floated. "It will be a difficult meeting, and we must tell the truth because we have the support of 26 leaders out of 27, which is very good news," he said. "It's the good news, the positive news: support from 26 leaders for more money for Ukraine, more financial support, and more military equipment for Ukraine. At the same time, we have one country, Hungary, which is expressing some doubts and some reluctance. We need to convince Hungary, and we are working on that day and night to prepare the European Council, and I hope we can deliver." "Today...there is [a] proposal on the table...the opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and with Moldova and granting the candidate status for Georgia and making some additional steps. It is important for the Western Balkan countries." The move could also mean the potential opening of accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina, something that Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia have been pushing to take place concurrently with talks regarding the three other eastern EU hopefuls. Michel admitted that it is "legitimate to ask for strategic debates" but added: "Since Day 1 following [Russia's] full-scale invasion, we have had many strategic debates at the European Council level on Ukraine on the concrete modalities for our action to protect the European Union's interests and values." Speculation has surfaced that the Hungarian veto might be lifted if Budapest secures a 10-billion-euro package from the EU budget that the commission has frozen over rule-of-law concerns in the Central European country, possibly giving Budapest the leverage it needs to get access to the funding. The use of vetoes is something Michel also wants to discuss in more depth, he said, without providing details. He acknowledged there are times when "the temptation to abuse the veto right and take hostage EU institutions and the EU decision-making process" arises. "In my opinion, it is very important to take into account all the sensitivities around the table to include all the member states to guarantee European unity. But that shows what we are facing today." As for Ukraine financial aid, Michel said there is hope for progress, even if Hungary cannot be brought along. As an example, he said, loans can be made to Ukraine -- as opposed to outright grants -- with the 26 EU governments backing those loans on a monthly or quarterly basis. "I am very confident on the 50 billion for Ukraine," he said. But, he added, "I don't say this is easy. We have still some conversations to make sure that we make a decision." "I'm very confident because I feel very strong support. I feel that European leaders do understand this...to make very clear with this decision that we support Ukraine in the long run." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-michel-plan-a-ukraine-moldova- georgia/32727757.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu Says Israel Received Full US Support for Ground Operation in Gaza Strip Sputnik News 20231212 TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the country received full US support for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. "I really appreciate the US support for the destruction of Hamas and the return of our hostages. After intensive discussions with President [of the United States Joe] Biden and his people, we received full support for a ground entry [into the Gaza Strip] and containment of international pressure aimed at ending the war. Yes, there are disputes about the 'day after Hamas,' and I hope that we will come to an agreement here," Netanyahu said in a video address posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). "I want to make my position clear I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo. I will not allow that, after the enormous sacrifices among our citizens and soldiers, we allow those in the Gaza Strip who support terrorism, finance terrorism. Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahastan," the PM added. Israel will not allow the Palestinian movements Hamas or Fatah rule in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu reaffirmed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KUANTAN, Malaysia, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has seen its first tracks being laid on Monday. Malaysian King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is among the guests to witness the historic moment. He officially launched the track laying for the project in a ceremony here. In his speech during the ceremony, Malaysian Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook hailed the project for its benefits to the local economy, the uplifting of the communities on the country's east coast and the upskilling and technology transfer that the ECRL has made possible. He also said advanced track-laying equipment from China helps a lot in improving the railway's construction efficiency. "The track-laying machine is expected to lay approximately 1.5km tracks per day." CCCC chairman Wang Tongzhou said the track-laying marks the transition of the project from underground construction to aboveground construction. CCCC will continue to invest in quality resources to accelerate the construction of the ECRL project and further strengthen all-round cooperation with Malaysia, aligning with the development plans of the Malaysian government. "Our goal is to make the ECRL project a landmark of enduring and friendly cooperation between our two nations," he noted. A major infrastructure project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia. Israeli Military Death Toll Since Start of Ground Offensive in Gaza Rises to 105 - Reports Sputnik News 20231212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the ground operation against the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip has risen to 105, The Times of Israel newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing the Israel Defense Forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released an updated number of Israeli soldiers killed over the course of the ongoing conflict. As of today, the death toll among Israel's soldiers has risen to 105. On October 7, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing over 1,200 people and abducting some 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza and launched a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Thousands of people have reportedly been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict. On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The truce was extended several times and expired on December 1. Hamas is still holding over 100 people hostage. Israel moved its ground operation into the southern Gaza Strip. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Missile Hit Causes Fire on Chemical Tanker in Red Sea - Reports Sputnik News 20231212 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - A fire broke out on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea after it had been hit by at least one missile launched from the territory controlled by Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, The War Zone news portal reported Monday, citing US officials. Norwegian-owned chemical tanker Strinda, owned by Bergen-based shipping company A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, has been attacked by a missile coming from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and hit 60 miles north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, the report cited US officials, who spoke condition of anonymity. The crew of the tanker was battling the fire, one of the officials said. The United States Navy's USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has responded to an emergency call and was in sight of the tanker, the report said. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the tanker was attacked by what is believed to be an anti-ship cruise missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, but there were no casualties. "At around 4 p.m. EST [21:00 GMT] on December 11, the Motor Tanker STRINDA was attacked by what is assessed to have been an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb. The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time," CENTCOM said. The command said there were no US ships in the area of the incident at the time of the attack, adding that USS Mason responded to the tanker's mayday call and was assisting the vessel. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Army Gets First Precision Strike Missiles After White Sands Test - Lockheed Martin Sputnik News 20231212 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Army has received its first Precision Strike Missiles following a successful test in New Mexico, Lockheed Martin announced in a press release. "Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) to the US Army providing long-range precision fires capability and achieving a major modernization milestone," the release said on Monday. The deliveries were made after a successful qualification test of the weapon was carried out at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico in November, Lockheed Martin said. "Thanks to the close collaboration between Army and Lockheed Martin teams, we accelerated PrSM's development program on an aggressive schedule to deliver this next-generation missile faster than ever before," Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Precision Fires Control Vice President Jay Price said in the release. To meet the Army's PrSM Early Operational Capability (EOC), Lockheed Martin is using digital tools including ARISE advanced modeling and simulation, data analytics, and software factory to advance development and improve producibility, quality and performance, the company said.. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Polish Sejm Passes Vote of Confidence in Government of Donald Tusk Sputnik News 20231212 WARSAW (Sputnik) - The lower house of Poland's parliament, the Sejm, on Tuesday passed a vote of confidence in the government of Donald Tusk, according to the live broadcast. All opposition factions of the Sejm voted in favor of Tusk and his government, while the PiS party, which until recently was Poland's ruling, and the Confederation alliance of right and Eurosceptic were against. A total of 248 lawmakers of the 460-member Sejm voted in favor of the motion, while 201 lawmakers voted against, with no abstentions. Polish President Andrzej Duda will swear in Tusk's government on Wednesday morning. On Monday, the Sejm passed a vote of no confidence in the government of Mateusz Morawiecki in a 266-to-190 vote. The parliament nominated Tusk, a former president of the European Council, for prime minister shortly later. In the parliamentary elections held in October, the PiS party won 194 seats in the Sejm and claimed victory. Opposition parties, on the other hand, won over 50% of seats combined and made a coalition agreement, selecting Tusk as their candidate. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions in Response to Violent Anti-Democratic Actions in Honduras US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson December 12, 2023 The United States condemns the recent use of violence in Honduras to undermine democracy and enable the irregular and unprecedented naming of an interim Attorney General and interim Deputy Attorney General. Today, we are taking steps to impose visa restrictions on certain individuals under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A number of these individuals carried out acts of violence and intimidation, and others fomented conflict among the Honduran people by calling on violent groups to mobilize, resulting in physical attacks and acts of intimidation, some of which resulted in injuries. These anti-democratic actions undermine Honduras' institutions and are inconsistent with the core principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which Honduras signed as a member of the Organization of American States in September 2001. We join the international community's call for regular order to be restored via peaceful, transparent, and democratic means. The United States stands with the Honduran people and those seeking to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Honduras, and we remain committed to promoting accountability for those who undermine it. NOTE: Visa records are confidential under section 222(f) of the INA; individual applications of INA section 212(a)(3)(c) cannot be disclosed publicly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 23rd Anniversary of the Algiers Agreement between the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson December 12, 2023 Twenty-three years ago today, Ethiopia and Eritrea, with the support of the international community, concluded the Algiers Agreement and committed to demarcate a common border. In 2018, in a historic peace agreement, both countries recommitted to respect the borders as established. On this anniversary, it is more important than ever that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries be respected. The United States reiterates our support for the Algiers Agreement and encourages Ethiopia and Eritrea to work together, in the spirit of the peace they forged, toward a more stable and prosperous region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 12 December 2023 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Briefings Good afternoon. On a programming note, Monica [Grayley] will obviously brief after I am done. And then, at 3 p.m., here, today, in this very room, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, will brief you, following the conclusion of the Somalia Security Conference, which is taking place in Conference Room 2. ** Secretary-General The Secretary-General is in Dubai for a while longer. Today, he had more meetings with key groups, including the European Union, the High Ambition Coalition and others. He reiterated his message that asking parties to ensure maximum ambition on two fronts: on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and on delivering climate justice. While the negotiations are still ongoing, we do expect him to be back here in New York tomorrow evening. But he is currently at the venue, holding some meetings. ** Gaza An update for you on the situation on the ground in Gaza. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that as of last night, 100 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies arrived into Gaza from Egypt the same volume recorded on most days since the resumption of the hostilities on 1 December. More than 120,000 litres of fuel also entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing yesterday. This is an increase from the daily average of 67,000 litres over the previous three days but it is the bare amount minimum of fuel needed to prevent the collapse of critical services in Gaza. Limited aid distributions are taking place in Rafah governorate. However, the intensity of hostilities and movement restrictions along the main roads has largely prevented aid distributions to the rest of the Gaza Strip in recent days. There have been limited fuel deliveries to key service providers as well as Saturday's mission to Al-Ahli hospital, which we flagged to you yesterday. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of internally displaced people who have arrived in [Rafah] over the last week continue to face extremely overcrowded conditions both inside and outside the shelters. They are in desperate need of food, water, shelter, health and protection. UNRWA reports that more than 85 per cent of Gaza's population that's almost 1.9 million people are now internally displaced, some of them multiple times. This includes 1.3 million displaced men, women and children who are sheltering at UNRWA facilities. Some of you have also been asking about Kerem Shalom crossing, which opened today as a second inspection point for aid from the UN and international NGOs. I can tell you that once trucks are inspected at Kerem Shalom, they must return to Egypt before crossing [through Rafah into Gaza]. We hope that the opening of the second inspection point will eliminate the 100 kilometres of travel from Al Areesh to Netzana at the border between Egypt and Israel. That will help expedite the entry of aid into Gaza. We are continuing to engage with Israeli authorities on all options to increase aid deliveries to Gaza. This includes, potentially, the use of Kerem Shalom as a transit point of goods going into Gaza. We reiterate the importance of safe conditions on the ground in Gaza to enable the delivery of life-saving assistance to those who desperately need it. For us to do more, we need at a minimum another humanitarian ceasefire. We all saw what we can do when the guns fall silent we hope that will happen. ** Syria Turning to Syria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is warning that civilians in the north-west of the country are continuing to be impacted by the escalation of hostilities there the most significant since 2019. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, according to local health authorities, nine civilians were killed, including three children on Saturday. That happened during the shelling that struck residential neighbourhoods in Idlib City and in Sarmin. The shelling also set fire to a city market and struck a displacement camp, destroying shelters for internally displaced people. This was the latest in a series of attacks over the past two weeks. On 2 December, OCHA tells us that a school in Idlib was hit by shelling while students were present, causing injuries among students and teachers. Overall, since 5 October, fighting in the north-west has killed at least 92 civilians nearly 40 per cent of them children with nearly 400 others injured, according to local health authorities. Eastern Syria is not spared either. Heavy clashes in Deir ez Zor continue to result in civilian casualties and damage to critical civilian infrastructure, including water stations and schools. About 27,000 people have remained displaced since late August when the hostilities began. ** Security Council As we flagged to you, yesterday afternoon, the Security Council met on threats to international peace and security. Briefing Council members was the Deputy High Representative for Disarmament [Affairs], Adedeji Ebo, and he said that reports related to the use of anti-personnel landmines and the use and transfer of cluster munitions in Ukraine are deeply concerning. Mr. Ebo reiterated his call for an immediate end to the use of these horrendous weapons which have lasting and devastating impacts on innocent civilians long after the conflicts have ended. ** UNFPA 2024 Humanitarian Appeal Today, our friends at UNFPA the UN Population Fund launched a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to support 48 million people with reproductive health and gender-based violence services in 58 countries in 2024. As an example, and sadly, this will not surprise anyone, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places for a woman to give birth, with one woman dying every two hours. In 2023, UNFPA received only half of its humanitarian funding needs, with which the agency reached 10 million women and girls with reproductive health services and a further 4.2 million with services related to gender-based violence services. ** West Africa Two food updates from Africa and neither of them good. Our colleagues at the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization tell us that, according to a regional food security analysis released today, the number of hungry people in West and Central Africa continues to increase and is set to reach 49.5 million people between June and August of next year. They say that this trend is particularly worrying in coastal countries, where the number of women, men, and children facing acute hunger is expected to reach 6.2 million a 16 per cent increase over [this year]. Acute hunger in the region is mainly driven by conflict, the impact of the climate crisis, as well as high food and fuel prices. The three agencies call on national Governments and financial partners to prioritize programmes that strengthen climate resilient food systems and livelihoods and invest in social protection systems. They also recommended the timely development and implementation of emergency programmes that address immediate food and nutritional needs of populations experiencing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity. ** Sudan In Sudan, the Food and Agriculture Organization is urging an immediate and collective action to avert an impending humanitarian catastrophe. According to FAO's new projections, 17.7 million men, women and children across Sudan are and will be facing high levels of acute food insecurity between October 2023 and February of next year. The most acutely food insecure populations are located in Greater Darfur, Greater Kordofan and Khartoum state. FAO stands unwavering in its commitment to support the Sudanese communities. Between July and September of this year, ahead of the critical planting season, the Agency reached 5 million people to support local food production and sustain rural livelihoods. However, the instability and access challenges continue to threaten food security. FAO urgently needs $75.4 million, which represents 80 per cent of the funding required for the revised Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan from May to December 2023. That is $75 million. There are a few apartments for sale in this city at double that price. ** Opium A new opium survey by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) finds that opium cultivation in the Golden Triangle continued to expand over the past year, with a significant increase in Myanmar. The report says that, following the recent decline of opium cultivation in Afghanistan, Myanmar now stands as the world's largest producer of opium. The economic, security and governance disruptions that followed the military takeover in February 2021 continue to drive farmers in remote areas towards opium to make a living, according to the UN agency, adding that the intensification of conflict in Shan and other border areas is expected to accelerate this trend. The report also says that while it is too early to draw conclusions on the impact the opium ban in Afghanistan has had on the situation in South-East Asia, a protracted ban is expected to translate into continued high prices and further increases in cultivation. UNODC reminds us that solutions need to take into account the complex realities and vulnerabilities faced by people living in opium-cultivating areas. They work directly with farmers and communities to improve socio-economic conditions. ** Human Rights 75 A quick note that in a short while, in Geneva, in Switzerland, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, will be closing the two-day high-level event commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, the discussions included Heads of State, Government officials and civil society and focused on the future of human rights in four specific areas: peace and security; digital technologies; development and climate and the environment. The event was the culmination of the year-long Human Rights 75 initiative. Over 150 countries made pledges for the future of human rights. The discussions and follow-up action will feed into the UN Summit of the Future, which will take place in September next year, right here in New York City, at the UN. ** International Days Today is International Universal Health Coverage Day. Universal Health Coverage means that everyone, everywhere, should have access to the health services they need without risk of financial hardship. Today is also the International Day of, and I won't take a position on this. The International Day of Neutrality. [Thank you, I'm here all week.] The policy of neutrality contributes to strengthening peace and security in relevant regions and at the global level. ** Senior Personnel Appointment Two more things to share with you. A senior personnel appointment. Today, the Secretary-General is appointing Sarhad Fatah of Iraq as Deputy Head of Mission for the Office of his Special Envoy for Yemen. Mr. Fatah succeeds Muin Shreim of the United States, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his commitment and decades of dedicated service to the Organization. Mr. Fatah has over 18 years of experience in national and international political, diplomatic and multilateral activity. Since 2019, Mr. Fatah served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq to the UN. ** Financial Contribution And we got a full payment today. So, we got a quiz. This country produces a beverage which is older than rum. It has been made since the 1500s, when the discovery was made that sugarcane juice fermented... Exactly, Brazil! Why would you be cheating? Because I told you earlier today, yes! Yes, cachaca! We very much thank our friends in Brasilia. That takes us to 140 paid-up Member States. Only 53 to go, with slightly more than 15 days until the end of the year. But there is always hope. ** Questions and Answers Question : Edie. Question : Thank you, Steph. First, is any aid getting into northern Gaza or is it still that the only aid getting in is going to the Rafah area? Spokesman : Right now, the distribution that we're able to do is in the south, in the Rafah governorate, in terms of our, our work. Question : And on a completely different subject, does the Secretary-General have any comment on the Houthis missile attack on a Norwegian tanker? Spokesman : We're, we're, this is not the first time we've seen such activities. It's extremely concerning and worrying. First of all, for the safety of the, of the mariners and the ship, but also for the threat of against the freedom of navigation in international waters which is paramount and we call on, we call on them to cease any such activities. Ibtisam. Question : Steph, my colleague, Diaa Al-Kahlout, our correspondent in Gaza, was one of the men who were arrested by the Israeli Army last week and were strip naked and taken to unknown place. Also since his arrest his father-in-law passed away on Monday and his father was badly injured in an Israeli air strike according to local media. Diaa also had a child with special needs. This is why he was not able to evacuate to the south. Our newspaper still doesn't have any official confirmation even where he is and his family is not able also to evacuate from the north to the south. Do you have any comments on his situation and his family situation? Spokesman : Sure. We're very concerned about the fate of Diaa Al-Kahlout, your colleague. We know our human rights colleagues are also following this. It has been difficult for them to get information from the Israeli, the Israeli authorities. We do know that they detained a large number of male Palestinians, including, including your colleague, and it's very important for us that his whereabouts be clarified by the Israeli authority, and it's yet another testament to the difficulties that journalists have in covering this issue. Question : I have another related question, and that is, I brought to the International Committee of the Red Cross, to ask about his situation, but also to ask about whether they were able to visit any detainees under Israeli detention centres and one part of the official questions, the answer that I was giving is the following. On October 7, 2023, the Israeli authorities took the decision to suspend ICRC detention visits until future notice. The ICRC has since not been able to visit any Palestinian detainees held in Israeli places of detention. So, my question here to you, was the UN able, to your knowledge, is the UN able to visit any of these detainees? Spokesman : No. Not that I'm aware of. Question : And do you have any comments on this specific? Spokesman : Well, I mean, I think it's important that the ICRC be allowed to visit detainees in Israeli jails, which they have been in the past, as I understand it, and it's also important separately for the ICRC to be able to visit those hostages currently being held by Hamas in Gaza. Dezhi and then Pam. Question : Hi, Steph. Today, I'm going to have two very simple questions, I think. Spokesman : I, I get to judge. This is... yeah. Question : Okay. First one, the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is now in the United States. Is there any plans for the UN officials to meet with him? Spokesman : No. My understanding is, I have no knowledge of him coming to the United Nations. Question : Okay. My second question, it's actually a clarification since you mentioned about the opium survey by the UN Food and Drug and Crime Office. Couple of months ago, I think, there's another report concerning the ban of opium in Afghanistan. Spokesman : Mhmm. Question : In that description, it says that the ban of the opium cultivation led to the decrease of incomes of some Afghan farmers. Spokesman : Mhmm. Question : Which I think has been, this has been, how to say that, analyzed by some Chinese as the UN is supporting opium? Spokesman : No, not at all. I think that, no, I think it's, it's very clear and I think UNODC, and I just referred to it, is that a large part of UNODC's work is working with farmers, with small landholders who may be forced financially to turn to the cultivation of opium, but to help them find other ways to have income, to grow other crops, that would, that are frankly more productive to society than opium. So it's not, it's understanding, and I think policymakers have to understand the socioeconomic context in which a lot of these small farmers operate, and that's why we're trying to help them in that sense. Question : So UN is against opium? Spokesman : Correct. Question : Okay. Thank you. Spokesman : It's pretty easy. Thank you. Pam, then Caitlin, then Alan. Question : Alright, maybe some more easy questions. You mentioned the Kerem Shalom crossing, what is the greatest hope of the UN on how many more trucks might come in because of the added inspection? And is there any solicitation to Israel to open it up for actual trucks? Spokesman : Yeah, I mean, that's, I think that's what I just said. We continue to discuss with the Israelis about using Kerem Shalom as kind of a transit point of a different way of getting goods, goods into Gaza. So, you know, we've had a 100 trucks per day for the last few days, which is an insufficient, but larger number than what we've had in the beginning of this process. The fact that we're able to, that the inspections are going on at Kerem Shalom saves about 100 kilometres of travel if you look at, if you look at a map. But the other part of the equation is the situation in Gaza itself. Right? The fact that the bombings are continuing, the fact that the fighting is continuing. The fact that you have hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people in very small places, notably in Rafah, which makes even the movement of trucks difficult. So, it's, you know, there are many parts to this equation. Question : Totally separate front. How worried is the Secretary-General about the, about COP28 not being able to phase out fossil fuels? Spokesman : I think we're in a very delicate phase. The Secretary-General on Monday made very clear what his expectations were on the phasing out of fossil fuel, on the need for climate justice. The discussions are going on right now in a very intensive pace. He's there keeping himself informed. He's not involved in the negotiations. That's not his role, but he's obviously concerned. Caitlin and Alan and then Linda. Question : Thanks. Do you have any information about reports that displaced Gazans are being forcibly evacuated from UNRWA shelters. We've seen allegations of five or so, UNRWA school shelters, were forcibly cleared by IDF. Spokesman : Well, we're getting all sorts of very disturbing reports, notably of destructions of UNRWA schools, in the north. We're trying to verify all these reports. I mean, throughout this conflict, UN shelters where the UN flag were flying were hit or were used as part of combat. And it's another reason why we want to see humanitarian ceasefire as soon as possible. Question : Have you verified anything? Spokesman : Yeah. We're trying to get, we're trying to verify a number of very concerning reports that we're getting, but we're not, some of these have happened in north and we're not, we're not always physically there. So we're trying to find out. Alan, then Linda, then Mike. Question : Thank you. Stephane, speaking of the detention of the journalists, do you have any knowledge or any comments regarding the situation with US citizen, Gonzalo Lira, who's been detained in Ukraine for his criticism against European authorities? Spokesman : No. I haven't heard of the case, but I will look into it. Linda and Mike, and I will go to the screen. Question : Thank you, Steph. You mentioned the fighting that's taking place in Gaza. I mean, we obviously know what's going on with the Israelis. But does the UN has any sense or how would they characterize the fighting, you know, between the two sides going on separately from just the bombing. In other words, what is Hamas doing. We hear that, you know, the fighting is continuing. So, what kind of fighting? Spokesman : Well, I, you know, what we know is from what we see and what we see in the press too, it's intense ground fighting. Question : Mhmm. Spokesman : Mike, Dulcie and then Stefano. Question : Thanks, Steph. Can you give any insight into how the Israelis got to, yes, on opening up Kerem Shalom for inspecting other than that pressure from Washington and how that process may lead to a fuller, you know, opening up of the station for direct transport? Spokesman : No. I mean, I can only speak for one side of the table, so to speak. I think that's a question for them. Obviously, it's as I said, it saves time. It saves fuel and miles and kilometres to have the inspection at Kerem Shalom. We would like to have it used as a point of transit or transfer to bring more goods, not only humanitarian, but also commercial goods. Question : I mean, did the UN provide any guarantees, any concessions, any promises of what it was going to do on in its end? Spokesman : Well, I mean, the promises that we're making is that we're trying to distribute as much aid as possible to as many people as possible to try to alleviate a catastrophic humanitarian situation. Question : So no direct commitments by UN? Spokesman : Well, I don't know what direct commitments. I mean, I've just told you what commitments we're making. We're trying to push through as much aid as possible. You know, Rafah crossing was primarily used as a pedestrian crossing. I mean, it's not about square peg into a round hole. It's just trying to push a lot of volume of aid through a crossing that wasn't really designed to accept all that aid. But as I said, I think, to one of you, I think, to Pam, she disappeared, it is also how, we have to be able to absorb the volume on the other end, right? Because when trucks go into Rafah, as I've said before, there are in fact, the goods are transferred back to Palestinian trucks and then distributed. So our commitment is to do as much as possible, but we need the assistance of all those involved. Question : Thanks, Steph. Spokesman : Dulcie then Stefano. Question : I just wanted to go over some aspects of 27/12 resolution, 27/12, because Secretary-General said that, he mentioned humanitarian notification that was part of the, what is that referring to? Spokesman : Well, the humanitarian notification is de-confliction where we tell all the parties involved in a conflict where we are and where we're going to go. Question : Okay, so de-confliction and this humanitarian notification are one and the same because, it's actually separate too. Spokesman : That's my understanding, but I don't have a perfect record on understanding things. Question : Okay, and then this working group, he was going to form or he did form? Spokesman : As soon as soon as we have something to announce on that, we will. Question : Okay. Another question, if I may. What is the UN doing about the possibility of an influx of Gazans into Egypt? It seems like that is, is... Spokesman : Well, that's not something anyone or at least, on the UN, we would want to see, and I know that's not something the Egyptians would want to see. Question : But is, are there plans to accommodate this possibility? Spokesman : It's, listen, we have all sorts of contingency plans. I will leave it at that. Stefano, and then we'll go to Abdelhamid, and then Mushfiq, and I will come back to Maryam. Question : Thank you, Stephane. A General Russian Opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, is missing, this report to say. Now question he said, do the, the UN has been informed of that by those supporters. Do you, are you involved? Spokesman : No, I mean, I think the question came up yesterday. These are indeed very concerning reports, and we hope to have some clarity on his whereabouts. Abdelhamid, Mushfiq, and then Maryam. Question : Thank you. I hope the sound is good. Spokesman : Yes, sir. Perfect. Question : Thank you. I have three questions, and I hope you are patient with me. You would be patient. First, today, I mean, there are more than 18,000 Palestinians killed. More than 50,000 wounded and about 7,000 missing. At what number do you are going to change discourse and call what is going on other than fighting or conflict or war between Israel and Hamas. When the UN is going to change the language and call it as it is, a genocide? Spokesman : Abdelhamid, this question has come up over and over again. It is not for the Secretary-General to make an official determination of a genocide. It is for a competent court, and this does not stop us from speaking about the horrors and the catastrophic situation in Gaza. Your second question, sir. Question : My second question about this special, UN special adviser on genocide. Her name is Alice Wairimu Nderitu. She's from Kenya. She issued a statement on the 7th of October, calling what happened almost a genocide against the Israeli and then she disappeared. I saw many officials calling for her resignation because she's not talking about what's going on in Gaza, but she came from the first day to talk about what happened in Israel. Do you have any information about it? Spokesman : She continues her work with the confidence of the Secretary-General, and I'm happy to put you in touch with her office if you have specific questions for her. Your third question, sir. Question : I wrote to her, and no one answered, just for your information. Spokesman : Okay, But we'll make sure they do. Question : Her office did not transfer me. My last question, the killing of Palestinians and these atrocities committed is becoming no news. For example, today, six Palestinians were killed in West Bank by a drone. A hospital, the only hospital functioning in the north, which is Kamal Adwan, was stormed, and they arrested all the men who are working, doctors, nurses, and the third, as you just mentioned, a shelter owned by UNRWA completely was destroyed. So these developments are becoming no news, no one talks about it. No statement. No comments from Wennesland. Spokesman : I mean, Abdelhamid. Abdelhamid with respect, journalist decide, you know, every journalist will make an informed decision about what is news and not news. It has not stopped us from speaking about the situation in Gaza. We speak about it every day. We keep it, it is usually in the top of my briefing every day. We also speak about all the other horrific things that are going on in the world. But what is news and not news is up to journalists to decide. Mushfiq. Question : Thank you, Stephane. Six leading international human rights organizations, including Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and ICAED, urged the international community to stand for the protection of fundamental rights in Bangladesh, as the regime makes the whole country in prison ahead of the so-called election. May I ask what steps the UN is taking to rescue the fundamental rights and voting rights in Bangladesh? Spokesman : I mean, we continue to engage on this issue and continue to call for the organization of free and fair elections in which every Bangladeshi can vote, free of intimidation, or free of any repercussions. Question : One more if I may. Spokesman : Yes, sir. Question : On labour rights. Amnesty International issued a separate statement for the labour rights. As you know, the Government's workers are struggling for their minimum wages, whereas the Government is attacking, and they are not getting their payment. So, what... Spokesman : I haven't, I would encourage you to check with our colleagues at the International Labour Organization. Maryam. Question : Hi Steph, thank you. I have a question regarding Afghanistan. As you know, the DSG Amina Mohammed met with some Afghan women's rights activists yesterday here at the UN. Would you be able to give us some details on that meeting, what did they talk about, was it about the assessment report? I know that some civil rights activists, women's rights activists are worried about the assessment report and also, Kristen asked you this question yesterday, but I would like to just raise it one more time. There has been, like, three meetings behind closed doors after the assessment report was published. Do you think that asking people, especially asking women and girls, who are living and who currently deserve to actually know what is going on and how their faith is being decided for them, is there going to be a meeting that they would know that what is being discussed regarding the assessment report and future plans and probably, the start of the talks with the Taliban. Can you give us something on that? Spokesman : Sure. On your second question, we are always for more transparency, and I think that more transparency in the work of the legislative bodies of this organization helps with the credibility. The choice of format of meetings is one decided upon by a Member State. So I would encourage you to ask the presidency of the council for the reasoning behind that. On your first question, as you know, the issue of Afghanistan, especially Afghan women, is near and dear to the Deputy Secretary-General's heart. Do you remember she went there with Sima Bahous. But as usual, you know more than I do because I didn't know she had that meeting. So let me check what I can find out for you. And on that note, I will leave you with Monica. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UPDATING LIVE: UN General Assembly votes by large majority for immediate humanitarian ceasefire during emergency session 12 December 2023 - The UN General Assembly met on Tuesday afternoon in Emergency Special Session on the decades long Israel-Palestine conflict and as the ongoing crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Member States adopted a resolution, demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as "ensuring humanitarian access". It passed with a large majority of 153 in favour and 10 against, with 23 abstentions. The resolution also reiterated the General Assembly's demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, "notably with regard to the protection of civilians". Prior to the resolution, two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas were voted down by members. 6:16 PM The acting President of the General Assembly adjourned the meeting. The session will reconvene at 3 PM (New York time) on Friday, 15 December, with the Assembly resuming its debate. 4:30 PM Delegations are now speaking in explanation of their votes, after the vote. 4:26 PM Resolution adopted The vote on the main resolution is as follows: For: 153 Against: 10 Abstaining: 23 The resolution has passed by a large majority, securing the needed two-thirds of members. Widespread applause rings out around the General Assembly Hall. Text of the adopted resolution Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations The General Assembly, Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Recalling its resolutions regarding the question of Palestine, Recalling also all relevant Security Council resolutions, Taking note of the letter dated 6 December 2023 from the Secretary-General, under Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations, addressed to the President of the Security Council, Taking note also of the letter dated 7 December 2023 from the CommissionerGeneral of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East addressed to the President of the General Assembly, Expressing grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizing that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law, 1. Demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; 2. Reiterates its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians; 3. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access; 4. Decides to adjourn the tenth emergency special session temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from Member States. 4:24 PM Amendments fail to pass The second draft amendment from the US sees 84 in favour, 62 against and 25 abstaining. Again, the amendment fails. 4:22 PM The first draft amendment has secured 89 for, 61 against and 20 abstentions. This means the Austrian amendment fails under the two-thirds rule. 4:20 PM A two-thirds majority is required for an adoption of the resolution. The voting process is about to begin, and that rule applies to the amendments as well, explains General Assembly President Francis. 4:08 PM Israel's Permanent Representative, Gilad Erdan, said that the General Assembly finds itself "about to vote on another hypocritical resolution." "Not only does this resolution fail to condemn Hamas for crimes against humanity, it does not mention Hamas at all. This will only prolong the death and destruction in the region, that is precisely what a ceasefire means," he said. He added that the only intention of Hamas is to destroy Israel and that the group has declared that it will repeat its atrocities again and again until Israel ceases to exist. "So why would anyone want to aid Hamas in continuing their rule of terror and actualizing their satanic agenda?", he asked. "We all know that the so call humanitarian ceasefire in this resolution has nothing to do with humanity. Israel is already taking every measure to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza," he added. He underscored the need to hold Hamas accountable. He said a ceasefire means one thing only - "the survival of Hamas." "I honestly don't know how can someone look in the mirror and support a resolution that does not condemn Hamas and does not even mention Hamas by name," he said, urging all Member States to vote against the resolution. 3:55 PM Munir Akram, Pakistan's ambassador, explaining his country's position before the votes, said he was confident the "vast majority" of the UN membership would vote for the resolution. He said it was a matter of "deep regret, that some friends of Israel have introduced amendments to once again condemn only one side but exonerate the other." He said he was confident that most Members will not agree to place blame only on Hamas, but blame Israel for their role in the bombardment of the "open air prison" that is Gaza. Following the pause, projectiles of death have rained down on Gaza from Israel's war machine he said. "This is a war against the Palestinian people", he said. "Israel's goal is to erase not only a people but the entire idea of Palestine. It's campaign is a carbon copy of the massive campaigns of racial slaughter by other settler colonial regimes in history", he added. 3:43 PM US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, introducing the US amendment, said that it was yet another resolution that failed to condemn Hamas. "Our goal must be to stop the death the devastation and the destruction for the long-term and that is simply not a future Hamas wants to see", she said. Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said the US is working towards a "sustainable peace," and that the country agrees with some aspects of the resolution. "We agree that the humanitarian situation is dire, that it requires urgent and sustained attention...that civilians must be protected, consistent with international humanitarian law." The ambassador urged all states to support the Austrian amendment, and to "speak with one voice" to condemn Hamas for its terrorist actions on 7 October: "why is that so hard?" she asked. On the subject of reported sexual violence committed by Hamas during and after the attacks, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said that the US supports an immediate investigation into the allegations. She went to declare that US diplomacy had made the recent, week-long humanitarian pause possible, and that the country's engagement with Egypt and Qatar had made hostage release possible. 3: 34 PM Austria's ambassador Alexander Marshik said his country "has thoroughly considered the draft resolution before us today," welcoming the text explicitly demanding the release of all hostages and demanding humanitarian access. He called on delegates to accept their short amendment, which cites the role of Hamas in instigating the latest escalation of violence. "This resolution falls short in many ways, including the right of Israel to ensure its citizens are safe and naming the terrorist group in taking of hostages," he said. He said that if the UN Security Council was able to name the extremist group Hamas in a resolution that was adopted, the UN General Assembly "should also have the courage to do the same. We therefore ask all of you to support the amendment. 3:22 PM Egypt's ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, said the resolution was "very simple, clear and explicit", and long overdue. "It only includes four operational paragraphs ...however, the implementation of these paragraphs are yet to happen, even though the tragic humanitarian situation is unbearable for the Palestinians," he said. He noted the destruction of the health and humanitarian support system in Gaza, and recalled the letter by the UNRWA Commissioner-General highlighting the dire situation in the enclave. "The adoption and implementation of [this resolution] which is specifically calling for a ceasefire is the only guarantee for saving innocent civilians," the Ambassador said. "The Arab group stresses that the efforts by a minority of States standing against international public opinion" were based on the concept that Israel has a right to defend itself, But he added that as the occupying power, Israel does not have that right, under international law, claiming a "despicable" case of "double standards", related to Palestinians. War crimes against Palestinians needed to be addressed, he said. He said genocide was being used as a tool of war in the case of Palestine, and it left unchecked it would damage the credibility of the whole UN. 3:10 PM 'One singular priority': Assembly President Declaring the 10th Emergency Special Session open once more, Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted the new request to meet once again in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mr. Francis opened his statement, saying there was now "an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems and profound disrespect for international law and international humanitarian law" being shown by combatants. Even war has rules and we must not deviate from core principles and values, he said. Almost 70 per cent of the dead are women and children, he said. He said the world was witnessing an "unprecedented collapse" of a humanitarian system "in real time". The UN must bring an immediate end to the suffering of civilians, he insisted. It is high time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, he said. Assembly President Francis underscored the urgency to bring to an end the suffering of innocent civilians. He reiterated the demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "We have one singular priority - only one - to save lives," he stressed. "Stop this violence now", he said. 3:07 PM Meeting called to order The President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis is in his seat just above the iconic podium and has just gavelled the meeting to order. 3:05 PM The UN General Assembly Hall is filling up with delegates, eagerly anticipating this latest emergency meeting of the world body in New York on the Gaza crisis. 1:40 PM So far there are 21 co-sponsors of the resolution and two amendments tabled. Some 79 speakers are scheduled to address the Assembly so far and the session is expected to continue beyond this evening. The General Assembly meeting comes on the heels of the latest Security Council meeting on Friday which failed to adopt a similar resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unconditional release of hostages as well as humanitarian access. That resolution was not adopted owing to a negative vote by a permanent member - United States, 13 Council members voted in favour and the United Kingdom abstained. The Security Council's emergency meeting was convened followed the Secretary-General's invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter - one of the most powerful tools at his disposal - urging the body to help end carnage in the war-battered enclave. The draft resolution is due to be voted on by the 193-member body, as well as amendments proposed by Austria and the US, respectively. According to latest information, Egypt is slated to introduce the draft, which has been sponsored by Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and State of Palestine. The draft resolution The draft resolution in front of the Assembly this afternoon has some notable differences from the one vetoed by the US in the Council on Friday. The draft takes note of a 7 December letter from the UNRWA Commissioner General addressed to the President of the General Assembly. In that letter, Philippe Lazzarini warned that the agency's ability to implement its mandate in Gaza is "severely limited" and that the primary platform for humanitarian assistance to over 2.2 million people in the enclave is "on the verge of collapse". The draft also refers to previous resolutions regarding the Question of Palestine as well as the relevant Security Council resolutions on the topic. It also authorizes the President of the General Assembly to resume the emergency special session, after its temporary adjournment at the end of the latest deliberations. The key points in common, include an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; demanding that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably regarding protection of civilians; and a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. The amendments Austria has proposed an amendment, that inserts the phrase, "held by Hamas and other groups" in relation to the hostages still being held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, as well as inserting the word "immediate" in reference to ensuring humanitarian access. The US amendment reflects its continued point of contention regarding Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist group, calling for wording to be inserted "unequivocally" rejecting and condemning "the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages" as the first operative paragraph. Not binding, but influential Resolutions by the General Assembly, though not legally binding on nations, do carry immense moral weight, representing the collective resolve of the UN membership on a matter of grave importance. These resolutions also lead to key legal frameworks and standards, such as the over 60 human rights instruments underpinning the international rights regime, which emanate from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1948, and by itself is not binding. Emergency session The session today is a continuation of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly that last met on 26 October amid the present crisis in Gaza, during which it adopted a resolution on the crisis, calling for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities." Check out our coverage here At the end of that meeting, the Assembly decided to adjourn the session temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly to resume its meeting upon request from Member States. The emergency special session is convened pursuant to the Assembly's 1950 landmark "Uniting for Peace" resolution, under which the body can convene an "emergency special session" within 24 hours, should the Security Council "fail to exercise its primary responsibility" for the maintenance of international peace and security. The session convened for the first time in April 1997, following a request from Qatar. It followed a series of Security Council and General Assembly meetings regarding the Israeli decision to build a large housing project in an area of East Jerusalem. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #50 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem Information is valid as of 11 December 2023 at 22:30 (local time) UNRWA 12 Dec 2023 Information is valid as of 11 December 2023 at 22:30 (local time) Day 66 of Hostilities Key Points The Gaza Strip On 11 December, several Security Council representatives travelled to the Egyptian side of the Rafah Crossing, the only open entry point into the Gaza Strip since 7 October. UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, briefed the delegation about the situation in the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian response. He then crossed the border (without the delegation) into Gaza. As of 11 December, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is 134. Since 7 October, up to 1.9 million people (or over 85 per cent of the population) have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times. Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. (or over 85 per cent of the population) have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times. Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. As of 11 December, nearly 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) were sheltering in 155 UNRWA facilities across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, including in the North and Gaza City. UNRWA shelter information is updated daily to the extent possible; the information for north Gaza and Gaza City was last updated 12 October due to access constraints and security situation. were sheltering in across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, including in the North and Gaza City. UNRWA shelter information is updated daily to the extent possible; the information for north Gaza and Gaza City was last updated 12 October due to access constraints and security situation. More than 1.1 million IDPs are sheltering in 98 UNRWA facilities in the Middle, Khan Younis and Rafah areas. Overall Situation The Gaza Strip According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, between 7 October and the afternoon of 11 December, 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent of whom are reported to be women and children, and over 49,645 have reportedly been injured. The West Bank According to OCHA, 265 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) in the West Bank, including 69 children. In addition, eight Palestinians, including one child, have been killed by Israeli settlers. Humanitarian Access, Protection of Civilians The Gaza Strip UNRWA is verifying reports of incidents affecting UNRWA facilities on 11 December. On 10 December the following incidents have been reported impacting UNRWA installations and the IDPs sheltering there . UNRWA is verifying reports. Initial reports indicate that in an incident at one school in Beit Lahiya at least one IDP was killed and at least 20 more were injured, while the rest of the 6,000 IDPs sheltering there were reportedly forced to evacuate. Men were forced to strip down to their underwear and they were detained. Israeli Forces reportedly set the school on fire ; . UNRWA is verifying reports. Initial reports indicate that in an incident at one school in Beit Lahiya at least one IDP was killed and at least 20 more were injured, Men were forced to strip down to their underwear and they were detained. ; At a training centre in Khan Younis an IDP was injured by a bullet; and two health centres in Jabalia were impacted - in one, IDPs suffered from smoke inhalation; and at the other, hosting around 7,000 people, two people were reportedly shot outside the facilities when they attempted to leave the shelter, which was directly struck multiple times. 154 incidents impacting UNRWA premises and the people inside them have been reported since the beginning of the hostilities (some with multiple incidents impacting the same location), including at least 12 incidents of military use and/or interference at UNRWA premises. 43 different UNRWA installations were directly hit and 60 different installations sustained collateral damage. and the people inside them have been reported since the beginning of the hostilities (some with multiple incidents impacting the same location), including at least 12 incidents of military use and/or interference at UNRWA premises. 43 different UNRWA installations were directly hit and 60 different installations sustained collateral damage. UNRWA estimates that in total at least 287 internally displaced people (IDPs) sheltering in UNRWA shelters have been killed and at least 997 injured since the start of the hostilities. UNRWA is verifying the number of casualties caused by incidents that impacted its installations, and notes that these figures do not include some reported casualties where the number of injuries could not be determined. UNRWA Response The Gaza Strip UNRWA Shelters In total, nearly 1.3 million displaced people are now sheltering in 155 UNRWA installations. The average number of IDPs in UNRWA shelters located in middle and southern areas is 11,480, more than four times their capacity. Health Eight (out of 22) UNRWA health centres are still operational in the Middle and Southern areas, recording 9,487 patients visits on 10 December, including Palestine Refugees and non-refugees. including Palestine Refugees and non-refugees. Midwives are providing care for post-natal and high-risk pregnant women at the eight operational health centres. There are an estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with more than 180 giving birth every day. A total of 121 post-natal and high-risk pregnancy cases were attended to at health centres. UNRWA continued to provide health care to IDPs at shelters through 97 medical teams. 446 health workers attended to a total of 14,008 patients. Each team is composed of 1-2 doctors and a nurse. Psychosocial support (PSS) On December 11 , a total of 697 individual PSS consultations were conducted in Rafah and Khan Younis. UNRWA teams provided psychosocial first aid and other specialized protection services to IDPs. Since 7 October, 99,223 IDPs people have been reached. , a total of consultations were conducted in Rafah and Khan Younis. UNRWA teams provided psychosocial first aid and other specialized protection services to IDPs. Psychosocial support (PSS) efforts continued to be delivered in UNRWA shelters by a team of 284 school counselors reaching 40,124 IDPs in shelters. Food Security UNRWA continued to distribute flour outside of shelters in southern governorates. A total of 74,947 families have been reached so far. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) On 11 December, UNRWA continued to operate nine water wells pumping about 10,000 cubic meters to provide potable and domestic water. Potable water trucking operations to the shelters in Rafah and Khan Younis areas continue. Potable water trucking operations to the shelters in Rafah and Khan Younis areas continue. Shelters in Rafah and the Middle areas continued to receive potable water through tankers from the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. Overcrowding continues to put stress on IDP shelter sanitation services. Solid waste management services continue in Rafah, Khan Younis and Middle Area camps with approximately 60 loadings transferred to temporary dumping sites. Quote from Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza "We are essentially starved of the resources that we need to provide for people." HearTheirVoices ENDs - NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Arleigh Burke Arrives in Souda Bay US Navy 12 December 2023 From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs SOUDA BAY, Crete -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), currently assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), arrived in Souda Bay, Crete, for a regularly scheduled port visit December 10, 2023. The port visit provides a chance to further strengthen the United States' partnership with its NATO ally, Greece, and demonstrates the U.S.' commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe, while allowing Arleigh Burke's Sailors to experience the rich history and culture of Greece. "Opportunities for port visits in Souda Bay are always enjoyed by the hard working sailors of Arleigh Burke," said Cdr. Tyrchra Bowman, Arleigh Burke's commanding officer. "Greece has played a crucial role in the NATO alliance since 1952 in maintaining collective security throughout the region. My team and I look forward to opportunities to train and continue to strengthen our maritime partnership together, as well as the opportunity to learn more about local history and culture." Arleigh Burke's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee has organized tours of several cultural sites, including the CretAquarium, a hiking trip through the Gorge of Imbros, and Knossos Palace. "Crete looks amazing and I am grateful to work with the MWR team from Souda Bay to provide an opportunity for our crew to take advantage of their tours," said Sonar Technician 1st Class and MWR President Mauricio Mares. "I look forward to sampling the local cuisine." The port visit also provides an opportunity for the crew to conduct short term maintenance after a month-long underway period throughout the Mediterranean. CSG-12, Gerald R. Ford CSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. Arleigh Burke is homeported in Rota, Spain, and currently operating with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). The GRFCSG is comprised of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pacific Partnership 24-1 Kicks off Third Mission Stop in Micronesia US Navy 12 December 2023 From Ensign Lacy Burkett Pacific Partnership 24-1 has kicked off its third mission stop in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 12. This mission stop will host a fly-in only team of 76 Pacific Partnership 24-1 (PP 24-1) personnel. Due to the size of USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), the ship was unable to anchor off the coast of Pohnpei. The fly-in team will have PP24-1 medical, U.S. Pacific Fleet band, and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief members serving in Pohnpei. The arrival of the team marks the next phase of the PP 24-1 mission that will enable participants, including U.S. and Pohnpei, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships. Pacific Partnership was last in Pohnpei in 2015 aboard Military Sealift Command's Joint High Speed Vessel, USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3). "I would like to thank the government of Micronesia for inviting Pacific Partnership to your country," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark A. Melson, Commander, Task Force 73 and executive agent for this year's mission. "It is a true testament of our enduring bonds of friendship and shared vision of a stronger Indo-Pacific. We at the Pacific Partnership team are honored to work alongside you in making that vision a reality." At the invitation of host nations, the Pacific Partnership's mission partners conduct tailored humanitarian civic action preparedness activities in areas such as disaster response, public health, and host nation outreach events. Pacific Partnership's medical team, working with the Pohnpei Department of Health, will provide tailored medical care focusing on surgical care, training for first responders, clinical care, subject-matter exchanges, and community education. The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will be holding community outreach concerts at local schools throughout Pohnpei, as well as a public concert at Pohnpei State Gym on Friday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. "We greatly appreciate the service of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces participating in Pacific Partnership 2024," said U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Johnson, ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. "Pacific Partnership 2024 builds on our people-to-people ties with the citizens of the FSM and expands our deep and enduring partnership in the islands." Pacific Partnership focuses on multiple lines of effort to help build resilience and host nation capacity to support essential humanitarian services. This year's mission will also feature nearly 1,500 personnel from allies and partner nations including Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand. Born out of the devastation brought by the December 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world's most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill of this operation, the U.S. helped spearhead the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. For more information about Pacific Partnership visit www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership, www.instagram.com/pacific_partnership/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Del Toro Delivers Remarks at the Association of Old Crows' 60th Annual International Symposium US Navy Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center - Oxen Hill, MD Speech by Carlos Del Toro Presented on 12 December 2023 Date Published 12 December 2023 Good morning, everyone! Thank you, Captain Hinkley, for the introduction, and for inviting me to be a part of the Association of Old Crows' 60th Annual International Symposium. I have a warm spot in my heart for the Old Crows. What many of you also might not know is that Brian and I are both members of the United States Naval Academy's Great Class of 1983 and served together on active duty for 22 years after our graduation. From his time in the air as an electronics countermeasures officer, participating in combat operations over Libya, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Afghanistan, to on the ground as the commander of Joint CREW Composite Squadron-1 in Iraq countering the IED threat, Brian's 27 years of active duty service are a testament not only to his loyal devotion to our nation, but to the importance we place in being able to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum. And as we continue on throughout the 21st centuryan era defined by strategic competition and the acceleration of technology at a rapid paceit is imperative that weour naval services, our Joint Force, and indeed our Nationrecognize that operations in the electromagnetic spectrum can be just as decisive as actions taken on, above, or below the ocean's surface. Our National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy put forth by President Biden and Secretary of Defense Austin, respectively, outline the challenges we face as a nation and as a military, alongside our international allies and partners, and that list is not short. The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, with an air of uncertainty as to what the future holds. In Europe, we continue to bear witness to Russia's unprovoked invasion in Ukraine, violating their territorial and national sovereignty. This conflict has pushed us into a new era of war, utilizing large quantities of unmanned aerial systems that are capable of delivering kinetic effects against an opposing force. In response, we have seen a race to develop and field electronic warfare systems that are capable of defending against this threat from the sky and space. What's more, early in Russia's invasion, we saw them leverage their electronic warfare capabilities in an effort to deny the Ukrainians use of Starlinkan episode that demonstrated the resiliency of a commercial company to counter a nation-state's actions directed at disrupting access to space-based resources. For the U.S. and our NATO allies, the conflict in Ukraine reinforces the emphasis we place on developing and maintaining a ready, interoperable combat power that is capable of fighting in contested environments, including the electromagnetic spectrum. In the Middle East, we continue to see the spillover of Hamas's attacks against Israel on October 7th including continued attacks against American personnel stationed throughout the region and the targeting of commercial shippingeither by piracy or missiles launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. Over the past two months, USS Thomas Hudner and USS Carney have intercepted missiles and drones launched from Yemen towards Israel, with interceptions queued and supported by our systems that leverage the electromagnetic spectrum for early warning, identification and tracking. And in the Indo-Pacific, the People's Republic of China remains the pacing challenge for our Department of Defense. Beyond the rapid modernization of its conventional forces, the People's Liberation Army is also pursuing a strategy to develop, test, field, and integrate space, counter-space, cyber, electronic, and information warfare capabilities, posing potential challenges to how we operate across the spectrum. As discussed in the Department of Defense's "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China" report published this time last year, the PRC's electronic warfare strategy emphasizes the suppression, degradation, or deception of enemy electronic equipment across the entire continuum of conflict. Their EW-focused units routinely train to conduct jamming and anti-jamming activities against communications and RADAR systems, as well as GPS during force-on-force exercises. Given the focus and emphasis that nations around the globe are putting on developing capabilities and technologies to enable their militaries to successfully maneuver across the E-M spectrum, it is imperative that we, in concert with our allies and partners, remain committed to prioritizing our warfighters' freedom of action and ability to achieve spectrum superiority. In the Department of the Navy, we utilize the electromagnetic spectrum across all domains for a number of operationsfrom how we communicate, how we navigate, how we fight, and most importantly, how we keep our Sailors and Marines safe. We recognize that electromagnetic spectrum operations, in particular electronic warfare, with any potential or actual adversary, is a constant series of moves and countermoves to develop strategic, operational, and tactical advantages in the battlespace. Every day, our Sailors, Marines, and civilians focused on our electromagnetic posturefrom policy, research, development, testing, evaluating, and fielding of new capabilities, and operationsare working to improve and develop our warfighting advantages across the EMS. Our Department's actions and investments in the electromagnetic spectrum are closely aligned to our three enduring priorities that I outlined at the beginning of my tenure as the 78th Secretary of the Navy. They areStrengthening Maritime Dominance, Building a Culture of Warfighting Excellence, and Enhancing Strategic Partnerships. We continue making significant investments through several acquisitions programs to ensure our Sailors and Marines have the capabilities they require to successfully deliver effects in the electromagnetic spectrum. In aviation, we are focusing on the development and deployment of game-changing upgrades to our EA-18G Growler fleetthe world's premier electronic attack platform. The Growlers play a critical role in jamming RADAR and communication signals of adversary forces, hindering their ability to detect, track, and target US and allied platforms and personnel. In coordination with industry, the Growler Capability Modification program is underway, representing the first major upgrade to the capabilities of this key aircraft in 15 years, and will keep our Growlers tactically relevant well into the next decade. Major improvements under the GCM include the integration of advanced datalinks and the Next Generation Jammera joint cooperative program between the U.S. and Australia that allows for the sharing of technologies that further the airborne electronic capabilities of both our Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. At sea, we are upgrading our surface fleet's EW posture through the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program. Through SEWIP's three blocks, we are providing our Sailors with enhanced anti-ship missile defense, counter-targeting, counter-surveillance, electronic support, and electronic attack capabilities provided by the AN/SLQ-32 a system that I came to fully appreciate during my two decades as a Surface Warfare Officer. In the Marine Corps, we are aligning our program investments in EW capabilities to support their transformational Force Design initiative. As Lieutenant General Glavy highlighted yesterday, the Marine Corps is our Nation's Stand-In Force, and we are developing the systems and platforms necessary to ensure our Marines are capable, lethal, and agile in a distributed environment. From the Ground/Air Task Oriented RadarGATORto the F-35B Lightning II, these platforms enable our Marines to sense our adversaries, and share information across the Joint Force, providing enhanced battlespace awareness to inform commanders' decisions. We also remain focused on developing countermeasures to keep our Sailors and Marines safe. One example is the Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure systema Marine Corps Program of Record leveraging technology developed by our Office of Naval Researchthat provides an inexhaustible infrared countermeasure capability to our Navy and Marine Corps rotary aircraft and allows our aircrews to detect and evade hostile fire. While these are just a few of the many acquisitions programs we have focused on EW and EMS operations, we recognize that these projects take time to develop, test, adopt, and field. As part of our Department's aim to "innovate at the speed of relevancy," several recently established organizationsincluding the Naval Innovation Center, Marine Innovation Unit, Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory's Rapid Capabilities Office, and NavalXall of which complement our already established naval innovation ecosystem, are engaging with industry to find commercial solutions to our Fleet and our Force's critical capability gaps, including those in the electromagnetic spectrum. Last month, we engaged with members of industry during our 3rd Annual Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Virtual Tools Symposium, hosted by the DON Chief Information Officer Spectrum team. During this three-day event, over 200 participants from the federal government, industry, and academia came together to observe a variety of spectrum analysis and management tools, all designed to accommodate an increasingly shared EMS environment. To the members of industry in the audience today, I ask that as you develop new technologies and capabilities, you consider what their potential naval applications areand reach out to one of the organizations or attend our industry-focused events to see if there is an opportunity for you to contribute to bolstering our Department's posture in the electromagnetic spectrum, directly supporting our deployed Sailors and Marines. I also ask that you help us recruit more small business into our Naval marketplace, as they bring a wealth of talent, technologies, and services that are crucial to advancing the warfighting capabilities of our maritime services. To operate these advanced platforms and systems, and to arm our Sailors and Marines with the skills necessary to be effective electromagnetic spectrum operators, we are laser-focused on providing the right training to develop and advance the EMS workforce our Department needs, both at-sea and ashore. At the Fleet and Force level, we are constantly evaluating our courses of instruction and training environments for our personnel, ensuring these efforts accurately reflect the global threat environment. One effort we are particularly proud of is the Information Warfare Community's Weapons and Tactics Instructor program, led by the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center. To-date, NIWDC has produced 131 W-T-Is focused on command, control, and cyberspace operations as well as electronic warfare, with patch-wearers throughout the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Our WTIs serve as one of our primary mechanisms in achieving superiority in the EMSsupporting exercises, developing doctrine, and bridging the gap between the technical and tactical sides of warfighting development and operations. In the Marine Corps, the Program Manager for Training Systems is in the process of creating an Electronic Warfare Ground Instrumented Range. This effort will provide our Marines with realistic training in an RF-jammed and GPS-spoofed training environment, enhancing their ability to fight when their access to the electromagnetic spectrum is degraded or denied. We are also focused on recruiting our next generation of scientists and researchers. Through our Office of Naval Research, we are leveraging grants, scholarships, apprenticeships, and internships to recruit and retain talented researchers and scientists from across our nation to support our basic science and technology research efforts, including fields of study relevant to developing our next generation of capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum. Beyond developing our capabilities to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum and providing training to our personnel, we are working closely with several international allies and partners around the world. Pillar II of the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is focused on the co-development of advanced capabilities across several focus areas, including cyber capabilities to protect critical communications and operations systems and working together to share tools, techniques, and technologies that will enable our three nations to operate together in contested and degraded electromagnetic spectrum environments. As part of this commitment to co-developing EW-focused capabilities, last week Secretary of Defense Austin, alongside Australian and British defense representatives, announced the launch of the first trilateral innovation prize challenge during their visit to Defense Innovation Unit, which is set to begin in early 2024 with a focus on electronic warfare. This prize challenge builds on a long-standing relationship between our nations, with decades of successful joint program developments. One maritime-focused success story of our defense partnership is Nulkaour anti-ship cruise missile EW decoy. Based on a common threat and desire to share costs, we came together in 1986 to develop this capability to defend both of our fleets, with the US responsible for payload development, while Australia was responsible for flight vehicle and initial launch system development, vehicle/payload integration, and common elements of the launch control software. This collaborative effort continues today, and we are pleased that, through the recently renewed memorandum of understanding, our partnership on Nulka will continue through 2037. Beyond international partnerships on capability and technology development, we are engaging with several nations at international forums regarding spectrum governance and management. As we gather here today, DON representatives are attending the International Telecommunications Union World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai, representing our equities at a forum where members are deciding on critical issues on international spectrum use that directly affect our national and international operations. We are committed to working with our international partners to ensure that the electromagnetic spectrum is allocated in a manner that allows for industry innovation and commercial use while preserving our ability to support our national security objectives. With the rapid pace of technological change, we find ourselves sharing key parts of spectrum bandwidth with civil and commercial users, causing congestion in the electromagnetic spectrum and constraining our use. To better manage our nation's approach to spectrum management, last month President Biden released our National Spectrum Strategy, outlining further steps to strengthen interagency coordination, promote innovation, and ensure efficient spectrum use. This strategy rightly recognizes that the electromagnetic spectrum is a national resource that is essential to our everyday life, but also needs careful management to sustain American innovation and security. As a stakeholder in the spectrum, we are taking several steps to support the President's strategy to ensure our DON and DOD equities and concerns are well-represented. Our department's Chief Information Officer, Ms. Jane Rathbun, recently convened a DON Senior Spectrum Leadership Summit, bringing together senior representatives from the Navy and Marine Corps to establish an ongoing partnership to identify future DON spectrum requirements. This will allow us to determine how best to leverage technology advances that will enhance our capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum and enable improved sharing of this scarce resourcewhile also protecting bandwidths critical to our operations. One of the outcomes of that summit was the establishment of a task force to increase coordination across our naval servicesincluding the Coast Guardin achieving those goals and communicating our requirements jointly and effectively. Additionally, we are working towards establishing a department-wide electromagnetic spectrum governance structure that will allow for effective oversight of our resources and requirements, enhancing our ability to advocate for our positions in support of the President's guidance for spectrum sharing. The electromagnetic spectrum is indeed a critical resource, with over 95% U.S. spectrum shared by government and commercial users. Our current and future multi-domain operations depend on our ability to maintain superiority within the EMS environment, and we are committed to pursuing policies, acquisition programs, recruiting and training initiatives, and international partnerships and programs that will provide our Sailors and Marines with the capabilities and skillsets required to defend our nation. Again, it is a pleasure to be here with you this morning. Thank you all for your advocacy and commitment to advancing our collective interests in the electromagnetic spectrum. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International Community Overwhelmingly Demands Gaza Cease-fire By Margaret Besheer December 12, 2023 The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to demand an immediate humanitarian cease-fire between Hamas and Israel and the unconditional release of hostages held by the terror group and its allies. On a vote of 153 nations in favor and 10 against, the assembly approved a resolution demanding "an immediate humanitarian cease-fire," as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and assurances of aid access to Gaza. "Today was an historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly," an elated Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy, told reporters. "And it is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives." More than 100 countries co-sponsored the text, which was drafted by a group of Arab and Muslim countries and was essentially identical to the one the United States vetoed Friday in the powerful 15-nation Security Council. Washington tried to get an amendment included in the assembly's text that rejected Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack and the taking of hostages. It was voted down. So was another amendment proposed by Austria that wanted "held by Hamas and other groups" included before the word "hostages." The U.S. and Austria were among the 10 nations that voted against the draft resolution. Israel, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay rounded out the group. "No piece of paper, especially one that is adopted by a biased, politicized majority, will prevent Israel from defending itself against those that seek our destruction," Israel's U.N. ambassador Gilad Erdan told the meeting. "Israel is fighting a war for her future!" In October, the General Assembly adopted another resolution calling for a humanitarian truce and aid access to Gaza. It received 121 votes in favor and 14 against. International support has grown significantly for a cease-fire, as the death toll for Palestinians has climbed to more than 18,000 people, mostly women and children, in just over two months of fighting. Nearly 2 million displaced Palestinians are living in deplorable conditions. About a hundred protesters calling for a cease-fire gathered outside the United Nations during the meeting, including Orthodox Jews and people with Palestinian flags. Following Hamas' terror attack inside Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted to Gaza as hostages, and Israel's ensuing war on Hamas' territory in the Gaza Strip, the U.N. Security Council has failed to take decisive action to stop the bloodshed, leaving the General Assembly to step in. Israel, US largely alone Israel has rejected growing international criticism for how it is prosecuting its war and said a cease-fire would only benefit terrorists. "A cease-fire means one thing and one thing only: ensuring the survival of Hamas," Erdan said. The United States, which has stood firmly by its ally, has expressed reservations about the growing Palestinian death toll and humanitarian crisis. "We have made it clear to the Israelis, and they are aware that ... the safety of innocent Palestinians is still a great concern," President Joe Biden said at a press conference Tuesday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House. "And so, the actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, etc." Speaking in front of Democratic campaign donors for his 2024 reelection bid earlier Tuesday, Biden said Israel is starting to lose support around the world. "He's [Netanyahu] a good friend, but I think he has to change. ... This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move," Biden told campaign donors at an off-camera fundraiser, according to a White House transcript. At the United Nations, U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said how Israel defends itself matters. "Israel must avoid mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza," she said. "It must ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance to those who have fled violence. And it must allow civilians in Gaza to return home as soon as conditions allow. We will continue to press, at the highest levels, for this, and for the protection of civilians as Israel pursues legitimate military objectives." Mansour said he hoped Washington would recognize the rising voices from the global street calling for a cease-fire and use its influence very soon to persuade Israel to stop its war. "I don't think that the U.S. administration is capable of continuing to ignore this massive power, and it was culminated in the General Assembly resolution this afternoon," he told reporters. A growing frustration with the United States was evident among several countries, with many talking about "double standards" and indirectly referring to Washington. "We cannot proclaim the importance of international law and the importance of the U.N. Charter in some situations and not in others, as if the rule of law only applies to a select few," said South African Ambassador Mathu Joyini, whose country supported the resolution. "For international law and our moral obligations to be credible, it should be uniformly applied and not be selective." Pakistan's envoy decried U.S. and Austrian efforts to amend the text to blame Hamas, saying that would be one-sided, considering the mass deaths of Palestinian civilians. "Is this any form of legitimate self-defense when you can kill 18,000 civilians with impunity and enjoy the protection in the Security Council against the action?" Munir Akram asked, implicitly pointing to the United States as Israel's protector in the council. Egypt's envoy said some countries call for stopping wars and aggression and attacks on civilians and for respecting international law, but only in specific cases. "However, and unfortunately and shamelessly, they turn their back to these calls in other situations," said Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek. "Especially when they are related to Palestinians and their right to live in security on their territory, their independent state, to stop the war crimes against Palestinians." The General Assembly's resolutions are not legally binding like the Security Council's. Tuesday's move will add to the international pressure on Israel and the U.S., but it is unlikely to dramatically de-escalate the situation. VOA's White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Isolated Internationally on Gaza, Biden Delivers Rebuke to Netanyahu By Patsy Widakuswara December 12, 2023 In a sign that the United States is getting increasingly concerned over the scale of civilian casualties from Israel's military campaign in Gaza, President Joe Biden delivered a public rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, even as he maintains staunch support for Israel. "We have made it clear to the Israelis, and they are aware that ... the safety of innocent Palestinians is still a great concern. And so, the actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, etc.," Biden said at a press conference during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House. Zelenskyy is in the U.S. to lobby for military and economic aid for his country's fight against Russia's invasion. Aid to Ukraine and Israel are being blocked by Republican lawmakers who are demanding concessions on U.S. immigration policy. Biden has grown more vocal with his public criticism of Israel's military campaign which is now in its third month. Speaking off-camera to Democratic donors for his 2024 reelection bid earlier Tuesday, Biden said Israel is starting to lose support around the world because of its "indiscriminate bombings," according to a White House transcript of the event. Biden's comment stands in contrast to those of White House officials who say Israel has taken measures to make their strikes more targeted to avoid civilian deaths. "He's [Netanyahu] a good friend, but I think he has to change. ... This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move," Biden said. The president singled out Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right national security minister. "Ben-Gvir and company and the new folks, they don't want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution," he said. "They not only want to have retribution, which they should for what the Palestinians Hamas did, but against all Palestinians." He suggested Netanyahu will need to empower the Palestinian Authority to become a partner in the peace process toward the two-state solution, which Israeli hard-liners oppose. "You cannot say there's no Palestinian state at all in the future. And that's going to be the hard part," Biden said, even as he underscored that the U.S. will not do "a damn thing other than protect Israel in the process." Biden said national security adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to the region this week and meet with the Israeli war Cabinet to emphasize U.S. commitment to Israel, as well as the need to protect civilian life and ensure more humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also travel to the region to step up international efforts to protect the free flow of commerce through the Red Sea that has been disrupted by Iran-backed Houthi militants attacking vessels heading into Israel. Cease-fire resolution Biden's remarks came amid an overwhelming vote at the United Nations General Assembly supporting a cease-fire in Gaza that further isolates Washington. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. "Our duty is to try to save the lives who are still alive by having this resolution adopted and by forcing Israel to comply with it. And those who are shielding Israel to comply with the global consensus," said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian permanent observer to the United Nations." The vote followed a similar resolution in the U.N. Security Council last week that failed due to a U.S. veto. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly. While General Assembly resolutions are nonbinding, they carry political weight. U.N. member states are shaping "the narrative that the U.S. is standing alone in opposing the cease-fire," and "looking for every means possible to create a sense of moral pressure on the U.S. to change its posture," said Richard Gowan, U.N. director of the International Crisis Group. "The Arab group at the U.N. wants to make the Americans nervous," he told VOA. "It wants to send the message that America is losing international goodwill because of its stance." Biden's critics say his unwavering support to Israel jeopardizes Washington's interests. The administration is inflicting "deep damage and lasting damage" to its ties with key countries beyond the Middle East, said Josh Paul, a former U.S. diplomat who resigned in protest over U.S. policy of sending arms to Israel without oversight. "But also, where we are arguing, for example, in the United Nations to gain the support of the Global South for our just condemnation of Russia's abhorrent invasion of Ukraine," Paul told VOA. "We are also going to lose votes if we are seen to be hypocritical, if we're seen to be walking away from our values." Administration officials and other supporters of Israel say they support humanitarian pauses but that a cease-fire would allow Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization, to regroup and plan future attacks. A cease-fire allows Hamas to have a legitimacy that it hasn't earned, said Julie Rayman, managing director of policy and political affairs at the American Jewish Committee. "It's giving trust to terrorist leaders who have proven unequivocally that they are not trustworthy," she told VOA. Hamas fighters stormed from the Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Gaza health officials say Israel's military response has displaced at least 2 million people and killed more than 18,000 in the bloodiest campaign of the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict. VOA's United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu: US Support Remains Firm Against Hamas By VOA News December 12, 2023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Tuesday that he has complete U.S. support for the Jewish state's ongoing ground offensive in Gaza against Hamas militants, and at the same time, the two countries remain resolute against growing international calls for a cease-fire to halt the Israel-Hamas war. "I greatly appreciate the American support for destroying Hamas and returning [about 140 remaining] hostages" captured by Hamas during its October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel, the Israeli leader said. "Following an intensive dialogue with President [Joe] Biden and his team, we received full backing for the ground incursion and blocking the international pressure to stop the war," Netanyahu said. But Netanyahu acknowledged that he and Biden disagree about "the day after Hamas," when the war ends. "I hope that we will reach agreement here, as well," Netanyahu said. At a reelection campaign event in the United States, Biden said Netanyahu has "got a tough decision to make," noting that "this is the most conservative government in Israel's history" and "doesn't want a two-state solution" with side-by-side independent Israeli and Palestinian governments. The U.S. leader said Israel is starting to lose support around the world, and Netanyahu "has to strengthen and change" the Israeli government to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden has proposed that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas take control of Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank after the war. But Netanyahu said Gaza "will be neither Hamas-stan nor 'Fatah-stan.'" Fatah is Abbas' faction of Palestinians. "I would like to clarify my position: I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo," Netanyahu said, without clarifying which mistake he was referring to regarding the 1993 accords that established limited Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza but did not lead, as some envisioned at the time, to the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu's statement declaring continued U.S. support came as the U.N. General Assembly was set to hold an emergency meeting Tuesday to debate a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, which the U.S. and Israel oppose. The resolution expresses "grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population" and emphasizes the need to protect both Israeli and Palestinian civilians under international law. A similar resolution failed in the U.N. Security Council last week because of a U.S. veto. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly, and while General Assembly resolutions are nonbinding, they do carry political weight. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explained the U.S. opposition to the Security Council resolution as he briefed reporters Monday. "We've made clear that while we support humanitarian pauses, we think a cease-fire that would allow the leadership of Hamas, that plotted and planned October 7, to continue to carry on in Gaza and plan future attacks. That's unacceptable," Miller said. During a seven-day pause in the fighting that ended more than a week ago, Hamas released about 100 hostages it seized on October 7 during its terror attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. The Israeli army said Tuesday that during an operation in Gaza, it had recovered the bodies of two more of the hostages. The army said that following positive identification of the bodies, it had notified the families of Eden Zakaria and Ziv Dado that they had been killed, although it did not say how or by whom. The Israeli offensive against Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, has killed nearly 18,000 people in Gaza in the last seven weeks, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Ahead of Tuesday's U.N. session, fighting continued in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes in central and southern Gaza. The Israeli military said its airstrikes were aimed at rocket launching sites throughout the Gaza Strip, and that ground troops had found 250 rockets, mortar shells and rocket-propelled grenades during a raid. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in the city of Jenin. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the deaths were the result of an Israeli drone strike. Around 270 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the October 7 attack on Israel and the launch of the Israeli offensive to eradicate Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization called Tuesday for the "protection of health care and humanitarian assistance in Gaza." It cited difficulties a WHO team encountered while trying to deliver medical supplies to a hospital in Gaza City and to evacuate critically hurt patients, saying there were delays at military checkpoints and that workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society were detained. "The people of Gaza have the right to access health care," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "The health system must be protected. Even in war." The fighting has pushed an estimated 1.9 million people from their homes in Gaza, with many seeking shelter in the south in overcrowded facilities amid warnings of poor sanitary conditions and the threat of an increase in communicable diseases. United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and State Department bureau chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza Health System Chaotic, a Humanitarian Disaster By Lisa Schlein December 12, 2023 World Health Organization officials say Gaza's health system remains under siege and is barely functioning, as Israel ramps up its offensive against Hamas militants in the southern part of the Palestinian enclave while maintaining an iron grip in the north. "WHO and partners remain firmly committed to staying in Gaza and assisting the population," said Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative on the occupied Palestinian territory. "But as hostilities increase across Gaza, aid falls short of needs. The humanitarian support system is on the verge of falling apart." Peeperkorn has been on a medical mission to Gaza for the last two weeks. He told journalists in Geneva that after 66 days of combat, Gaza's health system has been reduced from 36 functioning hospitals to 11 partially functioning hospitals one in the north and 10 in the south. "Northern Gaza looks like a wasteland," he said. "The devastation is simply enormous. We were still surprised that we saw so many people who were in the streets, lying on the streets." Peeperkorn said the mission visited Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, the only partially functioning hospital in the north. He said the hospital corridors and grounds the courtyard, every room, the library, even the chapel were full of patients and internally displaced people. "We saw many trauma patients in donkey carts, dead people, unfortunately, and seriously injured people on foot and in personal vehicles," he said. "I worked for 7 years in Afghanistan and have seen some pretty grim scenes, but I have never seen scenes like this in my life. Al-Ahli Hospital can only be described as in a state of utter chaos and a humanitarian disaster zone." Peeperkorn said all efforts must be exhausted to keep the remaining hospitals functioning and that the health system requires urgent protection and restoration "We cannot afford to lose any more health facilities," he said. WHO officials are also calling for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. This plea follows the obstruction on December 9 of a joint WHO, United Nations and Palestine Red Crescent Society mission to transfer critically ill patients and to deliver supplies to Al-Ahli Hospital. WHO says the team encountered delays at an Israeli military checkpoint and that health partners were detained, with one person reportedly harassed, beaten, stripped and searched. In a statement, the U.N.-backed health organization said, "Obstructing ambulances and attacks on humanitarian and health workers is unconscionable. Health care, including ambulances, are protected under international law. They must be respected and protected in all circumstances." The latest report by Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry puts the number of fatalities in the enclave at 18,205 and 49,645 injuries. Over 60% of the victims are women and children. WHO describes the health situation of many Palestinians as critical. Since the start of the war, it reports there have been around 165,000 respiratory infections and more than 50,000 cases of diarrhea among children under five in Gaza around 40 times higher than normal. Other problems include the presence of lice, tens of thousands of skin rashes, chicken pox, meningitis, jaundice, as well as other infectious and noncommunicable and chronic diseases. As Peeperkorn was briefing journalists, WHO got word that Israeli forces had stormed the Kamal Adwan health facility in the northern Gaza Strip. "The Ministry of Health is reporting just now that the hospital is being forcefully evacuated," said WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier. "There currently are 68 patients inside the hospital, 18 intensive care unit patients, including six neonates." He added, "What it means is that another of these unnecessary evacuations is taking place. It is again putting another hospital out of use. It is again putting the last patients who need help on the streets." The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported Monday that the maternity department at Kamal Adwan health facility had been hit, reportedly killing two mothers and injuring several people. It noted, "The hospital remains surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks, and fighting with armed groups has been reported in its vicinity for three consecutive days." In response to WHO and international criticism that it was denying essential medical and other humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel announced Tuesday that it will open its Nitzana and Kerem Shalom crossings into Gaza. "This crucial step is set to expand the volume of aid reaching Gaza. We trust the U.N. did all the adjustments to receive and distribute the aid," Elad Goren, Israel's coordinator of government activities in the territories, said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Settlers Voice Concern and Anger over US Travel Ban By Henry Wilkins December 12, 2023 Israeli settlers are voicing concern after the United States announced a travel ban on settlers suspected of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. At the Elkana settlement, which is home to more than 4,000 Israelis, there is concern that the U.S. measure may punish people who say they are simply defending themselves. Afik Mansour, a young Israeli resident of Elkana, said that if a settler hurts an Arab, in most cases there is a reason for it - such as a personal or social harm. Mansour said incidents sometimes come out of anger or nerves about situations that have occurred in the past. On Dec. 5, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a travel ban would be placed on Israeli settlers described as "extremist" who are suspected of committing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. It is not clear how U.S. authorities will decide who is not eligible for admission. Rights groups say the number of Palestinian fatalities caused by settlers has doubled since Israel's war against Hamas started in October. The United States has been putting pressure on the Israeli government to stop violence by Israeli settlers. The settlement of Elkana was established in 1977 on land seized from a Palestinian village called Mas-ha. Today, the settlement has modern apartment blocks, villas, supermarkets, and a strip mall where Israeli settlers go about their daily lives. Israeli settlers are defined as those who have established residences in territories that Israel occupied after the 1967 Six-Day War, including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. According to the U.N., up to 700,000 settlers now live in the West Bank, illegally, under international law. Palestinians often accuse the settlers of taking land from them by force, and violent clashes between the two sides are frequent. Esti Nadav, an Israeli shopping for Hannukah festival decorations in Elkana with her children, said she thinks that violent people should not be allowed to enter certain places. The question, she asked, is how does one know which settlers are violent? This is very important, she said, because innocent people may end up being denied entry to the United States. Another settler, who gave her name only as Emilia, said she is angry about the visa ban. She said Jewish settlers are the victims of slander sometimes. The left is looking for a narrative and is trying to slander the people in the settlements, she said. She said she does not understand how the U.S. has decided to ban some Israelis while granting entry to Syrian refugees. According to the U.N., 26 Israeli. and at least 200 Palestinian fatalities have occurred due to violence in the West Bank this year. Some Israeli settlers are U.S.-born with dual citizenship and do not require visas to travel to the United States. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Foreign Ownership' Case Against Ressa Dismissed By VOA News December 12, 2023 The legal team representing journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa welcomed a Philippine Justice Department decision Tuesday to drop a criminal case against the award-winning journalist. Ressa had been facing charges of alleged foreign ownership of her news website Rappler. If convicted, she could have faced up to 21 years in prison. "For years our brave client Maria Ressa has faced a barrage of spurious criminal investigations and prosecutions for doing her job for being a journalist. We are pleased to see another spurious case against Maria dismissed," Ressa's lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, said in a statement. The charges related to whether a 2015 investment from an American philanthropic investment fund allegedly violated a prohibition in Philippine law against foreign ownership or control of media organizations. Her international legal team said there was no evidence of any wrongdoing in the case. "Again, facts win. Truth wins. Justice wins. We will continue to hold the line," Ressa said in a statement. The dismissal of the charges is the latest development in Ressa's multiyear legal saga in the Philippines, which media critics widely view as retaliatory. At one point, the Filipino American journalist faced a potential combined sentence of more than 100 years in jail for the multiple cases filed. The Philippine government has previously denied that the legal action against Ressa and Rappler is retaliatory. "This is an important victory for Maria and for the press. Maria has spent four years with these baseless charges hanging over her, and we are delighted that they have finally been dismissed," said Amal Clooney, who leads Ressa's international legal team with Gallagher at Doughty Street Chambers. In September, a Philippine court acquitted Ressa and Rappler of tax evasion charges. But other cases remain active. Ressa is on bail while appealing a 6 -year prison sentence handed down in 2020 for cyber libel. She is also facing separate criminal proceedings, which carry a maximum 15-year sentence, stemming from the same 2015 foreign investment. Rappler, meanwhile, is fighting a closure order issued by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. "We hope that the remaining charges will now be dropped so that justice can be restored, and journalism can thrive in the Philippines," Clooney said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WHO calls for protection of humanitarian space in Gaza following serious incidents in high-risk mission to transfer patients, deliver health supplies 12 December 2023 Statement Cairo/Geneva/Jerusalem WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health care and humanitarian assistance in Gaza, following military checkpoint delays and detention of health partners during a mission to transfer critically-ill patients and deliver supplies to a hospital in northern Gaza. During the mission, a patient reportedly died. On 9 December 2023, a WHO team, in collaboration with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and with support from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), completed a high-risk mission to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City to deliver medical supplies, assess the situation in the hospital, and transfer critically-injured patients to a hospital in the south. The mission delivered trauma and surgical supplies, enough to treat 1500 patients, to the hospital, and transferred 19 critical patients with 14 companions to Nasser Medical Complex in south Gaza, where they can receive a higher level of care. On the way north, the UN convoy was inspected at the Wadi Gaza checkpoint, and ambulance crew members had to leave the vehicles for identification. Two PRCS staff were detained for over an hour, further delaying the mission. WHO staff saw one of them being made to kneel at gunpoint and then taken out of sight, where he was reportedly harassed, beaten, stripped and searched. As the mission entered Gaza City, the aid truck carrying the medical supplies and one of the ambulances were hit by bullets. On the way back towards southern Gaza, with the patients from Al-Ahli Hospital on board, the convoy was again stopped at the Wadi Gaza checkpoint, where PRCS staff and most of the patients had to leave the ambulances for security checks. Critical patients remaining in the ambulances were searched by armed soldiers. One of the same two PRCS staff temporarily detained earlier on the way in was taken for interrogation a second time. The mission made numerous attempts to coordinate his release, but eventuallyafter more than two and a half hourshad to make the difficult decision to leave the highly dangerous area and proceed, for the safety and well-being of the patients and humanitarian workers. (Three ambulances carrying extremely critical patients had already continued onwards earlier, while three remained with the convoy.) PRCS reported afterwards that during the transfer process, one of the injured patients died, as a result of his untreated wounds. The PRCS staff member was released later that night after joint UN efforts. Yesterday, the WHO team met him, as well as his father, supervisor, and colleagues. He said he was harassed, beaten, threatened, stripped of his clothes, and blindfolded. His hands were tied behind his back and he was treated in a degrading and humiliating manner. Once released, he was left to walk towards the south with his hands still tied behind his back, and without clothes or shoes. Detentions have happened previously during humanitarian missions in Gaza. On 18 November, six people from the Ministry of Health and PRCS were detained during a WHO-led mission to move patients from Al-Shifa Hospital. Four people-three from the Ministry of Health and one PRCS staffare still in detention, more than three weeks later. There is no information on their well-being or whereabouts. This is unacceptable. WHO, along with their family, colleagues and loved ones, is deeply concerned about their well-being. We reiterate our call for their legal and human rights to be respected. Obstructing ambulances and attacks on humanitarian and health workers are unconscionable. Healthcare, including ambulances, are protected under international law. They must be respected and protected in all circumstances. The difficulties faced by this mission illustrate the shrinking space for humanitarian actors to provide aid within Gaza, even though access is desperately needed to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, as called for in the resolution adopted by the WHO Executive Board members on 10 December. WHO and partners remain firmly committed to staying in Gaza and assisting the population. But as hostilities increase across Gaza, aid falls short of needs, the humanitarian support system is on the verge of falling apart. The only viable solution is a sustained ceasefire, so WHO and partners can work safely and unhindered to strengthen a deteriorating health system, replenish critical supplies of fuel, medicines, and other essential aid, and prevent disease, hunger, and further suffering in the Gaza Strip. Note to editors on Al-Ahli Hospital During the above mission to the heavily destroyed Gaza City, WHO staff saw hundreds of people, including women, elderly people, youth, and children, who seemed surprised to see aid workers in the area given the highly volatile situation and insecurity. WHO staff described Al-Ahli Hospital as in a state of "utter chaos and a humanitarian disaster zone." It is extremely congested with many displaced people and over 200 patients, while it only has enough resources to support 40 beds - half of its original bed capacity. The building has sustained substantial damage because of the hostilities. Doctors said the situation is "beyond control" as they face shortages of fuel, oxygen, and essential medical supplies, as well as a lack of food and water for patients and themselves. Health staff capacity is minimal, nursing care is extremely limited, and the hospital is relying heavily on volunteers. Faced with vast numbers of trauma patients inside the hospital, and outside on the street, doctors are forced to prioritize who receives care and who does not. They are treating many serious cases in the hospital's corridors, on the floor, in the hospital chapel, and even in the street. The hospital is severely short-staffed, and it is lacking the ability to perform vascular operations. Limb amputations are decided as the last resort to save lives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 12 December 2023 - Day 657 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian forces highly likely continue to struggle when fighting at night. Numerous reports from combatants have highlighted this trend since the start of the war. in late November 2023, a social media user claiming to be a Russian soldier serving in Kherson highlighted the shortage of night vision goggles (NVGs) and low-light cameras for uncrewed aerial vehicles. NVGs have frequently featured high in the lists of equipment Russian units request from their families and supporters. Ukrainian forces have often been equipped with night vision devices from international partners. There is also likely a cultural element to Russia's problem: Russian military training has rarely emphasised night exercises, instead typically building towards set-piece, daylight events to impress visiting senior officers. In contrast, the Russian soldier claimed Ukrainian forces "move mostly at night." The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched a total of 1x missile strike, 3x air strikes and 38x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings as well as other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Around 15x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Popivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Veselivka (Sumy oblast), Chervona Zorya, Kozacha Lopan', Luk'yantsi, Zelene (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Kup'yans'k, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled 2x attacks in the vicinity of Makiivka (Donetsk oblast). The occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x attacks near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Vasyukivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, New York (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Avdiivka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 37x attacks in the area east of Novokalynove, east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, south of Sjeverne, south of Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast), where Russia was making unsuccessful attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Sukha Balka, Keramik, Stepove, Avdiivka, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces launched 10x failed attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka (Donetsk oblast) were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: the Russian adversary conducted no offensives. Around 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled 4x Russian attacks north of Pryyutne and west of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, Mali Shcherbaky, P'yatykhatky, Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the settlements of Ivanivka, Vysoke, Antonivka, Veletens'ke (Kherson oblast), the cities of Kherson and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold their ground on the left bank of the Dnipro River (Kherson oblast) and inflict fire on Russian forces. During the day of December 12, Ukrainian Air Force launched 1x strike on a concentration of troops, weapons and military equipment of the Russian invaders. Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x command post, 2x strikes on concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1x ammunition depot of the Russian occupiers. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that during active actions in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by artillery inflicted fire damage on the AFU 57th Mechanised Brigade's units close to Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The enemy lost up to 105 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled five attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 24th, 63rd, 116th mechanised brigades near Kirovo (Donetsk People's Republic), Petrovskoye, and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). Up to 185 Ukrainian troops and three motor vehicles have been neutralised. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled two attacks of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade's assault groups near Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, AFU 24th, 93rd mechanised brigades' manpower and hardware suffered losses near Kurdyumovka and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 240 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two armoured personnel carrier, and four motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two Msta-B howitzers, two D-20 howitzers, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, aviation, and artillery repelled one attack and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 70 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, as well as two D-20 howitzers. ?In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces repelled one attack of the 80th Air Assault Brigade close to Novosyolovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses up to 70 troops and three motor vehicles. In Kherson direction, as a result of artillery fire at the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade units' concentration areas near Kamishany (Kherson region), the AFU lost up to 35 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two D-20 howitzers, and two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were destroyed. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 114 areas during the day. Air defence systems intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles, as well as one Tochka-U tactical missile. Moreover, 23 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Belogorovka, Staromikhailovka, Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic), Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Alyoshki (Kherson region), Tokmak and Pology (Zaporozhye region). In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,655 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 13,999 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,311 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,222 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Threat of Violence in the US 'Likely Heightened' With Holidays Approaching By Jeff Seldin December 12, 2023 Unabated anger and tensions over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas could spill over into the holiday season in the United States, potentially putting large public gatherings at risk, according to law enforcement and homeland security officials. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security late Tuesday issued a public service announcement, warning of a heightened threat to holiday or faith-based events and New Year's Eve celebrations in the coming weeks. The announcement further warned of potential dangers to protests, rallies and other First Amendment-protected events. "Ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter," the statement said. "These targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature." According to the FBI and DHS, there is no specific or credible intelligence to suggest an attack is in the works, but the statement warns there has been "a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations" since the October 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with some 240 people taken hostage. The Israeli military response has since displaced an estimated 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run Health Ministry says nearly 18,000 people have been killed, most of them women and children. The FBI and DHS warning said any escalation of the conflict could "further exacerbate the threat of violence." Just last week, DHS issued a new guide to help faith-based organizations, including churches, synagogues and mosques, take steps to better secure their facilities and their congregations. A woman walks past a menorah outside a Jewish synagogue ahead of the start of Hanukkah, in Miami Beach, Florida, on Dec. 1, 2023. A new guide from the Department of Homeland Security aims to help houses of worship protect themselves at a time of heightened tensions in the U.S. The same day, FBI Director Christopher Wray told U.S. lawmakers that the bureau's hate crime caseload had spiked by 60% since October, with the majority of threats targeting the Jewish community. The just-released public service announcement noted both the FBI and DHS have also seen a jump in hoax bomb threats and active shooter threats aimed at synagogues "likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants." The new advisory updates a previous warning from October 25. U.S. homeland security officials have previously said the country has been mired for more than a year now in a "heightened threat environment," with the biggest threat coming from U.S.-based extremists motivated by "enduring racial, ethnic, religious and anti-government ideologies." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address JN.1 will bring more COVID-19 infections, but won't seriously worsen current situation: experts Global Times By Leng Shumei Published: Dec 13, 2023 01:08 AM The latest COVID-19 variant JN.1 is spreading around the world, leading to growing concerns in Chinese society, following a recent severe wave of respiratory infections. Chinese experts estimate that the variant will cause more infections in the near future, but it is not likely to seriously worsen the current situation. Named JN.1, this variant was first identified in Luxembourg, before spreading to the UK, Iceland, France, and the US. By the end of October, JN.1 made up less than 0.1 percent of SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in the US. But as of December 8, 2023, the ratio climbed to 15-29 percent, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The US estimated that COVID-19 infections are likely to increase in the next month. Data in the UK also suggested that the variant is spreading more than every other known strain, making up one in 13 cases in England last month. The JN.1 variant is part of the BA.2.86 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with an additional L455S mutation in the RBD region. Early studies have shown that BA.2.86 has similar immune escape capabilities as the XBB variants. However, recent research has found that the L455S mutation in the JN.1 variant further enhances its immune evasion ability, allowing it to partially escape the humoral immune response induced by XBB.1.5 breakthrough infections, Lu Hongzhou, head of the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, told the Global Times on Tuesday. According to current research, BA.2.86, first identified in August 2023, carries more than 30 mutations in the spike (S) protein compared to the XBB and BA.2 variants, indicating high potential for immune evasion. Another name of JN.1 is BA.2.86.1.1 and there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike protein, according to current research. A recent study by Japanese scientists published on bioRxiv on December 8 evaluated the virological characteristics of the omicron subvariant JN.1, which shows robust immune evasion ability compared to other variants. This could be due to the acquisition of the L455S mutation in the spike protein. The study noted that JN.1 has the ability to become a dominant variant worldwide in the future. But so far, there is no evidence that JN.1 presents an increased risk to public health compared to other variants, according to the US CDC. Currently, the XBB variant of COVID-19 is still the main strain of the local infections in China. Many clinical doctors told the media that they had witnessed an increase in COVID-19 infections recently and they predicted this wave of infections will last till late January 2024 with mortality and severe illness rates likely to increase. "Since December last year, SARS-CoV-2 has been co-circulating with other respiratory pathogens in China, leading to many domestic residents in the country having experienced two or even three infections. Existing research data indicates that such infection experiences can generate strong and broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against different subvariants of Omicron. Furthermore, although JN.1 has increased immune escape ability, there is currently no evidence to suggest an increase in the pathogenicity of the JN.1 variant," Lu explained. "Therefore, we speculate that the future prevalence of JN.1 in our country may temporarily increase the number of COVID-19 patients and burden hospitals, but it will not significantly worsen the ongoing respiratory disease outbreaks," he said. Lu reiterated the necessity of vaccination as it is an effective method to improve the speed and intensity of antibody production, providing better protection for the body. Authorities in multiple cities across China such as Shanghai and Tianjin have sent notices to advise local residents to take COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XBB variant, urging eligible individuals to get the vaccine in a timely manner to enhance their protection against the virus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU-Belarus: Second meeting of the Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society held in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 12.12.2023 EEAS Press Team The second meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 12 December in Brussels. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information on the current situation in Belarus, especially in view of the sharply deteriorating human rights situation on the ground and intensified persecution of dissent. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for those suffering from oppression, and accountability for those responsible for it. Both sides called for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. The challenges faced by the Belarusians living in exile, especially those related to Lukashenko's decree on limiting consular services, were also discussed in the meeting. The decree represents yet another form of oppression and total disrespect of Belarusian citizens' fundamental rights. The EU and Belarusian representatives condemned the regime's complicity in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and instrumentalization of migration on the EU's external borders. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss in detail how to best continue supporting the people of Belarus, including the civil society. Since the fraudulent elections of August 2020, the EU has committed almost a140 million in support of the Belarusian people, including human rights organisations, civil society, independent media, cultural institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. The EU remains ready to activate a a3 billion comprehensive plan in support of a democratic Belarus, once Belarus embarks on a path to democratic transition. The second meeting of the Consultative Group was chaired by EEAS Managing Director Mr. Michael Siebert and the leader of Belarus's democratic forces Ms. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, with the participation of representatives of various Belarusian civil society organisations in exile. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's top economic meeting outlines plan to tackle challenges, boost recovery in 2024 Global Times By Wang Cong, Qi Xijia and Chu Daye Published: Dec 12, 2023 11:12 PM At a key economic conference that concluded on Tuesday, top Chinese policymakers had outlined a slew of measures to tackle various challenges facing the Chinese economy, further promote and consolidate economic recovery and ensure effective improvement in quality and reasonable growth in quantity in 2024. The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference, held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday, aimed to set priorities for economic work in 2024. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the conference, according to the Xinhua News Agency. While noting that China's economic recovery faces multiple challenges, the meeting stressed that favorable conditions for the Chinese economy outweigh unfavorable factors, and it called for enhanced confidence in China's economic recovery and long-term positive outlook. Analysts noted that the meeting underscores Chinese policymakers' comprehensive and deep understanding of the challenges as well as opportunities the world's second-largest economy faces, and their unwavering commitment to address the challenges head-on and ensure improvement in both quality and quantity. Despite lingering downside risks, the measures will underpin steady recovery in 2024, and China will remain one of the fastest-growing major economies, they said. The meeting reviewed China's economic work in 2023, studied the current economic situation and made plans for economic work in 2024. It noted that China's economy has achieved a recovery, with solid progress made in high-quality development in 2023. To further revive its economy, China still has to overcome some difficulties and challenges, including lack of effective demand, lackluster social expectations, and rising complexity and the severity and uncertainty of the external environment, the meeting noted, urging enhanced awareness of the dangers and effectiveness in addressing them. Still, "the favorable conditions facing China's development are stronger than the unfavorable ones, and the basic trend of economic recovery and long-term improvement has not changed," the meeting concluded. For economic policies in 2024, the meeting reiterated the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through progress, and prioritizing development before addressing problems. It called for more policies that are conducive to stabilizing expectations, growth and employment. "The meeting clearly indicates that in 2024, China will deploy a comprehensive set of fiscal and monetary policies to promote growth," Cao Heping, an economist at Peking University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "If the intensity of the policies is appropriate, there is a solid foundation that we could even reach 5 percent growth [in 2024], which would be very impressive given the sheer size of our economy." While the conference did not offer a clear growth target, which is usually released during the national two sessions to be held in March, there are growing expectations among Chinese economists and some global institutions that China's GDP growth could reach as much as 5 percent in 2024. Growth is widely expected to reach the officially announced target of around 5 percent this year. Still, the meeting made it clear that the goal is to maintain "a reasonable growth in quantity." To that end, fiscal policies should be appropriately strengthened and prudent monetary policy should be flexible, appropriate, precise and effective, according to the meeting. "Judging from the wording, in terms of fiscal and monetary policies, next year's focus will be on increasing the deficit, rather than opening the floodgates of stimulus, which is a goal to prevent and resolve risks," Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Recent major policy moves indicate that China's will focus more on fiscal policy to support economic recovery. In October, officials announced a plan to issue an additional 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in treasury bonds, which brought China's fiscal deficit ratio to a historic level of 3.8 percent, compared to a 3 percent target. A target for 2024's deficit ratio is also expected to be released at the national two sessions. "Fiscal policies still have room and the ability to offer support next year. So in terms of both policy and market operations, there are more positive factors next year and economic growth prospects and vitality will likely be better next year," Hu Qimu, a deputy secretary-general of the digital-real economies integration Forum 50, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Hu said that against the backdrop of short-term challenges, the meeting offered a comprehensive plan for economic policies in 2024 and clear responses to issues that have drawn attention from the markets. "This really boosts confidence for next year because it helps form a relatively clear expectation for policies," he said. Among the top priorities for economic work in 2024 is the call to continuously prevent and defuse risks in major areas, including the housing market, local government debt and small and medium-sized financial institutions, which have drawn great attention. Among other efforts, the meeting urged to address the reasonable financing needs of real estate companies with different ownerships equally. As high-quality development remains a long-term top priority for China, the building of a modern industrial system through scientific and technological innovation is atop the economic agenda for 2024. The meeting highlighted various areas, including the digital economy and artificial intelligence. "The importance of innovation in economic policymaking has not changed, as shown in the priorities [set by the meeting]," Hu said, noting that expanding domestic demand also remains at the top of China's economic work. The meeting called for a slew of measures to expand domestic demand, including creating new ways of consumption, stabilizing and boosting consumption in new-energy vehicles and electronics, as well as giving full play to the role of government investment. The meeting also called for reform of state-owned enterprises and increased support for the private sector. It urged efforts to expand high-level opening-up and consolidate the foundation of foreign trade and foreign investment, including removing obstacles for foreign nationals to come to China for business, study and tourism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi's Vietnam visit to bring bilateral ties into new stage Global Times High-profile reception highlights particularity, significance of relations By Li Aixin in Hanoi and Liu Xin in Beijing Published: Dec 12, 2023 10:16 PM China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination, and better handling of differences, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said during a meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on Tuesday. Analysts said Xi's first visit in six years to the Southeast Asian country will also promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, benefiting the two peoples as well as the stability of the region. Xi arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on Tuesday for a two-day state visit. While landing at Noi Bai International Airport, Xi received a red-carpet welcome as Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh greeted him on the tarmac and over 400 representatives of various sectors from China and Vietnam welcomed Xi at the airport. Nguyen Phu Trong held a welcoming ceremony for Xi at the Presidential Palace, followed by a 21-cannon salute. On Tuesday, the main roads in Hanoi were lined with national flags of both China and Vietnam, as well as the flags of the two parties. Near the hotel where Xi is to stay, local residents, overseas Chinese and Chinese students held flags of both countries to welcome him. A Chinese national surnamed Liu who has lived in Vietnam for 13 years told the Global Times that he was very excited about and proud of President Xi's visit. Liu expressed his gratitude for the stable development of China-Vietnam relations, which has brought opportunities to many Chinese and local people. Vietnam welcomed and greeted Xi with the highest level of protocol that is not often shown upon leaders from other countries, which analysts said showcased the great importance Vietnam has attached to China-Vietnam relations as well as the particularity and significance of the bilateral relations. According to media reports, Vietnamese leader Trong will also hold a farewell event to see Xi off on Wednesday. Since last year, General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Trong, State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Chinh successively visited China and the two sides have maintained frequent and high-level exchanges, analysts said, noting that Xi's two-day state visit would push the bilateral relations to a new stage. A community of shared future While meeting with CPV top leader General Secretary Trong, Xi said that China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective and China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. China, Vietnam agree to build community with shared future that carries strategic significance, Xinhua reported. As the year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, analysts from China and Vietnam said Xi's visit would make a prominent landmark as China and Vietnam are socialist friendly neighbors. While the current international geopolitical situation is rapidly changing, and Southeast Asia has become the forefront of competition among major powers, building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance is not only important to China and Vietnam, two socialist countries, but will also add new impetus to regional stability, Ge Hongliang, director of the China-ASEAN Maritime Security Research Center at Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times. As representatives of new emerging economies, China and Vietnam have a shared mission on their development and face various outside challenges, including the impact of protectionism and unilateralism of the US and the West. The China-Vietnam community with a shared future will help the two sides share more opportunities for development and add resilience to challenges, Ge said. High anticipation Xi's visit not only aims to consolidate and strengthen the relationship between the two countries but also echoes to timely policy adjustments by both leaders to adapt to the trends and developments in the world and the region, Nguyen Tang Nghi, vice dean in act at faculty of international relations, College of Social Sciences & Humanities, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Xi's state visit is special because it is not combined with multilateral meetings, which demonstrates the high importance that Vietnam and China attach to bilateral relations. This visit will deepen cooperation and development between the two countries in various fields such as politics and security, especially in infrastructure development and trade cooperation, according to Nghi. China is a powerhouse in technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence and it is also taking a leading position in supporting industries and infrastructure. In the future, areas such as technological cooperation, artificial intelligence, and supply chains will be potential areas for deeper mutual promotion and cooperation between China and Vietnam, Nghi said. Due to its geographical location, Vietnam's role among Southeast Asian countries is increasingly strengthening and a better China-Vietnam cooperation could also help China deeply enter the ASEAN market, said Nghi. Nguyen Vinh Quang, vice president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association, also expressed high expectations for future China-Vietnam cooperation. The China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation still has enormous potential, Quang said, noting that Vietnam's abundant agricultural and aquatic products can meet China's demands, and many Chinese goods are also popular among Vietnamese consumers. Currently, both countries are committed to green development, utilizing clean energy, and developing the digital economy, which means they can complement each other's strengths to achieve common development. Moreover, China and Vietnam have many similarities in their development paths, and exchanging theories and practical experiences can be a highlight of their cooperation. The Chinese-style modernization has enlightening significance and is worth referencing for Vietnam's economic and social development, said Quang. The China-Vietnam bilateral trade continues to maintain a good development momentum and a solid foundation has been laid for broader cooperation, analysts said, noting that since 2016, Vietnam has remained China's largest trading partner within ASEAN. The data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on Tuesday showed that the total value of imports and exports between China and Vietnam reached 1.45 trillion yuan in the first 11 months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 3.6 percent, higher than the overall growth rate of China's foreign trade during the same period. Some Western media have also paid close attention to Xi's visit to Vietnam, as US President Joe Biden visited the Southeast Asian country in September and elevated Vietnam-US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership level. Vietnam prioritizes its national interests and the claim that Vietnam is joining forces with the US to confront China is completely unfounded, Nghi said. The good and diverse relationship between Vietnam and China has been cultivated and developed by generations of leaders from both countries and Vietnam has no reason to ally with a third party to confront China, nor does it have a reason to allow other countries to use Vietnam to confront China, according to Nghi. The prosperity and stability of the China-Vietnam relationship not only hold special significance for the two parties and their peoples but also have an impact on the security, political, and economic landscape of East Asia, said Nghi. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says China always sees ties with Vietnam from strategic, long-term perspective Global Times By Xinhua Published: Dec 12, 2023 07:21 PM Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Tuesday that China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective. China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, Xi said when meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). With a view to seeking national development, happiness for the people as well as progress for mankind, Xi said he stands ready to jointly announce with Trong the new positioning of the relationship between the two parties and countries, as well as the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 12, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2023-12-12 18:50 CCTV: On December 11, Argentina's new President Javier Milei met with President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Weihua. Could you share more details on that meeting? Mao Ning: At the invitation of the government of Argentina, President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Weihua attended the inauguration of President of Argentina Javier Milei in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires. On December 11, President Javier Milei met with Wu Weihua.a Wu Weihua extended President Xi Jinping's warm congratulations and best wishes to President Javier Milei. President Javier Milei thanked President Xi for sending the special envoy to attend his inauguration, and asked Vice Chairman Wu to extend his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi. He stressed that the new government of Argentina attaches high importance to its relations with China and will continue to firmly follow the one-China principle and the Argentine side stands ready to further promote the in-depth exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields including economy and trade and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.a Global Times: It is reported that IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath said on December 11 that around 3,000 trade restricting measures were imposed last year, nearly three times the number imposed in 2019. If the global economy fragments into two blocs, including predominantly the US and Europe in the Western bloc and China and Russia in the Eastern bloc, the global losses are estimated to be about 2.5 to 7 percent of global GDP. What is your comment? Mao Ning: Trade protectionism is not conducive to the free flow of factors including goods, services and capital, distorts resource allocation, and undermines consumers' interests. It does no good to the production efficiency and the recovery and development of the world economy. What is concerning is that some countries have been pushing for decoupling and severing of supply chains under the pretext of security, and imposing trade restriction measures in the name of "de-risking". This will only make the world even less safe and bring more risks. As President Xi Jinping stressed, in an increasingly interdependent and integrated world where countries form a community of shared interests, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation are the only viable option. China is always committed to building an open world economy and steadfastly promoting high-level opening-up. We always believe that absence of cooperation is the biggest risk and failure to develop is the biggest security threat. China stands ready to work with all parties to realize common development and prosperity through equal consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation. Associated Press of Pakistan: On December 11, Indian Supreme Court announced a decision endorsing the Indian government's unilateral step to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir region, which is a clear violation of UNSC Resolution 122 which decided that the final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue can only take place by UN-supervised plebiscite. What is China's response? Mao Ning: China's position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear-cut. The Kashmir issue, left from the past, needs to be resolved peacefully and appropriately in accordance with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and relevant bilateral agreement. Parties concerned need to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultation so as to maintain regional peace and stability. Bloomberg: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the US will take the strongest possible action to protect national security when asked about how the Commerce Department will respond to Huawei's chip-making breakthroughs. Do you have any response to her comments? Mao Ning: We have made clear our position on US chip export controls targeting China on multiple occasions. Such abuse of export control measures seriously harms Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests, destabilizes global chip industrial and supply chains, violates the principles of market economy and fair competition, and serves no one's interests. We firmly reject this. The US needs to act on its commitments of not seeking a decoupling from China and not seeking to halt China's economic development. We will be watching closely relevant developments and resolutely defend our legitimate rights and interests. Bloomberg: One more on Raimondo on a separate issue. She said the US is looking into specifics of three new AI accelerators that Nvidia is developing for China. Earlier this month she vowed to restrict any new chips that give the Asian country AI capabilities. Can you give any response to that? Mao Ning: We firmly oppose the US's abuse of export controls and malicious attempts to blockade and keep down China. AFP: China's official media reported today that President Xi is now in Hanoi on a state visit to Viet Nam. Could you update us on this? Mao Ning: General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Viet Nam starting from today. More information on the visit will be released in a timely manner. Please check back for updates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi Jinping meets with Vietnam's leaders during official visit to Hanoi Vietnam has been working to balance geopolitical rivalries with a desire to advance its economy. By RFA Vietnamese 2023.12.12 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday with a promise to prioritize relations and improve trade ties with Vietnam amid recent differences over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam has been working to balance geopolitical rivalries with a desire to advance its economy. Xi's two-day official visit comes three months after U.S. President Joe Biden visited Hanoi and several weeks after Japan's prime minister met with top officials in Vietnam's capital. Xi was met by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at Hanoi's airport at the start of his first trip to Vietnam in six years. He was also scheduled to hold talks with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Tron and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. "A close neighbor is better than a distant relative," Xi wrote on Tuesday in a signed article printed in Vietnam's official Nhan Dan Newspaper. "Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise," he wrote. "Peace and development in the region are confronted with fairly grave challenges of instability and uncertainty." The neighboring countries announced 37 deals on Tuesday, including agreements on railways and telecommunications, according to Reuters. China is Vietnam's largest trade partner. 'China's orbit' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi laid the groundwork for Xi's visit with a trip to Hanoi on Nov. 30 to discuss trade and investment cooperation. Two days before Wang's visit, Vietnam and Japan agreed to cooperate more closely on security issues and work together on defense equipment and technology transfers as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that the two countries were officially upgrading relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." In September, Biden also announced that the United States was upgrading its relationship with Vietnam. The two countries pledged to work together on semiconductors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. "Xi's visit is to say that Vietnam has not escaped China's orbit just yet," Huong Le Thu, deputy director of the International Crisis Group's Asia program, told The New York Times. China has already mapped out a number of projects if Vietnam were to eventually agree to take part in its Belt and Road Initiative, including railway routes from the northern provinces to Hanoi and the port city of Haiphong. "China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers," Xi wrote in the Nhan Dan Newspaper. "We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us. Edited by Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong arrests 7 pro-democracy activists for protesting poll The authorities also issue warrants for 2 overseas activists who called for a boycott of 'patriotic' election. By Ng Ting Hong and Chun Hoi for RFA Cantonese 2023.12.12 -- Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested seven people and issued warrants for two overseas activists for protesting the city's District Council elections, in which only candidates approved by the government as "patriots" were allowed to stand. Officers from the city's Independent Commission Against Corruption, which enforces electoral law, made the arrests and issued the warrants for "inciting another person not to vote, or to cast an invalid vote," with six out of the seven detained on Dec. 10, the day of the poll, according to London-based rights group Amnesty International. Three are members of the opposition League of Social Democrats, who were on their way to protest outside Chief Executive John Lee's polling site, Amnesty International said, while the others were targeted for social media posts, including reposting comments from the two people abroad. The Commission said it has charged a woman with "incitement" after she shared a post calling on voters to boycott the election, while a court issued a warrant for former pro-democracy district councilor Leos Lee, who is now based in democratic Taiwan. Since rewriting the electoral rulebook to allow only "patriots" to stand in 2021, the government has banned calls for boycotts of elections, and criminalized the use of blank or spoiled ballots as a form of protest. "ICAC reminds the public that inciting others to cast invalid votes at an election may contravene the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance," the Commission said. "The maximum penalty for the offense is three years imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000." It called on the public not to "engage in illegal appeals" or repost any "unlawful content." Veteran social activist Koo Sze-yiu, also known as "Long Beard," told the West Kowloon Magistrate's Court that he had planned to take a coffin to the Electoral Registration Office ahead of the poll to protest the lack of opposition candidates, but was arrested by national security police before he could set off. Koo, 77, a veteran protester who has been jailed 12 times, pleaded not guilty to one count of "attempting or preparing to commit an act with seditious intent" on Monday, and was remanded in custody pending a bail application review later in the month. 'A constructive District Council' Meanwhile, a couple in their 40s were arrested for "inciting others" to tick more than the required number of boxes, spoiling their vote, the Commission said in a statement on its website. The Commission also said it had obtained a warrant for the arrest of Taiwan-based former District Councilor Leos Lee after he called for a boycott of the "patriots only" elections, which offered no opposition candidates - only those vetted and pre-approved by several Beijing-backed committees, including the national security police. "The ICAC investigation revealed that the online post reposted by the arrestee was originally published by disqualified and former District Councillor Leos Lee Man-ho on his personal social media page during the election period," it said. "The [Election Ordinance] has extraterritorial effect and applies to all conduct concerning an election, be it engaged in within Hong Kong or elsewhere," it added. The Dec. 10 poll saw a record low turnout of just over 27% in the first election since the rules were changed. The last District Council election four years ago saw a landslide victory for pro-democracy candidates and record turnout that was widely seen as a ringing public endorsement of the 2019 protest movement. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee defended the Dec. 10 turnout, saying that the 1.2 million who voted clearly have faith in the new system, which will be less "destructive" with no opposition councilors in the mix. "The outcome means a constructive District Council, rather than what used to be a destructive one," Lee said, accusing pro-democracy councilors of having "reacted against" the government. "The outcome is District Council members who will be monitored for their performance to ensure that they do well, rather than previously, some District Council members pursued their own political interests, sabotaged the system, and reacted against the governance of the Hong Kong Government or the Central Government," he said. Blank ballots and spoiled ballots Lee said the government would set up a monitoring system to ensure that the newly elected councilors "take care of the people's interests rather than those in the past taking care of their own political interests and sometimes acting as agents of foreign forces." The government has blamed several waves of pro-democracy protests in recent years on "foreign forces" trying to instigate a democratic revolution in Hong Kong. Poon Chi-sheng, a retired senior scientist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said on Friday he had submitted a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Council over the arrests. "We have witnessed a clampdown on dissent since the introduction of Hong Kong's National Security Law that has left many opposition activists in jail or exile," Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for China Sarah Brooks said. "People in Hong Kong and elsewhere have the right to express critical views of government policies, including the revamped electoral system in the city," she said. "These actions by the authorities appear to infringe on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. All those arrested must be released from detention with the charges against them dropped," Brooks said, calling on the government to protect people's right to protest. Current affairs commentator Sang Pu said the government could target people for not voting at all in future, in a bid to improve turnout figures. "There are three things they are going after: not voting, blank ballots and spoiled ballots," Sang said. "But only going after spoiled ballots isn't a good option." "They will need to go after non-voters too, because a lot of Hong Kongers deal with this situation by lying flat, because they know it's pointless." Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese President Xi Jinping Visits Vietnam By VOA News December 12, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Vietnam Tuesday on a mission to improve ties between the Asian Communist neighbors and counter Hanoi's increasing outreach to Western nations. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted at the Hanoi airport by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the start of Xi's two-day trip, his first to Vietnam since 2017. He will hold meetings with Chinh, President Vo Van Thuong and other Vietnamese officials, and will sign economic cooperation agreements, including one to upgrade existing railway links. Xi's visit comes three months after Hanoi granted its highest diplomatic status, "comprehensive strategic partnership," to the United States during President Joe Biden's official visit. The same designation was also recently given to Japan, elevating both countries to the same status it uses for China. Later in the day, Xi announced in a meeting with Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that the two countries would henceforth work toward a "China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance." "Community with a shared future" is phrasing that was put forward by Xi for a decade but was previously rejected by Hanoi. Vietnam agreed to the wording in a joint statement Tuesday, a move that some experts say is a symbolic reassurance to China that the country is still Vietnam's most important partner. China and Vietnam have been close ideological and economic allies for years, but relations have been strained by Beijing's increasingly aggressive moves in the South China Sea, as it claims sovereignty over numerous islands in the region despite competing claims from its neighbors. Some information in this report comes from The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., World's Biggest Death Merchant Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, December 12 (KCNA) -- So Kwang Myong, an international affairs analyst of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, released the following article titled "World's biggest threat-exporting country": The U.S. is describing those countries incurring its displeasure as "threatening states", while frequently talking about peace. But the reality shows its true colors as the wrecker of world peace. The reckless arms export of the U.S., which is threatening world peace and security and the existence of mankind, is the typical example. Some days ago, the U.S. newspaper Wall Street Journal recently disclosed that since the armed clash between Palestine and Israel broke out in October this year, the U.S. has supplied Israel with more than 15 000 air bombs and more than 57 000 155-mm shells. It said that the authorities are "urging" Israel to use weapons with weak explosive power in public but massively supplying weapons with high fire power behind the scenes. This is just the tip of the iceberg. As known, the U.S., which caused the Ukraine crisis for its hegemonic interests, is going to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine after supplying it with cluster bombs whose use is internationally banned for being recognized as very dangerous WMD. The Ukraine crisis has been prolonged due to the massive transfer of weapons to the Ukraine by the U.S. and other Western countries prodded by the U.S., and many innocent people have lost their lives. Lethal weapons and military hardware of the U.S. are being ceaselessly brought to Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries, too. In particular, the U.S. is keen on arms trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, with the implementation of the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" as its main goal. On December 1, the U.S. decided to sell its munitions and equipment related to F-35 to the south Korean puppets, talking about the "political stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the improvement of security of its major ally". It is a very dangerous act of adding fuel to the aggravating situation on the Korean peninsula and in the region, which have turned into the biggest hot spot in the world. The U.S. also allowed the export of various offensive weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan, a war criminal state keen on realizing its ambition for reinvasion, thus making a tangible "contribution" to turning the "Self-Defense Forces" into an offensive group, not the one for "exclusive defense". The U.S. has continuously supplied various kinds of weapons and equipment to Taiwan under the pretext of "deterring" someone. Recently, it decided to pay subsidies for supporting Taiwan's import of U.S. weapons. It is a common understanding of the international community that such arms trade is not aimed at making money only. It is the ulterior motive of the U.S. to arm its stooges and followers for proxy wars more thoroughly with ultra-modern lethal weapons and use them as a shock brigade for realizing its strategy for world hegemony, isolate and weaken its potential rivals, and thus maintain at any cost its hegemonic position on the verge of collapse. The U.S. sale of ultra-modern weapons clearly indicates who the world's biggest threat-exporting country is. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the Sakharov prize European External Action Service (EEAS) 12.12.2023 EEAS Press Team Every year, the Sakharov Prize honours those who stand up to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. This year, the Sakharov prize is awarded to the memory of Mahsa Amini and to the "Woman, Life, Freedom" Movement. Iranian women have been the force driving the protests, making their aspirations for a better future free from oppression heard around the world. They ask for respect, justice, and equality - nothing more, nothing less. Today's award is in recognition of their inspiring courage to stand up against the oppression of women and their commitment to promote human rights for all in Iran. Mahsa Amini's family was invited to the award ceremony today in Strasbourg. Regretfully, and despite our efforts and requests, including to the Iranian Foreign Minister, to allow and facilitate their presence, Mahsa Amini's family was banned from travelling and their passports were confiscated. This is another deplorable act of suppression of fundamental freedoms. The European Union deeply regrets and condemns the decision of the Iranian authorities. On the occasion of this important recognition to the people of Iran, the EU reiterates its firm support for a future where the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens in Iran are respected, protected, and fulfilled. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Students Face Disciplinary Action After Protests Over Faculty Comments By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 12, 2023 The Tehran University disciplinary committee has reportedly initiated proceedings against at least 30 students from its Faculty of Social Sciences, according to information released by the country's Student Guild Councils via their Telegram channel. The move comes in the wake of a significant Student Day protest rally on December 7, where the students in question are alleged to have participated. One of the reasons for the protest was the university's handling of an incident involving Gholamreza Jamshidi, the head of the Faculty of Sciences. Last month, a video emerged on social media showing Jamshidi engaging in what was described as "profanity" directed at students and faculty. Following the video's release and subsequent student demonstrations, including a sit-in at the Faculty of Social Sciences, there has been no formal apology or acceptance of responsibility from Jamshidi, the student groups said. "Despite the public outcry and the evident distress caused to the students, the university has yet to take any action against Jamshidi," the Guild added, highlighting what it calls a lack of accountability from university officials. In the video in question, Jamshidi publicly insults students who had objected to the confiscation of another student's identification card. He allegedly referred to the students as "prostitutes" and the Faculty of Social Sciences as a "brothel." The Iranian Teachers Union's Coordination Council reported that, following a standoff with university security forces during a protest over the issue, the students' demands were partially met. Student activists have highlighted the increasingly oppressive atmosphere within Iranian universities since the start of the new academic year. This includes widespread summonses issued by intelligence and security agencies, disciplinary actions, temporary suspensions, and even expulsions of students and faculty members. Universities and students have long been at the forefront of the struggle for greater social and political freedoms in Iran. In 1999, students protested the closure of a reformist daily newspaper, prompting a brutal raid on the dorms of Tehran University that left one student dead. Over the years, the authorities have arrested student activists and leaders, sentencing them to prison and banning them from studying. The activist HRANA news agency says at least 700 university students have been arrested during the nationwide protests sparked by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody for allegedly breaking the country's hijab rule. Many have faced sentences such as imprisonment and flogging, and dozens of students have been expelled from universities or suspended from their studies, as security forces try to stifle widespread dissent. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-university-protest- punishments/32727109.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossien Amir-Abdollahian 12 December 2023 11:44 2516-12-12-2023 On December 11, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossien Amir-Abdollahian upon the initiative of the Iranian side. The two foreign ministers had a detailed discussion on current issues related to bilateral cooperation in the follow-up to the extensive talks between the presidents of the two countries that took place in Moscow on December 7. They agreed to expedite the work on completing the coordination of a new grand interstate treaty, which has reached a high degree of readiness. A particular focus was on current developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. The ministers expressed shared concern over the conflict's ongoing escalation and the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They also stressed the importance of brokering an immediate ceasefire and providing emergency assistance to the civilian victims of hostilities, as well as urging the UN to use its influence in this regard. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson December 12, 2023 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani. The Secretary condemned the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad as well as the series of attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks. The Secretary welcomed the Prime Minister's strong condemnation of the recent attacks as "acts of terrorism" as well as the Iraqi government's pledge to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. The Secretary noted that the attacks are being carried out by militias who are acting with the support of Iran and undermining Iraq's sovereignty and independence. They committed to remain in close contact over the coming days and weeks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau December 12, 2023 Ottawa, Ontario Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and unequivocally condemned Hamas, its brutal attacks against Israel, and its unacceptable treatment of hostages. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Prime Minister Trudeau stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. He called for further humanitarian pauses and expressed support for urgent international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire. The Prime Minister also underscored that this cannot be one-sided, and that Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields, lay down its arms, and can play no role in the future governance of Gaza. He reaffirmed the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed the strong bond between Israel and Canada and agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call today with Japan's Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Kihara for Japan's support in search and recovery operations following the tragic CV-22 incident off the coast of Japan. The two leaders spoke about the Department's decision to direct an operational standdown of the V-22 fleet. Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the Department views the safety of U.S. servicemembers and Japanese communities as our top priority. The two leaders applauded progress on accelerating U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral security cooperation and welcomed continued dialogue on strengthening extended deterrence. Secretary Austin and Minister Kihara committed to further cooperation on U.S.-Japan alliance priorities to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also exchanged views on maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and the Secretary affirmed his commitment to working with Japan to uphold the freedom of navigation and ensure maritime security. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3614542/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta troops seize orphanage during battle in central Myanmar Dozens of children and four teachers were trapped in the building, according to People's Defense Forces. By RFA Burmese 2023.12.12 -- Junta soldiers sheltered in an orphanage in central Myanmar to deter resistance groups from attacking, locals and People's Defense Forces told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday. A junta military camp in Sagaing region's Tamu township was abandoned by troops in November when it was captured by resistance groups, local People's Defense Forces said. While attempting to recapture their lost base, junta troops positioned themselves in Kampat city's orphanage on Sunday. Forty people were in the orphanage at the time, including 36 children and four teachers. On Sunday, junta soldiers launched an attack on People's Defense Forces from outside the building, according to a resistance group official, adding that the troops used heavy and small weapons, as well as airstrikes. However, the resistance group removed the teachers and children from the orphanage on Monday, the official added. "That orphanage is near the military camp on the hill. The junta troops regained control of that camp on the hill using the orphans as human shields," he told RFA, asking to be kept anonymous for fear of reprisals. "Both the children and the adults in that orphanage tried to escape, but they did not succeed. So they were evacuated by our People's Defense Forces at around 12 yesterday. Now they are in a safe place." The orphanage is owned by a Christian church in No. 1 neighborhood of Kampat city. Nearby are a police station and a temporary military camp on the hill, residents said, which troops regained control of after the battle. Intense fighting on the India-Myanmar border near Kampat city has been constant since the end of October. People's Defense Forces claim to have captured Kampat on Nov. 7. Almost a month later on Wednesday, junta troops launched an offensive to recapture the city, defense force officials told RFA. Since then, fighting has continued. On Sunday, the military junta carried out an aerial attack around the Kampat Police Station near the orphanage, he added. Calls by RFA to Sagaing region's junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw seeking comment on the incident went unanswered Tuesday. Nearly 5,000 residents from four neighborhoods in Kampat city and surrounding villages have fled on Tuesday, some to the Indian border. Fighting has also intensified near Tamu city, making it difficult for locals to find a place to seek shelter, residents said. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive Q&A: Myanmar's Opposition Chief Says Battle Against Junta Has Turned By Ingyin Naing December 12, 2023 The people of Myanmar are "determined to fight until the end," the acting president of Myanmar's opposition government has told VOA. "The door to dialogue is not closed," said Duwa Lashi La, while questioning whether conditions are right for peace talks amid ongoing attacks on civilians by the Southeast Asian country's military junta. Speaking via Zoom from an undisclosed location within Myanmar on December 8, the head of Myanmar's National Unity Government, or NUG, which views itself as a shadow government, also discussed its relationship with China, which recently called for national reconciliation in Myanmar. The following interview, which took place after a string of defeats for the country's military junta, has been translated into English and edited for lengthy and clarity. VOA: Have you determined that Myanmar has reached the stage of civil war? And are the ethnic armed groups on the ground in Myanmar, with help of the NUG, gaining momentum against the military junta? Acting President Duwa Lashi La: When we look at the current situation on the ground, we can see that the battle has turned in our favor. As I have said before, it will come wave after wave, and the speed is only going to get higher and higher. The public and our [People's Defense Forces, or PDF] have absolutely nothing to back down from. Very quickly now, [junta leader] Min Aung Hlaing will be completely removed from leadership. He knows his military coup was wrong. The power of the people will be returned to the hands of the people. Until that time, the war will escalate. As we all know, especially since the beginning of the 1027 operation by the Three Brotherhoods Alliance, we have advanced step by step, and now we have occupied more than 200 [junta] military bases. In addition, many townships have been retaken, such as Kawlin, a very important town in Sagaing region. Many parts of Kokang region have also been retaken, so northern Shan state is in a very good position. I cannot define the current situation in Myanmar as a civil war. What I can say is that, no matter what, we will continue to fight until Min Aung Hlaing and his military dictatorship are completely removed. However, because the speed of the battle is increasing, I am worried that the suffering of the people will also increase. The people have endured many hardships, yet they continue to encourage and support us. They are determined to fight to the end. VOA: Since the end of October, we have seen the offensive operations such as Operation 1027, Operation 1111, among other operations in Chin, Rakhine and Karen states against the Myanmar military by anti-junta resistance forces around the country. Is there any NUG connection to these operations? Duwa Lashi La: Yes, we are cooperating and coordinating, not only politically, but also operationally. Actually, what we want a and what is best a is to have military operations under one chain of command, such as in the future, when we rebuild our federal army. Currently, even though we don't have that chain of command, we are able to coordinate operations between different groups. For example, we have designated the north of the country as military region [1], and the PDF are fighting together with EAOs [Ethnic Armed Organizations] there. In the south, Karenni state, Karen state, Tanintharyi division, Yangon division and Bagu division have been designated as the Southern Military Region, and the EAOs and the PDF have been working together there. It was clear to us since the beginning that our PDF could not stand alone, that we needed military training and bases. So, in the KNU [Karen National Union] area, the PDF participated in joint operations under the command of KNU forces. Similarly, in Karenni State, the PDF has been conducting operations in cooperation with the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, which is an armed organization. The PDF are everywhere a in the north, in the south and the central regions. The center of the country is very important because Naypyidaw [the military-built capital and base of operations for the junta] is there. If we can all cooperate to strengthen the central region, we can threaten Naypyidaw. That is our goal. VOA: From a military point of view, there are those who say it is still too early to conclude that guerrilla forces like PDF can win against the well-trained and armed Burmese army. On the other hand, you have said that the revolutionary forces are winning. Can you explain why? Duwa Lashi La: When we first started, the whole world asked how it could be possible for us to defeat such a powerful army. My answer is that people are more important than weapons. It is a war with the participation of all our people, so we can win. According to a research paper done by the United States Institute of Peace, it is believed that the military cannot return to their previous position. That is a fact. Now so many places in the north have been occupied by revolutionary groups, it is absolutely impossible for the junta to recapture those places. At first, there was nothing to this revolution. We started working with only the belief that we must change things to the way we want them to be. No one had any weapons. Gradually, we have improved, and now we can say that we are equal to, or even more than, the military junta troops. VOA: Operation 1027, led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, included shutting down lucrative criminal activity in enclaves along the Chinese frontier, that was also aligning with China's anti-transnational crime efforts. So, China backed their operation against the junta, some analysts said. What is your response to this? What is the relationship between the Chinese government and the NUG? Duwa Lashi La: The NUG's stance is clear. We have a policy of having friendly relations with all neighboring countries: China, India, Thailand and Bangladesh, and we will look after their interests, not only our own. With China, we have three or four different channels available, and we are continually in communication with them. We haven't seen any clear evidence that China is supporting Operation 1027. They have announced that they want to suppress the criminal gangs that are doing these online scams, which also aligns with the Three Brotherhood's goals, but they have also said that they respect Myanmar's sovereignty and won't meddle in our internal affairs. VOA: Would you say that the relationship between the NUG and China is strong? Duwa Lashi La: China still recognizes the existence of the National League for Democracy [NLD] party. The NLD was the people's government in the past. The NUG is in contact with China's diplomats through their embassies, and we have responded to their concerns. For example, we will not interfere with China's projects in Myanmar; we will help as much as possible. As we have often said, we want to do business with China in the future, so our relationship is generally good. VOA: There are voices, such as in a recent Washington Post editorial, calling for the U.S. government to officially recognize the NUG as the government of Myanmar due to international media reports that the junta is not doing well and is on the verge of collapsing. Do you feel that the U.S. is effectively supporting the NUG? Duwa Lashi La: The international community has begun to recognize the NUG. At first, neighboring countries and world did not think we could fight such a strong institutional army. Now that they have become more interested, people are starting to ask what we will do after the junta is finally dissolved. So, in regards to the United States recognizing us, yes, that would clearly be welcomed. We will always welcome support from the U.S. if it is offered. The sooner the U.S. recognizes the NUG, the more helpful it will be toward defeating the junta. Once we accomplish that, we will be able to quickly solve many of the problems that the people are currently experiencing, and establish a new, stable and peaceful Myanmar. International recognition is very important. Since the U.S. is a country that is always encouraging the development of democracy, their encouragement is greatly appreciated, and provides moral support for our struggle. VOA: Recent statements by members of the international community, including China and the United Nations, have called for a peaceful resolution in Myanmar. When do you think the time will be right to start dialogue to bring the conflict to an end and begin rebuilding the country? Duwa Lashi La: We always say the door to dialogue is not closed. However, we must think about whether the right environment exists for peace talks. We cannot simply use the same formula used in other countries such as South Africa or Cambodia. Even if they were successful there, the situation in Myanmar is different, so the solution must be different. We have never said that we will not meet with them. In contrast, Min Aung Hlaing says that he will not meet with us because, he says, we are terrorists. He has continued to lie by saying that the Nationwide Cease-fire Agreement is a real attempt for peace talks. The talks are merely for show; they aren't sincere in their claims. They are essentially asking the ethnic armed groups to simply surrender. If he truly wants peace talks, then he needs to show the people that he is earnest in his desire for change. Right now, our people are being bombed and killed by airstrikes. He must stop the attacks on civilians and the detentions before we can begin thinking about peace talks. To be clear, the public do not trust what Min Aung Hlaing and his military junta have to say. In order to create a situation where the people can believe that [the military] truly want peace, they must announce to the world that they will live under the rule of the people. They must make a clear commitment that they will never again interfere in the politics of Myanmar. Only then we can talk about peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Delivers Strong Demarche to the Afghan Interim Government in Context of today's Deadly Attack Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Secretary called-in the ChargA d'Affaires (Cd'A) of Afghan Interim Government (AIG) to deliver Pakistan's strong demarche in the context of today's deadly terrorist attack on Pakistan's security forces' post in Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan. The attack, whose responsibility has been claimed by Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a terrorist group affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulted in multiple causalities, including shahadat of twenty-three security personnel. The Cd'A of AIG was asked to immediately convey to the Afghan Interim Government to: o Fully investigate and take stern action against perpetrators of the recent attack; o Publicly condemn the terrorist incident at the highest level; o Take immediate verifiable actions against all terrorist groups (including their leadership) and their sanctuaries; o Apprehend and handover the perpetrators of the attack and the TTP leadership in Afghanistan to the Government of Pakistan; and o Take all necessary measures to deny the persistent use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. Today's terrorist attack is yet another reminder of the terrorist threat to peace and stability in the region. We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace. On its part, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combat terrorism. Islamabad 12 December 2023 226/2023 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan: Militant Attack Kills 23 Troops By Sarah Zaman December 12, 2023 An early morning militant attack in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed 23 troops Tuesday. The attack occurred in Daraban, a remote area in the militancy-hit district of Dera Ismail Khan near Pakistan's tribal districts bordering Afghanistan. Inter Services Public Relations or ISPR, the Pakistani military's media wing, confirmed the death toll. It also said the military killed 27 terrorists in multiple operations. The military's statement sent to the media several hours after the Daraban incident said six terrorists attacked a security forces' post in the early hours of the morning. "The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack." According to the military's statement, the building of the military camp collapsed because of the ensuing blast, causing multiple casualties. The statement said all six terrorists were "effectively engaged and sent to hell," implying the attackers were killed in military action. The overnight militant attack came after operations targeted terrorists in the larger Dera Ismail Khan area between December 11 and 12. The ISPR said 21 terrorists were killed in those intelligence-based operations in which two soldiers also died. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a relatively new and less-known militant group claimed responsibility for the attack in Daraban. The group has carried out several high-profile raids against security forces in recent months including an attack on an air force base in early November that damaged three aircraft. In July, the group claimed responsibility for attacking a military base in southwestern Baluchistan province and killing 12 Pakistani soldiers. Condemning the attack in a message on X, formerly Twitter, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed the country's resolve to continue fighting terrorism. Pakistan said Tuesday's deadly assault was carried out by fugitive militants operating out of sanctuaries in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and summoned the neighboring country's chief diplomat to protest it. A foreign ministry statement said that Islamabad asked Kabul to urgently take "stern action" against the perpetrators of the raid and deny "the persistent use of Afghan soil" for terrorism against Pakistan. It described TJP as a "terrorist group affiliated" with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which routinely plots and claims attacks against Pakistani security forces. The statement called on the Afghan Taliban to take "verifiable actions" against all terrorist groups and their sanctuaries in Afghanistan. It demanded that Kabul hand over the perpetrators of Tuesday's attack and the TTP leadership to Pakistan. There was no immediate response from the Afghan Taliban to Pakistani allegations. Pakistani military and police are coming under frequent deadly attacks, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Pakistan alleges terrorists present on Afghan soil are responsible for the surge and accuses Afghan Taliban of providing them a haven. The de facto rulers in Kabul deny the charge. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S Korea, Netherlands to form 'chip alliance' for supply chain coordination Seoul aims to gain a strategic edge in the global market, backing the US for an alternative supply chain: source. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.12 -- South Korea and the Netherlands vowed to formally establish a "chip alliance," indicating a significant step in advancing bilateral hi-tech exchanges - a move that would benefit U.S. President Joe Biden's initiative to establish an alternative supply chain that requires less of China. South Korea's first deputy director of the National Security Office, Kim Tae-hyo, said during a news conference in Amsterdam Tuesday that the South and the Netherlands have agreed to seek "exceptional cooperation in the semiconductor field" and pursue an "alliance" in cooperating to jointly deal with "semiconductor supply chain crises." "After close consultation, both sides decided to include the term 'chip alliance' in the upcoming joint statement," Kim added. The briefing came as South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made his four-day state-visit to the Netherlands starting Monday. Yoon is set to meet his Dutch counterpart Wednesday. The "chip alliance" between the two states already began to take shape with South Korea's tech giant Samsung Electronics and Netherland's AMSL signing an memorandum of understanding (MOU) vowing a joint investment of US$760 million (1 trillion won), to establish a next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technology R&D center in South Korea, according to the South's Chief Economic Secretary, Park Chun-sup, Tuesday. "This R&D center will jointly develop ultra-fine manufacturing processes based on next-generation EUV lithography," Park said in a briefing in the Netherlands. The R&D center is the first of its kind that ASML is establishing with a semiconductor manufacturing company abroad. South Korea is a major powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing, while the Netherlands has a strong market advantage in equipment and material sectors. Advanced cooperation between the two could make a significant impact in the global semiconductor market. To indicate the new chip alliance between the two states, Yoon accompanied prominent figures of South Korea's semiconductor giants on this state visit. Jay Y. Lee of Samsung Electronics and Tae-won Chey of SK Hynix are included in the South Korean delegation. Yoon, alongside Lee and Chey, visited ASML's clean room on Tuesday. This visit marked the first time ASML opened its clean room facility to a foreign delegation. South Korea's Presidential Office described this event as a symbol of the strong bilateral ties focused on chip cooperation. Seoul is hopeful that the MOU will offer its semiconductor giants a chance to secure an advantageous position in the global market, and support the Washington-led initiative to establish an alternative supply chain, a senior South Korean official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, told Radio Free Asia. The joint investment is most likely to focus on securing technological superiority in the field of 2-nanometer technology, the person added, without further elaboration. Separately, South Korea's trade ministry and the Dutch foreign ministry signed an MOU Tuesday for the establishment of a 'Semiconductor Academy,' in which South Korean students and professionals will have the opportunity to receive training at ASML's headquarters and at the Eindhoven University of Technology. "Cultivating talent and sharing know-how are activities that only a true chip alliance states can undertake," South Korea's Chief Economic Secretary Park said in a briefing. "We anticipate that this will further activate the exchange between the future generations in the semiconductor field of both countries." Such moves between two nations add weight to U.S. President Joe Biden's strategy to create an alternative global supply chain that knits democratic nations closer together while requiring less of China's input. The core of this initiative is strengthening tech cooperation among like-minded nations such as South Korea, the Netherlands, Japan and the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Cutting dependence on Chinese components and resources is seen as a derisking exercise for businesses given that Beijing has intertwined politics with economics and imposed measures on countries that make political decisions contrary to its interests. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General meets UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Russia Council of Europe Secretary General Strasbourg 12 December 2023 Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric has met with United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Russia, Mariana Katzerova. While expressing dismay at unprecedented crackdown on freedoms and repression against civil society, opposition and critics following Russia's large-scale aggression in Ukraine, the Secretary General underlined how the Council of Europe maintains contacts with Russian human rights defenders. Moreover, she emphasised the risks of possible erosion of social rights in Russia. The execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the Russian Federation was also discussed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland to continue restrictions at eastern border to manage the situation - Government prepared to take further measures Finnish Government Ministry of the Interior 12.12.2023 Finland will continue restrictions at the eastern border. The border crossing points will remain closed, with the exception of the border crossing points of Vaalimaa and Niirala, which will be opened for traffic on Thursday 14 December. The Government will close the entire eastern border again if instrumentalised migration at the eastern border continues. The Government decided the matter at an extraordinary session on 12 December. The new decision will remain in force until 14 January 2024. "We cannot tell whether things have changed for the better without lifting some restrictions. That is why, after careful consideration, we are opening two border crossing points in a controlled manner. However, we are prepared to quickly impose restrictions again. Finland will ensure its national security," says Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. All border crossings at the eastern border to be centralised at Vaalimaa and Niirala During the validity of the decision, people crossing the land border between Finland and Russia must use the Vaalimaa and Niirala border crossing points. Finnish citizens will also have to use open border crossing points. Goods traffic through Vainikkala will continue. At the eastern border, it will only be possible to apply for international protection at the border crossing points of Vaalimaa and Niirala. "Nevertheless, we would like to emphasise that people should not travel to the Finnish-Russian border under these circumstances. Finland will make sure that our eastern border does not become a new pathway for instrumentalised migration into Europe," says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. According to the assessment of Finnish authorities, it is clear that the threat has not passed. It is likely that a significant number of potential migrants remain in Russian territory. The Russian authorities still have the capacity to instrumentalise migration towards Finland. The Government and authorities are closely monitoring the situation at Finland's eastern border. Finland will ensure the security of its borders, public order and national security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says Moscow working on 'major new agreement' with Tehran Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 3:14 PM Russia's Foreign Ministry says Moscow and Tehran plan to speed up work on a "major new interstate agreement" as the two long-time allies forge closer bilateral relations. The Russian Foreign Ministry broke the news in a short statement on Tuesday and said the two countries' foreign ministers had agreed in a phone call to expedite work on the agreement, which was at "a high stage of readiness." The statement did not detail the scope of the agreement, but it comes amid growing political, trade and military ties between Moscow and Tehran, both of which are under US sanctions and opposed to Western unilateralism. In 2001, Tehran and Moscow signed a 10-year cooperation deal that was lengthened to 20 years through two five-year extensions. The two countries are planning to ink a document on bilateral long-term strategic cooperation, which may determine their future relations for the next twenty years. Last week, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and his Russian counterpart held extensive talks in the Kremlin, with Vladimir Putin lauding Tehran-Moscow ties as "very good." "We have very good relations with Iran. And we will enhance them in every possible way... That is why we do our utmost in order to develop relations with Iran, and will keep this up in the future," Russia's TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov also signed an agreement last week to make joint efforts to counter unilateral sanctions imposed on the two countries. Iran and Russia, as two close and strategic allies, have over the past years deepened their relations in various fields, including military and defense, despite being under heavy Western sanctions. Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Tehran in September upon an official invitation by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri. Baqeri said at the time that Tehran and Moscow are working to draw up a long-term military cooperation agreement in the near future as the world moves towards an increasingly multipolar order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tajik Migrants Say They Were Beaten, Deported By Russian Police For Refusing To Fight In Ukraine By RFE/RL's Tajik Service, RFE/RL's Central Asian Migrants' Unit December 12, 2023 DUSHANBE -- Some Tajik migrant workers in Russia say they were beaten by police and deported on fabricated criminal charges for refusing to fight in Ukraine. The allegations come as Russian officials continue to target migrant workers from Central Asia in an effort to shore up Moscow's depleted troops in Ukraine, according to migrants and rights activists. Mansur Hojiev, a 30-year-old Dushanbe resident, was deported from Russia in October just weeks after declining to sign a contract to join the Russian Army, the former migrant worker says. Hojiev told RFE/RL his problems began when he approached migration officials in September to complete paperwork to obtain Russian citizenship. "During my appointment at the migration office in the Sverdlovsk district in Perm Province on September 12, officials told me that I need to sign a contract to go to war [in Ukraine] or my citizenship application would be rejected," Hojiev said. The holder of a valid residency permit, Hojiev said he didn't sign the contract and decided to continue living and working in Russia without trying to get citizenship. But two weeks later Hojiev was summoned to the migration office where officials allegedly demanded that he sign a statement admitting to taking illegal drugs. "Four masked men handcuffed me there, put a plastic bag over my head, and pushed me into a van like a cow," he claimed. "They drove me to some forest, [attaching wires] to my arms and legs and giving me electric shocks." Hojiev told RFE/RL that under duress he signed a fabricated confession that he was caught by police while taking narcotics. The next day, the Sverdlovsk district court convicted the Tajik migrant of illegal drug use based on a police report and his "confession." Hojiev was ordered to pay a fine before he was deported to Tajikistan. RFE/RL repeatedly tried to contact police and court officials in Perm for comment but was unsuccessful. Rights defenders and migrants in Russia have reported dozens of similar cases of Central Asian workers being pressured into signing contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry amid Moscow's efforts to bolster its troops in Ukraine. Just weeks before Hojiev was targeted at the migration office, Russian rights activist Tatyana Kotlyar told the 7X7 Telegram channel that five Central Asian migrants were ordered to sign such military contracts as a precondition for obtaining a Russian passport. Among them was a Tajik migrant working in Kaluga Province whose citizenship application was rejected after the man said he was unable to join the military on medical grounds, Kotlyar said. Kotlyar wrote on Facebook afterward that the migrant filed a complaint to Russian authorities. But in response, "a protocol was drawn up against him [by police] for a violation that did not exist," the activist said. Right Decision Valentina Chupik, the director of Tong Jahoni, a human rights NGO in Russia, has repeatedly spoken about officials' campaign to recruit migrant workers into the army using force, intimidation, or strong incentives such as the promise of fast-tracked citizenship. The total number of Central Asian citizens who have gone to war in Ukraine is unknown. Dushanbe resident Anvar, who gave only his first name, claims he was ordered by officials at the Sakharovo migration center in Moscow to sign a military contract in March. "I told them that I don't want to go war. They insulted me and beat me," he told RFE/RL. "They kicked me in my lower back." Anvar said he was kept in detention for 17 days before being deported to Dushanbe for allegedly violating migration rules. "I have had my all documents in order. I had paid the required three-month fees to extend my work permit; I had also paid the fees on time to prolong my residency documentation," said Anvar, who maintains he was punished for refusing to go to Ukraine. Anvar's mother said her son returned home "badly bruised" and suffering both physical and psychological trauma. He underwent medical treatment for several months. Hojiev and Anvar haven't yet found work in Dushanbe. Unemployment is rife in impoverished Tajikistan, which has forced millions to move to Russia where they are vulnerable to threats and pressure put on them by Russian authorities. Despite being destitute, however, the two said they don't regret their decision to reject serving in the Russian military in Ukraine. Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by the RFE/RL Tajik Service and the Central Asia Migrant Unit Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tajik-migrants-beaten- deported-russia-fight-ukraine/32727830.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin holds a working meeting with Vice President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue 12.12.2023 Today, Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin held a working meeting with Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. During the talks, the sides noted the positive dynamics in the development of bilateral military co-operation, identified promising areas of co-operation, and outlined ways of their implementation. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, and it underlined the mutual willingness to expand multidimensional cooperation. . Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denmark Rejects Russia's Request For Legal Aid in Nord Stream Probe Sputnik News 20231212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow received an official notice from the Danish Prosecutor's office declining Russia's request for legal assistance in the investigation into the explosions the rocked the Nord Stream pipelines, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed on Tuesday. "We received from Denmark in December a refusal from the Prosecutor General's Office of this country in response to an appeal from the Russian Prosecutor General's Office on the legal assistance in the investigation of sabotage on the Nord Stream gas pipelines," Zakharova told a briefing. Moscow was not surprised by Copenhagen's decision, the diplomat said, adding that the refusal of legal assistance in the investigation of the sabotage "confirmed the course of the Danish authorities to conceal the truth about the true customers and perpetrators of the terrorist attack." "Despite the obstacles, the Russian side will continue to seek an effective, transparent and depoliticized investigation of the terrorist attack with the participation of competent Russian agencies, Gazprom, involving, among others, international structures," Zakharova concluded. The Nord Stream pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to the European Union, were hit by explosions in September 2022. All three affected pipes were rendered inoperable. Denmark, Germany and Norway have left Russia out of their investigations into the attacks, prompting Moscow to launch its own investigation. Russia designated the attacks as acts of international terrorism. No official results of the investigations have yet been announced. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taking Additional Sweeping Measures Against Russia US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson December 12, 202 Today, in coordination with the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State is imposing sanctions to further target individuals and entities associated with Russia's war effort and other harmful activities. All targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation. The Department is designating over 100 individuals and entities targeting Russia's future energy export and production capabilities, Russia's metals and mining sector, and third country networks facilitating sanctions evasion and circumvention. We are also designating several shipping companies that have been involved in the transfer of munitions between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia. CONSTRAINING RUSSIA'S FUTURE ENERGY PRODUCTION AND EXPORT CAPACITY The Department of State continues to designate entities involved in the development of Russia's future energy production and export capacity. Today, the Department of State is designating three entities involved in the development of Russia's Ust-Luga Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, a facility under construction in Russia's Port of Ust-Luga, which will be operated by Gazprom and RusGazDobycha. The equipment and architectural expertise provided by these entities is meant to significantly expand Russia's future LNG production and export capacity. The Department is designating the following two entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES is a Russia-based company responsible for manufacturing heat exchange equipment necessary for gas processing and liquefaction at Russia's future LNG terminal at Ust-Luga. is a Russia-based company responsible for manufacturing heat exchange equipment necessary for gas processing and liquefaction at Russia's future LNG terminal at Ust-Luga. JOINT STOCK COMPANY KAZAN COMPRESSOR MACHINERY PLANT is a Russia-based company that manufactures compressor equipment necessary for production and export from Russia's future LNG terminal at Ust-Luga. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the architecture sector of the Russian Federation economy: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY GAZPROM LINDE ENGINEERING is a Russia-based company providing architecture and design services for Russia's future LNG terminal facilities at Ust-Luga. TARGETING RUSSIA'S METALS AND MINING SECTOR In alignment with our commitments outlined in the May 19, 2023, G7 Leaders' Statement on Ukraine, the Department of State is continuing to constrict Russia's revenue from its metals and mining sector by designating individuals and entities associated with VLADISLAV VLADIMIROVICH SVIBLOV and HIGHLAND GOLD MINING LIMITED. HIGHLAND GOLD MINING LIMITED is the seventh-largest gold producer in Russia and is majority owned and controlled by VLADISLAV VLADIMIROVICH SVIBLOV. The Department is joining the United Kingdom in designating both VLADISLAV VLADIMIROVICH SVIBLOV and HIGHLAND GOLD MINING LIMITED, who were sanctioned by the United Kingdom on November 8, 2023. The Department is designating the following entity and individual pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation economy: HIGHLAND GOLD MINING LIMITED (HGM LTD) is a UK-registered gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia. is a UK-registered gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia. VLADISLAV VLADIMIROVICH SVIBLOV (SVIBLOV) is a Russian oligarch that has earned his wealth mainly through investments in metals and mining companies that conduct operations in Russia. SVIBLOV holds majority ownership of multiple top gold producing companies operating in Russia to include HGM LTD, TRANS SIBERIAN GOLD LIMITED, JSC KAMCHATSKOE ZOLOTO, and JSC CHUKOTKA MINING GEOLOGICAL COMPANY. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, SVIBLOV, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: HOLDING LIMITED is a Cyprus-based holding company that is controlled by SVIBLOV. is a Cyprus-based holding company that is controlled by SVIBLOV. FORTIANA HOLDINGS LIMITED is a Cyprus-based holding company that is beneficially owned by SVIBLOV and holds majority ownership of HGM LTD. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation economy: TRANS SIBERIAN GOLD LIMITED is a UK-registered gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia and is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. is a UK-registered gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia and is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. JOINT STOCK COMPANY KAMCHATSKOE ZOLOTO (JSC KAMCHATSKOE ZOLOTO) is a Russia-based gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia. JSC KAMCHATSKOE ZOLOTO is ranked in the top 15 gold miners in Russia and is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based gold mining company that conducts operations in Russia. JSC KAMCHATSKOE ZOLOTO is ranked in the top 15 gold miners in Russia and is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. JOINT STOCK COMPANY CHUKOTKA MINING GEOLOGICAL COMPANY is a Russia-based gold mining company. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy: INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KHORVIK is a Russia-based holding company that is used by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company that is used by SVIBLOV. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BERING METALS is a major Russia-based holding company that is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. is a major Russia-based holding company that is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. JOINT STOCK COMPANY OZGRK is a Russia-based holding company that is managed by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company that is managed by SVIBLOV. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VOSTOK ZOLOTO is a Russia-based holding company that is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company that is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ASTECLING is a Russia-based company that is ultimately owned and controlled by SVIBLOV. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the management consulting sector of the Russian Federation economy: INTERNATIONAL COMPANY JOINT STOCK COMPANY HIGHLAND GOLD is a Russia-based holding company used by SVIBLOV. JOINT STOCK COMPANY FORTIANA is a Russia-based holding company managed by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company managed by SVIBLOV. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY DV HOLDING is a Russia-based holding company managed and 99 percent owned by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company managed and 99 percent owned by SVIBLOV. JOINT STOCK COMPANY AVRORA is a Russia-based holding company managed by SVIBLOV. is a Russia-based holding company managed by SVIBLOV. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY FORTIANA INVEST is a Russia-based holding company managed and solely owned by SVIBLOV. INVEST is a Russia-based holding company managed and solely owned by SVIBLOV. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ASTECLING is a Russia-based holding company managed and solely owned by SVIBLOV. DISRUPTING RUSSIA-DPRK MUNITIONS TRANSFERS The Department is designating several shipping companies and associated vessels that have been involved in the transfer of munitions between the DPRK and the Russian Federation. The IBEX SHIPPING INC-owned vessel, MARIA, has been identified via imagery and multiple press reports as being part of a group of commercial vessels that have completed multiple deliveries of military equipment and munitions provided by the DPRK to Russia. Other vessels linked to this Russian-DPRK proliferation network, including the LADY R and the ANGARA, were previously designated by the Department pursuant to E.O. 14024 on May 8, 2022. Additionally, the IBEX SHIPPING INC-owned vessel CAPTAIN YAKUBOVICH has also previously been involved in the delivery of Russian-made armored vehicles to Burma. These designations follow the Department's designations of several other individuals involved in munitions transfers from the DPRK to the Russian Federation in July and September 2023. The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy: IBEX SHIPPING INC is the registered owner of three Russian-flagged vessels. The following vessels are being identified as blocked property in which IBEX SHIPPING INC has an interest: MARIA CAPTAIN YAKUBOVICH ARKADIY CHERNYSHEV is the registered owner of three Russian-flagged vessels. The following vessels are being identified as blocked property in which IBEX SHIPPING INC has an interest: AZIA SHIPPING HOLDINGS LIMITED is the manager of eight Russian-flagged vessels, including the CAPTAIN YAKUBOVICH and the ARKADIY CHERNYSHEV. is the manager of eight Russian-flagged vessels, including the CAPTAIN YAKUBOVICH and the ARKADIY CHERNYSHEV. AZIA SHIPPING COMPANY is based in Vladivostok, Russia, and describes itself as an exclusive goods carrier of the Russian Ministry of Defense. CONSTRAINING RUSSIA'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY Additional Entities Supporting the Russian Defense Industry The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY TULATOCHMASH is a Russian company that works within the weapons and ammunition manufacturing industry. is a Russian company that works within the weapons and ammunition manufacturing industry. FEDERAL STATE ENTERPRISE PERM POWDER PLANT is a weapons manufacturer that produces ammunition and charges and igniters for rocket engines for various functional purposes. Degrading Weapons and Ammunition Manufacturing The Department is designating numerous defense entities and facilities that manufacture weapons, ammunition, and related equipment for the Russian defense sector to support its illegal war against Ukraine. The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY CHEBOKSARY PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION NAMED AFTER V.I. CHAPAEV manufactures weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other materials for use by the Russian military and defense sector. manufactures weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other materials for use by the Russian military and defense sector. JOINT STOCK COMPANY NOVOSIBIRSK CARTRIDGE PLANT specializes in the manufacture of small arms ammunition for use by the Russian military and defense sector. specializes in the manufacture of small arms ammunition for use by the Russian military and defense sector. JOINT STOCK COMPANY BARNAUL CARTRIDGE PLANT manufactures small arms ammunition and has supplied cartridges and its other products to the Russian military. manufactures small arms ammunition and has supplied cartridges and its other products to the Russian military. JOINT STOCK COMPANY TETIS PRO specializes in the design, manufacture, and supply of diving and submersible equipment, including the Marlin-350 Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) used by the Russian Navy and the MAIN DIRECTORATE OF DEEP-SEA RESEARCH (GUGI). GUGI was designated by the Department of State pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 on February 24, 2023. specializes in the design, manufacture, and supply of diving and submersible equipment, including the Marlin-350 Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) used by the Russian Navy and the MAIN GUGI was designated by the Department of State pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 on February 24, 2023. OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY TAMBOVSKY BAKERY assembles unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) called "Bekas" for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. assembles unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) called "Bekas" for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. YAKT-SOKOL manufactures all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. manufactures all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. JOINT STOCK COMPANY NIZHNY NOVGOROD PLANT OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY (NIZHNY NOVGOROD 70TH ANNIVERSARY VICTORY PLANT) is a subsidiary of Russian government-owned JOINT STOCK COMPANY AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONCERN ALMAZ-ANTEY and manufactures components for the S-400 and S-500 surface-to-air missile systems. JOINT STOCK COMPANY AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONCERN ALMAZ-ANTEY was designated by the Department of the Treasury pursuant to E.O. 14024 on January 26, 2023, and pursuant to E.O. 13661 on July 16, 2014. is a subsidiary of Russian government-owned JOINT STOCK COMPANY AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONCERN ALMAZ-ANTEY and manufactures components for the S-400 and S-500 surface-to-air missile systems. JOINT STOCK COMPANY AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONCERN ALMAZ-ANTEY was designated by the Department of the Treasury pursuant to E.O. 14024 on January 26, 2023, and pursuant to E.O. 13661 on July 16, 2014. VASILY NIKOLAEVICH SHUPRANOV is the CEO of NIZHNY NOVGOROD 70TH ANNIVERSARY VICTORY PLANT. is the CEO of NIZHNY NOVGOROD 70TH ANNIVERSARY VICTORY PLANT. JSC RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CORPORATION URALVAGONZAVOD NAMED AFTER F.E. DZERZHINSKY (URALVAGONZAVOD) is a Russian government-owned company and the largest producer of tanks in the Russian Federation. URALVAGONZAVOD was previously designated by the Department of the Treasury pursuant to E.O. 13661 on July 16, 2014. Pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C), the following individual is being designated for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of URALVAGONZAVOD: ALEKSANDR VALERYEVICH POTAPOV is the CEO of URALVAGONZAVOD. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy: OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY V.A. DEGTYAREV PLANT (V.A. DEGTYAREV PLANT) manufactures small arms and related equipment, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. Pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C), the following individual is being designated for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of V.A. DEGTYAREV PLANT: manufactures small arms and related equipment, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, for use by the Russian military against Ukraine. Pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C), the following individual is being designated for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of V.A. DEGTYAREV PLANT: ANDREY PETROVICH KAZAZAEV is the CEO of V.A. DEGTYAREV PLANT. Defense Industrial Base and Technology Procurement The Department is designating multiple defense entities and procurement companies working to acquire and produce electronics and technologies in support of Russia's war effort. The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RADIOCOMP is one of the leading Russian suppliers of radio-frequency components from manufacturers worldwide to the Russian domestic market. is one of the leading Russian suppliers of radio-frequency components from manufacturers worldwide to the Russian domestic market. JSC OPTRON STAVROPOL produces power optoelectronics and is the one of the only manufacturers of high-quality rotary silicon rectifier diodes in Russia, which have wide-ranging applications found in military and industrial hardware. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy: RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF OPTICAL MATERIALS ALL RUSSIA SCIENTIFIC CENTER S.I. VAVILOV STATE OPTICAL INSTITUTE designs optoelectronic systems with wide-ranging applications, including the development of optical fibers benefiting Russia's industrial and military sectors. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY FOREIGN TRADE ASSOCIATION ELEKTRONINTORG produces the Shtora-1 defensive system mounted on the Russian T-90 series main battle tanks. produces the Shtora-1 defensive system mounted on the Russian T-90 series main battle tanks. JOINT STOCK COMPANY AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION ELEKTROMASHINA (ELEKTROMASHINA) designs and manufacturers electrical components for armored vehicles used by the Russian military. designs and manufacturers electrical components for armored vehicles used by the Russian military. IGOR YURIEVICH AFANASIEV is the CEO of ELEKTROMASHINA. CUTTING OFF SANCTIONS EVASION AND BACKFILLING EFFORTS The Department of State continues to disrupt the networks and channels through which Russia attempts to procure technology and equipment from third countries. Specifically, these designations target producers, exporters, and importers of items critical to Russia's defense-industrial base, including common high-priority items identified by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, alongside the EU, UK, and Japan. Entities based in the People's Republic of China (PRC), Turkiye, and the UAE have continued to send these items and other important dual-use goods to Russia, including critical components that Russia relies on for its weapons systems. Russia and UAE-based Entities Procuring High-Priority Items The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: LASERCHIPS FZCO (LASERCHIPS) is a UAE-based company that has supplied Russian companies with common high-priority items critical for Russia's war in Ukraine, including to Russian company LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CHIPDEVICE, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. Products supplied by LASERCHIPS include common high-priority items such as electronic integrated circuits (HS code 854239). is a UAE-based company that has supplied Russian companies with common high-priority items critical for Russia's war in Ukraine, including to Russian company LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CHIPDEVICE, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. Products supplied by LASERCHIPS include common high-priority items such as electronic integrated circuits (HS code 854239). LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CHIPDEVICE (CHIPDEVICE) is a Russia-based company that is a receiver of common high-priority electronic components of U.S. and European origin, supplied by UAE-based company, LASERCHIPS, a person whose property and interests in property are proposed for concurrent designation pursuant to E.O. 14024. is a Russia-based company that is a receiver of common high-priority electronic components of U.S. and European origin, supplied by UAE-based company, LASERCHIPS, a person whose property and interests in property are proposed for concurrent designation pursuant to E.O. 14024. RESOLUTE MACHINERY TRADING LLC is a UAE-based company that has supplied STAUT COMPANY LIMITED, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024, with common high-priority electronic components. is a UAE-based company that has supplied STAUT COMPANY LIMITED, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024, with common high-priority electronic components. GLOBAL CENTRAL LOGISTICS FZCO is a UAE-based company that has supplied Russian companies with electronic components. is a UAE-based company that has supplied Russian companies with electronic components. L D S COMPUTER SYSTEMS TRADING is a UAE-based company that has supplied electronic components to OOO VNESHEKOSTIL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. Targeting a Network for State Corporation Rostec's Defense Procurement The Department is taking action to degrade a network of entities and individuals involved in procuring microelectronic components for the previously designated STATE CORPORATION ROSTEC (ROSTEC), which was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. These microelectronics are being used for the development of electronic warfare systems. ROSTEC is a large Russian state-owned enterprise formed to consolidate Russia's technological, aerospace, and military-industrial expertise. ROSTEC is also sanctioned by Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK. The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY CONCERN RADIO ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES (KRET) is a Russia-based holding company for ROSTEC, which is currently designated under E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. KRET controls over 80 subsidiaries and plants producing specialized systems for the Russian Armed Forces, including advanced electronic warfare and intelligence systems. is a Russia-based holding company for ROSTEC, which is currently designated under E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. KRET controls over 80 subsidiaries and plants producing specialized systems for the Russian Armed Forces, including advanced electronic warfare and intelligence systems. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RADIOPRIBORSNAB (LLC RADIOPRIBORSNAB) is a Russia-based company involved in the wholesale of computers, computer peripheral equipment, and software. PROMTECHNOCERT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024, owns 99.8 percent of LLC RADIOPRIBORSNAB. is a Russia-based company involved in the wholesale of computers, computer peripheral equipment, and software. PROMTECHNOCERT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024, owns 99.8 percent of LLC RADIOPRIBORSNAB. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VMK (VMK) is a Russia-based company involved in the wholesale trade in industrial electrical equipment, machinery, and materials. is a Russia-based company involved in the wholesale trade in industrial electrical equipment, machinery, and materials. TURKIK UNION DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION OFFICE INCORPORATED COMPANY (TURKIK UNION) is a Turkiye-based company that has supplied Russia-based companies with shipments of common high-priority electronic components, including Russia-based company, VMK. Pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C), the following individual is being designated for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of TURKIK UNION: MUSTAFA CANKAT AYTEK (AYTEK) is the sole President of the Executive Board of TURKIK UNION, which has supplied Russia-based companies with shipments of common high-priority electronic components. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: TORDAN INDUSTRY LIMITED (TORDAN INDUSTRY) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent multiple shipments of common high-priority items, critical to Russia's war in Ukraine, to the Russia-based company, VMK. TORDAN INDUSTRY has shipped at least $122 million in microelectronics to Russia. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent multiple shipments of common high-priority items, critical to Russia's war in Ukraine, to the Russia-based company, VMK. TORDAN INDUSTRY has shipped at least $122 million in microelectronics to Russia. ALPHA TRADING INVESTMENTS LIMITED is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based company, VMK. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based company, VMK. WARGOS INDUSTRY LIMITED is a Hong Kong-based company that sent several shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based company, VMK. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent several shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based company, VMK. UNITED ELECTRONICS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED (UNITED ELECTRONICS) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based and U.S.-designated company, TESTKOMPLEKT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. UNITED ELECTRONICS was TESTKOMPLEKT's largest supplier in 2022, shipping over $15.5 million in microelectronics. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to Russia-based and U.S.-designated company, TESTKOMPLEKT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. UNITED ELECTRONICS was TESTKOMPLEKT's largest supplier in 2022, shipping over $15.5 million in microelectronics. C&I SEMICONDUCTORS CO LIMITED (C&I SEMICONDUCTORS) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. C&I SEMICONDUCTORS was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $4.5 million worth of items. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. C&I SEMICONDUCTORS was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $4.5 million worth of items. CADY TECH HK LIMITED (CADY TECH) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. CADY TECH was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $1 million worth of items. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. CADY TECH was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $1 million worth of items. UU INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD (UU INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY) is a PRC-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. UU INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $3 million worth of items. is a PRC-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. UU INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $3 million worth of items. SHENG CORE TECHNOLOGY CO LIMITED (SHENG CORE TECHNOLOGY) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. SHENG CORE TECHNOLOGY was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022 shipping over $1 million worth of items. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent shipments of common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. SHENG CORE TECHNOLOGY was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022 shipping over $1 million worth of items. ROBOTRONIX SEMICONDUCTORS LIMITED (ROBOTRONIX SEMICONDUCTORS) is a Hong Kong-based company that sent common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. ROBOTRONIX SEMICONDUCTORS was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $1.5 million worth of items. is a Hong Kong-based company that sent common high-priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. ROBOTRONIX SEMICONDUCTORS was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $1.5 million worth of items. GREAT SHARE INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS LIMITED (GREAT SHARE) is a PRC-based company that sent shipments of common high- priority items to TESTKOMPLEKT. GREAT SHARE was one of TESTKOMPLEKT's top ten suppliers in 2022, shipping over $4 million worth of items. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following individuals are being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: ALEKSANDR VLADIMIROVICH PAN is the General Director of KRET, an entity being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. is the General Director of KRET, an entity being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. DARYA ANDREYEVNA KHORKINA is the General Director of LLC RADIOPRIBORSNAB, an entity being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. is the General Director of LLC RADIOPRIBORSNAB, an entity being designated for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. RUSLAN RUSTEMOVICH BULATOV is the General Director of TESTKOMPLEKT, an entity designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY RADIOPRIBORSNAB (JSC RADIOPRIBORSNAB) is a Russia-based company involved in the manufacturing of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing and navigation. JSC RADIOPRIBORSNAB is wholly owned by KRET. is a Russia-based company involved in the manufacturing of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing and navigation. JSC RADIOPRIBORSNAB is wholly owned by KRET. AUTONOMOUS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TESTING AND CERTIFICATION CENTER PROMTECHNOCERT (PROMTECHNOCERT) is a Russia-based company that develops and manufactures computing equipment. PROMTECHNOCERT is wholly owned by KRET. is a Russia-based company that develops and manufactures computing equipment. PROMTECHNOCERT is wholly owned by KRET. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MODERN CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES (SKT) is a Russia-based company primarily engaged in the manufacturing electrical machinery and equipment. SKT is wholly owned by PROMTECHNOCERT. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following individual is being designated for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy: ALEKSANDR VLADIMIROVICH CHERKOVSKIY (CHERKOVSKIY) is the General Director of JSC RADIOPRIBORSNAB. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the engineering sector of the Russian Federation economy: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PROMELEKTRO ENGINEERING (PROMELEKTRO ENGINEERING) is a Russia-based company involved in engineering activities and related technical consultancy. PROMELEKTRO ENGINEERING is wholly owned by BULATOV. PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR MALIGN ACTORS The Department is also taking further action to target those involved in supporting the Russian government's war effort and other harmful activities. The Department is designating the following entity and individuals pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy: GOD SEMENOVICH NISANOV (NISANOV) is a co-founder of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KYIV SQUARE, and was previously designated by the Department of State on June 2, 2022, pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. is a co-founder of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KYIV SQUARE, and was previously designated by the Department of State on June 2, 2022, pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KYIV SQUARE (KYIV SQUARE) is a Moscow-based construction company co-founded by NISANOV and ILIEV. is a Moscow-based construction company co-founded by NISANOV and ILIEV. ZARAKH BINSIONOVICH ILIEV is a long-time business partner and childhood friend of NISANOV, and a co-founder of KYIV SQUARE. The Department is also re-designating one Russian national pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy: ILYA BORISOVICH BRODSKIY (BRODSKIY) was designated on March 24, 2022, pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) for his role as a member of the board of the directors of U.S.-designated PJSC SOVCOMBANK. BRODSKIY is a founder and 50 percent shareholder of an entity that engages in the construction of both residential and non-residential buildings. The Network Of Russian Oligarch Ivan Tavrin The Department is designating the following individual pursuant to section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the accounting sector of the Russian Federation economy: IVAN VLADIMIROVICH TAVRIN (TAVRIN) is the former CEO of the U.S.-designated MEGAFON PAO and is a former business partner of U.S.-designated ALISHER USMANOV. TAVRIN has become one of Russia's biggest wartime dealmakers since the beginning of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entity is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, TAVRIN, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KISMET CONSULTING (KISMET CONSULTING) is a Russia-based management consulting company that is owned 100 percent by TAVRIN. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the accounting sector of the Russian Federation economy: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KISMET CAPITAL GROUP (KISMET CAPITAL) is a Russia-based holding company in Moscow owned by TAVRIN. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 1 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 2 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 3 (INVESTMENT 3) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entity is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, INVESTMENT 3, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY DZHI EL EL RUS is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of INVESTMENT 3. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 5 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 6 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS 7 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW DECISIONS 1 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW DECISIONS 2 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW DECISIONS 3 (NEW 3) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, NEW 3, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INFRASTRACTURE HOLDING 3 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW 3. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INFRASTRACTURE HOLDING 4 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW 3. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW DECISIONS 5 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. JOINT STOCK COMPANY NEW HOLDING 2 (HOLDING 2) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, HOLDING 2, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY FINANCE DECISIONS is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of HOLDING 2. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: JOINT STOCK COMPANY NEW HOLDING 3 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW MEDIA HOLDING (NEW MEDIA) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, NEW MEDIA, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 7TV MEDIA GROUP is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MEDIA 1 MANAGEMENT is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY HOLDING CHOOSE RADIO is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. JOINT STOCK COMPANY KREDO is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of NEW MEDIA. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INFRASTRACTURE HOLDING 1 (INFRASTRACTURE 1) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, INFRASTRACTURE 1, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RADIO REKLAMA NN is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of INFRASTRACTURE 1. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KISMET TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE (KISMET TELECOM) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET TELECOM, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KISMET TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE 2 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of KISMET TELECOM. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entity is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KISMET CAPITAL, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: JOINT STOCK COMPANY NEW TOWERS is a Russia-based holding company that is owned 65 percent by KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(i), the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the management consulting sector of the Russian Federation economy: JOINT STOCK COMPANY NEW HOLDING 1 (HOLDING 1) is a Russia-based management consulting company that was previously a subsidiary of KISMET CAPITAL. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, HOLDING 1, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEW DECISIONS 4 is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of HOLDING 1. is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of HOLDING 1. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INFRASTRACTURE HOLDING 2 (INFRASTRACTURE 2) is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of HOLDING 1. Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii), the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, INFRASTRACTURE 2, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RADIO REKLAMA VOLOGDA is a Russia-based holding company that is a subsidiary of INFRASTRACTURE 2. Sanctions Implications As a result of today's action, and in accordance with E.O. 14024, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all individuals or entities that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. For more information on E.O. 14024, see full text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Imposes Sanctions on More Than 150 Individuals and Entities Supplying Russia's Military-Industrial Base U.S. Department of the Treasury December 12, 2023 WASHINGTON -- Last week, G7 Leaders reaffirmed their support for an independent, democratic Ukraine within is internationally recognized borders. Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), is implementing the commitments made by G7 Leaders by taking action against third-country actors who materially support Russia's war; targeting Russian military procurement networks and those who help Russia acquire machine tools, equipment, and key inputs; and further curtailing Russia's use of the international financial system to further its war in Ukraine. "The Kremlin has steadily turned Russia into a wartime economy, but Putin's war machine cannot survive on domestic production alone," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. "Our sanctions today continue to tighten the vise on willing third-country suppliers and networks providing Russia the inputs it desperately needs to ramp up and sustain its military-industrial base." Concurrently, the Department of State is imposing sanctions on over 100 entities and individuals, including those engaged in sanctions evasion in numerous third countries, complicit in furthering Russia's ability to wage its war against Ukraine, and responsible for bolstering Russia's future energy production and export capacity. THIRD-COUNTRY SUPPLIERS AND PROCUREMENT NETWORKS Treasury continues to take action to identify and disrupt third-country individuals, entities, and networks that facilitate, arrange, and enable the transfer of key technology, equipment, and inputs to Russian military-industrial base end-users. Many of these items have been identified by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, alongside the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as "common high priority items" because Russia seeks to procure them for its weapons programs. Today's action once again underscores Russia's utilization of TArkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the People's Republic of China (PRC), as well as the use of complex transnational networks and third-country cut-outs, to acquire much-needed technology and equipment for its war economy. Multinational Weapons and Technology Procurement Network OFAC is designating a network of four entities and nine individuals based in the PRC, the Russian Federation, Hong Kong, and Pakistan involved in the facilitation and procurement of Chinese-manufactured weapons and technologies to Russia. Chinese national Hu Xiaoxun (Hu) has utilized his PRC-based private defense company Jarvis HK Co., Ltd. (Jarvis) and a network of associates to coordinate the sale of Chinese-manufactured weapons and technologies to Russia. Hu's network has worked to structure deals circumventing United States sanctions and Chinese controls on the export of military-related materials, including for conventional weapons and electronic components with Russian customers ranging from thousands of dollars for ammunition, to hundreds of thousands of dollars for loitering munitions, to millions of dollars for semiconductor microchip manufacturing equipment. Hu and his associates have attempted to mask the identities of his customers by obfuscating the end-user of PRC-manufactured products, including by coordinating shipments through third-party countries and organizing shipments through intermediary company PJSC Vysochaishy (Vysochaishy) and its Chairman Sergey Vladimirovich Dokuchaev (Dokuchaev). Hu's network has facilitated the procurement of Chinese-manufactured military materials and technology, including UAVs and related components, for various Russian customers and intermediaries, including Technology 5 Co., Limited (Technology 5) and its General Director Vladimir Vladimirovich Gugnin (Gugnin), Limited Liability Company Yuna Engineering (Yuna) and its General Director Andrei Denisovich Zalevskii (Zalevskii), Roman Aleksandrovich Kotekin (Kotekin) of U.S.-designated FGUP NPP Istok, and Russian intermediary Boris Olegovich Bernikov (Bernikov). Hu has worked with Pakistani associates and weapons dealers Syed Asadullah (Asadullah) and Nur Khabib Shakh (Shakh), as well as Russian associate Vladimir Krylov (Krylov), to coordinate sale and business proposals, structure plans for Russian domestic production of military goods, and procure various Chinese weapons and technologies on behalf of the Russian military and defense sector. Hu was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Jarvis was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hu. Technology 5 was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hu. Gugnin was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Technology 5. Yuna was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Zalevskii was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Yuna. Kotekin, Bernikov, Vysochaishy, and Krylov were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Dokuchaev was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Vysochaishy. Asadullah and Shakh were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hu. TArkiye-based Entities Bosfor Avrasya Ic Ve Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Bosfor Avrasya) has sent hundreds of shipments of common high priority items to Russia-based manufacturers, including shipments of ball or roller bearings. Egetir Otomotiv Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Egetir Otomotiv) has sent over 150 shipments to Russia-based manufacturers, with the majority of the shipments including common high priority items such as ball or roller bearings. Globus Turkey Lojistik Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Globus Turkey) has sent common high priority items to Russia-based end-users, including tantalum capacitors. Kartal Exim Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Kartal Exim) supplies technological equipment from Europe, Asia, the United States, and Canada. Kartal Exim has sent dozens of shipments of common high priority items to Russia-based end-users, including electronic integrated circuits and machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data. Konomar Gemi Elektrik Ve Elektronik Limited Sirketi (Konomar Gemi) is involved in the sale and servicing of navigation and communication systems. Konomar Gemi has sent common high priority items to Russia-based end-users, including a radio navigational aid apparatus. Megasan Elektronik Ticaret Ve Sanayi Anonim Sirketi (Megasan Elektronik) offers a number of discrete semiconductor products, including diodes and transistors. In February 2023, Megasan Elektronik sent dozens of shipments of common high priority items to Russia-based end-users, including electronic integrated circuits; machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data; and tantalum capacitors. Ozkaya Otomotiv Mamulleri Pazarlama Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi (Ozkaya Otomotiv) has sent common high priority items to Russia-based manufacturers, including dozens of shipments of ball or roller bearings. Bosfor Avrasya, Egetir Otomotiv, and Ozkaya Otomotiv were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy. Globus Turkey, Kartal Exim, and Konomar Gemi were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Megasan Elektronik was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. UAE-based Entities AMC Service FZE has shipped aircraft parts, components, and materials to Russia. Aspect DWC LLC is a helicopter services company that shipped aircraft spare parts and equipment to Russia. A T S Heavy Equipment and Machinery Spare Parts Trading has delivered millions of dollars' worth of aircraft parts to Russia. Futuris FZE (Futuris) has shipped technologies to Russia including fuses, metal cutting equipment, and electrical equipment. U.S.-sanctioned Limited Liability Company AK Microtech (AK Microtech) used Futuris to circumvent sanctions and purchase microelectronics production equipment on its behalf. Griffon FZC has shipped millions of dollars' worth of aircraft spare parts and equipment to Russia. RDS Cargo Group DWC LLC has shipped common high priority items to Russia, including electronic integrated circuits and machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data. Reliable Freight Services FZCO has shipped items such as x-ray systems, batteries, and aircraft parts and components to Russia. Skyparts FZCO has shipped aircraft parts and components as well as common high priority items to Russia, including radio navigational aid apparatuses and machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data. AMC Service FZE, Aspect DWC LLC, A T S Heavy Equipment and Machinery Spare Parts Trading, Griffon FZC, and Skyparts FZCO were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the aerospace sector of the Russian Federation economy. Futuris FZE, RDS Cargo Group DWC LLC, and Reliable Freight Services FZCO were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. PRC-based Entities Beijing Yunze Technology Co., Ltd. and Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. are PRC-based commercial satellite imagery companies that provided high-resolution observation satellite imagery to U.S.-designated Private Military Company 'Wagner' (PMC Wagner). The Russian military and associated entities are increasingly reliant on PRC commercial satellite imagery to support their continued invasion of Ukraine. PRC agent company Beijing Yunze provided Russian companies with access to Chang Guang's remote sensing satellites to support imagery of "conflict zones." Specifically, satellite imagery from Chang Guang's satellites were used to support Russian operations in Ukraine. Additionally, Beijing Yunze was paid by another U.S.-designated Russian space company, Joint Stock Company Terra Tech (Terra Tech). Terra Tech is a Russia-based technology firm that supplies space imagery acquired by commercially active satellites, as well as aerial images acquired by unmanned systems. Terra Tech provided synthetic aperture radar satellite imagery orders over locations in Ukraine. These images were gathered in order to enable PMC Wagner combat operations in Ukraine. IMAXChip Technology Co., Limited (IMAXChip) has made multiple shipments of advanced electronics to Russia. U.S.-designated Limited Liability Company Akrol has used IMAXChip to procure electronic components. Izzition E-Technology Co., Ltd. and Waytop Industrial Ltd. have been used by the Russian government to procure electronic components. Hong Kong-based Kobi International Company (Kobi) has facilitated thousands of shipments into Russia, many of which were composed of sensitive electronic parts to U.S.-designated persons involved in Russia's military or defense sector. Kobi has circumvented export rules and restrictions in order to obtain electronic parts on behalf of Russian procurement agents. SINO Machinery Co., Ltd. has shipped technological equipment and machine tools to Russia, including remote controls and metal-working machines. Beijing Yunze Technology Co., Ltd. and Chang Guang Satellite Technology CO., LTD., were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods in services to or in support of PMC Wagner, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. IMAXChip, Izzition E-Technology Co., Ltd., and Waytop Industrial Ltd. were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. Kobi was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. SINO Machinery CO., Ltd. was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Dongjin Lee South Korea national Dongjin Lee (Lee)is a key procurement agent for U.S.-designated AK Microtech. AK Microtech, which was designated in July 2023, is a Russia-based firm that specializes in transferring foreign semiconductor technology to Russian microelectronics production companies, including entities that provide microelectronics to the Russian defense industry. Lee has directed a system of front companies and complex payment networks to acquire equipment and technology for AK Microtech, including technology critical for semiconductor production, from South Korean, Japanese, and U.S. manufacturers. Lee was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy and for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for AK Microtech, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. Switzerland-based Electronics Exporter Switzerland-based Thamestone SA (Thamestone) is a provider of a wide range of electronic products, including electrical connectors, circuits, and resistors. Thamestone sent common high priority items such as integrated circuits and multilayer ceramic capacitors to Russia. Additionally, Thamestone sent hundreds of shipments to Russia-based Streloi Ekommerts, a wholesaler of electronic equipment and parts. Thamestone and Streloi Ekommerts were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. Singapore-based Electronics Supplier Singapore-based Micro Electronics Technologies PTE LTD (Micro Electronics Technologies) is an independent electronics design house and offers its clients electronic manufacturing services. Micro Electronics Technologies sent common high priority items such as integrated circuits and multilayer ceramic capacitors to Russia. Additionally, Micro Electronics Technologies sent hundreds of shipments to Russia-based Onshor Vind, a wholesaler of electronic equipment and parts. As of 2022, Micro Electronics Technologies was 10 percent owned by Russian national Dmitrii Aleksandrovich Veleslavov (Veleslavov), the Director General of Russia-based Macro EMS LTD (Macro EMS), a manufacturer of computers and communication equipment and provider of high-quality electronics original design manufacturing services. Micro Electronics Technologies and Onshor Vind were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy. Veleslavov and Macro EMS were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Kyrgyz Republic-based Technology Shipper Kyrgyz Republic-based Weitmann Handeln Allianz LLC (Weitmann)is a provider of turnkey supply, logistics, and customs clearances services to foreign clients. Weitmann sent hundreds of shipments to Russia consisting of automatic data processing machines and disk storage devices. Weitmann was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Maldives- and Tajikistan-based Aerospace Suppliers Maldives-based Intermodal Maldives has shipped aviation spare parts, machine components, and cellulosic fibers to Russian companies. Tajikistan-based Chamaiyati Doroi Masauliyati Makhdudi Kafolati Komil (Kafolati Komil) sent foreign-made aviation parts to Russia via the UAE. Intermodal Maldives and Kafolati Komil were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the aerospace sector of the Russian Federation economy. RUSSIA'S MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL BASE OFAC is also continuing to target Russia-based entities involved in the importation, production, modification, and sale of defense-related and industrial technology, UAVs, machinery, parts, inputs, and components. Joint Stock Company Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol (AO IEMZ Kupol) is Russia's leader in the production of anti-aircraft defense equipment used by the Russian Ministry of Defense and is contracted to supply the Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile system to Russian forces. Additionally, AO IEMZ Kupol is a primary contractor involved in an effort of its parent company Joint Stock Company Aerospace Defense Concern Almaz-Antey (Almaz-Antey) to develop and manufacture one-way attack UAVs for the Russian Ministry of Defense. Almaz-Antey was designated pursuant to E.O. 13661 on July 16, 2014 and pursuant to E.O. 14024 on January 26, 2023. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Plaz (Plaz) subcontracts to AO IEMZ Kupol in the development and production effort of the Russian-developed one-way attack UAVs. Plaz is responsible for the avionics, navigation system, and other components of the UAV. Plaz also produces the Grifon (variant Gryphon) series reconnaissance drone that is used by units within the Russian military. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu NPK Aerokon (Aerokon) develops and produces the airframe as a sub-contractor to AO IEMZ Kupol in its effort to develop and produce Russian one-way attack UAVs. Laggar Pro OOO (Laggar Pro) produces a UAV mobile launch vehicle as a sub-contractor to AO IEMZ Kupol in the development and production effort of the Russian-developed one-way attack UAVs. TSK Vektor OOO (TSK Vektor) assists with procurement on behalf of AO IEMZ Kupol and Almaz-Antey in the development and production effort of the one-way attack UAVs. AO IEMZ Kupol and Plaz were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Aerokon, Laggar Pro and TSK Vektor were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods in services to or in support of AO IEMZ Kupol. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy: Joint Stock Company 75 Arsenal specializes in the overhaul of air defense systems and complexes, radar stations, and ground-based radio interrogators. specializes in the overhaul of air defense systems and complexes, radar stations, and ground-based radio interrogators. AO Eirburg is involved in the development, production, supply, and testing of components used in the Forpost-R UAV, which is a combat UAV utilized by the Russian Ministry of Defense, including in Ukraine. is involved in the development, production, supply, and testing of components used in the Forpost-R UAV, which is a combat UAV utilized by the Russian Ministry of Defense, including in Ukraine. Federal State Enterprise Kamenksy Combine manufactures weapons, ammunition, and ordnance. manufactures weapons, ammunition, and ordnance. Spetsialnoe Konstruktorsko Tekhnologicheskoe Byuro Plastik (Plastik) develops and manufactures products, including for the Russian military. Plastik also developed and manufactured a structure for a Russia Ministry of Defense imagery satellite. (Plastik) develops and manufactures products, including for the Russian military. Plastik also developed and manufactured a structure for a Russia Ministry of Defense imagery satellite. Joint Stock Company Polimer specializes in the production of ammunition and explosives for Russia's Armed Forces. specializes in the production of ammunition and explosives for Russia's Armed Forces. Joint Stock Company Strommashina Shield manufactures military fighting vehicles. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy: Joint Stock Company Aerospace Systems Design Bureau designs and manufactures onboard systems and components, including onboard cable networks for aircraft in Russia. designs and manufactures onboard systems and components, including onboard cable networks for aircraft in Russia. Limited Liability Company Agrisovgaz is involved in the manufacture of metal structures, pipes, steel, and aluminum. is involved in the manufacture of metal structures, pipes, steel, and aluminum. Akkumulyatornye Tekhnologii manufactures batteries used by Russian car manufacturers and Russia's Ministry of Defense. manufactures batteries used by Russian car manufacturers and Russia's Ministry of Defense. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Akkumulyatornyi Zavod Im NM Ignatyeva Akom manufactures car and truck batteries. manufactures car and truck batteries. Zakrytoe Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Mnogoprofilnaya Proizvodstvennaya Kommercheskaya Firma Alkor produces rechargeable batteries. produces rechargeable batteries. Federal State Enterprise Anozit is involved in the manufacture of chemicals and plastics. is involved in the manufacture of chemicals and plastics. Atomspetsproject Joint Stock Company manufactures instruments and apparatus for measuring electrical quantities. manufactures instruments and apparatus for measuring electrical quantities. Limited Liability Company Avisto is involved in the manufacture of machinery and explosives. is involved in the manufacture of machinery and explosives. Public Joint Stock Company Chelyabinskiy Mashinostroitelnyy Zavod Avtomobilnykh Pritsepov Uralavtopritsep manufactures motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers. manufactures motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers. Limited Liability Company Bitvan manufactures high-tech computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools. manufactures high-tech computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools. Joint Stock Company Bryansk Chemical Plant of the 50th Anniversary of the USSR manufactures industrial explosives and charges. manufactures industrial explosives and charges. Limited Liability Company DM Technologies supplies metalworking technology and industrial equipment and is involved in the wholesale of machine tools. supplies metalworking technology and industrial equipment and is involved in the wholesale of machine tools. Open Joint Stock Company Dolta is involved in the manufacture of electronic components and communication equipment. is involved in the manufacture of electronic components and communication equipment. Joint Stock Company Dubna Cable Plant manufactureswires and cables for electronic equipment. manufactureswires and cables for electronic equipment. Dubna Switching Equipment Plant manufactures wiring devices and electronic components. manufactures wiring devices and electronic components. Ekos1 Joint Stock Company manufactures chemical reagents and high purity chemicals. manufactures chemical reagents and high purity chemicals. AO Elektroistochnik is involved in the production of special batteries for the Russian Air Force and Navy. is involved in the production of special batteries for the Russian Air Force and Navy. Joint Stock Company Energiya develops and produces autonomous power supply sources for missile and artillery systems and for the Russian Navy. develops and produces autonomous power supply sources for missile and artillery systems and for the Russian Navy. Engelsskoe Priborostroitelnoe Obyedinenie Signal manufactures instruments and gas products for general industrial use. manufactures instruments and gas products for general industrial use. Limited Liability Company Engineering Firm AB Universal manufactures non-standard industrial equipment, including CNC milling machines and additive manufacturing equipment. The company supplies technical equipment to Russian industrial enterprises and research centers. manufactures non-standard industrial equipment, including CNC milling machines and additive manufacturing equipment. The company supplies technical equipment to Russian industrial enterprises and research centers. Open Joint Stock Company EBC Management Company is the management company for Eurasian Bearing Company (EPK), Russia's largest manufacturer of bearings. is the management company for Eurasian Bearing Company (EPK), Russia's largest manufacturer of bearings. AO EPK produces and sells bearings and components. produces and sells bearings and components. TD EPK sells all types of bearings and components produced by EPK. sells all types of bearings and components produced by EPK. OOO EPK Kuznitsa is a metal manufacturing company that is involved in the manufacture of wooden containers and steel casting. is a metal manufacturing company that is involved in the manufacture of wooden containers and steel casting. OOO EPK Novye Tekhnologii manufactures ball and roller bearings. manufactures ball and roller bearings. OAO EPK Saratov is involved in the production of bearings for automotive technology, railway equipment, and shipbuilding. is involved in the production of bearings for automotive technology, railway equipment, and shipbuilding. OAO EPK Samara produces bearings and products used in the shipbuilding, machine tool, and automotive industries. produces bearings and products used in the shipbuilding, machine tool, and automotive industries. OAO EPK Volzhsky produces roller bearings for the automotive, metallurgy, machine tool, and rail transport industries. produces roller bearings for the automotive, metallurgy, machine tool, and rail transport industries. Fotoniks Klaud manufactures optical tables and optomechanics elements and offers a wide selection of foreign laboratory equipment. manufactures optical tables and optomechanics elements and offers a wide selection of foreign laboratory equipment. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Gas manufactures armored cars. manufactures armored cars. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Gidroagregat manufactures aviation equipment such as actuators, cylinders, steering units, hydraulic pumps, and air propellers. manufactures aviation equipment such as actuators, cylinders, steering units, hydraulic pumps, and air propellers. Joint Stock Company Kamenskvolokno manufactures chemical fibers used in the defense industry. manufactures chemical fibers used in the defense industry. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Korporatsiya Aipi manufactures accumulators, including for vehicles, batteries, and their components. manufactures accumulators, including for vehicles, batteries, and their components. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Irkutskkabel manufactures current carrying wires. manufactures current carrying wires. Kurskii Akkumulyatornyi Zavod produces starter batteries for car production plants in Russia. produces starter batteries for car production plants in Russia. Nauchno-Proizvodstvennoe Predpriyatie Istochnik develops and produces batteries and accumulators. develops and produces batteries and accumulators. Labsaintifik installs industrial machinery and equipment and is involved in the wholesale of machinery, machine tools, and industrial equipment. installs industrial machinery and equipment and is involved in the wholesale of machinery, machine tools, and industrial equipment. Lithium Element Joint Stock Company develops and manufactures chemical current sources and batteries. develops and manufactures chemical current sources and batteries. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Marposadkabel manufactures wires and other cables for electronics and electrical equipment. manufactures wires and other cables for electronics and electrical equipment. OOO Monitoring manufactures and supplies pure gases and gas mixtures, measuring systems and measuring instruments, and gas mixture vapor sources. manufactures and supplies pure gases and gas mixtures, measuring systems and measuring instruments, and gas mixture vapor sources. Mytishchi Instrument Engineering Plant designs and manufactures special-purpose vehicles for use in extreme conditions, including by the Russian Ministry of Defense. designs and manufactures special-purpose vehicles for use in extreme conditions, including by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Nauchno Issledovatelski Institut Khimicheskikh Istochnikov Toka Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo manufacturesalkaline nickel-cadmium batteries. manufacturesalkaline nickel-cadmium batteries. Limited Liability Company Invent is involved in the manufacture and wholesale of metal-working equipment and machine tools. is involved in the manufacture and wholesale of metal-working equipment and machine tools. Limited Liability Company Northwestern Bearing Company is a manufacturer of ball bearings. is a manufacturer of ball bearings. Joint Stock Company Krasnoznamensk Semiconductors Factory Arsenal manufactures electronic components, including diodes, transistors, and other semi-conductor devices. manufactures electronic components, including diodes, transistors, and other semi-conductor devices. Manometr Limited Liability Company manufactures devices for the management and control of heat power processes. manufactures devices for the management and control of heat power processes. Limited Liability Company Metallmash is a supplier of metalworking equipment and is involved in the manufacture of tools. is a supplier of metalworking equipment and is involved in the manufacture of tools. Limited Liability Company Metalmaster supplies foreign-made metalworking equipment and machine tools and is involved in the installation of industrial machinery. supplies foreign-made metalworking equipment and machine tools and is involved in the installation of industrial machinery. Joint Stock Company Novosibirsk Instrument Making Plant is one of Russia's leading manufacturers of precision daylight, night vision optics, and thermal imaging for the Russian military and the Federal Security Service (the FSB). is one of Russia's leading manufacturers of precision daylight, night vision optics, and thermal imaging for the Russian military and the Federal Security Service (the FSB). Limited Liability Company Penza Bearing Plant is involved in the production and sale of various types of bearings. is involved in the production and sale of various types of bearings. Podolskkabel manufactures wires and cables. manufactures wires and cables. Joint Stock Company Polyot Research and Production Company manufactures aviation radio communications for fighter jets. manufactures aviation radio communications for fighter jets. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Promyshlennye Tekhnologii manufactures components for aviation, land, and marine equipment, including electronic components and other materials for use by the Russian Navy. manufactures components for aviation, land, and marine equipment, including electronic components and other materials for use by the Russian Navy. Joint Stock Company Promtech Ulyanovsk manufactures onboard cable networks for aircraft. manufactures onboard cable networks for aircraft. Joint Stock Company Promtekh Irkutsk manufactures electronic components, including radar equipment, radio navigational devices, diodes, transistors, and other semi-conductor devices. manufactures electronic components, including radar equipment, radio navigational devices, diodes, transistors, and other semi-conductor devices. Joint Stock Company Promtekh Kazan manufactures diodes, transistors, radar equipment, and radio navigational devices. manufactures diodes, transistors, radar equipment, and radio navigational devices. Joint Stock Company RIF builds ships and floating structures. builds ships and floating structures. Open Joint Stock Company Rikor Electronics is involved in the production of automotive components and electronic products. is involved in the production of automotive components and electronic products. Limited Liability Company Scientific Research Institute for Precision Mechanics creates and modernizes control systems and specialized sensor equipment. creates and modernizes control systems and specialized sensor equipment. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Sellz Treid manufactures lithium batteries. manufactures lithium batteries. Sibelectroprivod LLC manufactures electrical traction motors. manufactures electrical traction motors. Sigma Tekh manufactures measuring and navigational instruments and is involved in the wholesale of machinery and equipment. manufactures measuring and navigational instruments and is involved in the wholesale of machinery and equipment. Signal Teplotekhnika OOO is a manufacturer of gas heating equipment. is a manufacturer of gas heating equipment. Limited Liability Company Srednevolzhsky Bearing Plant manufactures large-sized bearings. manufactures large-sized bearings. Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Stirer supplies metalworking equipment, metal-cutting tools, and industrial machinery. supplies metalworking equipment, metal-cutting tools, and industrial machinery. Limited Liability Company Experimental Design Bureau Tekhnika manufactures trailers, semi-trailers, and specialty motor vehicle bodies. manufactures trailers, semi-trailers, and specialty motor vehicle bodies. Limited Liability Company Tenron is a wholesaler of manufacturing electrical equipment, machinery, and materials. is a wholesaler of manufacturing electrical equipment, machinery, and materials. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Firma Tvema manufactures track equipment and devices for railroad, tram, and other tracks. manufactures track equipment and devices for railroad, tram, and other tracks. Joint Stock Company Tyumen Battery Factory produces automotive batteries, traction batteries, diesel batteries, and batteries for heavy tracked vehicles. produces automotive batteries, traction batteries, diesel batteries, and batteries for heavy tracked vehicles. Umac LLC is a supplier of various types of CNC metalworking equipment in the Russian market and is involved in the manufacture of metalworking equipment and machine tools. The company has imported European-origin machine tools linked to the production of tank shells. is a supplier of various types of CNC metalworking equipment in the Russian market and is involved in the manufacture of metalworking equipment and machine tools. The company has imported European-origin machine tools linked to the production of tank shells. Limited Liability Company Volgogradpromproekt produces ferrocene-containing combustion catalysts and technology for the production of chemicals. produces ferrocene-containing combustion catalysts and technology for the production of chemicals. Closed Joint Stock Company Vologda Bearing Plant is one of the largest producers of ball and roller bearings in Russia. is one of the largest producers of ball and roller bearings in Russia. Joint Stock Company Volsk Mechanical Plant manufactures combat vehicles used to deploy anti-tank missile systems. manufactures combat vehicles used to deploy anti-tank missile systems. Joint Stock Company Zavod Chuvashkabel manufactures wires and cables. manufactures wires and cables. Joint Stock Company Zavod Korpusov manufactures light-armored wheel-mounted military equipment and industrial machinery. manufactures light-armored wheel-mounted military equipment and industrial machinery. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Zavod Selmash manufactures instruments and appliances. manufactures instruments and appliances. Joint Stock Company Karachev Plant Electrodetal manufactures wiring devices and electronic equipment for vehicles. manufactures wiring devices and electronic equipment for vehicles. Joint Stock Company Yaroslavl Radioworks manufactures communication equipment. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy: Limited Liability Company Automization and Communication Service offers maintenance services for automation systems and equipment. offers maintenance services for automation systems and equipment. Joint Stock Company Scientific and Technical Company Azimut Photonics is a distributor of optoelectronics and photonics. is a distributor of optoelectronics and photonics. Joint Stock Company Digital Manufactory is a software developer specializing in the development of computer-aided design (CAD) systems for onboard cable networks and pipeline systems for aircraft, vessels, and ground equipment. The software is used by Russia's military-industrial base, including by companies in the aircraft and shipbuilding industries. is a software developer specializing in the development of computer-aided design (CAD) systems for onboard cable networks and pipeline systems for aircraft, vessels, and ground equipment. The software is used by Russia's military-industrial base, including by companies in the aircraft and shipbuilding industries. Autonomous Nonprofit Organization Institute of Marine Instrumentation and Robotics engages in research and development of marine robotics and is a manufacturer of electronic components and electronic printed circuits. engages in research and development of marine robotics and is a manufacturer of electronic components and electronic printed circuits. Limited Liability Company Nissa Digispace supplies 3D printers, 3D scanners, and associated software, supporting Russia's additive manufacturing industry. supplies 3D printers, 3D scanners, and associated software, supporting Russia's additive manufacturing industry. Picaso 3D LLC manufactures 3D printers and develops associated software, supporting Russia's additive manufacturing industry. manufactures 3D printers and develops associated software, supporting Russia's additive manufacturing industry. Limited Liability Company Tsvetnoy Mir supplies 3D equipment in Russia, including industrial 3D printers and 3D scanners. The company has supplied equipment to Russian government customers. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the aerospace sector of the Russian Federation economy: Limited Liability Company Aviateksim specializes in the repair, maintenance, and modification of aviation equipment. specializes in the repair, maintenance, and modification of aviation equipment. Limited Liability Company Uralhelicom purchases helicopters from Europe and the United States and operates them in Russia. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Russian Federation economy: Aircraft Components Logistics Ltd is a logistics company that offers international delivery services and is involved in the wholesale of aircraft parts. is a logistics company that offers international delivery services and is involved in the wholesale of aircraft parts. AO Cargo Service Center offers services including the transportation and delivery of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" from Europe and the United States to Russia. offers services including the transportation and delivery of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" from Europe and the United States to Russia. Elfor TL provides services for domestic Russian transportation by any type of transport, international cargo transportation, and customs clearance. provides services for domestic Russian transportation by any type of transport, international cargo transportation, and customs clearance. ITB Logistika is a logistics company that offers services including the import of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" into Russia. is a logistics company that offers services including the import of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" into Russia. Motorinvest is involved in the manufacture of motor vehicles and electrical and electronic equipment for motor vehicles. is involved in the manufacture of motor vehicles and electrical and electronic equipment for motor vehicles. OOO Realeksport is an export and foreign trade services company that offers services including the import of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" into Russia. is an export and foreign trade services company that offers services including the import of what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" into Russia. Sibavtoresurs is involved in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. is involved in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. OOO Smartlogister is a transportation company that offers to help customers purchase and deliver what they characterize as "sanctioned goods" from abroad. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy: Elpa Research Institute and Pilot Line Joint Stock Company manufactures piezoceramic materials and acousto-electronics products. manufactures piezoceramic materials and acousto-electronics products. Limited Liability Company Gaan Corporation is involved in the supply of electronic components. is involved in the supply of electronic components. Mordovia Radio Electronic Company manufactures electronic components, electronic printed circuits, and communications equipment. manufactures electronic components, electronic printed circuits, and communications equipment. Limited Liability Company Prius Electronics engages in the wholesale of electronic and telecommunications equipment and parts. engages in the wholesale of electronic and telecommunications equipment and parts. Promtechcomplekt JSC engages in the wholesale of electronic equipment and parts. engages in the wholesale of electronic equipment and parts. Limited Liability Company Promtekhpostavka engages in the wholesale of electronic equipment and parts, as well as the wholesale of manufacturing electrical equipment. engages in the wholesale of electronic equipment and parts, as well as the wholesale of manufacturing electrical equipment. Joint Stock Company Promtech Dubna manufactures aviation wires, electrical connectors, and on-board network cables for Russia's aviation industry. manufactures aviation wires, electrical connectors, and on-board network cables for Russia's aviation industry. Joint Stock Company Promtech Service provides aircraft construction companies in Russia with technology to repair onboard electrical equipment. provides aircraft construction companies in Russia with technology to repair onboard electrical equipment. RIF Corporation produces integrated electronic circuits and microelectronics. produces integrated electronic circuits and microelectronics. S&D Solutions Limited Liability Company manufactures electronic components. Publichnoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo City (PAO City) is involved in construction activities and has represented the Government of Moscow for 20 years on issues involving the creation, development, and management of the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC). The MIBC is one of the largest business centers in the world and it is home to seven of Europe's ten-highest skyscrapers. PAO City was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy. Limited Liability Company Spectrum (Spectrum)is involved in the wholesale of metals and metal ores. Spectrum was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation economy. ADDITIONAL RUSSIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OFAC also continues to target financial institutions located in Russia to limit Russia's connections with the international financial system. The following Russia-based entities were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy: Expobank Joint Stock Company is a Russia-based commercial bank. is a Russia-based commercial bank. Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Obedinennaya Investitsionnaya Gruppa is a Russia-based investment company. is a Russia-based investment company. Settlement Non Bank Credit Organization Metallurg is a Russia-based commercial bank. is a Russia-based commercial bank. Obshchestvo s Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Signal Invest is a Russia-based financial institution. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the persons above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here. For identifying information on the individuals and entities sanctioned today, click here. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan aerospace company delivers 4 aircraft to Air Force ROC Central News Agency 12/12/2023 05:55 PM Taipei, Dec. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's leading domestic aerospace company, Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC), delivered four trainer aircraft -- the last four of seven scheduled for delivery in 2023 -- to the country's Air Force on Tuesday. Dubbed the "Brave Eagle," the planes were showcased at a press event at AIDC's manufacturing hub in Taichung and conducted a flyover there before heading to Chihang Air Base in Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan. AIDC Chairman Hu Kai-hung () was said to be on one of those aircraft. The Brave Eagle is a type of advanced jet trainer that will gradually replace the F-5 E/F fighter jets and AT-3 jet trainers in Taiwan's fleet of military aircraft. The government ordered 66 of the advanced trainer aircraft from AIDC in 2017, to be delivered to the Air Force by 2026. A total of 17 were to be delivered by the end of 2023, and two were delivered in 2021, eight were delivered in 2022, and three had been delivered so far in 2023 before Tuesday. There had been concerns that the last four of the seven aircraft to be delivered in 2023 would not be delivered in time, but the delivery was made with 19 days left in the year. AIDC President Ma Wan-june () said it has been challenging to manufacture the planes as the supply chain was cut off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was not until Nov. 20 that they had enough of the planes' key materials to assemble them. AIDC workers then spent days and nights to make the planes before conducting ground tests, Ma said. A team of around 300 people led by the chief engineer has been dispatched to Chihang Air Base to make sure the aircraft achieve a high rate of availability. (By Matt Yu and Bernadette Hsiao) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Tsai lauds indigenous weapons development at ceremony ROC Central News Agency 12/12/2023 11:11 AM Taipei, Dec. 12 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () on Tuesday talked up her administration's efforts in developing indigenous weapon systems during her nearly eight years in office at a ceremony held to promote 26 senior military officers. At the ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defense's Taipei headquarters -- Tsai's last before her second four-year term ends in May 2024 -- she said she launched several military reforms to boost the armed forces' readiness to defend Taiwan's security. Such efforts have included building warplanes and warships at home, such as Taiwan's first Indigenous Defense Submarine "Narwhal," as well as bolstering Taiwan military's combat preparedness and resilience, she said. The president also thanked the promoted officers for their tireless efforts, and urged them to continue to exercise their leadership in their new roles. The promotions of senior military personnel in Taiwan used to be carried out twice a year but are now done at monthly events after the Legislature revised related laws in May 2022. The conferral ceremony, however, is still carried out twice a year, in June and December. This means that Tuesday's ceremony will be Tsai's last during her presidency. During the ceremony, seven officers were promoted to the rank of two-star general -- either lieutenant general or admiral -- and 19 were promoted to the rank of one-star general -- either major general or vice admiral. Among the seven newly promoted two-star generals was former military spokesman Maj. Gen. Shih Shun-wen (), who heads the Army Command Headquarters' Political Warfare Department. A graduate of Fu Hsing Kang College's class of 1990, he previously served as a news section chief at the Army Command Headquarters and political warfare chief in the frontline Kinmen Islands. He is the first graduate of his school's class of 1990 to gain promotion to the rank of two-star general. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan election will not affect U.S.' cross-strait policy: U.S. expert ROC Central News Agency 12/12/2023 03:00 PM Los Angeles, Dec. 11 (CNA) Taiwan's 2024 presidential election will have much less of an impact on United States policy on China and Taiwan than will the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a scholar specializing in U.S.-China relations indicated. The election in Taiwan in January 2024 has been seen as an inflection point with broad implications for Taiwan, China, and the U.S., Robert Sutter, a professor of practice of international affairs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., wrote in an article in The Diplomat on Monday. Regardless of who wins, however, there will be continuity in U.S. policy toward Taiwan and China because of strong momentum in the U.S. to counter serious challenges posed by China and Taiwan's important role in countering those challenges, Sutter argued. Defending the United States against adverse Chinese practices has remained at the top of U.S. security, economic, and governance priorities for six years, Sutter indicated, and those efforts have received broad approval in pubic opinion and American media. There are two challenges that pose especially dangerous threats to America's national security and well-being -- China's effort to undermine U.S. power and influence in Asia and Beijing's quest for dominance in the high-technology industries of the future, he wrote. Such dominance would make the U.S. subservient to China economically, and because such technology is essential to modern national security, militarily as well, he said. Taiwan, Sutter wrote, has a prominent role in handling those challenges and countering China's ambitions. "Taiwan's key location and its role in the Indo-Pacific region are highly valued by U.S. policymakers seeking to counter adverse Chinese advances," he wrote. In addition, Taiwan's high technology industries "represent a critical element in U.S. economic competition with Beijing," and its political democracy, free market economy, and respect for international norms all support U.S. leaders in dealing with China's challenges, Sutter argued. With Beijing applying heavy military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, the U.S. government has been increasing its military and diplomatic support for Taiwan, and that should not change regardless of the outcome of Taiwan's election, he said. If Lai Ching-te (), the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, were to win the election, he is widely predicted to continue the close relations with the U.S. developed by outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen (), Sutter said. As for Lai's main opponent, Hou Yu-ih () of the Kuomintang (KMT), which maintains regular contacts with the Chinese Communist Party, he is identified with policies seeking to engage more closely with Beijing, according to Sutter. "Nonetheless, public opinion in Taiwan has compelled Hou to play down the KMT's past adherence to policies in line with Beijing's view of one China," Sutter wrote. "Hou and his associates have worked hard to reassure U.S. officials and opinion leaders that his rule would continue cooperation with U.S. efforts to build resiliency in Taiwan to deter a Chinese attack." Sutter said Hou might not move as aggressively to strengthen Taiwan's military as Lai, which could earn him criticism from the U.S. Congress, but given Taiwan's important role, the Biden government would be unlikely to turn against Hou in such circumstances. Instead of Taiwan's election, the U.S. presidential election in November 2024 will likely be far more consequential to America's current support for Taiwan and hardening against China, Sutter contended. He said that if Biden were replaced by Donald Trump or some other candidate with strong "America First" leanings, it could undermine the efforts made to counter China in recent years. "As president, Trump's erratic behavior toward China and very disruptive behavior toward allies undermined the effectiveness of that administration's efforts to defend the United States from China's challenges," Sutter wrote. "Since the president has enormous powers in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, a repeat of Trump's behavior in 2025 would likely work to the advantage of Beijing and the loss of the United States and its allies and partners, especially Taiwan," he argued. (By Chang Hsin-yu and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPP VP candidate addresses need to maintain cross-strait status quo ROC Central News Agency 12/12/2023 10:07 PM Taipei, Dec. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim () said Tuesday that while maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait may not be the most satisfying position for everyone, it has garnered international consensus and strong domestic support. Addressing a youth forum in Taipei, Hsiao emphasized that preserving the status quo is the broadest consensus embraced by all sides -- a position supported by President Tsai Ing-wen (), when questioned about her stance on Taiwan independence. Hsiao, Taiwan's former representative to Washington, was in November named the running mate of the DPP's presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (), who in the past described himself as "pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence" but has more recently toned down such rhetoric. China strongly opposes both Lai and Hsiao, labeling them "diehard separatists," and has sanctioned Hsiao twice. Beijing criticized her appointment as a vice presidential candidate, denouncing it as "independence on top of independence." Eighty percent of Taiwanese people prefer to maintain the status quo, Hsiao said at the Taipei event. Maintaining the status quo may not be the most agreeable state for everyone but it is also not the stance of Beijing, she said. "They want to turn us into another Hong Kong, which is unacceptable to us," she noted. Nevertheless, Taiwan must collaborate with the international community to identify common ground acceptable to all, she added. The candidate argued that only by doing so can Taiwan seek increased support from the international community, which is the current situation. "The strength of international support for us is growing stronger," the former diplomat observed. "As we can see in statements from U.S. President Joe Biden after summits with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts emphasizing that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable component of global security and prosperity," she said. The forum, mainly organized by the National Chengchi University Student Association, will see the main opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) vice president candidate Jaw Shau-kong () and Taiwan People's Party's Wu Hsin-ying () take questions from students, respectively, on Wednesday and Friday. Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections will be held on Jan. 13, 2024, and 19.5 million voters are eligible to cast a ballot. Currently, the Lai-Hsiao ticket hold a slim lead over the KMT's Hou Yu-ih () and Jaw in the polls. (By Chung Yu-chen) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA's aircraft carrier Shandong transits Taiwan Straits after operation in the north Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Dec 12, 2023 09:44 PM The Shandong aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly returned to the south via the Taiwan Straits on Monday following a month-long operation in the north, with experts saying on Tuesday that the Shandong likely helped train pilots for another PLA aircraft carrier, the north-based Liaoning, which has been under routine maintenance. The armed forces on the island of Taiwan detected the PLA Navy Shandong aircraft carrier fleet heading south along the Taiwan Straits steering along the west side of the so-called median line, the defense authority on the island said in a press release on Monday evening. It marked the Shandong's return to the South China Sea after it was spotted sailing north through the Taiwan Straits a little more than a month ago on November 9, after the aircraft carrier had just wrapped up a record-breaking far sea exercise in the West Pacific. When asked about the Shandong's northward transit in the Taiwan Straits without returning to its homeport in South China's Hainan Province after its far sea exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said on November 16 that the PLA Navy organized exercises in relevant waters to hone and enhance the Shandong aircraft carrier groups' systematic combat capabilities. The drills are a regular arrangement made based on an annual training schedule that conforms to international law and practices, Zhang said, noting that the Chinese military holds similar training activities on a routine basis. A video published by China Central Television on Thursday shows that the Shandong hosted full-process takeoff and landing exercises for J-15 fighter jets at an undisclosed location in November. During the Shandong's one-month voyage in the north, the carrier probably operated in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea to help train pilots of the PLA Navy aircraft carrier Liaoning, which is based in the north but has been under routine maintenance since February, observers said, citing media reports. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday that fighter jet takeoff and landing operations are basically the same on the Liaoning and the Shandong, so when the Liaoning is under maintenance, it is normal that the Shandong can train pilots and crews for the Liaoning. It also highlights the merits of having multiple aircraft carriers, experts said. While the defense authority on the island of Taiwan is certain to be nervous about them, the PLA carrier's transits in the Taiwan Straits are not likely targeted at the island, analysts said, explaining that the Taiwan Straits is just the shortest route that links southern and northern waters off the Chinese coast, and in a possible scenario of a conflict, the Taiwan Straits is too narrow for aircraft carriers to play any significant role. But the increasing combat capabilities of PLA aircraft carriers are surely significant in deterring "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and external interference forces, Song said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Joly announces new sanctions related to Russia's illegal elections in occupied territories of Ukraine Global Affairs Canada News release December 12, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions against 30 Russian nationals under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. These sanctions are being imposed on individuals who ran as candidates in the sham Kremlin-organized "elections" held on September 8 to 10, 2023, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The individuals put forward their candidacies in the illegal election for various positions in the temporarily occupied parts of Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine, including for a regional legislative assembly that the Russian occupiers call a "Duma." These so-called elections are yet another violation of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as of the United Nations Charter. By running for these "official" public positions in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, these individuals aimed to legitimize Russia's illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine by enabling the imposition of Russian law, media, education and currency to "Russify" Ukrainians who remain in the territories under occupation. Canada will continue to work with its international partners to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's illegal and unjustifiable attacks on its sovereignty and to protect its citizens from the oppressive Russian regime. Quotes "We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia had absolutely no legitimate basis to hold elections in these territories. Today, we are sending a strong message to the Kremlin to remind them that Canada will never recognize these regions as Russian territory." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick facts Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,800 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova who are complicit in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Many of these sanctions have been implemented in coordination with Canada's allies and partners. On September 12, 2023, G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement condemning the staging of sham "elections" held by Russia on sovereign Ukrainian territory in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea. In October 2022, 143 states voted at the United Nations General Assembly to condemn Russia's attempted illegal annexation of sovereign Ukrainian territory, reaffirming that no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal. Since January 2022, Canada has committed more than $9.7 billion to financial, military, humanitarian, development and immigration assistance for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 12, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News Biden Pledges U.S. 'Will Not Walk Away From Ukraine' President Joe Biden pledged that the U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine following his meeting today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Biden praised Ukraine's defenders who have pushed back against Russia's full-scale assault for nearly two years, adding that the "American people can and should be incredibly proud of the part they played in supporting Ukraine's success." "Mr. President, I will not walk away from Ukraine, and neither will the American people," Biden said. The two leaders met amid negotiations on Capitol Hill over Biden's supplemental funding request to continue critical military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. "The brave people in Ukraine have defied [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's will at every turn, backed by the strong and unwavering support of the United States and our allies and partners in more than 50 nations in Europe and the Indo-Pacific," he said. "Ukraine will emerge from this war proud, free and firmly rooted in the West, unless we walk away." He said he would continue to provide U.S. military assistance for as long as Congressionally approved funds are available. During his address, Biden announced his approval on the latest round of military assistance, valued at $200 million, which includes critically needed air defense interceptors, artillery and ammunition. "Without supplemental funding, we are rapidly coming to an end of our ability to help Ukraine respond to the urgent operational demands that it has," he said. "Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine," he continued. "We must prove him wrong." While in Washington, Zelenskyy met with defense officials and lawmakers to extend his gratitude for the United States' support and underscore the urgent need for that support to continue. In introductory remarks yesterday ahead of Zelenskyy's address at National Defense University in Washington, D.C., Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the United States' "unshakable" commitment to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. "Ukraine matters profoundly to America's security, and to the trajectory of global security in the 21st century," Austin said. "That's why the United States has committed more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine's brave defenders." He added that the U.S.-led coalition of allies and partners have also contributed more than $37 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Those contributions include capabilities that "are making a crucial difference on the battlefield," Austin said, and have helped Ukraine recoup more than half of the territory seized by Russia since February 2022. He said the U.S. and its allies and partners remain "determined to help Ukraine consolidate and extend its battlefield gains, and to build a future force that can ward off Russian aggression in the years ahead." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia/Ukraine: Statement by High Representative Borrell on the intention to hold presidential elections in the temporarily occupied territories European External Action Service (EEAS) 12.12.2023 EEAS Press Team On Monday, the Central Election Commission of Russia decided to organise the presidential elections, which will take place on 15-17 March 2024, also in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied in blatant violation of international law. The EU strongly condemns this new attempt by Russia to legitimise its temporary and illegal annexation of Ukraine's territories. The so-called "elections" grossly violate the UN Charter and Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has no legitimate basis for any such action on the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. The EU will never recognise the holding of Russia's so-called "elections" or their results in the territories of Ukraine. Russia's political leadership and those involved in organising them will face consequences of these illegal actions. The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and its inherent right of self-defence. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk are Ukraine. Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine to fight off the Russian aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden to donate its largest non-military support package to Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden 12 December 2023 The Government is due to adopt a new winter package for Ukraine, to support the Ukrainian people ahead of the winter and alleviate suffering in the country. The package is worth a total of SEK 1.4 billion and is the largest single non-military Swedish package to Ukraine. "Ukraine is enduring another winter under Russian aggression. Like last year, Russia is stepping up its attacks on civilian infrastructure, not least on energy and heat supply. Such attacks have devastating consequences for an already hard-hit population and worsen the humanitarian situation in the country. This support will help heat Ukraine and strengthen its resilience this winter," says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell. This support will help bolster Ukraine's civilian infrastructure during the winter, its energy system, emergency shelters and health and medical care system. "Access to energy is crucial to Ukraine's security and resilience, and to rebuilding the country and kick-starting Ukraine's business sector as quickly as possible once Russia's war of invasion is over. Sweden will support Ukraine for as long as it takes," says Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch. The 2023 winter package to Ukraine encompasses SEK 1.4 billion from the development assistance budget and will be channelled via the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), UNESCO and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. "We stand side by side with Ukraine, and the importance of continuing to provide military, humanitarian and economic support cannot be overstated. We're also convinced that it will strengthen Sweden's security and our trade relations in the long term," says Aron Emilsson, foreign policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats. "We must respond to the cold winter with our solidarity. This is about both their freedom and ours. Ukraine must win the war, and Russia must lose it," says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party. About this support Support to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure via the World Bank SEK 900 million will be allocated via the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, which supports Ukraine's key infrastructure in sectors such as energy, housing, health care and transport. Procuring equipment to shore up heating and transfer capacity in the Ukrainian electricity grid is crucial to the Ukrainian population making it through the winter. The largest project in the energy sector, RePower Ukraine, focuses on these very issues. Energy and environmental support via the EBRD SEK 300 million will be allocated via the EBRD's Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P). The Partnership was established in 2009 under Sweden's then Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Sweden has been the largest donor for almost 15 years. It supports municipal infrastructure initiatives in Ukraine to boost energy efficiency and environmental protection. Support for grain exports via the World Food Programme The winter support package also includes support via the UN World Food Programme (WFP), with SEK 100 million going to Ukrainian grain exports via the WFP's Grain from Ukraine initiative. Support to the Ukrainian education sector via UNESCO SEK 75 million will be allocated via UNESCO to construct shelters in schools and preschools in Ukraine. Support measures via the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency SEK 25 million will be allocated via the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency to meet Ukraine's most pressing needs. This support can be used to secure Ukraine's heat supply through measures to reinforce physical infrastructure. This could include transformers, generators and electric cables, as well as repairs to equipment damaged in Russian attacks. The funds can also be used in the Agency's medical evacuation and mine-clearing efforts, for example. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says fresh US aid to Kiev will be 'fiasco' Iran Press TV Tuesday, 12 December 2023 5:50 PM Russia has said any further military aid by the United States to Ukraine will be a "fiasco." Ahead of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with US leaders, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would "very closely" follow Kiev-related developments in Washington. "It is important for everyone to understand that the tens of billions of dollars pumped into Ukraine did not help it gain any success on the battlefield," Peskov told a regular news briefing, adding that, "The tens of billions of dollars that Ukraine wants to be pumped with are also headed for the same fiasco." Zelensky, who has already received more than $100 billion worth of American military aid for Kiev forces and headed gains to the US capital to plead for more, is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Tuesday. The Ukrainian leader will also meet with congressional leaders from both parties, Democratic and Republican. Political analysts say Zelensky will face his real challenger when he addresses US senators in Congress, and meets the new Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. On Monday, speaking to the audience at the National Defense University in Washington, DC the actor-turned-politician insisted, "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin must lose." He said that the US-led Western countries must not delay the continued delivery of arms and munitions to Kiev forces. "When the free world hesitates, that's when dictatorships celebrate and their most dangerous ambitions ripen," he said. "They see their dreams come true when they see delays." He asked the American leaders not to "betray" Ukrainian forces fighting against the much better and stronger Russian troops by cutting the military aid. Since Russia launched its special military operation in Donbas in February 2022, the US has led a Western coalition sending tens of billions of dollars in weaponry and munitions to Kiev. However, Republicans are ever-more openly rejecting allocating more funding for the continuous arms and munitions shipments to Ukraine, seeing the support for Ukraine as their loss and a distraction from their domestic problems. Republican lawmakers have pointed to Kiev's failure in winning the proxy war against Russia, insisting that funding the abortive Ukraine war is a waste of US taxpayers' money. The lawmakers want Biden to redirect US taxpayers' money toward domestic issues, particularly to stopping illegal migration over the US-Mexican border. In the meantime, Russia announced on Tuesday that Russian troops had "advanced significantly" in southern Ukraine. Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu pointed out that Kiev forces continued to push for victory on the battlefield against the superior Russian troops was plunging the nation into its abysmal self-annihilation. Russia has on numerous occasions warned that the continued supply of Western weapons and munitions to the Ukrainian military would only prolong the war, add to losses, and exacerbate the sufferings of the Ukrainian nation. "The United States and its allies continue to arm the Ukrainian armed forces, while the Kiev regime continues to throw untrained soldiers into senseless assaults and slaughter," the defense minister said, adding that these "cynical actions by the West and their henchmen in Kiev are only pushing Ukraine towards self-destruction." Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated on repeated occasions that the military campaign in Donbas was necessary to "defend people" against Western aggression and its expansionist policy. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made similar remarks, saying that Kiev is fully aware of Russia's demands and could simply fulfill them to bring the war to an end. "Our proposals for the demilitarization and denazification of the territories controlled by the [Kiev] regime, [and] the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well-known to the enemy," Lavrov said. "The point is simple: Fulfill them for your good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Massive Cyberattacks Target Ukraine's Largest Mobile Operator, Online Banking By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 12, 2023 Ukraine's largest mobile phone operator, Kyivstar, is down after being targeted by a massive hacker attack on December 12 that brought down its cellular and Internet signal, causing serious disturbances in communications across the country and leaving millions without service in the war-torn country. "This morning we were the target of a powerful hacker attack. It caused a technical failure that made mobile communication and Internet access temporarily unavailable," Kyivstar said in a statement, while its chief executive officer, Oleksandr Komarov, told Ukrainian television that the network had to be shut off in order to ban what he called "enemy access." The cyberattack reportedly left more than 24 million subscribers without service. Card payments were disturbed throughout Ukraine, as Kyivstar's system is critical for card payments in most commercial outlets. "(The attack) significantly damaged the (IT) infrastructure and limited access. We could not counter it at the virtual level, so we shut down Kyivstar physically to limit the enemy's access," Komarov told state TV. Law enforcement agencies including Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) were looking into the incident, Komarov said, adding, "This is a war, waged not only on the battlefield but also in virtual space and, unfortunately, we are targeted in this war." The SBU's press service confirmed to RFE/RL that it launched an investigation into the cyberattack, saying the probe was looking into "unsanctioned interference into the activities of social networks, the creation of malware, encroachment of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, high treason, sabotage, the conducting of an aggressive war, the violation of the law of war, and taking part in a criminal group's activities." Russia has been repeatedly attempting to use cyberattacks against Ukraine since the start of its unprovoked full-scale invasion in February last year, while Kyiv has done likewise. The Main Directorate of Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) said in a statement on December 12 that it conducted a "successful" cyberattack on Russia's Federal Tax Service. Kyivstar said its clients' personal data had not been compromised while Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov told the media that Kyivstar would resume operations within four to five hours. However, Kyivstar was still down in the early afternoon local time, and authorities in Sumy said the air-raid alert system in the northeastern city "was temporarily out of order," AFP reported. In the western city of Lviv, Ukraine's fifth-largest, street lighting controlled through Kyivstar's network remained on through the morning but had to be managed manually. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said mobile numbers for emergency services continue to operate normally. Meanwhile, Monobank, one of Ukraine's largest online banks, said it had repelled a massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. "Repelled. Mono is impenetrable," Mono's co-founder Oleh Horokhovskiy said on Telegram. A DDoS attack is one in which hackers flood a website with requests for information, making it unavailable to legitimate users. With reporting by AFP and Kyiv Post Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-mobile-operator- bank-targeted-cyberattacks-russia/32727579.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kiev's Battlefield Failures Lead to Unrest Inside the Country, Reducing Gov't Authority - Kremlin Sputnik News 20231212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Many of Ukraine's failures on the battlefield lead to "rocking the boat" inside the country and a decrease in the authority of the government, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. On Monday, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that high-ranking officials from leading Western countries are increasingly discussing the need to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We are probably still talking about such a long-term perspective. And, of course, the special services have their own specific information, on the basis of which such conclusions are drawn. But the fact is that, of course, many of the failures that constantly occur in Ukraine lead to rocking the boat and to swaying the authority of the government," Peskov told reporters commenting on whether replacing Zelensky could contribute to the transition to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict. Moscow will carefully monitor information about the meeting of US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. Later in the day, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Biden in Washington and hold a joint press conference, following the talks, according to the White House. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Defenses Down Ukraine's Tochka-U Missile Over Belgorod Region Sputnik News 20231212 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems shot down a Ukrainian Tochka-U missile over the Belgorod Region early on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "Today, at about 5:00 a.m. [local time, 02:00 GMT], an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on targets on the territory of the Russian Federation using a Tochka-U operational-tactical missile was thwarted. Russian air defense systems on duty shot down the Ukrainian missile over the Belgorod Region, " the ministry said in a statement. Earlier in the day, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that an aerial target had been shot down over the village of Bessonovka in the region, adding that there were no casualties or material damage. The "Tochka-U" missile can carry a cluster munition with a variety of destructive elements. This makes it particularly dangerous for civilians. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announces further maritime support to the Ukrainian Navy Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy. 12 December 2023 What's in a name? It's a real pleasure to welcome here my colleague Minister Gram to Admiralty House and also our Ukrainian friend Admiral Neizhpapa along with his translator, to one of our nation's truly historic buildings. It's actually 60 years since this building was the official residence of the First Lord of the Admiralty, and it's a real reminder that in the Royal Navy, names really have power behind them. Built in the 1700s, in the following century this was the actual location for the body of Admiral Horatio Nelson who himself lay in state here. And in the 20th century again, right here the First Lord of the Admiralty during two World Wars was one Winston Churchill. So, when we think about Admiralty House, we don't just think about another anonymous monolith on Whitehall. We think of the living embodiment of some three centuries worth of British naval history. Ukraine: The story of the Cherkassy The resonance of a name is not confined to the Royal Navy. If you consider Ukraine, for example, next year marks 10 years since Russia invaded Crimea. And back then all that remained between the invader and conquest was 60 crew members of a mine warfare vessel. That lone ship sailing strong against the might of the Russian navy. It took a remarkable three weeks before the Ukrainian ensign was finally taken down and the proud crew members were removed from that ship. By then, the name of that little ship, The Cherkasy, had become a legend. And that legend endures to this day. Ukraine Navy more than just a name Eight years after the Cherkasy gave the proverbial finger to the Russians the brave forces on Snake Island, threatened once more by the Moskva, memorably told the Russians where to go in unforgettable words that I won't repeat this morning. That is really no surprise because it turned out the soldier who uttered those words also happened to come from the Cherkasy region. And, as Ukraine marked its Armed Forces Day last week, its navy could reflect on defiance of Cherkasy-like proportions. If you consider, despite having lost about two-thirds of its fleet after Crimea they have managed to strike the Kremlin's Naval headquarters at Sevastopol. They smashed Russian naval vessels through pioneering work of sea drones. They've wrestled control over the western Black Sea and sinking one of Russia's biggest names, the Moskva itself. Helping Ukraine seize the advantage Ukrainians have proven more than once that their Navy, is more than just a navy in name only. And we must help them do even more. Ukraine must triumph on the water as well as the battlefield itself. And that's the only way to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The only way to ensure Ukrainian vessels operate free from Russian bullying, to allow the unimpeded transport of their vital grain and steel to the four corners of the world. Which is why we're doing three things to restore the great name of the Ukrainian navy. First, we're training Ukrainian sailors. In the remote waters of Scotland, the Navy have been passing on their knowledge and skills. But it's not enough to have the sailors. Ukraine must have the ships. So, second - we're taking on the leadership mantle of the Maritime Capability Coalition with our Norwegian friends. My friend Bjorn and I have been working to understand the Ukrainian requirements. And now before us is a clear roadmaps, or perhaps more appropriately a sea chart. To make sure we succeed, we want partners and we've reached out to those already involved in supporting Ukraine's Navy to become framework nations for this coalition. We'll be able to say more about that by this evening. And third, we're helping them to rebuild their capability. Today, I can announce the UK is gifting 23 on and offshore raiding craft and 20 rapidly deployable Viking amphibious vehicles. I can also announce we're supporting Ukraine to procure two mine counter vessels from the UK. In fact, back in the summer, a flag raising ceremony was held to commission the vessels into service. This is something that was planned before Ukraine was attacked. And the ships formerly known as HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham were renamed Chernihiv M310 and Cherkasy M311. Yes, the Cherkasy name has been resurrected once again. And it sends a critical message to President Putin. If the Kremlin despot believes we are distracted by events in the Middle East he is mistaken. This moment is a wake-up call to the West. A moment once more to renew our complete and utter resolve and prove Putin wrong. Because rewarding illegality with victory would send a terrible signal. Not just to our allies in the East but also to the likes of China and Iran. Suggesting we're not willing to stand up for international rules. Suggesting weakness, suggesting vulnerability. So, securing the seas is the only way to defeat a tyrant like Putin and guarantee long term independence and prosperity for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe. Back in 1939, when Winston Churchill returned to Admiralty House a signal was sent out to our fleet saying simply: "Winston is back". Today the Cherkasy is back, which a decade ago stood defiant, and it's returned too. It no longer stands alone. And it is sending a message of its own to aggressors. Ukraine will rule the waves. Ukraine is back. Slava Ukraini. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House President of Ukraine 12 December 2023 - 23:09 During his working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the powerful support for Ukraine from the United States, particularly for bolstering air defense and assistance with energy equipment on the eve of the difficult winter period, which enhanced the resilience of our country and its energy system. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Kamala Harris about Ukraine's vision of a just peace based on the Peace Formula and the process of its implementation. The Head of State told the U.S. Vice President about ensuring the functioning of the "grain corridor" that greatly contributes to the maintenance of global food security. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also informed Kamala Harris about the growth of the Ukrainian economy. He emphasized that additional protection of civilian and critical infrastructure is a key to the return of Ukrainians to their hometowns and the country's economic independence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joseph Biden started in Washington President of Ukraine 12 December 2023 - 22:34 As part of his working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden. "I'm really glad to be here at the White House today to share some very important messages. I am grateful for the invitation. I'd like to thank America and our partners for their support," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said before the meeting with the President of the United States at the White House. He also noted that today is a special day for Ukraine, the Day of the Ground Forces, in which almost 600,000 very brave Ukrainians serve, proving every day that they are capable of winning. "Our forces are advancing. And we've successfully defeated Russia in the Black Sea. Russia is hiding the remnants of its naval fleet in remote bays. Meanwhile, Ukraine has set up an export corridor in the Black Sea that's really boosting our economy and global food stability," the President of Ukraine noted. The Head of State also noted that the Ukrainian economy is growing by almost 5%, so Ukraine is gradually becoming less dependent on foreign aid. "We are moving in the right direction. I want to discuss with President Biden how to strengthen it. Especially, enhancing our air defense and ability to destroy Russia's logistics. Our goals for 2024 are clear - take away Russia's air superiority and disrupt their offensive operations. I think it is real," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. In addition, according to him, the priority issues of the meeting with the U.S. President include joint arms production and the use of frozen Russian assets. "In September, President Biden and I talked about joint arms production, which is very important for us. Today, we'll discuss how to speed this up. We also need to work faster with the frozen Russian assets - over 300 billion from terrorists. We should use it to protect against Russian terror. I want to talk about some details," the Head of State noted. He also emphasized that even during the war, Ukraine continues to successfully reform its institutions to integrate into the European Union. "People need to be confident that freedom is secure and strong enough to win," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. For his part, the U.S. President emphasized that the decisions made now will determine the future for decades to come, particularly in Europe. "We have seen what happens when dictators are not punished for the deaths and destruction they cause. They keep going. The threat to America, Europe and the world keeps rising," he said. Joseph Biden emphasized the importance of the U.S. Congress passing a decision on funding for Ukraine before the congressmen break for the holiday recess. "I just signed another $200 million drawdown for the Department of Defense for Ukraine," he said. "Mr. President, I call on Congress to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom. I want to thank you for being here to help the cause. And I don't want you giving up hope," Joseph Biden added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives President of Ukraine 12 December 2023 - 21:00 During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the first time with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson. The Head of State expressed gratitude to the U.S. Congress for powerful efforts in the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, the U.S. Congress has been providing our country with significant assistance that allows us to effectively counter the aggressor. The bipartisan and bicameral support of the Congress is a very important factor, and we highly appreciate it," the President of Ukraine emphasized. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was touched to see a reproduction of the Ukrainian Ostroh Bible in the Speaker's office. The Head of State told Mike Johnson about the achievements of Ukraine's defenders, particularly the liberation of 50% of Ukrainian lands occupied by Russia, victories of Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea and great efforts of Ukraine to implement reforms and return our country to economic self-sufficiency in the future. In this context, the President emphasized the importance of continued U.S. support and additional appropriations to help Ukraine in 2024. He emphasized that our country is using U.S. military and financial aid with utmost responsibility; the Verkhovna Rada has a respective commission that monitors the use of military aid. Ukraine also continues cooperation with representatives of American institutions responsible for providing assistance. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that even in the face of Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to implement the reforms necessary to start negotiations on membership in the European Union. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In the U.S. Congress, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with leaders of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives President of Ukraine 12 December 2023 - 19:43 During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic congressmen. The Head of State emphasized the powerful bicameral and bipartisan support provided to Ukraine by the Congress, U.S. President Joseph Biden and the entire American people to counter Russian aggression. In the course of the meeting, the President discussed with the Congressmen the key needs of Ukraine in armaments and military equipment, as well as in bolstering air defense, especially with the onset of winter. The parties also discussed joint production with the United States of the necessary weapons for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the USA - Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held in Washington on December 5-6. "Now that Ukraine has liberated 50% of its territories illegally occupied by Russians since 2022, ensured the operation of the "grain corridor" and is winning in the Black Sea, we need continued U.S. support and the unity of our partners as never before," the President said. The Head of State assured that Ukraine is using all the aid from the United States in an extremely transparent, efficient and responsible manner, in close cooperation with American partners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President had a meeting with the President of the World Bank in Washington President of Ukraine 12 December 2023 - 00:23 During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the World Bank Ajay Banga. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the significant support provided by the World Bank to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale aggression of Russia, mobilization of international financial assistance to our country and active support in cooperation with international donors. Ajay Banga reaffirmed the World Bank's readiness to consistently provide financial support and share the best global practices for Ukraine's economic recovery. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed interest in intensifying cooperation with the World Bank in the transformation of our country. The parties discussed ways to enhance the resilience of the Ukrainian financial system during the war and focused on increasing the share of cashless transactions in Ukraine's economic system. "Creating a true cashless economy is extremely important for Ukraine, and I fully support this project," the President emphasized. The parties also discussed the strategy for restoring mortgage lending. The World Bank will prepare proposals to create market mechanisms for raising funds from commercial banks in the mortgage market and risk mitigation tools to reduce mortgage rates. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ajay Banga also exchanged views on the mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Declassified US Intelligence Reveals Massive Russian Losses in Ukraine By Jeff Seldin December 12, 2023 Newly declassified U.S. intelligence indicates Russia has suffered from some staggering losses as a result of its nearly two-year-old invasion of Ukraine, including major setbacks during its latest offensive. The assessment, parts of which were shared with VOA, estimates more than 13,000 Russian forces have been killed or wounded since Moscow launched its October offensive along the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis in eastern Ukraine. U.S. intelligence also believes Ukraine's military has destroyed or immobilized more than 220 Russian combat vehicles, the equivalent of six battalions' worth of vehicles. "Russia's attempt at an offensive has resulted in no strategic gains," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told VOA in a statement, describing the Russian losses as "severe." "But Russia is determined to press forward," she added. "Russia seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage despite Russian losses and persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions, and equipment." The decision to declassify the latest intelligence Tuesday comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington, visiting with U.S. lawmakers and with U.S. President Joe Biden. During a speech at the National Defense University in Washington on Monday, Zelenskyy pleaded with U.S. lawmakers "not to betray" Ukraine's forces and provide more weapons and support, warning Moscow sees Ukraine as "just a stepping-stone." "We know what to do," he said. "You can count on Ukraine, and we hope just as much to be able to count on you." The White House has been pushing U.S. lawmakers to approve more than $61 billion in supplemental funding for Kyiv before the end of the year. But some lawmakers have balked, with some Republicans insisting any deal to provide more money to Ukraine must also include provisions to strengthen U.S. immigration policies and security along the U.S. southern border with Mexico. White House officials, however, point to the latest declassified intelligence to argue that funding for Ukraine simply cannot wait. "This shows how Ukraine is having success stopping Russian forces, but Putin is continuing to order his troops forward," a senior administration official told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence and the political negotiations. "It's critical we continue to support Ukraine and make sure they have what they need to defend themselves," the official added. Top U.S. military and intelligence officials have previously said Russia's losses in Ukraine have set its military back by as much as five to ten years. Still, the Pentagon warned Monday a failure to back Ukraine will send Russian President Vladimir Putin the wrong message. "Despite his isolation, Putin still believes that he can outlast Ukraine, and that he can outlast America," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday, speaking with Zelenskyy at the National Defense University. "If we do not stand up to the Kremlin's aggression today, if we do not deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite more aggression, more bloodshed, and more chaos." Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Imposes Hundreds of New Sanctions in Connection to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine By VOA News December 12, 2023 The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on more than 250 people and entities in connection with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The latest move is part of an effort to crack down on Russia's evasion of sanctions by designating numerous specific targets a including people and entities in China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other third countries a in addition to existing targets in Russia. The U.S. says the new sanctions target individuals and entities who have furthered Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine and are bolstering "Russia's future energy production and export capacity." "We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for Russia's crimes in Ukraine and those who finance and support Russia's war machine," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The U.S. placed sanctions on numerous Russian individuals and financial institutions, as well as Russian energy companies involved in developing a liquefied natural gas terminal on a Baltic seaport. The third country entities were targeted over shipment of technology including ball or roller bearings, aircraft parts and X-ray systems. The sanctions also target China-based commercial satellite imagery companies that have provided high-resolution observation imagery to Russian mercenary firm Wagner, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Russia has dismissed the sanctions imposed since the beginning of the war in Ukraine as illegal and asserts they will impede development of the Russian economy. Some information in this article is from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine December 12, 2023 President Joseph R. Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to underscore the strong and abiding U.S. support for Ukraine's fight for freedom. The leaders discussed Ukraine's self-defense against Russian aggression, including plans for the coming year. President Biden announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine and reiterated the critical need for immediate Congressional action to ensure we can continue to support Ukraine's defense. He also stressed the growing cooperation between U.S. and Ukrainian defense industries, enhanced by the successful U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference last week. President Zelenskyy briefed President Biden on Ukraine's use of the corridor in the Black Sea to export its grain and other products, alleviating global food security concerns and contributing to Ukraine's tax base. President Biden stressed that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of over fifty countries brought together by U.S. leadership in defense of a rules-based international order based on a respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- POWR Lithium Corp. (CSE: POWR) (FRA: 6JX / WKN: A3D6BS) (OTCQB: PWRLF) (POWR or the Company), a mineral exploration and development company focused on American lithium deposits to support domestic demand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Matt Chatterton as Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors. The Company further announces that Mr. Patrick Morris has resigned as Chief Executive Officer. Key Takeaways: Matt Chatterton, PEng. appointed as CEO and Director of POWR Lithium New CEO has extensive process engineering and mine project execution experience With POWRs strategic planning solidly established, the Companys goal is to establish firm guidance for the development of practical and economically viable mineral processing technologies in conjunction with plans to complete technical and economic studies of its flagship Halo lithium project pursuant to proposed future asset development and potential mining operations. Mr. Chatterton brings over 20 years experience in the development and execution of complex projects, including 12 years with the mining division of FLSmidth. His expertise includes mineral process development, project development and management, facility management, logistics controls, supply side processes and procedures at a number of international manufacturing operations in Canada, China, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and Israel. He has been actively involved in the public markets including management of IPO processes and in transitioning businesses to post public listing operations. He has managed capital projects in excess of $35 million directly related to production facilities and laboratories for mining and manufacturing businesses. Mr. Chatterton is a Professional Engineer and graduate of Canadas Queens University with a Bachelors degree in Engineering Chemistry (2001) and a Masters degree in Chemical Process Engineering (2003). Mr. Chatterton, as newly appointed CEO of POWR Lithium notes, I am delighted to have the opportunity to help advance POWR towards tangible results. I have been provided an excellent set of tools, assets, and opportunities to work with. I believe the domestic lithium sector deserves smart solutions to ensure supply chain independence. We believe the demand for lithium is poised for an extended period of growth and its clear that national demand combined with justifiable concerns regarding foreign sources has added immediacy to deliver new lithium extraction and processing technologies to market as soon as possible. With this in mind, I look forward to overcoming the short-term challenges and in helping to do our part towards building value for the industry and our shareholders alike. POWR Lithiums board and stakeholders wish to thank Mr. Patrick Morris for his dedication as outgoing CEO during the post-IPO transition period which required decisive leadership in the acquisition of the current asset portfolio, and for exceptional input into the development of the Companys strategic plans for the proposed upcoming phases of development. On Behalf of The Board of Directors, Sincerely, ~Matt Chatterton~ Matt Chatterton Chief Executive Officer & Director POWR Lithium Corp. www.powrlithium.com About POWR Lithium Corp. (CSE: POWR) (FRA: 6JX / WKN: A3D6BS) (OTCQB: PWRLF) POWR Lithium is an exploration and development company dedicated to the advancement of North American lithium deposits to support domestic demand. The Company holds interests on the Halo and Eli properties in Nevada. The Company is also focusing on the development of claystone extraction and processing technologies aimed at delivering scalable efficiencies across the value chain in a sustainable manner. To find out more visit www.powrlithium.com and watch our video. POWR Lithium advises the public that as part of its disclosure obligations as a public issuer, all material and regulatory filings can be found on www.sedar.com. We also invite the public to visit our website at www.powrlithium.com and to sign up to our news alerts to be advised of future news releases and related company information. Please also ensure you watch our video which is now available on the website. Forward Looking Information Disclaimer This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as may, would, could, will, likely, except, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the demand for lithium being poised for an extended period of growth. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company; the Companys ability to secure additional financing on reasonable terms; the competitive conditions of the sector in which the Company operates; and laws and any amendments thereto applicable to the Company. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks relating to the future business plans of the Company; risks that the Company will not be able to retain its key personnel; risks that the Company will not be able to secure financing on reasonable terms or at all, as well as all of the other risks as described in the Companys annual Management Discussion and Analysis dated December 16, 2022, under the heading Risks Factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Companys management to predict all such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws. CONTACT INFORMATION POWR Lithium Corp. Investor Relations Email: info@powrlithium.com Phone: +1 (778) 383-7240 NEWARK, Del, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global switched reluctance motor market size is likely to be valued at US$ 564.1 million in 2023. The increasing demand for energy-efficient and cost-effective motors driving market growth. The market is estimated to garner US$ 1039.1 million by 2033, recording a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2033 The increasing demand for high-speed motors from different industry verticals such as automobiles and construction is expected to drive market growth. Increasing focus on energy efficiency, stringent environmental regulations, and the need for improved motor performance across various industries, to boost the market demand. Request Sample Report: Empower Your Industry Understanding with Invaluable Insights! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8601 Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing standards and policies that encourage the use of energy-efficient motors, which benefit the switched reluctance motors market. Increasingly stringent energy efficiency regulations and environmental concerns drive the adoption of switched reluctance motors in industries to meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Increasing technological advancements in motor control systems and the use of advanced control algorithms, power electronics, and digital control systems have significantly improved the performance of switched reluctance motors North America is a significant market for switched reluctance motors. The region has a strong presence in the automotive and industrial sectors, which are key industries driving the demand for switched reluctance motors. European countries are implementing stringent regulations regarding vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency, which propel the demand for energy-efficient motor solutions like switched reluctance motors. The presence of major automotive manufacturers and industrial automation companies in Europe further drives the market growth. Key Takeaways from the Market Study From 2018 to 2022, the switched reluctance motors market demand expanded at a CAGR of 4.8% Based on product type, the double-phase segment accounts for a CAGR of 6.2% By application, the hybrid/electric vehicles segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period North America to emerge as a promising switched reluctance motors market, capturing a CAGR of 6.2% The switched reluctance motors industry in the United Kingdom is predicted to reach US$ 236.3 million by 2033 South Asia and the Pacific to be an opportunistic switched reluctance motors market, expected to capture a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period. The recent market research study, demonstrate promising advancements in efficiency and reliability within various industrial applications. Our findings underscore their potential to disrupt the market landscape by offering cost-effective solutions with robust performance characteristics, positioning them as a key player in the evolving landscape of electric motor technologies - Says Nikhil Kaitwade, Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc. Scope Of Report Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2033 Market Value in 2023 US$ 564.1 million Market Value in 2033 US$ 1039.1 million Base Year for Estimation 2022 Historical Data 2018 to 2022 Forecast Period 2023 to 2033 Quantitative Units Revenue in US$ billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2033 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis Segments Covered Product Type Application Region Regions Covered North America Latin America Western Europe Eastern Europe South Asia and Pacific East Asia Middle East & Africa Key Countries Profiled United States Canada Brazil Mexico Germany United Kingdom France Spain Italy Poland Russia Czech Republic Romania India Bangladesh Australia New Zealand China Japan South Korea GCC Countries South Africa Israel Rest of MEA Key Companies Profiled Infineon Technologies AG Nidec SR Drives Ltd. E. KRETZSCHMAR Domel, d.o.o. MACCON Renesas Electronics Corporation Ramco Electric Motors Regal Beloit Corporation Turnide Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) Competitive Landscape The global switched reluctance motors market is fragmented with the presence of several large and medium-scale players. The leading players in the switched reluctance motors market are investing in strategic agreements in order to capture market share. Regal Beloit, a leading manufacturer of electric motors and controls, has been involved in the development of switched reluctance motors for various industries. The company has focused on improving motor performance, efficiency, and reliability through advanced design techniques and optimized control algorithms. Regal Beloit offers a range of switched reluctance motors for industrial applications such as pumps, fans, and compressors. AMETEK, a leading manufacturer of precision motion control solutions, has made advancements in the development of switched reluctance motors. The company has focused on enhancing the performance, reliability, and efficiency of SRMs for industrial automation applications. They have introduced innovative designs, improved control algorithms, and integrated motor control solutions to meet the demanding requirements of industrial automation systems. Elevate Your Business Strategy! Purchase the Report for Market-Driven Insights! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/8601 Know More about What the Switched Reluctance Motors Market Report Covers Future Market Insights offers an unbiased analysis of the global switched reluctance motors market, providing historical data for 2018 to 2022 and forecast statistics from 2023 to 2033. To understand opportunities in the switched reluctance motors market, the market is segmented based on product type and application across six major regions. Key Segments Profiled in the Switched Reluctance Motors Market Survey By Product Type: Single Phase Double Phase Triple Phase Multi-Phase By Application: Electromechanical brake system Fuel Pump Electric Power Steering Hybrid/ Electric Vehicles Vacuum Blowers Other By Region: North America Latin America Western Europe Eastern Europe South Asia and Pacific East Asia Middle East & Africa Author By: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore Future Market Insights, Inc. Extensive Coverage in Industrial Automation Domain: Traction Motors Market Size: The market sales of traction motors reached around 11.7 Billion in 2022. The overall demand is projected to increase at a CAGR of 13.0% between 2022 and 2032. Industrial Motors Market Outlook: The global market was valued at US$ 653.0 million in 2022. From 2022 to 2032, the market is projected to expand slowly at a CAGR of 3.5%. This is likely to propel the markets valuation to US$ 917.3 million in 2032. Stair Lift Motors Market Review: The market is projected to be valued at US$ 196.2 million in 2023 and is expected to rise to US$ 307.6 million by 2033. Paper and Plastic Film Capacitors Market Key Trends: This global market is poised to surpass US$ 2.7 billion by 2023, surging at a remarkable CAGR of 5.4% through 2033 to reach US$ 4.5 billion. Motorized Decoiler Machine Market Forecast: The global Market is anticipated at US$ 3.2 million in 2022. Demand is likely to remain high for this market during the assessment period. This is due to the increased technological advances and increased application in manufacturing garnering US$ 4.8 million in 2033. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI is the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 5,000 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. (NYSE: LICY) between June 14, 2022 and October 23, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important January 8, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Li-Cycle securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Li-Cycle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20300 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 8, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Li-Cycle's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Li-Cycle's Rochester Hub was experiencing escalating construction costs; (2) these escalating construction costs exceeded the expected aggregate cost of the project; (3) as a result, Li-Cycle would be forced to temporarily halt construction and reevaluate the construction strategy for the Rochester Hub; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Li-Cycle's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Li-Cycle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20300 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 29, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CHPT), if they purchased the Companys securities between June 1, 2023 and November 16, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of ChargePoint 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-chpt/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 29, 2024 . About the Lawsuit ChargePoint and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On November 16, 2023, post-market, the Company announced its preliminary financial results for 3Q 2024, disclosing that revenue had fallen to $108 million to $113 million, as compared to $150 to $165 million as previously expected, and an additional non-cash inventory impairment charge in the amount of $42 million related to product transitions and to better align inventory with current demand, which was expected to result in GAAP gross margin of negative 23% to negative 21%, as well as the replacement of both its CEO and CFO, effective immediately. On this news, shares of ChargePoint fell $1.11, or 35%, to close at $2.02 per share on November 17, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Khan v. ChargePoint Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-06172. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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, LLC HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Vietnam Media Landscape Report 20232024 is officially released by Global PR Hub in collaboration with MGID, professionally advised and endorsed by Vietnam Journalists Association and Vietnam Digital Media Association. The report synthesized survey data, analysis, and forecasts from leading media experts in Vietnam and the world, serving as a reliable, professional resource for practitioners. It provides an overview of key trends and developments across different media channels over the years. The potentials and challenges for the Vietnamese media industry are discussed through an in-depth analysis of media behavior, habits of using social networks and other digital platforms, and the perception of media reliability. In addition, the report proposes several approach strategies and practical guidance to help businesses navigate the fast-changing environment and curate better communications plans for the future. Vietnam's media landscape is evolving dramatically, requiring businesses, organizations, and practitioners to be more flexible and adaptable. Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong - President of the Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA), shared: Vietnam Media Landscape Report highlights the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on media disruption in Vietnam. It acknowledges the challenges and risks of these technologies but also highlights the opportunities for media businesses in the growing economy. Vietnam Media Landscape Report 2023-2024 published by Global PR Hub Meanwhile, Mr. Aros Dyshkant - Regional Head MGID SEA, added: The research emphasizes the diversity of readers in Vietnam, the number of audiences reached through these channels, and how brand dollars have been following the consumers. It concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of ad tech in shaping the future of online news readers in 2024 and supporting professional content creators. From the above analysis and evaluation, Ms. Mai Anh Le, Regional Country Manager of Global PR Hub, affirmed: Currently, the domestic and foreign media industry is witnessing immense changes, almost reaching the explosion threshold of social networks and AI technology. We hope this report will be a valuable reference for media practitioners, publishers, advertisers and entrepreneurs in building effective media & branding strategies. With extraordinarily fast developments in this era, driven by changing regulatory environments, technology, and consumer behaviors, we will certainly need frequent updates. Vietnam Media Landscape Report 2023-2024 Length: 76 pages Language: English Format: PDF & Printed Release Date: 12th December 2023 Download via: https://forms.gle/yTRyznsUZEQFXjFZ6 About Global PR Hub: Global PR Hub is a leading media intelligence and IMC consulting service provider in South East Asia. Global PR Hub provides comprehensive and innovative solutions that drive results. With its strength in international and local media relations, Global PR Hub helps to connect many businesses and organizations to all major markets worldwide. Email: info@globalprhub.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c69c6d6-aeeb-46d8-af0d-dc3091a69a0a Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global data privacy software market size was valued at USD 1.99 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 30.31 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 40.9% over the study period. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its latest research report, titled Data Privacy Software Market Forecast, 2024-2030. Widespread shift toward remote working culture, evolving data privacy regulations, and growing adoption of IoT devices are among the major factors propelling the market forward Request a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/data-privacy-software-market-105420 Key Industry Development: IBM Corporation introduced new data security features to its FlashSystem line of all-flash arrays that help businesses better plan for and recover swiftly from ransomware and other intrusions. Key Takeaways Data privacy software market size in North America was USD 0.84 billion in 2022 Growing Digital Banking Applications to Drive Demand for Software in BFSI Sector Global Presence of Large Enterprises to Drive Demand for Software Rising Adoption of IoT Devices to Aid Global Data Privacy Software Market Growth Cloud-based Software Segment to Gain Prominence Driven by Rising Product Demand Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Companies leading the global data privacy software market are OneTrust, LLC (U.S.), AvePoint, Inc. (U.S.), TrustArc, Inc. (U.S.), Securiti.AI. (U.S.), BigID, Inc. (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Protiviti, Inc. (U.S.), RSA Security LLC (U.S.), DataGrail, Inc. (U.S.), SureCloud (U.K.). Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 40.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 30.31 Billion Base Year 2022 Data Privacy Software Market Size in 2022 USD 1.99 Billion Historical Data for 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 150 Segments Covered Deployment, Application, Enterprise Type, Industry and Geography Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/data-privacy-software-market-105420 Drivers and Restraints: Growing IoT Devices Adoption to Propel Market Growth One of the key factors propelling data privacy software market growth is the increasing adoption of IoT devices across industries such as healthcare, BFSI, manufacturing, and others. An additional factor favoring industry expansion is the escalating implementation of 5G technology. However, the industry expansion is driven by the lack of awareness regarding the software among start-ups, local organizations, and SMEs (small and medium enterprises). Tightening Data Protection Regulations to Augment Market Growth The data privacy software market growth is influenced by the changing landscape of data security regulations worldwide. Governments across several countries are introducing stricter laws and standards. For instance, the European Union (EU) introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to prevent the misuse of customer data. Similarly, the U.S. government launched the California Consumer Privacy Act in December 2020 to empower the citizens of California with enhanced control over their shared data. Increasing adoption of IoT devices will also present substantial opportunities for the market growth. McKinsey & Company predicts that there could be more than 43 billion connected devices by 2023. However, while the adoption of IoT and 5G rises, lack of awareness about data privacy software could impact its adoption. Segmentation By Deployment Cloud On-premises By Application Compliance Management Risk Management Reporting & Analytics Others By Enterprise Type Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Large Enterprises By Industry BFSI IT and Telecommunication Government Manufacturing Retail Healthcare Others (Education and Others) By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/data-privacy-software-market-105420 Regional Insights: North America to Register Notable Traction Driven by Rising Investments by Key Players North America data privacy software market share is anticipated to register considerable expansion over the forecast period. The rise is driven by increasing investments by leading players in the region. The Asia Pacific market will register substantial growth throughout the anticipated period. The surge is propelled by the escalating introduction of national data protection rules for managing the escalating number of data breaches. Implementation of Stringent Laws to Augment Growth in Asia Pacific Asia Pacific is projected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Japan, China, India, Singapore, and other countries are concentrating on enacting stringent consumer privacy regulations, which, in turn, will aid the expansion of the market. To deal with the number of data breaches, China and India have adopted national data security laws. Singapore's Cyber Security Agency announced the "Singapore's Safer Cyberspace Masterplan 2020" in October 2020, to enforce stringent data privacy regulations. Europe is expected to rise at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the introduction of GDPR in numerous European countries. Competitive Landscape: High Investment in Advanced Privacy Software to Spur Competition To meet the rising need for data security and management, the major players invest in developing and releasing advanced privacy applications. These companies provide tools to process consumer data by each country's rules and regulations. Also, many companies such as IBM Corporation, Protiviti, Inc, RSA Security LLC, SureCloud (London), and OvalEdge (Georgia, United States) are focused on introducing trailblazing privacy management software to gain a competitive edge. Leading Companies Enter Partnership Agreements to Strengthen Industry Position Major industry participants are entering a range of strategic agreements to strengthen their positions in the market. Some of these steps comprise merger agreements, acquisitions, and the launch of new products. Additional initiatives include an increase in research activities and the rollout of new solutions. Quick Buy - Data Privacy Software Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/105420 FAQs How big is the data privacy software market? The global data privacy software market size was USD 1.99 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 30.31 billion by 2030. How fast is data privacy software market growing? The data privacy software market will exhibit a CAGR of 40.9% during the forecast period, 2023-2030. About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The central nervous system treatment market is expected to grow from USD 89.02 billion in 2021 and poised to achieve a USD 166.53 billion valuation by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.4% throughout the forecast period. Growth drivers include the rising elderly population and corresponding surge in neurological disorders, propelling market expansion. Fortune Business Insights details this in their report titled "Central Nervous System Treatment Market, 2021-2028." Request a Free Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/central-nervous-system-treatment-market-103973 Key Industry Development: January 2021: The U.S. FDA has granted approval to Glenmark Pharma for its central nervous system stimulant drug, Amphetamine Sulfate tablets. These tablets represent a generic version of Arbor Pharmaceuticals LLC's Evekeo tablets. Key Takeaways: As per the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 6 million individuals in the U.S. are presently coping with Alzheimer's, and it is estimated to increase to 13 million by the year 2050. Public Health England reports that the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the U.K. for the year 2018 has risen to over 131,000 individuals. The market is categorized by distribution channel, with segmentation into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other channels. In the year 2020, North America led the market, generating a revenue of USD 38.25 billion. Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Biogen (Massachusetts, U.S.), Pfizer Inc. (New York, U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland)Novartis AG (Basel, Switzerland), Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (New Jersey, U.S.), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Sanofi (Paris, France), Otsuka Holdings (Japan) Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 CAGR 9.4% 2028 Value Projection USD 166.53 billion Base Year 2020 Market Size in 2020 USD 81.67 billion Historical Data 2017-2019 No. of Pages 160 Segments covered Disease Type, Drug Class, Drug Type, Distribution Channel, and Region Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/central-nervous-system-treatment-market-103973 Segmentation: The market is divided based on disease type into infectious diseases, mental health, neurodegenerative diseases, neurovascular diseases, and others. In terms of drug class, the market is segmented into immunomodulatory drugs, interferons, analgesics, antidepressants, dopamine agonists, decarboxylase inhibitors, and others. Categorization by drug type includes non-biologics and biologics. Distribution channels are categorized into online pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies. Geographically, the market is classified into Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Driving factor: Increasing Incidence of Neurological Disorders to Drive Market Expansion The growing incidence of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and others, alongside the expanding elderly population, is expected to drive the global central nervous system treatment market. The Alzheimer's Association predicts around 14 million cases by 2050, significantly contributing to market growth. Prospective launches of new products and drugs in the pipeline are poised to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market. These introductions are likely to enhance treatment accessibility in developing nations, thereby stimulating market expansion. Moreover, the increasing trend of partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions among key players is projected to strengthen the market's growth during the forecast period. However, a stringent regulatory framework and a time-consuming approval process may pose challenges to market growth Quick Buy: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/103973 Regional insights: Ample Growth Expected in North America Due to the Strong Presence of Key Market Players. North America is expected to secure the largest market share in the global central nervous system treatment market. The region's market growth is likely to be propelled by increased access to treatment and the robust presence of major market players. Furthermore, the management of central nervous system treatment regulatory guidelines by government agencies, including the U.S. FDA, is expected to contribute to the region's market expansion. Europe is poised to achieve the second-largest market share, driven by favorable reimbursement policies and widespread access to treatment through public healthcare providers in the U.K., such as the National Health Service (NHS). Asia Pacific is projected to experience significant growth, driven by factors such as a rising geriatric population, an increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Conversely, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America are expected to exhibit sluggish growth due to weaker product penetration and a lack of product approvals. Competitive Landscape The market is characterized by a significant level of consolidation, with key players placing emphasis on strategic distribution agreements and maintaining strong market positions through a robust pipeline. Notable companies in the market include Pfizer Inc., Johnson and Johnson Services Inc., Otsuka Holdings, Novartis AG, and others. These leading players concentrate on strategies such as new product launches, partnerships, acquisitions, mergers, and other initiatives to enhance their market standing. For example, in January 2020, Biogen revealed a deal to acquire PF-05251749, a phase 1 stage modulator of circadian rhythm. This product is under development to address neurological symptoms associated with disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. FAQs How big is the Central Nervous System Treatment Market? Central Nervous System Treatment Market size was USD 89.02 billion in 2021. How fast is the Central Nervous System Treatment Market growing? The Central Nervous System Treatment Market will exhibit a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period, 2021-2028 Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/central-nervous-system-treatment-market-103973 Related Links: Transdermal Skin Patches Market Size, Share, Growth Industry Report. Peptide Therapeutics Market Share, Size, Demand, and Forecast. Brain Tumor Drugs Market Size, Share, Growth Industry Report. Drug Delivery Systems Market Share, Size, Demand, and Forecast. About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US :+1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The point of care diagnostics market size was USD 45.85 billion in 2022. The market is expected to reach USD 78.11 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.9% during forecast period. Point-to-care diagnostics is used to carry out using a kit or device and sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Fortune Business Insights shares this information in its report titled Point of Care Diagnostics Market, 2023-2030. Key Industry Development October 2022 - F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd announced the launch of SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antibody Test 2.0 for point-of-care settings which has the sensitivity of 95.83%. Request a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/point-of-care-diagnostics-market-101072 Key Takeaways: The forthcoming years are expected to witness a surge in demand for point-of-care diagnostics, thereby fueling market growth from 2023 to 2030. In 2022, North America accrued a revenue of USD 15.14 billion and is anticipated to maintain its market dominance throughout the forecast period. The segment is poised for substantial CAGR growth, attributed to the rising prevalence of disorders associated with kidney functions. Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Companies leading the global point of care diagnostics market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (U.S.), BD (U.S.), bioMerieux SA (France), Cardinal Health, Inc. (U.S.), Cepheid (U.S.), Trinity Biotech (Ireland), Quidel Corporation (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (U.S.) Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 7.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 78.11 billion Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 USD 43.93 billion Historical Data 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 182 Segments covered Product, Sample, End-Users and Geography Region Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/point-of-care-diagnostics-market-101072 Segmentation Blood Segment Held Dominant Share Due to Effective Diagnosis Of Various Diseases On the basis of sample, the market is classified into blood, nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, urine, and others. The blood segment dominated the segment in the year 2022 as blood tests can help doctors effectively diagnose the patient for various diseases, including HIV/AIDS, coronary artery disease, and the functioning of organs such as the kidney, liver, and thyroid. Blood Glucose Monitoring Segment Led In 2022 Due To Higher Sales Of Diabetes Rapid Diagnostics Kits On the basis of product, the market is divided into blood glucose monitoring, infectious disease testing, cardiometabolic disease testing, pregnancy & fertility testing, and hematology testing. The blood glucose monitoring segment held the largest share in 2022 owing to due to higher sales of diabetes rapid diagnostics kits. Hospital Bedside Segment Held a Dominant Share Due To Due To Adoption Of Advanced Instruments On the basis of end-user, the market is classified into hospital bedside, urgent care & retail clinics, physician's office lab, and homecare/self-testing. The hospital bedside segment dominated the segment in the year 2022 due to the adoption of advanced instruments in these settings. Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. By Product Blood Glucose Monitoring Infectious Disease Testing Cardiometabolic Disease Testing Pregnancy & Fertility Testing Hematology Testing Others By Sample Blood Nasal and Oropharyngeal Swabs Urine Others By End-User Hospital Bedside Physicians Office Lab Urgent Care & Retail Clinics Home & Self testing Quick Buy Point of Care Diagnostics Market Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101072 Drivers and Restraints Increasing Cases Of Chronic And Infectious Diseases To Drive Market Growth Increasing cases of chronic and infectious diseases are anticipated to drive the point-of-care diagnostics market growth. An increase in the occurrence of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and various infectious diseases is one of the factors which is boosting the market growth. The surge in the cases of diabetes and various chronic diseases has created a demand for point of care diagnostics. However, high costs of the POC diagnostics are expected to hamper the point of care diagnostics market growth. Regional Insights North America To Lead For Detecting Various Chronic And Infectious Diseases North America led point of care diagnostics market share in the year 2022 due to penetration of advanced point-of-care diagnostics for detecting various chronic and infectious diseases. The market reached the valuation of USD 15.14 billion in 2022 due to increasing number of investments. Europe is set to have highest CAGR due to focus on the launch of new diagnostics in the region by the key market players. The government is also investing in the R&D activities for strengthening of the diagnostics sector which is set to drive the regional market growth. Competitive Landscape Investments In The R&D Activities And Strong Product Portfolio By Key Market Players To Drive Market Growth The market is dominated by Abbott, F. Hoffman-La Roche AG, and Danaher (Cepheid Inc.). Investments in the R&D activities and strong product portfolio are some of the factors supporting the market growth. New market players have been entering the industry and is set to witness intense competition during the forecast period. Other market players include bioMerieux and Becton Dickinson and Company (BD). Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/point-of-care-diagnostics-market-101072 FAQs How big is the point of care diagnostics market? The point of care diagnostics market size was USD 43.93 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 78.11 billion by 2030. What is the global market for point of care diagnostics? The point of care diagnostics market will exhibit a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, 2023-2030. Related Reports: Infectious Disease Point-of-care (POC) Diagnostics Market Overview, Industry Share and Forecast In vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market Analysis, Global Size and Industry Share Forecast COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Opportunities & Analysis Femtech Market Size, Industry Share, Revenue and Forecast Digital Therapeutics Market Size, Share, Opportunities & Analysis About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them in addressing various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner - Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: U.S.:+1 424 253 0390 U.K.: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment SAN JOSE, CA, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAN JOSE, California (December 13, 2023) The University of Silicon Valley (USV) is excited to announce the launch of its refreshed brand strategically aimed at enhancing clarity and elevating awareness. This evolution of our storied brand was built from the ground up. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff all played an important role in establishing our new look and feel as a leader in the creative technologies education space, said USV President Chris Spohn. Dedicated to equipping students for success in dynamic creative technology industries such as gaming, digital animation, and audio production, USV fosters a team-based, multiplayer culture. The university, strategically located in the heart of Silicon Valley, empowers students to tackle real-world challenges that prepare them for careers in their perspective fields. Founded in 1887 as Cogswell Polytechnical College in San Francisco by Dr. Henry Cogswell, USV has evolved from teaching electrical engineering in the 70s and 80s to embracing digital audio, game design in the 90s, and animation in the 2000s. Today, USV's mission is to provide real-world education inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley, envisioning growth, prosperity, and prominence while aiming for wide recognition for excellence in educating graduates on the latest technologies and business strategies. The college underwent a significant transformation a few years ago, changing its name to the University of Silicon Valley (USV). Now, the institution is embarking on a bold brand refresh. The vibrant new brand, a reflection of USV's commitment to preparing students for success in dynamic fields such as gaming, digital animation, and audio production, symbolizes its expertise in providing real-world education poised to shape future professionals in these thriving sectors. The comprehensive branding and marketing plan showcases a modern logo and a bold, contemporary website. Intentionally deviating from commonplace university marketing jargon, the edgy content messages and imagery align with the unconventional and hip nature of the gaming students it serves. This rebrand is more than a visual transformation; it signifies USV's ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and preparing students for the forefront of creative technology industries. About University of Silicon Valley (USV) Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley the global center of technological innovation USV offers world-class, bleeding-edge programs and instruction in technology, animation, audio and video gaming, and is uniquely positioned to pair that learning with actual Silicon Valley professionals and tech companies to provide mentorships, hands-on learning engagements and networking opportunities. Named a 2022 Best University in U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, USV graduates complete certificate, bachelors and masters degree programs with the knowledge, experience and portfolios to launch/accelerate successful careers. Founded in 1887 as Cogswell Polytechnical College, USV, a four-year institution of higher education, is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more information, visit us online at usv.edu. Oslo, 13 December 2023: Yara announced today that it is acquiring the organic-based fertilizer business of Agribios Italiana, the companys second bolt-on acquisition supporting its organic strategy in Europe. This signifies Yaras commitment to further expand its offering in this sector as a complement to its mineral fertilizers to help promote regenerative agriculture and improve soil health. By combining Agribios expertise in high-quality organic-based fertilizers in Italy with Yaras scale and reach in Europe, we can continue to meet the evolving needs of European farmers, regardless of their farming method. The acquisition will also allow Yara to continue to play its part in helping achieve the European Union (EU) ambition of increasing EU farmland under organic farming. We are thrilled to welcome Agribios to the Yara family, said Monica Andres Enriquez, Executive Vice-President for Europe at Yara. Soil health is the foundation for resilient crop production and sustainable farming. This acquisition reflects our commitment to preserve and further improve soil health, helping grow a nature-positive food future. By expanding our existing crop nutrition portfolio in Italy, we can continue to support farmers in making every nutrient count. Balanced crop nutrition, together with good agricultural practices and digital tools, is crucial for the regeneration of our soils. An analysis of more than a hundred long-term fertilizer trials shows that fertilized land has a higher soil organic matter content than unfertilized land. Using organic sources of nutrients, in addition to mineral sources, results in the highest content of soil organic matter. Therefore, this acquisition will enable Yara to maximize the synergies between organic-based and mineral fertilizers, which is integral to our regenerative agriculture offering. Used in combination, organic and mineral nutrients enhance soil health, improve resource use, increase nutrient use efficiency, and boost crops resistance to climate change. Were excited to join forces with Yara, said Giovanni Ravagnan, CEO of Agribios Italiana. This is a pivotal moment for Agribios as we bring our expertise in organic-based fertilizers to the European stage. We eagerly anticipate embarking on this new adventure, marking the beginning of another phase of development in the year of our 50th anniversary. The new challenge ahead is to support both organic and conventional farmers across Europe, providing them with products that enhance the quality of their crops and soils. Agribios has a broad portfolio of organic-based fertilizers produced using animal and agricultural by-products, contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Its products can be used in both organic and conventional farming. With a volume of approximately 60,000 metric tons produced in 2022, Agribios has a market share of around 10 percent of the organic-based fertilizer market in Italy. By acquiring Agribios, Yara will gain a strong foothold in Italy the second largest organic-based fertilizer market in Europe. Agribios' solid market position combined with our strong commercial presence will allow Yara to increase sales in the organic-based fertilizer market in Italy and neighboring countries by around 30% within the next three years. Yara will also be able to offer Agribios products to customers outside Italy thanks to its well-established sales and distribution platform in Europe. In addition to Italy, Yara already sells organic-based fertilizers in many European countries, including France, Spain and Germany as well as in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The organic fertilizer market in Europe, which is playing a role in promoting sustainable agriculture and contributing to the EU's strategic autonomy, is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.53% from 2023 to 2030, according to global market research firm Kings Research. Yara acquired Ecolan, a Finnish producer of organic-based fertilizers, in 2021. We will continue to explore ways to grow our organic-based fertilizer business so we can provide farmers in Europe with tailor-made solutions adapted to local conditions because crops, raw material sources, and climate conditions vary by country. Media contact Vibeke Lari Mobile: +47 942 85 337 Email: vibeke.laroi@yara.com About Yara Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yaras ambition is focused on growing a nature positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain. To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy intensive industries. Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industrys only global crop nutrition company. We operate an integrated business model with around 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries, with a proven track record of strong returns. In 2022, Yara reported revenues of USD 24 billion. www.yara.com About Agribios Since 1973 Agribios Italiana has been developing and manufacturing organic and organo-mineral fertilizers for organic and conventional farming, combining quality and innovation with a solid vision of environmental respect and sustainability. The company's organic-based fertilizer business consists of 25 employees. In our factory, located in Canneto sullOglio (Mantua), we manufacture products that are marketed both in Italy and abroad. We carefully follow the supply chain, starting from the selection and transformation of raw materials, all the way through packaging and distribution. We have an established entrepreneurial history that has led the company to become a reliable and ambitious major player, which every farmer can count on. We offer highly efficient solutions, the result of intensive research and development. Our complete and regularly updated range enhances the work of our customers, improving the performance of agricultural activity with the utmost respect for quality, resources and the environment. Attachments 13 December 2023: Release by Scatec (Release), has signed a USD 100 million loan agreement with the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC). The loan agreement is part of a larger partnership to provide a simpler, more affordable, and cleaner offering of power to African utilities, which also includes a USD 65 million guarantee facility to support the payment obligations of Releases customers. The objective is to replace costly diesel and expand electrification in the region. Release operates on a unique leasing model, providing flexible short- or long-term contracts for the mining and utilities market, primarily in Africa, based on modular, movable and redeployable equipment. IFC is the largest global development institution renowned for its instrumental role in supporting private sector development, and the loan from IFC will provide funding on a portfolio level for Releases further development and installation of assets to be leased to African utilities. The purpose of the guarantee facility is to guarantee payments to Release from the counterparties leasing the solar and battery equipment. The structure provides risk mitigation for Release while allowing African utilities and governments to secure affordable renewable energy from solar and batteries, without the financial commitment required for the conventional infrastructure projects. The partnership with IFC will thereby represent a significant catalyst for further growth of the Release platform. The first project where the combined project loan and guarantee structure will be applied is for a 35 MW solar and 20 MWh battery project in Ndjamena in Chad, where a lease contract has already been signed. Releases existing and operating projects in Northern Cameroon of 36 MW of solar PV and 20 MWh of batteries will also form part of the portfolio financing and discussions on extending the capacity of these projects are currently ongoing with the utility. This highly innovative solution enables countries to deploy solar power projects quickly, allowing African countries to swiftly ramp up to meet rising energy demand with clean power solutions, said Sarvesh Suri, IFCs Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources, Africa. Our ambition is to deploy this replicable solution, in partnership with Release in multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa within a short timeframe, allowing more people to benefit from the economic growth that comes with reliable, affordable access to electricity. I am delighted that, through this partnership between Scatec and IFC, Chad has been chosen as the first country to benefit from a solar power plant to support the government's efforts to meet the energy access needs of our populations, said Alixe Naimbaye, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy of Chad. In addition, the liquidity guarantee facility granted by the World Bank to Societe Nationale d'Electricite underlines the strong commitment of the World Bank Group to facilitating partnerships with private investors. We are excited to secure the partnership with IFC for our innovative solar leasing solution Release. IFCs support is testimony to the solid business model of Release, the general demand and need for such an innovative solution in the market and our proven track record in developing renewable energy solutions, says Scatec CEO, Terje Pilskog, who is also Chair of Release. The innovative approach of Release follows a dynamic rolling delivery model of build, connect, and deliver. Looking ahead, Release is actively exploring additional opportunities in Cameroon, Liberia, and the rest of West- and Central-Africa, reinforcing its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions across the African continent and other select markets, says Release CEO Hans Olav Kvalvaag. This significant step comes after Release recently raised USD 102 million in funding from Climate Investor One, a fund managed by Climate Fund Managers, a leading climate-centric blended finance fund manager backed by FMO, the Dutch Development Bank, and Sanlam Infraworks, part of the Sanlam Group of South Africa. For further information, please contact: For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP Investor Relations, tel: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP Communications & Government Affairs, tel: +47 468 449 59, meera.bhatia@scatec.com For images, please see Release image gallery About Scatec Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.3 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn . About Release Release is a modular and movable solar PV and Battery Energy Storage offering energy-as-a-service. The equipment is pre-financed and deployed under a simple and flexible leasing contract. The mobility of the equipment enables Release to assess its useful lifespan, enabling the company to provide cost-effective short-term contracts. Release is gaining momentum in the market and has projects in operation and under construction in Cameroon, South Africa, Mexico, and South Sudan, boasting a combined capacity of 47 MW of solar PV and 20 MWh of battery storage. Release is owned 68% by Scatec and 32% by Climate Investor One, managed by CFM. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global male grooming products market size was valued at USD 54.38 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 58.46 billion in 2023 to USD 80.06 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period of 2023-2030. Men shave care and cosmetic products are increasingly being used for enhancing skin gentleness and blurring skin imperfections. The market growth is driven by the launch of numerous natural formulation-based creams, skincare gels, and oils for the treatment of various skin problems including aging. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Male Grooming Products Market, 2023-2030. Get a Free Sample Research PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/mens-grooming-product-market-106217 List of Key Players Profiled in the Male Grooming Products Market: LOreal S.A. (France) Kao Corporation (Japan) The Procter & Gamble Company (U.S.) Unilever plc. (U.K.) Coty, Inc. (U.S.) Beiersdorf AG (Germany) The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (U.S.) LVMH (France) Shiseido Co. Ltd. (Japan) Natura & Co (Brazil) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 4.6% 2030 Value Projection USD 80.06 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 54.38 Billion Historical Data 2017-2021 No. of Pages 70 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Product Type By Distribution Channel By Region Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Male Grooming Products Market Growth Drivers Continuous Provision of Upgraded Products by Companies to Drive Market Growth Increasing Awareness Regarding Personal Grooming Among Men to Fuel Market Growth Report Coverage: The report provides an account of the major market trends. It further offers an insight into the pivotal factors impelling the industry expansion during the coming years. The report also provides an analysis of the pivotal strategies deployed by key industry players to strengthen their market presence. Drivers and Restraints: Market Size to Rise with Increasing Launch of Advanced Products by Industry Players The male grooming products market growth is being driven by the consistent provision of upgraded shaving care creams, razors, and gels by industry players. The industry expansion is further driven by the growing consumer preference for innovative sharecare products at barber shops. However, the market growth may be affected by incidences of facial swelling and skin darkness. Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/mens-grooming-product-market-106217 COVID-19 Impact: Market Growth Negatively Affected Due to Retail Trade Restrictions The COVID-19 pandemic recorded the enforcement of retail trade restrictions associated with beauty & personal care products, which impacted the industry expansion to a considerable extent. The restrictions were enforced in light of the lockdown measures for combating the coronavirus pandemic. However, the product consumption was revived following the withdrawal of these restrictions. Segmentation: Shave/Beard Care Segment Registered Major Market Share Owing to Substantial Product Consumption Based on type, the market for men's grooming products is fragmented into skincare products, shave/beard care products, haircare products, and others. The shave/beard care products segment accounted for a dominating market share in 2022. This was due to the considerable consumption of shave care cosmetics and disposable razors among men. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets Segment to Lead the Market Driven by Availability of Numerous Products By distribution channel, the market for men's grooming products is subdivided into specialty stores, hypermarkets & supermarkets, online channels, and others. The hypermarkets & supermarkets segment is slated to hold a dominant market share. This can be attributed to the extensive availability of premium shaving care and skincare products at these stores. Based on geography, the market for mens grooming products has been studied across North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/mens-grooming-product-market-106217 Regional Insights: Europe Held Dominant Share in 2022 Due to Significant Product Consumption Europe held a dominating position in the global male grooming products market share in 2022. This was due to the substantial consumption of premium products, shave care products, and skincare products amongst male population in Italy, Germany, and the U.K. The North America market for men's grooming products accounts for a considerable share in the global market. This can be attributed to the substantial demand for innovative disposable razors and blades in the region. Competitive Landscape: Market Players Offer Innovative Products to Maintain Market Position Leading industry players are providing advanced skin care and shave care products for maintaining their positions in the market. Besides, companies are keen to launch functional skincare solutions. These products are being developed for catering the specific needs of consumers. Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Overview of the Parent Market Industry SWOT Analysis Recent Industry Developments Supply Chain & Regulatory Analysis Qualitative Analysis (In Relation to COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges Potential Opportunities due to COVID-19 Pandemic Global Male Grooming Products Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Product Type Shave/Beard Care Products Skincare Products Haircare Products Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Distribution Channel Hypermarkets & Supermarkets Specialty Stores Online Channels Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/mens-grooming-product-market-106217 Key Industry Development: June 2023 Skincare and beauty brand VLCC shared plans to acquire Ustraa in a share swap and secondary buyout deal. The deal would improve product innovation capabilities and new age digital commerce for VLCC. Read Related Insights: Disposable Razor Blades Market to Hit USD 4.31 Billion by 2027 | Industry to Generate 3.2% CAGR During (2023-2027) Hair Dryer Market Size to Hit USD 13.42 Billion by 2030 | With a 5.87% CAGR Skincare Market Expected to Attain USD 167.22 Billion by 2030 | Comprehensive 190-Page Research Report Europe Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Size to Worth USD 3.40 Billion by 2030 | With a Striking CAGR of 4.17% About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global corporate leadership training market size was valued at USD 32.96 billion in 2022 and is expected to be worth USD 35.52 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach USD 63.19 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 8.58% during the forecast period. Many companies are slowly recognizing the significance of having strong and effective leadership, and its impact on their financial health. The overall business landscape is continuously evolving due to different factors, compelling companies to invest in talented workforce, which can help them create better leaders for the future. This scenario is expected to fuel the demand for effective leadership training programs, thereby augmenting the corporate leadership training market growth. Fortune Business Insights displays this information in a report titled, "Corporate Leadership Training Market, 2023-2030." Get a Free Sample Research PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/corporate-leadership-training-market-108699 List of Key Players Profiled in the Corporate Leadership Training Market Report: Skillsoft Corp. (U.S.) Franklin Covey Co. (U.S.) Wilson Learning Worldwide Inc. (Japan) NIIT Ltd. (India) Computer Generated Solutions Inc. (U.S.) Global Training Solutions Inc. (Canada) Future London Academy Ltd. (U.K.) GBS Corporate Training Ltd. (U.K.) D2L Corp. (Canada) Articulate Global Inc. (U.S.) Report Scope & Segmentation: Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 8.58% 2030 Value Projection USD 63.19 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 32.96 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 98 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type By Region Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Corporate Leadership Training Market Growth Drivers Growing Need for Upskilling Present Generation of Employees to Drive Market Progress Role of Leadership Training Programs in Shaping Companys Future to Fuel Their Adoption Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/corporate-leadership-training-market-108699 Segments: Implementation of Effective Corporate Leadership Programs to Rise in Large Scale Enterprises Due to Complex Business Structure Based on end-user, the market is segmented into large-scale enterprise and small and midsize enterprise. The large-scale enterprise segment accounted for a dominant corporate leadership training market share in 2022 as these companies have a complex business structure and hierarchy. This increases the need for efficient leaders at different levels. Product Use to Rise in Instructor-Led Training Due to Its Multiple Benefits Based on application, the market is segmented into online training, instructor led-training, and blended training. The Instructor-Led Training (ILT) segment captured major market share in 2022 as this method of training offers several benefits, such as adaptability, real-time questions & feedback, and use of interactive communication techniques. With respect to region, the market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. COVID-19 Impact: COVID-19 Boosted Need for Effective Learning & Development Programs, Improved Market Progress The COVID-19 pandemic created several challenges and introduced unexpected changes in the business environment, including the Learning & Development (L&D) space. Since a vast majority of employees were moved to a remote working business model, the demand for online training programs skyrocketed. Many corporate leadership training programs were also tweaked to suit the new normal created by the outbreak, which taught new ways of leadership boosting market growth. Report Coverage: The report analyzes the market in detail and highlights several major areas, such as leading end-users, applications, and top market players. It also offers valuable information about the latest market trends and key industry developments. Apart from the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the markets growth in recent years. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/corporate-leadership-training-market-108699 Drivers and Restraints: Increasing Need for Upskilling Current Workforce to Drive Market Growth Effective leadership is one of the cornerstones of any companys success, which is why companies are increasing their investments in a wide range of leadership development and training programs. Doing so will equip aspiring leaders with the skills and capabilities required to efficiently manage a team and help it achieve an organizations goals. Participating in these programs will help future leaders handle complex situations effectively, resolve conflicts, and positively impact the manner in which daily activities are conducted. These factors are expected to help the market grow. However, viewing corporate leadership training programs as a waste of money and selecting the wrong people for the same can hamper market progress. Regional Insights: North America Dominates Market Due to Increased Spending On Leadership Training Programs North America held a dominant share of the global market in 2022 as companies across the region are boosting their investments in innovative corporate leadership training programs. They are also increasing their learning & development budgets to train employees who have the potential to become future leaders. Asia Pacific is also expected to record notable growth in the future due to the growing presence of multinational companies, which might increase the spending on skill development and leadership training programs. Competitive Landscape: Key Companies to Implement Various Strategies to Expand Market Presence Some of the leading corporate training service providers are facing tough competition in the corporate leadership training market as a wide range of training options are available for organizations. Thus, market players are creating high-quality and long-term training packages to retain their existing customers and attract new ones. Such strategies will help them overcome stiff competition in the market. Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/corporate-leadership-training-market-108699 Detailed Table of Contents: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Emerging Trends Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets Industry SWOT Analysis Recent Industry Developments - Policies, Partnerships, New Product Launches, and Mergers & Acquisitions Qualitative Analysis (in relation to COVID-19) 4.4.1 Impact of COVID-19 4.4.2 Supply Chain Challenges 4.4.3 Potential Opportunities due to COVID-19 Global Corporate Leadership Training Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By End-user (Value) Large Enterprise Small and Midsize Enterprise By Application (Value) Online Training Instructor Led Training Blended Training By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued! Key Industry Developments: February 2022: Articulate Global, LLC, a prominent creator platform for online workplace learning, added a complete catalog of pre-made learning content to its creator tools. Through this addition, users were able to access 1,000+ expertly crafted lessons and pre-built courses that they can easily personalize with their proprietary content to allow faster learning. Read Related Insights: Private Tutoring Market to Worth USD 105.98 Billion by 2030 | Exclusive Report by Fortune Business Insights Office Supplies Market to Hit USD 195.25 Million by 2030 | Driven by a Strong 2.1% CAGR About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Dublin, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Wave Energy Converter Market - Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Wave Energy Converter Market has reached a substantial valuation of USD 12.08 billion in 2022, and it is poised for robust growth in the forecast period, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.19% through 2028. The Wave Energy Converter (WEC) market constitutes a specialized segment within the renewable energy sector, focusing on the research, development, manufacturing, deployment, and commercialization of technologies explicitly designed to harness the kinetic and potential energy present in ocean waves and transform it into electrical power. Essentially, a WEC is a device or system strategically positioned in oceans or other bodies of water to capture the energy transported by waves and convert it into a usable form of electricity. This market encompasses a diverse array of WEC technologies, including point absorbers, oscillating water columns, attenuators, and other innovative designs. The primary objective of the WEC market is to contribute significantly to the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. It achieves this by tapping into the vast, untapped energy potential of the world's oceans. Wave energy is recognized as a highly promising source of renewable energy due to its predictability, consistent availability, and minimal environmental footprint when compared to fossil fuels. As governments and organizations around the globe intensify their endeavors to combat climate change and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the Wave Energy Converter market assumes a pivotal role. It provides a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity while actively contributing to the diversification of the global energy mix. The ongoing evolution of this market is driven by continuous technological advancements, supportive policy frameworks, and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable energy future that safeguards the health of our planet. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 172 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $12.08 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $17.18 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1% Regions Covered Global Market Dynamics Growing Energy Demand and Renewable Energy Goals: Global energy demand rising due to population growth and industrialization. Governments and organizations setting ambitious renewable energy targets. Wave energy seen as a promising source to meet clean energy goals. Wave energy is abundant, predictable, and eco-friendly. Advancements in WEC Technology: Significant progress in WEC design and efficiency. Development of robust materials for harsh marine environments. Improved control systems and predictive maintenance technologies. Use of advanced computational tools for optimized designs. Enhancing competitiveness in the renewable energy landscape. Increasing Focus on Energy Security: Energy security concerns drive diversification of energy sources. Wave energy offers locally available, predictable source. Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. Mitigates supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Rising Environmental Awareness: Growing environmental consciousness driving clean energy adoption. Wave energy considered environmentally friendly. Minimal impact on marine ecosystems. No air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Economic Viability and Job Creation: Cost of wave energy generation expected to decrease. Creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Boosts local economies, especially in coastal regions. International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration among countries accelerates industry progress. Sharing best practices, research findings, and innovations. Addresses common challenges and fosters a supportive environment. Government Policies are Likely to Propel the Market: Feed-in tariffs and renewable energy incentives encourage investment. Renewable portfolio standards set renewable energy targets. Government funding supports research and development. Environmental regulations ensure responsible development. Grid integration policies facilitate efficient energy delivery. Export and trade promotion policies encourage international growth. Key Market Challenges: Technological complexity and reliability. High initial capital costs and investment risk. Segmental Insights - Oscillating Body Converters (OBCs): Largest market share in 2022 and expected to maintain. High energy conversion efficiency. Predictable motion enhances energy capture. Modular and scalable design. Low environmental impact. Simplicity in maintenance. Commercial maturity and readiness. Segmental Insights - Power Generation: Largest market share in 2022 with rapid growth potential. Wave energy aligns with increasing demand for electricity. Easily integrates into existing energy grids. Advances in technology improve energy conversion efficiency. Electricity market well-established globally. Energy storage solutions address intermittency. Environmentally friendly with no emissions. Contributes to energy independence. Economics increasingly favorable. Regional Insights - Europe: Largest market share due to early adoption. Leading countries include the UK, Portugal, Denmark, and Norway. UK government support for wave energy R&D. Portugal's abundant wave energy resources. Denmark's focus on renewable energy. Norway's commitment to sustainable energy. Regional Insights - North America: Second-largest market with the US as a leader. US government investment in wave energy research. US Navy's interest in wave energy technologies. Key Market Players Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) Eco Wave Power CorPower Ocean Wello Oy CalWave Power Technologies Inc. Carnegie Clean Energy Limited Aquamarine Powerc Ltd Orbital Marine Power AWS Ocean Energy Report Scope Wave Energy Converter Market, by Technology: Oscillating Water Column Oscillating Body Converters Overtopping Converters Wave Energy Converter Market, by Location: Onshore Offshore Near-shore Wave Energy Converter Market, by Application: Power Generation Water Desalination Pumping of Water Environmental Protection Wave Energy Converter Market, by Region: North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East & Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/blzg6c 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 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, HONG KONG, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR OTHER MEASURES Oslo, 13 December 2023 - Reference is made to (i) the announcement made by BW Sirocco Holdings AS (the "Offeror) on 9 November 2023 regarding a recommended voluntary offer to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares (the "Shares") in BW Ideol AS ("BW Ideol" or the "Company"), not already held by the Initiating Shareholders (as defined in the Offer Document), at an offer price of NOK 12 per Share (the "Offer Price"), to be settled in cash or shares in the Offeror (the "Offer"), as further described in the combined offer document and national prospectus (the "Offer Document"), (ii) the announcement on 14 November regarding the publication of the Offer Document and commencement of the offer period under the offer (the "Offer Period"), (iii) the announcement on 28 November 2023 regarding the extension of the Offer Period and that the Offeror had received binding acceptances in excess of 90% of the Shares and that the condition for minimum acceptances had been fulfilled, (iv) the announcement on 30 November 2023 regarding the end of the Offer Period and final level of acceptances of the offer, (v) the announcement 7 December 2023 regarding completion and settlement of the Offer and (vi) the announcement 8 December 2023 regarding exercise of the right to compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in BW Ideol AS. The Offeror hereby announces that the compulsory acquisition of the remaining Shares in BW Ideol not owned by the Offeror pursuant to Section 4-26 of the Norwegian Private Companies Act was completed on 11 December 2023 and that settlement of the acquisition price of NOK 12 per Share takes place today, 13 December 2023. As a consequence, the Offeror has assumed ownership of all the shares in BW Ideol. As a consequence of the Offeror having assumed ownership of alle the shares in BW Ideol, and as further described in section 5.2.15 (Delisting of the BW Ideol Shares) of the Offer Document, the Offeror will propose to the general meeting of BW Ideol to apply to Oslo Brs for the delisting of the BW Ideol Shares from Euronext Growth. A separate stock exchange announcement will be published regarding the timing of the delisting. ADVISORS Danske Bank, Norwegian Branch, is acting as financial advisor to the Offeror and receiving agent for the Offer. Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is acting as legal advisor to the Offeror. For further information, please contact: BW Ideol AS Nicolas de Kerangal (Chief Financial & Partnerships Officer) +33 (0) 7 76 87 70 08 / ir@bw-ideol.com BW Sirocco Holdings AS Anders S. Platou (Chief Strategy Officer BW Offshore Limited) +47 99 71 86 55 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. IMPORTANT NOTICE It may be unlawful to distribute this announcement in certain jurisdictions. This announcement is not for distribution in Australia, Canada, the Hong Kong special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, Japan, South Africa, the United States or to any other jurisdiction where such distribution would be unlawful. The information in this announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in such jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute an offer for sale of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the United States. The Offer or Consideration Shares referred to in this release 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. The information contained in this announcement is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. The Offeror does not intend to conduct a public offering in the United States and is relying on exemptions from registration. The Offer will be made to shareholders in the United States in compliance with applicable U.S. securities laws and regulations, including Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Copies of this announcement are not being, and should not be, distributed in or sent into the United States. In the United Kingdom, this announcement is for distribution only to and is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments which fall within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc") of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) (2017/1129, as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation") (each, a "Relevant Member State") will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that Relevant Member State, from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Accordingly, any person making or intending to make any offer in that Relevant Member State of securities, which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this announcement, may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Offeror to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of the advisors have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of the securities through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the Offeror which constitute the final placement of the securities contemplated in this announcement. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of the advisors have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of securities in circumstances in which an obligation arises to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer. This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws and regulations of various international, federal, and state jurisdictions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding the Offer or the future plans and objectives of the Offeror or the Company are forward- looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of their advisors and/or any of their affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents or any other person(s) accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from this announcement) or any other information relating the Offer, the Offeror or the Company. The issue, subscription or purchase of shares in the Offeror is subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor their advisors assume any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. The release is not for publication or distribution, in whole or in part directly or indirectly, in or into United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful. This release is an announcement issued pursuant to legal information obligations, and is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. It is issued for information purposes only, and does not constitute or form part of any offer to sell or purchase, or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act"). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. The Offeror does not intend to register any portion of the offering of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. Copies of this announcement are not being made and may not be distributed or sent into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States. Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global air ambulance equipment and services market size was valued at USD 6.20 billion in 2022 and is expected to be worth USD 6.78 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach USD 14.63 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. An air ambulance is a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter that is specially designed to transport chronically ill or injured patients living in areas that are inaccessible for traditional ground ambulances. These ambulances are also used to bring patients from foreign countries. The growing incidence of accidents in remote places or inaccessible terrains is expected to bolster the air ambulance equipment and services market growth. Fortune Business Insights displays this information in a report titled, "Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market, 2023-2030." Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/air-ambulance-equipment-and-services-market-108675 List of Key Players Profiled in the Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Report: Air Methods Corporation (U.S.) Global Medical Response Inc. (U.S.) CHC Group LLC (U.S.) PHI, Inc. (U.S.) Babcock International Group plc (U.K.) European Air Ambulance (EAA) (U.K.) Avincis Aviation Sweden AB (Sweden) Lifeguard Ambulance Service LLC (U.S.) Life Flight Network (U.S.) IAS Medical Limited (U.K.) Aerolite AG (Switzerland) Bucher Group (Switzerland) Spectrum Aeromed, Inc. (U.S.) Lifeport, Inc. (U.S.) Air Ambulance Technology GmbH (Austria) United Rotorcraft (U.S.) SPAES GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) UUDSAero (France) AeroMedical Inc. (U.S.) Lufthansa-Technik AG (Germany) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 11.6% 2030 Value Projection USD 14.63 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 6.78 Billion Historical Data 2017-2021 No. of Pages 335 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Solution Analysis By Equipment Analysis By Service Operator Analysis By Application Analysis By Aircraft Type Analysis By End User Analysis Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East and Africa Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Growth Drivers Rising Adoption of HEMS Will Catalyze Global Air Ambulance Equipment And Services Market Growth Rising Cross-Border Tensions and Increasing Demand for Aeromedical Evacuations Will Catalyze Market Growth Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/air-ambulance-equipment-and-services-market-108675 COVID-19 Impact: Rising Need to Transport Infected Patients Fueled Market Progress During COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the market growth as there was a high demand for transportation services to carry COVID-19-positive patients. The demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which use helicopters to carry patients, increased considerably during this period to transport infected individuals from one medical center to the other. These factors favored the demand for air ambulance equipment and services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Segmentation: Adoption of Air Ambulance Services to Rise Due to Growing Need for Quicker Medical Transport Facilities Based on solution, the market is bifurcated into air ambulance services and equipment. The air ambulance services segment is dominating the air ambulance equipment and services market share as the demand for innovative healthcare services and faster medical transport systems is rising. Rising Demand for Smart and Compact Equipment to Bolster Use of Patient Transport Units Based on equipment, the market is segmented into stretcher, patient transport unit, oxygen rack, medical equipment stowage & retention, defibrillator provisioning, flooring, and others. The patient transport unit segment dominated the market due to the rising demand for compact and smart tools for emergency air medical operations. Launch of Novel Healthcare Plans to Make Hospitals Major Service Operators Based on service operator, the market is divided into independent, hospital-based, and government. The hospital-based segment is dominating the market as hospitals are introducing new healthcare plans to enhance their air medical services. Increasing Demand for Advanced Medical Treatments to Boost Use of Air Ambulances in Inter-Facility Applications By application, the market is segmented into infectious disease services, inter-facility, organ transplant logistics, neonatal & pediatric transport, rescue helicopter services, and others. The inter-facility segment is the dominating one as there is a high demand for innovative healthcare treatments and specialized patient care. Rotary Wing Aircraft to be Widely Used Due to Rising Adoption of HEMS Based on aircraft type, the market is classified into fixed wing and rotary wing. The rotary wing segment dominates the market share due to the growing adoption of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Growing Incidence of Chronic Diseases to Augment Use of Commercial Air Ambulances By end user, the market is divided into commercial and military. The commercial segment is the dominating one as the incidence of chronic ailments is rising and there is a rising demand for transporting these patients from one medical facility to the other. With respect to region, the market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. RUSSIA-UKRAINE War Impact: Russia-Ukraine War Favored Market Growth Due to Rise in Casualty and Medical Evacuations The number of Medical Evacuations (MEDEVACs) and Casualty Evacuations (CASEVACs) grew tremendously during the Russia-Ukraine war as many casualties were reported and several people were severely injured. Since it was difficult to transport patients to hospitals using conventional ambulances, air ambulances were widely used. These ambulances offered faster access to nearby medical centers in Ukraine before transporting the patients to another European country for further treatment. These factors enhanced the adoption of air ambulance equipment and services during this period. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/air-ambulance-equipment-and-services-market-108675 Report Coverage: The report analyzes the market in detail and focuses on many critical areas, such as optimization of operating services and R&D capabilities. It also offers insights into the major industry developments and recent market trends. Besides the abovementioned factors, the report highlights many other factors that have fostered the markets growth. Drivers and Restraints: Growing Use of HEMS to Boost the Market Progress Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) involves the usage of helicopters to offer transportation services during medical emergencies. Rotor-wing aircraft are extensively used in HEMS as they can reach 4-5 times faster than the conventional ambulances, making them ideal for transporting patients from inaccessible terrains. The rising use of HEMS in search and rescue operations and many other critical areas will accelerate the market growth. However, lack of insurance coverage and high operational costs can impede the market progress. Regional Insights: North America Dominated the Global Market Due to Growing Presence of Leading Air Ambulance Service Providers North America dominated the global market as the region has a notable presence of reputed companies that offer high-quality air ambulance equipment and services. Europe captured the second-largest share in the global market in 2022 due to the rising focus on improving patient safety and the quality of care offered to them. Competitive Landscape: Key Market Players to Focus on Major Growth Strategies to Expand Market Share Some of the key companies operating in the global air ambulance equipment and services market are focusing on implementing various growth strategies. These include partnerships, mergers, and collaborations, which will assist them in increasing their market share and customer base. Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/air-ambulance-equipment-and-services-market-108675 Detailed Table of Contents: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market Trends Key Insights Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Supply Chain Analysis and Porters Five Forces Analysis Qualitative Insights on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Qualitative Insights on Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on Global Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Global Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2030 Key Findings / Definition Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Commercial Military Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Solution Air Ambulance Services Equipment Stretcher Patient Transport Unit Oxygen Rack Medical Equipment Stowage and Retention Defibrillator Provisioning Flooring Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Service Operator Hospital-Based Independent Government Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Application Inter-Facility Rescue Helicopter Service Organ Transplant Logistics Infectious Disease Service Neonatal and Pediatric Transport Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Aircraft Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa North America Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2030 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Commercial Military Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Solution Air Ambulance Services TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/air-ambulance-equipment-and-services-market-108675 Notable Industry Development: March 2023 Airbus Helicopters partnered with International SOS to introduce LifeSaver, an innovative program that aims to enhance the emergency medical systems and patient outcomes. Estonia became the first country to team up with International SOS and Airbus Helicopters to unveil a national innovation program that is devoted to enhancing its Emergency Medical System (EMS) with the help of LifeSaver. Read Related Insights: Air Ambulance Services Market to Worth USD 9.83 Bn by 2030 | Fortune Business Insights Helicopter Services Market Size Hit USD 41.35 Billion by 2026; Owing to Introduction of Aircraft Services such as EVTOL, says Fortune Business Insights With 16.77% CAGR, Urban Air Mobility Market to Worth USD 8.91 Billion by 2028 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global thermal management system market size was valued at USD 54.28 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach the valuation of USD 56.72 billion in 2023. The market is expected to reach USD 85.49 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period. Thermal management system encapsulates various techniques and tools which are used to maintain the operating temperature of any system. The system finds its application in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and batteries. One of the factors driving the market growth is growing demand for electric vehicles in the commercial sector. Fortune Business Insights shares this information in its report titled Thermal Management System Market, 2023-2030. Get a Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/thermal-management-system-market-108692 Leading Players Featured in the Thermal Management System Market Research Report: Advanced Cooling Technologies (U.S.) AMETEK (U.S.) Boyd (U.S.) Henkel (Germany) Honeywell International (U.S.) Larid Thermal Systems (U.S.) Parker Hannifin Corp (U.S.) Raytheon Technology (Collins Aerospace) (U.S.) Sumitomo Precision Products (Japan) TAT Technologies (Israel) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 6.0% 2030 Value Projection USD 85.49 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 56.72 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 250 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Technology By Equipment By End-user By Geography Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Thermal Management System Market Growth Drivers Growing Demand of Electric Vehicles in Commercial Sector Boost the Growth of the Market Growing Demand of Consumer Electronics Boost the Market Growth Browse Summary of this Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/thermal-management-system-market-108692 COVID-19 Impact: Halt On Manufacturing And Closure Of Assembly Plants Negatively Impacted The Market Growth The pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the market negatively due to lockdown restrictions imposed by governments. With lockdown, automotive industry suffered loss due to reduction in the manufacturing and closure of assembly plants. Post-pandemic, the market experienced growth with an increase in the demand for electronic devices. This also propelled the demand for the thermal management systems. Segmentation: Automobiles Segement to Lead Due to Increasing Number of Deliveries of EVS On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into consumer electronics, naval & marine, industrial machineries, aviation, automobiles, medical equipment, agriculture equipment, construction equipment, and others. Automobiles segment holds the largest share and is expected to have fastest growth rate during the forecast period owing to increasing number of deliveries of EVS and other vehicles. Heat Exchangers Led in 2022 With Its Increasing Rate of Adoption Based on equipment, the market is segmented into heat exchangers, compressors, heat pipes and hoses, evaporators, pumps & control valves, accumulators & reservoirs, purge / fill systems, filters and motor controllers, and others. Increasing rate of adoption of heat exchangers components is expected to drive the segment growth. The heat exchangers also dominated the market in the year 2022. Active Cooling Segment Led The Market As It Offers Better Cooling Efficiency Based on technology, the market is segmented into active cooling and passive cooling. Active cooling segment led the market in 2022 owing to its various advantages such as compactness and better cooling efficiency. Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and the Rest of the World. Inquire Before Buying This Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/thermal-management-system-market-108692 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Global Thermal Management System Market Global Thermal Management System Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Definition Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Equipment Heat Exchangers Compressors Heat Pipes and Hoses Evaporators Pumps & Control Valves Accumulators & Reservoirs Purge / Fill Systems Filters and Motor Controllers Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End Use Consumer Electronics Naval & Marine Industrial Machineries Aviation Automobiles Medical Equipment Agriculture Equipment Construction Equipment Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Technology Active Cooling Passive Cooling Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia-pacific Middle East TOC Continued...! Report Coverage: The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players. Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/thermal-management-system-market-108692 Drivers and Restraints: Increasing Demand For The Electrical Vehicles To Drive Market Trajectory Increasing demand for the electrical vehicles is anticipated to drive global thermal management system market growth. With increasing demand for EVs, there has been a simultaneous increase in the demand for EV thermal systems as they are used to maintain the operating temperatures of the battery, the motor, and various sensitive electronic components. In addition, growing demand for the consumer electronics is also estimated to create the demand for these systems. However, high costs of development and power costs of thermal management systems are set to hinder the market development. Regional Insights: With Developed Automotive Market, Asia Pacific is Expected to Lead the Market Share Asia Pacific led the global thermal management system market share in 2022 due to rapid rate in consumer electronics and automobiles trade. The market was valued at USD 30.95 billion in 2022. The region is set to hold its dominant position during the forecast period due to presence of developed automotive market in India, Japan, China, and South Korea. North America is set to grow significantly due to increasing number of investments for the development of advanced naval commercial and defense vessels. Competitive Landscape: Market Players to Gain Competitive Edge by Developing Modern Thermal Management Systems Key industry players of the global thermal management system market have been focusing on developing next-generation thermal systems. The market is led by Advanced Cooling Technologies, AMETEK, Boyd, Henkel, Honeywell International, Larid Thermal Systems, Parker Hannifin Corp, and Raytheon Technology. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/thermal-management-system-market-108692 Key Industry Development: June 2023: Triumph Group Inc., has been awarded a multi-year contract for its Systems Electronics and Controls by The Boeing Company for the AH-64 Apache Environmental Cooling System. Read Related Insights: Avionics Market to Hit USD 159.35 Billion by 2030 | With 8.45% CAGR With 7.7% CAGR, Thermal Imaging Market Worth USD 4.10 Billion by 2027 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lyvely, the pioneering social networking and content monetization platform, has been making waves in the tech world under the leadership of CEO Farah Zafar. Recently gracing the cover of Arabian Business and being shortlisted for the Arabian Business Startup of the Year, Lyvely is redefining the digital landscape, with Zafar's visionary guidance steering its course. Zafar's cover story, " The World is Not Enough ," resonates with her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Her journey from a legal powerhouse to a tech tycoon embodies the transformative spirit Lyvely champions. This recognition and Lyvely's shortlist achievement underscore a groundbreaking year for the company, as it leads the charge in revolutionizing social media and e-commerce for creators and brands. "Lyvely transcends being just a tech platform," asserts CEO Farah Zafar. "We're a catalyst for positive change, offering everyone the chance to improve their lives and achieve financial autonomy. Our mission at Lyvely is to uplift humanity, empowering people to pursue a digitally free, passion-based livelihood." This vision from Zafar, aligning with her Arabian Business cover story, encapsulates Lyvely's dedication to reshaping the digital landscape. Complementing Zafar's leadership is Dave Catudal, Co-Founder and CXO, who spearheads product development at Lyvely. Catudal, a driven entrepreneur, shares a mission with Lyvely to offer a comprehensive platform that caters to the evolving needs of creators and brands for monetization and community building. Commenting on these recent successes, Dave Catudal expressed, "The recognition of Farah being featured on the cover of Arabian Business and Lyvely's shortlisting for Startup of the Year are milestones that reinforce our mission. These achievements are a testament to our commitment to providing the world with a purpose-built platform for individuals and businesses to not only succeed online, but thrive." As Lyvely continues its journey, Zafar's strategic and corporate acumen, coupled with Catudal's innovative approach, positions the company at the forefront of a new era in digital interaction. Lyvely is not just a platform; it's a movement dedicated to empowering creators and revolutionizing how the world engages with content and commerce online. Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyvely/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getlyvely/ Media contact Brand: Lyvely E-mail: info@lyvely.com Website: https://lyvely.com/ SOURCE: Lyvely Dublin, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Health Insurance Market Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. United States health insurance market is expected to reach a value of $1639.44 billion by 2028, up from $1150.23 billion in 2022, driven by the increasing private health insurance provider and rising medical expenditures during the forecast period. The United States health insurance market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by several factors, such as rising healthcare costs, increasing awareness of health insurance, and a surging population. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases, is predicted to increase the need for health insurance in the country. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the United States was expected to have 32.2 million diabetes cases in 2021. By 2030, the number of cases is expected to reach 34.7 million. The expense of treating chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, is extremely high in the country. As a result, many people seek health insurance to avoid the unexpected burden of having to pay large sums of money for hospitals and other medical expenditures. The health insurance market is a changing regulatory landscape. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has introduced several reforms to the market, such as enforcing insurers to cover pre-existing conditions and provide minimum essential benefits. The Trump administration repealed the individual mandate penalty, which resulted in fewer people signing up for insurance coverage. However, the Biden administration has reinstated the mandate and proposed further changes, such as expanding Medicaid and increasing subsidies to make insurance more affordable for lower-income Americans. United States Health Insurance Market Drivers The cost of healthcare in the United States is rising, and this has a significant effect on market demand for health insurance. In 2021, the United States spent USD 12,914 on healthcare per person, which was USD 5,000 higher than the average in comparable high-income countries. As healthcare providers continue to invest in new treatments and technologies, the cost of healthcare is likely to remain rising, thus fueling the need for insurers to manage costs while providing adequate coverage to their customers. For instance, according to the United States Census Bureau, in 2021, 216 million individuals had private health insurance, while 117 million had public health insurance in the country. However, the coverage estimates are not mutually exclusive because people avail more than one type of health insurance during the year, the aggregate of those numbers is greater than the country's U.S. population. This factor has been essential in boosting the uptake of health insurance among consumers, who often require health insurance coverage. Furthermore, the growing number of private insurance programs in the country has added to the market for health insurance. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than 68% of healthcare coverage was provided by private insurance programs, such as PPOs, HMOs, and POS plans. United States Health Insurance Market Trends The United States health insurance market is constantly evolving, driven by the shift towards consumer-driven healthcare, where individuals are taking a more active role in managing their own health and healthcare spending. As consumers are paying more out of pocket than they would under traditional health plans, this has led to an increase in high-deductible health plans and other insurance types. This factor is expected to boost the market growth of health insurance during the forecast period, Additionally, the use of technology in healthcare has been on the rise, with many insurers and providers offering mobile apps and other digital tools to help patients manage their health. The emergence of telemedicine has also boosted the health insurance market in the US. Telemedicine, which allows patients to receive care remotely through video consultations and other digital tools, became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, as patients were asked to avoid in-person visits whenever possible. Many insurers have begun offering coverage for telemedicine services, allowing them to connect to a doctor via phone or on a video call. Two of the key insurers that are providing telemedicine coverage are Anthem Inc., offering telehealth Services, and Cigna, offering online doctor visits for some of its members. Going forward, this trend is likely to continue over the next few years. United States Health Insurance Market Challenges The United States health insurance market faces several challenges that impact both insurers and consumers. One major challenge is the high cost of healthcare in the United States, which drives up the cost of health insurance premiums and makes it difficult for many people to afford the coverage. The cost of healthcare is fueled by a variety of factors, including the high cost of prescription drugs, expensive medical procedures, and a shortage of primary care providers. Another challenge in the United States health insurance market is the complexity of the system, which can make it difficult for consumers to understand their coverage and make informed choices about their healthcare. The system is characterized by a wide range of plans with varying levels of coverage, copayments, deductibles, and other features, which can be confusing for many consumers. Additionally, the administrative burden of managing insurance claims and payments can be overwhelming for healthcare providers. United States Health Insurance Market Opportunities The United States offers ample opportunities for health insurance companies to expand their offerings beyond traditional health insurance products. For example, health insurance companies engage their clients by offering wellness programmes and other services that encourage healthy lifestyles and avoid chronic diseases. Therefore, various companies, such as "United Healthcare Services Inc.," are offering ancillary products and services, including dental insurance and vision insurance plans, to differentiate themselves within the market and obtain a significant share. These factors are likely to improve the market's opportunities throughout the forecast periods. Additionally, with the rising healthcare cost, there is a growing demand for affordable health insurance options. Insurers can tap into this market by offering cost-effective plans that provide essential health benefits. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 88 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1150.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1639.44 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.3% Regions Covered United States Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the United States health insurance market. Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. United HealthCare Services, Inc. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Centene Corporation Cigna Corporation International Medical Group, Inc. Humana Group Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) CVS Health Corporation Oscar Health, Inc. Voice of Customer Analysis (B2C Model Analysis) Brand Awareness Factors Influencing Purchase Decision Sources of Information Market Dynamics Drivers Increase healthcare expenditure. Increasing number of chronic illnesses New product offering Market Trends & Developments Advantages of health insurance policies Innovative marketing techniques Growing number of private insurance programs Rising Number of Government Initiatives Challenge High competition Rising insurance rates Report Scope: United States Health Insurance Market, By Type of Insurance Provider: Public Private United States Health Insurance Market, By Type of Coverage: Individual Family United States Health Insurance Market, By Mode of Purchase: Insurance Companies Insurance Agents/Brokers Others United States Health Insurance Market, By End User: Minors Adults Senior Citizens United States Health Insurance Market, By Region: South Midwest West Northeast Competitive Landscape For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wbggsv 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 New York, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a recent report by Market.us, the Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1,648.6 Million by 2033 from USD 756.6 Million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033. Preimplantation genetic testing, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis, is a procedure performed during in vitro fertilization to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implanting them into a uterus. Medical professionals perform this screening to select healthy embryos for implantation into a uterus. The goal is to increase the chances of pregnancy while decreasing risks such as passing down genetic conditions to offspring. Preimplantation requires several steps, beginning with collecting eggs from either the mother or donor and subjecting them to in vitro fertilization, leading to embryo creation. Preimplantation genetic testing then serves to select healthy embryos for final implantation - helping ensure maximum success while decreasing the inheritance of genetic conditions in offspring. Don't miss out on business opportunities | Get sample pages at: https://market.us/report/preimplantation-genetic-testing-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway Market Size & Growth: Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1648.6 Million by 2033 from USD 756.6 Million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.1 %. Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market size is expected to be worth around by 2033 from in 2023, growing at a CAGR of %. By Procedure Type: In 2023, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis held approximately 78% of the market revenue share. In 2023, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis held approximately of the market revenue share. By Product Type: In 2023, reagent & consumables represented 50.6% of revenue share. In 2023, reagent & consumables represented of revenue share. By Technology: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) held the highest revenue share at 40.6% in 2023 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) held the highest revenue share at in 2023 By Application: Aneuploidy screening dominated the preimplantation genetic testing market in 2023, accounting for 26.8% of its revenue share Aneuploidy screening dominated the preimplantation genetic testing market in 2023, accounting for of its revenue share By End-User: The hospital segment accounted for the highest revenue share of around 40 % in 2023 The hospital segment accounted for the highest revenue share of around % in 2023 Regional Analysis: North America secured 36.4% market share and contributed USD 275.4 Million in revenue in 2023. Factors Affecting the Growth of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Various factors influence the growth of the preimplantation genetic testing market are; Rising Incidence of Genetic Disorders: With more genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities found in embryos than ever before, demand for Preimplantation Genetic Testing has seen exponential growth. PGT allows embryos without abnormalities to be selected before implanting and thus lowers the risk of inheriting conditions such as Down Syndrome. With more genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities found in embryos than ever before, demand for Preimplantation Genetic Testing has seen exponential growth. PGT allows embryos without abnormalities to be selected before implanting and thus lowers the risk of inheriting conditions such as Down Syndrome. Expansion of Applications for PGT: PGT has quickly expanded into multiple areas, such as testing for single gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities and aneuploidy screening - expanding its applications and driving market growth. PGT has quickly expanded into multiple areas, such as testing for single gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities and aneuploidy screening - expanding its applications and driving market growth. Advancements in Genetic Screening Technologies: Ongoing advances in genetic screening technology continue to enhance its accuracy and efficiency for Preimplantation Genetic Testing, making it more accessible and reliable for couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Ongoing advances in genetic screening technology continue to enhance its accuracy and efficiency for Preimplantation Genetic Testing, making it more accessible and reliable for couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Rising Awareness and Acceptance: Raised awareness and acceptance of genetic testing contribute to an increase in demand for PGT as part of fertility treatments, with more individuals and couples becoming familiar with its benefits and becoming likely adopters of genetic tests. Raised awareness and acceptance of genetic testing contribute to an increase in demand for PGT as part of fertility treatments, with more individuals and couples becoming familiar with its benefits and becoming likely adopters of genetic tests. Rising Maternal Age: As more women delay childbearing and increase maternal age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases exponentially. PGT testing to assess embryo health also rises exponentially as more women delay childbearing. Regional Analysis North America held an impressive market share of 36.4% for preimplantation genetics diagnosis (PGD), accounting for USD 275.4 million in revenue worldwide. This success can be attributed to an increase in healthcare expenditures as well as continued population growth within this industry sector. Massachusetts, Columbia and New Jersey stand out with high rates of births resulting from assisted reproductive technology, underscoring their engagement and success with PGD solutions. North America plays an instrumental role in shaping the global PGD market landscape. To understand how our report can make a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/preimplantation-genetic-testing-market/#inquiry Competitive Landscape Industry players are expanding their presence in regional markets through various strategies, including product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations. These efforts aim to expand product development capabilities, optimize operational efficiencies, and broaden the market reach of participating businesses. By adopting such strategies, businesses in this industry are positioning themselves for sustained growth while simultaneously encouraging innovation within different regions and capitalizing on any opportunities presented by localized growth strategies. Market Key Players Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Natera, Inc. COOPER SURGICAL, INC. Genea Pty Limited. Invitae Corporation Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Bioarray S.L. Illumina, Inc. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 156.6 Million Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 1,648.6 Million CAGR (2024 to 2033) 8.1% North America Revenue Share 36.4% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Market Drivers The Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) market is driven by the rising prevalence of genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, creating increased demand for advanced screening technologies such as PGT. As couples undergo fertility treatments, PGT serves as a crucial tool to select embryos without genetic abnormalities that have the best chance of becoming successful pregnancies. Advancements such as next-generation sequencing increase the accuracy and accessibility of PGT technology while rising maternal age increases demand as more women seek assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or surrogacy services. Additionally, rising maternal age as women seek assisted reproductive technologies increases the need for PGT as more women seek assisted reproductive technologies from IVF/IVF technologies as assisted reproductive technologies become available to them. Market Restraints While Preimplantation Genetic Testing remains optimistic in its growth prospects, ethical concerns and misuse of genetic information continue to plague it. There has been debate surrounding selecting embryos based on certain genetic traits for screening; raising issues surrounding social and moral aspects. Moreover, its high cost may restrict accessibility among certain population segments, creating obstacles to adoption. Therefore, ethical considerations as well as economic constraints act as roadblocks against widespread adoption of PGT technologies. Market Opportunities The Market presents attractive growth prospects due to increasing applications and technological advancement. PGT technology continues to expand its applications for multiple genetic conditions, such as single gene disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, further expanding its scope and potential uses. Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence and machine learning integration into genetic analysis, offer opportunities for more efficient and accurate PGT methods. Awareness and acceptance of genetic testing combined with supportive regulatory environments have created opportunities for market growth in reproductive healthcare and assisted reproductive technologies. Furthermore, the growing trend towards personalized medicine and precision healthcare has only furthered PGT's significance, providing new market expansion possibilities in reproductive health and assisted reproductive technologies. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=12405 Report Segmentation of the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Procedure Type Insight Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) held 78% market share by revenue and was projected to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate from 2023-2024. Its expansion was spurred by increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and consumers regarding genetic testing for specific gene mutations; its expansion was propelled by rising incidence rates for single gene diseases and translocation cases as well as the successful implementation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. PGD services provide essential gene mutation detection for newborns, helping reduce cases of genetic diseases in this way. Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) services focus on screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities; PGS screening services may be particularly recommended to couples experiencing advanced reproductive age, multiple In Vitro Fertilization cycles or repeated miscarriages or pregnancy losses. Due to increased demand and technological advancements within IVF procedures, Preimplantation Genetic Screening services stand poised for lucrative expansion; especially within large laboratories conducting multiple processes ensuring superior PGS services while increasing this segment's reach. Product Type Insight Reagents and consumables accounted for 50.6% of revenue in 2023, and are expected to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate between now and 2033. With IVF processes using Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) contributing over 2.7 million cycles annually and over 500,000 IVF deliveries, the surge in PGT-related consumable demand drives sustained expansion - including next-generation sequencing tests such as polymerase chain reaction or fluorescent in-situ hybridization; creating further demand. Instruments held the second-highest market share in 2023, due to persistent efforts among market players to create advanced genetic testing instruments with accurate results. As IVF services become more readily available at hospitals and clinics, on-site preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) services should become more in demand during pregnancies requiring PGT services requiring PGT. With such increasing availability comes increased demand for on-site PGT testing during pregnancies requiring PGT services requiring on-site services; thus creating opportunities for substantial market expansion over the coming years. Technology Insight Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) captured a 40.6% revenue share in 2023 due to its wide adoption, cost-effectiveness, and precision. These factors also help explain its dominating market presence as PCR tests can generate multiple copies of specific genomic segments to increase detection of chromosomal abnormalities; as well as providing excellent genetic diagnostic capabilities with specificity and sensitivity that make PCR ideal for various genetic diagnoses. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is projected to experience one of the fastest compound annual growth rates due to its superior accuracy over other tests and rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA. Technological advancements have broadened NGS' scope, enabling additional chromosomal abnormalities to be identified and detected - making NGS stand out as an efficient and expanding form of genetic testing. Application Insight Aneuploidy screening dominated the preimplantation genetic testing market in 2023, accounting for 26.8% of revenue share, and is expected to experience an unprecedented compound annual growth rate throughout its forecast period. Widely utilized for embryo quality evaluation during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), its projected expansion is driven by increasing adoption as well as new product innovation. HLA Typing held the second-highest market share in 2023, due to its wide use in preimplantation genetic testing - specifically embryo HLA typing for stem cell therapy. HLA testing plays a vital role in preimplantation genetic testing by providing higher survival rates compared with transplantation from unrelated donors, further contributing to its market dominance. End-User Insight In 2023, hospital revenue shares reached around 40% due to factors including substantial patient influx, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and the availability of IVF services across public and private hospitals. Couples seeking fertility treatments often opt for hospitals due to the advanced technologies they provide; additionally, research activities within hospital settings are projected to boost testing rates further; projections show the hospital sector will experience the fastest growth over the coming years, further cementing its role in supporting increasing demands for fertility treatments and preimplantation genetic testing services. Recent Developments in the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market February 2023: Illumina, Inc.Announced a partnership with CooperSurgical to develop and commercialize a new PGT-A test. Illumina, Inc.Announced a partnership with CooperSurgical to develop and commercialize a new PGT-A test. April 2023: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Received FDA approval for its Ion Torrent Genexus System, which is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform designed for PGT applications. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Received FDA approval for its Ion Torrent Genexus System, which is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform designed for PGT applications. June 2023: Invitae Corporation Launched a new carrier screening test that includes analysis for more than 300 genetic conditions. Invitae Corporation Launched a new carrier screening test that includes analysis for more than 300 genetic conditions. September 2023: Natera, Inc. Received FDA approval for its Panorama PGT-M test, which is the first non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for single-gene disorders. Natera, Inc. Received FDA approval for its Panorama PGT-M test, which is the first non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for single-gene disorders. October 2023: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Launched a new PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) test that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Request PDF Sample @ https://market.us/report/preimplantation-genetic-testing-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation Procedure Type Preimplantation Genetic Screening Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Product Type Reagents and Consumables Instruments Software Technology Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) Other Technologies Application Chromosomal Abnormalities Aneuploidy Screening X-linked Diseases Embryo Testing HLA Typing Other Applications End-User Hospitals Fertility Centers Diagnostic Centers Research Centers and Academic Labs By Geography North America The US Canada Mexico Western Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Portugal Ireland Austria Switzerland Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Russia Poland The Czech Republic Greece Rest of Eastern Europe APAC China Japan South Korea India Australia & New Zealand Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Colombia Chile Argentina Costa Rica Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Algeria Egypt Israel Kuwait Nigeria Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey United Arab Emirates Rest of MEA Browse More Related Reports Photodynamic Therapy Market size is expected to be worth around USD 5.0 Billion by 2032 from USD 2.3 Billion in 2022 Transplant Diagnostics Market size is expected to be worth around USD 8.3 Billion by 2032 from USD 4.2 Billion in 2022 Digital Biomarkers Market size was worth USD 2.8 billion. It is estimated to reach USD 18.77 billion in 2032 Mammography Market size is expected to be worth around USD 6,165 Million by 2032 from USD 2,500 Million in 2022 Urinalysis Market size is expected to be worth around USD 8.4 Billion by 2032 from USD 4 Billion in 2022 Urinalysis Market size is expected to be worth around USD 8.4 Billion by 2032 from USD 4 Billion in 2022 About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: New York, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a recent report by Market.us, the Global Smart Medical Devices Market size is expected to be worth around USD 474 Billion by 2032 from USD 172 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Smart medical devices play a pivotal role in healthcare, acting as essential tools for physicians to monitor vital physiological parameters associated with various diseases. These intelligent devices aim to improve patient care by continuously collecting real-time data and sending it via connected devices directly to healthcare professionals. Their market has experienced impressive expansion due to smartphones becoming compatible with more medical devices and increased demand for smartphone-compatible medical devices. Smart Medical Devices provide numerous advantages. Not only can they save both time and money at hospital visits, but also enable individuals to take a proactive approach to their health and fitness. Their global popularity is on the rise - especially among emerging markets. They allow physicians to monitor patients' health status by continuously tracking key parameters while responding quickly when issues arise; additionally, their reliability makes these devices accessible for patient use at their convenience. To understand Geography Trends, Download Sample Report Here: https://market.us/report/smart-medical-devices-market/request-sample Key Takeaway Market Size: Smart Medical Devices Market size is expected to be worth around USD 474 Billion by 2032 from USD 172 Billion in 2023. Smart Medical Devices Market size is expected to be worth around by 2032 from in 2023. Market Growth: The market is growing at a CAGR of 12.3 % from 2023 to 2032. The market is growing at a CAGR of from 2023 to 2032. Product Analysis: By product, Diagnostics, and Monitoring Devices Dominating segment of the market. By product, Diagnostics, and Monitoring Devices Dominating segment of the market. End-Use Analysis: By End-use, the homecare setting segment will experience an 8.5% CAGR. By End-use, the homecare setting segment will experience an CAGR. Regional Analysis: North America held the largest market share, with 42% and holding USD 64.9 Bn market revenue of smart medical devices. North America held the largest market share, with and holding market revenue of smart medical devices. Rising healthcare costs: Smart medical devices offer cost-effective solutions for remote patient monitoring, hospital readmission reduction and improved patient outcomes. Growing Chronic Disease Burden: With the rising incidence of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illness soaring steadily upward, self-monitoring devices have become more necessary than ever. With the rising incidence of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illness soaring steadily upward, self-monitoring devices have become more necessary than ever. Technological Advancements: Recent developments in miniaturization, connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping create more advanced yet user-friendly smart medical devices. Recent developments in miniaturization, connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping create more advanced yet user-friendly smart medical devices. Government initiatives: Government regulations and initiatives supporting telehealth and remote patient monitoring have further contributed to market expansion. Factors affecting the growth of the Smart Medical Devices Market Various factors influence the growth of Smart Medical Devices Market are; Technological Advances: Advancements in technology such as sensors, connectivity, and data analytics enable the creation of more advanced medical devices that improve functionality and performance - appealing both to healthcare providers as well as their patients. Advancements in technology such as sensors, connectivity, and data analytics enable the creation of more advanced medical devices that improve functionality and performance - appealing both to healthcare providers as well as their patients. Rise of Chronic Diseases: With diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory conditions becoming more prevalent than ever before, smart medical devices offer effective solutions for monitoring patients' health and contributing to market expansion. With diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory conditions becoming more prevalent than ever before, smart medical devices offer effective solutions for monitoring patients' health and contributing to market expansion. Remote Patient Monitoring and Telehealth Services: In light of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, remote patient monitoring services have gained significant momentum, and smart medical devices have become more widely adopted by healthcare professionals for use remotely monitoring patients, improving care while decreasing hospital visits. In light of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, remote patient monitoring services have gained significant momentum, and smart medical devices have become more widely adopted by healthcare professionals for use remotely monitoring patients, improving care while decreasing hospital visits. Consumer Awareness and Health Consciousness: Increased consumer understanding of the importance of fitness has driven up demand for personal health monitoring devices, with smart medical devices catering to this demand by offering real-time health data that facilitates an active approach to healthcare. Increased consumer understanding of the importance of fitness has driven up demand for personal health monitoring devices, with smart medical devices catering to this demand by offering real-time health data that facilitates an active approach to healthcare. Integration with Smartphones: Integrating smart medical devices with smartphones has vastly increased their accessibility and usability, as their widespread use enables seamless data transfer, analysis, and communication between patients and healthcare providers - ultimately driving market expansion. Regional Analysis North America is projected to lead the market, accounting for 42% and holding revenue of USD 64.9 billion for smart medical devices. Demand for Smart Medical Devices has seen exponential growth over the past several years among an ever-increasing patient population battling conditions like asthma, COPD, and diabetes in North America; thus establishing it as an authoritative market. Smart medical equipment offers multiple advantages that will spur sales in the coming years, making its widespread integration a powerful force to be reckoned with. The United States stands out as an especially prominent contributor, thanks to the engagement and launches of major enterprises and technologically advanced products that propel its overall development of the Smart Medical Devices Market in this region. To understand how our report can make a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/smart-medical-devices-market/#inquiry Competitive Landscape At our market analysis services, our analysts take great care in providing insights into major players. In this segment, they offer insight into financial statements as well as product benchmarking and SWOT analyses of these companies. Furthermore, the competitive landscape provides an expansive overview of key development strategies, market shares, and global ranking analysis of all such players. Market Key Players Abbott Laboratories Apple Inc. Dexcom, Inc. Fitbit, Inc. Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd. Johnson & Johnson Pvt Ltd. Medtronic plc. NeuroMetrix, Inc. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Sonova Other Key Players Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 172 Billion Forecast Revenue 2032 USD 474 Billion CAGR (2023 to 2032) 12.3% North America Revenue Share 42% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Market Drivers The Smart Medical Devices Market is propelled by rapid advancements in sensors, connectivity, and data analytics technologies that enhance medical device capabilities for real-time monitoring and remote patient management. Furthermore, chronic diseases have increased demand for smart medical solutions as effective tools for continuous health monitoring; their integration into smartphones facilitates easy accessibility for widespread adoption. Market Restraints While growth remains strong for the Smart Medical Devices, challenges related to data security and privacy present significant restraints. Concerns related to sensitive health data collection raise anxiety among users, necessitating robust security measures as well as regulatory compliance measures. Likewise, implementation costs and resistance from traditional healthcare systems may hinder the widespread adoption of smart medical devices. Market Opportunities This market offers immense promise driven by an increasing trend of remote patient monitoring and rising awareness of personal health. Telehealth services combined with supportive regulatory environments create a favorable landscape for smart medical device growth. In addition, opportunities arise due to demand from an aging population for continuous health monitoring solutions that drive innovation and market expansion. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=34955 Report Segmentation of the Smart Medical Devices Market Product Type Analysis The market for smart medical devices can be divided into three segments, including Diagnostics & Monitoring, Therapeutics Devices, and Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Devices. Diagnostic and Monitoring devices stand out as one of the most profitable segments of the global market, driven largely by cardiovascular disease prevalence growth and government spending increases. Recent advancements in smart medical technology have made a considerable contribution to market expansion, with diagnostic and monitoring equipment anticipated to experience the fastest rate of expansion. Anticipation for this market's expansion can be found in its projected increase in device usage and new pipeline products being introduced into it. Furthermore, diagnostic and monitoring device categories contain both wearable and non-wearable devices, adding diversity to this sector and creating the potential for market expansion over the forecast period. End-Use Analysis The smart medical device market can be divided into hospitals and homecare settings. From 2023 to 2032, homecare settings are projected to experience an 8.5% compound annual growth rate from homecare settings; this increase should be driven by factors like increased global aging populations as well as rising patient demands for high-quality healthcare services provided from within their own homes. Homecare settings represent an evolving healthcare preference by emphasizing personalized and convenient medical solutions; contributing substantially to smart medical device sales growth within this segment. Recent Developments in the Smart Medical Devices Market January 2023: Fitbit Inc. officially acquired Luxottica Eyewear Group for an estimated total value of $3.1 billion, in an expected move to expand its presence within the health and wellness market. Fitbit Inc. officially acquired Luxottica Eyewear Group for an estimated total value of $3.1 billion, in an expected move to expand its presence within the health and wellness market. March 2023: Apple Inc. unveiled watchOS 9, offering new health and fitness tracking features such as Blood Oxygen app updates and Sleep Stages tracking. Apple Inc. unveiled watchOS 9, offering new health and fitness tracking features such as Blood Oxygen app updates and Sleep Stages tracking. April 2023: Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd. recently earned FDA approval for their Accu-Chek Guide Connected system, a CGM system using Bluetooth-enabled transmitters to transmit glucose data directly into smartphone apps. Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd. recently earned FDA approval for their Accu-Chek Guide Connected system, a CGM system using Bluetooth-enabled transmitters to transmit glucose data directly into smartphone apps. May 2023: Dexcom, Inc. has received FDA approval for their G7 CGM system with an innovative smaller and discreet sensor and longer battery life. Dexcom, Inc. has received FDA approval for their G7 CGM system with an innovative smaller and discreet sensor and longer battery life. July 2023: Abbott Laboratories recently unveiled the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor, the world's smallest and thinnest continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor. Get PDF Sample for Technological Breakthroughs@ https://market.us/report/smart-medical-devices-market/request-sample Market Segmentation Based on Product Type Diagnostics and Monitoring Devices Therapeutic Devices Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Devices Others Based on End-User Hospitals Clinics Homecare Settings Others By Geography North America The US Canada Mexico Western Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Portugal Ireland Austria Switzerland Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Russia Poland The Czech Republic Greece Rest of Eastern Europe APAC China Japan South Korea India Australia & New Zealand Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Colombia Chile Argentina Costa Rica Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Algeria Egypt Israel Kuwait Nigeria Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey United Arab Emirates Rest of MEA Browse More Related Reports Fibrin Sealants Market size is expected to be worth around USD 2,561.1 Million by 2032 from USD 1,209.3 Million in 2022 Neurorehabilitation Devices Market was valued at USD 1,894 Million, is expected to reach USD 6,076 Million by 2032 Smart Drug Delivery System Market was valued at USD 8.4 Billion, and from 2023 to 2032 it is expected to reach more than USD 32.5 Billion Smart Wearable, And Non-Wearable Devices Market size is expected to be worth around USD 105.8 Billion by 2032 from USD 29.0 Billion in 2022 Needles Market size is expected to be worth around USD 15.3 billion by 2032 from USD 7.7 billion in 2022 Hearing Aids Market size is expected to be worth around USD 13.2 billion by 2032 from USD 7.7 billion in 2022 About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: Dublin, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Sustainable Steel Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Asia-Pacific sustainable steel market (excluding China) is projected to reach $153.4 billion by 2031 from $68.4 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.39% during the forecast period 2022-2031. Leading the way in the sustainable steel market is the Asia-Pacific area, which places a strong emphasis on the use of low-carbon manufacturing techniques, resource efficiency, and environmentally friendly practices. Many interrelated issues, such as tightening environmental regulations, the increased focus on carbon neutrality, and the need for affordable and efficient steel manufacturing, are driving the industry. In the Asia-Pacific area, sustainable steel is becoming more and more popular. It meets the needs of a variety of industries, such as infrastructure, automotive, and construction, while also meeting the urgent need to lessen the environmental impact of steel production. The expansion of the Asia-Pacific sustainable steel market is anticipated to be driven by strict government regulations, carbon neutrality objectives, energy efficiency in the use of recycled steel, and a significant increase in steel demand as a result of finite energy and raw material supplies. However, challenges like contaminants in recovered steel from improper separation and complex product designs, in addition to high production costs of green steel in the face of significant infrastructure costs and green hydrogen prices, constitute significant market barriers in this area. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 103 Forecast Period 2022 - 2031 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $68.4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2031 $153.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.4% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Industry Outlook Trends: Current and Future Rising Investments in Green Technologies Change in Business Models of Companies due to Climate Action Supply Chain Analysis Impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Steel Market Impact of Russia and Ukraine War on the Sustainable Steel Market Ecosystem/Ongoing Programs Associations Business Dynamics Business Drivers Stringent Regulations and Carbon Neutrality Targets Energy and Cost Efficiency owing to the Use of Recycled Steel Significant Increase in Steel Demand with Scarcity of Raw Materials and Energy Business Challenges Impurities due to Incomplete Separation and Complex Product Design High Infrastructure Cost and Green Hydrogen Prices Curbing the Green Steel Developments Business Strategies Market Developments Product Developments Corporate Strategies Partnerships, Acquisitions, Collaborations, and Joint Ventures Business Opportunity Increasing Demand for Green Steel across the Value Chain Development of Economic and Environmental Technologies Start-Up Landscape Key Start-Ups in the Ecosystem Patent Analysis Patent Analysis (by Status) Patent Analysis (by Leading Countries) Global and Regional Level: Average Pricing Analysis Global Green Steel Projects and Developments Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles HBIS Group NIPPON Steel Corporation POSCO Tata Steel ScrapBuk Market Segmentation End-Use Application Transportation Building and Construction Furniture and Appliances Packaging Others Technology Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) Others Country Japan India South Korea Rest-of-Asia Pacific For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fx12jo 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 Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global SaaS market size was valued at USD 237.48 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 908.21 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.7% over the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its latest research report, titled SaaS Market Forecast, 2024-2030. SaaS is one of the primary components of cloud computing. Companies and organizations are using the SaaS model in varied applications such as conferencing, CRM, salesforce automation, web content management, and others. Thus with the increasing demand, the market is expected to grow substantially during the forecast period. Request a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/software-as-a-service-saas-market-102222 Key Industry Development: May 2023: Informatica, a cloud data management provider, strengthened its partnership with Google Cloud and launched its Intelligent Master Data Management Software on Google Cloud in Europe. This move made Informatica more powerful for customers. The software gives customers a complete view of their data environment, ranging from suppliers, customers, and products to locations, employees, or industry-specific assets for all business domains. February 2022: Salesforce unveiled an advanced sales cloud feature, which combines CRM analytics with Sales Cloud, thus providing users with a unified revenue management command center. The feature also includes intelligence cloud services for manufacturing, consumer goods, finance, and communications. July 2021: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced the launch of Jile 5.0. It is an updated version of a SaaS-based corporate agile application. This new solution will help businesses to offer large-scale development needs across numerous remote teams. Key Takeaways SaaS market size in North America was USD 104.64 billion in 2022. Rising Usage of Public and Hybrid Cloud Solutions by Organizations to Accelerate Market Growth. Early adoption of technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and cloud drives the market growth. COVID-19 Pandemic Boosted Usage of Cloud Solutions, Enhancing Market Growth. Hybrid Deployment Model to Gain Traction with its Rising Adoption in Government and Other Industries Improvement in Data Streamlining Process to Boost Product Use in Content, Collaboration & Communication Applications Affordability and Scalability of SaaS Solutions to make them Popular Among SMEs Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Companies leading the global SaaS market are Alphabet Inc. (U.S.), Amazon.com, Inc. (U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Salesforce Inc. (U.S.), SAP SE (Germany), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (U.S.), ServiceNow, Inc. (U.S.). Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/software-as-a-service-saas-market-102222 Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 18.7% 2030 Value Projection USD 908.21 Billion Base Year 2022 SaaS Market Size in 2022 USD 237.48 Billion Historical Data for 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 134 Segments Covered Deployment Type, Application, Enterprise Type, Industry and Geography Drivers Factors: Rising Usage of Public and Hybrid Cloud Solutions by Organizations to Accelerate Market Growth Organizations across the world are increasing their inclination toward public and hybrid cloud solutions as they are known to increase a systems reliability and adapt to the new realities created by the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Many large-scale companies are also encouraging the deployment of cloud solutions as they can ensure their growth in the market. These factors are expected to drive the Software as a Service (SaaS) market growth. Increasing Investment made by End-use Enterprises to Drive Market Growth The increasing investment made by end-use enterprises on the cloud-based solution is expected to drive the SaaS Market growth in the upcoming years. For instance, a report by Gartner suggests that end users are spending for cloud application services is projected to reach around USD 102.80 billion in 2020. Additionally, the prominent players in the software as a service market are focused on increasing their investment to advance their product portfolio. For Instance, In September 2020, Accenture Plc made an investment of USD 3.00 billion and launched Cloud First. This investment assisted users to gain access to Cloud-First across various industries and speed up their digital transformation to generate greater value at speed and scale. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/software-as-a-service-saas-market-102222 Segmentation: By Deployment Type Public Private Hybrid By Application Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Content, Collaboration & Communication BI & Analytics Human Capital Management Others (HRM, Operation Management) By Enterprise Type Large Enterprises SMEs By Industry IT & Telecom BFSI Retail & Consumer Goods Healthcare Education Manufacturing Others (Travel & Hospitality) By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Regional Insights: North America Market to Gain Traction with Growing Adoption of Advanced Technologies North America captured a sizeable Software as a Service (SaaS) market share as the region has a vast presence of key players. Presence of prominent players and early adoption of technologies such as robotics, IoT, AI, and cloud are the factors credited for this growth. Moreover, countries, such as the U.S. and Canada, are the early adopters of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics. Europe is predicted to account for a significant share of the market as the regions leading market participants are introducing advancements in SaaS solutions. Asia Pacific is expected to display considerable software as a service market share in upcoming years, owing to the presence of large enterprises in nations such as China, India, Japan, and Australia. Additionally, the growing venture capital investments to adopt SaaS platforms is promoting the regional market. Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies to Engage in Mergers and Acquisitions to Expand their Market Reach Some of the prominent organizations involved in the market are signing merger & acquisition deals to expand their market share and presence across the world. They are acquiring local and small-sized enterprises to enhance their market reach. New Launches Initiated by Key Companies to Propel the Market The leading players in the market constantly opt for efficient strategies to maximize profits and boost product sales. One such efficient strategy is launching new products or advanced features to increase brand value and meet ever-increasing consumer needs. Quick Buy - SaaS Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102222 FAQs How big is the software as a service market? The software as a service market size was USD 237.48 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 908.21 billion by 2030. How fast is the software as a service market growing? The software as a service market will exhibit a CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period, 2023-2030. About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment CHICAGO, IL, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), a mission-critical provider of drone technology, blockchain mobile apps and cloud-based business software solutions, announced today one of its holdings, ZenaDrone, Inc., was selected and funded for the US Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award for phase I of the innovative defense-related dual-purpose technology. The company is working with an assigned US Air Force contract agent to complete the paperwork and begin the contract over the next year. ZenaDrone has 90 days to complete the contract to apply for SBIR phase II, which will include funding up to $1.2 million if successful. The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive and encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development, with the potential for commercialization. The SBIR program is structured in three phases: Phase I is designed to establish the technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of the proposed research and development efforts. SBIR/STTR phase I awards are generally $50,000 $250,000 for 6 months (SBIR). This award is part of a partnership with AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Epazz ZenaDrone is excited to be part of phase 1 of the SBIR program and to have the opportunity to present ZenaDrone as an innovative, dual-purpose technology for defense-related drone applications. We are honored to be selected for this award and look forward to working with the US Air Force to develop this technology, stated Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of Epazz, Inc. The technology developed through this program will have many applications, from surveillance and reconnaissance to search and rescue operations. It will also provide a platform for developing new technologies and applications. About ZenaDrone, Inc. ( https://www.zenadrone.com/ ) ZenaDrone, Inc. is dedicated to improving its intelligent, unmanned aerial vehicle technology by incorporating machine learning software and AI. It was created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector and later evolved into an intelligent multifunctional industrial surveillance, inspection and monitoring solution. About Epazz, Inc. (https://www.epazz.com/) Epazz, Inc. is a leading cloud-based software company that provides customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher education institutions and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS v3.0 is a complete web-based software package for small and mid-sized businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies and higher education institutions. BoxesOS provides many web-based applications for organizations that would otherwise need to be purchased separately. Epazzs other products include DeskFlex (room-scheduling software) and Provitrac (an applicant-tracking system). SAFE HARBOR This safe harbor statement falls under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as may, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue (or the negatives thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results might differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz Inc. assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating those forward-looking statements. It is not obligated to update or correct information prepared by third parties not paid for by Epazz Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz Inc.s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com. This includes unaudited and audited financial statements and over-the-counter market filings, which contain general business information about the companys operations, results of its operations and risks associated with the company and its operations. Contact Investor Relations investors@epazz.net 312-955-8161 https://www.epazz.com/ Attachment NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harri , the revolutionary Frontline Employee Experience platform serving over 35,000 restaurant and hotel locations and four million hospitality employees globally, today shared that Quincy Valencia has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Innovation. The strategic hire reflects Harris commitment to delivering technologies designed to meet the evolving needs of service industries. Prior to Harri, Valencia was Vice President and Research Director Human Capital Management Technology at Ventana Research, now part of ISG. Valencia was recently shortlisted for 2023 Analyst of the Year by the Institute of Influencer and Analyst Relations for her work at Ventana. Before becoming an analyst, Valencia spent four years at AMS, where she assumed the role of Vice President Product Innovation. She also worked at Cielo Talent as Senior Director Solution Design and ADP, starting as an Implementation Consultant before joining as Director, RPO Implementation. Earlier in her career, Valencia spent several years in staffing and recruiting at The Home Depot and then HD Supply, the companys wholesale distribution subsidiary. Reflecting on her new position, Valencia shared, With the recent announcement of Harris $43 million Series B funding round and the launch of Harri Engage , Harri is making waves and a tremendous impact on the hospitality industry with much more on the horizon. I am excited to be back in the HR technology product space and to be part of the Harri team at this pivotal moment in the companys journey. I cant wait to share what were cooking up next. Hospitality is a dynamic space and one that historically has been overlooked by technology providers until Harri. We set out to change the employee experience for frontline workers through technology and succeeded, said Harri CEO Luke Fryer. With Quincy on board, we will continue leading the way forward. Her keen understanding of service industries, along with the HCM technology landscape, will be instrumental as we innovate further. About Harri Harri is the global leader in Frontline Employee Experience technologies. The Harri platform is built for companies that have service at the heart of their business and believe that the customer experience will never exceed the employee experience. The Harri suite of talent attraction, workforce management, employee engagement, and compliance technologies enable organizations to intelligently attract, manage, engage and retain the best talent to run and improve their business. Harri serves over 35,000 restaurant and hotel locations and four million hospitality employees globally, with emerging growth in retail and healthcare. Based in New York City, the company recently completed its Series B funding of $43 million. To learn more, visit www.harri.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91c6a753-36ee-4ff5-b1da-a050f53ddb97 VANCOUVER, British Colombia, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eldorado Gold Corporation (Eldorado, the Company or We) is pleased to provide an update on exploration results from the Ormaque deposit, part of the Lamaque Complex, in Quebec, Canada. We are excited to see Ormaque resources continuing to grow, adding ounces to both Indicated and Inferred Resources, as reported in our September 30, 2023 Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource statement, published on December 13, 2023," said George Burns, President and CEO of Eldorado Gold Corporation. In addition to this, we are encouraged by the results of our 2023 exploration program that increase our confidence and demonstrate opportunity for expansion beyond the current Mineral Resource. Supporting our development strategy in Quebec, plans are being advanced to declare initial Reserves for Ormaque in late 2024 with completion of a pre-feasibility study, and exploration drilling will continue to test resource expansion opportunities. We will also drive a drift off the decline next year into one of the lenses for a bulk sample to test our geological assumptions, mining method and for metallurgical test work. Additionally, our Exploration team continues to explore other near mine opportunities in the Val-dOr district, capitalizing on our strategic footprint in the prolific Abitibi region. Interactive VRIFY 3D Model To view an interactive 3D model that includes the results announced today use the following link or visit Eldorado Gold's website: https://vrify.com/decks/14810?auth=c09dea7a-da6f-487c-8237-1c2834c65c65 Ormaque Resource Expansion Drilling Highlights Resource expansion drilling at Ormaque totals over 11,500 metres in 2023. This drilling has identified new zones characterised by high-grade veins similar in style and geometry to those hosting the Ormaque deposit. Key mineralised intercepts are present both below and south of the current Mineral Resources for at least 350 metres. Notable results since the March 2023 exploration update news release include: 10.15 metres at 8.28 g/t gold (9.94 g/t gold uncapped) in drillhole FOR-22-027, approximately 350 metres southeast of the current Resource; 11.55 metres at 9.95 g/t gold in drillhole LS-23-095, approximately 30 metres south of the current Resource; 5.70 metres at 16.61 g/t gold (17.31 g/t gold uncapped) in drillhole LS-23-096, approximately 50 metres east of the current Resource; 11.50 metres at 3.97 g/t gold, including 4.00 metres at 9.81 g/t gold, in drillhole LS-23-098, approximately 120 metres northeast of the current Resource; 2.00 metres at 15.13 g/t gold in drillhole LS-23-100, approximately 150 metres west of the current Resource; 20.15 metres at 4.93 g/t gold, including 5.00 metres at 7.59 g/t gold, and 18.00 metres at 3.15 g/t gold, including 3.40 metres at 8.31 g/t gold, in drillhole LS-23-101 at approximately 30 and 80 metres below the current Resource; and 14.20 metres at 8.36 g/t gold (14.00 g/t gold uncapped), including 3.30 metres at 20.40 g/t gold (44.68 g/t gold uncapped), in drillhole LS-23-102, approximately 140 metres south of the current Resource. Note: Gold grades for drillhole intervals listed in this release are based on capping individual assays at 70 g/t gold. Drillhole intercepts are drillhole lengths. Figure 1: Map of the Ormaque deposit area, showing surface projection of Mineral Resource (pink shaded area) on simplified surface geology, with collar locations and surface traces of new drillholes presented in this news release and with reference section lines for Figure 2. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/845032d7-a24e-461f-a59a-386436faee04 Figure 2: North-south cross sections illustrating western, central and eastern views of the Ormaque deposit, showing section projection limits of reported September 2023 Mineral Resource (pink shaded areas) and simplified geology, with traces of new drillholes presented in this news release. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d5127ae-47e9-4f30-96e4-c61c654ce766 Qualified Persons Jacques Simoneau P.Geo. (OGQ No. 737), a member in good standing of the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec, is the qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for and has verified and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release (including verification of the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information disclosed), with respect to the exploration program at Ormaque. Eldorado Gold operates its exploration programs according to industry best practices and employs rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures. All results are based on half-core samples of diamond drill core. The data including in this press release was verified as follows: Drill core samples for the Ormaque deposit exploration drilling were prepared and analyzed at Bourlamaque Laboratories in Val dOr, Quebec. All gold assays are based on fire assay analysis of a 30 g charge, followed by an atomic adsorption finish. Samples with gold grades above 5.0 g/t were re-assayed and completed with a gravimetric finish. Certified standard reference materials, field duplicates and blank samples were inserted regularly and were closely monitored to ensure the quality of the data. Strengthening the Executive Management Team The Company announces that Joe Dick, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will retire in 2024. Joe has had a successful 40-year career, the last four of which have been with Eldorado. He will remain as an advisor to Eldorado after his retirement to provide continued support to the company as required. Joe has been an integral part of our senior leadership team and has provided invaluable guidance on our operations while overseeing considerable progress made at our Skouries project over the last few years, said George Burns. In addition, he has championed a culture of safety excellence and continuous improvement. I am grateful for his support and many contributions he has made as a key member of the team. On behalf of everyone at Eldorado, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement and his future endeavours. With the retirement of Joe Dick a number of changes in the senior management team have been implemented to support our growth and set us up for continued success. These changes include: Louw Smith has been appointed Executive Vice President, Development, Greece, effective January 1, 2024. Louw brings to the role over 30 years of experience in the Industry, and most recently held the position of Managing Director at TEX overseeing a full range of technical solutions for gold mining companies. Prior to that, Louw was Chief Operating Officer at Nord Gold Plc for eight years. Louw was also Chief Operating Officer at Alacer Gold Corp. Louw will be based in Greece and responsible for the development of our Greek assets, including Skouries and Perama Hill, overseeing operations, and corporate functions. Paul Ferneyhough has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer. Pauls accountabilities include Country Management (Canada and Turkiye), Investor Relations, Sales & Marketing, Business Improvement, and Supply Chain & Procurement. Paul joined the Company in May, 2021 as Senior Vice President, Chief Growth and Integration Officer. Prior to joining Eldorado Gold, Paul spent nearly two decades with Repsol SA (and Talisman Energy), most recently as Executive Director leading Repsol's North American upstream oil and gas division. He also held progressively senior leadership roles in corporate, line and functional areas including finance, investor relations, strategy, commercial, planning and business performance management. Simon Hille has been appointed Executive Vice President, Technical Services & Operations. Simon will be accountable for Operations in Turkiye and Canada along with the Global functions: Technical Services, Project Engineering, Exploration and Safety & Sustainability. Simon joined the Company in November, 2020 as Vice President, Technical Services. Prior to joining Eldorado, Simon was with Newmont (Goldcorp), as Group Executive, Technical Engineering and Global Projects. Ahead of the Newmont merger, Simon was Vice-President, Global Innovation, Metallurgy and Processing at Goldcorp. He also held progressively senior leadership roles in metallurgy and process development with Barrick Gold and Newcrest Mining. Simon has over 30 years of experience in gold and base metals specializing in leading high-performance, cross-functional technical and operational teams to maximize value from complex ore bodies. Niklas Frank has been appointed Senior Vice President, Operations. Niklas recently joined the Company as Vice President, Operations in August, 2023. Niklas is based in Europe and will be responsible for Operational Support and the primary lead for our site General Managers in Quebec and Turkiye and operations support needs in Greece. With a career spanning over 25 years, Niklas brings a strong background in operations management and a proven track record of driving efficiency and excellence. His experience in world-class, highly productive mining operations, safe and sustainable development, life of mine and strategy development, application of LEAN mining, M&A and stakeholder management. About Eldorado Gold Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkiye, Canada, Greece and Romania. The Company has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO). Contact Investor Relations Lynette Gould, VP, Investor Relations 647 271 2827 or 1 888 353 8166 lynette.gould@eldoradogold.com Media Chad Pederson, Director, Communications 236 885 6251 or 1 888 353 8166 chad.pederson@eldoradogold.com Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements made and information provided in this press release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", continue, projected, "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to: opportunities to expand current resources at Ormaque; plans to declare initial reserves at Ormaque, including the completion of a pre-feasibility study, and the expected timing thereof; planned future drilling and exploration work, and the timing and anticipated benefits thereof; our expectations regarding establishment of reserves and resources through our continued exploration programs; mineral reserves and resources; the timing of changes in the executive management team, including the retirement of Joe Dick; plans to retain our Chief Operating Officer as a consultant after retirement; expected and new management portfolios; our guidance and outlook; and our strategy, plans and goals, including our proposed exploration, development, construction, permitting and operating plans and priorities, including timelines and schedules. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions about: the future price of gold and other commodities, the results of our exploration programs; the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties; mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drill results and geological tests, the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we operate in; ability to obtain all required approvals and permits in a timely manner and our ability to comply with all the conditions that are imposed in such approvals and permits; how the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19 is managed and the duration and extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations the future price of gold and other commodities; the global concentrate market; exchange rates; anticipated costs and expenses; production, the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business and the ability to achieve our goals. In particular, except where otherwise stated, we have assumed a continuation of existing business operations on substantially the same basis as exists at the time of this release. Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others:; timing and cost of exploration, drilling, work programs, construction, geopolitical and economic climate (global and local), uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drill results and geological tests; the need to obtain additional permits and governmental approvals, risks related to the updating of our resource and reserve models and life of mine plans; mineral tenure and permits; gold and other commodity price volatility; information technology systems risks; continued softening of the global concentrate market, recoveries of gold and other metals; results of test work; revised guidance; risks regarding potential and pending litigation and arbitration proceedings relating to the Companys, business, properties and operations; expected impact on reserves and the carrying value; mining operational and development risk; financing risks; foreign country operational risks; global outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19; risks of sovereign investment; regulatory risks and liabilities including, regulatory environment and restrictions, and environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical testing and recoveries; additional funding requirements; currency fluctuations; community and non-governmental organization actions; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; share price volatility and the price of our common shares; competition; loss of key employees; and defective title to mineral claims or properties, as well as those risk factors discussed in the sections titled Forward-Looking Statements and "Risk factors in our business" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form & Form 40-F. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR and EDGAR under our Company name, which discussion is incorporated by reference in this release, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Companys business and operations. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help you understand managements current views of our near and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S. Appendix 1: Tables of Assay Results Table 1: Summary of drillhole assay results from the Ormaque Deposit. Intercepts are only reported for those intervals above a 10 gram x metre cut-off. Drillhole collar locations, collar orientations, and total lengths are listed in Appendix 2. Drillhole From (m) To (m) Interval Au (g/t) Au capped at 70 g/t Zone FOR-22-025 624.5 625 0.5 22.53 Step-out intercept, ~300 m SE to current Resource 646.5 648.5 2 5.26 Step-out intercept, ~300 m SE to current Resource 686.75 687.75 1 10.3 Step-out intercept, ~300 m SE to current Resource FOR-22-027 704.2 714.35 10.15 9.94 8.28 Step-out intercept, ~350 m SE to current Resource FOR-22-032 319.9 320.5 0.6 19.62 Step-out intercept, ~100 m east to current Resource 367 372.25 5.25 5.95 Step-out intercept, ~90 m east to current Resource FOR-22-033 175.5 176.5 1 17.98 E030, step-out 30 m east to current Resource FOR-23-035 819.4 823.8 4.4 3.57 Step-out intercept, ~200 m east to current Resource FOR-23-036 203.2 204.8 1.6 12.96 Step-out intercept, ~70 m east to current Resource 366.3 367.3 1 22.27 Step-out intercept, ~70 m east to current Resource 488.2 489.75 1.55 6.69 Step-out intercept, ~60 m east to current Resource FOR-23-037 28.2 31.4 3.2 3.88 E006 37 42.2 5.2 4.97 Intercept between E006 and E008 358.1 364 5.9 2.11 East step-out intercept, 200 m below current Resource LS-23-095 494.35 495 0.65 81.77 70 Step-out intercept, ~30 m south to current Resource 500.7 512.25 11.55 9.95 Including 500.7 503.1 2.4 19.94 E150, step-out ~30 m south to current Resource 510.65 512.25 1.6 33.86 24.21 Intercept 7m below E150 LS-23-095 608.55 613.2 4.65 3.68 Step-out intercept ~100m below E150 735.65 736.15 0.5 24.84 Step-out intercept, ~50 m south to current Resource LS-23-096 382.6 383.1 0.5 38.87 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 623.4 624.4 1 29.2 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 631.6 632.6 1 14.15 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 635.8 637.6 1.8 13.39 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 650 651.1 1.1 37.34 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 665.8 666.4 0.6 35.17 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 667.6 668.1 0.5 22.42 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 672.7 678.4 5.7 17.31 16.61 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 685 686.5 1.5 8.46 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 708.1 711.7 3.6 9.29 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource 741.5 742 0.5 27.86 Step-out intercept, ~50 m east to current Resource LS-23-097 397.7 401.9 4.2 3.16 E120, step-out ~50 m south to current Resource 678 679.24 1.24 10.82 E235, step-out ~140 m south to current Resource 789.3 790 0.7 17.66 Step-out intercept, ~70 m below current Resource 818.3 818.8 0.5 55.34 Step-out intercept, ~80 m below current Resource LS-23-098 66.5 67.1 0.6 140.59 70 Intercept 28m below E009 352.4 353.4 1 21.39 Step-out intercept, ~40 m NE to current Resource 398 399 1 10.03 Step-out intercept, ~40 m NE to current Resource 525 536.5 11.5 3.97 Including 525 529 4 9.81 Step-out intercept, ~ 120 m NE to current Resource LS-23-100 232.5 233 0.5 63.28 E020 252 253.5 1.5 7.88 E030 268.3 269.9 1.6 19.85 E040 297 298.7 1.7 18.48 E050, step-out ~10 m east to current Resource 321.7 322.2 0.5 24.33 E075 336.5 337.5 1 32.94 E080 685.9 687.9 2 15.13 Step-out intercept, ~150 m west to current Resource 809.6 811.1 1.5 6.8 Step-out intercept, ~100 m below current Resource 888.4 888.9 0.5 28 Step-out intercept, ~150 m below current Resource LS-23-101 357 357.5 0.5 107.39 70 E100 431.65 451.8 20.15 4.93 Including 431.65 434.47 2.82 6.94 Intercept 28m above E140 435.6 437 1.4 12.7 E140, step-out ~30 m south to current Resource 440.2 445.2 5 7.59 E145, step-out ~30 m south to current Resource 447.25 448 0.75 15.01 Intercept 28m below E145 LS-23-101 457 459.85 2.85 3.51 Step-out intercept, ~50 m south to current Resource 579.3 580 0.7 15.6 Step-out intercept, ~90 m south to current Resource 751.6 769.6 18 3.15 Blow-out intercept with different vein types 751.6 755 3.4 8.31 Step-out intercept, ~80 m below current Resource 762.71 763.8 1.09 13.16 Step-out intercept, ~90 m below current Resource 818.4 819 0.6 28 Step-out intercept, ~120 m below current Resource LS-23-102 562 576.2 14.2 14 8.36 Including 568.35 569.35 1 19.76 Step-out intercept, ~140 m south to current Resource 569.9 571.8 1.9 9.95 Step-out intercept, ~140 m south to current Resource 572.9 576.2 3.3 44.68 20.4 Step-out intercept, ~140 m south to current Resource LS-23-102 836.65 840.7 4.05 3.84 Step-out intercept, ~160 m south to current Resource FOR-23-034 No significant intercepts LS-23-099 No significant intercepts Appendix 2: Collar locations and orientations and total lengths for drillholes listed in this news release. Table 1: Summary of drillhole collar locations and collar orientations from the Ormaque Deposit. Burlingame, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, the global creator economy market size is estimated to grow from US$ 127.65 Billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 528.39 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 22.5% between 2023 and 2030. The Creator Economy Market is driven by two major factors: Growing Demand for User-generated Content: With the rise of social media platforms and the increasing popularity of influencer marketing, there has been a significant demand for user-generated content. People are now actively participating in content creation and sharing their ideas, opinions, and experiences with the online community. This demand is fueled by the need for authenticity and relatability, as consumers are more likely to trust content created by individuals rather than traditional advertising. Increasing Monetization Opportunities: The Creator Economy offers various monetization opportunities for content creators, such as brand collaborations, sponsored content, and product endorsements. With the growing influence of content creators, brands are leveraging their reach and engagement to promote their products and services. This has led to the emergence of several platforms and tools that facilitate the monetization process, making it easier for creators to earn a substantial income from their content. Request Sample Copy of this Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/6437 Market Trends: The Creator Economy Market is witnessing two key trends: Rise of Niche Social Media Platforms: In addition to mainstream platforms like YouTube and Instagram, niche social media platforms are gaining popularity among content creators. These platforms cater to specific interest groups or industries, allowing creators to connect with a more targeted audience. This trend is driven by the need for specialized content and the desire to build a community around specific topics or hobbies. Emphasis on Long-term Brand Partnerships: Content creators are increasingly focusing on building long-term partnerships with brands rather than one-time collaborations. This trend is driven by the desire for stability and sustainable income. By establishing long-term relationships, creators can work closely with brands to develop authentic and impactful campaigns, resulting in better engagement and loyalty from their audience. Market Opportunities: Growth of Video Streaming Platforms The video streaming segment is expected to dominate the Creator Economy market, driven by the increasing popularity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok. These platforms offer content creators a way to reach a large audience and monetize their videos through advertising and brand partnerships. As the demand for video content continues to rise, this segment is expected to witness significant growth. Rise of Digital Content Creation With the increasing reliance on digital media, the demand for digital content creation services is also on the rise. This segment includes areas such as graphic design, animation, and video production. Content creators are leveraging these services to create engaging and visually appealing content for their audience. As the importance of high-quality content becomes more evident, the digital content creation segment is expected to experience substantial growth. Buy this Complete Business Research Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/6437 Recent development: In September 2022, Meta launched enhancement to its Facebook and Instagram monetization features, including FB reels Play Bonus. In November 2021, TikTok unveiled TikTok creators Nextm, a creator education focusing on strengthening abilities for successful content creators. Key Market Takeaways: The Creator Economy market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 22.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030, owing to the increasing demand for digital content and the popularity of video streaming platforms. On the basis of Platform Type, the Video Streaming segment is expected to hold a dominant position, owing to the widespread popularity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok. These platforms offer a wide range of content and monetization options for creators, attracting a large number of users and advertisers. By Creative Service, the Digital Content segment is expected to dominate the market. With the rise of digital media, the demand for visually appealing and engaging content is growing. Content creators are increasingly relying on digital content creation services to enhance the quality of their content and attract a larger audience. In terms of Revenue Channel, the Subscription segment is expected to hold a dominant position. Many content creators generate revenue through subscriptions, offering exclusive content to their subscribers. This model provides a recurring source of income and allows creators to establish a loyal fan base. The Individual Content Creators segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of End-Use Industry. This segment includes independent creators who produce a wide range of content across platforms. The affordability of digital tools and platforms has empowered individuals to pursue their creative passions and generate income from their creations. In terms of regions, North America is expected to hold a dominant position over the forecast period. The region has a strong presence of key players and a well-established creator ecosystem. The high per capita income and advanced digital infrastructure in North America contribute to the market's growth. Key players operating in the Creator Economy market include Bytedance, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Spotify, Snap Inc., Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. These players offer platforms, tools, and monetization options for content creators. They continue to innovate and expand their offerings to attract a larger user base and retain their position in the market. The competition among these key players is expected to intensify in the coming years as the Creator Economy market grows. Read complete market research report,"Global Creator Economy Market, By Platform Type, By Creative Service, By Revenue Channel, By End-User, By Region, and Segment Forecast 2023-2030", Published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Detailed Segmentation: By Platform Type Video Streaming Live Streaming Blogging Platform eCommerce Platform Podcasting Platform Others By Creative Service Arts & Crafts Digital Content Written Content Video Production Photography Music Production Others By Revenue Channel Advertising Subscriptions Tips/Donations Affiliate Marketing Selling Products/Merchandise Brand Partnerships Others By End-User Individual Content Creators Influencers Artists & Celebrities Businesses/Brands Media Companies Others By Region: North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. Spain France Italy Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South Africa GCC Countries Rest of Middle East & Africa Ask for Customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/6437 Find more related trending reports below: Treasury Management Market, By Component (Software (Cash Flow Management Software, Risk Management Software, Liquidity Management Software, Payment Management Software, and Debt and Investment Management Software), Services (Consulting and Advisory Services, Implementation and Integration Services, Support and Maintenance Services)), By Deployment Mode: On-Premises, Cloud-Based, By Enterprise Size: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Large Enterprises, By End-use Industry: IT and Telecom, BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Government & Public Sector, Manufacturing, Others (Consumer Goods, Energy and Utilities and Others), By Geography (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) Business Process Outsourcing Market, By Service Type, By End Use, And By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America)- Credit Risk Assessment Market, By Component (Software, Services), By Deployment Model (On-premises, Cloud), -By Organization Size (Large Enterprises, SMEs), By Vertical (BFSI, Telecom & IT, Healthcare, Government, Manufacturing, Retail, Others), By Technology (AI & ML enabled Credit Risk Assessment, Traditional Credit Risk Assessment), By Geography (North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific) Business Software and Services Market, By Software (Finance, Sales & Marketing, Human Resource, Supply Chain, and Others), By Service (Consulting, Managed Services, and Support & Maintenance), By Deployment (Cloud and On-premise), By Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises and Small & Medium Enterprises), By End-Use (Aerospace & Defense, BFSI, Government, Healthcare, IT & Telecom, Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation, and Others), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America) About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. Pune, India, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cell culture media market size was valued at USD 2.43 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated to surge from USD 2.56 billion in 2023 to USD 5.60 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.8% over the study period. The expansion is driven by an increase in expenditure by pharmaceutical companies for conducting R&D initiatives. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Cell Culture Media Market, 2023-2030. Key Industry Development: June 2021 Corning Incorporated rolled out HepGo Assay-ready 3D liver spheroid kit. The solution enables customers to deploy 3D PHH liver spheroids for a range of applications, including hepatotoxicity assays. Request a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/cell-culture-media-market-103333 Key Takeaways: The life sciences solutions division of Thermo Fisher Inc. brought in $15,631.0 million in revenue. Moderna, Inc. announced the opening of a production facility to produce mRNA vaccines in Kenya. At the vaccination summit held by the African Union, African nations pledged to develop their vaccine production capacity to cover 60% of their continent's vaccine needs by 2040. Gene therapy is now being tested in treating several inherited disorders, including severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), hemophilia, and chronic granulomatous disease. Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Fujifilm Irvine Scientific (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), Sartorius AG (Germany), Corning Incorporated (U.S.), PromoCell GmbH (Germany), Lonza (Switzerland), Danaher (U.S.) Report Scope Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 11.8% 2030 Value Projection USD 5.60 Billion Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2023 USD 2.56 Billion Historical Data for 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 146 Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/cell-culture-media-market-103333 Cell Culture Media Market Drivers and Restraints: Market Value to Rise Owing to Increasing Vaccine Production at the Global Level The cell culture media market growth is being impelled by the escalating production of vaccines at the global level, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cell cultures have proven to be the most appropriate hosts for propagating various viruses, impelling industry expansion. However, the market growth may be hampered by the lack of highly skilled professionals and infrastructure in emerging economies. Cell Culture Media Market Segments: Classical Media Segment to Register Notable Surge Impelled by Increase in Genetic Engineering By type, the market is segmented into specialty media, classical media, serum-free media, and others. The classical media segment accounted for the largest share of the market. The expansion is propelled by escalating research expenditure for biopharmaceutical and biotechnology products. Drug Screening and Development Segment to Lead Driven by Growing Adoption of Cell-based Array Based on application, the market for cell culture media is fragmented into research, drug screening and development, and others. The drug screening and development segment held a dominating position in the market and is expected to record substantial expansion throughout the forecast period. The surge is propelled by the rising cultural media demand in the development of vaccines and other treatments. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry Segment to Hold Dominating Share Owing to Increase in Regulatory Approvals Based on end users, the market is subdivided into academic & research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and others. The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries segment held a dominating share in the market owing to a range of factors such as an increase in the deployment of cell culture consumables in research activities. Based on geography, the market for cell culture media has been analyzed across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world. By Type Classical Media Specialty Media Serum Free Media Others By Application Drug Screening and Development Research Others By End User Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Academic & Research Laboratories Others By Region North America (By Type, By Application, By End User, By Country) Europe (By Type, By Application, By End User, By Country/Sub-region) Asia Pacific (By Type, By Application, By End User, By Country/Sub-region) Rest of the World (By Type, By Application, By End User, By Country/Sub-region) Quick Buy - Cell Culture Media Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/compare-plan/103333 Cell Culture Media Market Regional Insights: North America to Emerge as a Leading Region Driven by Rising R&D Spending The North America cell culture media market share is anticipated to gain notable traction over the projected period. The expansion is on account of the growing expenditure on R&D activities in the region. The Europe market is slated to record a notable upsurge over the analysis period. The expansion is driven by the increasing demand for viral vectors for gene therapy in the region. Competitive Landscape: Companies Focus on Mergers and Acquisitions to Strengthen Industry Foothold Major industry players focus on the adoption of various strategies for establishing strong market footings. These include the launch of new products, acquisitions, merger agreements, and others. Some of the other steps comprise a surge in research activities and the formation of alliances. FAQs How big is the Cell Culture Media Market? Cell Culture Media Market size was USD 2.56 Billion in 2023. How fast is the Cell Culture Media Market growing? The Cell Culture Media Market will exhibit a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period, 2023-2030 Related Reports: Biopharmaceutical CMO Market Share, Size, Trends and Forecast 2021-2028 Bioprocess Technology Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth | Global Forecast Report 2030 Laboratory Supplies Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2023-2030 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner - Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US:+1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Finland's government said Tuesday it will reopen two of its eight border crossings along its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. The government had previously closed all eight border crossings following a sudden influx of migrants entering the country through Russia. Finland reported it received around 1,000 migrants from August to late November when the country shut its border, with 900 arriving in November alone, an increase from the usual fewer than one migrant arriving per day. "Without dismantling the restrictions, we cannot verify whether a change for the better is taking place. If the phenomenon continues, we will close these border crossing points," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Tuesday at a news conference. The migrants arrived without proper visas or valid documentation, hailing from countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arch Biopartners Inc., (Arch or the Company) (TSX Venture: ARCH and OTCQB: ACHFF), announced today it has submitted a Clinical Trial Application to Health Canada to obtain permission to proceed with a Phase II trial for LSALT peptide, targeting the prevention and treatment of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). LSALT peptide is the Companys lead drug candidate for preventing and treating inflammation injury in the kidneys, lungs and liver. This application, and one recently submitted in Turkey, follows the Companys submission of an Investigational New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA). The FDA granted the Company permission to proceed with a Phase II trial in late June. The Phase II CS-AKI trial plans to recruit up to 240 patients and will be a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted in hospital sites in Canada, Turkey and the United States. Patient recruitment is expected to begin in Turkey in early 2024, upon approval from the local ethics committee. Patient recruitment will follow in Canada after regulatory approvals and the onboarding of the first Canadian clinical site. Sites in the U.S. may be added in future. Once sites are active in the trial, patient recruitment will be done on a competitive basis between sites, until the planned total number of patients are recruited into the study. This study is designed to produce a signal of safety and efficacy that would support a larger Phase III trial, and eventually the approval of LSALT peptide as a new pharmaceutical product. Quote from Richard Muruve, CEO of Arch Biopartners Inc: The clinical trial application submitted to Health Canada is the result of clinical interest in Canada to support our Phase II trial targeting CS-AKI. The Arch team and our Canadian collaborators look forward to working together to test LSALT peptide against the risks of AKI during by-pass cardiac surgery, which is a large unmet medical problem. Cardiac Surgery-Associated AKI and LSALT peptide Cardiac surgery-associated AKI is often caused by ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) that reduces blood flow and thus oxygen (ischemia) in the kidney causing kidney cell damage. Once blood flow is restored to normal (reperfusion), inflammation is triggered and injury to kidney cells is exacerbated. At present, there are no therapeutic treatments available to prevent or treat CS-AKI or IRI. In the worst cases of AKI, kidneys fail leading to kidney dialysis or kidney transplant. LSALT peptide has been shown to prevent ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) to the kidneys in pre-clinical models, providing the scientific rationale for Arch to use LSALT peptide in this CS-AKI trial. Details of the Phase II trial, entitled Phase 2 Global, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of LSALT peptide for the Prevention or Attenuation of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Patients Undergoing On-Pump Cardiac Surgery can be viewed at clinicaltrials.gov. The Science Advances publication, titled Dipeptidase-1 governs renal inflammation during ischemia reperfusion injury by Lau et. al. can be found at the journals website. Advisory services and a funding contribution from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) announced by the Company in March 2023, will significantly offset the costs of the CS-AKI Phase II trial. Incidence of Cardiac Surgery-Associated AKI Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known common complication in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and other cardiac surgeries, including on-pump surgeries which increase the risk of AKI. The reported prevalence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is up to 30% and is independently associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery occurs in nearly 1 million patients per year. Approximately 0.6% to 5% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery will require immediate postoperative dialysis or renal replacement therapy, and these patients have a very high early mortality rate up to 25% compared with 1% to 2% in patients who do not require immediate postoperative dialysis (Conlon et al, 19991, Chertow et al, 20052, Zakeri et al, 20053, Ivert et al, 20144, Harky et al, 20205). About Arch Biopartners Arch Biopartners Inc. is a late-stage clinical trial company focused on preventing inflammation and acute organ injury. The Company is developing new drug candidates that inhibit inflammation in the lungs, kidneys, and liver via the dipeptidase-1 (DPEP-1) pathway and are relevant for common injuries and diseases where organ inflammation is an unmet problem. For more information on Arch Biopartners' science and technologies, please visit: www.archbiopartners.com/our-science For investor information and other public documents the company has also filed on SEDAR, please visit www.archbiopartners.com/investor-hub The Company has 62,755,633 common shares outstanding. References: 1. Conlon PJ, Stafford-Smith M, White WD, et al. Acute renal failure following cardiac surgery. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1999;14:115862 2. Chertow GM, Burdick E, Hoinour M, Bonventre JV, Bates DW. Acute kidney injury, mortality, length of stay, and costs in hospitalized patients. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005;16:3365-70 3. Zakeri R, Freemantle N, Barnett V, et al. Relation between mild renal dysfunction and outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. Circulation. 2005;112(suppl):I2705 4. Ivert T, Holzmann MJ, Sartipy U. Survival in patients with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis after coronary artery bypass grafting. Eur J Cardiothoracic Surg. 2014;45:3127 5. Harky A, Joshi M, Gupta S, et al. Acute kidney injury associated with cardiac surgery: a comprehensive literature review. Braz. J. Cardiovasc. Surg. 2020;35(2). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws regarding expectations of our future performance, liquidity and capital resources, as well as the ongoing clinical development of our drug candidates targeting the dipeptidase-1 (DPEP-1) pathway, including the outcome of our clinical trials relating to LSALT peptide (Metablok), the successful commercialization and marketing of our drug candidates, whether we will receive, and the timing and costs of obtaining, regulatory approvals in Canada, the United States, Europe and other countries, our ability to raise capital to fund our business plans, the efficacy of our drug candidates compared to the drug candidates developed by our competitors, our ability to retain and attract key management personnel, and the breadth of, and our ability to protect, our intellectual property portfolio. These statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs, including certain factors and assumptions, as described in our most recent annual audited financial statements and related management discussion and analysis under the heading Business Risks and Uncertainties. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, or other unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The words believe, may, plan, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Additional information relating to Arch Biopartners Inc., including our most recent annual audited financial statements, is available by accessing the Canadian Securities Administrators System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com . The science and medical contents of this release have been approved by the Companys Chief Science Officer 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 New York, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a recent report by Market.us, the global Smart Drug Delivery System Market size is expected to be worth around USD 32.5 Billion by 2032 from USD 9.7 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Smart drug delivery systems employ various strategies, formulations, technologies, and devices for targeted drug administration. Pharmaceutical industry goals center around improving patient compliance while driving new formulation innovations. Formulators strive to maximize adherence and target specific therapeutic regions, ultimately improving patient experiences overall. Enhancing patient experiences and encouraging compliance with treatment plans requires streamlining administration processes through reduced dosage frequency. With Somatic Symptom Disorder Syndrome (SDDS) becoming an established condition, treatment methods are developing methods for administering medications directly into specific areas. Don't miss out on business opportunities | Get sample pages at https://market.us/report/smart-drug-delivery-system-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway Market Size: Smart Drug Delivery System Market size is expected to be worth around USD 32.5 Billion by 2032 from USD 9.7 Billion in 2023. size is expected to be worth around by 2032 from in 2023. Market Growth: This market is estimated to register a CAGR of 14.9 %. This market is estimated to register a CAGR of %. Product Analysis: The most popular type of device is the connected wearable injector they held the largest market share of 29% in 2022. The most popular type of device is the connected wearable injector they held the largest market share of in 2022. Application Analysis: Metabolic disorders segment dominated the market with a 33% share in 2022. Metabolic disorders segment dominated the market with a share in 2022. End-Use Analysis: The homecare segment is estimated to register a significant growth rate over the forecast period. The homecare segment is estimated to register a significant growth rate over the forecast period. Regional Analysis: North America was the largest regional market for smart drug delivery devices with a market share of 31 % and holding USD 3.4 Billion in revenue. North America was the largest regional market for smart drug delivery devices with a market share of % and holding in revenue. Monitoring and Dilution Capabilities: Connected wearable injectors are well-known for efficiently monitoring the volume and viscosity of autoinjectors and prefilled syringes, providing precise dose monitoring while diluting highly concentrated drugs into larger volumes for sustained administration. Connected wearable injectors are well-known for efficiently monitoring the volume and viscosity of autoinjectors and prefilled syringes, providing precise dose monitoring while diluting highly concentrated drugs into larger volumes for sustained administration. Long-Term Administration: These devices are intended for long-term administration, making them suitable for treatments requiring extended durations. These devices are intended for long-term administration, making them suitable for treatments requiring extended durations. Industry Collaboration and Innovation: Over the past decade, both medical device and pharmaceutical companies have collaborated and invested their efforts in creating advanced injectors for market entry. Factors affecting the growth of the smart drug delivery system market Various factors influence the growth of the smart drug delivery system market are; Technological Advancements: Continuous advances in technology, such as wireless connectivity, miniaturization, and sensor capabilities are driving the creation of increasingly sophisticated and effective smart drug delivery systems. Continuous advances in technology, such as wireless connectivity, miniaturization, and sensor capabilities are driving the creation of increasingly sophisticated and effective smart drug delivery systems. Patient-Centric Approach: Healthcare's increased focus on personalized medicine has spurred demand for intelligent drug delivery systems that improve patient convenience, increase adherence, and create more tailored experiences for treatment. Healthcare's increased focus on personalized medicine has spurred demand for intelligent drug delivery systems that improve patient convenience, increase adherence, and create more tailored experiences for treatment. Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: With chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions becoming increasingly prevalent, drug delivery systems that offer precise and targeted administration have become essential. With chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions becoming increasingly prevalent, drug delivery systems that offer precise and targeted administration have become essential. Demand for Prolonged and Controlled Release: Due to chronic illnesses requiring longer and controlled release of medications, smart drug delivery systems that offer precise dosing over a longer period are becoming increasingly necessary. Due to chronic illnesses requiring longer and controlled release of medications, smart drug delivery systems that offer precise dosing over a longer period are becoming increasingly necessary. Focused Attention on Precision Medicine: Precision medicine's increasing emphasis on tailoring treatments to individual patient characteristics has led to an increase in demand for drug delivery systems that provide medications accurately. Regional Analysis North America leads in smart drug delivery devices with 31% market share. This success can be attributed to rising chronic disease prevalence rates and a substantial target population base, the rapid adoption of innovative devices, ready availability of advanced technologies, and strong participation by key market players from both North America and Canada; Abbott Laboratories' prominent presence in both countries contributes significantly to driving this market forward and cementing its place within this niche sector. To understand how our report can make a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/smart-drug-delivery-system-market/#inquiry Competitive Landscape Novo Nordisk Abbott West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Findair Sp. z o. o. Adherium BIOCORP Propeller Health (ResMed Inc.) Cognita Labs, LLC CeQur Corporation Medtronic plc Other Key Players Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 9.7 Billion Forecast Revenue 2032 USD 32.5 Billion CAGR (2023 to 2032) 14.9% North America Revenue Share 31% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Market Drivers The Smart Drug Delivery System Market is driven by rapid technological developments in wireless and connected devices that are revolutionizing patient-administered therapy, increasing precision drug delivery for enhanced treatment outcomes. These innovations aim to revolutionize therapy through precise drug administration. Market growth can be seen through a renewed emphasis on patient-centric healthcare, encouraging the creation of systems that increase adherence rates and offer customized treatment experiences. Due to chronic diseases' increased prevalence globally, demand for intelligent drug delivery systems is on the rise; these ensure precise administration and controlled release of medications over extended periods. Collaborations between pharmaceutical and technology companies fuel innovation that drives market expansion. Market Restraints Although Smart Drug Delivery System appears promising, there remain serious security and privacy challenges related to the wireless nature of devices that present potential data breach risks and unapproved access of sensitive health data. Interoperability issues between existing healthcare systems as well as the need for standardized protocols could impede seamless integration, diminishing their efficacy as advanced drug delivery solutions. Resistance within traditional healthcare settings to change along with concerns over costs related to their implementation could hinder widespread adoption. Market Opportunities The Smart Drug Delivery System Market presents immense potential due to the rise of personalized medicine and patient-centric care. Wearable injectors represent a growing need for devices that offer long-acting medication administration, including long-term monitoring capabilities. Connected wearable injectors hold the greatest market share and represent this need. Market growth can be found through technological advancements that provide more sophisticated and efficient drug delivery systems. Collaborations between medical device and pharmaceutical companies continue to create innovative solutions and create growth opportunities. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=105742 Report segmentation of the smart drug delivery system market Product Type Analysis Wireless and smart drug delivery devices focus on patient-administered therapy. Their products range from needle-free injectors, inhalers, pen injectors, wearable injectors and others to connected needle-free injectors and inhalers. Connected wearable injectors were the market leaders, accounting for 29% market share in 2022 and expected to experience further expansion. These devices monitor autoinjector and prefilled syringe volumes and viscosities to dilute highly concentrated drugs into larger volumes for prolonged administration over time. Over the last decade, various medical device and pharmaceutical companies have taken great strides toward creating and marketing these injectors as part of a commitment to patient-centric drug delivery solutions. Application Insight The global smart drug delivery system market can be divided into applications for metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, hormonal disorders and others. Metabolic disorders account for 33% market share due to rising global prevalence rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes; approximately 422 million people worldwide suffer from this condition; with most affected living in low and middle-income countries where 1.5 million annual deaths from diabetes can be attributed. Smart drug delivery systems play an essential role in combatting metabolic disorders that pose global health challenges that need urgent solutions immediately. End-User Insight Homecare services are projected to experience rapid expansion due to rising rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic illnesses. Modern drug delivery devices will play an instrumental role in driving this growth; growing elderly populations coupled with rising incidences of diabetes often requiring in-home care solutions are major drivers. By 2022, 62% of new cases expected of type 1 diabetes globally would affect adults aged 20 or above according to International Diabetes Federation projections - further emphasizing their need. Recent developments in the smart drug delivery system market March 2023: Cognita Labs, LLC Received FDA clearance for its ProDose smart pill dispenser, which helps patients with medication adherence. Cognita Labs, LLC Received FDA clearance for its ProDose smart pill dispenser, which helps patients with medication adherence. May 2023: BIOCORP Launched a new digital health platform that allows patients to track their medication usage and receive medication reminders. BIOCORP Launched a new digital health platform that allows patients to track their medication usage and receive medication reminders. June 2023: Adherium Announced a partnership with Propeller Health to integrate their respective smart inhaler technologies. Adherium Announced a partnership with Propeller Health to integrate their respective smart inhaler technologies. September 2023: Abbott Received FDA approval for its FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, a continuous glucose monitoring system that can be worn for up to 14 days. Abbott Received FDA approval for its FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, a continuous glucose monitoring system that can be worn for up to 14 days. October 2023: Novo Nordisk Announced the launch of a connected insulin pen that allows patients to track their insulin doses and receive reminders. To understand Geography Trends, Download Sample Report Here: https://market.us/report/smart-drug-delivery-system-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation By Product Type Connected Needle-Free Injectors Connected Inhalers Connected Pen Injectors Connected Wearable Injectors Other Product Types By Application Metabolic Disorders Neurological Disorders Respiratory Disorders Hormonal Disorders Other Applications By End User Hospitals Clinics Homecare Other End-Users By Geography North America The US Canada Mexico Western Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Portugal Ireland Austria Switzerland Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Russia Poland The Czech Republic Greece Rest of Eastern Europe APAC China Japan South Korea India Australia & New Zealand Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Colombia Chile Argentina Costa Rica Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Algeria Egypt Israel Kuwait Nigeria Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey United Arab Emirates Rest of MEA Browse More Related Reports Surgical Microscopes Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3,020 Million by 2032 from USD 1,045 Million in 2022 Medical Carts Market size is expected to be worth around USD 4.0 Billion by 2032 from USD 1.9 Billion in 2022 Vaccine Adjuvants Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1,134.7 Million by 2022 from USD 3,933.7 Million in 2032 Smart Medical Devices Market size is expected to be worth around USD 474 Billion by 2032 from USD 153 Billion in 2022 Hemostats Market size is expected to be worth around USD 5.1 Billion by 2032 from USD 2.9 Billion in 2022 Physiotherapy Equipment Market accounts for USD 18.6 Billion. This market is estimated to reach USD 36.0 Billion in 2032 Drug Of Abuse Testing Market accounted for USD 6.8 Billion and is expected to reach around USD 11.8 Billion in 2032 About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PAC Machinery (PAC), a leader in packaging equipment and materials with one of the most comprehensive ranges of equipment, will exhibit three of its most popular packaging machines to kick off the 2024 expo season at the West Coast's largest packaging trade show, WestPack. The expo is held February 6-8, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. Bring your products and visit the PAC Machinery exhibit #5321 to discuss packaging solutions with PAC Machinerys equipment specialists. New distributors and customers are encouraged to stop by and talk business and whats new this year in terms of packaging equipment and materials! See PACs top-selling Rollbag R785 Automatic Bagger, the PVT Plus Med and D545 AV Band Sealer at the first packaging show of the year. PAC has exhibited at this show for years as a way to reach new customers and jump start lead generation in its west territory. We are focused on customers in fulfillment, pharma, medical packaging who attend the show thats why we are showcasing this variety of top machines," said Greg Berguig, Vice President, PAC Machinery. "With over 80 various machines across a number of product categories, our advantage is that we have a solution for any company because there is more than one way to package a product and we can recommend the optimal solution, Berguig said. For more information about the PAC Machinery exhibit, visit the show page on PACs website. https://www.pacmachinery.com/event/westpack-show-2024/ and visit PAC at Exhibit #5321 at the show. FEATURED MACHINES SHOWCASED AT THE EXHIBIT Rollbag R785 Automatic Bagger This system is a unique, all-electric, tabletop automatic poly bagger It is a dependable, industrial quality, multi-shift packaging solution with an advanced control system that can operate up to 40 bags/min depending on the application and materials. Read More PVT Plus Med Sealer The PVT Plus Med is a compact tabletop vacuum sealer, with gas flush capability and independent control of all process parameters. Read More The PVT Plus Med is a compact tabletop vacuum sealer, with gas flush capability and independent control of all process parameters. Read More The D545 AV Band Sealer The D545 AV Band Sealer is a flexible rotary pouch sealer that fits on a table. This continuous band sealer seals vertically and has a compact modern design that is ideal for applications that require accurate control of sealing temperature for consistent seal integrity. Read more ABOUT PAC MACHINERY For sales: sales@pacmachinery.com | 1.800.985.9570 | pacmachinery.com ABOUT PAC MACHINERY As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over 60 years, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses desiring more from their packaging capabilities. From global companies, pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to online retailers, PAC Machinery can transform packaging operations with customized solutions that immediately improve ROI. Products include: versatile poly bagging, shrink wrapping, bag sealing and flow wrapping systems. PACs solutions increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging requirement. PAC Machinerys globally recognized machine brands include: Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, and Rollbag, Headquartered in San Rafael, California with an additional manufacturing facilities in Berea, OH and Milwaukee, WI. PAC Machinery at 25 Tiburon Street, San Rafael, CA 94901. MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Winans | PAC Machinery Marketing Director 1 (800) 985-9570 x261 | Shannonw@pacmachinery.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b97e959-4fb7-4588-a4de-c8ff137803a8 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1152760-cff8-475c-98e4-c6148c54a431 TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CanadaHelps, the country's largest platform for donating and fundraising online, has released its annual year-end report today, highlighting an uptick in subscription-based giving as an increasingly popular way for Canadians to support their favourite charities. Revenues for monthly giving which is similar to a Netflix or Spotify subscription but instead enables Canadians to support their favourite charities with a monthly contribution have risen 11% year-over-year on CanadaHelps.org (totalling $39.5 million in donations). Despite this positive trend, donations are tracking at -2% compared to the same period last year, raising $318 million as of December 3rd. The rise of monthly donations is an encouraging sign that Canadians are giving strategically, said Pattie Lovett-Reid, personal finance expert and CanadaHelps brand ambassador. Not only does a monthly donation allow Canadians to budget their charitable donations year-round, a monthly gift also allows Canadian charities to properly plan for their programs and services year-round when they can rely on sustainable funding month after month. This is more important than ever given how tight budgets are in both households and charities across the country. As of December 3rd, 2023, other notable giving trends that have emerged in 2023 include: Donation revenue from securities on CanadaHelps.org has increased by 26%; this remains one of the most strategic ways to give as capital gains tax is eliminated on securities donations. More than 750,000 Canadians have donated, representing a -9% year-over-year decrease. On November 28th, GivingTuesday raised more than $13.6 million on CanadaHelps, which is approximately a 2% increase from 2022. With it being such a financially challenging year, its comforting to see so many Canadians give in such strategic ways such as monthly giving and donations of securities, said Duke Chang, President and Chief Executive Officer of CanadaHelps. Its clear that the subscription economy is growing in Canadas charitable sector. Centre Wellington, Ontario Crowned Canadas Most Generous City As of November 30th, Centre Wellington, Ontario was deemed to be the most generous city in Canada with 6.11% of their total population of more than 31,000 having donated to a charity using CanadaHelps this year. Following Centre Wellington to round out the top five cities are Collingwood, Ontario (5.84%); St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador (5.36%); Fort Erie, Ontario (5.07%); and Whitehorse, Yukon (5.04%). While generosity can be measured in so many ways, including both financial and non-financial ways of giving, its so nice to see how a small community can come together to make a big difference, said Chang. While its important to celebrate the generosity of Canadians, we are also facing a troubling double-edged sword. As more Canadians are turning to charities for essential charitable services to get help due to the inflated cost of living, nearly two in ten Canadians are planning to give less to charities this year, likely due to the same high cost of living issue. With just a few weeks left in the year, we are calling on Canadians who are in the position to give generously this holiday season, supporting those in need and causes they care about. Other major cities in Canada are ranked among the countrys most generous cities. This includes Halifax in 12th position (4.03%), Ottawa in 26th position (3.47%), Toronto in 37th position (2.95%), Vancouver in 41st place (2.91%), Hamilton in 53rd place (2.62%), Calgary in 61st place (2.54%), Edmonton in 68th place (2.41%), Winnipeg in 69th place (2.35%), and Montreal in 143rd place (1.11%). CanadaHelps Launches 12 Ways of Giving Campaign To highlight the various creative ways that Canadians can give before December 31st, CanadaHelps is celebrating the return of its 12 Ways to Give campaign to encourage Canadians to get creative to make a difference in support of their favourite charity or cause this holiday season. Offering a variety of ways to give while keeping budget top of mind, the 12 Ways to Give includes: Charity Gift Card: Purchasers choose a gift card design and value, and they get a tax receipt. The recipient gets to browse more than 86,000 registered charities and can choose one or more charities to donate the funds to. The gift of a Charity Gift Card is a great last-minute stocking stuffer idea and way to get children engaged in giving. Launch a Fundraiser: Choose one or more charities to raise funds for and launch a fundraiser in minutes. Supporters receive an instant tax receipt and money raised is sent directly to the charity. Monthly Giving: Many more Canadians are experiencing the benefits of setting up a monthly donation in support of their favourite charity. Not only does it allow them to budget their donations year-round, it also helps charities better budget and plan for programs knowing they have sustainable funding. Plus, donations make an impact throughout the year. The launch of CanadaHelps 12 Ways of Giving campaign follows the release of a November Ipsos poll commissioned by CanadaHelps that revealed two in ten (20%) Canadians currently rely on charities for essential services such as food, shelter and health services, which could increase to 24% of Canadians expecting to turn to charities for help over the next six months. Among Canadians who are currently turning to charities for essential services, 69% are doing so for the very first time this year. For more information on ways to support Canadian charities, visit CanadaHelps. Resources: Media resources including b-roll, the full list of Canadas most generous cities, Ipsos polling data, images, spokesperson bios, and recent press releases are available for download in this online media kit. Phone, Zoom, or Facetime interviews can be booked with CanadaHelps. Interviews can be conducted in-person in Toronto. About CanadaHelps: CanadaHelps is a public foundation advancing philanthropy through technology. For Canadians, it powers CanadaHelps.org, a safe and trusted destination for discovering and supporting any charity in Canada, and UniteforChange.com, where Canadians can learn about causes and easily support the collective work of charities addressing a cause they care about. CanadaHelps also develops affordable fundraising technology used by more than 30,000 charities, and free training and education so that, regardless of size, all charities have the capacity to increase their impact and succeed in the digital age. Since 2000, more than 4.5 million people have given more than $2.8 billion through CanadaHelps. Connect with CanadaHelps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. ## Attachment London, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global multi-cancer early detection market, presently valued at approximately US$0.89 Bn, is projected to witness an impressive CAGR of 16.3% through 2030. By the end of forecast year, the market size will reach approximately US$2.5 Bn. The key drivers for the markets expansion include the rising cancer incidence, government emphasis on early detection, and the development of precise tests capable of simultaneously detecting various cancers lacking efficient screening approaches. Get Sample Copy of Report at: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/multi-cancer-early-detection-market/request-sample REPORT SCOPE Report Attributes Details Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 2030 Market Size in 2022 US$0.89 Bn Estimated Market Size in 2030 US$2.5 Bn CAGR 16.3% Growth Drivers Exploding Rate of Cancer Prevalence Growing Awareness Regarding Potential Benefits of Early Detection Segmentation By Type (Liquid Biopsy, Gene Panel, LDT, Others) By End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Others) Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America) Middle East & Africa (GCC, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa) Key Players Illumina, Inc., Foundation Medicine, Inc., Grail, Llc, Exact Sciences Corporation, AnchorDx, GENECAST, Burning Rock Biotech Limited, Guardant Health, Inc., Laboratory for Advanced Medicine, Inc., Elypta, Singlera Genomics Inc., Oncocyte Corporation, EarlyDiagnostics, Inc., Prenetics Global Limited (Prenetics), Micronoma Inc. The multi-cancer early detection market is poised for substantial growth fueled by technological advancements, increasing awareness, and the significant benefits associated with early cancer detection. Key trends such as technological innovation and government support are pivotal factors shaping the market's trajectory, explains the companys analyst. The global prevalence of cancer is on the rise, significantly impacting both American, and international societies. The ageing population, especially in high-income countries, is expected to contribute to the increasing burden of cancer. The market for early detection of the disease is thus anticipated to grow in the years to come. Key Research Insights The gene panel category led the market in 2022, providing precise risk assessment, and early detection by studying various genes linked to malignancies. Hospitals worldwide dominate the market owing to their role as comprehensive medical service hubs, offering a focal point for all-inclusive medical services. Europe is expected to hold the largest market share globally, for multi-cancer early detection. Insights into Segmentation Analysis Gene Panels Led the Charge in 2022 In a transformative year for cancer detection, the gene panel category takes the spotlight, dominating the multi-cancer early detection market in 2022. Driven by a growing awareness of hereditary disorders, gene panels offer comprehensive testing for various malignancies, aiming to detect tumors early and elevate patient survival rates. Notably, the liquid biopsy segment emerges as a frontrunner, experiencing rapid market growth and gaining acclaim as one of the world's top 10 emerging technologies. Gene panels' adaptability in detecting a wide range of cancer-related genomic abnormalities will continue to position it in a dominant position. Hospitals Spearhead Awareness and Testing Hospitals emerge as the central hub for multi-cancer early detection, dominating the industry in 2022. Leveraging specialized medical professionals, hospitals play a pivotal role in diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness. As awareness of multi-cancer early detection technologies grows, hospitals become crucial in checking asymptomatic patients for various cancers, contributing to therapy advancements. The diagnostic laboratories category anticipates substantial growth, fueled by increased testing demands and resources utilized for comprehensive assessments. Key Report Highlights Awareness campaigns conducted by governmental and non-governmental groups are addressing the need for early detection, resulting in increased demand for multi-cancer screening tests, especially in developing regions. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes, lower healthcare expenditures, and higher patient survival rates. The emphasis on prompt intervention and specialised therapy, made possible by early diagnosis, encourages investment in multi-cancer early detection technologies. Insights into Regional Analysis Europe Takes the Lead in Revenue Contribution Paving the way to earlier detection and improved outcomes, the market for multi-cancer early detection has the strongest foothold across Europe, and North America. These regions will continue to lead the charge, leveraging research initiatives and government support. Europe solidifies its position as the largest revenue-contributing region in the global multi-cancer early detection market. The region's ascent is propelled by a surge in cancer incidence and substantial investments in research and development. Initiatives like the EU-funded DeteCTCs effort, accelerating the commercialization of CellMate innovation, underscore Europe's commitment to enhancing cancer patient detection and care standards. With an expanding population vulnerable to chronic diseases, the European Union intensifies its focus on multi-cancer early detection programs, driving significant market expansion. North America Races Ahead with Unprecedented Growth Anticipating the fastest growth, North America emerges as a dynamic force in the multi-cancer early detection market. The region's momentum is fueled by increased government and market participant activity, with a significant NCI-funded trial on a single MCED test on the horizon. As the region grapples with a surge in cancer incidence, projections from the American Cancer Society highlight the urgent need for advanced detection methods. With groundbreaking trials and rising cancer cases, North America sets the pace for the market's rapid expansion through 2030. North America's leadership in the multi-cancer early detection market is clearly attributable to the regions outstanding R&D capabilities, accelerated technological advancements, and a supportive regulatory framework that fosters innovation and commercialisation. The hope for earlier detection and improved outcomes in the battle against cancer has been higher across these two regions, which continues to keep the North American and European markets ahead of the others in the industry. Browse Global Multi-cancer Early Detection Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030 - (By Type Coverage, By End User Coverage, By Geographic Coverage and By Company): https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/multi-cancer-early-detection-market Browse Similar Reports: Counterfeit Drug Detection Devices Market: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/counterfeit-drug-detection-devices-market Cancer Biopsy Market: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/cancer-biopsy-market Pediatric Medical Devices Market: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/pediatric-medical-devices-market About Us Fairfield Market Research is a UK-based market research provider. Fairfield offers a wide spectrum of services, ranging from customized reports to consulting solutions. With a strong European footprint, Fairfield operates globally and helps businesses navigate through business cycles, with quick responses and multi-pronged approaches. The company values an eye for insightful take on global matters, ably backed by a team of exceptionally experienced researchers. With a strong repository of syndicated market research reports that are continuously published & updated to ensure the ever-changing needs of customers are met with absolute promptness. Contact Fairfield Market Research London, UK UK +44 (0)20 30025888 USA (Toll-free) +1 (844) 3829746 Web: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/ Email: sales@fairfieldmarketresearch.com LinkedIn | Twitter NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LBMC Employment Partners , a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), HR outsourcing, payroll service bureau and benefits broker based in Nashville, TN, is pleased to announce it has joined the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry/Tennessee Manufacturers Association (TMA) as an Affinity Partner. The strategic partnership follows the announcement that LBMC Employment Partners was named a 2023 Top Employee Benefits Consultant by Mployer Advisor for the third year in a row, earning the distinction as one of only 12 providers in Tennessee. The partnership with Tennessee Chamber/TMA further reinforces LBMCs commitment to the business community across Tennessee. As the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Manufacturers Association, we represent business and industry statewide, and we are excited about partnering with LBMC to provide companies access to top-tier human resource management services, said Sarah Burnett, Chief of Staff and Director of Foundation, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We are honored to join forces with the Tennessee Chamber and are thankful for the opportunity to provide valuable HR support and resources to its esteemed members. We are equally excited to be recognized as a Top Employee Benefits Consultant by Mployer Advisor for the third year in a row. Through our relationships with both organizations, we look forward to further contributing to Tennessees thriving economy through continued partnerships with the business community, said Sharon Powlus , President/CEO, LBMC Employment Partners. The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry/Tennessee Manufacturers Association serves as the voice of diverse business and manufacturing trade interests on employment and economic issues across Tennessee and fosters relationships in the business community for the economic health of the state. Mployer Advisor is a leader in connecting employers and employees to great benefits. The firms Top Employee Benefits Consultant Award Program evaluates brokers based on industry experience, company size, online ratings and reviews and recognizes those with a track record of success among employers, insurance providers and peers. About LBMC Employment Partners LBMC Employment Partners, LLC, a member of the LBMC Family of Companies, is a world-class professional services firm. LBMC Employment Partners provides a comprehensive suite of human resource-related services to businesses, including Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services, HR Outsourcing (HRO), Payroll, Payroll Tax Outsourcing, Human Resource Consulting, Employee Benefits, and ACA Compliance Consulting. As a proud partner and authorized reseller of UKG Ready, LBMC Employment Partners helps clients be successful by offering a full suite of automated, scalable tools through this unified Human Capital Management system. LBMC Employment Partners is also the only Tennessee-based PEO to receive the Certified Professional Employment Organization (CPEO) designation in the first round of IRS certifications. For information on joining our PEO or to learn more about how we can help your business, visit www.lbmcep.com . All services referenced in this press release are offered by LBMC Employment Partners, LLC. LBMC Employment Partners, LLC, is part of the LBMC Family of Companies and is an independent entity with services and products being provided exclusively by LBMC Employment Partners, LLC. About LBMC LBMC is a 2023 Forbes Best Tax and Accounting Firm , one of the Southeasts largest accounting and business consulting firms, and an Accounting Today Top Firm in the Nation serving approximately 11,000 clients with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. Primary client groups include privately-owned middle market companies in the healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and private equity space. LBMC has more than 850 team members, with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today is an industry leader in financial, human resources, technology, cybersecurity, and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. For more information on LBMCs experts and comprehensive services, visit lbmc.com or call 615.377.4600. LBMC is growing, and job opportunities can be found on our careers page. Attachment WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mionetto , the worlds most recognized Prosecco winery, announces the launch of its newest innovation, Mionetto Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Wine. Joining the iconic Prestige portfolio, Mionetto Alcohol-Removed will be available nationwide as of 2024 and serves as a true testament to Mionettos passion for quality and innovation. Since 1887, Mionetto has continuously pushed the Italian sparkling wine category to new lengths, says Alessio del Savio, Mionetto winemaker. Our expansion to Alcohol-Removed is a commitment to our storied winemaking expertise, as we worked to create a refreshing, enjoyable sparkling wine to taste as close as possible to our prestigious Prosecco Brut for all to enjoy. Mionetto Alcohol-Removed offers a less than 0.05% ABV as a result of expertly extracting the alcohol content from a finished wine to ensure the rich and distinct aromas and fruity, fresh, light flavor profile remains. Similar to the traditional Prosecco taste profile, Mionetto Alcohol-Removed features bright notes of peach and green apple. Certified vegan and gluten free, Mionetto Alcohol-Removed is low calorie at 75 kcal per bottle and low sugar, setting a new industry standard as a superior product within the category. Mionetto has long been the leader of innovation, says Enore Ceola, CEO of Freixenet Mionetto USA. When you look back to Mionettos history, we have paved the way for the Prosecco category to grow into one of the most desirable today by listening to consumers. With a growing consumer demand for alcohol-free options, we are confident that Mionetto Alcohol-Removed will meet the expectations of consumers who are actively making choices to better their health and lifestyle and will not sacrifice exceptional taste and quality. Mionetto Alcohol-Removed retails for $15 and will be available nationally. About Mionetto Mionetto has been Italy's foremost Prosecco producer for over 135 years with an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. The winery was founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the heart of the Prosecco region, in the small village of Valdobbiadene, just north of Venice. Mionetto is one of the area's oldest wine producers with long-established relationships with star growers, ensuring a consistent supply of quality grapes. As a producer who bottles-to-order, Mionetto ensures the ultimate freshness and superior quality in every bottle. Follow Mionetto on Instagram and Facebook . About Freixenet Mionetto USA Freixenet Mionetto USA , the United States subsidiary of Henkell Freixenet, offers a comprehensive portfolio of premium, iconic sparkling & still wine brands from renowned producers around the world including Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the United States. Led by quality and innovation, the company ranks in the top three sparkling wine companies and number one globally. For additional news on Freixenet Mionetto USA, visit us on LinkedIn . Media Contacts: Jane Shapiro PR & Corp. Communications Manager Jane.Shapiro@fxmusa.com Suzie Kukaj-Curovic Senior Director, PR & Corporate Communications Suzie.Kukaj@fxmusa.com CLEVELAND, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ON Partners , a pure-play retained executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams, published its 2023 Variance Report. In anticipation of the new year, the report, which was developed by ON Partners proprietary data tools, provides boards and senior leadership teams with C-suite compensation projections, as well as recruitment trends as we move into 2024. The report delves into major shifts impacting the business world, including average compensation rates by company size, geo-market hiring demand, and industry sectors experiencing the greatest shifts in talent management strategies. This years Variance Report leverages transparency and data innovation, specifically as it relates to overall compensation for the executive marketplace, said Tim Conti, Co-President of ON Partners. Through our research, we were able to confirm trends in CEO and C-suite compensation and a rise in executive recruitment in Middle America. The report concluded that as a company's size doubles, C-level positions increase in total median compensation expectations by an average of 11%. As the company size increases, CEOs experience a 21% average increase through each incremental change. This amounted to an acceleration from about 13% to over 40% in compensation as the company grew. On the contrary, C-Suite positions such as chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), chief human resources officer (CHRO), President, chief revenue officer (CRO), chief strategy officer (CSO), chief information technology officer (CITO), and general manager (GM) only experienced linear growth trends. Historically, in the late 20th century, due to a heightened emphasis on maximizing shareholder value, a change was made to how CEOs were compensated. The association of executive pay in combination with stock performance further enticed CEOs to increase share prices, resulting in substantial paychecks when they were able to succeed. While other phenomena have proven to contribute to the salary of CEOs, factors such as company performance, industry norms, the scope as well as complexity of the role, and peer comparison each play an active part in the final decision for a CEO's salary. As companies have navigated a complex terrain this year, evaluating strategic decisions amidst market fluctuations and geopolitical challenges, the majority of executive hiring momentum is occurring in Middle America, continued Conti. Executive recruitment has notably increased by over 58% in the Midwest region over the past two years, which has surpassed the figures from the preceding two-year period. This notable shift is particularly pronounced in Illinois and Ohio. In fact, recent Business Insider research confirmed that tech and innovation companies specifically were thriving in Middle America. ON Partners data further validates this finding, attributing the shift to several factors such as favorable economic conditions, business-friendly policies, and a skilled workforce. Texas specifically has spearheaded a 10% uptick in executive leadership placements during the same period over the past two years, while Georgia and North Carolina collectively witnessed a substantial 33% increase in executive hiring. ON is strategically developing further AI-enabled predictive analytics to enhance the firm's ability to forecast future talent success and increase efficiency in executive candidate assessment and sourcing. This will be done while continuing to leverage the skillset and expertise of all partners to drive AI technological advancements within the industry and create more inclusive, efficient, and predictive data. To learn more about ONs approach and additional findings within this years Variance Report, visit https://onpartners.com/contact-executive-recruitment-agency/. About ON Partners Established in 2006, ON Partners is the only pure-play executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams. We rebuilt the institution of executive search in the way you work, with an approach that includes present partners who engage with clients from the first brief to the final decision, individually crafted solutions unique to each client, and an easier experience overall. Named by Forbes as one of Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms and to the Inc. 500/5000 List nine times, ON Partners is consistently ranked among the top 20 retained executive search firms in the U.S. Media Contact Amber Good LeadCoverage amber@leadcoverage.com VistaJet named Best of the Best by Robb Report Hong Kong; Also awarded Best AOC Charter Operator for the fifth year* at the Asian Business Aviation Associations Icons of Aviation Awards; Vista recorded 68% year-on-year growth in flight hours across the Asia Pacific region as at September 2023. Hong Kong/Singapore, December 13th 2023 VistaJet, the worlds first and only global business aviation company, has been proudly honored by Robb Report Hong Kong as the Best of the Best in the aviation category for 2023. VistaJet also clinched the title of Best AOC Charter Operator from the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) for a fifth year running. Best of the Best by Robb Report Hong Kong is an annual print and digital compendium in which the best brands, products, services, places, and experiences are bestowed with the ultimate accolade, celebrating the marriage of remarkable craftsmanship, exceptional design, and impeccable quality. The AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards are voted by the private aviation community, to recognize best business practices, operations standards, and service excellence in the industry. It is an honor to receive these two prestigious awards that are highly recognized in both the luxury and private aviation sectors. We couldnt have done it without the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our global team, who delivers the highest standards on every flight. We are truly proud of what we have accomplished during our soon-to-be 20 years in the industry. This is just the beginning." Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet. We are delighted to honor VistaJet as an award winner in the Aviation category of Best of the Best 2023, Robb Report Hong Kongs annual anthology of the finest luxury brands, products, and experiences. VistaJet is a leader in the aviation field, and the companys continued excellence and pioneering initiatives are a testament to its success. Tak Man, CEO, Robb Report Hong Kong On behalf of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), I am delighted to congratulate VistaJet on winning the Best AOC Charter Operator award at the AsBAA Icons of Aviation (IOA) 2023 awards gala. This award is a testament to VistaJet's commitment to providing its customers with the highest quality charter service. VistaJet has consistently set the bar high for the industry, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as a leading AOC charter operator in Asia. We look forward to an even bigger and better IOA in 2024, and we encourage all our members to continue to strive for excellence. Our utmost congratulations again to VistaJet on their well-deserved award. Jenny Lau, Chairwoman Asian Business Aviation Association As at September 2023, Vistas total flight hours grew over 22% globally across its leading VistaJet and XO brands. The Groups strong growth included rapid expansion in Asia, which witnessed an impressive 68% growth rate in flight hours year-on-year. The VistaJet Program membership delivered an increase of over 40% globally and 16% in Asia year-on-year. Add-on hours by existing Members grew 46% year-on-year for Vista and 13% in Asia as demand for private travel remains strong. The demand for ultra-long-range travel to and from Asia has been a significant factor propelling this growth. This has been serviced by the Vista Members fleet of more than 360 aircraft covering all categories, from short-range aircraft to its flagship Global 7500, the largest and longest-range business jets in the world, able to fly 17 hours non-stop. VistaJet recently launched the aviation industrys first 360 Wellness program, spanning four continents and 20 disciplines. The program provides comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight and at-destination wellbeing experiences. The VistaJet Wellness program is meticulously tailored for its Members, and the seamless services help passengers stay at their best throughout their travels. In the lead-up to its 20th anniversary in 2024, VistaJet will continue to pioneer better ways to fly and live with its exclusive offerings. * The last AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards took place in 2019. The event was placed on hold between 2020-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. --ENDS-- Information VistaJet | press@vistajet.com About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. The company has flown corporations, governments, and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJets signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours and guaranteed access to the Vista Members fleet of over 360 mid, long, and ultra-long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. VistaJet is part of Vista the worlds first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-light solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation. More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17 and is incorporated in Malta under Company Number C 55231. VistaJet US Inc. is an Air Charter Broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet and its subsidiaries are not U.S. direct carriers. VistaJet-owned and U.S. registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC. Attachments 13 DECEMBER 2023 RICHEMONT ANNOUNCES LAURENT MALECAZE AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO OF CHLOE Richemont announces that Riccardo Bellini has decided not to renew his mandate as President and CEO of Chloe after four years in the role. The decision was made in full collaboration with the Group to allow a proper completion of his mission and a smooth onboarding and start of the new Creative Director. During his tenure as President and CEO of Chloe, Riccardo has led a successful elevation and transformation of the brand, overseeing a period of growth and strong results both financially and creatively. He oversaw the appointment of Chemena Kamali as new Creative Director and the development of her first Fall 24 collection, making Chloe ready for another successful chapter. Riccardos vision and leadership was also instrumental in transforming Chloe into a purpose-driven company, as a pioneer in sustainability. Riccardo Bellini commented: I am proud of four amazing years of business growth, transformation and successful results, the continuous elevation of the Maison and the leadership and pioneering role that Chloe plays today in sustainability. I am thankful to my incredible teams and to Richemont for the great support and partnership throughout. Today Chloe has the solid foundations to continue to grow bigger and stronger and I am fully confident that Chemena Kamali as new Creative Director will unlock the full potential of the Maison. I wish her and the entire Chloe team all the best future success. Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Richemonts Fashion and Accessories Maisons, commented: I would like to thank Riccardo for his dedication and leadership over the last four years at Chloe. He has helped reconnect Chloe with its purpose, bringing a unique point of differentiation within the industry and laying the foundations for its next cycle of growth. It was a pleasure to work with him and I wish him success in his future projects. Riccardo Bellini will leave his role at Chloe by the end of December 2023. He will be succeeded by Laurent Malecaze as President and CEO of Chloe. Laurent joins from dunhill where he oversaw a successful turnaround of the business over the past two years. He previously led AZ Factory, part of Richemont, which he started up with Alber Elbaz. Prior to this, he was CEO of New York-based The Webster, a luxury multi-brand retailer, after several years as a strategic consultant at Bain & Company. Laurent Malecaze commented: I am extremely honoured to be leading such an iconic French luxury Maison. I am thrilled to start this new chapter with the immensely talented Chemena Kamali. Philippe Fortunato commented: I am pleased to announce Laurent as the new President and CEO of Chloe. Laurent has a proven track record in partnering with great creative talents, and his ability to energise an organisation will be instrumental to lead Chloe during this period of creative renewal. I am confident his partnership with Chemena will usher in a sustained period of growth for the Maison. The new CEO of dunhill will be announced in due course. About Richemont At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemonts ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term. Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar including G/FORE, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. In addition, Richemont operates NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division. Find out more at www.richemont.com. Richemont A shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemonts primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index (SMI) of leading stocks. The A shares are also traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemonts secondary listing. Investor/analyst and media enquiries Investor/analyst enquiries: +41 22 721 30 03; investor.relations@cfrinfo.net Media enquiries: +41 22 721 35 07; pressoffice@cfrinfo.net Please find the Company Announcement available online below: Company Announcement EN Reykjavik Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavikur; OR) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) have agreed on a green loan financing of energy and utility projects in the amount of USD 100 million, corresponding to about ISK 13.8 billion. The financing will solidify ON Powers electricity generation in the Hengill area and enhance Veitur Utilities district heating system in Icelands capital area. The loan agreement is for 10 years and can be drawn on for 18 months from signing. Increased demand for heat and power The use of hot water has significantly increased in line with the construction of new housing in recent years. Also, the demand for thermal energy from various industries is also growing, resulting in Veitur Utilities revising plans for obtaining geothermal water. In recent years, the increased demand has been entirely met by upgrading capacity in the power plants of the sister company, ON Power, in the Hengill high-temperature area. Increased geothermal exploration is now also planned in low-temperature areas in the vicinity of Reykjavik. The use has also called for diverse measures to increase the transmission capacity of the district heating system to certain parts of the capital area. ON Power operates geothermal power plants at Nesjavellir and Hellisheidi. Their combined electrical capacity is 423 megawatts. Additionally, the hot water production in the power plants currently covers more than half of the heating needs in the capital area. In order to maintain responsible utilisation, more steam must be obtained from the Hengill geothermal area, which is one of Icelands largest. Drilling is planned and the doubling of a steam pipeline from the utilisation area at Hverahli. Svar Freyr rainsson, CEO: "I welcome this agreement with the Nordic Investment Bank regarding financing our important renewable energy projects, but the bank has previously financed many of our most extensive investments in renewable energy generation and environmentally friendly utilities. The demand for renewable energy and reliable services of the respective utility systems is growing rapidly. We at OR Group have ambitions for people's quality of life and to be enablers of a robust green economy. After the recent events on the Reykjanes Peninsula, we also need to consider long-term energy security in a new light. It is good to have diverse financing options. The working capital from our operations to cover investments is solid. OR has also been successful in issuing green bonds, and this direct green debt financing of NIB is important. All the while, financing the groundbreaking climate project of Carbfix in Straumsvik is underway through selling new shares. It is crucial to have such choices when projects are large and urgent." Contact: Svar Freyr rainsson CEO + 354 516 6100 Toronto, ON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foxglove Spirits Ltd. is pleased to announce, Valley of Mother of God Gin has been awarded two top honours this month at The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters spirits blind-tasting competition . The Maplewood Smoked Gin was awarded a Master Medal in the Ultra-Premium heat while their Canadian Dry Gin took home a coveted gold medal in the Super Premium category. The prestigious competition took place in London, England, often seen as the gin capital of the world. The panel was comprised of internationally renowned experts in the field and there was no shortage of heavy-hitters amongst the competition, with some gin makers coming from long-established pedigree as well as a handful of newcomers with heavy Hollywood clout. Valley of Mother of God Gin co-founders Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry knew they were facing an uphill battle of David and Goliath proportions, but their winning recipes, hard work and determination to stay true to their brand paid off. One of the judges clearly agreed, as they commented on the Maplewood Smoked Gin: This gin impressed with very delicate smoke, elegantly done,' leading to 'sweetness, pine and citrus,' which shone through on the palate. The brand was created by partners in life and business, Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry at their farm north of Toronto, and launched at the LCBO in April 2020. From the very beginning, their gins have been received with acclaim - winning gold medals at international competitions upon initial release. "From the very beginning of this journey in 2017, our goal was to develop a world class gin that would highlight the aromas and flavours of the Canadian landscape," explains Shelly Perry, Co-founder. "It seemed to us that the wonderfully transportive, subtle hint of wood smoke from a campfire would resonate not only with Canadians, but with nature lovers around the world. Our ethos is that nature really is the source of true luxury." Although launching at the onset of the global pandemic proved challenging, after only three years, Valley of Mother of God continues its momentum and currently ranks as the #1 domestic luxury gin brand in LCBO. It has also garnered attention from some big players: iconic global spirits brand Campari recognized the exceptional quality of the gin and in 2021 chose it to help promote the classic Negroni cocktail in LCBO as well as in upscale bars and restaurants. "The partnership with Campari is now entering its third year and we plan to add further collaborations in 2024 with brands that share our philosophy, says Malcolm Roberts, Co-founder. Distribution and sales to British Columbia and Alberta began last summer, and a capital raise is currently underway to fund further growth across Canada and into key markets in the United States. The company has ambitious plans underway for expansion across international markets. "After five years of development, we are delighted that all of our hard work is paying off," says Roberts. "With our Maplewood Smoked Gin being recognized as one of the best ultra premium gins in the world, we are well positioned for growth. Although we were founded in rural Ontario, from the beginning we envisioned Valley of Mother of God as a global luxury spirits brand. ### About Foxglove Spirits Foxglove Spirits is a 5-year-old Canadian producer of luxury alcohol products developed through innovative strategies, head snap creativity, global expertise and the worlds finest ingredients. For high resolution images and all media inquiries: Jenny Shin, President and CEO Milestones Public Relations E. jshin@milestones-pr.com T. 1-647-286-8584 Assets Website: https://www.valleyofmotherofgod.ca/ Instagram: @valleyofmotherofgodgin Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/valleyofmotherofgod/ Attachment Charleston, SC, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The most successful business leaders know that customer service can set a company apart from the crowd. Valerie Russell is no stranger to the concept. She spent over thirty-five years working in customer service and business administration across nearly a dozen industries, and one thing that has been true for her entire career is that brand loyalty depends on relationships. Unfortunately, the digital era has seen a rise in antisocial behavior and a decline in quality customer care. Since the pandemic, these trends have only worsened. In her transformative book on the subject, From Entrance To Exit, Russell teaches companies how to create impactful customer service models from the ground up. Working through the fine details of this lost art, Russell empowers companies to succeed on this important front. The book contains conversation starters, practice exercises, and inspiring stories from Russells own professional journey. These personal reflections and winning strategies help companies learn to build lasting trust from the parking lot to the exit. Covering sales, onboarding, troubleshooting, and more, the book is a comprehensive take on what it means to serve well, empathize deeply, and live out a principled, loyalty-earning approach to customer relations. From Entrance To Exit is of great value for professionals looking to improve their own customer service skills, for managers working to develop better procedures, and for readers who simply want to better their relationships. From Entrance To Exit is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. About the Author: Valerie Russell is a customer service and administration expert with over thirty-five years of experience in retail, healthcare, childcare, education, ministry, insurance, information directories, and more. She received a bachelors in healthcare administration in 2019. Valerie is passionate about customer-centered care, and she now writes to reverse the steep decline in service across American industries. She currently lives in Texas with her three sons. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia/Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fitness World , a leading BC gym committed to providing equitable access to fitness and wellness, proudly commemorates three years of exceptional growth since 2020 when new ownership stepped in. The journey has been transformative, marked by strategic expansion, groundbreaking programs, substantial investments, and a steadfast commitment to community support, establishing Fitness World as a staple local gym in the community. New locations and Innovative programs In 2020, Fitness World re-opened with a resounding impact, launching with 15 locations across Vancouver, Victoria and the lower mainland, and has since continued to expand its footprint. Two additional Fitness World locations were introduced in 2022, followed by the unveiling of cutting-edge TRAIN by Fitness World facility in 2023. In addition to its physical expansion, the gym has introduced innovative programs and services, including the Group Fitness formats of Booty Burn, MSINGI, Tempo Strength, and SoulBody Barre. Fitness World is also proud to be the first in Canada to bring hot/cold loungers as an option for Cryotherapy benefits, demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of health and fitness trends. Since 2022, Fitness World has serviced over 2,500 hours of childminding across 6 of their locations, further reducing the barrier to entry for families and parents on their fitness journey. Investment in equipment and club upgrades With an impressive investment of $6.8 million in state-of-the-art equipment, Fitness World remains dedicated to providing its members with the best fitness experience. This investment extends beyond equipment to include significant upgrades to the club facilities, ensuring a modern and comfortable environment for its growing community. Membership Growth, Engagement and Community Support As a result, membership growth has soared, expanding from 50,000 in 2020 to an impressive 80,000+ members in 2023. The commitment of Fitness World members is evident in the impressive tally of over 11.2 million workouts, approximately 260,000 personal training sessions, and 54,860 group fitness classes since its opening. The members are active participants in community events organized by Fitness World, many supporting local charity partners. The commitment to making a positive impact beyond its gym walls is evident in the $50,000+ contributed, and free memberships donated to various charitable organizations, including Covenant House, Downtown Eastside Womens Centre, individual members, and Indigenous organizations. Trainer Development and Job Creation Fitness World takes pride in contributing to the professional growth of fitness trainers in BC, with over 250 new trainers graduating from the British Columbia Personal Training Institute (BCPTI) since 2020 and professional and skill development workshops taking place monthly for Fitness Worlds 200+ personal trainers. The gym has become a major employer in the community, currently boasting over 600 employees. Financial Success The investment into their facilities, equipment, trainers, community and members has proved fruitful, with Fitness World achieving a remarkable 24% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last three years. Notably, the gym achieved profitability in its first month of opening, a testament to the enthusiastic support it received from the community upon reopening its doors. Digital Presence and Customer Satisfaction Fitness World has successfully built a thriving social media community, with growth from zero to over 10,000 followers by the end of 2023. Customer satisfaction remains high, reflected in the gym's impressive 4+ star rating. As Fitness World celebrates these achievements, it reiterates its commitment to providing unparalleled fitness experiences and contributing positively to the well-being of its members and the community at large. Chris Smith, President and CEO of Fitness World Canada shares Our journey and success over the past three years has been a testament to the resilience of our team and the unwavering support of our members. This is just the beginning and we have big plans next year to build on this momentum and continue to bring the most accessible and equitable fitness experience to all. As Fitness World marks three years of success in its comeback journey, the company remains focused on inspiring and empowering individuals to lead healthy and active lives. The dedication to wellness, community engagement, and member satisfaction sets Fitness World apart as a leader in the Vancouver fitness market. About Fitness World: With 16 locations across the Lower Mainland, Fitness World is a high-value, low-cost gym committed to helping people reach their fitness goals, whatever those may be. Exercise and movement play a pivotal role in supporting peoples overall health and wellness, and it is Fitness Worlds mission to provide inclusive spaces where communities feel supported and safe. The organization offers state-of-the-art gym equipment, personalized programs, and countless amenities starting at just $9.99 bi-weekly, providing high-quality fitness that is accessible to all. Visit fitnessworld.ca for more information. MEDIA CONTACT Yulu PR fw@yulupr.com +1.604.558.1656 Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Methode Electronics Inc (NYSE: MEI) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud and may file a class action on behalf of investors. Methode investors that lost money on their investment are encouraged to contact Lesley Portnoy, Esq. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On July 14, 2023, Methode announced that, On July 10, 2023, Joseph Khoury was placed on leave from his position as Chief Operating Officer of Methode Electronics, Inc. (company), and his powers, authority and duties as such officer of the Company were suspended. On December 7, 2023, Methode announced that the company had removed Joseph Khoury from his position as Chief Operating Officer and terminated him as an employee. On this news, the price of Methode stock fell sharply, thereby damaging investors. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising McQ Inc. teamed with Iridium and AGIS to conduct a global demonstration of the new DoD mandated CJADC2 Command and Control messaging technology to show that near-term adoption is available. FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Combined All Domain Command and Control Communications (CJADC2) strategy is imperative for the U.S. military and its allies to continue dominating global military operations. The current increase in adversary military interventions is undermining U.S. interests and directly threatening U.S. forces and allies. Rapid changes to the international security environment have us facing enemies with new strategies and offensives impeding and possibly denying our command and control (C2) capabilities. This potential threat could debilitate our battlespace knowledge, undermining our ability to effectively act at the crucial speed of relevance. The CJADC2 system is necessary to provide decision-making superiority to command the Joint Forces across all warfighting domains to deter and defeat any adversary at any time at any location around the globe. McQ Inc. (McQ) teamed with Iridium Communications Inc. and Advanced Ground Information Systems (AGIS) , a company providing C2 to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to demonstrate the use of new CJADC2 technology. Together, these companies can meet the new DoD mandated C2 technology requirements. This very important digital transformation will quickly grow complex and resilient C2 capabilities across all domains that function in contested environments. The aim is to link sensor data to distributed C2 centers so that Shooters can take quick action against a target. CJADC2 transcends any single capability, platform or system to accelerate implementation of needed technology advancement and doctrinal change in the way the Joint Force conducts Command and Control. The McQ-Iridium-AGIS Team conducted a demonstration using advanced McQ sensor systems to detect target activity at nine separate sites around the world; sending the data instantaneously over the truly global Iridium satellite network. This global activity data was integrated on a military Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) server at McQ that relayed the target sensor data and images to the AGIS Command and Control System. This Digital Transformation demonstration utilized existing global satellite communications, cloud server capabilities, and user C2 display technologies to demonstrate that the new DoD mandated CJADC2 requirements can be quickly implemented. For decades, the U.S. military has chosen McQ sensors because of their proven performance in target classification and detection accuracy, extensive mission life, and ease of operation and deployment. Iridiums network offers the best security, lowest latency and complete global coverage for U.S. government and military users. Additionally, the AGIS Command and Control C5ISR user interface provides data interoperability between dissimilar systems with a very broad range of commercially available situation awareness data on areas of interest and with sensitive U.S. military information. The McQ-Iridium-AGIS Team can support the important current efforts moving this technology forward across many U.S. and partner country entities as the transformation progresses. ABOUT McQ: Headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA, McQ is a sensor solutions company. We develop and manufacture state of the art surveillance and communications equipment for mission critical applications in commercial security, law enforcement, and defense. McQ has delivered advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions to the Department of Defense for nearly forty years with products deployed worldwide and in every combatant command. McQ is a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor and is ISO 9001:2015 Registered. Please visit www.mcqinc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn more about McQ. McQ Inc. Amy Slocum 540-373-2374 aslocum@mcqinc.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0fa38e5-20a5-46dd-85d6-8ede2a474b58 Australia - 13 December 2023 - Jervois Global Ltd. ("Jervois") (ASX:JRV) (TSX-V:JRV) (OTC:JRVMF) welcomes a bipartisan proposal today of the United States Congress' Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party ("the Congressional Select Committee") to create a critical mineral reserve ("Resilient Resource Reserve") to sustain cobalt price (among other critical minerals) for U.S. producers when the price dips below a floor, and for producers to recontribute during periods of high cobalt prices. The proposed Resilient Resource Reserve is designed to insulate U.S. critical mineral producers, including cobalt, from the current price volatility resulting from China's dominance of global critical mineral supply chains. The Congressional Select Committee also proposes that the U.S.' Export-Import Bank ("EXIM") would expand and extend EXIM's risk appetite under the China and Transformational Exports Program ("CTEP"), including for the financing of mining and critical minerals activities, including cobalt. EXIM has previously advised Jervois that its 100%-owned Idaho Cobalt Operations ("ICO") is eligible for potential financing support under CTEP (see ASX announcement titled "U.S. EXIM Bank confirms ICO's eligibility for domestic financing initiatives" dated 24 April 2023). These extensive bipartisan legislative proposals are included in the Congressional Select Committee's report entitled Reset, Prevent, Build: A Strategy to Win America's Economic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, which will be introduced for consideration of the full U.S. Congress in 2024. Jervois owns 100% of ICO. ICO's mineral resource and reserve is the largest and highest grade confirmed cobalt orebody in the U.S.. On behalf of Jervois Global Ltd. Bryce Crocker, CEO For further information, please contact: Investors and analysts: Alicia Brown Group Manager - External Affairs Jervois Global alicia.brown@jervoisglobal.com Media: Nathan Ryan NWR Communications nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au Mob: +61 420 582 887 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. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, December 12, 2023 - JZR Gold Inc. (TSXV:JZR) (OTC:JZRIF) (the "Company" or "JZR") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Graham Carter to the board of directors. Mr. Carter has also been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer ("COO") of the Company. Graham Carter has over 20 years of progressive technical and management experience in the oil and gas industry. Throughout his career he has worked in various roles including Business Development, Joint Venture, project management and progressively senior management positions with major oil and gas companies in Calgary, Alberta. With a background in engineering (P. Eng, University of Calgary), Graham has extensive experience in project planning, client/customer relationships and project management, managing small to large projects ($50,000,000). "JZR's board and management are very pleased to welcome Graham Carter to the Company's board of directors and as Chief Operating Officer. His expertise in project management, administration and communications will be a great addition to our team and our projects and we look forward to working with him", commented Robert Klenk, Chief Executive Officer of JZR. For further information, please contact: Robert Klenk Chief Executive Officer rob@jazzresources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. NOTRE-DAME-DU-LAUS, QC, Dec. 12, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Carbon Inc. (the "Company" or "CCB") (TSXV: CCB), in conjunction with the Municipality of Notre-Dame-du-Laus (NDL), is pleased to announce the creation of a Community Advisory Committee (the "Committee") to support the Company's efforts in the development of the Asbury graphite mine in Notre-Dame-du-Laus. This Committee will serve as a formal means of information exchange and follow-up between CCB and the residents of NDL. It will promote collaboration between citizens and the Company and will optimize the development of a very promising project with the potential to benefit the entire community and the regional economy. The mandate of the Community Advisory Committee will be to make recommendations to Canada Carbon in order to influence the mine development process, ensure best practices, propose community-centred solutions and maximize socio-economic benefits. Aware of the multiple impacts that such a project can have on the local community and the region, the Company is keen to ensure that it incorporates the perspectives of those who will be most affected by the project: the citizens of NDL. "The creation of this citizens' Committee from various local sectors of activity will help maximize economic, sustainable and social benefits, but also, and above all, preserve our quality of life," said David Cyr, Mayor of Notre-Dame-du-Laus. "It is essential for Canada Carbon to work transparently and collaboratively with local communities and ensure that they have every opportunity to be heard. The Committee will be a direct and open line of communication at all times with the municipality and the citizens of NDL. We are extremely satisfied with the constructive dialogue already established with the municipality. It is essential to incorporate the input of all stakeholders to ensure support for a project that will benefit the region, the province and ultimately, could play a key role in the creation of the battery supply chain. To this end, CCB plans to work with Mayor David Cyr and the Executive Director to organize the first meeting of this Committee early in the new year. We are delighted that citizens are involved in the establishment of this consultative forum. " said Ellerton Castor, Chief Executive Officer of Canada Carbon.'' For more information on Canada Carbon's mining activities, please visit our website at: www.canadacarbon.com. About Notre-Dame-du-Laus The Municipality of Notre-Dame-du-Laus is part of the MRC (Regional County Municipality) of Antoine-Labelle, located in the Laurentides region. Positioned in the southwest of the MRC, it covers a total area of 866 square kilometers, which is 14.9% of the municipalized territory of the MRC. It is bordered to the north by the municipalities of Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain, Lac-du-Cerf, Kiamika, and to the north and east by a vast non-municipalized area that partly constitutes the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve. To the southeast, it is bounded by the MRC of Papineau, and to the southwest, by the MRC of Vallee-de-la-Gatineau. About Canada Carbon Inc. Canada Carbon Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of graphite deposits. The Company acquired two historic graphite mines, the Miller and Asbury mines, located in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge and Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec, respectively. Canada Carbon is committed to realizing its potential as a producer of high-quality graphite while maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Canada Carbon Inc. NOTRE-DAME-DU-LAUS "Ellerton Castor" "David Cyr'' President-Directeur General Maire SOURCE Canada Carbon ir@fissionuranium.com www.fissionuranium.com TSX SYMBOL: FCU OTCQX SYMBOL: FCUUF FRANKFURT SYMBOL: 2FU Program to include submission of EIS, reserves growth, and start of Detailed Engineering KELOWNA, Dec. 13, 2023 - Fission Uranium Corp. ("Fission" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the 2024 project development program, advancing towards construction and operation of a mine and mill for its PLS high-grade uranium project in Saskatchewan, Canada. The 2024 program will include submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIS"), resource expansion, ongoing community engagement, completion of the Front End Engineering and Design "FEED" phase, and the commencement of Detailed Engineering. 2024 Development Program Highlights Submission of Environmental Impact Assessment: The draft Environmental Impact Statement will be submitted to the Province of Saskatchewan in Q1, 2024. This is a culmination of all the data collected since 2013 and is an independent assessment of the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of the PLS Project. The Feasibility Study (FS), released in January 2023, addressed many of the required mitigations and the updated mine plan from the FS has been incorporated into the EIS. Fission will maintain its longer term environmental data collection activities for the Project as it continues to gain information to support construction and operations activities. Completion of FEED and Construction Permitting: The FEED phase commenced June 2023 and is on track to be completed by June 2024. The design documentation produced by FEED will enable Fission to advance the licensing application to construct a mine and mill facility for the federal regulatory agency, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Additionally, the documentation will allow the company to submit construction permits to the Province of Saskatchewan, pending EIS approval and a ministerial decision, to commence early works construction. Commencement of Detailed Engineering: Expected to commence in July 2024, this is the final engineering phase to advance mine, mill, and related infrastructure design, to the point of construction. By the end of this phase of the Project, Fission expects to have full construction approval for the Project from the Province of Saskatchewan and the CNSC and will have the necessary documentation to finalize the application to operate a mine and mill facility for the CNSC. Community Engagement: Community engagement work is ongoing and will continue through the life of the project. In early 2024 Fission will commence local community meetings to discuss outcomes and mitigation plans from the Draft EIS. This feedback from communities will inform the final EIS to be submitted in Q2, 2024. Fission will continue to build upon its community investment program for 2024 and is looking to support local communities with cultural programs, youth initiatives, health and wellness, and community development. Resource Growth: The R1515W high-grade zone, the western-most zone of the Triple R deposit will be targeted for infill drilling designed to upgrade and convert Inferred Resource to a majority Indicated Resource classification. The intent is to be in a position to bring the R1515W zone into the current mine plan with the potential of adding additional reserve size and mine life to the PLS project. The current resource classification of the R1515W is Indicated of 1,700,000 lbs U 3 O 8 at a grade of 1.15% in 67,000 tonnes and an Inferred of 5,000,000 lbs U 3 O 8 at a grade of 0.96% in 234,000 tonnes at a cut-off of 0.25% U 3 O 8 . Ross McElroy, President, and CEO for Fission, commented, "We are anticipating another milestone year for Fission in 2024 as we advance the Triple R deposit towards production on time and on budget. In early 2024, we intend to submit the draft Environmental Impact Assessment to Saskatchewan's Ministry of Environment for review, and we anticipate the start of Detailed Engineering. Furthermore, we will be increasing our community engagement and outreach, in line with our focus on responsible development as an integral part of our commitment to the highest standards of Environmental, Social and Governance practices, and we aim to complete an inaugural sustainability report later in the year. Fission has the most experienced uranium mine development team in the business, and I'm extremely pleased with the strong rate of progress towards building one of the Athabasca Basin's next high-grade uranium mines." Additionally, the company has staked a new, 958.6 hectare property in the eastern Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. The La Rocque property is prospective for high-grade uranium and is located 5 km south of Cameco's La Rocque Uranium Zone and 10 km south of IsoEnergy's Hurricane uranium deposit. Patterson Lake South Property The 31,039-hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine. Qualified Persons The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and CEO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person. About Fission Uranium Corp. Fission Uranium Corp. is an award-winning Canadian-based resource company specializing in uranium exploration and development. The company is the owner and developer of the PLS uranium project - a proposed high-grade mine and mill located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. The company is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Ross McElroy" _____________________________________ Ross McElroy, President and CEO Cautionary Statement: Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, and the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE Fission Uranium Corp. Vancouver, December 13, 2023 - Recharge Resources Ltd. ("Recharge" or the "Company") (RR:CSE) (RECHF:OTC) (SL5:Frankfurt) is pleased to announce that the Company has adopted a formal Environmental Social Governance ("ESG") Policy ahead of its highly anticipated NI 43-101 maiden resource estimate at the Pocitos One Lithium Brine Project ("Pocitos 1" or "the Project") located near Pocitos township in Salta Province, Argentina. The Company previously announced it had executed a technology licence agreement for countrywide use of Ekosolve? Lithium Solvent Extraction ("Ekosolve?") equipment to build a lithium plant capable of producing up to 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually at the Pocitos 1 Lithium Project in Salta, Argentina. Ekosolve? process can efficiently manage the processing of the brines to produce lithium chloride or lithium carbonate with a grade higher than 99.5% and a recovery of more than 95%, far exceeding any published Direct Lithium Extraction method available to date. The key advantage of the Ekosolve? system is the high rate of lithium yield targeting 95%+. Critically, operating costs are reduced by more than 90% as more than 98.5% of the solvent is reclaimed after each cycle. The solvents are biodegradable. Other DLE systems such as adsorption may achieve 72-80% yield, fractional crystallization of 50-70%, and ion exchange up to 80% with requirements of high lithium concentrations and neutral pH. In adsorption and ion exchange systems, extra processes may be required to manage the magnesium and boron in the brines whereas this is not an issue with the Ekosolve? process. For Recharge Resources, the expected capital expenditure and operational costs are projected to be significantly lower. A key advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need for evaporation ponds, resulting in a more environmentally friendly solution. The agreement contemplates the development of a multi-phase build out to 20,000 tonne per year output of lithium carbonate at the Pocitos 1 Lithium Brine Project. Upon commencement of production at the Pocitos 1 Project, a licence fee equal to 5% of delivered product will be due to Ekosolve?. Further scoping studies and permitting will be required to begin construction of the plant. Preliminary planning has commenced with water and quarry permits for earthworks being prepared. David Greenway, CEO of Recharge, stated, "Recharge aspires to become a leader in the battery minerals industry to support the transition to a carbon-free economy, while growing shareholder value through the sustainable development and operation of our assets." The ESG policy extends beyond just the corporate offices and project sites; it also encompasses all existing and future operational locations throughout their entire lifecycle. This ensures a comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and governance aspects in all areas of operation. " As we embark on our journey at the Pocitos Lithium Brine Project we look to embed our new ESG policy into every corporate, development and operational aspect of our business throughout their lifecycles, we do so believe that this approach will maximise the benefits our organisation delivers to all stakeholders for the long term." Recharge's Greenway said. The Company expects all business partners to adhere to the policy and will work with them to achieve compliance. More about the Company's newly adopted ESG policy will be uploaded to the company's website. About Pocitos Lithium Brine Project The Pocitos 1 Project is located approximately 10km from the township of Pocitos where there is gas, electricity, and accommodation. Pocitos 1 is approximately 800 hectares and is accessible by road. Collective exploration totals over US$2.0 million developing the project, including surface sampling, trenching, TEM and MT geophysics and drilling three wells that had outstanding brine flow results. Locations for immediate follow up drilling have already been designed and identified for upcoming exploration. Click Image To View Full Size Lithium values of 169 ppm from drill hole 3 packer test assayed from laboratory analysis conducted by Alex Stewart were recorded during the project's December 2022 drill campaigns. A double packer sampling system in HQ Diamond drill holes were drilled to a depth of up to 409 metres. The flow of brine was observed to continue for more than five hours. All holes had exceptional brine flow rates. A NI 43-101 report has been released on the Pocitos 1 project. Figure 1. Pocitos Lithium Claim Map Qualified Person Phillip Thomas, BSc Geol, MBusM, FAusIMM, MAIG, MAIMVA, (CMV), a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Thomas has joined the Company in the capacity of COO on 21 November 2023. He is a shareholder and Officer. RSU Issuance Recharge announces it has granted 1,800,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to consultants of the Company. The RSUs are valid for a term of one year and under the terms of the Company's restricted share unit plan (the "RSU Plan"). About Recharge Resources Recharge Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring and developing the production of high-value battery metals to create green, renewable energy to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicle market. All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "David Greenway" David Greenway, CEO For further information, please contact: Recharge Resources Ltd. Joel Warawa Phone: 778-588-5473 E-Mail: info@recharge-resources.com Website: recharge-resources.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding Recharge's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Recharge will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including Recharge's results of exploration or review of properties that Recharge does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Recharge assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. ### Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, December 13, 2023 - Cosa Resources Corp. (TSXV: COSA) (OTCQB: COSAF) (FSE: SSKU) ("Cosa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of the previously announced acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the Aurora Project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan ("Aurora" or the "Property") pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated December 1, 2023 (the "Purchase Agreement"). Highlights Over 16,800 hectares added to Cosa's 100% owned exploration portfolio with no encumbrances. Aurora covers 17 kilometres of the southeastern rim of the Athabasca Basin between Key Lake and the GMZ uranium discovery. Historical drilling logs report several, metre scale zones of intense hydrothermal alteration were intersected in multiple areas on the Property. Keith Bodnarchuk, President and CEO, commented: "We are excited to have completed this acquisition in a timely manner and added Aurora to our pipeline of underexplored uranium projects ahead of the 2024 exploration season. The amount of structure and alteration noted in historical drill logs has us eager to advance the Property with an initial program of geophysical surveying to help define targets ahead of a drill campaign. The proximity to the Key Lake Mill and lack of modern exploration makes Aurora a very compelling project as we continue our exploration efforts through 2024, and we look forward to updating the market on our progress." About Aurora The Property comprises seven contiguous claims totaling 16,896 hectares which cover 17 kilometres of the Athabasca Basin's southeastern rim (Figure 1). The Property is located 16 kilometres east of the Key Lake Mill and former Key Lake Mine (Figure 2). Between 1983 and 2002 the Key Lake Mine produced 209.8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 2.3% U 3 O 8 . The Key Lake Mill is one of three licensed uranium mills in Saskatchewan and currently processes ore from the McArthur River Mine. Aurora is 40 kilometres southwest of the recently discovered GMZ uranium zone. Access and infrastructure at Aurora are excellent as an existing network of winter roads and the Provincial powerline supplying Key Lake and McArthur River extend through the western portion of the Property. Aurora covers a prominent, complex zone of low magnetic susceptibility. The northeast trending magnetic low zone's northern edge is generally coincident with the current edge of the Athabasca Basin (Figure 2). In the portion of the Property within the Athabasca Basin the thickness of sandstone is expected be less than 100 metres, while less than 150 metres of basement is interpreted to have been eroded from the portion without sandstone. East-northeast trending magnetic lineaments parallel to the Key Lake trend are evident within the Property. Aurora has not received modern, property-wide gravity or electromagnetic geophysical survey coverage like other projects along the Basin margin. Though no diamond drilling has been completed on the Property since 1979, ongoing review of historical drill hole logs has identified several zones of hydrothermal alteration. Drill hole 307-79-26, completed in the northeastern portion of the project, intersected several, metre-scale intervals of faulted and variably chloritized, hematitized, and argillized gneiss between roughly 27 and 68 metres hole depth. Approximately four kilometres to the west, drill hole R-024 intersected anomalous radioactivity measuring approximately 20 times background levels at the brecciated unconformity contact which is underlain by nearly 30 metres of highly altered and steeply dipping paragneiss. Given the encouraging amount of structure and hydrothermal alteration noted by historical operators, Cosa plans to complete comprehensive electromagnetic and gravity surveying at Aurora, in conjunction with similar surveys planned for the Company's Orbit Project in Q2/Q3 2024. Upon completion of historical review and geological modelling, Cosa's technical team will also complete a historical core review to aid in prioritization of follow up drill targets where warranted. Acquisition Details Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Cosa acquired a 100% unencumbered ownership of all seven mineral claims comprising Aurora from an arm's length third party vendor (the "Vendor") in exchange for $20,000 in cash and the issuance of 150,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares are subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, the Vendor agreed to voluntary resale restrictions whereby 50% of the Consideration Shares will become free trading six months after closing of the Acquisition. Figure 1 - Cosa's Portfolio of Athabasca Basin Region Uranium Exploration Projects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9865/190882_c270b490942c9a96_003full.jpg Figure 2 - Aurora Project Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9865/190882_c270b490942c9a96_004full.jpg About Cosa Resources Corp. Cosa Resources Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, BC and is focused on the exploration of its uranium properties in northern Saskatchewan. The portfolio includes eleven uranium exploration properties totaling over 180,000 ha across the Athabasca Basin region. The team behind Cosa has a track record of success in Saskatchewan, with several decades of combined experience in uranium exploration, discovery, and development in the province. Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Andy Carmichael, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cosa. Mr. Carmichael is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Technical Disclosure This news release refers to neighboring properties in which the Company has no interest. Mineralization on those neighboring properties does not necessarily indicate mineralization on the Company's properties. The reader is cautioned that historical drill results from Aurora are based on data and reports prepared by previous property owners. The reader is cautioned not to treat them, or any part of them, as current and that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to verify the results and that they may not form a reliable guide to future results. Reported radioactivity has not been confirmed to be caused by uranium and the model of instrument used to measure radioactivity is unknown. The Company considers these historical results relevant as it is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. No independent QA/QC protocols are known for these samples and as such analytical results may be unreliable. Contact Keith Bodnarchuk, President and CEO info@cosaresources.ca +1 888-899-2672 (COSA) Cautionary Statements Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to: the exploration, development, and production at the Company's mineral projects. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of the Company, future growth potential for the Company and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of uranium and other commodities; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict around the world; general economic factors; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190882 VANCOUVER, BC and TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 - Barsele Minerals Corp. ("Barsele") (TSXV: BME) (OTC: BRSLF) and Gold Line Resources Ltd. ("Gold Line") (TSXV: GLDL) (OTC: TLLZF) are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement"), dated December 12, 2023, pursuant to which Barsele will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Gold Line (the "Gold Line Shares") in exchange for common shares of Barsele (the "Barsele Shares") by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction", with Barsele following completion of the Transaction referred to as the "Resulting Issuer"). The Transaction will create a combined company with a leading gold portfolio underpinned by the advanced stage Barsele gold project (the "Barsele Project") currently being advanced by Barsele in partnership with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico"). The Transaction will consolidate a large and prospective gold exploration portfolio in Sweden and Finland; this includes a district-scale property package situated on the prolific Gold Line Mineral Belt in Sweden, totalling over 104,000 hectares, and the Oijarvi gold project (the "Oijarvi Project") located in the Oijarvi Greenstone Belt of Finland. Transaction Highlights: Consolidating a Prolific Gold District - The Transaction brings together the advanced stage Barsele Project with a district-scale exploration portfolio to consolidate a significant license position in the Gold Line Mineral Belt of Sweden. The Barsele Project lies in the heart of the district with an open pit and underground Indicated Resource of 324 koz gold and an Inferred resource of 2.086 Moz gold (see Appendix, Table 1 for Barsele's 2019 NI 43-101 Mineral Resource) currently being advanced under a joint venture partnership with Agnico. Gold Line's flagship projects, Paubacken and Storjuktan are located to the immediate south and immediate north of the Barsele Project, and the combined total belt position exceeds 100km of regional first-order structural corridor. District-Scale Exploration Portfolio in Sweden - Combined exploration portfolio totalling over 104,000 hectares across 41 semi-contiguous exploration permits will be one of the largest license packages in Scandinavia. The commanding land position will cover the majority of the underexplored and highly prospective Paleoproterozoic Gold Line greenstone belt and covers more than 100 km of strike length of the regional Gold Line structural corridor. This belt is host to the development stage +1 Moz Faboliden deposit, and past-producing Svartliden and Blaiken deposits. Exploration work undertaken by Gold Line on the 100%-owned Paubacken and Storjuktan projects has continued to demonstrate the potential of the belt, yielding positive drill results, including 22.5m of 2.4g/t gold at 45m and 14.6m of 2.5 g/t gold at 142m in recent drill programs completed at Paubacken where only 600m of a 5km structure has been tested. Attractive Portfolio Gold Project in Finland - High grade Oijarvi Project located in the Oijarvi Greenstone Belt of Finland presents a stand-alone belt-scale opportunity for the Resulting Issuer. The Oijarvi Project includes the Kylmakangas gold-silver underground deposit with an Indicated Resource of 159 koz AuEq grading 4.6 g/t AuEq and an Inferred Resource of 152 koz AuEq grading 2.9 g/t AuEq. (see Appendix, Table 2 for Kylmakangas 2022 NI 43-101 Mineral Resource). The Oijarvi Project was purchased from Agnico in 2021 and significant opportunity exists for resource expansion and additional regional discoveries. Transaction Synergies - Opportunity to deliver cost efficiencies and remove duplicative costs by optimizing resources of the Resulting Issuer and provide for more efficient advancement of the Resulting Issuer's assets as a single portfolio with a focus on delivering maximum value for shareholders. Enhanced Leadership - Resulting Issuer will be led by an enhanced board and management team with a track record of success in exploration, development, mining operations, financing, and capital markets. Taj Singh, currently President and CEO of Gold Line will become President and CEO of the Resulting Issuer and Toby Pierce, currently Chair of Gold Line, will become Chair of the Resulting Issuer. Gary Cope, President and CEO of Barsele, commented: "This Transaction is a unique opportunity to bring together complementary assets and teams to create a leading gold company with a district-scale focus in Scandinavia. Barsele is delighted to welcome Taj Singh as the new President and CEO and Toby Pierce as Chair following closing. The leadership changes and acquisition of Gold Line's district-scale exploration portfolio and the Oijarvi Project allows the creation of a larger, stronger and more diversified company with improved access to capital and one of the largest gold exploration portfolios in Scandinavia." Taj Singh, President and CEO of Gold Line, commented: "We are very pleased to be combining with Barsele. The Barsele team has done a tremendous job advancing the Barsele Project from an exploration stage project to a joint venture with Agnico. This combination gives Gold Line shareholders a more immediate re-rating and return potential through the advanced stage Barsele Project, while maintaining exposure to the new discovery potential across our district-scale gold exploration portfolio." Concurrent with the Transaction, Barsele intends to undertake a financing to raise approximately $1.0 million in a non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Private Placement") to fund the exploration programs across the combined portfolio of the Resulting Issuer, costs related to the proposed Transaction, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Further details of the Concurrent Private Placement are outlined below. Transaction Terms Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the holders of the issued and outstanding Gold Line Shares will receive 0.7382 of a Barsele Share for each one (1) Gold Line Share (the "Exchange Ratio") held immediately prior to closing of the Transaction. Gold Line options and warrants that are outstanding at the effective time of the Transaction will be exercisable in accordance with their terms and based on the Exchange Ratio for similar securities to purchase Barsele Shares. The Transaction will be carried out by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will continue to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") under the existing name and ticker symbol of Barsele. Excluding shares that will be issued in connection with the Concurrent Private Placement at closing, existing shareholders of Barsele will own approximately 80% of the Resulting Issuer's outstanding shares and existing shareholders of Gold Line will own approximately 20% of the Resulting Issuer outstanding shares on an undiluted basis. The Arrangement Agreement contains customary deal-protection provisions including a non-solicitation covenant in respect of Gold Line, a right of Barsele to match any superior proposal as defined and described in the Arrangement Agreement. Under certain circumstances, if the Arrangement Agreement is terminated Barsele would be entitled to a termination fee of $400,000. Additionally, each party is entitled to an expense reimbursement fee in certain circumstances. Full details of the Transaction will be included in a management information circular to be mailed to Gold Line shareholders and will be available on SEDAR+ in the coming weeks. In addition, a copy of the Arrangement Agreement will be filed under each company's profile on SEDAR+. Conditions to Completion The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including, without limitation, the following: (a) approval of the Gold Line shareholders, as described below; (b) approval of the TSXV; (c) issuance of a final order by the British Columbia Supreme Court; (d) completion of the Concurrent Private Placement; and, other standard conditions of closing for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that all necessary approvals will be obtained or that all conditions to completion of the Transaction will be satisfied. The Transaction is subject to approval at a special meeting of Gold Line shareholders (the "Gold Line Meeting") and requires an affirmative vote in favour o the Transaction from 66.67% of the votes cast by Gold Line ?shareholders at the Gold Line Meeting. The Transaction is not subject to any minority approval required under either the policies of the TSXV or Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. Barsele does not require shareholder approval of the Transaction. Board of Directors and Management of Resulting Issuer Upon closing of the Transaction, the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer (the "Resulting Issuer Board") will be comprised of five (5) directors, including two (2) nominees of Gold Line and three (3) nominees of Barsele. Mr. Taj Singh will assume the role as President, CEO and Director of the Resulting Issuer and lead the combined management and project team of the Resulting Issuer. Benjamin Gelber of Gold Line will assume the VP Exploration role of the Resulting Issuer. The Resulting Issuer Board is expected to be made up of Gold Line directors Mr. Toby Pierce (Non-executive Chair) and Mr. Taj Singh and Barsele directors Gary Cope and Ross Wilmot, as well as new incumbent Mr. Marc Legault. Mr. Legault is a geologist and spent 34 years working at Agnico, including experience on the Barsele Project, and retired from Agnico in 2022 as a Senior Vice-President. Transaction Timeline Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and subject to satisfying all necessary conditions and receipt of all required approvals, the parties anticipate completion of the Transaction in February 2024. In connection with completion of the Transaction, the Gold Line Shares will be de-listed from the TSXV and following closing, Gold Line will make an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws. Recommendations by the Boards of Directors and Fairness Opinion The board of directors of Barsele unanimously approved the entering into of the Arrangement Agreement. After consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the board of directors of Gold Line (the "Gold Line Board") unanimously approved the entering into of the Arrangement Agreement. The Gold Line Board recommends that Gold Line shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. PI Financial Corp. provided a fairness opinion to the Gold Line Board stating that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated in such opinion, the consideration to be received by Gold Line shareholders under the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Gold Line shareholders. Voting Support Agreements In connection with signing of the Arrangement Agreement, certain directors, officers and shareholders of Gold Line have entered into voting support agreements with Barsele, agreeing to vote their Gold Line Shares in favour of the Transaction at the Gold Line Meeting. An aggregate of 7,996,260 Gold Line Shares, representing approximately 17% of the issued and outstanding Gold Line Shares are subject to these voting support agreements. Concurrent Private Placement In connection with the Transaction, Barsele proposes to undertake the Concurrent Price Placement to raise aggregate proceeds of approximately $1.0 million through the sale of up to 6,700,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of Barsele at a price of $0.15 per Subscription Receipt. Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action on part of the holder thereof, at the effective time of the Transaction, one unit (each, a "Unit") of Barsele. Each Unit will consist of one Barsele Share (each, a "Sub Receipt Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Barsele Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price equal to $0.25 per Barsele Share for a period of two (2) years following the date of issuance of the Warrant. The Subscription Receipts, Sub Receipt Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period following closing of the Concurrent Private Placement. The gross proceeds of the Concurrent Private Placement to be held in escrow pending the satisfaction of the escrow release conditions, including the satisfaction of the conditions to the closing of the Transaction, and certain other customary conditions. Barsele may pay cash finder's fees to certain finders in respect of subscriptions received from investors in the Concurrent Private Placement, subject to entering into customary finder's fee agreements with such finders and the policies of the TSXV. The Concurrent Private Placement is subject to approval of the TSXV. Advisors and Counsel PI Financial Corp. is acting as financial advisor to Gold Line. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as legal counsel to Barsele and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal counsel to Gold Line. Qualified Persons Art Freeze, P.Geo. is a Qualified Person as set out under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release with respect to Barsele and its assets. Benjamin Gelber, M.Sc., P.Geo. is a Qualified Person as set out under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release with respect to Gold Line and its assets. About Barsele Minerals Corp. Barsele is a Canadian-based junior exploration company managed by the Belcarra Group, comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. Barsele's main property is the Barsele Gold Project in Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden, a joint venture with Agnico Eagle. A NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Barsele Project with an effective date of February 21st, 2019, was filed on SEDAR+ on April 2nd, 2019. This NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate (Amended) for the Barsele Property was modified and filed on SEDAR+ on December 16, 2020. About Gold Line Resources Ltd. Gold Line is focused on acquiring mineral properties with exceptional exploration potential in the most prolific gold-producing regions of Sweden and Finland, both regarded as top-tier mining jurisdictions and emerging exploration frontiers. Both countries possess prospective mineral endowments, stable tenures, straightforward permitting, favorable tax regimes and supportive geopolitical landscapes. Gold Line's Swedish projects are located in the Gold Line Mineral Belt and Skelleftea Belt of north-central Sweden and the Mjsa-Vanern Belt in the southwest. In Finland, Gold Line holds the entire underexplored Oijarvi Greenstone Belt located in the north of the country. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Barsele, Gold Line and the Resulting Issuer with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and include information regarding: (i) expectations regarding whether the proposed Transaction will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the Transaction will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the Transaction, (ii) expectations regarding whether the proposed Concurrent Private Placement will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the Concurrent Private Placement will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the Concurrent Private Placement, (iii) expectations regarding the potential benefits and synergies of the Transaction and the ability of the Resulting Issuer to successfully achieve its business objectives, including integrating the companies or the effects of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, (iv) expectations regarding additions to mineral resources and reserves and future production, (v) expectations regarding financial strength, free cash flow generation, trading liquidity, and capital markets profile, (vi) the Gold Line Meeting, (vii) use of proceeds of the Concurrent Private Placement, (viii) the composition of the Resulting Issuer Board and senior management of the Resulting Issuer; and (ix) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect Barsele's and Gold Line's respective management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Barsele and Gold Line each believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Resulting Issuer. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to consummate the Transaction; the ability to consummate the Concurrent Private Placement; the ability to obtain requisite court, regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability of Barsele and Gold Line to successfully integrate their respective operations and employees and realize synergies and cost savings at the times, and to the extent, anticipated; the potential impact on exploration activities; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; the re-rating potential following the consummation of the Transaction; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time on the Transaction. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Barsele and Gold Line and market conditions. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by Barsele and Gold Line with the Canadian securities regulators, including Barsele's and Gold Line's respective financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis for the financial year ended December 31, 2022 and their respective interim financial reports and related management's discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2023 filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Barsele and Gold Line have attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended Barsele and Gold Line do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Appendix - Mineral Resource Tables Table 1: Barsele Deposit 2019 Base Case Scenario using US$1,300 gold price per ounce and 0.5 g/t cut-off for open pit and a 1.5 g/t cut-off for bulk underground and 1.8 g/t cut-off for select underground. Indicated Resource Inferred Resource Cut-off Mass Au Au Mass Au Au (g/t) (Mt) (g/t) (koz) (Mt) (g/t) (koz) Pit Constrained 0.5 3.5 1.32 147 1.8 1.59 93 Bulk Underground 1.5 1.4 2.53 117 8.8 2.58 728 Selective Underground 1.8 0.7 2.75 60 14.9 2.64 1,265 Total 5.6 1.81 324 25.5 2.54 2,086 Table 2: Kylmakangas Deposit 2022 Base Case Scenario using US$1,657 gold price and US$21.52 silver price and 1.5 g/t gold cut-off for underground. Indicated Resource Inferred Resource Mass Au Ag AuEq Au Ag AuEq Mass Au Ag AuEq Au Ag AuEq Mt g/t g/t g/t koz koz koz Mt g/t g/t g/t koz koz koz 1.07 4.1 35.4 4.6 143 1,220 159 1.63 2.7 15.2 2.9 142 795 152 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/barsele-and-gold-line-announce-merger-to-create-scandinavian-focused-district-scale-gold-exploration--development-company-302013822.html SOURCE Barsele Minerals Corp. VANCOUVER, Dec. 13, 2023 - Macarthur Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (OTCQB: MMSDF) (the Company or Macarthur), is delighted to highlight the recent announcement from its spinoff company, Infinity Mining Limited (ASX: IMI) (Infinity) outlining key strategic developments. Infinity is actively establishing itself as a leading explorer for lithium and other battery metals in Western Australia. Focused on its expansive 836 km tenement package within the globally recognised Pilbara lithium province of Western Australia, Infinity is demonstrating substantial progress in identifying areas prospective for lithium and rare earth elements. Further details of the news release can be accessed here, and the most recent strategy update presentation is available here. Cameron McCall - Executive Chairman and CEO of Macarthur Minerals commented: "I am pleased to share exciting developments from our spinoff Company, Infinity, in which Macarthur holds a significant stake. Infinity is making rapid strides in becoming a prominent lithium explorer, with a primary focus on its extensive tenements situated in the globally renowned Pilbara lithium province. We look forward to witnessing Infinity's continued success and contributing to the shared prosperity of our shareholders." Macarthur Minerals Holding in Infinity Macarthur holds 21.46% of the issued equity and is the largest shareholder of Infinity, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on renewable rare earth elements in Western Australia. Macarthur's spinoff to Infinity Mining, of its non-core renewable energy assets in 2021 has allowed the Company to commit its full focus to its flagship Lake Giles Iron Project in Western Australia. Released On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr Cameron McCall, Executive Chairman and CEO No New Information To the extent that this announcement contains references to prior exploration results, a production target and financial information derived from a production target and Mineral Resource estimates, which have been cross referenced to previous market announcements made by the Company, unless explicitly stated, no new information is contained. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the relevant market announcements and, in the case of estimates of a production target and financial information derived from a production target and Mineral Resources that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Company profile Macarthur is an iron ore development, and lithium exploration company that is focused on bringing to production its Western Australia iron ore projects. The Lake Giles Iron Project mineral resources include the Ularring hematite resource (approved for development) comprising Indicated resources of 54.5 million tonnes at 47.2% Fe and Inferred resources of 26 million tonnes at 45.4% Fe; and the Lake Giles magnetite resource of 53.9 million tonnes (Measured), 218.7 million tonnes (Indicated) and 997 million tonnes (Inferred). The Lake Giles Iron Project also contains Proven Ore Reserves of 51.9 Mt and Probable Ore Reserves of 184.7Mt. Macarthur also holds 24 square kilometre tenement area iron exploration interests in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition, Macarthur has lithium brine Claims in the emerging Railroad Valley region in Nevada, USA. The Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates presented herein have previously been released to the ASX on March 21, 2022, including supporting JORC reporting tables. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the relevant market announcements and, in the case of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves that all assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. This news release is not for distribution to United States services or for dissemination in the United States Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including but not limited to statements regarding expected completion of the Feasibility Study; conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves or the eventual mining of the Project, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current expectations, assumptions or beliefs of the Company based upon information currently available to the Company. 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 no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct as actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: unforeseen technology changes that results in a reduction in iron or magnetite demand or substitution by other metals or materials; the discovery of new large low cost deposits of iron magnetite; the general level of global economic activity; failure to complete the FS; inability to demonstrate economic viability of Mineral Resources; and failure to obtain mining approvals. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Such statements relate to future events and expectations and, as such, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and except as may otherwise be required pursuant to applicable laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Macarthur Minerals Ltd. Our airports must be safe Daily Graphic Editorials Dec - 13 - 2023 , 10:03 The low patronage of airlines in the COVID-19 era that resulted in lamentations from airline-related businesses has given way to a 25 per cent increase in pre-COVID travel volumes. Since the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions around the world in 2021, both domestic and international air travels have increased significantly. Figures from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA indicate that domestic passenger flows jumped from 423,718 in 2020 to 722,721 in 2021, the highest in nearly a decade. The figure represents a 70.57 per cent surge in domestic passenger traffic over that of the previous year, which indicated a full recovery of the aviation industry from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Graphic Online report in April 2022, experts attributed the growth to the strong consumer confidence in the aviation industry, which is hinged on safety, reliability and affordability. Aside from the over 70 per cent upsurge in domestic passenger traffic, there was also a 25 per cent increase in international air travel from the 2021 figures. The data on Ghana is not different from the general rebound of air traffic travel around the world. In October this year, Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, said global airline capacity was poised to finally surpass its corresponding 2019 levels in the second week of October. The moment marked a milestone in the recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, countries and businesses are making all efforts and putting the necessary measures in place to cash in on the huge potential and opportunities that the industry presents. Currently, the global airline business is valued at $1.2 trillion. It is thus disheartening that while these efforts are ongoing and the country is doing its bit to get some share of this business, there are some elements that are consciously or unconsciously thwarting such work. Last Friday, December 8, we published a story in which the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) warned that the continuous use of high lighting and fire techniques illegally by individuals and groups of people within the aerial boundaries of the airport was affecting the smooth landing and take-off of aircraft at the KIA and other airports in the country. According to the KIA, the human activities within parts of East Legon, the Accra-Tema Motorway, La Wireless, Cantonments and its environs in the Greater Accra Region pose a huge threat to the visibility of aircraft at both the approach and departure ends of the airport. Consequently, the GCAA has issued a fresh warning to the public, especially operators of nightclubs and individuals, to desist from using flashing lights, lasers and pyrotechnics at aircraft approach and departure pathways. The warning is timely, however, the Daily Graphic reasons that many a time some of these infractions are committed because of a lack of knowledge that makes the perpetrators not to fully appreciate the enormity of their actions. Therefore, we call for continuous, regular and sustained education to help reduce the danger we are subjecting our airports to. It is also unthinkable that some individuals choose to dump refuse within the aerodrome of the airport, attracting birds that end up attacking approaching or departing aircraft. As Christmas fast approaches with its many activities in the month of December, many visitors are expected to troop into the country to savour the experiences. We must strengthen both education and law enforcement in order to maintain and add more to our share of the global airline cake. Last week Tuesday, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced that the government was positioning the country strategically among Africas top three tourism destinations to attract $5 billion dollars revenue in five years. (Refer to our front page of Wednesday, December 6, 2023). This will be difficult to attain if travellers lose confidence in the safety of our airports, occasioned by such acts as the use of lasers and dumping of refuse in the vicinity of our airports. The paper thinks addressing these challenges will demand the collaboration of the ministries responsible for transport, sanitation, local government, and their agencies, and this must be done immediately to reap the benefits of our aviation sector. Be agents of peace- women Admonished Felicia Kwarteng Showbiz News Dec - 13 - 2023 , 10:46 Members of the Complete Womens Club have been admonished to be argents of peace within any space they find themselves. This advice came during the End of Year 2023 wisdom conference and banquet . Banquet The three-day 2023 end of year banquet which was held at the Christian professional fellowship (CPF) center was based on Transforming, Recreation, Educating, Entertaining and reviving the spirituality of the Participants. This years banquet and conference brought together 100 Ladies from the complete womens club all across the 16 regions in Ghana. The banquet sort to educate the participants on how to manage their homes, human relationships and resources, personal Hygiene and other women health issues. The founder and president of the club , Dr Eric Ntiamoah admonished participants to always be argent of peace in their homes and wherever they find themselves. Peace is one prominent factor in living a healthy life and every man needs peace to be happy, it is important to know this and be that peace in your homes , work places and in every space , he said . He continued to educate the women to take their health seriously which included their physical appearance at home and in public . Apart from Educational factor of the club, the participants where taken through various fitness activities and treated to an evening of relaxation with each participant going home with a gift from the Dr. Ntiamoah at the end of the three days banquet and conference. Impact Nana Kobi, a member of the club and a participant of this years banquet , also shared that being a member of the club, has shape her life in various ways and has made her been able to deal with different life challenges better than previous years. Before I became a member of the complete womens club, it was difficult for me to deal with certain life challenges but being a member for over two years now have helped shaped my life and Im able to deal with situations better when they arise, she shared. The Vice President of the club, Lady Gloria Afram also advised the women to propagate the teachings impacted to them by Dr. Ntiamoah and other seasoned speakers at the event. The words of wisdom has been imparted to you, do not keep it to yourself but rather go back to your various regions share it with your colleagues, and let it be shown in your doings, she said. She added that every participant has been renewed and refreshed for life. The Complete womens Club The complete women club was founded by Dr. Eric Ntimoah Mensah; the President of CPF and the womens health advocate, Ghana It is a non-religious organization with the mandate to make women bold, strong and beautiful to impact positively homes, families, communities and country at large. The vision of the club is to Build DrN homes across all regions,Each home comprises of women who will be nurtured to make positive impact in their lives and the lives of other women. Womens voice crucial in fighting inequalities, HIV, TB and STIs Zadok Kwame Gyesi Features Dec - 13 - 2023 , 11:04 The world will be incomplete without women. It is for this reason that womens voice in decision-making in all aspects of life is extremely critical for the development of all. The fact remains that when women have a say in private and public affairs, decisions reflect their needs, and often the needs of their families and communities. That is why people have over the years advocated for gender equality, particularly in the areas of decision-making. Women's voices are crucial in addressing inequalities, HIV prevention, and overall women's health. This is because women face specific vulnerabilities to HIV due to biological, economic, and social or cultural factors. Therefore their active involvement in prevention strategies is extremely vital to addressing these vulnerabilities effectively. The sad reality, however, is that the inequality between women and men is a complex interaction of unconscious social norms that are often invisible to us and institutions. Even though no country in the world has yet reached equality fully, efforts must be made and sustained to get to a level where everyone, irrespective of their genders, will be relevant in the decision-making table. Ensuring that womens voices count in families and societies will serve as a catalyst to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also unlock the economic dividend that will come with greater participation of women at decision-making tables in both domestic and public life. It is important to draw attention to the fact that gender equality, community engagement, and health are intricately connected. What it means is that gender inequalities and discrimination faced by women and girls poses significant risks to their well-being. Thus enhancing gender equality benefits everyone by improving health and unlocking potential. For instance, when women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals receive education, their families experience better health outcomes. That is why when adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) have control over their sexual and reproductive health and exercise their rights, they can complete their education and pursue economic opportunities. The subject of gender inequality is highly pervasive in many African countries. Addressing these inequalities is of paramount importance to the regions development. The reason is that such disparities across African countries result in the exclusion and marginalisation of women and youth. The voices of women is also particularly relevant in addressing health concerns, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and infectious diseases. For instance, while more men contract tuberculosis (TB), women who contract the disease suffer negative consequences from TB-related stigma, including intimate partner violence, loss of livelihoods, and divorce. TB in AGYW can disrupt education and lead to disenfranchisement and limited economic opportunities. Additionally, cultural, and financial barriers can result in delayed diagnosis, treatment, and more severe illness. Many have advocated that women's health should extend beyond reproductive health to encompass their overall well-being, recognizing the diversity in sex and gender across various aspects of health, including HIV, TB, malaria, and non-communicable diseases. And this can be achieved if women are involved in the decision-making process. By listening to women and letting their voices lead the way, it will help to strengthen health systems and get back on track with reaching critical global health targets. This is because during and after COVID-19, many women and girls experienced disruptions in accessing basic services and supplies. Ms Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, who is a media personality and gender advocate believes that women's voices can challenge societal stigma and taboos surrounding HIV, reproductive health, and sexual well-being, adding that This fosters open discussions, reduces discrimination, and encourages seeking healthcare without fear or judgment. For her, women's experiences intersect with various social determinants such as race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location and that their perspectives aid in creating inclusive strategies that consider these intersections to bridge inequalities. She explained that women advocating for their health needs and rights could influence policies and ensure that healthcare systems prioritise services and resources addressing womens specific health concerns. By amplifying women's voices, it empowers them to take charge of their health decisions, improving health literacy and fostering autonomy in healthcare choices, Ms Oppong-Yeboah noted. The Deputy Director of Yebi Ma Africa, an NGO, Ms Benedicta Gyimaah Folley, is of the view that women's perspectives in health discussions promote a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on diseases but also encompasses mental health, reproductive health, and overall well-being. She noted that the active involvement and representation of women in discussions, policy-making, and implementation of health programmes are essential for effectively addressing HIV prevention, reducing inequalities, and enhancing women's health outcomes. She was of the view that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive shocks to national economies and also deepened systematic and structural racial, ethnic and gender inequities everywherewith women being the worse affected victims of the negative consequences of the COVID. As the pandemic hit and countries grappled with how best to address the mortality and morbidity directly caused by the virus, many other primary healthcare services were severely disrupted, among them crucial sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, as well as mental health care. Some of the measures taken to control the virus actually compounded and exacerbated many inequities women face in their daily lives, Ms Folley explained. For her, women's insights help in designing and implementing targeted interventions that consider their diverse needs, circumstances, and experiences. That is why Speak Up Africa, a Dakar based policy think tank, together with her partners, Voix EssentiELLES and HER Voice Fund, in a statement during this years International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) expressed the view that addressing these inequalities is of paramount importance in Sub-Saharan Africa known for its high levels of inequality. They were of the conviction that political will from governments is crucial, with an emphasis on creating safe and non-conservative environments and ensuring access to services without fear of criminalization or human rights violations. They are also of the view that a broader perspective on women's health is required in issues such as HIV prevention, reproductive justice, healthcare system integration, as well as on inequalities. They further called for investments and prioritisation of community-led interventions and accessible healthcare services for diverse women. Similarly, Speak Up Africa and its partners also believe that prevention technologies and innovations should be accessible, affordable, and available to empower diverse women to have autonomy and choice over their reproductive health and rights. In their statement, they advocated for the institutionalisation of community-led services to be promoted, moving away from volunteerism to secure long-term recognition and gains. There is a need for meaningful and ethically sound engagement and leadership of these communities in discussions related to HIV, TB, and malaria, underpinned by gender-transformative approaches, they stated. Improving learning outcomes shared responsibility Afrikids Country Director Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Education Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:34 Improving teaching and learning outcomes, especially in basic schools is a shared responsibility of all actors, the Country Director of Afrikids Ghana, David Pwalua, has said. For teaching and learning to improve, we have to move away from the usual blame game and identify the causes of the poor performance of the schools and tackle them head-on, he stressed. Launch He was speaking in an interview with the media at the launch of the USAID/Ghana Strengthening Accountability in Ghanas Education System (SAGES) activity project in Bolgatanga. It is designed to support the Ministry of Education to operationalise Ghanas education accountability framework. The five-year project, worth $ 60 million, is being implemented in the Northern, North-East, Upper East and Upper West regions. In the Upper East, the project is being implemented by Afrikids Ghana, a child rights organisation in four beneficiary areas notably the Bawku West, Garu and Tempane districts and the Bawku Municipality. He noted that it had always been the vision of the organisation to improve learning outcomes for schoolchildren to enable them to excel in their academic pursuits, saying We will work closely with the offices of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to identify the challenges and address them accordingly. Significantly, we will bring communities closer to the schools since monitoring and accountability is a shared responsibility, he said, adding Our role will be to mobilise the actors to identify the teething challenges and begin to tackle them holistically. He noted that for the next five years, the organisation was confident that at the end of the project, there would be a tremendous improvement in the quality of teaching and learning outcomes in the beneficiary schools. Manifestation Launching the project, the Agreement Officers Representative, USAID/SAGES activity, Paul Napari, said the SAGES activity was a manifestation of the United States commitment to supporting the government of Ghana to achieve its education goals over the next five years. He used the opportunity to commend the Ministry of Education for its vision to improve students learning performance through increased education accountability, stressing To improve classroom instruction, there must be trained teachers, dedicated supervisors, adequate teaching and learning among others. I am confident that this SAGES activity will make a significant and lasting impact on Ghanas education development trajectory to turn our collective vision into a reality, he said. Training For his part, the Deputy Chief of Party, USAID/SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity, Mohammed Amin Dawuda, said teachers would be adequately trained to be able to teach better in the classroom. Office holding allowances in public universities: Administrators call for halt to implementation Emmanuel Bonney Education Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:28 The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to halt the implementation of the Office Holding Allowances directive in the public universities forthwith. That, it said, was because the process was awash with discrimination, arbitrariness and unfair labour practices. The implementation of this obnoxious GTEC directive on officeholders has resulted in a number of GAUA Members losing their allowances while the complaints at the National Labour Commission (NLC) are still pending. Directive The GTEC directive on officeholders should stop immediately until a proper implementation framework is agreed on by all stakeholders. . Notice is hereby served that if the GTEC directive is not stopped by January 1, 2024, GAUA and its members will be compelled to lay down their tools, it said in a statement signed by its President, Dr Beth Offei-Awuku. At its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of December 8, 2023, GAUA said it had noted with unwelcome concern the near death of academic freedom in the public universities of Ghana. The meeting, representing all non-teaching senior members in the public universities in the country, focused on the recent apparent political interference with universities' governance as well as management issues of most public universities; the overregulation and virtual micro-management of the public universities by GTEC and its blatant disregard for legal documents like the universities' Acts of Parliament, the statutes and policies governing universities. Some government appointees to the university councils and politicians in the jurisdiction of some public universities have been noted to exert excessive political influence on the administrative structures of the public universities without recourse to the Acts, Statutes and Policies governing the establishment of the nation's public universities. Some recent directives of the GTEC seeking to adversely vary established conditions of service for non-teaching senior members makes it clear that university administration is under siege, it said. GAUA said those gravely worrying behaviours of the Regulator in dishonouring statutory provisions of legally binding documents was most distasteful and an affront to the academic freedom of those autonomous public institutions. That trend, it said, was very wrong and needed urgent redress if the rule of law was anything to continue to live for. GAUA calls on the government and the relevant stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of academic freedom by enforcing the compliance with legal documents of the nations public universities, it said. 51 Tertiary students benefit from GOPDC scholarship Haruna Yussif Wunpini Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:11 The Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) at Kwae in the Kwaebibirem District in the Eastern Region has provided a scholarship package for 51 students within its operational areas to pursue programmes at the tertiary level. The company cultivates oil palm and processes the palm oil. At a short ceremony to present the cheques to that effect at the companys premises at Kwae last Saturday (December 9), the Community Relations Manager (CRM) of the company, Andrew Enyam Andoh, said the beneficiaries were under the company's scholarship scheme. CSR According to Mr Andoh, GH230,000 had been disbursed since the restructuring of the scholarship scheme as part of the companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support only tertiary students in need in 2022. He said the company had been paying the tuition fees of students in their operational areas for years. Mr Andoh said the company, which was paying the fees of needy senior high school students, had to redirect the package to those at the tertiary level due to the introduction of the free SHS programme. He indicated that in 2022, the company released GH100,000 to support tertiary students and another GH130,000 in 2023. The scholarship package, he stated, had been spread across 15 communities in the companys operational areas, with a maximum of two slots for each community. He said some of the communities were located at Kusi, Takorase, Asuom, Kwae, Aboabo, Mintah, Obomeng and Okumeni, all in the Kwaebibrem and Denkyembour districts. Projects The Community Relations Manager noted that some of the projects the company had undertaken in the health and education sectors were the provision of a health centre at Okumanin, nurses quarters at Kusi, which was started by the community, and a 24-bed capacity facility health centre at Asuom. He advised the students to make good use of the scholarship package. Beneficiaries concern A beneficiary of the scholarship package, a level 300 Mechanical Engineering student of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Marfo Ntiamoah, thanked the company for its assistance. He said after completing SHS, he had no hope of furthering his education due to financial constraints. Mr Ntiamoah said without the companys assistance, his dream of obtaining tertiary education would not have been possible. He promised to study hard to make his family and community proud because it would open up more opportunities for him in the years ahead. Another beneficiary from Kusi, Melody Oforiwaa Gyasi, a level 200 student at the University of Ghana, said the support from the company enabled her to pursue a programme in veterinary medicine. She was grateful to the company for its continued support, adding that she would continue to study hard to justify the package offered to her. Address chieftaincy, land cases out of court - Gt. Accra Regional Minister appeals to Ga chiefs Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:57 The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has called on chiefs in the region to endeavour to settle land and chieftaincy issues out of court. He said such cases were too many and that some could be taken out of the courts and settled amicably at home through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). That, among other things, he said, would help to promote peace and unity within the Ga State to fast-track progress and development. Coronation Mr Quartey said that at the Coronation of the Noyaa Mantse (Development Chief) of Dome, Nii Kwame Ladzelor I, last Saturday in Accra. The event was attended by a host of personalities, including the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the National Chief, Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; the Chief of Dome, Nii Ayah-Opeku, and the Executive of the Ghana Freezones Board, Mike Oquaye Jr. Also present were other traditional rulers, queen mothers, representatives from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II as well as members of the Prophets and Spiritual Churches Council and the Israel King of the Jews Church. There were also representatives from the Igbo State in Nigeria in Ghana. Nii Ladzelor, known in private life as Prophet Nakoa Ansan Jamson, is the Founder of the Israel King of Jews Church and Spiritual Leader of the Prophets and Spiritual Churches Council, Ghana. He was installed recently as the development chief of Dome by the Onamroko Adain family. Promotion The minister urged Nii Ladzelor to help promote and strengthen unity among the people. He said the cordial relationship between the Chief Imam and heads of churches had made the country unique and such religious peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance was a clear demonstration of the peace and tranquillity in the country. He further urged Nii Ladjelor to ensure unity among the people and that he should also pray for continued peace in Dome and beyond. Nii Ladjelor prayed for the blessings of God for the Onamroko Adain family. He said he was not a stranger in the area and thanked them for bringing him into the family. He described the Head of the Onamroko Adain family, C.J. Reindorf, as a "great driver" leading the family to the right destination". In his remarks, Mr Reindorf, in a speech read on his behalf, said while the family was growing in all forms and shapes, the settlers on its lands had equally grown and that required a comprehensive managerial administration to oversee its success. As a result, he said, the family had decided to engage and include prominent people on its land to help steer its affairs; hence, the appointment of Noyaa Mantse. "We today celebrate this occasion, a decision comprehensively taken by principal elders. "Nii Kwame Ladzelor I has earned this position by endearing himself to the family and proved to be a worthy person. We believe his appointment will bring the needed support and knowledge to uplift the entire family as a whole," he said. Mr Reindorf appealed to the Ga Mantse, the Ga Traditional Council and the Gbese Mantse to seek every means to bring all Gas together to remain in peace with one another. CAMFED implements new strategy to empower girls, women Mohammed Fugu Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:55 The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Ghana, a pan-African movement supporting girls to become change makers, is to implement a comprehensive intervention to support marginalised girls and empower young women to enable them to secure good livelihoods. The new strategy to be implemented over the next six years, beginning from January 2024 to 2029, would be focused on unlocking new resources for girls' education, unleashing new potentials through young women's leadership, and igniting new action to accelerate change. The National Director of CAMFED Ghana, Fairuza Safian, who disclosed this, said the new strategy aimed to empower more girls and marginalised young women in the country, particularly in the rural communities. She was speaking at the 2023 annual general meeting of CAMFED Ghana in Tamale, on the theme: CAMFEDs 2024-2029 Strategic: Your Role in Successful Implementation". The event brought together various stakeholders in the education sector to take stock of the successes chalked up by the NGO and discuss ways to ensure the successful implementation of the new strategy. Successes In her remarks, Mrs Safian indicated that a total of 663,455 girls and 35,894 enterprises have been supported since the beginning of CAMFED's operations in Ghana. In terms of what we have achieved by way of programmes, based on the mid-year key performance indicators, the number of girls receiving economic support bursary is 18,980, comprising 16,436 at the secondary level and 2,544 at the primary level. CAMFED's strategic plan is ambitious but achievable, and we call on you to continue to support our efforts in the implementation. In the years ahead, we will work to ensure that girls and young women are capacitated and provided with the knowledge and skills to become economically independent and be positioned to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and nation at large, she added. Commendation For his part, the Director for Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Nana Baffour Awuah, lauded CAMFED Ghana for its immense contribution and efforts in promoting quality girl child education and empowering women and also in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) four that sought to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. We are looking forward to our continued trust and confidence in the future of girls' education and together we must continue to innovate and embrace as we continue this groundbreaking journey to multiply opportunity for girls' education and empower our women as we look to the future we do so with confidence, he said. Displaced victims at Tefle appeal for safe drinking water Della Russel Ocloo Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:22 Displaced persons at Tefle, near Sogakope in the Central Tongu District in the Volta Region, have appealed for the supply of safe drinking water for the community following the contamination of the water sources as a result of the flooding occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam. The residents, who presently make their water safe for use by boiling, fear a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases if they continue using the contaminated water. The situation is dire, as there are currently 389 displaced victims, of which 208 are women, 50 are children (28 girls), 140 are men, and 12 are person with disabilities (PWDs). Donation They made the call when a businessman and the Chief Executive Officer of Tema-based Santa Shipping, Stephen Adjokatcher, donated bags of rice, canned fish, detergents, and oil to the victims in an effort mitigate their plight. A tour of the affected areas by the Daily Graphic last Sunday revealed scenes of devastation, with 18 homes collapsed, some completely reduced to rubble and others with their roofs ripped off. Residents of the affected homes have been forced to seek shelter with friends and relatives in other parts of the community. Mr Adjokatcher, who was visibly moved by the plight of the victims, called on the government and the wider business community to help restore hope and dignity to the victims. I would like to encourage benevolent organisations to help these victims to rebuild their lives through the provision of opportunities skills training, particularly for those women who have lost livelihoods to help them become self-sufficient, Mr Adjokatcher said. Victims Some of the victims, who spoke to the Daily Graphic during a tour of parts of the affected areas at Tefle Newtown and Akporsorgbeto lamented the state they were in. A fish farmer, Beatrice Fiagbor, whose home is still submerged, compelling her to move in with a neighbour, told the Daily Graphic that she now faced the daunting task of getting her life back. Ms Fiagbor is among eight other women who have taken refuge in the small home of a neighbour whose house is on a higher ground. The eight of them, she said, shared four pieces of student mattresses while the belongings they managed to salvage from the floods were placed in the limited spaces within their hosts rooms and compound. The Secretary of the Tefle Disaster Relief Committee, Benjamin Amekudzi, who also doubles as the Assembly Member for the Tefle Electoral Area, highlighted the urgent need for additional relief items such as mattresses, charcoal, corn, cooking oil and sanitary pads for young girls. He also noted that many of the displaced schoolchildren were forced to attend school in borrowed clothing, and walked barefooted to school because they lost their belongings in the floods. Ghana Revenue Authority wins GH39.7m suit Emelia Ennin Abbey Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:18 The High Court in Accra, Commercial Division has dismissed a GH39.7 million claim made by Magnate Technology and Services against the Ghana Revenue Authority for breach of agreement. The amount, the company said, would have been revenue or fees that would have accrued to it from June 1, 2020 to date of payment and a legal cost of GH3 million. The court, in its ruling, held that it was unable to grant the reliefs being sought as there was not enough evidence from Plaintiff (Magnate Technology) for it to accept the claim and that it was based on an illegal contract. It said there was no evidence before the court showing the investment made over the period, revenue recouped over the course of performance and the deficit suffered. "I am inclined to make an order for the Plaintiff to recoup its investment but as l have stated above, the paucity of evidence does not offer any guidance. There is not sufficient evidence on record for me to know the exact investment made by the Plaintiff," Justice Constant K. Hometowu said in his ruling. "Simply stating in letters that over $7 million has been invested is not sufficient under the circumstances," the court said. Magnate Technology in its writ of summons sought, among other relief, a true interpretation of the agreement and a restoration to its previous position, breach of contract, special damages of GH39.7 million being the minimum revenue it would have earned if the agreement was not wrongfully terminated and interest from June 1, 2020 to date of payment and a legal cost of GH3 million. Fact of case The facts of the case were that Magnate Technology in September 2007 entered into an agreement with the GRA after it won an international bidding process to provide a system for securing all bonded warehouses in the country for a 10-year period. Although the agreement was made on September 26, 2007 for an initial period of ten years, the actual operations began three years later in August 2010, largely due to administrative delays on the part of the beneficiary agency, the then Ghana Customs Excise and Preventive Service. The agreement was structured as a long term public-private partnership in recognition of its capital intensive nature. The project was to be funded exclusively by Magnate Technology. Magnate Technology was to have the exclusive right to provide the services in Ghana with the deliberate view to allow the company to recoup its investments. During the 10-year period, the parties agreed to a fee structure of 95 per cent of net revenue for Magnate Technology and five per cent for the GRA. Magnate claimed it made heavy investment for the project (in excess of $7 million) and this was acknowledged by the GRA. However, due to the inadequacy of fee structure to enable the Plaintiff to recoup its investment and make reasonable profit, the GRA agreed to renew the agreement for a further term of six years with a new fee structure to reflect 97 per cent for Magnate Technology and three per cent for the GRA. GRAs defence In its defence, the GRA argued that the addendum was not a renewal of the Agreement, which had expired as of August 2017. It said the addendum must be considered as a fresh contract which required approval by the Board of the Public Procurement Authority and the Ministry of Finance in the same manner that the two bodies sanctioned the earlier agreement. It said the parties could not have made an addendum to the expired contract and that the addendum lacked the crucial statutory approval and it was illegally procured and same was void and unenforceable. MDAs urged to inculcate gender issues in devt plans Mohammed Fugu Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:59 An Economic Consultant, Eric Banye, has asked Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) to inculcate gender issues in their four-year medium-term development plans. That, he indicated, would ensure parity and fairness between males and females in all aspects of the development agenda. Mr Banye made the call at a training seminar for local government officials in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The seminar, which was organised by the Hunger Project in partnership with Ghana, as well as BMZ, was to strengthen sub-district institutions for community-led public services in Ghana. The event, which was also to improve the responsiveness, transparency and accountability of local government authorities, was attended by municipal and district chief executives (MDCEs), planning officers of the assemblies, coordinating directors and budget officers. According to Mr Banye, most often development plans initiated by the assemblies had been tailored towards males at the disadvantage of females and persons with disability (PWDs). Male domination "In most cases, medium-term development plans of the assemblies are skewed towards male domination, which does not augur well for the development of the communities," he stated. Mr Banye stressed that since the female population was higher than that of the males, it was expedient to implement a gender-parity development agenda that would equally cater for the people. Resources The Country Director of the Hunger Project, Samuel Afrane, said the assemblies were now collaborating effectively with the communities in terms of development. He, for instance, indicated that in some circumstances, the communities mobilised their own resources of which assemblies also added theirs for the implementation of projects. Ministry targets 50% turnout in District Level Election Charles Benoni Okine Dec - 13 - 2023 , 12:17 The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development has urged the electorate to fully participate in the upcoming District Level Election on December 19. We know the turnout for District Level Elections in the country in previous years has been extremely low but we are targeting at least 50 per cent turnout this time around and we want all, irrespective of party affiliation, to go to the polls in their numbers on the day to cast their ballot, the sector minister, Dan Botwe, appealed. Interacting with the executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and a cross-section of editors of media houses in Accra last Monday, Mr Botwe said elections at the local level were an integral part of democracy, noting that to further deepen the practice in the country, there was the need for the people to show greater interest in such elections by voting to elect their local representatives to champion their cause. We have and continue to do all we can to whip up interest. We are seeing positive signs at the rural and district levels where the candidates vying to be elected are active and campaigning from house to house but not much of same is being witnessed in the urban areas. However, we are optimistic that with the work done so far, the response will be better than in previous election years and that is why we urge all to make some time to show up and vote, he appealed. Media support Mr Botwe also rallied the media to help whip up interest in the elections, saying we can only count on you to hype the elections because it is a critical national exercise and we must all help to ensure its success. He said it was not the best that during the presidential and parliamentary elections, turnout had crossed 70 per cent in many instances but at the district level elections, the turnout kept dropping. For instance, in 1988, the turnout was a little over 59 per cent but has since dropped to below 40 per cent in the last three to four elections. Mr Botwe said it was time for Ghanaians to change their perception about the District Level Election and ensure that they took full interest in the exercise to elect persons who would help champion their cause at the local level. In the week before the elections, I would want to appeal to the media houses to use their space to help the ministry whip up interest. I know your medium is very powerful and, therefore, once you make the elections your topic, the people will go and cast their vote. The Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development Minister also urged chiefs and opinion leaders to join the campaign to encourage their people to vote on the day. He said assemblymen and women played a key role in resolving pertinent issues within their communities and help to support the work of the traditional rulers, therefore, the exercise must be taken seriously to ensure its success. Core of Democracy The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, also shared some views on the elections, saying that the District Level Election formed the core of the nations democracy. He said many countries whose democracy had thrived was as a result of the success of their local elections, an example the country could emulate. Mr Nkrumah joined in appealing to the media to help the process through discussions on air and in print to encourage all eligible persons to cast their ballot on the day. Pledge The President of the GJA, Albert Dwumfuor, for his part, expressed gratitude to the ministry for recognising the pivotal role of the media when it comes to issues of national concern. I can pledge that we will do our part to heighten the awareness creation to encourage more people to vote on the day, he assured. NAM 1 trial: Prosecution bets on 11 witnesses Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:23 The prosecution in the trial in which the Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1) and two of his companies have been accused of defrauding customers to the tune of GH340,835,650 , will call its first witness on December 20, this year. This comes after the court presided over by Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge concluded on timelines and pre-trial processes needed to start the trial. In all, the prosecution led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, would be relying on 11 witnesses to prove its case against NAM 1 and his company. The presiding judge suggested to parties in the case that they could take advantage of the plea bargaining law to help settle the affected customers adding that at any time during the trial, the court could consider whatever arrangement the state and accused persons would decide on. Plea bargaining On July 22, 2022, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo passed a bill to introduce plea bargaining into Ghanas justice system for some cases. Plea bargaining is a process in criminal justice where an accused person relinquishes the right to a full trial in exchange for some other benefit. In consideration of a guilty plea, the accused person gets lesser charges, reduced number of offences, or receives a lesser sentence. Meanwhile, Justice Owusu-Dapaah says he is hoping to give judgment in the case by March 2024. Not guilty NAM1 and two of his companies - Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited, have been charged with 39 counts of selling gold without licence, operating deposit-taking business, inducement to invest, defrauding by false pretence, fraudulent breach of trust and money laundering. The allegations levelled against them relate to defrauding their customers of various sums of money between 2016 and 2018, totalling GH340,835,650. NAM1 had pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is on a bail of GH500 million with four sureties. National Mental Health Research Agenda launched Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 13 - 2023 , 15:14 A National Mental Health Research Agenda (2019-2030) designed to shape mental health care in the country has been launched in Accra. The document outlines strategies for improving various aspects of the health system, including human resource, financing, governance structure and partnership. Moreover, it identifies the paucity of research as a constraint to evidence-based decision-making and adequately highlights that this gap is negatively affecting mental health delivery. Work Launching the National Mental Health Research Agenda, an initiative of the Mental Health Authority (MHA) recently in Accra, a former Chief Psychiatrist, Prof. J.B. Asare, said a lot of work went into the production of the document. On behalf of the Board Chairperson of the MHA, he underscored the need for greater collaboration among the various stakeholders and organisations. He said with the document, it did not mean that things that were not found in it could not be researched on. In the keynote address read on his behalf, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, said the launch of the National Mental Health Research Agenda was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new era in mental health research in the country. Let us collectively strive to address the gaps in our understanding, collaborate for the greater good, and contribute to the global discourse on mental health, he said. Goal The ministrys primary goal, he said, was to meticulously document the pivotal areas of research in the realm of mental health, thereby creating a comprehensive roadmap for those venturing into that critical field of study. In recent times, he said there had been commendable progress in mental health care across the country. However, he said the same could not be said for the field of mental health research, adding that the scarcity of accurate and comprehensive data on the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of mental health conditions has left us with a significant gap in our understanding of the exact mental health situation in our beloved country. Information We often find ourselves relying on extrapolated information from international research, imprecise estimates from global organisations, and anecdotal evidence from our esteemed experts, he said and that the prediction of an increase in mental disorders in Ghana due to globalisation and modernisation, made by some early researchers and clinicians, remains unsubstantiated. The true prevalence of mental illness/disorders in our nation is uncertain, creating a considerable void in our knowledge. In the absence of data from population-based epidemiological studies, he said our estimates are susceptible to both under and overestimation. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr Caroline Amissah, said the document was not just a collection of words and that it was a commitment, a roadmap, and a testament to the authoritys unwavering dedication to advancing mental health in the country nation. The Mental Health Authority's Research Agenda, she said was more than just a set of priorities and that it was a structured framework meticulously designed to guide and manage its research activities. Journey Today, we embark on a journey that will shape the future of mental health in Ghana. This agenda is not only for the Mental Health Authority but is designed to benefit our affiliate institutions, stakeholder organisations, and related entities. Together, we will forge a path toward growth and success. At the heart of our research agenda is a commitment to evidence-based decision-making. We recognise that in the complex landscape of mental health, informed decisions are the bedrock of effective intervention and support, she said. Dr Amissah said it was important to note that the authoritys research was not static and that the document was a living entity, responsive to the dynamic nature of social existence. As society evolves, so too will our research agenda. We commit to regularly updating it to reflect the realities of the times, ensuring that our efforts remain relevant and impactful, she said. Newmont supports Eastern assemblies with COVID-19 supplies Daily Graphic Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:06 Newmonts Business Unit in Africa has provided COVID-19 supplies worth GH506,000 to support the Asutifi North and Birim North District assemblies in the Eastern Region and Ahafo Region respectively. The items which were donated toward the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic included RHA extraction kits, biohazard waste bin lines, disposable gowns, absolute methanol, PCR reagent and swab sticks. Others were needles and syringes, zip lock bags, cotton wool, chlorine disinfectant, face shields, nose masks, face masks, hand sanitisers, liquid soap, tissue paper, safety goggles, gloves and disinfectants. The presentation was also in line with Newmonts prioritisation of the communities in which it operates where it has been consistent in providing relevant support. Global fund At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Newmont set up a $20 million Global COVID-19 Fund to address the needs of host communities, government, and health institutions across its operational areas in the world. The Fund has supported various interventions to reduce the spread of the infection and related mortalities. In Ghana, Newmont funded healthcare infrastructure such as the PCR laboratory for infectious disease testing at the Abirem Government Hospital in the Eastern Region and the Kenyasi Health Centre in the Ahafo Region. Among other things, the company further refurbished the Cold Chain Facility at the Eastern Regional Hospital to support the testing and treatment of the disease. Essential medical equipment Newmont also supported healthcare facilities in Ghana with essential medical equipment and supplies. These included ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing kits. In the Eastern and Ahafo regions, the company has led extensive community outreach programmes to address the socio-economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The company has also provided direct assistance to vulnerable populations, including the distribution of hygiene kits. In addition to external efforts, Newmont prioritised the wellbeing of its own workforce by implementing robust health and safety measures, including comprehensive COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and flexible work arrangements to ensure the safety of its employees and their families. Non Ghanaian resident health insurance policy to be introduced Emelia Ennin Abbey Dec - 13 - 2023 , 06:33 The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has started processes to enrol foreigners onto the National Health Insurance Scheme. A Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah, said a draft national non-resident visitors health insurance policy had been developed to provide a framework to deliver a national non-resident visitors health insurance scheme (NNRVHIS) for non-residents who travel to the country for business, tourism, pleasure and other interests. She was speaking at an event to commemorate this year's International Universal Health Coverage Day on the theme: "Health for all: Time for action, in Accra yesterday. Requirement The NNRVHIS is a health insurance scheme that was required by law for non-residents visiting the country, in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852). When it takes effect, persons who are not resident in Ghana, but who intend to travel and live in the country legally for less than six months in any period of 12 months would be required to subscribe to the NNRVHIS before embarking on the journey. It forms part of the countrys universal health coverage (UHC) roadmap aimed at achieving 100 per cent health insurance coverage at the primary health care level by 2030. A 2021 Holistic Assessment Report of the Ministry of Health indicated that the proportion of the countrys population with active NHIS membership stood at 16.8 million, representing 57.3 per cent. Coverage The deputy minister said: In the spirit of leaving no one behind, we are determined not to only increase NHIS coverage for residents, but also extend it to cover non-resident visitors. To increase investment in the NHIS, she said the ministry was collaborating with the NHIA and other agencies and partners to develop a comprehensive essential health service package (EHSP) that would expand NHIS benefits to include interventions that provide services to cover promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative cases. Ms Mensah also said that the country had little over six years to achieve the UHC target, adding this is a clear indication that there is not enough time, the time to act is now! WHO concerns The National Professional Officer for Malaria at WHO, Dr Felicia Owusu Antwi, highlighted the findings of a publication by the organisation and the World Bank Group titled: Tracking universal health coverage: 2023 global monitoring report. The report indicated that expansion of health service coverage had largely stalled, while financial protection for those who received health services had worsened. The report also showed that as of 2021, about half the worlds population, representing 4.5 billion people were not covered by essential health services, while in 2019, about two billion people experienced financial hardship due to out-of-pocket spending on health, including 344 million people living in extreme poverty. This is an indication that reaching the goal of UHC by 2030 requires substantial public investment and effort, she said. Funding The Chairman of the Ghana Coalition of non-governmental agencies in health, Bright Amissah-Nyarko, called for adequate budget, prompt allocation and disbursement of sufficient funds for all emergency health interventions. Tax break kick-off will reduce sanitary pad prices - Local manufacturers assure nation Daniel Kenu Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:40 Local manufacturers of sanitary pads have assured the public that the prices of the items will reduce once the zero tax policy on the product starts in January. The Managing Director of Sunda Ghana Industry Park, Michael Ye, and that of Fay International, Jeanine Hage-Ali, who gave the assurance, expressed the hope that with the scrapping of the taxes, sales would increase and that would lead to the employment of more people. The two executives gave the assurance last Monday when the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women's Caucus in Parliament paid a working visit to the factories of Sunda and Fay International, two of the local manufacturers in Accra, to assess what was happening at their production plant sites. Caucus The delegation was led by the Second Minority Chief Whip and First Vice Chairperson of the Caucus, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe. Other members were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, and the MP for Tempane, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba. They were also joined by student leaders from the University of Ghana and the Accra Technical University to assess the capacities of the factories and know whether they had the muscle to meet local demands. Members of the caucus engaged in a frank discussion with the manufacturers on whether they had the capacity to meet the local demand since imported pads were expensive. Production capacity, cost The two factories have a yearly production output of 6.18 million pieces of the pads. Sunda, the bigger of the two, produces six million pieces a year, while Fay produces about 183,000 a year, producing at 500 pieces a day. The current country's demand, according to the companies, was between 350 million and 400 million pieces a year. Currently, due to the high overhead costs especially at the ports, the companies had to cut down on their workforce, which had impacted on production numbers. Engagement The Second Minority Chief Whip and MP for Ada East asked if the companies had held any discussions with the government and its agencies as to how the process would be done. The two MDs said there had been a prior budget engagement with the government, as well as the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). However, since the budget was presented to Parliament, the companies were yet to meet with the government about when the zero tax policy would take off for them to plan. Ms Cudjoe said the caucus would continue to monitor to ensure that the "government walks the talk." Background The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who presented the budget, said engagements with local manufacturers of sanitary pads revealed that there was adequate local capacity to produce far in excess of local demand. Therefore, as part of efforts to boost the local industry, the 2024 budget proposed import duty waivers to be extended to cover imports of raw materials for the local production of sanitary pads, as well as zero-rating of VAT on locally produced pads. The government said it was in discussions with the local manufacturers to ensure that the concessions reflected in the final price of the products on the market. Currently, the manufacturers said they were burdened with Value Added Tax (VAT) and other levies amounting to 21.9 per cent on imported production materials at the ports of entry. Tax evasion case: K-Ofori CEO exonerated Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 13 - 2023 , 12:16 After investigations conducted for over two years by the Economic & Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with the benefit of advice from the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of K-Ofori Limited and Kwadwo Boachie Enterprise, has been exonerated of any wrongdoing in a suspected tax evasion and money laundering case. In her advice on behalf of the Attorney-General, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, recommended the discontinuation of the case against Frank Kwadwo Ofori, the CEO of K-Ofori Limited, who is also a 10 per cent shareholder of Universal Steel Company (USC) Limited, a company at the centre of tax evasion claims. No evidence has been gathered to substantiate these claims. Mere suspicions are not enough to bring any charges against them, the A-Gs advice stated. The A-Gs directive was based on the request by the Executive Director of EOCO, Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, to conduct a forensic audit into the activities of USC which is operated by foreigners. When contacted, the Lead Consultant, T. Forson & Co, Anthony Forson Jnr, commended the Attorney-General office and EOCO for the thorough investigation that led to the exoneration of his client, Mr Ofori. Background Per the terms of reference for the investigations, suspects Ofori, Hani Mikati, Marwa Hamwi and Sallam Mohammed Gharib were arrested as persons behind USC. In their cautioned statements, they each denied the offence of tax evasion, money laundering and participating in organised crime. EOCOs investigations into the matter revealed that the company registration documents of USC obtained from the Office of the Registrar of Companies showed that the company commenced business on August 13, 2004, with Mikati Abdul and Qaraman Sameer as the initial shareholders and later Akosua Aboagye Ofori, Frank Ofori and Sethi Brothers Company Ltd joined as shareholders. It further showed that Frank Kwadwo Ofori and his wife Akosua Aboagye Ofori since 2016 owned 10 per cent of the shares in USC, while Sethi Brothers owned 30 per cent of the shares. After investigations into the bank records of K-Ofori Company Ltd for the period 2019, the report said no fictitious banking activities were discovered, adding, All transfers from K-Ofori Ltd were linked to USC and its agents and affiliates. The report further added that the bank could not also provide the EOCO team with any information regarding the accounts of USC upon request. It added that bank statements of the three foreign suspects showed that Marwan Hamwi withdrew a total amount of GH5 million from the company's account but the investigation did not reach a conclusion as to why the said amount was withdrawn and what it was used for. According to the report, Abdul Majid Mikati, who was also a Board member of USC, had a total amount of GH5.9 million credited to his account by DHL Ghana Limited. The investigations did not establish the purpose for which these amounts were credited to his account. A total amount of GH5.8 million had been credited to the Zenith Bank account of Salem Gharib without any justification. USC did not keep any financial records from inception that the investigation team could rely on to establish whether the 2018 financial statement received by the team was overstated or understated. The accounting firm K. Kye Accounting firm that prepared the 2018 financial statement of USC did not prepare it in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), EOCOs investigation revealed. Again, the investigation found out that the company was duly registered at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and owed SSNIT GH91,990.73 for the period of November and December 2018, adding: As of June 2021, USC owed GRA an amount of GH684.81 million, exclusive of penalties. The amount is made up of custom duties, corporate income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), income tax of wages and salaries otherwise known as pay as you go (PAYE) and withholding tax. The company had a bonded warehouse guarded by customs officials to ensure payment of necessary duties are paid before the goods leave the warehouse, USC, however, managed to get goods out of the warehouse without fulfilling its obligations. Although the team was able to establish that the 2018 Financial Statement of US did not reflect the true state of affairs, it could not establish for a fact whether the expenses were overstated or revenue understated since there were no records to work with, the investigations revealed. No evidence In its advice, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice concluded that there was no evidence of money moving directly from USC to Kwadwo Boachie Enterprise as it was revealed that all transactions between them were conducted on cash basis. The A-G added that since investigations were still ongoing, it would be prudent for investigations to be concluded and a complete docket forwarded to A-Gs office for comments on the culpability or otherwise of any of the suspects in question. However, it can be gleaned from the docket that your outfit has not made any conclusive findings on Frank Kwadwo Ofori, a 10 per cent shareholder in USC. It is pertinent to note that unless there is direct evidence to prove that he was engaged in the day-to-day management of affairs of USC, he cannot be held liable for the tax evasion of the company. In respect of the charges of money laundering and participating in organised crime, investigations revealed that neither him nor his company K-Ofori Limited have engaged in any form of money laundering and organised crime as there is no criminality in cash payments made by Frank Kwadwo Ofori through his company to USC for goods supplied to him, the DPP noted. She, therefore, concluded that Mr Ofori could not be held liable for any of the offences levelled against him, adding, I accordingly disrecommend his prosecution. UPSA honours First Lady, Justice Bamford-Addo, Theodora Wood Donald Ato Dapatem & Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:00 The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three women for their contribution to humanity at an event described as Day of the Firsts. They were the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo; the first and only female Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Joyce Bamford-Addo, and the first female Chief Justice, Her Ladyship, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood. Mrs Akufo-Addo, Founder of The Rebecca Foundation, a charitable organisation, was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters, with Rt Hon. Bamford-Addo and Mrs Wood receiving Honorary Doctorate Degrees of Laws. The degrees were conferred on them during the Fifth Session of the 15th Congregation of the university in Accra yesterday. The event was attended by President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and a host of other personalities. They included the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru; the Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esabaa Torkornoo; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey,and the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Stephen Wengam. Others were a former Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho; members of the diplomatic corps, a former Metropolitan Chief Executive of Accra, Stanley Nii Adjiri-Blankson; queenmothers, lecturers, students and family members of the awardees, among others. Session The session was the last ceremony to be held by the university for graduates of the 2022/2023 academic year who were awarded degrees and diplomas, including those of the School of Graduate Studies. In all, there were 176 graduate students, made up of two Doctor of Philosophy students, 10 Master of Philosophy students, 151 Master of Arts Students, and 13 Master of Science students. Kofi Konadu Sarpong (right), Chancellor, UPSA, presenting a citation to Joyce Bamford Addo, a former Speaker of Parliament. With them is Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey (2nd from right), Vice-Chancellor, UPSA The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Abednego Amartey, said honorary degrees were not merely symbols of recognition, but testaments to a lifetime of dedication, passion and impact. Our honourees today come from diverse fields, each contributing in their unique way to the betterment of our society. Today, we acknowledge these individuals who have exemplified excellence, innovation and service to humanity, becoming symbols of inspiration for generations to come. From ground-breaking achievements in Social Development, Law and Politics to profound contributions in the public service, their impact resonates far beyond imagination, he said. By breaking through gender norms, the Vice-Chancellor said the women had not only excelled in their respective roles, but had also paved the way for countless others, proving that excellence knows no gender. Their journeys, Prof. Amartey added, were also testaments to the power of breaking moulds, defying expectations and creating new paths for others to follow. In conferring the honorary doctorate degrees, we do not only recognise their significant accomplishments, but also acknowledge their role as a source of inspiration to our academic community. Dedication On behalf of the honourees, Mrs Akufo-Addo dedicated the doctorate degrees to women and children in the country whose resilience and drive, she said, continued to inspire her. But, as I stand here, I find myself in the company of two illustrious daughters of the land. I do not take it for granted. Georgina Theodora Wood (2nd from left), former Chief Justice, being decorated It is an honour to be in the company of these eminent women, who have made immense contributions to two arms of government the Legislature and the Judiciary. These are women I respect and honour, she said. Mrs Akufo-Addo further said by rising to the positions they both attained, they had broken the glass ceiling for women in the country. Commendation The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, commended the management of the UPSA for their efforts in turning the higher institution into a university of choice. He described the infrastructural development in the university as second to none in the country. You are doing some things I believe other universities from around the world can learn from. UPSA, we congratulate you, the minister added. The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said 31 staff of the ministry were among the graduating students. Awards were presented to graduate students who distinguished themselves. They received Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Marketing, Master of Philosophy in Accounting, Master of Science in Pensions Management, Master of Arts in Peace, Security & Intelligence Management, and Master of Arts in Brands & Communications Management. VRA workers' union presents items to flood victims Ezekiel E. Sottie Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:13 The Volta River Authority (VRA) Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has presented assorted items to the flood victims at five safe havens in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region. The flood victims that number 2,017 are currently at five safe havens at Fodzoku, Dorfor-Adidome, Volo, Morklikpo and Agorveme. The items presented included bags of maize, bags of cassava dough, bags of rice, toilet rolls, corn dough, powdered and cakes of soap, detergents, water, mosquito coils and diapers, among other items. The Divisional Secretary of the VRA PSWU, Applause Ebenezer Sedziafa and Vice Chairperson of the Women's Association of the Union, Rejoice Mensah, presented the items on behalf of the Chairman, Fuseini Adjei. VRA groups Mr Sedziafa, who handed over the items at each camp to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Coordinator, Benedicta Homadzi, for the five beneficiary safe havens, said even though the VRA since the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams had done a lot to save the lives of the affected victims, there was the need for other groups within the VRA to also support in one way or the order. He stated that apart from other organisations, groups and individuals who assisted in many diverse ways as fellow Ghanaians, the Ladies Association within the VRA had also presented what they had to support the affected victims and it was, therefore, the turn of the main VRA Union to also show concern; hence, the presentation of the items. We, the PSWU of the VRA, want you in these camps to know that we are equally feeling the way you are feeling here and that is why we thought it wise to show our love and concern, hence the items we have brought to you, Mr Sedziafa stressed. The NADMO Coordinator, Ms Homadzi, thanked the main VRA union for the donation and wished more would come as the situation at the various camps was tough. Submerged farms A 70-year-old man at the Fodzoku Camp, Mensah Gbolo, who shared his concern with the media, noted that ever since the spillage, their farms where they planted cassava and maize, among many other crops, to earn their livelihood had all been submerged and absolutely nothing was left for them. He said it would take one whole year to plant such crops again when they got back to their villages and, therefore, appealed to the VRA to come to their aid in whatever way possible to alleviate their plight. The Headteacher of the Fodzoku Evangelical Presbyterian Basic School, Gideon Thompson, said using the schools as safe havens for the affected communities was equally affecting the schools in many ways. He said apart from the new furniture that was destroyed by the communities in the school, pupils attending classes under the trees on the school compound was not the best, as it was very distractive to the learners. The other camps visited in the various communities also expressed their worries and concerns about the situation which was affecting them financially, socially and emotionally. They, therefore, prayed to be relocated to their homes, as the flood water had subsided per the VRAs assessment. List of individuals OSP has presented for criminal trials since August 2021 Enoch Darfah Frimpong Dec - 13 - 2023 , 16:54 Since August 2021, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has presented the following individuals for criminal trials in courtrooms across Ghana for corruption and corruption-related offences. These cases are different from the OSP's interim applications, where the courts have barred the office from making arrests, conducting investigations, or seizing assets of the individuals implicated as suspects and respondents. They are Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka, Adjenim Boateng Adjei, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Sumaila Abdul Rahman and three others. The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka With this case the prosecution has closed its case in the trial of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee for Juaben in the Ashanti Region for corruption in respect of a public election. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka has been charged with 26 counts of corruption in respect of a public election. The court is scheduled to decide on the defence's submission of a "no case" on January 23, 2024. The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman and three others With this one, the prosecution has closed its case in the Northern Development Authority corruption scandal in which the former Chief Executive Officer and his two deputies and a private contractor are facing 11 charges in respect of bloated contract for a poverty eradication programme in excess of GH5 million cedis. In all, the prosecution called 10 witnesses. The defence is to file their submission of no case to answer by January 4, 2024. The prosecution will file its response by January 25, 2024. The case has been adjourned to February 12, 2024 for mention. The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei The trial of the former Chief Executive of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and his brother-in-law is ongoing before the Criminal Division of the High Court, Accra. Mr. Adjenim Boateng Adjei has been charged on multiple counts of using public office for profit and directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of public contracts, while his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin has been charged with one (1) count of using public office for profit. The case has been adjourned to March 4, 2024 for continuation of cross-examination of first prosecution witness. The Republic v. Cecilia Abena Dapaah Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah has refused to declare property and income as demanded by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The plea of the accused, Cecilia Abena Dapaah is yet to be taken. The docket is yet to be assigned to new judge. The case has been adjourned to December 22, 2023. Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Insights from NCCEs matters of concern to the Ghanaian voter Dr John Osae-Kwapong Politics Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:51 The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has in its treasure trove a research publication that comes out during election years titled Research on Matters of Concern to the Ghanaian Voter. The first iteration of this research was conducted in 2004. The commission has produced the report in every election year (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) since then. I appreciate many things about the report including the methodological clarity with which the research is done. The research uses a structured questionnaire with a combination of both close and open-ended questions for data collection. The questionnaire covers themes such as voting history, voter intentions, voting behaviour, socio-economic issues of concern to the Ghanaian voter, etc. Respondents are drawn randomly from all constituencies across all regions in Ghana. The sample size over the years has been good - 6,000 (2004); 5,496 (2008); 7,947 (2012); 7,435 (2016) and 9,541 (2020). Highlights from research First, Ghanaians have a well-defined set of issues they expect government to address. These have not changed, especially the number one issue of concern. In 2004, the top three issues were education, health and unemployment; in 2008 the top three issues were education, health and agriculture; in 2012 and 2016 the top three issues were education, health and unemployment. In the most recent report (2020), the top three issues were education, unemployment and health. Education has consistently remained the number one concern for the Ghanaian voter. The report goes further to provide information on the specific issues in the various areas of concern. In education, what are they? In the 2004 report, the main concern was working conditions for teachers; in 2008, it was making education free; in 2012 it was making the costs of education affordable; in 2016 it was the cost of accessing education and in 2020, the continued implementation of the free education policy. For the top three issues to remain the same, especially education as number one since the 2004 election, suggests that Ghanaians are still not completely satisfied with the efforts of governments over the years. There is still room for improvement. And since 2008, the specific issue of concern in education is accessibility in terms of cost. Second, is the reason why Ghanaians vote. It is even more interesting to observe that the reason for the willingness of Ghanaians to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections are very different. In the 2016 and 2020 report, when asked why they were willing to vote in the presidential election, the number one reason was to exercise my civic duty. Please keep in mind that the question deals the willingness to vote. The answer should not be construed as the reason why voters may choose one party or candidate over another. For parliamentary election, the number one reason in both 2016 and 2020 was to vote for an MP who brings development. This is at odds with the sentiments sometimes expressed by some parliamentarians who argue that they are lawmakers and not agents of development. Third, the research also captures the main reason why voters say they do not intend to vote. For presidential election, two main reasons have emerged- failure by governments to live up to expectations over the years (2016) and lack of interest in voting (2020.). In parliamentary election, the two reasons have been a) disappointment with the performance of MPs (2016) and b) lack of development (2020). Here again, the expectation of members of parliament as agents of development comes up. Perhaps, it is time members of parliament made peace with this expectation of voters. In my past two opinion pieces, I have tried to provide an answer to the question where are the dividends of democracy? The NCCE report in 2016 and 2020 asked respondents to rate their satisfaction with the countrys performance on six democratic indicators. The results show declines in satisfaction between 2016 and 2020 in three areas - a) respect for human dignity declined from 54 per cent to 47 per cent; b) freedom of speech declined from 73 per cent to 65 per cent and rule of law declined from 45 per cent to 40 per cent. Citizens being alive to their civic responsibilities remained unchanged 44 per cent in 2016 and 43 per cent in 2020.Improvement in the living conditions of Ghanaians increased from 26 per cent in 2016 to 32 per cent in 2020. But note that except for freedom of speech, the level of satisfaction on the remaining five indicators is below 50 per cent in the most recent report. The 2024 Election Report Another election year is approaching. It is my hope and expectation that the NCCE will continue its tradition of producing this report because the findings do help enrich the discussions as voters try to decide which political party to vote into office. Signing late Offinsohene's book of condolence makes your royal claim doubtful - Hemanhene to KK [VIDEO] Graphic.com.gh Politics Dec - 13 - 2023 , 20:03 The chief of the Heman Traditional Area (Hemanhene), Nana Apau Wiafe Ababio Sanwoansan in a comment at a traditional council meeting in Kumasi has questioned why a claimant to the vacant Offinso stool, claiming to be a true royal was part of the funeral contribution donors and the signees of the book of condolence when the late Offinsohene, Nana Wiafe Akenten III passed on. To him, no true royal, who was part of the bereaved royal family, knowing he was part of the bereaved family, would have signed a book of condolence to console himself and his family. In addition to that, the said claimant also offered a funeral donation, which was publicly announced. In Akan custom and tradition, where does a bereaved person offer himself and his family a funeral donation, Nana Hemanhene questioned. The Heman chief was speaking about the former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong [K.K. Sarpong], whose name has come up as the proposed candidate by the Offinso queen mother for the vacant Offinso stool, but the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu has questioned his candidature. Questions have been raised about Dr Sarpong's candidature in line with being part of the royal family from which the candidate should be nominated. According to the Hemanhene, Dr Sarpong was aware the rejection by the Asantehene was right. Watch the attached video from the meeting shared by Kumasi-based Opemsuo Radio on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, on how Nana Sanwoansan addressed the issue at the meeting. Signing late Offinsohene's book of condolence makes your claim doubtful - Hemanhene to KK [VIDEO] https://t.co/eTh6gjxaHL pic.twitter.com/OGb6dRIbnJ DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) December 13, 2023 Nana Hemanhene said that the former GNPC boss knows very well that he has no claim to the Offinso stool. He said K.K. Sarpong made a funeral donation during the one-week observation of the passing of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, and also at the final funeral rites and even signed the book of condolence. This is where he questioned why a royal would have signed a book of condolence to console himself and his family. Background The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II turned down a request from Offinsohemaa, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko to accept Dr. K. K. Sarpong as her choice to ascend the Offinso stool, telling her to go and do the right thing as demanded by the traditional and the customary protocols. Watch the Hemanhene's remarks in the video below: Passage of OSP Act futile Speaker Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Dec - 13 - 2023 , 07:35 The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reiterated that the passage of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017, (Act 959) by Parliament was an act in futility. He said he disagreed with the House and warned that the passage of Act 959 would not help curb corruption; yet, the House went ahead to pass it. Antidote for corruption In his view, what was needed to nip corruption in the bud was for the government to fund the office of the Attorney-General (A-G) well and separate the A-G and the Minister of Justice As for the law you passed on the Special Prosecutor, I did tell you that it was an act in futility. You were not going to achieve anything from that but you went ahead to pass it, he said. Speaking during the consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, Mr Bagbin said: I disagreed with you but I was alone. Well, I am very clear in mind that authority is embedded in the powers of the Attorney-General constitutionally, he stated. New bill During the consideration of the bill, the Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, expressed his opposition to a further proposed amendment for the abhorrence of marriage or sexual intercourse between a human being and an animal to be stated categorically in the new bill. He said Ghana had several laws against unnatural carnal knowledge in all forms, a reason there was no need for such provision in the new legislation. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, disagreed with the chairman. He told the House that despite the existence of several laws against corruption in the country, the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act categorically empowers the office with the same tools and powers to fight the corruption canker. This prompted the Speaker to voice out his long-held opposition to the creation of the OSP. Prominent NPP Member and Busia's sister, Ama Busia, passes away GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 13 - 2023 , 08:21 Madam Ama Bame Busia, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and sister of former Ghanaian Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, passed away peacefully in her hospital bed at the Nyaho Medical Centre on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the age of 87. Her son, Dr. Obeng Busia, confirmed the news of her passing to Asaase Radio, stating that she succumbed to a short illness. Ama Busia's legacy is intertwined with the NPP's history. She was a key member of the party and served as both the first and third National Vice Chairperson. Until her passing, she remained engaged as a member of the NPP Council of Elders. Beyond her party affiliation, Ama Busia was a staunch advocate for justice and democracy. She famously became a political critic of the Acheampong government, leading to seven arrests, including a 90-day detention. Education Despite losing both parents at a young age, Ama Busia carved a path of success through education. She attended Wenchi Methodist School, Methodist Middle Girls' School in Kumasi, and later trained as a teacher at the Komenda Training College. In 1959, she accompanied her brother into exile in London due to political unrest. In London, she furthered her education at the Regent Street Polytechnic, studying Institutional Management and Catering. Memoir In November 2022, she launched her memoir titled: Bittersweet Pill of Politics. Reviewing the book, Madam Elizabeth Ohene told a story of her humble beginnings seven times arrested and three months in detention during General Acheampongs regime through to what is described as her sweet days under Ex-President Kufuor as a Council of State member. She received applause from the Vice-President who also launched the book, her son and Chief Executive of DVLA, Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia, Publisher of her book, and others, for her role in nation-building. A message from former President Mahama, through his 2020 running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, said Madam Ama Busia deserves to be celebrated. Madam Ama Busia encouraged more women to enter politics. Former President Kufuor shared some fond memories about Madam Busia in their youth and congratulated her for her work. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who was in Qatar at the time, joined virtually and praised Ama Busia for her role in politics. Her son and Chief Executive Officer of the Drivers Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Kwasi Agyeman Busia also spoke at the event. Why Ursula Owusu-Ekuful raised concerns over inclusion of sex toys in the Anti-LGBT Bill GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 13 - 2023 , 12:33 The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has expressed reservations about the potential criminalization of sex toys within the anti-LGBT bill currently under consideration in Parliament. During the deliberations on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 in Parliament on Tuesday [Dec 12, 2023], Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful argued that clause 3(c), which criminalizes the use of sex toys, may unintentionally impact heterosexual couples who use such aids to enhance their intimate lives. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, she argued that if the bill intends to criminalize sex toys, it should be clear that its scope extends beyond the LGBT community. Otherwise, she urged for the removal of clause 3(c) from the amendment. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said, And I think we raised this when the committee was considering it that the proposed amendment in 3(c) may create unintended consequences because sexual intercourse between a man and an inanimate object or between a woman and an inanimate object would necessarily include sexual intercourse with all manner of aids that couple use to enhance the sexual experience." And Im not sure if thats what the intention of this bill is. It would necessarily include sex toys and other aids that couples, heterosexual couples also use to enhance the sexual experience. So if that is what the house intends then we have to be clear in our minds that we may be criminalising activities which may not necessarily be limited to only those LGBTQI community that the target of this bill is, but it may also be targeting straight couples who use sex enhancement tools to enhance the sexual experience. So we need to be mindful of the unintended consequences of 3(c) could be and Ill propose that 3(c) be deleted from this amendment. Parliament, however, faced challenges in reaching a consensus on the appropriate punishment for LGBTQ+ individuals engaging in unnatural carnal knowledge with each other. While the bill proposes a punishment of 3 to 5 years for such acts, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee recommended a maximum jail term of up to 3 years without specifying a minimum sentence. The Chairman of the Committee defended this recommendation, citing considerations for individuals willing to undergo reforms. Despite the ongoing debates, the Speaker deferred questions to parliamentary drafters to craft a detailed form reflecting the intentions of various legislators. The controversial LGBT bill, a private member's bill spearheaded by eight MPs, aims to criminalize the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality in Ghana. The bill has sparked discussions and debates around issues related to human rights and sexual freedoms. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks last week in Washington, D.C., and discussed various issues on island. In a recent Pentagon brief, it highlighted the meeting between the two and reaffirmed the strong ties between the department and Guam. Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed her deepest condolences to the people of Guam following the devastations from Typhoon Mawar, and said the Department is committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Guam and service members and families serving there, the readout states. The deputy secretary and governor also discussed ways the Department of Defense can support civilian infrastructure that benefits both the U.S. military and local community in Guam now and in the future. She also thanked the governor for Guams contributions to U.S. national security, recognizing the service and sacrifices of the CHamoru people. Leon Guerrero in response said the Pentagons support and acknowledgement of the CHamoru peoples sacrifice during the war affirms Guams importance as both a strategic defense location and a key American community. During our meeting, Secretary Hicks and I focused our discussions on healthcare, workforce development, and infrastructure upgrades, including a new public hospital, co-housing health care services for veterans in Guam and our region, and port enhancements, Leon Guerrero said in a release. Additionally, the Pentagon has acknowledged the islands devastation with Typhoon Mawar which highlights the need to build a more resilient infrastructure and the benefits of investing in Guam for now and into the future, she said. Our ongoing talks with the Department of Defense are encouraging, and our One Guam approach blends civilian and military needs for the islands wellbeing, with a focus on the medical complex as an integral component of infrastructure, the governor said. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said the goal is to build consensus and foster collaboration with the Department of Defense and the entire federal structure through a One Guam approach. We should, however, ensure that if our strategic priorities diverge, we are prepared to assertively leverage Guams historical and increasingly pivotal geopolitical significance to ensure the best, most beneficial outcomes for the people of Guam, he said. The governors office will continue to provide updates on Leon Guerreros latest federal mission. The next update will cover her meeting with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. A jury deliberated for just an hour Wednesday before finding Branty Walliby guilty of manslaughter in the death of Arnold Narruhn, according to a news release from the Office of the Attorney General. Narruhn, of Dededo, died a year ago after injuries suffered during a fight. His death was ruled a homicide. Police were called to a disturbance Santa Lourdes Street near New Fatima Mart in Dededo at 6 p.m. Dec. 11, 2022, and they found Narruhn unconscious and unresponsive in the parking lot of Manejero Apartments. He was placed on life support and died Jan. 13 at Guam Regional Medical City. Narruhns uncle, who was also injured in the fight, told police he and Narruhn had been drinking when they were confronted by men who wanted to fight. Brothers Branty and Jerron Walliby were charged in the case. The jury convicted Branty Walliby of manslaughter as a first-degree felony. Co-defendant Jerron Walliby, who kicked Narruhns uncle in the fight, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault before trial, according to Attorney General Douglas Moylan. As a non-U.S. citizen, we will seek Jerron Willibys deportation, Moylan said in the news release. He said his office is seeking the 16-year maximum sentence for Branty Walliby, and then that he be deported from Guam/USA, never to return. Joint Region Marianas does not believe that the local government can ban the use of nuclear reactors on federal land, according to a legal analysis provided to the legislative committee on power generation. Sen. Sabina Perez in July introduced Bill 151-37, aimed at banning nuclear energy on Guam, following concerns that a 360-degree missile system planned by the military could include nuclear microreactors as a power source. A number of residents came out in opposition to the idea of nuclear energy during a September hearing, while others supported the idea, given advances in safety for the technology. The federal Missile Defense Agency does not plan to use nuclear micro-reactors for the system, according to the analysis from JRM. But, in any case, local military command does not believe the Guam Legislature could ban nuclear power behind the fence. JRMs analysis was not attached as testimony to a committee report for Bill 151. According to Sen. Will Parkinson, his power committee had requested the document separately in September, seeking clarity on whether the Legislature could bind the Department of Defense. Parkinson raised the matter during a Wednesday confirmation hearing for members of the Public Utilities Commission. Though commendable, the Supreme Court made clear that the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over the construction and safe operation of nuclear power plants, JRMs analysis stated of Bill 151. JRMs lawyers had conducted an extensive legal review, according to an email to Parkinson from Joint Regions Deputy Political-Military Advisor Judy Sanchez. Bill 151-37 cannot prevent the DoD from constructing or operating nuclear fission power plants, small modular reactors or nuclear microreactors so long as these facilities are not connected to the public utilities grid, the analysis stated, though it would depend on the final language of the bill. It does stress that U.S. Navy has been a customer of the Guam Power Authority for many years and has no plans to stop having GPA as the primary source of power for naval installations and has committed to be a GPA customer until 2032. The legislation would prevent the Department of Defense from giving the local utilities nuclear-generated electricity in the future and prohibit GPA from standing up its own plants, according to JRM. Sen. Perez told the Pacific Daily News that her office would be taking a look at JRMs legal review. She did have a different opinion on the matter. Guam does maintain certain controls over allowing nuclear energy production, Perez said in a statement. While the federal government has control of the safety of energy generation, Guam could decide what types of facilities were needed and could be licensed on island, she said, so the decision on whether or not nuclear facilities are allowed to operate on the island belongs to the people of Guam. Her bill states that the presence of nuclear reactors on Guam would, dramatically (increase) the vulnerability of our island in the case of natural disasters or wartime calamity, pointing to the islands location in the crosshairs of a typhoon belt and any potential global conflict. The measure was voted out of committee in October and is eligible for passage by lawmakers at session. Speaker Therese Terlaje and Sen. Chris Barnett are co-sponsors. Utilities officials weigh in Local utilities officials have since weighed in on the idea of nuclear energy, and a potential ban. Its unlikely that GPA will be looking to nuclear energy in the near future, due the substantially high construction costs, GPA General Manager John Benavente wrote to lawmakers. A ban would be unnecessary, but it could limit future clean, safe energy solutions for Guam, he wrote. Nuclear energy production technology has made major advancements in recent years, reducing hazardous nuclear waste by-products, he stated. GPA has been monitoring these advancements for over a decade as it looks for ways to provide conventional energy reserve capacity required to support rainy days, storms, and other situations where 100% renewable energy may be limited or unavailable, Benavente wrote. Public Utilities Commission Chairman Jefrey Johnson on Wednesday told lawmakers that you might want to hold off on that, because we dont want to say no to something that might be beneficial for us, it might be actually a very good technology and very safe. Nuclear energy could come forward as a viable option for Guam in the next couple of decades, he said. The PUC has looked in the past into the option of small modular reactors, with outputs as low as 25 megawatts, as a possibility for Guam, Johnson wrote in written testimony, though its not yet viable. Military application Guam has been in discussion for potential military application of small-scale nuclear reactors for several years now. A 2018 study commissioned by the Army identified Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base as two remote locations that could feasibly host a mobile nuclear power plant. Earlier this year, a draft version of the National Defense Authorization Act called for the Department of Defense to brief members of Congress on the potential of using modular microreactors to supplement power generation on Guam. This provision was in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA that passed in the summer, but no provision was in the final version, Leland Bettis, with Guam-based think tank Pacific Center for Island Security said Wednesday. The door was still open for such a briefing, as it did not need to be mandated by legislation, he told the Pacific Daily News. There were no notes about the exclusion of the briefing in the version of the NDAA thats expected to pass this week, he said. Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics. Over the past week, the world has been following the case of Kate Cox, a Texas woman who sought to terminate her nonviable pregnancy under the states medical exceptions to its abortion ban. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the situation. What exactly happened in the Kate Cox case? The Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cox on Dec. 5 in Travis County, requesting a temporary restraining order against Texas abortion bans so her doctor could perform an abortion to preserve her life and her fertility. District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble granted it after a hearing Dec. 7. Within hours of Gambles decision, Attorney General Ken Paxton published a letter stating anyone involved in the procedure could be prosecuted. On Dec. 8, Paxton requested the Texas Supreme Court intervene and it paused the lower courts authorization that night. There was national outcry over the case as the Texas Supreme Court deliberated. On Dec. 11, Coxs lawyers announced she had traveled out of state to receive an abortion. Later that day, the court ruled against Coxs case and vacated the temporary restraining order making it invalid. What was Kate Cox diagnosed with? Cox, 31, was pregnant with her third child when she was told the fetus had trisomy 18. Also known as Edwards syndrome, this chromosomal condition causes developmental delays in the womb. It often results in death before or shortly after birth. Around half of babies with trisomy 18 who are carried full-term are stillborn, according to WebMD. Less than 10% who survive reach their first birthday and only a few live into their 20s. Coxs fetus had an umbilical hernia, twisted spine, clubbed foot, and irregular skull and heart development due to trisomy 18, according to the lawsuit. Carrying the pregnancy to term would have put Cox at risk of health complications, including uterine rupture, which can be life-threatening. Did Kate Cox qualify for a medical exception under Texas abortion law? It depends on whom you ask. Texas abortion laws have medical exceptions for a life-threatening physical condition that puts the woman in danger of death or serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function if she does not receive the procedure. Doctors in Texas are required to exercise reasonable medical judgment when making the decision to perform an abortion. The lawsuit filed on behalf of Cox claimed that continuing the pregnancy would put her at risk of severe complications threatening her life and future fertility. This was supported by Dr. Damla Karsan, a Houston-based OB-GYN who recommended an abortion for Cox using her best medical judgment. Karsan was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, requesting authorization to perform the procedure. Attorney General Ken Paxton disagreed. In the letter he sent to hospitals threatening prosecution, Paxton said the lawsuit and Karsan failed to establish that Cox qualified for a medical exception. The Texas Supreme Court came to a similar conclusion when it ruled against Coxs case. Some difficulties in pregnancy, however, even serious ones, do not pose the heightened risks to the mother the exception encompasses, the court wrote. Did Kate Cox break the law by getting an out-of-state abortion? As of now, its generally not illegal to travel out of Texas to receive an abortion somewhere else. However, four counties have passed ordinances that outlaw helping an individual travel on county roads for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, regardless of where the procedure occurs. These policies are commonly known as abortion travel bans. The Center for Reproductive Rights did not disclose where Cox traveled for an abortion or what transportation method she used. But even if she did drive on Lubbock, Goliad, Mitchell or Cochran County roads, Cox didnt break the law. Abortion travel bans do not target the pregnant person. If Coxs husband or someone else helped her travel on those specific roads, they could be prosecuted. However, the enforceability and constitutionality of these policies are under question and a case has yet to come out of Texas abortion travel bans. The peak of the Geminid meteor shower is just around the corner, and it promises to be one of the best meteor displays of the year. The meteor shower, which has been active for much of December, is saving its most spectacular celestial activity for this week, with peak viewing occurring Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, Dec. 13-14. Named for the constellation Gemini, the shower has a reputation for being bright and intensely colored, capable of falling slowly and even producing fireballs, according to the American Meteor Society. Many of the shooting stars can appear as green or yellowish streaks. Most meteors appear to be colorless or white, however the Geminids appear with a greenish hue, Bill Cooke, a NASA astronomer, said in a statement. Theyre pretty meteors. Considered one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers, peak Geminids could feature as many as 120 meteor trails per hour whizzing across the night sky, according to NASA. A lack of bright moonlight will boost viewing conditions this year. The moon, which enters a new phase beginning Tuesday, will be a thin crescent, setting around 5 p.m. CT Wednesday in the west-southwest. That means the sky will be dark and moonless for the balance of the night, making for perfect viewing conditions for the meteor shower. When does the Geminid meteor shower peak? Though the Geminids will be active through Dec. 24, peak activity will begin Wednesday night and stretch into early Thursday morning. On Wednesday evening, Gemini will begin to come up above the east-northeast horizon right around the time evening twilight is coming to an end, meaning theres a chance you could see some meteors as soon as the sky gets dark. There is also a fair chance of glimpsing some Earth-grazing meteors, according to Space.com. Earth grazers are long, bright shooting stars that streak overhead from a point near to even just below the horizon. Such meteors are distinctive because they follow long paths nearly parallel to our atmosphere. The Geminids should begin to appear noticeably more numerous in the hours after 10 p.m. CT. The Gemini constellation, which is the showers radiant point, will be fairly high in the eastern sky by then. The early start to peak activity makes this a great show for young astronomers, according to NASA. The best views, however, come around 2 a.m. CT, which is when the radiant point will be passing very nearly overhead. The higher a showers radiant, the more meteors it produces all over the sky. How to view the Geminid meteor shower All you need to watch a meteor shower is clear skies, darkness and a bit of patience. Binoculars and telescopes arent necessary since youll be looking at as much sky as possible. Ideally, try to find an open field away from light pollution. Its also wise to get away from tall trees or buildings that might block your view. When it comes to figuring out where to look, the nice thing about meteor showers is you just need to look up at the sky. Dont worry about looking in any direction, either, NASA says. Geminid meteors can generally be seen all over the sky. NASA recommends lying flat on your back with your feet facing south, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Bundle up! Unlike the Perseids meteor shower that occurs in August each year, viewing the Geminid meteor shower comes with a price: cold December temperatures. Lying on the ground or in a lawn chair for several hours can get very cold very quickly. This is especially true under clear skies, which will bring radiational cooling and plummeting temperatures after sunset. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. And be sure to wear several layers. Some hot cocoa or coffee can take the edge off the chill, as well. What causes the Geminid meteor shower? Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets and other space objects. The debris that collides with our atmosphere disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, NASA said. Most meteor showers, including the Perseids, originate from passing comets. But what makes the Geminids different is that they originate from an asteroid. That meteor shower comes from Asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which is an active Earth-crossing asteroid with an orbit that brings it closer to the sun than any other named asteroid. The small asteroid, which is more than 3 miles in diameter, approaches so close to the sun that it was named for the son of the sun-god Helios, who lost control of his fathers chariot and set the Earth ablaze in Greek mythology. Discovered in 1983, 3200 Phaethon is believed to have broken apart under the stresses of the asteroids rotation, which caused it to eject billions of tons of dust and debris into the solar system, according to NASA. Then again, the Geminids might be comet debris after all, according to Space.com. Some astronomers consider Phaethon to really be the dead nucleus of a burned-out comet that somehow got trapped into an unusually tight orbit. The Sarasota County School Board officially asked Bridget Ziegler for her voluntary resignation during Tuesday nights board meeting. With a packed audience of residents, reporters and photographers filling the chamber along with more than 2,000 online viewers chairperson Karen Rose said shes never had this many cameras on me as she presented a resolution to the board, requesting they ask Ziegler to voluntarily step down. The resolution was approved by a vote of 4-1, with Ziegler in dissent. The resolution asks for Zieglers voluntary resignation, because the board does not have the authority to compel Ziegler to leave her position. That authority rests solely with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who can begin the process by executive order. Some board members showed interest in drafting a letter to request that Gov. DeSantis dismiss her from office, however, they decided against holding a vote on the issue. When Rose first motioned to adopt the resolution, about 15 seconds of silence ensued, making it initially appear that she would not receive a second. Noting the lack of a second, Rose opened the floor to public comments. Ziegler, poised to respond first, informed the board, that in the absence of the resolution advancing, she would refrain from commenting. However, board member Robyn Marinelli suddenly spoke up, endorsing the motion and moving it forward eliciting a round of applause from the audience. I am disappointed, Ziegler responded. As people may know, I serve on another public board and this issue did not come up and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board. In February, DeSantis appointed Ziegler to serve on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors, which oversees Walt Disneys theme parks. Ziegler then asked the boards legal counsel, Patrick Duggan, to confirm that the resolution does not have any teeth meaning its basically ceremonial in nature. This board has no ability to remove one of the other members, Duggan responded. Several hours of heated public comment ensued. Ziegler did not resign. As a founding member of Moms for Liberty, Ziegler faced calls to step down as a member of the Sarasota County School Board after acknowledging her past involvement in a consensual sexual encounter with her husband and another woman. Rose, who took over Zieglers position as the boards chairperson in late November, said she decided to present the resolution after the community was rocked by the disturbing revelations surrounding Ziegler and her husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler, who is currently under investigation for rape allegations, an accusation he denies. While Bridget Ziegler is not accused of any wrongdoing in the case, she did admit to investigators that she and her husband had consensual sex with the woman over a year ago an act some suggest conflicts with her persona as an advocate of the Parental Rights in Education bill also known as the Dont Say Gay law that DeSantis signed last March. She joined the Sarasota County School Board in 2014, winning reelection in 2022 for a four-year term that runs through Nov. 17, 2026. Bridget Ziegler, a founding member of Moms for Liberty, is facing calls to step down from her position on the Sarasota County School Board after acknowledging her past involvement in a consensual sexual encounter with her husband and another woman. Its expected to be standing room only during Tuesday nights scheduled school board meeting when chairwoman Karen Rose will present a resolution to the board, requesting Zieglers voluntary resignation. Rose replaced Ziegler as board chair last week and in a statement said the community has been rocked by the disturbing revelations surrounding Ziegler and her husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler, who is currently under investigation for rape allegations, an accusation he denies. While Bridget Ziegler is not accused of any wrongdoing in the case, she did admit to investigators that she and her husband had consensual sex with the woman over a year ago an act some suggest conflicts with her persona as an advocate of the Parental Rights in Education bill also known as the Dont Say Gay law that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed last March. I personally care about Bridget and her family and deeply regret the necessity for this course of action, Rose said in a statement. But given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission. The item is listed on the next board meeting agenda thats set to take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Last week Bridget Ziegler reportedly stepped down from her role as a director at the Leadership Institute, a conservative training organization. Haiti - Economy : ADIH proposes to the Government a revision of the income tax scale Let's remember that the scale of the Individual Income Tax (IRI) in Haiti was established on September 29, 2005, on the basis of the minimum wage, set on April 1st, 2003 which was at the time 70.00 Gourdes per day for "Industrial, commercial or agricultural establishments", i.e. 25,200.00 Gdes per year for an employee working 6 days per week. The Haitian Government tried to adjust this scale in the 2018-2019 finance bill, but the latter was not adopted. The 2005 scale therefore remains that in force: Less than 60,000 Gdes per year: 0% (2.4 times the minimum wage at the time) Between 60,000 and 240,000 Gdes: 10% (2.4 to 9.5 times the minimum wage Between 240,000 and 480,000 Gdes: 15% (9.5 to 19.0 times the minimum wage) Between 480,000 and 1,000,000 Gdes: 25% (19.0 to 40.0 times the minimum wage) From 1 million Gdes: 30% (40.0 times the minimum wage) With the classification of different Sectors, there are several minimum salaries. For example, employees of export industries, Sector F. Whose minimum wage has been set at 685.00 Gdes per day (246,600 per year), lose 11% of their salary per year in taxes. The Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) wishes to propose a new Scale for the IRI based on the established minimum wage and not on an amount in Gourdes. In this way, the IRI scale will be automatically adjusted as the minimum wage is adjusted. Proposal based on the minimum wage of Sector F: Less than 2.0 times the minimum wage (sector F) 0% Between 2.0 and 4.0 times the minimum wage: 10% Between 4.0 and 8.0 times the minimum wage: 15% Between 8.0 and 16.0 times the minimum wage: 25% From 16.0 times the minimum wage: 30% ADIH also proposes that the Social Assistance Fund (CAS), the Tax Contribution for the Management of Territorial Communities (CFGDCT) and the Emergency Fund (FDU), be applied only to income above 2.0 times the minimum wage In discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance indicated that it did not want to lose income from this source. We suggested working sessions with the Ministry's technicians to try to find a solution that works both for our employees and for the Ministry. This solution could even include a tax bracket higher than 30%, explains ADIH, which concludes by recalling "Levying high taxes on low-income workers hinders the formalization of informal workers." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Europe : Signature of an agreement of 18 million Euros for education Tuesday, December 12, 2023 the Ambassador of the European Union to Haiti, vdStefano Gatto and Michel Patrick Boisvert, the Minister of the Economy, signed an agreement of 18 million euros to finance the first phase of a Program entitled "Education for living together". The main objectives of this Program which will be implemented in the Great South, a region frequently affected by natural disasters, and in the North-East, a Department with high potential for economic growth. Are to strengthen governance and management of the education system, improve access to inclusive education in areas affected by the earthquake, build school infrastructure to anti-seismic and climate standards and improve the quality offer of training technical and professional consistent with the needs of the Haitian economy. Present at the ceremony, Nesmy Manigat, the Minister of National Education specified "This is an economic and social development program which will affect more than 300,000 students" who also sees in this program a reinforced initiative to support the reconstruction of the education sector in the Southern Peninsula too frequently and heavily affected by earthquakes and tropical storms. Beyond the construction of school buildings in prioritized areas, the Program, with a focus on the departments of the North-East, takes into account the aspect of technical and professional training with support which will be directed towards local partners operating in this area. education sub-sector. In this sense, Minister Manigat believes that this will be an opportunity to move forward with the project to create technical high schools including the Ouanaminthe agricultural technical high school. Ambassador Gatto reiterated the EU's commitment to helping guarantee the right of children and young people in Haiti to quality education; which is essential, from his point of view, to the development of the country. Furthermore, he returned to the areas of intervention prioritized in this program such as that of technical and professional training aimed at better preparing young people to enter the job market, especially in the North-East, a department displaying good potential for economic growth. As for Minister Boisvert, he recalled that "The strengthening of education at all levels, including technical and professional training, remains one of the priorities of the government which is aware of the preponderant role of education as a as a determining factor in prosperity, the development of the population and the consolidation of national unity." In this sense, Minister Boisvert highlighted the scale of this program aimed at ensuring access to quality education, strengthening the management capacities of the education system and support for technical and professional training meeting the needs of market needs. As part of the development of the second phase of this program, it is planned to commit during 2024 an additional amount of 24 million Euros to support support for the governance of the education system through quality improvement education, teacher accreditation, curriculum reform and financial management. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Massive entry into DR, 324 Haitians arrested After the attempted mass entry into Dominican territory of several hundred Haitians on Saturday, December 9, 2023 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41177-haiti-flash-several-hundred-haitians-attempt-a-massive-entry-into-the-dominican-rep-video.html trought Loma del Toro, in the upper part of the Sierra de Bahoruco, the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) announced that 324 Haitian nationals (out of an unknown total number) had been arrested by the Dominican military. After verification, our compatriots who were ALL in an irregular migration situation were repatriated to Haiti by migration agents via the Elias Pina border and the Jimani border post. A gang wants to control the bay of Port-au-Prince The Village de Dieu gang is trying to impose its law and take control of the bay of Port-au-Prince in order to expand drug trafficking, according to specialists. The gang, which controls the Lafiteau port area and Source Matelas, launched operations in the Brooklyn area of Cite Soleil. Monferrier Dorval case : 4th designated investigating judge Tuesday, December 12, 2023, the Dean of the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, Me Bernard Saint-Vil, appointed Judge Merland Bellarbe to investigate the case of the assassination of the former President of the Bar Monferrier Dorval in August 2020 https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31661-icihaiti-pelerin-5-assassination-of-the-president-of-the-bar-of-port-au-prince.html . He replaces judge Marthel Jean Claude who deported due to lack of means to continue the investigation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41138-haiti-news-zapping.html . Me Merland Bellarbe is the 4th investigating judge to take up this case Strike of Clerks While the Magistrates are standing up observing a truce in their strike movement https://www.haitilibre.com/article-41193-haiti-actualite-zapping.html it is now the clerks who have gone on strike since Tuesday December 12, 2023. The latter demand the full and complete application of the agreement signed in November 2017 between the Ministry of Justice and the National Association of Haitian Court Clerks (ANAGH) to improve working conditions. Japan donation of vehicles to the PNH Tuesday, December 12, 2023, the UNDP and the Japanese Embassy in Haiti signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to strengthening the logistical capacities of the Haitian National Police (PNH). To this end, the two partners of the PNH will mobilize 2 million US dollars to provide the Haitian police with 24 patrol vehicles and 8 fully equipped ambulances. Green tourism and sustainable tourism Tuesday December 12, 2023, as part of an activity created around a set of conferences on the promotion of sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Tourism, via its Northern Regional Directorate, jointly with the Northern Destination Management Organization (OGDNH), organized a conference on green tourism and sustainable tourism. with students in hospitality and tourism from the Department of the North. HL/ HaitiFree Published on 2023/12/12 | Source The first trial of actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Uhm Hong-sik), who is accused of taking drugs regularly, was held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 12th. Advertisement Yoo Ah-in was seen heading to the court. The Criminal Agreement Department 25-1 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Park Jung-gil) held the first trial of Yoo Ah-in accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act, smoking and teaching marijuana, destroying evidence, violating medical laws, and fraud on the 12th. Yoo Ah-in was indicted without detention for habitually administering medical propofol 181 times at a hospital in Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022 and was also accused of illegally buying 1,100 sleeping pills under a borrowed name 44 times from May 2021 to August last year. Police and prosecutors tried to arrest Yoo Ah-in once each, but all warrants were rejected by the court. Published on 2023/12/12 | Source Netizens are responding hotly to Han Ye-seul's recent situation. Advertisement Han Ye-seul attended the Cosmetics brand photo wall event held at Hyundai Department Store's Trade Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 7th. On this day, Han Ye-seul drew attention with her more distinct features and small face. After the event, Han Ye-seul posted several photos on her Instagram, along with a message, "I went to a beauty pop-up store full of holiday moods". Netizens who saw the photos responded with comments such as, "It wouldn't be hard to believe to say that she's still in her twenties", "What a doll", "She's so pretty I'm speechless" and more. Han Ye-seul, born in 1981, is 42 years old, and has been in an open relationship with her boyfriend, Ryu Sung-jae, 10 years younger than her, since May 2021. Han Ye-seul, who appeared in SBS's "Big Issue", which ended in May 2019, is considering appearing in the drama "The Queen Lives in Seoul" as her next piece of work. Published on 2023/12/13 | Source Korean movies opening today 2023/12/13 in Korea: "Unforgivable", "Under Your Bed", "Pororo Popstar Adventure" and "Moving For Word" Advertisement "Unforgivable" (2023) Directed by Lim Kyung-ho, So Jun-beum With Kim Jung-hyun, Park Sung-hyun, Gil Hae-yeon, Dawon, Choi Chan-ho,... Synopsis A brutal serial murder, all evidence points to the guy who died 10 years ago. A murder case occurred in a bathroom in the middle of the night, and homicide detective Dong-geun discovers a fragment of a diary with a date from 10 years ago on the body. "This too shall pass" Dong-geun learns that the only evidence in the case, a note, is part of the diary of Yeong-hoon, who served in the military with the murdered person, and that he chose to commit suicide 10 years ago. Dong-geun points out Seong-hyeon, a pharmaceutical company executive and the person behind the military brutality at the time, as a suspect, but as he is also found to be a victim of the same serial murder case, the case gradually falls into a labyrinth. Meanwhile, while digging into the case, Dong-geun learns that Yeong-hoon was a friend he spent his school days with, and with his forgotten memories, the case enters a new phase... "Under Your Bed" (2023) Directed by Sabu With Lee Yoon-woo, Lee Ji-hoon, Shin Soo-hang, Kim Su-oh,... Synopsis Ji-hoon comes alive only when he sees Ye-eun at college. After a long time, he desires to see her once more. Unfortunately, she has lost her vivacity after marrying her abusive husband, Hyung-oh. Ji-hoon hides under both their noses to rescue her from her suffering. "Pororo Popstar Adventure" (2023) Directed by Kim Sung-min-VIII, Yoon Je-wan Voiced by Lee Sun, Lee Mi-ja, Ham Soo-jeong, Hong So-yeong, Jeong Mi-sook, Kim Seo-young,... Synopsis Pororo and his friends go on an adventure to participate in the 'Bluedol Superstar Contest', a music festival that selects the best superstar in the entire universe. With the help of the passionate manager 'Scat' who appears in front of Pororo and his friends who crash-landed on the blue stone planet, 'Pororo Band' manages to make it to the exciting preliminary stage. Meanwhile, the villain 'Big Ben' participates in the competition with the perfect AI idol 'I-One' in order to win the competition with 'Scat', but feels threatened by the unexpected popularity of 'Pororo Band' and ends up sabotaging Pororo, and friends face a sudden crisis ahead of their final performance... In December, a very special adventure begins for the Pororo Band, who love playing the best! "Moving For Word" (2023) Directed by Pennacky Synopsis A concept music film as an extended version of the music video of "Moving Forward", one of the songs on the alternative K-Pop group, "Balming Tiger"'s first full-length album. ShareBar Comments must be on-topic and civil in tone (with no name calling or personal attacks). Any promotional language or urls will be removed immediately. Your comment may be edited for clarity and length. As 2023 draws to a close, we're looking back on an extraordinary year marked by impactful strides forward. Amid global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change and economic disparities, our project participants exemplified boundless resilience, innovation and collective strength. Join us as we revisit these pivotal moments and celebrate our shared commitment toward a world free from poverty and hunger, rich in sustainability. Youth Employment in Uganda Photo by Russell Powell/ Heifer International. On fellow Heifer farmer Patrick Mutungi's land in Uganda's Kiboga District, 23-year-old Brighton Kabigumira earns a steady wage and gains valuable experience in dairy farming as part of Heifer's Accelerate Dairy Production and Productivity Project. As a workplace and training hub, this 50-acre property equips young farmers with improved animal management and dairy operations expertise to combat youth unemployment and increase regional dairy production. Training in Bangladesh Photo by Pranab K. Aich/Heifer International. Riya Sheikh, center, leads a training session with a women's self-help group in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. Through Heifer's partner, WAVE Foundation, her work provides women with the skills to confidently assert their views, practice sustainable livestock management and navigate toward economic independence and leadership roles. Armed with fundamental tools and knowledge, these women reflect the core of Heifer's training initiatives. Food Security in Tanzania Photo by Moshi J. Lukindo/Heifer International. Rebecka Enock Mwangurube, left, pours milk for her two young children. Rebecka and her husband, Evenule, see increased milk production by providing suitable nutrition, hygiene and breeding techniques to their cattle through Heifers Tanzania Milk Processing Project, turning a once scarce resource into a staple for essential nourishment and child development. Climate Resilience in Senegal Photo by Sylvain Cherkaoui/Heifer International. In the challenging landscape of western Senegal, Maty Tine attentively tends her onion field. Guided by Heifers Climate Services for Resilience and Productivity Project, Maty receives timely weather alerts through text and voice messages, which is crucial for adapting to the regions unpredictable climate patterns. With this vital information, Maty and many others are better positioned to flourish in the face of environmental challenges and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity. Womens Empowerment in Guatemala Photo by Ivan Castro/Heifer International. Florinda Araceli Tzib Maaz, center, and her colleagues in Guatemala's Green Business Belt Signature Program embody Heifer's dedication to investing in women in agricultural entrepreneurship. Through specialized training in agroforestry and business management, women learn how to cultivate diverse spices native to their land and operate cooperatives more efficiently, leading to higher profits and a future where women thrive in every field and market. Market Connections in Nigeria Photo by Russell Powell/Heifer International. In Nigeria, many farmers like Rofiat Ibrahim, left, have moved from uncertain tomato sales to stable incomes this past year, thanks to Heifer's facilitation of direct ties with buyers such as Kaptain Foods Limited, right. Previously, reaching markets from the island where she lives was difficult, and purchases were often made solely on credit, leaving Rofiat without immediate payment. Now, fair and direct market access ensures timely compensation and strengthens her market position. Animal Welfare in Mexico Photo by Nicole Franco/Heifer International. In the town of Emiliano Zapata, Yucatan, Magali Martin May looks after her chickens, showcasing the Kikiba Collective's commitment to ethical, cage-free egg production. As a member of this producer organization, her involvement is critical to maintaining high animal welfare standards. With Heifer's guidance in suitable livestock selection and sustainable animal management practices, Magali and fellow farmers enhance animal health and bolster farm productivity while elevating their economic well-being. The court determined that the article disclosed a number of military intelligence-related details that had been classified on grounds of national security. THE DISTRICT COURT of Helsinki on Friday found two journalists guilty of disclosing national secrets over a story about the Finnish Defence Intelligence Agency (VKoeL) in Helsingin Sanomat on 16 December 2017, reports YLE. Tuomo Pietilainen, the journalist who was mainly responsible for the story, was issued a 50-day fine. Laura Halminen, the other journalist named in the byline, was not sentenced on grounds of her lesser role in the story. The other journalist had a clearly lesser role than her colleague, and she had sought to make sure it was lawful to publish. The district court refrained from sentencing her for these reasons, the ruling reads according to the Finnish public broadcasting company. The court also cited the prolonged trial proceedings as grounds for its sentencing decision. Kalle Silfverberg, who at the time of publication was the superior of Pietilainen, was acquitted of charges after the court ruled that he had neither committed nor abetted the disclosure of national secrets. The prosecution had demanded that all three journalists be sentenced at minimum to suspended prison terms of 18 months. The court ordered the daily newspaper to remove and dispose of the story from its website. Helsingin Sanomat and its three journalists were ordered to cover the 17,500 euros in legal costs incurred by the plaintiff, the Finnish Defence Forces. The journalists had denied all criminal allegations, arguing that the story did not disclose actual national secrets and that they had not made the final decision to publish. Timo Ylikantola, the defence counsel of Pietilainen, on Friday stated that the defendants intend to appeal against what he described as a problematic ruling for journalists and investigative journalism. How can you do investigative journalism about the defence forces or other security instances? he asked. Kai Kotiranta, who represented Halminen, Silfverberg and Helsingin Sanomat, similarly estimated that sentencing two journalists for routine journalistic work will create obvious tensions in regards to exercising the freedom of speech and press. Their concerns were shared by Journalists in Finland. The fact alone that this process started is highly unusual in a country like Finland. Also the ruling was surprising, Hanne Aho, the chairperson of Journalists in Finland, stated to YLE. This case can be considered a watershed moment. Its the duty of journalists to tell the public whats going on in this country. That right has hereby been restricted. The 2021 decision to charge the journalists drew criticism from, among others, the International Press Institute (IPI). Aho viewed that it is particularly alarming from the perspective of journalistic work that the court effectively defined what can and cannot be published. In Finland, it appears that slightly different rules apply to the defence forces and national defence. Its difficult for journalists to know what they can write about. This can easily lead to self-censorship, she warned. Aleksi Teivainen HT The latter will re-open for travel at midnight and the former at 8am on Thursday, 14 December. Unless the government makes an overriding decision, they will remain the only border-crossing points on the eastern border that are open for travel until 14 January 2024. THE FINNISH GOVERNMENT on Tuesday announced it will extend the closure of all but two border-crossing points on the border between Finland and Russia, Niirala and Vaalimaa. The two points were selected based, on the one hand, on national security considerations and, on the one other, the need for cross-border travel, Colonel Mikko Lehmus from the Finnish Border Guard, revealed at a news conference in Helsinki on Tuesday. The points, he highlighted, are important for some diplomatic corps, for people with family on both sides of the border and for certain cargo transport operations. Had the government not made a decision on travel across the eastern border, the entire border would have re-opened for travel on Thursday. Without easing the restrictions, we cant ascertain whether therell be a change for the better. If the phenomenon [of weaponised migration] continues, well close these border-crossing points, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) said on Tuesday. Orpo said the government was unanimous in its decision to start re-opening the border gradually, under the principle of caution, deliberately, proportionately and legally because there is an extremely high likelihood that Russia will continue to weaponise migrants against Finland. The Finnish government closed the entire eastern border two weeks ago in response to a surge in the number of people arriving from Russia. About 1,000 asylum applicants arrived at the border during the autumn. The Finnish Border Guard on Monday reported that not a single asylum applicant has arrived at the border since the closure of all border-crossing points on 30 November. Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen (PS) emphasised that Russian officials actions, the weaponisation of migration and influence campaigns continue to pose a threat to national security in Finland. The objective of this activity has been and continues to be to de-stabilise public security in our country and create divisions in our society, she argued. She added that the government is ready to either re-open additional border-crossing points if the situation at the border remains calm or close the entire border if it appears that the weaponisation of migrants continues. We want to make it clear that going to the eastern border isnt worthwhile. You shouldnt believe the stories of smugglers or participate in the activities of Russian officials, she said. Aleksi Teivainen HT THE SUPREME ADMINISTRATIVE Court (KHO) on Tuesday ruled that a Helsingin Sanomat journalist is liable for taxes on legal fees incurred during a trial connected to a much-discussed story about the Finnish Defence Intelligence Agency (VKoeL). Also another journalist was found guilty of the crime, but the court forwent sentencing on account of their lesser role in the story. The immediate superior of the lead author was acquitted of charges on account that they did not participate in any capacity in the disclosure of national secrets. The criminal case is presently being considered by Helsinki Court of Appeal. KHO on Tuesday ruled that although the legal services used by the main defendant had been ordered by their employer, they should not be regarded as corporate costs but rather taxable income for the employee because the pre-trial investigation and trial concerned specifically the journalist. It is irrelevant, it added, whether the charges were dismissed and whether a sentence was imposed. Helsingin Sanomat incurred a total of 2.4 million euros in legal costs during the trial. Pia Kalsta, the chief executive of Sanoma Media Finland, said the company will reimburse the journalist for the taxes and continue to cover the legal fees of journalists in similar situations. This is a very regrettable decision for media and journalism in Finland, she said in an internal press release according to Helsingin Sanomat. It fails to take into account the wider implications for freedom of speech. The deterrence created by the ruling, at worst, limits the ability of editorial teams and media companies to pursue ambitious and especially investigative journalism, she explained. We have to make sure the ruling does not have an impact on the work and everyday decision-making of editorial teams. We will carefully examine the rulings contents and practical implications. Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman (PS) contrastively welcomed the ruling. I consider the ruling right in terms of taxation, but its even more important for the press culture in Finland. After all, this may be the most important ruling in decades that prevents trash journalism, he declared on X. Rydman has criticised Helsingin Sanomat ever since the newspaper published a story in which several women accused him of inappropriate conduct. He called for a criminal inquiry into the story, accusing the newspaper of aggravated defamation and dissemination of information violating personal privacy. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Both the Finland Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) on Tuesday voiced their concern about the possible implications of the ruling for businesses across industries. Tomi Viitala, a tax expert at Finland Chamber of Commerce, said the implications are not limited to the media sector. The chief financial officer of a listed company, for example, could be charged with an information offence concerning the securities market in a situation where there are suspicions that the company delayed the issue of a profit warning. The legal fees paid by their employer would under the ruling be regarded as taxable income also in the event that the officer was acquitted of charges after a years-long legal process. The tax legislation should be amended so that the legal fees paid by employers are not regarded as taxable income for the employee if the act that is under criminal investigation was conducted in professional capacity and the employee did not act in violation of employer instructions, he proposed in a press release on Tuesday. Aleksi Teivainen HT Finland's national postal service , Posti, has announced the release of a commemorative mourning stamp in honor of the late President Martti Ahtisaari , scheduled for December 15, 2023. The stamp pays homage to the esteemed leader, renowned for his peacekeeping efforts and diplomatic achievements. Berry, in crafting this tribute, used a photograph by Tuukka Koski to create an elegantly dignified portrayal of the former President. Each stamp sheet includes ten domestic no-value indicator stamps. Accompanying the stamp is a first-day cover and cachet, with the cover bearing the significant phrase Rauha on tahdon asia (Peace is a question of will), a quote from Ahtisaari's Nobel Lecture, reflecting his deep commitment to peace. The first-day cachet features the coat of arms of Finland, symbolizing Ahtisaari's role as a statesman. President Martti Ahtisaari, who passed away at 86 in Helsinki on October 16, 2023, was a notable figure both in Finland and on the international stage. Born in Vyborg on June 23, 1937, he served as the President of Finland from 1994 to 2000 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his extensive work in conflict resolution and peace-building. This tribute marks the first mourning stamp issued by Posti since 2017, when President Mauno Koivisto was similarly honored. Previous mourning stamps have commemorated notable Finnish figures including runner Paavo Nurmi, composer Jean Sibelius, and Presidents Urho Kekkonen, P.E. Svinhufvud, and Kyosti Kallio. In addition to the stamp, Posti is contributing to the Peace Fund of CMI in memory of Ahtisaari's dedication to peace and reconciliation. The stamps official first-day event will be held at the Helsinki Main Post Office, where Timo Berry will be present to sign his works. The event, open to the public, promises to be a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to the noble cause of peace. HT Juho Romakkaniemi , CEO of Keskuskauppakamari (The Central Chamber of Commerce), has voiced strong criticism against the Finnish trade union confederation, SAK, for its role in orchestrating a nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday. This strike, expected to disrupt transportation across Finland and affect the daily routines of thousands of daycare and school children, is seen by Romakkaniemi as a stark example of trade unions overstepping their authority. According to Romakkaniemi, SAK's actions reflect a mistaken belief in their right to interfere with the Finnish Parliament's legislative process. He asserts that SAK does not possess veto power over legislation, a power that lies solely with the democratically elected Parliament. The Finnish Parliament doesn't need SAKs permission to amend laws. It's baffling that SAK even perceives itself to have such a mandate," he commented. The strike is a reaction against the government's proposed policies, which include changes to unemployment benefits and the right to strike. SAK has demanded that the government consult the trade unions on these proposed changes and withdraw them. In response, Romakkaniemi emphasized the sanctity of the right to strike in democratic negotiations between employees and employers, but he condemned the use of political strikes to cause economic damage and disrupt the lives of innocents, advocating for legislative restrictions on such actions. Romakkaniemi also highlighted the economic losses and personal hardships that the strike would impose on Finland, businesses, and individuals, blaming these on SAK and the unions organizing the strikes. He pointed out the responsibility of individual strikers, framing the issue as one of trade union power rather than worker rights. Furthermore, Romakkaniemi argued that the government's proposed labor reforms, which are being opposed by the strike, would significantly improve productivity, employment, the economy, and overall well-being in Finland. He lamented the lack of progress on these reforms, primarily due to SAK's staunch opposition, and compared Finland unfavorably with competitor countries that have implemented similar reforms in past decades. "The reforms needed have been discussed for decades, but little has been achieved, mainly due to SAKs fierce resistance," Romakkaniemi noted. He concluded by stressing the importance for Finland to catch up with its competitors in terms of economic growth, productivity, and employment to achieve comparable levels of welfare. HT Kimmo Kiljunen , Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a member of the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDP), emphasized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for peace. " In a decisive vote , the United Nations General Assembly has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, supported by 153 member states including Finland, not only demands a halt to the hostilities but also the unconditional and immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law. The message from Finland and 152 other UN member states is clear and weighty: an immediate ceasefire is essential as the civilian situation in the region is catastrophic. The crisis cannot be resolved through warfare; an authentic negotiation process must commence. Finland must continue to play an active role in promoting this cause," Kiljunen stated. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with estimates of over 18,000 deaths since October 7. According to the United Nations' World Food Programme, up to 90 percent of the population in some areas are experiencing hunger. The World Health Organization reports that the healthcare situation is near collapse, describing it as catastrophic. "The resolution is brief and balanced, calling not just for an immediate ceasefire but also for the release of hostages and the protection of civilians as per international law. The most crucial aspect is the international community's clear message in favor of peace. It was also significant that Finland supported the resolution, thereby endorsing the UN and the efficacy of the multilateral system," Kiljunen commented. Looking ahead, Kiljunen underlines the importance of returning to negotiations for a true two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians have equal rights to live freely and securely. He also suggests that Finland should consider recognizing the State of Palestine, as 139 UN member states have already done. Despite the resolution's strong support in the UN General Assembly, a similar resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Security Council was vetoed by the United States on December 8. It is important to note that resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly are not legally binding. In the emergency session of the General Assembly, 153 countries voted in favor of the resolution, with 10 against, including the United States and Israel, and 23 abstentions. HT The United Nations Climate Conference COP28, hosted in Dubai, concluded with a crucial agreement on the phasing out of fossil fuels, marking a significant stride towards addressing climate change. However, the conference, which went into overtime due to challenging negotiations, ended with concerns about the fragility of meeting the critical 1.5-degree warming target. This calls for urgent and substantial actions, particularly from major economies. The COP28, a pivotal event for the Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement, began with high expectations. It aimed to assess necessary actions to limit climate warming to 1.5 degrees. One of the key achievements of the conference was a historic decision, heavily debated until the final moments, to initiate a global transition away from fossil fuels. The final agreement calls for an acceleration of this transition within the current decade, aligning with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendation to reduce global emissions by 43% by 2030. Kai Mykkanen, the Minister of Climate and the Environment, highlighted the significance of this agreement, describing it as a powerful message to industries to shift investments towards clean energy production. The text concerning fossil fuels is the strongest formulation that could be reached at this Conference. This is an important step towards a decarbonized world, Mykkanen stated. In a notable decision, the countries committed to tripling renewable energy production and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The agreement acknowledges all forms of clean energy in the energy transition, including nuclear power, which Mykkanen emphasized as crucial for eliminating fossil fuels. Despite initial reservations, the final text was seen as a substantial improvement over earlier proposals. The EU, alongside other countries advocating ambitious climate policies, played a significant role in shaping the final agreement. Marjo Nummelin, Finland's Chief Negotiator, noted the global support for rapid and effective climate actions, particularly significant as the decision was made in the United Arab Emirates, a major oil producer. The conference also reached an agreement on a more detailed definition of the global goal on adaptation, which will guide progress tracking in the coming years. Additionally, on the first day of the conference, a consensus was achieved on the Climate Loss and Damage Fund, which has already accumulated over USD 700 million. Looking ahead, the next UN Climate Conference, COP29, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. A primary focus of this upcoming meeting will be climate finance, with the objective of setting a new quantitative climate finance target applicable to all parties. HT Playhouse wins award for artistic excellence, community leadership The North Carolina Theatre Conference has honored the Flat Rock Playhouse with the George A. Parides Professional Theatre Award, which is presented to a professional theatre company in North Carolina that has demonstrated artistic excellence and community leadership. Each year, the NCTC Board of Directors presents the NCTC Awards to companies, schools and individuals that have exhibited leadership roles in their community, as well as artistic, professional, or educational excellence. The Board of Directors is a group of statewide volunteers who represent the theatre industry and serve on behalf of some of the states most prominent organizations and schools. Flat Rock Playhouse is a valuable NCTC member and an active contributor to our statewide theatre community, NCTC Executive Director Angie Hays said. Were pleased to honor their incredible work, from outstanding professional productions to the wide impact of their educational programs that are inspiring the next generation of theatre artists and audiences. Like all theatre companies, Flat Rock Playhouse faced many challenges during the pandemic, but despite these hurdles, the company has continued to model a commitment to artistic excellence by producing some of the highest quality productions in the state. The NCTC Board of Directors is proud to honor Flat Rock Playhouse with this award. A statewide service organization and professional association for the theatre industry, the NCTC is dedicated to strengthening North Carolina's vibrant theatre industry and engaging tomorrows artists, audiences, and advocates. NCTC members include theatre companies, K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and individual artists and arts supporters. In addition to the presentation of the NCTC Awards, the organization produces several events throughout the year including the NCTC Producing Gathering, NCTC College Day and the statewide High School and Middle School Play Festivals. To learn more visit www.nctc.org. WHILE Rishi Sunak has his political problems, he can at least enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas tree outside 10 Downing Street. The woman responsible for the look of the 19ft Nordmann fir is Jane Ingram, from Christmas Common. Her husband Andrew runs the Tree Barn selling Christmas trees while she is responsible for their seasonal shop, which stocks all kinds of decorations, including baubles, trinkets, garlands and tinsel, in the run-up to the big day. This was the seventh year running that she has been given the honour, which she shares with her friend Charlotte Gilbert, who runs Woods Barn Decorations in Solihull. The pair represent the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, whose members compete each year to provide the Prime Ministers tree. This year, the competition was won by the Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm but Mr Ingram has won it a number of times over the decades he has been growing trees. Mrs Ingram, 63, and Ms Gilbert travelled to London on November 24 for their special task. She said: We do it for the honour of our country. It is always a thrill driving through the gates. It is a bit surreal standing in the same historic place that so many people have been before. The pair use ladders to decorate the enormous tree. Once we actually start decorating, it takes us about five hours or more, said Mrs Ingram. There is a bit of waiting around to get the tree up and the lights put on. It is quite a draughty street and quite windy and cold but Number 10 staff keep us warm with bacon butties and tea. The tree is decorated in traditional, non-controversial colours. Last year, we introduced purple just for a change and this year we have taken out some of the darker colours and put in more reds and gold. We keep it traditional so as not to upset anyone. I put in a few little special ornaments theres a corgi, a King Charles III coronation bauble and a little police teddy bear. The policeman on the gate was very pleased to see that. There are some London-themed ones as well, such as Kings Guardsmen figurines. I also put on a little white goat, a Ukrainian decoration supplied by Koza Dereza. They were joined by Larry the cat, the Cabinet Offices official chief mouser. Mrs Ingram said: He is always curious about what is going on outside his home. Mrs Ingram was unable to attend the official switch-on of the lights by Mr Sunak as she was too busy in the shop. She said: We will continue doing it as long as we are asked back. We normally find out about a month or two before December but things change over the year and you can never assume. She will return to Downing Street at the end of December to retrieve their baubles when the tree is taken down. Mrs Ingram said: Some get quite weather-beaten. We can repair them and decide what we will do the following year. Stuart Kirkup, of Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm, said: This is a really proud moment for me and my team and gives us a fantastic boost at our busiest time of year. It is an honour to be named champion Christmas tree grower of the year and being there to see the lights switched on our tree outside Number 10 is the icing on the Christmas cake. Friezeland Christmas Trees in Nuneaton made the Number 10 door wreath and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees provided three trees for indoors. In early December, Harjinder Singh Kukreja (https://Instagram.com/HarjinderKukreja) and his son, Rehras Singh Kukreja (https://Instagram.com/rehras), set out on an enlightening journey to Bhutan, a trip that promised to unveil the depths of this mystical land. Invited by the Department of Tourism - Bhutan, their visit was not just a sightseeing tour but a cultural and spiritual immersion. Landing in Paro, their journey to Thimphu unfolded. With guide Tshewang Nidup, they delved into Bhutan's mystical tales and spirituality. His vivid stories of Zhabdrung, Guru Rimpoche, and others brought Bhutan's past alive, deepening their connection to each sacred site. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Harjinder and his son Rehras' stay at Pemako, Thimpu, formerly known as Taj Tashi, was a profound blend of cultural discovery and luxurious comfort. At Pemako, they experienced a warm welcome that beautifully blended Bhutanese traditions with modern luxury, including receiving traditional scarves and blessings bestowed by the revered in-house monk. Their cultural immersion was deepened by wearing traditional Bhutanese dress for dinner, complimenting their Sikh heritage with local customs, and participating in evening cultural programs that showcased Bhutanese folk music and dance. The culinary journey was equally enriching, spanning local flavors to international cuisines and even included a personal momo-making class. This stay at Pemako, marked by attentive care and rich cultural interactions, made their Bhutanese adventure unforgettable, creating a deep connection with the local culture and people. Harjinder and Rehras embraced the Bhutanese culture by donning the Gho, the traditional Bhutanese dress, on several occasions. The journey through Dochula Pass was a blend of breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. Their culinary exploration was equally enriching, as they savored local delicacies like Ema Datshi, Bhutanese Red Rice, and Buckwheat delicacies. The unique flavors of these dishes, combined with the experience of Bhutanese Cordyceps Tea, offered a glimpse into the heart of Bhutanese culture. Harjinder and Rehras experience at Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront, was a seamless blend of serene relaxation and cultural exploration. Nestled just 10 minutes from Paro International Airport and along the Paro River, the hotel offered them breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. The proximity to significant landmarks like Tigers Nest and the National Museum of Bhutan added a touch of adventure to their stay. Their mornings began with peaceful riverside breakfasts, offering moments of peace and reflection amidst the natural beauty of Bhutan. The journey to Bhutan also included a luxurious experience aboard DrukAir, Royal Bhutan Airlines. Flying business class, the Kukrejas enjoyed the breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, adding an awe-inspiring start to their journey. The beauty of Paro Airport, surrounded by lush mountains, and the serene environment of the DrukAir business class lounge provided a fitting conclusion to their remarkable journey. In the midst of their journey, a poignant moment unfolded as Harjinders son, Rehras Singh Kukreja, a 12-year-old pre-teen, undertook a significant environmental cleanup along the Tiger's Nest trail in Paro. Under the guidance of Tshewang Nidup, Rehras engaged in Seva, picking up trash along the trail. Rehras' initiative highlighted the role of youth in fostering a sustainable future, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 15 and Bhutan's Gross National Happiness principles, emphasizing the global importance of environmental stewardship. Throughout their journey, Harjinder and Rehras shared their experiences on social media, capturing the essence of Bhutans rich heritage and pristine landscapes. Their journey was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It showcased Bhutans potential as a unique tourism destination, inviting the world to explore its serene beauty and profound spirituality. During their Bhutanese voyage, Harjinder Singh Kukreja and his son Rehras Singh Kukreja were deeply moved by each location's unique charm. The tranquility of Tachog Lhakhang, the grandeur of the Great Buddha Statue, and the spiritual ambience of the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu left lasting impressions. The Kukrejas marveled at the view of Gankhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world during their visit to the Dochula Pass. They also appreciated the traditional arts at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, and delved into history at Simtokha Dzong. The Takin Reserve showcased Bhutan's wildlife, Thimpu Dzong reflected a blend of religion and governance, and the revered Tiger's Nest Monastery was a highlight, offering a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Throughout their trip to Bhutan, Harjinder Singh Kukreja was the one documenting the journey with his son, Rehras Singh Kukreja, along with the experience. Harjinder skillfully captured the essence of Bhutans rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes using various recording devices. He intends to share these evocative moments with his millions of social media followers, highlighting Bhutan as a distinctive tourism destination. This journey, documented by Harjinder, transcended ordinary sightseeing, evolving into a deeply emotional and spiritual exploration of Bhutan's soul a narrative he looks forward to sharing and treasuring with his audience. 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. New Delhi (India), December 12: In India's real estate industry, Jeevesh Sabharwal is a visionary leader, shaping the narrative of quality construction and timely delivery. As the Managing Director of Shivam Group, Jeevesh Sabharwal's influence extends beyond real estate, reaching into faith-based and adventure tourism realms. With a reputation built over two decades, Jeevesh Sabharwal has propelled Shivam Group to unparalleled heights, marked by iconic projects that serve as architectural marvels across Delhi NCR and the country. Now, he sets his sights on redefining the tourism sector, recognizing the evolving needs of Generation Y travellers. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "There is a lot more that goes into providing a rich customer experience than just a luxurious hotel room with plush facilities," Jeevesh Sabharwal emphasises. This understanding led him to venture into faith-based and adventure tourism, acknowledging the transformative power of a holistic travel experience. Under the umbrella of the esteemed hospitality brand Sarovar Portico, Jeevesh Sabharwal introduces three new properties aimed at providing best-in-class services to tourists visiting the sacred destinations of Badrinath and Rishikesh. These establishments go beyond conventional offerings, integrating an element of local communities, culture, and arts to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims, tourists, and adventurists. Jeevesh Sabharwal's commitment to enriching the traveller's journey is evident in the strategic placement of differentiated service offerings across the consumer's life cycle. The five-star property in Badrinath promises a luxurious retreat complemented by a helicopter charter service for those seeking a seamless and breathtaking journey. The camp at Ghangharia adds an adventurous touch. At the same time, the Sarovar Camp in Rishikesh caters to the spiritual and adventurous alike. Beyond his business acumen, Jeevesh Sabharwal is known for his deep devotion to Lord Shiva. This facet undoubtedly influences the spiritual undertones of his tourism initiatives. His passion for faith-based tourism aligns with the cultural and religious significance of the destinations his properties serve. In an era where travellers seek more than just comfort, Jeevesh Sabharwal's foray into tourism reflects a keen understanding of the industry's evolving demands. By plugging in elements of local communities, culture, and arts, he ensures that the rich experiences sought by travellers are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of their journey. As Jeevesh Sabharwal continues to redefine the tourism landscape, his vision underscores the importance of offering not just accommodation but an immersive, culturally rich experience for every traveller, whether on a pilgrimage or an adventure-seeking expedition. Launching these new properties is not just a business move; it's a testament to Sabharwal's commitment to transforming tourism into a soul-stirring journey. Under Jeevesh's guidance, Shivam Group embraces cutting-edge construction technology, ensuring quality adherence and expeditious project delivery. This commitment to innovation has not only established the brand as a benchmark for excellence. Still, it has also elevated the real estate industry's standards. Managing multifarious portfolios, Jeevesh oversees a family-owned conglomerate encompassing real estate, construction, and trading. The group's expertise extends to envisioning, building, and developing residential, commercial, and affordable infrastructure, showcasing a diverse and comprehensive approach. Recent completions like Sarovar Portico in Badrinath, the Administrative Building at GBU Greater Noida, and the School of Engineering Building at GBU are a testament to Shivam Group's commitment to crafting spaces of enduring value. These achievements underscore Jeevesh Sabharwal's adept leadership and dedication to pushing boundaries in the industry. Ongoing projects like Orizzonte in Greater Noida, Iridia Apartments in Noida, and Stupendous Luxury Apartments in Amritsar showcase the group's continuous drive for excellence and expansion. Jeevesh Sabharwal's vision extends to upcoming projects, including 5-star hotels in Greater Noida, Rishikesh, Jammu, Jaipur, and Amritsar (City of Golden Temple). Additionally, the group is set to unveil high-end farmhouse villas covering 28,000 sq ft and more, promising a future where luxury and innovation converge seamlessly. In a rapidly evolving real estate sector, Jeevesh Sabharwal and Shivam Group are a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. As they continue to shape the skylines of India, the legacy of Jeevesh Sabharwal as a trusted and pioneering developer is set to endure. For further information, visit: 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. New Delhi, Delhi, India Business Wire India TalentSprint, a leading global edtech company, and the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, a top ranked IIM as per NIRF 2023, have announced their strategic partnership and the launch of an Executive General Management Program for modern-day professionals. This collaboration brings together the strengths of two esteemed institutions and promises to empower professionals and executives seeking to enhance their general management capabilities. IIM Lucknow, renowned for its exceptional academic rigor, industry-relevant curriculum, and distinguished faculty, has consistently ranked among the top management institutes globally. With a legacy of excellence spanning four decades, IIM Lucknow has been a harbinger of innovation and leadership in the field of management education. Over the last decade, TalentSprint has earned its reputation as a pioneer in delivering new-age, high-impact executive education programs through its innovative technology-driven platform. Its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous professionals across diverse sectors. Prof. Archana Shukla, Director of IIM Lucknow, said, At IIM Lucknow, we are committed to offering top-notch management education. There's a very high demand for general management professionals who can understand how everything in an organization works together and can find solutions with a holistic view. We are thrilled about our partnership with TalentSprint. We think that through this strategic collaboration, we can make learning experiences that can truly change careers for the better. Dr. Santanu Paul, the Founding CEO, and MD of TalentSprint, stated, "We are delighted to collaborate with IIM Lucknow, a beacon of excellence in management education. This partnership represents the convergence of academic rigor and technological innovation, aimed at empowering professionals to lead in an ever-evolving and highly disrupted business landscape." The 11-month Executive General Management Program, being offered as part of this collaboration, is designed to equip professionals and executives with the expertise and managerial acumen required to excel in today's dynamic business landscape. The executive-friendly format of the programme, requiring 220 hours of immersive learning that includes 12 days of campus visit to IIM Lucknow, aims to offer the professionals with greater understanding of the complexities of modern businesses and the various macro-economic parameters shaping it. Leveraging the unique strengths of IIM Lucknow's esteemed faculty and TalentSprint's state-of-the-art online learning platform, this program promises to be a game-changer for those aspiring to hone their general management prowess. To know more about the program, visit the website. About TalentSprint Established in 2010, TalentSprint is part of NSE group and a global edtech company that brings transformational bootcamps and cutting-edge learning programs to modern-day professionals who aspire to future-proof themselves with deep expertise. TalentSprint partners with top-tier academic institutions and bigtech global corporations to create futuristic programs and deliver remarkable outcomes. Its patent-pending AI-powered platform ipearl.ai seamlessly blends world-class academic rigor with industry-leading practitioner experience. The company's learner engagement rates and high customer delight scores make it a leading player in the industry. For more information, visit talentsprint.com. About IIM Lucknow The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) is the fourth in the prestigious IIM family of management schools to be established in India. The institute was established in the year 1984. Since then, IIML has touched a million lives, shaping its students into value-driven leaders, managers, and global players. The institute is involved in the creation, dissemination, and application of management knowledge and practice. With 7 CoEs and forging a partnership with 30+ institutions across 5 continents, IIML offers an ideal setup conducive to learning, accessibility, and excellence. In 2005, IIML expanded its area of influence in the realm of management education by becoming the first IIM to set up a satellite campus exclusively for Executive Education at Noida (Delhi NCR region). https://www.iiml.ac.in/ Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here 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. Congress workers on Wednesday staged a protest outside the office of BJP MP Pratap Simha, on whose authorisation passes were issued to two persons who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery in a major security breach. Police force controlled the situation and ensured that it did not lead to any untoward incident. Congress workers stage protest outside BJP MP Pratap Simha's office in Mysuru Also Read - Karnataka Assembly sounds alert, cautions legislators after LS security breach Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Congress workers in large numbers gathered outside the Mysuru MP's office at Jaladarshini Guest House and raised slogans against him and accused him of being "responsible for what unfolded in the Lok Sabha" earlier in the day. Manoranjan D, one of the accused who hailed from Mysuru, introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MP's office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament, according to sources. Three passes were issued at the behest of Simha for Wednesday. However, one person, a woman, had to return as she arrived with her child whose name was not mentioned in her pass, sources close to the MP said. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah raised questions about Kodagu-Mysore MP Pratap Simhas connection with the accused who jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery and ran inside the House with yellow smoke canisters, causing a major security threat to members. As the visitor passes of the accused are reportedly signed by the MP Pratap Simha, Siddaramaiah said that such negligent act is a punishable offence. Lok Sabha security breach: Karnataka CM questions MP Pratap Simha's connection Condemning the security breach, Siddaramaiah said, It is a relief that all the members of the Parliament are safe. Despite the high security, the occurrence of such an incident is indeed a shocking development. It is clear that this is a lapse in the security system. It is the duty of the Union Government, especially the Home Minister, to carry out a fair investigation and disclose the full details of the incident to the public. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Also Read - Massive security breach in Lok Sabha, 2 intruders jump from gallery, spray gas He then slammed Simha and asked how he issued passes to the accused. Reports are emerging that the youths who attacked the Parliament building today were given passes by Pratap Simha, an MP from Mysuru. If these reports are true, then it implies that these youths might have been known to the MP. If they were not acquaintances, then how were passes issued to strangers? It should be noted that even inadvertent acts of negligence are also punishable under the law, Siddaramaiah added. Siddaramaiah also said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds responsibility to answer many questions on the security breach on the anniversary of the attack on the Parliament 22 years ago by terrorists. The chief minister further said, How did these youths manage to enter the Parliament with smoke canisters? Were any insiders involved in this act? Could there be any involvement of external forces behind the youths' actions? When the security of the nation's Parliament is not ensured, questions about the security of the nation's borders naturally arise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi bears the responsibility of answering all these questions. Meanwhile, Pratap Simha is yet to respond on the issue and both the accused have been arrested by the Delhi police. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches in over half a dozen locations in Bengaluru in a terror conspiracy case. Multiple NIA teams raided various locations in Bengaluru in close coordination with the state police force based on specific inputs. (Representational photo)(HT_PRINT) Multiple NIA teams raided various locations in Bengaluru in close coordination with the state police force based on specific inputs. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The raids are still underway at the premises of suspects who have terror links and are operating at the direction of their foreign handlers. Besides, the suspects had been actively involved in various terrorist activities. The move comes days after the NIA, in a massive crackdown on ISIS, arrested 15 operatives of the banned terror outfit on December 9 during multiple and widespread raids across Maharashtra and Karnataka. READ | ISIS conspiracy case: NIA raids 44 locations in Karnataka, Maharashtra; 13 held In the case, the NIA teams swooped down on as many as 44 locations in Padgha-Borivali, Thane, Mira Road, Pune in Maharashtra, and Bengaluru in Karnataka and apprehended the 15 accused for promoting terror and terror-related acts and activities of the proscribed organisation. Huge amounts of unaccounted cash, firearms, sharp-edged weapons, incriminating documents, smartphones and other digital devices were seized during the raids, conducted as part of the NIA's ongoing efforts to disrupt and demolish the attempts of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to carry out violent acts of terror and take innocent lives. NIA investigations have further revealed in the case that the accused, all members of the ISIS Maharashtra module, were operating from Padgha-Borivali, where they had hatched the conspiracy to spread terror and carry out acts of violence across India. Pursuing the path of violent Jihad, Khilafat, and ISIS the accused had aimed to disturb the peace and communal harmony of the country and to wage a war against the government of India. Initial investigations have revealed that the arrested accused had self-declared the village of Padgha in rural Thane as a 'liberated zone' and as 'Al-Sham'. They were motivating impressionable Muslim youth to relocate to Padgha from their place of residence to strengthen the Padgha base. READ | Attacks on Indian Consulate in US: NIA raids 14 places in Punjab, Haryana Saqib Nachan, the main accused and the leader and head of the ISIS module was also administering the 'bayath' (oath of allegiance to the Khalifa of ISIS ) to the persons joining the proscribed organisation. ISIS is a Global Terror Organisation (GTG), also known as Islamic State (IS), Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Daish, Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), ISIS Wilayat Khorasan, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham Khorasan (ISIS-K). The outfit has been spreading its terror network in India by putting in place localised ISIS modules and cells in various states of the country. NIA has, in recent months, also conducted large-scale raids and busted different ISIS modules by arresting several terror operatives in the ISIS terror conspiracy case in a bid to scuttle the organisation's heinous and violent anti-India agenda. As part of its efforts towards that end, the agency registered a case against the ISIS Maharashtra module earlier this year and has, since then, undertaken strong and concerted actions to destroy the various ISIS modules and networks operating across the country. (ANI) Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday clarified that he had never expressed opposition to the caste census but was only demanding a scientific and systematic approach for the census. DK Shivakumar (PTI) Speaking to reporters outside Suvarna Soudha, he said, "Several legislators have complained that the caste census wasn't done scientifically. There have been complaints that door-to-door survey wasn't done during the caste census. It is only appropriate that all communities get a true representation of their population in the census so that they get proportional benefits." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here READ | iPhone manufacturer Foxconn to invest additional $1.67 billion in Karnataka "We are only asking if the survey has been done in a scientific manner. I believe in social and economic surveys and I stand by the Congress party's philosophy of social justice for all communities. I am also a backward class leader but as the President of the Party it is my duty to look at all communities with the same lens," he said, responding to a reporter who raised the point of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge stating in Rajya Sabha that BJP and D K Shivakumar were opposed to the caste census. Asked about missing documents of the caste census, he said he was not aware of it. "I have spoken to Jayaprakash Hegde and I am told that the caste census report doesn't have the signature of the Secretary. Lack of signature from the authorised persons raises the question of the validity of the census report," he added. READ | Road caves in near Bengaluru's Kensington signal, huge sinkhole formed Asked if the comments of the former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy that an influential Congress minister along with 50-60 MLAs would join BJP post general elections were pointing to him, Shivakumar said, I am born Congressman. I am not crazy to go to another party. I have my own ideals and I have great belief in the Gandhi family and Congress party. Kumaraswamy is floating around rumours but I am not worried about it. Work in all tehsil and district government offices of Haryana remained stalled as computer professionals remained on strike for the second day on Tuesday in support of their demands at the Sector-5 protest site in Panchkula. Haryana Computer Professionals Association during a protest in Panchkula on Tuesday. (Sant Arora/HT) Haryana Computer Professionals Association demands include posts for all working employees be created. Equal work as per category and post, equal pay and service security till 58 years should be provided to the employees. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The associations state president Vijay Singh said a meeting with Rajesh Khullar, the chief principal secretary to the chief minister, will be held on Thursday and future course will be decided after that. Detailed rules were framed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration for registration of marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, which provides statutory recognition to marriage rituals of Sikhs, fulfilling their long-standing demand to not have to solemnise their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act. The emergence of the Anand Marriage Act dates back to 1909 when the British Imperial Legislative Council passed a legislation for the recognition of the Sikh wedding ceremony Anand Karaj. The Act aimed to acknowledge and respect the customs and practices of the community. (Shutterstock) Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023 were framed for the registration of Anand marriages, under which tehsildars concerned shall be the registrar of such marriages within their respective territorial jurisdiction, as per a government notification issued. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Sikh couples can apply for registration within a period of three months after solemnising their marriage but face late fee if formalities are completed after the expiry of the deadline, reads the notification issued by the department of law, justice and parliamentary affairs on November 30. This has been a long pending demand and we are thankful to the Lt Governor for keeping his promise, said vice president of the District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Jammu, Balvinder. He said the implementation of the Anand Marriage Act has made the community happy as they were facing an identity crisis due to the non-availability of a separate Sikh Marriage Act. The emergence of the Anand Marriage Act dates back to 1909 when the British Imperial Legislative Council passed a legislation for the recognition of the Sikh wedding ceremony Anand Karaj. The Act aimed to acknowledge and respect the customs and practices of the community. In 2012, the Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill, bringing Sikh traditional marriages under the purview of legal recognition. While the central government approved the amendments, it was left for individual states and Union territories to frame respective rules for the registration of Anand marriages. 15:05 | Cusco (Cusco region), Dec. 13. Such special date was an occasion to take stock of the work carried out for the conservation of such tourist and iconic monument of Peru and one of the seven wonders of the world. In this regard, the head of the Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) in Cusco , Maritza Rosa Candia, stated that Machu Picchu's importance has been promoted in the last 40 years. Multidisciplinary research and restoration works have been undertaken, as well as permanent maintenance, protection, and conservation works at the archaeological monument. The DDC's head in Cusco highlighted that Machu Picchu's original characteristics and exceptional universal value have been preserved, which have earned it recognition as a World Heritage Site. "In these 40 years, many professionals, experts, researchers, and plant personnel have made their best efforts to care for and protect Machu Picchu. We extend our recognition to them for all the sacrifice they have made," she stated. The entity reported that it has carried out restoration and enhancement works in the sectors of Andenes Orientales, Qoriwayrachina, Salapunku, Isla Chico, and Choquellusca. Currently, restoration works are being carried out in the sector of Inkaraqay and the Pre-Hispanic Road to the Great Cave, as well as Machuqente. The total investment in these completed and ongoing works exceeds S/44.7 million (about US$11.8 million). "Maintenance, conservation, and protection works at Machu Picchu are carried out 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. That is the commitment assumed by the Peruvian State to UNESCO, and we are fulfilling it," Maritza Rosa Candia remarked. On Sunday, December 10, the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park staff participated in a mass celebrated at the temple of Machu Picchu Town. Later, there was a raising of the national flag and the flag of Cusco. The day's festivities ended with a colorful parade by workers from DDC-Cusco. Likewise, a program of cultural activities is still in place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Machu Picchu as a World Heritage Site. (END) PHS/MAO/RMB/MVB A few days ago, on December 9, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu celebrated its 40th anniversary of being declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Publicado: 13/12/2023 Police arrested a 23-year-old man for committing theft at the Service Married Quarters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) located in Sector 47-B, Chandigarh. Wing Commander B Bhattacharya, Indian Air Force, in his complaint, said the items were found stolen on Monday. (Getty image) The accused identified as Ganga Ram, a resident of Guru Nanak Colony, Jagatpura, Mohali, stole water meters, geysers, fans and a kitchen sink from the quarters, which were declared unsafe some years ago. They have been lying vacant and are to be demolished. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Wing Commander B Bhattacharya, Indian Air Force, in his complaint, said the items were found stolen on Monday. Inspector Ram Rattan, station house officer (SHO), Sector 31 police station, said two geysers, three fans and water meters had been recovered from the possession of the accused, who was reportedly a drug addict. Two days after two men snatched cash, ATM card and other valuable items from a man after attacking him near Community Centre in Charan Singh Colony, Mauli Jagran, police arrested two accused on Tuesday. Besides 7,500 and a PNB ATM card, the police recovered the snatched items, including the registration certificate of the victims motorcycle and one bag containing a weighing scale machine, and one knife from the accuseds possession. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The accused were identified as Sohit, 19 and Rahul, 22, both residents of Rajiv Colony, Sector 17, Panchkula. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The incident occurred on December 10 at 1 pm when the victim, Chander Pal, was present near the Community Centre. The victim got injured and was shifted to Manimajra Hospital. Following the duos arrest, police recovered the snatched items, including 7,500 cash, a PNB ATM card, the registration certificate of the victims motorcycle, a bag containing a weighing scale machine, apart from a knife belonging to the accused. A case under Sections 379 and 411 of the Indian Penal Code, and Sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act was registered. Police said the accused had a criminal past with similar cases registered against them by Haryana Police. A gangster, Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal, was shot in both legs when he tried to escape from Punjab Polices custody at Peer Muchalla in Zirakpur town on Wednesday morning. The deserted building, where gangster Karanjit Singh was brought to recover a weapon he had hidden earlier, in the Dhakoli area of Zirakpur town in Mohali district on Wednesday. The gangster tried to flee when he was shot in both legs. (HT Photo) Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the anti-gangster task force (AGTF) opened fire two shots to prevent Karanjit Singh from escaping in the residential area. An AGTF officer was injured when the gangster tried to free himself from handcuffs. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Karanjit is an accomplice of Pakistan-based gangster-turned-Khalistan terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda, and an operative of gangster Rajesh Kumar, alias Sonu Khatri gang. Punjab Police arrested Karanjit, who belongs to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (formerly Nawanshahr) earlier this month after he had carried out six murders in the state. The police had been on his trail since he carried out three contract killings in three days in October. He faces attempt to murder, carjacking and robbery charges. AGTF additional inspector general (AIG) Sandeep Goel said that Karanjit Singh was brought on production warrant from a Punjab jail to investigate an attempt to murder case registered in Zirakpur in July. He had shot Nawanshahr resident Inderjit Singh and his friend Satinderjit Singh near Metro Plaza City Market in Zirakpur. Both had survived the attack. Since he is a cold-blooded murderer, the AGTF is investigating his cases. We had brought him here to recover a weapon which the gang had hid in a secluded place near Dhakoli. Before attacking Inderjit, Karanjit and his accomplices had done a recce of the area. As we brought him here, he tried to escape. Policeman Davinder Singh was holding his handcuffed hand. We shot a warning fire but when he didnt stop, we shot him below the waist. He has been hospitalised for treatment, Goel said. DSP Bikramjeet Singh Brar said that a .30-bore China made pistol besides five cartridges was recovered from Karanjit which he had concealed at the time of attack on Inderjit Singh. Gangster Karanjit Singh was rushed to hospital after police fired two shots in his legs to prevent him from escaping in Zirakpur on Wednesday. (HT Photo) Karanjit was involved in six murder cases, including the murder of a mother and a daughter, at Bhojowal village in Jalandhar in October in which the accused had also put kerosene on the bodies and faces of both the women before setting them ablaze. On directions of his foreign handlers, Karanjit was hatching a conspiracy to execute four targeted killings and was on the way to conduct a recce of one of his next targets when he was arrested. A Balongi resident was duped of 4 lakh by an unidentified man posing as her nephew residing in Canada. Mohali police have booked the unidentified accused under Sections 420(cheating) and 120-b (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Victim Gurjit Kaur of Balongi told police that she received a call from someone posing as her nephew Preet. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The person posing as my nephew on the call told me that he had smashed a glass bottle on someones head and hence needed 4 lakh for a lawyers fee. He promised to return the money immediately after getting released from the jail. Trusting the caller, I transferred money to the account of an advocate named Jagmohan Nanda before realising that I was being duped, Kaur said. Balongi police have booked the unidentified accused under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. The state investigation agency (SIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at five locations in South Kashmir in terror finding case that is being investigated by the agency. Security personnel during a raid by J&K Police's SIA in connection with a terror-related case, in Anantnag district on Wednesday. (PTI) Three search-cum-raids were conducted in Anantnag district and two in neighbouring Kulgam district. These raids were conducted in connection with an ongoing investigation of a terror funding case FIR 311/2023 of Anantnag police station registered on November 19, 2023 under sections 13, 17, 18, 20, 38 and 40 of the UAPA and 120B, 121A and 121 of the IPC and transferred to the SIA Kashmi, the police spokesman said in a statement. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Giving details, the spokesman said Zaffar Hussain Bhat, alias Khursheed, alias Khursheed Kashmiri of Pahalgam, Sirgufwara, Ananatnag, is a close associate of Ghulam Nabi Khan, alias Amir Khan, deputy chief of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and both are notorious designated individual terrorists under the UAPA, declared proclaimed offenders and having red notices of Interpol issued against them in several terror funding cases of the NIA, including the famous Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust (JKART) case. Khursheed Kashmiri is also wanted in Sanjay Sharma murder case of the SIA for his role in arranging and delivering the weapon of offence and also other arms and ammunition consignments at different locations in Jammu and Kashmir through his network of associates. Hizb Ul Mujahideen with active connivance of Mohd Yusuf Shah@Syed Salahudeen, chief of HM and the United Jihad Council and handlers of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-E-Taiba (LeT), proscribed terrorist organisations in India, have worked out a detailed terror-funding plan of systematically and regularly financing of their active, arrested terrorists, families of killed terrorists and their associates, belonging to these proscribed terrorist organisations 15,000 per member so as to sustain terrorism in the J&K, he said. The spokesman said Zaffar Hussain Bhat @Khursheed Kashmiri with his associates spread across the Kashmir are raising, collecting, receiving, transporting, distributing and delivering the terror money to active and arrested terrorists of HM and their kith and kin to further terrorist, unlawful, subversive and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and other places of India and also to disturb the communal harmony, spread disaffection towards India and challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country by waging war against India. Zaffar Hussain Bhat uses VoIP based encrypted messaging applications to communicate with his associates to plan, control and execute their movements and also to share the lists of the beneficiaries of these terror funds. During Wednesdays searches, some crucial digital and documentary evidence like cell phones, pen drives, SIM cards, data cards, bank documents, passports etc., relevant to the ongoing investigation were recovered and seized, the spokesman said. Police said on November 19, a close associate of Khursheed Kashmir has already arrested with terror fund to the tune of 5 lakh in this case. In an embarrassment to the Punjab Police, a jail inmate was seen dancing at a marriage ceremony after he was taken for a medical checkup, prompting authorities to suspend two police officers including a sub-inspector. Screengrabs from a video showing the inmate at a wedding ceremony Savottam Singh alias Lucky Sandhu, who was lodged in the Ludhiana Central Jail in a kidnapping case, was taken to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh on December 8 after he complained of a urinary problem, officials said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Sandhu has been booked under several charges, including rioting, kidnapping, assault, extortion and firing, among others. A police team from the Ludhiana police commissionerate accompanied him to the PGIMER for treatment, said the prison authorities, adding that no jail staff was with him. After getting the medical checkup done at the hospital, he along with the police team, on their way back, stopped at the wedding event at Raikot, 40 kms from here on December 8. In a purported video, which went viral on social media, Sandhu was seen dancing with other guests at the wedding event. Thereafter, he returned to the jail. After the jail authorities came to know about the dereliction of duty, they wrote to the Ludhiana police commissioner for action against the erring policemen. Ludhiana police commissioner Kuldeep Chahal said sub-inspector Mangal Singh and assistant sub-inspector Kuldeep Singh, who accompanied Sandhu, have been suspended. A departmental probe has also been ordered against them, said Chahal. The Supreme Court on Tuesday reminded the Delhi government to pay up its share for the two Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects within a week and told the state to not force the court to revive its earlier order and deduct the money the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments advertisement budget. The order was passed after the Delhi government informed the court that it has already made a budgetary provisions for the RRTS project and was waiting for approval from the central government. Ghaziabad , India - December 05 2023: The trial-run for 25km RRTS section connecting Ghaziabad to Meerut is likely to start within couple of weeks. A 17km priority section from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot was made operational on October 21 for passenger operations delhi meerut road in Ghaziabad , India on Tuesday, December 05 2023. (Photo by Sakib Ali /Hindustan Times) The court was considering an application moved by the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC) which accused the Delhi government of defaulting on the mutually agreed payment schedule for the project under which it had to pay a balance of 415 crore for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS and 150 crore for the other two projects linking the Capital with Alwar in Rajasthan and Panipat in Haryana. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A total of 6,119 crore had to be paid by Delhi across six years for the three corridors. A bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said, You cant get away like this. This is not fair. It seems you will make us reactivate our earlier order. The apex court was referring to an order passed on November 21 when it directed Delhi to pay 415 crore for the Meerut project within a week or risk the same being transferred from the states advertisement budget for the year, which is 550 crore for the present year. Senior advocate ANS Nadkarni appearing for NCRTC said that while it received the outstanding payment from Delhi for Meerut, the state did not release the allocated fund of 100 crore for Delhi-Alwar and 50 crore for Delhi-Panipat for 2023-24. He added that the remaining states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan have already contributed their share in advance. The Delhi government was represented by senior advocate S Muralidhar, the former chief justice of Orissa high court, who informed the court that the budgetary allocation has been done for 150 crore and the same will be paid once the two projects get the Centres nod. Attorney general R Venkataramani appeared for the Centre and informed the court that the Centre has no problem granting formal approval to the two projects and the same will be done soon. Detailed project reports submitted by NCRTC were pending consideration with the Centre. You cannot make new excuses every time. Why will you not pay when other states can pay..., the bench said as it directed the amount of 150 crore to be released within seven days. The order added, Needless to say, the Delhi government will abide by the (payment) schedule and will not give an opportunity for the court to revive its November 21 order. The court was assisted in the matter by amicus curiae and senior advocate Aparajita Singh who pointed out that every state linked with the project is supposed to pay as per schedule, yet the problem was only with Delhi. She pointed out that the RRTS was proposed as a measure to reduce the pollution load of Delhi by cutting on vehicles entering the Capital from the national capital region. On two occasions in the past, the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to pay 265 crore and 500 crore towards the project out of the Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) funds. This fund was collected as a green cess from commercial vehicles entering Delhi. The court had in the past pulled up the Delhi government for failing to make budgetary allocations for the project and had in July sought details of the money spent by the state on advertisements and publicity after the state claimed to have no money to pay for RRTS. An affidavit filed by the Delhi government disclosed total spending of 296.89 crore in 2020-21, 579.91 crore for 2021-22, and 196.36 crore for 2022-23, adding up to a total of 1,073.16 crore over three years. The Catholic Diocese of Lucknow has appealed to the community to return to the authentic spiritual message of Christmas and not to be tempted to merely commercialise this important holy feast. For representation only (HT File Photo) Christmas Season began with the start of the Advent season from the first Sunday of this month. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means He is coming, a period of prayerful preparation of about four weeks in preparation for Christmas. The more immediate celebrations have also begun, keeping in mind the government directives concerning health concerns, said Rev Fr HR DeSouza, spokesperson of the Catholic Diocese of Lucknow. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The main Church in the city, St Josephs Cathedral in Hazratganj, will have the Holy Mass, popularly called the Christmas Midnight Mass at around midnight of December 24, presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lucknow, Rt Rev Dr Gerald John Mathias and other priests together with church members. For those who may not be able to attend church during the Midnight Holy Mass, there will be a Christmas Day Mass at 9 am on December 25 (Christmas Day). The Cathedral Compound will be decorated with Christmas lights, Christmas Crib and Christmas Stars, when thousands of citizens are expected to visit the compound on Christmas Day from about 10 am until 10 pm. More than 100,000 (one lakh people) usually visit the Church and the Marian Grotto (Shrine of Mother Mary) to light votive candles. In the evening on Christmas Day, there will be a Dance Drama on the message of Peace and Joy of Christmas, the Christmas Get-Together for prominent civil and religious leaders on December 26. In his Christmas message, Dr Mathias said, In Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace! May this Christmas bring us real peace and joy offered by Lord Jesus Christ which is needed in the world today. Shock was writ large on the faces of the family members of Sagar Sharma, 27, at their two-room rented dwelling in Ramnagar locality of Lucknows Alambagh after they came to know that he was one of the intruders who jumped into the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and set off a smoke canister inside the legislature. A video grab shows an unidentified man jumping from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha, after which a slight commotion occurred in the House during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI) He had said he was going for some protest. As soon as I got the news (about the Parliament incident), I became worried about him. I had last spoken with him (Sagar Sharma) over the telephone yesterday (Tuesday), but never knew about any plan to breach parliament security," his mother Rani Sharma said as HT visited the house. ALSO READ: Must be hanged if: Father of accused in Parliament security breach case Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A chat with his family members and associates revealed the picture of a young man who was active in political protests and movements, drove an e-rickshaw and was highly informed. His Facebook page suggests he was inspired by Bhagat Singh, albeit in the wrong way and used to read books written by the great revolutionary. He had also shared some quotes of Bhagat Singh on his Facebook wall. ALSO READ: 6 people behind LS security breach, knew each other, carried out recce: Police Two days after Sagar left home, two blankets used by him were still on the bed in his 10-feet by 7-feet room, which also has a big iron trunk and a bookshelf, the last item revealing his affinity for books though he had discontinued studies after class 12 because of financial distress. He had studied at the Bhupati Singh Memorial Inter College here. ALSO READ: Woman arrested over LS security breach a civil services aspirant Sagars father Roshan Lal Sharma is a carpenter. Younger sister Mahi also stays in the same house. With roots in Purwa in the neighbouring Unnao district, the family has been living in Ramnagar for the last 15 years. His maternal grandmother Uma Sharma, who stayed in the same locality, also expressed surprise over Sagars alleged involvement in the Parliament security breach. Requesting anonymity, another person familiar with the family said Sagar had gone to Bengaluru two years ago and returned after staying there for some days. Since then, he used to operate an e-rickshaw, this person said. Sagar ran an e-rickshaw for the past few years, Rani confirmed. Interacting with reporters, Rani said she was unaware of Sagars plans to breach the security of parliament house on the 22nd anniversary of the December 13, 2001 Parliament attack. She said she was concerned about her son's safety, adding that he was a simple person who never used to get involved in illegal activities. Nevertheless, a close associate said Sagar was highly informed and knew everything about politics. We met through a protest organised by a student wing of a group and I was amazed by his knowledge, though he studied only till Class 12, the close associate said, asking not to be named He was very active in political movements and I would see him at every protest in the city, the same associate said, adding that later he also joined a local political party in Lucknow and was seen posting pictures with them. However, I didnt know he would do this as this is shocking to me as well, the person added. A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast allegedly triggered by the Maoists in Bastars Narayanpur district on Wednesday, police said. (Representative Photo) Police said the incident took place around 11.15am near Amdai mine under Chhotedongar police station in Narayanpur district when security personnel and police were patrolling the area. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A senior police officer said that the Maoists triggered the IED blast and opened fire at the patrolling team, following which the two sides engaged in a gunfight. Inspector general of police (IGP), Bastar range, Sunderaj P said that CAF constable Kamlesh Kumar was killed in the IED blast while another constable, Vinay Kumar, suffered minor injuries and was given first aid. We have launched a search operation as Maoists escaped into the jungles, said the IG. Fuerzas del orden de Ecuador han detenido a 329 terroristas y abaten a cinco 7 Ministros de defensa y del interior llegan a Tumbes para supervisar acciones de reforzamiento de seguridad en la frontera con el Ecuador 10 Real Madrid derrota 5-3 al Atletico de Madrid por la Supercopa de Espana 10 In a boost to industrialisation in Bihar, eight companies signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the state government for proposed investments of 554.40 crore in textile and leather sectors on Wednesday, the first day of the two-day Bihar Business Connect 2023-Global investors meet. At the first day of the two-day Bihar Business Connect 2023 at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on Wednesday. (Santosh Kumar/HT) Speaking at the inaugural session of the summit, industries minister Samir Kumar Mahaseth said Bihar wants to be among top 10 states with respect to industrial investment in the next three years and among the top five destinations in next five years. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here For this, we have revised our industrial policy to make land available in 7-10 days. The government is committed to creating job avenues and we are ready to extend all possible help for business ventures, the minister said and reiterated the demand for the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state by the Centre. With new policies, Bihar has changed. Join the new Bihar and enrich it. If industries grow in the state, the country will progress too. I once again request the Centre to create at least four SEZs in the state that will pave the way for fresh investment opportunities, he said. The industry minister also demanded that the Centre should grant special status to Bihar to ensure faster growth. He said the state governments focus is on food processing, leather, textiles and information technology, among other sectors. On the inaugural day of the summit, the first session discussed the textile and leather sectors, during which MoUs were signed with eight major firms for investments of 554.40 crore. Notable among the proposed investments are 274 crore by Savi Leathers, 100.50 crore by Komal Texfab, 94 crore by Maa Prabhawati Textile Mills, 52 crore by Cosmus Lifestyle Private Limited and 15 crore by Bharti Exim Private Limited. Speaking on the occasion, Kamal Oswal of Nahar Group of Industries, said, Our group will soon build a logistics park in Patna. Production of items of Monte Carlo brand will now start in Bihar Our company operates industries in Punjab and Rajasthan, and about 25,000 people work in our firm, of whom around 40 per cent are from Bihar. Director of Savi Leathers, Vijay Jha, said that his firm now exports goods to 12 countries. Despite a delay in land allocation in Bihar, we were committed to opening a factory at Pandaul in Madhubani by September 17 next year, he said. Ramesh Agarwal, MD of Rupa Company, said products of his company were immensely popular in Bihar. Bui Trung Thuong, trade counsellor of the Vietnamese embassy, spoke about the spiritual connection between Vietnam and Bihar, as Bodh Gaya is the land of enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Vietnams leading role in the textile sector aligns with this relationship. We will explore options for the investment in Bihar, he said. Earlier in the day, Sandeep Poundrik, additional chief secretary (industries), said that the bag manufacturing cluster in Muzaffarpur has made a significant contribution to the industrial development of the state. Around 1,200 industrial machines are being used in Muzaffarpur for textile and leather production. Bihar is also performing very well in the field of MSMEs, he said. The Janata Dal (United) will hold its national executive meeting in New Delhi on December 29, 10 days after the INDIA blocs meeting scheduled on December 19. CM Nitish Kumar at Dekuli Dham in Sheohar on Wednesday. (HT photo) A release issued by partys national general secretary Afaque Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is expected to address its members amid fresh moves within the opposition INDIA bloc to join forces to take on the ruling BJP. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The release said that party president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh has convened the national executive meeting on December 29. It is a routine national executive meeting, which is likely to discuss recently held assembly polls outcome, the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, caste survey in Bihar, etc., to name a few topics, said Khan. The JD(U) has been peeved with the alliance for not giving any key position to Kumar, the longest serving chief minister in the bloc, while maintaining its commitment to fight the BJP. Its leaders have often projected Kumar as a prime ministerial material who can counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi without, however, making an official demand for this. CM Kumar is also scheduled to address public meetings on December 21 at Jharkhand and at Varanasi on December 24. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the bypoll for the Pune Lok Sabha seat and made it clear that the voters of the constituency cannot go unrepresented for such a long period. The city parliamentary constituency became vacant following the death of MP Girish Bapat on March 29, 2023. (HT FILE) The city parliamentary constituency became vacant following the death of MP Girish Bapat on March 29, 2023. He had served as the MLA five times from the Kasba Peth constituency in the city. He was elected to Lok Sabha from the Pune constituency in 2019. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A two-judge bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khatta criticised the ECI and described their action as strange and unfair to the citizens even as the election commission was busy preparing for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and did not conduct the by-election for the Pune seat. The court further observed that in any democracy, public representatives are the voice of citizens who govern the state. If there is no elected member then a representative must be appointed in his place. The citizens cannot survive without representation and the non-conduct of elections is anti-constitutional and an insult to the constitutional structure. The court passed the verdict based on a petition filed by Pune resident Sughosh Joshi (25), against the ECI for not holding bypolls in the Pune Lok Sabha constituency. Joshi had filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court through lawyers Advocate Kushal Mor, Advocate Shraddha Swarup, Advocate Dayaar Singla and Advocate Pravin Singh which requested the court to issue a writ of mandamus or a writ like mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order and or direction commanding ECI to immediately conduct the by-poll in the said constituency in compliance with Section 151A. Earlier, Joshi made a representation with the ECI on September 21, 2023, although the poll body did not reply to the representation. Considering this, Joshi filed an RTI (Right to Information) application seeking an explanation from ECI. The reply was sent 40 days after filing the RTI. As per the provisions of ROPA, the ECI is not bound to conduct by-poll elections in a constituency if the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is less than a year or if the ECI, in consultation with the central government, certifies that it is difficult to hold elections within the said period. In this instance, ECI had taken the stance that it was difficult to conduct the elections at such a time on account of being vexed with the preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It had further submitted that since there is less time for the Lok Sabha elections, there is very little point in holding the elections. The reply showed that the ECI had issued a certificate on August 23, 2023, to not hold by-poll to the constituency as per exception (b) to Section 151A of the Act. Joshi had pointed out that there was visible administrative apathy to the governance concerns of the city and there were no representatives to fight for the citizens. There was ample opportunity to hold the by-poll in March. However, it has abdicated responsibility in not holding by-poll, he had stated. While reacting to the HC order, Joshi said, I am grateful to the high court for passing the order. I believe this was a much-needed step in ensuring that the law on bypoll gets clarified. More importantly, it highlights the various issues Punekars have been facing for so long due to lack of representation. I hope the bypoll for municipal corporations are also held soon after inspiration from this judgment. Prashant Jagtap, president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said that the party welcomed the decision. When Girish Bapat, late MP of Pune Lok Sabha Constituency passed away, 15 months were left for the general election of the Lok Sabha. If there is more than six months left for the next general election after the death of the representative, then it is a matter of constitutional decree that by-elections should be held immediately in that constituency. The BJP delayed the by-poll of Pune Lok Sabha to avoid defeat, he said. Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC CMS Result 2023 marks of recommended candidates. Candidates who have appeared for Combined Medical Services Examinations can check their marks through the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. UPSC CMS Result 2023: Marks of recommended candidates out, links here The Union Public Service Commission conducted the Written Examination (Part-I) of the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2023 on July 16, 2023, and the Personality Test (Part-II) was conducted from October to November 2023. The final results was announced on December 8, 2023. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A total of 584 candidates have qualified for category 1 and 677 have qualified for Category II. To check the results, candidates can follow the steps given below. Marks of candidates for Category 1 Marks of candidates for Category II UPSC CMS Result 2023: How to check marks Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. Click on UPSC CMS Result 2023 marks of recommended candidates link available on the home page. A new page will open where two links- Category I and Category II will be available. Click on the link and a new PDF file will open. Check the name and marks given in the PDF file. Download the file and keep a hard copy of the same for further need. This recruitment drive will fill up 584 posts in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Service, 300 posts in Assistant Divisional in the Railways, 1 post for GDMO in NDMC and 376 posts of GDMO Grade 2 in MCD. For more related details candidates can check the official website of UPSC. Starting January 2024, foreign postgraduate students enrolled in non-research courses will no longer be able to bring family members to the United Kingdom (UK). This policy change will impact the decision-making process for prospective students from India as well. Being unable to bring dependants could dissuade students from considering the UK as a study destination.(Getty Images/iStockphoto) Previously, under the umbrella of the dependant visa, international students were allowed to bring their family members, including spouses and children, to the UK. These new restrictions only impact international students at the postgraduate level. Undergraduate students in the UK were already prohibited from bringing dependants with them. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Also Read: Rishi Sunak toughens UK visa rules to cut immigration: 'Radical action' This policy change will impact the decision-making process for prospective students from India as well. Being unable to bring dependants could dissuade students from considering the UK as a study destination. In an exclusive interview, Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard, a global education technology platform, explains the ramifications of this policy and the choices that Indian students have of education destinations that have dependant-friendly rules. How will this new policy that comes into effect in January 2024 impact the choice of students who wish to go abroad for higher studies? This policy change may influence the decision-making process for prospective students from India. Being unable to bring dependants could dissuade students from considering the UK as a study destination. However, UK postgraduate programs only take about a year to complete, which is short compared to other destination markets. With these changes in place, it depends on the students and their individual preferences on how important it is for them to bring their families with them to the destination country. Also Read: Canada considering immigration reforms Who is considered a 'dependant'? The definition of a 'dependant' can vary from one country to another, and it is typically determined by immigration and visa regulations. In the UK, a 'dependant' is generally defined as a family member who relies on the primary visa holder for their financial support and is allowed to join them in the UK. This can include a spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under the age of 18. In some cases, dependant visas can also be issued to other family members, such as children over 18, parents, or grandparents, but this depends on the specific visa category. In Canada, a dependant' can include spouse or common-law partners, children under the age of 22 and parents and grandparents (in certain immigration programs). In Australia, a 'dependant' can include a spouse or de facto partner, children, and other family members, in some cases, based on the specific visa category. In the USA, a 'dependant' is typically defined as a family member who can be sponsored by the primary visa holder to join them in the country. Common dependants include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. What rights/benefits will the dependants have under the amended rule in the UK? The rights and benefits for dependants under the amended rules in the UK vary based on the specific visa category, but they generally include legal residence, work rights for adult dependants, access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), access to education for dependant children, and the ability to travel in and out of the UK while the primary visa holder's visa is valid. The duration of the dependant's visa typically aligns with that of the primary visa holder. The amended policy rules may have introduced changes, so it is advisable to refer to the UK Home Office or the specific visa program's official guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding dependants' rights and benefits. Also Read: US may hike immigration fee by 2050% for H1B workers, green cards to get costlier too Compare the rights/benefits of international student dependents in the US, Australia, Canada and the EU? The rights and benefits of international student dependants vary across countries, and depends on the exact class or category of the visa. In the United States, they can legally reside and work, and access to healthcare and education may differ based on the specific visa category. In Australia, dependants can typically work and access the education system, with healthcare access varying. In Canada, dependants can reside, work, access healthcare, and education. Within the European Union, rights and benefits for dependants vary among member countries, including legal residence, education access, healthcare access, and work rights, subject to the specific regulations of the host country. With the Spring 2024 enrolment round the bend, have you noticed a paradigm shift in universities that Indian students are opting for now? The UK remains a popular destination for students from India, though feedback suggests demand is softening as we go into 2024. That said, were seeing a significant increase in the speed and volume of offers being released to Indian students by UK universities through the ApplyBoard Platform, which is great news for everyone considering the UK. The visa process is generally quick and easy and so students applying to the UK are being accepted right up until the end of the year in many cases. Between 2021 and 2022, India was issued the most numerous of dependant US visas. Is the US the obvious choice for Indian students planning to take along dependants for the duration of education? Even though the US issued the most dependant visas to Indian students, the inability for dependants to work may discourage international students from bringing their families with them or may encourage them to look elsewhere to study. Recently, the number of new dependants in Australia surged, with a remarkable 136% increase year-over-year. During the Australian governments fiscal year July 2022 to June 2023, 7,114 dependant visas were granted to Indians on study visas placing India in the top position with a dependant-to-main applicant ratio of 0.20. In Canada, dependants have the option to apply for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) provides a well-defined pathway for international students and their immediate family members (spouses and young children) to stay in Canada and gain the post-graduation work experience required for permanent residency applications. After weathering calls for her ouster over the schools handling of campus antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war and her widely derided testimony in a congressional hearing last week, it was decided that Claudine Gay will keep her job as president of Harvard University. Harvard University President Claudine Gay testifies before a House Education and The Workforce Committee hearing titled "Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2023.(REUTERS) In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay, Harvard Corp., the schools governing body, said in a statement Tuesday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here At Harvard, we champion open discourse and academic freedom, and we are united in our strong belief that calls for violence against our students and disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated. Harvard University is trying to quell a revolt by many alumni and wealthy donors including investor Bill Ackman, who have slammed Claudine Gay's handling of rising antisemitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas war. Also Read: Harvard, Penn, MIT Heads Face Congress Over Campus Antisemitism Protests in support of Palestinians and against Israel have roiled US campuses since the Israeli invasion of Gaza following the Hamas attacks. Incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia have also jumped. The criticism increasingly fed into a broader ideological battle over left-wing bias at elite universities. Republicans and some donors see the debate as an opportunity to reshape the higher education scenario in the US. Gay, a longtime professor who became Harvards first Black president on July 1, was bolstered by support from more than 700 faculty members who signed a petition urging the school to resist political pressures at odds with Harvards commitment to academic freedom. Before the universitys governing council announced its support for Gay, some former faculty members said Ackman had gone too far in questioning her credentials and appointment as Harvard president. Mr. Ackman and others are right to call attention to issues of antisemitism at his alma mater, wrote David Thomas, president of Morehouse College and Ackmans former professor at Harvard Business School. To turn the question to the legitimacy of President Gays selection because she is a Black woman is a dog whistle we have heard before: Black and female equal not qualified. We must call it out. In the statement, Harvard emphasised that Gay has apologised for how she handled her congressional testimony and committed to redoubling the universitys fight against antisemitism. The university also addressed allegations of plagiarism in Gays academic writings that had arisen in recent weeks. The university said it became aware of the accusations in late October and scrutinised Gays work at her request. The review revealed a few instances of inadequate citation, the school said. While the analysis found no violation of Harvards standards for research misconduct, President Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications. Congressional Testimony The criticism of Gay reached a fever pitch after she and two other university presidents testified at the Dec. 5 congressional committee hearing on antisemitism, which has drawn the ire of the White House, been lampooned on Saturday Night Live and forced out University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill. The other college president who testified, Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth, received unequivocal backing from the schools board last week. All three administrators provided narrow legal responses over whether calling for the genocide of Jews is against school policy, fueling demands for them to quit or be fired. More than 70 members of Congress and other lawmakers had also called for her ouster. Elise Stefanik, the Republican from upstate New York who led that line of questioning, described their leadership as totally unfit and untenable. While the board gave Gay a vote of confidence, it does not mean that the controversy will subside. Serious questions remain about how she will soothe tensions on campus and rebuild bridges with alumni. Harvard, the oldest and richest US university, is facing potential damage to its reputation at a time when donors have curtailed giving and its $51 billion endowments returns have lagged behind peers. Jason Furman, a professor who signed the faculty petition, acknowledged that Gay has made mistakes but said shes the right person to confront antisemitism on campus and lead the university forward. She needs to fix some things, she needs to do some things better, Furman, a top economic adviser in the Obama administration, told Bloomberg TV. I think shes the right person to do all of that. After officiating a menorah lighting ceremony for Hanukkah on campus on Tuesday, Steven Pinker, a Harvard psychology professor, said that Gay resigning would have accomplished little, a view he expressed in a Boston Globe opinion piece on Monday. She didnt handle the testimony well, Pinker said in an interview. I dont think its because she harbors a trace of antisemitism. Federal Inquiries Harvard Corp. has a dozen members, including Gay. Drawn from academia, business and philanthropy, the group includes Penny Pritzker, the ex-Commerce secretary; former American Express Co. head Ken Chenault; investor and Harvard Treasurer Timothy Barakett, and Shirley Tilghman, who was head of Princeton University. Harvard still faces a series of federal inquiries, including an investigation by the US Education Department for alleged discrimination involving shared ancestry and one launched by the House Education and the Workforce Committee after the hearings last week. The highly anticipated finale of Jujutsu Kaisen Season Two is on the horizon, and fans are in for an emotional ride. A poignant behind-the-scenes clip has surfaced featuring Kenjiro Tsuda, the talented voice actor for Nanami, performing his character's final lines after the impactful Shibuya Incident arc. In his last moments, Nanami passes the torch to Yuji, and the behind-the-scenes clip showcases Tsuda's remarkable commitment to embodying the character.(MAPPA) Nanami, a dedicated mentor, met his demise at the hands of Mahito during the intense arc. In his last moments, Nanami passes the torch to Yuji, and the behind-the-scenes clip showcases Tsuda's remarkable commitment to embodying the character. Despite being a voice actor, Tsuda uses his entire body to infuse authenticity into Nanami's farewell, from his expressive head and shoulders down to his hands. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Kenjiro Tsuda, with a career spanning since 1995, boasts an impressive resume, contributing his talents to various anime, including Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Mushoku Tensei. His versatility and skill have elevated him to the status of one of the industry's most beloved voice actors. The heartfelt clip has captivated fans, showcasing Tsuda's deep connection to Nanami's character and the emotional weight of the scene. As Jujutsu Kaisen continues to captivate audiences, the behind-the-scenes glimpse adds a layer of appreciation for the dedication and artistry involved in bringing these characters to life. For those who haven't caught up with Jujutsu Kaisen, the anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The series follows Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student with extraordinary physical strength, as he navigates the challenges of Tokyo Jujutsu High School and battles curses alongside powerful sorcerers like Satoru Gojo. The show explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the intertwining of curses and humanity in a gripping narrative. As Jujutsu Kaisen Season Two reaches its conclusion, fans can anticipate a powerful and emotional culmination that reflects the dedication of the cast and creative team in delivering an unforgettable anime experience. Kajol on molestation scenes Kajol said, "It has always been my take as an actor that I'll not do scenes that require me to be either molested or in any which way show me in a place where I don't want to be because I think as actors when we do a shot, we're feeling it, we're really feeling it. So yes, we are actors up to a point but the camera I feel is one of those things it's like man-made magic and it tends to capture it if you're not being honest in front of it. At times like this, you need to be honest." Kajol says such scenes are uncomfortable, disturbing She also said, "That's been my personal this thing on it that, 'No, I don't want to do this. I don't feel comfortable. I don't feel comfortable when I have to act out a scene where I am being physically abused or molested'...I have done it, it's not that I haven't. But it's very very very uncomfortable and very disturbing. And I don't feel I need to do it to prove a point. I can prove my point to be a good actor in 100 different other ways, I don't need this particular experience." Kajol has been part of several films where she had to shoot molestation scenes. The movies include--Baazigar (1993), Ishq (1997), and Dushman (1998). In Lust Stories 2 (2023), Kajol played a character who was abused by her partner. Though the abuse scenes weren't shown, her character was shown to have bruises on her face. Kajol projects Kajol was last seen in series The Trial - Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha, which was helmed by Suparn Varma. The actor was also part of Lust Stories 2. She will be seen with Kriti Sanon in Do Patti. Helmed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, Do Patti is produced by Kathha Pictures and co-produced by Kriti Sanon, co-written by Kanika Dhillon and will stream exclusively on Netflix. The film is set to take viewers on a suspense-filled ride and transport audiences to the hills of North India, which serve as a backdrop for the mystery and intrigue to unfold. Filmmakers began the production of the film in Mumbai on August 18. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place When Baahubali released in 2015, it changed the face of Indian cinema and put the Telugu stars featured in it on the world map. Director SS Rajamouli, actors Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah Bhatia became overnight sensations, with Ramya Krishnan also receiving love for her performance. However, Wamiqa Gabbi recently made a statement that left fans of the film confused. (Also Read: Wamiqa Gabbi reveals she was in school when she acted in Jab We Met) Wamiqa claims she was training for Baahubali(Instagram) I was a part of Baahubali In an out of context clip shared on social media, Wamiqa tells Filmy Gyan that she was training for Baahubali but the project never took off. I was doing it (Baahubali). Directors kept getting changing. And I was still there training (in sword fight). I kept asking if the director has been finalised. I dont know why they shut down the project, I hope it restarts again, she says. Fans left confused Given that its been a while since Baahubali hit screens and director SS Rajamouli even went on to helm the successful RRR, fans of the film were confused by her statement. Directors kept changing, wrote one person with laughter emojis, while another alleged, director's keep changing it seems, it was SSR & his Father Dream Project ... don't tell ever stories to get fame (sic). The clip was deleted later on but had caused enough confusion in the meantime. How Wamiqa was a part of Baahubali In reality, Wamiqa was a part of Baahubali and the directors did keep changing. Confused? The actor was part of the Netflix project Baahubali: Before the Beginning, which was based on the novels The Rise of Sivagami, Chaturanga and Queen of Mahishmathi. The series was supposed to serve as a prequel to Baahubali, with the focus on Ramya Krishnans character Sivagami. Mrunal Thakur was initially roped in for the role which eventually went to Wamiqa. Deva Katta and Praveen Sattaru were supposed to helm the project in 2018. In 2021, Netflix reportedly scrapped the version that was shot and will revamp it in the future. Kunal Deshmukh was roped in to direct but he opted out of the project. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. ATEEZ, the dynamic Korean pop ensemble, has soared to the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 albums chart with their latest release, THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL, which debuted at No. 1 for Billboard 200 dated December 16. Its their first time securing the top spot on the chart. Members of South Korean K-Pop group ATEEZ pose as they arrive to attend The Fact Music Awards in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)(AP) The album has garnered an impressive 152,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the week concluding on December 7, as reported by Luminate. The majority of these units, a staggering 146,000, were derived from traditional album sales, setting a new personal best for the band. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL represents ATEEZs fourth consecutive top 10 entry on the chart, demonstrating their consistent popularity and growing influence in the music industry. The groups previous release, THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW, had reached the second position in July. ALSO READ| Taylor Swift captures boyfriend Travis Kelce's gameday haircut snippets ATEEZs ascent on the Billboard 200 has been accomplished without the support of any charting singles on U.S. Billboard airplay or streaming charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, or the global charts like Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. These latter charts rank songs based on streaming and sales data collected from over 200 territories worldwide, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 includes data from all over the globe, while the Global Excl. U.S. chart focuses on data from territories outside the United States. The holiday season has brought familiar tunes back into the limelight, with Nat King Coles timeless The Christmas Song re-entering the top 10 of the Billboard 200. The beloved album climbed from the 16th to the 10th position, marking its sixth consecutive appearance in the top region during the festive period. The Billboard 200 chart is a weekly ranking of the most popular albums in the U.S., measured by multi-metric consumption in equivalent album units. These units are a composite of album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). One unit is equivalent to the sale of one album, the sale of 10 individual tracks from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The upcoming chart dated December 16, 2023, will be fully revealed on Billboards website on December 12. ALSO READ| Netflix finally reveals viewer data for every title, The Night Agent and Ginny & Georgia are most watched shows Out of the 152,000 equivalent album units earned, album sales accounted for 146,000 units. An overwhelming 99% of these sales were physical album purchases, with the remaining 1% coming from digital album downloads. SEA units contributed 5,500 to the total, which translates to 7.59 million on-demand official streams of the albums 12 tracks. Additionally, TEA units added another 500 units to the tally. THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL was made available in a variety of collectible physical formats, totaling 33 unique editions. While each edition features the same 12-song tracklist, they differ in packaging and include various branded paper merchandise, such as photocards, some of which are randomized. The collection includes 26 CD versions and seven vinyl editions, with exclusive variants available through retailers like Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. The Port of Civitavecchia is the tenth landing of this historic voyage around the world. At this point, the 97 third-year Naval Academy cadets who make up the first group were replaced by the second group made up of 85 cadets, who will continue the rest of the journey. The event was presided over by Rear Admiral Mario Cacho Pella, commander of the Peruvian Navy Surface Force, who traveled to Rome in order to participate in protocol activities marking the arrival of the BAP Union. As a first activity, Captain Jose Luis Arce Corzo, the commander of the unit, held a press conference, in which he announced the objective of the circumnavigation and the visit to Italian ports, which will contribute to strengthening ties of friendship and long-standing cooperation between the Navies of Peru and Italy. The Peruvian Navy vessel will remain at this port from December 12 to 15, during which time the command and crew will carry out various protocol and cultural activities. Thus, the BAP Union will open its doors to show, through objects and products, the millenary culture, gastronomy, and exportable offering of the Peru Brand. Dejando huella por Italia!???? ???? ???Nuestro buque a vela B.A.P. Union, el mas grande de Latinoamerica, llego al puerto de Civitacecchia, cumpliendo asi su noveno punto de recalada de la trascendental travesia que realiza en su primer recorrido por el mundo.??#NuestraMisionElPeru???? pic.twitter.com/K8n6F3Dz0t The Hyderabad polices Cyber Crime department has apprehended an individual from Anantapur for spreading misinformation and insulting actor Vijay Deverakonda. The police took strict action against him days after he posted the video. They also ensured that he deleted the offensive video from his channel. (Also Read: Mansoor Ali Khan slammed by Madras High Court: Trisha shouldve moved court for defamation) Vijay Deverakonda took action against a YouTuber spreading lies(Instagram) What transpired Venkata Kiran from Anantapur shared rumours about Vijay and one of the female actors hes acting with, on his YouTube channel CinePolis. With the obscene news spreading like wildfire, Vijays team filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Department. A few days ago this individual spread vulgar news related to Vijay and another actress. The police promptly responded after their attention was brought to the disrespectful news. They located the person involved and let go of him post counselling and deletion of videos, a member of Vijays team tells HT. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Case registered Vijays team also informed HT that an FIR was filed under case number 2590/2023 in Hyderabad and the individual was arrested and brought to the city within hours of filing the complaint. Preventive measures are being taken to avoid such incidents in the future. Vijay is used to rumour-mongering but sometimes, people cross a line. He wants to set an example, especially when a third partys name is also dragged in unfairly because its not okay, adds his team. Upcoming projects Vijay is currently busy shooting for his upcoming projects. He was last seen in Kushi with Samantha Ruth Prabhu and the film received good response from fans and critics alike. He is currently shooting for Family Star with director Parasuram Petla and actor Mrunal Thakur. The film will hit screens sometime next year as filming is yet to be wrapped up. He is also shooting for an untitled project with director Gowtam Tinnanuri. Rashmika Mandanna is rumoured to have replaced Sreeleela in this project. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. Emblematic of numerous coastal cities globally, Mumbai confronts a growing onslaught of climate-induced challenges. These include the peril of rising sea levels, increasingly severe monsoon seasons, vanishing coastlines and the intensifying urban heat island effect, all of which pose a significant risk to its residents. Last month, at the invitation of the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, delegates from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were taken on a tour of some of Mumbais waste treatment plants and talked about the citys efforts to mitigate climate-related adversities. It was announced that JICA would help create a climate master plan for Mumbai. "This effort will aim at developing a master plan which includes steps aimed at tackling risks associated with climate change in the future," said P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The master plan being prepared by JICA, he said, would be comprehensive with all the critical components necessary for climate proofing the city. The components of climate proofing the city from the risk of floods, for instance, involve enhancing green cover and implementing sponge city infrastructure, i.e urban development designed to absorb and reuse rainwater, reducing flooding and enhancing water sustainability by integrating green spaces, permeable surfaces, and innovative water management systems. The plan itself would take a couple of years to be developed, for which the BMC will make its data readily available. We reached out to five experts who shared their wishlist of what should make it into the climate master plan. The citizens manifesto, as it were, is a roadmap for policymakers and spans five vital topics coastal climate resilience with an emphasis on flood management, water and infrastructure, urban planning and green cover, mangroves and wetlands, and waste management each, a cornerstone in the battle against the adverse effects of climate change. Coastal climate resilience A city that regularly grapples with monsoon-induced flooding needs innovative flood management strategies. Mumbai's rapid population growth projected to double by 2050 to 40 million, coincides with an alarming increase in global mean surface temperatures. This demographic and climatic intersection demands immediate attention to the city's coastal climate resilience, especially in light of rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events. Dr Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) author, emphasises the urgency of the situation. "Mumbai's extensive coastline and low-lying areas make it particularly susceptible to sea level rise, a phenomenon exacerbated by the thermal expansion of warming ocean waters. A three-centimetre rise in sea level per decade might seem infinitesimal, but it translates to a significant loss of land, Koll said. He also projected that the rate could reach 57 cm per decade if carbon emissions continue unchecked. Addressing Mumbais vulnerability to coastal flooding, cyclones, and storm surges, Koll advocated for the modernisation of Mumbai's drainage and water management systems in the context of developing a comprehensive climate master plan for the city. Noting a significant shift towards fewer rainfall days but more instances of extreme heavy rain, he also highlighted the imminent threat of compound floods in Mumbai, where heavy rains, high tides, and elevated sea levels converge. Such compound floods have the potential to submerge large parts of Mumbai, at least for several days, he said, adding that the Arabian Sea's increased cyclonic activities could further exacerbate these events. Thus, robust, climate-resilient infrastructure such as the construction of seawalls and storm surge barriers can significantly mitigate the impact of storm surges and rising sea levels on coastal communities, he said. "Our natural defences against floods are degraded," he said, citing the example of the Bandra Kurla Complex built on mangrove land and the Mithi river being choked and reduced due to development. Thoughtful urban planning and innovative engineering solutions need to go hand in hand. The city must adopt a multi-faceted approach that integrates early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement," he said. This strategy, coupled with the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems like mangroves and floodplains is crucial for enhancing Mumbai's resilience against climate-induced challenges. Collaborative efforts among government bodies, urban planners, scientists, engineers, and community organisations are a must. The city's future, prosperity, and even survival depend on its ability to adapt and rise above the rising seas, he said. Water and infrastructure Ironically, Mumbai also faces a pressing challenge of water infrastructure. Nikhil Anand, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, who also consulted on the Mumbai Climate Action Plan in 2021, identified three key areas of focus to reduce the vulnerability of the city's residents, in particular those living in slums, who face the brunt of the issue. First, upgrading and extending the drinking water supply to every citizen. If adaptation is about reducing vulnerability, then reducing vulnerability in the everyday life of most of the city's residents is of utmost importance," he said. This step is fundamental in enhancing the resilience of Mumbai's most vulnerable communities. Second, diversifying water sources. Cautioning against an over-reliance on traditional sources like Tansa and Vaitarana lakes, Anand suggested exploring existing water sources within the city, such as BMC wells. This would also decrease resorting to energy-intensive and expensive options like desalination that pose environmental concerns. To combat flooding, there is a need for a blend of grey and green infrastructure. Expanding and extending green spaces, including riverbanks, khadis, creeks, and wetlands, can significantly increase the city's capacity to retain rainwater, reducing the need for larger drainage systems, Anand said. Retention ponds, bioswales, and other percolation technologies further, can alleviate the burden on the city's stormwater and drainage systems by managing runoff effectively, he said. Third, addressing water pollution. Most of the citys sewage is untreated and discharged directly into bodies like the Mithi river. Upgrading sewage treatment to include secondary and tertiary technologies before releasing it into the sea, to prevent the pollution of marine ecosystems and the subsequent impact on the city during the monsoon is critical to ensure climate resilience," Anand said. Green cover and urban planning Urban infrastructure must go beyond mere resilience, and aim for antifragility in the face of climate change. Ronita Bardhan, associate professor at Cambridge University, teaching architecture and urban studies, highlighted the concept of antifragility, and asserts that Asian cities like Mumbai need to re-evaluate their urban planning strategies. "Antifragility is about becoming stronger in the face of adversity, not just bouncing back," Bardhan said. Urban greening, for example, helps mitigate climate-related challenges like urban heat island effect. Antifragile strategies require a trauma-informed approach, integrating urban green infrastructure not only to address climate stress like urban flooding but to also reduce inequalities in the city. "Climate-sensitive plans should first identify the inequality in the spatial distribution of different forms of green and then apply a co-benefit approach," she said. Bardhan further notes the importance of designing multi-use green infrastructure in space-constrained cities like Mumbai. Echoing similar sentiments, Hitesh Vaidya, former director, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under the ministry of housing and urban affairs, shared the importance of strategic, integrated urban planning. Climate action plans, land-use master plans, and transportation schemes should not function in isolation, he explained but should have a holistic perspective that transcends city boundaries. Together, Bardhan's and Vaidya's insights provide a comprehensive framework for Mumbai's journey towards becoming a climate-sensitive, anti-fragile city. Their emphasis on integrating green cover with urban planning, while addressing social inequalities and enhancing resilience, forms a pivotal part of the city's climate action strategy. Mangroves and wetlands Mangroves and wetlands are critical ecosystems that offer natural protection against coastal erosion and floods, while also fostering biodiversity. N Vasudevan, a retired IFS officer and former principal chief conservator of forest (Mangrove Cell), Maharashtra forest department, and national coordinator for the Green Climate Fund, acknowledges Mumbai's success in retaining substantial greenery, despite its dense population. The city and its surroundings have shown an increase in mangrove cover in recent years, he says, attributing this growth to two reasons: The notification of mangroves as Reserved Forests following a Bombay high court directive in 2005, and the establishment of the Mangrove Cell in 2012 and the Mangrove Foundation in 2015. The Mangrove Foundation is an autonomous body of the state government which works on mangrove protection efforts and marine biodiversity conservation initiatives. Yet, there is a disparity in conservation efforts between government-owned and privately-owned mangroves, Vasudevan said. Despite legal protections, mangroves on private land face greater threats. The private mangroves of Mumbai deserve serious attention now," he said. To address this, he proposed schemes that incentivise the conservation of private mangroves. This could include offering Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) by the municipal body, voluntary land surrender in exchange for compensation, or developing eco-tourism projects under a lease or revenue-sharing arrangement, he said. Another approach could be to explore carbon credit opportunities for preserving blue carbon ecosystems. A balance of incentives and penalties is ideal as private owners who are unwilling to engage in conservation efforts should bear the responsibility for destruction and restoration costs. These proposals reflect a nuanced approach to mangrove and wetland conservation as they blend legal protection with economic incentives to balance the imperatives of urban expansion against climate change. Waste management Swati Singh Sambyal, an international circular economy expert in waste management and environmental sustainability, outlines a critical strategy for tackling waste-related challenges in Mumbai. Highlighting the impact of waste on greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, Sambyal said local policies that align with circular economy principles are needed. We need policies that encompass a just transition, including the informal sector, with stringent penalties for non-compliance," she said. Simply put, centralised and decentralised waste management systems need to be blended. "For residential societies with high segregation rates, in situ treatment of wet waste, including composting, is crucial. For the dry fraction, effective sorting and channelisation are key, she explained. To reduce harmful waste disposal practices, Sambyal proposes financial deterrents. "Introducing a landfill and incineration tax is essential to discourage waste burning and dumping," she said. Additionally, she suggests restructuring municipal concessionaire agreements to promote segregated collection and processing by implementing a tipping fee. Crucial to the success of these initiatives is behavioural change. Focusing on behaviour and citizen science is vital. Mumbai, as an educational hub, can leverage academic institutions and students to drive awareness and cement lasting behaviour change, said Sambyal. She also highlights Mumbai's vulnerability as a coastal city, stressing the risks posed by inadequate waste management. "If we overlook waste management, the consequent leakages into air, water, and soil can wreak havoc, from exacerbating flooding due to blocked drains to deteriorating air quality," she warns. Mumbai's ambitious climate action plan and its challenges The Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) unveiled in August 2021 under the previous Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government remains a crucial document for shaping Mumbai's response to climate challenges. It outlined a series of ambitious goals including a 2050 net zero target for Mumbai, and measures tailored to the city's unique needs and vulnerabilities across six sectors: Sustainable waste management, urban greening and biodiversity, urban flooding and water resource management, building energy efficiency, air quality and sustainable mobility. The MCAP is very much still being considered and implemented as the nodal document for climate action for the city, a senior official from BMC's environment department said. The BMC initiated a climate budget provision process for Mumbai, reflecting a tangible step towards actualising the MCAP's objectives. "All BMC departments have been given a form to identify the climate threats they are witnessing and the budget allotment they would require based on solutions provided by MCAP for implementation," the official explained. Once the departments submit their estimates, a detailed budget dedicated to climate action will be collated and presented as part of the 2024-25 annual budget of the BMC. However, the implementation of the MCAP is not without its challenges. The official acknowledged the slow pace of progress and attributed it to the complexities of interdepartmental coordination and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. On the current implementation side of the MCAP, it is slow and will take time as interdepartmental coordination is key. Badri Chatterjee is head, Communications (Climate & Energy) at Asar Social Impact Advisors, a research and communications organisation that works on social and environmental issues At least six people are involved in the breach of security in the Lok Sabha earlier on Wednesday. They knew each other and were staying at a house in Gurugram, sources in the Delhi Police told PTI. They had known each other for four years, hatched the plan few days ago and also carried out a recce. The Gurugram house where the accused stayed before the Lok Sabha security breach. (X/PTI) Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, who were in the visitors' gallery of the Lok Sabha, suddenly jumped into the gallery where the members are seated, during the Zero Hour. They chanted slogans and fired a canister that emitted a yellow gas. ALSO READ: Lucknow Aadhaar, canisters in shoes: Eyewitnesses on 2 Lok Sabha intruders Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said the gas was yellowish and there was some burning sensation. The intruders were overpowered by the MPs who handed them over to the security personnel. ALSO READ: Was ordinary smoke to sensationalise: Lok Sabha speaker on security breach Amol Shinde and Neelam were caught outside the Parliament while chanting slogans. All four were arrested by the Delhi Police. Two more, identified as Lalit and Vikram, and suspected to be their accomplices, are being looked for. The Delhi Police also visited the house where the accused were staying prior to the security breach. "While four have been held, the fifth has been identified. The two suspects and the four accused stayed in a house in Gurugram and it seems that the incident was planned. No mobile phones have been found on the accused and police are looking for their phones," a police official said. ALSO READ: Big security lapse: MPs slam intrusion in Lok Sabha, demand probe In another development, the parliament secretariat has written to the home secretary asking for a security review and a high-level inquiry into the security breach. At an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla after the breach, some leaders pointed at shortcomings in the security protocol, driven in part by the shortage of parliamentary staff assigned to enforce it. The security breach took place on the day India marked 22 years of the terror attacks on Parliament in 2001. On this day, five terrorists belonging to Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad had attacked the parliament house. Goodbye and leave it as it is. These were the words former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday hours before Mohan Yadav took oath as the new chief minister in an event in Bhopal attended by PM Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah among other BJP leaders. "Ab vida, jas ki tas rakh deni chadariya," the former chief minister said as he took a last-minute stock of the preparation of the oath-taking ceremony at Bhopal's Motilal Nehru Stadium. Shivraj Singh Chouhan with Ladli Laxmi Yojana beneficiaries in Bhopal on Tuesday.(PTI) Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the party to a landslide majority in the recent assembly election. It was speculated that he would remain in the CM post for another term. But the announcement of Mohan Yadav as the next chief minister replacing Shivraj Singh was surprising for many, but Shivraj Singh said he had complete confidence in Yadav, the higher education minister of his cabinet. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been the CM for four terms. I wanted to say humbly that I would rather die than go (to Delhi) and ask for something for myself, this is not what I do, Chouhan said after Mohan Yadav's name was announced. He added that he never was in the race for the job. "When a person is self-centred, he thinks about himself. But the BJP is a mission, there is some work for every worker. I will do whatever work is assigned to me," Chouhan said. "An ordinary worker (like me) was made the CM for 18 years by the BJP. The party gave me everything. Now, it is time for me to give something to the BJP. Where is the injustice?" Chouhan said. After the announcement of Mohan Yadav's name, a video surfaced on social media showing a group of women crying at Shivraj Singh Chouhan's residence in Chouhan's presence. On the surface, little ties them together. The son of a carpenter who drove an e-rickshaw to eke out a living; the son of daily wage labourers; an engineering graduate who returned to farm in his village; a qualified daughter of a halwai who hunted for a government job for years. They come from different parts of the country -- Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, Latur in Maharashtra, Mysuru in Karnataka, and Jind in Haryana. Two were college graduates, two had only finished school. Two are in their mid-twenties; the other two, 34 and 37. An India TV video grab shows the scenes inside the Lok Sabha after an unidentified man jumped from the visitors gallery, evaded MPs, and released coloured smoke. (ANI)(HT_PRINT) Yet, unbeknownst to their families, these four seemingly disparate people left home; and on the day the country marked 22 years of the attack on Parliament in December 2001, breached the security of one of Indias most hallowed buildings -- two of them rappelling down from the visitors gallery carrying incendiary but harmless coloured gas, while two others used the same cannisters while chanting slogans outside Parliament. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here As multiple security agencies delve into the antecedents of the four people who were in and around the Lok Sabha, there are several troubling questions that they must find answers to. Why was security so easily circumvented? Why was this day, of all days, chosen? How meticulously was this planned? And, as importantly, who are these four people and what ties them together? The common links so far suggest they were not affluent, they were angry, and they were inspired by iconic freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. In Lucknows Ramnagar locality of Alambagh, the family members of 27-year-old Sagar Sharma, one of the two men who entered Parliament, were in a state of shock. His room, in a dingy rented two-room accommodation has peeling green walls, a big iron trunk, a bookshelf, and a bed with two blankets. His father, Roshan Sharma, is a carpenter, and Sagar studied at the Bhupathi Memorial inter-college in Alambagh till Class 12, when he dropped out because of financial distress. He travelled to Bengaluru in 2021, but returned to Lucknow and drove an e-rikshaw for a living. When he left Lucknow two days ago, he told his family he was going to a protest. As soon as I got the news, I became worried for him. He had called me yesterday, but we didnt know about any plan to breach parliament security, his mother Rani Sharma, a housewife, said. One Sharmas friends, who did not want to be identified, said that he was well-read despite his limited education. He was very active in political movements and I would see him in protests in the city, he said. About 700km away, Neelam Devis family had beseeched her to stay away from political protests. The 37-year-old from Ghaso Khurd village in Uchana, the daughter of a halwai and the sister of two mill deliverymen, Devi had failed to find work despite qualifying the National Eligibility Test, and the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test, her family said. Her mother, Saraswati Devi, said that her inability to find a job had left her despondent, and her daughter once told her, it was better to die. She used to run a library in the village, but over the last two years, had taken to protests, participating in both the farmers stir on the outskirts of Delhi (where she was pictured next to a cutout of Bhagat Singh), and the wrestlers protest in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. It was after the latter that her family packed her off to a paying guest accommodation in Hisar six months ago, asking her to focus on entrance examinations to the Haryana civil services. We were unaware why she had gone to Delhi. She was active in farmers agitation and wrestlers protest. Her unemployment upset her, but we asked her to focus and not to participate in agitations, Ram Niwas, her younger brother, said. In Zari village in Latur, the family of Amol Dhanraj Shinde, apprehended while protesting with Neelam Devi outside Parliament, had studied only till Class 12, and was preparing for the army and police recruitment examinations. He had once passed the physical examinations for the state police services, but failed the written test. He had told his father, daily wage labourer Dhanraj Shinde, that it was for these examinations that he would intermittently travel to Delhi, and visited the Capital three times in the last few months. Investigators now believe that at least one of these trips was a reconnaissance mission for the events on Tuesday. He left home on December 9, and on the 10th, called us from his friends mobile phone number. Since then, his phone was not reachable, Shinde said. In Mysuru, the father of Manoranjan D, Deveraje Gowda insisted that his son was a good boy who read Vivekananda, and only wanted to do good for society. Gowda, who owns farmland in Mallapura village in Hassan district, said that Manoranjan had finished an engineering degree from a Bengaluru college, and was now helping him in the fields. Manoranjan would often travel to Delhi and Bengaluru and state intelligence officials said that they are investigating if these were to protest sites. Earlier this week, he told his family that he was on his way to Bengaluru, without giving a clear explanation. Whatever he has done is condemnable. If he has made any mistake, he must be held accountable, his father said. It was Manoranjan who obtained the visitors pass from the office of BJPs Mysuru-Kodagu member of Parliament Pratap Simha. I dont know how he got the visitors pass. We are voters of the BJP MP from Mysuru, and I have a good rapport with Simha, Deveraje Gowda said. It was a pass that let Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma enter Parliament, vault benches, and let loose gas canisters, bringing back memories of December 13, 2001. Or, in their own confused minds, perhaps of Bhagat Singhs revolutionary 1929 act in Parliament during British rule. Union minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the latter criticising Union home minister Amit Shah who had blamed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for the instability in Jammu and Kashmir. During his reply in the Rajya Sabha on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Shah on Monday had blamed India's first prime minister for Pakistan illegally occupying a part of Jammu and Kashmir. Union minister Anurag Thakur. (PTI) "I want to give a reference to Sam Manekshaw. He said at one place that when the Pakistanis were attacking Kashmir, then he was busy in discussions (don't want to name the person). Sam Manekshaw was present at a meeting in which Sardar Patel told Nehru, "Do you want Kashmir or not?" Then the decision to send the army was taken. If there was no ceasefire at an appropriate time, PoK would not have been there. Why was the matter taken to the UN?" Shah had said. ALSO READ: 'No issue in states handled by Sardar Patel': BJP on Rahul Gandhi vs Amit Shah over Jawaharlal Nehru Responding to Shah's remark, Gandhi had said,Pandit Nehru dedicated his life for this country. He was in jail for years, Amit Shah ji does not know history. I don't expect that he would know history as he keeps rewriting it." Hitting out at the Wayanad MP, Thakur told ANI, History will never forgive former PM Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress. The nation's history holds witness to the wounds inflicted by the Congress on the country and its people for political benefits. ALSO READ: Get PoK before 2024 polls: Opposition to Shah over his remarks on Nehru Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "Under PM Jawaharlal Nehru, India lost 45,000 soldiers and people in Jammu and Kashmir. Articles 370 and 35A existed like deep wounds on the country. I wish to ask Rahul Gandhi who he holds responsible for the death of 45,000 people. China captured over 40,000 sq km of our land during the 1962 war. More than 3000 soldiers lost their lives. Who was responsible for that?" the Union minister questioned. He affirmed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would have been a part of India had PM Nehru not called an early ceasefire during the war against Pakistan in 1947. NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday rejected the Organization of Islamic Cooperations (OIC) call for the Kashmir issue to be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions, saying such statements only undermine the credibility of the 57-member grouping. Tourists at Sonamarg 90 km from Srinagar on December 1 (HT PHOTO/Waseem Andrabi) Without specifically naming any country, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the OIC is acting at the behest of a serial violater of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism. The remarks were an apparent reference to Pakistan, which India has often accused of raking up the Kashmir issue at the OIC. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Responding to a statement issued by OIC following the Supreme Courts verdict on Monday that endorsed the Indian governments August 2019 decision to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Bagchi said: India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a judgement of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill informed and ill intended. He added, That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violater of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OICs credibility. On Tuesday, the OIC expressed concern over the Supreme Courts verdict upholding what it described as unilateral actions taken by India in August 2019. The General Secretariat of the OIC also reiterated its call to reverse all illegal and unilateral measures taken since 5 August 2019 aimed at changing the internationally recognised disputed status of Kashmir. It also reaffirmed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for the right of self-determination and called on the world community to enhance its efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. India has said in the past that Jammu and Kashmir, which was divided into two union territories after the abrogation of the regions special status, is an integral part of the country and other nations have no say in the matter. Lauding the bilateral partnership between New Delhi and Canberra, the Ambassador of Australia to India, Philip Green OAM highlighted a remarkable two-way trade that has grown by more than 50 per cent over the past five years, adding that India is the most consequential relationship. Australian envoy Philip Green Emphasizing India's paramount significance in their bilateral relations, he expressed his commitment to proactive engage during his tenure and said that, as Australia's 22nd High Commissioner to India, he is "here to get things done." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In his keynote address at the Asia Society Policy Institute, here in the national capital, the Australian Ambassador to India said, "For me, assuming this role as Australia's 22nd High Commissioner to India is the pinnacle of his career. India is the most consequential relationship, at the most critical moment, I have ever worked on. It is a privilege for me to be here today." Affirming his dedication to advancing the partnership between the countries and echoing the directive he received from the Prime Minister to propel the relationship to new heights, he said,"Our relationship is at the highest point in our history. But I'm not here to rest on laurels. I'm here to get more things done. I'm here to drive the relationship further and to drive it faster. That's what the Prime Minister told me to do when he sent me here." Asia Society Policy Institute, notably a division of Asia Society India Centre, is a think-and-do tank designed to bring about changes that incorporate the best ideas from top experts in Asia and to work with policymakers to integrate these ideas and put them into practice. Speaking further, the Australian envoy also talked at length about India-Australia trade ties, the Indo-Pacific and QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). "On the economic front, our two-way trade has grown by more than 50 per cent in the last five years. And last year, we signed the landmark Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). This deal has provided the momentum for negotiations towards an even more ambitious goal: a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement or CECA," he said. Highlighting the role of Quad, he said that there is a big comparison in how it used to be earlier and how things progress under the grouping now. "Quad in 2019 meant loose, informal meetings of officials in the margins of multilateral gatherings. No fixed agenda. Sometimes, no substantive statement. Those discussions, to be frank, largely centred on whether and how the Quad should become the Quad--Contrast that to what we see now-- We have delivered three Quad Leaders' Summits. Leaders, as well as Ministers. In addition to a proliferation of Senior Officials' meetings," the envoy said. Despite the change in plans regarding President Biden's visit to India, the envoy affirmed Australia's ongoing collaboration with India and other QUAD partners to facilitate a Summit next year. "And while today's news is that President Biden is unable to travel to India in January, Australia will continue to work closely with India and its other partners to support its efforts to host a Quad Leaders' Summit next year. In only a few years, we've developed a shared vision, a positive agenda, and we're getting stuff done, he added. Green also emphasised that India and Australia see the Indo-Pacific region the "same way" and "share same goals." He said, "...And if India and Australia want to preserve an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, we need each other. We see the region the same way, we share the same goals, and we both know what needs to be done. This is what strategic alignment looks like: a mission to work together." He further noted that Australia is investing in its network of strategic partnerships and added that India is an indispensable partner. "Australia is investing in our network of strategic partnerships. We know that when countries pool their resources and combine their strengths, that is a decisive competitive advantage. And India is an indispensable partner, critical for achieving the sort of strategic equilibrium that we need," Green said. Highlighting how India and Australia's defence ties are at their pinnacle currently, Green said, "For the first time this year, we welcomed an Indian submarine to dock in Australia, and we welcomed visits by two Indian military aircraft to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands." He also said that sense of partnership was on full display last month at our second Foreign and Defence Ministers' 2 2 Meeting in Delhi. "Our Ministers agreed to an ambitious set of outcomes, including expanding the scope and complexity of our joint military exercises and continuing the deployment of aircraft from each other's territories to enhance shared maritime domain awareness. We also decided that our diplomats should be working more cohesively in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a necessity that drives Australia and India to work together, in combination with other nations, to enhance our collective security and prosperity," the envoy said. Green also stated that he wants a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) that expands the range of goods available in India and also gives a boost to Indian supply chains. "I want us to have a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement that expands the range of goods available in India, strengthens Indian supply chains, and advances its green transition. ECTA already gets us some of the way there. 96 per cent of Indian goods now enter Australia duty-free, and 85 per cent of Australian goods now enter India without tariffs," the envoy said. "Our companies have noticed and are benefiting. India's utilisation rate for goods under our agreement is 77 per cent--around triple what it is for some of India's other free trade agreements. We have seen Australian imports of India's agricultural goods increase by 16 per cent, and imports of Indian apparel increase by 9 per cent. Our CECA agreement will take this even further and faster to deliver for Australian and Indian businesses," he added, underlining that there have been some good rounds of negotiation that have taken place. "We have had some good rounds of negotiation. We have a lot of text settled. We know India is focused at present on getting to the finish line with the UK. We are ready to conclude our second phase in due course, but our focus will be on ambition--a good deal, not any deal," the Australian envoy said. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAusECTA) came into effect on December 29, 2022. The ECTA was signed on April 2, 2022, and ratified on November 21. Written notifications were exchanged on November 29 and after 30 days, the agreement came into force. India and Australia implemented an economic cooperation and trade agreement (ECTA) and are now negotiating the expansion of its scope for the CECA. The BBC on Tuesday said that four of its employees in India have left the organisation to set up an Indian company wholly owned by Indians to produce content for the platform in compliance with the countrys Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) law. The new company, the Collective Newsroom Private Limited, will produce content for the BBC in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi and all content for Indian digital platforms and the Indian YouTube channel in English. (File) The new company, the Collective Newsroom Private Limited, will produce content for the BBC in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi. All content for Indian digital platforms and the Indian YouTube channel in English will be created by the CNPL. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In September 2019, the government had decreased permitted FDI in digital news publications from 100% to 26%. In November 2020, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through a public notice, gave all digital news publishers a month to furnish details of their shareholding patterns. The entities that had FDI greater than 26% had time until October 15, 2021 to reduce such investment and seek approval of the MIB. It is not known how many companies disclosed their shareholding patterns to the MIB in accordance with the November 2020 public notice. In December 2022, Reuters had reduced its minority stake in Asian News International (ANI)) to comply with the FDI regulation. Issues around FDI in BBCs Indian arm were brought up by the MIB earlier this year. It is understood that at least one meeting between the BBC and the MIB secretary occurred over the FDI issue, and the MIB sent at least one letter to the BBC over this. It is not clear how many digital news publishers or similar entities have been hauled by the MIB for potentially not complying with the FDI rules. Earlier this year, a controversy erupted around a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary was blocked in India through the emergency blocking provision of the controversial Information Technology Rules, 2021. Separately, the BBC also issued copyright takedown notices to multiple social media platforms and Internet Archive to remove the documentary. To be sure, the documentary was not produced by BBC India, and was never screened or streamed in India by the BBC; it was produced and released only in the UK. In February, the Income Tax Department raided BBCs Delhi office. The four employees who have left the BBC to start CNPL are senior news editor Rupa Jha, editorial head BBCs African languages- Mukesh Sharma, deputy managing editor Sanjoy Majumder and general manager Sara Hassan. These four employees, along with five other members of the BBC are the shareholders in the new entity. These include BBCs Telugu editor Sriram Gopisetty, BBC Tamil editor Thangavel Appachi, senior new editor Shashank Chouhan, news operations manager Atul Garg, and human resources specialist Kiran Chahal. All employees who are working on content published in India --- the six Indian language services and digital English content in India --- would be transferred to the CNPL, HT has learnt. The BBCs presence in India is steeped in a rich history that has always put audiences first, so we warmly welcome the formation of Collective Newsroom which continues that progression. The BBC will get first class content from Collective Newsroom that will be rooted in India and in line with the editorial standards audiences expect from the BBC. We look forward to working with them, Jonathan Munro, the deputy CEO of BBC News, said in a statement. Patna: A 24-year-old woman attacked a man with acid, causing severe burn injuries to his face, after he allegedly refused to marry her in Vaishali district of Bihar, police said on Tuesday, adding that the woman has been arrested while search was on for another unidentified accused. The woman in her confession said the man refused to marry her, following which she decided to deform his face, say police. (Representative Image) According to the police, the incident took place at Simarwada village under the Patepur police station jurisdiction area in the early hours of Tuesday. The victim, Dharmendra Kumar (22), a taxi driver by profession, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hajipur, police said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The victim and the accused woman, Sarita Kumari (24), both neighbours, have been in a relationship for the past five months, Vaishali superintendent of police (SP) Ravi Ranjan Kumar said. Dharmendra received a call around 2am from the woman, who wished to meet him. The incident took place as he was about to leave after meeting the woman at her home. He was attacked with acid on his face by the woman and an unidentified man, believed to be her acquaintance, who is currently absconding, the SP said. After the incident, local residents rushed the victim to the hospital after hearing his screams. The woman was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after Dharmendra recorded his statement before the police in the private hospital at Hajipur, the SP said. He has suffered severe burns in his eyes and face. In his statement, the victim informed the police that he had been talking to the woman for the past five months. Preliminary investigation suggested that the woman, a mother of three, had separated from her husband a while back. During her interrogation, the woman confessed that Dharmendra did not want to marry her. His family fixed his marriage to another woman, following which she decided to deform his face, the SP said. The victim has alleged that the woman and her associate threw acid on him. Verification is going on, based on which we will take appropriate action, the SP said. We have registered an FIR [first information report] against both accused under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (criminal act done by several persons) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Further investigation is underway to ascertain the identity of the other accused and nab him, the officer added. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has been elected a member of the committee of the UNESCO 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 1999 Protocol. The election took place on December 12 during the committees meeting in Paris. Armenia has been elected for a 4-year term. The Armenian delegation to the meeting was led by Alfred Kocharyan, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. In his remarks, Kocharyan warned that the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh is endangered and underscored that in the past three years Azerbaijan has been blocking a UNESCO mission proposed by the organizations director general. Kocharyan presented multiple evidence on the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in Nakhchivan and other parts of Azerbaijan. He cited the statement issued to Azerbaijan by the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights expressing concern about the destruction and appropriation of Armenian historic and cultural, as well as religious sites, which constitutes a violation of international standards of human rights. Outgoing Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said he will rather die than ask something for himself and added he will carry out whatever task the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assigns him, a day after the party announced Mohan Yadav as the next CM. Outgoing Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses the media persons during a press conference, at the CM's residence in Bhopal on Tuesday (Agencies) I wanted to say humbly that I would rather die that go and ask something for myself. That is why I had said, I will not go to Delhi, Chouhan told reporters at the CM residence. When a person is self-centred, he thinks about himself. But the BJP is a mission, there is some work for every worker. I will do whatever work is assigned to me. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Following the BJPs win in the state assembly elections on December 3, he had told reporters he would not go to Delhi amid suspense over the next chief minister. When asked if he would contest the Lok Sabha elections, Chouhan on Tuesday said, Its not my job to decide or ask for anything. My party has already given a small party worker like me the chance of serving the state for 18 years as chief minister... The four-term CM expressed contentment over his stint in power, and wished well to the new government under Mohan Yadavs leadership. I will always support them, he said. Earlier in the day, Chouhan met a group of women, who gave him an emotional farewell at his residence. An unidentified caller issued a bomb threat to the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Monday night, prompting a search operation by the police and bomb squads, officials aware of the matter said. The caller, contacting the National Investigation Agencys control room in Domlur, claimed that explosives were planted on the Raj Bhavan premises set to detonate imminently, officials said. (HT Photo) The caller, contacting the National Investigation Agencys control room in Domlur around 11.45 pm, claimed that explosives were planted on the Raj Bhavan premises set to detonate imminently, they said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The police officials were informed and the cops rushed to the spot with anti-sabotage and bomb detection teams. After searching the premises for several hours, the police ruled out any suspicious objects in the area. The Vidhana Soudha Police have registered a case and are trying to trace the location of the caller. A case has been registered by the Vidhana Soudha police, and an investigation is underway to determine the identity of the caller and ascertain the motive behind the false threat, said a senior police officer in the know of the development. This incident follows a series of bomb threat emails received by 68 schools in Bengaluru, both in the city and rural districts, in recent days. Bengaluru police have registered a total of 27 cases related to these threats, noting similarities with incidents reported in April of the previous year. Investigations are actively underway for these 27 cases, along with six additional cases from 2022. A senior police officer mentioned that the contents of the threatening emails closely resembled those sent to 19 schools in Malaysia on November 21, which were later confirmed to be hoaxes. Authorities remain vigilant in probing these incidents to ensure the safety and security of public institutions. The Bengaluru Police have also written to the Central Bureau of Investigations Interpol division seeking information on some of the elements in the case. In the emails sent to several schools, the sender mentioned the Mumbai attack that took place on November 26, 2008. Convert to Islam or die under the weight of the sword of Islam, the mail sent to schools read. Four men and a woman who were responsible for the gravest security breach in Parliament in two decades on Wednesday first met on a Facebook group dedicated to fans of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, and three of them conducted a recce of the Lok Sabha premises during the Monsoon session, Delhi Police investigators said on Wednesday. An India TV video grab shows the scenes inside the Lok Sabha after an unidentified man jumped from the visitors gallery, evaded MPs, and released coloured smoke. (ANI) The five people came to Delhi from their respective places of residence three days ago and lived in Gurugram with a friend, who may not have known of their plans, added the investigators. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Police detainedSagar Sharma and D Manoranjan, who leapt into the Lower House from the visitors gallery on Wednesday afternoon and released coloured gas, and Neelam Singh and Amol Shinde, who protested outside the building with similar gas cannisters and shouted slogans. Investigators later picked up a fifth alleged accomplice identified as Lalit Jha from Gurugram. A senior officer of the Delhi Police who is interrogating the perpetrators in the Parliament Street Police station, said that all the five perpetra were allegedly part of a Facebook group named Bhagat Singh Fans Club and knew each other for the last one year. Three people, including Manoranjan and Shinde, had visited Parliament during the Monsoon session as a part of the recce for this protest. They were aware of the height of the visitors gallery from the parliamentarians seats and knew that they could jump below without hurting themselves, said the officer, requesting anonymity. To be sure, the Monsoon session was conducted in the old Parliament -- and the new building was only inaugurated during a special session in September. Though they were signed in by Pratap Simha, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Mysuru on Wednesday -- police said Manoranjans family knew Simha -- the name of the parliamentarian who had signed their passes in August was not yet clear. On August 10, the penultimate day of the Monsoon session, Shinde posted a photograph of himself on Kartavya Path on social media, seemingly corroborating that he was in the city at the time. After the recce, the perpetrators realised that they could pass through the three layers of security checks that a visitor to Parliament is subjected to, and started hatching their plan. Though investigators were not certain why they chose this particular date to carry out the breach, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack offered potent reason and symbolism. Read Here: Lucknow youth who breached Lok Sabha security, drove e-rickshaw and actively attended protests The detailed planning spanning months, the inability of intelligence agencies to identify or thwart the conspiracy, and the brazen incursion on the anniversary of the 2001 attack sparked troubling questions about laxity in security protocols and gaps in checks inside the heart of Indian democracy. The officer quoted above further said that all the five perpetrators came to Delhi by different trains from their bases Sharma is from Lucknow, Manoranjan from Mysuru, Singh from Jind, and Shinde from Latur -- three days ago. Where Jha lives was not clear at the time of filing this report. They met near a place near Connaught Place, from where they went to Gurugram and stayed with one Vicky Sharma there, the officer said, adding that it was not clear yet whether Vicky Sharma was aware of their plans. The four accused said during their interrogation that they were not happy with the central government on various issues, and wanted to give a loud and clear message of dissent, said the officer quoted above. Another suspect, Lalit Jha, was detained from a place in Gurugram. His role can only be ascertained after his custodial interrogation, added the officer. Read Here: Woman arrested over Lok Sabha security breach a civil services aspirant, cleared teachers' eligibility test So far, we have identified over 40 people from that Facebook group, who were allegedly in regular touch with these accused, he said. A second Delhi Police officer said Vicky or Vikram Sharma, 44, lived with his wife and 15-year-old daughter. The daughter told police that Sharma and Manoranjan had visited their house previously as well, said the second officer. According to a third police officer, Jha held the mobile phones of the four perpetrators. He had all the mobile phones with him because phones are not allowed inside Parliament; we are yet to verify why Singh and Shinde [who were outside the House] did not keep their phones with them, he said. Another officer said that the security of Parliament is managed by a unit that is not a part of the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police handles the security of the periphery of the Parliament building and the Parliaments area falls under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Police, the reason why the case is being investigated by the Delhi Police and they are registering an FIR. But the entire frisking and checking is the responsibility of Parliament security, said the officer, asking not to be named. He also said that for the past 10-odd days, the Delhi Police has been receiving intelligence about some protests graffiti to be precise outside Parliament around this date. Senior officers had instructed better checking of people carrying bags containing paint and brushes. But much of the suspicion was on issues related to Pannun. No one expected any protests to spill into Parliament premises, he added, referring to Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Last weeks Cyclone Michaung, which struck on December 4, killing at least 20 people and marooning tens of thousands of residents in Chennai, has raised questions on what solutions can be taken to lessen the impact of such flash floods. The northeast monsoon (October to December) is Tamil Nadu's chief rainfall season, contributing more than 40% of its annual rainfall. Still, it is associated with tropical cyclones, flash floods and widespread distress. In Chennai, the floods caused by Cyclone Michaung brought back haunting memories of the December 2015 floods, caused by a combination of extreme weather and mismanagement of the city's reservoirs, which led to the deaths of more than 200 people. Experts say that cyclone-related flooding has submerged much of the city in a similar manner way back in 1943, 1978 and 2002. By now, from past experiences of flooding in Chennai, it has become common wisdom that the city floods due to a combination of reasons -- its coastal geography, flat terrain, massive urbanisation on water bodies and climate change causing extreme weather patterns. What are the options that Chennai has under such vulnerabilities? Dense urbanisation leading to worsening floods While the present government has increased the network of stormwater drains, Chennai's suburbs, added to the city from the north, south and west, remain underserviced, which is where stormwater continues to stagnate for at least four days. Officials have to rescue residents in these areas in boats. The cyclone has also shown that the role of drains is limited and shone a light on how long-term solutions would look in terms of drafting a city plan for development while protecting the paths of water flow. Chennai now has dense urbanisation and high rises on its flood plains. Ironically, the government in the last decade has also relocated flood-affected families from the citys core areas to the peripheries which are on the flood plains. Floods in certain low-lying areas cannot be avoided, says geospatial analyst Raj Bhagat. Permission should not have been given to build here but now that the mistake has been made it has to be corrected, says Bhagat. He suggests that the government survey the lock-in period of infrastructure for the people living in low-lying areas and devise a rehabilitation plan to move them from low-income families in tenements to those living in gated communities and high rises. The government has to strategise when and how to carry out an urban redevelopment and provide specific plans for various sections of people, Bhagat says. It will be slow and costly but people cant live like this forever. Eventually, they will have to move. Lack of public accountability in city planning is exacerbating floods There is not much public accountability in city planning. The third master plan for the Chennai metropolitan area (CMA) which includes suburbs from Chennais adjoining districts of Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet is under revision, a government official said. Issues of flooding, and real estate development near water bodies will be considered before finalising the third master plan, the official said. In October 2022, the CMA expanded to 5,904 sq km. The citys nodal planning agency, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), headed by the Tamil Nadu housing minister, issues approvals for any development within the CMA. Experts have long said that without a plan for draining flood water, building approvals must not be given by the agency. Mark Selvaraj, an expert in urban infrastructure and stormwater drains, talked about the creation of a singular authority to approve a buildings stormwater draining plan, similar to how the CMDA is in charge of approving a building plan. The rains we received now and back in 2015 occurred 50 years ago as well, but then the city was in a pre-development phase so the rainwater receded to canals and rivers before it reached the sea, says Selvaraj. "Under current circumstances, the network of stormwater drains has to be designed in a way that mimics the hydrology of its natural flow. Decades ago, stormwater reached the sea in an hour, and now the drains take the urban runoff to sea within 10 to 15 minutes," says Selvaraj. "When the rivers and sea have reached their capacity there is no way for the stormwater to be let off, resulting in inundation." Officials are going to the disposal points (of stormwater) and scratching their heads trying to figure out how to dispose of so much water, says Selvaraj. This should not be the case, he says, adding that city planners should find land space where flood water can be retained before being disposed of to the final point at sea, which here is the Bay of Bengal. Now nature is finding its own retention space, leading to rainwater accumulating in the roads and slowly receding, he says. So, we have to work backwards, starting from the last disposable point, and leading towards peoples doorsteps. But, currently, the opposite is being done. Time-sensitive policy solutions for the urban crisis The current government formed a committee under retired IAS officer V Thiruppugazh to offer flood mitigation solutions who submitted a report in May but it has not been made public resulting in no engagement with stakeholders. Places such as Pallikaranai (a marshland) and low-lying areas of Velachery and Madipakkam require special attention, says Selvaraj. Only constricting stormwater drains here will not help, he added. The only way out is restoring the losses we have created in Velachery Lake and Pallikaranai marshland, which are natural retainers of rainwater. Raj Bhagat calls for granular information and extensive mapping of low-lying and flood-prone areas in the CMA. Planning only for Chennai in silos through the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has not helped. Urban local bodies besides the GCC have to be strengthened with finances and manpower such as urban planners, and hydrologists, he says. We may have hundreds of wonderful ideas but we need governance, finance and manpower to execute them. Only then, the technicalities of mitigating a flood will fall into place. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Vishnu Deo Sai offered prayers at the Jagannath temple here on Wednesday, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled later in the day. Jasmani Devi, mother of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Vishnu Deo Sai, applies 'tilak' on his forehead before his swearing-in ceremony, in Raipur.(PTI) He also paid tributes to freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by garlanding their statues at different places in state capital Raipur, officials said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Sai (59) performed customary rituals at the Jagannath temple in the morning and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in Chhattisgarh, a statement issued by the state public relations department said. BJP MLA from Raipur City North Purandar Mishra accompanied him to the temple. Later, Sai reached his residence in Purena area here and sought his mother's blessings. The CM-designate along with his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai performed 'Navgrah' puja at their house, the statement said. The swearing-in ceremony of the new CM is scheduled at 4 pm at the Science College ground here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma and CMs of other states will attend the event. Shah and Nadda have arrived in Raipur to take part in the event. Sai was elected as the BJP's legislature party leader at a meeting of 54 newly-elected MLAs held at the party's state headquarters here on Sunday. The BJP won 54 out of the total 90 assembly seats in the recently held state elections, reducing Congress' tally to 35. The Gondwana Gantantra Party managed to win one seat. Senior Congress lawmaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar will take charge as the new Speaker of the Telangana state legislative assembly on Thursday with all the political parties extending support to his candidature for the post, officials familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Congress MLA to take charge as the new Speaker of the Telangana assembly on Thursday. (Wikimedia commons) Kumars was the only nomination received by the legislative secretariat by 5 pm on Wednesday, when the nominations closed, paving way for his unanimous election as the Speaker of the third Telangana state assembly. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here His name will be formally announced by pro-tem Speaker Asaduddin Owaisi in the assembly, when it reassembles for the formal address of governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday. Kumar, who represents Vikarabad assembly constituency, will be the first Dalit Speaker of the state legislative assembly. The post was earlier held by S Madhusudhana Chary between 2014 and 2018 and later by Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, both of the BRS. Read Here: Facing action for meeting Revanth Reddy, Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar's suspension revoked by ECI State legislative affairs minister D Sridhar Babu sought the support of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi Legislative Party (BRSLP) to support the candidature of Kumar for the Speakers post so that he could be elected unanimously. He, along with health minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, made a formal request to this effect to the BRSLP floor leader K Chandrashekar Rao, whom they called in Yashoda Hospitals on Wednesday. KCR is recuperating after a total hip replacement surgery at the hospital last week. They also requested BRS working president KT Rama Rao, who was also present in the hospital, for support of the main opposition party for facilitating the unanimous election of the Speaker. The BRS leaders assured to extend support to Kumar with its senior leaders to represent the BRS at the nomination of Prasad Kumar. The Congress also made a similar appeal to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which also have agreed to support the candidature of Kumar for the Speakers post. Overnight consultations between the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) presidency and the parties over some of the contentious points in the draft global stocktake (GST) text helped arrive at a palatable language to most of them, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday. A pollution pod designed to depict the air quality in New Delhi during the COP28 in Dubai. (REUTERS) The language on fossil fuels, which was debated the most, has accordingly been changed. It now refers to transitioning away from them in energy systems in a just and equitable manner to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The draft also calls for a new round of NDCs [Nationally Determined Contributions] with economy-wide targets to keep the Paris Agreements 1.5C goal in sight. The draft has some specific language on reforming multilateral development banks and on debt burdens said one of the people seeking anonymity. The draft also agrees on the tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency globally goal by 2030 which is an important milestone. The person said COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber individually met parties and tried to strike a balance between science and the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). This is a party-driven multilateral process and it is now up to the parties. As president, they have tried their best to hear out everyone. The COP28 presidency has called for a plenary on Wednesday morning even as the GST text from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was expected anytime. Developing countries and petrostates have been wary of committing to the phase-out of fossil fuels. The wealthier nations have also failed to deliver on their obligation of providing climate finance. The blocs are almost split between developing and developed nations. Both sides agree that the ultimate goal of keeping average temperatures from exceeding 1.5C above the pre-industrial era average will be at peril without the other doing their part. Civil society groups and developed nations, including the United States (US), and the European Union (EU), have opposed any mild wording on fossil fuels. Groups of emerging and developing economies oppose phasing out fossil fuels when it is not in line with the principles of CBDR and without adequate finance to deliver this transition. An Indian negotiator said emerging economies such as India have sought the inclusion of principles of CBDR and equity in almost all provisions. They have also sought a modification of serial number 39 listing eight options that countries could use to cut emissions. The options include reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner to achieve net zero by or around mid-century. Other actions relate to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, rapidly phasing down unabated coal, accelerating zero and low-emissions technologies, etc. We have sought a modification of this entire paragraph to reflect CBDR and equity, another negotiator said. The impasse boiled down to financing and fossil fuels. Center for Biological Diversity energy justice director Jean Su said the US and other rich, fossil fuel-producing countries are not yet offering finance to seal the deal on a phase-out of fossil fuels. They are sabotaging an agreement on a fossil fuel phase-out if they also refuse to finance the transition to renewable energy in poor countries. As the worlds largest historical emitter and number one oil and gas producer, it is incumbent on the US to make finance part of a COP28 package that assures commitment to phase out fossil fuels across the globe. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru city police has confiscated drugs worth 21 crore and arrested a Nigerian national, officials said. Bengaluru police have seized 16 kg of MDMA in the form of crystals and powder, valued at approximately 16 crore and 500 grams of cocaine worth 5 crore, which officials said the largest-ever drug seizure in the city. (HT Archives) The arrested has been identified as Leonard Okwudili, whose visa was reportedly still valid at the time of the arrest. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said the accused had come to the city on a business visa and rented a house in Ramamurthynagar for the last one year. The CCB police have seized 16 kg of MDMA in the form of crystals and powder, valued at approximately 16 crore. Additionally, 500 grams of cocaine worth 5 crore has been confiscated. This marks the largest-ever drug seizure in the history of Bengaluru Police, Dayananda said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Okwudili, suspected to be part of a broader network extending to neighbouring states, allegedly employed various tactics to procure and distribute drugs. The modus operandi involved concealing drugs within parcels and utilising inconspicuous items such as chocolate boxes, soap covers, bedsheets, and ready-made garments for transport. The African national concealed a variety of drugs in soap boxes, bedsheet covers, and chocolate boxes in his residence. He operated discreetly, selling these drugs without arousing suspicion. Our investigation is focused on determining the source of his drug procurement and distribution methods, said the commissioner. Authorities suspect that the Nigerian individual was amassing a substantial quantity of drugs in anticipation of New Years celebrations. A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act at the Ramamurthynagar police station. The police have taken the landlord into custody for neglecting to report vital information about the tenant. Legal actions will be initiated against the landlord, underscoring the polices commitment to enforcing tenant reporting regulations. Landlords are now reminded to promptly provide details about their tenants to the jurisdictional police. The Bengaluru police had recently introduced a mobile app to facilitate the voluntary submission of tenant and guest details by PG owners, lodge proprietors, and landlords. The Election Commission of India on Tuesday revoked the suspension of former director general of police (DGP) of Telangana Anjani Kumar, according to a government statement. In his explanation, Anjani Kumar had stated that he had gone to meet Revanth Reddy only at the latters call to discuss the arrangements for swearing in ceremony and that he had not done it intentionally (ANI File) In another development, the Congress government headed by chief minister A Revanth Reddy shunted out commissioners of police of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda within the state capital limits. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Anjani Kumar was placed under suspension on December 3 evening, when the results of Telangana assembly elections were declared, for meeting Revanth Reddy, who was not even designated as the chief ministerial candidate at that time. The EC felt that Anjani Kumars meeting with Revanth Reddy amounted to violation of the model code of conduct, as the counting of votes in some constituencies was still underway. The code of conduct was in force till December 5. In his place, the ECI appointed another senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ravi Gupta as the interim DGP. The ECI also issued notices to two other IPS officers Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat and Sanjay Jain on similar grounds. In his explanation, Anjani Kumar had stated that he had gone to meet Revanth Reddy only at the latters call to discuss the arrangements for swearing in ceremony and that he had not done it intentionally. The ECI was satisfied with his explanation and ordered that the state government reinstate him in the service, an official in the Telangana chief ministers office said on the condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the Revanth Reddy government shifted Hyderabad police commissioner Sandeep Shandilya and replaced him with another top cop Kothakota Srinivasa Reddy. Similarly, Cyberabad police commissioner Stephen Ravindra was transferred and replaced by Avinash Mohanty and Rachakonda police commissioner Devendra Singh Chouhan was replaced by G Sudheer Babu. Sandeep Shandhilya has been posted as the director of Telangana State Narcotics Bureau. Stephen Raveendra and D S Chauhan were asked to report at the DGP office. In a separate order, the government appointed Hyderabad range deputy inspector general of police Shahnawaz Qasim as the secretary to the chief minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday named first-time lawmaker and long-time backroom strategist Bhajan Lal Sharma as the next chief minister of Rajasthan, completing a generational shift in three key heartland states that delivered impressive victories to the party in recently concluded assembly polls. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje and newly-elected Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma in Jaipur. (PTI) The surprise pick was announced at a meeting of the partys legislators in Jaipur after two-time CM Vasundhara Raje proposed his name to become the leader of the legislative party. The Sanganer lawmaker was elected unanimously. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The 56-year-old will have two deputies, Vidyadhar Nagar lawmaker Diya Kumari and Dudu legislator Premchand Bairwa. Former education minister Vasudev Devnani will be the next assembly speaker, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced. Sharma, who hails from Bharatpur district, said the new BJP team will work on Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision. All our MLAs will work under the leadership of Modi ji to fulfil the aspirations that the people have from the BJP and take Rajasthan on the path of development, he told reporters. The appointment of the low-profile leader ends the week-long suspense over the states top job after the BJP won a comfortable majority in the assembly polls. It also completes a sweep of changes in the heartland, with new faces replacing Atal Bihari Vajpayee-era regional satraps in Chhattisgarh, where tribal leader Vishnu Deo Sai will take charge, and in Madhya Pradesh, where other backward classes (OBC) face Mohan Yadav will become CM. The elevation of Sharma, who was the partys state unit general secretary for 20years and played key organisational roles, also marked a major shift in the BJP in Rajasthan, where two-time CM Raje was the face of the party for the past three decades. Singh congratulated Sharma in a post on X. He wrote, Congratulations and best wishes on being unanimously chosen as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Rajasthan. I am confident that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leadership of Bhajanlal ji, Rajasthan will move on the path of development. The BJP appeared to have struck a careful caste balance in its appointments of deputy CMs to Sharma, a Brahmin. Diya Kumari, a former parliamentarian who fought and won in the assembly polls, is a member of the royal family of Jaipur and a Rajput, while Bairwa is Dalit. Rajasthan will have a Brahmin chief minister after 33 years, and Sharma will be the first non-Rajput CM from the BJP in the state. Thanking party workers, Sharma said, My gratitude to all the BJP workers who worked tirelessly to ensure a thumping win for the party in the elections. Sharma, who contested his first election from Nadbai constituency in 2003, won from Sanganer, a suburb of the state capital Jaipur, by a margin of about 40,000 votes. He has his roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh BJP state unit chief CP Joshi presented a letter to the governor, informing that Sharma was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in the state, according to a Raj Bhawan statement. He was accompanied by senior leaders Singh, Raje, Diya Kumari and Devnani, among others. Sharma is likely to be sworn in on December 15, which is also his birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, party chief JP Nadda, apart from CMs from BJP-ruled states, are expected to take part in the ceremony. In a post on X, Raje congratulated Sharma. Congratulations to Sanganer MLA Bhajanlal Sharma on being appointed the chief minister of Rajasthan. We are confident that under the skilled guidance of prime minister Narendra Modi you will take the state to new heights of development, she said. She also congratulated Diya Kumari, Bairwa and Devnani. As soon as Sharmas name was announced, his supporters broke out in cheer at the BJP office and at his home in Jaipur. At his home, his father Kishan Swarup Sharmaexpressed surprise over his appointment as CM It is gods grace and peoples love that he has been made the CM, he said. Sharma, who holds a postgraduate degree in political science from Rajasthan University, has served as general secretary of the Rajasthan BJP since 2004 and worked under four state presidents Ashok Parnami, late Madan Lal Saini, Satish Poonia and CP Joshi. He began his politics in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the RSS, and also held posts in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Outgoing chief minister, and senior Congress leader, Ashok Gehlot said, Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Bhajan Lal Sharma on becoming the leader of the BJP legislature party. I hope that while working as the chief minister of Rajasthan, you will maintain the pace of development and play a role in fulfilling the goal of making Rajasthan the number one state of the country. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Azerbaijan did not exchange prisoners as of Wednesday noon almost a week after the agreement was reached. Azerbaijan has to release 32 Armenian prisoners in exchange for Armenia's release of two Azerbaijani servicemen under the agreement. Asked to comment, a senior Armenian lawmaker on December 13 declined to give specific timeframes of the exchange. First of all, I wouldnt want to mention specific timeframes, Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Sargis Khandanyan said at a press briefing when asked on the delay and whether Azerbaijan has breached the deal. The logic and perception is that the process should take place in the nearest time. Theres been no signals indicating that Azerbaijan has abandoned its obligation. After all, this is an obligation assumed in a written form, in the present tense, that Azerbaijan is releasing 32 prisoners. I assume there are some organizational issues which are in process and we must expect it to happen in the nearest time, Khandanyan said. Manoranjan Devarajegowda, apprehended by the police for breaching Lok Sabha security and using a smoke canister, has been identified as a Mysuru resident and an engineering graduate assisting his father in farming. Security personnel high alert near Parliament House, as police detained two persons on security breach at Lok Sabha. (Hindustan Times) In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two people -- Manoranjan (34) and Sagar Sharma (26) from Uttar Pradesh -- on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery, shouted slogans and released yellow smoke from canisters that triggered panic and chaos in the House. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Manoranjan, the only son of Devarajegowda, informed his parents that he was heading to Bengaluru before leaving for Delhi, catching them off guard upon learning about his visit to the national capital. Read Here: Woman arrested over Lok Sabha security breach a civil services aspirant, cleared teachers' eligibility test Reacting to his sons actions, Devarajegowda said, He is a good man and had no ill intentions. I have been living in Mysuru for over 15 years. Manoranjan studied till his second PU in Mysuru and completed his engineering from a Bengaluru college. He used to read a lot and wanted to do something good for society with no ill intentions. It is okay if my son does good but if he has done something wrong then hang him Devarajegowda, expressing disapproval of Manoranjans actions, said, Whatever he has done is condemnable. If he has done something wrong, then hang him. He must be held accountable. He clarified that Manoranjan had not aligned himself with any political party. Vijayanagar police in Mysuru visited Manoranjans house within an hour of the incident, collecting information. Initial investigations revealed that Manoranjan obtained the visitors pass from the office of Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha. Read Here: Lucknow youth who breached Lok Sabha security, drove e-rickshaw and actively attended protests When asked about how the pass was acquired, Devarajegowda responded, I dont know how he got the Lok Sabha pass. He used to frequently visit Bengaluru and Delhi. We are voters of the BJP MP from Mysuru, and I have a good rapport with Simha. Devarajegowda, a farmer owning farmland in Mallapura village in Hassan districts Arkalgud taluk, mentioned that Manoranjan had been supporting him in agricultural activities after completing his Bachelor in Engineering course. He said Manoranjan was a frequent visitor to Bengaluru and Delhi, although these visits were not discussed within the family. A senior state intelligence officer, choosing to remain anonymous, disclosed ongoing investigations into Manoranjans frequent trips to New Delhi and his alleged involvement in the farmer protest in 2020-21. He is a well-read person, with a political and comprehensive book collection. We have information regarding his travels to New Delhi during the farmer protests, and we are looking into it. Read Here: MHA orders probe into Lok Sabha security breach Describing the sequence of events, Mohan Danappa, another Karnataka resident present at the visitors gallery during the incident, recounted, Suddenly, he jumped from the gallery and started leaping from table to table. He then removed the canister from one of his shoes and sprayed it. The other MPs surrounded him, and security officials arrested him. In response to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called for a comprehensive inquiry, stating, Reports are emerging that the youths who attacked the Parliament building today were given passes by Pratap Simha, an MP from Mysuru. If these reports are true, it implies that these youths might have been known to the MP. If they were not acquaintances, then how were passes issued to strangers? It should be noted that even inadvertent acts of negligence are also punishable under the law. Following reports that the trespassers into the Lok Sabha chamber allegedly procured passes from Pratap Simha, Congress workers held a protest in front of the MPs office in Mysuru on Wednesday. The Mysuru MP is yet to respond to the controversy. NEW DELHI: In the wake of accusations by the US and Canada about an Indian link to plots targeting Khalistani leaders, Australian envoy Philip Green said on Wednesday his country has concerns about these alleged activities though Canberra and New Delhi are capable of managing such sensitive issues. Australian high commissioner Philip Green made the remarks at an event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute that focused on India-Australia relations (File Photo/X/AusCGBengaluru) Green made the remarks while speaking at an event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute that focused on India-Australia relations. While highlighting the positive role played by Indian-origin Australian citizens, he also said Canberra is used to handling frictions linked to migrant groups from different parts of the world. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here While speaking on the overall India-Australia relationship, Green said: We are also learning about each other at a deeper level, weve had our differences and were managing sensitive issues, including the concerns we have about alleged activities on US and Canadian territory. Though the envoy didnt give details, it was clear he was referring to an indictment filed by US prosecutors that alleged an Indian national was linked to a failed plot to kill Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. During a question-and-answer session at the event, Green said Australias engagement with India on the issue of the US and Canadian allegations is less as a Five Eyes partner [and] more as a friend of India. He was referring to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that groups Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US. We discuss these issues sensitively and carefully behind closed doors. I dont propose to go any further today than the statements that my foreign minister and our department have made about our anxieties over these matters, he said, adding that bilateral relations are on a strong trajectory. Australia takes the vandalisation of Hindu temples, allegedly by Khalistani elements, as seriously as we would take any act in relation to any religious element in our society, Green said. The Australian police, intelligence, multicultural agencies and state authorities are deeply focused on this matter and have ensured that this has not spilt over into anything truly troubling or serious, he said. We are used to migrant groups from different parts of the world bringing with them some level of frictions between their communities. This is not a new phenomenon for us, and we are used to finding ways of ensuring that those frictions dont bubble over into violence and lawlessness, Green said. Indians and others who have made Australia their home can protest in a peaceful way but this needs to be done in a way that doesnt bubble over into any law-breaking or violence, he added. Australia has more than 900,000 citizens of Indian origin, and the number of Australians with Indian ancestry more than doubled between 2011 and 2021. India has surpassed China and New Zealand to become the third-largest country of birth for Australians, after Australia and England. Today, Indians are woven into the contemporary Australian story. That diaspora is educated, entrepreneurial and engaged, Green said. Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said he is not opposed to the states caste survey but wants it to be done in a scientific and systematic manner, in a clarification that came amid deep divisions within the ruling Congress on the subject and a day after party president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the formers stand on the caste census issue in Parliament. HT Image During a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday on two bills pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, Kharge took exception to Shivakumars opposition to making public the findings of the Karnatakas caste survey commissioned in 2015 by the previous Siddaramaiah-led government. When BJP lawmakers sought to know from Kharge as to why his partys government has not yet published the caste census report, he alleged: All upper castes are united on this. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Senior BJP lawmakers Sushil Kumar Modi and parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi pointed out Shivakumar has signed a petition to not make the report public. Joshi also noted that several other Congress MLAs and Veerashaiva Mahasabha leaders have opposed it as well. Our deputy CM is against it, and they (BJP) are also doing it, Kharge alleged. Upper castes all unite internally, and then they make accusations against others. You are also on this and so is he (Shivakumar). Shivakumar, however, on Tuesday clarified he was not opposed to the caste census, saying he fully endorse the Congress partys commitment towards all section of the society. I have not opposed it anywhere. We want a proper caste census done in a systematic way, he told reporters in Belagavi. He also pointed out that his own house was not covered in the social and educational survey, popularly known as caste survey, in the state. No one came and asked me. I also checked with so many legislators. The groundwork for the caste census was laid during Siddaramaiahs previous tenure as chief minister (2013-18), involving an extensive survey commissioned in 2015 at an estimated cost of 162 crore. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under its then chairperson H Kantharaju was tasked with preparing a caste census report. The survey work was completed in 2018, towards the end of Siddaramaiahs first tenure as CM. The backward classes commission, under its current chairman K Jayaprakash Hegde, has been given time till January 31, 2024 to submit the report to the government. The biggest problem was that the secretary of the Backward Classes Commission had not signed the report. Whether the report (without signature) will be valid or not is the big question, Shivakumar said. I think the new chairman who has been given the responsibility will rectify the mistakes. A schism has surfaced within the Karnataka Congress regarding the release of the survey findings, with chief minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar being at odds, issuing conflicting statements on the release of the report. While the CM has said a decision will be taken once he receives the report, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, has advocated for a re-conduct of the caste survey. Vokkaliags and Lingayats Karnatakas two dominant communities have opposed the 2015 survey, calling it unscientific and have demanded that a fresh survey be conducted. The survey, parts of which were leaked ahead of the 2018 assembly polls, allegedly dispute the numerical strength of Lingayats and Vokkaligas. Shivakumar, who is from the Vokkaliga community, was a signatory, along with few other ministers, to a memorandum submitted by the community to the chief minister, requesting to reject the report along with the data. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) today agreed to liberalise global trade, reaffirmed its commitment to internationally recognised labour standards but rejected using these for protectionist purposes and hailed a epoch-making zero-tariff pact on information technology. HT This Day: December 14, 1996 -- WTO meet ends with call for free global trade Wrapping up the five-day inaugural WTO meeting here, Trade Ministers of 128-member nations adopted a declaration vowing to fully implementing various agreements to strengthen the world trade regime and pledged to tackle new issues such as investment and competition for liberalised trade. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In deference to the wishes of the developing world, the eight-page document took note of the concerns of the Third World on linking labour issues with trade and recognised that ILO was the competent forum for setting and dealing with labour standards. We reject the use of labour standards for protectionist purposes and agree that the comparative advantage of countries, particularly low-wage developing countries, must in no way be put into question, the declaration said. A landmark agreement to scrap massive tariffs on information technology trade by year 2000 gained support with 28 economies pledging their commitment to the plan. The info-technology pact is regarded as a key achievement of the biennial ministerial conference. The participants renewed their commitment to a fair, equitable and more open rule-based trading system and promised to further free trade in goods and services and rejected all forms of protectionism. India today said recognition by the WTO of the International Labour Organisation (LO) as the competent body to deal with labour standards issue was a re-assurance for the developing economies. India has been able to persuade member countries to reject any reference to a multilateral agreement on investment, or to begin an educative process in this regard. Indias Commerce Minister, B. B. Ramiah, said the fact that the conferences ministerial declaration has emphasised that the comparative advantage of developing countries should not be put in question in any way only reflects Indias position. Referring to the all important and contentious issue of investments, Dr Ramiah said in a statement that the conference has made it clear that work to be done by the two proposed working groups shall not prejudge the question whether negotiations would be initiated in the future. It is to be clearly understood that future negotiations, if any, will take place only after an explicit consensus decision among the WTO members regarding such negotiations. Dr Ramiah said the Ministers also welcomed the work underway in UNCTAD and have expressly stated that they encourage cooperation between the WTO and UNCTAD and other relevant inter-governmental fora. Briefing newsmen, Commerce Secretary Tejendra Khanna said there were safeguards in the declaration with regard to the investments issue. If the establishment of the working groups in any way leads to negotiations or acts as step towards a multilateral agreement on investments, India will certainly block it. It will not let it happen, he said before emplaning for Delhi. Dr Ramiah said before the end of the conference almost all other delegations had agreed that as long as it assured that no automatic negotiations on the subjects of investment and competition policy could be started and fresh decision to do so would be required, they would have no objection to the commencement of studies on these through two working groups. This being the case, India did not consider it either appropriate or worthwhile to block the general consensus to commence studies on these subjects in accordance with the existing WTO provision, particularly so when it has been explicitly mentioned that the study shall continue for at least two years where after progress will be reported to the general council. The Commerce Secretary explained that there is a misapprehension back home in India that by agreeing to the working groups, Indias sovereignty or interest had been sold out. This is hardly the position. When we came to Singapore there was a general feeling that the OECD approach for a dialogue on investments issue would lead to a multilateral agreement on investments. The final text protects India or other developing countries interests through adequate safeguards, he said. Indias Ambassador to the WTO in Geneva, Mr Narayanan said this has been successfully stalled by the developing countries and India was a part of the core group of forty countries that went into the question of how to draft the declaration. The declaration also hailed the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) on eliminating tariffs on computer-related products in the fast-expanding information technology market. The worlds four leading economic powers - Japan, the US, the 15-menber European Union (EU) and Canada - spearheaded a move to forge the accord that aims to cut tariffs on info-tech products to zero by 2000. The agreement open to non-WTO members, will be joined by at least 28 economies, including Singapore and South Korea. In the declaration, the Ministers also agreed to launch a working programme to study principles related to transparency of government procurement practices. The declaration which covered a wide gamut of issues including regional agreements, dispute settlement, textile and clothing, trade and environment, pharmaceuticals and investment, said that negotiations on basic telecommunications would be concluded by February 1997 and resume financial services negotiations in April 1997. The WTO, which succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was launched on January 1, 1995. The next ministerial conference will be held in 1998 in Geneva, where the world trade watchdog is based. New Delhi: India's Ministry of External Affairs, in strongly worded remarks, slammed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international grouping of Muslim nations, for criticising the Supreme Court's recent verdict upholding the Central government's decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in an oblique reference to Pakistan, said the grouping released the statement at the behest of an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism, undermining its own credibility. External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi (File Photo) He also called the statement released on Tuesday "ill informed and ill intended". Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a judgement of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill informed and ill intended," he said. "That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violator of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OIC's credibility.," he added. On Tuesday, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed "concern" over the verdict. It called the reversal of Article 370 "illegal and unilateral" and demanded its recall. Also read: Article 370 abrogation in J-K constitutionally valid: Supreme Court backs Centre in landmark verdict "The General Secretariat reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for the right of self-determination and reiterates its call on the international community to enhance its efforts to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions," OIC said in the statement. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which has 57 member states across four continents, describes itself as the collective voice of the Muslim world. In 2019, the BJP-led Central government revoked Article 370, which use to give Jammu and Kashmir a special status. It also revoked Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and divided it into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Also read: Article 370 verdict: What Pakistani media said as SC upholds Centre's abrogation decision The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the President of India had the right to revoke Article 370 at the insistence of the Centre without seeking permission from the erstwhile state's assembly. The court also ordered the Election Commission to hold assembly polls in the union territory before September 2024. In a shift from its earlier position, India joined 152 other countries on Monday in voting for a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, asked all parties to comply with international humanitarian law with a focus on protection of civilians, and demanded the release of all hostages as well as humanitarian access. While 23 countries abstained from voting on the UNGA resolution, ten countries, including the US and Israel, voted against the motion. (Reuters) While 23 countries abstained from voting on the UNGA resolution, ten countries, including the US and Israel, voted against the motion titled Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here India had abstained on a similar resolution that hadnt categorically named Hamas and held it responsible for the terrorist attack of October 7 that triggered the Israeli offensive. But in an explanation of the vote on Monday, Indias permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said India was voting for the resolution and that there are many dimensions of the issue. There is the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and large scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children. There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the long-standing Palestine question, Kamboj said. The statement weaves in the Hamas attack without explicitly referring to the group, Israeli response without specifically holding it responsible for violating international law, and Indias long standing commitment to the two-state solution. Kamboj then said that the gravity and complexity of what the international community faced was underlined by the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter. Therefore, we welcome the fact that the international community has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now. Read Here: India abstains on UNGA resolution on Russia, says decision consistent India also voted for two amendments, one introduced by Austria that categorically mentioned Hamas as having abducted the hostages, and one introduced by the US that specifically condemned Hamass terrorist attack on October 7 as the first operative paragraph of the resolution. But the two amendments failed to muster a majority in the assembly. Linking Indias shift in position and Mondays vote with the changes on the ground, TS Tirumurti, a former Indian permanent representative to UN and Kambojs immediate predecessor, told HT, Indias vote is a clear acknowledgement that the situation in Gaza has gone well beyond Israeli retaliation for Hamas terrorist attack and has now become a human tragedy of immense proportion where, inter alia, Palestinian civilians are being killed indiscriminately, 70% of whom are women and children, in violation of international law, especially pertaining to protection of civilians. The overwhelming global sentiment on the issue is a reflection of the outrage at Israels actions in response to Hamass terrorist strikes that killed 1,200 civilians and resulted in 250 hostages being abducted. Tel Aviv has responded with a blockade and a ground invasion of Gaza that, till last week, according to Guterres, resulted in the killing of 15,000 people, over 40% of whom are children. The SG, for the first time in his tenure, invoked Article 99, a provision that allows him to bring to the attention of the UN Security Council an issue that may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security. In his note to the UNSC president, Guterres said that, besides those killed, thousands have been injured; more than half the homes (in Gaza) destroyed; 80% of the 2.2 million strong population of Gaza have been forcibly displaced, with more than 1.1 million seeking refuge in UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities; the health care system in Gaza is collapsing with hospitals turned into battlegrounds and only 14 of the 36 hospitals even partially functional; and there is no effective protection of civilians. Read Here: UN General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza Nowhere is safe in Gaza, Guterres said, warning that current conditions are making any meaningful humanitarian assistance impossible. We are simply unable to reach those in need inside Gaza. The capacity of the UN and its humanitarian partners has been decimated by supply shortages, lack of fuel, interrupted communications and growing insecurity, the UNSG said. At least 130 UNRWA employees had been killed too. I n a passionate appeal, Guterres then asked UNSC to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and called for a ceasefire. This is urgent. The civilian population must be spared from greater harm. With a humanitarian ceasefire, the means of survival can be restored, and humanitarian assistance can be delivered in a safe and timely manner across the Gaza Strip. Guterress plea led to a discussion on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the UNSC last week, but this was vetoed by the US, a permanent member, with the UK abstaining. The other 13 members of the Council voted for the resolution. Once it failed to pass in the Council, under the Uniting for Peace resolution that allows the UNGA to take up an issue regarding international peace and security after the UNSC has failed in its task, the tenth emergency special session of the UNGA was reconvened on Monday. The UNGA last met in this emergency session on the issue on October 26. At that point, 121 countries had voted for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce; 44, including India, had abstained; and 14 countries had opposed the resolution. Mondays vote indicates the shift in international mood on Israels actions where it is left with diminished support after its prolonged offensive has extracted unprecedented toll in terms of human lives and suffering. A pilot working with IndiGo, a private airline, has moved the Bombay High Court seeking direction from the Union government to allow him to carry a `kirpan' while flying. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 29, 2024.(REUTERS) Kirpan is a short knife with a curved blade, worn, sometimes in miniature form, as one of the five distinguishing signs of the Sikh Khalsa. Angad Singh, a pilot with InterGlobe Aviation which operates IndiGo, claimed in the petition filed before the Nagpur bench of the high court that he has the right to carry a kirpan as part of the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Abhay Mantri on Monday issued a notice to the Union government and the airline, seeking their replies. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 29, 2024. Singh's lawyer advocate Saahil Shyam Dewani said the restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation are required to be amended as on March 12, 2022, the government issued guidelines permitting Sikh passengers to carry a kirpan of a particular size. The guidelines, however, said employees (including those belonging to the Sikh religion) working at airports or airlines are not allowed to carry a kirpan. This was a violation of his fundamental rights, the petition claimed. Also, allowing passengers to carry a kirpan on board a plane but not giving the same right to airline staff defies logic, it added. Two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and sprayed an unknown substance, Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said as members left the House following what is believed to be a major security breach. The intruders were nabbed and were being interrogated. (Screengrab) The breach coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament. It happened shortly after floral tributes were being paid to those who laid down their lives defending the House. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Shiv Sena lawmaker Arvind Sawant said some gas was used and it caused mild irritation. He added the two young men did not speak or raise slogans and that one of them took out a chit from his shoe. Parliament security cordoned off the Lok Sabha chamber, and the surrounding areas as the House was adjourned until 2 pm. The intruders jumped into the members area from a visitors gallery. One of them sprayed some gas from a container. No injuries were reported. Dastidar said the two were immediately nabbed. Khagen Murmu, the Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker from West Bengals Maldaha Uttar, was speaking when the intruders jumped in and rushed towards the Well of the Lok Sabha. People aware of the matter said the intruders were being interrogated. Union minister Ashwani Vaishnaw was among those present in the House when the breach happened. Visitors' entry to the Lok Sabha has been restricted for the time being on Wednesday after a major security breach took place in the lower house of Parliament. Two men who were at the visitors' gallery jumped inside the Lok Sabha where the proceeding was being held and created a ruckus. They ran inside the House spraying yellow gas spreading fear on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. All the galleries of the Lok Sabha had two security officials present during the proceedings. The Speaker will seek a report on how this breach took place in the presence of security staff. A major security breach was reported on Wednesday inside the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha security breach: Here's what happened so far 1. As the session was going on, two intruders were seen inside the Lok Sabha spraying some yellow gas. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here 2. It created commotion as the MPs rushed to catch the intruders. As of now, they are being interrogated. 3. Lok Sabha MP Pratap Simha is believed to have signed one of their entry passes. 4. The intruders apparently raised slogans inside the Lok Sabha -- 'Tanashahi nahi chalegi'. 5. Security personnel found an Aadhaar card with a Lucknow address from one of the intruders. 6. While this happened inside Lok Sabha, outside Parliament two protestors were detained by the local police. They were protesting with coloured smoke. It is not yet known whether they are connected to the intruders. 7. MPs-- scared by the suddenness of the massive breach-- pointed out the fact that it happened on the anniversary of 2001's Parliament attack. 8. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal who was presiding over the chair of Speaker when the breach took place said when the first person jumped, everyone thought he might have fallen. The security and the MPs were alerted when the second person jumped in. 9. Defence minister Rajnath Singh reached the spot immediately, Rajendra Agarwal said. 10. Nobody was injured in the security breach. One of the two men who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery has been identified as Manoranjan from Karnataka's Mysuru district. The police have arrested four people in connection with the incident. Devraj, the father of the accused Manoranjan. (PTI) Manoranjan's father Devraj Gowda said his son should be hanged if he had done something wrong. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He also said that his son is a good boy. He said he used to read Swami Vivekananda's books and is an engineer by education. "My son is a good boy. He is honest and truthful. His only desire is to do good for the society and sacrifice for the society. He used to read Swami Vivekananda's books. I think he developed such thoughts after reading these books," Gowda told reporters. "It is difficult to understand what was running in his mind. My son completed his BE (Bachelor in Engineering) in 2016 and was looking after the farm. He also worked in some firms in Delhi and Bengaluru," he added. "If my son has done anything good, of course, I support him but If he has done something wrong I strongly condemn it. Let him be hanged if he has done something wrong for society," he said. Also read: 'Sponsored by sitting MP': Shashi Tharoor's serious allegation on Lok Sabha security scare Terming his son's act wrong, he said he had no idea why he protested inside the Parliament. According to PTI, he was known to BJP MP Prathap Simha, who had authorised passes for their entry into the Lok Sabha chamber. The news agency claimed Manoranjan used to visit Simha's office often. Manoranjan D, one of the accused, introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MP's office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament, according to sources. He had been urging for the passes for over three months. The police also arrested two people from outside the Parliament -- Neelam and Amol. "They claim that they reached Parliament on their own and refused association with any organisation. Police are forming a special team for interrogation," the Delhi police told ANI. The men raised slogans against "dictatorship" inside the Lok Sabha. The police are interrogating the arrested people. The motivation for their act is unknown at the moment. With inputs from PTI, ANI The US administration is about to exhaust its ability to help Ukraine unless the US Congress approves additional funding, US President Joe Biden said. December 13, 2023, 11:32 US rapidly coming to end of its ability to continue helping Ukraine Biden STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 13, ARTSAKHPRESS: "But without supplemental funding we are rapidly coming to an end of our ability to help Ukraine respond urgent operational demands that it has," he said at a joint news conference after talks with his visiting Ukrainian counterpart, Vladimir Zelensky. The United States "will continue to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment as long as we can," he pledged, adding that earlier on Tuesday he approved $200 million-worth military assistance to Kiev, which included "critically needed equipment" such as air defense interceptors, artillery, and ammunition. New Delhi: Two men jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday, triggering a massive security scare on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The members of parliament and security personnel caught the duo and handed them over to the Delhi Police, which is currently interrogating them. Not much is known about them or their motivation. Here's what the MPs who witnessed the commotion said about them. A video grab shows an unidentified man jumping from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha.(ANI) BSP MP Ram Shiromani Verma said the security personnel found an Aadhaar card with a Lucknow address on one of the two intruders. Narrating the incident, he said the entire parliament was covered in smoke as one of the man opened a canister emitting yellow smoke. "All MPs beat him up and caught him and handed him to the security," he said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He also said that they were raising the tanashahi nahi chalegi (down with dictatorship) slogan. Verma said the man had stuffed the canister and a paper inside his shoes. MP Hanuman Beniwal said he was among the first to catch hold of them. "When we caught hold of one of them, he took out something from his shoe, emanating smoke. Later the second person was also caught," he said. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the police have seized some material from them. "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to the Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke," he added. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who caught hold of the two men who jumped down the visitors' gallery into the House, narrated the incident. "He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and threw it outside...This is a major security breach," he added. Also read: Parliament security scare: Courageous MPs confront intruder; watch video Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not in parliament at the time. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the Chair of Speaker, narrated the incident. "We thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious. The person tried to open his shoes and took something out after which smoke came out," he said. Also read: Lok Sabha security breach: Entry to visitors stopped. Here's what happened | 10 points Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said one of them was trying to run towards the Speaker's chair. "Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker's chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13th December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," he said. Politics erupted over the security breach that took place in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with the opposition demanding Union home minister Amit Shah's statement on the incident. We request you, kindly adjourn. Let the Home Minister come and give more details, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in his appeal to Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. Union minister Piyush Goyal and Mallikarjun Kharge. Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal hit back, saying,"I think Rajya Sabha is the House of Elders. We should give a message that this country is strength is above all this. House proceedings should continue...I think Congress is politicising it and this is not a good message for the country." ALSO READ: Lucknow Aadhaar, canisters in shoes, slogans: Eyewitness accounts on 2 Lok Sabha intruders Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Kharge in a post on social media platform X, said,"The security breach in the parliament is a very serious issue. We demand that the home minister issue a statement in both the Houses. I want to ask how could two people breach through the security and spray gas through a canister." Today, we paid tributes to the brave security personnel on the 22nd anniversary of parliament attacks. We hope that the government will take this incident seriously and we demand an extensive probe into the lapse. We are always ready for the country's unity and integrity, he added. ALSO READ: Big security lapse: MPs slam intrusion in Lok Sabha, demand probe In a shocking security breach, two persons jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha, chanting slogans and spraying a yellow gas from the canister. Both the intruders have been arrested and an investigation is underway. "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that that there is no need to worry about the smoke," Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said. "Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police," he added. New Delhi: Union women and child development (WCD) minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday said that menstruation is not a handicap and it shouldnt warrant a specific policy for paid leave. Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani. (ANI) Irani was speaking in Rajya Sabha in response to a question asked by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member in the upper house Manoj Kumar Jha on the menstrual hygiene policy in the country. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, its a natural part of womens life journeyWe should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation, she said. Last week, responding to a question asked by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Irani had told the Lok Sabha that there is no proposal under the consideration of the government to make provision for paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces. In a written response submitted in the upper house on Wednesday, Irani said that a small proportion of women/ girls suffer from severe dysmenorrhea or similar complaints; and most of these cases are manageable by medication. However, the issue of menstruation and its associated activities are surrounded by silence, often treated with shame and associated with social taboos that restrict mobility, freedom and access to normal activities for menstruating persons, and many a times leads to their harassment and social exclusion. It becomes even more sensitive, when a girl/ menstruating person is unaware of the changes that she undergoes emotionally and physically, while facing her menstrual cycle for the first time, she said in her response. Notably, in October, the government released a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy advocating for leave provisions for menstruating individuals in workplaces. Educational Institutions and workplaces to promote inclusivity, recognize the diverse needs of the workforce and foster an environment that supports the well-being and productivity of all individuals. Provisions like flexible working arrangements, such as work from home or support leave, to accommodate the specific needs of individuals during menstruation. It is important to emphasize that such arrangements should be available to all, to prevent perpetuating stigmas or assumptions about productivity based on menstrual cycles, the draft stated. Jha further raised concerns about potential risks associated with sanitary napkins due to certain substances used in their production and inquired about regulations governing these products. Responding to which, Irani highlighted the availability of sanitary napkins at affordable prices through the Jan Aushadi Kendra, and said, through 10,000 Jan Aushadi Kendra, sanitary napkins are available at 1 rupee, and there has been no complaint. On the disposal of sanitary products, Irani said, In 2014 after Modi Sarkar, the Jal Shakti ministry started with national and state protocols for the management of sanitary products. In her written response, the ministry laid down various schemes initiated by the government for menstrual hygiene; it stated that the government has multiple initiatives promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls aged 10-19 years. The Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene, backed by the National Health Mission, aims to raise awareness and is implemented through State Programme Implementation Plans. Additionally, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has developed National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management for rural areas, she said. The Union home ministry on Wednesday ordered a probe into the security breach in the Lok Sabha. the probe will be headed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh. On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts, the MHA posted on X. The intruders sprayed some yellow gas in a major security breach in the Lok Sabha.(Social media) Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest, the home ministry added. ALSO READ: 6 people behind LS security breach, knew each other, carried out recce: Police The home ministry's decision comes hours after the parliament secretariat had written to the MHA seeking security review and a high-level inquiry into the incident that took place on the 22nd anniversary of the parliament attacks. Two men named Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber during the Zero Hour and chanted slogans. They sprayed a yellow gas from a canister before being overpowered by the MPs. At the same time, a man and a woman named Anmol Shinde and Neelam Azad raised slogan outside the parliament. All the four were arrested later. Several opposition MPs demanded an explanation from Union home minister Amit Shah over the incident. They also alleged that security arrangements in the new Parliament building is not sufficient and needs to be addressed immediately. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said,"These people did something which did not cause much damage but imagine if it had been more serious ... It is a matter serious enough that the home minister himself may want to explain to the nation about the security lapses and security arrangements." Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh got new chief ministers on Wednesday as Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai were administered oath of office by the respective governors in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states. BJP appoints chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. (Reuters) With Yadav and Sai, their deputies took oath as well. The first to take oath was Yadav with Jagdish Deora and Rajendra Shukla. They were administered oath by MP governor Mangubhai Patel at a brief ceremony held in Motilal Nehru Stadium in Bhopal. I will take everyone along and ensure good governance, Yadav told reporters before taking oath. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Health minister in the cabinet of outgoing chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Yadav is third-time MLA from the Ujjain South seat. He belongs to other backward classes (OBC), a group that is a key constituent of the BJPs rainbow Hindu coalition. Born and brought up in Ujjain, Yadav was the ABVP secretary at the Madhav Vigyan Mahavidyalaya in the city in 1983, and became the bodys president in 1985. From 1993 to 1995, he was the RSS sah-karyavah for Ujjain and in 1996, the leader of the organisation in the temple town. In 2013, he became the MLA from Ujjain South for the first time, and turned it into a bastion for the party. In 2009, as the president of the Madhya Pradesh Culture and Tourism Board, Yadav started a Vikramutsav, a programme for research on Maharaj Vikramaditya. Both Jagdish Deveda, seven-time MLA from Mandsaur, and Rajendra Shukla, six-time MLA, were senior ministers in Chouhans cabinet and belong to a scheduled caste and the Brahmin community, respectively. Meanwhile, a group of supporters stopped the vehicle of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan outside the swearing-in ceremony site for the newly designated Madhya Pradesh CM in Bhopal, chanting slogans and expressing support. Read Here: MP CM Mohan Yadav orders to ban loudspeakers/DJs at religious, public places After oath-taking, Yadav held a meeting with officials at the state secretariat in Bhopal and then went to Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. Later speaking to reporters, he said, I will work for the development of the state. On January 22, history will be created in India with the inauguration of Ram Temple. A large number of kar sevaks lost their lives and faced trouble while struggling for Ram Temple so we have decided that a special welcome will be done in all the districts of those who will go to Ayodhya on January 22. The BJP won the MP elections bagging 163 of the 230 seats and the Congress got 66 with one seat going to an independent candidate. In the afternoon, Sai was administered oath by governor Biswabhusan Harichandan with his two deputies Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma. Sais name was announced as the Chhattisgarh chief minister on Sunday afternoon after a meeting of the BJPs newly elected 54 MLAs in Raipur. Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and former deputy CM TS Singh Deo were also present in the ceremony. The PM shook hands with former CM Baghel on the stage before the oath-taking. Before taking oath, Sai performed rituals at the Jagannath temple in Raipur and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Chhattisgarh, a statement issued by the states public relations department said. He also paid tributes to freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Read Here | Cong finds 5 reasons why Bhajan Lal, Mohan Yadav, Vishnu are new CMs: End for regional satraps Sai has held various positions, including being a former state unit chief and a former Union minister. He served as state president of the party for Chhattisgarh from 2020 to 2022. He was the Union minister of state for mines and steel in the first PM Modi cabinet. The new chief minister started his political career as a village sarpanch. In 1989, he was elected as a panch of Bagia village panchayat and the next year became the sarpanch unopposed. Sai won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency from 1999 to 2014. He was not given a ticket in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. State BJP president, Sao, 54, started his political career as a volunteer of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and was also a national working committee member of the ABVP. Sao, a first-time MP from the Bilaspur Lok Sabha constituency was made party chief in Chhattisgarh in November 2022. He contested from Lormi constituency and won by a margin of 45,891 votes. Sharma, 50, is a first-time MLA from Kawardha and is general secretary in the state BJP. Sharma was also the state president of the partys youth wing, Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha, before he joined the BJP. Known for his strong pro-Hindu image and oratory skills, Sharma defeated senior Congress leader Mohammad Akbar, who was also a cabinet minister in the Baghel cabinet, by a margin of 40,000 votes. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh clapped back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's money heist jab and questioned the unprecedented growth of his close friend Adani. PM Modi had earlier taken a dig at the Congress after the Income Tax Department seized over 350 crore along with gold ornaments from the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh(PTI) In response to PM Modi's jibe, the Congress MP said the nation wants the PM to explain the biggest money heist since 1947. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Money Heist, a popular Spanish television series, revolves around a group of robbers executing intricate heists on various institutions. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh wrote pointers about the alleged scam involving industrialist Gautam Adani. He wrote, Your close friend Adani siphons out 17,500 crore from India by inflating the prices of imported coal and power equipment. He brings another 20,000 crore back into India via offshore shell companies and inflates his stock prices under SEBIs eyes. He also alleged that Adani borrowed billions from banks using inflating stocks as collateral and invested the money in projects kindly gifted to him using ED, CBI and IT. He further claimed that the unprecedented growth of the industrialist is paid by janta via inflated electric bills. PM Modi took a jibe at the grand old party saying that its heists have been legendary for 70 years. Who needs Money Heist fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! Modi said sharing a video on X posted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that portrayed Sahu meeting Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and his predecessor Rahul Gandhi. The opposition on Wednesday demanded stern action against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha, this after reports of his office allegedly issuing visitors' passes to the accused who breached the security in the Lok Sabha emerged. Opposition parties demanded expulsion of Simha, drawing parallels with the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra who lost her membership over her parliament login credentials being accessed by a businessman based in Dubai. Congress MP Manickam Tagore shared a picture of Simha with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his X handle and questioned,"This Mr Pratap Simha BJP MP gave Pass to those who attacked Parliament. Will action be taken against the BJP MP who gave the Pass? When an MP lost her seat for a Password. Two rules for two MPs?" Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah demanded a fair investigation and detailed disclosure of the incident to the public. BJP MP Pratap Simha met Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and briefed him about the accused persons involved in the Lok Sabha security breach. "The attack on the Parliament building is shocking and disturbing and I condemn this act of violence. It is clear that this is a lapse in the security system. It is the duty of the Union Government, especially the Home Minister, to carry out a fair investigation and disclose the full details of the incident to the public," Siddaramaiah said on X. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha security breach: Karnataka CM questions MP Pratap Simha's connection Congress workers staged a protest outside Simha's office in Mysuru and raised slogans against him, accusing the lawmaker of being responsible for what unfolded in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day. ALSO READ: Sponsored by sitting MP': Shashi Tharoor's serious allegation on LS scare Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Trinamool Congress, invoking the expulsion of its MP Mahua Moitra, demanded that Simha face the same punishment. Our MP Mahua Moitra was unjustly expelled for allegedly breaching national security by sharing her login credentials. Today, BJP Karnataka MP Pratap Simha put the security of the entire Parliament at risk by issuing a visitor's pass to the intruders, TMC said in a post on social media platform X. "What is stopping him from getting expelled? Why should a similar treatment not be meted out to him? What gives him the right to continue as a Parliamentarian after jeopardising the safety of fellow MPs?" the party added. Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay also pointed out to a major security lapse and said this is the first such incident in Parliament. There was so much campaign about the new parliament building but today the weakness of the security has been exposed. There are a number of things that need to be changed. Everyone gathers near the main gate. People stand there for hours to click selfies. The main gate should be secured. Bandopadhyay also referred to Mahua Moitras expulsion and said, She was termed anti-national for sharing her password. Now what will happen to the BJP MP (Simha)? His recommendation letter has endangered the life of MPs. The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a probe into the incident pertaining to two men jumping from visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber and carrying canisters that emitted yellow gas. ALSO READ: 6 people behind LS security breach, knew each other, carried out recce: Police Pratap Simha meets Lok Sabha speaker BJP MP Pratap Simha reportedly met with Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday and briefed him about the accused persons, sources told ANI. According to report, Simha informed the Speaker that the father of one of the intruders belonged to his constituency and had sought a visitor's pass to visit the new Parliament building. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha scare: One accused is an engineer; father calls him good boy As per report, the intruder remained in constant communication with Simha's personal assistant (PA) and office regarding the visitor's pass. Simha conveyed to the Lok Sabha Speaker that he possessed no additional information beyond what he had already stated. (With PTI, ANI inputs) A committee headed by judge BS Vastradmath has began an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds at Laila Sugars in Khanapur taluk in Belagavi district, which Khanapur BJP MLA Vithal Halgekar is operating on a lease basis, people aware of the matter said. Judge Vastradmath said that the committee would submit its investigation report to the government within 30 days. Based on her complaint by former Khanapur Congress legislator Anjali Nimalka, the state government formed an investigating team last week, with Belagavi District Principal and Sessions Court Judge BS Vastradmath serving as the chairman. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Anjali, who represented the constituency in the last assembly, claimed that after becoming the legislator, Halgekar obtained the rights to run Laila Sugars on a 10-year lease. He transferred 600 crore as a loan from his own Shri Mahalakshmi Sugars Private Limited to the sugar factory. After the loan transfer, he allegedly misappropriated the funds. Anjali said that trusting the firm, thousands of farmers, mainly sugarcane growers, opened accounts and deposited money in the MLAs firm, which he later transferred to the sugar mill and allegedly misappropriated. To prevent innocent farmers from becoming financial victims, I brought the matter to the governments attention and filed a complaint against MLA Halgekar, Anjali said. The head of the investigating committee, Judge Vastradmath, who inspected the sugar mill, told reporters that all members of the sugar mill management committee attended the meeting called in the factorys meeting hall and assured cooperation with the enquiry. The chairman of the factory, who is also a legislator, didnt attend the meeting due to the assembly session. He may attend the next meeting, the judge said. In response, Halgekar, during the lunch break of the assembly session, told HT that he had informed the investigating committee about his absence and assured attendance at the next hearing. Regarding the misappropriation of funds allegation, he said that the accusations levelled by Anjali are false and baseless. Im ready to face any inquiry and am confident of coming out with a clean chit, Halgekar said. Halgekar, representing the constituency for the first time, is the only candidate among the six whom former minister, Gokak BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, fielded in the assembly election. Judge Vastradmath said that the committee would submit its investigation report to the government within 30 days. NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to establish a central tribal university in Telangana for providing higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament on Wednesday (PTI) The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed unanimously through a voice vote after the Opposition earlier walked out of the House in the middle of the debate over the security breach issue in the Lok Sabha. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 4 and was passed on December 7. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the establishment of a central tribal university in Telangana was obligatory under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 presented in the lower house, the establishment of the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana will cater to the regional aspirations for years to come. Sammakka Sarakka Tribal University in Telangana will cater to the regional aspirations for years to come, promote higher education and research among tribal communities, including in subjects such as tribal art, culture, customs and traditional knowledge systems. The university will be a harbinger of progress for our tribal brothers and sisters across states, Pradhan said. The minister blamed the Telangana government for the delay in setting up the university in the state, saying it took too much time to identify a suitable location for the institution. He stated that the central university will cost the exchequer about 900 crore. It was a thud that made heads turn in the Lok Sabha as two young men jumped from the visitors gallery on to the floor of the House where proceedings were underway on Wednesday. At first some of the lawmakers didnt know what to make of the incursion, which halted the proceedings a little after 1pm. An India TV video grab shows the scenes inside the Lok Sabha after an unidentified man jumped from the visitors gallery, evaded MPs, and released coloured smoke. (ANI) A few hours earlier, lawmakers led by the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankar lined up to pay homage to the security personnel who died on this very day in 2001 when terrorists, in a brazen attack, rained bullets on Parliament. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Surely, the timing of Wednesdays attack was significant? The men, one of whom had a smoke canister concealed in his shoe, raised slogans sending security personnel into a tizzy. Amid the commotion, BJP leader Rajendra Agrawal who was in the Chair made a quick announcement about the House being adjourned till 2 p.m. Some MPs by then had made a dash towards the door; others called out for security; but a couple of them seated close to the benches where the two intruders landed were quick on their feet and grabbed the two. Blows rained down on the two as they made unsuccessful attempts to get away. Read Here: Woman arrested over Lok Sabha security breach a civil services aspirant, cleared teachers' eligibility test The two, visibly hurt from the blows , were then dragged out of the chambers by the security personnel. One of the intruders landed near the seat of Kalben Delkar, the Shiv Sena MP from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Recounting the incident, Malook Nagar of the BSP said, Our proceedings were going on when suddenly we heard a thud from the back and then I turned. It felt like someone had fallen from the Lok Sabha public gallery...or someone had been pushed. Nagar who along with Congress MP, Gurjeet Singh Aujla and RLPs Hanuman Beniwal a few others tackled the two intruders said, We were looking towards the gallery when suddenly another guy jumped down. The minute the second guy jumped, it became clear that something wrong was happening. He didnt run towards the exit but started hopping over the seats. Read Here: Smoke, chaos inside Parliament on 2001 terror attack anniversary Anticipating that the intruder wanted to head towards the Speakers chair, Nagar and Beniwal blocked him. He took off his shoes, but we caught him. Four or five MPs came and started beating him up. We were trying to make sure that he didnt take out any weapons that might be on him. Shortly after, security personnel came into the room, Nagar added. He went on to say a lady, probably a ward and watch staff member, fainted after one of the intruders landed on her. We saw she was crying and was confused about the situation... Aujla, his right palm stained yellow from the gas in the canister said: When we caught the first guy, he took something out like a canister and there was smoke everywhere. I dont know what was in his hand, it was just spreading smoke everywhere. Retelling the story outside the House, Beniwal who represents Nagaur in Rajasthan said there were a bunch of union ministers including defence minister Rajnath Singh present in the House when the commotion erupted. The MPs did not hesitate for a moment, he said. We thought they should know that they cannot get away. An unlikely bunch: 5 suspects in Parliament security breach case from disparate backgrounds We stopped them and restrained them, and when the security personnel were picking one of them up, he removed his shoes, and he took out the canister. Outside, MPs expressed shock at the security breach. Today is the 22nd anniversary of the attack. They picked today, of all the days to jump inside Parliament and showed us that we are not safe, Beniwal said. Ram Shiromani Verma of the BSP who was also present when the incident occurred said panic spread as soon as the gas was released. This was a very big incidentthey were too bold to pull something like in the Lok Sabha. We ask the government to investigate this . His views were echoed by Danish Ali, an MP who was expelled from the BSP this week and Arvind Sawant of the Shiva Sena (UBT). Luckily no MP was injured this time, but we need answers about this breach, Sawant said. By Mata Press Service Starting from January 1, 2024, international students planning to study in Canada will be required to demonstrate that they have $20,635 in funds in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs in order to be approved for a study permit. This is a significant increase from the current requirement of $10,000. The government has also extended the policy that allows international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week until April 30, 2024 and is considering a permanent increase to 30 hours per week. However, despite calls from student groups, the immigration minister has ruled out allowing students to work full-time permanently. These measures are part of the government's efforts to address "exploitation" in the international student program and to ensure that students understand the true cost of living in Canada. The government has also warned institutions to provide adequate support to students, including proper housing, health support, and academic experience, or else visa limits may be imposed. These changes are aimed at protecting international students from financially vulnerable situations and exploitation. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the move to increase funds was to stop students from realizing they dont have enough money to support themselves once they arrive in the country. The change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024. We are revising the cost-of-living threshold so that international students understand the true cost of living here, he said. This measure is key to their success in Canada. According to IRCC, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has not changed since the early 2000s, when it was set at $10,000. The government has also extended the uncapped work rights policy, which allows international students in Canada to work more than 20 hours per week, until April 30 2024, when the current academic year ends. IRCC is considering permanently increasing the work allowance to 30 hours per week, but Miller ruled out allowing students to work full-time permanently. The changes are the latest step in a crackdown by the Canadian federal government on ad actors in the international education sector. The government previously announced a change to the verification process of admission letters to help tackle fraud. Miller also warned institutions that they should only accept international students if they have somewhere to live, as Canada continues to face a housing crisis. He added that the government expects proper health support and a proper academic experience to be provided. There are, in provinces, the diploma equivalent of puppy mills that are just churning out diplomas, he said. And this is not a legitimate student experience. He threatened to limit visas if institutions and local governments do not tackle these issues by September 2024. We are prepared to take necessary measures, including significantly limiting visas, to ensure that designated learning institutions provide adequate and sufficient student support as part of the academic experience, he said. If provinces and territories cannot do this, we will do it for them and they will not like the bluntness of the instruments that we use. The provinces have several tools at their disposal, namely the regulation of the designated learning institutions, that in some cases just need actually to be shut down, he added. Immigration Canada has also provided an update on 3 temporary policies affecting international students that were all set to expire at the end of 2023, including the following: Photos of Indian freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose and Chandrashekhar Azad; quotes by Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro and American socialist and labour activist Albert Parsons; photos and videos from the farmers protests; and visuals capturing the plight of MGNREGA workers this is what three of the five people accused in the Parliament breach have posted on social media over the last two years. Gurugram police and a crime branch team outside the house where the accused stayed overnight. (HT/Parveen Kumar) On Wednesday, one of them, Lalit Jha, posted a video on Instagram of two people Neelam Singh (Neelam Azad on social media) and Amol Shinde chanting Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat, and Bharat Mata ki Jai, while releasing coloured gas from canisters outside Parliament. Here is a reconstruction of the activities of three of the five perpetrators from their social media profiles. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Neelam Singh Singhs Facebook page has 313 followers. She identifies herself as a social activist and mentions the name of a youth organisation, Pragatisheel Azad Yuva Sangathan (PAYS), in the description. Her last post, dated June 4, 2023, is a photo of her, in a pink T-shirt and jeans, being dragged away by women police personnel. It carries the caption: One who tolerates injustice is more guilty than one who commits the injustice. Lets all raise our voice and fight against exploitation of women... Inklab Jindabad. The location is tagged as Jantar Mantar. Read Here: An unlikely bunch: 5 suspects in Parliament security breach case from disparate backgrounds Her profile picture is with a group of people, with one of them holding a framed photograph of Dr BR Ambedkar. On March 23 (Shaheed Diwas), she posted a tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, the three revolutionaries who were hanged by the British in 1931. On February 5, she posted photos from a gathering on Sant Ravidas Jayanti, and in January, from Ghaso Khurd village in Jind. Singh also posted videos of her speeches at various protest sites suggesting she was a serial protester. Lalit Jha Jha, who posted the video of Singh and Shinde chanting slogans outside Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, describes himself as a teacher, and has 293 followers on Instagram. Of the 535 posts on his profile, many are quotes of Indian freedom fighters and revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh, Bose, and Azad, and Hindi poets such as Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Suryankant Tripathi Nirala and satirist Harishankar Parsai. He was tagged by Neelam Singh in at least seven posts since September, suggesting they knew each other. Amol Shinde Amol Shinde, 25 a resident of Latur, posted a photo of Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus around 8am on Wednesday on his Instagram handle, which has 357 followers. His profile, too, is peppered with posts on Bhagat Singh, Azad, and Bose. His description on Instagram reads, Shaheedo ki shahadat ko salaam aur naman, and mentions that he enjoys running. On August 10 this year, he posted a photo from Kartavya Path with shaant, ekaant, anant written on it. A Delhi Police officer told HT that three of the five people including Shinde came to Delhi for a recce of the Parliament during the Monsoon session, which was held in August. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Delhi government to pay its share for the two corridors connecting Delhi to Alwar and Panipat under the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), warning that it could revive a previous order to deduct the money from its advertisement budget in case of default. A section of the Delhi-Meerut corridor of RRTS was inaugurated on October 20 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (HT Photo/Sakib Ali) The top courts direction came on an application by the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation Ltd (NCRTC), the agency constructing the corridors, which complained about Delhi delaying payment of its share of 100 crore for the Delhi-Alwar corridor and 50 crore for the Delhi-Panipat corridor for 2023-24. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Delhi has to pay a total of 6,119 crore over six years for the corridors to three districts in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. You cant get away like this. This is not fair. It seems you will make us reactivate our earlier order, a bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said, referring to its November 21 order that permitted deduction of the money from the states advertisement budget if the city government didnt pay 415 crore for the corridor to Meerut. Senior advocate ANS Nadkarni appearing for NCRTC said Delhi paid for Meerut after the order but not the other two corridors. Nadkarni underlined that the other states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan have contributed their share. Senior advocate S Muralidhar, who appeared for the Delhi government, said there was a budgetary allocation for 150 crore but the payment will made after the central government clears the two projects. Attorney general R Venkataramani, who appeared for the Union government, said the detailed project reports submitted by NCRTC were under consideration and the project would be approved soon. The bench turned to the Delhi government. You cannot make new excuses every time. Why will you not pay when other states can pay...Dont make us reactivate our earlier order (of November 21), the bench said, giving Delhi seven days to make the payment. A section of the Delhi-Meerut corridor of RRTS was inaugurated on October 20 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is currently running on a 17-kilometre stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai in Ghaziabad. The operational priority section of the Namo Bharat Rapidx trains have five stations at Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot. The entire 82-km corridor from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Meerut is targeted to be operational by June 2025 with four stations in Delhi. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is the amicus curiae in the case, said every state linked with the project was supposed to pay but only Delhi dragged its feet. On two occasions in the past, the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to pay Rs. 265 crores and Rs. 500 Crores towards the project out of the Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) funds. This fund was collected as a green cess from commercial vehicles entering Delhi. After the Delhi government sought to reason that it did not have money to pay for RRTS, the court on July 24 remarked: If 1100 crore can be used for advertisement in the last three financial years, certainly money can be paid for the infrastructure project, while directing the amount to be paid in two months. The remaining two phases of Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat will require the Delhi government to pay 2,443 crore and 3,261 till 2028. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge among other dignitaries paid tribute to security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on Parliament. PM Modi paid tributes to security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on Parliament.(File) Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury along with Kharge also paid floral tributes to the fallen soldiers. All the leaders including PM Modi, Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla observed a minute's silence at the Parliament premises. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on December 13, 2001, killing nine people. All five terrorists were gunned down by the security forces. President Murmu urged to reiterate the pledge to wipe out terrorism while remembering the soldiers. "On this day, 22 years ago, the nefarious plan of terrorists to eliminate the top line of political leadership of the country and damage our Temple of Democracy was foiled by the brave security personnel, including the nine who laid down their lives for the motherland," Murmu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "Their sacrifice will not be allowed to go in vain as we reiterate today our pledge to wipe out terrorism a threat to humankind everywhere in all its forms and manifestations," she added. PM Modi said, Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory. We remember the brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while the Parliament was attacked on this day in 2001. We bow to their indomitable courage and are forever indebted to them. Our thoughts remain with their families. India stands united against terrorism, Kharge wrote on X. A glass wall in front of the visitors gallery in Parliament, full-body scanners for visitors and an immiediate ban on their entry, and sanitising the main gate or Makar Dwar of the new building -- these were among the raft of measures under consideration as a part of the revamped security protocol to plug loopholes exposed by the alarming incursion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Lawmakers leave Parliament House following the security breach on Monday. (PTI) The entry of visitors was stopped indefinitely from Wednesday afternoon and no crowd would be allowed to gather in front of the Makar dwar, which is used by members to enter the House, from Thursday, said a senior official aware of developments. Other measures will be rolled out after the security review is completed by the home ministry and Lok Sabha secretariat, added the official. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The steps came hours after two men managed to breach Parliaments three-layer security and set off canisters of yellow smoke inside the Lok Sabha, rappelling down from the visitors gallery on to the floor of the House before being overpowered by parliamentarians. Read Here: Woman arrested over Lok Sabha security breach a civil services aspirant, cleared teachers' eligibility test At the all-party meeting convened by speaker Om Birla at 4pm, several Opposition lawmakers demanded an in-depth probe into the breach, questioned the arrangements in the new building and sought action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Pratap Simha, whose office facilitated the entry of the two intruders. Some members, however, opposed the move to stop the entry of all visitors in the Parliament complex but supported other measures such as a glass barrier in the public gallery that might be put in place. The Trinamool Congress argued that if former Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra could be expelled for sharing login credentials, Simha should also face action as his recommendation letter endangered the life of MPs. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Congress floor leader in the Lower House, told the speaker that it is a grave security lapse and the Delhi Police, which sent personnel for security cover during the session, failed to do its job. He also argued that many vacancies in the watch and ward division of Parliament remained a matter of concern. The two attackers were still sitting in the House even after their one- hour slot was over. How could they overstay in the gallery? he asked in the meeting. The Congress leader argued that arrangements were put in haste when Parliament moved from the old building to the new one. An unlikely bunch: 5 suspects in Parliament security breach case from disparate backgrounds This is was a major security breach. But please dont stop all visitors from coming to Parliament. We are MPs. People come from our constituencies to New Delhi and all of them want to see the Parliament building, Chowdhury said in the meeting. He also opposed a proposal to ban the media outside the main gate of the new building. He pointed out how there were designated spaces for the media outside the old building. In the earlier arrangement, there were proper arrangement...the MPs were free to speak to the media. The media needs us and we need the media. If the media is stopped, are we going to live in a desert? he asked. Another Opposition MP argued that the Delhi Police, which deploy personnel during the session, comes under the Union home ministry. They demanded a detailed discussion on the security lapse and a reply by Union home minister Amit Shah. Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay pointed to the major security lapse and said that it was the first such incident in Parliament. There was so much campaign about the new Parliament building but today the weakness of the security has been exposed. Read Here: Smoke, chaos inside Parliament on 2001 terror attack anniversary There are a number of things that need to be changed. Everyone gathers near the main gate. People stand there for hours to click selfies. The main gate should be secured, he added. Bandopadhyay also referred to Moitras expulsion and said, She was termed anti-national for sharing her password. Now what will happen to the BJP MP (Simha)? His recommendation letter has endangered the life of MPs. The speaker appraised the MPs about the steps that have been taken, including secretary general Utpal Kumar Singh writing a letter to home ministry for a detailed review. The MPs were also informed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had been asked to ascertain the material used in the smoke. Two MPs said that parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi didnt say anything in the meeting but took notes of the observation of the MPs. Some pressed for the deployment of full-body scanners on the lines of the what is done at some airports, while a few others flagged the crowded lobbies outside chambers. Revolutionary Socialist Party member N K Premachandran wondered if there was a Khalistani angle to the incident as the smoke from canister used by one of the accused was yellow, a colour associated with separatists. ... A seven-judge Constitution bench on Wednesday overruled the Supreme Courts judgment in April, which held that an arbitration clause is void and not enforceable in law if the agreement is unstamped or insufficiently stamped. The Supreme Court. (ANI) By 3:2, the majority verdict in April said that a court could go into the aspects of stamping and other compliances before the arbitrator is appointed. This judgment in the NN Global case triggered concerns over delays in the appointment of arbitrators by adding one more layer of scrutiny, besides being seen as contrary to Indias pro-arbitration stance. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Setting aside the verdict, the larger bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, on Wednesday declared that agreements that are not stamped or insufficiently stamped are not rendered void or void ab initio or unenforceable if arbitration agreement prima facie exists between parties. Although an unstamped or insufficiently stamped agreement is inadmissible in evidence under the Stamp Act, the bench added in its unanimous judgment, it is a curable defect in the law, and therefore, non-stamping or improper stamping does not result in the instrument becoming invalid. The bench, which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, clarified that objection as to stamping does not fall for determinations under sections 8 or 11 of the Arbitration Act when a court has to refer parties to an arbitral tribunal. The concerned court must examine whether the arbitration agreement prima facie exists. Any objections in relation to the stamping of the agreement fall within the ambit of the arbitral tribunal. Experts welcomed the verdict. It is a landmark verdict that will boost the arbitration ecosystem of India. By removing the cloud over the uncertainty that the previous judgment had ushered in, todays judgment has not only upheld the legislative intent of the Arbitration Act but also the salutary doctrines of party autonomy, separability as well as the doctrine of kompetenz by approving arbitrators power to decide upon their jurisdiction, said Kunal Vajani, joint managing partner at law firm Fox & Mandal. Vajani is also a Court Member (India), the International Court of Arbitration. Alipak Banerjee, leader, International Dispute Resolution and Investigations Practice at the Nishith Desai Associates emphasised that the Wednesday ruling will promote India as an international arbitration hub. The April judgment caused confusion and uncertainty. Several matters where arbitration had been invoked and proceedings were underway hit a roadblock as the parties were being directed to regularise the agreement by paying the deficit stamp duty while the stamp collector had lack of guidance on how to deal with such agreements. Now, the issue stands settled. In its judgment on Wednesday, the court underscored that the Arbitration Act is a special law and that one of its objectives was to minimise the supervisory role of courts in the arbitral process. Courts may only examine whether an arbitration agreement exists on the basis of a prima facie standard of review. The nature of objections to the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal on the basis that stamp duty has not been paid cannot be decided on a prima facie basis, said the bench. It added any such scrutiny by courts at the threshold will defeat the legislative intent underlying the Arbitration Act. Citing the relevant provisions of the Stamp Act, the court pointed out the statute characterises non-payment of stamp duty as a curable defect. The Stamp Act itself provides for the manner in which the defect may be cured and sets out the detailed procedure for it. It bears mentioning that there is no procedure by which a void agreement can be cured. The seven-judge bench noted that its judgment does not allow the law to be flouted because the arbitral tribunal continues to be bound by the provision of the Stamp Act, including those relating to its impounding and admissibility, and challenges to the position and jurisdiction of arbitrators. It delivered its ruling on a curative petition moved against the April judgment. The issue was referred to the larger bench by the top court on September 26, citing the limitless uncertainty in the area of arbitration triggered by its previous ruling. The April judgment came while deciding a bundle of judgments since 2011, taking divergent views on the enforceability of arbitration clauses contained in unstamped or insufficiently stamped agreements. This judgment, by 3:2 majority, relied on the 1899 Indian Stamps Act that required certain agreements to be compulsorily registrable or chargeable to stamp duty when it held that a court could go into the aspects of stamping and other compliances before the arbitrator is appointed. According to the majority view, a court is bound to examine the instrument at a pre-appointment stage, and if it is found to be unstamped or insufficiently stamped, the instrument is to be impounded at that stage, declaring the arbitration agreement to be void. The two other judges on the bench, comprising the minority, flagged concerns that the view taken by the majority in the judgment has the propensity of frustrating the objective of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, as scrutiny on the stamp duty at the threshold can stall the process and will lead to procedural complexity and delay in litigation before courts. The judgment in the curative plea was reserved on October 12 with the bench expressing its doubt on the correctness of the April ruling. At the time, the seven-judge bench observed that stamping has nothing to do with the validity of an agreement, adding that provisions of the Contract Act will make it clear that any lacuna in the stamping of an agreement does not render the document invalid but can only impact its admissibility as evidence and consequently, its enforceability. During the proceedings in October, the court clarified that its scope of reviewing the matter will confine to the stage and the correct forum for deciding the validity and enforceability of an arbitration agreement Two men walked through three layers of security with smoke canisters stuffed in their shoes, vaulted into the Lok Sabha from the visitors gallery, and sprayed smoke inside the hallowed chambers in a daring breach of security that triggered nationwide alarm and brought back memories of the 2001 terror strike on the highest seat of Indian democracy. An India TV video grab shows the scenes inside the Lok Sabha after an unidentified man jumped from the visitors gallery, evaded MPs, and released coloured smoke. (ANI) The two men Sagar Sharma, 27, and Manoranjan D, 34 shouted slogans and released yellow smoke before being overpowered by parliamentarians and dragged away by security staff. The chamber reconvened within 45 minutes but the brazen incursion on the anniversary of the 2001 attack sparked troubling questions about laxity in security protocols and glaring gaps in lessons learnt from the strike that killed 13 people. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The incident that happened today is a topic of concern for all of us and is serious as well... A high-level investigation is being done and accordingly, action will be taken, said Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla. The Union home ministry ordered a probe headed by the Central Reserve Police Force chief Anish Dayal Singh. Sharma and Manoranjan gained access to the visitors gallery using guest passes signed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Pratap Simha, according to a preliminary investigation. Outside Parliament, two other people Neelam Singh, 37, and Amol Shinde, 24 shouted slogans such as Tanashahi nahi chalegi (no to dictatorship), Bharat Mata ki jai and Jai Bhim. They were later detained by the police. Read Here: Lucknow youth who breached Lok Sabha security, drove e-rickshaw and actively attended protests These four people an e-rickshaw driver, a farmer, a government job aspirant, and a daily wage labourer along with a fifth conspirator identified as Lalit Jha, hatched a plan for the first such attack on Parliament to air their grievances about the government, unemployment and price rise, said police. She was worried about unemployment...She used to tell me that she is so highly qualified but has no job, so it is better to die said Singhs mother Saraswati Devi. The massive breach which came hours after parliamentarians had paid homage to the nine people slain in the 2001 attack prompted Birla to call an urgent all-party meeting and House secretary general Utpal Kumar Singh to shoot off a letter to the home ministry seeking a detailed security review. This will be the second such exercise in 22 years. Meanwhile, protocol is being tightened for lawmakers and officials. A bar has been put on visitors with immediate effect for the time being and the main gate of the new parliament building will be sanitised. At the all-party meeting, the Opposition pushed the government for a detailed statement on the issue. It is a very serious matter. We demand that the home minister should come to both the Houses and give a statement on this. The question is, how did two people come inside and release gas, said Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. They also raised concerns about Sharma and Manoranjan managing to pass through three layers of checks the outer gate of Parliament complex, the visitors gate of the new building, and the final round of frisking near the gallery with plastic canisters. The two men overstayed their allotted one-hour slot before leaping into the House, all without getting noticed. Though their action was provocative but ultimately harmless, questions also swirled about their motive and meticulous planning. Read Here: MHA orders probe into Lok Sabha security breach At least four members Hanuman Beniwal of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, Malook Nagar and Ram Shiromani Verma of the Bahujan Samaj Party and Gurjeet Singh Aujla of the Congress caught hold of one of the intruders who leapt over the seats. The other intruder, who hurt himself while landing on the Lok Sabha floor, stood near a corner. He, too, was nabbed quickly. No agency had classified the incursion as a terror attack at the time of filing this report. At 1.01pm, when Khagen Murmu, the BJP member from West Bengal was speaking during Zero Hour, the two intruders jumped from public gallery number 4, which is right across the Speakers table. One of the attackers hurt himself and stood at a corner. The other one landed near BJP MP Dilip Saikia, who later said that initially it looked like an accident but the MPs were alarmed when the attacker pulled out a canister and started spraying. Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, and other MPs took a few seconds even as the intruder started spraying unidentified yellow smoke in the air. Two people jumped from the public gallery. They were hanging on the pillar on the front and then jumped, one by one. One came in the middle and took his shoes off. He was figuring out where to run but the MPs surrounded him. We caught the second guy also, said Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant. Read Here: Woman arrested over Lok Sabha security breach a civil services aspirant, cleared teachers' eligibility test Suddenly after that, gas started coming outIt was a yellow-coloured gas, and there was a bit of a burning sensation in my noseno MP was injured, added Sawant. Beniwal said the intruders removed their shoes when the lawmakers surrounded them. We stopped them and restrained them, and when they were picking him up, he removed his shoes and took out the canister. Even the second one released gas and this caused chaos, he said. At the time, there were several Union ministers including defence minister Rajnath Singh and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, present in the House. When the House resumed at 2pm, Birla said that initial investigation showed the sprayed chemical appeared normal but spread a sensation . Congress floor leader Adhir Chowdhury drew a parallel between the 2001 terror attack and Wednesdays incursion. While the nature of the attacks are totally different, I want to ask how did such an incident happen? Does it show that we should have applied more caution? In the old building, our unarmed security personnel managed to save Parliament from the attack.. Trinamool Congress floor leader Sudip Bandopadhyay highlighted key security issues. We should be more cautious. At the entry gate (Makar Dwar), hundreds of people gather, and when we, the MPs, enter the building, it becomes very difficult for us to enter. People stay at the gate from 11am to 6pm, taking photographs and selfies, and nobody can guess who is an MP and who is not an MP. At 4pm, floor leaders of various parties met the speaker in his chamber and flagged security concerns. Top officials said that soon after the incident, visitors entry was temporarily suspended and it will not be lifted soon. The speaker also asked for a detailed report from the Parliament Security Service and Delhi Police. There were proposals to erect glass barriers in front of the galleries and restrict the movement of visitors. It was also decided that no one will be allowed to mill about in the square in front of Makar dwar, which is used exclusively by MPs. Simha was questioned by both the BJP and the Speakers office seeking details of his recommendation for the two visitors. A person aware of the details said Simhas office was approached by the individuals who said they were keen to see the new Parliament. As is the process, his office sent the request, following the protocol to parliamentary security service. They were issued passes based on that. Checking the antecedents of the visitors is not the responsibility of the MP, the person said, adding that the politician was ready to answer and assist in the inquiry. Opposition parties are planning to meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise the breach, demand a discussion on the issue and seek a reply from home minister Amit Shah. The oil spill in Chennai during cyclone Michaung is said to have spread into an area of 20 sq km entering homes and reaching the sea, four times of the initial estimate submitted by the state to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), according to locals and experts. The oil spill in Chennai during cyclone Michaung is said to have spread into an area of 20 sq km entering homes and reaching the sea, says locals and experts. (HT Photo) The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, which is investigating the source of the oil spill, on Tuesday concluded that its source was from the premises of the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) in the citys industrial area in the northern region, Manali. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The team has also noted inadequate storm water management issues in CPCL premises, the pollution board said in its report, directing CPCL to take remedial measures on war footing. The spread of the oil spill has affected hundreds of families, their livelihood which is dependent on the coastal habitat, biodiversity and aquatic life. The NGT which took up the case suo moto in its hearing on December 12 directed the state to compensate for the loss of livelihood. Local fishermen first noticed oil coming out of the premises the day the cyclone struck on December 4 bringing torrential rains that submerged the city. The CPCL denied leakage in their premises. It still remains unclear how the oil mixed with flood water and came out of the premises. The pollution control board which was tasked to ascertain the cause has only reported that the oil spillage happened from CPCL and spread into the Buckingham Canal (running through the north and south of Chennai) reaching the Ennore Creek, according to report released by the department. After conducting a recce on December 9 and 10, the Indian Coast Guard found that the oil spill had extended at sea from the mouth of the Kosasthalaiyar river up to the fishing harbour Kasimedu, which is a rocky beach. ...the spilt oil continued its way, engulfed the city drains, Ennore creeks and entire coastal sea area through Kosasthalaiyar river mouth, the Coast Guard said in a statement. While the Coast Guards ships and helicopter said that they undertook extensive response operations on December 10 and averted a major damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, the state is using its manpower and machinery to remove the trapped and floating oil from the canal, creek and land.The state has roped in agencies who manage oil spills and deployed three gully sucker machines and oil controlling booms in the Ennore Creek area which will absorb the floating oil. Specialised oil cleaning agencies have been mobilised to remove oil debris from affected areas. A coordination centre has been set up by the Environment and Climate Change and Forest Department at Nattukuppam village to coordinate mitigation activities, a statement from the department said. The department has also done a rapid assessment of biodiversity loss in the region. The oil will be disposed of at a licensed unit for storing hazardous waste, a government official said. Environmental activists said the response system has been too slow. Immediate steps have not been taken in such a big disaster. The cleaning process started today, said Prabhakaran Veeraarasu, environment engineer of NGO, Poovulagin Nanbargal. First, they should have shifted the affected people to another locality. They have been exposed for seven days to a hazardous substance. But we still do not know if it is unprocessed crude oil, spent fuel, if some other chemical has mixed with the oil and what its harmful effects can be. Affected people in the locality such as in Nattukuppam of low-income families said that they have respiratory issues, fever, skin allergies for which the Greater Chennai Corporation has organised medical camps. S Murugan, a 6-feet tall driver, says that the flood water inside his home was above his height. He moved with his family to a government relief shelter and when he came back home two days after the cyclone to retrieve some essentials, he found that there was oil mixed with flood water. Families living 1,500 homes in this locality face the same hazard. All my belongings, vehicles, documents are destroyed by the oil, says Murugan. But more dearly for him the oil has destroyed sons class 10 school books. The government has given them rice, water to drink and bathe. The government has started cleaning our houses today. The stench of the oil mixed with bleaching powder is nauseating, he said. Officials belonging to the pollution control board, departments of health, environment, animal husbandry, dairying, fisheries, disaster management are at the sites to monitor the mitigation works. Tamil Nadus Oil Spill Crisis Management Group which was constituted earlier in May held a meeting on Monday night and are currently assessing the biodiversity loss and impact of the oil spill. Chief secretary Shiv Das Meena reviewed areas of the oil spill following which a technical committee was formed on December 11 including members of the state, experts from Anna University, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)and the Coast Guard, a statement from the government said. Chennai collector and the corporation are enumerating the affected families and fishermen. Senior officials are undertaking immediate mitigation measures and providing relief to affected families including fishermen. A team of doctors including dermatologists are providing treatment, a government official said. The pollution control board has given seven instructions to CPCL which includes mapping the oil spread with the help of a technical institution and submit an action plan immediately and a warning that if CPCL is found to discharge oil containing water or polluted water against the norms under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, their operations are liable to be suspended. President of the Kattukuppam Fishermen Cooperative, R L Srinivasan filed a petition in the NGT armed with photos of dead fish and animals. Its a big loss, Srinivasan said. He claimed that the CPCL deliberately let out waste oil while pumping out excessive storm water from their premises. Because its not the first time that oil has leaked from their premises. We have conducted several protests about this problem over the years, says Srinivasan. A CPCL official who did not wish to be named maintained that they have found no leakages in their pipelines and refinery. Due to unprecedented flooding, they suspect that reverse flow of storm water may have led to slippage of oil traces into Buckingham Canal. We are clearing the spillage at the earliest now as ordered by the state and the NGT, the official said. Thats our focus now. The current disaster is worse than the oil spill which occurred in Ennore in 2017 when two ships collided at sea, said Prabhakaran. Marine life was affected in 2017 but this time it has also entered peoples homes, he said, adding that dense oil is still present along the Kosasthalaiyar river and Ennore creek. Naturalist Yuvan Aves said that despite Ennore being a highly abused landscape with 37 industries including the CPCL, there is fertility and richness here with migratory birds and near threatened species. An oil spill is a lingering problem. The impact of any pollutant that is hydrophobic takes years and years to go away, says Yuvan. There are at least 50-species of birds including migratory and near-threatened such as Spot-billed Pelican, Whiskered Tern, Painted Stork in large numbers here. You find the white bellied sea eagle nesting here for years, says Yuvan. The oil spill is particularly lethal for birds who were affected in huge numbers even in 2017. A bird dipped in oil is finished, says Yuvan. Bird feathers have a cuticle layer on them which makes them waterproof. That cuticle layer is soluble in hydrophobic substances like oil. So when a cormorant (medium to large birds) gets in contact with this, it cannot go into water again. They will drench and drown. An impact assessment on biodiversity and the local communities must be done. The most important hydrological system and a large flood draining system in Chennai is the Ennore-Pulicat wetlands spanning 8000 acres, he adds. The coastal economy is largely driven by prawns, he says adding that the confluence of habitats here have the richest oyster reefs, and algal beds which are important for the reproduction of prawns- which have a split life cycle at sea and in coastal wetland. Controversy erupted over the resignation of Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) chairman B Janardhan Reddy, as state governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Tuesday refused to accept the same and threw it back into the court of the Congress government headed by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, people familiar with the matter said. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan had already written a letter a couple of months ago to the Union HRD ministry against the alleged scandal in the TSPSC seeking a comprehensive probe into it (AICC) Janardhan Reddy sent his resignation letter to Raj Bhavan on Monday night, within hours of attending a meeting convened by the chief minister to review the status of inquiry into the alleged leakage of question papers of various recruitment tests held by the TSPSC for the last one year. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here An official in the state secretariat said the TSPSC chairman indicated to Revanth Reddy that eight other members of the commission would also step down from their posts on Tuesday, to facilitate the government forming a new board of the commission. However, a Raj Bhavan spokesperson, who refused to be quoted said, the governor had not accepted the resignation of Janardhan Reddy, as she had already left for Puducherry even before the resignation letter reached her office. The governor has made it clear that there is no question of accepting the resignation of the TSPSC chairman or any of its members, unless the ongoing investigation into the alleged leakage of question papers for recruitment tests is completed, responsibility is fixed and action is taken against the persons involved in the leakage scam, the spokesperson said. According to him, Tamilisai had already written a letter a couple of months ago to the Union HRD ministry against the alleged scandal in the TSPSC seeking a comprehensive probe into it. The ministry, in turn, referred it to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the latter wrote to then Bharat Rashtra Samithi government led by former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to submit a report on the action taken in this regard. But there was no reply from the previous government, maybe due to the announcement of the election schedule, the spokesman said. He said Tamilisai would write a letter to chief secretary Shanti Kumari in a day or two, seeking an action taken report on the TSPSC scam and also whether she should accept the resignations of the TSPSC chairman and members. The governor is of the view that they cannot just get away by stepping down from their posts. They should be held responsible for all the happenings in the recruitment scam, the spokesman added. On March 13, the Hyderabad police announced busting of the question paper leakage in the TSPSC by arresting nine people. Subsequently, the TSPSC cancelled the examinations for Group-I, assistant engineers, veterinary assistant surgeons, divisional accounts officer etc, after the case was entrusted to a Special Investigation Team within two days. As the investigation progressed, the SIT authorities arrested over 100 persons connected with the case. They also questioned TSPSC chairman B Janardhan Reddy, senior IAS officer Anitha Ramachandran who is the secretary of the TSPSC and others including members of the commission. Cases were booked against the accused under Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code, besides Section 66 (b) (c) and 70 of Information Technology Act and Section 8 of Prevention of Examinations Malpractices Act. On June 11, the TSPSC re-conducted the examination for 503 Group-I posts, which include deputy collectors, tehsildars, deputy superintendents of police, commercial tax officers and mandal parishad development officers etc in the government. But the commission allegedly bungled the conduct of the recruitment test again, as it violated its own guidelines like following the biometric system and there were discrepancies in Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheets. Following a petition filed by National Students Union of India (NSUI) state president Balmoori Venkat in June this year, the Telangana state high court cancelled the examination again. Climate talks at the COP28 summit in Dubai were likely to run into overtime on Tuesday after a draft global stocktake text late on Monday night angered groups of developed countries, EU and island nations that insisted on a commitment for rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels. This years COP28 negotiations signalled a hardening of stance by countries with various climate ambitions and compulsions. (REUTERS) The text, a fourth draft released after 10 days of discussions, called on countries to take steps that could reduce consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner a significant watering down of obligations that would bind all countries for their climate action. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here While the COP28 presidency promised to revise the draft and bring changes more palatable to both sides, the shape it takes was likely to become evident only early on Wednesday. While there was some movement on several areas, this years negotiations also signalled a hardening of stance by countries with various climate ambitions and compulsions. A look at five takeaways from the negotiations: The only silver lining... somewhat What may perhaps emerge as the only success story of this years talks is the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. At the first plenary on the opening day itself, the countries agreed on the World Bank hosting it for an interim period of four years. It began with an initial pot of $475 million host UAE pledged $100 million, the European Union promised $275 million, $17.5 million came from the US, and $10 million from Japan and later swelled to around $700 million. The work is far from over. After the gavel drops at COP28, we cannot rest until this fund is adequately financed and starts to actually alleviate the burden of vulnerable communities. Success starts when the international community can properly support the victims of this climate crisis, with efficient, direct access to the finance they urgently need, said Ambassador Paolelei Luteru, AOSIS (Association of Small Island States) Chair. But there are shortcomings in this as well. The (for now) $700 million fund remains almost incomparably short of the $300 billion needed annually by 2030 according to UN estimates. Another compromise is the voluntary nature of the contributions. The approved text states: urge developed country Parties to continue to provide support and encourage other Parties to provide, or continue to provide support, on a voluntary basis, for activities to address loss and damage. Developed countries need to pledge new and additional funds to the Loss & Damage Fund so that support can be provided to countries and communities where it is most urgently needed. This support should be in the form of grants rather than loans that risk further indebting these economies, said Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director, Climate, WRI India. A world divided on renewables On December 2, 118 governments pledged to triple the worlds renewable energy capacity by 2030 in a bid to cut the share of fossil fuels in energy production. It was revealed as part of the Global Decarbonisation Accelerator (GDA), a series of initiatives designed to speed up the global energy transition, and decarbonising the sector that include expanding nuclear power, cutting methane emissions and choking off private finance for coal power. Sultan al-Jaber, COP28 summit President, said: This can and will help transition the world away from unabated coal. But this is again far from ground reality. While China and India among the top three emitters currently have signalled support for tripling renewable energy by 2030, both refrained from signing the pledge last weekend. Its disheartening that India has not signed on to the global pledge to triple renewable and double energy efficiency by 2030. These were landmark decisions that were championed by the Indian G20 presidency and agreed to by G20 leaders in September 2023. Reaching net-zero commitments made by countries means that fossil fuels, including coal, need to be phased down and out, said Madhura Joshi, Senior Associate, India Energy Transition Lead, E3G. Nearly 75% of Indias energy needs are met with fossil fuels, primarily coal. Data from the Global Energy Monitor shows the country has 35.9 GW of new coal proposals in various pre-construction phases and about 31.6 GW in the construction phase. Equity stands to derail talks Most developing countries have refused to support any language that calls for phasing out fossil fuels without addressing the issue of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). Largely a principle, CBDR has become a major flashpoint, with developed nations pushing for references to be removed. Even in the adaptation goal discussions, the US has said it will not support any references to CBDR in the text, preferring the no text option in this regard. They (the US) are the largest oil and gas producer and they have huge projects in the pipeline. They also do not wish to deliver on any finance for adaptation or mitigation and have again and again tried to remove references to CBDR. Basically, they want to push the mitigation burden to developing nations, a negotiator from the like-minded developing countries (LMDC) group, which India is a member of, said. Switzerland, on behalf of the High Ambition Coalition, said they will not accept principles of equity or differentiation. We cannot leave this COP without having guidance towards our new set of nationally determined contribution (NDC). We need all NDCs to be aligned with Paris Agreements 1.5 degrees C goal and call on all countries to align with absolute economy wide NDCs. We need key players. We need unity. We cannot accept references to differentiation that seek to redefine the careful balance reached in Paris. Let us all agree to global objectives and it is up to countries how they can reach them, said the countrys representative. Adaptation remains a sticking point Two drafts of the Global Goal on Adaptation so far have been met with resistance, with developing countries, including India, seeking a clear differentiation of adaptation and mitigation strategies. The text used vague terms such as transformative adaptation and maladaptation avoidance, without any clarity on what they mean. It also called on countries to close the finance gap and spoke of the importance of making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development,, even as it omitted the needs of the countries spelled out in the Adaptation Gap Report. The text also failed to detail a pathway for scaling up the finance. An Indian official, privy to the negotiations, told HT on Monday that most targets are mitigation centric. This can muddle financial flows to adaptation and mitigation. All the targets including the one on attaining climate-resilient food and agricultural production and supply; strengthening resilience against climate-related health impacts are mitigation oriented. Terms such as maladaptation and transformational adaptation are also not acceptable to us, the official said. While mitigation requires measures to address the underlying problem by slowing or stopping the rise in emissions from fossil fuels, adaptation is needed to withstand and minimise the impacts of the climate crisis. A future with fossil fuels? The latest draft of the Global Stocktake the first ever review of the progress on Paris Agreement succeeded in bringing fossil fuels to the table. This is the first time an international climate treaty mentions fossil fuels, all of three times. The last five outcome documents only mention fossil fuel subsidies. But it failed in one critical aspect: a commitment to phase out fossil fuels. Section 39 of the text highlighted the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in GHG emissions, instead of the need to cut use of fossil fuels, listing the steps countries could take for the same. Differences have emerged between developed countries insisting that a science-based approach to fossil fuel reductions must be followed, and developing nations who say that they need the fuels to develop their economies and richer nations must shoulder responsibility for the cuts. We have no alternative than to follow the science. We have to peak emissions by 2025 at the latest and must reduce emissions by 43% this decade, said EU Climate Action commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. Separately, petro-states such as Saudi Arabia have resisted attempts by wealthy nations to target oil. We have raised concerns on attempts to attack energy sources instead of emissions. There are attempts to present sectoral targets with lack of differentiation. This platform should not be used to target specific sources of energy. It is at odds with the Paris Agreement and has a policy prescriptive nature, said the representative from Saudi Arabia. Consensus on the document is needed before negotiations close for another year without any clear pathway on how to curb emissions and keep 1.5C alive. In view of the huge rush at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan on December 25 and new year, police has restricted the entry of heavy vehicles for the period in the city, officials said on Wednesday. Representational picture(File photo) Private vehicles entering the city will also be parked at designated parking spots with police deployed at all entry points into the city, they said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here It is estimated that over 10 lakh devotees from all over the country will visit the Banke Bihari Temple and other temples here between December 25 and December 31, Senior Superintendent of Police Shailesh Kumar Pandey said. A new arrangement to regulate traffic has been made under which heavy vehicle movement will be restricted in Vrindavan from December 25 to January 2, Pandey said. ALSO READ| Big security lapse: MPs slam intrusion in Lok Sabha, demand probe Heavy vehicles from outside the city would not be allowed into the city but can pass through from outside it, the SSP said. Private vehicles from outside could be parked at designated parking spots and police will be deployed at all the entry points of the city, the SSP said. Over 250 policemen will be deployed to control the traffic, he said. For e-rickshaws operating in the city, a colour-coded scheme has been introduced on three main routes, Pandey said. QR codes will also be put on the e-rickshaws in which drivers' Aadhar card, driving license, vehicle's registration number and insurance details will be listed, he added. The government of British Columbia is off on another lengthy legal boondoggle as it seeks to make opioid manufacturers pay for the ongoing epidemic of opioid overdoses. It spent an estimated $75 to $100 million to sue Dr. Brian Day for operating a private surgical clinic. That legal action started in 2009 and ended this year. But even as it was suing Dr. Day, it was also paying him and his clinic for their services to help eliminate long surgical wait lists. Another massive lawsuit has B.C. trying to recover health care costs from the tobacco companies. It was initiated in 1998 and, 25 years later, is still ongoing. One can only imagine the hundreds of millions (and perhaps more) that the B.C. government is spending to make some commercial enterprise with deep pockets pay for our societal problems and Canadas abysmal healthcare system. The current pursuit of Big Pharma and its marketing agents started in 2018. In its current search for a monetary windfall, the government of B.C. is asking the B.C. Supreme Court to certify a class action lawsuit on behalf of all jurisdictions in Canada. If the court certifies the lawsuit, then all provinces and territories could come together in one class action suit to try to recover healthcare costs related to the opioid epidemic. If the quest for certification fails, then each province/territory will have to launch independent legal action. The provinces have already negotiated a settlement with one defendant. Purdue Pharma has agreed to pay $150 million, proclaimed the largest government health settlement in Canadian history. But, once divided amongst all jurisdictions, it will hardly be worth the legal efforts invested in the case. Meanwhile, some pharmaceutical companies have launched a constitutional challenge to the Supreme Court of Canada, claiming it is a legal overreach for B.C. to recover costs on behalf of other provinces. The court just recently agreed to hear the case. All of this means it will take more lawyers and money to hold these so-called bad actors accountable. So, what did these bad actors do? In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical groups aggressively marketed opioid pills to doctors via one-sided presentations and dinners at fine restaurants. They said chronic pain was undertreated (it was and still is) and told doctors that they had an irrational fear of opioids. As with most drugs, the sellers likely downplayed the potential side effects like addiction. However, Health Canada approved the addictive opioid Oxycontin in 1996. And it has always been incumbent upon individual doctors to understand when opioids are necessary, to know how they work and to evaluate their patients for signs of addiction or tendencies to become addicted. For a subset of the population, oxycontin was a legitimate and effective treatment without giving way to addiction. All this occurred more than 25 years ago. How can these companies be held responsible for the opioid deaths that have surged 300 percent since 2016, when illegal fentanyl (an opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine) came on the scene, and B.C. declared opioids a public health emergency? In an era when doctors have grown more cautious about prescribing opioids, its vital to highlight that 85 percent of all deaths related to illicit drug consumption stem from the contamination of drugs with illicit fentanyl, which predominantly originates in China, rather than from the pharmaceutical companys lab. It is now broadly accepted that it is the toxicity of illegal fentanyl and its various analogues that are driving the parade of death that is happening in cities across Canada not prescription pills. B.C.s Attorney General Niki Sharma calls these efforts a novel approach to holding companies accountable for their alleged deceptive marketing of addictive opioids. Novel? Not really. But you can be certain that this kind of litigation will increase the price that Canadian governments, hospitals and patients pay for all prescription drugs. The current court proceedings should also shine a bright and hypocritical light on B.C.s so-called safe supply initiatives that have the government providing large numbers of free, prescription -grade and highly-addictive hydromorphone pills to opiate users in an effort to keep them away from toxic street drugs. Pills are carelessly dispensed like candy, even though the drug can have the same or even greater potency than heroin. There is also growing evidence that users are then selling their pills to others (including children and teens at schools) to obtain money to purchase more potent drugs like fentanyl. In other words, the B.C. government itself is complicit in a practice that is now creating new and younger opioid addicts. Isnt that the same reason that it is suing the pharmaceutical companies? Susan Martinuk is a Senior Fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and author of Patients at Risk: Exposing Canadas Healthcare Crisis. It's been just a month since Thailand started a visa-free regime for Indians and Indians are thronging Thailand like never before. Flights for the long weekend starting December 23 and returning on the first day of the new year are selling at over 50,000 from Mumbai and Delhi. Thailand now allows visa-free entry for Indians.(AFP) Fares are north of 60,000 from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For a country which regularly benchmarks domestic airfares in peak season and compares it against those to Dubai, air fares to Thailand are climbing to new highs and in some cases double of those to Dubai. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here India is the fourth top source market for tourism in Thailand after Malaysia, China and South Korea. Air India has already announced flights to Phuket from Delhi which start as a four times a week operation this week and increase to daily operations next month. The airline recently launched flights to Bangkok from Kolkata and has tied up with Bangkok Airways to fly passengers beyond Bangkok. IndiGo adding flights Airlines are also jumping on to the opportunity with IndiGo leading the way adding flights to Phuket from Mumbai and Bengaluru effective Jan 05 and Feb 28 next year respectively. This will take IndiGos Mumbai - Phuket frequency to 13 per week from the current seven and see the airline launch another route from Phuket. This also helps the airline pre-empt Air Indias possible entry on the Mumbai - Phuket route. This will take IndiGos weekly frequency to Thailand from India to 56 from 44 flights, next only to Thai Airways which operates 68 weekly frequencies to India, albeit with higher seats on offer as it deploys its widebody aircraft on most routes to India. Booking Agencies seeing traction too Various Online Travel Agencies have reported a search anywhere between 20% to 80% in searches for visa free destinations. Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are currently visa-free for Indians. While most of these did not have a cumbersome procedure for visa, with many also offering visa on arrival (paid), the attraction of visa-free is far and beyond. Countries that have removed visa requirements for travellers from India, including Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and now Malaysia, have seen a 30%+ positive uptick in searches and bookings on our platform said Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip Magow said positive traction aligns with expectations, as visa-free entry, supported by enabling factors such as the availability of direct flights, reduces hassles as well as costs. For instance, the approximate visa cost for a family of four traveling to Thailand was Rs. 20,000. Therefore, it's not surprising that Thailand, despite already having a large number of travelers, has still seen a boost in bookings. The sustained week-on-week trends confirm that the surge is real and will continue. he added. Constrained by capacity The lull that had set in pre-Diwali led to a shakeup of air fares with airlines announcing sales and dropping fares in search of passengers. Today as the demand skyrockets, Indian airlines are severely short of airplanes to deploy on these routes. IndiGo faces an overall challenge with the multiple groundings that start in January while Air India is inducting planes but does not have spare wide body capacity to offer more seats. SpiceJet, even with the news of funds infusion, will not be able to immediately capture the market. Akasa Air does not have rights to Thailand just yet. Tail Note The visa-free travel is only until May 2024, which does not cover the entire peak summer holiday season. By the time airlines respond, it may be the end of the visa free period or will Thailand extend considering the rush? Airlines may be happy to not add capacity, which means the fares will go up considerably but there comes the tipping point. The money saved in visa should not go towards air fares, else it does not become favourable and then Thailand competes with Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Sri Lanka - countries which have a coastline but different specialities, yet all bounded by natural beauty. Thailand remains the only country where Indian carriers have been able to make the most of this sudden rush. Indian carriers have very limited presence in Malaysia and Vietnam while Sri Lanka is a mixed bag. New Delhi: In a major security scare, a man wearing a blue jacket jumped inside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He was sitting in the visitor's gallery. The video of the man's act has gone viral. The unidentified man was later apprehended by the MPs and the security. The unidentified man was later apprehended by the MPs and the security. The video shows the man running around the Lok Sabha as baffled MPs watch and make sense of the situation. The unidentified man was later apprehended. The MPs and the security personnel later caught hold of the intruder. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The incident happened even as security personnel were present in the galleries. The video shows MPs courageously trying to get hold of the man. According to the MPs present inside the Lok Sabha at the time of the incident, there were two men who jumped inside the house. As the MPs caught hold of one of the two, he pulled out a canister from his shoes, emitting yellow smoke. Both of them were overpowered by the MPs and the security personnel. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called a meeting of the floor leaders of different political parties today to discuss the security breach. The major security lapse on the anniversary of the Parliament attack echoed in the Rajya Sabha as well. LoP Mallikarjun Kharge called the issue very serious. "This is not a question of just Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, this is about how two people were able to come inside despite such elaborate security and cause a security breach," he said. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said: "The moment I came to know about it, I called the Director of Security. I told him to give him an update. The update which he gave me at the point of time, I have shared with the House. It is a matter of concern but let us await details and then we will be able to reflect...". Not much is known about the man and their motivation as of now. An MP told HT that one of the men had a Lucknow Aadhaar card and the duo were raising slogans against dictatorship. They are being interrogated by the Delhi Police. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his statement on September 18 in the House of Commons about credible allegations linking Indian agents to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar was meant to deter New Delhi from continuing such actions in the country. Trudeau said the statement was made because too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable. (File) In an interview with the agency Canadian Press, Trudeau said, We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in, and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He added, And, therefore, put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this. He said the statement was made because too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable. Read Here: Canada responds to Hinduphobia petition, says it rejects hate, discrimination Trudeau also indicated Canada will reveal evidence behind the allegations of the Indian connection to Nijjars killing on June 18 in Surrey, but later. Referring to the indictment in a US federal court of an Indian national to an alleged plot to kill Sikhs for Justice or SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and why Canada has not made similar information public, Trudeau said, Canada is investigating a murder and there are different stakes involved in that and our justice system has different processes. But, he said, that was unfolding. India has constituted a high-level probe committee on the American charges, but dismissed similar requests from Ottawa. India has argued the US has provided it with specific inputs and Canada hasnt. External affairs minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament last week, So the question of equitable treatment to two countries, one of whom has provided inputs and one of whom has not, does not arise. Read Here: Panel examining foreign interference in Canada to include India within its ambit Trudeau also said he had raised the Nijjar issue when he met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for a bilateral during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September, but that did not prove to be a constructive conversation. He also accused India of launching an information war. They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical, he said. There was no response from the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi to Trudeaus latest remarks. New Delhi has repeatedly raised the issue of Canada-based Khalistani separatists with Ottawa, but without much result. While the movement for an independent Sikh state is all but dead in India, it has been kept alive in some parts of the world such as Canada by fringe groups. At the peak of the movement, Khalistani terrorists were behind what remains the worst instance of terror in Canada, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 from Montreal to Bombay in 1985 that killed 329 people including 268 Canadian citizens. The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday demanded the expulsion of a member of parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging he issued the visitors' pass to the two men breached the Lok Sabha security on the 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament attack. Invoking the expulsion of party MP Mahua Moitra, the TMC posted on its X handle,"Our MP Mahua Moitra was unjustly expelled for allegedly breaching national security by sharing her login credentials. Today @BJP4Karnataka MP @mepratap put the security of the entire Parliament at risk by issuing a visitor's pass to the intruders." ALSO READ: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah questions Mysuru MP Pratap Simha's connection with the accused What is stopping him from getting expelled? Why should a similar treatment not be meted out to him? What gives him the right to continue as a Parliamentarian after jeopardising the safety of fellow MPs? the party added. The intruders carried a yellow canister that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke inside the Lok Sabha. (HT_PRINT) TMC leader Shashi Panja echoed the party's stand on the incident. TMC is going to raise two questions & we will see that BJP & Lok Sabha follow this. BJP MP Pratap Simha gave two passes through which these two people entered. The security of the Parliament & the country was breached. TMC's Mahua Moitra was expelled for sharing her login ID & password which became a question of national security...This BJP MP should be expelled from the Parliament... ALSO READ: Kharge demands Shah's statement on LS security breach. Union minister hits back Two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha security scare: One accused is an engineer; father calls him good boy Around the same time, a man and a woman also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside the Parliament premises. ALSO READ: Was ordinary smoke to sensationalise: Lok Sabha speaker on security breach Not just TMC, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor too accused Simha of issuing the passes to the accused. The fact is that these people (intruders) were apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling party...These people smuggled in smoke pistols, which shows there is a serious security lapse. Not only did they fire the pistols but also shouted some slogans inaudible to some of us, he said. The new building does not seem to be configured very well when it comes to security in comparison with the arrangements in the old building, he added. Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Before the commencement of proceedings in Parliament on Wednesday, the eighth day of the ongoing winter session, MPs paid tributes to the martyrs of the December 13, 2001 Parliament attacks. Parliamentarians in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (PTI) Inside the two houses, however, proceedings are once again likely to be stormy, with the treasury and opposition benches set to collide over a host of legislations to be moved by the government; one such legislation was the bill to regulate appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners of India, which got passed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday despite fierce protests by the opposition, which argued that the bill aims to circumvent a Supreme Court verdict from earlier this year regarding appointments of the officers to oversee elections in the country. Rejecting the allegations, however, Union law minister Arjun Meghwal stressed that the new legislation was brought as the 1991 Act had certain 'weaknesses.' The winter session began on December 4 and is scheduled to conclude on December 22 if not adjourned sine die. The ongoing session is also the penultimate Parliament session of the Narendra Modi's government in its second term. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday assured the assembly that strict action will be taken against the culprits who allegedly assaulted a woman, paraded her naked and tied her to an electric pole in a village in Belagavi district, after her son eloped with a woman who was to get engaged with someone else. Minister G Parameshwara on Monday visited the victim at the hospital and the village where the incident took place (HT) Twelve accused have been arrested in connection with the incident and 13 cases, including attempt to murder and property demolition, filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code, Belagavi police commissioner SN Siddaramappa said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Seven people, including the womans father, mother, brothers and uncles, were arrested early on Monday soon after the incident. After investigation, five women were arrested on Monday night, Siddaramappa said. Parameshwara said, On getting to know about the incident, police immediately rushed to the spot, rescued the woman and took her to hospital. Also, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case and necessary legal action is being taken against them. On coming to know about their 18-year-old daughter eloping with the womans son (aged 24), about 20 of her family members damaged the mans house around 12.30 am on Monday in New Vantamuri village. They then have dragged his 55-year-old mother, who was alone at home, outside, paraded her naked and tied her to an electricity pole, police said. Stating that efforts are to find the young couple, so that they dont take any extreme step on hearing about this incident, Parameshwara said, such incidents should not happen, it is shameful for society. Youngsters falling in love and marrying is by and large accepted by society these days, amid some incidents of honour killings....society has to change. Only police taking strong steps wont help, but police will do whatever they can...we will give protection to the young couple and the family, government will not neglect the case in any way, he added. Parameshwara on Monday visited the victim at the hospital and the village where the incident took place. A senior police officer familiar with the case said, The victims 24-year-old son has been in a relationship with a 20-year-old woman for nearly two years, but her family arranged her marriage with another man. The couple ran away before the engagement ceremony scheduled for Monday evening, . Police Commissioner Siddaramappa said, Apart from the individuals listed by the victim, we are also reviewing video clips from CCTV cameras installed in Basaveshwar Nagar, where the woman was mistreated. Police are searching for four more people who were involved in the incident. They are at large, and we have spread nets to apprehend them. . District in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi and women and child development minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar met the victim at the hospital on Tuesday. As the victim has not yet come out of the shock of the evil act against her, Ive instructed the hospital authorities not to allow people except her family members to meet her as she needs rest, Jarkiholi said. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the asembly, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar said a civilised society which regards women highly, cannot accept such incidents, and such things had not taken place in Karnataka in the recent past. Stating that such incidents also lead to a question whether there is fear of law and police in the state, the legislator, while appreciating the police for arresting 12 people in connection with this case, said, If there was fear of police, such an incident wouldnt have taken place. Such atrocities and cruelty against women, when we are celebrating 75-years of independence, cannot be tolerated. Kumar urged the home minister to give free treatment to the affected woman, protection to her family, and that the government should ensure that the young couple are protected, and they dont take any extreme step. The government should ensure that such incidents dont repeat, and if required, the government should not hesitate to take bulldozer action against the accused (properties), like done in Uttar Pradesh, he added. Another BJP legislator Shashikala Jolle and Congress MLA Ashok Pattan, stating that the incident is shameful for society, urged the home minister to ensure strict punishment for the culprits and they dont get bail. . Every year, December 15 marks the date when performing arts take over the city that never gets flooded (thats what Panjim literally means). For two weeks, Goas capital city turns into an extended stage, art gallery and kitchen where performing and culinary artists converge to take the baton of art, tradition and culture forward. In its sixth edition, this year, Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) will showcase 128 projects (not including workshops and talks), 12 of which are collaborative in nature, 36 special projects and four initiatives of Serendipity Arts Foundation. (Also read | India Art Festival returns to Delhi, promising a visual feast of over 3,500 artworks) Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) will showcase 128 projects (not including workshops and talks), 12 of which are collaborative in nature, 36 special projects and four initiatives of Serendipity Arts Foundation.(serendipityartsfestival.com) Curated by domain experts, SAF schedule is divided into six broader disciplines of Dance, Visual Arts, Music, Culinary Arts, Theatre, and Craft, with a brilliant lineup of artists including an evening with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Curators: The Festival has 10 expert curators this year across the six disciplines. Music: Curated by Bickram Ghosh, one of Indias greatest classical tabla players and a Grammy Award nominee, and Ricky Kej, an internationally renowned music composer and environmentalist, with three Grammy Awards to his credit. Dance: Curated by Mayuri Upadhya, head of Bengaluru-based Nritarutya, and Geeta Chandran, a leading Indian classical dancer. Visual Arts: New Delhi-based Vidya Shivadas and programme director at Space Studio, Baroda, Veeranganakumari Solanki. Craft: Bengaluru-based multidisciplinary designer, educator and entrepreneur Sandeep Kumar Sangaru, and art historian Anjana Somany. Theatre: Artistic director and noted theatre personality Quasar Thakore Padamsee Culinary Arts: Chef Thomas Zacharias and The Locavore Team. Workshops: Songwriting masterclass with Lonnie Park; Body Percussion Workshop with Keith WildChild" Middleton; The Rhythm in Nothingness, a workshop that combines music and movement; join Chef Abhishek Deshmane in a culinary exploration of Red Snapper Ceviche and Sasam Salad; Weaving on Loin Loom with Woven Threads, a design initiative by the indigenous people of Nagaland to craft innovative high-end loin loom textiles using sustainable materials and zero-waste-manufacturing processes; Young at Art: Childrens programming by ThinkArts, among several others. Exhibitions & Installations: Synaesthetic Notations - Discover how sound shapes the reading and deciphering of images; Turning: On Field and Work - Find yourself amidst artistic projects rooted in alternative knowledge systems, materials, and practices; Time as a Mother - Delve into the geological, poetical, and philosophical dimensions of time, as it comes to shape nature and our existence in the age of the Anthropocene; Goa Familia: Let the Sound Linger - Step into the rhythm of Goan music through archives and family narratives; Street Canvas: Hand-Painted Signs from India and the Dominican Republic; Text/Matters - Engage with the history of writing and publishing around arts and culture through the archives of Marg and Art India. Rasa and Rap: With Goas rap scene riding an all-time high, one of the noted projects under the Music discipline is Rasa and Rap, with rappers across India performing in different languages. Ustad Zakir Hussain will also be performing in An Evening of Serendipity - with Zakir Hussain, a must-visit for classical music connoisseurs. Dance: Rasa Leela from Manipur in Manipuri Ras and literature lovers can appreciate an Indian classical music-dance-theatre take on the classic novel Don Quixote. Bamboo & Puppetry: Bamboo: A Way of Life is project that allows one to appreciate the Northeast Indian tradition of living with bamboo. In Crafted Expressions: Embodied Traditions in the Indian Performing Arts, visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship behind puppetry and costume-making. Feni Tasting & Goan food: Visitors can indulge in sampling delicious feni while understanding the artisanal feni-making process through a feni distillery set up by Goas very own feni dotor Hansel Vaz. There are numerous Goa-centric programmes featuring local cuisine, one of which is a Culinary Workshops: Goan cooking session. Senses 6.0: Indias first-ever accessible and inclusive programme curated for people with special needs specifically for a multidisciplinary arts festival. Accessibility for people with special needs: Facilities like ramps, tactile braille artworks, braille guides, sign language experts, inclusive outreach programmes and on-ground accessibility team, are provided at the Festival. We also strive to make our venues as wheelchair-accessible as possible, says Smriti Rajgarhia, the Director of the Serendipity Arts Foundation and the Serendipity Arts Festival. Registration & Fee: The Festival is free to all visitors upon registration. However, 42 projects have a nominal registration fee of Rs.99 per head due to limited seating. You can register at https://www.serendipityartsfestival.com/ Venues: SAF 2023 will be conducted across 13 venues Art Park (13 events), Excise Building (5 events), Old GMC Complex (50 events), ESG complex (9 events), Santa Monica jetty (1 event), Old PWD complex (5 events), Multi-level parking (2 events), Samba Square, The Arena at Nagalli Hills Ground (13 events), Promenade, Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir (8 events), Azad Maidan (1 event) and across Panaji (1 event). Tips: Finding parking space can be challenging, look for traffic advisory. Carry your photo id and SAF pass for entry. Check the SAF website for updated program schedule and timings Vector-borne diseases and respiratory infections ruled the roost in 2023 even as newer and milder strains of Covid-19 kept trickling in. Dengue outbreaks in many parts of the world including India due to global warming and excessive rainfall were reported apart from other vector-borne illnesses like zika and chikungunya. According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, in 2023 until the beginning of November, over 4.5 million cases and over 4,000 dengue-related deaths have been reported from 80 countries/territories globally. Many countries saw worst dengue outbreak ever this year. As the year comes to a close, a surge in cases of walking pneumonia, commonly referred to as mystery pneumonia, is leading to increased hospitalisations in China, the US, and other areas. This upswing raises concerns about the potential emergence of another pandemic. (Also read | Year Ender 2023: 5 ways hybrid work model affected marriages) In 2023, a spectrum of diseases captured headlines globally, highlighting the ongoing challenges in public health(Freepik) "In 2023, a spectrum of diseases captured headlines globally, highlighting the ongoing challenges in public health, says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai as she talked about health concerns that demanded attention from dengue to mysterious pneumonia. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here 1. Dengue outbreaks Dengue fever continued to be a significant public health concern in various regions, with outbreaks causing a surge in reported cases. Strategies for mosquito control and public awareness campaigns remained in focus. New research at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology and published in The Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology has found out that dengue becomes more severe in animal models when its virus is exposed to higher temperature. Global warming could be changing the disease dynamics, making it more severe. 2. Mystery pneumonia cases Towards the end of the year, mysterious pneumonia cases have surfaced in China, USA and other parts of the world, drawing attention due to the unknown origin of the disease and the need for swift identification and containment. It is affecting children and leading to their hospitalisation. Investigations and collaborative efforts among health agencies were initiated to understand and address the situation. The children suffering from the disease 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. 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. 3. Emerging infectious diseases Novel infectious diseases and emerging pathogens raised alarms, underlining the importance of global preparedness and surveillance. Vigilance in monitoring and responding to potential pandemics remained a key priority. 4. Antibiotic resistance challenges The escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance gained prominence. Discussions centred around the need for sustainable practices in healthcare to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections. 5. Continued battle against Covid-19 The fight against Covid-19 persisted, with updates on vaccination efforts, emerging variants, and ongoing research to enhance treatment options and pandemic preparedness. 6. Mental health issues While not a traditional infectious disease, mental health garnered increased attention. The impact of the pandemic on mental well-being led to a heightened focus on mental health awareness, resources, and support systems. 7. Vector-borne diseases Beyond dengue, other vector-borne diseases like Zika and Chikungunya remained on the radar. Climate-related factors and urbanization contributed to the continued spread of these diseases. Only the most naive can imagine that courts, even at the highest level, can pronounce verdicts in a vacuum disregarding the larger consequences of their rulings. While the judgment of the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India regarding Article 370 will continue to invite microscopic scrutiny and analysis by legal pundits, the larger message from the learned judges is clear: Focus on the future of Jammu and Kashmir rather than look back at its sordid past! Even though the Bench could not have been unaware of the near-administrative anarchy, political chaos and international embarrassment that could have been caused had they, even in the face of overwhelmingly compelling legal arguments (missing in this case), declared the decisions on and after August 5, 2019, ultra vires, how the case was heard (and the robustness of the arguments) and the comprehensive judgment will greatly strengthen the credibility of the highest court of the land. The almost romantically maudlin epilogue to the judgment written by Justice Sanjay Kaul brings the humanity of the Court into sharp relief. It will carry deep resonance for those tied to the states composite heritage, and having a stake in a future of sustained, sustainable and shared peace. As he points out, Kashmiryat which lies sadly in tatters today was based on tolerance and inclusivity and drew inspiration from its greatest champions, Lal Ded and Nund Rishi and was based on a syncretic philosophy that synthesised Shaivism and Sufi Islam. It is in recovering this shared culture that lies hope for the future. In its most normative version, Article 370 was about peoples empowerment, providing them with political space and good governance. However, it is in various paragraphs of the main judgement and Kauls moving appeal that we can find a vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. In Kauls words (in which he paraphrases the song Que Sera Sera) Whatever has been, has been but the future is ours to see. The judgment is unambiguous in its conclusions, and three features need to be brought out. First, Article 370 was a feature of asymmetric federalism and not sovereignty; that the state of J&K did not retain any element of sovereignty after the issue of the proclamation of November 25, 1949, by which the Constitution of India was adopted. And that J&K does enjoy any internal sovereignty that differs from the power and privileges enjoyed by other states of the Union. Second, it can be garnered from the historical context of the inclusion of Article 370 in Part XXI of the Constitution that it is a temporary provision. Third, the President had the power to declare that Article 370(3) ceases to operate without the recommendation of a Constituent Assembly. Much of this was indeed borne out by the debates in the Constituent Assembly of India regarding the insertion of Article 370. As the great poet and thinker, Maulana Hasrat Mohani asked in the Constituent Assembly on October 17, 1949: Why this discrimination please? The answer was given by Jawaharlal Nehrus confidante, the wise but misunderstood Thanjavur Brahmin, Gopalaswami Ayyangar (minister without portfolio in the first Union Cabinet, a former diwan to Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, and the principal drafter of Article 370). Ayyangar argued that for a variety of reasons, Kashmir, unlike other princely states, was not yet ripe for integration. India had been at war with Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir and while there was a ceasefire, the conditions were still unusual and abnormal. Part of the states territory was in the hands of rebels and enemies. The involvement of the United Nations brought an international dimension to this conflict, an entanglement that would only end when the Kashmir problem is satisfactorily resolved. But there was a clear view that J&K would one day integrate like other states of the Union (hence, the term temporary provisions in the title of the Article). In many ways, treating J&K as just another state with its dignity, distinct culture and political space restored may be more acceptable to political leaders in the state than may have been in the past. Surely they would rather be an MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee or a Naveen Patnaik than a muzzled leader in a state with special status. The judgment also unambiguously has recommended that elections to the state be held before September 30, 2024, and that statehood be restored to J&K as early as possible. Hopefully, this will happen before the elections and it would have helped if the timeline had been specified by the Court. It is in the far-sighted recommendation (made by Justice Kaul) that the government consider setting up an impartial truth and reconciliation commission (on the lines of South Africa) that the Court may have extended its terms of legal reference but positioned itself as a real beacon of hope. According to Kaul: The Commission will investigate and report on the violation of human rights both by State and non-State actors perpetrated in Jammu & Kashmir at least since the 1980s and recommend measures for reconciliation. Amitabh Mattoo is professor, JNU and former vice-chancellor, University of Jammu. The views expressed are personal Delhi-NCR based real estate developer M3M India on December 13 said that it will be investing close to 1200 crore for developing a 333-acre township in Panipat, Haryana, and is targeting 5000 crore in revenue from it. M3M India on December 13 said that it will be investing close to 1200 crore for developing a 333-acre township in Panipat, Haryana The company said that it has received the license to develop the M3M City of Dreams township and that it has already sold over 700 plots, worth about Rs. 1100 crore, out of a total of 2100 plots. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here M3M is expecting a topline of 5000 crore from this project, the company said in a statement. The project is expected to comprise more than 2100 plots, ranging from 140 to 1000 square yards, spread across 400 expandable villas, 3000 uber-luxury floors and 150 farm houses, it said. Also Read: Arun Kumar appointed new HRERA Gurugram chief The company has received RERA registration for the entire 333-acre land parcel that it had acquired from Ambience for 1,500 crore, including necessary government fees. "The company is investing 1,200 crore, towards its development," M3M said, adding that the total cost, including land price, would touch 2,700 crore. The company is expected to deliver the project in the next 15-18 months. The township is expected to emerge as a hub for industries, startups and unicorns, and other prominent national and international brands, looking for quality space, it said. Also Read: Haryana govt announces measures to ease property registrations By Hamid Jafari New Canadian Media Rishu Bajaj immigrated to British Columbia nine years ago and has been driving for Uber since January 2023. This past summer was a busy season for him, he said, but as winter arrived, demand slowed significantly. Some days I feel like Im not even making minimum wage, a rate of $16.75 per hour in B.C. that is available for other jobs, Bajaj added. In the dynamic landscape of B.C.s gig economy, a labour market that hires workers for short-term contracts and freelance jobs, the provincial government recently proposed a minimum wage and job protections for gig workers, many of them immigrants to Canada. A January report from Statistics Canada found about 79,000 Canadians provided taxi or rideshare services through online platforms or applications from December 2021 to December 2022, while approximately 207,000 provided delivery services for food or other goods. The report identified more than half of those drivers (55.7 percent) as landed immigrants. For Bajaj, who said he works about 30 hours per week to earn roughly $500 to $600 over the same period, a minimum wage represents a huge step for gig drivers. Under the B.C. governments proposed changes, gig drivers would earn $20.10 per hour (120 percent of the provinces general minimum wage) while transporting. The new employment standards will also provide drivers with destination information before they accept trips, workers compensation coverage through WorkSafeBC an independent provincial agency that supports injured workers and tip protections among others. Over the summer, Bajaj said he worked more often for about 40 to 50 hours each week. Driving for Uber initially appealed to him because of the flexible schedule, which allows him to choose his hours. But the nature of that gig work can be a double-edged sword, Bajaj explained, since earnings arent as steady as traditional jobs with regular paychecks, raising potential concerns around loan or mortgage eligibility. I am thinking at least Im getting enough surety if I drive for 10 hours (a day) Bajaj said, adding that while he is happy with the prospect of new employment standards, he and other drivers look forward to seeing them in practice. Everybody is excited, but they want to check if this is giving us benefits. While legislation for the changes (Bill 48, the Labour Statutes Amendment Act) became law on Friday, B.C.s government has said the employment standards and protections will take effect after regulations are developed and companies have had time to adapt to the new requirements. B.C. Labour Minister Harry Baines told the Canadian Press in November that he expects the regulations to be finalized in early 2024. Mohsen Javdani, an associate professor of economics at Simon Fraser Universitys School of Public Policy in Vancouver, said he is cautiously optimistic about the new measures, which would have been beneficial if introduced earlier. There is an imbalance of power between the employers and drivers in this case, Javdani said. Im less concerned about the companies because they are making significant profits. The important question is, how does it contribute to improving the quality of life for more vulnerable individuals who use these online platforms? In 2020, Statistics Canada reported that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, visible minority groups were more likely to live in poverty than white people and 44 percent of hate crimes were motivated by hatred of race or ethnicity. Most of Javadanis research is related to inequalities experienced by marginalized groups in the labour market. He emphasized that many drivers are immigrants, and for a province such as B.C., which welcomes many newcomers to Canada, its important that gig workers enjoy the same employment protections as others. Especially because we are dealing with a more vulnerable group of workers, Javdani added. We still need to wait and see exactly how this will work. Saran Walia, a full-time Uber driver in Vancouver, told New Canadian Media that he has already received an email notification from the company about the coming changes. Like Bajaj, he believes a minimum wage for gig workers will have a positive effect on driver earnings. When Walia started driving for the ride-hailing service three years ago, his days were busy with plenty of fares and he was happy with the job, he said. But right now its totally different, Walia added. Sometimes we have to wait a long time, and we dont earn much money in an hour. Javdani flagged the downtime between rides as a gap that needs to be addressed. The minimum wage proposed for gig drivers will only apply to engaged time, or time spent completing assignments not the waiting period between trips hence the 20 percent premium, B.C.s government said. Do we pay people who work in restaurants or in a coffee shop based on the engagement time? No, Javdani said, also acknowledging that the waiting periods between tasks can add complexities to a minimum wage for gig workers. (Gig) workers are still not entitled to vacation pay or sick leave, and those benefits that all employees are entitled to under employment standards do not apply to workers who work for these platforms. B.C.s government has said paid leave, hours of work, annual vacation, statutory holidays and overtime for gig workers will not be established at this time in the changes to the Employment Standards Act, but added that the province will continue to monitor these areas. According to B.C.s government, 21 ride-hailing companies are licensed to operate in B.C., including multinational companies such as Uber and Lyft, as well as locally operated companies such as Coastal Rides and Whistle. The province estimates about 11,000 ride-hailing drivers and 27,000 food-delivery workers are operating in B.C. Gig economy in numbers 1. Around 36% of US workers (approximately 57.3 million people in total) were part of the gig economy before the pandemic (Gallup, Statista). 2. The gig economy grew by 33% in 2020, expanding 8.25x faster than the US economy as a whole (Small Biz Trends). 3. US freelancers contributed $1.21 trillion to the US economy in 2020 (MBO Partners). 4. 40% of US-based workers generate a big part of their income via the gig economy (PYMNTS). 5. 20-30% of the workforce in the USA and the EU-15 is part of the gig economy: thats up to 162 million working-age people (McKinsey). 6. The number of independent workers in the EU rose by 24% between 2008 and 2015: from 7.7 million to 9.6 million (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed). Over 28 million people in the EU are currently working via digital platforms (European Commission). 7. The gig economy in the UK accounts for 4.7 million workers and doubled in size between 2016 and 2019 (The Guardian). 8. A 513% YOY increase in new gig workers was reported in Japan since the COVID-19 outbreak (vs. 329% in Spain and 300% in the UK) (PeoplePerHour). 9. India is home to the 2nd largest market of freelancers who constitute about 40% of total freelance jobs offered worldwide (ICRIER Future of Work in the Digital Era). 10. The gig economy generates $204 billion in gross volume (globally) with transportation-based services comprising 58% (Mastercards survey). 8 kg is the perfect size for most families, and when it comes to laundry, the 3 Samsung 8kg Front Load Washing Machine stand out as top choices. This comprehensive guide discusses Samsung's 8kg front load washing machines, renowned for their efficiency, innovative technology, and reliability. Samsung, a global leader in home appliances, has consistently pushed the boundaries of washing machine technology, and their 8kg front loaders are a testament to this commitment. 3 top Samsung washing machine can make your laundry hassle-free. The 8kg capacity is ideal for households with moderate laundry needs, striking a balance between compact design and sufficient space to handle a good amount of clothes. This size is particularly well-suited for medium-sized families or those who prefer doing larger loads less frequently. Samsungs range of 8kg front load washers is designed to cater to diverse washing needs while being mindful of energy consumption, water usage, and space constraints. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here One of the standout features of Samsung 8kg front loaders is their innovative technology. These machines often come equipped with features like EcoBubble technology, which ensures effective cleaning at lower temperatures, saving energy and protecting your clothes. The QuickDrive feature is another highlight, reducing washing time significantly without compromising on performance. Moreover, Samsung's emphasis on smart technology, seen in features like the SmartThings app integration, allows users to control and monitor their washing machine remotely, adding a layer of convenience and control. Durability is another key aspect of these machines. Samsung's commitment to quality means these washers are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for the long term. The use of Digital Inverter Technology not only reduces noise and improves energy efficiency but also enhances the longevity of the machine. In addition to performance, Samsung 8kg front-load washing machines score high on design and aesthetics. Their sleek, modern designs easily blend into any home environment, adding a touch of elegance to your laundry area. The user-friendly interfaces, coupled with a variety of wash programs and functions, ensure a seamless and customizable washing experience. This guide aims to look in-depth at the top 3 Samsung 8kg front load washing machines, highlighting their specifications, features, and unique selling points. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current washing machine or purchase your first, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision, ensuring you find a model that perfectly fits your household's laundry requirements. Also Read: 6kg LG washing machine vs. competitors: Top 8 5-star models 1. Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star AI Control & Wi-Fi, Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T504DAB1TL, Black Caviar, Digital Inverter) This futuristic washer has the brains and brawn to tackle any laundry load. With 8 AI-powered wash cycles and WiFi connectivity via the SmartThings app, Samsung's WW80T504DAB1TL can sense fabric type, load size and level of dirt to deliver the perfect wash. The diamond drum and Ecobubble technology gently clean clothes while saving energy and reducing water usage. A StayClean drawer means no more detergent residue buildup, while the innovative Bubble Soak pre-soaks stubborn stains before the cycle even starts. All that tech and convenience is housed in a sleek black design with a digital inverter that provides quiet operation and long-lasting performance. Get ready to say goodbye to laundry day dread - with this washer, clean clothes are just an app away. Specifications of Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star AI Control & Wi-Fi, Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T504DAB1TL, Black Caviar, Digital Inverter): Capacity: 8 Kg Energy Efficiency: 5 Star Control Type: AI Control with Wi-Fi connectivity Color: Black Caviar Motor Type: Digital Inverter Special Features: Eco Bubble technology, Drum Clean Wash Programs: Multiple including Cotton, Wool, Delicate, etc. Pros Cons High Energy Efficiency: Rated 5-star, ensuring significant energy savings. Price: Might be higher compared to basic models without smart features. AI Control with Wi-Fi: Offers smart, personalized washing with easy control and monitoring via a smartphone. Complexity: Advanced features might require a learning curve for less tech-savvy users. Eco Bubble Technology: Ensures effective cleaning at lower temperatures, suitable for delicate fabrics. Wi-Fi Dependency: Optimal use of some features requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. Digital Inverter Motor: Offers durability, quiet operation, and energy efficiency. Color Specific: The Black Caviar color might not suit all laundry room decors. Variety of Wash Programs: Tailored for different fabrics and types of laundry loads. Size and Weight: Might be bulky for smaller spaces, installation may require professional assistance. Smart Check Error-Monitoring System: Simplifies troubleshooting, saving time and potential repair costs. Water Consumption: May use more water than top-loaders, which can be a concern in areas with water scarcity. Sleek Design: Modern aesthetics that complement contemporary home interiors. B09KGVKZXS 2. Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star Inverter, Hygiene Steam Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE1TL, White) This Samsung washing machines 8 kg capacity means it can handle even your largest loads, while the 5 star inverter motor delivers serious power without noise pollution. The Hygiene Steam option attacks stubborn stains with extra steam so your clothes emerge pristine and fresh. But what truly sets this washer apart is its intelligence. The fully automatic front-loading design lets you simply load and go. This high-tech wonder senses fabric type and amount of laundry to customize wash cycles for optimal care every time. The white color blends seamlessly into any bathroom decor while the energy and water-saving features help save money on your utility bills. Together, all these features add up to make this Samsung washer a stylish, powerful, and intelligent choice for any home in need of laundry liberation. Specifications of Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star Inverter, Hygiene Steam Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE1TL, White): Capacity: 8 Kg Energy Efficiency: 5 Star Control Type: Fully-Automatic Color: White Motor Type: Digital Inverter Special Features: Hygiene Steam, Diamond Drum, LED panel display Wash Programs: Various including Hygiene Steam Wash, Quick Wash Pros Cons High Energy Efficiency: Rated 5 stars for energy efficiency, leading to reduced electricity bills. Price: Might be slightly expensive compared to basic models. Hygiene Steam: Offers a steam cycle that removes allergens and bacteria, ideal for sanitizing clothes. Complex Features: Advanced features may require a learning curve for some users. Digital Inverter Technology: Ensures a quieter operation and longer durability with less energy consumption. Weight: Might be heavy, making it difficult to move once installed. Versatile Washing Programs: Includes a variety of programs suitable for different types of fabrics and soiling levels. Size: Requires adequate space for installation, may not be suitable for very small laundry areas. Eco-Friendly Wash Options: Features like Eco Drum Clean help in maintaining the washer's hygiene without using harsh chemicals. Wi-Fi Connectivity: Lacks smart Wi-Fi connectivity, which is available in some other models. Child Lock Feature: Enhances safety, preventing accidental changes to wash settings by children. Cycle Duration: Some wash cycles may be lengthy, depending on the selected program. Stylish Design: Sleek and modern appearance that enhances the aesthetics of your laundry area. Limited Capacity: While 8kg is sufficient for most families, it may not be ideal for very large households. B09KGW3NWL Also Read: 10 best washing machines in India in November 2023 3. Samsung 8 Kg Inverter 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE/TL, White, Hygiene Steam) This Samsung washing machine takes care of your dirtiest laundry with precision. Its Inverter motor delivers efficient, quiet cleaning while the massive 8kg drum has room for all your bulky blankets and bedding. The Hygiene Steam feature uses hot steam to eliminate bacteria and allergens from your clothes, keeping your family healthy. A 5-star energy rating means lower utility bills while the fully-automatic controls let you simply load and go - the machine does the thinking for you. The sleek white finish complements any laundry room decor and a 10-year Inverter warranty provides lasting peace of mind. This washing machine tackles even your toughest laundry tasks with Samsung's signature intelligent features, innovative technology and meticulous attention to detail so you can spend the least time doing laundry. Specifications of Samsung 8 Kg Inverter 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE/TL, White, Hygiene Steam): Capacity: 8 Kg Energy Efficiency: 5 Star Control Type: Fully-Automatic Color: White Motor Type: Digital Inverter Special Features: Hygiene Steam, Delay End, Child Lock Wash Programs: Comprehensive selection including Delicates, Bedding, etc. Pros Cons Energy Efficiency: 5-star rating ensures high energy efficiency, leading to lower electricity bills. Price: Might be priced higher compared to basic models due to advanced features. Hygiene Steam: Offers deep and hygienic cleaning by removing ingrained dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Complex Features: Advanced features might require a learning curve for some users. Digital Inverter Technology: Provides long-lasting performance, less noise, and reduced energy consumption. Size & Weight: May be bulky and heavy, requiring ample space and effort for installation. Variety of Wash Programs: Caters to different washing needs with multiple programs for different fabric types. Repair & Maintenance: Advanced technology might lead to higher repair and maintenance costs. Child Lock Feature: Increases safety by preventing unintended changes in the washing cycle by children. Limited Load Capacity: 8 kg capacity might not be sufficient for larger households with heavier laundry loads. Eco-Friendly: Uses less water and energy, making it an environmentally friendly choice. LED Panel Display: Enhances user convenience with easy-to-use control panel and display. B08ZJZJZFB Top 3 features for you Product Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star AI Control & Wi-Fi, Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T504DAB1TL, Black Caviar, Digital Inverter) AI Control with Wi-Fi Connectivity Eco Bubble Technology Digital Inverter Motor Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star Inverter, Hygiene Steam Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE1TL, White) Hygiene Steam Function Diamond Drum Interior LED Panel Display Samsung 8 Kg Inverter 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine (WW80T4040CE/TL, White, Hygiene Steam) Hygiene Steam for Deep Cleaning 15' Quick Wash Program Child Lock Safety Feature Best value for money Samsung 8 Kg 5 Star AI Control & Wi-Fi, Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine makes laundry day an enjoyable experience. With AI control and Wi-Fi connectivity, you get the best wash quality while saving energy and water. The 1400 RPM spin speeds help clothes dry faster after the cycle ends. The 22 wash cycles include specialized options like baby care, activewear, and delicates, so you can wash any fabric with confidence in supreme gentleness. The diamond drum and ecobubble technology powerfully clean fabrics even at lower temperatures. And the hygiene steam cycle gives all your clothes a truly deep and hygienic wash. Other handy features like drum clean, stayclean drawer and bubble soak keep the machine and your clothes in tip-top shape. Intelligent technology and thoughtful features make this Samsung washer a pleasure to own. Best overall product Forget about hours spent hand-washing clothes and drying racks filling your living space. Samsung 8 Kg Inverter 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine packs Hygiene Steam that kills bacteria and allergens in clothes for a deep clean, so your family's clothes come out fresh and bacteria-free. The Inverter Direct Drive Motor reduces noise and vibration for a quiet, soothing cycle. Plus, the 8kg capacity fits a week's worth of laundry for a family of four, cutting down the number of loads you do. Now you can get back to more important things, like that stay-in-bed day. How to find the Best Samsung 8kg Front Load Washing Machine? Evaluate Your Laundry Habits: 1. Frequency of Use: Consider how often you do laundry. If you wash frequently, look for models with features like QuickDrive which save time. 2. Type of Clothes: If you wash a variety of fabrics, seek a model with multiple wash programs and delicate care options like EcoBubble. 3. Energy Efficiency: Look for machines with high energy ratings. Models with Digital Inverter Technology are usually more energy-efficient and quieter. Technology and Features: 1. Smart Features: If you value convenience, opt for a model with SmartThings app compatibility for remote monitoring and control. 2. Innovative Cleaning Technologies: EcoBubble technology is excellent for effective low-temperature washing, while QuickDrive offers faster cycles. Size and Installation Space: Ensure the dimensions of the washing machine fit in your designated laundry space. Also, consider door opening and any other spatial requirements. Budget: Samsung 8kg front loaders come in various price ranges. Determine your budget and balance it with the features you need. Warranty and After-Sales Service: Check the warranty period and what it covers. Also, consider the brand's reputation for customer service and availability of service centers. User Reviews and Ratings: Read customer reviews and ratings to understand real-world performance and reliability. Pay attention to reviews about the models durability and any common issues. Additional Features: Some models may have unique features such as steam cleaning, self-cleaning drums, or noise reduction systems. Consider if these additional features are beneficial for your usage. Compare Models: Compare different models within the Samsung 8kg front loader range. Look at their specifications side by side to see which offers the best value for your specific needs. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Renowned actor Andre Braugher, a recipient of two Emmy Awards and celebrated for his memorable roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street, died on December 11. The late actors publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed his death to The Associated Press and shared that he died after a short illness at the age of 61. Andre Braugher died at the age of 61. Following the announcement of his death, grief swept through many, with numerous netizens expressing their sorrow on various platforms. Several took to X to share their reactions. A few posted their favourite moments from the shows and films he has done. While others mentioned how he was 'an underrated actor with great performances. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Here's how X reacted: More about Andre Braugher: The Chicago-born actor had his breakthrough in Glory, a 1989 film co-starring Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, who won an Academy Award for the picture about an all-Black army regiment during the Civil War. Braugher later established himself in the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, in the series Homicide: Life on the Street, which went on for seven seasons. He also won his first Emmy for this role. Then he won his second for a 2006 limited series Thief on FX. In 2013, Braugher won the hearts of people with his role as Captain Holt in the comedy show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The show ran for eight seasons. An Australian family, who decorated their house with a Christmas tree received the shock of their life after a deadly snake was discovered under it. As per reports, once the snake was found slithering in their living room, the woman in the house immediately called Drew Godfrey, of Hervey Bay Snake Catchers, in Queensland. The snake was released in the wild after being rescued. (YouTube/@Hervey Bay Snake Catchers) Godfrey told Newsweek, "This is the second most venomous terrestrial (land) snake on Earth. It's the species that is responsible for the most fatalities in Australia out of any other snake. If someone, especially the kids were to accidentally step on it, then there is a high probability that the snake will bite." (Also Read: Snake dangles from ceiling behind man, he continues podcast like it's no big deal) Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The snake catcher also shared a video of catching the snake on his YouTube channel. The clip shows him removing the gifts under the Christmas tree to spot the snake. Once he got a hold of it, he picks it by its tail and puts it in a bag. At the end of the video, he shows that he left the snake back in wild. Watch the video here: This post was shared on December 11. Since being posted, it has gained more than 3,400 views and a few likes. A few also took to the comments section of the post to share their reactions. Here's what people are saying about the clip: An individual wrote, "Are all Aussies this nonchalant about having a highly venomous snake show up under their Christmas tree?? If that happened in my house, I might just burn the place down and start over somewhere else, like Antarctica." A second commented, "woah! That could have been a tragedy in the making." "Geez, which suburb of Harvey Bay was this beauty at?" posted a third. The 70-hour work week has been a hot topic of discussion for a few weeks now. Industrialist Harsh Goenka, too, shared a hilarious post on this. He suggested a conversation between Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and social media influencer Orry on the topic of a 70-hour work week. Goenka even offered to moderate the conversation. Narayana Murthy said that in order to compete with the fastest-growing countries like China and Japan, youngsters need to work for at least 70 hours a week. (X/@hvgoenka) Can someone please organise a conversation between Narayana Murthy and Orry on the need for a 70-hour working week! wrote Harsh Goenka while sharing a picture of Narayana Murthy and Orry on X. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Take a look at the tweet shared by Harsh Goenka here: In the comments section of this post, he even shared that he can host this conversation. Heres how people reacted to Harsh Goenkas suggestion: If it happens it will break all the records of viewership, posted an individual. Another added, A 7 mins talk at least. He will then become a talker. That would be the debate to watch. Hilarious, expressed a third. A fourth commented, OMG, Id love to see that debate! Popcorn ready! That would be interesting, shared a fifth. Murthy on 70-hour work week Infosys co-founder and former CEO Narayana Murthy sparked a discussion on work-life balance after he made a remark on the work productivity of the country on a podcast. During his conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy stressed that youth should work for at least 70 hours a week to boost the countrys work productivity. This, in his opinion, is needed for the country to remain competitive with nations like China and Japan. During the conversation with Mohandas Pai, Murthy said, If we want to compete with the fastest growing countries like China and Japan, we need to boost up our work productivity. At the moment, Indias work productivity is very low. The government also must reduce the time it takes for decision-making and curb corruption in bureaucracy. Our youngsters need to work for at least 70 hours a week, he added. What are your thoughts on this? Minnesota's Duluth Fire Department responded to a complaint of a pit bull breaking free from his leash and jumping into a lake near the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. When they reached the scene, they found the dog suffering in chilly waters and heavy eight-foot waves of Lake Superior. The fire department shared about the rescue of the dog on Facebook. Since being posted, many appreciated the heroic efforts of the Duluth Fire Department. Snapshot of the dog stuck in Lake Superior. "The dog was struggling in 8-foot plus waves in the middle of the ship canal. Crew members entered the water in ice rescue suits that are designed to work in the extreme cold water and ice of Lake Superior. Rescue 1 crew members fought their way through the waves to find the dog but were struggling to see him due to the large waves and limited light. The dog was also dark in colour and kept slipping below the surface making him difficult to find," wrote the Duluth Fire Department on Facebook. (Also Read: Limping dog tied to a pole, saved by animal rescue team) Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here They further added, "The dog was large, scared and was struggling which added to the difficulty. The crew and dog were being swept in towards the bay, and as they were passing under the bridge, Marine-3 arrived on the scene. DFD crew members in the boat and the water struggled in the waves but were able to get the dog and the firefighters into the boat. The boat was driven to the back side of the South Pier Inn where the water is calmer and more protected." The fire department also informed that the dog was completely exhausted when it was rescued. It was later given medical treatment and reunited with its owners. Take a look at the post here: This post was shared on December 11. Since being shared, it has more than 1,100 likes and numerous comments. Many thanked the fire department for their efforts. Here's what people are saying about it: An individual wrote, "Big thank you, for the work you all do day in and out and for the explanation. You are all appreciated!" A second shared, "Thank you for the explanation of how this rescue occurred and the logic behind helping to save a pet. Excellent job, and thank you for being there when the community needs you!" "Good decision making. This does protect the public and it indeed reunites a loved pet with the family. Strong work," commented a third. A fourth added, "Thank you for saving the dog! Animals are family too." Twenty-two years after the dastardly attack on the Parliament on December 13, 2001, Masood Azhar Alvi, the Jaish-e-Mohammed king-pin who orchestrated the terror strike, apparently lives under protective custody of Pakistani deep state in Islamabad. The 55-year-old terrorist seldom travels to his seminary, Markaz-e-Usman-o-Ali, on Railway Link road in Bahawalpur Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Charge-sheeted by the Delhi Police in 2001 Parliament attack and 2016 Pathankot airbase attack by the Punjab Police, Azhar has used JeM cadre to mount brutal terror attacks on India, including attack on Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya on July 5, 2005 and the Pulwama attack on CRPF troopers on February 14, 2019. He also directed an attack on the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif in Balk in Afghanistan on January 3, 2016. He was a close ally of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban founder Mullah Omar. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Consumed by hatred for India and the treatment meted out to him by Indian security forces while in custody between 1994-2000, Azhar has brought India and Pakistan nearly to war every time his Deobandi jihadis have attacked the Indian hinterland. But the Pakistani authorities have always feted the jihadi rather than holding him accountable for terror attacks on India. While the Narendra Modi government retaliated to Pulwama attack by hitting at JeM terror training camp at Balakot in KPK on February 26, 2019, the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee was on the verge of launching an attack in Occupied Kashmir after mobilizing Indian armed forces within four days of the Parliament attack. It was under the Indian threat of war and international pressure that Azhar was designated as a terrorist by Pakistan on January 14, 2002 and Jaish a terrorist group by the then Pakistani dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf. Also read: Masood Azhars associate among 2 men charged by NIA for recruiting terrorists However, Azhar is the jihadi jewel of Pakistan, and Islamabad has ensured that the Jaish terrorist is kept out of harm's way by giving his security which is normally given to a visiting head of state. This is despite the fact that in December 2003, JeM cadre along with Al Qaeda cadres were involved in two unsuccessful attacks on General Musharraf and to defy the ban imposed by Pakistan government, the group changed its name to Khuddamul Islam. In order to maintain full control over the terror group, Azhar has placed his close family members in charge of the group and its front organizations. Masoods younger brother Abdul Rauf Asgar Alvi runs day to day affairs of the terrorist group. His other brother Talha Saif is head of Al Murabitoon, the student wing of JeM. Mohammed Yousuf Azhar, Masoods brother in law, is head of training activities of the jihadi group. His older brother Ibrahim Athar Alvi, the man orchestrated the IC-814 hijacking in December 1999 to free Azhar, is the operational head of the group with Maulana Ashfaq Ahmad, another brother in law of Masood, the coordinator the Al Rehmat Trust, the principal fund collector for global jihad but overtly operates as a charity wing of the JeM. Even though Pakistan is under global scanner for terror activities of jihadists groups, Azhars JeM is active across the Jammu and Kashmir sector with the sole purpose to hit India and cause communal strife in the country. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak slips to worst ever rating has his government faces Rwanda policy row, according to a survey published by YouGov. The poll found 70 per cent of people have an unfavourable opinion of the premier while 21 per cent have a favourable view. This means that Rishi Sunak's net favourability rating is at minus 49 - down by 10 points from late November and the lowest score he has recorded since becoming PM in October last year. Britain's prime minister Rishi Sunak reacts outside 10 Downing Street in London.(Reuters) As per the poll, majority of 2019 Tory voters - 56 per cent - said that they had a negative view of Mr Sunak while 40 per cent had a positive view. The score is comparable to Boris Johnsons during his final months in office but it was still higher than Liz Truss. This comes as Rishi Sunak faces multiple challenges as he tries to restore the image of his Conservative party. Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party is ahead as per the poll. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Rishi Sunak's party faces an internal row that has threatened to scupper the prime ministers signature policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. Tory MP Philip Davies said that the party is completely united in its desire to stop illegal immigration, adding, "We are all united in the view that we want to stop illegal immigration, and also that we think that sending them to Rwanda, a third country, is actually the right solution. The Conservative Party in Parliament is united in that belief. Now, obviously, we all have our own particular opinions about whether or not this Bill will be wholly effective or whether it could be improved and all the rest of it. But were completely united in that desire to stop illegal immigration and do what it takes. UK transport secretary Mark Harper said that Rishi Sunak will continue listening to Conservative MPs about possible amendments to his Rwanda Bill. All Conservative MPs want to deal with this. Well continue listening to colleagues if colleagues have got ideas about how to strengthen the Bill and improve it consistent with international law and with keeping Rwanda onside, whove made it clear that they want us to stick with international law," he said. In its official response to a Hinduphobia petition before the House of Commons, the Canadian Government has said it rejects all forms of hate and discrimination and believes all Canadians must stand up against it where and when ever it is encountered. Canadian MP Melissa Lantsman with members of Hindu organisation at Canadas Parliament last month. (Melissa Lantsman/Facebook) However, the Government response from its Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Kamal Khera and signed by her Parliamentary Secretary Sameer Zuberi has left the petitioners disappointed. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Reacting to the Government response, the person who moved the petition, e-4507, Brampton-based Vijay Jain, said, The response from the Government is very frustrating. He pointed out the response does meet the requests made in the petition to recognize Hinduphobia as a term in the glossary of terms in the Human Rights Code to describe anti-Hindu prejudice and discrimination, to define Hinduphobia as denial, negation, prejudice or vilification against Hindus, Hinduism, or Hinduness and to raise awareness and address systemic and institutional Hinduphobia. He said while the human rights code in Canada was prescriptive when it came to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, similar measures were not being applied against growing Hinduphobia. This itself shows systemic discrimination against Hindus in Canada, he said. Jain added he and other community groups had sought a meeting with Khera but had yet to get an appointment. In its response, the Government thanked the petitioner for expressing their concerns regarding the growing negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination of Hindus in Canada. The petition had gathered 25,794 signatures as against the 500 needed to elicit a formal Government response. While presenting it in the House of Commons on November 3, Conservative Party MP Melissa Lantsman said, Canadian Hindus are facing growing negative stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, at work, in schools and in their communities while traditions and cultures are misrepresented and misunderstood. A total of 81 community organisations including major temples had backed the petition. The petition gathered momentum after the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJ released a video in September targeting Canadian Hindus of Indian origin. In a video that went viral, SFJs legal counsel Gurpatwant Pannun said, Indo-Hindus leave Canada, go to India. You not only support India but you are also supporting the suppression of speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs, he said, adding they were also promoting violence by celebrating Nijjars assassination. He was referring to the killing SFJs principal figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18. That murder has bedevilled relations between India and Canada after Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were credible allegations of a potential link between the crime and Indian agents. Other than the SFJ video, there have been at least a dozen instances since last summer when temples were desecrated either with pro-Khalistan graffiti or posters attacking Indias seniormost diplomats in Canada. Those acts have led to the issue of Hinduphobia coming to the fore in Canada, and the phenomenon recognised by Canadian leaders. In April this year, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, told the outlet Prime Asia, We have to stop Hinduphobia and nasty comments that are made about Hindus and the vandalism and other violence targeting Hindu Canadians. This is totally unacceptable. Tropical Cyclone Jasper hit northeast Australia Wednesday, leaving thousands of people in coastal communities without power and preparing for potentially "life-threatening" floods. A cyclist pedals along boardwalk as Cyclone Jasper approaches landfall in Cairns in far north Queensland.(AFP) The Category Two storm barrelled in off the Coral Sea, making landfall at around 5:00 pm on Wednesday (0700 GMT), government meteorologists said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Damaging winds of up to 113 kilometres (70 miles) per hour were recorded as Jasper hit the coast, while meteorologists said pummelling rains could swamp some areas with flash flooding. Rough surf, strong winds and heavy rain pelted the seaside town of Palm Cove, where usually bustling restaurants and high-end hotels battened down the hatches and waited for the storm to pass. Uprooted vegetation littered the town's coastal promenade and rows of coconut palms and melaleuca trees bowed under the strain of Jasper's gusts. "It's over the next few hours that we are expecting to see that heavy rainfall really picking up," government meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said Wednesday afternoon as the storm loomed at sea. "As the tropical cyclone nears the coast, that's when we are going to see the most dangerous and most impactful weather developing." The cyclone "slowly" made landfall near the largely Aboriginal settlement of Wujal Wujal, the Bureau of Meteorology said, whipping up "destructive wind gusts". The tourist cities of Cairns and Port Douglas -- both gateways to the Great Barrier Reef -- were also in the path of the storm. Deputy Premier Steven Miles had warned that "dangerous and life-threatening" floods could linger for "days to come". About 15,000 homes were left without electricity as winds picked up Wednesday afternoon, utility companies and the Queensland state government said. Authorities are warning of damage to fences, roofs and other property -- and had urged residents to tie down loose items before the storm arrived. Flood watches are in place for rivers across the region and power has preemptively been cut to areas where damage is expected. Four government weather forecasters had to be plucked from a remote offshore monitoring station as Tropical Cyclone Jasper intensified late last week. An Australian naval destroyer was dispatched to evacuate the meteorologists from Willis Island, which lies about 450 kilometres east of the Australian mainland. The forecasters were dropped off in Sydney by the HMAS Brisbane guided-missile destroyer on Tuesday. "Waiting out Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper on Willis Island was not something we wanted to take a chance on," forecaster William Tom said on Wednesday. The deputy editor of Russia president Vladimir Putins favourite newspaper was found dead at her home in mysterious circumstances, it was reported. Anna Tsareva, 35, worked for pro-Putin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda. She was found unresponsive at her home in Moscow just a year after her former boss also died in a suspicious manner, several media reports claimed. Anna Tsareva Death: Anna Tsareva was found dead at her home. Anna Tsarevas body was discovered by her father after he lost contact with her for a few days and went to check-up on her, they added. There was no indication of a break-in to her apartment nor any signs of a violent death but she had developed an acute respiratory viral infection and had a high fever for several days. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here It is also suspected that she died of acute heart failure. Anna Tsareva was reported to be in charge of content on Komsomolskaya Pravdas website- the biggest news website in Russia with 83.9 million readers in October 2023. Last year, her boss Vladimir Sungorkin, 68, editor-in-chief and director general of Komsomolskaya Pravda, died of an apparent heart attack. His death had been seen as suspicious after medics found signs of suffocation, it was then reported. Vladimir Sungorkin was accused of disseminating and legitimising aggressive anti-Ukraine and anti-Western propaganda of the Putin regime under direct Kremlin authority in one of Russias most popular media outlets. The commission stated, The newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda has been described also by President Vladimir Putin as his favourite newspaper. Its editor is therefore responsible for supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Thousands of wild animals and plants have been seized in an operation targeting international traffickers. Over 25 days, more than 500 arrests were made as part of Operation Thunder, a joint project between INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Images released by customs agencies from Thailand, India, Brazil, Botswana, the Czech Republic and Indonesia highlight the elaborate mechanisms smugglers use to hide wildlife in suitcases and boxes. Tortoises were among the animals seized during Operation Thunder. Source: Thai Customs Australias Department of Agriculture (DAFF) confirmed it was among the 133 countries that contributed to the operation. However how it specifically helped remains a mystery, because the department said it was unable to provide details at this time. (DAFF) has a regulatory responsibility at the Australian border to monitor and respond to matters of biosecurity and in that capacity took part in 2023 Operation Thunder As these relate to an ongoing investigation, the department is unable to comment further, it said. Illegal wildlife seizures by the numbers Operation Thunder occurred in October this year, and included the sharing of intelligence and the arrest of traffickers operating online trying to smuggle illegal timber across borders. INTERPOL reported hundreds of cars, trucks, and cargo ships were searched and X-ray scanners and sniffer dogs were used to detect illegal items being sent through airports. Much of the wildlife is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) because they are threatened with extinction. Operation Thunder resulted in the seizure of 2,114 items. Source: ICCWC, WCO, INTERPOL Wildlife and forestry crimes deprive countries of their natural assets and are invariably linked to armed violence, corruption, and a wide range of financial crimes which serve as the backbone of larger transnational crime operations worldwide, INTERPOL Secretary General Jurgen Stock said. In total 2,114 seizures were made, including 313kg of elephant ivory, 8kg of rhino horn, 53 live primates, and 556 tonnes of timber. Story continues Elephant tusks can be seen using an airport X-ray scanner. Source: Indonesia Customs 15 live pangolins were seized during the operation. Source: Botswana Customs WCO Secretary General Dr Kunio Mikuriya said the operation played a pivotal role in disrupting criminal networks. At the forefront of this strategy, customs employ intelligence-sharing, collaboration, and technological advancements. These measures are crucial to stay one step ahead of criminals, thereby ensuring that customs' contribution to combating wildlife crime is dynamic and adaptive, Mikuriya added. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. The EU released 10.2 billion euros ($11 billion) of funding for Hungary on Wednesday, the eve of a summit on support for Ukraine that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to derail. Although the green light had been expected, it quickly sparked outrage, with EU lawmakers accusing the commission of giving in to Hungary's "blackmail". The European Commission insisted Hungary had undertaken measures to improve the judiciary's independence, therefore meeting the requirements to access the money. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Although the green light had been expected, it quickly sparked outrage, with EU lawmakers accusing the commission of giving in to Hungary's "blackmail". It is, however, far from clear that Brussels's gesture will avert a dispute between the EU leaders. The leaders will be in Brussels from Thursday to discuss renewing their support for Ukraine, with a macroeconomic package of 50 billion euros ($54 billion) and a promise of formal membership talks on the table. Orban has threatened to veto both measures, which would condemn the summit to failure and leave Ukraine -- and its neighbour Moldova, also hoping for membership talks -- out in the cold almost two years after Russia launched an all-out invasion of Kyiv's territory. Hungary insists it has principled objections to Kyiv's move for membership, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelensky's wartime administration has not done enough to fight corruption. Budapest is demanding a "strategic discussion" on ties with Kyiv before any decision. But many in other EU capitals suspect that Orban is exploiting the summit and the power of his veto on enlargement to blackmail Brussels into resuming Hungary's suspended transfer payments. EU officials have denied the latest move was to appease Orban. Under the right-wing authoritarian nationalist, Hungary stands accused of breaching EU standards of democracy and the rule of law, and tens of billions of euros in funding are blocked. - 'Disastrous signal' - "Von der Leyen is paying the biggest bribe in EU history to the autocrat and Putin-friend Viktor Orban. The signal is disastrous: Viktor Orban's blackmail pays off," German MEP Daniel Freund said on social media. The chiefs of the parliament's four groups wrote a letter to commission head Ursula von der Leyen to oppose the funds' release, noting that the conditions had "not been fulfilled". Criticism was not just limited to the parliament. "The European Commission cannot claim to uphold democracy in the EU if it is not serious about sanctioning those that breach its values," Vitor Teixeira of Transparency International, said. "Today's decision sends the opposite signal: that destruction to democratic society can go unpunished if mere cosmetic reforms are undertaken," Teixeira said. In December 2022, the EU suspended a total of around 21.7 billion euros of cohesion funds planned for Hungary for the period 2021 to 2027, pending the completion by Budapest of a certain number of reforms. Hungary did carry out some judicial reforms aimed at restoring the power and independence of the National Judicial Council and limiting the government's ability to challenge court rulings. These measures came into force in June. Meanwhile, around 11.7 billion euros would remain frozen pending progress regarding conditions for awarding public contracts, protecting academic freedom, ensuring the rights of LGBTQ people and accepting migrants' right to claim asylum. In a separate procedure, the EU has suspended a further 10.4 billion euros designed to fund Hungary's post-Covid recovery plan, pending more reforms. The European Union's chief executive called on Wednesday for the bloc to support Ukraine as long as it takes, her remarks ahead of a key European leaders' summit standing in sharp contrast with Hungary's criticism of giving more aid to Kyiv. Russia-Ukraine War: Investigators look for fragments of a rocket inside a crater after a Russian rocket attack at a residential neighbourhood in Kyiv, Ukraine.(AP) Hungary is critical of granting Ukraine more financial aid and has threatened to veto advancing Kyiv's EU membership bid at a summit of the bloc's leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Ukraine looks to the summit for a positive signal on its future in the European Union and existential budget aid as the country is increasingly exhausted from nearly two years of fighting a war against a Russian invasion. "As the war drags on, we must prove what it means to support Ukraine for as long as it takes," European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament ahead of the leaders' summit. After the overwhelming support from three-quarters of 193 member states in the United Nations General Assembly on the immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Israel faces growing diplomatic isolation in its war against Hamas. Although the US voted against the resolution passed in the assembly, President Joe Biden warned Israel about losing support amid indiscriminate bombing of civilians in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan speaks to delegates during the United Nations General Assembly(REUTERS) Ahead of the UNGA voting, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his government which is dominated by hard-right parties warning it would lead to losing international support in its offensive bid against Hamas. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here India voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the unconditional release of all hostages. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)(UN GA President Twitter) The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution, introduced by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session here Tuesday. The resolution was adopted with 153 votes in favour, while 23 nations abstained and 10 voted against the text. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The resolution, sponsored among others by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians." It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. The resolution however did not name Hamas and the US proposed an amendment to the draft resolution, calling for the insertion of the paragraph: Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages in the main text. India voted in favour of the amendment. In October, India had abstained in the General Assembly on a resolution that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip. The Jordanian-drafted resolution had also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip. The vote in the UNGA Tuesday came days after the 15-nation UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire after permanent member the United States vetoed the text. The UNSC resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates, backed by over 90 Member States, got 13 votes in its favour while the United Kingdom abstained. More than 1,200 people were killed, including 33 children, and thousands injured in the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, so far at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent of whom are said to be women and children, and about 49,645 are reportedly injured, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. India's ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has praised and expressed pleasure over the launch of made-in-India bicycles at Walmart in the US. Indian ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu posing with India made cycle in US.(X/ @SandhuTaranjitS) While sharing a photo of a blue-coloured bicycle on X (formerly Twitter), Sandhu said, Make in India, Make for the World! Delighted to witness the launch of Walmart first made in bicycles, manufactured by #HeroCycles #Ludhiana. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Walmart on Tuesday announced that the first made-in-India bicycles would hit selected stores in the US market just in time for the Christmas holidays. The initiative is part of Walmart's commitment to triple exports to $10 billion annually by 2027. Hero Ecotech, one of India's bicycle manufacturers has designed a cruiser-style bicylce for Walmart carrying the Concord brand available in both adult-sized mens and womens versions adding to the companys growing bicycle offerings. The cruisers sold in Walmart US stores are built with more than 90% of raw materials sourced from India. Andrea Albright, Executive Vice President, Sourcing, Walmart said, "India is well-positioned to support increased demand for products by Walmart customers, and we are excited about our partnership with Hero Ecotech. This collaboration furthers our work to strengthen resiliency in our global supply while contributing to economic growth worldwide. Walmart launched the Walmart Vriddhi initiative in 2019, which aimed to contribute to the Make in India initiative by empowering around 50,000 MSMEs by helping them modernise, scale and achieve their domestic and international ambitions, the US retail giant said in the statement. (With inputs from agencies) Iran on Wednesday executed a bank guard who was convicted of fatally shooting a senior cleric in April following months of unrest, state media reported. An Iranian flag flutters.(Reuters) Ayatollah Abbas Ali Soleimani, 77, was the most senior member of the clergy who was killed after protests and a bloody security crackdown on demonstrators. The protesters were enraged by the death in September of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested by the country's morality police. The protests gradually died in early months of the year. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A Wednesday report by the official IRNA news agency said the execution took place in northern city of Babol in Iran's Mazandaran province, just north of the capital, Tehran, in the presence of the victim's family. The report said a court sentenced the man to death in May and the Supreme Court upheld the verdict. It did not elaborate but Iran usually applies hanging. Authorities offered no motive for the attack in April in Babolsar, a town near the place of the execution. Soleiman had served on the Assembly of Experts, an 88-seat panel overseeing the post of Iran's supreme leader. He had also once served as the personal representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Iran's restive southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Though Shiite clergy have long held an important role in Iran, particularly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, discontent has increased in recent years during waves of nationwide protests over economic, political and civil rights issues. Israel announced its worst combat losses for more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza, and faced growing diplomatic isolation as civilian deaths mounted and a humanitarian catastrophe worsened in the Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would fight on despite international pressure for a ceasefire. (AFP) Intense fighting was underway in both north and south Gaza, a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. US President Joe Biden said Israel's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing international support. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would fight on despite international pressure for a ceasefire. "We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio. "I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us." Israel reported 10 of its soldiers killed in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant-colonel commanding a regiment. It was the worst one-day loss since 15 soldiers were killed on Oct. 31. Most of the deaths came in the Shejaia district of Gaza City in the north, where troops were ambushed trying to rescue another group of soldiers who had attacked Hamas fighters in a building, the military said. Hamas said the incident showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing." Israel had global sympathy when it launched a campaign to annihilate the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza after fighters stormed across the border fence on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and seizing 240 hostages. But since then, Israel has besieged the enclave and laid much of it to waste. Gaza's health ministry said on Wednesday at least 18,608 people have been killed and 50,594 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct. 7. Many thousands more are feared lost in the rubble or beyond the reach of ambulances. Warplanes again bombed the length of Gaza and aid officials said the arrival of winter rain worsened conditions for hundreds of thousands sleeping rough in makeshift tents. The vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been made homeless. In Rafah, in Gaza's south where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter, the bodies of a family killed in an overnight air strike were being laid out in the rain in bloodied white shrouds, including several small children. One, the size of a newborn, was wrapped in a pink blanket. GRAVESTONES SCATTERED Ahmed Abu Reyash collected the bodies of his nieces, aged 5 and 7. As he walked through the street carrying one of the girls, a relative tugged at the shroud and shouted: "These are children! Children! Do they kill anyone other than children? No! These are innocents! They killed them with their dirty hands!" At a tent camp in Rafah, Yasmin Mhani said she had woken up at night to find her youngest child, who is seven months old, soaking wet. Her family of five are sharing a single blanket after their home was destroyed by an Israeli air strike. One child was killed and they lost all their possessions. "Our house was destroyed, our child was martyred and I remain facing it all. This is the fifth place we have had to move to, fleeing from one place to another, with nothing but a t-shirt on," she said, hanging wet clothes outside her tent. The scars of Israel's ground assault could also be seen in a cemetery in the Al-Faluja neighbourhood of Jabalia, northern Gaza, where passing tanks had churned up the ground, breaking and scattering gravestones and disinterring some corpses. Since a week-long truce collapsed at the start of December, Israeli forces have extended their ground campaign from the northern Gaza Strip into the south with the storming of the main southern city of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, fighting has only intensified amid the rubble of the north, where Israel had previously said its military objectives had been largely met. In the south, Israeli forces storming Khan Younis advanced in recent days to the city centre. The Israelis were using bulldozers to destroy a road near the Khan Younis home of the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Al-Sinwar, resident Abu Abdallah told Reuters. Hospitals in the north have largely stopped functioning altogether. In the south, they have been overrun by dead and wounded, carried in by the dozen throughout the day and night. "Doctors including myself are stepping over the bodies of children to treat children who will die," Dr Chris Hook, a British physician deployed with medical charity MSF at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, told Reuters. Israel says it has been encouraging increased aid to Gaza through Egypt's border, and is announcing daily four-hour pauses in operations near Rafah to help civilians reach it. The U.N. says cumbersome inspections and insecurity limit aid flows. UN VOTE The UN General Assembly vote demanding a ceasefire has no legal force but was the strongest sign yet of eroding international support for Israel's actions. Three-quarters of the 193 member states voted in favour and only eight countries joined the United States and Israel in voting against. Before the vote, Biden said Israel still has support from "most of the world" for its fight against Hamas. "But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he told a campaign donor event. In the most public sign of division between the U.S. and Israeli leaders so far, Biden said Netanyahu needed to change his hardline government, and that ultimately Israel "can't say no" to an independent Palestinian state, opposed by far-right members of the Israeli cabinet. (Reporting by Bassam Massoud in Khan Younis, Gaza, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Dan Williams and Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem, Maggie Fick in London and Reuters bureauxWriting by Peter Graff and William Maclean; Editing by Nick Macfie and Angus MacSwan) Strong wind and heavy rain in Gaza overnight on Wednesday brought even worse misery to displaced families, tearing and flooding flimsy tents, drenching clothes and blankets and making everyone cold. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians walk under the rain at a camp for displaced people in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.(AFP) At a tent camp in Rafah, located on sandy terrain strewn with rubbish, people were trying to recover from a horrible night, carrying buckets of sand to cover puddles inside or just outside their tents, and hanging up soggy clothes. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Some families have proper tents, but others are making do with tarpaulins or thin, see-through plastic made to protect goods, not provide shelter for people. Many tents have no ground-sheets, so people spent the night huddling on wet sand. "It is torn and water poured on us. We were drenched," said Ramadan Mohadad, a middle-aged man who was trying to fix his family's shelter fashioned from strips of plywood and a thin plastic sheet. Mohadad's white t-shirt with stripes had large wet patches around the collar and on both shoulders. "We tried as much as we could to protect ourselves so water would not get through but rain got in ... This plastic does not protect people sleeping under it," he said. Rips were visible in other families' plastic shelters, and some showed puddles inside. One family had placed a cement block at the entrance to act as a sort of dam, as well as smaller bricks inside that looked like stepping stones. Read more: Russian man who flew to Los Angeles without passport or ticket charged Yasmin Mhani said she had woken up in the night to find her youngest child, who is seven-months old, soaking wet. Her family of five are sharing a single blanket after their home was destroyed by an Israeli air strike and they lost one of the children, as well as all their possessions. "Our house was destroyed, our child was martyred and I remain facing it all. This is the fifth place we have had to move to, fleeing from one place to another, with nothing but a t-shirt on," she said, hanging wet clothes outside her tent. FEAR OF BEING PUSHED TO EGYPT Rafah, next to the border with Egypt, is the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, where people have been arriving in growing numbers to seek refuge from intense fighting between Israel and Hamas, now raging in both the north and south. Inas, a 38-year-old mother of five, said she and her family had been forced to flee four times since the war started - first from the Twam area in northern Gaza City to the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood, then to Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, then to the city of Khan Younis, and now to Rafah. The family previously owned a five-floor house and a supermarket, which have been completely destroyed, she said. Israel's foreign minister said that Tel Aviv will not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza at this stage as it would be a mistake. Israel will continue its war on Hamas whether or not it has international support, foreign minister Eli Cohen said as per news agency Reuters. Israel-Hamas War: An Israeli soldier poses with a flag of Israel as he prepares to return to the Gaza Strip, near the border area in southern Israel.(AFP) Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel, he said, calling on the international community to act "effectively and aggressively" in order to protect global shipping lanes. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Read more: Joe Biden to meet families of 8 Americans taken hostage by Hamas This comes as US national security advisor Jake Sullivan is set to travel to Israel to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials amid mounting international pressure over its war in Gaza. Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel on December 14 and December 15 to meet with the Israeli PM, his cabinet and country's president Isaac Herzog "to discuss the latest developments in Israel and Gaza," White House said. The trip comes amid open tensions between US president Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israeli military operation in Gaza. Joe Biden said that Israel is losing support over its "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza and that Netanyahu should change his cabinet. Joe Biden said that Israel still has support from "most of the world" for its fight against Hamas but they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Israel's retaliation against Hamas has killed 18,000 people, wounded 50,000 and created a humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Joe Biden will also hold his first in-person meeting with the families of eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed to be taken captive by Hamas, the White House said. Family members of all eight would participate in the meeting either in person or virtually. Japan's health ministry said that a man in his 30s who was living in Saitama Prefecture had died of mpox marking the first such death in the country due to the viral infection. The man suffered from immunodeficiency, the ministry said as per news agency Reuters. This comes months after the World Health Organization declared in May that mpox is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. At that time, there was an observed decline in new infection cases throughout the world. Japan Mpox Death: The virus was until recently known as monkeypox. Mpox was formerly known as monkeypox but renamed due to concerns about racism and stigmatization. Japan's first case of mpox was confirmed in July last year. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here What is Mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Most cases are mild but can be deadly. The symptoms include high fever, headache and rashes. Serious symptoms can last for about two to four weeks. As per World Health Organisation, Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 24 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. An Aussie town's regular visitor has created a stir during the past week after being found in residents' gardens and lying in the middle of the road. Neil the Seal, a cheeky southern elephant seal that stops by Tasmanian towns each year, has again become a hit on TikTok after new videos of his antics near Dunalley, east of Hobart, were shared by locals. According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (DNRE), elephant seals come ashore to rest and moult after spending extended periods foraging in the open sea, and they remain ashore for up to four or five weeks. Videos shared online show police temporarily closing off a road while the animal simply lays in the middle of the bitumen as authorities quietly watch on. The southern elephant seal is known by locals as 'Neil the Seal' and authorities need to step in at times to move him off roads or from other populated areas. Source: TikTok 'A 400kg wild animal who could kill you' Authorities warn people to stay clear of the large, almost three-year-old seal as the animals can be dangerous if approached. When Neil made another visit earlier this year, anthrozoologist Dr Bruce Englefield told Yahoo News Australia he believes theres a danger in befriending the animal. "As soon as you give them a name, people think of them as being like humans. It creates a problem of thinking hes lovely and cuddly, but hes not hes a 400kg wild animal who could kill you," he said. As well as imminent danger to humans if approached, DNRE says seals may become used to people which can compromise their long-term survival so staying clear is the best thing to do to keep seals happy and safe. Seals known to pop up in unusual places Finding seals in populated areas is not new. In October a group on Bruny Island, Tasmania found an Australian fur seal pushed up against a farmers fence at the edge of Captain Cook Creek after wild weather. The seal ended up making its way back to the beach. Story continues Across the ditch in New Zealand, staff at a Bunnings hardware store were reportedly in disbelief after a disorientated seal wandered inside. And Benny the seal was regularly seen sunbaking on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. US President Joe Biden on Wednesday will hold his first in-person meeting with the families of eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed to be taken captive by Hamas during its brutal Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the White House said. US President Joe Biden(AFP) Family members of all eight would participate in the Biden meeting either in person or virtually, a senior administration official said. The Democratic president has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others on the phone. Biden was set to provide an update on American efforts to secure the release of those held by Hamas. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He'll guarantee them that we are not going to lose sight of their loved ones, we're not going to stop trying to get them home, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on CNN as he previewed Biden's message to the families. Kirby stressed that hourly, U.S. officials are trying to get more information about them and to get a deal in place where we can get them back home. Bidens meeting with the families of hostages comes as his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is headed to Israel on Thursday and Friday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Eight Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas surprise air, sea and land incursion into Israeli towns, where the group killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 240 people hostage. Four Americans were released as part of a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israels war against Hamas in Gaza that was brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt. One American woman was supposed to be released by Hamas under the terms of last months cease-fire, but she remains unaccounted for a development that contributed to the end of the temporary pause in the fighting. The White House has said that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on Oct. 7. Biden will be joined in the meeting by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, the senior administration official said. Kate Middleton, also known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, has found herself under the spotlight for the number of royal engagements she completed this year. The Princess of Wales, who took on a more prominent royal role after Queen Elizabeths passing, carried out 128 engagements by December 2023, fewer than some other working royals. Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, arrives for the Coronation of King Charles III, in London, Saturday, May 6 2023. King Charles III and Camila the Queen Consort, members of the Royal family and VIP's gathered at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation service. (Dan Charity/pool photo via AP) The Telegraph reported that Kate's engagements fell short of those completed by her father-in-law, King Charles, and Princess Anne, who led with 425 and 457 engagements, respectively. While the numbers sparked some criticism on social media, it's essential to consider Kate's role as a working mother raising three children. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Acknowledging her responsibilities as a parent, Kate has consistently prioritized her childrenPrince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The Duchess of Cambridge's engagements notably increased from the previous year, where she completed fewer than 100. This shift suggests a careful balance between royal duties and family commitments. Kate's decision to decline an invitation to the Earth Shot Prize ceremony in Singapore earlier this year exemplifies the couple's commitment to placing family first. Prince George was reportedly stressed with school, prompting Kate to stay home and support her children rather than attend the event overseas. As Prince William and Kate Middleton navigate the delicate balance between royal obligations and parenting, their commitment to providing a more private life for their children remains evident. While some may question the number of engagements, the couple's decision to prioritize family resonates positively with many who commend their dedication to raising their children outside the intense royal spotlight. As the Cambridge children grow older, it is anticipated that Prince William and Kate will gradually increase their royal engagements. For now, the couple's commitment to family values continues to shape their approach to royal responsibilities, reflecting a genuine dedication to their role loving parents. Israel declared its determination Wednesday to press on with its Gaza war "with or without international support", after it came under mounting pressure even from key backer the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AFP) Now in its third month, the war was launched after the unprecedented October 7 attacks on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas that officials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here It has left Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing "unparallelled" damage to roads, schools and hospitals. The day after the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire, more strikes hit Gaza and battles raged, especially in Gaza City, the biggest urban centre, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, AFP correspondents said. Cold wintery rains lashed the territory, where the UN estimates 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million population have been displaced, living in makeshift tents as vital supplies of food, drinking water, medicines and fuel run low. Camped with thousands in the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in central Gaza, Ameen Edwan said his family was unable to sleep. "Rainwater seeped in. We couldn't sleep. We tried to find nylon covers but couldn't find any, so we resorted to stones and sand" to keep the rain out, he told AFP. The United Nations warned the spread of diseases -- including meningitis, jaundice, impetigo, chickenpox and upper respiratory tract infections -- had intensified. The World Health Organization said 107 trucks carrying humanitarian aid had entered the besieged territory from Egypt, well below the daily average of 500 before October 7. - Gaza rocket fire - Air raid sirens wailed in Sderot and other southern Israeli communities near Gaza as Palestinian militants fired rockets, most of which were intercepted. Israel's military said sirens sounded in Ashdod city north of Gaza and in the Lakhish area. Social media footage showed a large fragment of an intercepted rocket had hit a supermarket. The army said an air strike had hit a militant cell in Gaza City's Shejaiya district "that was en route to launch rockets toward Israel". In Khan Yunis, a family mourned father of seven Fayez al-Taramsi, killed in a strike. "How are we going to live after him?" one of his daughters said, crying and clutching his bloodied shirt. "He brought us to life." In the October 7 attack -- the deadliest in Israel's 75-year history -- Hamas also seized around 240 hostages. Determined to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages home, Israel began a devastating aerial and ground offensive. It has lost 115 soldiers, including 10 in northern Gaza on Tuesday, its deadliest day since the ground assault began on October 27. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, backed by 153 of 193 nations -- surpassing the 140 or so that have routinely condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. While Washington voted against, the resolution was supported by allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who, in a rare joint statement, said they were "alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza". - 'Nothing will stop us' - US President Joe Biden told a campaign event Israel had "most of the world supporting it" immediately after October 7, but "they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place". Biden, who toned down his comments later, on Wednesday met with families of American hostages from those the militants seized. Despite the criticism from its main ally, Israel vowed to pursue its war. "Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support," said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. "A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," Cohen told a visiting diplomat, quoted by his ministry. Netanyahu later said Israel would persevere. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," he said in a video statement. Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet Netanyahu, who has said there is "disagreement" with Washington over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday that any plan for post-war Gaza that does not involve the Palestinian militant group "or the resistance factions is a delusion". Tuesday's UN vote came as Philippe Lazzarini, head of its Palestinian refugee agency, said Gazans were "running out of time and options". The United States and Britain announced a new round of sanctions against Hamas over the October 7 attack, targeting "key officials who perpetuate Hamas's violent agenda". - Gaza City hospital raid - Gaza's hospital system is in ruins, and Hamas authorities said vaccines for children had run out, warning of "catastrophic health repercussions". The World Bank in a new analysis warned that "the loss of life, speed and extent of damages... are unparallelled". The Hamas-controlled health ministry said Israeli forces opened fire on wards of Kamal Adwan hospital in north Gaza, raising fears for the safety of 12 children in paediatric care. The army has yet to comment, but Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals, schools, mosques and vast tunnel systems beneath them as military bases -- claims the group has denied. Fears of the conflict broadening continued, with daily exchanges of fire along Israel's border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and other Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria. Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels had "crossed a red line", after repeatedly launching missiles and drones towards Israel and cargo ships in the Red Sea. US President Joe Biden said it was "outrageous" that a woman was forced to leave Texas to seek an emergency abortion, after the state's courts said she could not terminate her risky pregnancy. US President Joe Biden(Getty Images via AFP) "No woman should be forced to go to court or flee her home state just to receive the health care she needs. But that is exactly what happened in Texas thanks to Republican elected officials, and it is simply outrageous," Biden said in a White House statement. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from Dallas, is more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus with a rare genetic defect, full trisomy 18, which means it will likely die before birth or at most live a few days. Doctors say failure to terminate the pregnancy could cause a rupture to Cox's uterus, threatening her future fertility and her life. Because of the strict abortion laws in Texas, she sued the state last week. After lawyers on both sides argued over whether Cox should be able to get the procedure, a judge in Travis County ruled in her favor. But the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton quickly appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. Paxton also threatened to prosecute any doctor carrying out the abortion. On Monday Cox left the state to seek an emergency abortion -- and hours later the Texas Supreme Court issued an order siding with the government and reversing the lower court's decision. "This past week of legal limbo has been hellish for Kate," Nancy Northup, president and CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the case on behalf of Cox, her husband and physician, said at the time. The US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion nationwide last year, leaving states free to create their own laws around the procedure. A Texas state "trigger" ban went into immediate effect after the 2022 ruling, prohibiting abortions even in cases of rape or incest. Texas also has a law that allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids an abortion. Texas physicians found guilty of providing abortions face up to 99 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000 and the revocation of their medical license. While the state does allow abortions in cases where the mother's life is in danger, physicians have said that in practice the wording is vague and unclear, leaving them open to legal consequences for exercising their medical judgment. Since last year's Supreme Court ruling, abortion -- always a hot-button issue in the United States -- has become even more of a political flashpoint. Campaigns to enshrine the right to the procedure have notched wins even in conservative states, as voters are faced with an alternative of strict prohibition. Some politicians who once campaigned whole-heartedly against abortion rights are now trying to tow a softer line -- with 2024 presidential contender Nikki Haley telling in a recent Republican debate that it was unrealistic to seek a nationwide ban on abortion. Paris's Notre-Dame will be equipped with a unique fire protection system when it reopens next year, the head of the body charged with rebuilding the cathedral after a devastating blaze said Wednesday. People stand in front of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral during the reconstruction work on the Ile de la Cite in Paris.(AFP) The landmark church, badly damaged by a fire in 2019, is to reopen in December 2024 after extensive repairs. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "All precautions have been taken for a complete rethink of its fire protection," Philippe Jost, president of the Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris public body, told a parliamentary commission. Notre-Dame will notably be equipped with a vaporisation system, currently being installed below the roof and in the spire, that Jost said would immediately stop any outbreaking fire from spreading. "This is a first for a cathedral in France," he said. President Emmanuel Macron promised last week that work on the monument would be completed in time for the December 2024 reopening date. Macron had initially promised to have Notre Dame restored within five years, in time for the Paris Olympics next summer. But after early setbacks in the rebuilding effort, he set a new deadline. Restoration of the UNESCO-listed building, which had 12 million visitors a year, has hit several snags since people around the world watched aghast as its steeple crashed down in the blaze on April 15, 2019. Jost said Notre-Dame would attract some 14 million visitors per year following its reopening. Notre-Dame's new spire has started to emerge against the French capital's skyline and is expected to be fully completed when the city hosts the Olympics. More than five years after the blaze, investigating judges are still looking into what sparked it. An initial enquiry pointed to it probably being an accident, with an electrical fault or a cigarette among the theories. In the past year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation experienced a significant decline in donations, with contributions decreasing by approximately $11 million from the previous year. FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Prince Harry and Meghan's charitable organization hit hard with donation decline REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/File Photo/File Photo(REUTERS) The foundation, which was launched by the former royal couple following their move from the UK to California and their resignation as senior members of the royal family in 2021, reported receiving two separate donations of $1 million each from anonymous donors in 2022, according to the nonprofits tax returns released on Tuesday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here These modest donations marked a stark contrast to the previous years financial support, where Archewell received $13 million in contributions, including a substantial $10 million donation from an undisclosed individual, as indicated by the filings. The reduction in donor contributions, coupled with operational expenses exceeding $2.6 million, resulted in the foundation operating at a loss for the year, with a net revenue deficit of -$674,485, a significant drop from the $9 million net revenue reported in 2021. ALSO READ| Huge upset for Prince Harry: Duke of Sussex ordered to pay Mail nearly 50,000 Despite this financial setback, the foundation maintains approximately $8 million in assets. Plus, Archewells executive director, James Holt, received a considerable salary increase of $170,000, as shown in the IRS forms. Holts total compensation amounted to roughly $227,405, which included a $20,000 bonus, a substantial increase from his previous annual salary of $59,846. Prince Harry, aged 39, and Meghan, aged 42, do not draw a salary from the Archewell Foundation, as indicated by the filings. The foundation, which prides itself on being an impact-driven nonprofit organization, made charitable donations totaling about $1.2 million, as per the 2022 tax forms. Among Archewells philanthropic efforts was a donation of $100,000 to the Halo Trust, a demining charity that gained prominence through the efforts of Harrys late mother, Princess Diana, in the 1990s, as noted by the BBC. Also, the foundation contributed $125,000 to the NAACP Empowerment Programs Inc for the establishment of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award. This initiative was featured prominently in Archewells 2022-2023 impact report, published on Monday. In a joint statement included in the 28-page document, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their intentions behind the award. When we founded this award with the NAACP, we wanted to highlight and uplift people across the country who are transforming the digital world for the better, the couple said. ALSO READ| 'No return home' for Sussexes as Prince William prepares for throne, report claims The annual report also showcased various other achievements supported by Archewell, such as providing 3,176 hours of trauma-informed mental health support to individuals affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. The release of the report was accompanied by a video featuring Harry and Meghan engaging in various Archewell initiatives. However, some royal observers criticized the video as an attempt to overshadow footage of Kate Middleton and her three children volunteering at a baby bank. The relationship between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate, both 41, has been strained since the couples departure from their royal duties nearly four years ago. The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, the unveiling of their 2023 family Christmas card has brought unexpected attention. This undated handout photo provided by Kensington Palace show Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in a photograph that features on the family's 2023 Christmas card. (Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace via AP)(AP) The royal couple expressed their discomfort after social media users speculated that their holiday card photo was excessively edited. Us Weekly reported that William and Kate were embarrassed by the publics reaction and were as shocked as everyone else. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The controversy arose when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released their festive portrait on Instagram on December 9. The black-and-white image depicted the couple with their childrenPrince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5dressed in coordinated button-down shirts and jeans, all sharing a smile. The caption accompanying the photo read, Our family Christmas card for 2023 . ALSO READ| Prince William, Kate Middleton, and children embrace Xmas cheer in white Royal Christmas Card The post quickly became a topic of debate as followers pointed out anomalies in the photograph One user questioned the presence of an extra leg, while another was puzzled by the appearance of Prince Louis hand, which seemed to be missing a finger due to the way he was holding the armrest. Despite the stir, the Prince and Princess of Wales have not issued a public statement regarding the backlash. The Cambridges were not alone in sharing their holiday greetings; King Charles III and Queen Camilla also revealed their Christmas card, featuring a photograph from Charles coronation in May. Their message wished everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. On December 8, William, Kate, and their children attended the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. The event, spearheaded by Kate, aims to unite the community and honor those who have made significant contributions to helping others during the holiday season. Although King Charles III and Queen Camilla were absent, the service was attended by various members of the extended royal family. ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation sees $11 million decrease in donations As Christmas Day approaches, the royals are set to gather at Sandringham Estate, where they will continue their tradition of attending the service at St Mary Magdalene Church and greeting the public. This years reunion will include Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, joining William and Kate in the festivities. A declassified US intelligence report assessed that the Ukraine war has cost Russia 315,000 dead and injured troops- nearly 90% of the personnel it had when the conflict began. The report also claimed that Moscow's losses in personnel and armored vehicles to Ukraine's military have set back Russias military modernization by 18 years, news agency Reuters reported. Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian soldiers practice on a tank during military training in Ukraine.(AP) Russian officials have said that Western estimates of death tolls in the war are vastly exaggerated and always underestimate Ukrainian losses. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The report assessed that Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 with 360,000 personnel. Since then, the report found, 315,000 Russian troops, or about 87% of the total soldiers, have been killed or injured. Those losses are the reason Russia has loosened recruitment standards for deployment in Ukraine, Reuters reported. Read more: Russian man who flew to Los Angeles without passport or ticket charged The assessment said, The scale of losses has forced Russia to take extraordinary measures to sustain its ability to fight. Russia declared a partial mobilization of 300,000 personnel in late 2022, and has relaxed standards to allow recruitment of convicts and older civilians. The Russian army began the war with 3,100 tanks, lost 2,200 of them and has had to "backfill" that force with T62 tanks produced in the 1970s, leaving it only 1,300 tanks on the battlefield, it added. Earlier this year, a New York Times report cited US officials as putting the Ukrainian death toll at close to 70,000. A report in Ukrainian journal Tyzhden said that 24,500 Ukrainian combat and non-combat deaths occurred. This was curated using open sources. The real figure was likely higher, it was reported. Ukraine cannot defeat Russia without support, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said during a visit to Oslo. The emotional plea comes as new aid from Kyiv's main United States and European allies remains blocked. Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference.(AFP) "You can't win without help. But you can't lose, because (all) you have (is) your country," he said. The Ukrainian president also hailed the work of the military and pledged to bolster the country's air defences. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "It is important for people, it is important for cities and it is important for Ukraine," he said, earlier, adding, Russia has once again confirmed its title as a shameful country that releases rockets at night, hitting residential areas, kindergartens and energy facilities in winter. In Ukraine, a volley of Russian missiles wounded dozens of people and damaged a children's hospital in the worst attack on Kyiv in months. News agency AFP reported that there were several explosions in Kyiv before dawn and air raid sirens sounded soon after that. Ukraine's air force said that it had downed all 10 missiles targeting the city and the health ministry said 53 people were wounded, including two children. Most injuries were caused by "glass shards, household items and the shock wave" as missile debris fell mostly in eastern parts of the city, the ministry said. Ukraine's interior minister Igor Klymenko said that a kindergarten building was also damaged. Earlier this week, Zelensky also visited Washington where he attempted to convince a divided Congress to approve a new $60 billion aid package. US president Joe Biden said that the United States would "continue to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment as long as we can." "I will not walk away from Ukraine," he said, warning that a Ukrainian defeat would mean "would-be aggressors everywhere will be emboldened". Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that his statement on September 18 in the House of Commons about credible allegations linking Indian agents to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar was meant to deter New Delhi from continuing such actions in the country. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as he speaks at the close of the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada August 25, 2023. (REUTERS) In an interview with the agency Canadian Press, Trudeau said, We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in, and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He added, And, therefore, put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this. He said the statement was made because too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable. Trudeau also indicated Canada will reveal evidence behind the allegations of the Indian connection to Nijjars killing on June 18 in Surrey, but later. Referring to the indictment in a US Federal Court of an Indian national to an alleged plot to kill Sikhs for Justice or SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun and why Canada has not made similar information public, Trudeau said, Canada is investigating a murder and there are different stakes involved in that and our justice system has different processes. But, he said, that was unfolding. India has constituted a high-level into the American charges, but dismissed similar requests from Ottawa. India has argued the US has provided it with specific inputs and Canada hasnt. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, So the question of equitable treatment to two countries, one of whom has provided inputs and one of whom has not, does not arise. Trudeau also said he had raised the Nijjar issue when he met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for a bilateral during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September, but that did not prove to be a constructive conversation. He also accused India of launching an information war. They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical, he said. Do you think lab-grown meat should be allowed in Australia? Thats the question the nations food regulator is asking, as it seeks public comment on whether it should permit what's being called "cultured quail meat" to be sold to consumers. The six-week consultation period follows a decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to progress the food to the next stage of assessment, after it found it is genetically stable and has low microbiological risk. The application to produce the meat was made by Australian-based Vow Group which sensationally created a meatball using genetic data from an extinct wooly mammoth in March. Unlike traditional meat (pictured) lab-grown quail meat would not require the regular slaughter of birds. Source: Getty/FSANZ In its application to FSANZ, Vow argued Australia and New Zealand will need to develop new technologies to meet a predicted 40 per cent jump in global demand for protein by 2050. It said approval of its quail product would help make the nations world leaders in its production and that traditional farming is threatened by climate change and disease. If the application is approved it would be the first cell-cultured meat to be allowed for sale in Australia. Lab meat tastes almost the same as slaughtered animals Singapore became the first jurisdiction to approve cellular meat in 2020 and the product is now widely accepted by the general public. But not all countrys are accepting of the product Italys rightwing government has banned lab-grown food in November. Lab-produced meat is considered animal friendly, as it doesnt require killing an animal to produce it. Vats of meat can be grown using just a few cells taken from a living creature. And when renewable energy is used, the carbon footprint is much lower than traditional farming. Earlier this year, Yahoo News Australia attended a cellular agriculture conference in Sydney where industry insiders discussed the publics concerns about eating meat and dairy created by food scientists. Research found half of Australians and New Zealanders surveyed doesnt want to eat it and 30 per cent had serious misgivings about its safety. Story continues Despite its production method, when Yahoo reporter Brianne Tolj tasted a dumpling containing cultivated pork she said it tasted just like meat. Creating mince, or even milk and ice cream, is easier for manufacturers to produce as complex meat cuts remain difficult to achieve. Cultivated meat offers an alternative to traditional farming. Source: Getty How lab-meat could help the world There has been significant investment in the sector in Australia, the United States and Israel, with some funds coming from traditional agriculture companies. Now the race is on to produce cost-efficient, commercially viable amounts of food. With the worlds population continuing to grow, there is not enough available land to feed them using livestock. Raising cattle and sheep requires large amounts of pasture to raise them on, as well as huge amounts of soy and other grains to fatten them. Creating Vow's new meat product involves taking connective tissues known as fibreplasts from the embryos of Japanese quail. Approving it will require an amendment to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, to permit cultured quail cells as a novel food a category of foods that don't have a history of human consumption. Independent think tank Food Frontier called FSANZs decision to open the Vow product to public consultation an exciting step. Once cultivated meat technology advances to a scale that is required for commercial viability, it promises to be a viable way to help meet the increasing global demand for meat, its director Dr Simon Eassom said. Submissions to FSANZ can be made here. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A Thailand court sentenced a lawmaker from the Move Forward Party to six years in jail on royal insult charges. Rukchanok Srinork was found guilty of lese majeste and breaching the Computer Crimes Act for reposting two messages on X (formerly Twitter), news agency AFP reported. The party won the most seats in the May general election in the country but was blocked from forming a government as it faced opposition over the pledge to reform Thailand's tough royal defamation laws. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida. "Rakchanok Srinork was sentenced to three years on a 112 (lese majeste) charge and three years on a Computer Crimes Act charge," MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon told AFP. The court also issued a statement confirming the charges and sentence and announced that it had granted Rakchanok Srinork bail with a 500,000 baht ($14,000) security. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Thailand has some of the world's strictest lese-majeste legislation that protects King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family from criticism. Critics have said that the law has been used to silence dissent. While, the Computer Crimes Act has been criticised by rights groups which say that it gives overly broad powers to the authorities to restrict free speech. There has also been an upsurge in charges under the laws which are known in Thailand as "112" after the relevant section of the criminal code. This was followed by youth-led pro-democracy street protests in 2020 when authorities charged more than 250 activists and jailed some of the top leaders including Anon Numpa, a human rights lawyer. The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against former President Donald Trump. Former USA President Donald Trump (AP) The justices will review an appellate ruling that revived a charge against three defendants accused of obstruction of an official proceeding. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress' certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory over Trump. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here That's among four counts brought against Trump in special counsel Jack Smith's case that accuses the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner of conspiring to overturn the results of his election loss. Trump is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. ALSO READ| Gaza residents in an ever shrinking space, running out of time: UNRWA chief The court's decision to weigh in on the obstruction charge could threaten the start of Trump's trial, currently scheduled for March 4. The justices separately are considering whether to rule quickly on Trump's claim that he can't be prosecuted for actions taken within his role as president. A federal judge already has rejected that argument. The obstruction charge has been brought against more than 300 defendants in the massive federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to keep Biden, a Democrat, from taking the White House. A lower court judge had dismissed the charge against three defendants, ruling it didn't cover their conduct. US District Judge Carl Nichols found that prosecutors stretched the law beyond its scope to inappropriately apply it in these cases. Nichols ruled that a defendant must have taken some action with respect to a document, record or other object to obstruct an official proceeding under the law. The Justice Department challenged that ruling, and the appeals court in Washington agreed with prosecutors in April that Nichols' interpretation of the law was too limited. Other defendants, including Trump, are separately challenging the use of the charge. One defendant, Garret Miller, has since pleaded guilty to other charges and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. Miller, who's from the Dallas area, could still face prosecution on the obstruction charge. The other defendants are Joseph Fischer, who's from Boston, and Edward Jacob Lang, of New York's Hudson Valley. More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot, and more than 650 defendants have pleaded guilty. Nearly 200 countries agreed Wednesday to move away from planet-warming fossil fuels the first time theyve made that crucial pledge in decades of U.N. climate talks though many warned the deal still had significant shortcomings. Within minutes of opening Wednesdays session, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gaveled in approval of the central document an evaluation of how off-track the world is on climate and how to get back on. (AP) The agreement was approved without the floor fight many feared and is stronger than a draft floated earlier in the week that angered several nations. But it didnt call for an outright phasing out of oil, gas and coal, and it gives nations significant wiggle room in their transition away from those fuels. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Humanity has finally done what is long, long, long overdue, Wopke Hoekstra, European Union commissioner for climate action, said as the COP28 summit wrapped up in Dubai. Within minutes of opening Wednesdays session, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gaveled in approval of the central document an evaluation of how off-track the world is on climate and how to get back on without giving critics a chance to comment. He hailed it as a historic package to accelerate climate action. The document is the central part of the 2015 Paris accord and its internationally agreed-upon goal to try to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times. The goal is mentioned 13 times in the document and al-Jaber repeatedly called that his North Star. So far, the world has warmed 1.2 degrees (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the mid 1800s. Scientists say this year is all but certain to be the hottest on record. Several minutes after al-Jaber rammed the document through, Samoas lead delegate Anne Rasmussen, on behalf of small island nations, complained that they werent even in the room when al-Jaber said the deal was done. She said that the course correction that is needed has not been secured, with the deal representing business-as-usual instead of exponential emissions-cutting efforts. She said the deal could potentially take us backward rather than forward. When Rasmussen finished, delegates whooped, applauded and stood, as al-Jaber frowned, eventually joining the standing ovation that stretched longer than his plaudits. Marshall Islands delegates hugged and cried. Hours later, outside the plenary session, small island nations and European nations along with Colombia, held hands and hugged in an emotional show of support for greater ambition. But there was more self-congratulations Wednesday than flagellations. I am in awe of the spirit of cooperation that has brought everybody together, United States Special Envoy John Kerry said. He said it shows that nations can still work together despite what the globe sees with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. This document sends very strong messages to the world. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that for the first time, the outcome recognizes the need to transition away from fossil fuels. The era of fossil fuels must end and it must end with justice and equity, he said. United Nations Climate Secretary Simon Stiell told delegates that their efforts were needed to signal a hard stop to humanitys core climate problem: fossil fuels and that planet-burning pollution. Whilst we didnt turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end. Stiell cautioned people that what they adopted was a climate action lifeline, not a finish line. The new deal had been floated early Wednesday and was stronger than a draft proposed days earlier, but had loopholes that upset critics. The problem with the text is that it still includes cavernous loopholes that allow the United States and other fossil fuel producing countries to keep going on their expansion of fossil fuels, Center for Biological Diversity energy justice director Jean Su told The Associated Press. Theres a pretty deadly, fatal flaw in the text, which allows for transitional fuels to continue which is a code word for natural gas that also emits carbon pollution. Goals agreed at earlier summits have not been reached, in part because major emitters have not fulfilled their climate promises, or have declined to sign on. The deal also calls for tripling the use of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. Earlier in the talks, the conference adopted a special fund for poor nations hurt by climate change and nations put nearly $800 million in the fund. The deal doesnt go so far as to seek a phase-out of fossil fuels, despite the pleas of more than 100 nations including small island states and European nations. Instead, it calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade. German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan said the difference between phase-out and transitioning away could be seen as a positive: I think the phase-out was about sending a clear signal. And I think the just transition away from is a way of phrasing the phase-out with the equity component included in it for poorer nations who can't act as quickly as richer ones. Li Shuo of the Asia Society said when the two phrases are translated into Mandarin or Japanese there is essentially no difference. In a press conference, Kerry called it a clear unambiguous message on one of the most complicated issues that we face." He said the United States wanted stronger language, but it was too much of a steep climb to get from 195 nations. He said there were times in the last 48 hours where some of us thought this could fail. But we stayed at it. People showed good faith. People stepped up. U.S. President Joe Biden called it one significant step closer to keeping the 1.5 degree goal within reach, but said it depends on countries doing more to build a safer, more hopeful future for our children. The deal says that the transition would be done in a way that gets the world to net zero greenhouse gas emissions where emissions entering the atmosphere are balanced by those removed in 2050, and carbon pollution to peak by the year 2025, but gives wiggle room to individual nations like China to peak later. It was the third version presented in about two weeks and the word oil does not appear anywhere in the 21-page document. Fossil fuels appears twice. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, a Nobel Peace Prize winning climate activist, said while it is an important milestone to finally recognize that the climate crisis is at its heart a fossil fuel crisis," he called the deal the bare minimum with "half measures and loopholes.'' Whether this is a turning point that truly marks the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era depends on the actions that come next, Gore said. The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives will vote on Wednesday whether to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden based on his son's controversial international dealings -- a move deemed baseless by Democrats. US President Joe Biden (AFP) Republicans have yet to provide any solid evidence of corruption by the president, and the Democrat-led Senate would be unlikely to convict the US leader. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here But the episode would prove a major headache for Biden as he campaigns to keep his job for a second term ahead of the November 2024 general election. Conservatives accuse Biden's scandal-plagued son Hunter of corrupt influence-peddling with his father via his overseas business dealings in Ukraine and China before Joe Biden became president. "My father was not financially involved in my business," Hunter Biden, who has become a prime target of the right, said Wednesday. The business pursuits in question occurred while his father was vice president under Barack Obama. Hunter Biden, a Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist whose life has been marred by alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction, was speaking to reporters from Capitol Hill, refusing to attend a closed-door hearing led by Republicans just inside. Admitting to having "made mistakes in my life," the 53-year-old accused the Republican party's far-right, led by former president Donald Trump, of a smear campaign meant to "dehumanize me, all to embarrass and damage my father." Biden, 81, who has always steadfastly defended his son, is heading for a likely rematch with Trump in next year's election. - 'Zero evidence' - Bowing to the party's hard right, Republican leaders already initiated an impeachment investigation into Joe Biden earlier this year and began inquiry hearings at the end of September. However experts interviewed during the proceedings agreed there was no evidence to justify a Biden impeachment. "There is zero evidence that President Biden has engaged in any wrongdoing," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, said Tuesday. The Republicans, however, believe the new inquiry, which this time will head to a floor vote, will offer them additional power and new ammunition to incriminate Joe Biden. The floor vote is scheduled to take place after 5:00 pm (2200 GMT). The US Constitution provides that Congress may remove a president for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Impeachment by the House, which is the political equivalent of a criminal indictment, would spark a "trial" by the Senate, with the president losing his job if convicted -- an unlikely scenario for Biden given the chambers' Democratic control. Although three US presidents have been impeached -- Andrew Johnson in 1868, Bill Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021 -- none has ever been removed from office by the Senate. 270 passengers of a Detroit bound Delta Air Lines were forced to spend a night in military barracks in eastern Canada after their aircraft made an emergency landing because of mechanical issues. This image provided by Delta flight passenger shows the buses used to transport passengers to military barracks in Goose Bay, Canada, on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 (AP) The incident took place on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit after it was diverted on Sunday afternoon to Newfoundland and Labrador. During a 24-hour ordeal passengers were reportedly lodged in barracks in remote Canada. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here It was sort of surreal, a passenger stated. It clouded our entire visit. Reportedly, Delta worked with officials in Goose Bay to arrange for food and accommodations for 270 passengers. The airline has reassured passengers that they will be compensated for the inconvenience. According to The Associated Press, Delta Flight 135 was rerouted to Goose Bay Airport over out of an abundance of caution. Weather and runway issues at Goose Bay disrupted crew schedules and led to a temporary halt in flight operations. Delta then sent an extra aircraft on Monday to transport passengers to their final destinations. After a wait for 5 hours at the tarmac a new plane arrived to arrive to take them to Detroit. But only after boarding the second plane passengers were told that the crew had timed out Sunday and they had to deplane again. The passengers were eventually taken to the military barracks on school buses around 6 a.m. Monday. Without basic necessities and even winter wear passengers were forced to sleep in the clothes they had been wearing since leaving Munich, Germany, hours before. We were shuttled back to the rooms with no understanding of what our next time was going to be as far as when we should wake up or when we should be ready, a passenger stated. There was no communication. Johnson said he looked out the window and saw buses moving at 11 a.m. Monday. So he and his wife rushed to get on the buses back to the airport, where they had to go through security again with a skeleton staff unprepared to assist all the plane passengers. Their next flight did not depart until 5 p.m., with snow falling outside. Johnsons wife had been receiving medical treatment in Germany, so the two were exhausted and eager to get back to their home in Lansing, Michigan. (With AP inputs) Tennessee's Department of Correction is facing serious allegations of mishandling sexual assault cases, potentially violating federal law, according to an audit released by the state's Comptroller's office. The audit revealed instances of non-compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act standards, including prematurely closing sexual assault investigations. The department is also under fire for not disciplining or documenting actions against employees with substantiated sexual harassment allegations. In response to the audit, the Tennessee Department of Correction pledged to provide training to improve compliance with federal law. In response to the audit, the Tennessee Department of Correction pledged to provide training to improve compliance with federal law. The revelations underscore the urgent need for reforms in handling sexual assault cases within the state's prison system. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Simultaneously, a concerning trend of staggering staff turnover rates has been identified, particularly in facilities operated by private prison company CoreCivic. The audit disclosed that CoreCivic, responsible for triple-digit turnover rates in its facilities, failed to meet the agreed-upon target of 50% or lower turnover rates. The problem appears to be escalating, with a 146% turnover rate recorded in 2023, compared to 103% in the previous fiscal year. Trousdale prison, operated by CoreCivic, stands out with an alarming 188% turnover rate in 2023, highlighting significant challenges in maintaining a stable workforce. The state's Department of Correction is seeking over $9 million in budget increases for the upcoming fiscal year, with a substantial portion allocated for CoreCivic. Despite efforts by the Department of Correction management to address staffing issues, the audit emphasizes the persistent challenge of attrition within prison ranks. Critical positions, such as correctional officers, remain understaffed, leading to compromised security measures and reliance on unsustainable levels of overtime. The audit sheds light on systemic issues that demand immediate attention and reform within Tennessee's prison system. Addressing staff turnover, ensuring compliance with federal laws, and enhancing transparency and accountability are crucial steps toward fostering a safer and more secure environment for both staff and inmates. A Florida school board voted on Tuesday to recommend the resignation of one of its members because she is embroiled in the fallout of a sexual assault investigation into her husband, the Republican Party state chairman. Protestors hold signs in favour of the public education support group Support Our Schools calling for the resignation of Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler, who is also co-founder of conservative parents group Moms for Liberty, during a rally in Sarasota, Florida, U.S. December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Steve Nesius(REUTERS) The Sarasota County School Board cannot directly remove Bridget Ziegler from the panel but voted 4-1 Tuesday for a resolution requesting that she step down. The resolution was authored by board Chair Karen Rose, who said in an email that she is shocked and deeply saddened by the rape allegations involving Ziegler's husband, Christian Ziegler, and the couple's admissions about having a three-way sexual encounter previously with the accuser. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here I personally care about Bridget and her family and deeply regret the necessity for this course of action, but given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission, Rose wrote. Bridget Ziegler is co-founder of the conservative Moms for Liberty group. She has served on the board since 2014, when she was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott, and has previously been its chair. She voted against the resolution, saying she was disappointed but gave no indication she would step down. She remained on the board's dais after the vote. Prior to the meeting, several dozen people marched outside carrying signs and chanting, Hey hey, ho ho, Bridget Ziegler has got to go." Among the signs' slogans were Ban Bridget, not books and Real women arent homophobes. Bridget Ziegler must apologize and resign, said Carol Lerner of Support Our Schools, a nonprofit group that supports public education. The Zieglers are through and through grifters. Board member Tim Enos said it's up to Bridget Ziegler to decide whether to quit. Only Florida's governor can remove a school board member, and only under certain conditions, such as a criminal charge. If she continues and doesnt resign and stays, we have an obligation that we all need to be focused on education, Enos said. "The politics have to get outside the boardroom. It should be only about the kids. The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a woman's accusation that Christian Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. Police documents say the Zieglers and the woman had planned a sexual threesome that day, but Bridget Ziegler was unable to make it. The accuser says Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and assaulted her, according to the documents. Christian Ziegler has not been charged with any crime and maintains his innocence, contending the encounter was consensual. Scott, now a U.S. senator, Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Florida Republicans have called on him to step down as GOP chair, but he has refused to do so. In a recent message to Florida Republicans, Christian Ziegler said he would remain as chair "because we have a country to save and I am not going to let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up. Christian Ziegler's lawyer, Derek Byrd, said in an email Monday that he is hoping (the) investigation is closed soon. A Sarasota Police Department spokesperson said there is no timetable for the probe to conclude. Bridget Ziegler has long been active in conservative politics. She was a champion of the DeSantis-backed law known by critics as Don't Say Gay, which restricts teaching of sexual and gender material in early school grades. Moms for Liberty, which she co-founded in 2021, aims to inject more conservative viewpoints into schools, restrict transgender rights, battle pandemic mask mandates and remove books the group objects to from school classrooms and libraries. In addition, DeSantis appointed Bridget Ziegler to the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District that oversees Walt Disney World's operations. That panel which replaced one controlled by Disney was created by the Legislature at DeSantis' request after Disney objected to the Don't Say Gay law. The board currently is the subject of state and federal lawsuits over control of the huge theme park outside Orlando. Democrats and other critics say the Zieglers are hypocritical because the alleged sexual activities are completely at odds with the conservative views they push on others, particularly LGBTQ people. The Zieglers have made a habit out of attacking anything they perceive as going against family values, be it reproductive rights or the existence of LGBTQ Floridians, state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement. The level of hypocrisy in this situation is stunning. The state GOP has called a meeting for Sunday in Orlando to discuss Christian Ziegler's future as party chair. Harvard University is facing intense criticism and accusations of hypocrisy after it decided to retain President Claudine Gay despite her controversial congressional testimony. Jewish student Shabbos Kestenbaum has publicly voiced his concerns, labelling the university's board decision as "breathtaking hypocrisy." FILE PHOTO: Incoming President of Harvard University and current Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Claudine Gay listens during Harvard Universitys 372nd Commencement Exercises in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 25, 2023. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo(REUTERS) In a Fox News appearance, Kestenbaum expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the message sent by Harvard's decision. According to him, it implies that "calling for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered context-dependent," questioning the university's commitment to its principles. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Kestenbaum urged faculty members to engage with Jewish students, highlighting their experiences over the past three months. He posed a poignant hypothetical scenario, asking whether the response would be the same if the controversial statements were about other minorities. The controversy extends beyond President Gay's testimony, with references to previous instances of alleged suppression of speech at Harvard. Kestenbaum mentioned the case of law professor Ronald Sullivan, suggesting a pattern of actions inconsistent with the university's commitment to free expression. Despite the outcry and demands for Gay's resignation, Harvard's Corporation released a statement expressing confidence in her leadership. The decision has sparked protests on the campus, with billboard trucks demanding Gay's firing. Republican Representative Elise Stefanik criticized the board's move as a "moral failure." The controversy has wider implications, with prominent figures like Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, pledging not to hire Harvard graduates. The fallout from this decision is raising questions about Harvard's commitment to civil rights and academic standards. As the university grapples with the aftermath of Gay's testimony, the debate over free expression, campus antisemitism, and leadership accountability continues to intensify, creating a challenging environment for Harvard and its stakeholders. US President Joe Biden has reportedly confided in close associates, expressing a sense of guilt regarding Hunter Biden's legal challenges. He believes his son might not be facing federal indictments if he hadn't run for office in 2020, according to a report. (FILES) Hunter Biden was indicted late December 7, 2023 on nine counts of tax evasion, the second time this year President Joe Biden's troubled son has been charged by a special counsel investigating his personal and business dealings. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)(AFP) According to Axios, those near the 81-year-old president notice a shift in his demeanor when there's unfavorable news about Hunter, stating, In private, no issue is more likely to anger or sadden President Biden than attacks on his son. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here President Biden's inner circle reportedly avoids discussing the issue with him fearing it will trigger "fury and dejection." The relationship between the President and Attorney General Garland has also become "frigid" due to the ongoing Justice Department investigation and special counsel appointment. ALSO READ| Republicans' plan to get Biden impeached hits a roadblock, new poll reveals surprising details White House is not happy with Bidens Anger simmering within the president's circle boils over in comparisons between Garland and former FBI Director James Comey. Both, according to some insiders, are "obsessed with the appearance of having integrity rather than just trying to make the right decision." Echoing these sentiments, Hunter Biden's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, insists the indictment stems solely from his client's family ties. They can't find a shred of evidence [against President Biden], Lowell declared on MSNBC. So basically, they're saying, 'OK, I can't get the president, so I'll besmirch his son in a way that suggests there's something going on between the two of them. The emotional toll of the situation isn't lost on Hunter either. In a recent interview, he described the media scrutiny as an attempt to "kill" him, hoping to inflict pain on his father and "destroy a presidency in that way." ALSO READ| 'Outrageous': Biden on woman forced to leave Texas for abortion House Republicans, spearheading an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, have subpoenaed Hunter. He is scheduled to appear for a closed-door deposition on Wednesday, though his attendance remains uncertain. The stakes are high. If convicted on all nine charges, Hunter faces up to 17 years for tax evasion and a potential 25-year sentence for the gun-related felonies. Days before Republicans are poised to launch their official impeachment investigation into Joe Biden, their strategy appears to have reached an impasse. A recent study suggests they should tread carefully. According to Morning Consult poll a narrow margin of voters, 44%, favor the impeachment proceedings, with 40% against it. FILE - Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., takes the oath to be the new House speaker from the Dean of the House Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, FIle)(AP) However in a major setback for Republicans, since September there's been a noticeable shift, especially among independents and some Republican voters, with opposition among independents rising from 36% to 43%. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here No evidence to impeach Joe Biden Some House Republicans have openly started to admit that they see no evidence to impeach Joe Biden. Republican Main Street Caucus chair Dusty Johnson of South Dakota said on Monday that "there's not evidence to impeach." But Johnson said the vote this week was not about whether the party would impeach the president or not. 58% of those favoring probe believe Biden has committed impeachable offenses The silver lining for Republicans is that 58% of those favoring the inquiry believe Biden has committed impeachable offenses. Yet, actual impeachment requires a separate vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to pass a resolution outlining the impeachment inquiry, amidst debates over its legal significance. In a USA Today op-ed, Johnson stated that the inquiry would enable top committees to investigate Biden's alleged involvement in his family's influence-peddling schemes, although direct evidence against Biden is yet to surface. White House spokesperson Ian Sams has highlighted another poll showing a significant majority of Americans in key districts believe House Republicans are focusing on the wrong issues. "This comes just days after another new poll found that, by a 48-POINT MARGIN, Americans in key swing districts believe House Republicans have 'prioritized the wrong things' (20% right things, 68% wrong things)," Sams wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "As the President likes to say: 'Lots of luck in your senior year!'" Echoing the Democrats' 2019 approach, Republicans, led by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, announced an impeachment inquiry and later held a formal vote after criticism. Similarly, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy declared an inquiry in September but delayed a floor vote due to apparent lack of support. The critical votes lie with the 18 Republican lawmakers from districts Biden won in 2020. Their decisions could greatly influence the House majority next year. Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of these lawmakers, has expressed skepticism about Biden committing high crimes or misdemeanors but plans to vote for the inquiry. One family's world has been shattered into a million pieces after a 37-year-old mum suffered a deadly asthma attack while out celebrating her graduation from art school with friends. Shari-Lee Bromley was a loving partner to Sean Croon, 48, and a mum to two young girls, Indigo, 7, and Sadie, 5. The young family had lived in Melbourne before moving to Byron Bay where Shari pursued her passion for art beginning her studies this year. "It was her happy place," Sean told Yahoo News Australia. On Friday, November 24 after her graduation dinner, some of the graduates went to the local pub to continue celebrating. After ordering her first drink, Shari went outside without her friends when a sudden asthma attack came on. She tried to control her breathing and was using her inhaler, but eventually, a passerby noticed something was seriously wrong. "I don't think she could speak by this stage," Sean said. The family are reeling from her sudden death. Source: Supplied An ambulance arrived and paramedics started CPR, which is about when Sean got the call that Shari was on her way to Byron Bay hospital. He arrived to be by her side minutes later and medical staff told him something no partner ever wants to hear Shari's heart hadn't been beating properly for 20 minutes. They continued CPR while Sean sat beside her. "I held her hand and felt her respond to it," he said. They detected a faint heartbeat at this time, and Sean said he could feel "she was there" at the moment. However they couldn't get her heart beating by itself and eventually Shari passed away. The next morning, his two daughters ran into his and Shari's bedroom as they always did, jumping into their dad's arms and asking Sean, "Where's mummy?" That's when he told them he had "really sad news" and their "mummy had passed away". "Indigo got it, she just burst into tears," Sean recalled of his 7-year-old. "Sadie was more bewildered, not quite getting it. We just sort of held each other and cried". Story continues Sean spoke of how thankful he is to have had Shari in his life, saying he'd rather a year with Shari than 100 years with someone else. Source: Supplied Outpouring of love and support from a devastated community Sean describes Shari as kind and empathetic. "She was an angel," he said. "[She] was renowned for these random acts of kindness". "The way she gave was authentic, she never did anything mean. She followed her heart [and] her passions. [She] inspires me and inspires others just to be a better person. "I'd rather a year with Shari than 100 years with someone else. There's nothing quite like her love". Since Shari's passing, her friends and the family's local community have stood behind Sean, Indie and Sadie. "The outpouring of love and support from this community has been unbelievable. The food and the flowers and just the love and the care has been amazing," he told Yahoo. After moving from a two-income household to just one, and only being able to work part-time for now to take care of the kids, the community put together a GoFundMe campaign to further support Sean while he navigates this new life. One of the families at Sadie's kindergarten also donated a house to use for three weeks so Shari and Sean's family from interstate could stay close by. Sean has since spoken to one of the members of the public who found and cared for Shari in some of her final moments outside the pub. They shared with him that while waiting for an ambulance, they had her lying down, holding her head and showing her "love and support" while Shari was fighting her asthma. Indie, 7, goes to primary school while Sadie, 5, starts school next year. Source: Supplied History of severe asthma Shari was a severe asthmatic and her asthma could be triggered by certain preservatives which were difficult to keep track of. Sean explained that you wouldn't know by reading a label if a product contained the preservative because it was so obscure. "It can be found in different food and drinks, so she can't drink champagne or white wine. She would just avoid all of that," Sean said. Asthma attacks happened throughout her life and she was put into an induced coma when she was 19 due to a serious asthma attack. "I've been in the ambulance with her many times with the sirens screaming". Foods are not a common trigger for asthma but, in some cases, certain food chemicals have been noted to trigger asthma symptoms, according to Asthma Australia. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The United States and Britain on Wednesday announced a fresh round of sanctions on Hamas over its deadly October 7 attack on Israel. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians children walk near makeshift tents at a camp set up on a schoolyard in Rafah.(AFP) The measure "targets key officials who perpetuate Hamas's violent agenda by representing the group's interests abroad and managing its finances," the US Treasury Department said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The United States has been ratcheting up pressure on the Palestinian militant group since its October attack that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. "Hamas continues to rely heavily on networks of well-placed officials and affiliates, exploiting seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for... funneling those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza," Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said. The sanctions target over a dozen Hamas officials and facilitators, including Gaza-based Ismail Barhum, whom the agency said acted as a regional finance executive "to aggregate money from global fundraising into official Hamas Finance Ministry accounts." Also sanctioned was Gaza-based Hamas cofounder Mahmoud Zahar as well as Lebanon-based Ali Baraka, the group's head of external relations "who has publicly defended the October 7 attacks and sought to justify the taking of hostages," the British Foreign Office said in a statement. "Hamas can have no future in Gaza," said British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. "Today's sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further." He added: We will continue to work with partners to reach a long-term political solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has "no reason" to block Kyiv from joining the European Union, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday on the eve of an EU summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky smiles during a press conference.(AFP) "I asked him to tell me one reason why. Not three, not five, not 10. Tell me one reason," Zelensky said of his talks with Orban. "I'm waiting for (an) answer," he told reporters in Oslo where he met with five Nordic leaders. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here EU leaders will be in Brussels from Thursday to discuss renewing their support for Ukraine, with a macroeconomic package of 50 billion euros ($54 billion) and a promise of formal membership talks on the table. Orban has threatened to veto both measures, which would condemn the summit to failure and leave Ukraine -- and its neighbour Moldova, also hoping for membership talks -- out in the cold almost two years after Russia launched an all-out invasion of Kyiv's territory. Hungary insists it has principled objections to Kyiv's move for membership, arguing that Zelensky's wartime administration has not done enough to fight corruption. Orban on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to opening EU membership talks with Ukraine, calling it a "terrible mistake". Zelensky said meanwhile he hoped to have "a very constructive meeting" with Orban "because we have common borders." A total of 135 people, some of whom are believed to have died, are still being held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli authorities. Israeli soldiers prepare to enter the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Israel's border with Gaza in southern Israel. (Reuters) - 110 people freed - To date 110 hostages have been freed, 105 of them exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli jails during a seven-day truce. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Of those released 33 are children, 49 are women and 28 are men. Israel has also repatriated five bodies, most lately that of Eden Zachariya, 28, who was abducted from the Tribe of Nova music festival on October 7, and Ziv Dado, 36, a soldier killed on the same day whose body was taken to Gaza. Nearly two weeks after Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza we look at who is still believed to be in captivity. - 118 hostages still alive - A total of 118 hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Palestinian militants are also holding the bodies of eight hostages who died in Gaza and nine others of people who died in the October 7 and whose bodies were brought to Gaza. Of the 118 believed to be alive, 107 are Israelis or dual nationals, eight are Thai, one is Nepali, one is Tanzanian and one is French-Mexican. - Baby boy - AFP has managed to identify 110 of the remaining hostages, mainly through interviews with their relatives or via Israeli media. Hamas claims the youngest hostage, 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza along with his mother Shiri Bibas, 32, and four-year-old brother Ariel. Israel has yet to confirm the fate of the young family, whose capture come to symbolise the brutality of the hostage-taking. - Women and children - Besides the Bibas boys, there are no child hostages known to be left in Gaza. The last minor to be released was 17-year-old Aisha al-Zayadna, who was freed on the final day of the truce on November 30, along with her 18-year-old brother. At least 16 women are known to be still held in Gaza. The oldest is Judith Weinstein Haggai, 70. Five women aged 18-19 were performing their military service when they were kidnapped. As soldiers, they were excluded from the prisoner swap. - Men in their 80s - At least 100 men are still being held, including some on military service at the time of the October 7 attack. Some of the men are fathers of children who were freed with their mothers, relatives or other families in the past week. They include David Cunio, Tal Shoham, Dror Or, Ilan Weiss , Yair Yaakov, Youssef al-Zayadna and also Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Kalderon, the fathers of Franco-Israelis Eitan, Erez and Sahar, who have been returned. Some of the men are in their 70s and 80s. - Dozens of ravers - At least 33 people abducted during the Hamas massacre at the Tribe of Nova festival are still held hostage. Only five were released during the truce. There are also three bodies. Of the others, at least 30 come from Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza border. Poland's president on Wednesday swore in Donald Tusk as the new pro-EU prime minister, putting an end to eight years of right-wing populist rule. Newly appointed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reacts after winning the vote of confidence for his government, in Parliament, in Warsaw.(Reuters) The ministers of the new administration were successively sworn in by the conservative head of state, who is allied with the previous government of the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Tusk, who previously served as prime minister in 2007-2014, has pledged to restore Poland's position in the European Union after rule-of-law infringements strained Warsaw ties with Brussels. The former European Council president has also said that help for war-torn Ukraine would be a priority of his government. Tusk's cabinet includes Radoslaw Sikorski as foreign minister -- a job he has held in the past -- as well as former ombudsman Adam Bodnar as justice minister. The PiS won the most seats in October's general election but failed to find viable coalition partners and secure backing for their minority government on Monday. While Tusk's Civic Coalition came second in the ballot, it forged an alliance with two smaller pro-EU opposition political groups, the Third Way and Left, with enough votes to oust PiS from power. The new government will likely face daily battles with PiS lawmakers. The party still has allies in the presidency, the central bank and the supreme court, as well as in several important judicial and financial state institutions. Polish President Andrzej Duda, whose term ends in 2025, could use blocking tactics between now and then to veto legislation. WARNING - CONFRONTING IMAGES: Footage has emerged of the bone-chilling moment an Italian man was viciously mauled by a shark at a popular Aussie swimming spot, with the backpacker certain he was going to die as he switched on his camera in a last-ditch effort "to say goodbye". Matteo Mariotti, 20, who has been studying marine biology in Australia since late 2022, was mauled while snorkelling at 1770 Beach, about a three-hour drive south of Yeppoon in Queensland, on Friday. The spot is a well-known tourist attraction popular with families. 'Terrible pain' ends backpacker's 'relaxing' swim Speaking to Italian news outlet Gazetta di Parma, Mariotti said he'd recently heard tragic news from back home, that his grandfather had died, so he decided to go for a swim to "relax" and clear his head. I needed to relax and I thought about taking a swim not far from the shore, but after a few steps in the water, I felt a terrible pain in a foot," he told the publication. Matteo Mariotti, 20, was bitten by a shark off the coast of Queensland on Friday. Source: Instagram. I tried to widen that big mouth [of the shark] and with difficulty I freed my leg, even though from the knee down I could tell there was nothing left. I was screaming with the fear that the shark could reach me and eat me. My friend Tommaso, who was on the beach: he was the one who saved me. I really thought I couldn't make it." The 20-year-old said he owes his best friend Tommasi his life, for helping him to shore. Source: Instagram. Cries for help heard in horror footage In the footage he managed to capture, most of which is filmed underwater, Bunnings customer shares major carpark gripe can be heard crying out for help through muffled audio. Not much can be seen during the attack, until Mariotti emerges from underwater and is able to make his way to shore. It's then the camera flashes to his leg injuries, with blood-stained water pooling around his body. At that point, the Italian appears to still have all of his limbs. Story continues He was soon flown to Bundaberg Hospital, where he was treated for severe leg wounds. As of Wednesday, Mariotti is now stable, a spokesperson for Queensland Health told Yahoo News Australia. Uploading the footage to social media, Mariotti said he'd "lost so much blood and my leg". "I don't know if they're going to cut it all off or if it's going to be left in half", he said in a post written in Italian, translated to English. "Sorry if I can't reply to you but I'm very tired and my head hurts. [Tommaso] I owe you my life. I'm coming home, love you." The Italian national was being treated at Bundaberg Hospital, where doctors are working to save his leg. Source: Instagram. Mariotti's father to fly to Australia for support Meanwhile, Mariotti's father Michele was preparing to fly to Brisbane, and remains hopeful that his son's leg can be saved. "Matteo is better. We just saw him on a video call. He will be operated on again on Friday," he told Gazetta di Parma. "I will stay close to him for the time necessary for treatment in Australia, I think it will take more than a month, then we will return to Italy and here we will carry out everything possible so that he can recover." A fundraiser to help cover costs of Mariotti's treatment can be found here. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, the latest addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts' renowned Holiday Inn brand, is now open and introduces the first Holiday Inn innovative Open Lobby concept in the United Arab Emirates. Located in the vibrant heart of Dubai's business and recreation hub, the hotel offers an ideal retreat for both corporate and leisure travellers. Conveniently situated 15 minutes' drive from Dubai International Airport, Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay allows access to top tourist landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and Dubai Canal among others where visitors can have fun exploring during their Dubai experience. Guests are welcome to relax in one of 275 stylishly modern and well-furnished guest rooms and suites. These accommodations, equipped with state-of-the-art conveniences including 55-inch flat screens with plush comfortable beds, provide an added delight with select rooms offering stunning views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. The hotel provides meeting and event suites catering for up to 120 attendants suitable for business travellers. The state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities make them suitable for any business or social event including meetings, conferencing, and exhibitions. The Open Lobby is one of the hotel's distinct features, an innovative concept which transforms the traditional hotel lobby into a multi-functional hub, fostering a dynamic environment where individuals can seamlessly blend work, dining and social interactions. The design incorporates connected facilities to enhance the overall experience. Hotel website Park Singapore - Handwritten Collection. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Faber, the hotel promises an exquisite tapestry of unforgettable experiences. The hotel offers guests an ideal location to explore Singapore's rich natural heritage, with enchanting nature trails and coastal promenades. It is within easy reach of iconic landmarks such as VivoCity, Sentosa, and Singapore Cable Car, allowing guests to experience the very best the vibrant metropolis has to offer. In line with the hallmark of every Handwritten Collection hotel, where experiences are authentic and unique, guests are invited to embark on an immersive journey of admiring Singapore's lush nature. From the verdant feature walls gracing the exterior and interior spaces to the 'Elevation' scent permeating the lobby air, enriched with soothing and invigorating notes including tangerine, lavender and delicate florals, providing them with a sense of place. The inviting social hub houses a bookshelf with a curated collection of books on the diverse flora and fauna of Singapore and its storied history. The 194-key property comes in six configurations, ranging from Superior Room to Deluxe Room, Balcony, each tastefully designed in contemporary style and testament to the neighbourhood's charm. Each room also features floor-to-ceiling windows with serene views of the Harbour or Mt. Faber. The lobby is where social interactions and dining experiences forge genuine connections. Next to the entrance, The White Tiffin Fusion is a culinary gem where traditional Peranakan flavors blend with modern Western influences and local delights. This unique dining establishment redefines the Peranakan culinary experience, elevating it to a new level of sophistication that appeals to modern palates. Housed on the rooftop, the hotel's swimming pool is an oasis in the sky, offering panoramic views of the area, creating a picturesque setting. Guests will also find a range of eco-friendly amenities such as premium filtered drinking water, wheatgrass toothbrushes and refillable dispensers for bath gel, shampoo and conditioner. This eco-conscious approach minimizes the use of single-use plastic amenities, ensuring that guests can play a part in the hotel's sustainability initiatives. In addition, the Green Mark wall laminates in guestrooms, and energy-saving lighting systems in common areas demonstrate the hotel's proactive approach to energy conservation. The Hotel Faber Park Singapore - Handwritten Collection is a part of ALL - Accor Live Limitless, Accor's lifestyle loyalty program which harnesses the brands, services and partnerships offered within Accor's ecosystem, delivering limitless experiences and rewards to its members. Guests staying at the hotel can take advantage of ALL. Becoming a member of ALL - Accor Live Limitless is simple and free of charge. Visit all.com to join. Hotel website THE 130-ROOM PROPERTY IS SET TO OPEN IN 2025. Accor, a world-leading hospitality Group, is pleased to announce the signing of the first ibis Styles in Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, India. Nestled in a prime location, this vibrant addition to the ibis Styles family is set to redefine hospitality with its playful design, contemporary amenities and a comfortable stay. Scheduled for opening in Q1 2025, ibis Styles Mysuru will offer 130 rooms, each with a unique character. The food and drink offerings at the property will be designed to cater to diverse tastes, featuring an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a relaxing lounge bar. Additionally, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including a 450sqm banquet space, a well-equipped fitness centre and a relaxing swimming pool. The ibis Styles brand is dedicated to delivering a dynamic hotel experience with creative designs. Each ibis Styles hotel is individually themed and collectively inspired for a unique design concept that offers joyful and surprising moments. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a creative space to be inspired. ibis Styles Mysuru promises to bring design, comfort, quality, and the spirit of Mysuru together for travellers looking to be inspired. Accor currently operates 61 properties in India under the Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands. The Group has a strong pipeline of 30 properties currently under development in India. Hotel website Authorities are investigating the sudden death of a beloved mum of two who was reportedly electrocuted inside the bakery she owned with her husband. On Saturday, Thuy Le, 49, was taken to Nepean Hospital where she passed away after being found unconscious at Erskine Park Bakery in Sydney. Her death was later confirmed by the family online who have asked for "continued support" during this "difficult" time. "We would like to confirm, that unfortunately, Mrs Thuy Le (owner Lees wife) passed away on Saturday," they shared on their bakery's Facebook page. "Thank you to everyone who has sent us a message and also thank you to everyone who sent us flowers. It is much appreciated". Thun Le's daughter has described her mum as the 'sweetest and kindest person'. Source: Facebook / Erskine Park Bakery SafeWork shared with Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday at this stage they're still making enquiries into what happened. "SafeWork responded to a fatality at a business in Erskine Park on December 9," a spokesperson said. "Further comment is not available at this time". A NSW Police spokesperson said they are assisting SafeWork with the investigation. "A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner". Thun Le's daughter Leanne told 7 News Le had been electrocuted but it was unclear exactly how that happened. Le was the "sweetest and kindest person," her daughter continued. Tributes have since been flying in from devastated locals shocked to hear news of the tragedy. "Always happens to the best people, so sad," one person said. "Sending all our love and condolences to you all. Such a beautiful soul," another wrote. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Morgans Originals, the curators of independent hotels and part of the Ennismore brand, have appointed Hasham Soliman as Area General Manager for both St Martins Lane (the boutique five-star hotel in London's West End) and Sanderson London (the luxury lifestyle hotel in Fitzrovia). Soliman brings with him an impressive 30 years' experience in the London luxury hotel industry, where he has been involved in a total of seven new hotel openings, with him assuming the role of General Manager within four of those; all of which have built expertise that translates effortlessly to ensuring the ongoing success of both St Martins Lane and Sanderson London. Soliman joins the team from his previous role as Cluster General Manager for Dominus Real Estate, where he successfully opened Lost Property - St Paul's (a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton) and The Dixon - Tower Bridge (an Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott). Other career milestones include tenures at the Park Plaza Westminster, where Soliman managed one of the busiest hotel operations in the UK with 1019 bedrooms and 35 meeting rooms, as well as feasibility for The Black Book Consultancy for Svart-Norway (the world's first energy positive hotel and soon to become a Six Senses Hotel) - where Soliman worked on hotel configuration, operations, sustainability and five-year business plan. In addition, Soliman also worked alongside teams in both hotels to develop restaurant and bar concepts, in keeping with each venue and market trends. One career highlight for Soliman was his role as General Manager for the Intercontinental London, The O2, which is home to the largest pillar free ballroom in Europe, with capacity for 3000 people. Trump International Beach Resort in Miami has selected Aptech to gain access to the financial information it needs to make effective business decisions. The popular luxury destination is leveraging the complete portfolio of Aptech solutions PVNG, Execuvue, and Targetvue to streamline all enterprise accounting, business intelligence and budgeting and forecasting processes, making the property more financially efficient than ever before. Source: Aptech Aptech is bringing a new chapter of optimization to our finance operations. Simplifying manual processes while producing accounting information and executive reports on the go is essential and multiple database integration is the icing on the cake. By adding this trifecta of solutions, we can extract data more seamlessly from both internal departments and outside sources, such as STR and TripAdvisor. Danny Williams, TIBR managing director These combined solutions enable us to consolidate amounts reflected on the P&L and Balance Sheet, explore individual transactions included in the General Ledgers, and minimize the extra time it used to take to open multiple files and create individual manual reports to review information, Williams said. We couldnt be more pleased to partner with Aptech. 50+ Years of Hospitality Service Aptech a finalist in the "2023 Hotel Tech Awards" by Hotel Tech Report in the category of "Best Finance & Hotel Accounting Software," has been a pioneer of hospitality software technology for more than 50 years. The company is focused on connecting people with computers and information to solve significant problems in the hospitality and service industries. PVNG features the Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, and Bank Reconciliation that todays hotel operators are seeking with much-needed browser navigation. Its OCR invoice processing, myriad of payment options, drill-down capabilities in financial statements and reports, ability to handle single or multi-property accounting, and the fact that it can be deployed as a hosted service, explains why this accounting solution is in such high demand. Execuvue features a dashboard platform that delivers stunning images of financial and operational data that hoteliers can act upon. Leveraging AI-powered analytics, Execuvue helps operators make smarter business decisions and configure data regionally, giving operators a performance snapshot portfolio wide, as well as by region, brand, and property. Targetvue provides accounting teams with one version of the truth. It consolidates reports, identifies trends, and eliminates the maintenance and distribution of Excel spreadsheets throughout the organization. Automated forecast snapshots offers users ad-hoc capabilities to previous and future performance projections. Sam Costa, Aptech Director of Client Success, said all three Aptech solutions continually achieve high marks across the board for ease of use, ROI, implementation and customer support. TrumpHails Aptechs Outstanding Customer Service & Support Out of the gate, Williams said the accounting team was greatly impressed by Aptechs customer service culture. Whenever questions arise, he said, team members always receive prompt responses from live agents in minutes. The Aptech team is very professional, candid, and respectful, Williams said. They are also great listeners with a vast knowledge of the hotel industry. At a moments notice they are willing to develop new reporting tools to help us increase productivity, and they work with us daily on integrating their solutions with multiple peripheral property systems. In a word, Aptechs customer service and support is outstanding. We have not received a negative answer and never once heard we cant do it. This speaks volumes to their core values and how they treat customers. Aptechs Costa had this to say: Amazing comments from customers are not foreign to Aptech. But when properties like the Trump International Beach Resort sing your praises and boast about our support department, it speaks volumes to our customer commitment. We appreciate the unbiased reviews from hoteliers people whom we consider family and the reason we have been in business for more than five decades. For more information on Aptech solutions, visit http://www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Computer Systems Inc. Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider, as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner. Incorporated in 1970, Aptech's state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise more than 4,000 properties including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue is registered to Aptech Computer Systems Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. Barbara Worcester +1 440 930 5770 UNWTO has concluded the Gastronomy Tourism Project, designed to make Ubud, Indonesia, a global hub of sustainable gastronomy tourism. Within the framework of Indonesias annual Tourism National Coordinative Meeting, the projects final report was presented to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, and to the Gianyar Regional Government. The UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project in Ubud was developed with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy with the aim of growing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage and boost the local economy, create jobs and drive sustainable and inclusive development. Launched in 2018, it was put on hold during the pandemic, returning at the start of this year. The project was divided into three phases: Phase 1: Analysis and diagnosis: inventory and evaluation of gastronomy resources, analysis of demand indicators, market study, online positioning and influencers in gastronomy tourism Analysis and diagnosis: inventory and evaluation of gastronomy resources, analysis of demand indicators, market study, online positioning and influencers in gastronomy tourism Phase 2: Technical design: conformation of the development of the Gastronomy Tourism experience in Ubud, including governance, communication and positioning models Technical design: conformation of the development of the Gastronomy Tourism experience in Ubud, including governance, communication and positioning models Phase 3: Development of the business plan: definition of indicators for measuring the impact and the outcomes of the project, design and format of the gastronomy experiences, business model and a communication plan for key source markets As part of the project final visit, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will host a workshop for local stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Ubud to discuss the outcomes of the project. The workshop will welcome participants from regional and local Destination Management Organizations, as well as representatives of gastronomy-related businesses and academia, to discuss an action plan and the way forward to turn Ubud into a global hub of sustainable and authentic community-based gastronomic experiences. The workshop will also focus on the next steps, such as the creation of a Gastronomy Tourism Club to support a structured governance model. RELATED LINKS: About The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency fostering tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation and a central pillar of recovery. As part of the wider UN system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural and cultural heritage. Follow UNWTO on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. UNWTO Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UNWTO The Vietage by Anantara today announces the introduction of a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon commencing its first journey on 15th May 2024. Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage running daily between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the second carriage aims to capture the international hub of Nha Trang served by Cam Ranh International Airport and connect the central coast of Vietnam offering opportunities for visitors to explore more of the stunning country in luxury. At a signing ceremony this morning at the Saigon Railway Transport JSC (SRT) Head Office in Ho Chi Minh City, The Vietage by Anantaras General Manager, Erik Billgren, thanked the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and the SRT for their commitment and support over the last three years since the launch of the initial carriage and looks forward to the ongoing partnership in bringing luxury railway journeys to Vietnam. Reservations for the new route between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon will open on 1st February 2024. The Vietage by Anantara will reveal more details soon on its exciting new route. *The Vietage by Anantara operates two 12-seat reservation-only carriages on daily return railway routes between Da Nang and Quy Nhon and Nha Trang and Quy Nhon in South Central Vietnam, offering luxury train travel experiences for guests exploring Vietnam. About Minor Hotels Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 540 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America. With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world. For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com. Katherine Jones Area Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Vietnam Minor Join JMBM partners Jim Butler, Catherine DeBono Holmes and David Sudeck on January 15-16, 2024, in Newport Beach, California, at the upcoming EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo, hosted by EB5Investors.com magazine and Uglobal Immigration Magazine. At the conference, these JMBM partners will be honored for their inclusion on EB5 Investors Magazines Top 15 Corporate and Securities Attorneys list for 2023. Read the Top 25 issue of EB5 Investors Magazine here. We hope to see you at this event. Here are the details: What: EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Where: VEA Newport Beach, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 VEA Newport Beach, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 When: January 15-16, 2024 Register on the conference website with JMBMs discount. Come discuss the latest trends and innovations with top industry professionals in EB-5 financing, investment immigration, and wealth management, hosted by leading EB5 publication EB5Investors.com. The educational panels will cover topics specifically for high-net-worth individuals, tax and immigration attorneys, migration agents, investors, and project developers. Source: JMBM JMBM has closed more than $1.5 billion in EB-5 financing for our clients development projects. Dont miss the chance to connect with our exceptional team! Click here for the latest articles on EB-5 Financing. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program & Financing JMBM has closed more than $1.5 billion in EB-5 financing for our clients development projects. We have worked on dozens of EB-5 financings from every angle, and as a result we know the players in the EB-5 world, including many of the regional center operators throughout the U.S. and marketing agents operating globally. We use our expertise and relationships to make good choices and guide our clients through the entire EB-5 financing process. We also assist lender clients in structuring their relationships with EB-5 investments. How we Help Clients Seeking EB-5 Financing For our hotel, restaurant and other commercial real estate clients seeking financing through the EB-5 program, we advise on: EB-5 project viability and due diligence Qualifying for governmental incentives such as New Markets Tax Credits, redevelopment agency funding, and other tax credits EB-5 Regional Centers Determining targeted employment area (TEA) designation Job creation requirements Securing state and local governmental support for a project Federal securities laws with respect to the sale of limited partnership interests to EB-5 investors Structuring and documenting EB-5 investment programs Negotiating marketing contracts for EB-5 investment programs Negotiating loan and inter-creditor agreements between EB-5 lenders and other lenders *See how JMBMs Global Hospitality Group can help you. About the JMBM Global Hospitality Group The hospitality attorneys in the Global Hospitality Group of Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP comprise the premier hospitality practice in a full-service law firm, and the most experienced legal and advisory team in the industry. Our team of seasoned hotel lawyers has helped clients with more than 4,600 hospitality properties located around the globe valued at more than $123 billion, and have worked on more than 2,700 management and franchise agreements. Our experience provides one of the most extensive virtual data bases of market terms for deals and financings. The hospitality lawyers of our team are not just great hotel lawyerswe are also hospitality consultants and business advisors, dealmakers and facilitators of the flow of capital. We help our clients find the right operator, joint venture partner or capital provider. We know who to call and how to reach them. Jim Butler +1 310 201 3526 JMBM View source Association announces Andres Reyes Gjerme as chair, Nora Galfi as vice-chair, and calls on its members to nominate up-and-coming professionals to join the council, a trailblazer of initiatives focused on professional development and advocacy for young leaders. London, UK HSMAI Europe, the European arm of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the industrys leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable revenue growth globally, has launched a campaign to significantly expand its Rising Leaders Council, with a chair, vice-chair and members already brought on board to kick-start the drive. The association has appointed Andres Reyes Gjerme, the Managing Director of RG Hospitality Consulting, as chair; Nora Galfi, Regional Marketing Manager EMEA for Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight), as vice-chair; and confirmed council members including: Clement Deplanche, Director, Revenue Strategy, Accor; Angel Shtrbevski, Operations Manager, Moxy and Residence Inn Slough at Cycas Hospitality; Christopher Keates, Key Account Director, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); and Hillary Sinclair Meyer, Head of Profit, at Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels). HSMAI Europe is now calling on its pan-European membership to nominate young leaders aged 35 and under to join the council, which is a global initiative supported by the HSMAI Foundation, and in Europe, envisaged as a professional development and advocacy group. Comprising young professionals working across sales, marketing, revenue management, commercial and other management roles, the council provides a unique opportunity to advance their skill sets, network with peers and contribute to HSMAI and the industry with their insights,feedback and thought leadership. Expanding the Rising Leaders Council membership and representation is part of HSMAI Europes wider effort to cultivate the hospitality industrys next generation of young talent. This is an invaluable opportunity for the rising stars of our profession to shine and make a valuable contribution to HSMAI, promoting knowledge exchange and bolstering our efforts to future-proof our sector, and we encourage all members to put forward their top young professionals to be part of this positive action. Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO, HSMAI Region Europe The Rising Leaders Council is already executing its 2024 plan, starting with the organisation of the break-out sessions at the associations annual commercial conference, HSMAI ROC, taking place at the InterContinental London Park Lane on Thursday, January 18th, 2024. Another major council focus for the next 12 months is to support the European growth of the Connecting Future Leaders initiative that started in Oslo, Norway, an exclusive professional and informal after-work networking and event for HSMAI members aged 35 or younger, originally conceived by HSMAI member Andre Julseth, General Manager at the stunning Sommerro and Villa Inkognito in Oslo. With Julseth successfully steering the pilot project in Oslo to great success, the first of four Connecting Future Leaders events planned for London in 2024 will also take place at ROC,encouraging young leaders to share ideas and experiences as part of their personal and professional development, learning from and inspiring one another. In Oslo, Julseth has now handed over the Connecting Future Leaders initiative to a very capable hospitality professional; Hero Azeez, the Managing Director at Hotel Christiania Teater. A highly successful young leader, appointed General Manager when she was just 25, Azeez has positioned Hotel Christiania Teater as a leading boutique property in Oslo due to her hard work, passion and determination. Today, aged 29, she will take HSMAIs Connecting Future Leaders initiative in Norway to new heights. Julseth and Azeez will both attend HSMAI ROC and the HSMAI Europe Awards 2023 on January 18th, as well as the HSMAI Europe Leadership Day on January 17th, playing an essential role in steering conversations to advance and promote young leaders, supporting the role of the Rising Leaders Council. To be eligible to join the Rising Leaders Council, candidates must be an emerging leader in their field of hospitality expertise; be aged 35 or younger (as of December 31, 2023); have a minimum of three years in hospitality sales, marketing, and/or revenue optimisation; be currently employed full-time in a position in one of these disciplines; and be a current HSMAI Europe member. Potential candidates must also have a written recommendation from their current supervisor and commit to serving on the council for a two-year term. Once on board, council members must participate in a one-hour virtual meeting each month and attend an in-person retreat once a year, staged in conjunction with the HSMAI Europe Leadership Day, ROC Conference and HSMAI Europe Awards. I am incredibly honored to chair a group that has so much potential to make a difference to the future of our industry and I encourage every young leader in the HSMAI Europe membership to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Rising Leaders Council chair, Andres Reyes Gjerme Sharing knowledge, ideas and insights enriches our professional journeys in so many ways. We all look forward to bringing on board more Rising Leaders Council members to collectively, as a powerful young and influential circle, introduce and advocate for innovation within our beloved industry. As vice-chair, I am looking forward to supporting new initiatives that foster in-depth discussions and inspire positive action for the benefit of all. Vice-Chair Nora Galfi Please find more information here for the ROC and the HSMAI Awards Europe. For more information on submitting a nomination to the Rising Leaders Council or for general information on HSMAI membership, initiatives, and events, email [email protected]. About HSMAI Region Europe HSMAI Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is a global organisation founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. www.hsmai.eu. HSMAI Europe HSMAI Europe Heres a taster of the latest episode with Pierre Ben Kiran, who graduated from EHL in 2021 before pursuing a Masters in Business Analytics at Esade Business School in Barcelona, followed by a CEMS Master in International Management in Barcelona and Tokyo. Pierre is the co-founder of Bumpy, a digital business card mobile phone app which he began developing during his first masters. It launched in September 2023. Seizing an opportunity to learn The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect on all of us in very different ways. For Pierre Ben Kiran, who was interning for an events company in Singapore as part of his bachelors degree at EHL when the pandemic hit, it provided an unexpected opportunity. Stuck at home with no events to organise, he started to teach himself programming, something he hadnt been taught at EHL but which interested him. I just loved it, I'm really into mathematics and science in general. I guess that programming was a way for me to dive back into this whole dimension. Pierre Ben Kiran, Co-Founder & CPO at Bumpy As a result, he decided to take a technical masters after finishing at EHL. The aim was not to become a developer, but more to use programming as a daily tool to be more efficient and productive. The masters in business analytics seemed just perfect for me. Though you didnt study programming at EHL, do you think your bachelors prepared you for this path in other ways? I did my Student Business Project for Nestle, and I did my first analysis product for them, and that was very, very interesting. Basically, I wanted to know how Nestle was perceived by people in general. I wrote a program that went on Twitter and Reddit and pulled out 30,000 comments about Nestle. Then I just analyzed them to see how Nestle was perceived by the population in general. That was super interesting to do. That definitely helped me push in this direction. After your first quite technical masters, you went on to do the CEMS. What did it offer you that the first masters hadn't? In the second masters, we had a lot of classes about diversity and really understanding the world as it is today and how it's going to be in a few years. We had a bit of politics as well. That was really interesting. It was a different point of view from any other school that I did. On top of that, I had the chance to do a six-month exchange in Japan, and that was just amazing. Tokyo is such a nice city and Japan in general is a beautiful country. When you started your masters programs, did you have an idea of what you wanted to do afterwards? No, not at all. Everything developed during that time. I started my company during my first masters at Esade. I met about 400 people within the first week, and it was quite hard to connect with everyone. With some people, you'd share your Instagram, your LinkedIn, your WhatsApp, and there was no centralized way of sharing everything at the same time. I talked to a friend, Tom, and we decided to create Bumpy for our masters business plan in the first year. Then we saw some potential. Do you feel that your educational pathway has equipped you well for running your own business? In a sense, yes, because I've seen a bit of everything. But I think the only thing I was missing was probably the sales part of it. When we launched, we had to start the sales process, and I realized that I've never actually studied anything related to sales in general or how to do it properly. That's the thing I was missing in my educational path. Were you able to reach out to alumni of your various schools for help? Completely. We reached out to a few of our teachers from my previous masters. All my network at EHL was really helpful as well. They introduced me to their companies and we actually made the first sales like that. Do you think EHL helped nurture your spirit of invention? What's nice with EHL is that you see a bit of everything: hospitality, finance, everything. If you know the basics of an industry, then it's easier to have an idea that can solve a problem within this industry. Right now, I have a lot of ideas about startups in the hospitality industry that Id like to do, and this is definitely thanks to EHL. What's your biggest wish for your career? To love the thing that I do, and that's the case right now, so I'm already super happy. About EHL Group EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector. With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source A total of 666 deals (mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing) were announced in the travel and tourism sector globally during January-November 2023, which is a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 32.7% compared to the announcement of 989 deals during the same period in the previous year, finds GlobalData. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: The global travel and tourism sector persistently exhibited a declining trend in deal activity throughout the year. Geo-political tensions, ongoing wars and associated macroeconomic challenges largely affected the deal-making sentiments in the sector. An analysis of GlobalDatas Financial Deals Database reveals that the deal activity within the travel and tourism sector for all the regions and most of the countries suffered setbacks during January-November 2023. North America witnessed 43.2% decline in deals volume during January-November 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. Similarly, the number of deals announcement in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South and Central American regions too fell by 36.7%, 15.2%, 20.5%, and 42.3%, respectively, YoY during January-November 2023. Meanwhile, key global markets such as the US, the UK, China, Japan, France, South Korea, Australia, Spain and the Netherlands witnessed YoY decline in deals volume by 44.1%, 29.5%, 4.5%, 46.9%, 20.7%, 26.7%, 30%, 56.8% and 35%, respectively. Bose adds: All the deal types under the coverage also recorded YoY decline in volume during January-November 2023. For instance, the number of M&A deals declined by 34.6% while the volume of private equity deals and venture financing deals registered YoY decline of 31% and 26.3%, respectively. Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain. Americans Are Choosing Sunny Beaches and City Lights for This Year's Holiday Celebrations Allianz Partners USA has announced its annual Top 10 Holiday Destinations survey, which found Americans are planning holiday trips to New York City and Cancun, Mexico, as their top domestic and international locations. New York City headlines for the third year in a row as the number one domestic destination on American travelers' wish lists this holiday season, followed by sunny Orlando (#2), dazzling Las Vegas (#3), Los Angeles (#4) and Atlanta (#5). This year, Las Vegas notably jumps four spots compared to 2022, making an appearance in the domestic top three for the first time since the survey's inception in 2016. Travelers planning an overseas holiday should be prepared for busier airport gates at warm-weather destinations. For the sixth time in a row, Cancun stays on top with travelers opting to escape the cold to relax on Mexico's sunny beaches. Not far behind, London, England (#2), continues to be a top contender while sunnier destinations like San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (#3), Montego Bay, Jamaica (#4) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (#5) continue to attract U.S. travelers. "If you have a frequent traveler in the family, a great gift this holiday season is an annual travel insurance policy," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. "Whether they are traveling stateside shouting 'Viva Las Vegas,' or hitting the beach internationally, a travel insurance policy can offer peace of mind in case of an unexpected covered travel delay, trip cancellation or trip interruption, and an annual policy can provide protection all year 'round for those covered pre-paid, non-refundable expenses." *Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' 2023 holiday plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 12/16/2023 12/29/2023, returning 12/17/2023 - 12/29/2023. In total, just over 3.1 million itineraries were analyzed using this methodology. Homewood Suites Harrisburg Hershey West JLLs Hotels & Hospitality Group has been selected to exclusively market for the sale the Homewood Suites by Hilton Harrisburg West/Hershey Area, a 116-suite, premium branded extended stay Hotel located at 5001 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 17055. The Hotel is located at the intersection between US highway 15 and Interstate 76, with efficient proximity to downtown Harrisburg and its varying attractions. This opportunity provides the ability to acquire a quality branded extended stay Hotel with exceptional upside in future cash flow through substantial market growth, comprehensive PIP-required renovations, and local hands-on management. The Property is being offered unencumbered by management, free and clear of debt, and at a substantial discount to replacement cost. Investment highlights Superior performance compared to competitors: The Homewood Suites Harrisburg/West Hershey Area has consistently outperformed its competitive set on all indexes year over year. Strong RevPAR penetration: The hotel has achieved over 135% RevPAR penetration since 2017, showcasing its superiority in the market. Continual RevPAR growth: RevPAR has increased by 10.5% as of October YTD 2023, indicating the hotel's ability to consistently grow in a stable market. Record-high RevPAR: The property achieved a record-high $117 RevPAR in the T-12 period, highlighting its success in maximizing revenue. Potential for rate growth: New ownership can capture even more rate growth by implementing a Property Improvement Plan, allowing the hotel to command higher pricing. Stable and promising market: The Harrisburg/West Hershey area has a historically stable and promising market, providing a solid foundation for the hotel's future growth. For details visit here. David Wilcox Executive editor Follow David Wilcox Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Cayuga County Clerk-elect Brian Scanlan has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a motor vehicle property damage accident last month. Scanlan, who won election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, crashed into a parked vehicle with his own the following Saturday in the town of Owasco. Owasco Town Court Clerk Vicky Coraci told The Citizen on Tuesday that Scanlan pleaded guilty to the violation by mail, and Dec. 1 was sentenced to the maximum fine of $250 with a $93 surcharge. He must also complete a defensive driving course and 50 hours of community service, and cover all of the other vehicle owner's out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by insurance. The owner of the other vehicle is Dr. Cyndy King, of North Carolina, who was in the area for the funeral of Marion Camardo. Camardo's son, Joe, lives at the 12 Fairway Drive home where King's Subaru was parked that Saturday night. King previously told The Citizen that her vehicle, a Subaru, was a total loss as a result of the accident. Camardo has unsuccessfully asked Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci to investigate the accident. He also intends to pursue civil action against Scanlan. Now, Camardo is pursuing his own investigation. He has hired Curiosity Investigations, the private business of retired Cayuga County Sheriff's Office Detective Lt. Frederick Cornelius, who told The Citizen he is seeking any information about Scanlan's activities prior to the accident and any surveillance footage of a red Dodge pickup truck in the area from Fairway Drive to Victory Drive that night. Cornelius can be reached at fcornelius@curiosityinvestigations.com. He said he does not yet have any findings to share, but expects to soon. Scanlan and his attorney, Scott Brenneck, have not responded to requests for comment by The Citizen. Scanlan will be sworn into the office of clerk, replacing Sue Dwyer, in January. Scanlan court date postponed, Cayuga County DA will not appoint special prosecutor The court appearance of Cayuga County Clerk-elect Brian Scanlan who crashed into a parked car in Owasco and left the scene days after winnin Chicago, IL (60637) Today Mostly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 33F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy. Snow likely late. Low 27F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Organizations that excel at high-volume recruiting must successfully address a variety of unique challenges. To learn about how they are able to accomplish this, the HR Research Institute conducted the State of High-volume and Hourly Hiring 2023 survey. This webcast will examine the findings from that survey. More specifically well discuss topics such as: how many organizations engage in high-volume recruiting the approaches they use the effectiveness and benefits of high-volume hiring the challenges organizations face the tools and metrics associated with high-volume recruitment current trends and future projections What organizations that excel in this area tend to do differently We will start by providing data on the degree to which organizations are engaged in various types of recruitment, including hourly and high-volume hiring practices. Then we will drill down the specifics of high-volume recruitment. For example, to what degree is it done by via internal recruitment staff and by external partners?We will also look at the challenges, components, and metrics associated with hourly and high-volume recruitment. Additionally, we will discuss candidate assessment tools, including the most commonly used types and the most highly rated features.Then we will touch on the near-term future of high-volume and hourly recruitment. What trends are expected? What features might change? What will be the role approaches such as programmatic advertising?Finally, we will compare the differences between organizations that do high-volume hiring well and those that do not. How do these two cohorts compare in terms of their approaches, attitudes and practices? What seem to be some best practices in this area?Join Matt Charney, Talent Acquisition Community Leader at HR.com, and Jeanette Leeds of Alexander Mann Solutions, as they discuss critical issues related high-volume and hour hiring. By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s). Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 31F. Winds light and variable. Published: 13 Dec 2023 Share: Heriot-Watt has launched a new partnership with K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University in Kazakhstan bringing its distinct learning and teaching offering to a broader international audience. Over its 200-year history, Heriot-Watt has transformed into a global institution with five fully integrated campuses in Scotland, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia and working with higher education partners on all continents who share its values and commitment to high quality education. This new strategic development will initially see the delivery of undergraduate dual-degree engineering programmes to a new intake of 300 students per year. All programmes will be integrated into Heriot-Watts wider global provision of One Heriot-Watt wherever a Heriot-Watt student is located, the learning outcomes of their programmes are identical, with one Heriot-Watt University degree certificate globally. The universities formally announced the partnership and opened the doors to the first cohort of students at a ceremony at the Zhubanov campus in Aktobe attended by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tamara Duysenova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askhat Shakharov, the Akim of the Aktobe Region, the UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach and representatives from both universities. Among them was Professor Mark Biggs, Vice-Principal and Provost of Heriot-Watt University, who said: This is an exciting development, one that goes to the heart of what we stand for as an institution. "Heriot-Watt has a tradition of being pioneering in international education driven by our values of access to higher education and outstanding performance in graduate employability. "Todays formal announcement marks the next step in our pioneering journey and is a historic milestone for both institutions and we look forward to a long and successful partnership. The event also saw appearances from business and industry representatives who have links to both universities and play a key role in the economic development of Kazakhstan, in particular the Aktobe region. The academic programmes will be delivered within a dedicated location within K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, with classroom teaching and lab facilities and student support services to ensure a first-class student experience. Central to the partnerships success is a desire to nurture high-level graduates equipped with the knowledge, attributes and confidence required by todays industries. As with all Heriot-Watt degrees this is informed by research-led teaching and partners will develop collaborative scientific activity, including collaborative research, training and doctoral research activity over the next five years as phase two of the strategic development. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: The main goal of the cooperation with Heriot-Watt University is to improve the quality of education according to international standards and to prepare strong staff for the western region of Kazakhstan. Bandcamp adds Discover a new way to shop for indie music and merch Bandcamp has added Discover, a new way to search for vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merchandise on the popular Indie platform. The update is the first since a messy late September sale of Bandcamp by Epic Games to Songtradr, which included massive layoffs and accusations of union busting. Users can now explore Bandcamp by genre, category, or artist location: Want to buy a t-shirt to support your favorite Florida death metal band, or explore the latest alternative coming out of Singapore? Discover will help you navigate the hundreds of thousands of releases and merch items on Bandcamp to find exactly what youre looking for. Bandcamp says theyll also be upgrading the ability to create more specific searches by combining genres. Artists & Labels: How To Help Fans Discover Your Music Bandcamp recommends that artists and labels: Choose a featured track you want potential new fans to hear first when your releases appear on the Discover page. Select a genre on your profile, and tag all of your releases. Youre more likely to show up in the search results of your future fans by doing this. List all your merchandise on Bandcamp to reach our community of millions of music fans who want to support artists and labels directly. Add enticing photos of your merch items with great images tend to sell best. Check out Bandcamp Discover here. Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor. Share on: Health Inspector Ruth Russell meets with the Williamstown Board of Health on Monday. She started in her post earlier this fall. Williamstown Board of Health Meets with New Health Inspector Board of Health members Sandra Goodbody and James Parkinson participate in Monday's meeting. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The town's new health inspector hit the ground running this month, reversing a condemnation order on a Simonds Road property after improvements were made to the residence. Ruth Russell, who took over this fall for the retired Jeff Kennedy, held her first meeting with the Board of Health on Monday morning and provided an update on the enforcement order issued by her predecessor on the single-family home on Route 7 near the Vermont state line. Russell said she conducted a reinspection with a representative of the Berkshire Public Health Alliance, which was helping the town cover its inspection needs after Kennedy's retirement. "The inside of the house was in a lot better shape than the photos I'd seen from Jeff's prior inspection," Russell said. "We agreed it was back to a livable condition and reversed the condemnation order. "It looked a lot better." Community Development Director Andrew Groff told the board that the town's agreement with the Public Health Alliance remains in place until June. And the town reached an additional agreement with Great Barrington to have Russell mentored by Rebecca Jurczyk, who, coincidentally, was mentored by Kennedy under a similar intermunicipal agreement when Jurczyk was hired by the South County town. "There are so many different parts of the job: barn inspections, food inspections, housing, wells and Title 5," Groff said. "There are lots of local professionals available to provide resources and mentoring as needed. "Our agreement with Great Barrington runs, I believe, for six months. It allows Rebecca [Jurczyk] to come up at least two times a month, not more than four. And it allows Ruth [Russell] to go down to Great Barrington if, let's say, Rebecca has a housing issue we haven't had for a while." For the benefit of residents looking in on the town's community access television station, Willinet, Russell said she was a 2019 graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in environmental conservation. Prior to her post in Williamstown, she had been working in the hazardous waste field, she said. "I'm excited to be here," Russell said. "I"m learning a lot, and I'm sure I'll be learning a lot for years to come. We're getting there, and it's going great so far." Board of Health Chair Erwin Stuebner said the town was fortunate to be able to fill the position. "Health agents are at a premium in the county and the state," Stuebner said. "We had a search that was not very productive, and, all of a sudden, Ruth came out of nowhere." In other business on Monday, Stuebner provided an update on a dispute between neighbors over noise from roosters that came before the board this summer. He said the complaining neighbor, James Abdou of 392 White Oaks Road, had taken his issue to the commonwealth's Department of Environmental Protection. "We have maintained that our position is this is not a public health situation but a dispute between neighbors," Stuebner said. "We do not believe we should be involved. We did communicate back that if DEP tells us differently, we will honor that and do the best we can." Devan Bartels noted that Abdou has other options for redress at the local level. "We did encourage Mr. Abdou to pursue formal channels for submitting a new bylaw for the code of Williamstown," Bartels said. "Raising awareness, having a citizen's petition, putting something before town meeting for next spring it's within his purview to do that. "Noise is gaining ground as a significant public health concern. But, as a Board of Health, given the important interests on both sides, we didn't feel it's appropriate for our board to legislate on this. Once there is legislation from the town, we can help enforce it." The $4.2 billion environmental bond act approved by voters in 2022 is supporting two major water infrastructure projects in the Cayuga County area. The village and town of Elbridge will get $10 million for water system improvements in the municipalities and the village of Jordan. Jordan was also awarded $9,485,200 for a sewer extension project on Route 5 and East Brutus Street. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $479 million to support 156 water infrastructure projects. Most of the funding was provided through the state Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs. The awards included $200 million from the environmental bond act. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Facilities Corporation awarded an additional $30 million through the Septic System Replacement Program. There were other projects in the Cayuga County area that will be funded by the state grants, including $5 million for the village of Weedsport's water system improvements. The town of Brutus will get $858,000 for Water District No. 11, while the town of Owasco will receive $625,000 for the first phase of an infiltration and inflow reduction project in Sewer District No. 1. "No one in New York should ever fear that they don't have access to clean water," Hochul said. "We are reassuring communities across New York that your kids, grandkids and great-grandkids will always have access to clean and safe water. This investment will make lifesaving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people, in addition to saving New Yorkers money and creating tens of thousands of jobs." According to Hochul's office, the grants will help save water ratepayers an estimated $1.3 billion and create 24,000 jobs across New York. Towns Can't Count on Cannabis Fees WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The town is accounting for the loss of about $300,000 in "impact fees" due to regulatory changes coming down from the commonwealth's Cannabis Control Commission. Town Manager Robert Menicocci explained to the Select Board on Monday that the CCC has implemented a "pretty dramatic shift" in the rules surrounding the host community agreements signed by marijuana retailers and municipalities. The commission earlier this fall gave itself the authority to approve or void HCAs and issues sanctions against host communities that are not in compliance. Communities also must be much more specific in how they claim impact fees, prohibits them from asking for future payments, charitable contributions, escrows or bonds, setting the fee as a percentage of sales, or limiting the licensees ability to dispute the fees. Fees can no longer be imposed after a license has been held for nine years. Williamstown currently has one dispensary and, since it came online relatively early after the state established a regulatory regime following the 2016 referendum to legalize recreational pot, that community agreement is up for renewal. "We had had a draft agreement that we had proposed to our retailer here in town and proposed that, on a short-term basis, back in the spring, to do this for a six-month period and, at that point, we would hopefully have clarification from the CCC," Menicocci said. "The attorneys went back and forth on that for some period of time, and we got to the point where the regulations actually came out, and the retailers' attorneys decided, based on that guidance, they wanted to further edit the agreement. "That's where we're at right now. And I just want to make this clear to folks that this is very much on the radar and very much going nowhere at the same time. It's not for lack of trying that we don't have a host community agreement in place. As we talked about the impact fees associated with this, which was a large part of, I think the eagerness to jump into this business and be supportive of having establishments here in town that largely goes away." Menicocci said the state regulatory agency has made it more difficult for cities and towns to collect any impact fees from dispensaries. The change has elicited reactions from municipalities running from protests to threats to take the CCC to court. "Not only [was the CCC] going to hold communities to very rigorous proof of the impacts, but they're also characterizing this as an 'impact plus,' " Menicocci said. "If a retailer had a number of calls for service from, say, the police what the CCC is now saying is, 'That's normal, because the police go out to any establishment,' whether that be a bar, restaurant or store. So what you have to do is have even a higher bar set on this, above and beyond what would be ordinary. "So the impact fee piece of this, I think, has essentially faded away. And once again, it's going to need further clarification on whether we can even recoup what was under our regional contract. We have a payment due to us under our old contract that we have not received from our retailer. That's not unusual. All retailers just stopped [paying] because the CCC said, 'Hey, we think this is retroactive to whenever we feel like saying it's retroactive to. "That would be extraordinary, and even as part of the comment on the regulations, some of the legislators involved in this commented, 'That wasn't our intent.' " While the town was able to account for the loss of impact fees in the budget, Menococci reminded the Select Board that there was a one-time boost in property tax revenue that helped smooth out the shortfall in revenue. "When we said we had a good year last year with Cable Mills coming online, that was one factor why we weren't cutting our budget just to get through the year because of a revenue drop, a sizable one for our community," Menicocci said. One topic on the agenda for Monday's meeting, the last scheduled session of calendar 2023, was the Select Board member's budget priorities for fiscal year 2025. After taking feedback from his colleagues on the language used in those requests, Andrew Hogeland was tasked with submitting a final document to the town manager and Finance Committee that identifies four budget priorities for the coming fiscal year: lessening the property tax burden on residents, assessing town infrastructure with an eye toward energy efficiency, website and communication improvements and allocating town funds to support, "programming and events designed to create opportunities for enhancing our sense of community." Menicocci and his staff are in the process of developing an FY25 budget that ultimately will be presented to town meeting in omnibus form in May. The Select Board also approved the calendar for that meeting and the annual town elections. On the election side, nomination papers will be available on Monday, Feb. 5. Papers with signatures from a requisite number of town voters are due back for certification by the town clerk on Tuesday, March 26, for an election that will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Williamstown Elementary School. Town meeting is scheduled for one week later, on May 21, at 7 p.m. at Mount Greylock Regional School. The last day to submit warrant articles for that meeting including via citizens petition is Monday, March 25. Select Board Chair Jeff Johnson reminded residents that articles submitted via citizens petition require at least 10 signatures, though more are recommended, and potential petitioners are encouraged to meet with the town manager to make sure their article language is properly worded to ensure its efficacy if passed by town meeting. The board discussed setting a potential date for a continuation of town meeting to address concerns in recent years that overly long meetings are discouraging participation by residents. Hogeland suggested that the decision could be made in March, after the board has a sense of what the meeting warrant looks like. He did note that some potential warrant articles the Select Board itself is crafting could generate discussion at the May meeting. On Monday, the board discussed the fine points of two proposals it has discussed bringing to the meeting: a further expansion of the senior tax exemption for property taxes and a property tax exemption based on the commonwealth's senior "Circuit Breaker" tax program. Both the programs, which require beneficiaries to demonstrate need based on income limits, would shift some of the property tax burden away from those in need to more affluent property owners. In other business on Monday, the Select Board: Approved annual liquor, innkeeper and common victualer licenses for 2024. Received an update on the town's process for redoing its website. The town is looking at several vendors with experience doing municipal websites in an effort to make the town's page easier to navigate and to address issues of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reminded residents that there are two more information sessions this week for potential applicants for Community Preservation Act funds in FY25: Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the town manager's office at town hall. OK'd an underground extension of electrical conduit by National Grid on Sweet Farm Road. Despite hesitation and opposition from some lawmakers, Cayuga County's 2024 budget will include $334,000 for the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency. A budget amendment was proposed by Legislator Robert Shea, who chairs the agency's board of directors, at a special county Legislature meeting Tuesday. Shea previously sought $500,000 for CCPUSA at a budget workshop in November before withdrawing that request. He followed with a proposal to use more than $332,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to support the agency. That resolution was tabled until Tuesday's meeting. After Shea proposed his budget amendment, a debate ensued over whether to fund CCPUSA, which formed in 1984. Proponents of the appropriation view it as fulfilling a promise to voters who supported the agency's creation and approved a 2005 proposition allowing CCPUSA to pursue alternative energy sources. "This will establish CCPUSA once and for all in our county," Cayuga County Legislature Chairman David Gould said, while adding he knows most of the agency's board members. "I have faith in them. I have faith that this money is going to produce savings for everybody in this county in the near future." Legislator Andy Dennison voted for the amendment, but not without criticism of CCPUSA. He said the agency "has never done right" and pledged to return to the chamber next year his term ends later this month to say he was wrong for supporting the funding "if CCPUSA doesn't get their act together and show that they do something." "I have high hopes for CCPUSA," Dennison continued. "I've had high hopes for CCPUSA. But CCPUSA has been very deflating for those high hopes. I'm hoping it changes because it could do a lot for this county." Among the opponents of the funding was Legislator Tricia Kerr, who has criticized CCPUSA's lack of transparency. At past meetings, she has expressed frustration that the agency hasn't published its meeting minutes. A review of the agency's website found board meeting minutes haven't been updated since 2019. John Montone, vice chair of CCPUSA's board of directors, attended Tuesday's meeting and disclosed that the board last met in November. Its next meeting is Dec. 21. He said they previously worked with the county's Department of Planning and Economic Development to publish minutes online. Before the vote to approve the budget amendment, Kerr requested reporting requirements for CCPUSA so there are updates on how the agency is using the money. "I think it's really important that we provide some level of oversight for these taxpayer dollars that are funding this entity," she said. Montone explained that some of the funding would be used to hire employees, including a director. He agreed with Dennison's comments about the agency, but said that's because "it's never been funded right." The funding would also support CCPUSA's pursuit of renewable energy projects, according to Montone. He touted the benefits of the agency's work, which he said would generate revenue for the county by providing low-cost energy. "CCPUSA is going to act like an energy service company," Montone said. "When you pay your bill, instead of (the money) going to Spain or wherever it's going, it's going to stay right here in this county." Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman noted, though, that this wouldn't be the first time the county has given money to CCPUSA. In 2018, the county received a $250,000 state grant through a clean energy program. A portion of those funds ($80,000) were provided to CCPUSA to develop a strategic plan. McNabb-Coleman said nothing was done with the money. "We tried to invest in them," she added. "Many of the remaining legislators will be requiring this organization to provide a monthly report. I hope they are prepared. This is taxpayer money that we're giving. This is not a small amount of money. They better be prepared to defend the use of this money." Gould asked Shea if the agency's board would be ready to provide those updates. Shea responded, "Sure." The vote was along party lines, with the nine members of the Republican caucus supporting the $334,000 budget amendment and the six-member Democratic caucus opposing the proposal. The county Legislature will meet Thursday to pass the 2024 budget. In the Philippines, Christmas holds immense significance as a special and vibrant celebration. It's an occasion that many of us eagerly prepare for throughout the year, with gift-giving being a central aspect of the festivities. Amidst this joyous season, we place great value on the gathering of family and friends. A Guide to Portable Chargers as Christmas Gifts Now, you might be pondering how to discover the most fitting portable charger to present to your loved ones. Fret not, as we've got you covered! Presenting our gift guide for ROMOSS 3 portable chargers, guaranteed to be the perfect gift this Christmas! Not only will it assist in keeping their devices fully charged, but it will also prove to be a reliable companion in their day-to-day activities! ROMOSS 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank: WMS10 Looking for a power bank for daily use? Explore the ROMOSS WMS10 it's compact and convenient with a built-in cable design with 14N strong magnetic force, equaling the weight of three bottles of 500ML plastic water making your wireless power charging more stable! ROMOSS WMS10 power bank is perfect for those who travel daily and use their devices a lot as they wont need to fear that they might lose battery while working on something important! ROMOSS 20000mAh PD Power Bank: PAC20 Going on an adventure anytime soon? ROMOSS PAC20 got you covered! The powerful power bank has two built-in cases to support different types of devices. The product has a PD fast charging technology that can give your iPhone 50% of charge in about 30 minutes! Since the product has different cables, 3 devices can also be charged at the same time! ROMOSS 65W 40000mAhEZ CarryPortable Power: PMT40 ROMOSS EZ Carryis a light outdoor power supply with many innovations. The capacity is 40000mAh while the weight is only about 1 bottle of plastic water. The 65W fast charger is much more efficient and can meet the needs of different devices 5-6 equipment. In addition to performance requirements, the appearance of EZ Carry is also very pleasant. It can fit for various natural scenarios. You will love the metal casing with a matte texture. Besides the classic black color, there are also more fashionable options like silver and green. The most striking is the "carriable design", which is more convenient for users to carry when going out, and is more in line with the chill feeling of "just pick it up and go". If youre looking for a power supply system that is light and stylish, you might check out the ROMOSSEZ Carryportable power bank. This portable power bank is coming soon to the Philippines at Christmas, where you can get one for your family as a wonderful gift. Dont miss this opportunity to get your hands on this fantastic device that can change your charging life! On this special occasion, select the right gift to keep the Christmas holiday power alive. ROMOSS, as the Charging Master, has prepared all kinds of portable chargers to make this Christmas more powerful. Plus big discounts on our online shop, you will never regret. Just click the online shop link to access: https://bit.ly/3Rs4TTw. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former US president Barack Obama sent a lot of [script] notes to Sam Esmail, the director of Netflixs latest disaster film Leave the World Behind. The thriller is an adaptation of Rumaan Alams 2020 novel of the same name, which Obama had included on his 2021 summer reading list. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke, it marks the first fiction film to come from Barack and Michelle Obamas Higher Ground Productions company. In a September interview with Vanity Fair, Esmail discussed the process of preparing the book for the screen. In the original drafts of the script, I definitely pushed things a lot farther than they were in the film, and President Obama, having the experience he does have, was able to ground me a little bit on how things might unfold in reality, the Mr Robot creator explained. I am writing what I think is fiction, for the most part, Im trying to keep it as true to life as possible, but Im exaggerating and dramatising. And to hear an ex-president say youre off by a few details I thought I was off by a lot! The fact that he said that scared the f*** out of me. Leave the World Behind follows a family whose vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers warning of a blackout. Both families must then come up with a plan on how best to survive as the crisis escalates to a monumental scale. Esmail added that he was reassured when the Obamas argued that some of his potential plot points were too bleak or unlikely. Barack Obama, Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke (Getty Images and Netflix) He had a lot notes about the characters and the empathy we would have for them, the director recalled. I have to say he is a big movie lover, and he wasnt just giving notes about things that were from his background. He was giving notes as a fan of the book, and he wanted to see a really good film. Higher Ground Productions is also the company behind Rustin, in which the Euphoria actor Colman Domingo stars as Martin Luther King Jrs advisor, Bayard Rustin. Leave the World Behind is available to stream on Netflix. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 12, Dongfeng Nissan Venucia forged a strategic alliance with Guangzhou Ruyue Chuxing, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Public Transportation Group Co., Ltd. Photo credit: Venucia This partnership marked the signing and on-site delivery of 150 units of the D60EV battery- swappable taxis out of a contracted 700 units in total. For taxi drivers, cost-saving remains a crucial aspect in vehicle selection. The D60EV's low energy consumption and operating costs genuinely embody the concept of "earning while driving", said Venucia. In estimating operational data of 300 kilometers per day, a typical charging EV taxi's battery degradation over four years is approximately 30-40% or even less. With a single battery replacement over eight years, the costs range around 50,000-80,000 yuan. However, the D60EV battery-swap edition is able to eliminate the hassle of multiple replacements and ensuring worry-free operation. At an estimated cost of 0.22 yuan per kilometer for battery swaps (subject to local rates), the D60EV outperforms traditional oil-fueled vehicles by saving approximately 0.18 yuan per kilometer. This translates to savings of 63 yuan per day, 1,953 yuan per month, and an impressive 23,436 yuan annually, the automaker calculated. Furthermore, with simplified maintenance and lower operational costs, these electric vehicles offer drivers a financially efficient solution. Upon delivery of the vehicles, the D60EV battery-swap taxis will be available on the Ruyue Chuxing online ride-hailing platform. The D60EV battery-swappable model has already been introduced in several cities nationwide, including Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanning, Hohhot, Shenyang, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, and others. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} George Clooney ended up so sick when he contracted Covid that he was forced to direct his latest film from bed. The 62-year-old actor made part of The Boys in the Boat, which was filmed last year but is due out later this month, on his iPad while bedbound after he fell ill with the virus with his producer partner Grant Heslov lending a hand from the set. Clooney told People magazine: I was really sick. It was my first time getting Covid. Im on an iPad hacking away from my bedroom. Grant was sitting on the camera and theyd hold up the iPad to Cal and Id go, Ah, go fast. Id rasp out Faster whatever that was. We only had to do it for a week. A string of other staff on the film including star Joel Edgerton, 49 were also hit with the virus. George Clooney, who has been open about his health woes, with his wife Amal (Getty Images) Clooney added: He went down first, by the way, in fairness. So if were looking for ground zero . The actor and director believes an intimate dinner with cast members from the movie, which tells the story of the University of Washingtons rowing team of underdogs making it to the 1936 Olympics, helped spread the virus even though they were all tested and vaccinated. He said: We all landed in London. Were going to shoot the next day. And so we have a tiny dinner for the crew. Meaning the rowers, our kids, and (stars) Hadley (Robinson) and Courtney (Henggeler) and (Edgerton) and me. Thats it. A tiny room. And out of that tiny room, lets say there were 18 people there, 17 people got Covid. But actor Callum Turner, 33, managed to avoid getting the virus, and told People: Yeah, everyone one by one went down around me. It was only me and Grant that didnt get it for some reason. It was funny. George on his iPhone directing in his dressing gown from somewhere.Clooney has been open about a series of health issues hes battled since his youth.He was diagnosed with Bells palsy when he was younger and in 2020 was rushed to hospital with excruciating stomach pains, pains which turned out to be pancreatitis. In a season of red-ribbon-wrapped happy endings, Cold War serves up a jarringly gloomy kind of love story. Its protagonists meet in post-war Poland, then get trapped on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, each fatally obsessed with a life thats always out of reach. Rupert Goolds stylish Almeida staging of Pawe Pawlikowskis 2018 film is full of abrasive chemistry and rough magic. But it still feels like a slightly bizarre, rootless enterprise, especially when you factor in its tame and very un-Polish score of songs (new and existing) by Elvis Costello. Costellos tunes have a gentle melancholy thats at odds with the raw, self-destructive agony of this storys lovers and thats easily overpowered by the impassioned Polish songs they spend their careers singing. Conor McPhersons book deftly sketches their collision course. Zula (Anya Chalotra) hears that casting is underway for a new folk troupe, designed to raise peasant culture in newly Communist Poland, so she turns up with ambition burning in her eyes. Odd and forceful, Chalotra is every inch the woman who sleeps with a knife under her pillow and pummels the world into loving her. Her singing talent is channelled by composer Wiktor: Luke Thallon becomes her affable, easily dominated foil, forever half-smiling as though bemused by the mess his life has become. The early scenes are bewitching. Simon Hales arrangements of Polish folk songs set the theatre ringing with discordant harmonies, while Goolds direction captures the tensions that underscore them in pacy scenes. Soon, this troupe is under pressure to sing about the virtues of Soviet agricultural machinery, instead of the more ancient lures of love and the devil. And Wiktor starts to imagine a different life, escaping into the western side of Berlin on the night of this groups greatest concert to date. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Schools and highways were closed and some train services suspended on Wednesday as a snowstorm hit parts of northern and central China for the second time this week. A steady, blowing snow began falling in the late morning in the Chinese capital, Beijing, where authorities closed schools and some scenic spots in outlying mountainous areas. Several trains departing Beijing and in China's northwest Xinjiang region were canceled because of either snow or high winds. The China Meteorological Administration forecast accumulation of 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) for a swath of provinces south and west of Beijing, and said it could reach 20 centimeters (8 inches) in some places. The snow was expected to continue into Thursday. More than 100 sections of highways and other roads were closed in about half a dozen provinces, most of them in Shanxi province, a coal-mining region west and south of Beijing. The snowfall is expected to be followed by bitter cold. Temperatures were forecast to plunge across northern China this week, with a cold front moving eastward from Xinjiang in the west and reaching Beijing by the weekend. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two men entered the MPs chamber in Indias lower house of parliament on Wednesday and threw smoke bombs in a major security lapse. The two jumped into the well where lawmakers sit from the visitors gallery and let off smoke canisters, filling the space with yellow smoke. Prime minister Narendra Modi was not in parliament at the time. The security breach comes on the 22nd anniversary of a deadly 2001 terrorist attack on parliament that killed 14 people, including security officers and five gunmen. Live televised footage of the proceedings showed lawmakers stunned by the incident attempting to catch the men as they climbed from desk to desk. Both houses were adjourned briefly moments later. Two suspects have been taken into custody following the security breach, police said. Two more people, a man named Anmol from Maharashtra and a woman named Neelam from Haryana, were detained outside the parliament complex for staging a protest and releasing a smoke bomb. Police said they are trying to ascertain if the two incidents are linked. Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the parliament have also been arrested by police, said Om Birla, Speaker of the lower house, or Lok Sabha. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke, he said. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who helped restrain the men, said MPs heard a commotion during the last moments of zero hour (a question-time period that begins at noon). He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and continued throwing it outside ... this is a major security breach, Mr Aujla said. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the session, told reporters: There is a loophole for sure. When the first person came down, we thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious. The person tried to open his shoes and took something out after which smoke came out. Action will be taken against this. The speaker and responsible people will make the decision on this. On this day, Indias parliament has been attacked again, lawmaker Karti Chidambaram told reporters outside parliament. Members in the Lok Sabha said the suspects were shouting: Tana shahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship will not be tolerated). On 13 December 2001, five heavily armed terrorists breached the security of the parliament complex and opened fire indiscriminately, targeting security personnel and lawmakers in a standoff that went on for hours. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people (including eight security personnel), and five terrorists. Earlier in the day, president Droupadi Murmu, Mr Modi and other leaders, including from the Congress party, had paid tribute to the victims of the attack. Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our bravehearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it prove that we failed to maintain a high level of security? Mr Birla asked. He also praised MPs for their fearlessness in catching the two intruders. The incident also comes just months after Mr Modi inaugurated the newly built parliament building, a project that cost 97m, to move to a modern complex from a colonial-era building. The triangular-shaped parliament complex is just across from the old, circular heritage building built by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1927. But the move drew intense criticism from opposition politicians, architects and heritage experts, many of whom called the expensive project environmentally irresponsible and a threat to cultural heritage. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has spoken out on why he went public with his damning allegations about the Indian governments involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh citizen. Mr Trudeau told the Canadian Press in an interview that he took the decision to put a chill on India and add an extra "level of deterrence" to keep Canadians safe. In September, Mr Trudeau told the House of Commons that there was credible evidence against Indian agents who were allegedly involved in the 18 June killing of Canadian Sikh citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was labelled a terrorist in India. The Indian government denied the allegations as absurd and demanded sufficient evidence from Ottawa amid calls to cooperate into the investigation. We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in, and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this, he said on Tuesday. And, therefore, put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this, he added. Mr Trudeau said the Sikh community in Canada was worried about their safety and felt they were vulnerable. A photograph of late temple president Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen on a banner outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, British Columbia Earlier this month the US Justice Department alleged the involvement of an unnamed Indian government official in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen, who lives in New York. Unlike Canada, American prosecutors have spelled out the full details of murder-for-hire charges in an unsealed indictment and charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 52, in the case. India said it took the US inputs seriously, and formed a high-level investigative committee to look into the matter. Mr Trudeau said they would reveal the evidence in the same fashion as the US did with the foiled assassination bid. Canada intends to reveal evidence very much in the fashion the US did when we reach those points in the investigation, he said. Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) But he noted that US authorities started their investigation into the attempted murder earlier. He also added that there are different stakes involved as their justice system has a different process. Mr Truduea said that he raised the issue with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi but that did not prove constructive. He accused India of waging an information war. "We knew it would be difficult conversations, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Mr Trudeau said. They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical, he added. He also acknowledged for the first time that he chose to announce the allegations himself because he expected the information would be eventually leaked through the media. Moments before Mr Trudeaus speech in parliament, Canadian outlets The Globe and Mail broke the story. FBI director Christopher Wray concluded his trip to India this week, aimed at boosting security cooperation and deepening the India-US partnership. But it comes in the wake of a major law enforcement issue between the two nations one far more sinister and with the potential to cause cracks within that alliance. Mr Wray held talks with the top officials of Indias federal investigative agencies, including National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation the equivalent to the FBI. Indias readout of the meeting said that Mr Wray underlined that terror attacks in the US and India have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats. He also stressed the need to take the partnership and cooperation between the two agencies to the next level to deal with the constantly evolving challenges and threats of terrorism. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Japanese authorities have decided to cull non-native invasive squirrels which are harming ancient buildings and wooden shrines and causing damage to the local ecosystem in the city of Kamakura. The city government of Kamakura reportedly wants to spend the equivalent of 38,000 to deal with the squirrel problem. According to the Mainichi newspaper, they plan to give cages to residents, put up posters asking tourists not to feed the squirrels, and hire specialists to humanely cull the animals, Formosan squirrels. Environmental activists in Kamakura also recognise the threat posed by the invasive species to Japans biodiversity and have supported the initiative to cull them. Currently, more than 150 animal and plant species are considered invasive in Japan and are listed by the environment ministry as alien invaders. In 2000, local authorities in Kamakura tried to control the Formosan squirrel population by catching and euthanising 69 of them. However, instead of decreasing, the number of squirrels kept rising and reached a high of around 1,571 in 2018. This year, officials predict an even higher number, with 1,533 squirrels captured in just the first eight months of 2023. The South China Morning Post reported that municipalities on the Miura Peninsula havent experienced notable changes but the rate of increase in Kamakura has been unusually high, with officials describing it as abnormal. Posters and notices have started appearing across Kamakura informing residents of the damage the squirrels have caused. They look cute, but they are causing so much damage in the town. It has become a real problem for a lot of people, an unidentified Kamakura city official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Meanwhile, an official told Mainichi that it may be that the intense heat this summer has made it impossible to gather mountain nuts, which are food for squirrels, so they have started to appear in the urban area of Kamakura. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The worlds longest-living people in Japan have disclosed four secrets to living an extremely long life. LongeviQuest, the organisation that verifies the ages of the worlds oldest people, confirmed four supercentenarians who have lived past the age of 110 this year. The list includes Japans oldest living person, Fusa Tatsumi, a woman who celebrated her 116th birthday in April. Tatsumi died from old age on Tuesday, December 12. Yumi Yamamoto, the president of LongeviQuest who has been collecting the life stories of the worlds oldest people, revealed what Japans super-agers have in common that contribute to their long life span. Being consistent with habits, not overeating, refraining from doing things in excess, and moving more were among some of the lifestyle habits the supercentenarians followed, according to Business Insider. Ms Yamamoto said "most of the centenarians and supercentenarians I have met tend to have continued the same lifestyle habits throughout extended periods of time. She said that consistency of habits is the key to longevity in Japan even if it includes continuing to work after the age of 100 or drinking a glass of Japanese rice wine every day. The longevity researcher, whose great-grandmother lived to the age of 116, said she was very disciplined and strict in her life and when that extends to the eating and sleeping habits it contributes to a longer life. "What Ive noticed in these supercentenarians is that theyre very disciplined and even strict on themselves in terms of the regimentation of their lifestyles, she said. They dont do anything to excess, and that goes not just for food things and drink but also not staying up all night," she said. Kane Tanaka, the oldest recorded Japanese person and the second-oldest person in recorded history, reached the age of 119. Although she enjoyed Coca-Cola, Ms Yamamoto mentioned that she limited herself to just one bottle per day. She wasnt addicted to it, and she wouldnt drink to excess. This is something that I think is common in Japan. Japanese people eat in a balanced way and they dont eat or drink to excess, she said. And that goes not just for food and drink, but also things like not staying up all night. Another common habit among supercentenarians was that they practice hara hachi bu eating only until 80 per cent full. Theres a saying in Japanese, which says you should only eat until youre 80 per cent full, so you should leave space at the end of a meal, Ms Yamamoto said. It helps people practice mindful eating as well as calorie restriction, which several studies have suggested reduces inflammation and help in longevity, she said. It is about having both balance and routine in life, she said. Another secret contributing to longevity is moving more and incorporating movement into their daily lives, she said. People in Japan take part in what is known as radio gymnastics which is a radio broadcast that asks listeners to do body weight exercises for five minutes a day, Ms Yamamoto said. And lastly, Ms Yamamoto urged people not to stress, an advice that supercentenarians and centenarians gave. Dont allow yourself to be in an environment which is too stressful or overwhelming, she said. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Authorities have issued a warning over life-threatening floods as tropical Cyclone Jasper starts to approach northern Queensland in Australia. Jasper is predicted to strengthen from a category 1 to a category 2 storm on the 5-tier scale, according to Queensland state deputy premier Steven Miles. He also warned residents of Cairns and other cities and towns to take shelter now as the cyclone is expected to make landfall between 5pm to 6pm local time. It is expected to become the first cyclone of the current season to make landfall on the Australian coast. The message to Cairns locals and those in the warning area is to take shelter now, now is not the time to be moving around, Mr Miles said. Jasper is reportedly the first cyclone to cross part of the Daintree Rainforest in nearly 25 years. The edge of the eye of the cyclone is spanning tens of kilometres, according to a Bureau of Meteorology specialist. And it is now making landfall on Wujal Wujal, an Indigenous community located approximately 150km north of Cairns. Damaging wind gusts of up to 120km per hour are hitting the coast further south, including Cairns. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Cairns airport was closed on Tuesday night after the final flight left for Melbourne. Several airlines have either cancelled or rescheduled their services. Photos showed boats typically docked at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas in Queensland seeking refuge from the approaching storm. Tens of thousands of residents in northern Queensland are preparing for the imminent impact, as warnings of life-threatening flash flooding loom large. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted that the cyclone is expected to bring more than a months rainfall in just six hours. Tropical Cyclone Jasper is producing damaging wind gusts on the far north Queensland coast, the Bureau of Meteorology said on Wednesday. Destructive winds may develop during the afternoon. According to news.com.au, residents, including from Port Douglas and Cooktown, are well within the cyclones path while Cairns, Atherton, Innisfail and Ingham could all be severely affected by damaging winds and gales. Mayor Terry James of Cairns said the residents of the city seem to have become complacent. He was quoted as saying by ABC Radio National: Its been a long time since weve had a direct hit in the Cairns area, so complacency is a massive problem and we see that all the time. Theres a lot of stories around to say Cairns is protected from the mountains but if you go back in history we have had some decent cyclones in the 1800s and early 1900s. He added: We always prepare for the worst and we hope for the best. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The latest draft of the Cop28 agreement was released early on Wednesday morning after more than 24 hours of silence while negotiators wrangled over the future of fossil fuels. The new text directly addresses fossil fuels, a central demand at this years global climate summit, and calls on parties to transition away from their use in this critical decade. However the phrase phase out or phase down of fossil fuels was not reintroduced despite being called for by more than 100 countries, and being options in an earlier text. Oil-rich nations had strongly opposed this call. Follow the latest updates in our Cop28 live blog The draft will not become final until consensus is reached among all countries. However this text is expected to be close to the final version that goes to a vote. The final plenary session to gavel through the decision is expected to begin at 10.30am local time. Climate advocates said that it was positive that fossil fuels had been brought to the table for the first time in a Cop28 agreement. This text makes a clear call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels and accelerate action this decade, said Melanie Robinson, Global Climate Program Director, World Resources Institute. This would dramatically move the needle in the fight against climate change and overcome immense pressure from oil and gas interests. Others said it did not go far enough. Jean Su, acting director of Center for Biological Diversity, said there were cavernous holes, when climate science, along with the futures of small island states and other vulnerable countries, were taken into consideration. There were particular concerns about the role of transitional fuels and whether that would mean the continued use of natural gas, a fossil fuel. The so-called Global Stocktake draft in Dubai repeats a call to accelerate efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power that was made in the Cop26 Glasgow Agreement two years ago. Among other key elements of the text are: - Transitioning away from fossil fuels in this decade, in a just, orderly and equitable manner keeping the net zero goals of 2050 in mind; - Tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030; - Phasing down unabated coal; - Accelerating zero and low emissions technologies including nuclear, and carbon removal technologies; - Phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible that do not address energy poverty or help developing countries transition to clean energy. The Cop28 summit was now more than 12 hours into overtime after it was officially scheduled to end at 6pm, Gulf time, on Tuesday. It has been an exhausting and emotional marathon slog to reach this point. The Monday draft of the so-called Global Stocktake agreement had provoked furious and heart-wrenching responses. We did not come here to sign our death warrant. We came here to fight for 1.5C and for the only way to achieve that: a fossil fuel phase-out We will not go silently to our watery graves, said John M. Silk, head of delegation for the Marshall Islands, whose low-lying island nation faces devastating sea-level rise in the coming decades. A representative for the EU also called the draft unacceptable while the US said that the wording, including about fossil fuels, needed to be substantially strengthened. A number of other nations, the UK among them, called the text disappointing and said that it needed to go further. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Zara has pulled a controversial ad campaign which some suggested made a mockery of the war in Gaza. The fashion giant said it regretted a misunderstanding about the photographs from its latest atelier campaign The Jacket, after they were compared to pictures emerging from war-torn Gaza. The bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on 7 October, has killed nearly 18,000 men, women, and children in the beseiged strip. In some photographs from the campaign, American supermodel Kristen McMenamy was seen holding a mannequin draped in white cloth. In others, she was surrounded by statues with missing limbs and broken plasterboard, or posing inside a coffin-like wooden box. In a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday (12 December), Zara clarified the shoot was conceptualised and photographed before the war began, and that the setting was supposed to resemble a sculptors studio. The Inditex-owned company added its sole purpose was to present craftmade garments in an artistic context but that the images had been removed after some customers felt offended by them. The campaign, that was conceived in July and photographed in September, presents a series of images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptors studio and was created with the sole purpose of showcasing craftmade garments in an artistic context, the message shared on Zaras social media accounts read. Unfortunately some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created. Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone. The hashtag #BoycottZara began trending on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Monday (11 December) as the inhumane and tone-deaf campaign drew sharp criticism online. Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin commented: And the award for most tone deaf brand of the year goes to Zara. The UKs Advertising Standards Authority said it received over 110 complaints that the campaign was offensive since it referenced the Israel-Hamas war. It was also reported that Zara shops in Montreal, Canada, were spray-painted with pro-Palestine slogans after the controversial campaign was released. Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people. Israel launched retaliatory attacks, which the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says has killed more than 17,700 Palestinians in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children. Additional reporting on wires. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 12, 2023, Visinex Technology and ETAS signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, aiming to jointly cultivate a new AUTOSAR ecosystem, further propelling AUTOSARs development and innovation in the intelligent driving domain. Signing ceremony; photo credit: Visnex Technology ETAS, a global leader in embedded software development, automotive cybersecurity solutions, and services, was established in 1994 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bosch. The company offers a comprehensive set of tools and solutions in the AUTOSAR domain. Riding on the foundation in smart vision, Visinex has expanded into the realm of intelligent driving, crafting accessible, user-friendly, and durable intelligent driving chip platform. The company has swiftly obtained the ISO26262 ASIL-D certification. Within a year, Visinex has developed China's first integrated single-chip intelligent driving chip for pilot and parking capabilities, set for an imminent release, with a complete solution slated for the first half of 2024. This collaboration aims to seamlessly adapt Visinex's MCAL with ETAS's OS and related production tools, adhering to Bosch's highest technical standards, targeting ASIL-D functional safety level. Following OS adaptation, the partnership will develop a complete AUTOSAR CP Demo based on Visinex's hardware single board, facilitating smooth transitions for customers to Visinex's chip platform and ETAS's AUTOSAR CP software platform and middleware. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hanukkah, the Jewish festival that commemorates the miracle of a menorah burning for eight full days after the desecration of the Temple of Jerusalem, is upon us once more. Starting on Thursday 7 December, the Jewish Festival of Lights is celebrated by lighting a menorah, or a hanukkiah, for eight days and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Its also observed by eating a gargantuan amount of delicious, mouth-watering food, much to the delight of celebrants around the world. From jam-filled doughnuts to chocolate coins, sumptuous potato latkes and more, the food thats served during Hanukkah is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the jubilant festival. Heres everything you need to know about Hanukkah food. Chag Sameach (Happy holiday)! Latkes (Getty Images (Getty Images) When the Jewish people reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem from the King Antiochus and his troops, as the story of Hanukkah goes, they could only find enough oil in the temple to light the menorah for one day. However, when the menorah (a candelabra) was lit with the oil, it somehow managed to carry on burning for eight full days, hence the eight-day duration of Hanukkah. To commemorate the miracle of the tiny amount of oil transcending expectations to light the holy menorah, during the Festival of Lights Jewish people eat a lot of food thats been fried in oil. One of the most popular foods eaten during Hanukkah are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes. Some Jewish people eat latkes sweet, accompanied with apple sauce, while others prefer them savoury, served with sour cream. Either way, theyre a treat for the taste buds. Sufganiyot (Getty Images/iStockphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto) A sufganiyah, or sufganiyot for plural, is a round, deep-fried doughnut typically filled with strawberry jam thats eaten on Hanukkah. Topped with powdered sugar, these delectable treats are one of the most recognisable foods affiliated with the Jewish festival. In recent years, Jewish people in Israel and around the world have become more experimental with their sufganiyot fillings. You can now choose from an array of flavours, including chocolate cream, vanilla cream, caramel and cappuccino. Many bakeries also offer miniature-sized sufganiyot, so you can tuck into a selection of different flavours without going overboard (although if you do, who can blame you). Gelt (Getty Images/iStockphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto) On Hanukkah, children are often given chocolate money in celebration of the festival. In Yiddish, a language that the Jewish people began using in Europe around 1,000 years ago, the translation of money is gelt. The chocolate coins given out on Hanukkah are wrapped in silver or gold foil and eaten in abundance by children and adults alike. According to Rabbi A. P. Bloch, the custom of giving out gelt on Hanukkah began in 17th Century Poland, when Jewish parents would give their children money to give to their teachers. In time, as children demanded their due, money was also given to children to keep for themselves, he says. Bloch explains that according to 17th Century Rabbi Magen Avraham, poor yeshiva students would visit the homes of Jewish benefactors who would then give them Hanukkah money. The rabbis approved of the custom of giving money on Hanukkah because it publicised the story of the miracle of oil, Rabbi Bloch writes. Beef brisket (Getty Images/iStockphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Beef brisket is a delicacy thats served at many Jewish festivals, including Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Hanukkah. It first became popular in eastern Europe when Jewish living the region werent able to afford more expensive cuts of meat. The often-impoverished Jews of eastern Europe could rarely afford to live high on the cow - to buy the more tender cuts from the rib and chuck, Gil Marks writes in Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. [So] they learned how to make do with the cheaper, less desirable parts. Brisket is taken from the chest of the cow, and is often made the day before its eaten. It can be served with side dishes such as potato latkes or roasted vegetables. Live your life healthier and happier with our free Living Well newsletter, packed with wellness advice, practical tips and nutritious recipes Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Living Well email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Paris Hilton has addressed backlash after admitting she didnt change her sons diaper until he was one month old. The Paris in Love star recently shared in an episode of her Peacock reality series that she was too scared to change her son Phoenixs diaper. Following the episode, Hilton received considerable pushback from fellow parents who were stunned that she had yet to change a diaper. Now, the 42-year-old DJ is addressing concerns about her parenting skills. In a post shared to X, formerly known as Twitter, Hilton explained that she was joking about not changing her sons diaper and maintained that shes fully involved in her childrens lives. Hey there, its Paris. Just wanted to clear the air about something, she began the candid message. On my show, #ParisInLove, I joked about changing a diaper for the first time, which, lets be honest, was just me having a bit of fun as you can see I changed his diaper the night I brought him home, Hilton said. In her post, she included footage from the reality TV series showing Hilton telling her husband, Carter Reum, that she had changed Phoenixs diaper after bringing him home from the hospital. But, in all seriousness, when it comes to being a mom, Im fully involved and loving every moment of it, she continued. Its interesting how a playful comment can be taken so seriously. Even though this season was the most real, authentic and raw I have ever been with my fans. The American socialite admitted that she sometimes plays into the whimsical character she portrayed of herself on the iconic reality series The Simple Life, which she co-starred alongside Nicole Richie from 2003 to 2007. Its a role thats hard to shake off completely, Hilton said. While I love a good laugh, I also believe in being real and responsible, especially as a parent, she added. Lets remember to find the humour in life, but also to cherish and respect the real moments. Thanks for understanding, Happy Holidays and much love to you all! In the second season of Paris in Love, which is currently streaming on Peacock, Hilton is seen introducing her younger sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild to her son Phoenix Barron, who was just 32 days old at the time. Should I learn how to change his diaper? Hilton asked her sister. Before changing his diaper, Hilton held her son as she told him: I said I wouldnt do this on my birthday, but I will for you. The scene showed Hiltons nanny, Gena, standing by the changing table as Nicky instructed her sister on how to change Phoenixs diaper. At one point, Hilton asked the nanny which side of the diaper was the front and which side was the back. Nicky reminded her sister to be gentle while changing his diaper, as Gena suggested she talk to her son while she changes him. The moment was later shared on TikTok, where it received more than 2.3m views. Not Paris learning how to change her sons diaper for the first time in a month, a TikTok user wrote over the clip. Many viewers expressed their shock that Hilton had yet to change her sons diaper, but some people reminded others not to begin mom-shaming Hilton. Guys, not everyone is good at being a first-time mom. It takes time, one person commented. At least shes trying and now shes a great mom. Stop shaming her. Hilton and Reum announced the arrival of their first child together, son Phoenix Barron, in January. You are already loved beyond words, she captioned the Instagram announcement, which showed her holding her son Phoenixs tiny hand. Just last month, the couple who have been married since November 2021 welcomed their second baby, daughter London. Thankful for my baby girl, Hilton wrote on Instagram, showing a photo of a pink pajama set with the name London inscribed on the collared top. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jennifer Garner has opened up about her singular Met Gala experience and why she hasnt gone back since. Recently, the actress appeared on an episode of Vogues Beauty Secrets, where she admitted that she only attended the Met Gala exactly once in 2007. I found it a little scary, so I havent been back, she said while going through her makeup routine. However, she did go on to gush over the dress she wore to that years event, for which the theme was Poiret: King of Fashion. I wore that night this magical red Valentino gown, and I was his date. That was really majestic and special, Garner said of her attendance alongside designer Valentino Garavani. The Met Gala is the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute. As a result, the price to attend the event can cost as high as $50,000 per person. The actress isnt the only person whos made negative remarks about the fashion event. Demi Lovato attended their first and probably last Met Gala in 2016, where they were photographed in an awkward-looking encounter with Jeremy Scott and Nicki Minaj. Lovato later shared the image on Instagram, hashtagging it #notforme. In 2018, the pop star opened up further about their experience at the gala. This one celebrity was a complete b**h and was miserable to be around, Lovato told Billboard. It was very cliquey. I remember being so uncomfortable that I wanted to drink. Lovato, whos famously been sober for several years, added that they went straight from the Met Gala to an AA meeting. I changed my clothes, but I still had my diamonds on millions of dollars of diamonds in an AA meeting, she said. And I related more to the homeless people in that meeting who struggled with the same struggles that I deal with than the people at the Met Gala fake and sucking the fashion industrys d**k. Tina Fey is another celebrity who only went once in 2010 and decided to never go back. Speaking about her experience at the Met Gala with David Letterman in 2015, the comedian said: I have gone to it once and it is such a jerk parade. Clearly, Ill never go again, but you go and its this beautiful space and its just every jerk from every walk of life is there wearing some stupid thing. You walk up these huge stepsand I went and I dragged my husband along with me too, which Im still in trouble for. Just last month, Vogue announced the theme for the 2024 Met Gala, which will be Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. According to Vogue, the exhibit will be centred around 50 historically significant pieces, some of which are far too fragile ever to be worn again. These are the Sleeping Beauties. Nearly 250 items will also be drawn from the Costume Institutes permanent collection, featuring designs from Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Givenchy to span 400 years of fashion history. This innovative show will push the boundaries of our imagination and invite us to experience many facets of a work, to learn more about its history, and, ultimately, to gain a deeper appreciation of its beauty, said Max Hollein, the Mets Marina Kellen French director and CEO. One of the most fragile pieces of the collection includes an Elizabethan bodice and a silk satin ball gown from 1877 by the American couturier, Charles Frederick Worth. In fact, these items served as the themes original inspiration. Although theyre too old to fulfill their original function, the bodice and satin ball gown will be present throughout the exhibit through display technology. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ask any millennial woman what singular thing has had the biggest impact on her year and chances are shell say the moon. Ask her about this week in particular, though, and shell also start talking about Mercury retrograde. In both cases, shell be deadly serious. And youll feel bad for wanting to laugh. Just a few years ago, such remarks would have prompted major eye rolls and sniggers amid even the most open-minded among us. And yet, in 2023, talk of astrological activity is well established in WhatsApp groups around the world, particularly if youre a certain type of woman who spends a certain amount of time in a certain corner of the internet. Ahem. Allow me to share a selection of moon and Mercury retrograde-related memes Ive recently seen on my Instagram feed: I respect the moon because it controls three of our most precious entities: oceans, women and natural wine, reads one. Mercury retrograde starting tomorrow, if youre from my past dont come back pls [sic], begs another. Mercury retrograde begins in a few days, stay out the way and keep quiet!! Its about to get crazyyy [sic], chimes a third. There has been an uptick of musings of this ilk over the past week given that Wednesday 13 December marked the start of a new moon and the final Mercury retrograde of the year. In other words, two major astrological movements collided to create a major cosmic moment. If none of this means anything to you, allow me to explain. Presuming youre vaguely familiar with lunar activity at least to the degree where youve looked up at the night sky and noticed the moon you may know that new moons generally occur once a month, given thats roughly how long it takes to orbit the earth. To most people, thats where its meaning begins and ends. But to others, its the gateway to a whole new universe whereby the moons movements control our psychological, emotional, and even menstrual wellbeing. Its not entirely unfounded: some studies do suggest that synchronicity exists between the lunar cycle and menstruation. Combine this with Mercury retrograde and its an overload for the spiritual senses. Occurring for a few weeks every four months or so, Mercury retrograde refers to a phase when the planet Mercury is briefly overtaken by the Earth in its orbit, creating an optical illusion whereby it looks as if its moving backwards. Astrological lore suggests that because Mercury is the planet to rule expression and communication its named after the Roman messenger god this disruption can lead to misunderstandings among friends and lovers, arguments between those closest to you, and many, many moments of emotional mania. Hence why the phrase itself has become a social media shorthand for any kind of chaos just take a quick look at Mercury retrograde memes on Google to see what I mean. Is there really anything to this kind of thing? The internet would like to think so as Im sure would any company producing astrology-related merch It might sound simple enough. But in recent years, this arbitrary planetary quirk has been blamed for everything from breakups and divorces to breakdowns and full-blown existential crises. A quick search in my WhatsApp messages proves just that. It was Mercury retrograde making me feel mad, one friend said in April during the second retrograde of the year. This Mercury retrograde has f****d me, said another in September 2022. Anyone else felt crazy since Friday? Or just me? asked another four months earlier. Oh, hang on, just seen Mercury is in retrograde. The moon is just as wily. The moon has screwed me over this week, said one friend a few months ago in relation to the full moon. Im not having a good day. Im googling moon rituals, added another. You see my point. But is there really anything to this kind of thing? The internet would like to think so as Im sure would any company producing astrology-related merch. And I definitely used to subscribe to it all. But now Im not sure its doing me any favours. Dont get me wrong, I understand the appeal. When youre having a difficult time, whether its at home, work, or in your relationship, its much easier to blame some sort of extraterrestrial force you barely understand than to take stock of your own shortcomings. In the modern world, were hardly ever encouraged to take accountability for our own actions, or to try to understand how we might be contributing to the negativity were experiencing. Why? Because its much less profitable. Theres a lot of money to be made in telling people what they can buy to fix themselves. But theres a lot of efficiency in it, too. By blaming Mercury, we rid ourselves of any responsibility. And we can take comfort in the knowledge that whatever were going through is only temporary at some point, the retrograde will be over. Thinking this way grants us the option to pass Go, collect 200, and move right onto the next round where we can happily stay for a while. At least until the next retrograde. But this to put it in Instagrammable terms is also not serving us. In fact, Id argue that the proliferation of moon and Mercury chat is nothing more than an indictment of how ill-equipped we are to deal with the woes of modern life. Im not dismissing the concept entirely though scientists would ardently remind anyone that Mercury retrograde is merely an optical illusion but I do think we should stop giving it so much cultural weight. Studies have shown no correlation between the planets and human behaviour nor do I suspect they will any time soon. And while it can feel helpful to have something to cling onto when youre going through a hard time, I think youre better off investing your energy into speaking to a therapist, or reading a book thats been written by one. Dont just look up at night and hope for something to change. Youll only wind up feeling more disappointed when it doesnt. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Paris Hilton has admitted that she didnt change her first diaper until her son was one month old. The 42-year-old American socialite recently became a mother of two after announcing the birth of her second child, daughter London, on 23 November. However, in the second season of her Peacock reality TV series - titled Paris in Love - Hilton revealed that she was scared to change her sons diaper for the first time. Now, the clip has fellow parents questioning how Hilton was able to go one month without changing her sons diaper. In the video - which went viral this week after it was posted to TikTok - Hilton is seen introducing her younger sister, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, to her son Phoenix Barron, who was just 32 days old at the time. Should I learn how to change his diaper? Hilton asked her sister. Before changing his diaper, Hilton held her son as she told him: I said I wouldnt do this on my birthday, but I will for you. The clip shows Hiltons nanny, Gena, standing by the changing table as Nicky instructs her sister on how to change Phoenixs diaper. At one point, Hilton asks the nanny which side of the diaper is the front and which side is the back. Nicky reminds her sister to be gentle while changing his diaper, as Gena suggests she talks to her son while she changes him. The scene was later shared to TikTok by user @realitytvking, where it received more than 2.3m views. Over the clip, they wrote in the on-screen text: Not Paris learning how to change her sons diaper for the first time in a month. In the comments section, thousands of viewers expressed their shock that Hilton had yet to change her sons diaper, one month after he was born via surrogate. I feel bad for judging because I dont know Paris. Obviously none of us do but like really? You never change your babys diaper? What? commented one person under the viral TIkTok. Im sorry what, another user wrote. I dont wanna sound like Im mom-shaming but come onnnn A MONTH?!? Even my husband changed a diaper after a day!! However, some fellow parents began mom-shaming Hilton for not learning how to change Phoenixs diaper. Rich people are so out of touch with reality, this is real sad, one person claimed. No amount of money would stop me dealing with my own baby, another wrote. The disconnect here is appalling. The nanny is stressed watching her do that, a third person commented, pointing out Hiltons nanny standing by the changing table as Hilton changed her son for the first time. While there were several mom-shamers in the comments section, some people reminded others that Hiltons upbringing and past experiences may pose more challenges for Hilton as she adapts to motherhood. Its probably how Paris was raised, almost totally by nannies, one person pointed out. Its all she knows. Guys, not everyone is good at being a first-time mom. It takes time, said someone else. At least shes trying and now shes a great mom. Stop shaming her. If I had the funds I wouldnt have changed a diaper for a month either, one person joked, while another user agreed: Come on everyone. If we didnt have to change diapers we wouldnt. Elsewhere in the episode, Nicky told her sister that she should adjust her work schedule to spend more time with her children. Learning to say no and not taking that job, Nicky said, when asked by Hilton what her best advice was for first-time moms. You dont need the money. Theyre this small for such a small window, and its so sweet, and you dont want to miss it. This should be the priority, she continued. Nicky shared in a confessional that motherhood wasnt always on the reality stars mind growing up. The mother of three explained that Hilton was definitely more of a tomboy as children and she wasnt one to really talk about having a baby. She went on to describe Hilton as a workaholic and warned her sister not to miss out on anything in her childrens lives. Back in January, Hilton and her husband Carter Reum surprised the world when they announced the arrival of their first child together, son Phoenix Barron. You are already loved beyond words, she captioned the post, which showed her holding her son Phoenixs tiny hand. Just 10 months later, the couple - who have been married since November 2021 - welcomed their second baby, daughter London. Thankful for my baby girl, Hilton wrote on Instagram, showing a photo of a pink pajama set with the name London inscribed on the collared top. Following the birth of her first child, Hilton revealed that she kept his birth a secret from her family and staff in order to protect his privacy. Not even my mom, my sisters, my best friend knew until he was over a week old, Hilton explained on her iHeartRadio podcast, This Is Paris, one month after Phoenix was born. It was really nice to have that with Carter, be our own journey together. I just feel like my life has been so public, and Ive never really had anything be just mine. Much like the birth of her son Phoenix, Hilton also surprised her friends and family after welcoming her daughter London via surrogate. The only people who knew were obviously Carter, my mom, and my sister. But my parents didnt know when it was happening, they just knew that it was going to happen, Hilton said during an appearance on Today in November. It was the best Thanksgiving surprise ever for everybody. I feel just so at peace, so happy, so grateful for my husband and this beautiful family and life that were building together, she added. I couldnt imagine anything else. Im just over the moon with everything. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Archewell Foundation has spiralled into the red as it suffered a donations plunge of nearly 10m in a year. The couples charity named after their four-year-old son Archie and established in 2020 after the pairs so-called Megxit resignation as senior members of the royal family also handed its executive director James Holt, considered one of Harrys right-hand men, a massive 280 per cent pay rise. An income tax return filed in the US has revealed that in 2022 donations had dipped to just over 1.6m and astonishing plunge of 8.7m on the 10.3m it was gifted in 2021. The Sussexes released their charitys annual report and a glitzy promotional film showing their good works this year, but it was marred by the loss in donations. Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games, his event for injured veterans (Getty) It can also be revealed the foundations 2021 profit of 7.1m has evaporated due to a lack of donations. Harry and Meghans foundation, which employed five people, recorded a loss of 536,357 due to the huge shortfall in donations. Revenue was recorded at 1.6m, while costs were 2.13m. Harry, 39, and his ex-actor wife, 42, did not take a salary but its executive director Mr Holt was paid 181,255-a-year, including a 15,904 bonus. The sum was a huge pay rise of around 133,000, up from Mr Holts starting salary of 47,641 the previous year. In 2022, there were only two major donors giving around 795,210 each to the charity. The year before, an unidentified donor gave them 7.8m but there was no repeat of that staggering generosity in 2022. Harry, Meghan and Archie whose name inspired the Archewell Foundation (Getty) Despite last years loss, it appears the foundation described as a non-profit organisation still holds around 6.6m in cash and assets. Archewell said it was not unusual for high-profile foundations to receive a significant influx of funding in its first year to be used over several years as part of a financial plan to build its philanthropic work. It added: It is most fiscally responsible not to continue to raise large sums of money with millions still in reserve. In 2022, (The Archewell Foundation) focused on building out original programming that successfully launched in 2023. The Archewell Foundation is grateful for such a successful year and looks forward to continued growth in 2024. On Tuesday (12 December), Archewell released a 28-page impact statement highlighting the various causes it supports as well as its latest income tax filing. Along with the finances, the Sussexes, who also have a two-year-old daughter named Lilibet, unveiled a one-minute Archewell clip showing people and causes their foundation has helped throughout the year. It came hours after Princess Catherine, 41, shared a clip with her three children Princes George, 10, and Louis, five, as well as eight-year-old Princess Charlotte at a baby bank in Windsor. Hers saw the royal being helped by her trio of kids to sort through presents for children in need. Princess Catherine was seen in her video meeting youngsters at a baby bank (Getty) Footage from Meghans visit to the Fisher House Foundation in Los Angeles was included in the Archewell video, showing her hugging people and volunteering at a pop-up baby boutique she staged for expectant mothers experiencing homelessness. It also featured her calling a young entrepreneur alongside Harry. The slick clip was soundtracked to the song Happy Place by Glaswegian brother duo SAINT PHNX, with the video featuring the lyrics from the tune: Over the hills and far away, looking out for a better day, when it seems like theres no escape, take me to my happy place. Archewells impact report highlighted projects aimed at helping resettled Afghan women in the US develop stronger social ties to their communities as well as combatting misinformation online. Its latest financial reports were also released a day after a judge ordered Harry to pay the Mail on Sunday publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, 48,000 in legal costs as part of their ongoing libel battle. The penalty was imposed after Harry tried to dismiss part of ANLs defence linked to a February 2022 article about his clash with the Home Office over its decision to remove his automatic police protection after he stepped down from the senior working royal duties. ANL argued the piece expressed an honest opinion and did not cause serious harm to Harrys reputation. The duke had battled to have the honest opinion defence thrown out, but in a judgement on Friday, High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin decided it could be included, and the case should go to trial. He ruled the publisher had a real prospect of arguing its case and, as a result, Harry was ordered to pay the newspapers costs of 48,447 by 29 December. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Prince Louis is once again going viral for his usual antics. On Monday 11 December, the Prince and Princess of Wales YouTube channel released a video of Kate and her three children, 10-year-old Prince George, eight-year-old Princess Charlotte, and five-year-old Prince Louis volunteering at a baby bank, where Louis embraced his little brother energy. The video showed the children and Kate sorting through toys at a baby bank in Maidenhead near their home in Berkshire. The video was shared in honour of Kate Middletons baby banks awareness campaign for the Royal Foundations Centre for Early Childhood. Charlotte, George, and Louis each filed into the baby bank carrying boxes of childcare essentials, and Kate informed her children that they were volunteers for the day. Here, theres lots of people who give up their time and there are lots of volunteers who come and help out, she told them. As youre the volunteers for this evening. At one point in the video, Louis was seen excitedly holding up a toy gorilla and saying, this is a big guy as the goal of inviting them along was for the children to pick out toys that other children close to their ages would enjoy playing with. What we would like you to do is try and choose some presents for some children who are similar age to you guys, so think about what you would like to play with, a staff worker said to the children. During an amusing moment later on in the video, Kate and Charlotte were seen folding clothes into neat little piles while Louis threw more and more clothes on top of the pile without folding them at all. Kate was also seen telling her eldest son how each of the Christmas gift bags they packed will be donated to children in need. All these bags are donations then we then have to go sort them and put them in all the boxes, she told George. Despite the five-year-olds antics, many viewers praised the couples children for their well-mannered behaviour during the outing. Louis is becoming such a well mannered youngster, obviously from his brother and sister, one viewer wrote, while another said: It is so lovely to see Princess Catherine bringing her children to work and showing them what volunteering and charity is all about. She explains each step to them, they listen beautifully to the other volunteers, and even little Prince Louis wants to come back to help. That is raising the next generation in a positive way. This isnt the first time Louis has pulled a funny stunt. Just last week, the youngest of Prince William and Princess Kates children attempted to blow out Princess Charlottes candle during a special Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey. Princess Charlotte, who usually keeps both her brothers in line, couldnt help but laugh at Louis. During the Queens Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June 2022, Prince Louis quickly became the star of the show again as he pulled faces at the crowd and giggled with his siblings. At one point, Louis started pulling faces at Kate, including sticking out his tongue and wiggling his fingers on his nose. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sienna Miller reflected on the 14-year age gap between her and boyfriend, actor Oli Green, in a new interview. Miller, 41, is 28 weeks pregnant with her and 27-year-old Greens first child, a baby girl, together. The American Woman star began dating Green in 2021 when they were introduced at a mutual friends Halloween party, Miller recently revealed. Despite sharing a kiss that night, her first instinct was to write off the possibility of a real relationship with Green because of their age difference. I was like, This is absurd. This will not go anywhere, Miller told British Vogue. And then he worked hard to persuade me to go out for a drink with him. Since that Halloween party two years ago, Miller and Green who appears on the latest season of The Crown have moved into a west London apartment, where they are getting ready to welcome their baby. In hindsight, the BAFTA-nominated actor admitted, I dont think you can legislate on matters of the heart. I certainly have never been able to. Acknowledging the idea that Green may one day want to be with someone closer to his own age, Miller said that specific insecurity cuts both ways in their relationship. For Oli, it is real that I might want to be with someone older, she explained. When asked how Greens family reacted to their relationship, Miller replied: I would imagine it would be complicated for anyone to get their head around, but theres been nothing but love and joy. She also noted that Gen Z has a different, more evolved awareness of relationship dynamics between men and women that we just didnt have 20 or 25 years ago. I see it with Olis friends, Miller told the magazine. Theres awareness of the dynamics that enter relationships between men and women now that we just didnt have 20 or 25 years ago. I feel like my whole adolescence was dodging bullets and advances in a really delicate way, to not offend somebody. Whereas the girls that he grew up with, theyre probably like, No no, thank you. Moving on. Elsewhere, Millers friend Emily Blunt told the magazine I see so much of Miller in Green, in that free-spirited, curious, guileless thing that he has. She added: Hes the kind of guy you could just bring anywhere, and everyone would love him. Blunt, 40, also said Miller was waiting for the right person to have another child and I really see that in Green. While Miller and Green are expecting their first child together, the British-American actor shares one daughter, Marlowe, 11, with actor Tom Sturridge. The ex-couple were in a relationship from 2011 until 2015, with Sturridge proposing to Miller in 2012. Before Green, Miller was briefly engaged to Lucas Zwirner, the son of David Zwirner. They called off their engagement in September 2020, after one year of dating. Green will be seen in the second installment of The Crowns final season, which focuses on the relationship between Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, during their time together at St Andrews University. Green plays the role of fourth-year law student Rupert Finch, who dated Kate for a year before her relationship with the Prince of Wales began. Miller and Green made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars party last March, before being photographed together at various events, including BritishVogues Fashion and Film Party, the Princes Trust Global Gala as well as Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An investigation is underway after a man flew from Europe to the west coast of the US without a ticket, passport, visa or any record that he was on the flight with the passenger claiming hes not sure how he did it. Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava, a Russian-Israeli dual national, departed Copenhagen on a Scandinavian Airlines flight and landed at Los Angeles International Airport on 4 November without any identification or a boarding pass, according to court documents. In a further twist, officers at a customs and border check in California discovered he wasnt listed on the passenger manifest for the flight from Denmark or any other flights into the States. The report into the incident states that most of the flight crew noticed Mr Ochigava because he wandered around the plane and kept changing his seat. He also asked for two meals during each meal service, and at one point attempted to eat the chocolate that belonged to members of the cabin crew. Crew members did not see his boarding pass and noted that the seat he first took during boarding was supposed to be an unoccupied seat. Some members of the crew conducted head counts for their specific sections, but only to make sure that the aircraft was balanced for take-off and landing. They did not tally the numbers up, the report stated. How the passenger was able to make it from Denmark to the US is being investigated by the FBI, with an agent confirming that the suspect who has been charged with stowing away on an aircraft is being held in custody, reports Fox News. The agent who filed the complaint, Caroline Walling, wrote that Mr Ochigava claimed he had not been sleeping for three days and did not understand what was going on. He stated he might have had a plane ticket to come to the United States but he was not sure, and did not remember how he got on the plane in Copenhagen. He also was unable to recall how he got through security at the Danish airport, she added. During his interview, Mr Oschigava allowed officers to go through the photos on his device. The most recent photograph in the camera roll was of television screens displaying flight information for flights flying all over the world (including flights to Amsterdam, Munich, Lisbon, Malaga, London, etc.), the report states. A Copenhagen Airport spokesperson confirmed to the The Independent that a man was on the flight despite not having a ticket or passport. We can see from our surveillance that he has entered without a valid ticket. Copenhagen Airport has provided photo and video material to the authorities who are investigating the case. We take the matter very seriously, and it will be included in the work we continuously do to adjust and tighten our guidelines to improve security. The airline also confirmed what happened but a spokesperson for Scandinavian Airlines said that the matter was being handled by relevant authorities both in US and Denmark and they could not comment further. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Senior North Korean economic officials met with the governor of a Russian region along the Pacific coast for discussions on boosting economic cooperation between the countries, North Korean state media said Wednesday. The meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, came as concerns have grown in South Korea that the North may be attempting to expand its labor exports to Russia in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions to generate revenue for its struggling economy and help fund leader Kim Jong Uns nuclear weapons program. The official Korean Central News Agency said North Korean officials led by the countrys external economic relations minister, Yun Jong Ho, met with the delegation led by Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorye region in the Russian Far East, and discussed elevating economic cooperation between the countries to higher levels. The report did not specify the types of cooperation that were discussed. Kozhemyako told Russian media ahead of his visit that he was expecting to discuss expanding cooperation with the North Koreans in agriculture, tourism and trade. Kozhemyakos visit extends a flurry of diplomacy between North Korea and Russia this year, highlighted by a summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September, which underscores their aligning interests in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with the United States. The U.S. and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying Russian with artillery shells and other weapons over the past months to help it wage war on Ukraine, although both Russia and North Korea have denied such transfers. There are also concerns that North Korea is preparing to send workers to Russia to secure badly needed foreign currency, which would run afoul of U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. South Koreas National Intelligence Service, the countrys main spy agency, in a message sent to reporters on Tuesday said it had detected signs of North Korean preparations to send workers to Russia. The agency didnt elaborate on what those signs were. In a news conference in Seoul on Tuesday, South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho said his government is monitoring whether Russia is accepting more North Korean workers. The sending of North Korean workers to Russia would be a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, he said. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia has a responsibility to truthfully implement the councils sanctions. North Korea last year hinted at an interest in sending construction workers to help rebuild Russia-backed separatist territories in the eastern region of Ukraine, an idea that was openly endorsed by senior Russian officials and diplomats, who foresee a cheap and hard-working workforce that could be thrown into the harsh conditions. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The Dongguan Development & Reform Bureau issued the "Action Plan for Hydrogen Industry Development (2023-2025) in Dongguan City" (the "Action Plan") on December 12, outlining ambitious goals to position the city as a hub for hydrogen-related enterprises. According to the document, by 2025, Dongguan city aims to foster at least three leading hydrogen industry enterprises, nurture over 50 growth-oriented companies, put 900 fuel cell vehicles into pilot applications, establish 20 hydrogen refueling stations, and strive for the creation of five key hydrogen-related laboratories, engineering research centers, and corporate technology centers. Geely's fuel cell bus; photo credit: Geely To expedite the acceleration of the hydrogen energy industry, the Action Plan emphasizes the need for technological innovation, independent equipment manufacturing, diversified demonstration applications, and industrial clustering. In terms of technology innovation, Dongguan will concentrate efforts on pivotal areas and critical stages within the hydrogen energy sector. The city aims to cultivate an industry innovation system characterized by "government guidance, corporate leadership, and collaborative innovation." The plan involves continuous reinforcement of fundamental research, key technology advancements, and disruptive technological innovations. Dongguan will construct a multi-level and diversified innovation platform while deepening collaboration between academia, industry, and R&D. Dongguan city plans to implement projects aimed at elevating R&D innovation levels, leveraging the technological advantages of the Songshan Lake Science City, and developing key laboratories, innovation centers, and engineering research centers. This initiative aims to construct an efficient collaborative innovation network that supports the development of critical technologies and engineering applications in the hydrogen energy sector, fostering the incubation of highly innovative enterprises. Simultaneously, support will be extended to academic research institutions such as the Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan New Energy Research Institute, Tsinghua Innovation Center in Dongguan, and Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials, Dongguan. These institutions will engage in technical R&D and project incubation in areas such as green hydrogen production, hydrogen storage materials, proton exchange membranes, novel catalysts, and solid oxide fuel cells, fostering the transformation of technological achievements. The Action Plan outlines Dongguan's commitment to cultivating the entire chain of the equipment manufacturing industry. Priority will be given to the development of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation equipment manufacturing industries, acceleration of hydrogen refueling station equipment manufacturing, and the establishment of comprehensive standards covering hydrogen production, storage, transportation, refueling, utilization, and related testing. Under the plan, the city aims to drive the concentration and development of key components of fuel cells. It seeks to advance the industrialization of critical materials, key components, and power systems for fuel cells. The plan encourages enterprises such as HYNDVATION and Jiayu Carbon to accelerate R&D and production of critical core components, including fuel cell systems, graphite bipolar plates, and full cell stacks. Dongguan city will expedite the introduction of leading enterprises in areas such as membrane electrodes, proton exchange membranes, catalysts, carbon paper, air compressors, and hydrogen circulation pumps, forming a complete industry chain covering eight core fuel cell components. In the demonstration and application of fuel cell vehicles, Dongguan will take commercial vehicle applications such as cold chain logistics, sanitation vehicles, and heavy-duty tractors as the gateway, in a bid to advance the demonstration and application of fuel cell vehicles in areas like ports, logistics parks, key industrial parks, long-distance freight transportation, urban distribution, sanitation, and urban construction. This initiative aims to establish a hydrogen energy logistics center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a green demonstration port. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday announced plans to replace some of his Cabinet ministers to address public criticism and distrust over his governing partys widening slush funds scandal that has shaken his grip on power. The scandal mostly involves the Liberal Democratic Partys largest and most powerful faction formerly led by assassinated ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Its key members, including those in top Cabinet and party posts, were suspected of systematically failing to report several hundred million yen (several million dollars) in funds in possible violation of campaign and election laws, media reports say. The money is alleged to have gone into unmonitored slush funds. The scandal and a purge of Abes faction, which was key to Kishidas own future, could stir a power struggle within the party ahead of a key leadership vote in September, even though Kishida doesnt have to call a parliamentary election nearly two more years. The grip on power of the LDP, which has almost continually ruled postwar Japan, is seen unchanged as long as the opposition remains fractured. Kishida, at a news conference Wednesday marking the end of this year's parliamentary session, said he regretted that the party fundraising scandal has deepened political distrust and that he is determined to tackle it with a sense of crisis. It is my responsibility to lead the LDP reform in order to regain the public trust, he said. Kishida refused to disclose details, but the key changes involve four ministers from the Abe faction Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita and Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki as well as a few serving key party posts. Former Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who belongs to Kishida's faction, is expected to replace Matsuno, Kyodo News agency reported. Earlier Wednesday, Kishida faced a no-confidence motion submitted by opposition groups led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. It was voted down because of the LDP dominance in both houses of parliament. The LDP has no self-cleansing ability, CDPJ leader Kenta Izumi said. It is questionable if they can choose anyone who is not involved in slush funds. Japanese Communist Party leader Kazuo Shii called the scandal a bottomless, serious problem. Kishida has acknowledged that authorities are investigating the scandal following a criminal complaint. He said those who have faced the accounting questions must examine their records and explain to the public, but gave no timeline. Approval ratings for his Cabinet have continued to fall. Most recently, one released by NHK national television said his support ratings fell to 23%, lowest since the governing party returned to power in 2012, after a three-year rule by Democratic Party of Japan. Matsuno allegedly diverted more than 10 million yen ($68,700) over the past five years from money he raised from faction fundraising events to a slush fund, while Nishimura allegedly kept 1 million yen ($6,870), according to media reports. Collecting proceeds from party events and paying kickbacks to lawmakers are not illegal if recorded appropriately under the political funds law. Violations could result in penalty of up to five years in prison, but prosecution is difficult as it requires proof of a specific instruction to an accountant to not report the money transfer. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Stephen Colbert has trolled former Fox News host Tucker Carlson over his new streaming platform by buying up a similar website domain name. The Late Show host brought up the newly launched Tucker Carlson Network on his show on Tuesday night, saying that Mr Carlsons new venture had come about after he was forced to leave Fox News for somehow being too racist. Mr Carlson had worked at Fox News since 2009 but was abruptly ousted in April this year. The right-wing figure claimed his firing was a condition of the settlement Fox News reached with Dominion Voting Systems after the network aired false claims about its ballot counting systems. After a brief stint hosting a show on X, conspiracy theorist Mr Carlson has now set his sights on a new venture, creating his own self-titled network. In a video announcing the move, he describes the network as relentlessly honest that the corporate gatekeepers cant touch. A subscription to the network costs $9 a month, but Mr Colbert quipped that there is a free version, for zero dollars a month, you can never watch Tucker Carlson again. On Tuesday nights show, Mr Colbert flashed up a screenshot of the Tucker Carlson Network website, showing the platforms previous and upcoming guests. People like Kid Rock, Martin Shkreli, Alex Jones and RFK JR, collectively known as Mount Douchemore, he said. But something else wasnt sitting right with the late-night show host, as he said the networks name kind of feels incomplete. Stephen Colbert trolls the new Tucker Carlson Network by creating a similar wesbite domain (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) Doesnt it feel like he should have called it The Tucker Carlson Network? And he really should have gotten the website thetuckercarlsonnetwork.com, Mr Colbert said. But he didnt but I did, the host announced a revelation that was met with cheers from the studio audience. Mr Colberts own website includes a large animation of Mr Carlson doing a Russian folk dance with links to donate to the World Central Kitchen, the Human Rights Campaign, and Donors Choose. The late-night show host even created a fake commercial for the new network, which he named Tuckflix. The website also promotes spoof shows starring Mr Carlson including Skewed Claims (a play on Squid Games), Orange is the New Sack (a show about the importance of testicle tanning) and Is He Cake?, Mr Colbert revealed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Harry Dunns family have warned that something has gone very badly wrong for another US citizen to have been able to evade justice in the UK after alleged involvement in a car crash. The 19-year-olds family were forced to wait three years when US citizen Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity, after fatally hitting Mr Dunns motorbike while driving on the wrong side of the road near the RAF Croughton military base in August 2019. His mother Charlotte Charles expressed her outrage after it emerged that Issac Calderon, a US citizen reportedly associated with the secret service, left the UK days before a court appearance over a car crash that left nurse Elizabeth Donowho unable to walk for six weeks. Harry Dunn was killed in a crash in August 2019 (Family hadout/PA) The Dunn familys lawyer Radd Sieger said he had been assured systems had been put in place to make sure that no American ever left the country again as Anne Sacoolas did. So something has gone very badly wrong here, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. We dont quite know what it is but rather than leave Elizabeth to wait for months, potentially years as Charlotte had to do, theyve got to get on with it and sort it out quickly. Issuing a call for the law to be changed around US citizens being allowed to drive without a UK license for up to a year, Ms Charles said: Its not only to keep people in the UK safe, its to keep the Americans safe as well. Theyre used to driving on very wide, very long, very different roads over in the States, and then they come to our little country with our tiny little backroads. Its not safe for them to be given the keys to a car and expected to just get on with it, and sadly thats the position that they find themselves in when theyre stationed here. Nurse Elizabeth Donowho suffered several broken bones in the car crash in Shucknall Hill, Herefordshire (Jacob King/PA Wire) Speaking to The Independent, Mr Seiger also questioned what progress had been made in a government review of road safety around US military bases, commissioned by then-transport secretary Grant Shapps in July 2020. What are they doing to stop these deaths and serious injuries? Mr Sieger said. This is three-and-a-half years ago. When I said a road safety review, I meant including for instance driver training. Because we know people like Anne Sacoolas was never given any acclimatisation training. The Department for Transport started off just looking at the infrastructure outside bases. And I said no, youve got to also look at instruction and training. So its gone into, as far as Im concerned, a black hole... Like so many other things, we feel at the moment that lots of promises are made but never followed through. Mr Sieger, who lives near the military base, claimed that road incidents involving US citizens happen all the time and pointed to remarks in the Commons in 1983 by Conservative MP David Mellor, who warned of 2,000 US servicemen having been convicted for traffic offences in the previous year alone. Charlotte Charles called for the law to be changed for US citizens driving in the UK (PA) There are people in our community who have either been killed or are walking around without limbs, Mr Seiger claimed, adding: Nothings ever been done about it. We had very much been hoping that Harry Dunn would have been the last, but Im dealing with a number of other cases, including the latest one, Elizabeth Donowho, and something has to be done. Referring to Harrys mother, Mr Sieger said: It breaks her heart and brings her right back to the time when Harry died. As part of our campaign, we set out to make sure what happened to Harry never happened to anyone else again. Ive been working intensively with the Department for Transport and [Foreign Office] to try and put systems in place to make things safer for us, as well as for the American drivers but on it goes. The Department for Transport has been approached for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Child killer Jon Venables has lost a Parole Board bid to be freed from jail, with the panel ruling that it was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. Venables, who was just 10 when he brutally tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, will now spend at least another two years in prison. The 41-year-old was previously released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was again released in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence, with parole judges last considering his case in September 2020. Jamie Bulger was tortured and murdered by Venables and Robert Thompson in 1993 (PA) His previous parole review in 2020 determined he used sex and pornography as a means of coping, felt a lack of fulfilment in life and had a need for excitement, as it looked at his behaviour leading up to his more recent offences. The decision against releasing him comes after a series of delays and a hearing that was held behind closed doors in mid-November. In a three-page summary, the Parole Board said on Wednesday: After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. It noted the risks as set out above, doubted Mr Venables ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, and to develop his relationship with his probation officer. He will be eligible to apply for another parole review in two years. Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, described Venables as a monster (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Archive) Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: James Bulgers barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Boards decision to keep his killer behind bars. Public protection is our number one priority, which is why I opposed Jon Venables release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders. Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson after barbarically murdering James in one of the UKs most high-profile cases. The duo had snatched the toddler from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, and left his mutilated body by a railway line. They were released aged 18 from a young offenders institution and were provided with new identities. While Thompson has not reoffended since his release, Venables has been recalled to prison on two occasions. Despite calls from justice minister Alex Chalk for him to remain incarcerated, a two-day private hearing was scheduled for 14 and 15 November. James Bulger's father weeps as he begs to keep killer Jon Venables in prison (TalkTV) Jamess mother Denise Fergus said she would crumble if Venables, who she describes as a monster was released again. She told The Mirror: Our fate is in the hands of parole board bosses, so I beg them to make the right decision for everyone and keep my sons killer behind bars. Venables has had so many chances in the past and hes blown them all. He doesnt care. He seriously doesnt care about anybody. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Afghans who are eligible for resettlement will be flown to the UK imminently from Pakistan and told to sign a Home Office legal agreement or face homelessness. The refugees, who have been trapped in limbo in Islamabad, have been told they will have seven days to seek legal advice before they must enter into an excluded licence agreement to qualify for temporary accommodation. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer told MPs that 250 Afghans are being flown to the UK on Wednesday, with more to follow. The families will initially be housed in permanent homes or temporary accommodation for a week on arrival to the UK. After the week is up, those in temporary housing will need to sign the agreement or have nowhere to live. If they do sign the agreement, it will last until 31 March 2024. However, the Home Office have warned families their housing could be terminated well before that date. They will only receive one offer of a permanent home and will not be able be provided with anything else if they refuse it. In a confusing letter sent to the Afghan refugees, the Home Office said: You will be given seven calendar/ five working days to seek your own legal advice and enter into the excluded licence. If you do not enter into the excluded licence after seven calendar/ five working days, you will no longer be eligible to remain in temporary accommodation provided by the UK government. Inside Operation Lazurite: Look inside the army base being used to welcome Afghans to the UK Sarah Fenby-Dixon, an Afghan consultant for the NGO Global Witness, said it was completely unreasonable to expect people to find legal advice within seven days and criticised the confusing language used in the letter. She added: This letter has been sent to Afghans who, by definition, are amongst the most vulnerable people and who have already had to jump through so many hoops put in front of them. The technical language makes the letter impenetrable for the vast majority of native English speakers, let alone those for whom English is a second language. It is completely unreasonable to expect traumatised people, who have just arrived in a new country, to identify legal advice within seven days. Joe Seaton, who campaigns on behalf of British Council teachers stuck in Pakistan, said: The Afghan teachers are all highly intelligent and have an excellent command of English, but they, like me, are confused by the letter and shocked by its apparent implications. A few hundred Afghans, eligible for UK relocation under the Home Offices Afghan Citizens and Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), have been living in Pakistan in government-funded hotels. Many have been there for over a year because the UK government stopped chartering flights to bring them to the UK. In October, the Ministry of Defence started flights for the thousands of Afghans, eligible under the MoDs scheme, who are in the same position. But there have been no dedicated flights for those on the Home Office scheme so far. The letter sent to ACRS families says that flights will be organised through the International Organisation for Migration. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer told MPs that the government would bring 3,500 Afghans, under both the MoD and Home Office schemes, to the UK before the end of the year. He said that, for those on the Home Office scheme, some will be housed in hotels that have already been contracted by the government. The government is also considering a community sponsorship scheme for the Afghans, similar to the Homes for Ukraine scheme launched after Russias invasion of Ukraine, he added. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Michelle Donelan is questioned on artificial intelligence (AI) governance by MPs from parliaments science, innovation and technology committee. The technology secretary will be speaking following a summer report on the 12 challenges of AI that the government must answer and the subsequent international summit which took place at Bletchley Park. Meanwhile, a leading fact-checking group has warned the rise of AI-generated images is eroding public trust in online information. Full Fact said the increase in misleading images circulating online and being shared by thousands of people highlights how many struggle to spot such pictures. The organisation has expressed concerns about the adequacy of the new Online Safety Act in combatting harmful misinformation on the internet, including the growing amount of AI-generated content, and called on the government to increase media literacy funding to teach the public to better identify fake content. Ms Donelan will also be questioned on the wider priorities of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, including the governments stated aim of making the UK a global science superpower. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Conservative cabinet minister took a swipe at David Cameron over his past support for closer ties with China in the latest sign of Tory infighting. Security minister Tom Tugendhat appeared to mock the changed stance by the foreign secretary who once hailed a golden era of UK relations with Beijing while he was PM. Mr Tugendhat one of the Tory partys leading hawks on the Chinese government re-posted a Foreign Office tweet showing Lord Cameron with Sebastien Lai. Mr Lais father is the leading Hong Kong dissent Jimmy Lai, a politician who has been detained by the Chinese authorities after the crackdown on the territorys autonomy. Mr Tugendhat said on X, formerly known as Twitter: I guess the golden era is over. As Tory prime minister, Mr Cameron hailed a golden era of UK-China ties, and even took Chinese premier Xi Jinping for a pint at his local pub during a state visit. Lord Cameron was given a speedy peerage by Rishi Sunak as the PM brought the former leader back into government during a shock reshuffle last month. The foreign secretary now sits at the cabinet table with Mr Tugendhat, with who is supposed to work closely on security issues. David Cameron has defended his foreign policy as PM (PA Wire) On the meeting with Mr Lai, the Foreign Office said Lord Cameron had met him to listen to his concerns for his father, Jimmy Lai, detained in Hong Kong. The department added: The UK opposes the National Security Law and will continue to stand by Jimmy Lai and the people of HK [Hong Kong]. Earlier this month Lord Cameron said Britain would continue its engagement with China after speaking to his counterpart in Beijing for the first time in his new job. The foreign secretary said he and Wang Yi had spoken about their aim for constructive UK-Sino relations. Relations between the West and China have deteriorated dramatically in the years since Mr Cameron left No 10 in 2016. Lord Cameron has also acknowledged that the Asian power had become much more aggressive, much more assertive since he left No 10, while defending the foreign policy of his period in office. He insisted that engaging with China a fifth of humanity today was necessary to solve challenges such as climate change. Mr Sunak has insisted Lord Camerons shock political comeback will not mean the return of his golden era approach to Beijing. The PM 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 to reduce tensions. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The first minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has announced that he is standing down as the countrys Labour leader triggering a surprise winter contest to find his successor. The 69-year-old Labour politician, who has been Welsh leader since December 2018, said he hoped his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024. At a news conference in Cardiff, Mr Drakeford said he would remain as first minister until then in the full sense of that job. Mr Drakeford said he would continue to work tirelessly for a Labour government to start repairing the huge damage which has been inflicted by the Tories over the last 13 years. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praised Mr Drakeford as a true titan of Welsh politics and his party, paying tribute to an outstanding career. Mr Drakeford has suffered a major slump in poll ratings and has come under fire for recent policies including the widespread use of 20mph limits on Welsh roads. A YouGov poll of Welsh voters for ITV and Cardiff University earlier this month found his popularity is at an 18-month low with 56 per cent believing he was doing a bad job. Drakeford will remain in place until Easter 2024 (PA) Mr Drakeford was first elected to the Senedd, the Welsh Assembly, back in 2011 as the member for Cardiff West. He served in various ministerial roles from 2013 under the leadership of Carwyn Jones, before succeeding him as first minister in 2018. In a resignation statement posted to Twitter/X, Mr Drakeford said that he had vowed to stand down during the current term. That time has now come. He added: It has been a great privilege to serve as leader of this party. Together, we have achieved a huge amount over the last five years in some of the toughest times we have known. Despite all the chaos in Westminster, the ongoing impact of Brexit, climate change and the pandemic, by working together, we have delivered record results for Welsh Labour in the local government and Senedd elections. Mr Drakeford added: I will work tirelessly to secure that Labour victory and to continue delivering on the promises we made to people all across Wales in 2021 to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener Wales. Sir Keir said the resigning Welsh leader had set a clear standard for public service in UK politics always putting others before himself. The Labour said Mr Drakeford had delivered for Wales with steely determination and quiet authority against a backdrop of austerity, instability in Westminster and the Covid pandemic. Above all, Mark is a kind and decent man, who lives his Labour values, said Sir Keir. A proud Welshman, Wales too can be proud of Mark, for his fight for working people. He added: Hes a true titan of Welsh and Labour politics. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him and we all wish him the very best for his retirement. Rishi Sunak said he wished Mr Drakeford all the best as he moves on from his many years of public service, adding that the Tory government would continue to work closely with the administration in Wales. Tory chairman Richard Holden thanked Mr Drakeford for his service but also attacked his leadership and said Labours 25 years of failure running Wales cannot be ignored. He added: With falling schools standards, blanket 20mph speed limits, and blocking meal deals in supermarkets, the Labour government in Wales have been focused on short-term soundbites. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Tory MP has come under fire for claiming immigration has turned parts of the UK into a ghetto and that NHS waiting lists are long in some areas because people do not speak English. In an inflammatory intervention that drew comparisons with Enoch Powells Rivers of Blood speech, MP for Doncaster Nick Fletcher said his constituency was full of immigrants as he railed against left-wing lawyers who he claimed were trying to scupper the governments Rwanda plan. Its happening in Doncaster and its happening in places throughout this country, and we are turning parts of our community into a ghetto, and this is what is happening, Mr Fletcher told MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Conservative MP Nick Fletcher says parts of UK are a ghetto (Parliament TV ) Your little child falls over in the street, you have to go to A&E and you get a 12-hour waiting list, and the reason why the waiting list is so long is because people dont speak English in these places anymore, he added. Responding to Mr Fletchers comments, SNP MP Joanna Cherry said she felt like she had been sucked back in time to listen to Enoch Powells Rivers of Blood speech again. The member who has just spoken needs to inform his constituents the reason they live in the sort of conditions he describes and the reason they have such low wages is not because of immigration, but because of more than 10 years of Tory government, she added. Michael Shanks, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, described Mr Fletchers remarks as repugnant and one of the most appalling speeches he had ever heard. Mr Fletcher, a Tory right-winger who is part of the New Conservatives grouping made up of MPs in red wall seats, made the remarks during a debate on the governments Rwanda bill, which passed the Commons in a vote on Tuesday despite a rebellion. He voted for the bill but said he would work with other Conservative MPs who wanted to make it stronger. SNP MP Joanna Cherry urged compared speech to Enoch Powells Rivers of Blood address (PA Wire) The vote saw 313 MPs in favour of the legislation and 269 against, giving the government a majority of 44. It means the Safety of Rwanda Bill lives to fight another day, although the prime minister faces another Commons vote in January . A number of MPs on both sides of the Conservative Party are not fully satisfied with the plan and 37 mostly right-wingers either did not vote for the bill or abstained, after arguing the legislation was not strong enough to stop legal challenges. Former home secretary Suella Braverman, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke, ERG chairman Mark Francois and Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger from the New Conservatives group were among those who had a no vote recorded. The Independent has contacted Mr Fletcher for comment. Squabbling over the Rwanda bill has once again highlighted the remarkable number of factions within the parliamentary Conservative Party. Some in Westminster refer to the major groups as the five families of the party, though the number of sub-groups has mushroomed, particularly on the hard right. The most high profile in recent years has been the European Research Group, chaired by Mark Francois, which made menacing demands of Rishi Sunak about his proposed legislation, albeit they were pretty much ignored. All have one thing in common: a taste for plotting and intrigue amounting to addiction. If the Conservatives go into opposition, these disputatious parties-within-a-party will become even more fractious; they are both symptom and cause of the splits that have so disfigured the Conservatives. Tory groups used to be dining clubs of like-minded chums (such as the Blue Chips in the 1980s John Major and Chris Patten) or earnest researchers, such as the Bow Group or the Centre for Policy Studies. Nowadays, the politics are much more raw. Here is a partial field guide to the different species of Tory MP... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In the latest release of new car declaration information by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, BYD's all-new SUV model has come to light. The new vehicle, belonging to the Yuan series, showcases a fresh exterior design. According to the rear badge, the new model might be named "Yuan UP". Photo credit: MIIT One of the standout features of the new SUV is its distinctive and innovative exterior. The vehicle adopts the Yuan series iconic logo layout, seamlessly integrating the ""logo in small seal script into the black front grille panel. The slender headlights on either side of the car distinguish it from other models in the Yuan series, emphasizing a layered aesthetic. Furthermore, the unique design of the front lower bumper, equipped with exaggerated air intake channels on both sides, adorned with large black panels and chrome trim, gives the vehicle a robust and highly recognizable appearance. Photo credit: MIIT Moving to the rear, the BYD Yuan UP features a through-type taillight design, coupled with a segmented spoiler on the roof and a large diffuser, highlighting its sporty demeanor. The vehicle's side profile reveals hidden door handles, black panels, and chrome details along the lower edge, contributing to its off-road appeal. Interestingly, unlike the existing models of BYD's Dynasty range, the rear badge of the new car displays the "BYD" logo rather than the small seal script emblem seen on the front. In terms of dimensions, the Yuan UP measures 4,310mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,675mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,620mm, making it slightly smaller than the Yuan PLUS. However, compared to the Yuan Pro, although the new car's length is shorter, the wheelbase has been increased by 85mm, and the width has expanded by 45mm. The Yuan UP excels in passenger space and comfort within its segment, despite being positioned as a compact SUV, meeting the daily needs of most families. On the configuration front, BYD offers a range of personalized options for the Yuan UP, including various wheel styles, a panoramic sunroof with luggage rack, front grille panels, and fender decorations. The Yuan UP comes with a dual offering of permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, delivering maximum power outputs of 70kW and 130kW, respectively, although details about its range are yet to be disclosed. The new model is expected to be officially launched in the first half of 2024. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A wounded Rishi Sunak has secured victory in a crunch vote on his flagship Rwanda policy but his political future remains under threat ahead of a new year showdown on the issue. The prime minister faces another battle with his MPs within weeks after parliament backed his emergency legislation by 313 votes to 269. As he fought to keep his controversial deportation scheme alive, Mr Sunak even flew a minister back from the Cop28 climate change conference in Dubai to vote. But he now faces a struggle to pass the bill at its next hurdle after Tory rebels, many of whom abstained instead of voting it down, warned they could not support it without significant changes. In another extraordinary day at Westminster: Mr Sunak tried to woo rebels over bacon sarnies in No 10 Home secretary James Cleverly said the new legislation was very much pushing at the edge of the envelope of international law Behind closed doors, the prime minister promised Tory MPs he was willing to tighten the legislation, those who attended a breakfast summit said Rebels expressed frustration at the lack of a clear commitment to amend the bill Former Tory leader Lord Hague urged his party to pull themselves together before the vote, warning there was no guarantee it would ever return to government if it loses the next general election In a moment of high drama just minutes before the vote, five groups of Tory MPs on the right of the party announced they would not support the bill. However, they announced they would mainly abstain at this stage and try to amend the bill. But they put the prime minister on notice that they could vote to kill the plan if it is not hardened enough. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mark Francois, the chair of the European Research Group (ERG), said: We reserve the right to vote against it at third reading, that is collectively what we have decided. In response, Mr Sunak said: The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts. Thats what this bill delivers. In a move that risks riling the rebels, Mr Cleverly tweeted after the vote: Parliament has spoken. Former party leader Iain Duncan Smith said he had backed the government but indicated he reserved the right to vote against the plan at its third reading. Asked if he could pull his support, he told Sky News: I want to see the government listen and engage so well see where it goes. Lists released by parliament suggested that no Tory MP voted against the bill. But high-profile names were among 38 Tory abstentions including former home secretary Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister who quit in protest at the plan last week. Before the vote, Labour had said that defeat, the first time a government would have lost on the second reading of a bill since the mid-1980s, should lead to a general election. Just 57 Tory MPs abstaining, or 29 voting against, the bill would have been enough to defeat the government. But Mr Sunak now faces an uphill battle to get his legislation through its next Commons stage. MPs traditionally allow bills to pass at second reading to allow them to be amended or improved, before casting their final judgement at the third reading of the bill. Even before the latest vote, Tory MPs warned they could sink the legislation. Former minister David Jones, deputy chairman of the ERG, said: We believe we have the numbers, if necessary, to stop the bill progressing. To add to his woes, Mr Sunak is now under pressure from two warring sides of his party. MPs on the right are threatening to vote against the bill if he does not amend it, while those on the more moderate wing threatening to pull their support if he does. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has called on MPs to back the plans (PA Wire) Sir Bob Neill, the Tory MP and chairman of the Commons justice committee, said his support would go if that happened because for me it goes as close to the wind as one can constitutionally do. To go any further would be unconservative, and then I would not support it, he added. One former cabinet minister who supported Mr Sunaks leadership campaign warned that it is hard to see how these issues [between the warring factions] get resolved before the next crucial Commons vote. Asked how it would end for his party leader, he added: Badly. Amid the infighting, another Tory grandee, Sir Edward Leigh, warned Tory MPs: A house divided is a house that is going to be destroyed. And a former minister, Jackie Doyle-Price, accused her party of stupid rows that would benefit only the Labour Party. Mr Sunak spent all day trying to head off a major Commons rebellion over his plan. He pleaded with Tory MPs to back the bill and tried to woo rebels over bacon sarnies at a breakfast meeting in Downing Street, as well as during one-to-one meetings. In a social media post, Mr Sunak publicly appealed to his MPs to support him, saying: To stop the boats, we need to back this bill. As he tried to persuade MPs in the Commons, Mr Cleverly said: The actions that we are taking, whilst novel, whilst very much pushing at the edge of the envelope, are within the framework of international law. Novel actions: home secretary James Cleverly (Reuters) Mr Sunak was forced to bring forward the emergency legislation after the UK Supreme Court ruled his plans unlawful. The prime minister has pinned his hopes on a new treaty with Rwanda, which is designed to guarantee refugees are not wrongly sent back to countries they have fled, and the new legislation. But he suffered a shock blow last week when the immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who would have taken the bill through parliament, resigned, warning it did not go far enough and would not work. Others on the Tory right have also called for it to go further and override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), to ensure it cannot be blocked by judges in Strasbourg. Jonathan Gullis, a member of the New Conservatives grouping who attended the breakfast summit, said he had grave concerns the legislation would mean we will end up being bogged down with individual claims that mean that well see very few people put on the plane to Rwanda. One MP who attended the breakfast expressed frustration at the prime ministers approach, saying: I would love to know what he means by tightening the bill. Earlier, Downing Street had rejected calls to pull the bill from Tory rebels, who warned it needs major surgery or replacement. Delaying the vote would have raised uncomfortable parallels with ousted former Tory leader Theresa May who pulled her meaningful vote Brexit legislation as she struggled to get it through the Commons. Before the vote, Mr Jenrick was understood to be planning to vote against the legislation unless the government committed to amending it. He pushed for the ability to overrule European Court of Human Rights injunctions in a speech to the Commons, telling MPs: This bill could be so much better. Lets make it better. A No 10 source said the government would continue to listen to and engage with colleagues across the party on the bill as it goes through parliament. Former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke warned Rishi Sunak that the bill risked the government failing to deliver on our promise to stop the boats for a third time. The bill allows ministers to disapply the Human Rights Act but does not go as far as overriding the ECHR, a key demand from hardliners. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer dismissed the Rwanda plan as a gimmick and piece of political performance art and accused the Conservative Party of behaving more like Donald Trump than Winston Churchill in its obsession over the scheme. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak has been hit by a fresh headache on his flagship Rwanda bill, as senior Conservative on the left said they would join right-wing rebels in pushing the PM for changes ahead of an expected second vote in January. The embattled PM believed he could count on the support of Tory MPs in the moderate One Nation wing, as he fights to appease their rivals on the right who are demanding tougher deportation legislation. But, as No 10 prepares for crunch talks with the right-wingers over the Christmas break, senior Tory moderates told The Independent they are considering how to amend the bill in a bid to soften its impact. Moderate Sir Robert Buckland confirmed that he was also considering how it might be tweaked to make it comply with global treaties. Tobias Ellwood said he wanted to explore ways to stop the bill clashing with international law. It comes as home secretary James Cleverly insisted that Tory rebels would not kill the bill in the new year saying that the party was still united after the government survived a first hurdle vote in the Commons. Despite the PMs relief in winning through on Tuesday night, 29 mostly right-wing Tory rebels defied the whips by abstaining. They have warned that they reserved the right to kill the bill when it returns next year. The One Nation caucus which boasts around 100 MPs agreed to back the bill but its leading figures have stressed they will resist any amendments from the Tory right that risk the UK breaching the rule of law. James Cleverly rejected the idea rebel Tories could kill the bill in January (Getty) Damian Green, the One Nation wings chairman, said he hoped the third reading would go through reasonably easily so long as Mr Sunak and his team stick to that [narrow] landing strip. Sir Robert the former justice secretary who is keen to avoid any breach of international law suggested on LBC Radio that he would consider pushing to soften the bill. If anything, it probably should be tweaked in the other direction, and if it was, I would think there are numbers within the House of Commons and certainly the House of Lords, to amend the bill to make it legally more workable. Warning Mr Sunak of the battle to come, Sir Robert suggested he could not back the bill if it was made more draconian. I think there will be a problem from people like me, frankly, he said. The ex-cabinet minister later confirmed he was considering amendments. Former justice secretary Robert Buckland said there would be support for moderate tweaks to the bill (PA) Mr Ellwood said he wanted to explore improving the bill. The senior moderate who abstained on Tuesday night said he was concerned the plan could see us clashing with international law. Mr Ellwood said he was uncomfortable with the push to stop the courts from having a say in deciding if Rwanda is safe, and giving ministers the power to overrule the Strasbourg court which oversees the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). We all have to look in the mirror and decide what we believe in, the former foreign affairs committee chief told The Independent. We will have to look at how we might finesse those aspects [in the bill], so it fits in with international law. On the other side, hardliner former home secretary Suella Braverman and her key ally ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who quit last week, were among the high-profile Tories to abstain, despite being issued a three-line whip. The 40 or so leading right-wing MPs who attended meetings of the five families with European Research Group (ERG) chairman Mark Francois on Tuesday were said to be evenly split between abstaining or voting against. A Tory rebel source said: This bill has been allowed to live another day. But without amendments it will be killed next month. It is now up to the government to decide what it wants to do. Mr Jenrick told reporters on Wednesday that he still hopes that he can persuade Mr Sunak to make significant changes to the Rwanda bill. The public expect us to secure our borders so I will always fight for that and I am pleased that it sounds as if there is a way forward where we can make the bill better, said the hardliner, among those who abstained. Some Tory right-wingers claim that the 29 abstentions underestimate the number of potential rebels, unhappy with the bill, who could vote it down at the showdown third reading stage. Others think the Tory right is all talk, and that some who abstained will back the bill when it comes to the crunch. This was the moment of maximum leverage for opponents of the bill and the government rightly told them to f*** off, another senior Tory MP who backed the bill told the FT. Sunak and his team are facing crucial talks over the Christmas break (PA) Pressed on the push from the Tory right on the Rwanda bill, Mr Sunaks official spokesman said: We will have discussions with colleagues, we will listen to any suggestions on amendments. The PMs spokesperson did not deny that Mr Sunak could hold meetings with Tory rebels over the Christmas break, saying only that discussions will continue. There was no clarity on the timetable for the bill in January but No 10 insisted the bill remained urgent. Put to him that the right-wingers would vote the bill down next year, Mr Cleverly told Sky News earlier: I dont agree. Asked about the objections of Mr Francois and other rebels, he said: I will talk to Mark and Ill talk to others to understand their thinking on this and try to harvest their ideas to make things better. Sir Keir Starmer dubbed Mr Sunak a festive donkey as he used PMQs to mock Christmas party plans for the divided Tories. Theyve obviously found the donkey for their nativity the search for three wise men may take longer. The Labour leader also went on to ridicule the five families plotting on the Tory backbenches, saying Mr Sunaks MPs are swirling around pretending to be members of the mafia. Conservative party is united on making Rwanda bill work, home secretary insists Sir Keir challenged Tory MPs who have anonymously criticised Mr Sunak in the press to identify themselves. Who was it who said hes a really bad politician? Hands up. Meanwhile, justice secretary Alex Chalk said any suggestions the Sunak government is behaving like a dictatorship with the bill are a long way wide of the mark. SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC put to him that parliament would be usurping part of the judicial function during his appearance at the human rights committee. Mr Chalk replied: I think suggestions of a dictatorship are a long way wide of the mark. Mr Ellwood warned Tory colleagues not to overstate the importance of the bill. The Rwanda policy has been ramped up, wheres it become this totemic statement of success of migration. Thats unfortunate. We shouldnt look sight of all the good things the prime minister has done in tackling [illegal] migration. Right-wing Tory MP Philip Davies warned that the party could be sleepwalking into a Starmer government, if the infighting on Rwanda continues. He urged the Tory factions to get behind Mr Sunak and turn our guns [on Labour] rather than on ourselves. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Home secretary James Cleverly has claimed Tory rebels wont kill Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill in the new year insisting that the faction-riven party is still united. The PM faces a January showdown over his flagship deportation legislation after right-wing Tory MPs threatened to vote it down if it is not toughed up. Mr Sunak managed to survive a crunch first vote after spending the day in talks with potential rebels with MPs approving the bill by 313 votes to 269. But 29 right-wing rebels defied the government whips by abstaining, and said they reserved the right to kill the bill when it returns next year. Put to him that the right-wingers would vote the bill down next year, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: I dont agree. He said it was absolutely wrong to say a lot of Tories dont want the bill to work, and insisted the Tories were united. Grilled on possible changes to keep the right happy, the home secretary said: We of course are more than willing to listen to good faith amendments that are designed to make the bill better, keep it within the bounds of international law. Mr Cleverly also suggested killing the Rwanda bill is not the best way for potential rebels on the Tory right to act over concerns that the legislation is too weak. Sunak met Tory MPs to convince them to back his Rwanda legislation (PA Wire) Asked about European Research Group (ERG) chairman Mark Francoiss objections of the legislation, he said: I will talk to Mark and Ill talk to others to understand their thinking on this and try to harvest their ideas to make things better. Mr Cleverly suggested that while not wanting to leave the ECHR or the court that oversees the convention the government would be happy to change the way it operates. It may well be that we find ourselves in dispute with international institutions. That happens a lot, he told BBC Radio 4s Today. Hardliner former home secretary Suella Braverman and her key ally ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who quit last week, were among the high-profile Tories to abstain, despite being issued a three-line whip. Ms Braverman reportedly tried to persuade MPs at the Tory rebel meeting on Tuesday to vote down the legislation now. She felt there was an argument for voting against, one attendee told Politico. The 40 or so who attended were said to be evenly split between abstaining or voting against. Former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg were among the right-wingers to back the bill at the first hurdle stage. Mr Sunak was spotting hugging Simon Hart, the Tories chief whip, in relief after the result. We will now work to make it law so that we can get flights going to Rwanda and stop the boats, the PM said. Mark Francois has warned Sunak Tory right could vote against the bill next year (PA) The emergency legislation is designed to prevent migrants who arrive via unauthorised routes from legally challenging being deported to Rwanda. It allows ministers to disapply the Human Rights Act but does not go as far as overriding the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), something which Tory hardliners have urged is needed for the policy to be enacted. Mark Francois, chair of the European Research Group (ERG) of Eurosceptic Tories, announced that some leading MPs in his group and four other right-wing factions the so-called five families would be abstaining, with a view to putting forward amendments early next year. The other factions include the New Conservatives, Common Sense Group, Conservative Growth Group and Northern Research Group. The ERG leader said Mr Sunak had told colleagues he was prepared to entertain tightening the bill and that, if does not accept changes, then the five caucuses reserve the right to vote against the government at the next stage. A Tory rebel source said: This bill has been allowed to live another day. But without amendments it will be killed next month. It is now up to the government to decide what it wants to do. While there is scepticism about the number of MPs who attend the five families meetings actually willing to vote against the bill, a revolt by the 29 Tories who abstained could be enough to defeat the government. James Cleverly says Tories still united on Rwanda plan (Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Some right-wingers claim the 29 abstentions underestimate the number of potential rebels, unhappy with the bill, who could vote it down at the showdown third reading stage. Others think some who abstained will back the bill when it comes to the crunch. Almost like the right are all talk, one Tory moderate told Politico. This was the moment of maximum leverage for opponents of the bill and the government rightly told them to f*** off, another senior Tory MP who backed the bill told the FT. No 10 has indicated it will listen to changes suggested by MPs to tighten the bill, so long as the basic framework remains, but has not committed to accepting amendments. Moderate Conservative MPs in the One Nation wing agreed to back the bill this week but have stressed that they will resist any amendments from the Tory right that would risk the UK breaching the rule of law. Damian Green, the groups chairman, told Newsnight the PM had secured a pretty solid majority for his proposal and that he hoped the third reading would go through reasonably easily. On todays vote, the government has more or less managed the narrow landing strip that it is aiming at, and so it should stick to that landing strip, the senior Tory moderate said. Although most in One Nation group are assumed to be happy to keep supporting the bill, one senior Tory moderate told The Times that they plan to bring forward their own wrecking amendment in the new year. Tory MP Ben Bradley said the Tories now appeared ungovernable over Rwanda. The right-winger, who chose to back the government, told BBC Newsnight: You might argue its kind of ungovernable. This situation suggests its certainly not easy to govern. Former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption predicted that there is likely to be a clash with European judges over the bill, something that would likely enrage Mr Sunaks Tory critics. Lord Sumption told the BBC that the bill is contrary to international law because it seeks to block people off from access to the courts. The senior legal figure whom the government had claimed approved of the bill added: Sooner or later there may be a clash with the Strasbourg (European) Court of Human Rights. After the upcoming committee stage, there will be a third reading vote before the Bill is sent to the House of Lords, where it is expected to face heavy scrutiny. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A shotgun fired twice outside of a New York state synagogue. A group of college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont shot while wearing keffiyehs. Since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel, antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab hate incidents have reached unprecedented levels, according to civil rights advocates. Between 7 October and 7 December, antisemitic incidents reached the highest level ever for a two-month period since the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) began tracking the figure in 1979, topping 2,000. "This terrifying pattern of antisemitic attacks has been relentless since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, with no signs of diminishing, Jonathan Greenblatt CEO of the ADL, said in a statement. The lid to the sewers is off, and Jewish communities all across the country are being inundated with hate. Public officials and college leaders must turn down the temperature and take clear action to show this behavior is unacceptable to prevent more violence. Albany police officers gather outside Temple Israel, in Albany, New York, where a 28-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly firing two rounds from a shotgun outside the Jewish temple (AP) The data included 40 incidents of physical assault, 337 acts of vandalism, 749 instances of written or verbal harassment, and 905 demonstrations that met the ADLs broad definition of antisemitism, which includes antisemitic rhetoric, expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel and/or anti-Zionism. Muslim leaders also warned of a terrifying rise in hate incidents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations tracked 2,171 requests for help and reports of bias since 7 October. From Burlington to Chicago and elsewhere, innocent Americans are suffering the consequences of this wave of bigotry, Corey Saylor, research and advocacy director at CAIR, told CNN. Until our nation stops the violence overseas and rejects bigotry here at home, we fear that both Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism will continue to spin out of control. Federal officials have also warned of the tense domestic situation. The US remains in a heightened threat environment and recent events reinforce that, a DHS spokesperson told The Independent last month. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, we have seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. Lone offenders, motivated by a range of violent ideologies, pose the most likely threat. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Harvard alum and billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman has denied he resents the university after he failed to oust its president from her position following a row over antisemitism on campus. In a statement posted on X, Mr Ackman, 57, said he has a longstanding issue with Harvard over its selling $85m worth of stock he donated for $10m but denied that it has anything to do with his recent move to oust the universitys president, Claudine Gay, from her position. The Pershing Square CEO made the claim in response to an article by The New York Times titled, Bill Ackmans Campaign Against Harvard Followed Years of Resentment, which claims his long-held personal grudges against the school are partly behind his campaign to oust Harvard president Claudine Gay after her congressional testimony on campus anti-semitism. Mr Ackman said the story was false and misleading. I have held no resentment toward Harvard ever. And I have none now, he wrote. The story gives the impression that my motivation for raising issues about antisemitism at Harvard and President Gay were due to prior grievances. This is entirely false and misleading. He then outlined his version of events, saying he donated the stock to Harvard to support the possibility of the university recruiting renowned economist Raj Chetty. He added that at the time he was low on liquid cash while going through a divorce and his company Pershing Square had gone through a large drawdown. It was important to me that I could fulfill our long-term plan to recruit him despite my difficult personal circumstances at the time, he wrote. I knew Harvard could find the money from someone else, but I wanted to fulfill my original plans for the Foundation of Human Behavior initiative. Harvard alum and billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman has denied he resents the University (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) It was important enough to me that I agreed to give Harvard stock in a private venture-backed company that I expected would be worth many multiples of that value in only a few years. My agreement with Harvard provided that if and when the company went public in a few years, if the stock was worth more than $15m, I would have the right to allocate the excess realized value above $15m to the Harvard-related initiative of my choosing. In the event the stock was worth less than $10m, I committed to make up the difference with an additional donation to the University, he added. But Mr Ackman claims that when he called Harvard in January 2021, after learning the stock was now worth $85m, he discovered that the university had sold the stock in March 2020 for $10m. I was not happy as you might expect, he wrote. To make matters worse, none of HMC, the administration, or even my development officer had the courtesy to apologize. I heard from no one by email, phone or otherwise. The billionaire added that then-Harvard president Larry Bacow eventually apologized and promised to rectify the situation, but never did despite Ackmans periodic reminders. Mr Ackman concluded by insisting that his unfortunate experience as a donor to the University is a total sideshow to the serious concerns I have about Harvards leadership, and now, Harvards governance, in light of how the Board has handled the President Gay situation and the eruption of antisemitism on campus. To be extremely clear, my advocacy on behalf of antisemitism, free speech on campus, and my concerns with DEI at Harvard have absolutely nothing to do with my unfortunate experience as a donor to the University, he said. Mr Ackman called for Harvard president Claudine Gay to resign in disgrace (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) I can understand why perhaps Harvard would like to characterize my recent initiatives as due to resentment, but I have no resentment toward Harvard now, nor at any time. The New York Times article on Mr Ackman came hours after The Harvard Corporation announced Ms Gay would keep her job as president despite repeated calls for her resignation. The universitys highest governing body released a statement on Tuesday throwing their unanimous support behind the college president, calling her the right leader to help our community heal. Mr Ackman claimed this week that he had been told by two reporters that one of the factors that made it challenging for the @Harvard board to fire Gay was that they were concerned it would look like they were kowtowing to me. The billionaire has been one of the most vocal critics demanding that Ms Gay, the universitys first Black president, resign in disgrace over her testimony before Congress last week in which she and the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology failed to explicitly say that calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their colleges harassment and bullying codes. Instead, they took the stance that it depends on the context something all three later apologised for, with UPenn president Liz Magill later resigning from her position. As a result of President Gays failure to enforce Harvards own rules, Jewish students, faculty and others are fearful for their own safety as even the physical abuse of students remains unpunished, Mr Ackman wrote in an open letter to Harvards governing board on Sunday. Knowing what we know now, would Harvard consider Claudine Gay for the position? The answer is definitively No. With this simple thought experiment, the boards decision on President Gay could not be more straightforward, he added. Ms Gay (left) and UPenn president Liz Magill at the congressional hearing last week (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Calls for My Gays resignation came almost immediately after the Hamas attacks on Israel, when a group of 33 Harvard student organisations, led by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee, released a now-deleted statement on social media arguing that Israels apartheid regime had created the impetus for the war. The letter, published on the same day as the 7 October attacks, prompted furious backlash, with Harvard professors and alumni calling on the universitys leadership to condemn the letter as well as Hamas. Mr Ackman also called for the signers of the letter to be blacklisted from top Wall Street firms a move he came under fire for after a truck appeared near the Harvard campus, circling the university and displaying photos of Harvard students and organisations allegedly linked to the original statement. Ms Gay issued a statement three days after the letter was published condemning the 7 October attack and distancing the universitys leadership from the letter. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Florida school board passed a resolution to call for the resignation of board member and Moms of Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, who is currently under investigation in connection to rape and sexual battery allegations against her husband. The motion was passed on Monday night by the Sarasota County School Board on a 4-1 vote, with Ms Ziegler in opposition; while the vote is nonbinding, it was a significant show of resistance against her. Ms Ziegler is married to state Republican Party chairman Christian Ziegler, who is currently under investigation over allegations that he raped a woman in early October. The recommendation for the high-status powerful conservative activist to stand down is the latest blow that has erupted from the allegations. Ms Ziegler called the resolution toothless but spoke very little before the vote, where members of the public were able to air their thoughts, NBC reported. The resolution was authored by board Chair Karen Rose, who said she was shocked and deeply saddened by the rape allegations against Mr Ziegler and said that Ms Zieglers continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission. While Ms Ziegler has not been accused of any wrongdoing, her involvement in her husbands investigation has seriously damaged the once-powerful couples reputation. An attorney for Florida GOP Party Chair Christian Ziegler said he expected to be fully cleared of sexual battery accusations (Florida Republican Party/Facebook) The couple are power players in Florida politics and have both touted their commitment to family values while running for public office. Mr Ziegler is a longtime GOP official and former Sarasota County Commissioner who was elected chair of the state party in February. Ms Ziegler has already resigned from one of her roles as vice president of school board programmes at the Leadership Institute, an organisation that trains conservatives in politics and activism. The allegations against Mr Ziegler are outlined heavily redacted report provided to The Independent in previous coverage by the Saratosa Police Department. While the report does not name Mr Ziegler, his attorney Derek Byrd confirmed to The Independent that the Republican official was cooperating with the police investigation and expects to be fully exonerated. The alleged victim had been in a long-term, consensual sexual relationship with the Ziegler couple, according to the investigative journalism organisation the Florida Center for Government Accountability, which was the first to report on the story. The organisation cited police sources who said the incident happened when Mr Ziegler came to the womans home without his wife on 2 October. Mr Ziegler allegedly forced his way into her apartment and sexually assaulted her and did not use a condom, according to a search warrant affidavit first obtained by the Florida Center for Government Activity that was then shared with The Independent. The woman told police she was not in a position to consent as she had been drinking tequila and he raped her when she refused to have sex without his wife present, according to the affidavit. The affidavit also relays that Mr Ziegler told detectives the sexual encounter was consensual and that he had filmed it but had deleted the footage after the allegations of rape and sexual battery. In a separate interview, Ms Ziegler told police that she and her husband had a consensual three-way sexual encounter with the accuser about a year before the October incident. The allegations have garnered a lot of criticism against Ms Ziegler, who is the co-founder of Moms for Liberty, an organisation that advocates against any school curricula or books that mention LGBT+ rights, race issues and theory, ethnicity and discrimination. The Zieglers have made a habit out of attacking anything they perceive as going against family values, be it reproductive rights or the existence of LGBTQ+ Floridians, state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement. The level of hypocrisy in this situation is stunning. Mr Ziegler has not yet been charged in connection to any crime and maintains his innocence, telling Florida Republicans in a recent message that he will remain chair and will not let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up. The Independent has contacted both Mr and Ms Ziegler for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Cuba claims it thwarted a terrorist attack after an armed man riding a jet ski arrived from Florida and was arrested on the Caribbean island. According to state media, the man intended to commit acts of violence on the island with Cuban officials claiming the plot was tied to at least two groups, Nueva Nacion Cubana and La Nueva Nacion Cubana en Armas. Cuba has labelled both of them terrorist groups, according to Reuters. The arrested man was armed with handguns, ammunition clips and ammunition, according to the report. He is reportedly a Cuban citizen living in Florida and entered the country illegally on a jetski, which he dumped in a mangrove swamp on the north coast before heading to the city of Cienfuegos. Before his arrest the man allegedly tried to recruit others to assist in committing acts of violence, arson and vandalism, the state media report claimed. It also alleged that several other Cubans, living in the country and South Florida, were under investigation for involvement in the alleged plot. The arrest came just days after Cuban authorities published a list of more than 80 foreign nationals and groups that it accused of terrorism. These 61 individuals and 19 groups include Influencer Alexander Otaola Casal for inciting the realization of actions that affect social order in Cuba, through violent acts against public officials and the normal functioning of socioeconomic entities; and promoting armed aggression against Cuba. Cuba was included in the US list of countries that sponsor terrorism in the final days of Donald Trumps administration and has been in talks with the Biden administration to be removed. Close Related video: Jonathan Majors court date The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Marvel star Jonathan Majors was handed a guilty verdict in his trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari on Monday afternoon. Jurors deliberated for a total of roughly five hours before convicting Majors on two charges - one misdemeanour count of assault and one harassment violation. In a statement after the verdict, Majors legal team issued a statement saying he looks forward to clearing his name. Last week, Judge Michael Gaffey permitted the release of a wealth of evidence, including text messages, photographs, footage, a recording of the actor calling himself a great man and the 911 call from the night of the alleged attack. The texts show Majors dissuading Jabbari from going to the hospital following a separate alleged altercation in 2022, saying it could lead to an investigation even if you do lie and they suspect something. Majors was supported throughout the trial by his current girlfriend Meagan Good. Hours after the guilty verdict was announced, Marvel said it was dropping Majors from its lineup. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Media Matters is now suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he opened an investigation into the liberal non-profit over its reporting of Elon Musks X. In the lawsuit, the non-profit alleges that Mr Paxtons retaliatory investigation is unlawful and violates its First Amendment rights. The dispute began when Media Matters released a report claiming that adverts from major companies were running next to pro-Hitler and antisemitic content on X. The report prompted a series of major companies including Disney, Apple and IBM to pull advertising from the social media platform. Executives at X quickly condemned Media Matters, claiming the research strategy used to uncover the content next to company adverts was not representative of how regular people use the platform. The organisation had followed accounts that posted the content, then refreshed the X timeline until adverts appeared, X executive Joe Benarroch claimed. An X spokesperson added that the company did not intentionally place the adverts next to the posts from the antisemitic accounts, which have now been demonetised, meaning advertising can no longer run on their profiles. Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Mr Musk also responded to the report by launching a thermonuclear lawsuit against Media Matters alleging it unlawfully interfered with Xs relationships with advertisers. Mr Paxton, a Republican, then announced that he was opening an investigation into Media Matters for potential fraudulent activity related to its investigation of X. At the time, Mr Musk applauded the probe, writing on X: Fraud is both a civil and criminal violation. Now, in the latest twist, Media Matters announced its own legal action against Mr Paxton, suing the AG and asking a judge to permanently block his investigation. While the latest lawsuit does not allege that Mr Musk and Mr Paxton are in collusion, it claims that Mr Paxton was one of several politicians and media figures who swiftly jumped to Musks cause over the report. As well as alleging violations of the First Amendment, the suit also claims the 14th Amendments guarantee of due process and reporter shield laws in Maryland and Washington DC have been violated. The lawsuit claims that Mr Paxtons office sent a letter to Media Matters on 21 November demanding a broad swath of documents related to its reporting. Under shield laws, journalists are protected from being compelled to disclose their sources in certain situations. Attorneys for Media Matters said the request from Mr Paxtons office was intrusive, and many of Media Matters reporters and researchers have since pared back reporting and publishing, particularly on any topics that could be perceived as relating to the Paxton investigation. Elon Musk (AP) These reporters and researchers are also aware that Media Matterss editorial team has been required to hold back stories about X and Musk due to these concerns, the lawsuit adds. Lawyers for Media Matters added that the chill imposed by his retaliatory scheme injures Plaintiffs ability to investigate and publish news stories and further chills their ability to participate in a robust public discussion around political extremism on the X platform. Media Matters, which is based in Washington DC but does carry out business in Texas, is outside of the Texas attorney generals jurisdiction. The Independent has contacted X, Media Matters and Mr Paxtons office for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two little piggies named Taylor and Travis will live to see another holiday season after the Miami-Dade mayor pardoned them from all Christmas activities. On Thanksgiving each year, its long been the tradition for the current US president to pardon a pair of turkeys saving them from a prospective fate of winding up on a familys dinner plates. But, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava does things a little differently. In the Latino community in southern California, roast pork is the most popular dish around Christmas, and so a few lucky pigs are chosen each year to be pardoned. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava holding a very calm Taylor (Fox26) After many heartfelt applications, the winning pigs this year were Taylor and Travis named after the star-studded couple pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Owned by Alfonso and Lina Marena Berrio, the pair are the familys favourite creatures and were named by their daughters Valerie and Melanie over their love for the celebrity couple. The pardoning took place outside of local restaurant Latin Cafe 2000 this week. At the ceremony, the mayor joked that Taylor was very calm because she knows a lot about being in the media and the spotlight. Travis, on the other hand, was a bit more restless and seemed ready to be out on the field, she said, according to NBC Miami. The two pigs will go and live in a sanctury (NBC6) After being pardoned, the two lucky pigs can never be sent to market or be included in any Christmas activities. Instead, the pigs will live a lifetime of peaceful coexistence in a sanctuary at the Bonanza Equestrian Center in Miami, NBC reported. This is the sixth year the Miami-Dade mayor has granted a full mayoral pardon to some chosen pigs. But, while Travis and Taylor have had a lucky escape, the mayor acknowledged that many others wont be so fortunate. In Florida, roast pork is a traditional meal for many, especially Cuban families, on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), where the pork is often roasted in a traditional box called a La Caja China, made of wood and filled with coal. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- As of December 13, DENZA, the premium new energy vehicle brand majority-owned by BYD, the company has expanded its sales and service network to 300 stores nationwide, spanning across 123 cities, according to the automaker. Photo credit: DENZA DENZA's 300th store is located in the emerging urban landmark of Three Gorges Bridge PARK high street in Chongqing city. Official statements emphasize that this store signifies the ongoing innovation and expansion of DENZA's user service system. The journey began with DENZA's first store opening in Shenzhen on May 10, 2022. On November 30, 2022, the carmaker celebrated the completion of its 100th store, and on April 18, 2023, the 200th store was established. DENZA said that its directly operated store coverage is expanding at an impressive rate, with an average of one new store every two days, achieving the remarkable feat of surpassing 300 stores in just 19 months. Public data show that DENZA achieved sales of 11,843 vehicles in November this year. Among them, the DENZA D9 model has maintained its position as the best-selling luxury MPV in China for 11 consecutive months, with an average transaction price exceeding 420,000 yuan. For the first 11 months of 2023, DENZA sold 115,911 vehicles in total. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} In a hearing in front of state lawmakers in Georgia on 11 December 2020, Rudy Giuliani baselessly accused a mother-daughter pair of election workers in the state of quite obviously surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if they are vials of heroin or cocaine. He smeared Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss as criminals whose workplaces and homes should be searched for evidence of voter fraud. Donald Trumps former attorney, who launched spurious lawsuits to overturn 2020 presidential election results, also appeared on podcasts and television shows to falsely claim those women wheeled a suitcase loaded with fraudulent ballots into a vote-counting centre and used a flash drive to manipulate the results to ensure Joe Bidens victory. Three years and one day after he introduced those bogus claims to Georgia lawmakers, Mr Giuliani sat with his attorneys for the first day of a civil trial in a federal courtroom in Washington DC, where an eight-member jury will determine how much he owes for defaming them. The case is among the highest-profile attempts yet to hold members of Mr Trumps circle accountable for the volatile aftermath of the 2020 election. His attorneys fear it could be the civil equivalent of the death penalty for him. If jurors impose the tens of millions of dollars in damages the women could be awarded, his attorneys told the jury that it would be the end of Mr Giuliani. Rudy Giuliani arrives for the first day of a defamation trial in federal court in Washington DC on 11 December (EPA) Mr Giuliani was already found liable for defaming those women, who faced a wave of racist threats and harassment fuelled by false claims amplified across social media and right-wing media networks. Those threats and a pressure campaign against them are also at the centre of a sprawling criminal case in Atlanta, where Mr Giuliani is a co-defendant alongside the former president and a dozen others accused of a criminal enterprise to unlawfully overturn the states election results in 2020. He also is an unnamed co-conspirator in a federal election conspiracy case that charges Mr Trump with four crimes connected to his alleged attempts to subvert the elections outcome. The lawsuit against Mr Giuliani initially included co-defendants including right-wing media outlet One America News, its owners and one of its star personalities. They later settled, leaving only Mr Giuliani, the former New York City mayor once hailed as Americas mayor and now embroiled in a growing heap of legal challenges stemming from his loyalty to the criminally indicted former president. Von DuBose, an attorney representing the election workers, held up a ginger mint to the jurors in his opening statements on 11 December. Thats what Ms Freeman handed her mother, a piece of candy, not a USB drive loaded with fraudulent votes to steal the election from Mr Trump. Jurors will not see any video of them passing around a USB drive because it doesnt exist, he said. The only issue remaining at a four-day trial in Washington DC will determine just how much Mr Giuliani owes the defendants for their claims of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil conspiracy and punitive damages. Mr Giuliani is not only liable for the harm caused by his own actions, but also for the actions of his co-conspirators, US District Judge Beryl Howell told jurors. The judges default judgment in the case in August reprimanded Mr Giuliani for his failure to turn over evidence in the case and attempts to frame himself as a victim of unfair persecution. Donning a cloak of victimization may play well on a public stage to certain audiences, but in a court of law this performance has served only to subvert the normal process of discovery in a straight-forward defamation case, the judge wrote. We will ask you to think about how needless, how cruel, it is for powerful figures like Mr Giuliani to target election workers and volunteers and brand them as fraudsters and criminals without evidence, their attorney Michael Gottlieb told jurors in his opening statement. In the United States of America, behaviour like Rudy Giulianis is not the inevitable result of politics, he said. It is not acceptable, and it will not be tolerated. There is nowhere I feel safe Working out of Atlantas State Farm Arena in November 2020, the womens actions were scrutinised by right-wing activists on surveillance video. They were accused of pulling ballots out of suitcases, a claim that spun out into a conspiracy theory that votes for Joe Biden were separately hauled into the vote count to manipulate the results. Those suitcases were bags from which ballots had been sealed and stored. At a state legislative hearing on 10 December, 2020, Mr Giuliani accused the women of quite obviously surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if theyre vials of heroin or cocaine to infiltrate voting machines. He accused them of illegal activity and suggested police search their homes for evidence. Four days before a joint session of Congress convened to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, then-President Trump made a now-infamous phone call to Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger that is now evidence in the criminal cases against him. Mr Trump urged the states chief elections official to find enough votes to secure his victory in the state, despite three counts that verified Mr Bidens decisive victory in the state. He mentioned Ms Freemans name 18 times on the call. He claimed that the women pulled out what looked to be suitcases or trunks that were stuffed with votes with a minimum of 18,000 ballots, all for Biden. He called Ms Freeman a professional vote scammer. In June, Georgias State Election Board completed its investigation into what amounted to bogus claims of election fraud at the State Farm Arena, finding that the claims were unsubstantiated and found to have no merit. Last year, Ms Freeman appeared before a House select committee investigating the events of January 6, when a mob of Mr Trumps supporters fuelled by similarly false claims that the election was stolen or rigged against him stormed the US Capitol and blocked the certification of millions of Americans votes. There is nowhere I feel safe. Nowhere. Do you know how it feels to have the president of the United States to target you? Ms Freeman told the panel. The president of the United States is supposed to represent every American, not target one, she said. But he targeted me a small business owner, a mother, a proud American citizen, who stepped up to help Fulton County run an election in the middle of the pandemic. Shaye Moss, left, and Ruby Freeman speak onstage during the 16th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History in 2022 (Getty Images for CNN) Ms Moss began a full-time role with the Fulton County Department of Registration & Elections in 2017, handling voter applications and requests for mail-in ballots and helping process the vote count on Election Day. Her mother, a retired local government worker at a centre coordinating 911 emergency calls for the county, had opened a small business selling fashion accessories. Following a June primary election that endured the Covid-19 pandemic and technical difficulties, election workers had bolstered preparations for the major fall election. Ms Moss asked her mother to help. She signed up as a temporary worker. By 10pm that night, after roughly 18 hours of work, with only a handful of election workers remaining at the State Farm arena, workers began packing up and sealing remaining absentee ballots into large plastic boxes for overnight storage until they could return the following morning. With heightened scrutiny on the results, Mr Raffensperger and state elections director Chris Harvey called on Fulton County elections director Richard Barron to keep counting ballots. Under that order, Ms Moss pulled out the containers and election workers resumed the count under surveillance from an independent elections monitor and a state investigator, according to officials. But Trump campaign attorneys later accused the women of committing fraud, triggering a right-wing media campaign against them, including segments on Fox News, One America News and The Gateway Pundit, which published a story identifying Ms Freeman alongside photos labelling her a crook. The coverage ignited a firestorm of racist and hateful messages towards Ms Moss that turned her life upside down, she told the House select committee last year. His statements helped unleash a wave of hatred and threats we never could have imagined, the women told The Independent in a statement in August. It cost us our sense of security and our freedom to go about our lives, they added. Rudy Giuliani is pictured leaving federal court in Washington DC on 19 May (Getty Images) Ms Freeman known as Lady Ruby, a name emblazoned on a jacket she later refused to wear in public told the House select committee that she spent the year that followed the attacks looking over her shoulder. I second guess everything that I do, she said. Its affected my life in a major way, in every way, all because of lies. By 4 December, 2020, Ms Freeman had received about 300 emails, 75 text messages, a large amount of phone calls and multiple Facebook posts, according to a police incident report. The women fled their homes on advice from FBI agents who suggested they remain in hiding until at least Inauguration Day. Ms Freeman lost her name, her reputation and her sense of security, she told the committee, all because a group of people starting with No 45 and his ally Rudy Giuliani decided to scapegoat me and my daughter. Defence attorneys ask for fair and proportional damages Mr Giuliani himself could be called to the witness stand to testify in his own defence. Jenna Ellis, among attorneys alongside Mr Giuliani who launched a failed legal campaign to overturn election results, also is on the trials witness list, along with other Trump-connected figures Bernie Kerik and Christina Bobb, among others. Mr Giuliani could testify for an hour, according to court documents. Ms Freeman and Ms Moss also are expected to testify for nearly two hours and up to three hours, respectively. Election worker gives emotional testimony about threats by Trump supporters Ms Ellis who was among Mr Giulianis co-defendants in the Georgia case recently reached a plea agreement with Fulton County prosecutors charging her with one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. Her testimony in Mr Giulianis trial could discuss his efforts and strategy to overturn election results, as well as video of the women working to count ballots on election night that he falsely claimed depicted fraud, according to a court filing. Christina Bobb a former anchor for One America News Network promoted false claims about the 2020 election during her appearances on the far-right cable outlet. She has since joined Mr Trumps legal team with his Save America PAC. She may testify about working with Defendant Giuliani to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the allegations against plaintiffs at issue in this litigation, according to the latest joint filing. Her testimony also is expected to last 15 minutes on direct examination. In his opening statement in his clients defamation trial, Mr Giulianis attorney Joseph Sibley that there was no question Ms Freeman and Ms Moss were harmed. But there is not much evidence that Mr Giuliani was the cause, he told jurors. He asked jurors to consider awarding damages that are fair and proportional to what he claimed is his clients limited role. If you award the damages they are asking for, it will be the end of Mr Giuliani. Close SAMANTHA WOLL UPDATE The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A suspect has finally been arrested and charged with the murder of well-loved synagogue leader Samantha Woll almost two months after she was brutally stabbed to death at her home. On Wednesday, 28-year-old Michael Jackson-Bolanos was charged with felony murder, home invasion and lying to police. Local prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a press conference that the suspect had no prior connection to the victim and that the killing was not believed to be a hate crime. Jackson-Bolanos maintained his innocence and entered a not-guilty plea on Wednesday. At his arraignment, new details were revealed about Wolls murder and the evidence allegedly linking Mr Jackson-Bolanos to the crime scene. Woll was stabbed eight times in the attack at her home in Lafayette Park on 21 October, prosecutors said. The attack began inside her home before she stumbled outside and collapsed in the street. Prosecutors described her murder as a crime of opportunity when Mr Jackson-Bolanos was allegedly prowling the neighbourhood stealing from cars and came across her open front door. Wolls blood has allegedly been found on a jacket that the suspect was wearing on the night of the murder, the court heard. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene. The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims. Police Chief James White announced early into the investigation that few details would be shared publicly to protect the probe. But just two weeks later, the department announced the arrest of a suspect who was eventually released without charge as the case appeared to become stagnant again. A major breakthrough came on 10 December after a different man, identified as 28-year-old Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos, was arrested. Jackson-Bolanos, who has entered a not-guilty plea, is accused of brutally stabbing Woll at least eight times as he carried out car robberies in her neighbourhood. Heres everything we know about the case so far: What do we know about the stabbing? Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence. A law enforcement agent walks near the scene near the scene where a Detroit synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk. Prosecutors alleged during Jackson-Bolanos court hearing on 13 December that the suspect used a straight edge cutting instrument to stab Woll more than eight times in the head and neck, The Detroit News reports. A coat found in the apartment of Jackson-Bolanos girlfriend had Wolls blood on it, said Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Elsey. [It appeared to] be consistent with the very same jacket he was wearing that night when she was killed, Ms Elsey told the court. Investigators believe the suspect acted alone and did not know the victim. Detroit police officers work near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead (AFP via Getty Images) Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am. By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self, Chief White initially told reporters. Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. Chief White said on 13 December that investigators had reviewed countless hours of video and other evidence before a second arrest was made on 10 December. We were able to link him to a number of larcenies, Chief White said. And then when we brought him for questioning, some concerns came up. We released him but we knew his whereabouts, we knew his movements. At no time was anyone in our community in danger. Michael Jackson-Bolanos charged with Wolls murder On 10 December, the Detroit Police Department announced a second arrest in the case. Three days later, the name of the suspect was revealed during a press conference in which officials said that Jackson-Bolanos first came on their radar three weeks before he was apprehended on murder charges. Jackson-Bolanos is facing charges of felony murder, home invasion and one count of lying to law enforcement. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L Worthy said that Jackson-Bolanos was suspected of carrying out vehicular thefts near Wolls residence on the day she was killed. The prosecutor also addressed an arrest made in November, noting that the initial suspect had been cleared from the investigation. Michael Jackson-Bolanos is charged with murder of Samantha Woll (Michigan DOC) That first person of interest was taken into custody in Kalamazoo, Michigan on 8 November. The man who has never been identified by authorities was released three days later without charge, as the 72-hour charging window closed. Investigations dont usually happen in the 44-minute [timeframe of a] TV show, Ms Worthy said. They take time, they take effort, they take passion, they take experience. We look at everything. police look at every angle. There was an incredible amount of work that was done. Chief White said that the suspect first came on his departments radar while detectives investigated several larcenies. He was arrested on suspicion of larcenies and released before the police department submitted a warrant to the prosecutions office requesting murder charges against Jackson-Bolanos. Chief White said that investigators had reviewed countless hours of video and other evidence before the arrest was made. We were able to link him to a number of larcenies, Chief White said. And then when we brought him for questioning, some concerns came up. We released him but we knew his whereabouts, we knew his movements. At no time was anyone in our community in danger. The chief said that once his department obtained the information needed to make an arrest in Wolls murder, Jackson-Bolanos was taken into custody within an hour. Jackson-Bolanos entered a not-guilty plea during his arraignment on 13 December. His attorney told reporters that his client was innocent and the victim of circumstantial evidence, also noting the previous arrest made in the case. Its pretty significant that they originally arrested an individual prior to arresting my client, Im going to be looking at the circumstances around that, Jackson-Bolanos attorney Brian Brown said, The Detroit Free Press. Truthfully, I think it was a lot of publicity this case was receiving, a lot of pressure on the Detroit Police Department to hopefully come up with somebody and my client maintains his innocence and I think he was just a victim of circumstance and not an individual who perpetrated this crime. According to the Department of Corrections, Jackson-Bolanos was convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle in 2019, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections. He spent two years on probation and went on to serve four years in prison over a similar offence, the Free Press reports. Who was Samantha Woll? Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022. She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit. We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss. According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth. By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read. More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service. Senator Stephanie Chang (L) and Samantha Woll (R (Senator Stephanie Chang/X) Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times. Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone. You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post. That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday. After prosecutors identified the suspect, Wolls family issued a statement thanking law enforcement for their work in the investigation. Our family is sincerely grateful to the hard-working women and men of the DPD Homicide Task Force who worked around the clock for weeks to thoroughly investigate this tragic crime, Brian Legghio, the familys attorney, said on their behalf. Through their dedication and tireless efforts we firmly believe that they have successfully solved this senseless crime. We cannot thank them enough. In the immediate aftermath of the killing, Chief White had said that there were no signs of forced entry. However, the chief of police has since said that Wolls door was found ajar and unlocked, and a significant amount of blood was inside. Unanswered questions in the probe A motive in Wolls murder has yet to be established. DPD has ruled out an antisemitic attack, previously saying that an Israel flag at Wolls home was left untouched. A source had initially told CNN that the murder was thought to have arisen from a domestic dispute, but the source did not elaborate on what led them to that belief. However, during the press conference on 13 December, authorities seemed to walk back from that characterisation, saying that they believed there were no connections between the suspect and Woll previous to the killing. Chief White declined questions from reporters on whether the killing had been circumstantial or targeted, and if Woll had tried to defend herself. He also did not elaborate on earlier remarks that there were no signs of forced entry. Authorities had initially described the main crime scene as the sidewalk where Wolls body was found, noting that it was believed she was attacked inside her home but a larger amount of blood was found outside. Police tape restricts access to the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead in Detroit, October 21, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) The chief of police has since said that Wolls door was found ajar and unlocked, and a significant amount of blood was inside. Ms Worthy declined to speak on potential motives behind the killing, saying that she didnt want to jeopardise the future criminal trial. The prosecutor also pushed back against suggestions that the previous unsuccessful arrest could impact the ongoing criminal process, but did not answer why that person of interest, who has since been exonerated, was arrested in the first place, We have to investigate every avenue even though we may think that we have the right person in custody we know that we do today we have to investigate any and all suspects or persons of interest that may come forward, Ms Worthy said. We dont want to leave any stone unturned. And that means we may have to look at other people, even if its believed at the time that theyre not the right one for this case. Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The US Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a long-standing approval of a widely used abortion drug, the first major abortion case to reach the nations highest court after it struck down Roe v Wade last summer. Mifepristone, one of two drugs in a two-drug protocol for medication abortion, was approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration more than two decades ago. But a lawsuit filed by an influential right-wing legal group and anti-abortion activists has sought to revoke that approval as part of a years-long campaign to outlaw abortion nationwide. A ruling to strike down the federal governments approval of the drug could drastically impact access to abortion and miscarriage care for millions of Americans across the country, including in states where it is legally protected. Last year, the courts conservative supermajority revoked a constitutional right to abortion care in a landmark decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization, a ruling that reversed the decades-old precedent established by Roe v Wade. In the months that followed, more than a dozen states effectively outlawed abortion care altogether, or implemented severe restrictions that have complicated access to abortion for millions of Americans. All of those states have separate laws targeting medication abortion, and at least 15 other states restrict access to the procedure. Across the country, weve seen unprecedented attacks on womens freedom to make their own health decisions, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Wednesday. States have imposed extreme and dangerous abortion bans that put the health of women in jeopardy and that threaten to criminalize doctors for providing the health care that their patients need and that they are trained to provide. No woman should be unable to access the health care that she needs. This should not happen in America, period, she added. The administration will continue to stand by the FDAs approval process, she said. Mifepristone was first approved for use by the FDA in most cases up to 10 weeks of pregnancy in 2000. A vast majority of abortions occur within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. From 2019 through 2020, nearly 93 per cent of all abortions were performed before the 13th week, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of all abortions in the US are medication abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which has litigated abortion rights cases across the US in the aftermth of the Dobbs decision, said the Supreme Court did the right thing by agreeing to hear the case. The stakes are enormous, she said in a statement on Wednesday. Even those living in states with strong protections for abortion rights could have their ability to access mifepristone severely restricted if the court rules against the FDA, she said. Lets be clear, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project director Jennifer Dalven said in a statement. This case is the next step in the extremists plan to prevent anyone in the country from being able to get an abortion no matter where they live. Last year, the right-wing legal group Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit in US District Court in Amarillo, Texas on behalf of a group of anti-abortion activists that incorporated in Amarillo as the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine within the same month the complaint was filed. The Alliance Defending Freedom also led the challenge at the Supreme Court that ultimately struck down Roe v Wade. Earlier this year, US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk a former right-wing activist lawyer who was appointed to the federal judiciary by Donald Trump issued a ruling to suspend the FDAs approval of mifepristone. His order was set to take effect a week later, pending a decision from on appeal. Abortion rights advocates, providers, major medical groups and legal analysts condemned the ruling, and the US Department of Justice and Danco Laboratories, which manufactures mifepristone, filed an appeal, which landed at the right-wing Fifth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over the Amarillo court. In August, the panel partially upheld the judges ruling, which will not go into effect until the nations highest court weighs in. Alliance Defending Freedoms senior counsel Erin Hawley, wife of US Senator Josh Hawley, has urged the Supreme Court to overturn the FDAs approval, claiming that it does not reflect scientific judgment but rather a politically driven decision to push a dangerous drug regimen. Abortion rights advocates and providers have warned that eliminating or restricting access to mifepristone could drastically impact an already-fragile landscape for abortion care. Vice President Kamala Harris has warned that the lawsuit is a threat to a womans freedom to make decisions about her own body and another step towards the ultimate goal of a nationwide abortion ban. A ruling that undermines the FDAs drug approval process could also open the door for other activist-driven legal battles over other drugs, potentially inviting other destabilising lawsuits to Covid-19 vaccines, contraception, HIV medication, gender-affirming care, and other life-saving drugs. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The University of Pennsylvania has appointed J. Larry Jameson, its longest serving dean, to become the schools interim president, following Liz Magills sudden resignation amid an antisemitism row. Mr Jameson is dean of UPenns medical school and will take over as interim president on Tuesday until a permanent president is named, the schools board of trustees said. Penn is fortunate to have the benefit of Dr. Jamesons experience and leadership during this time of transition, Julie Platt, the interim chair of UPenns board of trustees, said in the announcement. It comes after the universitys president Ms Magill resigned over the weekend following her controversial testimony before Congress about antisemitism on college campuses. Board chair Scott Bok also tendered his resignation. Ms Magill had appeared in front of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce last week, along with the presidents of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to testify about their colleges responses to alleged incidents of antisemitism on campuses since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. During the hearing, Ms Magill, along with the two other college presidents, provoked widespread anger after failing to explicitly say that calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their colleges harassment and bullying codes. Larry Jameson has been appointed as interim UPenn president (University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine) Instead, they took the stance that it depends on the context something all three later apologised for. Ms Magill then faced mounting pressure to stand down over her comments, with UPenn alum and Wall Street CEO Ross Stevens threatening to strip the university of a $100m donation if she wasnt removed. She announced her resignation on Saturday. Meanwhile, Harvards President Claudine Gay and MITs President Sally Kornbluth have so far held onto their jobs. Despite the pressure campaign to ouster Ms Magill, the university did not have a succession plan in place. As such, Ms Magill stayed on as president until Tuesday when Mr Jameson was appointed as her replacement, CNN reported. Ms Magill remains on Penns faculty as a tenured professor at Penn Carey Law School. Mr Jameson, who was praised as a collaborative, innovative and visionary leader by the UPenns board of trustees, previously denounced calls for genocide as a form of hate, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian. Ms Magill, meanwhile, had been under fire for months prior to her resignation even before the Israel-Hamas war. Liz Magill resigned as UPenn president (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A number of megadonors including Jon Huntsman Jr and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan had been calling for her resignation since September and had vowed to halt their donations to the university after the college hosted a Palestine Writes Literary Festival to which polarising figures such as Professor Marc Lamont Hill were invited. Mr Hill was ousted from CNN in 2018 after calling for an end to what he said was Israels ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and supporting a free Palestine from the river to the sea. Following the event, more than 4,000 people signed an open letter to Ms Magill, saying that platforming of outright antisemitism without denunciation from the university is unacceptable. Organisers of the festival have since denied that it embraced antisemitism. At the time, the university disavowed the event, but supported its right for it to be held on campus, saying in a statement that we unequivocally and emphatically condemn antisemitism as antithetical to our institutional values. But in the wake of Hamas surprise 7 October attack on Israel, many megadonors argued that the universitys response was not enough and urged fellow UPenn alumni to close their checkbooks until the institutions leadership resigned. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The deputy editor of Russian president Vladimir Putins favourite newspaper has reportedly been found dead at her Moscow apartment. Anna Tsavera was found by her parents at her home a year after the mysterious death of her former boss Vladimir Sungorkin, police told Russian news agency TASS. Ms Tsavera was the deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a daily tabloid newspaper described by Mr Putin as his favourite newspaper, according to a document from the European Commission. Russian media outlet Baza, which has links to Russias security services, wrote on its Telegram channel that on 10 December, Ms Tsareva spoke with her parents on the phone and complained of feeling unwell. She was reportedly working the next day, but in the evening her father and landlord found her dead in her bed. A law enforcement spokesperson told TASS: The body of 35-year-old Anna Tsareva was found in an apartment in a residential building. In September, she wrote on Facebook that she had not had a day off since June nor any holiday since 2022 (Supplied) She didnt make contact for a long time, her parents became worried and came to her apartment, where they found their daughters body. Before that, she said that she wasnt feeling well and complained of a high temperature. Police have opened an investigation but initial reports suggest there were no signs of a struggle or a violent death. Ms Tsavera had been in her role at the newspaper for six years. In September, she wrote on Facebook that she had not had a day off since June nor any holiday since 2022. Her boss Vladimir Sungorkin, 68, died suddenly during a business trip in September 2022. A colleague at Komsomolskaya Pravda said he died shortly after suggesting to staff they find a nice place somewhere for lunch. A few minutes later he began to suffocate and by the time he was taken outside for fresh air he was already unconscious. The doctor who did the initial examination said that apparently, it was a stroke. But this is the initial conclusion, his colleague wrote. Mr Sungorkin was among the Russians sanctioned by the European Commission over the Ukraine war. It deemed him responsible for supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has previously expressed his admiration for the newspaper at which both Ms Tsavera and Mr Sungorkin worked (Getty) The commission added that the newspaper has been described also by President Vladimir Putin as his favourite newspaper. In 2020, Mr Putin wrote a statement congratulating the tabloid on its 95th anniversary. The legendary Komsomolka has travelled a long creative path over these years and has written brilliant unforgettable pages in the history of the Russian media, the Russian president said. He added: It is crucial that the current staff of the newspaper pass on these traditions from generation to generation and strive to retain the newspapers flagship position in the Russia media market. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Having survived a revolt over his government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for now Rishi Sunak has been pencilled in to head to Italy this weekend, as a surprise guest at a political festival run by Italian prime minister Giorgia Melonis hard-right Brothers of Italy party. The appearance would cement a political relationship that has blossomed in 2023, centred around the issue of immigration. Both leaders have been under pressure to deal with the number of arrivals on their country's shores, and stopping the boats has become a central pillar of their pitch to voters. More than 145,000 people have reached Italy by sea so far this year, a sharp increase on the 88,000 the previous year. In the UK, around 28,000 people have crossed the channel in small boats, compared to 45,000 in 2022. In appearing at the Atreju festival, Mr Sunak would be following in the footsteps of former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon and Hungary's far-right prime minister Viktor Orban. Elon Musk is also set to make an appearance at the annual festival, which Ms Meloni founded in 1998 as an event for Italy's hard-wing youth when she was still on Italy's political fringes. Over the years, politicians from across the left and right have come to court potential voters at the festival, and this year Ms Meloni will be celebrating the first year of her ruling coalition. With Mr Sunak still facing major splits in his party over his immigration strategy, the prime minister may yet decide to stay at home, with the Financial Times reporting that plans had been laid for him to travel to the event in Rome. His attendance at the event depends on other commitments, one source told the newspaper. Sunak and Meloni consider themselves two of the closest friends in Europe today (AFP via Getty) Ms Meloni and Mr Sunak see each other as important allies in trying to forge a common European approach to tackling irregular migration. In April, during a meeting in Downing Street, Mr Sunak said that the two countries were "very aligned" in their values. In October the pair co-chaired a meeting on migration at the European Political Community (EPC), which brings together more than 40 European nations, and also jointly penned an opinion article calling for tougher action to stop "smugglers and traffickers" driving people onto boats. Were proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together, because in this, and many other areas, our perspectives and our goals are the same, they wrote. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today. Meloni and Sunak, centre, host a meeting on migration at the European Political Community summit in October (Getty) Last month, Italy signed a deal with Albania to build two migrant centres to house and process those rescued at sea by Italian boats. It is the first deal of its kind struck between an EU member country and a non-EU state, and bears many similarities with Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan. The centres would be under Italian legal jurisdiction, constructed at Italys expense, and are expected to open by spring 2024. The centres will hold up to 36,000 people once opened. Mr Sunak has faced opposition within his party to the possibility of the UK's Rwanda plans breaching international law, but Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has been at pains to point out that the deal with Albania will be in line with EU and international regulations. The migrants will have exactly the same treatment as foreseen under Italian and European regulations, Mr Tajani has said. There is no outsourcing of the processing of asylum applications to a third country. He added that asylum seekers and migrants picked up at sea by NGO ships, or those that arrive on Italian soil will have their applications to stay dealt with in Italy. With Italy taking over the presidency of the G7 in 2024, Ms Meloni will continue to be a key ally for Mr Sunak. Indeed, the Italian prime minister was the only G7 leader to attend a summit on artificial intelligence AI hosted by Mr Sunak at Bletchley Park last month. Ms Meloni is also concerned about the disruptive influence of AI on the labour market, which is likely part of the reason tech billionaire Mr Musk has also been invited to the Atreju festival this weekend. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 51 people, including six children, were injured in a Russian missile attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Wednesday in a sign of a renewed winter offensive by Vladimir Putin on Ukrainian civilians miles away from the wars frontlines. This is the second missile assault on Ukrainian civilians within 48 hours as Volodymyr Zelensky is in the US seeking help to save the besieged nation from Russian aggression. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said debris from the intercepted missiles fell in the capitals eastern Dniprovskyi district, damaging several buildings and the water supply system. Of the total injured, 18 people were hospitalised while 27 others were receiving medical treatment on the spot. The oldest person hurt in the attack is 80 and the youngest is 5, officials said. The debris from the missile assault damaged an apartment building, a private house, and set several cars ablaze. It also shattered the windows and entrances of a nearby childrens hospital. Residents from one building were being evacuated and emergency services were working on putting out several fires started by the falling missile debris, Mr Klitschko said. All missiles targeting the capital were downed by Ukraines air defence systems, Serhiy Popko, head of Kyivs military administration said. Medics carry a wounded local resident at a site of an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike in Kyiv (REUTERS) He added that most injuries came from windows blown out by the blast wave. Loud explosions rocked Kyiv at 3am as the citys air defences started intercepting Russian missiles headed for the peaceful capital for the second time this week. Local residents gather outside of their apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine (REUTERS) Early on Monday, Russia fired eight long-range ballistic missiles and injured four people as the missile struck and destroyed several homes on the outskirts of Kyiv. More than 100 households were left without electricity temporarily. Unknown cyberattackers disrupted the air raid attack warnings in part of the Kyiv region in a powerful hacking attack on Ukraines biggest mobile network operator on Tuesday, in a sign of crippling the defences by Kyiv to protect civilians from Russian attacks. The attack was a result of the war with Russia, said operator company Kyivstars chief executive officer Oleksandr Komarov. The attacks come as Ukrainian president Zelensky is in Washington negotiating with US lawmakers to approve additional military aid to fight off Russian invasion, as the war enters its second brutal winter. The primary opposition has come from the Republicans who said that the clearance of millions-worth aid is practically impossible. Joe Biden warned Republicans on Tuesday that they would give Russia a Christmas gift if they failed to provide additional military aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have warned that in a repeat of last year, Russia will inevitably target energy infrastructure to cause power outages and blackouts, leaving millions without power and hot water to survive the sub-zero temperatures. Last year, Russian missiles indiscriminately targeted Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and struck residential areas with missiles. Experts have pointed out Russia stockpiled missiles and aerial weapons this October and November, when a lull in its aerial military activity was observed. Mr Zelensky has flagged Iran and North Koreas military assistance to Russia by train and shipments in the run up to winter offensive. Aerial bombing of Kyiv, most of Ukraine and battles frontlines is expected to rise and will play a crucial role in the coming months as thick snow from winter has set in and is seen to be hampering troop movements. The snow cover will allow little change along the front line and will likely leave the warzone static till the fields clear up. MINNEAPOLISCarnal Media is debuting new releases this week from ScoutBoys, Gaycest, and BoyForSale, including the debut of European star Bastian Karim, the studios newest exclusive talent. This week marks the highly-anticipated Carnal debut of our newest exclusive Bastian Karim in BoyForSale, who delivers a knockout performance alongside Spanish sensation Apolo Adrii in his debut for us as well, said Carnal Media CEO Legrand Wolf. As for ScoutBoys, its game on for Scout Damien and Scoutmaster Banner after their last four-way entanglement in Troop Time episode Bump in the Night, and Gaycest is strengthening family bonds with Carnal star Serg Shepard and fan favorite Cain Marko. In ScoutBoys Oversleeping, Damien Grey and Ace Banner star in the second chapter of the Scout Damien series. The action opens with diligent Scoutmaster Banner finding young Grey taking his sweet time getting ready while the rest of the troop patiently waits. Grey would rather stay behind in his tent this morning than head out, and the Scoutmaster is more than happy to accommodate him. To watch the scene, click here. Next is Closer, chapter five of The Ties That Bind series from Gaycest where family ties run ever deeper with the tightly bonded trio of Serg Shepard, Cain Marko, and Legrand Wolf settling into some quality time together at home. To watch, click here. Bastian Karim is next in European Merchandise, the debut of BoyForSales new Boy Bastian series, as the Buyers Clubs newest recruit gets a thorough once-overand then someby Master Apolo Adrii, who brings his new prize home for a test run. To watch, click here. For more information about Carnal Media and the Carnal Plus streaming network, visit CarnalPlus.com, and follow the brand on X/Twitter, @RealCarnalPlus, and @CarnalMedia. Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Russian strike on a hotel in Kharkiv has injured 13 people as it has been claimed Vladimir Putins exhausted troops have been hitting their own towns. Two Russian missiles struck a hotel late on Wednesday in the centre of Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram. Kharkivs prosecutors office said that among the 13 wounded is a 35-year-old man who was seriously injured and two Turkish journalists covering the war. Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has claimed Russian forces have been accidentally bombing territories in their own country, or in occupied Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update, the MoD said the likelihood of these accidents had increased due to inadequate training and crew fatigue. It comes as Ukrainian shelling injured three people in the Russian region of Belgorod late on Monday and air defences downed 10 RM-70 Vampir rockets, Russian officials and the defence ministry said. Belgorod has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces in recent weeks. A missile and drone attack late last month killed 25 civilians, including five children. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russia has had 315,000 of its troops killed or injured in Ukraine, the equivalent of nearly 90 per cent of the total number of soldiers it sent to war when the invasion first began, a declassified US intelligence report said. Vladimir Putins personnel losses in the 22 months of the conflict have set back Russias military modernisation by 18 years, a source familiar with the assessment told Reuters. The numbers represent a far greater tally than Russian officials have ever admitted to, and also outstrip Western estimates of Ukrainian losses. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a total of 360,000 personnel in February last year. After failing in its attempts to rapidly capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Moscow has since launched several major recruitment drives to further bolster its numbers on the frontline, and replace tiring troops. The figure of 315,000 Russian losses would be the equivalent of about 87 per cent of the total count with which Moscow started the war on Ukraine, though the US assessment does not clarify if the casualties include forces later sent into the conflict by Russia. "The scale of losses has forced Russia to take extraordinary measures to sustain its ability to fight. Russia declared a partial mobilisation of 300,000 personnel in late 2022, and has relaxed standards to allow recruitment of convicts and older civilians," the assessment said. According to the report, Mr Putin invaded Ukraine with 3,100 tanks but has lost 2,200 of these and is left with only 1,300 tanks on the battlefield. Russia has had to backfill the lost tank capacity with Soviet-era T62 tanks it produced in the 1970s, which are now among those still active in the field. Russia has not commented on the reported losses. The last time it issued an official toll of its casualties in the Ukraine war was in September 2022, when it said 5,937 had been killed. Ukrainian and Western intelligence said at the time that this was likely to be a gross understatement. While Moscow and Kyiv have treated their actual losses on the battlefield in the course of war as state secrets, Russian officials have called the estimates from the West vastly exaggerated and accused them of almost always underestimating Ukrainian losses. Officials in the US estimated there had been close to 70,000 casualties for Ukraine, according to a report by the New York Times in August this year. Last month, historian Yaroslav Tynchenko and volunteer Herman Shapovalenko said Shapovalenkos Book of Memory project had confirmed 24,500 Ukrainian combat and non-combat deaths using open sources. The real figure was likely higher, they said. This month, Putin ordered another significant increase to the countrys military recruitment efforts, stating his goal of increasing troop numbers by nearly 170,000 to reach a total of 1.32 million. Mr Putin said he signed the decree in response to the aggressive activities of the Nato bloc and in order to further the aims of the special military operation in Ukraine, the phrase the Kremlin uses and forces Russian media to use to describe its invasion. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Israel to protect civilians trapped in a siege of the only hospital left in northern Gaza, as Palestinian health officials say soldiers have rounded up all males over the age of 15 and taken them to an unknown location. The head of the UN agency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, sounded the alarm about Kamal Adwan Hospital where he said 65 patients, who need intensive care treatment, and 45 members of medical staff are trapped. It is the last remaining medical centre in the north of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, after a similar siege and deadly raid on north Gazas Al-Awda hospital this week. Health officials in the besieged strip told The Independent 3,000 displaced civilians were also sheltering at Kamal Adwan and among the trapped patients were 12 children, including four on ventilators, who will die if they are not rescued. Im extremely worried about reports of a raid at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza after several days of siege, Mr Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The hospital was already minimally functional due to acute shortages of fuel, water, food and medical supplies even before the siege. The WHO urgently calls for the protection of all persons inside the hospital. WHO further calls for an immediate ceasefire and for sustained humanitarian access to health facilities across the Gaza Strip. Youssef Abu al-Reesh the deputy health minister of Gaza told The Independent that many of the wounded in Kamal Adwan were immobile and could not move even if they were able to evacuate. Right now everyone is trapped inside. They have no food, electricity and water. It is the same scenario as happened with Al-Awda hospital, where five of our staff were killed. Dr Abu al-Reesh, who was in Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, when it was also besieged by Israeli forces last month, said that he was told at Kamal Adwan, soldiers had ordered all boys and men over the age of 15 out of the hospital and gathered them in an area within the complex. We dont know what is going to happen to them, but we are worried they will abduct the medics. The Independent reached out to the Israeli military for comment but has yet to receive a reply. Several prominent Palestinian medics have been arrested by Israeli soldiers, after raids on hospitals, including Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa, who was detained at a checkpoint on a WHO convoy evacuating patients to the south of the strip. His whereabouts are still unknown. Israel had claimed Al-Shifa Hospital was a central command centre for the militant group Hamas, which has denied the allegations. Since then images have emerged showing Israeli soldiers rounding up men in Gaza, stripping them down to their underwear and taking them to unknown locations in trucks. Civilians, including journalists and medics, have been identified among the groups. The Independent asked the military for comment about the images but has yet to receive a reply. The army has repeatedly said anyone it detains is treated in accordance with international law and a spokesperson said this week that soldiers have stripped Palestinian detainees to ensure they are not wearing explosive vests. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that dozens of Hamas terrorists have surrendered to our forces in recent days. Dr Abu al-Reesh said that dozens of staff working for the health ministry are among those who have been detained. So far 35 members of our staff are missing arrested by Israel, we do not know where they are being held, he continued. We ask the international community to protect hospitals, stop the war and to demand an immediate ceasefire. Israel has faced mounting global pressure to halt a devastating siege and bombardment of Gaza, which it launched in retaliation for the bloody 7 October attack by Hamas on southern Israel where they killed at least 1,200 people and took 240 hostage, including a baby aged just nine months. US president Joe Biden, who has vowed to back Israels right to defend itself, admitted on Tuesday that indiscriminate bombing of civilians was costing international support. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says that at least 18,000 people have been killed, 70 per cent of them women and children. Much of the fighting has focused on hospitals. The health sector is close to collapse, with two-thirds of Gazas 36 hospitals now out of service, and the 12 remaining health facilities only partially operational. Even in functioning hospitals, doctors report a lack of basic medicines and the kind of equipment needed to treat newborns, including ventilators, formula milk and disinfectant. The United Nations humanitarian office said on Wednesday that Gaza faced a public health disaster following the collapse of its health system. Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said that the situation was a textbook formula for epidemics. The WHO said that several hospitals are under siege including Al-Awda hospital, where three medics, including two Doctors Without Borders staff were killed on Saturday. The United Nations, citing ministry of health statistics, has said that since 7 October at least 286 health workers have been killed and 57 ambulances have been hit and damaged. Dr Abu al-Reesh described having to dig a mass grave in Shifa hospital before they were forced to evacuate it, where he had to bury his own niece who died from burns injuries. He said: There is nowhere for people to go, people, babies are dying everyone has the right to a health service, it is about the right to health. The United Nations demanded on Wednesday an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in a vote which has no legal force but was the strongest sign yet of eroding international support for Israels actions. Three-quarters of the 193 member states voted in favour and only eight countries joined the United States and Israel in voting against. Before the vote, President Biden said Israel still has support from most of the world including the US and European Union for its fight against Hamas. But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place, he told a campaign donor event in Washington. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israel has begun pumping seawater into subterranean Hamas tunnels in a bid to flush out the militants, according to a report. The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials briefed on the Israeli militarys operations, reported that the move to flood the tunnels with water from the Mediterranean Sea has already begun. Earlier, it was reported that this move by the Israeli military was under consideration. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had reportedly set up five large water pumps near the Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza. These pumps have the capacity to inundate the tunnels in a matter of weeks, as they can pump thousands of cubic metres of water per hour into the passages. Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said flooding the tunnels was a good idea, but I wont comment on its specifics. He said: We are seeing a lot of underground infrastructure in Gaza, we knew there would be a lot. Part of the goal is to destroy this infrastructure. We have various ways (to deal with the tunnels), I wont talk about specifics, but they include explosives to destroy, and other means to prevent Hamas operatives from using the tunnels to harm our soldiers. Therefore, any means which give us an advantage over the enemy that [uses the tunnels], deprives it of this asset, is a means that we are evaluating using. Reuters reported that Israels military were looking into the reports. An Israeli Defence Ministry spokesperson declined to comment. Israel has pledged to dismantle Hamas following the deadly 7 October attacks during which the Palestinian militants breached the border from Gaza and entered the southern part of the country and killed 1,200 people. Hundreds of hostages were taken. In response, Israel launched massive air strikes and ground assaults in Gaza, which have so far killed more than 18,000 Palestinians. US president Joe Biden on Tuesday refrained from directly addressing reports of Israel pumping seawater into Hamass tunnel complex in Gaza at a press conference in Washington. He only commented on the absence of hostages in the targeted areas. Mr Biden said: With regard to the flooding of the tunnels. Im not at lib-, well. There (are) assertions being made that ... theres no hostages in any of these tunnels. But I dont know that for a fact. He added: I do know that, though, every civilian death is an absolute tragedy, and Israel has stated its intent, as I said, to match its words ... with actions. Earlier, Israel had not disclosed when it intended to pump seawater into tunnels, but footage had emerged of water filling the tunnels though it was not independently verified. Officials in the US privately expressed concern about the plan, according to an earlier WSJ report. Israels Foreign Ministry claimed that at least 1,370 tunnels have been built since 2007. They are often between 10 and 20m beneath the ground and up to two metres in height. Environmental experts have cautioned that the move to pump seawater into a network of underground tunnels could result in long-lasting consequences for groundwater in the Gaza Strip. The negative impact on groundwater quality would last for several generations, depending on the amount that infiltrates into the subsurface, Prof Eilon Adar of the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in southern Israel was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel. Gazans are facing a severe shortage of water. Additional reporting with agencies Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Researchers have invented a mind-reading cap capable of non-invasively decoding thoughts into text for the first time. The technology, developed by a team at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, could help people unable to speak due to illness or injury, while also providing a way for humans to interact directly with machines. In tests of the cap, participants were told to silently read passages of text while an electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded their electrical brain activity. An artificial intelligence model called DeWave was then used to decipher the thoughts into written text with an accuracy of between 40 and 60 per cent. This research represents a pioneering effort in translating raw EEG waves directly into language, marking a significant breakthrough in the field, said CT Lin, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney. It is the first to incorporate discrete encoding techniques in the brain-to-text translation process, introducing an innovative approach to neural decoding. Professor Lin added that the integration with large language models would open new frontiers in neuroscience and AI. Other brain-computer interfaces that can translate thoughts into text currently involve either MRI scans or invasive procedures through the nose or skull in order to implant the electrodes. Elon Musks neurotech startup Neuralink uses a surgical robot to implant a chip into the brain that he claims will one day provide wearers with enhanced abilities like greater reasoning and improved vision. Recruitment for the first human trials of the technology began earlier this year after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company has faced criticism from animal rights groups for testing of the brain chip on monkeys, with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) accusing Neuralink of subjecting primates to extreme suffering. Both Neuralink and Mr Musk have denied the allegations. Other brain-computer interface systems that use invasive approaches have achieved higher accuracy rates than the latest system, however the team behind the non-invasive cap believe it has potential to reach a level closer to 90 per cent. Despite the challenges, our model yields meaningful results, aligning keywords and forming similar sentence structures, said Yiqun Duan, one of the scientists behind the study. The research was presented at the NeurIPS conference in New Orleans on 12 December. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A team of mathematicians has named Chester in England to be the prettiest city in the world, beating Venice, Italy in second place. The study used Google Street View to assess cities in both the UK and across the world, and ranked them based on which had the highest percentage of buildings adhering to the golden ratio. The golden ratio, expressed as 1:1.618, represents a set of proportions that has captivated mathematicians since ancient times. This ratio is frequently observed in the natural world, including in flowers and shells. For reasons not entirely known to scientists, humans perceive objects exhibiting this ratio as inherently beautiful. Chester is one of the most historically significant cities in England, featuring a 1,000-year-old cathedral, Britains largest Roman amphitheatre and the countrys oldest racecourse. According to the study, Chester emerged as the most beautiful city globally, with as many as 83.7 per cent of building analysed adhering to the golden ratio. It surpassed Venice, which scored 83.3 per cent, while London closely followed in third place with a score of 82 per cent. Chester rows, city centre shops and the Eastgate Clock, one of the citys historical landmarks (Alamy Stock Photo) The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Chester (Alamy Stock Photo) Online Mortgage Advisor, which published the study, said its experts analysed more than 2,400 buildings in the UK alone, with London placing second behind Chester among British cities, and third overall. The rest of the UK top five consisted of Belfast, Liverpool and Durham. Venice attracts millions of tourists a year from around the world so much so that the city has decided to levy an entry fee (AP) The study says that many artists have incorporated the golden ratio into their work, believing it to be the gold standard in natural aesthetic perfection. The study says that using the golden ratio to measure regular buildings and iconic landmarks, we set out to discover which city in the UK and around the world can lay claim to having the most beautiful buildings. London was named the second-most beautiful city in the UK in the study, and the third overall (Getty Images) City Hall looks over the streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland (Getty Images) Dr Rebecca Andrew, professor of history at the University of Chester, wrote in a blog post on the universitys website: Almost 100 years ago, Britains leading travel writer HV Morton, wrote about visiting the city, in his phenomenally popular travelogue In Search of England. He described the uniqueness of the city and its buildings: There is nothing like it in any English town - the Chester Rows. Morton was fascinated by these structures, their history, and how fortunate Cestrians were to live in such a place; so rich is Chester with beautiful, ancient buildings, he noted, that no-one considered it strange to drink coffee in a medieval crypt. Liverpools Three Graces on the waterfront at night (Getty Images/iStockphoto) People view the installations at Durham Cathedral during a photocall for Lumiere 2023 (PA) Colin Potts, programme leader for international tourism management at the University of Chesters Business School and Chesters former tourism manager, said: I think that sometimes its beauty is taken for granted here when really it is the main driver as to why people choose to visit, live and invest in the city - then discover more including its people, history and culture. He added: We must make the most of our golden ratio. Nigel Farage arrived back in London on Wednesday 13 December, after taking part in Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! The former Ukip leader and GB News host finished third in this years series, behind runner-up Tony Bellew and winner Sam Thompson. Mr Farages plane from Australia touched down at Londons Heathrow airport on Wednesday morning. He spoke about his appearance on Im a Celebrity upon landing, saying he has returned fitter and stronger after the biggest detox hes ever been on in the jungle. Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish a raging brush fire in California, footage posted on 10 December shows. Ventura County Fire Department released footage showing emergency services cutting a fire line on the south west flank of the South Fire. The blaze, which burned off South Mountain Loop Road and Solano Verde Drive, south of Santa Paula in Ventura County, covered 2,715 acres. As of Tuesday, 12 December, the fire was 100 per cent contained according to CAL FIRE officials. A prominent Palestinian professor recorded an interview he said should be shared in the event of his death, before he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 6 December. Dr Refaat Alareer, a father of six, was killed in Shujaiya, east of Gaza City. CNN spoke to the academic in October, and he later gave written consent for a recording to be shared if he died. "It's an archetypal Palestinian debate on should we stay in one room so if we die, we die together, or should we stay in separate rooms so at least somebody can live," he told Sana Noor Haq. Joe Biden criticised a small group of Republicans who have voted down Ukraine aid as he gave a speech alongside Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, 12 December. The US president hosted his Ukrainian counterpart at the White House to push for more funding for Ukraine as Russia's invasion continues. Mr Biden's request for an additional $110bn US aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs is at risk of collapse in Congress, with Republicans insisting on strict US-Mexico border security changes in exchange for any Ukraine funding. "The world is watching what we do," Mr Biden said. Kamala Harris was interrupted by a Democratic state lawmaker calling for a ceasefire during a holiday party at her home on Monday, 11 December. The vice president, 59, was in the middle of a speech at her Washington DC residence when Delaware state Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton unfurled a sign reading ceasefire and confronted Ms Harris. "Did you know in Bethlehem, baby Jesus is under rubble? Why wont you call for a cease-fire? Wilson-Anton shouted before she was escorted out of the room. I appreciate you wanting to be heard, but right now Im speaking, Harris responded. A 35-year-old Minnesota man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 19 years embraced his family after he was freed on Monday, 11 December. Marvin Haynes was sent to prison as a teenager for the 2004 killing of a man in a Minneapolis flower shop, but a judge has ruled the eyewitness evidence on which his conviction rested was unreliable. "All I want to do is move forward and get my life back, said Haynes. Hennepin County Attorney's Office officials said they "inflicted harm" on Mr Haynes, his family, and the victim Randy Sherer. This is the moment a mother-of-four is held hostage at gunpoint by her stalker ex-partner. Rhianon Bragg, from North Wales, feared she would never see her children again when her former boyfriend Gareth Wyn Jones held her hostage for eight hours. Ms Bragg was subjected to a campaign of harassment by Jones after she ended their relationship in 2019. The former mechanic is currently serving a four-and-a-half-year jail term for stalking and making threats to kill. He is set to be released in February at the end of his sentence, despite a Parole Board panel finding last month that it would not be safe to release him. Ms Bragg appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (12 December) to discuss her fears. Home Secretary James Cleverly clashed with Good Morning Britain host and former Labour MP Ed Balls in a heated discussion on the Rwanda deportation policy on Wednesday (13 December). Prime Minister Rishi Sunak won a crunch vote on the Safety of Rwanda Bill after spending the day in talks with potential rebels to avoid a defeat on his flagship stop the boats pledge. On Wednesday, the GMB presenter asked Mr Cleverly: If there was a coup a day after it became law would Rwanda still be a safe country? Mr Cleverly failed to answer the question and instead discussed the policy. Mr Balls claims: No one knows what you just said. If you didnt talk over me Ed then perhaps they would, Mr Cleverly replies. Russias best-known opposition figure Alexei Navalny has gone missing, from the one place you would have thought no one could go missing: a high-security Russian prison camp. The alarm was sounded by his lawyers, who said they had been told that Navalny was no longer listed at the penal colony north of Moscow, but were not informed of his whereabouts. Amnesty International has designated Navalny a prisoner of conscience and called on the Russian authorities to disclose his fate and whereabouts immediately. The most prosaic explanation for Navalnys disappearance is that he is in the process of being transferred to another camp. In August, he was sentenced to an additional 19 years for offences, including inciting and financing extremism, which his supporters see as politically motivated. Rishi Sunak has won one battle, but he could still lose the war over the legislation he hopes will allow the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda by next spring. Yet avoiding a humiliating Commons defeat hardly amounts to a great victory for Sunak, and his ducking and diving ahead of last nights vote stored up more trouble for the later stages of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill. The governments majority of 44 was bigger than expected, but illusory. The right-wing, self-appointed keepers of the Tories soul abstained rather than voted against the government. Their bite did not live up to their noisy bark. Sunak told them in Downing Street talks he was prepared to tighten the bill to make it legally watertight. Right-wingers assume this will relate to an individuals right to challenge their deportation to Rwanda, insisting they did not oppose the measure because of what they regard as a firm promise. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} In December of last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington as a hero, delivering a joint address to Congress. The select committee investigating the January 6 riot postponed the release of its final report as Congress rolled out the red carpet for the leader of the country pushing back against aggression from Russia. But the warm welcome underlined the fact that Democrats, who at the time controlled the majority in the House, knew that passing aid to Ukraine would be much harder come January when Republicans took control of the House of Representatives. And indeed, on Tuesday 12 December, despite arriving in the US Senate in his trademark fatigues flanked by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, most Republicans remained wholly unmoved in their opposition to assisting Ukraine. There is truly no way around it: Congress is wholly at an impasse when it comes to passing aid to Ukraine, and no dramatic plea from Zelensky can change it. On one end, there are Republicans who are outright hostile toward supporting Ukraine and will do whatever they can to block spending. Then there are the Republicans who support Ukraine but cynically want to use the fight to extract concessions that radically reduce the ability for people to migrate legally to the United States. Republicans know that they could not get these changes to immigration under normal circumstances while Democrats control the White House and the Senate. So they have exploited Democrats support for Ukraine to win concessions. The longer the stalemate drags on, the less likely it looks that the Senate will be able to pass some kind of relief to Ukraine. Make no mistake about this were the Senate to leave at the end of this week for the rest of the year without aid to Ukraine, it would be solely the fault of the Republicans. On one end, there are some Republicans who oppose supporting Ukraine on principle. Sen Tommy Tuberville told me simply, We don't have the money. We're broke. Others like Sen JD Vance of Ohio told me, after the meeting with Mr Zelensky, that the war in Ukraine would only end through negotiation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the United States. Thats what I find so heartbreaking about this conflict is it was always going to end in some negotiated settlement, Mr Vance told The Independent. But Sen Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who has traveled to Ukraine and co-wrote a massive piece of comprehensive immigration reform with his late mentor John McCain and Mr Schumer, pushed back, saying the way to end the war is to put pressure on Russians in Crimea. What I'm trying to do is not reward Putin for dismembering Ukraine, to make sure China will be less likely to go into Taiwan, he said. But when asked about the immigration piece of the negotiations, Mr Graham cited 9/11 and the 7 October attack in Israel by Hamas before saying there will be no money for anybody else until we get the border more secure. Republicans insist on saying their complaints are about the border. Everyone from Sen Joni Ernst of Iowa to Susan Collins of Maine to Dan Sullivan of Alaska. This is intellectually dishonest: much of the bipartisan negotiations between Sens Thom Tillis, James Lankford, Chris Murphy and Kyrsten Sinema revolve around rolling back asylum or parole for migrants. These would be broad-reaching changes that would likely last far longer than the war in Ukraine. I think we've got to get a different mix to overcome some of these hurdles with the administration, Mr Tillis told me, saying that the White House needed to get involved, which Sen Joe Manchin also told reporters. But when I asked Mr Tillis if the Senate could finish a bill by the end of the week, he said no. The House of Representatives is arguably more hostile to supporting Ukraine and Republicans there seek to tie more aggressive restrictions on immigration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted Republicans latest effort. We are ready, willing and able to move forward with bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. That's not really the issue in terms of why Republicans are trying to take funding for Ukraine, Mr Jeffries told me. There is a pro-Putin caucus within the House Republican Conference that actually wants to see Ukraine fail and Russia prevail within the House Republican Conference. Even more cynically, all of the negotiators within the Senate talks are white and native-born citizens willing to barter away the ability of migrants seeking asylum or persecution to come freely. Sen Catherine Cortez Masto, the Senates first and so far only Latina, faulted Republicans. We have to invest in our border, and I think there's a deal to be made if the Republicans are willing to do it and not continue the chaos at the border, she told me. I think they want the chaos at the border. Similarly, Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) criticised the horse trade of restricting legal immigration for Ukraine aid. There are concerns theyre going to sabotage our immigration policy in order to meet unrelated goals, the progressive lawmaker told me. It is extremely dangerous to set the precedent of tying domestic policy to foreign aid. But whatever deal Republicans and Democrats in the Senate might cut is ultimately moot. The talks appear to be going nowhere and White House involvement might ultimately make Republicans in the House less willing to swallow a deal. If Ukraine were to ultimately not win the war, Republican opposition to legal immigration will be the ultimate culprit. Kerry-born Bernard Looney, the former chief executive of BP, will lose up to 32.4m (37.5m) in pay following his resignation in September after failing to disclose personal relationships with colleagues. In a statement to the London stock exchange BP said: Following careful consideration, the board has concluded that, in providing inaccurate and incomplete assurances in July 2022, Mr Looney knowingly misled the board. [It] board has determined that this amounts to serious misconduct, and as such Mr Looney has been dismissed without notice effective on 13 December. Stepping down in September, Looney admitted he not been fully transparent with the board, which had launched an investigation into the claims of misconduct against him. The board said at the time it would take a decision later about his remuneration. The decision to fire him three months after Looneys resignation has the effect of bringing [his] 12-month notice period to an immediate end, the company said. The 32.4m Looney could lose is mostly made up of unvested share awards, while the Irish businessman faces having to return almost 1m under a discretionary clawback. About 87pc of the total was automatically forfeited when Looney resigned, BP said. Another 10pc was related to the boards decision that his misconduct was serious enough to justify firing him. The final 3pc was being reclaimed at the boards discretion. BP said the clawback of awards given to Looney covered the period from July 2022, when he had given misleading assurances to the board that he had disclosed all past relationships with other employees. The board first received allegations about Looneys conduct in May 2022, whereupon he admitted four past relationships with colleagues. The Financial Times has reported that the Irishman then assured the board in writing that he had nothing further to disclose. Further claims were made in September by a female whistleblower within the company, however, including details of other relationships that Looney had not disclosed to the board. BP said in its statement that the clawback reflected the decision by the board that Mr Looney should not retain any variable pay relating to service following the date of the misleading assurances. A spokesperson for Looney did not immediately respond to a request for comment following release of the BP statement. Apart from Ryanairs Michael OLeary and Digicels Denis OBrien, Looney has been one of Irelands most internationally known executives. He grew up on a dairy farm near Kenmare, the youngest of five children, and has said it was poor-quality land on which only subsistence was possible. A graduate of UCD, he was the first person in his family to go to university. On first joining BP in 1991, he said he no idea what an annual report was or even who was the chief executive. He had been with the company ever since. Looney took over as CEO in February 2020, promising to reinvent BP, then a 114-year-old company, and laid out plans for it to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and to invest heavily in renewable energy. Law will also mandate banks and ATM operators to ensure cash machines are evenly spread throughout the country and adequately maintained and stocked There will be no opt-outs for small or rural shops from a future requirement to take cash payments, the finance minister has said, insisting that cash is here to stay. Michael McGrath said he wants to ensure that people retain the right to pay cash for certain goods and services that are important in peoples day-to-day life, despite Ireland seeing a massive drop in the use of cash payments since 2015. I dont think we can have significant carve-outs for businesses based on geographic location because those could be the very locations where people are most at risk of financial exclusion, said Mr McGrath. A new access to cash law is currently being finalised by the Department of Finance. Mr McGrath hopes to bring an initial draft or heads of bill to Government early in the new year. That law will also mandate banks and ATM operators to ensure cash machines are evenly spread throughout the country and adequately maintained and stocked, under the supervision of the Central Bank. Almost two-thirds of ATMs are operated by private firms such as Eurocash and Euronet. Cash will continue to have a very significant role to pay into the future, and I think it is about time now we legislate for that, said Mr McGrath. Cash is here to stay and it needs to be, because it forms an important part of the day-to-day life of many people across our country and its important that we dont force change on people. Cash will continue to have a very significant role to pay into the future Mr McGrath said the rules for cash acceptance in shops would be based on the nature of the good or service that is being provided. I think necessities is where you certainly start, to make sure that nobody is excluded, he said. Draft EU rules on cash tabled during the summer mention supermarkets, pharmacies and local newsagents as essential retailers. The European Central Bank wants a complete ban on no cash policies in all shops, hospitals and public bodies, including museums. Restaurants and retailers hit out at the cash mandate when it was mooted as part of the retail banking review last year, and local newsagents fear they will be hardest hit by the ATM requirements. Last year a public outcry forced AIB, which was majority state-owned at the time, to row back on a decision to remove cash-handling facilities, including ATMs, from 70 branches. Retailers and other interest groups will be able to have their say on access to cash and other aspects of the Governments national payments strategy in a public consultation that opened on Tuesday and runs until February 14 next year. The contract will see Hvivo test the pharmaceutical companys respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antiviral drug candidate using the Hvivo RSV human challenge study model. Irish-founded Hvivo, previously known as Open Orphan, runs drug trials known as challenge studies from its London clinics. The contract also includes the fast manufacturing of the RSV challenge agent. The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the clients antiviral drug candidate against infection in healthy adults, Hvivo said. It will then identify the most effective dosing ahead of clinical trials. Revenue from this contract will begin this year and will continue into 2024 and 2025. The majority of the revenues will come next year, the company reported. Hvivo will begin good manufacturing practice compliant virus manufacturing activities immediately, with this stage expected to be completed in the first half of next year. Human challenge trials are then set to commence in the second half of next year in the companys new quarantine facilities in Canary Wharf, which are set to open in the first six months of 2024. The firm also reported that revenue for the year is slightly ahead of previous market expectations following strong trading. The group anticipates that earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) will also be ahead of expectations, with Ebtida margins exceeded 20pc for the year. Our RSV (Memphis strain) challenge agent has played a significant role in the development of RSV vaccines and we are delighted that it is continuing to be used as the go-to model for our clients, chief executive Yamin Khan said. "We have built a world-leading portfolio of challenge agents and are working hard with our clients to add new models all the time. This contract is another example of the end-to-end full service offering that Hvivo has already successfully provided to several clients, he added. Bryan Murray, the Irish actor known for his role as Bob Charles in Fair City, will receive the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is in recognition of his contribution to the world of film and television throughout his career. Mr Murray, who has been on the RTE soap since 2005, first began his career in the Abbey Theatre and went on to appear in over 50 productions. He has also performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company and at Londons Royal National Theatre. The Fair City actor has worked with international names such as Judi Dench and Sean Penn as well as Peter OToole and Anna Friel. Apart from his TV work, Mr Murray has appeared in films like A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, The Disturbance at Dinner and The Professor and the Madman. The actor became a household name when he took up the role as Bob Charles on Fair City 18 years ago. His character ran and managed the landmark pub McCoys but events would see him homeless in later series. After a series of dramatic events in Carrigstown, a romantic relationship between Bob and Judith led to Bob being shot when Judith was being stalked by Tommy Dillon. Mr Murrays character would go on to marry his on-screen partner Renee Phelan, who was played by his wife Una Crawford OBrien. He has also been candid about his Alzheimers diagnosis and continued to appear on Fair City after receiving the news. Its not something you get suddenly, so it sort of crept up on me, Mr Murray told the Irish Independent earlier this year. Up to three or four years ago, whenever I would get a script, I would take four pages, read them twice and they would be retained in my head before I would go on to the next four pages. But the tide started to go out on that and it became more and more difficult for me to memorise things, so I began think that something wasnt right, he added. Fair Citys Executive Producer, Brigie de Courcy said Mr Murray was hugely deserving of the award in recognition of his stellar carrer. I am delighted for Bryan, who is hugely deserving of this prestigious award for his exceptional contribution to stage and screen. When Bryan joined Fair City, he brought a freshness and humour to the role that made an immediate impact, Ms de Courcy said. Nearly 20 years later, he is just as fresh and just as funny. Bryan is from the first generation of actors to grow up watching drama on RTE. Although he went on to have a stellar career, he remains a television actor to the core. This is where his heart is, and he shows it in every scene. We are lucky to have him, she added. Suranne Jones is back as DCI Amy Silva in the second season of the BBCs hit cop drama Vigil Bruce Willis wasnt as much fun running around an airport in a chunky cardigan trying to foil terrorists in Die Hard 2 as he was running around a skyscraper in his vest and bare feet trying to foil criminals pretending to be terrorists in Die Hard. Jason Patric wasnt as much fun on a cruise ship in Speed 2: Cruise Control as Keanu Reeves was on a bus in Speed. Primarily because a) Jason Patric is not Keanu Reeves, b) a cruise ship is not a bus and c) Speed 2: Cruise Control would still have been crap even with Keanu Reeves in it. Steven Seagal wasnt as much fun slaughtering bad guys on a train in Under Siege 2: Dark Territory as he was slaughtering bad guys on a warship in Under Siege. Then again, Steven Seagal wasnt all that much fun in Under Siege anyway. Primarily because a) hes Steven Seagal, b) hed be acted off the screen by a wardrobe and c) the certainty that hed slaughter every bad guy in his path without incurring so much as a paper cut, as hes done in every movie hes ever made, drained any potential for tension or suspense. Its the Law of Diminishing Returns in action. How much you think it affects season two of Vigil (BBC1, Dec 10-Dec 13) depends on how highly you valued the returns of the first season. British viewers, whose tastes can be even weirder than ours, seemed to value them a lot. Thirteen million tuned in to Vigil in August 2021, making it the biggest BBC drama series since Line Of Duty. My own theory is that people newly emerged from lockdown were so grateful for having something anything brand new to watch that they overcompensated in their millions. It cant have been because Vigil was quality television. It wasnt. Yes, seeing DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) investigating murder aboard the worlds most spacious nuclear submarine (naval experts ridiculed the high ceilings and wide corridors) grabbed the attention for an episode or two. But the longer the series went on, the dafter it got. Implausibilities piled up faster than bodies. While plenty of people would probably be more than happy to lock Jones, British TVs most overused, overrated actress, in another submarine (I know I would), never to escape but you cant really get away with it twice. Instead, season two of Vigil which technically shouldnt be called Vigil at all, since that was the name of the submarine turns Silva loose on an airbase in Scotland, and then on another base in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Wudyan. In both locations, shes surrounded by sexist, condescending arseholes in uniforms who are intent on obstructing her investigation. Just like last time. Chief among these is Dougray Scotts smarmy Air Vice-Marshal Marcus Grainger, whos trying to persuade a delegation from Wudyan to buy the RAFs latest hi-tech drones. Also just like last time, Silvas partner in detection, as well as romantically, DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie), is separated from her. While Silva is in Wudyan, Longacre is belting energetically around Scotland in pursuit of leads, despite being seven months pregnant. "To give this second season its due, it opens with an absolutely cracking 10-minute action set-piece To give this second season its due, it opens with an absolutely cracking 10-minute action set-piece. An exercise organised by Grainger to demonstrate the incredible firepower of the drones goes horribly wrong when an unseen saboteur takes control of one and mows down some soldiers, before turning its sights on Grainger and his Wudyani guests. Its genuinely gripping stuff, brilliantly orchestrated. But then whomp! were back down to earth with Silva on the school run. Her tweenage daughter is complaining about a kid at school whos bothering her. Does he know your mother and her girlfriend are both police officers? says Silva, conveniently sketching in the background for anyone who missed season one. Taking Vigil out of the confined setting of a submarine and into the wider world shows up its main weakness: the character of Silva. Youre naturally going to root for her against all these awful, patronising men. Yet shes so dour and brusque all the time, its hard to warm to her. Its a drab performance with little colour or depth from Jones, whose immense popularity with audiences Ive never really understood. A taxi driver had to ask gardai at Dundrum Garda Station to help him remove an intoxicated man from his taxi, a court has heard. Craig Mooney (28) of Broadford Walk, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply. He has 32 previous convictions, including for arson, road traffic offences and criminal damage. Teen (17) accused of driving stolen car in and out of traffic at 150km/h during M50 pursuit Youth has been sent forward for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court The boy appeared at Dublin's Children's Court today Tom Tuite Wed 13 Dec 2023 at 13:57 A TEENAGE boy, who allegedly hit speeds over 150 km/h in a stolen car that was weaving in and out of traffic in a pursuit on the M50, has been sent forward for trial. "Its not a case of too many snouts in the trough, theres plenty of room for everyone, a judge has been told in a court battle between restaurants named after a little pig. Its the spelling that has created the legal stink, Judge John OConnor was told in the Circuit Civil Court when the owner of The Little Pig restaurant objected to another restaurateur using the name The Little Pyg. An 84-year-old widower who was attacked with a clawhammer and stabbed multiple times by a couple who robbed him for drug money has told a court he survived by the grace of God. Representatives from Irelands leading retail stores have called for stronger deterrents and greater community policing following an explosion of shoplifting being led by what were described as gangs of feral youths. Its about building trust and bridges how gardai in Darndale are using soccer to connect with teens at risk of falling into crime A mother who claims her son was assaulted by a teacher has told a Teaching Council inquiry she was worried about him not being safe at school. The inquiry relates to allegations a teacher acted aggressively toward the child, reefed ear defenders from his head, shouted at the then-nine-year-old and threated to deny him lunch. The boy has special educational needs, is sensitive to sound and does not communicate as a child of a similar age might be expected to. Under questioning at a second day of hearings into the allegations, the childs mother said she was aware of a complaint against the teacher made by a special needs assistant (SNA) in February 2019. The SNA previously told the inquiry she witnessed the teacher remove the childs ear defenders and shout at him. His mother said she waited for the school to act on the complaint before raising the issue with the principal and board of management but the school waited 19 weeks before taking action. The mother said she was frightened for this period and worried for her sons safety. She said her main source of reassurance during this time came from knowing an SNA with her son would be eyes and ears on the ground for the boys family. A teacher at the centre of the case is accused of professional misconduct. The schools principal is also a subject of the Teaching Council inquiry over his handling of the alleged incident in 2019, and another incident where the boys teacher was accused of lifting the child and stretching his arm three weeks later. The principal is accused on not properly notifying the boys family of the first incident until 19 weeks after it occurred, amounting to poor professional misconduct. The boys mother spent a full day giving evidence at a hearing on Wednesday. The teacher refutes the allegations against him, while the principal claims he believed he was acting in line with a Department of Education circular on managing disciplinary processes but notified the parents after seeking advice from Tusla and the Irish Primary Principals Network. No party at the hearing can be identified. Speaking at todays hearing about allegations of the boy being shouted at and having his ear defenders removed, his mother told the inquiry: It is what I would consider an absolute assault. The hearing heard separate evidence of a garda complaint relating to another SNA at the same school this year who is alleged to have grabbed and reefed a sibling of the child at the centre of this case. The boys mother confirmed the complaint relates to her daughter and an SNA who is accused of grabbing her last May. She said she removed her children from the school last summer. Under questioning from Helen Callanan SC, for the teacher and principal, the boys mother said she heard about the alleged assault on her son from an SNA. The SNA then made a written complaint about the incident to the schools vice principal. Ms Callanan argued the mothers evidence was undermined by her decision to delay confronting the teacher and principal about the allegations. Ms Callanan read a record of the SNAs complaint against the teacher and said it never mentioned reefed or assault, and claimed a narrative around the allegations was later embellished. No retelling of it by you will make it any more believable because you werent there, Ms Callanan added. The boys mother insisted she was a credible person and she believed the SNA who witnessed the events could be relied upon. I truly believed as a mother I was protecting my son and protecting the SNA, she added. The childs mother also claimed she was unhappy with the standard of education being provided by the teacher to her son. She said she challenged the teacher on the lack of an education plan for her son and felt he was not getting the support he needed to develop. She was unhappy her son was spending too much of his day outside of the classroom or doing tasks that did not aid his development. Ms Callanan said the teacher would give evidence of having appropriate plans in place for the child. She added that evidence would be given that the boys mother would shut out people she disagreed with and spoke inappropriately of the schools principal. Ms Callanan said a bus escort would give evidence of a discussion where the boys mother is alleged to have wished she had a gun after seeing the principal. The bus escort claims she was shut out by the mother after challenging this, despite assisting the mother with fundraising activities for the school. The boys mother denies this and claimed she told the bus escort the sight you see when you dont have a gun after they saw the principal. She said this was an old saying for when you see somebody you dont like. The hearing was adjourned and a third day is likely to take place in the new year. A new exhibition celebrating a century of postage stamps in Ireland has opened in the National Print Museum in Dublin. Miniature Masterpieces: 100 years of Irish stamps, which looks at the history, design and production of the stamps across the last 100 years will feature a wide range of stamps on display as well as the original artwork and production tools like design proofs and printing plates. The exhibition is set to run for six months and is a joint venture between An Post and the National Print Museum. Other pieces from the An Post Museum and Archive will be on display, some of which will be available to be viewed by the public for the first time. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view a broad display of stamps on a digital database issued by the Post Office since the first stamp was printed in 1922. Through the stamps, the exhibition will chart Irelands changing cultural identity as it changed through the past century. Stamp marking Catholic Emancipation 1829. One example on show will be the stamps used after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. After the treaty was signed on December 6, 1921, the provisional Irish Government made plans to introduce new stamps. In the meantime, it was agreed with the British post office that the stamps already in existence that featured King George V would be used but would have Rialtas Sealadac na hEireann 1922 (Provisional Government of Ireland 1922) in black printed over them. Overprinting King George V Stamp In 1922, when the Irish Free State came into being, these words were replaced with Saorstat Eireann. Stamps were also used to commemorate significant occasions and particular anniversaries. The first stamp used for an anniversary in Ireland was in 1929, which marked 100 years since Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and showed Daniel OConnell. While religious themes featured prominently and portrayed the traditional view of what Ireland was, others marked events that represented a new Ireland, including the completion of the Shannon hydro-electric scheme in 1930. Shannon hydro-electric scheme in 1930. Irish stamps offer a fascinating perspective on our nation. This tiny window into our history, culture, and society is an iconic representation of who we are and the events that have shaped us, Minister Jack Chambers said at the opening of the exhibition. Stephen Ferguson, Company Archivist and Museum Curator at An Post said the stamps give the public the opportunity to examine the development of the Irish Free State. This exhibition acknowledges the contribution of all involved in Irish stamp production but, above all, it pays tribute to the stamp itself and invites our visitors to take time to think about this unassuming fragment of coloured paper, Mr Ferguson said. At first glance, a stamp is just an everyday object in the corner of a letter but, on closer inspection, its a work of art, a symbol of identity, and a unique prism through which we can view and reflect on the formation and development of the Irish State, he added. The exhibition is a free event and will run until May 2024. The concerns are raised one year after the killing in Lebanon of Private Sean Rooney (24) from Co Louth Irish peacekeepers have raised concerns the Israel-Gaza conflict will spiral out of control, as they man the border of southern Lebanon, almost one year after the death of Private Sean Rooney. Lieutenant Essie OConnell told CNN that while there were quiet moments at her small Irish and Maltese manned outpost, explosions could be heard regularly. The concerns have been highlighted almost a year after Private Rooney, born in Co Louth and who grew up in Co Donegal, was killed in Lebanon on December 14 last year. Lt OConnell, who commands a platoon of around 30 Irish and Maltese soldiers at the outpost, raised awareness of the danger the peacekeepers face daily as the two-month conflict rages on. When asked if any of the explosions came close to the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), she responded: Yes, we have had some land 200 to 300 meters away from the position here. However, Lt Colonel Stephen MacEoin explained the peacekeepers were playing a vital role, even as the conflict threatened to spill over beyond Israel and Gaza. Our very presence here makes it very, very difficult for actors on either side to do unsavoury things, shall we say, in this area, Lt MacEoin told CNN. We have seen advanced anti-tank guided missiles, weve seen airstrikes, weve seen artillery strikes, and small arms fire. There are ordinary men, women and children living here in Lebanon and indeed across the border in Israel. My hope is that the conflict will recede, but am I concerned that it will escalate, absolutely. While the Irish peacekeepers play an important role, more so now than in recent history, they can only shoot in self-defence. The troops main role is to man the border between Lebanon and Israel but Southern Lebanon is the stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, who act independently of the Lebanese Government. The militia has been firing rockets into Israel, to show support for Palestinians in Gaza and Israel is rapidly responsive to assaults. Last year, Lebanese gunmen attacked a UNIFIL vehicle, killing Irish Peacekeeper, Private Rooney and wounding three others. Five men, believed to be members of Hezbollah, have been charged with his murder. A remembrance Mass was held in Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal on Sunday, to mark the one year anniversary of the soldiers death. During a month-long war with Hezbollah in 2006, Israeli strikes killed five UN peacekeepers and wounded many others. The deaths are a constant reminder of the dangers faced by Irish peacekeepers on the ground in Lebanon, manning one of the most dangerous borders in the world. The peacekeeping force has been in southern Lebanon since 1978 and currently consists of more than 10,000 troops. James Burke family are fundraising in an effort to fly him home via air ambulance. James Creed, who was bitten by a mosquito while travelling in Thailand in November A Limerick family are appealing for help after learning that one of their siblings is fighting for his life in hospital in Thailand following a rare mosquito bite he received on the way home. James Burke (36) was holidaying in Thailand for a number of weeks and was due to return home on November 19, having sent his family a cant wait to get home text while in a taxi to the airport in Bangkok. But James never made it home. That was the last we heard from him, said Margaret Creed, who is one of James eight siblings. After days of frantic texting with no response from Mr Burke, the family managed to track him down through hotel staff, who informed them that he was critically unwell in hospital. The family heard through a Thai translator that the hospital staff needed their consent to intubate their brother in Bangkok Hospital, Ms Creed told PJ Coogan on the 96FM Opinion Line. They said he needed to be intubated and put on a ventilator due to respiratory failure. He had acute kidney failure, pneumonia, a bleed on the brain and severe nerve damage, she said. Mr Burke, who was in good form in the taxi to the airport collapsed due to a rare mosquito bite carrying Type 2 Dengue fever, and later developed sepsis as a result, the family were told. While his condition has slightly improved, Ms Creed stressed that her brother is still in ICU, is being fed through a tube and is disoriented with a vacant look in his eyes most of the time. We dont know if he will ever be the same again and we cant go out to him because we have spent every penny of our savings on the hospital, she said. Each day the family receive a payment link from the hospital for 2,700 to keep Mr Burke in ICU. She stressed that despite taking out travel insurance during his travels, the company are declining the case as the day Mr Burke landed in hospital surpasses the expiry date of his insurance. The total cost to fly James home via air ambulance would be 176,000. We dont know where to turn, we are at the end of our tether. We have been through every TD. Our family are so distressed, she said, particularly their 83-year-old father Walter and 76-year-old mother Maureen. She described her brother as the apple of her mothers eye and someone who is kind and would do anything for anyone. Every night one of the family members wake at 2am to talk to Thai doctors through a translator, however, the language barrier is hindering Mr Burke from getting optimal care. We cant have a proper conversation and are not able to ask the right questions, Ms Creed said. The family have set up a GoFundMe in an effort to bring Mr Burke, who is a truck driver in Cork, home for Christmas where he can hopefully get care in an Irish ICU bed. That is all we want for Christmas. If 100,000 people could give us 2 each we could bring him home, she added. A man who was critically injured after a fall from an electric scooter on Monday has died. The man in his early 50s was rushed to Mayo University Hospital following the fall from an e-scooter in Castlebar on Monday afternoon. He died on Tuesday evening in the hospitals intensive care unit. The man has been named locally as Thomas (Tom) Coady, who had been living for some time at the Tara Court apartment complex in Saleen, on the outskirts of the Mayo county town. Mr Coady was born in the United States and lived there for a number of years. He has family connections in Castlebar and has been living there for some time. A post mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death has been ordered by the coroner for the district of Mayo, Patrick OConnor. That autopsy is expected to be carried out later today by a local pathologist. Mr Coady was rushed to Mayo University Hospital (MUH) on Monday afternoon after falling from an e-scooter at Spencer Street, Castlebar. According to locals it was a time before ambulance paramedics arrived to provide medical assistance, and gardai and council workmen who had been operating locally administered first aid in the interim. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used to help doctors in Dublin's Mater Hospital to assess patient scans and reduce the time it takes to provide life-saving treatments in the emergency department, it emerged today. The hospital is the first in the country to employ AI in this way in its radiology department and it has been involved in over 15,000 patient scans so far. "This has resulted in rapid notification of suspected pathologies, enhanced patient care and is freeing up valuable time for staff in the department," the hospital said today. "More than more than 15,600 patient scans have been analysed this year and 700 pathologies were correctly flagged by AI within 2-3 minutes of the scan being completed. They included 500 intracranial haemorrhages and 200 pulmonary emboli, a blood clot which has travelled to the lung. "On out-patient scans, 50 pulmonary emboli were also flagged where the scans were being performed to assess other medical conditions. "The overall accuracy of the software in real Irish clinical practice has been deemed to be highly sensitive and specific, with an accuracy rate of more than 90pc," it said in a statement. It said it is implemented four new technologies, including AI assistance on: CT pulmonary angiograms, incidental pulmonary embolism notification on CT scans, intracranial haemorrhage detection on CT head scans and cervical spine fracture detection on CT C-Spine scans. The screening platform, made by Aidoc, operates on an always-on basis, meaning it is constantly running in the background in order to analyse medical imaging data, flag urgent findings, and highlight cases that should be prioritised and brought to the immediate attention of consultants. "The use of the software in Radiology at the Mater has significantly reduced report turnaround times, while also improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining workflows. The development of AI in healthcare clinical settings is being supported by Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare based at the Mater Hospital." Mater Hospital consultant radiologist, Prof Peter MacMahon, said: Our experiences have underscored the tangible benefits of AI, notably in expediting critical diagnoses and reducing turnaround times by rapidly flagging anomalies detected in scans. This allows radiologists to prioritise the reading of these results and verify their accuracy before deciding upon a further course of action. The hospital's chief executive Alan Sharp, added: "The introduction of AI tools at the Maters radiology department demonstrates the strong emphasis we place on innovation and development. The integration of AI at the Mater serves to enhance patient outcomes and add efficiencies which ensure our patients receive the best standard of care we can possibly offer. The Mater strives to be a national leader in deploying cutting-edge technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. Early next year, the Mater plans to trial further specialised AI tools, focusing on the analysis of bone and chest X-rays in the emergency department. These tools, designed to promptly flag pathologies and accelerate patient triage" are set to further enhance the Maters diagnostic capabilities and reduce waiting times for patients, while freeing up valuable time for frontline healthcare staff," said the hospital. A TD has defended his right to engage with diplomats of any nation after being harangued on his way into a Christmas party hosted by the US Ambassador. Demonstrators cried shame on you as Mattie McGrath and his Rural Independent Group colleague Michael Collins were ferried into Deerfield in the Phoenix Park, official residence of American envoy Claire Cronin. Some pro-Palestinian protesters had to be dragged away from the entrance to the party by a large force of Gardai as fellow demonstrators chanted and banged drums. Pro-Palestinian groups take part in a protest at the US ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Picture date: Tuesday December 12, 2023. Photo: Niall Carson One variant was: Palestine will be the winner, just make sure you get your dinner. People Before Profit TDs Brid Smith and Gino Kenny were on hand to express opposition to the party while Gaza continues to be pulverised by Israel, Americas ally in the Middle East. Ms Smith said she organised the protest after the UN Security Council vote in which the US deployed its veto in order to prevent a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. Instead such a call was later passed by the General Assembly by 153 votes in favour to ten against. Mr McGrath said he defended the right to protest, just as he was entitled to engage with diplomats. He had personally raised the level of death and destruction in Gaza with the Ambassador, face to face, he said. I spoke to Ambassador Cronin about it, Mr McGrath said. We are all appalled at what is happening in Gaza and we are appalled at Hamas as well. Mr McGrath said there was alcohol and finger-food at the party, but not a meal. Its a free country. There is a place for protest as well. Let them have a permanent protest, if they want to. He added: I get calls from people saying they never see Paul Murphy in his constituency, only at protests around the place. He wont stop me doing my bit and talking to Ambassadors from around the world. The US Embassy was offered comment, but none was immediately forthcoming. The large Garda and demonstrator presence meant traffic could not pass the main road through the Phoenix Park known as Chesterfield Avenue, but had to be directed to an orbital road through a side passage normally used by pedestrians. Other politicians to have attended the event include Independent Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly, Sen Gerry Horkan and Paul McAuliffe TD (all FF), former minister Michael Ring and Paul Kehoe TD (FG) and Richard ODonoghue, Independent. Mr McGrath said: There were plenty of other Ambassadors there, including the Canadian and Georgian Ambassadors. I was invited as a member of the Oireachtas, and there is a lot of American investment in my constituency of Tipperary some of them there for 50 years. I would always keep lines of communication open. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said: I think it is disgusting for any TDs to attend a dinner hosted by the US Ambassador at a time when the US had vetoed a ceasefire and is funding and supporting Israels genocidal invasion of Gaza. It is particularly ironic that Mattie McGrath, who likes to present himself as an anti-establishment figure, turned up at the Ambassador's residence. It helps to explain why he has consistently opposed the motions in the Dail opposing Israel's offensive. Inability to offer enough accommodation also flagged with ministers during special briefing Fears of a breakdown in public support for Irelands response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis prompted ministers to slash social welfare and limit accommodation for new arrivals fleeing the war, the Irish Independent can reveal. A confidential briefing for senior ministers warned of a potential significant increase in new arrivals fleeing the war after Christmas and an accommodation shortage that could lead to a surge in refugees being forced to sleep on the street. Not changing the current policy would create a substantial risk that the State would be unable to offer any accommodation to new Ukrainian refugees. Ministers were also warned it could result in unplanned and unmanageable health and safety risks in the Citywest reception centre as well as on-street homelessness and the downstream impacts of that. The secret briefing states: It will also undermine Irelands response to date and likely undermine the support of the public for the humanitarian response. Details of the private warning comes after the Cabinet signed off on proposals to put a 90-day limit on state accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine and cut weekly welfare from 220 to 38.80 a week early next year. The move will require legislative changes from either Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys or Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Equality Minister Roderic OGorman said it was envisaged that the new regime would be in place by late January or early February. The scale of the challenge now facing the State after nearly two years of an unprecedented humanitarian response since the Russian invasion of Ukraine is laid bare in a paper prepared for a meeting of the cabinet committee on Ukraine on Monday, where the new policy was largely agreed. The three coalition leaders and ministers were told research suggested Ireland could have the largest percentage of state-supported accommodation in any EU member state. In recent weeks, 76 refugees a day on average have been seeking accommodation, down from the October average of 102. However, the memo signalled there could be a significant increase in numbers arriving next month if the trend was similar to the same period last year and that on average 100 people a day could be arriving early next year. It would result in the need for contingency accommodation to be brought into use by the first week of February. However, Mr OGorman said after yesterdays cabinet meeting that the significant change in our offering would result in a fall in the numbers arriving in Ireland and would not lead to an increase in homelessness. I dont believe we will be seeing Ukrainians staying after the 90 days because weve been making it very clear that our commitment now on the accommodation side is a 90-day commitment and doesnt go on for longer, he said. He added that there was no contingency plan for after 90 days, but said those who were medically vulnerable would be triaged out of accommodation. Under the changes, new Ukrainian arrivals will be accommodated in reception centres for 90 days, with meals and laundry provided. They will be able to get integration support, and welfare will be paid at 38.80 a week for adults and 29.80 a week for children. They will also be entitled to access medical cards and monthly child benefit. Those who leave state-provided accommodation would be entitled to normal rates of social welfare including 220 a week in jobseekers allowance. More than 101,200 Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection since February last year. Of those, 74,500 are being accommodated, with 57,700 in fully serviced accommodation. In October, more than 27,600 of these were on jobseekers allowance, with 356 claiming the working family payment and 257 claimants on the supplementary welfare allowance, while child benefit is being paid in respect of 21,000 children. To date, more than 23,000 Ukrainian arrivals have entered the labour market, with 16,600 still in employment. The highest proportion of these are in the accommodation and food services sector. Pressure on the State to provide accommodation is also made clear in the confidential briefing, which told ministers the quality of offers had fallen, with 55pc of them this year rejected for reasons including that they are private residential homes, are of poor standard or have fire-safety concerns. The briefing notes that current government policy is significantly different from the approach of other EU countries as it is open-ended and reliant on hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. While Sinn Fein welcomed the changes, leader Mary Lou McDonald said she was very concerned the Government had no plans for after the 90-day period of refugee accommodation. I could feel the tears in my eyes, this was a nightmare life on the front line of Ireland's emergency department overcrowding crisis Mother with fatal foetal abnormality forced to travel to Liverpool over Christmas after being denied a termination here, Dail hears A mother with a fatal foetal abnormality will be forced to travel to Liverpool over Christmas after being denied a termination here, a TD has told the Dail. People Before Profit TD Brid Smith told the Dail this afternoon that she had just got off the phone with a couple in her Dublin South Central constituency, who have a diagnosis of fatal foetal anomaly at 22 weeks just over halfway through pregnancy. She said: They were refused a termination on the grounds of fatal foetal anomaly, because it is impossible to say how long that baby will live if it survived birth. The couple has a two-and-a-half year old child and were given the news at a multidisciplinary team meeting this morning, she said, naming the gynaecologist, who had allegedly used the word impossible when declining to terminate here. Ms Smith said the specialist had spoken to the Oireachtas Health committee on maternal health issues this year. She said there was a clause in Irelands existing abortion legislation, section 11, that will not allow for doctors to recommend a termination in very tragic circumstances. The Dublin case she has been told about is a baby with one enlarged kidney covered in cysts, with no amniotic fluid around its body". The mother is suffering in pain, Ms Smith said. She will be forced to travel to Liverpool and she was told to bring her two-and-a-half year-old with her if she cannot get care. I cannot believe the cruelty going on in our hospitals at the moment and I am really pleading with this Government to do something about it. A comprehensive report on our abortion legislation in coming back to Government next week after a review by independent chair Marie O'Shea BL into the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. At the moment, terminations for such reasons are only legal if two medics believe the condition is likely to lead to the death of the baby shortly before birth or within 28 days of being born. Ms Smith said the Government can and should legislate on the grounds of at least fatal foetal anomaly. It should be decriminalising abortion so it does not act as a chill factor in decisions that should be made for the care of women, she argued. It was not about the constitutionality of wordings. Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, standing in for the Taoiseach who is flying to Brussels, said: I am very slow to comment on an individual case that is as stressful and potentially as tragic as the one the deputy has just outlined. But we will have an opportunity in the new year to finalise decisions about the report she mentioned. This House will have plenty of time to debate that early in the new year. A Sinn Fein TD has hit out at high homelessness figures after spotting a Christmas tree in Leinster House. The Oireachtas puts up several Christmas trees around the Dail complex each year. Sinn Fein TD for Galway West Mairead Farrell posted a photograph of one of the trees on X, formerly Twitter and slammed the Government for leaving people homeless this Christmas. Spotted this tree in the Dail this evening just after speaking on homelessness in the Dail, shame on the Government for making people homeless in the run up to Christmas, she wrote. Thinking of the families who can't put up a tree this year, shame on this Government. Ms Farrell last night spoke in the Dail on her partys laws to put in place an immediate and temporary ban on no-fault evictions. The TD said a woman and her three children are due to be evicted from their home in Galway before Christmas. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content She said she met the woman, who was visibly upset, in particular because she felt she couldnt put up her Christmas tree. She said putting up her Christmas tree, the Christmas lights, all remind her of the countdown of her being evicted from that home and including her three children, said Ms Farrell Law enforcement arrested a man Wednesday accused of raping a blind person in Billings last year. Bryan Leigh Anderson has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of burglary, with county prosecutors accusing the 62-year-old of breaking into a blind womans home, then raping and robbing her. Members of the Montana Violent Offenders Task Force, which included U.S. Marshals and the Billings Police Department, arrested Anderson at a Billings motel, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Timothy Hornung said. "He was arrested without incident," he said. Anderson first broke into the womans home in the Billings Heights in July 2022, according to charging document. The same day of the alleged assault, the survivor called police and told them a man she didnt know had gotten into her house and sexually abused her. He allegedly left her home with her debit card. Despite being blind, she provided officers with a description of the suspect. She could tell he was wearing flip-flops, had hair that was not short, skinny legs and a voice that sounded Caucasian, court documents said. Investigators with the Billings Police Department spoke with a neighbor who allegedly said she saw a short man in sandals around the womans home that same day. He drove away in a red Pontiac, she said. Over the next two months, BPD were called to the alleged survivors home multiple time for reports of suspicious or criminal activity. In late September 2022, police responded to two separate calls at the address in a single day, according to charging documents. The first call came after a man broke into the womans home and stole her purse, fleeing the home. The second came after someone found the man, later identified as Anderson, hiding in a closet inside the womans home. Police arrested Anderson, and he was given a notice to appear for a trespassing charge. In November 2023, law enforcement apprehended Anderson again and BPD detectives took buccal swabs for his DNA. About a month later, DNA analysis by the Montana State Crime Lab allegedly determined that Andersons DNA was found on the survivors body. Criminal charges were filed against Anderson just days later, along with a $500,000 warrant for his arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service, which heads the Montana Violent Offender Task Force, announced to the public Wednesday that Anderson was wanted by law enforcement. Police arrested him by the end of the day. If convicted of any of the three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, Anderson could be sentenced up to life in prison. Dessie Ellis has been a TD in north Dublin since 2011 Sinn Fein TD Dessie Ellis has said he will wait until after next years local elections to decide whether he will run in the next general election. Several Sunday newspapers reported on rumours that Sinn Fein TDs Reada Cronin, Patricia Ryan, Martin Browne and Mr Ellis would not be running. Ms Cronin and Ms Ryan told the Irish Independent they would run, while Mr Ellis said he will wait until after next summers local elections. Mr Browne did not respond to queries. Theres no decision on that at all, Mr Ellis said. Im not saying Im not running. That decision hasnt been made yet. He added that it was a decision for him to make, and he will do so some time after the local elections. Just want to see how that fares out, you know? he said. Mr Ellis admitted the Dublin North West constituency would be seriously challenged to get two Sinn Fein seats, despite his winning 44pc of first preference votes in 2020. He received 14,375 first preferences, with a quota of 8,097 to be elected. Were doing very well because weve canvassed the whole area, virtually, Mr Ellis said. He added that he is trying to figure out if the constituency, which gained Beaumont in the recent boundary changes, will be a two-seater for Sinn Fein. We lost the Fingal area, there would be a couple of areas there that would be a loss to us, he said. But when you weigh it up, gaining Beaumont, that would be a gain to us. After the local elections, well make a decision. In recent weeks, Sinn Fein Louth TD Imelda Munster said she would not be running again. A source said she had made an agreement with the party in 2016 that she would serve only two Dail terms. While this was known to senior party figures and local organisers, it was not widely known. The same source said Arthur Morgan, a former Sinn Fein TD in Louth, had also had an agreement to serve only two Dail terms. Mr Ryan and Ms Cronin both said they will be running in the next general election, which is expected next year or early in 2025. However, it is understood Ms Cronin may not run in the election following that. I dont think a lot of people get that about us. We want to foster a new generation coming up behind us its not about getting in there and getting a big pension, one TD claimed. The party had a bruising time in the Dail last week after a no-confidence motion in Justice Minister Helen McEntee backfired, with Fine Gael instead spending two hours in the chamber raising Sinn Feins links to criminality, including its IRA past. Another Sinn Fein TD said it was a logical sequence that the party would table a no-confidence motion in Ms McEntee after calling on her and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to resign. I dont think it backfired, but it wasnt as straightforward as health and housing, as it is newer territory for us, they said. Fine Gael thinks it can throw Dowdall back at the party. People who elect us dont want just housing and health, but also community safety. Weve every right to talk about those issues. The TD described a Fine Gael short film about former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, who last year pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of David Byrne, as Project Fear. It shows how desperate they are. A party spending more of its time attacking its main opponent. The voters see through it, they said. Finance Minister Michael McGrath has said there will be exceptions for sick or vulnerable Ukrainian children and families from the new 90-day state accommodation limit. He was speaking yesterday after the Cabinet signed off on plans to put a 90-day limit on state accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine from early next year and cut weekly welfare from 220 to 38.80. Under the changes that will take effect from late January or early February, new Ukrainian arrivals will be accommodated in reception centres for 90 days with meals and laundry and will be able to avail of integration supports. Social welfare will be paid at 38.80 a week for adults and 29.80 for children and they will be entitled to access medical cards and monthly child benefit. Those who leave state-provided accommodation will be entitled to normal rates of social welfare including 220-a-week jobseekers allowance. The 90-day provision will not apply to families who have opened p their homes to Ukrainian people, Mr McGrath said. He added that the measures would bring Ireland into line with other EU countries at a time of severe strain on the housing sector. Everybody knows that we are under real strain in relation to finding new accommodation as people continue to come here, and of course we have an increasing number of people seeking international protection as well, Mr McGrath said. We have to get the balance right and we have to ensure that Ireland is not an outlier in relation to the overall offer and the overall package of supports that is available to people fleeing the war. People continue to be welcome here, but they need to understand we are in a very challenging environment in relation to the provision of accommodation. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dail that if people move out of state accommodation after or before the 90-day window, they will be assessed for social welfare like any Irish citizen, including eligibility for the rent allowance, but not social housing or the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Speaking during Leaders Questions, Mr Varadkar said the Government would work with arrivals and NGOs to find other accommodation during that 90-day period. He added: Many different possibilities arise, taking up employment where possible which many Ukrainians have done and do provide their own accommodation, pledged accommodation and staying with people they know and networks. The Taoiseach was responding as opposition TDs branded the cuts to social welfare payments shameful. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett accused the Government of essentially trying to deflect away from their own failure to deal with the housing and accommodations crisis and scapegoating people who are fleeing war. Whats needed is for them to as a matter of urgency radically change their approach in delivering housing, he said. Labour TD Ged Nash said the decision to cut housing and welfare is an admission of failure. Its a very, very dramatic fall and its going to have a serious impact, especially on women and children, he said. Cashel Palace is the sole Irish hotel to make the travel titles prestigious Gold List The Bishops Buttery in the Cashel Palace Hotel is located in an elegant, vaulted space. Picture: Naoise Culhane Conde Nast Traveller has unveiled its annual Gold List for 2024, with just a single Irish hotel making the cut. Cashel Palace, in Co Tipperary, is described as a handsome 300-year-old mansion that has put a new pin in the map of luxury stays in Ireland. The Gold List features among over 60 other inclusions ranging from Chateau Marmont in LA to Claridges and The Dorchester in London, the Ritz in Paris, El Fenn in Marrakech and Gleneagles in Scotland. Cashel Palace was bought by the Magnier family of Coolmore Stud in 2016. It reopened in 2022 following a multi-million euro reboot, and earlier this year featured on Conde Nast Travellers Hot List for 2023. The titles hotel review describes it as a gloriously detailed yet unstuffy reimagining of a building originally designed by Edward Lovett Pearce as an 18th century archbishops home. Cashel Palace. Photo: Naoise Culhane It singles out details like the five-star hotels woodsmoke-scented entrance hall, views to the enigmatic Rock of Cashel and its championing of Tipperary and Irish produce. "For a plush country house thats recently arrived on the scene, the staff feel like a well-oiled team thats worked together for years. The welcome is as warm as the toasty log fires, it says. B&B rates at Cashel Palace start from 359 per room, per night, in January. "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be honoured by Conde Nast Traveler, especially as we only opened less than two years ago, said general manager Adriaan Bartels. "I am so happy that all the hard work and effort put in by my fantastic team has been recognised. Seaweed baths at the spa, Cashel Palace Hotel Conde Nasts Gold List differs from its Hot List (which focuses on new arrivals) and Readers Choice Awards (which are based on readers votes). The hand-crafted list is designed to serve as inspiration for those seeking remarkable travel experiences in the year ahead, it says. This isnt the first time Conde Nast has made the trip to Tipp. In 2021, the magazine said tourists visiting Ireland should pump the breaks in the Premier County, naming Tipperary among the worlds best holiday destinations to visit the following year. Read Conde Nast Travellers full 2024 Gold List. We all spend a little more money at Christmas, but if youre tapping the plastic youre missing out on the beautiful art form that is the banknote. I was reminded of this courtesy of an environmental footprint study issued by the European Central Bank (ECB) (yes, my life is that exciting) on the impact a persons banknote use has on carbon outputs. Stay with me. The new contemporary sculpture trail included five obscure public artworks dotted across the city. The works have been popping up over the past six months, with the final exciting installation going live on Thursday, December 14. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The ambitious project, which has been two years in the making, is the biggest single investment in public art in the city. Tourists and locals will have the chance to admire the artworks for the next five years, pausing as they walk through the city, look up and appreciate the beauty, character and heritage of the citys streets. The five artworks include: Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds] on Careys Lane by Niamh McCann: A lane-length sculptural piece, influenced by the architecture, geography, and migratory history of the street, it is a nod to old and the new. The work, which is made with sustainable materials, is fixed above head height and held by the simple image of a seagull, perched atop a neon strip, sentinel-like. The work animates the lane and responds to the shifting shape of the city. Boom Nouveau on Cook Street by Forerunner: Mimicking an everyday urban street feature - the lamppost, the name refers to the rupture of the artwork emerging from the ground, with a nod to the influence of the craftsmanship of art nouveau. Created using historic methods of production with familiar building materials alongside hand-blown glass and cast bronze, the sculpture shines a light on the city and encourages people to look up. The Face Cup at The Exchange Building, Princes Street/Oliver Plunkett St. by Fiona Mulholland: The Face Cup is a celebration of Corks rich prehistoric heritage. An artwork of large-scale sculptural reliefs, it is based on a collection of exceptional Bronze Age ceramic artefacts that were excavated by Cork archaeologists. A museum for an outdoor space, it also pays testament to the rich history and hospitality of the building and area. The artwork is handmade in styrofoam and fibreglass and painted in a gold effect. Urban Mirror on Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay) by plattenbaustudio: A beautifully crafted large table with an atmospheric globe light that provides a sculptural pavilion in a cultural corner of the city centre and a warming glow when the sun sets. A space intended to be used by the public to talk, eat, play and interact it is made of durable and playful stainless steel, the freeform table can seat up to fifty people. Tempus Futurum at Triskel Christchurch by Brian Kenny: A unique light installation on Triskel Christchurch that illuminates the stories of Corks past, present, and sustainable future. Scenes link human actions to nature's fate, while 50 children envision the building's future, sparking hope. It's a reflection on the city's growth, urging consideration of today's impact on tomorrow's landscapes. Our ambition is to create a city for artists, a creative city. In commissioning these artworks, we underwent a robust, competitive process with an expert national and international panel in art and architecture, supported by the National Sculpture Factory, said Michelle Carew, Arts Officer, Cork City Council. It has been an inspiring and rewarding experience to work with the commissioned artists throughout this process and we are very grateful to Failte Ireland for their financial support to bring this public art into the everyday life and heart of the city. The Cork City Council initiative was funded by Failte Ireland under the Urban Animation Investment Scheme with commissioning support from the National Sculpture Factory. Performers from Cork-based group Sauti Studios were recognised and showcased as part of a special film screening highlighting voluntary work over the last year. The Seen and Heard event held at the Stella Theatre, Dublin, marked International Volunteer Day and Sauti kicked off the day with a special performance and music. The event was hosted by national organisation Leargas, who manage exchange programmes across Europe in education, youth, community work, sport, as well as vocational education and training. Sauti Studios was set up by the Cork Migrant Youth Initiative Against Racism in Nano Nagle Place. Sauti is the Swahili word for voice. The group set up a music studio to amplify the voices of the young people engaged in social action through music and spoken word. The A Black Child Dilemma (ABCD) Project was created through support from the EU Solidarity Fund which aimed to explore and address issues related to racism, using creativity as a medium. Sauti Studios actively engage with young people, offering mentorship and guidance to help them express themselves through various art forms, including music, drama, poetry, and more. By connecting with the European audience with our volunteer initiative based in Cork, we have the opportunity to reach people from different backgrounds and experiences, said Raphael Olympio from Sauti Studios. This can enrich our message and broaden our impact, especially on issues like mental health, migration, and social injustice, which are universal concerns, he added. We are so thrilled to celebrate the work, commitment and incredible talent of volunteers from Sauti Studios, alongside organisations across Ireland, who engage in projects tackling issues including poverty, exclusion, homelessness, social injustice, and climate change, said Celine Martin from Leargas. Renowned activist, actor and screenwriter Emmet Kirwan addressed the Seen and Heard event, which included over 40 volunteers of all ages from across Ireland, and featured a film reel from nationwide projects, panel discussions and workshops. A letter is to be sent to the Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman on behalf of Cork County Council asking him to reconsider a recent policy change which will impact numerous families who are currently staying at Ashbourne House in Glounthaune. The issue was highlighted at a recent full council meeting by Independent councillor John Healy who said several families will now be forced to leave the Direct Provision centre for other parts of the country. I just want to raise a local issue that came to our attention over the weekend. Ashbourne House houses refugees in our area and a new policy has been brought in where they are being shipped out to different parts of Ireland, he said. Cllr Healy highlighted one example of a family who will be impacted by this decision. I know of a two parent family with four children who are aged 17, 10, nine and seven. The family are eight years living in Ashbourne. Both parents are working in a care home in the city. The ten-year-old child has been diagnosed with additional needs and is in a special unit in a local school. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details It would be a disaster for these children. The purpose of this is to bring in single people into the area. I am asking that we write to the Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman to reconsider this decision. It seems very impractical and unfair on people who have been living there a number of years. Their families are working and they are going to school locally. One family has already moved to Meath from Cork, he added. Green Party councillor Alan OConnor echoed the sentiments of Cllr Healy. Ashbourne House has been a direct provision centre for a very long time. Many of the people there have been living in the community for years. Some have permission to stay but they have nowhere to go because of the housing crisis so they are still in the centre. Some are studying in Cork and they would have to break off their studies. Cllr OConnor sympathised with Minister OGorman, but added these families are embedded in the community. I understand the difficulties in housing people. The department has to juggle their resources. Single men need accommodating as well. There is no problem there. Could we write to the minister and ask could we accommodate those families who wish to stay as they are so embedded in the community. The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn agreed with the request from Cllr Healy. It is a very reasonable request. We will write immediately to the minister. VMware employs more than 1,000 people in Ireland, with most of these in Cork. CLOUD computing company VMware are set to cut 364 jobs from its Irish workforce in Ballincollig in a move that has been described by public representatives as devastating news for the employees and a massive blow for the locality. The news comes after US-based global firm Broadcom Inc announced that it had completed its acquisition of VMware, Inc at the end of November, and employees received correspondence informing them of some organisational changes and possible redundancies. VMwares employs over 1,000 people in Ireland and its largest Irish presence is in Cork, where it has had an office since 2005. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Staff are understood to have been notified of the redundancy proposals. The proposed job cuts were confirmed by the government on Tuesday, December 12. "This is a significant blow to the workforce in VMware as a result of a merger. My thoughts are with the workers and their families, said Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney. Minister Coveney said there will be a range of Government supports available to anyone who is made redundant. The IDA will now engage with the company as the collective redundancy process progresses through the 30-day consultation period. It is important to note that the workers involved are highly skilled and are likely to be sought after elsewhere in the broader economy. There are also a range of Government supports available to anyone who is being made redundant, including assisting with appropriate training and development opportunities and income supports, he added. It is devastating news for people in the run in to Christmas and at any time really, said Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan. They are not just numbers, there are individuals and families behind each of those. There needs to be support for the workers and their families. My focus is very much on the people who are getting that news. This is wider than Ballincollig. You had people working there who were commuting from the city and from all over the county. Deputy Moynihan who raised the issue in the Dail on Wednesday, December 13 expressed his anger at the decision made by the new owners of VMware. All the staff have put in so much commitment and they have helped build that company into what it is today. I feel angry that the company would look that way on staff. This is a commercial decision and made in their own interest. Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry described the news as a Christmas bombshell. Those wage packets are used to put food on the table and put a roof over the heads of the families. The timing of it is appalling. People will have this hanging over them at Christmas. It is devastating news for the locality. It is a huge blow for Ballincollig and a real blow for the wider Cork community. Employees had bought houses in Ballincollig on the strength of their job in VMware. There needs to be a pushback and a message that 364 redundancies is not acceptable. Deputy Barry called on Minister Coveney to meet with the senior executives of the company as a matter of urgency. He should impress upon them that the government consider each and every one of these jobs to be of value and importance to Ballincollig, Cork, the workers and their families He should also impress upon them that they have been the beneficiary of state aid and IDA grants. This news will leave a fierce void in the town, said Ballincollig based Fine Gael councillor Derry Canty: It is very bad news. It is a shock to everyone. It is an awful lot of workers. I feel sorry for them especially coming up to Christmas. They have been based in Ballincollig for many years and kept growing. The buyout has changed the whole diameter of the whole place and that is the main reason. There was a massive spend in the locality as a result of so many employees working at VMware. It has burst the bubble in the town. Ballincollig is a vibrant town and we depend on people working and living here. Everything that can be done will be done for the employees. I will be asking Simon Coveney to have a look and see if he can do anything for us. Im afraid this could be the start of something, he added. Sinn Fein local area representative for Ballincollig, Joe Lynch said the news is a massive blow for Ballincollig. This is a particularly cruel time of year for staff to receive this news. This is a massive blow for Ballincollig. As an IDA supported company, it is incumbent on the government to engage with VMware to do everything that can be done to ensure that as many jobs as possible are saved." Broadcom has not yet issued a statement. Brown Thomas' singing doorman celebrates Dublin's 'vibrancy and an unmistakable buzz' at Christmas Theres no place like Dublin at Christmas Brown Thomas singing doorman Amy Donohoe Wed 13 Dec 2023 at 11:00 The Brown Thomas doorman who treats those passing by on Grafton Street to festive tunes every December has said that theres no place like Dublin at Christmas, the sense of community creates a heartwarming atmosphere. Miles City residents were evacuated from the area around an oil fire burning in an industrial business Tuesday afternoon. As much as 30,000 gallons of oil caught fire at the Quala Truck Tank Cleaning Company, 3415 Edgewood Street. We got a pretty good handle on it, Cory Cheguis, DES coordinator for Custer County said Tuesday at about 4 p.m. Quala is a service near the railyard that cleans out rail cars before they put them back in use. The company is located on the citys east side near the Yellowstone River and about a half-mile from a residential neighborhood. Less than an hour after the blaze was reported, residents were allowed to return to their homes and surrounding roadways were reopened. Peata Therapy Dogs and volunteers bringing joy to hospitals and nursing homes A crowd of canines gathered at Dublins Christ Church Cathedral yesterday for the annual Peata Therapy Dog carol service. From Leonbergers to Schnauzers, dogs of all breeds and sizes, their owners, and the people who benefit from Peatas services were on their very best behaviour. Peata is a voluntary organisation that provides pet therapy services to caring institutions. Its visiting scheme involves approved volunteers and their dogs who generally pay weekly visits. Peata, which introduced a medically supported service to Ireland in 1996, says pets have been shown to benefit peoples health and well-being, particularly for those staying in nursing homes, hospitals and hospices. Gino OReilly came along with his two gentle giants, both Leonbergers, a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard. Taggie, Belinda and Tim with dogs Pinot, Ouzo and Dingle at Christ Church Cathedral for the annual Peata Therapy Dog carol service. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos This is Rossi and Magic; they go to nursing homes, schools, creches, colleges and places for special needs, he said. They work as a team. When they walk in, it puts a smile on peoples faces, reduces anxiety, panic attacks and helps boost morale for the staff too. Their temper is fantastic. When you rub them, its like your blood pressure automatically goes straight down and relaxes you. The Dean of Christ Church, the Very Reverend Dermot Dunne, invited the dogs and their owners up to the altar where he asked God to watch over them all and gave them a special blessing. Jeanette Greg, a local from the area, was also in attendance for the service along with her three Schnauzers Schuey, Senna, and Rossi named after famous Formula 1 racing drivers. Ian Sutton, the chairperson for Peata Pet Therapy, told the Irish Independent he fell into it by chance on a walk one afternoon with his dog through Marlay Park. Fr Dermot Dunne blesses pets at Christ Church Cathedral during the annual Peata Therapy Dog carol service. Pic: Stephen Collins I met a woman with my black and white collie at the time. She told me my dog would make a good therapy dog, and lo and behold, Im still here. That was 15 years ago at this stage, he said. The group of dogs and volunteers gathering in the church was one of the biggest theyve had in years since the pandemic. All the people who volunteer to bring their dogs to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices pay a 30 membership fee per year for insurance reasons. Nursing homes and other institutions pay a fee of 50 per year. The benefits that Ive seen for the bones of eight to ten years have been incredible, Mr Sutton said. The look on patients faces when they walk into a dog with a wagging tail is so rewarding, and its hard to put into words. Not only do the patients benefit from the visits, but the family that may be visiting love it too, and so does the staff. The dog was abandoned and tied to a pole at Dublin Airport on Monday night A dog that was abandoned and tied to a pole at Dublin Airport on Monday night has found her new forever home. According to My Lovely Horse Rescue, it appeared that the dogs owners may have been leaving the country but werent allowed to take the dog back with them. The dog was left with her passport beside her late at night, but the airport police spotted her and immediately contacted the rescue charity. Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, told the Irish Independent: The dog was passported. They obviously came into the country, and it was fine to get the dog in, but not to get the dog out. You do have to go through a different process. You dont just get on a plane and go, its just not the way it works. She was left outside the airport tied to a pole with her passport beside her. Thank the Lord that somebody spotted her and alerted the airport police. They took her and called a volunteer who belongs to us and straight away we took her in. Hopefully from tomorrow shes going to her new home with a veterinary nurse. So, shell live with her now forever. Its a good news story in the end, Ms Kenny added. A spokesperson for Dublin Airport said the dog was rescued by Airport Police and was fed and given water before one of our Airport Search Unit contacted My Lovely Horse Rescue to give her a temporary foster home. The animal charity also believes that dog abandonment is becoming worse nationwide, particularly in Dublin due to the housing crisis. Theres serious cruelty out there where theres people right now abandoning old dogs to get the kids a new puppy. Theyre either abandoning them or trying to get them into a pound, Ms Kenny said. Every pound in the country is full. There has never been a dog crisis like there is now ever. Ive been volunteering and working with dogs and animals for 25 years and honestly, Ive never, ever seen it like this before in my life. Its between Covid and the housing crisis as well. Landlords do not allow dogs. Prices for places in Dublin especially have gone up. The landlords are cashing in, and theyre getting rid of people with dogs. Then the person cant get into another place with their pet. Landlords really need to look at the rest of Europe. Landlords allow dogs in their apartments and in their houses there. Here, there are animals sitting in pens now. Theyre all being destroyed. They have to be put to sleep because theres no room, she added. Steel Magnolias in Stoneybatter has been collecting gifts for charity every year for the past nine years A hair salon owner in Dublin is continuing her heartwarming tradition of collecting toys and vouchers for children in need every Christmas. Steel Magnolias, on Aughrim Street in Stoneybatter, gathers brand new Christmas presents for children facing homelessness or living in emergency accommodation, with the goal of helping up to nine charities this year. Salon owner, Shelly OConnor, said she is overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of people in the local community. Nine years ago, she began collecting gifts and vouchers after being moved by an RTE 1 radio documentary about homeless children at Christmas. Two young children were speaking, and one of them said, I dont know whether Santa is going to find me this Christmas. I thought that was absolutely devastating, she said. Every year, Ms OConnor appeals to her local community and beyond, encouraging people to drop in brand-new toys, gifts and more for children in need. Even teenagers are included, typically receiving vouchers for clothing. It either gives children Santa presents or bumps up other childrens gifts who might not receive as much, Ms OConnor said. For that day, they can feel just like the other kids in their classroom, and it just changes their Christmas morning. She has received letters of thanks from children in the past for her efforts. Last year, the salon received cash donations that went to a community of children, ensuring they could have a proper Christmas dinner. Each year it gives people something that changes their Christmas day, she said. It really doesnt matter what people give; everybody has different circumstances, but giving something small at all means more than anything. All items given to the campaign must be brand new, including toys, clothes, vouchers and cash, and can be brought directly to the salon. Lorcan O'Neill is running 10k every day this month to raise money for charity A Dubliner is running 10k every single day this month to help raise money for the Capuchin Day Centre. The centre, located on Bow Street in Dublins inner city, offers a daily takeaway breakfast and sit-down dinners for the citys homeless, as well as a weekly food hamper on a Wednesday. Lorcan ONeill, originally from Limerick but living in Dublin for the last 12 years, said hes doing this out of a sense of outrage at the conditions for rough sleepers. He wanted to raise funds for this charity as it provides some small solace to those affected by homelessness, poverty, or other disenfranchising factors. This isnt Mr ONeills first time raising funds for the Dublin charity, as he completed a similar challenge in 2019 and 2021. My wife was a volunteer at the Capuchin Day Centre at one point, and she told me about the work they do, he said. Not only do they stop people from going hungry, but they treat people with dignity and respect. Mr ONeill said he decided to merge his respect for the charity and his love of running, which kept him sane during Covid, to do something positive. The Capuchin Day Centre receives 400,000 in government funding, and the rest is funded through public donations. According to a recent report from the Dublin Simon Community, Irelands youngest are being disproportionately disadvantaged by homelessness. Last months report shows that young people both children and young adults aged 24 and under represent the largest age demographic of people in emergency accommodation across the country. Of this age cohort, 5,548 people 42pc of overall homeless figures were in emergency accommodation in October 2023, with the situation particularly bleak in Dublin, where the percentage has risen to 44pc of the total. This means that children and young people behind these numbers are facing a huge level of uncertainty and vulnerability at a time in their lives, which is crucial for their future development. Mr ONeill moved to the area of Dublin 7 at the beginning of his venture to raise funds for the Dublin charity, but says he sees homelessness in every corner of the city. I consider it important to support things within the community and especially the kind of work that the Capuchin does, he said. Instead of doing it in January this year, hes decided to take it on for the month of December when the festivities will be in full flow, so he will be running every day in the lead-up to Christmas. He said running at this time of year may not be the most pleasant experience, but this small discomfort hes taking upon himself is nothing compared to the very real hardships that are being endured by thousands of people across Ireland. If youd like to support his fundraising efforts you can do so here. Meeting in Kerry town over Ukrainian refugee centre Our concern is whats happening in Killarney Public meeting in Listowel hears frustrations of locals with the arrival of more Ukrainians imminent. Listowel's old Presentation Convent in an image taken a few years ago. Stephen Fernane Kerryman Wed 13 Dec 2023 at 07:00 The owner of Listowels historic Presentation Convent has confirmed that Ukrainian women and children are soon to take up residency in the building. The Egyptian national fished out of Clogherhead harbour Tributes have been made to the fisherman who lost his life off the coast of Clogherhead, and to the men and women who took part in the search for his remains, and the rescue of his colleague. Remains of the fisherman, who was an Egyptian national fishing out of Clogherhead, were recovered from the sunken vessel in which he had been working by naval divers, three days after he went missing. The boat got into difficulty on the morning of Tuesday December 12th, and following the rescue of one man from the water a short time later, an extensive search involving the Dublin based Coast Guard helicopter R116, Clogherhead, Greenore & Drogheda Coast Guard Units, Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat, Divers from An Garda Siochana, Irish Lights vessel Granuaile and a number of local vessels took place over a three-day period. Cllr. Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach at Ardee Municipal District, paid tribute to the man who lost his life. In the quiet waters of Clogherhead, a boatman's life was tragically lost while pursuing the timeless craft of fishing. As Cathaoirleach and on behalf of the people of Ardee Mid Louth, our hearts extend deepest condolences to his grieving family, friends, and the tight-knit community of Clogherhead, said Cllr Minogue. "The sombre ripples of this loss touch us all, echoing the profound impact of a life dedicated to the sea. In the shared sorrow of this departure, may the memories of his seafaring spirit endure, a testament to the resilience and unity within the maritime tapestry of Clogherhead. As the tides of grief settle, may solace find its way to those touched. We also pray the the survivor our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. The incident began shortly after 8.45am on Tuesday, December 12, when emergency services received a Mayday call from a fishing vessel which was in difficulty and taking on water. As Clogherhead RNLI and other services rushed to attend, a passing boat managed to assist one man from the water. He was transferred by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital and treated for minor injuries, and the hunt continued for his colleague. A post-mortem examination on the deceased will be conducted at a later date and this will determine the course of the Garda investigation. The Health and Safety Authority have been notified. Garda enquiries are ongoing. St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land. St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land. St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and measures 203 sqm on 0.64 acres of land. A charming Church of Ireland residence which dates to the 19th century, exuding character at every turn, is for sale by private treaty in Offaly, valued at 550,000. We welcome a most stunning refurbished three-bedroom chapel in a secluded setting at the edge of the Charleville Castle and Estate in Tullamore, said the real estate agent Hilary Hamill. St Bartholomews, Lynally Glebe, Screggan, Tullamore is a converted six-bay nave, two-story former Church of Ireland church, built around 1840. The detached property comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and has an overall floor area of 203 sqm set on 0.64 acres of land. A glimpse of which can be seen from the gravelled driveway. It wows at first sight with its impressive stone exterior showcasing the architectural flair of the buildings once holy history, says the estate agent. As you enter through its arched wooden doors to the entrance hallway, which is a light-filled space with stained glass window and turning staircase, you are greeted with majestically high ceilings. To the right of the hallway is the drawing room, a wonderfully decorated affair featuring a Victorian marble fireplace, arched windows with triple aspect and magnificent timber beams. A truly glorious room with a westerly orientation which is spectacular in the evening with the setting sun. To the left of the hallway is the breakfast room a likewise tastefully decorated room displaying further timber beams, an arched easterly window and an open-plan kitchen. Off the breakfast room is a beautiful dining room with an impossible-to-ignore domed ceiling with gilded ecclesiastical script which catches your eye. The elegant engravings and arched windows create a space unlike any other. To your left is a gorgeous spiral staircase, leading to the upper floor, that is a statement in-and-of itself. From the dining room is the rear hallway which leads to an enchanting conservatory overlooking the patio. With its seemingly endless curved windows and domed ceiling, it is the ideal space for enjoying a perfect view of nature. There is a guest WC located off this area. On the first floor, as you look into the first bedroom, you will be delighted by arches and arches of beautiful wood and south facing Velux roof lights and arched windows, westerly facing above drawing room. This spacious and greatly illuminated bedroom needs little else to complete it. This wooden charm is carried over to the other two bedrooms which similarly feature south facing Velux windows letting in plenty of natural light and a neutral wall colour palette for the perfect balance. The Jack and Jill en-suite is a bright and clean space fully fitted with WC and a bath. The exterior of this charming former chapel contains a stoned patio for Al Fresco dining, there is a greenhouse and a block built double garage on the way up the driveway and additionally another garage adjacent to the greenhouse and front door, added the real estate agent. Overall, a unique home surrounded by nature and architectural beauty, which is just 4km from Tullamore town, in an enviable and sought after location whilst Dublin is one hour and 10 minutes drive from the property. Features include an entrance hall measuring 2.08m by 5.99m, double wooden doors to a hallway, caustic tiles and carpet, solid fuel stove, doors to both drawing room and breakfast room. There is a turning staircase, with two stained glass windows. The Drawing Room measures 4.63m by 6m, and is a light filled room with vertical windows and a marble fireplace. The Kitchen measures 2.44m by 6.50m, and comes with extensive wall and floor kitchen units with worktops, and an open archway to the breakfast room. The Dining Room measures 6.42m by 4.850m, with a spiral staircase, and could be a potential master bedroom, with a shower area off of the room. For a viewing appointment, contact Hilary Hamill, of Sherry Fitzgerald Lewis Hamill, Harbour Street, Tullamore, County Offaly, at 057 9320 862, or email info@sflewishamill.ie Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus has warned that the number of patients on trolleys in Sligo University Hospital reported on Monday by the INMO as standing at over 30 with 11 on Tuesday, indicated that an extremely difficult period lies ahead for workers and patients in the hospital. MacManus said that Government has failed to deliver enough hospital capacity over the last three years and that the Governments decision to underfund the health service in the Budget this year has left local hospitals without the beds they need and constrained by a recruitment embargo. The Midlands Northwest MEP said: The INMO count of 34 patients inappropriately admitted to hospital without a bed yesterday in Sligo University Hospital is a stark warning of an extremely difficult Winter ahead. The Sligo trolley figure is amongst the highest in the country. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Workers and patients in Sligo Hospital will face into a severely overcrowded hospital, which will have no choice but to cancel planned appointments and surgeries to cope with surging winter demand. This situation was avoidable. The Minister announced 1,200 new beds three years ago, and 200 of them have yet to be delivered. He has recently announced 1,500 new beds on a number of occasions, but secured no funding for them in the Budget just gone. The Government knows that these beds are needed, and needed urgently. They must be delivered quickly. But now we have a plan for new beds with no funding. People in Sligo are being badly let down by the Governments mismanagement of health. Delivery of the much-needed elective centres is far behind schedule. Urgently needed surgical hubs wont be delivered until late next year. On top of this, the HSE is restricted by a recruitment embargo because of the Governments deliberate decision to underfund the health service. Hospital managers here will be left to make best use of what they have, without the necessary supports in GP and primary care to see more patients in the community, and without sufficient step-down and rehabilitation capacity outside of hospital, such as in nursing homes, to shorten length-of-stay and speed up discharges. We hoped that last winter the shocking trolley crisis would be a watershed moment, and that Government would act quickly to use the year just gone to improve capacity. Action has been too slow and we are back here again, with the situation made even worse by the deliberate decision to underfund the health service. Patients in Sligo deserve better. A Sinn Fein government would fund the health service properly to ensure patients in Sligo get the high-quality, timely health care they need when they need it. Glowing tributes were paid to retiring former Director of Services Tom Kilfeather, at the December monthly meeting of Sligo County Council. Leading the tributes, Cathaoirleach Gerry Mullaney said Tom Kilfeathers contribution to this council, the county and to its citizens was immense over many years. His ability to lever funding, his ability to give us all peace of mind when we had concerns about how different things were going and his energy was second to none. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details You have done great work for the county and you can be very proud of your record and I want to wish you and your family all the best for the future. Cllr Donal Gilroy said Tom Kilfeather was a special friend and a best friend to him and he was always in his corner. Your fairness in how you dealt with others was noteworthy. And, you did not like to use that word that we all do not want to hear and that is, no and the cake is only so big and there is only so much money. Everybody inside and outside this council has huge respect for you. Your fairness to all down the years is an example to all of us. I hope you wont be a stranger and I certainly wont let you be a stranger to me. Cllr Michael Clarke said Tom Kilfeather was an extraordinary public servant. He was straight, professional to the core with honesty shining through at every point. But the highlight for me was working with you when you were advancing the Western Distributor Road and we met with Minister Shane Ross as part of a delegation. On that day your presentation was extraordinary and you delivered for Sligo. I want to wish you and your family a happy Christmas and a long and a happy life. Cllr Gino OBoyle said the general public didnt see the work that goes into everything he was involved in. We see it but they dont and you will be badly missed. You were a massive asset to the county of Sligo. Cllr Thomas Healy said he wanted to welcome Tom Kilfeather back to the Chamber and praised his help with communities. Tom Kilfeather was involved in the community and understood what that entailed. You know how councillors feel and you said no a few times but there were a lot of yeses too. But any time there was a no there was a reason why there was a no. There was always encouragement to try again and when Tom Kilfeather went to Dublin he put on the Sligo jersey. He did everything in his power to bring back projects here and that was what was missing in Sligo, people like Tom. Cllr Healy lauded the way Mr Kilfeather looked after new councillors and helped them. That is appreciated and the gratitude is from all around the county as well. Cllr Dara Mulvey said it was great to see Tom KIlfeather back in the chamber. When I started in 2009, there were 25 of us and you were getting Scud missiles from all parts of the floor and you sat there as cool as a breeze and I admired you and I wondered how did you deal with all these fellows and ladies coming at you from angles with questions You might not have always said yes but you did not say no and you would say leave it with me and I will see what I can do. No matter how difficult the problem was we could always approach you and you had a genuine regard for councillors and that was very evident. You were always for the betterment of county Sligo and that was one of the things I saw over the years. We had no footpath going over a bridge near Coolaney and I went to you and you said to me that we were going ahead with the improvement and that just meant so much to the people of the area who have never forgotten that. You were an excellent public servant. Sligo Mayor Cllr Declan Bree said he always found Tom KIlfeather to be a gentleman and very helpful not just to me but to all councillors and members of the public. His dedication and his sense of sense of service to this council and the community is widely recognised. It stood out over the decades and he never sought acknowledgement for the work he had done. Tom Kilfeather was an exceptional public servant in all respects. Sligo Chief Executive Martin Lydon welcomed Tom Kilfeather back to the chamber. He was retiring on December 26 after many years of great service. The first time I met Tom was in October 2005 and I think he was expecting an Irishman to walk into his office but instead he saw a fellow with a Cockney accent. I told Tom that I went to school in Peckham and he said just like Only Fools and Horses and I did not know it was a real place. After that we got on like a house on fire and he is a true gentleman, he is loyal, respectful, compassionate and a man who always delivered for the county. Mr Lydon said he would not forget Mr Kilfeathers kindness and support when he arrived in Sligo. A presentation was then made to Tom Kilfeather who went on to thank everyone for their kind remarks. He thanked the councillors for giving him the excuse to put on a suit for the first time in many months of living in tracksuits, shorts and runners. He said he did appreciate the kind words and he always tried to be fair. I want to thank this council and all the councils I have worked with. I leave here a far better individual than when I came in. I came into the Council first on November 5 2001. Hubert Kearns, County Manager called me into his office and gave me three pieces of advice. He said never make a decision that benefits yourself in the job. The second piece of advice he gave me was if something is black that is how it is. The third one was your job is to listen and if something is not black and white try and give the benefit to the individual. That was wise advice. and you have to listen. Palestinians inspect the site of Israeli strikes on houses in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip December 13, 2023. Pic: REUTERS/Fadi Shana As the war on Gaza further escalates members and supporters of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Sligo will hold a vigil outside Sligos General Post Office, on this coming Saturday afternoon (16th December) commencing at 3pm. Speaking to The Sligo Champion spokesperson Aine Daly, said, We now need to express our collective horror at the genocidal war Israel is inflicting on the people of Gaza and to call for the United States and the European Union to end its support for this barbarism. We are witnessing unrelenting horror in Gaza. Palestinians have been bombed, displaced, deprived of food, water, fuel, electricity and health services for almost 10 weeks. The amount of destruction has been compared to that of German cities in World War Two, except its happened in a far shorter time. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The scale of this catastrophe is so great that in a rare move, the United Nations Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter, one of the most powerful tools at his disposal urging the body to help end carnage in the war-battered enclave through a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. The resolution tabled at the UN on Friday last (8th of December), calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire was vetoed by the United States. President Biden and the US administration are now clearly complicit in war crimes by continuing to provide the Israeli regime with massive shipments of armaments and by constantly undermining all efforts to bring about a humanitarian ceasefire. This weekend, ordinary people across Ireland will come out again to show the vast majority of them support a permanent ceasefire. They will show their solidarity with Palestinians who are experiencing unbearable suffering. They will also demand the root causes are not forgotten Israels decades-long military occupation of Palestinian territories and its system of apartheid against Palestinians. We demand justice for the Palestinian people their right to self-determination and to live in freedom, dignity and with equality, she said. Montanas U.S. representatives railed against a proposed federal settlement with Pacific Northwest tribes that could lead to the removal of four dams along the Lower Snake River. U.S. Reps Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale joined fellow Republicans on the House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries to blast the settlement intended to address tribal treaty rights to a viable salmon fishery. The hearing titled Left in the Dark: Examining the Biden Administrations Efforts to Eliminate the Pacific Northwests Clean Energy Production, occurred just days before a court deadline requiring parties in the lawsuit, brought by tribes, to produce a settlement proposal. Pacific Northwest lawmakers opposed to the plan caused a stir earlier this month by publishing a portion of a Lower Snake River settlement proposed by President Joe Biden's administration. The proposal called for removal of the dams to restore salmon fisheries, though not without congressional approval and not before new irrigation and sources of electricity generation were created. The dams produce hydropower available to the regions electric cooperatives, including Western Montana co-ops stretching from Libby to West Yellowstone, which are entitled to energy from Bonneville Power Administration. More than 100,000 Montanans will be affected by an eventual settlement between the federal government and tribes. Zinke, Montana's Western District representative, said too many people affected by the dam removal were left out of the settlement. A Trout Unlimited witness at the hearing explained the groups non-involvement resulted from it not being a party in the lawsuit. Isnt that troubling? The Congress of the United States is not a participant, that we have energy, we have transportation, we have recreation. None of these bodies were in participation. Does it bother you? Zinke said. Because you're an expert? I would figure you know. As a (Navy) SEAL, I can tell you I was never the best jumper, diver, explosive expert, but I always knew who was. In the art of leadership is you find the best people. I would have said on this issue, I can't think of anyone more competent and knowing the ground, the history, the goals, and the consequences than you. So do you find it strange that Trout Unlimited was not at the table? At its foundation, the governments proposed settlement with Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, isn't different in principle from the water settlements reached between the federal government and tribes located in Montana. Treaties are legally binding, a detail not discussed during Tuesdays two-hour subcommittee hearing. Both Zinke and Rosendale have American Indian communities in their districts. Zinke played a role in getting the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact passed through Congress and signed into law. Years later, many Republicans in the Greater Flathead Valley oppose the treaty-based settlement. Each tribe involved in the Pacific Northwest settlement has a treaty right to harvest salmon from the Columbia River basin as a means of preserving their way of life. The parties have until Friday, Dec. 15 to submit an agreement to a federal judge. The settlement documents released earlier this month state that salmon are dwindling to extinction and that Lower Snake River Dams are contributing to the decline. Historically, 16 different stocks of salmon and steelhead spawned above Bonneville Dam, as well as broadly distributed populations of bull trout, lamprey, sturgeon, and other aquatic species. Of the 16 historic salmon and steelhead stocks, four are now extinct, and seven are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, according to a Biden administration document leaked Wednesday. Rosendale called the science on the dams impact on salmon inconclusive. The administration's purported concern for the Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead trout lacks scientific consensus, and their continued refusal to consider contrary, scientific evidence is infuriating and irresponsible, Rosendale said. Their continued usage of the phrase the science is clear reflects their manipulative strategy to try to convince the public to support their disastrous policies, dismissing any scientific evidence that challenges their agenda. Despite strong salmon returns in 2014 and 2022 the administration continues to disregard to the resilience of the species. Trout Unlimited, a group that endorsed former President Donald Trumps appointment of Zinke as secretary of Interior in 2017, a post the Montanan resigned from under scrutiny two years later, disagrees with Rosendales take on the science. The cold-water fisheries conservation group not only supports the removal of the dams, but also says half measures, like barging fish around the dams, or breeding salmon in upstream hatcheries, wont work. The science according to TU indicates that each dam on the Lower Snake River cuts historical production around each location by 13% to 44%. TU witness Lindsay Slater said concerns about declines in available power and energy cost increases due to scarcity, were overstated. I have a hard time with the premise that power rates are going up that much when were talking at most 15% of Bonnevilles hydro off the system, Slater said. School of Sanctuary Awards in The Irish National Opera House on Wednesday morning. Bunclody Vocational College presented with their Champion School of Sanctuary award by the Mayor of Wexford John Hegarty and Bronagh Hogan (Wexford Rose). Bunclody Vocational College (BVC) has been recognised for its work in providing a safe and inclusive space for students arriving in Ireland from war torn countries by being named a Champion School of Sanctuary. At a ceremony in the National Opera House last week, teacher Maire Finn was joined by BVCs School of Sanctuary welcoming committee for an event which championed their work in welcoming new arrivals to the school. As one of just 24 schools in Ireland to receive this accolade, BVC is now officially designated as a School of Sanctuary and will act as a model for other second-level schools hoping to follow in its footsteps. Maire said the idea to become a School of Sanctuary had been born out of a story told by a student who had recently arrived in Ireland from Afghanistan. Last year while teaching our transition year class I realised that, out of the 40 students, we had 14 different nationalities, which is a lot for a relatively small school, she said. We had a boy join us from Afghanistan who told us about his journey to Ireland it was a really difficult story to hear and touched everyone. I think it was because of him that we ended up beginning our School of Sanctuary journey. Committed to creating a culture of welcome, safety, and inclusion, especially for families seeking sanctuary or those who have fled war or danger in their own countries, the entire student body and staff at BVC made a commitment to ensuring that newcomers and anyone who felt marginalised or different could enjoy a sense of safety and belonging in every aspect of school life. It took off, the whole school embraced it really quickly, weve never had a committee with so many students on it," said Maire. It was about celebrating our multiculturalism as much as welcoming new students to the school. Even for students, and teachers, who travel to the school from other counties in Ireland, we wanted to celebrate that too, everyone wants to celebrate their own heritage. In their efforts to become a Champion School of Sanctuary, the students took part in a number of initiatives designed to develop understanding and empathy of the global forces that drive people to become refugees, and to ensure that diversity is recognised and celebrated throughout the school year. Schools that become Champion Schools of Sanctuary are nationally recognised to have reached a standard of excellence in these values. To that end, pupils at the school were invited to pin their native countries on a where we are from map in the school halls. Another wall at the school was decorated with the words hello and welcome in all the languages spoken at the school, while a culture day in January saw students bring cuisines from different countries to the BVC for their classmates to try. During the latter, one of the most popular dishes was a carefully prepared coddle brought in by a pupil whose family are from Dublin. In March of this year the school invited pupils to wear red as part of its anti-racism day. For one student in particular, the Schools of Sanctuary programme has been a passion project. When Emelia Siekierska arrived in BVC four years ago she had very little English and, according to Maire, was virtually mute for the entirety of her first year. However, upon learning about the programme, the Polish native took it upon herself to get involved. When we began working with the Schools of Sanctuary programme it was like watching her develop from a caterpillar to a butterfly, she had been so quiet, almost never spoke, but she completely embraced the campaign, says Maire, it was like it became her mission to ensure that no student would ever have to go through what she did; she blossomed, came out of her shell, her confidence has grown as a result, and she now feels totally part of the school community. At the awards ceremony, Emilia spoke in front of a packed auditorium about her experience of coming to Ireland and said that, despite her nerves, she felt this was something she had to do. "It felt fine to be talking about my experiences, its something Im very passionate about, she said. Im currently part of the welcoming committee for first years, we help students from other countries to interact with everyone at the school. The following week, Emilia, who is now in transition year, attended Maynooth College for a science placement. In a further sign of the schools commitment to the programme, two of its students, Kayla Roche and Evie Bolger, have submitted an entry to the Young Scientist of the Year finals based on their Schools of Sanctuary experience. Their project is a comparison of the wellbeing of international students in schools of sanctuary compared to those who attend schools not involved in the programme. : 1 Believe Cher 2 Goodbye Spice Girls 3 Big Big World Emilia 4 To You I Belong B*witched 5 Heartbeat/Tragedy Steps 6 I Love The Way You Love Me Boyzone 7 Chocolate Salty Balls Chef (Isaac Hayes) 8 Until The Time Is Through Five 9 Up And Down Vengaboys 10 Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) Jay-Z As veteran singing star Cher celebrates the chart success of her first Christmas album this December, we look back 25 years to a decidedly un-Christmassy Irish singles chart when her megahit Believe was wrapping up a six-week run at the top. The lead single from Chers 22nd studio album of the same name, Believe was not only one of 1998s biggest hits, but is one of the best-selling singles of all time. It topped the charts in over 23 countries and sold a staggering 11 million copies worldwide. Famously, Chers vocals on Believe were processed using the pitch-correction software Auto-Tune, though initially to protect their method the producers claimed the effect was achieved using a vocoder. Widely imitated since, it has become known as the Cher Effect. Cher is not officially credited among the six songwriters on Believe but she did have a hand in the lyrics, contributing the lines I need time to move on, I need love to feel strong / Cause Ive had time to think it through and maybe Im too good for you. She said, I was singing [the song] in the bathtub, and it seemed to me the second verse was too whiny. It kind of pissed me off, so I changed it. I toughened it up a bit. In an interview with Jim Farber in The Guardian in October of this year, Cher said she wished she had asked for writing credits on the song. I was so stupid! she added. In reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the US in 1998, Cher set the record for the longest gap between number one singles: 33 years and 7 months between I Got You Babe and Believe hitting the top spot. Believe topped the UK charts for seven weeks. It was Britains biggest selling song of 1998 and won its writers three Ivor Novello awards. Officially, its the 17th best-selling single of all time in the UK, with sales topping 1.8m, and the biggest by a female artist. The single held on to number one in the Irish Top Thirty for six weeks up to Christmas Eve 1998 when it was replaced at the top by The Spice Girls as Goodbye - their first single without the vocals of Gerri Halliwell - claimed the Christmas No. 1 spot. Believe remains one of only two Cher singles to top the Irish singles chart. She also reached number one here with The Shoop Shoop Song (Its In His Kiss) in 1990. Cher, now aged 77, released her first Christmas album in October of this year. It features duets with Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Michael Buble, Stevie Wonder, and Tyga. With it, she is the only solo artist to secure number on a US Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades. Die Hard 2 (1990) BBC1, 10.40p.m. Nothings ever easy for tough cop John McClane (Bruce Willis), is it? Especially not on Christmas Eve A simple trip to the airport to meet his wife turns into a perilous adventure when he finds himself in the midst of struggle with terrorists. Theyre fighting for the release of a notorious drugs baron, but McClanes not just going to lie down and let them get what they want. Hes going to fight them all the way. Its not in the same class as the first film but Die Hard 2 is still a thrilling piece of adventure. Willis plays a character we can all identify with, who gets himself into situations we couldnt even dream of with a remarkable air of skill. But most of all, its just a great bit of fun, with some really exciting actions scenes. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Film4, 9p.m. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger head the cast of this sharp, quotable teen romcom, which draws inspiration from Shakespeares Taming of the Shrew. Stiles stars as Kat, whose reluctance to fit in is a great inconvenience for her popular younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), especially when their overprotective father (a very funny Larry Miller) rules that she cant date until her older sister does. At school, new boy Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) hatches a plan to pair Kat with bad boy Patrick (Ledger) so that he can concentrate on wooing Bianca. Smartly paced and funny, this is just as enjoyable for adults as it is for its intended teenage market. Stiles and Ledger have great chemistry, and the supporting cast also gets a chance to shine look out for Allison Janney as the guidance counsellor. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Point Break (1991) BBC1, 11.30p.m. A gang of robbers, known as the Ex-Presidents, have pulled off a string of daring bank heists and the only clue to their identity is a tan line and a strand of hair that suggests they may be surfers. To test out this theory, cocky new FBI recruit Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) grabs a board and goes undercover. As he becomes increasingly in thrall to both the sport and the gangs charismatic leader Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), will he forget about his day job? Despite the daft premise, the cast largely plays it straight, even when delivering some unlikely sounding dialogue, and Reeves carries off his wetsuit with aplomb. But the movies biggest asset is director Kathryn Bigelow, who turns in some very impressive action scenes, ensuring there are genuine thrills in among the occasionally unintentional laughs SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Saving Private Ryan (1998) Channel 4, 9p.m. Steven Spielbergs thoughtful Second World War tale tells the story of a platoon of American soldiers (led by Tom Hanks) following orders to scour the battlefields of France in search of a missing infantryman, the titular Private Ryan (Matt Damon), who has been granted permission to return home on compassionate grounds. Spielberg is a true modern-day master of film and it came as no surprise when Saving Private Ryan scooped five Oscars in 1999. The opening scenes depicting the Normandy invasion (shot on location in Wexford) are harrowing to say the very least and are among the most realistic ever made. This superb film is capped off by some impressive performances from Hanks, Damon, Tom Sizemore, Ed Burns and Jeremy Davies. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Bridge of Spies (2015) BBC2, 10p.m. Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested in 1950s New York and labelled a Soviet spy. Lawyer James B Donovan (Tom Hanks) is asked to mount a credible defence for the sake of appearances, even though the odds are stacked against a fair trial. Sure enough, Abel is convicted, but then a US pilot, Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell), is shot down over the Soviet Union. Consequently, Donovan travels to Berlin to broker a covert deal to exchange Abel for Powers. Scripted by Matt Charman and the Coen brothers, Bridge of Spies is a slow-burning tale of intrigue and bluff, and director Steven Spielbergs fingerprints are evident on each assured set-piece. Hanks brings his natural warmth and likability to Donovan, but its his Oscar-winning co-star Rylance who lingers longest in the memory. MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Guys and Dolls (1955) BBC2, 1.50p.m. Famed New York gambler Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) sets out to charm Salvation Army temperance crusader Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) to win a bet only to end up taking a genuine shine to her. Meanwhile, the man who made the wager, Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra), has problems of his own as he tries to find a venue for his floating craps game and fob off his fiancee Adelaide (Vivian Blaine), who is keen to finally set a date following a 14-year engagement. Guys and Dolls is one of the all-time great Broadway musicals, and although this film may disappoint die-hard fans of the stage version by changing some of the score, it retains enough brilliant songs to please everyone else. As youd expect, Sinatra does a great job as Nathan, but the real surprise is Brando, who is charismatic and tuneful as Sky no wonder Sarah finds him hard to resist. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 The Shawshank Redemption (1994) BBC1, 10.40p.m. Banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover in Forties America and receives two consecutive life sentences. Winding up in the oppressive Shawshank Prison, he encounters peril every step of the way from both his fellow inmates and the brutal guards. However, after making a few friends, including Red (Morgan Freeman), he comes to adapt to life behind bars and over time starts to change the penitentiary for the better. One of the most acclaimed dramas of all time, the story is both tragic and uplifting. Spanning a period of nearly two decades, the movie charts the change in culture over time, and the way in which it can stand still for those who are cut off from the world. Caption from L-R: Mike O'Reilly, OReilly Business ServicesSpeaker - Siun Hurley, Solicitor, ODonovan, Murphy & Partners Bantry Co Cork, member of Regulation of Practice Committee Speaker - Colette Reid, Head of Education Regulation, Member of Litigation Committee, Law Society of Ireland Katherine Kane, Head of Professional Training, Law Society of Ireland Laurie Grace, Laurie Grace, Solicitor, Grace Solicitors LLP, Kilkenny Siobhan Dunne, Solicitor, President of the Wexford Law Society Principal Dunne Law Solicitor, Wexford Sonya Lanigan, Solicitor, President of the Kilkenny Solicitors Bar Association, Member of the Regulation of Practice Committee and Litigation Committee Speaker - Mags Clark-Smith, MA PGCE BCPT BMCDip Neuro Science Dept UCC Researcher. Almost 170 solicitors from across Wexford and neighbouring counties attended the General Practice Update Kilkenny 2023, a major legal conference which took place at Hotel Kilkenny, in late November. The conference was organised by Law Society Skillnet, in partnership with Wexford Bar Association, Carlow Bar Association, Kilkenny Bar Association and Waterford Law Society. President of the Wexford Law Society, Siobhan Dunne said: We were thrilled to welcome our colleagues for our 2023 conference. Almost 170 local solicitors attended on the day to update their knowledge in areas of law relevant to general practice. The conference offered local solicitors a unique setting away from their busy practices to engage with colleagues and enhance their expertise in a collaborative environment. Together, the Law Society, Kilkenny Bar Association, Carlow Bar Association, Waterford Law Society and Wexford Bar Association are dedicated to advancing the knowledge and professional growth of our legal practitioners in the public interest. Developments in litigation were outlined and debated. Litigation is not merely a process to resolve conflicts; it is the pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of rights. Local solicitors working in litigation in Ireland are committed to enhancing their legal expertise an ever-changing, challenging, yet exciting landscape. The General Practice Update Kilkenny 2023 aims to support local solicitors in preparing for the intricacies of litigation to provide access to justice in our local communities. The event served as an opportunity for attendees to hear updates in probate, which is the legal process involving the distribution of a deceased persons property and other assets in accordance with the terms of their will. It is essential for solicitors to have an enhanced knowledge on the latest developments in practice and procedure, including a critical understanding of the probate process, said Ms Dunne. Local clients can be assured that Wexford solicitors are experts in probate matters and can guide you each step of the way to make the process as stress free as possible. Thanks to the Kilkenny General Practice Update 2023, local solicitors are now up-to-date on major legal practice issues including litigation, probate and consumer law. If you need trusted legal advice, whether on making a will, buying a home, employment, or family matters, talk to your local solicitor, said Ms Dunne. Orlaith Dunne, Raven Gabriel and Charlotte Fortune who starred in the Beauty and the Beast pantomime at St Patricks National School, Vevay Road, Bray. Christ Church COI Services of Worship for this Sunday The Third Sunday of Advent: 11amHoly Communion; 7pm A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, a candlelit service followed by mulled wine and mince pies. No tickets necessaryall are welcome. Parish Life Centre [PLC] Bookings: The Parish Life Centre is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact Tracey in the Parish Office at 01-286 2968. Parish Office: The Parish Office can be contacted at 01- 286 2968 or info@christchurchbray.ie between 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. Connect Online: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray. Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com. Bray Methodist Church Worship this Sunday: 10amSunday Worship with Creche and Sunday School. Bray Presbyterian Church Worship this Sunday: 11.30am Carol Service a traditional service of reading and carols followed by tea and mince pies. Christian Assembly Church Worship this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study. Cornerstone Church at The Well Worship this Sunday: 11am. Bray Gospel Hall Bray Gospel Hall, 27 Florence Road - Sunday Morning 10.45am to 12 Noon: Breaking of Bread (Lords Supper)A Time of Worship, Praise and Remembrance. Holy Redeemer Parish Contact Holy Redeemer Parish: Call (01) 2868413. Website: www.holyredeemerbray.ie; Email: office@holyredeemerbray.ie. Parish Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 11am. If you need to contact us email: office@holyredeemer.ie. Mass Times: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12Noon. To book a Mass, please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses. Christmas Party: This will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at 7pm in the Little Flower Hall for all those who assist and volunteer their time and energy in the Holy Redeemer Parish. Carol Service: This will be held this Sunday at 4pm in Holy Redeemer Church featuring the Gaudete Choir conducted by Pat Carey. All are welcome. Penitential Service: Takes place next Monday at 8pm in St. Annes Church, Shankill, with visiting priests. An Advent Penitential service will take place next Tuesday night at 7.30pm in St. Marys Church, Enniskerry. A Service of Reconciliation will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday 23rd in Holy Redeemer Church, serving all parishes in the partnership. Mass Cards: Mass Cards may be purchased from the Parish Office during its opening hours. Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie. St. Annes Church, Shankill: The Vigil Mass on Saturdays is celebrated at 5pm. All are welcome. St. Peters Parish To Book a Mass: To book a Mass, please contact the Parish Office on 01- 282 9467 or email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com. Parish Office: Parish Office opening hours areMonday: 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 9am to 12.30pm; Friday: 9am to 12.30pm. The parish office can be contacted by calling 01-282 4967 or by email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com. St. Peters Church Mass Times: Sunday: 9.30am (Irish), 11.30am. Holy Days of Obligation: 11.30am. No Weekday Mass. Mass on the First Friday of the Month is celebrated at 10am. Mass Update: Sunday Mass is broadcast on the parish web-site at 9.30am (Irish) and 11.30am (English)Google Chrome required. Penitential Service: Takes place next Monday at 8pm in St. Annes Church, Shankill, with visiting priests. Car Park Hours: These are from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business and at the weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via the laneway for pedestrians. St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home all forms of rubbish with them in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated. St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm. All are welcome. St. Fergals Parish Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7pm Vigil Mass; Sundays: 8am and 10.30am. Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date. Confessions: Are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass. Marriage: All couples must give notice to the priest or Parish Secretary at least three months prior to the date of marriage. Facebook page for the Bray & Enniskerry Pastoral Area: Check out Bray and Enniskerry Pastoral Area for all the news and information of our Pastoral Area. Syro Malabar Catholic Church Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 2.30pm in St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim. Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Website: www.queenofpeace.ie. Church Opening Hours: The Church closes at 4.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Eucharistic Adoration: Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 11am to 10pm on Mondays only in this Church. Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays. Mass Bookings: Anyone who wishes to book a Mass can do so by contacting the Parish Secretary via email at: secretary@queenofpeace.ie, or call 2745497. Parish Centre: To book a meeting room in the Parish Centre please call 01-2760045 or email: villafas1@hotmail.com. St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm in St. Annes Church. All are welcome. Facebook Page: Please visit and like our Facebook page: Bray and Enniskerry Pastoral Area. QOP youth club On Friday twenty-eight members of the Queen of Peace Adventure Youth Club enjoyed a night walk in the Glen of the Downs, and on the previous Friday a pool swim night was organised. Soon the club will be devising the programme for next year, and it is hoped that with a lot more parents/guardians involved a very expanded and challenging schedule of activities will be available. Diving club Congratulations to Karen Kinsella and Angela Quiney. Both joined Bray Divers in late April. Since then they have qualified as One Star Divers, and they have recently finalised full attendance at the Two Star Club Diver lectures. Their diving has been local, at St Johns Point in Donegal, and Lanzarote. Logging of dives for the next certificate has started which will mean diving down to thirty metres deep after dives of lesser depths. To join the club based in Greystones call Albert on 0876756439, and you could be a diver in a few short weeks. Bray Library Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8.30pm. The library can be contacted at 01-2862600 or email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. The library is again involved in Imbolc, the Community Seed Arc programme, where one can get seeds for a variety of plants and after they flower, donate seeds from them for the programme. As always, you can have seeds sent to your local Wicklow Library branch by emailing your branchand requesting up to 4 packets. Knit and Crochet for Purple House Cancer Support takes place at 11am every Monday in the library no need to book. Doodle Time for 9-12 year olds takes place every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. James Scannell will recall Christmas 1957 in Wicklow at 11.30am on Wednesday December 20th in Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town. All are welcomeadmission is free but booking is requiredcontact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place. Ballywaltrim Library Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. Borrowers can renew their books on-line at any time. Tummy-Time for Babies takes place every Monday and Friday from 10.30am to 12pm no booking required. James Scannell will recall Christmas 1957 in Wicklow at 11.30am on Wednesday December 20th in Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town. All are welcomeadmission is free but booking is requiredcontact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place. Bray Cualann Historical Society The Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow does not hold a meeting in December so the next meeting of the Society will take place in the Royal Hotel, Bray, at 8pm on Thursday January 18th 2024 when the AGM will take place and will conclude with a presentation by James Scannell called A Dangerous Place to Worka selection of accidents in and around Bray Railway Station. Members and supporters of the Bray Cualann Historical Society are asked to note that the following events take place in the week ahead tomorrow (Thursday) Kieran Marshall will present Irish Rail Timetabling: Slotting It all Together at 7.30pm to the Irish Railway Record Society in their Dublin Hueston Station premises strictly members and their guests only; Brendan O Se will present Tom Kettle at 8pm to the Kilmacud-Stillorgan Local History Society in St. Raphaelas Primary School Hall, St. Raphaelas Road, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. All are welcome admission is 3 for non-members; Rathmines, Ranelagh & Rathgar Historical Society will hold their annual Members Night Variety of Topics presented by Members and Friends at 8pm in Rathmines Town Hall, Rathmines Road, Dublin 6. Members free / visitors 4Swan Car Park Evening Rate: 3 from 5 p.m. to Midnight; James Scannell will recall Christmas 1957 in Wicklow at 11.30am on Wednesday December 20th in Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town. All are welcomeadmission is free but booking is requiredcontact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place. The attention of members and supporters of the Society is drawn to the latest journal of the Roundwood and District Historical, Folklore & Archaeological Society which includes the following articles From the Chair by Margaret Malone, Witness by Jane Clarke, Rallying for a Roundwood Railway by Cleo Fanning, St. Kevins Bed by Robbie Carter; The Mauser Connection by Agatha Mansfield, Life and Times of a Rural Clergyman by William Bennett, Sir John Gray by Elinor Medlycott Living in Old Roundwood by Theresa Hicks, The Centenary of St. Laurence OTooles National School by Brian Flood. Further information about this journal are available from www.roundwoodhistoricalsociety.ie or email:info@roundwoodhistoricalsociety.ie. Poetry in the Park Poetry in the Park takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month at 12pm on the bandstand in the Peoples Park, Lower Dargle Road, Bray. Listen to or read your favourite poems, hear original poetry performed by local poets or simply chat with other poetry fans in this beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the River Dargle. Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes would prefer dedicated drug units for Wicklow town, Arklow and Baltinglass rather than the current arrangement of a single drug unit based in Bray covering the whole county. The Chief Superintendent was speaking at Decembers Joint Policing Committee meeting held in the Wicklow County Council chamber involving both Wicklow and Wexford divisions. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Erika Doyle said: From speaking to gardai, the only drug unit in County Wicklow is based in Bray. Detection and operations on the ground and in the long-term are how you base these relationships, but its difficult to know how that works if there is only one unit. Bray could do with more and there used to be other drugs units in the county. Are there any plans to reinstate them because they seem badly needed. Chief Superintendent Hughes replied that there was a single drugs unit in Bray which is well resourced and covers the whole county. In Bray, Wicklow, Arklow and Baltinglass we have had successful drug detections but I agree its not enough. My preference is to have a dedicated drug unit in Wicklow, Arklow and Baltinglass/Blessington. It is an area of massive concern and we will re-establish new units in the years ahead. Bray is very busy at the moment and is covering the whole county. Cllr Gerry ONeill wasnt a fan of the merging of the Wicklow and Wexford Garda Divisions and felt Blessington was missing out. Wexford is a long way from west Wicklow, and in my opinion it would have made more sense to merge with east Kildare or the Naas area. The garda manpower in Blessington is stretched to the limit. They do a mighty job but are down by 30 per cent over the past three years. We are on the perimeter of Dublin and there is plenty of activity in the area. Chief Superintendent Hughes said: The configuration is set and agreed in Government policy. I share the concerns about Blessington. We have a new Superintendent starting in Baltinglass next week, who is also responsible for Blessington. Its an area I have concerns about and which I have had correspondence from members of this committee about it. Crime figures were also provided at the meeting for the year so far, and were compared to 2019 stats, the last year uninterrupted by Covid. Burglaries in Wicklow are down 66 per cent, from 670 burglaries in 2019 to 200 so far this year. Over that same period burglaries in County Wexford halved. Assaults in Wicklow have also fallen, from 416 in 2019 to 321 up to November. Fatal collisions in Wicklow have risen considerably this year, with the majority involving motorbikes. A supply of high-viz vests will be supplied to motorcyclists and a social media awareness campaign will start soon. Wicklow is the playground to Dublin and unfortunately some people are coming to play and arent returning home, added Chief Superintendent Hughes. Speaking after the meeting Cllr Paul OBrien said he would welcome the reintroduction of a drugs unit for Wicklow town. The dedicated drugs unit for Wicklow town had a good success rate and I think it sends out the wrong message to those involved in the illicit drug trade to disband the unit and centralise it in Bray. I would very much be in favour of reinstating the dedicated drug unit for Wicklow town. The festive season is well and truly underway in Kiltegan with the annual Christmas tractor run attracting 215 tractors, lorries, trucks, cars and bikes. There was plenty of excitement during the build-up, with a large crowd gathered for the procession, with most of the vehicles taking part decked out in brightly flashing Christmas lights and different festive attire. The number of entries continues to grow year on year, with the events main sponsor, Laois Hire, providing barriers, cones, light towers, toilets and a generator. The Hangry for Hotdogs crew were present to ensure no one went hungry. Thanks were also passed onto Ciaran Fitzgerald, who lit up the green and kept everyone in a joyous mood with his selection of Christmas tunes. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The three charities benefitting from the tractor run were the Baltinglass Hospital Patient Comfort Fund, Kiltegan community fund and Macras mental health initiative Make the Moove. The Talk of the Town hosted a Christmas party following the tractor run, featuring music with Sean Doyle, while Eoin Coogan took on the role of DJ for the night. The Christmas Tractor Run committee said: We want to sincerely thank every volunteer involved, including stewards, sandwich makers, tea servers, cake bakers, set up crew and take down crews, elves, bucket collectors and all our registration crew and everyone in between. "You all worked so hard and kept everyone safe and sound. A huge thank you one and all. Boots Pharmacy in Wicklow town opened on Sunday last weekend and will remain open for the next two Sundays leading up to Christmas, after representations were made by Fine Gael's new Local Area Representative for Wicklow Graham Richmond. Prior to Sunday just passed, no pharmacy in Wicklow town opened on a Sunday since October of last year. Graham, a teacher at East Glendalough School, spoke to residents who were concerned over the lack of local pharmacy opening hours on Sundays and also discussed the matter with the new Managing Director of Boots Ireland. Following a number of representations from concerned local residents, I am delighted to confirm that Boots will open its doors for business over the course of the next three Sundays leading up to Christmas. It started this Sunday and continues for the next two Sundays before Christmas. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details "Serious concerns were raised with me that there is no chemist open in Wicklow in a Sunday. I was delighted therefore to work with the new Managing Director of Boots Ireland as well as the Minister for Retail to confirm that Boots will be open in Wicklow for the three Sundays leading up to Christmas, said Graham. It's also understood that Boots will look to consider Sunday opening hours into the New Year. The next stage of this campaign will be to ensure that this is a permanent move, added Graham. It has been confirmed to me by Boots that they do indeed hope to stay open on Sundays going forward. This will require some additional work in relation to staffing and promotion but I am hopeful this can be confirmed in the New Year. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has triggered a contest to replace him (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced he is standing down as Labour leader, triggering the contest to find his successor. The 69-year-old Labour politician, who has been Wales leader since December 2018, said he hoped his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024. Cop28: Historic climate agreement reached on transitioning away from fossil fuels Climate Minister Eamon Ryan had yesterday said Ireland could walk away from the talks if the agreement from the conference in Dubai was not sufficient. He said todays deal was not perfect but historic while critics labelled it catastrophic Standing ovation as the global stocktake text is adopted at Cop28 in Dubai Caroline O'Doherty at Cop28 in Dubai Wed 13 Dec 2023 at 10:10 A new agreement has been reached at the Cop28 climate summit which asks countries for the first time to 'transition away' from fossil fuels. Small businesses in Montana and throughout the country will soon need to comply with a new federal reporting law or potentially face steep consequences, including fines of up to $500 daily or even jail time. In January 2021, the United State Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), with a goal of detecting and reducing money laundering, fraud, and other misconduct through shell companies. As part of the legislation, almost all entities are required to file a report with details about their owners and the individuals who register the entity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The goal of the reporting requirement is to create a transparent and accessible record that reveals the individuals or entities that have ultimate ownership or control over each company. According to FinCEN, the CTA reporting rules will impact more the 32 million entities in place by the end of this year and roughly 5 million entities formed per year in 2024 and beyond. Does my business have to file a report? Each corporation, limited liability company, or other entity established by registering with the Montana Secretary of State or a comparable office in another state or Indian tribe must file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) unless it meets an exemption. A mere fraction of Montana businesses will qualify for an exemption. The FinCEN FAQs page (fincen.gov/boi-faqs#C_2) outlines a comprehensive list of the 23 types of entities eligible for an exemption. Unregistered companies, for example, sole proprietorships and some general partnerships, do not have to file a BOIR. What information needs to be reported? Under the CTA, reporting companies are required to provide detailed information about the company, its beneficial owners, and the company applicant. The regulations provide specific definitions for each term. Company information As part of the BOIR, each company must report its registered name, any alternate business names, the street address of its principal place of business, tax identification number, and jurisdiction of formation. Beneficial owners Each entity must report its beneficial owners, which includes anyone who exercises either direct or indirect control over a company or who has at least a 25% ownership interest in the business. As the regulations broadly define beneficial owners, essentially, anyone who serves as a senior officer, has the authority to appoint board members, or has substantial influence over the company must be included in the BOIR. Company Applicant If the entity is registered after Jan. 1, 2024, information about the individual who files the BOIR with FinCEN or directs the filing, known as the company applicant, must be included in the report. The information for the company applicant is not required for businesses formed before 2024. For each beneficial owner and company applicant, the company must report the persons full legal name, date of birth, current address, and identification number along with an image of the supporting document. BOIR deadline and penalties The CTA mandates entities adhere to specific deadlines for filing their reports. For companies registered prior to Jan. 1, 2024, the BOIR must be filed by Jan. 1, 2025. All companies registered on Jan. 1, 2024, and beyond, must file the initial report within 90 days of registration. Proposed rules issued by FinCEN on Sept. 28, 2023, extended the deadline from 30 to 90 days. Beneficial owners of a company who fail to comply with the reporting requirements or deliberately provide misleading information on a BOIR can face penalties of $500 per day for each violation, a fine up to $10,000, and jail time up to two years. Future reporting, updates, and corrections In addition to submitting the initial BOIR, businesses must update their report with any changes to the business or beneficial owners or if it becomes aware of any inaccuracies in a previously filed report. Changes and corrections must be filed within 30 days. Unlike the Montana Secretary of State which requires annual reporting to maintain good standing, the BOIR does not have to be filed each year unless a change occurs. The teacher's colleagues walked out over the row. Photo: Getty Frances education minister has said he will never accept school pupils refusing to look at art amid a row over a teacher showing her pupils a painting of nude women. Gabriel Attal, minister for national education and youth, told parliament that the role of the French school is to train republicans following the incident at a school near Paris. The Irish divorce: Why the arrangement of celebrity couples like Jada Pinkett and Will Smith is not unusual to us A four-year-old with a terminal brain tumour who was filmed performing air guitar to Bohemian Rhapsody on his way to radiotherapy treatment has been left spellbound by a message of support he received in response from Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. Billy Thompson, who was diagnosed with inoperable, terminal diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in October this year, was sent a video by Sir Brian congratulating him on his bravery after he was filmed performing air guitar to the song on his way to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London from his home in Great Bookham, Surrey, three weeks ago. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Photo: The Office of the President Astana: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a landmark decree earlier this month regarding measures to increase the efficiency of attracting investment into Kazakhstans economy and accelerating economic growth, reported The Astana Times quoting the Press Office of the President. The decree outlines a comprehensive plan to empower the Investment Promotion Council (Investment Headquarters) with unprecedented authority. As stipulated in the decree, the Investment Promotion Council will have the power to make binding decisions on both central and local government bodies and entities in the quasi-public sector. Additionally, the Council is empowered to develop temporary regulatory legal acts with the force of law, supplementing the governments efforts to create a conducive environment for investment. According to Kazinform, this decree is a continuation of President Tokayevs economic policy, as outlined in his state-of-the-nation address in September. This policy focuses on economic reforms, diversification, transparent tax policies, and equitable management practices. Tokayev has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic ties globally, the paper reported. He often engages in meetings with investors, both domestic and foreign, particularly during official visits abroad. A recent example of such diplomatic engagement occurred during the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There, Tokayev met with UAE Minister of Investment, Mohammed Al-Suwaidi. During their discussion, they explored potential collaboration on joint projects between UAEs Presight AI Holding and Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, as well as strategic agreements involving QazaqGaz and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy focusing on artificial intelligence. Overall, Kazakhstan signed 20 agreements with foreign companies worth $4.85 billion in green energy, infrastructure, and digitization on the sidelines of COP28. The enhancement of the investment policy reflects a key component of Tokayevs broader economic strategy. Andrey Chebotarev, author of the Finance.kz Telegram channel, praised the Presidents initiative. With the need to modernize the energy system, pursue ambitious industrialization plans, and maintain strict monetary policy, Kazakhstan urgently requires these investments, he said. The strengthened powers of the Investment Headquarters come as part of a broader strategy to enhance the investment climate in Kazakhstan. Recent amendments to the Tax Code and corresponding changes to the Government Decree on State Support for Investments have already provided investors with increased flexibility in choosing investment directions and fostering active participation in various sectors of the economy. The Investment Headquarters has been granted the authority to propose disciplinary actions, including the dismissal of heads of government bodies and quasi-public sector entities for non-compliance with its decisions. This enhanced oversight is intended to ensure strict investment initiative adherence and bolster investor confidence. Astana is the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan. Photo courtesy: Chebotyrev emphasized the need for appropriate legislative amendments, stating, Investments come when investors have firm confidence in the successful completion of all plans and projects. Investments always mean new jobs, new knowledge, and new technologies. These are new opportunities for the citizens of the country. According to the World Investment Report 2023, published by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, Kazakhstan saw an 83% increase in net foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, reaching $6.1 billion, despite a sharp decrease in global investment flows in 2022. Kazakhstan is leading in attracting FDI among post-Soviet Central Asian countries, securing a 61% share. Chebotyrev points to data from the National Bank, illustrating a steady FDI influx into the Kazakh economy. Specifically, in 2021, the figure reached $23.8 billion, surpassing $28 billion in 2022 and registering $13.3 billion for the first half of 2023. According to the expert, these investments are predominantly directed towards extracting raw materials. Breaking down the numbers for 2022, the oil and gas sector secured the lions share, attracting $9.6 billion in investments. Metallurgy followed with just over $4 billion, while the electricity sector received $635.6 million, and the food and beverage production sector obtained a more modest sum of $177.9 million, he wrote. In this regard, the Presidents decree aims to redirect investment into key sectors, particularly manufacturing, to ensure the sustainable development of the economy. The measures outlined in the decree are expected to streamline decision-making processes, promote accountability, and create a more favorable investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors. -- Representational image (Courtesy: landrover.in) Mumbai: Jaguar Land Rover on Wednesday opened the wait list for its highly anticipated Range Rover Electric, ahead of formal orders opening to clients. The Range Rover Electric will be designed, engineered and built in the United Kingdom; with its physical prototype testing phase underway and the engineers are on a target to create the quietest and the most refined Range Rover ever created, a press release said. With more patents filed for New Range Rover Electric than any other Range Rover before, prototypes are now being subjected to one of the most rigorous engineering sign-off programmes ever to confirm capabilities spanning extreme temperatures, all conditions and terrains and of course wading through up to 850 mm deep water. According to the release, 800 V architecture will enable rapid charging on public networks. Range Rover will offer future clients a seamless electric ownership experience effortless charging, energy partnerships, software-over-the-air updates and intelligent technology to maximise range Range Rover Electric will deliver performance comparable to a flagship Range Rover V8 and the all-terrain capability developed in-house by Land Rover experts that has been a hallmark since Range Rovers inception in 1970. The new launch will be built on the flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture in Solihull, United Kingdom, alongside the existing mild and extended-range plug-in electric hybrid Range Rover vehicles, as a new 70m underbody facility opens at the plant. Batteries and electric drive units (EDUs) will be assembled at JLRs new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Managing Director Geraldine Ingham said, Since going on sale in 2021 the latest generation Range Rover has set a new benchmark for desirability. Across the globe, were seeing the highest levels of client demand in our 53-year history. Because of this unprecedented success story, were now opening the official wait list for the opportunity to be among the first to place a pre-order for the most anticipated Range Rover of recent times. Marking a new era for the Range Rover brand: the original luxury SUV is now available as an all-electric model. The first physical vehicles have been built, after a year of virtual development spanning front-end robustness, multi-body systems analysis that considers the demand on the chassis, and virtual wading up to 50 km/h. Global on-road testing has started, from Sweden to Dubai, in temperatures ranging from -40 C to +50 C. The global physical testing programme has been adapted for Range Rovers first fully electric vehicle to ensure the robustness of the electric drive system, including its underfloor, battery durability, chassis integrity and vehicle dynamics tests for thermal derating. Photo Courtesy: COP28/Christopher Pike Nations at COP28 in Dubai approved earlier on Wednesday a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels a first for a UN climate conference but the deal still stopped short of a long-demanded call for a phaseout of oil, coal and gas. Reacting to the adoption of the outcome document, UN chief Antonio Guterres said that mention of the worlds leading contributor to climate change comes after many years in which the discussion of this issue was blocked. He stressed that the era of fossil fuels must end with justice and equity. To those who opposed a clear reference to a phaseout of fossil fuels in the COP28 text, I want to say that a fossil fuel phase out is inevitable whether they like it or not. Lets hope it doesnt come too late, he added. The latest edition of the annual UN climate conference has been running in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, since 30 November. COP28 had been scheduled to close on Tuesday, but intense overnight negotiations over whether the outcome would include a call to phasedown or phaseout planet heating fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal the main sticking point which pit activists, and climate-vulnerable countries against some larger nations forced the conference into overtime. The science is clear In his statement, Guterres said the science is clear in that limiting global heating to 1.5C, one of the keystone targets set in the landmark 2015 the Paris Agreement, will be impossible without the phase out of all fossil fuels, and this is being recognized by a growing and diverse coalition of countries. The negotiators at COP28 also agreed on commitments to triple renewables capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 and made progress in relation to adaptation and finance. Other progress was also made in relation to adaptation and finance, including including the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, even though financial commitments are very limited, according to the Secretary-General. But the UN chief stressed that much more is needed to deliver climate justice to those on the frontlines of the crisis. Many vulnerable countries are drowning in debt and at risk of drowning in rising seas. It is time for a surge in finance, including for adaptation, loss and damage and reform of the international financial architecture. He said the world cannot afford delays, indecision, or half measures and insisted that multilateralism remains humanitys best hope. It is essential to come together around real, practical and meaningful climate solutions that match the scale of the climate crisis. A lifeline, not a finish line UN climate chief Simon Stiell said, genuine strides forward were made at COP28, but the initiatives announced in Dubai are a climate action lifeline, not a finish line. Stiel said the Global Stocktake which aims to help nations align their national climate plans with the Paris Agreement had clearly revealed that progress is not fast enough, but it is undeniably gathering pace. Still, the current trajectory is just under three degrees of global warming equating mass human suffering, according to the climate chief, which is why COP28 needed to move the needle further. Speaking to reporters outside the main hall, the Mr. Stiell said COP28 needed to signal a hard stop to humanitys core climate problem fossil fuels and their planet burning pollution. While we didn't fully turn the page on the fossil fuel here in Dubai, this is clearly the beginning of the end. This agreement is an ambitious floor, not a ceiling. So, the crucial years ahead must keep ramping up ambition and climate action. Here are some of the other highlights from COP28 and a snapshot of what happens next: What else happened at COP28? The loss and damage fund designed to support climate-vulnerable developing countries was brought to life on the first day of the COP. Countries have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars so far for the fund; Commitments of worth $3.5 billion to replenish the resources of the Green Climate Fund; New announcements totaling over $150 million for the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDC) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) An increase of $9 billion annually by the World Bank to finance climate-related projects (2024 and 2025); Nearly 120 countries backed COP28 UAE Climate and Health Declaration to accelerate actions to protect peoples health from growing climate impacts; Over 130 countries have signed up to COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, and Climate to support food security while combatting climate change; Global Cooling Pledge has been endorsed by 66 countries to reduce cooling related emissions by 68% from today. What's next? The next round of national climate action plans or Nationally Determined Contributions is due in 2025, when countries are expected to have seriously boosted their actions and commitments. Azerbaijan was announced as the official host COP29 from November 11 to 22 next year after receiving the backing of Eastern European states following the withdrawal by Armenia of its own bid. Brazil has offered to host COP30 in the Amazon in 2025. Mixed reactions Despite multiple rounds of applause inside the plenary, not all delegations were pleased with the outcome of the climate talks. Civil society representatives and climate activists, as well as delegations from small island developing countries were visibly unhappy with the outcome. Anne Rasmussen, the Samoan representative and lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), lamented that they cannot afford to return to their islands with the message that this process has failed us. Underlining the importance of the Global Stocktake process, she said, this first GST is of particular significance. It is the only GST that matters for ensuring that we can still limit global warming to 1.5C. Rasmussen bemoaned the lack of course correction and expressed disappointment over incremental advancement over business as usual, when what we really needed was an exponential step-change in our actions and support. Just after the release of the final document, Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International told UN News: After decades of evasion, COP28 finally cast a glaring spotlight on the real culprits of the climate crisis: fossil fuels. A long-overdue direction to move away from coal, oil, and gas has been set. But the resolution is marred by loopholes that offer the fossil fuel industry numerous escape routes, relying on unproven, unsafe technologies. Singh also pointed to what he saw as hypocrisy of wealthy nations as they continue to expand fossil fuel operations massively while merely paying lip service to the green transition. Developing countries still dependent on fossil fuels are, he said, left without robust guarantees for adequate financial support in their urgent and equitable transition to renewable energy. While this COP recognized the immense financial shortfall in tackling climate impacts, the final outcomes fall disappointingly short of compelling wealthy nations to fulfill their financial responsibilities, he added. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/UNI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among those who paid tributes on Wednesday to the brave security personnel martyred in a terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP National President J P Nadda, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and other leaders also gathered at Parliament to pay tributes. On December 13, 2001, terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex, killing nine people. All five terrorists were gunned down by the security forces. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu said the nation will forever be indebted to the brave security personnel and asked all to reiterate the pledge to wipe out terrorism. "On this day, 22 years ago, the nefarious plan of terrorists to eliminate the top line of political leadership in the country and damage our Temple of Democracy was foiled by the brave security personnel, including the nine who laid down their lives for the motherland," Murmu said in a post on 'X'. The nation will forever remain in their debt, she said. "Their sacrifice will not be allowed to go in vain as we reiterate today our pledge to wipe out terrorism, a threat to humankind everywhere, in all its forms and manifestations," the President said. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/IBNS: Six people were involved in the planning and execution of a major security breach in Parliament on Wednesday of which five have been arrested by the police, media reports said. Two individuals named Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan deployed yellow smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha, and two others - Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde - burst red and yellow canisters outside the Parliament. The fifth has been named as Lalit Jha, at whose Gurgaon home the other five stayed. The sixth is Vicky Sharma, also from Gurgaon, and he has also been arrested. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, who were seated in the Lok Sabha's visitors' gallery before launching this shocking disruption, were given entrance passes requested by BJP MP Pratap Sinha's office. The incident happened when Zero Hour of the House was in progress. The individuals involved reportedly pulled out the canisters from their shoes. They moved from desk to desk and it seemed they were trying to head towards the Well of the House. Two persons have been nabbed which trooped from the visitors gallery in the Lok Sabha today. Two others have also been arrested from outside. The matter has been sent to Delhi Police for further investigation. Preliminary enquiry suggest that the gas emitted from canister used pic.twitter.com/zgdv5HpUZY All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 13, 2023 Members present inside the House told reporters as quoted by The Indian Express later that they (the protesters) were chanting slogans such as tana shahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be accepted). Meanwhile, Neelam and 25-year-old Amol Shinde, were detained by local police outside New Delhis Transport Bhavan, where they were protesting with yellow smoke. The proceedings in the lower house were adjourned soon after the incident till 2 PM. It may be mentioned that the incident happened on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack in Parliament in 2001. Forensic teams collected samples of evidence for further probe into the security breach incident on Wednesday. Interrogation of the four persons was underway to ascertain their motive behind the protest and why they chose to hold it in and outside parliament. According to sources, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Crime branch, and Central probe agencies are investigating the matter. Replying to the queries of media persons, an NDRF official said "Our technical team is working on this issue and investigating the exact nature of the yellow smoke. After the scare, security protocols were revamped, including allotting separate entrances to MPs, staff members, and the press. Visitors, when allowed back, will enter from a fourth gate. The issue of visitor passes has been suspended. In addition, the visitors' gallery will now be encased in glass to stop people from jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber. Body scan machines, similar to those in airports, will be installed in Parliament. Reacting to the parliament security breach issue, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the security breach that took place in Parliament is a very serious matter. "We demand that the Home Minister Amit Shah should come to both the Houses and give a statement on this," Kharge said. "The security breach that took place in Parliament today is a very serious matter. We demand that the Home Minister should come to both the Houses and give a statement on this. The question is, how did two people come inside such a big security department and release gas from a canister there?" Kharge wrote on X security breach Statement security Cannister ? 22 pic.twitter.com/owFkXG90CV Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 13, 2023 "Today itself, on Martyr's Day, we paid tribute to the brave security personnel who attacked the Parliament 22 years ago. We hope that the government will take this very seriously and we demand a thorough investigation into the entire incident," he wrote. Demanding an urgent investigation into the security breach in Parliament, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the security of the temple of democracy cannot be compromised. "Today's breach in Parliament, on the solemn anniversary of 2001 attack, is an affront to our democratic values. The security of our temple of democracy cannot be compromised. An urgent investigation is vital to uncover who the attackers were, how they get in, what were their motive. Action must be swift and strict," Kejriwal said. Photo courtesy: UNI Lucknow/IBNS/UNI: One of the two accused in Wednesday's Lok Sabha security breach case has been identified as Sagar Sharma, who is a resident of Ramnagar locality in the Alambagh area of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, police said. Sharma and the other accused Monoranjan caused panic and chaos as they jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber when proceedings were on around 1-30 pm. Both have been arrested. A police source said Sharma's family members have revealed that he was an e-rickshaw driver in Lucknow. "His sister has revealed that he was working as an e-rickshaw driver for the last three months. She revealed that before that he lived and worked in Bengaluru," the source said. Sharma's sister said Sagar had left for Delhi a few days ago to take part in a demonstration. "Sagar has been living in a rented house with his father, mother, and sister for the last 15 years," the source added. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, who were seated in the Lok Sabha's visitors' gallery before launching this shocking disruption, were given entrance passes requested by BJP MP Pratap Sinha's office. The incident happened when Zero Hour of the House was in progress. The individuals involved reportedly pulled out the canisters from their shoes. They moved from desk to desk and it seemed they were trying to head towards the Well of the House. According to sources, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Crime branch, and Central probe agencies are investigating the matter. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/IBNS: The Union Home Ministry has formed a panel to probe into the shocking Parliament security breach that happened on Wednesday when the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were on. The incident coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament. "An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts," a Home Ministry spokesperson said in a post on X. On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts. (1/2)@HMOIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) December 13, 2023 The spokesperson said that the enquiry has been launched on request from Lok Sabha Secretariat. "Enquiry Committee will investigate the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses, and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest," the official spokesperson said. Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest. (2/2) Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) December 13, 2023 In a shocking incident that triggered panic and chaos in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, two men carrying smoke canisters jumped into the chamber of the Lower House from the visitors' gallery. Both the intruders were immediately apprehended and taken into police custody. Six people were involved in the planning and execution of a major security breach in Parliament on Wednesday, media reports said. Two individuals named Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan deployed yellow smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha, and two others - Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde - burst red and yellow canisters outside the Parliament. The fifth has been named as Lalit Jha, at whose Gurgaon home the other five stayed. The sixth is Vicky Sharma, also from Gurgaon, and he has also been arrested. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, who were seated in the Lok Sabha's visitors' gallery before launching this shocking disruption, were given entrance passes requested by BJP MP Pratap Sinha's office. The incident happened when Zero Hour of the House was in progress. The individuals involved reportedly pulled out the canisters from their shoes. They moved from desk to desk and it seemed they were trying to head towards the Well of the House. Two persons have been nabbed which trooped from the visitors gallery in the Lok Sabha today. Two others have also been arrested from outside. The matter has been sent to Delhi Police for further investigation. Preliminary enquiry suggest that the gas emitted from canister used pic.twitter.com/zgdv5HpUZY All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 13, 2023 Members present inside the House told reporters as quoted by The Indian Express later that they (the protesters) were chanting slogans such as tana shahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be accepted). Meanwhile, Neelam and 25-year-old Amol Shinde, were detained by local police outside New Delhis Transport Bhavan, where they were protesting with yellow smoke. The proceedings in the lower house were adjourned soon after the incident till 2 PM. It may be mentioned that the incident happened on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack in Parliament in 2001. Forensic teams collected samples of evidence for further probe into the security breach incident on Wednesday. Interrogation of the four persons was underway to ascertain their motive behind the protest and why they chose to hold it in and outside parliament. According to sources, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Crime branch, and Central probe agencies are investigating the matter. Replying to the queries of media persons, an NDRF official said "Our technical team is working on this issue and investigating the exact nature of the yellow smoke. After the scare, security protocols were revamped, including allotting separate entrances to MPs, staff members, and the press. Visitors, when allowed back, will enter from a fourth gate. The issue of visitor passes has been suspended. In addition, the visitors' gallery will now be encased in glass to stop people from jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber. Body scan machines, similar to those in airports, will be installed in Parliament. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons Kolkata/IBNS/UNI: The West Bengal Government on Wednesday moved to a double bench of Calcutta High Court challenging its single bench order asking the Kolkata Police to refrain from any action against some opposition BJP legislators till January 17 for allegedly disrespecting the National Anthem in the state Assembly. The single bench judge, Justice Jay Sengupta on December 7 had stayed any probe till January 17 next year into the alleged disrespect shown to the National Anthem by eight BJP MLAs. The state government, however, on Wednesday, moved the double bench headed by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya challenging the order. Ruling Trinamool Congress legislators alleged the opposition BJP MLAs had disrespected the National Anthem while singing the same on the floor of the house. The FIR was filed after the TMC charged the BJP legislators with shouting anti-state government slogans and not standing up while the anthem was being sung as both the ruling and opposition MLAs were holding sit-in protests on different issues on November 29 in the Assembly. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from trailer Kolkata/IBNS: Israeli film 'Children of Nobody' has bagged the best film award at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which ended on Tuesday. The film, which is directed by Erez Tadmor, received Rs. 51 lakh along with the award for the win in 'Innovation in Moving Images' category. 'Children of Nobody' is a story about distressed boys who are living in the fringes of Israel who were either expelled from or fled their homes. A house in a Tel Aviv neighbourhood gives them shelter and hope for new life. Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS In the same category, Carlos Daniel Malave was awarded the best director's award for Venezuela film 'One Way'. Actor-director Anjan Dutt's 'Chalchitra Ekhon', which was based on Dutt's experience with filmmaking legend Mrinal Sen, won the special jury award for International Competition on 'Innovation in Moving Images'. Over the span of eight days, around 240 films were screened across 23 venues in this edition of KIFF, which was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with Bollywood top stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi Sinha on December 5. The closing ceremony, which was held at Rabindra Sadan on Tuesday, was graced by Indian actress Aditi Rao Hydari. Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS Speaking at the closing ceremony, Aditi says, "It's a real honour to be here today at the closing ceremony of Kolkata International Film Festival. This is the land that has celebrated art, artistry, artistes, cinema for decades. "I am one of those people who looked up to the cinema and artists and artistry here. It's almost surreal for me to be here today." Other winners Best Indian Documentary Film: Challenge (Director: Ramen Borah and Sibanu Borah) Best Indian Short Film: Last Rehearsal (Director: Kamil Saif) NETPAC Award for Best Film: Broken Dream Stories from the Myanmar Coup (Country: Myanmar; Director: Ninefold Mosaic) Special Jury Award for Best Bengali Panorama Film: Asampurno (Director: Amartya Sinha) Best Bengali Panorama Film: Mon Potongo (Director: Rajdeep Paul and Sarmistha Maiti) Special Jury Award for Indian Language Films: Josephs Son (Director: Haobam Paban Kumar) Best Director in Indian Language Films: Shonet Anthony Barretto (Film: Avni Ki Kismat) Best Film in Indian Language: Gorai Phakhri (Director: Rajni Basumatary) An injured Palestinian child is rushed to Al Shifa hospital in Gaza. Photo Courtesy: WHO The last barely functioning hospital in northern Gaza is a humanitarian disaster zone, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday (December 12, 2023), highlighting the disastrous consequences of ongoing Israeli bombardment for critically ill and injured civilians across the enclave. Briefing reporters from Gaza, Richard Peeperkorn, WHOs representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described corridors overflowing with trauma patients at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where doctors treat people on the floor and fuel, oxygen, food and water are scarce. In just 66 days of fighting, the Strip has been transformed from a reasonably functioning health system producing health indicators on par with neighbouring countries to a situation where more than two-thirds of its 36 hospitals and over 70 per cent of primary health care facilities are out of commission, Peeperkorn said. Meanwhile, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that the Kamal Adwan Hospital also in the north - was being forcefully evacuated on Tuesday morning, according to Gazas health authorities. Some 68 patients including 18 in intensive care and six newborns are reportedly at the site, alongside thousands of displaced people seeking safety. The hospital has been surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks for days, with armed clashes reported nearby, UN humanitarian affairs coordination office OCHA said. On Monday (December 11, 2023), the hospitals maternity department was reportedly hit during shelling and two mothers were killed. Mission fraught with serious incidents Amid sky-high humanitarian needs in Gazas devastated north, Al-Ahli Hospital is severely short-staffed, Peeperkorn said, with over 200 patients but only enough resources to support 40. Unable to perform vascular operations, staff are carrying out limb amputations as the last resort to save lives. Last Saturday a WHO-led UN and Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) convoy encountered serious incidents during a mission to deliver trauma and surgical supplies for 1,500 patients to the hospital and transfer 19 critical patients and their companions to Nasser Medical Complex in south Gaza, the UN health agency said. Detention at gunpoint Peeperkorn described the numerous obstacles faced by this mission, including inspections at the Israeli military checkpoint at Wadi Gaza on the way north, where two PRCS staff were detained for over an hour. According to a statement released by the UN health agency on Tuesday, WHO staff saw one of them being made to kneel at gunpoint and then taken out of sight, where he was reportedly harassed, beaten, stripped and searched. The WHO medic stressed that nobody can be detained when they are part of a medical mission and emphasized the fact that such vital humanitarian missions cannot afford any delays. Peeperkorn said that arriving in north Gaza, which now looks like a wasteland, the humanitarians saw many people in the street surprised at the sight of the convoy, as there had been very little aid access to the north of the enclave for months now. Deadly delays Upon entering Gaza City the aid truck with the medical supplies and one of the ambulances which were part of the convoy were hit by bullets, WHO said, and on the way back towards southern Gaza, with the patients from Al-Ahli Hospital on board, the convoy was again stopped at the same checkpoint, where PRCS staff and most of the patients had to leave the ambulances for security checks. Critical patients remaining in the ambulances were searched by armed soldiers, and one of the same two PRCS staff temporarily detained earlier on the way in was taken for interrogation a second time. Significant delays ensued and PRCS reported afterwards that during the transfer process, one of the injured patients died, as a result of his untreated wounds, WHO said. After his release later that night after joint UN efforts the PRCS staff member said that he had been beaten and humiliated, then left to walk towards the south with his hands still tied behind his back, and without clothes or shoes. Health system must be protected WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed on social platform X on Tuesday his concern about prolonged checks and detention of health workers that put lives of already fragile patients at risk. The people of Gaza have the right to access health care, he insisted. The health system must be protected. Even in war. Disease on the rise The scale of displacement in the Strip, where some 1.9 million people, the vast majority of Gazas population, have been forced to flee their homes, and conditions in overcrowded shelters including the lack of proper sanitation, have led to a massive increase in diseases, Peeperkorn said. There were already some 60,000 cases of diarrhoea in children under five and more than 160,000 cases of acute respiratory infections. Scabies, skin rashes, chicken pox and even meningitis are on the rise, alongside severe trauma and spinal injuries. Meanwhile, health workers lack basic essentials and are completely preoccupied by the safety of their families. The UN health agency official stressed that it was imperative to make the primary healthcare system functional again and bring back maternal and child health, obstetric care, treatment for non-communicable diseases, oncology and mental health support among others. More hospital beds in Rafah In the south, which Peeperkorn called the backbone of Gazas health system, on Monday the Palestine Red Crescent Society began preparations for establishing a field hospital in collaboration with the Qatari Red Crescent Society, in Rafah governorate. WHO said that the hospital is set to have 50 beds, including an operating room, intensive care unit, reception and radiology. The UN health agency stressed the importance of adding hospital capacity in the enclave. According to Gazas health authorities only one per cent of Palestinians injured in hostilities, or some 400 people, have so far been evacuated outside of Gaza for hospitalization through the Rafah border crossing. Close to 50,000 people have been injured in Gaza since 7 October and some 8,000 of them require urgent and immediate medical intervention, WHO said. In image damaged structures in Gaza strip/ courtesy: UNI Jerusalem/IBNS: Israel Wednesday declared its determination to continue its Gaza war "with or without international support after it came under mounting pressure even from its key supporter United States. Now in its third month, the war was launched in response to the unprecedented attacks on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 that Israeli officials say left 1,200 people killed. The war has turned Gaza into ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women, and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry. It has also caused "unparallelled" damage to its roads, schools and hospitals. The UN General Assembly, in an Emergency Special Session on Tuesday over the ongoing crisis in Gaza, adopted a resolution, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and well as ensuring humanitarian access. It passed with a large majority of 153 in favour and 10 against, with 23 abstentions. The resolution also reiterated the General Assembly's demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians. Before the resolution, two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas were voted down by members. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Tuesday targeted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition government for not supporting the two-state solution and said the country was losing global support due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. "Hes (Benjamin Netanyahu) a good friend, but I think he has to change and with this government," Biden said while addressing an event. "This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move," he said. Photo Courtesy: BNM X page The Baloch National Movement recently conducted a seminar in Amsterdam city to mark International Human Rights Day where the ongoing crisis in Balochistan was highlighted. During the seminar, the call for freedom from illegal occupation was raised by participants. The event was attended by Baloch National Movement members and the Baloch community along with other human rights activists. A video documentary was played at the beginning of the seminar about the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan by the Pakistani forces, reported ANI. Chairman of the Baloch National Movement Naseem Baloch has said that the Baloch people are struggling for their freedom and sovereignty. The Balochs have been subject to inhuman treatment for many decades. He said that the current Baloch struggle and continued protests by families of Baloch abducted people are a sign of bravery and resistance against systematic oppression and violence, reported ANI. Speaking at the seminar, Italian journalist and author Francisco Marino said that there is a genocide going on in Balochistan. She told ANI: You name a violation of human rights and you will find that violation happening in Balochistan by the Pakistani forces. Joe Biden says Israeli government does not want two-state solution. Photo Courtesy: Joe Biden Instagram page US President Joe Biden on Tuesday targeted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition government for not supporting the two-state solution and said the country was losing global support due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. "Hes (Benjamin Netanyahu) a good friend, but I think he has to change and with this government," Biden said while addressing an event. "This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move," he said. Referring to National Security Minister Ben Gvir, Biden said: "You know, Ben-Gvir is not what you would call someone who this is the most conservative government in Israels history the most conservative." He said: "Ben-Gvir and company and the new folks, they they dont want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution." "They not only want to have re- retribution, which they should for what the Palestinian Hamas did, but against all Palestinians. They dont want a two-state solution," he said. Israel began targeting Gaza after Hamas members attacked the country on October 7. Biden said: "Folks, the Palestinians have been not governed well at all. A lot has happened thats very negative." Meanwhile, in a statement later on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had received the "full backing" of the US for its ground war as well as its goal of destroying Hamas and recovering hostages, reported BBC. He added that Washington had blocked "international pressure to stop the war". "Yes, there is disagreement about 'the day after Hamas' and I hope that we will reach [an] agreement here as well," he was quoted as saying by BBC. What is a two-state solution? The two-state solution is a vision seen by leaders which will have two territorially district states- one each for Israelis and Palestinians. The concept predates the creation of Israel in 1948, after the end of the British mandate for Palestine. But outbreaks of violence and war blocked progress over the decades, reported The Washington Post. In the US-brokered Oslo accords signed in 1993, Israel accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization as the Palestinians representation, while the PLO recognised Israels right to a peaceful existence, the newspaper reported. Both the sides had then agreed that the Palestinian Authority would take governing responsibilities in the West Bank and Gaza. In 2000, President Bill Clinton unsuccessfully attempted to reach a deal with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at Camp David. Months later, clashes broke out after an Israeli politicians visit to a Jerusalem site venerated by both Jews and Muslims. A Palestinian intifada, or uprising, gripped the region for years, the newspaper reported. Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in Washington. Photo Courtesy: Volodymyr Zelenskyy X page US President Joe Biden has announced $200 million in pre-approved aid for Ukraine following his meeting with the country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Washington on Tuesday (December 12, 2023). Speaking to reporters, Biden said: "I just signed another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine, and that will be coming quickly." The latest tranche of assistance came as the Ukrainian president visited the White House and Capitol Hill to make the case for additional US support as an aid package with billions in funds for the war-torn country stalls amid partisan disagreements over immigration policies, reported NBC News. Biden said: "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him. And so because weve seen what happens when dictators dont pay the price for the damage and the death and the destruction they cause, and they keep going when no price is paid." "The threats to America, to Europe, and the world will only keep rising if we dont act. And I intend that we act," he said. He said: "The American people, Democrats and Republicans alike, I think, understand this, and they understand the very real fight thats going on right now." Zelenskyy said Ukraine is gradually becoming less dependent on aid. "And I want to discuss with the President how how to strengthen it, especially in enhancing our air defense and ability to destroy Russias logistics," he said. "We also need to work faster with the frozen Russian assets over $300 billion frozen assets from terrorists and we should use it to protect against Russian terror," he said. Zelenskyy told NBC News after the news conference that his meetings with lawmakers were helpful in that he got a chance to offer a detailed explanation of progress in his country's war against Russia. "I think we had a very good meeting with the senators," Zelenskyy said, surrounded by security guards in green uniforms as he left the Hall of the States building following an appearance on Fox News. "And we spoke with both parties represented. I think they didn't know all the details about what was going on in the battlefield." "Yes, they recognised that we had really good success on the Black Sea against Russian ships, and it's very good," he continued. Zelenskyy also described his meeting with Biden as a positive one. Asked if he believed Ukraine would win the war, he said: "Yes, of course." The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has verified 10,065 civilians killed and a further 18,679 injured since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The actual figures, however, could be much higher. Over 10 million have been forced to flee their homes, including over 6.3 million who have sought refuge outside Ukraine. A Bismarck man with a history of weapons-related crimes entered a not guilty plea in his most recent case during a court appearance Tuesday. Lucio Cruz faces a single count of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon. The felony charge comes after Cruz, 51, allegedly stabbed a man in the hip in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. Cruz could be sentenced to five years in prison if convicted. He remains in custody on a $100,000 cash bond. Police were called to the 2500 block of East Broadway shortly before 4 a.m. on Oct. 14. They discovered a man lying on the ground near the intersection of Thayer Avenue and 25th Street with a stab wound, according to an affidavit. The document states the man was stabbed during an argument over a woman while at the East Broadway address. The man told police he attempted to chase Cruz but was forced to lie down when the pain became too great. The affidavit states police found a wound nearly one and a half inches long. Cruz has previous convictions in May 2022 for being a felon in possession of a firearm and from January of this year after he allegedly stabbed a woman described as his girlfriend in the leg. That charge was dismissed after the woman refused to cooperate with authorities and left the state. A 2020 case in which Cruz allegedly stabbed a woman in the back in a dispute over a cellphone also was dismissed after the woman refused to cooperate and left North Dakota. His arrest in that case played out on a busy Bismarck street, with police using less-than-lethal rounds to take him into custody. Trial in Cruz's latest case is set to begin Feb. 27. In a historic move, Shanlyn Park has been confirmed as the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for Hawaii. This significant milestone was reached following a bipartisan Senate confirmation on November 30, with a 53-45 vote in favor of Parks appointment. President Joe Biden nominated Park, who previously served as a state court judge on Oahus First Circuit Court and worked as a federal public defender. Her vast experience in both state and federal courts positions her uniquely for this role. Park is set to take over for U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi, who will assume senior status in October 2024. Park will be based in Honolulu, maintaining a strong connection to the community she serves. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, both Democrats from Hawaii, who also played a crucial role in recommending Park to President Biden, praised the confirmation. In a joint written statement, they remarked, (Shanlyn Park) has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court. As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Parks confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities. The confirmation is particularly significant given the under-representation of Native Americans in the federal judiciary. The Native Americans Rights Fund points out that of over 870 authorized federal judgeships, only seven judges belong to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. This disparity highlights the importance of Judge Parks appointment. In response to this historic confirmation, several notable organizations expressed their support and satisfaction. The Native American Rights Fund (NARF), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) celebrated Judge Parks confirmation. NARFs executive director, John Echohawk, emphasized the necessity of having judges who understand the political status, legal principles, and rights of Tribal Nations and Native individuals. Makalika Naholowaa, president of the National Native American Bar Association, highlighted Judge Parks extensive experience and deep community connections, noting, Inclusion of Native Hawaiians in the courts that preside over matters in Hawaii is critically important to advancing trust in the judicial system and the rule of law. NCAI President Mark Macarro commended President Biden for the nomination and the Senate for confirming Judge Park, stating, The U.S. legal system will benefit from the unique combination of wisdom, experience, knowledge, and perspective that Judge Park will contribute to the District of Hawaii. Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson welcomed Judge Park, commenting on her unique combination of experience, tenacity, and kindness, which will be invaluable to the federal bench. Judge Parks career trajectory has been marked by significant roles, including her service as a circuit court judge for the First Circuit of Hawaii since 2021, her tenure at the Office of the Federal Public Defender, and her various positions in Honolulu law firms. Her background equips her with a nuanced understanding of the law, particularly in the context of Hawaiis diverse community. Judge Parks confirmation not only marks a historic moment for Hawaii but also signifies a step towards a more representative and inclusive federal judiciary. Her experience and deep roots in the Hawaiian community will undoubtedly bring a unique and vital perspective to the U.S. District Court. This appointment is a significant stride in ensuring that the judiciary mirrors the diverse fabric of America, especially in regions with a high Native American population. As Judge Park prepares to assume her new role, her confirmation serves as a beacon of progress and a testament to the ongoing efforts to diversify the federal judiciary, ensuring that it truly represents and understands the communities it serves. Shashi Singh (name changed), a 58-year-old Kanpur resident, was worried and anxious. She had not been sleeping well over the last few months, barely resting for two to three hours every night. When Shashi told her daughter about it, the latter quickly ordered her "sleep management CBD oil after consulting with a doctor. Shashi, who had never consumed marijuana in her life and was mostly averse to the idea, was hesitant at first. But her worsening condition convinced her to take three drops of CBD oil twice a day with her favourite beverage. Two days later, she was sleeping better, and her anxiety had also dialled down. She said she felt lighter and that the stress that was overwhelming her was slowly occupying less space in her mind. Now, she and her husband consume the oil on a regular basis. Shashi is among the beneficiaries of cannabidiol, or CBD, in a market that aims to alleviate stress, anxiety, and regulate sleep via an alternative approach. In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable shift in public perception of marijuana-based products, particularly CBD oil. Traditionally, India has had a complex relationship with cannabis, which is deeply rooted in our culture and history. References to its medicinal and spiritual powers date back to ancient texts like the Atharva Veda and the Ayurveda. While ascetics smoke hash (charas), which is associated with Hindu god Shiva, and bhaang is freely consumed during Holi, most Indians oppose smoking marijuana and consider it criminal. Remember the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, which resulted in a public outcry against the consumption of marijuana? In 1985, India passed the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as part of the global War on Drugs, which imposed strict regulations on cannabis use, sale, and possession. This meant that cannabis, including its non-psychoactive component CBD, came to be stigmatised. But maybe this conflicting attitude is a thing of the past. A growing number of Indians are focusing on the medicinal properties of marijuana, particularly for lifestyle-related stresses. Changing Attitudes Towards CBD Oil The global acceptance of CBD and the legalisation of cannabis in several countries, including Canada and parts of the United States, have contributed to a more positive outlook on cannabis in India. CBD has also shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders, such as depression and even psychosis. According to recent research, CBD may be effective in treating PTSD-related symptoms, reducing cancer-related symptoms, and improving symptoms of other neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, and motor disorders like cerebral palsy. As India witnesses a surge of interest in holistic health and wellness practices, CBD oil fits right in and is often marketed as a natural remedy. One such company is BOHECO (short for Bombay Hemp Company), a homegrown industrial hemp and medical cannabis brand that manufactures everything from hemp creams and seeds to shampoos and menstrual pain management products. Yash Kotak, co-founder and CMO of BOHECO, agrees that there is a shift in consumer perception. As someone deeply involved in the hemp business for over a decade now, Ive observed a broader demographic embracing hemp as awareness grows. Word-of-mouth is spreading as the medicines are doing wonders to improve ones quality of life, he said. In certain Indian states, there have also been discussions to decriminalise or legalise cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. For instance, in 2018, Uttarakhand achieved the distinction of becoming the pioneer Indian state to legalise industrial hemp cultivation, a move subsequently embraced by Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, certain districts in Rajasthan permit cannabis cultivation, and in April 2023, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh announced intentions to legalise cannabis production as a means to stimulate economic growth and trade. How Medical Marijuana Helps Alleviate Stress Shashi is not the only one to embrace CBD oil, despite having had strong views against marijuana for decades. Sixty-five-year-old Delhi residents Poonam Sinha and her husband Ashish (both names changed) have been using CBD oil for years to alleviate stress and irregular sleep. The couple had been dealing with business-related stresses and anxiety for years, which consequently took a toll on their mental and physical well-being. After trying a slew of anxiety medicines, they felt that the medicines were addictive. Their 35-year-old son ordered pain management and sleep management CBD oil from Ananta Hemp Works after a brief consultation with their doctor on call. Sinha claims that both her sleep and stress are much better now. Its a miracle product. People should shed their inhibitions around marijuana-related products and give them a try, she said. Positive experiences with CBD oil pervade social media. Personal testimonials and online communities have contributed to the popularity of CBD oil. While this remains anecdotal evidence, which should be treated with a pinch of salt, these stories have certainly helped generate interest in CBD. In the aftermath of COVID, Meera (33), a resident of Delhi, was suffering from anxiety. The burden doubled after she was laid off by the company she had been working at for over five years. I was very hesitant at first [to try CBD oil], even though I have smoked marijuana during my college days, she said. The product, according to Meera, worked wonders. My brain felt more focused, and any body aches that I had due to stress slowly vanished. I sleep like a rock. The Role Of Education And Awareness One crucial aspect of the changing attitude towards CBD oil in India is the increased education and awareness surrounding its use. Various organisations and individuals are working to disseminate accurate information about CBD, its benefits, and its legal status. Additionally, some Ayurvedic healthcare professionals have become more open to discussing CBD as a complementary or alternative therapy for mental health issues. Many websites selling CBD oil in India have doctors available on call to guide patients and recommend the right dosage. Dr. Piyush Juneja, an Ayurvedic medical practitioner based in Delhi (NCR), is glad that theres so much awareness around CBD. The human endocannabinoid system regulates several bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, learning, memory, body temperature, pain, immune functions, and fertility. When taken orally as a plant-based cannabidiol, they work together to heal the body. The future of CBD in India is still unfolding, and several possibilities lie ahead. According to the NDPS Act, the production and sale of the flower and resin of the cannabis plant are illegal, but not that of the leaves, seeds, and stems. But companies like BOHECO are bullish about the market. Kotak told me that there exists an 1,200 crore untapped market size and opportunity for around 1.25 million customers. Cannabis lies at the intersection of the traditional and the modern. As the market expands and people continue to become more accepting of cannabis products, India, with its growing population and rich history of cannabis cultivation, has the potential to become the largest market for cannabis products. A startling trend that has taken the beverage industry by storm in the ever-evolving world of culinary experimentation is cheese-infused Coke. What was once a strange concept has gained popularity, tantalizing the senses and upending preconceived ideas about what constitutes a refreshment. Come along on a voyage to discover this surprising combination's history, tastes, and cultural resonance. Who Shared This Bizarre Combination? Credit: Instagram @foodmakescalhappy posted this viral clip on his Instagram handle. What Is This Combination? Credit: Instagram The unorthodox combination has generated curiosity and discussion on social media since customers want to try this special combination for themselves. He continues to demonstrate in a video that @foodmakescalhappy tweeted how his mixture combines the fizz of Coca-Cola with cheese. Although it might initially seem like a strange pairing, people have reported that it tastes like Coke with vanilla flavour. Adventuresome foodies and Instagram influencers haven't wasted any time sharing their opinions, which are a mixture of doubt and excitement. When Did It Become Famous? Since the food blogger on social media shared the video, it has made a buzz amongst foodies and other people. How Did The Internet React To This Viral Video? Credit: Instagram This video has been all over social media, and the Internet could not stop discussing this mixture. Since the video was posted, it has gotten over 126K views and thousands of comments. This video has mixed reactions; let's check out what the Internet has to say! Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Indiatimes is conducting crowd-sourced polls to gauge the frontrunners of the massive OTT universe. Right from the nitty-gritty to the major leagues, this final encore will pay a big tribute to shows and movies that struck a chord with our hearts in 2023. Have you started voting yet? On Monday, December 11, tragedy struck as Tou Ger Xiong, a 50-year-old American comedian and activist hailing from Minnesota, was fatally stabbed during his visit to Colombia. The New York Post reported that he was abducted before the unfortunate incident occurred. Tou Ger Xiong, an Asian-American, was on vacation in the South American country at the time of his death. His brother, Eh Xiong, officially confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday morning through a post on Facebook. "It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member, Tou Ger Xiong. He was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable," Mr. Xiong's family wrote in the Facebook statement. As the Colombian newspaper El Colombiano reported, Mr. Xiong landed in Medellin, Colombia, on November 29 to spend the holidays there. On Sunday, December 10, he decided to meet a woman he had connected with on social media. Unfortunately, his plans took a tragic turn as he became the victim of an attack and kidnapping by a group of men shortly after meeting the mysterious woman. The men kept him captive and reached out to his family and friends, seeking a ransom of $2,000. However, even before the money could be collected, they tragically took his life a day later. His body, bearing multiple stab wounds and signs of blunt-force trauma, was located in the waters of the La Corcovado ravine. Authorities are looking into whether an attempted escape played a role in his murder. screenshot Following the discovery of his body, the police visited his apartment and encountered a woman in the process of taking belongings from his room. She fled when they attempted to question her. ''We are cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies that are diligently working to investigate this heinous crime. We trust in their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, and we implore anyone with information to come forward and assist in this effort,'' a family statement read. ''This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Tou Ger Xiong's family and our entire Hmong community. As a comedian and activist, his work touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond." US Representative Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) expressed condolences for his death. Mr. Xiong, a Laotian-American comedian and educator from St. Paul, Minnesota, was well-known for advocating for the Hmong people, an indigenous group primarily residing in Southeast Asia. Authorities report an increase in kidnappings in Colombia. El Colombiano noted that three American tourists, including Mr. Xiong, have been murdered in the last month. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. and GE Vernova announced that they have been awarded a 1 billion British pound contract by National Grid Electricity Transmission by and SP Transmission, part of SP Energy Networks Mytilineos consortium awarded 1bn contract for UKs first high-capacity East Coast subsea link - Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky, has reacted to claims made by actress Sonia Ogiri that he was living a double life involving a secret marriage and impending fatherhood. According to Sonia Ogiri, Bobrisky, who poses as a crossdresser on social media, is secretly married and expecting a child, while misleading his fans about his real status. Bobrisky, known for his flamboyant and controversial social media presence, took to his platform to vehemently deny Sonia Ogiris accusations. He berated her for mentioning him in her remarks and voiced his disapproval of the issues she brought up. Bobrisky challenged Sonia Ogiris compositions and cautioned her against involving him in her rants. Bobrisky defended his lifestyle choices, asserting that everyone has the right to live their life as they see fit. He criticized Ogiris intelligence, suggesting she needs a brain surgery due to her alleged short IQ. READ MORE: Simi Reacts As Fans Spot Her Protruding Tummy, Reveals Her Pregnancy Status In his words; Soniaogiri do you know you can make ur valid point without mentioning my name ? But if person wan chop knock for head the head must surely scratch am. Your write up aint brilliant at all. You need to do better next time. Love and kindness have no boundaries. I will say dis over and over again. No one deserve to dis over how he or she choose to live his or her life. Regardless people who will still want to help her/him will stand up up for him/her regardless. You are only in position to control how u give ur own money not how others want to spend theirs. Sonia need a brain surgery cos her iq is short. If jaybogie was ur junior kid you will also be among people asking d public for funds, but now she is not in ur family it easy for you to open ur disgusting mouth that smell like gutter to type trash. Remember the day any of ur family too will need help people will bring out dis ur write up. Now let me warn ur whole family never come for me again in ur life I dont know even if you had once be in dm before which i still didnt recognize you. OLODO Nigerian journalist, Gbenga Odunsi, has bagged a masters degree from Robert Gordon University in the United Kingdom. Odunsi, a former Editor of Information Nigeria, was awarded Masters of Science in Journalism at the ceremony held in Scotland on Monday, December 11. Speaking with newsmen, the multimedia journalist said during the course of his studies, he had various editorial opportunities with leading media establishments in Scotland, including The Press and Journal in Aberdeen, and Scottish Field Magazine in Edinburgh. Odunsi graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2012, but his media career had kicked off in 2008, when, as a student reporter, he freelanced for Prestige Newspaper in Ogun State. In 2019, he obtained professional certification in Data Journalism, and in 2021, he bagged professional certifications from Reuters and BBC, respectively. The digital journalist enrolled at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in 2021 where he studied print journalism. Trained in AP writing and editing style, Odunsi joined Aljazirah Nigeria as assistant editor in 2014, rose through the ranks to become deputy editor, and later editor in 2017. He edited News Express in 2018 before joining Information Nigeria in 2019. In late 2022, Odunsi stepped down from editorship position at Information Nigeria one of Nigerias most influential online newspapers bringing to an end his 3-year run at the helm of publication. Now a Publisher, Odunsi runs an online newspaper dedicated to exposing corruption, and addressing social injustices in Nigeria. Below are photos and a video from the ceremony. Troops of Exercise Golden Dawn III, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilante operatives on Monday, raided the camps of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsumoghu general area of Anambra State. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the Nigerian Army made this known in a statement on its verified X handle on Tuesday. It was gathered that one of the terrorists was neutralised during the raid while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The statement read: Troops of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and local vigilante operatives on Monday 11 December 2023 acting on timely and credible intelligence raided camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsumoghu general area of Anambra State. READ MORE: Youre Yapping Like A Dog IPOB Slams Gov Mbah During the raid operations the gallant troops cleared the and destroyed IPOB/ESN camps. One of the terrorist was naturalized while others escaped with gunshot wounds and one pump action rifle was recovered. In the same vein, on Saturday 9 December 2023, troops on patrol along Orsumoghu ~ Ukpor road in Ihiala Local Government Area came in contact with the irredentist. However, due to superior fire power the criminals were forced to abandon their location. Items recovered includes, 27 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, 3 locally made hand grenade, 2 handheld radios, one pair of NPF uniform and fragmental jacket and charms. It could be recalled that Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III was recently flagged off in the South East region to complement the security architecture of the region during and after the yuletide period. The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada therefore wishes to enjoin members of the public to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information through the Emergency Telephone Line 193 to enhance the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities. Citizens are also encouraged to go about their normal daily activities and businesses without fear of intimidation. The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has been issued 24 hours to arrest and prosecute the 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly for defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC. It was gathered that a civil society organization, identified as Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, disclosed that those who defected are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hence should be arrested and prosecuted. In an open letter addressed to the IGP, signed by its legal Adviser, Kalu Kalu Agu, on Tuesday, insisted that the lawmakers committed an offence of conspiracy and treasonable felony with their actions. READ MORE: APC, LP React To 27 Rivers PDP Lawmakers Jumping Ship The letter partly reads: Arising from our commitment to our core objective we hereby demand for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the twenty-seven (27) former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly that defected to APC for the offences of: Conspiracy to commit treasonable felony. Our findings reveal the following facts as reasonable grounds to suspect that the said twenty-seven former members of the House of Assembly should be prosecuted of the offences: The said 27 former members are still parading themselves as members of the said House of Assembly when they are no longer members by virtue of express provisions of the 1999 Constitution and decided cases. The said 27 former members, being ordinary citizens, and no longer entitled to sit in the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly created by the 1999 Constitution are still holding deliberations as such members with the intent, by their decisions and conduct, is to enter the chambers of the House and conduct proceedings with a view to passing resolutions on the affairs of the Government of Rivers State. In view of the foregoing, we hereby demand that you initiate, and overtly do so, the arrest and prosecution of the said 27 people within 24 hours from the receipt of this letter. Take notice that if you fail to heed the demand herein made within twenty-four hours of the receipt of this letter, we shall take appropriate action to ensure that the 27 suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law. The funeral for slain Mercer County Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin will include a procession in Beulah, and the public is being urged to line the route. Martin was killed in the line of duty during a Dec. 6 police chase that authorities say involved Ian Cramer, the son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. The 53-year-old officer was an 18-year veteran of the sheriff's office. His funeral is Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m. at Beulah High School, at 204 Fifth St. NW in Beulah, a little under 80 miles northwest of Bismarck. Local first responders will form a procession from the high school to the Barbot Funeral Home after the service. It will leave the school and travel east on Seventh Street Northwest to Second Avenue Northeast. It will then go south on Second Avenue to Main Street. It will turn west and travel toward state Highway 49, where it will turn north and end at the funeral home. The length of the route is 2.2 miles. "The public is encouraged to show community support along the procession route," the sheriff's office said. The funeral is open to the public. It also will be livestreamed due to limited seating. The livestream will be aired on KFYR-TV and its streaming service at https://www.kfyrtv.com/livestream, and shared with other media outlets. Doors at the high school will open to the public at 11:30 a.m., with final seating completed at 12:30 p.m. Access will be through the northeast corner entrance -- Door No. 7 -- which is the entry into the school district office. For security purposes, no backpacks, large bags or purses will be allowed. Parking is available on the street; in the south parking lot of the elementary school, which is north of high school; and at the New Life Worship Center, at 416 Seventh St. NW. Chaplin Philip Nelson will officiate the service. A private family burial at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan will follow at a later date. It wasn't immediately clear how many law enforcement agencies from around the state would be sending contingents to Martin's funeral. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department planned to send three squad cars and six deputies as representatives, according to Maj. Jim Hulm. The Morton County Sheriff's Office said it will attend the funeral, but didn't specify the number of officers. The Bismarck Police Department plans to send 10 officers. The Mandan Police Department didn't immediately respond to a Tribune inquiry. Martin died when his patrol vehicle, parked along state Highway 200 west of Hazen, was struck head-on by a Chevy Tahoe driven by Ian Cramer, 42, of Bismarck, authorities said. Martin was standing behind the vehicle after deploying spike strips in an attempt to stop Cramer, who was fleeing from law enforcement, according to an affidavit. The incident began in Bismarck, when Ian Cramer's mother brought him to the Sanford Health emergency room. Kevin Cramer said his adopted son was having mental health issues at the time. Cramer is in custody at the McLean County Jail in Washburn on a $500,000 cash bond. He is charged with manslaughter, fleeing from police, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license. Those charges together carry a maximum potential sentence of 25 years in prison. More charges are possible in Mercer County and in Bismarck, according to authorities. Gov. Doug Burgum last week directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff to honor Martin. He also encouraged North Dakotans to lower flags at their homes and businesses. The directive will end at sunset Wednesday. Upper windows in the state Capitol in Bismarck will be lit up in blue on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to display a "Thin Blue Line," which symbolizes the line of law enforcement that stands between chaos and order. Suspected militants in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State have killed four soldiers. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Emesu junction, along the Amungboro- Emuphan road. Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director of 6 Division and Army spokesperson, confirmed that the soldiers were on a routine escort duty for an oil servicing company when they were attacked by the gunmen. According to him, two employees of the oil company are still unaccounted for. Troops of 5 Battalion on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West manifold, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants, at Emesu junction, along Amungboro -Emuphan Road. Unfortunately, four soldiers were killed in action, with two other oil workers unaccounted for. Suspects allegedly escaped through the Emesu waterside, using the Orashi River. READ ALSO: Bouncer Stabs Delta Teenager To Death For Picking Money At Wedding Reception Troops are currently combing the general area to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the unaccounted oil workers are found. The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while acknowledging the supreme sacrifice paid by the gallant soldiers, strongly condemned this unwarranted attack. He reassured all that efforts are ongoing to track down these criminals to pay for their crimes, the statement read. Danjuma urged the public to provide the army with credible and actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of the criminals. He also assured that the troops will not relent until all forms of criminalities, such as militancy, oil theft and pipeline vandalism, are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta region. A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that some Nigerians who supported the ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, during the Naira scarcity has abandoned him prison. Fani-Kayode, in a post via his X account, on Tuesday, disclosed that Emefiele is now languishing in Kuje prison with nobody to provide the funds and properties he needs to get out on bail. He added that former CBN boss was worshipped by the whole of corporate, political and fiscal Nigeria, defied the Department of State Services (DSS) and was guarded by soldiers. He wrote: A man that the whole of corporate, political & fiscal Nigeria literally bowed down to & worshipped, who defied even the DSS, who was guarded by soldiers, who sought to run for the exalted office of President using Central Bank funds, who tormented, impoverished & destroyed the lives of over 200 million Nigerians & drove many to suicide by seizing all their savings & changing their currency overnight, who attempted to stop our President from emerging victorious by undermining & sabotaging the electoral process, who laughed us all to scorn & treated us with relentless wickedness & unadulterated contempt, who pushed for the arrest & indefinite detention of many during the election campaign, including that of yours truly, who publicly & boastfully proclaimed to all that dared to oppose him to come out & fight & who committed countless other atrocities is now languishing in Kuje prison with no-one to provide the funds & properties he needs to get out on bail? Isnt that sad? READ MORE: Court Grants Former CBN Gov, Emefiele N300m Bail I feel sorry for him & despite my utter disdain & contempt for his person & all he represents & stands for, I would be the last to gloat. Yet the following questions must be answered. Where are all those who egged him on & used him & where are his super rich & untouchable friends from the banking, corporate & political world today? Why have they run away & abandoned him? Why are they hiding under their beds & denying him? Why have they refused to take phone calls from his wife, children & family? Why dont they visit him in Kuje prison to offer a word of encouragement? Why have they stopped inviting his loved ones to their parties & why have they refuse to pop into his home to check on his family? Is that how friendship is supposed to be? Were they not all in it together? Did they not all benefit from him & his profligate, disgusting & repugnant treachery, perfidy, madness, evil, power-drunkeness & graft? If the truth be told they are even more shameful & cowardly than he is. They were never his true friends but rather friends of the office he manned for over 8 years. They never loved him & they have now run away from him & abandoned him like rats abandoning a sinking ship & like the proverbial three blind mice. I hope Godwin has learnt his lesson & that he has come to appreciate the scripture that says cursed be he that relies on the arm of flesh. I hope he now accepts the fact that all power belongs to God & that the Lord alone rules in the affairs of men & forges the destiny of nations. Let this be a lesson to us all! Never play God, always remember that power is ephemeral & never forget that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Do not abuse power & be just, merciful, fair, charitable & kind to all. Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, Doris Uzoka, on Tuesday came under scrutiny when she appeared before the National Assembly to defend her ministrys budget. Uzoka, while tending to questions from the Joint Committee on Trade and Investment about the 2024 budget proposal told the panel that N905 million is earmarked for overhead costs while N8.1 billion is allocated to capital expenditure. Having presented the figures in the budget, the Senator representing Edo North and member of the Committee, Adams Oshiomhole, frowned at the item which provided N1 billion for a single trip to Geneva, Switzerland. I see that you intend to travel to Geneva next year and you have budgeted over one billion for that. We cannot keep going on with over-bloated teams on foreign trips. Use the experts we have in your offices in those countries to save costs, he stated Oshiomhole also queried the Minister on where the countrys balance of trade stood, especially with China. What is our balance of trade, especially with China? Those countries importing things to Nigeria are expected to build factories in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Budget For Humanitarian Affairs Insufficient To Fight Poverty Betta Edu Tells NASS We have to take advantage of our population to grow our industries. However, the minister told the joint panel that her ministry does not have such records. Sir, I regret to say that we seem to have no record of our balance of trade or at least it does not exist in the ministry and that is why we initiated a new unit called the trade intelligence unit to ensure that such data are generated and stored, Uzoka said. Not satisfied with her response, Oshiomhole told the minister that he did not agree with her submission. No Madam, I do not agree that there is no data. Such data exists with the CBN, customs and other agencies, the former governor said. Sit in your office and work for Nigerians. I have gone there twice. You are always in the BOI. If you preferred BOI, you should have declined the Presidents nomination to be a minister. In response, she said her office is under renovation, adding I assure you that I can work from anywhere and give Nigerians results. Presente! Media is a collective led by Latinx filmmakers and journalists, founded by Gabriela Watson-Burkett, Kristal Sotomayor and Melissa Beatriz. Watson-Burkett is program director for the collective , which received a $50,000 Wingspan grant. Read more PA Humanities has awarded $2.25 million to 24 nonprofit arts groups around the state in a new Wingspan grant program. Organizations were awarded either $50,000 or $100,000 to be spread over two years. Half of the money will be disbursed by the end of this year, and again in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of PA Humanities. Founded in 1973, it was once known as the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and remains an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Wingspan grant recipients are divided into two Wingspan Learning Community cohorts: 12 BIPOC organizations that are led by or that serve Black, Indigenous or People of Color communities, and 12 organizations serving rural communities. Six groups in the Philadelphia region received grants. Jen Danifosenior program officer at PA Humanities, said the recipients are grouped into learning cohorts, who will meet virtually a few times a year to build a network to share information and learn about fundraising, organizational development or staffing needs. Advertisement We call it capacity building or strengthening, Danifo said. The idea was to not just give them money, but add a component where the nonprofits can network. Danifo said many people think of the humanities as academic subjects such as literature, history, or philosophy. Thats true, but for us its about putting the humanities in action and trying to make it accessible to the everyday person, she said. We live the humanities every day by asking questions about who we are, whats our identity and whats going on around us in the world. For example, among the Philadelphia-area BIPOC nonprofits that received grants are: the Cambodian American Girls Empowering of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, which received a $50,000; the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center, in Delaware County, which received a $100,000 grant; and Indigenous Peoples Day Philly, Inc., which received a $50,000 grant. Funding for the Wingspan program was provided by Spring Point Partners and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Inquirer spoke with leaders of three other Philadelphia Wingspan recipients: Presente! Media, a Latinx community journalism collaborative; Twelve Gates Arts, an art gallery and showcase for artists from South Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa; and the Friends of the Tanner House, an organization working to redevelop the historic home of the internationally acclaimed Philadelphia artist, Henry Tanner. Presente! Media Before the world shut down because of COVID-19, Latinx filmmakers Gabriela Watson-Burkett, Kristal Sotomayor, and Melissa Beatriz had already been talking about the need to tell the stories of the Spanish-speaking communities in Philadelphia. During the pandemic, the Philly-based trio launched a new community journalism project called Presente! Media a collective that produces both short documentary films and written stories. We are digital journalists, and we write bilingual articles and produce short documentaries, said Watson-Burkett, one of Presente!s three cofounders and now its program director. Watson-Burkett is originally from Brazil. Sotomayor, who developed the marketing department, was born to Peruvian parents. And Beatriz, who designed development, is of Uruguayan descent. The collaborative organizes events to bring people together to discuss issues the community faces. Last year, it launched The Motherhood Project, to document the obstacles facing Black and Latinx women as they seek maternity health care and raise their children. They produced one short documentary featuring a woman who spoke of prejudiced treatment she experienced at a medical appointment until she showed up with her white American husband. She noticed a difference in how she was treated, Watson-Burkett said. Presente! Media will use the $50,000 Wingspan grant to pay for staffers, reporters, photographers, translators and producers. The founders chose the name Presente! Media as a rallying cry to announce to the world: Were here!, she said. READ MORE: 10th annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival tells the citys stories and the worlds Twelve Gates Arts Aisha Khan is one of the cofounders and the executive director of Twelve Gates Arts, an art gallery in Old City that opened 14 years ago. The name Twelve Gates, was inspired by the gates that surround ancient cities around the world. Think Marrakesh in Morocco, Lahore in Pakistan, or Delhi in India. Gates separate cities, but also, gates open to allow for the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and for starting dialogue, said Khan, who grew up in Pakistan. When Khan, her husband Atif Sheikh, and third cofounder Mehrin Mir Masud-Elias opened Twelve Gates, there werent many galleries showing art created by people from South Asia, Southwest Asia, or North Africa. Historically, art was shown in the oldest parts of cities all over the world, Khan said. So when we landed in Old City, [at 106 N. 2nd St.], we loved it. Twelve Gates Arts received a $100,000 grant that will be disbursed over two years. Until now, the gallery has had only one full-time staffer, Khan, and two part-time staffers. Khan said the grant will help pay for an additional full-time staffer. It will also be used to spread the word about its mission. We want to support contemporary artists from the South Asian diaspora, she said. We especially want to help emerging artists. Philadelphia is a hub of artists and art schools. We want students to come and learn about whats happening in the diasporic world. The Friends of the Tanner House The Friends of the Tanner House was launched in December 2021 to save the house where internationally acclaimed artist Henry Tanner lived from about age 13 to young adulthood. The Tanner House, at 2908 W. Diamond St., is a National Historic Landmark on both the Philadelphia and National Register of Historic Places. However, the Friends group is also making the case that the historic designation for the house should be broadened to recognize the accomplishments of several other members of the Tanner family. Christopher Rogers, the project lead for the FOTH, said the organization will use the $100,000 grant to continue working with community members to establish programs and create a dialogue about the needs of the community. The Wingspan grant money cannot be used for renovations to the house, but can be used for cultural programming about what the house means to its North Philadelphia community. We want to look at the legacy of the different family members through the lenses of faith, family, freedom, art, health and education, Rogers said. "They all made accomplishments across these fields and themes. For instance, Henry Tanners father, Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner was not only a bishop in the African Episcopal Methodist Church, but he was the editor of the churchs newspaper, The Christian Recorder, and he worked to build Freedmens schools to educate newly emancipated people who had been enslaved. The artists sister, Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, was a medical doctor, who was educated in Philadelphia but went to work at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. She was the first woman of any race or ethnicity to pass the Alabama licensing exams. She was recruited to Tuskegee by the schools founder, Booker T. Washington. And Henry Tanners niece, Sadie T.M. Alexander, was the first Black person to earn a doctorate degree in economics in the United States and was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. . READ MORE: Once the center of the Black intellectual community in Philadelphia, the Henry O. Tanner House could be demolished With the grant, FOTH will be able to hire a part-time community engagement coordinator to support the partners network the group has developed. A complete listing of the Wingspan recipients can be found here. Commercial cleaners, members of SEIU Local 32BJ, in suburban Philadelphia voted to ratify their new contract on Dec. 9. Read more Janitors for commercial office buildings in suburban Philadelphia and Delaware secured a new four-year contract on Saturday. Both contracts were set to expire later this month, and negotiations between Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, which represents the workers, and the Building Operators Labor Relations (BOLR), which represents the workers employers, began in November. We are happy to have reached an agreement that protects our members health care and provides historic wage increases that will make a significant difference in their lives, Daisy Cruz, Mid Atlantic 1201 District Leader for 32BJ SEIU, said in a statement. The new agreement combines the contracts of 1,400 cleaners in suburban Philadelphia and 600 janitors in Wilmington and New Castle County that had previously been separate and comes days before the contracts were set to expire. Advertisement Were bargaining with a majority of the same employers for both markets, so the decision was made to combine both agreements, so that were sitting all at one table, Cruz said. The majority of the members across the two groups are Black and brown workers, who work part-time and have other jobs, she said. Last month dozens of janitors marched in Conshohocken demanding a better contract for the suburban Philadelphia janitors. At the time, a proposal from the employers included cutting starting wages for new employees by $3, reducing vacation for long-term workers, and unacceptable wage increases, according to a statement from the union. Daniel Brighter, BOLR president, said at the time that the group remained committed to achieve an acceptable agreement for both parties. Janitors also marched through Wilmington in November demanding a better contract for the Delaware workers. The new contract includes the highest wage increases in history for this group of workers, with over 20% in raises over the course of the four-year contract. The starting wage for workers in Delaware will be $15.80 and $17.50 in the Philadelphia suburbs. When the union first started organizing over 12 years ago, they were making about $6.75, said Cruz. We were able to win a contract that allows us to provide for our families and keep up with the cost of living, Clarence Berry, a cleaner with Delaware 32BJ and a member of the bargaining committee, said in a statement. The new contract also preserves employer-funded health benefits for full-time and part-time workers, enhances pregnancy protections, and adds Juneteenth as a paid holiday. As more buildings are being flipped from commercial use to residences and life-science facilities, the contract provides protections for workers who are displaced because of building renovations or conversions. There is a process to organize workers and get back to the negotiating table in an event like this, Cruz said. We are pleased that the negotiations between 32BJ SEIU and BOLR were successful, and we reached an equitable, fair agreement for BOLR members, employers, and the union, Brighter said in a statement. The outside of John H. Taggart Elementary School in South Philadelphia. The school district paid a settlement and agreed to more training and other measures after the former Taggart principal allegedly threatened a student with deportation. That principal was removed, but is now substitute principal at Powel, another district school. Read more Confronted with evidence that one of its principals threatened an elementary school student with deportation, the Philadelphia School District signed off on a settlement over the case this month, agreeing to pay the childs mother an undisclosed amount and boost training. But Charlotte Buonassisi, the accused principal, said theres one problem: She never threatened to go to immigration officials, and an investigation determined that the allegations were unfounded, she said. Nearly two years after the episode at Taggart Elementary, Buonassisi is now back working in the district, as substitute principal at Powel Elementary, where some parents have raised concerns that she is allowed to continue working in Philadelphia. Heres what we know and what we dont know. What happened at Taggart? In early March 2022, Leslie Hernandez reported that her son, a Taggart eighth grader whose name is being withheld because of safety concerns, came to Buonassisi to get help because he was being bullied, and the principal said she would call ICE and have his family deported if the boy did not behave. Such a statement would have been a violation of both the districts own sanctuary schools policy, which promises to protect immigrant students and families from federal immigration authorities, and federal education privacy laws. Advertisement Describing the episode during which the principal called her son and the other boy to the office, Hernandezs son told her Buonassisi asked whether the two boys were legal or illegal. Then, if they continued with their bad attitude, she would call the authorities and ICE so that they would deport not only them but their entire families, Hernandez, through an interpreter, said her son recalled. Hernandez reported the episode but got little resolution until the Latino immigrant rights group Juntos got involved. Eventually, the organization and other nonprofit legal partners sent the district a demand letter, and the parties entered into negotiations over a settlement, finalized Dec. 4. But Buonassisi said she isnt sure why the district settled, because I never, ever, ever said I was going to call ICE and have your family deported. I will take a lie detector test and say that. Buonassisi, who had retired as principal of Ludlow Elementary in North Philadelphia in 2011, and had also worked at Penn Treaty, said since The Inquirer ran an article about the settlement, she has been fielding incredulous calls from former teachers who worked for her. They said, You were all for diversity and equity even before that was fashionable, Buonassisi said. I was always all about inclusion and learning about other cultures. Buonassisi had a grandmother who came to the country without documentation, she said. She herself is a Spanish speaker, of Mexican heritage. (Hernandez and her son came to Philadelphia from El Salvador in late 2021.) Buonassisi agrees that she spoke with Hernandezs son and the boy he said was bullying him on Feb. 28, 2022. However, she said she was speaking to the second boy when she said that she didnt want to have to send him back to the school he attended before transferring to Taggart, but never mentioned ICE. The other boy told Buonassisi he had immigration documents, she said, perhaps misunderstanding what Buonassisi said when she was talking about sending him back to the other school. Two other adults were present during the interaction a Taggart counselor, who did not speak Spanish, and the school secretary, who did speak Spanish but some things got lost in translation, said Buonassisi. (She said she was switching back and forth between speaking in English and Spanish.) Her aim, Buonassisi said, was to mediate peace between the students. The district has moved away from suspensions and toward restorative justice; she tried to get the students to see common ground. We talked everything out, said Buonassisi. We shook hands, we had a group hug, and that was it. When was Buonassisi removed, and what came next? On March 23, 2022, the assistant superintendent who oversees Taggart visited Buonassisi at school, she said. She said, You have to leave. Im so sorry. They said you were going to deport them, said Buonassisi. She said the assistant superintendent told her she knew Buonassisi had not said that. Buonassisi had a virtual hearing during which a member of the Commonwealth Association of School Administratiors union, which represents principals, was present, but she never received anything in writing. She was barred from working as a substitute principal while the investigation was active, a period that lasted of an entire year, Buonassisi said. Eventually, in May, Buonassisi got a phone call: She had been reinstated. The allegations, the official told her, were unfounded, and she was cleared to work in the district again. She never received paperwork, but was called for substitute principal jobs again, both per diem and the longer-term Powel job. In the meantime, district lawyers continued to negotiate a settlement with the nonprofit organizations representing Hernandez. The financial terms of the settlement have not been made public. If Buonassisi was ultimately cleared, why did the district settle? Its unclear. District spokesperson Monique Braxton said she cannot comment on personnel matters. Where is Buonassisi now? Since November, Buonassisi has been a visiting principal essentially the substitute principal at Powel Elementary. After The Inquirer reported news of the settlement, word began to spread among Powel parents, and many were upset. READ MORE: After being bullied, a Philly student was threatened with deportation by his principal. Heres what happened next. In a letter sent to parents Tuesday night, district officials wrote that they may have seen media reports surrounding Charlotte Buonassissi and the district. She is currently a substitute principal at Powel Elementary School. We understand that you may have questions and concerns. Victoria Pressley, the interim assistant superintendent, went on to say that officials welcome and protect immigrant students and their families. All staff are required to undergo training consistent with our welcoming schools policy to support our immigrant students. Anyone may submit a report alleging bullying, harassment or discrimination, and this includes students, parents/guardians and employees. We take these allegations very seriously, and all reported concerns will be investigated. Powel parent Jarrod Green said his worries about Buonassisi being at the school and the districts response to intimidation have not been allayed. Instead of a policy memo on bullying, Id rather hear something from the school staff with some human element about addressing bullying and about proactive inclusion of immigrant families and English language learners, Green said. What does the mother who accused Buonassisi and the organization that supported the family say? Hernandez said she was concerned that Buonassisi is working at another Philadelphia school, and generally disputed Buonassisis account. What I feel is worried, Hernandez said in a statement. She has access to the students information. Hernandez said the district is protecting Buonassisi, not students, and she thinks Powel parents are going to organize themselves because they are not going to want to have a principal like that with their children. Erika Guadalupe Nunez, executive director of the Latino immigrant rights group Juntos, stressed that at no point in the process did the district contest what Buonassisi said, and that Hernandezs sons story never wavered. I dont think any newcomer child would make up something like that, Nunez said. To this day, he does not feel safe in any Philly public school. We stand by [the boy] and his mom. Nunez said she was incredibly disappointed that Buonassisi can continue to work in Philadelphia schools. This could happen again, she said. Rutgers and Stanford Universities are among schools now being investigated by the U.S. Education Department for discrimination. The agency updated its Office of Civil Rights website Tuesday, adding to a growing list of schools that already included Harvard University, Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cooper Union. Investigators have opened at least 20 investigations into antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in institutions that receive federal funding. While the Education Department could withhold funding from schools, it typically seeks to negotiate settlements. A study released last month by the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International found 73% of Jewish college students and 44% of non-Jewish students have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the start of the school year. Meanwhile, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said last week it got more than 2,171 requests for help and reports of bias in the previous two months from a wide variety of Americans, including students, doctors, and other workers. Last month, three Palestinian college students were shot while walking in Vermont, leaving one paralyzed from the chest down after a bullet lodged in his spine. The Education Department has also opened shared ancestry investigations at Wellesley College; Lafayette College; University of Tampa; Montana State University; Tulane University; Union College; University of Cincinnati; Santa Monica College; San Diego State University; University of California, San Diego; University of Washington, Seattle; Whitman College; and University of California, Los Angeles. Citlalli Dominguez (left) and her mother, Juana Librado, make pork and chicken tamales in Dominiguezs South Philadelphia apartment kitchen. Tamales are a tradition on Christmas Eve for many Mexican and Central American families. Read more Juana Librado always tells her kids the same secret to making delicious tamales: You cant talk about your problems while youre making them, and you cant be sad. In order to achieve the perfect tamale, you have to be happy while cooking them. As Christmas approaches, Librado is preparing to cook tamales for her family as part of the centuries-old Mexican and Central American tradition for the holiday. The tamale has been significant in Mesoamerican culture since its existence as early as 8,000 B.C., largely because of the importance of corn in the region. But, as is the case with many labor-intensive foods, the beauty of the tamale isnt just the flavor its the all-hands-on-deck, community- and family-centric process of making them. Go to any Mexican or Central American special occasion especially Christmas and tamales will be there. Depending on which region a person is from, the tamales may be made differently. But in the diaspora, there is one constant: Tamales are always laced with nostalgia. On a recent Saturday, Librado stood in her daughters South Philly kitchen, a white pot adorned with floral design sitting over the stove. She had finished boiling her corn until it became soft and tender, then ground it into a thick, sweet paste, known as masa. Next up was her arm workout: stirring the dense masa in a large pot of water to cook it. Slogging through the masa has become muscle memory at this point; some of Librados earliest memories as a child were stirring the masa for her grandmother for hours, lest it stick to the pot. Years later, as she stirs the masa, its sweet and floral fragrance still takes her back to her grandmothers home in Oaxaca, surrounded by her entire family. Advertisement Its been 23 years since Librado moved to Philadelphia from Oaxaca. Twenty-three years since she has last seen her homeland. Back home, Librados family used to make their tamales over an open fire outside. Being out in nature, the wood-burning smoke permeating her nostrils thats the real way to make tamales, Librado says. And every time she makes tamales today, it never fails to make her miss Mexico. In trying to cook the way you used to do in Mexico, it brings you memories when you sit at the table and you start eating and tasting its another way to keep connected with you roots, Librado said through an interpreter. But it wasnt until she moved to Philadelphia in her early 20s that Librado learned to make tamales herself. Far from home and in search of comfort, Librado made tamales over and over as she perfected her recipe, calling her family or friends for advice. There were some learning curves, namely finding the right quality and freshness of ingredients especially banana leaves and Hoja Santa leaves, both traditionally used to wrap tamales in Oaxaca. But as immigration to the Philly region has increased, so, too, have immigrant-owned stores filled with imported goods that used to be impossible to find. Librado now finds banana leaves and although theyre processed and packaged, they still have some of the flavors from home. And whereas Hoja Santa leaves once could only be found dried, Librado has been able to find fresh ones in recent years. Elsewhere, Cesar Viveros and his cousin Lily Morales fretted over a wooden crate full of corn in the kitchen of his Norris Square home. In winter, its harder for them to find corn thats big enough for tamales, with husks long and wide to carry and wrap around the stuffing. This corn, at least, had nice and yellow kernels, signifying that it would be sweet and tender. But the husks werent large enough next time, theyll have to find people who import larger corn from Mexico, Viveros said. To make the tamales, Viveros started with salsa. He filled a blender with a variety of chipotle peppers, guajillo chiles, cumin, garlic cloves, and tomatoes, and pulsed the blend into a smooth liquid. The spice of the chiles immediately swirled in the air and settled in everyones throats it was perfect for filling the tamales. He poured the salsa into a small pot of piping-hot oil to fry, then hovered over a second pot to stir simmering pork before moving back to the corn. After shucking, shaving, and boiling the corn kernels, Viveros scooped up handfuls of the dripping kernels and slapped them into a blender. At my grandparents in Mexico, all of the kids, we had to do this by hand with a small molino, Viveros said, replicating the rotation of the grinders handle in the air. He began using a spoon to stuff the kernels further toward the blades, which his cousin quickly took from his hand and replaced with a cob. There were a few more things Viveros and Morales differed on in their tamale-making, such as adding a little baking powder to the blended corn to make it a little fluffier. Viveros looked at Morales dubiously, but followed her instruction. After more stirring, he spooned a little bit of the mixture in her palm, then his own, and they both tasted it. The masa tasted fresh, with a subtle cornbread aftertaste. Its perfect, they both said with a nod of approval. As they stirred the corn, memories of Mexico began to churn. Viveros, Morales, and Morales 21-year-old daughter, Katherine Lopez, laughed as they spoke fondly of their familys ranch in Veracruz. And the way Viveros and Morales grandmother would make the young boys grind the masa before the girls would prepare the tamales. Or how she would wake her 22 grandchildren at 5 a.m., have them line up with glass cups filled with their choice of either chocolate powder mix or Flor de Cana, a type of rum, for their grandmother to pour fresh milk into. (Lopez and her brother would even milk the cows themselves.) The trio poured the masa, cooked pork, and hot salsa into bowls, then carried them over to the dining table along with a plate of corn husks. Since the husks were too small, Morales overlapped two of them before carefully spooning the corn on top, then layering the salsa, pork, and dried epazote leaves the most important ingredient for flavor, Morales says on top. Then she expertly folded the husks around the filling, before wrapping the tamale in a sheet of aluminum foil that Lopez prepared for her. This, they said as they placed each tamale in a large pot to be steamed, was what was special about making tamales. The food is delicious, but the process is even sweeter, bringing the entire family together with different tasks to make the tamales possible although the ritual is never quite like back home. [In Mexico], there is joy and family. Here, were alone, Morales said in Spanish. Still, Christmas without tamales is impossible. And alone or not, to immigrants, making tamales is an important ritual to pass down. If I have kids, and hopefully I do , I want to teach them about what we used to do, teach them about my mother and grandmothers way we make foods or drinks, Lopez said. Even if they dont talk about it as often, I still want them to embrace their roots and where they come from. A mannequin in DHL uniform with a sign that reads, "Welcome to Philly" inside the DHL shipping company facility in Sharon Hill, Pa., on October 28, 2021. Read more About 200 unionized employees at international shipping giant DHL Express locations in Sharon Hill and West Deptford refrained from working on Wednesday, honoring a picket line set by their colleagues at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The Philly-area DHL employees are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 107 and Local 500. Theyre refusing to work in support of more than 1,100 CVG employees who belong to Local 100. While they wont cross the picket line, the Philly-area workers are not themselves on strike, Local 107 president Bill Hamilton said. He said the picket has extended to at least 15 other cities where the local unions contracts allow them to honor it. Theyre together in this, he said. DHLs CVG employees officially unionized with Teamsters Local 100 in April, and have been negotiating a first contract. They went on strike Dec. 7, accusing DHL of unfair labor practices and to demand a fair contract. According to the Teamsters, CVG is DHL Express largest and busiest logistics hub in North America. Advertisement For too long, DHL has walked all over our rights to collective action, said Gina Kemp, a DHL-CVG ramp and tug worker. This companys repeated acts of disrespect from the tarmac where we work to the bargaining table leave me and my coworkers with no choice but to withhold our labor. According to Hamilton, who is also director of the Teamsters Express Division, a major sticking point in negotiations leading to last weeks walkout has been the right to strike. The terms DHL has proposed would allow the workers to strike only once their contract has expired, and would not allow them to honor another striking unions picket line, he said. Were still a little appalled that they would take this position, Hamilton said. German-owned DHL Express is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, competing with FedEx and UPS. Its annual revenue in 2022 was about $29.8 billion. The company increased its local workspace in 2021 by shutting down a Southwest Philadelphia location and replacing it with the Sharon Hill and West Deptford facilities. That year, the company was experiencing a 25% increase in Philadelphia shipments. A spokesperson for DHL Express did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday morning. Israeli soldiers prepare to enter the Gaza Strip, at a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel on Wednesday. Read more DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Palestinian militants carried out one of the deadliest single attacks on Israeli soldiers since the Gaza invasion began, killing at least nine in an urban ambush, the military said Wednesday, a sign of the stiff resistance Hamas still poses despite more than two months of devastating bombardment. The ambush in a dense neighborhood came after repeated recent claims by the Israeli military that it had broken Hamas command structure in northern Gaza, encircled remaining pockets of fighters, killed thousands of militants and detained hundreds more. The tenacious fighting underscores how far Israel appears to be from its aim of destroying Hamas even after the military unleashed one of the 21st centurys most destructive onslaughts. Israels air and ground assault has killed more than 18,600 Palestinians, according to Gazas health officials. Gaza City and surrounding towns have been pounded to ruins. Nearly 1.9 million people have been driven from their homes. The resulting humanitarian crisis has sparked international outrage. The United States has repeatedly called on Israel to take greater measures to spare civilians, even as it has blocked international calls for a cease-fire and rushed military aid to its close ally. Advertisement Israeli troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters in and around Gaza City, more than six weeks after invading Gazas north following the militants Oct. 7 attack. Clashes raged overnight and into Wednesday in multiple areas, with especially heavy fighting in Shijaiyah, a dense neighborhood that was the scene of a major battle during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas. Its terrifying. We couldnt sleep, Mustafa Abu Taha, a Palestinian agricultural worker who lives in the neighborhood, said by phone. The situation is getting worse, and we dont have a safe place to go. The ambush took place Tuesday in Shijaiyah, where Israeli troops searching a cluster of buildings lost communication with four soldiers who had come under fire, the military said. When the other soldiers launched a rescue operation, they were ambushed with heavy gunfire and explosives. Among the nine dead were Col. Itzhak Ben Basat, 44, the most senior officer to have been killed in the ground operation, and Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, a battalion commander. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a very difficult day, but he rejected international calls for a cease-fire. We are continuing until the end, there is no question. I say this even given the great pain and the international pressure. Nothing will stop us, we will continue until the end, until victory, nothing less, he said in a talk with military commanders. Suffering in the south Heavy rainfall overnight swamped tent camps in Gazas south, where Israel has told people to seek refuge, even as that region has also come under daily bombardment. In the central city of Deir al-Balah, the storm brought cold winds and flooded a shelter area behind a hospital, sending torrents of water coursing between the tents. The situation is catastrophic, said Ibrahim Arafat, a father of 13 who fled Shijaiyah. Because of the fighting and Israels blockade of Gaza, the health care system and humanitarian aid operations have collapsed in large parts of the territory, and aid workers have warned of starvation and the spread of disease among displaced people. Israel invaded southern Gaza nearly two weeks ago, and heavy fighting has continued in its first target the city of Khan Younis. Israeli strikes overnight hit two residential buildings in and around the city, and the dead included three children, two women and an elderly man, according to relatives and hospital records. A strike Wednesday evening in the southern city of Rafah killed 19 people from two families, according to hospital records. The Israeli military rarely comments on individual strikes. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames the high toll on Hamas because it conceals fighters, tunnels and weapons in residential areas. Distant war aims Anger over the wars toll appears to have brought a surge in support among Palestinians for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 and touts itself as resisting Israeli occupation. A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found 44% of respondents in the occupied West Bank said they supported Hamas, up from just 12% in September. In Gaza, the militants enjoyed 42% support, up from 38% three months ago. Though Hamas backing remains a minority, the poll showed overwhelming rejection of Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with nearly 90% saying he must resign. Many Palestinians view the octogenarian leaders administration as corrupt, autocratic and ineffective. The findings signal more difficulties ahead for the American administrations postwar vision for Gaza and raise questions about Israels stated goal of ending Hamas military and governing capabilities. The U.S. wants Abbas internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to also govern Gaza, which Hamas seized from it in 2007. It also wants to revive the long-defunct peace process to negotiate the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahus government is firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood. Late Wednesday, Hamas supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh said any plans for Gaza that do not involve Hamas are an illusion and mirage, though he said the group is open to halting the fighting. Speaking to Al-Masira TV, a channel linked to Yemens Houthi militant group, he claimed Hamas had dealt a resounding blow to Israel. Haniyeh lives in exile in Qatar, but it was not clear where he was when he made those comments. U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he told Netanyahu that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing. Israel doesnt seem to be anywhere near achieving its military objective, Mairav Zonszein, a senior Israel analyst with the International Crisis Group, wrote on X, pointing to Tuesdays deadly ambush. With Biden already signaling loss of patience, with no signs of a hostage release and Israels economy overstretched, and with a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions in Gaza, Israel could find itself in a much worse position the day after, with a lot of losses and no win, she wrote. While the Israeli public appears to overwhelmingly support the war against Hamas, that sentiment could change if the death toll among Israeli soldiers continues to rise. Deaths of soldiers are an emotional topic in Israel, a small country of 9 million people where military service is compulsory for most Jews. Virtually every family knows a relative, friend or co-worker who has lost a family member in war. The names of fallen soldiers are announced at the top of national newscasts. In Israel, attention is still focused on the atrocities carried out on Oct. 7, when some 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and some 240 people were taken hostage, around half of whom remain in captivity. The military says 115 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. There has been little media coverage or public discussion of the plight of civilians in Gaza, even as international outrage has mounted. Despite U.S. calls to reduce civilian casualties, the toll has continued to mount at a dizzying rate. When it released the latest Gaza death toll of 18,600, the Gaza Health Ministry did not specify the number of women and minors, but they have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The toll is likely higher because thousands are believed buried under rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. BEULAH The community of Beulah gathered with the law enforcement community on Wednesday to say farewell to a deputy who served the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for nearly two decades before being killed in the line of duty. Paul Martin was killed during a Dec. 6 police chase that authorities say involved Ian Cramer, the son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., whom the senator said was having a mental health crisis. Martin, 53, was an 18-year veteran of law enforcement, the last 15 years with the sheriff's office. He leaves behind a wife, three children and four grandchildren. His funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the high school in Beulah, a community of around 3,000 people about 80 miles northwest of Bismarck. It was followed by a 2-mile procession through town, with people lining the streets. Hallways and classrooms in the school were quiet, with administrators deciding to hold a virtual learning day as the gym was turned into a chapel. Parking lots usually full of vehicles belonging to teachers and students were instead filled with law enforcement vehicles from various agencies including those in the Bismarck-Mandan area who sent representatives to pay their respects to a fallen comrade. A solemn and silent procession followed Martins flag-draped casket into the gym, accompanied by Garth Brooks song The Dance, with the lyrics: Its my life; its better left to chance; I could have missed the pain; but Id have had to miss the dance. Following the presentation of colors and national anthem, friends, family and law officers listened as Chaplain Capt. Philip Nelson quoted scripture. Former Gov. Ed Schafer, current Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and Attorney General Drew Wrigley were in attendance, and Wrigley eulogized Martin. He gave his final breath in the brave defense of others, others in this room, others in this community, others well beyond, and we will never forget. That is our pledge, said Wrigley, who oversees the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation as North Dakota's top law enforcement officer. An hour before doors opened to the public for the service, Nick Barth was out on the sidewalk with a sign of support for law enforcement. Barth drove from Fargo, even though he's not in law enforcement and did not know the deputy. He felt it was important to be present to show his backing for law officers. "I've got a lot of respect for them," he said. A number of other early arrivals waited patiently in vehicles. Among them were three of Martins high school classmates. Jon Steinmetz, Rob Erckenbrack and Lisa Sanchez were all members of the Jamestown High School class of 1989. We were all kids together, terrorizing Jamestown, Steinmetz chuckled. Waiting to enter the school, the trio told stories of days gone by and shared a couple of laughs. Paul was a good friend, Erckenbrack said of the man he knew since third grade. He was really smart and would do just about anything for you. Sanchez came from Aberdeen, South Dakota, Steinmetz from Fargo, and Erckenbrack from Buffalo, Wyoming. He was a special guy, Sanchez said. A special, special guy. Sheriff's Capt. Warren Wiedrich said in a post on the sheriff's office Facebook page in the leadup to the funeral that "Paul was a good cop who truly cared. He was one of our department's instructors, boat operators, K-9 handler (Goliath) and was one of my longest active SWAT team members. Paul was also always willing to help out and volunteer with all the off duty/public stuff. "Lately, Paul talked about retiring," Wiedrich wrote. "Paul was looking forward to hanging up his gun belt and traveling with his wonderful wife, Mindy. Paul talked a lot about his grandchildren and how awesome it is to be a grandparent. Paul, like most of us, looked forward to his life after law enforcement." Martin died when his patrol vehicle, parked along state Highway 200 west of Hazen, was struck head-on by a Chevy Tahoe driven by Ian Cramer, 42, of Bismarck, authorities said. Martin was standing behind the vehicle after deploying spike strips in an attempt to stop Cramer, who was fleeing from law enforcement, according to an affidavit. The incident began in Bismarck, when Ian Cramer's mother brought him to the Sanford Health emergency room, and he took the SUV and fled. Kevin Cramer issued a statement shortly after the incident acknowledging that his adopted son was involved in the chase and saying "Ian suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations." The night of the incident Ian had "insisted on going to his brother Ike," who died in 2018, according to the senator. Ian Cramer is in custody at the McLean County Jail in Washburn on a $500,000 cash bond. He is charged with manslaughter, fleeing from police, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license. Those charges together carry a maximum potential sentence of 25 years in prison. More charges are possible in Mercer County and in Bismarck, according to authorities. Defense attorney Kevin McCabe did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment on the case. Martin's life Martin was born Nov. 22, 1970, at Fort Lewis, Washington, according to his obituary. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1989. He started his law enforcement career with the Army as a military police K-9 officer. He then went to work for the Nelson County Sheriff's Department, and later worked with the Hazen Police Department for three years and the Beulah Police Department for two years before moving on to the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. Martin was partnered with K-9 Goliath for seven years. "After Goliath retired, he enjoyed napping on Pauls feet when Paul came home from work and going for rides in the pickup, the obituary said. Martin married Mindy in June 2016. The couple enjoyed outdoors activities including camping and fishing, and had bought land east of Golden Valley, according to the obituary. Martin also enjoyed hunting, and had recently started a new hobby making fish spearing decoys. Beulah tow truck operator Lucky Buchmann told The Associated Press that Martin was one of the most energetic people he knew. He took his job seriously but had a bubbly outlook on life, Buchmann said. I've never seen anybody else like him. It wasn't a drag. His world was not a drag. He was high on life, said Buchmann, who worked with Martin on towing calls, from nighttime blizzards and icy roads to treacherous lake shoreline. Martin will be buried at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan in a private ceremony at a later date. "Paul lived, Paul served and Paul died selflessly," Wrigley said of Martin. "Today North Dakota lays to rest a hero." The Martin family requests memorials be made to Wreaths Across America, Turtle River State Park or Sakakawea State Park. Gov. Doug Burgum last week directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff to honor Martin. He also encouraged North Dakotans to lower flags at their homes and businesses. The directive was to end at sunset Wednesday. Upper windows in the state Capitol in Bismarck were lit up in blue on Tuesday night to display a "Thin Blue Line," which symbolizes the line of law enforcement that stands between chaos and order. The tribute was planned again Wednesday night. Palestinian United Nations Ambassador Riyad Mansour, right, speaks during a press conference ahead of a U.N. General Assembly vote on a resolution calling for a cease fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at U.N. headquarters. Read more UNITED NATIONS The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also showed the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions, and ambassadors and other diplomats burst into applause as the final numbers were displayed. The United States and Israel were joined in opposing the resolution by eight countries Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay. The support was much higher than for an Oct. 27 Arab-sponsored resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Today was a historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said after the vote. And it is our collective duty to continue in this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives. Advertisement The United States has grown increasingly isolated in its support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and abducted about 240 in a surprise attack on Oct. 7. More than the United Nations or any other international organization, the United States is seen as the only entity capable of persuading Israel to accept a cease-fire as its closest ally and biggest supplier of weaponry. In tougher language than usual, though, President Joe Biden warned before the vote that Israel was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza. After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian cease-fire, Arab and Islamic nations called for Tuesday's emergency session of the General Assembly to vote on a resolution making the same demand. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. But Mansour said we will not rest until we see compliance of Israel with this demand from the General Assembly so that we can see a cease-fire in place. The resolution makes no mention of Hamas, and the assembly defeated two proposed amendments mentioning the militant group. One, proposed by the United States, would have added a paragraph stating that the assembly unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas. The other, proposed by Austria, would have added a call for the immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas. The war, now in its third month, has brought unprecedented death and destruction, with much of northern Gaza obliterated, more than 18,000 Palestinians killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry, 70% of them reportedly children and women, and over 80% of the population of 2.3 million pushed from their homes. General Assembly President Dennis Francis, who chaired the meeting, said the world is witnessing an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems, and profound disrespect for both international law and international humanitarian law. He said civilians should never undergo the level of suffering in Gaza and asked, "How many more thousands of lives must be lost before we do something? No more time is left. The carnage must stop. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the assembly how Israel defends itself matters, and she delivered several U.S. demands, which she said the Biden administration will press at the highest levels. Israel must avoid mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza, Thomas-Greenfield said. It must ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance to those who have fled violence and it must allow civilians in Gaza to return home as soon as conditions allow. But she made clear that the U.S. remains committed to Israel's right to defend itself. She asked assembly members why it was so difficult for U.N. nations to condemn Hamas terrorist actions on Oct. 7, to say unequivocally that murdering babies and gunning down parents in front of their children is horrific, that burning down houses while families shelter inside and taking civilian hostages in abhorrent. Israels U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan warned before the vote that a cease-fire will only prolong the death and destruction in the region and will be a death sentence for countless more Israelis and Gazans. A cease-fire means one thing and one thing only ensuring the survival of Hamas, ensuring the survival of genocidal terrorists committed to the annihilation of Israel and Jews, he said. Erdan said if U.N. member nations want a cease-fire they should call Hamas office in Gaza. He held up a sign with a phone number and the name Yehya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Hamas attack, who is at the top of Israel's hit list. The resolution expresses grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and it says Palestinians and Israelis must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It also demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. Tuesday's vote showed major shifts in voting. More than 25 countries that abstained on Oct. 27 supported Tuesday's cease-fire demand, including Albania, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, India, Iraq, Japan, Latvia, Monaco, North Macedonia, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Zambia. Croatia and Fiji went from voting no on Oct. 27 to voting yes on Tuesday, while Hungary, the Marshall Islands and Tonga went from voting no to abstaining. Billie Jean Williams (left) and Stephanie Fritsch walk near their homes in the rural area of Wiconisco, Pa. Read more Clouds as dark as anthracite crested a mountain and thundered across a valley before they crashed into the quiet town Stephanie Fritsch calls home. The late-June storm blew dust up and down the hilly streets of tiny Wiconisco, Pa., in Dauphin County. American flags thrashed outside homes where miners once lived. Rain pelted cars rusting out back. Stephanie stood on her front porch, taking in the beauty. Her pink hair whipped around in the wind. This is a real Appalachian thunderstorm, she said. Welcome to rural Pennsylvania. Stephanie, 58 at the time, is a transgender woman living in rural America, where access to gender-affirming health care is more difficult, where most municipalities have no ordinances against gender-identity discrimination, and where theres generally more support for conservative candidates who push back against transgender rights. Approximately 16% of trans Americans live in rural areas. A 2019 report by the Movement Advancement Project, a Colorado nonprofit focused on LGBTQ equality and democracy, said that population faces unique challenges, including higher rates of poverty and increased visibility. Rural Americans simply dont see or know many trans people so women like Stephanie are more noticeable, and, according to MAP, that can increase the risk of targeting or mistreatment. Advertisement Stephanie spent a turbulent decade in Las Vegas and wound up in Wiconisco by chance. Lifes less chaotic there, she said, and theres an empathetic friend blocks away in Billie Jean Williams, a transgender woman she first met on Facebook. I warned her not to move here, Billie Jean said. I like having her around, though, because I have an ally, another friend and trans person to talk to. Billie Jean, 38, grew up in Dauphin County and cares for a younger sister with disabilities in a house she said is literally falling apart. She said shes been harassed her whole life and doesnt present her gender often in public. My dream is to be accepted and happy, to actually live, not survive or exist, she said. Stephanie sees rural Pennsylvania as a safe, stable place where she can be herself and live as a woman. For Billie Jean, who hasnt legally changed her name or started the medical transition she yearns for, small-town life has become suffocating. She longs to disappear among the millions 120 miles southeast in Philadelphia. Stephanie and Billie Jeans struggles and hopes arent uncommon, advocates say. Theres no perfect place to be transgender. Transgender people have been living in rural communities forever and many have found ways to navigate their world to become highly successful individuals, said Corinne Goodwin, head of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project (EPTEP). They are architects and engineers and they pay their rent and retire comfortably. Life in Wic Wiconisco, a former coal town of about 1,162, is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, about 35 miles northeast of Harrisburg. It feels much farther. In June, during Pride Month, Stephanies was the only house flying a Progress Pride flag, with its rainbow stripes and black, brown, pink, blue, and white chevrons. One home, a few blocks away from her in the 10-square-mile town, had a Confederate flag unfurled out front. Billie Jean wasnt celebrating Pride in northern Dauphin County. She said shes already faced too much harassment at work. Most people in the area know me, she said. Many think Im just gay or a drag queen. Pennsylvania received a fair rating for its gender-identity policies, according to MAPs equality profile. Thats better than West Virginia and Ohio, but worse than New Jersey and New York. In Pennsylvania, 70 of the states 2,560 municipalities and three of its 67 counties Erie, Allegheny, and Philadelphia have ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in private employment, housing, and public accommodations. Most of those towns with protective ordinances are in Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties or towns with colleges, like Bloomsburg, Gettysburg, Shippensburg, and State College. Wiconisco is not one of them. Stephanie grew up in Connecticut, a state that scored high on MAPs equality profile. Her parents owned a costume shop in Manchester, and she worked there, listening to opera on the radio while lugging around heavy bolts of multicolored fabric. Shed secretly try on the womens costumes, but kept her gender identity from everyone, including family. Teenagers can home in on the slightest differences, and high school, for Stephanie, was difficult. Its when she started drinking heavily. Decades later, former classmates reached out to her, with remorse. When I look back, I thought I was mature, but was not able to stand up for someone being bullied, one woman wrote on Stephanies Facebook page in 2015. I know you were bullied Stephanie, because you were different, and I am very sorry our generation did that to you. A professional chef for two decades, Stephanie went on to work for American Airlines, handling reservations and lost baggage. In 2002, she was transferred to Las Vegas, where she first tried to transition and present her true gender at work. She experienced bouts of homelessness after getting laid off in 2003, and made ends meet with sex work. Stephanie, who is pansexual, said she married a woman in 2005 at Vegas Little White Wedding Chapel largely because of her parents programming. Thats when she ended that initial transition process, in order to be a father to her stepdaughter. In 2014, when she and her wife moved to central Pennsylvania, Stephanie began transitioning in earnest and got divorced. She no longer speaks to her ex-wife or stepdaughter. She applied for affordable housing, and in 2020 was offered an apartment in Wiconisco. Shes been there ever since. Today, Stephanie is on disability, and finds her most consistent connections online. She uses social media as a public diary, chronicling both struggles and everyday moments of joy. She wills herself toward positivity, despite troubles with money, medical transition, mental health, and harassment. To me living in rural America is a total gift, she wrote in a 2021 Facebook post. Stephanie doesnt hide in Wic and doesnt yearn to move to a larger city. She even ran for office in 2021 to become a township auditor and won. Stephanie corrects people when shes misgendered, locally, and shes traveled all over the state, and to Washington, where shes been arrested, to attend rallies, protests, and festivals. I will stand up to anyone, she said. Transgender people out in the country need people like me. I fight for them. Traveling for Pride Its about 72 miles from Wiconisco to Lancaster Pride, but the 90-minute drive south was worth it for Stephanie and, especially, Billie Jean, who wore blond locks and a long, pink dress she bought at Target. Its hard, and for her to do this today is amazing, Stephanie said of her friend. She can finally be herself here. Billie Jean had been fired from a retail job a week earlier. She said shed told the hiring manager she was transgender and planning to transition. That person told others, she said, and fellow employees went through her wallet and other personal belongings. A 2021 nationwide survey of LGBT employees by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law found that nearly half (47%) of Pennsylvania respondents said they experienced workplace discrimination or harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Lancaster, a city of 57,500, was a safe haven for a few hours, Billie Jean said, even though a local Christian church protested outside the convention center. When the doors opened, hundreds of people of all ages streamed in. Billie Jean posed for selfies. She didnt buy anything Im broke but had a nice conversation with a Black trans woman who left Harrisburg for Philadelphia. Stephanie chatted up almost every advocacy group and retailer who had a booth. Hi, Im Stephanie, she said to everyone. Many already knew her, evidence of her constant presence online. Goodwin, a trans woman, said finding community online, like Stephanie has, has benefits and drawbacks. Social media algorithms can funnel bad news and cruel people with hateful comments back to someone whos that plugged in. It can really send you down a rabbit hole of everybody hates me and thats just not the truth, she said. There are thousands of allies out there, but you have to seek them out. Stephanies met friends through activism too, including Charles King, cofounder of New York Citys Housing Works, which serves low-income or homeless New Yorkers. King said hes spent hours camped out in church basements with Stephanie before affordable housing protests in Washington. She managed to get there every time, King said. Shes an effective communicator, as eloquent as anyone else there. King said hes seen Stephanie get down in the dumps often, on social media. Sometimes she posts about frustrations shes faced trying to transition, medically, later in life. Shes undergone a bilateral orchiectomy, along with hormone replacement therapy and some laser hair treatments, but other health issues have prevented her from getting gender-affirmation surgery. Getting to appointments and consultations was an all-day event before she bought a car. Health care, in an urban area, could be a 15- or 20-minute ride, Goodwin said. In a rural area, it might be a two-hour ride. King urges Stephanie to practice gratitude for what she does have. And, unfailingly, shell do that, King said. She carries herself with tremendous dignity. Billie Jean would spend the rest of June and July looking for a job. She prayed her car wouldnt die, that a miracle would save her dilapidated bathroom so she could shower and shave more regularly. Everythings been hard, she said. Back in Wiconisco, her good vibes from Lancaster Pride had worn off. Here, were still taboo at best, she said, if not a pariah. A BYOB birthday in Wiconisco All summer, Stephanie was excited to celebrate at a 59th birthday party in August. She invited guests on social media. The party would be a potluck, she said, and since shes been sober from drugs and alcohol for 21 years, Stephanie was hoping for a different kind of BYOB. Bring your own boobs, however you define boobs or lack of boobs, she wrote. Two days before the party, though, the number of cancellations was growing. She went on Facebook Live to pour out her feelings. Even the strongest people in the world need help from people, she said in a video. The birthday party wouldnt be potluck, after all: Stephanie made huge servings of macaroni salad, baked beans, and smoked chicken, far more than she needed for the handful of friends who showed up that Sunday afternoon. Shes still a chef at heart. I figured its summer, you have to have baked beans, right? she said before guests arrived. Billie Jean called around noon. She had to go home, get changed, and pick up her younger sister. Alright, I love you. See you soon, Billie Jean said before hanging up. When she arrived, Billie Jean sat at the dining room table and sighed. She was stressed about a forthcoming job interview at a local fast food restaurant. She said shed dress as a man, but wasnt sure it would matter. I can usually tell if a job interview is going to go south by the faces they make, she said. Stephanie continually ran back and forth Coming through with cast iron! from the kitchen to the grills on her front porch. Billie Jean and Stephanie argued about rural life, their perceptions of violence in cities, about jobs and the affordability gap. Billie Jean reminded Stephanie she didnt have to work. MAPs report found that rates of harassment, discrimination, or physical violence in rural areas are only slightly less than in nonrural areas. (Logan Casey, MAPs director of policy research, said its report was based on the National Center for Transgender Equalitys 2015 U.S. Trans Survey, and its important to note how drastically the environment has changed since then.) The Human Rights Campaign said 2021 was the deadliest year ever for transgender and nonbinary people, with most of the victims being people of color. Stephanie said she feels safer in Wiconisco. The townships tiny police department gets help from the Pennsylvania State Police in neighboring Lykens. State police there said theyve responded to 11 assaults of varying degrees in Wiconisco so far this year, along with two burglaries and two sexual offenses. In 2021, a man shot and killed his roommate on the block where Stephanie later moved. Making a home Last year, Stephanies mother died at 87 in Connecticut. The obituary listed Stephanie Fritsch as one of her three children. Stephanie said her mother tried to see her as a daughter. Stephanie used her inheritance to purchase a Hyundai Tucson previously she walked everywhere and a three-bedroom, 19th-century house for $50,000. In Philly, buyers are paying a median of $218 per square foot this year. Stephanie paid $36. At home, she poured herself into renovations, painting rooms pink and yellow and upgrading the HVAC systems. With her fixed income, she still struggles with the grind of having an older house. Her walls are filled with tributes to her parents: a sailboat for her father, who died in 2015, and a shelf of scissors to honor her mothers skills with fabric. She has an entire bedroom filled with shoes and a sleeping balcony off another bedroom that looks out to the mountains behind her. In late August she proudly posted pictures of her well-manicured backyard, with its lush green grass, stringed lights, and firepits. My little slice of the American dream pizza! she wrote. Goodwin said transgender people can thrive in cities or rural communities. We focus so often on the difficulties, and they are very real for many of our community members, but we should also celebrate when a transgender individual succeeds, she said. Scarlett Davis, a six-year Navy veteran, is one of those success stories. Davis, 49, lives in the woods, in Tioga County, with her wife and dogs, and works in Pennsylvanias Department of Human Services. She began hormonal transition approximately five years ago and transitioned socially a few years later. No matter where you are, you will have people who accept you, and people who will not, she said. I dont require a celebration for my transition. I want to buy my groceries, just like everyone else. I want simple equality. Billie Jean doesnt think thats possible in Wiconisco. Giving thanks The mountains that bookend Stephanies home were mostly brown and bare a week before Thanksgiving. Evergreens stood out and a few bursts of burnt-orange leaves remained. Soon hunters would climb into the forest in search of whitetail deer, their rifle blasts echoing through the valley. Stephanie had recently decided not to attend a 40th reunion back in Connecticut after a disagreement with the planners. Shed also been diagnosed with cancer and had a portion of her ear removed; bad news, back-to-back. Still, she made a post of gratitude, at Charles Kings suggestion: I have two adorable cats. Billie Jean had gotten the fast food job. People were treating her kindly there, she said. Money was still tight, though, so she was looking for a second gig. Fast food seems like the only thing in the area that doesnt care about gender identity, she said. Shed started seeing a therapist too, hoping to get the medical transition process started, and was also addressing some long-standing health issues. She still wants out of Wic but has no family left to help her care for her sister. My life has consisted of being poor and taking care of dying family members, she said. Stephanie and Billie Jean drove to Hungry Time, a small cafe owned by a lesbian couple just a few miles from their houses for lunch. Its one of Stephanies favorite restaurants. Down the road, dozens of hand-painted, wooden Donald Trump signs lined a driveway. One featured a fist giving the middle finger. The cafe was bustling, the bell on the front door ringing every minute as the lunch crowd shuffled in. The spatula made a steady, clanging rhythm against the griddle. Hey, Miss Stephanie, said Miranda Heckler-Amato, one of the owners. Stephanie sees every outing, whether its a trip to the grocery store or a 45-minute lunch at Hungry Time, as activism, a chance to introduce the wider community to a transgender woman. Heckler-Amato tells her its not necessary, that the community is more accepting than she realizes. I think rural Pennsylvania is mostly plain and boring, in a good way, and Stephanie is anything but plain and boring, she said. Shes unique. Billie Jean, who wore a Billie Eilish shirt, said shes experienced occasional moments of unconditional acceptance there, but her heart is set on leaving. I mean, every once in a while, people around here will surprise the hell out of you, she said. Stephanie doesnt think shell leave rural Pennsylvania. I guess I could sell my house, buy a boat, and sail around the world like my parents did, she said. But for real, I just feel safer here and if it takes five more years for people to get used to me, so be it. On Thanksgiving, they planned to visit the Valley Lighthouse, a nonprofit down the road in Lykens, for plates of turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes. Stephanie said shed give thanks for the house, for her cats Butch and Midnight, too. Billie Jean was grateful for her job and a car thats still, somehow, working. Theyd be thankful for each other, too, they said. Their words, in that little cafe, soon sounded like wishes, everyday things most people strive for, whether they live in a city or way out in Wiconisco. You know, I want to be happy, she wants to be happy, and I want people to be happy with their lives. Thats pretty simple, right? Billie Jean said. I dont know what happened in America that made that so difficult. Police K-9 officer with dog searching for Gino Hagenkotter, who escaped prison on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Read more A body found in a Harrowgate warehouse on Monday has been identified as that of 34-year-old Gino Hagenkotter, who escaped from a Philadelphia prison late last month, police said Tuesday. Just before 2:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an unresponsive man found in a warehouse on the 1100 block of East Venango Street, in the river wards. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by medics, police said. Evidence at the scene suggested that someone broke into the warehouse. Police found a broken air vent and a pushed-out fan, as well as a ladder nearby. The man was not carrying identification, so he was initially classified as a John Doe. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office identified Hagenkotter through fingerprint analysis, police said. Hagenkotters family was notified by the U.S. Marshals Service. Advertisement On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Medical Examiners Office said Hagenkotter died from a drug overdose and his death was ruled accidental. Hagenkotter, an inmate at Riverside Correctional Facility convicted of theft and drug charges, escaped Nov. 30 while performing supervised work in the orchard behind the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Complex in the Northeast. Officials said he asked his supervising guard for permission to use the restroom, then jumped the jails fence and fled through the neighboring sanitation plant. About 15 minutes later, when the guard, suspicious of how long Hagenkotter had been gone, went to check the restroom, he wasnt there. The guard immediately reported his absence to prison officials, police said, but by that that point, Hagenkotter had ditched his jumpsuit and was walking down the street toward Torresdale Avenue. In the days after his escape, police had no reported sightings of Hagenkotter, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said. Hagenkotter had spent the last eight years in and out of jail on theft and drug possession charges in Philadelphia and Bucks County. He had been most recently incarcerated since June for violating his probation tied to a burglary conviction in 2019, a case in which, records show, he broke into an apartment building where he had been working and stole a tenants road bike. READ MORE: The man who escaped from a Philly jail has spent years in and out of prison on drug and theft charges In mid-November, a judge ordered that Hagenkotter be transferred to a drug treatment facility to serve the remainder of his sentence. He was set to be moved there on Nov. 30, but after officials found an open retail theft case in Bucks County, the transfer was canceled, and he was required to remain in jail through April 2024. Blanche Carney, commissioner of Philadelphias Department of Prisons, said officials believe the cancellation of his transfer played a part in his decision to escape. Hagenkotter was the fourth inmate to escape from a Philadelphia jail facility this year. In May, Ameen Hurst, 18, and Nasir Grant, 24, broke out of Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center. They were caught within about a week. In September, a 30-year-old woman briefly escaped from the same facility. She jumped the fence and landed on the other side, but was immediately apprehended by guards. Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a rally against antisemitism at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia on Sunday. Read more If any single politicians voice led to the University of Pennsylvania presidents resignation Saturday, it was Gov. Josh Shapiros. From the moment he sharply condemned president Liz Magills congressional testimony in which she hedged on whether calling for genocide of Jewish people violated the schools code of conduct Democrats across the state joined Republican colleagues in a bipartisan outcry that ultimately ended her tenure. In four trips to Philadelphia within five days, Shapiro visited a falafel restaurant that had been the target of protests, spent the first night of Hanukkah with Jewish Penn students, spoke at an interfaith rally, and introduced President Joe Biden to a room full of heavyweight political donors, calling the president a man of moral clarity, and a mensch. You are showing that hate has no place here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Shapiro, Pennsylvanias third Jewish governor, said to a crowd of about 1,000 at a Sunday rally against antisemitism. And hear me on this: Hate in whatever form, whether antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, it has no place in Pennsylvania. We will not tolerate it. Advertisement Shapiro, who is widely rumored to have national political ambitions, became a central figure last week as Penn was in the spotlight amid tensions at universities nationwide over hate speech, antisemitism, and the Israel-Hamas war. The governor walked the line between criticizing the leadership of Penn, the largest employer in the city, and talking to students and community members about fighting antisemitism, proselytizing the state as a safe haven for all faiths even as pro-Palestinian protesters criticized his view on the war. Its notable that he has been as outspoken as he has been about these issues as a Jewish politician, said Democratic political strategist J.J. Balaban. Fewer than 4% of Pennsylvanians are Jewish, Balaban noted, and others in his position might have kept a lower profile. But Joshs faith has always been central to his identity, and he obviously feels strongly about speaking up at this moment of heightened anxiety in the Jewish community. A Democratic shift on higher education Shapiro never called for Magill to resign over saying, when asked in a congressional hearing last week whether calls for genocide of Jewish people violates the schools code of conduct, that it is a context-dependent situation. But his full-throated criticism put pressure on the Ivy League university and was the highest profile example in the state of Democrats joining what had previously been a campaign of mostly Republicans criticizing elite institutions. As governor, Shapiro has a non-voting seat on Penns board of trustees, but he made his views known, both publicly and through a representative to the board. Hed been speaking with Magill and the former chair of board of trustees, Scott Bok, for months behind the scenes, he said, offering solutions to antisemitic episodes on campus. [Magill and the Penn board] have seemingly failed every step of the way to take concrete action to make sure every student feels safe on campus, Shapiro said last week outside Goldie, the falafel shop that has an Israeli-born co-owner, his first time publicly challenging Penns top brass. Frankly, I thought her comments were absolutely shameful. It should not be hard to condemn genocide. Shortly after Shapiro weighed in, a spokesperson for Biden denounced all three college presidents who addressed the congressional panel those from MIT and Harvard made similar comments as did other Democrats across Pennsylvania. But not all Democrats have weighed in. Shapiro has been much more vocal than Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who has not commented on the pressure mounting in her state against the presidents of MIT and Harvard. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who is also Jewish, said Shapiro has willingness to take risks and do whats right. But, he added, it was risky for Shapiro to speak out on the issue of antisemitism as a Jewish man. There are people who are reading [Shapiros comments] and saying, hes just saying that because hes Jewish, Rendell added. Ive known Josh for a long time, and hes not just saying it because hes Jewish. While the moment demonstrated a coming together of sorts for Democrats and Republicans, there was also noted daylight between the parties. Most Republican elected leaders called on Magill to resign while many Democrats simply condemned her testimony. GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick seized on that distinction and blasted Sen. Bob Casey, the Democrat hes seeking to unseat. He didnt take a stand. But now he rubber-stamps the move, McCormick said. Shapiro, meanwhile, got praise from some of his critics, such as GOP consultant Charlie Gerow. Im not a huge proponent of Josh Shapiro, but I give him credit for doing the right thing, Gerow said. Im just still amazed that others didnt come out as forcefully. It certainly didnt hurt [Shapiro] politically, either, Gerow added after a long pause. By condemning Magills testimony, Shapiro likely received some favor from an influential segment of Penns donor class, who had started the campaign for her ouster. Some of those donors were at a fundraiser Tuesday for Biden, where the president predicted of Shapiros future: I think whatever you want, youre gonna get. Backlash from Ceasefire advocates Shapiro has also faced backlash on his stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Hundreds of protesters calling for a cease-fire made a stop outside the governors mansion in Harrisburg on Sunday. They chanted: Josh Shapiro you cant hide, you signed off on genocide. A top Republican in the state Senate condemned the protest targeting Shapiros home. (Shapiro and his family were in Philadelphia at the time.) Pro-Palestinian protesters have targeted other Democrats who have voiced support for Israel including Biden and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman in recent months, urging them to back a cease-fire. The differing views on the war have fueled tensions within the Democratic Party ahead of an important presidential election year. Shapiro, who has long been a vocal supporter of Israel, has carefully walked a line criticizing only antisemitism not pro-Palestine sentiments and has vowed to fight against Islamophobia and all forms of hate. Asked about the need for humanitarian aid, Shapiro said while he thinks Israel certainly needs to mitigate the loss of innocent civilian lives, they have a responsibility to root out terror and to end Hamas ability to control that region. Some groups calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza say Shapiro has not done enough to show he is the governor of all Pennsylvanians. The governor says that he is against Islamophobia and we want to believe that, but his words are creating danger and harm, said Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, executive director of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Tekelioglu, who was particularly upset with Shapiros criticism of protesters outside Goldie, added: Gov. Shapiro had a good standing among Muslim communities, despite some disagreements. He spent time campaigning in Muslim-American communities. All of those relationships he built have been, unfortunately, tarnished over the last two months. Seizing the moment Even before Shapiro stepped to the podium Sunday at Rodeph Shalom synagogue on North Broad Street, he got a standing ovation. Shapiros role in the former Penn presidents resignation wont be remembered in detail into the next few years, but voters and donors will remember him for taking a stand, Democratic strategist Mike Mikus predicted. On a smaller scale, he compared Shapiros rising star to that of former President Barack Obama when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Nobody remembered the vast majority of the speech or what he talked about, Mikus said. What they remembered was that he gave a speech that really appealed to them And any time an elected official is able to raise their profile and demonstrate conviction and courage, it always helps in the long run. Penn will remain a national focal point as Congress launches its investigation into universities and the school installs new leadership and that presents an opportunity for Shapiro to continue speaking out. But as the governors national political clout rises, one Democratic state operative pumped the brakes a little. The strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that Shapiros highest profile moments tend to be really easy wins, such as decrying antisemitism or fixing a broken highway. And hes lost other recent fights, like a push for private-school vouchers and his pick for state party chair. For Shapiro, some of the statements and visits have been very personal, given his faith. He hosted survivors of the Oct. 7 attack at the governors residence in Harrisburg and met with them again at the synagogue in Philadelphia on Sunday. Asked on about the impact the week had had on him, Shapiro said hed felt multiple layers of responsibility, as a dad figuring out how to talk to his kids, to his own Jewish upbringing, and not just to American Jews here in Pennsylvania, but all Pennsylvanians to make sure that they feel safe. Former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill during trustee meeting in early November. Philadelphia leaders have been hesitant to comment on her resignation. Read more City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said she hopes University of Pennsylvania students will feel safe and have the right to express their freedom of speech as the school remains in the national spotlight following the resignation of its president. Former Mayor and Gov. Ed Rendell said hes confident that Penn will get its house in order. And Mayor Jim Kenney said hes focused on being welcoming to people of all faiths. But other Philadelphia politicians have been reluctant to comment on the controversy surrounding Penn, the citys largest employer, in the days since the universitys president resigned amid backlash over her testimony on antisemitism at a congressional hearing last week. The Inquirer reached out to about a dozen influential Philadelphia politicians and business leaders to ask their thoughts on Liz Magills resignation, the future of Penn, and what the university should look for in its next leader. Only two answered those specific questions: Gauthier, whose district includes the university, and Rendell, who teaches at Penn. Advertisement Kenney and U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Phila.) offered statements. READ MORE: Penn president Liz Magill has resigned following backlash over her testimony about antisemitism Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker and City Council President Darrell Clarke were among those who declined to comment. A spokesperson for Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who is expected to be elected Council president in January, said he was unavailable to comment. U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Phila.), whose district includes the university, did not respond to requests for comment. Heres what those who responded had to say: Councilmember Jamie Gauthier What is your reaction to Liz Magills resignation? I hope to see a sense of safety return to campus, Gauthier said in an email. Students deserve to learn in an environment where they know they will be protected from antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any kind of hate and they deserve to keep exercising their right to free speech and open expression. Are you concerned about Penns stability and its impact on the city? For years, I have been pushing Penn to provide West Philadelphia with the resources we deserve, but this requires buy-in from the highest levels of the university. The last presidential transition already slowed this critically important effort down and I am disappointed it will likely face even more setbacks because of Liz Magills resignation. West Philadelphia cannot afford any more delays. What should Penn look for in its next leader? This an opportunity for the university to select a president who understands Penns obligations to West Philadelphia and will take bold and urgent action to fulfill them. Ed Rendell, former Philly mayor and Pennsylvania governor What is your reaction to Liz Magills resignation? My reaction was somewhat sadness because I think Magill is a good person, who in many respects was doing a good job, Rendell said in an interview. She had a tough job following [former Penn president] Amy Gutmann. Rendell said Magills congressional testimony was just god-awful. The question that was asked was a simple question: Do you think that proselytizing for the genocide of all Jews was appropriate behavior under Penns rules and regulations? he said. And she came back and said it depends on the context. Well, it doesnt depend on the context. It was such a horrific statement. It demonstrated a total lack of understanding, total lack of empathy, and it was almost an unconscionable statement. He also speculated that the wording was a corporate answer she was instructed to provide, along with the two other university presidents. Are you concerned about Penns stability and its impact on the city? No, Penn is a great organization and it will get its house in order on this issue, he said, adding that the private university is not limited by the same free speech laws of the U.S. government. What should Penn look for in its next leader? Penn should look for a strong leader who has a good sense of right and wrong not legally right and wrong, but morally right and wrong, he said. The next president should ensure that hateful speech doesnt go unpunished at the university, and also have conversations with leaders of student groups that praise Hamas, for example, he said. Mayor Jim Kenney In response to the same set of questions, the mayor provided the following statement: In Philadelphia, we have always prided ourselves on being a welcoming city to people of all faiths and origins. Our focus in the city of Philadelphia is to consider and care for every community in our region that may be experiencing pain and uncertainty due to the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. We encourage all Philadelphia residents who are in need of support to make use of the city and partner resources available to them. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle Boyle, who represents parts of Philadelphia but whose district does not include Penn, provided the following statement in response to the three questions: In addition to being a leading national academic institution, the University of Pennsylvania is also the largest employer in Philadelphia. Therefore, it is crucial to our local economy that Penn has strong and stable leadership. The nations largest pharmacy chains have handed over Americans prescription records to police and government investigators without a warrant, a congressional investigation found, raising concerns about threats to medical privacy. Though some of the chains require their lawyers to review law enforcement requests, three of the largest - CVS Health, Kroger and Rite Aid, with a combined 60,000 locations nationwide - said they allow pharmacy staff members to hand over customers' medical records in the store. The policy was revealed in a letter sent late Monday to Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.). The members began investigating the practice after the Supreme Court's decision last year in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ended the constitutional right to abortion. Advertisement The revelation could shape the debate over Americans' expectations of privacy as Texas and other states move to criminalize abortion and drugs related to reproductive health. Pharmacies' records hold some of the most intimate details of their customers' personal lives, including years-old medical conditions and the prescriptions they take for mental health and birth control. Because the chains often share records across all locations, a pharmacy in one state can access a person's medical history from states with more-restrictive laws. Carly Zubrzycki, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut law school, wrote last year that this could link a person's out-of-state medical care via a "digital trail" back to their home state. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, regulates how health information is used and exchanged among "covered entities" such as hospitals and doctor's offices. But the law gives pharmacies leeway as to what legal standard they require before disclosing medical records to law enforcement. In briefings, officials with America's eight biggest pharmacy giants - Walgreens Boots Alliance, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, Cigna, Optum Rx and Amazon Pharmacy - told congressional investigators that they required only a subpoena, not a warrant, to share the records. A subpoena can be issued by a government agency and, unlike a court order or warrant, does not require a judge's approval. To obtain a warrant, law enforcement must persuade a judge that the information is vital to investigate a crime. Officials with CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid said they instruct their pharmacy staff members to process law enforcement requests on the spot, saying the staff members face "extreme pressure to immediately respond," the lawmakers' letter said. The eight pharmacy giants told congressional investigators that they collectively received tens of thousands of legal demands every year, and that most were in connection with civil lawsuits. It's unclear how many were related to law enforcement demands, or how many requests were fulfilled. Only one of the companies, Amazon, said it notified customers when law enforcement demanded its pharmacy records unless there was a legal prohibition, such as a "gag order," preventing it from doing so, the lawmakers said. Americans can request the companies tell them if they've ever disclosed their data under a HIPAA "Accounting of Disclosure" rule, but very few people do. CVS, which has more than 40,000 pharmacists and 10,000 stores in the United States, said it received a "single-digit number" of such consumer requests last year, the letter states. CVS, the country's largest pharmacy by prescription revenue, said in a statement that it is compliant with HIPAA and that its pharmacy teams are "trained on how to appropriately respond to lawful requests from regulatory agencies and law enforcement." "We have suggested a warrant or judge-issued subpoena requirement be considered and we look forward to working cooperatively with Congress to strengthen patient privacy protections," company spokeswoman Amy Thibault said. Most investigative requests come with a directive requiring the company to keep them confidential, she said; for those that don't, the company considers "on a case-by-case basis whether it's appropriate to notify the individual." The company intends to begin publishing a transparency report that will include information on third-party record requests starting in the first quarter of next year, she said. HHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Walgreens spokesman said the company's law enforcement process follows HIPAA and other applicable laws. A Walmart spokeswoman said the company takes its "customers' privacy seriously as well as our obligation to law enforcement." The other companies, including Amazon, did not respond to requests for comment. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post, and interim Post CEO Patty Stonesifer is a member of Amazon's board. Carmel Shachar, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Law School who researches health law and policy, said that pharmacies hold a "ton of sensitive data" and that pharmacists are probably not trained to evaluate the merits or validity of a police request - or to turn an officer down. "These need to go to someone who understands privacy law for review," she said. "It probably feels very nerve-racking to get a subpoena and tell the person who gave it to you, 'Oh, you'll have to wait.'" The pharmacy data could be especially concerning for the nearly 1 in 3 women ages 15 to 44 who a Post analysis found live in states where abortion is fully or mostly banned. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has warned pharmacies they could face criminal charges for providing women with "abortion-inducing drugs." Kate Cox, a Dallas-area mother of two who sought an abortion after learning her fetus had a fatal genetic condition, left the state on Monday after the Texas Supreme Court blocked a lower-court ruling that would have allowed her to get the procedure. Some states, such as Louisiana, Montana and Pennsylvania, offer additional protections for medical data disclosure, though federal law enforcement is not subject to their laws. In their letter, the lawmakers called on HHS to strengthen HIPAA's rules and ensure pharmacies insist on a warrant, which would require law enforcement go to court to enforce such requests. The lawmakers noted that the tech industry had adopted a similar change in the early 2010s, when Google, Microsoft and Yahoo began demanding to see warrants before providing data on customers' emails. They also urged the companies to proactively notify customers and to publish regular transparency reports highlighting the volume of law enforcement requests. Americans deserve to have their private medical information protected at the pharmacy counter, they wrote. In this new role, Frederico will provide leadership as we focus on optimizing and leveraging the full strengths of our consumer offering, from our broad range of personal lines and A&H products to our direct marketing platform, relationships with agents and brokers, and B2B2C digital distribution partnerships through Chubb Studio. We have substantial runway for growth in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Europe, and Frederico has the track record and expertise to help us realize the combined potential of our consumer business. The charges came following a 2021 investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division, according to a news release. The investigation found that Ellis, the owner of Des Moines-headquartered Always Affordable Bail Bonds, had misrepresented facts about a loss on an insurance claim in order to receive money to which he wasnt entitled. Oftentimes, brokerage firms concentrate only on admitted products, the EVP said. We really need to know whats going on with non admitted as well, as those are the contracts that are going to be more flexible and offer creativity for these clients. A federal appeals court has declared that New York law prevents Lloyds from recovering some loss payments from Zurich American because Zurichs insured was also an insured of Lloyds in a case involving a construction project at LaGuardia Airport. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that New Yorks anti-subrogation law provides that an insurer has no right of subrogation against its own insured for a claim arising from the very risk for which the insured was covered. The insured, Skansa USA Building, was insured by both Zurich and Lloyds on the airport project. Arch Insurance was also on the project. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hired LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGA) as the developer for the project, which then subcontracted with a joint venture that included Skanska USA Building Inc. Skanska and LGA obtained a Contractors Controlled Insurance Program for the project, which included a tower of general liability insurance with $300 million of coverage in three layers. Zurich underwrote the base layer of coverage, Arch provided a first layer of excess coverage, and then Lloyds provided a second excess policy, which was a third layer of coverage on top of Archs. Each layer of coverage, including Lloyds, contained a standard employers liability exclusion, which carves out from coverage liability for bodily injury to an employee of the insured arising from the employees employment by the insured. However, there is an exception to this exclusion. The policy does cover liability assumed by the insured in an insured contract such as the contract between Skanska and LGA. The dispute arose from a personal injury suit filed against Port Authority and LGA by a Skanska employee injured while working on the LGA project. Zurich agreed that the general liability insurance policy provided coverage for the suit and arranged for counsel to represent the Port Authority and LGA beginning in August 2018. Roughly three years later, Lloyds contacted that counsel and requested that LGA and Port Authority commence a third-party claim for common law indemnification or contribution against Skanska. However, that counsel concluded that New Yorks anti-subrogation rule would bar it. After continued disputes between Lloyds and Zurich and their attorneys, Zurich sought a declaratory judgment that the anti-subrogation rule would indeed bar the indemnification or contribution claim against Skanska. The federal district court granted Zurichs request, asserting that the states anti-subrogation rule is an exception to an insurers usual right of subrogation against third parties. The district court said that the sole issue was whether the anti-subrogation rule bars Lloyds from causing its insureds, LGA and Port Authority, to sue its other named insured, Skanska, for common law indemnification or contribution. The court accused Lloyds of trying to muddy the water of what the court saw as a straightforward case by relying on the viability of a hypothetical indemnity claim brought by LGA or Port Authority against Skanska. In weighing the appeal by Lloyds, the Second Circuit came to the same conclusion, agreeing with the lower court that the two key elements for the anti-subrogation rule to apply were present in the case: Lloyds insures Skanska under the general liability policy. That policy, through the insured contract provision, covers Skanska for the obligation it assumed in the contract to indemnify LGA and Port Authority for losses resulting from third-party claims for bodily injury like the one underlying the present action. Thus, Lloyds cannot subrogate against Skanskaits own insuredfor losses arising from the underlying suit, exactly the risk for which Lloyds insures Skanska. What Lloyds proposes is precisely what the anti- subrogation rule prohibits. Straightforward application of the rule bars the claim. The federal appeals court pointed to the New York Court of Appeals which has said that the important public policies served by the rule mean that it must take precedence over the parties private contractual arrangements. New Yorks courts have explained that the anti-subrogation rule is needed both to prevent the insurer from passing the incidence of loss to its own insured and to guard against the potential for conflict of interest that may affect the insurers incentive to provide a vigorous defense for its insured. The anti-subrogation rule prevents an insurer from recouping losses from its insured even where the insured has expressly agreed to indemnify the party from whom the insurers rights are derived and has procured separate insurance covering the same risk. Topics New York Excess Surplus Lloyd's This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Marsh and Allianz Central Europe. A summary of these new hires follows here. Marsh Announces Group of Promotions in UK, Global Placement Team Marsh, the insurance brokerage business of Marsh McLennan, announced a series of senior appointments across its UK and Global Placement leadership team, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Tom Davies has been appointed as Placement Leader, UK, reporting to John Donnelly, global head of Placement, Marsh, and Chris Lay, CEO, Marsh McLennan UK. Based in London, Davies will work closely with Marshs Global Placement leadership to continue to develop placement solutions that challenge the insurance market to meet the evolving needs of clients. He will continue to be a member of the Global Placement Executive Committee and will join Marshs UK Executive Committee. One of Marshs most experienced placement leaders, Davies is currently global CEO of Bowring Marsh, Marshs international placement business. He brings over 30 years experience of retail, and wholesale broking to the role, having started his career with Marsh in 1989. Adam Russell has been appointed to the newly created role of strategy & planning leader, Global Placement, reporting to Donnelly and Kevin Meszaros, global data & strategy leader, Marsh Specialty and Global Placement. Based in London, Russell will support Donnelly in bringing together Marshs global placement and digital expertise to enhance the client experience through innovation. Russell currently leads the Portfolio Solutions and Digital Placement teams in the UK and brings over 18 years international experience to the role. Winsee Cheung has been appointed portfolio solutions leader, UK, reporting to Davies. Based in London, Cheung will have responsibility for leading Marsh Portfolio Solutions, as well as the facilities and line slips placed by Marsh Specialty in the UK. She will work with the business to identify and design new portfolio solutions that add value to clients in the changing risk landscape. Cheung joined Marsh in 2006 and has held several senior positions, including her most recent role as Marsh Specialty Placement Leader, UK. Jason Mills has been appointed placement leader, Marsh Specialty UK, reporting to Davies and Dominic Samengo-Turner, CEO, Marsh Specialty, UK. Based in London, Mills responsibilities will include designing and implementing the placement strategy across Marsh Specialty within the UK. Mills returned to Marsh in 2020 as UK wholesale leader for the Financial and Professional Liability (FINPRO) Practice, and is currently head of FINPRO Placement, UK. These appointments underline Marshs commitment to developing global placement solutions that are at the forefront of the industry and offer clients alternative capacity amid often challenging market conditions, commented Donnelly. These promotions are also testament to the breadth and depth of our industry-leading talent and expertise across the firm. *** Klingspor Succeeds Papanikolaou as CEO, Allianz Central Europe Allianz SE announced that Nina Klingspor, currently CEO of Allianz Private Krankenversicherungs-AG, Allianzs private health insurance business in Germany (APKV), will be appointed as the new CEO of Central Europe for Allianz Group, subject to approval by the relevant corporate bodies. Her appointment is effective on Jan. 1, 2024. Allianz Central Europe is a regional entity with responsibility for Allianz national businesses in 11 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. She will succeed Petros Papanikolaou who will be appointed as the new CEO of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS), with additional responsibility for leading Allianz Commercial globally, subject to regulatory approval. (See related article on Papanikolaous promotion). Klingspor joined APKV in 2019 and shaped a strategy and culture that has produced outstanding financial results and customer loyalty, achieving new levels of technical excellence and business development. She will be succeeded by Jan Esser, whose appointment is also subject to approval by the relevant corporate bodies. Prior to being named CEO of APKV, Klingspor was CFO of AGCS for four years, and served as head of office for Allianz SE CEO Michael Diekmann from 2012 to 2015. She joined the company in 2000 as chief of staff to the CEO of Allianz Global Investors and went on serve in roles including head of Marketing and head of Third-Party Distribution in Germany. She started her career at the Landesbank Baden Wurttemberg (LBBW), where she worked in both Stuttgart and Beijing, overseeing credit risk for Asian financial institutions and helping to build LBBWs German Center Beijing. She holds a degree in economics from the University of Trier and studied Chinese in Taiwan. I want to thank Petros for the outstanding work he has done at Allianz Central Europe, his establishment of the regional entity and his successful transformation of the regional model, commented Klaus-Peter Roehler, member of the Allianz SE Board of Management. Nina is ideally suited to take on Petros role and drive our regional integrated strategy in the Central European region: Her proximity to sales, her financial knowledge, and her understanding for technical excellence as well as her teamplay are outstanding. With her personality and her skills, the Central European region will have a strong leader. Topics Europe Allianz OneDigital, an insurance brokerage, financial services and HR consulting firm, has acquired RiskSOURCE Clark-Theders, a property & casualty firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. RiskSOURCE, founded in 1977 and licensed in 46 states, specializes in customized risk management and insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. The 25-member RiskSOURCE team will continue to be led by Jonathan Theders and Amanda Shults as they join forces with OneDigitals Mid-Atlantic region, consisting of 33 offices and over 520 employees. The partnership with RiskSOURCE provides OneDigital with a targeted opportunity to further integrate property & casualty services into the OneDigital portfolio for thousands of individuals and businesses. Similarly, the partnership will increase RiskSOURCEs access to national P&C resources while enhancing its personal and business client solutions to include employee benefits, HR, wealth management, retirement plan services, Medicare and pharmaceutical benefits. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Ohio Denali, a wholesale insurance specialist, announced that its Investor Property Program has grown to include student housing. The expansion of Denalis package insurance for investor properties is well timed. Limited housing supply and high demand at U.S. colleges and universities are fueling sales of off-campus student housing. Denalis new offering helps retail insurance agents support their property clients by unlocking the opportunities of the booming student property market. The Denali Investor Property Program Investor Pro package insurance features and benefits include: Now including Student Housing. Package offering. Ability to offer Assault and Battery coverage sub-limits. Earthquake and Equipment Breakdown coverage options available. Higher Limits now available. Builders Risk and Vacant coverage available. Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Denali is an independently owned specialty insurance intermediary, focused on serving retail and select wholesale agencies with its program solutions and delegated underwriting authorities Topics Excess Surplus Property Missouri Chubb announced a collaboration with NetSPI, a global provider proactive security. The pairing is designed to strengthen clients cyber-risk profiles with enhanced attack surface management and penetration testing solutions. According to a press release, Chubb policyholders in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of NetSPIs full portfolio of proactive security solutions, including breach and attack simulation, attack surface management and a suite of comprehensive penetration testing offerings, at preferred pricing, subject to applicable insurance laws. NetSPIs suite of solutions can be tailored to support any size of business across all industries. This collaboration with NetSPI provides clients with peace of mind, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities, security issues, and exposure to risk before it escalates into a claim, said Craig Guiliano, vice president of cybersecurity threat intelligence at Chubb. This value-added solution is part of Chubbs efforts to proactively identify cyber exposures that are difficult to detect using common scanning tools and to more broadly strengthen our policyholders security posture. Chubb reports that an advantage to policyholders stemming from this partnership is access to NetSPIs industry-leading proactive security technology and expertise, allowing Chubb policyholders to keep pace with an ever-evolving risk environment. As part of this collaboration, select Chubb clients are eligible to access NetSPIs attack surface management (ASM) platform at no cost. According to the press release, this solution continuously evaluates client attack surfaces for exposures and vulnerabilities. It utilizes its penetration testing expertise to decrease the probability and impact of a costly cyberattack, provide actionable insights for attack surface reduction and decrease false positives to help teams prioritize remediation. Topics Cyber InsurTech Tech New Markets Chubb Texas Mutual President and CEO Jeanette Ward recently celebrated two significant achievements with the Texas Mutual board and members of its executive council. On November 17, Ward reached 30 years with Texas Mutual and the governors office recognized this achievement with two special commemorations. Ward received an official certificate signed by Gov. Greg Abbott to recognize her 30-year milestone and received the Yellow Rose of Texas honor for the difference shes made in the insurance industry and the communities we serve. The Yellow Rose of Texas award is the highest honor given to Texas women by the governor. Nominations for the award are submitted to and selected by the Office of the Texas Governor. During last months board meeting, Honorable Ron Simmons, chairman of Texas Mutuals board, presented the award to Ward. Ward has been an integral part of Texas Mutual since joining the Texas Workers Compensation Insurance Fund in 1993, which later became Texas Mutual. Ward attributes her own mentorship experience to what helped lead her to where she is today and carries that forward by serving as a mentor and role model for others at our company and within the insurance industry. Topics Texas A former Florida claims adjuster has been sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation for her role in a scheme to rob alleged drug dealers in the Tampa area. Jasmine Weber, 28, of Tampa, a former adjuster for State Farm and Berkshire Hathaway Group, pleaded guilty in January to working with several conspirators who posed as law enforcement officers and robbed, beat and shot victims, from late 2020 to April 2021. While working as an adjuster, Weber used her Lexus Nexus account to research potential victims records and home addresses, prosecutors said. She also purchased equipment for the team, including sheriffs vests, law enforcement patches, and blue-light bars for vehicles used in the crimes, according to court documents and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida. Weber was convicted under the federal Hobbs Act, a 1946 law that penalizes robbery that affects interstate commerce. The case began in February 2021, when sheriffs deputies responded to two home-invasion robberies, one in Lakeland and one in Plant City at a suspected marijuana grow house, according to an arrest document filed in federal court. The robbers took cell phones, jewelry, cash and narcotics. The FBI started investigating other home invasions, burglaries, and assaults in early 2021, and identified several other men as possible suspects, One factor that helped identify the suspects was a white backpack that Hudson often wore at the robberies, FBI agents said. At least three of the men arrested in the investigation have entered plea agreements. In addition to prison time, Weber must participate in a substance abuse program and a mental health treatment program, and must pay a $100 special assessment, according to the Dec. 8 sentencing order. The court waived further fines, which could have amounted to $250,000. The Florida Department of Financial Services licensee search page shows that Weber, of Tampa and Lakeland, was appointed with Berkshire Hathaway from 2013 to 2017; with State Farm from 2015 to 2018; and with United Services Automobile Group Association as recently as February 2022. She was an all-lines adjuster. Photo: Topics Florida Source: Streetwise Reports December 13, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) McFarlane Lake Mining has announced that it has begun drilling on its highly mineralized High Lake Project. Read on to see why analysts like this company as gold is breaking out. McFarlane Lake Mining Ltd. (MLM:NEO; MLMLF:OTCQB) has announced in a press release that it has resumed exploration drilling to expand the resource on the company's High Lake Property. The company reports that the planned drill program comprises 10,000m of drilling focused on the Purdex zone, which returned a high-grade mineralized resource estimate (MRE) in the previous campaign completed in February of this year. The MRE identified 152k tonnes of indicated resource at 9.38 grams per tonne (g/t) and 287k tonnes of inferred resource at 10.43 g/t. The MRE identified three zones of mineralization, covering an area that is 220m long and 420m deep on the property, and these zones have returned grades of up to 24.96 g/t of gold (Au) in one 14.90m stretch and 9.20 g/t Au along 26.4m. The program will also test a number of targets generated by the Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical survey that was completed in February 2023 and the follow-up prospecting program completed in May 2023. Roger Emdin, the CEO of McFarlane, commented, "We are very pleased to have raised more than CA$4.6 million in our recently closed private placement in a very tough capital market regime for junior explorers. This financing allows us to resume our successful exploration activities and seek to expand our high-grade mineral resource estimate on the Purdex zone and follow up on other high-priority targets." Gold Reaches 20-Month High McAlinden Research Partners released a report on December 5, 2023, that stated that gold, at US$2,150 per ounce, and Bitcoin, at US$42,000 per unit, hit a 20-month record high. McAlinden identified a relationship between gold values and cryptocurrencies, commenting, "MRP has long posited that gold and Bitcoin could very well be complementary assets in some situations, sharing very similar monetary qualities and the potential to benefit from similar trends." Josh Chiat also examined the gold market on December 4, 2023, and cited more traditional reasons for the gold breakout, including conflict in the Middle East and the expectation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut rates in 2024, both of which drive up uncertainty. Gold is commonly seen as a "safe haven" investment, meaning that when confidence in the economy goes down, the value of gold goes up. A Strong Speculative Buy Technical Analyst Clive Maund reviewed the company in June of 2023, rating the company as a "Strong Speculative Buy" for potential investors. Maund cited several factors in his assessment of the company, including the company's encouraging stock patterns: "Within the Handle part of the Cup & Handle base, we can see that the price is being steadily shepherded higher by the Saucer boundary towards a breakout, which will occur when the price breaks above the resistance at the upper boundary of the entire pattern." In February of 2023, Maund rated the company as an "Immediate Speculative Buy" because of the news that McFarlane had intercepted "bonanza grade results" on its lucrative High Lake property. The company has a number of catalysts to report, according to its investor presentation, including an application for a permit to start surface bulk sampling on the High Lake Property. Ownership and Share Structure Reuters provided a breakdown of the company's ownership and share structure, where management and insiders own approximately 25.22% of the company. Reuters reported that President and CEO Mark Trevisiol owns 15.32% of the company with 12.36 million shares, Director Perry Nicholas Dellelce owns 6.32% of the company with 11.47 million shares, COO Roger John Emdin owns 1.75% of the company with 3.17 million shares, Director Dario Zulich owns 1.54% of the company with 2.80 million shares, Director Fergus P. Kerr owns 0.28% of the company with 0.50 million shares, and CFO Charles James Lilly owns 0.01% of the company with 0.01 million shares. Reuters reports that institutions own approximately 18.13% of the company. Evanachan, Ltd. owns 11.01% of the company with 20.00 million shares, and Canadian Star Minerals Ltd. owns 7.12% of the company with 12.93 million shares. According to Reuters, there are 181.63 million shares outstanding, with 118.39 million free float traded shares, while the company has a market cap of CA$13.36 million and trades in the 52-week period beginning at CA$0.03. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100? That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More Source: : Ron Struthers December 13, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investment in copper mining is very low at a time when it should be at record highs to accommodate electrification of world economies. Ron Struthers of Struthers Resource Stock Report looks into three promising copper exploration plays and a pure producer, Capstone. For a long time, copper has been described with a PhD in economics. It is tied so much to all industries that its demand cycles can mirror economic cycles. As most of the world seeks to reach net-zero targets and transition to cleaner, renewable forms of energy, copper is a big requirement. However, the amount of copper needed to successfully facilitate the energy transition is staggering. Nearly 70% of all copper produced is used in electrical applications, which is why it's so important to the energy transition. While the average internal combustion engine vehicle contains approximately 48 pounds of copper, a typical EV contains nearly four times that amount. Solar Technology uses about 5.5 tons copper/MW of electricity and wind about 4 tons/MW onshore and 10 tons/MW offshore. Jerome Leroy, vice president of the Canadian business unit of cable supplier Nexans, worries that copper mines won't be able to keep up. This concern partly stems from the fact it takes many years to secure regulatory approvals for new mines. Moreover, ore grades at existing mines have long been in decline. (Production is concentrated in Chile, Peru, and China.) Mr. Leroy points to forecasts suggesting production capacity will grow to 27 million tonnes a year by the end of this decade, whereas demand could rise as high as 35 million tonnes. A shortfall could materialize as soon as next year, he warns. "I start to see it happening at the power utility level," he said. "People are requesting more and more cable. The likes of BC Hydro and Hydro-Quebec, and others, say that probably they will need at least 5% more cable every year starting from now." Blair DeBruyne, the director of operations, inventory, and fleet services at SaskPower, points out that copper is a major ingredient in transformer coils and almost every power line. But he's worried about all mined materials because order lead times are being pushed out. Last year, IHS Markit (a market research firm owned by S&P Global) projected that copper demand could double in little more than a decade - from 25 million tonnes today to 50 million by 2035. "The chronic gap between worldwide copper supply and demand projected to begin in the middle of this decade will have serious consequences across the global economy," an IHS report warned, "and will affect the timing of net-zero emissions by 2050." Demand for copper in energy transition applications is expected to climb about 8.2% over the next decade, outstripping a projected 2.9% increase in copper demand in that period for traditional uses such as construction, infrastructure, machinery, and transportation, said Mohsen Bonakdarpour, executive director of economics & country risk for Market Intelligence. My take - I am not as bullish as many on the speed to electrification and EVs, but if demand even grows at half of the projections, there will be shortages. You see, the problem is really on the supply side, mainly because of years of underinvestment in mining. The chart below on copper production shows that growth has been flat since 2016. The global copper industry needs to spend more than $100 billion to build mines able to close what could be an annual supply deficit of 4.7 million tonnes by 2030, Erik Heimlich, head of base metals supply at CRU, said in 2022. The supply gap for the next decade is estimated at six million tonnes per year as the clean energy and electric vehicles sectors ramp up. This means the world would need to build eight projects the size of BHP's (ASX: BHP) Escondido in Chile, the world's largest copper mine, over the next eight years. Such task, Heimlich said, seems questionable. "Many of the projects currently developed have been in the making for almost three decades, and with exploration activity relatively limited in recent years, supply increases may fade from 2025," experts at BoA said. Global development and expansion capital for primary copper mines peaked in 2013 at $26.13 billion, almost halved in subsequent years, and has not recovered since. Capital spending on copper projects is estimated to have been only $14.42 billion in 2022, based on Mine Economics' universe of coverage. A further decrease of 18.7% is projected for 2023. This chart is just the top 10 companies. Mine expansion activities rose in 2021, with some major announcements in Chile, Indonesia, and Mongolia that will add 3 million tonnes (mt) over the next four years. Most miners continue to allocate a major portion of the budget to the expansion of existing mines, while the root share was 34% in 2021. Over the last decade, there have been 19 major grass root discoveries, but only three in the past five years, adding just 5.6mt to the total production. Latin America (LatAm) remains the top region in terms of total discoveries; however, over the past decade, new supplies have come more from Africa and Asia. In particular, between 2012 and 2021, around 56% of the top 10 discovered deposits were added by the Kamoa-Kakula deposit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2014 and the Onto deposit in Indonesia in 2013. Catch 22 - The Climate Activists Want to Electrify and Go Green but Don't Want New Copper Mines - Dah! The changes in LatAm royalty taxes add to the regulatory uncertainty prevailing in the region. The Chilean government is considering a modified version of a 2021 bill to impose a 1% sales tax for copper companies producing less than 200 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) and up to 3% for companies with output exceeding 200ktpa. However, companies producing under 50ktpa are exempted from this tax. Similarly, tax changes and local community protests in Peru have impacted production from major mines in the region. This is likely to impact the new project pipeline over the coming years. Freshwater usage is another major concern for copper mines, especially in Chile, Peru, and the southwest United States. Peru has been rocked by protests since former President Pedro Castillo was ousted in December 2022 in an impeachment trial. The South American nation accounts for 10% of the global copper supply. Shares in First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FM:TSX; FQM:LSE) have dropped a whopping 2/3rds (66%) since opposition to a mining contract on their massive copper mine went viral in Panama. The mine is about 1/2 their copper production, so the stock might be getting oversold. Let's see where it bottoms. Their contract deal gave the company the right to mine the site for at least the next two decades in exchange for US$375 million a year to the government. It has become a flashpoint for local protesters. That opposition has escalated into broader anti-government protests that officials say are costing Panama US$80 million a day. The mine faces legal and constitutional challenges from the country's top court, and citizens may get a chance to vote on the contract extension in a referendum next month. Because of the blockade, Quantum announced on November 23 that they suspended production at the mine. No Way Supply Will Meet Demand There is no way that supply will ramp up enough to meet rising demand, even if demand increases are half of what is expected. Bringing new mines on stream is becoming more difficult with regulation and climate activists. The major mining companies are mostly focused on expanding and improving profits at their existing mines. The two main results are higher copper prices, which will likely go to new highs, and a huge focus on junior copper explorers. Not by investors yet, but the majors who are watching these like hawks will be jumping on discoveries and promising projects. First, a long-term chart on copper. Prices have not gone crazy, but the 2011 highs were tested in 2021 and 2022. Since then, a wedge pattern has developed. A breakout will occur, and I would bet to the upside. Next chart, short term on the next page, the recent move up and then back was a test of resistance and support levels. There are virtually no pure copper producer plays, but perhaps one and the big copper producers also produce other base metals, so they are nowhere near a pure copper investment. One option is the junior copper explorers, and I will highlight three of my favorites before I touch on the best pure producer play. Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (MMA:TSX.V; MDNGF:OTCQB) Recent Price: $0.20 Midnight Sun has done a lot of exploration work on their Solwezi mineral exploration licenses in Zambia that are located directly adjacent to the largest copper mine in Africa - Once again, First Quantum Minerals' Kansanshi copper/gold mine. Midnight Sun has a copper discovery there and needs further work to prove it. With Midnight Sun, it is all about location. The Zambian-Congo copper belt is host to some of the world's richest mines, with operators that include Barrick, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, and First Quantum and a lot of them surround MMA. This graphic shows a better closeup. MMA has four main targets: Dumbwa, Kazhiba Dome, Mitu Trend, and Crunch Zone. Dumbwa is a continuous high-grade copper-in-soil anomaly for over 20 km along strike and about 1 km wide with peak values up to 0.728% copper. Kazhiba Dome has multiple high-grade hits in the 22 zones, with the discovery hole running 11.3 meters and grading 5.71% copper. Other intercepts include 21 meters of 3.26% copper and 6.4 meters of 5.08% copper. The Mitu Trend shows a similar style of mineralization as the Sentinel Mine with associated cobalt and nickel. Drill hits include 11.6 meters of 3.44% copper and 11.5 meters of 1.41% copper. The Crunch Zone has a newly identified structural target with a largely untested VTEM conductive anomaly. It occurs on the same stratigraphy as First Quanum's Kanasanshi Mine. MMA has a large 506 sq km property and already has two high grade discoveries. They are in the right place and have caught the attention of the major miners. I expect we will see some type of JV deal on one or more of their target areas and/or some more great results in the next drill program. They have 118 million shares out, and at $0.20, the market cap is just around CA$24 million, which is quite cheap for their location and discovery. The company is run by CEO Al Fabbro, whom I have known for many years and who made good returns on his last deal, RoxGold. The stock bottomed in 2022 with the correction in copper prices. Since then, it recovered but has been stuck in a range between $0.20 and $0.32. It is a good buy here at the bottom of this range. Zonte Metals Inc. (ZON:TSX.V) Recent Price: $0.08 Zonte is in a great location as well, miner-friendly NFLD Canada. Year-round road access, high voltage power at the one end of the property, and near tidewater at the other end. There has been a gold rush there with New Found Gold Corp.'s (NFG:TSX.V; NFGC:NYSE.American) high-grade discovery at their Queensway project. There has not been much copper exploration, although NFLD was the world's 4th largest copper producer back in the WW2 era. However, I think this will soon change as Zonte has discovered a grassroots new copper district, an Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) system. These can produce huge mines, and Zonte has done a lot of tedious work over the past several years and has discovered 12 priority targets so far. I expect multiple mines could be discovered. Zonte did some drilling, testing magnetic and gravity highs, and from this, learned that potential deposits are likely adjacent to these anomaly highs. Their soil sampling and rock sampling in the last two years appear to confirm this. They did make one high-grade hit at their Dunns Mountain target, but it was narrow. It was 0.43 meters with 14% copper, 15 g/t gold and 352 g/t silver. With their new exploration approach, they are currently drilling the K6 target. In the graphic, you can see that the copper soil anomaly sits adjacent to the gravity and magnetic highs. It is also proven with copper in rocks. Zonte has drilled four holes there so far, and I expect results in the New Year. The stock just bottomed at historic lows in October but needs to break the downtrend channel. There is only mild resistance, around $0.08, with stronger resistance, around $0.13. I did an 18-minute interview with CEO Terry Christopher, and we went over, in detail, the exploration of the K6 target. It is well worth watching at this YouTube link. Zonte also has a gold project in the Yukon that is adjacent to Victoria Gold's mine. Victoria Gold has been advancing a second discovery there and has been conducting sampling and drilling right up to Zonte's property boundary. I have little doubt that it extends onto Zonte's property. Zonte also had a drill discovery on this property in 2015 that is on trend. Zonte has about 70 M shares outstanding and, at current prices, has a market cap of just over $5 million. Element 29 Resources Inc. (ECU:TSX.V; EMTRF:OTC) Recent Price: $0.15 Element 29 is advancing two new, high-quality copper projects in Peru - Flor de Cobre & Elida - each with excellent potential for resource growth and development. They have 100% ownership in these projects and are at a favorable lower elevation < 2,700 meters and with good infrastructure. ECU's Elida project is in an advanced stage, but things have been quiet with the company. However, they just closed a $2.8 million financing in the middle of September, so I expect they will soon announce a new exploration and drill program. ECU has 106 M shares outstanding, so at $0.16, it has a market cap of about $16 million. Explorers Ripe for Deals and Buyouts All three of these junior explorers are ripe for either a JV deal or a buyout from a major. Of the three juniors, Zonte is the cheapest with a market cap of $5 million compared to the $16M (ECU) and $24M (MMA ) of the other two and has an active drill program, so additional catalysts to move the stock. I suggest owning all three stocks with a focus first on Zonte if you don't own any because they will have drill results in early 2024. For a copper producer, I think the best play is: Capstone Copper Mining Corp. (CS:TSX) Recent Price: $6.05 52-week trading range: $4.40 to $7.25 Shares outstanding: 695 million Capstone is a pure copper producer with four producing mines: one in Arizona, one in Mexico, and two in Chile. And 97% of its revenues are derived from copper sales. An expansion of their Mantoverde Mine in Chile is going to significantly increase copper production in 2024 and lower costs. Here are the operating results of the four mines in Q3 2023. All operations performed a bit lower in Q3 and are temporary in nature. Pinto Valley Mine, Arizona U.S.A. Copper production of 13,600 tonnes in Q3 2023 was 3% lower than in Q3 2022, mainly on lower mill throughput during the quarter (Q3 2023 - 47,426 tonnes per day (tpd) versus Q3 2022 - 48,143 tpd), resulting from unplanned eight-day downtime related to the secondary crusher jack shaft replacement and counter shaft repairs. The grade was consistent quarter-over-quarter (Q3 2023 - 0.34% versus Q3 2022 - 0.34%). Recoveries were lower compared with the same period last year (Q3 2023 - 87.4% versus Q3 2022 - 89.1%). Mantos Blancos Mine, Chile Q3 2023 production was 12,200 tonnes, composed of 9,100 tonnes from sulfide operations and 3,000 tonnes of cathode from oxide operations, 11% lower than the 13,600 tonnes produced in Q3 2022. The lower production was driven primarily by lower dump throughput, grade, and recoveries impacting cathode production. The mill throughput of 14,176 tpd in Q3 2023 was impacted by mill downtime caused by planned repair and maintenance of the concentrator plant that lasted six days (liners and major components change). Recoveries were lower in Q3 2023 compared with the same period last year (76.3% in Q3 2023 versus 79.3 % in Q3 2022), mainly driven by ore characteristics in the upper areas of the mine. A plan to address the plant stability during the second half of 2023 is underway which includes improved maintenance and optimization of the concentrator and the tailings system. Cozamin Mine, Mexico Q3 2023 copper production of 5,900 tonnes was lower than the same period the prior year, mainly due to lower mill throughput (3,567 tpd in Q3 2023 versus 3,829 tpd in Q3 2022). Recoveries and grades were consistent quarter-over-quarter. Mantoverde Mine, Chile Q3 2023 copper production of 8,600 tonnes was 26 % lower compared with 11,600 tonnes in Q3 2022. Heap operations grade was lower as a result of mine sequence (0.32 % in Q3 2023 versus 0.45 % in Q3 2022), and recoveries were lower (66.5 % in Q3 2023 versus 86.7 % in Q3 2022) due to lower solubility ratio of the processed mineral and lower grades, all of which was partially offset by higher heap throughput (2.7 million tonnes in Q3 2023 versus 2.5 million tonnes in Q3 2022). Throughput from dump operations was lower compared with the same period last year due to a temporary sulphuric acid supply shortfall in September, and grades were consistent with the same period last year. Mantoverde development project's overall progress is at 93 % and remains on schedule. Construction is progressing well in all key areas of the project. Total project spending since inception was $763 million at the end of September 2023, compared with $706 million in June 2023. The project is on target for construction completion by year-end 2023. As the project nears completion, the updated total project cost is estimated at $870 million, which is a 5% increase and includes approximately $20 million in project improvements. Financial Total available liquidity of $424.5 million as of September 30, 2023, composed of $129.5 million of cash and short-term investments, and $295 million of undrawn amounts on the corporate revolving credit facility. Capstone is in strong financial shape to get the Mantoverde on stream, and from that, revenues and cash flows will see significant increases. Conclusion Q3 2023 copper production totaled 40,300 tonnes at C1 cash costs of $2.88 per payable pound of copper produced. Copper production in the third quarter was impacted by an unplanned eight days of cumulative downtime at Pinto Valley related to the secondary crusher jack shaft replacement and counter shaft repairs, plus planned maintenance downtime at Mantos Blancos. Lower production levels and maintenance expenses were the key drivers related to higher consolidated cash costs in the quarter. The company reaffirms its H2 copper production guidance of 83,000 tonnes to 93,000 t. C1 cash costs are trending toward the upper end of the H2 guidance range of $2.55/lb to $2.75/lb due to additional unplanned maintenance expenditures noted above. John MacKenzie, CEO of Capstone, commented in the Q3 results: "I am encouraged by the progress we made during the third quarter in executing on our plan to improve operational reliability and expand margins across our portfolio. As construction at our flagship Mantoverde development project (MVDP) approaches completion by year-end, we look forward to a transformational year in 2024. Our excitement follows many years of dedicated effort by our mine build team in Chile. MVDP will drive a significant reduction in our consolidated unit costs and provide a pathway to record operating cash flow generation for Capstone Copper." This graphic is from their presentation and highlights the strong growth in 2024 with the MVDP ramp-up. Future growth is expected with their Santo Domingo project in Chile. It is an IOCG system with a targeted 200,000 tonnes per year of low-cost copper with cobalt. An updated feasibility is planned for 2024. With Capstone, you get the leverage to copper prices and exposure to strong production growth. The stock dipped with the overall market weakness in September/October and has recovered. The drop in the stock in 2022 was when copper prices had some substantial weakness, see copper charts above. The stock has strong resistance above $7.00 and will probably take higher copper prices or when their increased production and revenue come on stream in 2024. The stock has seen a very good rally, and I would look for some weakness or pull back to around $5.50 to buy. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100? That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More An exciting national recruitment campaign is calling on qualified tradespeople looking to take the next step in their careers and shape the future generation of apprentices to consider a rewarding career as an Apprenticeship Instructor. Launched by the National Apprenticeship Office, the campaign will see well over 100 training and support staff recruited across the country by the network of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) over the next six months. Its an exciting time to work in this sector, with over 27,000 apprentices currently training in Ireland across 70+ diverse Apprenticeship programmes, and 9200 employers currently training apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Office is leading transformation of the national apprenticeship system under the banner of Generation Apprenticeship, including new initiatives to support both employers and apprentices. The recruitment campaign includes a variety of flexible full-time and part-time instructor positions within the ETBs, as training places for craft apprentices are increased across construction, electrical, engineering and the motor industry are on offer across the country. Its an incredibly fulfilling career path for tradespeople and a brilliant opportunity to share their expertise with upcoming talented apprentices of all ages and backgrounds. Caroline Flanagan, Assistant Manager at the NAO, says that many instructors find the flexible work-life balance and steady instructor hours to be a real incentive, especially for those with young families. Caroline Flanagan, Assistant Manager at the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO), says: Sharing your skills with the next generation is a fantastic way of giving back. The reward that comes from teaching as an instructor is huge, particularly when apprenticeship instructors see the growth in apprentices and see their confidence grow throughout the programmes. Many instructors find the flexible work-life balance and steady instructor hours to be a real incentive, especially for those with young families. The hours are excellent at 35 hours per week with a half day on Fridays, said Caroline. "Stephen Murphy recently took up a full-time electrical instructor position at Louth Meath ETB. Stephen used to manage a busy 6-day working week running his own company while managing family life before deciding to make the switch. Now, he has a great work-life balance. So many people like Stephen are looking for that balance. Thats one benefit of becoming an instructor. There are also a number of part-time instructor roles on offer nationwide for qualified tradespeople looking for the flexibility of working a couple of days a week. "There are plenty of opportunities to come in and cover for instructors or to work-share with another instructor, perhaps a retiree. In addition to the work-life balance, Flanagan highlights the competitive salary, particularly for those with significant experience. Qualified tradespeople with a number of defined years of post-qualification experience can be eligible to receive incremental credit to reflect that experience, and can start on a salary in line with what they would be getting in Industry. Over-all its a very attractive package. A career change can feel like a big step at any stage in life, however, Flanagan reassures aspiring instructors that successful applicants will be fully supported by the ETBs as they begin work in the classroom. As part of the recruitment programme, a qualification in training and mentoring is offered, with onboarding provided by an experienced course instructor. Discover the many rewarding apprenticeship instructor opportunities on offer nationwide to shape future talent via the dedicated online portal on www.apprenticeship.ie North Dakotas Republican Party named grassroots organizer Andrew Nyhus as its next executive director on Tuesday, making him the partys third appointee for the role in 2023. Nyhus enters the position after more than a year as a grassroots engagement director with Americans for Prosperity, a nationwide conservative political advocacy group. Hes also vice chairman of the Cass County United Republican Committee, a Fargo-based campaign finance group. His appointment coincides with the start of some state-level races -- with some longtime Republicans such as Assistant House Majority Leader Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck, facing challenges from their own party. (Nyhus) has the right background and skillset to ensure we enter 2024 strong, state GOP Chair Sandi Sanford said in a statement. We couldnt be more pleased. The announcement comes more than two months after former Executive Director Samantha Holly stepped down, citing internal tensions and communication struggles in her resignation notice. Holly had been appointed in January by previous state Chair Perrie Schaefer, who was ousted by Sanford in June. Its the second attempt at hiring a replacement after the state GOP appointed David Roetman of South Dakota to the role in late October. Roetman subsequently resigned after The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported on his social media activity, which included posts disparaging women and Black people. Nyhus graduated from North Dakota State University in 2011 with a degree in zoology, and subsequently went to Congress to work with members of North Dakotas delegation. He began his career in Washington as a legislative correspondent for Sen. John Hoeven before moving to then-U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramers office as a legislative assistant. Cramer in a statement called Nyhus an excellent choice for the party role. The Fargo Republican is passionate about school choice issues and spoke about education policy with District 27 Republicans in late October. The topic was a subject of controversy and extensive testimony throughout the Legislatures regular session earlier this year after lawmakers proposed a school choice bill that would set aside $10 million from the states general fund for an educational reimbursement program to offset the cost of private tuition. Gov. Doug Burgum eventually shot down the bill, and it didnt have enough support in the state House to overcome his veto. Outside of his political experience, Nyhus has spent years working in the private sector, with a focus on business, finance and sales. He joined Americans for Prosperity in April 2022. Cass County United Republican Committee Chair Melissa Paulik said in a statement that shes confident in Nyhus ability to lead the state party ahead of North Dakotas Presidential Caucus in March and the states GOP convention in April. His considered approach to decision-making is one reason hes held in such high regard by those whove had the opportunity to work with him, Paulik said. I firmly believe that Andrew will help build a firm foundation for the NDGOP and that he has the potential to become a rising star in our party." Any time some good-quality land comes on the market in the vicinity of Cork City, the market is quick to react. Even if there is no indication that planning permission for housing is possible down the line, the heady mixture of quality land in a good location close to Irelands second-largest city is enough to command a strong price in the current burgeoning agricultural land market. If you are an organised person, you will have most of your Christmas shopping and preparation done already. The last items to tick off the list will usually be for consumption; the fresh fruit and vegetables for the Christmas Day spread, or perhaps the cheese and wine over the festive period. Irish businesses are urging consumers to show their support for locally and sustainably produced goods, in what has been an incredibly difficult year. For Teresa Roche, of Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese, the challenges of running a farm, a farm shop, and a cheese-making business persist. Nonetheless, December is a very exciting time of year for her. The family-run dairy farm in East Galway, at the foothills of the Slieve Aughty mountains, has been producing milk for over 65 years. With a spring-calving pedigree dairy herd, Ms Roche has a grass-fed production system that produces milk for her cheese that is inspired by the Swiss Alps. Adding value I thought it was a great opportunity to try and add value to the farm and to be able to showcase our quality, raw material of milk through product, Ms Roche said. I was very passionate about trying to put our community on the map and showcase what we can produce on a farm a very sustainable and traceable product. I looked at lots of dairy products and I felt that with cheese, it was something that was unique. Its fully produced directly from the farm, a very short supply chain, from the breeding of the cows to the milking to the cheese manufacturing. Teresa Roche. Picture: Hany Marzouk Ms Roche produces a parmesan-style cheese along with a semi-hard cheese similar to gruyere and has now developed the Kylemore blossom offering, which has organic edible flowers on the outside. The edible flowers are like a herb with it. Theres a lovely aroma off it, but its not infused with anything. Its just natural flowers embedded on the outside, Ms Roche said. Its typical of Switzerland, Austria, and France. So we thought wed try and be the first in Ireland to be able to bring that over. Sweet and nutty, smooth and creamy is how she describes her cheese. Versatile With the ability to melt well, Ms Roche said she aims to create a great versatile cheese, where you only need one cheese in your fridge a melting cheese, an everyday cheese, for a cheese board. You dont need as many cheeses and youre better to buy quality rather than quantity you can eat all the rind on the outside so theres no food waste. Sweetness in the cheese comes from the grass, Ms Roche explained. In Ireland, were lucky that we can produce as much grass as we do. Superior quality Ms Roche is urging people to support local businesses this Christmas. In return, consumers will get superior quality and sustainably produced foods. If you buy a product that is being fully produced on a farm, distributed, and creating jobs in your community, youre giving back money that will be spent around the community again, she said. You are buying from a producer that is very passionate about what they do. Its the passion that keeps Ms Roche going. Changes to Irelands nitrates derogation, along with increased costs on the farm and reduced milk prices, have created great challenges for her. I think the future is diversification, adding value to farms. For more and more people that are coming into agriculture, its not all about expansion. I think it should be about adding value, she said. Wicklow Way Wines It has been difficult for many other sectors, including fruit and vegetables, where the number of growers has reduced drastically over the years. But Brett Stephenson, of Wicklow Way Wines who uses only Irish fruits to make his range of Moineir Irish blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry wines has committed to continuing to source what he needs domestically. Brett Stephenson, co-founder of Wicklow Way Wines Some may assume wine can only be made from grapes which is not accurate according to Mr Stephenson, who co-founded the winery with his wife Pamela Walsh. As long as we call it by the name of the berry, its still wine. Its still the same process, just a different fruit, he explained. In fact, its expensive because berries are very expensive, especially when you want to stick with Irish. I can buy organic fruit on the continent for less money than I pay for non-organic food here. Its difficult to source the amount of fruit I use, because I do 500kg pressings every week. I spend 36 hours in the winery, from the time I start to the time I leave, pressing 500kg. Suppliers However, Mr Stephenson sources his fruit from growers that have done right by me. Pat Clarke provides the strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, while Des Jeffares in Co Wexford supplies blackcurrants. Mr Stephenson forages elderberries and he is currently trying to source gooseberries. Gooseberries are hard to find anymore because theyve fallen out of fashion, unfortunately, Mr Stephenson said. Both fresh and frozen berries can be used in wine-making neither of which has any bearing on the quality of the fruit, according to Mr Stephenson. If you want to eat a berry in your hand, youre obviously going to eat fresh berries. But when you make wine, especially with the berry wines, I love frozen fruit. There is about 1kg of fruit in every bottle, which is not unlike grape wine. Irish story The business decided early on to stick with Irish growers as Mr Stephenson wanted to have an Irish story. If we started going down the route of bringing in strawberries from Spain or something like that it might be easy but the likelihood is every third or fourth order wouldnt arrive when I wanted it to, or it would arrive in bad shape, he feared. What the award-winning business is doing is certainly working, with their wines now a firm favourite. A reluctance by wine lovers to venture out and try berry wines is based on an expectation that they are most suited as dessert wines, but this is not the case. When pairing cheeses with his wines for the tour and tasting experiences at the winery facilities in Co Wicklow, he opts for a cheddar with the strawberry, blue cheese with the blackberry, while dark chocolate is paired with the raspberry. These foods are all Irish, but Mr Stephenson said a focus of his is to try and source everything as close to Co Wicklow as he can. Bunbury Boards Meanwhile, in Co Carlow, William Bunbury is busy preparing orders for Bunbury Boards, tying all the elements of your charcuterie board together. He is based at Lisnavagh Estate. In the 19th century, a lot of the estate became planted with trees, and now there are over 200 acres of woodland on the 550 acres of Lisnavagh farm and woodland, Mr Bunbury said. On the site, there is the main house along with a number of cottages. There is also a farm which is worked by the family, but also by a few others whom the land is being rented to. It was in 2000 when Mr Bunbury took over management of the estate. He decided that instead of having trees removed from the property following a storm, maybe he could do something better with them. From there, the Lisnavagh Timber Project began. He built a workshop on the site, re-purposing timber into worktops and bookshelves. In 2008, we thought: Lets take this a step further and see if we can put it on the shop shelf, and we came up with the idea of a chopping board. We were aiming at the high end, because it was going to be a product that was going to take time and our own timber to make. Traceability To add to the quality of the product, Mr Bunbury had a traceability system set up. We use that to basically put a number on the back of every board, so that the person who bought the board would be able to download a report on exactly where that tree was growing, why it came down, whats been done to replace it, a photograph of the tree, and anything else that was of interest about the tree or the place it came from if it wasnt from Lisnavagh, Mr Bunbury explained. The shops liked that, because it was not just definitely an Irish product there was a story behind the tree behind the board. The Bunbury Board team began to grow and they moved into a bigger workshop, which was built in 2010. While the products were being sold and the business was doing well, Mr Bunbury admitted: We just couldnt make enough profit. In 2016, he decided this was now to be a profitable hobby, not a struggling business. He continues to make various wooden products, but the board would be the main thing, and the sales of those have been very much attractive enough to keep that going. A board for life All of the timber Mr Bunbury has at the moment is from Lisnavaghs own woods. Most of the trees used would be oak, ash, beech, and sycamore, he said. If youre buying a board, dont just buy it for Christmas; buy a good quality board and it will be a board for life, Mr Bunbury said. You can go and get a cheap chopping board for a tenner, and it lasts a while, he said. Whereas I think most Irish chopping boards made of Irish hardwoods will last for a long time theres no reason why it cant last 100 years, he added. Trips to Lapland are becoming more popular among Irish families. Its not just the feeling some people might have when standing at the school gate that they are the only ones not boarding a plane to see Santa this year but instead boarding the number 14 bus to town to see him in Dunnes. The feeling is real. According to Sunway, one of the main travel agencies organising trips to Lapland from Ireland the trips for 2023 are sold out and sales for 2024 are already ahead of the bumper sales this year. Mary Denton, CEO of Sunway says Lapland 2023 sold out very quickly. "Demand was really high, lots of people booked in January maybe spending covid savings. 2024 is on sale now and sales are ahead of 2023 already. This is pretty impressive considering a three-night stay in Lapland for a family of five, two adults and three kids will cost around 8,000 just for the flights, hotel and activities but then you have to add on clothes and extra food and drink and you could be looking at well over 10,000 for your three-night trip. Sunway says it does offer a payment plan on Lapland and other trips and they allow people to spread the cost of the trip throughout the year. It helps people budget and plan for such a special trip, says Ms Denton. She says Sunway, like many other travel agencies, have packages that include your flights, hotel, transfers and baggage, meals, thermal snowsuits and all activities including snowmobile rides, husky rides, reindeer rides, snow activities and a private meeting with Santa. Whatever way you look at it that is a lot of money to spend on a trip. Corrina Stone is a blogger and set up the very popular Facebook group Lapland on a Budget. The group has more than 93,000 members and is run by Corrina, who is a mum of eight and has been to Lapland numerous times and her sister. Members and contributors in the group share tips and advice on how to save money with the trip and also they give general tips on the trip. Corrina says that now, more than ever, is the easiest time to book a trip to Lapland DIY as you can now fly direct from Dublin to Rovaniemi with Ryanair. I had always wanted to go to Lapland since I was a young child but it was just too expensive. In 2016 I decided I was definitely going to go and bring our then five children. I was utterly deflated to be quoted 10,000 for two nights in Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus in Finland. So I set about researching how to book it all myself. In years gone by, the only direct flights to Lapland from Ireland were charter flights that you had to book through a travel agent. After researching she discovered she could fly to Lapland by booking herself and then taking the train from the airport to the location. We paid a total of 2,000 for flights, transfers, accommodation, and excursions in Lapland for seven nights for our family of seven. Since then we've flown Belfast - Gatwick - Rovaniemi, paying just 61 per person on flights. Corinas most recent trip was a couple of weeks ago and she bagged flights for just 58 per person including bags and seats for our family of 10. She booked two hire cars for 200 each for seven days and an Airbnb for 704. We've been in November, December and January. We much prefer January as there's deeper snow, fewer people, a little more daylight hours and Santa is available every day of the year in his office at Santa Claus Village. Others prefer February or March as there's still lots of snow but it's warmer then and brighter days with better chances of seeing the Northern Lights at night. Corrina says that it is so easy to get overwhelmed while researching so she advises grabbing a notebook and pen, jot down everything you read that you fancy seeing or doing or tips that you think will help you. All you need to pre-book are flights, accommodation and a hire car if you need one, it's exactly like booking any other holiday DIY. Lapland covers four countries so decide where you want to go first. You can add excursions like husky, reindeer and snowmobile rides, ice karting, ice fishing, ice floating and fat biking. Choose your destination, research flights with Google Flights/Skyscanner/Kayak etc and book directly with airlines. The best time to book is usually as soon as flights are released so sign up to the airlines newsletters to be the first to know. Ryanair, easyjet, Finnair, Norwegian to name a few. However, this year Ryanair have been dropping prices of flights dramatically. Corina advises having a good cancellation policy with your accommodation and says that after high season ends in March there will be a lot more accommodation available. She also says to determine if you'll need a hire car and advises using rome2rio.com to see how far your accommodation is from attractions or if it's on a bus route. A Dail motion calling for TDs to support a global treaty on ending fossil fuel expansion should be supported if Ireland is serious about its climate commitments, environmental groups have said. Independent TD Thomas Pringle has tabled a motion for today calling for the support of the proposed global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, which has so far been backed by 12 nations, the World Health Organisation, and European Parliament. The Donegal TDs motion calls on Government to endorse the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, strengthen Irelands Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, and discourage financial investment in fossil fuel projects in the Global South, which experiences the worst fallout from climate change. The idea of a binding treaty separate from anything agreed at Cop28 has gained significant momentum as the UNs climate change summit went into overtime, with countries deadlocked on the wording around future fossil fuel usage and its phasing out. Irelands Fossil Fuel Divestment Act in 2018, also introduced by Mr Pringle, compels the National Treasury Management Agency to divest investments entirely from fossil fuels within five years after the passage of the law. The Stop Climate Chaos coalition of environmental, charitable, and civic organisations has called for Mr Pringles latest motion to be supported. Friends of the Earth Ireland chief executive Oisin Coghlan said: Everyone saw that fossil fuels were the elephant in the room at Cop28. Whatever the final text thats agreed, the next step will be for countries around the world to break their dependence on coal, oil, and gas. "Ireland took a positive step with the passage of the Divestment Bill a few years ago. Now is the time to strengthen it by closing the loopholes that have emerged. A separate binding treaty on fossil fuels is needed, whatever agreement is reached at Cop28, he said. ActionAid Ireland chief executive Karol Balfe said Ireland was a world leader in the introduction of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, setting a global standard. However, the scope of the Act needs to be widened, which includes making sure that it is entirely fossil fuel free and excludes indirect along with direct investments, she said. Separately, Sinn Fein senator Lynn Boylan has introduced a private members bill calling for a fossil fuel lobbying code of conduct to be introduced, which she claims would rein in the power of the industry in Ireland. At Cop28 in Dubai, 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access according to Global Witness. Meanwhile, closer to home, fossil fuel lobbyists have been swanning around the corridors of power for long enough, she said. The Irishman killed while fighting in Ukraine was a former US marine who had previously fought in Iraq. Graham Dale, who emigrated to the US in 2000, had flown to Ukraine shortly after Russia invaded in February 2022 to "offer his assistance. The 45-year-old joined the Ukrainian Army to help the country's efforts against the Russian offensive. Mr Dale, who previously enlisted in the US Marines after 9/11, was killed last Friday and his remains are in the process of being repatriated back to Ireland. A friend said in a social media post: It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend, Graham Dale. If you knew Graham, you might already be aware that when the conflict in Ukraine began, he flew over to offer his assistance. Currently, I lack further details, but he left this earth exactly the way he wanted to." The friend added: He was sweet, kind, had a rough exterior, funny, hard to love at times, loyal, stubborn, curious, strong-willed, gentleman, explorer. He was the one that couldn't ask for help for himself, so he searched for ways to aid others. When he was 20, Mr Dale secured a green card and moved to Austin, Texas, in 2000, where he worked as a software consultant with IBM and served as a volunteer fireman with the Texas Fire Department. He would later say in interviews in 2008 to promote his book The Green Marine, that 9/11 was the catalyst behind his decision to join the Marines. He said: "I'm a very reactive person. I take things personally. Even when I was a child, if one kid was hitting another kid I felt a moral duty to say 'stop that'. I really never subscribed to the idea that it's someone else's job to look after things." While serving his one tour of duty in Iraq, in January 2005, he suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after one of his friends was killed when his platoon was hit by a suicide bomber. He later recalled: "When my friend got killed that was the hardest." When he left the Marines after six years, he bought a house in the US and lived in one of those anonymous suburbs with a white picket fence and a porch. Mr Dale is one of a number of Irishmen to die fighting in Ukraine. They include Mayo man Finbar Cafferkey, from Achill Island, who died in April this year. It is almost two weeks since the tentative ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended, and with every passing day Israel's Defence Forces has intensified its campaign of air and ground assault on Gaza with devastating and dehumanising effect. In the last 48 hours, Palestinians have suffered the most brutal days of violence in the south, the very area the IDF urged besieged Gazans to flee to in order to be spared their unrelenting campaign of indiscriminate bombing in the north. Under particularly brutal focus was the city of Khan Younis, where residents reported a town under siege from tank shelling throughout the day and night. It's a similar tale in Rafah, the southern Gazan city which borders Egypt, where Hamas health officials said 22 people, including children, were killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday night. Reports of emergency workers searching for victims and survivors under the rubble continued throughout yesterday. Tens of thousands of Gazans, most of them women and children, evacuated from North Gaza to south in recent weeks under the encouragement of the IDF. Most did so on foot, and after weeks of relentless bombardment during the initial phase of the Israeli retaliation following the October 7 Hamas terror attacks. These people did so in silence, with their hands raised, moving through Israeli controlled checkpoints where many of the men were detained and denied progress. Rafah represented a place of hope for all those forced to flee, especially with Egypt within sight. All that the onslaught of the last 48 hours will have proven to them is that there is no escape from the horrors of their reality, regardless of what Israel, and its supporting actors in the west tell them. Palestinians check a house destroyed in the Israeli bombardment on Rafah, Gaza Strip. Picture: Fatima Shbair/AP In Jenin in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry reported that six people were killed, including five in an air strike. On Monday in South Lebanon the IDF targeted the towns of Bint Jbeil and Yaroun with airstrikes, both close to the Irish UNIFIL base where 319 peacekeepers are based. In Washington, the Biden Administration continued to urge restraint, just as it did on October 11, 16, 29, November 3, 10, 29, and December 6, 10, and 12. US president Joe Biden had reiterated that his commitment to Israel remains unshakeable, and that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a tough spot. There was little or no mention from Mr Biden of the spot the over 1.4m Palestinians displaced in Gaza find themselves in because of the actions of Mr Netanyahus military strategy, not to mention the over 18,000 reported to be killed. However, in a rare sign of discontent, the US president warned yesterday that Israel was losing the world's support following Mr Netanyahu's assertion that he wouldn't allow the Palestinian Authority to take control of post-war Gaza. It may be the first signs of wariness from within the Oval Office that it is no longer supporting an ally to "defend itself", and is instead propping up a despotic government, with women and children paying the price. Still, Israel has only just secured its 14,000 tank shells from the Biden administration so don't expect a dramatic shift in policy just yet. Meanwhile, as the emptiness of Washington's words rings loud around the world, Vladimir Putin continues to be reintegrated into the Mid and Far East, and Donald Trump continues to gain in the polls. All the while, the UN through its agencies on the ground and its diplomats in New York continues to scream for the slaughter to stop. Writing in the Irish Examiner, Tanaiste Micheal Martin calls the situation "utterly dire and inhumane" with the humanitarian system at severe risk of collapse. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says there is no military solution to the conflict. "We have seen 75 years now of war, terrorism, dispossession. This cannot be allowed to continue," he adds. The World Health Organization has said the health system in Gaza has gone from 36 working hospitals to 11. With Rafah getting hammered, incoming aid has again slowed to a trickle. The UN, too, would have taken Israels word that the south was safe or at least safer than the embattled north, and facilitated passage of civilians with that in mind. To the citizens of Gaza, the UN may well represent the only hope. Events of the last two days tell that even they have been misled (betrayed). Every other day has felt like a tipping point. We may now finally be there, only because, finally, there is literally nowhere else to go. Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin heaped praise on David Cameron after the pair met for the first time, but acknowledged divisions on the crisis in Gaza. The pair met in London on Wednesday, amid the backdrop of efforts to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland and growing international concern over the killing of civilians as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas. Mr Martin, like Lord Cameron a former prime minister, resisted any suggestion that he had used the meeting to pressure the UK Government to shift its position to back a ceasefire. Ireland has been among the most vocal European countries in criticising the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and calling for an end to hostilities. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Micheal Martin met on Wednesday in London (Adrian Dennis/PA) We used the occasion to give our perspectives, which are different. And also to explore and discuss the issue, Mr Martin told reporters after he left the lunchtime meeting. Mr Martin said that Mr Cameron articulated the UK Governments perspective on this and their view in terms of how they feel this can be resolved. David Cameron has been to the Middle East, he is going again to talk with Egypt and other states. So I think we each have respective positions on this. Alongside discussing efforts to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the pair also discussed what would a political pathway look like out of the conflict. Mr Martin did not put a timeframe on when he hoped powersharing could be restored, but indicated that it was up to the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to make a decision on the 2.5 billion package offered by the UK Government as part of its bid to restore Stormont. We await the outcome of the discussions this week in respect of the financial arrangements for Northern Ireland which are taking place separate to the more specific ones on the Windsor Framework. So, the DUP will have to make a decision on that obviously, but from what I have seen I think progress has been made, and I think the people of Northern Ireland need a government, he said. His arrival in London came after a week of high drama in Westminster that saw Rishi Sunak bidding to win over would-be rebels and restive Tory MPs to back his Rwanda plan in its first Commons vote. Some MPs pushed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take a more hardline stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, but those calls have prompted concern that any such move could jeopardise obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Ireland has very strong views in terms of the ECHR and in terms of the degree to which human rights were embedded into the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement Asked by reporters about such calls, Mr Martin said that he and Lord Cameron did discuss the broader issue of migration. Ireland has very strong views in terms of the ECHR and in terms of the degree to which human rights were embedded into the architecture of the Good Friday Agreement. And we remain committed to that. Stressing the need to work collectively to tackle the origin of migration, he said: It has been a very significant political issue in Britain for quite a long time. It is arguable that migration gave rise to Brexit for example. And I think it is going to be a significant feature across Europe into the future. But we have got to respond, understanding the origins of this and do the best we can to manage the situation in a humane and pragmatic way. The visit came 30 years after former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former prime minister John Major agreed the Downing Street Declaration, a key step in the peace process. The Tanaiste said he welcomed the return of someone with Mr Camerons experience, who he said as prime minister cared about the Irish-British relationship. He cared enough about the relationship, it was in a very strong position by the time he had left. I do feel that he gets it, and very evident from the lunch today we are dealing with a very experienced leader and politician who understands the way the world works and who is still very committed and very engaged so I think that is positive. Santa Claus has been granted permission to enter Irish airspace this Christmas, the Dail has heard. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the announcement during Leaders' Questions on Wednesday thanking the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Agriculture and the Revenue Commissioners for allowing this flight on December 24. Shoplifting must be causing a considerable nuisance" to shopkeepers on an ongoing basis, a judge said as she jailed a repeat offender for seven months for her latest litany of crimes. Judge Mary Dorgan jailed Noreen Foley, aged 36, of no fixed address, for the offences at Cork District Court. Shane Collins-Daly, solicitor, said unfortunately the defendant had difficulties for many years where her addictions escalated to heroin and living in hostels and various kinds of temporary accommodation including hotels and guesthouses. When stopped for thefts she made full admissions. She didnt have much of a recollection of these events because of intoxication to prescription tablets taken to excess and without prescriptions, Mr Collins-Daly said. He said she had mental health issues and significant physical health problems. Judge Dorgan said: I take into consideration that she pleaded guilty. However, there is a really long list of thefts which must be causing considerable nuisance to shop owners on an ongoing basis. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said Ms Foleys previous convictions included 40 for theft. And he gave an outline of her latest offences. On September 19, at the Crawford bar on Anglesea Terrace, she stole a debit card from a member of staff and later used it to make purchases in Cork City. On October 21 at Centra St Patricks St, she was involved in shoplifting and similar crimes, again on October 24 at Cummins Sports, North Main St, at Euro Giant on North Main St on the same date, and at Daybreak, North Main St, on November 1. On November 4 at the bus station in Parnell Place, she was drunk and a danger and engaged in threatening behaviour. She was shouting loudly and swearing at people waiting for buses. She was aggressive with gardai on arrest, Sgt Davis said. There was further shoplifting on November 20 at Elverys Sports, Oliver Plunkett St, on November 23 at Diesel, Oliver Plunkett St, and on November 25 at JD Sports, St Patricks St. An inquest has heard that staff at a childrens hospital in Dublin failed to react to a number of red flags that a young girl, who died 12 hours after being discharged from its emergency department, had sepsis. A verdict of medical misadventure was returned in relation to the death of Ahana Singh, 4, at her home at Venetian Hall Apartments in Killester, Dublin on December 3, 2022. She had moved with her parents from India to Ireland just two months earlier. A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard evidence of how blood was coming out of the girls nose and mouth as her parents were trying to resuscitate her. She had become unresponsive after returning home from Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street in Dublin where she had been diagnosed with a suspected chest infection. Lawyers for Ahanas parents, Varun and Nalini Singh, claimed staff had failed to react to a number of red flags that the young girl had sepsis including a persistent fast heartbeat while she was in the hospital. At the outset of the hearing yesterday, counsel for CHI, Rory White, apologised for the care that had been provided to the girl at Temple Street as well as the hurt that arose out of her tragic death. Mr White noted a review commissioned into the circumstances of her death had already contained an apology. Strep A Autopsy results showed Ahana died from Strep A infection, which can lead to sepsis, with a severe form of pneumonia as a contributory factor. It was the second case before coroner Clare Keane in the space of a week to hear evidence that there had been delays by staff at Temple Street in considering that a child, who subsequently died, had sepsis. Phoenix Graham-Hayden, 2, from Malahide, Co Dublin had died in the hospital on November 3, 2022, from Strep A infection just over 48 hours after being sent home from its emergency department. Ahanas parents described how their daughter, who had no previous medical conditions, became unwell in the week before her death with a cough and a fever. Ms Singh recounted how her daughter vomited for the first time in her life in a taxi on the way to Temple Street. She claimed a doctor told her that Ahana had a chest infection and only time will solve it. Her daughter was discharged around 5am on December 3 last year with a prescription for medicine to treat fever, pain, and vomiting. There was no tests carried out, even though all the symptoms occurred inside the hospital, her husband told the inquest. Within a few hours of returning home, Ms Singh said her daughter became unconscious and her lips had gone blue. She fought back tears as she recalled trying to clear blood away from her daughter as she tried to resuscitate her on a blood-stained sheet. The moment I began CPR, blood came for her mouth, nose and through her teeth, she sobbed before adding: We tried everything. The inquest heard the couple were unable to see their daughter for the rest of the day in order to allow gardai to determine that there had been no foul play. Fast heart rate Questioned by her counsel, Sara Antoniotti, Ms Singh said they were never told by hospital staff that Ahana had a fast heart rate. A triage nurse, Eithne Friery, said she had assessed Ahana as not warranting consideration of sepsis as, although she had a fast pulse, she did not appear unwell. The inquest heard that the categorisation of the girls condition meant she should have been examined by a doctor within an hour but it took three hours and 50 minutes before it happened. Ms Friery, who revealed she only learnt about Ahanas death a few months ago, said she had advised Ms Singh to come back to her if her daughters condition deteriorated while waiting to be seen by a doctor. Solmi Lee, a registrar who examined Ahana, told the inquest that a majority of children attending the hospital at the time with similar symptoms did not have sepsis and had responded well to treatment. Dr Lee said she had not wanted to jump into IV fluids and antibiotics straight away in the care of Ahana and did not want to over-investigate or over-treat her. Questioned if hospital staff had received any training about sepsis recognition during November 2022 following the death of another child in similar circumstances, Dr Lee recalled there had been an internal review for learning points but was unsure when it had taken place. A consultant in emergency medicine at Temple Street, Roisin McNamara, accepted that Ahana would probably have survived if she had got early intervention to treat sepsis as the information was there. However, Dr McNamara stressed that it was an extremely virulent, rapidly-evolving infection. She also outlined how a number of changes had taken place in the hospital following Ahanas death including increased staffing levels which had resulted in patients being monitored more frequently. 'Medical misadventure' Returning a verdict of medical misadventure, Dr Keane said she would endorse the recommendations contained in the internal hospital report into Ahanas death. She welcomed that some changes had already been implemented while others including a system which would flag abnormal vital signs in a patient were due to be introduced in early 2024. At the same time, the coroner observed that ultimately staff treating Ahana had the necessary information to diagnose sepsis which unfortunately was not recognised. Dr Keane called for a mandatory review of a patients vital signs prior to discharge from emergency departments. Speaking on behalf of Ahanas parents, Ms Antoniotti said they hoped nothing similar will ever happen to another family. Its understandable if North Dakotans are skeptical about the U.S. Postal Services plan for modernization. Postal prices have been increasing while service has been deteriorating. The USPS held informational sessions across the state to explain a $40 billion, 10-year plan to upgrade the aging postal network. The goal is to achieve 95% on-time delivery nationwide. To many, that goal might seem like a step back after receiving mail on time six days a week. Unfortunately, thats no longer true for a lot of residents. There have been complaints about service in Minot and Dickinson that prompted U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., to speak with the USPS district manager for North Dakota and Minnesota. The Bismarck area hasnt been immune from the delivery issues. Some residents have been getting mail delivered just once or twice a week. They get their mail bundled in a big package that often doesnt include that days mail. Patrons know whats missing because the postal system lists online what mail you should receive each day. People can no longer count on medications or important documents to be delivered in a timely manner. Adding to the frustration, the Postal Service will send out trucks to deliver packages, but not the regular mail. Residents have no clue if they put outgoing mail in their mail box when it will be picked up. Those attending the Bismarck meeting complained about delivery times. Bismarck resident Marlin Peterson said, I must say that the business or residential delivery time is pathetic (and) embarrassing. You should be ashamed. The way the USPS handled the informational meetings didnt help its image. Grand Forks officials complained they werent notified in advance of the meeting. The postal representatives at the meeting refused to take questions from the audience, and instead just outlined the modernization plan. Postal officials declined to answer questions from the Tribune about the postal plan. Under the plan, the new postal network will have 60 regional Processing and Distribution Centers across the nation supported by local processing centers. Changes are being considered at the Bismarck processing center. Some of the mail processing in Bismarck could be transferred to the Fargo center for an estimated annual savings of $660,000 to 880,000, though earlier findings projected lower savings. If the change occurs it could result in the decrease of five employees in Bismarck. The Tribune Editorial Board questions the wisdom of putting more mail in the Fargo center once its modernized. It would seem to create the risk of a mail bottleneck in case of bad weather or equipment failure. The Tribune favors upgrades in the postal system, but a 10-year plan isnt likely to offer quick fixes. The USPS needs to make changes now in its delivery service. If the Postal Service cant deliver daily than it needs to tell patrons which days they will receive mail. Regular service, even if not daily, would be an improvement. Written comments from the public about the postal plan can be submitted at https://bit.ly/49YvfDS through Dec. 22. Hopefully, the comments get more attention than audience members received at the meetings. The Postal Service needs to improve its customer service along with its delivery times. Two men, in their late teens, have been arrested following a burglary at a business premises on Henry Street in Dublin. At around 1am on Wednesday morning, four people entered the premises and removed a large amount of property. Gardai responded to a report of a naked man running through an apartment building in Cork banging on doors and it is alleged he assaulted an investigating garda. An outline of the allegations was given by Sergeant Aisling Murphy in the case against 41-year-old Andy Ademolam of St Johns Terrace, Upper John Street, at Cork District Court. After the outline was given, Judge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, asked for the case to be adjourned so he could obtain a copy of the Garda statements in the case. Judge Dorgan adjourned it to January 10 for that purpose. The defendant is accused of assaulting a member of An Garda Siochana, engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a danger. Sgt Murphy said gardai received a report on September 21 of a man running around banging on doors at the St Johns Terrace apartments. Gardai went to the scene and entered the apartment complex and carried out door-to-door inquiries. During the course of these inquiries, a man approached gardai in the hallway of the apartment complex from a downstairs apartment not wearing any clothing. The man was extremely aggressive and threatening towards gardai. During the course of this, he punched a member of An Garda Siochana in the face and was arrested, it was alleged. During course of arrest, pepper spray was utilised and handcuffs were used. He was conveyed to Gurranabraher Garda Station, Sgt Murphy said. A suspected leader of the Kinahan organised crime group has been extradited to Britain to stand trial for alleged firearms offences. Liam Byrne, aged 42, who is originally from Dublin, was arrested in Spain earlier this year. He has been investigated by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA). He was escorted back to Britain by a team of officers from the NCAs Joint International Crime Centre on Tuesday. Mr Byrne appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was remanded into custody. Mr Byrne was arrested in June while eating in a restaurant in the Alcudia area of Mallorca. He had flown into Palma Airport from Dubai, UAE, on May 26. The NCAs intelligence-led investigation was supported by the Spanish national police and officers from An Garda Siochana. The agency obtained arrest warrants after messages on encrypted messaging service Encrochat indicated that Mr Byrne allegedly was potentially involved in the supply and acquisition of firearms. Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations at the NCA, said: The arrest and extradition of Liam Byrne highlights the NCAs ongoing work to target the alleged criminal activities of the Kinahan organised crime group. He will now be remanded in custody until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for January 8, 2024." Another suspected member of the crime group, Jack Kavanagh, aged 23, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, who was arrested by officers from the Spanish national police on May 30 at Malaga Airport, while transiting from Dubai to Turkey, remains in custody in Spain awaiting extradition. Liam Byrne is a notorious figure in gangland Ireland who gardai say led the Kinahan cartels Irish operations for years. He had tried to fight the recent extradition order from Spain to the UK, claiming a risk of inhumane or degrading treatment. But a Spanish court rejected his plea and granted extradition. His brother David Byrne was shot dead in the bloody Regency Hotel attack in 2016. Daniel Kinahan is believed to have been the target of that infamous attack, which sparked the deadly Kinahan-Hutch feud, leaving 18 people dead, including innocent people who were mistaken for gang members by the killers. Mr Byrne, from Crumlin, was investigated by the Criminal Assets Bureau which seized some 2m in assets from the gang. He is a first cousin of convicted gangland murderer Fat Freddie Thompson. WHY DO we continue to minimise violence against women? More specifically, why do our courts hand down insultingly light sentences to men who commit life-changing crimes against women? A harrowing documentary called Taking Back Control which aired on Monday on RTE 1, told Nicola Hanneys story of surviving domestic abuse and coercive control. Her abuser, partner, and father of her child is former garda Paul Moody, currently serving a three-year and three-month sentence for coercive control. In a landmark case, Paul Moody became one of the first people in the State to be convicted of the relatively new offence. Paul Moody: Former garda inflicted terror on his then partner. Picture: Collins Courts When you consider the terror Moody inflicted on Nicola,including sending her thousands of abusive texts sometimes hundreds in one day threatening to kill her, committing criminal damage by smashing up her flat, taking secret pictures of her naked and threatening to post them online, and harassing her in myriads of ways, his sentence seems extraordinarily low. Due to specific elements of the case, including Ms Hanney battling stage 4 cancer, the DPP brought a single count of coercive control against Moody to which he pleaded guilty, although he had originally been charged with 35 offences during a four-year campaign of abuse. The maximum sentence for coercive control is five years, the judge in this case factoring in that he had lost his job and would have a hard time in prison as a former garda. In every case, different variables will be at play that a judge must weigh up, its a complicated balancing act. Statistics paint a grim picture However, there is a wider issue as to overly lenient sentencing in domestic abuse and sexual violence cases. This affects a large pool of women with Irish statistics painting a grim picture. One in four Irish women experience domestic abuse of some type. According to the Sexual Violence Survey 2022 released in April by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), one in five Irish women have been raped. Light sentences dont just impact individual victims, they impact the way the public views violence against women by sending a strong message to victims and perpetrators. They can also prevent the reporting of future crimes if victims perceive its not worth it. We have many new laws on our statute books improving the protection afforded to women, including stalking and non-fatal strangulation which have become standalone criminal offences. But it is how judges make use of these laws that counts. And this will be partly down to their attitudes. Last month a Council of Europe report from their group of experts on violence against women (known as GREVIO) pointed to shortcomings in both our sentencing and judicial training. The link between the two cannot be underestimated. The Council expressed concern about worrying judicial and sentencing practices, which indicate that acts of violence against women are seen as offences of lower social danger. Such practices include the frequent application of lenient sentences and the tendency to rely on suspended or conditional sentences in both domestic violence and sexual violence/rape cases. The report highlighted an ineffective judicial response to domestic violence, sexual violence/rape, stalking, digital violence, sexual harassment, calling for the issue to be urgently addressed. Non-binding changes As it happens, there are some changes afoot regarding sentencing. A Judicial Council committee is developing sentencing guidelines to encourage logical, clear, and transparent sentencing but these wont be binding on judges. The Department of Justice is currently reviewing minimum sentences to allow judges to recommend in cases of rape and sexual assault, as well as other crimes, that a rapist or criminal who has committed a sexual offence would not come before the parole board for 20 or 30 years or maybe even longer after being sentenced. This is an acknowledgment that certain crimes potentially should have a higher sentence and, as Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said, the sentences should match the crime. However, while these measures may be positive they do not directly impact the attitudes of judges. Only specialised training will do that. And according to the Councils report, judicial training in this country remains both voluntary and scarce. GREVIO said it is concerned about the lack of mandatory initial and in-service training, with a few sporadic training sessions being offered on a voluntary basis. A committee of the Judicial Council has trained judges since 2020, developing what they have described as a suite of programmes. In one case, a coercive control course was designed with the input of Womens Aid, which is to be commended. However, well-designed courses are of little use if judges dont take them. One reason given for judges not undertaking training has been the lengthy court lists. Take a step back and consider this for a moment. Its crazy. The stakes are far too high for individual victims and society as a whole to have judges who lack training, particularly in domestic and sexual violence cases. For sentences to be imposed that reflect the seriousness of the crime where domestic abuse is concerned judges (and lawyers) need more knowledge about how domestic abuse works to be able to recognise the power dynamics that are often at play. Victim blaming still exists Where rape is concerned, victim blaming is still deeply embedded in our psyches, which is particularly problematic in trials where implicit biases, gender stereotypes, and misconceptions play a significant role in outcomes and sentencing. Some judges are still steeped in the brine of a time when unconscious morality judgments and misconceptions around sex and rape abounded a time when sexual violence supposedly didnt happen to nice girls and was swept under the carpet. And we have the sentencing to prove it. Judges need to be re-educated and that can only happen through proper and comprehensive mandatory training. Victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence should not have to be retraumatised when they go to court because the judge is fundamentally ignorant about the dynamics and subtleties involved. Ms McEntee has raised the idea of specialist judges for sexual crime cases, which is a good idea. More use needs to be made of the specialist knowledge available in NGOs and specialist support services for the training of judges and other frontline professionals. Sort judicial training out and you will begin to sort sentencing out. It seems appropriate to leave the last word to Nicola Hanney. As she said on Monday on Upfront with Katie Hannon after the documentary had aired, speaking on behalf of all the women who have been murdered by partners and all the women who continue to suffer from domestic abuse: We have to be heard, we want the cycle to change, the law must change. Womens Aid 24-hour national freephone helpline 1800 341 900 Looking at a map of Israel and Palestine can feel familiar. Names like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth transport many of us back to Irish classrooms at Christmas time and the story of a baby in a manger. We thought at the time, in our innocence, of words like hope and cheer and the tale of our saviour being born in this holy land was chief among our teachers' messages. Today though, these biblical locations resonate more as being at the centre of on-going clashes, detentions, and raids with attacks and counter attacks being launched from both sides. This year, there will be no Christmas tree in Bethlehem and one church in the occupied West Bank has changed the nativity scene to lay the baby Jesus in the rubble, as a mark of solidarity with the people of Gaza. It can be very difficult to look on at the devastation and suffering being inflicted on more than 1m children born in the "open air prison" in Gaza. And yet we continue to share the online clips of grieving and blooded children that have been shared and reshared. The tiny Gaza strip has become "the world's most dangerous place to be a child" according to Unicef. The violence has stolen the lives of 10,000 infants and children since the start of the bombardment. It has robbed children of their parents, with around 25,000 orphans now surviving and struggling to find food and water in the enclave. While we are no strangers here to hearing of wars and conflicts that have been waged across the world in recent times, the attack on Gaza has particularly resonated with Irish people. Somewhere deep within us we feel and share the pain of the oppressed. Countless videos have been reposted, quotes shared, and the #ceasefirenow hashtag used. A demolished a school in Zamuta, a village in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The appalling and deepening humanitarian crisis has mobilised previously non-political mothers, teenagers, grandparents. In Dublin, Cork, Galway, Ennis, Castlebar, Newbridge, Limerick, Belfast and in smaller towns people have marched each week calling for an end to the killing. Amid such public outcry, it can be difficult to understand when world leaders appear to put politics and economic considerations ahead of innocent lives. Even more difficult to understand is how a conflict can spiral so far that the main objective on both sides is to eradicate the other. But the unconscionable Hamas attacks of October 7, followed by the sustained bombardment of Gaza, is the latest and deadliest round in what has been a decades-long conflict that has spanned generations in the disputed region. For many Jewish people, Israel is "the promised land", but the same stretches of land are also considered the ancestral home of their Arab neighbours. The ancient city of Jerusalem itself, which both Palestinians and Jewish people see as their capital, is home to the holiest site in Judaism which is sandwiched next to the third most important site to Muslims. Tensions between the neighbours have simmered and have cemented further a deep hate. Like many disputes, the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been punctuated by a number of significant events that have altered the history and geography of the broader middle east region. Jewish people can point back to the bible and before as evidence of their long association with the region. But by the 1880s there were fewer than 25,000 Jewish people living in what they consider their ancient homeland, with the majority concentrated in Jerusalem. A growing anti-Semitism across Europe sparked a Zionist movement which saw small number of people to relocate. Theodor Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian Jewish journalist now generally considered to have founded Zionism, began advocating a Jewish state around this time. The new development was cited by Irish writer James Joyce in Ulysses, when the main character Leopold Bloom visits a Jewish butcher in Dublin. While waiting in line he picks up a page of a newspaper that is advertising farmland at Kinnereth, northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The advert read: "You pay eighty marks and they plant a dunam of land for you... Every year you get a sending of the crop. Your name entered for life as owner in the book of the union. Can pay ten down and the balance in yearly instalments." While fictional, the advertisement, which aimed to lure Jewish people abroad to invest in a collectively owned agricultural project, was inspired by actual initiatives. Still an idea behind it, said Bloom to himself after reading it. The Balfour Declaration issued by the British in 1917, promised a national home for the Jewish people and paved the way for further settlers to seek a new home on their ancestral lands. Between 1918 and 1947, the Jewish population in Palestine increased from 6% to more than 30%. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, but this was not implemented. The demolished school in Zamuta, a village in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, was built with EU funds. The following year the state of Israel was founded, with the US president Harry Truman immediately recognising the new nation. 1948 is also a year Palestinians view as seminal in their history. The Arab-Israeli war, which followed the establishment of the state of Israel, led to the violent displacement and dispossession of Palestinians. Entire villages were levelled and 700,000 people were forced to flee seeking refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians call this the 'Nakba'; the catastrophe. In the intervening decades the region has suffered violent outbreaks including the Six Day War; Yom Kippur War, as well as the First and Second Intifada. In the West Bank, Palestinians have had their homes, businesses and schools demolished by Israeli settlers who have become increasingly violent since Oct 7. Israeli raids and arrests in the West Bank have also dramatically increased. Each bout of violence has deepened the scars. Some of the remaining 1948 survivors, their children, and grandchildren still considered refugees, are now being caught up in what they see as a second Nakba in Gaza. Trauma is being heaped on trauma, horrors mounted on top of horrors. Like the images being shared over and over again, the cycle of violence continues. Seeing the outcome of the Cop28 conference in Dubai unfold is reminiscent of watching a dog riding a bicycle. It may not be elegant, it may not be making much progress, but the real wonder is that it is happening at all. Considering how difficult it can be to achieve political consensus even within a single country, it is bordering on miraculous that a global mechanism exists where around 200 sovereign states sit down together every year to try to thrash out an agreement on the climate crisis. This strength is also the key weakness of the process. The Cop conferences require unanimity, and this allows vested interests to hobble proceedings and force them to move at the speed of the most reluctant participants. It is mind-boggling to consider that it has taken almost 30 years for fossil fuels, the principal cause of global warming, to even be formally mentioned by name. That this has at last happened in Dubai is significant, but can hardly be considered a seismic event. When it comes to climate change, winning slowly is ultimately the same as losing. Tipping points in the climate system, from ice shelf collapse to permafrost thaw, AMOC shutdown (collapse of the Gulf Stream), or die-back of the Amazon rainforest respond not to politics, but to physics. We either stay within critical planetary limits or we face near-term catastrophe, and there is simply no way of negotiating or wishing away these limits. While an aspiration to transition away from fossil fuel usage makes its long-overdue first appearance in a Cop decision text this year, even that lukewarm phrase is further diluted by stating that this transition is to happen in energy systems only. In practice, this completely ignores transport, which accounts for around a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. Critically, there are no mechanisms in place globally to in any way limit countries or corporations from continuing to explore for or burn fossil fuels. In fact, the International Monetary Fund estimates that in 2022, fossil fuels received $7trn in subsidies, or $13m every minute, despite earlier calls to begin to phase these out. Even within the EU, last year, fossil fuel subsidies doubled to around 300bn, as governments kept energy prices artificially low. For hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presenting some kind of win was crucial as a face-saving exercise, having been humiliated by the revelation that it was using the Cop conference to conduct oil deals. Their discomfort was increased by leaked comments from conference president Sultan Al Jaber which were dismissive of the need to ever limit fossil fuel emissions and disrespectful towards the Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson. When Al Jaber claimed we have helped restore faith and trust in multilateralism, and we have shown that humanity can come together, he may have been stretching the meaning of language to breaking point. And lest we forget, Adnoc, the UAE state oil company that Al Jaber heads, is planning to massively increase oil production. The oil-producing bloc, Opec, led by Saudi Arabia, accounts for over three-quarters of the worlds known oil reserves. It had fiercely resisted any meaningful or binding steps to put limits on fossil fuels. The Saudi delegation expressed approval for the final Cop28 document, which includes a Swiss cheese of loopholes and opt-outs, secure in the knowledge that it means business as usual for its energy sector. While Climate Minister Eamon Ryan fought the good fight to salvage a better deal as the EUs climate finance negotiator, his description of the outcome in Dubai as historic but not perfect oddly summed up the conferences many contradictions quite well. Failure to reach any form of agreement would have been a body blow to the whole intergovernmental climate process, which is based on incremental baby steps nudging towards consensus. For me, the most puzzling Irish contribution to Cop28 came from Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) chairwoman Marie Donnelly, where she claimed that Ireland is not a climate laggard and is keeping pace with other countries. A Central Bank report last month showed that Irelands per capita emissions are now a whopping 23% higher than the EU average, because of our high emissions agriculture sector, adding that by global standards, Ireland is an emission-intensive economy. It is more than a little surprising that the chair of the CCAC, the very agency charged with leading Ireland on a low-emissions pathway, does not appear to even accept that we have a problem to begin with. Globally, what ultimately matters is whether tangible progress has been made at Cop28 on the pathway towards keeping global average temperatures increases to below 1.5C and well below 2C. The short answer is no, but in a world riven by conflict and divided by the rise of populism and authoritarianism, it remains more vital than ever that we persist with the only mechanism in existence that allows humanity to take a truly global approach to address our ultimate global challenge. Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing dozens of Palestinians, and US president Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants. In a further sign of world concern over the conduct of the conflict, now in its third month, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand said they supported international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. They expressed alarm at the plight of civilians in Gaza. At the United Nations, the 193-member UN General Assembly was preparing to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire. Diplomats said it was expected to pass. The US vetoed a similar call in the 15-member Security Council last week. Mr Biden said Israel now has support from "most of the world" including the US and EU. US president Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its 'indiscriminate' bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants. Picture: Jacquelyn Martin "But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he told a campaign fundraising event in Washington. Israel's assault on Gaza to root out Hamas has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians and wounded nearly 50,000 since October 7, according to the Gaza health ministry. Many more dead are uncounted under the rubble or beyond the reach of ambulances. Israel launched its onslaught in response to a cross-border raid by Hamas fighters who killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostage in southern Israel on October 7. In Khan Younis, southern Gaza's main city, residents said on Tuesday Israeli tank shelling was now focused on the city centre. One said tanks were operating in the street where the house of Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, is located. An elderly Palestinian, Tawfik Abu Breika, said his residential block in Khan Younis was hit without warning by an Israeli air strike on Tuesday that brought down several buildings and caused casualties. "The worlds conscience is dead, no humanity or any kind of morals," Breika told Reuters as neighbours sifted through rubble. "This is the third month that we are facing death and destruction... This is ethnic cleansing, complete destruction of the Gaza Strip to displace the whole population." Further south in Rafah, which borders Egypt, health officials said 22 people including children were killed in an Israeli air strike on houses overnight. Civil emergency workers were searching for more victims under the rubble. Residents said the shelling of Rafah, where the Israeli army this month ordered people to head for their safety, was some of the heaviest in days. "At night we cant sleep because of the bombing and in the morning we tour the streets looking for food for the children, there is no food," said Abu Khalil, 40, a father of six. Gazans were battling hunger and thirst to survive, resident Mohammed Obaid said as he inspected debris in Rafah. "Theres no electricity, no fuel, no water, no medicine." The Gaza health ministry said that diseases and illnesses including diarrhea, food poisoning, meningitis, respiratory infections, chickenpox and scabies were spreading. Washington has shared Israel's position that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas. But in addition to warning that Israel was starting to lose international support, Biden said that Netanyahu needed to change his hardline government. The leaders of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand said in a joint statement they were alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. "The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians," they said. The three countries also said they supported Palestinians' right to self-determination, but there could be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Mr Biden also said that ultimately Israel "can't say no" to an independent Palestinian state something that Israeli hardliners oppose. Rocket fire Israel's military said that over the past day it hit several posts that were used to fire rockets at its territory, raided a Hamas compound where it found some 250 rockets among other weapons and struck a weapons production factory. The ground assault that started in the north has expanded to the southern half of the Gaza Strip since a week-long truce collapsed at the start of December. More than 100 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began in late October. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Israeli military has begun pumping seawater into Hamas' tunnel complex, where the militant group is believed to be hiding hostages, fighters, and munitions and using it to wage hit-and-run attacks on Israeli troops in street fighting. Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said Israeli forces had raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on Tuesday and detained its director, Dr Ahmed Al-Kahlout, along with all medical staff including female teams. They were being interrogated within the emergency department, he said. Israel's military did not reply to a request for comment on the incident. An air strike on a house in Rafah killed several people and another on a building near the centre in Khan Younis killed one Palestinian, medics said. The UN World Food Programme says half of Gaza's population is starving as Israel has cut off supplies of food, medicine, and fuel. The UN humanitarian office OCHA said on Tuesday limited aid distributions were taking place in the Rafah district, but in the rest of the Gaza Strip, aid distribution had largely stopped due to the hostilities and restrictions on movement on roads. The UN Palestinian Refugee Agency said Israel had imposed a near-total siege on Gaza "inflicting collective punishment on over 2m people, half of whom are children". The Palestinian foreign minister accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, a charge an Israeli official rejected as "obscene". A Red Crescent official said a convoy of 80 aid trucks for Gaza was sent from Egypt to the Kerem Shalom crossing for checks on Tuesday after a new inspection system was opened in an effort to accelerate deliveries of relief. Hungary will block a proposal to start talks on European Union membership for Ukraine at a summit of the blocs leaders this week, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said. Mr Orban said that admitting the war-ravaged country would have unforeseeable consequences for the EU. EU leaders are expected to vote on whether to begin membership talks for Ukraine during a summit in Brussels that begins on Thursday. EU leaders are expected to vote on whether to begin membership talks for Ukraine (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Mr Orban has maintained that he will block the proposal, which requires a unanimous decision by the leaders of all the blocs 27 countries. Speaking to lawmakers in Hungarys parliament on Wednesday, Mr Orban said that the time for bringing Ukraine into the EU had not yet come, and that the development of a strategic partnership with Kyiv should be a prerequisite for beginning membership talks. We are interested in a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine, but this requires the establishment of peace as quickly as possible, and a deliberate deepening of the strategic partnership, Mr Orban said, adding that such a process could take a number of years. Everything has its appointed time, but the time for Ukraines membership in the European Union has not yet come, he said. Beyond its promises to block Ukraines membership talks, Hungary has consistently signalled that it will veto a financial aid package for Kyiv worth 50 billion euros (43 billion), a position that has frustrated Hungarys EU partners who stress that aid for Ukraine and its eventual membership are crucial for Europes security. Hungary is seen as Vladimir Putins closest ally in Europe (Mikhail Tereshchenko, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Hungary relies on Russia for much of its energy supply, and Mr Orban is seen as Russian President Vladimir Putins strongest ally in Europe. The government in Budapest has routinely blocked work on sanctions against Moscow linked to the war and sought to gain access to additional oil and gas supplies from Russia. On Wednesday, Mr Orban disputed a determination by the EUs executive branch, the European Commission, that Ukraine has fulfilled a number of requirements set as conditions for beginning accession talks. He also argued that Ukraines membership would reorient the system the 27-nation European Union uses to distribute funds to member countries, resulting in fewer funds for Hungary. The governments position is currently that Ukraines rapid entry into the European Union would come with unforeseeable consequences. Ukraines fast-track accession does not serve the interests of either Hungary or the European Union, he said. More effective treatments for severe cases of morning sickness could be on the horizon after researchers discovered the reason why some pregnant women suffer worse than others. Academics from the UK, US and Sri Lanka said the condition is caused by exposure to the hormone GDF15 being produced by babies in the womb, with the severity of illness resting on how sensitive the mother is to the hormone. It is hoped the discovery could help treat severe cases of the condition, which is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and can sometimes result in hospitalisation, in an effective and safe way. Previous studies have suggested sickness and nausea in pregnancy could relate to GDF15 being produced by the placenta, but researchers said the full mechanistic understanding is lacking. To better understand the condition, the team analysed data from women recruited to various studies, including at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge. They found the level of nausea experienced by women in pregnancy related to the amount of GDF15 produced by the fetal part of the placenta. The level of sickness also rested on how much of the hormone the woman had been exposed to prior to pregnancy. Professor Stephen ORahilly, director of the Medical Research Council metabolic diseases unit at the University of Cambridge, said: Most women who become pregnant will experience nausea and sickness at some point, and while this is not pleasant, for some women it can be much worse theyll become so sick they require treatment and even hospitalisation. We now know why: the baby growing in the womb is producing a hormone at levels the mother is not used to. GDF15 is made at low concentration in most of the bodys organs. A woman with lower levels in her blood outside of pregnancy may be at a higher risk of developing severe morning sickness in pregnancy, known as HG, researchers said. HG can lead to prolonged periods of vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. Treatments include anti-sickness medicines and steroids, but some women may require hospitalisation and intravenous fluids. Mr O'Rahilly added: The more sensitive she is to this hormone, the sicker she will become. Knowing this gives us a clue as to how we might prevent this from happening. It also makes us more confident that preventing GDF15 from accessing its highly specific receptor in the mothers brain will ultimately form the basis for an effective and safe way of treating this disorder. Studies in which mice were exposed to high levels of GDF15 showed a loss of appetite, while mice given a long-acting form of GDF15 did not show the same symptoms when exposed to similar levels of the hormone. The team said building up a tolerance prior to getting pregnant could prevent sickness. Researchers also said women with the inherited blood disorder thalassemia, which causes higher levels of GDF15 outside of pregnancy, experienced little to no nausea or vomiting when pregnant. The findings, published in Nature, could help find better treatments for HG, according to co-author Dr Marlena Fejzo, of the department of population and public health sciences at the University of Southern California. She added: When I was pregnant, I became so ill that I could barely move without being sick. When I tried to find out why, I realised how little was known about my condition, despite pregnancy nausea being very common. Hopefully, now that we understand the cause of hyperemesis gravidarum, were a step closer to developing effective treatments to stop other mothers going through what I and many other women have experienced. UK funders of the study were the Medical Research Council and Wellcome, with support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. Charlotte Howden is chief executive of Pregnancy Sickness Support and was hospitalised with HG after vomiting up to 30 times a day. She visited her GP but was told there was nothing they could do. After having tests, she was given medicine that left her comatose and was eventually admitted to hospital. This happened three times, with Ms Howden describing a complete disconnect between my GP and the consultant. She was eventually put on the right treatment at week 16 of her pregnancy. Ms Howden, who gave birth to son Henry in 2016, added: When you are suffering from a condition and no-one can tell you why, you start to think, oh, is it me? Is it something Ive done? Im so grateful for the dedication of the researchers, because this isnt a condition that really ever made the headlines until the now Princess of Wales suffered with it. It wasnt an area of research that people were really interested in. It was just morning sickness why should we care? A boy accused of the frenzied stabbing of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey said his hunting knife was used to kill her but that his co-accused had carried out the murder. Brianna, 16, was stabbed with the knife 28 times in her head, neck, chest and back in Linear Park, Culcheth, a village near Warrington, on the afternoon of February 11. Two teenagers, identified only as girl X and boy Y, both now aged 16 but 15 at the time, deny murder and are blaming each other for Briannas death, a jury at Manchester Crown Court heard. Neither can be named due to their ages. Brianna Ghey was attacked in Linear Park in Culcheth in February (Family handout/Warrington Police/PA) Boy Y began giving his evidence on day 13 of the trial, in highly unusual circumstances, typing on a keyboard, sat behind a desk in a sideroom of the courtroom with his answers spoken by an intermediary sat beside him, and watched by the jury in the courtroom by videolink. His words also appeared on a screen as they were typed out. Jurors have been told boy Y has gradually stopped speaking to anyone apart from his mother following his arrest and had been diagnosed with selective mutism, as well as autism spectrum disorder. Boy Y confirmed to his barrister Richard Littler KC that he had passed eight GCSEs, was self-teaching himself A-levels and wanted to study microbiology at university. The trial was being held at Manchester Crown Court (Anthony Devlin/PA) His father, a manager in industry, and mother, who works in the creative industries, were both sat in court listening to his evidence. Jurors have heard girl X enjoyed watching internet torture and killing material from the dark web and had an interest in serial killers. Both defendants had a fascination with violence, torture and death and had discussed a kill list of other children to harm and a murder plan on how to kill Brianna, jurors heard. Girl X has said this was just a dark fantasy and boy Y said he never thought it was serious. But while at the park, both claim Brianna was suddenly stabbed by the other. Mr Littler asked boy Y: Did you stab Brianna? No, boy Y replied. I saw girl X stabbing BG (Brianna Ghey). She was on the floor. At least three times, however I wasnt trying to count Boy Y said he saw his co-accused doing the stabbing using his own knife, which girl Y had asked him to bring to the park. Mr Littler said: Was there a plan to stab Brianna? Boy Y said: Girl X had a plan to stab Brianna, I did not. He said he did not take her plan seriously as she was always talking about murder and nothing happens. Boy Y denied any animosity towards Brianna because she was transgender. He said he gave the knife to girl X, who put it in her waistband, before Brianna arrived in Culcheth and the three walked to the park. Boy Y said: I didnt think she would try to seriously harm anyone. He said that in the park, Brianna and girl X had sat on a bench while he was admiring the trees. A crumpled, handwritten note of an alleged murder plan to kill Brianna Ghey (Cheshire Police/PA) He said he then went to relieve himself behind a nearby tree, before hearing clothes rustling, a thud and a puncturing sound. Mr Littler continued: Did you look to see what the sound might be? Boy Y replied: I saw girl X stabbing BG (Brianna Ghey). She was on the floor. At least three times, however I wasnt trying to count. Mr Littler continued: How were you feeling at this stage? Boy Y replied: I hadnt registered how I was feeling so I do not know. I stood still. He told the court he walked towards Brianna and saw blood, which was everywhere on the floor and around the victim. He said he put his hands on Brianna to see what had happened and got lots of blood on them. I wasnt happy, I wouldnt say sad either from what I perceive as sad, as I think that I was dazed by the event Dog walkers then came upon the scene and girl X told him weve got to run. Boy Y said he asked why girl X had stabbed Brianna and was told, she had tried to get me to break up with my boyfriend and that is unforgivable. He said that while leaving the park, she handed him back the knife, which the jury has previously heard was later found by police in his bedroom with his DNA on the handle and Briannas blood on the blade. His clothes and trainers were also blood stained. No blood was found on the clothes of girl Y. Mr Littler continued: Were you happy or sad at this stage? Boy Y replied: I wasnt happy, I wouldnt say sad either from what I perceive as sad, as I think that I was dazed by the event. He said he could not tell his parents what happened, due to his autism and not being able to express myself easily. The court heard he carried out an internet search on information for victims and witnesses. He said: I was searching because I was planning on telling the police, I just didnt know how. Floral tributes were left at Linear Park (Jason Roberts/PA) He told officers I can explain when he was arrested because he was planning on telling them, he said. Mr Littler asked why he did not tell them girl X had used his knife. He said: I was scared of being told off by the police. He said he did not want to hurt Brianna and did not think that girl X would hurt her. He added: I did not encourage or want girl X to hurt anyone with the knife. The trial continues. Military is guardian of democracy Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun described the military as the father of multi-party democracy in Myanmar, as he attempted to coax ethnic armed organizations to halt their offensive against the regime. On December 7, the junta spokesman guaranteed continued implementation of a multi-party democratic system in Myanmar, claiming the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) had taken a lead role in securing democracy for the people, including ethnic groups. A glimpse at Myanmars modern history reveals the spokesmans claim is a blatant distortion of reality. In fact, the reverse is true. The multi-party democracy that had been practiced since independence came to an end when the military led by General Ne Win staged a coup in 1962. In 1988, mass pro-democracy demonstrations known as the 8888 Uprising triggered general elections two years later. But the military refused to hand over power to the poll-winning National League for Democracy (NLD). General elections were then held in 2010, 2015 and 2020 under the junta-drafted 2008 Constitution, which was designed to perpetuate the militarys grip on power. The NLD, which is by far the most popular party in Myanmar, won majorities in both the 2015 and 2020 polls, having boycotted the 2010 vote that was widely considered rigged by the regime. Min Aung Hlaing staged a coup in 2021 as commander-in-chief, ousting the NLD government. The putsch further cemented the militarys historic role as Myanmars democracy destroyer, though that apparently didnt deter Zaw Min Tun from concocting a different story. Bago defeat fake news Resistance forces led by the Karen National Union (KNU) seized Mone town in Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region on December 2. The town is strategically located on routes to the juntas nerve center of Naypyitaw and to KNU territory on the Thai-Myanmar border. The commander of Light Infantry Battalion 590 was among numerous junta troops who surrendered during the attack. Also surrendering within hours of being airlifted to the town were 22 reinforcements, including the deputy battalion commander of Infantry Battalion 84, Major Kyaw Latt Khine. Zaw Min Tun countered on December 5 that resistance forces were just spreading fake news about Mone. But the spokesmans lie was exposed by his apparent lack of coordination with junta propaganda papers, which subsequently revealed that the local battalion in Mon town had made a temporary tactical withdrawal with junta soldiers evacuated in planes. The regime has lost control of around 20 towns in northern Shan State, Chin, Karenni states and Sagaing Region since the resistance launched its Operation 1027 offensive in late October. No surrenders Hundreds of junta soldiers have surrendered since revolutionary forces launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State in late October and sparked an expanding offensive in Chin, Mon, Karenni (Kayah) and Rakhine states. However, Zaw Min Tun dismissed news of mass surrenders on December 9, saying revolutionary forces were just issuing photos of soldiers and police who had been arrested by the resistance while on leave before the offensive began on Oct. 27. No Tatmadaw soldier would be cowardly enough to surrender, he declared. But video evidence tells a different story. A clip of junta soldiers surrendering at their base at Loikaw University in the Karenni State capital has been widely shared on social media. The largest capitulation of junta troops, however, was in Kokang, northern Shan State, where three battalions Infantry Battalions 125 and 143 and Light Infantry Battalion 129 surrendered to resistance forces. Some of the soldiers said they were forced to surrender because the regime failed to send reinforcements. YANGONMyanmar junta authorities have arrested two journalists in night raids, their outlet said on Wednesday, as the military cracks down on independent media. Since toppling Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government in 2021, the military has waged a sweeping and bloody campaign against dissent, and at least 170 journalists have since been arrested, according to the United Nations. Local outlet Dawei Watch said two of its employees, Ko Aung San Oo and Ko Myo Myint Oo, were arrested from their homes in the southern city of Dawei, Tanintharyi Region, around midnight on Dec. 11. It said their families had been told by the military the two had been arrested for their reporting, and that their laptops and phones had been confiscated. The military had not told their families where the two were being held, the statement said. Two journalists and a web designer from Dawei Watch were arrested and briefly held last year, before being released without charge. The junta has arrested more than 25,000 people since it seized power, according to a local monitoring group. Myanmar ranks 173 out of 180 in the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. According to the watchdogs latest figures, 67 journalists and one media worker are currently detained in Myanmar. In September a Myanmar journalist was jailed for 20 years after being indicted on several charges, including breaching a natural disaster law and a telecommunications law while covering the aftermath of a deadly cyclone. Several foreign journalists have been detained, including US citizen Danny Fenster, who was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment in 2021 before being pardoned and released days later. Myanmars military regime carried out airstrikes across four regions on Tuesday, killing seven people, injuring nine and destroying houses and vehicles, according to locals. Junta warplanes and artillery have intensified indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets as the resistances Operation 1027 offensive gains ground across the country. Five people including an infant were killed when a regime fighter jet bombed a judicial office run by the civilian National Unity Government in Pale Townships Min Taing Pin village, Sagaing Region, on Tuesday afternoon. A judicial officer, his wife, a one-year-old boy, his mother and a resistance fighter were killed in the attack while five others were injured, according to Pale Township Peoples Administration. The administration said the attack was unprovoked since the area has seen no clashes recently and the office was not hosting a ceremony. It warned the public to be on constant alert for possible military attacks as the junta is committing war crimes everywhere. Elsewhere in Sagaing, three fighter jets and an Mi-35 helicopter attacked villages in the Thaphanseik Dam area of Kyun Hla Township, according to Infinity Group, a local information network. The warplanes dropped six bombs, wounding two civilians from Aye Chan Thar village and destroying vehicles. The two villagers suffered light injuries. The military bombed the villages even though there is no fighting in Kyun Hla Township, a representative of Infinity Group told The Irrawaddy. In Bago Region, a 64-year-old woman was killed and a one-year-old child was injured when a regime fighter jet bombed Kine Tae Su village in Mone Township, the Karen National Union (KNU) reported. In northern Shan State, the junta continued its bombardment of Namkham and Nansang towns on Tuesday amid reports of fierce fighting. One civilian was killed in the aerial attacks on Nansang while a bomb dropped on Lwal Lwan village in Namkham Township injured a resident, according to the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The Myanmar military has been conducting both artillery and aerial assaults on civilian targets in northern Shan State since October, the TNLA said. In the western Rakhine State, three warplanes attacked Pan Myaung village in Minbya Township on the same day, the Arakan Army (AA) reported. Regime troops also fired artillery at villages in Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Minbya, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Ann and Myebon townships on Tuesday, injuring three people, the AA said. The Brotherhood Alliance announced on Wednesday that it will keep fighting to bring down Myanmars regime, following the peoples wishes, despite attending peace talks in China. The alliance of the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army along with several resistance groups started Operation 1027 on October 27, inflicting significant defeats on the regime. Chinese-brokered peace talks began this week in China, which Beijing said on Monday had yielded positive results. A Brotherhood Alliance source told The Irrawaddy that the talks lasted only 10 minutes and no agreement was made. No official comment on the talks has been made by the alliance. On Wednesday, the Brotherhood Alliance said the armed groups will never ignore the aims of all Myanmars people who have suffered for decades under military oppressive and they will not stop their operations. We have learned that Myanmars people are concerned about the recent reports. We dont want people to be worried. We will join hands with the people to meet our common aims, the Brotherhood Alliance said. The alliance said it aimed to build a federal democratic union with authentically self-administrative regions. Clashes continued in Namkham Township, northern Shan State, on Tuesday as the TNLA attacked the juntas major Sakham Thit Kone base near Namkham town. The regime has used fighter jets, Mi-35 combat helicopters and Y12 transport planes to attack the TNLA troops while transport helicopters have dropped around 100 reinforcements, the armed group said. On Monday night, large bombs were dropped on civilian areas of Namkham town which has been occupied by the TNLA, injuring three civilians and destroying 10 houses, the group said. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. The TNLA also attacked regime forces in Muse, Namhsan, Kutkai and Mantong townships in northern Shan State on Tuesday. Junta forces tortured and arrested several Pan Myaung villagers in Minbya Township, Rakhine State, on Tuesday after airstrikes. Junta bases also shelled villages in Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Minbya, Mrauk U, Ann and Myebon townships in the state. At least a dozen Myanmar junta troops were killed in the last four days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) continued to attack regime targets across the country. The incidents were reported in Shan State and Sagaing, Magwe and Tanintharyi regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs. Some military casualties could not be verified. Fierce clashes continue in northern Shan A junta transport helicopter drops off reinforcements during intense clashes with the TNLA in Namkham Township on Tuesday. / TNLA Fierce clashes continued in Namkham Township, northern Shan State on Tuesday as the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) continued its attempt to seize the juntas strategic Sakham Thit Kone base just outside Namkham town, which it has already captured. The junta used a fighter jet, an Mi-35 helicopter gunship and a Y12 military transport plane to defend the base while other transport helicopters dropped 100 reinforcement troops in the area, the TNLA said. On the previous night, a junta fighter jet dropped a 500-lb bomb on a residential ward in Namkham townwhich has been occupied by the TNLAinjuring three civilians and destroying 10 houses. Clashes between TNLA and regime forces were also reported in Muse, Namhsan, Kutkai and Mantong townships in northern Shan State on Tuesday. All resistance attacks were part of the ongoing Operation 1027 being conducted by the Brotherhood Alliance of three ethnic armies including the TNLA. Military unit ambushed in Sagaing At least five regime forces were killed and another injured in Kani Township, Sagaing Region on Monday when several Yinmabin District PDF battalions ambushed a military unit of 80 soldiers and police officers, said Kyauk Lone Gyi PDF group, which coordinated the attack. The military unit was ambushed while transporting rations from Kani town to the pro-junta village of Yay Lal Kyun. Resistance fighters said five regime forces were shot dead in an hour of fighting. More regime forces are believed to have been killed or injured when the remaining regime forces were ambushed again with land mines while chasing the retreating resistance forces, KLG PDF said. Junta police stations, military unit hit by drone strikes in Sagaing Kyauk Lone Gyi PDF said it and other PDF groups used a drone to drop a 1-kg bomb on regime forces leaving Gyi Pa Don Village in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday. On the same afternoon, the combined PDF groups dropped another 1-kg drone bomb on the township police station in Budalin town. The next day, KLG PDF and other resistance groups used three drones to drop six bombs on the Tharsi Police Station in Monywa Township. Details of the damage or regime casualties were unknown. Regime forces bombed in Magwe Regime forces are attacked with land mines and drone bombs in Pakokku Township on Monday. Pakokku Peoples Defense Force (PPDF) said it and other resistance groups used land mines and drone bombs to attack regime forces and military vehicles from the militarys 101st Division based in Pakokku Township, Magwe Region on Monday, killing four regime forces and injuring many others. The regime forces were attacked while going out to remove land mines planted by local resistance groups on a road. The resistance groups said they ambushed the regime targets by triggering land mines from four locations and dropped 20 drone bombs on the regime forces. They also lost two drones in the operation. Regime bases bombed in Magwes Myaing Myaing PDF group said it and another drone unit dropped 12 bombs on regime forces who had taken up positions in the township General Administration Department office, police station and another place in Myaing town, Magwe Region on Tuesday. There were many regime casualties, but precise details were unknown, the PDF group said. On Monday, a Myaing PDF sniper ambushed regime forces at a junta-run government office at the entrance of Myaing town, killing a soldier. That night, Myaing PDF used 15 80-mm improvised mortar rounds to bomb a pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia group stationed at a highway terminal in the town, the group said. Militia casualties were unknown. Regime forces ambushed while extorting money from civilian vehicles in Tanintharyi Joint resistance forces ambush regime forces who had been extorting money from civilian vehicles in Tanintharyi Township on Saturday. At least two regime forces were killed and another injured in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region on Saturday when three resistance groups raided regime forces extorting money from civilian vehicles on a road in Yebyu Village, said the Southern Brothers Army, which joined the attack. There were no resistance casualties. The Kachin Independence Army, All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) and Indaw Peoples Defense Force (PDF) say they seized Maw Luu town in Indaw Township, northern Sagaing Region, on Wednesday. The groups attacked junta posts and a police station in the town overnight and fighting lasted for around four hours, said a member of Indaw PDF. Junta airstrikes and shelling from neighboring Mohnyin Township targeted the town after it fell and thousands of residents have fled. Maw Luu was a village tract before it was designated as a town in 2018. It is on the ShweboMyitkyina road, connecting Sagaing Region and Kachin State. The Sagaing towns of Kawlin, Khampat and Shwepyiaye have already fallen to resistance forces. The resistance groups said they found at least 12 bodies of junta personnel and six military and police personnel were detained. The ABSDF said it warned regime employees to join the civil disobedience movement a month ago and numerous junta troops and staff switched sides before the attack on the town. Allied resistance forces seized a key police station in Phyu Township, Bago Region in a predawn attack on Wednesday, Peoples Defense Force-Southern Regional Command said. The police station, around 8 km south of Phyu town, is located in Nyaung Pin Thar Village on the strategically important old Yangon-Naypyitaw-Mandalay highway and just a few kilometers from another strategic route, the Yangon-Naypyitaw-Mandalay Expressway. Phyu town is only a two-hour drive from the juntas administrative capital Naypyitaw and 215 km from the countrys commercial hub Yangon. The police station was destroyed and burned by allied resistance forces during the predawn attack as part of an offensive operation concentrating on the Sittaung River Basin, a representative of PDF-Southern Regional Command claimed. The operation was jointly launched by the PDF, the armed wing of the civilian National Unity Government; the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the countrys oldest ethnic revolutionary group the Karen National Union (KNU); the Bamar Peoples Liberation Army; and allied resistance forces on Dec. 2. At least 30 junta troops and police personnel were killed during the attack by the PDF and allied resistance forces, said Tin Oo of the PDF-Southern Regional Command. No casualties were reported among allied resistance forces, according to the PDF. The Irrawaddy was unable to confirm precise casualty figures for the junta troops. The battle lasted nearly an hour, after which the surviving junta troops abandoned the station. Weapons and ammunition were also seized by the resistance forces, according to the Royal Peacock Column, which took part in the attack. The junta reportedly responded to the seizure of the police station with shelling and air strikes, causing many villagers to flee to Phyu town. Mone town in neighboring Kyaukkyi Township in eastern Bago, around 23 km from Nyaung Pin Thar Village, was seized by allied resistance forces on Dec. 3. Allied resistance forces attacked two junta infantry battalions, a police station and a military checkpoint at the entrance of the town. The KNU claimed that more than 100 junta troops were killed during the clashes. At least 21 junta troops surrendered to allied resistance forces during earlier clashes in Mone town in early December. Allied resistance forces also evacuated around 60 family members of surrendered junta troops to safer places, according to the PDF. At least two civilians were killed and two were injured by junta air strikes and shelling in Mone town in late November, according to the KNU. In last night's "Late Show," Stephen Colbert and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) discussed the threat of fascism and the responsibility of the Republican Party in America's slide toward fascism. Colbert asked Cheney why she thought it was the Republicans who introduced fascism to America and not the Democrats. Cheney agreed that Trump is "using a fascist playbook," but argued that Trump is an "aberration" in the GOP, preying on people's patriotism and lying to them, tapping into a sense that their voices were not being heard. Here's the exchange: Stephen Colbert: There are left-wing dictators and right-wing dictators. Communist and socialist dictators. Then there are fascist dictators, right-wing dictators, who in the name of preserving some imagined status quo or path that needs to be returned to, will go to any lengths, trampled or killed, in order to achieve that. I'm not saying it's the purview of one party. Why do you think that for the first time in our nation's history, the Republican Party won that race and got the first fascist dictator who could possibly take office? Just curious if you've done any self-examination of your party's leadership over the last 20 years as to why he's not an aberration. Liz Cheney: I think he's an aberration. Stephen Colbert: Really? Liz Cheney: I think what Donald Trump has doneFirst of all, he tapped into a sense among a lot of people in this country that their voice isn't heard. But he then lied to them and he preyed on their patriotism and told them, you know what, I'll speak for you. Stephen Colbert: Very specifically through things like racism. Like Mexicans are rapists, they are killers. They are here to get us. That's a very racist ideology. Undermining of the media is a very fascist thing to do. Liz Cheney: No question he's using a fascist playbook. But it's also true right now, if you want to talk about, for example, the disgusting anti-Semitism that is on the rise across this country, the left has a huge problem with anti-Semitism, what we are seeing on university campuses for example, the unwillingness to stand against it. Stephen Colbert: I would agree, anti-Semitism is a disease that runs across all cultural boundaries. Not only in the United States but across the world. But what I mean by undermining the media, is undercutting sort of like roughing up the referee was a project of the right for the last 20 years. Liz Cheney: No. You and You say that people believe our institutions can take the punishment. But the Republican Party's mantra has been Liz Cheney: It's really important, in my view, that we not slide into saying everything the Republicans have ever done is somehow the same as what Donald Trump has done. Stephen Colbert: I'm not saying everything. I'm saying there are breadcrumbs. Liz Cheney: You and I are not going to agree on that. Stephen Colbert: I know we're not going to agree, but do you understand why I am asking that question? Liz Cheney: Well, you should let me answer it. Stephen Colbert: Go ahead. Liz Cheney: I think when I stood in front of my colleagues, for example, when they kicked me out of leadership, I said to them "we cannot become the party of anti-Semitism, white supremacy, racism, and bigotry." If you look at the people and the symbolism of the people who invaded the Capitol on January 6th, they had neo-Nazi insignia. The Confederate flag flew for the first time inside the Capitol on that day. The Republican Party, maybe what we should see as we could debate about how we got to this point. I think the Republican Party has people who've been in the party have a particular duty to stand against where we are today. And I also think we all have to recognize he's using a fascist playbook. I don't disagree with what you're saying. He's taking the same steps that we've seen people all around the world take in the past. The challenge for us as Americans is not seeing ourselves as, 'Well, that could never happen here.' The people who are claiming that he's going to unravel the Constitution if he's elected again are catastrophizing. We can't go down that path. We have to understand it's a very real threat. There's a lot of time for us to debate how we got to this place, but right now, we have to stand together as Americans to stop it. That's the most important thing. Stephen Colbert: I completely agree. I completely agree and I think that's one of the reasons why you are perceived with such courage, even by the people who don't agree with the policies you voted for. You voted with the President 90% of the time. But now, when it counts for the future of our country and the possibility of us having a free and open, small "l" liberal society, that you're doing the right thing. I'm not saying that the Republican Party is somehow irredeemableit might bethe reason I'm asking. Maybe now is not the time to ask the question, but I think there will have to be a time to ask the question. Because the Democrats or liberals have every opportunity to have their own demagogue. Why did you guys get there first? Liz Cheney: Look. Certainly, I wish this weren't the case. There's no question. But I also think it's really important that we not get into a situation where we act as though or think or talk about, suggest that Donald Trump and the threat he poses is anything other than existential and unique in our history. Because it certainly is. Leading Communications and Technology Event Returns to Florida for the 24th Consecutive Year Shelton, CT December 13, 2023 TMC today announced that Rumble Cloud has signed on as a Gold sponsor for MSP Expo, the #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 13-15, 2024 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo is the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs. This is where MSP business owners and technology specialists share strategies to grow their managed services businesses. Were glad to welcome Rumble Cloud as a Gold sponsor of MSP Expo in 2024, said Rich Tehrani, TMCs CEO. Rumble Cloud is looking to enter the market with a price-competitive offering focused on bringing price predictability back to the cloud IaaS market. They are a must-see at MSP Expo. We are excited to be a sponsor at MSP Expo. Weve built the Rumble Cloud from the same independent infrastructure that supports our Rumble video business, said Tyler Hughes, COO of Rumble. According to Hughes, We know unfair pricing strategies that lead to price volatility is a major pain point in the cloud market. At Rumble, we are focused on offering a modern cloud solution with a pricing model that allows businesses to easily predict their budget and avoid crippling runaway costs. As we grow and scale our cloud business, MSPs will be an integral part of our strategy to attract and serve that market. Stop by booth #742 to meet Rumble Cloud and become an early access MSP partner, before General Availability later in 2024. Rumble is a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that is creating the rails and independent infrastructure designed to be immune to cancel culture. Rumbles mission is to restore the Internet to its roots by making it free and open once again. For more information, visit: https://www.rumble.cloud/about/ For more information or to register for MSP Expo, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or MSP Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109. For the latest MSP Expo news, updates and information follow the event on X at @MSPExpo. About TMC Through our news and solutions-focused editorial platforms, live events, webinars, and online advertising, TMC provides global buyers with valuable insights for making informed technology purchase decisions and successfully navigating markets. In turn, leading technology vendors rely on TMC, TMCnet and our family of sites and events for exceptional branding, thought leadership, and lead generation opportunities. Our live events, including the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, offer unparalleled visibility and sales prospects for all participants. With our customized lead generation programs, including a turnkey webinar program, we consistently deliver a steady stream of leads that translate into sales opportunities and database growth. In addition, display advertising on respected news sites and newsletters generates millions of impressions, bolstering brand reputations. TMC offers a comprehensive 360-degree marketing solution, with services such as event and road show management, as well as expertly crafted content creation including blogs, press releases, articles, and marketing collateral. These efforts contribute to SEO, branding, and overall marketing success. To discover more about how TMC can assist you in achieving your marketing goals through our events and online advertising, please visit www.tmcnet.com. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X by following @tmcnet. [email protected] Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [ Free eNews Subscription Share this Page Tweet Share Michelle ConnollySenior Marketing ManagerTMC203-852-6800 x 170Edited by Alex Passett 1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241 A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. A couple in Virginia has been arrested after seven elementary school students ate gummy bears that were tainted with traces of fentanyl. The children had all shared the gummies from a plastic baggie that one of the students had brought from home. The baggie was later tested and found to be coated with fentanyl residue. Five of the children, all fourth graders, were hospitalized with symptoms including headaches, nausea, muscle spasms, and vomiting. Fortunately, they stabilized and were later released. From CNN: Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Heavy metal legends Metallica recently announced the 25 finalists in their first "For Whom The Band Tolls" marching band competition. To be eligible, high school and college marching bands had to perform at least one song (although most chose medleys) from a catalog of thirteen Metallica songs, using any arrangement, while incorporating movement into the performance. To enter the contest, bands had to record a video of the performance, and then upload it to YouTube. AZ Central explains: More than 450 colleges and high schools across the U.S. signed up for the competition, which Metallica announced on April 10, competing for more than $180,000 in prizes. Bands that entered got access to a library of marching band charts for Metallica songs, provided by Hal Leonard via sheetmusicdirect.com. Five finalists in each category, selected by a panel of six professional judges, were announced on Monday, Dec. 11, at metallicamarchingband.com. Metal Insider provides list of the finalists, five in each category, which were chosen by professional judges in a process facilitated by Conn Selmer: Collegiate: Division 1 $75,000 in prizing: Auburn University, Fresno State University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Texas at Austin Collegiate: Division 2, 3 $40,000 in prizing: Blinn College, Eastern New Mexico University, Manchester University, West Texas A&M University, Western Illinois University High School: Small, Medium & Large $15,000 each in prizing: Small High School: Cleveland High School Cleveland, AL, Edinburg High School Edinburg, TX, Oakton High School Vienna, VA, Oologah High School Oologah, OK, Valhalla High School El Cajon, CA Medium High School: Boerne High School Boerne, TX, Desert Mountain High School Scottsdale, AZ, DeWitt High School DeWitt, MI, Kell High School Kennesaw, GA, Malverne High School Malverne, NY Large High School: Austin High School Sugarland, TX, Dobyns-Bennett High School Kingsport, TN, Lambert High School Suwanee, GA, Lorena High School Lorena, TX, Pell City High School Pell City, AL Members of Metallica will choose the final prize winners in each category, which will be announced in January. The general public will also be able to vote on two fan favorites. If you want to vote for your favorite high school and college marching bands, you have until December 31st. You can watch all the entries, and vote, here. "Steamboat Willie" marks the first appearance of Mickey Mouse (apart from an earlier test screening). In the 1928 cartoon, Mickey is a happy-go-lucky, animal-abusing deckhand on a river steamboat, captained by a violent, oafish captain. On January 1, 2024, the cartoon will enter the public domain. What does that mean, exactly? As Jamie Lang of Cartoon Brew explains: What does that mean for Mickey and the Steamboat Willie short? After expiration, anyone will be able to screen the original short without permission from Disney. It can also be sold by third parties, although Disney has already made the film free online, so sales will likely be minimal. The film and its characters can also be used by anyone wishing to feature the characters in original stories or artwork. The Catch: Disney can and almost certainly will still be very protective of the Mickey Mouse character, as it still owns the trademark. A trademark can be renewed indefinitely and is meant to prevent marketplace confusion. What that means is that any public-domain use of the Steamboat Willie characters cannot be perceived as coming from the trademark holder, in this case, Disney. In any case where there is a possibility that consumers could assume that Disney is behind the use, expect the company to act. And here's what Erica Allen, an intellectual property lawyer from DiAngelo Law told Bay News 9 about Steamboat Willie's copyright expiration: "That means everybody in the public has the ability to use that creation for their own interpretations, their own versions," said Erica Allen, an intellectual property attorney in Tampa Bay with DiAngelo Law. To be clear, it's only the version of Mickey Mouse from "Steamboat Willie" that anyone in the public can use without permission to create new stories and new art. That Mickey Mouse has a long rat-like black nose, basic oval eyes with no pupils and a long, spindly, curvy black tail. Any future iterations of Mickey Mouse including any showing Mickey Mouse in color are still under Disney's control. I like the idea of comic books and cartoons starring the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse, which is the cutest and funniest version. Aaron Moss of the excellent Copyright Lately blog has an article about the many other notable works entering the public domain in 2024. They include another Mickey Mouse cartoon called "Plane Crazy," Carl Theodor Dreyer's film, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Charlie Chaplin's The Circus, A. A. Milne's The House at Pooh Corner (first appearance of Tigger), Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, and D. H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover. Reddit Email 150 Shares Montreal (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Pogrom. This Russian term denotes a violent riot incited with the aim of massacring Jews and destroying their property. One of the deadliest pogroms (50 Jews were killed and nearly 600 wounded) took place in Kishinev a hundred and twenty years ago, in April 1903. But the trauma of Russian Zionists facing the oppression in Tsarist Russia over a century ago continues to inform Israels political culture. The Russian word has been widely used by Israelis to characterise the Hamas attack on Southern Israel in October 2023. It had also been used before. For example, an Israeli general employed it a few weeks earlier when armed Zionist settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Huwara on the occupied West Bank. These attacks have intensified since. The term appears appropriate since gun-toting Israeli vigilantes were attacking unarmed civilians. Kieff (Rusia).La expulsion de los judios eslavos: familias israelitas abandonando sus hogares. Public Domain, Link However, the use of this term for the Hamas attack has provoked debate. Some argue that Hamas conducted the operation as an act of resistance against one of the best armed states in the world. They would not call the attack a pogrom because it was ultimately directed at a powerful state enforcing a system deemed oppressive and illegitimate by its victims. Others put emphasis on the purely civilian targets of the attack such as the music festival which may justify the use of the Russian word. They attribute the Hamas attack to antisemitism, i.e., unmotivated hatred, rather than see in it a reaction to decades of suffering and misery inflicted by the Zionist state. However, within the state of Israel, despite its formidable military might, including nuclear weapons, the term has caught on. It was claimed that the number of Jews killed on one day in the Hamas attack was the highest since the Nazi genocide. This drew a direct line with the Nazi genocide and created the impression that Jews were once again powerless in the face of pure unadulterated evil, as the U.S. President put it. When, two weeks into Israels bombardment of Gaza, the U.N. Secretary General reminded the world that the Hamas attack had not happened in a vacuum, Tel Aviv indignantly called for his resignation. There is little tolerance for any mention of the Israeli blockade of Gaza since 2007, and, more generally, of Israeli responsibility for the dispossession, deportation, and murder of Palestinians since 1947. These look like the manifest cause of the Palestinian resistance. Most Israelis also prefer to ignore the fact that the millions of Palestinians trapped in Gaza are largely descendants of those that the Zionist militias and the Israeli military expelled from their homes in what is now the state of Israel. Israeli officials and its fans elsewhere usually deploy arrogance and self-righteousness to reject rational debate about the Hamas attack. Besides the obvious political purposes of this PR strategy, one can notice a genuine embrace of the term pogrom in Israeli society at large. Ideologically committed Zionists used to treat pogrom victims of over a century ago and survivors of the Nazi genocide with shame and disdain. They were blamed for lacking the courage to fight, for going as sheep to the slaughter. Haim Nahman Bialik, who later became a cultural icon in Israel, in a poem written following the Kishinev pogrom, castigated the survivors, heaping shame upon their heads. Bialik lashed out at the men who hid in stinking holes, crouched husbands, bridegrooms, brothers, peering from the cracks, while their non-Jewish neighbors raped their wives and daughters. This poem, in the Russian translation by Vladimir Jabotinsky, remains one of the strongest literary depictions of the pogrom. Brenner, another poet and like Bialik the son of a pious Russian Jewish family, radically transformed the best-known verse of the Jewish prayer book Hear, O Israel, God is your Lord, God is one! one of the first verses taught to children and the last to be spoken by a Jew before his death. Brenners revised verse proclaimed: Hear, O Israel! Not an eye for an eye. Two eyes for one eye, all their teeth for every humiliation! This is how these and many other Zionist writers stoked the fires of revenge and violence. As the Diaspora Jew was a coward, so the Zionist Jew the New Hebrew, the Israeli Jew must be a warrior. Later, recognized as the collective legatee of the victims of the Nazis, the state of Israel was awarded crucial financial resources from West Germany and other countries. At the same time, a transformation was taking place: while it was becoming militarily stronger, the state of Israel was claiming to be recognized not only as a legatee of past victims but as an actual collective and righteous victim in its own right. The Eichmann trial in 1961 marked a watershed in this respect. From then on, the state of Israel has emphasised its continuity with the victims and introduced Holocaust studies into public education. Israeli officials argue that their country is unfairly treated as a harmless collective Jew. In the face of opprobrium for the mass bombing of Gaza in 2023 the Israeli delegates at the United Nations started wearing yellow six-pointed stars, like those imposed on the Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. Australian Broadcasting Co.: Israel continues strikes on Khan Yunis in southern Gaza | ABC News The pretense of being a blameless victim justifies Israeli reliance on military force. Ein brera!, we have no choice is a common Israeli explanation of violence. Jabotinsky formulated the Zionist concept of the Iron Wall, of terrorising the Arabs into submission, and published it in Russian in 1923. His concept is being reconfirmed a century later. Moreover, political compromises with the Palestinians appear suspect and dangerous. Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin who tried to reach such a compromise was assassinated, effectively putting an end to the idea of a Palestinian state next to Israel. The European Jewish memory of victimhood has been maintained, cultivated, and transmitted to future generations of Israelis. The collective memory of the pogroms in the Pale of Settlement and the death camps in Poland has been inculcated in Israeli schools. All the students, whether or not their ancestors suffered at the hand of the Nazis, are led to make the same conclusion: Arabs attack us just because we are Jews. No wonder this is the way many Israelis view the Hamas attack, which enables them to support the massive violence being inflicted on the Palestinians. Since October 2023, comparisons of Palestinian resistance with the Nazis have acquired a new life. One of the best-known precedents belongs to Menachem Begin who, during Israels first invasion of Lebanon, compared Arafat to Hitler. This was meant to make the massive bombardment of Beirut in 1982 appear morally sound. Such comparisons are now used to justify a much deadlier bombardment of Gaza. The proportion of civilian casualties in these bombardments surpassed that of all the cases of warfare in the 20th century. The state of Israel tends also to dehumanize the Palestinians to vindicate what many experts qualify as genocide. An Israeli high school history teacher was put in solitary confinement for making Facebook posts showing the names and faces of a few of the 18,000 Palestinians killed during Israels assault on Gaza. The Zionist state apparently considers humanizing the Palestinians an existential threat. The paradigm of the Kishinev pogrom is rallied to provide a moral carte blanche for the Israeli destruction of Gaza. Reddit Email 48 Shares By Torbjorn Tannsjo, Stockholm University | Hamass attack on Israel on October 7 marked the beginning of a fresh round of conflict between Israel and Palestine. But it also raises the question of how we should assess Hamass terrible crime and whether and how it can be put into context compared with other war crimes committed by other parties. Many people believe that we should not relativise it (or any other terrible terrorist action). But comparing horrific acts and putting then into context allows us both to understand them and to arrive at a reasonable ethical judgment. This seems to be the view also of the author and peace activist David Grossman, who made the following comparison: The occupation is a crime, but to shoot hundreds of civilians children and parents, elderly and sick in cold blood that is a worse crime. Even in the hierarchy of evil, there is a ranking. This is relativisation, but not one that is very helpful. To compare the terrorist act of Hamas with the occupation is to compare apples with oranges. More valuable would be a comparison between the Hamas terrorist action (and violation of the laws of armed conflict) and Israels killing of civilians in general and children in particular. Which crime is worse? Which crime ranks highest in the hierarchy of evil? What the law says The assessment of Hamass crime is straightforward and simple. They targeted innocent people, killed or kidnapped them. Even if the Palestinians have a right to resistance against the occupiers (they enjoy what is called jus ad bellum the right to make war) not all means are permitted. Even defensive wars must be conducted in a proper way. It is never permissible to target civilians to defeat your enemy. That is part of what is called jus in bello (the law of war) which is binding for both those who attack and those who defend themselves. What about Israels attacks on Gaza, then? Israel upholds an illegal occupation of Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territory and has put Gaza under siege something forbidden in international law since 1977. Whats more, their attacks on Gaza, where the explicit target is Hamas, cause casualties among civilians not least among children. According to humanitarian law, it is permitted to target military installations even if it means that some civilians are killed. But this must not be done if the number of civilian losses is disproportionate in relation to the military goal. This line has arguably been transgressed already in the present Israeli war on Gaza. The casualties appear out of proportion. The assessment of proportionality is not an exact science and few precedent cases exist. In the final analysis, it is a matter of judgment. When the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres asserted, I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza, it was clear that this was addressed partly to Israel (who protested). It is easy to concur with his judgment, given the way the war has developed. France 24 English: Israeli strikes reportedly kill civilians in Gaza safe zones FRANCE 24 English But is there not an important difference here? While Hamas has targeted civilians, Israel kills them without any intention to do so. The number of dead civilians is out of proportion, but their death is merely predictable not intended. Does this not mean that Israels crime ranks lower in the hierarchy of evil? This assessment is also too simplistic. When they go after Hamas knowing they will kill a disproportionate number of civilians, it is appropriate to impute to them an indirect intent to kill these civilians. We may speak in legal terms of an intent rooted in a reckless indifference to human life. Moral judgments What is worse then, to kill civilians directly and intentionally in rage, or indirectly, from a distance, with reckless indifference to human life? If we base our comparison on a concern for civilians in and around armed conflicts, it is appropriate to count the casualties. What kind of crime takes the largest toll? What can we learn from modern history? For example, the US-led war in Indochina where most of the killing was indirect and conducted from a distance out of reckless indifference to human life set records in the killing of civilians since the second world war. The dead must be counted in the hundreds of thousands and the bombing campaign that killed them has been called a war crime. Certainly, there is considerable weight also on the other side of the argument, that intentional civilian deaths are worse. Just think of the genocide in Rwanda or the deliberate and murderous ethnic cleansing of the Balkans in the 1990s. There are a lot of other examples. The massacres of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the Yazidis in Iraq, the Janjaweed massacres in Darfur in the 2000s and again as part of the recent explosion of viollence in Sudan recent history is replete with indiscriminate killing of civilians. And yet, when the casualties are counted, it is perhaps safe to claim that indirect killing at a distance with a reckless indifference to human life is no better. Worse in one respect: it seems to be so easy to perpetrate. What should Israel do if they cannot respect jus in bello? If only the alternative to never-ending war could be as simple and straightforward as one democratic state for everyone who lives within the territories currently controlled by Israel, where Jews, Muslims and Christians can live together. This may seem as a piece of wishful thinking during the height of armed conflict, but since it now appears to be the only realistic way of ending hostilities, there is hope for the future. Torbjorn Tannsjo, Professor of Practical Philosophy, Stockholm University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. API Heat Transfer will close its Wyoming County manufacturing plant next spring, eliminating 130 jobs. The company said it will shift production from its Arcade plant to five other locations, including Cheektowaga, where API is headquartered. The difficult decision demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence and customer focus as we drive performance, reduce costs, improve capacity utilization, and build on our strategy of making API stronger in the long-term, said Rick Ruzga, vice president and general manager of the Airtech business unit, which includes the Arcade operations. API plans to end production at the Arcade location on April 24. The company said it will provide a financial incentive package for workers to remain on the job until then. API said company officials will meet with employees to discuss the possibility of transferring to another API facility, and will work with the state Rapid Response Program to help employees find job opportunities with other local companies. Jim Pierce, executive director of the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency, said he is working with the state Department Labor and the local Workforce Development Board to retain as many of those employees in the community as possible and trying to find some new businesses to fill two buildings in Arcade that will be vacated. APIs Airtech unit makes heat transfers products including radiators. API has undergone four ownership changes in the past two decades. In 2019, an investment group led by Littlejohn & Co. and Guggenheim Partners acquired a majority interest in the business. Secures Option to Acquire New Strategic Licenses Adjacent to Current Knockeen Lithium Pegmatite Project, more than Quadrupling Key Southern Block Land Holdings Key Highlights: Secures option to acquire six new contiguous licenses (four granted/two pending under application) covering an additional 249 km 2 adjacent to its Knockeen Lithium Pegmatite Project, more than quadrupling its southern license land position; adjacent to its Knockeen Lithium Pegmatite Project, more than quadrupling its southern license land position; New licences strategically situated to extend GBML's exploration of a new and significant lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatite system at PL 1597, progressing SW and in-line with the East Carlow Deformation Zone (" ECDZ "); "); Recent near-surface trenching chip sample assays from one of the pegmatite dikes show values of up to 2.55% Li2O at a depth of only 2m in the NE-SW trending dike swarm; and Total project package now consists of 22 prospecting licenses covering ~775 km, situated along strike to Blackstairs Lithium (Ganfeng / ILC joint venture) Avalonia Project. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Global Battery Metals Ltd. (TSXV: GBML) (OTCQB: REZZF) (FSE: REZ) (the "Company" or "GBML" or "Global Battery Metals"), an international critical mineral exploration company focused on growth-oriented lithium and battery metal projects, is pleased to announce a strategic expansion of its Leinster Lithium Project exploration activities with the exclusive option to acquire six (four granted/two under application) additional southern license block mining claims1 (the "Claims") covering an additional 249 km2. The new Claims border the Company's PL 1597 Knockeen Lithium Pegmatite Project and are situated along the southwest strike with the recently discovered LCT pegmatite dike swarm (see Map 1 below). Coming on the heels of GBML's recent lithium pegmatite trenching results at Knockeen and 2.55% Li2O chip sample taken at a depth of just two metres (2m), as well as its earlier successful first round of exploration drilling at Knockeen which recorded 24 intervals of near-surface lithium intersects across nine holes, the decision was made to enter into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Tancred Resources Ltd. ("Tancred") in order to secure the rights to select neighboring Claims. In total, the full Leinster Lithium Project footprint now comprises 22 mineral claims covering approximately 775 km2 and is situated along strike to nearby Blackstairs Lithium's Avalonia Project (297 km2 joint venture between Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd and International Lithium Corp.). The Claims tactically augment GBML's existing holdings along and adjacent to the important East Carlow Deformation Zone, which is interpreted to control the emplacement of an existing LCT pegmatite field at the Blackstairs Mountains. Exploration data for the new Claims include soil geochemistry, magnetic and gravity surveys and mapping. The current information highlights the presence of chemical trace elements associated with LCT pegmatite which, coupled with the identified spodumene bearing pegmatites from 2023 drilling at Leinster, suggest that the LCT pegmatite field identified at the Blackstairs extends to the southwest, on the grounds covered by this acquisition. Michael Murphy, CEO of Global Battery Metals, underscored the importance of this expansion, stating: "Knowing what we now know about the near-surface opportunities and consistency that we're seeing in this NE-SW trending dike swarm, seizing this strategic expansion opportunity was an easy decision to make. GBML has had our eye on these additional licenses for some time now, but up until recently the land was unavailable. Given the proximity to not only our own active exploration, but also to Blackstairs Lithium's expansive drill program plans, GBML's new southern tract of project licenses is a significant district addition. We've been tracking exploration progress in and around PL 1597 throughout 2023, and have seen the focus area expand in lockstep with favourable geologic reporting. We thank the Tancred team for their partnership and we are looking forward to expanding our exploration efforts." Map 1: Leinster Lithium Project Southern Block License Expansion -- GBML secures option to acquire up to six new licenses covering an additional 249 km2 and adjacent to its Knockeen Lithium Pegmatite Project. Strategically situated to extend GBMLs exploration and drilling of a new and significant lithium bearing spodumene pegmatite system, the licenses progress SW in-line with the East Carlow Deformation Zone. The Agreement The Option Agreement follows previous option agreements that GBML has entered into with a modest upfront payment and a timeline that provides GBML adequate time to consider the property's merit. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, GBML may acquire a maximum of 100% legal and beneficial interest in the Claims, including all other assets acquired or held by GBML or Tancred with respect thereto or pursuant to the Option Agreement (together with the Claims, the "Assets") upon fulfilment of the conditions below: GBML shall pay Tancred $25,000 in cash, within 3 business days following the date of the Option Agreement (the "Execution Date"); within 18 months after the Execution Date, GBML shall issue to Tancred (i) 500,000 common share purchase warrants with a strike price of $0.30 exercisable 18 months following the issuance date of such warrants, and expiring 42 months following the Execution Date ("Warrants"), and (ii) such number of common shares in the capital of GBML ("Common Shares") as shall have a value equal to $75,000 (provided that no more than 750,000 Common Shares shall be issued). Upon satisfaction of these conditions, GBML shall be deemed to have acquired a 25% interest in the Assets (the "First Interest"); within 30 months after the Execution Date, GBML shall issue to Tancred such number of Common Shares as shall have a value equal to $200,000 (provided that no more than 2,000,000 Common Shares shall be issued). Upon satisfaction of these conditions, GBML shall be deemed to have acquired an aggregate of 51% interest in the Assets (the "Second Interest"); and, within 42 months after the Execution Date, GBML shall issue to Tancred such number of Common Shares as shall have a value of $300,000 (provided that no more than 3,000,000 Common Shares shall be issued). Upon satisfaction of these conditions, GBML shall be deemed to have acquired 100% interest in the Assets (the "Third Interest"). Upon acquiring the Third Interest and the satisfaction of certain conditions as described below, Tancred may be eligible to receive performance shares, as follows: upon the announcement of 5 mt at concentration of 1% Li 2 O at the property, such number of Common Shares as shall have a value of $1,000,000, provided that no more than 10,000,000 Common Shares shall be issued; upon the completion of a Feasibility Study, such number of Common Shares as shall have a value of $2,000,000, provided that no more than 20,000,000 Common Shares shall be issued; and, upon commencement of Commercial Production, such number of Common Shares as shall have a value of $2,000,000, provided that no more than 20,000,000 Common Shares shall be issued. In these three instances, the number of Common Shares issued shall be equal to such maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to Tancred without Tancred becoming an Insider of GBML. Furthermore, should GBML decide not to exercise its option to acquire the Second or Third Interest, the number of performance shares and their corresponding dollar values shall be proportionately reduced/adjusted to match the percentage of interest acquired by GBML. The Option Agreement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Qualified Person The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo., MSc, a consultant to GBML, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About the Leinster Lithium Project Located south of Dublin in the counties of Wicklow and South Carlow, the Leinster Lithium Project consists of 22 prospecting license areas covering approximately 775 km situated along strike to Blackstairs Lithium's Avalonia Project (297km joint venture between Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. and International Lithium Corp.). All of GBML's license holdings are located within or along the important East Carlow Deformation Zone, which is interpreted to control the emplacement of an existing LCT pegmatite field at the Blackstairs Mountains. With first phase drilling concluded at Knockeen, GBML has succeeded in identifying a new and structurally controlled LCT pegmatite system of significance, importantly recording 24 intervals of lithium bearing spodumene pegmatites intersected across nine holes drilled. The spodumene pegmatites range in width between 0.10m up to 0.63m (true width) with the highest values grading up to 2.57% Li 2 O. No drilling has ever been carried out at the Knockeen Prospect previously and intersecting lithium bearing pegmatites in all of the holes drilled so far is considered a major technical success for the Company. Prior surface exploration activities identified and confirmed expansive surface boulder trains of lithium pegmatite lithologies in a number of areas across the Company's property, with recent assay results of 66 rock samples analyzed by ALS Laboratories earlier this year returning Li 2 O% lithium contents ranging up to 3.75% Li 2 O / 17,410 ppm li. Responsibility to the Environment All mineral exploration activities in Ireland take place under the auspices of the GSRO, a division within the Government Department of the Environment, Communications & Climate Change. Exploration is governed under the framework of both Irish and EU legislation that has been implemented to ensure that the environment is protected during exploratory work. Prospecting licence holders must comply with all of the relevant legislation. The Company is pleased to confirm that it adheres to the highest standards of good practice in relation to its ongoing exploration activities having completed a detailed GSRO "Appropriate Assessment" process prior to commencement which was reviewed, approved and signed off by the appropriate oversight authorities. GBML's Directors understand that social license is key to unlocking positive exploration outcomes by following low impact / low sound / low disturbance exploration program best practice for environmental sensitivity. About Global Battery Metals Ltd. GBML is an international mineral exploration and development company with a focus on lithium and other metals that comprise and support the rapid evolution to battery power. GBML currently maintains economic interests in three battery metal projects: (1) an option to acquire up to a 90% interest in the Leinster Lithium Property and drill program currently underway in Ireland; (2) a 100% interest in the drill-ready Lithium King Property in Utah; and (3) a 55% stake in Peru-based Lara Copper Property, which has over 10,000 metres of drilling. As previously disclosed, Minsur S.A., a Peruvian mining company, entered into an option agreement with GBML and Lara Exploration Ltd. to acquire the Lara copper property for staged payments of USD$5.75 million. GBML will retain a 0.75% net smelter royalty. GBML's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: GBML); Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: REZ); and are quoted on the OTC Markets (OTCQB: REZZF). Global Battery Metals Ltd. Michael Murphy BA, MBA, MSc., ICD President & CEO T: 604-649-2350 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.gbml.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, completion of the Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein, including the Company's expansion of its Leinster Lithium Project with the addition of the Claims, exploration thereon, and the results of such exploration. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the receipt of any required regulatory approvals to complete the Option Agreement and transactions contemplated therein, the ability to complete exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and the receipt of any required governmental approvals for continued exploration. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Readers are urged to refer to the Company's reports for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, publicly available at SEDAR+, the Canadian Securities Administrators' national system that all market participants use for filings and disclosure, at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. 1 Claims comprise PLs 3211, 3709, 3216, 3215, 3559, and 3560. The Company notes that PL 3559 and PL 3560 are currently still under application. Vancouver, B.C. TheNewswire - December 13, 2023 RT Minerals Corp. (TSXV:RTM) (OTC:RTMFF) (the Company or RTM) announces that Mr. Doug Andrews has stepped down as President and CEO of RTM and the Company has appointed Mr. William Elston, a current director of the Company, as President-CEO of RTM. Mr. Andrews remains as a director of the Company and will now have the position of VP of Exploration for the Company. About RT Minerals Corp. RTM is a junior exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol RTM. The Company holds a 100% interest, largely royalty free, in a portfolio of rare earth element, gold and base metal properOes in Ontario, Canada. Nordica Property (Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pt, Pd) is 100% owned by RTM. It is comprised of 34 claims in Nordica Township that cover the ultramafic layered Nordica Intrusive Complex in the Abitbi Greenstone Belt, within the Superior Province, 60 km southeast of Timmins, Ontario. Nordica is prospecOve for copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and palladium mineralization. Previous exploration activity on the Nordica property has encountered Cu grading up to 0.292% (rock-grab samples), Ni up to 0.24% in drill core over 1.0 m, Co up to 614ppm (outcrop), Cr up to 17.7% (grab-rock sample) and Pd up to 1.2ppb (outcrop chip and drill core over 3 1.0m)(MNDM files OFR 6102). There is a 2.5% NSR on all RTM Nordica claims. Kenogaming, Pharand I and Pharand II Properties (Ni, Cr, Co) consists of 38 claim blocks that are 100% owned with 32 claims royalty free and 6 claims subject to a 2% NSR royalty. The properOes are situated in Kenogaming and Pharand Townships in the Northern Swayze Greenstone Belt, located within the Abitibi sub-province of the Superior Province, southwest of Timmins, Ontario. The ProperOes are located within the Hanrahan assemblage which is confined to the southeastern part of the Northern Swayze Greenstone Belt. Cumulate ultramafic bodies are the specific targets comprising the Kenogaming, Pharand I and Pharand II prospects. In 1979, previous operators tested a strong magnetic anomaly with a 184.5m long diamond drill hole, which intersected up to 0.25% nickel in carbonated and serpenOnized cumulate ultramafic with interbeds of chlorite and talc alteration over a 3.0m secOon at the bottom of the hole. Ireland Property (Rare Earth Element) is a royalty free 52 claim block covering an inferred carbonate complex (the Ireland Complex) located in Ireland Township, 45 km northeast of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario. The Ireland Complex is 100% owned by RTM and is approximately 4.0 km long, 2.8 km wide, oval shaped and is positioned along a southern extensional splay fault contained within the Kapuskasing Structural Trend. The Kapuskasing Structural Trend contains several well documented carbonate complexes that contain Niobium, Iron, Titanium and Rare Earth Element resources within various assemblages of carbonate rocks. Case Batholith Group 1 and 190 Claim Staking (Rare Earth Element) consists of 90 claims covering the Case Batholith centered on Heighington Township, 85 km northeast of Cochrane, Ontario. The Case Batholith properOes are 100% owned and royalty free. The properOes occur within the boundaries of the Case Batholith and are specifically located in Heighington, Kenning, Sequin, and Case Townships. Five properOes are situated 12 km north of the Power Metals Case Lake lithium/cesium discovery in Steel Township. The 190 newly staked claims adjoin Power Metals and Beyond Lithium land holdings located in the southeastern portion of the Case Batholith. Case Batholith Group 2 (Rare Earth Element) consists of four properOes (113 claim blocks) that are 100% owned and certain of the claims are subject to a 2% NSR royalty, within the boundaries of the Case Batholith in northern Ontario. The four properOes are in Agassiz township (29 claims), Pofer township (51 claims), Seguin/Challies township (14 claims) and Bragg township (19 claims), Ontario. Substantially all the claim blocks have been acquired based on magnetic signatures resembling east - west trending pegmaOOc dykes and laccolith structures contained within the tonalite/granodiorite rock assemblages of the Case Batholith. Sheba-Michie-Alma (Cu, Ni , Co, Cr, Pt), (Sheba) consists of 194 mineral claims within the northwest -southeast trending Michie, Sheba and Alma Township corridor in the Abitibi Greenstone belt, located within the Superior Province, 70 km southeast of Timmins, Ontario. The Sheba property is 100% owned and royalty-free. The Sheba property is prospecOve for Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pt, and Pd mineralization (MNDM files 42A02SE2019). Previous limited surface sampling activities have encountered 0.19% Cu, 0.14% Ni and 0.34% Cr immediately west of the Sheba South block in ultramafic pyroxenite-peridotite assemblages. Kendrey Property (Rare Earth Element) consists of 32 claims in the Kendrey and Colquhoun Townships located 14 km southeast of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario that are 100% owned and royalty free. The property covers what appears to be a large, inferred carbonate complex that is prospecOve for rare earth elements, primarily niobium. The intrusive is approximately 2.8 km wide and 2.7 km long. It is positioned along a southeastern extensional splay fault belonging to the Kapuskasing Structural Trend. Galna / Moody Property (Cu, Ni, Co, Cr) consists of four separate claim blocks totalling 24 cells in the Galna and Moody Townships, located 35 km east of Iroquois Falls, Ontario. The Company acquired 100% interest in the property by map staking. Timmins Property (Base Metals) is a royalty free 16-claim block located approximately 50 km southeast of Timmins, Ontario, and is 100% owned by RTM. The property features several mineralized fault systems that suggest proximity to a base metal source. Milligan Property (Gold) is a royalty free 16-claim block located approximately 75 km northeast of Timmins, Ontario, and is 100% owned by RTM. Milligan Property (Gold) covers the southeast extension of the volcanic stratigraphy housIng the EasVord Lake gold discovery of 142.2 g/t Au over 3.0 m announced by Explor Resources in 2009. Blakelock Property (Gold) is a royalty free 9-claim block located approximately 75 km northeast of Cochrane, Ontario, and is 100% owned by RTM. The property is host to a massive east-west trending magneOc high intrusive complex that was subject to limited drilling in 1967. Mcquibban Property (Gold) is a royalty free 19-claim block located approximately 50 km north of Cochrane, Ontario, and is 100% owned by RTM. The property hosts a strong 3.0 km long east-west trending inferred oxide facies banded iron formation, in which one historical drill hole encountered a gold mineralized interval of 5.47 g/t Au over 1.2m. For more information on the Company please visit the companys website at www.rtmcorp.com. On behalf of the Board and for further information contact: Mr. William Elston, President, CEO, Director RT Minerals Corp. Telephone: (604) 725-0604 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cau7oned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, 5 availability of financing, actual results of the Companys exploration and other ac7vi7es, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drill results from its ongoing 60,000 metre (m) 2023 drill program at the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. The exploration results reported in this release are from Central, one of three main zones hosting the gold-silver mineral resource estimate (MRE) at Los Reyes Project. Todays results, along with previous holes in the area, extend the high-grade gold-equivalent shell approximately 250 m southeast along strike from the Noche Buena pit bottom, as well as intersecting new steeply dipping mineralization between the Noche Buena and San Miguel East pit areas. As with results previously reported from the Z-T and Guadalupe Areas, drilling at Central is intended to identify gold-silver mineralization for potential resource expansion beyond the Companys current MRE. The 2023 Technical Report outlining the MRE can be found on the Companys website at https://primeminingcorp.ca/ and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, under the Companys Issuer Profile. Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz commented, Together with prior results, post-resource drilling at Central supports the potential for an expanded, high grade, low strip ratio, open pit. These results also suggest a potential merger of Centrals currently outlined San Miguel East and Noche Buena pits. Expansion Target Highlights Central Area - Noche Buena: The Company is reporting 10 core holes at the Noche Buena target. Highlights include: 4.49 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (1.48 gpt Au and 232.6 gpt Ag) over 5.0 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23NB-51, including: 8.00 gpt AuEq (2.7 gpt Au and 409.4 gpt Ag) over 2.6 m etw; and 3.51 gpt AuEq (3.36 gpt Au and 11.9 gpt Ag) over 1.2 m etw. 3.81 gpt AuEq (1.62 gpt Au and 169.2 gpt Ag) over 2.6 m etw in hole 23NB-53, including: 8.21 gpt AuEq (2.77 gpt Au and 420.0 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw; 1.23 gpt AuEq (0.45 gpt Au and 60.0 gpt Ag) over 8.4 m etw in hole 23NB-52, including: 3.25 gpt AuEq (1.25 gpt Au and 154.7 gpt Ag) over 1.6 m etw. Central Area San Miguel East: The Company is reporting 3 core holes at the San Miguel East target. Highlights include: 1.33 gpt AuEq (0.55 gpt Au and 60.1 gpt Ag) over 4.4 m etw in hole 23SME-37, including: 2.65 gpt AuEq (2.03 gpt Au and 48.2 gpt Ag) over 0.7 m etw; 2.23 gpt AuEq (0.99 gpt Au and 95.9 gpt Ag) over 1.4 m etw in hole 23SME-34. Figure 1: Expansion drilling update INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS The drilling described in this news release is the result of Primes success-based exploration program. Drill holes 23NB-55, -56, and -58 expand on mineralization from the previously released holes targeting the southern extension of Noche Buena, while 23NB-55 fills in a gap of approximately 180 m between 23NB-38 and -47 which, together with 23NB-56, support expansion of the >1gpt AuEq grade shell at Noche Buena south. 23NB-55, along with previous holes in the area, extends the >1gpt AuEQ grade shell approximately 250m along strike from the Noche Buena pit bottom to the southeast. Drill holes 23NB-49 through -54 and 23NB-57 fill in a gap of approximately 220 m along strike between the previously separated >0.2 gpt AuEq mineralization at Noche Buena and San Miguel East, also generating new >1gpt AuEq grade shell volumes in several areas. These drill holes also resulted in the identification of two new mineralized structures in the hanging wall of Noche Buena. While the grades and thicknesses of intercepts vary along these structures, they are near-surface relative to the main Noche Buena area and may support the merger of the Noche Buena and San Miguel East pits. Drill Hole Highlights Noche Buena1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 Area 23NB-50 114.00 120.75 6.75 6.75 0.53 5.24 0.60 0.2 NB HW4 23NB-50 188.30 189.85 1.55 1.54 1.41 51.51 2.08 0.2 NB HW2 23NB-50 324.70 331.70 7.00 6.97 0.40 10.73 0.54 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-51 303.60 308.65 5.05 4.97 1.48 232.58 4.49 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 303.60 306.20 2.60 2.56 2.70 409.44 8.00 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-51 348.80 350.05 1.25 1.23 3.36 11.90 3.51 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-52 258.00 266.70 8.70 8.40 0.45 60.01 1.23 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 258.85 260.45 1.60 1.55 1.25 154.70 3.25 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 332.75 335.40 2.65 2.56 1.62 169.23 3.81 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 332.75 333.75 1.00 0.97 2.77 420.00 8.21 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 340.60 344.00 3.40 3.28 0.27 81.49 1.32 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 378.65 386.40 7.75 7.49 0.42 64.87 1.26 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-54 212.60 222.50 9.90 9.75 0.41 12.83 0.58 0.2 NB HW2 23NB-55 257.35 261.25 3.90 3.66 0.93 33.63 1.37 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 257.35 258.25 0.90 0.85 2.99 102.30 4.31 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-56 257.30 273.00 15.70 15.15 0.44 17.40 0.67 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-57 206.85 211.85 5.00 4.90 0.65 11.57 0.80 0.2 NB HW2 23SME-34 146.80 148.20 1.40 1.40 0.99 95.90 2.23 0.2 San Miguel Limb 23SME-34 215.55 221.75 6.20 5.85 0.79 4.29 0.85 0.2 San Miguel Limb 23SME-37 245.45 251.70 6.25 4.40 0.55 60.07 1.33 0.2 SME/Noche Buena including 250.75 251.70 0.95 0.65 2.03 48.20 2.65 0.2 SME/Noche Buena Table Notes: 1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. 3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars). 4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. Figure 2: Noche Buena Area drilling update Figure 3: Noche Buena and San Miguel East Drilling update with grade shells *Note: drill traces in blue are newly released. Figure 4: Noche Buena Area cross section B-B As of this week, the number of active drills at Los Reyes has been reduced from six to three as the team prepares for the holiday break. These rigs are focusing on Guadalupe East and the Z-T Area, concluding work for 2023 on December 15. The six rigs will remain on the property and are anticipated to ramp-up again in January. Over the year, drilling has been focused on: extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike north and south; expanding the two other MRE resource areas, including the eastern extensions of the Guadalupe System; and, exploring the new generative targets, which include Las Primas, Mariposa and a return to Mina 21 Prime has completed over 58,000 m of its planned 60,000 m 2023 drill program and will continue to evaluate its drilling plans using its success-based approach. Link 1 PDF Figures Link 2 PDF Drill Hole Tables Note: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of $US 1700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut, and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into two halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories. Qualified Person Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. Additional Notes Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately US$32 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 158,000 m of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see below, and refer to Note 1 and the May 2, 2023 press release for more details). May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Daniel Kunz Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Daniel Kunz Chief Executive Officer and Director Prime Mining Corp. 1307 S. Colorado Ave. Boise, Idaho 83706 Telephone: +1 (208) 926-6379 office email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Scott Hicks Executive Vice President Prime Mining Corp. 710 1030 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3 Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 office email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated August 21, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - TheNewswire - December 12, 2023 - JZR Gold Inc. (TSXV:JZR) (OTC:JZRIF) (the Company or JZR) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Graham Carter to the board of directors. Mr. Carter has also been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Company. Graham Carter has over 20 years of progressive technical and management experience in the oil and gas industry. Throughout his career he has worked in various roles including Business Development, Joint Venture, project management and progressively senior management positions with major oil and gas companies in Calgary, Alberta. With a background in engineering (P. Eng, University of Calgary), Graham has extensive experience in project planning, client/customer relationships and project management, managing small to large projects ($50,000,000). JZRs board and management are very pleased to welcome Graham Carter to the Companys board of directors and as Chief Operating Officer. His expertise in project management, administration and communications will be a great addition to our team and our projects and we look forward to working with him, commented Robert Klenk, Chief Executive Officer of JZR. For further information, please contact: Robert Klenk Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. Highlights Tocvan Ventures Overview Channel Sample Highlights Return: TR-2023-02: 20.0 m @ 1.9 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag TR-2023-03: 14.0 m @ 1.9 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag Including, 6.0 m @ 3.7 g/t Au and 17 g/t Ag 36 Channel Samples Totaling 72.0 meters, averaging 1.1 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag Gold values up to 2-meters of 6.6 g/t Au; Silver values up to 2-meters of 36 g/t Ag CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC) (OTCQB:TCVNF) (FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce trench channel sample results from its Pilar gold-silver project in Sonora, Mexico. A total of four trenches cut during the recently completed Bulk Sample were channel sampled along the new rock face exposures at two meter sample intervals. The results at two of the Main Zone trenches yielded consistent values to the head-grade calculated during the Bulk Sample, with gold averaging 1.9 g/t Au over total channel lengths of 14-meters and 20-meters. As indicated by surface mapping and assay results, all trenches remain open for continued mineralization along their respective trends. Results will be compiled and used with drill data for the initial resource estimate for Pilar. Work is currently underway to evaluate optimal drill locations to rapidly advance a resource estimate at Pilar. Pilar is currently permitted for 83 drill pads to assist in this evaluation. In the new acquisition area adjacent to Pilar, assessment work is being conducted to prioritize target areas for additional resource potential. Active placer mining activity has opened up new gold source areas spanning multi-kilometer trends all now controlled by the Company. Limited evaluation work has been conducted in these areas and due to the proximity to Pilar will become a focus for future resource expansion. Figure 1. Surface image of the southern section of the Pilar Project with recent trench channel sample results. Within the recent property acquisition additional potential for resources exist where placer mining is active along new corridors of mineralization. "Results from channel sampling at Pilar further confirm the excellent bulk tonnage grade potential at surface." stated Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "These locations were the source of recent bulk sample material in which we poured the first produced gold and silver from Pilar. More work is scheduled to evaluate additional recovery potential with the remaining bulk sample material. We are continuing to take critical steps towards resource estimation and mine development permitting whilst evaluating the additional upside potential of our now expanded Pilar project area. 2024 will be our biggest year yet with us targeting key development milestones." Discussion of Results The channel sample results presented in today's release are collected from exposed trench cut faces after bulk sample extraction at four separate trenches across the project. Three trenches (TR-2023-01 to TR-2023-03) are located at the Main Zone showing. One trench (TR-2023-07) is located at the 4-T showing. Summary of the results are provided in Table 1. Table 2 provides a summary of the estimated total tonnes extracted from each trench for bulk sampling. Approximately half or 700 tonnes of material from all four trenches was blended and used in the first bulk sample (summarized in news release, August 22, 2023). The head-grade determined for the bulk sample is comparable to the grades seen in Main Zone trenches TR-2023-02 and TR-2023-03. Although results from trenches TR-2023-01 and TR-2023-07 were lower than expected, channel sampling conducted prior to the bulk sample at the same locations yielded higher results with up to 8.3 g/t Au in trench TR-2023-01 and 7.3 g/t Au in TR-2023-07 (see news release February 23, 2023). This indicates grade variance due to exposed higher grade veins and structures during each phase of sampling. However overall grade appears to be consistently above 1.8 g/t Au after the blending of the bulk sample material. The remaining bulk sample material has been stockpiled for evaluation of alternate recovery methods including gravity and agitated leach, both which have shown significant increases in recoverable gold and silver from material at Pilar (see news release April 11, 2023). The Company plans to carry on these studies in 2024. Table 1. Results from Trench Channel Sample Results at Pilar. The four trenches highlighted below were collectively the location of the now completed Bulk Sample. Trench ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) TR-2023-01 0.00 22.00 22.00 0.54 14.1 TR-2023-02 0.00 20.00 20.00 1.87 9.1 TR-2023-03 0.00 14.00 14.00 1.88 8.5 including 6.00 12.00 6.00 3.65 16.8 TR-2023-07 0.00 16.00 16.00 0.04 2.6 Table 2. Location of and total weight of material extracted and transported for the completed Bulk Sample. Bulk Sample material was a homogenized blend of all four trench locations. Trench ID Tonnes Extracted (t) TR-2023-01 249.9 TR-2023-02 462.4 TR-2023-03 374.0 TR-2023-07 307.7 Total 1,394 About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has recently returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Three primary zones of mineralization have been identified in the north-west part of the property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. The Main Zone and 4-T trends are open to the southeast and new parallel zones have been recently discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. To date, over 23,000 m of drilling has been completed. 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 16.5m @ 53.5 g/t Au and 53 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan is a well-structured exploration development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 42 million shares outstanding and is earning 100% into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico: the Pilar Gold-Silver project and the El Picacho Gold-Silver project. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Channel samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, P.Geo., CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 820-1130 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4 Telephone: 1 888 772 2452 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. 403-221-0915 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phase 1: Indicative, interim results available at the end of November 2023, for first 15 small (3 ft | 1 m) columns completed: Targeting an average life of asset (LoA) copper extraction rate of 80% from the Cactus area material Primary sulphide as dominant material copper extractions at elevated temperatures range from 80% to 85% Secondary sulfide (enriched) as dominant material copper extraction at elevated temperatures range from 85% to +95% Phase 1: Next steps To conduct small column tests (3 ft | 1 m) on a Parks/Salyer primary blend and a mixed enriched blend sample Phase 2: Next Steps Metallurgical program contingent upon advancing a Commercial Framework agreement with Nuton To include tall column tests (30 ft | 10 m) on Cactus mineralized material to mitigate or test threats/opportunities identified under the Phase 1 test program CASA GRANDE, Ariz. & TORONTO / Dec 13, 2023 / Business Wire / Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX:ASCUF) (ASCU or the Company) an emerging US-based copper developer and near-term producer, today announces metallurgical results from the Nuton Phase 1 column leach program from ASCUs Cactus copper porphyry project in Arizona, USA (see FIGURES 1-3). George Ogilvie, Arizona Sonoran Copper Company President and CEO commented, We are encouraged by the extraction rates resulting from our primary and secondary sulphides using the Nuton technologies. These results demonstrate a continued extraction rate improvement from the columns reported in June. Nutons heap leaching technology is a potential solution to gain access to our currently stranded primary mineral resource while also incrementally improving the copper extraction rates from the enriched material. Particularly interesting to ASCU, is that Nutons flow sheet could be integrated into the planned Cactus heap leach and SXEW flow sheet. With a successfully negotiated Commercial Framework Agreement in place and a completed Phase 1 test program, we would seek to coordinate the improved extraction rates into an updated and expanded technical study, complementing the base case PFS anticipated in Q1 2024 and demonstrating economies of scale. The Phase 1 scope includes column testing the Cactus sulphides, primary and enriched, using the proprietary Nuton additives for consideration within a traditional heap leach and SXEW mining flow sheet. Testing included a variety of conditions, including operating temperatures and additive schemes. Pending the completion of a Commercial Framework Agreement, Nuton and ASCU are currently planning a Phase 2 column leach program. Phase 2 would be designed to test and/or mitigate opportunities and threats identified under the Phase 1 test program. On the Cactus deposit, a total of 23 small column leach tests (3 ft | 1 m) on 10 ore types, plus a Life of Asset (LoA) Blend, are currently completed or in progress. Preliminary test work results indicate that using Nuton additives at elevated temperatures have the potential to significantly enhance chalcopyrite extraction in the LoA blend and the other primary sulphide ore types, as evidenced in FIGURES 1 and 2. The highest copper extraction achieved to date for the LoA Blend is 80% (FIGURE 3). Condition optimizations, including a higher temperature control for the LoA blend is currently underway, with the target of consistently exceeding 80% extraction rates. Acid consumption for the primary sulfide ores ranges from 10 to 60 kg/t. For the higher acid consuming ores, increasing the pH appears to have a positive effect on acid consumption, but also a negative impact on the rate of copper extraction. Nuton will continue to analyze residue samples that may yield further insights. Copper extractions from the secondary sulfide dominant ore types at elevated temperatures are very high, ranging from 86% to 98%. These ores contain very little reactive gangue, consequently most of the ore types are net acid generators. Please refer to press release dated June 5, 2023 for Sample Location and Preparation. TABLE 1: Copper Extraction and Acid Consumption Estimates by Material Type ASCU NUTON Programs updated Feb 2022 and May 2023 Preliminary Column Data, updated November 2023 Mineral Resource Location Net Copper Extraction (% Cu AS) Net Copper Extraction (% CuCN) Blended Extraction (%) Net Acid Consumption (kg/tonne) Extraction (%) Net Acid Consumption (kg/tonne) Oxides Stockpile 90% 1 40% 1 81% 81 n/a Cactus West 92% 1 73% 1 88% 81 Cactus East 92% 1 73% 1 90% 81 Parks Salyer Enriched (Secondary Sulphide) Cactus West 92% 1 73% 1 78% (-) 5 86% - 98% -5 - 15 Cactus East 92% 1 73% 1 76% (-) 5 86% - 98% -5 - 15 Parks Salyer 80% (-) 5 80% -5 - 15 Primary Sulphides Flotation (ASCU) 86% 2 (-) 5 n/a Leaching (Nuton) 80% - 85% 3 10 - 45 Blended (Primary and Secondary Sulphide) Flotation (ASCU)/ 91% 2 (-) 5 n/a Leaching (LoA) (Nuton) 86% - 95% 4 25 - 404 1 As reported on February 23, 2022, Arizona Sonoran Updates on Metallurgical improvements at the Cactus Mine Project, acid consumption converted to kg/tonne from lbs/ton for comparison purposes 2 Initial flotation results from 2022 testing program 3 Excludes ASC 6 (ECW-011) that has anomalous high Biotite content (See Phase 2 workplan) 4 Excludes column ASC 6 (ECW-011) that has anomalous high Biotite content and low temperature (See Phase 2 workplan) 5 Net acid consumption is either nil or net generating Qualified Persons Statement Technical aspects related to the metallurgical program of this news release have been reviewed and verified by James L. Sorensen FAusIMM Reg. No. 221286 with Samuel Engineering, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The indicative metallurgical information presented describes preliminary results from testing that is currently in progress and subject to confirmation. Final metallurgical performance estimates will require decommissioning of the columns and analysis of the column residues. Links from the Press Release Click here to access the images. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this press release. About Nuton Nuton is an innovative venture that aims to help grow Rio Tinto's copper business. At the core of Nuton is a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capability - a product of almost 30 years of research and development. Nuton offers the potential to economically unlock copper from primary sulfide resources worldwide through leaching, obtaining market-leading recovery rates, contributing to an increase in copper production from copper bearing waste and tailings, and achieving higher copper recoveries on oxide and transitional material. One of the key differentiators of Nuton is the potential to produce the world's lowest footprint copper while having at least one Positive Impact at each of our deployment sites, across our five pillars: water, energy, land, materials and society. About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com | www.cactusmine.com) ASCUs objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus and Parks/Salyer Projects that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Companys principal asset is a 100% interest in the Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. Contiguous to the Cactus Project is the Companys 100%-owned Parks/Salyer deposit that could allow for a phased expansion of the Cactus Mine once it becomes a producing asset. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- POWR Lithium Corp. (CSE: POWR) (FRA: 6JX / WKN: A3D6BS) (OTCQB: PWRLF) (POWR or the Company), a mineral exploration and development company focused on American lithium deposits to support domestic demand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Matt Chatterton as Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors. The Company further announces that Mr. Patrick Morris has resigned as Chief Executive Officer. Key Takeaways: Matt Chatterton, PEng. appointed as CEO and Director of POWR Lithium New CEO has extensive process engineering and mine project execution experience With POWRs strategic planning solidly established, the Companys goal is to establish firm guidance for the development of practical and economically viable mineral processing technologies in conjunction with plans to complete technical and economic studies of its flagship Halo lithium project pursuant to proposed future asset development and potential mining operations. Mr. Chatterton brings over 20 years experience in the development and execution of complex projects, including 12 years with the mining division of FLSmidth. His expertise includes mineral process development, project development and management, facility management, logistics controls, supply side processes and procedures at a number of international manufacturing operations in Canada, China, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and Israel. He has been actively involved in the public markets including management of IPO processes and in transitioning businesses to post public listing operations. He has managed capital projects in excess of $35 million directly related to production facilities and laboratories for mining and manufacturing businesses. Mr. Chatterton is a Professional Engineer and graduate of Canadas Queens University with a Bachelors degree in Engineering Chemistry (2001) and a Masters degree in Chemical Process Engineering (2003). Mr. Chatterton, as newly appointed CEO of POWR Lithium notes, I am delighted to have the opportunity to help advance POWR towards tangible results. I have been provided an excellent set of tools, assets, and opportunities to work with. I believe the domestic lithium sector deserves smart solutions to ensure supply chain independence. We believe the demand for lithium is poised for an extended period of growth and its clear that national demand combined with justifiable concerns regarding foreign sources has added immediacy to deliver new lithium extraction and processing technologies to market as soon as possible. With this in mind, I look forward to overcoming the short-term challenges and in helping to do our part towards building value for the industry and our shareholders alike. POWR Lithiums board and stakeholders wish to thank Mr. Patrick Morris for his dedication as outgoing CEO during the post-IPO transition period which required decisive leadership in the acquisition of the current asset portfolio, and for exceptional input into the development of the Companys strategic plans for the proposed upcoming phases of development. On Behalf of The Board of Directors, Sincerely, ~Matt Chatterton~ Matt Chatterton Chief Executive Officer & Director POWR Lithium Corp. www.powrlithium.com About POWR Lithium Corp. (CSE: POWR) (FRA: 6JX / WKN: A3D6BS) (OTCQB: PWRLF) POWR Lithium is an exploration and development company dedicated to the advancement of North American lithium deposits to support domestic demand. The Company holds interests on the Halo and Eli properties in Nevada. The Company is also focusing on the development of claystone extraction and processing technologies aimed at delivering scalable efficiencies across the value chain in a sustainable manner. To find out more visit www.powrlithium.com and watch our video. POWR Lithium advises the public that as part of its disclosure obligations as a public issuer, all material and regulatory filings can be found on www.sedar.com. We also invite the public to visit our website at www.powrlithium.com and to sign up to our news alerts to be advised of future news releases and related company information. Please also ensure you watch our video which is now available on the website. Forward Looking Information Disclaimer This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as may, would, could, will, likely, except, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the demand for lithium being poised for an extended period of growth. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company; the Companys ability to secure additional financing on reasonable terms; the competitive conditions of the sector in which the Company operates; and laws and any amendments thereto applicable to the Company. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks relating to the future business plans of the Company; risks that the Company will not be able to retain its key personnel; risks that the Company will not be able to secure financing on reasonable terms or at all, as well as all of the other risks as described in the Companys annual Management Discussion and Analysis dated December 16, 2022, under the heading Risks Factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Companys management to predict all such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws. CONTACT INFORMATION POWR Lithium Corp. Investor Relations Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: +1 (778) 383-7240 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - K2 Gold Corporation (TSXV: KTO) (OTCQB: KTGDF) (FSE: 23K) ("K2" or the "Company") today announced exploration drill results from its 2023 Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling program at the Wels Project, located in west-central Yukon Territory 60km south of Newmont's Coffee gold deposit. These results demonstrate the presence of a mineralized system of significant size and scale at the Wels Project. Highlights: First ever drilling at Chai target defines a >270m wide corridor hosting multiple mineralized structures: 0.827 g/t Au over 13.72m in WRC23-007 from 76.20m down hole, including 3.63 g/t Au over 1.53m. Reconnaissance drilling at the Pekoe target intersected 0.411 g/t Au over 38.10m in WRC23-011 from 9.14m down hole; the first pierce point into a >900m long structure. All 2023 RC holes intersected gold mineralization, and all structures drilled to date remain open along strike and at depth. "Using a 'Proof-of-Concept' approach, the 2023 Wels drill program demonstrated the existence of a structurally controlled gold system nearly 3km2 in size. This successfully expands the known footprint of mineralization on the property by 1000%. To date, less than 40% of the Wels property has been explored, and all existing targets remain open along strike and at depth. Based on these positive results a systematic property-wide exploration program is being planned to explore and target high grade zones within these newly defined gold bearing structures." - Anthony Margarit, President and CEO of K2 Gold. Figure 1: Wels Property: Drill Plan over Gold in Soil Table 1: Assay summary table from the second phase of RC drilling at Wels. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) Target WRC23-007 24.38 27.43 3.05 0.48 Chai and 57.91 64.01 6.1 0.49 and 76.2 89.92 13.72 0.827 incl. 77.72 79.25 1.53 3.63 WRC23-008 39.62 51.82 12.2 0.486 and 132.59 137.16 4.57 0.775 WRC23-009 60.96 67.06 6.1 0.516 and 74.68 96.01 21.33 0.232 and 108.2 117.35 9.15 0.231 WRC23-010 143.26 144.78 1.52 0.743 Pekoe and 160.02 167.64 7.62 0.205 WRC23-011 9.14 47.24 38.1 0.411 and 102.11 106.68 4.57 0.428 WRC23-012 44.2 48.77 4.57 0.571 Saddle West and 106.68 123.44 16.76 0.255 Discussion of Results K2's 2023 Wels exploration program consisted of the first drill holes at the Chai, Pekoe, and Saddle West target areas and confirms that all target areas host gold bearing structures. At the Chai Zone, three holes were drilled in a NNE-SSW oriented fence with tip-to-tail coverage to cover broad surficial gold geochemical anomalism, and several previously identified geophysical anomalies. In the south of the zone, hole WRC23-007 drilled an interval of 0.827 g/t Au over 13.72m within a gabbroic intrusive immediately above the contact with quartzite to the south. In the northern portion of the zone hole WRC23-009 drilled broad intervals of low-grade gold entirely within quartzite. Host rock does not appear to play a significant role in mineralization at this time. Two holes were completed at the Pekoe Zone, located 1.3km northwest of the Saddle area. The holes were widely spaced, situated 200m apart, and tested separate structures identified by K2's geophysical surveys. Hole WRC23-011 intersected 0.411 g/t Au over 38.10m from 9.14 down hole within a structure that extends for more than 900m in a WNW-ESE orientation. Hole WRC23-010 tested a separate NW-SE trending geophysical feature and returned minor gold mineralization within both siltstone and quartzite, including 0.205 g/t Au over 7.62m from 160.02m down hole. The final hole of the 2023 program was drilled at the Saddle West target as a 100m step out west of known mineralization along the trend of the Saddle Main structure. The hole intersected a zone returning 0.255 g/t Au over 16.76m from 106.68m down hole at the contact between quartzite and a mafic dyke. Unfortunately, the hole and a portion of the drill rods were lost in heavily altered dyke before reaching the planned target depth and the interpreted extension of the Saddle Main structure. Interpretation and Next Steps Less than 40% of the Wels property has been explored by K2 to date, and only 4 target areas have been tested. The results from the first drill tests of the Chai and Pekoe targets combined with the previously released results from the Saddle Zone successfully identified at least 12 new gold bearing structures (K2 Gold News Release November 6, 2023) and demonstrate the presence of a significant broad scale mineralized system at the Wels Project. With a limited number of drill holes at the Chai Zone, K2 successfully defined a broad zone of mineralization which exceeded expectations based on prior surface sampling. All mineralization observed to date is structurally controlled, with all rock types on the property proven to host gold. The Saddle, Chai and Pekoe Zones host kilometre-scale gold-in-soil anomalies and corresponding geophysical anomalies which suggest through-going structures and warrant follow up drilling. All structures drilled to date remain open along strike and at depth. About the Wels Project The Wels Project lies approximately 40km east of the community of Beaver Creek and 60km south of Newmont Goldcorp's Coffee deposit discovered by Kaminak Gold Corporation (formerly a Discovery Group company prior to its acquisition by Goldcorp-Newmont). Both the Coffee project and the Wels project lie within the Tintina Gold Belt share similar characteristics and are host to structurally controlled gold mineralization within intrusive rocks exhibiting multiple trends of mineralization. The Wels land position consists of 350 contiguous quartz claims covering 7,200 hectares and lies within the traditional territory of White River First Nation. Qualified Person ("QP") and QA/QC The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Eric Buitenhuis, M.Sc., P.Geo., K2's QP and Vice President of Exploration. The analytical work for the 2023 RC drilling program was performed by ALS Laboratories ("ALS"), an internationally recognized and accredited analytical services provider. All samples were submitted to ALS's Whitehorse, Yukon facility where they were prepared using procedure PREP-31 (crush, split, and pulverize 250g to better than 85% passing 75 microns). Pulp samples were then analysed for gold by method Au-AA23, a 30-gram Fire Assay fusion with an atomic absorption finish (AAS). A 0.5g pulp was analysed by aqua-regia acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for 36 elements using method ME-ICP41. Samples returning greater than 10 g/t Au by the Au-AA23 method were subsequently analysed by method Au-GRA21, a 30-gram Fire Assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures include the insertion of coarse blanks and certified assay standards into the sample string at a rate of approximately 1/20 (5%). Samples were placed in sealed bags and delivered directly to ALS's preparation facility in Whitehorse by K2 personnel or contractors. About K2 Gold K2 is a proud member of Discovery Group and currently has projects in Southwest USA and the Yukon. The Mojave Project is a 5,830-hectare oxide gold project with base metal targets located in California. Multiple previously recognized surface gold targets have been successfully drilled in the past, most notably by Newmont and BHP. Since acquiring the property, K2 has completed geochemical and geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, LiDAR, a WorldView 3 alteration survey, and successfully completed a 17-hole RC drill program focused on the Dragonfly and Newmont Zones. Highlights from K2's drilling program include 6.68 g/t Au over 45.72m from surface at the Dragonfly Zone, and 1.69 g/t Au over 41.15m from 44.20m depth at the Newmont Zone. The Si2 Gold Project is located in Esmeralda County, approximately 60km northwest of Tonopah, Nevada, and 20km northwest of Allegiant Gold's Eastside deposit (1.4Moz Au, 8.8 Moz Ag). The project is road accessible and consists of 118 BLM lode claims covering 986 Ha, 65 of which are under option from Orogen Royalties Inc. (TSXV: OGN). The claims cover an 8 km2 area of steam heated alunite-kaolinite-buddingtonite alteration within a sequence of felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks displaying brecciation and strongly anomalous mercury. K2's 2023 diamond drill program at the Si2 Project confirmed that the system is gold bearing. The project was initially identified using the same methods, and by the same exploration team that identified AngloGold Ashanti's 4.22 Moz Au Silicon project1 near Beatty, Nevada, and was staked based on its strong geological similarities to Silicon. Click here to access the source K2 is committed to transparency, accountability, environmental stewardship, safety, diversity, inclusion, and community and indigenous engagement. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Anthony Margarit President and CEO For further information about K2 Gold Corporation or this news release, please visit our website at k2gold.com, contact our office at 778-266-1456, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . K2 Gold Corporation is a member of Discovery Group based in Vancouver, Canada. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Forward- looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the exploration program at Si2, Wels, and Mojave, including results of drilling, and future exploration plans at Si2, Wels, and Mojave. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, and the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.com). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. No securities of the Company have been or will, in the foreseeable future, be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (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. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE The labor dispute at Elmwood Taco & Subs is heating up, and both sides are taking it to the streets. ETS workers, saying their hours had been drastically cut as retaliation for forming the union, began striking outside the restaurant last week holding signs, shouting chants and using a bullhorn. Elmwood Taco and Subs workers strike to protest alleged union-busting campaign Workers said their hours have been drastically cut in retaliation for forming a union and that they have been subject to bullying, harassment and unfair treatment. Then, the Elmwood Avenue eatery erected a banner outside its business last week calling the labor dispute unnecessary, and saying its business practices have been unfairly portrayed by Workers United, the union representing workers. We strongly oppose the factually incorrect narrative that Workers United has portrayed about our family-owned business. Our steadfast commitment has always been to treat our employees with respect, offering fair wages to attract and retain talented employees and allowing employees to approach management with their ideas and concerns, the banner read. Unlike Starbucks, which has dragged its feet for two years at the bargaining table, ETS said it was ready to begin negotiations right away. Elmwood Taco & Subs workers vote to form a union Workers voted 10 to 4 in favor of the union, with five challenged ballots. The five challenged ballots would not change the outcome of the vote. We sent Workers United unconditional correspondence inviting the union to begin collective bargaining on the morning of December 6th, the banner read. That invitation was responded to with a strike notice an hour later. The banner, signed by owners, said it recognizes workers right to a union and didnt contest the election results. However, this dispute is unnecessary, as it is costing our team members money while they are not working. ETS remains willing to collectively bargain in good faith with the union, the sign read. The banner outlined several perks the nearly 50-year-old restaurant gives workers including wages starting at $16 and up to $21 per hour, paid breaks, complimentary meals, 401k with profit-sharing benefits, closure on major holidays, a secure and safe work environment and flexibility in scheduling. We apologize to our customers if this dispute has caused any inconvenience, and we very much appreciate the support of the Buffalo community as we work to resolve this dispute, the sign read. Elmwood Taco & Subs workers allege union busting In an effort to discourage unionizing, ETS held a mandatory meeting, cut worker hours and interrogated workers about union activity, according to workers. But on social media, workers refuted the claims spelled out on the sign. I definitely dont make that $16. Id love to make that $16, but I dont, Ash Shanahan said in a video on Instagram. She said she makes $15 per hour, and that there are workers who have been on staff for three years making $15.50. By state law, minimum wage is $15 per hour for fast food workers. I dont feel safe in there. I feel really bad, Shanahan said. I feel really bad asking for bathroom and water breaks. The sign also doesnt address the reason for the strike, which is that labor leaders hours have been cut drastically, said Casey Moore, a spokesperson for Workers United. Elmwood Taco & Subs employees latest to seek union representation Elmwood Taco & Subs employees are organizing with Workers United Upstate New York, continuing a trend of unions expanding their efforts with workers in the local restaurant industry. She commended ETS for making a date to begin contract negotiations Tuesday, but said she hopes workers hours can be restored before then. Workers United and workers have reached out to ETS ownership and its attorneys to try to restore worker hours, but have been turned down, Moore said. Meanwhile, the store is trying to hire more workers. Workers have been striking for a few hours at a time outside the store each day. The ball is in ETS court as to how long the strike goes, Moore said. The store remains open during the strike. Workers said their hours have been cut in retaliation for forming a union and that they have been subject to bullying, harassment and unfair treatment. Workers voted 10 to 4 in favor of the union, with five challenged ballots. The five challenged ballots would not change the outcome of the vote. Union leader Abel Lopez said he used to work four to five days per week, but he has now been cut down to two days. That has made it difficult for him to pay rent, bills and for groceries, he said. Weve dealt with harassment and a bunch of retaliation ever since we started the union, and its just gotten progressively worse, he said. Management has purposely left stores understaffed and is verbally abusive to workers, Lopez said. In an effort to discourage unionizing, workers said ETS held a mandatory meeting, cut worker hours and interrogated workers about union activity. All of those activities are illegal, and workers have filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board. Workers launched their organizing campaign in October. It is the same union that organized Spot Coffee, Starbucks and Lexington Co-op workers in Buffalo. Its a very toxic environment, and all we want to do is make it better, Lopez said. Cha Ji Yeon confessed about her experience doing a musical while she was pregnant. Best known as an award-winning musical actress, the 41-year-old beauty captured the hearts of viewers with her exceptional performances in "Scent of a Woman," "Remarriage & Desires," and as the villainess in "Taxi Driver." Despite her status in the industry, she also has her fair share of unforgettable stories that she wants to dismiss from her mind. During her appearance in Channel A's "Best Friend Talkumentary Table for Four," she revealed a heartbreaking story she endured while working as a musical actress, and, at the same time, pregnant with her firstborn. Cha Ji Yeon Shares Heartbreaking Story About Pregnancy, Working as Musical Actress Recalling her experience, Cha Ji Yeon got pregnant in 2016 and was still working as a musical actress until the 7th month of her pregnancy. The actress said that she was taking necessary precautions despite choosing to continue her performances. According to her, she and her husband, who were just in their early stages of marriage, were not trying to get pregnant since she was also scheduled for a performance. However, they saw it as a blessing, adding that the baby on the way was "the will of heaven." Of course, among the group of people who first knew her status were the staff at her musical show, who promised to deliver a flawless performance despite her pregnancy. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Will There Be 'Taxi Driver' Season 3? Here's What We Know So Far Unfortunately, instead of getting the usual positive reaction, Cha Ji Yeon received a totally opposite response. "Normally, it would have been very nice if that person said 'Congratulations' first, but they just asked me, 'What are you doing? You are no longer a middle or high school student. '" Moreover, the musical actress said that she was stunned to hear such negative comments, which made her promise to "never cause damage to the team." As her belly got bigger, Cha Ji Yeon had to deal with pregnancy blues, such as stomach and hormone problems. "I ran around more because I didn't want anyone to notice that I had a baby. I suffered uterine contractions and cried alone backstage, saying, 'Mom is so sorry." Being a professional and wanting to deliver a quality show, she managed to ace scenes that she needed to attach to the wire. "I tried to not cause damage to anyone, so I felt very lonely. Thinking about the musical 'Wicked' made me feel upset." In 2015, Cha Ji Yeon said yes to fellow musical performer Yoon Eun Chae and was blessed by a son. On the other hand, she made her musical debut in 2006 after joining "The Lion King," where she took on the role of the wise monkey Rafiki, who is also an advisor to the king. After this, she managed to land various musical projects, which include "Dream Girls," "Wicked," "Red Book," and "Seopyeonje: The Southerners' Songs." READ MORE: Asia Artist Awards 2021 Red Carpet: Check Out These 10 Best Looks from Your Favorite Kdrama Stars For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Park Seo Joon opened up about his career and talked about the struggles he faced during his early years in the industry. During a live broadcast of Producing Director Na Yeong Seok on his YouTube channel, Fullmoon, the "Itaewon Class" star dished on his humble beginnings and his journey now that he is one of Korea's top stars. Park Seo Joon Talks About His Love for Fans: 'I'm so thankful' Before his first Hollywood project, Park Seo Joon was well loved by fans both locally and internationally because of his notable performances in the K-dramas "She Was Pretty," "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim," "Itaewon Class," and more. According to the actor, he wouldn't get to where he is now without his fans. Expressing his gratitude to his passionate supporters, he acknowledges the "unconditional love" that fans have given him since day one. "When I think about it, those who like me are not idol fans. I have fans who always support me, and when I see them, I can't help but work hard. I'm so thankful." He also recognized the "energy and love" and sometimes wonders why people root for him so much. Park Seo Joon on the Struggles of Being Actor The South Korean heartthrob has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his career. READ MORE: Did You Know? Park Seo Joon Stayed at BTS V's House for 2 Months - Here's Why According to the actor, one of the "most difficult" aspects of his work is rejecting offers. If there's an option, he would rather undergo an audition process than reject a project. The actor explained the reason behind it and said that declining an offer is part of his work but is something that is challenging for him. "Recently, with the introduction of the 52-hour workweek system, it takes almost a year for one project. So, rejecting is something I have to do, but the process is very difficult." Interestingly, he has a way to do it professionally, and that is time. "Rejection must be done quickly. Holding onto the script for two to three weeks is not a courtesy to the producers." Speaking of declining roles, Park Seo Joon once talked about his hiatus from doing rom-coms. Why Park Seo Joon Skips Rom-Com K-Dramas In a previous interview, the top star said that he will focus on other genres because he has done "so many rom-coms" throughout his career. Park Seo Joon's last rom-com series is with Park Min Young for the hit K-drama "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?" On the other hand, the celebrity stars in multiple projects in 2023. Other than "The Marvels," his first Hollywood project, Park Seo Joon returns to the small screen with Han So He for "Gyeongseong Creature." Slated to air on Netflix, the upcoming action historical K-drama premieres on December 22, airing every Friday. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Han So Hee, Park Seo Joon Team Up to Unveil the Secrets in Netflix's 'Gyeongseong Creature' 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 Queensway transit exchange in downtown Kelowna is one of four in the city around which residential development up to 10 storeys will be allowed as of July 2024 in accordance with B.C.s new housing plan. An investigation into a Monday night stabbing has led to the arrest of a Jamestown man. Jamestown police said Askiaa Faison, 27, was taken into custody shortly after the victim was found by officers about 7:45 p.m. in an apartment on the city's North Side. He was charged with first-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Police said a small quantity of suspected fentanyl was found when Faison was arrested. He is held without bail in Chautauqua County Jail. Police said officers discovered the victim lying on the floor of the apartment with several stab wounds to the chest. He was flown to a local trauma center, but no other details were provided. - Dale Anderson Steven Guilbeault, Canada environment and climate minister, speaks to members of the media at the COP28 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Guilbeault is hailing what he called the "monumental" outcome of the United Nations climate summit. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Rafiq Maqbool 1 Shares Share I want to preface this story by stating that Sarah has given written authorization to share her story, allowing my colleague and me to transform a challenging experience into a valuable lesson in the inevitability of mistakes and the profound capacity for forgiveness and growth. Ten years ago, I was approached by a distressed physician and colleague who had unintentionally harmed a patient during the course of an elective colon operation. The surgery had been two days prior, and the patient, Sarah, lay near death in the surgical intensive care unit from septic shock due to a missed bowel injury. Sarah was a successful 46-year-old florist with a caring husband named Frank. What was supposed to have been a two-day hospital stay became a prolonged hospitalization with numerous complications and several additional surgeries. Needless to say, Sarah had a long, challenging road to recovery. I tried to comfort my colleague as best I could. I knew it was an honest mistake and that he had performed hundreds of similar surgeries before without incident. Still, he agonized over how he could have prevented this situation, worrying about how he would be judged by his peers and, not least, what he would say to Sarahs husband Frank. It was a challenging time for the couple, and I knew my colleague identified and empathized with their struggle. At the same time, he was grappling with overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame, experiencing what we later understood as being the second victim of a medical error. In the aftermath of such incidents, the spotlight naturally turns to the patient, but what often goes unnoticed is the profound impact on the clinicians involved. Contrary to the perception often maintained by a rigid medical culture, surgical errors are an intrinsic aspect of being human. When these inevitable mistakes occur, health care professionals grapple with the overwhelming burden of responsibility, often disinclined to be vulnerable or to show signs of weakness in an environment that expects perfection. Providers can find themselves grappling with an array of emotional challenges, from burnout, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation. As my colleague later recounted to me, his conversation with Frank did not go as planned. Prepared for anger and rebuke, the surgeon explained the details of the missed injury and the reason behind Sarahs grave condition. The physician apologized and explained that he would do everything possible to regain Sarahs quality of life. Unexpectedly, Frank reached over and consoled him. He said, I can tell that this is really bothering you, Doc, and I want you to know that you have my utmost trust, and I know you will do everything possible for Sarah. My colleague said it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders. He didnt realize how burdened he was or how badly he needed to hear those words. My colleague and I were both fortunate to be operating within a Just Culture. Within such a culture, accountability becomes a collective responsibility, fostering an environment free from blame where individuals can openly acknowledge their mistakes. This approach is crucial for learning and implementing preventative measures to enhance patient safety and rebuild trust. But its also crucial for provider safety and sending a powerful message that mistakes are viewed not as personal failures but as opportunities for system improvement. Nevertheless, its increasingly difficult to maintain a just culture, especially in cases like that of RaDonda Vaught, a health care provider in Tennessee who was charged with homicide following an unintended medication error. Providers now are not only hesitant to show weakness but fearful of the potential consequences and legal repercussions. This atmosphere of fear fosters a culture of secrecy and hinders open communication that is essential for learning, improvement, and humanism in health care. Medical errors do happen. While they can be devastating, how we respond to those errors is what makes us human. Offering a sincere apology in the proper context and expressing empathy, trust, and compassion can go a long way toward mitigating the shocking impact. To protect providers, 39 states have Im Sorry laws in which providing an apology, showing sympathy, or benevolence is not admissible as evidence of an admission of liability for medical malpractice. In the aftermath of a medical error, providers need to realize theyre not alone. Im thankful my colleague reached out to me so I could offer support and normalize the fact that mistakes happen. Even for those not willing to share, services like the Physician Support Line at (888) 409-0141 can provide invaluable guidance and understanding for health care providers in need. For a more proactive approach, I believe leaders should promote physician well-being by utilizing some of the toolkits and playbooks offered by the American Medical Association. One hundred thirty-six days later, after numerous post-operative complications and four surgeries to repair the injury and an abdominal wall fistula, Sarah left the hospital. For both my colleague and I, this experience brightened the path toward a more compassionate health care culture. If Sarah and Frank could find the grace to understand and forgive, then surely, our broader health care community can embrace the shared humanity that unites us all, complete with imperfections, vulnerabilities, and the capacity for healing and growth. Scott Ellner has been a general surgeon for over 20 years, and can be reached at PEAK Health. He has transitioned into health care executive roles due to his passion for patient safety, quality, and value-based care delivery. His authentic leadership style inspires team members to navigate challenging situations, such as resistance to change and innovation, in order to bring about meaningful transformation. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Billings Clinic, the largest health system in Montana. During his tenure, Forbes recognized the clinic as the best place to work in the state. It was also at that time that he formulated a strategic growth plan that included the development of a level 1 trauma network and a rural-based clinically integrated network. 28 Shares Share As a child, I was a daydreamer, especially in algebra class. Picture this: my teacher, reminiscent of Droopy Dog but on a heavy dose of barbiturates, droned on from the textbook. And just like that, my mind would escape soaring out of the window of my quaint Midwestern high school, wandering around the courtyard square. Back then, several businesses on the square were small physician offices. You could spot white-coated doctors darting from their practices to the tiny country hospital atop a nearby hill, even from a distance. Perhaps that sight seeded my dream of becoming a physician. I associated the profession with freedom hard work paired with the autonomy to follow my own judgment. Or maybe, I just knew I needed a career that steered clear of algebra. Regardless, the dream was clear: a small-town practice. I envisioned a simple life where Id tackle interesting cases, collaborate with colleagues I respected, and return home after a fulfilling day. A profession offering quirky joy and autonomy, where my presence was a choice, not a schedule slot crammed between mid-morning and lunch. This dream of professional autonomy and freedom rendered the monotonous years of institutional education from algebra to organic chemistry, and then to medical school bearable. Graduation day from my fellowship (which my wife jokingly called the 22nd grade) felt like emerging into a brilliant June day, school doors slamming shut behind me, with an endless summer ahead. Had it rained, I might have resembled Andy Dufresne escaping Shawshank. But times have changed. Those quaint offices have either been swallowed by hospitals or shuttered. Instead of my dream, I face a future of institutionalization until retirement. When that day comes, I wont be leaving a legacy, but merely punching out for the last time. Now, my days lack autonomy, flexibility. Ive sacrificed countless lunch hours without compensation, only to be denied a request to leave 30 minutes early to avoid temporary traffic. Despite my productivity and patient satisfaction scores soaring above practice averages, Im asked to use vacation days to address our backlog compensated with donuts and lots of appreciation. My story isnt unique. The world has evolved perhaps for the better. If sacrificing professional autonomy means enhanced patient care and access, then maybe its a worthwhile trade. Yet, I find myself questioning. Has the shift towards regulation and consolidation truly enhanced patient care or reduced costs? Are we better off than when independent doctors were commonplace? Is this the hallmark of a victorious health care system? Or is there a path where the benefits of coordinated care coexist with the advantages of market competition fostered by small, independent practices? Do higher premiums for care by employed practitioners versus independent ones reflect improved service, or are they products of flawed regulation and monopolistic pricing? These are the questions that occupy my thoughts during mandatory employee meetings, where my departments administrator, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Droopy Dog, tediously drones on. The author is an anonymous physician. Omar Price has been in limbo since August, when a legal injunction kept him from opening his state-licensed recreational cannabis dispensary. Not knowing when he would be able to move forward and open his shop has made it impossible to hire workers, even though there are a few he has his eye on. NY votes to settle cannabis lawsuit, clearing the way for more dispensary openings The Office of Cannabis Management's Cannabis Control Board on Monday voted to approve a resolution to settle a lawsuit brought by service-disabled military veterans and a coalition of medical cannabis dispensaries referred to as ROs, who say they were improperly kept from obtaining dispensary licenses. It has been one of the things that have been an obstacle or something thats weighing on how we move forward, he said. Now that the injunction has been lifted and Price is hoping to open his shop 82-J by the end of the month, his next step after building out the dispensary at 1673 Hertel Ave. will be to hire staff. We have identified a couple of individuals that we believe will be a great asset because of their their current knowledge of cannabis, and hopefully, theyre still around when were ready to move forward. The shop is going to be highly customer service focused. Price said there are plenty of people who would like to work as budtenders, and many of them have experience with the product, but he is looking for cannabis connoisseurs. Like a wine enthusiast, thats what were looking for. I think thats the best comparison, he said. Price and his partners will train workers in both cannabis and customer service, but he is also searching for the kind of people that bring to the table a certain passion for the product that cant be taught. Theres a large pool of smokers and folks who are indulging and enjoy it, but then theres that small segment that are really trying to dissect the product, he said. Smelling it, smoking it, understanding what impact its having on the body. They can tell the weeds good or bad by looking at it or smelling the smoke. Dispensary owners are willing to pay for that expertise. Sheldon Anderson, who is opening Public Flower at 232 Allen St., will pay workers between $18 and $25 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. We definitely want to get as close to that living wage as possible, Anderson said. He has worked with a staffing agency and believes hell be able to lure restaurant and bar workers into the cannabis industry. If you work in a bar, you may not like that environment, Anderson said. Workers looking to get out of the bar and restaurant industry may be attracted by the hours, pay and atmosphere of a dispensary, he said. And customers do tip, he said. Pot dispensaries wary of another lawsuit rush to open in Buffalo The rollout of adult-use retail cannabis stores has been halted not once but twice by legal injunctions caused by lawsuits against the Office of Cannabis Management The people coming in are in a sober mindset. Youre not dealing with unruly customers, he said. Its not loud, its not messy. Aaron Van Camp, the owner of Western New Yorks first legal dispensary Dank on Main Street, said it has been very easy to find and retain workers. He employs 15 family and friends and pays $23 to $30 per hour plus tips and samples. We really bought into the intentions of the program and made sure we were putting people in position to make a sustainable living wage, Van Camp said. Humboldt Parkway staffing agency Staff Buffalo started CannaWorkforce Solutions to match cannabis employers with those seeking to work in the cannabis industry. The entire process has been a roller coaster for everyone, but its a relief that things are finally moving forward for everyone involved, said Sheri Courteau, talent acquisition specialist at CannaWorkforce Solutions. Dispensary owners have been in a holding pattern since August, when a group of service-disabled veterans and medical marijuana companies sued the states Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program, saying it unconstitutionally prevented them from receiving a dispensary license. Before the injunction was lifted this month, it prevented the Office of Cannabis Management from communicating with CAURD licensees, processing paperwork or giving dispensaries the OK to open. Licensees have had to be patient, Courteau said. Organizing a workforce during uncertain times has proven to be a real challenge. Business owners have been unsure of when and how to start hiring due to the lack of clarity regarding future dates and timelines, she said. Companies have been in a frustrating wait-and-see approach for quite some time. Now that the ban has been lifted, there are new challenges. There is a general sense of overwhelm at the moment, Courteau said. Now that the ban is lifted, people are starting to scramble, while it seems that everyone is rushing towards the finish line. There is a big pool of candidates to choose from, many who have legacy experience with cannabis and want to work in the space legally. As the industry continues to open up, business owners may be sifting through hundreds of candidates and resumes for a posted position, Courteau said. The opposition Uganda Peoples Congress is concerned about the rampant corruption in the country which it says is a big threat to Ugandas Vision 20230. UPCs remarks come after Uganda over the weekend (9th December), joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Anti-corruption Day. This years observance coincides with a new parliamentary investigation by the Trade Committee into the alleged involvement of 30 MPs in the embezzlement of Shs164 billion meant for cooperative compensation. Speaking to the media at the partys head offices in Kampala, the UPC head of media, Faizo Muzeyi, urged government to show a strong political will in the fight against corruption if its 2030 Vision on Suitable Development Goals is to be achieved. He noted that in Uganda, corruption is threatening efficient service delivery thus leading to stunted development of the economy and social development. Muzeyi further implored the government to involve citizens in the fight against corruption through continuous sensitization. The Constitutional Court has granted Pastor Martin Ssempa of Makerere Full Gospel Church the right to join the Attorney General in defending the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. In his application presented by lawyer Gawaya Tegule, Pastor Ssempa sought permission to defend the law on moral and ethical grounds. However, the Attorney General, represented by Director of Civil Litigation Martin Mwambustya, initially refused Ssempas request, citing doubts about his motives. Two other applications were also successful. Family Life Network and UNAIDS were allowed to join as friends of the court to provide the court with information relevant to the law. UNAIDS argues that the law impedes HIV/AIDS prevention efforts by prohibiting healthcare workers from assisting LGBTQ+ individuals. Following the courts decision, chaired by Justice Richard Buteera, deadlines for parties to file and serve responses have been set. The main petition challenging the law, which activists claim criminalizes consensual sex among adults, will be heard on Monday, December 18, 2023. However, the court dismissed a series of other applications from civil society organizations and individuals seeking friend of the court status, deeming their expertise unnecessary to the case. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) unveiled the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024 plan yesterday, outlining the stages and timeline for the entire enumeration process. The launch was officiated by President Yoweri Museveni as the chief guest. Addressing delegates during the launch , Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of UBOS, stated that the night of May 9th will mark the official start of the enumeration, where everyone present in Uganda on that night will be counted. He further announced that May 10th, 2024, will be a public holiday to facilitate the official counting, which will continue up to May 20, 2024. The counting process, according to UBOS, involves three major stages: the pre-enumeration stage, which involves managing planning activities before the actual counting; the enumeration stage, which involves counting people and their characteristics; and the post-enumeration stage, which includes data processing, quality assurance, and other tasks. Dr. Mukiza further explained that the release of the results will begin in June 2024 with the release of preliminary results, followed by provisional results in September 2024, and finally the final results in December 2024. According to President Museveni, the overall main purpose of the census is to enable the government plan better for its people. You cant plan for people you dont know, the census helps with numbers on this. It also highlights the investment potential since investors will have the population characteristics. Census helps us know where people are, their wealth, and what they do, Museveni said. Meanwhile, Dr Mukiza urged the public and international community to trust the official results provided by UBOS, the Ugandan governments statistical agency. Musa Musasizi, a former street child-turned-businessman in Nakulabye, Kampala, has been sentenced to over 100 years in prison for murdering five people within a single month in 2021. He pleaded guilty to murdering five people including four of his girlfriends and his 3-month-old baby Musasizis murderous spree began in February when he strangled his girlfriend, Mackline Ahereza, for demanding money to start a business. He then wrapped her body in a suitcase, hired a boda boda, and transported it to a remote area in Nateete, where he doused it in paraffin and set it ablaze. Kassaga Abudl, who helped Musasizi dispose of Aherezas body, received a four-year prison sentence at Luzira prison. Unfazed by his initial crime, the then 23-year-old Musasizi lured Violet Kansiime and her three-month-old baby, Abigail Nakitende, from their home in Makerere under the pretense of marriage and a brighter future. He later brutally strangled both mother and child. Musasizi again attempted to conceal his crimes by wrapping their bodies in curtains, dumping them near the Nankulabye police station, and setting them on fire. Musasizi also murdered Nourine Nabirye and Elizabeth Muteesi, whose bodies he similarly burned. High Court Judge Margaret Muntonyi described his actions as barbaric and savage. It was Aherezas stolen Nokia phone, sold by Musasizi to a third party, that ultimately led to his arrest on March 21, 2021. He pleaded guilty to all charges before Justice Muntonyi. Although the court considered the death penalty, Judge Muntonyi ultimately sentenced Musasizi to a cumulative total of 35, 32, 27, 40 years, and 21 months for each individual murder, respectively. She explained that a single life sentence could not possibly compensate for the multiple lives he had taken. While sentencing, Justice Muntonyi compared Musasizi to a character from the 1956 film Killer on the Loose, but noted that his actions were a horrifying reality that traumatized the Nankulabye community. She further expressed concern about the potential number of victims had he remained free. Recognizing Musasizis lack of mental illness and his calculated targeting of victims through romantic relationships, the judge emphasized the need to protect young girls, including his own six-year-old daughter, from his wicked soul by imposing a lengthy sentence. Justice Muntonyi concluded by stressing the sacredness of each life and the gruesome nature of Musasizis crimes. She categorized him as a serial killer who exploited the trust granted to him by his victims. Musasizi has the right to appeal the sentence length but not his conviction. Activists in Uganda have raised an alarm over the worrying high smoking rates among youths aged 17 to 40 and low-income earners. They report alarming statistics, revealing that Ugandans begin smoking as early as 9 years old, often in tobacco-cultivating communities. The problem extends even further, with Joel Sawa, team leader at Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda, highlighting the prevalence of smoking in universities and high schools, including cannabis and shisha use among students. Amoding Rebecca, a KAC scholar and pro-Tobacco Harm Reduction advocate in a statement said that; it is estimated that there are more than 1.7 million adult tobacco users in Uganda, 13 000 of whom die annually, from tobacco-related diseases. She added that; Tobacco consumption has severe negative impacts on the health of users. In her remarks, she quoted Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative in Uganda saying that Smoking is the leading modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, including heart attack, stroke, chronic lung disease, cancer and diabetes. In her appeal she seeks that stakeholders and government amicably establish policies that will create an environment that favors multiple forms of Nicotine products as opposed to traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapies for example Electronic Cigarettes popularly know as vapes, Nicotine Pouches among others. These will accord consumers a wide array of options with a very low risk ratio hence a win for public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) paints a grim picture, estimating that over 15% of boys and 13% of girls aged 13-15 take up smoking annually. This translates to a staggering 204 Ugandans succumbing to tobacco-related illnesses every week, exceeding the combined death toll from HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, accidents, and crime. According to WHO, one in ten Ugandans smokes daily, incurring a significant economic burden: with tobacco use accounting for an estimated USD 126 million in direct medical care for adults and indirect costs due to lost productivity as a result of premature mortality and morbidity. Activists under their organization urge the government to implement alternative livelihoods to replace tobacco dependence. They point to the ineffectiveness of the 2015 Tobacco Control Act, which prohibits tobacco promotion and use but has failed to curb the epidemic. The Act, bans tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, mandates larger health warnings on packaging with graphic illustrations, and emphasizes the harm smoking inflicts on individuals and their surroundings. Activists say stricter enforcement and comprehensive support systems for tobacco farmers transitioning to alternative crops are crucial to turn the tide against this deadly epidemic. In June, the New York State Legislature passed a bill that would prevent employers from using noncompete agreements to dictate where their employees can work in the future. Noncompetes cause harm across the entire economic landscape. They lead to suppressed wages, reinforce glass ceilings, and force workers and entrepreneurs out of New York. Many economists will tell you that banning them would be a boon to workers, small businesses and the economy as a whole. A noncompete ban would also help New York continue to grow as a rising leader in the tech sector. Economists credit Californias 1800s-era noncompete ban for Silicon Valleys rise as the innovation capital of the world. When a California tech worker has a great idea for a new company, theres nothing stopping them from starting their own business. Here in New York, that worker likely faces a lengthy court battle with their employer and difficulty finding qualified employees who arent restricted by their own noncompete agreements. This stifles innovation and drives startups out of state. All of the facts support banning noncompetes. Thats why the people who want to maintain the status quo are resorting to scare tactics. First, you have the mega-corporations who privately tell legislators that they couldnt possibly turn a profit in New York without a stranglehold on their employees. Ive routinely asked them, Hey, dont you do business in California? Their silence in response speaks volumes. Then, you have the public fear mongering. In October, a dark money group spent a million dollars on TV ads that claimed banning noncompetes would shatter our economy without a shred of evidence. This month, an Another Voice column (Dec. 3) attempted to make the case that this change to help American workers would somehow actually end up helping Chinese companies. A shattered economy? China stealing our jobs? It sounds scary, but none of it holds up to scrutiny. This is the same playbook we see every time the status quo is challenged and Wall Street corporations see an advantage they have over small businesses threatened. When an employee isnt allowed to take another job in their field, their employer doesnt have to work to retain them. Noncompetes help big corporations depress their workers wages, thin out the labor market for their competitors and prevent new companies from being established. Competition is the hallmark of a free market, and job mobility is how most American workers increase their wages. Why in the world should your employer be able to dictate what you can do when youre done working for them? Alice Macauley, HR Assistant at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny has been announced as the 23/24 Irish Hotels Federation South East Branch Employee of the Year at a special awards ceremony in the Talbot Hotel Carlow. Over 120 guests attended the annual Christmas Gathering and Employee of the Year Awards to celebrate and recognise 18 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the south east who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. Congratulating Alice on the award, IHF South East Branch Chair, Colm Neville said the judges highlighted her excellent communication skills, customer service and attention to detail when selecting her as the winner. At the event, IHF President Denyse Campbell spoke about the importance of recognising excellence, and Shaping Brighter Futures for people in the sector by supporting future leaders and keeping teams motivated with opportunities for career progression and development. Alice joined the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny as a HR Assistant in the summer of 2022. In this role, Alice has been instrumental in supporting staff induction, internal communications, and career fairs where shes been recognised by her colleagues as representing Newpark to the highest standards. Demonstrating a wide range of skills, Alice also assists with Sales, Marketing and Events including online bookings for the hotels Jurassic Newpark visitor experience. Alice is keen to continue her professional development within the hospitality sector and plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management. Other presentations on the night included a Highly Commended Award for Darragh O Mahony from the Viking Hotel Waterford and a Special Service Award for Teresa Bradshaw from the Hoban Hotel Kilkenny. Colm Neville, IHF South East Branch Chair and Denyse Campbell, IHF President presenting Teresa Bradshaw from Hoban Hotel Kilkenny with a Special Service Award IHF South East Branch extends its gratitude to the expert judging panel comprised of Michael Vaughan (Vaughan Lodge Hotel and IHF Past President), Ray Cullen (Hospitality Training Consultant), and Tracy Hegarty (Shannon College of Hotel Management), who had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees. The members of the IHF South-East branch now wish Alice Macauley the very best of luck as she goes on to represent them at the upcoming National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHF's Annual Conference in February 2024. Its the annual last call for pending legislation. Final pushes are ramping up to get various bills signed or vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul before the end of the year. Among the more than 100 bills hanging fire are three that address important, though disparate, legislative priorities. Of the three, two should be signed. The third should be vetoed. Grieving Families Act As weve noted before, only New York and Alabama do not compensate wrongful death survivors for their emotional losses. New Yorks 175-year-old wrongful death statute allows recovery for only the economic harm to the next of kin compensation for a life lost due to a reckless or preventable act is determined according to how much the person earned. The Grieving Families Act, passed almost unanimously by the New York State Assembly (147-2) and Senate (57-6) in June 2022, would have allowed families to seek damages for emotional loss and would also have adjusted the definition of family to one that is more in tune with 21st century life. Under pressure from health care and other powerful lobbies, and unable to find an acceptable compromise, Hochul vetoed it at the end of 2022. Many in Buffalo have been directly affected by New Yorks limited, outdated wrongful death statute, including the families of the Tops mass shooting victims. Now that Grieving Families is back, with some limitations placed on who would be able to sue, the governor should sign it. Ban on wildlife killing contests Wildlife killing contests are not hunting, nor are they wildlife management by any scientific measure. These contests are for the sole purpose of killing the largest number of target animals coyotes, squirrels, foxes, crows and others in the shortest time. After a winner or winners have been determined, the carcasses of the killed animals are often thrown into dumpsters. State Sen. Tim Kennedy is the Senate sponsor of a bill banning many types of wildlife hunting contests in New York. Bear, deer and turkeys are not included in the legislation because these animals have regulated hunting seasons with clearly defined limits. None of that hunting would be affected by this bill. Nor would fishing tournaments or the established hunting seasons for coyotes, squirrels, bobcats and other animals. The bill only applies to killing contests Kennedy justifiably calls downright inhumane. Many hunters support this bill and the governor should not hesitate to sign it. Campaign finance reform rollback New York passed an excellent public campaign financing law in 2020 and it finally took effect this year. In addition to limiting individual donations, a $250 donation to a statewide legislative candidate would spur $2,300 in additional taxpayer matching funds to that candidate. But a donation over $250 receives no matching funds, thus prioritizing small donors and wider outreach by candidates. Disgracefully, during its final session in June, the Legislature passed a bill that removed much of the impact of the reform, making the first $250 of a donation of any size up to the maximum amount eligible to be matched with public funds, so that small donors are no longer prioritized. Another provision raises the number of in-district donors and the total donation figure needed to qualify for matching funds, thus making it easier for incumbents and more difficult for challengers. Politics as usual, right? Well-entrenched incumbents dont want primary challenges from energetic candidates. They want to coast to re-election, not work for it. This time, politics as usual shouldnt be allowed to happen. Hochul should do the right thing: veto this bill and allow true campaign finance reform for New York elections go ahead as scheduled. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. The Herald reports: Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has been plagued with allegations of serial leaking and dysfunction so, does this mean the council needs a Crown observer? Some of the city's neighbours think local government Minister Simeon Brown should consider it but a law expert says they need to chill out. There is growing concern that infighting and sniping at Wellington City Council is reflecting poorly on the wider region and may warrant government intervention. Things have got so bad that Greater Wellington Regional Council chairman Daran Ponter said newly appointed Local Government Minister Simeon Brown should consider appointing a Crown observer. Having the Regional Council Chair call for central Government intervention at WCC is significant, even more so as Daran Ponter is a Labour Councillor, so this can't be seen as motivated by partisan politics. Handing over $40 million to a US multinational as corporate welfare is not commercially sensitive. It should be known to the public. And the Council clearly has a financial crisis with rates looking to double over five years. Ponter said the council could bring in an experienced mediator, it didn't necessarily have to be a Crown observer, but he said Brown should consider it if the council was unwilling to get help itself. Simeon should give them three months to get their act together, and then appoint an observer if needed. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Amherst gets an 11.4% tax levy increase and Supervisor Brian Kulpa claims its for what everyone wants. How would the Amherst Town Board know what everyone wants when Town Board meetings are as scarce as theyve ever been with little discussion of whats going on and even less input from attendees. Lets tell the truth, Everyone has never been part of Kulpas plans. No one wants another amusement park at Westwood. How about leaving it just as it is with as little development as possible, just a natural park? How about just green space - an endangered entity here in Kulpas Amherst where green is bad and blacktop is good. So what is the 11.4% for? Its for the developers who profit from all of Kulpas pie in the sky projects and get tax breaks all along the way. Its the transfer of tax dollars for needless projects to developers in what can best be described as corporate welfare. Kulpas 11.4 % is more than three times the states 3.3 % tax levy cap. Once again, we see politicians acting as entitled unrestrained elitists who assume tax dollars are their private discretionary slush fund with absolutely no accountability on where or how it's spent. Whats the solution? Its spelled R-E-C-A-L-L. That's what "everyone wants." Phil Parshall Amherst Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Cloudy skies with a few snow showers this afternoon. High 24F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Periods of snow along with gusty winds at times, especially this evening. Low 11F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches. News / International by Nkululeko Nkomo The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts. Thats what this Bill delivers. We will now work to make it law so that we can get flights going to Rwanda and stop the boats. Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 12, 2023 In a recent press statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted significant progress in addressing illegal immigration, particularly focusing on reducing small boat crossings to the UK. Since outlining his priorities in January 2023, the Prime Minister reported a notable decline of one-third in small boat arrivals, coupled with the return of 20,000 illegal migrants this year.The UK government has taken a multifaceted approach to combat illegal immigration, forging agreements with several nations, passing crucial legislation, and addressing challenges in the asylum system.Earlier this year, the UK government enacted new laws designed to deter illegal migrants from arriving via small boats. Under these laws, individuals arriving illegally will not be allowed to stay. If it is deemed safe, they will be returned to their home country; otherwise, they may be sent to a safe third country, such as Rwanda.The Illegal Immigration Act, implemented on July 20, 2023, empowers Ministers to remove individuals arriving illegally, strengthens detention powers, prevents the processing of asylum claims in the UK, and enables the UK to send illegal migrants to safe third countries. The Act also curtails last-minute legal challenges, expands the list of safe countries, and establishes an annual cap on refugees settled through legal routes.However, challenges with Rwanda's asylum system, as highlighted in Supreme Court judgments, have temporarily halted the lawful removal of individuals to the country. To address this, a new treaty guarantees the safety of migrants sent to Rwanda and establishes joint legal panels with British and Rwandan judges. Emergency legislation also solidifies Rwanda's status as a safe country for asylum seekers, insulating it from domestic legal challenges.The UK has established partnerships with various countries to fortify its borders and combat people smuggling networks. A new collaboration with Turkey aims to disrupt the sourcing of boat parts for illegal migration journeys. Additionally, agreements with Georgia and Moldova facilitate the return of foreign nationals violating UK immigration laws, while intelligence sharing with Bulgaria enhances efforts to detect and dismantle people smuggling gangs.Prime Minister Sunak underscored the government's commitment to maintaining control over its borders and emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to curb illegal immigration. These initiatives align with the broader strategy to secure the nation's borders and promote safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.In his statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized, "We have made considerable progress in tackling illegal immigration," highlighting the decline in small boat arrivals and the return of illegal migrants. He reiterated the government's commitment to strong legislative measures, international partnerships, and addressing challenges within the asylum system to ensure effective border control and the promotion of legal pathways for asylum seekers. News / Local by Staff reporter POLICE in Bulawayo have expressed concern over rising cases of violent crime, especially murder in recent weeks.Deputy provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said they recorded an increase in murder cases between November and December 10."Violent crimes in the society are on the increase involving the use of dangerous weapons such as machetes," Msebele said. "Alcohol, domestic violence and abuse of drugs and other intoxicating substances have been seen as a contributor towards these crimes.""We have also noticed that the highest number of victims of these murder cases is from people who would have been attacked on their way home from various drinking places such as shebeens," she said."We urge bar owners to operate within the law and stipulated times. We will not negotiate if one is found operating outside their licensed hours. Shebeens are illegal."Emphasising that carrying dangerous weapons was outlawed Msebele added: "We also urge members of the public to desist from using dark places and sanitary lanes during the night so as to avoid being easy targets of robbery which may lead to murder. We warn the community to desist from carrying dangerous weapons in public places." UM System President Mun Choi listens to a question March 11, 2022, at his Jesse Hall office in Columbia. Along with a speech preview, Choi was asked about faculty salary cuts, Greek Life culture, among other things. THOR Industries (NYSE:THO Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Monday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 6.250-7.250 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 6.710. The company issued revenue guidance of $10.5 billion-$11.0 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $10.6 billion. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on THO. StockNews.com started coverage on THOR Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of THOR Industries from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of THOR Industries from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of THOR Industries from $94.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Roth Mkm reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $72.00 target price on shares of THOR Industries in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $96.83. Get THOR Industries alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on THO THOR Industries Stock Performance Shares of NYSE THO traded down $1.20 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $107.84. The companys stock had a trading volume of 299,635 shares, compared to its average volume of 600,489. THOR Industries has a 1-year low of $74.00 and a 1-year high of $116.31. The firms fifty day moving average price is $95.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $99.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.63. The firm has a market cap of $5.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.94 and a beta of 1.84. THOR Industries (NYSE:THO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 6th. The construction company reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $2.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.50 billion. THOR Industries had a net margin of 2.77% and a return on equity of 7.48%. The businesss revenue was down 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.53 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that THOR Industries will post 6.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. THOR Industries Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 1st were paid a dividend of $0.48 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 31st. This is a positive change from THOR Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.78%. THOR Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 35.49%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On THOR Industries Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,954 shares of the construction companys stock worth $862,000 after purchasing an additional 1,423 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 11.3% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 6,174 shares of the construction companys stock worth $486,000 after purchasing an additional 629 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 20.9% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 7,616 shares of the construction companys stock worth $599,000 after purchasing an additional 1,319 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in shares of THOR Industries by 39.3% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 29,220 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,300,000 after purchasing an additional 8,241 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in shares of THOR Industries during the 1st quarter worth $1,068,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.52% of the companys stock. THOR Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) THOR Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells recreational vehicles (RVs), and related parts and accessories in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers travel trailers; gasoline and diesel Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes; conventional travel trailers and fifth wheels; luxury fifth wheels; and motorcaravans, caravans, campervans, and urban vehicles. See Also Receive News & Ratings for THOR Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for THOR Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Two Benin soldiers were killed when the motorbike they were riding hit an improvised explosive in the north of the country, two security sources and a local resident said on Wednesday. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident in Karimama district close to the border with Niger. But northern Benin, like its neighbours Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast, has seen increasing risk of violence spilling over its border from jihadists in the Sahel. "We lost two of our men on Tuesday. It wasn't an attack but they drove over a homemade landmine," the military source said. The details were confirmed by a police source working in the region and a local resident. The Benin army did not immediately comment, but the incident was also reported by two local private newspapers. Northern Benin shares borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, where jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are fighting wars. A coup in Niger in July has also led to French troops based there starting to withdraw, heightening worries over worsening insecurity in the Sahel region. (AFP) Angola, IN (46703) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 35F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Mainly cloudy. Low 26F. SW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 15 mph. News / Local by Staff reporter ZIMBABWE'S international diplomatic re-engagement drive is completely off the rails as shown by the United States government's announcement of a new travel embargo targeted at the regime actors responsible for undermining democracy, notably through election rigging or manipulation and corruption.The fresh visa restrictions target officials at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), Zanu-PF, police and the judiciary.Those targeted by the new punitive measures will be barred from travelling to the US due to their lack of fairness in dealing with electoral matters.Their families will also be denied US visas, secretary of state Antony Blinken announced."Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from electoral processes; restricting the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance, or human rights related activities; or intimidation of voters, election observers, or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence," Blinken said.The US secretary of state said undermining democracy may also include engaging in corrupt acts, as well as bribery that undermines the electoral process."Interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary during its adjudication of electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe. Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy," Blinken said.Political analysts told The NewsHawks this week that the latest position by the US emanates from the discredited 23 and 24 August general elections, which had been benchmarked as one of the important litmus tests for the country's resolve to implement far-reaching political and economic reforms.Professor of world politics at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, Stephen Chan, said the sanctions on Zimbabwe are likely to increase despite Mnangagwa's eagerness to re-engage with the international community."President Mnangagwa cannot re-engage with the democratic world while being undemocratic. What has happened in Zimbabwe over and after the election period will, instead of seeing the continuation of lifting of sanctions around the world, probably see sanctions increasing again," Chan said.Chan added that Mnangagwa is now in a tight spot."He will not annul the election, which he claims he won. The least he can do would be to distance himself from any accusations of either himself or people in the seniority of Zanu-PF seeking to influence the judiciary," he said."And he must outright condemn any undemocratic practice such as imposters trying to destroy even a rival party. He must therefore be seen to stand for a fair party system of open government and open opposition. He can't just say he didn't do it'. He has to be seen as a champion of parliamentary principle."Political analyst Vivid Gwede concurred, saying Mnangagwa's re-engagement drive is in tatters after the latest position by the US."This is evidence of the fact that the re-engagement drive is faltering mainly because of state acts of commission and omission with respect to the conduct of elections and respect for human rights. We have also seen the quest to re-join the Commonwealth crumbling. Which is why the administration must heed calls for internal dialogue."Asked what Mnangagwa must do, Gwede said: "The government must acknowledge the problem of a failing re-engagement process and institute broad-based dialogue that will put the political reform process back on track. Equally, there is a need to halt the rising trend of human rights violations post-elections."Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition spokesperson Obert Masaraure said Mnangagwa must reform."Mnangagwa must reform as a matter of urgency. He should facilitate a democratic breakthrough for Zimbabwe through dialogue. He still has a chance to step down as an honourable man if he makes the right decisions," Masaraure said.He highlighted that the US has a solid foreign policy which will not be influenced by empty promises of reform from the Harare regime."Mnangagwa has proven to be worse than Mugabe. He squandered all opportunities of reforming. The world gave Mnangagwa a chance, but the octogenarian blew it. All diplomatic pressure on Harare is welcome, we are back to the pre-colonial era when citizens were forced to call upon the world to exert diplomatic pressure on Salisbury," Masaraure said."Ordinary citizens are suffering under the yoke of dictatorship. The world should find ways of punishing those who are manufacturing the suffering of the masses."Opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi told The NewsHawks that stealing the 23 August elections will haunt the Mnangagwa regime for a long time."There is no engagement one can do based on an illegitimate electoral outcome. The regime has shredded the constitution and all laws of the country, including the manipulation of the judiciary," Mkwananzi said."We note the measures taken by the US and encourage Sadc and other key stakeholders to take measures to discourage the regime in Harare from acting outside the law."In April, Mnangagwa suffered a setback in re-engaging the United Kingdom after his invitation to the coronation of King Charles was withdrawn.In a letter signed by Nav Mishra, chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Zimbabwe (APPG), and his deputy, Lord Jonathan Oates, and several other House of Commons lawmakers, cabinet secretary James Cleverly was asked to withdraw the invitation of Mnangagwa to the coronation of King Charles "in light of the grave political and human rights situation in Zimbabwe."APPG Zimbabwe said there is widespread violence and human rights abuses, with opposition members being "harassed, beaten, imprisoned and murdered, while corruption is rife extending to the highest levels of government.The APPG said the ruling Zanu-PF has overrun the country's economy, completely decimated the local currency, dismembered the judiciary, taken over the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and impoverished Zimbabweans. Jacob Pechenik "worried" about his employees after he divorced Zooey Deschanel. The 51-year-old producer was married to 'New Girl' star Zooey, 43, from 2016 until 2020 and has Elsie, seven and five-year-old Charlie with her but the pair had founded the Lettuce Grow before splitting up. He told Inc Magazine: "Zooey had done a lot of work in terms of getting people excited. I was a little worried [employees would] be scared, wondering what this meant for the company and me. Would I be heartbroken? "There was a time when I was asking less of her. Part of it was because of our ex-wife, ex-husband relationship and the kids. I didnt want to strain the relationship. And part of it was that the business was taking off without needing to lean on her." Jacob now oversees the day-to-day running of the company - which sells home hydroponic systems called Farmstands - and She and Him Zooey explained that she is enjoying being able to "spread the word" about the kind of work they do. She said: "I mainly enjoy telling people about Lettuce Grow because Im proud of the company. I think my enthusiasm becomes infectious because its genuine." These days, Zooey is engaged to Jonathan Scott - who is known for fronting the renovation series 'Property Brothers' - and recently explained why they are "so compatible" as a couple despite being from different walks of life. She told People: "Our personalities are so compatible. Its just that were from different worlds. We identify as nerds, well have you know." Despite this, Zooey feared that Jonathan was ghosting her at one point in time. He explained: "We talked or texted every single day, I think, and still have every day since we've met, except for the [time] I went up on a packed trip up into the middle of the Rocky Mountains, where there was no cell service. "She thought I was just blowing her off because I didn't respond for, what, three days or something." Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy. Low 26F. SW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Watching a potential winter storm. Cloudy. Low 27F. N winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu South Africans are pointing fingers at DJ Sbu, former manager of the late musician Zahara, and his record label TS Records, accusing them of neglecting the artist's financial well-being. The allegations suggest that Zahara's untimely death was a result of financial struggles, including unpaid royalties, leading to dire consequences.Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, gained immense popularity through her music, notably her debut album "Loliwe," introduced to the world by DJ Sbu and TK Nciza in 2011. However, recent accusations claim that Zahara faced financial hardships, almost losing her home and failing to meet basic needs due to alleged non-payment of royalties by TS Records.The accusations have resonated deeply with the public, with many South Africans expressing outrage and grief over Zahara's tragic circumstances. According to reports, Zahara struggled to make mortgage payments and afford essentials, forcing her to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. This, in turn, reportedly led to liver disease, ultimately claiming her life.In a poignant tribute during an SABC interview, DJ Sbu, also known as Sbusiso Leope, refuted the claims of financial negligence. He asserted that Zahara owned all her publishing and rights to her music, emphasizing that she was paid directly by her publisher for her work. Regarding royalties, DJ Sbu stated that Zahara received payments directly from a company that had signed her.Despite DJ Sbu's denial, public sentiment remains charged, with many questioning the responsibility of record labels and managers in safeguarding the financial well-being of artists. The tragic circumstances surrounding Zahara's life and death have sparked a broader conversation about the music industry's treatment of its talents, especially in terms of financial compensation and support.Watch the video: Cho Mi Young, SEVENTEEN Joshua's rumored girlfriend, garnered massive backlash after posting THIS on Instagram. In particular, the romantic relationship speculations between the two started in early August, after K-Netz noticed that Cho and the idol had been appearing in matching or similar clothing on social media platforms. The allegations intensified when the model was spotted attending SEVENTEEN's concert in South Korea. Despite this Joshua and his label remained silent, which caused more netizens to believe it was true. Cho Mi Young Shocks With Pregnancy Card Amid Korean fans demanding Joshua to leave the group, some fans also continue to flood Mi Young's SNS with hateful comments. It got worse after Mi Young posted an Instagram story on December 11, where she was seen taking a video of the heavy rain while driving a car. However, this wasn't what caught the attention of fans but the white card spotted in front of the windshield. This caused a shock to people since it resembles a pregnancy card given to pregnant mothers. This was often used to make the public know their condition especially when taking public transportation. pic.twitter.com/LsjGXuXaVs (@ichamnim287716) December 11, 2023 ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN Joshua's Rumored Girlfriend Draws Attention for Keeping THIS Comment Following this Korean CARATs started camping under Cho's Instagram posts, aiming to get an explanation about the pregnancy card. On December 12, she celebrated her birthday and upon posting her photos, people were quick to bomb her with criticizing comments, calling her out for feeding the "trolls." They also made fun of her that her alleged boyfriend couldn't celebrate with due to his current "Follow" Tour in Japan. Truth About Cho Mi Young's Pregnancy Card Explained, CARATs Slam Model Later on, one fan revealed the truth about Cho Mi Young's pregnancy card, claiming that it actually belonged to her friend. After learning this, CARATs expressed their anger to the model since she was aware of the backlash that it caused Joshua, but then, she went on by taking a video of the heavy rain and even capturing the pregnancy card without context. Fans explained that malicious commenters and haters would immediately think that it was hers and it would end up with Joshua taking the blame again for the pregnancy. Amid the massive hateful comments both parties receive, no official statement confirming nor denying the speculations has been released yet. Netizens wrote "trolling" comments such as: "I also want to have a strong mentality like this aunt. She's cool." "Unnie, I'm sorry you can't spend your birthday with your boyfriend this year." "Did you guys break up?" "Mi Young~ah, I hope that you will be unhappy for the rest of your life." "He's getting a lot of hate for no reason." "Unnie, are you starting a fight with us because your boyfriend is in Japan and will light the candles with us? If you weren't caught, you could have gone to Japan with him. What a pity." "Why did the pregnancy card cover show up? Is our Mi Young pregnant? It's nothing but suppressing the story of twins." "Happy birthday, fake sis." READ MORE: CARATs Discover Additional 'Proof' SEVENTEEN Joshua Is Living With Rumored Girlfriend For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News / National by Nkululeko Nkomo Some media houses are known for causing divisions in our society along ethnic lines through their reporting. The Zimbabwe Daily is one publication that strives on ethnicity, it must be banned. CCC & Nelson Chamisa must come out and disassociate themselves from this publication. pic.twitter.com/OE1ItHar3d Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena (@NicholasMabhena) December 13, 2023 Leading community activist and Zimbabwean Community in South Africa leader, Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena, has called upon the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, and the party to distance themselves from a controversial cartoon published by Zimdaily, an outlet allegedly aligned with Chamisa.The cartoon in question portrays a bastardized version of a portrait featuring the last monarch of AmaNdebele, King Lobengula kaMzilikazi, with the face of Sengezo Tshabangu, the Interim Secretary General of CCC, carrying a bag of sugar. The imagery harks back to historical allegations against King Lobengula, accusing him of selling the country for a bag of sugar when he signed the Rudd Concession. The cartoon goes further to insinuate that Tshabangu is selling out CCC to ZANU PF in a similar manner, following the recall of rebel MPs and councillors.Mabhena, known for his advocacy for community unity and inclusivity, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his condemnation of the divisive content. In a direct quote, he stated, "Some media houses are known for causing divisions in our society along ethnic lines through their reporting. The Zimbabwe Daily is one publication that strives on ethnicity; it must be banned. CCC & Nelson Chamisa must come out and disassociate themselves from this publication."The activist's call for disassociation stems from the belief that media outlets like Zimdaily perpetuate derogatory insults and contribute to ethnic divisions within Zimbabwean society. The cartoon, according to Mabhena, not only targets historical figures but also seeks to brand Tshabangu as a sell-out to ZANU PF, further exacerbating tensions within the political landscape.Mabhena's plea for CCC and Chamisa to distance themselves from Zimdaily reflects a broader concern about the role of media in shaping public perception and fueling ethnic tensions. The call for unity and a rejection of divisive narratives resonates with Mabhena's longstanding commitment to fostering a sense of community and inclusiveness within the Zimbabwean diaspora in South Africa. Opinion / Columnist Zambia's former ruling parties have typically fared poorly after losing power. The United National Independence Party (UNIP) ruled for 27 years but gradually collapsed following its defeat in 1991. The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) led the country for the next 20 years yet similarly dissipated after losing power in 2011.When the Patriotic Front (PF) went into opposition after losing elections in 2021, many expected it to follow the same route including the new president, Hakainde Hichilema. Just two months after the election, he declared the PF to be dead and buried. "The dead do not come back from the graveyard. Do not make the mistake of voting for a ghost," he warned ahead of a by-election. Yet, in that poll, voters overwhelmingly backed the PF. And since then, the opposition party has showed that there is life left in it.The resilience of the PFThere are several reasons that explain why the former ruling party has not crumbled since 2021.First, it has benefited from changes to the constitution introduced by former president Edgar Lungu in 2016. Those amendments made it harder for MPs to cross the floor, which now trigger a by-election in which the incumbent is barred from running. This enforced discipline has enabled the main opposition party to retain control over its members. The abolition of the position of deputy minister and the limit of 30 cabinet ministers have also reduced Hichilema's capacity to dispense patronage, aiding the PF's survival.Second, the former ruling party retains a stable base both among the electorate especially in the Copperbelt, northern, and eastern parts and in parliament, where 58 of 59 opposition seats belong to the PF. Unlike after previous instances transfers of power, the losing party has not suffered mass defections to the new ruling party.Third, the PF has not yet held a convention to elect the successor to Lungu, who formally quit active politics in August 2021. This has kept different factions jockeying for power and the chance to lead the party and country. These factors alongside an uncertain economic outlook and an incumbent seen as promoting ethnic-regional appointments have left the PF relatively intact.Ahead of two by-elections in October 2022, it looked like the "ghost" party was set to win again. This time, the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) manipulated both Zambia's electoral body and the judicial process to exclude the PF candidates from the ballots. Pitted against weaker rivals, the ruling party won easily. At the same time, the UPND seemingly decided to crush the opposition going forwards.The first expression of this strategy arose in April 2023 when the government threatened to deregister the PF for failure to provide an updated list of office bearers following Lungu's retirement. Public backlash against the move forced the UPND to back down.The second occurred this May when the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, issued a bizarre notice that conferred powers on the Registrar of Societies to order political parties to hold elective conventions "within sixty days" to fill any vacancies. Failure to comply, Mwimbu warned, would have serious consequences. Although the notice applied to all political parties, it was primarily intended to force the PF to choose Lungu's successor so that Hichilema could know his rival for the next election well in advance. In early-October, the Registrar of Societies used its new powers and ordered parties to hold elective conventions or face deregistration. When the PF refused and threatened to challenge the legality of the directive, the UPND moved to essentially take over the main opposition party.Hichilema's coalitionTo better understand this final element of the UPND's strategy, it is important to locate its campaign within a broad coalition of domestic and international interest groups that stand to benefit from the PF's suffocation.The first group consists of international, mainly Western, actors. The PF is believed to ideologically lean towards China and Russia. Western nations seek Zambia's alignment not only in terms of diplomacy but access to precious minerals essential to energy transition. In Hichilema, they have a malleable partner, which explains why they have been largely restrained in their criticism of him. For them, overlooking Hichilema's attacks on democracy is a small price to pay for having a leader who serves their interests.The second group is made up of prominent domestic and foreign businessmen who aligned with the UPND for financial reasons. They bankrolled Hichilema's election campaigns and now seek a return on their investment. One five-year term is insufficient to recoup their investment, so they are pushing for his re-election. One or two of these businessmen are reportedly financing a faction that recently sprouted within the PF and is generally seen as working with the UPND to weaken the main opposition party from within.Another set of local businessmen is made up of Hichilema's close allies from the 1990s when major state enterprises were dismantled for privatisation. Their reference point is former President Frederick Chiluba (1991-2002), who opened the door of accumulation for them but got side-tracked by a life of fancy suits and shoes. The nationalistic impulses of Chiluba's successors adversely affected this cohort's aspirations, but the election of a privatisation-minded leader has thrust the country back into their hands.Added to this local network of businessmen is the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation, Hichilema's long-term supporters, that serves as a lobby for foreign mining capital. Its head appears to be a key member of the shadow state that seems to be deciding government policy.A third group comprises budding presidential hopefuls within the UPND. Hichilema is eligible to stand for re-election in 2026, but this groups is looking to the longer-term and the need to maintain the party's position. Supporting Hichilema in weakening the PF secures their collective future prospects.The fourth group is made up of professional elements of urban middle-class Zambians embedded in civil society, academia, and the private media. They are not card-carrying UPND members, but their personal, ethno-regional, and business interests make them kowtow to Hichilema. These elites were vocal critics of abuses of government power under the PF but now either have been sucked into various government bodies or are tacitly supporting the president for reasons that have little to do with public considerations. The private media, for example, has positioned itself as a loyal mouthpiece of Hichilema. On the rare occasions it offers criticism, the tone is one of annoyance that the leader's activities may jeopardise his electoral prospects.Aware that the PF's survival threatens their long-term material interests and business aspirations, this group's members who help shape public opinion using diminishing credibility gained from criticising Lungu-era wrongs are shielding Hichilema from blame, discrediting his critics, and delegitimising the opposition by persuading voters to see them as dangerous. This group is focussed less on defending UPND than on discrediting the opposition and critics of Hichilema.The final group is made up of Hichilema, Mwiimbu, and the loyalist officials around them. A cabinet minister who requested anonymity revealed that no amount of criticism is likely to dissuade the president (also known as HH) from destroying the PF. "He harbours an intense dislike for the PF that makes him totally inadvisable on the issue. It is like the former ruling party reminds him of the atrocities committed against him in opposition and annihilating it is a form of closure for him or enacting revenge. If the PF was a building, I am convinced that HH would have razed it to the ground."While there may be truth to this reading, the president's undemocratic manoeuvres are also driven by a desperate desire for re-election.A questionable conventionThe PF's voting base has not disintegrated and if the opposition was to find a new credible leader or form an alliance with other parties, it could well win the 2026 election. The UPND is therefore eager to nullify the PF and acquire its supporters either directly after destroying the PF or indirectly by installing its own leadership within the opposition party.This explains why, when the PF refused to comply with the directive to hold an elective convention, the UPND moved to effectively organise the convention on behalf of them. On 24 October, Miles Sampa, a renegade PF MP and one of the eight individuals who had formally expressed interest in replacing Lungu, caught his party unaware when he held a hitherto unannounced meeting that he dubbed "the PF convention to elect new office bearers". The use of a key government facility as the meeting's venue, the heavy presence of state security normally reserved for the president, and the live broadcast of proceedings on the national television provided earliest prima facie evidence of the state's involvement in this scheme. Under Hichilema's rule, police only appear at opposition gatherings to disrupt not protect them, and the state-run broadcaster serves as the mouthpiece of the governing party. A day later, the convenors submitted a list of new office bearers, with Sampa as PF president, to the Registrar of Societies.The same day, the leadership of the PF accused Sampa of gross indiscipline and expelled him from the party. They asked the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, to declare his seat vacant. Mutti, an ex-UPND lawyer, refused, saying that only the Constitutional Court has the authority to do so. Zambia's constitution states that an expelled MP "shall not lose the seat until the expulsion is confirmed by a court, exceptwhere the member does not challenge the expulsion in court." Sampa has, to date, not filed such a challenge.On 26 October, Sampa's faction, which retains the support of only one or two MPs, wrote to the Speaker asking her to accept the changes it had made to the party's leadership in parliament. For context, the constitution provides that "the opposition political party with the largest number of seats in the National Assembly shall elect a Leader of the Opposition from amongst the Members of Parliament who are from the opposition."On 30 October, the Clerk of the National Assembly Roy Ngulube wrote to the Registrar of Societies, Thandiwe Mhende, seeking clarity on the leadership of the PF. She responded the same day, saying that the process of confirming if Sampa's faction had complied with the PF constitution "has not yet been completed". "Kindly note that the office will give official notification of complete change as soon as the process is finalised," she concluded in the correspondence that was received by Ngulube and not made public but has been seen by African Arguments.Despite this ongoing process, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Collins Hikalinda, told the state-run ZNBC that they had received "a submission from the Patriotic Front, which ushered in Honourable Miles Sampa as its new president". The following day, the Speaker accepted the proposed changes to the PF's parliamentary leadership.This sparked protests from at least 40 PF MPs who, alongside several independent lawmakers, notified the Clerk of the National Assembly on 3 November about their intention to impeach the Speaker for, among other charges, abrogating the Constitution. In a move that was widely seen as aimed at frustrating the impeachment motion, Speaker Mutti on 7 November issued 30-day suspensions to 19 of these MPs for alleged lawlessness.Amidst intense public criticism that the Speaker had "gone rogue", the Clerk of the National Assembly released a carefully-worded press statement on 7 November, stating that: "Before the announcement of the changes were made, the office of the Clerk wrote to the Registrar of Societies to confirm the office bearers of the Patriotic Front. In the response to the Clerk, the Registrar of Societies confirmed being in receipt of the new office bearers of the Patriotic Front, among whom was Mr Morgan Ng'ona as Secretary General".This misleading statement the Registrar had indeed listed the submitted names but made it clear that "verificationhas not yet been completed" was the first official attempt to cover up the Speaker's misconduct. The second occurred about a week later after Mhende, in fulfilment of a court order submitted by the PF, issued a printout of the electronic registration records showing that the office bearers of the PF had not been changed. This put Mutti and the UPND's attempt to kill the PF in an awkward position. The government acted quickly.Mhende was immediately removed from her position. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the official was being transferred as "she had become inimical to the requirement of her office" and said that she had released "certain documents" to a PF lawyer that she was not supposed to have. This revelation seemed to confirm the authenticity of the printout, contradicting the Minister of Home Affairs who had earlier attempted to discredit it.According to parliamentary sources, Mhende had been hesitant to accept the Sampa faction's submission of new office bearers due to the lack of evidence they had complied with several articles of the PF constitution. Article 46, for instance, provides that a convention shall only be legal if it is attended by "up to 500 delegates from each province selected in accordance with rules made by the Central Committee" and "all members of the National Council". Article 50 (1) explains that the National Council, which is also required to approve candidates for the party presidency prior to the convention, consists of "(a) Members of the Central Committee; (b) Members of the National Assembly; (c) Provincial Secretaries; (d) District Chairmen; District Secretaries; (f) District Chairmen and Committee members of the Women's and Youth Leagues; (g) Senior officers from the Party's National Headquarters." Article 55 (c) stipulates that the national party chairperson must preside over the convention.None of these requirements were met. Furthermore, the secretive nature of Sampa's "convention" effectively excluded the other seven candidates who had expressed interest in standing for the PF presidency. This exclusion violated Article 60 of Zambia's constitution, which obliges political parties to "respect the right of its members to participate in the affairs of the political party" by standing as candidates and voting.Anatomy of a doctored letterWell-placed parliamentary sources suggest that, on 14 November, Hichilema's group started to manufacture evidence that the Registrar of Societies had completed Sampa's verification process two weeks earlier and cleared the Speaker to effect the changes she had made to the PF's leadership. For a start, the contents of the letter Mhende had written to the Clerk of the National Assembly on 30 October were altered. The original sentence stating that the "verification of the submission and attachments has not yet been completed" was amended to delete the words "not yet". The final paragraph stating "Kindly note that the office will give official notification of complete change as soon as the process is finalised" was removed.This done, Mhende's deputy Jason Mwambazi, was made to sign the tampered letter on behalf of the Registrar of Societies. The letter nonetheless retained the 30 October date, a day on which Mhende was still in position and working as confirmed by the original letter.In what appears to have been a clumsily orchestrated move, this letter was leaked and widely publicised on UPND-aligned platforms. This was done for two possible reasons.The first was to cast doubt on the Mhende's integrity. If the letter was real, she would have known that the Sampa faction's choices had been installed when she printed the electronic record of the (in this case, former) PF office bearers. An inconsistency in this narrative, however, is that two days after Mhende's removal, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Infernal Security Dickson Matembo publicly admitted that his ministry were still having challenges completing the process of verifying Sampa's submissions. "Once the process is completed, the nation will be informed," he said.The second reason for leaking the letter was to absolve Mutti by making it seem that she had changed the PF's parliamentary leadership based on information provided by the Registrar of Societies. One of the biggest publicists of the altered letter was Laura Miti, a commissioner on Zambia's Human Rights Commission and vociferous Hichilema supporter, who wrote on Facebook minutes after the leak: "[The letter] releases the Speaker from any blame. She is the only one in this matter who can ask so what was I supposed to do?"The government then appointed Mariah Mulenga, a junior legal officer under the Ministry of Home Affairs, to act as Registrar of Societies. A well-placed source at Cabinet Office told a leading private newspaper that Mulenga was only considered after the three officers immediately junior to the Chief Registrar of Societies declined the position."The structure is that there is the position of Chief Registrar, which is at Director level. Then follows Deputy Chief Registrar (Jason Mwambazi), then Principal Registrar who is followed by M & E Registrar (Ms Cecilia Malawo). After this, there is a level of support staff. But the powers that be have appointed a legal counsel, Maria Mulenga, who is at level four of the Registrar to act as Chief Registrar of Societies. Her job description has quickly been amended to include functions of Chief Registrar for purposes of effecting the changes which all the other senior officers refused to effect", The Mast newspaper quoted an unnamed government source on 20 November.Ten days later, the new acting Registrar of Societies wrote to Sampa's lawyers confirming that the record of PF office bearers had finally been changed. Enclosed in the letter, publicised by Sampa and state media, was the list of office bearers in the form of an official electronic record. This time, the government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa did not protest that the Registrar of Societies had wrongly released the documents to lawyers.Meanwhile, when PF leaders moved to challenge the legality of Sampa's convention, the decisions his faction makes in the name of the party, or the Speaker's actions, the judiciary kept postponing the cases. Even when Sampa was sued for criminal perjury and forgery of PF documents, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri, Hichilema's former lawyer, moved to block his prosecution.Expulsions beginEmboldened by support from Hichilema, Sampa's faction has since moved to expel nine PF MPs for alleged gross indiscipline and insubordination. Those targeted are considered presidential hopefuls and have led the opposition to the PF takeover. The choice of the expelled MPs was made to intimidate them into submission and send a warning to the remaining lawmakers.In case the nine MPs challenge the expulsions, the UPND has reportedly already lined up a few friendly judges. If the courts do not confirm the expulsion, Article 72 (6) of Zambia's Constitution allows the victorious MP to either remain a member of their political party or retain their the seat as an independent. If, as expected, the expulsions are confirmed, by-elections will be held. In this instance, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, led by another ex-UPND lawyer, is expected to only accept the nomination of PF candidates who belong to Sampa's faction.Under these conditions, it is likely the UPND will win the by-elections. Their only opponents would be official PF contestants that lack legitimacy and poorly funded smaller opposition candidates. Hichilema is desperate to win these seats for several reasons. First, the UPND has no parliamentary representation in one or two of the provinces where the expelled MPs come from. Winning a few seats would fix this unwanted record and give the ruling party a cosmetic but important appearance of national character. Second, Hichilema's party is about seven seats short of a the two-third majority needed in parliament to make changes to the constitution. Amendments could be made to make it easier for the president to gain re-election, extend presidential terms, or lift the immunity of former president Lungu. Third, winning seats from the opposition would be a step forwards in what the highly regarded retired Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu calls the "state-orchestrated murder of the PF".Zambia becoming a one-party stateI was an opponent of the PF's undemocratic actions when it was in power and a regular critic of then President Lungu. But one does not have to support the PF to see that the absence of a viable opposition party will be a terrible development for Zambia's multiparty democracy. Over the last decade, the country has evolved into a two-party system. Out of the 156 parliamentary seats directly elected under first-past-the-post, the UPND and PF share 142. If one of these parties disappears or if Hichilema succeeds in his efforts to obliterate the PF, Zambia will effectively be a one-party state.The President, increasingly authoritarian and bidding for absolute power, has already done much to weaken the usual sources of resistance. He has co-opted into government bodies most of the critical voices from civil society that challenged Lungu's authoritarian tendencies, packed the courts and electoral body with his own appointees, and secured the silence of Western actors who have traditionally condemned attacks on democracy.The UPND and its supporters like arguing that Hichilema will easily retain power in 2026 not because he has delivered on his many campaign promises but because "there is no credible opposition". What is clear is that his administration is systemically and ruthlessly crushing any semblance of opposition. As the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops recently pointed out, the police have blocked all public rallies called by opposition parties outside of by-elections, always citing unspecified security concerns or inadequate manpower, since 2021.In addition to the ongoing theft of the PF, many of its presidential hopefuls have been saddled with court cases, while one of Hichilema's supporters has petitioned the Constitutional Court to declare Lungu ineligible to stand 2026. Another promising candidate, Fred M'membe of the Socialist Party, has been targeted for electoral exclusion with multiple court cases out of which the UPND hopes to secure a dubious criminal conviction that would disqualify him from running in the next election. So committed to this outcome is Hichilema's group that the DPP has personally travelled for M'membe's court hearings outside Lusaka.Lungu left weak formal institutions such as the judiciary, electoral commission, and police. Hichilema is weakening them even further by sapping any semblance of remaining professionalism. Herein lies the real danger. Once public trust in these and other institutions is totally eroded, opposition to the UPND may find expression in undemocratic means or informal outlets. Already, growing levels of frustration with the government's failure to address the escalating cost-of-living crisis have left many areas, especially in towns and cities, teetering on the brink of social unrest. It may not take much to torch this simmering discontent. Not even Hichilema may survive the potential consequences of what he is, in effect, brewing.Who, or what, will stop Hichilema? New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): UK's Minister of AI and Intellectual Property, Jonathan Camrose, on Wednesday noted that Artificial Intelligence as a technology has many use cases that would help humanity prosper. In the same breath, he, though, specifically stressed the need for safety for the users. "All of us recognize that AI, if safe, has the capability to make so much human prosperity, to make so much possible for all of us, particularly in India, actually, I see so many fascinating use cases, but to get there, it has to be safe," said the UK minister, speaking to ANI. Also Read | Kerala By-Elections: Congress-Led United Democratic Front Wins Big in Local Body Bypoll. "And that's where we're collaborating very extensively across with India, with Europe and all the countries of the world," the minister further noted. Asked about India, the UK minister said India is visionary in identifying the possibilities that the AI has to offer. Also Read | Wife-Swapping in Bengaluru: Complaint Lodged Against Man for Pressuring Wife To Spend Nights With His Friends. "India is a fascinating society for the use of AI because it has so many different communities and different geographies and different types of uses that AI can be used for," he added. Meanwhile, the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence summit, running from December 12 to 14, is being hosted here in the national capital, where influential minds from various sectors have gathered to discuss and collaborate the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). The UK Minister Jonathan Camrose said the summit is going to be "hugely valuable, not just for India, for everybody." "GPAI is a really important part of how we're going to make AI safe for everybody. The machinery of GPAI may be needs a little bit of adjustment because it's something that's going to give a lot of value in the coming crucial period of AI development. So I think we're all working on that," the UK minister said. Since its inception in June 2020, India has made significant contributions to this Summit by actively engaging in various initiatives to foster the development, deployment, and adoption of open, safe, secure, and accountable AI. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is an international initiative established to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in a manner that respects human rights and the shared democratic values of its members. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Dec 13 (PTI) Against the backdrop of the US' allegations of an Indian link to a failed assassination plot and Canada's charges relating to the killing of a Sikh separatist, Australia on Wednesday said it has "anxieties" over the matters but asserted that New Delhi and Canberra are capable of managing "differences" and "sensitive" issues. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green said the two sides discuss these issues "sensitively and carefully behind closed doors". Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Newly-Appointed CM Mohan Yadav Orders To Ban Loudspeakers at Religious Places Beyond Permissible Limits. At an interactive session, hosted by the Asia Society Policy Institute, the newly-appointed envoy said Australia's engagement with India on these issues is less as a "Five-Eyes" partner and more as a friend of India. The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. Also Read | Kerala By-Elections: Congress-Led United Democratic Front Wins Big in Local Body Bypoll. "Australia's engagement with India on this issue is less as a Five-Eyes partner and more as a friend of India and a country that is respectful of India with which we have a mature relationship," Green said. "We discuss these issues sensitively and carefully behind closed doors and I do not propose to go any further today than the statements that my foreign minister and our department made about their anxieties over these matters," he said. Green was replying to a question on the charges levelled by the US and Canada linking New Delhi to a thwarted plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist and in the killing of a Sikh extremist respectively. "We are also learning about each other at a deeper level: we've had our differences and we're managing sensitive issues '? including the concerns we have about alleged activities on US and Canadian territory," the Australian High Commissioner said in his address at the event. The US federal prosecutors have charged Nikhil Gupta of working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. India has already constituted a probe team to investigate the allegations. In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an explosive allegation of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June. India strongly rejected the allegations. Asked whether Australia would apply the same standard of friendship to India that it applies to the US, Green did not give a direct reply but said "the US is the foundation stone of our security." The envoy said the Australia-US cooperation has been fertilised by decades of "very close cooperation" in diverse areas. "The development of the US relationship has gone for decades. The US is the foundation stone of our security and part of our global security that has been fertilised by decades of very close cooperation in diverse areas. "With India, we are catching up, catching up fast," he said. "There is a stability about the US-Australia relations and in a good way, the Australia-India relationship is not so stable. They are moving fast and there are many opportunities to take advantage of it," he said. Asked about attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, Green said his country has taken these incidents very seriously. "We take the sort of acts that you are talking about in relation to Hindu temples as seriously as we would take any act in relation to any religious element in our society," he said. Green said Australian police and concerned authorities are deeply focused on addressing these issues. He said people can protest in a peaceful way and without breaking the law in Australia. (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, Dec 13 (PTI) Four posts, including that of chairperson, are lying vacant in the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Bishweswar Tudu informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. These posts are of constitutional nature, he said in a written reply. Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: Hours After Mother's Death, Woman Dies by Suicide at Her Flat. The minister said the post of chairperson, vice-chairperson and two posts of members are lying vacant from June 27, 2023; July 27, 2019; and January 16, 2020, respectively. The post of chairperson fell vacant due to the resignation of the incumbent on personal grounds, he added. Also Read | Sex Racket Busted in Ghaziabad: Prostitution Racket Busted in Posh Colony of Rajnagar in Sector 7, Four Arrested. Proposals for selection of chairperson and members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) received by the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry from various sources -- including eminent personalities, chief ministers of states, MLAs, MPs and directly -- are scrutinised in the ministry, he added. The credentials of the proposed persons are verified from the state governments/state authorities concerned. Once approved by the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, the proposals are sent to the Cabinet Secretariat for consideration and approval of the competent authority, followed by communication of the selected names to the President's Secretariat for approval of the president. The president approves the names for appointment as chairperson, vice-chairperson and members of NCST. A gazette notification is issued after the joining of posts by the chairperson, vice-chairperson and members of NCST, Tudu said in the reply. (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, December 13: A leopard cub was found dead on National Highway 44 near the Khatushyam temple in outer Delhi's Alipur in the early hours of Wednesday, police said. Police received a call about it around 4 am, they said. A police team reached the spot and found the animal's body, an official said, adding that it appeared to be a case of a road accident. The forest department was informed for further necessary action, he added. Leopard Shot Dead in Bengaluru: Big Cat Wandering in Bommanahalli Industrial Area Dies After Shots Fired To Neutralise It (Watch Video). Leopard Cub Found Dead in Delhi Delhi: A PCR call was received today in the morning at 4 am that the body of a leopard is lying on NH-44 near Khatushyam Mandir, in the area of Police Station Alipur. The police team reached the spot and found a jaguar cub dead on the spot which prima facie appeared to be a case pic.twitter.com/vYE1h60WnR ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, Dec 13 (PTI) Senior Congress MLA Gaddam Prasad Kumar will file his nomination for the Telangana Assembly Speaker post on Wednesday. According to Mallu Ravi, senior vice president of Telangana PCC, the high command has zeroed on Kumar, a legislator from Vikarabad for several reasons. Also Read | CM Designates Mohan Yadav To Take Oath As Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Today; PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah To Attend Swearing-In Ceremony. Kumar's election as the Speaker may be a formality as there are no indications of the BRS putting up its candidate. When contacted, Kumar, a former minister, told PTI that he would file his nomination between 12.30 PM and 12.40 PM. Also Read | Ramdular Gond Convicted: Special Court Convicts Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA From Duddhi in Minor Girl Rape Case. The nominations will be accepted from 10.30 AM to 5 PM today. The election will be held on December 14. AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, who was appointed as the pro tem Speaker, administered the oath of office to the newly elected MLAs on December 9. BJP MLAs, however, stayed away from the House, alleging that Owaisi was appointed, violating the rules. The Congress won 64 seats in the recently concluded assembly polls and its ally CPI got one seat. BRS bagged 39 seats while its "friendly party" AIMIM was victorious in seven seats. The BJP secured eight seats. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) A Guide to Study in Australia: A Dream Destination for International Students New Delhi [India] Published : December 12, 2023 Are you a dreamer with aspirations of pursuing higher education abroad? If so, you might be interested in Australia, a dream destination for many foreign students seeking a world-class education. This article will take you on a journey to discover the unknowns and joys that make Australia a perfect location for academic pursuits. click for more details to study in Australia The Australian Advantage Quality of Life in Australia Accepting Diversity Work Opportunities The Language Aspect Nature as a Classroom Getting Through the Application Process Decision Making: College Shortlisting: Country Selection: Letter of Recommendation: Financial Considerations First and foremost, let us discuss the Aussie edge. Australia has a reputation for educational brilliance. Its institutions routinely score well worldwide, offering a wide choice of courses and programs in various subjects of study. Australia has something for everyone, whether you're interested in modern technology, environmental sciences, or the arts.Now, let's address the elephant in the room: life quality. Australia is more than just textbooks and tests; it has a lively culture, beautiful scenery, and kind people. The quality of living in Australia is among the greatest in the world, ensuring that your academic journey includes more than simply hitting the books.One of the most significant aspects of studying in Australia is its emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The country invites students from all around the world, fostering a multicultural environment suitable for cross-cultural understanding. You'll get more than simply a degree; you'll gain a global perspective and lifetime connections.International students in Australia have the option of working part-time throughout their studies and full-time during defined holidays. This not only helps you balance some of your living expenditures, but it also gives you excellent job experience that will help you improve your professional profile.The idea of studying in an English-speaking nation can seem scary to non-native English speakers. But don't be alarmed! Australia is well-known for its welcoming and supporting culture. Most colleges provide English language assistance, facilitating a smooth transfer into the academic environment. Participation in daily life will also automatically increase your language abilities.Australia is a whole continent waiting to be discovered. From the renowned Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, you'll get to see some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Studying in Australia is an experience as well as an education.Understanding the application process might be difficult, but don't worry! With iDreamCareer's guidance to study in Australia, you can expect the right fit for your future. Its Guidance Programme makes you go through the application process with ease. iDreamCareer's five steps Guidance program like:Profile Building:It involves boosting your skills, interests, strengths, qualifications, and personality development.Guidance for your entire overseas career decision-making process so that you do not last out of any good opportunities.Finalize colleges based on interests, career goals, and courses. You will be introduced to more than 100+ colleges and programs.Choose the perfect overseas destination for a fruitful career. In this process, you will be introduced to countries that offer the best college according to your profile.Get LOR/SOPs evaluated by experts and support in interview preparation. With iDreamCareer on board, you can get the best recommendations from counselors and experts.We cannot disregard the cost of studying overseas. While the cost of living in Australia is higher than in some other countries, with iDreamCareer by your side, you can get access to 100% scholarships to assist in easing the financial load. To make your ambition a reality, iDreamCareer assesses your career options under the guidance of counselors and experts carefully and looks into scholarship opportunities that resonate with your profile.To summarise, studying in Australia is more than simply a learning experience; it is an adventure that will change your future in ways you never anticipated. With iDreamCareer as your career guide, you can achieve better results with college applications. The combination of high-quality education and the distinctive Australian culture makes it a dream destination for students from all over the world. So, if you're ready to spread your wings and create lifetime experiences while obtaining a world-class education, pack your bags and head to Australia! Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions New Delhi, Dec 13 (PTI) The TMC on Wednesday sought the expulsion of BJP MP Pratap Simha for facilitating the entry of at least one person who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber and opened smoke canisters, drawing a parallel with party leader Mahua Moitra's ouster from the House. Several opposition MPs demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the incident, which took place on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, triggered panic among the members. Also Read | UPSC CMS Exam Result 2023: Combined Medical Services Examination Marks of Recommended Candidates Released at upsc.gov.in, Know How To Check. Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha last week after the House adopted the report of its Ethics Committee that held her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interest. "Our MP Mahua Moitra was unjustly expelled for allegedly breaching national security by sharing her login credentials. Today, BJP Karnataka MP Pratap Simha put the security of the entire Parliament at risk by issuing a visitor's pass to the intruders," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said in a post on X. Also Read | Maharashtra: ATS Arrests Man for Providing Information to Pakistani Operatives. "What is stopping him from getting expelled? Why should a similar treatment not be meted out to him? What gives him the right to continue as a Parliamentarian after jeopardising the safety of fellow MPs?" the TMC said. Echoing the sentiment, TMC leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandyopadhyay demanded that the concerned MP be expelled. "Mahua Moitra was expelled over a password, it was linked with national security. The MP who gave passes to these people, we asked the Speaker to name the MP. Is this not a question of security? If the smoke was poisonous, many MPs could have been hurt. We want to see what happens," he said after a meeting was held by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over the incident. Party MP Kalyan Banerjee said under the new laws brought by the government to replace the Indian Penal Code, CrPC, and the Evidence Act, the security breach would be defined as a terrorist activity. "The new laws that were brought have an extensive definition of terrorist activities. According to that, this is a terrorist activity, the person who gave the pass is involved in terrorist activities... Just because he is a BJP MP, will he be saved?" he said. "On the Mahua Moitra issue, they had said sharing passwords is compromising national security," Banerjee said. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen slammed the BJP's "double standards" while demanding action against Simha. "Where is the Ethics Committee now, we wonder. Our AITC MP Mahua Moitra shared her login and password, and she was expelled from the house, saying it was a security breach. BJP MP Pratap Simha from Mysore, who has issued the entry pass, is it not a security breach?" said Sen. "Double standards are an age-old problem of the BJP. We demand immediate action on this security breach," she added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, December 13: Family members of Sagar Sharma, one of the two men who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery on Wednesday, said he left home here two days ago to take part in a "protest" in Delhi. However, the family said they were unaware about his involvement in the Parliament security breach. Sharma (28) is a resident of Ramnagar under Manak Nagar police station limits in Lucknow, police said. Two persons, including Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The two protesters are now in the custody of Delhi Police. Rani Sharma, Sharma's mother, said, "Sagar left home two days back. He said that he was travelling to Delhi with friends for some work. I spoke to him over phone yesterday." Lok Sabha Security Breach: Rahul Gandhi Unflustered Amid Ruckus in Parliament, Congress Shares Photo "We have called Sagar's father Roshan Lal, a carpenter, to ask about his son," SHO of Manak Nagar police station Shiv Mangal Singh said. According to police, the family hails from Unnao district of UP. Police quoting family members said that Sharma had returned to Lucknow from Bengaluru recently. Sharma's minor sister said, "I heard my brother telling my mother that he was going to Delhi to attend a protest a few days ago." "My brother would drive an e-rickshaw. He earlier used to work in Bengaluru," the sister added. Singh, Station House Officer of Manak Nagar police station, said, "Sagar Sharma, along with his sister and parents, lived in a rented house in Ramnagar area. The family has been living in the rented house for over a decade." Sharma would drive an e-rickshaw, the SHO said. "The family members have denied having any knowledge of his involvement in the Lok Sabha incident. We are trying to gather information from them," he added. Lok Sabha Security Breach: Opposition Parties To Meet on December 14 Over Parliament Security Lapse A police team was seen at Sharma's residence speaking to his family members. Neighbours and journalists swarmed the house on Wednesday evening after hearing about Sharma's involvement in the incident. Police have been deployed at the house to ensure law and order, officials said. New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): Greece Ambassador to India Dimitrios Ioannou said that India has a lot to offer to Greece and vice versa as there are certain complementaries between the two nations. He said that new prospects are opening in front of two nations after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece in August this year. Highlighting the the ties between two nations, Ioannou noted that the relations between India and Greece have always remained "very good" but added that there was a sentimental affinity there. He called Greece a gateway for India to Europe. He stated that Greece offers a lot of opportunities for Indians to come and invest in Greece and added that Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki can become next Dubai for Indians in the future. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Losing Support Due to Indiscriminate Bombing of Gaza, Says US President Joe Biden. In an interview with ANI, Dimitrios Ioannou said, "Greece-India relations have been always very good but there were somehow, let's say like sentimental affinity there. There was no real substance in that mainly because we were somehow far away geographically. Now, after the historical visit of Prime Minister Modi to Greece last August and the prospects that they are opening in front of us after other developments such as the announcement of the economic corridor, I think that substance will be added to the sentiments and our bilateral relations really are very promising because I think that India has a lot to offer to Greece and vice versa. "Greece has a lot to offer to India because there are certain complementarities between the two countries. And you know we say all the time Greece can become and already, somehow, in a certain meaning it is already the gateway for India to Europe. It's not only a gateway from the geographical point of view but this is something also that relates to the function, to the relations. It's a functional gateway because Greece offers a lot of opportunities for Indians to come to invest, and to be active in the Greek economic and social life and you know my vision is that what is Dubai or London for Indians, that is centers where the Indian diaspora gathers and they are active. Also Greek cities like Athens, Thessaloniki can become in the future. They can become the next Dubai for Indians where they will have their economic activity. The Indian Community can have their headquarters and so the ties will become really, really closer in the coming two years," he added. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: India Votes in Favour of UNGA Draft Resolution Demanding Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza. PM Modi travelled to Greece for his maiden visit to Greece at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He is the first Indian Prime Minister in the last 40 years to visit Greece. The last prime ministerial visit from India to Greece was in 1983. During the Greece Visit, PM held meetings with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina N Sakellaropoulou. In the meeting with the Greek President, PM Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour in Athens, Greece. Asked about the areas where the two nations can focus on cooperating, he said, "It's difficult to spot some areas because I think there are a lot of promising fields of cooperation that is in economy, in trained bilateral exchanges, that in cultural exchanges, in technology, exchange of technology, in tourism. All fields are very much promising and we will see what the future will bring. But what I know is that from now on the Greek-Indian relations will go up upgrading." Speaking about his experience of living in India, he said that he has the most fond feelings for the Indian people. He said that his tenure in India was short so he could not become aquainted with its rich heritage and civilization as it takes a lot of time. Calling India a "wonderful country," Dimitrios Ioannou said that he was able to take a glimpse of India's culture and heritage. He made the remarks as he came to attend the Kerala Literature Festival. He said, "I will take with me the best memories and most fond feelings for the Indian people and for your country. What I can say is that the my tenure here was very short because really in order to to go around and to see all India and to visit all India and to become acquainted with that much rich heritage, country and civilization. It takes a lot of time. But anyway I can say that I just took a glimpse of your culture, heritage. But this is a wonderful country that and I will cherish for the rest of my life the experience that I had in India." Asked about the impact of conflict between Israel and Hamas, he said, "I don't believe that this for the moment at least that this country has impacted the rest of the of the Mediterranean countries, especially the European countries. But you know our wish is that that finally peace prevails and it will be found a solution that it will offer a permanent peace to the area and both for Palestinians and for Israelis." The war between Israel and Hamas has entered its third month, with medics and aid groups expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has said it will not stop the war until it destroys Hamas. Notably, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas' after its attack on Israel on October 7. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, December 13: Veteran BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday called Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a "fused bulb" and challenged him to fight th Lok Sabha election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. Reacting to reports of the Bihar Chief Minister holding a rally in Varanasi later this month, Modi said, "Nitish Kumar is a fused bulb, which can flicker, but never light up." "He could not make his candidates win in Madhya Pradesh... their impact is limited to their states. He is holding the rally because of Akhilesh Yadav... Fight the election against Narendra Modi if you dare. Arvind Kejriwal came to fight, and ran away," the BJP leader said. Nitish Kumar Became New Author of Kamasutra the Day He Insulted Women, Gave Lecture in Bihars Vidhan Sabha and Parishad, Says Union Minister Giriraj Singh (Watch Video). PM Narendra Modi is an MP from Varanasi. Union Rural Development Minister and Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh said Nitish Kumar has no "credibility" and called him the creator of a modern-day "Kamasutra." "Nitish Kumar has no credibility, what role is he going to play? He has no role left even in Bihar. His role in public life got over the day he insulted women in the Bihar assembly and became a new creator of Kamasutra," said Singh. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha meanwhile took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying there is no guarantee that he will be elected the next time as well. Asked about the Bihar chief minister's rally in Prime Minister Modi's constituency, Jha said, "Is he (Nitish Kumar) committing a crime?" 'Sex Education' in Bihar Assembly: CM Nitish Kumar 'Explains' How Literacy Among Girls Helps Control Population, Netizens React to Viral Video. "Does PM Modi own Varanasi? A public representative is a public representative... there is no guarantee that he will be elected the next time. Nitish ji is the CM of a state... any common citizen can go to Varanasi," he said. Nitish Kumar is scheduled to hold a public meeting in Rohaniya assembly segment of Varanasi on December 24. New Delhi, December 13: The Supreme Court on Wednesday overruled its earlier decision laying down that an arbitration agreement would be invalid or void ab initio if the underlying contract was not stamped as per the relevant Stamp Act. In an unanimous decision, a 7-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud said that non-stamping or insufficient stamping does not render an agreement void but merely makes it inadmissible in evidence. The Constitution Bench held that non-stamping or insufficient stamping of an agreement is a curable defect under Indian Stamp Act, 1899. It added that to obligate courts to determine the issue of stamping of arbitration agreement at the pre-referral stage will defeat the objectives of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Unstamped Arbitration Agreements: Supreme Courts Seven-Judge Bench To Hear Curative Petition From Next Week. In his separate concurring opinion, Justice Sanjiv Khanna held that inadequate or non-stamping of an arbitration agreement will not make it invalid. In September this year, the Supreme Court had agreed to refer the issue to a 7-judge bench having regard to the larger ramifications of the decision rendered in the case of NN Global Mercantile Pvt Ltd vs. Indo Unique Flame Ltd & Ors. In that case, a five-judge Constitution Bench in April this year had laid down by a ratio of 3:2 that non-stamped or insufficiently-stamped arbitration agreements are not enforceable in the eyes of law. The majority opinion delivered had held that arbitration agreements not validated by Stamp Act would stand non est in law rendering them void or unenforceable in law. Supreme Court Sets Aside Plea Against Illegal Removal of Trees, Permits Felling of 12 Trees in Taj Trapezium Zone for New Petrol Pump in Agra. On the other hand, two judges in their distinct minority judgments, had opined that stamp deficiency may be cured and unstamped arbitration agreements are valid at the pre-referral stage. In view of the verdict delivered on Wednesday by the 7-judge bench, the above ratio stands overruled. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2023 12:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). On 12 December the US State Department announced visa restrictions on various Hondurans. End of preview - This article contains approximately 393 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The Texas Supreme Court, on Monday, reversed a prior decision allowing a pregnant woman, Kate Cox, to obtain an emergency abortion under the medical exception in the state's near-total abortion ban, Reuters reports. The court's unanimous ruling followed a petition by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Texas woman, Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two, filed her lawsuit last week, revealing that her fetus had a fatal diagnosis, putting her health and future fertility at risk. Despite leaving the state to seek the abortion, Cox expressed her intention to pursue the case. She emphasized the need to end the pregnancy promptly to safeguard her health and increase the chances of future pregnancies. In response, the Texas Supreme Court comprised entirely of Republican justices, stated in an unsigned opinion that a doctor's "good faith belief" in the medical necessity of the abortion was insufficient for the state's exception. Instead, the court insisted that, in her "reasonable medical judgment," the doctor, Damla Karsan, must determine that Cox has a "life-threatening condition" requiring an abortion to prevent death or impairment of a major bodily function. READ NEXT: Texas Woman Granted Abortion Texas Woman's Lawsuit Highlights Urgency Texas woman Kate Cox initiated her lawsuit upon discovering her fetus's lethal condition, seeking to avoid the potential health risks associated with continuing the pregnancy, per The Guardian. The Center for Reproductive Rights represented Cox, noting that she had repeatedly visited the emergency room during her pregnancy. "It is not a matter of if I will have to say goodbye to my baby, but when," said Cox in a statement during the lawsuit filing, expressing the emotional toll of the situation. She emphasized the need to end the pregnancy promptly to minimize suffering and risks to her health. While a Houston doctor indicated the ability to perform the Texas woman's abortion if allowed by the court, Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened legal action against Houston-area hospitals if they proceeded with the abortion. Cox's case is notable as the first post-Roe case filed by an adult woman actively seeking an abortion while pregnant. Following Cox's case, a pregnant woman in Kentucky filed a lawsuit challenging the state's abortion ban. Texas Disputes Doctor's Opinion in Abortion Case Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office argued that a fatal fetal condition does not meet the medical exception, asserting that the exception applies solely to the mother's condition, according to CNN. They claimed that none of the physicians treating the Texas woman in the Dallas-Fort Worth area had recommended an abortion. Dr. Damla Karsan, a Houston-based physician and a plaintiff in the broader case, recommended Cox's abortion after reviewing her medical records. However, the state contended that Karsan's recommendation alone was insufficient. Molly Duane, an attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, criticizes Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, stating he's obstructing medical practice by scrutinizing women's records. "What he's (Paxton) saying is that physicians in Texas shouldn't be practicing medicine," said Duane. Duane also said claims that medical exceptions justify abortion bans are deceptive. Such bans hinder access to essential care for those who genuinely require it, challenging the legitimacy of these arguments. She argues that the requirement for court authorization for lifesaving medical care in Texas is untenable and outrageous. READ MORE: California: Murdered Tech Worker's Boyfriend Arrested This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: After Texas Supreme Court blocks abortion, woman leaves state for the procedure - From CBS Mornings The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most significant Roman Catholic celebrations in Mexico, but it is also celebrated in various areas in the United States. The feast falls on December 12, and several US cities took part in these celebrations. One of the biggest celebrations happened in Des Plaines, Illinois as the feast kicked off at midnight on Monday and continued into the overnight hours. Thousands of pilgrims attended and brought offerings, such candles, flowers, crosses, and more. There was also plenty of fireworks to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe. "It's important in our culture, and growing up, I'm going to get emotional, growing up my dad used to take us to honor the Lady of Guadalupe," one of the Des Plaines pilgrims, Alma Arreola, told ABC-7. "I wanted to do this to bring my family here and do this special day." Much like the celebrations in Guadalupe, Mexico, thousands of pilgrims arrived in Des Plaines on foot. There was a nonstop stream of people coming through all of Tuesday, many of whom were of Mexican descent. One of them, Maria Valdez, told ABC-7, "It's a tradition we do every year. We go to 9 o'clock mass, and then we come here, and this day is just to celebrate her." The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines saw plenty of traditional Mexican indigenous dances, as well as plenty of other celebrations in honor of one of the holiest days of the year for Mexican Catholics. READ MORE: Mexico: 5 Most Important Holy Sites to Visit During Holy Week Migrant Workers Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Florida Over in Florida, despite the new draconian anti-immigration laws scaring off many migrant workers, there are still several living in the state, and they also celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to CBS News, one of these celebrations happened at the St. Ann Mission church in Miami, which has a ministry for migrant farmworkers that dates back to 1961. Many migrant workers observed cultural traditions, including folkloric dances that followed the solemn Mass celebrated by Miami's auxiliary bishop. The Church also held a raffle and sold Mexican food specialties as migrant workers feasted on that special day. The proceeds will help raise funds for the needs of migrant workers, including social assistance like children's dental health, marriage counseling, food distribution, and legal immigration advice. New York Continues Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe New York has a very historic Hispanic community that has been celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for decades. In fact, Our Lady of Guadalupe has been the first saint to serve New York City's Spanish-speaking community. Our Lady of Guadalupe is also the namesake of the city's oldest Spanish-speaking Catholic congregation, according to NBC News. This means that She connects the many Spanish-speaking people in one of the US's most diverse cities. With Her feast, it is not just the Mexican congregation celebrating, but also Spaniards, Puerto Ricans, and others in New York. READ MORE: Mexico: 5 Delicious Mexican Pastries to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: LIVE | Pope Francis' Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | December 12, 2023 - EWTN Moms For Liberty Co-Founder Bridget Ziegler has been caught up in her husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler's sex scandal, and a Florida School Board has voted to demand that she resign as one of its members because of this. Bridget Ziegler, known for her ultra-conservative views, is part of the Sarasota County School Board as a Republican. However, her fellow Republican, School Board Chairwoman Karen Rose, called for a vote to ask for her resignation. According to the Miami Herald, the vote resulted in 4-1 in favor of demanding Ziegler to resign. The vote came after Democrat Tom Edwards called for her resignation and said that the sex scandal involving her and her husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler, is a "distraction" from the work being done by the school board. "I personally care about Bridget and her family and deeply regret the necessity for this course of action, but given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission," wrote Chairman Rose in the decision, adding that she is "shocked and deeply saddened" by the rape allegations involving Ziegler's husband. The ongoing sex scandal engulfing the Zieglers has rattled Florida's conservative education movement, which has become infamous across the world over its book bannings and pushing of "Don't Say Gay" laws, as well as its rejection of kids being taught more about the Civil Rights movement. Moms For Liberty Co-Founder Bridget Ziegler Has No Indication of Resigning After Florida School Board Vote Bridget Ziegler was the only Sarasota School Board member who voted against the resolution for her resignation. After the vote, she remained on the board's dais and stated that she was disappointed by the result. READ MORE: Ron DeSantis' Redrawn Congressional Map of Florida Is Unconstitutional, Rules Judge The board itself actually has no power to oust her and could only vote to demand her to resign. The Associated Press reported that so far, she has given no indication that she would be stepping down after the vote. Protesters gathered outside the Florida school board meeting, with many holding signs demanding the Moms For Liberty co-founder resign. Many signs read, "Ban Bridget, not books" and "Real women aren't homophobes." Why Was Moms For Liberty Co-Founder Bridget Ziegler Caught Up in Her Husband's Sex Scandal? Bridget Ziegler's election to the Sarasota School Board last year was boosted by far-right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and her own Moms For Liberty group, as she espoused many of the ultra-conservative policies Florida schools have become infamous for. However, everything changed when her husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler's sex scandal surfaced. He was accused of sexual assault, and Bridget Ziegler participated in a threesome with the woman accusing her husband of rape. The accuser alleged that Christian Ziegler raped her in early October after they agreed to have a threesome with Bridget. Investigations are ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet. The scandal involving the two has been mounting and even Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state lawmakers have urged Christian Ziegler to step down from his position. READ MORE: Florida: Ron DeSantis' Anti-Immigration Law Starts Hurting Businesses This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH:Sarasota School Board to vote on Bridget Ziegler resignation - WFLA News Channel 8 In a whirlwind of excitement, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign, collectively known as $, premiered their collaborative album, "Vultures," at the Wynwood Marketplace in Miami, according to Variety. The event, titled the Vultures Rave, promised a midnight start but left fans waiting for nearly two-and-a-half hours as technical difficulties hampered the set-up. The premiere came on the heels of West's impromptu performance at a Jamaican restaurant just a day prior. Despite glitches in the live stream on YouTube, those who stuck around were treated to a sneak peek of approximately 10 songs from the forthcoming album, set to be released this Friday. Tickets for the event ranged from $200 for general admission to $10,000 for a table, with VIP passes available for $600. The duo delivered a full-fledged experience by inviting guest stars like Chris Brown, Offset, Kodak Black, Lil Durk, Bump J, Freddie Gibbs, and West's own daughter, North, to join them on stage. READ NEXT: Kanye West Speaks Up on Antisemitic Issue Through New Song 'Vulture' Kanye West's Musical Choices Spark Copyright Questions Fans were treated to a more defined glimpse of the low-quality and incomplete snippets that have recently surfaced. Many Kanye West enthusiasts may have already been acquainted with the opening track, "Everybody," as West had teased it on social media the previous week. The track includes an interpolation of the Backstreet Boys' 1997 hit "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." Instead of utilizing a sample from the boy band, the song showcases a recreated chorus performed by Charlie Wilson, who collaborates with West, Ty, and Lil Baby on the track. Unlike sampling, interpolation requires permission only from the publisher, not the record label. The Backstreet Boys, not being credited as songwriters, have no control over the song's use, Yahoo! News noted. However, it remains unclear whether permission was sought from mega-hitmaker Max Martin or Denniz Pop's estate, as they are credited with writing the original song. The unreleased status of the song raises questions about potential copyright violations. It is possible that West could play the song publicly without officially releasing it, avoiding legal issues until it becomes commercially available. Requests for comments from Backstreet Boys, Max Martin, and his publisher, Kobalt, went unanswered, with Kobalt's representative stating, "We do not comment on legal matters." North West, the 10-Year-Old Prodigy, Joins the Musical Realm In a surprising turn of events, North West, Kanye West's 10-year-old daughter, showcased her burgeoning musical talents during the Vultures listening party in Miami, per Teen Vogue. North, who has already earned titles like unofficial Gen Alpha fashion police captain and Calabasas lemonade scammer, added "musician" to her repertoire with the guidance of her father. Dressed in an all-black ensemble, complete with an oversized leather jacket and Yeezy slides, North took the stage alongside her dad to debut her verse on one of the tracks. In her auto-tuned rendition, North confidently rapped, "It's your bestie. Miss, Miss Westie. Don't try to test me; it's gonna get messy. It's gonna get messy. Just, just bless me. READ MORE: Cardi B Breaks Up with Offset This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Kanye West Ft. Ty Dolla $ign - EVERYBODY [YEEZY'S BACK] Vultures FULL VERSION Backstreet Boys Sample - From DJ Sam Snowden Today's other top stories include a major Tesla recall, President Biden meeting with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas, and the death of actor Andre Braugher. Get caught up. A federal judge in Washington DC issued former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani after he repeated his election lies regarding two Georgia election workers who have filed a defamation lawsuit against him over those very lies. While talking to reporters, Giuliani claimed he was telling the truth and that the two plaintiffs, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, manipulated ballots during the 2020 presidential elections. This is despite multiple courts already finding those claims to be false, with the judge already finding the former New York City mayor liable for defamation. US District Judge Beryl Howell, who already gave her pretrial decision on Giuliani's liability, stated that the defendant's comments outside the federal courthouse in DC "could support another defamation claim." She added that his remarks regarding the two plaintiffs are "negative, quite defamatory statements about them yet again." Giuliani already owes over $230,000 to Freeman and Moss after failing to respond to parts of their lawsuit. They are now seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages after they suffered emotional and reputational harm as well as having their safety put in danger after he singled them out and accused them of tampering with ballots in Georgia. Because the former New York City mayor has already been found liable for defamation, this trial is only to determine how much damages he would have to pay and if there should also be additional punitive damages. The two plaintiffs showed that shortly after Giuliani and Donald Trump accused them of vote tampering without any evidence, they received constant harassment, including racist and threatening messages. Rudy Giuliani Lawyer Questioned Over Client's Words to Media Not Being In Tune With Their Arguments In court, Giuliani's lawyer, Joe Sibley, has been arguing that his client does not have the means to pay for damages to the two women and not denying that he has defamed the two. However, their tactics changed in front of the media as Giuliani doubled down on his election lies. This caused the judge to ask the Giuliani lawyer about this discrepancy in arguments, according to Politico. READ MORE: Rudy Giuliani Lawsuit: Jury Hears Racist Threats Vs. Georgia Election Workers "Was Mr. Giuliani just playing for the cameras?" asked Judge Howell. "How do you reconcile those statements ... with his statement yesterday after court that they engaged in criminal conduct?" "I can't control everything he does, your honor," answered Sibley. "I think Mr. Giuliani is well aware of the law of defamation, your honor." Giuliani was once New York City's top prosecutor who went after the mob before becoming mayor. Shaye Moss Says Rudy Giuliani's Lies Turned Her Life Upside Down Plaintiff Ruby Freeman testified about her experiences after Giuliani, Trump, and their allies spread election misinformation about them and revealed that their claims turned their lives upside down, saying, "Most days I pray that God does not wake me up and I just disappear." In her testimony, she described how she fears her son will come home from school and find her and her grandmother hanging from a tree in their yard, getting lynched by Trump supporters believing the former president's claims, which have repeatedly been found false by the courts. She also talked about how she became a "pariah" in the election office and left the job she loved. She also testified about her son receiving harassing messages and about her getting diagnosed with major depressive disorder with acute distress because of the false election claims against them. "How can someone with so much power go public and talk about something he has no clue about?" Moss asked as Rudy Giuliani himself sat across her. READ MORE: Donald Trump is Confused Why Co-Defendants Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro Pleaded Guilty This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: FED UP Judge SHUTS DOWN Rudy Giuliani in Court to HIS FACE - MeidasTouch In a somber turn of events, authorities recovered a body on Tuesday afternoon in the ongoing search for missing Illinois teen Brissa Romero, as stated in a press release from Vernon Hills and Carpentersville police, according to ABC 7. The discovery took place in the Vernon Hills retention pond where her vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Rogue, had been retrieved the previous night. The police believe that the car entered the pond accidentally following a failure to navigate a T-intersection near the area. Video footage from a nearby fast-food restaurant, captured shortly before Romero's last phone communication with local cell towers, indicates that the 17-year-old was driving at the time. Law enforcement has ruled out foul play at this stage, emphasizing their focus on confirming the formal identification of the recovered body by the Lake County Coroner's office. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. READ NEXT: Body of Missing Teen Found in Neighbor's Property The Missing Illinois Teen Brissa Romero Brissa Romero went missing on her way to a work holiday party at Bowlero bowling alley in Vernon Hills, Illinois, per the Daily Mail. The search intensified when her car was located in a retention pond just a mile from where she was last seen alive. Although Brissa was not found inside the vehicle upon retrieval, investigators suspect she was inside the Nissan Rogue when it entered the water. "Based on the condition of the vehicle and all the evidence we have at this point, it appears that Brissa was in that vehicle when it drove into the lake," Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis said. Surveillance footage from a nearby restaurant revealed Romero parking her car, entering the establishment, and leaving alone about 15 minutes before the last recorded ping on her phone. During the investigation, a resident pointed out a backpack near the pond's bank, believed to belong to Brissa. The police consider the pond a focal point for their search efforts. "In my heart, I still believe that she's out there," missing Illinois older sister, Dulce Romero, said, expressing hope despite the heartbreaking developments. In the days leading up to the tragic discovery, the Romero family engaged in extensive efforts, distributing flyers, contacting local businesses for video footage, and seeking information from Brissa's friends. The 17-year-old, who graduated from Barrington High School a year early in 2023, had enrolled at Harper College in Palatine with aspirations of becoming an ultrasound technician. Recovery Operation: Brissa Romero's SUV Emerges from Vernon Hills Pond One week after Brissa Romero's disappearance, authorities successfully retrieved her SUV from a large retention pond in Vernon Hills, the Daily Herald noted. The recovery operation is ongoing, with police describing it as a process to locate the missing teenager. The condition of the gray Nissan Rogue suggests that Romero was likely inside the vehicle when it entered the pond, traveling approximately 60 feet into the water near a T-shaped intersection. The missing Illinois teen's last contact with her mother was at 6:55 PM on December 4, when she mentioned being en route to a work holiday party at Bowlero in Vernon Hills. The pond where her SUV was recovered is a short four-minute drive or one mile from the bowling alley. READ MORE: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birth Home Saved from Fire This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Body found during search for missing teen Brissa Romero - From CBS Chicago Union Capt. Jonathan Taylor never saw home again. Bethlehems only officer to die in the Civil War was mortally wounded in the Battle of Fredericksburg on Dec. 13, 1862, amid a brutal and ineffective assault that killed some 13,000 Union soldiers. Taylor succumbed to his wounds 105 days later in Washington, D.C. Local newspapers at the time noted the tolling church bells and a procession of hundreds of people as the 20-year-old officers remains came home on a train to be interred at a Moravian cemetery. He was, an obituary stated, a true patriot, who voluntarily sacrificed his own life in order that the Republic might live. Taylors personalized sword, a symbol of his rank, was brandished during the fateful battle. It would have made the return trip to Bethlehem. But its journey didnt end there. Sometime in the ensuing century, it became a collectors item, changing hands multiple times and venturing far from home. Until now. Jonathan Taylors sword is finally back in Bethlehem, where it will stay. A display including the relic weapon was dedicated on Wednesday, 161 years to the day after Fredericksburg. The sword is encased for students and visitors to see at Nitschmann Middle School across the street from a war monument honoring Taylor and the Civil War veterans post named for him. Its not just an artifact. Its a person, said Herb Kaufman of the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum in Philadelphia, which, through a series of serendipitous connections, now owns Taylors sword and is loaning it to the school indefinitely. Knowing the story of that person is the most important thing we can (share). I think its a blessing that now that sword can be displayed here so the kids have some idea of the heritage that they have here in Bethlehem. Brandished in battle Taylor called Union soldiers into battle, figuratively and literally. Displayed with the sword at Wednesdays ceremony was a broadsheet calling on the sons of Northampton for a nine-month enlistment. It was signed J.K. Taylor, Captain. The name also was inscribed on the hilt of the displayed sword, courtesy of his Friends, Bethlehem, Pa. It was previously believed that Taylor carried that sword into battle. Now, it is known. Ed Root, a member of the Civil War Roundtable of Eastern Pennsylvania and one of the instrumental figures in arranging the swords return, told Wednesdays audience in the Nitschmann hallway that just one day before the dedication, a letter was found from Jonathans brother Joseph, a corporal in the same company and regiment. It was dated three days after the battle and it confirmed that sword was in Taylors hand the moment he was mortally wounded. He said, I wrote you yesterday but the letter may not reach you. I will repeat that I am safe. Jonathan received a severe wound in the right shoulder while cheering on his men. He was half turned round, waving his sword, Root said in his remarks. Undisputable proof that Jonathan Taylor carried that sword. Kaufman, of the GAR museum, described the battle in greater detail. He was leading his men up a hill at the Battle of Fredericksburg. And you can only imagine what this is like. Hes in front of his company. Hes all of 20 years old. And he has the courage and the fortitude, and he has the support of his men and he leads not from the back but from the front, Kaufman said, raising his hand as if brandishing a saber. He draws that sword that you see in that case, he continued. The men are at the bottom of a hill and at the top of that hill is a stone wall. And behind that stone wall are thousands of Confederate soldiers. He tells his men forward and his company starts with many other union soldiers up that hill, towards those Confederate lines. As they go up, the Confederates let loose a volley. And men start to fall. The battle ensues. This line starts to falter. It starts to go back. But what does Jonathan Taylor, a 20-year-old (captain), do? He turns to his men, pulls his sword, waves it in the air, and says, Men, follow me! As he climbs up that hill, hes then shot through the shoulder At that point, he falls. Men take him from the battlefield, and whats fascinating is hes holding that sword as they carry him off. The wound was severe. He held on for months, his parents tending to him at a hospital. Root surmised it may have been better to die in action than linger in pain like Taylor did. Respect for his suffering is why Bethlehems Grand Army of the Republic post was named for him. The battle became a rally cry. Many of the Union soldiers would chant Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg! to remind (of) the sacrifice that previous soldiers had (made) and to continue the job and win the battle, said Bethlehem schools Superintendent Jack Silva, a former history teacher. Journey home Its not unusual for relics like Taylors sword to end up as collectors items. Sometimes families may not know what to do with them, so they give them up to museums, historians or other interested parties. However it happened, Taylors sword after several decades and owners ended up with Jeff Miller, a member of the clergy in Charleston, South Carolina, who is especially interested in personalized pieces. He kept it in his collection for years, until a fateful connection was made. On a stop at the Fredericksburg battlefield, he struck up a conversation with a park ranger and happened to mention the Taylor sword. That ranger, Peter Maugle, a Nitschmann alum, was very familiar with Taylor. He knew the Taylor monument across the street from the school. It had inspired him to study Civil War history and participate in the monuments 2017 rededication with Root and the Civil War Roundtable. Connections were made. Conversations were had. Miller was loathe to part with the sword, but the idea that it would end up in the school swayed him. Its hard to say goodbye to things like that, Miller told lehighvalleylive.com last summer. But I (am) happy for it to go back to Bethlehem, and especially since they worked it out so that its going to be on display in one of the schools. Who knows, maybe seeing this taught in school and reading a little bit about Capt. Taylor and the sacrifices that he made might inspire some other little boy or a little girl to be interested in American history. In the meantime, Root and the roundtable were coordinating all the necessary arrangements with the GAR museum over ownership, with Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites to build the display case, and with the Bethlehem Area School District to keep it, and the donations needed to make it all happen. In all, it cost about $9,400 to acquire and ship the sword, Root said. And, yes Civil War artifacts can be shipped UPS. My heart was in my throat until it got here, Root said. It arrived in Bethlehem last week, and spent a few days at Historic Bethlehem and one night at Roots house before it was placed in its long-term home at the school. The placement is appropriate. Educators said it fits with the school districts goals of community engagement and inspiring education. Nitschmann Middle School students representatives said they are interested in projects to learn more about local history. Theyre not just random artifacts, said one seventh-grade member of the schools student advisory group. They show and represent important things that have happened in our history. Joseph Anthes, the Bethlehem Area School Districts supervisor of related arts and social studies, said the Civil War still holds moral lessons today, and that shared local history many stories from the many groups that have called this area home helps build stronger communities for all. Taylors sword is a reminder for us of our countrys complicated history and the continued need to combat racism and racial discrimination through education, anti-racist policies and civic engagement. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. A 32-year-old woman has been arrested after driving a vehicle into fences and displays at Irvine Park on Wednesday morning, according to a press release from the Chippewa Falls Police Department. Authorities say that Ebony Renea Hudson began ramming into the wooden fence near the main entrance at about 7:44 a.m. Wednesday and was confronted by a Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry employee, who blocked the main entrance of the park with their vehicle so Hudson could not leave. After damaging the wooden fence, Hudson drove into the grass and struck several displays. The Parks, Recreation and Forestry employee again moved their truck to block Hudson, who struck the truck head-on four times. Officers from the Chippewa Falls Police Department and the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department then arrived at the scene and arrested Hudson without further incident. Both Hudson's vehicle and the Parks, Recreation and Forestry vehicle were damaged, but no injuries were reported. Police say that there is no indication that Hudson was under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances and that it appeared to be an intentional act. Hudson has been charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, reckless driving and criminal damage to property. The incident is still under investigation, and further charges are expected to be referred to the district attorney's office. Dyson has already debuted its 360 Vis Nav robotic in the UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, etc., but the brand plans to launch the all-new robo vac in the United States next year (exact timing is still TBD) adding to its impressive home products portfolio. With twice the suction power of any other robot vacuum, its engineered with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology that creates a 360-degree vision and remembers where it has been. Plus, with 26 sensors for dust detection, obstacle avoidance and wall detection and a square head, itll clean right to the edge and pick up crumbs, dust and debris that rounded robot models typically miss. How the most powerful intelligent robot vacuum cleaner stacks up: Full-width triple-action brush bar: Means every surface is covered. Soft fluffy nylon picks up large debris on hard floors; anti-static carbon fiber filaments remove fine dust; stiff nylon bristles dig deep into carpets. Dual link suspension: Means no more bending or moving heavy furniture around. The dual link suspension allows it to climb obstacles up to 21mm, and its low profile helps it clean under furniture as low as 99mm. 50-minute runtime: Means itll do its work and then automatically retreat to its dock for recharging after 50 minutes. MyDyson reporting: Means youll get deep cleaning reports after each cleaning session to stay on top of your cleaning game without having to lift a finger. You can sign up to receive Dysons official launch alerts when the robot vac is available to shop online. But if you need something to tide you over until then, here are some of Dysons best beauty and vacuum deals live on the site right now: RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Dyson Holiday Gift Guide 2023: The 12 best gift ideas to add to your Christmas list this year The best robot vacuums to buy in 2023, according to reviews Dyson has finally added a wet-to-dry vacuum to its lineup Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. New Jerseys attorney general sued three firearms dealers Tuesday, alleging one illegally stored firearms that were visible from outside a store and that the two others tried to sell ghost guns. The suits mark the first complaints filed under a 2022 law passed last year. Attorney General Matt Platkin said he filed the lawsuits in state court to send a message to firearms dealers that run afoul of state law. Were going to hold these folks accountable, but they wont be the last, Platkin said during a news conference held with state firearms enforcement director Ravi Ramanathan. I think others in the industry should take notice that if youre violating our laws, were going to come for you. Were going to hold you accountable, too. The suits seek unspecified monetary and punitive damages as well as an injunction against the companies: FSS Armory, of Pine Brook, New Jersey; gun show operator Eagle Shows of western Pennsylvania; and gun vendor JSD Supply, also of western Pennsylvania. The Associated Press left email messages seeking comment with the companies. One of the suits alleges that FSS Armory stored stacks of guns near a window on the ground floor of its shop, an arrangement that was visible online. In January, a group of people traveled to the store, broke the window and made off with more than 20 weapons, including pistols, shotguns, rifles and a revolver, Platkin said. Most of the stolen guns havent been recovered, and those that have been were found at crime scenes or on the black market, he said. State law requires firearms to be secured and not kept in any window or area visible from outside. The other suit, against Eagle Shows and JSD Supply, alleges the companies aimed to sell so-called ghost guns, which are illegal in the state, to New Jersey residents. Ghost guns are weapons without serial numbers that cannot be traced. JSD Supply sold ghost gun products at Eagle Shows across the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border, while Eagle Shows continues to directly advertise their shows in New Jersey, according to the suit. Its unclear how many such guns were sold to New Jersey residents, but state police have arrested numerous residents returning from out-of-state Eagle Shows with illegal products, Platkin said. The lawsuits were the first brought by the state under a bill Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed in July 2022 aimed at holding gun dealers accountable in civil court. Asked why he didnt bring criminal complaints against the companies, Platkin would only say that civil cases also play a role in upholding the law. New Jersey isnt the only state going after gun dealers in civil court. In October 2022, Minnesota filed suit against a gun retailer, alleging it sold firearms to straw purchasers that ended up being used in a fatal shooting. Earlier this year, Kansas City settled with a dealer it alleged ignored evidence that guns were being sold illegally. By MIKE CATALINI Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Authorities are asking anyone with information about a shooting in Bethlehem Township on Tuesday evening to come forward. Bethlehem Township police say the targets of the shooting were pursued by at least three men in a dark-colored sedan. One suspect fired multiple gunshots into the targets vehicle, police said. No one was injured. Residents are asked to check their property for damage and review their personal video surveillance devices for footage that could help police. The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. in the area of Millstone Drive and Clifton Drive. Multiple shell casings were recovered from the scene, more than what struck the victims vehicle, police said. Investigators believe that one of the victims was targeted and that this is not a random act. According to a Facebook post from police, the victims told police they ran to their vehicle when they were cornered by at least three men in the 2100 block of Johnson Drive, in the area of The Hills at Lehigh Apartments complex. A car chase ensued into the Millstone Drive and Clifton Drive area, police said. The gunman fired, and the vehicle fled, police said. Anyone with information can contact Bethlehem Township police at 610-814-6461 or email janderson@bethlehemtwp.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous by texting: TIP BETHLEHEMTWP followed by your message, to 888777, or visit https://local.nixle.com/tip/township-of-bethlehem/ Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter. UPDATE: Driver who hit Pburg school bus was heavily armed and shooting vehicles, prosecutor says The driver who crashed into a school bus loaded with nearly two dozen children Tuesday had led police on a pursuit from New Jersey into Pennsylvania then back into New Jersey, authorities said Wednesday. Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com that the pursuit resulted in the crash. He said he expected to issue a news release Thursday laying out additional details. Theres a lot more moving parts in this than meets the eye, Pfeiffer said. Pfeiffer was not immediately confirming what led to the pursuit, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The incident unfolded shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday as the pursuit passed from Warren County across the Delaware River into Northampton County. Emergency radio broadcasts indicated police pursued the yellow-orange 2013 Ford Focus on Route 22 West at speeds well above the 55 mph limit, before it was broken off about 2:53 p.m. near Route 33. The vehicle then returned to New Jersey, with witnesses describing to lehighvalleylive.com more than a dozen Pennsylvania State Police troopers giving chase eastbound on Route 22. The witnesses included Ricardo Gonzalez, of Reading, who reached out to say hed seen the Ford refusing to pull over for troopers. Melanie Christopher, who was running an errand after leaving work as a teacher at Allentowns Dieruff High School, told a reporter she had just passed the Route 378 interchange in the Bethlehem area when she saw a trooper in her rear-view mirror coming up behind her on the shoulder of Route 22 East. She then realized shed seen the Ford pass her moments earlier, witnessing it weaving through traffic with first one trooper then two more in pursuit describing 15 state police vehicles involved in all. About 3:18 p.m., emergency dispatchers in Warren County declared a mass-casualty incident as the school bus had been struck in the 400 block of Memorial Parkway (Route 22) near Morris Street in Phillipsburg. On board the bus were 22 first- and second-graders from the Phillipsburg Primary School, according to district Superintendent Gregory Troxell. They were taken in by a business along Memorial Parkway, with ambulances lining up to take those complaining of injuries for treatment. Any students with injuries were evaluated and transported to the hospital by the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad, Troxell wrote in a community update Tuesday evening. All injuries appear minor at this time. The B&K Dalrymple school bus became disabled along the right lane and right shoulder of the road, with the compact Ford hatchback coming to rest behind it with severe front-end damage. The male driver remained hospitalized Wednesday with severe injuries at St. Lukes University Hospital, Fountain Hill, Pfeiffer said. A medical helicopter responding to the crash had taken off from Delaware River Park in Phillipsburg, headed in the direction of the hospital, as dusk settled over the crash scene Tuesday evening. The prosecutor was not identifying the driver and said that may not happen until the investigation concludes. The Ford did not have any passengers, Pfeiffer confirmed. Were downloading the data from the vehicle and speed and things of that nature, Pfeiffer said Wednesday. The crash closed eastbound Memorial Parkway until 8:15 p.m., according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The five-hour closure resulted in heavy backups on Route 22 East and congestion on side roads through Phillipsburg. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. The future of the well-anticipated barbecue joint that opened in Greenwich Township two weeks ago could go up in smoke. Greenwich Township officials and the Warren County Health Department on Tuesday said the owner of Drakes Joint, Daniel Risis, is operating his food truck without proper permits and with outstanding health code violations. Officials warned customers should be aware that he is not running a legal business there. We did issue a notice of violation for the facility in November, said Pete Summers, a health and safety officer for Warren County Health Department. Weve spoken with Risis about compliance multiple times. Risis in an email to lehighvalleylive.com on Wednesday morning disputed the allegations from the health department and township. He said hell be issuing a formal statement via press release at a later time. We are fully in compliant with the law and Ill explain everything in the press release, Risis said. Summers said the food truck is required to have a registered commissary, a store for food and supplies, where the truck can be cleaned, serviced and access clean water, but it does not, according to the most recent violation notice issued by the health department in July 2023. The site also lacked a refrigeration unit for food, storage for food and a dishwashing area, the notice states. An inspection on Tuesday, Dec. 12 confirmed the same violations existed, Summers said. If he continues to operate after today, hes going to end up in court, he said Tuesday. Technically, the food truck could operate in any approved space within the county, with proper licensing, he added. Risis business is a mobile vendor that doesnt appear to be mobile, and the brick-and-mortar space located on the same lot is not licensed to serve as commissary, he said. Drakes Joint is at 1193 Route 22 in Greenwich Township, across from the former Phillipsburg Mall. The food truck is open every day, except Mondays, 11:30 a.m to 6 p.m, according to the companys website. The menu features typical barbecue fare, including smoked chicken, sausage and brisket sandwiches. Sides include mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, kimchi string beans and collard greens. Every day that hes in operation, hes in violation of our ordinances, including the townships roadside food service laws, said Jeff Vaccarella, zoning enforcement officer for Greenwich Township. All signs or changes to the property require a formal review by the township. A judge at Pohatcong Municipal Court ordered Risis to work with the township to review his plans in November, but he was not given permission to operate, Vaccarella said. Risis has been summoned multiple times to discuss his plans, but as of Tuesday, Dec. 12, he had not submitted site plan applications to operate his smokers, or install fencing or some 13 signs on the property, Vaccarella said. A cease and desist has been sent, he added. Risis has ignored multiple cease-and-desist orders, officials said, and at this point there is no mechanism to stop him from doing business. Its unclear where Risis stores his food or water, officials at the health department and township both said. The township is scheduled to reappear before the judge before February, Vaccarella said. Drakes Joint is another venture by the former owner of Tobys Cup, which closed unexpectedly, and indefinitely, last year. The iconic Route 22 hot dog shack is now scheduled to go up for auction on Dec. 14, by order of the New Jersey Superior Court. Risis other Phillipsburg business, Phillipsburg Antique Mall, the former Bell & Howell office building near Phillipsburg Elementary School, was also auctioned earlier this year. Property records show it is currently for sale by Freeby & LAI Real Estate Group. Risis operates a second Drakes Joint location in East Hanover. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter. A woman has been arrested and charged by Gardai accused of a string of shop thefts across three counties just days into a new policing operation that targets organised retail crime with a link to the black market. A Garda statement said that as part of Operation Tairge and ongoing investigations into retail theft across the Eastern Region, Gardai attached to Leixlip Garda Station recently arrested and detained a woman in her 50s, in connection with 11 incidents. A statement from Garda HQ said the alleged thefts involve retail premises in Newbridge, Portlaoise, Athy, Kilkenny, Wexford and Maynooth. Gardai said the woman was charged and and expected to appear before a sitting of Naas District Court, Wednesday, December 13. Operation Tairge was officialy launched on December 11 to target organised retail crime. They say such theft refers to a number of persons acting together, targeting retailer outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to resell back into the retail supply chain through the black market. They say it can also involve refund fraud with the purpose of making a financial or material benefit. A statement said such crime is usually co-ordinated and well-organised by people who recruit others to commit theft from retailers. Gardai claime the stolen goods are then sold to what is known as a fence who either sells them at a particular location or in some cases may sell them online in an activity known as e-fencing. Gardai said the nationwide operation will work on reducing organised retail crime by: Using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime Disrupting the most prolific groups in operation through the use of organised crime legislation and proceeds of crime legislation Working with retailers to strengthen their security and prevent them becoming victims of this criminality Supporting those working in retail to report a crime Identifying and targeting the areas where ORC black markets operate, and their leadership Working with high risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution Deterring people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences. Gardai added that Operation Tairge is led by its Organised Retail Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group which supports each Garda region to monitor and respond to emerging trends in their area. They say organised retail crime can involve an international dimension, so there is a close working relationships with international authorities including the UK and Northern Ireland. Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said: "Organised retail crime (ORC) poses a significant threat to the viability of Irish retailers including Irish SMEs which are a core element of Irelands economy. "Operation Tairge has been established as part of An Garda Siochanas Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy in an effort to reduce the detrimental impact that criminals can have on retail businesses when they steal their goods. "We want business owners and staff to feel protected and safe from this kind of criminality, and we will continue to work closely with them in whatever way possible. Most essential is that we utilise our ongoing intelligence gathering to target and take out these groups theyre no longer operating under any radar and they will be caught. The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association estimate that retail crime costs retailers over of 1.62 billion each year. Additionally, the Global Retail Theft Barometer indicates that Ireland has the highest cost per capita of retail crime (339.31) - significantly more than both second and third placed countries, Iceland and Denmark. Mr. Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland and IBEC board member concluded: "Business owners across Ireland are adversely affected by organised retail crime and shoplifting each year and can lose a significant amount in revenue as a result. Continuing to work in close partnership with Government and An Garda Siochana to address the challenges caused by retail theft is essential to the maintaining the strength of Irelands retail community. Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee said: "Retail theft is not a victimless crime, and I welcome this new, nationwide operation targeting organised retail crime. I know from my engagement with the retail sector across the country, not only about the economic impact of thefts on our retail sector, but also the significant impact this type of crime has on staff retention, recruitment and personal safety. "An Garda Siochana is taking a strategic approach to this issue. Under the National Detection Improvement Plan, An Garda Siochana will provide a reliable and effective and consistent response to retail related incidents, and ensure that high visibility and targeted patrols are effectively implemented. This will help to provide a safe and unhindered shopping experience for members of the public. "Key to the success of Operation Tairge will be enhanced engagement with high risk retailers. Garda members will work with these retailers to educate them on Organised Retail Crime behaviours and to help them identify suspicious activity, act on it, make it known to investigating Garda members. I strongly encourage all retailers to maintain close contact with their local Superintendent, and I want to commend the work of An Garda Siochana in this area. "I look forward to this making a real difference in helping us build stronger, safer communities. Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond T.D said, "Operation Tairge will be hugely beneficial for retailers across the country. Retail crime has a significant impact not only on retailers bottom lines, but also on their employees who deserve a safe workplace. "This intelligence-led operation will target the most prolific perpetrators of retail crime. It will support workers and assist businesses in preventing such crime and also act as a deterrent by raising awareness of the consequences of this type of criminality. "Gardai are doing vital work in keeping our communities safe and Operation Tairge will play a key role in ensuring our retailers and their staff are protected from organised crime and the harm that it can do to their business, We are sending a clear message that there is no place for retail crime in Ireland. WITH THE Christmas period fast approaching, Bus Eireann, Irelands national bus company, is advising customers to note changes to normal schedules. With demand expected to be high, book in advance to guarantee a seat on your preferred Expressway intercity service. Bus Eireann operates the city services of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, the town services of Athlone, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan and Sligo, regional and rural services, as well as the countrys largest intercity service, Expressway. Normal services will operate up to and including Friday, December 23. On Christmas Eve, services finish earlier than normal. City, town, commuter and rural services will operate to a Saturday service with last departures at approximately 9pm, while Expressway services will also operate with earlier last departures. With anticipated high demand, passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check the updated timetables on the Bus Eireann website HERE. Bus Eireann services will operate to normal schedules until Saturday, December 23 marking one of the busiest travel weeks as passengers from across Ireland and beyond travel home for the festive season. No services will operate on Christmas Day. St Stephens Day will see a Bank Holiday/Sunday service timetable, beginning from approximately 9am, although some Expressway routes commence earlier. From Bank Holiday Tuesday, normal schedules will resume with weekday schedules running from December 27-30, and weekend schedules as normal on New Years Eve (Saturday), New Years Day (Sunday) and Bank Holiday Monday, January 1. A full normal timetable across Bus Eireann services will resume from Tuesday, January 2. Stephen Kent, Chief Executive of Bus Eireann, said: "Bus Eireann has facilitated over 99 million passenger journeys in 2023, and we know that many of our customers will be using our services during the Christmas season, whether travelling home, visiting family and friends, shopping, or working over the festive period. Christmas and New Year is the busiest period for Bus Eireann services and we are delighted to provide an extensive schedule up to and during the Christmas season to meet the travel needs of our customers. We advise those planning to travel over the festive period to plan their journeys in advance and check our website for up-to-date timetables and travel information. On behalf of Bus Eireann, I want to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers for choosing our services this past year and we extend our warm wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season to all, wherever you may travel." The COP28 climate summit finalised in Dubai this week following a historic agreement between nations. After 13 days of intense talks, a consensus was reached that there would be a collective transition away from fossil fuels in an effort to avert the worst effects of climate change. Nearly 200 countries have agreed to the landmark deal that will commit to building a new renewable energy efficient future while tackling climate justice and critically changing the entire financial architecture of the world. Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan has acknowledged that while the deal is not perfect, it was historic in the fact it was the first time in 30 years the real problem had been addressed. Minister Ryan told RTEs Morning Ireland: "Its in our common interest because climate change is hitting and impacting every single country, including here in Dubai. "Its a low-lying place, highly at risk because of the heat excesses that are coming, and rising sea levels would threaten this country just as much as it would threaten our cities at home. "So thats why we were able to get agreement." Many countries, such as small island states which are severely threatened by rising sea levels, believe there are still too many loopholes in the agreement but expressed confidence that it will lead to stronger action in future. Asked about countries that are still approving drilling licences and permits and how that is transitioning away from fossil fuels, Mr Ryan said: "It doesnt, and we have to stop that. "It is historic. You can argue about the transition away from or phasing out, they mean the same thing in my mind. "You could argue one word or the other. Those wordings were sensitive for certain people, but the actual meaning and the intent is the same and it is based on science. "No-one got exactly what they wanted. Its not the perfect text and there are ways we would do it better and differently. But by getting this agreement, it gives us the opportunity to take the next steps we need to make." Climate justice advocates were quick to criticise the new agreement however, saying the text fell short of what is actually needed, particularly on climate finance to help vulnerable countries adapt to worsening weather and extreme heat. There was also some alleged confusion following the agreement was passed after many parties assumed there would be follow-up debate. The Alliance of Small Island States, representing 29 countries including Samoa, said it had not been in the room when the deal was adopted. Lead negotiator Anne Rasmussen from Samoa, said "the process had failed us" and the agreed text included a "litany of loopholes". While she agreed the deal had good elements she said "We have made an incremental advancement over business as usual when what we really needed is an exponential step change in our actions and support". Ah, McDonald's, the golden arches that beckon with promises of quick, greasy-good indulgence. It's more than just a fast-food joint; it's a cultural icon, a guilty pleasure haven. The unmistakable aroma of salty fries and sizzling burgers wafts through the air. The anticipation of sinking your teeth into a perfectly imperfect Big Mac or those crispy chicken nuggets is a universal experience. Sure, it might not be everyone's ideal cuisine, but there's a certain nostalgic charm in surrendering to the comforting familiarity of those red-and-yellow wrappers from one of its 40,000+ locations in more than 100 countries. To have that many locations in that many countries, McDonalds is surely doing something right when it comes to its food and marketing. But what about its digital side? McDonalds prides itself on being one of the more sophisticated and productive in the industry. Its mobile app quickly became popular with more than 150 million members, and that member count is expected to continue to rise. There are also the self-service kiosks in restaurants worldwide that allow customers to digitally order and customize their meals to their liking. With that said, McDonald's is set to create even better experiences for its customers, restaurant teams and employees through a new multi-year partnership with Google (News - Alert) through connecting Google Cloud technology across thousands of its restaurants worldwide. McDonald's will adopt edge computing technology from Google Cloud for its various platforms. Leveraging Google Cloud's edge computing capabilities, McDonald's aims to gain valuable insights into equipment performance, address issues proactively to minimize business disruptions and simplify operations for restaurant teams. Also, the implementation of Google Distributed Cloud, a comprehensive hardware and software solution, is slated for deployment across thousands of McDonald's establishments. This move allows the restaurants to utilize cloud-based software applications and their proprietary software and AI solutions on-site as required. "We see an opportunity for growth in our digital business and our partnership with Google Cloud allows us to capitalize on this," said Brian Rice, McDonald's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer. "Connecting our restaurants worldwide to millions of datapoints across our digital ecosystem means tools get sharper, models get smarter, restaurants become easier to operate and the overall experience for our customers and crew gets even better." By embracing these innovations, McDonald's positions itself as the leading global foodservice retailer utilizing Google Distributed Cloud's cutting-edge features, with plans to commence hardware and software upgrades for thousands of restaurants in the coming year. In addition, a dedicated Google Cloud team in Chicago will work in close proximity to McDonald's global innovation center, known as Speedee Labs. The team will focus on applying generative AI across key business priorities to power exciting new experiences for crew and customers. "Google Cloud will help McDonald's seize on new opportunities to transform its business and customer experiences," said Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud's CEO. "Pairing the iconic brand, size and scale of McDonald's with Google Cloud's deep history in AI and technology innovation will redefine how this industry works and what people expect when they dine out." Edited by Alex Passett In a week that has seen Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins Ladies raise over an astonishing 15,000 to fund their dreams of All-Ireland glory next Saturday, Leitrim GAA County Board Secretary Declan Bohan has issued a stark warning that counties are getting caught up in a financial rat race. Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins take on Glanmire of Cork in Saturday's CurrentAccount.ie LGFA All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final in Croke Park and to help meet the costs of the occasion, a GoFundMe page has raised 15,05 at the time of going to press. But the fantastic response to Ballinamore's fundraising campaign has also highlighted the precarious nature of finances for sporting organisations with Declan Bohan warning in his report to this Thursday's Leitrim County Board Convention that counties are caught up in a financial rate race and that Leitrim GAA are operating beyond their means. After praising the excellent work of ventures like the 50 Miles in January Challenge, the Leitrim Supporters Club and the generosity of sponsors, Declan issued a stark warning as to the future: I cannot but pass comment on the increasing costs of inter-county activity. Granted we had to bear significant costs towards the four overseas trips in 2023, and yes we were in receipt of grants towards these trips, but we cannot get away from the fact that, these trips apart, we are operating beyond our means. Describing what he called a rat race, Declan stressed that current expenditure levels for inter-county activity are unsustainable but if Leitrim fail to prepare as best they can, then they may as well give up their dreams of inter-county success! How many times do we have to repeat the word unsustainable? We are not alone in this but we are ultimately only responsible for our own operation. Larger units have, no doubt, access to greater resources and that softens their blow. They can, most likely, absorb increased costs with relative ease. We are finding ourselves in a rat race. If we dont prepare as best we can, we are as well to throw our hat at it and give up. With the Leitrim Secretary warning that the county's inter county budget may soon pay 1 million per year, Bohan warns that the entire situation may come crashing down: The stakes, both competitively on the field and off the field, are very high, and getting higher with each passing season. Where does it all end? It is only a matter of time before we may have to face the reality that 1 million will have to be budgeted in any given year to compete in this madness. Unfortunately, it may all come crashing down around us unless some magic wand is waved in our direction. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin is to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron in London on Wednesday. Lord Cameron and Mr Martin are expected to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to restore the powersharing institutions in Northern Ireland, and to share perspectives on foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said: It is vital that we continue to strengthen the relationship between our two governments. The partnership between us is the bedrock for ensuring continued peace and prosperity across these islands. I look forward therefore to developing a close and open working relationship with Foreign Secretary Cameron. Thirty years ago this week, Albert Reynolds and John Major together achieved the Downing Street Declaration. This joint work enabled the ceasefires and set the scene for the talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. The declaration heralded intensified cooperation between the two governments, and a shared analysis that led, ultimately, to peace. Mr Martin said the visit is an opportunity to focus on wider foreign policy concerns, including on the conflict in Gaza. He added: My view remains clear the international community should insist on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Civilians must be protected, hostages must be released and humanitarian access at scale should be provided as a matter of urgency. It will also be important that the EU and the UK maintain our close cooperation in delivering support for Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression. Sinn Fein TD for Sligo Leitrim, Martin Kenny, today asked the government to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the people of Leitrim village affected by a freak tornado on Sunday afternoon. He also pushed the government for clear guidelines and timelines on how and when people will get the support they need when he raised the issue in the Dail this morning. Speaking after the debate, Deputy Martin Kenny said: "No one could have anticipated this, and I want to commend the work of the local council and emergency services who really put their shoulders to the wheel. It shows the very best of what we offer in a small community. "When the Taoiseach visited on Monday, he assured those affected that he was keen to offer support. Through the other weather-related disasters we have seen in areas of Cork, we know humanitarian funds are available for households and businesses. "The people of Leitrim village now need clear timelines of when these will be available and an assurance that they can access the fund for any insurance-related shortfalls and expenses incurred due to this disaster. "The local authority here is also under tremendous pressure where costs are concerned. While they are continuing to put things right in the aftermath, we need to ensure they are adequately funded to avoid other services being sacrificed for the clean-up," he said. Martin highlighted the desperate situation facing the ambulance service coverage in Leitrim Village. He said if an ambulance was required on Sunday, one was unavailable locally. "This is an ongoing issue in south Leitrim and has been for a number of years now. With the introduction of the HSE embargo due to the underfunding of the health service by the government in the most recent budget, I am fearful that this situation will only get worse. "This freak weather event has brought out the very best in our community in Leitrim, however, it has also given an insight into the services we don't have available because of underinvestment. "I will continue to raise the urgency around humanitarian funding and the shortfalls in the management of the ambulance service to ensure the government provides the necessary funding and services to the people of Leitrim," he concluded. The PSNI will have to stop providing assistance to other police forces and looking after people with mental health issues in hospitals if a funding crisis is not resolved, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said. Mr Boutcher told a Westminster committee that if the number of officers in the region falls below 6,000 by 2025, then the policing situation would become untenable. The chief constable told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee that his officers had recently travelled to London to provide assistance with public order situations as well as providing water cannons to the Garda following rioting in Dublin. The service is facing a budget shortfall of 52.5 million this financial year a figure that includes funds needed to introduce a 7% pay rise. The recommended officer number for the PSNI is 7,500, but the current number of officers is around 6,300. Mr Boutcher said: With what we have recently in the Middle East, the PSNI, because we are very experienced in this space, have been sending over PSUs (police support units), officers to deal with the protests that youve seen in London in recent weeks. We are sort of the first port of call because of the experience of our officers. Londoners will have seen the green uniforms of the PSNI dealing with that protest. When the Metropolitan Police have an issue with regard to firearms, which they have had recently with regard to a couple of incidents with firearm officers facing sanction with regards to their actions, it is the PSNI which is the first port of call because we are an armed service and we are experienced in dealing with these issues. We provide a level of resilience with regards to mainstream policing because of our specialist skills. We will get to a position, because of the numbers, where we simply wont be able to do that. He added: Equally, when we saw the disturbances in Dublin recently I reached out to the commissioner of An Garda Siochana. We are able to provide support to them with regards to what they were facing. That support reassured officers, with the water cannon, that the commissioner was there for them and they were getting the kit they needed to deal with any challenges they may face on subsequent nights. It sent a message to people how they would be dealt with. There are a lot of elements of what the PSNI do, almost unseen, that we wont be able to do moving forward. Mr Boutcher also spoke about the number of officers who sit with mental health patients in hospitals while doctors are dealing with other patients. He said: You get to a position where there are more police cars sitting in the accident and emergency car park than there are patrolling the streets and responding to 999 calls. Those sorts of decisions have been made by me about how we are going to have to reduce those services. He said the force would have to prioritise fighting crime. That doesnt include looking after people in hospitals. There will have to be other provisions made for that. Mr Boutcher said if funding issues continue without relief, the force would have to come up with a new policing model. He said: We will understand where every single resource in the PSNI is. We have already started this work to redesign an operating model to work with 6,358 officers at the end of March, below 6,000 officers at the beginning of 2025, which is untenable. We will be having some very difficult conversations with people. That includes when we get the call from other organisations like the Met to help, we simply wont have the resources to send to them. A commemorative bust of Lord David Trimble has been unveiled at the seat of the Irish parliament in dedication to his work towards the Good Friday Agreement. The former UUP leader was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 25 years ago in 1998, when it was also jointly awarded to former SDLP leader John Hume for their work negotiating the historic peace deal. The commemoration for Lord Trimble is displayed at Leinster House beside a bust of Mr Hume which was unveiled in March, to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the agreement. Speaker of the Irish parliament, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, previously said their peace-building work was supported and admired at Leinster House and the people of Ireland owe them a debt of gratitude. Mr O Fearghail unveiled the bronze bust of Lord Trimble, which was created by the late sculptor John Sherlock, at an event on Wednesday. Lord Trimbles wife Lady Daphne, their daughter Vicky, son Nicholas and his wife Sarah were present alongside members of the Hume and Sherlock families, representatives of the unionist community in Northern Ireland, and serving and former members of the Irish Dail and Seanad. Lady Trimble said the event was a reflection of the neighbourliness and friendship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (The agreement) was the crowning moment of both David and Johns careers and it has led to 25 years of peace and co-existence between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and for that we should all be very grateful. John Hume Jr said: Together they knew what needed to be done. Together, I think we can all agree, they changed the course of history on this island. Also present were former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt MLA and former UUP MP Lady Sylvia Hermon; the Church of Ireland Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev Archbishop John McDowell; the president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev David Turtle; Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Roger Gale; and former Irish premier Bertie Ahern, who played a key role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement. Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Ahern said: I think it is so nice that the two Nobel prize winners are honoured in the same part of Leinster House. Both of them did so much to contribute to the peace process, I was honoured to work and serve with them. Sir Roger said Lord Trimble and Mr Humes work continues, adding: David Trimble was known to me personally as a man of colossal personal and political courage. The Irish houses of parliament were represented by deputy premier Micheal Martin, enterprise minister Simon Coveney, Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, and Seanad chairman Jerry Buttimer. Mr O Fearghail said: We are honouring a great Ulsterman, a courageous politician, and a dedicated peacemaker. He said Lord Trimble stood head and shoulders above those who resisted change and did not want the Good Friday Agreement to succeed. In the end, we crossed the Rubicon. David and John, through dogged and gritty determination, gave us the political breakthrough that ended the violence, and gave Northern Ireland self-government on a cross-party, cross-community basis. In the heat of political battle, David was reluctant to use the word vision. Yet that very thing was his constant companion, which saw him through to delivering his cherished objective peace. It may be imperfect but it is immeasurably better than what we witnessed before that point. Lord Trimble died in July last year and Mr Hume died in August 2020. Mr Humes bust was created by sculptor Elizabeth OKane. AUNA S.A. ANNOUNCES EXPIRATION AND FINAL RESULTS OF 81.13% OF THE TOTAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OUTSTANDING TENDERED FOR THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EXCHANGE OFFER OF ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING 6.500% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2025 FOR NEW NOTES AND RELATED CONSENT SOLICITATION LUXEMBOURG, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Auna S.A. ("Auna," the "Company" or "we"), one of the largest players in the Latin American healthcare industry and with presence in Mexico, Colombia and Peru, announced today the expiration and final results of its previously announced offer to Eligible Holders (as defined herein) to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all of its outstanding 6.500% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Existing Notes") for newly issued 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the "New Notes"), pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer Memorandum (as defined herein). The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Exchange Offer: Existing Notes CUSIP/ISIN Numbers Principal Amount Outstanding Principal Amount Tendered After the Early Participation Deadline Total Principal Amount Tendered in the Exchange Offer 6.500% Senior Notes due 2025 05151V AA5 / P0592V AA6 US05151VAA52 / USP0592VAA6 US$300,000,000 US$2,609,000 US$243,380,000 As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 12, 2023 (the "Expiration Deadline") US$2,609,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Existing Notes, had been validly tendered for exchange and not validly withdrawn, from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 28, 2023 (the "Early Participation Deadline"), through the Expiration Deadline, resulting in a total of US$243,380,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Existing Notes, representing approximately 81.13% of the total principal amount outstanding of the Existing Notes, being validly tendered for exchange and not validly withdrawn, since the commencement of the Exchange Offer, as confirmed by the Exchange and Information Agent (as defined herein) for the Exchange Offer. The settlement of the Exchange Offer and Solicitation, and the issuance of the New Notes, is expected to occur on December 18, 2023 (the "Settlement Date"), which is the fourth business day after the Expiration Deadline. Eligible Holders who validly tendered Existing Notes and did not validly revoke such tenders at or prior to the Early Participation Deadline and whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange by the Company will receive, on the Settlement Date, the Total Consideration. Eligible Holders who validly tendered Existing Notes after the Early Participation Deadline and whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange by the Company will receive, on the Settlement Date, the Exchange Consideration. Eligible Holders whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange will be paid accrued and unpaid interest on such Existing Notes from, and including, the most recent date on which interest was paid on such Holder's Existing Notes to, but not including, the Settlement Date (the "Accrued Interest"), payable on the Settlement Date. Accrued Interest will be paid in cash on the Settlement Date. Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Existing Notes accepted for exchange in the applicable Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the launch of the Exchange Offer, we entered into a new term loan maturing in 2028 (the "New Term Loan") under which we expect to borrow up to an estimated US$550.0 million on the Settlement Date with the net proceeds to be used to repay all of our obligations under our senior secured notes due 2028. The collateral securing the New Notes will also secure obligations under the New Term Loan on a pari passu basis with the liens securing the New Notes. As previously announced, the Company received consents from Eligible Holders that, in the aggregate, represent not less than 80% in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes outstanding (excluding any Existing Notes held by us or our affiliates) with respect to such issuance for the adoption of certain amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture governing the Existing Notes to eliminate substantially all of the covenants as well as certain events of default and related provisions contained therein, and release any collateral, encumbrances, liens, pledges or other security interest granted by the Company and its subsidiaries to secure the Existing Notes, satisfying the Minimum Exchange Condition. Given the Minimum Exchange Condition has been satisfied, the Company, each of the guarantors of the Existing Notes and the Existing Notes Trustee executed and delivered a fourth supplemental indenture to the Existing Indenture, which will give effect to the Proposed Amendments to the Existing Notes, that became effective upon execution but will only become operative upon consummation of the Exchange Offer on the Settlement Date. The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes in the Exchange Offer and the Solicitation. Existing Notes surrendered in connection with the Exchange Offer, and accepted for exchange, will be cancelled. The terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer and Solicitation, including the Proposed Amendments, are described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 10, 2023 in respect of the Exchange Offer and Solicitation, as amended and supplemented by the supplements to the Exchange Offer Memorandum dated November 22, 2023 and December 1, 2023 (as it may be further amended or supplemented, the "Exchange Offer Memorandum"). All capitalized terms used herein but not defined in this announcement have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. Copies of the Exchange Offer Memorandum are available to Eligible Holders from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the exchange and information agent for the Exchange Offer and Solicitation (the "Exchange and Information Agent"). Requests for copies of the Exchange Offer Memorandum should be directed to the Exchange and Information Agent at +1 (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers), +1 (855) 654-2014 (toll free); at https://gbsc-usa.com/eligibility/auna or at [email protected]. We retained Citigroup Global Markets Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Santander US Capital Markets LLC and Banco BTG Pactual S.A. ? Cayman Branch to each act as Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents in connection with the Exchange Offer and Solicitation. Questions regarding the Exchange Offer and Solicitation may be directed to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at +1 (212) 723-6106 (collect) or +1 (800) 558-3745 (toll free), HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. at +1 (888) HSBC-4LM (toll free) or +1(212) 525-5552 (collect), Santander US Capital Markets LLC at +1 (855) 404-3636 (toll free) or +1 (212) 940-1442 (collect), or Banco BTG Pactual S.A. ? Cayman Branch at +1 (212) 293-4600 (collect). Neither the Exchange Offer Memorandum nor any related documents have been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Exchange Offer Memorandum or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. The proposed issuance of New Notes is being made in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Exchange Offer was made, and the New Notes were offered and will be issued, only (a) in the United States to holders of Existing Notes who are reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and (b) outside the United States to holders of Existing Notes who are persons other than "U.S. persons" (as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act) in reliance upon Regulation S under the Securities Act and who are non-U.S. qualified offerees and eligible purchasers in other jurisdictions as set forth in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. Holders who returned a duly completed eligibility letter certifying that they were within one of the categories described in the immediately preceding sentences were authorized to receive and review the Exchange Offer Memorandum and to participate in the Exchange Offer and the Solicitation (such holders, "Eligible Holders"). This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Existing Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the New Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act. About Auna Founded in 1989, Auna is one of the largest companies in Latin America's healthcare industry. The Company's network of facilities included 16 hospitals and 15 outpatient, prevention and wellness facilities in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Auna is the leading provider of oncology healthcare plans with a fully integrated model that services over 940,000 members in Peru, and as of recently, over 2.6 million members in dental and vision insurance in Mexico. Since 2018, Auna has expanded rapidly, not only through growth in its oncology segment and execution of organic developments, but also through the acquisition of important healthcare players in the high growth markets of Mexico and Colombia. Auna is backed by Enfoca, its controlling shareholder, and one of the leading investment firms in Latin America. Forward-Looking Statements Disclosures in this press release contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include statements regarding the consummation of the Exchange Offer and the related Solicitation, including the timing thereof, the Proposed Amendments and the execution of the Supplemental Indenture. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by Auna based on its management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Auna, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks set forth in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. Any forward-looking statement applies only as of the date on which such statement is made and Auna does not intend to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Auna S.A. 46A, Avenue J.F. Kennedy, Luxembourg L- 1 855 Luxembourg R.C.S. B267590 Investor Relations [email protected] SOURCE Auna S.A. 12 december 2023 at 21:53 News published onand distributed by: Volocopter Wins Over Young Hearts with First Osaka & Hyogo Flight BRUCHSAL. Germany, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), successfully conducted a multi-day flight test campaign (from 7 to 13 December) with a crewed 2X aircraft in the Japanese cities of Osaka and Amagasaki. This week-long testing campaign signifies the completion of the first steps of local flight testing to acclimate the crew, communications tools, and flight test procedures in preparation for the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka Kansai EXPO. The 500-day countdown to the 2025 EXPO has begun, and Volocopter remains committed to flying at this international exhibition with its commercial air taxi, the VoloCity. The purpose of these flights was two-fold: to test aircraft operations under conditions like those expected during the EXPO and to accelerate the public awareness of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan. Local guests, including the Osaka governor, Osaka City mayor, prefectorial representatives, city officials, partners, and media, witnessed today's final flight test day event, co-hosted by Sumitomo Corporation, Volocopter's strategic partner and investor in Japan. In addition, over 200 local primary and secondary school students joined a Q&A session with guests around the innovative eVTOL aircraft technology. Successful flight operations at the 2025 EXPO require preparation time and assessment on the ground. These flight tests were conducted at the Osaka Heliport in proximity to the planned 2025 EXPO pavilion location in Osaka Bay. This locational advantage gives insight and data into how Volocopter could shape eVTOL operations when the exhibition starts. Working with local authorities such as the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), local air traffic controllers, and infrastructure owners now will aid in a faster transition from testing to the industry's commercial future, as well as for the VoloCity in 2025 EXPO. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, said: "I am very happy that I witnessed Volocopter's test flight up close alongside hundreds of excited students and so close to the site of the 2025 EXPO. The 2X did not disappoint, with a stable and incredibly quiet flight. I have great expectations for eVTOLs, and with the help of Hyogo and other neighboring prefectures, we will push forward to make the EXPO a success to support the future of the industry beyond 2025." "Seeing the children's faces light up when the Volocopter took to the air was the absolute highlight of the day," said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter. "As a novel technology, public awareness of eVTOLs and the creation of the UAM ecosystem are where we need to focus for Japan. Volocopter and partners are preparing early for the 2025 Expo to have the advanced know-how to operate our eVTOLs seamlessly when the time comes." For this multi-day flight test campaign, Volocopter was awarded subsidies from Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), with further support from its sponsors such as Sekisui Chemical Company, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Kintetsu Group Holdings, and Schenker-Seino Company. Volocopter's dedication to Japan dates back to 2018 when the country became one of the first to announce its commitment to bringing UAM to life. Since late 2022, Volocopter has been awarded multiple grants in Japan to conduct classroom studies on eVTOLs for school children in Osaka as well as route and communication feasibility studies in Tokyo. In March 2023, the company showcased the VoloCity full-scale static model in a shopping mall in Osaka city center, where it generated thousands of public foot traffic within several days. As the frontrunner for a Japan-based UAM launch, Volocopter has the experience and expertise to work with local authorities to create a UAM ecosystem that establishes a safe and sustainable environment for UAM. About Volocopter Volocopter is building sustainable and scalable urban air mobility businesses to bring affordable air taxi services for goods and people to megacities worldwide. Volocopter leads and cooperates with partners in infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management to build the ecosystem necessary to 'Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life'. The company has 500 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. It has raised around ?500 million in equity from investors including the Mercedes-Benz Group, BlackRock, amongst others. www.volocopter.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299212/Volocopter_2X_Osaka.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1626551/Volocopter_Logo.jpg 13 december 2023 at 01:00 News published onand distributed by: Leidos wins $700 million NSA technology contract RESTON, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, was recently awarded a new prime contract to provide prototype and technology development support to the National Security Agency (NSA). The single-award, indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity (IDIQ contract has a value of $700 million. "We are pleased to continue our work developing next-generation technology solutions for the intelligence community," said Roy Stevens, Leidos Intelligence Group President. "Leidos experts will work to identify emerging technologies and develop new tools and techniques. We look forward to supporting the NSA's intelligence and cyber missions that protect and defend our country." Leidos will provide subject matter expertise to develop and maintain technology, tools and techniques in support of the analyst community. This includes analytic technique and prototype development, forecasting of emerging technology use and developing prototypes. These efforts focus on determining feasibility, mitigating technical risks and validating and evolving requirements that meet NSA's dynamic mission needs. The company will also work to demonstrate critical features, qualify products or processes and characterize performance or product features early in the conceptual and demonstration phase. This aims to help reduce risks, cost and schedule impacts to the government. This new contract continues Leidos' long-standing support for the NSA and the intelligence community. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 47,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made. SOURCE Leidos 13 december 2023 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: AU10TIX Q3 Global Identity Fraud Report Uncovers 56% Surge in Payment Sector, Correlated with Unprecedented Decline in Crypto Crypto Sector, Traditionally Ground Zero for Organized Fraud Activity, Sees 51% Decrease in Anticipation of Sweeping EU Regulations TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AU10TIX , a global technology leader in identity verification and management, today released its Q3 2023 Global Identity Fraud Report. Drawing insights from millions of transactions processed across 249 countries from July to September 2023, the report uncovers significant trends in the world of organized identity fraud. Most notably, AU10TIX detected that professional fraud rings have shifted their focus from crypto to the payments sector. Digital payments saw an alarming 56% increase in fraud while the crypto industry, traditionally a sandbox for fraudsters, experienced an unusual 51% drop. AU10TIX attributes these developments to the June introduction of the EU Market in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This legislation will end the 'wild west' era of crypto in the EU by introducing a new regulatory framework designed to protect investors and consumers. Although the new regulations initially target the EU and will not take effect until 2024, many organizations and regions are proactively adopting stricter KYC guidelines to align with the legislation. This is making it more difficult for professional crime organizations to commit fraud in the crypto sector, so they are funneling their efforts into the less regulated sector of payments. Among the sectors scrutinized in Q3, the payments sector was the industry most highly targeted by organized fraud groups, responsible for 51% of all financial fraud attacks -- a significant increase from 32% in Q2. In contrast, the crypto industry was responsible for only 23% of attacks, down from 47% in Q2. These findings underscore a clear correlation between regulatory frameworks and the prevalence of fraud. North America saw the highest volume of payment sector attacks of all regions studied. AU10TIX attributes this to fraudsters continuing to capitalize on the economic recovery and increased spending. APAC was the second most targeted region, which AU10TIX ascribes to rising digital transaction complexity (involving diverse economies and cross-border payments) presenting challenges for identity verification and creating loopholes for fraudsters. AU10TIX's report also compares the frequency of different fraud modes, including document number, personal data, face picture, image template, and facial image capture (selfie). Across all regions, fraud involving selfie capture represented less than 5% of attacks, indicating that fraudsters find this verification method difficult to circumvent. Gartner also notes that facial image capture is a "must-have" for identity verification vendors. "The unpleasant truth is that publicly available statistics regarding identity fraud refer only to the attacks that traditional IDV solutions can detect," said Dan Yerushalmi, CEO of AU10TIX. "The actual fraud rate is likely three to 10 times higher, because today's sophisticated attacks are committed by organized crime groups using AI, deep fakes and other technology to create false IDs nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. The financial well-being and reputation of a business may be severely impacted by the rise of sophisticated identity fraud. Our commitment at AU10TIX is unwavering?to contribute to the global reduction of identity fraud and make the world a better place." The significant surge in payment sector attacks, particularly in North America, highlights the urgent need for robust legislative measures to safeguard consumers from fraudulent activities. Regulatory bodies in the United States and the Asia-Pacific region must proactively create legislation that bolsters consumer protection in the payments industry. In the absence of stringent regulations, payment providers must elevate their KYC practices to fortify defenses against escalating fraud risks. AU10TIX remains committed to fostering a secure and resilient financial ecosystem and invites stakeholders to collaborate in this critical endeavor. About AU10TIX? AU10TIX, a global identity intelligence leader headquartered in Israel, is on a mission to obliterate fraud and further a more secure and inclusive world. The company provides critical, modular solutions to verify and link physical and digital identities so businesses and their customers can confidently connect. Over the past decade, AU10TIX has become the preferred partner of major global brands for customer onboarding and customer verification automation ? and continues to work on the edge of what's next for identity's role in society. AU10TIX's proprietary technology provides results in less than 8 seconds, enabling businesses to onboard customers faster while preventing fraud, meeting compliance mandates, and, importantly, promoting trust and safety. AU10TIX is a subsidiary of ICTS International N.V. (OTCQB: ICTSF ). For more information, visit AU10TIX.com . Media Contact: Mark Prindle Fusion PR au10tix@fusionpr.com SOURCE AU10TIX LIMITED 13 december 2023 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Central Community College will honor all its December graduate candidates during winter commencement at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 in the Raider Fieldhouse at the Columbus Campus. The candidates were enrolled at one or more CCC locations, which include the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses; Holdrege, Kearney and Lexington centers; and Ord Learning Center. The keynote speaker will be Kellie Pickett, vice president for college access and success at the Susan T. Buffett Foundation and board member of the National Scholarship Providers Association. She is a native Nebraskan who received her bachelors degree in Spanish from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; a masters degree in college student personnel from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; and a doctorate in educational studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Pickett has dedicated her career to working with college students and supporting them as they strive to reach their educational goals. Over the past 20 years, she has worked at such higher education institutions as Duke University, Georgia Southern University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She held various roles in such areas as admissions, orientation, learning communities, and leadership and civic engagement. At UNO, she served as director of the Thompson Learning Community where she worked with and taught students who received the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship. She also was an adjunct faculty member in UNOs College of Education, teaching graduate students interested in working in student services on college campuses. In her current role, Pickett works with people and communities across the state to ensure Nebraskans have clear pathways into higher education as well as the resources and support they need to reach their college goals. She said shes grateful she can help create opportunities for more students to be successful, particularly those who have been underrepresented and/or underserved in college environments. Her goal is to continue working to build systems that will create life-changing educational opportunities for all Nebraskans. Are iPhones overpriced? Market Force study looks at Apple, Samsung, Google and others to reveal consumers' favorite wireless devices in 2023 ATLANTA, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand equity is strong with Apple's iPhone, but there are limits. Although iPhone continues its dominance across devices (93% loyalty), under the covers it doesn't win with consumers across key attributes. Not surprisingly, consumers give it the lowest score on price, but in Market Force's current wireless industry study, this poor price perception goes along with the most negative perception of value as compared to other manufacturers. Value perception is the ultimate combination of 'what you get' vs. 'what you pay', and for consumers there is a notable value gap. On a positive note, iPhone wins on reliability (53.3% satisfied) and security (52.9% satisfied). Given the iPhone's current market share, these critical factors cannot be overlooked when it comes to their influence on purchase decisions. Other device manufacturers could potentially capitalize more on the strength of their hardware. Google gets high marks from consumers across many categories including camera and video quality (both at 60.3% satisfied), screen size (64. 7% satisfied), and uniqueness (36.8% satisfied) but they continue to trail iPhone and Samsung in overall performance and overall satisfaction measures. In fact, Google is the clear winner in seven (7) of the twelve (12) performance categories: value, signal strength, look and feel, camera, video, screen, and uniqueness. iPhone comes in second with three (3) wins in the performance categories: overall, reliability, and security. Samsung struggles. Although Samsung commands admirable market share among device manufacturers with roughly 36% of the market, their devices do not stand out in consumer rankings, except for value. Samsung's efforts to win over the value segment of consumers is evidence of their knowledge of their strengths and challenges. That strategy, however, may have a short runway as the competition reacts with pricing offers. 93% of iPhone customers say they will likely stay with iPhone come upgrade time, while only 77% of Samsung users report their likely intention to remain loyal to Samsung. To access the wireless study results please visit: https://www.marketforce.com/wireless-research-2023-access Brands and analysts interested in a full walkthrough of results can schedule a briefing at: https://www.marketforce.com/schedule-a-briefing Join our growing consumer panel at: https://panel.marketforce.com/become-a-panelist About Market Force Information Market Force helps leading global brands improve the customer experience and operations at each location. Through an integrated services package including mystery shopping, site audits, contact center, social reviews, surveys, employee engagement and analytics Market Force drives consistent growth and profitability for its valued clients. Market Force provides solutions for restaurants, big box and specialty retail, grocery, petro-convenience, hospitality, travel, telecom, technology, energy, education, health and wellness, movie studios and theatres, fitness, financial services, gaming, CPG, alcohol and tobacco, pharma, government agencies and more. Learn more at: www.marketforce.com SOURCE Market Force Information 13 december 2023 at 08:10 News published onand distributed by: Vergent Bioscience Initiates Phase 2, Multi-Center VISUALIZE Study Evaluating Efficacy of Tumor-targeted Fluorescent Imaging Agent VGT-309 in Lung Cancer Surgeries Vergent Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-targeted imaging agents, announced that the company has enrolled the first patients in a Phase 2, multi-center study evaluating the efficacy and safety of VGT-309 in patients with cancer in the lung. The international VISUALIZE study will assess the potential of Vergent's tumor-targeted fluorescent imaging agent to improve the visibility of difficult-to-find and previously undetected tumors during minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical procedures, and reduce the possibility that cancer is left behind. Investigators at six clinical trial sites in the United States and Australia plan to enroll 100 patients. The widespread adoption of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, coupled with increasing detection of small tumors, have made it more challenging for surgeons to see all tumor tissue during surgery. Data from three Phase 1 and 2 clinical studies, including findings presented in September 2023 at the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), have yielded favorable data that suggest VGT-309 is active and can safely be used to detect tumor tissue in the lung. "We are thrilled to advance VGT-309 to this next stage of clinical development, working with leading thoracic surgeons, academic institutions and large community cancer centers to gather additional evidence regarding its potential utility in lung cancer surgery," said John Santini, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer at Vergent Bioscience. "We look forward to sharing the VISUALIZE results as soon as they are available." The Phase 2, multi-center, open-label VISUALIZE study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VGT-309 with near-infrared (NIR) imaging to identify cancer in patients undergoing surgery for proven or suspected cancer in the lung. Each patient in the study will receive VGT-309 as an infusion the day prior to surgery. Following an attempt to identify each tumor using standard surgical techniques, investigators will use a commercially available NIR endoscope with VGT-309 to assess the presence of tumor tissue, which will then be confirmed by pathology. Primary efficacy endpoints include visualization of tumors intraoperatively, surgical margin assessment, and identification of additional cancers or positive lymph nodes that may not have been seen preoperatively. "Clinical data to date suggest that VGT-309 highlights tumors that would otherwise not be visible during minimally invasive surgeries," said Sunil Singhal, M.D., William Maul Measey Professor in Surgical Research at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and principal investigator for the study. "We look forward to expanding on our previous studies to further evaluate this agent and its ability to facilitate the complete removal of tumor during surgery." About VGT-309 VGT-309 is a tumor-targeted imaging agent designed to enable a complete product solution for optimal tumor visualization during open, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted surgical procedures. VGT-309 is delivered to patients by a short infusion several hours before surgery. Invented in Professor Matt Bogyo's Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine, the molecule binds tightly (i.e., covalently) to cathepsins, a family of proteases that are overexpressed across a broad range of solid tumors. This approach may provide distinct clinical advantages and positions VGT-309 as an ideal tumor-imaging agent. VGT-309's imaging component is the near infrared (NIR) dye indocyanine green (ICG), which is compatible with all commercially available NIR intraoperative imaging systems that support MIS technologies and is the preferred dye to minimize confounding background autofluorescence. About Vergent Bioscience Vergent Bioscience is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is helping surgeons realize the full potential of minimally invasive and robotic surgery by significantly improving the visibility of tumors. Vergent's lead compound, VGT-309, is a tumor-targeted fluorescent imaging agent designed to enable surgeons to see difficult-to-find or previously undetected tumors in real-time during surgery, so that they can ensure all tumor tissue is removed. The company is first evaluating VGT-309 for cancer in the lung, with the potential to expand its application to a wide range of solid tumors. Vergent Bioscience is a privately held company based in Minneapolis, Minn. Vergent Bioscience Australia Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vergent Bioscience. For more information, visit vergentbio.com. 13 december 2023 at 08:20 News published onand distributed by: Inductive Bio Emerges from Stealth, Unveiling an ML Platform to Accelerate Compound Optimization in Drug Discovery Inductive Bio emerged with $4.3M in a seed funding round co-led by a16z Bio + Health and Lux Capital, with participation from Character, Bessemer Venture Partners, Alleycorp, and others. Inductive's team has deep expertise building innovative ML products and bringing drugs into the clinic. NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inductive Bio, a technology company developing a machine learning (ML) platform designed to dramatically accelerate the compound optimization process, emerged from stealth today with $4.3M in funding. Their seed round was co-led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Bio + Health and Lux Capital, with participation from Character, Bessemer Venture Partners, Alleycorp, and others. Inductive's ML for ADMET platform helps scientists leverage vast quantities of data to make better drug design decisions Half of the time and money spent in small molecule preclinical drug discovery is focused on optimizing compounds to effectively balance potency with Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. Inductive's platform maps the drivers of small molecule ADMET by pairing a proprietary dataset with state-of-the-art ML, helping scientists to optimize initial compounds into leads and development candidates faster and with a better balance of ADMET properties. Inductive Bio was co-founded by Josh Haimson and Ben Birnbaum who had previously built out the ML organization at Flatiron Health, which was acquired by Roche in 2018. "We set our sights on compound optimization after talking to dozens of medicinal chemists who all described this process as a complex game of 'whack-a-mole' with dramatic consequences for the success or failure of drug programs," said Josh Haimson, co-founder and CEO of Inductive Bio. "From our experience at Flatiron and Google, we knew it would be possible to help chemists leverage vast quantities of data to make better decisions." "Our deep graph learning algorithms have been tailored to the specific needs of real-world, heterogeneous data and trained on the world's best-curated ADMET dataset," said Ben Birnbaum, Ph.D., co-founder and CTO of Inductive Bio. "Traditional QSAR approaches make accurate predictions in novel chemotypes only around 30% of the time, whereas our algorithms are predicting accurately across 80% of novel chemotypes, and that number is continuing to improve as our data set grows." Wendy Young, Ph.D., a life sciences senior executive and former SVP of small molecule discovery at Genentech, where she oversaw the discovery and progression of more than 25 clinical candidates into development, joined Inductive's advisory board in the summer of 2022. "When we were building out the small molecule discovery organization at Genentech, I pushed for our teams to leverage earlier generations of ML because I saw how impactful they were for focusing our resources on the experiments with the highest chance of success in the lab," said Dr. Young. "I'm excited that at Inductive, we're building the next-generation technology that the entire biopharma industry can tap into." One of Inductive's early partners is Denali Therapeutics, who is leveraging Inductive's ML capabilities for ADME property predictions. Denali has integrated custom ADME models from Inductive into their small molecule drug design platform to support rapid, data-driven decision making. Ankit Mahadevia, M.D., a serial biotech entrepreneur, former Venture partner at Atlas Ventures, and co-founder of nine therapeutics companies, also joined Inductive's advisory board. "Having launched and run many biotech companies in my career, I've seen the pain of compound optimization first hand - years of intuition-driven science and millions of dollars spent to find one or two compounds that have the right balance of potency and ADMET," said Dr. Mahadevia. "When I learned about the platform Inductive is making available to the biopharma industry I was excited to get involved because I know how much this will accelerate our industry's ability to bring safer and more effective therapies to patients." About Inductive Bio Inductive Bio is a technology company developing a machine learning (ML) platform designed to dramatically accelerate the compound optimization process, a critical and time-consuming step in developing new therapeutics. By building datasets and state-of-the-art ML models designed to map the drivers of small molecule Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET), Inductive's platform allows scientists to optimize initial compounds into leads and development candidates faster and with a better balance of ADMET properties. For more information, please visit www.inductive.bio . About Andreessen Horowitz Andreessen Horowitz ("a16z") is a venture capital firm that backs bold entrepreneurs who are building the future through technology. We invest in companies across multiple sectors, including bio + health, consumer, crypto, enterprise, fintech, games, and companies building toward American dynamism. For more than a decade, our bio + health team has invested in innovative companies leveraging AI and other technologies to drive process efficiencies, usher in the next generation of therapeutics and personalized care delivery, and ensure enduring healthcare for all. We believe the Future is Health. About Lux Capital Lux Capital invests in emerging science and technology ventures at the outermost edges of what is possible. They partner with iconoclastic inventors challenging the status quo and the laws of nature to bring their futuristic ideas to life. Over the past two decades, Lux has expanded from its New York City roots to Silicon Valley, and built a $5 billion AUM firm of more than 30 full-time professionals, with the versatility to invest at any stage. SOURCE Inductive Bio, Inc. 13 december 2023 at 08:30 News published onand distributed by: FDA Breakthrough Device using Optical Spectroscopy was Found to Significantly Increase Physicians' Detection of Skin Cancer DermaSensor Inc., the pioneer of the first point-and-click skin cancer detection device for primary care physicians, announces the publication of a new study1 in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. This study, authored by medical leaders including Laura Korb Ferris, MD, and Todd Thames, MD, evaluated the impact of the DermaSensor device on PCPs' skin cancer diagnosis and management. The study involved 57 U.S. board-certified PCPs who collectively completed over 5,000 assessments of skin lesions.1 This recently published utility study follows a recently published preceding clinical study, which was conducted to determine the standalone performance of the device and was recently published by the American Academy of Dermatology2. The device, which employs elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) and machine learning, was found in this utility study to significantly improve PCPs' referral of malignant lesions to dermatologists. This companion study was conducted to provide clinical evidence for European regulatory authorities as well as initial effectiveness evidence for the FDA. The device has been under review by the FDA since early 2023; it is not currently available for sale in the United States. Skin cancer remains the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, posing a significant challenge for PCPs who often encounter patients with suspicious skin lesions. DermaSensor's innovative handheld device, developed as an objective tool for the primary care setting, aims to address this challenge by providing immediate information on lesions' risk level through its optical spectroscopy and machine learning technology. The key findings of this study were that the PCPs' referral of skin cancer significantly increased from 81% to 94% (p-value = 0.0009), thereby decreasing PCPs' missed skin cancers by 68% (from 19% to 6%). The specificity also decreased from 36% to 31%, which was a non-significant decrease (p-value = 0.3558). Similarly, the PCPs' diagnostic sensitivity significantly increased and their diagnostic specificity non-significantly decreased. The device was also found to significantly improve PCPs' confidence in their clinical decisions. Laura Korb Ferris, MD, senior author of this paper and Professor of Dermatology and Director of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Dermatology Clinical Trials Unit, was optimistic about the study findings: "Our study indicates that DermaSensor's ESS device has the potential to enhance the detection of skin malignancies in the primary care setting. This technology not only improved PCPs' sensitivity for lesion referral but also significantly increased their confidence, both of which are particularly important for non-specialists." Cody Simmons, CEO of DermaSensor, commented on the groundbreaking implications of the study: "The findings of this study reinforce our commitment to providing innovative solutions for the detection of skin cancer. The findings from this study suggest that the device could greatly benefit PCPs and their patients. It is an honor that this journal and group of authors have published these study findings, including Dr. Ferris, who is a world-renowned thought leader in the field of non-invasive skin cancer detection tools." The ESS device utilizes advanced spectroscopy and machine learning to evaluate lesions risk of being malignant, providing physicians with valuable information that will augment their clinical assessment and management decisions. The device's AI algorithm was trained with over 10,000 spectral recordings from a diverse set of skin lesions.2 About DermaSensor DermaSensor Inc. is a health technology company designing non-invasive tools to better equip primary care providers for skin cancer detection. The DermaSensor device is an affordable, handheld tool that uses spectroscopy and algorithms to evaluate skin lesions for potential cancer in a matter of seconds. DermaSensor's mission is to provide broad access to effective skin cancer checks. The DermaSensor device is currently CE Marked and is available for sale in Australia. The DermaSensor device's FDA submission is currently under review; it is not available for sale in the United States. References 1. Jaklitsch E, Thames T, de Campos Silva T, Coll P, Oliviero M, Ferris LK. Clinical Utility of an AI-powered, Handheld Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy Device on the Diagnosis and Management of Skin Cancer by Primary Care Physicians. J Prim Care Community Health. 2023 Jan-Dec;14:21501319231205979. doi: 10.1177/21501319231205979. PMID: 37933569; PMCID: PMC10631325. 2. Manolakos D, Patrick G, Geisse JK, Rabinovitz H, Buchanan K, Hoang P, Rodriguez-Diaz E, Bigio IJ, Cognetta AB, Use of an Elastic-Scattering Spectroscopy and Artificial Intelligence Device in the Assessment of Lesions Suggestive of Skin Cancer: A Comparative Effectiveness Study, JAAD International (2023), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2023.08.019. 13 december 2023 at 08:50 News published onand distributed by: SpeedPro Boston Metrowest Partners with MacPaw to Transform New U.S. Office with Innovative Interior Design Elements SpeedPro Boston Metrowest, a leading provider of best-in-class graphics and large-format printing, announces its partnership with MacPaw, a software company specializing in the development and distribution of macOS and iOS apps, to bring MacPaw's corporate identity and culture to its new U.S. office. This collaboration reflects MacPaw's goal of creating a vibrant and comfortable workspace in the heart of Boston's thriving tech scene. MacPaw, founded in 2008 in Ukraine, has grown to serve over 30 million users worldwide, with the U.S. accounting for more than 40% of its user base. The decision to establish its new U.S. office in Boston stems from MacPaw's goal of going global, being closer to its American audience and gaining a deeper understanding of their needs. "For more than 15 years, MacPaw has been on a mission to help machines help people. Boston's dynamic tech ecosystem resonated with us, and with the owner of SpeedPro Boston Metrowest, Wayne Arthur's expertise, we infused elements of our corporate DNA and our Ukrainian culture into our new office space," said Marta Olovets, Operations Manager at MacPaw. "Working with Wayne has been a pleasure, and his deep knowledge of design and large format printing has been a key part of creating the modern aesthetic of our Boston office." Key elements of the project involved SpeedPro Boston Metrowest bringing MacPaw's brand and company culture to life by printing and installing a brand statement wall, a brand values wall, as well as contributing to the creation of a dichroic glass entryway ? all visually stunning elements that reflect MacPaw's innovative spirit and resembles their flagship office in Kyiv, Ukraine. Arthur collaborated closely with MacPaw's designers in Ukraine to ensure a seamless integration of MacPaw's signature interior elements into the new Boston office. "We worked to bring MacPaw's corporate DNA to life, focusing on maintaining a human touch in the workplace," said Arthur. "It's been a rewarding experience contributing to the transformation of MacPaw's new U.S. office." The office design will help MacPaw with its ambitious plans in the Boston area, with the company aiming to hire tech talent who share MacPaw's values ? create experience, make impact, stay human ? and expand their Boston team to 30 specialists by 2025. By creating a workspace that reflects the vibrant culture, the company hopes to merge the Ukrainian and Boston tech scene, establish a prominent presence within the city's vibrant community, and attract top-tier talent. SpeedPro Boston Metrowest is proud to be part of MacPaw's journey into the U.S. market, bringing its large format printing know-how to enhance the visual and cultural identity of MacPaw's new Boston office. The collaboration not only showcases the capabilities of SpeedPro Boston Metrowest but also highlights the importance of design in creating a workspace that fosters creativity, innovation, and a sense of community. About SpeedPro SpeedPro is a franchise with 170 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and a supplier to IFA, specializing in large-format printing. SpeedPro's primary product applications include wall, window, and floor graphics, event displays, digital displays, signs, and vehicle and fleet wraps. Various industries are served by SpeedPro, including advertising and marketing companies, retail, healthcare, museums, galleries, restaurants, franchises, event venues, educational institutions, and more. SpeedPro's mission is to partner with businesses to achieve success through innovative visual solutions. Learn more about SpeedPro Boston Metrowest at www.speedprobostonmetrowest.com About MacPaw MacPaw is a software development company from Kyiv, Ukraine, specializing in the development and distribution of macOS and iOS software. Some of MacPaw well-known products include CleanMyMac X, Setapp, ClearVPN, SpyBuster, and others. In 2017, MacPaw acquired The Unarchiver and has been actively supporting the product since. Currently, MacPaw products have garnered more than 30 million users, with one in every five Macs globally featuring at least one MacPaw app. 13 december 2023 at 09:05 News published onand distributed by: Cannara Biotech Announces Notice Of Annual General Meeting Of Shareholders To Be Held Virtually On January 25th, 2024 MONTREAL, Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Cannara Biotech Inc. ("Cannara" or the "Company") (TSXV: LOVE) (OTCQB: LOVFF) (FRA: 8CB), a vertically integrated producer of premium-grade cannabis and derivative product offerings at affordable prices with two mega facilities based in Quebec spanning over 1,650,000 sq. ft., today announced that it will host the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders on January 25th, 2024 at 11:00 am EST. The meeting will be held by way of a live webcast and teleconference (per the instructions below). Shareholders are encouraged to vote on the matters before the meeting by proxy and to join the meeting by webcast. Those who attend the meeting by teleconference are requested to read the notes to form of proxy and then to, complete, sign and mail the enclosed form of proxy in accordance with the instructions set out in the proxy and in the information circular. Holders of record of ordinary shares of the Company at the close of business on December 5, 2023 will be asked by the Company for disinterested shareholder approval for the extension of the expiry date of 3,723,800 options which are currently issued and outstanding to employees of the Company by two years, including 3,503,500 options which are currently issued to Company insiders. These options are set to expire five years from grant date, and the Company is seeking approval to amend the expiration to seven years from initial grant date. Shareholders will also be asked to approve the Company's rolling employee stock option plan and restricted share unit plan, as is required on an annual basis. Shareholders will be able to join the annual general meeting by clicking on the link below: https://cannarabiotechquebecinc.my.webex.com/cannarabiotechquebecinc.my/j.php?MTID=mbf846d7e608070421fa4c48bbc2cb936 To join the meeting via teleconference, please dial 1-650-479-3208 and use meeting code 2634 285 6848 and passcode LOVE2024. *Note re Teleconference: Shareholders accessing the Meeting via Teleconference will not be able to vote or speak at the Meeting. To vote or speak at the Meeting, Shareholders will need to join the webcast and utilize the chat function during the Meeting. A moderator will be present to allow Shareholders to vote or speak at the Meeting at the appropriate time. About Cannara Biotech Inc. Cannara Biotech Inc. ( TSXV: LOVE ) ( OTCQB: LOVFF ) ( FRA: 8CB ) is a vertically integrated producer of affordable premium-grade cannabis and cannabis-derivative products for the Canadian markets. Cannara owns two mega facilities based in Quebec spanning over 1,650,000 sq. ft., providing the Company with 100,000kg of potential annualized cultivation output. Leveraging Quebec's low electricity costs, Cannara's facilities produce premium-grade cannabis products at an affordable price. For more information, please visit? cannara.ca . Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Cannara Biotech Inc. 13 december 2023 at 10:30 News published onand distributed by: Michael Tomlinson KC, speaks in the House of Commons during the debate of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill prior to a second reading vote, in London, Tuesday, December 12, 2023. UK PARLIAMENT / AP UK lawmakers on Tuesday, December 12, voted in favor of the government's latest plans to send migrants to Rwanda, which has split Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's ruling Conservative party. A knife-edge parliamentary vote after an afternoon of debate saw 313 MPs vote for the so-called Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, with 269 against. The emergency bill, published only last week, is Sunak's answer to a damning unanimous Supreme Court ruling in November that deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda was illegal under international law. It is part of wider government action to cut record levels of regular and irregular immigration, which is likely to be a key issue at next year's election. Yet the issue is by no means settled for Sunak, who has staked his reputation and political future on the plan. By seeking to declare Rwanda safe despite concerns from human rights monitors, and removing legal challenges to deportation orders, he has triggered deep factional Tory infighting not seen since Brexit. Hardline right-wingers say the proposals are not tough enough, while more liberal Tories are concerned they could see the UK break international law if they are amended down the line. Minutes before the vote, MP Mark Francois told reporters that the so-called "five families" of right-wing Tory factions had met and decided not to support the bill as it stood. "We have decided collectively that we cannot support the bill tonight because of its many omissions [...] We will not be supporting it," said Francois, chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs who advocated a "hard" Brexit. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes UK Conservatives drift to the radical right "The prime minister has been telling colleagues today he is prepared to entertain tightening the bill," he added. "With that aim, at the committee stage we will aim to table amendments which would, we hope, if accepted, materially improve the bill and remove some of its weaknesses." Francois said the group would introduce amendments in January, signaling more political wrangling for Sunak in the new year. US President Joe Biden and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2023. MANDEL NGAN / AFP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told America his country was fighting for "our freedom and yours" as he made an impassioned plea Tuesday for Congress to approve more assistance to fight Russias invasion. But prospects for additional US aid to Ukraine appeared seriously delayed, if not in grave doubt, despite his whirlwind diplomacy in Washington After hours of talks on Capitol Hill, Zelensky spent more hours at the White House meeting with President Joe Biden and his aides about a way forward. The US has already provided Ukraine $111 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his grinding invasion more than 21 months ago, but Republicans are insisting on linking any more money to strict US-Mexico border security changes that Democrats decry. The White House is warning that if new money isn't provided by year's end it will have swift consequences for Ukraine's capacity to hold its territory, let alone take back land captured by Russia. Unclear if progress made As Zelensky wrapped up his two-day visit to Washington, it was unclear if he had been able to shake up the political stalemate over aid though negotiations swiftly resumed at the Capitol and key Senate negotiators emerged saying they had made progress. He sought to make the case that supporting his countrys fight for its territorial integrity is about far more than Ukraine. "For nearly two years weve been in a full-scale war the biggest since World War II, fighting for freedom," Zelensky said. "No matter what Putin tries he hasnt won any victories. Thanks to Ukraine's success success in defense other European nations are safe from the Russian aggression." Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Russia enlists Nepalese fighters on the Ukrainian front Biden similarly warned that failure by the United States to provide Ukraine further aid would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and others on the world stage. "Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver on Ukraine," Biden said. "We must, we must, we must prove him wrong." Earlier, meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office, Biden called on Congress "to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom." He added, "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess. Before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him." Zelensky made his own case in his private meetings with congressional leaders that Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely to push back the Russian invasion with the help of American and other Western allies and it's no time for Ukraine's friends to step back. 'In a fight for freedom' "The fight we're in is a fight for freedom," Zelensky repeatedly said in the meetings on Capitol Hill, according to lawmakers. Elsewhere meanwhile, more than 130 senior lawmakers from across Europe signed a letter urging US lawmakers to continue their support for Ukraine. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes War in Ukraine looms over Russian colony of Barentsburg in Norway In Washington, flanked by Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Zelensky entered a private meeting with senators with a public bipartisan show of support and to some applause. But more than an hour later few senators' minds appeared changed. Zelensky also visited House leaders, including privately with new Speaker Mike Johnson, whose hard-right Republicans have been the most resistant to any deal. Johnson insisted afterward: "We do want to do the right thing here." Zelensky sought to impress on the senators that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, telling them he was drafting men in their 30s and 40s in a show of strength for the battle. In his trademark olive drab, he stood before a portrait of George Washington, history hanging behind him. To the House Democrats, he showcased his country's embrace of the West by pointing to the Christmas season, telling them it was the first year Ukraine would celebrate on Dec. 25 rather than the day Russians mark the holiday. McConnell said Zelensky was "inspirational and determined" in the Senate meeting. But Republican senators seemed unmoved from their position. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said the emergency funding wouldnt gain GOP support unless it includes "real, meaningful border reform." Biden pushed back that "history will judge harshly those who turned their backs on freedoms cause." The president quoted a Kremlin-aligned television host celebrating Republicans' recent blocking of aid as a job "well done." Read more Russia to hold presidential vote in occupied Ukraine "If youre being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what youre doing," he said. Biden has been calling for a $110 billion US aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. White House ready to accept hardline border measures He has expressed a willingness to engage with the Republicans as migrant crossings have hit record highs along the US-Mexico border, but Democrats in his own party oppose proposals for expedited deportations and strict asylum standards as a return to Trump-era hostility toward migrants. It's Zelensky's third visit to Washington since the war broke out in February 2022, including a quick trip just a few months ago as aid was being considered. But his surprise arrival days before Christmas last December drew thunderous applause in Congress, his daring first wartime trip out of Ukraine. At the time, lawmakers sported the blue-and-yellow colors of Ukraine, and Zelensky delivered a speech that drew on the parallels to World War II as he thanked Americans for their support. But 2023 brought a new power center of hard-right Republicans, many aligned with Donald Trump, the former president who is now the GOP front-runner in the 2024 race for the White House. Read more Senate Republicans block Ukraine and Israel aid from advancing as they demand border policy changes Of the new $110 billion national security package, $61.4 billion would go toward Ukraine with about half to the US Defense Department to replenish weaponry it is supplying, and the other half for humanitarian assistance and to help the Ukrainian government function with emergency responders, public works and other operations. The package includes another nearly $14 billion for Israel as it fights Hamas and $14 billion for US border security. Additional funds would go for national security needs in the Asia-Pacific region. Biden also announced Tuesday that he had approved an additional $200 million military aid package for Ukraine. Including that latest package, the US now has about $4.4 billion remaining in weapons it can provide from department stockpiles. The ongoing withdrawal of French troops participating in an anti-jihadist mission in Niger will be complete by December 22, the Sahel country's army said on Tuesday, December 12. Niger's military rulers scrapped defense agreements with France, its traditional security partner, as relations nosedived following a July coup. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the forces would leave by the year's end, with a first contingent exiting the country in October. "By December 22, all French soldiers as well as their logistics will have left Niger for good," the Nigerien army said in a statement. The withdrawal has so far been carried out "in a coordinated manner and safely," it added. According to Nigerien media, 1,346 French troops and 80% of their logistical equipment have left, with only 157 soldiers remaining. Niger's new rulers have rowed back on security cooperation with Western partners agreed under ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, while forging closer ties with its military-ruled neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. Read more Niger chooses Russia over Europe All three Sahel nations are battling long-running and bloody insurgencies waged by rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group. Neighboring West African countries agreed in Nigeria last week to maintain sanctions imposed against Niger over the coup, making any relief contingent on a speedier transition to civilian rule. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes France's military presence in Africa faces an uncertain future A TOTAL of 130 gardai in the Limerick division have been interrogated in relation to the alleged squaring of road traffic fines, a local TD has said. Fianna Fail TD for Clare, Cathal Crowe, made the claim in the Joint Committee on Justice debate at which garda commissioner Drew Harris was called to give evidence. Referring to officers in the Limerick division, Mr Crowe said: Their laptops and mobile phones were seized. This all relates to the squaring of road traffic fines. The squaring of road traffic fines or penalty points generally refers to penalty points that have intentionally not been processed in the correct way. The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation have been undertaking an investigation into these alleged wrongdoings. Mr Crowe used what is known as Dail privilege to make the claims. This is a mechanism which allows those taking part in parliamentary business the ability to make comments, free from the threat of legal action. Mr Harris, the most senior garda in Ireland, did not dispute the number put forward by Mr Crowe. The Clare TD told the Joint Committee on Justice debate that 113 officers are currently suspended nationwide. The number suspended equates to half the total garda cohort in my county. One can imagine the difference having 113 gardai on the street somewhere - be it Ennis, Dublin or anywhere in Ireland - would make in terms of policing, instead of having them at home, not using the skills they acquired in Templemore, being fully paid to sit at home while suspended. It's amoral and it is a failure. The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation needs to move this on. Commissioner Harris's attendance at the debate came in the wake of the Dublin riots. Responding to Mr Crowes point on suspensions, he said these are a matter of last resort. Every single one of these cases is considered very carefully, he said. These are under three-month review. If any new facts emerges, then they are under immediate review. It is a precautionary measure in terms of public confidence in the organisation but also in respect of the inquiry itself and the preservation of the integrity of that inquiry. Bus Eireann, Irelands national bus company, have announced details of their Christmas and new year timetables for services in Limerick. With anticipated high demand, passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check the updated timetables on the Bus Eireann website HERE. Bus Eireann services will operate to normal schedules until Saturday, December 23 marking one of the busiest travel weeks as passengers from across Ireland and beyond travel home for the festive season. On Christmas Eve, 24 December, services will operate to a Sunday timetable with earlier final departures. Limerick City bus services and regional and rural services will operate to a Sunday timetable with last departures at approximately 9pm. No services will operate on Christmas Day. Bus Eireann a will operate based on Bank Holiday/Sunday service timetables for St Stephens Day, December, 26 commencing around 9am. Passengers planning to travel are encouraged to check the timetable for their routes. Starting from Wednesday, 27 December services will operate to normal timetables to New Years Eve, Sunday, December, 31. Services on New Years Day, Monday, January 1 will operate to a Sunday schedule. A full normal timetable across Bus Eireann services will resume from Tuesday, January 2. Stephen Kent, Chief Executive of Bus Eireann, said: "Bus Eireann has facilitated over 99 million passenger journeys in 2023, and we know that many of our customers will be using our services during the Christmas season, whether travelling home, visiting family and friends, shopping, or working over the festive period. Christmas and New Year is the busiest period for Bus Eireann services and we are delighted to provide an extensive schedule up to and during the Christmas season to meet the travel needs of our customers. We advise those planning to travel over the festive period to plan their journeys in advance and check our website for up-to-date timetables and travel information. On behalf of Bus Eireann, I want to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers for choosing our services this past year and we extend our warm wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season to all, wherever you may travel." TO HONOUR the thousands who have endured long hours in its Emergency Department, the Mid-West Hospital Campaign are gearing up to host its annual remembrance vigil outside the gates of University Hospital Limerick. The vigil is set to take place on Sunday, December 17 at 2pm, and aims to remember those who have "spent time lying on trolleys [and] sitting on chairs in an overcrowded Emergency Department." It has been said that despite promises to the local population of over 400,000 from Clare, Limerick, and North Tipperary, concerns are mounting over the state of health provision in the region. "We cannot allow this to keep happening," said a spokesperson for the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. "All are welcome to attend on Sunday," they added, urging community members to bring candles, torches, and other symbols of remembrance. Earlier this month, the Johnston family from Shannon received the UHL report on the tragic death of their daughter in UHL on December 19, 2022, nearly a year after the incident. Despite assurances that the report would be available within three months, the delay has added to the family's grief. The campaign group stress that such instances underscore the urgency for reform and accountability in healthcare systems. MID-WEST graduates have the highest employment rates in the country, nine months after qualifying. Those who graduated from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), which has two Limerick campuses, have landed an 86.9% employment rate, the highest recorded in Ireland. According to the most recent HEA (Higher Education Authority) graduate outcomes survey, almost a third of TUS undergraduates from 2022 have taken up employment in Limerick. The national survey also found that TUS undergraduates are more likely to take up employment in the regions served by its six campuses - including Limerick's Moylish Campus and the Clare St campus. Saying that the findings of employability are a a source of pride for TUS, president Professor Vincent Cunnane said: A key focus of TUS is that our graduates are work-ready, and the HEA finding that our graduates are the most employable in the country is good news for the regions we serve. Our flexibility and ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our regions has ensured that graduates are skilled and ready to take up employment immediately upon graduating. As many as 84% of TUS 2022 honours degree graduates have stated that their degree is relevant to their new employment. Our relationships and connections with industry in the Mid-West region is one of our most valuable assets, said careers and employability manager of TUS Mid-West, Aoife Prendergast. They are passionate about helping our students succeed, and they provide invaluable insights into the workforce. Almost 55% of our 2022 undergraduates in employment had accredited work placement or work experience as a component of their course, Ms Prendergast concluded. COUNTY Limerick farmer Martin Stapleton has lost his bid to become president of the Irish Farmers Association. His opponent, Francie Gorman, is set to take over the role in January after a resounding success in the IFA presidential election. Mr Stapleton, a dairy farmer from Oola, Co Limerick, launched his bid for the role in June 2023. "Renewing respect for farmers and renewing the power of IFA" was the cornerstone of his presidential campaign, with his campaign also highlighting the freedom of farmers to farm for themselves while reconciling the need for climate and biodiversity action. Mr Gorman, a beef, suckler and sheep farmer from Ballinakill in Co Louth, won the election with 16,699 votes to Mr Stapleton's 13,210. While Mr Stapelton had majorities in Munster, his opposition clinched his victory with majorities in all the counties of Leinster, Connacht and Ulster. The turnout for the election was later confirmed as being just shy of 30,000, with up to 20,000 of those ballots sent in via the newly introduced postal vote system. In his acceptance speech Mr Gorman graciously acknowledged Mr Stapleton as an opponent, and congratulated him on "a well fought campaign". "The dedication to IFA that you have demonstrated throughout your career was carried through in this election. I want to acknowledge you, your family, friends and supporters for running a dignified and fair campaign," Mr Gorman said. Mr Gorman takes over from Tim Cullinane in January 2024 when the IFA AGM will be held. Central Virginias Bob Good has been selected to lead one of the most influential groups in the U.S. House of Representatives. Good, a Republican representing Virginias 5th Congressional District, was elected chairman of the House Freedom Caucus on Monday night in a closed-door meeting. The far-right, hard-line group has earned a reputation as among the more confrontational contingencies in Congress, and eight of its members were instrumental in the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, himself a Republican. Good was among them, and with a razor-thin Republican majority in the House, Good will be leading a caucus that has significant sway over who is in charge, how Congress is run and what bills are passed. Rep. Good has been a strong and vocal member of the Freedom Caucus since taking office in 2021, serving on the groups Board of Directors as Whip and championing the positions and messages of the caucus, reads a statement from Goods office issued after the Monday vote. Good will be taking the role from Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. It is my privilege and honor to serve as the next House Freedom Caucus chairman, Good said in his statement. I thank Rep. Perry for his outstanding leadership of the caucus, and I look forward to building on the work he has done and continuing the fight to reduce government spending, secure our borders, and defend our constitutional freedoms. Now that Good is heading an influential caucus, could that mean hell be delivering results for his district, which stretches all the way from Charlottesville to the North Carolina border. I wouldnt go that far, Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginias Center for Politics told The Daily Progress. Republicans currently hold 221 seats in the House. With 218 votes required for a majority, the party can only afford to lose three votes. That means the party will need to stick together to get its priorities passed, and so far this session, that has been a challenge. The Freedom Caucus, which consists of about three dozen members, is not known for being willing to negotiate. They werent very flexible to begin with, Sabato said. Theres almost no margin for error, and that means even within the Republican conference there has to be some give and take. Even if the conference is able to pass something through the House, whatever the Freedom Caucus is willing to support will likely be viewed as too extreme by the Democrat-controlled Senate. And getting the support of moderate House Republicans will be challenging. Bob Good is seen as being way out there. He really is. Ive talked to enough members to know, Sabato said. Honestly, I cant imagine that any Democrat or Republican with the label of moderate conservative would be inclined to go along with Bob Good on just about anything, because it doesnt sell. That perception is partly what Sabato found surprising about the news. I dont think he makes the caucus more acceptable, but I dont think they care, he said. Just as surprising was the fact that, according to reports, Good ran for the position unopposed. Sabato speculated that may have been because Good currently has a Republican challenger for his seat, Virginia state Senator John McGuire of Goochland. McGuire, who represents a swath of counties between Richmond and Lynchburg, has attacked Good for not being loyal enough to former President Donald Trump. Although Good endorsed Trump in 2020, he has endorsed his primary challenger Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this cycle. Could he have been trying to signal to very conservative Republicans who control that nominating process in the 5th District, You see? They love me. Our people love me. Not meaning the people of the 5th District, but rather the right wing of the right wing, Sabato said. There must have been some internal maneuvering if he ran unopposed, because there are a lot of very ambitious members of the Freedom Caucus. Very ambitious. Aaron Evans, president of Ruckersville-based GOP consulting firm Winning Republican Strategies, said he believes Goods new position has derailed McGuires candidacy. Now that Good is officially the face of the Freedom Caucus, McGuire will have a much harder time convincing Republican voters that Good is a RINO [Republican In Name Only], Evans wrote in a statement. This introduces some real messaging problems for McGuire who has already been attempting to position himself to the right of Good. The Daily Progress could not reach McGuire before press time. Despite McGuires criticisms, Good has pushed hard for certain positions, including the ouster of McCarthy, which he felt was the will of Republican conservative base. We were willing to throw down and risk shutting down the government to achieve anything, Good said at a fundraiser in Louisa this past October. What were going through right now is further exposing the swamp creatures. He was unwilling to compromise, as the Freedom Caucus eventually nominated Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who is now Speaker of the House. That unwillingness may have been attractive to other caucus members. It may be they want someone viewed as very hardheaded, and Good is. He was impervious to negotiations on McCarthy the first time, Sabato said. You cant negotiate with this guy because hes driven by right-wing ideology almost entirely. GARDAI are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 40s following an incident in Tallaght, Dublin 24 on Monday, December 11, 2023. A post-mortem was carried out this Tuesday by State Pathologist, Dr Linda Mulligan. The results of which are not being released for operational reasons. An adult male who was arrested at the scene remains detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the Dublin Region. A second adult male was arrested earlier this Tuesday, December 12 as part of this investigation. He is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the Dublin region. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with the family of the deceased. Gardai are appealing anyone who may have information regarding this incident to come forward to them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght garda station on 01 666 6000 or at the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Investigations are ongoing. An Irish archbishop has described life in the womb as "a someone" rather than "a something". Archbishop Eamon Martin made the comments in a statement today (December 13) ahead of Seanad Eireann's debate on the second stage of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill. According to the Law Society of Ireland, this legislation will create 100 metre zones from an entrance or exit to a premises where obstetricians, gynaecologists, and general practitioners provide termination services. Certain conduct within the zones aimed at impeding access or influencing decisions in relation to pregnancy termination services will be prohibited. The Safe Access Zones Bill recently passed all stages in the Dail and is now being considered by the Seanad. In his statement, Archbishop Martin said, "The imposition of so-called safe abortion zones will further silence the voice of the innocent unborn. Given that the law already prevents harassment and intimidation, I believe the new legislation represents a disproportionate response with potentially wide implications for freedom of religion and speech. "The discussions about abortion in recent years have made us much more aware of the pressures that women can be under during pregnancy and how so many can feel isolated, neglected and alone in their distress. "Tragic, and sometimes desperate, situations like these will not go away just because abortion centres are sealed off from peaceful vigils." He continued: "Over the years many mothers in crisis have felt supported sometimes at the very last minute by a sensitive offer of practical help to find a way out of their crisis other than by ending the life of their unborn baby. "It is perfectly reasonable to want to reach out in compassion to help vulnerable women and to be free to protect the life and well-being of both a mother and her unborn child. "Harassment laws are already in place to prevent intimidation. The introduction of these zones increases fears that freedom of religion, belief, expression and association are being undermined and open to attack." According to Archbishop Martin, the introduction of "punitive sanctions" undermines the common good and "shuts down those who wish to peacefully and prayerfully offer support and alternative options". He stated, "What next? How long before it is deemed unlawful to openly express in Ireland the reasonable opinion that there are two lives in every pregnancy worth protecting the life of a mother and the life of her unborn child? "Will those who believe that the ending of unborn life is of the utmost moral significance, and who have sincerely held beliefs that every human life is sacred from the first moment of conception, be told that they are not free to express these beliefs anywhere in a public forum?" According to the archbishop, it has "never been more important" to witness the dignity of every human life, particularly in a world where there is so much violence, destruction and unnecessary death. He concluded: "The right to life is not conferred by any human law; rather, it is Gods most precious gift to us. The innocent life in the womb is not a something; it is a someone. Science confirms that it is, in reality, a little girl or boy at a very early stage in her or his life. "To hold this truth, and to express it openly, is not something to be ashamed of, or to be excluded from public discourse, censored from newspaper columns, shut down in debates, or kept out via safe access zones! It is something we should be able to shout from the rooftops: All human life is sacred and precious! Choose life!" The Indian tech startup ecosystem continued to grapple with a funding slowdown in 2023. Investments into tech startups during the year hit a five-year low of $7 billion, taking India's global ranking from third to fourth place. Funding declined across all stages, with late-stage funding witnessing the biggest drop of 73%, to $4.2 billion in 2023 so far. Besides, the year saw just 17 investments of $100-million-plus funding, against 55 in the previous year. Mint presents some dismal trends captured by the Annual India Startup Report released last week by data intelligence platform Tracxn. Slowdown bites Total funding received by Indian tech startups declined by 72% in 2023. The ongoing quarter (Q4) has so far recorded funding of $957 million; its set to be the lowest-funded quarter since Q3 of 2016, according to the Tracxn report. Late-stage funding dropped by over 73%, followed by early-stage funding (70%) and seed-stage funding (60%). Squeeze all over While Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR continued to attract significant funding, these startup hubs, too, saw a decline. The unicorn tally also shrank significantly: just two new onesIncred and Zeptohave been created in the year so far, compared with 24 in 2022. Shifting order With a total funding of less than $10 billion received for tech startups this year, India has slipped one notch to fourth place among the highest-funded tech startup geographies globally in 2023. India had been at the third rank the previous two years. The country now accounts for almost 4% of the global fundraising, while China, which secured the third spot, had a 6% share. Bright spots? Fintech, retail and enterprise applications have been the top-performing startup sectors in terms of funding in 2023 till date. However, these, too, have seen big drops in funding. Despite the overall funding slowdown, fast-evolving sectors such as environment tech and spacetech have managed to garner investors attention. What lies ahead? While the funding slowdown in 2023 presents challenges for the Indian tech startup ecosystem, we remain optimistic about the future," said Neha Singh, co-founder, Tracxn. With favourable government policies and a fast-growing economy, we believe India is well-positioned for success in the years to come. (Indian startups) focus remains on innovation and creating value, and we are confident that the industry will rebound and flourish." Ankit Kedia, founder and lead investor, Capital A, too, said the future remained promising. Despite the downturn, the emergence of bridge-round funding becoming a norm indicates an ecosystem that can take challenges and believe in the value proposition," he said. Looking forward, anticipate a renewed focus on deep tech, regional expansions, and a rise in impactful, sustainable initiatives." NEW DELHI : Sometime in 2019-20, Reliance Industries Ltd and Aditya Birla Group, among Indias largest conglomerates, surrendered a newly-approved licence they received from the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ), the countrys central bank. That licence was for a special category of non-banking financial company (NBFC) called account aggregator. Why did the two conglomerates give up the licence? While they did not respond to a clarification sought by Mint, it is possible they did not find a solid business case. The account aggregator guidelines were first released by RBI in September 2016 and the framework launched in 2021 with an important role in mind. The aggregators would be a node thus far missing in Indias financial inclusion story. Millions of people and small businesses are excluded from accessing loans, insurance and other financial products because banks and insurance companies lack access to customer data. There is a sea of financial data about us and our spending behaviour. But they are often spread across multiple organizations. In the case of loans, this makes the whole processstarting from data sharing to underwriting to disbursementtedious and time consuming. In many cases, it leads to customer drop-offs, also resulting in loss of business for a bank. The account aggregators role is to fetch or pull customer data from one financial institution (known as the financial information provider, or FIP) and pass it on to another financial institution (known as the financial information user, or FIU), after getting the customers consent. The FIPs could be the banks, asset management companies, depositories and insurance companies. The FIUs could also be banks, brokers, alternative investment funds and insurance companies, among others. In short, the account aggregator links the two sides and is supposed to ensure the relevant data flow in a structured way. Despite two conglomerates pulling out, today, there are 14 companies that have received operating licences from RBI. Three applicants have received in-principle licences. Some aggregator firms appear to have scaled. Pune-based account aggregator firm, Finvu, claims to process 150,000-350,000 new consents (customer consent to share data) a day. On paper, the ecosystem has over 80 FIPs, including the top 10 public sector banks and the top 10 private banks. Sahamati, a non-profit organization that puts in place standards and codes of conduct for the account aggregator ecosystem, states that till September this year, 102 million customer consents have been received. Nonetheless, things arent that rosy. The fundamental questionone that may have dissuaded the two conglomerates in 2019-20stays. Is there a business model? The model View Full Image Graphics: Sarvesh Kumar Sharma Lets delve deeper into the business model of account aggregators as it stands today. Aggregators are paid by the FIUs for the service they provide. On an average, FIUs paid aggregators between 10 and 30 per data pull when the framework started in 2021. As more aggregator licences came about, competition grew. Market forces forced down the price aggregators could commandcurrently, it is trending at below 5, according to some aggregators. In case of high volumes, FIUs bargain even harder and the service charges can drop to as low as 75 paisa per data pull. NeSL Asset Data Ltd (NADL), an account aggregator company, currently charges 2 per data pull, as per a tariff plan published on its website. The large number of licensed account aggregators in the ecosystem has made the current business atmosphere extremely competitive with undercutting of pricing becoming a norm," a spokesperson from NADL said. Hence, it is imperative that the usage of account aggregator as the default option in digital financial transactions be popularized on a large scale. While lower pricing has been beneficial for the end customer, it has made the account aggregator environment a challenging one to do business in. However, with a monthly usage growth rate of 15% to 20%, the industry is moving towards sustainability in the long term. The regulator is also playing its part in this endeavour with its RBI Kehta Hai series currently airing in digital media," the spokesperson added. It also doesnt help that the market itself is small. As per Sahamatis projections, data pulls through account aggregators could total 500 crore in 2027. The revenue pie is linked to this data. If the rate is 1 per data pull, the revenue pie will be 500 crore. If it is 50 paise, it will be 250 crore, Tejinder Pal Singh Manchanda, the chief executive officer (CEO) of CAMS Financial Information Services Ltd, an account aggregator company, explained. What is the expense structure of account aggregators like? Excluding resource cost, account aggregators spend on application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable different applications to communicate with each other and SMS for one time passwords. When a customer gives fresh consent, it takes several API calls with the cumulative cost going a little over 5 per consent. The unit-level economics, therefore, are firmly against the aggregators. Most companies lose money for every data pull request. This is not a sustainable business," Finvu founder Manoj Alandkar told Mint. Alandkar and other business heads of account aggregator companies also point to other bottlenecksthe difficulty of doing business with large financial institutions. Inactive FIPs View Full Image The account aggregator framework still needs to fine tune and mature on structural efficiency parameters, an executive from Kotak Mahindra Bank said. (Mint) The account aggregator ecosystem, like we have mentioned earlier, comprises an FIP and the FIU, apart from the aggregator. A fourth participant is the technology services provider (TSP). The success of this ecosystem, to a large extent, depends on FIPs actively participating in the data sharing process. In other words, success depends on large entities, such as top banks, and their willingness to share the data of their customers with another financial institution. Willingness is the important word here. While on paper, there are over 80 FIPs, many arent active. Bank of Maharashtra and Kotak Mahindra Bank, for instance, are in the FIP list. However, their failure rate is 99.99% (the number of times an account aggregator tried to fetch data as asked by an FIU after getting customer consent but failed)," a top official at an account aggregator company said. He didnt want to be identified. We have been live on account aggregator (platforms) since February 2022. Account aggregator continues to be a promising model for multiple use cases, including lending and personal finance management," Sanjay Seshamani, senior executive vice president and national head, digital businessconsumer bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, told Mint in an emailed clarification. However, the framework still needs to fine tune and mature on structural efficiency parameters and we are working with stakeholders to scale and improve the account aggregator ecosystem. We firmly believe that the ecosystem has the potential to simplify aspects of financial services for both customers and institutions," he added. Some large banks oblige but dont share the entire dataset that is required by the FIU to make a lending decision, for instance. The data is supposed to be shared in a structured and predefined format, one that contains a list of transactions with details like transaction type and mode. However, many banks dont stick to a format and it becomes difficult for account aggregators to understand money transactions. When an account aggregator tries to pull one-year customer data from the State Bank of India, the PSU doesnt give 12-month data. It only agrees to give six-month data," the executive quoted above said. There are further restrictions. SBI agrees to give six-month data or 150 data points, whichever is earlier. Today, users do several UPI transactions in a daythe 150-mark gets covered in just 5-10 days of data. A loan underwriting, based on that data, is never going to happen because this data set may not even include any salary deposit data," he explained. Both Bank of Maharashtra and SBI didnt respond to Mints queries. In a lending use-case, there is no use of debit/credit data unless there is no clear narration such as the customer paid an X amount to BookMyShow or to a cafe, etc. So, the industry goes back to square one and FIUs end up asking the customer to share their data over email, the traditional method of availing loans," the official said. Banks defence View Full Image A bank could be inundated with too many API calls. The banks core banking bandwidth could get choked, an executive warned. (istockphoto) What makes banks, when they are on the FIP side, so unwilling? One answer is that they dont have an incentive. When they share data, the business is likely to be bagged by a rival company on the FIU side. This is going the payments bank way, where the initiative has the right intent but the execution is flawed because the incentive is not balanced. If the account aggregator process actually lowers the cost of loan processing, why not pass the incentive with the FIPs?" questioned Shankar Sundarrajan, partnerfinancial services, IBM Consulting. The company helps banks and NBFCs integrate account aggregator APIs. I dont think the account aggregator model has taken off. Everybody is on it and is using it. But, is the data meaningful to make underwriting decisions? The answer is no," he added. A payments bank is a category of banks that cant advance loans or issue credit cards. Banks also complain that the same customers data is being pulled multiple times. This is because the same customer is going to multiple platforms (FIUs) for a loan and giving data pull consent multiple times," a banker said. He didnt want to be identified. There can be so many API calls on the banks system that the core banking bandwidth could get choked. When a wealth management fintech wants to know whats happening with the investor (i.e. customer) and they keep pinging a bank on a recurring basis, imagine what happens to their core banking? Its a pain to integrate and for what outcome?" he asked. Survival hack Considering that the business model is broken at the moment, what are account aggregator companies doing to survive? Remember, we mentioned a fourth participant in the ecosystemthe TSP or an entity that provides tech services. While the core account aggregator model is loss making, the TSP part appears promising. All account aggregator companies, barring one or two, have separate account aggregator TSP entities. A TSP plays three rolesencrypt the data for FIPs, decrypt the data for FIUs, and lastly, make sense of the data. The last leg comes after FIUs obtain the data and wants the TSP to analyze it. Account aggregators get the raw data. TSPs analyze that data and make it meaningful for consumption," said V.R. Govindarajan, chairman, Perfios, a financial data analytics company. Perfios has an account aggregator licence, as well as a TSP arm. For the analysis part, TSPs can command a premiummaking anywhere between 20-50 per statement analysis," Wriju Ray, chief business officer of Mumbai-based IDFy, said. The company, into identity verification services, has applied for an account aggregator licence. Whats coming View Full Image Pine Labs chief executive Amrish Rau. The company acquired Setu, which has an account aggregator licence, last year. (Mint) Companies with aggregator licence wants RBI to restrict further licencesmore companies in a small market implies brutal pricing wars. Account aggregators have complained to the regulator. There are way too many licences and the prices are already commoditized," an executive quoted earlier said. The industry, meanwhile, has started consolidating. The small could be gobbled up by the big. Earlier this year, KFintech, a company that provides SaaS-based solutions to asset managers, bought 25.6% stake in OneMoney, one of the first companies to bag the account aggregator licence. Setu, which has both an account aggregator licence and TSP, was acquired by fintech unicorn 8. Nonetheless, some experts remain hopeful. Shalini Warrier, executive director at Federal Bank, is one of them. She sees account aggregators going the credit bureau way. When credit bureau first came to India, there was trepidation in peoples minds. Banks who were participating were worried that they were giving away information but were not getting any value. The first few years will always be difficult," she said. Also, banks are trying to do a lot of research and understand the right use-cases (for account aggregator). In a couple of years, the use-cases will also explode," she added. Sahamatis chief executive officer B.G. Mahesh said that a cross-sectoral data-sharing network at this scale is unheard of. What everybody is failing to understand is the large untapped market in both lending and investing. The credit gap in the MSME (micro small and medium enterprise) sector is around 25 trillion," he said. Now imagine if a significant portion of this is fulfilled via the account aggregator flow." China is upending how the international financial system handles debt crises in the developing world. Wall Street isnt happy. Large bond fund managers cried foul last month when China blocked their deal to salvage investments in defaulted Zambian debt. The smackdown came just weeks after Chinese officials brokered a private debt restructuring with Sri Lanka, outmaneuvering Western governments that were trying to do the same. China can set its own rules because it has become the biggest lender to developing countries, outweighing Western powers that dominated such matters for more than 50 years. The new reality is rankling the old guard and making debt crises around the world longer and harder to predict. If youre hoping for a quick restructuring at a reasonable pace, thats not going to happen," said Michael Cirami, a bond-fund manager for Boston-based Artisan Partners EMsights Capital Group. Western governments, investment firms and the International Monetary Fund have long decided how emerging-market debt gets overhauled, using a mix of formal rules and backroom deals. But China lent $1 trillion to countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bolster its global influence over the past decade and now many of the loans are going bad. Longer restructuring negotiations prolong economic pain for borrower countries and their citizens. They also lower recoveries for bond funds, which dont collect interest payments while debt is in default. So far, the restructurings have involved small countries, including Ghana and Ethiopia. Larger nations, with greater geopolitical importsuch as Argentina and Pakistancould be next. If we dont manage the [restructuring] paradigm shift well, we can move onto very dangerous ground," said Pierre Cailleteau, a managing director at Lazard, the investment bank advising Sri Lanka, Suriname, Zambia and others in negotiations with lenders. Zambia, Africas second-largest producer of copper, stands at the center of the power shift. Beijing lent around $4 billion to Zambia to build airports and power plants through Chinese contractors. Many projects didnt meet targets and Zambian officials have said some money was siphoned off by corruption. Zambia defaulted in 2020 and the IMF agreed in 2021 to a $1.4 billion bailout, contingent on other lenders restructuring. Officials including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen began pressuring China to engage in talks with an organization of Western countries called the Paris Club. Beijing agreed, but negotiations dragged on for nearly two years, a delay critics blamed on Chinese stubbornness. Another potential explanation is that Westerners designed the rules of the talkscalled the common frameworkwithout accounting for Chinese practices and goals, said Alexandra Zeitz, an assistant professor at Concordia University. When you look at whats actually in the common framework, its really just the Paris Club rules," she said. China expects bondholders to take greater losses than official creditors and for multilateral banks to forgo some of what they were oweda reversal of the Paris Club norm, people familiar with the matter said. Beijing didnt formally agree to a deal until this October. Bondholders, including Amia Capital, Amundi, RBC BlueBay Asset Management, Farallon Capital Management and Greylock Capital Management, had been negotiating in parallel to restructure $3 billion of debt. They agreed in October to take losses of around 40%, roughly the same amount as official creditors. The bondholders publicized the deal after a few days, believing they had Chinas support, the people familiar with the matter said. Two weeks later, the official creditor group led by China vetoed the bondholder plan, saying that more debt relief was required. That contradicted analysis by the IMF and the Zambian government. Zambias government tried to control the damage, convening a call with bondholders, but the meeting failed to produce a strategy, the people familiar with the matter said. Negotiations between the parties could resume this week, one of the people said. The onus was on the Paris Club members that had experience with this to manage Chinas expectations and something went wrong," said a spokesperson for the Zambian bondholder group. Debt restructurings have historically followed a pattern. Countries in default typically asked the IMF how much debt reduction was needed to fix their economies, then haggled with lenders for the concessions. Lenders generally split into two camps: governments in the Paris Club and bond-fund managers in committees. The two contingents bargained separately with countries in default but agreed that they would make comparable concessions, often communicating through back channels to reach consensus. China, in contrast, mostly negotiated on its own with debtor countries. It differed in other ways, too. China offered debt extensions to borrowers, but not debt reductions that the Paris Club and bondholders sometimes agreed to. It also resumed lending faster after default than Western countries. In Sri Lanka, China has refused to team up with other countries, cutting side deals with the government instead. The countrys restructuring has progressed much faster than Zambias. Sri Lanka borrowed billions from China in the 2010s to build projects before the government defaulted and collapsed last year. The IMF has agreed to provide a $3 billion bailout as long as other lenders agreed to debt relief. China sat in on several meetings of the committee of Sri Lankas official creditors, which includes Japan, India and France, but never joined the group. The committee spent months haggling with Sri Lanka and planned to announce a breakthrough deal on $6 billion of debt at IMF meetings this fall, according to people familiar with the matter. The day before the planned announcement, Sri Lanka revealed that China had already negotiated its own restructuring of $4 billion of debt, without revealing the terms. The official committee canceled its scheduled announcement and sought to find out whether the Chinese deal was comparable to what Japan, India and their cohort had agreed to, the people familiar said. Six days after Beijings announcement, the Sri Lankan government made another unexpected disclosure: two state-owned Chinese companies were investing $1.6 billion to help jump-start construction at the Port City Colombo, a project whose progress had stalled since the country defaulted. What the Chinese are offering is exactly what the Sri Lankan authorities want: new money and investment," said Brad Parks, the executive director of William & Marys AidData research lab. It might not be in the interest of the country in the long run, but in the short run, its almost too good to pass up on." Write to Matt Wirz at matthieu.wirz@wsj.com and Alexander Saeedy at alexander.saeedy@wsj.com Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in India is gaining momentum. According to the governments Vahan dashboard, 1.4 million million EVs have been registered so far this calendar year 37% more than in 2022. This surge is attributed to the government's push for lowering emission to achieve its net-zero target, and has proved a catalyst for EV batteries. View Full Image Source: Vahan dashboard In November 2021, India announced its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Climate change is not a new phenomenon, but many countries are now seeing its effects. India faces extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods and droughts, and serious issues such as declining groundwater reserves. These issues are affecting peoples health and Indias gross domestic product (GDP). The recent drop in air quality in prominent cities such as Delhi and Mumbai has also nudged the government to take steps to mitigate climate change. At the recent G20 Summit, all member countries showed their commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. India to embrace the growth in the EV market Government initiatives such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme are a step towards widespread adoption of EVs in India. The government also offers tax benefits to buyers of hybrid and electric vehicles. A report by Mordor Intelligence said Indias EV market in India is estimated to be worth $37.7 billion by 2028. This translates to a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.4% from 2023 to 2028. According to reports, the second phase of FAME has already allocated 100 billion for customer incentives. Meanwhile, a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme allocated 260 billion to the automotive industry for sourcing and producing vehicles locally. These efforts are indeed helping India become the worlds primary hub for EV production. Around 70% of Indian car owners in tier-1 cities would prefer an electric car as their next vehicle, which is higher than the global average of 52%, according to McKinsey & Company. Increasing demand for EV batteries Batteries lie at the heart of the shift from fossil fuels to clean and emissions-free energy. Over the past decade, lithium-ion batteries have been used in EVs, but the huge rise in EV demand has affected their supply chain. There are only a few lithium-ion manufacturing facilities in India, and this opportunity is likely to boost the Indian battery market. According to Mordor Intelligences report, Indias battery market is expected to be worth $16.8 billion by the end of 2023 and $27.7 billion by 2028. This translates to a CAGR of 10.6% over five years. It thus makes sense to take a look at Indias top EV battery companies, which could do well as demand for EVs shoots up. Here are the top EV battery makers to look out for in 2024. 1. Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Amara Raja Energy & Mobility is one Indias largest manufacturers of lead-acid batteries for both industrial and automotive applications. It also exports to over 50 countries and is looking to expand to even more. The companys flagship brands Amaron and PowerZone have strong recall in the domestic market. It has seven manufacturing facilities in Andhra Pradesh, four of which have been awarded gold at recent international-level quality circle competitions (ICQCC) in Jakarta. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com As of 6 December, the companys stock is near its two-year high of 770. Automobiles contribute about 68%, industrial 30%, and others about 2% of its revenue. The company has consistently recorded better earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) margins than its listed peers. Its average Ebitda margin over the past 10 years is about 15%, while the average of peers is about 13%. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telangana government to set up a lithium-ion battery gigafactory there. It will have a cell manufacturing capacity of up to 16 gigawatt hours (GWh) and an assembly capacity of up to 5 GWh. The company is planning to invest around 95 billion in it over the next 10 years. The first phase involves setting up a 2 GwH-capacity Li-ion cell plant with a capex outlay of about 12 billion. This is likely to be operational in the next two to three years. 2. Exide Industries Exide Industries is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of lead-acid batteries and storage solutions and is strengthening its market share across the automotive and industrial sectors. It is also expanding its capabilities on Li-Ion batteries. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com Exide Industriess stock fell to a low of 136 in mid-June 2022. Its currently trading at 291. This stock has delivered a return of 54.8% in the past year. The companys core segment has seen solid growth over the past two years thanks to increasing demand. The battery segment is witnessing a big technological shift, and the company is committed to investing 60 billion, in phases, in a 12 GWh Li-Ion cell plant to handle future demand from EV the segment. The company is likely to benefit from the automotive segment if it: Is a leader in the growing OEM and aftermarket segment. Launches new and advanced products for new applications. Expands its network in the Indian aftermarket and export markets. The industrial segment will benefit if: Demand picks up, primarily driven by government and private capex. The company continues increasing its investments in renewable energy. Thanks to double-digit growth across segments, with the industrial segment outperforming, the company clocked revenue growth of 17.6% year-on-year in FY23. However, margins were affected in FY23 thanks to high commodity prices. 3. Kabra Extrusion Technik Ltd Kabra Extrusion Technik is one of India's premier manufacturers and exporters of plastic extrusion plants. It is a leader in the extrusion market, with a presence in more than 100 countries. Battrixx, its future technologies division, has developed a flagship product around advanced Li-Ion battery packs and modules for EVs. The extrusion segment contributed 47% of the companys revenue as of the first half of FY24, while Battrixx contributed 52%. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com After hitting an all-time high of 621.85 in mid-February, the stock fell around 33%. It is trading at 419.20 as of 6 December. It has shed about 16% in the past three months. This fall is due to a contraction in the companys Ebitda and profit after tax (PAT) margins. In the first half of FY24, the Ebitda margin contracted 15.9% year-on-year, while the PAT margin contracted 16.4%. This fall was primarily due to higher operating and finance costs. Revenue, however, jumped 10.8% YoY to 3,160 million. The extrusion machinery segment was the main contributor to this jump as its revenue surged 18.3% YoY to 1,516 million. Battrixxs revenues grew just by 5.7% YoY to 1,680 million. However, the company expects demand to recover because of the festive season and new launches. The EV battery segment is expected to grow to $27.7 billion in the next five years, and the company could participate in this growth story. However, it needs to ensure it has the right product mix and contain its operational and finance costs. 4. Neogen Chemicals Ltd Neogen Chemicals, which has been operating since 1991, is one of the leading manufacturers of bromine- and lithium-based speciality chemicals. It has been the largest importer of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for the past three decades and thus has strong relationships with leading lithium miners and processors around the world. Although the company does not manufacture EV batteries itself, it is one of the leading raw-material suppliers of battery chemicals. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com Its stock jumped from 263.55 in May 2019 to 1,516.55 on 6 December 2023, clocking a CAGR of 47.5% in four-and-a-half years. Since hitting an all-time high of 1,907 in January 2022, the stock has struggled to surpass this level. It is currently trading near its September 2022 highs. The company said during a recent earnings call that it plans to set up an electrolyte plant with a capacity of 30,000 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA), up from its previous target of 10,000 KTPA. It will also set up lithium-salt units with a capacity of 4,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), up from 1,000 TPA. The company is certain it will start getting orders from three to four battery manufacturers in 2024. It said one of its international customers was waiting for its production line to stabilise before sending orders. 5. HBL Power Systems Ltd HBL Power Systems, incorporated in 1983, manufactures and services various types of batteries, EVs, and other products. Its strategy is to identify and plug technology gaps in India. The company focuses on creating technology solutions for challenging applications in sectors such as telecom, UPS, railways, power, oil & gas, industries, and defence. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com The company has seen robust growth in the past five years. Its stock jumped from 25.75 in December 2018 to 390.65 on 6 December 2023. This translates to a CAGR of 83% over five years. This stocks rise is supported by the companys strong financials. Over the past five years, its PAT has grown at a CAGR of 29.6%, versus the industry average of 4.8%.In the second quarter of FY24, net profit jumped 2.5 times year-on-year. India imports not just Li-ion cells, but also motors and controllers for most EVs that are manufactured domestically. The company has been investing in in-house development of parts for motors and controllers since 2017. It plans to test these products on highways in 2024. It also plans to convert old diesel highway trucks to electric using its motors and batteries. Though there are a large number of old trucks, the companys solution will work for only a few of them. The management has said that theres huge scope in this space. At present, the company has no competitors as there is no subsidy for electric trucks. Top EV battery stocks on Equitymasters stock screener Heres a list of top EV battery stocks on Equitymasters stock screener. These parameters can be changed according to your criteria. View Full Image Source: Equitymaster.com Happy Investing! Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Google Doodle pays tribute to filmmaker Agnes Varda today through an illustration dedicated to her lifetime achievement for her exceptional work. The European Film Academy presented her with an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on this day in 2014. Early Life Agnes Varda was born in Brussels on May 30 in1928 and was given the name, Arlette. When she was 12 years old her family moved to France' Sete. Varda studied art history and photography. Following her studies, she began her career journey by taking pictures for magazines and the Theatre National Populaire. Career Varda ventured to make cinematic works by drawing inspiration from her photos. Her first film was one such attempt, released in 1955 and titled La Pointe Courte. The film balanced fiction with documentary-style discussions. Varda continued to make films as a self-taught director. She had not studied filmmaking and hence exercised liberty from industry standards. This freedom permitted her to break norms and helped usher in the French New Wave. Her commitment to breaking norms and bringing in new experiments marked her as the only female New Wave filmmaker. The New Wave movement rejected traditional filmmaking conventions in favour of experimentation. Work Varda directed over 40 films including shorts, features, and documentaries about the complexities of humans throughout her career. Some of her most remarkable works include Cleo from 5 to 7, Vagabond, and The Gleaners and I. She was a feminist and featured womens stories in many films. Varda advocated for womens choice in the 1977 movie Lune chante, lautre pas, which she describes as a feminist musical." She advocated for women's rights and signed the Manifesto of the 343 with other Frenchwomen. This manifesto declared publicly that these women had abortions in the past and further pushed policymakers to legalise them. Varda's creative endeavours in new formats included video installations in 2003. Her immersive art installations have been displayed worldwide in cities such as Ghent, New York, Beijing, and Paris. Also read: Alphabet loses antitrust fight with Epic Games over Google Play Accolodes Varda was honoured with several awards including a Lumieres Award and an Oscar nomination for Visages Villages (Faces Places), a Cesar Award for Les Plages d'Agnes (The Beaches of Agnes), a Golden Lion for Sans toit ni loi (Vagabond), an Honorary Oscar for her lifetime achievements in cinema and many more. Agnes Varda sought her path by self-producing her films and embodied the true spirit of artistic independence and creative resilience. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! NEW DELHI : Private jets may be within reach of more Indians in the days to come, with the government working on a policy framework to facilitate fractional ownership of these aircraft. A draft of the policy, which will apply to both non-scheduled commercial flight operations or charters, and for private usage will be released for public feedback within a couple of months, two people aware of the matter said. Fractional ownership, a concept that is still gaining traction in India, allows an entity to buy a stake in an aircraft and share its flying hours and crew with other part-owners. As per the draft framework, anyone who wishes to be such a part-owner must hold a certain minimum stake, which is likely to be set between 5% and 10%. The model is likely to involve aircraft that can seat a maximum of 20 passengers, the people said on the condition of anonymity. To make the policy more palatable, the government is looking at limiting regulatory compliancesas per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms and civil aviation requirementsfor the entity that will manage, operate and maintain the aircraft, and keep out those with fractional ownership in the aircraft, one of the two people mentioned earlier said. There is an intent to provide greater flexibility to those who make fractional investment in the aircraft so that it is safely operated and optimally utilized," one of the officials said. Queries sent to the civil aviation ministry remained unanswered until press time. For now, the government is likely to keep the regulatory framework of the fractional ownership model under the existing purview of general aviation or charter services, another official aware of the matter said. According to DGCA data, in 2022, there were 95 non-scheduled operator permit holders in India, collectively owning a fleet of 330 charter aircraft. Depending on size, range, model, and features, a private jet can cost from $2 million to over $100 million. There are many people who want to buy private jets, but they are sceptical because of a lack of experience in the field and the issues regarding maintaining the aircraft themselves," said Santosh Sharma, the founder of Bookmyjet, an online booking portal for business jets. It is here that a model like fractional ownership works as the perfect solution where you can own a jet at a fraction of the cost and get access to a kitty of aircraft that an operator may have." At the same time, Nilaya Varma, the chief executive and co-founder of consulting company Primus Partners felt that scaling fractional ownership to the level visible in the US will be a challenge, though not unsurmountable. An aspect that warrants attention is the possibility of enabling multiple fractional owners to claim depreciation on a single asset, such as an aircraft. As of now, existing accounting standards or policies might not accommodate or permit shared depreciation. This limitation stands as a fundamental obstacle that has contributed to the success of fractional ownership in other global regions," Varma said. In India, demand for private jets surged during the covid-19 pandemic, but reversed thereafter, with many returning to premium segments of commercial flights. Movement of private jets and helicopters fell around 6% year-on-year during April-October 2023 to over 128, 300 flights, according to data from the Airports Authority of India. Private jet usage is measured in terms of aircraft movementone take-off and landing equals two aircraft movements. In 2022, the civil aviation ministry said it would allow fractional ownership of business jets and helicopters to spur the growth of non-scheduled operations in the country. An inter-ministerial committee with members from finance and corporate affairs ministries has also been working to address the nuances related to taxation and the resultant financial transaction wherein one does not buy the aircraft, but a stake for use of the aircraft. The policy was long overdue", said Nitin Sarin, managing partner at aviation-focused law firm Sarin and Co. It really is the need of the hour as the cost of acquisition of aircraft is tremendously large. Currently, you cannot register an aircraft in various different names. Secondly, it has been evident to us that several high-net-worth individuals are done buying their luxury cars and are now looking forward to putting their money in aircraft. So, this will provide that platform to enable that," Fractional ownership of an aircraft offers benefits to wealthy individuals or firms that might not have an ongoing need for a private jet, but nonetheless are users of the private jet service and sometimes might need multiple such jets at the same time. As a result, it is expected to ensure efficiency in availability of a private jet as the fractional owners often have guaranteed access to either the aircraft in which they own a share or a similar aircraft in the managed fleet via approved agreements. The fractional ownership model took birth in the US. In 1986, Executive Jet Aviation, Inc. (EJA), now known as NetJets, created a program that offered aircraft owners increased flexibility in the ownership and operation of aircraft by individuals and corporations. In the US, the fractional aircraft industry typically sells shares in sizes that are multiples of 1/16th (1/16, 1/8, 3/16, etc.) An aircraft usually has 800 flight hours available per year, and one 1/16th sharethe smallest possible purchaseincludes the right to 50 flight hours. Fractional aircraft ownership programs also guarantee availability, some requiring as little as eight hours notice. The industry has grown significantly in the US with just NetJets reaching a fleet size of 1,000 aircraft, up from 750 before the pandemic. Fractional ownership as a concept is gaining traction in Indias real estate sector among retail investors. According to a report by Knight Frank, the market size of fractional ownership in Indian realty was $5.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2025, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 10.5%. A Los Angeles man training to be a truck driver allegedly slashed his instructor with a knife during a stopover in the Albany area. Jaylon Marquise Gatlin, 34, was arraigned on felony charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon Monday, Dec. 11, in Linn County Circuit Court. A Place to Sleep, episode 9: Sleep The latest episode is here, and this time we put a lot less emphasis on the word "place" and a lot more on "sleep." The alleged victim suffered two significant wounds from a box cutter, requiring a total of 28 stitches, according to a probable cause affidavit file with the court, which states Gatlin claimed he was defending himself. Linn County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to a stabbing call around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the EZ Trip Travel Plaza on Highway 34, the court document states, noting two men called to report the incident: Gatlin and the victim, 44-year-old Brian Eugene Witmer of Hemet, California. Witmer told dispatch he was locked in the cab of a semi-truck and Gatlin was trying to get in, according to the document, which states a deputy arrived and detained Gatlin, who had a Husky-brand folding box knife in his pocket. Gatlin told the deputy that he and the victim work for Western Express, and he was training under Witmer using a company-provided truck, the document states. During an argument over going to a store, Gatlin claimed Witmer hit him in the back of the head/neck area, according to the document. Gatlin said while his head was being held down, he grabbed for anything he could use to defend himself, finding the box knife near the trucks center console, the document states. Gatlin described being in survival mode, swinging his arms around behind him before being pushed out of the cab, then trying to get back inside and seeing a cut on Witmers left leg. Witmer was taken to Lebanon Community Hospital, where he received 21 stitches for a large gash on the posterior of his left leg and another seven stitches for a deep cut on his left arm, the court document states. Interviewed later at the Sheriffs Office, Witmer said Gatlin was in the drivers seat and was trying to start driving. Witmer took the key, but Gatlin tried using a second key to start the truck again, according to the document. Witmer reportedly grabbed for the second key, then opened the drivers side door and pushed Gatlin out, struggling but succeeding in closing the door. Thats when Witmer said he realized he was cut, telling the deputy he didnt see the box knife in Gatlins hand until after the door was closed. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. Gatlin still had the second key and kept trying to get in, according to the document, which states Witmer had to hold the locks on both doors to keep Gatlin out. A witness said he saw Gatlin trying to get in the cab, and while partially in he appeared to hit Witmer repeatedly. The witness said he saw a knife fall to the ground when Gatlin was pushed out of the truck. Gatlin was held at the Linn County Jail on $50,000 bail. If convicted on the assault charge, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and 10 months in prison under Oregons Measure 11 law. The father of one of the persons accused of security breach inside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday condemned his son's actions. He said, "If my son has done anything good, of course, I support him. But, if he has done something wrong, I strongly condemn it." "Let him be hanged if he has done something wrong for the society," Devraj, the father of accused, Manoranjan, was quoted by ANI as saying. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Indian Express, the father emphasised that his son is a "good" and "honest" person and that, he was unaware that Manoranjan was in Delhi. Manoranjan D was reportedly among the two people who had barged into the Parliament building on Wednesday, causing a major security breach. View Full Image Police personnel apprehend a man carrying a can emitting yellowish smoke while he was protesting outside the Parliament premises, during the Winter session, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (PTI) BJP MP Pratap Simha's authorisation passes were issued to the two accused. Simha knew Manoranjan as he hailed from his constituency Mysuru and he would come to Simha's office very often, sources told news agency PTI. When asked about their associated Pratap Simha, Manoranjan's father told the Indian Express that he is their local MP and they share a good relationship with him. A senior police officer told news agency PTI that Manoranjan's co-accused was identified as Sagar Sharma. Manoranjan D had reportedly introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MP's office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament, sources said. Besides Manoranjan and Sharma, two more people were held in connection with the incident and were caught from outside Parliament. They were identified as Neelam and Amol. A total of four people were detained by security forces. Another accused worried over unemployment Neelam is a student from Haryana's Jind district and has been living in Hisar for higher studies, NDTV reported. She was one of the two who threw the smoke canister outside the parliament building, the report said. Neelam's brother, Ramniwas, was quoted as saying that she studies in Hisar and is not linked with any political party. ALSO READ: Major security breach inside Lok Sabha. House adjourned till 2 pm Her younger brother said, "...We didn't even know that she went to Delhi. All we knew was that she was in Hisar for her studies...She had visited us the day before yesterday and returned yesterday. She has qualified BA, MA, B.Ed, M.Ed, CTET, M.Phil and NET. She had raised the issue of unemployment several times and had also participated in farmers' protests..." Meanwhile, Neelam's mother told ANI that her daughter "was worried about unemployment". She said, "I had spoken with her but she never told me anything about Delhi. She used to tell me that she is so highly qualified but has no job, so it is better to die..." A major "security breach" in the Lok Sabha led to commotion and triggered panic among the MPs in the Lower House on Wednesday, December 13. The incident happened days after Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun reportedly threatened to attack the Indian "Parliament on or before December 13". However, no connection has yet been established between the Wednesday's incident and Pannun's threat earlier this month. In a video released earlier in December, Pannun had said, "...will shake the very foundations of Parliament", on or before 13 December, India Today reported on December 6. His statement had come soon after an alleged foiled plot to kill him on American soil came to light. The video reportedly featured a poster with his photo alongside Afzal Guru, the terrorist who had attacked the Indian Parliament and was hanged in 2013. The poster also read, "Delhi bangea Khalistan". Pannun said a conspiracy to kill him by Indian agencies had failed. Live Mint could not independently verify the reports. December 13 marks the 22nd anniversary of Parliament's attack by terrorists in 2001. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. What happened on Wednesday? Two intruders jumped from public gallery number four at around 1 pm when the Zero hour was in progress in the Lok Sabha. They rushed toward the Lok Sabha speakers chair and also shouted slogans like 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (dictatorship will not be allowed). Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans outside Parliament premises. An MP said the intruder(s) were spraying some kind of gas. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday two intruders were arrested from inside Parliament and two others were nabbed from the outside. "...all their belongings were seized," Om Birla was quoted by PTI as saying. Birla said the security lapse in the House is being thoroughly probed and called a meeting of MPs from all parties later in the day to address their concerns over the matter The smoke that was released by the intruders appeared to be harmless in the initial probe, Birla said, adding it looked like it was sprayed to create sensationalism. Outside the Parliament also, two persons, including a woman, were detained for protesting using cans that released colour smoke, police were quoted by PTI as saying. The two persons, detained for the protest outside the Parliament are identified as---identified as Neelam (42) and Amol Shinde (25), police officials said, adding that further probe is underway. MPS More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Ravi Uppal, one of the two main owners of the Mahadev online betting app, has been detained in Dubai by the local police based on a red notice issued by the Interpol at the behest of the ED, news agencies reported quoting official sources. Uppal, 43, was detained last week in that country and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) authorities are in touch with the Dubai authorities to get him deported to India, news agency ANI tweeted. Uppal is facing a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. He is named as accused in the case in which allegations of kickbacks were made against outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Red Corner notices were issued against Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, the other promoter and mastermind of the illegal betting syndicate, who is also in the UAE, in October this year. A Red Corner notice was issued against both of the accused after the Enforcement Directorate moved a special court in Raipur and obtained a non-bailable warrant against them. After Uppal, will Chandrakar be arrested now? After the arrest of Uppal, it is learned that Chandrakar may be arrested soon. The development comes months after a lavish wedding held this February in the United Arab Emirates caught the attention of the Enforcement Directorate, as the entire money around 200 crore spent on the bash was paid entirely in cash. At his wedding held in Ras AlKhaimah, Chandrakar hired private jets to ferry family members from Nagpur to the UAE and paid celebrities from the film industry to perform, according to the ED. Mahadev Online Book Betting app The Mahadev Online Book Betting app is an umbrella syndicate arranging online platforms for enabling illegal betting websites to enrol new users, create user IDs and launder money through a layered web of Benami bank accounts. The ED said Chandrakar and Uppal, who hail from Bhilai in Chattisgarh, are the two main promoters of the Mahadev betting platform and run their operations from Dubai. They had created an empire for themselves in that country. The agency had recently conducted searches at 39 locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Kolkata and seized illegal assets worth 417 crore. ED has also earnestly taken up an investigation abroad. A Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) special court at Raipur has also issued non-bailable warrants against the suspects. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered a probe into the Parliament security breach incident that happened on Wednesday morning when two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha chambers and opened canisters emitting coloured smoke. The probe panel will be headed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh. On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts," Ministry of Home Affairs posted on X. Also Read | Lok Sabha security breach: Security rules changed; glass on visitors' gallery Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest," the home ministry added. The home ministry's decision comes hours after the parliament secretariat had written to the home ministry seeking security review and a high-level inquiry into the incident that took place on the 22nd anniversary of the parliament attacks. Earlier, two people Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters before they were caught by MPs inside the House. They shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. When the incident took place inside the Lok Sabha chambers, two protesters Neelam and Amol sprayed coloured gas outside the Parliament premises and shouted slogans. All four were detained. The preliminary investigation revealed that six people were involved in the conspiracy, PTI reported citing sources. The report further said all the six accused wanted to go inside the building, but only two managed to get visitor passes. Meanwhile, several opposition MPs demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the incident. They also alleged that security arrangements in the new Parliament building are insufficient and must be addressed immediately. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, These people did something which did not cause much damage but imagine if it had been more serious ... It is a matter serious enough that the home minister himself may want to explain to the nation about the security lapses and security arrangements." As the investigation into the Parliament security breach on Wednesday continues, police sources said there were six people involved in the incident. Sources told news agency PTI that all the six accused wanted to go inside the building, but only two managed to get visitor passes. Earlier, there were reports of four people being accused of barging into the Lok Sabha, causing a major security breach. These four were identified as Manoranjan, Neelam, Sagar Sharma and Amol Shinde. Parliament Security breach LIVE updates ALSO READ: Lok Sabha security breach: When Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatened to attack Parliament on or before Dec 13 Delhi Police sources said on Wednesday evening that probe teams are trying to nab the sixth accused. "Security agencies trying to find if the six accused were instructed by anyone or organisation to breach Parliament security," sources told PTI. ALSO READ: Major security breach inside Lok Sabha. House adjourned till 2 pm They said the Parliament security breach was well-planned. "The six accused knew each other for four years. They hatched the plan a few days ago and even did recce," sources said. Parliament security breach on December 13, 2023 Two people Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters. They shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha security breach: Men leap across tables, spray smoke; shout 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' | 10 points Simultaneously, two individuals Neelam and Amol sprayed coloured gas and shouted slogans outside the Parliament premises. Delhi Police sources said initial investigations revealed that all four people and one unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital and stayed at the residence of a man in Gurugram. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha security breach: Who is BJP MP Pratap Simha who issued visitor pass to Parliament intruders? Neelam and Amol were detained from outside Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan, while Sagar and Manoranjan were taken into police custody. The Delhi Police reportedly detained the fifth suspect from Gurugram, while the hunt for the sixth accused is on. MPS More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! NEW DELHI : Indias logistics companies, which handle millions of items ranging from apparel to smartphones and from toys to white goods, will soon have to follow uniform packaging standards at their cavernous warehouses. The government is working on packaging standards that would mandate optimum space utilization in warehouses, a move that would support its objective of lowering its logistics costs from a high 14-15% of gross domestic product (GDP) to the 7-8% seen in advanced economies. The Union commerce ministry is working on standards that will cover racking arrangements, lifting, loading and unloading, two officials aware of the matter said, adding the rules will be part of the national logistics policy (NLP). A draft of the standards will go through interministerial consultations, and the final rules are likely before the end of the fiscal year, said one of the two officials quoted above, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Queries sent to the commerce ministry remained unanswered till press time. The upcoming NLP framework, launched a year ago, is expected to encourage multi-modal transportation, and effective implementation of these standards and ensuring uniformity across states will be crucial for achieving cost parity in the logistics sector. The cost savings are also expected to foster value addition and enterprise, the first official added. The NLP, along with PM Gati Shakti, aims to integrate the various arms of Indias logistics sector, with the goal of reducing the costs to 8% of GDP over five years. Cheaper logistics is critical for greater competitiveness, both domestically as well as worldwide. Many modern warehouses are under-utilized and costlier to operate due to the lack of standard packaging, the second official said. Besides, transporters face challenges in loading packets to full capacity, stalling the supply chain and creating shortages, the official added. This also adds to costs, as truckers charge clients for the entire capacity of their vehicles even when trucks are not fully loaded due to lack of standard-sized packaging, leading to empty spaces called idle freight. Uniform standards are expected to weed out much of these costs. According to India Brand Equity Foundation, a trust established by the commerce ministry, warehousing, industrial and logistics sectors are crucial to achieve Indias target to turn a $5-trillion economy by FY25. Indias retail sector may grow at a CAGR of 9% between 2019 and 2030, totalling over $1.8 trillion, it said. The governments move has been widely hailed by industry, across logistics companies, storage enterprises and e-commerce firms. The introduction of standardization will lead to higher efficiency in operations, resulting in reduced costs. Harmonizing packaging, labelling, container standards, process standardization, and ICT standardization will be crucial steps toward addressing these challenges," Vikas Choudaha senior vice-president and business head, Godrej Storage Solutions, said. Easwaran Subramanian, a consulting partner at Deloitte India, felt that formulation of packaging standards will have a multi-dimensional impact on the market, including on cost and efficiencies from improved loadability, effective utilization of logistics and warehousing assets, and standardization of transportation models." At the same time, he added that effective implementation of packaging standards and uniformity across states will be key. Zaiba Sarang, co-founder of iThink Logistics, hailed the packaging standards as a commendable move" towards efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Standardizing packaging practices will streamline operations and minimize wastage and environmental impact," Sarang said. The rules will be pivotal" in achieving uniformity in warehousing infrastructure nationwide and aid space utilization, said Partha Dash, managing director, new business & growth at Moglix, a business-to-business e-commerce company. The forward-thinking initiative targets reducing this contribution to a single-digit percentage, aspiring to align with the global average of 8% (logistics costs as share of GDP) by 2023," Dash said. In the last five years, India saw kidney as the highest organ which was transplanted followed by liver and heart, according to a government data. The data, shared in the Lok Sabha by the union health ministry and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation on 8 December, stated that the top three organs transplanted in India in the last five years are kidney, with 43,983 transplants, which accounts for 75% of the total, followed by liver with 13,084 (22%) and then comes heart with 911 transplants. Lung transplants accounted for 699 and then comes pancreas and small bowel which accounts for less than 1% of the transplants. India comes second in the world ranking after the US in kidney transplants, however, only in the form of living donation and not cadaver. As per the data, the number of organs transplanted in the last five years has been more than the number of organs donated during the same time period. While between 2018 and 2022, there were 58,749 organ transplants while organs donated were 52,594. The figures of both donation and transplantation dropped during the pandemic, however, it has more than doubled since then, the data showed. In 2020, the organ donation in India dropped to 6,812 from 11,323 in 2019, however, the figures rose to 14,300 in 2022. The organ transplantations in 2020 went down to 7,443, however, after two years in 2022, the figures went up to 16,041. "There are two types of transplants living and cadaver. And in India, more than 80% of the transplants are living. A person, when matched with the receiver, can easily donate the one kidney and still live a normal life. The process of transplant is also easy and not technically difficult. Other transplants like heart and lungs can only be done from cadaver donation," said Dr Shyam Bihari Bansal, senior director and head of department, nephrology and kidney transplant, Medanta. Earlier this year, the central government made changes in the policy of organ donation. An age barrier that limited the number of seriously ill individuals over 65 who could donate organs was removed by the ministry. This age group of senior citizens can now sign up to receive donations from living donors. Removing constraints relating to residency is another crucial step toward facilitating the timely transplantation of organs. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! An Asian-American comedian and activist was stabbed to death after he was abducted during a date trip to Colombia, reported the New York Post. Tou Ger Xiong , 50, was on vacation in the South American country when the incident happened. Confirming the comedians death, his brother Eh Xiong said he hasnt fully grasped the reality that his brother has died. Its kind of funny how I dont even feel like hes really gone yet. Right? I feel like at any moment now he could be knocking on the door," he said. According to Colombian local newspaper El Colombiano, Xiong arrived in Medellin on November 29 with the plan to spend the holiday season with family. He decided to meet a woman on December 10 whom he had met earlier on social media. However, he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men, soon after he met the mystery woman. The newspaper further reported that the comedian had called a friend in Colombia saying the men demanded $2,000 (8 million Colombian Pesos) in cash for his release. Xiong also told his friend that he was being held at gunpoint. Also Read | Tesla recalls over 2 million vehicles to fix Autopilot safety flaws Later Xiong was killed before a payment was made. His body was found lying in the La Corcovado ravine with over a dozen stab wounds and multiple bruises caused by an apparent fall from over 60 feet. Colombia Police confirmed the murder and is reportedly investigating if an escape attempt caused the murder. Also Read | Why is Ladakh divided over SC verdict upholding Article 370 abrogation? Xiongs brother said one of the suspected captors has been apprehended. They found some clothes, blood, you know, on the bag, and they were able to confiscate that and apprehend one of the suspects," Eh Xiong said. Tou Ger Xiong was born in Laos in 1973. His father was working with the CIA before fleeing to a refugee camp in Thailand to escape the 1975 communist takeover of Laos. He then immigrated to St. Paul in 1992. US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) said in a statement to KSTP, This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Tou Ger was an incredible person who was constantly working to uplift his community." My office is in contact with Tou Gers family and the embassy in Colombia as they work to bring his body back to Minnesota. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time," he added. ''This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Tou Ger Xiong's family & our entire Hmong community. As a comedian and activist, his work touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond,'' US Representative Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) wrote on X, condoling his death. DUBAIOfficials from the United Arab Emirates leading talks at the United Nations climate conference proposed a compromise agreement on Wednesday that calls for the world to transition away from fossil fuels, seeking to bridge differences between big energy-producing nations and countries that want to completely phase out coal, oil and natural gas. The proposed deal, circulated after all-night talks, calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner." It says the shift to clean energy for the global economy should accelerate this decade with the aim of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Scientists say that is crucial to fulfilling the Paris Accord, the landmark climate agreement that calls for governments to attempt to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures. If approved, the deal would be the first time a U.N. climate agreement has called for governments to cut back on fossil fuels. Scientists have long said it, but big fossil-fuel producers led by Saudi Arabia and fast-growing developing nations such as China and India have historically rebuffed pressure to end the use of the fuels. It remained unclear whether Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations would support the agreement. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the U.A.E.s national oil company and president of COP28, proposed the document after consulting with delegates across the U.N. climate conference, which includes more than 190 countries. The agreement must be supported by all countries for it to be approved. The U.S., Europe and nations on the front lines of climate change had been calling for a phaseout of fossil fuels, but U.A.E. negotiators dropped the idea late in the negotiations. Saudi officials didnt respond to a request for comment. Environmentalists immediately praised the new language on fossil fuels. The text sends a strong signal that world leaders recognize that a sharp turn away from fossil fuels toward clean energy in this critical decade and beyond, aligned with the science, is essential to meet our climate goals," said Rachel Cleetus, an economist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The proposed compromise also calls for global renewable energy capacity to triple by 2030, along with a doubling of the rate of energy efficiency improvements. Write to Matthew Dalton at Matthew.Dalton@wsj.com, Stacy Meichtry at Stacy.Meichtry@wsj.com and Sha Hua at sha.hua@wsj.com Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! United States President Joe Biden has no plans to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations in January, as per a Bloomberg report citing sources. This comes despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's invitation to him for the January 26 event. Sources said the White House has not yet confirmed Biden's participation and indicated that the trip is improbable as the US President's schedule for the upcoming year already includes other international engagements. This election year also typically sees increased domestic travel for the US president. Biden's no-show is likely to deal a setback towards Modi's aspirations to demonstrate burgeoning relations between the US and India and bolster his image ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Complications Arise Also amid efforts to deepen ties between the two countries, complications have arisen due to allegations suggesting an Indian government agent's involvement in the killing of a US citizen in New York. In an indictment unveiled in November, prosecutors in Manhattan federal court accused an Indian national of orchestrating the murder of a Sikh activist. Spokespersons for the White House National Security Council stated that they have no travel plans to announce for the president. However, sources told the publication that if Biden opts not to visit India in January, it won't be due to the alleged murder plot. Biden has previously engaged with Modi extensively, meeting during the Group of 20 leaders summit (G20) in New Delhi in September and also hosted Modi at the White House in June. Both the US and India have currently downplayed the significance of the case. The indictment surfaced two months after Canada also accused the Indian government of involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist. Addressing reporters last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the seriousness of the issue. He expressed anticipation for the outcomes of an ongoing Indian investigation. Quad Dialogue Rescheduled Meanwhile, India has postponed a proposed summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to a later date in 2024. A senior Indian official told Bloomberg that New Delhi had to reschedule the meeting to accommodate Quad leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan. The Quad, a coalition of democracies reinvigorated in recent years, aims to counterbalance Chinas expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Biden's recent hosting of Modi during a state visit to the US spotlighted New Delhi's growing significance to Washington, which perceives India as a counterforce to China's escalating military and economic dominance. The White House has shown keen interest in cultivating India to fortify defense cooperation, supply chains, and alleviate regulatory barriers for US tech companies. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Spanish brand Zara has retracted promotional images following backlash over alleged references to the Gazan casualties in Israel's conflict with Hamas, AP reported. The advertising campaign, featuring a collection of jackets, included visuals labelled as "unfinished sculptures in a sculptor's studio." However, criticism surfaced online, with some claiming that one picture depicting a model holding a wrapped-up mannequin resembled the scene of a Gaza citizen carrying their dead child, it said. Other snapshots also showed mannequins with absent limbs and a figure draped in fabric or plastic on the ground, as detailed in various news sources. The Apology In response, Zara on December 13 issued an apology on Instagram, explaining that the campaign was conceptualized in July and photographed in September. "Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created," the Zara statement read. The company defended its campaign as crafted "solely to present handmade garments within an artistic setting." It added that the images were misconstrued by critics, who "interpreted them in a manner far from their original intent." It also expressed regret for the "misunderstanding" and reiterated its "deep respect towards everyone". Zara is owned by Spain's Inditex, the world's biggest fashion retailer. When the war in Gaza began, Indidex temporarily closed its 84 Zara shops in Israel for an undefined period, AFP reported. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war day 68: World calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza; US warns Israel is losing support. 10 updates Joe Biden Warns Benjamin Netanyahu US President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's military strategy in Gaza. Biden's comments emphasised the risk of losing global support due to Israels indiscriminate bombing". Biden highlighted the initial global backing for Israel following the Hamas attacks on October 7, which killed 1,200 people in Israel. But, opinions are shifting. "But they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place," AFP quoted Biden as saying. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 18,400 fatalities. Most of them are civilians killed in Israeli bombardment. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! A lowering of Indias growth ambition is underway right now. A decade earlier, the ambition was to achieve a growth rate of 10%; now, increasingly, an 8% growth rate is being talked about as the aspirational rate. This is unnecessary. India needs to aspire to grow at 10% a year while its demographic transition remains favourable, and take concerted steps to marshal policy and spending priorities to achieve that growth. A slowing world economy is cited as the major constraint to India growing faster. It is a factor, no doubt, which would depress demand for imports from the rest of the world for any country experiencing slowdown. However, neither the experience of other large economies that have experienced fast growth nor the internal dynamics of Indias growth suggests that slow global growth is a binding constraint on domestic growth. China grew at a compound annual growth rate of 10% plus between 2004 and 2014. World growth was between 2.9% and 3.5%, depending on the currency units used to measure output. The country grew at a compound annual growth rate of over 9% over the 19 years prior to the pandemic year of 2020 (calculated from World Bank data for GDP in constant local currency units). Between 2000 and 2022, Chinas GDP per capita grew from $2,093.9 (constant 2015 dollars) to $11,563, a five-fold increase. In contrast, Indias per capita income grew from $755 to $2,085 over the same period, using the same measure. India has demonstrated sporadic stints of fast growth. But during the period of relatively fast growth between 2003-04 and 2013-14, the compound annual growth rate was a shade less than 6.8%. The global financial crisis of 2007-09 impacted Indias growth as well. How did China manage to register such spectacular growth, even when world growth meandered at one-third of Chinas growth rate? The secret was high levels of investment. China registered an investment rate, total investment as a share of GDP of 33.7% in 2000, the ratio climbed to a peak of 47% in 2011, and hovers above 40% in the post-pandemic period. Of course, foreign direct investment helped, but in Chinas case, the primary role of FDI was not so much to augment domestic savings as to improve the quality of the investment. Chinas domestic savings have typically exceeded domestic investment, reflecting in national income accounts as a current account surplus. India, in contrast, managed to pull up the share of gross fixed capital formation above 30% for the first time in 2004-05. It kept climbing to a peak of 35.8% in 2007-08, and stayed above 33% of GDP till 2012-13. In 2013-14, the year of the taper tantrum, in which the prospect of monetary policy tightening by the US Fed markets and currencies tumbling around the world, including in India, causing some to include India in a club of so-called Fragile Five, the share of fixed capital formation in GDP stood at 31.3%. Thereafter, this crucial figure of investment fell steadily, slipping below 30% and staying there, reaching 26.6% in the pandemic year of 2020-21 (figures from the Economic Survey). Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a part of the capital formation counted in these figures. The FDI that pours in, but does not get absorbed in real investment, merely adds to the foreign exchange reserves. Unabsorbed capital inflows from abroad account for the climb in Indias foreign exchange reserves India has had a negative current account surplus, so does not add to its forex reserves via export surpluses, unlike in Chinas case. So, what can be done to boost growth, even in a slowing world? To begin with, let us be clear that even if exports do not offer an automatic route to higher GDP growth in a world that collectively decelerates the pace of imports, an economy can, through higher productivity and competitiveness, hope to substitute exports from other countries to gain market share and boost its overall exports. This is not easy, but not impossible, as China demonstrated in the first decade of this century. But the real boost to growth comes, for a large economy like India, not so much from external demand as from domestic demand driven by investment. The real constraint on growth is investment. Investment will generate the savings needed to finance it, if necessary by augmenting domestic resources via imports, and by shrinking the consumption of fixed income earners by means of higher prices. How can investment go up? Direct government action is a primary source. State-funded investment in roads, railways, and power infrastructure has been sustaining the growth India has had. Private sector fixed capital formation, after hitting a high of 27.5% of GDP in 2007-08, has been slowing thereafter, slumping below 24% in 2016-15, and touching a low of 21.3% in the demonetization year of 2016-17, before recovering to over 22% in 2018-19 and 2019-20, before slipping below 20% of GDP in the pandemic year. The twin balance-sheet problem over-leveraged companies that are unable to service their debts, causing banks to be burdened with bad loans hit private investment badly. This problem is being tackled, with the help of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, recapitalization of banks, after writing off unpaid loans, and tighter lending norms. However, the private sector has not yet started investing, as is evident from any and every minister using every possible forum of industrialists to urge the private sector to invest. Sound macroeconomic policy and optimism about overall growth is one factor that would largescale private investment. For that, India needs fiscal consolidation via curbing expenditure and augmenting tax revenues. Another is specific policy, such as the public-private-partnership policy for infrastructure that built assets like the Delhi and Mumbai airports, highways and ports, but has now fallen defunct. Creating policy such as designing ultra-mega power projects and bidding them out to private players also materialized tens of thousands of crore rupees worth of private investment to generate thousands of MW of power generation capacity. It is not enough for the private sector to invest in capacity for meeting consumption demand, at a time when spare capacity has been a feature of the Indian economy in the recent past. We need policy to incentivize private investment in infrastructure, in particular new urbanization that India needs to accommodate the tens of crore people who would move from village to town as growth creates more jobs in industry and organized services, rather than in agriculture. It is not enough for bloated government expenditure to boost private consumption to prop up growth, as in the recent past. India needs coherent policy to draw in largescale private investment in infrastructure. Tame global growth is an opportunity to boost domestic infrastructure, as commodity prices fall for India to import what it needs. India should aim for sustained growth in excess of 10% a year. TAIPEITaiwans longest-serving foreign minister since the island became a democracy plans to vacate his post in the coming months, ending an eventful tenure during which he helped bring Taipei closer to Washington while flashing defiance at Beijing. Joseph Wu said he would step down as foreign minister after Taiwans presidential election in January regardless of whether his party wins or loses. His decision to retire will deprive Taipei of an experienced hand at the top of its foreign ministry at an uncertain moment in ties between the U.S. and China. Ive been in the job for almost six years and that is a long, long time," Wu said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, describing his post as probably the most difficult foreign minister job in the world." Wu has served as Taiwans global spokesperson during one of the most tumultuous periods for the island in recent memory, helping President Tsai Ing-wen tighten ties with the U.S. in the face of increasing Chinese pressure and using the shock of the Russian invasion of Ukraine to raise the islands global profile as a democratic bulwark in Asia. Chinas Communist government, which never ruled Taiwan but claims it as part of its territory, has sought to marginalize the island by persuading its diplomatic partners to not recognize its government and by roping Taipei out of international bodies such as the World Health Organization. The ranks of countries that recognize Taiwan diplomatically have shrunk to 13 from 20 during Wus time in the job. Maintaining those remaining ties is important, but Taiwan also needs to make new friends due to its uncertain diplomatic status, the foreign minister said. We cannot just rely on our diplomatic allies alone, because the number is quite small," he said. We need to cultivate our friendship and partnership with major democracies." In his first year as foreign minister, Taiwan lost three diplomatic allies, with two more going the following year. Honduras cut ties with Taiwan in March. The lack of diplomatic relations with most countries requires Taiwans diplomats to do their work through informal outposts using carefully crafted language. It also can turn meetings that would be ordinary in other contexts into flashpoints. In August 2022, Wu rolled out the red carpet for then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking U.S. official to set foot on Taiwanese soil in a quarter-century. China responded with a weeklong military show of force, encircling Taiwan with missile fire, as well as sending jet fighters and naval ships. Wu held a press conference warning an international audience that Chinas ambition and impact is extending far beyond Taiwan." China has continued to run drills around Taiwan at an aggressive pace. In April, Wu traveled with Tsai for a transit visit in California, where the Taiwanese president met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, marking the highest-level meeting between a Taiwanese leader and a U.S. official. Taiwan, a central point of tension in the U.S.-China relationship, is holding its quadrennial presidential election next month. The leading candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, has drawn strong criticism from Beijing, which sees him as an advocate of Taiwanese independence. The two opposition candidates promise more dialogue with China. Under Tsai, Taiwan has strengthened its ties with Washington at the expense of Beijing. Lai, who is deeply distrustful of the Chinese government, has vowed to maintain the status quo and follow Tsais policies. Wus outspoken and often satirical approach to social media is unusual for a foreign minister. The new @freedomhouse report on internet freedom lists #Taiwan 5th in the world. #China is in very last place for the 8th consecutive year. The Chinese people deserve freedom, on the net or physically. Let them use #Twitter, OK? JW," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, from the official account of Taiwans foreign ministry, signing with his initials. In the interview with the Journal, he said with pride that he has conducted more than 300 interviews with foreign media outlets. The international community is paying more attention to Taiwan than ever," he said. So this is something that Im rather proud of." Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com Vietnam is finding the center of a great power rivalry isnt such a bad place to be. Everyone is sidling up to the communist nation these days. Chinas Xi Jinping became the latest world leader to strengthen ties with the country by paying a visit to Hanoi this week, three months after Vietnam upgraded its relationship with the U.S. to the highest rung in its diplomatic hierarchy during a visit by President Biden. - Vietnam greeted Xi with a 21-gun salute, the highest level for a visiting head of state, when he arrived on Tuesday for the two-day visit, his first in six years. The two sides agreed to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future, which holds strategic significance"diplomatic language that indicates that however much Vietnam is being wooed by the West, it intends to maintain its close political and economic ties with its giant northern neighbor. China sees the U.S. rivalry, and therefore they have to counter," said Carlyle Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, Canberra, and an expert on Vietnam. Vietnam tries to get as much as it can from each one." For Vietnam, it is what Vietnams Communist Party head, Nguyen Phu Trong, calls bamboo diplomacy," to describe foreign relations that are firmly rooted, but flexible. Vietnam has long had a close but at times contentious relationship with China. The two countries fought a war in 1979 and have had heated disputes in recent years over what Beijing calls the South China Sea and Hanoi refers to as the East Sea. In recent decades, Vietnam has been close to Russia, its main weapons supplier. Lately, though, the country has sought to diversify, drawing a wider circle of countries a little closer. Last December, South Korea became a comprehensive strategic partner, gaining admission to what was, until recently, a highly exclusive club of Vietnams closest friends, such as China and Russia. The U.S. got the nod in September. In November, Japan entered the pantheon. During a visit by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year, Australia has said it wants in too, and analysts say that is likely to happen. The U.S. is increasingly trying to give manufacturers, particularly of high-tech products, options to move their factories out of Chinaand Vietnam is one of the places companies are turning to. Trade between the U.S. and Vietnam reached $140 billion in 2022, more than seven times as large as it was in 2010. The increase has been driven by Vietnamese exports such as electronics and shoes. Vietnam, meanwhile, would like to see blossoming diplomatic ties with wealthy countries encourage companies such as South Koreas Samsung and the U.S.s Apple to deepen their production networks there. The country will need to boost jobs, income and exports to reach its goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045, no easy task when its gross domestic product per capita is around $4,000, compared with $80,000 for the U.S. At the same time, Vietnam cant afford to alienate Beijing: its neighbor and largest trading partner. Its total trade with China last year was around $235 billion, according to Chinese data. Many of the products Vietnam churns out for the U.S. and its allies rely on raw materials sent over the border from China. Some of the companies in Vietnam making parts for Apple devices are themselves Chinese. Something else that hasnt gone unnoticed by the U.S. and China: Vietnam has among the worlds largest reserves of rare-earth minerals, which are essential for making everything from jet fighters to smartphones. China dominates the rare-earths market, but a host of companies are working to build China-free supply chains. There are other factors holding Vietnam back from a wholesale embrace of the West, including an allergy to Western human-rights rhetoric. The country also sees a need to maintain its close ties with Russia. Although Vietnam has begun to diversify sources of weapons over the last decade by buying from countries such as Israel and South Korea, few countries have arms industries on the scale of Russia. China isnt likely to serve as a replacement arms supplier, in part because many in Vietnam remain wary of their powerful neighbor because of the 1979 war and the dispute over the South China Sea. Chinas placement of an oil rig in what Vietnam considers its territorial waters spurred violent protests in 2014. During Xis visit, the two sides agreed to maintain stability over the disputed body of water. In his conversations with Vietnamese officials this week, Xi called for more input to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship." In a nod to their shared ideology, Xi said the two countries should keep to socialism without any deviation." On Wednesday, the Chinese leader paid tribute to the founding leader of communist Vietnam, laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. Despite rising tensions between China and the U.S., Vietnam appears to be striking a balancereaping rewards from both communist China and Western-style democracies alike. During Bidens visit, the U.S. agreed to boost Vietnams semiconductor industry by jointly developing teaching labs and training courses to boost the countrys industrial workforce. For his part, Xi proposed cooperation in green energy and critical minerals, in an article that appeared in a Vietnamese newspaper in tandem with his visit. They are managing this really well," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a Singapore research group. Vietnam is taking advantage of their geopolitical position to optimize the benefit by cooperating well with both China and the U.S.," he said. Vietnams appeal is that it is an independent actor that isnt going to gang up against anyone, said Thayer. And if you dont join the party youre going to lose out, it is an opportunity lost," he said. Wenxin Fan contributed to this article. Write to Jon Emont at jonathan.emont@wsj.com The first mouthful of cultivated" meat is both remarkable and dull. In a homely kitchen at the California headquarters of Eat Just, a startup, a playing-card-sized slice of meat has been glazed and grilled. It is served with a sweet-potato puree, maitake mushrooms and some pickled peppers. The meal is remarkable because the meat was grown in a lab , rather than on an animal. It is mundane because the texture, taste, look and smell of the meat is almost identical to that of chicken. And that, of course, is the point. The cultivated-meat business hopes that this experience will become more common. In June Eat Just and Upside Foods, another California startup, became the first two companies to win regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat in America. A handful of firms already do so in Singapore, which was the first country to permit the sale of the stuff in 2020. A herd of rivals is stampeding after them. All told, around 160 firms are trying to bring cultivated meats to market. But doing so will be challenging. In America diners without the benefit of a press card can find cultivated meat in just two restaurants, one in San Francisco and one in Washington, DC. A few years ago the industry was bullish. In 2021 McKinsey guessed it might grow to $25bn worldwide by the end of the decade. That hope is fading, amid stubbornly high costs and troubles with scaling production. Most companies are now more focused on producing hybrid meats, which combine cultivated animal protein with protein derived from plants such as soya or wheat. That sort of hybrid dinner is what your correspondent sampled with Eat Just. On paper, cultivated meat looks attractive. The UN reckons meat and dairy production already accounts for 12% of humanitys greenhouse-gas emissions. Demand is soaring among the growing middle classes of Africa and Asia. Lab-grown meat could help meet that demand without the world busting its carbon budget. In rich countries, by contrast, plenty of people say they want to reduce their consumption, either for ethical reasons or environmental ones. (Two-fifths of Americans claim to restrict their meat consumption on environmental grounds.) Lab-grown meat may, for some consumers, be less ethically worrisome than eating animals. And the early success of plant-based meat alternatives gave investors hope. Beyond Meat, one such firm, went public in 2019, and saw its value zoom to $14bn. Enthusiasts for vat-grown meat have dreamed up all sorts of potential applications beyond chicken. Earlier this year, Vow Food, an Australian start-up, created a mammoth meatball", mixing ancient DNA recovered from frozen mammoth remains with that of modern-day elephants. Wanda Fish Technologies, an Israeli firm, is working on cultivated bluefin tuna. A startup co-founded by Mark Post of Maastricht University, who served up a $300,000 lab-grown hamburger in 2013, is trying to produce vat-made leather. Broadly speaking, there are two ways to make cultivated meat. Both start with cells taken from livestock or poultry animals. One option is to put the cells in a stainless-steel tank, called a bioreactor," that is filled with a nutrient-rich liquid that is often, but not always, derived from cow embryos. The cells multiply, and after a month or so a meaty slurry can be harvested and turned into minced-meat products such as chicken nuggets. The alternative is to place the cells on a scaffold. That encourages them to grow into a certain shape, and is used to create more fibrous meat, such as steaks. How the sausage is made The details vary between firms. Some, such as Eat Just and Upside Foods, start with cells from a chicken embryo. The advantage is that embryonic cells can grow in the suspension indefinitely. But they need to be encouraged to follow the desired development path, such as forming muscle cells. This is done either by genetic engineering or by adding proteins called growth factors" to the nutrient solution. SciFi Foods, by contrast, uses cells harvested from adult cow muscle. Muscle cells stop growing after several dozen generations. On the other hand, they may need fewer growth factors than embryonic ones, and for some they give a flavour closer to that of animal meat. The details of the nutrient broth also vary, though all include the basics of amino acids (the building-blocks of proteins), vitamins and glucose. The precise recipe will affect the meats eventual taste and even how healthy it is to eat. Every firm faces the same two big challenges. The first is demand. Although cultivated meat is far from supermarket shelves, its alt-protein cousin, plant-based meat, is going through a rough patch. According to Circana, a research firm, sales of alternative meats in America peaked in 2021 at $483m. In the 12 months up to November of this year they fell by 30% compared to 2021 figure, to $338m. Sales are still growing in Europe, albeit more slowly than before. As momentum has dwindled, so has investors opinion of the plant-based superstars. Beyond Meats value has plummeted to just over $600m. The second problem is cost, which may be harder to fix. The GFI calculates that plant-based meats can cost around double what a cut of farm-grown meat goes for. Cultivated meat is more expensive still. Part of the reason is that the industry is still in its infancy, so equipment is expensive. Some progress has already been made. In the early days, most firms used growth solution with ultra-pure, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Switching to agricultural-grade ingredients can cut those costs by up to 90%, says Elliot Swartz, an analyst at the GFI. Even so, the cost of cultivated meat is still around five times that of its farm-grown counterpart. Firms are trying to get that number down. Amy Chen, chief operating officer at Upside Foods, says that her firm has found cells that do not need external growth factors, cutting costs significantly. The aptly named Gustavo Burger, the boss of Believer Meat, an Israeli company, claims to have lowered the cost of growth solution to below $1 per litre, far lower than most other firms pay. (One of Believer Meats innovations is to recycle a good deal of its solution). Another strategy, says Mr Burger, is to make agreements with suppliers to provide premixed nutrients for the solution. Meat-makers hope that costs can be cut further by a new supply chain that is taking shape. Some of this involves existing companies, such as ADM, an agricultural giant that has started to provide the ingredients for growth solutions. New entrants with tailor-made gear have sprung up too. Multus Biotechnology, a British firm, likewise sells solution ingredients. NewDay Farms, a Chinese outfit, produces the scaffolds that help shape the cells when they grow. Questions have been raised about how climate-friendly cultivated meat can be. A study published earlier this year by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that, in some circumstances, cultivated meat could be more polluting than the conventional stuff. Industry advocates have retorted that the assumptions made around the type of growth-solution used are inaccurate. In particular, they say that the study assumes the use of resource-intensive pharmaceutical grade ingredients, which the industry is moving away from. But even fans of cultivated meat acknowledge that the technology will use a lot of energy. Another study published in January by researchers at CE Delft, a consultancy, and the GFI found that per kilogram of meat produced, tank-grown meat is likely to use much more energy than farm-grown protein. This is largely because the bioreactor needs a lot of power to control its temperature. As a result, cultivated meat will only cut the carbon footprint of the meat industry if renewable energy is used in the production process. And even then, according to the study, it will only do so for pork and beef. Whether all this effort can make lab-grown meat attractive and cheap enough to appeal to consumers remains to be seen. In the meantime, many companies have decided to pursue a hybrid strategy, mixing (relatively) cheap plant protein with their cultivated animal cells. Some firms, such as Mission Barns, another California-based firm, add just a small amount of animal-fat cells to plant-based protein to improve the taste of, say, a sausage. For others, such as Eat Just, the proportion of cultivated meat will be much higher. It took me a while to get comfortable with [moving to the hybrid approach]. Because it feels a bit like were compromising," admits Josh Tetrik, Eat Justs boss. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com The debate between frontload and top load is not something new. However, in the world of laundry appliances, where innovation and convenience are highly important, many people today choose top load washing machines. When it comes to top load washing machines, Panasonic stands out as a brand that consistently offers smart choices for consumers seeking efficient and reliable laundry solutions. Panasonic's top load washing machines come equipped with advanced cleaning technology that ensures your clothes are spotless with every wash. The combination of powerful wash actions and innovative drum designs guarantees the removal of tough stains and dirt, leaving your laundry looking and feeling fresh. In today's environmentally conscious world, energy efficiency is a top priority. Panasonic understands this, and their top load washing machines are designed to be energy-efficient, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and save on utility bills. Not only do Panasonic top load washing machines save energy, but they also conserve water. Their intelligent water usage technology ensures that only the necessary amount of water is used for each load, contributing to water conservation efforts. Panasonic's commitment to providing smart choices extends to the variety of wash programs their top load machines offer. Whether you're washing delicate fabrics or heavily soiled items, there's a program designed to cater to your specific needs. Also Read: Top 10 washing machines online at best prices in October 2023 1. Panasonic 6.5 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W65L7ARB, Blue, Powerful Motor, Active Foam System, Effective Wash Pulsator, 2023 Model) This efficient Panasonic semi-automatic washing machine provides big performance. The economical design saves on water and energy bills compared to pricier automatic models. Two separate washing and spin-drying functions allow you to choose the tailored cycle for each load, whether its everyday clothes or heavier items like curtains. The powerful 360 watt motor handles all types of laundry with ease, while the active foam system lifts stubborn stains utilizing high-density suds. After washing, the spin speed of 1350 RPM helps extract plenty of moisture for quicker drying time. Plus, you're covered with Panasonic's two-year product warranty and extra five years on the motor. This versatile workhorse provides a simple, effective and affordable solution for tackling up to 6.5 kilograms of your weekly laundry needs. Specifications of Panasonic 6.5 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W65L7ARB, Blue, Powerful Motor, Active Foam System, Effective Wash Pulsator, 2023 Model): Capacity: 6.5 kg Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 Stars Color: Blue Features: Powerful Motor, Active Foam System, Effective Wash Pulsator Model Year: 2023 Pros Cons 1. Energy-efficient (5 Stars). 1. Semi-automatic, requires manual intervention. 2. Powerful motor for effective cleaning. 2. Limited washing capacity (6.5 kg). 3. Active Foam System for better cleaning. 3. Not fully automatic. 4. Effective Wash Pulsator. 4. Limited color options (Blue). 2. Panasonic 12 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W120H6RRB, Red, Active Foam System) This Panasonic washing machine has enough power to tackle even your heaviest loads with ease. Its 12 kg drum means it can handle massive amounts of laundry, while the 5-star rating ensures high efficiency and performance. The powerful motor and Active Foam system work together to wash clothes thoroughly and gently. The glass lid allows you to monitor washes without interrupting the cycle, and the automatic features take the guesswork out of doing laundry. Simply load up your favorite t-shirts, towels, sheets and more, select the cycle and watch this workhorse go to work. Advanced technologies and a stylish red exterior combine for a washing machine that delivers both performance and panache to any laundry room. With easy-to-use features, powerful cleaning and a large capacity, this Panasonic washing machine makes light work of even your biggest laundry piles. Specifications of Panasonic 12 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W120H6RRB, Red, Active Foam System): Capacity: 12 kg Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 Stars Color: Red Features: Powerful Motor, Active Foam System Lid Type: Glass Lid Pros Cons 1. Large capacity (12 kg). 1. Semi-automatic, requires manual intervention. 2. Energy-efficient (5 Stars). 2. Large and heavy machine. 3. Powerful motor for efficient cleaning. 3. Limited color options (Red). 4. Active Foam System. 3. Panasonic 7 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W70B5RRB, Red, Active Foam System) Looking for a washing machine that packs a powerful performance in a small package? Meet the Panasonic 7kg top loader washer. Its powerful motor and Active Foam System generate a forceful spray that blasts away even the toughest stains. The Aqua Spin Shower uses rotating jets of water to lift away dirt as the drum spins, ensuring your clothes emerge fresh and clean. All of this in a compact design that fits perfectly in small spaces. This washer delivers a mighty clean without taking up much room. Its red exterior adds a pop of color to your laundry nook, while the simple top load design means even your clumsiest family member can't mess it up. This Panasonic top loader washer proves that good things really do come in small sizes. Specifications of Panasonic 7 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W70B5RRB, Red, Active Foam System): Capacity: 7 kg Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 Stars Color: Red Features: Powerful Motor, Active Foam System Pros Cons 1. Energy-efficient (5 Stars). 1. Semi-automatic, requires manual intervention. 2. Powerful motor for effective cleaning. 2. Limited washing capacity (7 kg). 3. Active Foam System for better cleaning. 3. Limited color options (Red). 4. Suitable for smaller households. 4. Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80X10PRB, Pure Black, Compatible with Alexa) This Panasonic Wifi top load washing machine makes laundry a smart, seamless experience. The 8 kg capacity suits large families, while the smart features integrate the convenience of AI into washing functionality. Connect to the Miraie app to operate from anywhere via voice with Alexa or Google Assistant, or schedule washes from the start/end time. The Wash Wizard customizes programs for different clothes, colors and soil levels. Active Foam System helps remove stubborn stains, water reuse reduces water consumption, and the one touch service button connects you directly to Panasonic customer care. The graphite drum and AI controls make this washing machine intuitive to use while providing powerful cleaning. Specifications of Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80X10PRB, Pure Black, Compatible with Alexa): Capacity: 8 kg Automation: Fully-Automatic Color: Pure Black Smart Features: Compatible with Alexa Pros Cons 1. Fully automatic for convenience. 1. Higher initial cost. 2. Large capacity (8 kg). 2. Limited color options (Pure Black). 3. Smart features, compatible with Alexa. 3. Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. 5. Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Load Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80AH1CRB,Charcoal Inox Grey, Compatible with Alexa, 15 Wash Program) Perfect for large households, the Panasonic washing machine saves time and hassle with seamless hands-free operation. Voice activate it with Alexa or Google Assistant for a completely contactless wash. The built-in heater allows you to set the perfect temperature for any fabric or stain, ensuring clothes come out fresh and looking like new. The 8 kg capacity means you can wash loads of up to eight kilos in one cycle, ideal for families with many clothes to clean. With over fifteen customizable wash programs, you are sure to find the exact setting for each wash. Integrated AI and smart features make laundry effortless, while the schedule function lets you start or end washing at your convenience. The energy-efficient 5-star rating helps reduce running costs, so you can spend less time doing laundry and more time on the things you enjoy. Specifications of Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Load Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80AH1CRB,Charcoal Inox Grey, Compatible with Alexa, 15 Wash Program): Capacity: 8 kg Automation: Fully-Automatic Color: Charcoal Inox Grey Smart Features: Compatible with Alexa Wash Programs: 15 Pros Cons 1. Fully automatic with a heater. 1. Higher initial cost. 2. Large capacity (8 kg). 2. Limited color options (Charcoal Inox Grey). 3. Smart features, compatible with Alexa. 3. Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. 4. Multiple wash programs (15). 4. May have a learning curve for smart functions. 6. Panasonic 10 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W100H6HRB, Grey, Active Foam System) This Panasonic washing machine packs powerful performance into a sleek, space-saving design. The 10 kg capacity means it can handle large loads for big families while keeping cycle times shorter thanks to the fast 750 RPM spin speed. The Active Foam System lifts stubborn stains using high density foam to clean clothes more thoroughly, and the new toughened glass lid adds a touch of style while remaining durable. Extra features like the detergent box and soft close lid make laundry day that much easier. Simply load your clothes, pour in the detergent, and let this semi-automatic top loader go to work with its powerful motor, washing away dirt and grime so your clothes come out fresh and clean. An essential appliance for any busy household, this Panasonic washing machine combines form and function in one smart space-saving design. Specifications of Panasonic 10 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine with Powerful Motor (NA-W100H6HRB, Grey, Active Foam System): Capacity: 10 kg Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 Stars Color: Grey Features: Powerful Motor, Active Foam System Lid Type: Glass Lid Pros Cons 1. Large capacity (10 kg). 1. Semi-automatic, requires manual intervention. 2. Energy-efficient (5 Stars). 2. Large and heavy machines. 3. Powerful motor for efficient cleaning. 3. Limited color options (Grey). 4. Active Foam System. 4. Glass Lid may add to the cost Also Read: Best washing machine in India: Choose from top 10 picks for December 2023 7. Panasonic 7.5 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F75V10LRB, Silver, Compatible with Alexa) This affordable Panasonic washing machine delivers great wash quality for large families in a seamless, hands-free experience. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant means you can start your laundry with a simple command, while the built-in heater ensures the right temperature for each load. The 7.5 kg capacity suits households with lots of laundry and the 5-star rating saves more on energy bills. Smart features like the Wash Wizard customize wash programs for each load. Special features like the Active Foam System and Gentle Handwash mode gently clean delicate fabrics. The Aqua beat Wash provides thorough cleaning while the Water Reuse function saves on water consumption. The intuitive AI integrates easily into daily life while the 2-year warranty and 12-year motor warranty ensure long-lasting performance. Schedule laundry start or end times with the Miraie app for convenience. The satin silver finish blends in discreetly while the seamless operation reduces time spent managing laundry. Specifications of Panasonic 7.5 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F75V10LRB, Silver, Compatible with Alexa): Capacity: 7.5 kg Automation: Fully-Automatic Color: Silver Smart Features: Compatible with Alexa Pros Cons 1. Fully automatic with a heater. 1. Higher initial cost. 2. Moderate capacity (7.5 kg). 2. Limited color options (Silver). 3. Smart features, compatible with Alexa. 3. Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. 4. Convenient for smart home integration. 4. May have a learning curve for smart functions. 8. Panasonic 6.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Load Washing Machine (2022 Model, NA-F65LF2MRB, Grey, 12 Wash Program, Active Foam Wash Technology, Antibacterial Water Inlet) Panasonic's washing machine is perfect for busy families looking for a machine that's easy to use and delivers spotless clothes. With a 6. kg capacity, it can handle the washing needs of 2 to 3 people. Its Active Foam Wash Technology generates abundant foam that removes even stubborn stains and traps allergens and bacteria, keeping your clothes fresh and clean. The 12 wash programs including Quick Wash allow you to customize each cycle, while the 1380 RPM high-speed spin dries your clothes faster. The fully automatic design means all you have to do is load the machine and select your desired program - the rest is handled for you. The Wings-type pulsator moves clothes up and down in the drum for even washing, while the rust-proof metal body ensures long-lasting durability. Backed by Panasonic's 2-year warranty and 10-year motor warranty, this washing machine offers peace of mind and brilliant wash performance at an affordable price. Specifications of Panasonic 6.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Load Washing Machine (2022 Model, NA-F65LF2MRB, Grey, 12 Wash Program, Active Foam Wash Technology, Antibacterial Water Inlet): Capacity: 6.5 kg Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 Stars Color: Grey Wash Programs: 12 Technology: Active Foam Wash Technology, Antibacterial Water Inlet Pros Cons 1. Fully automatic for convenience. 1. Limited washing capacity (6.5 kg). 2. Energy-efficient (5 Stars). 2. Limited color options (Grey). 3. Active Foam Wash Technology. 3. No smart features. 4. Antibacterial Water Inlet. Top 3 features for you Product Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Panasonic 6.5 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W65L7ARB) Energy-efficient (5 Stars) Powerful Motor for Effective Cleaning Active Foam System for Better Cleaning Panasonic 12 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W120H6RRB) Large Capacity (12 kg) Energy-efficient (5 Stars) Active Foam System Panasonic 7 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W70B5RRB) Energy-efficient (5 Stars) Powerful Motor for Effective Cleaning Active Foam System for Better Cleaning Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80X10PRB) Fully Automatic Operation Large Capacity (8 kg) Smart Features, Compatible with Alexa Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Load Smart Washing Machine (NA-F80AH1CRB) Fully Automatic with Heater Large Capacity (8 kg) Smart Features, Compatible with Alexa Panasonic 10 kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Glass Lid Top Loading Washing Machine (NA-W100H6HRB) Large Capacity (10 kg) Energy-efficient (5 Stars) Active Foam System Panasonic 7.5 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine (NA-F75V10LRB) Fully Automatic with Heater Moderate Capacity (7.5 kg) Smart Features, Compatible with Alexa Panasonic 6.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Load Washing Machine (2022 Model, NA-F65LF2MRB) Fully Automatic Operation Energy-efficient (5 Stars) Active Foam Wash Technology Best value for money Panasonic 8 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Load Smart Washing Machine is laundry made lively. The Panasonic NA-F80AH1CRB brings the joy back to chores with WiFi connectivity, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and 15 wash programs that let you customize every cycle. The 8 kg capacity handles large loads for big families, while the built-in heater removes even the toughest stains at the perfect temperature for your clothes. The Aqua beat Wash system and Active Foam technology lift dirt away from fabric for super clean laundry every time, and the water reuse feature helps you wash more sustainably. Plus, the charcoal gray and stainless steel exterior looks stylish in any laundry room. Best overall product Wash your clothes the smart way with Panasonic 7.5 Kg Wifi Built-In Heater Fully-Automatic Top Loading Smart Washing Machine. Equipped with WiFi, built-in heater and smart features, this machine allows you to control your washing from anywhere via the Miraie app that works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Simply schedule a wash to start at the end of the work day and come home to fresh, clean clothes. The 7.5 kg capacity suits large families while the built-in heater lets you select the perfect wash temperature for each load. Special features like Stainmaster+ and Aqua beat Wash ensure your clothes come out sparkling clean every time. The Active Foam System helps lift out stubborn dirt and stains, while the Gentle Handwash mode takes extra care with delicate items. Packed with intelligent features, this Panasonic washer delivers an efficient and effective clean while adding convenience, simplicity and style to your laundry room. How to find the Best Panasonic Top Load Washing Machine? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision: 1. Define Your Requirements: Determine your budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on a washing machine. Assess your laundry needs: Consider the size of your household, the frequency of laundry loads, and any specific features you require. 2. Research Panasonic's Range: Visit Panasonic's official website or authorized retailers to explore their top load washing machine options. Take note of different models, their features, and specifications. 3. Read Customer Reviews: Look for online reviews and customer feedback on Panasonic top load washing machines. This can provide insights into real-world performance and user satisfaction. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective. 4. Consider Key Features: Efficiency: Check for energy and water efficiency ratings to save on utility bills. Capacity: Choose a machine that suits the size of your household and laundry needs. Cleaning Technology: Evaluate the cleaning performance and technology used to remove stains and allergens effectively. Noise Levels: If a quiet operation is essential, look for models with noise reduction features. User-Friendly Controls: Ensure the control panel and settings are easy to understand and use. Smart Features: Determine if you want smart features like app control or Wi-Fi connectivity. 5. Compare Models: Create a shortlist of Panasonic top load washing machine models that meet your requirements and preferences. Compare these models side by side, considering their specifications, features, and pricing. 6. Check Warranty and Service: Review the warranty offered by Panasonic for the selected models. Inquire about the availability of local service centers for repairs and maintenance. 7. Visit a Showroom (Optional): If possible, visit an appliance showroom to see the machines in person. This allows you to assess build quality and ease of use firsthand. 8. Seek Expert Advice (Optional): Consult with appliance experts or read expert reviews from reputable sources for additional insights. 9. Finalize Your Choice: Based on your research, customer reviews, and personal preferences, choose the Panasonic top load washing machine that best aligns with your needs and budget. 10. Purchase and Delivery: Make your purchase from a trusted retailer or Panasonic's official website. Arrange for delivery and installation, if necessary. 11. Maintenance and Care: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance and care to ensure the longevity of your washing machine. FAQs Question : What sets Panasonic Top Load Washing Machines apart from other brands in terms of efficiency? Ans : Panasonic Top Load Washing Machines are known for their exceptional efficiency. Unlike traditional top load washers, Panasonic's smart choices include a carefully designed drum and agitator system that maximises washing space while minimising water usage. This means you can wash larger loads with less water and energy, saving you time and resources while still achieving outstanding cleaning results. Question : How does Panasonic ensure user-friendly controls in their top load washing machines? Ans : Panasonic takes user-friendliness seriously. Their machines feature intuitive control panels with easy-to-understand settings. Additionally, some models come equipped with a digital display that provides clear information about the wash cycle progress, ensuring that users of all technological backgrounds can operate these machines with ease. Question : Can you explain the advanced cleaning technology used in Panasonic Top Load Washing Machines? Ans : Panasonic employs advanced cleaning technology that combines the power of water jets, drum rotation patterns, and detergent distribution to tackle tough stains and allergens effectively. This technology ensures that your clothes come out cleaner and fresher, even in heavily soiled loads or when dealing with allergen-prone fabrics. Question : What's the benefit of the Quick Wash feature in Panasonic Top Load Washing Machines? Ans : The Quick Wash feature in Panasonic machines is a game-changer for those with busy schedules. It allows you to complete a full washing cycle in a fraction of the time, perfect for when you need fresh clothes in a hurry. Despite the shorter duration, the Quick Wash still maintains the high cleaning standards that Panasonic is known for. Question : How do Panasonic Top Load Washing Machines contribute to energy conservation and lower utility bills? Ans : Panasonic is committed to energy efficiency. Their top load machines are designed to use less water and electricity compared to conventional models, reducing both your environmental footprint and monthly utility expenses. The combination of efficient water usage and innovative technology ensures that you get cleaner clothes while using fewer resources. Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Mondays court ruling that Google created an antitrust market with its app store threatens to upend the $500-billion-a-year app store economy, which has evolved into a profit machine for Apple and Google that helped define the smartphone era. A jury unanimously sided with Epic Games, saying that Google had harmed the videogame maker by maintaining an illegal monopoly. Google said it plans to appeal the verdict and stands by its business model. In a separate case that concluded in 2021, a federal judge largely ruled against Epic even as she ruled that Apple must allow third-party software makers to steer customers to payment options within their own apps. The outcome might ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. Since that ruling, Google and Applewhich tightly control third-party software on most of the worlds billions of smartphoneshave seen their control gradually erode as regulators in Europe, Asia and the U.S. have passed laws challenging company policies. Beginning in March, Apple is expected to allow software downloads outside the confines of its App Store for the first time due to a new European Union law. In South Korea, the two companies were forced in 2021 to open their stores to alternative payment systems. The Justice Department and state attorneys general in the U.S. have trained their sights on a deal in which Google has paid Apple around $20 billion a year to be the default search engine on Safari on its more than one billion devices. Despite these challenges, analysts are divided on the potential financial threat to Apple and Googles businesses. The changes are still expected to take years to play out, and Apple and Google may yet comply with legal mandates in a way that doesnt reduce revenue as much as expected. Last year, app store spending reached $167 billion, and mobile ad spending was $336 billion, according to data.ai, a mobile data and analytics firm. For Apple, the regulatory and court challenges represent an unprecedented challenge to its much-vaunted services business, which had $78 billion in sales in 2022, accounting for 20% of total revenue. The business, which encompasses the Google search payments and everything from its music and TV streaming services to its app store, has seen its growth rate decline by about half in the last year. The majority of Apples services business is essentially selling access to its user base of more than a billioneither through taking a cut of App Store sales or by making Google the default search engine. Those two businesses are estimated to make up more than half of the services revenue, and more than two-thirds of the segments gross profit, according to Bernstein Research. Apple will hit a walleither a wall of large numbers or a regulatory walland that will curb the growth of services," said Peter Tuz, president at Chase Investment Counsel, an Apple shareholder. Tuz said he anticipates services could face annual declines in a few years. For Google, its Android app store was one of its most enduring profit centers outside of search. That is now under threat. Epic didnt ask to be awarded monetary damages or special treatment from Google, whose parent company is Alphabet. Instead, the maker of the popular videogame Fortnite" wants Google to be forced to make its Android ecosystem more open and competitive. It is unclear what that will look like. The federal judge in the case, U.S. District Judge James Donato, will determine remedies next year. The parties are scheduled to reconvene in January. In the meantime, the Supreme Court may be the ultimate arbiter of the app store economy. A federal appeals court sided with Apple in April, declaring that it doesnt have monopolistic control over mobile game transactions. Both Apple and Epic have asked for the Supreme Court to hear the case. In the Netherlands and South Korea, Apple faced legal challenges to permit alternative methods for app payments. In response, Apple still charged apps a fee as high as 27% instead of its typical 30%, effectively making it more expensive to use an alternative payment system to Apples because the payments still need to be processed, said Rick VanMeter, Executive Director of the Coalition for App Fairness, an advocacy group founded by app developers such as Epic. With the Justice Departments challenge to Googles multibillion-dollar annual search payments to Apple, a decision isnt expected until next year, and even then it would face years of appeals. Toni Sacconaghi, senior analyst at Bernstein Research, also thinks Apple could make up any loss in default search revenue by taking payments from other search providers or even by making its own search engine. Apple still has the opportunity to provide a lucrative search revenue stream to someone else, perhaps even to themselves," Sacconaghi said. And even if Apple permits third-party app stores, competing digital storefronts might not take off. Many Apple consumers are now accustomed and more comfortable with the software environment Apple and Google provide on their app stores. One area in which the two companies could lose significant revenue is in mobile videogames. In its fiscal year 2019, Apples operating profits from games totaled $8.5 billion, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of figures released in its antitrust trial with Epic. That was higher than the videogame profits from Xbox maker Microsoft, Nintendo, Activision Blizzard and PlayStation maker Sony combined, the analysis showed. If gaming app stores take off within the Apple or Google ecosystems, that could represent a major hit. Microsoft has previously attempted to bring its Xbox Game Pass service, which offers a portfolio of games to play through a subscription fee, to Apples app store. But the service had been blocked by Apples rules on the grounds that Apple cant review each individual game on the gaming platform. Apple is currently working to comply with a new European Union law, the Digital Markets Act, which will force the company to permit third-party app stores and alternative in-app payment services, the Journal previously reported. The company is aiming to allow third-party app stores in a software update slated for early next year, said people familiar with Apples plans. Apple faces an early March deadline for its store to comply with the European law. The EU is also pursuing its own antitrust case against Apple, accusing it of violations for imposing rules that restrict app developers from informing users of other ways to pay for services that avoid Apples in-app payments commission. If the EU finds Apple broke antitrust laws, it could order Apple to lift those restrictions. In China, the central government is further cracking down on which apps are permitted on the China version of Apples App Store, requiring all apps to be registered with the government. The move could chip away at Apples services business in China, which is the companys third largest geographic market. Write to Aaron Tilley at aaron.tilley@wsj.com and Meghan Bobrowsky at meghan.bobrowsky@wsj.com In the whirlwind of our modern age, a yearning for stability and meaning resonates within many. We witness the rapid-fire changes of technology, the erosion of established norms, and the growing disconnect from our roots. Its easy to feel adrift, to yearn for a compass, a guiding light. For countless Catholics, the answer lies not in rejecting modernity as a whole, but in rekindling the flame of tradition within it. The Catholic faith, with its timeless wisdom and enduring principles, offers a sturdy anchor in the sea of change. It invites us to embrace elements of tradition that enrich our lives and nurture our souls, even as we navigate the complexities of the contemporary world. Consider these pillars of Catholic tradition: Community: In an era of atomization and isolation, the Church offers a vibrant tapestry of relationships, a sense of belonging that transcends generations and backgrounds. Through shared rituals, acts of service, and simple fellowship, we rediscover the power of human connection, built on a foundation of shared values. In an era of atomization and isolation, the Church offers a vibrant tapestry of relationships, a sense of belonging that transcends generations and backgrounds. Through shared rituals, acts of service, and simple fellowship, we rediscover the power of human connection, built on a foundation of shared values. Compassion: In a world often defined by self-interest, the Catholic faith shines a light on the vulnerable and marginalized. It calls us to practice empathy, to recognize the inherent dignity of every human being, and to act with compassion towards those in need. In a world often defined by self-interest, the Catholic faith shines a light on the vulnerable and marginalized. It calls us to practice empathy, to recognize the inherent dignity of every human being, and to act with compassion towards those in need. Contemplation: Amidst the constant noise and busyness of modern life, the Church offers a refuge for silent reflection and prayer. Through acts of contemplation, we tap into the wisdom of our ancestors, connect with the divine, and discover a deeper sense of inner peace and purpose. Amidst the constant noise and busyness of modern life, the Church offers a refuge for silent reflection and prayer. Through acts of contemplation, we tap into the wisdom of our ancestors, connect with the divine, and discover a deeper sense of inner peace and purpose. Sacrifice: In a world obsessed with instant gratification, the Catholic faith reminds us of the importance of sacrifice. It teaches us the value of delayed gratification, of setting aside personal desires for a greater good, and of serving others before ourselves. Embracing these traditions doesnt mean retreating from the present. Its about equipping ourselves with a moral compass, a set of guiding principles, as we navigate the complexities of the modern world. Its about recognizing the enduring value of what has come before while remaining open to growth and adaptation. Ultimately, the choice to embrace tradition is a personal one. But for those seeking a sense of grounding and purpose in a fast-paced world, the Catholic faith offers traditions that can guide and inspire us to build a more meaningful and authentic life. In the intricate tapestry of our lives, certain threads stand out, their rich hues shaping our experiences and giving them meaning. Love, exercise, tradition, family, and Catholic values these are not mere strands, but the very warp and weft that lend strength and beauty to our existence. Love, the heart of it all: At the core of this tapestry lies love. It radiates outward, warming our relationships with family, friends, and even strangers. It fuels acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice. Whether expressed through gentle words, a helping hand, or simply being present for those we cherish, love stitches together the fabric of our lives, giving it color and texture. Exercise, the bodys temple: Yet, a tapestry needs a sturdy frame. This is where exercise steps in. Physical activity keeps our bodies healthy, minds sharp, and spirits buoyant. It helps us navigate the challenges of life with resilience and grace. From a brisk walk in nature to a vigorous workout, movement becomes a celebration of our physical existence, reminding us to treat our bodies with respect and appreciation. Traditions, whispered wisdom: The threads of love and exercise intertwine with the rich tapestry of tradition. Stories whispered across generations, rituals that mark meaningful occasions, and celebrations steeped in heritage these weave a sense of belonging and purpose into our lives. By honoring traditions, we connect with our roots, drawing strength and wisdom from those who came before us. Family, the anchor: At the center of this tapestry lies family, the anchor that holds us steady through lifes storms. Whether its the unwavering support of parents, the playful joys of siblings, or the unconditional love of a spouse, family offers refuge and a sense of community. It reminds us that we are not alone, that our joys and sorrows are shared, and that together, we form an unbreakable bond. Catholic values, the guiding light: For many, these threads are woven together with the guiding light of Catholic values. Faith in God, compassion for others, service to the community, and striving for righteousness these principles offer a moral compass, helping us navigate lifes choices with integrity and purpose. Through prayer, reflection, and living out these values, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more just and compassionate world. A life well-lived: By seamlessly integrating these threads of love, exercise, tradition, family, and Catholic values, we create a tapestry of life that is both vibrant and meaningful. We become individuals of strong bodies, kind hearts, and clear minds, ready to face the world with confidence and compassion. We remember our roots, cherish our families, and strive to leave a positive legacy. So, let us weave our tapestries with intention, choosing threads that strengthen and embellish our lives. Let love be the vibrant red, exercise the sturdy brown, tradition the shimmering gold, family the comforting blue, and Catholic values the guiding white. And as we work together, stitch by stitch, may we create lives that are not only fulfilling but also a testament to the beauty and purpose woven into the very fabric of our existence. Remember, this is just a starting point. You can adjust the tone, emphasis, and specific examples to reflect your own beliefs and experiences. Be sure to maintain a respectful and inclusive tone when discussing religious values. Shayne Heffernan The information contained on this website shall not be construed as (i) an offer to purchase or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any securities or services, (ii) investment, legal, business or tax advice or an offer to provide such advice, or (iii) a basis for making any investment decision. An offering may only be made upon a qualified investors receipt not via this website of formal materials from the Knightsbridge an offering memorandum and subscription documentation (offering materials). In the case of any inconsistency between the information on this website and any such offering materials, the offering materials shall control. Securities shall not be offered or sold in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful unless the requirements of the applicable laws of such jurisdiction have been satisfied. Any decision to invest in securities must be based solely upon the information set forth in the applicable offering materials, which should be read carefully by qualified investors prior to investing. An investment with Knightsbridge is not suitable or desirable for all investors; investors may lose all or a portion of the capital invested. Investors may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment for an indefinite period of time. Qualified investors are urged to consult with their own legal, financial and tax advisors before making any investment. Knightsbridge is a private investment firm that offers investment services to Qualified Investors, Members and Institutions ONLY. Qualified Investors are defined as individuals who have met those Qualifications in the relevant jurisdictions. Members are defined as individuals who have been accepted into the Knightsbridge membership program. Institutions are defined as entities such as banks, pension funds, and hedge funds. If you are not a Qualified Investor, Member or Institution, you are not eligible to invest with Knightsbridge. All investments involve risk, and there is no guarantee of profit. You may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Knightsbridge is not a registered investment advisor, and this disclaimer should not be construed as investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. By accessing this website, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer. Thank you for your interest in Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge is back, and were here to redefine your experience in the dynamic and ever-evolving Chinese equity market. After a strategic pause, were returning with a comprehensive suite of services, unparalleled reach, and a laser focus on delivering exceptional value to our clients. Take a look at our recent success at STAL and read about what we are doing for them. Star Alliance International Corp. (STAL) Signs Definitive Agreement with the Knightsbridge Group A Broadened Canvas: Expanded Service Portfolio: Weve gone beyond our traditional strengths in market making and liquidity provision. Our offerings now encompass CFD brokerage, investment banking, research, and asset management, providing a one-stop platform for your diversified China investment needs, whether you are looking to gain exposure in China, or in China looking to reach the world.. Weve gone beyond our traditional strengths in market making and liquidity provision. Our offerings now encompass CFD brokerage, investment banking, research, and asset management, providing a one-stop platform for your diversified China investment needs, whether you are looking to gain exposure in China, or in China looking to reach the world.. Enhanced Reach: Our network now extends far beyond the bustling exchanges. Weve deepened our relationships with regional institutions, private companies, and key decision-makers, granting you access to previously untapped corners of the market giving clients access to new sources of funding and support. Our network now extends far beyond the bustling exchanges. Weve deepened our relationships with regional institutions, private companies, and key decision-makers, granting you access to previously untapped corners of the market giving clients access to new sources of funding and support. Unwavering Expertise: Our team of seasoned professionals boasts a deep understanding of the Chinese market landscape, its nuances, and its hidden potential. We leverage this expertise to navigate complexities, identify opportunities, and tailor solutions that unlock your growth potential. Why Choose Knightsbridge? Strategic Partner: Were not just an intermediary; were your trusted partner in navigating the ever-shifting landscape of Chinese equity investors. Were invested in your success and work tirelessly to achieve your financial goals. Were not just an intermediary; were your trusted partner in navigating the ever-shifting landscape of Chinese equity investors. Were invested in your success and work tirelessly to achieve your financial goals. Unparalleled Access: From blue-chip giants to promising regional players, our extensive network grants you exclusive insights and opportunities unavailable elsewhere. From blue-chip giants to promising regional players, our extensive network grants you exclusive insights and opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Data-Driven Approach: We combine our on-the-ground knowledge with cutting-edge analytics and market intelligence to generate actionable insights and inform your investment decisions. We combine our on-the-ground knowledge with cutting-edge analytics and market intelligence to generate actionable insights and inform your investment decisions. Flexibility and Innovation: We understand that one-size-fits-all doesnt apply in China. We tailor our solutions to your unique needs and risk tolerance, crafting bespoke strategies that maximize your returns. The New Chapter Begins: The Chinese equity market presents a landscape brimming with possibilities, but navigating it requires the right partner. Knightsbridge is re-entering the scene with the experience, expertise, and dedication to guide you through this exciting journey. The Chinese equity market, a powerhouse in the global financial landscape, is fueled by a dedicated army of traders. But just how many individuals are pulling the levers and shaping the pulse of this dynamic market? Estimating the Herd: Pinpointing the exact number of Chinese equity traders is no easy feat. The market encompasses various types of participants, from institutional investors and professional trading firms to individual retail investors. Additionally, the regulatory landscape can be complex, making it challenging to obtain precise data. However, estimates paint a fascinating picture: Millions Strong: A 2020 report by the China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (CSDC) suggests that the number of individual investor accounts in Chinas A-share market (the primary onshore market) surpassed 180 million. This translates to a significant portion of the population actively engaged in equity trading. A 2020 report by the China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (CSDC) suggests that the number of individual investor accounts in Chinas A-share market (the primary onshore market) surpassed 180 million. This translates to a significant portion of the population actively engaged in equity trading. Institutional Heavyweights: Alongside retail investors, institutional players like mutual funds, hedge funds, and insurance companies wield substantial influence. These entities often employ teams of dedicated traders, further adding to the overall headcount. Beyond the Numbers: While the sheer number of traders is impressive, understanding the composition and characteristics of this workforce is equally crucial. Here are some key insights: Retail Rise: The Chinese retail investor market has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, fueled by factors like rising disposable incomes and increased access to online trading platforms. This trend is expected to continue, shaping the market dynamics. The Chinese retail investor market has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, fueled by factors like rising disposable incomes and increased access to online trading platforms. This trend is expected to continue, shaping the market dynamics. Tech-Savvy Generation: Younger generations are increasingly entering the market, bringing with them a tech-savvy approach and a preference for mobile-based trading platforms. This tech-driven shift is influencing trading patterns and investment strategies. Younger generations are increasingly entering the market, bringing with them a tech-savvy approach and a preference for mobile-based trading platforms. This tech-driven shift is influencing trading patterns and investment strategies. Risk Appetite: Chinese investors are generally known for their higher risk tolerance compared to their Western counterparts. This can lead to more volatile market movements and potentially higher returns. A Glimpse into the Future: The Chinese equity market is poised for continued expansion, and the number of traders is expected to grow in tandem. This growth will be driven by factors like: Economic Development: As Chinas economy continues to mature, the equity market is likely to attract further investment and participation. As Chinas economy continues to mature, the equity market is likely to attract further investment and participation. Regulatory Reforms: Government initiatives aimed at opening up the market and simplifying regulations could further boost investor confidence and participation. Government initiatives aimed at opening up the market and simplifying regulations could further boost investor confidence and participation. Technological Advancements: The development of new financial technologies and trading platforms will make it easier for individuals to access and participate in the market. Conclusion: The Chinese equity market is a complex ecosystem teeming with millions of traders, each playing their part in shaping its direction. Understanding the size, composition, and characteristics of this workforce is crucial for navigating this dynamic market and making informed investment decisions. As Chinas economic and financial landscape continues to evolve, the number of traders is likely to keep pace, ensuring that the market remains a vibrant and influential force in the global financial arena. Join us as we rewrite the narrative of Chinese equity investment. Contact us today to explore how Knightsbridge can empower your success in this dynamic and rewarding market. Malaysias Ministry of Communications and Digital has been split into separate entities to enable the government to better focus on its digital transformation policies amid the rapid evolution of digital technologies. The split, which was announced on Tuesday, comes as part of a broader move by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reshuffle his cabinet. Current Communications and Digital minister Fahmi Fadzil will now head the Ministry of Communications, while former communications and multimedia minister Gobind Singh Deo will head the Ministry of Digital. According to media reports, Anwar justified the split by saying that the digital sector in Malaysia needs a dedicated ministry, partly because digital transformation is a major plank of the unity government, but also because the digital sector itself is rapidly evolving. There are new data centres emerging and the issue of artificial intelligence to be looked into, he said according to local newspaper The Star. There is also the need to enhance understanding of digital and its issues among students. It is a challenging task and I believe this particular issue is daunting. That is why we have the new ministry. Anwar also said the Communications and Digital Ministry has not been effective at communicating the governments digital transformation policies, which have received a barrage of criticism in traditional and social media. Communication with the media and social media is a challenge, Anwar said in the Star report. The criticisms levelled against us are that while policies are impressive, their impact and the dissemination of information have not been effective or satisfactory. So, this must be the focus of the Communications Ministry. Local 3 News brought in $3,207.67, thanks to the donations placed in our Red Kettle. Ukrainian operator Kyivstar says it was targeted by a massive cyberattack on Tuesday that successfully knocked out voice and internet services for all of its 24.3 million mobile subscribers and 1.1 million home internet subscribers. The cyberattack also resulted in shops that use Kyivstars network to connect their payment systems being unable to process credit card payments. It also disrupted air raid alert systems in parts of Kyiv, according to media reports. Kyivstar said its technical teams are working to restore service as soon as possible. According to a report from Reuters on Wednesday, Kyivstar had managed to partially restore fixed-line services by Tuesday evening, and hopes to restore all other services later today. Kyivstar, a subsidiary of Amsterdam-based Veon, said also said that to the best of its knowledge so far, personal data of subscribers has not been compromised. Veon said in a statement that it and Kyivstar are also cooperating with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to determine the origin, circumstances and consequences of the cyberattack, as well as why the attack succeeded. According to the Kyiv Post, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has opened a criminal investigation into the cyberattack. The actors behind the attack remain unidentified, but Kyivstar general director Oleksandr Komarov said during a TV interview that it was very likely part of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the report said. This is a war, it takes place not only on the battlefield, it also takes place in virtual space and unfortunately, we are affected as a result of this war, he said. Reuters reports that Russian hacktivist group Killnet claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement on Telegram, but the group provided no evidence to back that up. The report also said the cyberattack is believed to be the largest in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. A PLEA has been issued to parents to remain vigilant about their children's health, as a concerning rise in hospitalisations due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) grips the country. The Public Health HSE Mid-West and UL Hospitals Group have issued the plea, stating that Ireland is currently experiencing the highest number of weekly RSV cases on record, surpassing last year's peak, with indications that the virus has yet to reach its peak this season. RSV, a highly contagious respiratory disease, typically prevails between October and April, peaking in December. While generally mild in adults and older children, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis in infants, causing breathing and feeding difficulties, often resulting in hospitalisation. The virus also poses a serious threat to older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and children with pre-existing health conditions. Initial symptoms can include: runny nose, blocked nose, mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees celsius) and a slight cough. Further symptoms, which usually develop over the days surrounding infection, include: a dry and persistent cough and rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing). In children, symptoms can also include: feeding less, vomiting after feeding, fewer wet nappies, and being irritable. Dr Kenneth Beatty, a specialist in Public Health Medicine, expressed concern about the escalating impact of RSV on young children. "Its important that if your children are unwell with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and fever they do not attend their creche until the symptoms have passed. "Adults with similar symptoms should also limit their contact with very young children to prevent spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses," he added. Dr Barry Linnane, paediatric respiratory consultant at University Hospital Limerick, emphasised the contagious nature of RSV, noting that while most infants exhibit upper respiratory symptoms, approximately 25% may develop bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation. "There are no vaccines so we have to follow advice weve become familiar with from COVID-19, such as hand-washing, and coughing and sneezing etiquette," he said. With Christmas on the way, health officials are intensifying efforts to mitigate the spread of RSV and subsequently alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 12 2023 Customers Belongings Were Held Hostage By Movers Unless They Paid Bogus, Additional Fees. Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Kristy Mak and Andre Prince of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the sole count of a superseding indictment, in connection with their participation in a fraudulent moving company scheme. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States Second Circuit Judge Denny Chin sitting by designation. When sentenced, the defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and forfeiture in the amount to be determined by the Court. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict. The jury found that these defendants conspired in a despicable scheme to steal from their victims when they were most vulnerable and at the mercy of crooked movers holding their worldly possessions hostage. No person who contracts for moving services should be exploited in this manner, stated United States Attorney Peace. Make no mistake, this was not a disagreement over billing, rather the jury found the defendants were part of a cunning and deliberate scheme to defraud customers and were held accountable. Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the United States Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding investigative work on the case. As proven at trial, between at least January 2017 and August 2020, the defendants worked for a number of moving companies controlled by Yakov Moroz, which operated under various names including Great Moving USA, Green Movers, New City Moves, Cross Country Moving and Storage, and Movers Consulting. Mak was a customer service representative for the company and supervised Prince who was a member of the sales team. The defendants lured customers to these movers by posting fake reviews online and by having sales associates offer low-cost transportation of their household goods. After a contract was signed and, in some cases, after the customers belongings loaded on the truck, the movers would spring new expenses on them. If the customer tried contacting the sales associate about the surprise fees, that person was unreachable, and the customers were faced with the drivers threatening to hold their goods hostage unless they paid additional fees which were sometimes double or triple the original estimated cost. In a Slack message conversation with an uncharged co-conspirator about revising orders to squeeze more money from customers, Mak stated they will f*ck [customers] onsite. In another Slack conversation, Prince reacted to two memes sent to him from another sales person depicting their scheme to cut off contact with the customer on the day of the move, stating: [rolling on the floor laughing emoji] that is so accurate]. Moroz, the president of Great Movers Inc. and its successor company, New City Movers, absconded earlier this year while on pre-trial release and is currently a fugitive. As a result of the fraudulent scheme, the defendants, together with others, wrongfully obtained more than $3 million from over 800 victims. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: December 12 2023 First Investments from the Environmental Bond Act and Latest Round of the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant Programs. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects, including the first funding awarded through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, which was passed by voters after Governor Hochul pushed to increase the total amount by $1 billion immediately upon taking office. New York State is empowering municipalities by providing the financial resources necessary to undertake water quality projects crucial to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, bolstering communities climate readiness, and promoting economic development. The funding announced today is projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $1.3 billion and create 24,000 jobs across the state. The grants are awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, in coordination with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, and are part of the State's nation-leading commitment to modernize aging water and sewer systems. "No one in New York should ever fear that they don't have access to clean water," Governor Hochul said. "We are reassuring communities across New York that your kids, grandkids, and great grandkids will always have access to clean and safe water. This investment will make lifesaving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people, in addition to saving New Yorkers money and creating tens of thousands of jobs." The grants announced today include nearly $450 million awarded through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs. Funding for this round is made possible with $249 million from Governor Hochuls historic commitment to water quality infrastructure, and $200 million from the Environmental Bond Act. The WIIA and IMG programs were named as tools in the voter-approved Bond Act to help leverage funding for water quality and resilient infrastructure improvements. The complete list of WIIA and IMG awardees, including an interactive map and projects by region, is available on the Environmental Facilities Corporations (EFC) website. An additional $30 million is being made available via the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and EFC to targeted counties through the States Septic System Replacement Program. These grants support home and small business owners with funding for more environmentally effective systems. Todays announcement was made in Suffolk County, where $20 million from the septic program will help address the hundreds of thousands of substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that significantly impair water quality. Todays investment builds upon more than $40 million in grants to Suffolk County since the program began. An additional $17 million in WIIA and Bond Act grants are being awarded to Suffolk County communities and public authorities for projects that install treatment equipment that will protect drinking water from emerging contaminants and other system improvements. Governor Hochul's announcement will help Long Island's water providers update their aging water infrastructure. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on a sole-source aquifer and helping water providers protect this valuable and unique groundwater source is vital to ensuring millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk counties have clean water to drink. This is just one more step the Governor is taking to ensure the people of Long Island have access to clean water. Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, New York State is bringing new investment, modern infrastructure, and good-paying jobs to communities, with over half the funding announced today benefitting disadvantaged communities and environmental justice areas. One of the main components of the Bond Act is providing significant funding for water infrastructure. Pairing state investments with Bond Act funding for this enhanced round of grants will help ensure taps are delivering safe drinking water to New Yorkers and that wastewater facilities continue to protect the environment and can withstand the impacts of climate change. EFC administers the WIIA and IMG programs working closely with DOH and DEC. EFC collected public comment on draft eligibility criteria starting in March and solicited applications for eligible projects this summer, including outreach during the statewide Bond Act listening sessions. With todays announcement, local governments will be able to access project funding to advance Bond Act priorities of water quality protection, climate change readiness, resiliency, and green job creation. Award Highlights Disadvantaged communities will benefit from 62 percent of Bond Act funding, amounting to $123 million, surpassing the state goal of 40 percent. Additionally, EFC awarded $111 million in WIIA/IMG funds to projects that will advance environmental justice, underscoring the States commitment to awarding grant funding to communities that need it most. New York State is awarding more than $214 million through WIIA and Environmental Bond Act funding to improve drinking water systems. Municipalities across New York State will receive grants for projects that include construction of new water mains, water tower upgrades, system extensions and emerging contaminant treatments. Examples of drinking water projects that were awarded grants include: Village of Delanson in Schenectady County (Capital Region) is being awarded $1 million WIIA grant for treatment upgrades to improve water quality. Niagara Falls Water Board in Niagara County (Western NY) is receiving $5 million in Bond Act funding for system improvements including replacement of several aged water mains throughout the city of Niagara Falls, a new storage tank to replace an aged tank that is currently out of service, and roof, filter, and chemical system upgrades at the water treatment plant. The project will provide critical finished water storage redundancy and improve pressure and flow throughout the water system. City of Plattsburgh in Clinton County (North Country) is being awarded $5 million in Bond Act funding for the third phase of multi-year drinking water system improvements. The project includes development of an additional groundwater source, a new redundant raw water transmission main and instrumentation and controls upgrades. The project will address source water capacity, improve redundancy and improve operational efficiency. The State is awarding more than $164 million through WIIA and Environmental Bond Act funding for wastewater improvement projects that will improve water quality and reduce potential risks to public health and the environment. Examples of these projects include: City of Schenectady in Schenectady County (Capital Region) is being awarded two grants totaling $5 million in Bond Act funding for projects at the Cowhorn Creek Pump Station and the water resource recovery facility in the citys continued efforts to make the sewer system more resilient to wet weather events. Town of Bath in Steuben County (Southern Tier) is being awarded $1.2 million in Bond Act funding to construct a new collection system at Salubria Lake to address Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). Erie County (Western NY) is receiving a $17 million WIIA grant for upgrades at the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility to prepare for future expansion. New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority is being awarded $6 million in Bond Act funding for the Bronx River Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan. The project will help strengthen the sewer systems ability to treat flow during wet weather events and improve water quality in the Bronx River. Oneida County (Mohawk Valley) is being awarded a $6.6 million WIIA grant for improvements that will make the countys system more resilient to wet weather events and reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows to the Mohawk River. Town of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County (North Country) is being awarded $1.3 million WIIA grant for the Route 56 Sewer District project. The State is awarding $69 million in Environmental Bond Act funding through Intermunicipal Grants to two drinking water projects and a sewer project for communities that are working together to improve their systems. These projects include: Genesee County (Finger Lakes) is receiving $30 million in Bond Act funding for the third phase of a drinking water supply project with the Monroe County Water Authority. The project will upgrade infrastructure in each county to provide necessary water to several municipalities. Village of Jordan in Onondaga County (Central New York) is receiving $9.4 million in Bond Act funding for the State Route 5/East Brutus Street sewer extension project with the Town of Brutus. The project will construct a new public sewer in the town and upgrade treatment facilities in the village. Westchester Joint Water Works (Mid-Hudson) is receiving $30 million in Bond Act funding for the construction of the Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant to serve member municipalities. The new treatment plant will provide residents with high quality drinking water. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: December 13 2023 Each Tuesday, when the veterans shopped at the pantries, they were offered LED lightbulbs, reusable bags and different extra items supplied by PSEG Long Island. PSEG Long Island and its employees celebrated and supported military veterans throughout the month of November and beyond. Every Tuesday in November and on Dec. 12, PSEG Long Island sponsored Military Appreciation Tuesday events at the Long Island Cares, Inc. Harry Chapin Food Bank pantries in Bethpage, Hampton Bays, Huntington Station, Freeport and Lindenhurst. Each Tuesday, when the veterans shopped at the pantries, they were offered LED lightbulbs, reusable bags and different extra items supplied by PSEG Long Island, including personal care needs, healthy proteins, fresh produce, winter jackets and pillows. In all, nearly 100 PSEG Long Island employee-volunteers served more than 1,000 veterans and their families with these healthy foods and other necessities. PSEG Long Island employees also participated in Nassau Countys Veterans Stand Down, where employees distributed hundreds of items to the nearly 500 veterans who attended. In support of the General Needs veterans assistance organization, PSEG Long Island gave out new winter coats, hats, gloves, pillows, socks and undergarments, along with LED lightbulbs and information about the companys financial assistance and energy efficiency programs. The week before Thanksgiving, PSEG Long Island collaborated, once again, with Long Island Cares and Suffolk County government to distribute the makings of Thanksgiving dinner. In a drive-thru distribution for more than 350 veterans at the Dennison building in Hauppauge, PSEG Long Island employees handed out frozen turkeys and hams, pies, produce and other trimmings. In addition, the veterans were given LED lightbulbs and reusable shopping bags. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone stopped by to support the initiative and helped to distribute items. We are proud to sponsor these events and activities to help veterans throughout the month of November, the time of year when our nation recognizes the sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country, said David Lyons, PSEG Long Islands interim president and COO. These initiatives are opportunities for us to honor veterans in our community and thank them for their service. I am grateful to our PSEG Long Island employees for raising their hands to support our neighbors who served. "Long Island Cares relies on corporate support to help fulfill our mission. This partnership has become a necessary lifeline for Long Islands most vulnerable populations. We are humbled by the support provided by PSEG Long Island and its employee volunteers, and are grateful for their continued commitment to addressing Long Island food insecurity," said Dr. Jessica Rosati, vice president for programs at Long Island Cares. Many veterans who participated said they were grateful for the helpful items distributed and for the personal attention they got from PSEG Long Islands employee-volunteers. In addition to these November events, PSEG Long Island employees, many of whom are military veterans themselves, participated in several other events and activities during the year to support veterans in the community. In September, several employees kayaked 22 miles across the Long Island Sound in the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge to shine a light on the estimated 22 veterans who take their own lives each day. Each December and May, groups of employees place wreaths and American flags at the national cemeteries in Calverton and Pinelawn for Flags Across America and Wreaths Across America . This year, PSEG Long Island also donated 500 wreaths to the wreath-laying event taking place Dec. 16. In August, employee-volunteers greeted veterans and distributed PSEG Long Island-provided fresh produce, clothing and other items at Suffolk Countys Veterans Stand-Down event. PSEG Long Island has a longstanding commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and is proud to count military veterans among its workforce. Its employees are dedicated to providing customers with safe, reliable power and also committed to the communities they serve by engaging in community service activities to support and help their neighbors. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visit psegliny.com/community. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 12 2023 Investment fraud, like all financial crimes, has the potential to turn lives upside down and breed distrust in vital economic sectors," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ELIEZER TILSON, a real estate promoter based in Israel, pled guilty to violating the Travel Act in connection with his embezzlement of $650,000 in investor funds. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: Investment fraud, like all financial crimes, has the potential to turn lives upside down and breed distrust in vital economic sectors. Eliezer Tilson took advantage of real estates integral role in the U.S. economy, admitting today to defrauding innocent victims who believed their investments were secure when, in fact, their money was being used to pay off debts and other victims. This Office will continue to keep a watchful eye on the markets and prosecute those attempting to deceive the investing public. According to the allegations contained in the Information: In October 2019, TILSON solicited investments from two investors in New York City in an investment fund that focused on multifamily residential real estate projects. The two investors together sent $650,000 to TILSON for investment in the fund. TILSON never transmitted any of the victims' money to the fund. Instead, he used most of the money to pay dividends to other investors in separate, unrelated real estate projects and pay down prior debt incurred by other, unrelated entities. When the victims first asked why their funds had not arrived at the investment fund, TILSON falsely assured them that the fund had their money. He later told the victims that he had arranged to send their money to the fund by wire transfer but that the wire had not yet gone through. He subsequently sent the victims a document purportedly from his bank showing a balance of more than $800,000 in his account when, in fact, that account was overdrawn. The next day, TILSON sent the victims a purported bank document falsely indicating that he had wired the first victim's money back to him and another purported bank document falsely indicating that his account had a balance of more than $400,000 when the account was overdrawn. TILSON admitted to the victims that he had taken their money a few days later to make other payments. TILSON, 37, of Netanya, Israel, pled guilty to one count of violating the Travel Act, which prohibits the use of facilities in interstate and foreign commerce, including wire communications, to carry out unlawful activities such as engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from fraud in the sale of securities. It carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: December 13 2023 $111.8 Million Housing Complex to Support Vibrant Downtown That Reflects Main Street Character, Improve Opportunities for Local Business, Incorporate New Housing to Create "Model Community." Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking and toured the site of a nearly $112 million mixed-use transit-oriented development in downtown Hicksville, one of the key funding projects to come out of the communitys Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding program awarded by the State. The 189-unit housing and retail development will transform an underutilized property adjacent to the Long Island Railroad station and advance both the local communitys goals and the Governors housing priorities for the State. This latest DRI project will help to jumpstart the local economy by bringing nearly 200 new homes, vibrant retail space, and plenty of underground parking right off the Long Island Rail Road, Governor Hochul said. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is helping communities across our state unlock opportunity, reach their climate goals, address the housing shortage and create new jobs, and with this investment, were giving the Town of Oyster Bay the tools it needs to build a beautiful, bustling downtown. The 99 Newbridge Road transit-oriented development (TOD) is being developed by AR Hicksville LLC and will provide a mix of residential units, including 19 apartments designated as workforce housing. Additionally, it will provide over 7,000 square feet of retail and a landscaped public plaza serving its residents and the community. This development brings new business activity and housing to downtown Hicksville, one of the key goals the Hamlet of Hicksville established as part of its $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative 2017 award. The project was identified as one of the communitys DRI priority projects and was awarded $1 Million in DRI funds. This development will anchor and support many business ventures to attract visitors and residents to the area that will become the center of amenities and promote cross-traffic between retail activity. The remainder of the States $10 million DRI investment in Hicksville is funding Town projects that enhance access and pedestrian spaces in the vicinity of the LIRR station. These initiatives include pedestrian safety enhancements, walkability improvements and beautification along portions of Broadway (Route 107) and Newbridge Road, as well as the creation of new open spaces and a festival plaza. Designs for all of these projects are underway. The DRI planning process and resulting final plan involved an extensive community engagement process that identified local priorities and the funding for these projects is now advancing those priorities. The mixed-use development, combined with the Towns public realm improvement projects bring to reality the Hicksville communitys vision of a vibrant downtown that reflects its main street character while improving opportunities for local business owners and incorporating new housing markets to create a model community. New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, Once again the Downtown Revitalization Initiative continues to enhance the fabric of our downtown communities by providing housing opportunities for people of all incomes, backgrounds and abilities. The construction of the 99 Newbridge Housing Complex brings diversity of housing and provides an essential component of a downtowns vibrancy, bringing us closer to realizing the Governors visionary housing goals and policies in New York State. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Today's groundbreaking rewrites the story of an underutilized property as Hicksville's exciting new chapter - one of vibrancy, accessibility, and inclusive growth. By bridging the LIRR and affordable housing with retail spaces, this transit-oriented, mixed-use development reenvisions Hicksvilles downtown as a promising hub of connectivity where residents and businesses can thrive." Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "As shovels officially break ground, this project sets in motion a dynamic future for Hicksville's downtown. This transit-oriented development isn't just a promise; it's a pathway to tangible economic prosperityproviding affordable housing alongside new retail opportunities that will spark job creation. These investments signify New York State's commitment to nurturing families, empowering businesses, and fostering community-wide prosperity." LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College said, "This innovative development integrates affordable housing and retail in a vision that will catalyze Hicksville's economic future. The 99 Newbridge Housing Complex is set to anchor and support a myriad of businesses, drawing residents and visitors alike to the bustling center of amenities that will define the new Hicksville for generations to come." State Senator Steve Rhoads said, The Alpine project is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when the State abandons mandates and instead works with local elected officials, businesses and residents to build housing opportunities that complement our communities. Hicksville is a vibrant, growing and diverse hamlet and the transformation of abandoned commercial buildings and a crumbling parking lot into 189 residential units with modern amenities and beautiful retail space right next to the Hicksville LIRR Station will help to make an outstanding community an even more attractive place to live, work and raise a family. Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine said, "Governor Hochul and her team continue to show how we can provide low-income residents with aesthetically-designed yet affordable housing options. This convenient location will provide residents with easy access to mass transit and nearby shopping options. It also is a key step in the remaking of downtown Hicksville." Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz said, After lifting up the voices of Long Islanders and successfully championing local control of housing development this last Legislative Session, this new investment in Hicksville is a great example of the results that collaborative local governments can bring when they are given a seat at the table. Workforce housing and community beautification promote local businesses and growth and I look forward to seeing the impact that this will have on the revitalization zone. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, A renaissance is coming to the Hicksville community thanks to this $111.8 million investment by Alpine Residential Development. Together, were moving forward with private sector developments and public works enhancements that transform the Hicksville business district into a vibrant downtown that millennials, families and empty-nesters desire with housing, restaurants and office space near public transportation. My administration is committed to improving the quality of life in our communities by revitalizing downtowns, improving local parks, and keeping property taxes down. Todays ground breaking is only the start of great things to come in downtown Hicksville and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative which allocated millions in state grants to our community. Alpine Residential Co-Managing Partner Todd Schefler said, "We're excited to unlock the untapped potential of this property, serving as a catalyst for downtown Hicksville's revitalization. Our goal is to deliver a mixed-use development that seamlessly integrates modern residences, neighborhood retail, and open space that will transform this desolate area into a vibrant community setting. With a location next to the Hicksville Long Island Rail Road station, our vision prioritizes transit-oriented development principles, emphasizing connectivity and accessibility. We appreciate the support from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, the Town of Oyster Bay, and the State of New York and look forward to contributing to the towns growth and the enhanced quality of life for its residents." Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, I would like to commend the Governor on her renewed vision in tackling the need for housing here on Long Island. The Downtown Revitalization initiative continues to energize our communities for the betterment of our state, our region, and our quality of life. The Alpine project in particular shows promise to redefine transit oriented development around the most utilized LIRR station in Nassau County. Projects like these not only provide housing opportunities for the next generation of Long Islanders, but also job opportunities that will feed into the apprenticeship pipeline of the Building Trades. Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Committee Co-Chair and Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander said, "The long-awaited revitalization of downtown Hicksville has been planned with the community for the last decade and a half. We are glad to see this second mixed-use project provide an anchor of commercial space and apartments close to the train and other services. Kudos to Governor Hochul, the Town of Oyster Bay, community leaders, and the developer for making this project happen. Long Island Federation of Labor President John Durso said, Todays ground breaking moves the needle on housing and lifts up the communitys vision for substantive transit oriented development. We insist upon labor standards that support good union jobs, and continue to incorporate communities in the visioning process. When we incorporate these key ingredients we can make real progress on the generational housing crisis we find ourselves confronted with. Today is progress. We have more work to do. As a DRI winner in 2017, Hicksville embraces both the mega-retail hub and downtown mom-and-pop storefronts. Public support for revitalization, coupled with DRI funding, would allow improvements in the pedestrian environment to make it safer and incentivize walking and biking as viable transportation options. Pending improvements to the busiest station on the Long Island Railroad will provide the opportunity for a true renaissance of the area. With anticipated increases in commuter traffic and demand for housing, the vision for Hicksville also includes new public space for events and increasing the diversity of housing stock. Hicksville, a hamlet in the Town of Oyster Bay, is a transit-rich and thriving community in central Nassau County. The DRI area is located within the central business district, and includes ethnic dining establishments, specialty food markets and cultural centers, as well as retail and office use. About Downtown Revitalization Initiative New York States DRI, a cornerstone of its economic development program, transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the States bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. More information on the DRI is available here Thus far, the DRI has invested in nearly 3,500 units of downtown housing, nearly a third of which being affordable, with more to come online as Round 6 awarded communities submit their Strategic Investment Plans and proposed projects. Eutelsat OneWeb has signed an exclusive distribution partnership agreement with Libyan operator RLTT (Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology) to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity across Libya. The agreement will see RLTT expand its relationship with Eutelsat Group to include a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services. Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) powered connectivity constellation, delivering full connectivity over Libya from early 2024. The services will provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for a range of applications including commercial connectivity to the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries, Government sectors, cellular backhaul for telecoms operators and remote connectivity for humanitarian organisations. Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said: Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering. We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology, said: By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we are able to meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 13 2023 Todays verdict upholds the rule of law and demonstrates the defendants violent and brazen conduct will not be tolerated, stated United States Attorney Peace. Today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Anthony Romanello, also known as Rom, of extortionate collection of credit and conspiracy to commit the same in connection with a gambling debt, and convicted Joseph Celso of conspiracy to commit extortionate collection of credit. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee. When sentenced, Romanello faces up to 40 years in prison and Celso faces up to 20 years in prison. 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 verdict. Todays verdict upholds the rule of law and demonstrates the defendants violent and brazen conduct will not be tolerated, stated United States Attorney Peace. I commend the jury for holding the defendants accountable for their crimes. As proven at trial, from March 2017 to June 2017, Romanello, Celso, and co-defendant Luan Bexheti conspired to use extortionate means to collect an unpaid gambling debt owed by John Doe #2 and a family member. Romanello and Celso used threats and violence in repeated attempts to collect the debt from John Doe #1, a relative of John Doe #2. Romanello confronted John Doe #1 three separate times to demand money in satisfaction of the debt. On the third time, Romanello and Celso went to John Doe #1s restaurant in Manhattan to again demand the money. After John Doe #1 stated that he would only pay a portion of the amount Romanello was demanding, Romanello punched John Doe #1 in the face. John Doe #1 reported the assault to the New York City Police Department. The next day, Celso warned John Doe #2, John Doe #1s brother, that if John Doe #1 did not drop the criminal charge against Romanello, the situation would escalate and things would get ugly. After John Doe #2 told John Doe #1 about the warning, John Doe #1 withdrew his complaint with the NYPD. Luan Bexheti pleaded guilty in October 2023 to extortionate collection of credit conspiracy in connection with the same debt and is awaiting sentencing. An Iron Dome battery located in southern Israel fires an interceptor at a target. (Israel Ministry of Defense) Israel Defense Forces infantry faced a tough battle in the Gaza neighborhood of Shujaiya between December 12 and 13 as ten IDF soldiers were killed, including the commander of the Golani brigades 13th battalion, Lt. Col Tomer Grinberg. Grinberg had been interviewed several times in the wake of the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel. Golani, one of Israels infantry brigades, suffered high casualties on October 7 and has played a key role in operations in Gaza. The heavy losses in Shujaiya make the battle one of the costliest since the Israel launched its ground maneuver in Gaza. Israel has lost 115 IDF soldiers in operations in Gaza and 444 total since the war began. Several hundred soldiers were killed in the first few days of fighting during and after the surprise attack on October 7. The IDF said on Wednesday, December 13 that Israeli forces are operating deep in Shujaiya and that the troops have been targeting terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the Shujaiya Kasbah. This area of the neighborhood is heavily built up and Hamas terrorists are still operating out of tunnels, the IDF said. This is an advanced stage of our efforts to clear the area of Hamas terrorists and dismantle its capabilities. The soldiers were killed while operating in a residential building. Members of Hamas Shujaiya battalion continue to pose a threat in this area, even though they have suffered heavy losses over the last month. The battalion is one of 24 Hamas battalions, each of which has hundreds of fighters. The IDF estimates that up to 350 terrorists have been killed in battles in Shujaiya, some of the estimated 7,000 terrorists killed in Gaza. The IDF continues to find weapons such as RPGs and sniper rifles in this area. In addition, the IDF said on December 13 that it had uncovered terrorist infrastructure near a school in Khan Yunis. In the area of the school, the troops located long-range rockets and an underground combat compound. Furthermore, IDF troops directed an IAF strike on the compound, and additional observation and control centers belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization. Terrorists also fired at the IDF from the school, and the IDF released a video showing the aftermath of the gunfight with terrorists. In the video, terrorist casualties are seen amidst walls adorned with drawings and cartoons indicating the building is a school. Hamas has used civilian areas for cover in Khan Yunis and Shujaiya. The IDF also said that 116 rockets were fired from a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza. This area is near the sea in the southern Gaza strip. The IDF estimates around 1.4 million people in Gaza have fled areas of fighting since the war began. Some have gone to this humanitarian zone. Hamas continues to use the humanitarian zone to carry out terrorist activities, further endangering the lives of civilians in Gaza and the State of Israel, the IDF said. Israel faced threats on two other fronts this week. In northern Israel, Hezbollah continued to carry out attacks on December 13. The group targeted Rosh HaNikra, a community on Mediterranean and along the border of Lebanon in northern Israel. The IDF responded to the Hezbollah attacks with strikes inside Lebanon. The IDF also responded to rocket fire from Syria aimed at Israel. IDF aircraft and tanks struck a number of military posts and military infrastructure belonging to the Syrian Army in Syrian territory, the IDF said. In southern Israel, the Iran-backed Houthi threats to shipping also led to the deployment of another naval ship in the Red Sea, as Israels president slammed the Houthis for their attacks. The Houthis have crossed a red line in the Red Sea, Israels President Isaac Herzog said. The US-led international activities against the Houthi terror-pirates must be bolstered and strengthened in the form of a truly international coalition, he noted. He called for the international community to act in the wake of numerous attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have also targeted Israel with missiles and drones since mid-October. As part of Israels messaging about its defense preparations near the Red Sea, the Israel Ministry of Defense released new images of Israels Iron Dome air defense system in southern Israel. Since October, Israel has used its Arrow 3, an air defense missile that intercepts long-range ballistic missiles, and F-35s to intercept threats from Yemen. The Ministry of Defense said on December 13 that the Iron Dome has also had recent successful interceptions in southern Israel. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. The IDF said that the Israeli air force struck a number of launch posts used to fire rockets at Israelis across the country from inside the Gaza Strip. IDF troops in Jabalya identified a post launching rockets toward the city of Sderot. In response, the forces directed an aircraft that struck the launch post. In addition, the IDF said they had conducted a raid on a Hamas compound where around 250 rockets, shells, and RPGs were found. IDF troops also struck a weapon production factory where they located hundreds of grenades, rockets, and M72 LAW rockets. The IDF also said it found more weapons stashed in Jabalya, a neighborhood that has been the scene of heavy fighting in the past week. The weapons cache located included RPG missiles and launchers of various types, explosive devices, grenades, AK-47 style rifles, magazines and military vests, the IDF said. Israeli forces also demolished a house they said was used by Hamas as a command center, after first confiscating laptops and other items from the residence. South of Jabalya, the IDF paratrooper brigade engaged in neutralizing terrorist infrastructure, the IDF said. They apprehended and killed terrorists and found four underground tunnel networks. These are just several of the hundreds of tunnels destroyed since the ground operation by Israel began in late October. Soldiers of the 7421st Battalion found ready-to-launch Grad missiles, hundreds of explosive devices, dozens of weapons, and a lathe used to produce rockets. Additionally, soldiers of the 202nd Battalion discovered several memory cards containing materials filmed by Hamas terrorists on Saturday, October 7th, the IDF said. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also said on December 11 that the IDF was focused on dismantling Hamas terrorist infrastructure both under and above ground in Khan Yunis, areas recently captured from Hamas in early December. These types of operations combing through urban areas and uncovering a plethora of weapons and other Hamas infrastructure are key for the IDF as it continues to consolidate control. The IDF said it located the bodies of two hostages, Eden Zakaria and Ziv Dado, and returned them to Israel. Zakaria was kidnapped from the music festival on October 7, and Dado was a member of a Golani brigade logistics unit when he was captured. The IDF did not specify when the two had been killed. Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea also continued on December 11. An anti-ship missile struck the commercial tanker Strinda on the evening of December 11. It caused damage but no injuries. The USS Mason responded to the ships mayday call, US Central Command said. The Houthis have vowed to attack ships bound for Israeli ports. The IDF said on December 12 that missile ships of the Israeli navy are continuing to operate in the Red Sea. These are designed to bolster defenses around Eilat. This week, the INS Magen, a Saar 6-class corvette, anchored in the port of Eilat for the first time, joining the Israeli navys operational activities, the IDF said. The Israeli navy has also completed the operational processing of all four of the Saar 6 ships, according to the IDF. This has taken place over two years. The ships were received from shipyards in Germany, and Israeli defense companies then outfitted them with various systems such as radars, missiles, guns, and the naval version of Iron Dome. Since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip, the missile ship flotilla and naval security squadron have struck hundreds of targets and provided support to soldiers on the ground, the IDF said on Tuesday. Israeli navy soldiers have eliminated terrorists, including dozens active in Hamas naval forces. Most of the leaders of Hamas naval forces, which consist of hundreds of operatives specializing in carrying out maritime attacks, have also been targeted and killed. The presence of Israeli naval ships off the coast of Gaza has enabled support for IDF ground forces as well. For instance, the Israeli navy carried out a strike on what it said was a terrorist cell firing at IDF ground troops in Gaza on December 12. The navy also interdicted several unmanned underwater vessels, the IDF said on Tuesday. The IDF also distributed an image of one of these underwater weapons. A number of attacks from Lebanon were carried out by Hezbollah on Tuesday. There was a drone threat in the morning, and several rockets were launched at Israel later in the day. Sirens sounded in the coastal city of Acre, north of Haifa, due to concerns that debris from an interception might impact the city, the IDF said. Israel also accused Hezbollah of launching rockets from near a U.N. compound in southern Lebanon. By continuing to fire from areas near U.N. compounds, Hezbollah systematically violates UNSC Resolution 1701 and endangers the lives of UNIFIL soldiers. The UNIFIL head of mission and force commander was notified of the incident, the IDF said. The incidents in the north reflect increased escalation at a time when Hamas continues to suffer losses in Gaza. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. (Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to edge up at the open on Wednesday following a positive close on Wall Street, as investors mulled the latest UK GDP figures and looked ahead to a policy announcement from the Federal Reserve. The FTSE 100 was called to open nine points higher at 7,551. Data released earlier by the Office for National Statistics showed that the economy unexpectedly shrank in October, with all three sectors contracting. The economy shrank 0.3% following 0.2% growth in September and versus expectations for a flat performance. Over the last quarter, GDP was unchanged. ONS director of economic statistics, Darren Morgan, said: "Our initial estimates suggest that GDP growth was flat across the last three months. "Increases in services, led by engineering, film production and education - which recovered from the impact of summer strikes - were offset by falls in both manufacturing and housebuilding. "October, however, saw contractions across all three main sectors. Services were the biggest driver of the fall with drops in IT, legal firms and film production - which fell back after a couple of strong months. "These were also compounded by widespread falls in manufacturing and construction, which fell partly due to the poor weather." After the close of London markets, the Fed is due to make its final policy announcement of 2023. In corporate news, Entain chief executive officer Jette Nygaard-Andersen has resigned from her position with immediate effect. It has appointed Stella David, a non-executive director, as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is selected. Jette's decision to leave came after the resolution of HMRC's investigation into the company's legacy Turkish-facing business. Ventilation products group Volution said it expects to beat profit forecasts after a strong performance across the board in the first four months of the financial year. The company said that all three of its geographic regions increased earnings over the four months to 30 November, but the strongest performance came from UK residential activities. Despite the recent drop in new build completions, the company has benefitted from regulatory drivers for energy-efficient ventilation solutions, with customers refurbing properties to resolve mould and condensation issues. Interior Minister Leon Gloden said the ban would only affect a limited number of streets in the capital. Interior Minister Leon Gloden said the ban would only affect a limited number of streets in the capital. Photo credit: Gerry Huberty Interior Minister Leon Gloden said the ban would only affect a limited number of streets in the capital. Photo credit: Gerry Huberty Interior Minister Leon Gloden on Wednesday defended his decision to approve a controversial begging ban in Luxembourg City, a reversal of the previous governments policy which has drawn fierce criticism from opponents who label the ban illegal and inhumane. The Luxembourg City council led by Mayor Lydie Polfer in March had passed a police regulation that intended to outlaw all forms of begging between 7am and 10pm in certain shopping streets, squares and parks in the capital. However, then Interior Minister Taina Bofferding refused to approve the policy, blocking it from becoming effective. On Tuesday, Gloden, who took over from Bofferding last month after the LSAP was ousted from government, reversed that decision, saying it was unjustified. First, it says in the refusal that the measure Luxembourg City decided foresaw a general [ban]. That is not correct, Gloden told public broadcaster 100,7 on Wednesday, saying that the ban would only affect a limited number of streets and was time limited. Also read: New interior minister reinstates begging ban in capital Second, Luxembourg City provided a slate of evidence, complaints from citizens, from businesspeople, from passers-by that prove there is aggressive begging, he also said. The council, led by Glodens political allies, said beggars would abuse alcohol and relieve themselves in public, the minister said. Mayors are required by a decree dating back to Napoleonic times to maintain public order, which justifies the begging ban, Gloden said. He also cited three other councils - Diekirch, Ettelbruck and Differdange - that have similar bans on their local statutes, although they dont enforce them. His decision to approve the city policy is proportional and rests on solid legal grounds, Gloden said. The minister will be meeting Polfer and the police later on Wednesday to discuss how the begging ban will be implemented, he added. Glodens decision to reverse course on the begging ban drew fierce criticism from the opposition in the capital. The local Greens party called Glodens U-turn heartless, adding in a statement on Tuesday that the new CSV-DP government is now showing the ice-cold face of a repressive policy that is being carried out on the backs of the weakest members of our society. The LSAP, whose minister had refused her consent to the policy, took aim at Glodens legal reasoning. How can it be that a municipal regulation that did not comply with the law seven months ago now does, when the circumstances have remained exactly the same?, the party said in a statement on Tuesday. Glodens decision prove[s] that the aim is to fight against the poor at all costs, rather than to solve the problem of poverty itself, the LSAP said. Since the LSAP and Greens were ousted from government in the wake of the 8 October election, the CSV-DP coalition at national level mirrors the DP-CSV local council that has been running the capitals city hall since 2017. A local demand for a municipal police force - opposed by the LSAP and Greens - has since found its way into the government coalition programme. Dei Lenk criticised Gloden on similar grounds while also adding that the Luxembourg City council had appealed Bofferdings refusal to grant the policy in court and that the new interior minister should have waited for that ruling. LIVONIA, MICH. "It was an incredible experience, not just for our students and the program, but for the firefighters as well," enthused Chris Nickin, adjunct instructor and TV operations and production manager at Madonna University's Broadcast and Cinema Arts (BCA) department. He's not exaggerating. This semester, a group of enthusiastic first-year BCA students took on a real-world project, partnering with the Livonia Fire Department to create impactful social media recruitment videos. This wasn't your typical classroom exercise. Nickin explains, "We normally reserve these kinds of projects for upperclassmen. But these freshman were phenomenal. They tackled the challenge head-on and produced truly fantastic work." Imagine a group of first-year students, fresh from learning the ropes of filming and editing, suddenly thrust into the world of professional video production. That's exactly what happened. Divided into three teams, students delved into a specific aspect of the Fire Department's story. One group captured the heart-pounding action alongside firefighters, another documented the paramedics' lifesaving efforts, and the third unearthed the department's rich history. With Nickin and two production interns on hand for guidance, the students embraced the pressure and tight deadlines. They filmed, edited, and crafted compelling narratives, all while navigating the complexities of working with a real client. "Seeing them handle themselves so professionally, interact with the firefighters, and still have so much fun was truly rewarding," Nickin said. "They poured their hearts into these videos, and the results have been incredible." The final edits are expected to be completed later this week, which isn't just a proud moment for the BCA department; it's a testament to Madonna University's commitment to preparing its students for successful careers in the media industry. MANCHESTER The central premise of Vermont writer Maria Hummels radiant new novel "Goldenseal" may seem familiar: a longstanding, well-to-do hotel resident faces circumstances that may or may not compel leaving the hotel. Amor Towles "A Gentleman in Moscow," which centers on a count living his days in an elegant hotel under house arrest, has sold some 2 million copies and is being made into a film. That work, however, did not set in motion "Goldenseal." Instead, Hummel in the afterword credits "Embers," an obscure novel by Sandor Marai, as well as her experiences with her husband in Los Angeles decades ago. "Goldenseal" is the story primarily of two women: Lacey, the privileged daughter of hotel owners, and Edith, the daughter of a poor, abusive handyman. The opening sentence establishes the tension of the novel: When the stranger returned to the city for the first time in forty-four years, she fought to recognize it. The stranger remains unnamed throughout the chapter; we learn that the year is 1990, that she has brought clothes too wooly and warm for the citys beating sun, a city missing its orange groves and oil derricks poking above dark canals. As someone who moved from Los Angeles to Vermont, I sense on the first page a reverse trip, suggested by details, never stated directly. And thats a part of the fun of this novel, its skillful revealing. Pay attention, make inferences, and you'll be rewarded. Why is this stranger, who takes a taxi to a regal downtown hotel (like the Biltmore?) made to wait to see a woman ensconced there? Slowly the mystery unfolds, Hummel artfully building suspense and letting us in on the womens shared past. Part of that past is a wonderfully rendered shared time at camp. Laceys Papi sends her away to cure her cough; shes a city girl reluctant to head to the country. Edith is a country girl who knows herbs; the novels title comes from an elixir she sent later for Laceys winter cough. Year after year, Edith also excels in the camps singing competitions: Whatever team shes on is a surefire winner. Yes, as might be expected, Edith comes to stay for a time at the hotel, but Im reluctant to reveal much of the plot, since its unexpected turns create much of the books beauty and poignancy. I will quote one passage at some length. Midway through the novel, Lacey says, You see, its quite extraordinary what happens to you when you live alone for a long time, with only your thoughts for company. A double self grows . The one who lives and the one who watches her live. And the second self begins to understand that the first is terribly ordinary, has always been, even if she was once beautiful and happy. The second self says Dont be afraid of death or the truth. They have been waiting for you all along. She didnt like the frown on Ediths face. Everyones afraid of death, Edith said after a moment. As for the truth, what choices did you think I had? This passage hints at the depth of experience the women share. The seemingly profound insights of Laceys second self quickly are undercut by Ediths frown. Whose side are we on? The novels subtleties attest to Hummels experience: She has written five previous books. Her novel "Still Lives" was championed by Reeses Book Club and has been optioned for a film. She has appeared at the Brattleboro Literary Festival and teaches writing at UVM in the English Department. Near the novels end, Lacey observes that devoted friendship between women is a fantasy that life dismantles. But by novels end, is that bitter perspective again undercut by Edith? "Goldenseal" provides plenty of golden moments, an elixir for these times. "Goldenseal" will be on sale starting Jan. 9, 2024. The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center has it on order. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Cloudy with snow showers developing for the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low around 30F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. A person has died as a result of a three-car rollover crash on I-93 in Stoneham Wednesday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police. State police tweeted that the crash happened on the northbound side of the highway near exit 26, and that a person had been ejected from a vehicle. According to the Stoneham Fire Department, three cars were involved in the crash. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation first tweeted about the crash shortly after 9 a.m. Two of the roadways righthand lanes were closed, it said, and drivers should expect delays. No further information about the crash, including the identity of the victim, has been released. State police said they would release more information about the crash when appropriate. Two men already in custody after a shooting in Dorchester in September that injured five people, including two children were indicted by the Suffolk County Grand Jury on Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office announced. Gianni Williams-Johnson, 24, of Dorchester, and Micah Ennis, 24, of Boston, were charged with five counts of armed assault with intent to murder, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of firearms, Haydens office said in a statement. Williams-Johnson was also charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun, the district attorneys office added. He sits in custody at Nashua Street Jail, while Ennis remains at large. The shooting happened in the rear courtyard of 70 Ames St. in Dorchester just before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, police said. Read more: Woman found dead in East Bridgewater yard identified as Nicole Swan Five people were injured, three were adults and two were children. Four of the people had non-life-threatening injuries. One of the children had life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. The mother, Joanna Algarin, was grilling chicken when she heard what sounded like fireworks, according to the GoFundMe. Both of her children, 11-year-old Johan Howard and 15-year-old Juliana Howard, were playing nearby when they were shot, the fundraiser said. Read more: Funeral planned for National Grid employee killed in double fatal crash They were both hit by the gunfire. Juliana had four gunshot wounds, including one that pierced her head, the GoFundMe said. Williams-Johnson appeared in court on Oct. 3 and was ordered by Dorchester Boston Municipal Court by Judge Joseph Griffin to be held on $1 million bail. He will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court at a later date, Haydens office said. In the same statement, Hayden asked for Ennis to turn himself in. This was a shocking, reckless barrage of bullets fired into a courtyard where people were gathered and children were playing, and its nothing short of a miracle that no one was killed, Hayden said. But a sister and brother happily playing in the courtyard were seriously wounded, causing enormous and ongoing anguish for their family and for the community. I implore Mr. Ennis to turn himself in and face responsibility for this terrible assault on our residents and our neighborhoods. Boston police have identified the teen officers found stabbed to death in a Roslindale alleyway Monday evening as 18-year-old Dorchester resident Angel Luis Davila Vega. The police department confirmed Wednesday morning that no arrests had been made in the case. The department also hasnt identified any suspects. On Monday, officers responded to 63 Bradeen St. for a report of a person stabbed just after 5:30 p.m., police said previously. First-responders found Vega with a life-threatening stab wound in a nearby alleyway and rushed him to a hospital, but he was soon declared dead. Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Boston homicide detectives at 617-343-4470 or contact police anonymously by calling 1-(800)-494-TIPS. The man accused of throwing a 7-year-old girl off a Massachusetts bridge after he took her from her familys Worcester home in the middle of the night in August 2017 has now been charged with raping the child, prosecutors said during his Wednesday morning court appearance. Joshua Hubert, 41, of Worcester, had initially been charged in district court with kidnapping, then attempted murder in August 2017. He was held on a cash bail set at $1 million that later increased to $2 million. Hubert was indicted by a grand jury in January 2018 on two counts of attempted murder and one each of kidnapping and strangulation. He was held on a $50,000 cash bail following his arraignment on Jan. 29. He posted that bail and had a previous trial date postponed from March until Oct. 19, 2020, the Associated Press reported, but the case remained pending due to COVID impact until Dec. 13, 2023. On Wednesday morning, Hubert was indicted on two counts of aggravated rape with the victim being a child who was tied, bound or gagged during their rape, and at least a five year age difference. Hubert pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was ordered to continue to have no contact with the victim or unsupervised contact with any children under the age of 16. Though there was no new bail set, he is next expected in court for hearings in both cases on Feb. 7. In 2017, the 7-year-old girl had told detectives her friend Josh had thrown her off a bridge into a lake on Aug. 27 of that year, prosecutor Courtney Sans previously said in superior court. The girl had been asleep on a chair at her grandparents Forestdale Road home following a cookout the house earlier that day, when officials said Hubert, whod been at the cookout, took her around 2:30 a.m. The man had been longtime friends with the girls father until a falling out, prosecutors previously said. He drove with the child in his Saturn around Worcester for over an hour, Worcester Police said. A district court prosecutor previously said Hubert stopped the car at one point to choke the child. In search warrant affidavits obtained by MassLive in 2018, Worcester Detective Dylan Patient wrote Hubert had used both hands to strangle the 7-year-old. He strangled her with two hands, and his arm, then got back in the drivers seat and started driving again, Patient wrote. When asked if she had tried pushing him away, she stated, I tried that but it didnt work. It was before 4 a.m. when Hubert stopped his car on the Interstate 290 overpass at the Worcester-Shrewsbury line, prosecutors said. While she was wrapped in a blanket, he threw the 7-year-old over the bridge into Lake Quinsigamond, according to prosecutors, police and court records. The victim stated that she fell for a long time and landed in the waters below, Patient wrote. She stated that she began to swim to a building she could see but the blanket she was carrying was getting very heavy, which made it difficult to swim. She then swam to a house and stated that she was able to stand up in the water. The lake is up to 90 feet deep in some parts, with an average depth between 21 and 36 feet. The little girl then swam the some 100 yards to shore and, soaking wet in her pajamas, ended up at the door of a Shrewsbury womans home, prosecutors previously said. The woman brought her inside, wrapped the child in a towel, gave her dry clothes, and then called the police after the girl told her what happened with her friend Josh, officials said. Hubert was arrested at the Worcester Police station, and Patient wrote a witness came forward and said he was on I-290 on Aug. 27 when he saw a Saturn Ion parked in the breakdown lane of the highway on the bridge over the lake. According to the witness, a man was walking around the car before it sped off, Patient wrote. The witness got home around 4:15 a.m. and texted a friend, jokingly saying he just saw someone throw something off the bridge. Hubert had apparently stopped at his home Bernice Street around 3:15 a.m. and told his girlfriend he was going to the store, police said. Officials said he told his girlfriend to delete all of his accounts with Lastpass.com, an encrypted data storage company, after his arrest. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Hubert driving around the city, buying Dutchies at a gas station on Southbridge Street and looking inside the trunk of his car. Investigators obtained search warrants to retrieve information from Huberts phones to help track his whereabouts, and searched his home and seized clothing. Police said he lied about his whereabouts when questioned on the allegations. Investigators also found a portion of DNA evidence on the childs underwear, which did not match Huberts voluntary sample, said his defense attorney, Richard Welsh Jr. The attorney also questioned the positive identification the witness made and the surveillance footages validity. After the incident, Hubert was suspended from his job at the Fay School in Southborough where hed worked in the schools technology department as a systems support analyst. School officials said he did not have any contact with children. SPRINGFIELD There is a Chinese proverb about crossing the river by feeling the stones. And its what wife-and-husband team Wenting Jia and Nels Frye say they are doing as they open and refine the Springfield branch of Keezers Classic Clothing, the oldest second-hand fashion store in America with its roots going back to 1895. Take a step. Survey the next step. Take another step. And the first big step was for Jia to partner with Dick Robasson owner of the two Keezers locations in Cambridge to bring the concept to Springfield. Springfield has space, she said. Springfield has space thats affordable. Springfield has space thats affordable and near the highway. Frye added: We could never do something like this in Boston. The store, which opened three weeks ago, sits in a former bank office on the first floor of the MassLive Building at 1350 Main St. It is the first store to open in the incubator of new downtown businesses called 1350 Market overseen by Latino Economic Development Corporation. MassLive owns the naming rights to the building where some of its offices are located. Evan C. Plotkin, president and CEO of real estate company NAI Plotkin and a partner in the Masslive Building, said hes been told by those hipper than himself that the clothes are trendy. We need other retail downtown, he said. I think the vintage clothing store is a really great start. Im excited about that. The next step is to refine the concept, building on Keezers long history of used and vintage menswear to add womens clothing, upcycled goods and Jias own brand, J.W. Frye, which is a line of decorative objects made of recycled plastics. There is so little competition its hard for me to do market research, said Jia, who ran vintage clothing stores in Shanghai before coming to America. Keezers Springfield location is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Robasson who took over Keezers five years ago and moved it from its longtime location near Harvard University said Jia started as a frequent shopper who helped him sell clothing via a livestream video when the store was closed during the pandemic. Jia and Frye moved to Springfield (Frye grew up in Western Massachusetts) and hatched the idea to locate in Springfield. It was a good opportunity to expand a little bit, said Robasson, himself a Haitian immigrant to the United States who worked as a tailor. So I did visit Springfield a couple of times, he said. Jia said she visited cities across New England and Pennsylvania looking at revitalized downtowns and business opportunities. One thing I noticed is that they all had a vintage or upcycled clothing shop, often coupled with an art gallery, she said. At the Springfield Keezers, Jia has coupled used clothing from Keezers Cambridge inventory with vintage clothing from her own collection, goods made by local artisans including local makers of goat milk soap and Chef Wayne Hookers Big Mamou hot sauce and seasoning. Someone came in looking for Chef Waynes seasoning because they heard it was here, Jia said. Its hot. I tell people if they taste it, and if they regret it, dont come here and complain! J.W. Frye recycles plastic into art objects, like vases and display jars, using 3D-printing technology. There are also T-shirts made from recycled plastics. Jia displayed a box of plastic bottle caps, material donated by customers to be made into new products at a factory in New Hampshire. She wants to key into the trend of used clothing and recycled and upcycled goods sold together as a themed retail experience. Thats the new department store, she said. You see that all over Northern Europe. At Keezers, a $1,100 blazer might sell for $120. Keezers has the largest reservoir of used clothing in New England, Frye said. Its an extensive library. The threads are culled, Robasson said, from shoppers who come in to sell pieces from their collections or from buying whole wardrobes from estates or as people downsize and jettison dressy clothes. There are never two items exactly the same, Robasson said. I might have something in Springfield I dont have anywhere else. He said hes trying to branch into vintage clothes. That is, items that might be older and display a distinctive style. Of course now we are trying to open a womens section also, Robasson said. A Jewish tavern in Somerville was the only Massachusetts eatery to make Esquire magazines list of best new restaurants of 2023. But given the uniquely delicious and culture-filled experience this restaurant delivers, its appearance on the list is no surprise. Lehrhaus opened on Washington Street in March 2023 with a full menu of certified dishes. But the tavern whose name means house of learning in German is also meant to be just that, its cofounder, Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, said. Everything we do here is a celebration of Jewish life and the Jewish experience, he said. Lehrhaus diverse and meaningful menu Created by chefs Alex Artinian and Noah Clickstein, the restaurants dishes are all linked to stories of Judaism and the Jewish diaspora, Schwartz said. Its menu is designed to look like Talmudic texts and includes commentary and stories about the dishes. Oftentimes in North America, when we think about Jewish food, we tend to think about deli or Israeli food, Schwartz said. Our menu goes one step further, bringing in stories from different Jewish communities around the world. Read more: Gourmet cookie shop with over 40 flavors opens first Mass. location Lehrhaus does serve deli classics, such as its beet reuben, Schwartz said. But it also offers dishes from Jewish communities that arent as well known, such as its Ethiopian-inspired red lentil stew. The restaurants cocktail menu also pays tribute to Jewish communities around the world. For instance, Schwartz said, the restaurant offers a Yemeni espresso martini made with hawaij, a Yemeni warming spice, which honors one of the oldest communities created during the Jewish diaspora. Schwartz said the restaurants fish and chips, mac-and-cheese kugel and beet pastrami reuben have been among its most popular dishes. We take beets and cure them and smoke them and spice them and slice them thin, he said. Its really just an incredible sandwich. Lehrhaus Jewish tavern and house of learning in Somerville makes a beet reuben sandwich.Lehrhaus Read more: A Chipotle with a drive-thru is opening in Marlborough But on Saturdays, Lehrhaus has a completely different menu. Going in, the founders knew that they couldnt cook on the Jewish Sabbath, which runs from Friday to Saturday, Schwartz said. So, they came up with the idea of doing a burger bar, which would take no meal prep the day before. Schwartz said the restaurant has many gluten-free and vegan options, especially on its burger bar menu. That menu also includes egg creams, floats and soda, which you can get with or without booze. What its like to hang out at Lehrhaus Lehrhaus also pays homage to Jewish culture through its decor. Schwartz said the restaurant has a gallery of notable Jewish people and scenes from history, as well as a 3,000-book library containing everything from Jewish religious texts to graphic novels. But perhaps the piece de resistance is the restaurants murals of composer Leonard Bernstein and historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, which are featured in its bathrooms. Lehrhaus is a Jewish tavern and house of learning in Somerville.Lehrhaus Read more: These Mass. restaurants are offering igloo dining this winter season Lehrhaus regularly hosts a wide range of classes on Jewish culture and history, covering topics such as Jewish songs, poetry and dream healing. But Schwartz said the restaurant is a great hangout spot for anyone. Its patrons come for its excellent food and drinks and warm, inviting atmosphere as much as anything else, he said. You dont have to be French to go to a French restaurant. You dont have to be Irish to go to an Irish pub. You dont have to be Jewish to come to our tavern, Schwartz said. Lehrhaus hours are 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The burger bar is open Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. A crash that killed a woman in Stoneham on Wednesday has Massachusetts State Police seeking information from the public about an SUV in the area of the crash. At around 8:40 a.m., state police troopers arrived at the site of a rollover crash on the northbound side of Interstate 93, state police said in a statement. The car, a 2015 Nissan Rogue, rolled over south of Exit 26, the statement read. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, was ejected and died near the crash. What caused the crash remains under investigation. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation first posted about the crash on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly after 9 a.m. Two of the roadways righthand lanes were closed, it said, and drivers should expect delays. At 12:07 p.m., MassDOT posted that all lanes were reopened. State police are now trying to identify another vehicle in the area, believed by investigators to be a dark-colored small SUV resembling a Subaru Crosstrek or a Nissan Rogue. That vehicle was being operated erratically and at a high rate of speed on (the I-93) north in Medford and Stoneham between 8:25 and 8:40 a.m., state police said. Anyone with information about this other vehicle is being asked to call Trooper C.J. Murgo at 781-897-6609 or the Massachusetts State Police Medford Barracks at 781-396-0100. A Dothan teen accused of killing two women last year will be tried as an adult after the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the ruling last week. Vincent Lamar Oliver Jr., 15, of Dothan, is charged with one count of capital murder-two or more persons in the November 2022 shooting deaths of Jasmine Danielle Bean, 21, and JaLexius Lashon Wells, 20, both of Dothan. In May of this year, a Houston County judge ordered Oliver to be tried as an adult, and a jury indicted him in October. However, the case was remanded in November since Olivers attorneys had filed an appeal to override the decision. According to court records, on Friday, Dec. 8, an appeals judge reaffirmed the decision to try him as an adult. Olivers case now goes back to a Houston County grand jury. Due to his age, Oliver was listed as V.O., Jr on the docket, and the Court of Criminal Appeals did not release any additional information. The bodies of Bean and Wells were discovered at a home in the 200 block of Fifth Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, according to Dothan Police. Oliver was quickly identified as the suspect and taken into custody a day later. Oliver faces life in prison without parole if hes convicted. Hot Oven Cookies, based in Western Massachusetts, is about to become a national story. Owner Sheila Coon and her daughter Jenei Rivera traveled to New York City this week to tape an interview on the Tamron Hall Show, which is scheduled to air Thursday in Greater Springfield on WSHM-TV CBS 3 at 10 a.m. Hall is a former host of the Today show and an Emmy Award winner. A photograph posted on the Hot Oven Cookies Facebook page inspired Hall and her production team to reach out to Coon, who owns cookie stores in Westfield and Springfield. Another is close to opening in downtown Chicopee. Posted in May this year, the photo shows Coon leaning back on her companys catering trailer parked in front of a homeless shelter in Springfield. Coon used to stay there with her seven children, but it also represents where she decided to start her own cookie business. This is the place where the futility of homelessness met hope; where the idea of Hot Oven Cookies was birthed and opened up a sweet path for me and YOU to meet, the photo caption reads. Coon shared her story on the Tamron Hall show which will be seen by close to a million people. The show premiered in 2019 and averaged 978,000 viewers through mid-November, according to Nielsen data. The program airs on Disneys ABC stations and airs on outlets covering 95% of the U.S., according to Yahoo. It was amazing, Coon said about her national TV debut. She and her daughter were put up in a ritzy hotel and were driven by a chauffeur. Hearing from the producer of a national daytime talk show host surprised the cookie shop owner. Were a very micro-shop, she said. It seemed outside their radar. I talked about my mission to attain sustainable self-employment, Coon said. She also shared a story about how her cookies ended up overseas last week to soldiers deployed in the military. Coon, who has veterans in her family, will explain how the cookies ended up shared with platoon members in the upcoming episode on Thursday. It touched my heart, Coon said about sending the soldiers her cookies. And, spoiler alert: Coon was surprised by Hall with pre-taped interviews with her children during the show. Coons appearance on the show came with an unexpected and coincidental bonus. She got to see her favorite musician perform. While sitting in the shows makeup chair, she learned that Kirk Franklin was performing and she got to see him warm up and his taped performance. Yolanda Adams performed as well, she said. I play him every single day in the shop to bolster me, Coon said. Hot Oven Cookies were given out by Coon and her daughter to members of the audience. She also made guava cheesecake cookies or the it girl cookie, as Coon put it live on the air for broadcast. She was so nice, Coon said of Tamron. Her crew was amazing. Salem police are investigating a daycare after a 3-year-old boy who was supposed to be in their care was found walking down the street alone, the police department announced Tuesday. The boy was able to open a door to the outside at Salem Community Child Care by himself and walk out, police said in a press release. He was found down the street by a postal worker within a half hour and was unharmed. The incident happened the morning of Friday, Dec. 8, police said. The postal worker reported the incident to police around 11:15 a.m. after discovering the boy wandering down Palmer Street. The mail carrier then stayed with the boy until police arrived at the scene. Read more: Nearly 450 MGH Brigham patients possibly exposed in Salem to HIV, hepatitis At the time, the boy was wearing only a long-sleeved shirt, sweatpants and socks, police said. First-responders took him to North Shore Medical Center for evaluation as a precaution, but he was found to be uninjured. At the scene, workers from the Congress Street daycare approached police to tell them they were looking for a child that had been in their care, police said. An investigation into the incident found that the boy had left the daycare just before 10:45 a.m. Officers notified the boys parents about the incident and then reported it to the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), police said. We are cooperating with the Department of Early Education and Care and the Department of Children & Families in their investigation of this incident, Salem Community Child Care said in a statement Wednesday morning. In consideration of the pending investigation and privacy of those involved, we will have no further comment at this time. Read more: Man accused of shooting Worcester teen near Salem State pleads not guilty NBC10 Boston reported that David Moulton, the mail carrier who found the boy, said he found him about four blocks from the daycare. He was heading for a busy street there and I just reacted, Moulton said. Boston 25 News reported that the boys parents, Martha Esquivel and Joel Espaillat, told the news station security video from the daycare shows their son Damien unsupervised for more than a half hour before he wandered outside. My son tried to open that heavy door 15 times. They didnt notice. They were not supervising him, Esquivel said. Esquivel and Espaillat told Boston 25 News on Tuesday that the daycare had yet to apologize or offer an explanation for the incident. They had multiple opportunities to stop it, and for some reason, they just werent paying attention, Espaillat said. Salem police told Boston 25 News that criminal charges are possible. The news station reported in 2018 that DCF was investigating Salem Community Child Care for an incident during which children were left unattended, but it is unclear what, if anything, came of that investigation. The Springfield Police Department arrested one of its own officers Wednesday morning during a search of a Nottingham Street home where an illegal gun, heroin and other drugs were found. Miranda Caldwell, 26, a 2021 graduate of the Springfield Police Academy, faces seven charges following the drug bust, according to a statement by city police. Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood suspended Caldwell for five days, the strongest disciplinary action Clapprood can take, according to police spokesperson Ryan Walsh. Read more: Task force investigators find loaded gun in diaper box at apartment where Springfield police officer was arrested The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, an independent watchdog agency that certifies police, was also notified of Caldwells arrest, Walsh said. The police carried out the search of the home based on a search warrant and found an illegal, loaded firearm, about 10 bags of heroin, 10 grams of cocaine and 100 grams of marijuana, according to Walsh. Caldwell and a second person, Anthony Tavernier, 24, of Springfield, were both brought to police headquarters for booking. Caldwell and Tavernier pleaded not guilty at their arraignments in Springfield District Court on Wednesday. Springfield District Court Judge Kevin Maltby set Caldwells bail at $10,000 cash despite arguments from her attorney that Caldwell was neither the target of the investigation nor involved in her boyfriends alleged illegal dealings. Massachusetts State Police were also involved in the search of the Nottingham Street home. Read more: Driver pleads guilty in 2021 crash that killed Springfield librarian Gayle Ball on State Street Caldwell is charged with: Improper storage of a firearm Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony Possession with intent to distribute Class A, B, and C drugs (3 counts total) Reckless endangerment of a child Tavernier is charged with: SPRINGFIELD A nonprofit development company that converted a YMCA into 101 studio apartments is planning to expand that project to add another 34 units to the building. Home City Development Inc., which is doing the project as BH Chestnut Crossing LLC, originally renovated the high-rise building at 275 Chestnut St. in 2020 into mixed-use with business and nonprofit groups on the first floor, and apartments on the upper five floors. In 11-0 votes, the City Council on Monday granted the company a special permit and a waiver that allows it to reduce the number of parking spaces required. We now have funding for additional units in the same building, said Ellen Freyman, the lawyer representing Home City Development. It is a well-maintained property, so it is a benefit for the city. Like the existing apartments, the new units will be efficiencies and designed for low-income single people. Each apartment includes a bathroom and a kitchenette, so there are no shared facilities, said Thomas Kegelman, executive director of Home City Development and BH Chestnut Crossing. I have visited the site, and it seems it is appropriate. We all know the crisis we have with housing, specifically for a single man or woman, City Councilor Maria Perez said. Currently, all 101 units are occupied, and there is a long waiting list of people interested in securing an apartment there, Kegelman said, confirming the need for additional housing. Other city councilors said the renovations that started in 2019 have been a game-changer for the neighborhood and the building. Ive been to Chestnut Crossing. Its beautiful. Home City Development does a good job, Councilor Zaida Govan said. The City Council did not air any concerns about reducing the number of parking spaces. The city requirements call for 156 parking spaces for a project that size, but developers only have room for 130 spots. The number is adequate, because the building is on a bus route, and many residents do not own cars, Freyman said. Showing an aerial photo of the building with few cars in the lot, Freyman said the building is currently overparked. On most days, there are 30 to 40 cars in the lot, between those driven by staff who work in the building and the tenants. Home City Development also works closely with the community to hire contractors who are minorities, women and are based in the region, Kegelman said. Following the arrests of 56 students and one professor at a University of Massachusetts Amherst Pro-Palestine rally and sit-in in October, the university followed its procedures and state law, later publishing the arrestees names, ages and addresses online through their daily crime log. Then came a storm of harassment toward some of the students and their families. This was a particularly sticky situation because students were getting threats and other kinds of harassment because folks online had figured out why those students were arrested for voicing demanding that the university take action on Palestine, said Sierra Dickey, member of the universitys Transformative Justice Coalition. Members of the Transformative Justice Coalition, a cross-union working group made up of staff, faculty, graduate student workers and undergraduates, worked with other community members to change the universitys policy of publishing arrestee information online. Daily police logs and arrestee information is no longer published online, but those who come in person to the university police department at 585 East Pleasant Street in Amherst can view them at no charge, according to UMass spokesperson Ed Blaguszewski. The change in policy allows for the university police to be in compliance with Massachusetts law which stipulates the information has to be available for free to the public during regular business hours and all other reasonable times. Prior daily crime logs have been taken off the website. The recent decision regarding revision of UMass police log procedures was made in recognition of the increasingly volatile online landscape and the prevalence of doxing and harassment, Blaguszewski said. While the coalition said in a press release they are gratified to have the university respond to their calls for changing the policy, the coalition said the university needs to do more. The coalition and other campus groups gathered signatures for two petitions. One calls for Chancellor Javier Reyes and Vice Chancellor Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed to not take disciplinary action against the 57 individuals arrested. The petition has over 1,000 signatures. The second request is for the Northwestern District Attorney to drop the criminal charges the arrestees are facing. It has over 400 signatures. The Northwestern District Attorneys office said they have received input from several members of the community regarding the cases but cant comment further until all the cases are resolved. The coalition expressed its dissatisfaction with the university, stating it hasnt engaged in further dialogue with the students and staff who were arrested nor acknowledged or attempted to repair the sexist and heterosexist patterns in these arrests. The coalition pointed to the university misgendering students and arresting masculine-presenting students later, detaining them longer and subjecting them to harsher detainment conditions. Blaguszewski didnt immediately respond to requests for comment on these accusations. Although the UMass administration has taken one important step in recognizing the threat and damage that policing and punishment can bring, there is much work left to be done, the coalition said. The Transformative Justice Coalition at UMass calls upon the administration to embrace conflict resolution strategies that reduce harm, strengthen community, build safety for all community members, and dismantle systems that cause systemic, disproportionate harm in the first place. Gov. Maura Healey has asked the Biden administration to declare a major disaster declaration for the Bay State after flash flooding left three Massachusetts communities with severe damage in September. A storm that began on Sept. 11 left Leominster, Fitchburg, and North Attleborough with severe damage that required among other things evacuations, sheltering, and the construction of temporary roads, the governors office said. I saw first-hand the devastating impacts our communities experienced from the September storms. The extraordinarily heavy rainfall flooded thousands of homes and businesses, destroyed infrastructure, and required a significant public safety response, Healey said in a statement. Im requesting federal assistance to support our ongoing recovery efforts as communities and residents continue to rebuild. The president has the power to declare a major disaster for any natural event they deem has caused damage beyond a states and/or local communitys control, the governors office said. If President Joe Biden were to issue such a declaration, Massachusetts would get access to federal funds to assist people and public infrastructure affected by Septembers natural disasters. After a natural disaster, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency works with the federal government and local communities to assess possibly reimbursable damage thats resulted from it. After the assessment is done, the Federal Emergency Management Agency determines whether to issue a major disaster declaration. Beginning on September 11, MEMA staff responded to Attleboro, North Attleboro, Lancaster, Leominster, Princeton, Springfield, and Sterling to support community response and recovery activities, MEMA Director Dawn Brantley said in a statement. I want to thank all of the state and municipal agencies, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations who worked together to respond to the storm, as well as the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership, Brantley continued. FEMA has been an excellent partner through the process of conducting joint preliminary damage assessments, and MEMA recognizes the commitment of the communities that dedicated significant time and attention to this endeavor while also facing the challenges of recovery, Brantley concluded. More than two months since Hamas surprise attack on Israel, the war in Gaza is continuing to fuel conversations at the state level, and one Boston senator has spoken up about why she kept her name off a ceremonial mark of support for Israel. Appearing on The Urban Heat radio program Tuesday morning, Sen. Liz Miranda, D-2nd Suffolk, recalled how she did not sign the Senate resolutions condemning the terrorist attacks in October. The resolutions, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, D-Norfolk/Middlesex, stated that the Israeli people have an inalienable right to defend themselves against acts of terrorism, and said that Massachusetts has continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting innocent victims of violence. To Miranda, the language in the resolutions reflected that the [Israel Defense Forces] and the Israeli government could do whatever they wanted to do to defend themselves. And that line stuck to me, Miranda said in a radio appearance that she also livestreamed on her Instagram account. Being like, you cannot allow someone to -- for example, you want to have retribution, you want to get your hostages, theyre all of our hostages, theyre all of our people -- and I knew that the IDF had had a history of going above and beyond what you see in terms of what I would actually call revenge, right? Thirty-one of the Senates 39 members at the time signed onto the document, which concluded by calling on the U.S. government to continue to stand with the people of Israel in their time of need, support the victims of the recent terrorist attack against the state of Israel and work towards the safe return of those who are being held hostage. Read More: Harvard leaders say President Claudine Gay can stay amid calls for resignation Speaking in favor of the resolutions during the Oct. 12 Senate session, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-First Essex and Middlesex, said it is our moral obligation to condemn terrorism when it arises anywhere on this planet. Sen. Nick Collins, a South Boston Democrat, called it the right thing to do, and said its hard to believe that anyone could equivocate on that. Detailing how she withheld her support from the document, Miranda on Tuesday also cited her position as chair of the Racial Equity Committee, and noted that her district has the largest concentration of Muslim and Arab people, I have the largest mosque in New England in my district, and I really felt sensitive that that was in itself I have to be the senator of all people. And when youre a senator you have a lot of power because you have 180,000 people. You can choose to respond in the ways that you feel most comfortable. And I thought the most important thing I could do in that moment was denounce what had happened, but denounce further violence against people. We dont want ethnic cleansing, Miranda continued. Controversy was stoked last week when a trio of college presidents -- Claudine Gay of Harvard, Sally Kornbluth of MIT, and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania -- answered questions about on-campus antisemitism in a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill. Magill has since resigned, while Gay and Kornbluth, as of Wednesday, both remained on the job. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. asked the higher education leaders about whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their schools code of conduct or rules regarding bullying and harassment. A Harvard alumna, Stefanik asked Harvards president whether calls for genocide violate Harvards rules of bullying and harassment -- yes or no? Gay said that antisemitic rhetoric, when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation, that is actionable conduct. Pressed for a more direct answer, Gay replied, Again, it depends on the context. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Harvard alumna, when she was asked Monday if she felt Gay should remain in her role, said thats not the right question and that this is a moment thats bigger than any one person or any one institution. I think the question really is where do we go from here? What does leadership look like? the governor said. First of all, there is no place for genocide, talk of genocide, threats of violence, violence on college campuses or anywhere else in Massachusetts, the Arlington Democrat said. And as governor I will work with leaders around this state including at our colleges and universities to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, the rise of calls for violence, and the like, and thats really important. Miranda referenced the U.S. House Education Committee hearing, and the questioning of Gay, in her appearance on The Urban Heat. There was this one line where I guess a student group or a student called for the genocide of the Jewish people. That is absolutely wrong. A people like that, that have gone through the Holocaust, and have always been marginalized in this country, they have amassed a lot of political and financial power, but that still doesnt -- you know, you still dont want to, you know, bring that up or call that into existence. I just want other people to know that weve also gone through the trans-Atlantic slave trade for Black people, and thats why I filed a bill on reparations, she said. You just need to call injustice by its name, each and every time it happens, Miranda added. And you dont have to choose. For me, its like, Im against anti-Blackness, and Im against Islamophobia, and Im against antisemitism. And I always stand for peace and so thats what I lead with. (*This story was updated at 4:41 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, to include additional reporting.) While access to a commonly used abortion medication will remain safe and legal in the face of a looming U.S. Supreme Court case, the dispute underscores the fact that abortion rights remain under threat nationwide, reproductive rights and civil liberties groups have warned. On Wednesday, the nations highest court announced that it would hear appeals from the Biden administration and the maker of the drug mifepristone asking the high court to reverse an appellate ruling that would cut off access to the drug through the mail and impose other restrictions, even in states such as Massachusetts, where abortion remains legal, the Associated Press reported. Those restrictions include shortening the time during which mifepristone can be used in pregnancy from the current 10 weeks to seven weeks. The nine justices rejected a separate appeal from abortion opponents who challenged the Food and Drug Administrations initial approval of mifepristone as safe and effective in 2000, according to the Associated Press. The case will be argued in the spring, with a decision likely by late June, in the middle of the 2024 presidential and congressional campaigns. While federal approval of the drug remains unchanged while the high court deliberates, it nonetheless continues to pose a threat abortion access nationwide, Dominique Lee, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, said in a statement. Massachusetts has taken important steps to safeguard access to medication abortion that make it possible for us to continue providing the most effective, evidence-based care to our patients, Lee continued. But this looming Supreme Court decision is a reminder that we should not wait to take action locally to further expand access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care and education. Mifepristone, made by New York-based Danco Laboratories, is one of two drugs used in medication abortions, which account for more than half of all abortions in the United States. More than 5 million people have used it since 2000. The high courts announcement Wednesday that it would hear the case, Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al, marks the courts first abortion case since it overturned Roe v. Wade last year. That historic ruling has has led to bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy in 14 states, with some exceptions, and once cardiac activity can be detected, which is around six weeks, in two others. Abortion opponents filed their challenge to mifepristone the following November and initially won a sweeping ruling six months later revoking the drugs approval entirely. The appeals court left intact the FDAs initial approval of mifepristone. But it would reverse changes regulators made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug, the Associated Press reported. The justices blocked that ruling from taking effect while the case played out, though Justices Samuel Alito, the author of last years decision overturning Roe, and Clarence Thomas said they would have allowed some restrictions to take effect while the case proceeded, according to the AP. Pregnant people seeking to end their pregnancies in the first 10 weeks without more invasive surgical abortion can take mifepristone, along with misoprostol. The FDA has eased the terms of mifepristones use over the years, including allowing it to be sent through the mail in states that allow access. In its appeal, the Democratic administration said the appeals court, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, ignored the FDAs scientific judgment about mifepristones safety and effectiveness since its approval in 2000. A negative ruling by the high court, which has a conservative majority, could have serious effects on the availability of abortion by imposing restrictions on peoples ability to access mifepristone, by blocking people from being able to receive mifepristone by mail like other similarly safe medications and instead forcing them to travel, sometimes hundreds of miles, just to pick up their medication, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts warned in a statement. A negative ruling also could prohibit many qualified health care professionals from prescribing mifepristone for abortion and miscarriage care, thus depriving some patients access to this critical medication altogether, the state branch of the ACLU further warned. Anti-abortion extremists have again put our bodily autonomy back in the Supreme Courts hands. This case could further decimate peoples ability to make personal medical decisions that are best for themselves, their families, and their circumstances, ACLU of Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose said. Lets be clear: This is yet another step toward extremists goal to ban abortion nationwide. While advocates continue to fight for the fundamental right to make decisions about our bodies and our lives, we know that anti-abortion extremists are getting more sophisticated in their attacks on abortion access even in states where the right to abortion is secure, Rose continued. They want to use every tool to track and harass people from hostile states that seek out care in places like Massachusetts. Here in the Commonwealth, we have an opportunity and obligation to continue to push reproductive freedom forward, including by protecting patients and providers sensitive location data, Rose concluded. Lee, of the state branch of Planned Parenthood, recently testified in support of the Abortion Access Act, a bill that would eliminate parental involvement laws for teens under 16 seeking abortion and prevent dangerous targeted regulations on providers, and take steps to increase transparency and education around reproductive health care, the reproductive rights group said in its statement. The advocacy group also has urged state lawmakers to to pass the Location Shield Act, a bill that would strengthen protections for abortion providers and patients by prohibiting the sale of location data in Massachusetts, and the Healthy Youth Act, which would improve the quality of sex education in public schools, it said its statement. The final celestial event of 2023 is about to go on full display in the night sky this week, and Massachusetts residents should get a chance to see it. The Geminid meteor shower started on Nov. 19, and is among the most visible and regular sightings between November and December. Meteors flash by the night sky in bright colors, flying by at a rate of up to 120 per hour under perfect conditions, according to NASA. The Geminids should be visible in the night sky on Wednesday, with low cloud coverage expected in areas around Boston, according to the Weather Channel. Other parts of the state, including around Springfield, Worcester and Cape Cod, should see mostly clear skies on Wednesday. The meteors are fragments from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, EarthSky said. This is rare as most meteor showers are fragments coming from comets, essentially dirty snowballs in space. Asteroids are solid rocks hurtling through space in an orbit around other celestial objects. The meteors are so named because of their radiant point, appearing in the direction of the Gemini constellation. The higher that Gemini is in the night sky, the more Geminid meteors one is likely to see, according to EarthSky. The Geminids radiant point nearly coincides with the bright star Castor in Gemini, EarthSky said. Thats a chance alignment, of course, as Castor lies about 52 lightyears away, while these meteors burn up in the upper atmosphere some 60 miles above Earths surface. The best way to see the meteor shower is to be out under a dark sky with no light pollution when the meteors come in spurts. Telescopes are not necessary given how visible they will be. The biggest kicker is how much cloud cover there could be while waiting for the meteor shower to arrive. Locations such as Cape Cod National Seashore, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation or Lake Dennison Recreation Area are recommended by Go Astronomys Dark Sky Parks in Massachusetts page. If there are any drastic changes with the weather on Wednes, one easy place to watch the meteor shower is through the Virtual Telescope Projects YouTube live stream. The stream starts at 6 p.m. and can viewed at the link here. The GOAL Mile will see over 25,000 people running or walking a mile, in 150 locations in villages, towns, and cities across Ireland this Christmas to raise funds for some of the worlds poorest and most vulnerable communities in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. This year in Mayo, five GOAL Miles will be taking place in the following locations: - Belleek Woods Ballina, Christmas Day, 11am-12.30pm - Louisburgh GAA Pitch, Carrowcleggan, Louisburgh, St Stephen's Day, 10am - Lough Lannagh Car Park, Castlebar, Christmas Day, 11.30am - Mayo Gaels GAA, Abbey Park, Mayo Abbey, St Stephen's Day, 12 noon - Ballinrobe, St Stephen's Day, 11.30am-12:30pm Marion Mattimoe, who has been organising the Belleek Woods, Ballina GOAL Mile for over 20 years said: The significance of the GOAL Mile Ballina is the people. Weve had some people coming every year for the past twenty years. People come because they are so thankful for the lives they have and they want to help others. In 2021, Marion won Inspirational Hero of the Year in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards for her charity work, and she has raised more than 61,000 for GOAL over the years. Speaking about her participation in the GOAL Mile, Anne Cassin, RTE Nationwide Presenter said, The GOAL Mile is a beloved Christmas tradition for thousands of families across Ireland, including my own. Our family of five runs the Tallaght GOAL Mile every year and after that we jump into the Forty Foot and then head home for Turkey. Last year, GOAL reached 14.6 million people with their humanitarian programmes which centre on providing healthcare, nutrition, livelihood support, and safe water and sanitation facilities to some of the worlds most disadvantaged communities. So, I hope lots of other families will go the extra mile this Christmas and sign up for their local GOAL Mile in aid of GOALs life-saving work around the world. Also launching the GOAL Mile 2023 campaign, Eamon Sharkey, Director, Fundraising and Communications, GOAL said, During 2023, we have witnessed a deadly mix of crises because of conflict and natural disaster across the world and GOAL has responded to all these crises, helping communities affected move from crisis to resilience. We are now asking people across Ireland to register for their local GOAL Mile and make whatever contribution they can so that we can continue this life-saving work. GOAL Miles are run all over the Island (NI and ROI) across Christmas and Stephens Day, with over 150 locations confirmed. To register and take part in a GOAL Mile near you this Christmas, please visit https://www.goalmile.org Velma J. Tribue, a Dothan Business Hall of Fame 2018 inductee, will provide the keynote address at TROY Dothans Fall Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center. Over 100 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees during the ceremony. Tribue is an Alabama native, graduating from Alabama State University with her undergraduate degree before obtaining her masters degree from Ohio State University. She moved to Dothan in 1974 and became a social worker for Child Protective Services, and after 13 years decided to change careers. Tribue became State Farms first African-American agent in the Wiregrass and opened her own agency in 1988 in downtown Dothan. Over her 32 years with State Farm, she received State Farms Legion of Honor, Bronze Tablet, Silver Scroll, and Golden Triangle awards for meeting the companys goals and objectives. Making active participation in community service a tenant of her business success, Tribue is a graduate of Leadership Alabama and has served on state, regional, and local boards, including the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Board of Trustees and was elected as secretary to the Alabama Humanities Foundation Board. In 2017, she was among AAMUs Women in History honorees and also was honored among Dothans top women entrepreneurs at the SWELL (Savvy Women, Entrepreneurs, Luminous & Limitless) Awards. In 2018, Tribue became the first female African-American to be inducted into the prestigious Dothan Business Hall of Fame. Prior to that, she was also the first African-American to serve as Chairman of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Dothan By Design in 2008. She continues to serve the community on the Houston County Personnel Board, Dothan Houston County Intellectual Disabilities Board, Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission Revolving Loan Administration Board, Houston County Industrial Development Authority Board, and the Alabama Osteopathic School of Medicine Advisory Board. Tribue is a member of the Dothan Area Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and First Missionary Baptist Church, and is married to Donald Trib Tribue. Gala Retail, Keel in Achill has been named Small Convenience Store of the Year at the prestigious ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2023. Now in their 23rd year, the C-Store Awards are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector. Store owner, Sandra Nicholson, attended the awards at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire for the esteemed ceremony where the best of the Irish convenience sector were recognised for their success and contribution to the industry. Over 440 guests from various corners of the retail industry were present. The evening saw the presentation of 38 awards, recognising excellence across a diverse array of categories and honouring the finest stores in the industry. To be awarded Gold Small Convenience Store of the Year is an acknowledgment of the huge efforts of the team in Mayo, who always strive to deliver the best in retailing and service to their customers. Its been an award-winning month for the store as Gala Keel was also awarded an award for Excellence in Retail and picked up the Bakers Corner Award at the 2023 Gala Annual Conference, which took place at The Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry. Commenting on the win, CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond, added: Huge congratulations to Sandra Nicholson and the team at Gala Keel on the stores award win at the ShelfLife C-Store Awards. To be recognised as the best small convenience store of the year is no mean feat and its a testament to the investment and hard work that Sandra and her team have put into making the store a success. Were extremely proud to have Gala Keel in the Group, and we wish Sandra and the store all the best and many more successes in the future. VISITOR numbers at several attractions in West Mayo, including Croagh Patrick, have dropped considerably in the last five years. Members of Mayo County Councils Tourism SPC were presented with figures that showed that visitor numbers more than halved at Croagh Patrick since 2018. Up to November 30, 51,211 visitors were recorded at the Croagh Patrick base counter a drop of more than half from the 109,821 visitors recorded in 2018. The holy mountain recorded even fewer visitors than it did in 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions forbid travel outside a persons locality for long periods. A total of 56,367 visitors were recorded at Croagh Patrick in 2020, compared to 89,540 in 2019. A trough of 44,317 was recorded in 2021 when lockdown was in place for the first five months of the year. Despite attracting considerable publicity in 2022 from Charlie Birds Climb With Charlie fundraiser, which raised over 3 million for charity, Croagh Patrick attracted just 53,504 visitors in 2022 56,317 less than 2018. Visitors along the Great Western Greenway have also nearly halved from a peak of 209,363 in 2019 to 108,075 as of November 30 this year. Balance needed Westport-based county councillor Christy Hyland, who had requested the figures previously, said that this could be attributed to the loss of hotel beds in the area. At present, over 21 percent of Mayos Failte Ireland registered tourist accommodation is being used by the government as refugee accommodation. Much of this accommodation is in the Westport Electoral Area, where over 1,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. Cllr Hyland told The Mayo News that a downward spiral in tourism was occurring because of a lack of tourist accommodation in West Mayo. We have to help people in war-torn countries, but its bad management of the beds. What they should have done was bring these into holding centres and transfer them into towns where their economy is not tourism, he said. Other counties along the Wild Atlantic Way have accommodated a large proportion of refugees, with over a third of Clares Failte Ireland-registered tourist accommodation being used for such purposes. Cllr Hyland said that his area has taken more refugees than it should have taken in, and he called for a better balance between refugee responsibilities and the tourist economy. We should have minded our tourism product as well, which we havent. If theres no beds, visitors cant come. He also called for more promotion for the Offer A Home scheme whereby homeowners can receive a tax-free payment of 800 per month for accommodating Ukrainian refugees. As of October, 780 Ukrainian refugees in Mayo were living in accommodation owned by individuals in receipt of the Governments Accommodation Recognition Payment. Bucking the trend MAYO County Councils Tourism SPC also heard that Downpatrick Head which hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2021 saw its visitor numbers rise from 43,169 in 2018 to 63,158 in 2023. Likewise, Moorehall saw its visitor numbers soar from just 5,535 in 2020 to a peak of 40,469, dropping to 37,568 last year. The Turlough Greenway saw its popularity peak at 89,231 visitors in 2020 before dropping to 60,213 this year. Lough Lannagh in Castlebar recorded over 100,000 annual users this year and last year. COUNTY councillors have accused Mayo County Council of washing their hands of several pyrite-infected homes in Westport, with one saying the matter was heading for a public inquiry. Over a dozen residents of Pairc na Coille estate attended a special meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, where Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Housing denied that the council had any prior knowledge of pyrite in the estate following the sale of four houses after 2017. At least 32 of the 54 houses in the estate, which was built through a partnership with Mayo County Council and Respond, have been confirmed to have pyrite. A report issued by Mayo County Council Chief Executive Kevin Kelly who did not attend the meeting stated that one homeowner contacted the county council regarding the potential presence of pyrite in their home in June 2017. The report claimed that there have been no records identified to suggest any correspondence either to or from Mayo County Council and the homeowners in Pairc na Coille at that time. Works on the nearby Sharkey Hill Community Centre which also has pyrite also took place in after 2017 to address poor insulation issues as well as attic conversion. Mayo County Council accrued a clawback of 71,939 from the sale of four units sold in the estate since 2017, one of which was sold in late 2020. Fifty-three loans totalling 5,332,798 were issued for the sale of the houses in Pairc na Coille. Of these, 30 are active with capital outstanding of 882,320. All houses purchased were issued with indemnity covering the structural defects notified within ten years of purchase and minor defects notified with eighteen months of purchase. The houses were competed between 2002 and 2003 on 3.9 hectares that was disposed of by Westport Urban District Council to Mayo County Council for the sum of 880,000. Although this is an affordable housing scheme with units purchase by individuals at a reduced value and perhaps with a loan provided by Mayo County Council this is still a private housing development, read one passage from the report. Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Councils Director of Services, told the meeting that nobody had any knowledge of what pyrite was until the publication of a report by the Expert Panel on Defective Concrete Blocks on June 1, 2017. Mr Gilligan insisted that Pairc na Coille was a private estate, despite local councillors maintaining that Mayo County Council owned the houses. Cllr Peter Flynn said it was absolutely clear that all the houses were under the control of Mayo County Council. How anyone could say that Mayo County Council had no stake in this is just beyond the beyond. It is absolutely clear that Mayo County Council had their hands in this from day one, Cllr Flynn said. Cllr Brendan Mulroy said that an independent inquiry would be needed to resolve the matter. Another special meeting is to be held among local councillors on the issue in January, with all four Mayo TDs to be invited. We will have further coverage of the special meeting on pyrite contamination in Pairc na Coille in Tuesdays print edition of The Mayo News. Over 70 tourism businesses from across Mayo attended a special Failte Ireland networking event in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar. The event was organised by Failte Ireland to build collaboration across the tourism industry in the county, encouraging businesses to collaborate and cross-sell to attract visitors and inspire them to explore the county and all it has to offer. Face-to-face networking sessions were facilitated among the businesses to provide them with the opportunity to forge new connections and renew old ones. Failte Irelands Wild Atlantic Way team provided the attendees with an update on future initiatives while, Pol OConghaile, Travel Editor with the Irish Independent, outlined the strength of Co Mayos tourism product and highlighted the variety of attractions and experiences on offer to visitors. Speaking at the event, Head of Wild Atlantic Way with Failte Ireland, Miriam Kennedy said: Were really pleased that so many Mayo tourism businesses joined us for this networking event. There has been so many new additions and updates to the tourism offering in Mayo, it was important to come together today and identify opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration to encourage visitors to explore further across the region, stay longer and spend more. A key focus for Failte Ireland will be growing the year-round appeal of the Wild Atlantic Way and making the Wild Atlantic Way one of the top 5 touring routes in the world. In 2024, there will be some really exciting developments across the county including Westport Estate and the opening of two new visitor centres in North Mayo, SOLAS in Eachleim and The Wind Farm at Oweninny. Mairead Melody-Carr, Manager, Mayo North Tourism said: "The special thing about Mayo isn't just its beautiful landscapes and history; it's the unity within our community that truly sets us apart. I believe that coming together and networking are crucial for our county's success. Failte Ireland events such as the Mayo tourism networking event give us the opportunity to showcase not only our amazing products but also to connect, collaborate, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact beyond our borders. OZARK A museum honoring two musical Blues legends in their Dale County hometown of Ariton moved closer to reality when the Dale County Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to pursue a potential avenue for funding to transform the old bus terminal into a museum. Ariton Town Councilman Ben Key asked the commission for support of the towns hopes of turning the building on Atlantic Street that once served as bus terminal into a museum honoring Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton and JW Warren. Key, who is related to Thornton, said she often played a harmonica in front of the bus station as a youngster, entertaining passengers. The county says they believe they can use their ARPA funds for the project and it will be exciting for the small town. Nearly four decades after her death, Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton was honored in Ariton with a street named in her honor Big Mama Thornton Circle at a ceremony Oct. 22, 2022. Thornton was born in Ariton on Dec. 11, 1926. She died July 25, 1984, Thornton got her start singing in her fathers church and left Alabama after her mothers death, initially performing with Sammy Greens Hot Harlem Revue. She sang, wrote music, played drums, and performed on the harmonica. Thornton recorded the song Hound Dog three years before Elvis Presley, and wrote and recorded Ball and Chain a song Janis Joplin would later record. Thornton died in poverty and was buried at Inglewood Cemetery, a gravesite now shared by two other people. Her funeral procession was led by musician Johnny Otis. The Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis inducted Thornton in 1984 after her death, and in 2020 she was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Thornton has been honored several times by the Wiregrass Blues Society. A mural of Thornton now adorns the side of Hoppergrass restaurant in Ozark, and theres an effort underway to have Thornton at least moved to her own grave, if not back to Ariton. Warren was born in Enterprise and raised in Ariton, one of 11 children in a sharecropping family. His guitar and musical skills were recorded in the early 1980s and released on an album. He wrote original blues songs and performed favorites in local establishments. According to the Wiregrass Blues Society, Warrens finger picking and slide technique on the guitar was considered a style unique to Southeast Alabama, and his life was actually documented by a German blues photographer and researcher. Warren died in 2005. Billion-dollar China market promised land for Vietnamese farm exports Vietnamese agricultural exporters have seen a surge in demand from China and are striving to improve their produce quality to establish a more robust presence in that multibillion-dollar market. As Hoang Phat Fruit CEO Nguyen Khac Huy reviewed the figures for this year, he found that shipments to the E.U. and Japan combined for the whole year equated to only two days worth of exports to China. The company, one of Vietnams biggest fresh dragon fruit exporters, has been shipping around 10,000 tons annually for several years and to many markets. In past years Japan and South Korea were often its main markets, but this year China has surged to the top. Huy said: "China is the leading market in terms of revenues. We have exported hundreds of tons of banana, jackfruit, dragon fruit, and durian there this year." Doan Nguyen Duc, chairman of agriculture giant Hoang Anh Gia Lai, which has been shipping bananas to China for four years, hailed China as "a wonderful market." Speaking to VnExpress, he said: "China imports the biggest amount of agriculture produce globally. If Vietnam can provide goods with consistent quality, they will never refuse." Vina T&T, a major exporter which focuses on the U.S., also considers China a key market thanks to its 1.4-billion population. The companys CEO, Nguyen Dinh Tung, who had worked in China for 20 years, said Chinese importers would buy Vietnamese products as long as the quality is good. "No other market consumes Vietnamese produce as much as China." Vietnams agricultural exports to China nearly doubled in the last decade from $3.8 billion in 2013 to $6.8 billion last year. The number rose to $7.5 billion in just the first 10 months of this year. Fourteen kinds of fresh produce, including nine fruits, have been approved by China for official imports from Vietnam. Over 2,900 processed items have also got the green light. Durian has been the main export item this year with China buying $2 billion worth of the fruit in 11 months. Vina T&T received an order for 1,500 containers from Chinese buyers but could only ship 30% of that due to a supply shortage. The companys exports to China grew by 70% year-on-year in the first 10 months, and China is now its largest market, accounting for 35% of its revenues. Agriculture produce is only part of a bigger picture. China is Vietnams largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $235 billion last year after quadrupling from 2014. Why China? China is increasingly buying Vietnamese produce thanks to the free trade agreements they are both part of, such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership , Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, said. They have also established several bilateral protocols to push agricultural trade. This and an improvement in quality has sent Vietnam climbing to second place in durian exports to China behind only Thailand, he said. Vietnam shares a land and sea border of 1,450 kilometers with China and this brings down transportation costs compared with other countries. Nguyen said Chinese buyers have set up many wholesale markets near the Vietnam border to help preserve produce quality. But the fact that China has a population of 1.4 billion is what makes it a lucrative market, he said. "Even countries far away like the U.S. and Chile want to have a bigger piece of this market." ASEAN countries have also been working hard to satisfy Chinas hunger for produce. Thailand for example exports most of its coconut, dragon fruit, banana, and durian to China. Last year, China imported $15 billion worth of fruits from other countries, up 8% from 2021. Exports of agriculture produce by ASEAN member countries to China rose by 10% in the first 10 months of this year, according to market data platform Produce Report. Workers process prepare fruits for exports. Photo courtesy of Hoang Phat Fruits No longer easy But exporters have found that as Chinas appetite increases so does its quality standards. Early last year thousands of Vietnamese containers, most of them carrying produce, were stuck at the border on their way to China as the country tightened its quarantine regime. China also recently stopped importing lobsters from Vietnam after setting new quality and origin regulations. Bananas produced by Hoang Anh Gia Lai are sold at Chinese supermarkets. Photo by VnExpress/Thi Ha "Low-quality products no longer have a chance to enter China," Duc of Hoang Anh Gia Lai said, adding that the country now has pesticide and weight requirements for each produce that are as stringent as Japans. Chinese buyers also pay less than their U.S. and Japan counterparts, and this means lower profits for Vietnamese exporters. "One container to the U.S. equals 10 to China in terms of profits," Tung of Vina T&T said. Border infrastructure has not kept pace with bilateral trade, and bureaucracy is another dampener, exporters said. Exports by rail are low with only around 1,000 tons of goods transported to China each day. Another concern is rising competition in China as domestic farmers have been able to produce the same tropical fruits as Vietnam like dragon fruit and sell them locally at lower prices, Nguyen said. Competition from other ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand also pose threats to certain fruits like durian, he added. Exporters expect the Ministry of Industry and Trade to restructure agriculture to improve quality as China is no longer "an easy market." But regardless of the difficulties, Huy of Hoang Phat Fruit said he would continue to work hard to ship his produce to China. "China is our biggest market and it grew by 30% in the first 10 months." Vina T&T also hopes to expand its China market and Tung said Vietnamese farmers would become much richer by aiming for this market. A village with 20 households, for example, might find it difficult to export all its produce to the U.S. due to low demand whereas China would buy all of it and pay a reasonable price for their efforts, he added. Story by Thi Ha, Hoai Thu Graphics by Do Nam by Tanya Gazdik , December 11, 2023 Photo Credit: Tanya Gazdik/MediaPost General Motors' salaried employees were already smarting after learning they were getting a much smaller raise than their blue-collar co-workers. But things got even worse last week when told the flexible work schedule theyd grown used to is coming to an end. In a companywide email that was obtained by the Detroit Free Press, CEO Mary Barra made it clear she wants the 43,500 white-collar workers in the office on three specific days of each week "at a minimum." "At the start of the year, we asked hybrid employees to be in the office three days a week in order to drive the greatest impact. However, adherence has been mixed," Barra wrote in the email. "We are now explicitly requesting hybrid employees to be onsite beginning Jan. 8, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at minimum. Senior leaders will continue to have the flexibility to determine if a team needs to be in the office more frequently. advertisement advertisement The mandate ends the companys work appropriately policy that gave people flexibility to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barra acknowledges in the memo that not everyone is a fan of working in an office. "We realize 'return to the office' is a topic that has been highly debated in many workplaces around the country," she writes. "It is also something the senior leadership team feels strongly about, and we want to make our expectations clear. We believe the benefits of in-person collaboration and mentorship lead to a stronger, more innovative culture and higher performance. The surge in remote work was prompted by stay-at-home orders during the pandemic. But many workers came to like the arrangement. Among the primary benefits: no commute, flexible work schedules and less time getting ready for work, according to WFH Research cited in a CNBC story. Research shows that the typical worker equates the value of working from home to an 8% pay raise, per CNBC. Given the modest 3.5% pay increase that GMs salaried workers recently received compared to major gains realized by UAW members following a six-week strike, GM should have thought more about the timing of the mandate. The U.S. Big Three automakers (GM, Ford and Stellantis) recently agreed to dramatically raise pay for top-scale blue-collar workers, with increases and cost-of-living adjustments that would translate into 33% wage gains, per another CNBC story. Some GM workers posted their frustrations on social media, with multiple threads on the GM subreddit calling out the RTO mandate as unfair, ineffective and hypocritical, according to GM Authority. Not only is the action of mandating three days a week off-base, the way it was delivered was really deplorable, writes a GM employee. Right before the holidays so we can all stress about how drastically our work lives are going to change in a short amount of time while were with our families. The user goes on to say that General Motors is leaving its employees to scramble to find child care and transportation options over the holidays. Some recent studies fail to support GMs assertion that employees are more effective when they are working from the office. One survey reveals that companies embracing flexible work arrangements are not just surviving, theyre flourishing, according to Fortune. From 2020 to 2022, companies with full flexibility led their peers by 16% in revenue growth, adjusted for industry differences. Angry GM employees may want to take a look at working for crosstown rival Ford. That automaker still maintains a flexible hybrid policy that doesnt require workers to come to the office for a specific number of days a week. They only need to come to the office for group meetings, per Bloomberg. by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, December 12, 2023 OpenAP, the audience data and targeting platform owned by some of the TV industrys biggest players, this morning announced a deal with IPG Mediabrands Magna unit that will integrate OpenAPs proprietary TV audience identifier -- OpenID -- with consumer-profile data from Interpublics Acxiom unit. Details about exactly how the consumer audience data will be matched were not available at presstime, but the deal appears to be another win for the supply-sides push to integrate its proprietary audience-targeting data into the demand-side workflow at big advertising agencies. Identity is the common denominator powering the industrys transition to a multi-publisher, multi-platform, multi-currency advertising model, Magna Global President Dani Benowitz said in a statement included in a press release from OpenAP announcing the deal. advertisement advertisement This partnership with OpenAP simplifies a complex process and gives the actionable data our teams need in the planning stage to maximize our clients investments, Benowitz added. OpenAP was founded four years ago by most of the major TV network owner companies -- Fox, NBCUniversal, Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery -- with the exception of Disney to leverage all the proprietary persons-level data they collect across their multiple consumer touchpoints. Each of those platforms individually boast consumer-identity frameworks rivaling the biggest digital-media platforms, and the formation of OpenAP was a recognition that advertisers and agencies were increasingly moving away from legacy panel-based ratings measurement to persons identity-based targeting -- and that the data needed to be organized and technology needed to be developed in a way to make it better and easier for the demand-side to work with. OpenAP announced the creation of the OpenID in April 2021 and described it as a consistent person-level audience definition that is unified across linear and digital video environments, which is also part of OpenAPs mandate to help accelerate a cross-platform -- ie., linear TV and CTV/streaming audience-based advertising marketplace. At the time, OpenAP said the goal of OpenID was to efficiently match it with viewership currencies enabling advertisers and agencies to target and buy the audiences they want to reach. Todays deal with Magna is separate from OpenAPs creation of a so-called JIC, or joint industry committee, comprised of supply- and demand-side executives to certify new and existing audience data that can be used as advertising trading currencies, but Magna is one of the agencies participating in that process too. Importantly, from an Interpublic point of view, Magnas deal to utilize OpenAPs persons-level identity tracker is explicitly designed to match those media audiences with the humongous consumer identity database Interpublic bought when it acquired Acxiom in 2018 for $2.3 billion. Magna will receive end-to-end campaign forecasting for both linear and digital channels from OpenAP, providing clients with new and incremental opportunities to distribute unexposed audiences to digital and CTV channels to extend the reach and ROI of their campaigns, OpenAP notes in this mornings release, adding that the agency holding company will also benefit from first-mover advantage on the cross-publisher, cross-platform clean room solution, the OpenAP Data Hub, in early 2024. And as if for emphasis, OpenAP pointed out the partnership comes at a critical time ahead of the 2025 upfront, in which advertisers continue to be faced with fragmentation across identity, viewership and new currencies. The 2025-26 upfront also will be the first one in which Nielsens legacy panel-only data effectively is no longer an industry currency -- being replaced by its own hybrid panel-plus Big Data product -- and competing with a variety of alternative currencies, some of which have been certified by the JIC managed by OpenAP, including Comscore, iSpot.tv and Videoamp. by Erik Oster , December 12, 2023 Every January, people mark the new year with commitments -- however short-lived -- to make positive lifestyle changes. In recent years, theres been a growing trend of people committing to a Dry January, starting the new year with a month free of alcohol, typically following the usual excesses of New Years Eve. Many find that easier said than done, however, and sparkling hop water brand Hop Wtr wants to lend a helping hand, enlisting a surprising partner in the process of crafting its second Dry January campaign. Ahead of Dry January, HopWtr launched a Hopnotist campaign in partnership with Amy Koford, a professional hypnotist and founder and CEO of Results Hypnotherapy. A national sweepstakes will give consumers the chance to win a one-on-one session with Koford to help them keep their resolutions. The Hopnotist campaign will also include an organic social media component. advertisement advertisement Dry January sounds like a good idea, but it can be hard to pull off," Hop Wtr Co-Founder and CEO Jordan Bass said in a statement, adding that, in addition to hypnosis helping in their Dry January commitments, those who undergo the treatment may also leave the session wanting to drink lots of Hop Wtr. We know people love our brand because they heart it on Instagram, but we want them to be obsessed, he added. Putting consumers into a hypnotic trance seemed like a natural extension of our marketing. Those interested in the promotion can sign up through Dec. 26 for a chance to win a virtual session with Koford during the first week of January. Winners will also receive a one-month supply of Hop Wtr to help them stave off any cravings for beer during the 31-day month. While Dry January has become an established part of the cultural consciousness in recent years, with nearly a quarter of (24%) adults in the U.S. familiar with the event, according to Morning Consult, participation actually declined in 2023, dropping from 19% in 2022 to 15% in 2023, and from 27% to 19% among millennials. A growing number of consumers choosing to abstain from alcohol altogether may be one contributing factor. For more on Dry January and non-alcoholic beverages, check out today's Top of the News story. by Les Luchter , December 13, 2023 Marius Pharmaceuticals is making a marketing push for Kyzatrex, which last year received FDA approval as an oral prescription capsule for men with low or no testosterone levels (hypogonadism). On Wednesday, it was announced that Mangoceuticals will market Kyzatrex under the brand name Prime via its MangoRX D2C telemedicine platform. Launch date is anticipated on Jan. 31, Mangoceuticals said. Prime will join hair growth product Grow and erectile dysfunction drug Mango in the MangoRX lineup. Separately, Marius is urging men to Be the Hero of Your Life Again in new Kyzatrex brand messaging. So far, the brands hero message -- showing an ecstatic man watching the rising flames of his outdoor barbecue -- has appeared as the hero spot on Kyzatrexs webpage, on the brands Instagram feed, and as signage at a Marius trade show booth. advertisement advertisement But the brand tells Marketing Daily to expect a full suite of print, digital, video, and social assets, targeted at both consumers and healthcare providers. Developed by Schaefer Advertising in Fort Worth, Texas, the campaigns concept will be used for a consistent, branded, long-term campaign, according to a spokesperson. Marius says that testosterone deficiency is a chronic disease that affects a mans total health, but that recent clinical studies have shown 96% of men taking Kyzatrex achieve normal testosterone levels after 90 days. The company cites research showing testosterone deficiencies in some 20% of adolescent and young adult males, and nearly 40% of those over the age of 45. The Rethink Testosterone site notes that symptoms of low testosterone include not only low sex drive, but fatigue, weight gain, depression, poor cognition and trouble sleeping. "Too many men are silently suffering the daily effects of testosterone deficiency, and we want to change that narrative by empowering them to be their own hero, Shalin Shah, Marius chief executive officer, said in a statement released one week ago today. Be Your Own Hero follows the July launch of Rethink Testosterone, an educational/awareness initiative from Marius that includes a website, podcasts, and videos. by Tanya Gazdik , December 13, 2023 Despite the ever-expanding screens in its vehicles, including an available 31-inch backseat theatre screen, BMW has no plans to sell advertising on any of them. Radio commercials are intrusive enough, says Stephan Durach, the brand's senior vice president, connected company development. At the end of the day, I think your car is your last private space, Durach told a small group of media members last week during a roundtable discussion. Its where you can do whatever you want by yourself -- you have the right temperature, the music you want. To say I'm selling the screen to play a commercial -- I don't see it. Its a private space. BMW has not been afraid to push the envelope to find new ways to make money. The automaker was the first to charge a fee for heated seats in its vehicles in some overseas markets. advertisement advertisement But earlier this fall, the automaker dropped the heated seats subscription option after customers expressed discontent for having to pay to unlock existing functions in their cars. Other potential moneymakers for the German automaker could be a subscription service tied to offering a location-based scent experience in cars, or the ability to link augmented reality headsets to vehicles in motion for backseat passengers. Both technologies were shown to the media last week. The scent experience would link which scent the occupants experience to GPS data. For example, when driving by the ocean, the car would supply a beach-inspired scent. Or if the driver has entered the address for a gym into the navigation system, the vehicle could offer scents that would energize the driver. The automaker also highlighted technology already in production. BMW has already developed ConnectedRide Smartglasses which give motorcycle riders a head-up display inside of their helmet with information like navigation, speed and gear similar to what is displayed on a head-up display in a vehicle. Chock full of technology and making its North American debut was the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept car, which will go into production in 2025. It includes a minimalistic interior devoid of knobs and switches. Instead, information is communicated via a panoramic head-up display screen that runs the entire length of the inside of the windshield and can be seen by passengers. Traditionally, head-up displays have only been in the drivers visual field. Men sentenced to death for smuggling 100 kg of drugs disguised as pandemic donations (From L) Huynh Van Thong, Nguyen Thanh Hung, and Ho Hoang Nam at a trial in HCMC for drug smuggling, Dec. 12, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Duyen A HCMC court sentenced three men to death Tuesday for smuggling 100 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine from Cambodia during the pandemic, by disguising them as charity goods. Of the three, Nguyen Thanh Hung, 31, was found to play the main role as he directly received orders from a man only identified as Jimmy in Cambodia. Huynh Van Thong, 48, who was active with charity works, worked for Jimmy by transporting the drugs from Cambodia to Vietnam by disguising them in baskets of dried fish and fermented fish to be donated to people locked down or impoverished due to Covid-19 in Vietnam. Ho Hoang Nam, 31, contributed by using his house in District 12 as the place to store the drugs. According to the indictment, investigators from HCMC Police discovered the operation led by Hung in mid-2021. They found that Hung lived in the city and sometimes traveled to the citys outskirts to receive food baskets from Thong. Thong then lived in Tay Ninh Province that borders Cambodia and was known as a charity enthusiast. He was active in looking for food donations to support people affected by the raging Covid-19 in HCMC. With the philanthropist label, he directly transported goods from Cambodia via the border in the Mekong Deltas Dong Thap Province and put them on cars that traveled to HCMC and could bypass Covid-19 restrictions. Each of these trips carried 30-40 kg of meth and 16-20 kg of heroin. Police found the drugs after stopping one of Thongs cars and raided the rings storage in August 2021. They seized nearly 100 kg of meth, heroin and ecstasy pills. Hung said he got to know Jimmy in July 2021. He had worked as his drug mule three times and bought drugs from him for resale once. The first time acting as the drug mule, he did not check the amount of the drugs, but was paid VND100 million and he paid Nam VND10 million. He said he did not receive payment the other times yet. In August 2021, he bought 5 kg of meth from Jimmy at VND975 million (US$40,160) and resold it for VND1 billion. A Vietjet aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Air carrier Vietjet on Tuesday held a ceremony to launch a new route linking Hanoi directly with Cambodia's Siem Reap. The event took place within the framework of the Vietnam-Cambodia investment and trade promotion forum with the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet, representatives from ministries, agencies and businesses of the two countries. The flights will serve passengers from Dec. 15, with seven round-trips per week and a flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes per leg. The Cambodian PM spoke highly of the opening, adding he hopes that Vietjet will open more routes connecting Vietnam with Cambodia. According to a representative from Vietjet, the Hanoi - Siem Reap route will contribute to facilitating and promoting cooperation in investment, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Vietnam and Cambodia. While Vietnam's main tourism markets like South Korea and the U.S. are still recovering to pre-Covid levels, Southeast Asia has become a bright spot for its inbound tourism. Cambodia is now Vietnam's fastest growing tourism market with the number of visitors in the first 11 months of this year at 179% higher than the same period of pre-pandemic levels. The United States marked Human Rights Day this month and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by imposing visa restrictions and sanctions on 37 individuals in 13 countries. With these actions, the United States is addressing some of the most challenging and harmful forms of human rights abuses in the world, including those involving conflict-related sexual violence, forced labor, and transnational repression, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. Many of these new designations target individuals responsible for gender-based violence and the repression of women and girls globally, including county commissioners and a governor in South Sudan whose forces and militias are responsible for rape and Taliban leaders connected to restrictions on access to secondary education for women. The Iranian regime continues to be one of the worst human rights offenders both at home and abroad, said Secretary Blinken. Its abuses include the repression of dissidents and peaceful protestors through lethal force, arbitrary detention, and torture as well as the targeting of dissidents abroad through surveillance, intimidation, and lethal plotting. In response, the United States has designated two Iranian intelligence officers involved in recruiting individuals to plot against regime opponents in the United States, including current and former U.S. Government officials, as well as surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses, and other facilities. Additionally, the State Department issued the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act Report to Congress, and the Treasury department has sanctioned two Peoples Republic of China government officials for their connection to serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The Stated Department is also revising, expanding, and issuing visa restriction policies for Zimbabwe, Syria, and Uganda to promote accountability for government officials and others involved in repression, human rights abuses, and other unacceptable acts. Finally, four criminal gang leaders in Haiti involved in human rights abuses, including sexual violence, and five Democratic Republic of Congo armed group leaders were designated by the United States. These designations complement previous U.S. efforts to disrupt criminal activity in Haiti, including a State Department Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program reward offer of up to $1 million and $2 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Joseph Wilson and Vitelhomme Innocent, respectively. The United States will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability and signal its strong support for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The sweeping defense policy bill poised to pass Congress this week seeks to crack down on stolen valor among businesses by making it harder for some of them to win federal contracts intended for veterans. The compromise National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, includes an amendment that would stipulate that small businesses that self-certify as being service disabled and veteran owned could not count toward the government's target for how much contracting goes to such businesses. The goal is to disincentivize stolen valor by motivating federal officials to award contracts to businesses that are formally certified as being veteran owned. Read Next: Coast Guardsman to Receive Distinguished Flying Cross for Daring Vessel Boarding and Rescue "For too long, loopholes have allowed imposters to self-certify as service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses and take advantage of government benefits set aside for our nation's heroes," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, an Army National Guard veteran who sponsored the amendment, said in a statement to Military.com. "There is no room for error when it comes to our men and women who served, and service-disabled veterans should know that our grateful nation is doing everything in its power to support their success." A separate provision of the bill would also increase the goal of how many contracting dollars go to veteran-owned small businesses from 3% to 5%. Including the provisions in the compromise NDAA, the result of months of negotiations between House and Senate lawmakers, makes it all but certain to become law. The NDAA is anticipated to pass the Senate as soon as Wednesday and the House by the end of the week, sending it to President Joe Biden's desk for his expected signature. Ernst's provision centers on the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, which allows the federal government to restrict competition for some contracts to just businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The 2021 NDAA required the Small Business Administration, or SBA, to set up a process to certify veteran-owned and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses. Previously, the Department of Veterans Affairs certified whether a business was owned by a service-disabled veteran for the purpose of awarding VA contracts, but businesses needed only to self-certify for contracts awarded by any other federal agency. When the SBA announced the rules for the formal certification process in late 2022, it did not entirely end the ability to self-certify. Rather, the agency allowed self-certified businesses to continue to count toward the government's goal of 3% of contracting dollars going to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The SBA kept self-certification alive despite receiving numerous public comments calling for its elimination over concerns about fraud. But the SBA maintained that allowing self-certification for veteran-owned businesses was consistent with other programs, such as the Women-Owned Small Business Program, that allow for self-certification. Still, the agency said it plans to do a comprehensive review of all self-certification programs and anticipated sunsetting any self-certification in five years. The SBA estimated that applying for and maintaining formal certification would take businesses about three hours and cost $280.32 per applicant. "Self-certification defeats the purpose of guaranteeing that service-disabled certified and veteran-certified firms are fairly represented in federal contracting as per the law," Ronald Washington, an executive committee member of a veterans entrepreneurship group called VET-Force, said in a statement shared by Ernst's office supporting her amendment. "Thousands of veteran-owned companies, and at an expense, have complied with becoming certified first through the VA and now with SBA. It is only fair that everyone be held to the same expectations and standards," he said. Related: Stolen Valor Among Small Businesses Lying About Being Veteran-Owned Targeted by Iowa Senator One Marine was killed and another 14 were injured in a vehicle rollover incident Monday at Camp Pendleton, California, according to the Marine Corps. The Marines were in an amphibious combat vehicle, or ACV, that rolled over during ground movement in a training exercise, the service said in a release Wednesday. They were assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The name of the Marine killed is being withheld until next of kin are notified, a common practice among the service branches. The Marine Corps did not release the names of the service members who were injured or their conditions. They were taken to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and local hospitals for treatment. Read Next: 'Culture of Cover-Up:' Senators Ratchet Up Pressure on Coast Guard After It Hid Report on Rapes, Sexual Assaults It's unclear what led to the incident, but rollovers are among the major concerns during training events in the military, being one of the top causes of fatalities for on-duty troops. A government investigation in 2021 found that more than 120 soldiers and Marines had died since 2011 in non-combat tactical vehicle accidents. That report from the Government Accountability Office found poor training and little to no safety oversight from military leadership. Officials have pointed to a variety of potential contributing issues in recent years, including commanders not scheduling enough rest time during training schedules and putting sleep-deprived troops behind the wheel. Also, training to drive combat vehicles has sometimes been ad hoc, with qualifications being rushed to allow troops to drive. Young Americans are also less interested in driving compared to other generations and less likely to have licenses. The ACV has had a troubled history since being quickly pushed into service in 2020 to replace the aging amphibious assault vehicle, or AAV, which had been in use since the 1970s. Those old vehicles were retired after a 2020 mishap in which an AAV sank off the southern California coast, killing eight Marines and a Navy corpsman. In January, the Marine Corps fired the commander of its Assault Amphibian School after an ACV rolled over in the surf in the waters off Camp Pendleton. That ACV had three Marines on board, none of whom was injured. The training incident follows an Army incident in October in which two soldiers with the 11th Airborne Division were killed and 12 were injured after their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, or LMTV, rolled over in Alaska. Related: Soldiers Keep Dying in Vehicle Accidents. The Army Blames Not Wearing Seat Belts and Complacency. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. It is the first time they target an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. An American warship, the USS Mason, also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. No one was hurt in the attack, the officials said. The assault on the tanker Ardmore Encounter further escalates a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and also widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel was on its way from Mangalore, India, and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Those guards apparently opened fire to drive off skiffs loaded with men trying to board the vessel, the private intelligence firm Ambrey said. Ardmore Shipping Corp., which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack. No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for, the statement said. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board. It added: Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required. The ship was carrying a load of jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., a joint operation of the oil giant and India's national oil company. The fuel was heading to either Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden, Ardmore Shipping said. Shell declined to comment. Ardmore Shipping traded slightly up early Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange to $13.64 a share. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a separate incident off the coast of Oman. It said a vessel had been followed by smaller boats carrying machine guns and men in gray uniforms before escaping unharmed. On Monday night, a missile also fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. There was no immediate link found between the Ardmore Encounter and Israel. Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between the rebels and Saudi-backed forces. France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones targeting their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to insist the ships do not have links to their country. Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict even during a brief pause in fighting during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of a punishing Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually. In November, Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemens exiled government has held for months despite that countrys long war. Thats raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces could reignite those tensions in the Arab worlds poorest nation. In 2016, the U.S. launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at U.S. Navy ships at the time. ___ Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. SUTTONS BAY, MI - Sometimes you need an afternoon of treats to get you in the holiday spirit - and maybe a little reward for giving something to others. Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay is hosting its Wine Wonderland event this Saturday, Dec. 16. It also coincides with the culmination of the winerys Toys for Tots drive, and all participants in the weekend event are being encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy. This family-friendly gathering is geared toward those who love good things to eat and drink - and has a holiday twist. On the menu are locally-made soups, Tableside Peppermint Smores, or people big and small can create their own beverage at the Hot Chocolate Bar. Crafts for kids will be set up, and adults can purchase holiday mulled wine, or wine cocktails. Lovable Michigan Tip: Shady Lanes featured December cocktail is the yummy Blau & Holly featuring its award-winning Blaufranksich wine. Love visiting the Shady Lane Cellars area? Read more here: How an award-winning Northern Michigan winemaker came home to find her perfect fit Northern Michigans Shady Lane Cellars now to host weddings, events at vineyard Try these 4 cool trails at the edge of Traverse City CHELSEA, MI - Drained. Thats how actress Caitlin Burt described herself after a fun and intense hour and fifteen minutes on stage playing Lynnette Taylor-Tyler in Diva Royale. The comedy, written and directed by Michigans own, Jeff Daniels, is playing through Saturday, December 23, with a possible extension, at the Daniels founded Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. Tickets can be purchased here. Burt says she loves every minute of performing Diva Royale and working under the direction of Daniels, who on this night, had a nearly 30-minute informative critique with the cast after the show which follows three small-town Michigan housewives who journey to the Big Apple to see Celine Dion in concert. Their trip leads to many comedic twists and turns, which gets plenty of laughter from the audience, much to the delight of the shows creator who says theres more at stake for him as a playwright than as an actor. As an actor doing someone elses comedy, I focus on story, technique, finding the writers rhythm, Jeff Daniels told MLive. Its more about the mechanics; wheres the set up, wheres the joke and, like with Harry Dunne in Dumb and Dumber, what do I have to do to create a character who has no idea hes funny. As a playwright, theres more at stake. The finish line is when the audience laughs. If they laugh. Thats the great unknown. Especially, since the comedies Im writing now have an unpredictability to them that demands more of the audience. I make them chase us. I want to run the audience into jokes they didnt see coming. I want them doubling over, wiping away tears and laughing so hard they cant stop. Comedically, thats a higher bar but thats whats been happening at Diva Royale every show. The cast delivers despite using no props, other than a movie poster. Its non-stop dialogue and physical comedy with the audience sitting right in the heart of the action. Its a theatre in the round. The audience is on all four sides, explained Caitlin Burt. Every seat is a good seat. Its very in your face. The production is very interactive as you might get a cast member to speak directly to you or high-five you and thats part of the charm of this theatre and fast-paced comedy. An experienced comedic actress, this is Burts first play at the Purple Rose. She says her time spent being directed by Daniels has been invaluable. You dont want it to get too much into your head, but I do realize that I have been soaking it in and learning. Not just what with hes saying to me, but by watching him instruct other people, demonstrating things and talking about concepts. I think Im growing a lot and it has been a privilege working with him. Daniels says he wants his performers to understand that they dont have to measure their talent by where they are doing it. If they went to New York, LA or Chicago and had to come back or if they couldve gone but chose not to, I want them to know they didnt fail. Their talent didnt leave them because of some life decision they made. I want them to think of the Purple Rose as their Broadway. I have one job and thats to give them everything Ive ever learned. Diva Royale is a perfect example of talented Michigan based actors working at a national level. Diva Royale has two different casts: Rhiannon Ragland, Kristin Shields, Kate Thomsen and Rusty Mewha perform together and Caitlin Cavannaugh, Meghan VanArsdalen and Conor Allston star alongside Burt. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States to the United Nations recently visited Ghana. During her trip, the Ambassador announced a U.S. pledge of $3 million to support a womens body armor pilot project at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra. The purpose of this pilot project is to evaluate the degree to which the equipment enhances operations and safety during training and deployment. This project aims to reduce barriers to womens full, equal, and meaningful participation in UN peace operations. The number of women joining peace keeping missions has indeed begun to grow. In 2023, there are some 4,800 women who served as military peacekeepers and nearly 12,000 in formed police units. But these women need better equipment to serve safely. The current unisex personal protective equipment simply doesnt fit women peacekeepers, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Women-specific body armor features a tailored cut, rounded chest, shortened torso, and adjustable back that tightens to fit, allowing the vest to conform to a womans torso, providing better coverage of vital organs. Women peacekeepers bring a unique and needed skill set to their jobs, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. We know that women peacekeepers are more approachable to women and girls and especially survivors of gender-based violence. They help ensure that peacekeeping missions are effectively communicating with communities they serve. They offer valuable perspectives on conflict, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. And they serve as powerful role models for the next generation of peacekeepers inspiring women and girls to imagine a future after conflict ends. The United States is grateful for Ghana and Zambias consistent leadership in providing women peacekeepers with not only the armor, but the training, infrastructure, and support they need. An investment in this armor is an investment in women, declared Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, and in turn, an investment in entire communities. Its long past time that we empower and protect these peacekeepers as they dedicate their lives to empowering and protecting civilians in conflict. LAPEER COUNTY, MI A Michigan woman is in for a very happy holidays after she won a $300,000 lottery prize. The 71-year-old Lapeer County woman, who chose to remain anonymous, bought the winning Peppermint Payout ticket at Kroger on South Main Street in Lapeer. I like playing the scratch off tickets and I play them quite a bit, she said in a statement. I scratched the ticket on the way home from the store, and when I saw I won $300,000, I just kept yelling: This cant be real! I felt like I was in a dream. I called my kids as soon as I got home to tell them the good news. The player recently claimed her prize. With her winnings, she plans to pay bills, complete home improvements, and help those in need during the holiday season. Players have won more than $4 million playing Peppermint Payout which launched in October. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $300,000. More than $16 million in prizes remain, including one $300,000 prize and six $2,000 prizes. DETROIT The parents of a 5-year-old boy are facing charges after the child fatally shot himself, authorities announced. It is alleged that the child was unsupervised in the familys apartment when he found an unsecured handgun and shot himself in the face, resulting in his death, according to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. The parents, Halisa Lloydnette-Christine Brown, 25, and Sturlin Markese Minion, 33, both of Detroit, are charged related to their sons death, the release said. It happened around 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the 16500 block of Greenfield Road. Detroit Police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex for a reported shooting, the release said. Upon arrival, they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Medics transported the child to a local hospital where he died. I have said before and I will say this again and again: What is it going to take for gun owners to store their weapons safely when children are in their homes? Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. How many more children must die? It takes mere minutes to store a gun safely. Is a childs death not worth minutes of ones time? Brown and Minion are each charged with involuntary manslaughter, three counts of second-degree child abuse, and four counts of felony firearm. Additionally, Minion is charged with felon in possession of a firearm. They were arraigned in 36th District Court before Magistrate Jeffrey Kleparek. Their bonds were both set at $250,000 personal bond. Upon release, they are not to possess alcohol or guns, and are not allowed to have contact with children, including their own children. They are due back in court at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. OTSEGO COUNTY, MI A boat dubbed Noahs Ark was abandoned on the side of a road in Northern Michigan over the weekend, and police are searching for the owner. The boat was left on the shoulder of Marlette Road near Sherman Road on Saturday evening, police said. It was not on a trailer. Police believe the boat was being pulled with a tow strap north of Sherman for approximately five miles before turning east onto Marlette. Then, while it was being pulled, the anchor point broke and the boat detached from the tow vehicle. It then came to rest on the shoulder and was left there. Michigan State Police Gaylord Post is asking anyone with information related to the boat or its owner to call 989-732-2778. Find more photos of the boat below. A boat dubbed "Noah's Ark" was abandoned on the side of a road in Northern Michigan on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Michigan State Police are looking for the owner.Michigan State Police ANN ARBOR, MI -- A popular Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor will soon open a second location. Owner Gopal Ramanujam confirmed Madras Masala plans to open a second restaurant in the Broadway Retail Center hopefully by March 2024 following some renovations to the space. The restaurant will be opening in 1143 Broadway St. which was the former location for Foods of India. Foods of India, otherwise known as India Cafe, is moving to a new location at 1797 Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti. Owner Tasawar Shah said the business plans to open as soon as possible. Madras Masalas plans for a second location came shortly after the business reopened following a devastating fire in late January. The restaurant now operates at 2016 Packard St. as well. Read more: Madras Masala Restaurant will reopen in new Ann Arbor location after fire Ramanujam said the new space is a bit smaller than Packard Street, but he plans to offer most of the restaurants menu regardless. The retail center on Broadway Street recently received upgrades to its exterior after Morningside Group purchased the space for $1.85 million in July, according to previous MLive reporting. Madras Masala will be joining other businesses in the retail strip including Plate, Arbor Party Store, Broadway Cafe and Cottage Inn Pizza. Read more: Whats that on Ann Arbors Broadway Street? Retail strip getting makeover Morningside is excited to have Madras Masla bring its established brand to the Broadway Retail Center, Morningsides Ron Mucha emailed. The owners ... are tireless entrepreneurs that serve delicious food at a good price with excellent service. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Third Ward Commissioner Rev. Nathaniel Moody will resign midterm. City officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 13, that Moody will resign Dec. 31, saying he is stepping away from the seven-member elected body due to personal reasons. In a statement provided by the city, Moody said he intends to focus more time on his family and health. He did not immediately return a call for comment. In that statement, Moody said his time serving on the Grand Rapids City Commission has been an honor and that he was proud of bringing more investments to the citys Third Ward. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of this great city and to serve with my colleagues and friends on the city commission, Moody said. I am proud to see many investments being made in the Third Ward, including the construction of a new MLK Jr. lodge and fire station. I am hopeful that I contributed to making this community a better place and have faith in the work that the mayor, commissioners, City Manager Mark Washington and staff continue to do. I intend to focus more time on my family and health, I will remain a strong voice in the community. Moody would have been up for reelection in 2024, with his current term set to end Dec. 31, 2024. Moodys fellow Third Ward commissioner is Kelsey Perdue. Moody was appointed to city commission in July 2018 to fill the vacancy left by former commissioner David Allen, who resigned to lead the now-defunct Kent County Land Bank. Moody went on to win his current term on the Grand Rapids City Commission in November 2019. City officials say Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is consulting with city staff and her colleagues on the commission before announcing the replacement process for Moody. That process, city officials said, will take place after the holidays. In a statement provided by the city, Bliss said Moodys wisdom and compassion helped guide the commission and community through some tough times during his service including the pandemic, economic recovery and civil unrest. As a lifetime resident of Grand Rapids, Nathaniels love and passion for this community is unmatched, the mayor said. I valued our relationship as colleagues and look forward to his continued engagement with community in a new way going forward. Moody was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1975 and later earned an associates degree from Grand Rapids Junior College, which became Grand Rapids Community College. He went on to earn his mortuary science degree from Worsham College in Chicago and later a masters degree from Cornerstone Theological Seminary. Moody was ordained as a minister by the AME Zion Connection-Detroit Conference of 101 Episcopal District in 1982 and served as associate minister of St. Luke AME Zion Church in Grand Rapids, where he attended as a young child, for 12 years. In 1996, Moody founded Brown-Hutcherson Ministries with his wife, Laura. He served on various boards and committees in the city, including the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, Grand Rapids Area Association of Pastors, Grand Rapids Board of Education, Grand Rapids Black Chamber of Commerce Community Relations, Spectrum Health Community Services Board, Police Chief Advisory Committee and Urban League of West Michigan. According to the city, his awards and accomplishments include Celebration of Soul Marvin & Malinda Sapp Legacy Award, Omega Psi Phi Perseverance Award, State of Michigan Tribute by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Leadership Award from Bethany Christian Services, Community Leader Award by Grace for the Nations Church, United Methodist Community Achievement Award, Giant Among Giants award, Religious Life Award and the Boy Scouts of Americas Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, among others. SAGINAW, MI Owners of PRH Group, an electrical power services company in Saginaw, hope to charge up the holiday season for families this week. Co-owner Letisha Randle said the company will give away 350 bags of food containing turkey, vegetables and dressing. The giveaway is planned from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the parking lot at 1724 E. Genesee in Saginaw. The event is open to the public at no cost. With most of the companys founders growing up in Saginaw, Randle said the group was eager to support members of their hometown community. Weve been very fortunate and so we definitely want to give back to the community, especially the community that we that we got so much from we grew up in, the Saginaw High School graduate said. We just want to help as many people as we can. Randle said she hoped the Saturday holiday food giveaway represents the start of an annual tradition for PRH Group. This is our first year doing this, she said, but I hope its not the last. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. LANSING, MI Seven involved in the alleged plan to nullify Michigans 2020 election results and ensure then-President Donald Trump would obtain a second term appeared in court Wednesday as attorneys with the state began laying out why their case should be bound over for trial. As part of the ongoing preliminary examinations, which are for a judge to determine if there is sufficient enough evidence to send a case to trial, state attorneys must prove whether the group knew they were committing forgery when sending an alternate slate of Republican electors to the National Archives and Congress. JACKSON COUNTY, MI A fully-custom open-concept lake house perfect for hosting has hit the market on the shores of Lake Columbia near Brooklyn. The home at 10696 Hewitt Road is a 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom ranch with 5,800 square feet of living space on two levels overlooking the man-made lake. Listed at $1.7 million by realtor DeAnn Gumbert of RE/MAX Mid Michigan, its MLives House of the Week. Homes from across the state are featured each Wednesday. A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. On routine visits to Winn Correctional Center, human rights attorney Sarah Decker comes face to face with migrants battered by the harsh conditions of prolonged confinement. Decker works as a staff attorney at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Advocates released a report documenting years of abuse and torture at Winn accompanied by an urgent plea to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas not to renew a contract for the facility, which is set to expire in May. Its rare for the governments own oversight bodies to find so many deficiencies in a facility back to back and its also quite rare for one of those oversight agencies to actually recommend a depopulation and ending the use of a particular facility because of the record of abuse " Decker said. Winn is approaching capacity with around 1,400 detainees confined to filthy crowded cells, exposed to mold, fed expired food and offered tainted water. They are routinely denied medical care, verbally abused and physically assaulted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents all according to the recent report. Winn staff punish detainees with lengthy periods of isolation. One detainee was sent to solitary confinement for a month for taking a shower at 11pm, the report said. The punishment is one of the most egregious human rights abuses Decker has seen, she said. It goes by several names at Winn: solitary confinement, disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, SHU (Segregated Housing Unit), the hole. But the impact is all the same: Physical and social isolation cause serious psychological distress linked to long-lasting mental challenges. This report documents that solitary confinement has lead detainees to attempt suicide. Decker said authorities at Winn find all sorts of reasons to send detainees to solitary confinement, from belonging to the LGBTQ+ community to speaking about the abuse theyve faced. We very frequently see ICE weaponizing solitary confinement, she said. Everyone that we speak to whos subjected to prolonged solitary confinement has really devastating psychological effects from it, including suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, if someone in the general population expresses suicidal ideation, the response from ICE is to place them in solitary under suicide watch, which then, as you can imagine, further aggravates their problem. The report shows racism is rampant at the facility. Detainees are pressured to sign documents written in English with no translation. An Ecuadorian detainee told Decker that officers mocked his facial features and barred him from going outside because he was too short. Anti-Black violence is also on the rise, Decker said. Winn personnel joke about lynching Black detainees and regularly deny their parole applications with little justification or opportunity for review. This is a pattern that we saw at a few facilities, but particularly at Winn, where a group of majority-Black immigrants were protesting their rights in detention, Decker said. Its something we believe is systemic in all of the [Louisiana]ICE jails, but I have observed a particular uptick in those incidents at Winn compared to other facilities. This summer, ICE officers beat and hurled slurs at a Nigerian migrant, sending the man to an outside medical facility for treatment of his injuries. Months later, officers from LaSalle Corrections, the for-profit prison corporation that operates Winn, sexually harassed the same man on multiple occasions. The New Orleans ICE Field Office was notified about the abuse and transferred the man to several other facilities before ultimately deporting him. In 2021, ICE officers attacked a group of Cameroonian asylum seekers, throwing them to the ground and hurling slurs at them. The attack was an attempt at forcing the migrants to sign or fingerprint deportation documents. The Cameroonians filed a civil rights lawsuit prompting an investigation of Winn, where The Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties found culture and conditions that can lead to abuse, mistreatment and discrimination. The agency recommended Winns population be drawn down to zero until conditions improved. At minimum, they recommended Winn half its population to correspond with the number of showers and toilets available. Despite recognition of the abuse by White House officials and pledges from Secretary Mayorkas to halt anti-immigrant abuses, the population at Winn continues to grow, nearing capacity with an average of 1,462 detainees daily. In fact, Decker said, the upcoming depopulation of another Louisiana detention center could see an influx of migrants transferred to Winn as soon as the end of the year. The only resolution, she said, is to shut Winn down. This piece has been updated to correctly identify Winn Correction Center. The United States is deeply concerned over the reported disappearance of Russian dissident and political prisoner Alexey Navalny. On December 11, Navalnys spokesman announced that his lawyers had been unable to reach him for days, and that Navalny did not appear by video link for a scheduled court date. Navalny is Russian leader Vladimir Putins most prominent critic and political opponent, as well as Russias foremost anti-corruption campaigner. After a decade of harassment by the authorities, in 2020 Navalny survived an assassination attempt in Russia poisoning from the chemical agent Novichok. After recovering in Germany, he insisted on returning to Russia where he was immediately arrested and imprisoned on spurious, politically motivated charges. In August 2023, Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years on charges of extremism. He had been serving time in a prison camp east of Moscow under extremely harsh conditions, including prolonged periods of solitary confinement. His lawyers were finally informed he was no longer in the camp, but authorities refused to say where he had been moved. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that the United States is deeply concerned for Navalnys well-being. We have communicated to the Russian Government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr. Navalny, he said. We have repeatedly joined Mr. Navalnys family, his colleagues, [and] supporters around the world in calling for his immediate release without conditions and for the Russian Government to end its continued repression of independent voices in Russia who are subject to relentless harassment and intimidation for exercising their human rights. Earlier this year, the United States deplored the more than 500 political prisoners held in Russia. Spokesperson Miller said the United States will continue to follow the cases of everyone in Russia who has been illegally detained. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a junior mining company working on multiple projects throughout the Western United States. Through joint venture partnerships with industry majors on three of the projects, substantial investments in exploration from these JV deals are bringing in some exciting results for the company. We focus on high-grade assets in the Western U.S. Thats always been the focus, American Pacific Chief Executive Officer and Director Warwick Smith said this fall. He said that since forming six years ago, the company has seen several successes along the way. In 2021, the Wall Street Journal Mining Index consistently ranked us as the number one performing gold stock globally that year, Smith said. That was a nice feather in our cap, for sure. American Pacifics projects include: The Tuscarora District, near the Jerritt Canyon mine in Nevada. The Madison Mine, northeast of Dillon, Montana in JV partnership with Rio Tinto. The Palmer VMS Project, near Juneau, Alaska in JV partnership with Dowa Metals & Mining Alaska Ltd. The Ziggurat Project, near Kinross Round Mountain Mine in Nevada in JV partnership with Centerra Gold Inc. The Gooseberry Mine, near Reno, Nevada. I think the unique thing when you look at American Pacific is, its got roughly a $50 million U.S. market cap, but its going to see about $34 million U.S. in exploration development this year spent by partners, Smith said. If you view that against the peers, Hecla spent $29 million U.S. in the United States last year in exploration, and Coeur spent $27 million U.S., and those are a three-and-a-half billion and a billion-dollar company, respectively. So were certainly punching above our weight class in terms of the amount of news that were creating. Smith said he believes working alongside partners who are investing in a project is a good business model. We work well with our partners, Smith said. This is a business model weve seen be really successful, and its one that we believe in. Tuscarora District Smith was formerly the CEO of Western Pacific Resources Corp., where he led the acquisition of the Deer Trail Mine in Utah and the rediscovery of the Black Pine Mine in Idaho. American Pacific Mining was formed in July 2017. The company entered the public markets in March 2018 with the acquisition of the Tuscarora Gold Project. We viewed that as a very high-grade epithermal potential discovery, Smith said. And we came in and drilled it ourselves and had some good success. They started with a 24-claim, 447-acre project and immediately grew that to 91 claims over 1818 acres, and they have continued to grow the land package since then. They were up to around 5,300 acres by early 2023. In May 2023 American Pacific acquired Clearview Gold Inc., which had three gold projects in Nevada, including the Danny Boy Mine property adjacent to American Pacifics Tuscarora property. The acquisition of Danny Boy brings American Pacifics Tuscarora District to nearly 10,000 acres. Now we have a very commanding land package there, said Eric Saderholm, managing director of exploration for American Pacific. Its the largest land package that Tuscarora has seen, as far as I know, in the last 40 years. A co-founder of American Pacific with Smith, Saderholm is a former Newmont exploration manager for the Western U.S., and has worked on numerous large mines and projects, including Bingham Canyon, Carlin, Midas, Gold Quarry, Twin Creeks, Lonetree, Mule Canyon, Black Pine, Genesis and Yanacocha. I view Eric as our big strategic advantage in the Western U.S., Smith said. Hes seen a lot of assets and knows what it takes to grow these assets and to have them become the desire of majors. The Tuscarora District is about 45 miles north of Elko, Nevada; about seven miles southwest of the Jerritt Canyon Mine and about 22 miles northeast of the Hollister Mine in the Carlin Trend. The mineralization field at Tuscarora formed between 39.9 and 39.3 million years ago in the same time range as the 40-to-37-million-year age of the gold mineralization in the Carlin Trend. It is actually Carlin-style potential there as well, Saderholm said. And thats something that really hasnt been tested. Youre in between two trends, but Jerritt Canyon is clearly a Carlin-style system, and youre just east of the Carlin Trend, and further east of the Cortez Trend. Its the same rock package as those world-class trends. Its a big system, theres a lot of gold and silver, and we think that a deeper hole there might really pay off. This is the oldest epithermal system in the state of Nevada, Smith said, and I think thats part of the reason why youre getting such high grades through those veins. Saderholm said the Tuscarora area was a mining community of about 5,000 people in the late 1800s. It was quite a thriving community back in 1870 to about 1910. And thats where to look in the state of Nevada. You go where the old timers hacked on some rocks and made a couple of pits. Thats how a lot of these discoveries are made across Nevada and the western USA in general. Its just following up where the old prospect pits were. They didnt have the modern technology that we now have for drilling and evaluation. Sometimes you go to where they prospected in those days, and a lot of times you find quite a bit of undiscovered mineralization. The old timers mined about 500,000 ounces of gold and about 7.5 million ounces of silver from the area, Saderholm said. In the late 1980s an open pit mine run by a joint venture between Chevron and Horizon produced about 50,000 ounces of gold. American Pacific has had two exploration drilling campaigns at Tuscarora so far. I think part of the appeal with Tuscarora is youve got these wildly high-grade hits through some of the veins that have been drilled before, Smith said. The ones that we drilled, we got great results on. American Pacific reported bonanza grade samples in 2021 as high as 21,032 grams of gold per ton and 38,820 grams of silver per ton. One of the drill highlights in the South Navajo Zone was 127.08 grams of gold per ton over 15 feet, which included 368.31 grams of gold per ton over 5 feet. With the acquisition of Danny Boy, American Pacific has more work to do to study the total land package. Theres a lot of systematic exploration that needs to be done to tie all of the data together, Smith said. Were currently exploring up there, Saderholm said in the fall. We have mapping and exploration to do, and then well come up with a drill program. And well present this to potential JV partners, which weve already had success in contacting. I think it looks very good for, say, a mid-major to come in and pick it up, because the grades can be quite spectacular there. Plus, its in a great mining district. We all know that Elko is as mining friendly as you get. Madison Mine The Madison Copper-Gold Mine is near Silver Star, Montana, a small town between Twin Bridges and Whitehall. So its in a traditional mining area that has had many deposits that have been historically mined, Saderholm said. And were not that far from Butte, which is obviously a gargantuan copper porphyry, and Madison is located along the same structural trend. The Madison property is around 20 miles southeast of Butte, as the crow flies. Theres a bit of a funny story about how we got that project, Smith said. Eric and I had actually reviewed the project in 2016, and really liked it, but another company bought it before we had the chance to negotiate. The company did great work on the site, Smith said, and in April 2019 they announced that they had brought Rio Tinto in as a partner. Under the partnership agreement, Rio Tinto will spend $30 million U.S. over 11 years to earn 70% of the project. Then in June of 2019, Smith said, two months later, the company halted from trading and announced they were becoming a psychedelics company focused on medical mushrooms. So I reached out to the CEO, who I didnt know at the time, and said, what are you going to do with the mining project? And he said, I think well probably just keep that private. And I said, sell it to me. And so we bought it. We paid $2.4 million Canadian in stock for the asset and the partnership with Rio Tinto. The deal led the company to become a finalist for Deal of the Year for the 2021 and 2022 S&P Global Platts Metals Awards. In 2022, the Platts Metals Awards also selected Smith as a finalist for CEO/Chairperson of the Year and American Pacific Mining as a finalist for Rising Star Company. The company would receive a total of five nominations at the 2022 awards program. Smith said the Madison Mine is a great asset, with a high-grade skarn surface with porphyry underneath. Its a high-grade gold skarn with copper in it and some silver and a little bit of lead, Saderholm said. I worked at the Phoenix deposit, which was the Fortitude deposit years ago, Saderholm said. It was mined by Battle Mountain Gold, and it was a 2.5-million-ounce skarn. So very impressive in size, and it shares a lot of the same characteristics as Madison. The rock looks very similar. Saderholm said he noted the similarities when he looked at the Madison site and went into the underground workings in 2016. What impressed me, though, with Madison was the grades. The grades are much, much higher than the Fortitude deposit, and thats what I really like. I like a system that can produce that kind of grade. I guess Ive never seen a skarn in my life that runs those grades." He said there are some drill holes and there has been mining there in the past, but the majority of the ore body is still there. He said they were busy planning and permitting a drill program this fall to test the depth of the mineralization at Madison. From 1880 to 1950, the Broadway Mine on the Madison property produced 144,000 ounces of gold with average grades of 9 grams per ton from a mile of underground workings which went to a depth of 755 feet. Smith said Rio Tinto has been great to work with at the Madison Mine. I think we were a bit concerned about it initially, because it was a bit of David and Goliath with such a big partner, but theyve been excellent partners to work with, Smith said. Rio Tinto obviously isnt looking for any small-scale deposits, Smith said. I think one of the concerns we had with Rio when we got into this transaction was, were they going to be porphyry or bust? And then by year two, they came to us and said, we think this skarn is a Rio Tinto sized target on its own. Both JV partners are looking forward to learning more about what lies further below the surface of the Madison project. Smith said there was small-scale production at the site between 2008 and 2013 that produced a few million pounds of copper, and people were stunned when they heard that there were grades during that production which were between 20 and 35% copper, along with an average of around 19 grams of gold per ton. So yeah, it carries spectacular grades, Smith said. We had one drill hole that was 61 meters of almost 7% copper. I think thats what captures the imagination for people, when they see that and they see it close to surface, Smith said. And you know theres a porphyry down below, because they drilled a porphyry in 2017, and you start asking yourself, okay, if all this has been pushed up and its concentrated in such high grades, whats happening down below to push it up? So thats part of the excitement for the project as well. Smith said Rio Tinto has invested $6.8 million U.S. into the Madison Mine so far. Saderholm commented that Rio Tinto has also increased their land package around the Madison site. Palmer VMS Project The Palmer VMS Project north of Juneau, Alaska is currently American Pacifics largest project in scope and scale. The land package totals 61,984 acres. There are two high-grade deposits which are primarily zinc and copper along with silver, gold and barite. A resource estimate showed a total consolidated mineral resource of 4.68 million metric tons of 10.2% zinc equivalent, or 3.9% copper equivalent, in the indicated category, and 9.59 million metric tons of 8.9% zinc equivalent, or 3.4% copper equivalent, in the inferred category. We think its got the opportunity to get a lot larger, Smith said. We purchased this very late last year after about a year of negotiating on it, Smith said. The partner is Dowa Mining & Metals. They own the largest smelter out of Japan. They do about $2 billion U.S. a year in revenue from smelting, so a very deep-pocketed partner. Dowa is spending $25.5 million U.S. on the Palmer Project in 2023. Were excited to get out and drill some of these exploration targets, Smith said. Dowa is scheduled to spend another $140 million U.S. on the project through 2026. Following the initial assay results announcement on Oct. 18, Smith said, We are pleased that significant semi-massive and massive sulfide mineralization has been observed within the upper (Zone 1) and lower (Zone 2-3) VMS lenses of the Southwall Zone at the Palmer deposit. The announcement said the results included 76.8 feet of 1.78% copper and 13.73% zinc, with 20.3 feet of 30.16% zinc, along with elevated gold, silver and barite values. American Pacific purchased just over 40% of the project for $19.9 million Canadian and is the operator, Smith said. We get paid 7% in terms of a management fee, Smith said. By the end of 2026 we actually will have been paid back in cash what we paid out in stock, and still well retain a percentage of the asset thats headed towards production. We think thats good smart M&A. Dowa is aggressively moving the project toward production, Smith said. He said they want the mine to be producing feed for their smelters by 2030. So, were pushing on those timelines. The original discovery of surface mineralization was made in 1969 by local prospector Merrill Palmer. Since then, there have been several exploration campaigns by various companies. Its a classic volcanogenic massive sulfide VMSand its been folded so tightly that a lot of the mineralization is very close together rather than being spread out the way it was originally deposited, Saderholm said. It has a lot of potential. The focus has mainly been on making what are certainly economic ore bodies more robust, Saderholm said. We plan on moving out and doing a little exploration into other areas just to make it even more enticing. Its a beautiful deposit and a big land package that we have up there. Saderholm said the project is in a good location, about 25 miles outside of Haines, with infrastructure in the area. One of the nice parts is that you are 20 miles from the deepwater port which will facilitate shipping Palmers ore directly to the Dowa smelter in Japan, Smith said. Ziggurat Project When American Pacific acquired Clearview Gold in May 2023, the deal added three more Nevada-based gold projects to the companys portfolio. In addition to the Danny Boy Mine adjacent to the Tuscarora Project, they also acquired the Alpha Project (in proximity to the Carlin and Battle Mountain-Eureka trends) and the Ziggurat Project. Located at the northern end of the Round Mountain Trend in Nye County in Nevada, Ziggurat is about 12 miles from Kinross Round Mountain Mine, which has produced more than 15 million ounces of gold. The Ziggurat Project is also adjacent to Newmonts Northumberland Mine, which has produced 3.5 million ounces of gold and 11 million ounces of silver. And weve got 42 square kilometers in the middle, Smith said. Eric worked at Northumberland, so when he saw the rocks at Ziggurat, he said, You know, weve got to get this, because Ive seen this in Northumberland. The only difference with Ziggurat is it pokes out at surface. So yeah, were excited about that. Centerra Gold is the partner with a JV option agreement at Ziggurat. Centerra is budgeting $1.3 million U.S. for Ziggurat in 2023. Ziggurat is going to get drilled, we believe either later this year or early next year, Smith said. Centerra will drill thirteen holes to start with. Heading into 2024, American Pacific is staying busy working with its three JV partners, with hopefully a fourth in the wings for the Tuscarora District, Smith said. Komatsu has already begun delivering a new fleet of haul trucks for Nevada Gold Mines operations north of Carlin and at the Cortez mining complex under a contract that calls for 62 trucks to be delivered between this year and 2025. Komatsu also is nearing completion of a new warehouse in Elko that will increase support for the truck fleet. Komatsu announced that 40 of the 930E-5 trucks will go to Carlin and 22 to Cortez. The company said the contract with NGM follows the success of Komatsu trucks at Barrick Gold Corp.s Lumwana copper operation in Zambia. Barrick is 61.5% owner and operator of NGM, with Newmont Corp. holding 38.5%. The new haul trucks, which are manufactured in Peoria, Ill., have electric drives, which means fewer mechanical components and less maintenance, according to the Komatsu website. The company also says the electric drives lower diesel fuel use, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. The 930E-5 haul trucks have a capacity of 320 tons. We are excited to build on the success weve achieved so far with Barrick through this new collaboration with Nevada Gold Mines, said Josh Wagner, vice president and general manager for Komatsus North America Mining Division. We will be ready to support the fleet ramp up with our state-of-the-art and growing Elko service capabilities, he said in an October news release. Komatsu is constructing the nearly 50,000-square-foot warehouse adjacent to its Elko service center on P&H Drive and hopes to complete it in early 2024. The 189,000-square-foot service center supports mining and construction equipment, including haul trucks, hydraulic shovels, electric rope shovels and support equipment. Peter Richardson, executive managing director of NGM, said in the Komatsu announcement that Komatsu has provided us with tremendous regional support and their team in Elko has been instrumental in helping us maintain our fleet with parts and component rebuilds for our trucks; a wheel motor upgrade program; and maintenance and support for the P&H shovels that are part of our operations. Komatsu also said NGM purchased multiple pieces of support equipment from the company. Barrick reported back in August in an earnings announcement that the first seven of the 930E-5 haul trucks had arrived. Komatsu additionally stated that Barrick and Komatsu met at Komatsus surface mining headquarters in Milwaukee to lay the groundwork for a collaborative global partnership. Komatsu said it was committed to building its partnership and is being considered to sell to Barricks Reko Diq copper project in Pakistan. Komatsu is based in Tokyo but is worldwide. Nevada Vanadium LLC has U.S. Bureau of Land Management approval to proceed with its Gibellini Vanadium Project in Eureka County, but the company still has hurdles to cross before construction and production. Those steps include completing a feasibility study, finding financing, and waiting for the price of the critical mineral vanadium to go back up. The president and chief executive officer of Nevada Vanadium, Ron Espell, said the feasibility study is mandatory for financing. Our objective is to have everything ready, the feasibility study and everything else, so that when the price of vanadium is at where we need it, were ready to pull the trigger. The price of vanadium in early November was in the range of $6 per pound, while the average price has been $10 to $12 per pound, and thats the range we want it to be, he said. It is all about the price, but we are very confident in predictions for $10 a pound. Were hoping to have the study done mid-year next year and from there make a production decision, he said, stating that pre-production procurement of equipment that has a long lead time could begin then. Espell said finishing the report will require more drilling and add to the mine life. Drilling results from the Louie Hill and Bisoni-McKay deposits will feed into the feasibility study, and the results could extend Gibellinis mine life to 20 years, compared with the seven years of mine life cited in the BLMs record of decision issued in late October for the project. The feasibility study will look at production potential, costs for construction, vanadium resources, mining methods, production methods and more, including the planned solar energy project that is the approved alternative in the BLMs environmental impact statements and decision. Hitachi Energy is working on portions of the feasibility study, Espell said. He said he expects the study to evaluate the option of contract mining, for example. He said contract mining would make sense in the first three years of the project because the contractor would provide the mining equipment and experienced operators. Early estimates for the project construction were $150 million, and Espell said that financing is the biggest hurdle to get over. A U.S. Department of Defense grant is one possibility. Were working on that right now, Espell said. It would cover all the costs. Were trying to use support in D.C. to qualify for the Department of Defense fund. The U.S. Department of Defense interest in the project stems from the fact that vanadium is a critical mineral used in the aerospace industry, steel manufacturing and batteries, but China is the major supplier now. Gibellini to be first The Gibellini Mine would be the first in this country to produce vanadium as its main product, and this is really the most advanced primary vanadium deposit as far as having the permitting done, and there is almost no strip ratio, Espell said. The strip ratio is the amount of earth to be moved to get to the deposit. Others are four or five years out as far as permitting and feasibility studies, said Espell, who worked on the Gibellini project from 2012 to 2015 for American Vanadium, and then began working for Nevada Vanadium on the project in 2018. Responsible development of critical minerals is central to the clean energy transition, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in the Oct. 26 record of decision announcement. BLM is leading the way with efficient and collaborative permitting processes as we build a sustainable supply chain to power our clean energy future. Espell said then that as one of the most advanced vanadium mine projects in the country, Gibellini represents exceptional optionality potential to provide a long-term domestic supply of high purity vanadium critical for establishing a strong domestic vanadium supply chain required to support independent industries, such as vanadium redox flow batteries, steel industries and the super alloys needed for aerospace. Most vanadium production goes to the steel industry because vanadium strengthens steel, but the market for vanadium flow batteries is growing. Terry Perles, director of U.S. Vanadium, told Sierra Nevada Ally that the batteries have been around a long time, but the confluence of technology development is improving the market. Project description The Gibellini Mine, which is about 27 miles southeast of Eureka, would employ 120 people during construction and roughly 110 people during operations. The mine would be an open pit operation producing 10 million pounds of vanadium a year. BLM stated that the 10 million pounds per year would be roughly 60% of U.S. demand. In addition to the vanadium production, Nevada Vanadium would produce uranium yellowcake because of the naturally occurring uranium on site. The yellowcake would be packaged in lined and sealed drums, and the expected yellowcake production per year is 50,000 pounds. The yellowcake would be shipped by truck in sealed containers, and Espell said although the price for uranium has gone up and is very attractive, it is a secondary product. The uranium must be separated from vanadium, and he said the company thought the best way to do that would be put it into yellowcake form. He said he wants the uranium sent off site so when it comes time to close the mine, there will be minimal amounts of uranium on the leach pad. Vanadium will be leached with sulfuric acid. This mine is really designed for closure, Espell said. According to the BLMs final EIS, the project would include an open pit, a waste rock disposal area, crushing facilities and stockpile, a heap leach pad, process facility and make-up water ponds, borrow areas, mine and access roads, water and power supply lines and ancillary facilities. Gibellini wont require dewatering, so there will be no pit lake after mining ends. The renewable energy alternative the BLM selected in response to agency review and based on public comments will include a six-megawatt solar field and a 10-megawatt vanadium flow battery to provide 100% of the mines projected net electrical power demand. The BLM stated Gibellini would be the first mine in the U.S. to be completely powered by renewable energy. Addressing impacts Looking at impacts, the final EIS states that project-related noise level changes with mining would be less than thresholds thought to affect sage grouse lekking behavior, but all mine activities would be limited to ensure noise levels do not exceed 10 decibels above ambient sound levels at least one-quarter mile from active and pending leks, from two hours before and after sunrise during the breeding season. Nevada Vanadium will be required to install a noise monitor near the lek. The document additionally states that radioactive levels at the site are lower than levels that would require regulation by the state and lower than federal action levels, but the project will be regulated under the Nevada Department of Health. The company plans will include occupational health monitoring of all workers during and after operations to ensure exposure levels are within acceptable limits, the final EIS states, so no elevated risk of radiological exposure from material handling is expected. The record of decision and plan of operations states that Nevada Vanadium will work with Eureka County to develop uranium specific emergency response training materials and provide training and materials to Eureka County, White Pine County, Duckwater Reservation, and Nevada Highway Patrol response teams. The document outlines many other steps Nevada Vanadium will need to take, including providing a financial guarantee determined by the BLM Mount Lewis Field Office as nearly $33.63 million to meet anticipated reclamation costs. Among the additional steps listed is one that states that all orders of supplies and consumables will be made at the NVV purchasing office in Eureka. No solicitors are permitted on the mine site. This practice will reduce the volume of vehicles to and from the mine during normal business hours. The BLM also asked that Nevada Vanadium work with the Eureka County Road Department on maintenance of the Duckwater Road that provides access to the Gibellini site. The project area consists of 6,456 acres of BLM-administered lands with roughly 839 acres of surface disturbance anticipated, the BLM reported. The permitting process for the Gibellini Vanadium Project was very comprehensive and thorough, said John Lee, chairman of Nevada Vanadium. At each stage of the EIS review process, all stakeholders were provided with multiple opportunities to engage and make meaningful contributions to the final outcome. He said on Oct. 27 the record of decision is a very detailed document, which serves as the foundation for us to build a technically, environmentally, and financially responsible, as well as a socially sustainable, operation. The Gibellini Vanadium Project is 100% owned by Nevada Vanadium LLC, which is a U.S. corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. Prudence Crampton, deputy district manager of the Battle Mountain BLM office, said in an email that records of decision are good for three years. If three years pass without construction, the BLM may need to evaluate if the National Environmental Protection Act findings are still valid or need to be refreshed. Editors note: An older story on the Gibellini Vanadium Project was mistakenly included in the issue of Mining the West magazine which was published in December 2023. This is the current story on the project. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on December 12 concludes his two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. (Photo: VNA) During his stay in Vietnam, he paid floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and laid a wreath at the monument to war heroes and martyrs on Bac Son street in Hanoi. Hun Manet paid courtesy visits to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong, attended an official welcome ceremony and held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and met with National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Vietnamese leaders hailed the visit by Hun Manet, saying it would make contributions to consolidating and creating a new milestone in the Vietnam Cambodia relations. They also congratulated the guest for his election as the Cambodian Prime Minister and Vice Chairman of the Cambodian Peoples Party, as well as the great achievements that Cambodia has carved out over the past time. They laid stress on Vietnams consistent policy of respecting and giving top priority to the good neighbourliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability with Cambodia, while treasuring the tradition of solidarity and mutual support in the struggles for national independence in the past, as well as in the current national construction and development. Hun Manet affirmed that Cambodia will stand shoulder to shoulder with Vietnam to protect, preserve, nurture and develop the bilateral ties to a new height, and pass them on to the younger generations. Leaders from both countries reached consensus on striving to boost two-way trade to 20 billion USD in the time to come, and encouraging and facilitating investment and business cooperation activities of enterprises from both sides. They applauded close coordination by the two countries' competent agencies to maintain and consolidate the border line of peace, stability and development, while concurring to continue collaboration to accelerate the completion of the remaining 16% of land border demarcation and marker planting work. On the occasion, PM Pham Minh Chinh and PM Hun Manet witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce; and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Cambodias National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations. They also attended the Vietnam Cambodia trade and investment promotion forum, and met with students from the Foreign Trade University./. BRC Inc. (NYSE:BRCC Get Free Report) Director Glenn W. Welling bought 200,000 shares of BRC stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $3.85 per share, for a total transaction of $770,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 12,851,018 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $49,476,419.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. BRC Trading Up 1.7 % NYSE BRCC traded up $0.07 on Tuesday, reaching $4.13. 509,798 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 555,892. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $3.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $875.73 million, a P/E ratio of -13.72 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. BRC Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2.51 and a fifty-two week high of $8.27. Get BRC alerts: BRC (NYSE:BRCC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $100.54 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $106.46 million. BRC had a negative return on equity of 19.42% and a negative net margin of 4.72%. Analysts forecast that BRC Inc. will post -0.17 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $8.00 price target on shares of BRC in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $7.81. Check Out Our Latest Report on BRC Hedge Funds Weigh In On BRC Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of BRCC. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of BRC in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. UBS Group AG purchased a new position in BRC during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in BRC by 251.5% during the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,540 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 2,533 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its holdings in shares of BRC by 556.8% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 7,258 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 6,153 shares during the period. Finally, Alhambra Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in BRC in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 15.21% of the companys stock. BRC Company Profile (Get Free Report) BRC Inc, through its subsidiaries, purchases, roasts, and sells coffee, coffee accessories, and branded apparel in the United States. The company also produces media content; podcasts; and digital and print journals, as well as sells coffee brewing equipment, and outdoor and lifestyle gear. It supports active military, veterans, and first responders. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BRC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BRC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $5,158,880.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,113,920. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of JPM traded up $1.39 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $160.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,221,590 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,809,669. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12-month low of $123.11 and a 12-month high of $160.65. The stock has a market cap of $463.98 billion, a PE ratio of 9.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The companys 50 day moving average is $147.83 and its 200 day moving average is $147.34. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. The firm had revenue of $40.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $39.63 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.97% and a net margin of 22.79%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.12 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 4th will be given a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.62%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is 25.07%. JPM has been the subject of several analyst reports. Odeon Capital Group cut JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $140.00 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $167.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $187.00 to $191.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $168.80. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on JPM Institutional Trading of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Sunbelt Securities Inc. raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.8% during the third quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 29,143 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,345 shares during the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.2% during the third quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,426 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,222,000 after purchasing an additional 339 shares during the last quarter. Financial Insights Inc. acquired a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter worth $1,544,000. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 8.8% during the third quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 24,489 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,551,000 after purchasing an additional 1,978 shares during the last quarter. Finally, David R. Rahn & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter worth $229,000. 68.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. * Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. * China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. * The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples. HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. "We sincerely hope that our two nations will... steadily promote the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in a signed article published by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam. To steadily promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Xi said the two countries need to maintain strategic communication, make good use of their complementary strengths, step up friendly exchanges, and properly manage differences. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries have enhanced their common interests with mutually beneficial cooperation, writing together a new chapter in their modernization drive. LUCRATIVE TRADE For Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vietnam's Vina T&T Import Export Trading Service Company, a sales slump in the United States and Canada in the first four months of 2023 didn't disturb him very much. The company's export revenues increased by 20 percent thanks to growing shipments to China. The company has signed contracts to export 1,500 containers of durian, 15 tons of the fruit in each container, to China this year, he said. Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu) In September last year, Vietnamese durians, with longer harvest seasons and lower prices compared to traditionally market-dominant Thai and Malaysian durians, gained market access to China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework. The fruit is widely popular among Chinese consumers, offering new opportunities to durian growers, packers and producers in Vietnam. Meanwhile, fruits like grapes, citrus and vegetables from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are also well-received in the Vietnamese market, fostering a sustained momentum in bilateral trade of agricultural products. International cold-chain train services were launched on the China-Vietnam route last month, carrying fruits and vegetables from southwest China's Yunnan province to northwest Vietnam's Lao Cai province. The new services are expected to inject impetus into common prosperity and high-level opening-up along the railway routes, said Tao Qiang, deputy director of the cargo transport department of China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the service operator. China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In 2022, bilateral trade stood at 234.92 billion U.S. dollars, up 2.1 percent year on year. In the first 10 months of this year, bilateral trade reached 185.1 billion dollars, with China being Vietnam's biggest market for vegetable and fruit exports. Le Thanh Hoa, deputy director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that it is expected that the bilateral trade volume will hit a new high after Xi's visit, and China will import more high-quality agricultural and sideline products from Vietnam to help its agricultural development. DEVELOPMENT SYNERGY In Hanoi, Vietnam's first city metro is running smoothly and carrying commuters through the city crowded with millions of motorbikes and cars. The Chinese-built metro line has witnessed soaring popularity as recent figures showed a 262 percent increase in passengers in the first three months this year from a year earlier. A train runs on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) As a flagship project of advancing the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, the 13 km Cat Linh-Ha Dong line with 12 stations covering three districts in Hanoi provides a convenient and comfortable alternative for commuters, as well as a chance to enjoy an overhead view of the capital. Since its commercial operation in November 2021, the metro has run over 17.5 million passenger trips, and is welcomed by citizens for being eco-friendly and convenient with reasonable ticket prices, said Vu Hong Truong, general director of Hanoi Metro One Member Limited Liability Company. Another exemplification of green development cooperation is the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant in Hanoi. It can handle 4,000 tons of trash per day, or over 60 percent of the city's garbage, and has made important contributions to improving the city's appearance and environment. The construction of the plant has effectively contributed to Vietnam's green energy transition and solved the problem of garbage pollution that had long troubled local people, said Gu Chaoqing, president of the Business Association of China in Vietnam. Xi's state visit is a great encouragement for the business communities of both countries, Gu said, adding that it will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, investment and connectivity. It will also promote personnel exchanges and create more favorable conditions for business investments and development, benefiting the people of both countries and the region. PROMISING OUTLOOK "We will bring more benefits to our neighbors through Chinese modernization, jointly move forward Asia's modernization process, and provide new development opportunities for Vietnam and other Asian countries," Xi said in the signed article. As Vietnam is mulling incentive packages to attract strategic investors and multinationals for more foreign direct investments, experts have suggested that besides financial incentives, Vietnam should focus on the upgrade of socio-economic infrastructure, the development of a green economy and the facilitation of administrative procedures. This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a China-Vietnam (L) and a China-Laos international cold-chain freight trains pulling out of Yanhe Station of Yuxi City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo by Chen Chang/Xinhua) The goal aligns perfectly with the vision of the fast-growing Chinese investment in Vietnam, which ranked third last year and rose to second place in the first nine months of this year with an amount of 2.92 billion dollars. The Chinese investment is actively adapting to the needs of Vietnam's economic transformation and upgrading, said Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, listing high-tech, information and communication, new energy, green development and e-commerce logistics as areas with huge potential. In September, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Chinese enterprises and investors to participate in the investment in and construction of strategic infrastructure projects such as railways and highways in Vietnam. Sharing a similar view, Xiong said China holds a positive and open attitude towards participating in Vietnam's infrastructure construction. Accelerating the connectivity of transport infrastructure, especially railway and road connectivity, is the focus of cooperation between the two countries under the BRI and the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, he added. While co-chairing the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the two sides to leverage geographical proximity and industrial complementarity to jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chain system. The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. (Video reporters: Li Guangzheng, Tao Jun, Sun Yi, Hu Jiali, Lin Hao, Qi Xin and Lu Huijia; video editors: Zheng Xin, Mu Xuyao, Yang Zhixiang, Liu Ruoshi and Ma Ruxuan) Editor: JYZ Lennox International Inc. (NYSE:LII Get Free Report) EVP Gary S. Bedard sold 968 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $428.05, for a total transaction of $414,352.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 20,148 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,624,351.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Lennox International Trading Up 0.8 % LII traded up $3.46 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $432.51. 176,224 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 309,164. The firms fifty day moving average is $388.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $360.20. Lennox International Inc. has a 1-year low of $232.00 and a 1-year high of $434.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.03. The company has a market cap of $15.37 billion, a PE ratio of 28.30, a PEG ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.96. Get Lennox International alerts: Lennox International (NYSE:LII Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The construction company reported $5.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.73 by $0.64. Lennox International had a negative return on equity of 2,262.68% and a net margin of 10.97%. The firm had revenue of $1.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.28 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.10 EPS. Lennox Internationals revenue was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Lennox International Inc. will post 17.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Lennox International Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lennox International The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $1.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.02%. Lennox Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 29.04%. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Symmetry Partners LLC purchased a new position in Lennox International during the second quarter worth $750,000. Carmignac Gestion grew its position in shares of Lennox International by 79.1% in the first quarter. Carmignac Gestion now owns 1,967 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $494,000 after purchasing an additional 869 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Lennox International by 2.4% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 101,530 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $33,106,000 after purchasing an additional 2,351 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Lennox International by 5.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 515,049 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $167,691,000 after purchasing an additional 24,870 shares during the period. Finally, Achmea Investment Management B.V. grew its position in shares of Lennox International by 18.4% in the second quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 79,283 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,852,000 after purchasing an additional 12,341 shares during the period. 67.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have issued reports on LII shares. Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on shares of Lennox International in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. They set a sector perform rating and a $391.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Lennox International from $378.00 to $407.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Barclays lifted their target price on Lennox International from $350.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Stephens upgraded Lennox International from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $415.00 to $550.00 in a research report on Monday. Finally, Mizuho upgraded Lennox International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $340.00 to $460.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Lennox International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $412.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennox International Lennox International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Residential Heating & Cooling, Commercial Heating & Cooling, and Refrigeration. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lennox International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennox International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Terreno Realty Co. (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) Director Leroy E. Carlson sold 5,000 shares of Terreno Realty stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.77, for a total value of $293,850.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 34,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,049,368.67. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Terreno Realty Price Performance Shares of NYSE TRNO traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $59.59. 452,341 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 553,275. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $55.43 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.09. The stock has a market cap of $5.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.14, a PEG ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.83. Terreno Realty Co. has a one year low of $50.42 and a one year high of $67.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Get Terreno Realty alerts: Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by ($0.20). The company had revenue of $82.92 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $80.70 million. Terreno Realty had a return on equity of 5.98% and a net margin of 48.75%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Terreno Realty Co. will post 2.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Terreno Realty Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.02%. Terreno Realtys payout ratio is 94.24%. A number of analysts recently issued reports on TRNO shares. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $71.00 price objective on shares of Terreno Realty in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Mizuho cut their price objective on Terreno Realty from $67.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. StockNews.com lowered Terreno Realty from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Wedbush started coverage on Terreno Realty in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $60.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Terreno Realty in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. They set an overweight rating and a $71.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Terreno Realty currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $66.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRNO Hedge Funds Weigh In On Terreno Realty Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TRNO. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Terreno Realty during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Terreno Realty during the first quarter worth about $28,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Terreno Realty by 93.9% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 537 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. bought a new position in shares of Terreno Realty during the 2nd quarter valued at $49,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Terreno Realty in the 4th quarter worth $89,000. Terreno Realty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Terreno Realty Corporation ("Terreno", and together with its subsidiaries, "we", "us", "our", "our Company", or "the Company") acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, DC We invest in several types of industrial real estate, including warehouse/distribution (approximately 76.3% of our total annualized base rent as of September 30, 2023), flex (including light industrial and research and development, or R&D) (approximately 3.8%), transshipment (approximately 6.7%) and improved land (approximately 13.2%). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Terreno Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terreno Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&T Bank Co. (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) Director John P. Barnes sold 16,378 shares of M&T Bank stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.28, for a total value of $2,182,859.84. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 34,545 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,604,157.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. M&T Bank Price Performance NYSE MTB traded down $1.69 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $131.73. The company had a trading volume of 640,590 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,351,594. The company has a market capitalization of $21.86 billion, a PE ratio of 7.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $122.50 and a 200-day moving average price of $126.23. M&T Bank Co. has a twelve month low of $108.53 and a twelve month high of $161.99. Get M&T Bank alerts: M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $3.98 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.88 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $3.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.32 billion. M&T Bank had a return on equity of 13.13% and a net margin of 24.81%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.83 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that M&T Bank Co. will post 15.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. M&T Bank Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. M&T Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.01%. Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on MTB shares. Bank of America reduced their target price on M&T Bank from $142.00 to $141.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. StockNews.com upgraded M&T Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on M&T Bank from $175.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 11th. Odeon Capital Group lowered M&T Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $133.65 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on M&T Bank from $157.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $146.43. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on M&T Bank Hedge Funds Weigh In On M&T Bank Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 35.2% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,153,301 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,811,880,000 after acquiring an additional 3,945,773 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 2.2% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,607,431 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,475,959,000 after acquiring an additional 316,266 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 0.8% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 13,106,150 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,567,102,000 after acquiring an additional 108,068 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 1.1% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 7,994,434 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $955,894,000 after acquiring an additional 87,768 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 0.7% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,985,096 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $954,778,000 after acquiring an additional 55,623 shares in the last quarter. 82.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About M&T Bank (Get Free Report) M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association that offer retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. The company's Business Banking segment offers deposit, lending, cash management, and other financial services to small businesses and professionals. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for M&T Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&T Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $252.52, for a total transaction of $3,787,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 14,636,166 shares in the company, valued at $3,695,924,638.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Marc Benioff also recently made the following trade(s): Get Salesforce alerts: On Friday, December 8th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $250.96, for a total transaction of $3,764,400.00. On Wednesday, December 6th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $251.20, for a total transaction of $3,768,000.00. On Monday, December 4th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $251.38, for a total transaction of $3,770,700.00. On Friday, December 1st, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.92, for a total transaction of $3,883,800.00. On Wednesday, November 29th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.13, for a total transaction of $3,451,950.00. On Monday, November 27th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.22, for a total transaction of $3,378,300.00. On Friday, November 24th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.02, for a total transaction of $3,360,300.00. On Wednesday, November 22nd, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.23, for a total transaction of $3,363,450.00. On Monday, November 20th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $224.21, for a total transaction of $3,363,150.00. On Thursday, November 16th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.94, for a total transaction of $3,314,100.00. Salesforce Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CRM traded up $4.42 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $256.52. 5,825,958 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,517,732. The firm has a market capitalization of $248.31 billion, a PE ratio of 95.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $217.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $215.72. Salesforce, Inc. has a 12 month low of $126.34 and a 12 month high of $263.43. Analyst Ratings Changes Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 29th. The CRM provider reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $8.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.71 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 7.63% and a return on equity of 9.19%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Salesforce, Inc. will post 6.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CRM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Salesforce from a conviction-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of Salesforce from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 31st. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Salesforce from $220.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 31st. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $252.00 to $277.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, JMP Securities raised their price target on shares of Salesforce from $275.00 to $293.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating, twenty-five have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Salesforce presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $256.31. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CRM Hedge Funds Weigh In On Salesforce Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 463.1% in the second quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,283 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $694,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares during the last quarter. Forza Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Salesforce in the second quarter worth about $202,000. Bank of Hawaii increased its position in Salesforce by 89.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Hawaii now owns 5,282 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $1,116,000 after purchasing an additional 2,490 shares during the period. Wealth Alliance Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in Salesforce during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $396,000. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in Salesforce by 18.3% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,547,360 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $329,387,000 after purchasing an additional 239,786 shares during the period. 77.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Salesforce Company Profile (Get Free Report) Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and relationship intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer service and support at scale. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SES AI Co. (NYSE:SES Get Free Report) insider Rohit Makharia sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.12, for a total transaction of $159,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 104,603 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $221,758.36. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. SES AI Stock Down 7.4 % Shares of NYSE:SES traded down $0.16 on Tuesday, reaching $2.01. 357,962 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 710,224. The firm has a market capitalization of $706.98 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.56 and a beta of 2.66. SES AI Co. has a fifty-two week low of $1.33 and a fifty-two week high of $4.35. The businesss 50-day moving average is $2.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.26. Get SES AI alerts: SES AI (NYSE:SES Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.04) earnings per share for the quarter. Analysts predict that SES AI Co. will post -0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of SES AI from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Read Our Latest Report on SES Institutional Trading of SES AI A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. bought a new position in SES AI in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC bought a new position in SES AI in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. bought a new position in SES AI in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Sei Investments Co. bought a new position in SES AI in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC bought a new position in SES AI in the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.39% of the companys stock. About SES AI (Get Free Report) SES AI Corporation engages in the development and production of high-performance Lithium-metal rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, electric vehicle take-off and landing, and other applications. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SES AI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SES AI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 61,900 shares, a growth of 501.0% from the November 15th total of 10,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 100,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days. Insider Transactions at Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund In other Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 106,335 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $8.03 per share, for a total transaction of $853,870.05. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 2,622,921 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,062,055.63. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders bought 184,704 shares of company stock valued at $1,484,636 in the last 90 days. Get Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund alerts: Institutional Trading of Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund by 18.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 13,125 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $118,000 after acquiring an additional 2,085 shares in the last quarter. Covington Capital Management purchased a new stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund by 32.5% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 14,100 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $141,000 after acquiring an additional 3,460 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 169,053 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,697,000 after acquiring an additional 3,644 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 37,664 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $335,000 after acquiring an additional 3,656 shares in the last quarter. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Trading Down 1.0 % Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Announces Dividend NYSEAMERICAN EVM traded down $0.09 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $8.92. 166,320 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 71,422. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund has a 12 month low of $7.67 and a 12 month high of $9.36. The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd were issued a $0.0292 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 21st. This represents a $0.35 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.93%. About Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (Get Free Report) Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income market of United States. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations comprising of various industries, such as general obligations, hospital, electric utilities, transportation, water and sewer, public education, and private education. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in shares of First American Financial Co. (NYSE:FAF Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 212,096 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $12,094,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. owned approximately 0.21% of First American Financial at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Portside Wealth Group LLC acquired a new position in First American Financial during the second quarter worth $3,490,000. Comerica Bank acquired a new stake in shares of First American Financial in the second quarter valued at about $136,000,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its position in shares of First American Financial by 10.3% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 18,380 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,048,000 after purchasing an additional 1,716 shares during the last quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC grew its position in shares of First American Financial by 4.0% in the second quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 38,418 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,191,000 after purchasing an additional 1,492 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of First American Financial by 1.3% in the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 361,411 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $20,608,000 after purchasing an additional 4,732 shares during the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get First American Financial alerts: First American Financial Stock Down 0.6 % NYSE:FAF traded down $0.37 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $60.55. The company had a trading volume of 91,495 shares, compared to its average volume of 602,490. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $55.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $57.67. First American Financial Co. has a one year low of $49.55 and a one year high of $64.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.25 billion, a PE ratio of 26.74 and a beta of 1.27. First American Financial Announces Dividend First American Financial ( NYSE:FAF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The insurance provider reported $1.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by $0.13. First American Financial had a return on equity of 9.82% and a net margin of 3.78%. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.60 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.62 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that First American Financial Co. will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $0.53 dividend. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. First American Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 93.39%. Insider Transactions at First American Financial In other news, CAO Steven A. Adams sold 1,800 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.20, for a total transaction of $101,160.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,487 shares in the company, valued at $420,769.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 3.60% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently weighed in on FAF. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on shares of First American Financial from $62.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Barclays began coverage on shares of First American Financial in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $53.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com cut shares of First American Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $72.00 target price on shares of First American Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, First American Financial currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $68.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on First American Financial First American Financial Profile (Free Report) First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Specialty Insurance segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FAF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First American Financial Co. (NYSE:FAF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First American Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First American Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BFZ Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, November 14th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.051 per share on Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.61 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This is a boost from BlackRock California Municipal Income Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.04. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Stock Performance BFZ opened at $11.57 on Wednesday. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust has a 52 week low of $9.86 and a 52 week high of $12.10. The stocks fifty day moving average is $10.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.13. Get BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust alerts: Insider Activity In other BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 10,434 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $10.92 per share, with a total value of $113,939.28. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 4,305,488 shares in the company, valued at $47,015,928.96. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Over the last 90 days, insiders have bought 434,640 shares of company stock worth $4,628,569. Institutional Trading of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Company Profile Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. LPL Financial LLC raised its position in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 43,428 shares of the companys stock worth $447,000 after acquiring an additional 1,086 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 5.7% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 38,317 shares of the companys stock worth $448,000 after purchasing an additional 2,081 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 2.8% during the second quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 125,101 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,484,000 after buying an additional 3,446 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 9.0% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 70,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $720,000 after buying an additional 5,789 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp grew its position in shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 31.4% in the 1st quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 26,659 shares of the companys stock worth $312,000 after buying an additional 6,374 shares during the last quarter. (Get Free Report) BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUC Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.0485 per share on Friday, December 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 5.39%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Price Performance Shares of MUC stock traded down $0.06 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $10.74. The company had a trading volume of 401,259 shares, compared to its average volume of 246,856. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund has a twelve month low of $9.19 and a twelve month high of $11.71. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.94 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.31. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 3.1% in the third quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 200,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,920,000 after buying an additional 6,089 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $146,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 34.4% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 56,777 shares of the companys stock valued at $616,000 after purchasing an additional 14,542 shares in the last quarter. Walleye Capital LLC acquired a new stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $294,000. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 21.6% during the 2nd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 101,904 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,106,000 after purchasing an additional 18,117 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 25.47% of the companys stock. About BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment-grade municipal obligations, the interest on which is exempt from Federal and California income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUJ Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.05 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, December 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 5.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Stock Performance Shares of MUJ remained flat at $11.14 on Tuesday. 149,626 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 117,976. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.78. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund has a one year low of $9.73 and a one year high of $12.15. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 198,712 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,220,000 after purchasing an additional 1,232 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 5.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 23,506 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $262,000 after buying an additional 1,300 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 16.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 12,781 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $143,000 after buying an additional 1,760 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 12.1% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 24,045 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $266,000 after acquiring an additional 2,603 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.24% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of United States. The fund invests primarily in long-term, investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and New Jersey personal income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The two sides have announced the new positioning of relations between the two parties and countries and agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides. The announcement was made during the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. Xi attended a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. After the ceremony, Xi held a meeting with Trong. Xi said he is delighted to visit Vietnam as promised and complete the third round of mutual visits between the two leaders. China is pleased with the achievements made by Vietnam in the past nearly 40 years of "Doi Moi," the country's reform cause, especially since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. China firmly supports Vietnam in continuing to advance the cause of socialist construction, Xi said. He expressed confidence that under the firm leadership of the CPV with General Secretary Trong at the helm, the Vietnamese party and government will successfully implement the major goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress of the CPV, laying a solid foundation for the successful realization of the two 100-year goals. China and Vietnam have supported each other in their respective struggles for national independence and liberation, and have learned from each other in their respective undertakings of reform and opening-up as well as innovation, Xi said. Xi said China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective, noting that at present, changes in the world, times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented manner. As the world's top two ruling Communist parties, both the CPC and the CPV have been adhering to and developing Marxism, unswervingly following the path of socialism, and leading their respective country in socialist construction, said Xi. All the more, the two parties should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and make solid progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the perspective of strengthening the socialist forces in the world and ensuring the steady and long-term progress of their respective cause of socialist construction, Xi added. Xi said with joint efforts, China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination and better handling of differences. Xi also said that the cause of socialist construction in China and Vietnam will advance steadily and make new contributions to the stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large. Xi made a six-point proposal on building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, the first of which is to keep to the right political direction. China and Vietnam should adhere to high-level strategic guidance, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on the governance of party and state, and jointly deepen understanding of the ruling laws of Communist parties, as well as the laws of socialist construction and the development of human society, Xi said. The two countries should firmly support one another on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and jointly uphold international equity and justice, he said. Both sides should also deepen mutual trust on security, Xi said. The two sides must prioritize national political security, ensure the red flag of socialism not to be changed, and spare no effort to prevent, defuse and contain all kinds of political and security risks, he said. China firmly supports Vietnam in maintaining social stability and ethnic unity, and believes Vietnam will continue to support China in opposing external interference and firmly advancing the great cause of national reunification, he said. Xi said the two countries should upgrade practical cooperation. The modernization that includes the whole of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people is a great opportunity brought by China to the world, he said, adding that China is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with its Vietnamese comrades. An active alignment with the eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation by the Vietnamese side is welcomed, Xi said, calling for expanding cooperation in such emerging areas as digital economy and green development. The two sides should jointly implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, safeguard the global trading system, and build a secure, stable, unimpeded, efficient, open, inclusive and mutually beneficial global industrial chain and supply chain, he said. China will continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam will provide a good business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added. The Chinese president also called for more input to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. Bilateral cooperation should have a heavier focus on agriculture, education, health care and other fields concerning people's livelihood, Xi said, adding that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in such areas as youth, tourism as well as at the local level, deepen the two peoples' understanding on a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and on the traditional friendship between the two parties and countries, and enhance the bonds between the young generation of the two countries, to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. China and Vietnam should work closely on international and regional issues, Xi continued, noting that the remarkable development achievements of the two countries are the result of both the hard work of both sides and an open and inclusive world, especially a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific. China does not engage in exclusive cliques, block politics or camp confrontation, Xi said, adding that China is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Vietnam, and work with Vietnam to uphold genuine multilateralism, and jointly increase the voice and influence of developing countries in international affairs. Xi also called on the two countries to manage differences on maritime issues. The two sides should actively discuss and carry out more maritime cooperation projects, strive to promote joint maritime development, and turn challenges posed by maritime issues into opportunities of bilateral cooperation, he added. On behalf of the Vietnamese party, state and people, Trong warmly welcomed Xi's state visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and once again extended sincere congratulations on the major theoretical and practical innovation achievements made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Trong said that under the strong leadership of Xi and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has made all-round achievements and its international status and influence are increasing day by day. Vietnam is sincerely happy for brotherly China, he said. Vietnam firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China will achieve all the goals set at the 20th CPC National Congress as scheduled and make new and significant contributions to the cause of human progress. Trong said Xi is a comrade and friend respected and admired by the Chinese people. Trong said both Xi's invitation of him to China immediately after the 20th CPC National Congress and Xi's third visit to Vietnam as promised fully demonstrated his special friendly feelings towards Vietnam and the high level of Vietnam-China relations. Trong said that Vietnam-China friendship is deep as comrades and brothers, adding that not long ago, he personally went to the Friendship Pass to plant a tree of friendship, hoping to highlight the special brotherly friendship between Vietnam and China, and send a positive signal of the special friendship between the two countries. Trong thanked China for taking Vietnam as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, firmly supporting Vietnam's cause of reform, innovation, opening-up, industrialization and modernization, and providing valuable assistance to Vietnam during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese side firmly upholds the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, supports China's cause of reunification and firmly opposes separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" in any form, Trong said. Issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are all China's internal affairs, he said, adding that Vietnam opposes any force to interfere in China's internal affairs, hopes and also believes that China will maintain stability, development and prosperity. Vietnam adheres to an independent foreign policy and takes developing relations with China as a top priority and strategic choice, Trong said. Vietnam is willing to work with China to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, comprehensively strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade, security and non-governmental areas, and set a good example of mutual benefits and win-win results, which are in line with the common interests of the two parties, governments and peoples, he said. Maritime disputes are only part of Vietnam-China relations, and it is believed that the two sides can properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect, Trong said, adding that Vietnam and China share the same idea in safeguarding multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and promoting peace, cooperation and development. The important global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, are aimed at safeguarding the common interests of all mankind and are fully in line with international laws, he said, adding that they have received extensive support and positive response from the international community and that Vietnam firmly supports and stands ready to actively join them. In the current complex international situation, it is of great significance for both countries and the world that Vietnam and China working closely in multilateral cooperation and jointly tackling various traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Trong said. He said he believes Xi's visit will surely become a historic milestone in promoting Vietnam-China relations to a higher level and contribute to peace and development of the region and the world. After the talks, Xi and Trong witnessed the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides, covering more than 30 fields such as the Belt and Road cooperation, inspection and quarantine, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, local cooperation, defense and law enforcement security cooperation, and maritime cooperation. Trong invited Xi to have a small chat over tea. The general secretaries of the two parties continued in-depth communication in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. They believe that China and Vietnam, as friendly neighbors, share the same ideals and ideas. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers and good comrades, the two countries enjoy unique climatic, geographical and human advantages favorable for building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They said that the two sides should carry on the traditional friendship forged by leaders of the older generation, make joint efforts to build a community with a shared future, take their own modernization path, achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, learn from each other, benefit the two peoples, and make positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to issue a joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong witness the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides after their talks in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong invites General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping to have a small chat over tea in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attend a welcome banquet hosted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and their spouses in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Editor: JYZ BlackRock MuniYield Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MYD Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.0525 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, December 29th. This represents a yield of 5.99%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniYield Fund Stock Down 0.2 % NYSE MYD traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $10.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 133,704 shares, compared to its average volume of 116,839. The firms 50-day moving average price is $9.64 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.97. BlackRock MuniYield Fund has a 1 year low of $8.76 and a 1 year high of $11.34. Get BlackRock MuniYield Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $41,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $84,000. Walleye Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $139,000. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $142,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $166,000. 29.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. BlackRock MuniYield Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in fixed income markets. The fund primarily in long-term investment-grade municipal bonds with a maturity of more than ten years. It is exempt from federal income taxes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MIY Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.0465 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, December 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.96%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of MIY traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $11.29. The stock had a trading volume of 81,532 shares, compared to its average volume of 62,842. The companys fifty day moving average is $10.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.62. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund has a 52 week low of $9.45 and a 52 week high of $12.04. Get BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the 1st quarter worth about $180,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 61,551 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $788,000 after acquiring an additional 4,441 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 87,248 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,118,000 after acquiring an additional 991 shares during the last quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the 1st quarter worth about $161,000. Finally, UBS Group AG grew its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 42,201 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $541,000 after acquiring an additional 2,964 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 19.63% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in investment grade, long-term municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Michigan income taxes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE:MPA Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.048 per share by the investment management company on Friday, December 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 5.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Stock Performance Shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund stock traded down $0.01 on Tuesday, hitting $11.35. The stock had a trading volume of 6,986 shares, compared to its average volume of 26,028. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.64 and a 200 day moving average of $11.09. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund has a twelve month low of $9.87 and a twelve month high of $11.90. Get BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund alerts: Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 2,582 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The stock was bought at an average price of $10.93 per share, with a total value of $28,221.26. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 1,620,624 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,713,420.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders bought 168,843 shares of company stock valued at $1,786,187 over the last quarter. 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund About BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $44,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $127,000. UBS Group AG boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 33.6% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 15,143 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $167,000 after buying an additional 3,810 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $186,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.23% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in long-term investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Pennsylvania income taxes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc. (NYSE:MQT Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 12th, investing.com reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.049 per share by the investment management company on Friday, December 29th. This represents a yield of 5.78%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Price Performance MQT stock remained flat at $10.17 during trading on Tuesday. 41,790 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 48,019. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II has a 52-week low of $8.59 and a 52-week high of $11.01. The company has a fifty day moving average of $9.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.67. Get BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 103,724 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,260,000 after purchasing an additional 1,397 shares in the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II by 62.6% during the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 5,753 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $60,000 after buying an additional 2,214 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 194,536 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,988,000 after buying an additional 2,869 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II during the 4th quarter valued at about $51,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.79% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It primarily invests in municipal debt bonds exempt from federal income taxes. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc was formed in September 21, 1992 and is domiciled in United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BQE Water Inc. (CVE:BQE Get Free Report) insider Hall Tingley bought 3,100 shares of BQE Water stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$30.00 per share, with a total value of C$93,000.00. BQE Water Stock Down 5.8 % BQE traded down C$1.85 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting C$30.00. 3,635 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 468. BQE Water Inc. has a 1-year low of C$24.22 and a 1-year high of C$32.50. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$27.94 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$27.15. The stock has a market cap of C$37.80 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.75 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a quick ratio of 3.70, a current ratio of 4.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.18. Get BQE Water alerts: About BQE Water (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories BQE Water Inc, a water treatment company, provides wastewater management and treatment solutions to the mining and metallurgical industry in Canada, the United States, Latin America, China, and internationally. It offers water treatment solutions for mine drainage, run-off, waste rock seepage, tailings water, groundwater, and lime plant influent and/or effluent streams for treating metals, sulphate, selenium, nitrate, ammonia, and cyanide in the mining sector; smelting and refining services for treating metals and sulphate; and hydrometallurgy services for the treatment of metals, cyanide, and acids. Receive News & Ratings for BQE Water Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BQE Water and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, December 7th, RTT News reports. The company plans to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the biopharmaceutical company to buy up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 price target on the stock. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $81.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $63.59. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on BMY Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock traded down $0.57 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $50.53. The companys stock had a trading volume of 14,215,101 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,988,469. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $52.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $58.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $48.25 and a one year high of $79.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $102.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.99 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.75%. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 57.87%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $49.78 per share, with a total value of $99,560.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,115,412.16. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $49.78 per share, with a total value of $99,560.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,115,412.16. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner bought 3,071 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last three months, insiders bought 13,571 shares of company stock valued at $672,994. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CGC Financial Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 140 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock, valued at approximately $37,000. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in BDX. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,794,080 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $5,889,987,000 after acquiring an additional 1,281,866 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,762,618 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $3,369,459,000 after purchasing an additional 76,244 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 98,105.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 6,929,375 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,829,424,000 after purchasing an additional 6,922,319 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,134,645 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,351,490,000 after buying an additional 113,425 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 25,185.5% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,492,216 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $18,147,000 after buying an additional 4,474,450 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.72% of the companys stock. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Up 0.4 % NYSE:BDX traded up $1.03 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $237.70. 693,279 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,228,612. The firm has a market cap of $69.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.72, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.49. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $247.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $258.91. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 52-week low of $228.62 and a 52-week high of $287.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 0.81. Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.42 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $3.42. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 7.66%. The business had revenue of $5.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.02 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.75 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.83 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.60%. This is a boost from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. Becton, Dickinson and Companys payout ratio is presently 76.61%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Becton, Dickinson and Company news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total transaction of $514,141.32. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at $982,496.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently issued reports on BDX. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $282.00 to $260.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. TheStreet cut shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Becton, Dickinson and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $279.57. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Becton, Dickinson and Company About Becton, Dickinson and Company (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor acquired 3,450 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $288,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in VNQ. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 115,289.9% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,063,365,980 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $87,706,426,000 after acquiring an additional 1,062,444,438 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 99,609.1% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 27,821,833 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,324,792,000 after purchasing an additional 27,793,930 shares in the last quarter. Cowa LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 75,967.4% during the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 5,210,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $824,000 after purchasing an additional 5,203,764 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 36.4% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,674,939 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $724,878,000 after purchasing an additional 2,313,548 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CI Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Vanguard Real Estate ETF during the 4th quarter worth $118,597,000. Get Vanguard Real Estate ETF alerts: Vanguard Real Estate ETF Price Performance Vanguard Real Estate ETF stock traded up $0.26 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $84.08. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,423,802 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,168,114. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.40 and a beta of 0.91. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $77.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $80.50. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a 52-week low of $70.61 and a 52-week high of $94.53. Vanguard Real Estate ETF Company Profile Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CGC Financial Services LLC bought a new position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 1,346 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $76,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 93,993.8% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 965,692,348 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $54,735,442,000 after buying an additional 964,666,040 shares during the last quarter. Dodge & Cox boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 1.3% during the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 78,462,490 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,109,865,000 after purchasing an additional 1,033,760 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 0.7% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 60,391,016 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,422,963,000 after purchasing an additional 398,367 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 5.0% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,880,424 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,193,697,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000,383 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 1.5% during the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,050,168 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,413,244,000 after purchasing an additional 391,238 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.28, for a total value of $748,106.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,722,400 shares in the company, valued at $105,548,672. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,792 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Monday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.31, for a total value of $217,319.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,725 shares in the company, valued at $2,563,189.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.28, for a total value of $748,106.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,722,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $105,548,672. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 37,194 shares of company stock worth $2,163,280 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Trading Down 0.1 % Charles Schwab stock traded down $0.07 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $64.50. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,448,501 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,047,735. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.27 billion, a PE ratio of 21.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1 year low of $45.00 and a 1 year high of $86.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. The stocks fifty day moving average is $55.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.43. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. The business had revenue of $4.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.10 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.55%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 33.33%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on SCHW shares. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Charles Schwab from $66.00 to $62.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Barclays increased their price target on Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 9th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $68.85. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chapin Davis Inc. grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 23.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,195 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 806 shares during the period. Chapin Davis Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,353,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of GS. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC grew its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 140.0% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.06% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently weighed in on GS. StockNews.com began coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. HSBC began coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a buy rating and a $403.00 price objective on the stock. Citigroup reduced their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $440.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $329.00 to $333.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $393.99. The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Down 0.0 % The Goldman Sachs Group stock traded down $0.16 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $352.45. The stock had a trading volume of 238,519 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,341,366. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $289.36 and a 12 month high of $379.68. The company has a market capitalization of $114.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.06, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $323.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $328.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last issued its 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 Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.37% and a net margin of 7.77%. The business had revenue of $11.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $8.25 EPS. The firms revenue was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $2.75 dividend. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 53.24%. Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $51,740.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,547.34. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was 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 approximately $3,509,355.65. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total value of $51,740.54. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares of the companys stock, valued at $282,547.34. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, arrives in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023, for a state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Boeing 747 jet bedecked with the Chinese national flag made a graceful descent at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday noon. Amidst the cheers of over 400 representatives from China and Vietnam, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the aircraft cabin, greeting the welcoming crowd with smiles and waves. As the flags of both countries, along with the communist party flags featuring sickle and hammer, fluttered in the gentle breeze, Xi descended from the airstair. Waiting at the red carpet laid out on the tarmac was Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was anticipating the arrival of the esteemed Chinese guest at the airport. Upon seeing Xi step off the staircase, Pham Minh Chinh extended his welcoming hands. The two leaders had a brief chat. Other senior Vietnamese officials on the scene, including Phan Dinh Trac, a member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for Internal Affairs of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, as well as Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the CPV Central Committee, along with local representatives, also joined the greeting to the Chinese president. Following the exchange of pleasantries, Xi and Peng were presented with bouquets of flowers by Vietnamese youths, symbolizing a cordial welcome. People welcome Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Xi arrived in the Southeast Asian country for a two-day state visit. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) "Welcome President Xi Jinping," cheered the crowd dressed in colorful ethnic clothing. In the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, Pham Minh Chinh walked Xi to a Hongqi limousine nearby. Along the road adorned with red banners hailing "Long live Chinese-Vietnamese Friendship!" and "Deepen Friendship between Vietnam and China, Comrades as well as Brothers," Xi's motorcade traversed from the airport to the hotel. Later in the day, Xi attended a welcome ceremony hosted by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong before the two leaders held a meeting. In a written speech upon his arrival, Xi said China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, adding that he looks forward to taking the visit as an opportunity to push bilateral relations to a new stage. This was the first visit to Vietnam by Xi in six years, during which he and Trong are expected to jointly announce the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Editor: JYZ Chapin Davis Inc. lessened its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,543 shares of the companys stock after selling 275 shares during the period. Chapin Davis Inc.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $523,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of MO. Sei Investments Co. grew its position in Altria Group by 1.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after buying an additional 6,324 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at $498,000. Institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Trading Down 0.2 % NYSE:MO traded down $0.09 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $41.27. 2,375,870 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,914,888. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.66. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $39.06 and a one year high of $51.57. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $41.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $43.25. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The business had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.28 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be given a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 79.84%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently commented on MO shares. Citigroup dropped their price target on Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com upgraded Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday. UBS Group dropped their price target on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price target on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.53. Get Our Latest Analysis on Altria Group Insider Transactions at Altria Group In other Altria Group news, Director Robert Matthews Davis acquired 1,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $40.50 per share, with a total value of $48,600.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cogeco (TSE:CGO Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by equities research analysts at CIBC from C$53.00 to C$57.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price objective would suggest a potential upside of 6.50% from the companys previous close. Separately, TD Securities raised their price objective on shares of Cogeco from C$90.00 to C$92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Get Cogeco alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Cogeco Cogeco Stock Performance Cogeco Company Profile CGO stock traded up C$0.98 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting C$53.52. The stock had a trading volume of 21,477 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,475. Cogeco has a 52 week low of C$44.62 and a 52 week high of C$68.47. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 148.48. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$48.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$50.38. The firm has a market capitalization of C$749.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.84, a P/E/G ratio of -0.28 and a beta of 0.34. (Get Free Report) Cogeco Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the communications and media sectors in Canada and the United States. The company operates in two segments, Canadian Telecommunications and American Telecommunications. It provides a range of Internet, video, and phone services through advanced fibre optic and two-way telecommunications distribution networks primarily to residential customers, as well as business services under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario; and Breezeline brand in the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cogeco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cogeco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 1,183 shares of the medical technology companys stock, valued at approximately $361,000. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in Stryker by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 25,862,485 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $7,890,386,000 after purchasing an additional 1,188,957 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Stryker by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 14,393,817 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $4,402,083,000 after acquiring an additional 340,114 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Stryker by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,135,106 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,865,989,000 after acquiring an additional 181,068 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its holdings in Stryker by 50.5% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,012,525 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,716,396,000 after acquiring an additional 2,017,006 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in Stryker by 21.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,978,782 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $1,461,753,000 after acquiring an additional 1,066,751 shares in the last quarter. 76.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Stryker alerts: Stryker Stock Up 0.3 % Shares of Stryker stock traded up $0.78 on Wednesday, hitting $295.31. The company had a trading volume of 330,443 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,366,386. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $277.78 and a 200-day moving average of $283.63. Stryker Co. has a 1 year low of $235.81 and a 1 year high of $306.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.48. Stryker Increases Dividend Stryker ( NYSE:SYK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The medical technology company reported $2.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.44 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.87 billion. Stryker had a return on equity of 22.62% and a net margin of 13.00%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.12 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Stryker Co. will post 10.41 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. This is a boost from Strykers previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.08%. Strykers payout ratio is 47.48%. Insider Activity at Stryker In related news, CEO Kevin Lobo sold 56,483 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $287.91, for a total transaction of $16,262,020.53. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 81,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,330,498.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Stryker news, Director Srikant M. Datar sold 750 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $287.57, for a total transaction of $215,677.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 5,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,528,722.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Kevin Lobo sold 56,483 shares of Stryker stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $287.91, for a total value of $16,262,020.53. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 81,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,330,498.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 58,306 shares of company stock valued at $16,791,134. Company insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on SYK shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $325.00 price objective on shares of Stryker in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Stryker from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Stryker from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Stryker from $270.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and issued a $345.00 price target on shares of Stryker in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $312.17. Read Our Latest Report on SYK Stryker Company Profile (Free Report) Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in hip and knee joint replacements, and trauma and extremities surgeries. This segment also offers spinal implant products comprising cervical, thoracolumbar, and interbody systems that are used in spinal injury, deformity, and degenerative therapies. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SYK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Stryker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stryker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deluxe (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 3.100-3.400 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 3.340. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.1 billion-$2.2 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.2 billion. Deluxe also updated its FY 2023 guidance to 3.200-3.450 EPS. Deluxe Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of DLX traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $18.73. 238,729 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 220,150. The company has a market cap of $818.31 million, a PE ratio of 27.15, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.55. The firms 50 day moving average is $18.17 and its 200-day moving average is $18.46. Deluxe has a 52 week low of $13.61 and a 52 week high of $21.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.91. Get Deluxe alerts: Deluxe (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $537.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $537.00 million. Deluxe had a return on equity of 23.30% and a net margin of 1.36%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Deluxe will post 2.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Deluxe Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Investors of record on Monday, November 20th were paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 17th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.41%. Deluxes payout ratio is 173.92%. Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Deluxe from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. View Our Latest Research Report on Deluxe Institutional Investors Weigh In On Deluxe Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Deluxe during the 1st quarter valued at $209,000. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Deluxe in the 1st quarter valued at $161,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Deluxe by 44.2% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,543 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $149,000 after buying an additional 2,620 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in shares of Deluxe by 11.9% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 7,966 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $133,000 after buying an additional 850 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its stake in shares of Deluxe by 21.9% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 7,018 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $93,000 after buying an additional 1,262 shares during the period. 84.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Deluxe Company Profile (Get Free Report) Deluxe Corporation provides technology-enabled solutions to enterprises, small businesses, and financial institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, South America, and Europe. It operates through four segments: Payments, Data Solutions, Promotional Solutions, and Checks. The company provides treasury management solutions, including remittance and lockbox processing, remote deposit capture, receivables management, payment processing, and paperless treasury management solutions, as well as payment exchange, and fraud and security services; data-driven marketing solutions and hosted solutions, such as digital engagement, logo design, financial institution profitability reporting, and business incorporation services, as well as web hosting and design services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Deluxe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deluxe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deluxe (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 3.200-3.450 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 3.280. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.2 billion-$2.2 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.2 billion. Deluxe also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 3.100-3.400 EPS. Deluxe Stock Performance Shares of NYSE DLX traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $18.73. The stock had a trading volume of 238,729 shares, compared to its average volume of 220,150. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.91. The company has a 50 day moving average of $18.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.46. Deluxe has a twelve month low of $13.61 and a twelve month high of $21.59. The firm has a market cap of $818.31 million, a PE ratio of 27.15, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.55. Get Deluxe alerts: Deluxe (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The business services provider reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.10. Deluxe had a net margin of 1.36% and a return on equity of 23.30%. The company had revenue of $537.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $537.00 million. Research analysts predict that Deluxe will post 2.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Deluxe Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 20th were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.41%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 17th. Deluxes payout ratio is 173.92%. Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of Deluxe from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on DLX Institutional Investors Weigh In On Deluxe Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DLX. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Deluxe during the 4th quarter worth about $6,739,000. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Deluxe by 81.3% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 462,075 shares of the business services providers stock worth $10,013,000 after acquiring an additional 207,221 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Deluxe by 17.6% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,262,186 shares of the business services providers stock worth $20,194,000 after acquiring an additional 188,788 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its stake in shares of Deluxe by 222.1% during the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 248,468 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,135,000 after acquiring an additional 171,327 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Deluxe by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,228,883 shares of the business services providers stock worth $126,361,000 after acquiring an additional 143,372 shares in the last quarter. 84.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Deluxe (Get Free Report) Deluxe Corporation provides technology-enabled solutions to enterprises, small businesses, and financial institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, South America, and Europe. It operates through four segments: Payments, Data Solutions, Promotional Solutions, and Checks. The company provides treasury management solutions, including remittance and lockbox processing, remote deposit capture, receivables management, payment processing, and paperless treasury management solutions, as well as payment exchange, and fraud and security services; data-driven marketing solutions and hosted solutions, such as digital engagement, logo design, financial institution profitability reporting, and business incorporation services, as well as web hosting and design services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Deluxe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deluxe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (FRA:PBB Get Free Report)s share price traded down 0.2% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as 5.78 ($6.21) and last traded at 5.81 ($6.24). 872,275 shares were traded during trading, The stock had previously closed at 5.82 ($6.25). Deutsche Pfandbriefbank Stock Down 0.3 % The company has a fifty day simple moving average of 6.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of 6.77. Deutsche Pfandbriefbank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG operates as a specialist bank for investments in commercial real estate and public infrastructure projects in Europe and the United States of America. It operates through Real Estate Finance, Public Investment Finance, and Value Portfolio segments. The Real Estate Finance segment provides financing for professional real estate investors, which includes professional national and international real estate companies, institutional investors, and property funds to financed properties comprising office buildings, properties for residential use, retail, and logistic properties, as well as hotel business. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Pfandbriefbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Pfandbriefbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Free Report) CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 10,708 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.97, for a total transaction of $1,231,098.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 380,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at $43,690,094.61. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Elastic Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ESTC traded down $0.88 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $116.35. The company had a trading volume of 1,016,410 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,282,353. Elastic has a 12 month low of $46.18 and a 12 month high of $118.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.89 and a quick ratio of 1.89. The firm has a market cap of $11.59 billion, a P/E ratio of -58.47 and a beta of 0.88. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $82.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $73.23. Get Elastic alerts: Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.13. Elastic had a negative net margin of 16.62% and a negative return on equity of 30.65%. The firm had revenue of $311.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $304.44 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted ($0.50) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Elastic will post -1.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ESTC has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $83.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 1st. Rosenblatt Securities upped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $80.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $79.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 1st. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and set a $83.00 price target on shares of Elastic in a report on Friday, October 6th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Elastic has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $90.78. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ESTC Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sylebra Capital LLC acquired a new position in Elastic in the third quarter worth about $318,822,000. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Elastic by 27.7% in the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 11,524 shares of the companys stock worth $936,000 after purchasing an additional 2,499 shares in the last quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc raised its position in Elastic by 147.7% in the third quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 143,343 shares of the companys stock worth $11,645,000 after purchasing an additional 85,468 shares in the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. acquired a new position in Elastic in the third quarter worth about $1,015,000. Finally, Creative Planning increased its holdings in shares of Elastic by 11.6% during the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 3,603 shares of the companys stock worth $293,000 after buying an additional 374 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.66% of the companys stock. Elastic Company Profile (Get Free Report) Elastic N.V., a data analytics company, delivers solutions designed to run in public or private clouds in multi-cloud environments. It primarily offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as performs search, analysis, and visualization on that data. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) had its target price upped by stock analysts at BMO Capital Markets from C$17.00 to C$18.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. BMO Capital Markets price objective points to a potential upside of 12.71% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on ELD. Stifel Nicolaus raised shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from C$15.50 to C$16.50 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. National Bankshares upped their target price on Eldorado Gold from C$18.00 to C$19.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$12.20 to C$11.70 in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their target price on Eldorado Gold from C$16.00 to C$17.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. Finally, Cormark decreased their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from C$22.50 to C$20.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Eldorado Gold presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$17.24. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Eldorado Gold Eldorado Gold Trading Down 1.7 % Shares of ELD traded down C$0.28 on Wednesday, hitting C$15.97. 362,928 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 411,018. The stocks 50 day moving average is C$14.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$13.74. The company has a quick ratio of 2.28, a current ratio of 4.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.04. The firm has a market capitalization of C$3.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.95, a P/E/G ratio of 56.20 and a beta of 1.21. Eldorado Gold has a 1 year low of C$10.69 and a 1 year high of C$18.30. Eldorado Gold (TSE:ELD Get Free Report) (NYSE:EGO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported C$0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.02 by C$0.21. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 5.88% and a return on equity of 1.70%. The firm had revenue of C$329.04 million for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Eldorado Gold will post 0.7177585 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Senior Officer Lisa Marie Ower sold 39,621 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$15.50, for a total value of C$614,125.50. In related news, Senior Officer Lisa Marie Ower sold 39,621 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$15.50, for a total value of C$614,125.50. Also, Senior Officer Nicolae Stanca sold 4,635 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$15.95, for a total transaction of C$73,932.42. Insiders sold 61,813 shares of company stock worth $996,636 in the last quarter. 0.71% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Eldorado Gold (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru gold mines located in western Turkey; Lamaque gold mines located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESRT Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, December 8th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.035 per share by the real estate investment trust on Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 15th. Empire State Realty Trust has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 30.7% annually over the last three years. Get Empire State Realty Trust alerts: Empire State Realty Trust Stock Performance NYSE ESRT traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $9.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 270,536 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,307,535. The company has a current ratio of 8.56, a quick ratio of 8.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.45 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.11. Empire State Realty Trust has a 52 week low of $5.39 and a 52 week high of $9.57. The stock has a market cap of $1.48 billion, a PE ratio of 27.73, a PEG ratio of 5.44 and a beta of 1.28. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Empire State Realty Trust from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. StockNews.com raised Empire State Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut Empire State Realty Trust from an outperform rating to an in-line rating and set a $9.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, November 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $8.65. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ESRT Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in shares of Empire State Realty Trust by 6.8% during the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 190,458 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,531,000 after acquiring an additional 12,140 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of Empire State Realty Trust by 20.0% during the third quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 22,340 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $180,000 after acquiring an additional 3,720 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its stake in shares of Empire State Realty Trust by 25.8% during the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 69,318 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $557,000 after acquiring an additional 14,234 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new position in shares of Empire State Realty Trust during the third quarter valued at approximately $281,000. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Empire State Realty Trust by 3.4% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,432,948 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $27,601,000 after acquiring an additional 112,114 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.44% of the companys stock. About Empire State Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Empire State Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. The company is the recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. ESRT's flagship Empire State Building the "World's Most Famous Building" includes its Observatory, Tripadvisor's 2023 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best the #1 attraction in the US for two consecutive years. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Empire State Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Empire State Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ENB Financial Corp (OTCMKTS:ENBP Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 1,400 shares, an increase of 180.0% from the November 15th total of 500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. ENB Financial Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of ENBP traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $14.00. 1,653 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,494. ENB Financial has a 52-week low of $12.45 and a 52-week high of $17.50. The companys 50-day moving average price is $13.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.63. Get ENB Financial alerts: ENB Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be paid a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.86%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. ENB Financials payout ratio is currently 40.73%. About ENB Financial ENB Financial Corp operates as the bank holding company for Ephrata National Bank that provides various financial services to individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses in Pennsylvania, the United States. The company's deposit products include non-interest bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, NOW accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ENB Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ENB Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China, Vietnam agree to build community with shared future that carries strategic significance Xinhua) 08:09, December 13, 2023 General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The two sides have announced the new positioning of relations between the two parties and countries and agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides. The announcement was made during the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. Xi attended a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. After the ceremony, Xi held a meeting with Trong. Xi said he is delighted to visit Vietnam as promised and complete the third round of mutual visits between the two leaders. China is pleased with the achievements made by Vietnam in the past nearly 40 years of "Doi Moi," the country's reform cause, especially since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. China firmly supports Vietnam in continuing to advance the cause of socialist construction, Xi said. He expressed confidence that under the firm leadership of the CPV with General Secretary Trong at the helm, the Vietnamese party and government will successfully implement the major goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress of the CPV, laying a solid foundation for the successful realization of the two 100-year goals. China and Vietnam have supported each other in their respective struggles for national independence and liberation, and have learned from each other in their respective undertakings of reform and opening-up as well as innovation, Xi said. Xi said China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective, noting that at present, changes in the world, times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented manner. As the world's top two ruling Communist parties, both the CPC and the CPV have been adhering to and developing Marxism, unswervingly following the path of socialism, and leading their respective country in socialist construction, said Xi. All the more, the two parties should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and make solid progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the perspective of strengthening the socialist forces in the world and ensuring the steady and long-term progress of their respective cause of socialist construction, Xi added. Xi said with joint efforts, China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination and better handling of differences. Xi also said that the cause of socialist construction in China and Vietnam will advance steadily and make new contributions to the stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large. Xi made a six-point proposal on building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, the first of which is to keep to the right political direction. China and Vietnam should adhere to high-level strategic guidance, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on the governance of party and state, and jointly deepen understanding of the ruling laws of Communist parties, as well as the laws of socialist construction and the development of human society, Xi said. The two countries should firmly support one another on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and jointly uphold international equity and justice, he said. Both sides should also deepen mutual trust on security, Xi said. The two sides must prioritize national political security, ensure the red flag of socialism not to be changed, and spare no effort to prevent, defuse and contain all kinds of political and security risks, he said. China firmly supports Vietnam in maintaining social stability and ethnic unity, and believes Vietnam will continue to support China in opposing external interference and firmly advancing the great cause of national reunification, he said. Xi said the two countries should upgrade practical cooperation. The modernization that includes the whole of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people is a great opportunity brought by China to the world, he said, adding that China is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with its Vietnamese comrades. An active alignment with the eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation by the Vietnamese side is welcomed, Xi said, calling for expanding cooperation in such emerging areas as digital economy and green development. The two sides should jointly implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, safeguard the global trading system, and build a secure, stable, unimpeded, efficient, open, inclusive and mutually beneficial global industrial chain and supply chain, he said. China will continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam will provide a good business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added. The Chinese president also called for more input to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. Bilateral cooperation should have a heavier focus on agriculture, education, health care and other fields concerning people's livelihood, Xi said, adding that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in such areas as youth, tourism as well as at the local level, deepen the two peoples' understanding on a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and on the traditional friendship between the two parties and countries, and enhance the bonds between the young generation of the two countries, to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. China and Vietnam should work closely on international and regional issues, Xi continued, noting that the remarkable development achievements of the two countries are the result of both the hard work of both sides and an open and inclusive world, especially a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific. China does not engage in exclusive cliques, block politics or camp confrontation, Xi said, adding that China is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Vietnam, and work with Vietnam to uphold genuine multilateralism, and jointly increase the voice and influence of developing countries in international affairs. Xi also called on the two countries to manage differences on maritime issues. The two sides should actively discuss and carry out more maritime cooperation projects, strive to promote joint maritime development, and turn challenges posed by maritime issues into opportunities of bilateral cooperation, he added. On behalf of the Vietnamese party, state and people, Trong warmly welcomed Xi's state visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and once again extended sincere congratulations on the major theoretical and practical innovation achievements made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Trong said that under the strong leadership of Xi and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has made all-round achievements and its international status and influence are increasing day by day. Vietnam is sincerely happy for brotherly China, he said. Vietnam firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China will achieve all the goals set at the 20th CPC National Congress as scheduled and make new and significant contributions to the cause of human progress. Trong said Xi is a comrade and friend respected and admired by the Chinese people. Trong said both Xi's invitation of him to China immediately after the 20th CPC National Congress and Xi's third visit to Vietnam as promised fully demonstrated his special friendly feelings towards Vietnam and the high level of Vietnam-China relations. Trong said that Vietnam-China friendship is deep as comrades and brothers, adding that not long ago, he personally went to the Friendship Pass to plant a tree of friendship, hoping to highlight the special brotherly friendship between Vietnam and China, and send a positive signal of the special friendship between the two countries. Trong thanked China for taking Vietnam as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, firmly supporting Vietnam's cause of reform, innovation, opening-up, industrialization and modernization, and providing valuable assistance to Vietnam during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese side firmly upholds the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, supports China's cause of reunification and firmly opposes separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" in any form, Trong said. Issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are all China's internal affairs, he said, adding that Vietnam opposes any force to interfere in China's internal affairs, hopes and also believes that China will maintain stability, development and prosperity. Vietnam adheres to an independent foreign policy and takes developing relations with China as a top priority and strategic choice, Trong said. Vietnam is willing to work with China to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, comprehensively strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade, security and non-governmental areas, and set a good example of mutual benefits and win-win results, which are in line with the common interests of the two parties, governments and peoples, he said. Maritime disputes are only part of Vietnam-China relations, and it is believed that the two sides can properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect, Trong said, adding that Vietnam and China share the same idea in safeguarding multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and promoting peace, cooperation and development. The important global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, are aimed at safeguarding the common interests of all mankind and are fully in line with international laws, he said, adding that they have received extensive support and positive response from the international community and that Vietnam firmly supports and stands ready to actively join them. In the current complex international situation, it is of great significance for both countries and the world that Vietnam and China working closely in multilateral cooperation and jointly tackling various traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Trong said. He said he believes Xi's visit will surely become a historic milestone in promoting Vietnam-China relations to a higher level and contribute to peace and development of the region and the world. After the talks, Xi and Trong witnessed the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides, covering more than 30 fields such as the Belt and Road cooperation, inspection and quarantine, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, local cooperation, defense and law enforcement security cooperation, and maritime cooperation. Trong invited Xi to have a small chat over tea. The general secretaries of the two parties continued in-depth communication in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. They believe that China and Vietnam, as friendly neighbors, share the same ideals and ideas. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers and good comrades, the two countries enjoy unique climatic, geographical and human advantages favorable for building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They said that the two sides should carry on the traditional friendship forged by leaders of the older generation, make joint efforts to build a community with a shared future, take their own modernization path, achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, learn from each other, benefit the two peoples, and make positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to issue a joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong witness the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides after their talks in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong invites General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping to have a small chat over tea in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attend a welcome banquet hosted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and their spouses in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The ice mining ceremony of the 19th Ice and Snow Culture Tourism Festival was held in the Erqu Reservoir of Gaojia Lake in Barkol County, Hami City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 12, 2023. The ceremony maily celebrates the mining of the "first ice". Winding flag, saying blessing words, drinking the battle wine and other traditional ceremonies are held as well. The photo shows workers wielding tools to cut ice. (Zhong Weiliang/Guangming Picture) The ice mining ceremony of the 19th Ice and Snow Culture Tourism Festival was held in the Erqu Reservoir of Gaojia Lake in Barkol County, Hami City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 12, 2023. The ceremony maily celebrates the mining of the "first ice". Winding flag, saying blessing words, drinking the battle wine and other traditional ceremonies are held as well. The photo shows workers operating a machine to cut ice. (Zhong Weiliang/Guangming Picture) Editor: ZAD Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ENZN Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 6,700 shares, a growth of 318.8% from the November 15th total of 1,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 116,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Enzon Pharmaceuticals Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS ENZN traded down $0.00 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $0.10. The stock had a trading volume of 1,733 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,469. Enzon Pharmaceuticals has a one year low of $0.09 and a one year high of $0.28. The firms 50 day moving average price is $0.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.15. Get Enzon Pharmaceuticals alerts: About Enzon Pharmaceuticals (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in marketing drug products. The company's marketed drug product is PegIntron. It also has a marketing agreement relating to Vicineum drug. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Cranford, New Jersey. Receive News & Ratings for Enzon Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enzon Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, November 2nd, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.91 per share by the energy exploration company on Friday, December 29th. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.09%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This is a boost from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. EOG Resources has increased its dividend by an average of 43.5% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 1 consecutive years. EOG Resources has a payout ratio of 27.1% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect EOG Resources to earn $13.55 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 26.9%. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Stock Down 1.3 % EOG stock opened at $117.65 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $125.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $123.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $68.60 billion, a PE ratio of 8.74, a P/E/G ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.44. EOG Resources has a 12 month low of $98.52 and a 12 month high of $137.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 2.10. Institutional Investors Weigh In On EOG Resources EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The energy exploration company reported $3.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.49. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 32.11% and a return on equity of 26.80%. Equities analysts expect that EOG Resources will post 12.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CENTRAL TRUST Co grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 9,118 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,019,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. White Pine Capital LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. White Pine Capital LLC now owns 3,942 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,478 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $743,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Vestcor Inc grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Vestcor Inc now owns 16,645 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $2,156,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 23.7% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 662 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $79,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. 89.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on EOG shares. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $147.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $164.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of EOG Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price target for the stock from $155.00 to $146.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $152.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $147.05. View Our Latest Analysis on EOG Resources About EOG Resources (Get Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET Get Free Report)s stock price rose 2.2% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 1.29 ($0.02) and last traded at GBX 1.18 ($0.01). Approximately 9,461,732 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 61% from the average daily volume of 5,871,521 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1.15 ($0.01). Ethernity Networks Stock Up 2.2 % The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1.43 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1.69. The firm has a market cap of 1.75 million, a PE ratio of -16.79 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.98, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 1.37. About Ethernity Networks (Get Free Report) Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ethernity Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ethernity Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.810-2.890 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.880. The company issued revenue guidance of $6.7 billion-$6.9 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $6.8 billion. Ingersoll Rand Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:IR traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $74.26. 2,094,445 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,435,875. Ingersoll Rand has a fifty-two week low of $50.75 and a fifty-two week high of $74.85. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 2.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $66.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $65.89. The firm has a market cap of $30.06 billion, a PE ratio of 39.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.49. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.09. Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 11.47% and a return on equity of 11.82%. The company had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.69 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Ingersoll Rand will post 2.78 earnings per share for the current year. Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 20th will be issued a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 17th. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.11%. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.28%. IR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $76.00 to $70.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Cfra upped their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ingersoll Rand currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.20. View Our Latest Report on Ingersoll Rand Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total transaction of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,253,957.07. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total value of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,253,957.07. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 9,532 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.22, for a total transaction of $631,209.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 58,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,858,175.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.83% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Horizon Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 2.7% in the second quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 5,837 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $382,000 after buying an additional 152 shares during the period. Advisor Partners II LLC increased its position in Ingersoll Rand by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 9,879 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $575,000 after purchasing an additional 229 shares during the period. Gabelli Funds LLC increased its position in Ingersoll Rand by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 59,377 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,990,000 after purchasing an additional 243 shares during the period. BSW Wealth Partners increased its position in Ingersoll Rand by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. BSW Wealth Partners now owns 7,576 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $441,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the period. Finally, Kinneret Advisory LLC increased its position in Ingersoll Rand by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 11,646 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $586,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.54% of the companys stock. About Ingersoll Rand (Get Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle, and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BFH Get Free Report) major shareholder Turtle Creek Asset Management sold 25,000 shares of Bread Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.07, for a total value of $776,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 337,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,492,587.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Turtle Creek Asset Management also recently made the following trade(s): Get Bread Financial alerts: On Thursday, December 7th, Turtle Creek Asset Management sold 25,000 shares of Bread Financial stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total value of $762,750.00. On Tuesday, December 5th, Turtle Creek Asset Management sold 20,000 shares of Bread Financial stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.98, for a total value of $579,600.00. Bread Financial Price Performance Shares of BFH traded up $0.41 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $31.69. 711,729 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 808,693. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.18. Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. has a 12-month low of $23.19 and a 12-month high of $44.52. The company has a market cap of $1.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.08 and a beta of 1.96. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $28.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.72. Bread Financial Announces Dividend Bread Financial ( NYSE:BFH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.46 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $1.22. Bread Financial had a return on equity of 21.09% and a net margin of 10.50%. The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $996.07 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.69 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. will post 12.98 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th will be given a dividend of $0.21 per share. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 10th. Bread Financials payout ratio is 7.80%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently weighed in on BFH shares. Royal Bank of Canada cut Bread Financial from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $46.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Barclays began coverage on Bread Financial in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an underweight rating and a $24.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Bread Financial from $41.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Raymond James restated a sector perform rating and issued a $43.00 price objective (down from $46.00) on shares of Bread Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on Bread Financial in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. They issued a market perform rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bread Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $39.11. Read Our Latest Analysis on BFH Institutional Trading of Bread Financial Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in BFH. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP boosted its stake in Bread Financial by 38.5% during the third quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP now owns 180,000 shares of the companys stock worth $6,156,000 after buying an additional 50,000 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in Bread Financial by 4.2% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,954,299 shares of the companys stock worth $66,837,000 after buying an additional 79,373 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Bread Financial by 16.5% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 610,872 shares of the companys stock worth $20,892,000 after buying an additional 86,315 shares during the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its stake in Bread Financial by 586.5% during the third quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 712,566 shares of the companys stock worth $24,370,000 after buying an additional 608,769 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank boosted its stake in Bread Financial by 155.3% during the third quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 25,533 shares of the companys stock worth $873,000 after buying an additional 15,532 shares during the last quarter. 99.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Bread Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bread Financial Holdings, Inc provides tech-forward payment and lending solutions to customers and consumer-based industries in North America. It offers credit card and other loans financing services, including risk management solutions, account origination, and funding services for private label and co-brand credit card programs, as well as through Bread partnerships; and Comenity-branded general purpose cash-back credit. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bread Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bread Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, a decline of 94.1% from the November 15th total of 20,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 35,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. International Land Alliance Stock Down 19.2 % Shares of OTCMKTS ILAL traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $0.08. 30,061 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 72,140. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $0.18 and a 200 day moving average of $0.15. International Land Alliance has a 1 year low of $0.05 and a 1 year high of $0.37. The stock has a market cap of $6.12 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.11 and a beta of -0.52. Get International Land Alliance alerts: International Land Alliance Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories International Land Alliance, Inc operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building lots; securing financing for the purchase of the lots; enhance the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers. Receive News & Ratings for International Land Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Land Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE:HEQ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 16,500 shares, an increase of 258.7% from the November 15th total of 4,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 59,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 4.7% in the third quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 44,836 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $429,000 after acquiring an additional 1,996 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the third quarter worth about $139,000. 1607 Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the third quarter worth about $306,000. AQR Arbitrage LLC acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the third quarter worth about $301,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 15.8% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 282,819 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,707,000 after buying an additional 38,499 shares in the last quarter. Get John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund alerts: John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Price Performance HEQ stock traded down $0.02 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $9.77. 39,679 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 37,690. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $9.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.15. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund has a 52-week low of $9.08 and a 52-week high of $12.97. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Dividend Announcement About John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 11th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.24%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 8th. (Get Free Report) John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Wellington Management Company LLP. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC lessened its stake in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 4.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,291 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 588 shares during the period. Boeing makes up approximately 0.9% of Manhattan West Asset Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th largest position. Manhattan West Asset Management LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $2,384,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Coston McIsaac & Partners boosted its stake in shares of Boeing by 62.5% in the second quarter. Coston McIsaac & Partners now owns 130 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. IFS Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Boeing by 523.8% in the 2nd quarter. IFS Advisors LLC now owns 131 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the period. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Boeing by 54.3% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 142 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Boeing by 90.7% during the second quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. now owns 143 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boeing in the second quarter worth $32,000. 61.33% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Stock Performance BA traded up $0.51 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $249.14. The stock had a trading volume of 1,771,088 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,635,165. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $203.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $211.90. The Boeing Company has a twelve month low of $176.25 and a twelve month high of $250.85. The company has a market capitalization of $150.72 billion, a PE ratio of -52.90 and a beta of 1.53. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The aircraft producer reported ($3.26) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($3.21) by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $18.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.01 billion. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted ($6.18) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Boeing Company will post -5.93 EPS for the current year. A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. TheStreet raised Boeing from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Boeing from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $204.00 to $270.00 in a report on Monday, November 20th. UBS Group assumed coverage on Boeing in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $275.00 price target for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Boeing in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a buy rating and a $265.00 price objective on the stock. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Boeing has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $253.61. View Our Latest Stock Report on Boeing Boeing Profile (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU Free Report) by 48.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,870 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 6,140 shares during the period. Manhattan West Asset Management LLCs holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $1,665,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 104,987.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,450,633 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $243,740,000 after buying an additional 2,448,301 shares during the period. Providence Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 8,350.2% during the first quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,219,790 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,828,000 after purchasing an additional 2,193,521 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 98,060.5% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,968,118 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $173,627,000 after purchasing an additional 1,966,113 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Prudential Financial during the 4th quarter worth approximately $172,363,000. Finally, Cowa LLC raised its holdings in Prudential Financial by 9,930.2% during the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 771,824 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $912,000 after buying an additional 764,129 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.92% of the companys stock. Get Prudential Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Prudential Financial In other news, SVP Timothy L. Schmidt sold 8,281 shares of Prudential Financial stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.49, for a total transaction of $782,471.69. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 14,621 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,381,538.29. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Prudential Financial Stock Performance Prudential Financial stock traded up $0.40 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $102.58. 385,467 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,899,441. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.07 and a current ratio of 0.07. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $94.15 and its 200 day simple moving average is $92.62. The firm has a market cap of $37.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 65.92, a P/E/G ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.38. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 52 week low of $75.37 and a 52 week high of $107.31. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The financial services provider reported $3.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.16 by $0.28. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.03% and a net margin of 1.21%. The business had revenue of $10.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.91 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.13 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 11.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Prudential Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 21st will be paid a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 20th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.87%. Prudential Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 322.58%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a hold rating and a $99.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Prudential Financial from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Prudential Financial from $89.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $100.00 target price on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Finally, Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $125.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $103.70. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Prudential Financial About Prudential Financial (Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Annuities, Individual Life, Assurance IQ, and International Businesses segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 147,950 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,743,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Coterra Energy by 2.9% during the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 13,982 shares of the companys stock valued at $354,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares in the last quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Coterra Energy by 0.7% in the second quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 61,570 shares of the companys stock worth $1,558,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. bought a new stake in Coterra Energy in the second quarter worth $213,000. MONECO Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Coterra Energy by 2.4% in the second quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC now owns 17,375 shares of the companys stock worth $440,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rothschild Investment Corp IL increased its holdings in shares of Coterra Energy by 0.7% during the second quarter. Rothschild Investment Corp IL now owns 58,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,485,000 after acquiring an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. 90.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Coterra Energy Stock Performance CTRA stock traded down $0.07 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $24.35. 2,184,536 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,258,065. The stocks 50-day moving average is $27.11 and its 200 day moving average is $26.67. The stock has a market cap of $18.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.39, a PEG ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 0.30. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 52-week low of $22.25 and a 52-week high of $29.89. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Coterra Energy Announces Dividend Coterra Energy ( NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.03. Coterra Energy had a net margin of 33.97% and a return on equity of 17.14%. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.38 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 2.31 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 16th were issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 15th. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 27.49%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 68,275 shares of Coterra Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.22, for a total transaction of $1,858,445.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,152,392 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,808,110.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 400,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.60, for a total transaction of $10,640,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,302,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $87,843,627.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 68,275 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.22, for a total transaction of $1,858,445.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,152,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $85,808,110.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on CTRA shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Coterra Energy from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 18th. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Coterra Energy from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Coterra Energy from $32.00 to $34.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Mizuho reiterated a buy rating and set a $42.00 target price on shares of Coterra Energy in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their price target on Coterra Energy from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Coterra Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.13. Read Our Latest Research Report on Coterra Energy Coterra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 183,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Coterra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coterra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Metinvest mining and metallurgical group considers the purchase by European consumers of Russian-produced slabs as support for the aggressor regime and the Russian defense industry, calling for a ban on supplies to the EU of these products in 2024. "The ban on Russian rolled steel in the EU should extend to slabs in 2024. However, some steel producers argue the impossibility of replacing slabs from the Russian Federation. After the occupation of assets in Mariupol, we completely changed the supply chain and know how to do it in the EU," Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov said in his column for NV Business. At the same time, he noted after losing Mariupol plants Azovstal and Illich Iron and Steel Works the company restructured all procurement and logistics and all the group's rolling assets in Europe now operate on slabs from other suppliers. "Do we use Russian slabs? No, of course not. Can Europeans replace Russian slabs at their enterprises? Yes, of course. We need to make a little effort, remembering that economic issues are also connected with moral ones. Because buying Russian slabs means supporting the aggressor regime and the Russian defense industry," the top manager said. According to him, in general, the annual volume of the global slab market is about 30 million tonnes, of which, before the full-scale invasion, more than 10% was produced by Metinvest's Mariupol plants. Also, more than 30% of the market was occupied by Russian suppliers, 25% by Brazilian ones, and the rest was shared by manufacturers from around the world. Metinvest has three rolling mills in Western Europe Ferriera Valsider and Metinvest Trametal in Italy and Spartan in the UK, which until 2022 annually consumed more than 1.2 million tonnes of slabs produced by Mariupol plants. With the loss of the Mariupol plants, Metinvest faced a new unprecedented challenge. The company had to not only supply its European facilities with semi-finished products, which were historically vertically integrated into the overall group structure and used 99% of Azovstal and Illich Iron and Steel Works slabs, but also to ensure their profitability. "And we successfully coped with this challenge. Not only did we not stop production, but we even maintained the workload of plants at almost pre-war levels," the CEO said. He explained that the speed of decision-making helped overcome this issue within tight deadlines. The management structure was reorganized and autonomy was granted to the procurement unit, providing flexibility and efficiency in addressing supply issues. It is critical in a volatile market. Additionally, supplier diversification took place. The company now has more than 15 suppliers from Europe and Asia. Some of them were practically absent from the slab sales market until 2022 and produced them for their own needs. There was also a reorientation of production in line with market trends. In addition, there is the exploration of new sales markets. Until 2022, the company's European plant products were practically not sold in Central and Eastern European countries because the group focused on selling products from the Mariupol plants. Also, Russian manufacturers historically had a significant presence in these regions. Today, this territory has become, to some extent, a "blue ocean" with huge unmet demand and, as a result, favorable prices. Metinvest placed emphasis on the search for internal unconventional solutions. Previously, slabs were always produced only at its Mariupol plants. The production of semi-finished products at Zaporizhstal for third parties was not considered due to technical and technological limitations. When this issue arose, the plant's specialists managed to organize the production of slabs suitable for rolling the basic assortment of European plants. These slabs are already being used in some volume by the group's Italian plants. There are plans to start producing sheets from them at the British Spartan in the near future. "What should Europeans do in this situation? Should they support the steel industry of the aggressor country for their own comfort? Or should they make efforts, refuse Russian products and stop sponsoring the killing of peaceful Ukrainians? The question is not rhetorical at all. But it can be asserted that ensuring uninterrupted and, most importantly, profitable production of sheet metal without using Russian semi-finished products is not only a feasible but also a critically important task for European manufacturers," the CEO believes. With steel consumption in the EU declining by 7% and 5% respectively over the last two years, European manufacturers should consider using idle capacity to produce and supply semi-finished products to the internal EU market. Today, not only European regulatory authorities but also consumers themselves demand documentation from manufacturers proving the absence of Russian-origin steel in the composition of final products. Most consumers choose not to sponsor the war and refuse to buy sheet metal made from Russian slabs. "And in this context, the decision of the European regulator to ban the import of finished products made from Russian-origin steel while leaving a loophole in the form of temporary permits for semi-finished products seems illogical. The European steel association Eurofer takes a corresponding position, and has issued a statement on the need to reject additional requests for exemptions from the ban on the import of Russian steel from several member countries protecting the profitable business models of individual rolling mills. I hope that the planned ban on the export of Russian slabs on September 1, 2024, as well as the planned ban on the export of Russian steel slabs to the EU on April 1, will come into effect, thus closing another channel of the European Union's dependence on the aggressor country," Ryzhenkov concluded Proquility Private Wealth Partners LLC lowered its position in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSEARCA:EWU Free Report) by 1.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 165,393 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,614 shares during the period. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF comprises 2.1% of Proquility Private Wealth Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Proquility Private Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF were worth $5,350,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EWU. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 5.2% during the second quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 9,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $297,000 after acquiring an additional 456 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 91.9% in the first quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 971 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 465 shares during the period. Barry Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC now owns 31,331 shares of the companys stock worth $1,014,000 after buying an additional 471 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 39.3% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,671 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 471 shares during the period. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 15,562 shares of the companys stock valued at $502,000 after acquiring an additional 501 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF alerts: iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Trading Down 0.4 % NYSEARCA EWU traded down $0.14 on Wednesday, hitting $32.46. 570,195 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,014,818. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF has a 12 month low of $30.00 and a 12 month high of $34.04. The company has a market cap of $2.79 billion, a PE ratio of 13.02 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $31.66 and a 200-day moving average of $32.03. About iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI United Kingdom index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of British companies. It covers the top 85% of British companies by market cap. EWU was launched on Mar 12, 1996 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSEARCA:EWU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Asante Gold Co. (OTCMKTS:ASGOF Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decrease of 95.2% from the November 15th total of 2,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 39,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Asante Gold Stock Performance OTCMKTS:ASGOF traded down C$0.04 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting C$1.16. 105 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,440. Asante Gold has a 52 week low of C$0.70 and a 52 week high of C$1.62. The firms 50 day moving average is C$1.08 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$1.15. Get Asante Gold alerts: Asante Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Asante Gold Corporation, a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral resource properties in the Republic of Ghana. It holds 100% interest in the Fahiakoba concession situated in the Ashanti and Central regions in the Republic of Ghana; and 90% interest in the Bibiani gold mine located in the western region of Ghana. Receive News & Ratings for Asante Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asante Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuburu, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BURU Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 92,400 shares, an increase of 327.8% from the November 15th total of 21,600 shares. Approximately 0.6% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 597,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Nuburu Stock Performance Shares of BURU remained flat at $0.16 during mid-day trading on Tuesday. 353,552 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 936,218. Nuburu has a 12-month low of $0.15 and a 12-month high of $14.00. Get Nuburu alerts: Nuburu (NYSEAMERICAN:BURU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported ($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $0.19 million for the quarter. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuburu Nuburu Company Profile Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BURU. Geode Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Nuburu in the 1st quarter worth approximately $228,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in Nuburu in the 1st quarter worth approximately $86,000. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Nuburu in the 1st quarter worth approximately $49,000. Barclays PLC acquired a new position in Nuburu in the 1st quarter worth approximately $48,000. Finally, Two Sigma Securities LLC acquired a new position in Nuburu in the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.34% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Nuburu, Inc develops high power precision blue light engine lasers for the metal processing and 3D printing industries worldwide. The company offers Nuburu AO and NUBURU BL series lasers. Its products have applications in battery, e-mobility, consumer electronics, and 3D printing metal systems. Nuburu, Inc is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nuburu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuburu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Signet Jewelers (NYSE:SIG Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Monday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 9.550-10.180 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 9.810. The company issued revenue guidance of $7.1 billion-$7.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $7.2 billion. Signet Jewelers also updated its Q4 2024 guidance to EPS. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently weighed in on SIG shares. Citigroup upgraded shares of Signet Jewelers from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $93.00 to $119.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Signet Jewelers from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $100.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $71.00 to $83.00 in a report on Friday, September 1st. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group raised their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $99.00. Get Signet Jewelers alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Signet Jewelers Signet Jewelers Stock Down 1.5 % NYSE SIG traded down $1.51 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $96.42. The company had a trading volume of 708,690 shares, compared to its average volume of 767,436. The stock has a market cap of $4.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 2.10. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $76.56 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.02. Signet Jewelers has a fifty-two week low of $57.10 and a fifty-two week high of $98.67. Signet Jewelers (NYSE:SIG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 5th. The company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.39 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.39 billion. Signet Jewelers had a net margin of 6.29% and a return on equity of 31.86%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.74 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Signet Jewelers will post 9.9 earnings per share for the current year. Signet Jewelers Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. Signet Jewelerss dividend payout ratio is currently 11.14%. Insider Activity at Signet Jewelers In related news, Director Brian A. Tilzer sold 5,000 shares of Signet Jewelers stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.23, for a total transaction of $381,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 15,915 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,213,200.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Signet Jewelers news, Director Brian A. Tilzer sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.23, for a total value of $381,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 15,915 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,213,200.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Oded Edelman sold 6,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.37, for a total transaction of $512,516.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 91,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,911,579.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 101,120 shares of company stock valued at $8,098,127 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 4.54% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Signet Jewelers Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Creative Planning grew its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 7.4% during the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 4,470 shares of the companys stock worth $321,000 after buying an additional 308 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 32.1% during the 3rd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 23,845 shares of the companys stock worth $1,712,000 after buying an additional 5,791 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in Signet Jewelers by 31.6% during the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 12,540 shares of the companys stock valued at $901,000 after purchasing an additional 3,010 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in Signet Jewelers by 0.9% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 375,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,929,000 after purchasing an additional 3,469 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Signet Jewelers by 17.0% during the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,374 shares of the companys stock valued at $98,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. About Signet Jewelers (Get Free Report) Signet Jewelers Limited operates as a diamond jewelry retailer. It operates through three segments: North America, International, and Other. The North America segment operates jewelry stores in jewelry stores in malls, mall-based kiosks, and off-mall locations in the United States and Canada primarily under the Kay Jewelers, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, Jared Vault, Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Diamonds Direct, James Allen, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, and Peoples Jewellers names, as well as operates online through its digital banners, James Allen and Blue Nile. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Signet Jewelers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Signet Jewelers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bird Construction (TSE:BDT Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by Stifel Nicolaus from C$17.50 to C$18.25 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus price target suggests a potential upside of 31.48% from the stocks current price. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on BDT. ATB Capital upped their price objective on shares of Bird Construction from C$15.00 to C$16.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. TD Securities increased their price objective on Bird Construction from C$14.50 to C$15.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Bird Construction from C$12.50 to C$14.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Bird Construction from C$13.00 to C$16.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bird Construction has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$14.93. Get Bird Construction alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Bird Construction Bird Construction Stock Performance BDT stock traded up C$1.22 on Wednesday, reaching C$13.88. The companys stock had a trading volume of 401,473 shares, compared to its average volume of 63,344. The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$11.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$10.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 54.65, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 1.20. The company has a market capitalization of C$746.33 million, a P/E ratio of 11.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.14. Bird Construction has a 52 week low of C$7.07 and a 52 week high of C$13.90. Bird Construction (TSE:BDT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.42 by C$0.12. Bird Construction had a net margin of 2.35% and a return on equity of 22.07%. The firm had revenue of C$783.84 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$737.23 million. As a group, analysts predict that Bird Construction will post 1.5286624 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Bird Construction (Get Free Report) Bird Construction Inc provides construction services in Canada. The company primarily focuses on projects in the industrial, commercial, and institutional, and civil infrastructure markets. It constructs large, complex industrial buildings, including manufacturing, processing, distribution, and warehouse facilities; and provides electrical and instrumentation, high voltage testing and commissioning services, as well as power line construction, structural, mechanical, and piping, including off-site metal and modular fabrication. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bird Construction Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bird Construction and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC trimmed its position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 6.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 18,548 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,276 shares during the quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $675,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in IAU. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 72,670.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 689,886,989 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $25,104,988,000 after purchasing an additional 688,938,957 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 413,629.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 28,998,294 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,003,051,000 after purchasing an additional 28,991,285 shares during the last quarter. Gateway Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 5,751.9% during the 1st quarter. Gateway Advisory LLC now owns 6,551,529 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,552,000 after purchasing an additional 6,439,573 shares during the last quarter. Mizuho Bank Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 300.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Bank Ltd. now owns 8,000,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $291,120,000 after purchasing an additional 6,000,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $175,383,000. 58.45% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSEARCA IAU traded up $0.06 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $37.53. 1,391,043 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,242,921. iShares Gold Trust has a 1 year low of $33.67 and a 1 year high of $39.29. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $37.23 and a 200 day moving average of $36.78. iShares Gold Trust Profile iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:STRW Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, November 14th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.12 per share on Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This is a boost from Strawberry Fields REITs previous quarterly dividend of $0.11. Strawberry Fields REIT Trading Down 2.3 % Strawberry Fields REIT stock opened at $7.77 on Wednesday. Strawberry Fields REIT has a one year low of $5.79 and a one year high of $9.25. Get Strawberry Fields REIT alerts: Strawberry Fields REIT Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc, is a self-administered real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development, and leasing of skilled nursing and certain other healthcare-related properties. The Company's portfolio includes 79 healthcare properties, of which 78 are owned, located throughout the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Strawberry Fields REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Strawberry Fields REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey plc (OTCMKTS:TWODY Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 2,500 shares, a growth of 66.7% from the November 15th total of 1,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 51,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Taylor Wimpey Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS TWODY remained flat at $17.72 during mid-day trading on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 399 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,876. The firms fifty day moving average is $14.74 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.40. Taylor Wimpey has a 52 week low of $11.90 and a 52 week high of $17.77. Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: Taylor Wimpey Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th were issued a dividend of $0.5604 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. This is an increase from Taylor Wimpeys previous dividend of $0.52. Taylor Wimpey Company Profile Taylor Wimpey plc operates a residential developer in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The China Fund, Inc. (NYSE:CHN Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 4,400 shares, a decline of 67.6% from the November 15th total of 13,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 23,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Institutional Trading of The China Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in The China Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at $55,000. Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in The China Fund by 238.3% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 12,119 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $157,000 after purchasing an additional 8,537 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in The China Fund by 13.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 24,503 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $317,000 after purchasing an additional 2,869 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in The China Fund during the 1st quarter valued at $404,000. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC raised its stake in The China Fund by 26.0% during the 2nd quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 53,424 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $591,000 after purchasing an additional 11,026 shares during the last quarter. Get The China Fund alerts: The China Fund Stock Performance CHN stock traded down $0.03 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $9.95. The companys stock had a trading volume of 15,671 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,537. The China Fund has a 12 month low of $9.64 and a 12 month high of $16.16. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $10.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.88. The China Fund Company Profile The China Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC. It invests in the public equity markets of China that includes the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for The China Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The China Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre has expressed hope that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy would leave Oslo with a strong feeling of support from Norway, the Norwegian parliament, and Norwegian colleagues. The Norwegian government has a bipartisan support, a five-year-long assistance package for Ukraine's defense, economy, and restoration efforts, he said at a press briefing in Oslo on Wednesday, following a meeting with Zelenskyy. Stre also recalled that this morning Ukraine was attacked by Russian missiles and it needs support to defend itself. The Prime Minister also announced Norway's package of extra assistance to Ukraine. Norway allocated $1 billion in 2023 for Ukraine to pay wages to nurses, doctors, teachers and other workers, he said, adding that Norway is strengthening its financial and humanitarian assistance by almost $800 million for this year. Stre also said that Norway is trying to reinforce the protection of Ukraine's critical infrastructure by providing additional air defense and increases its co-financing with European partners for the defense industry to produce more ammunition for the Ukrainian army. Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Harsh Kumar is Correspondent at Moneycontrol based in Delhi. Harsh covers BFSI sector. You can reach him at Harsh.kumar@nw18.com Sohil Sehran is a journalist with 10 years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media. He covers politics and national affairs at Moneycontrol. He tweets @SohilSehran The municipal enterprise Kyivteploenergo, as part of large-scale exercises of city services, modeled the prompt connection of important social facilities to mobile boiler houses in the event of a shutdown of large heat sources. During massive missile attacks, more than twenty mobile boiler houses can be used to heat hospitals and other critical social institutions, the company said on Wednesday. Training on the operational deployment of such boiler houses was conducted at the Kyiv City Center for Radiation Protection of the Population from the Consequences of the Chornobyl Disaster. The company informed that two mobile boiler houses on truck platforms were delivered and connected to the input of hospital heating networks. In the event of an emergency, boiler houses can operate autonomously and heat hospitals. The thermal power of the mobile boiler house is 600 kW (or more than 0.5 Gcal/hour) - it produces temperature of up to 80C. In addition, the temperature can be adjusted depending on weather conditions. The boiler room is equipped with a generator. The main advantages of mobile boiler houses are autonomy, automation and energy efficiency. By placing them directly next to the consumer building, heat loss is minimized and the reliability of heat supply is increased, the company noted. In addition, the company also worked out the prompt switching of heat source equipment to alternative power sources - generators. We would like to remind you that more than 60% of Kyivteploenergo boiler houses are already equipped with generators that provide stable heat supply during power outages, it emphasized. 1/11 At the close, the Sensex was up 33.57 points or 0.05 percent at 69,584.60, and the Nifty was up 19.90 points or 0.10 percent at 20,926.30. About 2052 shares advanced, 1586 shares declined, and 113 shares were unchanged. 2/11 Adani Total Gas | CMP Rs 1,002.80 | Shares of Adani Total Gas tanked 10 percent, after a 90-percent rally in the last month, as investors booked profits. The BSE and the NSE have put the stock under the short-term ASM (Additional Surveillance Measure) framework. 3/11 HPL Electric & Power | CMP Rs 220.90 | Shares of HPL Electric & Power tanked 9.98 percent after the company bagged an order valued at Rs 545 crore for smart meters, supporting India's national metering initiative. 4/11 Sunteck Realty | CMP Rs 478.50 | Shares of Sunteck Realty slumped over 4.19 percent after a large deal worth Rs 336.4 crore took place at the counter. Around 69 lakh shares, representing a 4.75 percent equity in the company changed hands on the exchanges at an average floor price of Rs 482 apiece. 5/11 Shilpa Medicare | CMP Rs 377 | Shares of Shilpa Medicare surged 5 percent intraday after the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) Australia approved its Bengaluru Unit IV for manufacturing, labelling, packaging and testing of medicinal oral mouth dissolving films. The stock shed some gains to end 2.13 percent higher. 6/11 Equitas Small Finance Bank | CMP Rs 104.20 | Shares of Equitas Small Finance Bank gained over 3 percent intraday after it announced the appointment of senior managerial personnel (SMP) Ashwini Biswal as its next chief compliance officer (CCO). The stock shed majority gains to end 0.3 percent higher. 7/11 Karur Vysya Bank | CMP Rs 165.70 | Shares of Karur Vysya Bank gained 3.3 percent intraday to hit a fresh 52-week high after SBI Mutual Fund purchased 1.2 crore equity shares via open market transactions. The stock, however, pared some gains later in the day to end 0.4 percent higher. 8/11 Bank of Baroda | CMP Rs 227 | Shares of Bank of Baroda rose 2.21 percent after the lender said that its board will on December 15 review a proposal to raise funds. The board will discuss and finalise the quantum of the first tranche of Tier-2 or sub-debt instruments issued within the board-approved capital-raising plan. 9/11 KIOCL | CMP Rs 364.75 | KIOCL share price fell 1.6 percent after the company temporarily suspended the operations at its Mangalore plant due to the non-availability of iron-ore fines. 10/11 Cummins India | CMP Rs 1,962.30 | Cummins India gained 1.7 percent after the engine maker announced the launch of an intelligent fuel management system in collaboration with Repos Energy. Under the agreement, Cummins will market and distribute the Data Automated Teller Ultimate Machine range of products. In Kyiv, as of 9:00, 53 people were injured as a result of a night rocket attack, six of them children: 36 women and 17 men, said head of Kyiv City Military Administration, Serhiy Popko. "Of these, 20 victims were hospitalized. The vast majority 34 people received incised body wounds. Another eight have an acute stress reaction. The rest have bruises of soft parts of the body, abrasions, burns and other injuries. There is no information about the dead," reads a message posted on the Telegram channel of the military administration. Earlier it was reported about 51 victims aged 5 to 80 years. M Muneer is the managing director of CustomerLab Solutions, a consulting firm. Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Deepsekhar Choudhury Deepsekhar covers tech and startups at Moneycontrol. Tweets at @deepsekharc Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Zelenskyy, at meeting with Speaker of House of Reps of Congress, outlines importance of American financial assistance to Ukraine in 2024 During a working visit to the United States, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the first time with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, the press service of the Presidents Office said. In particular, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the U.S. Congress for powerful efforts in the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, the U.S. Congress has been providing our country with significant assistance that allows us to effectively counter the aggressor. The bipartisan and bicameral support of the Congress is a very important factor, and we highly appreciate it," the President of Ukraine emphasized. The Head of State told Johnson about the achievements of Ukraine's defenders, particularly the liberation of 50% of Ukrainian lands occupied by Russia, victories of Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea and great efforts of Ukraine to implement reforms and return our country to economic self-sufficiency in the future. In this context, the President emphasized the importance of continued U.S. support and additional appropriations to help Ukraine in 2024. He emphasized that our country is using U.S. military and financial aid with utmost responsibility; the Verkhovna Rada has a respective commission that monitors the use of military aid. Ukraine also continues cooperation with representatives of American institutions responsible for providing assistance. Zelenskyy emphasized that even in the face of Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to implement the reforms necessary to start negotiations on membership in the European Union. Aditi Bhaduri is a journalist and political analyst. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication. Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. In today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: India should join the Bitcoin party, foreign investors to drive Indian equities i... Imagine a shopping mall where the landlord is the only merchant selling wares. Customers may not notice, understand or even care. They might even like the apparent convenience. Product suppliers are less likely to appreciate the arrangement. They would expect to earn more money and make customers happier by trading under their own shingle This scenario is playing out in Big Tech. On Monday, a California jury sided with the video game maker Epic Games in its dispute with Google. Epic... Dec 13, 2023 / 02:59 PM ISTAll Rights Reserved. FT and Financial Times are trademarks of the Financial Times Limited Not to be redistributed, copied or modified in any way. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Ukrainian air defense eliminated 10 ballistic missiles and 10 UAVs that attacked Kyiv on Wednesday night, the Air Force reported. "At 03:00 sharp on December 13, 2023, the enemy launched a missile attack on the capital of Ukraine. All ten targets flying towards the city of Kyiv along a ballistic trajectory were shot down by an anti-aircraft missile unit of the Air Force," the report says. Launches of 10 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs were also recorded. All 10 were destroyed by the forces and means of the Air Force in cooperation with the air defense units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It is noted that the type of missiles can be determined only after examining the wreckage by the relevant services. The Armed Forces added that the occupiers attacked with Shahed type drones from the Balaklava area (occupied Crimea). Almost all enemy UAVs were shot down in Odesa region in the area of responsibility of the Pivden (South) air command. As many as 14 non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) have surrendered their registration certificates to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for various reasons. Nine NBFCs surrendered their certificate of registration (CoR) following a decision to exit from the NBFC business, five ceased operations following corporate actions such as amalgamation, dissolution, merger or voluntary strike-off and while one NBFCs have surrendered their registration certificates because they do not require registration under the criteria prescribed for an unregistered core investment company (CIC). Separately, RBI has cancelled the registration of Jaryal Motor Finance Company Ltd from Himachal Pradesh. Those who have surrendered registration certificates include five NBFCs from West Bengal, four from New Delhi, Three from Tamil Nadu, two from Maharashtra and one from National Capital Region (NCR). West Bengal-based Labheshwari Ispat Pvt Ltd and Ballabh Commercial Ltd surrendered their registration certificate. RBI issued an order for cancellation of their registration on 2 November 2023. Further, New Delhi-based Hollysea Finvest Pvt Ltd, Sun Aero Ltd, VMA Finance Pvt Ltd and NCR-based Manu Credit India Ltd also decided to surrender its certificate. Shri Mangalam Financial Services (India) Ltd and Lunkar Finance Pvt Ltd from Tamil Nadu along with Sandhills Holdings Ltd (formerly Sand Hills Finance and Investments Explorers Ltd) from Maharashtra decided to exit from the NBFC business. New Delhi-based Foresight Finance Ltd surrendered its registration certificate due to meeting the criteria prescribed for unregistered CICs that do not require registration. As many as five NBFCs ceased to be legal entities following amalgamation, merger, dissolution or voluntary strike-off. Most of them are from West Bengal. It includes DSPL Investments Pvt Ltd, Dalmia Investmart Pvt Ltd and Sweta Financial Services Pvt Ltd. DVK Investments Pvt Ltd from Maharashtra and Navarathna Financial Services Ltd from Tamil Nadu also surrendered their registration certificate. RBI issued an order for cancellation of their registration on 3 November 2023 and 27 October 2023 respectively. In a major development in the Mahadev Online Books betting money laundering case, one of the owners of the app, Ravi Uppal, has been detained by the Dubai police in UAE, sources said. The sources said that Mr Uppal has been detained on the basis of the Red Notice issued against him by the INTERPOL on the request of the Indian financial probe agency, the enforcement directorate (ED). However, the ED sources remained tight-lipped. Mr Uppal is being probed by the ED in a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal betting apart from the Chhattisgarh police and Mumbai police. The ED in October this year had filed a charge-sheet against Uppal and another promoter Sourabh Chandrakar, before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. As per the ED, the projected proceeds of crime in this case is about Rs6,000 crore. 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. This story was originally published by ProPublica. A new analysis of Medicare claims by ProPublica and CareSet found that atherectomies, a procedure to treat vascular disease, were performed on about 30,000 patients who had questionable need for them. Four years ago, researchers warned the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that some doctors were overusing potentially even abusing invasive vascular procedures, increasing patients chances of complications, which include amputation or even death. They handed the federal agency a list of outlier physicians they found in the government insurers own data. But the agency has done little to stop the practice and instead continues to pay doctors who exhibit this behavior millions of dollars a year. The names of the doctors were never publicly revealed. ProPublica is shedding new light on the problem. Their cases and many others, plus dozens of interviews with patients, health care providers and medical device representatives, have laid bare a thriving industry of strip-mall clinics and outpatient vascular centers where elderly patients are being exploited for multimillion-dollar Medicare payouts. As part of the procedure, doctors use a laser or bladed catheter to remove plaque from the patients vessel walls. For treatments conducted in outpatient clinics, Medicare pays generous reimbursements to doctors, who can charge tens of thousands of dollars for procedures done in a single visit. Experts recognize atherectomies are appropriate for severe vascular disease , but they told ProPublica that the majority of patients with milder symptoms like leg pain while walking, a condition known as claudication, should start with treatments like medication and exercise. We analyzed Medicare claims records for people who had first-time atherectomies between 2019 and 2022 and found that nearly 1 in 4 patients underwent the invasive procedure after only a diagnosis for claudication, indicating an early stage of vascular disease. This amounts to nearly 30,000 patients who may have undergone procedures too soon or possibly even unnecessarily. ( Read more about our findings and methodology. Some doctors stood out because of the money they made. Dr. Amiel Moshfegh, a Beverly Hills radiologist, received $45 million from Medicare over five years for performing thousands of atherectomies, according to public Medicare records . Most of his Medicare patients were older Latinos, according to federal data, who were warned in Spanish-language advertisements that poor circulation could lead to amputation. About 15% of his patients who underwent a first-time atherectomy, 170 of them, appeared to have milder disease based on their diagnosis for claudication, according to the data. Other doctors stood out because a large portion of their patients who underwent atherectomies had just claudication, raising questions about the necessity of the procedures. That was the case for Dr. Christopher LeCroy, who works for a chain of vascular clinics across the Florida panhandle; about half of his first-time atherectomy patients appeared to have milder disease based on their diagnosis, according to the data. And while over 5,000 physicians who provide vascular care rarely intervened on patients who appeared to have milder vascular disease based on their diagnoses, ProPublica and CareSet found that about 170 other doctors performed half or more of their first-time atherectomies on these kinds of patients. Its concerning that we may be doing unnecessary procedures and spending unnecessary health care dollars, said Dr. Caitlin Hicks, an associate professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a leading researcher on procedure overuse. We know that aggressive interventions for claudication may give short-term relief, but in the long term, patients are the same as they started or even worse. Continue Reading Doctors named in our data objected to being portrayed as part of the problem. Data analysis by Alma Trotter and Fred Trotter (CareSet) Ukraine cannot give up its territories to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with the American leader in Washington on Tuesday. "The question is not only in our words and what we are thinking about. The question is what we are ready for and what we are not ready for. How can Ukraine give up its territories? It's just nonsense and stupidity. We are talking about the fact that there are [in the territories occupied by the Russian Federation] our Ukrainians, our children, families, who are an integral part of our society there. There our people become victims of torture, rape, they are being killed," he said. As he noted, "it is difficult to understand what political players and forces have an idea to offer Ukraine to give up its territories and people, their stories and memory." Zelenskyy also said that he had held many dialogues with representatives of both parties of the U.S. Congress on this issue. "Both of them assure of their support. In any case, we have never doubted the support of our strategic partnership from the United States and that the support will end, so Ukraine will not remain face-to-face with the terrorist, which is the Russian Federation," he said. It is planned to resume the Kyivstar fixed-line Internet for households and begin the launch of mobile communications and the Internet on Wednesday, December 13, while the resumption of all services of the mobile operator in compliance with the necessary security protocols will take time, the Security Service of Ukraine has reported. On Wednesday, Security Service of Ukraine said on its Telegram channel that its cyber specialists and Kyivstar experts, in collaboration with other government agencies, continue to work on restoring the network after the cyber attack. "According to preliminary estimates, on December 13 it is planned to resume fixed-line Internet for households, and begin the launch of mobile communications and the Internet," the security service said. At the same time, the Security Service of Ukraine emphasizes that critical damage was inflicted on Kyivstar's digital infrastructure, and therefore "the restoration of all services in compliance with the necessary security protocols will take time." "The responsibility for the attack has already been claimed by one of the Russian pseudo-hacking groups. It is a hacker unit of the main intelligence directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (more commonly known as GRU), which thus publicly legitimizes the results of its criminal activities in this way," the Security Service of Ukraine said. The Ukrainian service continues to document the Russian cyber attack on Ukraine's civil infrastructure as another war crime committed by the occupiers. An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who authorities say tried to turn off the engines on a flight from Paine Field has been released from custody after posting $5,000 of a $50,000 bail. He agreed not to board any operable aircraft as part of the federal case. Joseph Emerson, 44, of Pleasant Hill, California, was indicted on 84 counts one count of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person by an Oregon grand jury Thursday, Dec. 7. Emerson pled not guilty. As part of the conditions for his release, Emerson is not allowed to consume any controlled substances, such as alcohol, and he is subject to random testing. He also must seek mental health treatment. The Oregon grand jury earlier declined to indict Emerson on attempted murder charges that he initially was booked on. Eighty-three passengers were aboard Alaska Airlines flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air, flying from Paine Field in Everett to San Francisco Oct. 22. Authorities say, Emerson was in the cockpits jump seat when he attempted to shut off the engines by activating the airplanes fire suppression system. Three passengers on the flight filed a class action suit against Alaska Airlines and affiliate Horizon Airlines saying they suffered emotional distress due to the incident. The passengers are asking for a straightforward explanation of the pre-flight screenings. In a statement, Alaska Airlines said all gate agents and flight attendants are trained to identify symptoms of impairment. Flight 2059 diverted safely to Portland, where police arrested Emerson. Engine power was never lost, Alaska Airlines said. Emerson was allegedly in the cockpits jump seat on the flight behind the pilot and co-pilot when the incident occurred. The two pilots told an FBI agent that there was no indication anything was wrong with Emerson before he attempted to shut down the engines. Pilot 2 told police Emerson threw his headset across the cockpit and said, I am not OK. The pilot saw Emerson grab both red engine shutoff handles. Alaska Airlines said that the fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine, and that if the T-handle is fully deployed a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine. Pilot 1 grabbed Emersons wrist, while Pilot 2 declared an inflight emergency. Emerson initially resisted and he and Pilot 1 engaged each other physically for about 30 seconds before the suspect settled down and exited the cockpit after being asked to leave. The pilots secured the cockpit door, turned the autopilot off, and changed the aircrafts course to fly to Portland. Pilot 2 said Emerson could not pull the red handles down all the way and fully activate the engine shutoff due to the other pilots wrestling with Emerson. Flight attendants said Emerson walked to the back of the aircraft and told one attendant that he had been kicked out of the flight deck and that they needed to cuff him right away or it was going to be bad. Flight attendants sat Emerson in a flight attendant seat in the back of the aircraft and placed cuffs on his wrists. Police met the flight and took Emerson into custody. Emerson told them that he believed he was having a nervous breakdown and that he had not slept in 40 hours. He said he felt dehydrated and tired. He confirmed that he was seated in the cockpit during the flight. Therere two injured as result of attack of Shaheds in Odesa Southern Defense Forces On the evening of December 12, Russia sent a UAV of the Shahed-131/136 type to Odesa region, according to preliminary data, two people were injured, the Southern Defense Forces reported on Telegram. "The intense combat work of the air defense units continued for more than two hours. According to preliminary data, two people were injured and hospitalized as a result of enemy actions. Their condition is satisfactory," the message says. It is noted that there is damage to the civil infrastructure, the resulting fire was promptly eliminated. Information about the results of combat work is being clarified. $3.2B could come to Guam in NDAA, still a chance for RECA Volunteers of the rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) are providing assistance to the injured residents of Kyiv as a result of a nighttime Russian missile attack. "Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross rapid response unit went to the scene of the emergency and provided all necessary assistance to the victims. They installed two heating points and provided first aid to more than 20 people. The victims also received first aid, and more than 400 people were provided with hot drinks," the URCS reported on Facebook on Wednesday. As Olena Sakharova, a senior volunteer of the URCS rapid response unit, said on the air of the national telethon, the rapid response unit went to the site of the rocket wreckage five minutes after the incident. "We have installed two heating points. One ... is for people with limited mobility and bedridden, it was warmer. The second heating point is for those who can walk on their own," Sakharova said. She noted that the victims mostly had cuts from glass fragments and bruises. According to her, the volunteers also transported a family with children. "A family turned to us, who asked us to move it with small children, because the children were very scared And before we put up tents, we moved this family with children to another address," the volunteer said. As a result of the overnight rocket attack on the capital of Ukraine, 53 people were injured, six of them children: 36 women and 17 men. "Of these, 20 victims were hospitalized. The vast majority 34 people received incised body wounds. Another eight have an acute stress reaction. The rest have bruises of soft parts of the body, abrasions, burns and other injuries. There is no information about the dead," reads a message posted on the Telegram channel of the military administration. As the Air Force reported, the Ukrainian air defense eliminated 10 ballistic missiles and 10 attack UAVs of Shahed-136/131 type, which attacked Kyiv on Wednesday night. President of the European Council, Charles Michel, calls on the leaders of the European Union to make "bold decisions" and agree to start membership negotiations with Ukraine, as well as to continue financial and military support. He wrote about this in an invitation letter to the heads of state and government of the European Union member states, the text of which was published in Brussels on Wednesday on the eve of the summit, which will be held in Brussels on December 14-15. February 24, 2022 marked a turning point in Europes history. Since the outbreak of war on our continent, we have taken a number of unprecedented decisions in support of Ukraine and to strengthen in parallel Europes sovereignty. Nineteen months on, we are faced once again with the need to take bold decisions. They require our collective strength and determination, and the audacity to make the right choices. We need to live up to our commitments on Ukraine and continue to be a reliable and strong partner. We must provide Ukraine with continued and sustainable political, financial and military support and, in particular, come to an agreement on providing EUR 50 BN for its long term stability. We also have to agree to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, thereby giving it a necessary signal and bringing it yet closer to our European family, the President of the European Council said. In addition, he noted that EU leaders also take during the European Council meeting significant decisions for other aspiring members while, in parallel, working to make our Union fit for the future and ready to take on new members. New challenges bring new obligations. The revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework has proceeded intensively and unabatedly. I have taken good note of all your concerns and priorities and have put forward a proposal that seeks to reconcile the differing positions around the table. As with any compromise solution, I appeal to your readiness to build compromise for the sake of unity. Achieving consensus will indeed require a decisive joint effort and strong political commitment from you all, Michel said. The President of the European Council also touched upon the issue of security and defense. On security and defence, we will continue implementing our ambition of building a stronger geopolitical union, giving guidance on key strands of work and building on the Versailles Declaration and the Strategic Compass. More needs to be done to swiftly fulfil the Unions objectives of increasing defence readiness. We must also work on creating an internal market for defence, which is crucial to strengthening our Union in this area, he detailed. In addition, Michel said that events in the Middle East will be another important issue on the agenda. A pivotal European Council lies ahead of us. Now is the time for decision-making. I call on you all to come equipped with a spirit of compromise, a sense of collective responsibility, with the Unions interests and values at the forefront of your minds, the European Council President concluded. If EU doesnt decide to start negotiations with Ukraine, it will mean that Putin vetoed this decision Zelenskyy If the European Union does not decide to start negotiations with Ukraine, it will mean that Putin vetoed this decision, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes. "Therefore, if there is no positive there [at the EU summit in Brussels], it will indicate that Putin vetoed this decision," he said at a briefing in Oslo on Wednesday. "There is a blocking on the part of Hungary - and this is a fact. We were very constructive on our part. We have done absolutely everything to not give any chance to this or any other state to block," he said. Russia, Zelenskyy also said, "has started working with countries, not only with Europe, but with countries on many continents, and putting pressure on them." Thai police seize a record haul of 50 million methamphetamine tablets near border with Myanmar View Photo BANGKOK (AP) Thai police have seized what is being called a record haul of methamphetamine tablets in the western province of Kanchanaburi, close to the Myanmar border. Officers found an estimated 50 million tablets hidden in sacks in a six-wheeler truck they stopped at a joint police-military checkpoint on Tuesday. The occupants of the truck a man and a woman were arrested. The quantity of methamphetamine tablets seized is a record for Thailand, Jeremy Douglas, the Southeast Asia regional representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said Wednesday. The regions biggest known seizure took place in neighboring Laos in October 2021, when a consignment of 55 million pills was discovered. Weve not seen major cases here in Kanchanaburi for a couple of years, and never anything like this, Douglas said. But its also not a surprise given the extreme supply being produced by militias and traffickers in northern Myanmar. Myanmar has historically been the regions main drug production area in part because of lax security measures in border areas where minority ethnic groups have long been fighting for greater autonomy. Some of the powerful ethnic armed groups there have been heavily involved in narcotics production for decades. A 2021 military takeover in Myanmar that unseated the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi triggered armed resistance nationwide, further destabilizing the country. The U.N. drug agencys June 2023 report on synthetic drugs in East and Southeast Asia warned that the huge trade in methamphetamine and other illegal drugs shows no signs of slowing down. Thailands Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also interior minister, told reporters that illegal drugs used to be smuggled into Thailands northern and northeastern provinces, but had moved to western provinces such as Kanchanaburi because of more intense surveillance and security along the old routes, a point the U.N. agency had also made earlier this year. Anutin said increased combat between Myanmars military and its foes among the countrys pro-democracy movement and ethnic minority armed groups also increased the smugglers risks along their old routes. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said it is necessary to organize "a constructive meeting" with Hungary. "We had a dialogue, it's true. And I think we should organize a very constructive meeting between our states, because we have common borders, we are neighbors and we should talk," he said at a press briefing in Oslo on Wednesday, following the Northern Europe and Ukraine Summit, when asked about a meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban. "One of very important issues I have raised with him was exactly that we should talk, we should resolve problems, but I really do not see any global problem here. So, we should just meet. And I have shown him my positive attitude to this idea," Zelenskyy said. "He has no reason for blocking Ukraine's membership in the European Union. I asked him to tell me, name at least one reason, not three, not five, not ten And I am still waiting for an answer," the president said. Editor says Myanmar authorities have arrested 2 local journalists for an online news service View Photo BANGKOK (AP) Myanmars military government has arrested two journalists with a local online news service, their editor said Wednesday, in its latest crackdown on media freedom since seizing power nearly three years ago. The chief editor of Dawei Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals from authorities, told The Associated Press that Aung San Oo and Myo Myint Oo were arrested late Monday at their homes in the coastal town of Myeik. The town is about 560 kilometers (350 miles) south of Yangon, the countrys biggest city. The editor said they were arrested three days after returning home from hiding and that security forces told family members they were arrested for reports they had filed. The computers and mobile phones of the reporters and their family members were confiscated by police, and the journalists are being held in an interrogation camp, the editor said. Dawei Watch mostly covers news in southern Myanmar. Journalists are writing the news reports and producing it in line with journalism ethics. Writing reports is not a crime, the editor said. Arresting, interrogating, and taking actions against the journalists in the same manner as done to people who committed crimes should not be allowed. So I want to say: Release the detained journalists as soon as possible. Dawei Watchs chief editor said a total of five reporters and a columnist have been arrested since the army began cracking down on independent media after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Myanmar is one of the worlds biggest jailers of journalists, second only to China, according to Reporters Without Borders, and it is ranked near the bottom of the watchdog groups Press Freedom Index at 173rd out of 180 countries this year. At least 14 media outlets have had their licenses revoked and at least 163 journalists have been arrested since the coup, with about 49 of them still detained, according to media workers in Myanmar who track the situation. More than half of those still in custody have been convicted and sentenced. Most of the detained journalists were charged with incitement for allegedly causing fear, spreading false news or agitating against a government employee. At least four media workers have been killed and others tortured while in detention, the researchers said. Most media outlets, including Dawei Watch, now operate semi-clandestinely, publishing online as staff members try to avoid arrest. Others operate from exile. Last month, the military government amended the broadcasting law to place the Television and Radio Broadcasting Council under the ruling military councils direct control. The law previously allowed the council to operate freely without the influence of any government organization. By GRANT PECK Associated Press Passengers lodge in military barracks after Amsterdam to Detroit flight is forced to land in Canada Passengers lodge in military barracks after Amsterdam to Detroit flight is forced to land in Canada View Photo Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit spent the night in a military barracks in eastern Canada after the plane was forced to land because of a mechanical issue. The crew diverted the flight Sunday afternoon to Newfoundland and Labrador, WJBK-TV first reported. Passenger Tony Santoro of Troy in suburban Detroit told the television station that passengers were lodged in barracks during the 24-hour delay. It honestly felt like a hotel, he said. It wasnt too bad. We had soap, water, everything. Delta flight 135 was diverted to Goose Bay airport out of an abundance of caution, the airline told The Associated Press in a statement Tuesday. Crew duty times were impacted due to weather and runway conditions at the Goose Bay airport causing the airport to suspend operations. Delta sent additional aircraft to Goose Bay to bring customers to their final destination Monday. Delta worked with officials in Goose Bay to arrange for food, water and accommodations Sunday into Monday, the airlines said, adding that passengers will be compensated for the inconvenience. Nathan Johnson, 45, was one of the passengers who spent hours with his wife stuck on the tarmac waiting to deplane after their flight was rerouted to the Goose Bay airport. Johnson said the passengers were on the tarmac for five hours waiting for another plane to arrive to take them to Detroit. When the second plane did finally arrive, Johnson said passengers boarded and then were told that the crew had timed out Sunday and they had to deplane again. Johnson and the passengers were eventually taken to the military barracks on school buses around 6 a.m. Monday. Like the rest of the passengers, Johnson had arrived at the barracks unprepared to spend the night without his checked bags and toiletries. Some passengers did not have coats in the cold Canada weather. Johnson said that he and his wife were forced to sleep in the clothes he had been wearing since leaving Munich, Germany, hours before. We were shuttled back to the rooms with no understanding of what our next time was going to be as far as when we should wake up or when we should be ready, he said. There was no communication. Johnson said he looked out the window and saw buses moving at 11 a.m. Monday. So he and his wife rushed to get on the buses back to the airport, where they had to go through security again with a skeleton staff unprepared to assist all the plane passengers. Their next flight did not depart until 5 p.m., with snow falling outside. Johnsons wife had been receiving medical treatment in Germany, so the two were exhausted and eager to get back to their home in Lansing, Michigan. It was sort of surreal, he said. It clouded our entire visit. ___ Dupuy is a newsgathering producer in New York. Williams reported from West Bloomfield, Michigan. By BEATRICE DUPUY and COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange POWs in line with agreement announced last week Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange POWs in line with agreement announced last week View Photo YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) Armenia and Azerbaijan on Wednesday exchanged prisoners of war, in line with an agreement announced last week that also promised the two countries would work towards a peace treaty and was hailed by the European Union as a major step toward peace in the tumultuous region. Azerbaijan brought back two servicemen, while 32 soldiers returned to Armenia, officials in both countries reported. Azerbaijan waged a lightning military campaign in September in the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The offensive ended three decades of rule there by ethnic Armenians and resulted in the vast majority of the 120,000 residents fleeing the region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. In their joint statement last week, the two countries said they share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace. They said they intend to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also promised to continue discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures and called on the international community for support that will contribute to building mutual trust between two countries. The joint statement came after the two countries spent months bitterly arguing on the outline of a peace process amid mutual distrust. As part of the deal, Armenia also agreed to lift its objections to Azerbaijan hosting next years international conference on climate change. European Council President Charles Michel praised the agreement as a major breakthrough, saying on X that he particularly welcomes the deal to release detainees and make an unprecedented opening in political dialogue. Michel called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to finalize a peace deal as soon as possible. Plaintiffs in a Georgia redistricting case are asking a judge to reject new Republican-proposed maps View Photo ATLANTA (AP) The people who sued to overturn Georgias congressional and state legislative districts on Tuesday attacked plans that Republican state lawmakers claim cure illegal dilution of Black votes while preserving GOP power, calling them a mockery of federal law and a total failure of compliance. The three sets of plaintiffs in the case filed briefs with the federal judge who ruled in their favor in October, urging him to reject Georgias proposed maps and draw new voting districts himself in time for 2024s legislative and congressional elections. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones has scheduled a Dec. 20 hearing on whether he should accept the plans. The state is supposed to file its defense of the plans next week. Republican legislative leaders repeatedly said during a special legislative session that ended last week that their goal was to comply with Jones directive. He told lawmakers they had to draw an additional Black-majority congressional district, two additional Black-majority state Senate districts and five additional Black-majority state House districts. But the plaintiffs on Tuesday, echoing arguments made by Democrats during the session, said the Republican maps dont do enough to remedy problems in the particular districts that Jones found to be illegal under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits dilution of Black votes. The inescapable conclusion is that the proposed plans do not come close to following the courts order, wrote lawyers for one of two sets of plaintiffs challenging state legislative districts. Putting eyes on the 2023 proposed plans confirms the total failure of compliance. The plaintiffs also argue the plans illegally dismantle other districts that let Black and other minority voters elect their chosen candidates. Most importantly, Republicans wiped out a current district in suburban Atlanta represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath at the same time they were drawing a new Black-majority district in Fulton, Douglas, Cobb and Fayette counties. The General Assemblys attempt to minimize and zero out minority voting opportunity in a purported remedy to the states Section 2 violation is precisely the sort of gamesmanship Section 2 was meant to stamp out, wrote lawyers for plaintiffs challenging the states congressional map. The plaintiffs say that the states plans should be rejected because they shuffled around too many Black voters from outside the districts Jones had ruled were illegal, instead of providing enough opportunities to Black voters in those areas to elect new representatives. They argue the shifts may increase the statewide number of majority-Black districts, but dont provide opportunity for the particular voters Jones has ruled are being harmed, particularly on the southern and western sides of metropolitan Atlanta. Lawyers for the people challenging the congressional district argued that McBaths current district in Gwinnett and Fulton counties is protected under the Voting Rights Act as a minority opportunity district, even if it isnt majority Black. They argue that a coalition of Black, Hispanic and Asian voters in McBaths 7th District vote cohesively as a group, and that they are opposed by white voters who vote cohesively against nonwhite-preferred candidates. The state has signaled that it plans to argue that only districts made up of one nonwhite group, like Black voters, are legally protected, saying that earlier claims of protection for a coalition district rest on indefensible legal foundations. But the plaintiffs argue that protections for minority districts are law in Georgia, writing that so long as different minority communities cohesively support the same candidates, they can be counted together. All of the plaintiffs pointed to plans drawn by their own experts that they said would be less disruptive and produce fairer results for Black voters. If Jones rejects the state plans, he could accept those proposed plans, or appoint a special master to draw plans. The General Assemblys purported remedy makes a mockery of that process, the courts ruling and the Voting Rights Act, and reflects the states continued refusal to afford minority voters equal opportunity to participate in electoral politics, wrote those challenging congressional districts. By JEFF AMY Associated Press House approves impeachment inquiry into President Biden as Republicans rally behind investigation View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) The House on Wednesday authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with every Republican rallying behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. The 221-212 party-line vote put the entire House Republican conference on record in support of an impeachment process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president: punishment for what the Constitution describes as high crimes and misdemeanors, which can lead to removal from office if convicted in a Senate trial. Biden, in a rare statement about the impeachment effort, questioned the priorities of House Republicans in pursuing an inquiry against him and his family. Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies, the president said following the vote. Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts. Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. The decision to hold a vote came as Speaker Mike Johnson and his team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Bidens family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. We do not take this responsibility lightly and will not prejudge the investigations outcome, Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team said in a joint statement after the vote. But the evidentiary record is impossible to ignore. House Democrats stood in united opposition to the inquiry resolution Wednesday, calling it a farce perpetrated by those across the aisle to avenge the two impeachments against Trump. This whole thing is an extreme political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy, and no integrity. It is a sideshow, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a floor debate. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts, had been hesitant in recent weeks to take any vote on Bidens impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment, Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a news conference Tuesday. Emmer said Republicans will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, and if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered. Most of the Republicans reluctant to back the impeachment push have also been swayed by leaderships recent argument that authorizing the inquiry will give them better legal standing as the White House has questioned the legal and constitutional basis for their requests for information. A letter last month from a top White House attorney to Republican committee leaders portrayed the GOP investigation as overzealous and illegitimate because the chamber had not yet authorized a formal impeachment inquiry by a vote of the full House. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, also wrote that when Trump faced the prospect of impeachment by a Democratic-led House in 2019, Johnson had said at the time that any inquiry without a House vote would be a sham. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said this week that while there was no evidence to impeach the president, thats also not what the vote this week would be about. We have had enough political impeachments in this country, he said. I dont like the stonewalling the administration has done, but listen, if we dont have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long-term. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has long been opposed to moving forward with impeachment, said that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote helped gain his support. I can defend an inquiry right now, he told reporters this week. Lets see what they find out. House Democrats remained unified in their opposition to the impeachment process, saying it is a farce used by the GOP to take attention away from Trump and his legal woes. You dont initiate an impeachment process unless theres real evidence of impeachable offenses, said Rep. Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who oversaw the two impeachments into Trump. There is none here. None. Democrats and the White House have repeatedly defended the president and his administrations cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made a massive trove of documents available. Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating the presidents son, Hunter Biden. While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in Hunter Biden and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Bidens taxes and his gun use. Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. Hes charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed additional charges last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. Democrats have conceded that while the presidents son is not perfect, he is a private citizen who is already being held accountable by the justice system. I mean, theres a lot of evidence that Hunter Biden did a lot of improper things. Hes been indicted, hell stand trial, Nadler said. Theres no evidence whatsoever that the president did anything improper. Hunter Biden arrived for a rare public statement outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, saying he would not be appearing for his scheduled private deposition that morning. The presidents son defended himself against years of GOP attacks and said his father has had no financial involvement in his business affairs. His attorney has offered for Biden to testify publicly, citing concerns about Republicans manipulating any private testimony. Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say, Biden said outside the Capitol. What are they afraid of? I am here. GOP lawmakers said that since Hunter Biden did not appear, they will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against him. He just got into more trouble today, Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee chairman, told reporters Wednesday. ___ Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst and Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. By FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press Finland to reopen 2 out of 8 border crossings with Russia after a 2-week closure over migrant influx Finland to reopen 2 out of 8 border crossings with Russia after a 2-week closure over migrant influx View Photo HELSINKI (AP) Finlands government will reopen two out of eight border crossing points with Russia later this week, officials said Tuesday, following a sudden influx of migrants in November. Prime Minister Petteri Orpos Cabinet temporarily closed the entire 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border two weeks ago over concerns that Moscow was using migrants to destabilize Finland in an alleged act of hybrid warfare. The Kremlin has denied that Russia is encouraging migrants to enter Finland and has said that it regrets the Finnish border closures. Finland became NATOs 31st member in April, and many citizens in the country interpret Moscows actions as revenge for Helsinkis decision to join the trans-Atlantic military alliance after decades of nonmilitary alignment and pragmatic friendly ties with Russia. Orpo and Interior Minister Mari Rantanen told a news conference on Tuesday that two southeastern crossing points Niirala and Vaalimaa would reopen from Thursday until at least Jan. 14. In total, there are eight crossing points for passenger traffic on the Finland-Russia land border, and one rail checkpoint for cargo trains. The purpose of (Moscows) actions is to destabilize our society. We cannot allow this. If the operation continues, the border will be completely closed again, Rantanen said. Its not about the numbers (of migrants) but the phenomenon itself. Orpo stressed that the governments decision to keep the remaining six crossing points closed for now was unanimous. He said the two-week complete border closure managed to stop the influx of migrants and that his Cabinet decisively informed Moscow that Helsinki doesnt accept Russias alleged actions. Finnish authorities say that nearly 1,000 migrants without proper visas or valid documentation had arrived at the border since August until end-November, with more than 900 of them in November alone. The numbers are remarkably higher than usual. Finland, a nation of 5.6 million people, makes up a significant part of NATOs northeastern flank and acts as the European Unions external border in the north. Earlier December, Finnish authorities said the vast majority of the migrants almost all of whom are seeking asylum in Finland hailed from three countries: Syria, Somalia and Yemen. Smaller groups were reported to include citizens of Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya and Pakistan, among other nations. Finland accuses Russia of deliberately ushering migrants to the border zone, which is normally heavily controlled by Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, on the Russian side. While Finnish border officials initially said migrants used Russia merely as a transit country on way from their home countries to the EU, authorities later said that a clear majority of them were living working or studying in Russia with legal visas. ___ Follow APs coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration ___ This story has been corrected to show that one of the border crossing points that reopened is Vaalimaa, not Imatra. By JARI TANNER Associated Press The package of European Union sanctions for Russia due to its war of aggression against Ukraine is almost ready and will be approved within the framework of the upcoming meeting of the European Council, a senior European diplomat said. Speaking on condition of anonymity to reporters in Brussels on Wednesday ahead of the December 14-15 summit in Brussels, the diplomat said the sanctions are almost ready. It will be a done deal by Friday, he said. Newly appointed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says he will try to find "new keys" in the approach to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban of the need for a positive solution for Ukraine at the upcoming European Union summit in Brussels on December 14-15. This follows from what he told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday upon his arrival at the EU-Western Balkans summit, which takes place immediately before the European Council meeting. Polish Prime Minister Tusk and his government were sworn in on this very day, and his participation in a meeting of the European Council is his first in this position. Previously, Tusk also served as President of the European Council from 2014 to 2019, which coincided with the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine. According to Tusk, "the most important thing for us is that Europe supports effectively Ukraine." "I can't accept any kind of mood, apathy or fatigue from Ukraine. This is unacceptable. In fact, we are talking not about only Ukraine and the war, and Russian aggression. We are talking about our future. This is equally important for the whole community. I will start today and tomorrow with persuasion. (Between the 26 countries that support Ukraine and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban) It is a real gap. I will try to find new keys to convince not only Prime Minister Orban. Prime Minister Orban is a very pragmatic politician. Please treat this a compliment," the Polish Prime Minister said. Tusk also said he was "happy to be here." "Poland came back to Europe, and for me this is the most important moment of my political life. It was not an easy task. But for me it is also a very special moment because of the geopolitical context. I'm a little upset that in fact nothing has changed. The situation is even worse and worse when it comes especially to Ukraine and Russian aggression. Maybe you remember that I had a very specific reputation when I was President of the European Council that I was obsessed about Russia. I don't have the satisfaction today the I was right. I wish I was not right," he said. Its now been five months since US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly sealed a deal that would see Turkiye approve Sweden joining NATO in return for the US approving the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara. As the July NATO Summit in Vilnius wrapped up, however, it was clear that all the rejoicing and declarations that the deal made the summit a success were premature. The same sticking points remained and still remain. While Sweden, NATO, and the US continue to pressure Ankara and pretend that Turkiye is on the verge of ratifying Swedens accession, Erdogan continues to insist it will not happen until he gets what he wants. Just to briefly recap, Finland and Sweden both applied for NATO membership back in May of 2022 in a move widely celebrated in the West as a blow to Russia, but accession requires the approval of all NATO members, including Turkiye probably the second most important member of NATO due its large standing army and critical location that controls access to the Black Sea. In April, Turkiye approved Finlands bid, but continues to insist that Stockholm do more to clamp down on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has an influential presence in Sweden. Turkiye, the US, and the EU all deem the PKK terrorist group, although US military support for the Syrian branch of the PKK, is an ongoing issue between Washington and Ankara. Erdogan has also signaled he wants the US to approve the sale of F-16s to Turkiye, which was booted out of the US-led F-35 joint strike fighter program after Ankara purchased Russias S-400 air defense system in 2019. The S-400 is believed to be superior to the US-made Patriot system that Turkiye had been trying to acquire (with technology transfer) for decades, but Ankara was repeatedly rebuffed. Long story short, Erdogan still wants F16s. The US is still holding up the deal. While the Biden administration wanted Erdogan to deliver on Sweden and promised it would then deliver the F-16s, Erdogan clearly doesnt trust the non-agreement-capable White House (Turkiye also has its own agreement-capability issues as evidenced by its release of Azov commanders who were being held in Turkiye after Russia released 215 of the soldiers in a prisoner exchange brokered by Erdogan). Turkiye wants to see more concrete action before proceeding. Heres Erdogan last week: As the president, Ive done my part, but I have an expectation as well. The US should pass this [F-16 sales to Turkiye] from its Congress, so that we can take these steps simultaneously, Erdogan told reporters on Wednesday, according to broadcaster Haberturk and other Turkish media. This in-tandem approach is not new; Ankara pushed it back in October: Given the lack of trust over the issue of F-16s and Sweden, Turkiye is not rushing to ratify the NATO bid and looking for a sign that the United States is taking steps at the same time, said an official from Erdogans ruling AK Party. A second person familiar with U.S.-Turkish talks said a rough proposal in which each side would take steps toward ratifying the NATO bid on the one side, and the F-16s purchase on the other had been delayed. That approach was delayed by US-Turkiye friction in other areas, including a PKK bomb attack in Ankara on the day the Turkish parliament opened and, shortly after, the downing of an unmanned Turkish drone by the United States in northern Syria. Protests in Stockholm that include the burning of the Quran certainly havent made the politics of Turkish support for Sweden any easier. Meanwhile, the Wests unbending belief that it can simply coerce Turkiye into doing what it wants is becoming increasingly comical. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg solemnly declared last week that the time has now come for Turkiye to finalize the accession process. Canada has joined the party and says it will not resume the export of drone cameras to Turkiye until Sweden gets the green light. Sweden also continues to announce that Turkiye is about to give its nod of approval only for Turkiye to deny thats the case. Consider this Reuters report from Nov. 29: I had a bilateral with my colleague, the (Turkish) foreign minister where he told me he expected the ratification to take place within weeks, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told reporters before the second day of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan did not comment on a timeline for Swedens accession to the military alliance during his bilateral talks. At the July NATO Summit national security advisor Jake Sullivan indicated that the F-16s were part of the deal saying the following: Sullivan said Biden had been clear that he supports the transfer. He has placed no caveats on this He intends to move forward with that transfer, Sullivan told reporters, without giving details on the timing. Shortly after Bidens reported promise, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez said, not so fast. According to the Associated Press, in order to get Menendez on board, the U.S. offered to provide Greece with unspecified tactical weaponry to defend from any future Turkish incursion, according to a Democratic senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Turkiye and Greece are currently toning down their most recent period of animosity, in which Washington played a large role, and Menendez has since stepped down from his position as chairman after being indicted on bribery charges, but opposition remains in the US Congress to sending the fighter jets to Turkiye. A February letter from 27 senators outlining their stance on any potential F-16 deal sums up the problem. The bipartisan group opposes the sale of F-16 fighter jets for as long as Turkiye held up Swedens accession. Erdogan did his part a month ago, but there was no movement from the US side despite Biden reportedly assuring his Turkish counterpart of the F-16 sale at the NATO Summit. Right after Erdogan sent the ratification protocols for Swedens NATO accession to parliament, the chairs and ranking members of the foreign affairs committees in both the Senate and House poured cold water on the corresponding F-16 deal. Not to mention, the US State Department must first formally notify Congress of the Turkiye F-16 sale, which it had not done at that time and still hasnt. There is either a disconnect between the Biden administration and the State Department and Congress, the US is hoping to win this game of chicken, or there are other issues at play. Democrat Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin said in October that there are other issues that well be looking at. Those could perhaps including Turkiyes role helping Russia bypass sanctions or blocking Black Sea access for NATO warships. The US and Sweden are already proceeding with defense cooperation deals as the NATO bid remains up in the air. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson signed a deal on Dec. 5 that paves the way for bilateral exercises and new joint procurements. According to Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the agreement will enable enhanced defense cooperation, such as legal status for U.S. military personnel, access to deployment areas, and pre-positioning of military materiel. The DCA also creates the conditions necessary for U.S. military support when requested, and is, therefore, an agreement of great importance to both countriesThis is going to put our close partnership even closer. Its going to create better conditions for U.S. forces both to use Swedish territory as a staging and basing area, and also for exercising, and its all about also deterrence. Why is it so important that Sweden join NATO when it has been a virtual ally of the bloc for years? Primarily coordination and more money for military industrial complex: Strategically, [Finland and Sweden] are now free to work seamlessly with the rest of the Nato allies to plan for collective defence. Integrating strategic plans is extremely valuable, particularly considering Finlands massive border with Russia and Swedens possession of critical terrain like the Baltic Sea island of Gotland. This will increase strategic interoperability and coordination. Nato allies also open their defence planning books to one another in unprecedented ways. Finland and Sweden will now undergo bilateral (with Natos international secretariat) and multilateral (with all allies) examinations as part of the Nato defence planning process. They will also contribute to the strategic decisions that undergird that process. Their defence investments will also be scrutinised (and they will scrutinise the spending of other allies). Initial analysis suggests that while Finland and Sweden have lagged behind their Nordic neighbours increases in defence investment since 2014. Finlands investment in defence leapt significantly leading up to and following its accession to Nato. While we may not know for months if the same is true of Sweden, we may expect similar increases on its part. Alliance norms and peer pressure are powerful. Swedens defense spending is reportedly increasing from $8.4 billion to $10.8 billion for 2024. As for Turkiye and the F-16s and whatever else is holding up a deal, Ankara has at least feigned interest in buying Eurofighter Typhoon jets. According to Reuters, Turkiye began the talks with European states after recognizing that its request for F-16s jets might not work out, but Germany objected to the idea. Its very difficult to imagine Europe going ahead with such a sale without the same issues that are holding up the F-16 deal or if such a transfer were to be against the wishes of the US, although Turkiye is trying to use the possibility to pressure Washington: For regional power balances, Turkiyes need for a new technology fighter jet is no secret, defence analyst Tayfun Ozberk said. In this context, the move to acquire the Eurofighters may have been made to pressure the Biden administration to persuade the Congress for the sale of F-16s as soon as possible. The Typhoons are really the last chance to keep Turkiye in the Western defence industry, said Serhat Guvenc, an international relations professor at Kadir Has University. In the past, there has been smoke about Turkiye buying the Russian-made Su-35s and Su-57s, but Turkiye likely doesnt want to over rely on Moscow for its military hardware. Such a move would also widen the chasm between Ankara and the US. But Turkiye may not have a choice if the F-16 drama gets dragged out much longer. Greece is upgrading its air force and Ankara is under pressure to do the same. Retired Turkish Air Force commander General Abidin Unal told the Turkish daily Hurriyet earlier this year that If our project to modernize the F-16 aircraft fails and Greece realizes its own projects, the Greek side will gain the upper hand in terms of combat fighter aircraft in 2025. Therefore, our program to procure 40 F-16 / VIPER aircraft and modernize up to 80 F-16s is vital. The Rarest Alligator in The World Was Just Born in Florida ScienceAlert (Chuck L) Scientists practice communicating with aliens by chatting to whales New Atlas (furzy) These cryopreserved baby corals are the first to reach adulthood Yale Climate Connection Once They Were Pets. Now Giant Goldfish Are Menacing the Great Lakes. New York Times (Dr. Kevin) Godzilla Minus One Is Highest-Grossing Japanese Film In U.S. History Forbes. Godzilla forever! Addiction doctors spar with methadone clinics over legislation STAT (Dr. Kevin) #COVID-19 Climate/Environment China? India Ethiopia could become latest African country to default after missing bond payment African Business. I had thought Ethiopias very shaky finances made it a questionable BRICS+ candidate, at least early on. Old Blighty Rishi Sunak sees off Tory rebellion in Rwanda bill vote BBC (Kevin W) European Disunion The American manpower crisis is so severe that the Ford quite literally the most premiere American surface asset is operating with hundreds of sailors trimmed from its complement. The Navy can no longer adequately crew its most important vessels. https://t.co/8ObvXr8xzt Big Serge (@witte_sergei) December 13, 2023 Gaza New Not-So-Cold War Big Brother is Watching You Watch Imperial Collapse Watch PATRICK LAWRENCE: Gaza & Confronting Power Consortium News The American manpower crisis is so severe that the Ford quite literally the most premiere American surface asset is operating with hundreds of sailors trimmed from its complement. The Navy can no longer adequately crew its most important vessels. https://t.co/8ObvXr8xzt Big Serge (@witte_sergei) December 13, 2023 Scott Ritter: Why the Pentagon is a multitrillion-dollar fraud RT US below Malaysia: I arrived in Shanghai from Detroit in 1999, I saw this rise unfold with my own eyes. Even more astounding than the rapid RISE of CHINA I never could have imagined my birth place the U.S. would fall behind so far, so fast and so low There is no shame in NOT being number pic.twitter.com/76s4GGob6o The IRON MIC (@DetroitShowtyme) December 11, 2023 Our No Longer Free Press Woke Watch Study finds new abortion and LGBT policies negatively impact interstate migration PhysOrg (Dr. Kevin) AI Apple Makes Security Changes to Protect Users From iPhone Thefts Wall Street Journal (David L) Class Warfare Antidote du jour. Mike K: The following picture I took a couple years ago for the Antidote du jour. It is a little Christmas-y. He/she was hanging around the neighborhood for about a year. I tried to look it up and believed it to be a Red-tailed Hawk. Apparently pretty common on the US east coast where I live. And a bonus (Chuck L): Can you find the snow leopard? pic.twitter.com/mQZg55UMiu Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) December 12, 2023 A second bonus (Chuck L): Baby pandas having fun in the snow.. pic.twitter.com/9uYKrsxDtZ Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) December 11, 2023 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. In a bit of synchronicity, a few days ago, Lambert and I backed into the idea that Kamala Harris has been a central obstacle to Team Dem 2024 prospects. Lambert pointed out if Biden slipped a cog, as he likes to put it, before the Democratic Party convention, not to worry, the Party could simply install Gavin Newsom or Jay Pritzker. I pointed out that that was highly unlikely to be a winning strategy. I pointed out there was an effort to get Biden to exit (recall the David Ignatius op ed?) but Biden really would need to have agreed to go by early November at the latest for fundraising and other purposes. But even if the various effort had succeeded, Kamala Harris would be heir presumptive, even before the idea that Biden, out of ego and general cussedness, would have backed her. So she would have needed to be sufficiently tarnished so as to be pretty quickly dispatched. The post below points to plenty of kompormat.and I am sure there is more if one looked. But yet another problem: Kamala would need to get a damned good consolation prize to step aside. But what could one possibly gin up? Shes been largely missing in action as VP (even more so than customary) so a book deal with a big advance would seem..unseemly in the absence of what could be spun as a triumphal exit. She cant even keep staff, so the usual high prestige admin job like a university president or head of a splashy foundation would be a non-starter. Readers? By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies In the exclusive piece below, Democratic Party donor Guy Saperstein argues that Kamala Harriss presence on the 2024 ticket could be fatal to Joe Bidens electoral chances. Ive said the same, especially here: Trump (if hes smart) pivots to Kamala Harris, dismisses Biden and makes her his opponent. Biden improves his odds if he gets rid of Kamala Harris as a running mate. Whats different about Sapersteins argument is his bill of particulars reasons why Harris should be dropped. Much of this is in the public domain. But much of it isnt the Willie Brown connection, for example, or her sloppiness and massive chain of custody problems as DA. About the Willie Brown material, you may not want to think ill of Harris for her romantic life or its effect on her career, but progressives avoiding the discussion wont stop Republicans from making sure everyone in the country is exposed to it daily. Sapersteins point is the effect of Harris on the ticket. Willie Brown will be made part of that effect. The piece deserves your careful consideration. To paraphrase Saperstein, Imagine how Republicans are going to play this. They wont be silent. Guy Saperstein is a former member of the Democracy Alliance, a progressive, and a major Democratic Party donor. From his Huff Post bio page: [H]e founded a law firm in Oakland which became the largest plaintiffs civil rights law firm in America, in the process successfully prosecuting the largest race, sex and age discrimination class actions in American history. Guy also prosecuted False Claims Act cases against Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. regarding satellite surveillance systems, and against Raytheon, Boeing and TRW regarding the sham National Missile Defense Program. In 2006, Guy helped write the Real Security plank of the Democratic Partys New Directions for America, and in 2007, helped found the National Security/Foreign Policy New Ideas Fund, with funding from the Democracy Alliance. He also has been Co-Chair of the Democracy Alliances Strategy Group and was active in its National Security/Foreign Policy Group. In 2006, Guy was described by Bill OReilly as a character assassin and a member of the nefarious Left-Wing Mafia, along with four other DA Partners. The Twitter insertions below are mine. The rest is Saperstein. Thomas The Time to Replace Kamala Harris Is Now by Guy Saperstein 2024 is going to consist of an attack on Biden for being too old and frail, combined with an attack on his VP, who would become president if Biden died. The attack on Biden will be simple: endless, repeated videos of him slurring words, misstating facts, stumbling, looking lost, forgetting names all the classic signs of dementia. The Republicans ignored Kamala in 2020, but they wont in 2024 because of Bidens age. They will be shouting from the rooftops, Hey, people, this person could become your President! Remember that the person we are talking about entered the 2020 primaries polling 18% and, after four debates, fell to 6% and dropped out. I cant remember any presidential aspirant falling so far, so fast, so there should be no argument Kamala is a truly terrible candidate. But there is more, much more. Harris as District Attorney My career was as a trial lawyer in the SF Bay Area. The mayor and later Speaker of the California Assembly, Willie Brown, was a personal friend and political supporter of trial lawyers. I loved Willie. He was smart, politically gifted he supported everything I ever asked him for and funny. Willie defined the word dapper. Wed go shopping at the same store, Wilkes Bashford, where he was the King. He would always tell the staff, Now, you take care of my white buddy Guy. Whites are not blessed with my good taste, so help the poor boy. Willie had more charm than ten white boys. Willie was married and estranged from his wife. It was well-known he had a young 30 years younger black girlfriend. He didnt even try to hide it. The girlfriend was Kamala Harris, then a nondescript assistant city attorney. Next thing I knew, Kamala was running for District Attorney, supported by Willies powerful political machine against the then DA, Terence Hallinan, a progressive. Willies machine won and Kamala became San Francisco DA. Next next thing I knew, assistant San Francisco DAs were calling me and asking, Where is Kamala? They knew I was a friend of Willies. Apparently, she wasnt showing up for work. A few months later, I read that Kamala had been read the riot act by a solid Democratic judge for not maintaining good chain of custody for evidence. Chain of custody is a legal term which means that the evidence you submit to the court is that same uncontaminated evidence you seized at the crime scene. Before I became a civil rights class action lawyer, I did 50 criminal jury trials, and chain of custody was never an issue because the DA would do his/her job competently and insure that the correct evidence was presented to the court. But that was before Kamalas laziness set new standards. Kamala was hauled before three liberal judges who were outraged by her sloppiness. In response, Kamala lied under oath to all of them, trying to blame it on the police department crime lab, but that was total bullshit. When an attorney presents evidence to a court, she or he vouches for it. Kamala should have been disbarred as a result, but San Francisco is a liberal old boys network, and liberals protect even lying, unethical DAs. When the dust cleared, 1,100 FELONIES had to be dismissed and by Democratic judges. In the history of American jurisprudence, I dont think this has ever happened. Just think of what it means to have 1,100 felonies dismissed for defective chain-of-custody. Harris was willing to allow 1,100 people to go to prison for years because she wouldnt admit her errors. Pretty low-integrity, in my opinion. Now imagine how the Republican law-and-order zealots are going to play this! Harris as National Candidate In two Senate campaigns against weak opponents, Harris ran behind Democratic registration. And though Biden picked her for his VP, the first black woman to be so chosen, she is not well-liked in the black community. She is seen as the black DA who put black men in jail. Her parents were not inner city blacks; her mothers heritage is Indian and her father is Jamaican. She didnt really share the American black experience, having grown up middle class. The guy who sold @KamalaHarris weed must feel like the luckiest man on the planet. Every other person she saw with weed for the next 30 years wound up fighting forest fires for 2 bucks an hour. (@benigma2017) February 13, 2019 There is video of @kamalaharris saying she smoked weed while listening to Tupac and Snoop albums that didnt exist. There is video of @KamalaHarris laughing about locking up a poor woman working 2 jobs because her kid didnt go to school. This is your Democratic frontrunner. (@benigma2017) February 17, 2019 When she was California Attorney General, I interfaced with her many times, mostly around federal bail-out money for homeowners. She was uniformly terrible. She wouldnt do a damn thing unless pushed to the wall and embarrassed politically. My last direct contact with her was when she ran for her second Senate term. She came to my house and we talked in my living room for 1-1/2 hours. Partway through I said, Weve been talking for at least an hour and all Ive heard are Democratic platitudes. Now I would like to hear one original idea. She couldnt do it. Time for Change We may be locked into Joe Biden, but VPs get changed all the time. Since Biden played race politics the first time, he may feel compelled to choose another black woman. Fine with me. My first two choices are Stacey Abrams and Karen Bass. Abrams is an accomplished author, incredibly eloquent, very likeable, very smart. And not just attractive to black women. I have heard so many white women comment about how they feel her compassion. Bass had at least several terms in the House, some in leadership positions, and now is running an iconic major city, Los Angeles. Gretchen Whitmer would also help Biden with women. She is younger, attractive, more robust, and she governed Michigan, a major state. Of course, I think Newsom is the strongest candidate and Pritzker in Illinois is doing a great job. Let the discussion begin, but lets not assume Harris is irreplaceable. Guy Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna states that blocking the decision to open negotiations on accession to the European Union for Ukraine and Moldova is not Austria's position. "Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with the Austrian Minister for European Affairs, who is responsible for all these issues, and I have clear confirmation that blocking the decision to open negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova is not Austria's position. It is, rather, defending positions on other countries that are the subject of Austria's interest," Stefanishyna said during a national telethon on Wednesday. As reported, on December 12, Federal Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer, during a meeting with deputies of the National Council in the main committee on EU issues, spoke categorically against the "accelerated procedure" for Ukraine and Moldova to join the EU. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg set out his vision for deeper cooperation between NATO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an historic visit to Riyadh the first ever by a sitting Secretary General of NATO. In a public discussion at the Saudi Armed Forces Command and Staff College on Wednesday (13 December 2023), Mr Stoltenberg underlined Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Arab and Muslim world, and identified areas where the Alliance and the Kingdom could do more together including on maritime security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the fight against terrorism, as well as innovation and military education. "I believe there is huge potential for NATO to do more with Saudi Arabia because we have mutual challenges," said the Secretary General, pointing to issues including Iran's destabilising influence in the region, as well as climate change. The Secretary General recently appointed a group of external experts to review NATO's approach to the Gulf, the Middle East, and Africa, calling this an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation. Addressing Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg stressed that Russia is conducting a war of aggression against a sovereign, independent nation, but also against the entire rules-based international order, affecting global food and energy security. The Secretary General said that NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine, providing political and practical support. On Tuesday, Mr Stoltenberg met with Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji, thanking him for Saudi Arabia's hospitality and underlining his desire to strengthen ties between NATO and the Kingdom. The Secretary General also held talks with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. "Dialogue with our partners is deeply important to NATO, and we value our relationship with the GCC," he said. Also on Tuesday, Mr Stoltenberg visited the headquarters of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), where he discussed industrial production and potential future avenues for cooperation with Chief Executive Officer Walid Abukhaled. Later in the day, he exchanged views with a group of policy makers, think tank experts and media in a meeting hosted by Dr Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Centre. On 14 and 15 December, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mr Mircea Geoana, will travel to France. The Deputy Secretary General will meet the President of the National Assembly, H.E. Ms Yael Braun-Pivet. Mr Geoana will also meet French government officials, including the Secretary General for Defence and National Security, Mr Stephane Bouillon, and the Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Anne-Marie Descotes. He will also engage with representatives from the private sector, namely the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Mr Eric Trappier, and the Senior Executive Vice-President of Thales, Ms Pascale Sourisse. There will be no media opportunity. For more information: Contact the NATO Press Office Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @NATO, @Mircea_Geoana and @NATOPress Representatives from eight Iraqi professional military education institutions, led by Staff Lieutenant General Aqeel Mustafa Mahdi Al Rammah, President of the Iraqi Defence University for Military Studies, visited NATO Headquarters on 12 and 13 December 2023. The visit was part of the annual review of their defence education activities, within the framework of NATOs Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Tom Goffus, welcomed the President of the University and highlighted the mutually beneficial partnership between Iraq and NATO, and the importance of continued cooperation to strengthen Iraqs security forces. The visiting delegation exchanged views with personnel from NATOs international staff and NATO Mission Iraq and subject-matter experts from Allied countries. Together they assessed the progress made on the achievement of objectives related to defence education that were set out in 2022. They also reviewed the activities conducted in this domain in 2023 and agreed on the development of objectives for 2024 and beyond. Staff Lieutenant General Aqeel underlined the importance of this regular stock-taking and added that NATO DEEP is an efficient and reliable partner in supporting the Iraqi Defence University to improve and further develop. On Wednesday 13 December, senior representatives from across the Alliance gathered at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to hold the first meeting of the Defence Industrial Production Board. The Board is a key part of stepping up efforts for defence production - both to increase national capabilities for deterrence and defence, and to replenish the stockpiles that have been depleted by their support to Ukraine. A robust and flexible defence industry contributes to strengthening the Alliances deterrence and defence. Allied experts, joined by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group, discussed national and NATO perspectives on defence industrial capacity, including measures to boost defence production, develop recommendations to address supply chain security and engage more closely with defence industry. The Board will report to the Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD), the committee that brings together the top national officials responsible for defence procurement in NATO member and partner countries. At the 2023 Vilnius Summit, Allied Leaders agreed the Defence Production Action Plan to accelerate joint procurement, boost production capacity and enhance Allies interoperability. NATO Allies are committed to sustaining the defence industrial production capacity required in peacetime, crisis and conflict. NATO plays a key role as a convener and standard-setter, helping Allies harmonise their defence procurement demands and helping industry understand Allied requirements so that they can deliver a sustainable supply. Can AI save breast cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy treatments? Will expert pathologists still have a job in the near future? Possibly not, thanks to the development of a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that scientists say will be more capable than human doctors at predicting the outcome of breast cancer. Perhaps it will not quite be as severe as that, with expert pathologists being able to work alongside the AI tool to help patients classified as intermediate- or high-risk to survive longer with less of a need for chemotherapy treatments. According to new research out of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, the new AI tool could help cancer doctors to better protect patients against harmful side effects by reducing the need for as much chemotherapy or radiation. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the paper highlights how pathologists currently only evaluate cancerous cells in a patient's tissue in order to select a course of treatment. The AI tool would allow for non-cancerous cells to also be looked at and used to predict patient outcomes. "Our study demonstrates the importance of non-cancer components in determining a patients outcome," said Lee Cooper, an associate professor of pathology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "The importance of these elements was known from biological studies, but this knowledge has not been effectively translated to clinical use." Watch below as Mike Adams talks about a new open-source, downloadable AI chatbot currently in production that aims to democratize humanity's knowledge about nutrition and natural health: (Related: Did you know that there exists demon-possessed AI that is being "taught" how to use synthetic biotechnology to construct artificial "superhuman" biological systems?) Will AI medicine actually be safe? In Europe right now, female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. In 2020, more than 355,000 women were diagnosed, accounting for 13.3 percent of all cancer diagnoses across the continent. Many of these patients were put on a course of chemotherapy, but far fewer would have been had the AI tool been ready back then, we are told. Right now, the job of a pathologist involves reviewing cancerous tissue to determine the look of abnormal tissue. Based on the tissue's appearance, a treatment protocol is then selected. The problem is that many breast cancer biology studies have shown that non-cancerous cells are sometimes involved in either sustaining or inhibiting cancer cell growth, despite being technically benign. Cooper and his team used this knowledge to build an AI model that is capable of evaluating breast cancer tissue from digital images. It is able to measure the appearance of both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, as well as how these cells interact with one another. "These patterns are challenging for a pathologist to evaluate as they can be difficult for the human eye to categorize reliably," Cooper said. "The AI model measures these patterns and presents information to the pathologist in a way that makes the AI decision-making process clear to the pathologist." The AI tool reportedly looks at 26 different properties of a patient's breast tissue in order to generate a prognostic score. It also generates individual scores for not just cancer but also immune and stromal cells to extrapolate the overall score. The information collected from this analysis can then be used to develop customized treatment plans for each individual patient, utilizing more accurate risk assessments than what is currently available. Cooper and his colleagues trained their AI model using hundreds of thousands of human-generated annotations of cells and tissue structures found in the digital images of tissue samples collected from patients. This process took a number of years to fine-tune, and is now being unveiled. More related news about the growth and spread of AI can be found at Transhumanism.news. Sources for this article include: EuroNews.com NaturalNews.com Brighteon.com Big Tech and Big Government to subsidize salaries of MSM journalists in Canada Big Tech and Big Government will be subsidizing the salaries of mainstream media (MSM) journalists in Canada under a new agreement. LifeSiteNews expounded on the $100 million agreement involving search engine giant Google and the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The outlet also cited the augmented subsidies from Ottawa as outlined in the Fall Economic Statement. These two, LifeSiteNews said, are poised to significantly subsidize the salaries of MSM journalists. Rudyard Griffiths, journalist and executive director of Canadian news site The Hub, said journalists earning up to $85,000 annually can potentially have up to 50 percent of their wages subsidized under both initiatives. These subsidies, projected to cost taxpayers $129 million over the next five years, come on the heels of changes to the Income Tax Act in 2019. The latter law provides rebates of 25 percent for each news employee in cabinet-approved media outlets earning up to $55,000 annually. The subsidies for legacy media outlets have nearly doubled in recent weeks, with Trudeau announcing increased payouts for these outlets ahead of the 2025 election. Recognizing the insufficiency of these payouts to sustain legacy media outlets, the Department of Canadian Heritage subsequently doubled the rebates to a maximum of $29,750 annually equivalent to 35 percent of a journalist's salary. However, concerns are mounting about the long-term implications of substantial government support covering a significant portion of newsroom costs for private media organizations. This financial injection raises questions about media independence and its impact on public trust, especially in the context of declining trust in both the government and large media organizations. Google's deal with Ottawa boosts subsidies for journalists Meanwhile, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) said the Google agreement is part of the Online News Act formerly called Bill C-18. The act, which is set to take effect on Dec. 19, ensures an annual payment of $100 million from Google to Canadian news media in exchange for continued sharing of links to Canadian news outlet pages. The Online News Act further adds to the financial support for legacy media, with Google committing $100 million to publish links to their content on the search engine and YouTube. Under the act, digital platforms with 20 million unique monthly users and annual revenues of $1 billion or more must compensate MSM journalists. The Mountain View, California-based Google and Mark Zuckerberg's Meta are the only two platforms that qualify under this criteria. (Related: Canada passes controversial bill regulating online streaming and compelling local content.) However, Meta excluded itself from the rule by discontinuing the sharing of links to Canadian news articles. In contrast, Google engaged directly with the Trudeau government, bypassing individual negotiations with news outlets. The distribution of funds will involve collaboration with "a single collective" to distribute the funds transparently based on the number of full-time equivalent journalists employed by interested eligible news businesses. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will be in charge of the process, CBC added. Eligible news organizations include non-profit and for-profit outlets covering local, regional, and national news content, with specific coverage requirements emphasizing diversity. The legislation encourages voluntary collaborations between digital platforms and media outlets, with mandatory participation in mediation if voluntary agreements are not reached. If mediation fails, an arbitration process will decide between proposals from the platform and affected news services. The details of fund management and distribution remain undisclosed, with final regulations expected to be published by the government before the law's effective date. As government and corporate support increasingly underpin newsroom finances, questions arise about the potential consequences for media objectivity, independence and the erosion of public trust in news and information produced by MSM outlets. Head over to Journalism.news for more stories like this. Watch this report about chilly warnings of total speech control emerging from Congressional hearings. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Mainstream media journalists are now OBSOLETE: Google tests new AI tool that can write NEWS STORIES and replace obedient journo-propagandists. Poll: 67% of Canadians feel everything in the country is broken under Trudeau. Canadian police threatened to arrest journalists covering Trudeaus Freedom Convoy crackdown. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com CBC.ca Brighteon.com CCP planning to get more Americans addicted to drugs, says former DEA boss To supplant the dominance of the United States as the world's leading superpower, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is orchestrating a "strategic plan" to worsen America's fentanyl crisis to cause millions more Americans to become drug addicts. Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) director of special operations Derek Maltz Sr. says evidence is mounting to show that China is supplying Mexican cartels with the chemicals needed to produce dangerous drugs for the U.S. market. Maltz says there is also an increase in illegal drug manufacturing occurring all across the country right now that will dump even more weaponized drugs into the market. It took President Biden until this most recent November to finally sign a deal with China that aims to limit the amount of Chinese-produced chemicals that end up in the hands of drug cartels south of the border, despite the fact that the fentanyl crisis has been worsening for years. "It's a global challenge that demands global action," Biden said. (Related: There is growing concern that communist China is planning to attack America in the near future.) Maltz falsely says "pure marijuana" will "destroy Americans' brains," leading them to take pills and drugs The DEA, by the way, has to increasingly justify its existence and bloated budget as more states decriminalize drugs and shift to treatment rather than incarceration as a solution for addicts. This means that the agency is incentivized to stoke fears every now and again about "drugs" so as to scare America into supporting its drug-busting actions. In this case, the CCP is getting much of the blame, but Maltz also takes issue with cannabis as well, which just goes to show his mindset and that of other DEA agents who erroneously classify medicinal plants in the same toxic category as fentanyl. Maltz did just that by complaining that the CCP is supposedly operating some 270 drug operations in the state of Maine alone, Maine being one of the freest states as far as cannabis goes. The CCP allegedly rakes in around $4.37 billion per annum from these operations, some of which involve cannabis and others of which involve fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. "When you look at the [CCP], and you look at the role of China and their criminal networks in the overall drug crisis in America because people are not connecting the dots this is way bigger than just a bunch of, you know, illegally selling marijuana up in Maine," Maltz said. "I'm just saying that from a strategic plan of the CCP, it's a brilliant concept that if we can get into America and sell this very pure marijuana and destroy Americans' brains, so then they go to pills and other drugs, that's a brilliant, unrestricted warfare." To be clear, cannabis does not "destroy brains," as Maltz believes as he draws from outdated Reefer Madness notions of cannabis being a gateway drug. At the same time, China's invasion into America's cannabis market is a concern, especially if Chinese nationals are using cannabis growing operations as cover to produce other actually dangerous substances like fentanyl. "All over America, every day, Chinese nationals are picking up large sums of cash from the Mexican cartel operatives all over the country," Maltz claims. "And the cash is being turned over to Chinese businessmen who are using the cash to launder money for the cartels seamlessly." "There was no doubt in my mind and speaking to experts who work in China, they said that nothing goes on without the CCP's approval." More related news about the CCP threat against America can be found at Communism.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Chinas Belt and Road Initiative a tool to further spread COMMUNISM Brighteon.TV Ann Vandersteel and Michael Yon discussed China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the Dec. 6 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" on Brighteon.TV . The host described the BRI as a tool to further the spread of communism. Vandersteel noted how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intends to dominate the world through the BRI, despite its seemingly acceptable partnership with the globalist World Economic Forum (WEF). Given this, Vandersteel said the BRI is not just about the "takeover and takedown of America" but the "furtherance of communism" and profiteering. According to the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank, the BRI also called the New Silk Road "was originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure." It continued: "In the decade since, the project has expanded to Africa, Oceania and Latin America significantly broadening China's economic and political influence." The initiative is not without concerns, however. "The U.S. shares the concern of some in Asia that the BRI could be a Trojan horse for China-led regional development and military expansion," CFR noted. The think tank said French President Emmanuel Macron has called for prudence over the BRI. During a 2018 trip to China, he cautioned that the BRI could make partner countries "vassal states" under Beijing. Yon mentioned that China had already invested $1.7 billion in the coastal city of Haifa in Israel. According to Reuters, the new Bay Port at Haifa that opened in September 2021 is operated by Shanghai International Port Group. This investment, the outlet added, would enable larger classes of cargo ships carrying 18,000 containers or more to dock in Israel. CCP working with compromised U.S. and Israeli governments Vandersteel then asked Yon, a well-traveled combat correspondent, if China was working together with Israel a question he answered in the affirmative. He recounted a discussion he had with a retired officer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) he befriended during his travel in India. Yon shared his talk with this retired IDF Special Forces officer that centered on Israel and China's foreign relations. The military officer remarked that China was ascending, while America is collapsing. Given this, the IDF officer said Israel was only establishing ties with China for survival. (Related: China is using the Israel-Palestine conflict to sideline the U.S. on the international stage.) According to Yon, the American government is already captured just like the Canadian government. "It's a hybrid war, and that didn't just start with the [Wuhan coronavirus vaccine]; it's been going on for years and it's been slow," he said. "They are setting conditions. It's all about setting conditions for success; setting conditions for either your success or for the failure of your enemy, or both. And they are doing both setting conditions for success for themselves and failure for us." Vandersteel ultimately commented that the BRI is going to be critical for the world, especially with America's impending collapse. The "Right Now" host added that communism has been knocking at America's door for quite some time, and that the U.S. government is complicit in facilitating their plan. Follow CommunistChina.news for more news about China and its Belt and Road Initiative. Watch the full Dec. 6 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" below. "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" airs weekdays at 8-9 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: China is triggering CONFLICTS around the world, alleges Col. John Mills. Israel REMOVED from major map platforms in China; Beijing denies doing so. REPORT: Chinese operatives use AI-generated images to spread disinformation and provoke discussion on divisive political issues targeting America. Chinas Ministry of State Security: Terrorists are developing GENETIC WEAPONS that will target specific countries. China continues to snatch up U.S. farmland, American companies at alarming rates. Sources include: Brighteon.com CFR.org Reuters.com President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a working visit to Norway, held meetings with Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament Masud Gharahkhani and the leaders of parliamentary parties. "During a conversation with the speaker of parliament, we discussed the needs of our military, the challenges for the Ukrainian education system caused by the war, in particular the provision of bomb shelters for schools," Zelenskyy said in his Telegram channel. At a meeting with leaders of political parties, the head of state discussed further cooperation between both countries. Zelenskyy thanked Norway for supporting all decisions that helped Ukraine on the battlefield and protected the lives of Ukrainians. "The start of a five-year program to support Ukraine is an important example for others. Thank you," he said. Cosmopolitan magazine encourages women to have SATANIC abortions at a Satanic clinic in New Mexico Back in November, Cosmopolitan magazine shared a controversial post on Instagram that openly encouraged women to abort their unborn babies. It even included a guide on how to perform a satanic abortion ceremony that was created by The Satanic Temple (TST). Cosmopolitan's post featured the experience of Jessica, a 37-year-old mother of three who visited Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic in New Mexico. Jessica, whose name was changed to protect her identity, thinks the idea for a satanic abortion clinic is "genius." While not a Satanist herself, Jessica enlisted the help of the Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic team, who shipped a set of abortion pills to her home, to end her pregnancy. And she decided to incorporate a satanic ceremony endorsed by the abortion clinic to complete her solo abortion experience. According to Jessica, she and her husband don't want any more children, especially due to her history of super-high-risk pregnancies. She decided to terminate her pregnancy in November, starting with an oral mifepristone pill in the morning followed by four misoprostol pills administered vaginally six hours later. Jessica discovered Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic while she was searching online for options for abortion medication in New Mexico. Initially, Jessica thought that the TST website seemed "kind of off-putting." Although no longer religious, Jessica said she was raised as a Catholic. Jessica chose Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic because "the price was right." Jessica, who considers herself open-minded, conducted more research before contacting the clinic. She asked about how they operate and if a practitioner was available. Samuel Alitos Moms Satanic Abortion Clinic conducted Jessica's intake consultation via a Zoom call. Jessica listened curiously as a nurse described the optional ceremonial aspects of the Satanic abortion ritual. She was first instructed to sit in a quiet space with a mirror. Just before taking the medication, she was told to look at her reflection and focus on her "personhood" and her intent, like her responsibility to herself. Next, Jessica was told to take several deep, relaxing breaths. Once ready, she was instructed to read the following tenet aloud: "One's body is inviolable, subject to ones own will alone." After taking the medication, she was then told to recite: "Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs." After her body had expelled the aborted tissue, Jessica was instructed to return to her reflection and focus on her personhood, as well as on the "power in making this decision." To complete the ritual, Jessica was told to recite a personal affirmation: "By my body, my blood; by my will, it is done." In another post on Instagram, Cosmopolitan continued to promote satanic abortions, insisting that it is a real trend that has "managed to piss off abortion opponents and reproductive free fighters alike." More on Samuel Alitos Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic is allegedly a New Mexico-based telehealth practice. The legitimate medical entity is managed by an accredited clinical team and offers abortion care to patients within state lines. The staff prescribes abortion pills at $91 per set, a competitive price, up until the eleventh week of pregnancy. The practice also offers 24/7 phone access to licensed medical personnel to anyone in need. The practice is run by Satanists who are members of TST. (Related: Abortions in the U.S. HAVE INCREASED since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.) TST chose New Mexico for several reasons. One, it has about 3,300 members in the state, a robust base of women potentially needing its service. Two, New Mexico is considered an abortion-rights stronghold because the area lacks laws dictating gestational limits, age restrictions, waiting periods and mandatory "counseling." Three, unlike in the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Texas, its still legal for doctors and nurse practitioners in New Mexico to prescribe abortion pills remotely and have them mailed to patients for "safe" use at home. Anyone traveling to New Mexico from out of state can use a P.O. box or a friend or family members address, even a hotel's. The Satanic Temple calls itself a "non-theistic religious organization" and is not to be confused with the Church of Satan. TST said it has plans to establish clinics in states that have restricted abortions in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that ended Roe v. Wade. The Temple named the initiative "The Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic," referencing Rose Fradusco Alito, the conservative Justice who wrote "the majority opinion that overturned the abortion rights case that had been the law of the land since 1973." "In 1950, Samuel Alitos mother did not have options, and look what happened," commented Malcolm Jarry, co-founder of TST. Visit Abortions.news for more stories about abortion. Watch this clip to learn more about abortion in the United States. This video is from the Recharge Freedom channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Abortions in Illinois surge 54% as neighboring states enact pro-life legislation. NO TO ABORTION TRAFFICKING: Lubbock County Commissioners Court approves anti-abortion transport ban. Abortion rates in North Carolina drop by over 30% following implementation of PRO-LIFE LAW. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Cosmopolitan.com Instagram.com Independent.co.uk Brighteon.com Israel is using assassination factory AI to choose its bombing targets in Gaza Israel has been using an AI program known as The Gospel to choose the targets in its relentless assault on the Gaza Strip, according to The Guardian There is no shortage of footage in the news illustrating the extent of the damage Israel has caused in the enclave, with numerous buildings completely leveled, and although at times it seems like they are taking out everything they see, little attention has been given by the media to how they choose what to target. However, as Israel resumes its operations following a week-long ceasefire that saw the return of dozens of hostages, concerns are growing about the IDFs methods, particularly its use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Their AI targeting program is capable of providing them with targets at such a rapid pace that some officials are comparing it to an assassination factory. The Guardian put together a comprehensive report on the technology after interviewing intelligence sources with firsthand knowledge of the system and reviewing statements made by retired and current officials and the IDF. Last month, the IDF announced that they had identified more than 12,000 targets in the Gaza Strip. One official said: We work without compromise in defining who and what the enemy is. The operatives of Hamas are not immune no matter where they hide. Although much of what the IDFs target administration division does is classified, a brief statement on their website admits they are employing an AI-based program known as Habsora (which means The Gospel) in their fight against Hamas to produce targets at a fast pace. Several sources have confirmed their use of The Gospel and said that it is used to provide them with automated recommendations on targets they should attack. These include the private homes of people who are believed to be working for Hamas or Islamic Jihad. It is not known exactly what information is fed into The Gospel, but experts in the field have said these systems analyze large data sets taken from sources such as surveillance data, drone footage, intercepted communications and information obtained by monitoring the behavioral patterns and movements of individuals and groups alike. Another official said that the Israeli air force has run out of targets to strike in the past given Hamass reliance on its tunnel system. They believe that the IDF is now changing its approach as a result. While they did not target junior Hamas members homes for bombing in the past, they are not being as discriminating now. Hamas members who dont really mean anything live in homes across Gaza. So they mark the home and bomb the house and kill everyone there, the source reported. IDF knows how many civilians it could kill ahead of strikes The publication also noted that the IDFs target division has created a database with help from The Gospel containing as many as 40,000 suspected militants. The system has significantly enhanced their ability to identify targets. One interview that predates the current war with former IDF head Aviv Kochavi sheds light on just how powerful it is. He noted that once this machine was activated during the countrys 11-day war with Hamas in 2021, it provided them with 100 targets per day. To put that into perspective, in the past we would produce 50 targets in Gaza per year. Now, this machine produces 100 targets in a single day, with 50% of them being attacked, he clarified. Moreover, target researchers are reportedly well aware of how many civilians are expected to be killed when they authorize a strike on a private home belonging to a Hamas operative, with each target recommended by the AI coming with a collateral damage score providing this information. One source said that the final decision is made by the commander on duty, and some are more trigger happy than others. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com TheGuardian.com Military contractors in U.S., U.K. plotting global censorship scheme to erase the First Amendment Censorship is all the rage in global governance these days as entire national governments, including those of the United States and the United Kingdom, feverishly work to unleash their global censorship agenda. The so-called Censorship Industrial Complex first got its start in response to Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States in 2016. Ever since then, the silencing brigade has been upping the ante by making it increasingly more difficult to share the truth online. "Many people insist that governments aren't involved in censorship, but they are," says Michael Shellenberger. "And now, a whistleblower has come forward with an explosive new trove of documents, rivaling or exceeding the Twitter Files and Facebook Files in scale and importance." One of three investigators from a group called Public, Shellenberger and his colleagues have been digging deep into the Censorship Industrial Complex to unearth the ugly truth about who runs it and what it does. Prominent to the Censorship Industrial Complex is a group called the Cyber Threat Intelligence League, or CTI, the activities of which include: "... everything from the genesis of modern digital censorship programs to the role of the military and intelligence agencies, partnerships with civil society organizations and commercial media, and the use of sock puppet accounts and other offensive techniques" (Public). (Related: Check out the top seven organizations helping to engineer the Censorship Industrial Complex.) CISA makes global censorship possible Documents made available to both Public and another investigatory group called Racket reveal the "anti-disinformation" league began as a volunteer project of data scientists and defense and intelligence veterans. Over time, it morphed into numerous official projects, including those run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These documents from the CTI League are special in that they answer key questions that were left unanswered by the Twitter Files and the Facebook Files. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of the anti-disinformation sector, including how it started and where it is headed. Overseas, the activities of the Censorship Industrial Complex are "typically" performed by "the CIA and NSA and the Department of Defense," the documents reveal. Censorship efforts "against Americans" are conducted by private partners due to the fact that the government does not have the "legal authority" under the Constitution's First Amendment to censor information. The whistleblower who dropped all this publicly is a "former" British intelligence analyst who was reportedly "in the room" at the Obama White House in 2017 when she was given orders to create a counter-disinformation project in order to stop a "repeat of 2016," referring to Trump's victory in becoming president. Over the past year, it has further been revealed that the Censorship Industrial Complex is now comprised of a vast network of more than 100 government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that collude with social media platforms to spread propaganda against targeted individuals, topics and entire narratives. DHS' Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency (CISA) exists at the center of the Censorship Industrial Complex, receiving funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and several other federal government agencies. Emails show that CISA is responsible for creating the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP) in 2020, which includes the Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO) and numerous other U.S. government contractors. "EIP and its successor, the Virality Project (VP), urged Twitter, Facebook and other platforms to censor social media posts by ordinary citizens and elected officials alike," reports The Expose. "Despite the overwhelming evidence of government-sponsored censorship, it had yet to be determined where the idea for such mass censorship came from." Do you support free speech? Find out more at FirstAmendment.news. Sources for this article include: Expose-News.com NaturalNews.com Record-setting 12,000 illegal aliens entered the U.S. in one day on Dec. 5 and tens of thousands more are on the way A record-setting 12,000 illegal aliens made their way across the border into the U.S. on Tuesday as Bidens open doors policy continues to put the nation at risk. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents registered more than 12,000 migrant encounters during the influx, which is the highest total in a single day on record. This included more than 10,200 apprehensions of illegal immigrants by Border Patrol agents. Although it is a shocking number no matter how you look at it, it came after several consecutive days in which migrant encounters along the southwestern border exceeded 10,000. These figures do not represent all of the migrants who made their way into the country; there are countless known and unknown gotaways that do not form part of these numbers, and it is also important to consider the fact that there are numerous illegal entries at other ports of entry and borders every day. Gotaways people who are known to have gotten into the country illegally and were not caught can add up significantly, with the first 16 days of October seeing more than 18,000 people evade CBP agents and slip into the U.S. To put those numbers in perspective, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who held the role from 2013 to 2017, once called 1,000 apprehensions in one day a bad day; his idea of a crisis was 4,000 just a third of what we saw on Tuesday. In an interview only four years ago with MSNBC, Johnson noted: I know that 1,000 overwhelms the system. On Wednesday morning, CBP had more than 22,000 migrants in custody, sending border resources, which were already under great pressure, to the breaking point. The previous record for migrant encounters in one day was set in May, when 10,000 migrants made their way into the country as Title 42 was set to expire and transform how people are processed. Unfortunately, stricter measures never came to fruition, and we are still seeing thousands of migrants cross the border each day. In fact, this fiscal year has seen the greatest number of migrant encounters on record at 2.4 million thanks to the Biden Administration policies, with September registering the highest number of illegal crossings ever at 260,000. This October also set a record for October encounters with 240,000 migrant encounters. One area that has been particularly hard hit is the Tucson Sector in Arizona. Remote parts of the area have seen a surge in migrant encounters, many of whom are adult males from far-flung locations like the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Tucson Sector recently set a record for weekly total encounters as 17,500 illegals made their way across the border there. Border Patrol agents can't protect us from criminals and terrorists when they're too busy processing migrant influxes Another hotspot is Lukeville, Arizona, where around 1,000 illegal aliens cross into the U.S. each day. Fox News recently reported that adult migrants were camping out for long periods while waiting for Border Patrol agents to process them and release them into the country. They are currently overwhelmed and unable to accommodate everyone. Some of the migrants told a reporter that they are hoping to make their way to places like New York City. A former Border Patrol chief, Rodney Scott, told the New York Post that when border patrol agents are overwhelmed with influxes of migrants, they have to spend all their time processing them and filling in paperwork. This means they cannot patrol the border to look out for criminals, terrorists, drug smugglers and gotaways. National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd agreed, saying: Were not out there actively doing law enforcement duties were doing administrative duties. Were not protecting the American people. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com Yellen WARNS: U.S. could be HELD RESPONSIBLE for Ukraines defeat unless Congress approves new aid package U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that Washington could be held responsible for Ukraine's defeat if Congress fails to approve a new aid package urgently requested by the Biden administration. Yellen stressed this during a speech before reporters while on a visit to Mexico City. The Biden administration has requested Congress to expedite the approval of an urgent request for $106 billion in funding. According to the treasury secretary, the aid package is a critical precondition for ensuring that the International Monetary Fund continues to provide uninterrupted financial aid to Ukraine. "I think they understand this, that this is a dire situation, and we can hold ourselves responsible for Ukraine's defeat if we don't manage to get this funding to Ukraine that's needed," said Yellen, underscoring the severity of the situation and the necessity of this aid package. This financial support is crucial for the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as well as addressing broader security concerns. (Related: Ukraine must brace for loss of US support ex-ambassador.) The urgency of her message echoed concerns by Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian official warned of a "big risk" of losing the war against Russia if the U.S. delays military aid to Ukraine. Speaking at the U.S. Institute for Peace during a visit to Washington, D.C., Yermak emphasized the critical importance of Congress promptly approving additional aid to prevent setbacks in Ukraine's efforts to liberate captured territories. He expressed concern that postponing support might lead to a situation where Ukraine remains in its current challenging position. However, some observers interpret these statements as part of an early blame-game strategy. Yermak's statements hint at the possibility of assigning responsibility to Washington for any future setbacks, potentially positioning Kyiv to negotiate and consider territorial concessions. Yellen's echoing of these sentiments adds weight to the narrative of shared responsibility in the face of complex geopolitical challenges. Despite substantial support from the U.S., Ukrainian forces have faced considerable challenges, with top U.S. officials acknowledging the stalled counteroffensive. Congress debates $111 billion package with $61 billion for Kyiv Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have been debating a $111 billion supplemental spending package that would include $61 billion for Kyiv. However, congressional leaders have received a letter from Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, warning that resources allocated to Kyiv are running out. She said the Department of Defense had spent 97 percent of the $62.3 billion it received this year for Ukraine by mid-November. Also used up are funds allocated to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Republican support for the bill would require setting aside money for securing the U.S.-Mexico border against uncontrolled migration. He also emphasized the GOP's position in October regarding concerns about alleged corruption within Ukraine and misuse of U.S.-provided funds. Because of this, the Louisiana congressman demanded a "full accounting of how prior U.S. military and humanitarian aid" to Ukraine was spent. Earlier, Zelensky called of a meeting with senators and officials of the executive branch in which he was supposed to appeal for more money. Washington has given Kyiv almost $75 billion in combined funding over nearly two years of the Russia-Ukraine war. Moscow considers its conflict with Ukraine as a proxy war in which Ukrainians die as "cannon fodder" to serve foreign interests. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, around 125,000 have died since Kyiv began its counteroffensive in the summer. Visit UkraineWitness.com for more stories about Ukraine's demands for more aid money. Watch this video about the Ukrainian army going on the defensive. This video is from the White Knight channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 11 House Republicans led by Matt Gaetz introduce "Ukraine fatigue" resolution to halt US military and financial aid to Ukraine. Biden administration announces another military package for Ukraine. Zelensky admits Ukraine already ran out of ammo. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Art.Sarem.org.ar Brighteon.com Displaced civilians in Khan Younis LOOT United Nations warehouse for food supplies Displaced civilians in the southern city of Khan Younis in Gaza looted a United Nations warehouse to get food supplies amid Israel's onslaught of the area. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) confirmed the news, adding that tens of thousands of civilians were involved in the looting. This left the UN with nothing to distribute in the area, with the organization saying its operations in the Gaza Strip are almost collapsing due to strict military restrictions. The Israeli bombing campaign, ongoing for two months, has displaced hundreds of thousands rendering the remaining infrastructure unable to cope with the influx of displaced persons. Gaza residents also reported a surge in burglaries and looting due to the absence of police and other authorities. Moreover, the escalating violence in southern Gaza is now jeopardizing aid deliveries to Palestinians. According to the UN, 85 percent of the population of Gaza had to leave their homes and are now staying in crowded schools, hospitals or out in the open. The UN's World Food Program also noted that nearly half of the population in the northern region and those who were forced to leave their homes in the southern region are facing severe hunger, reaching emergency or catastrophic levels. Martin Griffiths, the UN's emergency aid chief, stated that humanitarian programs are no longer functioning, with aid deliveries being attacked and looted. International officials call for CEASEFIRE in Gaza Given the situation in Khan Younis and the Gaza Strip at large, international officials including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have urged Israel to prioritize civilian protection and to implement a broader ceasefire that extends beyond specific neighborhoods. "It remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection," said Blinken. "There does remain a gap between the intent and the results." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Blinken's colleague in the White House, also supported the call for a ceasefire. "I have repeatedly made clear to Israel's leaders that protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative," he said during the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. "And so I have personally pushed Israeli leaders to avoid civilian casualties; to shun irresponsible rhetoric; to prevent violence by settlers in the West Bank; and to dramatically expand access to humanitarian aid." But Sanam Vakil of the London-based Chatham House think tank argued that the pressure on Israel would only strengthen its resolve. He explained that the pressure from inside and outside the country is considered a reason for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify its strikes and win the war. "Israel sees that they have no choice; there is no other way to try and tick the box of victory, whatever that looks like," said Vakil, director of the think tank's Middle East and North Africa program. "It's going to be done with maximum impact and the impact is going to have a cascading impact on the loss of life." Meanwhile, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stressed that Israeli forces are specifically targeting Hamas in various areas of Gaza including Khan Younis. "We will continue to dismantle each of these centers until we finish in Jabalia, Shujaiyeh and the Khan Younis area," he said. "In every place we operate, we will continue in the same manner." Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Watch Glenn Beck talks about the warning signs of World War III, which would involve Israel, in the video below. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel-Hamas war will continue until rights are recognized analyst. Irans supreme leader calls for SANCTIONS against Israel, demands halt to Gaza bombing. Israel admits bombing Gaza refugee camp, killing and wounding HUNDREDS of civilians just to take out ONE man. Israel deploying next-generation weapons in Gaza, including AI-powered weapons systems. Israel to consider civilians terrorist accomplices if they stay in North Gaza. Sources include: WSJ.com 1 WSJ.com 2 Brighteon.com Heart failures spiked 1,000% among pilots in 2022, Pentagon data show The latest data from the United States Department of Defense (DOD) reveals that Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" are high-risk drugs that carry significant health risks, including the risk of heart damage. Lt. Ted Macie, an active-duty officer with the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps, uploaded a video to social media citing a July letter from U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness Gilbert Cisneros Jr. acknowledging the authenticity of Pentagon data showing a massive uptick in heart failure and other serious conditions in 2021 and 2022 after Operation Warp Speed was launched. All along, Lt. Macie and his wife Mara, who is currently running for Congress in Florida's Fifth District, have been outspoken in their opposition to the Pentagon's COVID jab mandate, as well as its mistreatment of servicemembers who objected to it. The data Lt. Macie unpacks in his video covers the following diseases that increased by the following percentages within the military after COVID shots were mandated on servicemembers by the Pentagon: Hypertension: 2,181 percent Neurological disorders: 1,048 percent Multiple sclerosis: 680 percent Guillain-Barre syndrome: 551 percent Breast cancer: 487 percent Female infertility: 472 percent Pulmonary embolism: 468 percent Migraines: 452 percent Ovarian dysfunction: 437 percent Testicular cancer: 369 percent Tachycardia: 302 percent (Related: A study found that Moderna's COVID "booster" shots increase heart damage risk at a 3,000 times higher rate than initially thought.) COVID jabs destroyed health of U.S. military The data above and in the above video originally came to light in January 2022 when attorney Thomas Renz at a COVID jab hearing arranged by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) presented it. Sen. Johnson's revelations were immediately dismissed by the military-industrial complex as being false and stemming from a "data corruption" glitch, but this turned out to be a lie. In Cisneros' letter to Sen. Johnson this past July, he tried to argue that when Pentagon officials attempted to replicate the whistleblower's analysis, producing "similar" results, that the true cause of all these excess injuries "was more likely to be infection and not COVID-19 vaccination." Sen. Johnson refuted this by pointing out that the data did not cover servicemembers who were both jabbed and infected, which Cisneros conceded does make the data complete. "I went in today, I'm doing the same thing, five-year average, however, I'm comparing it to 2022," Lt. Macie said about how he approached the data. "And I only am using fixed-wing pilots and helicopter pilots on active-duty." Lt. Macie ultimately identified major spikes in several heart-related ailments over the previous five-year average. These include the following increases in the following diseases: Hypertension: 36 percent Ischemic heart disease: 69 percent Pulmonary heart disease: 62 percent Heart failure: 973 percent Cardiomyopathy: 152 percent Other non-specified heart diseases: 63 percent Navy officials' response to Lt. Macie's revelations remains one of resistance. One report described the Navy's response as "slow rolling everything" and "denying anything is happening." Congress is much the same, with Lt. Macie calling the reaction from legislators thus far "abysmal." NO. Thousands of servicemembers were treated with "disrespect" and fired because of "tyranny," yet citing recruitment challenges as a reason this should be a priority diminishes the sentiment. There is a complete lack of trust in the military "leadership" among those who were https://t.co/qDxywoq5q9 Mara Macie (@MaraMacie) November 27, 2023 "This should equate to a corporate attack upon our Armed Forces, but Woke Brass are derelict in their duties," one commenter wrote about what the Pentagon did to America's military. "The Joint Chiefs of Staff don't care about the health, happiness & well-being of those under their command," wrote another. "They care about their political connections and their retirement packages. That is all!" COVID shots are the "gift" that keeps on giving. Learn more about how they break hearts at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com UN official accuses Israel of plotting MASS EXPULSION of Gazans into Egypt A senior United Nations (UN) official has accused Israel of plotting a mass expulsion of Gazans from the Gaza Strip into Egypt. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), put forward this accusation in a Dec. 9 op-ed for the Los Angeles Times. He wrote that the current policy and humanitarian discussions have left a majority of Palestinians no choice but to leave Gaza and never return to their destroyed homes. "The UN and several member states, including the U.S., have firmly rejected forcibly displacing Gazans out of the Gaza Strip," Lazzarini wrote. "But the developments we are witnessing point to attempts to move Palestinians into Egypt, regardless of whether they stay there or are resettled elsewhere." The UNRWA head also pointed out that survivors of Israel's onslaught on the strip are now confined to a "tiny area" of southern Gaza near the Egyptian border, where their only viable option seems to be leaving the enclave altogether. Moreover, he also expressed doubt that these Palestinians would still be allowed or willing to return home anytime soon. (Related: Intelligence Ministry of Israel proposes displacing 2.3 million Gazans to Sinai in Egypt.) Even the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) said it has no plans to return unless a full peace agreement is signed with Israel. Mohammed Shtayyeh, the PNA's prime minister, has also said that the authority will not return to Gaza "on the back of Israeli tanks." "There will be no return of the [PNA] to the Gaza Strip as the Israelis suggested, and that has to be clear. We are for a political solution," PNA Social Development Minister Ahmed Majdalani told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "Gaza is part of the other Palestinian lands and the solution should be under the supervision of the UN. All legal decisions on Palestine already in place should be implemented under the authority of the UN, and there should be a timeline for all these decisions." Lazzarini ultimately warned in his LA Times op-ed: "If this path continues, leading to what many are already calling a second Nakba, Gaza will not be a land for Palestinians anymore." Israel wants the WHOLE Gaza Strip A spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Defense refuted the UNRWA head's claims, noting that the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has never developed any plan to push Gazans into Egypt. However, a Wall Street Journal op-ed published in November stated otherwise. The piece by Danny Danon and Ram Ben-Barak members of the Knesset, Israel's unicameral parliament suggested that other countries should accept limited numbers of Gazan families who choose to relocate. "Countries around the world should offer a haven for Gaza residents who seek relocation," wrote the two lawmakers. "We simply need a handful of the world's nations to share the responsibility of hosting Gazan residents." Netanyahu also reiterated that he would not allow Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip during a November press conference. "There will also not be a civil authority that educates its children to hate Israel, to kill Israelis, to eliminate the State of Israel. There cannot be an authority that pays the families of murderers [amounts] based on the number they murdered. There cannot be an authority whose leader still has not condemned the terrible massacre [on Oct. 7]. That cannot be," the Israeli leader declared. In other words, Israel is not just after Hamas. It wants the whole Gaza Strip. Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Watch Kash Patel and Steve Bannon talk about the failure of Israel's intelligence amid the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel warns Hamas sleeper cells could be activated to launch terror attacks across Europe this Christmas. Israel-Hamas war will continue until rights are recognized analyst. Youre paying for the Israel war. Youll also pay for the refugees. Report: Israel received WARNING from Egypt 3 days before attack but ignored it. OUTRAGE: Israel told Gaza residents to flee to Egypt for safety, then appears to have BOMBED the lone border crossing for their escape. Sources include: RT.com LATimes.com ABC.net.au WSJ.com Brighteon.com LAPDs warning of possible First Amendment activity in a post draws backlash from netizens The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) posted on X platform Thursday night, Dec. 7, that it is "aware of possible First Amendment activity." The reference to "possible First Amendment activity" raises concerns for those who value their fundamental rights to free speech, religion, press, peaceful assembly and petitioning the government. LAPD HQ, without specifying the nature of the mentioned activity, announced that additional uniformed personnel and resources, in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service, would be deployed to ensure public safety in the Los Angeles area over the next few days. (Related: Facebook Files show more government collusion to destroy the First Amendment.) While expressing a commitment to work with protest organizers to facilitate lawful demonstrations, LAPD emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence. The department urged individuals and groups involved in protests or counter-protests to prevent those expressing an intent to commit violence or damage property from compromising an otherwise lawful demonstration. The LAPD's unusual statement sparked comments from users, with many questioning the use of the term "possible First Amendment activity." In an X post, RBe wrote: "Do these people realize how Orwellian they sound when they use the ridiculous 'first amendment activity' term? Protests. Say 'protests.' And when (not if) those protests turn violent, call them 'riots.' Because they're riots. Good Lord." Mr T 2, on the other hand, posted: "Government is warning people of 'first amendment activity.' If it isn't an indication that we live in a police state, I don't know what is." FeniX Ammunition warned: "Possible First Amendment activity? You f#ck!ng serious? This is where we're heading, guys. If you haven't started planning for the future yet, you have a lot of ground to make up but it's not too late." LAPD's controversial post comes ahead of Biden's California visit The warning from LAPD came ahead of a weekend visit by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to Southern California for a fundraising swing. Biden and his wife arrived separately in the Los Angeles area on Friday, Dec. 8, for a fundraising tour that included a star-studded event in Holmby Hills featuring Hollywood elites. The president was scheduled to be in Los Angeles until Sunday, participating in fundraising activities on both Friday and Saturday nights. Jill arrived first, landing at Hollywood Burbank Airport early Friday afternoon. She proceeded to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, touring research laboratories as part of the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research. Joe arrived at Los Angeles International Airport around 5 p.m., heading to Santa Monica via a military helicopter before entering a motorcade for an evening fundraiser in the Holmby Hills area. The event is expected to be attended by notable figures such as Steven Spielberg, Shonda Rhimes, Peter Chernin, Jim Gianopulos, Rob Reiner and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, is also hosting a fundraising gathering for Biden during his visit. The fundraising swing drew criticism from Republican Party officials, who expressed discontent with Biden's focus on Hollywood elites rather than addressing issues affecting Californians. As with any presidential visit, temporary traffic disruptions were expected, and protests have emerged, particularly related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Read similar stories at Orwellian.news. Watch the New York governor announcing a statewide surveillance system. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: News site sues NewsGuard and U.S. government for defamation and First Amendment violations. Judge strikes down New York online hate speech law for violating the First Amendment. WEF globalists in Davos announce implementation of laws criminalizing "hate speech" coming "soon" goodbye, First Amendment. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com ABC7.com Brighteon.com ABSURD: Mens bathrooms in Canadian military bases mandated to have menstruation kits To uphold the Liberal government's commitment to inclusivity, Canadian military bases must ensure the availability of menstrual products like tampons and pads in men's washrooms by December 15. This directive, mandated by Employment and Social Development Canada, extends to all federally regulated workplaces and military installations. True North independently verified the implementation of this policy in at least one Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military base. Major Soomin Kim of Canada's Department of National Defense affirmed that this decision aligns with federal government directives, emphasizing compliance with the Canada Labor Code. The federal directive underscores its dedication to "better protect menstruating employees" by requiring the presence of menstrual products in all toilet rooms, regardless of their designated genders. The directive also outlines specific requirements for employers, including the provision of covered containers for the disposal of menstrual products. Employers must ensure that menstrual products are available in every female-identified, male-identified, and all-gender toilet room. Additionally, covered disposal containers must be provided in each toilet stall, maintaining unrestricted access to menstrual products and promoting a safe environment for employees. The directive defines menstrual products as tampons inserted into the vagina during menstruation, with or without an applicator, and pads that absorb menstrual fluids by affixing them to underwear. This move aligns with broader initiatives across Canada to expand access to taxpayer-funded menstrual products in all washrooms. The District of Saanich, for instance, plans to provide free menstrual products in all public washrooms, including men's rooms, with proponents highlighting the benefits for individuals who menstruate and those facing financial constraints. Inclusivity eradicates religion in the military The Trudeau government's directive to eliminate religion in the Canadian military, issued under the banner of inclusivity and diversity, has raised concerns among critics. Father Timothy Nelligan, a former Canadian Armed Forces member and Roman Catholic chaplain, views it as a move down the road of eradicating religion from the military, with a potential punitive focus on Christian Canadians. (Related: Canada: Father punched in the face and beaten at pro-trans rally: Police refused to do anything.) The directive emphasizes inclusivity, but critics argue it disproportionately impacts Christians in the country. The systemic removal of religious content aligns with broader woke principles, impacting Canada's Christian heritage and prompting comparisons to historical patterns seen in Communist revolutions. The directive's impact on Christian representation in the military and its alignment with woke ideologies have raised questions about the government's commitment to respecting diverse religious backgrounds. The historical context of Communist regimes, which aimed to reduce religious belief, is cited to highlight potential parallels. Critics express concern over mainstream media's reluctance to address the socio-historical implications of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to diminish Christianity in the military. The directive's emergence follows a previous advisory panel's recommendation to stop hiring chaplains with more traditional religious beliefs. The report categorizes religion as a source of suffering and trauma, particularly for LGBTQ2+ individuals. Critics see this as an example of using LGBTQ2+ issues to advance a socialist agenda and eliminate Christian influence. The Trudeau government's alignment with woke principles, combined with security expenses and concerns over Trudeau's safety, leads some to draw parallels with dictatorial tendencies. Critics view Trudeau as a revolutionary figure pushing for a purge of Christianity from Canadian society, as the government dismantles traditional structures in the name of post-modern ideals. Watch Greg Kelly expose the truth about the woke Left. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: No diversity for White people. British Telecom CEO firing Whites, hiring minorities for diversity bonuses. GONE WOKE: Chick-fil-A embraces woke agenda, names VP for diversity, equity and inclusion. Sources include: TNC.com Brighteon.com Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba had a conversation with newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosaw Sikorski. "I spoke with Radosaw Sikorski and congratulated him on his appointment. Minister Sikorski confirmed his commitment to further strengthen Ukrainian-Polish relations, counter Russian aggression, integrate Ukraine into the EU and NATO, and cooperate in other global affairs," Kuleba said on the X social network on Wednesday evening. The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also said the parties discussed the upcoming summit of the European Union, and that Sikorsky assured that "Poland will actively work at the summit to ensure the adoption of the needed decisions, including the one on opening Ukraine's EU accession talks." "Minister Sikorski also accepted my invitation to visit Ukraine," Kuleba said. Pfizer facing multiple lawsuits after failing to disclose the presence of toxic DNA fragments in COVID-19 vaccines Multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation Pfizer is now facing several lawsuits after it failed to disclose information about a DNA sequence used in the Pfizer-BioNTech Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to regulators. Testing of Pfizer vaccine reveals traces of Simian Virus 40 (SV40) Testing by outside scientists revealed that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine contained a Simian Virus 40 (SV40) DNA sequence. However, the public was never informed about the presence of the DNA sequence. Regulators from both Canada and Europe have acknowledged that Pfizer and BioNTech did not highlight the sequence, which they should have, although regulatory submissions revealed the full DNA sequence of the vaccine plasmid. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to divulge whether the companies informed the agency about the sequence. The FDA insists that no safety concerns have been identified from the residual DNA left behind by the SV40 sequence, despite showing no evidence to support its claim. According to independent researchers, the SV40 DNA could be linked to the various health issues observed in people who received the COVID-19 vaccine, which include cancer. However, other experts think that further testing is required to prove a link. The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), largely protects COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. But companies can still be sued for "willful misconduct," which includes acts taken "intentionally to achieve a wrongful purpose." Under a declaration by former Health Secretary Alex Azar in 2020, COVID-19 vaccines fall under the PREP Act. This act is aimed at allowing a more timely response to a health emergency and grants widespread immunity to manufacturers of vaccines and treatments, along with administrators of the drugs. The protection is still in place because of extensions through both the Trump and Biden administrations. Lawsuits incoming for vaccine makers There is considerable disagreement on whether the DNA sequence is harmful to humans, with some experts saying it may have caused a number of adverse effects, including some cancers, while others suggest its inclusion is harmless. (Related: Pfizer CUTS COSTS after significant decline in uptake of COVID-19 vaccine and Paxlovid.) Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, suggested that the issue involves "willful misconduct." He added that it's unlikely the FDA knew about this. And while the PREP Act has mostly prevented lawsuits concerning the COVID-19 vaccines, several recent developments could change that. Back in August, a Michigan judge ruled in the case of a man who had to have his leg amputated after receiving remdesivir, Gilead Sciences' COVID-19 drug treatment, that the drug manufacturer was not protected by the PREP Act. Remdesivir was allegedly contaminated with glass particles. The other development that could see Big Pharma's immunity waived is the revelation that Pfizer's COVID vaccine contains fragments of the SV40 sequence. These issues could help plaintiffs "pierce that legal immunity that's otherwise provided by the PREP Act." Staver said that aside from personal injury firms and organizations, Liberty Counsel is also considering filing lawsuits due to the recent developments. Liberty Counsel has previously been involved in several major suits involving COVID-19 vaccines, including some with military members who were denied their request for religious exemption from the military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The firm helped win orders blocking the military from discharging those members. To date, both Pfizer and BioNTech have not returned requests for comment. Warner Mendenhall, an American lawyer, explained that lawyers are considering taking a different approach. "The latest conversation that we've been talking about ... is whether we have access right now, at least for some people, to prove battery," he said. Informed consent requires having information, "and nobody knew about the SV40," explained Mendenhall. Without this knowledge, vaccine recipients could not properly give consent. "And if you haven't consented, and somebody does something to you without being informed and given proper consent, it's called battery. So, there is some opening for battery cases. And we're in discussions right now, and those may be able to be brought as what are called mass torts or mass cases. So we're working on that," explained Mendenhall. Learn more about the adverse effects of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines at VaccineDamage.news. Watch the video below to learn how Pfizer lied about COVID-19 vaccines and a whistleblower who leaked shocking data. This video is from the Paul Davis UnCancelled channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pfizers partner BioNTech faces LAWSUIT in Germany for alleged harm caused by its COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Peter McCullough: Pfizer, FDA colluding to censor COVID vaccine concerns. Australian Senate grills Pfizer, Moderna reps about covid vaccine genocide. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com Worlds first self-amplifying COVID-19 vaccine approved in Japan despite lack of safety data Japan has just given the stamp of approval to a pioneering, self-amplifying mRNA vaccine despite a dearth of evidence that it is safe or effective. The Japanese company Meiji Seika Pharma is behind the vaccine, which is known as the Kostaive sa-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and is considered the first in the world of its kind. It works by self-amplifying after being delivered into the bodys cells. This leads to what they claim is a strong immune response and the potential for extended duration of protection. When conventional mRNA vaccines are injected into the body, the mRNA tells cells to create a specific protein, which spurs an immune response. With self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, multiple mRNA copies are made, which creates even more spike protein and if the current mRNA vaccines have taught us anything, its that this is unlikely to end well. Much like the traditional mRNA COVID-19 vaccines forced upon the world in recent years, the plan for these vaccines is to convince people they need two doses of primary immunization followed by boosters. Lack of testing raising concerns Although there is a lot to be worried about here, one of the biggest concerns is the lack of testing the jab has undergone. A trial took place from December 2022 to February 2023 involving just 828 individuals. To put this in perspective, 40,000 people took part in the phase 3 study for Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. Meiji Seika Pharma claims that its clinical trials showed that the booster of its vaccine led to higher and longer-lasting neutralizing antibody titers against the original strain and a subvariant of Omicron than Pfizers vaccine. And while recipients of the Kostaive vaccine did experience fewer localized reactions like pain and swelling at the jab site, they actually had higher numbers of several specific side effects, such as muscle pain, headache, chills, nausea, myalgia, malaise, dizziness and diarrhea. The company hopes to have the vaccine ready for the market next year. Potential side effects of sa-mRNA vaccines Some experts are concerned that because these vaccines amplify the action of the current mRNA vaccines, they could also amplify the long and deadly list of adverse effects associated with them. The spike protein in particular has been singled out as a factor in four domains of disease linked to the jabs: blood clots, immunological abnormalities, neurological diseases and cardiovascular effects. Molecular biologist Klaus Steger told the Epoch Times that small amounts of self-amplifying mRNA lead to greater antigen production. Due to increased antigen levels, one injection of saRNAwhether linear or circularmay cause adverse events comparable with repeated (booster) injections of modRNA, he cautioned. A study published in the journal Trends in Biotechnology pointed to other potential safety issues with these vaccines despite declaring them promising overall. It points out that these replicon vaccines can persist in people who are immunocompromised and may therefore not be able to clear them from their bodies. The authors also drew attention to the ability of these vaccines to recombine with circulating viruses, which is something that needs to be studied further. The study also said there could be safety concerns for pregnant women using these types of vaccines, especially when they are made with replicon vectors that were derived from viruses that may cause congenital infections. Although they say it is not expected to affect the development of the fetus, this is hardly a confident statement, and the studys authors insist that further studies are needed to explore the effects of these vaccines in vulnerable people. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Cell.com Someone made MILLIONS betting against Israel on Wall Street in days leading up to October 7 attack The October 7 Hamas false flag attack in Israel was preceded by some interesting stock market movements that suggest someone profited to the tune of millions following the attack. In the days leading up to the attack, short sellers shorted Israeli shares, betting on the stock tanking following the attack. This is exactly what happened, and whoever shorted Israel knew in advance that the attack was going to happen. In a paper called "Trading on Terror?" written by Robert J. Jackson, Jr. and Joshua Mitts, you can read more about what took place days before the Hamas attack that points to financial terrorism as Hamas profited from it. "Our findings suggest that traders informed about the coming attacks profited from these tragic events," the paper reads. (Related: Israel created Hamas back in the 1970s, which means Hamas is Israel.) Wall Street bets against Israel saw massive gains after October 7 Jackson, by the way, served as commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Mitts is an expert on short selling, particularly in the Israeli market. Together, they present a powerful analysis of the shady market activity that occurred just prior to the incident. The two teamed up to examine transactions in EIS, a security traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The EIS ticker allows investors and traders to gain exposure to Israeli shares (MSCI Israel Exchange Traded Fund or NYSE: EIS). "EIS is an exchange-traded fund that tracks Israeli shares in New York," Haaretz reported. "It's a way to bet on Israeli shares without buying any. EIS tracks the main indices on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, including giant Israeli companies such as Nice, Teva, the banks, Elbit Systems and Israel Chemicals." "Investing in EIS is equivalent to investing in the Israeli economy. Betting against EIS means you are betting against the Israeli economy." Based on their analysis, Jackson and his team determined that in early October right before the Hamas attack, some people in the U.S. stock market knew about it and shorted EIS. After the attack caused stocks to crash, whoever that was pocketed a massive amount of cash. The short sales reportedly occurred on October 2 with a volume of 227,000 units. On an average day, EIS trades only about 2,000 units, so this represented a massive jump in volume. "Whoever was behind the transactions apparently harbored confidence that disaster would strike," Haaretz explains. "People shorting Israeli shares on October 2 did well. The value of EIS fell by 7.1 percent on October 11 (the first day the American market was open for business after the massacre) and over the 20 days following that terrible weekend, EIS lost 17.5 percent of its value." The analysis paper that exposes this was compiled from official data reported to the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. There were two huge transactions of borrowed shares sold short, and based on the number of units transacted, it appears that those involved pocketed millions. It turns out that such a gamble has never taken place like this in the past, despite many instances of Israel experiencing some kind of crisis. Only in this instance did short selling occur on such a massive scale just days, conveniently, before the October 7 incident caused the Israeli market to tumble. The short volume that occurred for EIS on October 2 was in the top 99 percent percentile for the ticker's history. The "short ratio" was also extraordinary that same day. "It is extremely unlikely that the volume of short selling on October 2 occurred by random chance," Jackson and his colleagues wrote. War and the stock market go hand in hand to make the globalists rich. Learn more at Globalism.news. Sources for this article include: Haaretz.com Haaretz.com NaturalNews.com U.S. backs Guyana amid Venezuelas threat of invasion The U.S. has pledged unwavering support for Guyana amid concerns over Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's threat to annex more than half of the country and exploit its oil resources. Tensions have escalated, leading Georgetown to place its small army on high alert for a possible invasion by Caracas. Brazil is deploying additional troops and armored vehicles to its border with Venezuela and Guyana to prevent the conflict from spreading. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured Guyanese President Irfaan Ali of America's support for Guyana's sovereignty during talks between the two. The U.S. Department of State, which Blinken heads, is mulling the return of sanctions on Venezuela. Moreover, there are reports that the Guyanese military has contacted its American counterpart for potential support. The dispute revolves around the oil-rich Essequibo region, which constitutes over two-thirds of Guyana's land mass and has become a focal point of contention. Maduro, who took over when his predecessor Hugo Chavez died in 2013, aims to claim the oil supplies in Essequibo. A recent referendum in Venezuela saw over 95 percent of voters supporting the government's assertion of ownership over the region. (Related: Post-socialist revolution Venezuela weaponizing HUNGER to control starving population.) However, analysts and sources in Caracas have said the referendum was an effort by Maduro to show strength and gauge his government's support ahead of the South American nation's 2024 election, rather than representing a real likelihood of military action. The situation has nevertheless raised concerns in the region, with the potential for the U.S. to become involved. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to deploy American troops to Guyana as a deterrent. The possibility of the U.K. intervening is uncertain, as the Commonwealth of Nations which Georgetown is a member of lacks a military component. Guyana was under the Union Jack from 1796 until 1966. A new conflict brewing in South America? Maduro's actions, including mobilizing the military and ordering oil exploration in the disputed region, are viewed as provocative prompting Guyana to seek international intervention. Ali has denounced the moves as a direct threat, expressing plans to escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice and the United Nations Security Council. Meanwhile, Washington announced air exercises with Georgetown and Brasilia mobilized troops near its border with both countries. The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown confirmed that the U.S. Southern Command, which provides security cooperation in Latin America, was scheduled to conduct flight operations with the Guyanese military within the country's airspace. While experts view Maduro's threats as more rhetoric than imminent action, the specter of invasion unsettles the global community. Caracas has placed indigenous communities at the forefront of the Essequibo debate, sharing videos allegedly depicting indigenous people supporting the army's cause. However, critics, like Venezuelan local Domingo Fernandez, deem this move "irresponsible." He accused Maduro's regime of exploiting communities and displacing them for controversial mining operations in the Amazon forest. Amidst the geopolitical tensions, ExxonMobil which has heavily invested in Guyana seeks to reassure investors. CEO Darren Woods expressed hope for a respectful arbitration process between the nations, but acknowledged a likely lengthy resolution. The entwined interests of ExxonMobil and the Guyanese government, constituting 10 percent of Exxon's daily oil production, blur the lines between the oil company and the government. Venezuela frames this relationship as a key reason for annexation, aiming to diminish U.S. influence in the region. Internal divisions exacerbate Guyana's predicament, with political factions clashing over the perceived "existential threat" from Venezuela. Despite initial unity after the referendum, politicians and supporters now engage in infighting over resolving the conflict. Bipartisanship is urged to navigate the complex situation and address concerns about ExxonMobil's influence within the government. Visit NationalSecurity.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about Venezuela threatening Guyana with an invasion. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Venezuela emptying prisons, CRIMINALS blending in with migrants trying to cross US border. DHS report says Venezuela is emptying its prisons and sending criminals to America's southern border. Venezuelan gangsters blending in with MIGRANTS, causing CHAOS in America under Maduro's orders. Sources include: TheSun.com Reuters.com Semafor.com Brighteon.com U.S. denounces Israels expanded military operations amid rising civilian deaths in Gaza The Biden administration has criticized Israel over its expanded military campaign in the Gaza Strip, amid the rising death toll among civilians. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued the rebuke in a Dec. 7 press conference. He expressed Washington's commitment to prioritizing the protection of civilians in the besieged enclave. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, over 16,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. The U.S. official also stressed the need to sustain the assistance provided during the humanitarian pause between Hamas and Israel. He acknowledged some positive steps, but pointed out a gap between their intention to protect civilians and the actual results on the ground. Discussing Israel's combat operations, Blinken emphasized the importance of ensuring that areas outside the conflict zone remain free from military actions mentioning ongoing discussions with Israeli authorities on this matter. Blinken isn't alone in this sentiments, however. Even Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have recently expressed concern about the number of innocent Palestinians killed. Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Dec. 3, Austin told attendees he had urged Israeli leaders to minimize civilian casualties. "I have personally pushed Israeli leaders to avoid civilian casualties, to shun irresponsible rhetoric and to prevent violence by settlers in the West Bank," said the defense secretary. Given the statements of the high-ranking U.S. officials, it remains unclear if the Biden administration still intends to take additional action beyond issuing empty words. The U.S. continues to provide unconditional military aid to Israel. Rescuing hostages not a top priority for the IDF Meanwhile, Israel has justified its military operations against the Palestinian group Hamas formally the Islamic Resistance Movement. In earlier interviews, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin has demanded that Hamas release all 240 hostages it abducted on Oct. 7. (Related: Netanyahu: Israel to take over security in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war.) But according to Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, rescuing hostages abducted by Hamas is not a top priority for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Instead, the main focus is destroying Hamas even if it takes the IDF a year to do so. In line with this, even the prevention of civilian casualties is subordinate to the bigger goal of liquidating Hamas. Barkat, who formerly served as the mayor of Jerusalem from 2008 until 2018, added that the tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip would become the "world's biggest cemetery." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Barkat's call for genocide, saying: "There is no forgiveness for this thing. Only [the] total annihilation of [the] Hamas organization terror infrastructures, everything that has to do with terrorists and whoever sent them." The Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks have caused significant damage in Gaza, resulting in over 3,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly civilians, and more than 12,000 people injured in October. Their ground offensive including troops, tanks, drones and aircraft entering and expanding in Gaza continues to contribute to the increasing death tolls of civilians. Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Watch this October 2023 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams discusses the devastating consequences to the global economy of Israels war on Gaza. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: THOU SHALT NOT CRITICIZE ISAREL: Social media giants now CENSORING CONTENT that supports people of Gaza and opposes indiscriminate bombings by Israel. You cant cancel all of us: Dave Chappelle criticizes Israel during performance in Boston. MORE WAR: US Diplomats warned by State Dept. to avoid calling for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict. CONFIRMED: Israel ordered IDF to STAND DOWN and let Hamas attack now Israel wants full-scale war to fulfill decades-long plan for Greater Israel. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warn Iran and its allies against escalating Israel-Hamas war. Sources include: CNBC.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com The latest weather forecast showed that Southern California can expect the Santa Ana winds this early week, causing elevated fire risk in the region. The forecast warned of damage to small vehicles, trees, roofs and powerlines. The National Weather Service (NWS) showed that a cold front in the Upper Great Lakes can cause light to moderate lake-effect snow, including in Lake Ontario. In addition, moderate to heavy snow is likely in the High Plains and Southern Rockies this Thursday. Travelers should stay updated with the weather in the Rockies and California. In the Lower Great Lakes and Northeast, a cold front and snow are expected in the early week. In Southern California, residents struggled for warmth and hot conditions. Raging wildfires were also reported in the region due to dry vegetation and low relative humidity. Southern California Forecast: Where Will Strong Winds Unload? In Los Angeles, Red Flag Warnings were reported in the LA and Ventura counties this week. The Santa Ana winds can reach from 30 to 50 mph. Homeowners should stay alert for fire concerns in the early week. The strong winds and low relative humidity are favorable for raging wildfires in the region. Homeowners should observe local fire bans and avoid using flammable materials. The latest forecast warned of increasing wildfire risks in Southern California due to the Santa Ana event. The beginning of December drought dry outlook in California. Starting Tuesday, the wind gusts can reach from 30 to 40 mph, causing elevated fire risk in Santa Clarita, Oxnard, San Bernardino and Temecula. Car owners are advised to avoid parking in dry grass or vegetation. Homeowners should also be careful in using flammable materials while in the forest or dry areas. Light vehicles are also at risk of strong winds. Motorists can experience driving difficulties, especially on interstates 5, 10 and 15. Also Read: US Northeast Weather Forecast: Increasing Winds, Flooding Rain To Unload This Midweek Weather in Southern Plains and Central Plains In addition, the NWS forecast showed that temperatures can drop from 15 to 25 degrees below average in the Southern and Central Plains. In Southern Florida, the forecast warned of thunderstorms and showers on Wednesday. In Colorado and Northern Mexico, snowy outlook can reach from 6 to 12 inches. The colder temperatures can also lead to a wintry mix outlook in the US, including in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In the Lakes Erie and Ontario, evening snow can be likely. Homeowners should limit outdoor activities. Related Article: Tornado Cleanup in Tennessee: Colder Temperatures to Unfold This Week For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News The latest weather report warned of heavy snow in the High Plains and Rockies this week. Residents should also anticipate the colder conditions and travel concerns. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitors the cold front in the Upper Great Lakes in the midweek, producing potential light to moderate lake-effect snow. The December beginning brought heavy snow and colder temperatures to the US, especially in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. As Christmas becomes closer, homeowners should prepare for the winter with extreme cold. In this week's weather, the main dangers are slippery outlook and cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Homeowners should repair and check their heating and plumbing systems due to freezing to extreme cold. NWS Weather Forecast: Extreme Cold and Heavy Snow According to the NWS Weather Discussion, above-average temperatures are likely on the East Coast, Great Lakes and Midwest. Temperatures will be chilly with a heavy snow outlook in the Central and Southern Rockies. In the advisory, a cold front over the Great Lakes will help with the lake-effect snow in the region on Wednesday. In the Pacific Northwest, a moist condition will continue, bringing excessive rainfall risk and flash flood threats. In addition, light to moderate snow is likely in the mountainous areas. Freezing rain or a mix of snow can occur. Homeowners should avoid prolonged exposure to chilly weather due to possible hypothermia and frostbite. If they go outside, it is best to wear winter clothes or protection. Homeowners should also protect their plants, pets and crops from freezing outlook. Also Read: US Northeast Weather Forecast: Increasing Winds, Flooding Rain To Unload This Midweek Weather in the Southern US Meanwhile, the weather in the Southern US will bring a blast of snow and rain in the late week. People with planned travel should consider the weather due to road hazards or disruption. The stormy outlook will be helpful with drought-affected areas in the South, especially in the following areas: Oklahoma City Lubbock Odessa Laredo Dallas Amarillo Snow outlook will likely unload in Amarillo, Albuquerque, Pueblo and Durango. The snow can spread over South-Celtra Colorado and New Mexico. In the Gulf of Mexico, residents can expect a rainy outlook to break the early dry spell in the region. The rain can return to parts of Houston, Dallas and New Orleans. On the weekend, the threat of storm will unload in Virginia Beach, Raleigh, Charlotte, Columbia, Atlanta and Nashville. Over the East Coast, the forecast shows that a cooler outlook can likely start Wednesday. Related Article: Tornado Cleanup in Tennessee: Colder Temperatures to Unfold This Week For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News The recent heat wave that scorched the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada was unprecedented in its intensity and duration, killing hundreds of people and shattering temperature records. According to a new study, such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-caused climate change. The Role of the 'Heat Dome' and the 'Wet Bulb' Temperature The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that the heat wave was a rare and unlikely event, but it was made much more probable by the global warming that has increased the average temperature of the Earth by about 1.2C since the pre-industrial era. The researchers used a technique called "extreme event attribution" to compare the observed temperatures with simulations of a world without human influence on the climate. They found that the heat wave would have been virtually impossible without climate change, and that it was about 2C hotter than it would have been otherwise. They also estimated that such heat waves are now about 150 times more likely to occur than they were in the past. One of the factors that contributed to the extreme heat was the presence of a high-pressure system, also known as a "heat dome", that trapped hot air over the region and prevented it from escaping. The heat dome was unusually strong and persistent, and it was influenced by the jet stream, a band of fast-moving air that circles the globe and affects weather patterns. Another factor that made the heat wave more deadly was the high humidity, which reduced the ability of the human body to cool itself through sweating. The researchers used a measure called the "wet bulb" temperature, which combines temperature and humidity, to assess the risk of heat stress. They found that the wet bulb temperature reached dangerous levels of above 35C in some locations, which can be fatal for humans within hours. Also Read: Asia Heatwave Alert: Scorching Temperatures Recorded in Multiple Countries The Implications and the Solutions for the Future The study warned that the heat wave was not a freak occurrence, but a sign of things to come as the planet continues to warm. The researchers projected that by the end of the century, under a high-emissions scenario, such heat waves could occur every five to 10 years, and be about 4C hotter than they are now. They also cautioned that the current climate models may be underestimating the frequency and severity of such events, and that the impacts could be worse than expected. They urged for more research and adaptation measures to prepare for the increasing threat of extreme heat. There is also a need for urgent and ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. This would substantially reduce the risk of such heat waves, and prevent many deaths and damages. They also called for more public awareness and education on the dangers of heat waves, and the best ways to cope with them. They suggested that people should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, seek shade or air-conditioned places, and check on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, and the homeless. They also recommended that governments and authorities should invest in more cooling infrastructure, such as public fountains, pools, and shelters, and improve the resilience of buildings, transportation, and energy systems. They also advocated for more green spaces, such as parks and trees, that can provide natural cooling and reduce the urban heat island effect. Heat wave was a wake-up call for the world to take action on climate change, and to adapt to the new reality of more frequent and intense heat waves. They said that the heat wave was a "harbinger of the future", and that "we are not prepared for it". Related article: Madagascar Heatwave: Impact of Global Heat Among Populations Unrecorded Communities have been recovering in the Southeast after at least 15 tornadoes struck the area. Authorities said that at least 15 tornadoes struck the Southeast over the weekend. They said that one powerful EF3 twister with 150-mph maximum winds struck Clarksville in northern Tennessee, which later killed three individuals. Meanwhile, in Madison, which is a suburb of Nashville, three more people were killed by an EF2 tornado. On the other hand, hundreds were given treatment in local hospitals. The National Weather Service said that more than 60 people were treated for injuries from the twister. Damaged By Tornado The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency reported that there were 1,974 residential sites, 58 commercial sites, and three public facilities hit by the tornado in Clarksville. To date, a total of 243 residential sites have been designated as destroyed, 436 have sustained major damage, 940 have sustained minor damage, 354 have been affected and one has been inaccessible. Schools in Clarksville will remain shut down on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, West Creek Elementary school did sustain minor damage, but officials have expressed concerned about families impacted by damage to their homes. Authorities said that these numbers represent displaced individuals whose lives have been turned upside down. Officials have asked the public to continue to pray for them and help the affected individuals as they can. The Montgomery County EMA said that residential sites may indicate an individual home or unit, noting that assessments are still being made and updates will be posted in the coming days. On the other hand, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) officials said restoration efforts are ongoing to repair and restore power across northern Tennessee. Furthermore, the Clarksville Department of Electricity (CDE) sustained the most damage and system impacts. So far, residents of small Middle Tennessee already initiated efforts to clean up debris and help their neighbors after the deadly tornado ripped through the heart of the Volunteer State in the weekend. Meanwhile, Clarksville city officials said a coordinated volunteer cleanup began on Monday where the most extensive tornado damage occurred. Volunteers have gathered at Mosaic Church before being taken by bus to different cleanup locations. Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said that crews had been mobilized at daybreak in the affected areas to clean the roadways. Further, shelters have been set up as well as food, showers and laundry services. Pitts vowed that whatever is needed, officials will made it available. Spawned By Storm Weather experts said that tornadoes were spawned by a massive storm system that brought heavy rain from Texas to Maine. They said that around 100,000 customers were without power on Monday morning, down from 200,000 Sunday evening. Meteorologists said that dry weather is also forecasted this week, noting that no further disruptions from weather outside of the frigid morning temperatures around the freezing mark are expected. Two years ago, authorities said that a major outbreak of tornadoes swept through Tennessee and Kentucky. They noted that last weekend's Clarksville tornado moved from Tennessee into Kentucky with EF2 damage, as close as 4 miles from an EF3 tornado that struck Warren County on Dec. 11, 2021. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said on X (Twitter), Trend reports. "During our visit to the United Kingdom, we conducted a meeting with Jurgen Rigterink, the First Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Our discussions covered prospective priorities in bilateral cooperation, focusing on renewable energy, support for the private sector, and exploring opportunities to expand joint activities for the improvement of the ICT ecosystem," said Jabbarov. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Azerbaijani MPs Turan Ganjaliyev and Vugar Bayramov, together with the publisher and editor of EU Today Gary Cartwright discussed issues related to establishing peace in the South Caucasus region on the Baku Network platform, Trend reports. Cartwright hailed the joint statement issued by the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia as a breakthrough. "The joint statement issued by the President's Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Armenia was very unexpected." "My first reaction was joy for the people of Azerbaijan," he remarked. According to Bayramov, the joint statement is a significant step toward the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries. He asserted that achieving peace would benefit not just Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also the entire region, including Georgia. The attendees also reviewed regional transportation and communication lines, energy security, the development of renewable energy sources, and other contemporary challenges. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: After suffering two consecutive setbacks on the legal front including one on his personal life, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah instead of taking the challenge head-on in times of test has decided to go off-grid for some time and return early next year to face the challenges. Who was it who said its not how hard you can hit, its how hard you can get hit & still keep moving forward? The last two days have been deeply disappointing both personally & professionally but I refuse to give up & slink away. Its that time of the year when I take some time to be with those I care about, to refresh, recharge & come back stronger. Im going off-grid for a few weeks, Omar Abdullah posted on X, formerly Twitter. In a major setback for Omar and his party National Conference, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Article 370 abrogation while the Delhi High Court has refused to grant him divorce from his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. Omar and his estranged wife Payal are living separately. Omar said he will come back early next year to face the challenges of 2024. Who was it who said its not how hard you can hit, its how hard you can get hit & still keep moving forward? The last two days have been deeply disappointing both personally & professionally but I refuse to give up & slink away. Its that time of the year when I take some time Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 12, 2023 Will come back early in the new year fighting fit & ready to face the challenges that 2024 will throw at me, including at least two elections in J&K. The fights & struggles will continue (sic), Omar further posted on X. Following the apex court verdict upholding the scrapping of Article 370, Omar said yesterday that he was disappointed but not disheartened and vowed to fight politically and peacefully for the restoration of the rights of the J&K people. After the Supreme Court upheld Article 370 abrogation, it was expected that leaders of the five-parties Gupkar Alliance on Article 370 restoration would meet and chalk out a strategy for their future course of action. However, with Farooq Abdullah, who is also chairman of Gupkar Alliance, presently in New Delhi to attend the parliament session and his son Omar Abdullah going off-grid for about three weeks, it seems unlikely that Gupkar Alliance leaders would meet anytime soon to strategize their policy. A senior PDP leader said Omar Abdullah has been against the Gupkar Alliance right from day one. Omar has been reluctant to even participate in Gupkar Alliance meetings and back the decisions of the Gupkar Alliance. Omar has been trying to sabotage the unity moves of the Gupkar Alliance and also of his father, Farooq Abdullah, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SRINAGAR: After suffering two consecutive setbacks on the legal front including one on his personal life, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah instead of taking the challenge head-on in times of test has decided to go off-grid for some time and return early next year to face the challenges. Who was it who said its not how hard you can hit, its how hard you can get hit & still keep moving forward? The last two days have been deeply disappointing both personally & professionally but I refuse to give up & slink away. Its that time of the year when I take some time to be with those I care about, to refresh, recharge & come back stronger. Im going off-grid for a few weeks, Omar Abdullah posted on X, formerly Twitter. In a major setback for Omar and his party National Conference, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Article 370 abrogation while the Delhi High Court has refused to grant him divorce from his estranged wife Payal Abdullah.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Omar and his estranged wife Payal are living separately. Omar said he will come back early next year to face the challenges of 2024. Who was it who said its not how hard you can hit, its how hard you can get hit & still keep moving forward? The last two days have been deeply disappointing both personally & professionally but I refuse to give up & slink away. Its that time of the year when I take some time Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 12, 2023 Will come back early in the new year fighting fit & ready to face the challenges that 2024 will throw at me, including at least two elections in J&K. The fights & struggles will continue (sic), Omar further posted on X. Following the apex court verdict upholding the scrapping of Article 370, Omar said yesterday that he was disappointed but not disheartened and vowed to fight politically and peacefully for the restoration of the rights of the J&K people. After the Supreme Court upheld Article 370 abrogation, it was expected that leaders of the five-parties Gupkar Alliance on Article 370 restoration would meet and chalk out a strategy for their future course of action. However, with Farooq Abdullah, who is also chairman of Gupkar Alliance, presently in New Delhi to attend the parliament session and his son Omar Abdullah going off-grid for about three weeks, it seems unlikely that Gupkar Alliance leaders would meet anytime soon to strategize their policy. A senior PDP leader said Omar Abdullah has been against the Gupkar Alliance right from day one. Omar has been reluctant to even participate in Gupkar Alliance meetings and back the decisions of the Gupkar Alliance. Omar has been trying to sabotage the unity moves of the Gupkar Alliance and also of his father, Farooq Abdullah, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: Bihar government is likely to get investments worth Rs 40,000 crore from the two-day 'Bihar Business Connect 2023', which kick-started in the state capital on Wednesday. Out of a total of Rs.40,000 crore, proposals of Rs 34,000 crore have already been pledged by the investors in the state. Over 600 investors from within the country and abroad are taking part in the global summit organised for the first time. A total of 40 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) are likely to be signed between the state government and the investors from around 16 countries including India. Out of 40 MoUs, 10 are from the global investors, a top official of the state industries department confided on condition of anonymity. "The priority sectors that are likely to see investments in the state over the next couple of years include food processing, textile, leather and information & technology (IT) among others, the officer added. On the first day, MoUs were signed between the Bihar government and eight private companies for making proposed investments worth over Rs.5.54 crore in the textile and leather sectors in the state. Bihar Industries Department minister Sameer Kumar Mahaseth revealed the MOUs signed by companies for investments on the first day of the two-day global investors summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2023'. Industries minister urged the Centre to create special economic zones (SEZs) to accelerate the industrial growth of the state. He assured the delegates within the country and abroad to provide all sorts of assistance to the investors. We are ready to provide all assistance to those who want to set up their industries in Bihar. The government has also changed its policies to suit the investors. Join the new Bihar and enrich it. If industries grow in the state, the country will progress too, he added. The minister demanded the creation of at least four SEZs in the state. The creation of SEZ will pave the way for fresh investments in the state. Investors have shown their interest in making investments. Several companies have already set up their industrial units, he disclosed. Mahaseth said that the increase in investments would take Bihar to the list of top 10 states in terms of industries in the next five years, it will make it to the list of top five states in the country, the minister asserted. Reiterating the demand for special category status for Bihar, the industries minister said that it would ensure faster growth. He contended that the state's focus was on attracting more investments in food processing, leather, textile and information technology among others. According to senior officials of the State Industries Department, representatives from countries like the US, Taiwan, Japan and Germany attended the summit on the first day and many are likely to attend on the last day as well. Besides, a total of 600 delegates including those from major Indian business houses such as Adani Group, Godrej Group and Britannia will take part in the two-day event, the officials claimed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PATNA: Bihar government is likely to get investments worth Rs 40,000 crore from the two-day 'Bihar Business Connect 2023', which kick-started in the state capital on Wednesday. Out of a total of Rs.40,000 crore, proposals of Rs 34,000 crore have already been pledged by the investors in the state. Over 600 investors from within the country and abroad are taking part in the global summit organised for the first time. A total of 40 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) are likely to be signed between the state government and the investors from around 16 countries including India. Out of 40 MoUs, 10 are from the global investors, a top official of the state industries department confided on condition of anonymity. "The priority sectors that are likely to see investments in the state over the next couple of years include food processing, textile, leather and information & technology (IT) among others, the officer added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On the first day, MoUs were signed between the Bihar government and eight private companies for making proposed investments worth over Rs.5.54 crore in the textile and leather sectors in the state. Bihar Industries Department minister Sameer Kumar Mahaseth revealed the MOUs signed by companies for investments on the first day of the two-day global investors summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2023'. Industries minister urged the Centre to create special economic zones (SEZs) to accelerate the industrial growth of the state. He assured the delegates within the country and abroad to provide all sorts of assistance to the investors. We are ready to provide all assistance to those who want to set up their industries in Bihar. The government has also changed its policies to suit the investors. Join the new Bihar and enrich it. If industries grow in the state, the country will progress too, he added. The minister demanded the creation of at least four SEZs in the state. The creation of SEZ will pave the way for fresh investments in the state. Investors have shown their interest in making investments. Several companies have already set up their industrial units, he disclosed. Mahaseth said that the increase in investments would take Bihar to the list of top 10 states in terms of industries in the next five years, it will make it to the list of top five states in the country, the minister asserted. Reiterating the demand for special category status for Bihar, the industries minister said that it would ensure faster growth. He contended that the state's focus was on attracting more investments in food processing, leather, textile and information technology among others. According to senior officials of the State Industries Department, representatives from countries like the US, Taiwan, Japan and Germany attended the summit on the first day and many are likely to attend on the last day as well. Besides, a total of 600 delegates including those from major Indian business houses such as Adani Group, Godrej Group and Britannia will take part in the two-day event, the officials claimed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Dilip Singh Kshatriya By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: In a jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party in Gujarat, its MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned as a member of the state legislative assembly and primary membership of the party on Wednesday, claiming AAP was not the right platform to serve people. After tendering his resignation as MLA, the leader who also goes by the name Bhupat Bhayani, told reporters that he has also resigned as a worker of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP and will join the ruling BJP soon. "I was a BJP worker and will remain a BJP worker for life; I have worked for the BJP for 22 years and have never been suspended from the party." I want to work on development for the people and my constituency. As a result, I've quit," he continued. Bhayani, who represented Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, handed over his resignation to Gujarat assembly speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar in the morning, an official said. "Moreover, I did not like to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is our pride and made India proud across the world," said Bhayani, who served as the sarpanch of Bhesan village in Junagadh before joining AAP ahead of state polls last year. "I will be joining the BJP soon because I originally belonged to that party and worked for it for nearly 22 years before becoming the MLA. I will contest the by-poll if the central leadership wishes so. I was not under any pressure to quit (as claimed by AAP leaders)," he said. In his resignation letter, Bhayani said he was resigning as an MLA, but did not mention any reason in it behind the decision. "The speaker has accepted Bhayani's resignation," Gujarat assembly secretary DM Patel said. Bhayani was one of the five MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) elected in the last year's state polls, which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won with a thumping majority by bagging 156 seats in the 182-member assembly. It was the first time that AAP won in the assembly polls in Gujarat. Following Bhayani's resignation, Aam Aadmi Party state president Isudan Gadhvi has slammed the BJP saying BJP is attempting to break AAP MLAs,The BJP is terrified of the AAP. Every week, one MLA is offered or threatened by the BJP. I can assure you that the four MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party are strongly united. The BJP leaders are not interested in working; they only want to destabilize the AAP. Isudan Gadhvi told the journalists at the state office that he wants the people of Visavadar to teach the BJP a lesson in the Lok Sabha. Even though the BJP has 156 MLAs, things like fake syrup, false tolls, and fake government offices are happening all over Gujarat. I sincerely apologize to the people of Visavadar and guarantee them that this will not happen again. He said Bhayani previously hinted at leaving the party and joining the BJP in December of last year, but soon after, he held a public assembly in his hometown of Junagadh district to "clarify" that he was not leaving. Visavadar seat of Saurashtra zone, is considered to be the traditional seat of former Chief Minister of the state Keshubhai Patel. After Keshubhai, Harshad Ribadia was elected MLA twice on a Congress ticket. Before the last elections, he had left Congress and joined BJP, but AAP candidate Bhupat Bhayani defeated him by roughly 7,000 votes. Bhayani is a former BJP member who joined the Aam Aadmi Party two years ago. He formerly worked as a Sarpanch. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp AHMEDABAD: In a jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party in Gujarat, its MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned as a member of the state legislative assembly and primary membership of the party on Wednesday, claiming AAP was not the right platform to serve people. After tendering his resignation as MLA, the leader who also goes by the name Bhupat Bhayani, told reporters that he has also resigned as a worker of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP and will join the ruling BJP soon. "I was a BJP worker and will remain a BJP worker for life; I have worked for the BJP for 22 years and have never been suspended from the party." I want to work on development for the people and my constituency. As a result, I've quit," he continued.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Bhayani, who represented Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, handed over his resignation to Gujarat assembly speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar in the morning, an official said. "Moreover, I did not like to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is our pride and made India proud across the world," said Bhayani, who served as the sarpanch of Bhesan village in Junagadh before joining AAP ahead of state polls last year. "I will be joining the BJP soon because I originally belonged to that party and worked for it for nearly 22 years before becoming the MLA. I will contest the by-poll if the central leadership wishes so. I was not under any pressure to quit (as claimed by AAP leaders)," he said. In his resignation letter, Bhayani said he was resigning as an MLA, but did not mention any reason in it behind the decision. "The speaker has accepted Bhayani's resignation," Gujarat assembly secretary DM Patel said. Bhayani was one of the five MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) elected in the last year's state polls, which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won with a thumping majority by bagging 156 seats in the 182-member assembly. It was the first time that AAP won in the assembly polls in Gujarat. Following Bhayani's resignation, Aam Aadmi Party state president Isudan Gadhvi has slammed the BJP saying BJP is attempting to break AAP MLAs,The BJP is terrified of the AAP. Every week, one MLA is offered or threatened by the BJP. I can assure you that the four MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party are strongly united. The BJP leaders are not interested in working; they only want to destabilize the AAP. Isudan Gadhvi told the journalists at the state office that he wants the people of Visavadar to teach the BJP a lesson in the Lok Sabha. Even though the BJP has 156 MLAs, things like fake syrup, false tolls, and fake government offices are happening all over Gujarat. I sincerely apologize to the people of Visavadar and guarantee them that this will not happen again. He said Bhayani previously hinted at leaving the party and joining the BJP in December of last year, but soon after, he held a public assembly in his hometown of Junagadh district to "clarify" that he was not leaving. Visavadar seat of Saurashtra zone, is considered to be the traditional seat of former Chief Minister of the state Keshubhai Patel. After Keshubhai, Harshad Ribadia was elected MLA twice on a Congress ticket. Before the last elections, he had left Congress and joined BJP, but AAP candidate Bhupat Bhayani defeated him by roughly 7,000 votes. Bhayani is a former BJP member who joined the Aam Aadmi Party two years ago. He formerly worked as a Sarpanch. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: "Hang my son if he has done wrong", said the father of one of the two men who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber in a major security breach on Wednesday. Manoranjan D's father Devaraje Gowda, however, claimed that his son is honest and truthful and always desired to do good for the society. "It is okay if my son does good but if he has done something wrong then hang him. He is not my son (if he has done wrong). That Parliament is ours. People like you all have built it. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru had toiled to build it. Whoever does it (attack) is condemnable. We will not accept it," Gowda told reporters. "My son is a good boy. He is honest and truthful. His only desire is to do good for the society and sacrifice for the society. He used to read Swami Vivekananda's books. I think he developed such thoughts after reading these books," he said. "It is difficult to understand what was running in his mind. My son completed his BE (Bachelor in Engineering) in 2016 and was looking after the farm. He also worked in some firms in Delhi and Bengaluru," he added. Gowda added that his son has no past criminal record and is an innocent and studious person. "He would often visit several places saying he had work and since he traveled much we were not aware of what he was doing," he said. Meanwhile, Mysuru city police reached Manoranjan's house in Vijayanagar and a team led by ACP Gajendra Prasad is investigating the incident. Manoranjan, who hailed from Mysuru, and another person Sagar Sharma jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and released yellow-coloured smoke from canisters, triggering panic among the Members of Parliament. They also shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The major security breach in the Lok Sabha took place on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack. The Delhi police have detained the duo and two of their accomplices. (With inputs from Online Desk) CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES WATCH VIDEO: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: "Hang my son if he has done wrong", said the father of one of the two men who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber in a major security breach on Wednesday. Manoranjan D's father Devaraje Gowda, however, claimed that his son is honest and truthful and always desired to do good for the society. "It is okay if my son does good but if he has done something wrong then hang him. He is not my son (if he has done wrong). That Parliament is ours. People like you all have built it. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru had toiled to build it. Whoever does it (attack) is condemnable. We will not accept it," Gowda told reporters.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "My son is a good boy. He is honest and truthful. His only desire is to do good for the society and sacrifice for the society. He used to read Swami Vivekananda's books. I think he developed such thoughts after reading these books," he said. "It is difficult to understand what was running in his mind. My son completed his BE (Bachelor in Engineering) in 2016 and was looking after the farm. He also worked in some firms in Delhi and Bengaluru," he added. Gowda added that his son has no past criminal record and is an innocent and studious person. "He would often visit several places saying he had work and since he traveled much we were not aware of what he was doing," he said. Meanwhile, Mysuru city police reached Manoranjan's house in Vijayanagar and a team led by ACP Gajendra Prasad is investigating the incident. Manoranjan, who hailed from Mysuru, and another person Sagar Sharma jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and released yellow-coloured smoke from canisters, triggering panic among the Members of Parliament. They also shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The major security breach in the Lok Sabha took place on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack. The Delhi police have detained the duo and two of their accomplices. (With inputs from Online Desk) CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES WATCH VIDEO: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a major security breach in the Lok Sabha, on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack two intruders jumped from the visitors' gallery and started running around the House. As per Sansad TV live broadcast, a man wearing a blue jacket could be seen jumping over benches in the House, however, he was caught by the staff present there. The House was in session when the man jumped from the visitor's gallery, prompting the Speaker to immediately announce adjournment. One person was seen leaping over the benches of the #LokSabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress, #Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. pic.twitter.com/ERwCsIfP38 December 13, 2023 Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said they were carrying tear gas canisters. The House was adjourned soon after. One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress, Chowdhury said. SECURITY BREACH REPORTED INSIDE LOK SABHA AS 2 PEOPLE JUMPED DOWN FROM THE GALLERY AND REPORTEDLY HURLED GAS-EMITTING OBJECTS. DETAILS AWAITED. @NewIndianXpress @XpressHyderabad @santwana99 @Kalyan_TNIE pic.twitter.com/fvLihGyQK6 Ireddy Srinivas Reddy (@ireddysrinivasr) December 13, 2023 The two persons were overpowered by the Lok Sabha members and the watch and ward staff. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. "This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in the 2001 (Parliament attack)," Chowdhury said. In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) December 13, 2023 MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. West Bengal BJP MP Khagen Murmu was speaking in the Lok Sabha when the intruder was spotted inside the Lok Sabha. The proceeding was suspended until 2 pm. Two persons detained by Delhi police: "We have detained two protestors, including one woman in front of Transport Bhawan. They were protesting with coloured smoke," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said. The protestors who were detained from outside Parliament and taken to Parliament Street Police Station were identified as Neelam (42), a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde (25), a resident of Latur in Maharashtra. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, Special Cell has arrived at Parliament. Our Front Page from December 14, 2001.#ParliamentAttack2001 pic.twitter.com/2va356m1AZ The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) December 13, 2023 Questions are already being raised about the security breach, which comes on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on the old Parliament building. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: In a major security breach in the Lok Sabha, on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack two intruders jumped from the visitors' gallery and started running around the House. As per Sansad TV live broadcast, a man wearing a blue jacket could be seen jumping over benches in the House, however, he was caught by the staff present there. The House was in session when the man jumped from the visitor's gallery, prompting the Speaker to immediately announce adjournment. One person was seen leaping over the benches of the #LokSabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress, #Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. pic.twitter.com/ERwCsIfP38googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) December 13, 2023 Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said they were carrying tear gas canisters. The House was adjourned soon after. One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress, Chowdhury said. SECURITY BREACH REPORTED INSIDE LOK SABHA AS 2 PEOPLE JUMPED DOWN FROM THE GALLERY AND REPORTEDLY HURLED GAS-EMITTING OBJECTS. DETAILS AWAITED. @NewIndianXpress @XpressHyderabad @santwana99 @Kalyan_TNIE pic.twitter.com/fvLihGyQK6 Ireddy Srinivas Reddy (@ireddysrinivasr) December 13, 2023 The two persons were overpowered by the Lok Sabha members and the watch and ward staff. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. "This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in the 2001 (Parliament attack)," Chowdhury said. In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) December 13, 2023 MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. West Bengal BJP MP Khagen Murmu was speaking in the Lok Sabha when the intruder was spotted inside the Lok Sabha. The proceeding was suspended until 2 pm. Two persons detained by Delhi police: "We have detained two protestors, including one woman in front of Transport Bhawan. They were protesting with coloured smoke," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said. The protestors who were detained from outside Parliament and taken to Parliament Street Police Station were identified as Neelam (42), a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde (25), a resident of Latur in Maharashtra. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, Special Cell has arrived at Parliament. Our Front Page from December 14, 2001.#ParliamentAttack2001 pic.twitter.com/2va356m1AZ The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) December 13, 2023 Questions are already being raised about the security breach, which comes on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on the old Parliament building. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Employees of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts have been awarded, Trend reports. President Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree. According to the decree, employees of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts were awarded for services in the development of education in Azerbaijan: "Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan" Malakkhanim Eyubova Ilham Ahmadov Maryam Alizada Arifa Azizova Fakhriya Khalafova Sakina Ismayilova Hamida Omarova Order for Service, 3rd class. Yagut Abdullaev Mirnazim Asadullaev Azad Shukurov "Taraggi" Medal Hamza Abdullaev Tamilla Abdullaeva Maryam Babayeva Yegana Eyvazova Ramiz Ismayilov Farhad Israfilov Fakhraddin Gakhramanli Goychak Mahmudova Fikrat Manafov Sabina Mehdiyeva Nigar Rustamova Ayten Rzaguliyeva Ayaz Salayev Mubariz Suleymanli Boyukkhanim Talibova 2. To award honorary titles of the Azerbaijan Republic to the following persons for special services in development of education in Azerbaijan and high professionalism: "Honored Art Worker" Jeyran Mahmudova "Honored Teacher" Nazira Aliyeva Nadir Huseynov Kazimov Rashad Humay Mansurova Kamala Mehdiyeva Sonakhanim Mikayilova Fazayil Orujev Sevda Teymurova Mahira Yagubova 3. To grant personal retirement pension of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the following persons for many years of fruitful activity in the development of education in Azerbaijan: Gulshad Bakhshiyeva Ali Amirov Vamig Mammadaliyev Valida Mammadova By PTI NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday strongly rejected the comments by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressing concern over the Supreme Court's verdict upholding the 2019 revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the OIC on a judgement of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill-informed and ill-intended. That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violator of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OICs credibility," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. The response by MEA was on the General Secretariat of the OIC expressing concern over the verdict by the Supreme Court of India on 11 December 2023, upholding what they referred to as "the unilateral actions taken by the Indian government on 5th August 2019 that stripped the special status of the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. "The General Secretariat, about the decisions and resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers related to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterates its call to reverse all illegal and unilateral measures taken since 5 August 2019 aimed at changing the internationally-recognized disputed status of the territory," the OIC statement read. In addition, the GS of the OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for the right of self-determination and reiterated its call on the international community to enhance its efforts to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir following the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, Pakistan had raised concerns over this too wherein former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmir issue. China said that the Kashmir issue needs to be resolved peacefully following the UN Charter. "Chinas position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear-out. The Kashmir issue, left from the past, needs to be resolved peacefully and appropriately under the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and relevant bilateral agreements. Parties concerned need to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultation to maintain regional peace and stability," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in response to a query from a Pakistani journalist during their weekly presser. ALSO READ | 'Let Jammu and Kashmir go to hell': Farooq Abdullah on SC verdict on Article 370 On Tuesday, the General Secretariat of the OIC expressed concern over the Supreme Court verdict In a statement, the General Secretariat also reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court had on Monday upheld the Centre's August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday strongly rejected the comments by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressing concern over the Supreme Court's verdict upholding the 2019 revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the OIC on a judgement of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill-informed and ill-intended. That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violator of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OICs credibility," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. The response by MEA was on the General Secretariat of the OIC expressing concern over the verdict by the Supreme Court of India on 11 December 2023, upholding what they referred to as "the unilateral actions taken by the Indian government on 5th August 2019 that stripped the special status of the territory of Jammu and Kashmir.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The General Secretariat, about the decisions and resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers related to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterates its call to reverse all illegal and unilateral measures taken since 5 August 2019 aimed at changing the internationally-recognized disputed status of the territory," the OIC statement read. In addition, the GS of the OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for the right of self-determination and reiterated its call on the international community to enhance its efforts to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir following the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, Pakistan had raised concerns over this too wherein former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmir issue. China said that the Kashmir issue needs to be resolved peacefully following the UN Charter. "Chinas position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear-out. The Kashmir issue, left from the past, needs to be resolved peacefully and appropriately under the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and relevant bilateral agreements. Parties concerned need to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultation to maintain regional peace and stability," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in response to a query from a Pakistani journalist during their weekly presser. ALSO READ | 'Let Jammu and Kashmir go to hell': Farooq Abdullah on SC verdict on Article 370 On Tuesday, the General Secretariat of the OIC expressed concern over the Supreme Court verdict In a statement, the General Secretariat also reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court had on Monday upheld the Centre's August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI UNITED NATIONS: India voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the unconditional release of all hostages. The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution, introduced by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session here Tuesday. The resolution was adopted with 153 votes in favour, while 23 nations abstained and 10 voted against the text. The resolution, sponsored among others by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably about the protection of civilians. Today, the #UNGA Emergency Special Session adopted resolution ES-10/22 demanding: Immediate humanitarian ceasefire. All parties comply with their obligations under international law. Unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. pic.twitter.com/IiBjS5g5Uf UN GA President (@UN_PGA) December 13, 2023 It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. READ MORE | Israel battles militants in Gaza's main cities, with civilians still stranded near front lines The resolution however did not name Hamas and the US proposed an amendment to the draft resolution, calling for the insertion of the paragraph: " Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages" in the main text. India voted in favour of the amendment. In October, India had abstained in the General Assembly on a resolution that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. The Jordanian-drafted resolution also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip. The vote in the UNGA Tuesday came days after the 15-nation UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire after permanent member the United States vetoed the text. The UNSC resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates, and backed by over 90 Member States, got 13 votes in its favour while the United Kingdom abstained. More than 1,200 people were killed, including 33 children, and thousands injured in the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, so far at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent of whom are said to be women and children, and about 49,645 are reportedly injured, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. READ MORE | Gaza war: Neither-here-nor-there foreign policy has isolated India Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp UNITED NATIONS: India voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the unconditional release of all hostages. The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution, introduced by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session here Tuesday. The resolution was adopted with 153 votes in favour, while 23 nations abstained and 10 voted against the text. The resolution, sponsored among others by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably about the protection of civilians.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Today, the #UNGA Emergency Special Session adopted resolution ES-10/22 demanding: Immediate humanitarian ceasefire. All parties comply with their obligations under international law. Unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. pic.twitter.com/IiBjS5g5Uf UN GA President (@UN_PGA) December 13, 2023 It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. READ MORE | Israel battles militants in Gaza's main cities, with civilians still stranded near front lines The resolution however did not name Hamas and the US proposed an amendment to the draft resolution, calling for the insertion of the paragraph: " Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages" in the main text. India voted in favour of the amendment. In October, India had abstained in the General Assembly on a resolution that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. The Jordanian-drafted resolution also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip. The vote in the UNGA Tuesday came days after the 15-nation UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire after permanent member the United States vetoed the text. The UNSC resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates, and backed by over 90 Member States, got 13 votes in its favour while the United Kingdom abstained. More than 1,200 people were killed, including 33 children, and thousands injured in the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, so far at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent of whom are said to be women and children, and about 49,645 are reportedly injured, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. READ MORE | Gaza war: Neither-here-nor-there foreign policy has isolated India Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW YORK: A 54-year-old Indian-American was found guilty on 11 counts of defrauding public health insurance plans out of more than USD 4 million and transacting in the criminal proceeds, authorities have said. Kaival Patel of West New York in New Jersey was convicted on December 7 of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, and four counts of health care fraud. He was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds, and five counts of money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds, the US Justice Department said in a statement last week. Patel created and operated a company called ABC Healthy Living LLC to market compound prescription medications. Patel and his conspirators approached the Indian-American's family member, a medical doctor who owns and operates a clinic in Newark convinced him to authorise prescriptions for the compound medications for patients who had no medical need for the prescriptions and received commissions for the compound medication prescriptions, the statement said. Certain state and local government employees who had insurance get reimbursements up to thousands of dollars for a one-month supply of certain compound medications such as vitamins, scar creams, pain creams, libido creams, and acid reflux medications. Patel conspired with a compounding pharmacist to add unnecessary ingredients to the compound medications to further increase their cost and augment his illicit profits. He engaged in a series of financial transactions to receive proceeds from the health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, the statement added. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Patel was convicted following an 11-day trial before US District Judge Robert B. Kugler. "This defendant lined his own pockets by taking advantage of health insurance plans for New Jersey state and local government employees, defrauding them of millions of dollars by conspiring to obtain reimbursements for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications," the statement said. "The defendant enriched himself by defrauding the New Jersey public health insurance plans out of more than USD 4 million," Tammy L. Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS, Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. "Today's conviction is the result of the great investigative work of IRS-CI Special Agents and our law enforcement partners and their commitment to protect the integrity of our health care systems," Tomlins said. On the count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, Patel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of USD 250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary loss from the offence, whichever is greatest. On each of the remaining 10 counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine, or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the offence, whichever is greatest. His sentencing is scheduled for April 10 next year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW YORK: A 54-year-old Indian-American was found guilty on 11 counts of defrauding public health insurance plans out of more than USD 4 million and transacting in the criminal proceeds, authorities have said. Kaival Patel of West New York in New Jersey was convicted on December 7 of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, and four counts of health care fraud. He was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds, and five counts of money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds, the US Justice Department said in a statement last week.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Patel created and operated a company called ABC Healthy Living LLC to market compound prescription medications. Patel and his conspirators approached the Indian-American's family member, a medical doctor who owns and operates a clinic in Newark convinced him to authorise prescriptions for the compound medications for patients who had no medical need for the prescriptions and received commissions for the compound medication prescriptions, the statement said. Certain state and local government employees who had insurance get reimbursements up to thousands of dollars for a one-month supply of certain compound medications such as vitamins, scar creams, pain creams, libido creams, and acid reflux medications. Patel conspired with a compounding pharmacist to add unnecessary ingredients to the compound medications to further increase their cost and augment his illicit profits. He engaged in a series of financial transactions to receive proceeds from the health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, the statement added. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Patel was convicted following an 11-day trial before US District Judge Robert B. Kugler. "This defendant lined his own pockets by taking advantage of health insurance plans for New Jersey state and local government employees, defrauding them of millions of dollars by conspiring to obtain reimbursements for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications," the statement said. "The defendant enriched himself by defrauding the New Jersey public health insurance plans out of more than USD 4 million," Tammy L. Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS, Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. "Today's conviction is the result of the great investigative work of IRS-CI Special Agents and our law enforcement partners and their commitment to protect the integrity of our health care systems," Tomlins said. On the count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, Patel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of USD 250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary loss from the offence, whichever is greatest. On each of the remaining 10 counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine, or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the offence, whichever is greatest. His sentencing is scheduled for April 10 next year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI MUMBAI: Amol Shinde, arrested for protesting outside the Parliament building on Wednesday, had left his village in Maharashtra's Latur district saying he was going to Delhi to take part in an army recruitment drive, a local police official said. Shinde (25), a resident of Zari village in Chakur tehsil of Latur, was arrested along with Neelam, 42, of Haryana's Hisar, after they opened gas canisters that emitted smoke outside the Parliament building and shouted "Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed), "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Bheem, Jai Bharat." After the incident in Delhi, a team of Latur police visited his house in Zari village. Shinde belongs to a Scheduled Caste community and is a BA graduate, said a police official based in Chakur. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: Accused Sagar Sharma left home to attend 'protest' in Delhi, says family He did odd jobs as a daily wager while preparing for police and army recruitment exams, as per the preliminary information. Shinde's two brothers and parents also work as daily wagers, he said, adding that one of the brothers works in Panvel near Mumbai. His parents told police that Amol left home on December 9 saying he was going to Delhi for an army recruitment drive, the official said. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father As he had taken part in such recruitment drives earlier too, his parents did not find it unusual, the official added. Shinde was not known to be affiliated to any political party or movement, he said. The incident outside the Parliament building happened minutes after two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a similar-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP The twin incidents came on a day when the nation is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp MUMBAI: Amol Shinde, arrested for protesting outside the Parliament building on Wednesday, had left his village in Maharashtra's Latur district saying he was going to Delhi to take part in an army recruitment drive, a local police official said. Shinde (25), a resident of Zari village in Chakur tehsil of Latur, was arrested along with Neelam, 42, of Haryana's Hisar, after they opened gas canisters that emitted smoke outside the Parliament building and shouted "Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed), "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Bheem, Jai Bharat." After the incident in Delhi, a team of Latur police visited his house in Zari village. Shinde belongs to a Scheduled Caste community and is a BA graduate, said a police official based in Chakur.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Parliament breach: Accused Sagar Sharma left home to attend 'protest' in Delhi, says family He did odd jobs as a daily wager while preparing for police and army recruitment exams, as per the preliminary information. Shinde's two brothers and parents also work as daily wagers, he said, adding that one of the brothers works in Panvel near Mumbai. His parents told police that Amol left home on December 9 saying he was going to Delhi for an army recruitment drive, the official said. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father As he had taken part in such recruitment drives earlier too, his parents did not find it unusual, the official added. Shinde was not known to be affiliated to any political party or movement, he said. The incident outside the Parliament building happened minutes after two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a similar-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP The twin incidents came on a day when the nation is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: A video of a man showcasing stunts while travelling in an autorickshaw and hitting a cyclist on the Signature flyover in north Delhi has surfaced on social media prompting police to launch an investigation into the matter, officials said on Tuesday. Police said that the video was shared widely on social media. The video shows a man swinging from a speeding autorickshaw and touching the vehicles that are passing by him on the busy road. He then collides with a cyclist and knocks him down, leaving him injured. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the police impounded the autorickshaw. "The autorickshaw in question and its driver Shiva of Ghaziabad have been traced by traffic personnel of the TPR Circle," a senior official of the Delhi Traffic Police said. A challan has been issued for dangerous driving, driving without a licence and under appropriate sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, he said, adding that the autorickshaw has been impounded. Earlier, after the video surfaced on social media, the Delhi Police launched an investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A video of a man showcasing stunts while travelling in an autorickshaw and hitting a cyclist on the Signature flyover in north Delhi has surfaced on social media prompting police to launch an investigation into the matter, officials said on Tuesday. Police said that the video was shared widely on social media. The video shows a man swinging from a speeding autorickshaw and touching the vehicles that are passing by him on the busy road. He then collides with a cyclist and knocks him down, leaving him injured. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the police impounded the autorickshaw. "The autorickshaw in question and its driver Shiva of Ghaziabad have been traced by traffic personnel of the TPR Circle," a senior official of the Delhi Traffic Police said. A challan has been issued for dangerous driving, driving without a licence and under appropriate sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, he said, adding that the autorickshaw has been impounded. Earlier, after the video surfaced on social media, the Delhi Police launched an investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service BHOPAL: Dr Mohan Yadav -- the third-time MLA from Ujjain Dakshin seat and minister of higher education in the outgoing Shivraj Singh Chouhan government was sworn in as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh at Bhopals Motilal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. Dr Yadav was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Mangubhai C Patel, after which the two deputy CMs, including finance minister in the outgoing government Jagdish Dewda (seventh time MLA from Malhargarh-SC seat) and public relations minister and fifth-time MLA from Rewa seat Rajendra Shukla were sworn in as deputy CMs in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and chief ministers of 11 other BJP/NDA ruled states. However, no other minister (cabinet or state) besides the CM and the two deputy CMs were sworn in at the ceremony attended by around 2000 strong gathering on Wednesday. Dr Yadav, who comes from a strong RSS background, is the seventh politician from the 66 assembly seats-strong Malwa-Nimar (western and southwestern MP region) to have become the MP CM. Before it, the six other CMs from the same region, included Bhagwant Rao Mandloi, Kailash Nath Katju, PC Sethi, Kailash Chandra Joshi, Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha and Sunderlal Patwa. Dr Yadav is the second politician from Ujjain district to have become MP CM, after Congresss PC Sethi, who was the CM for more than three years in 1972-75. The swearing of the new CM and the two deputy CMs marks the end of the long chief ministerial era of outgoing CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan BJPs longest-serving CM in the country, who served four chief ministerial tenures of more than 16 years and five months in the central Indian state. Upsetting most poll predictions, the BJP had retained power in the state with a resounding 163-66 seats win over the Congress in the recent assembly polls. Eight days after the results were declared, Dr Mohan Yadav (who was nowhere in the race for the CM) was elected the BJP legislature party leader in Bhopal on December 11. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHOPAL: Dr Mohan Yadav -- the third-time MLA from Ujjain Dakshin seat and minister of higher education in the outgoing Shivraj Singh Chouhan government was sworn in as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh at Bhopals Motilal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. Dr Yadav was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Mangubhai C Patel, after which the two deputy CMs, including finance minister in the outgoing government Jagdish Dewda (seventh time MLA from Malhargarh-SC seat) and public relations minister and fifth-time MLA from Rewa seat Rajendra Shukla were sworn in as deputy CMs in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and chief ministers of 11 other BJP/NDA ruled states. However, no other minister (cabinet or state) besides the CM and the two deputy CMs were sworn in at the ceremony attended by around 2000 strong gathering on Wednesday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Dr Yadav, who comes from a strong RSS background, is the seventh politician from the 66 assembly seats-strong Malwa-Nimar (western and southwestern MP region) to have become the MP CM. Before it, the six other CMs from the same region, included Bhagwant Rao Mandloi, Kailash Nath Katju, PC Sethi, Kailash Chandra Joshi, Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha and Sunderlal Patwa. Dr Yadav is the second politician from Ujjain district to have become MP CM, after Congresss PC Sethi, who was the CM for more than three years in 1972-75. The swearing of the new CM and the two deputy CMs marks the end of the long chief ministerial era of outgoing CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan BJPs longest-serving CM in the country, who served four chief ministerial tenures of more than 16 years and five months in the central Indian state. Upsetting most poll predictions, the BJP had retained power in the state with a resounding 163-66 seats win over the Congress in the recent assembly polls. Eight days after the results were declared, Dr Mohan Yadav (who was nowhere in the race for the CM) was elected the BJP legislature party leader in Bhopal on December 11. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government on Wednesday said it was leaving it to the discretion of the Gujarat High Court whether to grant bail to Oreva Group CMD Jaysukh Patel in the October 2022 Morbi bridge collapse case. Justice Divyesh Joshi reserved his order after hearing submissions of the petitioner, relatives of the victims, and the government. A suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi town of Gujarat collapsed on October 30, 2022, killing 135 persons including women and children and injuring 56. Jaysukh Patel was made an accused in the criminal case related to the tragedy as his company maintained and operated the British-era bridge. Additional advocate general Mitesh Amin told the court that the investigator informed the sessions court on September 18 that all aspects of the probe into the incident had been covered. "The judgments (of the Supreme Court) have been placed by both the victim and applicant sides. A bail application cannot be decided based on a judgment, it is always the discretion of the court (hearing the plea)," he said. Ten persons -- Oreva chairman and managing director Patel, two managers of his company, two sub-contractors who had repaired the bridge, three security guards and two ticket booking clerks employed at the twin entries to the bridge -- are the accused in the case. Six of them were released on bail while Patel, the manager of his firm and the two proprietors of Devprakash Solutions, the firm which had carried out repairs, are still in judicial custody. The accused are booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 336 (act endangering human life) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by doing rash or negligent act). While deciding the bail plea, the court may consider factors such as how long the petitioner is in jail, the completion of investigation, number of witnesses in the case, the accused being a businessman and there being no possibility of him absconding, Amin said. "Ultimately it is the discretion of the honourable court. I leave it to the discretion of the honourable court," the additional advocate general added. The victims have filed applications in the sessions court seeking the addition of certain offences, Amin said, and noted that as charges were yet to be framed, any side can apply for adding or removing any offence. Patel's lawyer Nirupam Nanavaty had argued on Tuesday that a large number of people rushing on the bridge and causing it to swing also acted as contributory negligence that led to the collapse. Even if there was some deficiency on the part of Oreva Group in the maintenance of the bridge, it had no prior knowledge of such a huge crowd gathering on that fateful evening, Nanavaty argued. Having spent more than ten months in custody, the petitioner was not required to be incarcerated any more, he said, adding that the trial will take its own time and the court may impose any conditions while granting bail to Patel. He also argued against the accused being charged under section 304 of the IPC. Opposing bail for Patel, the victims' lawyer Rahul Sharma said there was a strong possibility that the witnesses' records would be tampered with, and the offence he was accused of was very serious. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government on Wednesday said it was leaving it to the discretion of the Gujarat High Court whether to grant bail to Oreva Group CMD Jaysukh Patel in the October 2022 Morbi bridge collapse case. Justice Divyesh Joshi reserved his order after hearing submissions of the petitioner, relatives of the victims, and the government. A suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi town of Gujarat collapsed on October 30, 2022, killing 135 persons including women and children and injuring 56.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jaysukh Patel was made an accused in the criminal case related to the tragedy as his company maintained and operated the British-era bridge. Additional advocate general Mitesh Amin told the court that the investigator informed the sessions court on September 18 that all aspects of the probe into the incident had been covered. "The judgments (of the Supreme Court) have been placed by both the victim and applicant sides. A bail application cannot be decided based on a judgment, it is always the discretion of the court (hearing the plea)," he said. Ten persons -- Oreva chairman and managing director Patel, two managers of his company, two sub-contractors who had repaired the bridge, three security guards and two ticket booking clerks employed at the twin entries to the bridge -- are the accused in the case. Six of them were released on bail while Patel, the manager of his firm and the two proprietors of Devprakash Solutions, the firm which had carried out repairs, are still in judicial custody. The accused are booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 336 (act endangering human life) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by doing rash or negligent act). While deciding the bail plea, the court may consider factors such as how long the petitioner is in jail, the completion of investigation, number of witnesses in the case, the accused being a businessman and there being no possibility of him absconding, Amin said. "Ultimately it is the discretion of the honourable court. I leave it to the discretion of the honourable court," the additional advocate general added. The victims have filed applications in the sessions court seeking the addition of certain offences, Amin said, and noted that as charges were yet to be framed, any side can apply for adding or removing any offence. Patel's lawyer Nirupam Nanavaty had argued on Tuesday that a large number of people rushing on the bridge and causing it to swing also acted as contributory negligence that led to the collapse. Even if there was some deficiency on the part of Oreva Group in the maintenance of the bridge, it had no prior knowledge of such a huge crowd gathering on that fateful evening, Nanavaty argued. Having spent more than ten months in custody, the petitioner was not required to be incarcerated any more, he said, adding that the trial will take its own time and the court may impose any conditions while granting bail to Patel. He also argued against the accused being charged under section 304 of the IPC. Opposing bail for Patel, the victims' lawyer Rahul Sharma said there was a strong possibility that the witnesses' records would be tampered with, and the offence he was accused of was very serious. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Sagar Sharma, 27, one of the two men who jumped into the lower house of Parliament from the visitors gallery in a major security breach while the proceedings of the house were on, belongs to Purwa village of Unnao district. His family stays in a rented house in Ramnagar locality under Manak Nagar police station area in Lucknow. As per police sources, Sagars family claimed that he had left home two days back on the pretext of joining some protest in Delhi. However, the family expressed ignorance about his act saying that they had no idea about his involvement in the Parliament security breach on Wednesday. Sagar and another intruder sprayed yellow smoke from canisters, shouting slogans before being overpowered by MPs and handed over to the Delhi police. Sagars family, who have been living in Lucknow for the past decade, comprises his father, mother and a minor sister who studies in Class IX. As per Manak Nagar police station SHO Shiv Mangal Singh, Sagars father Roshan Lal is a carpenter. After the Parliament incident, a police team was seen at his residence speaking to his family members. In view of the neighbours and media persons thronging his house in large numbers on Wednesday evening, police personnel were deployed to ensure law and order, said the police officials. ALSO READ | Accused was seeking Parliament pass from Simha for over three months: Sources Meanwhile, as per sources close to Sagars family, he was born in Delhi as his family then used to stay in Vasant Vihar area of the national capital before shifting base to Lucknow. Sagar used to be a meritorious student but he could study only till class 12th due to the limited financial means, says one of the neighbours. Locals also claimed that in the pre-pandemic years (2018-19), Sagar had gone to Bengaluru and stayed with a friend. He did some petty jobs to earn a living. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father After the pandemic, he also worked with a broker at the Lucknow RTO office. This Raksha Bandhan, Sagar returned permanently to Lucknow and was driving an e-rickshaw taking it on rent. Being influenced by revolutionaries of the freedom movement including Bhagat Singh, the social media posts of Sagar suggest that he follows the socialist ideology and was upset over the present socio-political scenario of the country. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LUCKNOW: Sagar Sharma, 27, one of the two men who jumped into the lower house of Parliament from the visitors gallery in a major security breach while the proceedings of the house were on, belongs to Purwa village of Unnao district. His family stays in a rented house in Ramnagar locality under Manak Nagar police station area in Lucknow. As per police sources, Sagars family claimed that he had left home two days back on the pretext of joining some protest in Delhi. However, the family expressed ignorance about his act saying that they had no idea about his involvement in the Parliament security breach on Wednesday. Sagar and another intruder sprayed yellow smoke from canisters, shouting slogans before being overpowered by MPs and handed over to the Delhi police. Sagars family, who have been living in Lucknow for the past decade, comprises his father, mother and a minor sister who studies in Class IX. As per Manak Nagar police station SHO Shiv Mangal Singh, Sagars father Roshan Lal is a carpenter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After the Parliament incident, a police team was seen at his residence speaking to his family members. In view of the neighbours and media persons thronging his house in large numbers on Wednesday evening, police personnel were deployed to ensure law and order, said the police officials. ALSO READ | Accused was seeking Parliament pass from Simha for over three months: Sources Meanwhile, as per sources close to Sagars family, he was born in Delhi as his family then used to stay in Vasant Vihar area of the national capital before shifting base to Lucknow. Sagar used to be a meritorious student but he could study only till class 12th due to the limited financial means, says one of the neighbours. Locals also claimed that in the pre-pandemic years (2018-19), Sagar had gone to Bengaluru and stayed with a friend. He did some petty jobs to earn a living. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father After the pandemic, he also worked with a broker at the Lucknow RTO office. This Raksha Bandhan, Sagar returned permanently to Lucknow and was driving an e-rickshaw taking it on rent. Being influenced by revolutionaries of the freedom movement including Bhagat Singh, the social media posts of Sagar suggest that he follows the socialist ideology and was upset over the present socio-political scenario of the country. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Online Desk In a major security breach in the Lok Sabha, on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack two intruders jumped from the visitors' gallery and started running around the House. However, the Delhi police have detained them, a man and a woman, in front of the Transport Bhawan, confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal. The protestors who were detained from outside Parliament and taken to Parliament Street Police Station were identified as Neelam (42), a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde (25), a resident of Latur in Maharashtra. According to the latest information from police sources, the other two intruders who were detained have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranhan. One of the intruders reportedly hid canisters inside his shoes and took it inside the Parliament before jumping from the gallery and spraying it. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MPs The intruders, acting in two groups, were reportedly unhappy with the current government and were heard chanting the slogan 'Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi' (down with the dictatorship). Questions are already being raised about the security breach, which comes on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on the old Parliament building. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, Special Cell has arrived at Parliament, investigations are underway. Entry of visitors inside Parliament complex suspended The entry of visitors inside the Parliament House complex has been suspended after two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday afternoon. One of the persons was identified as Sagar Sharma and the other Manoranjan. People carrying valid visitors' passes for the day were being sent back from the reception area. Officials said so far there has been no written instruction "banning" visitors. Usually, visitors' passes are issued for two hours. Earlier in the day, the wives of several MPs had taken a tour of the new Parliament building. WATCH VIDEO: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp In a major security breach in the Lok Sabha, on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack two intruders jumped from the visitors' gallery and started running around the House. However, the Delhi police have detained them, a man and a woman, in front of the Transport Bhawan, confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal. The protestors who were detained from outside Parliament and taken to Parliament Street Police Station were identified as Neelam (42), a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde (25), a resident of Latur in Maharashtra.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the latest information from police sources, the other two intruders who were detained have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranhan. One of the intruders reportedly hid canisters inside his shoes and took it inside the Parliament before jumping from the gallery and spraying it. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MPs The intruders, acting in two groups, were reportedly unhappy with the current government and were heard chanting the slogan 'Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi' (down with the dictatorship). Questions are already being raised about the security breach, which comes on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on the old Parliament building. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police, Special Cell has arrived at Parliament, investigations are underway. Entry of visitors inside Parliament complex suspended The entry of visitors inside the Parliament House complex has been suspended after two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday afternoon. One of the persons was identified as Sagar Sharma and the other Manoranjan. People carrying valid visitors' passes for the day were being sent back from the reception area. Officials said so far there has been no written instruction "banning" visitors. Usually, visitors' passes are issued for two hours. Earlier in the day, the wives of several MPs had taken a tour of the new Parliament building. WATCH VIDEO: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting terrorists who attacked Parliament on this day in 2001. He said on X, "Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory." Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory. pic.twitter.com/RjoTdJVuaN December 13, 2023 Modi was joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries at a ceremony in the Parliament House where they paid tributes to them. Nine people, including eight security personnel, had died in the attack in which all five Pakistan-sponsored terrorists were killed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting terrorists who attacked Parliament on this day in 2001. He said on X, "Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory." Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nation's memory. pic.twitter.com/RjoTdJVuaNgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2023 Modi was joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries at a ceremony in the Parliament House where they paid tributes to them. Nine people, including eight security personnel, had died in the attack in which all five Pakistan-sponsored terrorists were killed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X (Twitter), Trend reports. "The news of the tragic terrorist incident in Pakistan, which murdered 23 soldiers, has severely startled and saddened us. We send our heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We vehemently oppose all types of terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said. At least 23 personnel of the security forces were murdered in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northern Pakistan as a result of the blast. A kamikaze terrorist detonated the bomb in a police station. The attack was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By PTI NEW DELHI: A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously held that non-stamping or insufficient stamping of an agreement has nothing to do with the validity of the document as it is a curable defect. This is a significant decision from the apex court as it has overruled the judgment of a five-judge bench which had in April 2023 held that unstamped arbitration agreements were not legally enforceable. The bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, in a unanimous verdict, overruled its judgement which had held that if an agreement, having an arbitration clause to resolve disputes between contracting parties, is unstamped then it is invalid and unenforceable. "The agreements that are not stamped are not rendered void (invalid). Non-stamping of an agreement is a curable defect," held the bench which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Besides the CJI, who penned the judgement for himself and five other judges, Justice Khanna wrote a separate and concurring verdict. The top court, on October 12, had reserved its verdict on reconsideration of an earlier order of its five-judge bench which had held that unstamped arbitration agreements are not enforceable in law. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously held that non-stamping or insufficient stamping of an agreement has nothing to do with the validity of the document as it is a curable defect. This is a significant decision from the apex court as it has overruled the judgment of a five-judge bench which had in April 2023 held that unstamped arbitration agreements were not legally enforceable. The bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, in a unanimous verdict, overruled its judgement which had held that if an agreement, having an arbitration clause to resolve disputes between contracting parties, is unstamped then it is invalid and unenforceable.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The agreements that are not stamped are not rendered void (invalid). Non-stamping of an agreement is a curable defect," held the bench which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Besides the CJI, who penned the judgement for himself and five other judges, Justice Khanna wrote a separate and concurring verdict. The top court, on October 12, had reserved its verdict on reconsideration of an earlier order of its five-judge bench which had held that unstamped arbitration agreements are not enforceable in law. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By ANI NEW DELHI: Four out of six people have been detained, who were involved in hatching the conspiracy of the Parliament security lapse, Delhi Police sources said on Wednesday, adding that a manhunt has already been launched for the remaining persons. As per sources, six persons, out of whom five have been identified, came from outside the national capital and stayed at a residence in Gurugram, Haryana. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: Accused Sagar Sharma left home to attend 'protest' in Delhi, says family There was a huge security breach during Zero Hour in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon after two men, both carrying canisters that emitted yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber before they were overpowered by the MPs. Similarly, in another incident, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four were detained later. Delhi Police sources said that initial investigations revealed that all four persons and one unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital and stayed at the residence of a man in Gurugram. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says intruder's father "A manhunt has been launched to nab the remaining two," they added. Meanwhile, Delhi Police officials said that Neelam and Amol, who were detained from outside Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan, in preliminary investigations, revealed that they were not carrying mobile phones or any other identity proof. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP Both have refused to have any connection with any organization, they said. Earlier in the day, senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau visited the new Parliament building, where the major security breach happened. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Four out of six people have been detained, who were involved in hatching the conspiracy of the Parliament security lapse, Delhi Police sources said on Wednesday, adding that a manhunt has already been launched for the remaining persons. As per sources, six persons, out of whom five have been identified, came from outside the national capital and stayed at a residence in Gurugram, Haryana. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: Accused Sagar Sharma left home to attend 'protest' in Delhi, says familygoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There was a huge security breach during Zero Hour in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon after two men, both carrying canisters that emitted yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber before they were overpowered by the MPs. Similarly, in another incident, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four were detained later. Delhi Police sources said that initial investigations revealed that all four persons and one unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital and stayed at the residence of a man in Gurugram. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says intruder's father "A manhunt has been launched to nab the remaining two," they added. Meanwhile, Delhi Police officials said that Neelam and Amol, who were detained from outside Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan, in preliminary investigations, revealed that they were not carrying mobile phones or any other identity proof. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MP Both have refused to have any connection with any organization, they said. Earlier in the day, senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau visited the new Parliament building, where the major security breach happened. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER UPDATES Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ujwal Jalali By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Twenty-two years have passed since India witnessed a dastardly terror attack on its supreme legislative body -- Parliament -- in which 9 people, including six Delhi cops and two Parliament security personnel, were killed while 18 were left wounded. India, making decisive strides under the Prime Ministership of late Atal Bihar Vajpayee, was about to complete its second year in the 21st century. The government in the national capital was headed by late Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Just two years back in 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 on its way to Delhi from Kathmandu was hijacked by the terrorists seeking the release of three dreaded terrorists. The hostage crisis, which lasted for several days, finally ended with India accepting their demands and releasing the three terrorists in return for its 176 citizens. Two years, later none would have thought that the country was awaiting yet another terror attack that will engrave in the minds of the people of the country, especially the personnel of the Delhi Police who had been the first respondents. During the Kandhar hijacking, ordinary citizens were held hostage and this time the terrorist had planned to hold several Indian Ministers as hostage. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father It was a cold winter morning. The day was Thursday, December 13, 2001. Five terrorists of the Pakistan-based militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) infiltrated the premises of Parliament in a White Ambassador bearing fake stickers of the Home Ministry. A text was written on that fake sticker which read: "India is a very bad country and we hate India. We want to destroy India." These five terrorists carrying AK47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, breached through multiple security cordons placed around the Parliament complex. "They were driving hastily and accidentally crashed into one of the vehicles of the Vice President's cavalcade," the then Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Ashok Chand told the New Indian Express. As they further drove the car inside, one of the Central Reserve Police Force personnel, late Constable Kamlesh Kumari Yadav, was the first security official to approach the terrorists' car. Realising something suspicious, she ran back to her post to seal gate no 1 where she was posted. With their cover effectively blown, the terrorists opened fire on Yadav and fired at her 11 times. Yadav died on the spot, averting a suicide bomber among the terrorists to execute his plan. She was posthumously awarded the nation's highest peacetime Gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra. After killing Yadav, the terrorists moved forward, firing indiscriminately. As soon as the attack began around 11.30 am, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police was alerted. "I was at my office and as soon as we received information, I rushed with my team to Parliament," the former DCP Chand said. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police -- Special Cell -- which was set up in 1986 to prevent, detect, and investigate cases of terrorism, organised crime and other serious offences in the national capital, took charge of the investigation. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MPs Recalling the 21-year-old attack, Chand said when he reached Parliament premises, the attack was still going on. "When I reached there, the situation was still volatile, however, by the next few minutes, the CRPF had neutralised all the five terrorists," he said. As soon as the attack ended, the sleuths of Special Cell began investigating by first examining the scene of heinous crime. "I saw one body of a terrorist near the gate of Parliament. He was having packets of almonds and other dry fruits which possibly meant that they had planned to take the senior government functionaries as a hostage," he said. "Other terrorists were in possession of cellphones, AK-47s, IEDs, grenades, and other incriminating material," the former cop added. The news of the cowardly attack spread like wildfire and the whole capital was stunned. Gradually, with each passing hour, every vehicle in the city went off the road. The Special Cell with the help of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) jointly cracked the case within 72 hours. Four people -- Mohammed Afzal Guru, Shaukat Hussain, Afsan Guru alias Navjot Sandhu, and SAR Geelani -- were arrested in this connection. Later Courts acquitted two among them, while Afzal Guru was hanged in Delhi's Tihar Jail, 12 years after the attack in February 2013. Hussain served his sentence in jail. Though the attack was contained in 30 minutes by the security forces, yet, the Watch and Ward staff of Parliament, played a vital role in saving precious lives. The Watch and Ward staff, which was created way back in 1929, provided and maintained Protective, Preventive, and Pro-active Security within the Parliament House Estate As soon as the attack began, the staff members, immediately closed all the doors of the Parliament building, thus preventing the terrorists from entering the house. Later in April, 2009, the Watch and Ward were renamed Parliament Security Service. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Twenty-two years have passed since India witnessed a dastardly terror attack on its supreme legislative body -- Parliament -- in which 9 people, including six Delhi cops and two Parliament security personnel, were killed while 18 were left wounded. India, making decisive strides under the Prime Ministership of late Atal Bihar Vajpayee, was about to complete its second year in the 21st century. The government in the national capital was headed by late Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Just two years back in 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 on its way to Delhi from Kathmandu was hijacked by the terrorists seeking the release of three dreaded terrorists. The hostage crisis, which lasted for several days, finally ended with India accepting their demands and releasing the three terrorists in return for its 176 citizens.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Two years, later none would have thought that the country was awaiting yet another terror attack that will engrave in the minds of the people of the country, especially the personnel of the Delhi Police who had been the first respondents. During the Kandhar hijacking, ordinary citizens were held hostage and this time the terrorist had planned to hold several Indian Ministers as hostage. ALSO READ | Parliament breach: 'My son is honest, follower of Swami Vivekananda,' says the intruder's father It was a cold winter morning. The day was Thursday, December 13, 2001. Five terrorists of the Pakistan-based militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) infiltrated the premises of Parliament in a White Ambassador bearing fake stickers of the Home Ministry. A text was written on that fake sticker which read: "India is a very bad country and we hate India. We want to destroy India." These five terrorists carrying AK47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, breached through multiple security cordons placed around the Parliament complex. "They were driving hastily and accidentally crashed into one of the vehicles of the Vice President's cavalcade," the then Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Ashok Chand told the New Indian Express. As they further drove the car inside, one of the Central Reserve Police Force personnel, late Constable Kamlesh Kumari Yadav, was the first security official to approach the terrorists' car. Realising something suspicious, she ran back to her post to seal gate no 1 where she was posted. With their cover effectively blown, the terrorists opened fire on Yadav and fired at her 11 times. Yadav died on the spot, averting a suicide bomber among the terrorists to execute his plan. She was posthumously awarded the nation's highest peacetime Gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra. After killing Yadav, the terrorists moved forward, firing indiscriminately. As soon as the attack began around 11.30 am, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police was alerted. "I was at my office and as soon as we received information, I rushed with my team to Parliament," the former DCP Chand said. The anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police -- Special Cell -- which was set up in 1986 to prevent, detect, and investigate cases of terrorism, organised crime and other serious offences in the national capital, took charge of the investigation. ALSO READ | Parliament security lapse: Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls meeting of MPs Recalling the 21-year-old attack, Chand said when he reached Parliament premises, the attack was still going on. "When I reached there, the situation was still volatile, however, by the next few minutes, the CRPF had neutralised all the five terrorists," he said. As soon as the attack ended, the sleuths of Special Cell began investigating by first examining the scene of heinous crime. "I saw one body of a terrorist near the gate of Parliament. He was having packets of almonds and other dry fruits which possibly meant that they had planned to take the senior government functionaries as a hostage," he said. "Other terrorists were in possession of cellphones, AK-47s, IEDs, grenades, and other incriminating material," the former cop added. The news of the cowardly attack spread like wildfire and the whole capital was stunned. Gradually, with each passing hour, every vehicle in the city went off the road. The Special Cell with the help of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) jointly cracked the case within 72 hours. Four people -- Mohammed Afzal Guru, Shaukat Hussain, Afsan Guru alias Navjot Sandhu, and SAR Geelani -- were arrested in this connection. Later Courts acquitted two among them, while Afzal Guru was hanged in Delhi's Tihar Jail, 12 years after the attack in February 2013. Hussain served his sentence in jail. Though the attack was contained in 30 minutes by the security forces, yet, the Watch and Ward staff of Parliament, played a vital role in saving precious lives. The Watch and Ward staff, which was created way back in 1929, provided and maintained Protective, Preventive, and Pro-active Security within the Parliament House Estate As soon as the attack began, the staff members, immediately closed all the doors of the Parliament building, thus preventing the terrorists from entering the house. Later in April, 2009, the Watch and Ward were renamed Parliament Security Service. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pronab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: Three persons, including a woman, were killed, and 34 others were injured after an overhead water tank collapsed on the platform of bustling Burdwan railway station on Wednesday noon. The condition of three of the injured, who were admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, was stated to be critical. According to railway officials, the incident took place around 12.05 pm when the water tank collapsed between platform numbers 2 and 3 where hundreds of commuters were waiting to board local trains. The tank was on an iron-made structure and it suddenly collapsed. It seems, the support of the structure became weak and failed to bear the weight of the water tank, said a railway official. Three of the injured were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Railway officials, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, and Government Railway Police (GRP) men were engaged in the rescue operations to remove the commuters trapped under the fallen structure. Train services in the division were disrupted because of the mishap. Officials of the Eastern Railway said services along platform numbers 1 and 4 were restored after an hour after the accident. An inquiry into the incident has already been ordered. Three railway employees have also been put on suspension as the preliminary findings of their negligence to maintain the condition of the tank and the structure on which the water tank was placed, said another railway official. The railway police officials said the water tank was made of corrugated metal sheet. The incident raises the question of whether a safety audit of the railway stations has been done. The mishap would have been more devastating had the water tank been made of concrete, said a railway police officer. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Three persons, including a woman, were killed, and 34 others were injured after an overhead water tank collapsed on the platform of bustling Burdwan railway station on Wednesday noon. The condition of three of the injured, who were admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, was stated to be critical. According to railway officials, the incident took place around 12.05 pm when the water tank collapsed between platform numbers 2 and 3 where hundreds of commuters were waiting to board local trains. The tank was on an iron-made structure and it suddenly collapsed. It seems, the support of the structure became weak and failed to bear the weight of the water tank, said a railway official.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Three of the injured were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Railway officials, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, and Government Railway Police (GRP) men were engaged in the rescue operations to remove the commuters trapped under the fallen structure. Train services in the division were disrupted because of the mishap. Officials of the Eastern Railway said services along platform numbers 1 and 4 were restored after an hour after the accident. An inquiry into the incident has already been ordered. Three railway employees have also been put on suspension as the preliminary findings of their negligence to maintain the condition of the tank and the structure on which the water tank was placed, said another railway official. The railway police officials said the water tank was made of corrugated metal sheet. The incident raises the question of whether a safety audit of the railway stations has been done. The mishap would have been more devastating had the water tank been made of concrete, said a railway police officer. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: In an astonishing first, a tiger was spotted in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, in the Terai region of Uttarakhand. While tigers are occasionally spotted in the Mohan area of Almora, near Corbett Park, this is the first time they have been observed at an elevation of over 6,000 feet at Shaukiyathal, an area surrounded by dense forests of bamboo and rhododendrons near Jageshwar Dham. The sighting has generated excitement among residents and wildlife experts. Wildlife officials are hailing this as a positive development for wildlife conservation. Uttarakhand currently has over 570 tigers, making it the third-largest tiger population in the country. Corbett Park alone has a population of about 270 tigers. In the last few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased significantly. It is believed that due to the high tiger density in the Terai area, the big cats are now turning to the mountains looking for new corridors. Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve Dr. Saket Badola confirmed the tiger sighting. This is a positive indication for wildlife and suggests that tigers are venturing into and exploring these areas. About the movement of the tiger found in sub-zero temperatures in Jageshwar, Uttarakhand, Badola said, The tiger is versatile in nature and can cope in almost every climatic condition, they can also live in places with exceptionally high temperatures such as the Ranthambore region of Rajasthan. The movement of tigers in the mountains is the result of climate change, availability of food and an increasing population of the big cat in Terai forests, said Dr Dheeraj Pandey, Director, Jim Corbett National Park. Well soon put up trap cameras to trace the tiger, said Pandey. Population up Experts say in the last few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased. Uttarakhand now has over 570 tigers, making it the third-largest tiger population in the country. Corbett Park alone has about 270 tigers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: In an astonishing first, a tiger was spotted in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, in the Terai region of Uttarakhand. While tigers are occasionally spotted in the Mohan area of Almora, near Corbett Park, this is the first time they have been observed at an elevation of over 6,000 feet at Shaukiyathal, an area surrounded by dense forests of bamboo and rhododendrons near Jageshwar Dham. The sighting has generated excitement among residents and wildlife experts. Wildlife officials are hailing this as a positive development for wildlife conservation. Uttarakhand currently has over 570 tigers, making it the third-largest tiger population in the country. Corbett Park alone has a population of about 270 tigers. In the last few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased significantly. It is believed that due to the high tiger density in the Terai area, the big cats are now turning to the mountains looking for new corridors. Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve Dr. Saket Badola confirmed the tiger sighting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This is a positive indication for wildlife and suggests that tigers are venturing into and exploring these areas. About the movement of the tiger found in sub-zero temperatures in Jageshwar, Uttarakhand, Badola said, The tiger is versatile in nature and can cope in almost every climatic condition, they can also live in places with exceptionally high temperatures such as the Ranthambore region of Rajasthan. The movement of tigers in the mountains is the result of climate change, availability of food and an increasing population of the big cat in Terai forests, said Dr Dheeraj Pandey, Director, Jim Corbett National Park. Well soon put up trap cameras to trace the tiger, said Pandey. Population up Experts say in the last few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased. Uttarakhand now has over 570 tigers, making it the third-largest tiger population in the country. Corbett Park alone has about 270 tigers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp K P Nayar By If the G20 summit that India successfully hosted this year plays even a small part in ballot considerations in Lok Sabha polls in five months, it can be said with absolute certainty that five years hence, the climate change summit in 2028 will have a far greater influence in similar elections to parliament the following year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to host the 33rd annual Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which will be known in due course as COP33. There is no plausible reason why Modis offer would not be accepted when the time comes for our regions rotational turn under UNFCCC rules for hosting COPs. By then, 26 years would have passed since India hosted a COP. If Modi remains prime minister in 2028, he can be counted on to celebrate COP33 as one of the landmark global events on Indian soil since independence, going by the preparations for the G20 summit. A climate change summit is at least five times bigger in participation than a high-level G20 meeting. The second important message to come out of COP28 in Dubai is that it is politics that drives climate change meetings, not science or considerations about the environment. It is the turn of East Europe to host next years COP, usually held around this time every year. However, as COP28 progressed to its halfway day of rest, Russia blocked Bulgarias bid to host the next COP. Sofia had more or less taken for granted that its bid would be routinely approved by the 198 countries present in Dubai. But Russia insisted that in retaliation for European Union sanctions on Moscow for its war against Ukraine, it would not allow any EU member to host the next climate change summit. The Russian veto meant Azerbaijanon which there was an eventual consensusnow has less than a year to prepare for the summit. The mammoth conference needs time not only on the ground but also in substance by way of preparations. Dubai had two years to prepare for COP28. In its spanking new Expo City, this emirate also had a venue tailor-made to handle an estimated 80,000 people who flocked in and out of the two-week conference and associated events. Without a similar venue in Baku or adequate time, progress towards saving the planet, however incremental, would be slowed, if not stalled altogether at the next COP. Driven exclusively by political compulsions, Russian diplomacy was at its best in the consensus on Baku. Russia brokered a truce between Azerbaijan and its long-time adversary, Armenia, so that the latter did not block Baku as the host of COP29. Moscow even managed to get Yerevan membership of COPs East European bureau in the process. The unseemly fracas showed that politics rules the roost at such meetings above all else. It was equally unseemly that the UNFCCC produced an impression that global warming can wait, but not the privileged day of rest for UN bureaucrats on the eighth day of the fortnight-long Dubai meetings. It showed that climate change is too important an issue to be left to international civil servants to take the lead in mitigating. Such primacy of privilege for officeholders is not unknown at the UN. For instance, there is a rule for senior UN officials that they may travel for official work by air in business class if a trip is for nine hours or more. Fair enough. The most frequented route for UN officials is between New York and Geneva, both cities with numerous UN agencies. Consequently, the largest number of meetings of the world body take place in either of these cities. Direct flying time between New York and Geneva is about seven and a half hours. But using this route would mean international civil servants would have to travel by economy class, which they find unacceptable. So, they book their travel from New York to Geneva and back via Lisbon. With a layover, the flight time would then exceed nine hours and the business class facility would automatically kick in. UN bureaucrats dont care that this costs at least four times more in public money. Inspectors and auditors have looked the other way whenever this happened. Such privileges at the world body for senior staff have been sacrosanct for decades. Dealing with climate change is no different and the UNFCCC is no exception. Executive privilege trumps actions to save humanity. The aforementioned handicaps to fighting global warming are unchangeable. VIPs will institutionally remain VIPs. Big and powerful nations will continue to keep the rest of the world in a chokehold in the present iniquitous global order. Smart politicians such as Modi will turn the opportunity to host big, gala gatherings to their political advantage. ALSO READ | Taking care of the Qatar eight So, what did the COP28 in Dubai achieve? Foremost, it gave a structured voice to dispossessed nations of the world for the first time since the COP process began in 1995. Host United Arab Emirates blessed an initiative by the Cuban presidency of the Group of 77 plus China, the largest country bloc within the UN by population and number of members, to hold its own one-day summit within the COP28 summit. This will now become a welcome annual feature at all future COP meetings. Climate summits are invariably divided between idealists and pragmatists. The idealists fly high in the first week of every COP and are defeated in the second week, giving the inevitable impression that the summit fell short of its goals. The highlight of COP28 in its first week was an unrealistic attempt to drive the world back to the cave era by phasing out fossil fuels, mainly oil, natural gas and coal. An unlikely coalition of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia, India, China and many more such countries took the bull by its horns. Notwithstanding the high contribution of fossil fuel burning to greenhouse gas emissions, these fuels contribute 80 percent of the worlds energy at present. For a change, India and China were not the whipping boys at a climate change summit. The new coalition gives India room for manoeuvre at least until the Baku summit. COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jabers final words as the summit wound up are prophetic: We are what we do, not what we say. K P Nayar Strategic analyst (kpnayar@gmail.com) Click here for all the earlier columns Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp If the G20 summit that India successfully hosted this year plays even a small part in ballot considerations in Lok Sabha polls in five months, it can be said with absolute certainty that five years hence, the climate change summit in 2028 will have a far greater influence in similar elections to parliament the following year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to host the 33rd annual Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which will be known in due course as COP33. There is no plausible reason why Modis offer would not be accepted when the time comes for our regions rotational turn under UNFCCC rules for hosting COPs. By then, 26 years would have passed since India hosted a COP. If Modi remains prime minister in 2028, he can be counted on to celebrate COP33 as one of the landmark global events on Indian soil since independence, going by the preparations for the G20 summit. A climate change summit is at least five times bigger in participation than a high-level G20 meeting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The second important message to come out of COP28 in Dubai is that it is politics that drives climate change meetings, not science or considerations about the environment. It is the turn of East Europe to host next years COP, usually held around this time every year. However, as COP28 progressed to its halfway day of rest, Russia blocked Bulgarias bid to host the next COP. Sofia had more or less taken for granted that its bid would be routinely approved by the 198 countries present in Dubai. But Russia insisted that in retaliation for European Union sanctions on Moscow for its war against Ukraine, it would not allow any EU member to host the next climate change summit. The Russian veto meant Azerbaijanon which there was an eventual consensusnow has less than a year to prepare for the summit. The mammoth conference needs time not only on the ground but also in substance by way of preparations. Dubai had two years to prepare for COP28. In its spanking new Expo City, this emirate also had a venue tailor-made to handle an estimated 80,000 people who flocked in and out of the two-week conference and associated events. Without a similar venue in Baku or adequate time, progress towards saving the planet, however incremental, would be slowed, if not stalled altogether at the next COP. Driven exclusively by political compulsions, Russian diplomacy was at its best in the consensus on Baku. Russia brokered a truce between Azerbaijan and its long-time adversary, Armenia, so that the latter did not block Baku as the host of COP29. Moscow even managed to get Yerevan membership of COPs East European bureau in the process. The unseemly fracas showed that politics rules the roost at such meetings above all else. It was equally unseemly that the UNFCCC produced an impression that global warming can wait, but not the privileged day of rest for UN bureaucrats on the eighth day of the fortnight-long Dubai meetings. It showed that climate change is too important an issue to be left to international civil servants to take the lead in mitigating. Such primacy of privilege for officeholders is not unknown at the UN. For instance, there is a rule for senior UN officials that they may travel for official work by air in business class if a trip is for nine hours or more. Fair enough. The most frequented route for UN officials is between New York and Geneva, both cities with numerous UN agencies. Consequently, the largest number of meetings of the world body take place in either of these cities. Direct flying time between New York and Geneva is about seven and a half hours. But using this route would mean international civil servants would have to travel by economy class, which they find unacceptable. So, they book their travel from New York to Geneva and back via Lisbon. With a layover, the flight time would then exceed nine hours and the business class facility would automatically kick in. UN bureaucrats dont care that this costs at least four times more in public money. Inspectors and auditors have looked the other way whenever this happened. Such privileges at the world body for senior staff have been sacrosanct for decades. Dealing with climate change is no different and the UNFCCC is no exception. Executive privilege trumps actions to save humanity. The aforementioned handicaps to fighting global warming are unchangeable. VIPs will institutionally remain VIPs. Big and powerful nations will continue to keep the rest of the world in a chokehold in the present iniquitous global order. Smart politicians such as Modi will turn the opportunity to host big, gala gatherings to their political advantage. ALSO READ | Taking care of the Qatar eight So, what did the COP28 in Dubai achieve? Foremost, it gave a structured voice to dispossessed nations of the world for the first time since the COP process began in 1995. Host United Arab Emirates blessed an initiative by the Cuban presidency of the Group of 77 plus China, the largest country bloc within the UN by population and number of members, to hold its own one-day summit within the COP28 summit. This will now become a welcome annual feature at all future COP meetings. Climate summits are invariably divided between idealists and pragmatists. The idealists fly high in the first week of every COP and are defeated in the second week, giving the inevitable impression that the summit fell short of its goals. The highlight of COP28 in its first week was an unrealistic attempt to drive the world back to the cave era by phasing out fossil fuels, mainly oil, natural gas and coal. An unlikely coalition of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia, India, China and many more such countries took the bull by its horns. Notwithstanding the high contribution of fossil fuel burning to greenhouse gas emissions, these fuels contribute 80 percent of the worlds energy at present. For a change, India and China were not the whipping boys at a climate change summit. The new coalition gives India room for manoeuvre at least until the Baku summit. COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jabers final words as the summit wound up are prophetic: We are what we do, not what we say. K P Nayar Strategic analyst (kpnayar@gmail.com) Click here for all the earlier columns Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service ONGOLE: A Dalit youngster, who attempted to end his life by immolating himself over alleged police torture, succumbed to his burns at a hospital in Guntur on Tuesday. The deceased, identified as N Moses, was pursuing a degree course in distance mode. On December 5, Yerragondapalem police picked up Moses and a few of his friends for their alleged involvement in a group clash near Rallavagu on Yerragondapalem-Macherla Road. The police allegedly verbally abused the 19-year-old and also beat him up. The next day, he and his parents were summoned, to the police station again. The cops allegedly abused his father and thrashed Moses again. The teenager felt insulted and immolated himself in front of the Yerragondapalem police station on December 6. Unable to bear the pain, he jumped into a water tank near the police station. He was immediately shifted to Markapur Government Hospital. On receiving the information, relatives of Moses staged a protest outside the police station. Later, the youngster was shifted to a private hospital in Guntur, where he died while undergoing treatment. Tension prevailed in Yerragondapalem as his family members and relatives staged a demonstration and held the police responsible for the youths death. Yerragondapalem MLA and the MAUD minister Audimulapu Suresh expressed grief over the incident and assured the bereaved family of complete support from the government. He also warned the responsible police officers of strict action. A case was registered and an investigation is underway. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7). Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp ONGOLE: A Dalit youngster, who attempted to end his life by immolating himself over alleged police torture, succumbed to his burns at a hospital in Guntur on Tuesday. The deceased, identified as N Moses, was pursuing a degree course in distance mode. On December 5, Yerragondapalem police picked up Moses and a few of his friends for their alleged involvement in a group clash near Rallavagu on Yerragondapalem-Macherla Road. The police allegedly verbally abused the 19-year-old and also beat him up. The next day, he and his parents were summoned, to the police station again. The cops allegedly abused his father and thrashed Moses again. The teenager felt insulted and immolated himself in front of the Yerragondapalem police station on December 6. Unable to bear the pain, he jumped into a water tank near the police station. He was immediately shifted to Markapur Government Hospital. On receiving the information, relatives of Moses staged a protest outside the police station. Later, the youngster was shifted to a private hospital in Guntur, where he died while undergoing treatment.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Tension prevailed in Yerragondapalem as his family members and relatives staged a demonstration and held the police responsible for the youths death. Yerragondapalem MLA and the MAUD minister Audimulapu Suresh expressed grief over the incident and assured the bereaved family of complete support from the government. He also warned the responsible police officers of strict action. A case was registered and an investigation is underway. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7). Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pooja Nair By Express News Service KOZHIKODE: Gone are the days when northern Kerala with its tradition of liberal thoughts and revolutionary movements was celebrated for refusing dowry. That is especially so among the Hindu community. Even those from the Muslim community, who have never mentioned the presence of a dowry system in the religion, have started asking and giving dowry to maintain their social status and improve the grooms financial standing. The data for the past decade with the police department reveals that northern Kerala is not behind any of the districts in southern Kerala, where the practice of dowry has been prevalent for a long. According to the police, cases relating to dowry are registered mostly under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The complainants refer to dowry-related issues which become the root cause of harassment they face after marriage. The data reveals the highest number of dowry-related domestic violence cases has been registered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. At the same time, 20% more than 200 of the over 1,100 cases statewide have been registered in different parts of the northern districts. Social activist V P Suhara said, as per the prescribed rules and regulations of the Muslim community, dowry doesnt exist in the community. At the same time, a system of handing over Mehar by the grooms family to the bride is widely practised as an assurance to the marriage, she said. But the current scenario in Malabar is such that dowry exists in all communities and women are treated merely as an object in the marriage market. Despite having adequate education and social status, women continue to be sold in the name of dowry, Suhara said. She pointed out that one solution available within the Muslim community to stop dowry is the intervention of the Mahal committee, which can raise its voice against this practice. Unfortunately, no such decisions have been forthcoming from the part of Mahal committees. Recently, dowry-related harassment had led to the suicide of Kozhikode resident Shabna, wife of Kunnummakkara Habeeb. The death of a resident doctor in Thiruvananthapuram too had a backdrop of dowry demands. All these cases remind us that the current generation must think about how to take their lives forward, Suhara said. M Bijith, a family law attorney from Kozhikode, said dowry continues to be a concern in certain communities and regions despite legal measures against it. Efforts have to be made to raise awareness about the negative consequences of dowry and to promote gender equality, he said. Various organisations, government bodies and activists have been working to change social attitudes and to enforce laws to curb dowry-related practices. Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach involving both legal measures and changes in social attitudes. While cultural and social changes take time, education and awareness are crucial in addressing and eradicating harmful practices like dowry, Bijith said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOZHIKODE: Gone are the days when northern Kerala with its tradition of liberal thoughts and revolutionary movements was celebrated for refusing dowry. That is especially so among the Hindu community. Even those from the Muslim community, who have never mentioned the presence of a dowry system in the religion, have started asking and giving dowry to maintain their social status and improve the grooms financial standing. The data for the past decade with the police department reveals that northern Kerala is not behind any of the districts in southern Kerala, where the practice of dowry has been prevalent for a long. According to the police, cases relating to dowry are registered mostly under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The complainants refer to dowry-related issues which become the root cause of harassment they face after marriage. The data reveals the highest number of dowry-related domestic violence cases has been registered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. At the same time, 20% more than 200 of the over 1,100 cases statewide have been registered in different parts of the northern districts. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Social activist V P Suhara said, as per the prescribed rules and regulations of the Muslim community, dowry doesnt exist in the community. At the same time, a system of handing over Mehar by the grooms family to the bride is widely practised as an assurance to the marriage, she said. But the current scenario in Malabar is such that dowry exists in all communities and women are treated merely as an object in the marriage market. Despite having adequate education and social status, women continue to be sold in the name of dowry, Suhara said. She pointed out that one solution available within the Muslim community to stop dowry is the intervention of the Mahal committee, which can raise its voice against this practice. Unfortunately, no such decisions have been forthcoming from the part of Mahal committees. Recently, dowry-related harassment had led to the suicide of Kozhikode resident Shabna, wife of Kunnummakkara Habeeb. The death of a resident doctor in Thiruvananthapuram too had a backdrop of dowry demands. All these cases remind us that the current generation must think about how to take their lives forward, Suhara said. M Bijith, a family law attorney from Kozhikode, said dowry continues to be a concern in certain communities and regions despite legal measures against it. Efforts have to be made to raise awareness about the negative consequences of dowry and to promote gender equality, he said. Various organisations, government bodies and activists have been working to change social attitudes and to enforce laws to curb dowry-related practices. Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach involving both legal measures and changes in social attitudes. While cultural and social changes take time, education and awareness are crucial in addressing and eradicating harmful practices like dowry, Bijith said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R N Ravi, to have an open dialogue and discuss all the relevant and pertaining issues to amicably settle the deadlock with respect to passing of the bills. The three-judge bench of the Top Court, headed by the CJI Dr D Y Chandrachud said this while hearing a writ petition filed by the State of Tamil Nadu against the Governor's delay in granting assent to the bills passed by the legislative assembly. The matter now would be taken up for hearing in the month of January 3rd week, next year. Senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State govt, argued that the issue is purely a constitutional one as can the Governor send the bills to the President once it has been resent to him by the Assembly? He thereby said that this court should hear the matter in detail. "The matter should be heard by the SC in January next year," Dr Singhvi pleaded to the SC, to which, it allowed his plea. ALSO READ | Governor-CM row: DMK for strong directive from apex court In a lighter vein, Dr Singhvi said that this is not an issue that can be solved through tea or stiffer beverages. To this, the CJI said, we will keep it in January next year. The CM is also willing to meet the Governor. Let it happen. The SC had earlier in its last hearing asked Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi to convene a meeting with the state Chief Minister MK Stalin and discuss and try to resolve the issue over the non-grant of assent to Bills passed by the state legislative Assembly. The top court was hearing the Tamil Nadu government's plea alleging delay by Governor Mr Ravi in granting assent to bills. In the petition, the TN Government has sought to direct the Governor to dispose of all the Bills, files, and Government orders forwarded by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Government which are pending with his office within a specified timeframe. The petition sought to declare that the inaction, omission, delay and failure to comply with the constitutional mandate by the Governor of Tamil Nad is an illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional, unreasonable besides malafide exercise of power. ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu assembly re-adopts 10 bills returned by Governor Ravi The Governor by not "signing remission orders, day to day files, appointment orders, approving recruitment orders, granting approval to prosecute Ministers, MLAs involved in corruption including transfer of investigation to CBI by Supreme Court, Bills passed by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly" is bringing the entire administration to a grinding halt and creating adversarial attitude by not cooperating with the State administration, TN govt said. "The refusal to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers or deliberate inaction in acting on the Bills or on the files on the part of the Governor including any delay, will defeat the parliamentary democracy and the will of the people and consequently violates the basic structure of the Constitution," the petition said. TN Govt said that the Governor's inactions have caused a constitutional deadlock between the Constitutional Head of the State and the Elected Government of the State and that by not acting upon their Constitutional functions, the Governor is toying away with the citizen's mandate, the state government said. Hence, the state government has sought to issue appropriate directions laying down guidelines stipulating the outer time limit for the State Governor to consider Bills passed by the Legislature. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R N Ravi, to have an open dialogue and discuss all the relevant and pertaining issues to amicably settle the deadlock with respect to passing of the bills. The three-judge bench of the Top Court, headed by the CJI Dr D Y Chandrachud said this while hearing a writ petition filed by the State of Tamil Nadu against the Governor's delay in granting assent to the bills passed by the legislative assembly. The matter now would be taken up for hearing in the month of January 3rd week, next year.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State govt, argued that the issue is purely a constitutional one as can the Governor send the bills to the President once it has been resent to him by the Assembly? He thereby said that this court should hear the matter in detail. "The matter should be heard by the SC in January next year," Dr Singhvi pleaded to the SC, to which, it allowed his plea. ALSO READ | Governor-CM row: DMK for strong directive from apex court In a lighter vein, Dr Singhvi said that this is not an issue that can be solved through tea or stiffer beverages. To this, the CJI said, we will keep it in January next year. The CM is also willing to meet the Governor. Let it happen. The SC had earlier in its last hearing asked Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi to convene a meeting with the state Chief Minister MK Stalin and discuss and try to resolve the issue over the non-grant of assent to Bills passed by the state legislative Assembly. The top court was hearing the Tamil Nadu government's plea alleging delay by Governor Mr Ravi in granting assent to bills. In the petition, the TN Government has sought to direct the Governor to dispose of all the Bills, files, and Government orders forwarded by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Government which are pending with his office within a specified timeframe. The petition sought to declare that the inaction, omission, delay and failure to comply with the constitutional mandate by the Governor of Tamil Nad is an illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional, unreasonable besides malafide exercise of power. ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu assembly re-adopts 10 bills returned by Governor Ravi The Governor by not "signing remission orders, day to day files, appointment orders, approving recruitment orders, granting approval to prosecute Ministers, MLAs involved in corruption including transfer of investigation to CBI by Supreme Court, Bills passed by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly" is bringing the entire administration to a grinding halt and creating adversarial attitude by not cooperating with the State administration, TN govt said. "The refusal to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers or deliberate inaction in acting on the Bills or on the files on the part of the Governor including any delay, will defeat the parliamentary democracy and the will of the people and consequently violates the basic structure of the Constitution," the petition said. TN Govt said that the Governor's inactions have caused a constitutional deadlock between the Constitutional Head of the State and the Elected Government of the State and that by not acting upon their Constitutional functions, the Governor is toying away with the citizen's mandate, the state government said. Hence, the state government has sought to issue appropriate directions laying down guidelines stipulating the outer time limit for the State Governor to consider Bills passed by the Legislature. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Subashini Vijayakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: Stagnant water with a thick black layer of oil still surrounds two sides of M Rajeswaris house in the sixth street in Adi Dravidar Colony in Ernavoor. Inhaling the stench from it continuously for more than a week now, she has developed breathing trouble apart from skin allergies. With no other option, the residents cleaned the oil themselves. Many of them used detergent, diesel and several other locally-available chemicals to scrub the oil out of their homes. When I complained of itching at the medical camps, they gave me an ointment. When I apply it, my skin bubbles up and then settles. The itching still continues. Our pet dog Tiger has been inactive since being exposed to the oil and he also has skin allergies. The stench is so strong at night, said Rajeswari. She added the electrical equipment, clothes and all the essential items at her home have been destroyed. She works as a domestic help while her husband is a daily wage labourer. Both are not able to go to work since the rains. My son died a year ago and I had kept a few of his shirts in his memory. The oil has even destroyed them, she said. Several residents adjoining the Cooum river and Buckingham canal in Tiruvottiyur and Manali said they had similar symptoms while children reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Many of the children didnt go to school till Tuesday. Of the nearly 95,000 households in Tiruvottiyur zone, 5,500 households in 14 locations in divisions 4, 6 and 7 were affected as the oil spill from CPCL, IOCL and container terminal mixed with the surplus water from the Poondi and Puzhal reservoirs, according to the officials. It is impossible for us to close the doors and be inside the houses for even five minutes as there is still a strong stench. When we were cleaning the oil, many of us felt nauseous and dizzy. If we take the children to the doctors, they give generic medicines. However, we are worried if the exposure to oil will have long-term health consequences, said a woman from VP Street in Tiruvottiyur. The residents said that this is the first time they have been dealing with an oil spill and that they have received no guidance from the officials on how to deal with it. ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu oil spill: Chief Secretary reviews situation with crisis management group Thick layer of oil which was also seen in the Buckingham Canal behind the Irular Colony in Sadayankuppam in Manali zone was causing a strong stench. The residents also said that they are faced with water shortage and water is supplied to them in containers as the water plant was also affected by the oil spill and it is yet to be repaired. Elected representatives said they are not sure when the water plant will start functioning. The corporation has so far conducted 286 medical camps, 54 static camps and 232 mobile camps in which over 19,000 people were checked. Veterinary camps were also held in two places in which 75 animals were checked. Meanwhile, doctors said it is difficult to assess the long-term effect on the health of the people and added they are only providing medicines for the symptoms. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHENNAI: Stagnant water with a thick black layer of oil still surrounds two sides of M Rajeswaris house in the sixth street in Adi Dravidar Colony in Ernavoor. Inhaling the stench from it continuously for more than a week now, she has developed breathing trouble apart from skin allergies. With no other option, the residents cleaned the oil themselves. Many of them used detergent, diesel and several other locally-available chemicals to scrub the oil out of their homes. When I complained of itching at the medical camps, they gave me an ointment. When I apply it, my skin bubbles up and then settles. The itching still continues. Our pet dog Tiger has been inactive since being exposed to the oil and he also has skin allergies. The stench is so strong at night, said Rajeswari. She added the electrical equipment, clothes and all the essential items at her home have been destroyed. She works as a domestic help while her husband is a daily wage labourer. Both are not able to go to work since the rains. My son died a year ago and I had kept a few of his shirts in his memory. The oil has even destroyed them, she said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Several residents adjoining the Cooum river and Buckingham canal in Tiruvottiyur and Manali said they had similar symptoms while children reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Many of the children didnt go to school till Tuesday. Of the nearly 95,000 households in Tiruvottiyur zone, 5,500 households in 14 locations in divisions 4, 6 and 7 were affected as the oil spill from CPCL, IOCL and container terminal mixed with the surplus water from the Poondi and Puzhal reservoirs, according to the officials. It is impossible for us to close the doors and be inside the houses for even five minutes as there is still a strong stench. When we were cleaning the oil, many of us felt nauseous and dizzy. If we take the children to the doctors, they give generic medicines. However, we are worried if the exposure to oil will have long-term health consequences, said a woman from VP Street in Tiruvottiyur. The residents said that this is the first time they have been dealing with an oil spill and that they have received no guidance from the officials on how to deal with it. ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu oil spill: Chief Secretary reviews situation with crisis management group Thick layer of oil which was also seen in the Buckingham Canal behind the Irular Colony in Sadayankuppam in Manali zone was causing a strong stench. The residents also said that they are faced with water shortage and water is supplied to them in containers as the water plant was also affected by the oil spill and it is yet to be repaired. Elected representatives said they are not sure when the water plant will start functioning. The corporation has so far conducted 286 medical camps, 54 static camps and 232 mobile camps in which over 19,000 people were checked. Veterinary camps were also held in two places in which 75 animals were checked. Meanwhile, doctors said it is difficult to assess the long-term effect on the health of the people and added they are only providing medicines for the symptoms. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. A solidarity forum, "Azerbaijan Volunteers Week 2023," dedicated to the 100th anniversary of great leader Heydar Aliyev, is being held, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's address to the participants of the forum was read out at the forum. "Dear youth! I extend my greetings to you as participants of the 6th solidarity forum of Azerbaijani volunteers, congratulate you on International Volunteer Day and wish you all good health and success in your future endeavors. The forum holds special significance as it is organized within the framework of the "Heydar Aliyev Year," announced in our country in connection with the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The volunteer movement, which gained momentum with the blessing of the Great Leader, united Azerbaijani youth on a shared platform and encompassed various domains of our public life over the past period. Guided by our rich cultural and moral values, this movement has embodied noble qualities such as philanthropy, dedication, and selfless assistance in its practical activities, rightfully earning the trust of society. It is gratifying that today our volunteers enthusiastically join social initiatives and innovative projects across every corner of the country, aligning with the goals and principles of the state youth policy aimed at the continuous progress of Azerbaijan. Alongside our eco-activists, they actively engaged in peaceful actions that successfully opposed the illegal exploitation of our natural resources in Karabakh and brought positive results. They also possess experience in coordinating humanitarian aid activities beyond the country`s borders. Now, we stand proudly in a new stage of the development of our independent history. Large-scale efforts are underway to restore the former harmony of life in our liberated territories as soon as possible. I believe that you - the volunteers, who have chosen the recommendations of the Great Leader as your motto - will continue to demonstrate deep dedication to the Motherland and the state, actively contributing to the Great Return through your high level of engagement," the appeal reads. SV Krishna Chaitanya By Express News Service DUBAI: The 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) came to a close in Dubai on Wednesday with a historical global climate deal known as the UAE Consensus. This has kept the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times within reach. The 198 countries agreed for a transition away from fossil fuels to reach net zero by 2050, a first in three decades of climate negotiations. After overnight 'hard' bargains that reportedly went on till 4 am, COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber gaveled approval of the central document the global stocktake (GST). Delegates stood, applauded and hugged each other. It was clear from the final text that there were certain compromises struck, especially on coal to appease countries like India and China, who were steadfast and contested singling out coal in the previous GST draft text. Previously, a call was made for rapidly phasing down unabated coal and limitations on permitting new and unabated coal power generation. This has now been watered down to "accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power". While some negotiating groups argued that COP28 was another missed opportunity to push for phase out of all fossil fuels, there is no denial that a decisive step was taken by calling for transition away from fossil fuels. The standout clause of the outcome document is the para28(d), which calls on Parties for ...Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science. Nations have recognised that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C with no or limited overshoot requires deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to the 2019 level and reaching net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The UAE Consensus also encourages countries to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by the end of next year, includes a new specific target to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030, and builds momentum towards a new architecture for climate finance. In his closing remarks, COP28 President Al Jaber said: The world needed to find a new way. By following our North Star (1.5 degrees C), we have found that path. We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet. We should be proud of our historic achievement. Everyone united, acted and delivered. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change, said COP28 needed to signal a hard stop to humanitys core climate problem - fossil fuels and their planet-burning pollution. "Whilst we didnt turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end." ALSO READ | Five big promises made at annual UN climate talks and what has happened since Equity and CBDR not addressed Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav, in his statement during the closing plenary, said equity and climate justice were key. China also criticised the UAE Consensus for not addressing Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), a principle enshrined in the UNFCCC framework. "The developed countries have unshaken responsibility for climate change," the China delegate said. Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia, said, The outcome of COP28 makes it clear that the world only belongs to the rich and influential in developed countries. The removal of equity and human rights principles from the final outcome text indicates that vulnerable communities in developing countries need to save themselves on their own and the real climate culprits are not coming to their rescue. We cannot celebrate mere inclusion of reference to fossil fuels in the text if it comes without means of implementation and finance for energy transition for poor and developing countries. If this is what a historical outcome looks like, then it is on the wrong side of history." Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, said the Dubai deal is positive, but with gaps. "The outcome text makes real concessions for gas and oil. In an effort to please the major emitters, the decision gives a free pass to gas by terming it transitional fuel, regardless of emissions contributions which are modelled to come from gas, especially from countries like Russia, US, Middle East," she said. Weak on finance The phase out of fossil fuels will only be possible with the right financing package for poor and vulnerable nations. Despite a strong start into COP with the creation of the Loss and Damage fund, in the end, experts feel the financing package falls short of expectations and lacks any reality. It does not even set out the need to agree on a definition of climate finance or take any steps to improve the transparency of financial flows. Adaptation finance fell by 14%, according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). "Reiterating old promises, such as doubling funding for adaptation by 2025, without requesting implementation plans is no progress. It blatantly ignores the reality of those on the front lines of climate change, who urgently need support," said Friederike Roder, Vice President, Global Citizen. The two main items on finance are Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), which would replace the $100 billion climate finance goal. The NCQG will be tackled at next year's COP. "Yes, overall UAE Consensus on finance is very weak, but it can set the tone for COP29," said Harjeet Singh, Head (global political strategy), CAN International. ALSO READ | Frustrated by lack of political will, says 12-year-old Indian activist who disrupted COP28 meet Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DUBAI: The 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) came to a close in Dubai on Wednesday with a historical global climate deal known as the UAE Consensus. This has kept the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times within reach. The 198 countries agreed for a transition away from fossil fuels to reach net zero by 2050, a first in three decades of climate negotiations. After overnight 'hard' bargains that reportedly went on till 4 am, COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber gaveled approval of the central document the global stocktake (GST). Delegates stood, applauded and hugged each other. It was clear from the final text that there were certain compromises struck, especially on coal to appease countries like India and China, who were steadfast and contested singling out coal in the previous GST draft text.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Previously, a call was made for rapidly phasing down unabated coal and limitations on permitting new and unabated coal power generation. This has now been watered down to "accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power". While some negotiating groups argued that COP28 was another missed opportunity to push for phase out of all fossil fuels, there is no denial that a decisive step was taken by calling for transition away from fossil fuels. The standout clause of the outcome document is the para28(d), which calls on Parties for ...Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science. Nations have recognised that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C with no or limited overshoot requires deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to the 2019 level and reaching net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The UAE Consensus also encourages countries to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by the end of next year, includes a new specific target to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030, and builds momentum towards a new architecture for climate finance. In his closing remarks, COP28 President Al Jaber said: The world needed to find a new way. By following our North Star (1.5 degrees C), we have found that path. We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet. We should be proud of our historic achievement. Everyone united, acted and delivered. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change, said COP28 needed to signal a hard stop to humanitys core climate problem - fossil fuels and their planet-burning pollution. "Whilst we didnt turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end." ALSO READ | Five big promises made at annual UN climate talks and what has happened since Equity and CBDR not addressed Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav, in his statement during the closing plenary, said equity and climate justice were key. China also criticised the UAE Consensus for not addressing Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), a principle enshrined in the UNFCCC framework. "The developed countries have unshaken responsibility for climate change," the China delegate said. Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia, said, The outcome of COP28 makes it clear that the world only belongs to the rich and influential in developed countries. The removal of equity and human rights principles from the final outcome text indicates that vulnerable communities in developing countries need to save themselves on their own and the real climate culprits are not coming to their rescue. We cannot celebrate mere inclusion of reference to fossil fuels in the text if it comes without means of implementation and finance for energy transition for poor and developing countries. If this is what a historical outcome looks like, then it is on the wrong side of history." Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, said the Dubai deal is positive, but with gaps. "The outcome text makes real concessions for gas and oil. In an effort to please the major emitters, the decision gives a free pass to gas by terming it transitional fuel, regardless of emissions contributions which are modelled to come from gas, especially from countries like Russia, US, Middle East," she said. Weak on finance The phase out of fossil fuels will only be possible with the right financing package for poor and vulnerable nations. Despite a strong start into COP with the creation of the Loss and Damage fund, in the end, experts feel the financing package falls short of expectations and lacks any reality. It does not even set out the need to agree on a definition of climate finance or take any steps to improve the transparency of financial flows. Adaptation finance fell by 14%, according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). "Reiterating old promises, such as doubling funding for adaptation by 2025, without requesting implementation plans is no progress. It blatantly ignores the reality of those on the front lines of climate change, who urgently need support," said Friederike Roder, Vice President, Global Citizen. The two main items on finance are Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), which would replace the $100 billion climate finance goal. The NCQG will be tackled at next year's COP. "Yes, overall UAE Consensus on finance is very weak, but it can set the tone for COP29," said Harjeet Singh, Head (global political strategy), CAN International. ALSO READ | Frustrated by lack of political will, says 12-year-old Indian activist who disrupted COP28 meet Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP Israel declared on Wednesday its determination to continue its Gaza war "with or without international support" after it came under mounting pressure even from its key backer the United States. Now in its third month, the war was launched in response to the unprecedented attacks on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. It has left Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing "unparallelled" damage to its roads, schools and hospitals. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday. But more air strikes hit Gaza and gun battles raged, especially in Gaza City, the biggest urban centre, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, AFP correspondents said. Cold autumn rains lashed the territory, where millions have been displaced and many are living in makeshift plastic tents, as vital supplies of food, drinking water, medicines and fuel have run low in more than two months of siege and war. ALSO READ | People of Gaza running out of time and options: UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini Air raid sirens wailed in Sderot and other southern Israeli communities near Gaza as Palestinian militants kept firing rockets, most of which have been intercepted by air defences. Israel's military said sirens sounded in Ashdod city north of Gaza and in the Lakhish area. Social media footage showed a large fragment of an intercepted rocket had hit a supermarket. The army said an air strike had hit a militant cell in Gaza City's Shejaiya district "that was en route to launch rockets toward Israel". Diminishing safe space The UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, backed by 153 of 193 nations -- surpassing the 140 or so that have routinely condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. While the United States voted against the resolution, it was supported by allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who, in a rare joint statement, said they were "alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza". ALSO READ | Onslaught on Gaza: UN votes overwhelmingly for cease-fire, shows growing isolation of US & Israel Biden told a campaign event that Israel had "most of the world supporting it" immediately after the October 7 attack, but that "they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place". The US leader, who toned down his comments later, on Wednesday met with families of American hostages from among those the militants seized on October 7. Despite the criticism from its main ally, Israel vowed to press on with its war on Hamas. "Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support," said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. "A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," Cohen told a visiting diplomat, quoted by his ministry. Hamas, a terrorist organization whose terrorists massacred 1,200 people in one day, raped women, kidnapped Holocaust survivors, and burned families, congratulate the UN. This is a new moral degradation and a mark of disgrace on the biased and hypocritical organization. | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) December 13, 2023 Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said there is "disagreement" with Washington over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Israel declared on Wednesday its determination to continue its Gaza war "with or without international support" after it came under mounting pressure even from its key backer the United States. Now in its third month, the war was launched in response to the unprecedented attacks on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. It has left Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing "unparallelled" damage to its roads, schools and hospitals.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday. But more air strikes hit Gaza and gun battles raged, especially in Gaza City, the biggest urban centre, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, AFP correspondents said. Cold autumn rains lashed the territory, where millions have been displaced and many are living in makeshift plastic tents, as vital supplies of food, drinking water, medicines and fuel have run low in more than two months of siege and war. ALSO READ | People of Gaza running out of time and options: UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini Air raid sirens wailed in Sderot and other southern Israeli communities near Gaza as Palestinian militants kept firing rockets, most of which have been intercepted by air defences. Israel's military said sirens sounded in Ashdod city north of Gaza and in the Lakhish area. Social media footage showed a large fragment of an intercepted rocket had hit a supermarket. The army said an air strike had hit a militant cell in Gaza City's Shejaiya district "that was en route to launch rockets toward Israel". Diminishing safe space The UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, backed by 153 of 193 nations -- surpassing the 140 or so that have routinely condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. While the United States voted against the resolution, it was supported by allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who, in a rare joint statement, said they were "alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza". ALSO READ | Onslaught on Gaza: UN votes overwhelmingly for cease-fire, shows growing isolation of US & Israel Biden told a campaign event that Israel had "most of the world supporting it" immediately after the October 7 attack, but that "they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place". The US leader, who toned down his comments later, on Wednesday met with families of American hostages from among those the militants seized on October 7. Despite the criticism from its main ally, Israel vowed to press on with its war on Hamas. "Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support," said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. "A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," Cohen told a visiting diplomat, quoted by his ministry. Hamas, a terrorist organization whose terrorists massacred 1,200 people in one day, raped women, kidnapped Holocaust survivors, and burned families, congratulate the UN. This is a new moral degradation and a mark of disgrace on the biased and hypocritical organization. | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) December 13, 2023 Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said there is "disagreement" with Washington over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Associated Press The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The support was higher than for an Oct. 27 resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. President Joe Biden says hes told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel risks losing international support because of indiscriminate bombing during its war with Hamas in Gaza, but that hes not sure the countrys staunchest conservative leaders are getting the message. Speaking at a fundraiser for his reelection campaign in Washington on Tuesday, Biden said, Israel has a tough decision to make. Bibi has a tough decision to make. He added of Netanyahu, I think he has to change his government. His government in Israel is making it very difficult. One of the things that Bibi understands, Biden said is that Israels security can rest on the United States. But, right now, it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them. But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Biden also called out Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of a far-right Israeli party and the minister of national security in Netanyahus governing coalition. Ben-Gvir opposes a two-state solution and has called for the Israel to reassert control over all of the West Bank and Gaza. ALSO READ | India votes in favour of UNGA draft resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza Biden suggested that he wasnt sure Ben-Gvir and Netanyahus war Cabinet understand the implications of the ongoing bombing. The president also said he urged Netanyahu not to make the same mistakes the US made after Sept. 11, saying the US military response landed it in a long war in Afghanistan and theres no reason we did so many of the things we did. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The support was higher than for an Oct. 27 resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. President Joe Biden says hes told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel risks losing international support because of indiscriminate bombing during its war with Hamas in Gaza, but that hes not sure the countrys staunchest conservative leaders are getting the message. Speaking at a fundraiser for his reelection campaign in Washington on Tuesday, Biden said, Israel has a tough decision to make. Bibi has a tough decision to make. He added of Netanyahu, I think he has to change his government. His government in Israel is making it very difficult. One of the things that Bibi understands, Biden said is that Israels security can rest on the United States. But, right now, it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them. But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Biden also called out Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of a far-right Israeli party and the minister of national security in Netanyahus governing coalition. Ben-Gvir opposes a two-state solution and has called for the Israel to reassert control over all of the West Bank and Gaza. ALSO READ | India votes in favour of UNGA draft resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza Biden suggested that he wasnt sure Ben-Gvir and Netanyahus war Cabinet understand the implications of the ongoing bombing. The president also said he urged Netanyahu not to make the same mistakes the US made after Sept. 11, saying the US military response landed it in a long war in Afghanistan and theres no reason we did so many of the things we did. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Los Angeles, Dec 12 A ctor Tom Holland revealed he couldnt cry on set and hence took some help from the English actor Benedict Cumberbatch. The 27-year-old actor found himself filled with "worry" whenever he had to show emotion on screen because he found it so difficult. Speaking at a recent SAG-AFTRA Foundation event to promote his latest series The Crowded Room, Tom said: Benedict Cumberbatch is someone that I asked for advice a lot about acting. I went through a phase where I was really really struggling to cry, in my personal life also." It was really affecting me on set because I would really just worry about crying scenes and worry and worry and worry and I would worry so much that I would almost like worry myself out of tears, he said. Holland shared how Cumberbatch had taught him to overcome his fear of crying whilst they worked on 2017 thriller The Current War - and now he loves such scenes, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He said: The technique that he told me was this kind of thing that he's able to do with his diaphragm which is almost like laughing. I'm probably giving away his secrets here. He would do this thing where he would kind of simulate laughing and he would breathe really really quickly and that would sort of, I guess bring the emotion to the surface and then he could just take it and ride the wave from there." He later loved crying scenes, said the actor. "I'd started doing that and I love crying scenes now. I love it, I feel really confident. It's something I really feel like I have in my wheelhouse. I don't have to draw on past experiences or personal matters anymore, which is really important, especially for a show like this," he said. Benedict Cumberbatch taught Tom Holland how to cry Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Even at 83, Papa's first fight is for people: Supriya Sule's b'day greeting for Sharad Pawar Pune , Dec 12 (IANS) Thousands greeted Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on his 83rd birthday on Tuesday, but the best message was from his daughter Supriya Sule -Pawar. The NCP Working President, Supriya Sule-Pawar penned a brief but loving tribute to her 'Baba' (Papa), by saying that even at 83, his first fight is in the public interest. Dear Dad, today is your birthday. In fact, its a birthday just for us, for you it is like any other day You are the peoples comrade and they are your allies gushed Sule. She said that Pawar is completing 83 years of age today (December 12) with the blessings and adulation of the masses, and the invaluable support of his medical team. This is indeed a matter of great joy and we are all sincerely grateful to them all Even yesterday (December 11), you took to the streets for the Nashik onion farmers issue. I am also putting in my full strength to tackle issues of public concern here in Parliament, Sule said. The Baramati MP added how several people asked whether she would be going to Nagpur on Tuesday for the NCPs Sangharsh Yatra, but adhering to Pawars own advice, she would raise the issues of her constituency and people of Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha. We have committed our entire lives to public service as per the vow given by my grandfather Govindrao Pawar and grandmother Shardabai. Fulfilment of public interest is your joy and passion, said Sule. For us to be with you and support your endeavours would be the best way of celebrating your birthday. In these difficult times, we all are confident that you will overcome all the difficult challenges and succeed. We will fight & Win! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Daddy ! concluded Sule. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tweeted greetings while Shiv Sena (UBT) President and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya along with Sanjay Raut, called on Sharad Pawar to meet and greet him on his 83rd birthday. Top leaders across the national and state political spectrum have extended warm greetings to Sharad Pawar, including from the breakaway NCP faction led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Some of the prominent personalities include: Nana Patole, Digvijaya Singh, Rajeev Shukla, Praful Patel, Dayanidhi Maran, Zeeshan Siddiqui, Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, among others, who called on him in Nagpur. Several top leaders from the Centre and states, the partners of I.N.D.I.A. block, business and glamour personalities as well as commoners all over the country wished him with messages pouring on the social media. Even at 83, Papa's first fight is for people: Supriya Sule's b'day greeting for Sharad Pawar Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! GAZAKH, Azerbaijan, December 13. Another important step has was taken on the way towards settlement of relations between Baku and Yerevan and the signing of the final peace treaty, Trend reports from the scene. Azerbaijan handed over 32 captured Armenian servicemen to Armenia. Employees of relevant state structures of both countries and international organizations participated in the transfer. VIDEO: Earlier, Armenia released two captured Azerbaijani servicemen. Following the negotiations held between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Armenia, in the spirit of commitment to the principle of humanism, as a measure of mutual trust between the two countries as an indicator of goodwill, an agreement was reached on the release of 32 servicemen of Armenian origin by Azerbaijan and two Azerbaijani servicemen by Armenia. The list of 32 does not and cannot include the leaders of the separatist regime who committed war crimes against the Azerbaijani people and crimes against humanity, such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Ruben Vardanyan, as well as Vagif Khachaturyan and Alyosha Khosrovyan. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Abhishek on 2 decades of 'LOC: Kargil': Can't believe it's been 20 years Mumbai, Dec 12 B ollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who was recently seen in Ghoomer, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his war film LOC: Kargil. The film paid a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil war. On the films 20th anniversary, Abhishek, who played the role of Captain Vikram Batra in LOC: Kargil, took to X (formerly Twitter), and talked about the memories he made while shooting. Sharing the pictures from the film, he wrote, Time flies! Cannot believe its been 20 yrs since the release of L.O.C. Such great memories making the film with so many friends. But an even greater honour to be able to tell the stories of our true heroes in the Indian armed forces (sic). The actor thanked director J.P. Datta for giving him the opportunity. Abhishek added, Thank you JP sahab for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to be a part in the film. #20YearsOfLOCKargil. The film featured one of the biggest star casts ever assembled in Bollywood, with several top stars of the era making an appearance. Abhisheks portrayal of Captain Vikram Batra was the first time this heroic tale was brought to the big screen, a role that was later essayed by Sidharth Malhotra in the streaming film Shershaah. Abhishek on 2 decades of 'LOC: Kargil': Can't believe it's been 20 years Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Karan Singh Grover looks fierce as Squadron Leader Taj in 'Fighter' poster Mumbai, Dec 12 T he makers of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone-starrer 'Fighter' on Tuesday unveiled the first fierce look of actor Karan Singh Grover as Squadron Leader Sartaj Gill. The teaser of 'Fighter' has already stormed the internet, capturing a thunderous response nationwide. Taking to social media, Karan shared his first look in which we can see him perfectly stepping into the character of Squadron Leader Sartaj Gill, known by his call sign 'Taj', serving as the Squadron Pilot from the esteemed Air Dragons unit. His portrayal enriches the character with a commanding presence exuding both fierceness and charisma. Karan wrote: "Squadron Leader Sartaj Gill Call Sign: Taj Designation: Squadron Pilot Unit: Air Dragons #Fighter Forever #FighterOn25thJan". Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in association with Marflix Pictures, 'Fighter' stands as a testament to cinematic brilliance. The film promises an immersive narrative seamlessly intertwining adrenaline-pumping action and fervent patriotism, setting the stage for an unprecedented cinematic experience. The movie also stars Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Talat Aziz. 'Fighter' will be released in the theaters on January 25, 2024. Karan Singh Grover looks fierce as Squadron Leader Taj in 'Fighter' poster Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Who is Bhajan Lal Sharma, the CM-elect of Rajasthan? Jaipur, Dec 12 T he suspense regarding the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan is now over as Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first time MLA who stood from the Sanganer seat, is the BJPs choice for the top job. The party has named Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa as the two deputy CMs of Rajasthan. The observers from Delhi settled on Bhajan Lal Sharma after the meeting of the legislature party. Sharma, a resident of Bharatpur, has been part of the ABVP, RSS and the BJP for a long time and he has served as the General Secretary in Rajasthan four times under different state Presidents. The BJP made him contest elections for the first time from a safe seat like Sanganer after cutting the ticket of sitting MLA Ashok Lahoti and this will be his first time in the CMs seat. The Sanganer seat is the stronghold of the BJP and Bhajan Lal Sharma won because of this. In view of his long stint in the organization in Rajasthan, he has been given the top job now. The BJP high command had made Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Vinod Tawde and Saroj Pandey as observers for Rajasthan and the three leaders reached Jaipur this afternoon and held a meeting with the MLAs. Union Minister Rajnath Singh also had a one-on-one meeting with Vasundhara Raje and spoke to BJP National President JP Nadda on phone. Before the party settled upon Bhajan Lal Sharma as the CM-elect, there were many names doing the rounds and Raje was the front runner for the top job. Who is Bhajan Lal Sharma, the CM-elect of Rajasthan? Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Los Angeles, Dec 12 S inger-songwriter Taylor Swift has donated $1 million to help victims of the tornadoes in Tennessee. The 33-year-old pop megastar, who recently became a billionaire and has been generous with donations in the past, pledged the huge sum to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help those whose homes and livelihoods have been ravaged by the storms and tornadoes, reports Female First UK. Several people in the state have been confirmed to have died and 50 were left injured as multiple tornadoes swept the state. Taylor, 33, is from Pennsylvania originally but she moved to Nashville as a teen to pursue music. The money will go towards food, temporary housing, the clean-up, and more. As per Female First UK, the Grammy-winning artiste has also donated to food poverty charities in cities on her 'Eras Tour'. Taylor donated enough money to make 125,000 meals for food bank users in Tampa Bay, Florida. The musician kicked off 'The Eras' trek in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, and it was revealed that she made a surprise donation to the Arizona Food Bank Network as part of a commitment to make a positive impact in the communities during her tour Terri Shoemaker, Vice President of External Relations at the Arizona Food Bank Network, told Azcentral.com: "It's not every day that you get a call from someone who works in PR for Taylor Swift, so we were dubious at first, but happily, it turned out to be absolutely real. Donations like this from very high-profile people like Taylor Swift help denote that hunger is still a problem in the US It's here and it's a problem across the country. Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Tennessee tornadoes victims Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Los Angeles, Dec 12 A ctor Adam Driver secretly welcomed his second child into the world earlier this year. Adam and his wife were due to give their son a sibling. Page Six has claimed the 'House of Gucci' star let slip his wife Joanne Tucker had given birth to a baby girl during his rehearsal for 'Saturday Night Live' this past weekend. During his opening monologue take, he allegedly said: Last year, I asked for a baby girl, and I got it, which is exhausting. So this year, I wish for Ambien, reports Female First UK. The 40-year-old actor and his longtime spouse - whom he married in 2013 - managed to keep their son a secret from the world for two years. However, Joannes sister inadvertently revealed the actress was a mother when she made her Instagram account public in 2018, which revealed pregnancy pictures from the pairs joint baby shower and a reference to her and Joanne as new moms. As per Female First UK, Adam publicly confirmed he was a dad while hosting Saturday Night Live in 2020. He joked during his opening monologue on the show: Im a husband. And a father. Its in that order though. Ive been very clear with my son about that, hes second in everything. Adam has also made cryptic references to parenthood in interviews over the years. The marine-turned-actor also told W magazine in 2017 he didnt think he could love anything more than his dog, except maybe his child. He said: Like, I have a kid, maybe, and be like, (gestures dismissively.) But the dog. Adam and Joanne met at The Juilliard School in the early 2000s and the actor has hailed his partner for helping him remain a normal person amid the Hollywood craziness. Adam Driver secretly welcomed baby girl earlier this year Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Dec 12 T here is nothing usual about cases of mycoplasma pneumonia reported by various countries, beginning China, and subsequently the Netherlands, Denmark and two states in the US, said a health expert on Tuesday, allaying fears. It all began with several social media posts claiming a new and major pneumonia outbreak with no known cause among Chinese children. It was also reported by ProMED Mail, the online reporting system of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, which said that the outbreak, causing symptoms such as high fever, and some developing pulmonary nodules is overwhelming paediatric hospitals in the country. Upon request from the the World Health Organization (WHO), Chinese officials informed that no new pathogens were detected in the outbreak, and instead the illnesses were caused by known seasonal viruses such as the flu and RSV, along with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. But experts allayed fears, attributing the rising infections to the winter season as well as lack of immunity due to Covid measures. China, especially the northern parts of that country, is going through winter. So from October onwards, the winter respiratory infections go up in China every year, and there is nothing unusual about that, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, told IANS. Dr Jayadevan noted that the past three years had extraordinary levels of protective measures, mainly non pharmaceutical measures, such as masks, social distancing and tracking and quarantine due to Covid. This not only kept Covid virus away, but other viruses were also muted and they did not circulate. While this did not really affect adults as they have already been exposed to multiple infections before the pandemic, children presented to be a susceptible population, the doctor said. From January 2023 onwards, China's restrictions ended, and it has been back to normal in terms of social interaction -- children are going to school, they're attending birthday parties. So with all the mingling going on, these viruses struck a jackpot: they suddenly found a huge number of hosts that had no prior immune exposure. About 30 to 40 million children were available for the virus. So this was 100 per cent expected, there's nothing unusual about that. This is the mechanism of a large number of children getting infected at once, Dr Jayadevan explained. Theres no strange, mysterious virus spreading. With the information we have, this doesn't have any potential to spread and become another pandemic, said the Kochi-based gastroenterologist. Further, he noted that mycoplasma has a habit of reemerging every three to four years or so, a cyclical pattern. Bottom line is this might just be a natural mycoplasma surge and of course it's a bacterial infection, he added. Mycoplasma is a bacteria that causes respiratory infection. A distinct feature is that the child feels relatively well in spite of an abnormal chest x-ray. Easily treated with antibiotics, it is known to appear every few years with intervals ranging from 4 to 7 years. Importantly, there is no report of ICUs being filled or of real hospitalisation in terms of hospital rooms getting filled in China, most of the rush is in the outpatient section, the doctor said. Following the reports from China, Netherlands, Denmark and Ohio as well as Massachusetts in the US reported a similar uptick in pneumonia cases among children. While the cases are not part of global spread, and reported separately, these have raised concerns as the world largely is still crawling back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. These western nations are going through winter, and winter surges are part of normal life there. And the same susceptibility factors apply there, except these are not very densely populated countries. These countries lifted restrictions much earlier than China, hence the proportion of susceptible children is small, Dr Jayadevan said. On the chances of such an infection in India, Dr Jayadevan said India can see normal winter surges but not such severe cases as there is no susceptible population in the country. (Rachel V Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in) Pneumonia outbreak is nothing unusual, says expert allaying fears Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! I'd rather die than ask for something for myself: Shivraj on last day as MP CM Bhopal, Dec 12 O n the eve of the swearing-in ceremony of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister-designate Mohan Yadav and his two Deputy CMs Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda, the outgoing CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan made his farewell speech on Wednesday. A large number of supporters, specifically women assembled at his official residence to bid a farewell to the longest-serving CM of the state. Emotional scenes were witnessed as many of the supporters could be seen wiping their tears. As many of the women told him that they had voted in order to make him the Chief Minister again, Chouhan tried to console them saying, "Its not the end." This remark created a buzz because the people present there took it as a signal that even though Chouhan did not get the top job he was not leaving politics and might be back at the helm again in future. Political observers also believe that Chouhan will bounce back soon enough. Before meeting his supporters, Chouhan addressed a press conference and was asked why he did not visit Delhi after the BJP registered a landslide victory on December 3. Responding to that question Chouhan said, One thing I say with great humility, that I would rather die than go and ask for something for myself. That's not my job. That's why I had said that I will not go to Delhi. The outgoing CM further termed questions about him contesting the Lok Sabha elections as a figment of peoples imagination and added that he would abide by the party's decision and was committed to a larger mission. When asked if the BJP had done injustice with him by not giving him a fifth term as the CM, Chouhan replied that the party had entrusted him with the top job for 18 years. "The BJP kept an ordinary worker as a CM for 18 years. No one sees the other side. The BJP gave me everything, now the time has come to reciprocate and give back to the party. Why can't this be the thinking? he added. Notably, the BJP on Monday picked the three-time MLA from Ujjain South Assembly seat for the Madhya Pradesh CMs post. Congratulating Mohan Yadav for getting the top job, Chouhan said, "I am confident that under the leadership of CM Mohan Yadav, the BJP Government will complete the ongoing projects in the state. In terms of progress and development, Madhya Pradesh will achieve new heights. I will keep supporting him. I'd rather die than ask for something for myself: Shivraj on last day as MP CM Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi. Dec 12 P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India will launch an AI mission to boost the healthcare, agriculture and education sectors. Addressing the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit here, PM Modi said that India is working to transform the health sector using AI. He highlighted the key role that the path-breaking technology can play in sustainable development. We will launch an AI mission to get AI compute power which will help startups and innovators. With this mission, agriculture, healthcare and education sectors will be promoted. "Our National AI Portal will play a crucial role in supporting and promoting these AI initiatives," he added. PM Modi said that governments development mantra is, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have prepared government policies and programs inspired by the spirit of 'AI For All'. Our endeavour is to take full advantage of the capabilities of AI for social development and inclusive growth. India is fully committed to responsible and ethical use of AI," Modi said. He said AI has the potential to revolutionise India's tech landscape and AI skills will be taken to tier two and tier three cities in the country. He said that a more inclusive development of AI will help to spread the benefit to a wider segment of the population and do away with the earlier inequities in technology. "India is now the main player in AI talent and new ideas related to AI. The young tech experts and researchers in India are exploring the new limits of AI," he said. However, at the same time the Prime Minister had a word of warning of the potential danger posed by the misuse of AI. AI can become the biggest tool of development in the 21st century, but it can also destroy the 21st century. If terrorists manage to misuse AI, there could be a huge blow to global security, PM Modi said. GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative with 29-member countries, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities. India is hosting the Annual GPAI Summit from December 12 to 14 and is the lead chair of GPAI in 2024. India is also the current incoming Support Chair of GPAI. Multiple sessions on diverse topics like AI and global health, education and skilling, AI and data governance, and ML Workshop, among others will be organised during the summit. Other attractions in the summit include Research Symposium, AI Gamechangers Award and India AI Expo. The summit will witness participation of 50+ GPAI experts and 150+ speakers from across countries. Further, Top AI Gamechangers from across the world will be participating in different events including Intel, Reliance Jio, Google, Meta, AWS, Yotta, Netweb, Paytm, Microsoft, Mastercard, NIC, STPI, Immerse, Jio Haptik, Bhashini etc. Besides, students who are winners under YUVA AI initiative and start-ups will also be showcasing their AI models and solutions. pannu/dan India will launch AI mission to boost healthcare: PM Modi Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Bengaluru, Dec 12 M inister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the construction sector in India currently ranks third largest in the world. By fostering collaborative endeavors we have the potential to propel it to the top spot within the next five years, the minister said. He was delivering his inaugural address at the 12th edition of CII EXCON 2023, South Asias largest construction equipment trade fair organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Gadkari said that the construction sector will have a significant contribution to the Prime Minister's vision to make India a carbon neutral economy. To achieve this goal, the government is embarking on major infrastructure and industrial projects that implement sustainable fuels, he said. He said that the construction and mining operations consume 400 crore liters of diesel, which is quite detrimental to the environment and the economy. By embracing alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, and hydrogen, the construction and mining sectors can effectively reduce emissions, he said. He said that the precast concrete emerges as a commendable substitute for traditional concrete. We advocate for industry collaboration to bolster the capabilities of construction through the use of sustainable materials and alternative fuels, he said. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry, in the inaugural session said that currently, India's construction equipment industry is exporting to over 140 countries. He said that to enhance sustainability and efficiency, private players in the construction sector should focus on automation, the adoption of advanced technologies, global best practices, the use of alternative fuels, and innovations in utilizing waste materials as raw materials for construction projects. South Asia's Largest Construction Equipment Trade Fair (CII EXCON) held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru. EXCON will have a participation of over 1,000 exhibitors including 100 from overseas. Overseas countries participating include Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US. Besides, there will be 5 Country Pavilions from France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and the UK. The 5-day exhibition would attract over 80,000 business visitors from all over the world. Karnataka is the host state for EXCON 2023. Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are supporting partners to the event. India's construction sector ranks third largest: Gadkari Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Jaipur, December 12 T he Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has designated Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA from the Sanganer assembly constituency, as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, along with two Deputy Chief Ministers for the state. The announcement was made following the BJP legislature party meeting in Jaipur on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of the central observers appointed by the party -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, party national general Secretary Vinod Tawde and MP Saroj Pandey. BJP in-charge of Rajasthan Pralhad Joshi was also present at the meeting. The party picked legislators Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa as Deputy Chief Ministers. Former state minister Vasudev Devnani would be the Assembly Speaker, Rajnath Singh said after the meeting. Prem Chand Bairwa, the sitting BJP MLA from the Dudu constituency in Rajasthan, secured victory in the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Election, defeating Congress candidate Babulal Nagar with a margin of 35,743 votes. Diya Kumari won from the Vidyadhar Nagar constituency, triumphing over Congress' Sitaram Agarwal by a margin of 71,368 votes. She is the granddaughter of Man Singh II, the last ruling maharaja of the princely state of Jaipur. Her appeal for votes was made as a "daughter of Jaipur" and the "princess who walks on the streets". Expressing gratitude, CM designate Bhajanlal Sharma assured that all Rajasthan MLAs, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, would strive for holistic development in the state. "I would like to assure you that all the MLAs of Rajasthan will definitely meet the expectations that the people have with us, with the BJP. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we will ensure holistic development of Rajasthan in all areas," CM designate said. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker-designate Narendra Singh Tomar praised Sharma's dedication to the party and ideology, expressing confidence in his capable leadership. "Bhajanlal Sharma has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He is an experienced worker of the party...He is dedicated to the party, and its ideology and his election has sent a good message to the workers. I am very confident that his capable leadership will work in Rajasthan and meet the vision of PM Narendra Modi. I congratulate him and extend him my best wishes," Tomar said. Rajasthan CM designate Bhajanlal Sharma's supporters celebrated outside his residence in Bharatpur. Madhya Pradesh CM-designate Mohan Yadav congratulated Bhajanlal and said that he will pray to Baba Mahakal to set new records of development in Rajasthan. "I congratulate my friend Bhajanlal who has been elected as the CM there. I wish for him to be the most successful CM of Rajasthan. I pray to Baba Mahakal to set new records of development in Rajasthan. Together, under the leadership of PM Modi, double-engine governments in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will take the state ahead," Yadav said. Moreover, Rajasthan CM designate Sharma's mother Gomti Devi said that it has happened by God's will...I had never thought this would happen. His father Krishna Lal Sharma in Bharatpur said, "It is a great thing..." In Jaipur, Bhajanlal's wife, Geet Sharma, extended her gratitude to the public and leaders, considering it a blessing from Prime Minister Modi. She remarked, "I thank the public and all the leaders. This is a blessing given by Modi ji." Celebrations unfolded with firecrackers being burst at the residence of BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani, who is set to become the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha. Union Minister and BJP MP Kailash Choudhary said that in the BJP, our party has taught that CM post is a responsibility, not a post. "In BJP, we have been taught that this (CM post) is a responsibility, not a post. In the coming days, the government will give good governance and bring development to the state," he added. Rajasthan BJP MLA Rajyavardhan Rathore said that party makes decisions after careful consideration. "Parties make decisions after careful consideration. The Rajasthan BJP has received strong leadership. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all our senior leaders," he added. "This is a fantastic decision. What can be a bigger thing than a ground-level worker being given the opportunity? A man who has seen poverty closely, has led the life of a common man and understands the pain of the common man has been given the opportunity. This is great. I would like to extend him my greetings. Under the leadership of Bhajanlal Sharma, Rajasthan will see all-round development," Rathore said. Furthermore, party MLA Balak Nath said that all the selected members will take state forward. "CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CMs Diya ji and Bairwa Ji and Speaker Devnani ji together will take the state forward," he added. Meanwhile, Rajasthan BJP president CP Joshi said that it is a very joyful moment that Bhajanlal Sharma's name has been announced for the CM post of Rajasthan. "He has been serving the party delicately for a very long time... It is a very joyful moment that Bhajanlal Sharma's name has been announced for the CM post of Rajasthan," Joshi said. He further said that Bhajanlal Sharma was proposed as the Chief Minister and leader of the legislative party. "Today, Bhajanlal Sharma was proposed as the Chief Minister and leader of the legislative party. Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa will be the Deputy CMs. Senior leader Vasudev Devnani will be the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha...I congratulate all of them once again on behalf of the entire Rajasthan. This is the victory of Modi's guarantee," he added. He won the Sanganer assembly seat with an impressive margin, securing 145,162 votes against his Indian National Congress (INC) opponent, Pushpendra Bhardwaj, who polled 97,081 votes. In Rajasthan, the vote count painted a starkly different picture from what some of the pollsters had predicted, with the BJP poised to form the government, winning 115 seats, and the Congress trailing at 69 seats. Rajasthan went to the polls for 199 of the 200 assembly seats on November 25. The majority mark in the state is 100. BJP picks MLA Bhajanlal Sharma for Rajasthan CM; Diya Kumari, Prem Chand Bairwa to be deputy CMs Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), according to its mandate, have visited the released people to assess the treatment of detainees and conditions of their detention, Head of the Public Relations Department of the ICRC office in Azerbaijan Ilaha Huseynova told Trend. She said that ICRC also created conditions for the detained individuals' maintaining contact with their families. "We also visited them prior to the handover. They all expressed their willingness to return," the ICRC representative added. Earlier, Azerbaijan has released 32 Armenian personnel as a gesture of peace, inspired by humanist ideals, while Armenia released two Azerbaijani servicemen. The Azerbaijani servicemen Agshin Babirov (born in 2004) and Huseyn Akhundov (born in 2003) went missing in April 2023 in the Shahbuz district of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering Armenia, due to low visibility in bad weather conditions. They were later apprehended by Armenian soldiers. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel New Delhi, December 12 I n a significant move towards fortifying India's aerospace manufacturing and MRO sector, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Tuesday urged leaders of aerospace manufacturing majors to present a collaborative plan outlining their requirements from each department of the Government of India, in order to help them expand supply chains for aerospace manufacturing in India. During the Advisory Group meeting of Aerospace Manufacturers and MROs, the Union Minister, Scindia, also engaged in detailed discussions with MROs on their operational and taxation challenges, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a release. As per the ministry, Scindia assured to relook select taxation and regulatory issues and collectively work towards greater financial viability for MROs. The Civil Aviation Minister further underlined the ministry's commitment towards establishing India as a global hub for aviation, and creating a robust and globally competitive aviation ecosystem. The meeting was attended by players like Airbus, Boeing, Safran, Max Aerospace, GMR MRO, Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, RTX, HAL, AIESL, Pratt & Wittney, Air Works, Taj Air, Bird Executive, Invest India and CII. The meeting also was attended by Gen(Retd) Dr VK Singh, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation & Road Transport and Highways, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and other senior officials from DGCA, AAI, BCAS and MoCA. Civil Aviation Minister Scindia asks aerospace manufacturers to increase supply chain manufacturing footprint in India Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Yokosuka, December 12 C hief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, during his visit to Japan's Yokosuka Base, strengthened the defence ties between the two countries. He was given an overview of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force mission by Vice Admiral Saito Akira, Commander-in-Chief, Self-Defense Fleet. The visit was aimed at reinforcing strategic cooperation while highlighting the growing importance of the India-Japan defence partnership. Chauhan departed from New Delhi for Japan on Sunday night to discuss defence ties between the two Asian countries, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official press release. The visit is aimed at further robust defence ties between the two nations and underscores the growing importance of India-Japan defence cooperation. During his visit, General Chauhan is scheduled to interact with the senior military leadership of Japan and will visit defence formations and establishments. The key highlights of the tour include a call-on with the Minister of Defence, Minoru Kihara, a meeting with the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defence Forces General Yoshida Yoshihide, besides interactions with Commissioner of Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) Fukasawa Masaki, and also with Vice President of the National Institute of Defence Studies (NIDS), Japan Major General Adachi Yoshiki. Additionally, the CDS will interact with the faculty and research scholars at NIDS and also visit military establishments. The meetings and interactions will be aimed at fostering mutual understanding, exchanging views on regional security, contributing towards strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, and cooperating in the field of defence equipment and technology, the ministry said. The CDS will also visit Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) units and undertake interactions with the Commander in Chief Self-Defence Fleet at Funakoshi JMSDF Base. General Anil Chauhan will also visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and lay a wreath in remembrance of the victims of Hiroshima. He will pay special tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Hiroshima towards enhancing peace and tranquilly in the region. The press statement read, "India and Japan celebrate 71 years of diplomatic ties in 2023. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen the special strategic and global partnership. Demonstrating the enduring camaraderie that has flourished between India and Japan over the past 70 years, the visit will further boost bilateral cooperation on a host of strategic issues, particularly in defence collaboration." CDS General Chauhan enhances India-Japan military ties during Yokosuka base visit Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, December 12 I ndia is spearheading discussions on the global stage in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a proactive stance on harnessing the potential of AI for the betterment of humanity. The initiative received acclaim from participants at the 2023 Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit (GPAI). Renowned radio jockey (RJ) Raunac, also known as Bauaa, shared his enthusiasm about the summit, emphasising that AI is not merely a futuristic concept but a current global hot topic. "I wanted to share about this summit I attended, where we talked a lot about artificial intelligence. It's not just a future thing; it's a globally hot topic. The honourable prime minister addressed it, and I even participated in a session with influencers to discuss its possibilities across different sectors," Raunac told ANI. Raunac, who actively participated in a session with influencers, highlighted the depth of discussions on how AI can positively impact various sectors. The three-day programme, with two more days to follow, aims to explore AI's potential applications for the benefit of society. Expressing his views on the initiative, RJ Raunac remarked, " It's a special initiative, and India is taking the lead. I believe everyone attending the summit will learn a lot. The Prime Minister is very vocal about AI, expressing his curiosity by actively engaging with AI experts." International participants also lauded India's leadership in the AI domain. Yoichi Iida, Assistant Vice Minister for International Affairs from Japan, stated, "I was overwhelmed by this innovative programme. The speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was really impressive. There are many initiatives and efforts by the Indian government to accommodate AI solutions in society. I really believe India is taking the lead." Edouard Havis, a participant from France, expressed his satisfaction with India's initiatives, saying, "I am very glad to see that India has taken the lead on all those important subjects. That's very amazing." Jean Martin Jaspers, another participant from France, acknowledged India's growing prominence in the field, stating, "India is becoming one of the most important countries in the world in Artificial Intelligence. We heard a very inspiring speech from the Prime Minister." The summit, held at the newly-built Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, saw PM Modi raising concerns over deep fake and other cons of artificial intelligence. While speaking at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit (GPAI) 2023, being held here in the national capital, PM Modi said that the deep fake challenge is for the entire world as it could be used to create 'deepfakes' to purposefully spread false information or have malicious intent behind their use. The GPAI Summit 2023 is poised to be a milestone event, offering a unique opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of AI. The summit, running from December 12 to 14, gathers influential minds from various sectors, marking a crucial moment for the collaborative advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). As the host city, New Delhi is buzzing with anticipation, gearing up to welcome key stakeholders, experts, and enthusiasts in the field of AI. The inaugural event will set the tone for three days of insightful discussions, deliberations, and collaborations. Since its inception in June 2020, India has made significant contributions to this summit by actively engaging in various initiatives to foster the development, deployment, and adoption of open, safe, secure, and accountable AI. The Artificial Intelligence Summit 2023 will see leaders of the GovTech sector discuss important AI advancements achieved over the past year as well as cutting-edge development strategies for the next few years. The GPAI Summit encompasses crucial governing body meetings and a range of side events designed to showcase AI progress and foster engaging discussions. The GPAI Summit is grounded in the principles of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, a multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to bridge the gap between AI theory and practice. India is taking lead: RJ Raunac, participants laud PM Modi's initiative on Artificial Intelligence Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Scindia meets meets representatives from the airline industry, urges reasonable fare on routes New Delhi, Dec 12 U nion Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Tuesday chaired a pivotal Advisory Group meeting with key representatives from the airline industry to address critical issues concerning performance and services provided to customers. The primary focus of the meeting was on improving On-Time Performance (OTP) for each airline. Scindia directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to reassess technical specifications at VFR-equipped (Visual Flight Rules) airports, aiming to augment the OTP of airlines and ensure a more efficient travel experience for passengers. In addition to scrutinising OTP, the Minister delved into the self-monitoring mechanism related to airfares implemented by each airline. Emphasising the need for fair pricing, he urged airlines to maintain reasonable fares on specific routes. "The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Tariff Monitoring Unit has been also tasked with regularly monitoring airfares on randomly selected routes to ensure compliance," an official said. With a vision to enhance connectivity between tier 2 and tier 3 cities and international destinations, Scindia called upon airlines to submit individual aircraft induction and deployment plans for the next six months. He stressed the importance of prioritising point-to-point direct connectivity and encouraged airlines to scale up capacities, utilising both wide-body and narrow-body-long-range aircraft. Scindia also met the Advisory Group of Aerospace Manufacturers and MROs "and deliberated upon taxation, as well as regulatory issues impacting the growth of the sectors". "...Also, advised aerospace manufacturers to present a collaborative plan outlining their requirements from each department of GOI, in order to help them expand their supply chains in India," he wrote on X. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen Dr. V. K. Singh (retd), Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials from the Ministry also participated in the meeting. Scindia meets meets representatives from the airline industry, urges reasonable fare on routes Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Dec 12 C hief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari on Tuesday urged the Commanders of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to keep pace with the global technological developments especially in the newer domains of space, cyber and electronic warfare. The CAS, speaking at a two-day Commanders' Conference of Western Air Command (WAC) of the IAF, also emphasised on embracing a disruptive pattern of training while fostering a culture of discipline. The conference held here on December 11-12. Chaudhari, the chief guest, was received by Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief WAC and was presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour on his arrival. The CAS interacted with commanders of the WAC AoR (Area of Responsibility) and discussed the impact of emerging technologies, the need for capability enhancement and fully harnessing the potential of human resources. Chaudhari, in his address, complimented WAC for "maintaining a credible operational posture, mounting rapid response on all required occasions and for its invaluable contribution to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, across the globe". He also directed the commanders to ensure that operations are undertaken in an environment of denial to bolster the IAF's aim to become a truly agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of the national interests. Further, during the conference, eminent speakers shared their opinions on multi domain operations envisaged by the IAF in future warfare. IAF chief urges commanders to keep pace with global technological developments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Washington, Dec 12 V isiting Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky made a powerful plea to US Senators to release the $61 billion aid promised by US President Joe Biden, denying charges of corruption in his government that had held up the flow of assistance, even as Kremling said it was monitoring his movements and actions in the US. Zelensky worked to dissuade the Senators that corruption remains a significant problem in his country and is a reason for them not to provide US funds to Ukraine, according to two Senators who attended the meeting. I think the notion of corruption came up because some have said we cant do it, because people will buy yachts with the money. He disabused people of those notions with the reforms that he made out of the (International Monetary Fund) and (European Union). There have been substantial reforms, North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said. Tillis was quoted by the CNN as saying that Zelensky was warmly received and spent his time trying to persuade senators to provide more funding and did not press them about the political standoff in Washington, about whether to add border policy changes to the funding bill for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Tuesday that it will be very closely monitoring the meeting between Biden and Zelensky in Washington. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the potential impact of the Zelensky meeting with Biden and address to the Senate, saying that despite the US aid to Ukraine, there has been no significant success on the battlefield. "It is certainly important for everyone to understand that the tens of billions of dollars pumped into Ukraine did not help it achieve success on the battlefield," he said, adding the meeting will not alter the outcome of Russia's war in Ukraine. "We understand this process; it cannot change the situation on the battlefield, and it cannot change the progress of the special military operation either," he said. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Zelensky will "beg his masters, the producers of his terrible tragicomic show, not to stop generously sponsoring the Kiev regime, and to persuade the White House to care about Ukraine more than about the Americans themselves". Zelensky addressed concerns about corruption in Ukraine during an all-Senators meeting. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Zelensky's meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill was "very powerful". Zelensky "outlined in great detail" what Ukraine needs and how the US can assist the country in defending itself against Russia, Schumer said. "If he gets the help he needs, he will win. If we lose, Putin wins, and this is very, very dangerous for the United States," Schumer said. Zelensky urges swift flow of aid to Ukraine; denies corruption in his govt Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Washington DC, December 13 U S President Joe Biden held a meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed Ukraine's self-defence against Russian offensive, including plans for the coming year. In a statement, the White House said, "President Joseph R Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to underscore the strong and abiding US support for Ukraine's fight for freedom. The leaders discussed Ukraine's self-defense against Russian aggression, including plans for the coming year." US President also announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine and reiterated the critical need for immediate Congressional action to ensure we can continue to support Ukraine's defence. He also stressed the growing cooperation between defence industries of the US and Ukraine, enhanced by the successful US-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held last week. Biden emphasised that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of 50 nations. Zelenskyy briefed Biden on Ukraine's use of the corridor in the Black Sea to export its grain and other products, alleviating global food security concerns and contributing to Ukraine's tax base. In the statement, White House stated, "President Biden stressed that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of over fifty countries brought together by US leadership in defence of a rules-based international order based on a respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states." Biden announced a USD 200 million military package under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. Biden called on the Congress to pass supplemental funding to Ukraine before they take break for holidays, ABC News reported. Seated in the Oval Office alongside Zelenskyy, Biden said, "Congress needs to pass supplemental funding to Ukraine before they break for holiday recess, before they give [Vladimir] Putin the greatest Christmas gift they can possibly give him." "And because we've seen what happens when dictators don't pay the price for the damage and the death and the destruction they cause. They keep going, when no price is paid," he added, according to ABC News report. The aid package requested by the White House has stalled on Capitol Hill as Republicans call for changes in border security and immigration policy in exchange for the passage of funding for Ukraine, according to ABC News report. Zelenskyy also urged Congressional leaders to allow the passage of funding for Ukraine. However, Republican lawmakers emerged from the closed-door talks seemingly undeterred by tying the aid to significant border changes. Zelenskyy thanked the US and other partners for their support and called it a "special day" for Ukraine, with almost 600,000 soldiers now fighting in the ongoing war against Russia.Zelenskyy said, "This is their day, and they prove every day that Ukraine can win." Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Tuesday at a critical moment, as the White House has warned that US aid to Ukraine could imminently dry up and talks over new assistance remain stalled in Congress, according to CNN report. Notably, the US has been offering military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine ever since the war between Kyiv and Moscow started. In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy stated, ""I am glad to be back at the White House and meeting with @POTUS Joe Biden. I am grateful to the U.S. for its unwavering support for Ukraine, including USD 200 million military aid package announced today. In the Black Sea, we defeated the Russian fleet." "Our maritime exports have resumed, bolstering both our economy, which is now growing at 5 per cent, and global food security. We are moving in the right direction, and in our talks with President Biden today, we are discussing ways forward. We have clear and attainable priorities for 2024, including depriving Russia of its air superiority and thwarting its offensive operations; jointly producing arms; and using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Freedom must be well-armed and well-defended," he added. Biden, Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine's self-defence against Russia amid war Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, December 13 S uperstar Shah Rukh Khan wished Rajinikanth on his birthday with a special post. On Tuesday night, SRK took to Instagram and shared a still from the song 'Lungi Dance' from the film 'Chennai Express' which he captioned, "Here's wishing the inimitable legend - @rajinikanth Thalaiva a very happy birthday! Big hugs from me (just one of the many "all the Rajini fans!")...Lots of love sir and may you keep entertaining us for many years to come!!!" https://www.instagram.com/p/C0woDqnIVpg/ In the picture, SRK can be seen bowing to a picture of Rajinikanth. Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK is currently awaiting the release of his film 'Dunki'. Helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film also stars Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani and Vicky Kaushal in pivotal roles. The film is all set to hit theatres on December 21. Recently, the makers unveiled Dunki's official trailer titled 'Dunki: Drop 4' which offers a peek into the endearing world of Rajkumar Hirani. Opening with SRK onboard a train, setting the tone for the adventure that lies ahead. The video unit introduces the wonderfully whimsical characters starting with Hardy, played by SRK, who enters a picturesque village in Punjab and encounters a group of spirited friends - Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli, all sharing a common dream of travelling to London in pursuit of better opportunities and a better life for their loved ones back home. Talking about Rajinikanth, in the coming months, he will be seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in ' 'Thalaivar 170'. It is being directed by TJ Gnanavel. Bachchan and Rajinikanth last worked together in the 1991 film 'Hum', directed by Mukul Anand. Shah Rukh Khan drops special birthday post for inimitable legend Rajinikanth Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Washington, DC, December 13 U S President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that Israel is losing global support due to its "indiscriminate bombing" in Gaza. He criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his coalition over their opposition to a two-state solution, The Times of Israel reported. During a campaign fundraiser in Washington hosted by former AIPAC board chair Lee Rosenberg, Biden said Netanyahu is "a good friend, but I think he has to change, and... This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move." Biden criticised Israel's National Security Minister Ben Gvir by name and rehashed a line he used in July: "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history." He said he has known Israeli leaders for decades, lamenting that "Ben Gvir and company and the new folks don't want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution." Biden said: "They not only want to have retribution -- which they should -- for what Hamas did, but against all Palestinians... They don't want anything to do with the Palestinians." He reiterated the US stance that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians and that not all of Gaza should suffer because of the terror group's brutal October 7 attack on Israel, during which 1,200 people were massacred and some 240 were taken hostage. Biden also took a shot at Palestinian leaders, though he did not specify whether he was referring to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. "The Palestinians have not been governed well at all", he said, as per The Times of Israel. Referring to the planned rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe that the US unveiled in September, Biden said there remains an "opportunity to begin to unite the region." "They still want to do it, but we have to make sure that Bibi understands that he's got to make some moves to strengthen the [PA]," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. "You cannot say there's no Palestinian state at all in the future," Biden said, according to The Times of Israel. "We have to work towards bringing Israel together in a way that provides for the beginning of... a two-state solution," he added. Biden went on to suggest that domestic pressure could cause Netanyahu to move in the direction of two states, noting the protests earlier this year that managed to thwart parts of the judicial overhaul being advanced by his government. He said: "You saw what happened when Bibi tried to change the Supreme Court. Thousands of IDF soldiers said, 'We're out. We're not going to participate. We're not going to support the military'." "That wasn't any outside influence. That came from within Israel," Biden said. "Israel has a tough decision to make. Bibi has got a tough decision to make. There's no question about the need to take on Hamas. None. Zero. They have every right," he said, acknowledging that Israel currently faces "an existential threat." Meanwhile, the US State Department recently approved the sale of 13,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel, bypassing Congress in its review process that is required for arms sales to foreign nations, The New York Times reported, citing a State Department official. The State Department informed the congressional committees on Friday that they were going ahead with the sale, worth more than USD 106 million, even though Congress did not finish an informal review of a bigger order from Israel. Moreover, the department invoked an emergency provision in the Arms Export Control Act, according to a State Department official and a congressional official. Adding that the ammunition shipment has been put on an expedited track, they further said that Congress has no power to stop it, the New York Times reported. Israel losing global support due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza: US President Biden Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mark Wahlberg reveals he joined daughter Ella at frat party during college visit Los Angeles, Dec 13 H ollywood star Mark Wahlberg, recently revealed that he and daughter Ella, 20, attended a frat party together. It happened when he visited his daughter for parents' weekend at Clemson University in South Carolina, reports People magazine. "They were having the most fun I've ever seen anybody have, ever! Even more than her coming to Vegas," Mark told ET of his time visiting Ella's college in September. "I was at the frat house and, you know, a couple of spots in town." "It was nuts. Parents' weekend was incredible," he added. In addition to Ella, Mark and wife Rhea Durham are parents to daughter Grace, 13, and sons Brendan, 15, and Michael, 17. As per People, last month, The Family Plan actor celebrated Thanksgiving with his whole brood, posing for a sweet photo that Durham, 45, shared on Instagram. "Thankful", she captioned the photo, where the family stood together with a stretch of blue sky in the window behind them. While chatting exclusively with People ahead of F45's Wahlberg Week in October, the actor opened up about his family's recent move to Nevada. "Everybody's adapted nicely. The kids are all out at school, and everybody's happy," Mark said of his family. As for their plans for the upcoming holiday season, the actor said, "Well, I'm constantly busy and travelling, so I'm looking forward to getting home and spending some time with the family. Mark Wahlberg reveals he joined daughter Ella at frat party during college visit Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. New realities created by Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus, as well as actions taken to promote long-term peace and stability in the region, are producing favorable outcomes, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency, political expert Sahil Karimli said, Trend reports. As a result of negotiations held between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Armenia on December 7, 2023, guided by the principles of humanism and as measures of mutual trust, an agreement was reached on the release of 32 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan and two Azerbaijani servicemen by Armenia. Today, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides released the servicemen on a mutual basis. "The homecoming of our two servicemen, who had been detained in Armenia for a long time on bogus charges, has brought us immense delight. One notable feature is that this agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia was concluded without the use of any mediators," Karimli said. Azerbaijan and Armenia, according to the political expert, have proved that there is no need for a third party, an intermediary, to normalize relations between them. "It also demonstrates that, for the first time in many years, Armenia and Azerbaijan are developing mutual trust. This accomplishment, I feel, is attributable to Azerbaijan's firm and fair stance," Karimli emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Overcast. High 38F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 33F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Families of American hostages in Gaza say Biden reaffirms commitment to freeing their loved ones President Joe Biden has hosted family members of some of the eight Americans believed still held captive in Gaza, assuring them his administration won't stop working to get their loved ones home BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The US welcomes the exchange of Armenian and Azerbaijani military detainees today, Spokesman for the US State Department Matthew Miller said at a briefing, Trend reports. "We have encouraged, and talked with both governments. We welcome the return of the Armenian and Azerbaijani detainees earlier today, and the reports that additional confidence measures are being discussed. We will continue to work with Armenia and Azerbaijan to move the process forward. We continue to believe that peace is possible if both parties are willing to pursue it," he said. Meanwhile, following the talks between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between the two countries. As a result, today, Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged detained military servicemen. The two countries exchanged detained military personnel in the vicinity of Bala Jafarli village in Azerbaijan's Gazakh province, near the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. Azerbaijan has released 32 Armenian personnel as a gesture of peace, inspired by humanist ideals. Babirov (born in 2004) and Akhundov (born in 2003) went missing in April 2023 in the Shahbuz district of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering Armenia, due to low visibility in bad weather conditions. They were later apprehended by Armenian soldiers. Living through a historic pandemic while handling the stress of the first year of college sent one-third of students in a new study into clinical depression. That's double the percentage seen in previous years of the same study. And while certain genetic factors appeared to shield first-year students in pre-pandemic years from depression, even students with these protective factors found themselves developing symptoms in the pandemic years. In fact, much of the overall rise in student depression during the pandemic was among young women with this kind of "genetic resilience." But the research has a silver lining. By studying these students' experiences and backgrounds in depth and over time, scientists may have discovered a way to go beyond genetics to predict which students might be more or less vulnerable to stress-related depression. The new study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by a team from the Michigan Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan. Potential for prediction and prevention The team used their findings to develop a tool called an Affect Score, that combines answers from a range of standard mental health questionnaires. The score could help colleges and universities offer more social and mental health support to those most at risk. The score might work in other groups of people, too, alone or in combination with genetic risk prediction for depression. But further research is needed. The new findings come from a multi-year longitudinal effort to study the mental health, genetics, personal history, physical activity and sleep of successive groups of first-year college students. It began several years before the pandemic and continues today. These students' experiences during such a stressful time can help us understand the factors that contribute to a rise in depression risk, and inform future efforts to prevent it. Understanding enough to predict is a key initial step to prevention, early detection and early treatment of depression." Huda Akil, Ph.D., senior author of the new paper and former co-director of the institute Lead author Cortney Turner, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at MNI, says "The possibility of preventing depression is what I'm most excited about, because the variables at baseline that appear to play the largest role in Affect Score may be modified with training." That might include summer programs before the start of freshman year to help students feel more confident and positive as they arrive on campus. Harnessing massive data The team developed the Affect Score with the help of a machine learning tool that was used to comb through all the students' responses on thousands of standardized questionnaires and Fitbit data on their activity and sleep. The data in the paper come from students in three cohorts of students, one that completed their freshman year before the pandemic, and two whose freshman experience was impacted by the pandemic. At the start of their freshman year, all took 14 standard questionnaires and gave in-depth interviews conducted by Virginia Murphy-Weinberg, N.P., a highly experienced research nurse. They provided samples of blood and/or saliva to be analyzed in U-M's Advanced Genomics Core. Samples were obtained on a wide range of biological measures pre-pandemic, but this became more limited for the two COVID-19 cohorts. Nevertheless, they contributed monthly salivary samples to measure stress and other hormones. Each student also received a Fitbit to monitor daily activity and sleep patterns. The team also followed up with them multiple times with some of the same questionnaires during the rest of their freshman year and into the summer or next academic year to assess symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in each student. By looking at which genetic variations each student carried on hundreds of thousands of genes, the researchers calculated their individual depression genetic risk score, called an MDD-PRS. Men and women with a high MDD-PRS score were more likely than their classmates to develop depression as freshmen in the pre-pandemic era. But when the pandemic hit, genetics became less important. Men with lower MDD-PRS scores were still less likely to develop depression during the pandemic, but not women with similarly low scores. Meanwhile, the overall risk for the group of students with high MDD-PRS scores didn't change much from the pre-pandemic classes. The pandemic increased not only the incidence of depression in females, but how long it lasts, or its chronicity. No matter their genetic profile, women whose freshman year of college started in 2020 had over eight times the risk of chronic depression symptoms that lasted across that first year and into the summer, compared with those who entered college before the year the pandemic hit, the study shows. The study also identified what is termed "psychological resilience" in individuals whose genetic profiles might make them seem more prone to depression, but who didn't develop it despite going through all or part of their freshman year during a pandemic. "This suggests that when the stress gets strong enough, genetic resilience alone is not enough to buffer against it, especially in females," said Akil. "But by using machine learning to analyze the components of the psychological profiles at baseline, our ability to predict who became depressed was truly remarkable." She continued, "Both the genetic and nongenetic data tell us that nothing is predestined, and there are multiple kinds of resilience. Colleges and universities need to think about strategies for helping young people walk into their freshman year with the positive state of mind and social support that can help them weather stress, no matter what their background." The team continues to test the Affect Score tool on freshmen who entered in 2021, 2022 and this fall. They're also preparing to test a validated psychiatric intervention digital tool that they hope will help with risk. The students in the study were all from the University of Michigan, which offers mental health care and mental well-being support through its Counseling and Psychological Services and its University Health Service. Akil and Turner are members of the U-M Eisenberg Family Depression Center, which offers multiple programs to support the mental health of college students including athletes and veterans. For more than 20 years, the center has sponsored a national conference called Depression on College Campuses; the next conference will occur in March. The center also offers a free online Depression Toolkit to support those experiencing depression symptoms and those who want to help them. In addition to Akil, Turner and Murphy-Weinberg, the research team included Huzefa Khalil, Ph.D. and other MNI faculty, staff and trainees. The study was funded by the Office of Naval Research of the U.S. Navy (N00014-09-1-0598, N00014-12-1-0366 and N00014-19-1-2149), and by grants from the Hope for Depression Research Foundation and the Pritzker Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Consortium Fund LLC. The researchers also used resources from the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (TR002240). Infants born to women with pre-gestational type 2 diabetes who take second-line non-insulin antidiabetic medications (ADMs) during pregnancy are at no higher risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) than infants born to those who take insulin, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. While MCMs, including major cardiac malformations, are more prevalent among infants born to women with pre-gestational diabetes, the researchers observed no differences in risk between infants whose mother treated her diabetes with insulin versus with non-insulin second-line ADMs. The study also found an increase in use of second-line non-insulin ADMs throughout the study period, especially use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the U.S., suggesting the number of infants prenatally exposed to these drugs will continue to increase. The study will be published on December 11, 2023, in JAMA Internal Medicine. It is the first large study to examine the potential risks second-line non-insulin ADMs pose to fetal development in humans. As type 2 diabetes becomes a more common condition among women of reproductive age, and with the recent approval of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide to treat obesity, the number of exposed pregnancies is likely to increase. Our findings provide initial reassurance of safety for infants prenatally exposed to these medications." Carolyn Cesta, first author, assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden Using health databases in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, and Israel, the researchers examined the outcomes of more than 3.5 million pregnancies between 2009 and 2021. Among these pregnancies, 51,826 (1.5%) comprised the study group of women with pre-gestational type 2 diabetes. In the periconceptional period-;between three months before and three months after conception-;15,148 (29.2%) of these individuals filled a prescription for a first- or second-line ADM. The study found that infants whose mother had pre-gestational type 2 diabetes had a substantially higher prevalence of MCMs, including cardiac malformations, compared with infants in the general population. Within the study population of women with type 2 diabetes, 5.58% of infants were born with an MCM and 2.25% were born with a cardiac malformation, compared to 3.76% and 1.31%, respectively, of infants born to the general population. However, within infants born to women with diabetes who took second-line non-insulin ADMs-;sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or SGLT2 inhibitors-;the study did not find a greater risk of MCMs after periconceptional exposure compared with infants exposed to insulin. The researchers noted that some of the study's findings were imprecise, and that continuous monitoring and further research will provide more precise risk estimates. "As more and more parents and their health care providers search for evidence on the safety of these medications, our research can help inform their decisions," said senior author Sonia Hernandez-Diaz, professor of epidemiology at Harvard Chan School. The study was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (grant R01 HD097778); the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant 844728); NordForsk Nordic Program on Health and Welfare (Nordic Pregnancy Drug Safety Studies, project no. 83539); the Research Council of Norway (International Pregnancy Drug Safety Studies, project no. 273366); and the Research Council of Norway's Centres of Excellence (project no. 262700). Many Black Americans who are thought to have a high risk of developing kidney disease possess a protective genetic variant that nullifies the extra risk, a new study from Columbia researchers has found. The study found that high-risk people who carry this variant have a risk of developing kidney disease much closer to that of the general population. The findings will have an immediate impact on clinical practice, says study leader Simone Sanna-Cherchi, MD, associate professor of medicine at Columbia's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Physicians will need to take a closer look at their patients and determine if they should be reclassified based on this finding. And if their reclassified patients do have kidney disease, they'll need to look for another cause that explains their kidney problems." Simone Sanna-Cherchi, MD, associate professor of medicine at Columbia's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Based on the people included in the study, Sanna-Cherchi says between 4% and 10% of patients could be reclassified, although more studies are needed to make more precise estimates. Risk reversal Black Americans develop kidney disease at a rate five times higher than Americans with predominantly European ancestry. Much of the increased risk comes from two variants in the APOL1 gene, G1 and G2, that are more common among Africans and people of African ancestry. The risk for kidney disease, especially focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) that can lead to kidney failure, manifests in individuals carrying two of these variants at the same time (i.e. two G1, one G1 and one G2, or two G2). About 13% of Black Americans carry one of these high-risk APOL1 combinations, which create proteins that tend to damage kidney cells. But only a fraction of high-risk APOL1 carriers eventually develop kidney disease, suggesting that many people carry other genetic modifiers that affect the risk. The new study shows that one such modifier is hidden within the APOL1 gene itself. The researchers found that people who carry a high-risk APOL1 genotype containing the G2 variant (i.e. G1/G2 or G2/2) that also contains a second variant called N264K have much lower risk of developing kidney disease. "Individuals with both of these variants have about one-eighth the risk of kidney disease than those with just APOL1 G2, virtually reducing the risk for FSGS to that of individuals without the APOL1 high-risk genotypes," Sanna-Cherchi says. The finding is consistent with previous research from Sanna-Cherchi's collaborators, who found that the N264K variant protects kidney cells grown in the laboratory from overactive APOL1 proteins created by the high-risk variants. Implications for kidney transplant, new drugs Because people who carry G1 and G2 variants have such a high risk of developing kidney disease, kidney donations from such individuals are often discouraged, because on one hand, an APOL1 high-risk donor would have a high risk of kidney failure after kidney donation and, on the other hand, the recipient of a high-risk kidney would have a shorter graft survival. "This finding could expand the pool of potential kidney donors," Sanna-Cherchi says. "Now we can move APOL1 high-risk G2 carriers to the low-risk donor category if they also test positive for N264K." The presence of N264K also has major implications for APOL1-specific drugs that are currently in development. The new finding adds to evidence that suggests reducing the activity of APOL1 would be an effective way to prevent or treat APOL1-mediated kidney disease. Taking N264K into account also will be critical in testing new APOL1 drugs. "Individuals with N264K should not be included in the intervention arm of these clinical trials, since these people do not have overactive APOL1 proteins or a high risk of APOL1-related kidney disease," Sanna-Cherchi says. "Our findings should allow for a more accurate study design." Next steps Other hidden modifiers probably exist that reduce or enhance the risk of developing kidney disease among APOL1 high-risk carriers, Sanna-Cherchi says. Because N264K is never found in individuals with the G1/G1 genotype, genetic modifiers specific to G1 may exist and could be found with genotype-specific APOL1 studies that require larger sample sizes. A recent study in the journal Hypertension Research assessed whether self-monitoring could be used to manage high blood pressure (BP) and pre-eclampsia in high-risk pregnancies. Study: Using self-monitoring to detect and manage raised blood pressure and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy: The BUMP research program and its impact. Image Credit: SNeG17 / Shutterstock.com Background About 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with high BP, which increases the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, individuals who experience high BP persistently are at an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease. During pregnancy, it is important to detect hypertension at early stages and effectively manage the condition to avoid unfavorable outcomes for both infants and mothers. Unlike non-pregnant women, pregnant women experience rapid changes in BP levels that are challenging to predict. Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) allows an individual to monitor their BP outside clinical settings and has been shown to be highly effective in individuals with hypertension. Recent studies have indicated that SMBP can play an important role in the early detection and management of hypertension in pregnant women, which could reduce the number of visits to clinics. Although many studies have indicated the effectiveness of SMBP during pregnancy, the outcomes were based on small observational studies conducted in Europe, Asia, and North America. Therefore, a large-scale study is needed to validate these observations. How common is SMBP in the United Kingdom? In 2019, a large-scale U.K.-based survey revealed that about 20% of pregnant women currently self-monitor their BP, many of whom have self-identified as hypertensive. Interestingly, most pregnant women who monitored BP independently did not share their readings with their antenatal care team or use pregnancy-validated BP monitors. In fact, one previous systemic review revealed the presence of a mean home-clinic difference in BP readings of 1.2 mmHg systolic BP throughout pregnancy. Based on these findings, it has been proposed that healthcare professionals (HCPs) proactively enquire about SMBP and provide valid information on monitoring BP levels appropriately. The effectiveness and safety of SMBP Several trials have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of SMBP in pregnant women. These trials revealed that SMBP has effectively reduced the number of routine antenatal clinic visits or usual care in low-risk pregnant women. The Blood Pressure Monitoring in Pregnancy (BUMP) pilot study established the possibility of SMBP in higher-risk and hypertensive pregnancies. BUMP1 and BUMP2 trials assessed the possibility of diagnosis and management of hypertension based on SMBP in higher-risk pregnancies. The BUMP trials were randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of SMBP based on more than 3,000 pregnant women. All study participants were at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension. BUMP trial results indicated that using SMBP in higher-risk pregnancies is safe. However, no significant improvement from a clinical diagnosis of hypertension was observed in this population. Importantly, about 61% of the women reported raised SMBP around one month before being detected in clinical settings. This observation supports the potential of SMBP for early detection of hypertension during pregnancy. Unlike the non-pregnant population, the BUMP2 trial indicated that SMBP was not effective in controlling BP. During the BUMP2 trial, the average BP of many participants exceeded that of the Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation (NICE) target of 135/85 mmHg, thus demonstrating the need for antihypertensive medications in this population to maintain BP within the normal range. Future of SMBP Interviews and ethnographic observations revealed that good communication between women and clinicians regarding the use of SMBP could help in shared decision-making. However, future research must focus on alleviating any uncertainties about home-clinic differences, as it could affect clinical recommendations. BUMP trials have shown that some clinicians do not have confidence in SMBP, particularly when it comes to making medical decisions. Clinical accuracy of self-monitored BP readings would help manage hypertension during pregnancy, ensuring healthy outcomes. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the existence of inequalities in maternity outcomes. Without having high-quality and diverse evidence, the implementation of a new antenatal care strategy could exacerbate problems of clinical risks and marginalization for women at-risk groups. Although there has been a slow increase in self-monitoring and remote care in antenatal care, it is essential to understand the inclusiveness of this shift. Identifying an older patient who is at risk for post-operative cognitive dysfunction might be done in the blink of an eye literally. Researchers at Duke Health found that a simple EEG measurement detects a signal of cognitive vulnerability when patients are asked to close, then open their eyes. Conducted prior to surgery, the non-invasive readout of brain waves helps predict which patients are at risk of post-operative confusion and attention problems. "Roughly half of seemingly normal older adults experience problems with thinking, memory or attention after surgery," said Leah Acker, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in Duke's Department of Anesthesiology and lead author of a study appearing Dec. 12 in the British Journal of Anaesthesia. While the exact cause of cognitive dysfunction after surgery is unclear, the biggest predictor of impairment after surgery is pre-existing cognitive impairment. Pre-existing impairment can be difficult to detect with traditional screening tests, though, because many older adults compensate for minor impairments, particularly if they have more education, better support systems, or higher socioeconomic status." Leah Acker, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Duke's Department of Anesthesiology Acker and colleagues said typical cognitive screening tests measure functions such as language skills, short-term recall and time-place orientation. Many people can compensate for these deficits, however, which masks their vulnerability to a common complication arising after surgery. "When people are unaware that they have some cognitive dysfunction, the onset after surgery can be devastating," Acker said. The Duke team used an EEG test to measure a change in brain electrical patters that cannot be disguised. "Our test measures brain reactivity, which is a kind of automatic response. With something that is automatic, there is really no way to compensate," Acker said. When people close and then open their eyes, their brains change specific electrical activity patterns called alpha oscillations. The decrease in alpha oscillations going from closed to open eyes is called alpha attenuation. Specifically, EEG-measured alpha power is lower when our eyes are open and we are processing the visual information around us. Alpha power is higher when we are internally focused or daydreaming. This alpha-power decrease in the eyes-open vs. eyes-closed states remains strong in healthy older adults, but has been reported to be diminished among those with chronic neurocognitive disorders. The Duke team harnessed this observation to devise a predictive test using a quick, preoperative EEG. They assessed 71 patients with a simple eyes-closed, eyes-open task to identify disordered arousal or attention. Patients were all over the age of 60 and were not undergoing neurological or cardiac procedures. The researchers found that the test not only successfully detected which patients would have postoperative inattention, but it also helped identify the degree to which they'd experience problems. While it remains unclear what causes an exacerbation of cognitive impairments in older patients after surgery and anesthesia, identifying patients who are at risk could help them weigh the impact of a procedure, and prepare them for the potential complication. "This test is quite simple to perform and could prepare clinicians to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk for postoperative inattention, and possibly delirium," Acker said. "More generally, because the brain's reaction to something as simple as opening one's eyes is closely associated with specific attention functions, we expect that this may yield insights into the neural mechanisms underlying neurocognitive vulnerability and resilience." In addition to Acker, study authors include Megan K. Wong, Mary Cooter Wright, Melody Reese, Charles M. Giattino, Kenneth C. Roberts, Sandra Au, Cathleen Colon-Emeric, Lewis A. Lipsitz, Michael Devinney, Jeffrey Browndyke, Sarada Eleswarpu, Eugene Moretti, Heather E. Whitson, Miles Berger, and Marty G. Woldorff. The study received support from the National Institutes of Health (UH2AG056925, K76AG05702, 1R01AG073598-01A1, T32GM008600, R03-AG078891), the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers at Duke (P30AG028716) and Harvard (P30AG031679), and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. When Angelo Quinto's family learned that officials blamed his 2020 death on "excited delirium," a term they had never heard before, they couldn't believe it. To them, it was obvious the science behind the diagnosis wasn't real. Quinto, 30, had been pinned on the ground for at least 90 seconds by police in California and stopped breathing. He died three days later. Now his relatives are asking a federal judge to exclude any testimony about "excited delirium" in their wrongful death case against the city of Antioch. Their case may be stronger than ever. Their push comes at the end of a pivotal year for the long-standing, nationwide effort to discard the use of excited delirium in official proceedings. Over the past 40 years, the discredited, racially biased theory has been used to explain away police culpability for many in-custody deaths. But in October, the American College of Emergency Physicians disavowed a key paper that seemingly gave it scientific legitimacy, and the College of American Pathologists said it should no longer be cited as a cause of death. That same month, California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the nation's first law to ban the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis and cause of death on death certificates, autopsy reports, and police reports. Legislators in other states are expected to consider similar bills next year, and some law enforcement agencies and training organizations have dropped references to excited delirium from their policy manuals and pulled back from training police on the debunked theory. Despite all that momentum, families, attorneys, policing experts, and doctors say much remains to be done to correct the mistakes of the past, to ensure justice in ongoing trials, and to prevent avoidable deaths in the future. But after years of fighting, they're heartened to see any movement at all. "This entire thing, it's a nightmare," said Bella Collins, Angelo's sister. "But there are silver linings everywhere, and I feel so fortunate to be able to see change happening." Ultimately, the campaign against excited delirium seeks to transform the way police deal with people undergoing mental health crises. "This is really about saving lives," said Joanna Naples-Mitchell, an attorney who worked on an influential Physicians for Human Rights review of excited delirium. Changing law enforcement training The use of the term "excited delirium syndrome" became pervasive after the American College of Emergency Physicians published a white paper on it in 2009. It proposed that individuals in a mental health crisis, often under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can exhibit superhuman strength as police try to control them, and then die suddenly from the condition, not the police response. The ACEP white paper was significant in catalyzing police training and policy, said Marc Krupanski, director of criminal justice and policing at Arnold Ventures, one of the largest nonprofit funders of criminal justice policy. The theory contributed to deaths, he said, because it encouraged officers to apply greater force rather than call medical professionals when they saw people in aggressive states. After George Floyd's 2020 death, which officers blamed on excited delirium, the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association formally rejected it as a medical condition. Then came disavowals from the National Association of Medical Examiners and the emergency physicians' and pathologists' groups this year. The moves by medical societies to renounce the term have already had tangible, albeit limited, effects. In November, Lexipol, a training organization used by thousands of public safety agencies in the U.S., reiterated its earlier move away from excited delirium, citing the California law and ACEP's retraction of the 2009 white paper. Lexipol now guides officers to rely on what they can observe, and not to guess at a person's mental status or medical condition, said Mike Ranalli, a lawyer and police trainer with the Texas-based group. "If somebody appears to be in distress, just get the EMS," he said, referring to emergency medical services. Patrick Caceres, a senior investigator at the Bay Area Rapid Transit's Office of the Independent Police Auditor, successfully pushed to remove excited delirium from the BART Police Department's policy manual after learning about Quinto's death in 2020 and seeing the American Medical Association's rejection of it the following year. Caceres fears that rooting out the concept not just the term more broadly will take time in a country where law enforcement is spread across roughly 18,000 agencies governed by independent police chiefs or sheriffs. "The kinds of training and the kinds of conversations that need to happen, we're still a long way away from that," said Caceres. In Tacoma, Washington, where three police officers have been charged with the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, The Seattle Times reported that local first responders testified as recently as October that they still "embrace" the concept. But in Colorado, the state's Peace Officer Standards and Training board ruled on Dec. 1 to drop excited delirium training for new law enforcement officers, KUSA-TV reported. And two Colorado lawmakers, Democratic state Reps. Judy Amabile and Leslie Herod, have drafted a bill for the 2024 legislative session banning excited delirium from other police and EMS training and prohibiting coroners from citing it as a cause of death. "This idea that it gives you superhuman strength causes the police to think they should respond in a way that is often completely inappropriate for what's actually happening," Amabile said. "It just seems obvious that we should stop doing that." She would like police to focus more on de-escalation tactics, and make sure 911 calls for people in mental health crisis are routed to behavioral health professionals who are part of crisis intervention teams. Taking 'excited delirium' out of the equation As the Quinto family seeks justice in the death of the 30-year-old Navy veteran, they are hopeful the new refutations of excited delirium will bolster their wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Antioch. On the other side, defense lawyers have argued that jurors should hear testimony about the theory. On Oct. 26, the family cited both the new California law and the ACEP rebuke of the diagnosis when it asked a U.S. District Court judge in California to exclude witness testimony and evidence related to excited delirium, saying it "cannot be accepted as a scientifically valid diagnosis having anything to do with Quinto's death." "A defense based on BS can succeed," family attorney Ben Nisenbaum said. "It can succeed by giving jurors an excuse to give the cops a way out of this." Meanwhile, advocates are calling for a reexamination of autopsies of those who died in law enforcement custody, and families are fighting to change death certificates that blame excited delirium. The Maryland attorney general's office is conducting an audit of autopsies under the tenure of former chief medical examiner David Fowler, who has attributed various deaths to excited delirium. But that's just one state reviewing a subset of its in-custody deaths. The family of Alexander Rios, 28, reached a $4 million settlement with Richland County, Ohio, in 2021 after jail officers piled on Rios and shocked him until he turned blue and limp in September 2019. During a criminal trial against one of the officers that ended in a mistrial this November, the pathologist who helped conduct Rios' autopsy testified that her supervisor pressured her to list "excited delirium" as the cause of death even though she didn't agree. Still, excited delirium remains his official cause of death. The county refused to update the record, so his relatives are suing to force a change to his official cause of death. A trial is set for May. Changing the death certificate will be a form of justice, but it won't undo the damage his death has caused, said Don Mould, Rios' stepfather, who is now helping to raise one of Rios' three children. "Here is a kid that's life is upside down," he said. "No one should go to jail and walk in and not be able to walk out." In some cases, death certificates may be hard to refile. Quinto's family has asked a state judge to throw out the coroner's findings about his 2020 death. But the California law, which takes effect in January and bans excited delirium on death certificates, cannot be applied retroactively, said Contra Costa County Counsel Thomas Geiger in a court filing. And, despite the 2023 disavowals by the main medical examiners' and pathologists' groups, excited delirium or a similar explanation could still show up on future autopsy reports outside California. No single group has authority over the thousands of individual medical examiners and coroners, some of whom work closely with law enforcement officials. The system for determining a cause of death is deeply disjointed and chronically underfunded. "One of the unfortunate things, at least within forensic pathology, is that many things are very piecemeal," said Anna Tart, a member of the Forensic Pathology Committee of the College of American Pathologists. She said that CAP plans to educate members through conferences and webinars but won't discipline members who continue to use the term. Justin Feldman, principal research scientist with the Center for Policing Equity, said that medical examiners need even more pressure and oversight to ensure that they don't find other ways to attribute deaths caused by police restraint to something else. Only a minority of deaths in police custody now cite excited delirium, he said. Instead, many deaths are being blamed on stimulants, even though fatal cocaine or methamphetamine overdoses are rare in the absence of opioids. Yet advocates are hopeful that this year marks enough of a turning point that alternative terms will have less traction. The California law and ACEP decision take "a huge piece of junk science out of the equation," said Julia Sherwin, a California civil rights attorney who co-authored the Physicians for Human Rights report. Sherwin is representing the family of Mario Gonzalez, who died in police custody in 2021, in a lawsuit against the city of Alameda, California. Excited delirium doesn't appear on Gonzalez's death certificate, but medical experts testifying for the officers who restrained him cited the theory in depositions. She said she plans to file a motion excluding the testimony about excited delirium in that upcoming case and similar motions in all the restraint-asphyxia cases she handles. "And, in every case, lawyers around the country should be doing that," Sherwin said. This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. In a recent article published in BMC Public Health, researchers described the protocol of the MEDITAGING study conducted among old Portuguese-speaking migrants in Luxembourg. This double-blinded, monocentric, randomized controlled trial quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) vis-a-vis a health promotion program (HPP) developed based on the literature in the field. Study: The MEDITAGING study: protocol of a two-armed randomized controlled study to compare the effects of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program against a health promotion program in older migrants in Luxembourg. Image Credit: Jorm Sangsorn/Shutterstock.com Background Luxembourg has a large inflow of first-generation immigrants (born in the 1960s/70s) from Portugal, who are now in advanced ages. Per the 2020 census, they make up 47% of the population in the country, of which >4% are Portuguese migrants aged 65 years. These senior immigrants face language barriers, have fewer socioeconomic resources, and have poor emotional and social support. Thus, they are at high risk of adverse cognitive and health outcomes, which may increase the need for care for this population. In the past, studies done on low-income African-American older adults have established the feasibility of a mindfulness-based program, such as MBSR. MBRS interventions address both attention training and stress relief; thus, it is a promising tool to counteract age-related structural and functional loss underlying the reduction of attention, a cognitive skill, which, in addition to stress, may exacerbate cognition and physical decline, especially in vulnerable older people. About the study Thus, in the present study, researchers pursued evidence of the effects of mindfulness interventions in older populations of Portuguese-speaking immigrants in Luxembourg. During the study recruitment, they invited them to participate via multiple institutions, e.g., recreation clubs, Portuguese Associations, and mass media channels operating in Luxembourg. All study participants were 55 years old with no psychiatric /neurological disorders or illness. They scored 22 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and were literate, which was necessary to carry out the activities proposed in this study. The team needed 90 participants in this study, 45 in each arm considering intergroup interaction, with 80% power and 5% type I error probability. They chose this group because they are the largest (over one-third) and most susceptible group of immigrants in Luxembourg who could benefit the most from study interventions targeting the preservation of cognitive functioning. Moreover, their inability to speak English negatively influenced their social relationships, feelings of belonging, and well-being after migration to Luxembourg. The site where researchers conducted study group sessions was the premise of a company (Zitha) that provides geriatric care in Luxembourg. During the index meeting with the participants, researchers made baseline assessments; for instance, they enquired about their sociodemographic and health via questionnaires, cognitive tests, and qualitative interviews. Specifically, they assessed executive functioning, cognitive ability, sleep quality, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness traits. Additionally, the researchers explored potential moderating factors, anticipating that the MBSR group would show improved cognitive tasks and stress relief than the HPP group. At the culmination of the baseline session, the team randomly assigned all participants to one of the two study groups (MBSR or HPP). Later, they made two assessments, one after the final session and another after a three-month interval. All the study sessions were delivered weekly in face-to-face sessions of two and a half hours each in groups of nine people. A psychologist qualified to apply for the MBSR program by the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness oversaw all sessions and asked all participants to practice for ~40 minutes at home daily. Participants also received a printed manual outlining program content and activities. In these sessions, they trained participants to be mindful, i.e., live in the present and be attentive, to respond consciously to their circumstances while acknowledging all experiences, including negative ones. The MEDITAGING program also encompassed a four-hour silent retreat to address meditation skills and allow for introspection. The HPP covered a psychoeducation program aiming to positively impact lifestyle and well-being by addressing risk factors for dementia, unhealthy behaviors, cognitive stimulation, etc. Post-administration of intervention, researchers evaluated the need for adjustments and any difficulties encountered during the program and analyzed the adherence and dropout rates. Other notable aspects of the study protocol were that they provided training to assessors to ensure participant safety and assessment quality. They used Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and post-intervention interviews to assess adverse effects. Further, the researchers periodically reviewed risks and updated protocol changes. They pseudonymized data, thus, used codes to replace names to ensure anonymity, stored data in a database, never transferred personally identifiable data to the laboratory, and checked its quality. Further, the team conducted statistical analyses on the modified intention-to-treat (ITT) population using mixed-effect regression models and a significance threshold of <5%. They computed effect sizes for each cognitive score and ran separate models to analyze demographic factors and other variables. It is worth mentioning that authors shared the findings and aggregated data of the MEDITAGING project via scientific journals and conferences, from where public talks and mass media (e.g., newspapers, Twitter) could further disseminate these in the larger community. Conclusion Researchers used an innovative control condition in this study, unlike passive conditions used in earlier studies. So, the researchers postulated that both the MBSR and the HPP groups benefitted from the interventions. Nonetheless, due to the nature of the intervention condition, they assumed that the MBSR group would present more gains in executive functioning and stress relief. The use of these surrogate measures, such as cortisol and HRV measures, very well complemented the neuropsychological assessment, which reinstate the efficacy of the MBSR interventions. Overall, this study underscores the importance of initiatives like MEDITAGING that use non-pharmacological interventions to promote healthy aging, especially in more vulnerable populations, such as immigrants. Stocks to Watch: GIFT Nifty on the NSE IX traded 7 points, or 0.03 per cent, higher at 21,078.50, signaling that Dalal Street was headed for a muted start on Wednesday. Wipro: It signed a new agreement with one of the worlds leading general insurance companies, RSA to help accelerate the insurers migration to the cloud and build a scalable IT infrastructure. Axis Bank: As per Moneycontrol, private equity giant Bain Capital is likely to sell a further stake in the lender via a fresh block deal worth $444 million today. Entities associated with Bain Capital are looking to sell a 1.1 per cent stake. Laurus Labs: Laurus Synthesis, a wholly owned subsidiary of Laurus Labs, has been issued a Form 483 with five observations after the US FDA inspected its manufacturing facility in Parawada, Anakapalli, near Visakhapatnam between Dec 4-12. SRF: The company said two of the four new plants have been commissioned and capitalized at an aggregate cost of Rs 225 crore. This relates to its earlier announcement of capital expenditure to set up four plants and capacity enhancement of an existing plant at an estimated cost of Rs 604 crore. CGDs: Gas companies have told the govt they are wary of committing investments without knowing the time period in which natural gas will be offered a free play in the economy. Read Bank of Baroda: The banks capital raising committee will meet on Dec 15 to consider fundraising. Indian Bank: The public sector lender has launched a qualified institution placement (QIP) issue at a floor price of Rs 414.44 per share. The issue price will be fixed on Dec 15. Shilpa Medicare: Shilpa Medicares Unit VI, Bengaluru has received approval from TGA, Australia to manufacture medicinal oral mouth dissolving films (wafers). This approval will enable the company to secure approval and market its oral film products in Australia. Force Motors: The firms board has approved a plan to acquire 12.2 per cent stake in TP Surya, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy, to procure solar power from a specific solar plant, which will be established by TP Surya under Open Access Mode. Jammu & Kashmir Bank: The banks board meeting will be held on Dec 14 to consider fundraising. Mankind Pharma: Mauritius-based Beige Ltd has sold partial stake in Mankind Pharma through bulk deals on Tuesday. The investors have sold about 1.44 crore shares or 3.6% stake at Rs 1,832 apiece, taking the deal value to Rs 2,640 crore. Bank of Baroda: A meeting of capital raising committee of the Bank is scheduled to be held on December 15 to discuss and finalize the quantum of the first tranche of Tier II/Sub debt instruments issue within the Board approved capital raising plan. Equitas Small Finance Bank: The Board approved the appointment of Ashwini Biswal as Chief Compliance Officer of the Bank for a period of five years. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has issued the ICSI CS December 2023 exam admit card. Candidates appearing for the ICSI CS December 2023 exams can download the admit card by visiting the official website of Institute of Company Secretaries of India at icsi.edu. Candidates are required to go to the official website and log in using their registration number to download the exam admit card. The e-admit card has been released for executive (old and new syllabus) and professional programmes December 2023 examination. It must be noted by the candidates that the admit card for the ICSI CS exam is a mandatory document to be carried by students at the examination centre. If one fails to do so, they will not be allowed to sit for the examination. ICSI CS December 2023: Steps To Download Hall Ticket Candidates can follow the steps provided below to download the ICSI CS December 2023 exam hall ticket: Step 1: Candidates need to go to the official website of Institute of Company Secretaries of India CS at icsi.edu. Step 2: Look for and click on the CS hall ticket link available on the websites homepage. Step 3: Key in your credentials such as login ID and password to proceed. Step 4: Once done, the ICSI CS December 2023 admit card will be displayed on the screen. Step 5: Cross-check all the information mentioned on the CS December 2023 admit card and download it. Step 6: Take a printout of the same for the examination day. ICSI CS December 2023: Details Mentioned On Admit Card Candidates must check the following details on the ICSI CS December 2023 admit card: Name of the candidate Roll number Registration number Name of the examination Examination centre details Reporting time Mode of examination Exam Guidelines ICSI CS December 2023: New Syllabus Exam Dates Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws (Group-1): December 21 Capital Market and Securities Laws (Group-2): December 22 Company Law and Practice (Group-1): December 23 Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws (Group-2): December 24 Setting Up of Business, Industrial and Labour Laws (Group-1): December 26 Tax Laws and Practice (Group-2): December 27 Corporate Accounting and Financial Management (Group-1): December 28 Furthermore, the ICSI CS December 2023 exam is scheduled to take place from December 21 to December 27. The ICSI CS exam format consists of 20 percent case-based objective-type questions and 80 percent descriptive questions for all papers in the Executive Programme, except for Paper No. 4, Corporate Accounting and Financial Management, which comprises 100 percent descriptive questions. Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma marked his 5th wedding anniversary with his wife Ginni Chatrath on Tuesday. To make the occasion special, Kapil Sharma dropped a heartwarming post on his Instagram handle. He posted a priceless picture of him and his wife, walking hand in hand alongside a hilarious caption that read, 5 saal kab nikal gye pata hi nahin chala. Aisa lagta hai jaise abhi 50 saal pehle ki baat hai Happy Anniversary Mrs. Sharma. Love and happiness always. (5 years have passed, and I didnt even realise it. It feels like it was just a matter of 50 years ago.) As soon as the post was uploaded, Kapil Sharmas fans and followers poured best wishes in the comments section, with one fan stating, Happy Anniversary brother to you and bhabi ji, and another sharing, Perfect pic, God Bless. Even industry friends joined in to offer their congratulations, with actor Kavita Kaushik saying, Happy Anniversary my sweetest buddies. Dher saara pyaar. Dia Mirza also sent her wishes with a simple, Happy Anniversary. The comment section was flooded with congratulatory messages. Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma) Previously, Kapil Sharma delighted fans by sharing two precious snapshots from an overseas vacation with his wife, Ginni Chatrath. In the first photo, the couple is captured is seen posing for the cameras. The second image beautifully encapsulates a moment of pure love, with Kapil and Ginni lost in each others gaze. Expressing his gratitude for Ginnis presence in his life, Kapil poured his feelings into the caption, and wrote, Happy birthday, Ginni. Thank you for everything. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma) Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatraths love story began during Ginnis college days when Kapil was her theatre teacher. The couples journey led to them exchanging vows on December 12, 2018, in a traditional Punjabi ceremony held in Jalandhar, Punjab. Post their wedding, the couple hosted an extravagant reception in Mumbai to celebrate with friends and family. Presently, Kapil and Ginni are proud parents to a four-year-old daughter named Anayra and a two-year-old son named Trishaan. Kapil Sharma started his television journey with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (Season 3) and entered Bollywood with Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon. He also appeared in a Netflix special and acted in Nandita Das Zwigato. He is gearing up to feature in director Rajesh Krishnans comedy-drama film, The Crew, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon. Additionally, he has an upcoming untitled project with Netflix, co-starring Sunil Grover. This will be after six years, the comedian duo will reunite for a collaboration. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The European Union is working with Azerbaijan and Armenia to conduct another meeting in Brussels, a source at the European Council told Trend. "The Brussels process is intense and the EU is working with partners to identify next moment for meeting," the source said. Meanwhile, following the recent agreement reached between Baku and Yerevan on the release of military servicemen, President of the European Council Charles Michel welcomed those steps, calling it an "unprecedented opening in political dialogue". Welcome in particular release of detainees and unprecedented opening in political dialogue. Establishing and deepening bilateral dialogue between sides has been a key objective of the EU-led Brussels process: todays [Dec. 7] progress is a key step. I now encourage the leaders to finalise the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal as soon as possible, he said. Days after being picked by the Bharatiya Janata Party, first-time MLA Bhajanlal Sharma took oath as the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan on Friday, December 15. Hailing from Nadbai in Bharatpur district, Sharma was fielded as the BJP candidate from Sanganer, where he defeated Congresss Pushpendra Bhardwaj with a margin of 48,081 votes. Sharma has been with the BJP in Rajasthan for almost two decades with some describing him as the longest-serving general secretary in the party. Here is all you need to know about new Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma: DETAILS Name Bhajan Lal Sharma Date of Birth 15 December 1967 Birthplace Atari Nadbai, Bharatpur Education MA in Political Science Spouse Geeta Sharma Children 2 Sons EDUCATION Bhajan Lal Sharma is a postgraduate in Political Science from Rajasthan University, Jaipur. He went for schooling in the Bharatpur districts Atari village and Nadbai town. He runs an agriculture supplies business. POLITICAL CAREER Considered a hardcore RSS man, Sharma was actively involved in the agitation for the Ram temple in Ayodhya at the site where the Babri mosque stood. In 1992, he spent time in jail for this. He also became the village sarpanch twice, starting at the age of 27. He also joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and also took up social causes in Nabadi and Bharatpur. Over the past three decades, Sharma has held various posts in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and in the party organisation. Sharma actively participated in the 1990 ABVP protest in which thousands of students from across the country gathered in Jammu to march towards Srinagar. Sharma then moved on to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJPs youth wing. He was BJYMs district president thrice before becoming the parent partys Bharatpur district secretary and its district president. Leaving Bharatpur for the BJPs Rajasthan headquarter, Sharma became the partys state vice president, and is now a general secretary in the state BJP. Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first time MLA, won the Jaipurs Sanganer constituency with a margin of 48,081 votes. Sharma belongs to Bharatpur but was given a ticket from Sanganer after denying a ticket to sitting MLA Ashok Lahoty. A group photo taken at the BJP office here ahead of Tuesdays legislature party meeting showed Bhajan Lal Sharma in the very last row. An hour or so later, he had jumped places to front and centre stage. Other Facts According to local BJP leaders, Bhajan Lal Sharma, as party general secretary, was instrumental in expanding the BJPs base and keeping party workers active during the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, which led to BJPs victory in the state. Bhajan Lal Sharma is considered within the party to be the go-to man when it comes to organisational matters. His total declared assets are Rs 1.5 crore, which includes Rs 43.6 lakh in moveable assets and Rs 1 crore as immovable assets. Sharma belongs to Bharatpur, but he was given a ticket from Sanganer after denying a ticket to sitting MLA Ashok Lahoty. He has been the longest serving General Secretary in Rajasthan BJP and he belong to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). **This article was originally published on December 13, 2023. It was updated and republished after the swearing-in of Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma and deputy CMs Prem Chand Bairwa and Diya Kumari.** In the heart of the nations capital, the Parliament House stood tall and imposing, not just as a symbol of democracy, but also a fortress safeguarded by an intricate web of security measures. For years, it had been perceived as one of the most secure places in the country, a haven where the elected representatives could carry out their duties without fear. However, today two visitors managed to enter the parliament with cannisters. The two accused Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma seated in the visitors gallery took out canisters from their shoes and jumped towards the desk where Members of Parliament were seated during the session. The incident has shaken the security foundations of this security system. The breach happened on the same day when Parliament was attacked by terrorists. VIDEO | Police detain a man and a woman who were protesting outside #Parliament premises using colour smoke canisters. pic.twitter.com/V6nB7ljhXh Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 Though, there is no link with these two incidents as the security officials have ruled out any terror angle. Agencies have said that the two accused were common persons willing to register their protest. Guardians of Security At the epicentre of the Parliaments security apparatus stood the Joint Secretary (Security), a figure entrusted with the daunting responsibility of overseeing operations involving Parliament Security Services, Delhi Police, Parliament Duty Group, and various allied security agencies. The security system has been designed as a multi-layered defense, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and traditional security measures. Tyre killers and road blockers are strategically placed and a Security Power Fence adorns the perimeter, creating a threat to intruders. A joint command and control centre has been established for better coordination. Area wise responsibility Security Officer/Assistant Director (Security) will ensure proper checking of passes of persons moving inside Parliament House building and raise cases of misuse, if any to the Deputy Director (Security). The area in-charge ensures that all the specific norms and regulation of their area of responsibility are properly implemented without any dilution and the staff is briefed properly. VIDEO | Visuals from inside Lok Sabha when the reported security breach took place.More details are awaited. #Parliament pic.twitter.com/O9n9nu6ZKj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 All Supervisory Officers take frequent rounds of their respective area of responsibility to intercept any person moving around in a suspicious manner. Passes and Protocols Within the Parliamentary complex, the issuance of Gallery passes was a process meticulously governed by controlled protocols. Only Members of Parliament could apply and the methods included paper applications or the Digital Sansad Website. Each pass was assigned a unique ID and stringent measures were in place during sessions to prevent labourers from obtaining passes. Gadgets and Fortifications The security arsenal boasted Door-frame Metal Detectors, modern gadgets, and Radio Frequency Tags controlling vehicle access. However, the fortress was not impervious and the recent incident has prompted a closer examination of the security infrastructure. A visitor in the Parliament gets frisked and his or her bags are checked at least thrice. The process starts with the entry in the parliament area. After getting through from metal detectors, one enters into second level of security check, before entering into visitor gallery where another security check is done. Arms Prohibition Even as some Members of Parliament enjoy security cover, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited within the Parliament House Complex. Only designated security personnel were granted this privilege, with a meticulous process at each gate. Identification and Coordination The access inside the Parliament is relied on identification, verification, and coordination among various security agencies, responding to an ever-evolving threat landscape. The Parliament Security Service play a pivotal role in liaising with Delhi Police, Parliament Duty Group, Intelligence Bureau, Special Protection Group, and National Security Guard. What Went Wrong? The breach on Wednesday left security forces puzzled. Visitors managed to navigate all security checkpoints, including metal detectors and manual frisking, infiltrating the seating area of Members of Parliament with canisters in hand. The suspicion lingered on a lax approach during visitor frisking, raising alarming questions about the integrity of Parliaments security. As investigations unfolded, the story of a breach in the parliamentary security continued to unravel, casting a shadow on the supposedly impregnable fortress that guarded the heart of the nation. The layers of security, once believed to be impenetrable, now faced scrutiny, prompting a re-evaluation of the measures in place to protect the sanctity of the Parliament House. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday faced down rebels in his Conservative party by winning a knife-edge parliamentary vote on his latest plans to send migrants to Rwanda. In a tense vote, he saw off a Tory rebellion, winning the first substantive hearing of the so-called Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill by 313 votes to 269. Sunak, in power for just over a year, has staked his political future on cutting record levels of regular and irregular migration and the issue is likely to feature prominently in the next election. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill faces criticism both from Conservative centrists who think it skirts with breaking international law, and from lawmakers on the partys authoritarian right, who say it doesnt go far enough to ensure migrants who arrive in the UK illegally. What is UKs Safety of Rwanda bill? The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill 2023 is the UK governments latest attempt to deport asylum seekers to the east African country as part of efforts to cut immigration, after previous attempts were ruled illegal. It means those migrants who arrive illegally in Britain will be sent to Rwanda. Under the plan, anyone who arrived in Britain illegally after January 1, 2022, faced being sent to Rwanda, around 6,400 km away. Sunaks proposed law will overcome a ruling by the UK Supreme Court that termed the plan to send migrants to Rwanda as illegal. The Rwanda plan is an expensive, highly controversial policy that hasnt sent a single person to the East African country so far. The plan has already cost the government at least $300 million in payments to Rwanda, which agreed in 2022 to process and settle hundreds of asylum-seekers a year from the UK Sunak believes that will deter migrants from making the hazardous journeys and break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. More than 29,000 people have done so this year, down from 46,000 in all of 2022. Why is Rwanda Policy So Important To Sunak? After becoming prime minister in October 2022, Sunak made stopping the boats one of his top five priorities. Britain is currently spending more than 3 billion pounds a year on processing asylum applications, with the cost of housing migrants awaiting a decision in hotels and other accommodation running at about 8 million pounds a day. The bill is crucial for Sunak before the general elections as polls indicate the Conservatives are some 20 points behind the opposition Labour Party and one former senior minister said they faced electoral oblivion in an election expected next year unless he got the plan up and running. Why is it controversial? Human rights groups and legal experts say the bill proposes overriding any laws that will prevent a migrant from being deported, and compelling courts and tribunals to treat Rwanda as a safe country. It also orders the courts to ignore other British laws or international rules, such as the International Refugee Convention, that prevent deportations to Rwanda. Ministers would be allowed to ignore any emergency order from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to temporarily halt a flight to Rwanda while an individual case is still being considered. Why are right-wingers unhappy? Tory hardliners want the legislation to go even further by overriding the entire UK Human Rights Act, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the UN refugee convention and all other international law. They believe the bill would delay the deportation of migrants by allowing them to challenge their deportation to Rwanda on specific individual grounds if they can prove that it would leave them at real risk of serious harm. Migrants would then be able to appeal those claims, leading to further delays. (With inputs from agencies) Sabarimala Shrine in Kerala is witnessing a huge footfall this month leading to chaos and anger among the pilgrims as many of them have to turn back without completing their pilgrimage. The pilgrims, who hailed from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and parts of Kerala, blamed poor management for the visitors and claimed that they had to wait in queue for as long as 10-12 hours. An average of 62,000 pilgrims visited the hill shrine daily during the first 19 days of the Mandala Pooja season, however, the number increased to 88,000 in the four days since December 6 and this was the cause of the huge rush, a statement from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans office said on Tuesday. The chaos and lack of facilities at the shrine has led to a political fight with the opposition Congress and the BJP alleging the government of not providing basic facilities for the pilgrim. The Kerala High Court has also directed the authorities to ensure support to the Sabarimala pilgrims who reach the shrine and to provide adequate parking facilities for the vehicles. News18 takes a look at the reasons behind the sudden increase in pilgrims in Sabarimala and the challenges authorities have to face: Annual Pilgrimage Season in Sabarimala The annual 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakkku pilgrimage to the hill-top shrine began on November 16, the first day of the auspicious Malayalam month of Vrichikam. The Mandala Kalam is an auspicious period of worship that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrischikam in mid-November. Rituals will be held until the day of Mandala Puja on December 27 and the temple will be closed at 10pm. In order to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all devotees, the government had introduced a dynamic queue-control system this season to manage crowding at sannidhanam. The authorities also increased the darshan timings at the Lord Ayyappa shrine by an hour from 3 pm to 11 pm instead of from 4 pm to 11 pm following an increase in devotees. Huge Crowd in December The month of December receives unusual footfall every year due to the annual pilgrimage season Mandalam-Makaravilakkku. This year the figure has touched around 90,000 and may go higher. However, this year footfall is not a record high as last year a maximum of 1.07 lakh devotees visited the temple on December 12. Similarly on December 13 and 14 in 2022, the temple witnessed a footfall of 77,216 and 64,617 devotees respectively. This year too, an average of 62,000 pilgrims visited the hill shrine daily during the first 19 days, and 88,000 pilgrims visited since December 6, during the Mandala Pooja season, a CMO statement said. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the officials concerned to ensure a more coordinated system to manage the heavy rush and provide necessary facilities for pilgrims at the hill shrine. Why Managing Huge Crowd is Difficult? There are several reasons: Pilgrims who stand in the queues for long hours often lose their patience and try to breach the queue. Those who successfully cross the barricades and reach Pathinettam padi result in uncontrollable rush at near the holy steps. Due to the long queue from Sannidhanam to Sabaripeedam, the authorities restricted the pilgrims at Pamba. As a result, the vehicles for pilgrims are restricted at places like Erumeli, Pamba, Nilackal and Elavunkal, further resulting in long queues of vehicles. Even though when there is no heavy traffic on the saranapatha, which is the hill route from Pampa to sannidhanam, the traffic congestion is severe in paths leading to Pampa. Though it is expected that 4,200 people passing through the holy 18 steps every hour, the actual rate is between 3,800 to 3,900 per hour as around 30% of the devotees are elderly people and children. Why Doesnt Sabarimala Accommodate Huge Crowds Sabarimala shrine is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The Ayappa temple in Sabarimala is located at an altitude of 914 metre and is a long uphill journey on foot though forests and rough terrain. There are several routes to reach Sabarimala including Erumeli route, Vandiperiyar route and the Chalakayam route. While Erumeli is considered the traditional path believed to be the one taken by Ayyappan is also the toughest of the lot, requiring a trek of about 61 km through forest and hill tracks. The easiest route to the hilltop shrine is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala, after which one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple. The hilly terrain and the long trek are the reasons why the crowd management becomes more difficult task. In a heartening tale of resilience and self-reliance, 60-year-old Parkavanam from Konur village in Tamil Nadu has been selling vegetables for the past 15 years. Despite having four sons, settled and married, Parkavanam chooses not to depend on them. Instead, she engages in the daily business of selling vegetables to earn her living. Parkavanams vegetable shop, located near the Villupuram Gandhi statue in Konur village, offers a variety of produce, including spinach, sprouts, banana stems, gourds, lemons, agathi leaves, and tamarind. Her dedication to sustaining herself independently is an inspiration to many. Notably, she manages not only her daily needs but also takes care of her medical expenses with the income from her vegetable business. This story echoes a similar tale of perseverance and hard work from earlier this year. Lakshmibala Devi, a 102-year-old woman from Kolaghat in West Bengal, made headlines for her commitment to working and earning a living. Born in 1920 in the Bagdiha village of Kolaghat, Lakshmibala faced poverty and societal challenges after getting married at the age of 13. Undeterred, she decided to support her husband financially and started working at a young age. Lakshmibala, the mother of five daughters and a son, continued working even after her husbands passing when her son was just 7 years old. Her son, Gaur, now runs a tea shop in Kolaghat market and supports her in transporting vegetables to the market on his bicycle every week. Despite her declining health, Lakshmibala remains resilient, buying vegetables and grains from local farmers and selling them in the market until noon. Both Parkavanam and Lakshmibala exemplify the strength and determination of women who choose to work and sustain themselves independently, defying societal expectations and age-related challenges. Their stories resonate as powerful examples of self-reliance and the enduring spirit that knows no age or limitations. In a world where such stories often go viral on social media, these narratives serve as reminders of the indomitable human spirit and the ability to find purpose and fulfilment through hard work and perseverance. A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan was killed and another one injured after Naxalites attacked a team of security personnel and triggered a blast of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, police said. The incident occurred around 11 am in Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine area under Chhote Dongar police station limits when the security personnel were out on an area domination operation, a senior police official said. Naxalites triggered an IED blast and opened firing on the patrolling team that led to an encounter between the two sides, he said. Constable Kamlesh Sahu, belonging to the CAFs 9th battalion, was killed in the incident, while another constable Vinay Kumar Sahu sustained minor injuries, he said. The deceased jawan was a native of Janjgir-Champa district of the state, he said. The injured jawan was shifted to a local hospital, he said. The search operation by a joint team of Indo Tibetan Border Police and District Reserve Guard is underway in the area, he added. The shocking scenes in Parliament on Wednesday could have been worse but for the quick thinking and bravery shown by two Members of Parliament, Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Hanuman Beniwal, who caught two intruders and pinned them down. Aujla, the Congress MP from Amritsar, showed News18 his yellow-stained hand which was a result of one of the intruders spraying the canister on him after being caught. Aujla had overpowered the second intruder who jumped in after the first one who was caught by Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MP Hanuman Beniwal. If I had not caught him in time, he in all probability would have reached the Speakers chair as no MPs were sitting in front of me, Beniwal told News18. Aujla said that he went after the second intruder as he saw Beniwal had pinned down the first one. Beniwal also said that there were a total of four intruders, two of whom jumped into the House with gas canisters hidden in their shoes, and another man and woman who were sitting in the visitors gallery. MPs across party lines have said this was a serious security lapse in the new Parliament. Seems to be a conspiracy: Beniwal I was about to speak in the Zero Hour when I heard that MPs sitting behind me were shouting. I saw a man hanging from the visitors gallery and another had jumped from there into the House amidst the MPs and was moving ahead shouting slogans, Beniwal told News18. I was sitting towards the front. I quickly went behind and caught hold of him. The other boy had some spray and he was spraying this in the air. The boy I caught was later being dragged out by other MPs when he also took out a canister from his shoes and started spraying. He was the leader of the lot and was not easy to hold. Defence minister Rajnath Singh was there inside too. If the intruders had brought in some poisonous gas, there would have been a serious incident, said Beniwal. This is a big lapse. So much money has been spent on the new Parliament and we are not secure here. 22 years ago, there was a Parliament attack and these people chose the same day for this attack there seems to be a conspiracy. Did they come in on a BJP MP recommendation there will be an inquiry and there should be tough action, he told News18. There was panic amongst the MPs, he said. It was my duty to catch him. I pinned him down but we had not checked his shoes or he would not have been able to take out the spray. A woman and a boy were there in the gallery too there were a total of four people. But the man I caught was their chief and the boss when he fell and was caught, the other boy surrendered but he still sprayed the gas. There was too much smoke inside. There was panic. Many women MPs were there too. When an MP will now speak in parliament, he will surely look up at the visitors gallery, Beniwal told News18. I just acted: Aujla Aujla too narrated his experience. I had just finished speaking and the House was about to adjourn after Zero Hour. Some MPs shouted and I saw that two people had jumped in and one was moving towards the Speaker. My counterpart MP Hanuman Beniwal had caught the first person so I went after the second, he told News18. The intruder took out the smoke bomb from his shoe and started to spray it. We had a scuffle with him. The spray was warm. There was not much to think, I just acted. I did not know what he had, but I did it for the country and the tricolour. I am happy that I nabbed him as it could have been any gas. Bravery is in the blood of Punjabis. That person was going towards the Speaker, he could have done anything there. I am happy that the Speaker and other MPs congratulated me and Beniwal. MPs call it serious lapse Rajendra Agrawal, the BJP MP who was in the Speakers chair in the Lok Sabha at the time, said he initially thought a person had fallen from the visitors gallery but he soon realised it was deliberate. In one minute it was over. MPs acted very quickly and caught him. A probe should be done on the lapses. Security changes should be made. It is a serious lapse. They hid the canisters in their shoesso frisking should be changed by the security officials with more precautions, Agrawal told News18. Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was also in the House and she told News18 that the Parliament security officials were not quick to act and it was the two MPs who caught the intruders before other counterparts overpowered them. These intruders were shouting sloganswe thought they were taking out weapons from their shoes. It was some yellow gas and it was a serious lapse in security. The government must explain how these people could get inside. It seems there is no security as more than one person could get inside, Dastidar told News18. Any action that could threaten Indias economic security could be tried as an act of terrorism if the proposed criminal law amendments get Parliaments nod. As per the amendments proposed in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS 2), breach of economic security would be treated as an offence on par with acts of terrorism using weapons, arms, or ammunition. Section 113, sub-section 1 of the amended BNS defines terrorist act as: Whoever does any act with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India or with the intent to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country. 113(a) subclause (iv) further says: Damage to the monetary stability of India, by way of production or smuggling or circulation of counterfeit Indian paper currency would be seen as a terrorist act. Earlier, BNS was criticised for loosely defining terrorism by incorporating disturbing public order in its purview. Introducing BNS (2) in Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah said five new amendments have been brought in the new laws. All recommendations made by the standing committee (on home affairs) has been considered positively by government and hence a new Bill has been brought in since we didnt wish to introduce so many amendments to the original Bill, he clarified when asked by LoP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury why a new Bill was brought in. The home minister withdrew the earlier bills on criminal law amendment and Speaker Om Birla said 12 hours would be assigned for discussion on the three bills. Borrowing from the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the proposed BNS has included in its purview new age warfare, attack against Indian properties in foreign land, and attempt to harm or assassinate any Indian public functionary. The use of biological, radioactive, nuclear or otherwise hazardous substance that may lead to death have been added as an act of terror in the new Bill. It also includes in the definition of terror any damage or destruction of any property in India or in a foreign country used or intended to be used for the defence of India or in connection with any other purposes of the Centre or state governments. BNS (2) further states: Overawes by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force or attempts to do so or causes death of any public functionary or attempts to cause death of any public functionary kidnapping or does any other act in order to compel the Government of India, any State Government or the Government of a foreign country.commit a terrorist act. These definitions were earlier part of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act passed in 2013. Mental Cruelty Section 86 of BNS has made a provision for punishment to those causing mental cruelty to women. The original BNS section did not define cruel treatment. The revised BNS Section 86 sub section (a) says: For the purposes of section 85, cruelty means any wilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman. Section 85 provides for a three-year jail term for the husband, or members of his family, found guilty of subjecting his wife to cruel treatment. The Standing Committees recommendation on adultery and homosexuality have not been included in the amended criminal laws. The Supreme Court had struck down adultery as a crime in 2018 and also decriminalised homosexual relationships between consenting adults. Revealing identity of victims of sexual assault from court proceedings without permission has also been made punishable with two years imprisonment under Section 73 of the new code. A major fire broke out in a canteen located near the concourse area of the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), a busy railway station in Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon, in which nobody was injured, officials said. The incident is likely to cause a delay in the operation of some trains as the power supply of overhead wires along platform number 1, near which the incident took place, was temporarily switched off as a precautionary measure, they said. The blaze erupted in the Jan Aahar canteen on the LTT station premises around 2.45 pm, a Central Railway official said. There was no passenger train on platform number 1 when the incident occurred, another official said. The Jan Aahar canteen is located on the first floor above the main ticket booking counter in the concourse area of the station. After the fire, the booking counters and announcement centres were immediately vacated, he said. Apart from the fire brigade, the personnel of various agencies, including the Mumbai police, Central Railway, civic ward officer, traffic police and Railway Protection Force were mobilised at the spot. The fire brigade later declared it a level 2 (major) fire, a civic official said, adding that nobody was injured in the incident. Chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, Dr Shivraj Manaspure, said the fire was brought under control by 3.30 pm. The Central Railway switched off the power supply of overhead wires at the LTT station as a precautionary measure after the fire broke out in the canteen. This could lead to delay in arrival and departure of trains, an official said. Located in Kurla suburb, the LTT train terminus is a busy railway station from where several long-distance express trains, as well as suburban trains, are operated. A video of the fire incident went viral on social media, in which black smoke rising above the roof of the railway station could be seen. Ever since the sensational murder of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi sent shockwaves in Rajasthan, various new details have been emerging about the case. The latest report reveals that mastermind Rohit Godara used the Dunki method, the central theme of Shah Rukh Khans upcoming film, to escape to the United States. The Donkey Flight technique, popularly called Dunki in Punjabi is a method that involves planning a series of calculated stops across multiple countries. In simpler terms, it means hopping from one place to another before crossing borders illegally and exploiting vulnerabilities in visa systems and immigration regulations. According to an NDTV report, the prime accused Godara used the so-called Dunki method to hop from one place to another before landing in the US and then to Canada. The accused, who is a resident of Bikaners Lunakaran cannot reportedly be traced in the US and is believed to have entered Canada illegally. However, his whereabouts are currently unknown. Godara, a repeated offender, has over 32 cases registered against him at various police stations in India. Another angle in this murder case suggested that shooter Rohit Rathore was enraged after his girlfriend became close to Gogamedi. As far as the ongoing murder investigation is concerned, the Jaipur police on Monday took three inmates of Bhondsi jail in their custody on a production warrant in connection with the Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi killing. All three inmates Sandeep alias Sumit, Bhavani Singh alias Roni, and Rahul are said to be members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and were in contact with Nitin Fauji, the main shooter in the murder of Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief Gogamedi, they said. Gogamedi was shot dead in the living room of his house here on December 5 by three men. One of the assailants was also gunned down by his accomplices, police said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Now there is an opportunity to establish sustainable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Turkish Defense Minister Yashar Guler said during a speech in the Parliament, Trend reports. He noted that Armenia should also act with awareness of this. Guler expressed hope that Armenia will show readiness to cooperate with its neighbors. India on Wednesday strongly rejected the statement issued by the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the verdict given by Indias top court on the abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Without naming Pakistan, External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi that OIC makes such remarks at the behest of a serial violater of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism. Such statements only undermine OICs credibility, he said. India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a judgment of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill-informed and ill-intended, Bagchi said in response to media queries regarding the statement issued by the OIC Secretariat on the SC verdict. That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violater of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OICs credibility, he added. On Monday, the Supreme Court of India upheld the governments decision to abrogate Article 370 which granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and directed the Election Commission to hold Assembly elections in the Union Territory by September 30, 2024. The Court also recognised the fact that Article 370 was not permanent in nature. After the verdict was announced, the OIC General Secretariat expressed concern over the Supreme Courts judgment to uphold the decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This is not the first time OIC has made such remarks. In the past, MEA had hit out at the Saudi-based group for similar comments on Kashmir. India continues to reiterate that, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. (With inputs from Shailendra Wangu) All MPs requesting visitor passes must give a declaration that they know the guest personally and take full responsibility for him or her, according to the Lok Sabha handbook for members. The guidelines were in the spotlight after two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery in a major security breach. According to the handbook for Lok Sabha members uploaded on the Lower Houses website, in the application form submitted by MPs for visitors, they need to provide details such as visitors name in full, age, fathers or husbands name, nationality and passport number (for foreigners only) and details of occupation, among other things. A major security breach incident took place in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, on the day of the 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament attacks. Sources have, however, cleared that the incident was not a terror attack. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED Lets look at how the incident unfolded in Lok Sabha: In a major security breach incident, a man intruded into Lok Sabha while proceedings were underway on Wednesday. From what was seen on videos, the man stormed Parliament carrying something that emitted smoke. Two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a similar-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. The Delhi Polices Special Cell will investigate both the incidents, according to officials. Follow Parliament Security Breach LIVE Updates What We Know About The Accused -A man has claimed that one of the youngster arrested in Parliament breach case is his son, Manoranjan. The man, Devraj, has identified him by looking at the visuals on TV. Manoranjan is a resident of Mysore and had left three days back, saying he is going to Bengaluru. His father has claimed that he has no links with any organization or political party. He had completed engineering and wasnt working anywhere, Manoranjans family has claimed, adding that they are well to do. -Delhi Police said the two others were detained outside Parliament. The have been identified as Neelam (42), of Haryanas Hisar, and Amol Shinde (25), of Maharashtras Latur area. What Happened in Lok Sabha Today BJP MP Khagen Murmu was speaking in Lok Sabha when a man stormed, jumping table to table, triggering panic in House. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who caught hold of the two men who jumped down the visitors gallery into the House, narrated the incident and said He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and continued throwing it outsideThis is a major security breach The incidents came on a day when the country is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday said the state government was positive about the old pension scheme (OPS), and had sought information from the other state governments which have decided to revert to it. He too has changed his view about the OPS, he said. The state government is positive towards the OPS, and we will take a decision before the next assembly elections. A committee of Subodh kumar, K P Bakshi and Sudhir Shrivastava has submitted a report to the state government, he told the legislative council here. Earlier, speaking to reporters, Pawar said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and he have already held a primary discussion over the issue of the old pension scheme. Notably, several government and semi-government employees in Maharashtra have been demanding restoration of the OPS, which was discontinued in the state in 2005. Under the OPS, a government employee gets a monthly pension equivalent to 50 per cent his/her last drawn salary. There was no need for contribution by employees. Under the New Pension Scheme, a state government employee contributes 10 per cent of his/her basic salary plus dearness allowance with the state making a matching contribution. The money is then invested in one of the several pension funds approved by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the returns are market-linked, Pawar said. Devendra Fadnavis had expressed his opposition to the OPS, I had also said similar things during a session when I was the finance minister of the state in the past. However as per my information, the Centre is thinking of addressing this pending issue which will benefit the people financially, he said. The (central) government is working seriously on this issue ahead of the Lok Sabha polls (due next year). The eligible people will get financial benefits from the year 2021, he said. Asked if the change in stand came after the BJP suffered a jolt in the MLC polls in the state (held earlier this year in which opposition MVA won 3 out of 5 seats), Pawar said, Of course, it is one of the key reasons. If a decision is hurting people, then we as politicians dont do it. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and I have already held a primary discussion over the issue of the OPS. We want to strike a balance between the salaries, pension amount and its burden on the states coffers, he said. Nowadays, people from the young generation do not take care of their parents, Pawar said. Parents need to make financial arrangements for their post-retirement life because children go abroad, settle their and enjoy life. They do not take care of their parents, he said. Asked why he was not taking care of his 83-year-old uncle (NCP president Sharad Pawar), Ajit Pawar said, This is exactly my point. I am asking him to take rest but he is not listening to me. . The Mumbai police have arrested nine Bangladeshi nationals from the Sewri area in the central part of the city for staying allegedly without valid documents, an official said on Wednesday. Unit-6 of the crime branch took action against them, he said. Based on specific information, the crime branch apprehended a man and a woman from Sewri earlier this month. The duo was found sending money to Bangladesh illegally on a commission basis. During the probe, the police on Saturday apprehended two more Bangladeshis who were found staying illegally in the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road area in Sewri, the official said. During their interrogation, the police arrested five more Bangladeshi nationals from the same area, he said. Police recovered their Aadhaar cards and PAN cards, which they had procured based on fake documents, he said. In a massive security breach that sparked chaos inside the Parliament, two people carrying tear gas canisters jumped into the Lok Sabha chambers from the visitors gallery forcing all the members of Parliament to flee and move in panic. The house was immediately adjourned and the Delhi police arrested five out of the six accused so far believed to be involved in the security breach at the Lok Sabha. All six were known to each other and were staying in a house in Gurugram, police said. Security Breach in Lok Sabha LIVE: 6 Accused Knew Each Other For 4 Years; Opposition MPs To Meet President Meanwhile, the opposition attacked the BJP MP Prathap Simha, whose authorisation passes were issued to two persons who intruded into the house during the session. The Congress has demanded answers and an official statement from Amit Shah on the parliament security breach. Parliament Security Breach: What We Know So Far A total of six people were allegedly involved in the Lok Sabha security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, police said on Wednesday. Proceedings were underway in the Lower House when two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha chambers from the visitors gallery. The accused have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, who were held inside the Lok Sabha chamber while Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad were arrested outside the Parliament building for sloganeering and spraying yellowish powder. According to sources, all six were known to each other as they shared several commonalities and were staying in a house in Gurugram before the attack. Police officials claimed that the group members had been in touch with each other for the last four years and had even carried out a recce of Parliament before Wednesdays attack. As far as the accused background is concerned, Manoranjans father Devraj identified his son after watching the TV coverage of the incident. He told CNN-News18 that his son was a student leader from Bengaluru and holds a BE computer degree. Manoranjan said his father that he was going to Bengaluru adding that he wanted to do good for the society. On the other hand, Neelam is a student from Haryanas Hissar while Anmol is from Maharashtra. Parliament Security Breach: How Are Accused Connected? The police are investigating if the four accused got in touch with each other through social media. The police said they were also connected by their mutual liking for freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. All four seem to be part of a group called Bhagat Singh fan club. They were inspired by his ideology, a police official in the know told CNN-News18. One of six accused, Neelam while being taken away told the media, We had no other way to protest. We had no other option. We are common citizens of the country. As per her family, Neelam was inspired by the ideology of BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh. Villagers told local media that Neelam would often distribute books related to Bhagat Singh to youngsters. She had also participated in the wrestlers protest and farmer agitation. Highly qualified, Neelam has BEd, MA, MPhil, and NET degrees but was unemployed. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said Neelam is an active Congress and I.N.D.I alliance supporter. or regime change is a phrase Congress leaders often use.Meet Neelam Azad, the lady who breached Parliaments security today. She is an active Congress/I.N.D.I Alliance supporter. She is an , who has been seen at several protests. Question is who sent pic.twitter.com/9pilzFUgZZ Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 13, 2023 Preliminary probe, sources said, suggest that the group connected via social media. Joint interrogations by agencies revealed that they came up with the idea of that group itself. Manoranjan and Sagar have been trying to obtain a Parliament visitors pass for the past three months as per details shared by BJP MP Pratap Simhas office with the police. It is a matter of probing off whether they were instating a plan to breach parliament for the past three months or more. Digital devices can throw answers about how the varied groups from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kolkata, and Haryana connected and conspired, an official said. The fact that the group chose yellow as a colour to mark their protest has also led to the theory about taking inspiration from Bhagat Singh. Kesri was believed to be the favourite colour of the freedom fighter who had famously dropped a bomb in the assembly to make his point. The sequence of events as narrated by eyewitness and BSP MP Shyaam Narayan Yadav suggested that Sagar and Manoranjan jumped off the visitor gallery and rushed towards the speakers chair. The police are also investigating the role of Lalit Jha who was filming Neelam and Anmol as they started the yellow protest at the Transport Bhawan entrance of parliament. Lalit is believed to be from Kolkata. The sixth accomplice is yet to be identified. After a massive security breach in Lok Sabha on Wednesday where two persons jumped the visitors gallery during the House proceedings, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has decided to restrict the entry of visitors till the ongoing Winter Session at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. After the recent incident in Parliament, all members will be issued only two visitor passes, said Narwekar on Wednesday. Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, who raised the issue of Parliament security breach with the Speaker, told News18, Two people using gas canisters in the Lok Sabha chamber is a very serious issue. Such incidents can happen here (Maharashtra Assembly) as well hence I request the Speaker to look into the security infrastructure issue. Chavan, however, also said he fully supports the right of the people of Maharashtra to attend the proceedings of Vidhan Bhavan, but there should be some restrictions. He also said he believed that completely restricting the entry of people will not be fair as they come to the assembly from across the state with their issues and problems and with the hope to meet their leader and minister to resolve their problems. Session at Nagpur is held once a year. People come here to for better redressal. So, better crowd management should be done; how many people can enter the premise should be regulated but the final call will be taken by the Speaker office, Chavan had said earlier. Questioning the security lapse in Parliament, Chavan asked, How did the metal detectors fail to detect the people. I hope that the Central government will initiate an enquiry into this. He further he came to know that one of the four persons detained for the Parliament security breach is from Maharashtra. I have no individual confirmation on this, but if it is true then such incidents can happen here too. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters, shouting slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Amid the din in the Lower House, two people including a woman also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while raising slogans such as Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi outside Parliament premises. All four were detained by security forces. The accused in the Lok Sabha incident have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. Sharma had come to the visitors gallery as a guest of Mysuru Lok Sabha member Pratap Simha. The two jumped into the chamber from the public gallery at around 1pm. Several MPs present in the House during the incident said while one was spotted jumping over the benches, the other was left dangling from the gallery before jumping into the Chamber. Two intruders have been arrested from inside Parliament, two from outside. All their belongings have been seizedThe entire matter is being investigated thoroughly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said when the House reconvened at 2 pm. Birla also called a meeting of MPs from all parties later in the day to address their concerns over the matter. Heres who said what after the shocking security breach: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor: The fact that these people were apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling partyThese people smuggled in smoke pistols which show there is a serious security lapse. Not only they fired the pistols but also shouted some slogans inaudible to some of us. The new building does not seem to be configured very well when it comes to security by comparison with the arrangements in the old building. Union minister Piyush Goyal: I think Rajya Sabha is the House of Elders. We should give a message that this country is strength is above all this. House proceedings should continueI think Congress is politicising it and this is not a good message for the country Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge: The issue is very serious. This is not a question of just Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, this is about how two people were able to come inside despite such elaborate security and cause a security breach Rajya Sabha Speaker Jadgeep Dhankhar: The moment I came to know about it, I called the Director of Security. I told him to give him an update. The update which he gave me at the point of time, I have shared with the House. It is a matter of concern but let us await details and then we will be able to reflect Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our bravehearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it prove that we failed to maintain a high level of security?All the MPs fearlessly nabbed the two people but I want to know where were the security officials when all of this happened? Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who caught hold of the two men: He (accused) had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and continued throwing it outsideThis is a major security breach BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the Chair of Speaker: There is a loophole for sure. When the first person came down, we thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious. The person tried to open his shoes and took something out after which smoke came out. Action will be taken against this. The Speaker and responsible people will make the decision on this. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reached the House when all of this happened TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay: It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke? Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah: BJP MP Pratap Simha should be questioned. Those who breached security might be known to him. If he didnt know them, how did he give them the passes? Any tragedy that might occur due to irresponsibility is a punishable offence. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: Todays breach in Parliament, on the solemn anniversary of 2001 attack, is an affront to our democratic values. The security of our temple of democracy cannot be compromised. An urgent investigation is vital to uncover who were the attackers, how did they get in, what were their motives Action must be swift and strict. AAP MP Raghav Chadha: India still remembers the attack on our Parliament in 2001. Todays security breach is an agonizing echo of that dark day, reopening wounds on its anniversary. This is not just a breach; its an outright attack on our democracy. An immediate and thorough investigation is needed to swiftly unmask the perpetrators. Our Parliament stands as a sacred symbol of our nation, and if this temple of our democracy isnt secure, then what can be? We must fiercely protect our democratic institutions. Congress leader KC Venugopal: The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of our country. Such a major security lapse is unacceptable. We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin: The unprecedented security breach in the parliament poses a dangerous threat to our august temple of democracy. Swift action must be taken without delay. I appeal for launching a prompt investigation, fixing accountability, and implementing measures to prevent future lapses, ensuring the protection of this vital institution with all the might at our command. Trinamool Congress on X: Our MP Mahua Moitra was unjustly expelled for allegedly breaching national security by sharing her login credentials. Today @BJP4Karnataka MP @mepratap put the security of the entire Parliament at risk by issuing a visitors pass to the intruders. What is stopping him from getting expelled? Why should a similar treatment not be meted out to him? What gives him the right to continue as a Parliamentarian after jeopardising the safety of fellow MPs? Press Release December 12, 2023 Bong Go declared as adopted son of Oriental Mindoro The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental Mindoro officially declared Senator Christopher "Bong" Go as an adopted son of the province and presented the resolution during the senator's visit on Sunday, December 10, for the Araw ng Pasasalamat gathering held at Balai Mindoro Event Center in Calapan City. The announcement came after the unanimous approval of Resolution No. 6823 during the standard session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 27, 2023. It was led by Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor and Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, among others. Aside from Go, Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian was also declared an adopted son of the province. Go expressed his gratitude for being declared as an adopted son of Oriental Mindoro. He reassured the province of his continued support and assistance, emphasizing his efforts to contribute to the province's progress to the best of his capacity. "Maraming salamat sa patuloy na tiwala sa isang simpleng probinsyanong binigyan ninyo ng pagkakataon na makapagsilbi sa inyo," expressed Go. "Nakakawala ng aking pagod ang inyong patuloy na pagsuporta sa ating mga adhikain na makatulong sa mga mahihirap at pinaka nangangailangan," he added. This honor comes as a recognition of Go's outstanding contributions to the development of Oriental Mindoro and the welfare of its constituents. As highlighted in the resolution, Go has long been recognized for his commitment to public service, initially gaining prominence as the closest aide to former president Rodrigo Duterte, citing that his judicious and tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. One of Go's notable initiatives in Oriental Mindoro is the establishment of the Malasakit Center located at Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Calapan City. According to the resolution, the center serves as a testament to his appreciation for the sacrifices made by frontline health workers. The Malasakit Center aims to streamline medical assistance and ensure that those in need receive prompt and efficient support. The Malasakit Centers Act was signed into law in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored. It aims to provide convenient access to medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. "Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay matulungang mabayaran ang inyong pagpapagamot. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo," explained Go. Apart from the Malasakit Centers, Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers in the province, including those in Calapan City, Bansud, Bulalacao, and Mansalay. On the same day, Go witnessed the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Bansud. The said facilities will offer a wide range of services, including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and an ambulatory surgical unit. Additionally, the Super Health Center provides basic services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, allowing for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and the DOH, sufficient funds have been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 SHCs in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where Super Health Centers will be constructed. The senator's commitment goes beyond the establishment of healthcare facilities. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go consistently extends support to the province through a variety of programs, projects, and activities. These initiatives are designed to enhance the delivery of health and medical services, strengthen agriculture and food security, promote sports, empower youth, and contribute to various other aspects of community development, as stated in the resolution. It added that the people of Oriental Mindoro have taken note of Go's outstanding service and acknowledge him as one of the country's notable public servants, highlighting that "he inspires their local leaders in the effective implementation of relevant and effective developmental programs and projects." In the face of adversity, the people of Oriental Mindoro have found an ally in Senator Bong Go, particularly during times of crisis such as the recent oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Princess Empress off the coast of Naujan town on February 28. Bong Go quickly mobilized his Malasakit Team and extended support to mitigate the impact on affected communities, ensuring that the basic needs of the affected residents were met. He has also consistently extended a helping hand to various sectors facing different challenges, from assisting indigents and calamity victims, and even supporting those affected by fires. Considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have been immense, particularly for vulnerable populations, Senator Go also supported various programs to aid the province in its recovery efforts. Among these initiatives were temporary employment programs aimed at providing immediate relief to those who lost their livelihoods. Additionally, he championed livelihood support programs, empowering individuals and communities to rebuild their lives. Go also highlighted some of the infrastructure developments he has supported in Oriental Mindoro, demonstrating his commitment to improving the province's overall infrastructure. These projects not only enhance the quality of life for the residents but also contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of the province. In Calapan City alone, Go supported the construction of a multipurpose facility at the Oriental Mindoro Information Technology Park, a multipurpose building inside Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital and in Barangay Santa Cruz. Last March, Go personally attended the inauguration of the country's largest port passenger terminal building at the Port of Calapan City. He also briefly inspected the Sentrong Pangkabataan, the construction of which he likewise supported. Go supported the construction of roads in Bulalacao, Bansud, Gloria, Pola, Puerto Galera, Pinamalayan, Mansalay, and Socorro; construction of multipurpose buildings in Baco, Bongabong, Gloria, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Bulalacao; construction of water system in Socorro and Pinamalayan; acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in Pola; and acquisition of medical equipment for the local government of Bongabong. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. 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. On December 13, under the organization of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan, the next group of returning citizens was sent to the city of Fuzuli from the Garadagh district of Baku. At this stage, another 25 families (112 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 358 families - 1,298 people. Two people stormed the Lok Sabha with gas-emitting objects on Wednesday, triggering a major scare in the Lower House when it was in session. Another man and a woman were also detained from outside Parliament with coloured smoke canisters. Dramatic TV footage showed one of the unidentified persons jumping over the benches that seat lawmakers. News18 has learnt that two people have been taken into custody. They were identified as Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma. According to preliminary probe, tear-gas canisters were found in the shoes of one of the suspects. Apart from the accused, who was nabbed inside the Parliament, a woman and man were also taken into custody while they were protesting outside the Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 The incident comes on the 22nd anniversary of the deadly 2001 parliament attack. A police source later told CNN-News18 that the incident was not linked to the Parliament attack. ALSO READ: Parl Security Breach: BJPs Pratap Simha Issued Passes to Intruders? About Mysore MP Facing Fire And days ago, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had released a video threatening to attack the new Parliament building on December 13 in response to a failed murder plot to against him. One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas, when Zero Hour was in progress, said LoP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people, who sacrificed their lives in the 2001 (Parliament attack), Chowdhury added. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said: Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. Three-tier Security at Parliament There is a three-tier security in Parliament with one at entry gate that includes metal detectors and hand-held metal detector frisking. The same drill is repeated at entry gate of Parliament building. Security is also present at the corridor that leads to various visitor galleries. At these spots, visitors are not allowed to carry mobile phone. BJP MP Pratap Simha, whose office allegedly issued passes to the accused involved in the major security breach in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, has met Parliamentary Minister Pralhad Joshi, and clarified his stand on the issue, sources told news18. On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks today, two men carrying smoke canisters jumped into the chamber of Lok Sabha from the visitors gallery at around 1 pm. One of the accused sprayed yellowish smoke from a canister, disrupting the disrupted proceedings of the House. After the security breach, BSP MP Danish Ali said that the visitors pass recovered from one of the accused after the attack had been issued by BJP MP Pratap Simhas office. In a chilling reminder to the Parliament attack 21 years back on the same day (Dec 13), a man jumped from visitors gallery into Lok Sabha MPs area. The breach couldve put lives of MPs in danger. It has exposed chinks in the 56inch armour. The man was a guest of @BJP4India MP. pic.twitter.com/qhPX4C4Dia Kunwar Danish Ali (@KDanishAli) December 13, 2023 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also accused Mysore MP Simha of issuing passes to the attackers. BJP MP Pratap Simha should be questioned. Those who breached security might be known to him. If he didnt know them, how did he give them the passes? Any tragedy that might occur due to irresponsibility is a punishable offence, Siddaramaiah said. According to the police, at least one of the men who jumped into the chamber is linked to Simhas constituency. Who Is BJP MP Pratap Simha? The son of a farmer, 42-year-old Simha is a two-time MP from the Mysore constituency. He won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Mysore with 43.46% of votes and the 2019 parliamentary polls with 52.27% vote share. He is a former journalist and also wrote a biography of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007. Born in Karnatakas Sakleshpur to the late BE Gopal Gowda, Simha was chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Youth Wing earlier. The BJP leader is known for sharp and critical Hindutva politics. Protest Outside Simhas Office Mysuru Congress workers staged a protest in front of the Pratap Sinhas office over the security breach incident in Lok Sabha. Later, they were detained by the Police. Attack On Parliament The two accused Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma were seated in the visitors gallery before they took out canisters from their shoes and jumped towards the desk where Members of Parliament were seated during the session. Footage from the Lok Sabha showed Sagar heading towards the Speakers chair, while Manoranjan sprayed yellowish smoke from one of the canisters. Another man and a woman25-year-old Amol Shinde from Maharashtra and a 42-year-old woman named Neelam from Hisar in Haryana were also detained from outside Parliament with coloured smoke canisters. Accused Sought Pass From Simha for Over 3 Months BJP MP Pratap Simha, on whose authorisation passes were issued to two persons who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber on Wednesday in a major security breach, knew one of the accused as he hailed from his constituency Mysuru and he would come to Simhas office very often, sources said. Manoranjan D, one of the accused, introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MPs office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament, according to sources. Three passes were issued at the behest of Simha for Wednesday. However, one person, a woman, had to return as she arrived with her child whose name was not mentioned in her pass, sources close to the MP said. Sabarimala Shrine, the famous Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ayyappan, has been seeing massive footfall this year, with pilgrims complaining of lack of basic amenities and safety measures. Local reports stated that considering the heavy rush of pilgrims, several devotees from places like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Malappuram called off their trip to the shrine, and returned home. Visitors were reportedly made to wait for hours after police blocked vehicles. According to a report in Online Manorama, Sabarimala pilgrims on Tuesday blocked the road at Erumeli to protest against authorities decision not to allow them into Pampa. Devotees from various states blocked the Erumeli-Ranni road to register their protest. There was an altercation between the devotees and the police at Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple, a prominent pilgrimage centre, earlier in the morning after pilgrims were prevented from proceeding to Sabarimala despite waiting for hours, the report stated. Hundreds of devotees, who had reached Ettumanoor temple the previous morning were not allowed to leave to Sabarimala citing the crowd of Erumeli and Pampa, Manorama mentioned. I came to Sabarimala when I was a child with my father decades ago. Still, I clearly remember the picturesque route. This is the first time I left my house for the hill shrine with my family after I became an elderly woman. I was anxious to see the present status of the trekking route from Pampa to Sannidhanam and Sabarimala. Unfortunately, we were forced to cut short our journey at Nilakkal today (Tuesday). The situation at Nilakkal instilled fear in us. We are now returning from Pandalam, 60-year-Omana, a pilgrim from Arimpur in Thrissur, was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express. TNIE stated that as the police blocked the vehicles, it took devotees over eight hours to reach Nilakkal from Erumely. They could not go to Pampa as all buses were jampacked. We were afraid for the safety of the children and elderly. So we ended our pilgrimage at Nilakkal and returned by 6 am. We reached Pandalam temple and performed the rituals, Ashok Kumar, a pilgrim from Puranattukara in Thrissur, was quoted as saying. Someone is Responsible: Kerala Governor On the Sabarimala mismanagement issue, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said, Sometimes mismanagement happens due to heavy rush. It is the main season and will continue till January 15Normally they (the police force) do their jobs wellI am very sad about the incident that happenedPublic representatives should raise the issue. Someone is responsible for the incident. Kerala High Court on Sabarimala The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the authorities to ensure support to the Sabarimala pilgrims who reach the shrine and to provide adequate parking facilities for the vehicles. The bench of Justice Anil Narendran and G Girish, asked the state police to ensure that the rush to the hilltop shrine was under control. The court asked the police not to allow overcrowding of devotees in the queue complex and keep it clean every day. The Travancore Devaswom Board shall consider whether the pilgrims can be provided with drinking water and biscuits at such locations through NSS volunteers in educational institutions or with the assistance of the concerned Local Self Government Institutions, the court said. The high court also said that the Devaswom Board shall deploy a sufficient number of security personnel/employees on each parking ground to ensure maximum parking of vehicles can be done. The court also said that more facilities should be arranged at the shrine for pilgrims, including children. ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajit Kumar appeared before the court and explained the facilities provided there. Reasons for Rush at Sabarimala Temple According to Manorama, the traffic jam that began on the morning of December 8 affected Pampa, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam for four days. During the first two weeks of the pilgrimage, the daily average of pilgrims was half a lakh. A large flow of devotees started after December 7, the report mentioned, giving out likely reasons for the rush. Chennai flood: Manorama stated that when there was a flood in Chennai, many trains to Kerala were cancelled. The journey of many of the Ayyappans from other states was also halted. These devotees later booked and came together to Sannidhanam. Telangana Polls: Despite elections in the neighbouring state of Telangana, the devotees didnt let their pilgrimage plan get affected. The report stated that after polling and counting of votes in Telangana, the number of pilgrims increased massively. The likely reason could have been that those working in other states, may have travelled to their hometown to vote, and from there they planned an onward journey to Sabarimala. Flaw in Planning: According to the report, the police systems in Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkala were unable to work in tandem. As important as controlling the devotees who go to Sannidhanam, it is also important to bring back those who have left after the darshan. Manorama stated that there was a failure in making arrangement, even as the police and the Devaswom Board knew the number of people who would come for darshan in a day. Apart from those who had booked, the latecomers joined in and things turned to an unprecedented level. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayans Clarification on Sabarimala Rush CM Vijayan on Wednesday said, There is no uncontrollable situation in Sabarimala. The government agencies are very careful. He further said that the Kerala government has allocated Rs 220 crore in the last seven years as part of Sabarimala master plan, and the development activities in this regard are being done with the approval of the high power committee of the high court. Six rest areas are coming up which will benefit the Sabarimala devotees and the general public alike after the pilgrimage season. Rs 108 crore from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board is being used to construct these facilities at Chengannur, Kazhakoottam, Charangara, Erumeli, Nilakkal and Maniamkot, Vijayan said. Elaborating on the massive footfall, the chief minister said, Altogether, more than 1,20,000 pilgrims are arriving in a day. The crowd increased during public holidays and as a result, it took longer for devotees to reach Sabarimala. Vijayan further said that Sabarimala is a national pilgrimage center, and visited in large numbers by people from outside Kerala. Those who could not come in the early days due to reasons like floods in Chennai and Telangana elections are now coming in droves. Realizing this, the darshan time was extended by one hour, he informed. Normally, 4,200 people can have darshan in an hour through the 18th step. The elderly, children and old women will need a little more time to climb. Realizing this, the darshan through Virtual Q was narrowed down to 80,000, the chief minister added. Vijayan informed that arrangements have been made for the stranded devotees. In Nilakkal, 86 drinking water kiosks have been installed, 53 in Pampa and 50 in Sannidhanam. Emergency kiosks are also active for drinking water. Purified water and water for other purposes are supplied by tanker lorry at Nilakkal, the CM said. Apart from this, the Devaswom Board provides water and biscuits in all areas where there is a rush of devotees on pavements and queue complexes. Officials have also been deployed to conduct food safety checks at Nilakkal, Pampa and Sannidhanam. Fifteen emergency medicine centers and 17 ambulances have been prepared for the pilgrims and two ventilators and 25 IC units have been prepared in Pampa. KSRTC, which provides travel facilities, has operated 24,456 trips to Pampa and 23,663 trips from Pampa till this Sunday, CM Vijayan further said. (With inputs from Neethu Reghukumar in Thiruvananthapuram) The parliament house on Wednesday witnessed a massive security breach after two men jumped from the visitors gallery to the Lok Sabha chambers popping up yellow smoke all around. The sudden turn of events caused huge chaos and panic among the parliamentarians after the intruders began to run towards the speakers chair. Soon after the breach, the parliament complex was closed to visitors and the security protocols were revamped. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry later in the evening ordered a probe into the parliament security breach, which will be headed by the paramilitary CRPF chief. As per the ministry statement, the enquiry panel will investigate the reasons for the breach in the security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations at the earliest. Parliament Breach: What Are New Security Protocols Visitors gallery to be covered in glass to prevent people from jumping into the chamber. Body scanners to be installed (to ensure objects hidden can be detected). A separate gate could be installed for visitors when re-entry is allowed. MPs only to enter and exit through the main gate. Media and staff members will have separate entry points. Movement of PAs and assistants of MPs is to be restricted. This comes after the home ministry was asked to launch a security review of Parliament as members of the opposition at an all-party meeting demanded a thorough probe into the incident of two persons jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber and also sought action against BJP MP Prathap Simha who felicitated their passes. The communication from Lok Sabha Secretariat to Special Secretary (Home) came as Speaker Om Birla convened the all-party meeting in which members from different parties flagged a variety of issues and raised security concerns in Parliaments new building, more so as the security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on the institution. If India is to become a developed nation by 2047, people will need to take initiative and become part of a mass movement whose sole goal is a Viksit Bharat. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis clear message for 140 crore Indians. On Monday, the Prime Minister launched the Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth initiative that will seek the views and suggestions of Indias youth over the next one month to make the country a developed one over the next 25 years. PM Modi called on all citizens to make Indias development their primary mission. Today, every person, every institution, and organisation has to move forward with the pledge that whatever I do, should be for a developed India. The focus of your goals and resolutions should be only on developed India. Essentially, as is his signature style, Prime Minister Modi is looking to make the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission a peoples movement. Just as Indias G20 presidency became a point of convergence for Indians from all states as events were organised across the country, the Centre now wants to make all Indians active participants in the mission to develop the country. In fact, the concept of Jan Bhagidari or peoples participation, according to PM Modi, has been essential to several other programmes such as Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Vocal for Local. The past nine years have been transformational for India in many aspects. The governments focus since 2014 has been at making sure that Indians have all basic amenities at their disposal before the country undertakes the task of becoming a developed nation. Whether it be giving Indians access to their own bank accounts, electricity, pucca houses, tap water supply, toilets, LPG connections, health insurance or enabling them on the digital front an all of government push has been underway to prepare Indians for what is coming next. While all of this is also part of Indias development journey, it should have ideally been delivered to every Indian citizen over the past 70-odd years. Since that was not the case, the Modi government had to start from scratch on a lot of fronts. PM Modi is now seeking a third term in office. His governments canvass is getting wider, and the goals more ambitious. The question is: how does a country of Indias size become a developed nation over the next 25 years? Conventional policy interventions, laid back development trajectory is unlikely to work. India must innovate and think out of the box. With Modi at the helm for the foreseeable future, that should not be much of a problem, since the Prime Minister now has a proven track record of thinking out of the box and delivering on his promises. That is the whole reason why the Modi Ki Guarantee slogan has become such a sensation one that played a big role in BJP sweeping the Hindi Heartland states recently. Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision Document Over the next two decades, whatever India does will be directed towards turning the country into a developed one. However, random policies and haphazard decisions will not make India a developed nation. If India is to achieve its ultimate goal, it must have a comprehensive strategy in place. That is what the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision document will provide the government and various stakeholders with a blueprint to develop India. Indias principal public policy think tank, NITI Aayog is currently working on the draft vision document, which will be unveiled sometime in late January by PM Modi himself. NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said on Monday the body is in the final stages of harmonising reports from secretaries of various sectoral groups to prepare a blueprint for Viksit Bharat @2047. Earlier this year, NITI Aayog was tasked with preparing the vision document that outlines the institutional and structural changes and reforms needed to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The 10 secretarial-level groups were asked to formulate sector-wise thematic visions two years ago. This was after the Cabinet Secretary in December 2021 initiated the process of preparing a blueprint for India to become a developed nation. These sectoral groups dealt with rural affairs and agriculture, resources, social vision, welfare, finance and economy, commerce and industry, infrastructure, technology, governance, and security and foreign affairs. The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision document is ambitious. It reportedly sets the goal of a per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of $17,590, a literacy rate of 90% and an investment volume of over Rs 1,200 trillion by 2047. The government also wants the countrys college enrolment rate to go up from 27% to at least 50 or 60% in the next two decades. Indias trade deficit, according to the draft document, should be around $3.5 trillion in 2047, with $8.67 trillion of exports and $12.12 trillion of imports. In the run-up to the Prime Minister unveiling the Viksit Bharat vision document towards the end of January, a nationwide Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been launched by the Centre. The Yatra is intended to ensure last-mile delivery of the Modi governments various schemes, and educate people about how they can benefit from these. Looking to cover 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and 3,600 urban local bodies by January 25, the Yatras goal is to achieve 100% saturation of the governments various schemes. This will then be followed by the PM launching the vision document. The Sankalp Yatra is serving another important purpose that of popularising the phrase Viksit Bharat at the panchayat level. This is essential to embedding the idea of a developed India in the minds of people and making sure that they contribute to the nations growth. Only when the collective power of 1.4 billion Indians is tapped into will the country achieve what is perhaps its most ambitious goal ever that of being counted among the developed nations of the world. Actor Amruta Subhash, who was a part of the Netflix Actors Roundtable this year, discussed her highly praised role in Lust Stories 2. The Netflix anthology featured a segment directed by Konkona Sen Sharma titled Mirror. During the discussion, Amruta shared that she had to request some time from Koko (Konkonas moniker) to become at ease with the notion of filming quite a few intimate scenes with her co-star and real-life best friend, Shrikant Yadav. The panel included Kajol, Jaydeep Ahlawat, Kareena Kapoor, Tillotama Shome, Sidharth Malhotra and Sanya Malhotra. The segment titled Mirror revolves around a domestic worker who invites her husband to her employers (portrayed by Tillotama Shome) residence for intimate moments while the employer is in office. One day, the employer discovers them, but her response is far from what anyone expected. Amruta mentioned that both she and Shrikant felt anxious about filming intimate scenes together, given their long-standing friendship. Surprisingly, Shrikant found reassurance in an unexpected source. When I read the script, there were so many intimate scenes and I am scared of those. So I told Koko that I need one day with Shrikant, who is my best friend of (many) years. Hes like main tere saath ye nahi kar sakta (I cant do this with you). My husband is his friend and also an actor. He is telling him tu karlega, acche se karlega (youll do it well), said Amruta. Earlier, Amruta had opened up on her first sex scene for the series Sacred Games 2 which was directed by Anurag Kashyap. She revealed that the filmmaker had asked her about her period dates before they shot the sex scene. She explained that he wanted to know for the team did not want to schedule a sex scene to shoot around her period dates. I did my first sex scene with Anurag in Sacred Games 2. There was no question about being a man or a woman. He was extremely sensitive. He called the direction team. He was the one who asked me the question, what are your period dates, so they dont schedule the sex scenes around that. You will do it during your periods? He asked that she had said in a chat with Netflix India. Selva Bharathy, renowned as one of the finest directors in Tamil cinema, gained widespread recognition with his debut film Ninaithen Vandhai, featuring the talented Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role. The romantic drama, released in 1998, marked one of Vijays earlier films before attaining the immense popularity and craze he enjoys today. The movie, accompanied by a highly successful soundtrack, notably featured the enchanting song Vannanilavae, sung by Hariharan, which remains a favourite among fans. Recently, director Selva Bharathy shared an intriguing and lesser-known anecdote related to the shooting of this particular song. In Vannanilavae, Vijays character envisions his yet-to-be-revealed lover in various dreamlike settings. Notably, in most of the song, the face of actress Rambha, who played a pivotal role, is scarcely visible, as it is a dream sequence. The director, in a conversation with a YouTube channel, unveiled the reason behind this the use of a body double for Rambha. Selva Bharathy originally planned to shoot the song Vannanilavae after completing the majority of the films shooting. However, a dispute arose with Rambha towards the end of the shoot, leading her to decline further dates for the novice director. Instead, she commenced shooting for a Telugu film. Consequently, Selva Bharathy decided to employ a body double for the song. Many times, throughout the song, the body double is strategically positioned from behind or has her face obscured. The director justified this creative choice by suggesting that, within the context of the film, Vijays character had not yet met his dream girl and was unaware of her appearance. Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, Vannanilavae became a veritable love anthem for the Tamil diaspora upon its release in 1998. The film itself proved to be a major success, significantly propelling Vijays career and contributing to Rambhas prominence in the industry. The triumph of Ninaithen Vandhai prompted filmmakers to cast Rambha alongside Vijay in subsequent projects like Endrendrum Kadhal and Minsara Kanna. Isha Malviya and Abhishek Kumar have always been at loggerheads in the Bigg Boss 17 house. The two actors, who dated while working on their last show Udaariyaan, entered Salman Khans show together and have so far levelled several allegations against each other. In the recent episode too, Isha was seen discussing her past relationship when she told Vicky Jain that it was toxic. It all started after Vicky Jain asked Isha if her parents knew about her relationship with Abhishek Kumar. Not really, my mom had an idea about it but she came to know about the aggression much later, towards the end when things became extremely toxic, she said as quoted by E-Times. When Vicky further asked if she was shooting with Abhishek previously, Samarth interrupted saying, He was removed from the show. Because they were unable to shoot, they killed his character on screen. Isha also added, It used to be very difficult for me to shoot, there were PSOs on the set to protect me from him. Isha then made a shocking allegation against Abhishek and claimed he slapped her after she introduced him to her friends. Once, Abhishek and I went to the club for a New Years party. I had quite a few female friends there who used to often meet me. I introduced Abhishek to them saying he is my boyfriend. He was quite astonished to see them and before I could say something he slapped me. The next day, when I went to the set, the spot under my right eye had turned blue. When all this got over, my mom came to know that the bruise was because of Abhishek, she claimed. The actress further shared details about their breakup and revealed that it happened over a call after fighting over text messages. However, Isha claimed that Abhishek reached her apartment following their breakup and created a scene. He was below my building honking so loudly. He then came to my house. I told him to stop with this behaviour, he took all the clothes and threw them in the house. Then the guards or bouncers who were in the colony came up and asked him to leave looking at all the drama he did. That day I was sure that I could not continue with him, she recalled. This is not the first time that Isha claimed Abhishek slapped her. During the Bigg Boss 17 premiere night too, she told Salman Khan that Abhishek was violent in their relationship a charge denied by the actor. Kajol, who was on the panel of the Netflix Film Actors Roundtable 2023, explained why she avoids doing scenes that involve her being molested. She admitted being part of such scenes in the past and that they make her feel very uncomfortable and disturbed. The actress said, It has always been my take as an actor that Ill not do scenes that require me to be either molested or in any which way show me in a place where I dont want to be because I think as actors when we do a shot, were feeling it, were really feeling it. So yes, we are actors up to a point but the camera I feel is one of those things its like man-made magic and it tends to capture it if youre not being honest in front of it. At times like this, you need to be honest. She said that it has been her personal stance that she doesnt want to engage in such scenes. She added, Thats been my personal this thing on it that, No, I dont want to do this. I dont feel comfortable. I dont feel comfortable when I have to act out a scene where I am being physically abused or molestedI have done it, its not that I havent. But its very very very uncomfortable and very disturbing. And I dont feel I need to do it to prove a point. I can prove my point to be a good actor in 100 different other ways, I dont need this particular experience. Kajol has featured in various films that required her to portray molestation scenes, including Baazigar (1993), Ishq (1997) and Dushman (1998). In Lust Stories 2 (2023), Kajol portrayed a character who experienced abuse from her partner. While the abusive scenes were not explicitly shown, her character was shown with bruises on her face. Marathi Actor Ravindra Berde Ravindra died on Wednesday morning after battling throat cancer for years. He was 78. The veteran actor had been undergoing treatment at Tata Hospital for the last few months. According to a report by ABP, the actor was discharged two days ago. On Wednesday morning, the actor breathed his last after suffering a heart attack at his Mumbai residence. Berde worked in Anil Kapoor starrer Nayak: The Real Hero which was released in 2001. He was also part of Rohit Shettys Ajay Devgn starrer Singham. In the film, he essayed the role of Zamindar Chandrakant. Ravindra Berde and his late brother, actor Laxmikant Berde, delivered several hit movies together. Ravindra Berde had earlier suffered a heart attack during one of his plays in 1995 and was later diagnosed with cancer in 2011. However, that didnt dampen his spirits and Berde continued to entertain the audience with his acting. He started his career in theatre in 1965 and slowly transitioned to TV and films. During his illustrious career, he acted in over 300 Marathi films. He has also shared the screen space with actors like Ashok Saraf, Vijay Chavan, Mahesh Kothare, Viju Khote, Sudhir Joshi and Bharat Jadhav. His portrayal in the film Pacchadlela earned him considerable recognition in the industry and even made a place in the hearts of the audience. He has also worked in films, including Bakaal, Yeshwant, Hum Do Anjaane, Bhootachi Shala, Shripa, Shasan, Mandali Tumchyasathi Kay Pan and many more. Ravindra Berde is survived by his wife, two children, daughter-in-law and grandkids. His fans have expressed grief on social media and have even offered condolences to the family. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. A campaign against Azerbaijani journalists in the French media is unacceptable, the Azerbaijan Press Council said, Trend reports. The council noted that such a campaign the slanderous campaign against employees of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC) in the French media is offensive behavior contradicting all ethical norms and values. This unacceptable approach is nothing but an act of malice and a feeble attempt to justify the restriction of freedom of speech, the council said. "On December 3 of this year, AZERTAC correspondent Aygun Huseynova was sent to the French colony of New Caledonia to cover the liberation movement of the local population. However, she was denied entry at the airport, allegedly due to the lack of a visa [to New Caledonia]," the council explained. "The journalist was threatened with arrest and sent to a third country. This brought serious wave of negativity in Azerbaijani media, and protest statements have been issued." "All of this, along with the widespread resonance in the international media regarding the unacceptable behavior in New Caledonia, seemed to prompt the ruling circles of France to seek 'arguments'. The campaign of 'black PR' against AZERTAC employees and labeling them as 'spies' can only be seen as a response to these events," the council said. "The activities of Azerbaijani media representatives have nothing to do with any illegal actions. They have a humanitarian and social motive, based on their desire to cover the liberation struggle of the people of New Caledonia," the council mentioned. "The fact that the police of New Caledonia ignores this, creating an artificial barrier to the activities of Azerbaijani journalists, is a clear disregard for freedom of speech, considered an integral part of fundamental human rights and freedoms." "The injustice against the Azerbaijani journalist has also been condemned by the President of the Union Caledonia political party Daniel Goa, expressing support for Azerbaijani media representatives," the council highlighted. "In such a situation, the attempt to discredit Azerbaijani journalists in the French media once again confirms that the government of the country intends to conceal its despotic nature. The goal is clear: to prevent the spread of the truth about peoples under colonial rule, including the people of New Caledonia." The Azerbaijan Press Council strongly condemned the defamatory campaign conducted in the French media against AZERTAC employees and the spread of provocative information. The council considered this an undemocratic step, intolerance towards freedom of speech, and declares that such an approach contradicts both ethical values and the historical progressive nature of French statehood. "Unfortunately, the current president of the country, Emmanuel Macron, and his autocratic administration are so paralyzed that they cannot contemplate the damage caused to their country by primitive political games in terms of freedom of speech," the council noted. Additionally, the Press Council called on the global media community to unite against the unacceptable actions of the French authorities and to voice its protest. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Rashmika Mandanna, who has been ruling headlines for Animal, on Wednesday set the internet on fire with her glamorous avatar. The national crush flaunted her impeccable fashion sense in a stunning leather bodycon dress that accentuated her sizzling figure. In no time the photos went viral and fans were seen dropping lovely comments on it. Many called her Bhabi No 1. Taking to her official Instagram handle, Rashmika shared a series of photos in which we can see her posing wearing a bodycon dress. The actress did not opt for bold makeup but rather kept it simple and minimalistic. Many fans called her Bhabi No 1. One of the fans wrote, Uffff Wifey material. Another wrote, Geethanjali Button. In Animal, her character role name is Geenthanjali and she is seen wife of Ranbir Kapoor. Take a look at the photos here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna) Rashmika Mandanna is now all set to begin shooting for her most-awaited movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule. It has now been revealed that the actress will begin the Pushpa 2 shoot schedule on December 13 in Hyderabad. Rashmika Mandanna is extremely happy with the love and praise she is receiving for the film Animal. Immediately after the massive success of Animal, Rashmika will begin the shoot for the highly ambitious and blockbuster franchise Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 13th in Hyderabad. The actress will be reprising her iconic role of Srivali in the film starring Allu Arjun, an independent industry source said. Written and directed by Sukumar, Pushpa: The Rise was released in 2021 and turned out to be a blockbuster movie. The action drama dealt with red sandalwood smuggling. Allu Arjun recently won the Best Actor National Award for her performance in the movie. It was earlier said that Pushpa 2: The Rule is likely to hit theatres in December 2023. However, it was recently announced that Pushpa 2 will be released on August 15, 2024. The Supreme Courts landmark verdict affirming the abrogation of Article 370, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, marks an irreversible shift in Indias political landscape. The decisive move in 2019 initiated a seismic transformation, and whether one stood in support or opposition, its undeniable that Indias politics, especially concerning Kashmir, has undergone a profound metamorphosis. For Kashmiris, this transcended mere political manoeuvring; it was about their lives, livelihoods, dignity, autonomy, development, the right to a peaceful existence, and the pursuit of self-reliance. With the Supreme Court validating the Central governments decision, the time has come to re-enter the political arena. While a significant portion of India supported the abrogation of Article 370, notable Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, held a contrary stance. Now, as Opposition parties unite under the banner of I.N.D.I.A for the 2024 general elections, it becomes imperative for them to articulate a clear stance on crucial issues like Kashmir and Article 370 revocation. The onus is on the Opposition coalition to dispel ambiguity and define their goals transparently as they step into the political battleground. Congress And Its Hypocrite Stand On Article 370 For decades, the Opposition has shamelessly wielded the Kashmir issue as a cynical pawn in their political chess game, manipulating the regions emotional complexities, solely for electoral gains. Their duplicitous conduct, marked by a confrontational facade against the government, while indulging in shady backroom dealings, reeks of hypocrisy. The Congress partys 2014 alliance with the PDP, which effectively endorsed the repeal of Article 370, serves as an obvious example of double standards. However, in 2019, the BJP made a spectacular U-turn. Suddenly, the Congress donned the cloak of fierce Opposition, accusing the government of democratic erosion and alienating Kashmir. This opportunistic charade has shattered public trust and laid bare the Oppositions callous disregard for the welfare of Kashmiris. Their erratic and conflicting position has left the public befuddled, questioning the authenticity of their stance and branding them as insincere political opportunists. Article 370, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been a hotbed of political debate in India. What makes Congress position particularly baffling is their history of supporting this provision while they were in power. From emphasising the importance of preserving the unity of the country to highlighting the need to protect the rights and identity of the people in the region, their rhetoric screamed in favour of Article 370. Congress leaders, in their speeches and public statements, championed the cause of Article 370, arguing that it was a necessary measure to maintain peace and stability in the troubled region. They argued that it provided a unique solution to the complex issues of Jammu and Kashmir, and any attempt to tamper with it would only lead to further unrest. Different Positions of Opposition Political Parties The aftermath of Article 370s abrogation has laid bare the tumultuous landscape of Indian politics, exposing a tapestry of conflicting perspectives and ideological chasms. Within the Samajwadi Party (SP), internal discord echoes loudly. Akhilesh Yadavs tepid endorsement, ostensibly driven by potential economic benefits, contrasts sharply with Mulayam Singh Yadavs initial criticism and concern over the impact on Kashmirs autonomy. By endorsing the BJPs position, Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) decided to depart early from the Opposition consensus. However, their subsequent alliance with I.N.D.I.A has diluted their critique. The National Conference (NC), a vocal Kashmiri player, vehemently condemned the abrogation, interpreting it as an assault on the identity and autonomy of the region. Their consistent plea for restoration and dialogue exposes the profound anxieties within Kashmir. Conversely, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) launched a vigorous opposition, denouncing the move as a blatant violation of democracy and the Constitution. Tejaswi Yadavs vocal criticism highlighted human rights concerns. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once opposed, pivoted to a nuanced approach. While expressing apprehensions about long-term consequences, Mehbooba Mufti called for dialogue with the Kashmiri people. Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress (TMC) consistently castigated the abrogation, deeming it a black day for democracy and forewarning of potential violence and instability. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) condemned the abrogation, emphasising the need to respect Kashmiri sentiments and advocating a dialogue-based solution. MK Stalin criticised the governments unilateral approach, demanding a more inclusive process. The Communist Party of India [Marxist] (CPIM) staunchly opposed the move, viewing it as an attack on the federal structure and insisting on a political solution respecting Kashmiri aspirations. In essence, the varied responses underline the deep-seated ideological rifts within Indias political tapestry. Whether seen as a stride towards national integration or decried as an affront to democracy and Kashmiri autonomy, the challenge of reconciling these opposing perspectives looms large over the future of Kashmir and India. Necessity of Articulating a Clear Stand on Kashmir As the pivotal 2024 elections loom, the Opposition finds itself at a crossroads, demanding a definitive stance on the Kashmir issue that transcends mere rhetoric and embraces substantive solutions. The need of the hour is a strategic plan that not only acknowledges the ground reality in Kashmir but also comprehensively addresses the concerns of its people while emphasising integration with the rest of the nation. First and foremost, the Opposition must shed any myopic lens and recognise that the abrogation of Article 370 was a crucial step toward breaking the shackles of violence and separatism that have marred the region for decades. By highlighting the positive aspects of this decisionpotential economic development, improved governance, and equal rights for all citizensthe Opposition can shape a narrative that aligns with the broader national interest. Moreover, the Oppositions agenda should prioritise the genuine welfare of the people in Jammu and Kashmir over short-term political gains. A meticulously crafted plan addressing socio-economic challenges, including strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation, is essential. This approach aims to uplift the lives of Kashmiris, offering them better opportunities and a brighter future. Furthermore, fostering unity and inclusivity within Jammu and Kashmir should be a cornerstone of the Oppositions strategy. Actively promoting dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders, including the local population, becomes imperative. By building trust and bridging divides between different communities, the Opposition can pave the way for enduring peace and development. Embracing a spirit of brotherhood and inclusiveness not only aligns with democratic ideals but also lays the groundwork for a harmonious future in the region. In essence, the Oppositions success in the upcoming elections hinges on its ability to articulate a nuanced and forward-thinking approach to the Kashmir issueone that reflects a commitment to national integration, socio-economic development, and enduring peace. I.N.D.I.A Will Have To Accept Blunders of Nehru And Congress Without acknowledging, there is no moving away from the betterment, and that is why if the Opposition wants to come clean on its stand on Kashmir, they will have to accept that the suffering of Kashmir has links with many mistakes and blunders of Jawaharlal Nehru. In the haunting landscape of Kashmirs present woes, the shadows of historical blunders cast by Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress loom large, painting a grim portrait of enduring suffering. The seeds of discontent sown in the soil of these blunders have blossomed into the thorns that prickle the aspirations and peace of the Kashmiri people today. Nehrus strategic miscalculations, driven by a romanticised vision of secularism, led to the fateful Article 370a ticking time bomb that would explode into perpetual unrest. The Congress, in its myopic pursuit of power, fuelled this disastrous narrative, turning a blind eye to the simmering discontent that would eventually erupt into the quagmire we witness today. The echoes of Nehrus appeasement politics resonate through the decades, reverberating in the cries of a populace caught in the crossfire of separatism and militancy. The special status granted to Kashmir, instead of fostering unity, nurtured a sense of alienation and otherness, perpetuating a cycle of violence that scars the regions soul. The Congress, ensnared in its own political machinations, perpetuated this tragedy. Rather than rectifying the historical blunders, successive Congress governments clung to a flawed status quo, perpetuating a narrative of victimhood that only fuelled the flames of discontent. Today, as Kashmir grapples with a complex web of insurgency, political turmoil, and human suffering, the root cause traces back to Nehrus utopian vision and the Congress spineless complicity. The consequences of these historical blunders are etched in the tear-stained faces of the Kashmiri people, a poignant reminder of the betrayal they endured at the hands of those entrusted with their well-being. In the heart-wrenching tapestry of Kashmirs agony, the historic blunders of Nehru and the Congress stand as an indelible stain, a painful reminder of the human cost of political myopia and misplaced idealism. The scars run deep, and only a reckoning with this bitter truth can pave the way for a future where Kashmir can breathe free from the shadows of the past. Way Forward The Opposition parties in India stand at a critical juncture, facing a litmus test that demands a radical departure from their entrenched hypocrisy as they navigate the complex terrain of the Kashmir issue in the run-up to the 2024 elections. The recent resounding verdict from the Supreme Court, upholding the governments decisive move to abrogate Article 370, has unequivocally quashed any lingering doubts of unconstitutionality. This watershed moment demands that the Opposition transcend its customary political opportunism, shifting its focus decisively towards championing the welfare of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. To demonstrate a genuine commitment to the nations progress and win the trust of the electorate, the Opposition must rise above mere posturing and present a meticulously detailed plan that not only assuages the concerns of the region but also endeavours to foster an environment of unity and inclusivity. It is a pivotal juncture that demands the Oppositions unequivocal dedication to forging a better, more prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmira commitment that must rise above the realm of empty rhetoric and translate into tangible action for the betterment of the nation as a whole. The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. In the tumultuous arena of political rhetoric, amidst the cacophony of claims and challenges, there stood a singular truth, resolute and unyieldingArticle 370, once hailed as an impregnable fortress shielding Kashmir, has met its definitive end. Farooq Abdullahs vehement declaration that even if Narendra Modi were to ascend to the throne tenfold, Article 370 would stand, now echoes hollow against the resounding gavel of the legal verdict. Owaisis audacious challenge to the BJP is a mere gust in the face of the storm of constitutional validity that has swept away doubts. Ghulam Azad Nabis conviction, veiled in the longevity of Congress, now falters as the cornerstone of Article 370 crumbles under the weight of truth. Mehbooba Muftis ominous prophecy, foretelling the disintegration of Kashmir from India, has met its reckoning in the annals of history. The triumph of the legal judgment, the unanimous affirmation of the Centres decision to abrogate Article 370, rings louder than any political conjecture or apocalyptic forecast. The reality check that dawns today is not merely a shift in the political landscape; it is the dawn of a new eraa testament to the steadfastness of Indias unity. For those who clung to the illusion of reversing this abrogation, the clarion call of the legal verdict reverberatesArticle 370 was, by its very nature, a transient provision, a pawn in the hands of a few, wielded to sow seeds of division within our nation. The historic verdict proclaims, unequivocally, that every Kashmiri stands as equal an Indian as any other citizen, and Kashmir is as much mine as Assam is of a Kashmiri, dispelling the shadows of division and separatism that once loomed large. The sacred promise made by PM Modi stands fulfilled, not as a mere electoral pledge but as an indelible mark in the annals of Indias constitutional history. Art 370, a relic of the past, now consigned to the archives, paves the way for a collective gaze towards the futurea future where every citizen breathes the same air of unity, justice, and fraternity. The recent Supreme Court judgment delivered key conclusions on Article 370 and the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) situation: Article 370, termed a temporary provision, was established during wartime conditions in J&K for transitional purposes, intended to serve an interim process, as noted by the Court. The Court directed the Election Commission to conduct assembly elections in J&K by September 2024, further indicating the eventual restoration of statehood for J&K. Regarding the validity of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, the Court found it unnecessary to adjudicate upon it, given the assurance by the Solicitor General that statehood would be restored to J&K. The Court acknowledged security concerns and the temporary nature of J&Ks Union Territory status. While upholding the reorganisation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, the Court left open the question of whether Parliament has the authority to convert a state into a Union Territory. The Court validated the Presidential order abrogating Article 370, affirming that the constituent assemblys recommendation was not binding on the President. It highlighted the transitional nature of the constituent assembly and reiterated that Article 370(3) aimed at constitutional integration rather than disintegration. Additionally, the Court acknowledged that it couldnt overrule the Presidents decision, yet maintained that such decisions are subject to judicial review. It highlighted the collaborative process between the Union and J&K through constitutional orders, indicating an ongoing integration process, thereby validating the Presidents power to issue the notification. Ek Desh, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, the resounding call for a unified India, transcends the barriers of rhetoric, prevailing over divisive agendas. The abrogation of Article 370 is not just a legal victory; it is the embodiment of our collective aspiration for a stronger, more integrated nation. It is a proclamation that the sovereignty and integrity of India stand unwavering, casting aside the shadows of separatism and division. Justice SK Kauls heartfelt conclusion in the Supreme Courts judgment, as a Kashmiri Pandit himself, acknowledged the arduous struggles endured by the Kashmiri Hindu community. He emphasised the pressing need for a Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) to investigate human rights violations by both state and non-state actors in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s. Urging swift action, he stressed the importance of preserving these memories and proposed time-bound measures for the TRCs establishment, aiming to address the grievances and experiences of Kashmiri Hindus. The recent passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, underlines a pivotal step towards justice and representation in the region post the abrogation of Article 370. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the bills significance in addressing a 70-year-old deprivation of rights, particularly for those who were displaced and marginalised. By allocating representation in the assembly for displaced communities and reserving a seat for those from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the bills strive to empower and enfranchise those who have long been neglected. Shahs critical reflection on past failures in handling terrorism and the reduction in terrorism incidents post Article 370s abrogation underscores the bills urgency in establishing stability, inclusivity, and justice in Jammu and Kashmir. This legislative move marks a crucial stride towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering a more equitable and representative future for the region. With an estimated addition of 20 lakh individuals under the reservation umbrella, including marginalised groups like the Pahari community and Valmiki diaspora, these bills encapsulate a monumental shift. The amendments, extending reservation quotas to a total of approximately 65 lakh individuals, vividly illustrate a monumental step towards rectifying historical injustices. For instance, the inclusion of Valmikis, after a decades-long wait for recognition, reflects a poignant journey from deprivation to hopea community finally embraced into the folds of social and economic inclusivity. The statistical surge from 50 per cent to 60 per cent reservation coverage, coupled with the inclusion of OBCs and expansion of ST categories, resonates as a narrative of empowerment and reconciliation. These legislative strides symbolise not just numerical growth but a profound social metamorphosisa tale of millions finding a voice, an identity, and a renewed sense of belonging in the fabric of a redefined Jammu and Kashmir. As the dust settles on this historic judgment, let it serve as a beacon of unity, reminding us that our strength lies not in our divisions but in our unitya unity forged through the annulment of divisive measures and the collective pursuit of a brighter, harmonious future for our beloved nation. The saga of Art 370s fall is not merely a milestone; it is a testament to Indias resilience, unity, and unyielding spirita resounding affirmation that in our diversity, we find strength, and in our unity, we forge an unbreakable bond that transcends all barriers. This momentous ruling brings emotional closure and signifies liberation from historical constraints that hindered Jammu and Kashmirs growth. It reflects Indias stride towards unity, progress, and a brighter future. Prime Minister Modis leadership in addressing a long-standing issue showcases courage and foresight, leaving an enduring mark on the nations journey. The past bows down to the futurean undivided, resolute India is marching ahead as one nation, one constitution. The author is a practising advocate. She writes articles on womens rights, politics and law. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the Modi governments decision to scrap Article 370 in August 2019. Article 370 was contentious because it guaranteed special status to Jammu & Kashmir that insulated it from Constitutional oversight. In other words, very few laws applicable to the rest of India applied to Kashmir. But even after the highest court in the land has spoken, very few will call out Article 370 for what it really was: naked appeasement. Of the kind that turned the Muslim majority Kashmir valley into a constitutional dystopia that mocked secularism. Instead of celebrating the dismantling of the architecture of separatism, many on the left are slamming the CJI-led 5 judge bench for lacking the integrity to uphold constitutionalism. In August 2019, the Modi governments move to abrogate Article 370 was challenged because it supposedly paid little heed to procedural niceties, historical promises or legal complexities. But those who have cast these loaded aspersions have ignored the facts of history. Article 370 is the illegitimate product of an original sin the Nehruvian fetish for secularizing Bharats encounter with Muslim communalism. Even the wisest counsels within the Constituent Assembly were appalled at Nehrus embrace of Article 370. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Constitutions drafting committee, warned that it would create sovereignty within sovereign India. Indias first Home Minister and iron man Sardar Patel was a reluctant campaigner against granting special status to one class of citizens. On seeing the draft of the Article when it was tabled in the Constituent Assembly Hasrat Mohani, an Urdu poet and member of the communist party, asked aloud, why this discrimination, please? Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who had quit the Nehru cabinet in 1950, stated incredulously, Ek desh mein do vishan, do pradhan aur do nishan kaise chalenge. (Can in one country, two constitutions, two prime ministers and two flags work?) In fact, Mukherjee, who went on to establish the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS), the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), launched an agitation in 1953 against Article 370 in Kashmir. The protest irritated Nehru and prompted him to accuse Mukherjee of pursuing a communal agenda. Mukherjee wrote a rejoinder designed to expose Nehrus hypocrisy: Is there anything communal or reactionary or anti-national about it? If Indias Constitution is good enough for the rest of India, why should it not be acceptable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir? It is amazing how the move for separatism pursued by Sheikh Abdullah and his colleagues is being applauded by you as national and patriotic Twisting the knife further, Mukherjee chided Nehru for appeasing one community at the expense of others: Think in your cool moments how in your life history your failure to stand against Muslim communalism in India has resulted in disastrous consequences. Perhaps you and others followed a policy of concession and appeasement with the highest motive but in ultimate the country came to be partitioned against your own repeated declarations to the contrary. Mukherjees reservations and those of other members of the Constituent assembly proved prophetic. Article 370 accelerated Muslim majority Kashmir valleys descent into Islamist supremacism. The outcome spawned the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in 1990. This remains the biggest communally triggered internal mass migration in Independent India. It birthed a legal super structure that viewed with a jaundiced eye the children of Kashmiri women who married outsiders. The products of miscegenation were not only stigmatized but also denied their inheritance. The ghettoized valley didnt even have place for persecuted Hindu refugees fleeing the rapacity of religious persecution in Pakistan. Valmikis who were brought in 1957 (to work as sweepers) from across India were to live eternally shackled to the abomination of untouchability. It suffices to say, Insaniyat was reserved for a privileged creed. The Supreme Court may have taken the wrecking ball to this symbol of asymmetric federalism, but Article 370 is just the first in a long list of other such renderers of the architecture of an asymmetric secularism. Till the cult of appeasement nurtures the Places of Worship Act, 1991, The Waqf Act, 1995, The HR & CE Act and a plethora of minority personal laws it will be difficult to reclaim secularism in India. There is only one resolution rising above the caste and sect. Together, we will build the brightest future of Bihar based on the vision of our own ancestors, said IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav at a rally in a college in Bihars Begusarai where more than 50,000 people had gathered for the Lets Inspire Bihar (LIB) campaign. When News18 asked Vaibhav about the reason behind holding such a large gathering ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Vaibhav said the target of his campaign is to penetrate in all Panchayats of Bihar. There are 75,000 members in the (LIB) campaign across the world. We have already done over 1,000 events. But the members and events were based in urban areas. To connect with the rural people, this kind of event should be held in all 38 districts of Bihar; next one is in Arrah on January 24. On his intention to join politics, Vaibhav said, Good people should join politics because only honest people coming into politics wont bring any change. People should equally participate and their role is crucial. So its important for good people to join hands with one aim of making Bihar a developed state and bring its glory back. Vaibhav said the number of youth below 30 years of age in Bihar is 9 crore. If the power of youth is utilised to the optimum, then the prosperity of Bihar cannot be stopped. The firebrand IPS officer took a pledge in the city situated on the banks of Ganga and the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar that I will revive the land of my ancestors, I will change Biharwill definitely restore Bihar by 2047 where no person needs to go anywhere else for education or employment. About the Campaign Explaining further the aim of his campaign, Vaibhav said education and entrepreneurship are two of the focal areas that will help make an egalitarian society. We have Gargi chapters running across Bihar, which impart education facilities free of cost to the underprivileged children. We have hundreds of skilled entrepreneurs who are guiding the youth to develop skills and become self-reliable. Our target is to make five successful entrepreneurs from each district. Why Vaibhav can be an important factor for LS Polls 2024? Having a Sangh background, Vaibhav may contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2024 on a BJP ticket, as per some speculations. He is a firebrand IPS officer of Bihar with a clean image. Born in Begusarai, he could be a strong contender of a BJP ticket from there. He belongs to the Bhumihar community, which is in majority in the region. He is famous and a prominent face among youths. This makes it easier for him to garner huge crowd during campaigning. He could be a strong candidate against JDU president Lalan Singh from Munger constituency or his home turf Begusarai. With thousands of active members of LIB across Bihar and abroad, his idea of developed Bihar doesnt restrict him to just one constituency. About IPS Vikas Vaibhav From IIT Kanpur, Vikas Vaibhav cleared UPSC in 2003, and since then he has served at as the IPS officer in Bihar. Some of his many credentials are SSP Patna, SP National Investigation Agency (NIA), DIG, Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Bihar, Special Secretary Home, IG, Home Guards and Fire Services and now Advisor of Bihar State Planning Board. He had arrested Bihar Bahubali MLA Anant Kumar Singh in 2005. Rohtas Fort, which was once ill-famed while under the grip of Maoists, was freed in an operation led by then SP Rohtas Vaibhav. He had unfurled the Tricolor at the fort for the first time. When Indian Mujahideen chief Yasin Bhatkal was nabbed in Nepal and brought to Bihar by the National Intelligence Agency, Vaibhav arrested him officially and interrogated him. Amid the ongoing legal battle over pending bills, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, in an exclusive interview to News 18, said the state government was trying to short-circuit the entire system by transferring the fiscal responsibility to the universities, and the pending bills were money bills that could not be placed before the state assembly without the prior approval of the Governor. Stating that he stands his ground legally and constitutionally on the matter, Governor Khan said the court did not send a notice to him seeking his response on the same. Arif Mohammed Khan was in Delhi on Tuesday to attend a conclave Bridging South organised by Keralas weekly magazine Kesari in collaboration with RSSs knowledge think tank Prajna Pravah whose national coordinator J Nandakumar was also present. Speaking with News 18, the Kerala Governor mentioned the issues related to the Governors office, the pending bills, its legal implications and the financial status of the state government. He said the comments made by senior politicians referring to Sanatan and statements concerning the north-south divide post the results of the assembly elections were political and would fade from peoples mind soon. On Pending Bills The Kerala government had moved the Supreme Court last month against the Governor regarding the delay in clearing Bills passed by the Assembly. Khan said he had cleared one of the eight pending bills, and reserved seven others for consideration of the President. The court has not said anything. It has not issued a notice to me or to Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi. Court is the custodian of justice. Do you want me to believe that it is violating the demand of natural justice? Khan asked. Court has not even issued a notice to me, they have issued it to the secretary of Raj Bhavan. I am responsible to the President of India. I am appointed by the same authority, which appoints many other constitutional office, and all these cases (of pending bills) reached the court, what is the outcome? If the attorney general requests me to not keep the bills on my table, but if it is a money bill, which cant be presented before the House without the Governors approval? he asked. According to Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor can give assent to the Bill, may withhold assent to the Bill, reject the Bill, in which case, it fails to become a law, and may return the Bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration for the State Legislature or reserve the Bill for consideration of the President. Elaborating on the reasons for not clearing the bills, the Governor said, To short-circuit the entire system, the (Kerala) government wants to transfer the fiscal responsibility to the universities, is this not sheer deception? The universities are also getting money from the central and state governments. In my opinion, that was a money bill, and the government cannot table the bill in the assembly without the prior approval of the Governor. Eight bills were pending, and I have cleared one. I have reserved the rest for consideration of the President. That is my stand. But if the court does not issue a notice to me, what do I do? I think the court is also giving a clear message that these offices are not subjected to judiciary. Universities Will Lose Autonomy If The Kerala Governor also explained why the attempts by the state government to remove him from the position of chancellors may turn detrimental for the students and why he stopped the related bills. Today, Governors are the chancellors of the universities. But the state government wants to remove him, and appoint others as chancellor of the university. There will be some expenditure involved for that, and the state has to make provision for it. If you make a provision in the bill, then you need prior approval of the Governor. In order to avoid the approval, and to short circuit the constitutional provision, the state said the expenses would be looked after by the university. How can this happen? Universities do not have an independent source of income. They depend on the state and central governments. So, essentially this is a money bill and I will not clear it, he said. But the Supreme Court did not ask me or express a need for me to go there and reply. The notice was issued to the secretary of Raj Bhavan. Now, can the secretary force me to sign the bill? What purpose does it serve? He cannot catch hold of my hand and make me sign it. I have not received any notice issued by the court as of now. I stand by the constitutional and legal grounds, he added. When they (politicians) make comment about the governors, they should never forget that for centuries India was badly fragmented politically. The centrifugal mindset is still alive. The office of the Governors was created to keep a watch on this centrifugal and divisive forces, so that they dont gain strength, he further said. Stating that the autonomy of the universities would be at stake if Governors are removed from the position of chancellors, Khan said, Whenever and wherever the governments try to remove Governor from the position of the chancellor of universities, the students in large numbers will migrate to central universities. All over the world, universities are autonomous. Autonomy means free from executive interferences. If any university has executive interferences in its function, its degrees will lose value. Reacting to the statements made by several senior politicians questioning Governors actions, Khan said, I am the representative of President, not of any government including the central or state. I do not waste my energy paying attention to such ignorant people who say that the Governors have become representatives of the Centre. Their opinions should be dismissed with contempt. On Sanatan Dharma Controversy The politicians, who are making such references and commenting in a disrespectful way about Sanatan Dharma, are not taken seriously by people, not even by their family members, said the Governor. I dont like to give importance at all. Those who are making such irresponsible statements do not even affect their family members. The person who made a statement asking people to liquidate Sanatan could not even convince his mother about his opinion. Sanatan is not a religion, it is a way of life. Ten days later, the mother of the person who made such a statement came to Guruvayur Devaswom temple in Kerala for a spiritual solace. Why should we give importance to such statements? Those making such irresponsible statements cant even stop their own family members from expressing devotion, he said. These are only political statements, and this is a passing phase. They themselves will not remember these things after elections. Therefore, I wont like to give them any importance, he quipped. About the controversy over north-south divide, which came to fore after the results of the elections, Khan said, I feel that the name of the conclave should have been Bridging North instead of Bridging South. Bharat is not in Delhi or Mumbai. The main character of India is there in diversity. Prohibition of RSS Drills in Kerala Temples In October, the Travancore Devaswom Board said all activities of the RSS and its affiliates with extreme ideologies, without permission, have been prohibited. The Governor, however, said these orders were issued with ulterior political motive. The Kerala government has so many pressing issues and real problems to deal with. The government has no money to pay the pension of the people who served for 30 to 35 years. Through an affidavit, the chief secretary has said before the Kerala High Court, that the government is not in a position to honour the financial guarantees it had given. And the state government is now indulging in such trivia things that who is exercising where. These orders are all political. Nobody takes them seriously. Even the persons who pass these orders also do not take them seriously, he further said. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former minister KT Rama Rao on Wednesday accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in the state of hoodwinking the people of Telangana with impossible to implement poll promises. He also alleged that there were discussions in the legislative house during the earlier Congress regime. We released a white paper on the financial transactions annually and The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has been releasing the report annually. Now they (the ruling Congress) have been verifying the audit accounts. Does anyone give promises after making calculations or start calculations after giving assurances? From now onwards, the Congress leaders will allege that the state has been in a debt trap when we came into power, Reddy said accusing the Telangana government of misleading people with misinformation. One of the ruling party legislators has assured 45,000 jobs to the unemployed youth in his constituency. When somebody questioned them about how theyll provide thousands of jobs, they didnt answer. There is no clarity on the promise of jobs from their side. The Congress made so many promises and they would have to feel the burden when they are in government. From now onwards the Congress rulers will face the music, he added. The BRS leader was talking to reporters in corridors of the state Assembly. He was with Congress leaders, while Prasad Kumar was filing his nomination for the post of Speaker. Rao was there as Kumars proposer. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, and CPI legislator Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao among others were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, keeping its poll promise, the Congress last week launched two of the six poll guarantees. The government launched the Maha Lakshmi Scheme under which girls, women and transgender persons of all ages, who are domicile of Telangana, can travel free of cost on State Road Transport Corporation buses. The scheme also promises to give Rs 2,500 every month as sustenance allowance; LPG cylinders for Rs 500; and free travel on RTC buses. The government also launched the Rajiv Arogyasri Scheme to give financial assistance of up to Rs10 lakh, to families living below the poverty line. The Maharashtra government intends to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) before the state elections in 2024, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, has told the Legislative Council of the assembly. The statement comes amid state government officials calling for yet another protest to demand implementation of OPS. Pawar, during the Winter Session, said: The state government is very positive about the Old Pension Scheme. Post Lok Sabha elections, we have six months for the state assembly election. Before that, we will take a decision on the scheme. In a post on microblogging website X, the deputy CM said: The State Govt had formed a 3 member committee to study this issue. This committee consists of senior bureaucrats like Subodh Kumar, KP Bakshi & Sudhir Shrivastav who had submitted their report to the state Govt. Also, we are getting more information from other states who have already implemented the Old Pension Scheme. A huge gathering was held at Yashvant stadium in Nagpur city on Tuesday at the behest of teachers and non-teaching staff on state government payroll and state government employee unions to demand the old scheme. Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was in Nagpur for the past two days, also visited Yashwant stadium and extended his support to the protesters. Interacting with the gathering, he said: If I were the chief minister, this situation would have never arrived. The RBI, in its report released on December 11, cautioned against the return to the Old Pension Scheme by certain states, stating it would pose a substantial financial burden and impede their ability to undertake growth-oriented capital expenditures. States like Rajasthan, Punjab and Chhattisgarh have already reinstated the scheme and now there are some reports which suggest that Karnataka is also planning to bring it back. A 25-year-old man with Down Syndrome averted a robbery bid at his home as he flashed a toy gun at two robbers who broke into his house in northeast Delhis Jyoti Nagar area, officials said on Monday. The incident took place on December 6 in broad daylight. A senior police officer said that they have registered a case in connection with the incident. Satpal Singh, who works in Ministry of Railways, said his younger son Nishant Chaudhary was alone in the house when the incident happened. It was on December 6 at 1:34 p.m. I was at my office and my wife was also at her workplace. My younger son was alone in the house when two persons broke into our premises. They first broke the lock and later bolted the gate from inside in order to commit burglary. Nishant keeps a toy gun with him which looks like an original one. Also Read: US Woman Who Adopted Child With Down Syndrome From India Celebrate Their Journey I had kept Rs 2,000 in the living room for maid. The accused took the money and went inside towards the lobby where my son was present. He thought that his mother has come. But on realising they were robbers, he pointed his gun towards the accused. The alleged persons got scared and ran away from the house. The whole episode unfolded within 45 seconds, Singh said. The family has also alleged that a maid, who was present near the spot, was involved in the incident. We have seen several CCTV footage and got to know that the alleged persons directly entered our house as if it was pre-planed. I have live access of the CCTV footage. I noticed it just after the incident and informed my wife who reached home within three minutes. Later, I also reached my house, he said. Also Read: How Man With Down Syndrome Raised His Son To Be A Dentist A case under relevant sections has been registered at Jyoti Nagar police station and several teams have been made to nab the accused persons, the officer said. Despite numerous efforts by the government and people to take family planning seriously, the population in India is far from under control. In some cases, women have even undergone permanent birth control surgeries to prevent pregnancy. A woman in Muzaffarpur (Bihar) underwent a similar surgery in 2015, but even after this, she became pregnant thrice. The woman, who is a native of Gaighat in Muzaffarpur, got married in 2003. She had four kids when she underwent the surgery to prevent further pregnancy during a health check-up camp. Despite being sterilised in 2015, the woman became pregnant in 2018. Her husband complained about the same to the civil surgeon. The couple was assured of the medical procedure, but the woman gave birth to a baby boy by then. The complaint was of no help, Moving forward to 2020, the woman became pregnant yet again. She gave birth to a daughter this time. In the aftermath, the couple approached the surgeons once again. The health officials, then, compensated the couple with Rs 6,000 for their negligence in the earlier case. The husband informed, Despite undergoing the operation, she kept giving birth to children. We are worried and scared. I earn a meagre amount by working on fields owned by landowners. The amount is not enough to run a family of six and now we are nine. My wife underwent the operation on the advice of the doctor, but we dont see any benefit from it. If the reports are to be believed, the family has been trying to get in touch with the health department for the last nine years to complain about the failure of the operation. They have also been seeking action against the concerned doctors who operated. Dr Gyan Shankar, noted on the matter, I have no information on this matter. I was not present when she was operated on. However, I have ordered yet another probe into the matter and we will get to the roots of it. The woman has become pregnant yet again this year. Her husband has reached the civil surgeons, who have set up an inquiry into the matter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Another group of families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) who left Baku's Garadagh district has arrived in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli city, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs of Azerbaijan told Trend. According to the committee, upon arrival, a ceremony was arranged to hand over the keys to the newly arrived families. Officials from the committee and the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in the freed lands of the Karabakh economic zone (excluding the Shusha district) attended the ceremony. The families will live in newly built residences in Fuzuli. At this point, another 25 families (112 people) had relocated. Thus, till today, a permanent settlement in Fuzuli has been given for 358 families, totaling 1,298 people. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The spirit of jugaad knows no limits. In India, desi jugaad is the go-to solution for fixing almost anything. Whatever the issue, theres always someone out there ingeniously devising a jugaad. Presently, a particular jugaad is gaining traction on the internet, accompanied by a degree of confusion and a lingering question that begs the attention of the scientific community for a thorough discussion. Shared by popular digital publisher RVCJ Media on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the video showcases a peculiar yet functional combination of a water tap and a light bulb integrated into a switchboard. In the video, a water tap is ingeniously fitted into a switchboard, and a light bulb is connected to the tap. Contrary to expectations, turning on the tap doesnt result in a flow of water but instead illuminates the attached bulb. Closing the tap subsequently extinguishes the light, creating a unique fusion of plumbing and electrical elements. The post has garnered significant attention with 54,300 views on the social media platform at the time of reporting. The comments section is filled with humorous responses as users grapple with the question posed in the overlaying text, Whom will you call if this stops working? Electrician or Plumber?, read the caption accompanying the post. Amidst the sea of witty remarks, users suggested an array of professionals who might be summoned to troubleshoot this peculiar jugaad. A user humorously suggested, A Carpenter. A carpenter Dishant Shah (@dishahnt) December 12, 2023 Another proposed the services of a Scientist. Scientist Usman Ali (@USMAN_254) December 12, 2023 The term Plectrecian made its way into the discussion, reflecting the confusion surrounding the expertise required to address potential malfunctions in this makeshift arrangement. Plectrecian Oye! Chaudhary INDIA (@ItsKulbeer) December 12, 2023 Meanwhile, a respondent added a touch of whimsy to the conversation, suggesting that a Psychiatrist might be necessary to decipher the intricacies of this hybrid invention. But havent we encountered ingenious jugaads in the past? Previously, a viral video shared by IRS Sugrive Meena showcased a farmers innovative solution for irrigation. The X clip featured a group of farmers collaboratively crafting a distinctive and impressive water-pumping machine. In the two-minute video, an individual is initially seen manually rotating the machine, and after a while, water starts flowing from a tube onto the water pump mechanism. Additionally, the farmers have ingeniously incorporated a battery to supply power, along with some strategically placed bulbs. As they turn the wheel, water begins to flow through the tube, demonstrating the resourcefulness of these inventive farmers. The caption read, Start 10 hp pump without electricity. jugaad. A recent post on the micro-blogging site X highlighted the frustrations of an individual struggling to find a home in Pune due to religious considerations. Rizwan, a Muslim man, expressed his despair, revealing that he almost gave up on his dream of securing a residence in the city. He criticised the absence of cross-religion lease agreements, which hindered his quest for a suitable living space. In the viral post, Rizwan stated, Seriously gave up on the dream of finding something called home in Pune! Explored all Pune, most gated societies dont do cross religion lease agreements. People telling me even if I get one they will throw me out in a few months. Also Read: Bengalurus 1 RK Flat Listing Goes Viral For Offering Nothing More Than a Bed For Rs 12,000 Continuing his rant, he shared, I made a conscious decision that I wont leave this country. Startup culture here has just started here. But every once a while this stupid s*** happens and I dont blame anyone who left India getting sick of this. The post gained widespread attention, prompting reactions from various individuals. While many expressed empathy, some urged caution against generalising the entire country based on one experience. One response read, Hey buddy, so sorry to hear this. Dont colour the entire country with the same brush. Tier 2 and self proclaimed tier -1 cities of India may look a little rigid at times. Move to a bigger city and use that for your startup. Another commenter expressed surprise and advised, This is surprising. Hope u did not tweeted based on few of your instances. Because everyone have one or other this kind of experience including bachelors get rejection bcoz they are unmarried even for renting place. A third individual suggested a different perspective, stating, I think there is no problem in getting a rented home anywhere in India. The thing is people will enquire about you and they have the right to do so. Why are you blaming them. I am staying in Guj. and got so many questions like a Job interview. But I didnt mind it. You should accept it openly dear @rizwan2000_rm. Also Read: Bengaluru CEO Makes Meme Come True After Moving into Viral 2BHK Apartment in Indiranagar Since being shared, the post has amassed over 480K views on the online platform. Crude oil is also known as liquid gold. One of the most important commodities, this liquid gold is present throughout major industries in the world and is mainly used in heating systems in homes, running vehicles, and even electricity. The overall oil consumption across the world stands at a whopping 97 million barrels every day. However, where does all this liquid gold come from? Recently, a Quora user asked the same question that was answered by others who are active on the social media platform. Venezuela is the country with the largest oil reserves in the world. It had more than 300 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in 2021, the majority of which is within the Orinoco Belt. This particular belt is called the largest deposit of petroleum in the world, with estimates suggesting a capacity of more than 200 billion barrels. As far as the countrys oil production in the world, Venezuela is much behind other nations. The primary reason behind the same is that unlike many other countries indulged in the production of oil, Venezuelan crude oil requires large investments in technology, manpower, and refineries to extract. While Venezuela was once popular for being one of the largest exporters in the world, an oil crash in 2015 along with political unrest, and a few other subsequent issues have led the country to witness a downfall. The conditions worsened in October 2017 as the country witnessed its lowest oil output in 28 years and the local PDVSA debt increased to almost 35 billion in 2021. Since 2020, Iran and Venezuela have been working together to maintain its refining facilities and contribute towards the improvement of the local oil industry. Currently, the country is improving in terms of economic growth. As a consequence, the government has been boasting about the same and informed that in 2022, the economy will grow 15% because of the rising oil production. Another factor that contributed to the economic growth was President Maduros decision to relax prices and permit more transactions in foreign currencies. A British Indian data scientist from Maharashtra has been awarded the UKs RailStaff Awards 2023 in the Newcomer of the Year category at a Birmingham ceremony. Smital Dhake, the first and only data scientist at mobility giant Alstom, was born in Jalgaon and later attended Watford Grammar School in England, followed by university at Kings College London. Very proud of our data scientist Smital Dhake for winning Newcomer of the Year at this years @RailStaffAwards ceremony, with colleague Kalen Ruddock securing second runner-up in the same category #TeamAlstom pic.twitter.com/xzEW8hcWBg Alstom UK & Ireland (@AlstomUK) December 12, 2023 The 26-year-old, based at Alstoms Hatfield office in eastern England, says she was inspired by her grandparents to work hard and her ambition is to continue to develop and apply her skills to contribute to developing engineering technologies. Smital is a fast learner who always finds ways to seek knowledge and grow herself in an exponential manner, said Mifaz Miftha, Design Group Manager at Alstom, after the award ceremony last month. She regularly takes on much more complex tasks above her role and delivers them with full commitment and with a high level of accuracy. Her meticulous approach to problem-solving and critical thinking on design have made Smital an asset to Alstom and the wider railway industry where innovation and sustainability are key to growth, he said. The young scientist is also described as an enormous inspiration to young women who are thinking of pursuing a career in the science, tech, engineering and maths (STEM) category. Smital has used her own time to visit numerous schools promoting careers in engineering and sustainability, added Miftha. The RailStaff Awards began in 2007 to recognise the great work of the people who work in the rail industry and to show appreciation for the people who deliver the UKs railways from drivers to cleaners, and engineers to station staff. As the only national award scheme for UK rail employees, they often showcase stories of lives saved, careers turned around and adversity conquered. Smital joined Alstoms Digital and Integrated Systems (D&IS) UK signalling business to work on the innovative Modular Advanced Route Setting (M-ARS) system at its Hertfordshire base. The UK railways first M-ARS system with machine learning techniques, or reinforcement learning, uses real-time data to predict future events to enable quicker decision-making to resolve conflicting train movements and thereby increasing the efficiency of the railway. Alstom said its M-ARS system is currently undergoing Network Rail product approval and Smital is instrumental to the process. Once approved, M-ARS will be delivered on a number of high-profile rail projects. Guyana President Irfaan Ali said on Tuesday that he is open to amicable discussion on any topic with his Venezuelan counterpart this week in a high-tension summit except for the territorial claim by Caracas on a contested oil-rich region. That matter must be decided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ali said on X, formerly Twitter. I have already made it clear that the #ICJ will determine the controversy surrounding the borders of Guyana and Venezuela. We are firm on this matter and it will not be open for discussion, Ali said. Ali released on X a copy of a letter he sent to the host of Thursdays summit, Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In it, he took issue with recent statements by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who says that a referendum December 3 in which Venezuelan voters overwhelmingly approved of his countrys claim on the oil-rich Essequibo region offers him a mandate. Maduro later ordered his nations state-owned companies to grant licenses to exploit oil and gas in the contested area. I, too, have a mandate from the National Assembly of Guyana which is unanimous in its resolve that the land boundary is not a matter for bilateral discussions and the settlement of the matter is properly in the International Court of Justice, Ali said. Venezuela does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICJ in the territorial dispute. Guyana has administered Essequibo, which makes up more than two-thirds of its territory, for more than a century. The decades-old dispute with Venezuela intensified after ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015, helping give Guyana population 800,000 the worlds biggest crude reserves per capita. Maduro on Monday assailed Guyana for allowing joint training flights between its military and US forces earlier this month. Maduro said he hopes the summit can address the main threats to the peace and stability of our countries, among them the involvement of the US Southern Command. Ali refuted that any military operation from Guyana would target neighboring Venezuela. Any allegation that a military operation aimed at Venezuela exists in any part of Guyanese territory is false, misleading and provocative, Ali wrote. India on Tuesday backed a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the unconditional release of all hostages. The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution, introduced by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session. It was adopted with 153 votes in favour, while 23 nations abstained and 10 voted against the text. The resolution demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians. Before the resolution, two amendments making specific reference to extremist group Hamas were voted down by members. BREAKING: UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as immediate and unconditional release of all hostagesFOR: 153AGAINST: 10ABSTAIN: 23 LIVE COVERAGEhttps://t.co/ZqtRtIawGx pic.twitter.com/rAdk8BEmDL UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 12, 2023 The resolution, sponsored among others by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Palestine, also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. The resolution however did not name Hamas and the US proposed an amendment to the draft resolution, calling for the insertion of the paragraph: Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages in the main text. India voted in favour of the amendment. How Countries Reacted, Including India We welcome the fact that the international community has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now, said Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj after the vote on the UNGA resolution. Israels Permanent Representative, Gilad Erdan, said that the General Assembly finds itself about to vote on another hypocritical resolution. Not only does this resolution fail to condemn Hamas for crimes against humanity, it does not mention Hamas at all. This will only prolong the death and destruction in the region, that is precisely what a ceasefire means, he said. Egypts ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, said the resolution was very simple, clear and explicit, and long overdue. Ambassador Abdelkhalek noted the destruction of the health and humanitarian support system in Gaza, and recalled the letter by the UNRWA Commissioner-General highlighting the dire situation in the enclave. Not legally binding The draft resolution in front of the Assembly has some notable differences from the one vetoed by the US in the Security Council on Friday. Resolutions by the General Assembly, though not legally binding on nations, do carry immense moral weight, representing the collective resolve of the UN membership on a matter of grave importance. Tuesdays session is a continuation of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly that last met on October 26 amid the present crisis in Gaza, during which it adopted a resolution on the crisis, calling for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. This vote comes as more than 17,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. About 90 percent of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory. Israel says 97 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians and taking about 240 hostages. Qatar, which has played a key mediating role, says efforts to stop the war and have all hostages released will continue, but a willingness to discuss a ceasefire is fading. (With agency inputs) Israel declared on Wednesday its determination to continue its Gaza war with or without international support, after it came under mounting pressure even from key backer the United States. Now in its third month, the war was launched in response to the unprecedented attacks on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. It has left Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing unparallelled damage to its roads, schools and hospitals. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire on Tuesday. But more air strikes hit Gaza and gun battles raged, especially in Gaza City, the biggest urban centre, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, AFP correspondents said. Cold autumn rains lashed the territory, where millions have been displaced and many are living in makeshift plastic tents, as vital supplies of food, drinking water, medicines and fuel have run low in more than two months of siege and war. Camped with thousands of others in the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in central Gaza, Ameen Edwan said his family was unable to sleep. Rainwater seeped in. We couldnt sleep. We tried to find nylon covers but couldnt find any, so we resorted to stones and sand to keep the rain out, he told AFP. Air raid sirens wailed in Sderot and other southern Israeli communities near Gaza as Palestinian militants kept firing rockets, most of which have been intercepted by air defences. Israels military said sirens sounded in Ashdod city north of Gaza and in the Lakhish area. Social media footage showed a large fragment of an intercepted rocket had hit a supermarket. The army said an air strike had hit a militant cell in Gaza Citys Shejaiya district that was en route to launch rockets toward Israel. In Khan Yunis, a centre of heavy urban combat in recent days, a family gathered to mourn the death in a strike of Fayez al-Taramsi, a father of seven. How are we going to live after him? one of his daughters said, crying and clutching his bloodied shirt. He brought us to life. The bloodiest-ever Gaza war broke out after Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on October 7 the deadliest in the countrys 75-year history. They also seized around 240 hostages. Israel, determined to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages home, launched a devastating aerial and ground offensive on Gaza. It says it has lost 115 soldiers, including 10 in northern Gaza on Tuesday, its deadliest day since launching the ground assault on October 27. Diminishing safe space The UN General Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a ceasefire, backed by 153 of 193 nations surpassing the 140 or so that have routinely condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. While the United States voted against the resolution, it was supported by allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who, in a rare joint statement, said they were alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. Biden told a campaign event that Israel had most of the world supporting it immediately after the October 7 attack, but that theyre starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place. The US leader, who toned down his comments later, on Wednesday met with families of American hostages from among those the militants seized on October 7. Despite the criticism from its main ally, Israel vowed to press on with its war on Hamas. Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support, said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel, Cohen told a visiting diplomat, quoted by his ministry. Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said there is disagreement with Washington over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed. Gaza City hospital raid The UN vote came as Philippe Lazzarini, head of its Palestinian refugee agency, said Gazans were running out of time and options. The UN estimates 1.9 million of the territorys 2.4 million people have been displaced and are receiving goods from only around 100 aid trucks per day. Its hospital system is in ruins, and Hamas authorities said Wednesday that vaccines for children had run out, warning of catastrophic health repercussions. UN satellite analysis agency UNOSAT said Tuesday that 18 percent of Gazas infrastructure had been destroyed, based on an image that was already more than two weeks old. The World Bank in a new analysis warned that the loss of life, speed and extent of damages are unparallelled. Already by mid-November, almost half of all roads and around 60 percent of communication infrastructure, health and education facilities had been damaged or destroyed, it said. Hamas said Israeli forces raided a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday. UN humanitarian agency OCHA had earlier reported fighting nearby and said about 3,000 displaced people were trapped inside. The army did not comment, but Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals, schools, mosques and vast tunnel systems beneath them as military bases claims the group has denied. The UN World Health Organizations chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was extremely worried by reports of the raid, adding that his agency urgently calls for the protection of all persons inside the hospital. Fears of a wider conflict continued to grow, with daily exchanges of fire along Israels border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and other Iran-backed groups targeting US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria. Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and cargo ships in nearby waters that they suspect are working with Israel. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) started pumping seawater into Hamass tunnel complex beneath the Gaza Strip, US officials familiar with Israeli operations in Gaza told newspaper The Wall Street Journal. 2023 Israel-Hamas War: Full Coverage They said this is part of the efforts to destroy the underground infrastructure of Hamas, which it has used for various purposes ranging from smuggling to launching attacks on Israel. The officials told The Wall Street Journal that the operation is still in its early stages and Israel is flooding the tunnels with water from the Mediterranean Sea to clear and destroy the tunnels. Israel says destroying the tunnel network is a key objective of the ground siege in Gaza because they believe Hamas uses these tunnels to guide its terrorists across the battlefield. They believe that these tunnels are also hiding sites for rockets and munitions and also work as command centres. ALSO READ | Fully Equipped, Can Fight for Months: Heres How Hamas Plans to Frustrate Israel in Gaza The Wall Street Journal journal said that Israel believes some of the hostages could be held in these tunnels. It remains unclear how the decision to flood tunnels will impact the families of over 100 hostages who still remain in Hamas captivity. They have angrily complained to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that flooding the tunnels would kill their loved ones being held there. US President Joe Biden also said that he doesnt know for a fact that hostages are not inside these tunnels. Israelis are still at an early stage of flooding the tunnels with Mediterranean seawater. The tunnels extend for over 480 kilometres and include thick blast doors, which has forced Israeli forces to evaluate their objective. Israel will take weeks to flood the tunnels and have added two more pumps to the five pumps it installed in November. ALSO READ | The Day After: Netanyahu Sets Up Team to Discuss Postwar Gaza Plans after Telling Hamas to Surrender The Wall Street Journal citing military experts said that Israel is yet to destroy most of this tunnel network. The Israeli forces are also considering sending drones, dogs, robots and liquid explosives inside the tunnels but are not ready to send its forces because they feel they will lose their tactical firepower advantage and encounter booby-traps. The report, citing military experts, said that Israel controls around 40% of the coastal enclave above ground and the IDF believes that Hamass tunnels pose major obstacles to Israels Gaza mission where it aims to eliminate Hamas. ALSO READ | Im a Zionist: Biden Promises to Back Israel Until They Get Rid of Hamas. But There Is Fine Print The report says that Hamas uses tunnels under the southern city of Rafah near the Egyptian border to smuggle most of its weapons into Gaza. The IDF is currently operating in northern Gaza and beneath the southern city of Khan Younis. We are deepening our control over northern Gaza and our penetration into the southern strip, and also deepening activity underground, Israels top general, Herzi Halevi was quoted as saying. Israeli officials say the IDF has killed over 7,000 Hamas terrorists since the start of the war on October 7 which began after Hamas killed 1,200 people in southern Israel. Over 18,400 Palestinians have died in Gaza, over two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday said it recovered the bodies of civilian Eden Zacharia and IDF soldier Ziv Dado, both of whom were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, Israeli newspaper The Times of Israel said in a report. 2023 Israel-Hamas War: Full Coverage The Israeli Armys Military Intelligence Directorates Unit 504, and the 551st Brigade carried out the operation to recover the bodies. They found the bodies of Eden and Ziv near the home of Ahmed Ghandour, the former commander of Hamass northern Gaza Brigade. Ghandour was allegedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. 27-year-old Eden was taken captive from the Supernova rave near Reim. The timing and reason for her death remains unclear. 36-year-old Ziv was a logistics supervisor in the Golani Brigades 51st Battalion. He was killed during the October 7 attacks and his funeral was also held in the same month. During this operation, soldier Gal Meir Eisenkot, son of war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot and one other soldier was killed. Few other Israeli soldiers were wounded. Eden Zacharia (28) was filled with joy for life and loved to spend time at parties. She went to the Reim party with her partner, Ofek Kimchi (23), who was murdered there, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in its condolences extended to Zacharias family in an online statement Eden spoke to her father at the time of the attacks and informed him of the situation. She received wounds in her upper body when she was kidnapped. The Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said the IDF is operating deep underground in Gaza after the bodies were returned and also informed that Hamas commander Ghandours brothers were being interrogated. They are already telling us a large part of the stories of the murders of October 7, and other things, Gallant said. These operations are also being carried out above ground, but there is also a deep descent into the depths, to find bunkers, war rooms, communication centres, ammunition depots and meeting rooms. We will see these things in footage in the coming days, Gallant further added. Hamas in Gaza City is breaking, and soon we will eliminate the entire Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City, the defence minister claimed. Israel believes that 135 hostages remain in Gaza and not all of them are alive. Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November. Four hostages were released prior to that and the IDF rescued one hostage. The United States will always insist on the need to protect journalists reporting from Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a letter to Agence France-Presse on Tuesday. AFP and other international media groups had written to Blinken in late October urging his help in protecting journalists on the ground in Gaza after several were killed since the outbreak of fighting. The United States has and will continue to underscore with Israel, and with all countries, that journalists must be protected from harm, Blinken wrote. We stand unequivocally for the protection of journalists during armed conflict and mourn those who have been killed or injured. Since the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October, at least 63 journalists and media workers 56 Palestinian, four Israeli and three Lebanese have been killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. AFP and the other media groups also urged Blinkens help in evacuating their employees from Gaza as Israeli bombards the territory in retaliation for the attack by Hamas on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures, and saw around 240 hostages taken. Israel imposed a total shutdown of the territorys borders on October 9. US citizens and foreign nationals continued safe passage out of Gaza remains our top priority, and we are working with Egypt, the UN, and Israel to facilitate their ability to exit Gaza safely, Blinken wrote. Around 100 French lawmakers mainly from left-wing parties on Monday sent a letter to Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne also calling for all possible efforts to secure the exit of AFP journalists stranded in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry on Tuesday updated its death toll since the Gaza war began to 18,412 people, mostly women and children. GAZAKH, Azerbaijan, December 13. Azerbaijan and Armenia have exchanged detained military servicemen, Trend reports. The two countries exchanged detained military personnel in the vicinity of Bala Jafarli village in Azerbaijan's Gazakh district, near the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. The military servicemen Huseyn Akhundov and Agshin Babirov have been released from captivity and have already been handed over to the Azerbaijani side. Akhundov made his first statement to the media and said that he had no health problems. Everything is fine. Im glad to return to Azerbaijan, he added. VIDEO: Babirov (born in 2004) and Akhundov (born in 2003) went missing in April 2023 in the Shahbuz district of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering Armenia, due to low visibility in bad weather conditions. They were later apprehended by Armenian soldiers. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Two missiles launched by Yemens Houthi rebels narrowly missed an oil and chemical tanker hailing from India, media reports said on Wednesday. The incident happened near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, a US official told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. The ship that was targeted, the oil and chemical tanker Marshall Islands-flagged Ardmore Encounter, was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analysed by AP showed. The vessel had been coming from Mangalore, India and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British military earlier reported an incident in the same area of the Ardmore Encounter. It also reported an incident occurring off the coast of Oman. The Houthis have waded into the Israel-Hamas conflict attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel more than 1,000 miles from their seat of power in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. On Tuesday, a senior official from Houthis warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid traveling toward Israel, after the Yemeni group claimed an attack on a commercial tanker. The Houthis earlier said they hit a Norwegian commercial tanker with a missile in their latest protest against Israels bombardment of Gaza. The outfit also warned cargo ships against falsifying their identity or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner. Billionaire Elon Musk and British premier Rishi Sunak are set to attend a political festival organised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis far-right party this weekend in Rome, the party confirmed Wednesday. Musk, who owns X, had in September backed Melonis government in a row over Germanys funding of charities that rescue shipwrecked migrants in the Mediterranean. Sunak and Melonis relationship has bloomed over the past year. Both leaders have promised to tackle the large number of arrivals on their countrys shores, penning a joint letter in October calling for tougher action from EU leaders on illegal migration. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is also expected at the four-day Atreju festival in Rome, which opens on Thursday. Meloni helped found the Atreju festival in 1998 when she was part of a far-right youth organisation, and it has since become an annual event for the political right, although it has also drawn centre-left politicians. Former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon attended in 2018, as he sought to create a pan-European right-wing movement, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made an appearance the following year. Back then, Melonis party, which she helped found in 2012, was still a marginal force in Italian politics. In September 2022 she stunned Italys allies by coming top in general elections, in large part on a promise to end mass migration into the country. She took office in October 2022 as the first woman to lead Italy, at the helm of a coalition including Matteo Salvini of the far-right League and former premier Silvio Berlusconis right-wing Forza Italia party. The guests this weekend also include Santiago Abascal, leader of Spains far-right Vox party, according to the official programme. Spains Socialist party filed suit Wednesday against Abascal over comments suggesting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would meet a dictators end and be strung up by his feet. Meloni is due to make a speech on Sunday at the festival, which was named after a character in a fantasy novel and later film series The NeverEnding Story. Over 100 kg of explosives were used in the deadliest terror attack this year on Pakistani security forces in the country in which 23 soldiers were killed, an official said here on Wednesday. Six terrorists linked to Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) rammed an explosive-laden truck into the security post in Dera Ismail Khan in the South Waziristan tribal district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday. According to Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) SP Asif Mehmud, over 100 kg of explosives were used in the terror attack. Twenty-three soldiers were killed and 30 others were injured in the massive attack. The assault was followed by a series of blasts, as militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate and carried out a subsequent suicide bombing. The resulting explosion caused the building to collapse, resulting in multiple casualties. All six militants were engaged and killed, the military said in a statement. TJP, a newly formed militant group that is an affiliate of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, no arrest has been made so far. All the six terrorists were sent to hell. The TJP had claimed responsibility for the attack and also released a two-minute video, purporting to show militants targeting security personnel with thermal scopes. Security officials, however, claimed the video was not authentic. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and caretaker chief minister Arshad Hussain visited the district and obtained briefings on the prevailing law and order situation. They also visited the hospitals to enquire about the health of the injured. Pakistan has recently been claiming the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist attacks. After the attack, the Foreign Office released a statement demanding immediate and verifiable actions from the Afghan government against militant outfits fomenting terror in Pakistan, as it issued a demarche to Afghan Charge dAffaires Sardar Ahmad Shakib. Pakistan Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who summoned Shakib, stressed the urgency and gravity of the situation, calling for a comprehensive investigation and decisive action against the perpetrators of the recent attack. Pakistan demanded action against all terrorist groups, including their leadership and sanctuaries. The foreign secretary insisted on the apprehension and extradition of the perpetrators as well as the leaders of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghanistan. Qazi highlighted the continuous use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan, asserting that such actions posed a significant threat to regional peace and stability. In Kabul, the interim Afghan governments chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul would investigate the attack. We are shocked at the attack in Pakistan. We will look into the demands made by Pakistan, he told Dawn.com. However, Mujahid also said that Afghanistan should not be blamed for every issue and that Pakistan should focus on its security. The attack in the area (DI Khan) is hundreds of kilometres away from Afghanistan and is Pakistans own soil. Pakistan has strong security forces and the attack should have been thwarted, the Taliban government spokesman added. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday warned American citizens over potential violence which could be caused by lone actors during the upcoming Christmas-New Years holiday period citing tensions in West Asia due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. (The war will heighten) the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Counterterrorism Center said in a public service announcement. ALSO READ | Huge Risk of Terrorism during Christmas: EU Official amid Paris Stabbings, Teens Ploy to Blow Up German Market They said that large gatherings throughout the holidays could be convenient target(s) for those who are inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Arab communities. Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter. Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and Hamas and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks, the announcement said. We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement, the announcement further added. The US counterterrorism cell, FBI and the DHS said that there was a rise of potential hate crimes or other criminal violations following the October 7 attacks. They also said that they have noted an increase in hoax bombs and shooting threats against synagogues across the US. Synagogues are places where Jews offer their prayers. The agencies, however, tried to assuage concerns and said the announcement is not a response to any specific plotting activity. They said that since there are numerous ideologies involved, multiple targets will likely remain attractive to lone actors. Given the steady drumbeat of calls for attacks by foreign terrorist organisations since October 7, were working around the clock to identify and disrupt potential attacks by those inspired by Hamass horrific terrorist attacks in Israel, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. He said the FBI saw a 60% jump in the number of hate crime probes across the US since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, with many targeting the Jewish community. He said the FBI is also working to prevent potential attacks inspired by Hamas as calls for violence against the US also rose. Last week, the European Unions home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson warned that Europe faces a huge risk of terrorist attacks over the Christmas holiday period due to the fallout from the war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. With the war between Israel and Hamas, and the polarisation it causes in our society, with the upcoming holiday season, there is a huge risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters. An American comedian and activist was found dead with multiple stab wounds after he was kidnapped during a trip to Colombia, The New York Post has reported. Tou Ger Xiong, 50, who hails from the US state of Minnesota, was on vacation in the South American country when the incident happened. His brother, Eh Xiong, confirmed the news of his death on his social media account. The family issued a statement, urging anyone with information to come forward. It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member, the Xiong family statement reads. Tou Ger Xiong was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable. Many of you have been reaching out to me today about Hmong comedian, activist, and community leader, Tou Ger Xiong from Minnesota.This is his brothers post just a few minutes ago. Tou Gers brother says Tou Ger was found murdered after an apparent kidnapping in Colombia. pic.twitter.com/wbGF9y8TBe Chenue Her (@ChenueHer) December 12, 2023 According to the Colombian newspaper El Colombiano, Tou Ger Xiong arrived in Medellin, on November 29 for holidays. On December 10, he decided to meet a woman he connected with on social media. Shortly after meeting the mystery woman, he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men. They held him hostage and contacted his family and friends, demanding a ransom of $2,000 (8 million Colombian Pesos). They killed him a day later without collecting the money. Xiongs lifeless body was discovered in the La Corcovado ravine, showing signs of multiple stab wounds and blunt-force trauma. US media reports said that authorities are investigating whether an escape attempt led to his murder. Upon finding Xiongs body, the police visited his apartment and encountered a woman removing items from his room. She fled when authorities attempted to question her. US Representative Betty McCollum extended condolences, saying the devastating news deeply affected the Hmong community. This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Tou Ger Xiongs family & our entire Hmong community. As a comedian and activist, his work touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond, McCollum wrote on X. This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Tou Ger Xiongs family & our entire Hmong community. As a comedian and activist, his work touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond. https://t.co/A4ZBMi3sSV Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) December 12, 2023 Tou Ger Xiong, a Laotian-American comedian based in St. Paul, Minnesota, was renowned for advocating for the Hmong people, an indigenous group primarily residing in Southeast Asia. The latest incident adds to concerns about rising kidnappings in Colombia, with El Colombiano reporting three American tourists, including Xiong, murdered in the past month. The United States has made great progress in bolstering its defence ties with India and the Pentagon is looking forward to making further progress in military-to-military ties in 2024, a senior American official has said. In terms of the relationship between the US and India, you know, with obvious focus on the Department of Defence, I think it has been a very good year. I think weve made great progress in terms of further bolstering our relationship and cooperation, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder told reporters during a press conference here. Youve heard us talk about things like INDUS-X and working on defence cooperation efforts to include in the industrial base as far as developing things like jet engines in India, working collaboratively to produce armoured vehicles in India, the ability of our ships to go to India our Navy ships to go to India to be repaired, he said in response to a question on Tuesday. So all of this working toward the common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty is respected, and countries can operate in international airspace, sail the international waterways freely and without harassment. We will continue to work closely with our partner, India. And we look forward to further progress in 2024, Ryder said. During the fifth annual 2+2 ministerial dialogue held in New Delhi last month, both India and the US reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the multifaceted defence partnership through wide-ranging dialogues and military exercises of increasing complexity. They reaffirmed the June 2023 Roadmap for India-U.S. Defence Industrial Cooperation and as a catalyst for strengthening Indias capabilities, enhancing its indigenous defence production, facilitating technology-sharing, and promoting supply chain resilience. In the joint statement, the two nations also commended the breadth of partnerships under the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) since the initiative was launched in June 2023. (With agency inputs) In a dramatic incident at the Turkish Parliament, a 53-year-old lawmaker suffered a heart attack while giving a speech on the Israel-Hamas conflict. During his impassioned rant, Saadet Party leader Hasan Bitmez stumbled and dropped to his knees before lying flat on his back. Before collapsing on the ground, Bitmez said We can perhaps hide from our conscience but not from history. He declared Israel would not be able to escape the wrath of God, according to a BBC report. Video footage captured the event, showing Bitmez fainting and hitting the floor. Emergency responders provided CPR, and he was later taken out on a stretcher. Fahrettin Koca, the health minister, disclosed that Bitmez, a diabetic with two heart stents, was in serious condition. NEW: Turkish lawmaker Hasan Bitmez collapses from a heart attack just seconds after saying Israel would suffer the wrath of Allah.The 53-year old lawmaker collapsed after giving his speech in the General Assembly Hall in Ankara, the Capital of Turkey. We can perhaps hide pic.twitter.com/OpoXO2g1z2 Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 12, 2023 After the incident, Bitmez was taken to the Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara where he is listed as in critical condition. He underwent angiography, which revealed that two of his veins were blocked. Despite attempts at intervention proving unsuccessful, Bitmez was subsequently connected to a heart-lung pump to provide vital support. Israel and Turkey normalised ties only last year, but ties have soured since Hamas October 7 strike into southern Israel. Though Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken a strong stand against Israels military campaign in Gaza, some quarters in the country believe it is not enough. Last month, Erdogan branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the butcher of Gaza and accused him of spawning anti-Semitism across the world. Erdogan has lashed out repeatedly at Israel for the scale of death and destruction caused by its response to Hamas militants unprecedented October 7 cross-border attack. He has branded Israel a terrorist state and called Hamas a liberation group. Israel is currently pressing ahead with an offensive against Gazas Hamas rulers that it says could go on for weeks or months. More than 17,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. About 90 percent of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, where United Nations agencies say there is no safe place to flee. Israel says 97 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, and taking about 240 hostages. Qatar, which has played a key mediating role, says efforts to stop the war and have all hostages released will continue, but a willingness to discuss a cease-fire is fading. (With agency inputs) American officials said that they expect the most intensive phase of Israels war on Hamas which is being waged in southern Gaza will be scaled back and become more targeted by early January. Israel suspects that senior leaders of the Palestinian terrorist organisation are sheltering in the southern Gaza Strip. 2023 Israel-Hamas War: Full Coverage Speaking to UK-based newspaper, the Financial Times, the American officials said they expect Israelis to make a switch in tactics where they will shift from ground offensive to raids pursuing senior Hamas leaders. Israel also believes that Hamas leaders and terrorists, along with the hostages they took captive on October 7, are hiding in the network of tunnels Hamas has built underneath parts of Gaza Strip and is planning to flood them. ALSO READ | Israel, Which Now Controls 40% of Gaza, Has Begun Pumping Seawater into Hamass Tunnels: Report The officials told the Financial Times that the Israelis will pursue high-profile targets by the beginning of next year. Israel has come under criticism for indiscriminate bombing of Gaza which has claimed over 18,000 lives, two-thirds of which are women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The attacks were launched in retaliation to the October 7 attacks that killed over 1,200 people and saw more than 240 being taken hostages, out of which 110 were released. The news of the shift in tactic comes after Jake Sullivan, national security adviser to President Joe Biden, said he will travel to Israel to hold meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war cabinet and national security leadership of Israel. ALSO READ | Fully Equipped, Can Fight for Months: Heres How Hamas Plans to Frustrate Israel in Gaza I will certainly be talking to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the war cabinet and the senior national security leadership of Israel about timetables, Jake Sullivan, national security adviser to President Joe Biden, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. He was speaking at the WSJ CEO Council conference where he said he will discuss with the Israelis the war, post-war scenarios, precise military operations and possibility of more humanitarian assistance to besieged Gazans. ALSO READ | The Day After: Netanyahu Sets Up Team to Discuss Postwar Gaza Plans after Telling Hamas to Surrender High-intensity military operations of the kind we have seen over the past several weeks, it doesnt have to be that you go from that to literally nothing in terms of putting pressure on, going after Hamas targets, Hamas leadership or continuing to have tools in your toolbox to try to secure the release of hostages, the US national security advisor told the WSJ CEO Council conference. The comments come after Biden urged Israel to be careful following reports of widespread devastation in Gaza. We have to be careful they have to be careful. The whole worlds public opinion can shift overnight. We cant let that happen, Biden said during a Hanukkah event at White House. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) places a premium on regular informing the people, especially investors, as part of its efforts to combat illicit actions and fraud in the stock markets, Trend reports, referring to the information distributed by the CBA. It was noted that new fraud cases have been attempted outside the country. "As a result of research conducted based on citizens' appeals received by the CBA, it was found out that unknown persons through social networks are trying to embezzle citizens' funds under the guise of providing investment services, promising high profits on behalf of the investment company Maryam Invest," said in the statement. The fraudsters claim that the Maryam Invest company has received a license from the CBA and, trying to gain the trust of citizens based on fake documents, encourage them to invest in the accounts in foreign banks provided by them," the CBA said in a statement. The Central Bank once again urged citizens to be cautious and not be deceived by such offers of fraudsters, as well as to use the official web page of the CBA (https://www.cbar.az/page-200/investment-companies) to clarify the legality of the activities of persons offering these services and the list of licensed persons before using investment services to avoid the widespread spread of such cases. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Azerbaijani-Turkish relations developing on historical, national, and cultural basis have reached their peak today due to the policy of leaders of both countries, said chairman of Azerbaijan's MUSIAD Rashad Jabirli during his speech at an agricultural and food forum, Trend reports. The opening ceremony of the Food and Agriculture Forum organized by MUSIAD Azerbaijan was held in Baku today. TurkicWorld media platform was chosen as the official media partner of the forum. "Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations cover all spheres of our life. Today, these relations are developing on the principle of 'one nation, two states', as Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev said," Jabirli said. "Of course, the role of economic factors in strengthening these ties is undeniable. MUSIAD Azerbaijan considered it its duty to do everything that depends on us in this direction. We have organized many important economic forums in Azerbaijan before," he said. Jabirli emphasized that both Azerbaijan and Turkiye are agrarian countries and agricultural products play an important role in their development. "Let us not forget that the agricultural sector, which is part of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan, is given serious importance and encouragement by the country's leadership. Along with all this, Turkiye is one of the countries with developed agriculture and strong economy. In this regard, bringing together farmers of both countries, and people engaged in this field, is a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation, exchange of experience, emergence of new thoughts and ideas," he added. "I believe that today's forum will have a significant contribution for both Turkish and Azerbaijani farmers. In addition to all this, I believe that after the forum there will be mutual investments," Jabirli said. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Shurugwi born, Mr Thompson Chengeta, has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres, to his 15-member advisory board on disarmament matters beginning January next year. The UN Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 according to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly. It received its mandate pursuant to General Assembly decision 54/418 of December 1, 1999. The functions of the Board are to advise the UN Secretary-General on matters within the area of arms limitation and disarmament, including on studies and research under the auspices of the UN or institutions within the UN system, and to serve as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). In his invitation, the UN Secretary-General Mr Guterres said Mr Chengetas experience and knowledge will enhance the work of the Board, both in its advisory capacity on disarmament issues and in its role as the Board of Trustees of the UNIDIR. In response, Mr Chengeta expressed appreciation for the honour and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to contribute in the new capacity. As one whose life began in the rural areas of Shurugwi in Zimbabwe, in the villages of Nhema, Hwinya, Chachacha etc., where my little cracked-bare feet more fully followed the flock than they tracked to far away schools, this appointment is an honour and truly appreciated, he said. Now that one of my key areas of expertise and interest lies in examining the disarmament implications of military AI (Artificial Intelligence), including autonomous weapon systems from a human rights law perspective, Im equally pleased that last October, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/C.1/78/L.56 requesting the UN Secretary-General to seek the views of States and other stakeholders on the humanitarian, legal, security, and ethical challenges posed by autonomous weapon systems, he said. Herald Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to lawmakers on Capitol Hill in private meeetings Tuesday, but his pleas for aid failed to sway Republican lawmakers who have tied further aid to Ukraine to issues including border security. After meeting with Zelensky, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he "reiterated to him that we stand with him and against Putin's brutal invasion," but Republican demands haven't changed, the Hill reports. Johnson said he has told the White House that "our first condition on any national security supplemental spending package is about our own national security." "We need a clear articulation of the strategy to allow Ukraine to win," said Johnson, who insisted, "We do want to do the right thing here." The AP reports that Zelensky told senators Ukraine could win the war against Russia and repeatedly said, "The fight we're in is a fight for freedom." Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said Zelensky warned the conflict could be headed for "guerrilla warfare" if Ukraine loses US military assistance. During a meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office later Tuesday, President Biden urged Congress to "stand with Ukraine" and "stand up for freedom," saying, "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess. before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him." After Zelensky spoke to senators, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell described him as "inspirational and determined," though other senators said there was little hope of a deal emerging before lawmakers recess for the holidays. "My advice to the White House would be, the president made a commitment to Zelensky. To honor that commitment, they're going to need to secure the border," Republican Sen. Mitt Romney said, per the Washington Post. "If I were the president, I would twist every Democrat arm and maybe some Republican arms, and say, 'Get the job done." (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) President Biden on Tuesday warned that Israel was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, speaking out in unusually strong language just hours before the United Nations demanded a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them," Biden said to donors during a fundraiser Tuesday. "They're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he said. The president said he thought Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understood, but he wasn't so sure about the Israeli war cabinet, the AP reports. Hours later, during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Biden refrained from offering the same public criticism again, but said that he had made it clear to Israel "the safety of innocent Palestinians is still of great concern." "The actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost," Biden said, adding that it was important to remember "what we're doing here." On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in a 153-10 vote with 23 abstentions, NPR reports. The support was much higher than for an Oct. 27 Arab-sponsored resolution that called for a "humanitarian truce" leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions, the AP reports. The US and Israel opposed Tuesday's nonbinding resolution, as did Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay. Last week, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.) As part of its effort to bring Hamas down once and for all, Israel has started pumping seawater into the tunnels that lie underneath Gaza, according to several reports. The Wall Street Journal, which first published the news, paints the effort as a "move to flood the tunnels with water from the Mediterranean," and says initial tests have already been performedthough it also acknowledges the plan is "in an early stage" and that its utility "is still being evaluated." CNN's report sounds a bit more tempered; the network says Israel recently informed the US it has started "carefully testing" the flooding of some tunnels "on a limited basis." ABC News also cited sources who said limited flooding had taken place so far. Flooding the entire tunnel system, which is used by Hamas and includes thick blast doors, could take weeks, and analysts say a variety of techniques will need to be used to completely destroy it. Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of conservative group Moms for Liberty, is in increasingly hot water amid the sex scandal currently swirling around her and her husband. Florida's Sarasota County School Board voted 4-1 Monday night to pass a resolution calling for Ziegler to resign from the board (she was the only one who voted against it) and while the vote is not binding (Ziegler herself called it "toothless"), NBC News notes that it "was a significant bipartisan showing against" the high-profile activist, whose group pushes conservative educational policies and works to get conservative women elected to school boards. Ziegler refused to step down and said she was "disappointed" the board could not continue on with its business, Politico reports. Ziegler and her husband, Christian Ziegler, have known the alleged victim in the sex scandal for two decades; after that woman accused Christian Ziegler of raping her, Bridget Ziegler allegedly told police that she, her husband, and the woman had all been involved in a group sexual encounter a year prior and that they had planned a similar tryst on the night in question. The alleged victim says she backed out of participating after she found out Bridget Ziegler couldn't attend, but that Christian Ziegler arrived at her apartment anyway and raped her. Bridget Ziegler is not facing any criminal allegations herself, but, as an ardent supporter of Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill, she's being decried as a hypocrite by some. (Christian Ziegler is also defying calls to resign from his position as chair of Florida's Republican Party.) Russia has lost 87% of the ground troops and 62% of the tanks it had at the start of its war with Ukraine, according to a declassified US intelligence assessment. It paints a picture of Russia's military as struggling, though it's pushing forward despite the losses in the hope of gaining an advantage as US lawmakers fight over additional security aid for Ukraine. Moscow has had to relax recruitment standards while pulling 50-year-old T-62 tanks from storage after losing 315,000 of 360,000 troops, 2,200 of 3,500 tanks, and 4,400 of 13,600 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers it had at the start of the conflict, the assessment reads, per CNN and the New York Times . "The war in Ukraine has sharply set back 15 years of Russian effort to modernize its ground force," it states. A separate assessment details Russia's goal to erode Western support for its opponent. Indeed, its push in eastern Ukraine this fall and winter was designed with that endgame in mind. Russia "seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine," National Security Council rep Adrienne Watson tells the Times. Russia has suffered more significant losses than Ukraine in its latest push, with more than 13,000 casualties and more than 220 combat vehicles lost, says Watson. But Russian President Vladimir Putin "believes he is beginning to see success in his strategy of trying to out wait the West," per the Times. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, has said no one is happier about the congressional gridlock on aid for Ukraine than Putin. Some Republicans have refused to back $61 billion in additional security aid for Ukraine without action to secure the US southern border. story continues below Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has questioned the spending of billions of dollars "with no appropriate oversight, without a clear strategy to win," per the Guardian. Per CNN, Republican Sen. JD Vance asked, "What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?" Their words echo those of the Kremlin's Dmitry Peskov, who said "tens of billions of dollars" provided by Washington had failed to turn the war in Ukraine's favor and more funding would do little to change the status quo. Western officials expect Russia to dedicate nearly 40% of government spending to defense and security in 2024, per the BBC. Ukraine, meanwhile, may have to ration ammunition. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) United Nations climate negotiators directed the world on Wednesday to transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels in a move the talks chief called historic, despite critics' worries about loopholes, per the AP . "Humanity has finally done what is long, long, long overdue," Wopke Hoekstra, European Union commissioner for climate action, said. After nearly 30 years of talking about carbon pollution, climate negotiators in a key document explicitly took aim at what's trapping the heat: the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Within minutes of opening Wednesday's session, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gaveled approval of the central documentthe global stocktake that says how off-track the world is on climate and how to get back onwithout asking for comments. Delegates stood and hugged each other. It's a "balanced" but "historic package to accelerate climate action," said al-Jaber, who's also CEO of the UAE's oil company. "We have language on fossil fuel in our final agreement for the first time ever." "Fossil fuels" only appears twice in the 21-page document. It doesn't go so far as to seek a "phase-out" of fossil fuels, which more than 100 nations had pleaded for. Instead, it calls for "transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade." The deal says that the transition would be done in a way that gets the world to net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050. It projects a world peaking its carbon pollution by 2025 to reach its agreed-upon threshold, but gives wiggle room to individual nations like China to peak later. The deal had been floated early Wednesday and was stronger than a draft proposed days earlier, but its loopholes upset critics. Analysts and delegates wondered if there was going to be a floor fight over details, but al-Jaber acted quickly, not giving critics a chance to even clear their throats. Several minutes later, Samoa's lead delegate Anne Rasmussen, on behalf of small island nations, complained that they weren't even in the room when al-Jaber said the deal was done. She said the deal represented business-as-usual instead of exponential emissions-cutting efforts and could "potentially take us backward rather than forward." Bolivia blasted the agreement as a new form of colonialism. But there was more self-congratulations Wednesday than flagellations. story continues below "I am in awe of the spirit of cooperation that has brought everybody together," UN Special Envoy John Kerry said. He said it shows that multilateralism can still work despite what the globe sees with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "This document sends very strong messages to the world." The deal also includes a call for tripling the use of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. Earlier in the talks, the conference adopted a special fund for poor nations hurt by climate change and nations put nearly $800 million in the fund. "Many, many people here would have liked clearer language" on getting rid of fossil fuels, Kerry said. But he said it's a compromise. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia, whose OPEC threatened to torpedo an agreement, hailed the deal as a success. (Read more UN climate summit stories.) Hunter Biden was a no-show at a closed-door deposition scheduled for Wednesday morning following a subpoena from House Republicansbut he did show up at the Capitol complex to make a public statement. He said he would testify only in a public setting, echoing prior statements made by his lawyer and arguing the closed-door testimony that was sought could be manipulated, reports the AP . "I'm here today to make sure that the House committees' illegitimate investigations of my family do not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies," Hunter Biden told reporters, per NBC News . The House Oversight and Judiciary committees want Hunter Biden's testimony as they pursue an impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his alleged involvement in his son's business dealings. Politico reports Oversight Chair James Comer has denied a request by Hunter Biden's lawyer that he testify publicly. Biden had this to say to reporters, per the Hill: "For six years, I've been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine shouting, 'Where's Hunter?' Well, here's my answer. I am here. He continued, "Let me state as clearly as I can: My father was not financially involved in my business. Not as a practicing lawyer. Not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not my investment at all nor abroad, and certainly not as an artist. There's no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen." The outlet quotes GOP Rep. Darrell Issa as saying he expects the House to hold Biden in contempt of Congress for defying the subpoena, though Politico notes "near unanimity" of House Republicans would be needed to do so, and it would then be the Justice Department's call on whether to prosecute. (Read more Hunter Biden stories.) According to the Collect Trump Cards website , the "most historically significant artifact in United States history" isn't the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, or Abraham Lincoln's hatit's the suit Donald Trump wore when his mugshot was taken at the Fulton County Jail. The former president has released a new series of the Trump Digital Trading Cards NFTs he unveiled a year ago , and he says people who buy 47 of the $99 cards will get a physical card with a piece of the suit, along with an invitation to dinner at Mar-a-Lago, CNBC reports. The first 200 people to use cryptocurrency to buy 100 of the cards will also receive a sliver of the mugshot tie, Rolling Stone reports. "It was a great suit, believe me, a really good suit. It's all cut up, and you're gonna get a piece of it," Trump said in a video on Truth Social. As in the two earlier rounds of cards, the "Mugshot Edition" Trump cards depict the former president in different costumes and places, including one where he sits in Lincoln's place at Lincoln Memorial statue, CNBC reports. Other cards depict Trump as a cattle rancher and what New York magazine describes as an "off-brand Iron Man" "Some people call these cards pop art or modern art," he said in the Truth Social video. "They give me muscles where, believe me, I don't have them." This isn't the first time Trump has tried to monetize his mugshot, the Guardian reports. His campaign website offers mugshot merch including T-shirts, mugs, and even a Christmas stocking. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) A man has been arrested on rape charges following a joint investigation by Hawke's Bay Police and Immigration New Zealand. Police said a 44-year-old man has been arrested on three rape charges and is due to appear in the Hastings District Court on Thursday. Police said further charges are likely to follow. As a result of the search warrant issued, two migrants were also served Deportation Liability Notices and Immigration New Zealand enquiries are continuing. Operation Wentworth was launched after a victim complained to Immigration New Zealand about migrant exploitation and potential human trafficking last week. This complaint was referred to Hawke's Bay Police. "We urge anyone who may have been a victim of similar offending in the Hawke's Bay to come forward to Police," a police spokesperson said. "If you are a migrant, and think you are being exploited, do not be afraid to ask Immigration or Police for help." Police said they wanted to assure any further victims that any complaints will be taken seriously. "We encourage anyone to contact Police on 111 and quote file number 231129/1010 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, the spokesperson said. "As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide anything further at this time." Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. An Auckland home with two school-aged children inside was shot at in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police were called to a house on Holland Avenue in the Auckland suburb of Point England at 1:10am after reports of gunshots. When officers arrived, they found shattered windows and residents at the address said they had heard a number of gunshots. Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong said police located spent shell casings in the driveway. "We are speaking to those affected and providing support, including to two school-age children who were sleeping in a bedroom when its windows were struck," Dct Snr Sgt Armstrong said. "Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but the residents are understandably shaken by the incident." Dct Snr Sgt Armstrong confirmed one person suffered a minor injury from a shard of broken glass. "It was only a matter of luck that someone wasn't seriously injured by this reckless act," he said. Police are now seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or any suspicious activity in Holland Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning. "If anyone knows who is responsible or has any information, please contact police on 105, quoting file number 231213/3889. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111." When crews arrived at the scene, they found the house "well-involved" in fire and further crews were called for. At 5:30am, the fire was contained to the property which measured 30x15m. Five fire trucks and two ladder trucks worked on the blaze. FENZ confirmed there were no reported injuries and no indication the property was occupied, as it was a home under construction. A fire investigator will head to the scene later on Thursday. Accusing another Member of lying is against the rules of the House and Winston Peters has warned the issue could go before Parliament's powerful Privileges Committee. But so far, she's avoided punishment, with Speaker Gerry Brownlee deciding against any immediate sanctions in the House. Swarbrick made the claim that Luxon had told a "demonstrable lie" after the Prime Minister told Parliament that the new Government was "not weakening our actions on climate change". It caused commotion in the House, raising the eyebrows of both ACT leader David Seymour and the deputy Prime Minister. Despite Brownlee giving Swarbrick the opportunity to withdraw her remarks, she didn't. She said she was "speaking to the content of the policies as put forward by this Government and the fact that the content of those policies are a lie". "If the inference is that therefore the minister or the Prime Minister are a liar, that wasn't the statement I was making, but I was pointing out it is demonstrable on the evidence that the undertakings from this Government is completely contrary to our climate commitments." Asked by Newshub after Question Time whether she would apologise, Swarbrick replied: "The evidence is clear and the facts speak for themselves" "I came to this House to tell the truth and the Government's policies are active climate denialism." Does she stand by effectively calling Luxon a liar? "Demonstrably, the policies that the government is undertaking will not keep us within 1.5 degrees of warming." She said, "demonstrably the content of that statement, as I said in the House, was a lie." "So far, as there is an inconsistency between the flowery rhetoric that is being used and what is necessary to keep us within 1.5 degrees of warming. This is an existential crisis." Asked about Peters' comment that the issue could go before the Privileges Committee, Swarbrick said her point was that parliamentarians need to tell the truth. "I'll work through any of the consequences that come through in the House as is necessary to keep the focus on the climate crisis and the existential threat that that poses to humanity and to all of the biodiversity that this Government seems intent on bringing down with us." In his comments in the House, Brownlee said Speaker's Rulings say accusing a Member of lying "is always out of order". He said if Swarbrick did make that comment and didn't withdraw it, "that does have other consequences". Lieutenant Colonel Chad A. Monroe, Clemson University professor of military leadership, conducts a contracting ceremony for Clemson Army ROTC cadets in a light rain before a field exercise at a muddy training area near the Clemson Experimental Forest, Sept. 16, 2021. (Photo by Ken Scar) U.S. Army Spc. Conor Bryant, an infantry Soldier from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducts sniper training with an M110 A1 rifle at a live-fire range during Brave Partner 23 at Krivolak Training Area, North Macedonia Dec. 5, 2023. Brave Partner is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa scheduled, directed, and led short notice action planning exercise, which includes live-fire training and is designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AFs operational reach, validate U.S. investments in the Republic of North Macedonia, and increase readiness. (Photo by Capt. Maria L. L. Salcido) TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Export Bahrain, the national export development and internationalization support entity, is proudly celebrating a remarkable five-year journey of driving Bahrains global export endeavors and playing a pivotal role in fostering export-centric growth. With an unwavering commitment to empowering businesses, Export Bahrain has firmly established itself as a leading force in propelling local Bahrain-based businesses into global markets, contributing significantly to the Kingdoms economic prosperity. Today, Export Bahrain stands tall, commemorating a series of extraordinary milestones and accomplishments that have cemented its position as a beacon of excellence in the export industry. Over the course of five years, Export Bahrain has not only facilitated global partnerships but has emerged as a catalyst for success, embracing the diverse and inclusive nature of business operations. With a growing network of over 45 partners, Export Bahrain has demonstrated its global reach by forging connections in more than 92 markets worldwide. Importantly, Export Bahrain has remained committed to promoting entrepreneurship and gender equality, with over 30% of its clients representing women entrepreneurs. Such dedication to inclusivity has set Export Bahrain apart and further solidified its reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. The impact of Export Bahrains efforts is evident in the impressive figures it has achieved. Facilitating over $600 million in export value, Export Bahrain has propelled Bahrains local businesses to new heights, enabling them to thrive in international markets. This outstanding accomplishment underscores Export Bahrains exceptional ability to create opportunities and drive economic growth by connecting Bahraini exporters with global trade partners. As a result, the Kingdom of Bahrain has witnessed a surge in export-centric prosperity, with exporting businesses making significant contributions to the nations economic landscape. Export Bahrains commitment to excellence has been recognized on a global scale, with the entity receiving an impressive array of 15 prestigious global and local business awards since its inception. These accolades serve as a testament to Export Bahrains tireless efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and their invaluable contributions to the export industry. The awards not only honor the past achievements but also serve as a testament to the promising future that lies ahead for Export Bahrain and the businesses it supports. In 2023, Export Bahrain achieved remarkable milestones in key markets, with Indonesia emerging as the top exporting market, generating an impressive amount of USD 5.7 million. Saudi Arabia closely followed with USD 5.5 million, and South Korea secured the third position with USD 5.3 million. The manufacturing sector stood out as the leading economic contributor, accounting for an astounding 90% of total exports, with a value of USD 27 million. Notably, processed and packaged food products were a standout commodity, reaching a value of approximately USD 20 million, further highlighting the diverse and prosperous nature of Bahrains export industry. Amidst this celebration, Export Bahrain successfully hosted the second iteration of Export Week, a dynamic initiative designed to cultivate export awareness and amplify opportunities for Bahraini exporters. The week-long series of events, held in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), showcased Export Bahrains commitment to empowering exporters and fostering a thriving export ecosystem. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Highlighting the outcomes of a series of meetings with the Minister of Labour, MP Dr. Maryam Al-Dhaen emphasised the urgency of promoting enrolment in professional specialisations as a key strategy to expedite employment and address the evolving needs of the labour market. In her statement, Dr. AlDhaen underscored the critical role of heightened community awareness and active participation in professional specialisations, citing the substantial benefits these fields offer. She advocates for the development of tailored professional programs to bridge the gap in the labour market, underscoring the contribution of these specialisations in imparting the necessary skills demanded by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Commending the dedication of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Dr. Al-Dhaen applauded their commitment to vocational apprenticeship programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in supplying the labour market with specialized national competencies, aligning with the governments focus on realistic solutions. Dr. Al-Dhaen also expressed appreciation for the Minister of Labour, Jamil Humaidan, and his launched initiative, acknowledging the seriousness in addressing proposals from the legislative authority. She said she looks forward to the expansion of vocational programs, aiming to pave the way for citizens to receive professional and specialized practical training, either qualifying them for skilled craft jobs with lucrative wages or enabling them to start their own professional ventures. During a previous session, Dr. Al-Dhaen had raised the issue of professional certificates, emphasising the importance of altering the perception of Bahrainis towards favouring professional studies over academic ones. Particularly in the face of rapid technological advancements and subsequent changes in the labour market, she stressed the necessity of increasing awareness through professional guidance. This includes introducing students and recent graduates to labour market requirements and encouraging them to pursue professional specialisations for their considerable benefits, ultimately facilitating the citizens swift integration into the job market based on genuine needs. Additionally, Dr. Al-Dhaen commended the support provided by the Labour Fund Tamkeen, recognising its role in not only assisting in securing salaries but also in equipping individuals in this field with high-level skills. She acknowledged the efforts of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Bahrain Polytechnic, which recently launched the first edition of vocational apprenticeship programs. This collaborative effort aims to offer applied programs tailored for target groups in specialisations required by employers. Dr. Al-Dhaen also highlighted the significant contributions of major national institutions and companies, which provide numerous career and training opportunities across various professional fields. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Bahrain Parliament yesterday approved the extension of the age limit for imported cars to 10 years, allowing them to be registered as used vehicles instead of the previous five-year limit. The proponents of this proposal cited the significant increase in the price of used cars as the driving factor behind their recommendation. They pointed out that the current law permits the importation of cars that are up to 5 years old. However, extending this period to 10 years will help alleviate the financial burden on citizens due to the recent surge in car prices. By extending the allowable age limit, citizens will have the opportunity to access more affordable options in the used car market. This decision aims to provide relief to individuals and families who rely on private transportation for their daily needs, especially in light of the challenging economic circumstances. It is worth noting that this measure aligns with the governments ongoing efforts to support the welfare of its citizens and mitigate the impact of rising prices on various sectors, including the automotive industry. The decision reflects a balancing act between ensuring road safety, environmental considerations, and the affordability of vehicles for the general public. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A top Huawei executive commended Bahrain for its competitive and business-friendly environment during a meeting yesterday with the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Sameer Nass. Aziz Tang, the Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technologies-Bahrain, expressed admiration for Bahrains impressive pace of advancement and development. He further discussed the companys ongoing and upcoming projects in Bahrain and the broader region. The meeting took place at Sameer Nasss office in the Chambers premises and included Huaweis Account Director Dongnan Jacky Shao and Managing Director Li Haiyun. Also in attendance were Bahrain Chambers Second Vice-Chairman Mohammed Al Kooheji, Vice-treasurer Waleed Kanoo, and Head of the Technology and Digital Economy Committee Alharith Alatawi. Sameer Nass highlighted Huaweis significant role in Bahrains digital transformation and technological advancement, praising the companys global ranking and its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. Aziz Tang emphasized Huaweis noteworthy achievements in industrial research and development investment, revealing the companys fourth position globally in Q1 2023 and its fifth position in the global cloud services market. DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 12, 2023 /CNW/ -- Bybit , the world's third-largest crypto exchange by volume, introduces Aurora AI, an advanced AI-powered recommendation tool designed to simplify and elevate the bot trading experience for investors at every skill level. Empowering Investors with AI-Driven Strategies Bybit Launches Aurora AI: Revolutionizing Bot Trading for All Investors Aurora AI simplifies the complexities of bot trading by harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge tool analyzes historical market data to identify 18 sets of optimal strategy parameters, emphasizing factors such as yield, arbitrage frequency, and drawdown risk. Simplified Trading for Beginners and Masters Alike Breaking down traditional barriers to entry, Aurora AI makes powerful bot trading strategies accessible to both novice and seasoned investors. Users can input their desired investment amount and copy the trading strategies provided by Aurora AI directly. A proven track record with over 70% win rate Bybit's dedication to innovation is evident in Aurora AI's outstanding track record. The Futures Grid Bot's AI strategy boasts a win rate exceeding 70%, underscoring its effectiveness in generating consistent returns. Moreover, Aurora AI offers a diverse selection of strategies across various asset classes, enabling investors to tailor their approach to their unique needs. "Bybit is committed to empowering traders with cutting-edge tools and technologies," remarked Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. "The launch of Aurora AI marks a significant stride in our mission to make sophisticated trading strategies accessible to everyone. We are confident that Aurora AI will revolutionize the way investors interact with the market and help them achieve their financial goals." #Bybit #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is a top-three cryptocurrency exchange by volume with 20 million users established in 2018. It offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press . For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X (Twitter) | Youtube SOURCE Bybit ORLANDO, Florida, Dec. 12, 2023 /CNW/ -- On December 9th, global lifestyle brand MINISO celebrated the grand opening of its 100th store in the United States, situated in Orlando's famous Florida Mall. Ushering in the festive season in a blizzard of pink, the store brings a captivating and vibrant shopping experience, adding a touch of whimsical winter to Florida's holiday season. This milestone opening signifies yet another substantial stride in the brand's swift expansion across the United States, introducing its signature offering of fun, affordable, and well-designed products to an even wider audience nationwide. Spanning 2080 square feet, the new store holds a prime location just minutes away from Orlando International Airport, Disney World, and other popular local attractions. Marking the 100th store milestone in the US during the Christmas season, MINISO created a dazzling "pink blizzard" at the Florida Mall, immersing shoppers in an even more joyous atmosphere. Inside the all-pink store, customers can explore a variety of exclusive all-pink series from MINISO's popular IP collaborations, including those with Sanrio and Disney. Notably, the brand's latest Care Bear collection is making its debut appearance in the US at the Florida mall store. Throughout the store's opening season, the Florida Mall atrium has undergone a magical transformation into a sprawling fantasy Pink Christmas Village. This enchanting setting includes a towering Christmas tree house and a crystal snowball gifting station, with a charming Care Bear mascot, all contributing to a joyful and dreamy atmosphere within the Florida mall. All participants received surprise gifts from MINISO. The Pink Christmas Village has rapidly become a favored photo spot in the Florida mall, generating numerous social media shares and interactions. "By establishing this charming pink Christmas village at the Florida Mall, MINISO is embarking on a fresh initiative to deepen our connection with local consumers during the holiday season," said Tyrone Li, Head of MINISO US on the day of store opening. "Our aim is to bring a warm and joyful companionship to our customers throughout the winter holidays -- going beyond offering lifestyle products to becoming an integral part of their holiday lifestyle, all while bringing MINISO's Joy Philosophy to them. We are confident and eagerly look forward to becoming a preferred destination for holiday gift shopping among local residents." The opening of MINISO's 100th US store marks a significant milestone in the brand's 10th-anniversary year. Since opening its first store in the US in 2017, the country has consistently been one of MINISO's top-performing global markets. In the September quarter of 2023, US stores contributed to MINISO's strong financial performance globally. Overall, the brand achieved global revenue of US$519.6 million in the quarter, a 36.7% year-over-year increase, while overseas revenue (outside of the Chinese mainland) for the quarter totaled US$177.5 million, a year-over-year increase of 40.8%. The remarkable achievement of the 100th store in the US underscores MINISO's accelerated global expansion, with 126 new stores opening overseas (outside of the Chinese mainland) in the September quarter of 2023, the highest number in one quarter since 2020. In total, the brand now has more than 6,115 stores globally. In the US, the brand also furthered its expansion in 2023, growing its presence to include stores in more than 10 states for the first time, now spanning 20 states nationwide. Looking ahead to 2024, MINISO is gearing up to extend its footprint in even more US cities, targeting more prime and strategic locations. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443725 Caption: MINISO opens 100th US store in Orlando. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443731 Caption: MINISO opens 100th US store in Orlando. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443732 Caption: MINISO opens 100th US store in Orlando. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443733 Caption: MINISO opens 100th US store in Orlando. SOURCE MINISO Group For further information: Mr. Wu, Tel: 86-10-63074558 Press Release December 12, 2023 Bong Go seeks more government support for small-scale farmers In an ambush interview on Sunday, December 10, after attending the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the need for increased government support for the country's small-scale farmers and fisherfolks. This call for action is in line with the senator's efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Go highlighted the significant legislative progress made with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. "Last July 7, pinirmahan po ni Pangulong (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos ang Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act," stated Go who is a member of the Committee on Agriculture and a co-sponsor and co-author of the measure. "Layunin nitong mapagaan ang bigat na dinadala po ng ating mga agrarian reform beneficiaries dahil sa kanilang mga utang," Go explained. The law condones all loans incurred by agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), including interests, penalties, and surcharges. Prior to its enactment, up to 610,054 ARBs owe the Land Bank of the Philippines a total of P57.56 billion in loans. This covers 1,173,101.575 hectares of agrarian reform lands. Go emphasized the positive impact of this debt relief, stating, "Dahil dito na-wipe out po ang kanilang utang, mas makakapokus na po sila sa kanilang pagsasaka." Moreover, Go firmly believes that the government should further support these farmers, ensuring that they profit from their hard work. "Dapat po ay suportahan ng ating gobyerno ang ating mga magsasaka. Kung mayroon pong dapat na maging masaya, ay ang ating mga farmers. Dapat kumita sila sa kanilang pagsasaka," he added. Go then vowed to continue advocating for legislation and initiatives that supports small-scale farmers. "Ako naman, bilang miyembro po ng Committee on Agriculture, isusulong ko po ang mga bills o batas na makakatulong po sa mga magsasaka," he said. Go said that a concerted effort must be made by the government in coordination with other stakeholders so that small-scale farmers receive the necessary support and recognition for their contribution to the nation's food security and economy. Aside from RA 11953, Go was one of the authors of Republic Act 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity. The senator also filed SBN 2117, which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118, which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into laws. Earlier, Go also emphasized the importance of improving competitiveness and safeguarding local farmers and industries amid the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Go believes that with open competition as a result of RCEP, the prices of goods will hopefully decrease, and ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor and those in the agricultural sector, must benefit from it. Go likewise backed proposals to convert idle government lands into agricultural areas to boost food production in the country. Go has recently expressed his strong support for the Anti-Smuggling Bill, authored by Senator Cynthia Villar, which successfully passed the third and final reading in the Senate on December 11. The bill, known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, aims to address economic sabotage in the agricultural sector. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Jurgen Rigterink in London, Trend reports. According to data from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized the importance Azerbaijan places on the strengthening of ties with the Bank and expressed gratitude for the Bank's long-term and consistent support of Azerbaijan's economic development. The minister, highlighting Azerbaijan's socioeconomic priorities' alignment with global goals, emphasized the importance of working together to accomplish the stated development goals. "In this context, it is important to address practical actions for the realization of key projects in the fields of green economy, energy, particularly renewable and alternative energy, private sector development, infrastructure, and other sectors," Jabbarov said. In turn, Rigterink stated that the portfolio of collaboration with Azerbaijan encompasses crucial topics, and Baku's globally significant activities encourage the partnership. The EBRD First Vice President congratulated Azerbaijan on its selection as the host of COP29 in 2024 and expressed willingness to assist Azerbaijan in this endeavor. "The parties also discussed support for the private sector and expansion of joint activities in the field of modernization of the information technology ecosystem," noted the ministry. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has arrived at the State House of Assembly on Wednesday for the presentation of the 2024 budget. This was disclosed by the governors Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, in a tweet shared via his profile on Wednesday. The governor, on Friday, stated that he will soon present a budget of over N2 trillion to the state House of Assembly. Recall that the Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed that the budget which will highlight the details of planned capital projects, recurrent expenditure, and anticipated revenue for the fiscal year, will be laid for consideration before the House of Assembly. The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, returned to the state on Wednesday, two days after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja. Aiyedatiwa had met the President and some other stakeholders over the political logjam in Ondo State. The acting governor, who landed at Akure Airport in a commercial airline, was received by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Director of Corporate Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ifedayo Abegunde. He arrived in the state shortly after the House of Assembly confirmed the receipt of a letter from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu transmitting power to him. In the letter, Akeredolu also announced he will be embarking on a medical leave. Recall that the absence of the governor had resulted in heightened political tension in the state, with calls that power should be transmitted to Aiyedatiwa in line with constitutional provisions. Also, the development resulted in division among members of the State Executive Council, with some commissioners pitching tents with Aiyedatiwa. It was also alleged that some officials were forging the governors signature. The governorship candidate of Labour Party,LP, in the November 11 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has approached the tribunal seeking the disqualification of Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, flagbearer, Governor Douye Diri and Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Eradiri, who rejected the results, insisted that he was the only eligible candidate that scored the valid votes cast and deserved to be declared as the duly elected governor of the state. Addressing stakeholders, ward and local government officials of the party at his campaign office in Yenagoa, the state capital, Eradiri said he decided to explore the legal path after thoroughly assessing the outcome of the poll. He said After the election we said we were going to look at the issues, and I am here to officially inform the leadership of the party that we have gone to court, and we pray the court to declare me winner. The reason is that the two leading opposition parties , PDP and the APC, produced candidates that were not eligible to contest the elections, and I won the valid votes cast in the election, so I should be declared governor of Bayelsa State. There are issues of eligibility of the two candidates, and that is the ground we have gone to the tribunal. Many people have lost hope in the judiciary but that small thread we hold onto is the basic for me to challenge the declaration. After studying the entire process, I have decided to ask the tribunal to declare me governor. With the spread of my 950 votes you will see that in seven out of the eight local governments, I got the constitutional requirements, so if you invalidate the PDP and APC votes , I should be declared winner. Eradiri said he decided to approach the tribunal in the interest of the suffering people of Bayelsa, adding that he would continue to raise issues affecting the people. Edison Ehie, speaker of the Rivers house of assembly, has declared the seats of the lawmakers who defected vacant. On Monday, 27 lawmakers said to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of the state, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). During plenary on Wednesday in an undisclosed location, with only lawmakers loyal to the governor in attendance, Ehie declared the seats of the defectors vacant. Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, reportedly presented the N800 billion 2024 budget estimate to the Ehie-led group at the government house. The PDP had asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats vacant. The National Democratic Coalition (NDC), a non-partisan political group, had also called on INEC to conduct bye-elections to fill the seats of the affected lawmakers. Daniel Okwa, the groups convener, said the legislators were ill-advised because their actions contravened the provisions of the constitution. The 27 controversial lawmakers must simply comply with the position of the law by vacating the Rivers state house of assembly having breached section 109 (g) of the constitution that brought them into office, the group said. Under the law, these lawmakers cease to be elected representatives of the people and their offices must be declared vacant. We find it most unfortunate that the 27 former Rivers state house of assembly members were misinformed and misled into defecting from the PDP to the APC without realizing that their action effectively means they have vacated their seats as elected lawmakers. It is an action that they have themselves to blame for. The state government commenced the demolition of the assembly complex on Wednesday. A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Yekini Nabena, has warned President Bola Tinubu against taking sides in political crises in Rivers and Ondo states. Nabena, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the President and the ruling APC must respect the Constitution in respect to political developments in Ondo and Rivers states. He cautioned that the President, as a father of the nation, must not play politics in Ondo politics. Nabena said, President Bola Tinubu must not play politics with the two states. He must show that he is a democrat and not a dictator. President Tinubu who believes in the political or social equality of all people and practice the principle of equality of rights must not play politics with River and Ondo states. The Constitution of our nation must be recognised and respected at this time in Rivers and Ondo states. The All Progressives Congress (APC) should also look into the party Constitution carefully, bearing in mind that the National Working Committee of our party does not have powers to dissolve an elected chairman and his executive in Rivers. We are democrats and not dictators in APC, so we should be mindful of our actions. The implications of this action in River State might be dangerous for our party in the near future if the right thing is not done quickly now. If not, what happened before in 2019 will happen again with litigations here and there. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has reacted to the federal governments directive to remove universities and other tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System, IPPIS, payment platform. The President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the development would bring universities back on track if what the FEC approved was correct. Recall that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the exemption of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions from the IPPIS payment platform. The decision was taken during Wednesdays Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting. Osodeke, who spoke to Daily Trust on Wednesday following the removal of tertiary institutions from the IPPIS payment platform, commended the administration for reversing the policy. If that is correct, it is a good step in the right direction. We commend the administration for that. Thats what were talking about. If thats correct, we are now coming up as universities gradually. This was one of the major reasons we were on strike, which was not attended to, for which our salaries were held, the ASUU president said. Osodeke lamented that the universities had lost their glory due to the singular act of putting them on the IPPIS payment platform. He further called on President Bola Tinubu to also address the issue of punishment meted out to its members while calling for the right things to be done. We are also saying that while correcting those issues, the government should also correct the issue of our members who were punished for asking for the correct things. That is the next step to talk about. On this one, this is a good development. We commend the government for listening to our concerns after three years. Although thats not the only issue, there are a lot of issues, but if the government has done this, they should also do other things so that we can have a flawless system where there will be no strike, he added. After weeks of negotiations at the COP28 climate summit, nations have signed a deal to transition away from fossil fuels and not phase it out. Ahmed Al-Jaber, the president of COP28, disclosed this on Tuesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after talks on fossil fuel phase out went into an overtime. Al-Jaber said it was agreed that fossil fuels would not be phased out totally as proposed by most governments, but called on countries to transition away. This is the first time in the history of COP that nations have agreed on a concerted move away from oil, gas and coal. The deal recognises the need for deep, fast and sustained reductions of fossil fuels if humanity is to limit temperature rise to 1.5C. Together we have confronted realities and we have set the world in the right direction, Al-Jaber said. Also speaking, Espen Eide, Norways climate minister, said fossil fuels were the elephant in the room at the summit. The Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Education on Tuesday declared that they will end interruption of academic activities in this administration. The joint committee took the decision at the 2024 budget defence when the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Chris Maiyaki appeared before it. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Dandutse Muntari, and the co-chairman, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, asked Maiyaki who appeared with Vice Chancellors from federal universities to speak on the budget performance and challenges facing the system. The committee vowed to investigate the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, saga as well as recruitment challenges to stabilize academic activities. Senator Muntari, who doubles member of as Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, stressed the importance of education and the need to leverage on raw materials available in the country to achieve quality education. On his part, Chairman of Reps Committee on University Education, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, recalled challenges faced by Ahmadu Bello University when he paid a visit to Zaria, stressing that the parliament looks forward to where academics within and outside can operate freely in any of the Nigerian universities without hitches. As parliamentarians, we are looking forward to universities that are valued internationally. On seriesof complaints that IPPS and recruitment process have made the work cumbersome and discouraging in Nigerian universities, Fulata said they will look into the nitty gritty of the whole issues and seek a way forward. He urged the NUC and VCs to make detailed submission of documents for attention. Maiyaki, who said the country moved from one university in 1948 to 217 universities as of today, identified inadequate funding, inability to raise resources from other sources and IPPS as some of the major challenges. He expressed optimism that challenges confronting the system would be addressed with intervention of the parliament. Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellors, Prof. Sagir Abbas, Vice Chancellor, Bayero University Kano, thanked the lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly for their commitment towards solving the problem bedeviling the Nigerian educational system. The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of Chisom Nwankwo, a 500-level student of Agric/Economics. According to Abiodun Olanrewaju, the institutions Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred on Tuesday. He said, Around 11 am, along Road 1, an accident involving two okada and two vehicles occurred. One particular okada rider was trying to overtake a red-coloured Toyota Corolla car. Unfortunately, the side mirror of the car hit the motorcycle and the rider fell with the passenger. The passenger is a Part 2 student of psychology in our school by the name, Deborah Okunola. As they were trying to attend to themselves, one Chika Nwakore was carrying a Part 5 female student of the Department of Agric Economics by the name, Chisom Nwankwo, who arrived at the scene. The motorcyclist carrying Chisom was distracted by the first accident and he lost concentration. A bus that was coming behind hit the bike. The rider and the passenger fell. What we were told was that Chisom and the okada man were injured and taken to our health centre where they were referred to the OAU Teaching Hospital, but Chisom was later declared dead. The body is in the anatomy section on campus. The university authorities have informed the police and are taking necessary action. The vice-chancellor is not happy with the situation and the management frowned on this carelessness on our roads. We sympathise with the parents of the deceased and we pray that God Almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the terrible loss. We are not happy to lose any of our students. The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has called on the state government to stop toying with the lives of pupils and students of public primary and secondary schools. This is coming following the alleged food poisoning of some pupils of Saint James Primary School B, Owoope, Osogbo, on Monday. The incident led to 18 pupils of the school being treated in hospitals on Monday. Commenting on the incident, Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, warned Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop the substandard food being served to the pupils by the vendors under the school feeding programme. Lawal, in a statement, stated that the incident was a cumulative effect of the lackadaisical approach of the man at the helm of affairs in the state. The humanity in me became uncomfortable when one of the mothers of the victims gave an account of the state of his child that immediately his son came back from school, he started smelling an offensive odour of rotten eggs. Is it true that only miserable N64 was budgeted for each pupil per meal? Is it true the government of Adeleke pays N10,000 per month to each OMeal vendor? If these allegations are true, then Governor Adeleke must have a clear conversation with his creator. How would the food vendors be dedicated when they are paid peanuts and are not supplied with the right food supplies, at a time he himself budgeted billions for his own food and refreshments? The children affected are the future leaders of this country. If Governor Adeleke had been fed with rotten eggs when he was a schoolboy as it happened to the innocent school children, would he have secured the opportunity to become the controversial governor that he is today? All the stakeholders should rise up to condemn the laissez-faire approach to governance by Governor Adeleke which has partly manifested with the suspected poisoning of the 18 school pupils with his ill-thought-out and substandard free school feeding programme. However, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, told journalists that over 100 pupils were served the food. He wondered why only about 11 of them living within the same compound were the only ones affected. He explained that after completing their examination, the pupils were told of the plan by the government to have them examined at a public hospital but their parents refused the offer. Over a hundred pupils ate the food. But about 11 out of them, who are living in the same compound were those that were said to be affected. On getting to the school on Tuesday, we met the affected pupils writing examination. After their exam, we told them that we were moving them to a hospital for further checks, but their parents refused the offer. We recorded that scene. When I was told what the parents of the affected pupils said, I mandated the officer in charge of the school to release the pupils to government officials and they were taken to UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. After they were examined, the doctors told us that nothing was wrong with them. One of the pupils has malnutrition. After she was examined, we were told that the only food that particular pupil eat daily is the one the government serves them in school. The girl is malnourished. We told the hospital to admit and treat her for malnutrition. We however warned the hospital to ensure that they keep an eye on her so that the opposition party wont kidnap her and blame it on the government. We interviewed some of the parents and they said one Boda Wasiu asked them to say all they said on camera yesterday (Monday). They said nothing affected their children. We dont want the person who gave us that hint to be tagged. But we will want the said Wasiu to be apprehended and answer questions regarding what they claimed he did. We will not want to mention the source so that they will not attack her. Wasiu is a card-carrying member of APC. They just want to tarnish the name of this administration. The Special Adviser to the state governor on O-Meals, Ayodele Oluwaseyi also denied allegations of food positioning. Ayodele, in a statement obtained by newsmen, alleged that the incident was a case of political mischief. According to her, a fresh test was carried out by the state government on the allegedly poisoned pupils, the negative results confirmed that there was no food poisoning. In view of this, the pupils who were allegedly said to have been poisoned have since returned to school to continue their examinations. The reported food poisoning should not be associated with the mid day meal given to the pupils by the OMeals food vendors. It was discovered to be politically initiated by some miscreants who intended to score cheap political goals. Oluwaseyi added that women recruited into the OMeal programme as food vendors were certified cooks who prepared their meals under the most hygienic environment. Linda Somari Stewart, one of the Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, has made a U-turn. Stewart, who represents Okrika in the State Assembly, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after defecting to the APC with other members of the House. Recall that 27 state lawmakers believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, had defected to the APC. Following their defection, the Speaker of the House declared their seats vacant. The development followed the face-off between Wike and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara. The Rivers government has explained why it is demolishing the state house of assembly complex. On Wednesday, the government commenced the demolition of the assembly complex in Port Harcourt, the state capital. There were insinuations that the bulldozing of the complex had some political undertone. However, in a statement, Joseph Johnson, commissioner for information in Rivers, said the government took the decision because of the structural defects in the building after the fire incident of October. On October 30, a portion of the complex was razed by fire. At the time, some lawmakers were allegedly plotting to impeach Siminalayi Fubara as governor of the state. Johnson said the detonation of explosives in the complex, which caused the fire, affected the foundation of the structure. There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business, the statement reads. The commissioner said the decision to demolish the assembly complex was based on the advice of experts, adding that a temporary chamber has been provided. After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous, the statement reads. In the interim, the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex. The development comes on the heels of the defection of 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in Rivers. Wike had called Fubara an ingrate after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the political crisis engulfing the state. President Bola Tinubu has given a nod for public universities captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, to exit the payment platform. The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, disclosed the information on Wednesday, shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu. Offering more explanations on the presidential directive, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris said: Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated payroll and personnel information system. You will recall that the university authorities and the others have been clamouring for the exemption of the universities and other tertiary institutions from this system. Today, Council has graciously approved that. What that means is that going forward, the universities, like the Minister of Education has said, and other tertiary institutions, the polytechnics and colleges of education, will be taken off the IPPIS. What that means in simple language is that the university authorities and other tertiary institutions will now be paying their own personnel from their own end instead of relying on the IPPIS. A Cumberland County man who was 16 when he was accused of shooting another teen to death three years ago has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the case. He faces up to 30 years in prison when hes sentenced next month. Jaqui Profit was 16 years old when he shot Jason Jones, 17, in Millville on Nov. 26, 2020, authorities said. Jones, a Millville resident, died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head and his body was found in an alleyway on the 400 block of Oak Street, police said. Profit, now 19, was identified as the shooter after witnesses described his clothing, which matched surveillance images showing the suspect walking into the alley with Jones before the shooting, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. Investigators learned Profits grandmother lived near the crime scene, according to court papers. They also learned Profit was dropped off there prior to the shooting and was picked up by family members sometime after the shooting. When he was arrested at his Vineland residence the day after the killing, Profit was holding a handgun as he tried to flee from police, according to authorities. Ballistics examination confirmed the handgun was the murder weapon, police said, adding that the weapon had an extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds. The case remained in family court until last year, when a judge granted a prosecution waiver to try Profit as an adult. He was indicted in July 2022 on murder, weapons and evidence tampering charges. In return for pleading guilty to the murder charge in October, prosecutors agreed to the dismissal of the other charges and to recommend a 30-year prison term with a requirement that he serve at least 20 years before hes eligible for parole. His public defender did not respond to a request for comment about the plea. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5. Profit also faces charges stemming from his alleged participation in a March 21 assault at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark. Profit and a few others detainees were accused of punching at least two other people and kicking one of them multiple times after that victim lost consciousness, according to a criminal complaint filed in October. That victim was taken to a hospital and treated for severe head trauma, according to the complaint. The assaults were allegedly caught on surveillance video. The names of the victims were redacted in a copy of the complaint provided by court officials, but they were likely fellow detainees because the document does not say corrections officers or other center employees were attacked in the incident. Profit was charged with second-degree counts of aggravated assault and conspiracy. His public defender in that case did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. A battle is brewing over a small Jersey Shore school districts bid to merge with one of New Jerseys largest school districts. Seaside Heights school board voted unanimously last week in favor of its K-6 school district joining the Toms River Regional School District. In a separate meeting, the Toms River Regional school board voted 7-2 in support of accepting Seaside Heights students. But, the Central Regional School Districts school board is scheduled to hold a meeting Wednesday night to adopt a resolution opposing Seaside Heights leaving its district, according to an announcement on the districts website. Students from Seaside Heights currently attend grades 7 to 12 in Central Regionals schools. The regional school district, which has only a middle school and a high school, is much smaller than Toms River. Central Regional enrolls students from Berkeley Township, Island Heights, Ocean Gate and Seaside Park, in addition to Seaside Heights. Toms River has 18 schools, including three high schools and three middle schools, and enrolls K-12 students from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and South Toms River. It was the states sixth-largest school district as 2020, with approximately 15,000 students. Under the plan, the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School, the lone school in the Seaside Heights district, would close. Seaside Heights students would instead attend East Dover Elementary School through fifth grade and Toms River Intermediate East School from grades 6 through 8. Then, they would attend Toms River East High School, Patch.com reported. Central Regionals school board expressed opposition prior to Fridays vote in Seaside Heights, issuing a statement that said it has no intention of allowing any neighboring school district to financially benefit at the cost of taxpayers in the remaining sending districts. Seaside Heights effort to join the Toms River district hinges on approval by voters in both municipalities, but a referendum will be held only if the states education commissioner agrees to authorize it. Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Citta told the school board last week that bringing in Seaside Heights would restore enough state aid to the district to eliminate a projected $26.6 million shortfall in next years budget, according to the Asbury Park Press. Thats real. Thats not a scare tactic, Citta said at the meeting, the newspaper reported. The union representing teachers in Seaside Heights asked the school board to reconsider the plan to merge with Toms River Regional. The Seaside Heights Education Association also criticized the local school board for holding its special meeting at 8:20 a.m. last Friday, only nine days after the district released a 100-page report on the day before Thanksgiving that supported the regionalization plan. Families in Seaside Heights deserve the opportunity to understand what the closure of Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary would mean for their childrens education. This is not a decision that should be rushed or hidden from the public, but that is exactly what the Board of Education is doing, said the statement, signed by union co-presidents Sherie Ensor and Suzanne Heagen. New Jersey, which is home to about 600 school districts, has few regionalized districts compared to many other states. Last year, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that gave districts financial incentives to study consolidation, including combining into county-wide or regional school districts. A merger of school districts is currently underway in Monmouth County after voters granted approval in separate referendums in September. Starting in July, the K-6 school districts in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands will be joining the Henry Hudson Regional School District, which already serves middle school and high school students from both municipalities. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. The U.S. Department of Education on Monday added Rutgers-Newark to its list of 77 colleges and universities under investigation for discrimination involving shared ancestry, a development first reported by Politico. Rutgers University spokeswoman Dory Devlin said she believes the investigation involved the entire universitys response to alleged harassment in October and November of students on the basis of their national origin (shared Jewish ancestry and/or Israel). She said the notification of the investigation provided no further details. Want to become a teacher? Two new initiatives in New Jersey will make it easier on your wallet, a state agency says. Amid concerns about a teacher shortage, The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) recently highlighted Gov. Phil Murphys efforts to attract and support aspiring teachers through stipends and loan forgiveness programs during a meeting at Stockton University. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 13. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will open regular flights to Kazakhstan's Turkestan city on the Abu Dhabi - Turkestan - Abu Dhabi route, Trend reports. As Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Committee noted, flights will begin on January 16, 2024, and will operate with a frequency of 3 times per week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). The flights will be carried out on Airbus A321 type aircraft. Civil Aviation Committee explains that the opening of a new international air route to Turkestan will contribute to the further development of trade, economic, business, investment, tourism and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE. Earlier, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and the UAE discussed the launch of direct flights between the capitals of the two countries and agreed to study the possibilities of opening flights by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia. Furthermore, in 2022, trade turnover between these countries amounted to $633 million. Kazakh entrepreneurs exported products worth $560.3 million to the UAE. By A. Michael Noll Nokia Bell Labs will move from its Murray Hill facility to New Brunswick. Should we care? The extensive parking lots at Murray Hill have been mostly empty for years. The history of all the scientific and technical innovations that were made at the Bell Labs Murray Hill facility is mostly forgotten New Jersey has a history of not seeming to care much about its history. The loss of the Murray Hill facility will soon be forgotten unfortunately and we should care. The Bell Labs Murray Hill laboratories spawned such innovations as the UNIX operating system, the C programming language, speech compression, digital switching, information theory, and many more with the most famous being the transistor. There were a host of other innovations, perhaps not as famous, such as the traveling wave tube and linear predictive coding. Innovations from Murray Hill even include digital computer art, music, and animation and touch haptic communication. Todays two-way visual telecommunication has its roots in the Picturephone, invented at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. (Bell Labs). The Murray Hill buildings are iconic. But ultimately, innovation is by people not buildings. With the collapse of the Bell System in the mid-1980s, the ultimate decline of Bell Labs was predetermined. For a while, Bell Labs served AT&Ts manufacturing unit, then became part of the French telecommunication company Alcatel, and finally part of the Finnish company Nokia. Along the way, Bell Labs became smaller. Portions of the Murray Hill buildings were torn down to save on taxes. The physical laboratories in chemistry and physics that formed Bell Labs in the past, were now engineers working at computers, and could be done in less costly office space. The Murray Hill facility was obsolete doomed it was a matter of time to move to cheaper space. Dont miss an issue of our Opinion newsletter! Get it delivered each Wednesday right into your inbox by adding your email below and hitting "subscribe." From Nokias perspective, the move to a less costly facility makes good sense and was long overdue. It was only a matter of time before the Murray Hill facility would be abandoned with no apparent new tenant or use. Developers will see only the property and how it can be developed for homes, offices, and shopping. History and preservation of the past are not the responsibility of developers. Politicians mostly see jobs and do not seem to care about history and preservation. The Murray Hill property (established around 1941) is huge, overlooking the Watchung Mountains. The buildings themselves are impressive, and include an auditorium with outstanding acoustics, and an echo-free (anechoic) chamber. The Bell Labs archives are stored at Murray Hill, with the incredible history of innovation that they document. A small technology museum is on the first floor of the main building. Some sort of permanent telecommunication science and technology museum and archive on the Murray Hill property would seem to be warranted, as a partner to the Edison Museum in West Orange. New Jersey was truly the innovation state, and that history needs to be preserved and honored. Nokia should donate a portion of the Murray Hill property for such a museum, auditorium and archive for the public and scholars. Ultimately, the main Murray Hill buildings might make a new medical hospital complex, with an existing senior housing (Lantern Hill) across Mountain Avenue and a major health facility (Summit Health) down the road. Overlook Hospital in Summit has no room to expand, and the Murray Hill property would seem to be perfect, creating a three-tier medical complex with the Morristown and Summit hospitals. Please, New Jersey, do not let a critical part of its technical past of history be forgotten. Please remember and honor New Jerseys history as being the innovation state of the past of being the grandparent of much of the underpinning of todays technology. A. Michael Noll was a research engineer at the Bell Labs Murray Hill facility during the 1960s. He later worked in the Office of Science and Technology of the Executive Office of the President during the early 1970s. He currently is professor emeritus of communications at the USC Annenberg School, and an author of opinion pieces and columns. He has written papers and books about Bell Labs. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Incumbent Penns Grove Mayor LaDaena Thomas grassroots, write-in victory will be certified, a judge ruled Tuesday by lifting the court-ordered stay on certifying the results. Salem County Judge Benjamin D. Morgan ruled in favor of lifting the temporary injunction on certifying her victory based on another motion before the court: whether to dismiss Republican candidate Louis Pasquales attorney for a conflict-of-interest, for having represented Thomas in a previous case two years ago. Morgan ruled that continuing the hold on certifying Thomass election win would harm the community by leaving the Penns Grove electorate without a mayor on Jan. 1, given the tight time frame between Tuesday and the end of the year. He said that Pasquale had 31 days after certification to file a legal objection. In a second ruling, Morgan disqualified Pasquales attorney, the Lento Law Group, given the fact that the firm had previously represented Thomas in an expungement matter. He set a new court date for Jan. 2 for Pasquale to challenge Thomas election victory. But the decision on whether Thomas is eligible to hold office may be settled after Morgan laid out his legal analysis on whether Pasquales assertion that Thomas was on probation in 2019 when she registered to vote had a reasonable likelihood of success. Morgan explained to over 100 people in the virtual court proceeding Tuesday that Thomas had satisfied her probation in 2004 and that the outstanding restitution owed was a separate matter. Judge Morgans decision to allow the Salem County Board of Elections to certify Mayor Thomas write-in victory is a massive win for democracy, and his decision to disqualify the Lento Law Group, P.C., from representing her opponent after representing her previously is a massive win for our legal system, Thomas attorney Scott Salmon said after the hearing. Mayor Thomas is so grateful for the support that shes received from the residents of Penns Grove as well as people throughout New Jersey, and she is looking forward to all the good that she and her administration will continue to do. The loser of the election was trying to stop my victory because I was previously on probation, Thomas said Tuesday afternoon in a statement. I was convicted of an unpaid phone bill over twenty years ago. Since then, Ive worked in information technology, owned businesses, and led a borough. My probation ended in 2004 and this case was a waste of time and court resources. Thomas was elected mayor in Penns Grove in 2019 as a Democrat, unseating John Washington who served as mayor of Penns Grove for 16 years prior. Washington also ran for mayor in 2023, as a Democrat, after Thomas did not win her partys support. However, Thomas was initially victorious in the general election in a write-in campaign. Preliminary results showed Washington garnering 153 votes, Pasquale with 191 and Thomas with 197. Thomas votes have since swelled to over 200. The court initially ordered the Salem County Board of Elections to withhold certification of the Penns Grove mayoral election on Nov. 21 after Pasquale filed a motion opposing Thomas victory and asserting she should be disqualified based on her alleged probation status after she pleaded guilty to theft of services for an overdue phone bill in 2000. Thomas was charged with failing to pay a $15,000 phone bill in 2000 that she claims her roommate at the time left her with. Thomas pleaded guilty to the allegations thinking she was helping out a friend at the time, but she was sentenced to four years of probation and restitution to pay the bill. According to court filings in the case, Thomas lawyers argued that she successfully completed her probation in 2004 but has yet to fully pay back the restitution which is why her status is listed as active in the New Jersey court system. Morgan agreed with Salmons argument that her probation ended in 2004. Thomas has received over 200 votes, and perhaps even more, given that some voters misspelled her name. Its unclear whether the misspelled write-in votes were counted in her favor. Thomas candidacy over the past year has overcome several legal objections from both Pasquale and Washington. After Thomas lost a primary challenge from Washington, she later tried to run in the general election as an independent. Washington challenged that effort under New Jerseys Sore Loser Law which was upheld. However, the court also ruled that Thomas could not be disqualified from running a write-in campaign. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. I was alone and freaking out, kind of doing the little dance. Then I sat down and just took it all in. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 13. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar has met with Vice President for Marketing of South Korean Doosan Enerbility Yunho Yang, Trend reports. Yunho Yang from Doosan Enerbility offered recommendations for future energy cooperation during the meeting whcih enatils the establishment in Kazakhstan of manufacturing facilities for the assembly of generators, waste heat boilers, and wind turbines, as well as a competence center for technology transfer. According to Roman Sklyar, Kazakhstan and South Korea are strategic partners. These investment ideas will provide even more incentive for the countries to enhance cooperation and mutually beneficial relationships. Korea is one of Kazakhstan's most important trading, economic, and investment partners. Mutual trade turnover increased 2.3 times last year to $6.1 billion. Kazakhstan-Korea commerce totaled $4.6 billion in the first eight months of 2023, up 10.7 percent over the same period in 2022 ($4.2 billion). Korean companies have invested approximately $9 billion in Kazakhstan's economy. South Korea is one of the top ten significant investors in Kazakhstan. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 13. Kyrgyz Temir Zholu (Kyrgyzstan Railways) National Company facilitated the transportation of around 211,000 passengers from January through October 2023, Trend reports. The company's data indicates that 199,269 passengers traveled within the country, while 12,617 passengers were transported internationally. Furthermore, it was highlighted that earlier this year, a VIP passenger car was manufactured and introduced on the Bishkek-Balykchy route. Additionally, in 2023, luxury and VIP carriages were included in foreign tourist trains to Balykchy upon the request of tourism companies. A tourist train from Europe and America arrived in Kyrgyzstan six times. In addition, the company's plant conducted repairs on 211 cars, including major repairs on 22 cars and depot repairs on 189 cars. Moreover, the company transported cargo totaling more than 7.456 million tons, marking an increase of 982,500 tons compared to the same period in 2022 (6.474 million tons). Former Portage Mayor James Snyder has succeeded in his "long shot" of convincing the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to his 2021 conviction for soliciting and accepting a $13,000 bribe in 2014 in return for steering a $1.125 million contract for the purchase of garbage trucks for the city of Portage. The justices did not elaborate on their decision, but the key issue appears to be an argument by Snyder's legal team that the lower courts are "deeply divided" over whether the applicable federal law criminalizes gratuities, which it defines as "payments in recognition of actions the official has already taken or committed to take where the official did not agree to take those actions in exchange for payment." Former Lake County sheriff seeking reduced prison term Records show Buncich currently is 70 months into a 151-month sentence. He asks in a court filing Tuesday that his sentence be reduced to 121 months. Two of the circuit courts have determined such gratuities a term Snyder prefers to use in his bribery case are not criminal, his team argued. Five other circuit courts disagree. "That capacious interpretation risks chilling an enormous range of legitimate conduct," Snyder said. "A constituent might donate to the campaign of a politician who took an action the constituent likes. Or a real-estate agent might offer a deal on a condo to a city housing official whose policies helped the agent weather a recession. In five circuits, those actions are illegal, and officials can be prosecuted for accepting donations or gifts." "The battle lines are drawn, and only this Court can break the logjam and restore uniformity on the meaning of an important federal criminal statute," Snyder's team argued. Trial set for boyfriend accused of raping 12-year-old Porter County girl in his care VALPARAISO More than four years after being accused of raping a then-12-year-old girl, Hebron resident Kittrell Hawthorne will stand trial n Snyder, 45, a Republican office holder, was twice found guilty most recently in March 2021 of soliciting and accepting the bribe in question. Federal prosecutors said he also obstructed the Internal Revenue Service's efforts to collect unpaid taxes on a private mortgage company he ran. Snyder was sentenced on Oct. 13, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly to 21 months in prison, which was well below the recommended sentencing guideline of 46 to 57 months. While referring to Snyder's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as a long shot, Kennelly agreed in September to postpone Snyder's surrender date to prison until 60 days after a denial of an appeal to the court. Porter County man pleads guilty to molesting 8-year-old girl The girl reportedly told police DeBoe "has a little problem" involving exposing himself and seeking her involvement in sexual activity. Federal prosecutors argued last month there is sufficient evidence of the bribe. "In particular, the evidence showed that petitioner (Snyder) and his associate, (former Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation) Randy Reeder, took numerous steps to rig the contract-bidding process in favor of the Buha brothers company," according to the federal filing. Snyder's case has captured national attention with his request for delay attracting support from the conservative American Center for Law and Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, his attorney said. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit earlier this year rejected all of Snyder's claims of error in his case, upholding his convictions. GARY The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority has acquired the Griffith-Merrillville Airport in a $1.8 million deal that Gary officials said will give it the operational flexibility to expand cargo service while providing Griffith the long-sought public ownership that makes it eligible for federal grants. The sale was ratified Wednesday by the Gary airports board. Chairman Pete Visclosky said the combination will allow each airport to grow. The purpose is to allow this existing facility to be as productive and as efficient as it can be, Visclosky said of GCIA. The purpose is to make sure the Griffith-Merrillville Airport can be as productive and as economically vital as it can be. Airport Executive Director Dan Vicari said the acquisition will provide additional scale to both our operations. In addition to allowing operational flexibility to handle nearly any conceivable aircraft, the consolidation will also free up GCI Airport to continue its expansion for adding cargo and general aviation, specifically business aviation, activity. Gary Mayor Jerome Prince attended Wednesdays meeting and said growth at the airport was one of the focuses of his term in office. One of our primary focuses here is to increase our cargo activity, he said. With this move we certainly will be able to do that. For the Griffith-Merrillville Airport, the sale culminates a nearly decade-long process to find public sponsorship, said Craig Anderson, the airport's manager. The Federal Aviation Administration changed grant eligibility around 2014, he said, essentially eliminating that funding and pushing private owners of public-access airports to find public-sector ownership. Operating a privately owned public-use facility without grant funds is almost impossible to do anymore, he said. Years ago you could do it. Not anymore. Airport owner Griffith Aviation Inc. discussed with the Town of Griffith the possibility of the town buying the airport, but ultimately they turned to Gary, with negotiations beginning in late 2022. Anderson said the sale, which closed Monday, is the culmination of efforts to secure long-term success by Griffith Aviation founder Paul Goldsmith, who purchased that airport in the late 1960s, and it was his dream to see that airport develop into the future and be a sustainable facility. The new relationship will allow GCIA needed operational flexibility while giving smaller operators the ability to function out of the Griffith facility, bolstering that airport's viability, Anderson said. Vicari said the sale was supported by the FAA and Indiana Department of Transportation, as well as Griffith and Lake County. In a news release issued Wednesday morning, Griffith Town Council President Rick Ryfa expressed the towns satisfaction with the deal. GCIA has made some fantastic improvements in recent years, and with GCIAs experienced management and existing resources, the Griffith-Merrillville Airport infrastructure will offer a strong complement to GCIAs long-term planning, Ryfa said. State Aviation Director Marty Blake of INDOT said the deal will help the Griffith-Merrillville Airport maintain its position in the aviation system. Griffith-Merrillville is a key reliever airport in the Indiana aviation system," he said in the news release. "GCIAs acquisition will allow for continued partnership with our office to improve facilities at Griffith-Merrillville and will reinforce the $21 million regional annual economic impact this airport provides. The purchase agreement includes a $3,250 per month payment from the Gary airport to Griffith Aviation for management services, in addition to Griffith keeping 5% of the revenue from a self-storage business on the Griffith airport property. Vicari said Garys share of that business revenue will be crucial as a revenue source to help it fund improvements at Griffith. Anderson will continue as manager of Griffith-Merrillville, which has a 4,900 foot runway, 175,000 square feet of ramp area and a 38,000 square foot terminal building. The airport is located at 1705 E. Main St., about six miles south of the Gary/Chicago International Airport. CROWN POINT The seven-member Lake County Council returned to full strength Tuesday for the first time since April with Council President Charlie Brown, D-Gary, back in attendance following a string of serious illnesses. Brown wasted no time returning to form suggesting improvements to the budgeting process so county departments aren't tempted to spend all their unused resources at the end of the year, and teasing Councilman Randy Niemeyer, R-Cedar Lake, over whether the budget-focused Republican will be around to implement any policy changes next year if his congressional campaign is successful. He also quipped after proposing a fund transfer to an account ending in "999" that he felt like 2012 presidential candidate Herman Cain whose 9-9-9 tax cut plan briefly electrified the GOP electorate, and Brown questioned how he got reappointed to the Lake County Contractors Licensing Board when he wasn't around to actively seek the post. "Did you all do this while I was gone?" Brown asked sarcastically. "Congratulations!" retorted Vice President Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, who has ably led the council during Brown's absence, including its December meeting. Brown took a moment during the meeting to point to the audience and introduce the council to Angela, his wife of 35 years, "who has been taking good care of me over these last seven months." "I call her 'The Warden.' She won't even let me drive," Brown said. Nevertheless, Brown said he managed to keep up with what the council was up to while he was away through regular phone calls with the council's attorney and finance chief, and by watching live or recorded council meetings without participating in them. The 85-year-old two-term county councilman, and former 36-year member of the Indiana House, said his health issues began in the spring with a planned surgery to correct a painful condition where his small intestine was wrapped around itself. While he was in the hospital, however, Brown said he contracted COVID-19 and a C. diff infection that "really knocked me for a loop" and kept him in and out of the hospital for almost three months, including a second surgery to stop some internal bleeding. Brown said the infections and their treatments sapped his energy and strength, and caused him to lose a lot of weight. He was confined to his lakefront home in Gary's Miller neighborhood until just six weeks ago. "I would like to encourage every male in the county of Lake and the state of Indiana don't put off your health. It seems to be a thing that men often do," Brown said. Looking ahead to 2024, Brown expects his improved health will ensure he's in attendance at the monthly meetings of the county's financial governing body much more regularly. "I'm ready to move forward, to come back out like a tiger," Brown said. With Brown's support, the council agreed Tuesday to repurpose $133,000 to support an initiative by the Lake County Sheriff's Department to add 17 fixed-site crime monitoring cameras to its network of license plate reader cameras already operating across the county. County Police Chief Vincent Balbo said live video from the additional cameras will flow into the sheriff's real-time operations center to help determine where best to deploy county and municipal law enforcement resources. The council also supported a request by Coroner David Pastrick to reallocate about $100,000 in his budget to replace two of the three permanent autopsy tables in the county morgue, and to acquire needed supplies for the nine portable autopsy tables in the coroner's inventory, after Pastrick was unable to secure any federal or state grants for the purchases. Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2 LAPORTE More than 200 people braved cold weather Monday night to see live reindeer in LaPorte. Cups of hot chocolate were served to the long line of parents and children waiting outside the public library at 904 Indiana Ave. in the citys downtown. Its awesome, man. The kids had a good time. Its amazing, said Anthony Munoz, who made the 20-minute trip with his daughter Gisele, 7, and sons Maddox, 6, and Maverick, 5, from their home in Trail Creek. Tori Cimbaljevich of LaPorte held her chubby-cheeked infant son, Noah, as he reached down to pet the reindeer. She also brought her 3-year-old daughter, Mabel. It was awesome. My daughter was really excited, she said. The 7-year-old female reindeer, Bell, belongs to the Silly Safari organization. The animal advocacy group based near Indianapolis also travels to surrounding states to show the public not just the reindeer but other exotic animals throughout the year. Aiden Potter, whos with the organization, held the sometimes restless reindeer as visitors approached. He said the mission of the group is to protect animals by showing them to the public, especially to children. We really want to enrich the youth and make them fall in love with animals. Thats where you really make the difference with conservation. If you can get the new generation to fall in love with animals theyll want to keep them protected, he said. Debbie Reynolds of LaPorte said she came because she likes special events and believes in the Christmas spirit. I loved it," she said of the reindeer. "I didnt realize just how soft they are." Kateri Krueger came with her 2-year-old daughter, Mallory, and her fiancee, Joshua Marshall. Krueger said she was mostly surprised by how the reindeer didn't look anything like she expected. I think you kind of expect them to look how they do in the movies. Theyre still cute, she said. The people showing up for the event also learned a thing or two about the species. For example, Potter said male and female reindeer have antlers unlike traditional deer, whose antlers emerge only in bucks. Reindeer are native to Arctic, subarctic, tundra and mountainous regions of Northern Europe, Siberia and North America, according to experts. Reindeer adapted for survival in extreme cold are not considered endangered with populations quite numerous depending on the species. Danny Barnes, program and events coordinator for the LaPorte County Public Library, said arrangements were made for a reindeer to help people get into the Christmas spirit. The event along with the hot cocoa, coffee and tea were provided at no cost. Its wonderful for all of the kids and I think theyre very excited from the looks of it, he said. VALPARAISO The Valparaiso City Council has approved three new downtown liquor licenses. Licenses were approved for the existing Smoketown Blues and Veleros restaurants as well as for Figs and Fables, a fine dining spot looking to open in February. In 2005, Valparaiso petitioned the state for 10 additional downtown liquor licenses, an effort that has helped transform the area into a dining destination. The special downtown licenses must go to businesses that are within the historic district the city created around the Porter County Courthouse. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers approved House Enrolled Act 1200 which gave the city five more downtown liquor licenses. The new law also expanded the licenses' range, allowing restaurants that are up to 1,500 feet outside the historic district to hold them, instead of the previous 700-foot maximum. On Nov. 27, the Valparaiso Common Council heard liquor license application presentations from three businesses. Adam Brenner currently owns the Valpo Soup Company, located at 57 Franklin St. Brenner, who has worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years, opened Valpo Soup Company in 2020. He plans on closing the restaurant at the end of the year, transforming the 2,600-square-foot space into a world class fine dining establishment. The new restaurant would be called Figs and Fables and would feature an extensive tasting menu, whimsical decor that draws on childhood fairytales and valet parking. The menu will also feature some molecular gastronomy: dishes prepared and plated with foams and fogs. Brenner hopes to open Figs and Fables on Valentines Day. "I'm planning on (being awarded) a Michelin Star here," Brenner told the council. Smoketown Blues, a southern-style barbeque restaurant opened in downtown Valparaiso a year-and-a-half ago. Located at 66 West Lincolnway, Smoketown Blues features an array of signature ribs, house-crafted sauces, classic barbeque sides and deserts. Veleros Mexican Cuisine has locations in Crown Point and Valparaiso. The owners of Veleros also operate El Timon Tacos Tequila and Bar in Merrillville. Veleros plans on relocating to downtown Valparaiso at the start of March. Veleros serves upscale Mexican cuisine, seafood and deserts. Valparaiso Common Council members asked the restaurant owners about their location's parking capacity, plans for future growth and why they need a liquor license. Councilman Peter Anderson, R-5, said he was "firmly in favor" of offering a license to all three applicants because "they have already invested heavily in our community." Councilman Robert Cotton, D-2, expressed concerns about how issuing all three licenses at once could impact other local restaurants. He said he didn't want smaller establishments to get squeezed out. During the Nov. 27 meeting Council President Casey Schmidt, D-3, made a motion to approve all three license applications, subject to the owners agreeing to a written commitment. The council approved the motion with a vote of 6-1, Cotton was the sole "no" vote. After the Nov. 27 meeting, City Attorney Patrick Lyp put together a written commitment detailing all of the city requirements the restaurants would have to adhere to. During the Monday City Council meeting, Lyp said all three businesses had accepted the commitment. The council subsequently approved three resolutions recommending the issuance of a liquor license for each of the applicants. The city now has three remaining downtown liquor licenses. PHOTOS: New skatepark opens in Valparaiso Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Valparaiso Flounder and Friends Skatepark Three state lawmakers representing portions of Porter and LaPorte counties are hosting two town hall meetings Saturday to solicit public feedback on their legislative priorities ahead of the Indiana General Assembly's upcoming annual session. The meetings are scheduled for 9-11 a.m. at Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway Ave.; and from 1-3 p.m. in the Portage Countryside Hall at Countryside Park, 5250 US 6, Portage. Lawmakers set to participate include state Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton; and state Reps. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City; and Chuck Moseley, D-Portage. "I hope you can attend to share your thoughts, ask questions or suggest policy ideas that will enhance the quality of life for our communities," Pol said in an announcement to his constituents. Both events are free and open to the public. The Indiana Legislature convenes Jan. 8 for a nine-week session. Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that took effect July 1 AirTags Alcohol permits Animal facilities Army veteran in Aberdeen repeatedly victimized by teens, calling him a 'terrorist' Book bans Bullying Charter schools Child molesting Childrens hospitals Domestic violence Drinking water Electric/hybrid vehicles Encroachment FAFSA Financial literacy Firefighting equipment Food and beverage tax Gender-affirming care Gary schools Gasoline tax Human trafficking Illiana Expressway Inmate gender Insurance fund Juror pay Juveniles Lake County convention center Lake County recorder Landlords Little Calumet River Lost farmland Machine guns Mail-in ballots Mental health Military bases Military pay Pension investments Public health School board elections Service animals Sex education SNAP assistance Speed cameras State comptroller Storage units Tax sales Taxpayer receipt Teachers unions Throwing stars Transit Development District 21st Century Scholars Valparaiso lawsuit Xylazine On Tuesday, Judge Furman ordered Mr. Schwartz to provide the court with copies of the three decisions he had cited in the filing. If Mr. Schwartz could not do so within a week, Judge Furman said, the lawyer would have to produce a sworn declaration and a thorough explanation of how the motion came to cite cases that do not exist and what role, if any, Mr. Cohen played in drafting or reviewing the motion before it was filed. Mr. Schwartz did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. E. Danya Perry, a new lawyer representing Mr. Cohen in his request to end his supervised release, said she had joined the case after Mr. Schwartz filed the motion at issue. In conducting my own research in support of Mr. Cohens motion, she said, I was unable to verify the case law that had been submitted by previous counsel in his initial papers. Consistent with my ethical obligation of candor to the court, I advised Judge Furman of this issue. Ms. Perry said Mr. Cohen would have no comment. As cited in Mr. Schwartzs legal motion, the cases United States v. Figueroa-Flores, United States v. Ortiz and United States v. Amato all sounded legitimate. They were affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Mr. Schwartz noted in his motion, offering summaries of each decision. But Judge Furman, in his order on Tuesday, noted that the Figueroa-Flores citation actually referred to a page in the middle of an opinion issued by a different federal appeals court and which, the judge added, has nothing to do with supervised release. Since the National Theater opened in London in 1963, its artistic directors have been among the greats of British theater: Laurence Olivier, Peter Hall, Richard Eyre, Trevor Nunn, Nicholas Hytner and Rufus Norris. They also had two other things in common. All six are white men. On Wednesday, the theater brought that era to an end when it announced the appointment of Indhu Rubasingham to the top position. She will be the first woman and person of color to lead the National Theater. Rubasingham, 53, will join next spring, the theater said in a news release. She will work for a year alongside Norris, who is departing, before taking sole charge in spring 2025, when she will also share the role of chief executive with Kate Varah, the theaters current executive director. That sharing of responsibilities is a change for the theater, where Norris currently holds both roles. With three theaters in its building alongside the River Thames, the National, as it is known, stages around 20 plays and musicals each year, and has almost 900 full-time employees. Critics and theatergoers expect it to produce the best new shows and revivals in London, while also staging work that comments on the state of the nation. On top of that, it is tasked with incubating new talent, mounting touring productions across Britain and running an extensive education program. The elected school board in Sarasota, Fla., took the rare step on Tuesday of calling for the resignation of one of its own members, the latest development in an ongoing scandal involving a power couple in state Republican politics. With a 4-to-1 vote, the school board rebuked Bridget Ziegler, a member for nine years, saying that the drama engulfing her and her husband had become too much of a distraction. Ms. Ziegler was the only member to vote against the nonbinding resolution; she gave no indication that she would resign. Her husband, Christian Ziegler, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, is under criminal investigation for sexual assault. His accuser told the Sarasota Police Department that she had a consensual sexual encounter with Mr. and Ms. Ziegler more than a year ago, according to a search warrant affidavit a fact that both Zieglers confirmed to investigators. That revelation, first reported last month by the Florida Center for Government Accountability, led to demands for Ms. Ziegler, a proponent of anti-L.G.B.T.Q. policies, to step down, with critics casting her as a hypocrite. As President Bidens allies grow more worried that his standing is slipping among Black men, his aides met on Tuesday at the White House with influential Black male Democrats to discuss how to increase his popularity with a crucial group of voters before the 2024 election. Several attendees said there was general agreement that Mr. Biden, during both his 2020 campaign and his first three years in office, had paid more attention to Black female voters than to Black male ones. These people said they had suggested to Mr. Bidens aides that the president needed to make a specific argument about how his administration had improved the lives of Black men. Its clear that theres been a focus on Black women and the question becomes, has there been an equal focus on Black men? said Cedric Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman and Biden administration official who is now a senior adviser at the Democratic National Committee and who was at the meeting. He added: Theres been a mantra that Black women are the base of the party and, I think, its Black families that are the base of the party. That has the potential to separate the family unit by gender, which I think is just unfortunate. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 13. Tajikistan and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, Trend reports. As per the Tajikistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bilateral document was signed by Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, and the Representative and Director of the WFP in Tajikistan, Adham Musallam. The agreement aims to regulate cooperation in implementing the WFP Country Strategic Plan for 2023-2026 in Tajikistan. During the meeting, both parties assessed the current state of collaboration between Tajikistan and the WFP and exchanged views on its future prospects. WFP has been actively involved in Tajikistan since 1993 and is currently operating under the Country Strategic Plan (2023-2026), initiated in January 2023. This strategic plan sets specific goals for the upcoming years, aiming to enhance the livelihoods, resilience, and adaptive capacities of food-insecure and vulnerable populations in both urban and rural areas through the improvement of climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agricultural and food value chains by 2026. President Biden warned on Tuesday that Russia was celebrating American division over providing aid to Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky hit a wall of resistance from congressional Republicans during a daylong lobbying blitz in Washington. Speaking from the White House with Mr. Zelensky by his side, Mr. Biden said failing to support Ukraine would be a gift to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine, Mr. Biden said at the White House. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong. Republican leaders in Congress have insisted that any aid for Ukraine be paired with tighter security at the southern border, arguing that the migrant crisis had become a threat to national security. Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Kyiv before dawn on Wednesday, injuring more than 50 people and damaging several apartment buildings in the third attack on Ukraines capital in the past week. The assault began at about 3 a.m., with a series of explosions heard in Kyiv as the citys air defenses activated. The wail of air-raid sirens followed soon after. The Ukrainian Air Force said that the attack had involved 10 missiles and that it shot down all of them, but added that falling debris from the interceptions had wreaked havoc on apartment blocks in the citys eastern Dniprovskyi district. The scale of the damage was evident at one of the buildings on Wednesday morning: Nearly all of its windows were blown out, and shards of glass cracked under the feet of rescuers who had rushed to the scene. Several charred cars lay in front of the building and a large crater had been blown into the ground. Standing next to the crater, Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said that 20 of the wounded had been hospitalized in the city, including two children. The U.N. General Assembly demanded an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in an overwhelming vote on Tuesday that highlighted much of the worlds desire to bring the bloody conflict to an end. More than three-quarters of the bodys members voted in favor of the nonbinding resolution, underscoring the isolation of Israel and the United States, which last week blocked a cease-fire resolution in the Security Council. Resounding applause and cheers erupted after the vote was announced: 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The resolution required two-thirds majority for passage. How many more thousands of lives must be lost before we do something? Dennis Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago currently serving as president of the General Assembly, said in an address to the chamber before the vote. No more time is left. The carnage must stop. The artist Tammy Nguyen was visiting a small island in Indonesia a few years back, when she came across the Jesus statues. There were 14 of them, decaying in the jungle on Galang Island, the site of a camp for refugees who fled Vietnam by boat at great peril after the Communist victory in 1975. Nguyens parents had transited there before she was born. It was not a subject they brought up. The camp, she realized, had been a large settlement with dwellings, schools and other facilities. But it was the statues of Jesus on the Stations of the Cross that got her thinking. They communicated so much history how the French brought Roman Catholicism to Vietnam; how the war and its aftermath upended lives and scattered refugees and how Nature had the last word, overwhelming them in vegetation. Despite positive reviews for his first film performance, Braugher found little immediate opportunity in movies. He became a mainstay of the theater scenes in New York and New Jersey, where he relocated with his family in the 1990s. For his turn as Iago, in a 1990 production of Othello at the Rutgers Arts Center, Alvin Klein wrote in a review for The New York Times that Braugher plays the smooth operator, who knows the power of his devilish smile, sinuous grace and considerable charm. Braugher won an Obie Award in 1996 for his portrayal of Henry V at Shakespeare in the Park, where the actor also performed in productions over two decades including Measure for Measure, Twelfth Night and Hamlet. He won a second Obie for his role in the 2011 Manhattan Theater Club production of The Whipping Man. In one of his last stage roles, in A Human Being, of a Sort at Williamstown in 2019, Braugher delivered a formidable performance. The Times theater critic Jesse Green wrote: Mr. Braugher is instantly convincing as a man whose apparently easygoing nature is at least partly a front for anxiety. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now. The End of Rudy Giuliani This week saw the start of Rudy Giulianis defamation trial, with two Georgia election workers having sued him for $43 million in damages. In opening statements on Monday, Giulianis lawyer argued that owing such an amount would be the end of him. The end of Rudy Giuliani? Oh, no, that sounds awesome! the Daily Show guest host Kal Penn said on Tuesday. In a new biography, Philip Norman writes about the paradox of George Harrison, a man who was unprecedentedly, ludicrously, suffocatingly famous while at the same time undervalued, overlooked and struggling for recognition. This was the central contradiction that made Harrison, the composer of classics like Here Comes the Sun, and Taxman, a fascinating figure, both as a Beatle and after the band broke up, as Norman explores in his book George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle. Norman tackled his latest subject after writing celebrated biographies of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, as well as Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation, a book that Harrison was critical of. Harrison lived several separate lives. He was a rock star. A follower of Hinduism. A prolific film producer who came close to financial ruin. A philanderer who had an affair with a former bandmates wife and once had a guitar duel with Eric Clapton (also the subject of a Norman biography) over Pattie Boyd, Harrisons first wife, whom Clapton fancied and later married. Image Credit... Scribner Biden warns Israel it is losing support In his most critical remarks so far, President Biden told Israels leaders that they were losing international support for their war in Gaza, exposing a widening rift with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected out of hand an American vision for a postwar resolution to the conflict that would put the Palestinian Authority in charge of the territory. Biden described Netanyahu as the leader of the most conservative government in Israels history, one that he said did not want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians. He warned that Israel was starting to lose support in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere because of its indiscriminate bombing. Top aides to Biden have said the president believes that his full-throated support of Israel has given him more leverage to press Netanyahu for restraint. The rising tension comes as Biden seeks to persuade lawmakers in Washington to support more than $15 billion in additional aid for Israels military campaign. In Gaza: Nearly two months of aerial bombardment and a continuing ground war have leveled much of Gaza, killing more than 15,000 people, including several thousand children, according to the territorys health authorities. The U.N. says that more than 85 percent of the population has been displaced. After a disappointing second half of 2023 for Ukraines war effort, the U.S. and Ukraine dont fully agree about what to do next. Ukraines leaders would prefer to be aggressive and continue trying to retake territory that Russia holds. U.S. officials worry that approach is unrealistic. But there are also signs of compromise and potential consensus, as my colleagues have reported. In todays newsletter, Ill explain what the coming year could bring. The big picture: Vladimir Putin, Russias president, hopes that 2024 will be the year when the U.S. and Europe lose patience with the war and allow him to claim large parts of Ukraine permanently. Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine, President Biden warned at the White House yesterday, while standing beside Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president. If Russia gains the upper hand, it would be a blow to European democracy and a potential sign that the world has entered a new period of military aggression. Ukraines leaders and their allies hope they can prevent further Russian advances and inflict enough damage to make a stalemate seem like Putins best outcome. The global challenge of phasing out fossil fuels The COP28 climate summit wrapped up a few hours ago with a compromise agreement that calls on nations to move away from fossil fuels. But the deal still gives energy-exporting giants like Saudi Arabia plenty of leeway to continue drilling and presents countries and investors with the huge challenge of how to fund a green-energy shift over the next few years. Heres whats in the pact: pledges by countries to wean their economies off fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner this decade; triple their uptake of renewables by 2030; restrict methane emissions; and halt carbon emissions entirely by midcentury. Its the first explicit agreement to curb fossil fuel use in the roughly three decades of such multinational negotiations. Scientists say drastic cutbacks are needed to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 13. Turkmenistan and Iran discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of bilateral relations, Trend reports. The talks were held between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Reza Najafi, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. During the meeting, the sides stressed the importance of visits and meetings at the highest and highest levels in strengthening a constructive and trusting political dialogue between the two friendly countries. As part of the discussion on the development of trade and economic ties between them, attention was paid to cooperation in the gas industry, electric power industry and transport. In this context, the importance of holding a complex of trade and economic events and meetings in November this year in Ashgabat was emphasized. Furthermore, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, based on the common historical, cultural and spiritual traditions of the two peoples, was identified as one of the key areas of Turkmen-Iranian relations, in connection with which the need for further expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties was noted. Meanwhile, the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran occupies one of the main places in the modern geopolitical dynamics of the region, based on the common interests and strategic benefits of both countries. Economic partnerships in the fields of energy, transport and trade, as well as joint infrastructure projects such as the construction of transport corridors, play an important role in strengthening mutually beneficial relations. Nearly a month after a court ruling left a hole in Germanys 2024 budget, the government in Berlin introduced a new spending plan that included cuts in programs to address climate change, but confirmed its commitment to 8 billion euros ($8.6 billion) in direct military aid to Ukraine. The new budget will comply with the constitutional rules against taking on new debt, the government said. We are forging ahead with the climate-neutral transformation of our country. We are strengthening social cohesion. And we are standing closely by Ukraines side in its defense against Russia, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said Wednesday morning. However, it is clear that we will have to make do with significantly less money to achieve these goals, he added. A few years after the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests started a Christmas tree farm, Nigel Manley, who oversaw the operations, began noticing some interesting developments among the rows of fragrant balsam and Fraser firs lining the land. In the spring, areas around the younger trees drew ground nesters like bobolinks songbirds that migrate to and from South America killdeer and woodcocks, who availed themselves of the open spaces to perform their courtship flights and rear their young. Deer hid their fawns in long grasses. Waxwings and robins nested in older trees, their young fledging many months before harvest. Mice and voles living on the land drew foxes and migratory raptors such as kestrels and harriers, who feasted on the cornucopia each time the grass was mowed. In these climatically perilous times, when the cooling and oxygenating properties of trees have never been more valued, it seems counterintuitive to support chopping them down. Yet, the ecological benefits of real Christmas trees are why many environmentalists endorse them over the fake, petroleum-based versions that are shipped from half a world away. Christmas tree farms can function much like young forests, said Andy Finton, a forest ecologist with the Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. Two to three saplings are generally planted for every tree harvested, and, according to Jill Sidebottom, a spokeswoman for the National Christmas Tree Association, Christmas tree farms are often cultivated on otherwise unused farmland, allowing growers to keep their green spaces. For the first time since nations began meeting three decades ago to confront climate change, diplomats from nearly 200 countries approved a global pact that explicitly calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal that are dangerously heating the planet. The sweeping agreement, which comes during the hottest year in recorded history, was reached on Wednesday after two weeks of furious debate at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai. European leaders and many of the nations most vulnerable to climate-fueled disasters were urging language that called for a complete phaseout of fossil fuels. But that proposal faced intense pushback from major oil exporters like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as fast-growing countries like India and Nigeria. In the end, negotiators struck a compromise: The new deal calls on countries to accelerate a global shift away from fossil fuels this decade in a just, orderly and equitable manner, and to quit adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere entirely by midcentury. It also calls on nations to triple the amount of renewable energy, like wind and solar power, installed around the world by 2030 and to slash emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. While past U.N. climate deals have urged countries to reduce emissions, they have shied away from explicitly mentioning the words fossil fuels, even though the burning of oil, gas and coal is the primary cause of global warming. It took 28 years of climate negotiations for world leaders to agree to wean the global economy from the principal source of climate change: the burning of fossil fuels. Were finally naming the elephant in the room, said Mohamed Adow, a climate campaigner from Kenya. It happened at the tail end of the hottest year on record. The talks were led by an oil company executive, in a desert kingdom built on oil. Why does it matter? And what does it say about a world in war, hunger and turmoil? Here are some takeaways: Geopolitics Didnt Derail the Whole Thing That is notable considering the bitter divisions among countries over wars in Gaza and Ukraine, lingering resentment over unequal access to coronavirus vaccines and tensions between the United States and China. Not far from where superyachts are docked in a Dubai marina, almost 1,000 pieces of coral, trimmed a month ago, are being grown in four aquariums in a laboratory. A land-based laboratory in the Arabian Desert may seem like an unlikely spot for regenerating coral reefs. But, already, the corals are brighter than when they were cut in mid-November. We can start to see the sign that the coral is starting to grow slowly from the top, Ahmed Hamdy, a coral farm manager, said. In six to 12 months, when the corals are healthy enough, Coral Vita, a private company working to restore reefs, will relocate them to waters outside of Dubai. Its part of an experiment. Coral restoration programs are up against long odds because of climate change and environmental degradation, but marine scientists say they are critical for ensuring that certain species of coral do not become extinct. And corals in the Persian Gulf have evolved to withstand high temperatures, making them some of the best candidates for understanding how reefs react to extreme heat. They are just two little words. They appear on just one page of an 11,000 word document. But the inclusion of the phrase fossil fuels in the final agreement from COP28 marks a potentially trajectory-altering moment in the fight against climate change. The global pact calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner. For almost 30 years, negotiators representing nations from around the world had struggled and failed to reach an obvious consensus: that the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas should be wound down to avoid further catastrophic global warming. But overnight, representatives from more than 170 countries arrived at a surprising deal, in Dubai of all places. The text is not as clear as many leaders, activists and scientists had hoped. It includes caveats and wiggle room, and is nonbinding. Nevertheless, the inclusion of explicit language calling for a move away from coal, oil and gas is being hailed as a major breakthrough. The rising interest in cocktails and spirits over the past quarter-century has led to an explosion of conventions and festivals all over the world where drinks are poured and discussed in depth. Africa, however, has been largely absent from this global party. That situation will change next year with the arrival of Ajabu, in South Africa. Billed as the continents first international spirits and cocktail festival to be held biannually, the event will run in Johannesburg from March 10 to 13, then in Cape Town from March 13 to 18. It will be followed by another weeklong event in both cities in fall 2024. (Ajabu means something wondrous in Swahili.) The event is the brainchild of Mark Talbot Holmes, the founder of ULuvka Vodka, and Colin Asare-Appiah, a native of Ghana who rose quickly through Londons mixology ranks in the 1990s and early 2000s to became a senior portfolio ambassador for Bacardi. Mr. Asare-Appiah was once a bartender at LAB, a London bar that was one of the most influential of the early craft-cocktail crucibles, and which had a location in Cape Town. Ive always been African-centric, he said. I wanted the groups of people Ive worked with over the years to come together and celebrate the uniqueness of Africa. The nausea and vomiting that often define the first trimester of pregnancy are primarily caused by a single hormone, according to a study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. Researchers said that the discovery could lead to better treatments for morning sickness, including rare, life-threatening cases of it. The study confirms prior research that had pointed to the hormone, called GDF15. The researchers found that the amount of hormone circulating in a womans blood during pregnancy as well as her exposure to it before pregnancy drives the severity of her symptoms. More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. And roughly 2 percent of women are hospitalized for a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes relentless vomiting and nausea throughout the entire pregnancy. The condition can lead to malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration. It also increases the risk of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia and blood clots, threatening the life of the mother and the fetus. Perhaps because nausea and vomiting are so common in pregnancy, doctors often overlook hyperemesis, dismissing its severe symptoms as psychological, even though it is the leading cause of hospitalization during early pregnancy, experts said. Although celebrities like Kate Middleton and Amy Schumer have raised the conditions profile in recent years by sharing their experiences, it remains understudied. New Yorks top court handed Democrats a long-coveted victory on Tuesday: the power to redraw the states 26 congressional districts before the 2024 elections. The party is widely expected to use it to target as many as six Republican-held swing seats. Even subtle shifts in the lines from Syracuse to Long Island could make it harder for Republicans to hold onto their seats and a three-seat House majority. But arriving at a final map may prove more difficult than it appears. A bipartisan commission will get the first crack at drawing it, before the Democratic-dominated State Legislature. New Yorks courts showed last year they were eager to enforce a state ban on gerrymandering. And Democrats may clash over their own priorities. You could see Republicans districts being just that much harder to hold onto, said Tim Persico, who oversaw Democrats campaign operation during New Yorks 2022 redistricting mayhem. But I dont think were going to see huge, massive changes to the map. The sprawling civil fraud trial of Donald J. Trump dragged to an end on Wednesday as defense lawyers interrupted a witness who was testifying about the principles of accounting with a spirited argument over the difference between the words could and would. The witness, Eric Lewis, a professor at Cornell Universitys business school, was the last to appear at the trial, which stems from a lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general, Letitia James, accusing the former president of fraudulently inflating his net worth to obtain favorable treatment from banks and insurers. The conclusion of Mr. Lewiss appearance shortly after noon signified the end of the trials testimony, though a verdict remains weeks away. Next month, the parties are expected to submit closing briefs, drawing on evidence to present their cases and argue before the judge on Jan. 11. The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, will then decide the outcome, a decision expected in late January at the earliest. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 13. The development of multifaceted strategic cooperation with the UN is one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, Trend reports. This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov during a meeting with the Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, UN Development Programme (UNDP), Ivana Zivkovic, who arrived in Ashgabat. During the discussion, the parties emphasized that, having been twice recognized by the UN as a neutral state, Turkmenistan plays an active role in the international arena, cooperating fruitfully with this largest and most authoritative organization and its specialized agencies for many years. They stated that environmental protection is one of the priorities of the country's large-scale socioeconomic reforms, that the national environmental strategy is being successfully implemented, and that Turkmenistan actively cooperates with major international organizations, particularly the UN, in this area. The parties recalled that the UN Development Program is actively involved in the development of Turkmenistan's national digital network, which is a priority. In this regard, the need was stressed to continue cooperation on the exchange of best practices in this area, the search for new sustainable ways of economic development, the improvement of public services, and the improvement of the qualification level of civil servants. Meanwhile, in recent years, cooperation between UNDP and Turkmenistan has continued to develop actively, covering a wide range of areas of joint activity. Both sides pay special attention to strengthening sustainable economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The tentative, lawyerly answers given last week by three university presidents at a House committee hearing investigating the state of antisemitism on Americas college campuses have generated widespread revulsion across the partisan divide. When none of the presidents representing Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania could muster a straightforward reply to the question from Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York, about whether calling for the genocide of Jews amounted to bullying or harassment, many prominent Democrats joined Republicans in denouncing the testimony. Im no fan of Ms. Stefanik, the Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe said on social media, but Im with her here. When one of Donald Trumps most ardent detractors applauds one of his most staunch defenders, you know some sort of vanishingly rare political singularity has been achieved. Critics are correct to note the hypocrisy of university leaders who have belatedly come to embrace a version of free speech absolutism that tolerates calls for Jewish genocide after years of punishing far less objectionable speech deemed offensive to other minority groups. In 2021, for instance, M.I.T. withdrew a speaking invitation from a geophysicist who had criticized affirmative action. Harvard and Penn appear at the very bottom of the annual free speech rankings of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (where I am a senior fellow). But two wrongs dont make a right. If the problem with campus speech codes is the selectivity with which universities penalize various forms of bigotry, the solution is not to expand the universitys power to punish expression. Its to abolish speech codes entirely. Since then, the convergence between the center right and the far right in Europe has gone further. The lesson that center-right parties drew from the rise of right-wing populism was that they needed to adopt some of its rhetoric and policies. Conversely, some far-right parties have become more moderate, albeit in a selective way. At a national level, parties from the two camps have governed together, both formally, as in Austria and Finland, and informally, as in Sweden. Yet the most striking illustration of this convergence is the harmonious relationship between the European center right and Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the post-fascist Brothers of Italy, who became prime minister of Italy last year. As soon as she indicated that she would not disrupt the blocs economic policy and would be supportive of Ukraine, the European Peoples Party was willing to work with her and its leader, Manfred Weber, even sought to form an alliance with her. The center right, it turns out, doesnt have a problem with the far right. It just has a problem with those who defy E.U. institutions and positions. The two, in fact, can agree on a lot something that plays out most clearly in immigration policy. In contrast to its progressive image, the European Union has, like Donald Trump, sought to build a wall in this case, in the Mediterranean to stop migrants from arriving on its shores. Since 2014, more than 28,000 people have died there as they desperately tried to reach Europe. Human Rights Watch said earlier this year that the blocs policy could be summed up in three words: Let them die. The European Unions distinctive approach to migration depends on what might be called the offshoring of violence. Even as it has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees, the bloc has paid authoritarian regimes in North African countries to stop migrants from sub-Saharan Africa from reaching Europe, often brutally. Through this grotesque form of outsourcing, the union can continue to insist that it stands for human rights, which is central to its self-image. In this project, the center right and far right are in lock step. In July, Ms. Meloni joined the head of the European Commission, the blocs executive arm, and the Dutch prime minister to sign one such deal with Tunisia. The blurring of boundaries between the center right and the far right is not always as easy to spot as it is in the United States. Partly thats because the process, taking place in the complex world of the bloc, is subtle. But it is also because of a simplified view of the far right as nationalists, which makes it seem incompatible with a post-national project like the European Union. Yet todays far right speaks not only on behalf of the nation but also on behalf of Europe. It has a civilizational vision of a white, Christian Europe that is menaced by outsiders, especially Muslims. Reporting on the attacks and the war also produced genuine confusion. Muddying the picture even more were claims later modified by reputable journalistic outlets, which have only propelled conspiracymongering and denialism. Further, while much of the obfuscation has been stoked by bad actors be they hostile foreign governments, right-wing bigots or cynical left-wing activists those atrociously dishonest messages are then amplified and repeated, even by no doubt well-meaning people who simply sympathize with a brutalized population. Sadly, some of this is familiar territory. Wartime rape is routinely denied or downplayed by those accused of committing it, as well as by their governments and supporters who are sure that their guys are always the good ones. In progressive spaces, this is made all the more one-dimensional by a hierarchy of oppression that often breaks the world down into oppressed versus nonoppressed and attaches presumptions of righteousness or malevolence to those categories. Within these all-good versus all-evil frameworks, dead civilians can be rationalized away as unavoidable collateral damage of a necessarily vicious war or byproducts of a justified and admirable anticolonial resistance. Even just wars, the argument goes, leave some innocents dead. And yet there is no legitimate military aim that rationalizes sexual violence, only a desire to dominate, hurt and humiliate. Some of those who deny or question allegations of Oct. 7 sexual abuse argue not only that those abuses may not have happened but also that giving credence to these claims is, in effect, justifying Israels war in Gaza a theory weakened by the fact that the Israeli incursion began well before stories of sexual violence made very many headlines. Its a profoundly morally bankrupt position, one that demands silencing the truth to achieve a desired end. Its a means of undermining stories of violence that has worked throughout the ages, as women have been told to keep quiet for the cause or encouraged not to ruin a good mans life or written largely out of history as inconvenient or even deserving victims of the good guys. The horrors of this war do not have to be either/or. One can both face the mountain of evidence of sexual violence on Oct. 7 and confront the staggering Palestinian death toll people who were not mere collateral damage but individuals whose lives were brutally snatched away and many more who will carry this displacement and loss and trauma with them for the rest of their lives. One can seek to understand the context in which a group like Hamas comes to be and curb the impulse to recast openly misogynist fundamentalists into freedom fighters. One can hold deep contempt for this right-wing Israeli government and oppose this war with every bone in ones body. By now, youve probably registered the alarm that pandemic learning loss has produced a lost generation of American students. This self-lacerating story has formed the heart of an indictment of American school policies during the pandemic, increasingly cited by critics of the countrys mitigation policies as the clearest example of pandemic overreach. But we keep getting more data about American student performance over the last few years, and the top lines suggest a pretty modest setback, even compared to how well the countrys students performed, in recent years, in the absence of any pandemic disruption. Now, for the first time, we have good international data and can compare American students performance with students in peer countries that, in many cases, made different choices about whether and when to close schools and whether and when to open them. Growing political polarization is a problem that keeps me up at night. Not because I think its bad to have strong opinions, but because of what social scientists call affective polarization: polarization beyond political disagreement, when ordinary Americans increasingly dislike and distrust those from the other party. At its worst, affective polarization can lead to hate and dehumanization. When my colleague Thomas Edsall wrote about affective polarization earlier this year, he quoted Sean Westwood, an associate professor of government at Dartmouth, who said that part of whats behind todays intense partisan divide is that Politicians, instead of focusing on the large list of issues where there is broad agreement in the American public, endlessly re-litigate social divides like gay rights and abortion to mobilize a base they fear will stay home if they focus on the mundane details of pragmatic governance. I see this play out when I hear activists suggest that you cant talk to them about climate change if you dont agree with their stance on the Israel-Hamas war, or when I see politicians tying approval of military appointments to abortion access. The attitude seems to be: You have to agree with me about everything or youre my enemy and we cant work together on anything. It leads to a whole lot of nothing. Because I cover family policy, the lack of movement on areas of pragmatic governance where there is broad agreement drives me bonkers. A prime example is federal paid leave, which is popular among voters across the spectrum, yet remains in legislative purgatory, and has for decades. Though theres a bipartisan working group in Congress on the issue, were still a long way from any change, leaving us out of step with most wealthy nations and creating a lot of stress and economic hardship for people just trying to make ends meet while also caring for children or sick family members. Their only commonality, Ivanov argued, is an autocratic or dictatorial governance and a shared objective to disrupt and undermine U.S. power. All four actors realize that individually or together they cannot seriously challenge American hegemony or compete with its alliance system, but they can wreak havoc, threaten and weaken resolve in their respective spheres of interest. The re-election of Trump would, in Ivanovs view, undermine the significant efforts of the Biden administration to rebuild, strengthen and reimagine American alliance system in Europe and Asia from rallying the Europeans to support Ukraine to a comprehensive strengthening of strategic and military relations with Korea, Australia, Japan and Philippines to balance Chinese power. Ivanov believes Trump would face insurmountable obstacles if he attempted to withdraw from NATO, but that Under Trump, Americas international image in a democratic world is likely to suffer. The biggest risks to U.S. foreign policy are Trumps disdain for alliances, transactional approach to foreign and security policy, overly aggressive approach to China and Iran, and a more forgiving attitude to Putin and Kim. Pyongyang, Moscow, Beijing and Tehran will cheer his re-election, but its leaders will be quietly anxious about his next moves. Jonathan M. Winer, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for international law enforcement, who is now a scholar at the Middle East Institute, put it this way: Trumps election would, of course, help Russia, threaten Ukraine and threaten western alliances, starting with NATO itself. Trump has it in for Ukraine, as reflected in the fraying of Ukrainian support within the elements of the Republican congressional caucus that is closest to Trump. Trump has repeatedly expressed his admiration for autocrats. He also already threatened to pull out of NATO during his first term, and attacked democratic European leaders almost as often as he praised the autocratic leadership of China, North Korea, and Russia. Trump is an authoritarian nationalist. He fits right into the mold of the autocrats, as in his teasing statement to Sean Hannity and in a very recent Iowa town hall that he would only behave in a dictatorial fashion on day one of his presidency. While it is inconceivable that Trump could realign the United States with China, Russia and North Korea, Winer wrote, what he could do is make the U.S. neutral, just as the American First movement professed neutrality in relation to the fascist threat prior to Pearl Harbor. Some experts pointed out that Trump could make specific policy decisions that might not appear significant to Americans, but that have great consequence for our allies consequences that could lead in at least one case to further nuclear proliferation. Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, wrote to me in an email that many in the Republic of Korea national security community are concerned about the North Korean nuclear weapon threat and whether they can really trust the United States security commitment in the aftermath of the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, which hit the ROK much harder than I think most Americans realize. Bennett cited the fear that if Trump is elected president in 2024, he will talk about removing some U.S. forces from Korea. Whether or not such action actually begins, there is a risk that the Republic of Korea would react to such talk by once again starting a covert nuclear weapon development effort. James Lindsay, senior vice president at the Council on Foreign Relations, referring in an email to the perceived threat emanating from the alliance of autocrats, observed: If alliance is only intended to mean general cooperation among China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, then that is clearly happening. North Korea and Iran are supplying Russia with artillery shells and drones. Russia is supplying China with energy. China is supplying Russia with political cover at various international venues over the war in Ukraine. Lindsay argued: Trump could effectively gut NATO simply by saying he will not come to the aid of NATO allies in the event they are attacked. The power of Article V rests on the belief that alliance members, and specifically, the most powerful alliance member, will act when called upon. Destroy that belief and the organization withers. Walking away from Ukraine would damage the alliance as well even though Ukraine is not a member of NATO. Member countries would read it as a signal that Trump is abandoning Europe. One of the major risks posed by a second Trump administration, Lindsay wrote, is that Trumps hostility toward alliances, skepticism about the benefits of cooperation writ large, and his belief in the power of unilateral action will lead him to make foreign policy moves that will unintentionally provide strategic windfalls to China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. The scenario in which he withdraws the United States from NATO or says he will not abide by Article V is the most obvious example. His intent will be to save money and/or free the United States from foreign entanglements. But Vladimir Putin would love to see NATO on the ash heap of history. Lindsay described decisions and policies Trump may consider: Its easy to imagine other steps Trump might take, given his past actions and current rhetoric, that would similarly give advantage to Beijing, Moscow, Tehran or Pyongyang: abandoning Ukraine; questioning the wisdom of defending Taiwan; terminating the alliance with South Korea; ignoring Iranian aggression in the Middle East; recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power; and imposing a 10 percent, across-the-board tariff on all goods. On a larger scale, it would be difficult to overestimate the degree to which a second Trump term would represent a major upheaval in the tenets underlying postwar American foreign policy. The presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been roundly condemned for arguing, at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, that calls for genocide against Jews are not always susceptible to sanction on their campuses. (Liz Magill of Penn has since resigned.) Less noticed has been how starkly their expectations of Jewish students point up how low expectations are for Black students on many college campuses expectations low enough to qualify as a kind of racism. Yes, racism, though its more of the soft bigotry of low expectations that George W. Bush referred to. Many leaders at elite universities seem to think that as stewards of modern antiracism, their job is to denounce and to penalize, to the maximum extent possible, anything said or done that makes Black students uncomfortable. Mary Cleave, an astronaut who saw increasingly alarming views of the Earths changing environment during two space shuttle missions in the 1980s, prompting her to work in climate research for NASA, died on Nov. 27 at her home in Annapolis, Md. She was 76. Her nephew Howard Carter said the cause was a stroke. In 1985, Dr. Cleave, an environmental engineer, flew aboard the Atlantis, helping to operate its robotic arm during other astronauts spacewalks. Four years later, she joined a four-day mission on the same spacecraft when it sent the Magellan robotic space probe to Venus to map the planets surface. What she saw from the shuttle informed her view of a rapidly deteriorating world. Looking at the Earth, she told the Annapolis newspaper The Capital this year, particularly the Amazon rainforest, the amount of deforestation I could see, just in the five years between my two spaceflights down there, scared the hell out of me. And she saw other changes, she told a NASA oral history interviewer in 2002. Cities were gray smudges; the gray smudges were getting bigger, she said. The air looked dirtier, less trees, more roads, all those things. It was difficult late last year for many teenagers to know what to make of the new wave of A.I. chatbots. Teachers were warning students not to use bots like ChatGPT, which can fabricate human-sounding essays, to cheat on their schoolwork. Some tech billionaires were promoting advances in A.I. as powerful forces that were sure to remake society. Other tech titans saw the same systems as powerful threats poised to destroy humanity. School districts didnt help much. Many reactively banned the bots, at least initially, rather than develop more measured approaches to introducing students to artificial intelligence. Now some teenagers are asking their schools to go beyond Silicon Valleys fears and fantasy narratives and provide broader A.I. learning experiences that are grounded firmly in the present, not in science fiction. The new research does not shed light on how frequently college students may employ chatbots as cheating bots. The Stanford and Pew researchers did not survey college students about their use of A.I. tools. This year, the Stanford researchers added survey questions that specifically asked high school students about their use of A.I. chatbots. This fall, 12 to 28 percent of students at four East Coast and West Coast high schools said they had used an A.I. tool or digital device such as ChatGPT or a smartphone within the last month as an unauthorized aid during a school test, assignment or homework. Among the high school students who said they had used an A.I. chatbot, about 55 to 77 percent said they had used it to generate an idea for a paper, project or assignment; about 19 to 49 percent said they had used it to edit or complete a portion of a paper; and about 9 to 16 percent said they had used it to write all of a paper or other assignment, the Stanford researchers found. The findings could help shift discussions about chatbots in schools to focus less on cheating fears and more on helping students learn to understand, use and think critically about new A.I. tools, the researchers said. There are other ways to think about A.I. not simply as this uncontrollable temptation that undermines everything, said Victor R. Lee, an associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education who researches A.I. learning experiences and led the recent research on cheating with Dr. Pope. Theres so much more that could and should be talked about in schools. Press Release December 13, 2023 Senate concurs pacts with Brunei, Korea The Senate on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, concurred in the ratification of two resolutions that would uphold and protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers in Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea. During the plenary session, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 790, concurring in the ratification of the agreement between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income; and SRN 878, a resolution concurring in the ratification of the agreement on social security between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. The two resolutions were sponsored by Sen. Imee R. Marcos, chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Relations. SRN 790 shall apply to persons who are residents of one or both of the contracting states and to taxes on income imposed on behalf of a contracting state irrespective of the manner in which they are levied. In the case of the Philippines, the Agreement shall apply to existing taxes on individuals, corporations, estates and trusts, withholding tax on income, and stock transaction, while for Brunei Darussalam, it shall apply to existing taxes on income imposed under its Income Tax Act and petroleum profits under its Income Tax (Petroleum) Act. The agreement aims to: (a) strengthen the Philippines' commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Forum on Taxation; (b) mitigate the adverse effects of double taxation on the profits of business enterprises in cross-border transactions; (c) enhance bilateral trade relations between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam; (d) generate more employment for Filipinos in Brunei Darussalam; (e) encourage investors to 4 invest in both countries; and (f) promote inbound transfer of technology and skills. The agreement also seeks to deepen economic relations between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam by enhancing cooperation on tax matters. It also seeks to address the adverse effects of double taxation on the free flow of trade and investments and further strengthen enforcement of both countries' domestic laws to reduce tax evasion. Meanwhile, SRN 878 aims to promote mutual cooperation between the two countries in the field of social security. The agreement shall apply to the National Pension Act of Korea, and to the following legislations of the Philippines: Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the "Social Security Act of 2018", as it relates to retirement, disability, and death benefits; Republic Act No. 8291, also known as the "Government Service Insurance Act of 1997" as it relates to retirement, disability, death, and survivorship; and Republic Act 12 No. 7699, also known as the "Portability Law", as it relates to totalizing creditable period of contributions under the Acts. The agreement provides for equality of treatment which entitles a covered person, including the said person's dependents and survivors, to social security benefits under the same conditions as nationals of the other State. It provides for export of benefits enabling covered persons to continue receiving their benefits wherever they decide to reside, totalization of insurance periods, and mutual administrative assistance. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 13. Uzbekistan Airways JSC plans to launch regular flights to Canada starting from 2025, Trend reports. This was stated by Uzbekistan Airways representatives at the 15th ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2023) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to data given by the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport, previous agreements between Uzbekistan and Canada will serve as the framework for Uzbekistan Airways JSC to extend its air service operations. Furthermore, the ministry claims that it would help to strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and the North American continent by showcasing Uzbek tourist potential and attracting foreign visitors. Meanwhile, the ICAN conference, the largest international gathering for negotiations on air transport relations, aims to hold bilateral consultations between countries to discuss air transport rights, particularly concerning the operation of national carriers. The conference brought together civil aviation authorities, airlines, and more than 100 countries, international organizations, and over 700 experts in the field of aviation. When Google arrived in the late 1990s, hundreds of thousands of people were instantly captivated by its knack for taking them wherever they wanted to go on the internet. Developed by the companys founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the algorithm that drove the site seemed to work like magic. But as the internet search engine expanded its reach to billions of people over the next decade, it was driven by another major technological advance that was less discussed, though no less important: the redesign of Googles giant computer data centers. Led by a Brazilian named Luiz Barroso, a small team of engineers rebuilt the warehouse-size centers so that they behaved like a single machine a technological shift that would change the way the entire internet was built, allowing any site to reach billions of people almost instantly and much more consistently. Dr. Barroso, who changed the fabric of the internet, died on Sept. 16 at 59. His wife, Catherine Warner, said the cause was cardiac arrest. His death was not widely reported at the time. For the past seven years, headsets have remained unpopular, largely because they are bulky and aesthetically off-putting. The minimalist design of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses represents how smart glasses might look one day if they succeed (though past lightweight wearables, such as the Google Glass from a decade ago and the Spectacles sunglasses released by Snap in 2016, were flops). Sleek, lightweight and satisfyingly hip, the Meta glasses blend effortlessly into the quotidian. No one not even my editor, who was aware I was writing this column could tell them apart from ordinary glasses, and everyone was blissfully unaware of being photographed. After wearing the Ray-Ban Meta glasses practically nonstop this month, I was relieved to remove them. While I was impressed with the comfortable, stylish design of the glasses, I felt bothered by the implications for our privacy. Im also concerned about how smart glasses may broadly affect our ability to focus. Even when I wasnt using any of the features, I felt distracted while wearing them. But the main problem is that the glasses dont do much we cant already do with phones. Meta said in a statement that privacy was top of mind when designing the glasses. We know if were going to normalize smart glasses in everyday life, privacy has to come first and be integrated into everything we do, the company said. I wore the glasses and took hundreds of photos and videos while doing all sorts of activities in my daily life working, cooking, hiking, rock climbing, driving a car and riding a scooter to assess how smart glasses might affect us going forward. Heres how that went. Michael Blakemore, an acclaimed stage director in Britain and the only one in Broadway history to win Tony Awards for both best play and best musical in the same season, died on Sunday. He was 95. His death was announced by his agents on Tuesday. It did not say where he died. Mr. Blakemore was nominated seven times for Tonys, notably for his productions of Peter Nicholss A Day in the Death of Joe Egg in 1968 and Michael Frayns Noises Off in 1983. But it was the flair and care he brought to a revival of Kiss Me, Kate, the Cole Porter show about a troupe of players presenting a musical version of Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew, and to a later Frayn play, Copenhagen, that won him the unique double of best direction of a musical and best direction of a play in 2000. (Kiss Me, Kate garnered five Tonys altogether, including for best revival of a musical and for best actor in a musical, given to Brian Stokes Mitchell.) People prayed during a memorial service in January for the victims of the mass shooting in Monterey Park. Credit... Mark Abramson for The New York Times While governing boards at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania weighed their presidents fates in tense closed-door meetings this month, the board at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology swiftly issued a statement of unequivocal support for its president, Sally Kornbluth. Faculty leaders, department heads and deans at M.I.T. soon followed with their own endorsements of Dr. Kornbluth, who along with the Harvard and Penn presidents gave evasive, legalistic answers at a congressional hearing about antisemitism on campus. Donors did not flock to social media to demand her removal; many students, busy with exams, paid scant attention to the spectacle. Dr. Kornbluth, who arrived at M.I.T. less than a year ago, appeared to face no serious threat to her leadership, even though her testimony at the hearing last week attracted the same harsh criticism as that of the other two presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Elizabeth Magill of Penn. The three leaders drew fire for how they responded to questions about whether they would discipline students who called for the genocide of Jews, and for putting heavy emphasis on protecting free speech. Ms. Magill resigned on Saturday. Dr. Gay hung onto her job, but only after Harvards governing board spent many hours discussing the situation. Law enforcement agencies have obtained the prescription records of thousands of Americans from the countrys largest pharmacy chains without a warrant, a congressional inquiry found, raising concerns about how the companies handle patient privacy. Three of the largest pharmacy groups CVS Health, Kroger and Rite Aid do not require their staff members to contact a lawyer before releasing information requested by law enforcement, the inquiry found. The other five Walgreens, Cigna, Optum Rx, Walmart and Amazon said that they do require a legal review before honoring such requests. The policies were revealed on Tuesday in a letter to Xavier Becerra, the secretary of health and human services, from Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon and Representatives Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Sara Jacobs of California, all Democrats. The inquiry began in June, a year after the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to an abortion and cleared the way for Republican-controlled states to enact near-total bans on the procedure. Reproductive health advocates and some lawmakers have since raised privacy concerns regarding access to birth control and abortion medication. The case of a Texas woman who sought a court-approved abortion but wound up leaving the state for the procedure is reigniting political arguments that have roiled elections for more than two years, placing Democrats on the offensive and illustrating Republicans continued lack of a unified policy response or clear strategy on how to talk about the issue. The Texas woman, Kate Cox, a Dallas-area mother of two, has emerged as the living embodiment of what Democrats say remains one of their strongest arguments heading into the 2024 election: that Republicans will ban all abortion. Ms. Cox was more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus that had a fatal genetic abnormality known as trisomy 18, and lawyers and doctors argued that carrying the pregnancy to term put her health and her future fertility at risk. Her lawsuit was one of the first attempts by an individual woman to challenge the enforcement of abortion bans put in place by Republican states after Roe v. Wade was overturned a year and a half ago. Hours before the Texas Supreme Court ruled against granting Ms. Cox a medical exemption to the states abortion bans, she had decided to travel to receive the procedure in a state where it remained legal. From top officials on President Bidens campaign to candidates in battleground states, Democrats jumped on Ms. Coxs plight as a cautionary tale for voters next year, highlighting her situation as they have done with the wrenching, deeply personal stories of other women and girls since Roe was overturned. The House voted on Wednesday to formally open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, pushing forward with a yearlong G.O.P. investigation that has failed to produce evidence of anything approaching high crimes or misdemeanors. Republicans said the vote was needed to give them full authority to continue carrying out their investigation amid anticipated legal challenges from the White House. Democrats have denounced the inquiry as a fishing expedition and a political stunt. G.O.P. leaders refrained for months from calling a vote to open an impeachment inquiry, given the reservations of mainstream Republicans, many of them from politically competitive districts, about moving forward without proof that Mr. Biden had done anything wrong. Instead, Kevin McCarthy, the speaker at the time, unilaterally announced one in September as he was facing pressure from the far right to deliver on its priorities, including impeaching the president. But Wednesdays vote underscored how the political ground has shifted, with Republicans unanimously willing to endorse an inquiry even as some emphasized that they were not yet ready to charge the president. The vote of 221 to 212 was along party lines, with all Republicans voting to approve the inquiry and all Democrats opposed. As Republicans struggle to coalesce around a single rival to former President Donald J. Trump, the popular governors of Iowa and New Hampshire have also split their ticket. Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa, which votes first in the Republican presidential nominating contest, is backing Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, which votes second, is supporting Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor. On Tuesday, Mr. DeSantis played up the power of Ms. Reynoldss backing while dismissing the potency of Mr. Sununu and calling Ms. Haley an avatar of the old failed Republican establishment of yesteryear. Even a campaigner as good as Chris is not going to be able to paper over Nikki being an establishment candidate, Mr. DeSantis said during a town hall for Iowa voters broadcast by CNN on Tuesday, hours after Mr. Sununu announced his endorsement of Ms. Haley at an event in New Hampshire. I mean, shes getting funded by liberal Democrats from California like the founder of LinkedIn, people on Wall Street like the head of JPMorgan. The agency regularly looks into Title VI complaints of all types against both smaller public school districts and large research universities, but clashes on college campuses since the outbreak of violence in Israel and Gaza have produced a flurry of new investigations since October. As of this week, 21 of the 29 investigations the department has opened into postsecondary schools this year have come since the initial Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. In a news release about the previous batch of investigations announced in November, the department described its efforts as part of a larger directive to take aggressive action to address the alarming nationwide rise in reports of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and other forms of discrimination and harassment on college campuses and in K-12 schools since the Oct. 7 Israel-Hamas conflict. As with other recent investigations, it was not immediately clear what incident produced the complaints to the department that spurred it to act. An agency spokesman declined to elaborate on the nature of any of the complaints on Wednesday, citing a policy against discussing pending investigations. But since Oct. 7, a number of campus incidents and disputes have roiled many of the schools in question. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 13. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov held a meeting with the Secretary of the President of the Republic of Korea for Economic Security Wang Yun-Jong, Trend reports. The parties noted the constantly growing Uzbek-South Korean relations of special strategic partnership in both bilateral and multilateral formats. A discussion took place on the agenda in the field of technological and investment cooperation, promotion of joint projects in the field of green energy, etc. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and South Korea for seven months of this year reached $1.2 billion. Uzbekistan supplied goods worth $25 million, while South Korea - $1.2 billion. For the same period last year, the figures amounted to $1.4 billion. Uzbekistan exported products worth $22.1 million, imports reached $1.4 billion. Mort Engelberg, a movie producer behind such hits as Smokey and the Bandit and The Big Easy, who drew on his Hollywood expertise to stage-manage appearances for politicians, notably a bus tour for Bill Clinton and Al Gore following the 1992 Democratic convention, died on Saturday at a hospital in Los Angeles. He was 86. His brother, Steven Engelberg, said the cause was lung cancer. Mr. Engelberg toggled between film and political advance work, setting up campaign trips meant to produce photo-ready moments and drawing on the tropes of road movies to help invent the modern presidential bus tour. It featured the gregarious Mr. Clinton and his sidekick Mr. Gore on a journey through Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and other heartland states. Mort came in with basically the same formulation as the Hollywood buddy movie he so perfected in his Smokey and the Bandit series, said Josh King, a colleague of Mr. Engelbergs on campaigns and during Mr. Clintons presidency. Presidential candidates had long made whistle-stop tours, originally by train. By the 1980s, though, the trips were made in chartered jets with brief airport stops basically, nothing but some white men on tarmac, as Mr. Engelberg said in a 2011 podcast. Mr. Trumps lawyers had requested the pause when they first decided to challenge Judge Chutkans rejection of the former presidents immunity claim. Mr. Trump had argued in his initial motion to dismiss the case that he was absolutely immune to the election interference charges because they were based on actions he took while he was in office. Winning the appeal of the immunity issue has been only one of Mr. Trumps goals. All along, he and his lawyers have had an alternate strategy: to delay the trial on election interference charges for as long as possible. If Mr. Trump is able to postpone the trial until after next years election and ultimately wins the race, he will have the power to simply order the charges to be dropped. Holding a trial after the race would also mean that voters would not have had a chance to hear any of the evidence that prosecutors collected about Mr. Trumps expansive efforts to reverse the results of the previous election. Mr. Smiths team has never explicitly suggested that they are worried that if Mr. Trump is re-elected he will use his political victory as a means to quash his legal problems. Instead, they have framed their concerns about the scheduling of the case in a different way, saying they are seeking to protect the enormous public interest in seeing the case resolved in a timely fashion. Mr. Sauer rejected that position in his filing to the appeals court, accusing Mr. Smith of using the case to damage Mr. Trumps candidacy. Former President Donald J. Trump kicked off a flurry of campaign activity on Wednesday with an eye toward a decisive victory in Iowa that would crush his Republican rivals hopes of emerging with any kind of momentum in the presidential primary. Hell have a little help from his friends. Mr. Trump gave a speech in Coralville, a small city in eastern Iowa, on Wednesday, before planned stops in New Hampshire, the second nominating state, and Nevada, third on the primary calendar, over the weekend. Mr. Trump will return to Iowa on Tuesday for a speech in Waterloo, a city in the northeastern part of the state. But as Mr. Trump is shoring up support in the other early states, prominent surrogates will hit the ground in Iowa on his behalf in a display of the particular advantages he enjoys as the former president and the primarys dominant front-runner. In the coming week, his campaign will hold events in Iowa with Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, a conservative firebrand and one of Mr. Trumps closest allies in Congress, and Ben Carson, the former presidents secretary of housing and urban development. Mr. Trump enters this campaign stretch buoyed by recent polling that shows him holding his edge in the primary and in a strong position against President Biden in next years general election should the pair meet for a rematch. Mr. Trumps allies in the Republican-led House of Representatives have approved a formal impeachment inquiry of Mr. Biden that could have ramifications for the presidents campaign even as their investigations thus far have failed to produce evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors. The Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it would decide on the availability of a commonly used abortion pill, the first major case involving abortion on its docket since it overturned the constitutional right to the procedure more than a year ago. The Biden administration had asked the justices to intervene after a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit favored curbing distribution of the drug, mifepristone, appearing skeptical of the Food and Drug Administrations regulation of the pill in recent years. In its ruling, the panel said that the pill would remain legal, but with significant restrictions on patients access, including prohibiting the medication from being sent by mail or prescribed by telemedicine. The move sets up a high-stakes fight over the drug that could sharply curtail access to the medication, even in states where abortion remains legal. It could also have implications for the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration, which approved the pill more than two decades ago. The Supreme Court is now in the unusual position of ruling on abortion access even after its conservative majority declared that it would leave that question to elected officials. Until the court issues a decision, the F.D.A.s approval of the drug remains in place, delaying the potential for abrupt limits on a medication that is used in more than half of all pregnancy terminations in the United States. The Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear a case that could upend the prosecutions of hundreds of rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and delay or limit the scope of former President Donald J. Trumps trial on federal charges of trying to overturn his election defeat. At issue is whether the government can charge defendants in the cases under a federal law that makes it a crime to corruptly obstruct an official proceeding. The law is at the heart of the prosecutions of many members of the pro-Trump mob that sought to block the congressional certification of Joseph R. Biden Jr.s victory in 2020. It is also a key part of the federal indictment accusing Mr. Trump of plotting to remain in power despite the will of the voters. The decision to hear the case will complicate and perhaps delay the start of Mr. Trumps trial, now scheduled to take place in Washington in March. The Supreme Courts ultimate ruling, which may not arrive until June, is likely to address the viability of two of the main counts against Mr. Trump. And it could severely hamper efforts by the special counsel, Jack Smith, to hold the former president accountable for the violence of his supporters at the Capitol. The courts eventual decision could also invalidate convictions that have already been secured against scores of Mr. Trumps followers who took part in the assault. That would be an enormous blow to the governments prosecutions of the Jan. 6 riot cases. After 75 years of peace, Japan is facing immense challenges in its rush to build a more formidable military. To understand why, consider the Noshiro, a newly commissioned navy frigate equipped with anti-ship missiles and submarine-tracking sonar. The vessel was designed with an understaffed force in mind: It can function with about two-thirds of the crew needed to operate a predecessor model. Right now, it puts out to sea with even fewer sailors than that. On the ships bridge, tasks that previously occupied seven or eight crew members have been consolidated into using three or four. The ships nurse doubles as dishwasher and cook. Extra sprinklers were installed to compensate for the smaller staff onboard to fight fires at sea. We are systematizing a lot of things, Capt. Yoshihiro Iwata, 44, said when the frigate was docked recently in Sasebo, in southwestern Japan. But, to be honest, he added, one person is doing two or three different jobs. Some things she does not want to remember. Some things she cannot. But one image is seared in Nutthawaree Munkans mind from Oct. 7, the day when Hamas and other militants stormed into Israel, taking her hostage in Gaza for nearly 50 days. As the percussive sounds of war drew closer, her boyfriend, Bunthom Phankhong, a fellow Thai farmhand working just five miles from the border, scrambled for his bicycle. Ms. Nutthawaree hopped on the back and looped her arms around him as he pedalled hard toward what they hoped was safety. She recalls his churning legs over sere earth. Then armed men stopped the pair on the bicycle. That was the last time she saw her boyfriend before she was taken to Gaza, she said. In captivity, huddled in an underground cell with four others, Ms. Nutthawaree prayed that her boyfriend would survive. She prayed that she would one day see her children back in Thailand, her hopes sustained by the affection of one of the hostages confined with her, an Israeli girl. She prayed that she would see her mother, to whom she sent money each month to support the household and pay off the family debt. A Canadian province known for the warmth and hospitality shown to thousands of airline passengers diverted after the Sept. 11 attacks has again hosted hundreds of surprise visitors this time, because of what Delta Air Lines described as a mechanical issue with one of its planes. The company said the flight, which left Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon and was bound for Detroit, was forced to land in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a town of around 8,000 people in the northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador, after an engine de-icer stopped working. The 270 passengers, three pilots and seven flight attendants all spent the night in an army barracks in the town, a Delta spokesman said by email. Crew duty times were impacted due to weather and runway conditions at the Goose Bay airport causing the airport to suspend operations, he said, noting that Delta sent additional aircraft to the airport to transport the passengers to Detroit on Monday. We apologize to customers for this inconvenience. Just hours after being sworn in, Polands new prime minister, Donald Tusk, left for a trip to Brussels on Wednesday to try to invigorate flagging European support for Ukraine and push for full mobilization against Russias military assault. In a speech to Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Tusk outlined an assertive Polish foreign policy anchored in close ties to the United States and the European Union, and Polands full involvement with Ukraine in this cruel conflict with the Russian aggressor. I am fed up with some European politicians from countries of the West who speak about being tired of the situation in Ukraine, he said. The return to power of Mr. Tusk, who had previously served as Polands prime minister before becoming a senior E.U. official in Brussels, ended eight years of rule by Law and Justice, a conservative nationalist party that has long been at odds with the European Union. Ukraine faces dwindling reserves of ammunition, personnel and Western support. The counteroffensive it launched six months ago has failed. Moscow, once awash in recriminations over a disastrous invasion, is celebrating its capacity to sustain a drawn-out war. The war in Ukraine has reached a critical moment, as months of brutal fighting have left Moscow more confident and Kyiv unsure of its prospects. The dynamic was palpable last week, as Vladimir V. Putin casually announced plans to run for six more years as president of Russia, swilling champagne and bragging about the increasing competence of Russias military. He declared that Ukraine had no future, given its reliance on external help. That air of self-assurance contrasted with the sense of urgency in this weeks trip to Washington by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who pressed Congress to pass a stalled spending bill that includes $50 billion more in security aid for Ukraine. A day after President Biden voiced his strongest criticism of the Israeli government since the war in Gaza began, many Israelis were moving past the public rupture on Wednesday, with some suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might seek political benefit from escalating a fight with the American leader. The disagreement between Israel and its closest ally over what a postwar Gaza should look like poses risks for the Netanyahu government, analysts said, raising questions about how long the United States will continue to offer untrammeled support for the invasion of Gaza. But it also offers Mr. Netanyahu an opportunity to repair his sagging domestic ratings by presenting himself as a leader unbowed by foreign demands. Hes looking at a potential election campaign a few months down the road, said Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington. This is going to be his platform: I am the leader who can stand up to Biden and prevent a Palestinian state. On Tuesday, in some of his most pointed comments about Israels conduct of a war that has killed thousands of civilians, Mr. Biden said Israel risked losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. He also criticized Mr. Netanyahus far-right government, which he said doesnt want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution to the countrys long-running conflict with Palestinians. President Biden met with the families of Americans being held hostage in Gaza at the White House on Wednesday, a day after giving his most critical remarks to date about what he called Israels indiscriminate bombing of the territory. Mr. Biden said on Tuesday that the nature of Israels attacks on Gaza was eroding what had been broad international support for its war on Hamas, the group that controls much of Gaza and killed more than 1,200 people on Oct. 7 in southern Israel. Palestinian civilians fleeing the fighting, moving farther and farther south at the Israeli militarys urging, have been hit with airstrikes even in the places they have been told to seek refuge. At least 15,000 people, and likely thousands more, have been killed in Gaza since Israel started its offensive more than two months ago, according to the local health authorities. The presidents comments, at a fund-raiser in Washington, were a sign of the widening gulf between U.S. and Israeli leaders. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel reaffirmed his position that the Palestinian Authority should not be involved in governing Gaza after the war, something the United States has publicly advocated for after the conflict. Yes, there is disagreement about the day after Hamas, Mr. Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. Jake Sullivan, Mr. Bidens national security adviser, said on Tuesday that he would soon travel to Israel to meet with Mr. Netanyahu, his war cabinet and other Israeli leaders, carrying messages from the president to discuss timetables for the end of the war. Speaking at a Wall Street Journal forum in Washington, Mr. Sullivan reiterated the American view that a revamped and revitalized Palestinian Authority should oversee Gaza and the West Bank. Last week, Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, expressed concern that Israel was not doing enough to limit the human toll in Gaza, saying there does remain a gap between Israels stated intent to protect civilians and the actual results that were seeing on the ground. Even so, the United States has remained steadfast in its support of Israel in the war, last week casting the sole vote against a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. On Tuesday, the shift in world opinion seemed to be on display when more than three-quarters of the larger 193-member U.N. body, known as the General Assembly, voted overwhelmingly for a nonbinding resolution to bring the conflict to an end. The United States was one of 10 countries to vote against it. The White House confirmed that Mr. Biden would on Wednesday meet with the families of some of the estimated eight hostages with American citizenship being held in Gaza, his first in-person encounter with relatives of the captives. The president has previously spoken to them via video call. Roughly 100 of the 240 hostages kidnapped on Oct 7. have been released, including some Americans. Russian hydrologist Alexander Tsvetkov was detained in February 2023, after an AI system determined that his face was a 55% match to the sketch of a murderer drawn 20 years ago by a witness. Alexander Tsvetkov, a scientist at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Inland Water Biology, has been living a nightmare for the past 10 months. He was removed from an airplane in February, following a work trip to Krasnoyarsk, and informed that he had been identified as the author of a series of murders over 20 years ago. Investigators claimed that he and his alleged accomplice killed at least two people in Moscow and the Moscow region in August 2002, ignoring the testimonies of multiple scientists that Tsvetkov had been with them at the time of the murders. The states smoking gun? An AI-powered system that found a 55% match between Tsvetkov and a sketch drawn by a witness over two decades ago The murders that Alexander Tsvetkov stands accused of occurred on August 2nd, 2002. First, a man with whom the suspects had allegedly drunk was killed after a quarrel. That same night, they robbed a 64-year-old woman, before finally attacking and killing another woman and her 90-year-old mother under the pretext of wanting to rent an apartment. Tsvetkovs alleged accomplice, who came forward and admitted to the murders, identified the scientist, but there were some issues with his testimony. He claimed that Alexander had been homeless with him in Moscow, drank alcohol, and smoked half a pack of cigarettes a day. Only Tsvetkov had never been homeless, didnt drink, and hadnt smoked a cigarette in his life because of lung problems. The accomplice also recalled that Tsvetkov had ring tattoos on his fingers and a Celtic pattern on his left hand. But the scientists relatives say that he never had any tattoos. Many of Alexanders scientist colleagues testified that he had been with them hundreds of kilometers away from the place where the murders had occurred, but authorities didnt even consider them. The hydrologist was allegedly forced to write a confession that he later retracted, and he spent the last 10 months behind bars, while his family desperately tried to get him out. According to several news sources, despite the mountain of evidence exonerating Tsvetkov in this murder case, Russian authorities chose to trust software powered by artificial intelligence. It had found that the hydrologists appearance matched that of the wanted killer about 55%, which was apparently enough to warrant his imprisonment. Alexander Tsvetkovs case has been making news headlines in Russia for months, and following a campaign asking for his release, as well as the rumored intervention of Vladimir Putin himself, the scientist was released earlier this month. However, the charges against him have not been dropped yet, so he is not out of the woods just yet. Putin allegedly commented that artificial intelligence is a complex topic, and if there are any failures in this area, they need to be analyzed and appropriate conclusions are drawn. The Metropolitan Council is looking for community relations support to improve the quality of life for riders on bus and rail systems in the Minneapolis/St Paul region of more than 3M people. Amy Terpeluk When companies stumble on product quality, commit messaging mishaps, or have ethical shortcomings laid bare, the news media is never far from the controversy. Many of these stories are about disparities and discrimination that cause community painpitting customers against companies. Often, the drumbeat of news reporting is so loud that it cannot be ignoredday after day leading the news cycle. It can feel endless and all-consuming. The importance of these stories isnt lost on consumers, who increasingly see corporate social responsibility and brand purpose as front-of-mind purchase considerations. Consequently, it has become critical for companies to ascertain the consumers pulse and understand the public expectations of how iconic brands take on the challenges of our time. Catchy is a poor substitute for championing a cause. Not all pressing issues require a corporate voice! Brand stewards must consider what issues are essential for their companies to engage on. Before leaping to the clarion call, they must ask why and when their brands should engage, or if they need to engage on a particular issue at all. To answer these questions, brand managers must carefully consider if an issue aligns with their products and purpose and how closely the issues at hand impact their consumers. Sometimes corporate response to emerging issues is reflexive. But creating social impact isnt about jumping into a headline-grabbing topic unadvisedly. Corporate action is a statement of commitment and is translated as an ongoing pledge to remain in the trenches long-term. Speaking out on trending issues that do not relate to the brands identity can offend, causing consumers to view the companys executives as opportunists or disloyal to brand values. We have seen how ill-informed public commentary and campaigns have dire consequencesa tipping point to customer, employee and stakeholder backlash. We have also seen the ire brands face when they neglect to take a stance on issues they have long claimed to champion. Creating enduring social impact that cements customer ties to a brand requires a deeper understanding of how issues intersect with the company's mission and values. The FINN Purpose Alignment Study underscores the importance of research in gauging the relationship between brand, customer and cause. This study offers a metric enabling brand stewards to navigate the evolving landscape of brand purpose and how organizations can align communications priorities to social impact. The importance of pricing and performance There is no surprise that consumer purchasing decisions are driven by price and product performance. It stands to reason that in a highly competitive marketand at times of economic uncertaintyconsumers prioritize product purchases around affordable quality. It is in the companys best interest to establish pricing strategies that are market-competitive, transparent and consistent. Consumers appreciate brands prioritizing fair pricing practices, fostering trust and long-term loyalty. But there is more to brand sustainability. What happens when price and performance are comparable between two brands? How then, does a consumer choose between what are seemingly equals? This is when companies cannot overlook purpose-related factors. The rise of social impact factors Beyond immediate benefits, price, performance and product attributes, consumers now value the societal value of their purchase. This is an expansive shift in consumer consciousness toward more holistic considerations when making a purpose. The FINN Purpose Alignment Study highlighted six social impact factors that ranked among the top 20 brand purpose sub-factors most important to consumers. These factors indicate a growing consumer demand for brands to actively contribute to society and the environment. By aligning themselves with social and environmental causes, brands secure an opportunity to connect with consumers who prioritize sustainability and corporate social responsibility as buying factors. The study identified that in an era of heightened scrutiny on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting practices and the return on business bottom line, social impact aspects are crucial consumer inflection points. Companies that integrate sustainable practices, authentically support aligned social causes and exhibit ethical business conduct have a competitive advantage in capturing the attention and loyalty of socially conscious consumers. Among the social impact ranking factors, keeping customer data private and secure, and operating in a trustworthy way rank higher than new features and product innovation. Consumers want to associate themselves with brands that have a positive public image and are seen as trustworthy and reliable. They see where they spend their money as a reflection of their personal values. New Paradigm in Marketing Strategy The study's findings may have significant implications for companies' marketing strategies. Brands must carefully craft messaging and campaigns to reflect the evolving consumer priorities in brand purpose. It is essential to highlight the economic benefits and value offered by products while simultaneously showcasing brand commitment to social impact and sustainability in equal measure. The goal for brand stewards must be to connect with consumers on a deeper, emotional level. Sharing stories and initiatives related to environmental conservation, community engagement and ethical sourcing can enhance consumers perception of a brand and foster a sense of purpose among consumers. When consumers and brands are aligned in purpose, they share the understanding that by working together to address pressing societal concerns, they are in harmony. Embracing brand purpose and telling that story can be a competitive advantage in fostering consumer loyalty, enhancing reputation, and contributing to a more sustainable and socially responsible future. Its beyond debate; purpose is good business. *** Amy Terpeluk is Managing Partner at Finn Partners. Alana McGaughey BritBox International, a digital subscription video on demand service co-branded by BBC and ITV, hires Alana McGaughey as VP global PR & comms, working from the companys New York office. McGaughey joins BritBox from Netflix, where she launched publicity campaigns for series including Ozark and All the Light We Cannot See. She previously oversaw publicity for several series at Starz and has also held roles at Bravo, 42West and Focus Features. At BritBox, she will head up the global PR and comms function, working with local teams and overseeing activity across the companys eight territories: America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Britbox has also brought on Nimesh Kataria as CFO. They bring a wealth of global streaming and content experience to us and join a business that has a unique clarity and model in todays landscap, said BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan. Jim Sampson Fox Agency, a B2B tech marketing specialist, brings on Jim Sampson as client services director, based in Denver. Sampson was most recently VP, client partner at The Marketing Practice, where he led fully integrated campaigns for businesses such as Oracle, Anteriad and KPMG. His experience encompasses sectors including SaaS, manufacturing, telecoms and renewable energy. In his new role, he will work alongside agency COO Paul OMalley, to support the agency as it expands in the US. Jims appointment is the next key step on Fox Agencys journey to maximizing on the significant opportunity presented by the US tech market said OMalley, With Jim onboard, we can now deliver greater local and national expertise to clients, combined with the international expertise of the wider agency. Lena Johnson ONE Sothebys International Realty hires Lena Johnson as CMO. Johnson was most recently VP of marketing and head of the luxury division at Compass New York. Before that, she was senior director of marketing and sales for Vogue in the Americas, France and UK. At ONE Sothebys, Johnson will lead the companys marketing team and develop strategies to propel brand awareness. Lenas expertise and fresh marketing approach aligns with our vision to deliver forward-thinking strategies that elevate the client and agent experience, ONE Sothebys president Daniel de la Vega said in a press release. Ariel Bauer SGS appoints Ariel Bauer as group VP of investor relations, communications & sustainability. Bauer joins SGS from EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of such brands as Ray-Ban, LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut, where he served as co-head of investor relations. He also held senior positions at Essilor International in the fields of mission & sustainability and financial communications. In his new role, Ariel is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to maintain effective relationships with investors, stakeholders and the public. A woman said she no longer feels safe, struggles to sleep and feels intimidated in her own town. In her victim impact statement to the December sitting of Tullamore Circuit Court, Shauna Keenan, who lives at 1 Charleville Parade, Tullamore, spoke of the night of May 5, 2022, when she looked out of her window to see Faris Doherty who also lived in Charleville Parade, setting her car on fire. Faris Doherty was facing 3 counts of arson. He pleaded guilty to count 1, setting a Hyundai car alight. Kevin White BL, prosecuting, directed by State Solicitor Sandra Mahon, said two other charges against Mr Doherty, that of damage to houses at 1 Charleville Parade and 2 Charleville Parade, stemmed from the vehicle fire. He asked the court to take these into consideration. In his evidence Detective Garda Adrian Hanley showed CCTV footage of the night when Faris Doherty set fire to the car and of the flames engulfing the vehicle. He said, Sergeant Aidan Lyons had viewed the footage and due to the height of the defendant had suspected it was Faris Doherty who lived at 4 Charleville Parade. He said he spoke to Shauna Keenan who reported that Mr Doherty had made a number of advances towards her which she had rejected. He said she had gone to bed that night at 11.30pm, she later heard a loud bang and saw a male wearing dark clothing at her car. She shouted at him to leave her car alone but he had just laughed. Detective Garda Hanley said that having identified Faris Doherty, they called to his house where they found him at the washing machine. Washing was spilling out of the machine and laundry tablets were on the floor. He also had burns to his hands. There was a smell of accelerant in the house. Mr Doherty was arrested and detained under section 4 of the criminal justice act, He denied any involvement. He was charged on May 5 2022. In her victim impact statement, Ms Keenan said that in April 2022 she had been taking shopping out of her car when Mr Doherty, who was a neighbour, asked her to go for coffee, she refused. On April 25 there was another attempt by Mr Doherty to ask her out but she ignored him and she said she thought he looked annoyed. On another occasion she said he was coming out of his house but she just got into her car and drove away. On the day before the incident he came over to her and she went into her house. She said he made her feel uncomfortable. She said her vehicle had been burnt beyond repair. The fire had damaged the windows of her home and the front door had melted and been left warped. She said she is still afraid. The cost of repairing the window and doors had run into thousands of euro. She said she had apologised to her neighbours as she had felt somehow partly responsible and she felt it was the only apology they were going to get. ''How can you console an 8 year old'', asked Ms Keenan. She described how frightened she was on the night of the incident and she had taken her two sons out to the back of her house as she was terrified the car would explode. She said she was desperate to save her boys. She said she had been horrified and had pleaded with Faris Doherty to stop. She said her sons still speak about the night and ask ''will that man come back.'' She said her son has had a diagnosis of cancer which compounded the stress she was already under. She said she knows that her father often drove around the town at night to ensure that Faris Doherty was not in the town. She said she had the car only for a short period and was using it to attend college. Judge Keenan Johnson sympathised with Ms Keenan and said that he hoped she could draw a line in the stand after sentencing is over. He said she seemed like a great mother and asked her how her son was, she replied that he was doing well. The court heard that Mr Doherty had written a letter of apology to Ms Keenan which was ''not appreciated.'' A second woman, Fiona Dalton, who also lives at Charleville Parade had awoken at 1.45am after hearing a loud bang on the morning of the incident. She had been shocked at the damage caused to her house. Her partner had passed away a month previously and the house insurance had lapsed. She didn't realise this and so she was left to pay for the full cost of the repairs. Faris Doherty took to the witness stand and said he was extremely sorry. He described what he did as filthy, disgusting and vile. He described Ms Keenan as a peaceful and beautiful young woman. He said he wanted her to forgive him. I don't wish her any harm. ''I hope and pray she can find it in her to forgive me,'' he said. Defending barrister Colm Smyth, directed by solicitor Donal Farrelly, pointed out to Mr Doherty that the loss of Ms Keenan's car was significant as she was using it in her studies and she was at the loss of 10,750. He asked Faris Doherty if had money to pay compensation. Mr Doherty said he had managed to accumulate 10,000. The court heard that the overall cost of damages amounted to 23,000. Mr Doherty said he wanted to raise more funds. He said he was currently in therapy which he started three weeks ago. He said he was also undertaking a Men Power rehabilitation programme for people who came from a traumatic background which is a 13 week programme. In addition he was taking a city and guilds course which trains candidates in welding and fabrication. It helps candidates to find employment, he said. Barrister Colm Smyth said Mr Doherty had no previous convictions. He said he has issues in life, but acknowledged that what he has gone through comes no where near what Ms Keenan had gone through. He said he is a person who has never been in trouble before. He is facing prison and could find it difficult and become a target of unwanted attention from other inmates. Judge Keenan Johnson said prison is unavoidable in this case. It is far too serious, he said. He deferred sentencing until December 21 as he said he wanted to give it some consideration. He directed that 5,800 of the money accumulated by Mr Doherty should be given to Fiona Dalton to help with repair costs. He said it was an exceptionally serious offence and it was a miracle that no one was killed. Mr Doherty was remanded in custody and will appear at Tullamore Circuit Court on December 21 for sentencing. THE Killurin Community Alert & Development Group (KCAD) hosted a festive Christmas Party last Saturdaytogether with the turning on of the Christmas lights at the Killurin GAA Clubhouse, with the very special guest of honor, Santa Claus, and was attended by families from across Killurin. Santa arrived by reindeer sleigh and parked at the back of the pitch, where the reindeer were very happy to munch carrots while Santa met the children in Killurin. He made his way across the pitch on foot to a massive applause. The crowd sang a Christmas song to welcome him to Killurin. As the guest of honour, Santa hit the switch to turn on the Christmas Festive Lights in Killurin, and impressed with the display, said 'I will be able to see Killlurin so easily when flying here on Christmas Eve, these lights will be a great help to guide the way for me. Well done to all involved'. The Christmas lights this year are funded by the KCAD community fund with thanks also to Tullamore Municipal District Community Funding, and were installed thanks to the generous help of Rodge Larkin, all of whom are climbing quickly to the top of Santas good list this year. The children of Killurin and the surrounding area met with Santa in a special grotto inside the clubhouse, where they received a pre-Christmas present, with Santa reminding them to get their letters to him. He said all Killurin childrens letters were received except for three, so hes hoping everyone gets to the post box in Tullamore soon so he gets them in good time. The young, very young, and older adults alike had time to talk to Santa and also got their photo taken with him in his grotto thanks to Ciara Kinnarney. Festive treats and tunes combined to make a great community gathering, with neighbors meeting and stories and laughs being shared. Santa thanked everyone for coming before going on his way to visit more of the children in Ireland and around the world. The Killurin CAD committee especially thanked Kieran Keenahan, Willie Casey, and Stephen Brazil for erecting the Christmas tree, and also with Leo Dunne, Brendan Dunne, and Johnny Casey for hanging the lights. Massive thanks were given to the Killurin Field Development Committee for the continued use of the clubhouse, to the Killurin Foroige young members for decorating the clubhouse, and for music and face painting at the party. The tasty crepes were thanks to Carmel Feerey, adding to the spirit of the night with the sweet crepes aroma. Thanks was given to Dan Lawless also for his continued support. The committee expects everyone to make Santas Good List this year. The KCAD committee is made up of Eileen Dunne, Ethel Keenehan, Siobhan Arnold, Marisa Seery, Nuala Murtagh-Carton, Eoin Carton, and Ciara Kinnarney. Photos from the night will be available on the new Killurin CAD website, which launches this week on www.killurincad.com. The website was kindly sponsored by Dotser and lists the activities in Killurin as well as the history of the groups achievements and plans for the future as well as a fundraising platform. If you want to get involved in anything in the area, you can drop them a message through the contact page on the new website. The next festive event in Killurin is the Killurin Field Development Annual Christmas Card Draw, which takes place on Wednesday, December 20, at 8 pm in the Clubhouse. AN information evening in Edenderry recently gave advice on the various Government schemes designed to help people buying, renovating or insulating houses. Cllr Robert McDermott, Fianna Fail, organised the event where there were presentations on the First Home Scheme, how to save costs on planning applications, the Derelict Home Grant, the Vacant Home Grant as well as the many SEAI (Sustainable Energy Association Ireland) grants and schemes. I get a lot of queries from constituents about buying houses or renovating houses and therefore I decided to hold this information evening to address the many questions raised, said Cllr McDermott. The keynote speaker on the night was Senator Mary Fitzpatrick who works closely with the Minister for Housing and is a member of the Housing Committee in the Oireachtas. Other contributors on the night included Shane Murphy (pictured on the right below), managing director of Ashgrove Renewables, who gave a detailed presentation on the various SEAI schemes and grants that people can avail of to make their homes more energy efficient. Cllr McDermott added: This was a very successful evening and people who attended gained valuable information on their housing queries. Senator Fitzpatrick has a wealth of knowledge on all matters housing and the information she gave was invaluable. Many people there were surprised at the amount of SEAI grants available, which were explained by Shane Murphy in his excellent presentation. Two other Fianna Fail councillors Eddie Fitzpatrick, Cloneyhurke and Tony McCormack, Tullamore (the latter is pictured on the right below with Fergal Swaine), along with the party's local election candidate, Claire Murray, also attended the event, which was held in ODonoghues Pub, Edenderry. Anyone seeking further information on the issues is encouraged by Cllr McDermott to drop into his constituency office in Edenderry, which he says is the only permanent constituency office in the area. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 13. Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, and Gabriella Lonkai, Director of Business Development at the Hungarian Inpark company, discussed avenues for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, Trend reports. The parties also deliberated on the signing of an investment agreement between the ministry and the company, the implementation of new technologies, as well as the engagement of foreign companies within the framework of joint projects. Inpark is an industrial property group specializing in development of logistics centers, manufacturing halls, and warehouses catering to Hungarian and international clients. Founded in 2016, Inpark currently manages industrial zones covering a total area of 900 hectares in 17 cities. These zones house production facilities for major companies such as Airbus, Honeywell, Bosch, and others. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Raj Bhavan Bomb Threat: Bengaluru Police Arrest Kolar Farmer In Chittoor district Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru Police have arrested a man named Baskar, a farmer from Kolar, for making a hoax bomb threat to the Raj Bhavan. The arrest was made in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, after the police tracked him down based on the phone number used for the threatening call. While returning to Kolar, Baskar purportedly made a false bomb threat towards the Raj Bhavan, prompting the filing of a case at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station. He was subsequently arrested, and authorities are currently conducting an interrogation. Baskar reportedly obtained the Raj Bhavan's number through an online search, placing the threatening call from Majestic before heading to the Kanhipakam temple in Andhra Pradesh. Police officials tracked his location and apprehended him in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Bomb Scare At Raj Bhavan: Bengaluru Police Launch Manhunt To Trace Hoax Caller's Location Following the threat call, the Vidhana Soudha Police formed a team and pursued the accused. Central security agencies, upon being alerted, coordinated with the local police and received updates. The apprehension of the accused was reported to the central investigation agencies. During the investigation, the accused claimed to have made the call on a whim. Baskar, a B.Com graduate and farmer, had reportedly acquired information about purchasing a new SIM card on the same day. Authorities are probing whether this SIM card was obtained for making threatening calls. BJPs Vanathi Srinivasan Hails Modi Governments Achievements in Amritsar BJPs womens wing chief Vanathi Srinivasan lauded the nine years of the Narendra Modi government, emphasizing its positive impact on governance, development, and prosperity in India. She highlighted pro-people policies that have resonated with citizens, leading to the BJPs success in recent assembly elections. India -Krishna Kripa Amritsar, December 13: The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) women's wing chief, Vanathi Srinivasan, extolled the nine years of the Narendra Modi government, describing them as a shining example of good governance, development, and prosperity in India. Addressing the executive meeting of the BJP Punjab Mahila Morcha in Amritsar, Srinivasan highlighted the pro-people policies of the Union government that have resonated with citizens across the country, as evidenced by the BJP's resounding victories in three recent assembly elections. Modi Government's Initiatives for Sikhs and Punjabis Srinivasan commended the Modi government for its initiatives that specifically benefit Sikhs and the Punjabi community. These include the construction of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which facilitates pilgrimage to a revered Sikh shrine in Pakistan; the punishment of perpetrators involved in the 1984 riots; the granting of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration to Sri Harmandir Sahib, the holiest Sikh shrine; and the respectful repatriation of physical copies of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan to India. Mahila Morcha's Role in Punjab Srinivasan emphasized the crucial role of the Mahila Morcha in disseminating information about the Modi government's accomplishments to the people of Punjab. She urged the workers of the Mahila Morcha to diligently communicate these achievements and other initiatives to the public, thereby strengthening the party's position in the state. Punjab Mahila Morcha's Commitment Addressing the meeting, Jai Inder Kaur, the newly appointed state president of the Mahila Morcha, pledged the organization's unwavering commitment to working towards the betterment of the party in Punjab. She expressed the Mahila Morcha's determination to play a pivotal role in the party's success in the state. No invite yet to Anna Hazare for Arvind Kejriwals swearing-in ceremony Meet Subaida, Kerala woman who sold goats to donate for CM fund, gets VVIP pass to attend swearing-in ceremony BJP's Vishnu Deo Sai Sworn-In As Chhattisgarh CM, 2 Deputies Appointed India oi-PTI Vishnu Deo Sai, the BJP legislative party leader and MLA from Kunkuri seat, was sworn in as the chief minister of Chhattisgarh here on Wednesday. State BJP chief Arun Sao and MLA Vijay Sharma took oath as deputy chief ministers. Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sai and his two deputies during a grand ceremony held at the Science College ground attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, and chief ministers of some states. VIDEO | Vishnu Deo Sai sworn in as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in Raipur. pic.twitter.com/mS6Aq84JcK Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 Sai (59) will be the fourth chief minister of Chhattisgarh state, which was created in 2020. Sao (54) hails from the influential Sahu (Teli) OBC community. Sharma (50), a Brahmin, is the state BJP's general secretary. Who Is Mohan Yadav? The New Chief Minister Of Madhya Pradesh Ahead of the oath taking elaborate arrangements were made in the state for the swearing-in ceremony. The saffron party ended the days of suspense and picked new CMs in both states. In Chhattisgarh, the saffron party defeated Congress and returned to power in the state. In the 90-member state Assembly, the BJP crossed the majority mark by securing 54 seats and the Congress came a distant second with 35 seats. The Assembly elections were held in two phases on November 7 and 17. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 16:26 [IST] No One Can Snatch PoK From Us: Amit Shah In Parliament Chandigarh Assembly Ramps Up Security After Parliament Breach Chandigarh Assembly will reassess security arrangements before its Winter Session, prompted by the Parliament security breach incident in Delhi. India -Krishna Kripa In the aftermath of the recent security breach in Parliament, the Haryana Assembly is taking steps to enhance security measures ahead of its upcoming Winter Session, scheduled to commence on Friday in Chandigarh. High-Level Security Meeting Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta convened a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, attended by senior officials, including the state's chief secretary, home secretary, police chief, additional director general of police, and senior police officers from Punjab and Chandigarh. Parliament Security Breach Incident The security review comes in light of the major security breach that occurred in Parliament on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. During the incident, two individuals, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, entered the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, released yellow gas from canisters, and shouted slogans before being apprehended by MPs. Concurrently, two other accused, Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi, sprayed colored gas from canisters and chanted slogans outside Parliament premises. Review of Security Measures Given the proximity of the visitors' gallery to the MLAs' seating area, Speaker Gupta emphasized the need to review security measures. He condemned the breach in Parliament, describing it as an unfortunate act within the "temple of democracy." Additional Security Measures The Speaker issued several instructions during the security meeting, including a prohibition on any form of protest outside the Assembly premises. Additionally, support staff accompanying MLAs will not be permitted to enter the Assembly premises. The Haryana Assembly is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its members and visitors during the upcoming Winter Session. By implementing enhanced security measures, the Assembly aims to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain a conducive environment for legislative proceedings. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 13. Uzbekistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of public-private partnership, Trend reports. These prospects were discussed between Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov and ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya. During the constructive meeting, the parties carefully considered and discussed issues of the country's economic development, as well as effective mechanisms for attracting investments. They also discussed in detail a number of key topics, including public-private partnerships, the development of financial markets, microfinance activities, support for the energy sector and the transition to a green economy. The meeting discussed in detail the prospects for cooperation between the parties in the field of road transport infrastructure development and effective water resources management. Meanwhile, the development of cooperation between ADB and Uzbekistan represents an important stage in strengthening economic and social ties in the region. The bank, acting as one of the key partners, actively supports Uzbek initiatives in the field of infrastructure development, energy, agro-industry and other strategic sectors. Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ED Summons Karti Chidambaram In PMLA Probe; MP Calls It 'Most Bogus' Case India pti-PTI Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has not deposed before the ED for questioning in a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the issuance of visas to 263 Chinese nationals in 2011 and dubbed the case "most bogus". The 52-year-old legislator from the Sivaganga Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu was summoned by the central agency to appear this week at its office here and record his statement in the case being probed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The MP is understood to have informed the ED that he was occupied with the ongoing Parliament session. The 2022 ED case pertains to allegations of Rs 50 lakh being paid as kickbacks to Karti and his close associate S Bhaskararaman by a top executive of Vedanta group company Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd. (TSPL), which was setting up a power plant in Punjab, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR. ED attaches Cong MP Karti Chidamabaram's Rs 11-crore properties The money laundering case stems from the CBI complaint. Karti told PTI that the case was "most bogus" and his legal team will take it forward. "There are three categories of cases foisted on me: bogus, more bogus and most bogus. This is category three. It will be dealt by my lawyers," he said. The CBI had last year raided the premises of the Chidamabram family and arrested Bhaskararaman even as Karti was questioned by it. As per the CBI charges, the work for setting up the power project was being executed by a Chinese company and was running behind schedule. A TSPL executive had sought re-issuance of project visas for 263 Chinese workers for which Rs 50 lakh allegedly exchanged hands, according to the CBI FIR. The agency has alleged that Bhaskararaman was approached by Vikas Makharia, the then associate vice president of TSPL, for the reissue of project visas for the Chinese workers working at the Mansa-based power plant. The CBI FIR alleged that Makharia approached Karti through his "close associate/front man" Bhaskararaman, the officials said. "They devised a back-door way to defeat the purpose of ceiling (maximum of project visas permissible to the company's plant) by granting permission to reuse 263 project visas allotted to the said Chinese company's officials," it was alleged. Project visas were a special facility that was introduced in 2010 for the power and steel sector for which detailed guidelines were issued during P Chidambaram's tenure as the home minister but there was no provision of re-issue of project visas, the FIR alleged. "As per prevalent guidelines, deviation in rare and exceptional cases could be considered and granted only with the approval of the home secretary. However, in view of the above circumstances, the deviation in terms of reuse of project visas is likely to be approved by the then Home Minister...," it further alleged. CBI raids Congress leader Karti Chidambaram's Chennai house Karti had said in the past that this case was a "harassment and witch hunt against him" and an attempt to target his father (senior Congress leader P Chidambaram) through him. The MP had said he was "certain that he never facilitated even a single Chinese national in their visa process, let alone 250." This is the third money laundering case against Karti with the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis cases being probed by the ED for some years now. MP CM Yadav Bans Meat Sales In Open, Loudspeakers In Religious Places India oi-Gaurav Sharma To battle noise pollution in Madhya Pradesh, newly elected Chief Minister Mohan Yadav began the action soon after assuming office. In the first state cabinet meeting, the CM ordered to ban playing loudspeakers near religious and public places. The order from the chief minister's office said "Use of loudspeakers and other sound amplifying devices at loud volumes without permission is completely prohibited." The state government issued an order following provisions of the Noise Control Act, Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. To keep the check, the CM office has also ordered formation of special flying squads that will aware people of the noise pollution and illegal use of loudspeakers. These squads will also have the power to impose fines on the people who will not follow the guidelines. The chief Minister also ordered to ban meat shops without licenses and selling the meat in the open. #WATCH | Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says, "Today we have taken several discussions during the first Cabinet meeting. We have raised the issue of meat sales in the open and have proposed to bring rules for this, in the Cabinet meeting today..." pic.twitter.com/y6nBBUK6jM ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 After passing the orders Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said, "Today we have taken several discussions during the first Cabinet meeting. We have raised the issue of meat sales in the open and have proposed to bring rules for this, in the Cabinet meeting today," MP CM Yadav. Murder Suspect UP Man Studies Law, Argues His Own Case; Walks Free After 12 Years India oi-Madhuri Adnal 12 years ago, a man hailing from Uttar Pradesh found himself falsely accused in a murder case. Determined to clear his name from the false accusations, he took on his legal defense. The man in the case was cleared by the court's recent ruling, according to a TOI report. Amit Chaudhary was wrongly linked to the 2011 killing of two police officers in Meerut. Eventually, he was accused of involvement in the notorious Kali's murderous plan. The victims being police personnel drew the attention of the then UP CM Mayawati, who ordered the immediate arrest of the culprits. Despite being at Shamli with his sister during the time of the murder, Chaudhary found himself among the 17 accused in the case, facing harsh penalties imposed by both the National Security Agency and the Indian Penal Code. Speaking to TOI, Chaudhary recounted his experience, stating, "While in Muzaffarnagar jail, notorious gang figures such as Anil Dujana and Vicky Tyagi (both deceased in encounters) attempted to recruit me into their gangs. Thankfully, the jailor was kind-hearted, granting me placement in a barrack separate from where the gang members were housed." Woman Linked To Criminal Network Arrested In Karni Sena Chief Murder Case After being granted bail in 2013, Chaudhary dedicated himself to his legal studies. Chaudhary attained a BA, LLB, and LLM, among various other academic accomplishments. Additionally, he successfully cleared the Bar Council exam and presented his own case. Through exhaustive debates and meticulous examination of witnesses, the court ultimately cleared him of the murder charge after over a decade. Amit, who once aspired to serve in the army and even earned a "C" certificate in NCC from the 74th battalion, was unfortunately unable to fulfill this dream due to his imprisonment that coincided with his planned recruitment. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 11:34 [IST] Parliament Security Breach: 4 Held, 2 On Run; Read Preliminary Investigation Report Details India oi-Gaurav Sharma Parliament Security Breach: Six people, including five men and a woman, were involved in the Parliament security breach on Wednesday, according to the reports. Out of six, four have been detained by the police and two are absconding. Today's Parliament security breach was a shocker for everyone as the day 'December 13' coincided with the anniversary of the terrorist attack that happened in 2001. According to the reports, 2 men, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, were arrested from inside the Lok Sabha for creating a ruckus and exploding color bombs. A man and woman, Anmol and Neelam, were held from outside the Parliament for spraying color gas and raising slogans. Parliament Security Breach: Activist Neelam, Among Those Detained Recommended Video Lok Sabha Security Breach on 2001 Parliament Attack Anniversary: Know what happened | Oneindia News As per the visuals from inside the Lok Sabha, two men jumped from the viewers' gallery into the area where the Members of the Parliament sit and tried to run towards the speaker's chair. The video shows that an accused took out a color bomb from his left shoe and released yellow gas before he was caught by the MPs. The visuals show yellow color smoke in the house after the incident. Similar color bombs were busted outside the Parliament too. Soon after the incident, the Delhi police took 4 accused to the Parliament House police station. While two are still on the run, said reports. As per the preliminary investigation, all accused knew each other and were connected on social media. They hail from different regions and gather in Gurugram before executing the plan, sources said. The Delhi Police told the media that the accused "claimed that they reached Parliament on their own and refused association with any organization. Police are forming a special team for interrogation." Intruders Breach Parliament Security, Causing Chaos in Lok Sabha Two individuals breached Parliament security, entering the Lok Sabha and releasing yellow smoke, while two others protested outside. An investigation into the well-coordinated incident is underway. India -Krishna Kripa In a major security breach on the anniversary of the deadly 2001 Parliament terror attack, two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday, December 13. The incident caused panic and chaos in the House as the intruders shouted slogans and released yellow smoke from canisters. Well-Planned and Coordinated Breach Police sources revealed that the security breach was a well-planned and well-coordinated incident involving six individuals who were in contact with each other through social media platforms. The intruders, identified as Sagar Sharma (26) and Manoranjan D (34), managed to enter the Lok Sabha chamber with visitor passes facilitated by two-term Lok Sabha member from Mysuru, Prathap Simha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Intervention by Alert Members As the intruders attempted to approach the Speaker's chair, alert members of Parliament, including Hanuman Beniwal, Malook Nagar, and Gurjeet Singh Aujla, overpowered and thrashed them. The intruders were then handed over to security personnel. Opposition Demands Statement from Home Minister Opposition members termed the security breach as the worst since the 2001 terror attack and demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah. They expressed concern that the attackers had managed to reach the Lok Sabha chamber with smoke canisters, which could have had lethal consequences. Comprehensive Security Review Ordered Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that a comprehensive security review of Parliament House would be conducted. However, he clarified that the preliminary inquiry did not indicate any links to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had issued threats to attack Parliament. All-Party Meeting and Tightening of Security Measures The Lok Sabha Speaker chaired an all-party meeting where opposition members sought immediate tightening of security measures at Parliament and questioning of BJP member Prathap Simha. The issuance of passes for the visitors' gallery in Parliament House has been suspended with immediate effect, and the Lok Sabha Secretariat has written to the Union Home Ministry seeking a review of security measures. Detained Intruders and Ongoing Investigation All four individuals involved in the incident, including those who were nabbed outside Parliament premises, have been detained for questioning. Police have also detained a fifth person from Gurugram. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motives behind the security breach and identify any potential accomplices. Father of Detained Intruder Expresses Shock Devaraje Gowda, the father of Manoranjan, expressed shock and disbelief over his son's involvement in the incident. He described his son as a good and honest individual who was passionate about social welfare. Gowda speculated that his son's actions may have been influenced by his reading of Swami Vivekananda's books. Heightened Security and Lessons Learned Security has been beefed up in the Parliament area following the incident. The breach has raised serious questions about the security measures in place and the need for thorough background checks for visitors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust security protocols to prevent such breaches in the future. Parliament Security Breach: Mysuru Resident Identified As Attacker, Motives Remain Unclear India oi-Madhuri Adnal The investigation into the recent Parliament security breach in Lok Sabha chamber has identified Sagar and Manoranjan, both residents of Mysuru, Karnataka, as the individuals responsible for disrupting proceedings. This incident, which involved the duo entering the Lok Sabha chamber and spraying colored substances, has raised serious concerns about security vulnerabilities within the Parliament building. Police have swiftly moved into action, detaining both individuals and initiating intensive questioning to uncover the motives behind their actions. Additionally, authorities are investigating the source of the pass used by one of the accused to gain entry into the Parliament, which was allegedly obtained through the private secretary of MP Pratap Simha. Meanwhile, police officials swiftly proceeded to Manoranjan's residence in Vijayanagar, to gather details. ACP Gajendra Prasad and Vijayanagar PI Suresh visited Manoranjan's father, Devarajegowda, to collect information. In response to TV9, Devaraj Gowda, Manoranjan's father, mentioned that his son had completed his BE. He used to travel frequently between Delhi and Bengaluru. However, Devaraj Gowda expressed ignorance regarding Manoranjan's current whereabouts, stating that their family is not affiliated with any political party. He expressed shock and disbelief at his son's actions, emphasizing that his son wasn't someone who caused harm in society and suggested severe consequences if he's found guilty. Recommended Video Lok Sabha Security Breach on 2001 Parliament Attack Anniversary: Know what happened | Oneindia News #WATCH | Mysuru, Karnataka | Devraj, father of Manoranjan who caused a security breach inside the Lok Sabha today, says, "This is wrong, nobody should do anything like that..." pic.twitter.com/EaCMxos6uB ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Security Breach In Lok Sabha: Anti-Terror Unit Investigates Eyewitness Mohan Danappa, present in the audience gallery, informed that they were there to observe the Lok Sabha proceedings. Positioned in the first gallery while the intruder was in gallery 2, the individual suddenly leaped into the chamber, releasing colored spray. MPs managed to apprehend the person after they sprayed yellow color from the right shoe. The accused was subsequently handed over to security personnel. One of the intruders obtained a pass from the private secretary of Mysuru MP Pratap Simha to access the parliament. However, the motive behind their actions remains unknown. Both individuals have been detained by the police and are currently undergoing interrogation. Parliament Security Breach: Security Increased In Delhi India oi-Pankaj Mishra The security breach at the Parliament saw Delhi Police swinging into action. All the 4 intruders have been detained and are being interrogated. Security has been tightened across the Capital post the Parliament incident. INCREASED SECURITY IN NEW DELHI Barricades were already out on the Delhi streets and main roads in view of the festive season and the apparent threat by SFJ Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. Pannun's threat against the Parliament heightened security measures, with Delhi Police declaring a high alert in response. Oneindia's Pankaj Mishra visited Delhi Railway Station and assessed the security situation. Watch in the Video. IS THERE A PANNU THREAT CONNECTION? The recent security breach at the Indian Parliament coincided with a threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, adding an alarming layer to the incident. Pannun, leader of the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice, had openly declared intentions to attack the Parliament around the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. While investigations are underway to establish a direct link between Pannun's threat and the breach, the Centre has taken a cautious yet serious approach. PANNUN THREAT ASSESSMENT Foreign Ministry had acknowledged the gravity of such threats, expressing the delicate balance between not amplifying extremists' messages and the need to address security concerns. Pannun, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, faced allegations of an Indian connection to a thwarted plot against him on American soil. The White House, recognising the severity of the reported plot, engaged with Indian authorities at the highest levels, highlighting the importance of investigating the matter thoroughly. DEC 13, 2023: WHAT HAPPENED IN PARLIAMENT TODAY Two intruders threw smoke canisters into the Lok Sabha hall, though the incident was less severe than the 2001 attack involving a suicide squad armed with automatic assault rifles. The Delhi police promptly detained a man and a woman near the Transport Bhawan. Protestors apprehended outside Parliament, identified as Neelam and Amol Shinde, residents of Hisar and Latur, were taken to Parliament Street Police Station for further investigation on this security breach. THE BOTTOM LINE This security breach serves as a stark reminder of the perpetual challenges in securing one of India's most vital institutions. The ongoing investigations will be crucial in determining the extent of any potential connection between Pannun's threats and the breach. Pune Bypoll: Opposition Parties Hail HC Order, Demand Immediate Bypoll Opposition parties in Maharashtra have lauded the Bombay High Courts decision directing the Election Commission of India to promptly conduct the bypoll for the Pune Lok Sabha seat, asserting that the constituencys residents cannot be deprived of representation for an extended period. India -Krishna Kripa Opposition parties in Maharashtra have welcomed the Bombay High Court's ruling on Wednesday, which directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately hold the bypoll for the Pune Lok Sabha seat. The parties emphasized that the people of the constituency cannot be left unrepresented for an extended period. Congress Terms HC Ruling as Rap for BJP and ECI The Congress termed the HC ruling as a rap for the governing coalition constituent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the poll panel. Mohan Joshi, vice-president of the Maharashtra Congress, stated, "It is a big rap for the Election Commission and the BJP, which was avoiding the bypoll as it fears defeat." NCP Echoes Congress's View Prashant Jagtap, president of the Pune city unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar group, echoed Joshi's sentiments. He said the BJP was avoiding facing the bypoll in the Lok Sabha seat as the party did not want to lose again after suffering defeat in the by-election to the Kasba assembly constituency in Pune city held earlier this year. BJP Leader Says HC Ruling Should Not Be Seen Through Political Prism However, BJP leader and former Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol urged that the HC's ruling should be respected and not viewed through a political lens. He maintained that the ECI is an independent body with the right to make its own decisions, and there is no question of anyone trying to interfere in its decision-making process. HC Calls ECI's Stand "Bizarre and Unreasonable" Earlier in the day, a division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata criticized the ECI's stance on not holding the byelection, citing its preoccupation with other polls, including preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The court termed this reasoning as "bizarre and wholly unreasonable." HC Order Prompted by Petition Against ECI's Decision The HC passed its order in response to a plea filed by Pune resident Sughosh Joshi against a certificate issued by the EC stating that the by-election to the constituency would not be held. The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting BJP Member of Parliament Girish Bapat on March 29. The Bombay High Court's ruling on the Pune Lok Sabha bypoll has sparked reactions from various political parties. While the opposition parties have welcomed the decision, the BJP has expressed respect for the verdict. The ECI is expected to take further action in accordance with the court's directive. SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal Accuses Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of Targeting Party Members SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of directing senior police officers to frame his partys social media heads in fake cases. Badal made these remarks while addressing the media in Amritsar. India -Krishna Kripa Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of directing senior police officers to frame his party's social media heads in fake cases. The accusation comes after a special investigation team of the Punjab Police, probing a drugs case, summoned SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia to appear before it on December 18. SAD President Condemns Pressure Tactics Addressing the media in Amritsar, Badal expressed his disapproval of the alleged pressure tactics employed by the Punjab government. He emphasized that neither the SAD nor its workers would be intimidated by such actions. Badal highlighted the party's history of fighting against repression and asserted that they would emerge stronger in the face of adversity. Previous Case Against SAD General Secretary Badal pointed out that Chief Minister Mann had previously forced the cybercrime cell to register a frivolous case against SAD general secretary Parambans Singh Romana, who later received relief from a court. He alleged that Mann was now attempting to silence senior leader Bikram Majithia by issuing summons in a case where the Punjab Police had failed to present a challan for the past two years. SAD Vows to Continue Exposing Chief Minister Badal declared that the SAD would not be intimidated by these actions and would continue to expose the chief minister at every opportunity. He accused the Punjab CID head, acting on the instructions of the chief minister, of attempting to silence SAD social media voices that were critical of Mann's administration. Badal asserted that the more cases were registered against the party, the more they would share information exposing the chief minister. Badal Challenges Chief Minister In a defiant move, Badal stated that he would personally share the same matter on his social media account and dared the chief minister to register a case against him if he wished. He emphasized that the SAD would not be deterred by these tactics and would continue to fight for the rights of its members and the people of Punjab. Should Amit Shah Resign? Here's What Social Media Users Say On Parliament Security Breach Parliament Security Breach Accused Wanted To Create Anarchy In The Country; Foreign Link To Be Probed Security Breach In Lok Sabha: Anti-Terror Unit Investigates India oi-Madhuri Adnal The Delhi Police's anti-terror unit has arrived at the Parliament building to investigate a security breach that occurred in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Two individuals involved in a separate protest outside Parliament using colored smoke canisters have also been detained. While the government has yet to issue an official statement, Delhi Police sources confirmed the situation is under investigation. "Initial inquiries regarding the breach and the individuals' access are underway. There is a possibility of multi-agency interrogations," they stated. The incident unfolded during Zero Hour when two individuals, one of whom was seen leaping over benches and the other dangling from a public gallery, reportedly released a gas-like substance into the House. Witnesses described the gas as having a foul smell and yellow color. Recommended Video Lok Sabha Security Breach on 2001 Parliament Attack Anniversary: Know what happened | Oneindia News MPs, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi, expressed concern about the breach, highlighting its occurrence on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Security Breach In Lok Sabha Chamber Of New Parliament Building: Two Detained, 'Color Bomb' Seized The two intruders were apprehended by Lok Sabha members and security personnel. The House was subsequently adjourned until 2 PM. Meanwhile, the detained individuals from the separate protest outside Parliament are being questioned at Parliament Street Police Station. However, it remains unclear whether these incidents are connected. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 15:15 [IST] BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. Irans nuclear activities are all within international norms, said Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Trend reports. He made the remark at an event in Isfahan on December 13, where a cooperation document was signed between Mobarakeh Steel Company and Irans National Laser Center. Eslami also said that some groups accuse Iran of violating international rules in its nuclear program. He added that these accusations are meant to hinder Irans progress. The Vice President noted that Iran is not deterred by these charges and the sanctions imposed on it and is pursuing its national objectives with confidence. According to the AEOI Chief, Iran has not kicked out any inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He said Iran has the legal right to select from the available inspectors. He said some people falsely claim that Iran has removed the inspectors from the country and express various views against Iran. Recently, some world media reports cited the IAEA as saying that Irans 60 percent enriched uranium reserves had increased from 6.7 kg to 128 kg. Irans nuclear program was the subject of the JCPOA, a deal signed by Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) on January 16, 2016. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed new sanctions on Iran as of November 2018. Iran claims that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA has reported that Iran has increased its highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months and now has 4,745 kilograms of enriched uranium. This is 15 times more than the amount allowed for Iran in the JCPOA. Iran has been trying to resume talks with the other parties on its nuclear issue and revive the JCPOA. The main goals of Iran are to end the sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries, access funds frozen abroad, and resume its crude oil exports. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur Security Breach In Lok Sabha Chamber Of New Parliament Building: Two Detained, 'Color Bomb' Seized India oi-Madhuri Adnal Two individuals leaped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, triggering a massive security concerns. MPs and security personnel apprehended the pair and handed them to the Delhi Police, who are presently questioning them. Little information is available about the individuals or their intentions. The persons who opened gas cannisters inside Lok Sabha were overpowered by Mumbai North East MP Manoj Kotak and Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla after which the security personnel took them away. Witnesses reported seeing the duo throw a canister that emitted a bright, fluorescent-colored gas. While the exact nature of the substance remains unclear, initial reports suggest it could be a harmless powder or smoke-generating material. The man opened a 'color bomb' outside the parliament too while being taken out by police. The woman was also apprehended.#ParliamentAttack #LokSabha #SecurityBreach pic.twitter.com/Yg0uztVuW5 Madhuri Adnal (@madhuriadnal) December 13, 2023 Recommended Video Lok Sabha Security Breach on Parliament Attack Anniversary: Om Birla Assures Everyone's Security One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery spraying some tear gas. The two persons were overpowered by the Lok Sabha members and the watch and ward staff. The incident caused commotion in the House, with MPs raising concerns about security and demanding a thorough investigation. The Lok Sabha proceedings were briefly suspended as security personnel cleared the area and ensured the safety of members. BJP Govt To Most Likely Retain Power In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Fitch Ratings Sansad breaking. Two people with tear gas canisters jumped into Lok Sabha well and opened it. House adjourned. #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/UrFZ7xE8pB sansadflix (@sansadflix) December 13, 2023 Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury speaks on an incident of security breach and commotion in the House. #WATCH | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury speaks on an incident of security breach and commotion in the House. "Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought pic.twitter.com/nKJf7Q5bLM ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 "Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel. House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001 (Parliament attack)..." In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security." Samajwadi Party's Dimple yadav said, "All those who come here - be it visitors or reporters - they don't carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is complete security lapse. Anything could have happened inside...'' India Backs UN Resolution For Ceasefire In Israel-Hamas Conflict International -Sathish Raman In a significant move, India voted in favor of a draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the unconditional release of all hostages. The resolution, introduced by Egypt, was adopted by the 193-member UNGA during an Emergency Special Session on Tuesday, December 13, 2023. Overwhelming Support for Ceasefire The resolution received overwhelming support, with 153 nations voting in favor, while 23 abstained, and 10 voted against the text. Sponsored by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Palestine, among others, the resolution emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated the demand that all parties adhere to their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians. Demanding Hostage Release and Humanitarian Access The resolution also demanded the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access." However, it notably did not name Hamas, prompting the United States to propose an amendment calling for the inclusion of a paragraph explicitly condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel and the taking of hostages. India's Stance on the Conflict India voted in favor of the US amendment, demonstrating its support for condemning Hamas's actions. This marks a shift from India's previous stance in October when it abstained from voting on a similar resolution in the General Assembly that called for an immediate humanitarian truce and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. Recommended Video Israel-Hamas War: India votes in favour of UN resolution for immediate ceasefire in Gaza | Oneindia Failed Attempt at UN Security Council Resolution The vote in the UNGA came shortly after the 15-nation UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 Member States, received 13 votes in favor, but was vetoed by the United States, a permanent member of the council. Devastating Impact of Terror Attacks The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in significant casualties and injuries. According to reports, more than 1,200 people, including 33 children, were killed in terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with approximately 70% being women and children, and around 49,645 have been injured. India's support for the UN resolution reflects its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. By backing the call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, India has reaffirmed its stance on the importance of respecting international law and humanitarian principles. Former Iowa Deputy Admits Guilt in Police Dogs Tragic Death A former Iowa deputy, Dallas Wingate, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of animal neglect resulting in the death of a police dog named Bear. Bear was left inside Wingates patrol truck for over 22 hours on a hot day, leading to his tragic demise. International -Sathish Raman A former Iowa deputy has admitted guilt to a misdemeanour charge after a police dog under his care tragically passed away inside a sweltering police truck. Dallas Wingate, a former sergeant with the Boone County Sheriff's Department, was responsible for the care of a police dog named Bear. In September 2022, investigators discovered that Bear had been left inside Wingate's truck for an extended period of 22 hours. Plea Agreement and Charges As part of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, Wingate pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death. Consequently, a more severe felony charge was dropped. The plea agreement proposes an 18-month probationary period and a fine of USD 855. Discovery of Bear's Death The tragic incident came to light on the evening of September 2, 2022, when Wingate discovered Bear deceased inside the truck. According to documents related to a search warrant, Wingate stated that he had placed Bear in the truck around 10 pm on September 1 because the dog was barking at a deer. However, he regrettably forgot about Bear until the following evening when he went to feed his other dogs and noticed Bear's absence. Extreme Temperatures and Consequences On the day of the incident, the temperature reached a high of 89 degrees Fahrenheit (31.7 degrees Celsius), causing the temperature inside the truck to soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius). These extreme temperatures proved fatal for Bear. Following the dog's death, Wingate was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned from his position on September 8, 2022. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting animal welfare. Does the Albanese government want Israel to immediately halt its war against Hamas in Gaza? The answer looks like yes but might be no. Despite uncertainty over long-term US support for Ukraine, Joe Biden has said: "Putin must lose." Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly lost over 315,000 troops amid the invasion, according to US intel. DW has the latest. A watchdog says the firms have hiked card payment fees from the European Union too much since Brexit. The United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. India votes in favor of the resolution, along with 153 other nations. The resolution also calls for the release of hostages, ensuring humanitarian access, and compliance with international law. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, highlights the humanitarian crisis and the need for a peaceful two-state solution. The US-led and Austria-led amendments to the resolution fail to pass at the UN General Assembly. Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester is leading an effort to overturn the Biden administration's decision to lift a ban on certain beef imports despite concerns from U.S. producers. 2008-2024 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is taking steps towards manufacturing of various kinds of products by using heavy water derivatives, said Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Trend reports. He made the remark at an event in Isfahan on December 13, where a cooperation document was signed between Mobarakeh Steel Company and Irans National Laser Center. Eslami noted that the steps include the production of radioisotopes, different types of equipment, and small-scale reactors. He also said that Iran is joining the global efforts to produce OLEDs, which use heavy water and its by-products as a key component. He added that Iran is working to boost its nuclear power generation to 20,000 megawatt hours by 2041. On December 13, 2023, a cooperation document was signed between Mobarakeh Steel Company and Iranian National Laser Center. According to the document, they will cooperate on the repair of equipment and production of laser supplies. Iran claims that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA has reported that Iran has increased its highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months and now has 4,745 kilograms of enriched uranium. This is 15 times more than the amount allowed for Iran in the JCPOA. Recently, some world media reports cited the IAEA as saying that Irans 60 percent enriched uranium reserves had increased from 6.7 kg to 128 kg. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur At least 184 scholars, lawyers, and experts in international law and politics have expressed grave concerns over the integrity of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in an open letter on December 6. In the letter addressed to the assembly of State Parties of the ICC, the academics raised... (Image by Citizen of the World Charter Schools) Details DMCA Like a scab located on a part of the body that is prone to contact with the outside world, any pause in the hostilities in the Middle East always seems destined to be ripped away before it can lead to permanent healing. Looking to disrupt the expanding state of detente between Israel and its neighbors, Hamas stuck a knife directly into the healing wound with its barbaric terrorist attack of October 7th. Israel's right-wing government responded with a sledgehammer, exacting revenge not only on the terrorists but on innocent civilians. With our country's political systems badly broken, this conflict in the Middle East has become yet another battle in the endless culture war. We only seem to be able to see issues in terms of black and white refusing to see shades of grey. Those supporting a cease-fire are deemed to be allies of terrorists with opposition to the policies of the Israeli government too quickly classified as anti-Semitic. In response, the deep harm done to innocent Israelis is too often minimized and care is not always taken to ensure that the historic persecution of the Jewish people is recognized. While people yell past each other, thousands of families from both sides are suffering as they bury their dead. Despite the complexity of this situation, teachers at Citizens of the World Charter School East Valley decided that it would be appropriate to tackle it in a first-grade classroom. Grown adults do not have the Emotional Intelligence to discuss the subject in a productive way, but somehow these teachers thought that six-year-olds could handle it. Predictably, the attempt blew up in their faces, with the teachers accused of weaponizing "their role as educators to indoctrinate the youngest of children with a radical and hateful agenda". According to a report that I received, the instructor asked students to "identify who in the room was Jewish" and was "trying to persuade six-year-olds that Jews living in Israel [is] an act of genocide". In the aftermath, the charter school chain "unequivocally" condemned "the disturbing suggestion that Jews should leave the region" and "any lesson that creates bias or fear among our students". The pain caused by these actions is magnified by the fact that the school is located on the campus of a Jewish Synagogue. Ignoring the "pain and distress" of its host community caused by events of October 7th, staff at the charter school complained "about Israeli flags that were hung up on the campus" in the wake of the terrorist attack. The principal even asked the Rabbi when they would be taken down. This is not the first time that a franchise of this white-flight charter school chain has clashed with the hosts of its campuses: Citizens of the World justifies its existence (and the funding provided by taxpayers) by promising to create "meaningful school experiences that build cross-cultural understanding and tolerance". In reality, the chain has left a trail of ill will as it repeatedly finds itself at the center of conflict. How can it succeed at teaching children to be citizens of the world when its management consistently fails at displaying citizenship in the communities where it operates? Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. "The world got along without race for the overwhelming majority of its history. The U.S. has never been without it." - David R. Roediger * What's wrong with our Electoral College vs. voters' direct choices: Americans, by acclamation, are mutually molded in the image of the Presidents, Members of Congress and Governors, we elect. When a third of Americans choose the mold of Andrew Jackson(7th) reincarnated in Donald Trump(45th) - inciting violence camouflaged by faux-religious patriotism, aid and abet the decline of American democracy. Even with interventions by Congress and Supreme Court, Native Americans were routed from their homes and lands, because President Jackson believed: white men should rule over non-white people - including servitude of indigenous people and Africans kidnapped to be Slaves for Southern American plantations. The potential discovery of gold prompted Georgia in particular to demand Indians move west of the Mississippi. * What's wrong with America's Trail of Tears and Slavery: Race is the child of racism, not the father - Ta-Nehisi Coates Theodore Roosevelt(26th): white race exists to rule over all other races, in the defense of the American Empire, including, the Pacific. Racial expansion of Monroe Doctrine: The Great White Fleet sailed to Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, flaunting a global Tsunami of the White Man's power. Howard Taft as Governor-General of the Philippines before becoming POTUS (27th), labeled Filipinos: our Little Brown Brothers. * What's wrong with Voting People: Those who fail to vote, and those who vote for leaders failing to work five-day weeks, opting for government shutdown in favor of Joe Biden (46th) Impeachment without evidence. There are no perfect American leaders - certainly not among those boasting, Home of the Brave, while separating parents from children seeking safety, risking drowning death by Governor Abbotts' imposing Rio Grande divide. If we see no evil in #45's hateful extremists (collaring German reaction to Versailles with American Appomattox), accepting dictator-like inciting, hearts and minds - nor hear no evil in post mass shootings' thoughts and prayers - 2024 may cause desertion from, speak no evil by voting to allow American defamation of faith, hope and love thy neighbor as thyself. * What went wrong with American Caucasian people after WWII: Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). On December 13th the New York Times promoted 10 paths to peace in Gaza. I had been wondering where the pretense had gone. We teach our children to be honest and responsible, and they watch COP28 lie and destroy like COPS 1 through 27. We teach them to talk rather than hit, and they watch Genocide Joe oversee mass murder. Aren't we a-bit-more-than-usual at a point where we need either a revolution of values or a big delivery of grade-A horse manure? The latter was of course more likely. Here it is. One of the 10 paths to peace this one from Ehud Olmert is for Israel to complete its "campaign to remove Hamas from power and destroy its ability to fight" and then send in NATO troops. Since this would fit perfectly on a list of 10 paths to violent chaos, I'm hopeful that when the New York Times publishes a collection of paths to war it will let me contribute some paragraphs on ceasing to arm, fund, or veto-protect Israeli genocide. A second path to peace this one from Diana Buttu is to let Palestinians govern themselves. Well, of course, but how can they do that when they are dead? Are they supposed to do it while the bombs are still falling, or only after they happen to stop? A third path to peace from Raja Khalidi is to provide actual aid, funding for food and medicine and reconstruction. Indeed, that is the urgently needed Step 2. It cannot even wait and needs to accompany an immediate Step 1. But isn't Step 1 to stop killing everybody? And doesn't that require that the United States government (and to a much lesser extent some other governments) cease shipping weapons to Israel and cease vetoing the will of the world at the United Nations? Not to worry. A fourth path to peace by Bernard Avishai and Ezzedine Fishere focuses on Joe Biden. But the advice to Biden is to pretend that Palestinians respect him, and to repeat as if brand-new and brilliant the generations-old idea of halting settlements and achieving a . . . wait for it . . . Two State Solution. And he should make sure it's heavily militarized and create a "sort of Arab NATO." Meanwhile, in a fifth path to peace from Jerome M. Segal Gaza should be made into a nation. There's nothing particularly wrong with that. But when the Nazis were gassing people in camps, and the U.S. government was pretending it could do nothing to evacuate future victims the world at least had the decency not to declare the path to saving them to be making Auschwitz an independent state. It would have been a great thing don't get me wrong but it would have been a state surrounded by a state seeking the elimination of its population. The root of the problem would seem to have been missed. A sixth path to peace from May Pundak and Dahlia Scheindlin is a bit better of an idea: the two-state solution but with a confederation making it a little of a one-state solution. But there's nothing about stopping the mass-murder or making this solution happen. In a seventh path to peace from Sulaiman Khatib and Avner Wishnitzer projects should bring Israelis and Palestinians together to develop a culture of peace. Yes. Absolutely. But the Palestinians should be alive for the occasion. Any Israeli brave enough to make it into Gaza and announce a meeting for developing a culture of peace is brave enough to lie down in front of the next doorway Netanyahu has to walk through. I think it's clear which is more needed right now. An eighth path to peace from Limor Yehuda, Omar M. Dajani and John McGarry would put the UN in charge, as would a ninth from Emma Bapt and Adam Day. But why imagine the UN post-war doing something it's never done when the UN needs desperately to abolish the veto and work to end the killing, and thus far has proved incapable of even that? A tenth path to peace from Peter Beinart says essentially that Israel should stop the slaughter and treat the crimes of October 7 as crimes rather than excuses for larger crimes, free prisoners, and allow self-governance. "Will Benjamin Netanyahu's government do any of this? Not a chance. But polls suggest that his Likud party may suffer a historic collapse when Israelis next vote. The Biden administration should make it clear that America's relationship with Israel will depend on its next government pursuing a different path." But how can Biden make such a thing clear while shipping over endless weapons, pushing grotesque propaganda, and vetoing any accountability to international bodies? He cannot. I'm reminded of a school board member here in Virginia who wanted to approve recognizing the International Day of Peace as long as it could be made clear that he wasn't against any wars. Everybody's for peace, from the let's-make-friends people to the send-in-NATO people. But nobody wants to be against war. Of these 10, only Beinart says to end it. Of course, some of these authors are in fact against the war. But that doesn't make it into the New York Times' comprehensive guide to achieving peace, almost all of which simply assumes that peace will come, and most of which is slightly hairbrained schemes for what to do after that. I've got ten better ideas: The financial sector, like all sectors, has been forced to adapt and transform itself in response to the new realities of the modern world: decarbonisation, corporate responsibility, the energy transition, net zero... Private equity has found itself ever more under the microscope of the ESG analysts, with modern investment portfolio management inextricably bound to social, economic and political responsibility. Some investment houses have been taken this new reality in their stride. The energy transition and net zero targets have, more than any other market phenomenon, transformed the investment sector in such a way that old approaches will forever remain just that, old. Financial players have accepted that economic success today relies on measurable social conscientiousness. PE houses all have that desire to 'do their bit', to meet the expectations of various stakeholders (investors, LPs, employees, civil society, regulators, etc.), to differentiate themselves from their peers and communicate a possible carbon advantage, and to measure their carbon exposure and transition risks. Profitability now depends on it. ESG criteria have become central facets of risk management strategies, and it has begun to dawn on investment house CEOs that adhering to a robust ESG strategy is crucial to long-term value creation. It is now indisputable that PE's position as a major player in the global financial system has huge potential when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, according to the Harvard Business Review. PE assets are projected to surpass $11 trillion by 2026. Circa. 10,000 PE firms worldwide oversee more than 20 million employees spread across 40,000 portfolio companies. A commitment to green finance and green investments could have the power to be transformative. A decade of changing attitudes Over the last decade, PE firms have come to realise the crucial role they have to play in the global struggle to get global warming under control, as well as other major challenges facing humanity today. But ESG, from a financial perspective, has become a key component of portfolio profitability. According to Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), "nearly 75% of the 633 private equity investors that reported to the PRI in 2021 (598 investment managers and 35 asset owners) said they assess ESG materiality for individual companies... rather than only looking at industry-level factors." PE's unique position within portfolio companies in terms of governance, ownership and management means it is well placed to oversee the ESG transition. "Our investment model whereby we are often in control ownership positions and have a long-term perspective and our expertise can help our portfolio companies advance their ESG journeys," said Elizabeth Lewis, the deputy head of ESG at Blackstone. "We aim to be a responsible investor. Our approach is one of constant improvement in this area," said UK investment house Bridgepoint's CEO, William Jackson. "We invest in all stages of the ESG maturity curve with the intention of making a difference and making sure our portfolio companies make a difference." Some firms have been hot on the heels of innovative, sustainable projects in the framework of the energy transition, for over a decade. A good example is the French-based PE firm Ardian. The firm has long put a robust ESG strategy at the heart of its investment management approach, leaning on innovative, socially responsible ideas and rethinking wealth distribution through employee ownership schemes across its portfolio. "Our criteria for investing in companies and infrastructure are evolving considerably, precisely to incorporate ESG criteria in a very rigorous way. By reinventing the way we invest today, we can jointly ensure the performance of our industry and the long-term development of our companies," said the firm's CEO, Dominique Senequier. Hard impact investment This embrace of impact and ESG investing by the big global private equity firms has led to high growth and some serious attempts at value creation through green finance project. Industry body the Global Impact Investing Network calculates that the market is now worth $1.2tn. In 2021, for example, TPG, the Texas-based private equity firm, said it had raised $7.3bn for a climate-focused impact fund, TPG Rise Climate, from backers including the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and insurance company Axa. As part of the $14 billion TPG Rise global impact investing platform, TPG Rise Climate leverages the capabilities of Y Analytics, TPG's public benefit LLC dedicated to understanding, valuing, and managing the social and environmental impact of its investments. "Our limited partners - both institutional investors and large multinational corporations - have joined us with a common purpose: to rapidly finance and scale climate solutions that meaningfully reduce or avert greenhouse gas emissions. It is a privilege to be working with our investors and climate innovators around the world to build a new net-zero economy," said Hank Paulson, Executive Chairman of TPG Rise Climate and former U.S. Treasury Secretary. Ardian, for example, has a CEO wholeheartedly committed to the modern ESG approach. The firm has made it its mission to accelerate the energy transition through clever investments in green energy projects. "It is becoming increasingly important to find more local energy sources and prioritise greener supplies," said Ardian's Marion Calcine, Senior Managing Director and CIO for Infrastructure, in an interview with Infrastructure Investor . "These are markets where we have a lot of experience with a portfolio of more than 8GW of renewables." Of course, measuring impact can be a real issue for PE investors. Clear climate targets are somewhat more easily auditable, but social targets less so. This can lead firms open to the accusation of greenwashing. This is not putting off investors, however. The blurring of impact and ESG investing within new regulatory frameworks is indeed a challenge, but one worth overcoming, especially in a context of the increasing threat of global warming. Financial players must seek to reduce the emissions linked to their operational activities (travel, offices, equipment, etc.), but also and above all simultaneously reduce the volume of financial flows to carbon-intensive players (e.g. the fossil fuel sector) and increase those to decarbonised and decarbonising activities (which help to decarbonise our economy). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting Tuesday with President Joe Biden and congressional leaders as the administration intensifies its push for Congress to approve billions of dollars in additional military aid for Ukraine before funding runs out. It's outrageous that Biden had to invite Zelenskyy to visit Washington, but congressional Republicans have spent months blocking the aid that's urgently to help Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression. And it's disgraceful that some Republican lawmakers will be attending a closed-door, two-day meeting in Washington that started Monday with allies of Hungary's autocratic Prime Minister Victor Orba'n to push for an end to U.S. military support for Ukraine. It's an unholy alliance. People of India in Fresh Cow dung to cure COVID (Image by Bing) Details DMCA People of India in fresh Cow Dung to prevent and cure COVID Background and history: I guess if one is born and raised in Iran, one would naturally despise or love religions. However, when I was born, Iran was not a theocracy yet. I was never pushed to become religious. My parents were not religious. In school we were required to study the Quran. In all classes if a student was not listening or had not done his homework, he would be beaten with a cane. Using a cane or just beating up the students by teachers was a common practice, but I was not a troublemaker and a good student. So, I was never caned, except once in the class for Quran, because I had not prepared to read a piece of the Quran in Arabic. I was caned two times, one for each hand. It hurt like a SOB. During high school there always was a course covering religious studies. The damn thing was stupid but easy. I was the only one in the class who knew how to get ahold of every edition of the Playboy. At that age, looking at playboy was the best substitute for religious studies. When I was leaving Iran to come here, I was under the impression that the cause of our excessive religiosity was just lack of proper education, superstitions and ignorance. When I arrived in Los Angeles, I had a sleepless night. So I watched the T.V. During a commercial, they showed a well-dressed man next to a black board. There were the simple drawings of a lake, clouds and the sun. The gentleman said God causes sun to shine on the lake which evaporates the water to go to sky to make the clouds which causes the rain to come back to earth. That is god's way of creating life on earth. If you want to know, more send $5 to P.O. Box"... It suddenly downed on me that this irrational behavior was not caused by poor education "Human religious behavior was universal". Studying social sciences, I had to study human religious behavior from many different angles. It took many years of schooling, until at post-doctoral studies of human brain it began to make sense. Finally, I could put all human sciences from history to psychology, anthropology, sociology, Persian mystic literature and the recent advancement in neuroimaging to find a rational cause for existence of religion. I will write the truth, you be the judge The origins of Human Religious Behavior: Throughout the history, the topic of human religiosity has been referred to as a learned behavior. In other words, a person's religion is the final outcome of the person's interaction with his environment. Therefore, the assumption was that if you are born in a Christian country, you are going to be a Christian. Theoretically, since the person has been exposed to his religion from early childhood his beliefs would be consolidated during adolescence and early adult life. Therefore, it would be quite unlikely that he would choose a different religion nor have the desire or the need to practice something else. Although we do see occasional cases of conversion of single individuals from one religion to another religion, mass conversions throughout human history are usually rare and mostly are caused by wars and force. These mass conversions, due to the force are for gold, land and new members to pay taxes. Also, the victims are forced to believe in the cause of their misery. Like African Americans, Native Americans and the natives of South America who are mostly Christian, while they were taken into slavery by devout Christians based on teachings of the Bible. Christianity, Judaism and Islam permit slavery, as a matter-of-fact Mohammad himself was a slave trader. While slavery is the greatest crime of human history. Although, the followers of the great religions of the world do not like to admit these historical facts, an honest historian would admit that my ancestors' conversion from Zoroastrianism to Islam was only achieved by Arabic swords. The same is true for natives of South America becoming Christians. Their fate was sealed by Spaniard swords. Interestingly, the forceful attempts to make a population atheist have never worked. The most famous historical example of these attempts is Stalin's brutal confrontation of religiosity. Stalin did not look at religion as just "opium of the masses" he looked at it as a menace for the society and considered clergymen as parasites. Stalin's method of dealing with religion was the same method that he used in dealing with anything else. His answer was total elimination of religion. He ordered all mosques, churches and temples to be burned, he killed all of the clergy. It should be noted that upon the collapse of the Soviet Union after seventy years of total atheism the first changes included the reappearance of mosques, churches, temples and clergymen. In other words, you can force people to convert to a different religion, but you cannot force them to become an atheist, as if human religiosity is a phenomena like sex or aggression, they just cannot live without it. During recent years there has been an evolution of thought regarding the origin of religions. This new theory has gained momentum recently. The latest set of research on this topic, using more advanced technology is gradually changing the entire concept of human religious behavior and its derivatives: spirituality, parapsychology and all other forms of believing in God as an innate drive which we are born with. This topic is going to be examined in this article in detail. God's spokesmen: Unfortunately, the intensity of human emotions regarding their faith is so strong, that it is next to impossible to hold a reasonable discussion regarding people who are referred to as prophets of God. If a person is a little inquisitive, he probably would have a few legitimate questions regarding the issue of prophets of God. The simple question is that "why does god need to assign a human being to be his spokesman or "prophet". After all, he is the creator of the universe, with such tremendous power and unlimited creativity; why does he need human beings to transfer his message? If we assume the hypothesis of religion as an innate drive; then the issue of the prophets changes entirely. The prophets would not be god's spokesman; rather, they are people who think that they are messengers of God. The prophets usually think that they are chosen by God. They believe that there is a problem associated with religion of their time, which has caused God to send them to articulate the truth. In one case, "Muhammad" the prophet of Islam, I was able to render a diagnosis and provide the support for the notion that he suffered from complex partial seizures. In the case of older prophets, the documentation is sketchy and unreliable. The more recent prophets are easier to diagnose, but they do not have such a strong following. Consequently, there is not an immediate need to spend years for research to figure out their diagnosis. However, if we broaden our scope, and look at the common denominator among them; we can see some similarities, which might be able to answer some of our questions. The main prerequisite to be able to claim that one is a prophet, is the ability to perform miracles. Although, the biggest miracle is the fact that there still are people who believe that there is such a thing called a miracle? What is a miracle? Prophets are supposed to perform miracles and have the ability to conduct behaviors that other humans cannot do. The prophets can wish things to happen that others cannot (turning a staff into a snake). In the case of Muhammad, he claimed that the Quran is his miracle, that no one else could write such an eloquent book. This practice lays the groundwork for Shakespeare (in English), Hafez (in Persian), and Garcia Lorca in Spanish, to make similar claims. In case of older religions their sacred books are mostly written well after the prophet is dead and although they are accepted as a divine religious document, they are very poor history books. Let's take the example of Jesus. Jewish people of that time had been waiting for appearance of 'Mashia" or messiah for centuries. Then a rabbi shows up in Jerusalem, riding a donkey. This rabbi announces that he is god's son. He was able to give life to the dead, cure illnesses as bad as leprosy and seizure disorder. Now in all honesty if such a thing had happened would anybody had dared to raise a hand on him. Some people might have not liked him, but everyone would have been scared of him to their shoes. The history of the Middle East is full of similar stories. The most famous one was Seyyed Ali Mohammad Shirazi 'Bab" about 150 years ago. The original founder of Baha'i religion, who are being badly oppressed in Iran. After a few years of his claims of being a prophet. He was called into a debate with Moslem clergy men in presence of the crown prince in city of Tabriz. He failed the debate quite poorly. So, he was ordered to be caned on his feet, He kept on screaming that he was sorry and begged them to stop the canning. Then he wrote a long letter of apology which is currently available in Iranian library of congress. Then he was killed. A very similar story to many other stories of recent prophets. If you do not believe me, just read the book of Mormon. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Although the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has captured the world's horrified attention, the war in Ukraine has had even more terrible consequences. Grinding on for nearly two years, Russia's massive military invasion of that country has taken hundreds of thousands of lives, created millions of refugees, wrecked Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and economy, and consumed enormous financial resources from nations around the world. And yet, despite the Ukraine War's vast human and economic costs, there is no sign that it is abating. Russia and Ukraine are now bogged down in very bloody military stalemate, with about a fifth of Ukraine's land occupied and annexed by Russia. Meanwhile, polls show that an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians remain determined to continue the struggle to free all of Ukraine from Russian captivity. Indeed, an opinion survey in the fall of 2023 found that 80 percent of Ukrainians polled believed that under no circumstances should Ukraine give up any of its territory. Similarly, in Russia, polls have found that a majority of the public appears content with the Putin regime's military conquest of Ukraine and is opposed to any peace settlement that would relinquish Russian control of conquered Ukrainian land. Of course, the accuracy of Russian polls on the Ukraine War remains deeply suspect, for professing opposition to the war could easily lead to arrest, as it did for 20,000 Russians in 2022. Perhaps for this reason, numerous Russians polled refused to answer the question of where they stood on the war. One participant responded: "Thank you for the opportunity not to testify against myself." In any case, in increasingly authoritarian Russia, public sentiment against war seems unlikely to alter the Putin administration's determination to triumph on the battlefield. Admittedly, in the United States, the major supplier of military and economic aid to beleaguered Ukraine, some developments point to declining enthusiasm for that role. The Republican Party has revived its 1930s policy (once termed "isolationism") of appeasing military aggression by rightwing dictatorships, while leftists with an anti-American slant see a Russian victory as a useful way of somehow destroying "U.S. imperialism". Nonetheless, unless Donald Trump and his MAGA followers sweep into power in 2024, it seems unlikely that the U.S. government or its NATO partners will entirely abandon Ukraine to a future under the jackboot of Russian military occupation. Given these obstacles, is there a way to secure a just settlement of the Ukraine War? There is, but it will take some creative action by the United Nations, the global organization that has been authorized to enforce international security. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the overwhelming majority of the world's nations have repeatedly used their participation in the UN General Assembly to condemn the Russian invasion and to call for a just peace in Ukraine. For example, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the war, the General Assembly, by a vote of 141 nations to 7 (with 32 abstentions), demanded that Russia "immediately, completely, and unconditionally" withdraw its military forces from Ukraine and called for a "cessation in hostilities" and a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace" based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. The UN Charter, of course, constitutes international law and bans "the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State." Even so, it is the UN Security Council that is tasked with enforcing international security, and Russia has used its veto in that UN entity to block UN action to end the Ukraine War. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 'The Glitter Is In Everything' (Image by The Philosopher) Details DMCA Philip Goff is a philosophy professor at Durham University. He says he spends most of his time trying to work out the ultimate nature of reality. His new book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe , is published by Oxford University Press. John Hawkins (JH): On Mind Chat, your YouTube channel and podcast devoted to consciousness queries, you claim that while most people think consciousness only exists in the brains of complex biological organisms, your view is that consciousness pervades the universe and is a fundamental feature of it. Please explain this idea. Philip Goff (PG): I spend a lot of my time wrestling with the mind-body problem - the ancient philosophical challenge of understanding how consciousness and the physical world fit together. There are various positions you can take over this: you can argue that the physical world is fundamental and that consciousness emerges from physical processes in the brain - this is the physicalist position. Or you can go the other way and start with consciousness, and then try to make sense of physical reality emerging from underlying facts about consciousness - this is the panpsychist position. Another influential position is dualism, according to which both consciousness and the physical world are fundamental but radically distinct, e.g. maybe consciousness is in the soul outside of the body and the brain. One crucial point to note is that you are not going to be able to work out which of these is correct with an experiment. These positions are all empirically equivalent, which means that for any scientific data, each of these theories will simply interpret that data in their own terms. Seen in this light, the mind-body problem is not fundamentally a scientific question, although scientific questions may be relevant to it. Rather, we have just got to try and assess each of these philosophical options on their own terms, see if we can evaluate them, and see which looks to be the most plausible. The mind-body problem is not fundamentally a scientific question, although scientific questions may be relevant to it. Physicalism, for example, aspires to explain consciousness in terms of physical processes in the brain. We can ask how well physicalists have done at that explanatory project. My belief is that despite many decades of time and effort being put into this project, it has gone precisely nowhere. It's not just that we don't have the full story; rather, we haven't managed to explain a single experience in terms of underlying neural activity. And in addition to this failed attempt to make actual progress, I think there are pretty good philosophical arguments that undermine the very coherence of the project. The panpsychist, on the other hand, tries to do it the other way around: we start with facts about consciousness and try and explain the emergence of physical reality in terms of these facts. Just as with physicalism, we can ask how well that explanatory project has gone. And, in contrast to the abject failures of physicalism, I think that philosophers have already worked out how this could be done. The mysteries have been solved. Panpsychism not fit with our current cultural paradigm, but it delivers the goods. The person who solved all the mysteries was Bertrand Russell, who I think should be thought of as the 'Darwin of consciousness'! His central insight in the 1920s was that physics is purely mathematical, and as such doesn't really care what fundamental reality is like, so long as it has the right mathematical structure. That leaves philosophers freedom to postulate a realm of basic conscious entities at the fundamental level, interacting in the right ways to yield the mathematical structures physics identifies. You can't get consciousness from physics but you can get physics from consciousness. We know it can be done! JH: My impression is that your new book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe, follows smoothly, even systematically, from your two previous books, Consciousness and Fundamental Reality (2017) and Galileo's Error (2019). Do you agree with this assessment? PG: While there are certainly a number of continuing themes, nonetheless I think the new book is a fairly radical departure from my previous books. In fact, it isn't a book I would have imagined writing about five years ago. It's been quite a journey! It is easy to get stuck in dichotomies of thought: Are you into US capitalism or Soviet communism (as though there were no options in between")? Similarly, my previous work was focused on the dichotomy of whether consciousness is something supernatural or just physical processing in the brain (again, assuming these are the only options). The dichotomy I have been especially in recently is: Are you a believer in the God of traditional Western religion or are you a secular atheist who thinks we just live in a meaningless, purposeless universe? Are you with Team Dawkins or Team Vatican? I was raised Catholic, but decided when I was 14 that I didn't believe in God and upset my grandmother by not getting confirmed. And I've been living very happily in the secular world for a long time. But I have slowly come to believe that both of these worldviews are inadequate; both have things they cannot explain about reality. So, this new book really is trying to argue for the inadequacies of these dichotomous worldviews and to explore the much-neglected middle ground. JH: In Galileo's Error, you claimed that Galileo is inadvertently responsible for gifting the world the mind-body problem, and is thereby partly responsible for what seems the absurd proposition that consciousness is an epiphenomenon - not really real - a kind of ghost in the machine. This seems confusing. Can you shed some light? PG: It's a somewhat provocative title, not least because I'm actually a huge fan of Galileo! I think he understood these things better than many people do now. But, essentially, Galileo wanted science, or at least our most basic science, to be purely mathematical. This is something we tend to take for granted these days, but it was a radical innovation at the time to insist that we describe the universe purely with the language of mathematics. But Galileo understood quite well that conscious experience can't be fully explained in these terms because conscious experience involves qualities - the smell of coffee, the taste of mint, the redness of a sunset, and so on - that can't be captured in the purely quantitative language of mathematics. An equation can't capture that deep red you experience as you watch a setting sun. For Galileo, then, if we want science to be purely mathematical, we have to take consciousness out so that everything we're left with can be captured in the language of mathematics. For Galileo, if we want science to be purely mathematical, we have to take consciousness out so that everything we're left with can be captured in the language of mathematics. That was a really good move as it gave science a more focused project. And in fact this project has gone so well, has produced such incredible technologies, that we are now in a period of history where people believe that what science offers is the complete truth, the complete answer to all significant problems! The irony is that it has gone so well because it was designed to exclude consciousness, so if we want to bring consciousness fully back into the scientific story, we need to rethink that dualistic paradigm that Galileo bequeathed to us. JH: In an amazing recent development, a strand of panpsychist thinking, "Integrated Information Theory" (IIT), has been getting worked over in the back alleys of academia by those who refuse to take it seriously as scientific inquiry. An article in Nature a few weeks ago that dismisses IIT as "pseudoscience" begins, "A letter, signed by 124 scholars and posted online last week, has caused an uproar in the consciousness-research community." Only Anil Seth defended IIT against the onslaught, calling it a legitimate, if flawed, scientific pursuit. Given that you have expressed sympathies with IIT in the past, what is your take on this high profile backlash against it? PG: In addition to Anil Seth, David Chalmers and Erik Hoel (an American neurophilosopher) have come out in defence of IIT. It has certainly created a robust debate! I think it's really crucial to distinguish the science and the philosophy of consciousness. There's a scientific project whose task is to track what we call the neural correlates of consciousness, i.e., which kinds of brain activity go along with which kinds of experience. It's a big challenge because you can't observe consciousness - you can't look inside someone's brain and see their feelings and experiences. But if we're dealing with another human being, we can ask them what they're feeling and try to correlate the brain activity we can observe with the consciousness we can't. That's a very important task, but it's different from the philosophical theories. Scientific theories are trying to tell us which kinds of brain activity go along with conscious experience, while the philosopher is asking questions like, "Why does brain activity go along with consciousness at all? Why are the physical world and consciousness correlated together in the first place?" The scientific and philosophical questions are distinct and can be mixed and matched in different ways. You could be a dualist integrated information theorist, you could be a panpsychist global workspace theorist, and so on. These are separate enterprises. The Scientific American letter was attacking IIT as a scientific theory of consciousness. It wasn't attacking the work I do, which is in the philosophy of consciousness. In fact, one of the things that wasn't explicitly said but might be in the background is a worry that integrated information theory justifies itself in part not just by appeal to experiments (although it does appeal to experiments) but also to philosophical considerations. Perhaps the letter writers are worried that funders aren't going to take consciousness science seriously as a proper science if it's actually a hybrid of science and philosophy. I can appreciate that worry, but we cannot pretend that dealing with consciousness is a purely scientific issue. Philosophy is important, and we need to move on from this scientistic idea that the only way we can answer questions about the nature of reality is through experiments. I wrote up my full view on this in The Conversation. Philosophy is important, and we need to move on from this scientistic idea that the only way we can answer questions about the nature of reality is through experiments. JH: How is panpsychism different from say pantheism? Can particle worship take the place of God? Will we begin to swoon over mathematical "elegance"? PG: I think there's a bit of a split in the panpsychist research community, analogous perhaps to the split in the early psychoanalytic community between followers of Jung and followers of Freud. Jungians were into spiritual archetypes, the collective unconscious, and so on, while followers of Freud wanted psychoanalysis to move on from what they perceived as superstitious nonsense and become a serious science. Analogously, there are some panpsychists, like David Chalmers, Luke Roelofs, and Angela Mendelovici, who are sympathetic to panpsychism, but have no time for any spiritual transcendent reality. For others, though, who are inclined in that direction for independent reasons, there might be a consonance between panpsychism and some kind of transcendent reality. I do think panpsychism is a picture of the world that is better than most for our mental and spiritual health! We are conscious creatures in a conscious universe. But I wouldn't want to overplay this angle. Particles may have some kind of consciousness, but it's of a very, very simple and rudimentary form. It's not something we'd want to worship, make friends with, or consider as a moral agent. On the other hand, if you're bringing in cosmic purpose, that becomes closer to a religious conception of reality and has more dramatic implications for human meaning and purpose. In fact, I am inclined to think that a paradigm shift is on the cards. There are two things that our current paradigm can't account for: the first is consciousness, as our scientific paradigm was designed by Galileo to ignore consciousness; and the second is purpose in the universe, as we have become convinced that science has demonstrated we live in a meaningless, purposeless universe. I do think panpsychism is a picture of the world that is better than most for our mental and spiritual health! In my view, the evidence against both of these paradigms has changed and it's time for our culture to catch up with it. It's a bit like the 16th century. We started getting evidence that we're not in the centre of the universe and people struggled to accept that because it didn't fit with the picture of reality they'd got used to. It's common nowadays to scoff at our anti-Copernican ancestors: Oh, those stupid religious people who couldn't follow the evidence. But I think every generation absorbs a worldview they can't see beyond. And that's very much what's going on now in relation to questions surrounding consciousness and meaning in a scientific world - we're in denial about these ideas because it doesn't fit with the picture of reality we've got used to. My view is that you can have a perfectly meaningful life without cosmic purpose, through meaningful activities, such as kindness, creativity, or the pursuit of knowledge. But life can be potentially more meaningful if there's cosmic purpose. We want our lives to make a difference. If you can contribute in some small way to the purposes of the whole of reality, that's about as big a difference as you can imagine making. In Why?, I discuss how belief in cosmic purpose - or "cosmic purposivism" as I call it - connects to spiritual practice, spiritual communities, and to political struggle. I'm not trying to give you the final answers, to claim that cosmic purposivism is the only way to live a meaningful life. But I want to open people up to this option that's distinct from the two more familiar options of secular atheism versus traditional Western religion. I've certainly found cosmic purposivism to be a deeply meaningful way of living, connecting up what I'm doing to some greater purpose. If nothing else, it keeps my ego in check! The aim of the final chapter of the book is just to lay this out as a possible option that people might want to think about. I often describe Why? as a middle way between God and atheism. My atheist friends disagree with this, and tell me it's just a non-standard form of atheism, but my religious friends tell me it's just a non-standard form of theism! In some sense, my view is similar to the Carl Sagan idea that "we are star stuff" and that we can find inspiration in that. But I think that the view I defend in Why? is a bit more radical than Sagan's. Sagan wasn't departing from the current conventional scientific story; rather, he was just advocating having religious-like attitudes, such as awe and wonder, towards the universe as science conceives of it. This is a bit like the view of "naturalistic pantheists" who just accept the current conventional scientific story of the universe but claim to hold religious attitudes towards the universe so conceived. I'm saying more than that. I am saying there is a purpose that goes beyond humanity. I think it can be rational to live in hope of cosmic purpose, even if it's unfolding in ways we don't yet fully understand. I think William James was right that it can be rational to hope beyond the evidence. For example, you might think if you just go off the evidence, it doesn't look likely we're going to be able to deal with climate breakdown. But it can be rational to hope that humanity will rise to the challenge and to find meaning and motivation in that hope. Likewise, I think it can be rational to live in hope of cosmic purpose, even if it's unfolding in ways we don't yet fully understand. ##### Find out more at Philip Goff's website: lipgoffphilosophy.com or follow him on Twitter @Philip_Goff Los Angeles, California-Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club has been awarded a $300,000 PROP 64 Youth Community Access grant from the California Natural Resources Agency for the implementation of the "World Outside Our Doorstep" Program. This program aims to provide underserved youth in Los Angeles with unique outdoor experiences, cultural-related outings and recreational opportunities to support substance prevention and early intervention. Through the "World Outside Our Doorstep" Program, Los Angeles BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 13. The European Parliament voted in favor of a resolution calling on the Council of the European Union to grant candidate status to Georgia. In addition, the European Parliament calls on the Council of the European Union to begin accession negotiations for Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trend reports. According to the information, 468 members of the European Parliament voted for the resolution, 99 were against, and 58 abstained. The text of the resolution on the critical importance of EU enlargement emphasizes that it is a powerful geopolitical tool for the EU and a strategic investment in peace and security. According to a statement by the European Parliament, European parliamentarians call on the Council of the European Union to make a decision on the start of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova at a meeting on December 14-15. Subject to some reform steps being taken, they also expressed their readiness to begin accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and grant candidate status to Georgia. Houston, TX - Today marks a thrilling collaboration between HUES BOA, a hot new apparel and accessories brand, and DSYMBR, an innovative musician breaking barriers in the music industry. The partnership between these two creatives promises a unique blend of fashion and music, forging a path where style and sound converge. HUES BOA brings its expertise in unique, creative, high-quality apparel designs and passion for supporting diversity and is delighted to 2023 has seen an unusual rise in inmate deaths in Multnomah County, with the spike triggering public promises from Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell that her office would examine and be transparent about what is driving the deaths. Ten inmates have died in custody in the county since 2022 almost half the 21 total inmate deaths since 2015. None died in custody in 2021 and 2020. A majority of the inmates who died in the past 19 months succumbed to drug overdoses or suicide, records show. The county recently released redacted reports from the medical examiners investigations of six of the inmates deaths, bringing the total number of available autopsy records to nine. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported in August that Allen Walker, 31, died May 13 at the Multnomah County Detention Center of natural causes, after more than six cups of blood poured into his stomach through a rupture in his esophagus, caused by an ulcer. Two deputies were each indicted Tuesday on one charge of official misconduct in connection with two of this years inmate deaths. The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office has said that deputies James Brauckmiller and Michael Mersereau may not have performed their job duties as required. Brauckmiller allegedly failed to perform a duty imposed on him by law on June 16, the day a Multnomah County Detention Center inmate died by suicide. Mersereau allegedly failed to perform his duty on Aug. 1, the day an inmate at the detention center overdosed on fentanyl. The charges are related to the deaths those days, but the alleged misconduct did not directly cause the deaths, a Multnomah County District Attorneys Office spokesperson said in an email. Seven of the inmate deaths between May 9, 2022, and Oct. 26 of this year were at downtown Portlands Multnomah County Detention Center. Three occurred at Inverness Jail in Northeast Portland. Three died from drug overdoses, two of them from fentanyl, according to the records. The county began releasing redacted records after the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office ruled in favor of the publication Street Roots, finding that the normally confidential records are of significant interest. Three inmates died by suicide, and three suffered complications from pre-existing medical conditions. The records dont offer an opinion on whether jail staff could have done more to prevent any of the deaths. Below are summaries of the deaths: Jess Castillo, 26, was booked into the downtown detention center on May 9, 2022, on drug charges. He was sitting in the holding area and then got up and went to the bathroom, according to a summary of what investigators learned. The next time deputies saw him, Castillo was lying on the bathroom floor, unresponsive. Neither emergency responders on scene nor staff at a local hospital could revive him. A blood analysis revealed he had about 50 mg of cocaine per liter of blood in his body. Stephen Murphy, 63, had been at the Multnomah County Detention Center for about four months, on hold for federal drug charges, when staff found him unconscious and not breathing in his cell on July 25, 2022. About five hours later, just after midnight, he died at OHSU Hospital. The doctor who performed the autopsy concluded Murphy likely died from 11 cups of blood he bled internally after cancerous tissue in his liver ruptured. An analysis found fentanyl in his system but determined it didnt cause his death. Deputies found Kenneth Hurley, 55, unresponsive on the floor of his cell during a routine welfare check Nov. 19, 2022. They could not revive Murphy, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He died of pneumonia, a complication of his influenza infection, the medical examiner concluded. The first inmate to die in 2023 was Donovan Wood, 26, who was booked into Inverness Jail on Dec. 20, 2022, according to the medical examiners report. He died by suicide May 2. Martin Franklin, 58, died by suicide June 16 when he was an inmate at the Multnomah County Detention Center. Abram Harmon, 53, died by suicide while at the Inverness Jail six days later. Josiah Pierce, 31, was being held at the same jail when he overdosed on fentanyl July 19 and died, records show. He had been evaluated by staff the previous day because they believed he had ingested an unknown substance, but he appeared unaffected, singing during the course of transport. Clemente Pineda, 36, died Aug. 1, after vomiting one to two days. The day he died he told staff his symptoms were getting worse. Another inmate noticed Pineda lying on the floor, not moving, and alerted deputies. Neither CPR nor Narcan, a common opioid overdose treatment, could revive him. A blood analysis revealed fentanyl in Pinedas system, and the medical examiner ruled the death an accident, caused by fentanyl toxicity. Records for Tera Harris, the last reported inmate death in Multnomah County, have not yet been released. Harris, 51, died Oct. 26. The medical examiners report on her case likely wont be available for months, a county spokesperson said Tuesday. Sheriff Morrisey ODonnell has asked the Oregon State Police to investigate the deaths and for the National Institute of Corrections to assess how the county runs its jails. Do you have a tip? Get in touch. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com Oregon prison staff, facing a court order to classify a transgender woman as vulnerable and prevent male staff or male prisoners from seeing her nude, forced her to submit to a body-cavity search and provide a urine sample in front of male guards, her lawyers said. Zera Lola Zombie and her lawyers are now asking the court to hold the state in contempt of the judges September order. Editors note: This week and next, were counting down our favorite new Portland restaurants of 2023, starting with our No. 10: Heavenly Creatures, an ethereal Northeast Broadway wine bar with restaurant-level ambitions. When I think of Heavenly Creatures, I think less of the dark walnut shelves lined with hard-to-find wines, and more of the clean bar topped with fresh-cut bulbs and thick candles gathering wax that I first visited in spring. That day, the new Northeast Broadway wine shop and bar inside the old 180 Xurros space could have doubled for a Hollywood version of Heaven itself. If it happened to be your last meal, the young yellowtail toast wouldnt be a bad way to start, its slabs of tender fish draped over a smoky tonnato brightened with pickled onions and mustard seeds. Created by consulting chef Aaron Barnett (St. Jack) as a sort of slant rhyme on the lox bagels Heavenly Creatures owner Joel Gunderson used to bring him when the duo worked near each other on Northwest 23rd Avenue, its the dish Ive ordered more than any other this year. Now executed by chef Matt Mayer and his team, that toast and the potato chips with whipped camembert are the two must-orders, the latter defined by its pool of viscous, meniscus-defying liquid cheese dusted with dehydrated jalapeno. Elsewhere, youll find a menu of things youre happy to order once (celery root and roasted maitakes tossed in a cool bagna cauda) and others you look forward to seeing again (grilled lamb ribs escabeche with apricot). A painterly scene at the bar at Heavenly Creatures, a wine bar in Northeast Portland. November 27, 2023Beth Nakamura Still, theres no obligation to build a full meal here. Despite the restaurant-level ambitions, this remains a wine bar at heart, and nearly every glass Ive tried there are usually around 15, sometimes including a bottle or two found nowhere else in town has been special in some way. Some good French olives, the country pate, the yellowtail toast (always the toast) and a glass or two of great wine set the stage for a heavenly evening. What to know: Through the Coopers Hall brand, Gunderson and his team also manage the large space in back once home to Spanish restaurant Chesa. What to eat: Picholine olives, country pate, young yellowtail toast, potato chips and whipped camembert, whichever wine the deeply knowledgeable staff recommends. Heavenly Creatures is open for dinner Monday-Saturday (with a small plates menu available on Friday-Saturday afternoons) at 2218 N.E. Broadway, heavenlycreaturespdx.com. Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com The large vacant lot sits in an industrial-zoned strip northeast of the St. Johns neighborhood in North Portland, hemmed in by a former metal casting company, a semi-truck repair business, the polluted Columbia Slough waterway and a wastewater treatment plant. At the end of October, Mayor Ted Wheeler announced this remote property will house 200-plus people in RVs, campers, tiny homes and tents. Its slated to become the second of six alternative mass shelter sites in the city opening in the coming months to provide those experiencing homelessness with services and a bridge to more permanent housing, he said. But in recent weeks, some neighbors and local environmentalists have raised concerns over the presence of toxic chemicals at the 22.5-acre site off North Portland Road and what they say is a lack of clarity from city leaders about the impacts of housing people there without fully knowing whether the chemicals pose a risk. The chemicals include industry solvents from truck-washing and repair businesses and chemicals from other industries previously located on the land. This is not a redeveloped, clean site. Its contaminated and the city should not place unhoused people there, said Charlotte MacDonald, a consultant for local environmental nonprofits who lives less than a mile away and has sought information about the industrial strip since moving there about eight years ago. The city has categorized the site as a brownfield with industrial pollution. The extent of the contamination and its potential health impact isnt clear because the city has yet to complete a risk assessment for the property, according to Dan Hafley, hydrogeologist with the state environmental agency who has worked on the site for years. We know theres contamination on the property, theres no question about it, Hafley told The Oregonian/ OregonLive. The important question is, where is the contamination? Exposure is most likely to happen at the ground surface, with the exception of contaminants that might vaporize and rise up through the soil. The department would sign off on any city plan to clean up the site before people would move there, he said. City officials said theyre aware of the contamination and that redevelopment of the site for a mass shelter fits in with the citys previous work of safely returning brownfields to productive use. Cody Bowman, the spokesperson for the mayor, said the property has been thoroughly reviewed over a substantial period for environmental concerns. Brownfields are common in this region. We are working closely with experts in the Bureau of Environmental Services on doing sampling to ensure the site will be safe for use, Bowman said. We will mitigate however the experts tell us to mitigate. The City would never shelter anyone on a site that wasnt safe, Bowman added. HISTORY OF CONTAMINATION The proposed shelter site has been in industrial use since at least the 1940s, home to a shingle mill, boat manufacture and repair, materials storage, welding, diesel engine repair and rebuilding and, most recently, a tanker truck washing business, according to environmental regulators. The property has a long history of toxic chemical presence in soil, groundwater, stormwater runoff and surface water, according to the DEQ. The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services bought the site in 2001 in anticipation of expanding the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant, located just on the other side of North Portland Road. But the expansion didnt happen and the site sat vacant, host instead to burned-out vehicles, illegally dumped tires and other trash, homeless encampments and people squatting in its dilapidated garage-like structure. During that time, the Bureau of Environmental Services mapped out, monitored and worked to control the underground contamination that existed before it purchased the property, said bureau spokesperson Diane Dulken. In 2014, the DEQ report analyzed groundwater and soil samples collected by the bureau at the property the most recent sampling data available and detected a variety of contaminants. The analysis also found the presence of volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, typical pollutants from industrial uses. These included high levels of industrial solvents tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, and trichloroethylene, or TCE, present in the soil. The levels exceeded DEQ screening values for industrial exposure. The TCE was likely the legacy of the truck washing business, which dumped rinsings containing the solvent into natural ponds on-site and later into an artificial lagoon, according to the DEQ report. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now says TCE can cause cancer and neurological harm, even at lower levels of exposure. The federal agency proposed to ban its use last month. Some of the contaminants found in the groundwater were attributed to a plume of contamination from the adjoining truck repair property, the report said. The 2014 analysis concluded the site had potential health risks associated with the exposure to surface and subsurface soil, exposure to groundwater in excavations and exposure to volatile organic compounds via outdoor air and indoor air in potential future buildings. The proposed shelter sites contamination isnt the only concern. MacDonald points out that some of the neighboring sites are also brownfields. At Columbia Steel, the century-old metal casting company that permanently shuttered last year, heavy metals remain in the soil and three waste piles are still due to be removed, including a larger pile of sand fines tiny sand particles and a smaller pile of foundry sand. The companys closure was due partly to mounting environmental regulations it was one of the first selected in 2019 for review under Cleaner Air Oregon, the states new program regulating toxic air emissions. But the company closed before completing the agree-upon risk assessment for the site. A waste pile containing metal contamination sits at the former Columbia Steel property, the century-old metal casting company that operated just next door to a proposed mass shelter site. While the pile and two others are not hazardous waste, they're due to be removed and may pose a risk to human health if someone is exposed to the waste for many years.Gosia Wozniacka/The Oregonian/OregonLive DEQs Hafley said numerous investigations and cleanup efforts have been completed at Columbia Steel over the past 25 years. Most of the contaminated soil at the 87-acre site is covered with paving or buildings and presents a low risk, he said. And the state environmental agency is currently reviewing final data for the former foundry area to determine if it still poses a hazard to human health and the environment. As to the waste piles, theyre not hazardous waste but do contain metal contaminants that could pose a health risk if humans were exposed to them for a long time. The waste can be disposed of in a special landfill or sold and used as non-residential construction fill, utility trench fill or road-base material. Columbia Steel propertys new owner, a brownfield redevelopment company, will be required to remove the waste piles, Hafley said. If they are trucked out past the mass shelter site, the company would likely have to use covered trucks, he said. Although, he added, short-term exposure to the material poses little risk. The DEQ is also involved in an ongoing cleanup of sediment contaminants, including PCBs and pesticides, in the Columbia Slough, which runs by one of the sides of the proposed shelter site. DEQ has a proposed agreement with the city of Portland to address its contribution to stormwater and sediment contamination in the slough. The agreement stipulates the city would pay DEQ $18 million over three years to complete its cleanup work. CLEANUP PLANS Because the samples at the proposed shelter site were last collected a decade ago, the Bureau of Environmental Services staff is now doing additional soil and groundwater sampling at the site, officials said. The bureau expects to submit two new reports to the state this month, a risk assessment and a plan to address contamination at the site, Dulken said. Both reports will be reviewed by the DEQ and will be available as a public record on the state agencys website, she said. Hafley said state toxicologists will use that data and report to analyze the risks to human and ecological health under the DEQs voluntary cleanup process. Those risks largely depend on where the contaminants are found at the site, Hafley said. The main pathways of exposure are through direct contact with the soil and by breathing chemicals that vaporize into the air. Workers dug trenches at the proposed mass shelter site off North Portland Road on Friday, December 8, 2023. Neighbors and local environmentalists have raised concerns over the presence of toxic chemicals at the site, a place officials envision would offer a respite to people experiencing homelessness.Gosia Wozniacka/The Oregonian/OregonLive Most of the chemicals previously found at the site are non-volatile, Hafley said, meaning once theyre in soil or in groundwater, they typically dont move around and dont pose a threat. If we have metal contamination thats deep, lets say its 20 feet below ground surface, theres probably little likelihood that theres going to be exposure to that contamination, he said. The exception is VOCs, which can dissolve in water and move around in groundwater as well as vaporize to the waters surface and then into the air and the city needs to test and mitigate for their presence, Hafley said. Cleanup typically includes removing contaminated soil and taking it to a specialized landfill, capping or paving over of the property or a combination of the two, Hafley said. That type of cleanup can take a few months, though it depends on how much the propertys owner or developer is willing to spend, he said. The city estimates it will spend about $3 to $4 million for cleanup, paving the property, lighting, fencing, a septic tank and sanitation units and 20 tiny homes. The operation costs are estimated to be $7 million a year, said Savannah Eadens, a spokesperson with the citys homelessness initiatives. Bowman, Wheelers spokesperson, said the city is aware of neighbors and environmental activists concerns and has provided public information on the sites condition, including on a city handout at a recent community meeting, one of four community forums it has organized about the proposed shelter site. Wheeler didnt mention the sites brownfield status when announcing the shelter location in a press release, and MacDonald said the flyer she received in the mail about the proposed shelter site did not provide information about the propertys toxic past. Bryan Aptekar, a community liaison for the citys safe rest villages and mass shelter sites, acknowledged contamination was previously detected on the site. But he said rehabilitating brownfields is routine and safe in Portland and elsewhere. Brownfield development is normal and its OK. This isnt alarming, Aptekar said. The entire Pearl District, including parks and playgrounds, and the fancy apartments and condos on the South Waterfront were all built on brownfields. Its standard to do whatever needs to be done to make them usable for the purpose of redevelopment. Aptekar said the city is closely following DEQs cleanup protocol at the site, as it does for other brownfields. We understand there are concerns and that to develop the site we need to address those concerns, he said. We wont move forward with bringing people onto the site until weve done what DEQ says will make it safe. Finding big spaces to house people experiencing homelessness, especially those living in RVs, has been challenging, he added. Some of the sites the city originally identified were heavily opposed by neighbors, others couldnt be used because they had a protected environmental status due to being in a floodplain or wetland, while others had contamination issues that were too expensive or time-consuming to remedy. With the mayors TASS (Temporary Alternative Shelter Sites) sites, were anticipating we need larger spaces and weve learned that we may have to deal with mitigation and thats a cost that we need to incur, he said. Gosia Wozniacka; gwozniacka@oregonian.com; @gosiawozniacka Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe/ The Oregon State Hospital must make additional safety improvements to the way it transports patients or risk losing a large chunk of its federal funding, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The order comes months after the state psychiatric facility was investigated for a patient who stole a hospital van and eluded police after a high-speed chase on Interstate 5. Patient Christopher Lee Pray, then accused of attempted murder, was found a day and a half later in a pond in Portland. The hospital must submit a corrective action plan by Dec. 21 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or risk losing its eligibility to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. The state hospital received about $18.7 million in Medicare and Medicaid funding during the last two-year budget cycle. Once the hospital submits its corrective plan, investigators will visit the hospital to review the improvements. According to a letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, if it doesnt meet the requirements, the hospital will lose its funding on March 10. Larry Bingham, a state hospital representative, said the report was a follow-up to the September investigation into a patients dramatic escape. [] it is a broader and deeper dive into hospital practices and processes beyond transporting patients, Bingham said in an email. The report addressed safety concerns, including: -Several instances of hospital staff failing to safely transport other patients over the past several years, including a lack of documentation about specific details of the trip, such as who restrained the patient and which vehicle was used. -Staff putting restraints on patients who did not need to be restrained while being transported, and patients getting injured by improperly-placed handcuffs. -Poorly-maintained restraints -Failure to protect patients from abuse and neglect, including not reporting incidents according to state or federal law. In a news release, hospital superintendent Dolly Matteucci said the hospital was already making the necessary corrections. The safety of patients, staff and the public is our number one priority at Oregon State Hospital and we are taking immediate measures to ensure we meet the CMS requirements and continue to keep patients, staff and the public safe and secure, Matteucci said in the statement. This is the second time in three months that the hospital has been ordered to make safety improvements. After Prays escape, a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services investigator found the state hospitals safety lapses put patients in immediate jeopardy of harm or death. The federal agency ordered the hospital to address them within three weeks. The hospital agreed to make immediate changes, including loading and unloading patients only from specific secure places, requiring drivers to keep their keys on them at all times and using vans with barriers between the front and back seats. Mondays report identified more safety failures related to patient transportation. The report said the hospital failed to prevent patients from escaping during transport, and failed to develop and implement clear policies and staff training around transporting patients. Examples, the report said, included failure to prevent patients from entering unauthorized areas through secure doors and to require staff to close and lock doors to secure areas. It said the hospital did not have specific policies about how to handle patients who are in the state hospital through the criminal justice system about 97% of the hospital population or how to handle patient misconduct during transports. The report also states that until September of 2022, the hospital contracted with the Marion County Sheriffs Office to transport patients. The sheriffs office ended that contract, citing staff shortages. Since then, state hospital staff have transported patients. Though it didnt identify him by name, the report described new details about Prays escape. Pray, 39, was charged with attempted murder but found mentally unable to aid in his own defense. A day after he was admitted to the hospital from the Multnomah County Jail, Pray got into a fight with another patient, according to a state hospital spokesperson, and had to be taken to a medical hospital. According to the report, Pray was shackled inside the van but was able to unbuckle his seatbelt once they returned to the hospital and jumped into the driver seat, where the staff member had left the keys in the van. The staff member said they attempted to climb into the front passenger seat to stop Pray, but he accelerated, striking the staff member and knocking them to the ground as he drove away. He led police on a brief high-speed chase, before they abandoned the pursuit for public safety reasons. Pray was found more than a day later, stuck in the mud of a pond in North Portland. He was no longer in shackles. A patient escape in 2021 also prompted a federal investigation of the state hospital. A patient walked away from the hospitals Junction City campus, remaining at large for several weeks. During that investigation, inspectors found a slew of safety problems that resulted in a 134-page report ordering changes. This story will be updated. Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com Sandy Chung, Joy Alise Davis and Khanh Le Chung is executive director of the ACLU of Oregon. Davis is president and executive director of Imagine Black. Le is executive director of Unite Oregon. We all agree that state leaders must take swift action to address drug addiction and homelessness. Their policy decisions will create a state filled with thriving communities or one filled with jails and prisons. They cant do both. An interest group funded by billionaires and led by a former prison system chief is pressuring lawmakers to recriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs, viewing police and jails as the way to address drug addiction. A recent Oregonian/OregonLive editorial also pushes for this approach for adults and youth. They argue that Oregonians havent been sentenced to prison for possessing user amounts of drugs in many years, but ignore that jailing someone whos been arrested is still imprisonment. Thousands were arrested and jailed every year until Measure 110, and jails are hard, dangerous places. Over the past year, suicides and overdoses increased in Multnomah County jails. Washington County jails also had increases in deaths. What will happen if thousands more people are sent to jails because of drug addictions, when jails cant handle the current numbers? Moreover, jails simply cycle people in and out. They dont solve addiction or keep homeless people off the streets. Over the past 50 years, until Measure 110 was adopted in 2020, Oregon chose jails and prisons to fight the war on drugs. What did that get us? Our incarcerated population increased more than threefold since the 1970s due to Oregons prison-centric approach to many offenses, and weve squandered billions of tax dollars on the criminal system every year. But its never enough. This year, state lawmakers increased funding for public defense by more than $100 million; yet too many Oregonians still cannot access a defense attorney, destabilizing the entire system. By choosing police, jails and prisons for 50 years, did Oregon make drug addiction and homelessness better? The answer is a definitive no. Drug addiction and homelessness have been in constant crisis, long before Measure 110 and continuing today. As serious as these issues are in Oregon, many states are in worse shape. According to our calculations based on federal overdose data, 19 states had higher fatal overdose rates from June 2022 to June 2023, and none of them have a law like Measure 110. Why do drug addiction and homelessness continue to plague Oregon? Answer: insufficient resources. Everyday Oregonians and experts agree that real solutions to these crises are addiction treatment with recovery housing; affordable housing and reducing poverty; safe and accessible shelters; work programs for trash clean-up and neighborhood revitalization efforts; and sending crisis counselors, instead of police, to respond to people having mental health or addiction crises. However, although Measure 110, local governments and state lawmakers added more resources during the past couple years, Oregon still does not provide enough to meet our states needs. Why are we here? As stated in the Oregonian editorial, Law enforcement, often asked to be the last resort for the communitys most intractable problems, cannot fix the chaos with arrests. For decades, Oregon misused the criminal system for societal concerns that are health and poverty issues. Our state has hemorrhaged billions on a system that simply cannot solve the root causes of drug addiction and poverty and this policy failure starved real solutions of desperately needed funding. Not to mention, police and jails make drug addiction and homelessness more difficult and expensive to solve because the criminal system causes trauma, increases the risk of overdose deaths and creates formidable obstacles to addiction treatment, housing, education and jobs. Moreover, the racism entrenched in the criminal system disproportionately locks up people of color, especially Black people. No one can deny that the war on drugs decimated Black and brown communities. Criminalizing addiction simply punishes our most vulnerable communities who have the least access to money and health resources. When our state barely meets 50% of treatment needs, diverting limited tax dollars away from solutions to the ineffective, exorbitantly expensive tactic of criminalization is wasteful, irresponsible and inhumane. Oregon is what we make it. We can create thriving communities but to do so, we must reduce rates of addiction and eliminate public drug use. These serious issues cannot be addressed with the false promise of criminalization. We must address their root causes with real solutions including more treatment, housing , and crisis-response teams. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Oregon must stop repeating failed, racist policies that make drug addiction and homelessness more difficult and expensive to solve. The future of our state depends on it. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Thank you for publicizing the Multnomah County commissions letter to Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality asking for the denial of Zenith Energys new air contaminant discharge permit, (Multnomah County calls on state regulators to block Zenith Energys crude oil storage in Portland, Dec. 7). The public cannot trust Zenith Energys promise to switch to renewable fuels by October 2027. After all, Zenith has not fulfilled its previous promises to the city. In 2018, Zenith told DEQ that its planned expansion would not lead to increases in crude oil transloading. Since then, the amount of crude oil imports and exports has increased every year. Zenith promises renewable fuel in five years, knowing this promise is their only path to continue importing and exporting crude oil through Portland. Zenith gets the word out through television ads to influence support of the city approval of Zeniths Land Use Compatibility Statement. Whats the penalty to Zenith if in five years they are still transloading crude oil? Finally, Id like to point out that the word renewable is a marketers dream. Renewable fuel does not necessarily emit less greenhouse gas and can be just as dangerous as non-renewable fuel in the case of spills, earthquakes and accidents. Eileen Fromer, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. An Ethics Commission employee, a longtime head of the states workplace safety division, a former law professor who now works for the state and a former CIA officer are the finalists to head Oregons ethics watchdog. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously Friday to move Susan Myers, Michael Wood, Jay Messenger and Robert Candrian to its next round of interviews to replace retiring executive director Ron Bersin. The finalists will meet with commission staff, Gov. Tina Kotek and others before interviews with the full nine-member commission, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11. The ethics commission enforces state ethics and public meetings law and investigates complaints. It also provides training for public officials and lobbyists on how to comply with laws. Its executive director oversees a staff of about 15 full-time employees and serves under a nine-member volunteer commission appointed by the governor. The posted salary range for the job was between $8,379 and $12,961 monthly, or between about $100,000 and $155,000 annually. SUSAN MYERS Myers has worked for the commission since 2018, first as an investigator and now as a compliance and education coordinator. She previously worked as an assistant attorney general under both Democratic and Republican attorneys general in Arizona from 2008 through 2016, focusing on antitrust cases. Shes a licensed attorney who served on the Oregon State Bars legal ethics committee from 2020 to 2021. Myers obtained her law degree and a bachelors degree in English from the University of Arizona and a masters degree in literature from the University of New Mexico. Myers wrote in her cover letter that Bersin encouraged her to develop her leadership skills and step into the role, involving her in all aspects of the commissions administration, including budget development, legislation and communicating with reporters, lawmakers, the governors office and other agency leaders. She was involved in recent legislation that expanded the commissions scope to include investigating public meetings law violations. Our agency is undergoing a significant transition, Myers wrote. Over the past year, we have seen substantial increases in the number of complaints and requests for training and advice. These increases have been a challenge, and I am proud to say that it is one we have met. I am confident that I will be able to build on the solid foundation Ron has established to ensure the agency meets its future challenges and fulfills its mission. MICHAEL WOOD Wood has worked for the elected Washington insurance commissioner since 2021, most recently as chief deputy commissioner. From 2005 to 2021, he was the administrator of Oregon OSHA, the division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services that enforces workplace safety laws. He oversaw roughly 200 employees. Wood holds a bachelors degree in English and political science from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. With the exception of a three-year stint in the Democratic communications office of the Washington State House of Representatives, he has spent his four-decade career working in state agencies in Washington and Oregon. I have spent my entire long tenure as a government employee in an environment that has been too often prepared to believe the worst about those who work in the public sector, Wood wrote in his cover letter. The best defense perhaps the only defense against such cynicism is adherence to both the letter and the spirit of the ethical standards to which we subscribe. I would be proud to play a more direct role in making such adherence a reality. JAY MESSENGER Messenger has been the internal controls officer of the Oregon Department of Revenue for a little more than a year after working from 2019 to 2022 as the legal and enforcement director for the states office of child care. He was chief of staff for California Assembly member Tony Thurmond from 2016 to 2018 and taught for six years at Willamette Universitys College of Law. Messenger has a bachelors degree in biology and a law degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, a master of laws degree from Erasmus University in the Netherlands and a masters degree in educational leadership and policy from Portland State University. I believe that my management and legal experience has provided me with the background necessary to be successful as the executive director, he wrote. ROBERT CANDRIAN Candrian spent 12 years working for the CIA with postings in Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Rim and Washington, D.C. I would bring that same prosecutorial and investigative mindset to the OGEC, working to investigate and root out corruption in Oregons state government, he wrote. After leaving the agency in 2018, he worked on identifying and preventing threats from within the organization at Wells Fargo and semiconductor company AMD. He has a law degree from Pepperdine University and a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Utah. -- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. Some Oregonians who applied for benefits through the states new paid family- and medical-leave program are reporting frustrating delays receiving their checks, technical issues during the application process and long wait times to speak to customer service representatives. Trish Bowne, 40, said she applied for benefits Oct. 9 after she was hospitalized for a chronic health issue at the end of September. Two months later, her claim is still pending after a technical issue with the states identity verification process delayed her application for weeks. Bowne, a mother of two who lives in Roseburg, said she has only managed to keep up with her bills by putting expenses on credit cards and borrowing money from family members. Its extremely stressful, Bowne said. Without family members, Id be out on the street. Thankfully, I have that support system and I can put things on a credit card and pay it off. Plenty of people dont have that option and when youre dealing with a health issue this situation puts more stress on your body, which makes the healing harder. Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon, said in October that she was aware of fewer than 100 people who had been held up in the application process longer than expected due to the programs identity verification process or other snags with application forms and that program officials expected to work through that backlog within a week. However, two months later Oregonians are still reporting significant issues accessing benefits and wait times to speak to customer service representatives have risen to an average of more than 52 minutes up from the 7 seconds state officials touted as the call wait time when the program launched in the first week of September. Humelbaugh said the state is now aware of 1,500 people who are experiencing delays due to the identity verification process, the top cause of delays. She said she didnt have data on the number of people facing delays for other reasons. The program has been inundated with fraud attempts, contributing to the problems. Humelbaugh said the state has reassigned customer care staff to its investigations, fraud and complex claims teams to speed up that work. A state dashboard shows that program officials have processed more than 28,000 applications, about 80% of the verified applications theyve received, and paid out nearly $104 million so far. There are about 7,000 applications still waiting to be processed. The program has received an unspecified number of other applications not included on its dashboard because they havent yet gone through the identity verification process. Humelbaugh said she is hopeful that the program will work through its backlog by January. We said all along there would be bumps as this is a new program and new technology, and we are working hard to improve not only the system, but our response time and customer service as our team becomes more experienced, Humelbaugh said in an email. While we are not content with the experience everyone is having, to have such a broad program pay out (nearly $104 million in benefits) in its first three months of existence is something we are proud of. But for those facing delays, the consequences can be severe. On Oct. 15, a day before Geoff Jenks planned to apply for paid-leave benefits to take time off work to bond with his newborn daughter, Eva, the 36-year-old learned through a letter from the state that someone had fraudulently applied for benefits under his name. That fraud attempt stalled his own claim an issue that was only cleared up in early December after KGW and two state lawmakers reached out to Paid Leave Oregon on his behalf. Humelbaugh said the program has improved its procedures to address these types of issues. Jenks said he was told by program staff that his claim is now in the queue to be processed, but that it could still be weeks if not months before he receives benefits. Without that money coming in, Jenks, who works as an engineer, said he may have to forgo the leave he planned to take at the end of the month to bond with his daughter. Its a really magical time in her development and my favorite part of each day is being home and being able to interact with her and my son, Jenks said. I was able to experience that bonding time with my son because I was working remotely during COVID. Im worried I wont have that with my daughter. A significant number of Oregonians facing benefit delays say they have run into issues with the states identity verification process, a step officials put in place to combat the large number of fraudulent application attempts. Bowne said her application was originally denied because the state said she hadnt responded to a request to verify her identity even though she said she never received a letter in the mail asking her to provide that verification. After appealing her denial and calling the customer service line, Bowne was finally able to submit documents to verify her identity. But it wasnt until Monday weeks after she submitted that information that she finally received a letter from the state saying that those documents had been received and asking if shed like to drop her appeal. She still doesnt know how long it will take for her to claim to be approved. The system needs work! she wrote in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive. People need to be able to use it like intended. Humelbaugh said she has heard from some people who say they havent received verification letters in the mail, but that 70% of applicants respond to the letters within seven days, so the state believes the system is working. However, the process of sending those letters through the mail instead of by email or through the programs online portal has caused headaches for some Oregonians. Madison Torres, 24, said both she and her partner, Dillon Werner, applied for benefits Oct. 5, a month before Torres was due to give birth to the couples son. Paid leave officials recommend that applicants apply 30 days before they anticipate taking leave because it takes 27 days on average to process claims, said program spokesperson Angela Yeager. Torres son Hayden was born prematurely on Oct. 22 and airlifted from Medford to a Portland hospital due to a rare developmental lung anomaly, she said. Torres and her husband went with their son. When they finally returned home, they saw that they had received letters requesting identity verification from Paid Leave Oregon and that their claims had been denied because they hadnt responded to those letters. Torres said she called the state four times waiting on hold for about an hour each time and twice sent emails through the states online system, Frances Online. The employees she spoke with helped her upload the appropriate verification documents, but couldnt tell her when her claim would be processed. She said she never received responses to the emails she sent through Frances Online. Yeager said that officials recommend applicants communicate with employees about their claims through Frances Online, but Humelbaugh admitted that some correspondence through the online system had gone unassigned. She said the state brought on additional staff to navigate that backlog. Torres said her claim was finally approved last week, but only after she resorted to reaching out to Paid Leave Oregon for help over Facebook. By the time she received approval, she had already run through her savings and was late on her December rent payment. I feel like (the state) is downplaying the situation and how severe it is and how its affecting families, Torres said. People are suffering. Corvallis resident Ken Shultz, 58, said he has also fallen behind on his bills due to the programs delays. He said he applied for benefits Oct. 3 due to kidney disease, a medical condition that he said hospitalized him this week. He said he was able to verify his identity as requested and was finally approved for benefits three weeks ago, but is still waiting for his money to come through. He hasnt been able to pay his rent for December and is late on both his car and phone payments, he said. He said he has called the state several times, but hasnt received a clear answer on when his benefits will show up. Ive been living on savings and credit cards for the last seven weeks and thats not cutting it, Shultz said. Im at my wits end. NOTE: Paid Leave Oregon has created a web page with step by step guidance on the application process. To speed up the application process, Humelbaugh says applicants should ensure they correctly input critical information, including date of birth, Social Security number, legal name and employer name, and upload correct documents, which can be found online. She said applicants should keep their eyes out for letters in the mail, even if they told the program they only wanted to receive communication electronically. Jamie Goldberg; jgoldberg@oregonian.com; 503-221-8228; @jamiebgoldberg Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. Christoph Waltz calls upon Chopard for Richard Strauss's comic opera at the Grand Theatre de Geneve. The Maisons Haute Joaillerie workshops craft the famous rose and jewellery complementing the stage costumes An unconditional supporter of the arts, Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele recently accepted actor Christoph Waltz's invitation to take part in the comic opera The Knight with the Rose (Der Rosenkavalier) at the Grand Theatre de Geneve. For the occasion, she has designed and had her Haute Joaillerie workshops make the rose that seals the promise of marriage of which Octavian played here by mezzo-soprano Michele Losier is the messenger. A modern reinterpretation of this precious symbol, the rose is crafted in blackened titanium, with articulated petals entirely set with rubies, while the leaves sparkle with black diamond inlays. Above and beyond its role as a stage accessory, this sparkling jewel symbolises love and the higher power of feelings. It required no less than 450 hours of work by several artisans within the Maison. The rose Chopard As part of the creative process, Caroline Scheufele also gave costume designer Carla Teti access to her latest Haute Joaillerie collections to enhance the stage costumes, combining their colours with those of the precious stones. The jewels include a necklace set with diamonds arranged in Chopard's signature jewellery lace design, as well as a pair of amethyst earrings to match the mauve dress of soprano Maria Bengtsson in the role of the Marschallin. Young Sophie, played by Melissa Petit, appears in a yellow outfit complemented by earrings and a bracelet whose yellow and white diamonds sparkle on stage with a radiant glow. Speaking of this collaboration, Caroline Scheufele confides: "Over the years and through our encounters, I have been lucky enough to have conversations about cinema and art with Christoph Waltz that are always fascinating. When he asked me to associate Chopard creations with his production of The Knight with the Rose, I was immediately drawn to his contemporary interpretation of this masterpiece. I am very honoured that he asked me to create the rose at the heart of the story. It's a task that our artisans and I took very much to heart. Melissa Petit receiving the rose in "The Knight with the Rose" Chopard Carla Teti adds: Chopard was a very generous, proactive and cooperative partner. I had an initial meeting with Caroline Scheufele to whom I showed the sketches and explained the characters and their costumes in order to imagine what jewellery they might wear to better distinguish each of them. Subsequently, she proposed wonderful jewellery that we dedicated to each role. The rose is an important symbol of this play. It is an extraordinary piece of jewellery specially created for the show." The premiere will take place on December 13th 2023 at the Grand Theatre de Geneve, where the Knight with the Rose will be performed until December 26th. For Chopard, Art is an eternal source of emotions. Through its philanthropic commitments as well as creations fashioned by its specialised artisans, the Maison steadfastly works to celebrate all forms of human genius. The theme of Caroline Scheufele's 2023 Red Carpet Collection was "Art. Architecture, sculpture, painting, music, literature, dance and cinema: all seven arts of the modern classification provide inspiration for the 76 Haute Joaillerie creations in this annual collection. Giulia Bolcato wearing Chopard in "The Knight with the Rose" Chopard About the work Viennese actor and international film star Christoph Waltz, well known for his roles in Quentin Tarantinos Inglorious Basterds and Django Unchained, made his first foray into the operatic world with this production of Der Rosenkavalier in 2013 for the Flanders Opera. The powdered wigs and Viennese rococo atmosphere of this comedy, which Stefan Zweig said belonged to yesterdays world, are strong identifiers of the Knight with the Rose. The collaboration between the poet and dramatist Hugo von Hofmannsthal and a Richard Strauss recovering from the sonic and scenic tantrums of Elektra and Salome resulted in a libretto of such high quality that it places the piece as one of the few operas that could be performed without music and be equally moving. The opera has four main characters: the aristocratic Marschallin; her very young lover, Count Octavian Rofrano; her oafish cousin, Baron Ochs; and Ochs future fiancee, Sophie von Faninal, the daughter of a wealthy bourgeois. At the Marschallins suggestion, Octavian brings Sophie a silver rose as a token of Ochs proposal of marriage. The two youngsters fall in love at first sight and quickly devise a comic plot to free Sophie from her engagement. They succeed with the help of the Marschallin, who gives up her lover to the young woman. Although it is a Komodie fur Musik, the work deals with very serious themes, especially through the prism of the Marschallin, such infidelity, aging, sexual predation, and altruism in love (or its opposite, love for money). The infinite care that Strauss and Hofmannsthal took with their work is reflected in a profusion of stage directions, which often translate in extremely pompous productions swimming in an overdecorated rococo bath. Christoph Waltz, on the other hand, filters the psychological precision of the work through his refined reading. As one would expect, he pays particular attention to the direction of the actors. By refraining from presenting the opera exactly as it was done in the time of Strauss and Hofmannsthal, Christoph Waltz puts his finger on the very serious contemporary resonance of the comic devices of yesteryear: Baron Ochs caught in flagrante at an inn on the outskirts of Vienna points to a certain scandal in a New York Sofitel in 2011 and to a cascade of hashtags that keep on challenging masculine power trips. Christoph Waltz and Caroline Scheufele at the Cannes film Festival Chopard Under the baton of Jonathan Nott, the cast brings together the finest Straussian voices of the moment, with the radiant Swedish soprano Maria Bengtsson reprising the role of the Marschallin that she sang in Antwerp; Canadian mezzo Michele Losier as Octavian; English lyric bass Matthew Rose with his predestined name playing the truculent Baron Ochs; as well as a special treat with the great B Skovhus appearing as Herr von Faninal. Sen. Ron Wyden issued a series of accusations against the company running facilities at Crater Lake National Park, calling for the National Park Service to review the concessionaires contract. In a blistering letter to Charles F. Chuck Sams III, director of the National Park Service, Sen. Wyden accused the concessionaire, Aramark, of a litany of serious concerns at the park, including unsafe housing conditions for park staff, unreported diesel spills, unsanitary conditions in the parks restaurant and poorly maintained fire alarms. I am alarmed by the serious failure of the concessionaire to fulfill its responsibility to provide these services and the resulting harm to public safety, visitor experience and the irreplaceable resources in and around the park, Wyden wrote. Given the severity of these failings and the important role of the agency in holding concessionaires accountable, I ask that the National Park Service take immediate action to prevent concessionaire mismanagement from continuing to threaten Crater Lake National Park, its visitors, or the employees who live and work there. Dated Friday, Dec. 8, the letter was made public Monday after Wyden circulated it to the media and posted it online. Crater Lake National Park said it received Wydens letter and will provide a response to him. The National Park Service is committed to providing high-quality visitor services, including those provided by concessioners, Deputy Superintendent Sean Denniston wrote in an email. Aramark, an international hospitality company based in Philadelphia that is contracted to operate park facilities under a subsidiary, Crater Lake Hospitality, responded to the allegations Tuesday, saying the company has been actively working on improvements to operations at the park, including recent upgrades to cabins, refreshed lodge rooms, renovations at Rim Village and new eco-friendly boats for scenic tours on the lake. We take these concerns very seriously, and the examples provided are not reflective of Aramarks standards, an email from the company said. Additional investments are planned to address other important aspects of our operations, and we will continue to work closely with the National Park Service to improve the staff and visitor experience. Oregons only full-fledged national park, Crater Lake draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Overnight travelers can stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, the Cabins at Mazama Village or the Mazama Campground all of which are run by Aramark. Crater Lake Hospitality was selected as the concessionaire at Crater Lake National Park in 2018, replacing Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which operated in the park for 15 years. The 10-year contract for the operation of lodging, food service, retail and boat tours was extended to 2030, due to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wydens office said. The contract with Crater Lake Hospitality included management of facilities at the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve in southern Oregon. That includes the historic Oregon Caves Chateau, which closed in 2018 for repairs but has yet to reopen. Wyden said park assessments of Crater Lake Lodging make it clear that the concessionaire has continually failed to fulfill the requirements of the contract, and that despite repeated attempts to turn things around, it is clear that little progress has been achieved to meaningfully resolve most of these serious issues. After becoming aware of the issues, Wyden said he directed his staff to conduct an in-person assessment of the parks facilities on Nov. 17, which validated his concerns. It was only through the efforts of dedicated park staff, he said, that the situation did not become significantly worse. The senators staff said they witnessed employee housing in a state of disrepair, including rooms without working heaters or adequate security measures. Wyden said the National Park Service has reported serious assaults and other criminal activity in the dorms, making safety issues paramount. Safety issues extended to the parks other facilities, including malfunctioning fire alarms and unsatisfactory public health inspections at the Crater Lake Lodge Restaurant, Wyden wrote. He also accused the concessionaire of failing to provide the National Park Service with documentation that kitchen staff have received proper food safety certifications. Aramarks violations extended to environmental violations, Wyden wrote, after allegedly failing to properly handle at least three diesel spills at park facilities in 2023. In one case, staff did not respond to a spill in a timely manner, and failed to report the incident to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Wyden wrote. All of those complaints come on top of the general maintenance issues at park facilities, work that Wyden said has completely stalled. Park officials at Crater Lake have long acknowledged the maintenance backlog in the park. Increasing entrance fees from $5 to $30 between 2015 and 2020 were meant to fund some of those maintenance projects, though dwindling crowds in recent years may have meant less money than expected. Some projects were sidelined by the pandemic in 2020, which shuttered several of the parks facilities for over a year. In that time, the park reported staffing levels 60% to 70% below normal due to housing shortages, as a number of stressors began to build up, including an increase in rescues and illegal items that threatened the pristine waters of the lake. Still, some maintenance projects are coming along. In July, the park shut down part of Rim Drive, which circumnavigates the lake, in order to execute a $56 million road repair project, utilizing funds from the Great American Outdoors Act, passed in 2020. Wydens letter recognized the road project as an example of the National Park Services dedication to addressing safety issues at Crater Lake. His ire was directed squarely at Aramark, which he said hasnt done enough to address the issues its responsible for. In his letter, he said the hospitality company has failed to execute a number of maintenance and improvement projects that it is contractually obligated to complete. As a result of this lack of investment and a continued failure to protect their workers and act as proper stewards of our public lands, I strongly urge the National Parks Service to take immediate action to make sure the contract is upheld or consider if a new contract might be more appropriate, Wyden wrote. Jamie Hale 503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The mysterious splendor of the stone, craftsmanship of rare mastery Beauregard opens a new chapter in the dialogue between the world of gems and the art of watchmaking With three nominations for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (2018, 2020 and 2023), Beauregard makes its mark as the only independent watch brand for women. For the festive season, Beauregard elegantly features 8 carats of onyx, emphasizing the black stone in two diamond-set watches, Lili and Lili Bouton, available in white and rose gold. In the uncanniest way, black brings light to life. Known for its affinity for gemstones with unique character, Beauregard delves deeply into exploring the reflections of black through onyx, seeking to sculpt light through its surface texture. Here, the hand-polished petals emerge in an incredibly luminous fashion, accentuating the stones innate brilliance. I love the dominance of black, its gravitas, its radicality, and its ability to create powerful contrasts that amplify the brilliance of diamonds and gold, adds Alexandre Beauregard, the brands founder. As 2023 comes to a close, the only independent watch brand dedicated exclusively to women's timepieces has chosen to showcase the timeless elegance of onyx for this festive season. Onyx, a storied stone of protection, embodies both strength and serenity. Celebrated for its enigmatic beauty and symbolic virtues, it is said to bolster self-confidence. Beauregard's passion for distinctive stones is evident in each watch, transforming them from mere accessories into true symbols of refinement for the modern woman. Lili Bouton (round case) Beauregard Palladium-infused white gold for pure, luminous, and radiant whiteness Alexandre Beauregard goes beyond merely offering a timepiece; he invites you into a vast universe where the lapidary's artistry converges with Swiss watchmaking at its finest. With an aesthetic grammar that draws from the worlds of art, design, and fashion, these pieces truly stand alone, exuding an unmatched level of sophistication. Here, craftsmanship reigns supreme. The common thread is always the human hand as the ultimate instrument of creativity. Every creation is a singular masterpiece, showcasing the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Central to each design is the irreplaceable touch of the human hand, the ultimate tool of human expression. The meticulous hand-cutting and polishing of each onyx petal require hours of dedicated work, endowing each watch with a distinctive depth and radiance. The Lili Bouton showcases a delicate frame, measuring 33 mm in diameter and 9.65 mm in height. Adorned with 125 river diamonds, its case, hands, and buckle are exquisitely crafted in 18-carat pink gold, adding an additional dimension of luxury. A departure from traditional design, this distinctly feminine timepiece is equipped with a high-jewelry ETA movement and forgoes the conventional crown. Instead, the time is set via a corrector discreetly positioned on the case back, preserving the fluid and graceful aesthetic of the watch. As for the Lili model, its case is made of a noble, precious blend of white gold enriched with Palladium 500, for pure, brilliant, unalterable brilliance. This distinctive alloy, notable for its pure and lasting brilliance, is not only more durable and harder but also retains its inherent luster, rendering rhodium plating unnecessary true to its philosophy of authenticity, Beauregard deliberately eschews this step. Alexandre Beauregard compares applying rhodium on gold to 'painting a diamond', a striking analogy that emphasizes the brand's commitment to maintaining the natural allure and integrity of materials in the creation of exquisite timepieces. The straps, crafted from sumptuous natural satin, are entirely handmade in Geneva. Featuring three quick-release points, they can be switched in seconds, effortlessly and without any tools. Lili (rectangular case) Beauregard In Beauregard's world, where the exception is the rule, craftsmanship and artistry intertwine... The Beauregard universe unfolds an aesthetic that elevates technical perfection to artistry. A mastery that is demonstrated rather than proclaimed. The essence of a Beauregard watch with all those minute and unseen aspects which the eye cannot perceive, but the heart can feel is hinted at in some telling facts and figures: 0.02 mm The meticulous tolerance adhered to in the geometry of each stone cut by hand and often by Alexandre himself to create the invisible setting. 13 The number of consecutive times Alexandre attended the AGTA GemFair in Tucson, Arizona, the worlds largest gem fair. 600 The number of VVS River diamonds on the Dahlia timepiece. 50+ The number of gemstone varieties that are cut, shaped and polished in the workshop. Amethyst, topaz, aquamarine, chrysoprase, prasiolite, carnelian, coral, Turkish opal, fire opal, Oregon chocolate opal, onyx, mother-of-pearl, iridescent ammolite, black Australian opal, tsavorite, citrine, phosphosiderite, turquoise, lapis lazuli, amazonite, precious quartz, peridot, pink opal... the list is enchanting and evokes lands where faeries dwell. 4 The family members involved in Beauregard timekeeping odyssey: Alexandre, his spouse and their two children, each contributing in a different capacity to the independent, family-run Maison. 8.6 The total carats of rare gems on a single Lili piece. 15 The precise angle, in degrees, of the Lilis bezel. "If its 15, it's because I tried 14 and I tried 16, and that didn't work," explains Alexandre. Well take his word for it. 3 The thickness, in millimeters, of a Beauregard dial. This is three times the average for conventional watchmaking, where the material is kept as thin as possible, to the detriment of depth and color. 80 The percentage reject rate for the first Beauregard watch dials. Today, the figures are reversed: 20% do not pass muster and 80% meet the stringent standards. 3 The number of Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) nominations: in 2018 for Dahlia C1 (Ladies Complication), 2020 for Lili (Ladies), and in 2023 for Lili Bouton (Ladies). 30 The number of days Alexandre secludes each new design. After a month, if the sketch still resonates with the same magic, the creative journey may proceed. If not, it is set aside. 2018 The foundation year, marked by the launch of the tourbillon watch, the inaugural timepiece truly emblematic of Beauregard. Now, five years on, the brand is firmly established. 2023 Five years on, the brand is firmly established with an inaugural presence at Watches & Wonders in 2023. 2024 The year of the next edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, where Beauregard is set to make a return appearance. New York, US (PANA) - The UN General Assembly on Tuesday adopted, by an overwhelming majority, a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza Washington DC, USA (PANA) As part of an overall $35 million package of support, the World Bank has announced $20 million in new financing to provide emergency relief for the affected people of Gaza Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al Dbaiba has reaffirmed his government's full support for the theatrical arts, announcing the creation of the first two theatres of the General Authority for Cinema, Theatre and the Arts in Benghazi and Tripoli early next year Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States has condemned the "increasing and unacceptable violence" committed by terrorist groups against civilians, military, and police in Burkina Faso Photo: (Photo : Handout / Getty Images) In a significant development impacting consumers nationwide, Global Veg Corp initiates a recall for all lots and codes of its 5-pound Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves (Lot #060923/1). The recall is prompted by the potential presence of undeclared sulfites, a crucial allergen that poses health risks. The company's official announcement on December 4, as posted on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website, has raised alarms, urging immediate attention to ensure consumer safety. FDA Announcement on Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves' Undisclosed Sulfites The recall originates from routine sampling conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food inspectors. An in-depth analysis by Food Laboratory personnel uncovered a concerning revelation - the sulfite-containing product was distributed without proper disclosure on the packaging. This failure to communicate the presence of sulfites has prompted the FDA's involvement, as highlighted in their official announcement. The agency stresses the importance of adherence to regulations, particularly regarding the transparent communication of potential allergens. The recall emphasizes the critical role the FDA plays in upholding food safety standards, ensuring consumers are informed about the contents of the products they purchase. As the news spreads, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate action if they have purchased the affected Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves. Nationwide Distribution and Consumer Advisory Despite Global Veg Corp initially indicating that the affected products were confined to New York and New Jersey, the FDA's announcement contradicts this, revealing a nationwide distribution of the recalled Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves. These 5-pound vacuum-sealed bags, identifiable by the lot number "060923/1," are now subject to the recall. To address this widespread concern, Global Veg Corp is urging consumers who have purchased the Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves to promptly return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. This advisory underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the potential risks associated with undeclared sulfites, in line with FDA guidelines. The Global Veg Corp clarified that the issue was linked to mislabeled sun-dried tomato cartons specifically in New York. The company reassured consumers that, apart from labeling concerns, the products themselves are safe for consumption. However, the undisclosed presence of sulfites raises significant concerns, particularly for individuals with sulfite allergies. The company acknowledges the severity of sulfite allergies, emphasizing the potential for serious or life-threatening reactions if the product is consumed. To address consumer concerns, Global Veg Corp encourages individuals with questions to contact the company directly at 201-367-0517. They stress the importance of returning the recalled Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves for a full refund, prioritizing consumer well-being. Read Also: 10 Teens Face Charges in Washington's Growing Carjacking Menace This Global Veg Corp recall of Aviator Sundried Tomato Halves due to undeclared sulfites has immediate and far-reaching implications. As consumers across the nation become increasingly concerned about the safety of their food products, the recall serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to FDA guidelines on labeling transparency. The impact of this recall extends beyond regional boundaries, affecting consumers from coast to coast. The FDA's active involvement and the urgency of the recall underscore the potential health risks associated with undeclared sulfites in food products. In this context, consumers are urged to prioritize awareness and take appropriate action to safeguard their health. As the company takes steps to rectify the labeling issue and refund affected consumers, the incident underscores the continuous need for stringent regulatory compliance and transparency in food manufacturing and distribution processes. Related Article: Search for Missing 17-Year-Old Teen Intensifies as Car Emerges from Illinois Pond Insurance group Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries of Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life, has been adjudged as the Best Organization in Employee Branding at the HR Focus Conference and Awards held at the Accra International Conference Center. The HR Focus Conference and Awards is an event that recognizes and celebrates excellence in human resources. This year's conference, organized under the theme: 'The HR Mandate; Building Resilient People and Businesses sought to spotlight and commend exemplary HR management practices spanning various industries. Speaking on the recognition, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, said, "We are thrilled to receive this award, which recognizes our dedication to our employees and our efforts to create an inclusive work culture. "At Hollard, we firmly believe that our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a workplace that supports their growth, development, and well-being. She added that the award underscores Hollard Ghana's dedication to nurturing a vibrant company culture and an environment that values its employees" she noted. George Kofi Panford, Head of People at Hollard Ghana, added: "We have invested significantly in initiatives that enhance employee branding, including professional development programs, employee recognition (Purple Star Awards), internal communication platforms and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives form part of our purpose of treating everyone with care and dignity. This award validates the company's ongoing endeavours to prioritise its employees' needs and career aspirations". Hollard Ghana's victory in the Employee Branding category is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to creating a workplace environment that fosters growth, innovation, and employee satisfaction. In addition to this recognition, the insurance group also received three other recognitions: Best Organisation in Rewards Management, Compensation & Benefits, and HR Management in Insurance. About Hollard Ghana The countrys favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market, having previously operated in Ghana for 25 years as Metropolitan Insurance, with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand in 18 countries worldwide. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, travel, home, and more, and can be reached via 0800 444 999. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, https://melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Financial and Economic Division of the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, has set Tuesday, December 20, 2023 to commence trial of the Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Menzgold. Nana Appiah Mensah popularly known as NAM1, CEO of the defunct gold dealership Company, MENZGOLD is facing charges for allegedly defrauding some Ghanaians millions of cedis. This follows the completion of a Case Management Conference (CMC) when the case was called on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The Prosecution led by Director of Public Prosecution, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa informed the Court that they will call eleven witnesses to testify in the trial. Before the court proceeded with CMC, Justice Owusu-Dapaa, who is presiding over the case as a Justice of the Court of Appeal with additional responsibility as a High Court informed the parties that, the court is open to Plea Bargaining if the parties decide to go for that option from now till the time of judgement. He noted that, the court will not ignore the financial dimensions at stake. The plea bargaining is a law that allows the Prosecution and accused to reach an agreement for the accused person to plead guilty to the charges for a lesser punishment. The case has been adjourned to December 20, 2023 for the trial to start after which the case will be heard on a daily basis from January 15, 2024. The PRO for the aggrieved customers of MENZGOLD, Fred Forson told Journalists that, they happy about the progress of the case. Source: Philipa Atanga/Court Reporter/Despite Media Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Mamprusis and Kusasis involved in the chieftaincy dispute in Bawku to cease the hostilities and unite for sustainable development in the area. The two factions have been involved in a chieftaincy dispute that has caused the lost of lives and property as well as disrupting economic and social activities. Dr. Bawumia visited the town on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 to meet with Chiefs and people of the area and his message centred on the need for the factions to come together stressing they are "fundamentally the same people". "As a son of the North, I am very pained by the conflict that we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis over Chieftaincy. "This conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku. It is really sad," Dr. Bawumia said. He added; "Fundamentally, we are really one people. We have intermarried over the years and our languages are very similar. I believe with every bone in my body that it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku and I will work towards that. We have to work towards it. It is possible." Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the conflict has stalled development in the area and urged the people to come together emphasizing "the problem our people face is poverty and underdevelopment. As president, in shaa Allah, I will contribute immensely to uplifting our people from poverty and underdevelopment". "We cannot, however, be successful in our quest to eradicate poverty and bring development to our people in an atmosphere of conflict. We need peace for development." "Our youth need jobs; we need education. We need healthcare. We need roads. We should be fighting for the needs of our youth and not fight with each other", the Vice President urged. On the Chieftaincy dispute, Dr. Bawumia called for the use of "due process" to addressing chieftaincy issues in accordance with Ghana's Constitution. "Let me be clear that the constitution of the Republic of Ghana has set out very clear guidelines for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. This is through the House of Chiefs and ultimately the Supreme Court. "Fighting and killing each other can never resolve a chieftaincy dispute. And I should also state that under the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, no government can impose or use force to settle a Chieftaincy dispute. As President, in shaa Allah, I shall respect the constitution and ensure the state of Ghana is peaceful and secure." Source: Peacefmonline.con/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 Lazare Grigoriadis, who was arrested during the March protests, mentioned that following the verdict, his family plans to appeal to President Salome Zourabichvili for a pardon. In an interview with 'Interpressnews', Grigoriadis expressed no regrets and affirmed his unwavering trust in the actions and aspirations of the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili."My family members are planning to appeal to Mrs. Salome for my pardon. My request is no longer needed. I believe I have a fair understanding of what kind of person our president is. So, I think there's no need to bother with reminders. If she pardons me, I'd be happy to talk to her face-to-face; we're driven by common goals, unlike the government.I have no doubts about her actions and aspirations. I see, and the public also sees, everything she does for our integration into the European Union. It is up to her whether she will pardon me or not; the pardon factor does not change my views in any way," said Grigoriadis.Grigoriadis stated that he was advocating for the European course during the March protests"During the protest against the Russian law, we not only protested against the law, but also followed the European course. Also, we had to protect the freedom of assembly and expression even after they started breaking up the rally without any reason. I will repeat myself here, I don't regret anything," Grigoriadis stated.Konstantin Kochiev, the advisor to the so-called President of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region, stated that within the framework of the Geneva process, the Georgian side has consistently used "aggressive" rhetoric in previous meetings. However, he noted a reduction in "aggression" during the meeting held in early December."In general, the current government of Georgia is trying to maintain a pragmatic line, avoid escalation and avoid sharp attacks against Russia," Kochiev said.However, he stated that there are calls from other countries, including Ukraine and the West, for Georgia to open a second front against Russia."There are similar statements from the side of the Georgian opposition. Fortunately, the current government of Georgia behaves much more restrainedly. However, we face several challenges. We are aware that Georgia continues to strengthen its military, with an increasing NATO presence on its territory. We have heard reports about NATO exercises involving a large number of military personnel, causing understandable concern," Kochiev said. Theres no denying that Switzerland is the worlds watchmaking superpower. But there are other important actors on the watchmaking scene, and not every fine watch has to be Swiss! Our world tour demonstrates that its good to expand your horizons. You might make some interesting discoveries! Israel Itay Noy This independent Israeli watchmaker has created one watch model a year, in a limited series, since the year 2000. His workshop is in the old town of Jaffa, where each timepiece is assembled by hand, to order. He produces around 120 watches per year, recognisable by their dynamic dials and their in-house modules and complications. Itay Noy has won nine prizes, including the Andy Award, the Israeli Ministry of Culture Award and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation award. Since 2005 he has taught watchmaking and design at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. Seven Day Cycle Shabbat in steel, 40 mm diameter, automatic movement displaying days of the week in Hebrew through a window, with the seventh day being Shabbat. Each day a new Hebrew letter appears in the second window, completing the phrase: And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. Leather strap. Limited series of 77. CHF 4,300 Itay Noy Canada Beauregard Beauregard is the only independent watch brand aimed exclusively at women. It offers an artistic dialogue between precious gemstones and the art of watchmaking. Its creations are the product of a collaboration between a high jewellery workshop in the heart of Montreal, and exceptional partners based in the Swiss Jura. The project is the brainchild of Alexandre Beauregard, who is as obsessed with technical precision as he is with aesthetics. He designs hundreds of models, exploring different styles, remaining as devoted to watchmaking as he is to nature. The Lili collection provides the perfect illustration, with its rectangular case in gold and its dial in the shape of a flower made of gemstones, its 33 petals unfolding on a bed of diamonds. Lili in rose gold, black onyx and diamonds, 24.4 x 33.2 mm, quartz movement, satin strap. CHF 42,000 Beauregard Belgium Ressence Founded in 2010 by industrial designer Benoit Mintiens, Ressence has the ambitious goal of reinventing watchmaking. It all began with the Zero Series, which debuted a completely new dial concept representing time on a series of rotating discs. Traditional hands have been eliminated instead, the time is read as you would read words on paper. This simplification continued with the TYPE 1, which got rid of the crown, thus creating a truly ambidextrous watch. The TYPE 2 introduced the worlds first automatic crown, doing away with the need to make manual adjustments. Finally, the TYPE 3 went even further, filling the watch with oil to remove refraction through the crystal and reinforcing the watchs three-dimensional appearance. TYPE 3 EE in titanium, 44 mm diameter, automatic movement with day and date, leather strap. CHF 38,200 Ressence France Trilobe Gautier Massonneau launched the creative and independent watchmaker Trilobe in France in 2018, impelled by a desire to shake up the traditional codes of watchmaking. His idea was to provide a new vision of time and an innovative way of telling time on three rotating discs with fixed indexes. Welcome to a new classic, characterised by a continual quest for innovation and differentiation. Nuit Fantastique Brume in titanium, 40.5 mm in diameter, automatic movement, leather strap. Trilobe. CHF 13,000 Trilobe Netherlands Gronefeld The history of this brand begins in 1912 in Oldenzaal in the Netherlands, where Johan Gronefeld set up his watchmaking workshop. Bart and Tim, Johans grandchildren, spent their childhood in the workshop and the family shop, and graduated from the most prestigious technical colleges in the Netherlands. Their thirst for knowledge took them to Switzerland, where they learned how to create grand complications. In 2008, back in the Netherlands, they brought a new dimension to Gronefeld with manufacture movements, including the calibre driving the 1941 Gronegraaf. 1941 Gronograaf in tantalum, 40 mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement with off-centred hours and minutes, tourbillon escapement, power reserve indicator, leather strap. Limited series of 25 pieces. CHF 160,000 Gronefeld Italy Panerai Panerai was founded in 1860 in Florence, where it comprised a workshop, a boutique and, later, a watchmaking school. It started out providing precision instruments to the Italian navy, including frogmen commandos. The watches produced during this period, including the Luminor and Radiomir models, were categorised as military secrets for many years, until 1997, when the brand was bought by the Richemont Group and launched on the international market. Today, Panerai is a renowned manufacture that combines Italian design with Swiss watchmaking expertise. Radiomir Annual Calendar in Platinumtech, 45 mm diameter, automatic movement with window day and date, month on the flange, small second, leather strap. CHF 56,200 Panerai Australia Bausele Bausele was founded in 2011 in Sydney by Christophe Hoppe, who dreamed of creating a watch brand for the country he loved. Bausele (a contraction of Beyond Australian Elements), reflects the Aussie lifestyle, its elements, its vast landscapes and its incredible wildlife. In 2015 Bausele was the first and only Australian brand to exhibit at Baselworld. In 2016 the company partnered with the Sydney Opera House to produce a special watch. The business took off and Bausele entered the French, US and Japanese markets, alongside generating online sales in over 40 countries. In 2020 Bausele was chosen to create the official watch to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Christophe Hoppes design flair, combined with his knowledge of and access to cutting-edge Swiss technologies, are the foundations of Bauseles success. He considers every component and designs high-quality watches at affordable prices. The company is currently focusing on a new version of the official RAAF watch, of which the companys founder is extremely proud. We are delighted to present this latest watch, a limited edition that celebrates our extraordinary collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force. With just 200 available, this watch bearing the Air Forces new emblem is a treat for collectors. OceanMoon V Air Force 5th Generation in steel, 42 mm diameter, automatic movement, recycled plastic strap. LImited series of 200. CHF 1,200 Bausele United Kingdom Bremont Nick and Giles English founded Bremont in 2002, and began producing vintage-inspired pilots watches. Over time, the company invested heavily in manufacturing equipment, and in 2021 moved to an ultra-modern facility. All Bremont watches, which are made exclusively in the United Kingdom, are now either chronometer-certified by the COSC, or meet ISO standards. Bremont has positioned itself in the adventure and exploration segment by making tool watches developed in collaboration with professionals and modern-day explorers. S3 O2 in steel, unidirectional rotating bezel in aluminium, 40 mm diameter, automatic movement with window date, second time zone on central hand, rubber strap. CHF 3,600 Bremont Russia Gelfman Founded by entrepreneur and collector Ilya Gelfman in 2014, Gelfman reflects the mindset of a creative watchmaker who is not afraid to try out new forms of self-expression. His watches are a successful blend of avant-garde creativity with haute horlogerie execution. His primary concept is that of a retro-futurist electronic digital watch that shows the time on Nixie tubes (cold cathode neon readout tubes). The IN-16 Nixie uses two vintage Nixie tubes that were made in the 1980s. It combines avant-garde, retro-futurist, cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic design elements, while the steel case is machined and finished according to the most stringent watchmaking standards. Encouraged by the success of this watchmaking UFO, Gelfman is looking to expand its horizons, and has already started work on some new projects, which we can expect to be as bold and unconventional as the IN-16 Nixie. Watch this space. The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), Lariba Zuweira Abudu, has affirmed the governments commitment to promote gender equality, safeguard the rights of children and strengthen the countrys social protection mechanisms. She said the government understood that a nations true prosperity lay in the well-being of its citizens and it was for that reason that they were dedicated to fostering an inclusive society where no one was left behind. She said that in a speech read on her behalf by a Deputy Minister, Francisca Oteng Mensah, at the fifth social protection dialogue series organised by the MOGCSP. It was on the theme: Enhancing the well-being of vulnerable Ghanaians through effective social protection systems. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection stands for an inclusive society that ensures all citizens have equal opportunity to participate in nation building. We stand for a society where persons living with disability, children, women and men irrespective of their status have the chance to realise their full potential, she said. Guaranteed relief Ms Abudu said it was in recognition of the need to ensure that citizens were guaranteed relief from destitution; realised their basic rights; and enabled their effective participation in socio-economic life, that the MOGCSP was implementing the National Social Protection Policy that aspired to mitigate and reduce vulnerabilities for all, close the inequality gap and ensure inclusion for all. Participants in the event She disclosed that the second phase implementation plan of the policy (2023-2033), which would be launched today, would provide the direction and guide social protection programming and delivery in Ghana for the next five to 10 years. Ms Abudu said the MOGCSP had also developed a social protection bill which had been approved by Cabinet and presented to Parliament for consideration and passage into an Act. We are continuously improving and streamlining all social protection interventions. For instance, we have doubled the LEAP cash grant for the beneficiaries. Regarding the Ghana School Feeding Programme, we have so far increased coverage to over 3.8 million pupils in over 11,000 schools in Ghana. We have also increased the feeding rate per pupil and continually working with key stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery, she said. Social protection The team leader, Macro-economic and Trade Section of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Ghana, Timothy Dolan, said the EU had long recognised the relevance of social protection as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of their shared values. He gave an assurance that the EU would continue to collaborate with its global and Ghanaian partners in all areas related to social protection and food security, leading by example. He said in Ghana, the EU was supporting more than 50,000 vulnerable people to grapple with food insecurity in the north, while empowering communities to build resilient and profitable production systems. The Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme, Barbara Tulu Clemens, said a lot of work had been done in systems strengthening through capacity building with the Ghana School Feeding Programme, LEAP, Ghana National Household Registry, School of Social Work, focusing also on the linkage between crisis response and social protection. 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. Featured Video Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan has given the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana a pat on the back for donating motorcycles to the Ghana Police Service. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on Monday, December 11, donated 200 motorbikes to assist the Police. The donation which took place at the Police headquarters was attended by members of the Police Management Board and some staff of the ECG, but the company has however come under criticisms with some critics describing this act as unnecessary considering that the ECG is saddled with financial difficulties. Addressing the matter on "Kokrokoo" panel discussion show on Peace FM, Kwamena Duncan was impressed with the ECG gesture, stressing it is needful in enhancing national security. He argued that the ECG, in their operations to ensuring electricity users pay their debts, utilizes the Police to enforce law and order; so purchasing motorcycles to aid their work is justifiably right. "If the society is secured, we have our peace of mind. You can walk even on the street even in the night because the Police are protecting you. It makes productive, makes all of that go up and the use of electricity," he asserted. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@utvghana) Amnesty International has stated that, it will institute a legal action against the LGBTQI+ Bill if passed by Parliament. This comes after the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) advocated for a revision of sections of the proposed promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Value Bill 2021 also known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill. The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has also voiced out their support for the bill and also emphasized that criminalizing sexual orientation of individuals is wrong. Speaking on Starr FM, the Country Director, Genevieve Partington said the Bill is against the Constitution of Ghana and must be rejected. First of all the bill does not even define who an LGBT person is, there is no definition. So how are you going to identify who an LGBT person is? There is a certain part of the bill that talks about romantic displays of affection. How do you define romantic affection between the same sex? So do you see two men holding hands apart of the LGBT community? These are some of the concerns that we have raised from the bill and so many other parts that we have issues with, madam Patington stated. So it is going to bring homophobia in Ghana adding that now that Ghana gives visa on arrival tourists may be wrongly arrested. Persons suspected to be LGBT are being forced from their houses, landlords and landlords are going through a forced eviction process. We really have to be concerned with this bill as Ghanaians and understand that it will not just affect LGBT community. I have always said that Amnesty International completely rejects this bill, it should not exist and criminalizing persons for an activity that happens in their bedroom is actually against international human rights laws. So we should not even be considering it. It is against the 1992 Constitution so all these things we have to consider. For Amnesty International should the bill be passed we will take it to court. As we are allowed to so that is the agenda we have, she added. Source: UTV/starr fm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Talent & Green Summit was held at the University of Dubai during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28). The Summit brought together 36 participants in Huawei's Seeds for the Future 2.0 talent program from 22 countries. Scholars from international organizations, professors from the University of Dubai, and experts from Huawei also attended theevent to explore why digital skills are essential in addressing sustainable development challenges related to sustainable development. Speaking at the Summit, Vicky Zhang, Vice President of Huawei's Corporate Communications Dept, said: "Addressing climate change should be one of our top priorities. The UN Climate Change Conference provides a great platform that bringstogether the world's top minds to explore ideas and actions that make sense in the real world. Younger generations will be the ones to achieve sustainable development in the future. Huawei will continue providing necessary digital literacy training for young talent to help them leash their creativity and passion. By leveraging the hugepotential of ICT, they can solve real-world problems and overcome any challengesthat they may face." Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, also addressed the audience. "Since it was founded, the University of Dubai has been committed to providing students with high-quality and international education, as well as training in technical and practical skills, he said. We encourage students topursue innovation and creativity to get fully prepared for future jobs and challenges. We are also proud to work with Huawei to cultivate ICT talent, improve theirawareness of sustainable development, and help them fulfill the responsibility they have to shape a greener future." At the event, Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor at the Technical University of Denmark, President of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, Chair of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Climate Hub, and CoChair of SDSN Europe, shared her views from the Twin Skills for the Twin Transition: Defining Green Digital Skills and Jobs white paper that she recently published with Huawei. She said: "Developing green and digital skills can effectively promote climate neutrality and employment recovery. Green skills focus on energy and the environment, while digital skills are closely related to ICT. Together, green and digital skills will facilitate the transition to sustainable economic development,and help us address more global environmental and climate challenges." Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim says equally important duties by Members of Parliament caused their lateness to the chamber. According to him, some duties cannot be left unattended to and pleads with the Speaker of Parliament to rethink his decision to lock the doors of Parliament at 10 am from next year. Ahmed Ibrahim told NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie' that the leadership of the House will meet with the Speaker for further dialogue. We must sit with the Speaker to have further discussion, he noted. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin seems worried about the lateness trend in the House. He said it was not right for him to come and wait for them (MPs) to start the business of the House. However, Alban Bagbin has vowed to lock the doors of Parliament at 10 am from next year. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@utvghana) In a recent parliamentary session, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed his disregard for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) virtually describing it as useless in the fight against corruption. Speaker Bagbin made these remarks during the consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill 2021. He emphasized that the office would not achieve any significant results and suggested that the Attorney Generals department be separated from the Ministry of Justice. Bagbin stated, As for the law you passed on the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, I did tell you that it was an act in futility, you were not going to achieve anything but you went ahead and passed it. Bagbin comments tally with the general perception that the OSP has failed fighting corruption. The office has failed to successfully prosecute a single case since its establishment. The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Adjebeng is rather fighting tantalising emoluments including the alleged request for bullet proof vehicles and Mercedes S-Class and back up vehicles. Mr Bagbin further emphasized the need for the Attorney Generals department to be well-funded and operate independently to effectively combat corruption. The Speakers comments echo sentiments previously expressed by the Minority in Parliament since the establishment of the Office. The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, pointed out that the OSP has failed to successfully prosecute a single case of corruption for punishment. He questioned the necessity of the office when other investigative bodies such as EOCO, CID, and the financial crime unit could combine their efforts to achieve the same results. The Office of the Special Prosecutor was established in 2018 as Ghanas top independent anti-corruption institution, following the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. It was intended to investigate and prosecute corruption cases in both the public and private sectors, recover proceeds, and prevent corruption. However, the OSP has faced major challenges in its fight against corruption, with most of its court cases not yielding favorable outcomes. The OSPs first head, Martin Amidu, resigned from his position, citing the governments failure to provide the necessary resources for the office to function effectively. Amidu also accused the government, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, of not being committed to the fight against corruption and labeled the President as the major enabler of corruption. The effectiveness and independence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor continue to be debated in Ghana, with calls for reforms and increased support to ensure its successful operation. Source: UTV/Daily Guide 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 WILLIAMSPORT A Lewistown man accused of attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl into having sex will remain detained pending trial. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Tuesday revoked for a second time another judges release order finding Gregory A. Wilson, 50, was a danger to the community. Wilson never got out of jail because Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle stayed his release orders to allow for an appeal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin did both times. Arbuckle had arraigned Wilson after he was charged by a criminal complaint and again after he was indicted. Brann found the evidence against Wilson to be significant and pointed out he is facing a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence if found guilty. Defense attorney G. Scott Gardner cited Wilsons lack of a criminal record and noted a family member agreed to become a third-party custodian to ensure he would not engage in criminal conduct. Wilson was arrested on Nov. 8 in the State College area when he arrived to meet who he thought was the 13-year-old. The meeting had been arranged by an undercover FBI person posing as the girls aunt. Martin proffered the evidence would show Wilson agreed to pay $220 for two hours of full service with the girl even after he was told her age. He was one of four men arrested in the same timeframe in the State College area in the FBI sex sting. Robert Mansberger, 58, of Cassville, Christopher Crispen, 32, of Howard and Walter T. Sitosky, 66, of Houtzdale, also are detained. They were named in separate indictments but the allegations against them are similar. The four said they responded to advertisements on skipthegames.com, the charges state. Mansberger is accused of agreeing to travel to the State College area with the intention of paying $175 for 90 minutes of full service with a 13-year-old. He was arrested on Nov. 10 after paying an undercover officer a $50 deposit thinking he would follow that individual to meet the girl, the charges state. Crispen, accused of arranging through an undercover officer to have sex with a 15-year-old male, was arrested Nov. 9 when he arrived at a gas station planning to meet the teen and take him to his residence. Interviewed after his arrest, he admitted knowing the person he was messaging was 15 or 16, a court document states. Sitosky is charged with agreeing to pay $140 for an hour of full service with a 13-year-old girl. He was arrested on Nov. 9 after paying an undercover officer a $20 deposit. He is alleged to have told authorities after his arrest he wanted to feel young again. Three men were arrested in Lewisburg in 2021 in a similar sting that involved what they thought was a minor being prostituted by an adult. The three, each of whom pleaded guilty and were sentenced to lengthy prison sentences, also had responded to an advertisement posted on skipthegames.com. WELLSBORO A Bethlehem man has been sentenced to 15 to 35 years in state prison for a fatal shooting in Tioga County that occurred after the custody exchange of a 2-year-old. Leonardo Pagan-Acevedo, 33, was sentenced Wednesday in county court on a third-degree murder charge to which he had pleaded guilty in October. He admitted fatally shooting Jesus Iran Alicia-Santiago, 31, of Buffalo, New York, about 3 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Liberty interchange of Route 15. By Kristen A. Graham, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA When Leslie Hernandezs son experienced bullying at his Philadelphia public school, he asked his mother: Who will protect me? Go to the principal, she told her son. The family, immigrants from El Salvador seeking asylum in the United States, were new to the city, but Hernandez believed her child would get help at Taggart Elementary, his school at Fourth and Porter Streets in South Philadelphia. Instead, the principal asked the boy what his immigration status was. Then, the principal said if he did not behave, the principal would call ICE and deport all of his family, said Hernandez. Eventually, Hernandez, with the help of advocates, sent a demand letter to the Philadelphia School District, which avoided litigation by entering into a settlement with Hernandez this month, agreeing to more training for staff, a mandated social-emotional curriculum for students district-wide and an outside review of the districts harassment and discrimination policies. Hernandez hopes that her fight keeps any other families from going through what hers has endured. But she still worries for her son the effects of the bullying, and the principals threat, still linger. His physical injuries disappeared and healed, Hernandez said through an interpreter, but he carries scars that I cant heal, that cant be healed. Bullying and intimidation Hernandezs son loved to learn: He was very excited for school, and he would even wake up early, she said. Soon after they arrived in Philadelphia in 2021 from El Salvador, Hernandez enrolled her son, whose name The Philadelphia Inquirer is withholding due to safety concerns, in eighth grade at Taggart. Hernandez knew about the Philadelphia School Districts sanctuary schools policy, which promises to protect immigrant students and families from federal immigration authorities and provide robust training for staff and emotional support for immigrant students. Its existence made her feel comfortable sending her child to district schools. That feeling was short-lived. Her son spoke only Spanish but was placed in a traditional eighth grade class with inadequate English-language-learner supports that meant he could not understand what was happening in class, Hernandez said. He quickly fell victim to bullying, which began as teasing based on the boys inability to speak English, and on his perceived sexual orientation. Classmates made him take off his shoes and run around a track. Her son was bullied to the point that he started going late to school so he wouldnt have to be in the schoolyard, Hernandez said. In February 2022, Hernandezs son asked her what to do, and she told him to go to the principal because shes responsible for the safety and security of all students, Hernandez said. On Feb. 28, 2022, Taggart interim principal Charlotte Buonassisi called Hernandezs son and the student who bullied him into the school office. With two other adults present, Buonassisi chastised both students and asked are these two legal or illegal? Hernandez said. Then, if they continued with their bad attitude she would call the authorities and ICE so that they would deport not only them but their entire families, she said her son recalled. Buonassisis actions violated the sanctuary schools policy and also federal educational privacy laws. Hernandezs son went home from school that day terrified. Mom, can she deport us? Hernandez remembers the boy asking. She wrote a letter to school authorities asking for help. This is not fair, there is insecurity in the streets and now our children who have the right to education do not feel protected in their place of study and now they are exposed to this kind of discrimination and intimidation, Hernandez wrote in Spanish. Buonassisi took no action on the bullying, and the physical and verbal abuse escalated, Hernandez said her son was scratched with a metal nail, and had pencils thrown at him. On March 22, 2022, he was pushed up against a wall and kicked repeatedly in the head. He was not treated by the school nurse, and Hernandez was not offered an interpreter to help understand what had happened. Hernandez asked to file a police report that day, but Buonassisi told her that was impossible because there was no Spanish speaker available to assist her, she said. Ultimately, Hernandez had her son examined at a clinic and filed a police report. Still scared Even after Hernandez filed the police report and wrote a letter, no action was taken by the school or police. But soon after the March 22 incident, Hernandez connected with Juntos, the Latino advocacy group. Erika Guadalupe Nunez, Juntos executive director, contacted the district on Hernandezs behalf. By the end of that month, Buonassisi had been removed permanently from Taggart School, according to an email from district staff. The districts office of Family and Community Engagement launched an investigation. District staff suggested that Hernandezs son change schools, and though they requested a bilingual counselor for Hernandez and the alleged main aggressor, none was available. Hernandez rejected the notion that her son move schools, and instead, Taggart placed him in a special education classroom, despite the fact that he had no special education plan. For the rest of the year, Hernandezs son learned little to nothing, according to documents. Hernandez, in an interview, said that while her son is now in a different district school he has since moved on to high school the effects of what happened to him at Taggart are still with him. When a class has a substitute teacher, hes especially worried, because the worst of the bullying at Taggart happened when he had a sub. My son is still scared to this day, said Hernandez. He is scared of being threatened for not having status, for speaking another language. My son is in a different school, but I cant say that hes happy. Eventually, lawyers with the national civil rights nonprofit Advancement Project, the nonprofit legal action agency Public Justice, and two law firms sent the district a demand letter and negotiated the settlement. Were just one of many cases The legal settlement, finalized Dec. 4, awards Hernandez damages, which she and lawyers declined to name. But the money is secondary to her, she said. She and her son want their distress to prevent other families from being treated the same way. The agreement calls for a number of changes, including stressing to staff the availability and importance of in-person and virtual translation services for students and families who speak languages other than English; tweaks to the districts restorative justice guidelines and its Title IX and VI training; mandating social-emotional anti-bullying lessons for all students; and an outside review of the school systems discrimination and harassment policies. I hope that the settlement helps, and that the district stays accountable to more responsibility, Hernandez said. When this happened, I felt abandoned. They didnt listen to me until Juntos was involved. This isnt an isolated case; were just one of the many cases. Nunez, the Juntos executive director, said it was extremely disheartening that the incident happened years after the district passed a sanctuary schools resolution, and displays the lack of the commitment by the Philly School District to really ensure that schools are welcoming. Hernandez came to the U.S. from a volatile situation in El Salvador, seeking asylum with ideas about what living with dignity would be like. The Taggart situation shifted her view, Nunez said. The district only took action after the fact, Nunez said. How many families have to get hurt? How many children have to be traumatized? This is just really heartbreaking. School district spokesperson Monique Braxton said the system has reached a mutual agreed-upon resolution that reflects our emphasis on student well-being. She declined to say whether Buonassisi is permitted to work in other district schools. State Rep. Tom Mehaffie announced on Tuesday he intends to seek re-election to the 106th House district seat that he has held since 2016. Mehaffie, 52, of Lower Swatara Township, said, Serving the people of Pennsylvania and the 106th legislative district has been an honor and I am committed to continuing the fight for the issues that matter most to our state and community. The Republican lawmaker earned the reputation of being a caucus maverick by refusing to join the rest of the House Republicans earlier this year to force then-House Speaker Mark Rozzi to call the narrowly divided chamber into voting session. Mehaffie also was the lone Republican to side with Democrats on Jan. 3 to adjourn the chamber until Feb. 27 by which time three vacant seats representing Democratic-leaning Allegheny County House seats would be filled giving the Democrats a one-vote majority control. Mehaffie said he wanted to allow time for the two caucuses to reach an agreement on a new set of internal operating rules for the House. Soon after, GOP leaders told him to vacate his Capitol office in the East Wing, which Mehaffie believed was in retaliation for exercising his independence and not going along with GOP leadership. For a few weeks, he had no designated place in the Capitol to meet with constituents. Eventually, he was assigned space in a hard-to-find office area in the East Wing that lobbyists joke is the Siberia region of the Capitol. Mehaffie succeeded in getting legislation he championed through the House that set safe patient limits in Pennsylvania hospitals, enhanced patient monitoring, response times to emergencies and allowing nurses time for comprehensive patient assessments. That bill awaits action in the Senate. He also is the sponsor of a bipartisan-backed bill to require voters to present identification when they go to the polls as well as an effort to earn statewide recognition of the Hershey Kiss as the state candy, among others. Whether its patient safety, voter ID reform or addressing economic challenges, I am steadfast in representing the voices of my constituents and working toward a stronger future for Pennsylvania, Mehaffie said in a statement. Mehaffie was uncontested in his re-election bid in 2022 but fended off challenges in his prior runs for the House seat in the primary and/or general election. The 106th House District includes Conewago, Derry, East Hanover, Londonderry, Lower Swatara (Districts 01, 02 and 04) and South Hanover townships and Hummelstown, Middletown and Royalton. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. The famous French writer Frederic Beigbeder was detained by police in Pau, France. It was assumed that this could be related to drug possession and use as the celebrity had been arrested on these charges before. However, according to insiders, this time the author of the cult provocative novels Love Lasts Three Years and 99 Francs was taken to the police station because of rape. ADVERTISIMENT Le Parisien writes about it. According to the newspaper, Beigbeder was summoned for questioning at the Pau police station at about 9 a.m. on December 12. A preliminary investigation into the rape case has been launched. The writer is being held in custody. This information was confirmed by prosecutor Rodolphe Jarry. No other details were provided by law enforcement agencies. However, insiders told reporters that a complaint against the writer was allegedly filed by a young girl last summer. The name of the alleged victim has not been disclosed. She claims that she met Beigbeder in a hotel room, where they had "sexual relations" twice: the first time by mutual consent, the second time without consent. ADVERTISIMENT Beigbeder was accompanied to the police station by his lawyer, but neither he nor the writer himself has commented on the issue yet. As we have already noted, Beigbeder was previously arrested for possession and use of cocaine. It happened on the Champs Elysees in 2008. In 2022, the writer publicly admitted his guilt for the first time and assured that he had "said goodbye" to drugs. Earlier, OBOZ.UA also wrote that French actress Helene Darras accused her colleague Gerard Depardieu of sexual abuse. They both played roles in the film Disco, during the creation of which this terrible situation occurred. The actress compared Gerard's attitude to her during filming as the one to a piece of meat. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Indiana University of Pennsylvania recently hired a dean for a proposed medical school that would be a first among Pennsylvanias 10 state-owned universities. Dr. Miko Rose was hired after a national search and began work at IUP in November. She is a physician specializing in psychiatry and neurology and previously worked at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, Wash. IUPs proposed medical school is aimed at drawing students from rural areas, who in turn are considered more likely to remain in rural areas, where there has long been a serious shortage of doctors. Rose has also stated a goal of making a medical degree affordable for rural students, with plans to use fundraising to offset tuition costs. It would be an osteopathic medical school. Physicians trained in osteopathic medicine are called DOs; other physicians are called MDs. DOs differ from MDs in having a more holistic approach to patient care, including a focus on how injury or illness in one part of the body affects other parts, according to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Like MDs, they attend four years of medical school followed by residencies, and are qualified to prescribe medications and treat all illnesses, and some becoming surgeons. Most are primary care doctors focusing on family medicine, and many are based in small towns and rural areas. IUP now must obtain accreditation from the American Osteopathic Associations Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, which is expected to take 3-5 years. It would become one of four osteopathic medical schools in Pennsylvania, and the only non-private institution among the group. The proposed medical school is being welcomed in rural western Pennsylvania. An editorial in The Tribune-Democrat, based in Johnstown, said it cant come to fruition soon enough. The project has received a $1 million gift from Richard Caruso, who graduated from IUP in 1983 with a degree in accounting. The proposal was approved last year by the IUP Council of Trustees, which is chaired by Sam Smith, the former speaker of the state House, who is also vice chair of the Pennsylvania State System Board of Governors overseeing the ten state-owned universities. Rose has a background in focusing on underserved populations, including those living in rural areas. Our goal of providing affordable opportunities to practice medicine to people from rural areas, who are more likely to ultimately work in those same rural settings, is perfectly complimented by Dr. Roses own life mission, Smith said. A food that is considered a treat for humans is a widely-known toxin for dogs and cats. But, our furry friends dont know that chocolate can be poison to them. And, the increase of the legalization of cannabis has lead to an increase in the number of dogs being poisoned by marijuana - cats, however, dont appear to like it. The Pet Poison Helpline used actual case data to determine the Top 10 Pet Poisons for 2023. Pet Poison Helpline provides toxicology advice for all species of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. Dog-related incidents account for 88% of calls, 11% are cat-related and the remainder are other species, the helpline said. The Top 10 Pet Poisons for all species in 2023 are: Chocolate Grapes/raisins Ibuprofen Xylitol Bromethalin (rat poison) Marijuana Onions/chives/leeks/shallots Anticoagulant rat poison Vitamin D3 Carprofen (pain reliever for dogs) Chocolate is once again our top toxin for all species, said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. Even though it is widely known that pets shouldnt consume chocolate-containing products, they constantly find a way. While chocolate consumption is the number one toxin for dogs, it is the number two poison on the feline list. For dogs, the top toxins are the same as the above list. For cats, marijuana does not appear on the list and chocolate is No. 2. Cats are more likely to eat toxic plants. Both marijuana and carprofen made their first appearance on our canine Top 10 list last year, and they appear again on our 2023 list, Dr. Schmid said. As more states legalize medical and recreational cannabis, the more marijuana-related calls we are receiving. Interestingly, dogs seem to be much more attracted to marijuana, as cannabis didnt make the feline Top 10 list. The Top 10 Poisons for cats in 2023 were: Lilies Chocolate Onions/chives/leeks/shallots Garlic Ibuprofen Vitamin D3 Alstroemeria, Peruvian lily Amphetamine combos (ADHD medication) Tulips Daylily Cats are incredibly attracted to plants and flowers, particularly lilies, Dr. Schmid said. Three different varieties of lilies appear in our feline Top 10 list, which also includes tulips. Surprisingly, marijuana was not on our Top 10 feline list. The Pet Poison Helpline has an educational campaign called Toxin Tails about pets who were successfully treated for poisonings and fully recovered. READ MORE: Dog owners giving up their pets, delaying vet care because of rising costs: report By Najib Jobain, Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, The Associated Press RAFAH, Gaza Strip Israel and the United States on Tuesday showed their sharpest public disagreement yet over the conduct and future of the war against Hamas as the two allies became increasingly isolated by global calls for a cease-fire. The dispute emerged while Israeli forces carried out strikes across Gaza, crushing Palestinians in homes. President Joe Biden said he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing and that Netanyahu should change his government, which is dominated by hard-right parties. Bidens comments came as the White House national security adviser heads to Israel this week to discuss with Netanyahu a timetable for the war and what happens if Hamas is defeated. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel next week for a visit the Pentagon said aims to show U.S. support for Israel but also to press the need to avoid more civilian casualties in Gaza. The war ignited by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel has already brought unprecedented death and destruction to the impoverished coastal enclave, with much of northern Gaza obliterated, more than 18,000 Palestinians killed and over 80% of the population of 2.3 million pushed from their homes. The U.S. has urged Israel to do more to reduce civilian casualties since it launched its invasion of southern Gaza at the beginning of the month. But the toll has continued to mount at seemingly the same dizzying rate. The health care system and humanitarian aid operations have collapsed in large parts of Gaza, amid Israels blockade of the territory and intense airstrikes and fighting, and aid workers have warned of starvation and the spread of disease among displaced people in overcrowded shelters and tent camps. DEVASTATION IN THE NORTH Gaza City and much of the surrounding north have already suffered widespread destruction from more than two months of bombardment. Amid the rubble, Israeli ground troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters, more than six weeks after soldiers invaded the north. Fierce clashes raged Tuesday in Gaza Citys Zaytoun and Shijaiya neighborhoods, as well as in Jabaliya, a densely built urban refugee camp, residents said. Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip sit by a fire next to a tent in town of Khan Younis, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)AP Tens of thousands of Palestinians remain in the north, huddled in homes or in U.N. schools-turned-shelters. As airstrikes and drones smash houses, first responders are unable to reach anyone buried in the wreckage, residents said. It was massive, Mustafa Abu Taha, an agricultural worker, said of the sound of gunfire and explosions in Shijaiya, where he lives. Amal Radwan, a woman sheltering in a school in Jabaliya, said the situation was catastrophic, as Israeli troops tried to advance deep into the district and unleashed heavy fire against fighters. Whenever the resistance hit them, they hit us very hard. It has become crazy. They strike everywhere with no regard to women or children, she said. Outside Gaza City, Israeli troops using a controlled detonation blew up a school run by UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, in the northern town of Beit Hanoun. Footage posted online showed soldiers cheering as they watched the building collapse in a giant blast and pall of smoke. UNRWA chief Phillippe Lazzarini confirmed the demolition in a post on X Tuesday, calling it outrageous. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. On Saturday, it said militants opened fire from inside an UNRWA school in the town. Israel also has begun flooding some Hamas tunnels, a U.S. official confirmed Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the action. Israelis said they are testing the targeted flooding of tunnels on a limited basis and are exploring the idea as one of a range of options to degrade the tunnel network, according to another U.S. official familiar with the matter. President Joe Biden said during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that there were assertions that no hostages were in Gaza tunnels being flooded with seawater by the Israelis, but I dont know that for a fact. INDISCRIMINATE BOMBING Bidens comments were a startlingly direct criticism of Israel even as his administration continues to give unwavering diplomatic and military support for the military campaign in Gaza in the face of mounting international outrage. The U.N. secretary-general and Arab states have rallied much of the international community behind calls for an immediate cease-fire. But the U.S. vetoed those efforts at the U.N. Security Council last week as it rushed tank munitions to Israel to allow it to maintain the offensive. Palestinians evacuate survivors of the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)AP A nonbinding vote on a similar resolution at the U.N. General Assembly passed overwhelmingly Tuesday. The vote demanding a cease-fire is largely symbolic, but it serves as an important barometer of world opinion. Israel launched the campaign after Hamas and other militants streamed into the south on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 240 others hostage. About half of those remain in captivity. At least 105 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive, the army says. Israel and the U.S. say any cease-fire that leaves Hamas in power would mean victory for the militant group, which has governed Gaza since 2007 and has pledged to destroy Israel. Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas, saying it positions fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers in dense urban areas, using civilians as human shields. But the two allies have also had differences over the timetable of the war and over how Gaza should be ruled in the future. In a briefing with the AP on Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signaled that the current phase of heavy ground fighting and airstrikes could stretch on for weeks and further military activity could continue for months. Netanyahu has said the military will have to keep open-ended security control of Gaza after the war ends. The Biden administration has said Israel should not return to a military occupation and the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza as talks resume on creating a Palestinian state next to Israel. Israeli soldiers wave from a tank near the border between Gaza and southern Israel on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)AP Netanyahu appeared to firmly rule that out Tuesday, acknowledging there is disagreement about the day after Hamas. I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo, he said, referring to the peace process in the 1990s that created the Palestinian Authority and was intended to reach a two-state solution. The authority governs pockets of the occupied West Bank and governed Gaza until the Hamas takeover in 2007. STRIKES AND RAIDS ACROSS GAZA Strikes overnight and into Tuesday in southern Gaza where almost all of Gazas population of 2.3 million is now crowded killed dozens, according to hospital records. Islam Harbs three children were among those killed when Israeli airstrikes flattened four residential buildings in the town of Rafah on the Egyptian border. At least 23 people were killed, including seven children and six women, according to an Associated Press reporter who saw the bodies arrive at a hospital. My twin girls, Maria and Joud, were martyred, and my little son, Ammar, also martyred, Harb said. In central Gaza, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah received the bodies of 33 people killed in strikes overnight, including 16 women and four children, according to hospital records. Many were killed in strikes that hit residential buildings in the built-up Maghazi refugee camp. In the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia, Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital, ordering all men, including medics, into the courtyard, said Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry. The hospital had 65 patients in intensive care and six newborns in incubators, the U.N. said, and some 3,000 displaced people were sheltering there with little food or water. Smoke rises from the town of Khan Younis after Israeli strikes on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)AP The Israeli military says it is rounding up men in northern Gaza as it searches for Hamas fighters. Photos and videos circulating online show groups of detainees stripped to their underwear, bound and blindfolded, and some who have been released say they were beaten and denied food and water. Asked about the hospital, the military said it continues to act against Hamas strongholds in the north of Gaza, including Beit Lahia and takes all feasible precautions to mitigate harm to noncombatants. Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Jack Jeffery in Cairo and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem contributed. Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war A national political analyst still gives U.S. Rep. Scott Perry the edge in his still-unformed race for a seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, but its a more precarious one as the 2024 campaign cycles pre-season draws to a close. In a change posted Tuesday, the non-partisan Cook Political Report moved Pennsylvanias 10th District seat from likely Republican to a Republican lean. The Democrats need five seats to retake the House, said Cooks David Wasserman, who leads a team that tracks the. movement in all 435 House seats in these United States. This isnt in the first tier of seats that Democrats will go after, but it is in the next tier. Wasserman explained that first tier is more likely to be found within clusters of seats in California and New York where voters voted for then-candidate Joe Biden over former President Donald J. Trump in 2020, but that are currently held by Republicans in Congress. This (district) is kind of a bank shot, Wasserman continued, explaining that because Trump carried the 10th by about four percentage points in 2020, any Democratic candidate is going to have to persuade at least a small group of Republican and independent voters to rethink their basic politics. The different ranks in Cooks spectrum are toss-up, where either party has a good chance of winning; leaning R or D; likely R or D; and safe R or D. A leaning ranking is given to seat that are seen as competitive, but where one party has an advantage. Two Pennsylvania House seats are currently listed as toss-ups: the 7th District seat in the Lehigh Valley held by Democrat Rep. Susan Wild; and the 8th District seat in northeastern Pennsylvania held by Democrat Matt Cartwright. The 17th District seat in southwestern Pennsylvania held by first-term Democrat Chris Deluzio is the only other Pa. seat in Cooks more competitive categories at the moment: Its listed as leaning Democratic. So for the Democratic Party, it will be paramount to play good defense in Pennsylvania next year. But as it looks for seats to flip, Wasserman cites several factors that make Perry a candidate for that second tier , leading to his shift in the 10ths competitiveness ranking: In a sense, Wasserman is just confirming signs that have been self-evident on the ground in the 10th all year, as no less than seven Democratic hopefuls have either launched or expressed interest in seeking that partys nomination, several of whom dont even live within its bounds. Perry has been pummeled for the last two years with headlines - nationally and in his own backyard - about the depth of his support for Trumps efforts to cling to power despite his defeat to then-candidate Biden in the 2020 presidential race. Perrys name came up early and often in the select House committee investigation of the January 06, 2021 attacks on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, and for the past year he has been waging war with federal investigators seeking access to the contents of his cellphone. And Wasserman points to campaign finance reports showing that, while Perrys committee has $540,000 in campaign cash on hand as of Sept. 30, it also has outstanding debts totalling $145,000, much of that owing to legal fees from the Trump investigations. But heres the thing. Perry has consistently proven his ability to beat back stiff challenges since the current makeup of the 10th came into being in 2018, including in 2020 when he soundly defeated former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale in a race that the Cook report had at the time listed as a toss-up. Cook also had the 10th rated a toss-up seat in 2018, when Perry defeated retired Army officer and Lutheran pastor George Scott in what still stands as his closest challenge yet. Perry is financially and legally weaker now... and (former television news anchor Janelle) Stelson could be his strongest opponent yet, but he retains a narrow advantage, Wasserman concluded in his latest update. Other announced Democratic candidates for the 10th include Philadelphia area businessman John Broadhurst; retired U.S. Army officer and Carlisle school board member Rick Coplen; Harrisburg city council member Shamaine Daniels; retired Army sergeant and erstwhile Harrisburg schools substitute teacher Robert Forbes; former WITF executive Blake Lynch; freshly-retired U.S. Marines Corps aviator Mike OBrien. Publicly, Perrys campaign team shrugged at the Cook report. In a statement emailed to PennLive Thursday, campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said: The radical left has targeted Scott Perry election after election, and election after election Scott Perry wins by an even bigger margin each time because the voters of the 10th District know hes fighting in Congress for them and our values. The 10th District, as a reminder, is a state capitol-region seat that consists of all of Dauphin County, most of Cumberland County; and the northern half of York County. Nationally, Cook ranks 25 of the 435 U.S. House seats as toss-ups at this point - 15 being defended by Republicans; and 10 by Democrats; another 20 are rated as leans - 13 held by Democrats, and seven by Republicans. It is in those battlefields where majority control of the House for the 2025-2026 legislative session will likely be decided. A bill that will allow more of Pennsylvanias medical marijuana growers and processors to also act as retailers and vice-versa fully cleared the legislature on Tuesday and will head to Gov. Josh Shapiros desk. Despite some legislators predictions earlier this year that the bill could or should become a vehicle for home-growing or even full adult legalization, the bill that passed the state Senate in September was partially broadened and partially narrowed through deal-making in the House. Most notably, the bill was amended in the House so that not only are independent growers/processors eligible to open dispensary locations but independent dispensaries are now eligible to apply to become growers. However, the number of dispensary permits that independent growers/processors would be automatically eligible for was reduced by the House from two to one, much to the dismay of the bills original author. Thats certainly frustrating to us because we did a lot of market research and calculations in terms of what we determined should be two permits versus one, said Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon County. We are putting them in a very difficult position long term to compete in the marketplace, Gebhard said of prospective grower-retailers. But the Senate still concurred to the House version of the bill on Tuesday, sending the measure to Shapiro, with Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny County, saying that half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. Pennsylvanias Medical Marijuana Act, enacted in 2016, currently specifies that no more than five of the states 25 grower/processor license holders be allowed to also hold dispensary permits and thus retail their product directly to medical marijuana patients. The remainder must sell their products to a retail dispensary that acts as a middleman but that system has grown into a near-monopoly, according to lawmakers, creating an imbalance that the bill aims to correct. Under the final version of the bill, all independent growers those who are not subsidiaries of another permit holder would be eligible for a dispensary permit that would allow up to three retail locations. Similarly, all independent dispensaries would be eligible to make their own product. Those entities would also be under requirements preventing them from transferring their permits for a period of time, intended to prevent larger entities from buying out independent growers and dispensers although some legislators were still uncomfortable with these back-end provisions. Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington County, a vocal supporter of marijuana expansion generally, said Tuesday, Its very concerning to me what it allows foreign entities to do as far as purchasing licenses for dispensaries and growing on our soil. Although there are a number of issues with the current medical marijuana market, the bill is seen as a targeted corrective, House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny County, said during a prior committee meeting the the bill. Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon County, the original author of the bill, said he was disappointed the number of dispensary permits that independent growers/processors would be automatically eligible for was reduced by the House from two to one. 'We are putting them in a very difficult position long term to compete in the marketplace,' Gebhard said on Tuesday of prospective grower-retailers. While the legislature originally intended for limited vertically integrated operators, many companies have used subsidiaries to consolidate operations further, leaving the remaining truly independent entities at a disadvantage against those who both produce and retail medical cannabis, Frankel said. We believe its best to solve this problem and this problem alone through the current bill, Frankel said. Over the past two years, Pennsylvania has seen between $115 and $140 million in medical marijuana sales per month, according to health department data, and collected $37.5 million last fiscal year from a 5% tax at wholesale, according to state budget documents. Capitol Bureau Chief Jan Murphy contributed reporting to this story. By Lilly Price, Baltimore Sun (TNS) The Johns Hopkins University is renaming a facility to honor Pava LaPere, a Hopkins alumnus and tech CEO who was killed in September. Fast Forward U, a hub in Remington for students interested in creating startup companies, will be named Pava Marie LePere Center for Entrepreneurship. The university unveiled the honor Saturday at a memorial service for LaPere, which was attended by Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott. LaPere, 26, was instrumental in the centers formation five years ago, said Christy Wyskiel, executive director of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. LaPere, who started four businesses in college, including co-founding and becoming chief executive officer of EcoMap Technologies, told Wyskiel that Hopkins needed to provide a space for student entrepreneurs. Hopkins is also committing $2 million for an endowment for the center. Fast Foward U was established to help students bring their ideas to market, Wyskiel said. LaPere, who graduated in 2019, designed an accelerator program as a student to give other students mentorship and funding to move a product ahead. Hopkins would later adopt her design. Many of the things we do with students build teams, raise money, write business plans are because of her energy and her effort, Wyskiel said. To honor her and acknowledge what she brought to the university is to keep the spirit alive of what she hoped Johns Hopkins would bring to entrepreneurs. LaPere was found dead at her apartment building in the Mount Vernon neighborhood in late September. Jason Billingsley, 32, was charged with first-degree murder in connection to her death and is being held without bail. LaPere, who first moved to Baltimore from her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, was a de facto mentor to many in the city, championing entrepreneurship and diverse leadership, Wyskiel said. EcoMap Technologies, which has around 30 employees and whose main customers are government agencies, nonprofits, universities and industry associations, publishes data maps and contact lists of business, nonprofit, legal and venture capital networks around the country, including an overview of Baltimores Black-owned business community. Her family and Ron Daniels, president of Johns Hopkins, agreed to name the center after LaPere, saying it would keep her legacy and energy alive, Wyskiel said. 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Shippensburg-based Orrstown Bank and PeoplesBank, based in York, yesterday announced they will merge. Orrstown Financial Services and Codorus Valley Bancorp will operate under the Orrstown Bank name with an administrative headquarters in Harrisburg and an operations center in York, according to a news release. The new bank will have about $5.2 billion in assets. Thomas R. Quinn Jr., the current president and CEO of Orrstown, will be the president and CEO of the combined company. Craig L. Kauffman, current president and CEO of Codorus Valley will become the executive vice president and COO of the combined company. According to the banks, Kauffman will become CEO on or about June 1, 2025, when Quinn retires. Neil Kalani, chief financial officer of Orrstown, will be the CFO of the combined company. The board of directors will include seven people from Orrstown and six from Codorus Valley. Chairman of the board will be Joel R. Zullinger, the current chair of the Orrstown board. J. Rodney Messick, current chairman of the Codorus Valley board will be the vice chairman of the board. The deal is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024. The combined company, according to the news release, will have 51 branches in central and Eastern Pennsylvania and the greater Baltimore, Maryland, area. Orrstown and Codorus Valley share a similar culture, vision and deep commitment to our communities. The partnership of our companies will significantly increase our size and scale, which we believe will not only drive profitability and shareholder value but also benefit our clients, employees and communities through broader product offerings, higher lending limits, an improved customer experience, and increased career opportunities, Quinn said. READ MORE: Hasbro, maker of Monopoly and Play-Doh, to lay off 20% of workers With little time to spare, the Pennsylvania legislature has passed an extension of the states soon-to-expire wiretap act that includes an expansion of its carve-out for body cameras but not some of the legal safeguards that legislators had negotiated earlier this year. The House on Tuesday voted to concur with Senate changes to the bill, sending it to Gov. Josh Shapiros desk despite concerns from some Democrats that legal guardrails on the collection and use of body camera footage were stripped out of the bill by Senate Republicans. The bill would amend the states wiretap act which regulates the interception of certain communications, including prohibiting the recording of phone calls without consent to have the law expire at the end of 2029, as opposed to expiring on Dec. 31 of this year as it is currently scheduled to do. The bill also expands the acts carve-out for recordings by certain police devices, extending this to parole agents and corrections officers in order to allow them to use body cameras. Additionally, the bill was amended when going through the House in September to include a provision allowing Pennsylvanians to record phone calls without notifying the other party if that party is a telemarketer they believe is engaged in predatory behavior, a measure intended to help crack down on phone scams. Over the summer, House Democrats had also negotiated a set of amendments that would have required parole agents to provide explicit notice of recording and also prohibited the body camera recordings of parole agents and prison staff from being shared with other agencies without a warrant. But these measures were watered down before the final House vote, which picked up a handful of Republicans in support, and the safeguards were stricken completely by the Senate. The ACLU had initially given the bill a neutral rating, but later vocally opposed the bill because Senate amendments gutted hard-fought language that was successfully negotiated between stakeholders before it passed the House, the group wrote in a memo. The bill is particularly concerning regarding the civil rights of third parties who might be in the vicinity of a parolee and who could be recorded without their knowledge by a parole agents body camera with that recording being passed on to law enforcement without any legal oversight, the ACLU warned. The bills sponsor, Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester County, had lobbied to no avail to reinstate the provisions in full force. By keeping this in the bill our hopes were to avoid inevitable court litigation that will occur through a myriad of possible right-to-privacy and unreasonable search and seizure issues, Pielli said during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on the bill. Concerns that a requirement of a warrant may hold up the criminal judicial process, in my humble opinion and experience, does not outweigh the concerns of protecting these rights, Pielli continued, adding that he understood the necessity to compromise for the greater good given the need for the sunset extension and the interest in expanding body camera use. The cut-down version of the bill cleared the House 181-22 on Tuesday, with 16 of those no votes coming from Democrats, many of whom had fought to develop the civil rights safeguards. Pennsylvania voters may get the opportunity to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment similar to one that just passed in Ohio that would ensure access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. What happened: The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday held a hearing on the legislation calling for enshrining reproductive rights in the state constitution. The public hearing, required before an amendment can be considered by the full chamber, was the first step in the constitutional amendment process under the set of rules adopted by the House earlier this year. Because this is a proposed constitution change, it requires approval by both legislative chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions before it goes to the voters for their decision. Background: The proposed amendment resembles one adopted by Ohio voters in November to protect reproductive rights. Ohio became the seventh state to adopt such a ballot initiative following the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade. That ruling left it up to states to determine rules regarding abortion services within their borders. Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania until the 24th week of pregnancy or later if the mothers life is at risk. About the proposal: The legislation would guarantee every individual the fundamental right to exercise personal reproductive liberty and make decisions for themselves about whether to prevent, continue or end pregnancy, use contraceptives and choose or refuse fertility care. What supporters said: Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester County, the bills sponsor, said the changing landscape that has threatened or blocked access to reproductive health care in other states is driving the need to guarantee access remains legal in Pennsylvania. She said as the mother of a daughter, I feel a responsibility to ensure that we protect and preserve the right to safe and legal abortion and not leave it up to the mercy of a governors veto pen. Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery County, said pre-Roe v. Wade taught us something very important that banning abortion only bans safe abortion. Before Roe, many women had to resort to unsafe methods to end pregnancies, endangering their own lives to take control of their reproductive health. We know the only way to ensure keeping womens access to high-quality reproductive health care is by keeping abortion legal. Megan Orbich, who experienced a difficult pregnancy and gave birth to a son with severe medical complications, said women need to be able to make choices about whether pregnancies like hers should continue or not, about contraception and fertility issues. She described how it was difficult to watch recent news reports of the Texas mother, Kate Cox, who sought an abortion due to a lethal fetal diagnosis held up by the Texas court system. Cox ultimately traveled out of state to end the pregnancy that threatened her life and ability to get pregnant again. It was heartbreaking to women like me who have been down the road of a complicated pregnancies, Orbich said. I keep thinking abouut how brave she is to have shared her personal pain with the world. We have to do everything we can to protect women and mothers from the interference of politicians who dont have to live with the difficult and sometimes life-threatening outcomes of the decisions that they make. What critics said: Elizabeth Kirk, director of Catholic Universitys Columbus School of Laws Center for Law & the Human Person, cautioned the committee that the wording of the proposed amendment could result in extensive and expensive litigation. She said it could lead to the dismantling of protections currently provided in the states Abortion Control Act, including the ban on late-term abortions and striking down the restriction on taxpayer funding of abortions. The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federations legislative director Maria Gallagher issued a statement endorsing that view. House Bill 1888 is bad blatantly a disaster. It is a poorly drafted bill that would have a disastrous effect on taxpayers, parents and vulnerable women and girls. This bill is the wrong prescription for Pennsylvania. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. Disturbing accounts of racism experienced by students attending Pennsylvanias state universities from being called a racial slur to a video showing the lynching of a Black students teddy bear has sparked a state senator to call for action to combat hate speech on college campuses. Sen. Art Haywood said on Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation that would give the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission authority over higher education institutions for hate-based verbal harassment. Most of our statutes deal with physical [harassment]. You got to get hit or knocked down, said the Democratic senator from Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The hostile environment can certainly [occur] without getting hit in the head. His proposal was sparked not by the controversy arising from recent comments that former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill made on antisemitism to a congressional committee that led to her resignation on Saturday. Rather, it was prompted by student accounts he heard when visiting Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education campuses joined by human relations commission executive director Chad Dion Lassiter to investigate claims of racism. Haywood plans to issue a report early next year reviewing the findings from those visits, university officials responses to student accounts, and offering some action steps. Haywood said the hate-based harassment isnt limited to the state system campuses. He called on all public and private colleges in Pennsylvania to fix their code of conduct policies to make it clear hate is not acceptable whether its verbal or physical. We stand against hate in this commonwealth, Haywood said on Tuesday at a Capitol news conference. We in the General Assembly and as community leaders cannot take the position that protecting the haters is more important than protecting the vulnerable victims of hate. Sitting with a group of 30 to 40 students on one campus, Haywood said he asked how many had been called the N-word either on campus or off campus. Half the students raised their hands. The N-word is a fighting word. It is traumatic to hear, he said. Another student shared that on a dorm room in her dorm hallway it was written Get out N. Among other accounts he shared, there was another incident he recently heard about a freshman who saw a video of the teddy bear she brought from home for emotional support being lynched. He said the incident caused that student to withdraw from school. This speech erodes the dignity and humanity of students, Haywood said. It is not free speech. It has a high cost for all the victims, an unimaginable high cost on their emotional well-being. Haywood acknowledged the State System is making some inroads in combatting the problem. System officials said they appreciate his recognition of the efforts they have made but added they know theres more work to do. Our university presidents have welcomed Sen. Haywood to campus because they know these difficult conversations must be had, said system Chancellor Dan Greenstein in a statement. We know from those discussions that the pain and hurt are real. We all hope other colleges and universities across the state are also willing to do this kind of hard work and shine the light on hatred wherever it hides. Lassiter called for anti-racism training on college campuses. The universities have to do a better job of racial protection primarily of Black and brown students but of all students, Lassiter said. Because we heard from [some] white students on the other side of the color line who remarked some of the challenges that they experienced in defending the humanity of Black and brown individuals. Both Haywood and Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks County, who serves on the state systems governing board and participated in the news conference, said they opposed a proposal being offered by a House Republican that would cut off a college or universitys state funding if they fail to change policies to combat a form of hate-based harassment or bullying. These schools particularly in the state system have had over 100 years of particularly racial harassment and its not going to take one, two, five years to get out of it, Haywood said. Defunding based upon this behavior would be the end of these institutions if that was the strategy. Our state system in particular is one of the most underfunded state systems in the United States of America so they need more resources to be effective, not less. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. On the night of Wednesday, December 13, Kyiv residents woke up to a series of powerful explosions. It was the terrorist state of Russia that once again fired its missiles and drones. Meanwhile, it's a holiday in Moscow, where people are preparing for the New Year and walking around the Christmas tree near the Kremlin. A well-known Ukrainian TV presenter Katya Osadcha showed two eloquent shots taken in the two capitals on the same day - December 13. ADVERTISIMENT The video of just two photos clearly illustrates the essence of the aggressor country. Osadcha posted it on her personal Instagram page. For example, the first photo shows a Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights in Moscow, and the second shows a fire damaging a civilian Kyiv house. And all because of the kamikaze missiles and drones used by the Russian occupiers to attack the Ukrainian capital. "Moscow and Kyiv on the same day... The terrorist is dancing around the Christmas tree, preparing for the holidays. We can imagine how the father who launches missiles at Ukrainian children at night was at his children's party yesterday morning and they were running around in snowflakes, and the father was sincerely happy, and then he went to his shift and fired 11 missiles at other children, because they are other children and other people, they are free, they think differently, so they must be killed," Osadcha signed the video, moving her subscribers to tears. ADVERTISIMENT Commenters leave comments under the host's post: "Horrible! My heart is just breaking from the daily news", "May that tree be their last joy in life, those racists!", "XXI century, a full-scale war for almost 2 years... Sometimes I think it's a bad dream... Russia is a country of terrorists, murderers, robbers and rapists! Please, Ukrainians, we must not give up and give up! We must defeat this evil! So that their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren are afraid to even look at our children!", "The Christmas tree in Moscow is a symbolic metaphor for Russian terrorism", "I do not wish them death, but I wish them exactly what they came to our land with." Earlier, OBOZ.UA also made a collection of celebrities' reactions to the missile attack on Kyiv. Musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk showed how his children slept in the bathroom on the floor, and actress Antonina Khyzhnyak did not sleep at night and cursed the Russian occupiers. All the details are in the article. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! File - The Google sign is shown over an entrance to the company's new building in New York on Sept. 6, 2023. A federal court jury has decided that Google's Android app store has been protected by anticompetitive barriers that have damaged smartphone consumers and software developers, dealing a blow to a major pillar of a technology empire. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File) Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, centre, prepares to light the first candle during the lighting of a menorah in Stuart Park last week. About 150 people attended the annual event, marking the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. Months away from a historic trip around the moon and back, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen says humanity's upcoming missions to further explore deep space will inspire generations to come, much like NASA's Apollo expeditions did for him. A NASA photo shows, from left, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Hansen during a test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 20.THE CANADIAN PRESS/NASA via AP Quebec provincial police say they've made an arrest in the killing of a young girl in a Montreal suburb nearly three decades ago. Investigators with province's cold case unit say a 61-year-old man detained at the La Macaza medium security prison has been arrested in the 1994 killing of Marie-Chantale Desjardins, shown in this police handout photo, and will face a first-degree murder charge. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Surete du Quebec Violent extremists who lack the means to carry out an attack in Canada could compensate by perpetrating hoaxes with the help of artificial intelligence, says a newly released analysis. A man uses a computer keyboard in Toronto in this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2023 photo illustration. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy A lawyer for Ibrahim Ali is seeking to appeal his client's first-degree murder conviction in the killing of a 13-year-old girl in a British Columbia park, citing 25 grounds including allegations about "third-party suspects" and bias by the court.; Media wait outside B.C. Supreme Court, in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The 61-year-old American film actor and director Tom Cruise was spotted with a new girlfriend, the daughter of a former member of the Russian State Duma, socialite Elsina Khayrova. The couple attended a party in London together, where the guests were mostly Russian speakers. ADVERTISIMENT Khayrova, who is 25 years younger than the actor, was previously married to a Russian oligarch involved in the diamond trade. The source notes that the lovers appeared at the event as a couple, and Cruise could not take his eyes off the woman. Their appearance surprised the guests. Before going on the dance floor with the actor, the Russian woman took a photo with the former Miss Europe contestant, Ukrainian Olena Avramenko. In turn, Tom Cruise politely refused to take the photo: the DJ even had to announce the star's request in Russian. ADVERTISIMENT Socialite and model Elsina Khayrova is now a British citizen. She was previously married to Russian tycoon Dmitry Tsvetkov. The couple had estates in the UK worth an average of more than $24 million each. The former also owned real estate in Dubai and Cyprus, as well as jewelry and art collections worth millions of dollars. The two divorced after Khayrova was accused of hiding significant assets from her ex-husband, including her handbag collection worth over a million dollars. ADVERTISIMENT Interestingly, Cruise has had three marriages in the past: Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes. The last one broke up 15 years ago. After that, the actor did not publicize his relationship. Fans have noticed an unusual coincidence: the director divorced his wives right after they turned 33, Koimoi writes. However, that's not all: all of Tom Cruise's wives had an age difference of 11 years. Mimi Rogers is now 66, Nicole Kidman is 55, and Katie Holmes is 44. However, Khayrova is still out of this list as she turned 36 this year. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you what 30-year-old Ines de Ramon, who stole the heart of 59-year-old Brad Pitt, looks like. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Player Booted from EPT Prague Main Event for Head-Butting Opponent December 12, 2023 Maxime Taldir Live Reporter Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. There was a triple-knockout on Day 1b of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague Main Event, but only one involved poker chips, and the rest the result of a fight that broke out at the table. Despite the aggressive incident involving two opponents who played an all in pot together, the PokerStars-branded event, a 5,300 buy-in no-limit hold'em contest, is off to a strong start with over 1,200 players in the field and registration still open until the start of Day 2 on Wednesday. Fight Breaks Out in Poker Tournament Michele Nizzardelli As the final hands of the night were being played, tensions were already high at Table 12 from the previous hand where Michele Nizzardelli won a pot after a controversial check on the river. Nizzardelli was covering the short stack of Ghattas Kortas, who was all in and at risk. Nizzardelli three-bet with AK and was called by Kortas, who turned over 1010. Big Slick hit a pair immediately on the K47 flop, holding through the QJ runout to earn a second straight pot. Kortas was eliminated but was visibly angry at the situation. He walked behind Nizzardelli, removed the Italian's hat and began to walk away. The player who won the hand reacted by pushing Kortas in the back. Kortas stumbled forward, turned around and walked back towards Nizzardelli, who put his hands up as if to challenge the player he'd just busted, perhaps anticipating he could knock him out a second time. The two were then standing face to face when Nizzardelli threw a head-butt that caught Kortas on the bridge of the nose and knocked him to the floor. Kortas was startled and began asking other players if his face was alright. Security was called, escorting Nizzardelli out of the tournament room. His stack was immediately removed from the table and he was disqualified. Both Nizzardelli and Kortas were further disciplined by PokerStars. This certainly isn't the only fight to have ever broken out at a poker table. In 2022 at Hustler Casino in Los Angeles, one player shouted "yo momma" at another player, which sparked a brawl that ended with the cops busting out the taser gun. A massive brawl at Talking Stick Casino in Phoenix broke out in 2018 over a petty issue, leading to multiple ejections from the facility. EPT Prague Main Event Update Daniel Koloszar Following the aggressive incident woke the room up during one of the last hands of the day, 297 players managed to find a bag at the end of Day 1b of the 5,300 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague Main Event at the Hilton Prague. They are the remaining players out of a field of 838 entrants on Day 1b. In total, 1,250 entrants were recorded on both Day 1s, which is just seventeen entrants shy of last year's 1,267 entries. However, late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, so this 2023 EPT Prague Main Event will probably be the largest ever. Three players bagged up more than 300,000 chips on Day 1a, but only Daniel Koloszar did it on Day 1b. Thanks to his 304,500 chip-stack, he ended the day as the chip leader. France's Mercedes Osti takes second place with 285,000 chips, even though she had a tough table in the last levels, with PokerStars ambassador Alejandro Lococo (131,000) to her right, and recent WSOP Europe Main Event champion Max Neugebauer (58,000) to her left. Both of them will also be back on Day 2. Jon Kyte didn't have the easiest table either with Niklas Astedt (193,000) seated next to him. But with 245,500 in the bag, he finished Day 1b in third place. Day 1b Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Counts Big Blinds 1 Daniel Koloszar Hungary 304,500 254 2 Mercedes Osti France 285,000 238 3 Jon Kyte Norway 245,500 205 4 Omar Eljach Sweden 244,500 204 5 Niall Farrell United Kingdom 243,500 203 6 Davis Mihelsons Latvia 240,000 200 7 Dario Sammartino Italy 236,000 197 8 Wouter Beltz Netherlands 235,000 196 9 Cesar Garcia Spain 230,500 192 10 Mehdi Senhaji Morocco 216,000 180 Omar Eljach (244,500), Niall Farrell (243,500), and Dario Sammartino (236,000) also managed to reach the Top 10, along with Cesar Garcia (230,500), who was in the front row of tonight's incident. Jason Wheeler filled his bag with 206,000 chips. Tamas Adamszki will also be returning with a healthy stack (157,500) and he will be looking to collect his third trophy of the festival, as he already secured two victories last week by taking down the 10,200 NL Hold'Em event and the 50,000 EPT Super High Roller. Furthermore, at least seven former EPT winners are progressing to Day 2, including Lucien Cohen (178,000), Robin Ylitalo (174,000), Dimitar Danchev (144,500), Simon Wiciak (76,500), Grzegorz Glowny (52,500), or Piotr Nurzynski (43,000). PokerNews will also be keeping an eye on some familiar faces, such as Jules Dickerson (136,500), Marle Spragg (109,500), Luca Moschitta (100,000) Thomas Eychenne (99,000), Julien Sitbon (75,000), Maria Lampropulos (64,000) and Leo Margets (41,500). Maria Lampropulus All Day 1 survivors, plus the new entrants before the end of late registration, will return to their seats at noon local time on Wednesday, December 13. As from then, all levels will last 90 minutes, commencing with Level 11, which features 1,000/1,500 blinds with a 1,500 big-blind ante. Day 2 is expected to conclude after five levels or when the bubble bursts, depending on which is longer. The PokerNews live reporting team will be back on the floor to provide all the action. The live stream feature table action also commences on Day 2 with cards-up coverage and commentary on a security delay of 30 minutes on the PokerStars social media channels. Follow EPT Prague Main Event Live Coverage at PokerNews Sharelines A player was DQ'ed from the EPT Prague Main Event after head-butting an opponent he'd just busted. Maxime Taldir Live Reporter After a rare incident which led to a player's disqualification caught the entire room's attention during the final hands of the night, 297 players managed to find a bag at the end of Day 1b of the 5,300 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague Main Event at the Hilton Prague. They are the survivors of a field of 838 entrants on Day 1b. In total, 1,250 entrants were recorded on both Day 1s, which is just seventeen entrants shy of last year's 1,267 entries. However, late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, so this 2023 EPT Prague Main Event will probably be the largest ever. Three players bagged up more than 300,000 chips on Day 1a, but only Daniel Koloszar did it on Day 1b. Thanks to his 304,500 chip-stack, he ended the day as the chip leader. France's Mercedes Osti takes second place with 285,000 chips, even though she had a tough table in the last levels, with PokerStars ambassador Alejandro Lococo (131,000) to her right, and recent WSOP Europe Main Event champion Max Neugebauer (58,000) to her left. Both of them will also be back on Day 2. Jon Kyte didn't have the easiest table either with Niklas Astedt (193,000) seated next to him. But with 245,500 in the bag, he finished Day 1b in third place. Day 1b Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Counts Big Blinds 1 Daniel Koloszar Hungary 304,500 254 2 Mercedes Osti France 285,000 238 3 Jon Kyte Norway 245,500 205 4 Omar Eljach Sweden 244,500 204 5 Niall Farrell United Kingdom 243,500 203 6 Davis Mihelsons Latvia 240,000 200 7 Dario Sammartino Italy 236,000 197 8 Wouter Beltz Netherlands 235,000 196 9 Cesar Garcia Spain 230,500 192 10 Mehdi Senhaji Morocco 216,000 180 Omar Eljach (244,500), Niall Farrell (243,500), and Dario Sammartino (236,000) also managed to reach the Top 10, along with Cesar Garcia (230,500), who was in the front row of tonight's incident. Indeed, Michele Nizzardelli eliminated Ghattas Kortas during one of the final hands of the day, but that didn't end here. While Kortas was leaving the table, the situation escalated, and a fight broke out between the two players, with Nizzardelli throwing a headbutt at Kortas. Security was called, and Nizzardelli was disqualified from the tournament. The incident didn't disturb Jason Wheeler who filled his bag with 206,000 chips. Tamas Adamszki will also be returning with a healthy stack (157,500) and he will be looking to collect his third trophy of the festival, as he already secured two victories last week by taking down the 10,200 NL Hold'Em event and the 50,000 EPT Super High Roller. Furthermore, at least seven former EPT winners are progressing to Day 2, including Lucien Cohen (178,000), Robin Ylitalo (174,000), Dimitar Danchev (144,500), Simon Wiciak (76,500), Grzegorz Glowny (52,500), and Piotr Nurzynski (43,000). PokerNews will also be keeping an eye on some familiar faces, such as Jules Dickerson (136,500), Marle Spragg (109,500), Luca Moschitta (100,000) Thomas Eychenne (99,000), Julien Sitbon (75,000), Maria Lampropulos (64,000) and Leo Margets (41,500). Maria Lampropulus All Day 1 survivors, plus the new entrants before the end of late registration, will return to their seats at noon local time on Wednesday, December 13. As from then, all levels will last 90 minutes, commencing with Level 11, which features 1,000/1,500 blinds with a 1,500 big-blind ante. Day 2 is expected to conclude after five levels or when the bubble bursts, depending on which takes longer. The PokerNews live reporting team will be back on the floor to provide all the action. The live stream feature table action also commences on Day 2 with cards-up coverage and commentary on a security delay of 30 minutes on the PokerStars social media channels. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print WIC serves nearly 40% of all infants in the United States, but the program is being put at risk by House Republicans as nearly 2 million parents and young children could be denied help under WIC by September. Due to higher-than-expected participation and food costs, the White House is very concerned about the urgent need to fully fund the WIC program in 2024. This is all the more urgent given that infant mortality is linked to womens health status with healthier moms having healthier babies and healthier babies are more likely to survive infancy. Yet, House Republicans have been messing around with Women, Infants and Children funding this year, but due to their chaotic approach to governing, the threat they pose to WIC has grown at a time when need is increasing. The current failure to pass a budget including WIC is putting nutrition security for millions of women, infants, and children at risk. WIC used to be bipartisan For 25 years, it (WIC) has been a no-brainer on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, Director of the Domestic Policy Council Neera Tanden said on a call with reporters in which PoliticusUSA participated. There has been bipartisan support from Congress to make work available to every eligible person who applies. The Biden-Harris administration has repeatedly requested that Congress fully fund WIC in the fiscal 2024 year. The Congress so far hasnt done so. If Congressional Republicans pass the budget without fully funding WIC, states will have no choice but to cut the number of people they serve. House Republicans are unable to agree on a budget, and so theyve been punting with Continuing Resolutions. The problem with this approach for WIC is that it leaves food banks, moms and other vulnerable people with less certainty about the future and the longer this goes on, the uncertainty takes bigger cuts out of help. For nearly 50 years we could have the funding it needed to assist anyone who was eligible to participate, it didnt matter which party controlled the White House or Congress, Georgia Mitchell, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the National WIC Association, said. If there was a need that need was met. Today, however, that compact is on really shaky ground. Raising participation and higher food costs means WIC needs more funding to do its job. The Biden administration has recognized the need and asked Congress for additional funding. That request however came months ago and Congress has not acted even worse, some in Congress are proposing to slash with funding by hundreds of millions of dollars. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small explained how the CRs are threatening the program: Through the two recent continuing resolutions Congress allowed USDA to send funding to state and current funding at a faster rate. But what they didnt do is commit to paying for the difference over the course of the whole year, she said during the call. And that puts states and moms and kids in jeopardy forcing them to hold on to a hope and a prayer that Congress is going to provide before resources run out. Now, if Congress does not address the needed funding when they ultimately pass a full-year appropriation, the impact of cuts would be magnified because all of the cuts would have to be absorbed in the last months of that year. So between April through September. Heres the scale of the problem. If Congress were to fund the program for the rest of the year, proportionately to what theyre doing in the congressional resolution or in the continuing resolution, there would be a billion-dollar shortfall. Its one and a half months of benefits for all pregnant and new moms, babies, and toddlers on the program today. This is especially troubling because WIC serves nearly 40% of all infants in the United States. States will likely have to put applicants on waiting lists to reduce costs, which would start with postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, next will be children one-five years old. IF theres still not enough funds, then the cuts would hit pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants. Why is the White House sounding the alarm? The Deputy Secretary said its likely at the billion-dollar shortfall level that the waiting list could hit all categories. Whats at risk: Families who participate in WIC have longer and safer pregnancies with fewer premature birth and infant deaths, Grace Hou, Illinois Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services said. Yet, a new analysis from the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found If Congress fails to do so and continues WICs current funding level for the rest of the fiscal year, WIC would face a roughly $1 billion shortfall in 2024. The above-linked analysis contains a state-by-state breakdown as well. In The Larger context of the kind of country and people we are: All of this is happening within the larger context of Republicans claiming to care about babies so much that they seek to force women and girls into medical torture, pain, suffering and health crises. With WIC, Republicans have a chance to do something concrete for babies and pregnant women, and instead of acting, they are ensuring uncertainty and fear prevail. Last spring, House Republicans came for food stamps in the debt ceiling deal and followed that up with proposed cuts to funds for WIC in the USDA annual spending bill. Republicans justify these cuts as necessary because they want to cut costs, but they do not seek to cut costs in really impactful ways, such as by cutting their corporate tax giveaways or subsidies to oil and gas or collecting the correct amount of taxes from the wealthy. For a party that professes to care so much about babies that it has stolen individual liberty from women and girls and in certain Republican-led states, monitors and legally intimidates anyone who helps women or girls get abortion medical care they need, it simply doesnt make sense that they do not want to feed pregnant and post-partum women (e.g., nursing moms), infants and young children. Funding WIC should have been priority one for House Republicans, but instead, theyre holding an impeachment inquiry based on Trump-driven fiction about President Biden, while putting pregnant women, infants, breastfeeding moms and children at risk. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. The Spanish retail chain ZARA has been caught up in a high-profile scandal. The brand launched a controversial advertising campaign in which its customers saw a dismissive attitude towards Palestinians. Editors were forced to remove the scandalous images, and activists broke into some stores. ADVERTISIMENT Less than a day after the publication, ZARA made an official comment and explanation on Instagram, but this did not calm down the brand's ex-fans. The concept of the photoshoot involved model Kristen McMenamy posing in a snow-white workshop-like room surrounded by mannequins with and without limbs. Some of them were wrapped in white cloth, which reminded netizens of photos from the epicenter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For example, in one of the images, a mother held her son's body wrapped in the same cloth. The atmosphere of the photoshoot was also not to the liking of the subscribers. There was a wooden box that reminded many people of a coffin, a lot of construction debris and rubble as if after a building collapse. ADVERTISIMENT At first, the brand did not respond to the comments but later deleted several particularly scandalous images. Sometime later, an official comment appeared on the network's page. "The campaign, which was created in July and photographed in September, presents a series of images of unfinished sculptures in the workshop... Unfortunately, some customers were offended by these images, which we have already removed, and saw them as something far from what they were created for. ZARA regrets this misunderstanding, and we express our deepest respect to everyone," the statement said. However, many users are still convinced that the company deliberately created such photos with references to the dead in the Gaza Strip to take the side of Israel in the war. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the Dior fashion house, which was accused of supporting Russian culture through advertising with birch trees, felt boots and tundra, did not realize its mistake. The brand decided to invite Russian TV presenter Yana Rudkovskaya, who openly supports the genocide of Ukrainians, to Paris Fashion Week. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Aiken Standard reporter Bianca Moorman is a public safety and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard, with the occasional coverage of other community news and features. She can be reached at @biancarmooman or bmoorman@aikenstandard.com. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers The City of Aikens old Municipal Building could have a new owner by early next year. Aiken County Council unanimously approved Tuesday a resolution that authorizes its chairman, Gary Bunker, to execute an agreement for the county to purchase the two-story brick building at 214 Park Ave. S.W. for $2.4 million. This is something we have been working with the city on for quite some time. Were almost at the finish line on this, said County Administrator Brian Sanders. He added that before the deal can be finalized, Aiken City Council must approve two readings of an ordinance. Sanders said he hoped that would happen in January 2024. The freshened up appraisal was $2.6 million, and your Council chairman successfully negotiated it down to $2.4 million, Sanders told County Councils Judicial and Public Safety Committee prior to County Councils meeting as a whole at the Aiken County Government Center. The Municipal Building will become the headquarters for Bill Weeks, the solicitor for South Carolinas 2nd Judicial Circuit, and his staff. Their offices in Aiken currently are in the Aiken County Judicial Center and at two other locations. As you can imagine, that causes problems with communication, Sanders said. We have email and phones, but there is nothing like being able to walk down the hall or up to the next floor. The new solicitors headquarters also will free up space in the overcrowded Judicial Center. Sanders said the agreement with the City of Aiken doesnt include the old Municipal Buildings back patio area because they (Aiken City officials) want to keep that back patio so they can continue to have Amp the Alley there. Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh told the Aiken Standard on Wednesday morning that the Municipal Buildings size is around 27,000 square feet. South Carolinas 2nd Judicial Circuit includes Barnwell and Bamberg counties in addition to Aiken County. Aiken Standard reporter Taylor Beltz is a sports writer for the Aiken Standard. Beltz is a University of South Carolina graduate. Follow her on X @TaylorKaye09. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Nathan Ott, 28, of Moncks Corner, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison this past week after pleading guilty to distributing a pill that was sold as Roxy (a street name for Roxicodone, a pharmaceutical drug, which is an opioid that contains oxycodone hydrochloride). The pill Ott sold Read morePill dealer sentenced to 25 years for selling fentanyl-laced tablets Two New York City-based clothing brands will set up shop in downtown Charleston in the new year. Rag & Bone, a fashion label with 35 stores worldwide, leased the ground-floor space at 363 King St. while Alice + Olivia, a contemporary clothing company with 35 freestanding boutiques in the U.S., leased a similar space across the street at 364 King, according to the commercial real estate firm CBRE. "Our team is pleased to have facilitated these leases on behalf of the properties new owners," said Joseph Purze, who represented the landlord, Middle King Partners LLC, in lease negotiations. "Brands of this caliber expanding into Charlestons famed King Street are a testament to the citys robust retail and hospitality market." The new leases are within a five-building portfolio purchased earlier this year. The properties, 363-369 King St., comprise two- and three-story buildings with 36 upper-level apartment units and 12,000 square feet of ground-level retail space. Only one retail vacancy in the portfolio remains a 3,340-square-foot space at 369 King. The owners are currently renovating the portfolio. Improvements include upgrading the facades and storefronts facing King Street, as well as updating the upper-level apartment units and adding a tastefully designed courtyard, an on-site wellness center and laundry facility, and additional security and safety features. It is rather unpleasant to admit, but there is a fashion for dog breeds. And sometimes it leads to very sad consequences. For example, after the first season of Game of Thrones ended, shelters around the world were overwhelmed with abandoned huskies. People massively adopted animals that played direwolves, and then could not cope with their character. Breeds that are not very popular in the media suffer in the same way. They simply disappear over time. ADVERTISIMENT WIO News has collected eight endangered breeds from around the world. Veterinarians are registering fewer and fewer of these dogs, and we risk losing them forever. Scottish Deerhound In Scotland, these large, shaggy dogs were bred for hunting, particularly red deer. But the popularity of this activity is declining, in particular for ethical reasons, and fewer Deerhounds are being bred. By nature, this is a rather calm and hardworking but intelligent and friendly dog. It also does not require much training and long walks. Otterhound ADVERTISIMENT Another hunter on the list. Otterhounds grow up to 35-55 kilograms and can hunt literally anything. They got their name for their special skill in catching otters. The breed requires a lot of physical activity and is best kept in a private home because of its love of jumping out of windows. Dandie Dinmont Terrier It's surprising that the popularity of these short-haired dogs with lush "hair" has fallen so dramatically. After all, this is a very gentle dog that will be a great companion for both a quiet bachelor and a noisy family. They get along well with children and other animals. But they will need some activity because they were bred as hunting dogs. ADVERTISIMENT Sussex Spaniel The breed is considered to be an excellent candidate for a therapy dog because of its friendly nature and affectionate and cheerful disposition. They are intelligent, easy to train, get along well in urban environments, and are very loyal to their owners. But for some reason, people prefer similar Cocker Spaniels. Skye Terrier The breed is characterized by its long, silky coat and recognizable ear shape. These small (25-26 cm at the withers) dogs are known for their extreme loyalty to their owners. They do not create problems when kept in an apartment, but require some effort to care for their fur. Skye terriers are known all over the world, but for some reason, they have not gained much popularity. ADVERTISIMENT Glen of Imaal Terrier Small terriers (up to 35 cm and 16 kg) were massively used for hunting and farm work. They are intelligent, patient, and not prone to aggression unless provoked. Due to their short legs, they do not tolerate heavy loads. They can also suffer from heart and eye diseases. Perhaps that is why, despite their wonderful character, they are not popular. Norwegian Lundehund A distinctive feature of the breed is the presence of extra fingers. However, this mutation is not harmful to the animal. Neither does the extraordinary flexibility of its joints. It only adds a cute clumsiness to their appearance. They are well socialized, patient with children and can work as search dogs. ADVERTISIMENT Tibetan Mastiff First, it is a very large breed, one of the largest in the world. The male reaches 70 cm in height and weighs 80 kg. That is, keeping a Tibetan Mastiff requires a lot of space. Secondly, it is a mastiff, which means that it is a stubborn animal that can show aggression towards a suspicious person. However, in reality, representatives of the breed are generally reserved and strongly attached to their owners. But their upbringing requires considerable effort. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you about the research of geneticists, which showed how dogs can look like in 10,000 years. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Thaddeus Adams (Indi'Gxld) is a guest writer for this column in honor of this year's 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The local hip-hop artist, music blogger and event organizer talks about what the scene looks like here in Charleston from his perspective. Charleston's music scene, as a whole, is steadily approaching its zenith with the success of artists and bands of every genre that makes the community what it is. The creative demographic of Charleston is being heard and respected inside and outside of South Carolina, which in turn shines a light on the local scene. Over the last three years, that spotlight has beamed down on Charleston hip-hop. As an artist who is not originally from the city, I've always made sure to show love and get involved with every section and sub-community that exists within the hip-hop faction of Charleston everything from the North Charleston and Summerville circles to the Downtown, West Ashley and Folly Beach groups. I've either supported, performed or helped organize events in all these areas. That being said, I've always observed Charleston from more than one viewpoint, and in that I have noticed several critical things that separate the Charleston hip-hop scene from others, like Atlanta, New York City and beyond. Since moving to Charleston, I have superseded my expectations for the vision I had for myself as a hip-hop artist. I owe that to the myriad of creatives, artists, musicians, business owners and entrepreneurs who I have met in these last six years. My initial introduction into the scene here was by Scrilla Keys of Carolina Coast Visuals. I was invited to perform on the Scrilla Gang Trap Tour, which is a series of showcases that are held at various venues that provide artists a platform to perform, connect and network with other creatives in that area. Till this day, Scrilla has evolved his brand and continues to throw the events in the North Charleston, Summerville and Moncks Corner circuit. FORT JACKSON The country's largest United States Army recruit training base dedicated one of its largest facilities to the first Black woman to ever serve as an officer. The Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson in Columbia and the satellite campus of the recently established Army Sustainment University added "Adams" to their moniker, honoring the legacy of Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, who commanded the U.S. Army's first predominantly Black and female unit during World War II. "It's simply a change for the better and should be embraced for the long-term good that it represents," said Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, a commanding officer at Fort Jackson. What's in the name Kelly noted that the campus name addition comes just under three years after the Department of Defense founded its Naming Commission, which is meant to oversee the renaming of DOD facilities bearing names associated with the Confederate States of America. Though the Soldier Support Institute never bore the name of a Confederate soldier, Kelly said he sees the dedication of the facility to Adams Earley as a major step forward. He believes the commission was "spot on" in its recent addition of her name to Fort Gregg-Adams, a base near Petersburg, Virginia. "The Naming Commission's primary goal was to inspire service members and military communities with names or values that have meaning," Kelly said. "Today, we're being good ancestors. We're getting it right." Adams Earley was born in North Carolina but she grew up in Columbia, where she attended the historic former Booker T. Washington High School before public school integration. Five years later, in 1942, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Women's Auxiliary Corps. Because the army had not yet integrated, she was placed in a company with other Black woman soldiers. FOREST ACRES Forest Acres City Council approved a $2 million grant from the state toward a city park as part of the Richland Mall redevelopment project . The money came from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and will be utilized during the $100 million redevelopment plan, which will replace the Richland Mall with a roughly 6-acre park, more than 500 apartments, new restaurants and retail space, which will include a grocery store and a brewery. Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrews thanked state Reps. Beth Bernstein and Heather Bauer and Sen. Mia McLeod, whom he said helped secure the grant for the town. The City Council voted in favor of the grant at a Dec. 12 council meeting. Richland Mall, which has stood at 3400 Forest Drive for a quarter century, was sold for redevelopment in an $18.6 million deal that closed Jan. 4. The retail phase of the 32-acre redevelopment could take four or five years to complete, The Post and Courier previously reported. Richland County has approved up to $20 million in tax breaks for the project over a 20-year period. The city of Forest Acres approved nearly $3 million in tax credits for its assessments, also lasting for 20 years. It also will spend $3 million to buy part of the parcel to create the park, which is slated to be built next to a proposed brewery. Two trains struck vehicles in one day across Upstate South Carolina, leaving one person injured. A train crashed into a van around 4 p.m. Dec. 12 in downtown Greer near the intersection of South Line Street and Moore Street Extension. The driver was transported to the hospital with nonfatal injuries, the Greer Police Department said in a news release. Active railroad tracks in Greer run through the historic downtown, which the city calls Greer Station for its railroad depot-centric background. On busy nights or during events, cars frequently park in open space next to the tracks. When there is a large influx of people for an event, the city notifies the train companies to slow down and proceed with caution, Lt. Chris Forrester told The Post and Courier. Police monitor the areas near tracks for safety, and if a car is parked too close, they will try to find the owner so the car can be moved. Later that night, near Clemson, another train hit an Acura two-door coupe that was stuck on the tracks at the intersection of Jacobs Road and U.S. Highway 123. The Tiger, Clemson's college newspaper, shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, of the train striking the car around 7:30 p.m. The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the crash and cleaned up the scene. There were no injures, Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway said. Wrecks involving trains and cars are not common, so it was odd that two happened in one night, Ridgeway said. In the event that someone gets stuck on train tracks, the most important thing is getting out of the car, Ridgeway said. The driver can then call a phone number at the railroad crossing to inform the railroad that their car is stuck or call 911 to do the same. Trains cannot come to a sudden stop if operators see a car on the tracks, but if they are notified that something is blocking the tracks, they can plan ahead, Ridgeway said. EASLEY A year after opening with fanfare in a historic building in the heart of Dacusville, the owner of Hester General Store has decided to close the bake shop, cafe and mercantile. Katie Chaney, who built her unique community space over the course of several years, made the announcement on social media Dec. 12, expressing sadness at having to make a heartbreaking decision. The decision comes after a year of baking, renovating and building a business. Want the latest food and dining news from Greenville? Sign up to receive our free newsletter every Thursday to keep you informed on everything happening in the Upstate culinary scene. Email Sign Up! While Chaney didnt share details about the why, she said the decision to close Hester was a necessary one to make in order to take care of me and my family right now. Hester grew out of Chaneys love for baking, an interest that was inspired by her grandmother, Neva. While she never met her, Chaney had her recipes. Her pecan pie comes straight from her grandmother. Living in different places around the country, Chaney found herself drawn to the way food brought people together. She began experimenting in her own kitchen and found a rhythm and a love of creating. It was during the pandemic and after the birth of her daughter that the Anderson native considered moving back to the South and taking a chance on pursuing her dream of a cafe and bake shop. After more than a year of renovations to the building at 1735 Hester Store Road, the business opened with a bang. Chaney thought of every detail, from the coffee blend to the canned goods on the shelves to the wallpaper in the bathroom. Duke Energy customers in South Carolina's Upstate will notice their bill is higher than usual this month. Starting Nov. 1, increased electric rates for all customers took effect for what the company said is to make up for rising fuel costs. Typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month will see their bill has gone up about $9.14, or 7.1 percent. The increase in rates only affects Duke Energy customers in the Upstate, since Duke Energy customers in the Pee Dee region are part of a separate branch of the energy company with different rates. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Each year, Duke Energy files a proposal for changing electric rates with the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which reviews and approves the changes. This year, the state agency approved an increase in rates to compensate Duke Energy for the cost of fuel used for providing electricity. Duke said it will try to recover a $265 million deficit from this year and last with the new rates. National and international demand, coupled with tight supplies, have increased the cost of natural gas, Duke Energy said in an August news release. "Customers have paid far less than what it actually cost to power their homes and businesses, and Duke Energy Carolinas has financed this difference on behalf of customers," the company said in a news release. The last significant raise in rates was in October 2022, when Duke Energy raised rates by $12.44 for the typical residential home, or about 10.4 percent. Average electric rates in South Carolina are about 12.2 percent lower than the national average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As the state continues to grow in population, state officials have expressed concerns that the power grid is lagging behind. In August, Duke Energy filed a $90 billion long-term plan to expand energy sources and make strides toward its carbon neutrality goal by 2050. South Carolina is "one of the worst for flu" right now as it records its first pediatric death and children's hospitals across the state are full, experts said. And "it's only getting worse," said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, a medical consultant to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. South Carolina is one of two states in the country, alongside Louisiana, listed as "very high" for flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It could be "the worst state" when the report is updated later this week, Knoche said. "Our trajectory is just going upward, and its gotten worse since last week," Knoche said. The first death of a child between the ages of 5 and 17 in South Carolina was in the Upstate, but the state did not provide more details. It was actually the state's fifth flu death last week, which raises the total this season to 11, Knoche noted. The CDC has recorded 12 child deaths from flu in the U.S. as of Dec. 2, the latest numbers available. There were 215 people hospitalized with flu for the week that ended Dec. 9, DHEC reported, a nearly 40 percent jump from the 155 hospitalized the previous week, according to a Post and Courier analysis of DHEC data. It is hitting the children's hospitals especially hard. Most children are not tested for influenza unless it could affect treatment or there is a need to know, so the confirmed flu numbers "are underestimates of the true numbers," said Dr. Christopher Pruitt, medical director of emergency services at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Childrens Hospital. As a result of all of those cases, "childrens hospitals across the country are facing capacity issues," he said, and that is especially true for those in South Carolina. At MUSC, there are "multiple meetings daily" about beds and how to manage care and take care of patients there for other things, as well, Pruitt said. The emergency rooms are full of not only flu cases but those with other viruses, but that is not unusual for this season, said Dr. David Cook, an ER physician for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. NOTE: Some of these events may have been canceled or postponed. Please check with the organizers. Call 843-873-9424 ext. 220 or email broberts@journalscene.com to add an event to this free calendar. Read moreCommunity calendar A kindergarten and a residential building in the Dniprovskyi district were damaged as a result of the debris fall of the missile shot down on Wednesday, December 13. Residents were evacuated, and experts will begin an examination of the possibility of restoring the buildings as soon as possible. ADVERTISIMENT Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klychko announced this on his Telegram channel. Law enforcement and public utilities are working at the scene. "I inspected a residential building in the Dniprovskyi district that suffered from enemy shelling at night and talked to the residents. Fragments of the ballistic missile fell into the yard of the apartment building. As a result, both the house and the kindergarten located nearby were damaged. The parked cars in the yard burned down, and windows in the neighboring houses and the school were smashed," Klychko said. ADVERTISIMENT According to the mayor of Kyiv, the residents of the damaged building were promptly evacuated at night. Investigative actions are currently underway, after which people will be allowed to take their belongings, and the broken windows will be covered with plastic. The mayor emphasized that after that the city's authorities will begin the examination. "If the building's load-bearing structures are intact, we will quickly restore the building so that residents can return to their homes as soon as possible. If the damage to the structures is critical, we will consider the option of major reconstruction. We will also have to restore the kindergarten. The city's authorities will provide temporary housing for the affected residents during the reconstruction. There is also a heating point set up by the rescue service," Klychko added. ADVERTISIMENT The mayor also informed that the debris of another missile fell on the territory of one of the city hospitals in the Dniprovskyi district that night. As a result, the morgue building was damaged, and the building of the medical institution sustained minor damage. ADVERTISIMENT In total, 53 people were injured in the night attack. 20 of them were hospitalized, including two children. 33 people received medical assistance on the spot. Six children are among them. As OBOZ.UA reported, on the night of Wednesday, December 13, Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv. The air defense forces destroyed all air targets, but as a result of the fall of the missile fragments in the Dniprovsky district, a multi-story building was damaged, and a huge crater was formed next to it. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Kingstree Beautification Commission hosted its 2023 Christmas Pallet Contest where community members were encouraged to join together to cut, paint and decorate their pallets in a Christmas theme. Read moreChristmas Pallet Contest winners announced The former Charleston police officer who drove his patrol vehicle under the influence and crashed into three other cars had been suspended before for violating policies off duty. Read moreCharleston cop fired after DUI charge had previous suspensions for his off-duty conduct Two men from South Carolina's Lowcountry are the latest to face federal charges in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted congressional proceedings to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Edward Picquet Jr. of Hollywood and Christopher George Rockey of Cross, an unincorporated community in Berkeley County, are facing charges including disorderly conduct in a restricted building, trespassing and parading in a Capitol building, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Dec. 13 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Rockey is also charged with engaging in physical violence on Capitol grounds and assaulting an officer, which carries a maximum 8-year prison sentence upon conviction. Police say the 54-year-old burly man, sporting goggles and a helmet, grabbed a Metropolitan Police Department officer's riot shield and struck the officer in the face. Meanwhile, the crowd shouted "hold the line" and "traitors," according to the complaint, which was written by an FBI task force officer. FBI agents descended on the mens homes before dawn on Dec. 13 and arrested them. The arrest came as a relief to Rockey, a former Marine who was honorably discharged, according to his attorney, Cameron Blazer. Blazer said at a hearing in Charleston's federal courthouse later that day she and her client had been trying for nearly two years to cooperate with federal prosecutors. His case was bounced from U.S. Attorneys offices in Kansas to Virginia to Washington, D.C., she said, until charges eventually were filed this week. Rockey has severe post-traumatic stress disorder from combat, Blazer said. Rockey told The Post and Courier he was deployed to Iraq during the Gulf War but declined to comment further. Magistrate Mary Gordon Baker released Rockey and Picquet, 61, on surety bonds, meaning they did not have to put up money with the court to secure their release. They are prohibited from leaving the state or possessing a firearm as conditions of their bond, the judge ordered. Just moments after he took his oath of office atop the steps outside Charleston City Hall, Mayor William Cogswell noted that President Joe Biden also was in the city at that very moment, giving a campaign speech in Emanuel AME Church less than a mile away: We are a city that attracts attention. Read moreEditorial: Cogswell's fresh approach gives new hope for solving Charleston's old problems New Hampshire's governor endorsed Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential race, saying he's "all in" for the former South Carolina governor just six weeks before the first-in-the-nation GOP primary. Appearing with Haley inside a sky lodge in Manchester on Dec. 12, Chris Sununu said that a sweet, older woman had asked him if he was finally going to endorse Haley for president. "You bet your ass I am. Let's get this thing done!" Sununu shouted as the crowd responded with a standing ovation. The endorsement is an enormous win for Haley as she looks to boost her standing in the Granite State and emerge as the leading alternative to Donald Trump. The former president has held a large lead in both national and early state polling. But Haley has seen her numbers tick up in the fall, particularly in New Hampshire, where she has moved into second place. Still, Trump dominates. He leads with 45 percent support to 18 percent for Haley, according to the latest polling. Haley has argued that her path to victory will come with time, as her poll numbers rise and the GOP field shrinks. If she can do well in Iowa and New Hampshire, the thinking is that a strong finish in the first two states would be enough to propel an insurgent bid that is strong enough to take on Trump head-to-head in South Carolina, her home state. In New Hampshire, Sununu described Haley's momentum as "real" and "tangible." He also said his state is ready to turn the page on Trump and can show the nation a new path forward. "This is an opportunity for New Hampshire to lead this country, for New Hampshire to say were not looking in the rearview mirror anymore, Sununu said. In France, a scandal erupted after a teacher showed twelve-year-old students a seventeenth-century Renaissance painting depicting naked women in an art class. Such actions led to complaints from the students' Muslim parents. ADVERTISIMENT The situation was reported by the Dailymail. It states that employees of the Jacques Cartier boutique in the outskirts of Paris refused to work on Monday in solidarity with the teacher who showed the masterpiece "Diana and Actaeon" by Italian artist Giuseppe Cesari. After false reports spread on social media accusing the teacher of making racist comments, French Education Minister Gabriel Attal personally visited the school where the teacher teaches. He said that the students who made the false statements would be disciplined, and a commission would be sent to the school to make sure that the values of the republic were upheld. ADVERTISIMENT As noted in the text, the students allegedly accused their teacher of racism - claiming that she showed the painting as a provocation and as a means to attack her Muslim students by showing them naked women. This incident, as well as a series of attacks on educators, have heightened tensions and concerns for teachers about their safety. "During the lesson, a colleague showed a 17th century painting depicting naked women. Some students looked away, felt offended, said they were shocked, and some claimed the teacher had made racist comments during a class discussion," said Sophie Venetitay, secretary general of the Snes-FSU secondary school teachers' union. ADVERTISIMENT According to her, the parents sent an email to the school principal saying that their children were prevented from speaking during the discussion and that they would file a complaint. The secretary also emphasized that the teachers had previously complained about the poor atmosphere in the school and the lack of support from the management. However, after their colleague's accusations, the teachers informed parents that they would not go to class because of the situation. In particular, they mentioned discomfort and increased incidents of violence. "We feel that we are clearly in danger. We are supported by our direct superiors, but not by our superiors. This is a real call for help," said one of the teachers. The work that caused such a scandal tells the story of Greek mythology, in which the hunter Actaeon breaks into the place where the goddess Diana and her nymphs bathe. It depicts a nude Diana and four companions, and is kept in the Louvre Museum in Paris. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that a teacher accused the director of a lyceum in Poltava region of child abuse. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! While President Biden and administration officials continue to lecture, hector, and harass the Israeli government, Israel is engaged in intense fighting in Gaza and other fronts orchestrated by Iran. Ill leave the administrations daintiness with Iran for another day. Yesterday Israel lost 9 troops of its elite Golani Brigade in one of the deadliest incidents of the ground offensive in Gaza to date. The Times of Israels Emanual Fabian covers the story in heartbreaking detail here. Inside his story Fabian includes video footage such as that in the tweet below. This might be the most badass video released by the IDF yet. Headcam footage shows a reservist of the Combat Engineering Corps elite Yahalom killing a Hamas gunman in an apartment in Gaza Citys Shejaiya neighborhood, before a grenade is hurled at him by a second operative. The pic.twitter.com/3MkuyGB1cq Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 12, 2023 JOHN adds: Two more innocent civilians bite the dust. The House Oversight and Judiciary Committees subpoenaed Hunter Biden to give deposition testimony at 9:30 this morning. Instead of responding to the subpoena, Hunter gave a press conference in Washington at which he claimed to be ready to proceed, instead, with a public committee hearing. Of course there was no such hearing in progress before which he could have testified. Hunter went on offense, repeatedly attacking MAGA Republicans who are investigating his father. The term MAGA polls poorly, so Democrats deploy it when possible. This is Hunters statement to reporters: Hunters repeated claim that his father was not involved in his business is absurd on its face. Joe Biden was Hunters business. He had nothing to sell other than access to his father. Contrary to the Bidens assertions that there is no evidence linking Joe to corruption, Speaker Mike Johnson has offered the following: 1. Biden family members and Biden business-linked entities received more than $15 million from individuals in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Romania, and China. 2. Joe Biden spoke with Hunter Bidens business associates at least 22 times. 3. Joe Biden lied about his involvement in the business. 4. Joe Biden received direct monthly payments from Hunter Bidens Owasco PC business account, which received payments from Chinese-state linked companies and other foreign nationals and companies. 5. Investigators flagged the Justice Departments deviations in the five-year investigation into Hunter Biden. 6. An FBI FD-1023 form alleges Joe Biden accepted a $5 million bribe while vice president. Jim Jordan and James Comer says the House will look into contempt proceedings against Hunter. I should hope so. Meanwhile, the House will vote this afternoon on whether to formally open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. I assume they wouldnt hold this vote unless the resolution will pass. The New York Times runs interference for Biden in a manner that would be amusing if the issues involved were not so serious: The Republicans dont have to hunt for an offense, as bribery is one of the two grounds for impeachment specified in the Constitution, along with treason. Whether they can prove it is another question, although the evidence already marshaled is impressive. And it is hard to explain why millions of foreign dollars found their way into the Biden familys bank accountsif Joe Biden wasnt being bribed, what was the money for? The Democrats have not tried to answer that question. In its statement vowing to back Harvard President Claudine Gay today, tomorrow, and forever, the Harvard Fellows took up the issue of Gays plagiarism. The Fellows asserted that Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications. I translated proactively as meaning when she was caught. I stand by my translation. The statement dated Gays proactive voyage to allegations regarding three articles brought to the universitys attention in late October. To piece out the rest of the story, we can now turn to Isabel Vincents New York Post account in Harvard covered up a secret plagiarism probe into president Claudine Gay during antisemitism storm threatened The Post. From Vincents story we learn that the allegations regarding three articles were brought to the universitys attention by the Post itself, which was investigating Gays plagiarism. When the Post requested comment and awaited the universitys promised response, on Oct. 27, The Post was sent a 15-page letter by Thomas Clare, a high-powered Virginia-based attorney with the firm Clare-Locke who identified himself as defamation counsel for Harvard University and Gay. From Vincents story we can infer that the 15-page letter threatened the Post with a lawsuit and that it in fact inhibited the Post from reporting on the allegations regarding three articles. The Post left the story to others, such as the Washington Free Beacons Aaron Sibarium in This is Definitely Plagiarism: Harvard University President Claudine Gay Copied Entire Paragraphs From Others Academic Work and Claimed Them as Her Own. From the Harvard Fellows we learn that the deep meaning of proactive is engage high-powered counsel to threaten the newspaper with a lawsuit and prevent the story from coming to light. It worked for a while and then it didnt. In retrospect, the statement of the Harvard Fellows can be seen as reactive as lies heaped on disgrace. In his debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, California Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed, Weve already established that more people are moving from Florida to California. That caught the attention of Lee Ohanian, research fellow at the Independent Institute, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, and professor of economics at UCLA. The rate of Californias population outflow to Florida has in fact accelerated, professor Ohanian explains. In 2022, California had a net loss of 22,144 residents to Florida, up from 2021s net loss of 12,772. Before Newsom became governor, the net outflow of Californians to Florida averaged about 5,000 residents per year and since 2020 Californias population has declined by nearly 500,000 residents. This had all been reported by the Sacramento Bee, which didnt expect that Newsom would create his own narrative, a world that only Newsom seems to live in. As it happens, so does Joe Biden. The Delaware Democrat claims Bidenomics is working when all but the willfully blind can see it isnt. That would be bad enough, but Biden is both the Pangloss and Petain president. The German National Socialist invaders made Phillipe Petain head of their puppet government in Vichy, allowing him to govern parts of France under their supervision. In similar style, the Delaware Democrat is the senile puppet of his partys Hamas wing, and a dutiful collaborator with globalist billionaires and the UN. The Chinese are not bad folks, and on Bidens watch China can fly a balloon across America and spy on our most sensitive military bases. If China ever did anything with which Gov. Newsom disagreed its hard to know what it might be. The occupation of Tibet since the 1950s, the murderous cultural revolution, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the crackdown on Hong Kong all fail to elicit clear condemnation from Gavin Newsom. On his recent trip to China, the governor touted ongoing collaboration with the Communist regime. Gov. Newsom cleaned up San Francisco for Xis visit but not for Californians, who must put up with the disastrous policies professor Ohanian details. PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 21:21:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 676 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Castle Harlan and its partners, Continental Grain Company, Organizacion Cultiba SAB de CV, and Equity Group Investments (EGI), seek to accelerate Baja's future growthNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Castle Harlan, a New York based private equity firm, and its partners announce the majority acquisition of Baja Aqua-Farms (the "Company"), a leading vertically integrated Bluefin tuna rancher based in Baja California, Mexico. The transaction was funded with both debt and equity.Triago Directs Castle Harlan made a direct investment in the Company outside of its traditional blind pool funds and co-investment programs. These direct investment opportunities provide investors with greater influence and agency than traditional funds or more passively structured co-investments.Founded in 2000, Baja Aqua-Farms is an established leader in Bluefin tuna ranching whose mission is to produce and distribute the highest quality Pacific Bluefin tuna in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. The Company's fresh sashimi grade tuna is sought out by top chefs around the globe for its consistent quality and year-round availability."Baja Aqua-Farms is state-of-the-art, with major competitive advantages and potential for growth," says Patrick Zyla, Managing Director at Castle Harlan. "Investors in Baja will use their global networks and connections as catalysts for Baja's growth. We intend to help Baja grow organically, but it will also be a platform for acquisitions and the transfer of best practice." The investment partnership provides strategic support and a source of additional capital for the Company to meet the growing global demand for seafood. As part of the transaction, Ignacio Sanz from Conti, Juan Ignacio Gallardo Thurlow from Cultiba, Rahul Sen from EGI, and Patrick Zyla from Castle Harlan will join Baja Aqua-Farms' Board of Directors. London-based Westgrove Partners and Indianapolis-based Oxford Financial Group Ltd.TM are also investors in the Company."All the investors in Baja are rolling up their sleeves to help the company grow," says Triago Partner Sim Ketchum. "This is typical in single asset direct private equity transactions." "Direct investments do an amazing job of finely aligning everyone's interests," says Triago Global CEO Matt Swain. Triago raised the equity capital for Baja Aqua-Farms.Along with Baja, Castle Harlan has completed three direct investments in recent years, including Sunless, the global leader in ultraviolet-free spray tanning equipment and solutions, and Titan Production Equipment, a leading engineer, designer, and manufacturer of specialty engineered-to-order equipment used for the traditional and alternative energy and environmental technology sectors.About Castle Harlan - Founded in 1987, Castle Harlan is a New York based private equity firm that makes control equity investments in middle market companies, focusing on niche consumer and specialty industrial businesses. The firm traces its roots to the start of the institutionalized private equity business in the late 1960s. Castle Harlan's investment strategy is concentrated on finding established businesses with steady growth, where they can partner with existing management to provide long-term returns to investors. The firm has completed over 55 acquisitions since its inception worth an aggregate enterprise value in excess of $11 billion. For more information, visit www.castleharlan.com About Triago - With offices in New York, London, Paris, Dubai and San Diego, Triago provides fundraising services for both private equity funds and direct deals. The firm also provides secondary transaction advisory, and strategic solutions for general partners and limited partners seeking to optimize success in the global private equity market. Founded in 1992 as one of the first PE fund placement agents, Triago has completed over 200 fundraisings and over 30 direct financings on six continents. Triago has advised on the transfer of more than 3,500 PE fund stakes on the secondary market on behalf of some 200 clients across the world. The group has also undertaken more than 50 strategic advisory mandates for general partners and limited partners looking to launch, boost or restructure PE operations. The group's fastest growing and largest business today is private equity directs. http://www.triago.com Contact InformationDavid Lanchner Head of Communications dlanchner@ lanchner.com +33 6 33 43 50 76Related ImagesTriago DirectsCH logoView the original press release on newswire.com SOURCE: Triago PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 16:16:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 391 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / GoDaddyAs originally published by GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiativeThe big fact: *Microbusiness density in Colorado remains largely steady, despite the economic swings over the last four years, according to GoDaddy Venture Forward.Higher income: Colorado microbusiness owners surveyed make more money than the average United States microbusiness owner, with 58% making $2,500 or more monthly revenue from their business, compared to 51% of the overall survey population. And while it may be easy to assume this success is due to assistance, it's not the case for the majority of microbusinesses.Even though Colorado residents (43%) claim more awareness of business assistance funding compared to the rest of the population (36%), and the cost of living in Colorado is 12% higher than the national average, few of them actually take advantage of resources. Only 8% of Colorado residents take advantage of local government, federal government, or non-government resources.More experience: According to Venture Forward research, 69% of Colorado microbusiness owners started their business before 2020, compared to 62% of the rest of the U.S. sample. This timeframe coupled with a lack of assistance may signal that there are more seasoned entrepreneurs in Colorado equipped to weather economic bumps and challenges.Surprising business location: With the pandemic-induced a shift to online businesses, it's no surprise that more than half (55%) of Colorado microbusiness owners conduct business on their website. What's unique is that nearly double the number of microbusiness owners in Colorado (46%) conduct business in a physical location compared to 27% of the entire U.S. sample. This could be because their businesses are locally focused - as most of their customers are located within their neighborhood (20%), city (40%), or state (39%).The research: GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these *microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics.Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 36,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: GoDaddyWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddyEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 21:32:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 543 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Dollar General Corporation ("Dollar General" or "the Company") (NYSE:DG) 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 Dollar General securities between May 28, 2020 and August 30, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/dg Case Details:The Complaint alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Dollar General stores were chronically understaffed and suffering from logistical and inventory management problems which left stores with tens of millions of dollars' worth of outdated and unwanted inventory, mispriced goods, and lost and damaged items; (ii) large backlogs of unsellable merchandise had built up at Dollar General's stores, which inventory had not been timely written down due to understaffing and Dollar General's failure to manage its inventory; (iii) the allotment of employee hours per store per week imposed by Dollar General management placed employees in virtually impossible situations where assigned tasks, including those necessary to effective store operations, could not be completed within the allotted time; (iv) Dollar General was systematically overcharging customers for items upon checkout above the listed price in violation of state laws, including state law violations identified by state regulators in Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio; (v) Dollar General's reported revenue and earnings during the Class Period were artificially inflated by defendants' over-pricing scheme; (vi) Dollar General's failure to manage store inventories and accurately price items upon checkout risked the loss of customers, lower sales, adverse regulatory actions, and reputational fallout; and (vii) Dollar General was not on track to achieve its guidance during the Class Period and such guidance lacked a reasonable factual 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/dg 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 Dollar General you have until January 26, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 18:01:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 363 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HORIZON CITY, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Hakes Brothers Homes proudly announces the grand unveiling of Painted Desert 4, an exclusive neighborhood in the heart of Horizon City, Texas.Hakes Brothers Model Home Painted Desert 4 represents the pinnacle of quality living and is now available for discerning homebuyers seeking an elevated lifestyle in this thriving community. Positioned as the latest testament to Hakes Brothers Homes' commitment to excellence, Painted Desert 4 is set to redefine the landscape of Horizon City's real estate market. With its picturesque setting, state-of-the-art amenities, and unparalleled craftsmanship, this neighborhood is a beacon of modern elegance and comfort."We are thrilled to introduce Painted Desert 4 to the Horizon City community," said Ty Taylor, Director of Sales and Marketing (Rio Division) at Hakes Brothers. "This neighborhood represents the culmination of our dedication to providing families with homes that perfectly blend sophistication, functionality, and comfort in a vibrant community setting." Painted Desert 4 offers an array of home designs meticulously crafted to suit diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that each residence embodies the epitome of style and functionality. Residents will relish the convenience of being situated amidst scenic vistas while remaining near essential amenities, schools, recreational facilities, and major transportation routes.Prospective homeowners can expect innovative floor plans, superior construction quality, and customizable features that exemplify the Hakes Brothers' legacy of excellence in homebuilding.For those eager to experience the unparalleled allure of Painted Desert 4 and secure their place in this coveted community, interested parties are encouraged to contact:(915) 295-3100 Susana.medina@hakesbrothers.com With high demand expected, securing a spot in this exclusive neighborhood is a prime opportunity to embrace the Horizon City lifestyle.For more information about Painted Desert 4 and Hakes Brothers Homes, visit: https://www.hakesbrothers.com/el-paso/painted-desert-4 About Hakes Brothers Homes:Hakes Brothers is a distinguished homebuilder renowned for crafting exceptional residences across the Southwest. With a steadfast commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and superior customer service, Hakes Brothers Homes consistently exceeds expectations, creating communities that redefine modern living.For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Marketing@ hakesbrothers.com Contact Information:Christopher Ashley VP Corporate Marketing chris.ashley@hakesbrothers.com 980-225-3948SOURCE: Hakes Brothers PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 23:17:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 557 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Aspiring medical students pursuing a career in psychiatry are invited to apply for the esteemed Dr. Alan Emamdee Scholarship. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship aims to recognize and support individuals who exhibit exceptional academic prowess, a commitment to community service, and a passion for advocating mental healthcare, all aligned with Dr. Emamdee's values and career trajectory.Established by Dr. Alan Emamdee, a distinguished board-certified psychiatrist renowned for his compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to underserved communities, the scholarship's mission aligns with his lifelong commitment to serving those most in need.Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria - currently enrolled in an accredited MD or DO program in the United States, demonstrating academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA, showing dedication to community service and mental healthcare advocacy, sharing Dr. Emamdee's passion for serving vulnerable populations, embodying empathy, inclusiveness, and cultural awareness, and intending to pursue psychiatry as a specialty - are encouraged to submit their essays.The essay prompt for the Dr. Alan Emamdee Scholarship requests applicants to articulate, in 500-750 words, their passion for psychiatry, their plans to emulate Dr. Emamdee's compassionate and culturally-competent approach to mental healthcare, and how the scholarship would support their goal of becoming dedicated psychiatric providers focused on serving those most in need. Additionally, applicants are asked to detail how they embody the qualities exemplified by Dr. Emamdee's career: academic rigor, empathy, inclusiveness, and commitment to community engagement.Dr. Alan Emamdee, the visionary behind this scholarship, earned his DO from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010. He completed his psychiatric residency training at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Alan Emamdee has provided comprehensive psychiatric services encompassing inpatient, outpatient, and consultative care. His diverse patient interactions range from geriatric patients in Brooklyn nursing homes to Native American communities in rural New Mexico.Utilizing a psychodynamic orientation and cross-cultural competence, Dr. Alan Emamdee establishes rapport with patients. His commitment to integrating western and traditional medicinal practices underscores his holistic, patient-centered approach, distinguishing him as an exemplary figure for aspiring psychiatric providers.Applications for the scholarship close on July 15, 2024. The recipient of this prestigious award will be announced on August 15, 2024.AboutDr. Alan Emamdee is a distinguished and board-certified psychiatrist whose career is marked by a profound dedication to mental healthcare and a steadfast commitment to serving underserved communities. After obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010, Dr. Emamdee pursued psychiatric residency training at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia.With over a decade of experience, Dr. Alan Emamdee has showcased his expertise across diverse psychiatric settings, encompassing inpatient, outpatient, and consultative care. His patient interactions have spanned a wide spectrum, from caring for geriatric patients in Brooklyn nursing homes to extending his services to Native American communities in rural New Mexico.Dr. Alan Emamdee approach to mental healthcare is characterized by a fusion of psychodynamic orientation and cross-cultural competence. His ability to establish strong connections with patients stems from his commitment to understanding and integrating western and traditional medicinal practices, culminating in a holistic, patient-centric approach.For more information about the Dr. Alan Emamdee Scholarship and to apply, visit https://dralanemamdeescholarship.com/ Contact Info:Spokesperson: Dr. Alan EmamdeeOrganization: Dr. Dr. Alan Emamdee ScholarshipWebsite: https://dralanemamdeescholarship.com/.Email: apply@ dralanemamdeescholarship.com SOURCE: Dr. Alan Emamdee Scholarship PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:02:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 714 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / EquityMultiple, the innovative real estate investing platform for self-directed investors, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), the largest firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services in the United States. Marcus & Millichap and EquityMultiple serve a similar market of highly informed, self-directed real estate investors, and both firms see the partnership as a symbiotic path to growth going forward.Since inception in 2015, EquityMultiple has developed a more targeted, institutional approach to the real estate crowdfunding concept. While other brands in the space have taken on venture capital funding, EquityMultiple has grown its business and portfolio through strategic partnerships and a disciplined focus on asset management. Through its nationwide network of nearly 50,000 self-directed investors, EquityMultiple has provided financing for hundreds of real estate transactions. EquityMultiple has thus provided flexible capital markets solutions to dozens of sponsors and operators across the U.S. in various forms: JV equity (LP and co-GP); senior debt; mezzanine and subordinate debt; and preferred equity.On top of its "full capital stack" financing solutions, EquityMultiple also provides a unique set of benefits to sponsors:Surety of funding. The firm uses capital raised via its Alpine Note offering to serve a treasury function, accelerating funding.Streamlined investor management. The firm maintains excellent customer communication via its Investor Relations Team, including asset performance reporting and tax document delivery.Ongoing support from its experienced Asset Management Team.EquityMultiple looks forward to bringing these benefits to Marcus & Millichap's network of sponsors, operators, and brokers. The partnership also brings clear benefits to individual investors seeking streamlined access to a broader set of opportunities.Remarked EquityMultiple CEO and Co-Founder Charles Clinton, "Since 2015 we have brought individual investors access to the types of commercial real estate that have long been hallmarks of institutional portfolios. Our mission is to bring the benefits of private-market CRE to a broader community of investors: uncorrelated return potential, tax advantages, and the potential for cash flow and appreciation across market cycles. Our partnership with Marcus & Millichap is an exciting step for our firm and for the real estate investing fintech space more broadly." J.D. Parker, Marcus & Millichap's chief operating officer, Eastern Division stated, "With this partnership, we continue our longstanding tradition of providing the commercial real estate industry with advantages that groundbreaking technologies have to offer. EquityMultiple's diverse array of real estate investment products expand a service line and broadens our spectrum of debt and equity sources." Marious Sjulsen, EquityMultiple's Chief Investment Officer and Co-Founder said of the opportunities going forward, "Marcus & Millichap is a phenomenal resource for commercial real estate investors and operators. At EquityMultiple, reach and diversification are core to what we bring to accredited investors. Through our partnership with Marcus & Millichap, EquityMultiple investors will benefit from deeper and broader access to transactions. At the same time, Marcus & Millichap's network of brokers, advisers, and buyers will benefit from curated access to a broader set of opportunities on the EquityMultiple platform, including timely CRE private credit investments; GP funds; and a diverse set of individual assets including potentially counter-cyclical sectors like self-storage, last-mile industrial, and multifamily." About EquityMultipleEquityMultiple is a leading investment management and technology firm whose mission is to provide unique real estate private equity and private credit opportunities to accredited investors. EquityMultiple's network of 50,000 investors has participated in over $5 billion in commercial real estate transactions since 2015. The firm partners with experienced real estate operators in strong markets across the country and offers investments in both individual properties and funds through its innovative platform. For more information, please visit https://www.equitymultiple.com About Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE:MMI)Marcus & Millichap, Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2022, the company had 1,904 investment sales and financing professionals in 81 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients. Marcus & Millichap closed 12,272 transactions in 2022, with a sales volume of approximately $86.3 billion. For additional information, please visit www.MarcusMillichap.com Contact InformationMike Albanese mike.albanese@newswire.com SOURCE: Equity Multiple Inc Employees of the tourist police and the Tourist Assistance Center on the island of Phuket, Thailand, were forced to dress a Russian tourist who caused a commotion at the airport on December 11. According to witnesses, the Russian showed signs of "mental problems." ADVERTISIMENT The troubled passenger refused to receive medical treatment. He was taken from the hands of law enforcement officers by either friends or relatives who received a call from the foreigner's phone, Russian media report. It is reported that the airport staff received an appeal from people who had been observing a strange man without shoes or clothes walking around the halls since the morning. When there was no longer any doubt about the foreigner's inadequacy, he was taken to an isolated room and forced to cover his torso. They decided not to board the plane because he was behaving suspiciously and could be dangerous. According to the airport staff, the traveler was carrying documents, a ticket and luggage. ADVERTISIMENT He refused the help of doctors, put on a T-shirt and waited for his loved ones. Comically, the Russian chose the image of the terrorist and drug lord Pablo Escobar out of all the things to choose from. Friends of the "mentally ill" tourist picked him up from the airport. Nothing is known about the fate of the Russian citizen. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that on the beach in Phuket near one of the hotels, a Russian tourist had a lively discussion with himself, scaring other vacationers. The police were involved. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:04:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 494 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Exotic Snack Guys Now Offers Products From Almost 40 Different CountriesCHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Exotic Snack Guys, an international snack retail brand, has grown its roster of import locations to around 40 countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Sweden, and Taiwan. The company stocks familiar flavors such as apple, dark chocolate, and vanilla while also embracing lesser-known options like white peach, lychee, and Kobe beef. With this expansion, Exotic Snack Guys continues to enrich its current inventory's cultural diversity while also building its community of snack enthusiasts.Exotic Snack Guys Zohaib Naman , Co Founder of Exotic Snack Guys The company was founded by Zohaib Naman and his business partner Shafiq Rehman in late June of this year. The two noticed how trendy international snacks were with online audiences and how marketable they could be in high-traffic zones like New York and Toronto, and they believed they could bring the same engagement and intrigue to their Chicago area. Naman also recognizes the sentimental value that snacks can have for some people, and making them readily available in person and online has helped bring Exotic Snack Guys' community together.Naman comments, "I was born in the Middle East myself. I remember walking into a Middle Eastern store and finding a candy I really liked growing up. It brought back a lot of memories for me. So, it's been good being able to do the same for other people and hearing their stories when they find candy they loved from their childhood." Exotic Snack Guys has also opened special orders for customers looking for particular snacks. If a product a customer is looking for isn't currently in stock, the owners will track it down and order it for them. Naman remarks that this has been yet another way for them to discover new snacks as well and expand their roster.With the explosive popularity that the company has seen, Exotic Snack Guys has had to move its in-house operations to a new storage and distribution center in suburban Bensenville. The brand states how glad it is to have met so many people through this adventure and are also making plans to broaden its community.Exotic Snack Guys hopes to have new locations opened in Milwaukee, Houston, Orlando, and Miami in the coming months, and the company is also working on importing from a total of 100 countries by the end of the year.ABOUT EXOTIC SNACK GUYSExotic Snack Guys is a Chicago-based company that caters to snack enthusiasts around the nation. Having launched in June 2023, the company sources its snacks from around 40 different countries. Exotic Snack Guys sells online as well as at its physical store and plans to open several locations in Houston, Miami, Milwaukee, and Orlando.To learn more about the company, visit exoticsnackguys.com or contact:Zohaib Naman+1 (773) 904-7479contact@ exoticsnackguys.comhttps://twitter.com/exoticsnackguyshttps://www.facebook.com/exsnackguys Contact InformationZohaib Naman CEO contact@ exoticsnackguys.com 7739047479SOURCE: Exotic Snack Guys PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 18:15:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 409 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Co-founded by longtime Frito-Lay employee Chris Wallace, MAN UP Mentoring is an Orlando-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through mentorship programs, educational support, and character development. With an organizational motto, penned by Frederick Douglass, "It is easier to empower youth; than to repair broken men," the organization aims to cultivate responsible leaders and positive role models within the community.MAN UP Mentoring has four core values that are found throughout the work they do, which are to connect, serve, lead, and empower. In addition to its core values, MAN UP is rooted in four pillars as well, those being mentorship, education, social services, and food security. To fully support these values and pillars, MAN UP's mentoring curriculum framework is based on the Whole Child Model. According to Transcend Education, creator of the Whole Child Model, the model is "rooted in the understanding that children's academic success is inextricably linked to their overall well-being".Since its inception in 2014, MAN UP Mentoring has supported over 1,200 youth and nearly 300 families, while serving six schools within the Orlando area. This support has equated to nearly 12,000 pounds of food distributed with a value totaling over $15,000. Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), Chris Wallace's employer over the past 35 years, has proven to be a substantial contributor to MAN UP Mentoring's mission. Over the years FLNA has supported the organization much more than just financially. The company has numerous volunteers from the local plant and also provides product donations.On average, youth members participate in MAN UP's programming for five years. As stated by youth.gov , the U.S. government resource for youth programming, "close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last a significant portion of time (i.e., more than one year) are central to success," which correlates to the immense success MAN UP Mentoring has had. The program has seen 100% of youth graduating high school with 96% of those youths not offending or reoffending in the Juvenile Justice System. When asked about his commitment to service through MAN UP Mentoring, Chris Wallace says, "It is our goal to introduce our mentees to the best version of themselves, offer them love, support, and hope, while igniting their vision." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Frito-Lay North America on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Frito-Lay North AmericaWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/frito-lay-north-america Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Frito-Lay North America PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 00:30:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 533 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 12, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Farfetch Limited (NYSE:FTCH) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Mar. 9, 2023 - Aug. 17, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Dec. 19, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/FTCH Contact An Attorney Now: FTCH@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on the propriety of Farfetch's statements about one of its most important metrics (gross merchandise value or "GMV"), which it says closely correlates with its revenue, the strength of its U.S. and China business, and the status of its touted partnership with Reebok.The complaint alleges Farfetch made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (2) Farfetch also faced onboarding challenges impacting the launch of its Reebok partnership; (3) Farfetch downplayed challenges it faced with respect to, and/or overstated its ability to, manage its supply chain and inventory; (4) all the foregoing was having a significant negative impact on Farfetch's revenue and GMV growth; and (5) accordingly, Farfetch was unlikely to meet market expectations for its Q2 2023 financial results and its FY 2023 revenue guidance.Investors learned the truth on Aug. 17, 2023, when Farfetch reported dismal Q2 2023 financial results and slashed its FY 2023 revenue guidance. The company missed market revenue consensus estimates by about $78 million and slashed its FY revenue guidance by approximately $400 million. Farfetch attributed its disastrous performance to significant growth slowdowns in the U.S. and China, onboarding challenges affecting the launch of its Reebok partnership, and inventory and shipping issues.In response, the price of Farfetch shares crashed about 45% lower on Aug. 18, 2023, wiping out over $700 million of shareholder value. In addition, the news prompted several analysts to downgrade the stock."We're focused on investors' losses and investigating whether senior management hid Farfetch's growth and partnership problems," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Farfetch and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now. If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Farfetch case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Farfetch should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email FTCH@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 08:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 573 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Hack The Box has been recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave: Cybersecurity Skills And Training Platforms, Q4 2023. Hack The Box received the highest possible scores in seven criteria: Skills Assessment and Verification, Gamification, Competition and Recognition, Learner Experience and Adoption, Curriculum Management, Vision, Pricing Flexibility and Transparency, and Community.A year of remarkable growthThis recognition follows a momentous year for Hack The Box-a successful $55 million Series B funding, surpassing 2 million platform members worldwide, and an expanded product offering that introduced new defensive security solutions, complementing its prowess in offensive methods since 2017.Offering hands-on, captivating learning experiences that mirror real-world threat scenarios and incorporate the latest attack techniques, Hack The Box continues to set new benchmarks in cybersecurity expertise.Forrester's report cites Hack The Box's approach, stating the company "is reflected in its differentiated vision of creating and connecting cyber-ready humans, offering hours of free content from which thousands of its two-million community members got their start with offensive security techniques." The independent research firm has recognized Hack The Box with the highest scores possible, defined as superior capabilities relative to others in the evaluation, in criteria for several of our key areas:CommunityGamification, competition, and recognitionLearner Experience and AdoptionSkills AssessmentHaris Pylarinos, Founder and CEO at Hack The Box, celebrates: "This recognition further validates for us our commitment to providing unique solutions and spearheading a new era in upskilling. As the global skills shortage hits record highs of 4 million, our platform plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge." "The landscape of cybersecurity training has evolved. Traditional methods no longer suffice against the rising tide of sophisticated attacks. Security professionals seek engaging, gamified training-where we lead." "Our core mission has always been cultivating a 'hacker mindset,' fostering out-of-the-box thinking and enabling organizations and individuals to adopt this unique perspective through Hack The Box." Moving beyond upskillingHaris Pylarinos, Founder and CEO at Hack The Box, continues, "Hack The Box doesn't just provide a comprehensive platform for individuals, businesses, government institutions, and universities to enhance their offensive and defensive security skills. It also acts as a pathway to cybersecurity job opportunities, directly addressing the industry's serious talent shortage." "Across the globe, customers have acclaimed our platform as an invaluable tool that remarkably contributes to their wider objectives, delivering substantial returns on their investment." "We're thrilled by Forrester's recognition and remain committed to delivering even more distinctive solutions throughout 2024 and beyond." ENDSAbout Hack The BoxHack The Box is a leading gamified cybersecurity upskilling, certification, and talent assessment platform enabling individuals, businesses, government institutions, and universities to sharpen their offensive and defensive security expertise. Launched in 2017, Hack The Box brings together the largest global cybersecurity community of more than 2m platform members and is on a mission to create and connect cyber-ready humans and organizations through highly engaging hacking experiences that cultivate out-of-the-box thinking. Offering a fully guided and exploratory skills development environment, Hack The Box is the ideal solution for cybersecurity professionals and organizations to continuously enhance their cyber-attack readiness by improving their red, blue, and purple team capabilities. Rapidly growing its international footprint and reach, Hack The Box is headquartered in the UK, with additional offices in Greece and the US.For more information, please visit hackthebox.com+447460038468 For press inquiries, please contact: pr@ hackthebox.com SOURCE: Hack The Box PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 22:47:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 580 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 22, 2019 - Oct. 12, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCSContact An Attorney Now: BCS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britain's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), Barclays' ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;(3) Staley's close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;(4) as a result, Barclays' response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; and(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCA's inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staley's departure after becoming aware of the FCA's preliminary conclusions regarding the company's and Staley's characterization of the Epstein relationship.Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epstein's island in the Caribbean.Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that "Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact." The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staley's emails described Epstein as one of his "deepest" and "most cherished" friends.Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BCS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 14:00:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 328 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Contract with AFRC to support their efforts to automate, modernize, and develop AI-decision capabilities into its budgeting processes.MCLEAN, VA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / HumanTouch is proud to announce a contract with the United States Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) to deliver Digital Program Objective Memorandum (POM) Automation Solutions. AFRC manages over 82,000 manpower billets with a portfolio of over $6 billion. HumanTouch will support AFRC's efforts to automate, modernize, and develop AI-decision capabilities into its budgeting processes with increased workforce savings, program efficiencies, and superior accuracy.Leveraging the CORAS Enterprise Decision Management Platform (EDMP), HumanTouch will automate the budgeting process and deliver a digital POM solution for decision management at the speed of relevance. The solution includes:Automated SPPBE lifecycle and POM developmentNLP analysis on unstructured filesAI predictive analysisBudget decision support throughout multi-year budget cyclesWhat-if analysis and scenario planningEnterprise, organizational, project, manpower visualizations, and reportsAutomated workflowsOptimized resource management with relational data organizationData aggregation that is live in days, enabling immediate optimization and value"I am excited to deliver a solution to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command that I know would have helped me in my former roles as a federal executive. Opportunities to streamline decision management, budgeting, and execution processes add tremendous value, efficiency, and address pain points experienced across the federal government in Defense and Civilian agencies," said Kelly Morrison, Sr. Vice President, HumanTouch.ABOUT HUMANTOUCH - Our HumanTouch X-factor provides exponential expertise, ROI & business value supporting digital transformation & mission delivery. www.humantouchllc.com ABOUT CORAS - CORAS uses AI/natural language processing (NLP) and business analytics to provide real time data and the decision advantage that leadership needs in a constant state of readiness. CORAS SaaS FedRAMP High runs on the Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) and has Impact Level (IL) 4/5 controls built-in through AWS GovCloud. Coras.com Contact InformationRebecca Churchill Corporate Communications rc@ churchillcommunicationsllc.com 9175189789Related FilesHT Capabilities Statement 2023.pdfnavigator ai.pdf SOURCE: HumanTouch PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 14:15:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 822 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Forbel and Pampa Baja achieve certification, with remaining farms to be certified in 2024TARRYTOWN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Consumers in the United States can look forward this coming year to SUNRAYS mandarins independently certified as Sustainably Grown by SCS Global Services. Forbel, a producer of SUNRAYS mandarins, has become the first citrus grower in Uruguay to achieve certification, and together with Peruvian SUNRAYS grower, Pampa Baja, are now the first Sustainably Grown certified citrus growers worldwide. This milestone achievement follows Jac. Vandenberg's announcement last year of its goal to have all SUNRAYS mandarin growers Sustainably Grown certified by the end of 2024."Collaborations and partnerships are critical to turning ideas into actions, and this achievement by our grower partners is a testament to that. We are proud to be working with the teams at Forbel and Pampa Baja who share the same deep passion for sustainability and the protection of our species. Their commitment to sustainability is now verified by their achievement of becoming the first citrus growers in the world to earn Sustainably Grown certification," said John Paap, sustainability manager at Jac. Vandenberg, a fourth generation, family-owned and operated fresh produce importer.Sustainably Grown is among the world's foremost sustainable agriculture standards. It provides customers with assurance that products meet strict environmental standards, that farm workers and farm communities are protected and engaged, and that the farm is economically resilient."We are proud to work with Jac. Vandenberg and their SUNRAYS growers, who value healthy and sustainable farming practices." said Kevin Warner, SCS Global Services Director of ESG certifications for the food and agriculture sector. "The Forbel team exceeded our expectations in meeting the stringent requirements of our standard, setting an important precedent in the Uruguayan fresh produce industry." Founded in 1986 in Paysandu, Uruguay, Forbel is one of Uruguay's top five citrus exporters. The company is fully committed to sustainability, embracing regenerative farming practices that enable it to nurture robust and resilient agroecosystems in harmony with nature. Achieving the SCS Sustainably Grown certification marks a significant milestone that demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the new sustainability requirements globally."It has been a challenging and demanding process for the entire Forbel team, but the satisfaction is immense due to the success achieved," says Malena Miglionico, Operations Manager, Product & Certifications at Forbel. "This accomplishment reinforces the company's commitment to implement sustainability practices: economically viable, socially beneficial, and environmentally respectful".The first Sustainably Grown certified SUNRAYS mandarins, the "snack with impact," will be available in supermarkets across the United States this coming summer, shipped from these certified farms. Consumers can be confident that these mandarins, which will carry the Sustainably Grown certification mark, have been third-party certified against the most comprehensive standard for sustainable agriculture."The world as we know it is changing rapidly, putting the security of people and other species increasingly at risk. As the global climate becomes ever more unstable and erratic, our industry has seen firsthand the impact this has had on our supply chain," said Paap. "At Vandenberg, nature has a prominent seat at the decision table. We take the current state of our planet and species extremely seriously, and that shows in everything we've been doing over the last decade, from our innovations in packaging to sustainable farming initiatives and participation in shaping industry practices and standards around sustainability. We all want to contribute to a better future. Offering visibility into the important work going on behind the scenes allows our consumers to participate and be a part of that positive impact." READ MORELearn More About Sustainably Grown CertificationAbout Jac. Vandenberg, Inc.Jac. Vandenberg is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated fresh fruit importer and marketer delivering fresh produce that is delicious, nutritious and delivers social and environmental impact. Its products include SUNRAYS sustainable, zero waste grapes and mandarins. For more information, visit www.jacvandenberg.com About SCS Global ServicesSCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com Media Contact: Shyama Devarajan Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services sdevarajan@ scsglobalservices.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: SCS Global ServicesWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-services Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: SCS Global Services PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 22:30:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1001 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAGOS, NIGERIA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Jumia Technologies AG (NYSE:JMIA) ("Jumia" or the "Company"), the leading pan-African e-commerce platform, has announced plans to close its food delivery business, Jumia Food. Jumia will continue to operate its core physical goods business and its JumiaPay business in all of its countries of operation.Following a strategic review of Jumia Food, the Company determined that its food delivery business is not suitable to the current operating environment and macroeconomic conditions in its market, and will close its food delivery operations in all markets by the end of December 2023. This decision is in line with the Company's strategy to optimize its capital and resource allocation and to continue its path to profitability. The food delivery business represents approximately 11% of Jumia's GMV for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and has not been profitable since inception of the business."The more we focus on our physical goods business, the more we realize that there is huge potential for Jumia to grow, with a path to profitability. We must take the right decision and fully focus our management, our teams and our capital resources to go after this opportunity. In the current context, it means leaving a business line, which we believe does not offer the same upside potential - food delivery," said Francis Dufay, Chief Executive Officer of Jumia."Food delivery remains a business with very challenging economics, in Africa and across the world, and we want to focus our efforts on our physical goods e-commerce business, in the eleven markets where we operate. This is a matter of prioritization of opportunities, and expected return on investment," said Antoine Maillet-Mezeray, EVP Finance & Operations of Jumia.Jumia currently operates its food delivery business in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Ivory Coast. A number of employees currently dedicated to the food delivery business will transition to the continuing physical goods business in these countries.This strategic shift demonstrates Jumia's strategic commitment to profitable growth and dedication to its core physical goods business in its 11 countries of operation.Gross Merchandise Value ("GMV") corresponds to the total value of orders for products and services, including shipping fees, value added tax, and before deductions of any discounts or vouchers, irrespective of cancellations or returns for the relevant period. The Company believes that GMV is a useful indicator for the usage of our platform that is not influenced by shifts in our sales between first-party and third-party sales or the method of payment. The Company uses GMV as one of many indicators to monitor usage of our platform.Forward Looking StatementsThis press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, industry dynamics, business strategy, path to profitability and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements represent our opinions, expectations, beliefs, intentions, estimates or strategies regarding the future, which may not be realized. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "believes," "estimates", "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, the risks described under Item 3. "Key Information-D. Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Considering these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on these forward-looking statements, and we qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Moreover, neither we nor our advisors nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. Neither we nor our advisors undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as may be required by law. You should read this release with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.ContactsFrancis Dufay Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Management Boardfrancis.dufay@jumia.com Antoine Maillet-MezerayExecutive Vice President, Finance & Operations and Member of the Management Boardantoine.maillet-mezeray@jumia.com Abdesselam BenzitouniHead of PR and Communicationspress@ jumia.com SOURCE: Jumia Technologies AG PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 14:00:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1001 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of 2023 field activities at the Company's La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE project in southwestern Colorado, USA. The 2023 exploration program included 4,530 meters in four diamond drill holes focused on expanding the current mineral resource and testing extensions of strong porphyry-style mineralization encountered in 2022 drill hole LAP22-04. LAP22-04 intercepted 816 meters of continuous mineralization grading 0.41% copper equivalent with significant intervals of higher-grade mineralization. Assays are pending with results expected in early 2024, which will provide the basis for an update to the current mineral resource estimate of 1.2 billion pounds copper and 17.6 million ounces of silver1 as announced in July 2023. Additional field activities included detailed geologic mapping, surface rock and soil sampling, airborne and drill core hyperspectral surveys.The 2023 field campaign was funded by a strategic equity investment announced in May 2023 whereby Newmont Mining (previously Newcrest Mining Limited) acquired a 9.5% ownership position in Metallic Minerals with the goal of accelerating advancement of the La Plata project.HighlightsDrilling totalled 4,530 meters in four resource expansion drill holes ranging from 965 meters in depth to 1,350 meters in hole LAP23-06, which is the deepest hole to date in the project.All four drill holes intersected porphyry style mineralization over their entire lengths with varying levels of visible copper sulphides and vein density (see Figures below).Drilling in 2023 has extended mineralization to more than 1.5 kilometers vertically starting at surface and is anticipated to allow for inclusion of both gold and platinum group elements in future mineral resource estimates along with copper and silver.An advanced airborne hyperspectral survey covering 157 square kilometers (453-line km) was completed by SpecTIR in the visible ("VNIR") to shortwave infrared ("SWIR") and longwave infrared ("LWIR") spectra (949 total bands) allowing for detailed mineral and alteration mapping across the entire district.Scanning of 3,848 meters of drill core was completed by GeologicAI providing hi-resolution RGB digital photography, laser profilometry using LIDAR, VNIR and SWIR hyperspectral imagery and x-ray fluorescence, allowing for detailed characterization of mineralization and alteration within the Allard deposit.Expansion of project surface sampling included 667 additional soil samples and 275 rock samples in conjunction with detailed geologic surface mapping both inside and outside of the Allard resource area. This work has identified a number of new high priority target areas for follow up exploration and has expanded the known surface footprint of the Allard mineral system.Scott Petsel, Metallic Minerals' President, stated, "We are excited to have completed our largest drill and field program to date at La Plata with the collaboration of our strategic investor, Colorado based Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), which recently acquired Newcrest Mining. This year's drilling was designed to expand the existing resource at the Allard deposit and to develop vectors towards the strongest mineralized parts in the system. Full results are pending, and the Company anticipates final assays to be reported in early 2024.The Allard deposit remains open to significant expansion to the east, north and west and at depth. With the drilling this year, we anticipate adding gold, platinum and palladium to the current copper and silver resource. In addition, our work this season on the broader project has identified several new high-priority targets outside of the Allard resource area, highlighting the potential for new discoveries of both additional copper porphyry centers, as well as high-grade epithermal silver and gold systems.With the projected strong and growing need for new copper production in the US and global markets over the coming decades, projects like La Plata that are located in stable geopolitical locations that can be developed responsibly to first-world standards, are going to be in very high-demand. It is still early days at La Plata, but we already see the potential for a leading, long-life opportunity in the production of copper, silver, gold and other critical minerals in the USA. We look forward to providing further updates on La Plata and our high-grade Keno Silver project in the Yukon and to displaying drill core at both the AMEBC Roundup and PDAC core shacks in Q1 2024."Upcoming EventsVancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC)Metallic Minerals and fellow Metallic Group members, Granite Creek Copper and Stillwater Critical Minerals, in Booth #112 at the 2024 VRIC event, January 21 and 22, 2024. For more information click here.AMEBC Mineral Roundup Core ShackMetallic Minerals will be displaying core from the 2023 drill season at the upcoming AMEBC Mineral Roundup event held in Vancouver, BC January 22 to 25, 2024. For more information click here.Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Convention (PDAC)Metallic Minerals will be displaying core from the 2023 drill season at the PDAC convention held in Toronto, March 3 to 6, 2024. For more information click here.Figure 1 - Cross section through Allard Resource Area with new drill holes 23-05 and 23-06 (see Figure 2 for plan map)Figure 2 - Plan map showing new drill holes 23-07 and 23-08.Figure 3 - Core photos of Hole LAP23-05 from 425 m to 433 m showing an example of strong porphyry style mineralization including multi-phase veining and strongly disseminated copper sulphides.Figure 4 - Core photo detail of from red outline above in Figure 3 showing the intensity of copper sulphides including chalcopyrite and bornite.About Metallic MineralsMetallic Minerals Corp. is focused on copper, silver, gold, and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the new 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate identifies a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.21 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver1. The 2022 expansion drilling provided the basis for the updated resource, including the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 20 PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 21:45:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 721 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / MetLife, Inc.Grants awarded to 24 non-profit organizations from communities across the United States through the Foundation's Accelerating Commitment to Equity Innovation FundMetLifeMetLife Foundation announced the 24 non-profit recipients of its two-year, $10 million Accelerating Commitment to Equity Innovation Fund (ACE Innovation Fund). The fund aims to democratize access to capital for non-profit organizations addressing income and wealth inequality in communities that have been historically and systemically disinvested.Each non-profit recipient was awarded a $250,000 grant to implement or accelerate their proposal. These proposals center on one of the focus areas of the ACE Innovation Fund - financial security and longevity, small business growth and job creation, narrative change, homeownership, affordable housing and community revitalization, and good jobs."We are living in a dynamic environment that requires us to address the most pressing issues of today head on, while advancing our work for the future," said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. "Our vision for the ACE Innovation Fund is to address the growing income and wealth divide and instill confidence for the future by investing in the visionary, bold, and forward looking solutions of today's leaders and non-profits." The 2023 ACE Innovation Fund grantees have significant work or plan to implement their proposal in Atlanta, GA; Cary, Durham and Raleigh, NC; Chicago, IL; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; or Tampa, FL. The selected grantees are part of a national cohort of actively engaged peers that will network and participate in a community of practice.The full list of grantees can be viewed on MetLife Foundation's website, and include:Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative to accelerate the capacity building and technical assistance programming of business-serving organizations to prepare Black-owned businesses to receive capital in Atlanta, GA.Chicago Community Loan Fund to accelerate efforts to educate and provide low-interest loans to residents of aging buildings to make improvements to the buildings - raising the value of cooperatively operated housing while keeping elderly residents homed in Chicago, IL.La Casa de Don Pedro to implement their healthy homes and community empowerment programs in Newark, NJ, fostering self-sufficiency, empowerment and neighborhood Page 2 of 2 revitalization by bringing together essential local services to enhance affordable housing.MDC , Inc. to implement the coordination of an Integrated Services Delivery Network of community-based organizations in Durham, NC, connecting low-income residents with public benefits, social supports and career training.The Laundromat Project to accelerate programs that build stronger community connections, promote cultural preservation and facilitate generational wealth building for longtime residents of Brooklyn, NY.The New York Women's Foundation to implement the Bronx Economic Justice Project to advance opportunities within the green economy and develop a cohort of women and gender-expansive individuals focused on advancing economic security in Bronx, NY.The ACE Innovation Fund recipients will take part in a cohort to measure impact and report on the outcomes of their interventions, with the opportunity to receive up to $150,000 in follow-on funding. MetLife Foundation is partnering with the Urban Institute Racial Equity Analytics Lab to study and measure the impact of each recipient's interventions and Community Resource Exchange (CRE) to provide capacity building support for grantees and their staff. This wraparound support is integral to the ACE Innovation Fund to put tools, resources and advantages in the hands of the grantees to fully implement or accelerate their programs.For more information on MetLife Foundation and the ACE Innovation Fund, visit www.MetLife.org About MetLife FoundationAt MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas - economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities - while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org For Media:Olivia Janicelli(212) 578-3547 olivia.janicelli@metlife.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MetLife, Inc. on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: MetLife, Inc.Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/metlife-incEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: MetLife, Inc. There are currently about 2600 trucks in queues on the Polish-Ukrainian border. The blocking of traffic at three checkpoints continues. ADVERTISIMENT Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, told Ukrinform. "According to the Polish border guards, as of this morning, there are 2600 trucks in the areas where the blocking continues: "Shehyni - 1300, Rava-Ruska - 720, Krakivets - 570," he said. The blockade on the border with Slovakia also continues. As of the morning, nearly 560 trucks were waiting to cross into Ukraine at the Uzhhorod checkpoint. As of this morning, more than 1,200 trucks were registered in the e-queue to leave Ukraine. Meanwhile, traffic on the Hungarian border is moving, but there are still queues. In the direction of Ukraine, 450 trucks were waiting to cross the Tisa checkpoint. As a reminder, Polish carriers led by far-right politician Rafal Mekler failed to re-block the largest checkpoint on the border between Ukraine and Poland, Yahodyn-Dorohusk. On the night of December 12, they tried to completely block the traffic with an allegedly "broken" truck, but managed to avoid queues. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the blockade of another checkpoint may soon be lifted, but the far right hopes to reverse these decisions. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, road carriers in Slovakia blocked the Vysne Nemecke checkpoint for trucks, but only in the direction of Slovakia. They organized the action in support of their Polish colleagues. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:03:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 521 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Metrodora Institute Appoints Dr. Brent P. Goodman, MD, as Chief Medical Officer to Propel Innovations in Complex Multisystem Disorder CareSALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Metrodora Institute, a leading multispecialty healthcare institute, announces the appointment of Brent P. Goodman, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Goodman will play a key role as a member of the company's executive leadership team, driving innovation and advancing patient care for individuals with complex multisystem disorders."As Metrodora Institute ventures into the future of healthcare innovation, it was critical for us to bring on visionaries who have a proven history of executing on a shared mission for our patient population. Dr. Goodman was the obvious choice as one of the most respected and recognized physician leaders in this space," said John Wirthlin, CEO, Metrodora Institute.In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Goodman will accelerate Metrodora Institute's vision of reimaging care for patients with complex multisystem disorders by leveraging his clinical expertise, research acumen, and commitment to deploying cutting-edge healthcare technologies.Dr. Goodman stated, "I look forward to working with the Metrodora team to drive innovation, advance new therapies and contribute to improving patient care for this historically underserved patient population. I am inspired by Metrodora's noble vision and am excited to start this new chapter of my career." Dr. Goodman, an M.D. graduate from Tufts University School of Medicine, is a board-certified Neurologist with expertise in Autonomic and Neuromuscular Medicine. He completed his residency at Mayo Clinic, followed by a Neurophysiology and Neuromuscular fellowship. Dr. Goodman founded the Autonomic program at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, has lectured nationally and internationally, and received multiple teaching awards, including a Lifetime Educator award from the Mayo Clinic. His leadership extends beyond clinical practice, as evidenced by his roles on the Sjogren's Foundation Board, Dysautonomia International Medical Advisory Board, and other prestigious national committees. With years of leadership in the complex multisystem disorder space, Dr. Goodman established the Mayo Clinic Arizona as a premier destination for patients with autonomic nervous system disorders.His dedication to practice, research and education is an invaluable addition to the leadership of Metrodora Institute and will further highlight the unique offerings of the destination medical center. His impactful research, encompasses over 70 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, includes pioneering work on dysautonomia in Sjogren's disease, critical illness neuromyopathy, and COVID-19 Dysautonomia. In practice, Dr. Goodman has served in various roles, EMG laboratory director, Autonomic laboratory director, Neuromuscular chair, and was a longstanding practice chair for the department of Neurology.About Metrodora Institute - Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Metrodora Institute was founded in 2021 with the vision of reimagining care for patients with complex multisystem disorders. Metrodora is uniquely positioned to advance the latest clinical care, develop, and commercialize new diagnostic tests and therapeutics for patients living with these often debilitating conditions. Metrodora Institute has created an innovative offering with a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to medicine. Metrodora currently treats neurological, gastrointestinal, immunological, autoimmune, pain and metabolic disorders.Contact InformationKainoa Clark Chief Marketing Officer kainoa.clark@netwasatch.com 801-473-2119SOURCE: Metrodora Institute PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 19:34:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 401 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / AllergoSan USA is thrilled to announce that their Omni-Biotic AB 10 probiotic has been awarded the Practitioner's Choice Award in the "Specialty and Herbal Supplements" category by Natural Practitioner Magazine. This esteemed recognition is particularly significant as it is based on product recommendations from practitioners, showcasing the trust and confidence they place in Omni-Biotic AB 10.Omni-Biotic AB 10 with Sachet Omni-Biotic AB 10 with SachetThe Practitioner's Choice Award, presented by Natural Practitioner Magazine, is a prestigious accolade honoring the most recommended products according to a nationwide survey of readers within the natural and alternative healthcare professional community. What sets this award apart is its basis in practitioner consensus, making it a true testament to the clinical impact of Omni-Biotic AB 10.Hannah Kleinfeld, COO of AllergoSan USA, expressed her appreciation of the acknowledgment, stating, "We are honored to receive the Practitioner's Choice Award for Omni-Biotic AB 10. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing clinically-tested and highly effective products that make a real difference in gut health, wellness, and longevity. We are grateful for the support of our customers and healthcare practitioners." Omni-Biotic AB 10 is a restorative probiotic designed to promote a balanced and diverse gut microbiome, the foundation of overall well-being. Clinically shown to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea, combat C. Diff infection, and inhibit other unwanted bacteria in the gut, Omni-Biotic AB 10 is frequently used in hospitals and nursing homes across Europe during and after antibiotic use, surgery, and chemotherapy.Omni-Biotic, a top-selling European line introduced to the United States in 2019 by AllergoSan USA, offers targeted probiotic blends developed for stress, immunity, liver detox, gut restoration, and more. These high-performance probiotics are grounded in product-specific research and controlled clinical studies, ensuring a deep understanding of probiotic strain significance and synergistic performance for specific health outcomes.About AllergoSan USA:AllergoSan USA, a joint venture formed in 2019 with Austrian-based microbiome research institute Institut AllergoSan, is dedicated to bringing Omni-Biotic products to the U.S. The founding team recognized the need for deeply studied specialized probiotics in the U.S. AllergoSan USA aims to be the gold standard in probiotic supplements and gut health-promoting products, serving consumers, healthcare practitioners, pharmacies, and leading medical facilities. For more information visit www.omnibioticlife.com For further information, please contact:Teal Minisoferteal@ zerotrillion.com Contact InformationTeal Minisofer PR Director teal@ zerotrillion.com +31616382684View the original press release on newswire.com SOURCE: AllergoSan USA PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:47:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 483 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Journalist Carol Costello explores the emotional complexities of the 1984 Phyllis Cottle case in her podcast "Blind Rage," discussing recent DNA results that affirm Samuel J. Herring's identity as the assailant and challenge the Ohio Innocence Project's claims.CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Esteemed journalist and former CNN and HLN anchor Carol Costello navigates the emotional complexities of the 1984 Phyllis Cottle case, expressing anger and bewilderment as the Ohio Innocence Project challenges the conviction. In her latest podcast series, Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage, produced by Evergreen Podcasts, Costello revisits the brutal attack in Akron, Ohio, and the sub sequential conviction of Samuel J. Herring for charges including kidnapping, rape, aggravated robbery, felonious sexual assault, aggravated arson, and attempted murder.Carol Costello Presents Blind Rage Carol Costello Presents Blind Rage Podcast Cover In the podcast's latest episodes, "Update: The Unthinkable" and "Update: DNA Results | 'I'm a Gun Man,'" Costello presents the irrefutable details outlined by Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh. Forensic scientists have now solidified a conclusive 1 in 1-trillion match, definitively linking the DNA discovered on Phyllis Cottle's clothing to Samuel J. Herring and affirming him as the assailant.Phyllis Cottle's family, while relieved the case is over, issues a cautionary statement urging the Ohio Innocence Project and media partners to exercise better due diligence in future cases, considering the impact on victims' families.In the wake of these revelations, Carol Costello remains committed to providing a platform for exploring complex true-crime narratives and their implications for the justice system. Tune into Carol Costello Presents: Blind Rage on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. The podcast continues its dedication to unraveling the intricate facets of the Herring case in forthcoming episodes. For additional insights into the podcast's research and a written forum, visit Carol Costello Presents. Stay updated by following her on Facebook and Instagram.Carol Costello currently is a Special Advisor and Ambassador at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). In her role at LMU, Carol teaches a broadcast journalism course within the university's journalism program. Additionally, she is the creator of Project Citizen, a program established in 2019 at LMU that provides resources and mentorship for student journalists with a core mission to bridge the partisan divide in the country. Her work reflects her dedication to fostering journalistic talent and addressing societal challenges through educational initiatives.For media inquiries or interview requests with Carol Costello, please contact Samantha Maloy from Evergreen Podcasts.About Evergreen PodcastsEvergreen Podcasts is an established podcast production network with a catalog of entertaining and thought-provoking shows rooted in high production quality and artistic integrity. With a diverse range of podcasts spanning genres such as true crime, pop culture, comedy, and beyond, Evergreen Podcasts connects listeners with engaging content that informs, entertains, and inspires. For more information, visit evergreenpodcasts.com # #Contact InformationSamantha Maloy Director of Marketing smaloy@ evergreenpodcasts.com SOURCE: Evergreen Podcasts PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-14 00:00:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 998 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV)(OTCQB:REVVF) ("Revolve" or the "Company") an owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects is pleased to announce that it has increased the size of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), as described in the Company's news release dated November 16, 2023 ( https://revolve-renewablepower.com/revolve-announces-closing-of-first-tranche-of-non-brokered-private-placement/) to include a second tranche of up to $1,000,000. All currency in this news release is denominated in Canadian dollars.Revolve completed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement on November 16, 2023 (the "Offering") of 5,267,062 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.285 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of approximately $1,501,112. Management, employees and insiders of the Company invested a total of $226,740 in the Offering.The Company intends to include a second tranche of up to $1,000,00 in the Offering and to issue a further 2,850,000 Units of the Company.Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire one addition Common Share at a price of $0.45 for a period of eighteen (18) months following the closing date of the Offering, subject to the Acceleration Right (as defined below).The Warrants contain an acceleration provision, whereby if the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") is equal to or greater than $0.60 per Common Share for 15 consecutive trading days, then the expiry date of the Warrants shall automatically accelerate and the Warrants will expire on the date that is 30 days after the date that notice of such acceleration is provided to the Warrant holders (the "Acceleration Right").Similar to the first tranche of the Offering, the Company intends to pay a cash commission of 5% to certain arms-length third parties (the "Finders") who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering.The Private Placement is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.About RevolveRevolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico with a portfolio of approx. 2,838MW under development. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve Renewable Business Solutions currently has an operating portfolio of 6MW with an additional 3MW under construction phase and 156MW under development.Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" (or "RTB") status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects.Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG (distributed generation) assets.For further information contact:Steve Dalton, CEOIR@ revolve-renewablepower.com OrSunita PrasadVP, Corporate Development & Investor RelationsPhone: +1 778-885-5550IR@ revolve-renewablepower.com Forward Looking InformationAlthough Revolve believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Revolve can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering, including TSXV's final approval of the Offering; the anticipated use of the Offering; and the completion and timing of any additional tranches, as well as, information relating to the business plans of Revolve and Revolve's management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business in the United States and Mexico, including the planned MW capacity of its projects; its expansion into the distributed generation market; potential opportunities in the distributed generation market; the completion and timing of the development of its planned portfolio of distributed generation projects; the completion of the Offering, including final approval of the Offering by the TSXV; potential revenues and cashflows generated from its DG division; and the Company's plans to develop, construct and finance rooftop solar, battery storage and energy efficiency projects of up to 5MW and enter into long term power purchase agreements for the sale of electricity from the projects with the underlying customers. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Revolve.The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, and includes, but is not limited to, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to the extent of regulations pertaining to the Company's projects and Revolve's ability to continue as going concern. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information, including but not limited to: the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises, including COVID-19; labour availability; disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environm PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 18:01:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 923 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Key members of the executive team of Stellar MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Florida and Puerto Rico, and the third-largest in the U.S., joined colleagues from around the globe at a forum in Paris, France to share best practices for driving innovation and efficiency in the real estate industry.Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen, COO Shayne Fairley and Vice President of Technology & Innovation Mathew Kallumadil took part in the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, Dec. 1-2, 2023 at the Pullman Montparnasse hotel in Paris, France. The event drew industry leaders from five continents and more than 35 countries and featured panels exploring the 100-year legacy of MLSs in the U.S. and the potential for international real estate markets; benefits of standardized data; innovation and tech trends empowering brokers and agents; and investment opportunities in emerging MLS markets.Cowen moderated a discussion on the "Benefits of Standardized Data Sets to Public and Private Institutions" and noted that "while there are many differences in real estate markets from country to country, there are many commonalities we can bring together to help create an ecosystem that works in each unique environment and bring the value of the MLS to them." The forum was an opportunity for real estate professionals from across the globe to hear best practices from successful U.S.-based MLSs. "In Europe, the difference in transacting real estate is startling - from the lack of consolidated and accurate databases to the way brokers conduct business," Cowen said, and pointed to how CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions, is working to elevate industry professionalism and knowledge among its member countries."Getting to know European leaders and learn about their individual countries was invaluable," Cowen added. "The network created by attending was invaluable, and the opportunities to help the global market move toward organized real estate and data standards are exciting." Fairley, who participated in a panel titled "Investment Opportunities in Emerging MLS Markets," said the forum provided a unique opportunity to showcase the value of the MLS and the importance of accurate data to empower real estate professionals."The conference was timely in that the desire to make a change in the European market was evident and Stellar MLS was able to demonstrate our willingness to collaborate to assist these new markets," Fairley said. "Stellar MLS is in a unique position to elevate real estate beyond the bounds of North America, with a long legacy of operating a successful MLS, with far-reaching partnerships and data shares, and with our track record of customer service excellence. We will be ready when Europe is." Kallumadil, who presented in two technology-focused discussions, said the conference highlighted that the biggest challenge for some European markets is not technology or data, but the mindset of real estate professionals about changing their current operating methods."It is critical to educate real estate professionals on the benefits of collaboration and data standards and opening up the doors to the largest asset class for innovation," Kallumadil said. "There is a general global desire to adopt a real estate infrastructure comparable to organized real estate in North America, and this forum gave us the opportunity to discuss details with key stakeholders in the European market about their unique challenges." Other speakers included: Joe Schneider, government affairs director, North Bay Association of REALTORS; Ali Attar, CEO and co-founder of Realtyna, a software solutions provider for the real estate industry; Brad Inman, founder, Inman Group; Jan Boruvka, president, CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions; Sam DeBord, CEO, Real Estate Standards Organization; and Patrick Pichette, vice president, Canadian Real Estate Association and director, RESO. For information, visit https://mlsforum.org/ About Stellar MLSStellar MLS is a technology-backed real estate service company that provides customers access to trusted, standardized data. Stellar MLS is the largest multiple listing service in the state of Florida and in Puerto Rico, and the third-largest in the U.S. With more than 84,000 customers and a dynamic vision, Stellar MLS is poised to help brokers and their agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market with a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service. Stellar MLS makes the market work for real estate agents and brokers in 20 REALTOR associations throughout Central and Southwest Florida and in Puerto Rico.###Credit: International MLS ForumStellar MLS's executive team, from left, Shayne Fairley, COO, Merri Jo Cowen, CEO, and Mathew Kallumadil, VP, Technology & Innovation, at the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, which took place Dec. 1-2, 2023 at Pullman Montparnasse in Paris, France.Credit: International MLS ForumMerri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, moderated a discussion on the "Benefits of Standardized Data Sets to Public and Private Institutions" at the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, Dec. 2, 2023 at Pullman Montparnasse in Paris, France.Credit: International MLS ForumStellar MLS COO Shayne Fairley, right, discusses "Investment Opportunities in Emerging MLS Markets" at the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, which took place Dec. 1-2, 2023 at Pullman Montparnasse in Paris, France.Credit: International MLS ForumMathew Kallumadil, at right, Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Stellar MLS, discussing emerging technologies for the real estate industry at the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, which was held Dec. 1-2, 2023 at Pullman Montparnasse in Paris, France.Media Contact: Caryn McBrideCo-Communicationscmcbride@ cocommunications.com SOURCE: Stellar MLS PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 21:00:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 886 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 USA V . CANADA . Houston, Texas attorney Paul Sternberg explains the important differences.HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Sternberg Law Firm:While both the United States and Canada share common legal roots, attorney Paul Sternberg notes there are differences in how they handle online defamation. Though both countries have defamation laws that apply to online statements, the legal standards, procedural rules, and available defenses can differ.Online Defamation Laws: U.S. vs. CanadaDefamation Law in the U.S.Sternberg stresses that there are several key pieces of information to know when it comes to online defamation law in the United States:First Amendment ProtectionsThe First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, including opinions and even some false statements. As a result, defamation laws in the U.S. tend to be more permissive than in some other jurisdictions.Public Figures and Actual MaliceIf the subject of the defamation is a public figure, they generally must prove that the false statement was made with "actual malice" (knowingly false or with reckless disregard for the truth) in order to succeed in a defamation lawsuit.Section 230 of the Communications Decency ActSection 230 provides immunity to online service providers for content posted by users. This means that, in many cases, websites and platforms are not held liable for defamatory statements made by their users.State Laws VaryDefamation laws can vary significantly from state to state, with some states having anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statutes that provide protection against lawsuits intended to censor, intimidate, or silence critics.Sternberg notes that to establish defamation in the U.S., a plaintiff typically needs to prove the following:A false statement was madeThe statement was published to a third partyThe statement caused harm to the plaintiff's reputationThe statement was made negligently or with actual malice (for public figures)Defamation Law in CanadaSternberg says that, unlike the U.S., Canada does not have specific federal legislation addressing online defamation. However, defamation laws in Canada apply to both online and offline statements. Canadian defamation laws are primarily based on common law principles, and each province and territory has its own set of laws that govern defamation.Sternberg notes the following key pieces of information to understand when it comes to Canadian defamation law and how it differs from that in the U.S.:Protection of ReputationWhile Canada values freedom of expression, it also places a significant emphasis on the protection of reputation. Defamation laws are designed to balance these two principles.Public Figures and Private IndividualsUnlike the U.S., Canada generally does not have a distinction between public and private figures when it comes to defamation. Both can pursue defamation claims.No Equivalent to Section 230Canada does not have an equivalent to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. However, online service providers may still have some legal protections under certain circumstances.Less Emphasis on Actual MaliceCanadian defamation laws may not require plaintiffs to prove "actual malice" as is often required for public figures in the U.S. Instead, the focus may be on whether the statements are false and harmful to reputation.Provincial JurisdictionDefamation laws fall under provincial jurisdiction in Canada, so there can be variations in how these laws are applied from one province to another.Sternberg says that, to establish defamation in Canada, a plaintiff typically needs to prove that a statement was:FalseDamaging to their reputationCommunicated to a third partyHowever, in Canada, there are limitation periods within which a defamation claim must be brought. These periods can vary by province and territory.Regardless of whether you live in the U.S. or Canada, Sternberg advises that, if you are dealing with a potential defamation issue, you should seek legal advice from a qualified professional in the relevant jurisdiction.Paul M. Sternberg owns a private practice law firm in Houston, Texas. He concentrates his practice in the areas of internet defamation law as well as business law. Mr. Sternberg is a graduate from the A.B.Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in 1987, and a 1996 graduate from South Texas College of Law in Houston. Mr. Sternberg, a seasoned entrepreneur, is the author of THE GUIDE TO INTERNET DEFAMATION AND WEBSITE REMOVAL and SECTION 230 , FEE SPEACH AND THE INTERNET. 10 years of experience on representing clients who have been the victims of defamatory cyber-attacks. Mr. Sternberg has developed a reliable blueprint in securing positive solutions in most cases. He has shared his professional knowledge with FOX NEWS and many other media outlets to discuss internet defamation. He is a frequent speaker to attorneys and community groups. He may be reached at www.TheDefamationAttorney.com or his office at 713-789-8120.THIS ARTICLE SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS LEGAL ADVICEAttorney Paul Sternberg, of Houston, Texas, states and declares that the above text is not offered as legal advice, but is provided as general information. The information contained within may not be suitable for all individuals or situations. No attorney-client relationship is created or implied by the provision of this information, nor does the aforementioned make any warranties, whether expressed or implied, of any kind. To discuss a particular situation in more detail, please contact attorney Paul Sternberg for a consultation by calling 713-392-4322SOURCE: Sternberg Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:02:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 489 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Strategos Group, a Tampa-based national management consultancy, announced today that Kevin Jenkins will join the firm as Director of Enterprise Growth and Investments.Kevin Jenkins, Strategos Director of Enterprise Growth and Investments Strategos Group Welcomes Kevin Jenkins, Director of Enterprise Growth and InvestmentsJenkins is a proven strategy and finance leader with buy- and sell-side experience, having led investment committees and M&A transactions. Jenkins has overseen financing, fundraising, pricing strategies and strategic partnerships for startups and national enterprises.Strategos Managing Partner Adam Giery said, "Kevin is a leader with deep expertise, abilities, and intentionality. His arrival furthers our mission of providing unmistakable client value and serves as a cornerstone addition to our newest endeavors in support of founders throughout the investment and M&A journey." Giery expressed gratitude saying, "Kevin's arrival furthers our subject matter expertise in the education sector and bolsters our investment within the Tampa community. We're grateful to Kevin and his wife Jasmine for their trust in our team and belief in our vision." Jenkins brings more than a decade of experience strategy, finance and corporate development roles across the financial services, public sector consulting, crypto, and EdTech industries.Previously, Jenkins worked at DreamBox Learning in corporate development and partnerships, where he designed and scaled its inorganic growth process.Jessica Kuperberg, former General Counsel and VP of Corporate Development at DreamBox, said, "Kevin was invaluable to our DreamBox Learning Executive Team during a critical growth phase, adding market-forward analysis and insights during multiple M&A transactions. Kevin's financial acumen not only guided us through complex negotiations but also ensured that our decisions were both fiscally sound and aligned with our long-term objectives. His contributions positioned DreamBox at the forefront of the EdTech market, ensuring positive returns for both students and shareholders." Jenkins is hopeful for the future in this role and looks forward to the team he'll enhance."One of the most important but often overlooked considerations when evaluating a new role is not just what you will be working on, but also who you will be doing it with," he said. "I'm thrilled to join such an entrepreneurial team and build upon their laboratory culture' that celebrates experimentation and learning - all while helping EdTech companies to transform the way the world learns." Notable Tampa-based VC firms celebrate this announcement."Strategos is a strong organization in the EdTech advisory world, and the addition of Kevin Jenkins only adds to the arsenal. Having worked with Kevin for several years, he brings a great combination of passion for EdTech, industry knowledge, and financial acumen. I refer many EdTech companies to Strategos and this only increases my confidence in the deep team Adam Giery is assembling," said Ryan Whittemore, Partner and CIO at Florida Funders.Contact InformationCarolynn Jones CEO and Owner, Seven Marketing + PR mediarelations@ strategosgroup.com (813) 758-8460SOURCE: Strategos Group PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 19:18:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 479 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages NOVA Investors Who Suffered Substantial Losses to Contact its Attorneys, Firm Investigating Possible Securities Law ViolationsSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE:NOVA) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/NOVA Contact An Attorney Now: NOVA@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NOVA) Investigation:"We are investigating whether Sunnova may have misled investors about its sales practices," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.Sunnova's stock price has been buoyed by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) recently awarding the residential solar company a $3 billion partial loan guarantee.But that loan guarantee and associated benefits to Sunnova were all placed at risk of not coming to fruition on Dec. 7, 2023, after the Chair of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ranking Member of the US Senate Energy and Resources Committee sent a letter to the LPO Director (Jigar Shah) regarding "disturbing reports" about Sunnova and demanding additional information and documents by no later than Dec. 21, 2023.The Chair and Ranking Member wrote that they were alarmed about: (1) "recent, credible reports that Sunnova has racked up numerous consumer complaints, including those alleging troubling sales practices, such as Sunnova pressing elderly homeowners in poor health to sign long-term contracts costing tens of thousands of dollars[;]" (2) "predatory sales strategies[;]" and (3) "[a]dditional reports suggest these troubling reports are not isolated incidents".This news sent the price of Sunnova shares down $2, or about 16%, on Dec. 8, 2023.If you invested in Sunnova and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sunnova investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sunnova should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email NOVA@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:03:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 588 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 In a bold and visionary move, Text-Em-All, an 18-year old SaaS company with 42 employees, proudly announces it is now a 100% employee-owned company. Championed through an innovative perpetual trust model in collaboration with Common Trust, this transformation heralds a new era in employee ownership and succession planning and will aid the business in its goal of being a 100-year company.FRISCO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Fewer than 100 companies nationwide have adopted the perpetual purpose trust model. Text-Em-All is breaking new ground as the first software-as-a-service (SaaS) company to adopt this innovative approach. The trust model of employee ownership is growing quickly in the U.S., following the United Kingdom, where their numbers are fast approaching 2,000. This unique option is particularly relevant in addressing the looming "Silver Tsunami," where thousands of Baby Boomer-led businesses grapple with succession complexities.Text-Em-All Purpose Trust Logo Text-Em-All Purpose Trust Logo Text-Em-All and Common Trust meticulously developed a unique employee ownership trust (EOT) model, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to preserving the company's foundational values and culture while securing a future centered around its employees."Diving into the EOT model isn't just about charting a century-long legacy for Text-Em-All. It's a testament to how businesses can harmonize purpose with profit," remarks Derek Razo, the Founder of Common Trust.Setting itself apart from prevailing employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structures, the EOT option offers a streamlined, less regulatory-intensive, and more flexible model for employee ownership. This approach resonates with the company's founding ethos, promising long-term benefits for employees, customers, and the community."We're not just introducing a new model; we are redefining success for business owners. By fully embracing the principles of capitalism, we empower every team member, not just the traditional owners and executives," states Brad Herrmann, Founder and President of Text-Em-All. "This shift cultivates a workforce that's enabled and deeply invested in our collective success. Our customers, employees, and their families will all reap the benefits of this revolutionary change. Together, we are creating a future where everyone wins, setting a new standard for thriving in business." The company's shift to this trust model is not just a strategic decision; it's a call to action for other businesses to consider perpetual purpose trusts as a sustainable, community-oriented approach to business succession.Brad Herrmann shares his enthusiasm: "This isn't just a milestone for us, but a leap forward for every member of our team and their families. We're thrilled that this company will stay independent, private, and focused on long-term success - and that we'll share that success together." About Text-Em-All: Text-Em-All is a mass messaging platform that delivers personalized, informational, and emergency communications. With its recent transition to an employee ownership trust model in October 2023, Text-Em-All reaffirms its commitment to excellence and integrity, ensuring a long-lasting business model that's as much a joy for its employees as it is for its users.About Common Trust:Common Trust helps business owners exit to employees and protect their legacy. They provide comprehensive support from the initial stages, through financing, to the final closing, and offer long-term support. Common Trust's approach ensures a seamless ownership transition that aligns with the owner's values and sets up the company for future success. Common Trust's commitment to shared ownership aims to contribute to a more prosperous and competitive economy, while allowing owners to create a legacy they can be proud of.Contact InformationRon Kinkade Head of Marketing ron@ text-em-all.com (469) 269-2276Damask Schantz Direct, Demand Generation damask@ common-trust.com SOURCE: Text-Em-All PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:03:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 399 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As CGO, Noel will leverage his expertise to shape transformative ecommerce, content, and digital experience journeys for B2B solution leader TMG and their clients.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / TMG, an independently-owned, end-to-end digital experience and engineering firm, specializing in strategy, commerce, and experience for enterprise B2B clients, today announced that it has named two executives to key positions. Ryan Noel joins the company as Chief Growth Officer (CGO), and Saraha Burnett will serve as Chief Operations Officer (COO). Burnett was promoted from her current role as Head of Strategy & Delivery for TMG. "These additions to our executive team mark the next step in TMG's journey as we grow strategically and work to provide the highest level of service to our clients," said Pat Bonuso, Chief Executive Officer of TMG. "Ryan and Saraha are seasoned veterans in the technology space and their expertise further sets TMG apart from other digital experience firms." Ryan Noel Ryan Noel Headshot In his role, Noel will oversee all growth efforts, with a focus on new business expansion and enhancing strategic alliances. Noel brings with him over two decades of experience navigating and solving the complex digital challenges of B2B customers while delivering meaningful business value to clients through innovative solutions. Noel joins TMG from Hero Digital where he led Growth and Alliances, and Gorilla Group (a Wunderman Thompson Company) where he served as Chief Growth Officer, building an extensive background in the B2B technology industry.Burnett has been instrumental in scaling and driving the growth of TMG over the past four years, leading the development of TMG's internal processes and client deliverables. As the COO, Burnett will champion operational excellence both culturally and technologically, maintaining a reporting line to Chief Executive Officer Pat Bonuso.These key positions bolster TMG's leadership profile as the firm continues to add employee headcount to support expanding client needs and strategic partnerships.About TMGTMG cuts to the core of business needs and clearly, efficiently, and expertly delivers technology, strategy, and experience solutions to enterprise companies for maximized success. Their scaled agile framework and commitment to responsibility, improvement, and collaboration provides their clients with tangible results and a technology partner they can trust.To read related articles, visit TMG's Insights pageContact InformationJenn Daugherty Marketing Practice Lead jdaugherty@ tmg.io 847-528-9711Related FilesBlack Logo Clearspace.png SOURCE: TMG At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President Xi Jinpings Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference Hu Chunhua will attend the inauguration of President Rajoelina in Madagascars capital Antananarivo on December 16. CCTV: General Secretary and President Xi Jinping started his state visit to Viet Nam yesterday. The leaders of the two countries jointly announced a new characterization of the relationship for the two parties and two countries. Can you share more information with us? Mao Ning: General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping is in Viet Nam for a state visit. General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong held talks and jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two sides. President Xi Jinping also met or held talks with Viet Nams State President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue. General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong jointly announced a new characterization of the relationship for the two parties and two countries, working together for a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two General Secretaries agree that China and Viet Nam, as close and friendly neighbors, share the same aspiration and philosophy. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers, and good comrades, China and Viet Nam have unique advantages of following the trend of the times, geographic proximity and shared cultural affinity in building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The two sides should carry forward the traditional friendship forged by older-generation leaders, build a community with a shared future together, and make steady progress in their modernization drives, so as to achieve win-win outcomes and common success, benefit the two peoples, and contribute to regional peace and prosperity. China and Viet Nam are both socialist countries and neighbors with time-honored friendship. In 2008, the two countries established the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The new characterization of China-Viet Nam relationship is a continuation, buildup and upgrading of the 15 years of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It is a natural result in line with the trend of the times, serves the common interests of the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and meets the strategic need of revitalizing the worlds socialist cause. We believe that with concerted efforts of both sides, the China-Viet Nam relations will enter a new stage that enjoys deeper political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, a more solid public foundation, closer coordination on multilateral affairs, better management of differences, and joint efforts for new achievements in the socialist development of the two countries. China News Service: UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron reportedly met with Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, on the night of December 12 local time. The UK side said it opposes the Hong Kong National Security Law and will continue to stand by Jimmy Lai and the people of Hong Kong. During a recent visit to the US, David Cameron also said that the world has changed a lot, China has become much more aggressive, and they must offer other countries an alternative to China rather than leave them to the mercy of Chinese debt traps and better protect themselves from Chinas cyber attacks and other hostile acts. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: Its public knowledge that Jimmy Lai is one of the most notorious anti-China elements bent on destabilizing Hong Kong and a mastermind of the riots that took place in Hong Kong. He blatantly colluded with external forces to undermine Chinas national security and is responsible for numerous egregious acts. The Hong Kong SAR took action to hold him accountable in accordance with the law. This is beyond reproach. The UK apparently considers itself a country based on the rule of law, but it is now openly interfering in an ongoing judicial process. The UK has recently adopted its own National Security Bill, but it is now brazenly opposing Chinas national security legislation for Hong Kong. That says everything about the UKs hypocrisy and hidden agenda. More than three years on since the Hong Kong National Security Law was adopted, more than 80 percent of people in Hong Kong believe the law has made Hong Kong safer. What the UK has done is laughably pointless, especially when Hong Kong has already restored order and is set to thrive. We ask the UK to respect facts and the rule of law and stop meddling in Hong Kongs affairs, which are Chinas internal affairs. By calling China aggressive, the UK is misrepresenting facts. China follows an independent foreign policy of peace. We are a partner presenting opportunities to other countries, not a threat posing challenges. We are committed to developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. At the same time, we will resolutely defend our sovereignty, security and development interests. The UKs debt trap rhetoric is not based on facts. Chinas investment and financing cooperation with fellow developing countries is carried out in compliance with international rules, market laws and the principle of debt sustainability and has been widely welcomed. In fact, not a single cooperation partner has accused China of creating debt traps. It is a handful of Western countries who have been spreading the fallacy of Chinese debt traps. The multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors these countries dominate are the major creditors of developing countries and constitute the major source of stress for them in terms of debt repayment. They are the ones that need to make substantive contributions to easing developing countries debt burden. Cybersecurity is a global challenge. China firmly cracks down on cyber attacks and holds that cybersecurity needs to be jointly safeguarded by all countries through dialogue and cooperation. We oppose politicizing cybersecurity issues and smearing other countries without any factual basis. We call on the UK to reject the Cold War mentality, stop spreading China threat narratives, look at China and China-UK relations in an objective and rational light, and work with China for the sound and steady development of bilateral ties. Reuters: According to reports in Argentinean media, Argentina has sent China a letter about the currency swap arrangement between Peoples Bank of China and Argentinean central bank. These reports say that China asked Argentina to clear up its stance towards China after Argentinean President Milei made anti-China remarks on his campaign trail. Could you confirm whether this is the case? Mao Ning: On the currency swap arrangement between China and Argentina, Id refer you to competent Chinese authorities. On the relations between China and Argentina, we have previously stated our position. China and Argentina are both major developing countries and important emerging economies. The two countries are comprehensive strategic partners and our bilateral relations are in good shape. China values the growth of its relations with Argentina from a strategic and long-term perspective. We stand ready to work with the new government of Argentina for the sustained and steady development of the China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership. AFP: A select committee of the US House of Representatives issued a report yesterday calling for a reset on the US-China economic relationship. What is Chinas response? Mao Ning: The committee you mentioned is obsessed with attacking and smearing China. It is biased and hostile and has no rationality to speak of. What they have said fully shows that some in the US are attempting to politicize and weaponize trade and tech issues between China and the US. We firmly oppose this. China-US economic and trade cooperation benefits both sides. There is no winner in a trade war or tariff war. Curbs and protectionism will only disrupt normal trade and destabilize industrial and supply chains. They do not serve the interests of any party. The US needs to earnestly respect the principles of market economy and international trade rules, and create a favorable environment for China-US economic and trade cooperation, rather than do the opposite. CRI: On December 10 local time, US State Department released a statement making groundless accusation against Chinas law enforcement measures in waters near Huangyan Dao and Renai Jiao and threatening once again that the US Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to the South China Sea. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: Ive elaborated on the facts and Chinas position concerning the recent incidents in waters of Chinas Renai Jiao and Ill not go over it again. But what needs to be pointed out is that Huangyan Dao has always been part of Chinas territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. On December 9, three official vessels of the Philippines, without permission from the Chinese side, intruded into adjacent waters of Huangyan Dao. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate. The US State Department, in disregard of the facts, issued a statement to groundlessly attack Chinas fully justified law enforcement activities to safeguard our rights at Renai Jiao and Huangyan Dao. The statement is an attempt to endorse the Philippines infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation. We firmly reject it. For some time, out of selfish geopolitical interests, the US has incited, supported and assisted in the Philippines infringement and provocation at sea, and repeatedly made threats by citing the US Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Such moves blatantly embolden the Philippines violation of Chinas sovereignty, seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and gravely jeopardize regional peace and stability. China has made clear that the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void, and has no binding effect whatsoever. The US itself would not implement the judgement of the International Court of Justice and international arbitral awards. In what position is the US to tell China that it should implement an illegal arbitral award? The US needs to know that no threat, coercion or unfounded attack and accusation will lead anywhere or shake Chinas firm resolve and will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China will continue to resolutely uphold its legitimate sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law. The USs attempts will not succeed. Antara: The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but it is an unbinding resolution. How can China as a member state of Security Council use this resolution as the next step in the Security Council? Mao Ning: At the request of Arab and Islamic countries, the UN General Assembly held an emergency special session on the Palestinian question on December 12, which adopted a resolution tabled by Arab countries requesting an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, compliance with the obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as ensuring humanitarian access. This is the second time that the UNGA emergency special session voted overwhelmingly for a resolution on the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which reflects the strong international call for a ceasefire and what the world wants between war and peace. China fully supports the resolution. We co-sponsored and voted for it. We hope to see the full implementation of this resolution, ceasefire and end of hostilities as soon as possible, alleviation of the humanitarian crisis and restoration of peace and stability in the region. China stands ready to continue working with all parties to play a positive and constructive role in realizing lasting peace between Palestine and Israel through the two-state solution. China Review News: According to reports, TEPCO made an announcement on December 11, confirming that a worker decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants No.2 reactor was contaminated with radioactive substances and radioactive materials may have been incorporated into the body due to exposure to internal radiation. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: I noted the reports. During the decommissioning of Japans Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the handling of the nuclear-contaminated water, accidents have happened one after another involving workers being sprayed with nuclear-contaminated water or exposed to radioactive substances. This speaks to the seriousness of the problem and once again proves the vital importance of properly handling the nuclear-contaminated water. Japans discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is scheduled to last 30 years or even longer, and this poses enormous risks. China urges Japan to take seriously the concerns of stakeholders, fully cooperate in establishing an international monitoring arrangement that has the substantive participation of relevant parties and will remain effective over the long haul, and take concrete actions to avoid the long-term harm of the discharge to marine environment and peoples health. The Paper: We noted that the Supreme Court of India, at the request of some in India, made a verdict, upholding the validity of the order abrogating Article 370 of Constitution, asking the Indian government to restore the statehood in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, and upholding the validity of the decision of the Indian government in 2019 to carve out the so-called union territory of Ladakh. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China has never recognized the so-called union territory of Ladakh set up unilaterally and illegally by India. Indias domestic judicial verdict does not change the fact that the western section of the China-India border has always belonged to China. AFP: The COP28 Presidency released a proposed text of a final climate deal today. Can you share Chinas position on the text as well as this years COP28? Mao Ning: We noted the progress of COP28 negotiations. COP28 is a very important conference. China has taken an active part in the discussion and negotiation on the agenda items and supports the host country the UAE in making the conference a success. We hope the outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and lend more support to developing countries efforts to realize energy transition and better cope with climate change. Bloomberg: The US has sanctioned more than 250 companies and individuals in China, Turkiye and the UAE over alleged support for Russia in its war efforts. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment on this? Mao Ning: China opposes the USs unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. The US needs to correct its wrong practice and stop containing and going after Chinese companies. China will do what is necessary to firmly safeguard Chinese companies lawful rights and interests. Russian biathletes have complained about the terrible living conditions in Ufa, where the second stage of the Commonwealth Cup will take place from December 15 to 17. In particular, the athletes faced unequipped bathrooms in the hotel, dust and repair debris left after the work. ADVERTISIMENT Biathlete Natalia Gerbulova wrote about this on her Telegram channel. She posted a video from her hotel room showing the restroom. The 28-year-old Perm native also showed how the women themselves have to clean their rooms. "We are very happy that Ufa is being renovated, but it happened during the competition for some reason, which everyone knew about in advance! Why athletes are placed here? Our toilets are awful. Look at this sh*t. There's not even a curtain, not even a rim. It's a joke. Look at the faucet and the sink. Look at the horror," Gerbulova complained. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it became known that there were major problems with ammunition for biathletes from Russia after sanctions were imposed on the aggressor country. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (RRF), Yelena Vyalbe, expressed an absurd opinion that Russian athletes would be begged to return to international tournaments. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 16:00:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 532 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / EMQ, a pioneering force in reshaping the automotive industry with state-of-the-art connected vehicle technology, is proud to announce its recent participation in the prestigious Connected Vehicles Europe 2023 event. As a vital part of the Automotive Cybersecurity, Connectivity, and SDV Week, this event offered a dynamic platform for industry leaders to discuss practical case studies and delve into integrating connected vehicle data with 5G technology.The event, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Munich, Germany, covered crucial topics like Cyber Security, GDPR Compliance, Europe's perspective on Standardization, and the imperative of Mandating Technology Development and R&D. EMQ actively contributed by presenting insights in the "Performance Challenges for Next-Generation Vehicle Services" session.Having revolutionized the automotive landscape with its innovative connected vehicle technology at Automotive USA 2023 in Detroit, EMQ again showcased its expertise at Connected Vehicles Europe 2023. The event brought together senior OEM leaders to discuss the future of software-defined electric vehicles and strategies for an autonomous future.At Connected Vehicles Europe 2023, EMQ demonstrated the prowess and scalability of EMQX, renowned as the world's most scalable MQTT-based IoT messaging platform. EMQX is instrumental in supporting various vehicle services for leading automakers such as Volkswagen, Lucid Technologies, Scania, BMW, and Great Wall Motors. With EMQX, over 20 million vehicles globally benefit from EMQ's commercial products and services, establishing EMQ as a pivotal player in the future of connected vehicles.EMQ's CEO, Dylan Kennedy, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, "We are thrilled to bring our insights and advancements in connected vehicle technology to this influential forum. As the automotive industry evolves, we are focused on addressing the performance challenges of next-generation vehicle services. This event is an excellent opportunity for collaboration, learning, and fostering innovation within the industry. EMQ is committed to playing a significant role in shaping the future of connected vehicles and ensuring that our solutions contribute to the success of the broader ecosystem"EMQ's participation in Connected Vehicles Europe 2023 underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the automotive industry, offering cutting-edge solutions for the ever-evolving connected vehicle landscape.To discover more about EMQ's transformative impact on the automotive industry, please visit https://www.emqx.com/en/solutions/internet-of-vehicles About EMQEMQ is a leading global provider in the MQTT-based Messaging Platform domain. Its flagship product, EMQX, is a robust and unified MQTT platform, serving as a foundational component for modern IoT solutions. It supports up to 100 million concurrent IoT device connections per cluster, boasts a throughput of up to 1 million messages per second, and ensures sub-millisecond latency. EMQX is trusted by over 20,000 enterprise users worldwide, connecting more than 100 million IoT devices, and catering to over 400 customers in critical IoT scenarios. This includes prestigious brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen, and Ericsson.EMQ's global R&D center, a hub for innovation and development, is located in Stockholm, Sweden. With over ten offices spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, EMQ demonstrates its extensive global reach and commitment to providing top-tier IoT solutions on a worldwide scale.305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037 www.emqx.com | contact@ emqx.io Contact:Melanie WuPR Managermelanie@ emqx.io SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 20:01:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 595 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Truelio, a premier brand experience agency specializing in branding, digital marketing and technology solutions, announced today it recently merged with Yye Software (Yye), a Georgia-based software application development company specializing in web, mobile and desktop technology solutions. Over the past decade, Yye has served as a strategic partner for Truelio providing custom mobile and web application expertise and support to its growing partner base.Truelio Announces Merger with Yye Software & Launch of BX Services Suite"The merger of Yye Software and Truelio marks a groundbreaking partnership, seamlessly fusing Yye's cutting-edge technology with Truelio's rich brand experience and creative prowess," said John Kauffman, Truelio's CEO and president. "The integration of both companies unites two distinct and complementary cultures. Most importantly, it enhances our ability to deliver groundbreaking software solutions and unparalleled value to our current partners and prospective clients." "Our blending of talent marks a strategic alliance that promises innovation, expanded marketing and design capabilities and an even stronger commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in the ever-evolving technology landscape," added Bill Young, Yye's Owner. "This merger exemplifies our dedication to growth, customer satisfaction and re-shaping the future of software development." In addition to the Yye merger, Truelio also announced the launch of its new BX Services Suite. The suite is designed to demonstrate the broad, integrated brand experience solutions the agency provides, by streamlining them into intuitive productized service offerings."As we've grown our capabilities, it was important we establish a brand architecture that not only supports our expansive and evolving offerings, but succinctly expresses the wide-ranging solutions we provide to our partners," said Brian Fallers, Truelio's Chief Brand Officer. "In today's omni-channel marketplace, delivering an integrated brand experience is more important than ever. Our BX Services Suite was inspired by our partners and their need to have holistic solutions that support their entire brand experience." Patrick Blanchard, VP of Interactive Marketing & Business Development, added, "Whether in need of a single service solution or a range of options, our suite addresses the entire brand and marketing ecosystem and how our team can support it through a broad brand experience lens. It also provides us a clear direction as we strategize future product development and remain responsive to our evolving partner needs." Today's announcements follow a monumental year for the agency. Truelio has greatly expanded its account services, digital marketing and technology teams and is in the process of augmenting its brand management and in-house creative departments. This year, the agency has experienced a 24% increase in employee growth and a 15% increase in revenue over 2022. It was also recognized as a Great Place To Work-Certified company. Additional information on Truelio's BX Services Suite is available at Truelio.com/BX-Services-Suite . To learn more about the company's experience, capabilities and comprehensive branding, digital marketing and technology solutions, visit Truelio.com About TruelioTruelio is a premier full-service brand experience agency specializing in branding, digital marketing and technology solutions. Based in Atlanta, GA, with a growing footprint across the U.S., we are a collective group of creative strategists, brand specialists and digital experts. For over two decades, our partnership-based culture and strategic services have helped many of the world's leading brands deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire growth and make a difference in the lives of their employees and customers. Visit Truelio.com to learn more about our experience, expertise and broad range of marketing and technology solutions.Contact InformationRandy Dawson Chief Marketing Officer randy.dawson@truelio.com 770-407-6300SOURCE: Truelio PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 15:32:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 775 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VOLUNTEERING & GIVING December 8, 2023 Wells Fargo volunteers join forces to build 27 homes in Charlotte with Habitat for Humanity The 2023 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project was hosted by country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Nine years ago, May heard about a nonprofit organization that helps people in their communities - and around the world - build and improve affordable places to call home.A native of New York living in North Carolina, May applied for a home with Habitat for Humanity because she wanted something to pass down to her three children. She was unfortunately denied.For almost a decade, May focused on paying off her debts and later enrolled in a financial literacy program offered by Habitat. Then in 2021, she was selected to purchase a home through the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. She immediately began working on her "sweat equity hours" and completing the necessary steps to homeownership.In addition to making a small down payment and monthly mortgage payments, Habitat homeowners must put in 300 sweat equity hours which may also include volunteering on a build site or taking financial literacy classes."I cried," May said of the moment she was accepted. "And then I just kept having to look at the letter because I'm like no, this ain't happening.' And I cried the whole entire time. I went to bed crying." In October, May and thousands of volunteers worked for five days, building 27 homes during Habitat's Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.The 2023 build, hosted by Habitat humanitarians and country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a large-scale affordable housing neighborhood."We picked Charlotte because it's emblematic of the affordability crisis in our country and in Charlotte," said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Johnathan Reckford. "In the last five years, housing prices have almost doubled, and they were already a stretch for low-income families before then." Wells Fargo's 30-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity dates back to 1993 in Des Moines, Iowa, where employees volunteered to build a home for a family of five. Since 2010, the company has donated more than $129 million to help build and repair thousands of new homes across the country."Our partnership with Wells Fargo, I cannot overstate how important it is," said Laura Belcher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte region. "What I really appreciate about our partnership with Wells Fargo is that it's not a one and done thing. This has been many years in the making and the Wells Fargo team has always shown up with a strong group with lots of volunteer effort and consistent interaction." Tim Ryan, commercial mortgage services director at Wells Fargo, has been a Habitat volunteer for more than 30 years. This, however, was his first Carter Work Project."The energy here just seeing all these people and all these homes going up is just phenomenal," he said. "I sit behind a desk every day and I'm on calls with clients and things like that. To be able to get out and swing a hammer and work with other individuals from our organization is really fun to me." The Meadows at Plato Price in Charlotte is named after the Plato Price School. The school served a once-thriving African American neighborhood abandoned in the 1960s when desegregation took hold. It's part of a shift in Habitat's strategy from building individual affordable homes to developing affordable communities."When we're done, there will be 39 families that live here," Belcher said. "Not only are we building the homes, but we had to do the infrastructure. We put in the sewer, the streets, and the sidewalks. So, we're really creating a sense of neighborhood, and it's a big change for us." While volunteering alongside other Habitat homeowners during the Carter Work Project, May and her three children have gotten to know their future neighbors."Going through this program, we've been in the same places a couple of times and we're all friends now," May said. "This is an extended family. It's amazing and a blessing." May and her three children will soon be moving into their new home at The Meadows at Plato Price in Charlotte, North Carolina. May is receiving a "right-sized mortgage" from Habitat for Humanity to purchase her first home.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Wells FargoWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargoEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Wells Fargo PR-Inside.com: 2023-12-13 06:18:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 909 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon have secured the top three positions in the latest ranking. The United States boasts the highest representation, closely followed by France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / The 20th edition of the 2023 World's 500 Most Influential Brands, compiled by World Brand Lab, was released in New York on Dec. 13. Microsoft claimed the top spot, surpassing last year's leader Apple, which now holds second place. Amazon secured third place. The United States dominated with 193 brands in the top 500, while France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom followed as major contributors. Notably, the list showcases the ascent of Chinese brands, with 48 making the cut, surpassing Japan for the first time and securing third place globally. Standout brands on the list include State Grid, Tencent, Haier, Huawei, China Resources, China Life, Wuliangye, China Southern Power Grid, TSINGTAO, Sinochem, Hengli, XCMG, Shenghong, and ITG Holding.Figure 1: Top 10 of 2023 World's 500 Most Influential BrandsThe evaluation of brands for the World's 500 Most Influential Brands is based on global influence, measured by a brand's ability to develop markets and generate profits. Following three key indicators of brand influence, namely market share, brand loyalty and global leadership, World Brand Lab tracked more than 8,000 leading brands around the globe to pioneer the World's 500 Most Influential Brands list. When measuring brand loyalty, iTrust Rating's data were consulted. SuperFinance's ESG database was referred to when measuring brand leadership, especially ESG performance.Dr. Steve Woolgar, Chairman of the World Brand Lab academic committee, notes the 20th-year milestone of the analysis report, covering 32 countries in 2023. U.S. companies maintain a dominant position, with 193 in the top 500, solidifying their global brand leadership. France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom form the second tier, while Germany, Switzerland, and Italy constitute the third tier. Economic challenges in Europe notwithstanding, European super brands remain robust, though geopolitical conflicts and energy crises pose challenges.An empirical study by World Brand Lab and SuperFinance reveals the pressures faced by multinational brands amid globalization. The study suggests a need for brand expansion strategies to pivot towards diverse localization and prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The 2023 list spans 47 industries, with food and beverage leading, followed by the automobile industry. The aging global population presents opportunities for growth in pharmaceutical and health brands.There are 25 new brands on this year's list. The highest-ranking new brand is the CIGNA GROUP from the U.S., securing the 85th position overall. CIGNA has established a vast global medical network, offering 24-hour online medical care. Notable brands like SpaceX (U.S.), ENEL (Italy), and ASML (Netherlands) also feature. Six new Chinese brands, including POLY, TikTok, China Huadian, TONGWEI, CNAF, and Bosideng, made the list. Brands like Credit Suisse (Switzerland) and MGM (U.S.) dropped off due to serious crises, scandals, and negative societal impacts. Others, like Priceline (U.S.) and Skype (U.S.), were excluded for poor performance and underwhelming development.The listed brands have an average age of 98.57 years, a slight increase from last year's 98.22 years. Notably, 225 brands, constituting over 40% of the list, have reached the venerable age of 100 years or more. The oldest brand, Saint-Gobain from France, is 358 years old, followed closely by Aviva and Moutai, both with histories exceeding 300 years. Among the 48 Chinese brands, Moutai, TSINGTAO, Wuliangye, Bank of China, and AIA have surpassed the century mark. In the food and beverage sector, 30 out of 35 brands have exceeded 100 years.Dr. John Deighton, Emeritus Professor at Harvard Business School, attending the World Executive Summit and the World's 500 Most Influential Brands release event in Hong Kong on Dec. 19, suggests that brands should use creators and influencers for branding, avoiding direct engagement with global conflicts. He cites examples dating back to 2008, like Coca-Cola on Facebook and Ford's use of creators for the Fiesta launch. Given China's lead in creator marketing over America, this branding approach is likely appealing to Asian marketers. Dr. Jean Claude Larreche, Emeritus Professor at INSEAD, notes the increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, emphasizing two strategic priorities: corporate value growth, not just revenue, and corporate value capture, not just customer value creation.Dr. Haisen Ding, CEO of the World Executive Group and the World Brand Lab, underscores the need for future CEOs to master uncertainty. For CMOs or CBOs, leveraging AI is crucial for continuous global brand footprint monitoring. Dr. Sara Kim, Professor of Marketing at Hong Kong University, emphasizes the importance of localization for globalized brands, including a dedicated crisis management team for geopolitical risks, adherence to local regulations, unique product lines based on local preferences, and a focus on ESG standards. Dr. Jing Xu, Professor of Marketing at Peking University, asserts that a brand's purpose must remain clear despite the real world's complexity. Genuine sustainable development, as seen in many exemplary and growing brands, involves incorporating goals that benefit humanity and the world into their mission.The World Brand Lab's year-end report indicates that over the past decade, global brand strategies faced escalating pressures with declining consumer trust. Economic, political, social, and technological factors hindered globalization, leading to an era of diverse localization. Companies are adapting organizational structures to integrate brands with local communities, industries, cultures, and customs. Since 2003, World Brand Lab has tracked over 80,000 major brands in 60 countries. Initially chaired by Nobel laureate in Economics, Professor Robert Mundell, this premier brand consulting firm is now wholly owned by the World Executive Group.Contact InformationJason Wang Senior Brand Analyst info@ worldbrandlab.com 212-208-1429SOURCE: World Brand Lab The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it has installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in its 39 substations in the Lagos zone to monitor vandals. Mojeed Akintola, the general manager of TCN Lagos zone, disclosed this during a tour of the completed and ongoing projects in Lagos on Tuesday. He explained that the camera installation has become necessary due to the persistent vandalisation of TCNs equipment. He noted that 10 transmission towers were attacked in 2022. We are collaborating with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence and other security agencies to check the vandals. Transmission Company is also partnering with the local chiefs and kings to help in taming this trend. Definitely, we cant do it alone without the help of communities where these installations are based, Mr Akintola said. We have met a number of companies that buy the vandalised equipment. We asked them to work with us to stop the menace, and the responses of some of them have been positive. He added that 10 new substations were currently under construction in the region, which comprised Lagos and Ogun. He promised that the transformers would be delivered soon while noting that 25 other transmission projects were ongoing. He said the projects, when completed, would improve power supply in Lagos and Ogun states. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Last weeks accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State by the Nigerian Armys drone unit is the countrys most devastating military mishap in six years, with 120 casualties. Survivors say they were bombed twice in the 5 December incident, and one family said they lost 32 members. Punch newspaper reports that over 425 people, including children and women, were killed by military accidental bombings between September 2017 and 2023. Drawing from previous findings and the official response from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters on past airstrike mishaps, three main factors are needed to avoid accidental bombings. These are human intelligence (collection of information from human sources), signal intelligence (electronic transmissions that can be collected by air, military aircraft, ground sites, or satellites), and imagery intelligence (analysis and visual representation of security-related activities on the ground). Meanwhile, factors that need to be addressed include not properly calibrated targeting instruments, inadequate standard operating procedures for confirmation of identification, fighter pilots poor judgement, errors in copying coordinates and marking targets, and a rush to achieve results. Nigeria has witnessed soaring violence in recent years, primarily caused by the scale and spread of non-state armed groups. With distinct motives, goals, and methods, these groups encompass a range of actors. They include terrorists (Boko Haram) in the north-east; Niger Delta Avengers (rebels) in the south; separatist factions in the south-east; and criminal gangs (bandits) in ungoverned north-western areas. While violence is the common denominator for these armed groups, their evolution, trajectory, scale, and operations differ. For example, Boko Harams insurgency has killed over 35,000 people and displaced at least 1.8 million in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states since 2009. Bandits are a loose collection of different criminal groups involved in kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, cattle rustling, sexual violence, pillage and attacks on traders, farmers, and travellers in ungoverned spaces in Nigerias north-west. Illicit profit and ethnic grievances drive banditry rather than any ideological interest. Bandits indiscriminately target communities of various faiths and ethnicities across the region with the same level of brutality. There are about 30,000 bandits in north-west Nigeria, spread across scores of groups ranging from 10 to over 1,000 fighters. As of December 2022, bandits had displaced over a million people in rural communities. There were almost 13,500 banditry-related deaths between 2010 and May 2023. Amid rising insecurity, Nigeria deploys its military forces and assets for multi-domain operations in the conflict hotspots. Eighty per cent of Nigerias military is deployed nationwide, mainly for routine police duty, under various code names and yielding mixed results. Soldiers especially ground troops have died at the hands of the militants. This has led to the state investing in aerial combat. The country has expanded its collection of air assets to enhance its air, land, and sea operations. These include tethered and untethered drones, helicopters, and different aircraft types. The deployment of these assets for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as bombardments of forests where insurgents, terrorists, or bandits hide, have resulted in the death of some of these criminals. Others have surrendered to state forces. In April 2022, a Nigerian airstrike reportedly killed over 70 Islamic State-affiliated fighters at Nigerias northern border with Niger. In August 2023, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the air component of Operation Delta Safe and Operation Hadin Kai carried out successful air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites and terrorist hideouts in the Niger Delta and North-east regions. These are just some examples of many successful operations. However, similar to last weeks tragedy in Tudun Biri, the military has made several deadly operational errors. On 17 January 2017, an NAF fighter jet accidentally bombed an internally displaced persons camp in Rann, Borno State, killing 112 and injuring 97. The public panel report on the incident set up by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters claimed the cause of the airstrike was a lack of appropriate marking of the area. Punch reports that in Kurebe village, Niger State, an NAF fighter jet intended for terrorists killed six children in April 2022. Similarly, on 13 April 2020, in Damboa, Borno State, 17 people, including children, were killed in an NAF fighter jets bombing in Sakotoku village. Another incident occurred in Kunkuna village, Katsina, in July 2022 when 13 residents were hurt and one person killed in an NAF strike. A bomb blast in the Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in January this year killed 37 people, including 27 pastoralists, at the border connecting Benue and Nasarawa states. Last weeks incident highlights the need for synchronising unmanned aerial vehicle procurement and standard operating procedures in military deployment to avoid exacerbating inter-service mistrust and rivalry in the countrys security operations. The NAFs resistance to an Army Aviation unit reflects concerns over operational encroachment and resource allocation. Way forward President Bola Tinubu should request an urgent investigation of last weeks incident and ensure adequate implementation of the findings. The military should review its internal process of identifying, confirming and authorising airstrikes to minimise the margin of error. Operational tools such as maps, compasses, software, and rangefinders, among others, should be updated to enhance pilots accuracy in hitting targets. To minimise human error, pilots need to be trained and retrained. Caution, and precaution, must be the basis of the nations airstrikes to avoid tragedy. This will also help ensure that when operational errors are minor, politicians and influential religious figures cant use these incidents to trigger ethno-religious conflicts. These incidents in themselves are serious enough. Oluwole Ojewale, ENACT Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies (ISS); Freedom Onuoha, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science and Coordinator Security, Violence and Conflict Research Group, University of Nigeria; and Idris Mohammed, Conflict Researcher, Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has again asked President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB, a group seeking to carve out a sovereign state of Biafra from the South-east and some parts of the South-South of Nigeria, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the two regions. Mr Iwuanyanwu in a statement he personally signed and forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday night stressed that the release of Mr Kanu does not constitute any threat to Nigerias democracy or social cohesion given that a court had ordered his release. I hereby make a passionate appeal to our President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to assist to procure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This will be a highly prized Christmas gift to all Igbos of Nigeria and all other Nigerians who are committed to a peaceful and secure country, he said. The incarceration of Kanu has created an unnecessary excuse for terrorism in a region which has hitherto lived in peace and pursued their occupation wherever they are with patriotic zeal, Mr Iwuanyanwu added. The Ohanaeze leader recalled that he brought up the matter during a joint meeting of the South-south, South-west, South-east and Middle Belt of Nigeria where they unanimously endorsed that Mr Kanu should be released. He recollected how many Igbos were impoverished after the infamous Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970 which claimed the lives of many Nigerians, and warned that everyone should avoid anything that could once again make the region a theatre of war. I further advocate that in addition to the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Federal government should adopt a non-kinetic approach to the security problem in the South-east. I, in collaboration with the governors and other leaders in the South-east of Nigeria, call for amnesty to those who at the moment are expressing all forms of agitation in the South-east; and that they will be given the opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood, Mr Iwuanyanwu stated. Background Mr Kanu was first arrested in 2015 under the administration of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. The IPOB leader was later granted bail in April 2017. He fled the country after an invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, by the Nigerian military in September of that year. He was re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021, about four years after he fled the country. The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on 13 October 2022, held that the IPOB leader was extra-ordinarily renditioned to Nigeria and that the action was a flagrant violation of the countrys extradition treaty and also a breach of his fundamental human rights. The court, therefore, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Mr Kanu by the Nigerian government and ordered his release from the SSS facility. But the government refused to release the IPOB leader insisting that he (Kanu) could be unavailable in subsequent court proceedings if released and that his release would cause insecurity in the South-east, where he comes from. The government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, later appealed the court ruling and subsequently obtained an order staying the execution of the court judgement at the Supreme Court. Mr Kanu, on 3 November 2022, through one of his lawyers, Mike Ozekhome, filed an appeal against the stay of execution order at the Supreme Court. The court, in October, fixed 15 December for delivering of judgement on the appeal. Mr Iwuanyanwu has repeatedly asked for the release of the IPOB leader without success. Like the Ohanaeze leader, several concerned groups and other Igbo leaders such as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah had separately asked the federal government to release the IPOB leader, but their requests were ignored. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Rivers State Government has demolished the House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that about five excavators began the demolition of the complex around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The demolition coincided with when the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was presenting the states 2024 budget proposal to a four-member House of Assembly inside the Rivers State Government House. No property was removed from the complex before the demolition, it was learnt. The demolition occurred about two months after a section of the complex was bombed by some hoodlums. Although the state government is yet to speak on the demolition, sources within the government claimed the exercise was part of efforts to carry out renovation works at the facility following the bombing of a section of the complex in October. However, some people believe that the demolition may have been done to prevent the faction there are 27 of them loyal to Mr Fubaras predecessor, Nyesom Wike from holding plenary. This latest incident happened hours after a High Court in the state issued an order that the four members of the state assembly backed by Governor Fubara should hold legislative business without interference. The assembly had, since late October, split into two factions following an attempt by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Fubara, a development that led to the bombing of a section of the assembly complex. The split was triggered by the political tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Martin Amaewhule is the speaker of the 27-member faction loyal to Mr Wike. Mr Ehie, a former leader of the assembly, who was removed for refusing to endorse Governor Fubaras impeachment, later emerged Speaker of the faction loyal to the governor. The two factions have since then held parallel sittings at different locations in Port Harcourt. But the crisis got messier on Monday after the Wike-backed faction rose from their sitting and announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), prompting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ask INEC to declare their seats vacant and conduct a fresh election to replace them. Mr Ehie, on Tuesday, obtained the court order allowing his faction to hold sittings and conduct legislative business without interference and disruption, apparently to consolidate his leadership of the assembly after the defection of the other 27 lawmakers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, in a rebuke to the United States which has repeatedly blocked ceasefire calls in the UNs Security Council. A majority of 153 nations voted for the ceasefire resolution in the General Assemblys emergency special session Tuesday, while 23 abstained and 10 countries voted against, including Israel and the United States, according to the UK Guardian. While the resolution of the general assembly is non-binding, it serves as an indicator of global opinion. The Palestinians had been hoping for an emphatic result as a demonstration of the unequivocal global desire for an end to Israels bombardment of Gaza and they got it. By contrast, the previous UN resolution calling for a humanitarian truce on 27 October attracted 120 votes in favour, 14 against, with 45 abstentions. The latest vote highlighted the stiffening consensus around the world for the need for a stop to Israels relentless assault on Gaza which has left more than 18,000 Palestinians dead. Reports indicate that up to 70 per cent of the fatalities have been women and children. Similarly, more than 80 percent of Gazas 2.3 million residents have also been displaced. According to the Guardian, Tuesdays adopted resolution expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population. It calls dor the need for protection for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians under international law and demanded the immediate release of all hostages. Relentless air strikes and an Israeli siege have created humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory that UN officials have called hell on earth. The Israeli military offensive has severely restricted access to food, fuel, water and electricity to the Gaza Strip. Last week, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took the extraordinary step of invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter, which allows him to issue warnings about serious threats to international peace. The last time it was used was in 1971. After Mr Guterres warning, the UN Security Council (UNSC) reached a failed resolution on Friday, which likewise called for a humanitarian ceasefire. The US vetoed that proposal, casting the sole dissenting vote and thereby dooming its passage. Unlike UNGA votes, and UNSC resolutions have the power to be binding. But the passage of the non-binding UNGA resolution on Tuesday likewise faced US opposition. The administration of US President Joe Biden has firmly supported Israels military campaign, arguing that it must be allowed to dismantle Hamas. But as Israeli forces level entire neighbourhoods, including schools and hospitals, the US has found itself increasingly at odds with international opinion. In remarks on Tuesday, however, Mr Biden sharpened his criticism of the Isreali Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Israel was losing international support due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. The US, which has strongly criticised Russia for similar actions in Ukraine, has been accused of employing a double standard on human rights. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Rivers State Government has attributed the demolition of the House of Assembly complex to structural defects arising from explosion and fire outbreak. Joseph Johnson, the states commissioner for Information, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Mr Johnson said that the incident rendered the building unfit for human use, saying that there were visible cracks on the walls and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business. He said that professional advice was sought on the integrity of the building, after Governor Siminalayi Fubaras inspection visit to determine the level of damage. After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous. The government had tried all cost-saving measures towards the repair of the complex until it bowed to the superior view of rebuilding the complex to a more befitting edifice. In the interim, the Rivers Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct its affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex, Mr Johnson said. The assembly was attacked in October, after an attempt by some lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor. The assembly crisis was triggered by the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the minister of the FCT. Twenty-seven of the lawmakers who are loyal to Mr Wike recently defected from the PDP to the APC while the four who are loyal to Governor Fubara got a court order which paved the way for them to control the state assembly. Governor Fubara presented the states 2024 budget proposal to the four-member assembly which had their sitting in the Rivers Government House while the demolition of the assembly complex was going on. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The famous orange-red star Betelgeuse, which has been fascinating scientists with its luminous tricks for years, has completely disappeared from the night sky this time. However, this phenomenon could be observed only in some parts of the world and only for 10 seconds. ADVERTISIMENT The space phenomenon was reported by Inverse. According to Ukrainian time, the eclipse of Betelgeuse took place in the middle of the night, but it was not possible to see this extremely rare phenomenon from the territory of our country. Betelgeuse, which is located on the left shoulder of the constellation Orion, disappeared due to a "meeting" with the huge asteroid Leon at about 3:17 am Kyiv time. Residents of southern Florida (USA), southern Spain and southern Italy, northern Turkey or Central Asia could see the phenomenon. An asteroid called Leona passed in front of the star, blocking its light for 10 seconds. The eclipse occurred even though Betelgeuse, according to NASA, is 700 times larger than our Sun, while Leona is 50 kilometers wide. The asteroid was favored by the fact that the star is much farther from Earth, about 700 light years away. ADVERTISIMENT This eclipse was a unique chance for scientists to learn about the star's surface. Similarly, solar eclipses allow scientists to see unique formations on the Sun because the Moon's shadow blocks much of the light from our star. Scientists hoped that this brief eclipse would allow them to better study Betelgeuse's surface, and possibly learn more about what causes its variable brightness. Such an eclipse of a 1st magnitude star is a rare event. Sky & Telescope claims that such events can be seen from Earth only once every few decades. Betelgeuse is the tenth brightest star in our night sky and is only 10 million years old. This makes it much younger than our Sun, which is already 4.6 billion years old. At the end of its short life, Betelgeuse exhibits amazing light fluctuations. For a century, astronomers have seen that red stars, including Betelgeuse, are capable of changing color and brightness. According to NASA, in 2019, researchers noticed that Betelgeuse dimmed by about 60%. Scientists know that the star goes through 400-day and five-year cycles of light changes, but this was a much larger eclipse than those recorded before. ADVERTISIMENT That event was called the Great Eclipse. It is believed that the cause of this phenomenon was a dust cloud that blocked the light of the red supergiant. The star itself "coughed up" this dust from its bowels, releasing several times more substance than the Moon. This eclipse excited scientists greatly as they assumed that Betelgeuse was preparing to explode in a supernova. But it turned out that this was not the case. However, one day, Betelgeuse will explode as a supernova, creating a bright spectacle in the Earth's sky. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that according to scientists from Japan, astronomers can be significantly mistaken in their estimates of Betelgeuse's age and the star is likely to explode much earlier than expected. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to stay up to date with the latest news. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday 11th December officially inaugurated the 4-day Police Public Relations Officers Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event, which is being organised in partnership with the German Government Federal Foreign Office through the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) as part of its support for the police reform process in Nigeria, is designed to enhance strategic communication within the law enforcement community and was met with enthusiasm and support from various stakeholders. The Conference for Police Public Relations Officers and Public Relations Experts in the Force themed Enhanced Strategic Communication: Panacea for Effective Policing in Nigeria, accentuates the pressing need for improved communication strategies within the law enforcement community to address contemporary challenges and gaps in communication between the Police and the people. The conference aims to equip Police Public Relations Officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster positive relationships between the police force and the public. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised the need to constantly evolve with the times in communications to dispel wrongly-held notions about the NPF. Similarly, the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, both pledged to pursue policies and interventions to help sharpen and reposition the NPF in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the Conference, declared the conference open and assured of his continuous support for the Police as a strategic instrument for securing the good people of Akwa Ibom State, a critical factor for the States progress and development. The Inspector-General of Police expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support in hosting the significant conference, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between the Police Force and the State Government for improved and organized policing of the State, and other parts of the country. Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion include the DIG South-South, DIG Daniel Pedro, mni; AIG Jonathan Towuru, mni, the AIG Zone 6 Calabar; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Akwa Ibom, Durosimi Olatoye; the President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo; the Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Emmanuel Dandaura; the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mogaji Olaniyan and other distinguished guests, media executives, and relevant stakeholders. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, extolled the IGP for his staunch commitment to fostering positive police-public relationships and his focus on transparency, communication, and collaboration, all of which are pivotal in building trust and understanding between the NPF and the communities they serve. As part of activities to mark the IGPs visit to Akwa Ibom State, Mr Egbetokun visited the Akwa Ibom State Police Command where he, alongside the Executive Governor of the State, commissioned some projects including a smart conference hall for the Command. The IGP equally addressed the officers and men of the Command, exhorting them to embrace a people-friendly approach to policing to achieve cohesive and all-inclusive policing. The 4-day conference promises to be an enriching platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative discussions, peer review, and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the bond between the Police Force and the Nigerian populace. ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A 31-year-old man has committed suicide in Abia State, Nigerias South-east, after reportedly losing N2.5 million in an online bet. The victim, Chukwuma Onoh, was said to have borrowed N1.2 million from friends which he combined with his N1.3 million to place a bet but failed to win it. Mr Onoh had, earlier on the same day in a WhatsApp message, pleaded with a man said to be his boss to help him clear a debt of N1.2 million which he incurred after losing the N2.5 million bet. The only option is to end my life as I cannot live with the shame. I have turned into a gambler because of no job, and right now, I am at a point if I dont redeem my debt, I might kill myself to pay the debt, he reportedly wrote in the WhatsApp message seen by PREMIUM TIMES. A screenshot of the victims WhatsApp chat with the man has been circulating on social media. I used N2,500,000 to place a bet and N1.2 m is not my own and if I dont pay up today. I will be dead by the time you read this message. As I type this message, I am where I want to buy a sniper, he added. The man told Mr Onoh that he was out of cash to help at the moment and that the victim should ask his creditors to hold on so he (the victim) could clear the debts based on instalment payments. How it started On Tuesday, Mr Onoh dropped a suicide note on his Facebook page which prompted some of his friends to reach out to him. Today is my last day on earth! I (am) going to meet my maker, he wrote without giving a reason. The victim thanked some of his associates and friends. My spirit is with you all, he told them. Mr Onoh, who hailed from Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, was said to have taken the sniper less than two hours after making the post on his Facebook page. He was later rushed to Madonna Hospital Umuahia by friends but was declared dead by the doctors on duty. A video clip circulating on social media showed him in the hospital being attended to by the doctors. Heartbroken One of his friends, Chisom Ibeako, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday morning. Ms Ibeako said she was heartbroken watching the victim die at the hospital despite efforts by doctors and nurses to resuscitate him. She expressed surprise that the victim would take his own life despite often helping to mobilise funds for various persons in difficulty, regretting that she did not see the victims Facebook post on time. Some of his friends who saw his post first thought it was a joke until he did a live video. But as at the time, he has already taken the sniper, she said. Ms Ibeako said the victim was not opening up to his friends and based on her interactions with the late Onohs sisters at the hospital, the victim did not also open up to his family members. ALSO READ: Pastor reportedly commits suicide after lover rejected him She said although the victim was a university graduate, he was not engaged in any known job. Sniper, a highly toxic pesticide, has lately been used by some Nigerians to commit suicide. When contacted on Wednesday morning, the police spokesperson in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, said she was attending a conference outside the state and would not be able to comment on the incident at the moment. I will get back to you later, said Ms Chinaka, an assistant superintendent of police. Outrage Meanwhile, Nigerians have expressed outrage on social media over the incident. While many condemned the victim for taking his life on the basis of losing a bet, others expressed anger that his friends did not notice he was going through financial difficulty. A Facebook user, Onyebuchi Ezeleonu, accused the victim of being driven by greed. Whatever that had made you take this path, doesnt worth it. You allowed the pressure of the world and that of fake life to overwhelm you, Mr Ezeleonu wrote. Abuchi Obika, another Facebook user, expressed anger that the victims friends did not notice that he was in trouble before now. Those who are talking trash claimed to be closer to him, yet dont know what he was passing through, he stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A University Don, Istifanus Zabadi, has attributed Nigerias slow progress and retarded development to the marginalisation of women in governance, security, leadership, economy, health and education, among others. Mr Zabadi spoke on Tuesday at a two-day dialogue on Enhancing Gender Responsive Operations and the Roles of Legislators in Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria organised by the UN Women and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. The don asserted that Nigeria and other nations that want to be politically and socially stable, to have peace, democracy and development must involve women in the scheme of things. He said womens inclusion in the scheme of things must be at all levels, especially in decision-making and the implementation of these decisions. The marginalisation of women in politics, the economy, education, health, security and other sectors of national life is a significant factor that contributes to the inability of Nigeria to address the problems afflicting her effectively and successfully, he said. He said that women have the perspectives and values to contribute to the solutions required to put the country, indeed any country, on a solid path to development. Mr Zabadi said inclusiveness, which government leaders say they want to promote, must cut across all areas, including security operations, noting that this is why the issue of gender- responsiveness needs to be taken seriously and addressed in Nigeria like in other parts of the world. On the need to include women in security operations across all the military and paramilitary operations in the country, Mr Zabadi noted that gender inclusion in security operations is necessary as the integration of women into security operations can be a force multiplier The university scholar argued that security operations are hardly inclusive in terms of both the forces involved and the intended beneficiaries, especially women. According to him, women are largely excluded in the design and execution of security operations and this can be seen in the composition of the organisations involved in security operations where women are a footnote. Integrating women into security sector activities, Mr Zabadi said, is part of building a more representative, responsive, legitimate, accountable and democratic government. Although Nigeria has been working to see the realisation of the objectives of UNSCR 1325 concerning women, peace and security through the countrys National Action Plans, the effort on the ground, Mr Zabadi argued, is very much aspirational and progress is slow and perhaps not visible. It is certainly work in progress but will require political shocks to get the male-dominated order to make significant progress be it in government, the armed forces and other security institutions or the wider society. In the meantime, he said all stakeholders need to commit to engaging in intense and continuous dialogue to get gender mainstreaming going in the right direction and produce tangible results. In his opening remarks, the Director General of NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, said the participation of women in mediation and decision-making processes is vital to conflict prevention and resolution because of their understanding of conflict dynamics and how to build effective response and prevention strategies. Mr Sulaiman, a professor, said that studies have shown that the active engagement of women in peacebuilding increases the chances of lasting peace, as shown during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone., saying That is why we need full gender parity, including through quotas, to accelerate the inclusion of women across election monitoring, security sector reform, disarmament, demobilisation, and the justice systems. He, however, said that its worrisome that despite several efforts and advocacy, the women, peace, and security agenda continue to be challenged and even reversed around the world. The DG posited that despite consistent agreement on the value of women at the peace table, there is still a huge gap in their participation, and in the implementation of promises made for their protection, human rights, and dignity, saying that Being a woman does not make anyone less human. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday, cautioned the Federal High Court judges to take their appointments seriously. Mr Ariwoola, who made the statement while declaring open the 39th Annual Federal High Court Judges Conference and the courts 50th Anniversary Lectures in Abuja, urged them not to hesitate to consult to bring the best out of their rulings and judgments. The CJN enjoined the judges to be hardworking and diligent in justice delivery, while calling on them to always write their judgements in a way that the appellate court would have no reason to overturn. Anyone that is lucky to be appointed to this court, without mincing words, is indeed very lucky and should not take that for granted. I implore you all to please continue to work very hard; work hard and harder and go the extra mile each time. Do not assume that what then are the gentlemen at the appellate court doing. No, let that (appellate) court affirm your decisions. Always write your judgments that the appellate court will have no choice than to affirm your decisions. Dont leave any loophole, he said According to the CJN, to be a judge, certainly, is not a childs play, particularly in a court that is constituted by only one judge and does not sit in panels. You sit all alone, you are the lord of the court. Please, always go the extra mile even in what you consider a simple application. It is your court. You are not there to impress anyone at all. If you need to take a break to consult your notes, to consult your books before you rule, no application by counsel is simple. Make relevant consultations and come to give your ruling, he said. Ariwoola, who said the judges should not feel threatened if lawyers opted to go on appeal, said an appeal is an entitlement. That is what the Appeal Court is there for. The CJN, who described the FHC as the largest court in Nigeria, said it was the best of the courts of trial. The jurisdiction of the court has kept being expanded. It is the only court that has originating jurisdiction on electoral matters, he said. He expressed optimism that the judges would gain a lot from the wealth of experience of the lecturers. Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. John Tsoho, said it had been the practice of the court from inception for its judges to meet annually to appraise the activities of the previous year, with a view to finding solutions to identified problems. The object of this conference, therefore, is to critically discuss any issues confronting us as a court and seek remedies to them. We will also be addressed by practitioners in different fields of knowledge and learning, which will help us to continue to have a grip on our health and intellectual competence, he said. He said the court would always seek ways and means to enhance justice delivery in the country.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has rejected calls for phase-out fossil fuels, an issue emerged as one of the most topical at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Summit in Dubai, UAE. It is unacceptable to ask Nigeria or Africa to phase out fossil fuels, said Ishaq Salako, Nigerias Minister of State for Environment. He likened the clamour for phasing out of fossil fuels to asking a sick patient to breathe without life support. The Nigerian economy heavily depends on fossil fuels petroluem. Fossil fuels are responsible for over 75 per cent of GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change. At the Climate Change conference, parties need to reach a consensus. On Sundays first draft text of the Global Stocktake (GST), countries were asked to phase out fossil fuels. It met several pushbacks from OPEC and Nigeria. Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary at Nigerias Ministry of Petroleum Resources, took to X (former Twitter), saying, Section 35(c,d,e) of the draft COP28 GST Negotiations are a NO NO We all must say NO to the politics of climate change that seeks to phase out funding and development-related issues of fossil fuels. He added in a separate post that fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, are crucial for sustainable development, and the focus (of COP28) should be on reducing emissions from fossil fuels, not phasing down or out. Further negotiations and modifications saw the tweaking of the texts language on Monday. Reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner so as to achieve net zero by, before, or around 2050 in keeping with the science, the current text reads. Scientists insist it is impossible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as called for in the 2015 Paris Agreement, without eventually eliminating the use of fossil fuels. On Tuesday, Mr Salako told journalists that science is one-sided. You cannot do science without looking at the socio-economic implications, he said. He added that if the developed world is asking for a phase-out of fossil fuels, they should give countries like less-privileged countries like Nigeria the socio-economic guarante for their stability, sustainability, their economic viability, and ability to avert coups. Mr Salako argued that countries have alternatives, and net zero emission pathways must reflect differentials and the local context of each nation. Nigeria is Africas biggest oil producer, and its economy heavily depends on oil and oil products. The developed world has adopted what suits them, and we do not agree that is total science, he said. Nigerians speak In line with the ministers argument, Chukwumerije Okereke, a Nigerian climate change expert, said some scientists and developed countries have focused on the need for a fossil fuel phase-out to meet the global climate goal but have not paid sufficient attention to the need for any phase-out to be equitable, fair and in the context of sustainable development goals. Nigeria is in a double bind when it comes to the fossil phase-out issue, he noted. If they phase out without diversification, there will be increased poverty and hunger in the country. If the world fails to phase out fossil fuels and the climate crisis increases, it will be among those that will suffer the most from climate change given its vulnerability. Mr Okereke recommended embracing a rapid transition from fossil fuel while also allowing for the use of fossil fuels, especially gas, as a bridge or transition fuel in the short to medium term. He also highlighted the need for a comprehensive, articulate, and purposeful response to climate change at the national and sub-national levels. Similarly, Ruth Soronnadi, a human rights lawyer, attributed Nigerias reluctance to its political and economic realities. Highlighting the justice aspect of climate change, she said equity and human rights should be at the core of decision-making and action on climate change. The fossil fuel phase-out is an opportunity to wean Nigeria from her petroleum dependency and enable her to explore other renewable energy options, Ms Soronnadi posited. Rejecting it outrightly is not the way forward and is not justice, she said, considering the negative impact of burning fossil fuels on vulnerable communities. However, considering vulnerable communities during the transition process, the oil, coal, and gas companies should first be held accountable and pay for the harm they cause. This story was produced as part of the 2023 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organised by Internews Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State House of Assembly will on Wednesday (today) formally write the Secretary to the state government on the transfer of the powers of the governor to the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This follows a statement that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is proceeding on another medical vacation. It was, however, gathered that as of the time the statement was issued on Tuesday by the governors spokesperson, the Assembly had not received a formal communication from the governor. PREMIUM TIMES also learnt that at a meeting of members of the cabinet and lawmakers with President Bola Tinubu on Monday, the decision was for the Assembly to declare the deputy governor as acting governor using the doctrine of necessity. Concerns had been raised at the meeting that the governor might not be able to transmit a signed letter and in order not to delay matters further, the House was to proceed with the declaration. The spokesperson of the House, Olatunji Oshati, said on Tuesday night that as of 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday when the House held a parliamentary session, the letter from the governor was yet to arrive at the office of the Speaker. We think that since the governor has agreed to send the letter, there was no need for invoking the doctrine of necessity in the matter, Mr Oshati said. We have no reason to doubt that the letter will come and that is the agreement. We hope that by Wednesday we will formally write the SSG to communicate that we have seen the governors request to go on medical leave and that the deputy governor should act on his behalf as governor until his return. But if the governor can send the letter, it means he is alive and he is receiving medical attention. There will be no need for the doctrine of necessity. The president has also graciously allowed the governor to pass a letter to the House, but if the governor cannot send the letter, then the House will have to go on the doctrine of necessity. The governors chief press secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, stated that a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly. In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity, the letter further states. The governor has not resumed office since September when he returned from a medical vacation in Germany. His absence had created a vacuum in governance, leading to tensions over who was leading the government. Allegations of forgery of the signature of the governor on some official documents further raised fears that the governor might be permanently incapacitated. External pressures have also mounted from groups calling on him to resign. A group, Take-It-Back Movement, led by Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, has called for a protest with the same demand on Saturday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A State High Court in Port Harcourt has cleared the way for the four-member Rivers House of Assembly backed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to hold legislative business without interference. A judge, M.W. Danagogo, gave the order on Tuesday in a suit filed by Edison Ehie on behalf of himself and the Rivers assembly. The assembly had since late October split into two factions following an attempt by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Fubara, a development that led to the bombing of a section of the assembly complex. The split was triggered by the political tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Martin Amaewhule is the speaker of the 27-member faction which is loyal to Mr Wike. Mr Ehie, a former leader of the assembly who was removed for refusing to endorse Governor Fubaras impeachment, later emerged speaker of the faction loyal to the governor. The two factions have since then held parallel sittings at different locations in Port Harcourt, the state capital. But the crisis took a new dimension on Monday after the Wike-backed faction rose from their sitting and announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), prompting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ask INEC to declare their seats vacant and conduct a fresh election to replace them. To consolidate his leadership of the assembly after the defection of Mr Amaewhule led the 27-member camp, Mr Ehie on Tuesday obtained a court order allowing his faction to hold sittings and conduct legislative business without interference and disruption. Mr Danagogo acceded to Mr Ehies request and granted An order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from preventing, disrupting and interfering from the exercise of the second claimant statutory legislative duties of summoning and holding meetings, proceedings and issuing notices, passing resolutions, bills and performing other legislative functions of the first claimant pending the hearing and determination of the suit. The court adjourned the case to 21 December for a hearing. The court order came 24 hours after the State Executive Council approved the sum of N800 billion as an appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year. Governor Fubara is expected to present the budget to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage as demanded by the law but it is not clear if he would rely on the court order and present the budget to Mr Ehie-led four-member faction. Rivers House of Assembly comprises 31 members, and for the assembly to be properly constituted, at least one-third of the members must be present. The interim order granted Mr Ehies faction to perform legislative business without interference has triggered the question of the legality of actions that the faction may take. Mr Ehies decisions legally justified until vacated lawyers Commenting on the Rivers Assembly crisis, a legal practitioner, Clement Onwuenwunor described it as a comedy of errors adding that it was highly regrettable that the judiciary is being dragged into the power struggle between a god-father and his god-son. About the 27 lawmakers who defected, Mr Onwuenwunor, SAN, said, If the Constitution had been enforced in the past and such defectors lost their seats in the House of Assembly, this wrongful action of the legislators would have been discouraged. The illegality of the defection precipitated the far-reaching exparte order that continues to betray the decay in our system. Asked if the four-member faction would be legally justified to hold legislative business including passing of bills to law, the lawyer said The life span of an interim order is usually seven days and although this interim order was made pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, I expect the other interested parties to take urgent steps to vacate it, and being an order of court, it will remain subsisting until vacated. Human Rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, in his contributions, corroborated the assertions made by Mr Onwuenwunor but offered some exceptions. Citing Section 96 of the Constitution, Mr Effiong said in a 31-member assembly like Rivers, one-third of members must be present to form a quorum for the assembly to be constituted properly. He, however, said that based on the existing court order, Mr Ehies faction can perform legislative functions until the order is vacated. It is true that having defected from the PDP on which platform they were sponsored, they are deemed to have lost their seat, but the Constitution makes it that the Speaker of the Assembly is the one to give effect to that position. But again, by virtue of the restraining order given by the court, and recognised the faction loyal to Fubara, my assumption is that on the basis of that order, they can sit. That speaker (Ehie) can exercise the functions of the Office of the Speaker until the court sets it aside. That is the way I see it, Mr Effiong said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Power and Steel Olu Agunloye wanted over alleged corruption and forgery. The EFCC shared the public notice declaring Mr Agunloye wanted on its Facebook and Instagram channels on Tuesday. The public is hereby notified that Olu Agunioye, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of corruption and forgery, the public notice read in part. According to the commission, Mr Agunloye is aged 75 and is from Akoko North Local Government Area, Ondo State. It also gave his last known address as No 20 Sold Boneh Way Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. It urged anyone With useful information as to his whereabouts to contact its offices in Benin, Kaduna, Ibadan, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Ilorin, Enugu, Kane, Lagos, Gombe, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices as well through its telephone lines and email. The public notice signed by EFCCs spokesperson, Oladele Oyewale, did not disclose details of the corruption and forgery allegations over which the former minister is being wanted. Controversy over stalled hydroproject But Mr Agunloye, a few months ago, spoke publicly about his investigation by the commission over the stalled multi-billion-dollar Mambilla Hydropower Project. He confirmed in his statement then that he had been detained and interrogated by the EFCC over the case. His comments in September on the issue were in response to a fraud allegation former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom he served as minister, levelled against him in an interview with TheCable newspaper with respect to the project. Mr Obasanjo, in the interview, accused the former minister of fraudulently awarding the contract for the multi-billion-naira Mambilla Hydropower Project without the approval of the Federal Executive Council. The project, first awarded in 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited by the Obasanjo administration, is the subject of decades of a legal dispute that is now under international arbitration between the company and the Nigerian government. Mr Obasanjo, in distancing himself from the mess that the project has become, claimed that he was not aware that the contract was awarded by his then-minister, Mr Agunloye. Alledging fraud in the contract award, Mr Obasanjo insisted that no minister in his administration had the power to award a contract beyond N25 million. Agunloye denies wrongdoing But in his reply, Mr Agunloye dismissed Mr Obasanjos claim and denied any wrongdoing. He said he was being picked on as the fall guy for the governments mishandling of the project, while those who were responsible for it were left off the hook. According to Mr Agunloye, the contract for the project was duly awarded in 2003 by the Obasanjo administration on a Build, Operate and Transfer basis to deliver Nigerias biggest power plant with a 3,050 megawatts capacity at no cost to the Nigerian government. The project was expected to significantly boost electricity to address the shortage of energy in the country. The former president was not correct when he referred to the award to Sunrise simply as a $6 billion contract (that is, N800 billion in 2003) under his watch. In truth, it was a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) contract in which the FGN did not need to pay any amount to the contractor, Messrs Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (Sunrise). As a matter of fact, Sunrise has not been paid a single Naira or Dollar by the FGN from 2000 till date (14/9/23). Sunrise was to source for funds and execute the project with own funds. The investment of Sunrise to construct the Mambilla hydroelectric project up to the completion stage to deliver electricity was adjudged at a maximum of $6 billion by four Ministers of Power and the former president (Chief Obasanjo) before I became Minister of Power. Sunrise was to recoup its investment from the sale of the generated electricity over a 30- to 40-year period at pre-determined tariffs, also agreed with FGN before May 2003. Mr Agunloye stated that in 2003, Mr Obasanjo changed his mind and decided to award the contract, by paying from government own funds. The former President decided, therefore, to break the Mambilla Hydropower Project into smaller components, like civil engineering works, hydraulic works, structural works etc. with the intention to award them as separate multiple contracts as government procurements, on cash and carry basis, for which Nigerian Government would pay mobilisation fees and make other payments in stages to contractors. When one of the contractors, which got a component of the Mambilla project awarded by President Obasanjo as $1.46 billion procurement contract, presented its request for a $400 million mobilisation fees, President YarAdua scrutinised the contract and cancelled it in 2008 because of proven corruption on the part of officials who served under President Obasanjo between 2003 to 2007, he stated. Mr Agunloye said following the termination of the contract, the company sued the Nigerian government before an international arbitration court where it is claiming that the termination of the contract was illegal. He said he was being set up as a scapegoat by the Nigerian government to escape sanction for abandoning contractual agreements on the project. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State House of Assembly has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as acting governor of the state, following the receipt of the letter from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on his embarking on a medical leave. The Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, said the awaited letter had arrived. Following doctors advice on the need for medical follow-up after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has forwarded the letter on medical leave to the State House of Assembly, he said in the statement. Governors action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Mr Oladiji said while receiving the letter on behalf of the house. His Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would now assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary. The leave is expected to commence on Wednesday,13th December, 2023. Mr Oladiji prayed for the speedy recovery of the governor and expressed optimism that he would soon resume his duty. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the letter was expected on Tuesday but lawmakers waited until the close of legislative business without receiving it. Even though a press statement from the governors office announced that he was again embarking on a medical leave, the Houses spokesperson, Olatunji Oshati, had said a formal declaration of the deputy governor as acting governor was only possible after the letter was formally received by the House. Fears that the governor was not in a position to issue any letter had given rise to the suggestion that the House should adopt the doctrine of necessity to pronounce Mr Aiyedatiwa as acting governor. The governor would be going on medical leave for the third time this year. His absence had caused a protracted crisis in his cabinet and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state. Mr Oshati said the crisis had been a serious distraction, but hoped that with the current resolution of the issue, government business would restart and make progress. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Women and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, says her ministry will not spend a kobo on advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, describing them as frivolous meetings. She also said millions of dollars are spent on speaking English and travelling with nothing to gain from such activities. Mrs Kennedy-Ohaneye stated this on Wednesday while speaking at the one-day Wealth and Empowerment for Women Initiative held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The controversial minister said that she has been declining invitations to the events and programmes because such events have done nothing to improve the welfare of women and girls. She said donors are not willing to commit funding to womens issues but are only interested in talk programmes and sponsoring gender advocates around the world for meetings with nothing to show. Majority of the money has been spent on frivolities, speaking English, going to meetings. $10 million could be spent on just meetings, advocacy, and travelling, and we are seeing it, instead of focusing on the issues, she said. Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye said women advocates now lobby to be included in delegations for summits and conferences. She claimed that those opportune to go on such trips are making money while women are suffering. I asked them in Addis Ababa, What was the meeting for? They asked me to come, I went there, but I did not come back with anything. They tell you that the intention is to get money but no money is gotten but you will spend money to go there. I told them I was not coming. What is it that I am coming there to do? Nothing. They called me in Abidjan, I told them I was not coming. What is it that I am coming there to do? You speak to the donors, but they are not bringing the money. They are more comfortable in sponsoring meetings, events, programmes and travelling than helping us, she said. She also warned women groups not to approach the ministry for organising events, stating that she did not apply for events in the 2024 budget. Running battle with donors Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye had a running battle with donor agencies some months ago following her threat to sue the UN over funds collected on behalf of Nigeria. She gave the global body a months ultimatum or she would approach the court. I stand here as the Minister of Women Affairs to demand from the UN, the account of all the monies they sourced from donors in Nigerias name. We want to see the account of what they did, she said. The minister did not, however, carry out the threat after the ultimatum expired. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Getting a positive decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union depends entirely on the firmness of the member states. If this decision is postponed, it may indicate that it was vetoed by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Norway. He also emphasized that Ukraine had been constructive and had fulfilled all the recommendations of its partners. Zelensky also acknowledged that there is a blockage of the decision on Ukraine's accession to the EU by Hungary. "Ukraine has done everything to not give any chance to this or that state to block the start of negotiations. The only question here is the resilience of the EU countries, because this year the Russian Federation did not have a single victory, they could not do anything, they could not occupy a single village, not to mention cities. They could not do anything," Zelensky said. Meanwhile, according to the head of state, Russia has begun active work with countries not only in Europe but also in different countries on different continents, trying to influence them. ADVERTISIMENT "Therefore, if there is no positive result, the question is not about plan B, we have only one plan - it is our choice to be in the EU. Therefore, if there is no positive outcome, it will mean that Putin vetoed this decision," the president concluded. It should be noted that the European Union summit is scheduled for December 14-15, where the leaders of the countries are to discuss the prospects for the integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. At the same time, Hungary may become an obstacle to any initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine, which could delay the summit. Earlier it was reported that Hungary would not enter into negotiations with Ukraine on joining the European Union, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. He said that this was a separate issue that "was raised by itself". ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Hungarian government actively opposes Ukraine's membership in the EU. Earlier, Kuleba said that "there is an absolute majority in the European Union that supports the opening of negotiations" with Kyiv. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced 25 fresh coronavirus cases in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. The WHO surveillance officer for the state, Ogechukwu Chigbo, disclosed this at a one-day Civil Society Organisations and Media Engagement/Orientation meeting on the COVID-19 rampup in Makurdi, the states capital. Ms Chigbo cautioned that COVID-19 is still prevalent in Nigeria, emphasising the need for people to take advantage of the availability of vaccines to protect themselves. Meanwhile, as of August, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it was monitoring the new EG.5 and BA.2.86 subvariants of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus reported in 51 countries. While the NCDC is yet to report the new cases in Benue State, its COVID-19 dashboard as of 13 December shows a total of 266,675 confirmed cases and 3,155 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). WHO emphasises vaccination Speaking further, Ms Chigbo noted that there is a need to ensure that everybody gets vaccinated because this is the period that we record outbreaks. And the reason why people are not coming down with the virus is because of the vaccine. This year we recorded 25 cases in Benue, though no fatalities that is the more reason why we must all come out and get vaccinated, she added. She pointed out that the global organisation had decided to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into the routine immunisation exercise to further drive coverage in the state. We have been implementing a series of campaigns on COVID-19. We have had phases of it and we have been experiencing some challenges since we are not able to reach at least 70 per cent in Benue, it is better to have the vaccine integrated as part of the routine immunisation, she said. We are aware that so many people have negative impressions about the vaccine but the vaccine is safe. The vaccine will protect you from coming down with severe infection. That is why we must all get ourselves vaccinated it is available in all health facilities that provide routine immunisation and it is free. Vaccination update According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), as of 31 October, 70 per cent of eligible persons in Nigeria are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 80 per cent of eligible persons in Nigeria are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19. NPHCDA added that 17.5 million fully vaccinated persons in Nigeria have received additional COVID-19 vaccines as booster doses. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Okwudiri Ohaa, has confirmed the death of a fire officer during a fire incident at the Auto Parts Market, Coal-Camp, Enugu. Mr Ohaa, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, said that personnel of the fire service later brought the fire, which started at 3.00 a.m. on Wednesday, under control. He bemoaned the loss of the fire officer, whose name was not given, describing the deceased as a dedicated and courageous firefighter. The fire chief said the officers death was an enormous loss to the fire service and the state. We are in pain, in sorrow and grief after our efforts to resuscitate the officer by rushing him to the hospital and medical experts attending to him failed, he said. Mike Nome, the president, Auto Spare Parts Market Association, Coal Camp, Enugu, said that goods worth millions of naira were lost to the fire that razed over 40 shops. Mr Nome said the cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained but added that the incident might not be unconnected with an electrical surge. He said the fire, which started in one of the shops, was noticed by security guards in the market, but that they had difficulty entering the shop because of the burglar-proof fixed on the windows and door. They were still struggling with the shops burglar-proof when the fire spread to the adjoining fast food shop and a gas cylinder exploded, making things more difficult. We invited the fire service and they responded to our call. Unfortunately, one of the firefighters collapsed owing to the thick smoke from the fire. When his colleagues noticed it, they raised the alarm. We rushed him to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, but he didnt make it. It is quite a sad development. The fire affected over 40 shops and destroyed goods worth hundreds of millions. We are appealing to the government and good-spirited individuals to come to our rescue, the president said. A security guard at the market, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was an electric spark after power was restored following which smoke was noticed within the affected line. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print If we all succeed in tackling the roots of the problem and put our fingers on the exact reason for this continuous pain, it means that the 7th of October will be a great wakeup call for all, and it means that we will all be paving the way to a real and sustainable peace process. That is: A just solution to the Palestinian Question based on the rule of international lawis the only accurate and legitimate way to guarantee that no other 7th of October and the open slaughtering screened party will be repeated again. Since the 7th of October, several inquiries have been carefully drafted by numerous Western media sources and used as introduction for interviews on their screens, with the aim of steering and directing the conscience of the listeners and viewers. In this article, I am going to address one of the questions raised. After a lengthy description of what happened in the morning of the 7th of October, on the basis of the Israeli fabricated, exaggerated and hollow narrative, came the same repetitive question: do you condemn what happened? For sure, we all watched on the screens how the Palestinian fighters invaded the 1967 borders and, no doubt, we all know that many Israeli soldiers died on that morning. We also saw many Israeli civilians escorted to Gaza, and who became prisoners. These are not subjects for debate. Once the news anchors start with this question and lengthy introductory descriptions around this, it means you are already cornered and trapped; and since it is evident, they are looking for one out of two answers: YES or No. I personally believe it is absolutely unfair, because by answering YES or No, you are already participating in isolating that day from its historical context, and cutting the umbilical cord from its historical womb. In politics, particularly these types of events and for the sake of revealing the truth and uncovering the full picture, we need a sufficient space for dialogue and discussions, otherwise we will be forced to adopt and align without any free choice the position of one side. If we all agree that the wars and man-made catastrophes should be tackled from their roots and historical backgrounds, this will lead to talking more about the current open genocide. The 7th of October has already happened, and of what we saw on the social media and the numbers and statistical figures that have been issued, there are still many things to be uncovered and many secrets need to be revealed, so that we all know the complete and exact truth. It is possible that this wont occur very soon and that it will remain a secret for many years to come. We are all aware that military secrets are not allowed to be revealed to the public, since they require extensive ornamentation, strategic planning, and artistic touches to be altered prior to publication. The 7th of October also cant be discussed without connecting it to the 6th of June, 1967, when Israel succeeded in occupying the remaining 22 per cent of the historical land of Palestine. Since that time, it has been 56 years of oppression, injustice, Jewish supremacy, killings, arbitrary arrests, torching, ill-treatments, added to the endless list of the occupation menu and recipe that the Palestinians have been subjected to. The 7th of October is deeply rooted in history, as 106 years ago the UK sowed the seeds of the pain, injustice, oppression and persecution that the Palestinians are suffering today by issuing the ominous and notorious Balfour Declaration on the 2nd of November, 1917. At that time, the UK even didnt have any existence or footprint on our historical land, Palestine. In that declaration, they gifted our land to the foreigners, European Jews, to build their own state on, with complete neglect and disregard of the indigenous people and their fundamental political rights. Not only that, the declaration considered us as a minority people with civil rights only. The 7th of October cant be isolated from Al-Nakba (the catastrophe), the ethnic cleansing we have been subjected to since 1948, with tens of massacres committed against our people by the Jewish Terrorist Zionist Gangs, such as Lehi, Irgun and Haganah. The memory of Deir Yasin, King David hotel and Al Tantura, besides many others, is still alive and unforgettable. These massacres led the majority of the Palestinians to become refugees in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, West Bank and Gaza. In 1948, the foreigners, with the full support of many Western countries, succeeded in expelling the Palestinian people and built their State on 78 per cent of our historical land, and the Palestinian political question that had been on the UN table has now shifted and become a pure humanitarian question, and talks are all focused on the amounts of aid needed to serve the internally displaced Palestinian people. The 7th of October also cant be discussed without connecting it to the 6th of June, 1967, when Israel succeeded in occupying the remaining 22 per cent of the historical land of Palestine. Since that time, it has been 56 years of oppression, injustice, Jewish supremacy, killings, arbitrary arrests, torching, ill-treatments, added to the endless list of the occupation menu and recipe that the Palestinians have been subjected to. The 7th of October has the umbilical cord in its womb tied to the history and lengthy complicity of many Western countries, political leaders and decision makers. The 7th of October is the heavy price we all paid for the fanatics, maniacs and messianic dreamers, who have been ruling Israel since many years ago. Also, it is the natural result of the intensive and nonstop Israeli official incitement against the Palestinian people. The 7th of October is a natural reaction to everything mentioned above, as well as to the millions of details we can never forget. It is impossible to understand this particular day, unless everyone of you put yourselves briefly in the shoes of the Palestinian people, and imagine yourselves living, for only one hour, under constant atrocities and the perpetually unjust situation. So yes, we should all condemn the roots of the 7th of October, the Balfour Declaration, the tens of massacres committed against us that led to the ethnic cleansing in 1948, the 56 years of occupation, the settlement expansions, the desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Holy Tomb, the daily oppression, the Jewish supremacies, the proven apartheid practices, absolute immunity sheltering the killers, the total complicity The 7th of October clearly shows the wide rift in the global discourse and blind support that the occupation is still receiving from many corrupt political leaders. In contrast, it also shows the wide and great influence of the non-classical media sources that reshaped the global conscience and put the wheels on the right rail again. The biased media outlets did not monopolise the air and wash brains globally, as we all have other neutral and decent sources of information, and will not be blind again. This is a crucial point. The 7th of October also exposed the political leaders and media outlets of many Western countries that were not shy in openly supporting the onslaught of our people. It also showed that millions of decent people, from all the faiths and different beliefs, stand strong for their real values. This juncture throws away the fig leaf and displays the shame of the hypocrisies, lip service providers, democracy and human rights theorisers, when in the real and needed practical level, they became totally naked and proved to be big liars and hypocrites. So yes, we should all condemn the roots of the 7th of October, the Balfour Declaration, the tens of massacres committed against us that led to the ethnic cleansing in 1948, the 56 years of occupation, the settlement expansions, the desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Holy Tomb, the daily oppression, the Jewish supremacies, the proven apartheid practices, absolute immunity sheltering the killers, the total complicity, the paralysed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the double standards that is ruling the world, the total misconception and fraudulent information surrounding our cause, in addition to the endless list of well pre-engineered tools and polices of oppression of the Palestinian people for more than one century; this is the only way to make sure that we are all fully aware of what and why the 7th of October happened. If we all succeed in tackling the roots of the problem and put our fingers on the exact reason for this continuous pain, it means that the 7th of October will be a great wakeup call for all, and it means that we will all be paving the way to a real and sustainable peace process. That is: A just solution to the Palestinian Question based on the rule of international law; UN Resolutions 181, 194, 242, 388 and many other related UN resolutions that should lead to embodiment of the State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital; along with a fair solution to the concerns pertaining to the Palestinian refugees on the basis of the UN resolution 194, is the only accurate and legitimate way to guarantee that no other 7th of October and the open slaughtering screened party will be repeated again. Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh is Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Nigeria. X Tweeter: @AM_Shawesh Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2023 NUJ Press Week in Akwa Ibom State climaxed with a dinner and award night, during which different categories of awards professional, ambassadorial, and for excellence were given out. It was a rare, Ray and red night. It was an assemblage of the best and brightest of the profession, and the NUJ Press Centre could pass for a newsroom, with a plethora of editors, journalists, and friends and families of members of the pen profession in attendance. But the journalists spoiled their week because they deceived the public. Because the deception came from journalists, who will publish it? Mr Ray Ekpu, one of Africas best and most decorated journalist was given a life time achievement award. Ray Ekpu is a senior apostle of the literary craftsmanship ministry who moved to the permanent site of the profession decades ago. He has been honoured everywhere in the world but this particular award came from home, and he valued it. It was Rays night. Ambassadorial awards went to younger apostles of the Ray Ekpu brand of journalism Udeme Nana, a Member of Premium Times Ombudsman Board, Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, Northern Operations of Vanguard Newspaper, Victoria Ibanga, former Secretary General, of The Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nsikak Essien , former Editor of The National Concord Newspaper and Ibanga Isine of Guardpost. Nana, is the Founder of Uyo Book Club, an initiative focused on reviving and promoting the culture of reading among Nigerias. These names ring a bell in the journalism profession which they have used to fly all over the world. But no matter how far a bird flies to, the feet face the ground, the home. So, they too, came home and were honoured. Awards of Excellence were deservingly given to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, Transition Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Member of House of Representatives, Clement Jimbo and Chief Sunny Udonsek. Journalists also won various categories of professional awards that were carefully selected from entries submitted to a team of experts led by a Distinguished Journalist and journalism teacher, Dr Herbert Batta, an associate professor. All the winners smiled home with attendant accompaniments, but it appeared those who should be smiling till this morning are the winners of the Umo Eno award for development journalism and the Ray Ekpu Investigative reporter of the year. Hardwork pays, hardwork has no space for hard copy poverty. The event was chaired by Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyibo, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The Guest of Honour was Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, the immediate past member of the House of Representatives, representing Etinan Federal Constituency, and former speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a PDP Governor, Pastor Umo Eno was represented at the event by his Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, a former publicity Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the party. Another APC stalwart, Senator Ita Enang was present. So also were the Member of the House of Assembly for Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien of the Young Progressives Party, YPP and the member representing Abak Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Jumbo who was represented. All of them smiled and exchanged banters and pleasantries throughout the event. It was as if they were looking for such an opportunity. NUJ gave it to them, free of charge. But, they should come back and show appreciation! They are good friends of the union. Indeed, it was a night of collaboration, corroborated by the speeches and remarks of the Zonal Vice President of the NUJ Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo who gave glowing torrents of tributes to Akwa Ibom State for their show of unity across party divides. He was quick to recommend that such spirit of unity and brotherliness should be replicated in all States of the nation, and the nation at large. Special Guest of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke hinted that the new Akwa Ibom State is blind to party lines, and that deliberate efforts will be sustained to ensure that all leaders and former leaders of the state are on the same page as they write the most intriguing chapter of the book of Akwa Ibom State. The Governors representative and Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong reassured members of the fourth estate of the realm of the cooperation and support of the Governor, and Government of Akwa Ibom State. The Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyibo and Senator Ita Enang urged the Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk never to let the steam and flame of the light of unity and excellence he has lit to dim, but to keep it aglow. Comrade Amos Etuk has shown competence, capacity and creativity in leadership, and the NUJ has been the better for it. It was obvious that his predecessors Akparawa Ikpong Essien Udom, Comrade Sunday Antai, Innocent Okon, Esq, Comrade Israel Umoh, Elder Ephraim Etti, Dr Joe Effiong and Elder Patrick Albert were super proud of their worthy successor, Comrade Amos Etuk. But he, Comrade Amos Etuk, too, is not exonerated from the inadvertent deception by his NUJ. How did NUJ deceive the public? The theme of the 2023 Press Week was: Development Journalism: Setting the Agenda on Climate Change. It was an apt and timely theme. But as the event was later to reveal, and rounded off, the most pronounced of its theme was: Journalism: Setting the Agenda for Nigerias Political Development and Unity. Therefore, it is safe to say that that was a sub theme of the week! The night of many colours said so. I got immunity for the wild but literary use of words: deceive and deception from the presence of Mr Ray Ekpu. I use them with immunity not impunity. That is the context at which the NUJ deceived the public in a beautiful way! It is a loveable deception. Kudos to the Comrade Amos Etuk led NUJ, and the hardworking planning committee for the week, led by Comrade Helen Udofa. It was a night of rare, Ray and red. It was a rare assemblage of people with diverse political backgrounds; it was a night of the legend, Ray Ekpu; it was a night Comrade Amos Etuk wore a red cap, and red Chieftaincy cloth dotted with lion heads. He is a red-cap Chief of journalism, and a lion in the profession, roaring with creativity, inclusivity and veracity. Igweeeeee!!!! Again, a night of rarity, Ray and red. Akwa Ibom State NUJ is setting the agenda in more ways than one! Imo Etim Udo is a journalist based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Africas global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is excited to announce its upcoming Super Savers Draw, which promises to bring even more excitement and opportunities to its valued customers. In line with its commitment to rewarding loyalty and promoting a culture of savings, UBA will be giving the opportunity for more of its customers to become millionaires through its Super Savers Draw, billed to hold at the UBA Head Office, Lagos this December. As usual the draw is open to both new and existing UBA account holders in Nigeria, with various mouth-watering prizes to be won by customers. In this edition, more than 100 lucky customers will qualify to win any of the following prizes; a grand prize of N10 Million Jackpot for one lucky winner; while another winner will go home with the Star Prize of N5m. Also, another lucky customer will win N1.8m rent allowance for one year. Other prices up for grabs include: Shopping allowance of N500k; a Cash Prize of N100,000 each for 35 winners and N10,000 for the top 50 transacting Customers. Ten current account or savings accounts holders (CASA) will quality to win N1million each in the draws and 20 customers who open accounts via any of the banks digital channels will be rewarded with N10,000 every month. Also, 15 kids with UBA Kiddies Account will each win N200,000 scholarship reward while 10 Next Gen account holders will go home with N180,000.00 cash prize each. UBAs Head, Retail Products and Sales, Prince Ayewoh, who spoke ahead of the draws said that the unique Super Savers draw has something big for everyone and is organised by the bank to appreciate its customers who have cultivated a savings culture and stayed loyal to the bank over the years. He said that it will also offer fresh opportunities to new customers to join the growing number of UBA millionaires and lucky winners who have, in the past, benefitted from various promos held by the bank. Mr Ayewoh pointed out that UBA remains passionate about actualising the dreams of its customers as the bank is relentless in helping them grow by making more and more of its customers millionaires. He said, As always, UBA has decided to lift the burdens of customers at a time when the nation is going through a challenging time due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate which seems to have taken a hefty toll on Nigerians and has put in place quite a lot to make it happen. UBA always walks the talk and never relents in helping its customers succeed. Our customers are special to us, and this is another opportunity to prove just that, he explained. Also speaking about the draw, UBAs Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted with excitement that this edition of the upcoming Super Savers draw will transform the lives of an increased number of people who will benefit from UBAs reward of loyalty especially at this time when the nations economy is going through a phase. She added that no matter how hard the economy is or how expensive things have become, UBA always thinks of how to make life easier for its customers. Once again, i encourage people who do not yet have a UBA account to take advantage of this opportunity to open their accounts quickly, so they can fully participate in these draws, she noted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has sympathised with communities affected by recent bandit attacks in the state and commended the troops for their efforts. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Governor Lawal expressed deep concern over the recent attacks in the Zurmi local government area. He said that despite the attacks by the bandits, positive reports indicated the elimination of notorious leaders of the bandits operating in the state and other parts of the Northwest. The statement read in parts: Zamfara State Government is deeply concerned over the recent attacks in communities across the state, particularly in Zurmi, Maru, and Tsafe local government areas. We extend our deepest sympathies to all the people of the Zurmi local government area, especially families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones. The state government will provide assistance and emergency relief materials to the affected people. We want to assure the people of Zamfara that we are fully committed to ensuring their safety. We are aware of the sacrifice of the security forces in their efforts to protect the peoples lives. The State Government will provide them with all the necessary logistics and support to fight against banditry. We will not rest until Zamfara is completely secure. Governor Lawal further commended the efforts of the security forces for neutralising scores of leaders of the bandit groups across the state. He stated, We have received positive reports of the progress made by troops in the fight against banditry in Zamfara State. The security forces efforts and sacrifices are commendable. We must all support and pray for them. According to security reports, the troops have eliminated Kachalla Ali Kawaje, the bandit kingpin who masterminded the abduction of students of the Federal University, Gusau. The successful elimination of bandit kingpins in various locations, including Danjibga, Yar tsakuwa forests, Munhaye forests, Kauran Zomo forest, Dansadau Forest, and Akuzo village, has been reported. Some of the bandit leaders that were neutralised include Kachalla Jafaru, Kachalla Barume, Kachalla Shehu, Tsoho, Kachalla Yellow Mai Buhu, Yellow Sirajo, and Kachalla Dan Muhammadu. Others are Kachalla Makasko, Sanda, Abdulbasiru Ibrahim, Mai Wagumbe, Kachalla Begu, Kwalfa, Maaikaci, Yellow Hassan, Umaru Na Bugala, Isyaka Gwarnon Daji, Iliya Babban Kashi, Auta Dan Mai Jan Ido and Yahaya Dan Shama. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Christian Pilgrims Affairs, Festus Adefiranye, has assured that the lower chamber will collaborate with the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT CPWB) to ensure the seamless performance of pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Mr Adefiranye stated this during an interactive session between the Committee and the FCT CPWB management at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, on Tuesday. He explained that the interaction was aimed at acquainting the committee with the mandate of the board and assisting to upscale its operations for the benefit of the pilgrims. He also appreciated the board for honouring the invitation and expressed the readiness of the newly formed 40-member committee to collaborate with it. Collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, (FCT CPWB) is necessary for seamless pilgrimages and improved service delivery to all pilgrims, The essence of this meeting is to establish a rapport with you and to know about your mandates, activities, and challenges and begin to put measures in place to resolve them. We, in the committee, will do our best to encourage you to succeed, he said. Responding, the Acting Director of FCT CPWB, Rahila Isa-Baita, appreciated the committee chairman for initiating the interaction. She stated that primarily, the mandate of the board is to mobilise and sensitize Christians for pilgrimage, educate intending pilgrims and Christians on the importance of pilgrimage, as well as protect and safeguard the interest and welfare of Christian pilgrims from the FCT in Holylands. She further added that the board makes adequate and suitable transportation and accommodation for pilgrims, and oversees matters relating to health, immigration, security, foreign exchange, and consular matters. Mrs Isa-Baita explained that the board has embarked on sensitization to the six Area Councils of the FCT and visited some church leaders to urge them to mobilise their congregations to participate in the main pilgrimage for 2023, which will now be held in February 2024. We make adequate and suitable transportation and accommodation for them. In addition, we oversee matters relating to health, immigration, security, foreign exchange and consular matters. Recently, we have embarked on sensitization to the six Area Councils of the FCT, and visited some church leaders to urge them to mobilise their congregations to participate in the main pilgrimage for 2023, which will now be held in February 2024, she said. She added that her board would be ready to leverage the synergy already established during the meeting by sustaining the partnership. We Will exploit your willingness to collaborate with us by sustaining the partnership, Mrs Isa-Baita said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the early Wednesday fire that gutted 17 offices in the Gwale Local Government Area secretariat. The Public Relations Officer of the service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, the state capital. Mr Abdullahi said that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning. We received a distress call at about 03:43 a.m. from Abdullahi Hassan that there was a fire outbreak at Gwale Secretariat. Upon receiving the information, we quickly sent a fire vehicle to the scene at about 03:46 a.m. to bring the fire under control, he said. Mr Abdullahi said that the ground floor of about 300 x 200ft used as offices and others, totalling 17, was completely razed down. He also said that a 406 Peugeot, one Hiace bus and a station wagon ambulance were slightly burnt. He said that the cause of the fire was being investigated by the service. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 2026 Times) Udaipur. The preparation meeting for the 10th edition of the Udaipur Bird Festival concluded on Tuesday at the Conference Hall of the Forest Building. The meeting was chaired by Regional Chief Forest Conservator R.K. Jain, retired Chief Forest Conservator Rahul Bhatnagar, Deputy Forest Conservator Sugnaram Jat, Ajay Chittorgarh, Arun Kumaradi, and several bird and nature enthusiasts attended. Regional Chief Forest Conservator Singh stated that in this event, senior students from private and government schools will be paired with nature enthusiasts. Chief Forest Conservator Jain also discussed the extensive promotion and publicity for the event while completing all preparations on time. DFO Chittorgarh suggested installing a large board for the Udaipur Bird Festival near Shilpgram Menaget. Bird enthusiasts also provided their suggestions. Deputy Forest Conservator Arun Kumar D. explained the programs scheduled for the Udaipur Bird Festival, including bird races on January 11, spot painting, nature quiz competitions, and nature literature for school students on January 12. On January 13, bird watching will be organized at various water bodies. The meeting discussed the activities of the appointed team leaders and team members for various programs. Source : On the night of December 13, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with kamikaze drones and missiles. The enemy launched the UAVs from the Balaklava area in the temporarily occupied Crimea, and the missiles aimed at the capital flew on a ballistic trajectory. ADVERTISIMENT Air Defense Forces shot down 10 drones and 10 missiles. This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The defenders of the Ukrainian sky reported that almost all kamikaze drones were destroyed in the south of the country. "On the night of December 13, 2023, the occupiers attacked with Shahed drones from the area of Balaklava (occupied Crimea). The launches of 10 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs were recorded. All ten were destroyed by the Air Force in cooperation with the air defense units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Almost all enemy UAVs were shot down in the Odesa region in the area of responsibility of the Air Command South," the statement said. One of the enemy drones was shot down in the Khmelnytskyi region. "Last night, during an air alert, the Ukraine's Air Defense Forces neutralized a Shahed attack UAV in the Khmelnytskyi region. There were no casualties, destruction, or damage to infrastructure as a result of the UAV attack," the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration reported. ADVERTISIMENT In the middle of the night, the invaders attacked the capital of our country with missiles. As with the drones, the air defense forces showed 100% efficiency. "At exactly 03:00 on December 13, 2023, the enemy launched a missile attack on the capital of Ukraine. All ten targets flying in the direction of Kyiv on a ballistic trajectory were shot down by an anti-aircraft missile unit of the Air Force. The type of missiles can only be determined after the relevant services examine the wreckage," the Air Force noted. Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk thanked the defenders of the sky for their excellent work. ADVERTISIMENT "Thank you for your accuracy! Thank you for your protection! Together to victory!" he wrote. As reported earlier, Russian troops attacked Kyiv with missiles in the middle of the night on December 13. A series of powerful explosions occurred in the Ukrainian capital around 3:00 a.m. Air Defense Forces were working on enemy targets, fires broke out due to falling debris, and dozens of people were injured. According to the monitoring channels, ballistic missiles were used in the attack. An air raid alert was declared in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions. All enemy targets flying towards Kyiv were destroyed by Air Defense Forces and its units. ADVERTISIMENT LONDON , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent analysis of Tripadvisor data by Audley Travel has revealed which capital cities around the world have the highest number of five-star rated restaurants. Topping the list is Seoul, South Korea, followed by Tokyo, London, Paris, and Bangkok. Here, Audley's travel experts discuss what makes these destinations ideal for gourmet travellers. Asian cuisine at a local restaurant (PRNewsfoto/Audley Travel) "Eating and drinking are both central to South Korean culture and are among the primary ways that many South Koreans socialize," says Rebecca Nagasaki, a South Korea country specialist. "Additionally, Seoul is a city where you can taste cuisines from across the country. I think that combination is why it topped the list." Almost every meal comes with banchan. Literally translated as "small dishes," Nagasaki says they are part condiment and part snack platter and they act as accompaniment to the main meal. Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage) is common, but there's a wide assortment that might be served including pickled daikon or fried anchovies. For the main meal, Nagasaki suggests trying panjon, a scallion pancake often served with seafood, as well as sundubu jjigae, a filling, fiery soup made with a tofu base. "Also, for the full experience, be sure to go to a chimaek, which serves fried chicken and beer, as well as a barbecue, where you can grill your own meats over a communal fire. These are really boisterous places full of laughter and K-pop as friends catch up." The rest of the top five is rounded out with Tokyo, London, Paris, and Bangkok. "Eating out is a passion in Tokyo," says David Peat, Japan senior product executive. "Many people have small apartments without kitchens and eat out often. Combine that with the country's enthusiasm for food and every meal you eat in Tokyo is excellent, whether you're in an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant or just a tiny noodle bar with only a few tables. "You can stick to familiar dishes, like ramen and sushi, and enjoy your trip. However, I also suggest branching out a bit. Probably the best way to experience the city is to just pick a restaurant at random and order something, also at random. No matter where you go, it will be amazing." London's third-place ranking comes thanks to its cosmopolitan culinary pedigree, says Beth Blakely, UK senior product executive. "In London, you can find a restaurants serving cuisine from almost anywhere in the world. That said, visitors looking for classic English fare will be able to find pubs serving fish and chips and hotels that offer elegant afternoon teas." Paris, the gastronomic capital of Europe, and Bangkok complete the top five, both with storied culinary scenes that showcase the country's different regional dishes. The full list Seoul, South Korea 4,926 five-star restaurants Tokyo, Japan - 4,597 five-star restaurants London, UK 2,345 five-star restaurants Paris, France 2,055 five-star restaurants Bangkok, Thailand 1,798 five-star restaurants Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2300039/Audley_Travel.jpg CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the most recent analysis conducted by We Market Research, the Roofing Market is on track to reach a value of $342.8 Billion by the end of 2033. Looking ahead, the market's prospects appear even more impressive, with projections suggesting a significant increase to $197.6 Billion in 2023. This remarkable growth trajectory is underpinned by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% expected between 2024 and 2033. Increase in Renovation and Repair Activities Have Played a Pivotal Role in Shaping Roofing Industry The roofing market is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, driven in part by an increase in renovation and repair activities. As buildings and infrastructure age, there is a natural need for renovation and repair. Roofs, being an integral part of any structure, are prone to wear and tear over time. As buildings get older, property owners are more likely to invest in renovations, including roof repairs or replacements. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://wemarketresearch.com/sample-request/roofing-market/1345 In the United States, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) estimates that the residential re-roofing market will reach $28.2 billion in 2023. This represents a 4.5% increase from 2022. In the United Kingdom, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) reports that the roofing industry is worth 4.5 billion per year. The NFRC also reports that the number of roof replacements is increasing, driven by factors such as aging infrastructure and rising property values. In Australia, the Master Builders Association (MBA) reports that the value of home renovation projects is expected to reach $37 billion in 2023. This represents a 6.5% increase from 2022. The MBA also reports that roofing is one of the most popular home renovation projects. Roofing Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Description Market Size in 2023 USD 197.6 Billion Market Forecast in 2033 USD 342.8 Billion CAGR % 2024-2033 5.0 % Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2016-2022 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Report USP Production, Consumption, company share, company heatmap, company production capacity, growth factors and more Segments Covered Product, Type, Roofing Type and Application Regional Scope North America, Europe, APAC, South America and Middle East and Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Benelux; Nordic Countries; Russia; China; India; Japan; South Korea; Australia; Indonesia; Thailand; Mexico; Brazil; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Egypt; South Africa; Nigeria Climate change and extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent. Harsh weather conditions such as storms, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall can cause significant damage to roofs. In response, property owners are prompted to invest in repairs or upgrades to ensure their roofs can withstand these challenges. There's a growing awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in buildings. Roofing materials with energy-saving properties, such as reflective coatings, cool roofs, or green roofs, are gaining popularity. Property owners may choose to renovate their roofs to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. As property values continue to rise, homeowners are more likely to invest in improvements to their homes, including new roofs. New roofing materials, such as metal and asphalt shingles, are more durable and energy-efficient than older materials. This is leading more homeowners to choose these materials when they need to replace their roofs. Technological Advancement, is poised to slash the demand for Roofing Technological advancements play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth in the roofing market. These advancements encompass various aspects, from the development of new materials and manufacturing processes to the integration of smart technologies for improved functionality and sustainability. Request for Customization of this Report @ https://wemarketresearch.com/customization/roofing-market/1345 Technological innovations have led to the creation of advanced roofing materials that offer enhanced durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. New materials may include: Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is now being utilized to create detailed 3D models of roofs, allowing for precise planning and optimization of material usage. This reduces waste and ensures the roof is built to exact specifications, leading to improved performance and longevity. Smart Roofing Systems utilize sensors and connected technology to monitor roof health and performance in real-time. This allows for proactive maintenance and timely repairs, preventing small issues from escalating into costly problems. Additionally, smart roofs can optimize energy efficiency by automatically adjusting temperature and ventilation based on weather conditions. Robots are increasingly being used for tasks like shingle installation and roof inspections. This not only improves safety for workers but also increases efficiency and accuracy, leading to faster completion times and higher quality results. Drones are now commonly used for roof inspections, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. They can quickly cover large areas and capture high-resolution images, allowing for early detection of potential problems. Technological advancements are leading to the development of more sustainable roofing materials. These include solar tiles, which generate clean energy, and green roofs, which provide insulation and improve air quality. CertainTeed, a leading roofing manufacturer, offers a line of smart roofing products that can be monitored and controlled through a smartphone app. This allows homeowners to track energy usage, receive alerts about potential problems, and adjust settings remotely. GAF, another major player in the roofing industry, has partnered with drone technology company DroneDeploy to provide drone-based roof inspections. This service helps homeowners and businesses quickly and safely assess the condition of their roofs and identify any areas that need repair. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has launched a program called RoofConnect, which allows homeowners and businesses to connect with qualified roofing contractors in their area. This platform also provides educational resources and helps consumers make informed decisions about their roofing needs. U.S., china and Japan to be a game changer within the Roofing Market The global roofing market is a dynamic and diverse landscape, with several countries making significant contributions to its growth and innovation. Among them, the United States, China, and Japan stand out as true game-changers, each shaping the industry in unique ways. The U.S. boasts the largest roofing market worldwide, accounting for a significant share of the global market size. This dominance stems from a diverse housing market, high disposable incomes, and a mature construction industry. American companies are at the forefront of technological advancements in roofing. Industry giants like CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning invest heavily in R&D, pushing boundaries in material performance, sustainability, and smart technology integration. Robust building codes and regulations ensure quality and safety in the U.S. roofing market, fostering trust and confidence among consumers and businesses, further driving growth. Japan embraces cutting-edge roofing technologies like robotic installation and smart roof monitoring systems, improving efficiency and quality in roofing construction. Japanese roofing materials are renowned for their exceptional quality and durability. This is attributed to strict manufacturing standards and a strong commitment to using high-performance materials. Japan places significant emphasis on energy efficiency, evident in its roofing industry. Many Japanese roofs are designed and built to minimize energy consumption, contributing to the country's overall sustainability goals. Japan's Robotic Roof Installation: Shimizu Corporation, a leading Japanese construction company, has developed a robotic system for installing roof panels, improving safety, accuracy, and overall efficiency in the construction process. Drive Your Growth Strategy: Purchase the Report for Key Insights! https://wemarketresearch.com/purchase/roofing-market/1345?license=single Competitive Landscape Major companies operating within Roofing market are Owens Corning (U.S.), Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), 3M (U.S.), Dow (U.S.), DuPont (U.S.), Braas Monier Building Group (Luxembourg), Sika AG (Switzerland), Atlas Roofing Corporation (U.S.), Innospec (U.S.), ADEKA CORPORATION (Japan), Dorf Ketal Chemicals (I) Pvt. Ltd. (U.S.), PMC Specialties Group (U.S.), Afton Chemical (U.S.), The Lubrizol Corporation (U.S.), Clariant (Switzerland), LANXESS (Germany), Mayzo, Inc. (U.S.), Solvay (Belgium), Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands), Arkema (France) and Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.). CertainTeed, GAF and Owens Corning dominate the market with an active share of around 35%-40%. Have a Look at Related Reports Fall Protection Equipment Market Ceramic Tiles Market Green Cement Market Critical Infrastructure Protection Market Building Thermal Insulation Market About We Market Research: WE MARKET RESEARCH is an established market analytics and research firm with a domain experience sprawling across different industries. We have been working on multi-county market studies right from our inception. Over the time, from our existence, we have gained laurels for our deep rooted market studies and insightful analysis of different markets. Contact Us: Mr. Robbin Joseph Corporate Sales, USA We Market Research USA: +1-724-618-3925 Websites: https://wemarketresearch.com/ Email: sales@wemarketresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267296/We_Market_Research_Logo.jpg Agenda and registration now open for premier business architecture event March 19-21, 2024 SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Architecture Guild, an international community of business architecture practitioners with members in over 100 countries, released the agenda for the 12th annual Business Architecture Innovation Summit to be held virtually and in-person in Reston, VA, USA, March 1921, 2024. The Business Architecture Innovation Summit is the premier event for business and technical leaders looking to hear the latest industry success stories and advancements in the field. Co-sponsored by the Business Architecture Guild and Object Management Group, this three-day event features leading-edge presentations, interactive sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities for attendees seeking to gain practical insights into business architecture. Speakers representing energy, financial services, healthcare, high-tech, insurance, manufacturing, non-profits, telecommunications, transportation and startups, along with state and federal governments, will share their experiences in maximizing the value of business architecture. Topics include leveraging business architecture for strategy realization, portfolio management, AI deployment, product management, change management and organizational transformation. Additional sessions will discuss establishing and scaling a practice, gaining executive buy-in, leveraging industry reference models, open standards advancements and tool vendor options. William Ulrich, Guild Co-founder, said, "This year's Summit agenda reflects the rapidly growing role of business architecture in a variety of areas. The diversity of speakers and topics demonstrates that business architecture is not restricted to any single industry, region or usage scenario. Please join us at this high-quality networking event." Summit sessions will be recorded for those in alternative time zones. For those new to the discipline, a half-day Business Architecture Primer will be held the afternoon of March 18, 2024. The Primer is free of charge for virtual and in-person Summit attendees. For onsite attendees, the Guild is sponsoring a Monday evening reception on recent business architecture advancements in open standards. About the Business Architecture Guild The Business Architecture Guild is an international, not-for-profit, member-based association that provides valuable resources to business leaders, practitioners, and others interested in the field. The Business Architecture Guild is the source for A Guide to the Business Architecture Body of Knowledge (BIZBOK Guide) and exclusive provider of the Certified Business Architect certification program. SOURCE The Business Architecture Guild President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the night missile attack on Kyiv on December 13. He thanked the Air Force and partners for protecting Ukrainian skies, as well as all rescue services. ADVERTISIMENT The president's statement was published on Telegram. He assured that Ukraine will continue to work to increase its defense capabilities and has already made new arrangements. "There were 10 ballistic missiles last night. I am grateful to our Air Force and partners. All victims are being provided with assistance," the president wrote. He noted that only the day before he had agreed with US President Joe Biden to work on increasing the number of air defense systems in Ukraine, and the terrorist country immediately demonstrated how important this decision was. ADVERTISIMENT "Every additional air defense system is important. Every batch of missiles for air defense systems is important. It is important for people, important for cities and important for Ukraine. It saves lives!" the President emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT It should be noted that according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, last night, the occupiers launched 10 ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital, including S-400 anti-aircraft guided missiles and Iskander cruise missiles. The Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed all the missiles. The consequences of the attack are being clarified. It is known that only PATRIOT and SAMP/T systems, of which there are only four in Ukraine, can shoot down ballistic missiles. As the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, clarified on Telegram, the enemy could have struck Kyiv with 48N6 missiles from the S400 complex. ADVERTISIMENT "The Russians targeted a critical infrastructure facility. We know what they are trying to hit," the head of the OP added. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - On December 13, as a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv and air defense, the missile fragments fell on the roadway, damaging a water supply network. The water turned the street into a river. Basements of houses near the scene were also flooded. In addition, residents' cars were damaged and windows were smashed. WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A landmark moment in telecommunications history, the 20th anniversary of the Pulver Order, will be celebrated at the National Press Club in Washington on Monday, February 12th, announced Jeff Pulver, 2023. Established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2004 , this seminal order marked a pivotal shift in the evolution of digital communication, catalyzing the growth of voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) services, as the order established VoIP as an unregulated information service subject to the Commission's jurisdiction. In so doing, the FCC removed any regulatory uncertainty surrounding Internet applications. The National Press Club will gather to recognize the 20th Anniversary of The Pulver Order. Join retired FCC Chairman Michael Powell and Vonage founder Jeff Pulver along with industry leaders to celebrart 20 years of the act that made Voice over IP an unregulated service by the FCC. Jeff Pulver The 20th-anniversary celebration is not just a nod to the past but a forward-looking forum, setting the stage for discussions on the future trajectory of VoIP technology. The Architects of Change: Honoring the Visionaries The event will feature a panel discussion with the trailblazers who were crucial to this revolutionary decision. Key figures include: Jeff Pulver , the visionary founder of VON and Vonage, whose foresight and advocacy were instrumental in creating the Pulver Order. , the visionary founder of VON and Vonage, whose foresight and advocacy were instrumental in creating the Pulver Order. Michael Powell , Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from 2001 - 2005, whose leadership and support were pivotal in realizing the Pulver Order. Powell, now the President & CEO of NCTA The Internet & Television Association, continues to be a leading voice in federal digital and telecommunications policymaking . whose leadership and support were pivotal in realizing the Pulver Order. Powell, now the President & CEO of NCTA The Internet & Television Association, continues to be a leading voice in federal digital and telecommunications policymaking Attorney Glenn Richards , a legal luminary from Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman , whose expertise in telecommunications law helped navigate the complexities of this groundbreaking regulation. About The Pulver Order: Pioneering a New Era in Communication The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took a groundbreaking step with the Pulver Order, recognizing and embracing the burgeoning potential of internet-based communication technologies, notably Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This strategic decision to exempt VoIP from the constraints of traditional telecommunications regulations was more than just an act of deregulation; it was a visionary move that spurred remarkable innovation. By adopting this policy, the FCC effectively shielded Internet applications from undue economic regulation at both federal and state levels, fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement. Moreover, the Pulver Order established regulatory stability within the marketplace. This stability was instrumental in eliminating investment and deployment barriers and accelerating the growth and diversification of Internet applications and services. This forward-thinking approach by the FCC catalyzed a significant transformation in global communication practices and set a precedent for future technological developments in the digital era. Event Details: Date: Monday, February 12, 2024 Time: 9 AM Location: National Press Club, Washington, D.C. Media Contact: Andy Abramson [email protected] 1-858-777-9777 SOURCE Jeff Pulver GENEVA, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the Global Refugee Forum, we reaffirm our commitment to alleviate human suffering and serve humanity. We stand with refugee children and adolescents everywhere. We will steadfastly continue to work with all our partners and invest in a quality education that provides knowledge, skills, mental health and psychosocial support, school meals, water and sanitation, as well as protection. Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, is pledging to invest at least US$500 million in refugee education over the next four years, contingent upon ECW raising at least US$1.5 billion for its new Strategic Plan. As part of this commitment, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, is pledging to invest at least US$500 million in refugee education over the next four years, contingent upon ECW raising at least US$1.5 billion for its new Strategic Plan. By doing so, ECW will reach 5 million refugees worldwide. ECW's support will be geared towards addressing the most immediate and urgent needs through temporary education programmes as well as supporting long-term stability through inclusion of refugees and refugee teachers in national education systems, in ways that respect their diverse needs, abilities and capacities. We cannot do it alone. To build on this work, the Government of Denmark has committed an additional DKK40 million (approximately US$6 million) towards Education Cannot Wait's investments in Niger. The Government of Japan is also announcing a US$3 million grant that will help provide safe and protective learning environments for children that have been forcibly displaced in the war in Ukraine. We welcome Japan as a G7 leader to the ECW family, and look forward to strengthened collaboration and support in the years to come. Together with other contributions by our strategic donors, and through working with government partners, UN partners such as UNHCR and other UN agencies, civil society and other key stakeholders, ECW will mobilize a total of US$1.5 billion by 2026, allowing us to reach 20 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents through our holistic education investments. This is a crisis that impacts us all. The global level of forced displacement is reaching all-time highs. The number of people forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict and climate-induced disasters has increased every year over the past decade to roughly 115 million people today. That's more than the total populations of Canada, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland combined. Together with all our partners, ECW must act with speed and agility to restore education as quickly as possible for refugee children and adolescents, to minimize learning losses and restore a sense of normalcy for girls and boys whose lives have been torn apart by armed conflicts, persecution and climate-induced disasters. This is what we did as South Sudanese refugees arrived in Uganda, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Venezuelan refugees in Colombia. This is what we are doing in response to the brutal conflict in Sudan. Through our First Emergency Responses, we jointly provide education to refugee children and adolescents uprooted by the war, and their host communities in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. At the same time, it is critically important to ensure that refugees, including refugee teachers, are included in national education systems and that we ensure sustainability. Together with our partners, we work closely with refugee-hosting countries such as Chad, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, Lebanon, and many others to help develop policies and frameworks that support and facilitate inclusion, while also alleviating the pressure on national education systems by making additional investments in the formal sector. In delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG4 the foundation of all sustainable development goals we are committed to advancing inclusion across all our investments. To bridge the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, our multi-year investments connect immediate humanitarian response plans with medium and long-term national sector strategies. Ultimately, refugee inclusion is not only an opportunity to strengthen national education systems for refugees and host community children and adolescents. It is an opportunity to ignite change through empowering those whose extraordinary resilience will help all of us to advance human evolution in science, technology, medicine and the arts, just to mention a few. The greatest minds and souls are to be found in refugees and those who have offered them refuge. Since operations commenced in 2017, almost one-third of the children ECW has reached are refugees. We will not stop. As a member of the Leadership Group and a longstanding partner of UNHCR, we wholeheartedly support the multi-stakeholder pledge made at this year's Global Refugee Forum, along with the various thematic pledges that have been developed under the auspices of the Education Alliance including pledges towards early childhood development, education in emergencies, gender, mental health and psychosocial support, secondary education and teachers. With our own individual pledge, we are coming in strongly behind the education mega-pledge issued during the Global Refugee Forum, articulating what we as ECW can and will do to help achieve our shared vision. To make good on the commitments outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other binding international accords, world leaders must step up to do more for the world's refugee children and adolescents. Their only dream is a safe place to call home, their only hope is an education. And our own hope lies with them. SOURCE Education Cannot Wait DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap" or the "Company") (NYSE: AER) today announced it has signed lease agreements for two Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter ("P2F") aircraft with Spanish cargo operator, Swiftair. The aircraft will undergo conversion by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH ("EFW") at ST Engineering Aerospace in Singapore and will be delivered to Swiftair in April and June 2024, respectively. Swiftair will operate services across Europe and Africa on behalf of its international logistics customers. "We are pleased to announce our agreement to lease two Airbus A321P2F aircraft to our long-term customer, Swiftair," said Rich Greener, the Head of AerCap Cargo. "The A321P2F is a best-in-class narrowbody freighter solution, offering superior economics in terms of fuel-efficiency and flexibility, and will allow Swiftair to continue to grow their route network. We look forward to working with the Swiftair team as these aircraft deliver." "In line with our commitment towards more efficient and sustainable growth, we are delighted to be taking delivery of two of the most quiet and economical freighter aircraft in the world today," said Salvador Moreno, the CEO of Swiftair. "These aircraft mark a milestone in our fleet renewal program, allowing our customers to meet their carbon reduction targets and access to the most effective and reliable products in their class, available in the market today." In 2022, AerCap announced it had placed a firm order for 15 Airbus A321-200P2F aircraft conversions and an option for a further 15 conversions with EFW. About AerCap AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world. About Swiftair Swiftair is a Madrid-based, leading provider of both cargo and passenger ACMI and charter services across EMEA. Its customers include the Integrated Express providers, National Mail Organizations, and humanitarian NGOs. Founded in 1986, Swiftair is a part of the LUSAT Group which also includes Cygnus Air, Swiftair Hellas, Uep! Fly, West Atlantic UK and West Atlantic Sweden. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "will," "aim," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors, including the impacts of, and associated responses to: the Ukraine Conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv . SOURCE AerCap Holdings N.V. HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform, has partnered with top online travel agencies, including Trip.com, a global one-stop travel service provider and Tuniu, an integrated leisure travel service provider in China, to launch selected tour packages and travel guide on the Alipay app for international tourists travelling to China. The first batch of the launch includes a total of 20 packages aimed at helping international tourists navigate their travels in China. The packages include tours with an English-speaking guide at famous tourist attractions such as the Palace Museum and Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Jiuzhaigou National Park (Jiuzhai Valley) in Sichuan Province, Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, and Shanghai Disney Resort and the Bund in Shanghai. Some of the attractions offer discount up to 20%. Alipay and Trip.com also launched a China Travel Guide in the app with comprehensive travel advice in the country. The guide provides detailed information on topics such as pre-travel checklists, visa applications, attractions, hotels, mobile payment, communication, transport, booking services and more. Cross-border travel, including inbound travel to China, is witnessing a continuous surge globally given the increase in flights and favourable policies. According to Trip.com data, from January to October this year, inbound tour orders increased 125% year-on-year compared to 2022. Starting from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, travellers holding ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia can enjoy visa-free entry to China. They can also stay for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes. "With its leading global travel services, Trip.com seeks to collaborate with industry partners like Alipay to continue enhancing the experience of inbound tourists and draw more international travellers to China. Trip.com aims to increase the number of inbound tourists served in 2024 by more than 150% compared with 2019," said Jiqiang Wang, vice general manager of digital marketing at Trip.com. "We are delighted to work with partners across the industry to enhance international tourists' payment and travel experience in China. As the leading digital wallet in China, Alipay will continue to optimise products and services to better serve international visitors," said Yaoyao Jin in charge of international travellers' usage of Alipay. "We also encourage more merchants and service providers operating digitally on Alipay platform to enhance their services for international travellers." Together with Trip.com, Alipay also launched the "New Year, New Exploration" campaign on social media, inviting international tourists interested in exploring China to travel like a local using their mobile phone. Alipay has been continually improving its products and services for international travellers. After downloading the Alipay app, overseas tourists now can sign up and link their international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International to pay at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across China, including restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls and public transport. It also integrates frequently-used travel services, including hotel booking, air tickets booking, car-hailing, exchange rate checking, and translation. In addition to using Alipay to pay like a local in China, international tourists from 7 countries and regions including Malaysia and Singapore can also use their home e-wallet while travelling around China. These home e-wallets include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), mPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch 'n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Hipay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay (South Korea), Toss Pay (South Korea) and TrueMoney (Thailand). About Alipay In the digital era, Alipay has evolved from a trusted payment tool to an open platform that connects businesses, institutions, service providers, and other partners with consumers. Alipay enables partners from various industries to offer safe and convenient payment options. It also enables partners to communicate and deliver different digital services to their customers in China through Alipay mini programs, lifestyle accounts and other tools. The Alipay platform has connected over 80 million businesses with more than one billion consumers. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 510 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com. SOURCE Trip.com VIENNA, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Omega, a leading IT solutions provider, proudly announces the launch of its refreshed brand identity and a state-of-the-art website, reflecting the company's remarkable journey of growth and innovation in serving the federal sector. As the company continues to experience exponential growth, President and CEO Gautam Ijoor and his leadership team chose green, which is a direct reference to nature, as well as to being focused, connected, and bold. Alpha Omega's refreshed color palette and visual elements speak to its company growth and upward direction as well as being grounded in core values and committed to its teams and the nation. "We chose green as our primary Alpha Omega color because the world collectively needs to combat climate change or face extinction in the next few generations," said Ijoor. "Addressing global issues requires a team effort. We are proud of the role and opportunity Alpha Omega plays in supporting federal customers doing work in our three main domain areas of climate science, foreign affairs and national security." The Alpha Omega logo was created by joining the Greek letters Alpha and Omega to signify complete solutions, the logo also resembles a keyhole to signify opening doors to a plethora of possibilities, and with the anjali mudra, hands in prayer, that represents our core values. Together, the Alpha Omega logo symbolizes a company that looks ahead to 2024 and beyond with anticipation, commitment, and embraces the opportunity for global leadership. The accompanying state-of-the-art website introduces a user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. Navigating through our comprehensive service offerings has never been easier, with detailed insights into our key capability areas of cybersecurity, digital modernization and AI, designed to meet the evolving needs of federal government customers. The addition of a news and resources center enhances our commitment to knowledge sharing, providing a platform to stay informed about the latest industry trends, thought leadership articles, and valuable resources. This initiative aligns with our goal of not only providing top-notch IT services but also contributing to the broader conversation and advancement of the federal government IT landscape. The updated brand and website mark an exciting chapter in Alpha Omega's journey, reflecting our commitment to excellence, innovation and most importantly to our mission to enhance and secure U.S. global leadership through our expertise in climate change, national security, and foreign affairs and collaboration with federal partners. ABOUT ALPHA OMEGA: Alpha Omega's mission is to support federal agencies with tailored digital modernization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity solutions for US national security and global leadership. Alpha Omega is committed to service excellence and continuous process improvement as demonstrated by our Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level-5 (ML-5) for Development and Services, as well as ISO/IEC registration for 20000-1:2018, 27001:2013, and 9001:2015. It is our commitment to customers to not only deliver quality products, but to also be a strategic advisor and thought leader with our Agency partners. For more information, please visit www.alphaomega.com. SOURCE Alpha Omega Integration Allianz Partners Reveals Top 10 Holiday Destinations, Welcoming Las Vegas to its Top Three RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allianz Partners USA has announced its annual Top 10 Holiday Destinations survey, which found Americans are planning holiday trips to New York City and Cancun, Mexico, as their top domestic and international locations. After reviewing over three million itineraries* for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports beginning Saturday, December 16 and returning by Friday, December 29, the travel insurance and assistance company found that 79% of the itineraries reviewed are for domestic travel and 21% are for international trips. Top International Destinations Top Domestic Destinations New York City headlines for the third year in a row as the number one domestic destination on American travelers' wish lists this holiday season, followed by sunny Orlando (#2), dazzling Las Vegas (#3), Los Angeles (#4) and Atlanta (#5). This year, Las Vegas notably jumps four spots compared to 2022, making an appearance in the domestic top three for the first time since the survey's inception in 2016. Travelers planning an overseas holiday should be prepared for busier airport gates at warm-weather destinations. For the sixth time in a row, Cancun stays on top with travelers opting to escape the cold to relax on Mexico's sunny beaches. Not far behind, London, England (#2), continues to be a top contender while sunnier destinations like San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (#3), Montego Bay, Jamaica (#4) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (#5) continue to attract U.S. travelers. "If you have a frequent traveler in the family, a great gift this holiday season is an annual travel insurance policy," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. "Whether they are traveling stateside shouting 'Viva Las Vegas,' or hitting the beach internationally, a travel insurance policy can offer peace of mind in case of an unexpected covered travel delay, trip cancellation or trip interruption, and an annual policy can provide protection all year 'round for those covered pre-paid, non-refundable expenses." Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/. *Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' 2023 holiday plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 12/16/2023 12/29/2023, returning 12/17/2023 - 12/29/2023. In total, just over 3.1 million itineraries were analyzed using this methodology. Link to download chart graphics can be found HERE. About Allianz Partners In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world. For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage, including the epidemic-related benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101C series or 101P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance. SOURCE Allianz Partners NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Directors has announced its new members and officers for the term beginning January 1, 2024. Mary McKiel, standards consultant, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, was appointed to a first one-year term as Chair of the ANSI Board. Phil Piqueira, vice president of global standards, UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Supporting the Chair will be the following Vice Chairs: Christian Dubay, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); Tim Klein, U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT); Ed Mikoski, Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA); and David Miller, American Petroleum Institute (API). The following individuals have been elected to the Board as Directors-at-Large for terms beginning January 2024 and concluding at year-end 2026: Sonya Bird , ULSE , ULSE Susan Carioti , ASIS International , ASIS International Dale Cyr , Inteleos , Inteleos Gaby Davis , IAPMO , IAPMO Thomas Gardner , HP Federal , HP Federal Elisabeth George , Elisabeth George Consulting LLC , Elisabeth George Consulting LLC Stephen Kwan , San Jose State University , San Jose State University Jennifer McNelly , American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) , American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Peter Pondillo , Corning Incorporated , Corning Incorporated Paris Stavrianidis , FM Global , FM Global David Stehlin , Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) In addition, the Board of Directors Nominating Committee has filled four vacant Director-at-Large positions with: Gordon Gillerman , National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Dominique Taudin , Carrier Corporation , Carrier Corporation Danielle Taylor , Abbott Laboratories , Abbott Laboratories Phil Wennblom , Intel Corporation The following individuals will serve as ANSI Member Forum chairs: Alan Manche, Schneider Electric (Company Member Forum), Linda Golodner, Consumer Representative (Consumer Interest Forum), Elise Owen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Government Member Forum), and Sharon Stanford, American Dental Association (Organizational Member Forum). The following individuals will serve as chairs of the Institute's Policy Advisory Groups: Henry Wixon, NIST (Intellectual Property Rights Policy Advisory Group); Jeff Grove, ASTM International (National Policy Advisory Group); and Ajit Jillavenkatesa, Apple (International Policy Advisory Group). Amanda Benedict, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), will chair the ANSI ISO Council. Jessica Evans, NSF International, will chair ANSI's Board of Standards Review. Veronica A. Lancaster, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), will serve as USNC president and chair of the USNC Council. Paula Watkins, American Petroleum Institute (API), will chair ANSI's Executive Standards Council. Individuals leaving the Board are: Monica Barone , Qualcomm Inc. , Qualcomm Inc. Mitzi Baum , STOP Foodborne Illness , STOP Foodborne Illness Neil Bogatz , IAPMO , IAPMO GP Russ Chaney , IAPMO , IAPMO Scott McGrath , OASIS , OASIS Paul Moliski , Intertek Testing Services, NA Inc. , Intertek Testing Services, NA Inc. Rusty Rentsch , Aerospace Industries Association The members and staff of the ANSI Federation express their gratitude and thanks to all of these individuals for their many contributions and efforts in support of the Institute and the U.S. voluntary consensus standardization and conformity assessment community. About ANSI The American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents and serves the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For more information, visit www.ansi.org. SOURCE American National Standards Institute NEW LONDON, Conn., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- When Julio Ricardo Varela walked onto the Mitchell College campus in New London, Conn., to record a podcast with students on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality, he didn't have to look far for inspiration. "I was instantly struck by how strong and welcoming the community was. There was a sense of belonging and home that felt very special," he said. Journalist Julio Ricardo Varela found inspiration for a podcast on belonging on the campus of Mitchell College in Conn. Post this The award-winning journalist, MSNBC opinion columnist, and founder of one of the top U.S. Latino digital media sites in the world hosted his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College, thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. Varela spent the day meeting with faculty and students and talked about the power of storytelling through podcasts and the craft of making them. During a morning discussion, he explained that journalism and storytelling are a craft and a discipline. "We have to be responsible" in telling stories "and be credible, honest, and truthful," he said. He encouraged students to use their time at college to "tell stories in a supportive place." "Your stories matter. Everyone's stories matter," he added. "We have 'invisibilized' so many voices for centuries that we have forgotten how our humanity connects us. In a country that continues to grow more and more socially isolated, we cannot give up, and [must] remind ourselves that storytelling from diverse voices will be what nourishes us." Varela chose to record his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College knowing the college's reputation for inclusivity and specialized programs for all type of learners. He used a small panel format and talked to two or three students at a time before a live audience. Seven Mitchell College students shared personal stories of the joys and challenges they experience attending a college committed to embracing and celebrating difference. When asked about the rewards and challenges of interviewing, Varela said, "I am inherently curious, so I enjoy asking people questions and trying to make them feel comfortable to share their stories with sincerity and compassion." He added that it is all about "human connections and collegiality." Varela said a highlight was learning about Mitchell community members, "especially the student guests, who were all fabulous." Read the full story and hear the podcast here. SOURCE Mitchell College DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's increasingly digitized landscape, the imperative for secure and streamlined identity verification has never been more pivotal. With the rapid migration of businesses to online platforms, ensuring the authentication of customer identities becomes critical in thwarting fraud and fortifying operational integrity. Accura Scan stands at the forefront as a leading provider of global Digital Know Your Customer (KYC), Identity Verification, and customer onboarding solutions, offering state-of-the-art technology designed to facilitate businesses worldwide in seamlessly onboarding their clientele. Accura Scan proudly unveils its partnership with Batelco or Bahrain Telecommunication Company BSC, the principal telecommunications company in Bahrain, as they adopt Accura Scan's solutions for customer onboarding. Leveraging Accura Scan's cutting-edge technology, Batelco aims to automate their KYC and onboarding procedures in a secure and efficient manner. Accura Scan's Technology: Reinventing Customer Onboarding Central to customer onboarding lies KYCa pivotal process for verifying customer identities prior to service utilization or purchases. Historically, this verification process involved manual procedures, prone to errors and time-consuming endeavors. However, Accura Scan's digital KYC solutions revolutionize this landscape, empowering businesses to authenticate customer identities in real-time. Their advanced technology can swiftly read and verify identity documents such as passports, driver's licenses, and national ID cards. Real-time Identity Verification: A Game-Changer Accura Scan's technology offers a significant advantagereal-time identity verification. This translates to businesses verifying a customer's identity within seconds rather than enduring prolonged verification periods spanning hours or days. This acceleration not only expedites customer onboarding but also acts as a bulwark against fraud by ensuring the authenticity of the service user. Enhanced Customer Experience: Accelerated Onboarding, Elevated Service For telecoms like Batelco, employing Accura Scan's digital KYC and identity verification solutions transcends mere security enhancement and fraud deterrenceit encompasses enhancing the customer journey. Through Accura Scan's technology, Batelco can swiftly and efficiently onboard customers, obviating the necessity for manual document inspections or protracted verification protocols. This expedites the commencement of service usage for customers, fostering heightened satisfaction and engendering loyalty towards Batelco's offerings. By streamlining and fortifying the customer onboarding process, Accura Scan's technology facilitates an ecosystem where both businesses and clientele thrive through efficiency, security, and enhanced service experiences. It's a Swift, Smooth, Seamless & Simple eKYC for Batelco subscribers with Accura Scan ! Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2295227/Accura_Scan_Logo.jpg SOURCE Accura Scan BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB), the parent company of Berkshire Bank, a leading relationship-driven, community-focused bank with financial centers in New England and New York, announced that its leadership was recently featured in a series of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) interviews on Berkshire's performance, culture and vison for the future. CEO Nitin Mhatre SVP Gary Levante The Leaderboard (video): Executives, innovators, and trailblazers pushing boundaries and making a difference discuss their perspective on key themes in today's marketplace in the Leaderboard from the NYSE. CEO Nitin Mhatre shared his leadership values and how those values are brought to practice within Berkshire Bank's workplace. Inside the ICE House (podcast): Berkshire CEO Mhatre was the guest on the Inside the ICE House podcast which features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. CEO Mhatre discussed his vision for Berkshire , its commitment to its clients and how the bank has become synonymous with the community. Floor Talk (video): From the Trading Floor of the NYSE, Floor Talk features corporate leaders discussing the latest business developments and milestones. Berkshire's SVP, Corporate Responsibility Gary Levante joined to discuss Berkshire's long-standing commitment to sustainability and how Berkshire continues to innovate to serve its clients and shareholders while driving a positive impact in its communities. All the interviews are available for viewing at berkshirebank.com/NYSEMedia. About Berkshire Hills Bancorp Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE:BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Founded in 1846, the Bank's vision is to be a high-performing relationship-driven, community-focused bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when, and how it's needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the Bank has approximately $12.1 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of nearly 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Named one of America's Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek and America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. To learn more, follow us on Facebook , X (formerly Twitter), Instagram , and LinkedIn . Investor Contact Kevin Conn, Investor Relations 617.641.9206 [email protected] Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs, Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. The effective work of the Ukrainian air defense on the night of December 13 in Kyiv did not allow the occupiers to achieve their goal - all enemy ballistic missiles were shot down. However, enemy missiles can cause considerable damage when they fall, and there are irresistible forces at work here: the law of gravity. ADVERTISIMENT Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, shared this information in an interview with NV. He emphasized that the consequences of falling debris can vary. "Debris will never disappear from the airspace and will simply fall under the influence of Earth's gravity. They can be different: light, heavy, and sometimes even a missile warhead that did not explode when it collided with the targeted missile. Consequently, it falls down and can cause craters or simply ignite ordinary houses and premises," the military emphasized. Thus, according to Ihnat, Ukrainians should be careful and not leave their shelters during the air raid alarm. As a reminder, as a result of the night attack on Kyiv, a fragment of a downed Russian missile damaged several buildings in the Urban Park residential complex. Experts are inspecting the buildings to identify all the damage and calculate the losses. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night attack of December 13, the alert in Kyiv and the region was announced after the first explosions. This was due to the fact that ballistic missiles fly very fast, and air defense forces have a few minutes to respond to the threat and destroy the targets. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! BeyondEdge participates in the development of open network technologies, standards, and specifications. RICHARDSON, Texas, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BeyondEdge, a pioneer in software-defined network management and intent-based networking (IBN), announced today that it has joined the Open Compute Project (OCP) as a Startup Member. Through this membership, BeyondEdge is eager to contribute to OCP-initiated open-source innovations in the enterprise IT network space. The OCP is a highly collaborative, global community focused on applying the benefits of open-source infrastructure solutions to scalable computing use cases. "BeyondEdge is focused on delivering management simplicity to open and disaggregated networks to enterprise customers," said BeyondEdge CEO, Amir Elbaz. "We anticipate that open networking will grow rapidly, and we plan to play a key role in reimagining how these networks are designed, deployed, and orchestrated. Joining forces with the Open Compute Project will allow us to share our technical expertise and help produce rapid innovation within the community of like-minded OCP members." Participation in the OCP along with the Linux Foundation's SONiC Project are two of the latest examples that demonstrate how BeyondEdge is showing its commitment to the open network movement. Tapping into their vast industry experience, BeyondEdge delivers a simplified and elegant operator experience for enterprise organizations that manage open network technology stacks. About BeyondEdge BeyondEdge is a software-defined, data center, cloud, and edge company focused on advancing the transformation of networks via an open and modular software platform that delivers highly intelligent and fully automated networks for data centers, clouds, buildings, and campus-wide environments. For more information on the company, please visit www.beyondedgenetworks.com . About the Open Compute Project Foundation The Open Compute Project (OCP) is a global collaborative Community of hyperscale data center operators, telecom, colocation providers and enterprise IT users, working with the product and solution vendor ecosystem to develop open innovations deployable from the cloud to the edge. The OCP Foundation is responsible for fostering and serving the OCP Community to meet the market and shape the future, taking hyperscale-led innovations to everyone. Meeting the market is accomplished through addressing challenging market obstacles with open specifications, designs and emerging market programs that showcase OCP-recognized IT equipment and data center facility best practices. Shaping the future includes investing in strategic initiatives and programs that prepare the IT ecosystem for major technology changes, such as AI & ML, optics, advanced cooling techniques, composable memory and silicon. OCP Community-developed open innovations strive to benefit all, optimized through the lens of impact, efficiency, scale and sustainability. Learn more at: www.opencompute.org . Contact Information: Ken Lewis SVP of Solution Design and Integration [email protected] (214) 575 9300 SOURCE BeyondEdge New record for sales growth and number of patients supported Product portfolio enhanced through acquisition of NanoBone and expansion of STIMULAN approval as an antibiotic carrier to treat bacterial infection Research and Development boosts with STIMULAN VG moving to phase II clinical trial and investment in Renovite KEELE, England, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Biocomposites, an international medical devices company that engineers, manufactures and markets world-leading products for use in infection management in bone and soft tissue, reports a year of record growth, investment in new products and breakthroughs in research and development. Helping more patients 2023 was a new record for the number of patients benefiting from a Biocomposites product as part of their treatment plan. This was a result of over 30% growth in demand for our products in China, India, UK, Europe and across the Americas - driven by product performance as well as a broadening of adoption beyond the traditional specialty of orthopaedics into new areas such as spine, foot and ankle, and podiatry. Biocomposites' extensive geographic footprint was also extended by the addition of new distributors in South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Singapore, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Guatemala. Subiton and Synimed products also started to be sold through the Biocomposites network in the UK and India. Enhanced product portfolio The acquisition of NanoBone technology, in June this year, added a new range of osteoinductive synthetic bone grafts to Biocomposites' portfolio. Its patented nanostructured hydroxyapatite platelets mimic the hydroxyapatite in natural bone and deliver a comparable healing rate to autograft, without the costs and complications of harvesting bone from a patient. Great progress was also made in extending STIMULAN's approval throughout the world. It is still the only calcium matrix approved to assist in wound healing, treat bacterial infection and carry antibiotics in bone and soft tissue. Today, STIMULAN, when pre-mixed with antibiotics, can be used to treat bacterial infection in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. It can also be used to carry antibiotics in Argentina, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Europe, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Panama, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, UK, and Vietnam. R & D boost This year, we took a big step forward in the development of STIMULAN VG, by gaining FDA approval to progress to a Phase II clinical trial. STIMULAN VG, which is STIMULAN mixed with vancomycin and gentamicin, will be a new drug-device combination that aims to treat diabetic foot osteomyelitis with the potential to transform outcomes and positively impact many patients' lives. Biocomposites also invested in Renovos, an innovative biologics company born out of research into the properties of nanoclay at the University of Southampton. Their novel therapeutic delivery platform, RENOVITE, is a synthetic, biodegradable nanoclay carrier that can be used to place a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics at the site of treatment. As a cell-responsive carrier it requires a lower dose of therapeutic drug to accelerate healing. Together we are working through the regulatory pathway to bring their transformative products to market. Strengthening the team Biocomposites expanded its senior management team with the appointment of two new directors. In August 2023, Michelle Lewis became Human Resources Director, leading Biocomposites in managing its rapidly expanding workforce, which has doubled in the last two years. Ciara Airey became Regulatory Affairs Director, developing the team and framework to support the regulatory pathway of the company's extensive medical device and drug-device combination pipeline. These appointments reflect the company's strong growth and the need to manage an increasing talent pool of people, whilst maximising the opportunity to grow revenue through regulatory differentiation. Biocomposites' team members attended and presented at a number of scientific and industry events and conferences throughout the year. In October 2023, Biocomposites hosted a symposium with two leading clinicians at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Bone & Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) in Basel, Switzerland, and presented cutting-edge data demonstrating the benefits of STIMULAN in improving outcomes for periprosthetic joint infection patients. Addressing specialties beyond orthopaedics, Biocomposites also sponsored a session at this year's Wounds UK Annual Conference held in Harrogate, UK, on 7 November 2023, at which a consensus group of multidisciplinary clinicians from leading research units discussed managing the complex foot infections associated with diabetes and the role STIMULAN plays in improving patient outcomes. Commenting on Biocomposites' extraordinary year, Michael Harris, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our 2023 performance has exceeded all our expectations. Our products make a real difference to people's lives and it is wonderful to see so many more patients benefiting from them. With the acceleration of research and product development over the last five years, we are now seeing tangible milestones achieved as we position ourselves as the go-to-provider for surgeons and podiatrists seeking to treat infected patients." About Biocomposites Biocomposites is an international medical devices company that engineers, manufactures, and markets world leading products for use in infection management in bone and soft tissue. Based in Keele, UK, it has global operations across Europe, USA, Argentina, Canada, China, and India. Biocomposites is a world leader in the development of innovative calcium compounds and bone cements for surgical use. Its products regenerate bone and target infection risks across a variety of specialties, including musculoskeletal infection, orthopaedics, trauma, spine, foot and ankle, podiatry, and sports injuries. Biocomposites products are now used in over one million procedures per annum and sold in more than 100 countries around the world. Please visit biocomposites.com to learn more. SOURCE Biocomposites This Rare Complete Set of CFTC Licenses Allows Bitnomial to Offer Margined Physically Delivered Digital Asset Futures and Options CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitnomial, a US-regulated digital asset derivatives exchange, today was granted a US clearinghouse license to clear margined digital asset futures and options trades, making it the first and only crypto-native exchange with a full set of US derivatives exchange, clearinghouse, and broker licenses. Moreover, Bitnomial is the only US exchange with margined, physically delivered digital asset derivatives, meaning customers can receive actual ownership of digital assets on a leveraged basis rather than just a cash payout at settlement. The license was approved by four to one vote at the CFTC December Open Meeting today. This clearinghouse license (DCO) completes Bitnomial's set of licenses, a rare achievement that already includes an exchange license (DCM) and a brokerage license (FCM), allowing Bitnomial to cater to the unique needs of digital asset traders, brokers, and dealers across the entire derivatives industry, all under the federal oversight of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). "Our aim is to introduce a global derivative trading platform, regulated in the US, that marks a pivotal shift from traditional USD and Treasury margin collateral to incorporating digital assets as collateral as well. This change is intended not just for crypto trading but also for a broad spectrum of physical and digital commodities," said Luke Hoersten, Founder and CEO of Bitnomial. "While Bitnomial Exchange has been live with margin digital asset trading since late 2020, we've been quiet about our broader strategy while working behind the scenes to prepare for our larger business deployment. Our incremental improvements to the platform and operations have been in anticipation of obtaining these additional licenses, enabling us to offer a fully regulated digital asset derivatives exchange and clearinghouse with margin trading. Unlike other businesses that have attempted to disintermediate the brokerage industry, our FCM offers wholesale digital asset-related services and support to our brokerage partners, institutions, and dealers. Now that the licensing process is complete, we can shift our focus to expanding Bitnomial's product offering and customer base." Bitnomial's current investors include Electric Capital, Franklin Templeton, Belvedere Strategic Capital, Jump Trading, DV Chain, Consolidated Trading, RRE Ventures, Collab+Currency, O'Brien Investment Group, and Coinbase Ventures. This diverse group of investors demonstrates support for a fully CFTC regulated digital asset derivatives venue from both traditional finance and crypto-native investors. "Recent events highlight the need to hedge bitcoin against US dollar risk physically," said John O'Brien, Jr., Board Member of R.J. O'Brien & Associates and CEO of O'Brien Investment Group. "We support diversification and responsible innovation in the derivatives clearing industry and are excited to see a new technology-driven margined clearinghouse be approved by the CFTC." Kevin Farrelly, Managing Principal at Franklin Templeton, added, "Bitnomial is the rare breed of crypto-native firm that executed on its plan to drive rapid innovation in crypto derivatives while responsibly pursing federal regulation in a new asset class. The financial support for this type of leadership and ethical business execution is diverse as seen in the investor base. This is the reason you see one of the largest asset managers in the world, Franklin Templeton, founded in 1947 investing in the same company as a cutting-edge venture fund like Electric Capital founded in 2018." The recent rise in Bitcoin's price and the anticipation of a spot Bitcoin ETF reflects a growing institutional interest in the US as a hub for physical digital asset exposure, supported by a strong US regulatory framework. This evolution will boost demand for physical Bitcoin derivatives trading, as the spot ETF provides direct Bitcoin price exposure, encouraging the growth of derivatives as tools for bitcoin inventory management and diverse trading strategies within a regulated environment. Hoersten concluded, "We would like to thank CFTC Chairman Behnam, the Commissioners, and especially CFTC DCR staff for their coordination and hard work throughout the licensing process. The CFTC is vital to the growth of the digital asset industry globally and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we build a safe, transparent, and innovative digital asset derivatives market in the US." About Bitnomial, Inc. Bitnomial, Inc. develops and operates exchange, clearing, and settlement infrastructure, connecting native digital asset hedgers with institutional traders. Bitnomial subsidiaries are registered by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a Designated Contract Market (DCM), Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). To learn more about, Bitnomial, please visit: https://bitnomial.com/ Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Bitnomial Inc. BMO cited as a leader in providing community development loans designed to help low and moderate-income areas Third consecutive time BMO has earned an Outstanding rating on the performance evaluation Fewer than 10% of banks received a CRA rating of Outstanding over the past 10 years CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - BMO today announced it has received an overall rating of Outstanding from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Performance Evaluation. Over the past 10 years, fewer than 10 percent of banks received a CRA rating of Outstanding, the highest possible rating. This is the third consecutive time BMO has earned an Outstanding rating in the evaluation. In addition, BMO also achieved individual Outstanding ratings in the Investment and Service test categories. "Achieving an Outstanding CRA rating is no small feat, especially while navigating a global pandemic and finalizing preparations for the approval, closing and integration of Bank of the West," said Darrel Hackett, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Corp. "This recognition reaffirms our commitment to living our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. At BMO, success isn't solely measured by financial performance, but also by the impact we have on the individuals, families, and communities we serve and how our growth allows us to grow more good in our communities. We will continue to prioritize community reinvestment, working closely with our local partners and stakeholders, driving progress for a more equitable future." The OCC evaluates banks' performance in helping customers, businesses and local communities meet their credit needs, which include low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals, LMI neighborhoods, and small businesses, consistent with safe and sound operation and banking practices. The OCC rates banks according to how well they honor the requirements of the federal law. The performance evaluation cites BMO as a leader in making community development loans designed to help low- and moderate-income areas and for activities in the service test categories. From the Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022, period evaluated, this included: 1,018 community development loans totaling over $4.5 billion , which included 648 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling over $1.6 billion , which included 648 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling over 2,107 investments totaling over $1.6 billion 16,244 volunteer hours, which included 600 financial education events reaching 13,697 individuals Examiners did not include data from Bank of the West as the exam was completed before the acquisition was finalized. Continuing progress BMO is proud to build on the progress of its strong community support with EMpower 2.0, a more than $40 billion commitment to supporting organizations in communities across the United States. EMpower 2.0 tackles barriers to inclusion in the financial services industry by increasing opportunities for affordable home ownership and supporting the growth of small businesses in low to moderate income neighborhoods. It also strengthens these communities through investments and lending to support affordable housing and economic development as well as philanthropic giving. Through lending, investing, giving and engagement BMO is addressing key barriers faced by minority businesses and families in the communities it serves. About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.3 trillion as of October 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. SOURCE BMO Financial Group VNA caregivers are seeking staffing and wage enhancements needed to recruit and retain the staff required to provide care to increasingly complex patients being released by hospitals for more acute care at home BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to an increase in the complexity of care required for patients admitted for care at home, in conjunction with a lack of staff and resources to provide that level of care, the 60 registered nurses (RNs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who work for the Visiting Nurses Association of Boston/VNA Care (BVNA), cast a unanimous vote to authorize a 14-day strike in an effort to move their administration to provide the staffing and wage enhancements they need to provide the care their patients deserve. The nurses and healthcare professionals, who are represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, announced the vote result at a press conference held yesterday outside the BVNA's office in Dorchester. The press conference was livestreamed and can be viewed on the MNA Facebook page The nurses and healthcare professionals, who have been attempting to negotiate a new union contract to address their concerns, have been meeting with their administration since September 7th, holding nine negotiating sessions to date, with little movement on a number of key issues they say they need to address a growing patient safety crisis, as well as to provide them with the time they need to provide the complex care their patients require. "While no nurse or healthcare professional wants to strike, we have decided to take this step because the issues at stake are critical to our ability to fulfill our professional and moral obligation to provide the best and safest care for our patients," said Joan Hurton, RN, chair of the MNA local bargaining unit for the nurses in the agency. "Unfortunately, our administration has failed to provide us with the resources we need to safely care for our patients, treating us more like workers in a factory, rather than highly skilled professionals caring for vulnerable human beings with complex health conditions." Established in 1886, the Boston VNA which is owned by Worcester-based VNA Care is the oldest organized VNA in the country. Its RNs and HCPs include physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and speech therapists, and they provide essential in-home care and recovery services to thousands of patients across Greater Boston, out of offices located in Dorchester and Weymouth. The medical needs of Boston VNA patients are varied and complex. They include post-surgical conditions such as total hip or total knee replacements; stroke; Parkinson's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); Lymphedema, cardiopulmonary conditions; amputations; all types of cancer, and post-trauma care. These professionals, unlike caregivers in institutional settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, work alone, without the additional staff and resources found in those settings. They not only deal with medical issues of these patients, but also are there to assess social, environmental and familial issues that may impact a healthy recovery. As documented in a recent study, "Compared to nurses in acute care settings, home care nurses face unique threats to safety, including unsanitary conditions in homes, dangerous pets, firearms in the home, hostile patients or family members, high-crime neighborhoods, and motor vehicle accidents while traveling between patients." In November, a 63 year old nurse in Connecticut was murdered by a patient while performing a home health visit to the halfway house where he was living. While always challenging, home care professionals and experts in the field point to changes in the health care environment, especially since the COVID pandemic, which has resulted in more patients being discharged from hospitals sooner, patients who are more acutely ill with more complex care requirements, a situation that calls for VNA providers to have more time to deliver this care. It also demands access to more experienced staff who can provide this level of care. For example, hospital stays have decreased from 7.5 to 4.5 days and one recent report found that the acuity level of patients being discharged from hospitals has increased by six percent since 2019 and referrals to home health agencies has increased by 11 percent since the pandemic, with the increases likely due to the rise in demand for care by an aging baby boom population and ongoing staffing shortages. "For nurses and healthcare professionals, we have seen complex cardiac patients, who previously would be discharged to inpatient cardiac rehab facilities, now coming to us for care at home, or patients having undergone orthopedic surgery being discharged to home the same day instead of receiving care in short term inpatient rehab facilities," explained Jennifer Beckwith, RN a long-time nurse at the agency who is certified in wound care. "Our nurses are expected to perform and monitor IV diuresis, a procedure to treat serious cardiac conditions in the home, a procedure that typically would be monitored in an inpatient setting." The RNs and HCPs also point to increased demand by Medicare for greater documentation and data collection, known as OASIS, a series of questions to be covered as part of an effort to track the effectiveness of patient outcomes. In recent years, Medicare has increased the number of issues or points to be covered from 107 to 169, a significant increase requiring more time to complete. "So we are seeing patients with greater needs for more complex care, while also being required to spend more time documenting our care without an appropriate increase in allotted time with our patients to accomplish these goals," Beckwith added. "It is simply not possible to do what we need to do for our patients under current conditions, which is why we are taking the step we are taking to get what we need to ensure optimum patient care for these vulnerable patients. And in the face of these challenges, the agency has cut staff or is failing to do what is necessary to recruit the staff needed to allow nurses to provide appropriate care. "On top of the increased acuity of patients and more complex care being treated at home, staffing is low which leads to poor morale and unsafe working conditions," said Matthew Keleher, RN, a nurse in the agency's Weymouth office. "Recently, an RN did not return from a leave and the position is not being filled by management. The RN covering that caseload was since moved to the Dorchester office, leaving Weymouth staff shorthanded and overwhelmed. When we have raised these concerns to management all they say is 'we do not have any help, do the best you can.' It is that type of callous response that has led us to call for a vote to strike." The other major issue is the lack of a competitive wage and benefits to allow the agency to compete with large hospital networks for the qualified and experienced staff needed to deliver this level of care. The RNs and HCPs at the BVNA, especially those with more years of experience are paid between $15 - $25 less per hour than their counterparts working in the hospital setting, and RNs and HCPs in those settings are now seeing significant increases in their wages, only exacerbating the discrepancy in pay with home care staff. In addition, RNs and HCPs working in hospital settings enjoy significantly better health insurance and retirement benefits, key benefits to entice BVNA clinicians to stay employed and build their experience over time. "There's a lot to be said about caring for patients who come home vulnerable and frail due to a faster hospital discharge. For example, a patient recovering from a stroke, now unable to stand with weakness on one side, or a patient who had a joint replacement and was discharged home the same day of surgery. These patients need physical and occupational therapy to help restore their mobility and independence, however it becomes very difficult to help these patients without adequate staff. Our ability to deliver top-notch care is hindered," explained Joanna Donato, a physical therapist who has been with the agency for 8 years. "Taking care of our patients becomes much more difficult when the agency is reducing our access to physical therapy support staff without reducing our caseloads. As a result, on one day I had 20 patients on my schedule when an appropriate schedule would have been six, an unmanageable situation. It's incredibly frustrating that our patients are requiring higher levels of care but our agency isn't providing us with the competitive wages and working conditions to ensure we have the staff to support our patients in this changing landscape of healthcare." What the BVNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Need to Avert a Strike Productivity standards that ensure RNs and HCPs have the time to meet patients' needs. VNA Care continues to refuse to agree to safer limits on patient care assignments that account for the complexity of care required. Wages and salaries necessary to recruit and retain qualified staff. The agency's current wage offer leaves the BVNA clinicians far behind their counterparts in hospital settings. Retirement improvements that allow RNs and HCPs to retire with dignity, at a time when most hospital nurses are enjoying significantly better pension and 401k benefits. benefits. No increases to medical insurance co-pays and deductibles. Should the RNs and HCPs vote to authorize the strike, which is expected, the vote does not mean they will strike immediately. The vote authorizes the RNs and HCPs negotiating committees to call for a strike if and when they feel it is necessary. Following the vote on Tuesday, the union will be back at the table with management for negotiations on Dec. 15th, 19th and 27th. The contact has been extended through the end of the month, which prevents the RNs and HCPs from calling a strike until at least Jan 1st, 2024 and if and when they call for a strike, they are legally required to provide the agency with ten days' notice to allow for further negotiations to reach a settlement or to allow the agency to prepare for the work stoppage. "It is our hope that our administration finally realizes how serious we are about these issues and finally takes a step to bargain in good faith for an agreement we all can be proud of," said Hurton. "If not, we stand in solidarity as we take all steps necessary to protect our patients and secure a contract that adequately supports and empowers our clinicians." MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Liangzhu is a sacred place that serves as a testament to the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization. On December 3, 2023, Liangzhu ancient city once again garnered the world's attention as it hosted the first Liangzhu Forum, a global dialogue among civilizations. In the meantime, the Global Youth Sharing Meeting on Liangzhu Culture was held in the metaverse. The event was initiated by the Overseas Center (ZTV-WORLD) of ZMG, the UNESCO Beijing Office, and the Liangzhu Culture Youth Promotion Project, together with student representatives from universities across the globe. Setting out from Liangzhu: Probing the Origins of World Civilizations The sharing meeting held in the metaverse unveiled the trailer of the documentary series Setting out from Liangzhu: Probing the Origins of World Civilizations, which captured a journey starting from Liangzhu in search of world civilization wonders. This documentary series, with a focus on Liangzhu culture, aims to explore the origins and development of Chinese civilization and foster mutual learning and exchanges across civilizations, leveraging the power of youth to promote global cultural prosperity. SOURCE CCTV+ With a score of 95, Cengage Group demonstrates strong practices and policies related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cengage Group, a leading global education and technology company, today announced its inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Cengage Group Recognized in Human Rights Campaign Foundations 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index Receiving a score of 95 out of 100, this marks the fourth consecutive year Cengage Group has been included in the CEI. This year's score reflects the company's successful efforts to meet all benefit offering requirements. Additionally, the company is currently developing an LGBTQ+ benefits guide to meet the new requirements introduced in 2023. "We are honored to once again be recognized by the HRC because inclusion and equality are at the heart of our organization," said Jeri Herman, Chief People Officer of Cengage Group. "At Cengage Group, our employees and advocates have created a company culture and work environment that encourages authenticity and embraces diversity in every way. We are proud of our commitment to workplace equality and will continue improving our efforts to support our LGBTQ+ employees." Along with 1,384 major U.S. businesses featured in the CEI, Cengage Group was rated against performance criteria falling under four central pillars: Non-discrimination policies across business entities; Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; Supporting an inclusive culture; and, Corporate social responsibility. Cengage Group advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in many ways, especially through network partnerships and employee resource groups (ERGs). Through Cengage Group's employee-created and -led ERGs, like Pride (representing the LGBTQIA+ community) and Mosaic (representing BIPOC employees), team members can find personal connections and opportunities to promote inclusivity and equality. "For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion," said RaShawn Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr. Director of Workplace Equality. "Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies by providing educational resources and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families." To learn more about CEI and Cengage Group's recognition, view the full report at www.hrc.org/cei. About Cengage Group With more than 100 years serving learners, Cengage Group is a global edtech company that enables student choice. No matter how, where, when or why someone wants to learn, our portfolio of education businesses supports all students, from middle school through graduate school and skills education, with quality content and technology. Collectively, our three business units Cengage Academic, Cengage Work and Cengage Select help millions of students each year in more than 125 countries achieve their education and career goals and lead choice-filled lives. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public's understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work. MEDIA CONTACT Emily Featherston, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Cengage Group JERSEY CITY, N.J. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of the market assessment report on "Global Collagen Peptides Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Bovine, Porcine, Marine & Poultry), By Form (Dry, Liquid), By Application (Food & Beverages, Nutritional Products, Cosmetics & Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals) Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global Collagen Peptides Market size is valued at US$ 664.9 Mn in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 1,185.7 Mn in 2031, recording a promising CAGR of 6.76% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. Collagen Peptides Market Report Scope Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 664.9 Mn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 1,185.7 Mn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 6.76 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ MMnillion and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Source, By Application, By Form 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 Tessenderlo Group (Belgium), Gelita AG (Germany), Holista Colltech (Australia), Darling Ingredients (US), Nitta Gelatin Inc. (Japan), Lapi Gelatin S.p.a (Italy), Weishardt (France), Crescent Biotech (India), Foodmate Co., Ltd. (China), Kayos (India), Aspen Naturals (US), Biocell Technology (US), Viscofan DE GmbH (Germany), Amicogen, Inc (South Korea), Kayos (India), Rudra Bioventures Pvt. Ltd. (India), Chaitanya Agro Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India), ALPSURE LIFESCIENCES PRIVATE LIMITED (India), JELLICE GELATIN & COLLAGEN (Netherlands), and Others Free PDF Report Broucher: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2271 Collagen supplements are famous for skin and muscle improvements. These supplements are available in various forms, like capsules, powders, and liquids that can be easily mixed with food and drinks. Also, the demand for bovine-based collagen and gelatin is expected to grow significantly in the near future due to their unique properties, including the high protein content and the ability to form strong, flexible and stable gels. Healthy eating is promoted by government agencies and organizations such as the World Health Organization and FAO to increase consumer awareness, skills, preferences, attitudes and eating habits and nutrition. These organizations work to promote health. Some of the prominent players in the Collagen Peptides Market are: Tessenderlo Group (Belgium) Gelita AG (Germany) Holista Colltech (Australia) Darling Ingredients (US) Nitta Gelatin, Inc. (Japan) Gelnex (Brazil) Lapi Gelatin S.p.a (Italy) Weishardt (France) Crescent Biotech (India) Foodmate Co., Ltd. (China) Viscofan DE GmbH (Germany) Biocell Technology (US) Amicogen, Inc (South Korea) Kayos (India) Aspen Naturals (US) Vital Proteins LLC (US) Chaitanya Agro Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) Ewald Gelatin (Germany) Peptech Colageno do Brasil Ltda (Brazil) BSA Pharma Inc (India) NEW ALLIANCE FINE CHEM PVT. LTD (India) JELLICE GELATIN & COLLAGEN (Netherlands) Rudra Bioventures Pvt. Ltd. (India) ALPSURE LIFESCIENCES PRIVATE LIMITED (India) Other Prominent Players Curious about this latest version of the report? Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2271 Market Dynamics: Drivers: Collagen supplements are famous for supporting skin, joints, and improving muscle tone, and these supplements can also be taken in various forms, such as capsules, powders, and liquids. Government initiatives toward a healthy lifestyle would lead to an increase in the demand for these products in the coming years, in turn surging the collagen peptides market. Furthermore, increasing efforts by companies to use hydrolyzed products to treat bone diseases such as osteoarthritis could ensure the market's growth over the forecast period. Rising awareness about health & skin wellness is one of the primary factors driving market growth opportunities. Increasing sedentary or inactive lifestyles will likely boost the demand for collagen peptides owing to their ability to improve health complications. Challenges: Collagen peptides are usually derived from animals from materials such as cowhide, fish scales or chicken bones. Ethical and sustainability issues related to animal health, overfishing and environmental impacts are creating challenges for the collagen industry. A Deloitte survey (March 2021) on consumer attitudes and behaviour regarding sustainability shows how consumers think about sustainability and the environment. As consumers become more aware of these issues, manufacturers have to be more attentive and careful while sourcing and production practices of collagen peptides. Due to these factors, companies choose alternative options to collagen, which is anticipated to limit business expansion during the forecast period. Regional Trends: Europe, followed by North America, is expected to capture the largest revenue share of the collagen peptides market in the upcoming years due to the rising health consciousness among the public and the increasing pharma and cosmetics industries in this region. Moreover, the Asia Pacific market is projected to witness rapid growth over the forecast period. Due to the growing use of collagen peptides in various applications, including food & beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, improved R&D techniques. Key developments in the market: In March 2023, Darling Ingredients Inc., the world's leading company turning food waste into sustainable products and producer of renewable energy, completed the acquisition of Gelnex, a leading global producer of gelatin and collagen products. This acquisition gives the company immediate capacity to serve the growing needs of its collagen customers. In November 2022, Tessenderlo Group entered into a joint venture with Hainan Xiangtai Group to produce and sell fish collagen peptides based on PB Leiner's technology. This venture enables Tessenderlo Group to manufacture and commercialize a robust premium SOLUGEL fish collagen peptides product range, tapping into the increasing demand for qualitative marine collagen peptides. In November 2022, Nitta Gelatin India Limited approved expanding capacity by 1000 MT per year for the manufacture of Collagen Peptide at the Gelatin Division of the Company. In December 2020, Gelita AG acquired 65% of the shares in the Turkish gelatine producer SelJel (Turkey). The acquisition is part of the company's growth strategy and enables the company to meet the rising demand for halal beef gelatine. Market Segments Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Source Bovine Porcine Marine & Poultry Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Application Food & Beverages Nutritional Products Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Pharmaceuticals Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Form Dry Liquid 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 Collagen Peptides Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031 U.S. Canada Europe Collagen Peptides Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031 Germany France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Collagen Peptides Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031 India China Japan South Korea Australia & New Zealand Latin America Collagen Peptides Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031 Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Collagen Peptides Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031 GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Obtain Report Customization Details @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2271 Why should buy this report: To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global Collagen Peptides Market To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global Collagen Peptides Market To analyze the Collagen Peptides Market drivers and challenges To get information on the Collagen Peptides Market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031 Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global Collagen Peptides Market industry Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic: Personalized and Precision Probiotics Market Carnitine Supplements Market Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Market Next-Generation Personalized Nutrition Market About Us: InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis of key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: [email protected] Site Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com Follow Us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/2tBXsgS Follow Us On Facebook @ bit.ly/2H9jnDZ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1729637/InsightAce_Analytic_Logo.jpg SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd Parasoft Releases C/C++test 2023.2: Transforming C++ Development With Advanced Features News Highlights Complete support for MISRA C++ 2023: Parasoft's C/C++test 2023.2 release strengthens its position as a leader by ensuring comprehensive adherence to MISRA C++ 2023. C/C++test 2023.2 secures compliance and safety standards while solidifying Parasoft as the fastest-reacting vendor in the market, offering 179 critical guidelines for top-quality C++17 applications. C/C++test 2023.2 extends its support to a broader range of compilers and platforms, ensuring accessibility and versatility. MONROVIA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Parasoft introduces the latest release of C/C++test 2023.2, a transformative tool in C++ development. This update enables developers with a suite of new features, enhancements, and compliance tools, reforming the software development life cycle. With Parasoft C/C++test 2023.2, users have a solution that provides assurance that their C++17 code compliant to MISRA C++ 2023. Parasoft continuously provides complete enforcement of safety and security coding standards, such as complete support for MISRA C++ 2023. Complete MISRA C++ 2023 Support Empowers C++ Developers. Register now for the What's New in the Parasoft C/C++test 2023.2 Release webinar to learn more. C/C++test 2023.2 introduces numerous enhancements. It guarantees complete support for MISRA C++ 2023, reflecting Parasoft's commitment to ensuring compliance and safety within C++17 code. The key updates include: Complete support for MISRA C++ 2023: Delivering 179 guidelines crucial for crafting high-quality C++17 applications. Parasoft's contribution to the development of MISRA C++ 2023 solidifies its position as the fastest-reacting vendor in the market. Delivering 179 guidelines crucial for crafting high-quality C++17 applications. Parasoft's contribution to the development of MISRA C++ 2023 solidifies its position as the fastest-reacting vendor in the market. Enhanced code quality: The update introduces an improved stubbing framework that enables stubs for template functions, fostering early testing and simplifying fault injection. The update introduces an improved stubbing framework that enables stubs for template functions, fostering early testing and simplifying fault injection. Advanced analysis and reporting: With updated compliance reporting in Parasoft DTP, users can seamlessly scan code, detect violations, and integrate automated quality gates into continuous integration pull requests. With updated compliance reporting in Parasoft DTP, users can seamlessly scan code, detect violations, and integrate automated quality gates into continuous integration pull requests. Extended Compiler Support: Supporting a wide range of new compilers like IAR BX ARM, Qualcomm Hexagon, Tasking SmartCode, GNU GCC, and Clang across various platforms. "Parasoft's latest release, C/C++test 2023.2, stands as a transformative force in C++ development, solidifying its leadership by offering complete support for MISRA C++ 2023. Our additional feature enhancements make this release a testament to Parasoft's dedication to providing solutions that elevate efficiency, compliance, and code quality in the dynamic landscape of C and C++ development," said Igor Kirilenko chief product officer at Parasoft. Customers leveraging C/C++test 2023.2 experience advantages in the software development life cycle. Achieving compliance with MISRA C++ 2023 standards ensures enhanced reliability, safety, and security in C++ development, aligning with the latest benchmarks. The update introduces enhanced rule accuracy, minimizing false alarms, and refining CERT and AUTOSAR C++ checkers, leading to streamlined analysis and cleaner, more efficient codebases. With an upgraded EDG parser to version 6.5, teams encounter fewer parsing issues in modern C++, significantly reducing analysis failures. Other benefits include: Code coverage for constexpr functions: A seamless collection of metrics from constexpr code execution minimizes the risk of missing untested code in compliance processes. A seamless collection of metrics from constexpr code execution minimizes the risk of missing untested code in compliance processes. Expanded stubbing framework: Enhanced stubs for previously unsupported scenarios, elevating test case stability and efficiency. Enhanced stubs for previously unsupported scenarios, elevating test case stability and efficiency. VS Code extension enhancements: Improved static analysis result presentation allows developers to focus on critical issues efficiently. Improved static analysis result presentation allows developers to focus on critical issues efficiently. Streamlined violation suppression: A new comment format enables suppression of unwanted violations without compromising code readability. Contact Parasoft for a briefing on the release of Parasoft C/C++test 2023.3 with complete support of MISRA C++ 2023. "MISRA", "MISRA C" and the triangle logo are registered trademarks of The MISRA Consortium Limited. The MISRA Consortium Limited, 2021. All rights reserved. About Parasoft Parasoft helps organizations continuously deliver high-quality software with its AI-powered software testing platform and automated test solutions. Supporting the embedded, enterprise, and IoT markets, Parasoft's proven technologies reduce the time, effort, and cost of delivering secure, reliable, and compliant software by integrating everything from deep code analysis and unit testing to web UI and API testing, plus service virtualization and complete code coverage, into the delivery pipeline. Bringing all this together, Parasoft's award-winning reporting and analytics dashboard provides a centralized view of quality, enabling organizations to deliver with confidence and succeed in today's most strategic ecosystems and development initiativessecurity, safety-critical, Agile, DevOps, and continuous testing. SOURCE Parasoft HYDE PARK, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Home to a growing $50 million agricultural sector made up of more than 1,700 businesses, Dutchess County has established itself as a leader in New York's multibillion-dollar craft beverage industry. Earlier this fall, sake producer Dassai Blue opened its first U.S. sake brewery in Hyde Park, further solidifying Dutchess County's status as an innovative food and beverage destination. With this $80 million investment, Dassai Blue joins the ranks of globally renowned companies like Crepini, EFCO Products and Harney & Sons Tea that are doing business in Dutchess County. Dassai's new facility is located just one mile from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), which has partnered with Dassai to expand its sake education program. The institute, which was founded in 1946, produces more than 1,400 graduates annually and is recognized as a leader in professional culinary education. "Dassai Blue's decision to establish its new venture in our community is a testament to the value and competitive advantage our region offers businesses in the industry," said Sarah Lee, CEO of the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business. "With esteemed partners like the Culinary Institute of America helping us build a deep talent bench and Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) supporting countless farms locally, Dutchess County is a natural choice for food and beverage companies looking to grow." Located about 90 minutes north of New York City, Dutchess County offers proximity to major ports, rail lines and interstates, which facilitates access to more than 68 million U.S. and Canadian consumers within a 6-hour drive. The Hudson Valley community boasts a $3.5+ billion craft beverage industry featuring acclaimed breweries like Sloop Brewing Co. and Mill House Brewing Company, as well as renowned cideries and distilleries such as The Vale Fox Distillery, Taconic Distillery, Denning's Point Distillery and Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms. Through its network of state and community partners, global companies and strategic collaborations, Think Dutchess works to create a path to success for companies looking to expand or relocate to the region. For more information on the growth of Dutchess County's food and beverage manufacturing sector, visit thinkdutchess.com. SOURCE Think Dutchess Alliance For Business Norway has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including additional NASAMS air defense systems worth NOK 335 million (over 28 million). Oslo will also provide financial assistance to our country. ADVERTISIMENT The announcement was made on December 13, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Norway. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre announced the plans at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy. In 2024, Oslo plans to provide direct economic support to critical services in Ukraine. It also intends to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure by providing additional air defense equipment. Some equipment will be transferred from its own warehouses to ensure fast delivery, while others will be ordered from manufacturers and will be delivered to Ukraine later. Norway also wants to increase co-financing of the defense industry together with European partners to produce more ammunition for the Armed Forces. In February 2023, the Norwegian parliament approved the Nansen support program for Ukraine with a total budget of 75 billion kroner (over 6 billion euros) for five years. ADVERTISIMENT On December 13, Jonas Gahr Stre announced four key disbursements under the program. 135 million kronor (11 million euros) is budget support to cover expenditures on education, healthcare, and pensions. "Mr. President Zelensky and his government must pay nurses, teachers, doctors and other workers," the prime minister said at a briefing. In addition, at the beginning of 2024, 3 billion kroons (more than 250 million euros) will be provided for the functioning of the education and health sectors through the URTF fund under the auspices of the World Bank. 335 million kroons (28 million euros) will be used to further strengthen air defense. 1 billion is earmarked for co-financing to strengthen the defense industry's capacity to produce more shells and missiles for Ukraine. Another 137 million kronor is earmarked for the UN's "winter" humanitarian program for Ukraine, which is designed to provide shelter, basic necessities and food to people who have been left homeless by the war. ADVERTISIMENT This funding will be in addition to the assistance previously announced for 2023. New Jumbo High-Yield Savings Account Offering 5.05% APY* to Maximize Returns on Big Investments LAS VEGAS, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit One Bank, a financial services company and one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S., announced today the launch of its new Jumbo High-Yield Savings Account (JHYSA) offering a 5.05% APY* to qualified customers. With a minimum deposit of $100,000, the highly competitive savings rate allows customers to grow their savings with confidence. In addition to being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the JHYSA has zero maintenance fees, provides account holders the flexibility to deposit or withdraw funds and gives access to the Bank's Loyalty Rate Program that rewards customers for opening more than one deposit account. Additionally, customers have 24/7 Account Access online and through the Credit One Bank Deposits mobile app. The launch of the JHYSA is a key milestone in Credit One Bank's initiative to expand its digital options for current and future customers who want to manage their money with ease. Credit One Bank's digital banking portfolio also includes a Jumbo Certificate of Deposit (CD) and Jumbo Bump-Up Certificate of Deposit (Bump-Up CD). "At Credit One Bank, we understand consumers' desire for convenience. By providing digital financial services, we're able to help customers meet and exceed their financial goals with ease," says David Herpers, Senior Vice President of Digital Banking and Customer Engagement. "The new Jumbo High-Yield Savings Account expands Credit One Banks's digital offerings, giving customers more power than ever to grow their money." In addition to the JHYSA, Credit One Bank's Jumbo CD and Bump-Up CD offer industry-leading rates of return at 5.45%* and 4.50%*, respectively, with a minimum deposit of $100,000. The Jumbo CD comes with guaranteed returns and exclusive account benefits including a 10-day rate guarantee and customizable interest and rollover options. Customers will enjoy similar benefits with the Bump-Up CD, with the additional option to adjust their rate higher one time during the term. Consumers can visit CreditOneBank.com/deposits to find information about each digital banking product including savings and CD rates, account benefits, terms and conditions, and account sign-up. *Rates subject to change. About Credit One Bank: Credit One Bank is a financial services company and one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Credit One Bank offers a full spectrum of credit card products including cash back and points-based cards as well as high-yield certificate of deposit and savings accounts. Credit One Bank is also an official partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Official Credit Card of NASCAR, WWE, the Vegas Golden Knights, and Best Friends Animal Society. Learn more at CreditOneBank.com, in our Newsroom, or on social media (@CreditOneBank) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Contact Information Terri Maruca | Gage Morgan | Julieana Tella Kirvin Doak Communications [email protected] 702.737.3100 SOURCE Credit One Bank Case shines a light on the continued injustice associated with PTSD in the military discharge process WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sgt. Benjamin J. Hayhurst, a Purple Heart recipient injured in the Iraq War, has won a ruling of combat-related PTSD that had been unjustly denied to him by the U.S. Army for 18 years. Crowell & Moring took on the case pro bono one year ago, alongside the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), filing a complaint on behalf of Hayhurst in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Hayhurst was deployed to Iraq in March 2004 with the First Cavalry Division, and was engaged in a historic ambush in Sadr City, sustaining a bullet wound to the left shoulder and another to his upper arm. Hayhurst was awarded a Purple Heart, the Army Commendation with Valor Device, and the Combat Infantry Badge for his honorable service in Iraq. He developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of these injuries and experiences suffered in the line of duty. Despite overwhelming military and medical records demonstrating Hayhurst's medical condition, he was abruptly administratively separated from the U.S. Army for an alleged "personality disorder," a condition dismissed as independent of military service and thus not worthy of retirement or benefits. The story of Hayhurst and the First Cavalry Division in Sadr City was dramatically captured in ABC News' chief correspondent Martha Raddatz's book "The Long Road Home," as well as the National Geographic series by the same name. Hayhurst was portrayed by actor Patrick Schwarzenegger in that series. Most recently, ABC News revisited Sgt. Hayhurst's fight for justice in March 2023. In the 25-page complaint, filed Veterans Day 2022, Crowell called on the U.S. Army to "to honor its clear and explicit dutyembodied by statute and regulationthat it not abandon its wounded." Early this year, U.S. Department of Justice counsel for the Army agreed to voluntary remand. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson gave the Army 150 days to reconsider in light of the complaint against it. On September 27, 2023, the Army issued its remand decision granting Hayhurst "full relief," retroactively correcting the record discharge from personality disorder to permanent disability due to Post-Traumantic Stress Disorder incurred in the line of combat duty. Hayhurst's corrected retirement order now reads: "The people of the United States express their thanks and gratitude for your faithful service." "We are thrilled that Sergeant Hayhurst, a distinguished combat veteran who served our country with dignity, honor and heroism, will receive his dutifully-owed benefits," said Josh Pond, Crowell & Moring partner and U.S. Marine veteran. "While there are so many more veterans in similar situations, every service record corrected represents a debt of gratitude properly repaid by this country and we are so very proud to have helped in this matter." "It is a joyous moment, when a wrong is made right and a travesty reversed. Sergeant Hayhurst now has his rightfully earned disabillity benefits and we are honored to have played a role in this accomplishment,"said NVLSP Senior Managing Attorney Esther Leibfarth. "There remains outstanding injustices for veterans with PTSD and NVLSP will continue to advocate for righteousness." "It felt like it would never happen," said Hayhurst, expressing gratitude to his legal team. "Thank you all so much for everything. I am still in disbelief of what you were able to accomplish." Pond led a team representing Hayhurst on a pro bono basis, alongside Leibfarth and Rochelle Bobroff, Director of Lawyers Serving Warriors, Pro Bono Program of NVLSP. About Crowell & Moring LLP Crowell & Moring is an international law firm with operations in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia. Drawing on significant government, business, industry and legal experience, the firm helps clients capitalize on opportunities and provides creative solutions to complex litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, and corporate and transactional issues. The firm is consistently recognized for its commitment to pro bono service as well as its programs and initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. About NVLSP The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 18 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP's success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.4 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org. NVLSP Media Contact: Patty Briotta, [email protected], (202) 621-5698 Media Contact: Email: [email protected] SOURCE Crowell & Moring LLP New Capability Filters Generative AI to Harden Enterprise Defenses WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DNSFilter announced today the expansion of its protective DNS software with a new Generative AI category. DNSFilter's enterprise-grade defense provides organizations of all sizes the ability to secure their network against harmful threats such as malware, botnet, and phishing in order to reduce corporate risk. Enterprise security teams who manage and secure tech infrastructure need to address PII protection, and GenAI tools have introduced a new threat to that guarded corporate information. As Generative AI rapidly gains traction in the business world, many companies have rushed to implement this emerging technology without a deep understanding of the cybersecurity implications. Threat actors are now taking advantage of this new attack surface. The DNSFilter team saw the proliferation of GenAI sites first-hand in their network data; there was a 279% increase in GenAI sites accessed on the DNSFilter network between January 2023 and August 2023 when looking only at the top seven GenAI sites of the year (including OpenAI's ChatGPT). To help address corporate security challenges, DNSFilter scans every domain its customers access to identify zero-day threats and prevent access before malicious actors or malware infiltrate the network. Now, organizations can block generative AI sites at the corporate level to comply with their newly written GenAI policies. With a dedicated Generative AI category, security teams no longer have to manage and maintain a list of Generative AI applications and manually add to a block list. Users in the education sector can keep Generative AI tools off public and owned networks, helping to combat plagiarism. Similar offerings on the market are only able to block a small percentage of Generative AI-related domains. Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder, DNSFilter, said: "With the growth of AI over the last year, it has become critical that organizations have visibility and control over what Generative AI tools employees are accessing. DNSFilter has a powerful machine learning-based categorization engine, supplemented by third-party feeds, and we are always innovating new ways to use this data to protect our customers. AI is now a top concern within our customer base, and this category is a direct result of our product team listening to their worries and responding. Our Generative AI category gives our customers greater visibility, control, and peace of mind." About the company: DNSFilter is redefining how organizations secure their largest threat vector: the Internet itself. DNSFilter is making the internet safer and workplaces more productive. In 2022 the threat protection leader blocked 9.1 billion threats, more than any other threat detection software globally. With 70% of attacks involving the Domain Name System (DNS) layer, DNSFilter provides protective DNS powered by machine learning that uniquely identifies 61% more threats than competitors on an average of seven days earlier, including zero-day attacks. Over 26 million monthly users trust DNSFilter to protect them from phishing, malware, and advanced cyber threats. DNSFilter's brands include Webshrinker, its next generation web categorization software, and Guardian, a consumer app focused on privacy protection. SOURCE DNSFilter Funds awarded to 11 community college programs across North Carolina Grants support lineworker training, education programs CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation today announces $350,000 to support 11 community college programs across the state working to create a pipeline of skilled lineworkers that will help meet the energy industry's future workforce needs. With this additional funding, the Foundation has awarded more than $6.7 million over the past five years in support of workforce development programs with a focus on the energy sector. The lineworker training program funds will be primarily used by grantees for diversity recruitment, instructor stipends, equipment, materials and program marketing. One of the community college grantees, Forsyth Technical Community College Foundation received $35,000 in funds. "We are profoundly grateful to Duke Energy for their continued and generous support of our Electrical Lineworker Program. As we approach the graduation of our 62nd class of lineworkers, this support is not just a contribution, it's a commitment to the future of our students and the energy sector," said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President, Forsyth Tech. "This grant reinforces our shared vision of empowering lives through education and training; together, we are lighting the way for the next generation of skilled professionals who will keep our communities connected and energized." As Duke Energy executes its clean energy transition, the need for a skilled workforce is rapidly growing. Lineworkers play an integral role in a more efficient, more reliable digital grid. The company's investment into lineworker training programs and coordination with community colleges will result in a more diverse talent pipeline for the utility industry. "Given North Carolina's tremendous growth, lineworkers are essential to strengthening our infrastructure and allowing our communities to thrive," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "These grants are one way we can create access to workforce development opportunities across the state, helping ensure our workforce diversity reflects the communities we serve, live and work in." Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact: Shawna Berger 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 @DE_ShawnaB SOURCE Duke Energy Increase in concern toward reducing carbon emissions, decline in costs of renewable energy, and the growing market for IoT, smart cities, and energy as a service drive the growth of the global electrolyzer market WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Electrolyzer Market by Product (Alkaline Electrolyzer, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer, Solid Oxide Electrolyzer, and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM)), Capacity (Less Than 500 kW, 5002 MW, and Above 2 MW), and Application (Power Generation, Transportation, Industry Energy, Industry Feedstock, Building Heat & Power, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global Electrolyzer industry generated $3.0 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $34.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 27.2% from 2023 to 2032. Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10974 Prime determinants of growth Global warming and carbon emissions have become increasingly concerning. Governments throughout the world have implemented a variety of rules and directives requiring a reduction in carbon emissions from a variety of businesses. Electrolysis, a technique that employs electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, produces hydrogen. This procedure makes use of electrolyzers. Electricity is generated using either renewable or nonrenewable resources. Hydrogen can also be created by combining an electrolyzer with solar or wind power to generate energy. This method encourages the synthesis of green hydrogen, which emits no carbon. Many businesses are opting for on-site electrolyzers with capacities ranging from 1 to 5 MW to reduce their carbon footprint. Owing to the alarming rise in carbon emissions, rise in global temperatures, and surge in concerns about climate change, renewable energy sources have grown in popularity. Many businesses are shifted from using fossil fuels to more abundant natural resources such as solar, wind, natural gas, and water bodies in an effort to adopt good business practices. However, the establishment of such businesses came with a high initial cost. On the other hand, as a result of technological advancements and strong advocacy for its benefits, various government policies in support of renewable energy have been enacted. Renewable energy has become less expensive, with the added benefit of having a lower carbon footprint. These falling costs drive the demand for electrolyzers. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $3.0 billion Market Size in 2032 $34.4 billion CAGR 27.2 % No. of Pages in Report 350 Segments covered Product, Capacity, Application, and Region Drivers Increase in concern toward reducing carbon emissions. Decline in costs of renewable energy Opportunities Growing market for IoT, smart cities, and energy as a service Restraints Limited technological advances High initial costs coupled with privacy concerns and data security threat The solid oxide electrolyzer segment is projected to dominate the market growth during the forecast period. Depending on the product, alkaline electrolyzer dominated the market share for electrolyzer in 2022 in terms of revenue. In 2022, it contributed nearly three-fifths of the total market revenue in 2022 while growing at a CAGR of 27.1%. The increasing focus on green hydrogen production, which involves using renewable energy sources for electrolysis, was a significant trend. Alkaline electrolyzers are well-suited for this purpose as they can efficiently utilize excess electricity generated from renewable sources. However, solid oxide electrolyzers are projected to grow at a fastest CAGR during the projection period. The high operating temperatures of Solid Oxide Electrolyzers contribute to increased efficiency in hydrogen production. This trend aligns with the industry's focus on developing technologies that maximize efficiency in the electrolysis process. Procure Complete Report (350 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ http://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/electrolyzer-market The above 2 MW segment is projected to dominate the growth during the forecast period. Depending on the capacity, 500 kW to 2 MW segment dominated the market share for electrolyzer in 2022 in terms of revenue. With a CAGR of 27.3%, it accounted for nearly half of the revenue in 2022. Electrolyzers are high in demand as they can be installed on-site and facilitate sufficient electricity generation and hydrogen and this hydrogen is further used as industry energy or industry feedstock. Many companies are opting for medium electrolyzers installation at plant sites for hydrogen supply and added benefit of reduced carbon emissions. However, the above 2 MW segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the market forecast period. Electrolyzers with capacity above 2 MW are usually used in projects that require huge amounts of hydrogen. Such electrolyzers have applications in aerospace activities, fertilizers manufacturing, chemical processing, and food & beverage industries. The transportation segment is projected to dominate the market growth during the forecast period. Depending on the application, the power generation segment dominated the market share for electrolyzer in 2022 in terms of revenue. In 2022, it contributed nearly one-third of the total market revenue in 2022 while growing at a CAGR of 27.4%. Hydrogen is considered as an alternative to fossil fuels, as the re-use of water keeps continuing. Moreover, the use of wind and solar energy sources for electricity used in electrolysis has driven the electrolyzer market growth. However, the transportation segment is projected to grow at a higher pace during the projection period. The transportation sector is one of the major contributors toward carbon emissions. Therefore, the industry is continuously seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric vehicles that run on fuel cells or batteries serve as an ideal way for the industry to lower their carbon emissions. Hydrogen produced through electrolysis is stored in fuel cell that is further used to power vehicles. For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/electrolyzer-market/purchase-options The Asia-Pacific region is projected to maintain its dominance the growth throughout the forecast period. By region, Asia-Pacific dominated the market share for electrolyzer in 2022 in terms of revenue. In 2022, the Asia-Pacific region contributed more than two-fifths of the revenue at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a significant expansion of electrolyzer capacity, driven by increasing demand for green hydrogen. Ongoing R&D are focused on improving efficiency and reducing the costs of electrolyzers to enhance their competitiveness in the market. Collaboration between countries in the Asia-Pacific region and international partners is observed in research, development, and large-scale projects related to electrolyzers and green hydrogen. Leading Market Players: - Cummins, Inc. Nel ASA Siemens AG Toshiba Corporation Air Liquide Plug Power Inc. McPhy Energy ITM Power Iberdrola S.A. Bloom Energy The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global electrolyzer market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Electrolyzer Industry: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Porous Electrodes for Electrolyzer Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030 Green Hydrogen Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20212028 Clean Hydrogen Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032 Hydrogen Generation Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/energy-and-power Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Jeff Leitzell Promoted to Chief Operating Officer Ann Janssen Promoted to Chief Financial Officer HOUSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) today announced that Jeffrey R. "Jeff" Leitzell has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective December 18, 2023. Lloyd W. "Billy" Helms, Jr., currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will continue serving as President. EOG also announced that Ann D. Janssen will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2024, and that Laura B. Distefano, Vice President, Accounting, will succeed Ann as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Timothy K. "Tim" Driggers, EOG's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will continue serving as an advisor to allow for the transition of his responsibilities prior to retirement in 2024. Tim Driggers has been an EOG employee for 28 years, having joined a predecessor company in 1995. Tim has served as EOG's principal financial officer since 2007 following a successful career leading the finance, accounting, and land administration functions at EOG. "The promotions announced today highlight EOG's deep bench of high-caliber leadership," said Ezra Y. Yacob, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Both Jeff and Ann are proven leaders at EOG. Each has demonstrated exceptional management and technical leadership through years of strong performance in several roles across the company. We are also excited to add Laura to EOG's leadership team with her extensive background in public accounting for the energy industry. Jeff, Ann, and Laura exemplify EOG's outstanding culture and track record of success." "On behalf of EOG employees, I would like to thank Tim for his dedicated service to the company over the past 28 years," said Yacob. "Tim has long recognized the value of a strong balance sheet in a cyclical industry and, as CFO, has shepherded the company through several commodity price cycles. I am grateful for Tim's counsel and support the last couple of years and his enduring contributions to the financial strategy and strength of EOG. We offer Tim and his family our best wishes in retirement." Jeff Leitzell currently serves as Executive Vice President, Exploration and Production, responsible for EOG's San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City operating areas. Jeff has 19 years of industry experience and 15 years of service with EOG. Before joining the headquarters executive management team in May 2021, Jeff served as Vice President and General Manager of EOG's Midland office. Prior to that, he was the Operations Manager of the Midland office from 2015 to 2017 after holding several engineering roles of increasing responsibility in multiple EOG offices since being hired as a Completions Engineer in 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from West Virginia University. Ann Janssen has 28 years with EOG and is currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, a position she has held since 2018. Ann previously served as Vice President, Accounting from 2007 to 2018. Prior to that, she held several accounting and financial leadership positions including Controller, Financial Reporting and Planning, and Treasurer. Ann joined a predecessor of EOG in 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Laura Distefano is currently Vice President, Accounting and joined EOG in 2023 with over 24 years of experience in public accounting. Previously, Laura was an audit partner with expertise serving public and private companies in the energy industry. Laura holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Economics from Lamar University and is a Certified Public Accountant. About EOG EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE: EOG) is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States with proved reserves in the United States and Trinidad. To learn more visit www.eogresources.com. Investor Contacts Pearce Hammond 713-571-4684 Neel Panchal 713-571-4884 Shelby O'Connor 713-571-4560 Media Contact Kimberly Ehmer 713-571-4676 SOURCE EOG Resources, Inc. NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc., OTCMKTS: LZGI) (the "Company," or "we"), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use AI solutions for enterprise stars of tomorrow, announced an agreement to launch a comprehensive AI Education Ecosystem in partnership with Genius Group Limited (NYSE American: GNS), a leading entrepreneur edtech and education group. FatBrain AI is an AI-driven SAAS company (OTCMKTS: LZGI), co-founded by serial entrepreneur, Peter B. Ritz, and executive chaired by Michael T. Moe, founder of GSV and private investor in leading companies such as Meta, Twitter, Spotify, Coursera and Palantir. FatBrain AI delivers peer intelligence and hierarchical insights to connect Government, Fortune 500 and Small and Midsize Enterprises with a variety of sector-specific SAAS solutions. The partnership signed between FatBrain AI and Genius Group and will enable the delivery of a full, end-to-end AI Education Ecosystem. The global launch of the AI Education Ecosystem in expected in early 2024. FatBrain AI will also be launching several other new products during the first half of 2024 targeted at specific industries. The AI educational ecosystem will empower young students to learn personalized, future-focused skills. It will also enable companies and governments to improve competitiveness of employees by city, region and country, while sharing the relevant intelligence more rapidly. "Earlier this year we reported sizeable TTM revenue growing by 130% Q/Q on average and confirmed our expanded commitment to deliver AI-based SAAS solutions to take full advantage of the AI Revolution," said Peter B. Ritz, co-founder and CEO of FatBrain AI. "Our partnership with Genius Group enables us to accelerate our own timeline for future progress by delivering the training alongside the peer intelligence that our clients are demanding. We are extremely excited about the growth that this will bring in 2024 and beyond." "We are working diligently to complete all financial filings with a plan to be fully current shortly. We are also working with the industry leaders to establish long term relationships that are beneficial to our shareholders," added Michael T. Moe, Executive Chair of FatBrain AI. "We are committed to delivering the financial metrics, customer growth, new product innovations and communication flow. We are confident you will see improvement in all these areas and are optimistic about our future. As we turn the page into 2024, we will continue to gain leadership in the AI industry." On September 19th FatBrain AI announced a new strategic direction to take full advantage of the AI revolution by creating the first publicly traded AI Venture Operating Company in addition to its current AI business. While ongoing AI business with customers accelerates, this decision enhanced future opportunities to ride the trillion-dollar AI tidal wave. About FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc., OTCMKTS:LZGI) FatBrain AI provides powerful and easy-to-use AI solutions to empower the enterprise stars of tomorrow to grow, innovate, and drive the majority of the global economy. FatBrain's AI 2.0 technologies and advanced data services transform continuous learning, narrative reasoning, large language models, and cloud and blockchain technologies into auditable, explainable and easy to integrate AI solutions. FatBrain's subscriptions allow all companies to deploy its advanced AI solutions quickly, easily, and securely behind their firewalls or via cloud. FatBrain's global delivery includes 600+ team across design, development centers in the US, UK, India, and Kazakh Republic. For more information, please visit: https://www.fatbrain.ai About Genius Group Genius Group is a leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, with a mission to disrupt the current education model with a student-centered, life-long learning curriculum that prepares students with the leadership, entrepreneurial and life skills to succeed. Through its learning platform, GeniusU, the Genius Group has a member base of 5.4 million users in 200 countries, ranging from early age to 100. For more information, please visit https://www.geniusgroup.net/ Forward Looking Statement This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of any entity. This release contains certain forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements, due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business, which include the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2022. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," and "would" or similar words. All forecasts provided by management in this release are based on information available at this time and management expects that internal projections and expectations may change over time. In addition, the forecasts are based entirely on management's best estimate of our future financial performance given our current contracts, current backlog of opportunities and conversations with new and existing customers about our products and services. We assume no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Brokers and Analysts: Chesapeake Group 410-825-3930 [email protected] SOURCE LZG International, Inc. CHEVY CHASE, Md., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FCP was named as a "2023 Best Places to Work in Money Management" for companies with 50 to 99 employees as announced by Pensions & Investments earlier this week. The win marks the second time the firm has been recognized as a Best Places to Work, with the same honor earned in 2022. Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management, the 12th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry. "At FCP, our incredible and dedicated team contributes to the firm's strong investment performance," said Garland Faist, Chief Operating Officer at FCP. "We are honored to receive the Pensions and Investments Best Places to Work award and value the contributions of all of our team members." "As their employees attest, the companies named to this year's Best Places to Work list demonstrate a commitment to building and maintaining a strong workplace culture,'' said P&I Executive Editor Julie Tatge. "Even as firms grappled with volatile markets and ongoing stresses from the pandemic, their employees said they felt strong support from their managers, enabling them to do their best work.'' "Pensions & Investments is proud to honor the Best Places to Work in Money Management for the 12th year. A strong workplace culture that supports talent, advocates progress and drives innovation is paramount to driving the best outcomes and these asset managers demonstrate that. Congratulations to the 2023 honorees for their commitment to employee well-being, attractive incentive structures and talent development that demonstrate how investing in your employees can elevate our industry to greater heights," said P&I President and Publisher Nikki Pirrello. Pensions & Investments partnered with Best Companies Group, a research firm specializing in identifying great places to work, to conduct a two-part survey process of employers and their employees. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies. For a complete list of the 2023 Pensions & Investments' Best Places to Work in Money Management winners and profiles of the top 100 firms across size categories, go to www.pionline.com/BPTW2023. About FCP FCP is a privately held real estate investment company that has invested in or financed more than $12.4 billion in assets since its founding in 1999. FCP invests directly and with operating partners in commercial and residential assets. The firm makes equity and mezzanine investments in income-producing and development properties. Based in Chevy Chase, MD, FCP invests both its commingled, discretionary funds and separate accounts targeted at major real estate markets in the United States. For further information on FCP, please visit www.fcpdc.com. About Pensions & Investments Pensions & Investments, owned by Crain Communications Inc., is the 50-year-old global news source of money management and institutional investing. P&I is written for executives at defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as those at investment management and other investment-related firms. Pensions & Investments provides timely and incisive coverage of events affecting the money management and retirement businesses. Visit us at www.pionline.com. Media Contact: Karen Widmayer KW Communications, LLC [email protected] 301-661-1448 SOURCE FCP CINCINNATI, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Cincinnati's Board of Directors has appointed two new members to the FHLB's Affordable Housing Advisory Council and reappointed four current members of the Advisory Council. Each member will serve a three-year term, commencing on January 1, 2024. The 13-member Advisory Council provides guidance to the FHLB on affordable housing and economic development needs within the Fifth FHLB District of Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Appointments: Winston Miller , Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Housing Corporation, the state housing finance agency in Frankfort, Ky. Mr. Miller oversees the corporation's many lines of business, including single family mortgages with down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, multifamily housing financing with tax credit and bonding authority, rental assistance, housing rehabilitation and supportive housing programs for special needs populations. A seasoned attorney, Mr. Miller worked for Frost Brown Todd in Louisville, Ky. , specializing in civil cases involving product liability, mass tort and employment litigation for the majority of his career. He joined Team Kentucky in 2020, serving as Deputy Secretary for Kentucky's Finance and Administration Cabinet, and joined Kentucky Housing Corporation later that year. , Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Housing Corporation, the state housing finance agency in Mr. Miller oversees the corporation's many lines of business, including single family mortgages with down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, multifamily housing financing with tax credit and bonding authority, rental assistance, housing rehabilitation and supportive housing programs for special needs populations. A seasoned attorney, Mr. Miller worked for Frost Brown Todd in , specializing in civil cases involving product liability, mass tort and employment litigation for the majority of his career. He joined Team Kentucky in 2020, serving as Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Cabinet, and joined Kentucky Housing Corporation later that year. Amy Riegel, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) in Columbus, Ohio . COHHIO is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to end homelessness and promote decent, safe, fair, affordable housing for all with a focus on assisting low-income and special needs populations. Ms. Riegel has been with COHHIO since 2022, previously serving as the Senior Director of Housing at CareSource. Reappointments: Cassie Hudson , Executive Director of Partnership Housing, Inc. in Booneville, Ky. Ms. Hudson has served in this role for 12 years. Founded in 2005, Partnership Housing's mission is to increase the amount of safe, affordable and decent housing for low- to moderate-income residents in Owsley County and to help those residents achieve better lives. She is an active member of Kentucky Housing Corporation's Housing Policy Advisory Committee and the Chair of the Fahe Kentucky Caucus. Ms. Hudson was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. , Executive Director of Partnership Housing, Inc. in Ms. Hudson has served in this role for 12 years. Founded in 2005, Partnership Housing's mission is to increase the amount of safe, affordable and decent housing for low- to moderate-income residents in and to help those residents achieve better lives. She is an active member of Kentucky Housing Corporation's Housing Policy Advisory Committee and the Chair of the Fahe Kentucky Caucus. Ms. Hudson was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. Amy Schaftlein, Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. in Memphis, Tenn. As the Executive Director of United Housing Inc., Ms. Schaftlein oversees all aspects of the organization which works to make homeownership a reality for low- to moderate-income families through financial education, mortgage lending, homebuilding and renovation. Prior to her current role, she worked with University Neighborhoods Development Corp. as a research assistant and with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency as an industry and government liaison. Ms. Schaftlein was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. in As the Executive Director of United Housing Inc., Ms. Schaftlein oversees all aspects of the organization which works to make homeownership a reality for low- to moderate-income families through financial education, mortgage lending, homebuilding and renovation. Prior to her current role, she worked with University Neighborhoods Development Corp. as a research assistant and with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency as an industry and government liaison. Ms. Schaftlein was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. Samantha "Sam" A. Shuler , Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Network in Columbus, Ohio . Since Community Housing Network (CHN) was founded in 1987, the organization has provided permanent supportive housing for over 10,000 people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders or trauma related issues. Ms. Shuler has been with CHN since 2003. She was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2018. She currently serves as Advisory Council Vice Chair, a two-year position that will conclude December 31, 2024 . , Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Network in . Since Community Housing Network (CHN) was founded in 1987, the organization has provided permanent supportive housing for over 10,000 people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders or trauma related issues. Ms. Shuler has been with CHN since 2003. She was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2018. She currently serves as Advisory Council Vice Chair, a two-year position that will conclude . Dwayne Spencer , President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis Habitat was founded in 1983 with the mission to bring decent, affordable housing to the city of Memphis . Since its inception, Memphis Habitat has helped more than 600 first-time homebuyers secure affordable mortgages and completed rehabilitation and home modification projects in partnership with nearly 1,100 local homeowners. Mr. Spencer was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2018. FHLB Cincinnati would also like to thank departing members Debbie Watts Robinson and Shawn Smith for their years of service to the Advisory Council and the affordable housing mission of the FHLB. About the FHLB The FHLB is a AA+ rated wholesale cooperative bank owned by 610 member financial institutions, including commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. The FHLB provides members access to products and services (primarily Advances, which are a readily available, low-cost source of funds, purchases of certain mortgage loans from members, and issuance of Letters of Credit to members) and a competitive return through quarterly dividends on their capital investment in the FHLB. The FHLB funds these products and services by raising private-sector capital from member-stockholders and, with the other Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) in the FHLBank System, issuing high-quality debt in the global capital markets. The FHLB also funds community investment programs that help its members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati BURLINGAME, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, the global flow computers market size is estimated to grow from US$ 679.5 Million in 2023 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 1,290.8 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.6% between 2023 and 2030. The increasing demand for accurate measurement and monitoring of flow rates is one of the major drivers for the growth of the Flow Computers Market. Flow computers are extensively used in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, water and wastewater, and pharmaceuticals to calculate and record the flow rates of liquids and gases. These devices provide precise measurements and help in improving the overall efficiency of the processes. Additionally, they also offer advanced features such as data logging, alarm systems, and real-time monitoring, enhancing their utility across various applications. Another driver for the market growth is the increasing adoption of industrial automation. Automation plays a crucial role in improving productivity and reducing human errors in industries. Flow computers are an integral part of automation systems as they enable accurate control and monitoring of flow rates. With the rising focus on process optimization and cost reduction, the demand for flow computers is expected to witness significant growth. Request Sample Copy of this Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/6424 Market Trends: One of the key trends in the Flow Computers Market is the integration of advanced technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence into flow computing systems. IoT-enabled flow computers enable remote monitoring and control, real-time data analysis, and predictive maintenance, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of flow measurement systems. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence algorithms enables flow computers to learn and adapt to process changes, resulting in improved accuracy and reliability. Another trend is the increasing adoption of wireless flow computers. Wireless flow computers offer several advantages such as easy installation, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. These devices rely on wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks to transmit data, eliminating the need for complex wiring and reducing installation and maintenance costs. The growing demand for wireless technologies in industrial applications is expected to drive the growth of wireless flow computers in the coming years. Market Opportunities: The Flow Computers Market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the coming years, with an impressive CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030. One of the key market opportunities lies in the dominating end-use industry, which is oil and gas. The oil and gas industry requires accurate and reliable flow measurements for various processes such as fiscal metering, wellhead measurement, and pipeline transmission. Flow computers play a crucial role in providing precise measurements and optimizing these processes. With the increasing demand for oil and gas worldwide, the need for advanced flow computers is expected to drive market growth in this segment. Another noteworthy market opportunity is the dominance of wireless flow computers in the market. In the segment of product types, wireless flow computers are expected to hold a dominant position. The wireless technology allows for remote monitoring and control of flow measurements, eliminating the need for wired connections. This not only provides flexibility and convenience but also reduces installation costs and enhances the overall efficiency of the system. As industries continue to adopt wireless technologies for their operations, the demand for wireless flow computers is projected to increase, presenting a significant growth opportunity for the market. Buy this Complete Business Research Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/6424 Recent development: In September 2022, Emerson Electric Co. introduced the Rosemount 140H flow computer, which will be used in the oil and gas industry for custody transfer and fiscal metering. In June 2021, ABB FLOWBIRD flow computer for water, heat and gas metering introduced. It allows for data monitoring and analytics for increased efficiency. Key Market Takeaways: Flow Computers Market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030, owing to the increasing demand for precise flow measurements in various industries. On the basis of the component, the hardware segment is expected to hold a dominant position. The hardware components of flow computers, such as sensors, processors, and displays, are essential for accurate flow measurements. The advancements in hardware technology, such as improved sensors and processors, are driving the growth of this segment. In terms of product type, the wireless segment is expected to dominate the market. The wireless flow computers offer advantages such as remote monitoring, reduced installation costs, and enhanced flexibility, which are driving their adoption in various industries. HART is expected to be the dominating connectivity option in the flow computers market. HART protocol provides a combination of analog and digital communications, making it suitable for flow measurement applications. The compatibility of HART with various flow meters and control systems contributes to its dominant position. The oil and gas industry is anticipated to hold the largest share in the flow computers market, owing to its significant requirement for flow measurements in various processes. The growing demand for oil and gas worldwide is expected to drive the adoption of flow computers in this industry. Fiscal metering is expected to be the dominating application segment. Fiscal metering plays a crucial role in accurate measurement and monitoring of oil and gas production and revenue calculations. The increasing focus on optimizing production and ensuring accurate measurements is driving the demand for flow computers in fiscal metering applications. In terms of the region, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the flow computers market. The growth in industries such as oil and gas, energy and power, and water and wastewater management in countries like China and India is driving the demand for flow computers in this region. Key market players in the flow computers market include Emerson Electric Co., ABB Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Schneider Electric SE, Honeywell International Inc., Siemens AG, Badger Meter, Inc., AMETEK Inc., and Equinor ASA. These players are focusing on technological advancements and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market presence and meet the growing demand for flow computers. In conclusion, the Flow Computers Market presents lucrative opportunities in the dominating end-use industry of oil and gas and the dominance of wireless flow computers. With a strong CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030, the market is expected to witness significant growth. Key market takeaways include the dominance of hardware components, wireless product types, HART connectivity, and the oil and gas industry. Leading market players are also actively contributing to the market's growth through technological advancements and collaborations. Read complete market research report," Flow Computers Market, By Component, By Connectivity, By End-use Industry, By Application, By Geography, Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts 2023-2030", Published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Segmentation: By Component Hardware Software Services By Product Type Wired Wireless Plug & Play Others By Connectivity HART Foundation Fieldbus Profibus Modbus Ethernet Others By End-use Industry Oil & Gas Energy & Power Water & Wastewater Food & Beverage Chemicals Metals & Mining Others By Application Fiscal Metering Liquid & Gas Measurement Wellhead Measurement & Optimization Pipeline Transmission & Distribution Process Control & Monitoring Others By Geography North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K . Spain France Italy Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South Africa GCC Countries Rest of Middle East & Africa Ask for Customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/6424 Find more related trending reports below: Computer Numerical Control Machine Market, By Type (Lathe Machines, Milling Machines, Laser Machines, Grinding Machines, Welding Machines, Winding Machines, and Others), By End Use (Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Construction Equipment, Power & Energy, Industrial, Others), And By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America)- Flow Battery Market, By Type (Vanadium Redox Flow Battery, Zinc Bromine Flow Battery, Iron Flow Battery, and Zinc Iron Flow Battery), and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) Foundry Service Market, By Material Type (Ferrous Metals, Non-Ferrous Metals, Others), By Process Type (Sand Casting, Investment Casting, Die Casting, Permanent Mold Casting, Centrifugal Casting, Others), By Application (Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Electrical and Electronics, Machinery and Equipment, Construction, Energy and Power, Others), By End-User Industry (Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Electrical and Electronics, Machinery and Equipment, Construction, Energy and Power, Others), and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) Circuit Protection Market, By Product (Circuit Breaker, Fuse, HD Pro, Inrush Current Limiter, Mobile Power Protection, Overvoltage Protection, PTC Devices, and GFCI), By Channel (OEM, Retail, and Wholesale), By Application (Agriculture, Automotive, Commercial & Residential Building, Household Appliances, HVAC, Power Generation, Recreational Vehicle, Telecom, and Others), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America Refurbished Electronics Market, By Product Category, By Consumer Type, By Condition, By Distribution Channel, By End Use, By Price Range, By Technological Generation, By Warranty and Support, By Refurbishment Process, By Usage Intent, By Sustainability Focus, And By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa) About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. Contact Us: Mr. Shah Senior Client Partner Business Development Coherent Market Insights Phone: US: +1-206-701-6702 UK: +44-020-8133-4027 Japan: +81-050-5539-1737 India: +91-848-285-0837 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/902389/Coherent_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg SOURCE Coherent Market Insights During the attack on December 12, Russian forces launched at least 15 kamikaze drones from the area of Balaklava in temporarily occupied Sevastopol. This new Shahed launch pad is the fifth location from which enemy drones have taken off to strike Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Russia is deliberately increasing the number of locations for launching drones both to protect them from Ukrainian attacks and to complicate the work of Ukrainian air defense forces, which are forced to adapt to the new drone routes. The details were reported by the UK Ministry of Defense, citing British intelligence. During the drone attack, which Russian troops carried out on December 12, the occupiers launched at least 15 drones from a new location, Balaklava, in the southern part of Sevastopol. This is the second known launch site for Iranian kamikaze drones from the temporarily occupied Crimea. Previously, Shahed drones were launched from the peninsula mainly from Cape Chauda in eastern Crimea: the occupiers complained that it was one of the targets of the Ukrainian attack on the peninsula on December 5. Back then, the occupiers claimed, they allegedly managed to neutralize 41 Ukrainian UAVs aimed at Russian military infrastructure. ADVERTISIMENT The British Ministry of Defense emphasized that the occupiers have been actively launching kamikaze drones from Cape Chauda since September 2023. Now they are expanding the "geography" of the Shahed drones' launch pads. "Now Balaklava is the fifth confirmed launch site for kamikaze drones used in Russian operations against Ukraine, along with points on Cape Chauda, in Yeysk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Kursk. Russia is likely to disperse its drone launch capabilities across multiple locations to both protect its forces and complicate Ukraine's air defense efforts," the British defense ministry said. They also added that additional launch sites will not only confuse the Ukrainian Defense Forces when planning attacks on the peninsula but will also complicate the work of Ukrainian air defense, which will have to adapt to the new drone routes. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on the night of December 13, air defense forces destroyed 10 ballistic missiles and 10 Shahed drones: the defenders of the skies over Ukraine neutralized all air targets. The enemy directed the missiles at Kyiv, where houses and private cars caught fire due to the falling debris of the downed missiles. The debris also damaged the buildings of a kindergarten, a hospital and a morgue. More than 50 people were injured, including children. Nine out of ten enemy drones were destroyed in the Odesa region. However, the wreckage of one drone fell on a port infrastructure building in the Odesa district and the territory of a municipal car repair facility in the regional center. In the latter case, the fire damaged or partially destroyed several cars and a hangar. Two employees were injured: both men were hospitalized, one in serious condition and the other in moderate condition. ADVERTISIMENT The tenth enemy drone was destroyed over the Khmelnytskyi region: no damage or casualties were reported. WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced today that it donated $376,606 to Folds of Honor through its month-long giveback program in November. Throughout the month, guests had the option to give back to Folds of Honor by rounding up to the nearest dollar in-restaurant or selecting a $1, $3, $5 or $10 donation when ordering in-app or online. Freddy's donated $376,606 to Folds of Honor through its month-long giveback program in November. Post this Pictured L to R: Andrew Thengvall, Freddys Chief Development Officer & Chief Legal Officer; Jenn Stephens, Folds of Honor Corporate Impact Officer; Chris Dull, Freddys Chief Executive Officer; Brian Wise, Freddys Chief Operating Officer "We'd like to extend our thanks to Freddy's, a brand that truly values supporting veterans and their families nationwide, for hosting a successful round up through the month of November," said Ben Leslie, Chief Development Officer of Folds of Honor. "The donation will fully fund 75 educational scholarships for the families of military members and first responders." Since 2022, Freddy's has donated a total of over $550,000 to the organization, a national non-profit that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled service members. Beginning in 2022, their mission expanded to include the families of America's first responders. "Our namesake Freddy Simon was a World War II veteran, and initiatives that assist veterans and military families are close to our hearts at Freddy's," said Chris Dull, President & CEO of Freddy's. "We're genuinely inspired every day by the mission of Folds of Honor and are pleased to be able to support them through our partnership." Folds of Honor Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school, and post-graduate work, including a master's degree, doctorate, or professional program. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 51,000 scholarships totaling about $240 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 45 percent are minorities. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on Candid. Folds of Honor was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq) and PGA Professional. He is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with more than 500 locations across 36 states nationwide that offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating the Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. SOURCE Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gas Sensors Market is projected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The application of gas sensors in smart cities and building automation has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Rapid urbanization and industrialization, have led to a rise in air pollution levels across the world. With urbanization, there has been a rise in the number of vehicles used, an increase in industrial activities, and a rise in energy consumption leading to urban air pollution. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has facilitated air quality monitoring and management in smart cities, with several players launching IoT-based gas sensors. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=245141093 Browse in-depth TOC on "Gas Sensors Market" 100 Tables 60 Figures 200 Pages Gas Sensors Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $1.5 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $2.3 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Technology, Connectivity, Output type, Type, Application and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Technical issues such as high energy consumption Key Market Opportunities Rising deployment of IoT, cloud computing, and big data in gas sensors Key Market Drivers Rising demand for gas sensors in critical industries Wireless gas sensor segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Wireless or portable gas detectors are generally used by individuals or by a group of workers to monitor air quality. These are ideally handheld devices and are used for indoor usage. Portable gas monitors and detectors provide a relatively affordable option to end-users compared with fixed monitors and offer ease in locating the exact source of pollution. Wireless gas sensors industry are also used in gas monitoring applications to detect the presence of toxic gases for the enhanced safety of personnel. In certain applications, monitoring toxic gases is difficult and dangerous, wherein wireless gas sensors can be used. Wireless gas sensors can thus be used to continuously monitor remote applications such as in automotive & transportation reliably and cost-effectively. Market for digital output segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Digital gas sensors send and receive strings of characters that a microprocessor or a computer can read. A digital gas sensor normally comprises a gas sensor, a two-wired digital interface, registers for controlling the operation of the IC, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Gas sensors with digital output have several advantages, especially being well-suited for remote applications such as automotive and transportation applications. Moreover, these sensors offer both design and operational advantages over gas sensors with an analog output. They offer enhanced technical performance, improved safety margins, and low maintenance costs. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=245141093 Volatile organic compounds in the type segment is expected to be the fastest growing market of the gas sensor market during the forecast period. The VOC segment in the gas sensor market is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a wide range of carbon-based (organic) chemicals (compounds) found in various human-made and naturally occurring solids and liquids. They evaporate easily at ordinary room temperature. Substances containing VOCs include solvents, paint thinners, and nail polish removers, as well as vapors associated with fuels such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, kerosene, and jet fuel; hence, there is an increasing demand for these in the paint and plastic industry. Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest share of the gas sensor market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific region is expected to have the largest market share of the gas sensor market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is the leading market for gas sensors in the automotive, infrastructure, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical industries, with major demand from China, India, South Korea, and Japan. The countries of Asia Pacific are witnessing increased demand for gas sensors, and this demand is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period as well. Moreover, the rise in the number of smart city projects in countries such as India and China also leads to increased demand for gas sensors from these countries. Gas sensors are used in several industries such as automotive, oil & gas, chemical, consumer electronics, etc., driving the market demand in the region. Key Players Leading players in the gas sensor companies include Honeywell International Inc. (US), MSA Safety Incorporated (US), Amphenol Corporation (US), Figaro Engineering Inc. (Japan), Alphasense (UK), Sensirion AG (Switzerland), Process Sensing Technologies (UK), ams-OSRAM AG (Austria), MEMBRAPOR (Switzerland), Senseair AB (US) and Niterra Co., Ltd. (Japan), Nissha Co., Ltd. (Japan), Renesas Electronic Corporation (Japan), Breeze Technologies (Germany), eLichens (France), Bosch Sensortec GmbH (Germany), Danfoss (Denmark), Edinburgh Sensors (Uk), GASTEC Corporation (Japan), Nemoto & Co., Ltd. (Japan), SPEC Sensors (US), SIA MIPEX (Russia), Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co., Ltd. (China), and Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. (China). are few other key companies operating in the gas sensor market. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=245141093 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Market by Gas Type (Carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons,others), Application (Monitoring, HVAC, Detection and Analysis), Vertical (Industrial & Manufacturing, Oil & Gas) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Environmental Sensor Market by Type (Temperature, Humidity, Air Quality, Ultraviolet, Water Quality, Soil Moisture, Integrated), Deployment (Indoor, Outdoor, Portable), Application (Smart Home, Smart Office, Smart City) - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/gas-sensor-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/gas-sensor.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Ginkgo, under a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will work to develop a live cell therapeutic that can produce antibodies to fight human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or malaria directly in the body Ginkgo will apply its cell engineering expertise towards creating a fundamentally new cell-based therapeutic delivery modality which could change the future of biologics delivery in medicine BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a novel cell-based technology for improving protein therapeutics delivery for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ginkgo Bioworks Receives Grant to Develop Innovative Live Cell Delivery Platform of Antibody Therapeutics for Treating HIV and Malaria Protein therapeutics have transformed the standard of care for many diseases the best known example being insulin for diabetes and have helped to extend lives across the world, thanks to revolutionizing treatments of diseases such as anemia, cancers, and certain genetic disorders. Yet access to these therapeutics remains a challenge, especially in LMICs, because of complex manufacturing processes and degradation during storage and delivery of such therapeutics. Developing a new therapeutic delivery modality for patients could increase accessibility and lower cost of treatment. Ginkgo will focus on creating a prototype engineered cell line that can express antibodies for the treatment of HIV and/or malaria via an implantable device. Globally, approximately 39 million people live with HIV, which attacks the body's immune system and weakens its ability to fight infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly half the world's population is at risk of malaria transmission, with 96% of malaria-caused deaths in 2020 taking place in the WHO Africa Region. The engineered cell line would be designed to act as a "cell factory" capable of delivering protein therapeutics to the patient for up to a year, or longer. This prototype cell line could potentially lead to protein therapeutic delivery systems that function as long-term and cost-effective treatments for these diseases. Ginkgo, with support from the foundation, plans to use its expertise in mammalian cell engineering to engineer highly synthetic cell lines that have both high productivity and extended longevity. Ginkgo will use its expertise in genomics and systems biology to predict the genomic components underlying these complex cellular phenotypes. Ginkgo will then utilize its expertise in genome engineering, including a fully automated clonal cell line generation workflow, to combine these features in a mammalian chassis. This engineered cell line will be combined with an implant device for continuous delivery of the therapeutic antibodies. If successful, the eventual product could create a novel delivery platform for antibody-based therapies in communities where access to such drugs is challenging. "Protein-based drugs were some of the earliest applications of cell programming for medicine half a century ago. We're honored to be receiving support from the Gates Foundation to reimagine how these medicines are made and delivered so that we can open up access to these critical therapies," said Jennifer Wipf, Ginkgo's Head of Commercial, Cell Engineering. "We look forward to leveraging our learnings from this project to ensure the success of future programs with our partners." Learn more about Ginkgo's biopharmaceutical services at https://www.ginkgobioworks.com/offerings/biopharmaceutical/ . About Ginkgo Bioworks Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo's biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, is building global infrastructure for biosecurity to empower governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and concentricbyginkgo.com , read our blog , or follow us on social media channels such as X (formerly known as Twitter) (@ Ginkgo and @ ConcentricByGBW ), Instagram (@ GinkgoBioworks and @ ConcentricByGinkgo ), Threads (@ GinkgoBioworks ) or LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo's cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) our ability to realize the expected benefits of merger and acquisition transactions, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings against Ginkgo, including as a result of recent acquisitions, (viii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (ix) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (x) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 8, 2023 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. GINKGO BIOWORKS INVESTOR CONTACT: [email protected] GINKGO BIOWORKS MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Military IoT Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Technology, Component, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global military Internet of Things (IoT) market pertains to deploying IoT technologies and solutions within the defense and military sectors. In a military context, IoT involves the integration of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems designed to gather, transmit, and analyze data for diverse military objectives. These objectives encompass augmenting situational awareness, refining logistics and supply chain operations, streamlining equipment maintenance, and elevating military activities' overall efficiency and efficacy. The military IoT employs WiFi, cellular, RFID and satellite communication technologies to create a highly interconnected and data-driven ecosystem. These technologies enable the seamless exchange of critical information, enhancing the military's surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and decision-making capabilities. The global military IoT also includes hardware, software and services. By leveraging IoT technologies, military organizations can monitor and manage critical infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles in real time, reducing downtime and ensuring readiness. Furthermore, the military IoT market facilitates advanced communication and coordination among military units, enabling seamless collaboration during missions and operations. It supports the implementation of intelligent decision-making systems, aiding commanders in making informed choices swiftly and effectively. IoT is a powerful technology for innovation and progress, poised to reshape industries and improve various aspects of our lives by harnessing the capabilities of interconnected devices and data-driven insights. As IoT technology continues to evolve, it is poised to redefine the landscape of modern warfare and defense operations. Military forces are gaining unprecedented situational awareness and operational efficiency with an ever-growing array of interconnected devices, sensors, and data analytics capabilities. This evolution enables the development of smarter and more agile defense strategies, including remote operations with unmanned systems and enhanced logistics management. This report provides a snapshot of the current market landscape, covering key trends, opportunities, and challenges. The report highlights its diverse applications, from training and simulation to surveillance systems. Additionally, the report profiles leading companies and startups in the military IoT space, offering insights into their strategies and innovations. With a focus on market size, growth projections, and regional dynamics, the global military IoT market report is a valuable resource for stakeholders, including government entities, defense contractors, and technology providers, seeking to understand the key trends and opportunities for IoT within the military sector. With the global military landscape undergoing significant transformations, this report provides a strategic roadmap for those looking to navigate the complexities of this evolving field. Industry Outlook Market Overview: Global Military IoT Market Current and Emerging Technological Trends IoT Solutions: For Military Operational Requirements and Critical Issues Ongoing and Upcoming Projects Key Use Cases for Military IoT Market (by Application) Patent Analysis Supply Chain Dynamics Business Dynamics Business Drivers Business Challenges Business Strategies Corporate Strategies Business Opportunities Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles AeroVironment AT&T Inc. Bombardier FLIR Systems Inc. Forescout Technologies Inc. FreeWave Technologies General Atomics General Electric Honeywell International IBM Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Reliance Industries Limited SAP SE Textron Systems Applications: Training & Simulation Monitoring Soldier's Health Gathering Battlefield Data Equipment and Vehicle Fleet Management Smart Bases Data Processing & Analysis Surveillance System Technology: WiFi Cellular Radio- Frequency Distribution (RFID) Satellite Communications Other Component: Hardware Software Services For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/k4vsxs About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the recent report released by Kings Research, the global Bioinformatics Market is anticipated to grow from USD 10.10 billion in 2022 to USD 39.80 billion by 2030, depicting an 18.70% CAGR over the forecast period of 2023-2030. The increasing need for personalized medicine, which heavily depends on bioinformatics to develop treatment strategies tailored to individual patients, contributes significantly to market expansion. Bioinformatics, a multidisciplinary field, employs computational and analytical techniques to process and extract insights from biological data. It encompasses a wide range of activities focused on comprehending and deciphering biological information. At its core, bioinformatics entails the collection, storage, analysis, and interpretation of various biological data types, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. Request Sample PDF of the Report: https://www.kingsresearch.com/request-sample/bioinformatics-market-258 In the pharmaceutical industry, bioinformatics has become increasingly crucial in the ongoing process of drug discovery and development. By utilizing bioinformatics, researchers can identify potential drug targets, predict interactions, and optimize candidate compounds, streamlining and enhancing efforts within the industry. This reliance on bioinformatics fosters efficiency and effectiveness in the pursuit of groundbreaking pharmaceutical advancements. Trending Now: Fourth Bioinformatics and Wheat Genomics Workshop in South Africa Aiming to Expand Bioinformatic Capability In February 2023, researchers at the John Innes Centre organized the 4th Bioinformatics & Wheat Genomics workshop in Worcester, South Africa, as part of a long-term investment for capacity-building funded by the British High Commission Africa Science & Innovation Network. The workshop was created to facilitate computational knowledge exchange for scientists in South Africa in order to enable them to apply the latest genomic advances in the wheat genetics sphere in the region. The training team provided structured training for participants in South Africa, aiming to expand bioinformatics capabilities. Have an Inquiry? Get in Touch with us @ https://www.kingsresearch.com/enquiry/bioinformatics-market-258 Competitive Landscape Leading companies in the global bioinformatics market are prioritizing various key growth strategies, such as forming partnerships, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, introducing new products, and establishing joint ventures. These strategies are aimed at diversifying their product offerings and growing their market presence in different regions. For instance, in April 2023, Absci, a prominent player in the field of synthetic biology, partnered with M2GEN, a company specializing in bioinformatics, with the objective of expediting the drug development process focused on oncology. With this partnership, the companies aimed to leverage M2GEN's profound knowledge in bioinformatics to analyze extensive molecular data sets and identify promising targets for therapy. This collaboration also empowers Absci to streamline the creation of groundbreaking and impactful cancer treatments, ensuring efficiency. The key players in the bioinformatics market include: Illumina, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Qiagen N.V. Agilent Technologies, Inc. PerkinElmer, Inc. Eurofins Scientific Genedata AG Partek Incorporated BGI Group DNAnexus, Inc. Ask for Customization: https://www.kingsresearch.com/customization/bioinformatics-market-258 Specialized Services and Expertise Offered by Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to Support Bioinformatics Market Growth Based on sector, the market is divided into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions, hospitals and clinics, contract research organizations (CROs), and others. The contract research organizations (CROs) segment is projected to exhibit a robust CAGR over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the burgeoning trend of firms in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology spaces opting to outsource their research and development activities to CROs. These organizations offer specialized services and expertise, such as bioinformatics, aimed at expediting drug discovery, development, and clinical trial processes. By leveraging the capabilities of CROs, pharma companies gain access to accelerated and streamlined research initiatives, which is further propelling segment growth. Increasing Significance of Sequence Data Analysis to Augment Bioinformatics Market Revenue Based on type of data, the bioinformatics market is bifurcated into sequence data analysis, structural data analysis, functional data analysis, and comparative data analysis. The sequence data analysis segment held the largest share of the market in 2022. The rapid expansion of genetic data volume has made bioinformatics tools and sequencing analysis platforms crucial for researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers. The significance of this segment is highlighted by the critical role played by efficient and accurate data analysis in propelling advancements in genomics and its allied domains. Purchase This Comprehensive Research Report for Valuable Market Insights: https://www.kingsresearch.com/buy-now/258 Exponential Increase in Biological Data to Fuel Bioinformatics Market Progress The exponential increase in biological data is a significant factor driving the growth of the global bioinformatics market. The ongoing development in genomics, proteomics, and other omics technologies has led to a considerable surge in data creation and accumulation. The field of bioinformatics is poised to observe notable growth over the assessment timeframe as it incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, leading to enhanced data analysis capabilities. The fusion of genomics and proteomics data, in addition to compliance with regulatory standards, is likely to be a catalyst for innovation. Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure of Bioinformatics in North America to Propel Market Development Based on region, North America accounted for the largest share of the bioinformatics market revenue in 2022. The growth of the industry is backed by the presence of the advanced healthcare infrastructure and the widespread implementation of bioinformatics solutions in clinical settings, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies across the region. Moreover, the robust pharmaceutical industry in the region heavily depends on bioinformatics for drug development, which is promoting domestic market growth. Government initiatives supporting genomics and personalized medicine research projects, along with regulatory contributions, are further fostering the industry outlook in North America. Browse the Complete Report Here: https://www.kingsresearch.com/bioinformatics-market-258 Key Points from TOC: Chapter 1 Introduction of the Global Bioinformatics Market 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Market Segmentation 1.3 Research Timelines 1.4 Limitations 1.5 Assumptions Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Research Methodology 3.1 Data Collection 3.1.1 Secondary Sources 3.1.2 Primary Sources 3.1.3 Research Flow 3.2 Subject Matter Expert Advice 3.3 Quality Check 3.4 Final Review 3.5 Bottom-Up Approach 3.6 Top-down Approach Chapter 4 Global Bioinformatics Market Outlook 4.1 Market Evolution 4.2 Overview 4.3 Market Dynamics 4.3.1 Drivers 4.3.2 Restraints 4.3.3 Opportunities 4.3.4 Challenges 4.4 Pricing Analysis 4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.6 Value Chain Analysis 4.7 Macroeconomic Analysis Chapter 5 Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Chapter 6 Global Bioinformatics Market, By Product And Services Chapter 7 Global Bioinformatics Market, By Sector Chapter 8 Global Bioinformatics Market, By Type Of Data Chapter 9 Global Bioinformatics Market, By Geography Chapter 10 North America Chapter 11 Europe Chapter 12 Asia-Pacific Chapter 13 Middle East & Africa Chapter 14 Latin America Chapter 15 Global Bioinformatics Market Competitive Landscape 15.1 Overview 15.2 Key Developments 15.3 Key Strategic Developments 15.4 Company Market Ranking 15.5 Regional Footprint 15.6 Industry Footprint Chapter 16 Company Profiles 16.1 llumina, Inc. 16.1.1 Key Facts 16.1.2 Financial Overview 16.1.3 Product Benchmarking 16.1.4 Recent Developments 16.1.5 Winning Imperatives 16.1.6 Current Focus & Strategies 16.1.7 Threat from competition 16.1.8 SWOT Analysis 16.2 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 16.2.1 Key Facts 16.2.2 Financial Overview 16.2.3 Product Benchmarking 16.2.4 Recent Developments 16.2.5 Winning Imperatives 16.2.6 Current Focus & Strategies 16.2.7 Threat from competition 16.2.8 SWOT Analysis 16.3 Qiagen N.V. 16.3.1 Key Facts 16.3.2 Financial Overview 16.3.3 Product Benchmarking 16.3.4 Recent Developments 16.3.5 Winning Imperatives 16.3.6 Current Focus & Strategies 16.3.7 Threat from competition 16.3.8 SWOT Analysis 16.4 Agilent Technologies, Inc. 16.4.1 Key Facts 16.4.2 Financial Overview 16.4.3 Product Benchmarking 16.4.4 Recent Developments 16.4.5 Winning Imperatives 16.4.6 Current Focus & Strategies 16.4.7 Threat from competition 16.4.8 SWOT Analysis 16.5 PerkinElmer, Inc. 16.5.1 Key Facts 16.5.2 Financial Overview 16.5.3 Product Benchmarking 16.5.4 Recent Developments 16.5.5 Winning Imperatives 16.5.6 Current Focus & Strategies 16.5.7 Threat from competition 16.5.8 SWOT Analysis Continued.. About Us: Kings Research stands as a renowned global market research firm. With a collaborative approach, we work closely with industry leaders, conducting thorough assessments of trends and developments. Our primary objective is to provide decision-makers with tailored research reports that align with their unique business objectives. Through our comprehensive research studies, we strive to empower leaders to make informed decisions. Our team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge in various industries. At Kings Research, we offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at assisting you in formulating efficient strategies to achieve your desired outcomes. Our objective is to significantly enhance your long-term progress through these tailored solutions. Contact Us Kings Research Phone: (+1) 888 328 2189 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.kingsresearch.com Blog: https://www.kingsresearch.com/blog Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter SOURCE Kings Research DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Carbon Offset Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The carbon-offsets market has evolved rapidly, inducing high interest from investors and corporates. The rapidly rising CO2 emissions have surged the need for carbon offsets. CO2 emissions impacts human health, climate, human respiratory system, and the environment negatively. These negative impacts have surged the need for carbon offsets to compensate for the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and ozone. The supportive government initiatives, such as the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) will further aid to surge the demand for voluntary carbon offsets. All this will further fuel the market growth during the forecast period. There is no distinction between the phrases, carbon offset and carbon offset credit. In general, a carbon offset refers to a decrease in GHG emissions or an increase in carbon storage (such as through land restoration or tree planting), that is used to make up for emissions that happen somewhere else. A carbon offset credit is a transferable asset that has been verified by governments or independent certifying organisations to reflect a decrease in emissions equal to one metric tonne of CO2 or another GHG. Carbon Offset Market: Drivers & Trends Shifting from Reduction and Avoidance to Removal: Now, programs that seek to avoid or reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions account for 82% of the market for offsets. Buyers of this type of offset are credited with lowering future emissions by, for example, selecting renewable energy over fossil fuels or preserving forests. On the other hand, removal credits mitigate the consequences of earlier emissions. For example, planting trees to store carbon or using technology-based techniques to directly capture carbon from production processes and fossil-fuel powered power plants are examples of initiatives that directly removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are the basis for removal credits, which accounts for 5% of the market. The remaining 13% of offsets are a combination of schemes for elimination and avoidance/reduction. The long-term relevance of removal initiatives is projected to increase, but the supply is now constrained by scalability and cost issues. Credits for avoidance and reduction will keep filling up the gaps until the transition is finished. Buyers should produce enough carbon offset credits to meet businesses' net-zero targets. When they start projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere demonstrably and permanently over the course of the next ten years, it can lead to an expansion of the global carbon offset market. From Nature to Technology: The main goal of nature-based carbon offset initiatives is to lower emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation. Although it is difficult to gauge their effectiveness, they serve as an important stopgap measure until there is no more land available for reforestation or until nations enact laws that are more aggressive in protecting existing forests and natural systems. But after 2030, technological approaches to carbon removal are more likely to prevail over those based on the environment. In fact, after 2030, most well-known net-zero models will rely on technology-based removal, with upwards of 5 gigatons of carbon dioxide removed annually by 2050. The implementation of new renewable technologies, stopping or capturing methane leakage from the production of fossil fuels, mining, landfills, or livestock, replacing wood-burning stoves with clean cookstoves, capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air, and storing captured carbon from emission sources and permanently storing it underground are just a few examples of tech-based offset projects. Increasing CO2 Emissions: The tremendous growth in CO2 emissions, which have harmed both the environment and human health, has increased the need for voluntary carbon offsets. Voluntary carbon offsets are the go-to strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since the resulting climate change and air, water, and soil pollution have caused an increase in respiratory ailments. Furthermore, the encouraging government initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions are anticipated to increase demand for voluntary carbon offsets and fuel market expansion over the course of the forecast period. However, the adoption of verified emission reductions (VERs) and compliance emission reductions (CERs) as alternatives to voluntary carbon offsets may slow the market's expansion. Increasing Environmental Concerns and Focus on Reducing Carbon Footprints: Businesses are attempting to adapt their business models to be more sustainable, and they are becoming more and more concerned with lowering their carbon footprints. For instance, in August 2019, the Business Roundtable, a group made up of CEOs from major US corporations, vowed to update the definition of a corporation and challenge the conventional wisdom that says a company's goal is to maximize profits for its owners or shareholders. The executives also concurred that businesses must protect the environment "by embracing sustainable practices." Owing to this, major enterprises are increasingly focusing on reducing their environmental impact. Similarly, major enterprises are looking to adopt sustainable solutions across the world are positively impacting the market. Companies are putting sustainability at the heart of their business model and scrutinize its future viability. Promoting environmentally friendly methods by enterprises as part of the business is proven to attract new customers who want to buy products and services from an environmentally friendly business. Apart from this, various government regulations are forcing businesses to manage their carbon footprints, thus positively impacting the market demand for carbon offsets. Carbon Offset Market: Challenges Fluctuating Prices of Carbon Credits: The demand for carbon credits is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. The voluntary offset market offers an opportunity to achieve global greenhouse emission reductions while addressing the development needs of developing countries. Involving developing nations in climate protection allows them to achieve carbon emission reduction and avoidance while earning revenues from selling their offsets. They can then use the money to pay for development initiatives for their nation's underprivileged neighborhoods. By protecting and restoring forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems, carbon projects aim to maximize nature's ability to combat climate change. The increased carbon storage can be measured and converted into carbon credits that top businesses and individuals can purchase to assist them in achieving their environmental objectives. The objective is to create bankable carbon programs that demonstrate their ability to offer conservation, community, and financial benefits to inspire others to adopt the strategy and, together, accomplish significant victories for the climate, biodiversity, and human way of life on a global scale. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global carbon offset market. NativeEnergy, Inc. 3Degrees Group, Inc. Terrapass EKI Energy Services Ltd. Ecologi Climeworks AG Climate Vault, Inc. Watershed Technology, Inc. ClearCompany, Inc. Carbonfund Carbon Offset Market, By Type: Carbon Compliance Market Voluntary Carbon Market Carbon Offset Market, By Project Type: Natural Offsets Technological Offsets Carbon Offset Market, By End-User: Power Energy Aviation Transportation Industrial Buildings Others Carbon Offset Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany Italy Poland United Kingdom France Asia pacific pacific China India Japan Indonesia South Korea Middle East & Africa & South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South America Brazil Argentina Chile For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/47fxzu About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Market: Analysis By Product Type (DNA Library Synthesis and Custom DNA Synthesis), By Technology (PCR, CRISPR, SOLA and Others), By Application, By End User, By Region, Size, Trends and Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global enzymatic DNA synthesis market was valued at US$253.42 million in 2022, and is expected to be worth US$2.11 billion in 2028. Several trends are expected to shape the production and demand for enzymatic DNA synthesis. Automation of the workflow is likely to become more prevalent, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor. Continued research and development efforts are anticipated to lead to the development of more efficient enzymes and technologies, further improving the precision and scalability of the process. Furthermore, enzymatic DNA synthesis is likely to find integration with other molecular biology techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, for applications in gene editing and genome engineering. The enzymatic DNA synthesis market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 42.43% over the years 2023-2028. Market Segmentation Analysis: By Product Type: The DNA Library Synthesis sector held the highest share in the market in 2022. Library Synthesis is a product and service offering that is particularly important in the field of genomics, functional genomics, and proteomics research. As genomic research continues to advance, the need for high-quality DNA libraries has increased. Researchers require well-constructed libraries to conduct experiments and uncover valuable insights, which is driving the growth of the segment. Furthermore, studying the function of genes and their role in various cellular processes is essential for understanding diseases and developing therapies. DNA libraries support functional genomics research. The DNA Library Synthesis sector held the highest share in the market in 2022. Library Synthesis is a product and service offering that is particularly important in the field of genomics, functional genomics, and proteomics research. As genomic research continues to advance, the need for high-quality DNA libraries has increased. Researchers require well-constructed libraries to conduct experiments and uncover valuable insights, which is driving the growth of the segment. Furthermore, studying the function of genes and their role in various cellular processes is essential for understanding diseases and developing therapies. DNA libraries support functional genomics research. By Technology : The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) segment dominated the market in 2022. PCR is pivotal in DNA synthesis, particularly for amplifying specific DNA sequences through cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, ensuring exponential DNA amplification. Its applications span genotyping, DNA sequencing, and molecular diagnostics, driven by speed, accuracy, and versatility. PCR is indispensable for tasks such as identifying genetic mutations, detecting infectious agents, and conducting gene expression analysis. High demand persists due to its vital role in biological research, applied sciences, and clinical diagnostics, making it a preferred choice among researchers and clinicians for its efficiency and reliability. : The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) segment dominated the market in 2022. PCR is pivotal in DNA synthesis, particularly for amplifying specific DNA sequences through cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, ensuring exponential DNA amplification. Its applications span genotyping, DNA sequencing, and molecular diagnostics, driven by speed, accuracy, and versatility. PCR is indispensable for tasks such as identifying genetic mutations, detecting infectious agents, and conducting gene expression analysis. High demand persists due to its vital role in biological research, applied sciences, and clinical diagnostics, making it a preferred choice among researchers and clinicians for its efficiency and reliability. By Application : The Synthetic biology segment dominated the market in 2022. This segment's adoption is driven by the need for creating synthetic genes, pathways, and organisms for biotechnological, medical, and industrial purposes. Factors such as the increasing demand for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biofuels, and the development of novel biopharmaceuticals are propelling the growth of enzymatic DNA synthesis in the field of synthetic biology. : The Synthetic biology segment dominated the market in 2022. This segment's adoption is driven by the need for creating synthetic genes, pathways, and organisms for biotechnological, medical, and industrial purposes. Factors such as the increasing demand for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biofuels, and the development of novel biopharmaceuticals are propelling the growth of enzymatic DNA synthesis in the field of synthetic biology. By End User: The Academic and research institutes segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecasted period. The adoption of enzymatic DNA synthesis in this segment is likely to be driven by the continuous quest for scientific knowledge and the need to develop innovative solutions. Funding from government agencies and academic grants further supports the demand for DNA synthesis technologies in academic and research settings. The Academic and research institutes segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecasted period. The adoption of enzymatic DNA synthesis in this segment is likely to be driven by the continuous quest for scientific knowledge and the need to develop innovative solutions. Funding from government agencies and academic grants further supports the demand for DNA synthesis technologies in academic and research settings. By Region: North America accounted for the largest share in the global enzymatic DNA synthesis market in 2022. This region boasts a rich ecosystem comprising a multitude of pharmaceutical and biotechnology giants, esteemed academic institutions, and cutting-edge research centers, all of which collectively propel the demand for DNA synthesis. At the forefront of biotech research, North America leads the world with significant investments in research and development (R&D), resulting in a substantial appetite for DNA synthesis products. Furthermore, the region's robust healthcare infrastructure adds to this demand, especially in the realms of diagnostics and personalized medicine, both of which heavily rely on enzymatic DNA synthesis. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market. The region has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its biotechnology and life sciences sector. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have been making substantial investments in research and development, particularly in the fields of genomics, personalized medicine, and genetic research. This surge in scientific activity has naturally led to an increased demand for enzymatic DNA synthesis techniques, which are critical for precisely assembling DNA strands in these cutting-edge areas of research. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region is home to numerous prestigious academic and research institutions that have been actively engaged in genetic and molecular biology research. These institutions are driving the demand for DNA synthesis as their researchers work on a wide array of projects, spanning from disease diagnostics to advancements in agriculture and environmental studies. Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers: The market has been growing over the past few years, due to factors such as rising prevalence of genetic disorders, advancements in enzymes and technologies, customization and precision, synthetic biology applications and increasing demand for DNA. Recognized genetic disorders like Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia are just a fraction of the 10,000 known rare diseases, impacting around 400 million people globally. While some disorders show symptoms at birth, others emerge gradually. The global burden of genetic diseases is growing. Enzymatic DNA synthesis, widely used in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and therapeutic antibody research, proves valuable. Coupled with enzymatic assays, it enhances diagnostic capabilities, providing crucial insights into susceptibility to genetic disorders. This facilitates informed decisions on diagnosis and treatment, acknowledging the rising need for early detection and driving the enzymatic DNA synthesis market. Challenges: However, some challenges are also impeding the growth of the market such as stringent government regulations and guidelines and high costs and complex procedures. This powerful technology holds the potential for transformative advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology. However, it comes with inherent risks, including the potential creation of harmful pathogens or unethical misuse. Consequently, government authorities require DNA synthesis facilities and researchers to obtain licenses and register with relevant regulatory bodies. Additionally, oversight entities may mandate regular reporting of DNA synthesis activities, including details like synthesized DNA sequences, the purpose of synthesis, and quantities produced. While these measures aim to mitigate risks, they may, to some extent, hinder market growth. Trends: The market is projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period, due to various latest trends such as emerging fields, CRISPR-Cas9 integration and cell-free synthetic biology. CRISPR-Cas9 Integration is emerging as a groundbreaking trend in the enzymatic synthesis market, revolutionizing the way DNA is manipulated. This technology, originally developed for gene editing, is now being harnessed to enhance enzymatic synthesis processes. One of the key advantages of integrating CRISPR-Cas9 into enzymatic synthesis is its precision. Cas9, guided by a specific RNA sequence, can precisely target and cut DNA at desired locations, allowing for the insertion, deletion, or modification of genetic material with high accuracy. This precision is invaluable in creating customized enzymes for various applications, such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and biotechnology. Competitive Landscape: The enzymatic DNA synthesis market exhibits consolidation, marked by fierce competition among leading players striving to expand their market share globally. The sector experiences an influx of startups, each presenting innovative solutions to address DNA construction challenges. Companies in the DNA synthesis sector can be evaluated based on key metrics such as cost, throughput, turnaround time, quality, and accessibility. Cost, often the primary customer consideration, has the potential to shift buyers from in-house DNA production to outsourcing. As the utility of synthetic DNA grows, throughput becomes crucial, necessitating customers to split orders among suppliers, introducing complexity and error risks. The key players of the global enzymatic DNA synthesis market are: Telesis Bio Twist Bioscience GenScript Biotech Evonetix Ansa Biotechnologies Camena Bio Molecular Assemblies DNA Script Touchlight Kern Systems Technological advancements play a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape, with companies dedicating efforts to research and develop novel enzymes and processes. The focus is on improving the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of DNA synthesis. This dynamic environment underscores the industry's commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific and technological progress, fostering a continual drive for innovation and excellence. In April 2022, DNA Script introduced a program catering to customers using its SYNTAX System. Through this initiative, organizations gain early access to the most recent developments in their EDS technology. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Global Market Analysis 4. Regional Market Analysis 5. Impact of Covid-19 6. Market Dynamics 6.1 Growth Drivers 6.1.1 Rising Prevalence of Genetic Disorders 6.1.2 Advancements in Enzymes and Technologies 6.1.3 Customization and Precision 6.1.4 Growing Applications in Synthetic Biology 6.1.5 Increasing Demand for DNA 6.2 Challenges 6.2.1 Stringent Government Regulations and Guidelines 6.2.2 High Costs and Complex Procedures 6.3 Market Trends 6.3.1 Emerging Fields 6.3.2 CRISPR-Cas9 Integration 6.3.3 Cell-Free Synthetic Biology 7. Competitive Landscape 7.1 Global Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Market Players: Competitive landscape 7.2 Global Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Market Players: Recent Funding Rounds 8. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fh2mnk About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Luxury Travel Market Trends and Analysis by Passenger Flows, Destinations, Challenges, Opportunities and Case Studies, 2023 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides an analysis of the luxury travel industry including insights in luxury travelers, market trends, consumer trends, destinations, sector deals, challenges and opportunities. There is a clear trend in the luxury travel sector where luxury travelers, high-net worth individuals, and ultra high-net-worth individuals are becoming more mindful when it comes to travel. This insightful report offers an exclusive peek into the world of luxury travel, spotlighting its premier players, their innovative responses to the COVID-19 threat, and strategies to captivate the most discerning travelers. The report unveils the strategies and adaptations of luxury travel leaders, dissecting how they navigated the challenging landscape presented by the pandemic. It showcases their resilience and innovation in safeguarding the luxury travel experience. Furthermore, the report delves into the profiles of key luxury travelers that companies aspire to attract, unveiling their preferences, desires, and expectations. By gaining insights into the minds of these elite travelers, companies can tailor their offerings to meet and exceed their exacting standards. Key Topics Covered: Snapshot Key Market Trends Luxury Travel Holidays Key Destinations Mergers and Acquisitions Challenges and Opportunities Appendix A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Marriott Kempinski Scott Dunn Abercrombie & Kent Emirates Singapore Airlines Belmond Space X For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9xg6ax About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Wave Energy Converter Market - Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Wave Energy Converter Market has reached a substantial valuation of USD 12.08 billion in 2022, and it is poised for robust growth in the forecast period, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.19% through 2028. The Wave Energy Converter (WEC) market constitutes a specialized segment within the renewable energy sector, focusing on the research, development, manufacturing, deployment, and commercialization of technologies explicitly designed to harness the kinetic and potential energy present in ocean waves and transform it into electrical power. Essentially, a WEC is a device or system strategically positioned in oceans or other bodies of water to capture the energy transported by waves and convert it into a usable form of electricity. This market encompasses a diverse array of WEC technologies, including point absorbers, oscillating water columns, attenuators, and other innovative designs. The primary objective of the WEC market is to contribute significantly to the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. It achieves this by tapping into the vast, untapped energy potential of the world's oceans. Wave energy is recognized as a highly promising source of renewable energy due to its predictability, consistent availability, and minimal environmental footprint when compared to fossil fuels. As governments and organizations around the globe intensify their endeavors to combat climate change and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the Wave Energy Converter market assumes a pivotal role. It provides a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity while actively contributing to the diversification of the global energy mix. The ongoing evolution of this market is driven by continuous technological advancements, supportive policy frameworks, and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable energy future that safeguards the health of our planet. Market Dynamics Growing Energy Demand and Renewable Energy Goals: Global energy demand rising due to population growth and industrialization. Governments and organizations setting ambitious renewable energy targets. Wave energy seen as a promising source to meet clean energy goals. Wave energy is abundant, predictable, and eco-friendly. Advancements in WEC Technology: Significant progress in WEC design and efficiency. Development of robust materials for harsh marine environments. Improved control systems and predictive maintenance technologies. Use of advanced computational tools for optimized designs. Enhancing competitiveness in the renewable energy landscape. Increasing Focus on Energy Security: Energy security concerns drive diversification of energy sources. Wave energy offers locally available, predictable source. Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. Mitigates supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Rising Environmental Awareness: Growing environmental consciousness driving clean energy adoption. Wave energy considered environmentally friendly. Minimal impact on marine ecosystems. No air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Economic Viability and Job Creation: Cost of wave energy generation expected to decrease. Creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Boosts local economies, especially in coastal regions. International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration among countries accelerates industry progress. Sharing best practices, research findings, and innovations. Addresses common challenges and fosters a supportive environment. Government Policies are Likely to Propel the Market: Feed-in tariffs and renewable energy incentives encourage investment. Renewable portfolio standards set renewable energy targets. Government funding supports research and development. Environmental regulations ensure responsible development. Grid integration policies facilitate efficient energy delivery. Export and trade promotion policies encourage international growth. Key Market Challenges: Technological complexity and reliability. High initial capital costs and investment risk. Segmental Insights - Oscillating Body Converters (OBCs): Largest market share in 2022 and expected to maintain. High energy conversion efficiency. Predictable motion enhances energy capture. Modular and scalable design. Low environmental impact. Simplicity in maintenance. Commercial maturity and readiness. Segmental Insights - Power Generation: Largest market share in 2022 with rapid growth potential. Wave energy aligns with increasing demand for electricity. Easily integrates into existing energy grids. Advances in technology improve energy conversion efficiency. Electricity market well-established globally. Energy storage solutions address intermittency. Environmentally friendly with no emissions. Contributes to energy independence. Economics increasingly favorable. Regional Insights - Europe: Largest market share due to early adoption. Leading countries include the UK, Portugal , Denmark , and Norway . , , and . UK government support for wave energy R&D. Portugal's abundant wave energy resources. abundant wave energy resources. Denmark's focus on renewable energy. focus on renewable energy. Norway's commitment to sustainable energy. Regional Insights - North America: Second-largest market with the US as a leader. US government investment in wave energy research. US Navy's interest in wave energy technologies. Key Market Players Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) Eco Wave Power CorPower Ocean Wello Oy CalWave Power Technologies Inc. Carnegie Clean Energy Limited Aquamarine Powerc Ltd Orbital Marine Power AWS Ocean Energy Report Scope Wave Energy Converter Market, by Technology: Oscillating Water Column Oscillating Body Converters Overtopping Converters Wave Energy Converter Market, by Location: Onshore Offshore Near-shore Wave Energy Converter Market, by Application: Power Generation Water Desalination Pumping of Water Environmental Protection Wave Energy Converter Market, by Region: North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East & Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/skl9q0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets The funding, which comes less than a year after the company's launch from stealth, will enable Guardz to expand its holistic platform for MSPs to seamlessly manage small business cybersecurity TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardz, the cybersecurity company securing and insuring small businesses, today announced that it has raised an $18M Series A round led by Glilot+, the early growth fund of Glilot Capital Partners. Guardz's existing investors Hanaco Ventures, iAngels, and GKFF Ventures participated in the oversubscribed round and were joined by new investors ClearSky. The investment comes less than a year after Guardz launched with $10M in seed funding, bringing its total funding to date to $28M. Since emerging from stealth, Guardz has achieved product-market fit, optimizing its holistic cybersecurity offering for the Managed Service Providers (MSPs) who serve small businesses. In less than a year, Guardz has experienced rapid growth, partnering with hundreds of MSPs and securing thousands of the businesses they manage in the US and Europe. The new funds raised will be used to fuel the company's commercial growth and accelerate product development to increase cybersecurity coverage, as well as to expand sales, marketing, and customer success operations globally. Small businesses, which serve as the backbone of the US economy, are increasingly targeted by cybersecurity attacks. Recent years have seen them suffer 43% of data breaches with nearly $7 billion in reported losses, and yet only 14% of small businesses are prepared to defend themselves. With most cybersecurity solutions too cumbersome for small companies to deploy, too complicated for them to understand and maintain, and too costly, small businesses regularly turn to their MSPs to handle their cybersecurity needs. MSPs, in turn, face challenges in managing multiple companies' cybersecurity setups across a multitude of disparate platforms, sourcing attractive cyber insurance coverage for their customers, and successfully outshining competitors for new clients. The Guardz cybersecurity platform empowers MSPs to seamlessly manage their numerous small business customers' cyber posture, subscription plans, and remediation from a single, multi-tenant platform with a simple and cost-effective approach. The holistic solution provides automated threat detection and remediation across all attack vectors, including business data, employee identities, cloud directories, web browsing, emails, and devices, with real-time risk prevention and actionable alerts. The AI-powered solution automatically monitors a company's external and internal digital footprint to continuously analyze cybersecurity risks and remediate threats. Additionally, Guardz's comprehensive cybersecurity protection enables MSPs to offer their clients cyber insurance, which was previously inaccessible due to a lack of cybersecurity controls, generating an additional MSP revenue stream and further protecting their customers' business interests. "MSPs are at the forefront of protecting small businesses, which underpin the US economy, and we are on a mission to empower them to do so better and more efficiently," said Dor Eisner, CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz. "We are proud to enable our MSP partners to ensure not only small businesses' cybersecurity posture, but also the longevity of their businesses. The time is now to double down on our successful go-to-market machine and equip even more MSPs to do so." "When we met the exceptional team at Guardz, which combines cybersecurity leaders with small business go-to-market experts, it became evident that they had built the ultimate solution for small business cybersecurity a longstanding and rapidly growing market need we've been monitoring at Glilot for a while," stated Lior Litwak, Managing Partner and Head of Glilot+. "Guardz has developed an impressive, holistic, and user-friendly cybersecurity and cyber insurance risk-assessment platform that is cleverly tailored to MSPs, who serve the often-overlooked long-tail small business market. We are excited to lead this funding round and join the Guardz team on their journey to secure the digital world for those who today need it most." "Guardz continues to demonstrate top-decile growth, in exceptionally challenging market environments. The trend for MSPs' customers being drawn to securing and insuring their businesses in a holistic, hassle-free manner is a significant tailwind. We're exceptionally proud to continue to support Dor and Alon as we have done from the very beginning of their journey," said Alon Lifshitz, Founding Partner at Hanaco Ventures. "The speed at which Guardz has brought a product to market, and then instantly created adoption and usage is profound," said Shelly Hod Moyal, iAngels Founding Partner. "It is rare to see a company multiply sales quarter-over-quarter at this stage, and it speaks volumes to Dor and Alon's vision and execution." To learn more about the new funding, please visit here . About Guardz Guardz is a holistic cybersecurity solution built to empower MSPs to secure and insure SMEs against ever-evolving threats such as phishing, ransomware attacks, data loss, and user risks by leveraging AI and a multilayered approach. The solution streamlines cybersecurity with its automated detection and response capabilities across users, emails, devices, data, and cloud apps, all from a single pane of glass. By combining robust cybersecurity technology and deep insurance expertise, Guardz ensures that businesses' security is consistently monitored, managed, and optimized to prevent the next attack and mitigate the risk. Guardz was founded in 2022 by Dor Eisner and Alon Lavi along with a team of cyber and insurance experts who combine innovation, experience, and creativity to create a safer digital world for small businesses. About Glilot Capital Partners Glilot Capital Partners is a multi-stage venture fund that invests in Israel's most extraordinary entrepreneurs. Glilot backs teams that develop advanced technology in areas of Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI/ML DevOps, DevTools, and more. The fund creates an environment that makes it possible to generate real lasting value for both sides of the investment equation, supporting founders from inception to acquisition with long term relationships and methodologies built in over a decade. Glilot was founded in 2011 and currently manages over $700M+ across its funds. This round is led by Glilot+, the early growth fund of Glilot Capital Partners, which focuses on leading Series A and B rounds in the firm's focus sectors. Media contact: Allison Grey Headline Media [email protected] US: +1 323 283 8176 UK: +44 203 807 4482 IL: +972 53 820 2606 SOURCE Guardz On the night of December 13, Russia could have fired 48N6 ballistic anti-aircraft missiles from the S400 system at Ukraine. This is a scarce modification that has a confirmed range of up to 240 kilometers. ADVERTISIMENT The fact that the Kremlin terrorists were using these missiles was reported on Telegram by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak. He noted that the enemy targeted an infrastructure facility. Russian sources report that the 48N6 SAM has a direct attack warhead. The missile is larger than the 5V55RM, and the B-203A launcher was developed for it. The 48N6 missile has a maximum range of 150 km, but the control system that existed in 1993 allowed a range of only 93 km. Back in January 2023, the American analytical institution Jamestown Foundation noted in its publication on the Russian military-industrial complex that in general, the Russian military-industrial complex produces several times more anti-aircraft missiles per year than cruise missiles. ADVERTISIMENT We are talking about about 2000 anti-aircraft missiles for air defense systems of all types. For comparison, the American defense industry produces up to 600-650 anti-aircraft missiles of all types per year. This probably explains the launch of missiles of this type at the Ukrainian capital as they decided that there were a lot of them. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Russians fired 10 ballistic missiles at the capital, including S-400 anti-aircraft guided missiles and Iskander cruise missiles. The Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed all the missiles. - As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv, apartment buildings and private houses, infrastructure facilities, including a kindergarten, were damaged, fires broke out, and more than 50 people, including children, were injured. ADVERTISIMENT WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Vital Salud, LLC's Executive Vice President Mauricio Agudelo will today join leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at a health roundtable on Capitol Hill. In the CHC's fourth roundtable this year, Chair Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan and Vice Chair Rep. Darren Soto will be joined by Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark; Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu; Deputy Secretary of HHS, Andrea Palm and other CHC committee members. Mr. Agudelo will discuss health issues facing the Hispanic population and share how Vital Salud's unique value proposition centers on health plan designs that eliminate the high-deductible aspect of typical health insurance plans and the removal of coinsurance. Addressing these issues allows for plan designs that are more affordable and better suit most patients' needs. "Recognizing the disproportionate need for healthcare solutions within the Hispanic community is a crucial starting point, but diagnosis without prognosis is not enough," Mr. Agudelo says in his prepared remarks. "I believe that we can stipulate the following general truths: Latinos are underserved across the board, we are underserved at higher rates than other minority communities, and any meaningful solution to bridge that lack of services will require not just public and private solutions, but a meaningful cooperation between the two." At 64 million or 19 percent of the overall U.S. population, the Hispanic population is the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority. Unfortunately, the health disparities for the population have persisted despite an increase in Hispanic individuals gaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the White House, Latino enrollment through the ACA increased by 900,000 or 53% from 2020 to 2022, helping more Latinos than ever before gain health care coverage. Still, Hispanic or Latino people have among the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 17.7 percent as of the 2022 U.S. Economic Census; more than twice the national average. Vital Salud is honored to convene with leaders across the federal government to discuss solutions to the national, solvable Hispanic health crisis. The company believes support and collaboration between our nation's elected officials and the private sector is paramount to making a lasting impact on Hispanic health care access and outcomes. Vital Salud is a newly launched, Hispanic-owned health benefits company that designs affordable health plans to meet the needs of uninsured U.S. Hispanic workers and their employers. Vital Salud's benefits extend affordability and choice through plans built on reduced or eliminated copays not high deductibles that can improve health disparities among the uninsured in Hispanic communities across the U.S. Visit vitalsalud.com to learn more. Media Contact: contact@VitalSalud.com SOURCE Vital Expert business mentors provide free help to entrepreneurs who are just starting out. WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Half of new businesses fail within the first five years, and poor business planning is a contributing factor, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Those first few years are crucial, which is why SCORE mentors to America's small businesses recommends entrepreneurs build their business on the foundation of a strong business plan. Don Tobul (right) received guidance and support from several SCORE mentors throughout the process of starting his own business. "Creating a business plan is essential for small business owners as it helps outline and set clear goals and objectives for the business," explains SCORE mentor LaRita South. "It enables owners to anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Additionally, a well-crafted business plan can attract investors, secure funding, and provide a roadmap for long-term success." A business plan typically has four sections: the executive summary, business details, financial forecasts and supporting data. The Executive Summary The summary does just what the name implies: sums up all the information in the business plan. It works as a short sales pitch for your business. If you need funding, this is often the most important (or only) section potential lenders will read, so include all major information here. You might want to write this last after you've finished the other sections. Business Details In this section, explain your business model, what your business does and how you will make money. Description: What are you offering and why? Be specific. Need: Explain why the world needs your product or service. What's special about it? Marketing: Who is your target customer, and how will you market to them? Where do you plan on finding them? Sales: How do you plan on selling your product or service? Competition: Who are your competitors, and what sets you apart? How can you compete and win? Experience: List your experience and background and that of any co-founders. The Financial Forecast Another necessary section in your business plan is the financial forecast. Here you'll detail how much it will cost to start the business, where the money will come from and how you will spend it. You'll also include financial projections for growth. Equipment: What do you need to buy to start? Startup money: Where will the money come from? Personal savings? Friends or family? Other funding options: Do you have other ideas of where you can get financing if needed? Perhaps outside investors? Projections: Forecast your income and expenses for your first year. Estimate how long it will take to break even. Supporting Data This critical part of the business plan provides backup evidence for everything you added so far. For example, the supporting data might include the size of the market for your product or service. Ask for Feedback Creating a solid business plan will help you focus on what's necessary to succeed, but you don't have to go on this journey alone. Connect with an expert business mentor at SCORE for free guidance and support. "SCORE helped me identify the steps that I needed to take on to get this business to transition from an idea to inventory," said SCORE client Don Tobul, owner and operator of OD Greens in Eastlake, OH. "Working with SCORE helped me create the business. If it wasn't for SCORE, I wouldn't have a business I firmly believe that." Ready to seek valuable feedback on your plan? Connect with a SCORE mentor today and get started. About SCORE: Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org . Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. CONTACT: SCORE 202-968-6428 [email protected] Visit SCORE's media resources to be connected with expert small business interview sources and news updates. SOURCE: https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/small-business-statistics/ SOURCE SCORE NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Julie & Holleman LLP, a law firm dedicated to representing shareholders, is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duty related to the proposed acquisition of HireRight Holdings Corporation (NYSE: HRT) by its controlling shareholders, private equity firms General Atlantic and Stone Point Capital. If you are a HireRight shareholder and would like information regarding our investigation, free of charge, please click here or visit us at: https://julieholleman.com/?p=3228. HireRight is a leading global provider of technology-driven workforce risk management and compliance solutions. According to recent SEC filings, General Atlantic and Stone Point own approximately three-fourths of the company's shares, which gives it the ability to control. On December 8, 2023, General Atlantic and Stone Point submitted a proposal to acquire the shares of HireRight they don't already own for $12.75 per share. Julie & Holleman is concerned about potential breaches of fiduciary duty owed to shareholders by General Atlantic and Stone Point, as well as members of the company's board of directors. If you are interested in learning about your legal rights, please contact the firm by visiting here or contacting partner W. Scott Holleman, Esq. by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (929) 415-1020. Julie & Holleman is a boutique law firm that works exclusively on shareholder matters, including securities fraud, mergers and acquisitions, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other corporate misconduct. The firm's attorneys litigate in state and federal courts across the nation and have helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved companies and their shareholders. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://www.julieholleman.com/. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. CONTACT INFORMATION Julie & Holleman LLP W. Scott Holleman, Esq. 157 East 86th Street 4th Floor New York, NY 10028 (929) 415-1020 www.julieholleman.com SOURCE Julie & Holleman LLP MELBOURNE, Australia and SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagion Biosystems Limited (ASX: IBX) recently announced positive results following completion of the IBI10103 phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety and clinical feasibility of MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent (MSH2IA) as an adjunct to MRI for the assessment of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients diagnosed with HER2+ primary breast cancer. The trial met its endpoint of safety and tolerability, and showed that blinded radiologists may be able to distinguish suspicious lymph nodes that are infiltrated with metastatic HER2+ cancer from those involved in a healthy immune response or otherwise normally reactive. Thirteen women definitively diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer were enrolled and treated with the drug without any safety issues, toxicity or drug-related adverse events reported. Imagion Biosystems' Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Isaac Bright, shares a scientific presentation, providing intricate insights into the Phase I Study conducted with MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent. Dr. Isaac Bright, Managing Director and CEO of Imagion, presented the data at the international San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium last week and said, "Patients with HER2 positive breast cancer need better staging options that are safe, reliable, comprehensive, and less invasive than today's standard of care axillary ultrasound and serial biopsy procedures. Too many of these women endure unnecessary interventions that provide incomplete information and impose unnecessary costs on global healthcare systems. We are encouraged by MSH2IA's potential to increase the accuracy of disease staging, and thus improve treatment decisions." You can download a copy of the poster HERE >> https://info.imagionbio.com/sabcs-2023-poster-request IBI10103 Phase I Study Results The IBI10103 clinical trial was closed in October 2023 and evaluated the potential of the world's first molecularly targeted MRI contrast agent, MSH2IA (MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent), to enhance clinicians' ability to non-invasively and more accurately determine the stage of HER2+ breast cancer. This trial, which was a multi-center open-label study, demonstrated the drug is safe and well-tolerated. An international panel of blinded radiologists assessed pre-dose versus post-dose MRI scans of treated patients. 5 patients' scans were not interpretable due to image artifacts or tumor invasion that precluded lymphatic drainage of MSH2IA to axillary lymph nodes. In a comprehensive assessment of the other 8 patients' scans, the radiologists recognized MSH2IA uptake in both normal and malignant lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes were recognized by a uniformly dark contrast distributed throughout the entire node. Tumor-metastasized lymph nodes were observed to have heterogeneous scattered darkening. Importantly, MRI assessment of post-MSH2IA imaging achieved parity or outperformed standard-of-care axillary ultrasound imaging in all 8 of these patients. Molecular MRI with MSH2IA achieved nearly perfect patient-level concordance, as 7 of these 8 patients identified with tumor-metastasized lymph nodes post-MSH2IA MRI imaging were confirmed by post-surgical pathology analysis to have metastatic disease. The Company continues to work towards its Investigational New Drug application for submission to the US FDA, which was initially planned for Q1:2024, but now likely to be delayed as Imagion works to ensure sufficient resources are in place to pursue clinical development of the MagSense imaging technology. As the global first-mover enabling molecular MRI, these results are very promising for Imagion and for improved precision oncology care. The Company is encouraged by the feedback IBI10103 results are attracting from prospective partners. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Poster Dr. Bright announced these findings last week in a premiere Spotlight poster presentation titled, 'Noninvasive Detection of Lymph Node Involvement in Subjects with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer using the MagSense HER2 Test Reagent A First-In-Human Phase I Study' at the international San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference. You can download a copy of the poster HERE >> https://info.imagionbio.com/sabcs-2023-poster-request About HER2+ Breast Cancer More than 2 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and approximately 20% of them are diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. Accurate disease staging is crucial, as treatment strategies vary based on primary tumor characteristics, lymph node status, and more distant metastatic disease. The current clinical standard of care for breast cancer staging relies on clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging. Axillary ultrasound for staging breast cancer is highly subjective and operator-dependent as many as 50% of breast cancer patients may have their disease inaccurately staged. Inaccuracies at the outset of disease management leave a number of patients inadequately treated and subject others to wasteful and potentially harmful treatments and interventions. Molecular MRI with MSH2IA may emerge as the new standard of care for accurately staging the disease in patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. About MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent The MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent features a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle core synthesized at Imagion's GMP-compliant facility in San Diego, CA. It is coated with biocompatible polymers and functionalized with the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab or Herceptin. MSH2IA is designed to be a single dose injected near the primary tumor and has been proven to drain through lymphatics, specifically targeting and binding to HER2+ breast cancer cells. About Imagion Biosystems Established in 2017 and headquartered in the San Diego, California, US, Imagion Biosystems is an ASX-listed company dedicated to developing innovative medical imaging technologies for various cancer types. Imagion Biosystems is advancing clinical development of its MagSense platform technology to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, introducing molecular imaging to MRI. The Company's lead program has demonstrated its innovative technology embodied in MagSense HER2 Imaging Agent (MSH2IA) is safe and well-tolerated in patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. Imagion Biosystems' MagSense pipeline includes prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and brain cancer programs. For more information, visit https://imagionbiosystems.com Authorisation & Additional information This announcement was authorised by the Disclosure Committee of Imagion Biosystems Limited. Australian Media & Investor Relations: Geoff Hollis, CFO and Company Secretary [email protected] +61 438 168 008 U.S. Media Contact Casie Ost [email protected] +1-619-693-4428 SOURCE Imagion Biosystems NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The influenza vaccine market is expected to grow by USD 2.93 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 6.89% during the forecast period, according to Technavio Research. The market is segmented by distribution channel (hospitals and pharmacies, government and institutional, and others), type (live attenuated influenza vaccines and recombinant influenza vaccines), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)). North America is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The presence of public authorities in this region such as the Pan American Health Organization PNGHO, which provides recommendations on vaccination schedules, could be to blame. Some of the most important vaccine products for sale in this region are BOOSTRIX, INFANRIX, Pediarix, BEXSERO, MENVEO, and influenza. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Influenza Vaccine 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 a Free PDF Sample Report Company Profile: Altimmune Inc., AstraZeneca PLC, Baxter International Inc., BioDiem Ltd, BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd., CSL Ltd., Emergent BioSolutions Inc., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., FluGen Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp., Novavax Inc., Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., SK Chemicals Co. Ltd., Vaccitech Plc, Vaxart Inc., and Vaxine Pty Ltd. Altimmune Inc. - The company offers influenza vaccines such as NasoVax. To gain access to more company profiles available with Technavio, buy the report! Influenza Vaccine Market: Segmentation Analysis The market share growth by the hospitals and pharmacies segment will be significant during the forecast period. The administration of the vaccine is under the responsibility of hospitals, particularly in those who are at increased risk for an influenza infection. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a Free PDF Sample Report Influenza Vaccine Market: Market Dynamics Key Driver Rising awareness about influenza vaccination Increasing prevalence and incidence of influenza Initiation of immunization programs and research activities The Rising awareness about influenza vaccination is a key factor driving market growth. Both government and non-government bodies are taking various initiatives to improve awareness about the disease and its prevention. For example, the CDC conducts National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national awareness campaign every year to educate the public about the importance of influenza vaccination. As a result, the awareness campaigns help people to know about the preventive measures available against influenza. Major Trend The need for revaccination is one of the major trends in the market. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market. Download a sample to gain access to this information. Related Reports: The Human Vaccine Market size is estimated to grow by USD 29.1 billion at a CAGR of 9.49% between 2023 and 2028. The global pneumococcal vaccine market size is estimated to grow by USD 2,820.53 million at a CAGR of 5.81% between 2022 and 2027. What are the key data covered in this influenza vaccine market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the influenza vaccine market between 2022 and 2027. Precise estimation of the influenza vaccine 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 influenza vaccine market across 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 influenza vaccine market companies. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 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 ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 8, 2024, The Speak Foundation, a patient-led 501(c)(3) organization for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), will be convening a multi-stakeholder LGMD Scientific Drug Development Workshop in Rockville, Maryland. The workshop will continue to drive the momentum for the sense of urgency needed by the patient community to accelerate LGMD drug development. LGMD Scientific Drug Development Workshop The Speak Foundation logo Academic medical experts, senior leaders from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), highly experienced drug developers, and other specialists will come together to discuss LGMD pathophysiology, clinical outcomes and patient-focused drug development, surrogate endpoints and the accelerated approval pathway. The meeting will focus on six LGMD subtypes: LGMD2A/R1, LGMD2B/R2, LGMD2C/R5, LGMD2D/R3, LGMD2E/R4, and LGMD2I/R9. "In September 2022, at the LGMD community's first Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting (EL-PFDD), the FDA heard perspectives of patients and caregivers on the health effects, daily impacts, treatment goals, and decision factors that would be considered when seeking out or selecting a treatment," explains Kathryn Bryant Knudson, founder of the Speak Foundation. "This workshop is a continuing step to work with the FDA and LGMD scientific leaders on pushing critical drug development forward. The time is now." LGMD Scientific Workshop session presenters will include CBER Director Dr. Peter Marks, and CDER's Office of New Drugs (OND) Director, Dr. Peter Stein. Other confirmed speakers include Dr. Jerry R. Mendell, retired attending neurologist of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dr. Nicholas Johnson of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Louise Rodino-Klapac of Sarepta Therapeutics, Dr. Douglas Sproule of ML Bio Solutions, a BridgeBio affiliate, Dr. Katherine Mathews of University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Matthew Wicklund of University of Texas San Antonio, Dr. Peter Kang of University of Minnesota Medical School and Dr. Lindsay Alfano of Nationwide Children's Hospital. "As a translational clinician scientist, devoting a lifetime of work toward improving the lives of patients with muscular dystrophy, workshops like the LGMD Scientific meeting are important venues for discussing the current scientific understanding of LGMD and the implications for drug development." said Dr. Jerry R. Mendell. "Bringing key LGMD stakeholders together to share ideas and research findings in a public forum is the most productive way to find solutions and advance therapies that will improve the lives of LGMD patients." The LGMD Scientific Workshop will be a focused discussion with clinicians, scientific researchers, drug developers, regulators, patients and patient advocates on the characteristics of LGMD that drive drug development programs. The meeting will be held virtually and by invitation for in-person attendance. Proceedings will be recorded and shared with the broader patient and scientific communities through The Speak Foundation. More details will be added soon to: The Speak Foundation - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy . About The Speak Foundation: The Speak Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, which is focused on supporting patients living with all forms of LGMD and on facilitating development of treatments for these diseases. About Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy: Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of muscular dystrophies caused by mutations in one of over 30 genes. The age of onset, symptoms, progression, and inheritance pattern varies among genetic subtypes, but generally result in severe disability and are often life-threatening due to cardiac and respiratory complications. There are estimated to be some 20,000+ people living with a form LGMD in the United States. Media Contact: Rachel DeConti [email protected] 860-209-0492 SOURCE The Speak Foundation Lumen's Black Lotus Labs exposes Chinese cyber actor behind Volt Typhoon's attacks on telecoms, government, and green energy sectors DENVER, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major win for national security, Black Lotus Labs, the threat research and intelligence arm of Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN), discovered and stopped a malicious botnet used by Chinese nation state cyber actors supporting Volt Typhoon operations. The KV-botnet targeted critical infrastructure providers and municipal governments in Guam and other regions creating a serious threat to U.S. businesses and strategic interests. To learn more about how Black Lotus Labs uncovered the KV-botnet, traced the activities aligned with the People's Republic of China, and disrupted their operational infrastructure, read Routers Roasting on an Open Firewall: The KV-botnet Investigation. "KV-botnet is a new discovery signaling an escalation in the abuse of network and security devices to hide secret operations against some of our nation's most vital networks," said Mark Dehus, senior director of threat intelligence at Lumen Black Lotus Labs. "Blocking the threat actor's infrastructure across Lumen's network disrupts the botnet's ability to operate and helps combat dangerous and highly skilled nation state threats like Volt Typhoon. Black Lotus Labs is releasing the information about the threat's operations so critical infrastructure providers, the defense industrial base, commercial businesses, and even end consumers can be aware of this activity and take steps to defend against it." How it works: The botnet, discovered and named KV-botnet by Black Lotus Labs, uses sophisticated malware to create hidden channels on infected small office/home office (SOHO) routers and firewalls, forming a secret network for data transmission. Black Lotus Labs detected KV-botnet activity on its global backbone and traced it to the control servers run by threat actors aligned with China. The team then null routed, or dropped, the malicious IP addresses, blocking access to the compromised devices and stopping further attacks on critical infrastructure. Why it matters: Since the beginning of 2022, a sophisticated and secretive group of cyber actors has been running the KV-botnet, which has connections to Volt Typhoon. Microsoft and other security researchers have attributed this network to the Chinese government. By using the KV-botnet, Volt Typhoon could send secret communication channels that avoided security barriers and firewalls and merged with normal network traffic. This botnet was essential for their strategic intelligence collection operations, helping them accomplish their long-term goals. The campaign targeted devices outside the reach of traditional security detection teams, an intentional layer of obfuscation for covert operations. Black Lotus Labs also shared its findings and evidence with the broader security research community, to help them protect their networks from the threat posed by these kinds of hidden networks. Tips for businesses and consumers: Businesses: Watch out for substantial amounts of data leaving your network, even if they appear to go to nearby locations. Geofencing will not protect you from these activities. Use an advanced security solution such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to detect and stop suspicious network activity. Consumers: Regularly restart your routers and install the latest security updates and patches. Use reliable and updated security software on your devices and install updates when they are available. Additional resources: This is the fourth malware campaign Black Lotus Labs has found this year using compromised small office/home office (SOHO) routers. The infosec industry has observed activity against several verticals by China -based actors. -based actors. Learn more about Black Lotus Labs, defenders of a clean internet. See how Lumen Rapid Threat Defense uses global threat intelligence to block DDoS bots on the network. Read how Lumen SASE Solutions provides simplified network access, security, and management on the Lumen Platform. About Lumen Technologies: Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. SOURCE Lumen Technologies Fifth Women of Inforum@CES event provides the opportunity for professionals in automotive, technology, and manufacturing to relax, connect, and network DETROIT, Mich., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Women are making important contributions to the burgeoning mobility industry, and the opportunities continue to grow. To connect talented women and men within the automotive and other tech-reliant industries, Magna and 360ofme will host the Women of Inforum@CES event at the 2024 show to showcase and support the work of Inforum, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the careers of women and building talent initiatives at companies. The reception will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 4-6 p.m. PST, at the Magna Booth #3725, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. "Women represent an important but underrepresented part of the mobility workforce. We, along with our partners, are working to attract more women to the field and showcase their talents to the industry," said Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum. "CES represents an excellent opportunity to tap into the talented women - and men - in these growing fields and help them make the connections needed to advance and elevate their careers." "Magna is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the automotive industry," said Eric Wilds, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Magna. "Inforum@CES provides a platform for women in STEM to connect and for us to explore additional ways to empower their professional growth throughout the evolving automotive technology landscape. We are proud to support initiatives that enrich the industry's workforce and promote collaboration." "Female founders are unique in our industry. The fact is there is not enough investment in female-founded businesses to thrive and scale," said Kara Grasso, strategy and revenue lead for 360ofme. "Our industry is stronger when we integrate a broad perspective of ideas and viewpoints, and we are proud to be here at this important event raising awareness and supporting diverse solutions within the mobility industry." Please register here. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided. About Inforum Created in 1962 as the Women's Economic Club, Inforum offers strategic networking, leadership and training opportunities, and educational research and advocacy to accelerate careers, boost talent initiatives for companies, and boost women's leadership contribution to the economy. For more information, see www.myinforum.org. About Magna Magna is more than one of the world's largest suppliers in the automotive space. We are a mobility technology company built to innovate, with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team of over 181,000 employees across 344 manufacturing operations and 104 product development, engineering, and sales centers spanning 29 countries. With 65+ years of expertise, our ecosystem of interconnected products combined with our complete vehicle expertise uniquely positions us to advance mobility in an expanded transportation landscape. For further information about Magna (NYSE:MGA; TSX:MG), please visit www.magna.com or follow us on social. About 360ofme Inc. As a trusted personal data exchange platform, 360ofme is committed to transforming the paradigm of personal data ownership by rebuilding trust between ethical businesses and consumers. Based on low-code, secure, and compliant technology, the platform allows for personal data to be protected, curated, and monetized while end consumers retain full control of their information. At the core, 360ofme's goal is to solve for increased privacy regulations while adding value to both businesses and consumers. For more information, please visit www.360ofme.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. SOURCE 360ofme Inc. Latest Results from The Harris Poll OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Most American companies have lost employees to retirement the past two years, taking valuable institutional knowledge and experience with them. One possible solution? Mentorship programs. Benefits of Offering Mentorship Programs While not a new concept, mentorship programs are gaining popularity as a way to combat this brain drain (i.e., when older employees retire without sharing knowledge of how to do their job to younger generations) and accelerate recruiting and retention in the current prolonged labor shortage. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. U.S. hiring managers report the top reasons for retiring at their company as reaching what employees believe to be retirement age (65+ years old) (47%), no longer wanting to work (40%) and feeling they have enough money saved to retire (39%). Job seekers' perceptions regarding reasons for retirement are similarly aligned feeling they have enough money saved to retire (58%), reaching what they believe to be retirement age (65+ years old) (53%) and no longer wanting to work (51%). Regardless of the age of retirement, hiring managers and job seekers agree employees should retire whenever they are financially able to do so (84% and 85%, respectively). Benefits of Mentorship Although many companies don't currently offer mentorship programs, hiring managers and job seekers see the benefits in doing so. Around two-thirds of hiring managers (64%) say their company currently offers on-the-job training/upskilling followed by mentorship programs (40%) and reskilling (31%). Among those that offer mentorship programs, most cite doing so as a means of upskilling/reskilling employees (81%). Around half offer this program to attract prospective employees (53%) and cultivate greater connection between employees (52%). Additionally, around 2 in 5 companies offer it to reduce brain drain (41%) and keep older employees engaged (40%). For companies that do not currently have a mentorship program in place, more than half (52%) say they are likely to do so in the next two years. Hiring managers who have not implemented mentorships feel the ability to upskill/reskill employees (54%), attract prospective employees (34%) and cultivate greater connections between employees (30%) are among the top benefits of offering the program in the future. Job seekers believe similar benefits are available when offering mentorship programs: upskill/reskill employees (70%), cultivate greater connections between employees (49%) and reduce brain drain (43%). Around 4 in 5 hiring managers (82%) believe job candidates are more attracted to companies offering mentorship programs 85% of job seekers concur; companies are more attractive to them if they offer a mentorship program. And, as employees retire and companies search for a method to bridge the potential knowledge gap, mentorships may prove to be a viable option. More than 4 in 5 hiring managers (83%) feel these programs are absolutely essential in reducing "brain drain." "A mentorship program in companies is like a shortcut to success," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "It's a practical way to transfer knowledge, refine skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By connecting experienced individuals with those eager to learn, companies not only boost employee development but also build a stronger, more collaborative workforce." Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,006 adults ages 18 and older. For full survey methodologies, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and more than 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. SOURCE Express Employment Professionals The dynamics of the metastatic prostate cancer market are anticipated to change in the coming years owing to the rise in the number of companies taking interest in the development of specific drugs for mCRPC and nmCRPC along with increasing awareness and penetration of already approved prostate cancer drugs. LAS VEGAS, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, metastatic prostate cancer emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2019 to 2032, segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Key Takeaways from the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Report As per DelveInsight analysis, the total market size in the 7MM for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) was estimated to be nearly USD 6.4 billion in 2022, which is expected to show positive growth by 2032. in 2022, which is expected to show positive growth by 2032. In 2022, the United States held the highest market share for mCRPC and mCSPC in the 7MM, at 63% and 61%, respectively, followed by the EU4 countries and the UK. held the highest market share for mCRPC and mCSPC in the 7MM, at respectively, followed by the EU4 countries and the UK. As per DelveInsight estimates, the total prevalent population of prostate cancer in the 7MM was nearly 8 million cases in 2022. These cases will increase during the study period, i.e., 20192032. cases in 2022. These cases will increase during the study period, i.e., 20192032. Leading metastatic prostate cancer companies such as AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Astellas Pharma, Modra Pharmaceuticals, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Zr Pharma & GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ipsen, Exelixis, Takeda, Janssen Research & Development, Tesaro, Lantheus Holdings, Kintor Pharmaceutical, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Madison Vaccines, Novartis, Point Biopharma, Xencor, Essa Pharma , Telix International, Bayer, Arvinas , and others are developing novel metastatic prostate cancer drugs that can be available in the metastatic prostate cancer market in the coming years. , and others are developing novel metastatic prostate cancer drugs that can be available in the metastatic prostate cancer market in the coming years. The promising metastatic prostate cancer therapies in the pipeline include HC-1119, Talazoparib, Enzalutamide, Niraparib, Boosted Oral Docetaxel, Masitinib, EPI-7386, Verzenio, 177Lu-PSMA-617, Capivasertib, I-131-1095, Proxalutamide (GT0918), MGC018, DS-7300, MVI-816, ARV-110, 177Lu-PNT2002 (PNT2002), Vudalimab (XmAb20717), 177Lu-DOTA-rosopatamab (TLX591) , and others. , and others. Established therapies in the metastatic prostate cancer market include Astella/Pfizer's and Jansenn's blockbuster products XTANDI and ZYTIGA, respectively, approved for metastatic patients for over a decade now. Even though ZYTIGA's generics have entered the US market since 2019, and the EU since late 2022 , leading to a drastic decline in the revenue mainly in the US, the product is extensively being evaluated in combination with novel emerging therapies, leading to an increase in patient share on the compound abiraterone acetate. Whereas, Jansenn's XTANDI, the biggest revenue generator in the prostate cancer market , has witnessed stable growth since 2021 owing to increased competition. , leading to a drastic decline in the revenue mainly in the US, the product is extensively being evaluated in combination with novel emerging therapies, leading to an increase in patient share on the compound abiraterone acetate. Whereas, , has witnessed stable growth since 2021 owing to increased competition. Quantitatively mCRPC pipeline seems to be quite strong, however with recent failures/terminations of several trials of certain therapies in the past year, we have mentioned the most promising ones, which include ESSA Pharma's EPI-7386, Macrogenics, and Daiichi's anti-B7-H3 Antibody Drug Conjugates, MGC-018 and DS-7300 respectively, Arvinas, AR-targeted PROTAC protein degrader, and Point Biopharma's Radioligand therapy. Except for Point Biopharma's therapy, none of these potential players have initiated a Phase III trial, even though Arvinas is planning to opt for an accelerated approval based on its Phase II data readout. respectively, Arvinas, AR-targeted PROTAC protein degrader, and Point Biopharma's Radioligand therapy. Except for Point Biopharma's therapy, none of these potential players have initiated a Phase III trial, even though Arvinas is planning to opt for an accelerated approval based on its Phase II data readout. The landscape of mHSPC has evolved tremendously in the past decades. The treatment paradigm has shifted from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone to doublet combinations comprising ADT with docetaxel or an androgen receptor inhibitor, and now triplet therapy involving all three classes of agents. Apart from XTANDI, ZYTIGA, and ERLEADA in the mCSPC market, Bayer's NUBEQA is another rising contender with a strong uptake in a short period. Bayer is further strategizing to increase the prescription by volume for NUBEQA by label expansion in patients who are not eligible for chemotherapy in the ARANOTE Phase III trial. in the mCSPC market, is another rising contender with a strong uptake in a short period. Bayer is further strategizing to increase the prescription by volume for NUBEQA by label expansion in patients who are not eligible for chemotherapy in the ARANOTE Phase III trial. PARP inhibitors such as AKEEGA and TALZENNA are also currently being evaluated in the mHSPC space alone and with ARIs. Novartis ' radioligand therapy, PLUVICTO approved in 2022, has generated an unexpected revenue from the third-line mCRPC setting, further plans to expand in an earlier line in mCRPC by 2024 in the United States . The approval of PLUVICTO has also marked a crucial advancement in treating progressive mCRPC , offering improved survival rates for those with limited treatment options. The drug had an exceptionally robust initial market performance, garnering a stronger-than-expected uptake in the US. The drug is currently being studied in the Phase III PSMAddition study to see if that triplet combination is better than ADT and an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor alone in patients with mHSPC . Discover which therapies are expected to grab the major metastatic prostate cancer market share @ Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Report Metastatic Prostate Cancer Overview Prostate cancer, a form of malignancy specific to the prostate gland within the male reproductive system, can advance to a metastatic stage, spreading from the prostate to other areas of the body. This advanced stage is often referred to as metastatic or advanced prostate cancer, commonly extending to lymph nodes or bones. Prostate cancer symptoms can differ widely among individuals. Although some men might not experience any symptoms, typical signs may include the presence of blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation, discomfort or a burning sensation during urination, and various other related symptoms. The primary diagnostic method involves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which detects elevated PSA levels in individuals affected by prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions. Screening processes may also include a digital rectal exam to identify any notable prostate tumors, alongside additional methods such as prostate ultrasound and MRI scans. However, a conclusive diagnosis typically necessitates a transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate tissue biopsy. Metastatic Prostate Cancer Epidemiology Segmentation As per DelveInsight analysis, the United States had the highest number of diagnosed prostate cancer cases in 2022, with approximately 2.9 million reported cases. In 2022, total cases of metastatic CSPC/HSPC and metastatic CRPC were around 100K and 120K, respectively, in the 7MM. These cases are expected to increase by 2032. The metastatic prostate cancer market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20192032 in the 7MM segmented into: Total Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer Age-Specific Cases of Prostate Cancer Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer by Clinical Stages Total Metastatic Cases of Prostate Cancer Total Treated Cases of mCRPC Total Treated Cases of mCSPC Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treatment Market Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) is a stage of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes or bones, and no longer responds to treatment that lowers testosterone. Despite currently approved therapeutics, mCRPC remains a terminal diagnosis with an aggressive disease course. ADT is a stalwart therapy for the initial treatment of metastatic disease. Unfortunately, most men in this situation will go on to develop mCRPC and require secondary systemic therapy. This disease state can be very challenging to treat. Docetaxel was the only agent available for the treatment of mCRPC until 2010, which showed an increase in overall survival compared with the standard of care. It was approved in 2004 for mCRPC with prednisone. Patients failed to first-line docetaxel for many years, and no standard treatment option was approved. However, in the last few years, several drugs such as JEVTANA, ZYTIGA, XTANDI, LYNPARZA, TALZENNA, AKEEGA, and others have received regulatory approval for mCRPC in the United States. Most recently, PARP inhibitors have shown tremendous development in this area with AKEEGA (Janssen), followed by TALZENNA (Pfizer/Astellas Pharma) and LYNPARZA in combination (AstraZeneca/Merck) getting approved in mCRPC in 2023. The approval of PLUVICTO has also marked a crucial advancement in treating progressive mCRPC, offering improved survival rates for those with limited treatment options. The drug had an exceptionally robust initial market performance, garnering a stronger-than-expected uptake in the US. Quantitatively, the mCRPC pipeline seems to be quite strong. ADCs such as MGC018 and DS-7300 have both displayed encouraging results in clinical trials involving patients with mCRPC. However, except for Point Biopharma's therapy, none of these potential players have initiated a Phase III trial, even though Arvinas plans to opt for an accelerated approval based on its Phase II data readout. Metastatic Castrate-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC) is an advanced form of cancer in which cancer cells have spread from the prostate to other body areas. However, the patient is still sensitive to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (some mCSPC patients have never had ADT, while others may have had ADT but have recovered testicular function). The backbone of all treatments in mCSPC is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with medications that suppress the level of testosterone in the body because testosterone is the fuel for prostate cancer and gives the signals to grow and spread. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that intensification of androgen deprivation with different treatment modalities correlates with prolongation of survival. The options for intensification include docetaxel chemotherapy, different androgen receptor-targeted agents, including abiraterone acetate, apalutamide, and enzalutamide, and radiation to the prostate. Most recently, the treatment paradigm for mHSPC shifted to triplet therapy, NUBEQA combined with ADT and chemotherapy. According to the findings presented at the ASCO GU 2023, the regimen should be considered the new standard of care for this patient population. To know more about metastatic prostate cancer treatment guidelines, visit @ Metastatic Prostate Cancer Management Metastatic Prostate Cancer Pipeline Therapies and Key Companies Capivasertib (AZD 5363): AstraZeneca Bavdegalutamide (ARV-110): Arvinas MVI-816 (pTVG-HP): Madison Vaccines PT-112: Phosplatin Therapeutics HC-1119: Hinova Pharmaceuticals OPDIVO (nivolumab): Bristol Myers Squibb KEYTRUDA (Pembrolizumab/MK-3475): Merck MGC018 (vobramitamab duocarmazine): MacroGenics DS-7300: Daiichi Sankyo Ceralasertib: AstraZeneca Ladiratuzumab vedotin: Seagen/Merck BMS-986218: Bristol-Myers Squibb TAS-115: Taiho Pharmaceutical ModraDoc006/r: Modra Pharmaceuticals Vudalimab: Xencor (Lu-177) - PNT2002: Point Biopharma LNTH-1095 (MIP-1095): Lantheus Holdings ZEN-3694: Zenith Epigenetics EPI-7386: Essa Pharma 177Lu-DOTA-rosopatamab: Telix Pharmaceuticals Proxalutamide: Kintor Pharmaceutical Masitinib: AB Science VERZENIO (Abemaciclib/LY2835219): Eli Lilly and Company CABOMETYX (cabozantinib): Exelixis Learn more about the FDA-approved drugs for metastatic prostate cancer @ Drugs for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treatment Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Dynamics The dynamics of the metastatic prostate cancer are expected to change in the coming years. Before 2010, docetaxel was the primary therapeutic option for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), demonstrating improved overall survival compared to the established standard of care. Its approval in 2004, alongside prednisone, marked a milestone in mCRPC treatment. Following initial docetaxel therapy failure, patients faced a dearth of approved second-line treatments for numerous years. However, recent years have witnessed regulatory approvals of multiple drugs in the United States for mCRPC, transforming the treatment landscape. Notably, medications such as JEVTANA, ZYTIGA, XTANDI, LYNPARZA, TALZENNA, AKEEGA, and several others have gained approval. Of late, significant advancements have emerged in the realm of mCRPC, particularly with PARP inhibitors. AKEEGA from Janssen, TALZENNA jointly developed by Pfizer and Astellas Pharma, and the combination of LYNPARZA by AstraZeneca and Merck garnered approval in 2023, showcasing remarkable progress in this domain. PLUVICTO's approval is a significant leap forward in the management of progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, bringing improved survival rates to patients with limited treatment alternatives. The drug witnessed an exceptional and robust initial performance in the US market, exceeding expectations. In numerical terms, the pipeline for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer appears robust. Antibody-drug conjugates like MGC018 and DS-7300 have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials among mCRPC patients. Nevertheless, except for Point Biopharma's treatment, the majority of these prospective treatments have yet to commence a Phase III trial. Despite this, Arvinas intends to pursue an expedited approval pathway leveraging its Phase II data for regulatory approval. Report Metrics Details Study Period 20192032 Coverage 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market CAGR 7MM 22% for mHSPC and 7.5% for mCRPC mCRPC Market Size in 2022 Around 6.4 USD Billion Key Metastatic Prostate Cancer Companies AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Astellas Pharma, Modra Pharmaceuticals, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Zr Pharma & GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ipsen, Exelixis, Takeda, Janssen Research & Development, Tesaro, Lantheus Holdings, Kintor Pharmaceutical, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Madison Vaccines, Novartis, Point Biopharma, Xencor, Essa Pharma, Telix International, Bayer, Arvinas, and others Key Pipeline Metastatic Prostate Cancer Therapies HC-1119, Talazoparib, Enzalutamide, Niraparib, Boosted Oral Docetaxel, Masitinib, EPI-7386, Verzenio, 177Lu-PSMA-617, Capivasertib, I-131-1095, Proxalutamide (GT0918), MGC018, DS-7300, MVI-816, ARV-110, 177Lu-PNT2002 (PNT2002), Vudalimab (XmAb20717), 177Lu-DOTA-rosopatamab (TLX591), and others Scope of the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Metastatic Prostate Cancer current marketed and emerging therapies Metastatic Prostate Cancer current marketed and emerging therapies Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Metastatic Prostate Cancer Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Metastatic Prostate Cancer Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Access and Reimbursement Discover more about metastatic prostate cancer drugs in development @ Metastatic Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Table of Contents 1 KEY INSIGHTS 2 REPORT INTRODUCTION 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF PROSTATE CANCER 4 KEY EVENTS 5 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MARKET FORECAST METHODOLOGY 5.1 METASTATIC CASTRATION-SENSITIVE PROSTATE CANCER (mCSPC) 5.2 METASTATIC CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER (mCRPC) 6 PROSTATE CANCER MARKET OVERVIEW AT A GLANCE 6.1 MARKET SHARE (%) DISTRIBUTION OF mCSPC/mHSPC BY CLASS IN 2022 6.2 MARKET SHARE (%) DISTRIBUTION OF mCSPC/mHSPC BY CLASS IN 2032 7 DISEASE BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW 7.1 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.2 EARLY SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.3 ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS 7.3.1 Recurrent Prostate Cancer Symptoms 7.4 RISK FACTORS AND CAUSES OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.5 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.6 PROSTATE NEOPLASIA 7.7 GENETICS OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.7.1 Somatic Copy Number Alteration 7.7.2 Structural Rearrangements 7.7.3 Point Mutations 7.7.4 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 7.8 DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER 7.8.1 Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer 7.8.2 Tests to Diagnose Prostate Cancer 7.8.3 Stages and Grades of Prostate Cancer 8 TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER 8.1 TREATMENT ALGORITHM OF PROSTATE CANCER 8.2 OBSERVATION OR ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE 8.3 SURGERY 8.3.1 Open or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy 8.3.2 Risks of Prostate Surgery 8.4 RADIATION THERAPY 8.4.1 Types of Radiation Therapy 8.5 HORMONE THERAPY 8.5.1 Types of Hormone Therapy 8.6 IMMUNOTHERAPY 8.6.1 Vaccine 8.6.2 Immune checkpoint inhibitors 8.7 CHEMOTHERAPY 9 TREATMENT GUIDELINES 9.1 GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER (NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK, 2023) 9.2 EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (ESMO) TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROSTATE CANCER 9.3 ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER: AUA/SUO GUIDELINE 9.4 JAPANESE UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: 2016 9.4.1 Prostate Cancer Screening 9.4.2 Prostate Cancer Treatment 9.5 ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER CONSENSUS CONFERENCE (APCCC): 2021 9.6 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CARE EXCELLENCE (NICE) RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES FOR mCSPC/mHSPC: 2022 9.7 SEOM CLINICAL GUIDELINES FOR mCSPC/MHNPC: 2021 9.8 EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF UROLOGY GUIDELINES ON PROSTATE CANCER (2023) 9.9 CLINICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER (SPANISH SOCIETY OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY, 2020) 9.1 GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER (NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CARE EXCELLENCE, 2021) 9.11 GUIDELINES FOR THE ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER (CANCER COMMITTEE OF THE FRENCH ASSOCIATION OF UROLOGY, 2020) 10 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATIENT POPULATION 10.1 KEY FINDINGS 10.2 ASSUMPTIONS AND RATIONALE 10.3 TOTAL METASTATIC CASES OF PROSTATE CANCER IN THE 7MM 10.4 THE UNITED STATES 10.4.1 Total Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer in the United States 10.4.2 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer in the United States 10.4.3 Age-specific Cases of Prostate Cancer in the United States 10.4.4 Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer by Clinical Stages in the United States 10.4.5 Total Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in the United States 10.4.6 Total Treated Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in the United States 10.5 EU4 AND THE UK 10.5.1 Total Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer in EU4 and the UK 10.5.2 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer in EU4 and the UK 10.5.3 Age-specific Cases of Prostate Cancer in EU4 and the UK 10.5.4 Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer by Clinical Stages in EU4 and the UK 10.5.5 Total Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in EU4 and the UK 10.5.6 Total Treated Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in EU4 and the UK 10.6 JAPAN 10.6.1 Total Prevalent Cases of Prostate Cancer in Japan 10.6.2 Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer in Japan 10.6.3 Age-specific Cases of Prostate Cancer in Japan 10.6.4 Total Diagnosed Cases of Prostate Cancer by Clinical Stages in Japan 10.6.5 Total Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in Japan 10.6.6 Total Treated Cases of mCSPC/mHSPC in Japan 11 PATIENT JOURNEY 12 MARKETED THERAPIES 12.1 KEY COMPETITORS 12.2 ERLEADA (APALUTAMIDE): JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICAL 12.2.1 Product Description 12.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 12.2.4 Clinical Development 12.2.5 Safety and Efficacy 12.3 ORGOVYX (RELUGOLIX): MYOVANT SCIENCES 12.3.1 Product Description 12.3.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.3.3 Other Developmental Activities 12.3.4 Clinical Development 12.3.5 Safety and Efficacy 12.4 ZYTIGA (ABIRATERONE ACETATE): JANSSEN BIOTECH 12.4.1 Product Description 12.4.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.4.3 Other Developmental Activities 12.4.4 Safety and Efficacy 12.5 XTANDI (ENZALUTAMIDE): ASTELLAS PHARMA/PFIZER 12.5.1 Product Description 12.5.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.5.3 Other Developmental Activities 12.5.4 Clinical Development activity 12.5.5 Safety and Efficacy 12.6 NUBEQA (DAROLUTAMIDE): BAYER 12.6.1 Product Description 12.6.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.6.3 Other Development Activities 12.6.4 Clinical Development 12.6.5 Safety and Efficacy 13 EMERGING THERAPIES 13.1 KEY COMPETITORS 13.2 PLUVICTO (177LU-PSMA-617): NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS 13.2.1 Product Description 13.2.2 Other Development Activities 13.2.3 Clinical Development 13.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 13.3 AKEEGA (NIRAPARIB AND ABIRATERONE ACETATE): JANSSEN 13.3.1 Product Description 13.3.2 Other Developmental Activities 13.3.3 Clinical Development 13.3.4 Safety and Efficacy 13.4 TALZENNA (TALAZOPARIB): PFIZER 13.4.1 Product Description 13.4.2 Other Developmental Activities 13.4.3 Clinical Development 13.4.4 Safety and Efficacy 13.5 CAPIVASERTIB (AZD 5363): ASTRAZENECA 13.5.1 Product Description 13.5.2 Clinical Development 13.5.3 Safety and Efficacy 13.6 VUDALIMAB: XENCOR 13.6.1 Product Description 13.6.2 Clinical Development 13.6.3 Safety and Efficacy 13.7 VERZENIO (ABEMACICLIB/LY2835219): ELI LILLY AND COMPANY 13.7.1 Product Description 13.7.2 Clinical Development 13.7.3 Safety and Efficacy 14 PROSTATE CANCER: SEVEN MAJOR MARKET ANALYSIS 14.1 KEY FINDINGS 14.2 TOTAL MARKET SIZE OF mCSPC/mHSPC IN THE 7MM 14.3 TOTAL MARKET SIZE OF mCRPC IN THE 7MM 14.4 MARKET OUTLOOK 14.5 KEY MARKET FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS 14.6 UNITED STATES 14.6.1 Total Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC in the United States 14.6.2 Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC by Therapies in the United States 14.7 EU4 AND THE UK 14.7.1 Total Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC in EU4 and the UK 14.7.2 Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC by Therapies in EU4 and the UK 14.8 JAPAN 14.8.1 Total Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC in Japan 14.8.2 Market Size of mCSPC/mHSPC by Therapies in Japan 15 UNMET NEEDS 15.1 METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER 16 SWOT ANALYSIS 17 KOL VIEWS 18 MARKET ACCESS AND REIMBURSEMENT 18.1 UNITED STATES 18.1.1 Centre for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 18.2 EU4 AND THE UK 18.2.1 Germany 18.2.2 France 18.2.3 Italy 18.2.4 Spain 18.2.5 United Kingdom 18.3 JAPAN 18.3.1 MHLW 18.4 PROSTATE CANCER MARKET ACCESS AND REIMBURSEMENT 18.4.1 The United States 18.4.2 Germany 18.4.3 France 18.4.4 Italy 18.4.5 Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Products (AEMPS) 18.4.6 The United Kingdom 19 APPENDIX 19.1 BIBLIOGRAPHY 19.2 REPORT METHODOLOGY 20 DELVEINSIGHT CAPABILITIES 21 DISCLAIMER 22 ABOUT DELVEINSIGHT Related Reports Prostate Cancer Epidemiology Forecast Prostate Cancer Epidemiology Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, and prostate cancer epidemiology trends. Metastatic Prostate Cancer Pipeline Metastatic Prostate Cancer Pipeline Insight 2023 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key metastatic prostate cancer companies, including AstraZeneca, Arvinas, Madison Vaccines, Phosplatin Therapeutics, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Modra Pharmaceuticals, Xencor, Point Biopharma, Lantheus Holdings, Zenith Epigenetics, Essa Pharma, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Kintor Pharmaceutical, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis, among others. Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Market Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer companies including AstraZeneca, Arvinas, Madison Vaccines, Phosplatin Therapeutics, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Modra Pharmaceuticals, Xencor, Point Biopharma, Lantheus Holdings, Zenith Epigenetics, Essa Pharma, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Kintor Pharmaceutical, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis among others. Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer Pipeline Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer Pipeline Insight 2023 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer companies, including AstraZeneca, Arvinas, Madison Vaccines, Phosplatin Therapeutics, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Modra Pharmaceuticals, Xencor, Point Biopharma, Lantheus Holdings, Zenith Epigenetics, Essa Pharma, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Kintor Pharmaceutical, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +91-9650213330 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated in a meeting in Cairo on Thursday their categorical rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land, affirming that the two-state solution is the basis for regional stability. NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) is pleased to welcome Molly Jahn to its Leadership Council . As a Leadership Council member, Dr. Jahn will help ensure that BWF is best positioned to meet the emerging and long-term needs of today's veterans, service members and their families. These needs include suicide prevention, mental health, caregiver support, and food and housing insecurity. Jahn joins military leaders, business executives, and philanthropists, all with a shared commitment to serving the veteran and military community. Molly Jahn joins Bob Woodruff Foundation's Leadership Council. Dr. Jahn's involvement with BWF precedes her appointment to the Leadership Council. As Bob Woodruff's cousin, she was there when the military saved Bob's life and has followed the Foundation's work from the beginning. In addition, in 2018, Dr Jahn supported BWF's work exploring inequities of access to care and employment gaps in the military connected population. In 2021 she advised the Foundation on their new "Leaders Eat Last" panel series that focused on the complex and growing problem of food insecurity in the military and veteran community. "The Bob Woodruff Foundation is delighted to welcome Dr. Jahn to our Leadership Council," said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "In addition to her subject matter expertise in food systems and national securityboth of which are directly related to our workDr. Jahn is passionate about our mission." Dr. Jahn, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also holds an appointment as Non-Resident Fellow at the US Naval War College in the Ethics of Emerging Military Technologies Program. Currently, she is on loan to the U.S. Department of Defense serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Previously, she served as Dean of the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Jahn received her B.A. with Distinction in Biology from Swarthmore College, holds graduate degrees from MIT and Cornell University, and was awarded Honorary Doctor of Sciences degrees in the US and UK. "I am honored and delighted to be able to serve the BWF in this capacity," said Molly Jahn. "The work of the Foundation is unique and visionary--combining passionate and sophisticated advocacy with the Foundation's reach and commitments to partnership in support of our Veteran community and their families, and therefore, for all of us." About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $157 million to ensure that our nation's veterans, service members and their familiesthose who stood for ushave stable and successful futures. Visit the Bob Woodruff Foundation for more information: www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org. Contact: Marie Maguire [email protected] 917 886 4718 SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation BRUSSELS, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM) signed a contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to help strengthen the Alliance's cybersecurity posture with improved security visibility and asset management across all NATO enterprise networks. Starting in January 2024, IBM Consulting Cybersecurity Services will be delivering a custom-made, performance-based Asset, Configuration, Patching and Vulnerability (ACPV) Management Service to the Alliance. Following NATO's new dynamic and competitive procurement process - featuring regular workshops, sprints and continuous communication with industry - the NCI Agency selected IBM as the organization to deliver on NATO's needs, leaning on IBM's global security footprint and expertise in securing complex infrastructure and widely dispersed environments. As part of the agreement, IBM Consulting will build a customized solution that provides a unified view of NATO's security posture. The company will deploy data analysis, asset discovery, integrations, and security experts to provide a consolidated 'single source of truth' on information about assets, configurations, vulnerabilities, and patches across NATO. This will improve the Alliance's visibility into cyber risks and empower it to manage potential issues with more ease and speed across its network. Cybersecurity functions across the NATO Enterprise will be able to use IBM Consulting's ACPV service as the interface to access and dynamically query asset and configuration data, with a special focus on vulnerability management. "Collaboration with industry is essential to enhance our collective cyber resilience and respond more quickly to cyber threats and vulnerabilities," said Ludwig Decamps, NCI Agency General Manager. "Today's agreement marks a significant milestone in a newly enhanced procurement process, enabling more agile and faster approaches to complex sourcing to deliver solutions that help strengthen the Alliance's cybersecurity posture," Decamps added. This new service will be built on top of the existing asset, configuration, and patching solutions across NATO. Additionally, the service will help in creating an enterprise framework that will eventually support the needs of other key functional areas, such as IT service management and finance and auditing departments, which rely on asset configuration, and patch management information through a federated approach. "Amid today's growing geopolitical tensions globally, NATO's security readiness is more important than ever. It is essential to ensure IT assets and infrastructure are properly maintained, regularly updated, and effectively secured in order to defend against rapidly increasing cyber threats. At IBM, we are proud to be able to provide our vast and deep experience in threat management to help NATO strengthen its security posture," said Mohamad Ali, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Consulting. About IBM Consulting IBM Consulting helps accelerate business transformation for our clients through hybrid cloud and AI technologies, leveraging our open ecosystem of partners. With deep industry and business expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology, and operations, we have become a trusted partner to the world's most innovative and valuable companies, helping them modernize and secure their most complex systems. Our 160,000 consultants embrace an open way of working and apply our proven co-creation method, IBM Garage, to scale ideas into outcomes. As the only major global systems integrator inside a technology company, we don't just advise -- we invent and build what's next together with our clients. Find out more at IBM.com/consulting. Media Contacts: Heleen Kamerman IBM Benelux [email protected] Georgia Prassinos IBM [email protected] SOURCE IBM Amidst U.S. Army Recruiting Challenges, #1 Amazon Bestseller Reveals Truths About Why Soldiers Join and Why They Stay LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Barracks Publishing LLC announced the release of its new publication, "Boys in the Barracks." The first of its kind, the new non-fiction book goes beyond traditional narratives about the military, providing an unfiltered look at Army life in garrison from the perspective of the soldier. It describes the mundane and exhilarating, the serious and humorous day-to-day realities of soldiers when they are not at war yet preparing for the next war. "Boys in the Barracks" is already a #1 Amazon Bestseller in the Military Life & Institutions History category. Proceeds from the sale go to support Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families. Hundreds of active duty soldiers were interviewed for the book which delves into a wide range of topics including Army leadership, discipline, language, humor, physical fitness, and mental health. It explores the unique culture of the Army, providing insight into its traditions, customs, and unspoken rules. With less than 7% of adult Americans having ever served in the military, the authors emphasize that understanding the culture of the Army is the first step in understanding those who serve, regardless of the era or conflict. The book addresses critical questions about the impact of military service on soldiers' lives and how these experiences shape their transition back to civilian life. New book "Boys in the Barracks" provides unfiltered look at Army life in garrison from the perspective of the soldier. Post this The release of "Boys in the Barracks" comes as the U.S. Army has struggled to meet its recruitment goals in recent years. In 2023, the Army fell significantly short of its target of 65,000 new recruits, having signed 55,000 contracts. "In this book, we give voice to the many soldiers whose stories go unheard outside of the barracks and the motor pool," says co-author Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. "We explore the diverse factors that drive soldiers to enlist and what influences their decisions to remain committed." The book bares significance not only for Army leadership looking to spur recruitment and enhance combat readiness but also for recruits, providing an unvarnished look at the realities of the life they're stepping into. Written with compassion for those who serve and respect for the institution of the military, "Boys in the Barracks" additionally appeals to veterans, spouses, academics, scientists, policy makers and veteran support organizations. "We present an honest and uncensored portrayal of soldiers' daily lives to allow for better understanding of their experiences and challenges," says co-author Professor Carl Castro, Director of Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California. "With a candid glimpse into Army culture, this book provides insights for military leaders to optimize the potential of every solider, helping to improve their overall experience and ensure that they are strong advocates for the Army and what it means to serve." The authors also drew from personal experience, both having served in the military. Dr. Hassan enlisted in the Army as a radio operator in 1980. In 1995, he transitioned to the Air Force as a military social worker where he participated in peacekeeping operations in Saudi Arabia and East Africa and as combat stress control officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Professor Castro joined the Army as an infantryman at the height of the Cold War and later through the support of the Army obtained his PhD. During his service, he participated in numerous peacekeeping and combat campaigns. He retired in the rank of colonel. Building on the excitement around the launch of the book, Barracks Publishing additionally introduced an initial collection of "Boys in the Barracks" merchandise, such as the "Army Talk Spoken Here" phone case and "Standby to Standby" sweatshirt. Visit boysinthebarracks.com for more information on the book, the authors and merchandise. About Barracks Publishing: Established in 2023, Barracks Publishing is a dynamic Los Angeles-based publishing house that is committed to bringing authentic and compelling narratives from the heart of military life to readers worldwide. Its inaugural book, "Boys in the Barracks," lays the foundation for a planned three-part series that will subsequently focus on the experiences of women soldiers and military spouses. Works from Barracks Publishing promise to broaden understanding of life within the Army, exploring diverse and often underrepresented perspectives. Visit boysinthebarracks.com. About Cohen Veterans Network: Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at cohenveteransnetwork.org. SOURCE Barracks Publishing Student Transportation of America Drivers and Monitors Secure Union Representation WILLINGBORO, N.J., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bus operators and monitors at Student Transportation of America (STA) have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 676. These members provide transportation services for Willingboro Township Public Schools and Edgewater Park School District. "Local 676 is proud to represent hundreds of bus workers, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome 123 more to the Teamsters," said Howard Wells, President of Local 676 in Collingswood. "We are looking forward to helping STA workers in Willingboro secure an industry-leading first contract." "I voted to join the Teamsters because positive change cannot happen without union representation," said Jermaine Shield, a bus driver at STA in Willingboro. Teamsters Local 676 represents approximately 5,000 workers employed in a variety of trades in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit ibtlocal676.org. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 676 NodeKit's SEQ is a shared sequencer L1 designed to give a wide range of rollups more robustness, performance, uptime, and interoperability. AMES, Iowa, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NodeKit, the team developing SEQ, a shared sequencer L1, has raised $1.2M in a pre-seed round. The round was led by Borderless Capital with participation from Avalanche's Blizzard Fund, Polygon Ventures, Wormhole Cross-Chain Ecosystem Fund, and many angels (including key angel investors such as Avail's Anurag Arjun and BENQI's @hn_avax). The team is using the funding to help decentralize the next generation of rollups powered by SEQ. NodeKit Raises a $1.2M Pre-Seed Round led by Borderless Capital to Build a Shared Sequencer L1 "Rollups desire a cost-effective, lightning-fast, decentralized sequencer to improve the quality of their users' experience. NodeKit fulfills this need." Noah Pravecek, Co-Founder & CEO SEQ is designed to help decentralize rollup transaction sequencing, directly addressing the main issue overshadowing rollups: centralization. SEQ aims to help rollups capitalize on their advantages with fewer tradeoffs, bringing them greater robustness, performance, and interoperability. "NodeKit is addressing some of the deepest challenges across the modular Web3 ecosystem. Alongside the tremendous adoption of L2 solutions ("rollups"), centralization remains prevalent despite the obvious drawbacks it brings, including critical censorship and performance issues. Through SEQ, NodeKit introduces atomic composability and shared sequencing to the leading protocols bringing economic efficiency and true decentralization for cross-chain modularity." Alpen Sheth, PhD, Senior Partner, Borderless Capital Rollups integrating with SEQ will gain new cross-chain interoperability. This interoperability is possible because SEQ orders blocks for multiple rollups, allowing for atomic inclusion using atomic bundles within the same block. In a time of L2 proliferation, NodeKit's raise and first product is timely. Most L2s remain highly centralized, with single points of failure endangering whole networks. NodeKit aims to solve the centralization problem by incorporating a decentralized network of validators, making rollups more robust. NodeKit will actively work with each rollup, guiding them on their path toward greater decentralization. NodeKit's team consists of three co-founders aged 21, 21, and 20. Pravecek is CEO, Nick Preszler is CTO, and Ricardo Tavarez is the third co-founder and founding software engineer. All three have dropped out of universities in the American Midwest to fully pursue NodeKit and Web3. To learn more about NodeKit, please see NodeKit's X (@nodekitorg) or visit the newly redesigned website at nodekit.xyz. CONTACT: Noah Pravecek [email protected] SOURCE NodeKit Frost Society, San Diego Library Collaborating for 2024 Sesquicentennial SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten of the nation's most distinguished poets will gather in San Diego in March 2024 to mark the 150th birthday of Robert Frost, America's most iconic poet and winner of four Pulitzer Prizes for books containing such timeless works as "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," "Mending Wall," and "The Road Not Taken." Organized by the San Diego-based Robert Frost Society and the Library Foundation SD, the March 20-25 Sesquicentennial event will feature Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy K. Smith, Ruth Lilly Prize Winner Allison Joseph, Pulitzer Price Finalist Bruce Weigl, and Guggenheim Fellowship winner Jay Parini, who will read and discuss their poems and Frost in free public sessions. The conference is expected to attract an international cohort of poets, scholars, and critics to San Diego to celebrate the anniversary of the March 26, 1874 birth of Frost, a native Californian who became America's most widely beloved poet. Prior to afternoon and evening poetry readings open to the public, registered conference attendees will participate in three days of poetry workshops, lectures and roundtable discussions exploring Frost's extensive body of work and the craft of poetry. "We are thrilled to be bringing together such an accomplished and diverse group of Frost devotees to our home base in San Diego," said Robert Bernard Hass, executive director of The Robert Frost Society. "Robert Frost was self-consciously a poet for all people, and our hope is that the celebration will highlight the art of poetry as the greatest medium for cultivating intercultural understanding and empathy." Noted poets also confirmed to attend the event include San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo, San Diego performance artist Karla Cordero, Poet's Prize finalist David Yezzi, Ohio Poet Laureate Amit Majmudar and Cave Canem Award winner Ruth Ellen Kocher. "The Greater San Diego region itself contains an unusual wealth of poets, writer's groups and workshops," Hass pointed out. "We will be excited to welcome their participation as well as that of students from the area's many colleges and universities." The Robert Frost Society, formed in 1978 to sustain Frost's legacy and facilitate a broad appreciation for the humanities, established its permanent home in 2019 at the San Diego Central Library. The project was initiated by San Diego area writer and poet Jim Hurley and co-led by Hass and Hurley. Initial supporters included San Diego icon Malin Burnham and noted San Diego businessmen Mel Katz and Art Flaming. Subsequent leadership from Library Foundation CEO Patrick Stewart, San Diego educational leader Mary Walshok, commercial real estate expert Craig Evanco, and emerita Chancellor of San Diego Colleges Constance Carroll enabled the Frost Society to offer key Sesquicentennial events to the public at no cost. "That San Diego's most influential civic and educational leaders have coalesced behind this stellar event is no surprise," said Patrick Stewart, CEO of Library Foundation SD. "With their ideas and support, The Robert Frost Society has attracted a world-class gathering of our country's finest poets to commemorate one of literature's greatest figures in America's finest city." Registration and event information will be available by January 15, 2024 via robertfrostsociety.org SOURCE The Robert Frost Society ATLANTA, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakbridge Insurance Agency LLC (Oakbridge), one of the largest independent insurance and risk management agencies in the United States, today announced a new partnership with Atlanta-based M D Iverson Group. M D Iverson Group specializes in insurance for high-growth businesses and for the leaders of those companies whose needs exceed the ordinary. With a focus on more than simply writing insurance policies, they work with clients to improve processes now, while planning for the future. Robbie Smith, CEO - Oakbridge Insurance "The M D Iverson Group brings us a unique customer base for our company and a leader who is truly committed to helping businesses grow," said Oakbridge CEO Robbie Smith. "With our continued expansion, their addition further demonstrates our commitment to outstanding client relationships and innovative growth." "Oakbridge has a remarkable footprint with a lot of good people," says Mike Iverson, the agency's principal. ""They have the qualities I look for in prospects and business partners, making this an easy choice. I look forward to what we can accomplish together as we become the premier firm in our industry" The partnership provides both firms with access to a broader pool of resources, industry knowledge and continued opportunities for growth. As an Oakbridge partner, M D Iverson Group will maintain its office in Fairburn, Georgia. About Oakbridge Insurance Agency Founded in 2020, Oakbridge Insurance Agency LLC is a rapidly growing partnership model for firms seeking accelerated growth, access to capital and an expanded suite of resources with which to serve clients. Ranked as a "Top 100" insurance brokerage by Business Insurance and Insurance Journal magazines, Oakbridge is one of the largest privately owned insurance, risk management and employee benefits agencies in the country. The agency has specific experience in the agriculture, benefits, bond/surety, construction, financial, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, risk management, senior living and transportation industries. Learn more: oakbridgeinsurance.com. About M D Iverson Group M D Iverson Group specializes in providing customized insurance solutions and consulting services for growth-minded companies and high-net-worth individuals. At a time when most insurance firms are trying to sell you their "box of insurance products," M D Iverson Group has chosen to be different. Our goal is to design custom solutions for your specific needs, and our independence allows us to help you evaluate all of your insurance options. Whether it is the use of traditional products or a variety of alternative options, such as self-insurance, captive vehicles or a host of other options, they desire to help you evaluate what makes the most sense for you. Learn more: mdiverson.com Contact: Kaden Jacobs Poston Communications (404) 875-3400 370005@email4pr.com SOURCE Oakbridge Insurance Lucas brings more than 25 years of human resources leadership to growing team DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnia Exterior Solutions, a CCMP Growth Advisors, LP portfolio company, welcomes Nina Lucas as its new Chief People Officer (CPO), reinforcing the company's leadership. Lucas will drive the comprehensive people strategy, leveraging scale and synergies to harness the organization's talent for positive business impact. Omnia Exterior Solutions, a Portfolio Company of CCMP, Appoints Nina Lucas as Chief People Officer "Nina's proven experience in both human resources as well as the home improvement industry, and her passion for helping people thrive in the workplace will ensure that Omnia's current and new team members will excel with the growth of this company," said Jim Ziminski, chairman of the board at Omnia Exterior Solutions. With over 25 years of HR management experience, Lucas has abundant experience leading significant transformations. As the former CPO of D&H United Fueling in Houston, Texas, she streamlined HR operations across more than 40 locations made up of eight acquisitions. In her prior capacity as Chief Human Resources Officer at Artisan Design Group in Dallas, Texas, Lucas played a pivotal role in leading crucial HR initiatives. Her leadership was instrumental in driving the company's expansion from 350 to over 3,600 team members, resulting in revenue growth from $350 million to over $2 billion within a span of five years. This remarkable achievement was realized through her strategic centralization of HR functions and seamless integration of HR operations across 23 acquisitions. Lucas earned her B.A. with dual political science and psychology majors from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. She is deeply committed to advocating for HR Business Partnership as a career choice and actively contributes to integrating human resources into business education by serving as a guest lecturer at Texas Christian University (TCU) graduate school. Omnia Exterior Solutions, which launched in June 2023, was created to address a gap in the residential roofing industry and consists of exclusive partners who are local and regional leaders in their respective markets. Omnia Exterior Solutions provides partner companies with extensive resources, administrative support, digital tools, and more to help grow their businesses and keep up with changing technology. Omnia Exterior Solutions was formed by CCMP, known for its legacy investment in leading brands such as Hayward and Generac, and industry veteran Jim Ziminski to support and grow high-potential residential roofing and remodeling businesses. Ziminski serves as chairman of the board for Omnia Exterior Solutions, bringing more than 30 years of experience in residential services and the building products industry. Previously, Ziminski ran several businesses for the Crane Group, including residential roofing services brands ABLE and Mr. Roof, as well as the Exterior Portfolio siding brand, which he successfully sold to Westlake Royal Building Products (formerly Royal Group). Omnia currently has three partner groups including Hoffman Weber Construction, Brothers Services Company, and Black Hills Exteriors. To learn more about becoming an exclusive partner of Omnia Exterior Solutions, email the exclusive buy-side advisors for the company: Jim Ziminski ( [email protected] ) or Mike Blumenfeld ([email protected]). Omnia Exterior Solutions Launched in 2023 as a portfolio company of CCMP, Omnia Exterior Solutions is a national provider of residential roofing solutions and exterior remodeling services. The company was formed to address a gap in the residential roofing industry and comprises exclusive partners who are local and regional leaders in their respective markets. To inquire about exclusive partnerships, contact Omnia Exterior Solutions' buy-side advisors Jim Ziminski ( [email protected] and Mike Blumenfeld ( [email protected] ). Visit omniaexteriorsolutions.com . About CCMP Growth Advisors, LP CCMP is a New York based growth-oriented private equity firm focused on making lead buyout and growth equity investments in middle-market companies in the Consumer and Industrial sectors primarily in North America. CCMP Growth leverages the deep investment experience of its team to identify high growth companies in transition, and partners with management to help each platform scale through strategic and operational support. Visit www.ccmpgrowth.com . SOURCE Omnia Exterior Solutions Latest additions bring clinical, life sciences commercialization thought leaders to digital health company CINCINNATI, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientPoint today announced the addition of Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP, and Amy Grogg, PharmD, to its board of directors. Dr. Vacirca will serve as an independent board member while Ms. Grogg will serve as a board advisor. Taken together, Dr. Vacirca and Ms. Grogg bring deep care delivery and life science commercialization expertise to PatientPoint's board. Dr. Vacirca is a renowned cancer physician and visionary leader with extensive experience and commitment to community oncology. He currently serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and has led the practice through an unparalleled period of transformation and growth. Dr. Vacirca is co-founder and board member of OneOncology; medical director for the International Oncology Network, part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen); and is the immediate past president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He has also served on the board of several pharmaceutical companies and has been an early investor in multiple digital health and healthcare companies, including OncoEMR (formerly Flatiron Health), where he previously served as a medical board advisor. Dr. Vacirca is also one of the founding members of the PatientPoint Oncology Advisory Board and has played an instrumental role in PatientPoint's recent oncology new product initiatives and strategic partnerships. Ms. Grogg brings nearly 30 years of pharmaceutical commercialization experience to the PatientPoint board. Most recently Amy served in several executive leadership roles within Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen/Xcenda), including SVP of Commercialization Solutions for AmerisourceBergen and president of Xcenda. Prior to Cencora, Amy spent eight years leading outcomes research and informatics at Janssen. She currently serves or has recently served as board member and/or senior advisor to several healthcare companies and investors including Solas BioVentures, Real Chemistry, Vesey Street Capital Partners, Phenomics Health and GraphiteRx. "At PatientPoint, we see a future in which our PatientPoint ecosystem seamlessly connects providers, patients and life sciences companies to deliver more personalized experiences and better care," said PatientPoint Founder and CEO Mike Collette. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to leverage the care delivery expertise of Dr. Vacirca and the pharmaceutical commercialization expertise of Amy to help us build an integrated, digital health ecosystem that will empower better health." About PatientPoint PatientPoint is the patient engagement platform for every point of care. Our innovative, tech-enabled solutions create more effective doctor-patient interactions and deliver high value for patients, providers and healthcare sponsors. Across the nation's largest network of connected digital devices in over 40,000 physician offices, PatientPoint's solutions impact roughly 750 million patient visits each year, further advancing our mission of making every doctor-patient engagement better. Learn more at patientpoint.com. SOURCE PatientPoint BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Construction Corporation of China ("POWERCHINA " or "the Company") recently completed construction of the Cirata floating photovoltaic power generation project located in the Cirata Reservoir in West Java Province, Indonesia. The project, constructed by POWERCHINA, is expected to generate up to 300,000-megawatt hours of electricity annually which will reduce coal usage by 117,000 tons every year and provide clean and greener electricity for approximately 50,000 households in the locality. At the grid-connection ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his pride in Indonesia finally realizing the large-scale clean energy, grid-connected power generation project, adding that the potential of various renewable energy sources will continue to be tapped to support Indonesia's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Other clean energy sources, including hydropower and thermal energy, are currently in the initial stages of development in the country. POWERCHINA employed its cutting-edge technology and world-class quality construction techniques to overcome the challenging requirements of the Cirata floating photovoltaic power generation project. "The complex underwater terrain of the Cirata Reservoir, including steep underwater slopes, thick silt layers, and the presence of virgin forests, all brought huge challenges to the implementation of geological surveys and the design and construction of anchoring systems," said the Cirata Project Manager, Zhang Huizhong. "Our project department worked closely together, drawing on our rich experience of similar projects, adopted construction requirements and procedures higher than local standards, and successfully solved technical problems such as high slope support and retaining wall construction to complete construction." There are around 6,000 inhabited islands in Indonesia with population and economic development unevenly distributed and regional differences in power supply with power outages and shortages in marginal and rural areas still common place. As an important irrigation river in Indonesia and the main source of drinking water for residents, the Citarum River, where the Cirata Reservoir is located, plays an important role in the lives of the people of West Java Province and has functions of agriculture, water supply, fishery, industry, sewage treatment, and power generation. The floating photovoltaic project that realizes grid-connected power generation not only fulfills the country's dream of using new energy to generate electricity but is also the largest floating photovoltaic project in Southeast Asia. After the project is put into commercial operation, it is expected to reduce the annual emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide by 214,000 tons, 9,000 tons, and 4,500 tons respectively. While relieving the power shortage in West Java Province, it will also contribute to the cleanliness of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. About POWERCHINA Founded in 2011, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) is a leading construction group specializing in investment and financing, planning and design, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation management. The company ranked 105th among the Fortune 500 in the year 2023. SOURCE POWERCHINA Becoming More Compassionate Speaker Series NEWS PROVIDED BYSt. Raymond Nonnatus FoundationDec. 13, 2023SKIPPACK, Penn., Dec. 13, 2023 / Standard Newswire / -- Anne DeSantis, MA Theology, Catholic Author/Speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area, has a new speaking series called "Becoming More Compassionate" based on her latest book: Love and Care for the Marginalized: 40 Meditations, Spiritual Outreach Reflections for Catholics.The book offers reflections, prayers, and a daily call to action in order to grow closer to Christ and to recognize the marginalized in our own lives. Those people who feel cast aside and forgotten are much closer than we all realize. Anne's book discusses how we can imitate Christ by making it a priority to care for those who do not have the love and support they deserve. This is a primary teaching of the Catholic Church which is often forgotten.Anne is the Executive Director for the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith which makes pastoral outreach to families in crisis.She has experienced first-hand those who are going through times of adversity and crisis through her ministry. She is a wife to her husband Angelo for 34 years, and the mother of two adult daughters. As a hobby, Anne is a 55+ commercial model/actress since 2015, and she has appeared in over 100 ads/TV commercials over the years.Anne is currently available for speaking engagements through the Catholic Speakers Organizations on the topic of "Becoming More Compassionate."Is it possible to learn to become more caring and compassionate toward others? Anne would love to come to your parish or diocese/archdiocese for a speaking event.To learn more about booking a speaking engagement with Anne DeSantis, visit her website at AnneDeSantis.com and go to the "Anne's Speaking Events" page.Anne would also love the opportunity to appear on podcasts and to be interviewed for news articles Reach out to her at her email address, annedesantis2022@gmail.com SOURCE St. Raymond Nonnatus FoundationCONTACT: Anne DeSantis, annedesantis2022@gmail.com Uganda's army announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of its soldiers from the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they were serving in a regional security force. The East African Community force was deployed in late 2022 but, like a UN peacekeeping effort in the DRC, faced heavy criticism from Kinshasa for failing to stop rebel-backed violence. "We have brought our forces back home and we believe we achieved the mission's goals," Felix Kulayigye, spokesman for the Uganda People's Defence Force, told AFP. More than 1,500 South Sudan, Kenya, and Burundi soldiers who were also part of the regional force have already left the country. The Kenyan and South Sudanese soldiers still present are expected to depart at the beginning of January. East African troops began arriving in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province along the border with Rwanda and Uganda, in November 2022, about a year after the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. Independent UN experts, the government in Kinshasa, and several Western nations including the United States and France, accuse Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23, which Kigali denies. The regional force was invited to liberate territory under M23 control but the government deemed them ineffective, and announced in November it would not extend the East African mandate beyond December 8. To replace it, the DRC is counting in particular on troops from the Southern African Community (SADC). The departure of regional forces comes as fighting rages between M23 and Congolese government troops backed by allied militias. Numerous armed groups and other militias have fought for three decades in eastern DRC, a legacy of regional wars that broke out in the 1990s and 2000s. General elections, in which outgoing President Felix Tshisekedi is standing, are scheduled for December 20. Voting will not take place in two territories of North Kivu due to the M23 rebellion Search Keywords: Short link: SOMERSET, N.J., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- If you pledge to make your health a priority in 2024, one New Year's resolution should be to make cancer screenings a top priority, said Dr. Brian Chon, medical director of ProCure Proton Therapy Center. Catching cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage increases your chance of survival. However, due to COVID, many people have delayed or skipped their routine screenings, which could lead to missed or late diagnoses and worse outcomes. "We want everyone to start the New Year with a healthy outlook and a proactive approach to their health," Dr. Chon said. "We encourage everyone to follow the recommended screening guidelines for their age and gender. A conversation with your primary care doctor is a good way to ensure you are doing this." Early detection of cancer also enables patients to explore advanced treatment options, such as proton therapy. With laser-like accuracy, proton therapy precisely targets cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, often with fewer side effects and less downtime. ProCure is New Jersey's most experienced proton therapy center. It offers pencil beam scanning, which is the most advanced form of radiation with the most precise technology. About ProCure Proton Therapy Center: ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, NJ, opened in March 2012 as the tri-state region's first proton therapy facility, treating a range of cancers including disease of the prostate, breast, lung, brain, head and neck, and gastrointestinal system, as well as sarcomas and many pediatric cases. Using the most advanced radiation treatment available ProCure has treated more than 6,000 patients and enables many cancer patients to choose a non-surgical treatment personalized to their medical needs and lifestyles, often with fewer side effects and less downtimegiving them more freedom to enjoy what matters most in their lives. For more information, visit ProCure.com. Media Contact: Sarah Ferrington, Marketing Manager Phone: 732-357-2609 Email: [email protected] SOURCE ProCure Proton Therapy Center LENGNAU, Switzerland, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rado, in partnership with Untitled Art, Miami Beach 2023, celebrated the reveal of some breathtaking new interpretations of its game changing Anatom watch in a unique environment. Rado's CEO, Adrian Bosshard said the brand is excited about the new releases, and he told the visitors what these watches mean to the brand: "These new Anatom references stand today as they did in 1983 for timeless unique design and incomparable wearing pleasure. Anatom Collection Individually numbered Anatom 40th Anniversary Watch Box The unusual name itself tells part of the story. It was called Anatom because of the perfectly anatomical fit of the watch on the wrist and its rounded crystal. Of course, they represent our design DNA, but they also highlight our signature material, high-tech ceramic. Drawing inspiration from the brand's rich heritage, the new Anatom pays homage to a classic design reimagined for stylish, contemporary watch aficionados. With a blend of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication, they represent a testament to Rado's enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to innovation. Adrian Bosshard also pointed out that the combination of its partnership with Untitled Art and the beach location created the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of the much-anticipated Anatom models. He said, "We've been confident that these watches would create metaphorical waves in the world of horology. I can't imagine a better place to introduce them than this beautiful place, where literal waves are just a few meters away." Click Here for the BFA Event Images Rado Rado is a globally recognized Swiss watch brand celebrated for its pioneering use of high-tech ceramic materials and distinctive design. With a rich heritage of innovation, Rado continues to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, creating timepieces that are as durable as they are stylish. Along with a global reputation as the Master of Materials, the watch brand is also known worldwide for its commitment to remarkable design. Untitled Art Untitled Art is the leading independent art fair taking place annually on the sands of Miami Beach. Guided by a mission to support the wider art ecosystem, Untitled Art offers an inclusive platform for discovering contemporary art and prioritizes collaboration in each aspect of the fair. Anatom Collection Click Here to learn more about Rado & The New Anatom Collection Available exclusively on Rado.com & Hodinkee.com until January 7th Ref: R10202319 / R10202209 / R10202309 / R10201739 Movement: Rado caliber R766, automatic, 21 jewels, 72-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. Case: Black matte high-tech ceramic bezel and crown with a cylindrical sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case back with transparent sapphire crystal back. Water resistant to 5 bar (50m) Dial: Lacquered polished background with indexes with white Super-LumiNova. Moving anchor symbol on black background. R10202319 Color gradient from green to black R10202209 Color gradient from blue to black R10202309 Color gradient from cognac to black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition R10201739 (Forty pieces globally) Dial: Black lacquered polished 11 baguette diamonds as indexes, VVS, 0.204 carats. Rhodium colored moving anchor symbol on black background. Silver colored printed Rado and jubile logos. Hands: Rhodium colored with white Super-LumiNova Strap: Black rubber strap Brushed stainless steel 3-fold clasp Black matt high-tech ceramic cover Satin-brushed stainless-steel pushers Dimensions: 32.5 x 46.3 x 11.3 (W x Lx H in mm) SOURCE The Swatch Group (U.S.) Inc. - Rado Division NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Glenturret, Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery, has achieved a new auction record of an astonishing $200,000 for the artists' proof decanter of "Eight Decades" created by renowned artist James Turrell, in collaboration with Lalique. All proceeds from the sale of the decanter will be donated to the Roden Crater Foundation. The artist's proof decanter was offered as part of Sotheby's Whisky & Whiskey Auction, which took place in New York last Saturday, 9th December. Lalique and The Glenturret Present the Eight Decades Decanter by James Turrell James Turrell, renowned for his work with light and space, celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year. To mark this significant milestone and pay homage to generations of craftspeople, Turrell collaborated with The Glenturret and Lalique to design his first-ever whisky decanter Eight Decades - limited to only 80 decanters worldwide. The unique design of the decanter, featuring a pared-down silhouette crowned by a pyramidal deep blue crystal stopper inspired by Ancient Egypt, resonated with whisky collectors and art enthusiasts alike during the auction. The lot included proof decanter #008, filled with a specially crafted whisky by The Glenturret's Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno, along with three hand-signed sketches by James Turrell from the decanter's design phase. The winning bidder will also enjoy an exclusive visit to Lalique's factory in Alsace and The Glenturret's distillery in Crieff, culminating in a dining experience at the Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique restaurant.* Following the auction, John Laurie, Managing Director at The Glenturret, said "What a way to end the year! When we first launched Eight Decades in May, we knew it was a very special decanter working with James Turrell was truly an honour. We feel the decanter blurs the lines between art and whisky, and the auction result is testament to that. We're particularly happy with the result as all proceeds are going to charity." A limited number of the original Eight Decades Decanter is available via The Glenturret website. * For full Terms & Conditions, please refer to the Sotheby's website. NOTES TO EDITORS About The Glenturret Crafted at Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery since 1763 entirely by hand in exclusive small batches, The Glenturret Single Malt is defined by its outstanding quality and exquisite taste. Located in the 'Hosh', Crieff, surrounded by the beautiful Perthshire countryside, The Glenturret offers daily distillery tours, whisky flights at the Lalique Bar, a dedicated retail store including an exclusive Lalique Boutique, and The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, the distillery's Michelin Star unique dining experience. www.theglenturret.com @theglenturretwhisky About Lalique Founded in 1888 by renowned and avant-garde artist Rene Lalique, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France's crystal glass houses. Lalique is a symbol of unique know-how and craftmanship, a lifestyle luxury brand with an immediately recognisable style. Lalique enriches our everyday lives, bringing artistic style to singular creations in six areas: decorative items, interior design, perfumes, jewellery, works of art and hospitality. The brand enters exclusive collaborations with talented artists, designers and other luxury brands, to create stunning objects and collections based on both partners' know-how and expertise. Since 1922, all pieces are handcrafted in the house's sole manufacturing site, located in the Alsace region in France. @Lalique / lalique.com About James Turrell b. 1943, Los Angeles, CA Studio: Flagstaff, AZ Graduated Pasadena High School, 1961. BA Psychology, Pomona College, 1965. Art Graduate Studies, University of California, Irvine, 1965-1966. MA Art, Claremont Graduate School, 1973. Beginning his art career in the 1960's, James Turrell's work is primarily an exploration of light and space. By making light the subject of the revelation, Turrell's work challenges the very nature of how and what is perceived and, in particular, how what is perceived affects and forms the reality lived. One part meditative and another confounding, Turrell's works heighten the viewer's very sense of seeing and places the viewer in a realm of experience. Residing in Flagstaff, Turrell is working on Roden Crater, an artwork of unprecedented scale within a volcanic cinder cone in the Painted Desert region of Northern Arizona. Representing the culmination of the artist's lifelong research in the field of human visual and psychological perception, Roden Crater is Turrell's magnum opus. It is a work that, in addition to being a monument to land art, functions as a naked eye observatory of celestial and planetary events. Turrell's work has been exhibited in art institutions across the world, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York; the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; MASS MoCA in North Adams; the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam; the Israel Museum in Jerusalem; the Kunstmuseum in Wolfsburg; the National Gallery of Art in Canberra; and the Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island. Turrell is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (1984) and the National Medal of Arts (2013). SOURCE Lalique DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "WMX Americas 2024" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The World Mail & Express Americas Conference is a must-attend networking event for post and parcel professionals around the world. What is WMX Americas The World Mail & Express (WMX) Americas Conference continues to be the leading event of its kind in the region. It is unique in its ability to bring together a wide range of industry leaders from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Providing a fantastic platform to share ideas and strategies and to network with industry peers, it is a forum for industry leaders and key decision-makers to discuss strategy and track developments in a fast-changing sector of international business. The conference's showcase exhibition enables industry suppliers to demonstrate the latest in product innovations and developments that aid the industry in progression and development. The World Mail & Express Americas Conference (WMX Americas) is an international trade event for post and parcel professionals. The conference offers three days of keynote speeches, case studies, open discussions and hours of free networking time. Join 300 senior executives in Miami and you will: Connect with top post and parcel executives - build the key relationships that will drive your business forward. Get industry insights to transform your business - learn the secrets to revolutionise your business and leverage potential new revenue streams. Deliver sustainable success - discover innovative new products that can streamline your business and deliver a better service to your customers. Why Attend WMX Americas? 98% of delegates said the event met their objectives 89% of delegates rated networking as good or excellent 86% of delegates would attend the conference again Supreme Networking opportunities The World Mail Express Americas Conference brings together 300+ senior executives from leading global players. Two days of exceptional networking with leaders in the post and parcel space - plenty of time to build lasting business relationships C-level Executives from across the industry come together to share and solve key industry issues faced in 2024 and beyond Learn more about the latest innovations at our showcase exhibition Conference Agenda The agenda for WMX Americas is designed to give international post and parcel executives the tools and techniques to build flexible, future-proof companies. This year's conference will tackle the following broad themes: Last Mile Delivery Cross Border Challenges E-Commerce Efficiencies Parcel Perspectives Postal Perspectives For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ntl7gk About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Remote Patient Monitoring Market by Product, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027 report has been published by Technavio. Market growth is estimated to accelerate at a CAGR of 22.22% and register an incremental growth of USD 1.73 billion during the forecast period. The market is driven by factors such as the cost benefits of remote patient monitoring, the emergence of digital healthcare services and healthcare 4.0, and the need for healthcare facilities in remote areas. However, the complexities associated with the deployment of smart healthcare solutions are hindering market growth. Download a PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market 2023-2027 Company Profiles The remote patient monitoring market report includes information on the key products and recent developments of leading vendors, including: Abbott Laboratories: The company offers remote patient monitoring such as FreeStyle LibreLink App, and LibreView. The company offers remote patient monitoring such as FreeStyle LibreLink App, and LibreView. Advantech Co. Ltd: The company offers remote patient monitoring such as Advantech POC 6 series The company offers remote patient monitoring such as Advantech POC 6 series Boston Scientific Corp: The company offers remote patient monitoring such as LATITUDE NXT Patient Management System. The company offers remote patient monitoring such as LATITUDE NXT Patient Management System. Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA: The company offers remote patient monitoring such as Infinity PiCCO SmartPod, and Infinity M540. The company offers remote patient monitoring such as Infinity PiCCO SmartPod, and Infinity M540. Honeywell International Inc: The company offers remote patient monitoring such as the CARESCAPE ONE system. The company offers remote patient monitoring such as the CARESCAPE ONE system. Koninklijke Philips NV Masimo Corp. Medtronic Plc Napier Healthcare Solutions Pte Ltd. Nihon Kohden Corp. OMRON Corp. OSI Systems Inc. OSP Labs To gain access to more vendor profiles available with Technavio, buy the report! Geographical Analysis By region, the global remote patient monitoring market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW). North America will account for 46% of the market's growth during the forecast period. The growing awareness of the benefits of remote patient monitoring solutions, increasing work pressure across healthcare facilities, growing advances in patient data collection technologies, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases are driving the growth of the regional market. The report provides a comprehensive analysis on growth opportunities at regional levels, new product launches, the latest trends, and the post-pandemic recovery of the global market. Competitive Analysis The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others. Request a Sample Market Segmentation By product , the market is segmented into vital signs and implantable . The vital signs segment accounted for the largest share of the market during the forecast period. , the market is segmented into . The vital signs segment accounted for the largest share of the market during the forecast period. By geography, the market is segmented into North America , Europe , Asia , and the Rest of World (ROW). North America held the largest share of the market during the forecast period. Related Reports: Patient Monitoring Equipment Market in Japan by Product and End-user - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The patient monitoring equipment market share in Japan is expected to increase by USD 366.62 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.79%. Laboratory Shaker Market by Product, Application, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027: The laboratory shaker market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.09% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 611.28 million. Technavio's library includes over 17,000+ reports, covering more than 2,000 emerging technologies. Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" at just USD 5,000 and get lifetime access to Technavio Insights What are the key data covered in this remote patient monitoring market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the remote patient monitoring market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the remote patient monitoring market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the remote patient monitoring market across North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World (ROW) , , , and Rest of World (ROW) A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of remote patient monitoring market vendors TOC Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Size Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Product market Segmentation by End-user 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 provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio PLANO, Texas, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Repairify, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, has achieved ASE accreditation for both online and in-person training. Repairify is now recognized by ASE as a provider of "Continuing Automotive Service Education" to help train the future technicians of the automotive repair industry. Repairify sought this accreditation to ensure that its training content aligns with I-CAR objectives. With this accreditation, students who complete Repairify courses will receive credit towards their I-CAR certifications in the same way they would if they took the I-CAR course at the technical center in Chicago. "It's no secret that the technician shortage is heavily affecting our industry," said Chris Chesney, VP of Training of Repairify. "This accreditation, along with the opening of the Repairify Institute, will mean substantially more opportunities for technicians to receive best-in-class training to help bolster the auto repair industry." To achieve this accreditation, Repairify's curriculum design, processes, and methods for training were rigorously tested by ASE over several months. Every aspect of Repairify's program was examined to validate that its training materials met ASE's high standards and the needs of automotive students and the industry. Now, Repairify has joined this exclusive club of fewer than 50 institutions who have received ASE accreditation. For its first I-CAR alliance course, Repairify will be conducting a 4-day hands-on ADAS Calibration training series, delivered at the Repairify Institute's new Center of Excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth. About Repairify Inc. Repairify, Inc. and its family of brands empower the automotive repair industry to master today's modern, data-intensive vehicles. By providing revolutionary OEM tool and validated OEM-Compatible technology, services, and intelligence, Repairify helps automotive professionals run better businesses through improved diagnostics, calibrations, programming, and workflows. Repairify's brands are committed to vehicle and driver safety by providing repairers with excellent service, supported by the highest quality and precision tools, technology, and data. Repairify, Inc. is a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC. The Repairify family includes asTech, adasThink, AutoMobile Technologies (AMT), Automotive Training Group (ATG), BlueDriver, FleetGenix, MobileTechRX, and One Guard Inspections. For more information, please visit repairify.com. About Kinderhook Industries Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages more than $5.4 billion of committed capital. It has made in excess of 400 investments and follow-on acquisitions since its inception. Kinderhook's investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and its proprietary network of operating partners. Its focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental/business services, and automotive/light manufacturing sectors. It has a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders. For more information, please visit kinderhook.com . SOURCE Repairify, Inc. After more than a decade since the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Sandy Hook Promise programs are saving lives including preventing at least 16 school shootings NEWTOWN, Conn., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- December 14, 2023 will be the 11th remembrance since 20 first-graders and six educators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. One month after the shooting that claimed these precious lives, the loved ones of several victims united to launch Sandy Hook Promise, championing gun violence prevention. Despite the decade-long efforts since the tragedy at Sandy Hook, the toll the gun violence epidemic has taken on American youth remains distressingly persistent. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, with 2023 seeing more than 300 incidents of gun violence on school grounds and a record number of mass shootings . "Each day, we honor our loved ones by advocating and implementing proven solutions to create a safer future for children," said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. "Gun violence prevention starts with recognizing and understanding warning signs. Our research-informed Know the Signs programs have played a crucial role in saving lives, ensuring more families don't endure the same heartbreaking loss of their loved ones." 11 years after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Sandy Hook Promise has prevented at least 16 school shootings. Post this In four out of five school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker's plan but failed to report it. Sandy Hook Promise is shifting public awareness, emphasizing that "gun violence is preventable when you know the signs." Its signature Know the Signs programs educate students on these warning signs, guiding them on when and how to tell a trusted adult or use an anonymous reporting system. These programs are provided at no cost to schools, with DIY options, training resources, and customizable activities. With more than 21 million participants in 26,000+ schools and organizations across the U.S., Know the Signs is making a significant impact in local communities, creating a culture of "upstanders" who speak out and build connections to help make schools safer and more welcoming for everyone. An extension of the Know the Signs, Sandy Hook Promise's Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is a critical resource for schools, receiving more than 214,000 anonymous tips reporting concerning behaviors witnessed by youth and adults since its creation. These tips have resulted in at least 536 confirmed youth lives saved through crisis interventions and 16 credible planned school shootings averted to date, the latest of which occurred just in November when students witnessed threats in-person and on social media, and reported them to SHP's National Crisis Center. The impact of the Know the Signs program and Say Something Anonymous Reporting System underscores the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security research that proves prevention of school attacks is possible when we empower people to know warning signs and take action. Building on the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed last year, Sandy Hook Promise has continued to work across the aisle with political leaders to advance school safety and gun reform. This year, Sandy Hook Promise helped to draft the Preparing Leaders to Assess Need (PLAN) Act , a bipartisan bill, introduced in the House of Representatives to provide schools with more access to safety planning resources to implement key programs for gun violence prevention. Additionally, Sandy Hook Promise proudly supported the introduction of the GOSAFE Act and Kid PROOF Act , which both tackle major issues fueling the gun violence epidemic by limiting access to lethal weapons that will help prevent tragedy. Sandy Hook Promise continues to write and pass sensible gun safety laws that protect children in schools, homes, and communities nationwide. "Our nation continues to see families torn apart by gun violence," said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. "It doesn't have to be this way. Gun violence is preventable which is why we continue to have tough, solution-oriented conversations with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. We must demand action so that we don't pass this public health epidemic down to the next generation." More than 9.8 million people have made The Sandy Hook Promise , a pledge that symbolizes each person's commitment to protecting children from gun violence and preventing more families from suffering because of school shootings. Each person who signs This Promise is part of the movement to honor the lives lost by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. To assist journalists covering the 11th Remembrance, Sandy Hook Promise has compiled multimedia assets here . Email [email protected] for a password. ** Note: No interviews or public appearance will be conducted on December 14, 2023, as Sandy Hook Promise devotes that somber day to remembering the precious lives taken by gun violence. ** Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP's mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed "Know the Signs" prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. SOURCE Sandy Hook Promise Minister of Communication Credits Kingdom's AI Successes to Personal Emphasis by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Minister of Tourism Shares the National Tourism Strategy has delivered 250,000 new jobs, on track to target of 1 million Minister of Investment Says Fostering of local talent is a top priority Minister of Economy and Planning elaborates on goals of talent attraction RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi cabinet ministers and high-level officials highlighted developments related to Saudi and international labor markets at the inaugural Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. H.E. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia After having presided over GLMC's opening ceremonies, H.E. Minister Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development continued addressing issues related to the Saudi Labor Market, particularly the Kingdom's successful job creation efforts. The minister highlighted recent achievements, including the increase in Saudis employed in the private sector from 1.7 million to 2.3 million, a new record for the Kingdom. Additionally, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi lauded Saudi Arabia's successes in integrating Saudi women into labor markets, increasing from 17.7% to 35.5%, already exceeding the goal originally set in the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The minister went on to attribute this success to the Kingdom's localization policies, which have contributed to the creation of approximately 260,000 jobs, with notable increases in the engineering sector, from 40,000 to 70,000, and the accounting professions which grew from 39,000 to 103,000. In addition to localization, H.E. Minister Al-Rajhi cited a number of programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the Kingdom, including the provision of loans and workspace, as well as relaxed visa requirements and exemptions for entrepreneurs. Sessions of the first day featured participation of a number of additional Saudi Ministers, including H.E. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, who was the featured speaker in a segment "Developing a Workforce for Next-Generation Technologies." H.E. Minister Al-Swaha spoke of the potential hindrances posed by the incoming proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies, a risk addressed by the Kingdom through partnerships. Among these includes a relationship with online learning platform Coursera, which ensures all new generations have knowledge of AI. In particular, H.E. Minister Al-Swaha credited the Kingdom's success in the AI sector to the efforts of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who considers it a personal priority. Later, H.E. Ahmed Al-Khatib, Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of the tourism sector in facilitating knowledge exchange across cultures. According to the minister, this is likely to only grow as the Kingdom continues toward the goals outlined in the National Tourism Strategy. Among them include efforts to raise tourism's contribution to Saudi GDP from 3% to 10%, a target that will require the creation of approximately 1 million new Saudi jobs, 250,000 of which have already been created. In a fireside chat titled "Driving Investment, Catalyzing Impact for Workforce Opportunities," H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, stated, "In KSA, we focus on creating job opportunities for Saudis without compromising competitiveness and private sector enterprises." He continued, "We're not just about capital and resources but showcasing Saudi talent as a competitive and leading force." Finally, among ministers, Day 1 of GLMC featured a conversation with H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning. He spoke of the importance of productivity, describing the focus on increasing GDP not merely as an end unto itself, but an effort to create "a highly skilled workforce, an innovative environment, and better standards of living." In his remarks he focused on the challenges posed by the advent of artificial intelligence, saying, "The changes in technology we're witnessing today will almost disrupt every sector. We can be a part of that group of authors who will define what that'll look like, or we can be a part of the early adopters who can benefit from those changes." The ministers featured in day one of the inaugural GLMC were among a strong line-up of over 120 participants, who over the course of the day two summit will continue appearing in numerous keynote addresses, informational panels, fireside chats, and breakout sessions concerned with all aspects of the challenges and opportunities facing labor markets. For more information, visit globallabormarketconference.com. For media inquiries, contact [email protected]. About the Global Labor Market Conference The Global Labor Market Conference is a platform that aims to convene experts, specialists, and representatives of labor market stakeholders to engage in discussions about current and future international market challenges and propose innovative solutions to address them. Launched in Riyadh by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this annual conference seeks to establish a forum for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and as a driving force for positive changes in labor practices on a global scale. The event will gather Excellencies, the Ministers of Labor from G20 countries, leaders of pertinent international organizations, high-ranking officials, and figures from government and private sectors worldwide. It will also draw participation from major investors in both local and international private sectors. The conference's primary focus will be on policies and best practices related to labor markets, while emphasizing the pivotal roles of employers and governments in shaping a harmonious and inclusive labor market. In addition to the core conference program, which will delve into topics concerning the future of labor markets, the ongoing transformations in the world of work, and the influence of globalization, several ancillary activities will take place. These will include specialized workshops, diverse events, the signing of numerous memorandums of understanding and agreements, and the recognition of distinguished institutions and organizations within the labor market through the "Labor Award." SOURCE Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Locally-owned, centrally located in the commercial hub of the outer-Cape, Seaside offers a unique 'deli-style' experience with products thoughtfully curated for all types of consumers. ORLEANS, Mass., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than six years of effort, Seaside Cannabis Company is set to open its doors to the public Saturday, December 16th. While the amount of time it took to get here is not unusual for the industry, the way the founders of the business achieved this success was revolutionary. "Advocacy first" - a public awareness strategy that combines business development with an attention to local community needs and desires - was their preferred approach for Cape Cod. They founded the non-profit organization " Cannabis on Cape Cod " in 2017 with the goal of educating voters and town officials in hopes of quelling fear-based local efforts to ban the industry. The group led many initiatives in Cape towns including Brewster, Barnstable, Sandwich, Mashpee and Orleans, focusing on facts about the cannabis industry that would help overcome unwarranted opposition. In Orleans, the initial legislation was mixed, allowing for all cannabis business license types except for retail. By 2019 the residents realized the legislation was flawed and enlisted the help of Cannabis on Cape Cod to modify the legislation to allow retail sales. After months of effort, the ban was rescinded by a super-majority vote on October 31, 2020. "As I said at our town meeting back in May of 2018, 'Attempting to fight the cannabis wave is like fighting the rising tides at Nauset Beach. We can stick our heads in the sand and disregard the facts - or - we can step up and embrace the new reality. I'm proud of Orleans for ultimately delivering the 2/3 super majority it took to welcome this industry to our community. And I'm grateful to Seaside Cannabis for having the patience and perseverance to endure this challenging journey." - Rick Francolini, Orleans resident & advocate Passionate, local support is what made that advocacy successful. The founders of Seaside Cannabis Company felt compelled to deliver to those supporters and the town itself on the high expectations for a safe, secure, and well-managed cannabis store. That began their three-year journey to create the first cannabis destination experience on Cape Cod. The business founders see this as a dream come true. It is why they've created a dispensary experience different from all the others in the region: The Flower Market - Cape Cod's first "deli-style" flower bar where you can shop and learn about your favorite local growers and cannabis strains. - first "deli-style" flower bar where you can shop and learn about your favorite local growers and cannabis strains. Cold Beverages - the largest selection of cold cannabis beverages in the state. - the largest selection of cold cannabis beverages in the state. Good Vibes & Great Location - conveniently located directly off old exit 12 (now exit 89) in Orleans , the commercial hub of the outer Cape with plenty of parking. John Lipman, an Orleans resident and a supporter, expressed his gratitude for Seaside Cannabis. "I'm thrilled to have a store here in town that will provide competitive cannabis products and strengthen our reputation as a business hub for the lower Cape," he said. Don't miss our 'Grand Opening Weekend' events scheduled for December 22nd & 23rd. If you'd like to schedule a VIP tour ahead before the opening, please reach out to the media contact below. About Seaside Cannabis Company Seaside Cannabis Company is a full-service adult-use cannabis retail dispensary that offers a unique destination experience to our customers. We are a dynamic team of seasoned professionals and advocates with a shared passion for normalizing cannabis by providing a first-class customer experience forged through consumer education & engagement. We all grew up here, and have fought hard to ensure safe & legal access to cannabis on Cape Cod. For us, the opportunity to leverage our diverse professional backgrounds to curate the best retail experience in the state and do it in our backyard, is a dream come true. Local, passionate, and purposeful are words we live by. Learn more about 'The Seaside Difference' at https://seasidecannabis.com/about For media inquiries: Adam Higgins Co-Founder 910 616 2761 [email protected] SOURCE Seaside Cannabis Company Staffbase recognized in the inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant report CHEMNITZ, Germany and NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Staffbase , a leading employee communications platform provider, announced today that the company has been named a Leader in the new 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions. "We believe that being recognized by these analysts as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions represents a major shift in this workplace technology category," said Staffbase CEO and Founder Martin Bohringer. "Our intranet solution is fundamentally different. We are hyper-focused on enabling customers to own their story and inspire employees through fantastic communication. Our platform presents a clarity of purpose that drives powerful, engaging, and relevant experiences the intranet market has never seen before. This approach has long been validated by our customers and we are incredibly proud of this new recognition from Gartner that we feel shows that the rules of traditional intranets are being re-written." In 2018, Staffbase introduced its employee-communications focused intranet solution to the market, on a mission to re-write the rules of traditional intranets. Following the belief that intranets don't have to be yet another seldom-used personal productivity tool, with the right focus they can be a powerful platform to inspire and engage an entire workforce in today's digitally-driven attention economy. Additional Resources: Gartner Disclaimers Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions, Jim Murphy, Mike Gotta, Priyanka Singh, Gavin Tay, Max Goss, 27 December 2023. About Staffbase Staffbase is a high-growth, deeply experienced employee communications platform provider for enterprise companies. The mobile compatibility of the company's platform allows employers in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, automotive, retail, and energy & utilities, to securely reach their employees everywhere with reduced complexity. Staffbase solutions give employees greater access to the corporate information that's relevant to them, along with tools for the modern digital workplace, including existing intranets. Staffbase provides branded solutions for more than 2,500 leading companies worldwide who are transforming their employee communications, including Adidas, Audi, Blue Apron, DHL, Paulaner, UC Health, and Vestas. Staffbase has received the 2023 Choice Award for Intranet and Employee Experience Platforms from ClearBox Consulting and is again the #1 Employee Communications Software on G2. Please visit staffbase.com for more information. SOURCE Staffbase Inc. Egypt reaffirmed Tuesday its categorical rejection of any Israeli attempts to voluntarily or forcibly displace Palestinians outside Gaza, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, noting that all Israeli practices on the ground confirm Israeli intentions to impose the forced displacement of Palestinians outside their territories. Egypt stressed that Israeli practices in the Gaza Strip constitute a clear violation of the rules of international and international humanitarian law and contravene Israels responsibilities as the occupying power under Article 49 of the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, Egypt demanded Israel to immediately cease bombarding and targeting Palestinian civilians and stop turning the Gaza Strip into an unviable, unsafe, and unstable area for Palestinians. The ministry's statement came in response to remarks by Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, on encouraging Palestinians in Gaza to migrate outside the Strip voluntarily. Since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza on 7 October, Egypt has repeatedly rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has affirmed on multiple occasions Egypt's categorical rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians to any location inside or outside their land. Last week, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed in a call with UN Secrteary-Genereal Antonio Guterres Egypt's categorical rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians inside or outside their territories forcibly. In November, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated Egypt categorically rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Sinai. Since 7 October, Israeli airstrikes and bombardment have killed more than 18,600 and wounded more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, most of whom are women and children, in one of the most deadly bombing campaigns of civilian targets since WWII. Israeli airstrikes have also destroyed 61 percent of all residential buildings in the strip, displacing nearly 2 million of Gaza's 2.4 million Palestinians. Moreover, Israel has carried out intensive and indiscriminate bombardment on the civilian population in the northern parts of Gaza, thus pushing the civilian population towards the south of the strip. In the last two weeks, Israel has intensified its bombardment of various major population centres around Khan Younis in the southern part of the strip, issuing warnings to residents to move further south to Rafah near the border with Egypt or else. An all-out Israeli blockade on the entry of water, food, and fuel to the strip has left the civilian population on the verge of starvation. For weeks now, Egypt has called on the international community to pressure Israel to open the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza permanently to allow for the uninterrupted entry of humanitarian aid to the strip. Search Keywords: Short link: Fostering Team Harmony and Professional Growth: Stoneweg US Celebrates and Invests in Employee Well-Being ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoneweg U.S., LLC (Stoneweg US) is thrilled to announce it has achieved certification as a Great Place To Work, with 87% of employees affirming its commitment to an exceptional workplace a remarkable 30 points above the average U.S. company. Stoneweg US fosters an environment cultivating professional development, collaboration and commitment to ESG principles Post this Stoneweg US has achieved Great Place to Work certification for 2023. As the global authority on workplace culture and employee experience, Great Place To Work acknowledges organizations that consistently prioritize their employees. "Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that demands consistent dedication to the overall employee experience," notes Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She highlights that this certification is the only official recognition determined by real-time feedback from employees, underscoring Stoneweg US as a standout employer offering an exceptional workplace. Patrick Richard, Stoneweg US CEO, expresses enthusiasm for achieving this milestone, stating, "We are thrilled to become Great Place To Work-Certified as we consider the employee experience a top priority every day. Our continued success is owed to our dedicated team, and we celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible recognition." Susana Dans, Stoneweg Global Head of Human Resources, echoes this sentiment, saying, "At Stoneweg US, we foster a positive workplace culture that is essential for the well-being and overall success of our employees. This certification serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where our team feels valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best." Stoneweg US remains devoted to creating an environment that not only cultivates professional development and collaboration but also aligns with its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The team takes pride in contributing to transformative projects, such as workforce housing, which bring positive change to communities and provide a sense of purpose to every employee. In addition, through initiatives like quarterly gatherings, career development, and volunteer opportunities, Stoneweg US continually enhances employee satisfaction and collaboration, making it a workplace that employees look forward toa place where they can find purpose in making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. About Stoneweg US Located in downtown St. Petersburg, FL, Stoneweg US has a portfolio valuation of $2.1 Billion comprised of ~12,000 units. The firm leads the industry in optimizing assets through ESG considerations, climate resilience, and value-add strategies, investing in and developing sustainable communities to deliver healthy returns and elevate resident experiences. For more information, please visit: www.stoneweg.us. About Great Place To Work Certification Great Place To Work Certification is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place To Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified. About Great Place To Work As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces List. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Contact: Tara Kassal Ascent 917-406-2162 tkassal@brand-ascent.com SOURCE Stoneweg US, LLC Statement from Sun Life U.S. President, Dan Fishbein, M.D., on the ERISA Advisory Council's recommendation to Congress WELLESLEY, Mass., Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dan Fishbein, M.D., president of Sun Life U.S., released the following statement regarding the ERISA Advisory Council's recommendation that Congress pass legislation to require mental health parity in long-term disability insurance. "Mental health is health, unequivocally. Just as with physical conditions, mental health conditions can render a person unable to work. Disability insurance offers a level of income protection when someone cannot work due to illness or injury but by tradition in the U.S. has typically only covered mental health conditions for two years, depending on the policy. The ERISA Advisory Council today has recommended that Congress pass legislation to ensure mental health parity in disability insurance, which is already the case for health insurance. As one of North America's largest disability insurers, we support this important change. Mental health conditions should be covered by long-term disability in the same way that physical conditions are. We encourage Congress to take up and pass appropriate legislation to make this happen. Sun Life U.S. supports ERISA recommendation to Congress for mental health parity in disability insurance. Post this The obvious question is why disability insurers don't just do this on their own. Any one company introducing this approach without a market-wide solution would immediately be uncompetitive. A legislative solution is therefore the best option, ensuring an equitable approach for all covered workers, while supporting a strong and sustainable market for disability insurance. Another key issue is the cost impact. While some have expressed concerns that employers won't be able to afford the added cost of full mental health coverage and will stop offering disability insurance to their employees as a result, we don't believe this will be the case. Employers rightly recognize disability insurance as a valuable employee benefit that workers expect and rely on. If all disability carriers provided mental health parity, the additional cost would be relatively modest. Plus, disability insurers bring significant resources to manage the cost, especially by helping people get back to health and back to work. There is a mental health crisis in America. Benefits designed 75 years ago and continued as a market tradition do not reflect today's reality. We encourage others to join us in supporting efforts to evolve disability coverage to meet the current needs of American workers. We must do the right thing and ensure we are covering the conditions that need to be covered, so that workers can get the support and assistance they need. Getting people back to health and back to work whenever possible remains the goal, and providing good mental health benefits to bridge people through times when they can't work is a good investment. We applaud the ERISA Advisory Council's recommendation and stand ready to work with members of Congress and other partners to support appropriate legislation. Society benefits by helping more workers get the mental healthcare they need, and Congress and the industry have the opportunity to do just that." About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.34 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs nearly 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contacts Devon Fernald Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 781-800-3609 Anjie Coplin Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 214-549-1553 Connect with Sun Life U.S. https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial https://twitter.com/SunLifeUS SOURCE Sun Life U.S. Variations on the Mother Sauces Boost the Taste Quotient in any Dish NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Butter will undoubtedly be on everyone's lips this holiday season as Statista reports that cooking and baking are the most popular activities in the U.S. (as of September 2023). "The holidays offer an opportunity to entertain friends and family at home, and to bring a little more indulgence to home-cooked meals," says Charles Duque , Managing Director of the Americas for the French Dairy Board, adding, "French butter is the key ingredient not just to pies and mashed potatoes but to the sauces that grace everything from the turkey to the side dishes and lavish brunch buffets." This classic veloute sauce is one of the five mother sauces and is simply made with French butter, flour and stock. It acts as a blank canvas - with butter - and transports flavor to your dish. Espagnole Sauce is a traditional mother sauce and a basic when it comes to creating so many dishes. This sauce makes the already fancy quail, even more special for holiday entertaining. Tasteurope.com recently shared how to make the 5 mother sauces easily. During the holidays home cooks can use those classic mother sauces as a base to top a wide variety of dishes. According to James Peterson the James Beard Awardwinning food writer who has authored more than 15 books, including Sauces: Classical and Contemporary Sauce Making now in its fourth edition, "Mother sauces offer a base from which to derive any number of derivative sauces: adding cream to bechamel creates cream sauce; adding tomato to bearnaise creates Choron sauce; and any number of ingredients added to a basic mayonnaise produce an almost unlimited number of variations." "If you want your sauces to have another dimension--a je ne sais quoiuse French butteras it is made from cultured milk," shares Peterson, "If you're making a clear brown or white sauce, you may want to finish it with unsalted butter. Always add the butter cold and keep whisking until it's incorporated into the sauce." The flavor from cultured butter and the higher butterfat, a minimum of 82% according to Duque, are key to adding greater richness to the sauces that make holiday dishes like roast turkey, goose, and even macaroni and cheese so delicious. Award-winning food writer and cookbook author of The French Cook: Sauces, Holly Herrick shares that French butter is one of the chef's secrets to luscious sauces. "Pan juices from turkeys and roasts are a great way to create natural pan sauces, reductions, and gravies. After picking up the brown bits of a turkey or beef roast, deglaze with vermouth or cider for a festive flare, reduce, add some finely chopped fresh or dried mushrooms, enough stock to finish, and a final swirl of good French butter." Adds Herrick, "For an exciting, easy-to-prepare holiday brunch, try soft scrambled eggs over baguette toast topped with a warm sausage and sage bechamel. Nothing can ever top a silky beurre blanc over poached sole or salmon; fresh chives make the perfect flavor and color finish." Another fan of beurre blanc is cookbook author, cooking instructor, and holiday cooking expert Rick Rodgers who shares that he often makes the emulsified combination of a reduction of vinegar or white wine and shallots with butter, instead of Hollandaise, but also shares that if you want to bring international flavors into the holidays it's easy with adaptations to classic Hollandaise. Says Rodgers, "You can put gochujang into your Hollandaise sauce or harissa or fresh herbs, but also Thai curry paste or miso, it's the simplest thing to do and brings it to a whole new level." Find the recipes for festive holiday treats like Cheddar Herb Rolls , Gooey Butter Bars and Zesty Butter Shortbread Cookies , and more at TasteEurope . With French butter, a world of flavors can make a holiday appearance at your table this year. More information about Taste Europe | Butter of France: In France, butter is a key ingredient in many dishes as well as a staple in every kitchen. This is promoted in the U.S. through the initiatives led by the French Dairy Inter-branch Organization (CNIEL, for its acronym in French) in cooperation with the European Union. The joint effort aims to promote the benefits of French butter, its consumption, as well as introduce the U.S. to the myriad of differences between European and domestic butter and to increase exports. For more about the campaign, visit: www.TasteEurope.com and join the conversation with #ButterofFrance on social networks through Facebook TasteEuropeButterofFrance & Instagram @TasteEurope . About CNIEL: CNIEL is the French inter-branch organization for cow's milk, created in 1974. It brings together producers, cooperatives, private industries, distributors, and food service stakeholders with the aim of carrying out collective actions in the service of the French dairy sector. For more information: Laura Baddish 917 601 0051 370040@email4pr.com SOURCE Taste Europe Butter of France Vendors selected for the Hot Vendors report are noteworthy, visionary, and innovative. AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tethr, a leading provider of conversation intelligence software, today announced it has been included in the Hot Vendors in Conversational AI 2023 report by Aragon Research, Inc. Aragon presented the award on December 5, 2023, at Transform 2023, the independent research company's annual awards ceremony. Tethr's platform analyzes customer interactions across channels and delivers agent and customer insights to grow revenue, decrease customer churn, and reduce operational costs. With prescriptive dashboards and over 1400 out-of-the-box insights categories, Tethr enables contact center leaders to see how their agents are performing, what factors are impacting customer sentiment, and how they can improve their service delivery. Tethr's predictive AI models, including CSATai and the Tethr Effort Index, help businesses understand how customers feel about their service and sales interactions and what actions they are likely to take. The goal of these solutions is to empower businesses to make informed decisions to improve the overall customer experience. "We're honored to be a 2023 Hot Vendor in the Conversational AI category," says Robert Beasley, CEO of Tethr. "We believe it's a testament to the depth of insights and speed to value our customers see with Tethr. Unstructured conversation data contains a wealth of insights into the customer experience, and Tethr makes those insights actionable." Aragon Research honored all of its awards recipients during Transform 2023. Now in its 13th year, this annual awards ceremony recognizes Hot Vendors, Innovators, and Women in Tech award winners. About Tethr: Tethr is an AI-powered conversation intelligence platform that turns unstructured customer conversation data into insights, enabling contact centers to improve agent performance, combat churn, reduce operational costs and identify new business opportunities. It gives contact center and CX leaders a 360-degree view of every customer interaction. Backed by over a decade of customer service and experience research, Tethr delivers easy-to-read reports and dashboards that empower contact center leaders to reduce operational costs, decrease churn, and increase customer satisfaction. Industry leaders in financial services, insurance, consumer services, and more use Tethr to build a better customer experience. To learn more, visit tethr.com. Disclaimer: Aragon Research does not endorse vendors, or their products or services that are referenced in its research publications, and does not advise users to select those vendors that are rated the highest. Aragon Research publications consist of the opinions of Aragon Research and Advisory Services organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Aragon Research provides its research publications and the information contained in them "AS IS," without warranty of any kind. CONTACT: Dean Cruse 512-657-8927 dean.cruse@tethr.com SOURCE Tethr Beyond Period Products: The Flex Co. Steps into In-Person Health Education, Championing a Bold Future in Reproductive and Sexual Wellness LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Flex Company (Flex), the leading sustainable period care brand, today unveiled a major stride in women's health with the acquisition of Allbodies Inc. (Allbodies), a trailblazer in reproductive and sexual health education. This game-changing move amplifies Flex's mission to empower menstruators with comprehensive health solutions. It is the Company's third strategic acquisition. Since revolutionizing the period care market by creating the menstrual disc category in 2016, Flex has sold over 130 million units, overtaking menstrual cups in U.S. sales. This success stems from their deep commitment to education in period and reproductive health. Over eight years, Flex's team of "Flexperts" has become a go-to resource for thousands, offering guidance on sexual and reproductive health beyond just their products. A revealing Flex survey highlighted a stark gap in reproductive health knowledge among 375 American Gen Z women, underscoring the need for better education. 71% received limited reproductive health education 48% received abstinence-only sex education 70% can not explain their menstrual cycle 32% don't know the difference between the vulva and vagina 44%, feel uncomfortable talking about or practicing masturbation Enter Allbodies, known for its inclusive, evidence-based approach to health education. This acquisition brings together Allbodies' robust platforms, rich educational content, and network of health professionals with Flex's innovation, creating a powerhouse in women's health education and product development. "I fell in love with Lauren Bille's story behind why she started AllBodies because it mirrored my own: we both had serious vagina problems and were being ignored by our doctors," said Lauren Schulte Wang, founder and CEO of Flex. "We both took matters into our own hands. While I focused on developing innovative period products, Lauren built an educational platform. This collaboration feels like a perfect match, and I'm thrilled to bring Allbodies into the Flex family." Flex now sets a new standard, not just in menstrual care products but in advancing knowledge about periods, hormones, sex, and overall health. The combined vision of both companies is a world where discussions about the vagina are normalized, and every menstruator is educated and included. Acquisition Highlights: Comprehensive Health Ecosystem: This move creates a full-circle women's health ecosystem, offering top-notch sustainable period products, and expert-led education on reproductive health and wellness. This move creates a full-circle women's health ecosystem, offering top-notch sustainable period products, and expert-led education on reproductive health and wellness. Expertise Integration: Allbodies' team of health educators and practitioners will now enhance Flex's educational initiatives, deepening the impact of their content. Allbodies' team of health educators and practitioners will now enhance Flex's educational initiatives, deepening the impact of their content. Community Engagement: Looking ahead to the 2024 CYCLES+SEX event tour and other initiatives, Flex is set to ignite nationwide conversations on menstrual and sexual health, challenging societal norms. Looking ahead to the 2024 CYCLES+SEX event tour and other initiatives, Flex is set to ignite nationwide conversations on menstrual and sexual health, challenging societal norms. Innovative Product Development: This collaboration fuels the creation of groundbreaking products that cater to the multifaceted needs of women's health, empowering users with confidence and freedom. "If you're comfortable on your period, you're more comfortable in your life. If you can speak up in the bedroom, you can speak up in the boardroom. Body knowledge, body comfort and sexual pleasure are inextricably linked," said Lauren Bille, CEO/Co-Founder Allbodies. "We are excited to continue building our vision together with Flex." Effective immediately, Allbodies will operate under the Flex umbrella. The financial details of the transaction remain confidential. About The Flex Co. The Flex Co. has a mission to destigmatize periods and help all people with periods thrive. They are the top-selling sustainable period care brand in the U.S. Flex created the menstrual disc category and has sold over 130,000,000 discs. Their award-winning product portfolio is sold in 30,000 retail stores including Walmart, Target and CVS. Now, over 95% of the U.S. population has access to a Flex product within five miles of their home. Based in Venice, California, Flex is FDA-registered and is the sole designer of its products, which are manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. About Allbodies Founded by Ashley Spivak and Lauren Bille, Allbodies is on a mission to help people find more freedom, power and fun with their bodies. They are a platform and community of over 100,000 womxn for holistic women's health education and support. Allbodies offers a library of 60+ online health classes taught by world-class practitioners that cover a range of essential yet overlooked topics, including orgasms, sexual trauma, chronic vaginal infections, painful sex, racism in medicine, fertility after 35 and more. They aim to provide supportive knowledge and tools that give people true agency over their bodies. SOURCE The Flex Company ATLANTA, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Two leading wealth advisory groups, RBG Capital and Peachtree Wealth Advisors, have transitioned their collective clients' assets under advisement to hybrid broker-dealer Arkadios Capital. With combined assets exceeding $600 million, both firms were formerly affiliated with Triad Advisors. Nathan Stibbs, Director of Corporate Strategy, Arkadios Capital Peachtree Wealth Advisors, founded by David Frank and Jonathan Lindvig in 2004, is an Atlanta-based wealth management firm specializing in financial planning, investment management and estate planning services. They oversee over $325 million in client assets. "As we approach our 20th anniversary, our partnership with Arkadios Capital will provide our team and clients access to innovative tools, resources, and investment opportunities for the next 20 years," said Lindvig. RBG Capital, headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, boasts a cohesive team with over 100 years of combined experience in wealth management and investment banking. With assets under administration exceeding $275 million, RBG Capital is led by Steve Lichtblau, Mike Walling, and Christopher Gee. "One of our highest priorities was to identify a partner with a deep understanding of our M&A and wealth management clients' needs and objectives," said Walling, the Managing Director. "Arkadios Capital mirrors our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to agility, enabling us to effectively service and craft bespoke solutions for our high and ultra-high net worth clients." Both firms made the decision to join Arkadios in advance of Triad's upcoming consolidation into Osaic. "We are thrilled to welcome both Peachtree Wealth and RBG Capital to Arkadios and our growing community of elite financial advisors," said Nate Stibbs, director of corporate strategy with Arkadios Capital. "These are both highly entrepreneurial firms with significant growth potential, and they align perfectly with our culture and values. We look forward to helping them accelerate growth through our innovative platform of private wealth solutions." Atlanta-based Arkadios Capital has been consistently recognized as one of the fastest growing independent broker/dealers in the industry and was named an Elite IBD by Financial Planning magazine. In 2023, Arkadios was named one of the 40 fastest growing companies in Georgia. Arkadios Capital is a hybrid independent broker/dealer founded by a successful registered independent advisor for successful registered independent advisors. It has grown to more than $9B in affiliated assets and more than 160 advisors with 42 offices across the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit arkadios.com. SOURCE Arkadios Capital Software leader adds NexGen Leader and Top CEO to Tech100 Recognitions DULLES, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unanet, the leading provider of project-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and client relationship management (CRM) solutions for government contractors (GovCons) and the architecture, engineering, and construction industries (AEC), took honors across the board at last night's Northern Virginia Tech Council (NVTC) awards ceremony. The recognition demonstrates Unanet's continued market leadership, derived from its commitment to modern technology, exceptional service, and an outstanding people-oriented culture. Unanet was one of only two companies recognized in all three categories. In addition to being named to the 2023 Tech100 List for the seventh year in a row, CEO Craig Halliday was recognized as a Top Executive and Andrew Joehlin, CRM expert at Unanet, won the Next-Gen Leader award. "By combining our team's extraordinary commitment to customer service, an employee-first culture that values mentorship, and continual enhancements to our modern purpose-built technology solutions, Unanet has delivered the total package to help our customers succeed," said Halliday. "NVTC is an invaluable advocate for the region's top technology companies and we look forward to ongoing collaborations with the Council and fellow member companies." The NVTC awards honor forward-thinking companies, top executives and emerging leaders in the Greater Washington region who are driving innovation, developing breakthrough technologies, and contributing to economic growth. "Congratulations to Unanet and all of this year's Tech100 honorees a cross-section of innovators from the tech sectors of cyber, cloud, AI, software development, data centers, government IT and commercial tech," said Jennifer Taylor, NVTC president and CEO. "I am so inspired by the positive impact these honorees have on the technology field. Our region continues to be one of the nation's leading tech hubs and with the exponential growth of responsible and trustworthy AI, our future is brighter than ever." In addition to the NVTC awards, this year Unanet was also recognized as one of Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, a Construction Executive Magazine Top Technology Firm, a Top Workplace, and more. Halliday was also honored on the Wash100 list by Executive Mosaic, the publisher of GovConWire. To learn more about Unanet's ERP and CRM solutions and people-first delivery teams, visit www.unanet.com. About Unanet Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 3,700 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com. SOURCE Unanet JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UnionPay International and Cape Town Tourism announced their intention to partner at Cape Point, the iconic and famous destination in Cape Town. The two parties agree to jointly enhance the payment convenience in Cape Town for UnionPay cardholders. Fujun Shao, Chairman of China UnionPay, Larry Wang, Vice President of UnionPay international and their delegation attended the signing ceremony. Enver Duminy, Cape Town Tourism CEO says "We are thrilled to have welcomed an influx of visitors to Cape Town this year. We have seen over 1 million international arrivals to Cape Town International Airport from January to October, which is a recovery of 108% compared to 2019. And in a recent dipstick with CTT members, 90% indicated that they are anticipating better or much better business performance this 2023/2024 High Season compared to last." Tapping on its rich tourism natural resources and leveraging the tourism reopening opportunity, Cape Town Tourism is endeavouring to build the city into one of the world's most renowned tourist destinations. To fulfil this goal, Cape Town regards China as a crucial and lucrative tourism source market. Since UnionPay card is an important payment method favoured by Chinese outbound tourists, and UnionPay International shares the common goal with Cape Town Tourism, the cooperation between the two parties becomes natural. Duminy adds, "The Cape Town Tourism UnionPay Partnership presents the perfect opportunity to strengthen tourism cooperation while at the same time facilitate and improve payment accessibility for UnionPay clients, and therefore a welcoming and frictionless visitor experience in Cape Town. We recognise the value of the collaborative effort and the shared objectives." "UnionPay's acceptance footprint and service offerings in the South Africa has witnessed continuous significant improvement over the years by partnering with local institutions", said Asad Burney, Head of UnionPay Africa Region, "we believe that this partnership with Cape Town Tourism will help us better serve our customers when traveling Cape Town, providing affordable, accessible and innovative payment services to UnionPay global cardholders". UnionPay International, a subsidiary of China UnionPay, is the biggest card payments brand globally by number of transactions, with enabled card acceptance in 181 countries and regions and issuance in 79 countries and regions. With acceptance by more than 85% in South Africa, UnionPay has established its position as an international card scheme in the South Africa and the broader region since 2008. In Africa, UnionPay is present in 50 countries, and issues locally in 15 countries, UnionPay has launched various innovative payment products in Africa in response to the worldwide digital transformation and financial inclusion. DUBLIN, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market has valued at USD 3.47 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project steady growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.92% through 2028. While the most common type of device is the glucose meter, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have gained popularity due to their ability to provide real-time, continuous sugar level readings around the clock. CGM systems offer a comprehensive and detailed view of blood sugar fluctuations, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their diabetes management and overall well-being. Growing Diabetes Prevalence: Diabetes prevalence in the US is increasing, driving demand for blood glucose monitoring devices. 10.5% of the population (34.2 million Americans) had diabetes in 2018. Awareness of diabetes management importance boosts device demand. Advancements in technology lead to user-friendly glucose monitoring devices. The market is projected to reach $10.5 billion by 2025. by 2025. Availability of insurance coverage and non-invasive monitoring tech contribute to growth. Increasing Geriatric Population: The rising elderly population in the US increases the need for blood glucose monitoring devices. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to diabetes, especially type 2. Nearly 26.8% of adults aged 65+ have diabetes. Geriatric awareness of diabetes management and non-invasive devices drive demand. Demand for accessible, reliable solutions for diabetes management is pressing. New Product Launches: Launching new products significantly impacts the demand for blood glucose monitoring devices. Technological innovations lead to compact, user-friendly, and accurate devices. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS) offer real-time monitoring and enhance user experience. Increased awareness through marketing efforts drives device adoption. New products and awareness contribute to better diabetes management. Growing Advancements in Technologies: Advancements in technology, like AI and IoT, drive demand for monitoring devices. Advanced devices offer continuous monitoring, real-time data sharing, and personalized insights. Integration of glucose data with other health information promotes comprehensive diabetes management. Telemedicine and digital health platforms improve accessibility and quality of diabetes care. Digitalization in healthcare shapes the future of diabetes management. Key Market Challenges: Large inaccuracies in devices decrease consumer trust and demand. Inaccurate results can lead to improper diabetes management and health complications. Stringent regulatory scrutiny, including FDA oversight, affects consumer confidence. Manufacturers must focus on enhancing device accuracy to regain trust. Intense Competition Among Competitors: The competitive landscape is marked by intense rivalry, with multiple market players. Price wars, product feature improvements, and innovation drive competition. Confusion among consumers and aggressive marketing can reduce overall demand. Balanced competition that fosters sustainable growth and customer satisfaction is needed. Key Market Trends: Growing adoption of smartwatch-based applications revolutionizes diabetes management. Smartwatches offer convenience and real-time data monitoring. Integration of blood glucose monitoring in smartwatches drives adoption. The trend empowers individuals for proactive and personalized diabetes management. Emergence of Needle-Free Devices: Needle-free devices eliminate discomfort and inconvenience, driving demand. Easier and pain-free monitoring enhances patient safety. Needle-free devices align with the preference for non-invasive healthcare tech. Increased prevalence of diabetes necessitates efficient monitoring solutions. Segmental Insights: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are transforming the market with convenience and technology. CGMs provide real-time glucose readings, enhancing patient empowerment and control. Integration with smartphone apps further improves user experience. Type 2 Diabetes dominates the market due to its increasing prevalence. Blood glucose monitoring devices enable effective management of Type 2 Diabetes. The emphasis on preventive healthcare and awareness drives demand. The Western region of the US leads in diabetes management due to a high prevalence, awareness, and presence of key market players. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market. Abbott Laboratories Inc Medtronic plc Roche Diagnostics Corporation DexCom, Inc. B. Braun Medical Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC Insulet Corporation Nipro Medical Corporation Terumo Medical Corporation Report Scope: United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, By Product: Self-Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, By Application: Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Gestational Diabetes United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, By End User: Home Care Setting Hospital & Clinics Others United States Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market, By Region: Northeast Region Midwest Region West Region South Region For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d44y3b About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Commercial HVAC Market Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. United States Commercial HVAC Market is anticipated to reach a value of $25.56 billion by 2028 on account of increasing use of office space, developing new commercial infrastructure, and product innovation, etc. In the next five years, the government's emphasis on updating and building new commercial infrastructure and technology advancements in HVAC systems which will contribute to market growth in the United States. Moreover, factors such as extreme climatic conditions, expanding construction activities, increased demand for office space in the nation, and increased availability of highly efficient equipment are some of the reasons driving the market's expansion. The growing need for energy-efficient systems is another significant factor driving the commercial HVAC industry. This industry is expanding due to the preferential shift toward environmentally friendly technology brought on by rising environmental consciousness. Furthermore, major commercial HVAC companies are opting various strategies such as merger, acquisitions, partnerships, etc. to expand their services. For instance, in 2022, Carrier signed agreement to acquire Toshiba's global VRF and light commercial HVAC business to strengthen its position in one of the fastest-growing HVAC segments. Carrier's acquisition includes all TCC's innovative research & development facilities, worldwide production facilities, product pipeline, and the long-term use of Toshiba's brand. Also, market players are emphasizing on spreading information regarding the commercial HVAC products to enhance their consumer base. For instance, in 2022, Yanmar America participated in the Georgia Association of State Facilities Administrators' fall conference. The annual event brings together Georgia State facilities managers for intensive workshops, educational sessions, and a trade show. The participation in the conference was focused on discussing the company's Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) gas heat pump air conditioning systems. Additionally, companies have been focusing on expanding their manufacturing and production services to boost their market share. For instance, in 2022, Modine announced full scale production of chillers for the data center market at their new production facility in Virginia, and additionally confirmed a substantial order with data center company, Corscale, with prospects for further business in the coming months. Growing Demand for Building Automation and Control Systems Fueling the Market Growth The security, mechanical, HVAC, and humidity control systems were all designed to be controlled and monitored by the building automation system. Total control over the structure and autonomous facilities is the main objective of constructing an automation system. The market for building automation systems is expanding due to increased preference for smart and environment friendly structures among consumers, which is boosting the need for HVAC systems. New Product Launches by Market Players Aiding the Market Growth To cater the increasing demand, commercial HVAC market players are launching new products and expanding their product portfolio in United States. For instance, in 2022, GE Appliances exhibited a new division at the 2022 AHR Expo. The new product division includes gas furnaces, packaged units, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, and evaporator coils. These factors are anticipated to further boost the market growth during the forecast period at the country level. Booming Commercial Sector Boosting Market Growth The construction industry is a key driver of rising demand for HVAC systems. The need for HVAC systems has expanded along with the construction of commercial buildings, fueling the expansion of the commercial HVAC market in the United States. The need for HVAC is anticipated to increase in the upcoming years due to the continued building of malls, schools, metros, airports, supermarkets, retail centers, and other structures around the nation. Several significant manufacturers are projected to expand their operations and manufacturing facilities in the United States over the course of the forecast period as commercial sector construction rises. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the United States commercial HVAC market. Daikin North America LLC Carrier Global Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS) Johnson Controls, Inc Lennox International Inc Nortek Global HVAC LLC LG Electronics USA , Inc. , Inc. Samsung HVAC America, LLC Rheem Manufacturing Company Danfoss LLC Market Dynamics Drivers New Product Launches by Market Players Rising Building Automation and Control Systems Market Increasing Demand for HVAC Sensor-based System Market Trends & Developments Growing Smart HVAC Government Initiatives Increasing Demand for Energy Efficient Products Growing Marketing Campaigns by Companies Rising Construction Rate Challenges Strict Regulations High Operating Cost Report Scope: United States Commercial HVAC Market, By Product Type: Chillers Cooling Towers Air Handling Units VRF Heat Pumps Others United States Commercial HVAC Market, By End User: Industries Institutional Commercial Real Estate HORECA Others United States Commercial HVAC Market, By Sales Channel: Distributor/Dealer Institutional Sales United States Commercial HVAC Market, By Region: South West Mid-West North-East For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yurxbk About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets PHOENIX, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs, today announced the appointment of Kevin Prehn as president of Concorde Career Colleges, effective immediately. Prehn has served as interim president since September. Kevin Prehn, President of Concorde Career Colleges "We recently marked the one-year anniversary of our acquisition of Concorde and, in just a few months at the helm as interim president, Kevin's impact has been felt throughout the organization. He continues to impress the leadership team and our Board with his strong management and business acumen, and he is the natural choice to assume this role permanently," said Jerome Grant, chief executive officer of UTI, Inc. Prehn has held several leadership positions since joining Concorde in 2019, most recently as chief operating officer. He played a leading role in UTI, Inc.'s acquisition of Concorde Career Colleges, ensuring successful integration of key functions. "I'm grateful to work with an immensely talented group of higher education leaders who deliver on quality outcomes for our students," said Prehn. "I am incredibly proud of Concorde's track record of preparing students for careers across healthcare disciplines and couldn't be more pleased to continue working with our leadership team to carry these successes forward." Prior to joining Concorde, Prehn held senior positions at Education Corporation of America, Kaplan Higher Education, and Score Educational Centers. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Purdue Global and a Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of California San Diego. With 17 campuses across eight states, Concorde Career Colleges prepares America's next generation of health professionals for rewarding, in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic, and other allied healthcare roles. Concorde Career Colleges was honored as 2023 School of the Year by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools and Concorde's Dallas campus saw 2023 School of the Year and Innovator of the Year honors from the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas. About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on X (formerly Twitter) at @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer. Media Contact: Sharon Rolenc [email protected] 612-720-2083 SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. DETROIT, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) won a $3.79 million award from the Department of Energy's Office of State and Community Energy Program's (SCEP) Renew America's Nonprofits grant program to support energy efficiency in the nonprofit sector. This program enlists scores of UDM students and faculty to help 13 nonprofits in Detroit and southeast Michigan reduce carbon footprints. This investment is a significant step toward a new future envisioned by UDM President Donald B. Taylor following his 2022 appointment. University of Detroit Mercy receives DOE $3.8 million grant to help nonprofits increase energy efficiency Post this "UDM has a unique opportunity to work with project partners and nonprofits through collaborative work that connects to our vision and mission as one of the best Jesuit and Mercy Catholic Universities in Michigan and our region," Taylor said. "We are beyond excited to partner with such incredible organizations as the DOE, Focus: HOPE, the nonprofit agencies in our community and the people they serve who will directly benefit from this grant." Today, energy costs are the second-highest operational expense for nonprofits behind salaries. DOE grantees based their projects on helping to reduce energy consumption and expenses, which will free up a percentage of funds and lead to savings that can be redirected to mission-critical work. The goals of this project include a reduction in energy use, emissions and to lower utility costs in nonprofit facilities. In addition, savings achieved by nonprofits will help build greater organizational capacity and further provide services to metro Detroit constituents. UDM's project is titled Sustaining Service Organizations and will work to improve energy efficiency of 13 nonprofit-owned buildings in the Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park communities. The $3.79 million grant will be supplemented by a match of $1.01 million shared among project partners as in-kind resources. This brings the total investment in the project to $4.8 million. Organizations participating in this project serve hundreds of thousands of community members each day. These organizations include: Focus: HOPE, https://www.focushope.edu/ Brilliant Detroit, https://brilliantdetroit.org/ The Avalon Village, https://www.theavalonvillage.org/ Urban League of Southeastern Michigan, https://www.deturbanleague.org/ of Southeastern Michigan, https://www.deturbanleague.org/ Detroit PAL, https://detroitpal.org/ East Side Community Network, https://www.ecn-detroit.org/ Franklin Wright Settlements, https://www.franklinwright.org/ Freedom House Detroit, https://freedomhousedetroit.org/ Garage Cultural, https://www.garagecultural.org/ Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, https://www.goodwilldetroit.org/ Mack Avenue Community Church Development, https://www.maccdevelopment.com/about EcoWorks, https://www.ecoworksdetroit.org/ University of Detroit Mercy's College of Health Professions To learn more, please visit www.udmercy.edu today! Media Contact: Gary Erwin, 13135780339, erwingj@udmercy.edu SOURCE University of Detroit Mercy DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Capital Group, a Dallas-based alternative investment manager offering niche opportunities in U.S. real estate, today announced that an Indian national investor in Civitas' Aspen project has received I-526E approval in less than two months. This is the firm's second approval on a Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor since passage of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 ("RIA"). The processing time for this immigrant petition approval is significantly faster compared to pre-RIA petitions, where adjudication would often stretch over several years. "Positive news like this has really boosted confidence in the EB-5 program among investors." Post this "Positive news like this has really boosted confidence in the EB-5 program among investors," said Jeff Kiser, Director and Head of EB-5 Investor Relations for Civitas. "52 days is one of the fastest approvals we've seen in the industry since the RIA was enacted." This Form I-526E approval comes on the heels of other recent Civitas approvals of another Form I-526E, as well as approval of Form I-956 and Form I-956F. The Form I-526E was filed October 16, 2023 by Tristani Law, LLC. Civitas is helping to finance the construction of a 72-unit multifamily development, just outside of Aspen, Colorado. ABOUT CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP Civitas Capital Group is a nimble alternative investment manager offering compelling, niche opportunities in U.S. real estate. Civitas exists to create opportunities that enrich our communities, investors, and employees alike. Driven by relentless creativity, Civitas digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss. Follow Civitas Capital Group on LinkedIn. Learn more at civitascapital.com. SOURCE Civitas Capital Group ATLANTA, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VCO Systems has proudly announced its attainment of the Specialist Level Certification in Manhattan Associates' Partner Program. This achievement highlights the expertise of the VCO Team in implementing the industry-leading Manhattan Active Warehouse Management solution. Launched in the summer of 2021, Manhattan's Certified Partner Program underscores the company's ongoing dedication to ensuring the successful deployment and support of its software by both customers and partners. This program is designed to recognize and educate those who exhibit extensive knowledge and proficiency in deploying Manhattan's software solutions. Developed by Manhattan's Educational Services Organization, the program leverages many of the same training resources employed by Manhattan's esteemed professional services organization. VCO Systems Achieves Specialist Status in Manhattan Associates' Certified Partner Program Post this Manhattan's Certified Partner Program is tailored to assist companies in realizing tangible business benefits and expediting the return on investment from their software implementation. With Manhattan Active solutions being updated on a quarterly basis, the ongoing certification program ensures that participants keep up with each release. "We are heavily invested in the Manhattan Associates ecosystem and are very proud of the VCO Team for their commitment in attaining this badge amidst all of the ongoing projects. We continue to grow our skills portfolio to provide best in class services to the Manhattan product community partnering with Manhattan and their Certified Partner Program," said Vikrant Angia, CEO of VCO Systems. To achieve Specialist Level certification, between 10 and 24 of VCO Systems' associates have successfully completed Manhattan's Basics of Supply Chain training, Level 1 and 2 Manhattan Active Warehouse Management training, and training on Manhattan's other supply chain solutions. All certified employees have passed these exams that are built to verify proficiency. Eric Lamphier, the senior director of Alliances for Manhattan Associates, stated, "Equipped with our training, Manhattan Certified Partners are fully prepared to successfully implement and support our industry-leading solutions. Today, Manhattan acknowledges VCO Systems as a new Specialist Certified Partner for demonstrating their expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Manhattan products and technology." About VCO Systems Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with an offshore office in Bengaluru, India, VCO Systems, founded in 2013 by CEO Vikrant Angia, is dedicated to delivering top-notch unified supply chain services. Specializing in Light Directed Warehouse Solutions, they bring decades of experience in supply chain consulting and product development. Learn more at www.vcosystems.com. Press Contacts: Rashmi Phukan, VCO Systems, rashmi.phukan@vcosystems.com SOURCE VCO Systems COLOGNE, Germany, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An international team started the research project CERTAINTY in December 2023. Together with partners from science, industry and the healthcare sector, the project team led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI aims to develop a virtual twin that will improve treatment with personalized cancer immunotherapies in the future. In recent years, cancer immunotherapies have established themselves as a further pillar of medical oncology alongside traditional treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy). The advantages of personalized treatment approaches, such as CAR-T cell therapy, also include more precise phenotyping of individual patients. Numerous clinical, imaging, molecular and cell analytical data are collected and processed for each patient for diagnosis, treatment decisions and follow-up. The totality of all patient data within a clinical picture harbors enormous potential for improving diagnosis and therapy for future patients. One approach to realizing this potential is the concept of the virtual twin. This involves merging certain molecular and cellular characteristics of a person and their clinical progression data into a digital representation, which is regularly updated using a series of data variables. Based on comparative data from patients with similar characteristics, the virtual twin can then be used to simulate prognoses regarding the course of the disease or various treatment options. Corresponding concepts for virtual twins and the first promising models already exist in the field of cardiovascular diseases. In the EU project CERTAINTY, modules are now to be developed for a corresponding virtual twin for the treatment of cancer patients with CAR-T cell therapies. This will support doctors in selecting the best possible therapy in the future and also relieve the burden on the healthcare system through the more efficient use of cost-intensive drugs. The virtual twin will initially be developed as an example for multiple myeloma (MM), a malignant disease of the bone marrow. The plan is for it to comprehensively reflect the individual pathophysiology of patients who are eligible for or undergoing cellular immunotherapies and to be updated regularly. A particular focus is on the integration of molecular patterns into the digital representation. Other key technologies include the collection and processing of large amounts of data (big data processing), machine learning, personalized in vitro models and software-supported mechanistic models. Another focus of work is the development of interfaces that ensure data access and interaction between different physical and digital systems, always taking data protection into account. Other aspects taken into account in the project are the integration of socio-economic factors that can influence the course of the disease, as well as future applications for patients. Singleron looks back on long-lasting collaborations with clinical research institutes and big pharma providing next-generation sequencing technologies. Recently, their strategy for a knowledge base on MM therapy response prediction received the EU's "Seal of Excellence". Following on, Singleron became elected member of the GMMG (German-speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group), Europe's largest clinical trial study group on MM Therapy Development. In the research project CERTAINTY, Singleron is committed to advance the field of single-cell diagnostics in hematology with very significant investments in research, development and partnering on a global scale. Andreas Schmidt, PhD, Singleron's Business Development SVP, affirms, "Our multi-omics single cell solutions and sequencing of the full mRNA of single cells will aid identifying effective CAR T cell therapy options as it provides "sustainable" data, enabling retrospective alignment of future discoveries with historical samples. We take pride in our pivotal contribution to CERTAINTY, developing fundamental advancements for personalized cancer immunotherapies: In the context of MM, the therapeutic product (CAR-T), immune cells, and tumor cells will be meticulously tracked down to a single-cell level before and after therapeutic interventions." The EU consortium "CERTAINTY - A cellular immunotherapy virtual twin for personalized cancer treatment" is being funded by the European Union with almost EUR 10 million over the next 4.5 years. Partner Institution Country 1 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Fraunhofer IZI (project coordination) Fraunhofer SCAI Fraunhofer IMW Germany 2 University of Leipzig Medical Center Germany 3 Singleron Biotechnologies GmbH Germany 4 Collaborate Project Management Germany 5 Myeloma Patients Europe AISBL Belgium 6 TriNetX Oncology GmbH Germany 7 Masaryk University Czech Republic 8 Information Technology for Translational Medicine Luxembourg 9 University Hospital of Wurzburg Germany 10 Institut Curie France 11 University of Namur Belgium 12 Universitair Medisch Centrum (UMC) Utrecht The Netherlands 13 Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin Germany 14 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) The Netherlands 15 HealthTree Foundation USA 16 Roche Pharma AG Switzerland Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. SOURCE Singleron Biotechnologies SINGAPORE, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi Vaccines, a leading global vaccine Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), was named "Best Vaccine CMO of the Year" for the second consecutive year at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Vaccine Excellence Awards (AVEA) ceremony. The AVEA 2023 event was to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of vaccine and supply chain experts, organizations, and cutting-edge technologies in Asia, with ultimate award winners determined through voting by industry experts, professionals, and stakeholders in the vaccine community. WuXi Vaccines stood out among the nominees for its commitment to advancing global vaccine accessibility, especially in low and middle-income countries. Mr. Jian Dong, CEO of WuXi Vaccines, commented, "We are deeply honored to receive the 'Best Vaccine CMO Award of the Year' for the second year. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to WuXi Vaccines' unwavering dedication to furthering global health initiatives by providing end-to-end solutions that enable our partners to bring vital vaccine products to the market more efficiently." Notably, WuXi Vaccines has played a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19 by manufacturing of hundreds of millions doses of COVID-19 vaccine, enabling our client to supply the vaccine to over 180 countries. Recently, its first standalone vaccines CDMO site in Suzhou, China, has launched and successfully passed an on-site GMP audit by a global vaccine leader, which will accelerate global clients' project timelines by providing high-quality end-to-end services for diversified vaccines. Its Dundalk facility in Ireland has reached significant milestones, including the initiation of Tech Transfer (TT), and has made substantial progress in commissioning qualification and validation (CQV) activities. The QC potency lab at the facility became operational in July 2020 and received the GMP certificate from the Ireland Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in July 2022. About WuXi Vaccines WuXi Vaccines is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that focuses on vaccine development and manufacturing. It provides world-class, integrated development and manufacturing platforms to expedite partners' vaccines to the clinical stage and the market, regardless of the vaccine modality (i.e., recombinant protein, viral, viral vectored, VLP, OMV, nucleic acid, conjugated vaccines). With its technical expertise, broad regulatory knowledge, premium quality system, advanced CMC development capabilities, multiple production platforms (cell culture, viral, microbial, polysaccharide and protein conjugation), and extensive GMP manufacturing capacities, WuXi Vaccines provides an end-to-end service from vaccine discovery and development to large-scale commercial production and distribution. The company can enable global clients to deliver critical vaccines anywhere in the world, making it an essential partner in protecting public health. For more information about WuXi Vaccines, please visit: wuxivaccines.com. Contacts Business [email protected] Media [email protected] SOURCE WuXi Vaccines BREWSTER, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move aimed at reshaping the landscape of the global apparel manufacturing sector, ZapClo, the innovative technology company based in Haryana, India, has charted a visionary course inspired by the strategies of early-stage tech pioneers. Under the banner of "Blue Sky," ZapClo is set to usher in a new era of efficiency and effectiveness in the industry through the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. This paradigm shift is underscored by the appointment of esteemed industry veteran Don Jones as Global Chairman, signaling ZapClo's commitment to pioneering advancements in global brand product manufacturing. Don Jones ZapClo's groundbreaking strategy draws inspiration from the innovation playbook of early-stage tech companies, showcasing a commitment to pushing boundaries and revolutionizing the apparel industry. The appointment of Don Jones as Global Chairman symbolizes the company's dedication to fostering a more efficient and effective approach to the production of products for brands worldwide. Surya Gupta, Founder and CEO of ZapClo.com, spoke to the rationale behind the strategic move, stating, "As a board, we sought a guiding force with a robust consumer product and retail pedigree, coupled with a nuanced understanding of the international marketplace. Don's election as Chairman was the perfect choice for us." Don Jones, with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the retail sector and holding senior executive roles at renowned brands such as Target, Ikea, Gap, and Macy's, brings unparalleled expertise to the helm of ZapClo. In accepting the role of Global Chairman, Don Jones expressed his commitment to synergizing his extensive industry knowledge, contacts, and talents with the technological acumen of Surya Gupta and Brian Mead. "I took on the role of Global Chairman of ZapClo to leverage my over 40 years of knowledge, contacts, and talents, blending them with the tech genius of Surya Gupta and Brian Mead. Together, we aim to deliver a world-class experience to our customers," Jones commented on his appointment. This strategic alignment positions ZapClo as a trailblazer in the apparel industry, promising to streamline manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and deliver a seamless experience for brands on a global scale. As the company embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholders and industry enthusiasts are invited to follow ZapClo's progress closely. About ZapClo: ZapClo is an advanced technology manufacturer headquartered in Haryana, India, committed to revolutionizing the apparel industry through the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence. The company aims to pioneer innovative solutions, providing global brands with unparalleled manufacturing experiences. Contact Information Don Jones [email protected] (203) 885-6249 SOURCE ZapClo Grier's long tenure and experience at Ernst & Young will help prime company for future growth SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zendesk today announced Kelly Grier has joined its Board of Directors. As Ernst & Young's U.S. Chair and Managing Partner and Americas Managing Partner Emeritus, Grier led a $24 billion professional services organization with four services lines comprising more than 81,000 people in 31 countries. Her leadership portfolio also includes membership in Ernst & Young's Global Executive and Global Practice Group, in addition to her role as Executive Sponsor for Ernst & Young's focus on diversity, equity and inclusiveness. "Kelly's industry knowledge, coupled with her consulting expertise and profound understanding of driving growth and innovation, makes her an ideal fit for our board. We look forward to her contributions," said Tom Eggemeier, CEO, Zendesk. "Zendesk has always led the way in customer experience, but the proliferation of AI innovation is the new reality for CX leaders. Zendesk is uniquely positioned to help businesses manage this transformational shift," said Grier. "I'm looking forward to working closely with Tom, the leadership team and my fellow directors to drive Zendesk's long-term vision and growth." Grier's career spans over 30 years of professional service, specializing in strategic transformations, operational efficiency and talent development and the intersection of technology and human capital. Her appointment comes at a critical time as Zendesk focuses on expanding its product portfolio with artificial intelligence capabilities and identifies paths for new revenue streams. Grier also serves on the boards of Booking Holdings Inc., CDW Inc., and Illinois Tool Works and joins the current board members: Stephen Ensley, David Erlong, Hisham Hasan, Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, Ryan Lanpher and Tarim Wasim. To learn more about Zendesk management and the company's board of directors, please visit https://www.zendesk.com/company/management-team/ . About Zendesk Zendesk is on a mission to simplify the complexity of business and make it easy for companies and customers to create connections. Our customer experience software unlocks the power of billions of interactions, enabling businesses to build rich, meaningful relationships with their customers. The company was conceived in Copenhagen, Denmark and today operates in more than 20 countries around the world. SOURCE Zendesk, Inc. The director of the Carnegie Middle East Programme Amr Hamzawy affirmed Tuesday that the high participation in the voting process in Egypt's 2024 Presidential Elections indicates citizens confidence in the Egyptian state. During an interview on CBC TV channel on Tuesday evening, Hamzawy said: "The first determinant in these elections is the high percentage of participation which already happened and that is a very good thing," affirming that young people had the highest turnout rate. Hamzawy, a former member of Egypt's House of Representatives, added, while speaking to the TV programme titled "In the Evening with Qaswa," that the large turnout is good for political life in Egypt and for state institutions, especially in light of the challenges and the complicated regional and international scene. He said that whoever wins must take into account the visions and ideas of the competing candidates, stressing that Egyptian political life will develop gradually, and affirming that Egypt is close to addressing all its issues. During the interview, Hamzawy emphasized that it is important to build on the outcomes of the National Dialogue following the elections, adding that the Egyptian countryside is more interested in politics than urban areas. Moreover, Hamzawy said that Egypt needs to build new political cadres, whether they are close to power or in the opposition, stressing that the political parties must interact with the openness of the Egyptian political scene with more influential programs. Voting in Egypts presidential elections wrapped up on Tuesday and the vote count has commenced. On Monday, the NEA executive director said that approximately 45 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by the afternoon of the second day. Around 67 million Egyptians are eligible to vote, meaning that over 30 million people had voted by this time. During Egypts last presidential election in 2018, 24 million people voted, or about 41 percent of eligible voters. The Carnegie Middle East Programme is part of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington DC. Search Keywords: Short link: A nighttime Russian ballistic missile attack targeted Kyiv early Wednesday, injuring at least 53 people including eight children, officials said, as the Ukrainian president went to Scandinavia in pursuit of further international military support for his country after a trip to Washington secured no new pledges. A series of loud explosions could be heard in Kyiv at 3 a.m. as the city's air defenses were activated for the second time this week. Ukraines air force said Russia launched 10 ballistic missiles toward the capital and all were intercepted by air defenses. The attack on the capital underscored the continuing threat to Ukraine from the Kremlins missile arsenal in the 21-month war. Russia has in recent months been stockpiling its air-launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet, according to a recent assessment by the UK Ministry of Defense. That may herald another heavy winter bombardment of Ukraines power grid. Moscow last year targeted energy infrastructure in an effort to deny Ukrainians heat, light and running water and break their fighting spirit. As winter sets in and hinders troop movements, allowing little change along the front line, long-range air bombardment plays a growing role in the war. Ukraine has dwindling supplies of air defense munitions and other ammunition. That prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Washington on Tuesday in an effort to persuade lawmakers to approve President Joe Biden's request for $61.4 billion for Ukraine. His trip accomplished no breakthrough. Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Wednesday that he and Biden agreed to work on increasing the number of air defense systems in Ukraine. The terrorist state has just demonstrated how crucial this decision is, Zelenskyy said, referring to the overnight strikes. Zelenskyy on Wednesday met in Oslo with Nordic leaders who feel keenly the potential threat from nearby Russia and are among Kyiv's staunchest supporters. Russia is eager to exploit divisions," the senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden said in a joint statement in English. "We must continue to stand united against Russias illegal and immoral war. They vowed comprehensive assistance for Ukraine. Now is not the time to tire, the Nordic leaders said, amid signs of war fatigue among Kyiv's foreign supporters. We are in a critical phase where Europe must continue to show its support," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement. Separately, Latvia and Ukraine announced an agreement on the production of drones, which have become a key aspect of the war. They said they will aim to enhance Ukraines technological superiority in drone use. Debris from intercepted missiles fell in Kyiv's eastern Dniprovskyi district, injuring dozens of people, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Kitschko said on Telegram. Twenty people, including two children, were hospitalized, and 33 people received medical treatment on the spot. An apartment building, a private house and several cars caught fire, while the windows of a children's hospital were shattered, Klitschko said. Falling rocket debris also damaged the water supply system in the district. It wasn't immediately clear what type of missile was used in the Kyiv attack. It is difficult to imagine the consequences of these attacks if we dont have air protection, Ukraines Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, said on X, formerly Twitter. Each attack emphasizes the urgent need for more protection, as Russia shows no intention of stopping. In other parts of Ukraine, 10 Russian drones were shot down, most of them in the Odesa region, the Ukrainian air force said. Wednesday's attack came as Zelenskyy visited Washington, where he made an impassioned plea to Congress to approve additional aid to fight Russias invasion. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff who was traveling with the president, said the interception of the missiles fired at Kyiv showed how Western support is helping Ukraine resist the Russian aggression. The effectiveness of Western weaponry in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers is beyond doubt, Yermak wrote on Telegram. Search Keywords: Short link: If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Ahmedabad, Dec 13 : President of Gujarat Congress' Scheduled Caste (SC) cell, Hitendra Pithadiya, was arrested by the state police's Cyber Crime Department here on Tuesday. The arrest comes in connection with his alleged involvement in sharing a fake picture of a priest associated with the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The case against Pithadiya has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Specifically, he faces charges under Section 469, which pertains to forgery to harm someone's reputation, and Section 295A, which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or its beliefs. Additionally, he has been charged under provisions of the IT Act. His arrest has raised concerns in the political sphere, sparking discussions on the use of social media and the responsibility of public figures in disseminating information and images. London, Dec 13 : India's billionaire "vaccine prince" Adar Poonawalla has reached a deal for London's most expensive home sale of the year, agreeing to pay about 138 mn pound for a 25,000 square foot Mayfair mansion, media reports said. London, Dec 13 (IANS) Indiaas billionaire "vaccine prince" Adar Poonawalla has reached a deal for Londonas most expensive home sale of the year, agreeing to pay about 138 mn pound for a 25,000 square foot Mayfair mansion, media reports said. Aberconway House, a vast 1920s home near Hyde Park, will change hands after a sale was agreed by Dominika Kulczyk, daughter of the late businessman Jan Kulczyk, who was Polandas richest man, Financial Times reported. The property will be acquired by Serum Life Sciences, a UK subsidiary of the Poonawalla familyas Serum Institute of India, people familiar with the transaction said, it said. The price tag makes Aberconway House the second-most expensive home ever sold in London and the biggest deal of the year, according to luxury property agents, Financial Times reported. The top end of Londonas property market is insulated from the impact of higher borrowing costs, which have slowed the wider UK housing market this year, because few buyers rely on mortgages. Trophy properties in London have remained attractive to international buyers despite new transparency measures brought in to help target Russian money after the war in Ukraine, and the prospect of tax changes if the Labour party wins the next UK general election. A person close to Serum Life Sciences said the Poonawalla family had "no plans" to move to the UK permanently, but that "the house will serve as a base for the company and family when they are in the UK". The London deal follows multimillion-pound investments in vaccine research and manufacturing facilities near Oxford, the person added, Financial Times reported. Armenia and Azerbaijan on Wednesday swapped prisoners of war, their first step towards normalisation since peace talks stalled after Baku recaptured the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The neighbours had been locked in a protracted conflict for control of Karabakh, which Azerbaijan reclaimed in September after a lightning offensive against Armenian forces who had controlled the enclave for three decades. Normalisation talks, mediated separately by the European Union, the United States and Russia, have since stalled, despite both countries saying a peace agreement could be signed by the end of this year. On Wednesday, "Azerbaijan freed 32 Armenian military, Armenia freed two Azerbaijani military," Azerbaijan's state commission for prisoners of war said in a statement. It added that "the exchange took place at the Gazakh sector of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border." "Armenian soldiers were handed to Armenia after the International Committee of the Red Cross examined their health and made a positive conclusion," the statement said. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan published on his Facebook page a list of 32 freed Armenian servicemen. This happened after Baku and Yerevan last week released a joint statement pledging to seize "a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region" and announced a POWs swap. The European Union, United States, as well as regional powers Turkey and Russia praised the statement as a "breakthrough." Yerevan said in November that a total of 55 Armenian prisoners of war were being held by Baku. The number included six civilians, 41 military, and eight separatist leaders arrested in the wake of Baku's military operation in September. Search Keywords: Short link: IDF announces death of four more soldiers in Gaza, total reaches 101. Image Source: IANS News Tel Aviv, Dec 13 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement said that it retrieved the bodies of two Israeli citizens, who were taken hostages on October 7. The IDF retrieved the bodies of Eden Zechariah and IDF Warrant Officer Ziv Dado. While Eden Zechariah was kidnapped from the party in Re'im, Dado was kidnapped while serving as a logistics foreman in the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade. The bodies were retrieved by soldiers from Unit 504 of the Intelligence Directorate and the 551st Brigade operating in Gaza. The IDF said that the bodies underwent an identification procedure by military medical doctors and military rabbies. The Israel army in the statement said that the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Israel Police were also part of the identification process. The statement said that Zechariah and Dado families have been informed about the identification of the bodies. --IANS aal/khz Hostages' families urge Netanayahu for exchange of 'everyone for everyone' (IANS FROM ISRAEL). Image Source: IANS News Tel Aviv, Dec 13 : The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum headquarters on Tuesday mourned the death of Israel Defense Forces Warrant Officer Ziv Dado. The forum in a statement said, "We share in the profound grief of the Dado family. Ziv Dado, 36-years-old when murdered, was married to Stav and father to five-month-old Maya. Ziv loved helping others, especially underserved population." The statement further added, "During his military service, he received certificates of excellence, was loved by his commanders and superiors. As logistics officer with the Golani Brigade, he helped all the soldiers under his command, guided people, volunteered and offered assistance." He loved vehicles, cooking and barbecuing. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum headquarters said, "On October 7, Ziv was on the way to Kibbutz Kissufim and contact was lost near Kibbutz Mefalsim." His vehicle was found near the Black Arrow memorial. The family of the deceased soldier was informed that he was murdered on October 7. Nairobi, Dec 13 : Foreign visitors to Kenya will not be required to have a visa beginning January 2024, President William Ruto announced during the celebration of Jamhuri Day, or Independence Day, held in Nairobi, the capital. Ruto said on Tuesday that all foreign nationals will enter the county without a visa from January next year, a move that is expected to boost tourism, Xinhua news agency reported. "Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he added. The Kenyan leader said that to implement the visa-free policy, the government has adopted a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to the country are identified in advance through an electronic platform. An electronic travel authorisation will be granted to foreign nationals visiting Kenya, Ruto said, adding that a visa-free regime aligns with his administration's quest to boost the growth of tourism and borderless commerce. Kenya had earlier waived visa requirements for citizens from Indonesia, Senegal and Congo, anchored on bilateral agreements to enhance the movement of tourists, investors and skilled personnel. President Ruto has advocated for the abolition of visas for Africans visiting Kenya to realise the continent's integration agenda since taking over power in September 2022. Kenya joins Rwanda which in November announced visa-free travel for all Africans. During his speech at the 60th independence anniversary celebration, Ruto said his administration was committed to renewing key sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, health and financial services in line with the people-centered growth model. In addition, Ruto said Kenya intends to remain a transport and logistics hub to benefit optimally from the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Gaza, Dec 13 : Israeli forces stormed the only operational Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip after besieging and bombarding it for several days, Gaza's Health Ministry said in a statement. Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra said on Tuesday in the statement that Israeli soldiers had ordered all men, including medical personnel, to gather in the hospital courtyard. He expressed concern about the possibility of the medical staff being arrested, Xinhua news agency reported. Al-Qedra called on the UN, the WHO, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to act immediately to save and protect the lives of those people in the hospital. Sanaa, Dec 13 : Yemen's Houthi rebels have said they attacked with a naval missile a Norwegian ship loaded with oil and heading for Israel in the Red Sea. "We did not resort to targetting the Norwegian ship until its crew rejected all our warning calls," Yehya Sarea, a Houthi military spokesman, said on Tuesday in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "We will not hesitate to target any ship heading to Israel that rejects our warnings ... Over the past two days, our armed forces succeeded in preventing the passage of several ships that responded to our warnings," he added. "We will continue to prevent all ships from heading to the ports of the Israeli enemy unless food and medicine aid be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip," said the Houthi military spokesman. Meanwhile, Britain's Maritime Trade Operations agency, wrote on X that the attack occurred late Monday at 15 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port of Mokha, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This is the latest attack on the international waters of the Red Sea claimed by the Yemeni militia since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, Xinhua news agency reported. On November 19, the Houthi fighters hijacked a commercial ship, Galaxy Leader, and brought it to the Houthi-held Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. The Houthi group controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. Amman, Dec 13 : A Jordanian border guard was killed and another wounded in an armed clash with smugglers along the Syria-Jordan border, the media reported. The smugglers were intercepted while trying to transport a substantial quantity of narcotics from Syria into Jordan by exploiting the poor visibility in thick fog, the state-run Petra news agency quoted a source from the Jordanian Armed Forces as saying on Tuesday. Several smugglers were killed during the clash, and the rest fled to Syrian territory, according to the source as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. London, Dec 13 : In a boost for Britain's Indian-origin Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, MPs in the House of Commons approved by 313 votes to 269 what is called a second reading of a House of Commons Bill, which aims to deport to Rwanda asylum seekers arriving in the UK, who in the British government's assessment are ineligible. Sunak said: "The British people should decide who gets to come to this country -- not criminal gangs or foreign courts. That's what this Bill delivers." Mark Francois, representing a significant number of Right-wing Conservative MPs, told the press that this group could not support the Bill in the third reading, expected to be introduced in the New Year. For the moment, they refrained from pulling the rug on Sunak on the basis that he had indicated to them that he was willing to accept amendments that would tighten the Bill. A seven hour debate occurred on a day when news broke of an asylum seeker housed on a barge off the southern English coast -- whose application was being processed -- being found dead on the vessel. The Guardian reported he "is believed to have killed himself". The Times headlined 'Migrant dies in "suicide" on Bibby Stockholm barge'. The UK Home Secretary (Minister), James Cleverly, opened the debate by saying: "The actions that we are taking whilst novel, whilst very much pushing at the edge of the envelope, are within the framework of international law." His former deputy a" Immigration Minister a" Robert Jenrick, who was entrusted with the task of piloting the Bill, but resigned last week on the grounds that the wording did not go far enough to guarantee deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, contradicted Cleverly. "It will not," he said, "stop people appealing as individuals against deportation orders." He added: "The courts will be overwhelmed with claims, and detention facilities will fill up. People will have to be released, and they will disappear." The shadow Home secretary belonging to the opposition Labour party, Yvette Cooper, pointed out: "We have had a Home Secretary (Suella Braverman) sacked, an Immigration Minister (Jenrick) resigning, and they've (the Conservative government) spent almost A300 million (Rs 30,000 crore) of taxpayers' money on Rwanda without sending a single persona" Four weeks ago, the UK's Supreme Court struck down the law on the same subject as earlier enacted. One of the reasons why it did so is because it decreed Rwanda was not a safe place to deport a person. Freedom House, a Washington-based body which works to defend human rights, in its 2022 annual report categorised Rwanda as 'not free'. On civil liberties it gave it a score of 14 out of 60. Varanasi, Dec 13 : A woman lieutenant-colonel posted in Jammu and Kashmir, has lodged a rape case against her colleague of the same rank and his mother in Varanasi. She has alleged that the accused promised to marry her and had unnatural sex with her on many occasions. He also made a video of her and blackmailed her, the woman officer claimed. She has also accused the officer and his mother of demanding Rs 80 lakh as dowry. ACP (Cantt) Atul Anjan Tripathi said: aOn the basis of the complaint of the woman Army officer, a named FIR was lodged against the accused and his mother under IPC Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (insulting modesty of woman), 493 (cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage), 496 (marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage), and 376 (rape), and Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. "Investigation in this matter has started, apart from initiating the process of medical examination of the complainant, recording her statement, and others. Further action will be taken in this case on the basis of outcome of the investigation." In her complaint, the woman officer said that during her posting in Jammu and Kashmir she had come in contact with the accused, who later proposed to her in May. Lucknow, Dec 13 : To ward off allegations of seeking money for tickets, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is planning to field more candidates from its cadre than outsiders in the next year's Lok Sabha elections. BSP president Mayawati had asked leaders to select candidates from among the cadre and committed workforce of the party. The move stems from the fact that outsiders have often accused BSP of demanding money in exchange of tickets. The most recent example was BSP's import from Congress, Imran Masood, who alleged that he was expelled from the party because he could not cough up Rs 5 crore from Saharanpur and give it to the party as was demanded from him. "To keep such allegations at bay, Behenji wants our own people to be given the chance to contest elections. When people from the community are given tickets, it will reinforce the message that BSP is the party for Dalits," said a party functionary. The party wants to keep Jatavs on its side and get back the non-Jatav Dalits that have moved away from it. One of the easiest ways to do it is to give the old loyalists and committed workers a chance to contest elections. The BSP has also realised that not many Muslims are coming to its fold. "The party has also learnt from its failures in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and the urban local body (ULB) polls in May this year. In the 2022 Assembly polls, bhaichara sammelans did not bring upper cast votes to the party in the proportion expected. "In ULB polls 2023, Muslim vote got split. The BSP, which fielded Muslim candidates on 11 of the 17 mayoral seats, lost even the two seats that it had won in 2017," said the functionary. In another development, the party has revived the practice of organising cadre camps, wherein workers will reach out to Dalits with the works been done for them. Such camps were held on a regular basis during the time of Kanshi Ram. In a first, India votes against UNGA resolution backing Palestine; it didn't condemn Hamas terror. Image Source: IANS News Gaza, Dec 13 : The Hamas militant group on Wednesday welcomed the UN General Assembly's (UNGA)call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the raging war in Gaza. In a statement, Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, urged the international community to sustain pressure on what he called the occupying forces and called for compliance with the UN decision, reports CNN. He also condemned the "war of genocide and ethnic cleansing" against the Palestinian people. The resolution presented by Egypt and Mauritania with scores of co-sponsors was adopted on Tuesday with 153 votes. It received only 10 votes against and there were 23 abstentions. The resolution also demanded the release of all hostages and called on parties to comply with their international obligations, especially for protecting civilians and to ensure humanitarian access for relief to Gaza. The resolution is only symbolic because, unlike the UN Security Council, the UNGA does not have enforcement powers. The UN has warned of a breakdown in the humanitarian system in Gaza where a majority of its 2.2 million residents have been displaced from their homes and face hunger and disease. Illustrating the change in attitudes towards Israel, the earlier resolution on October 27 received 121 votes and it has risen to 153 for the latest resolution on Tuesday, while votes against came down from 14 to 10, and abstentions 44 to 23. Last week, Washington vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, the second time it has done so. Russia vetoed a resolution and China joined it in vetoing another. However, the Council passed one resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the fighting after Russia, the US and Britain abstained. On November 24, the warring parties agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause in the fighting to enable humanitarian relief supplies to go to Gaza and for hostages to be released. It was extended for three more days. More than 18,400 people have been killed by Israeli bombing in Gaza since October 7, when Hamas broke through Israel's heavily guarded perimeter and massacred 1,200 people. Egypt could seek to restructure its debt in 2024 to mitigate the burden of debt service payments through 2025, according to a research note by Morgan Stanley titled "Nine Surprises for 2024". "Egypt could choose to pre-emptively restructure as it would be mindful of a rising interest burden," Morgan Stanley said. Morgan Stanley doesn't consider the restructuring scenario as likely, as Egypt would probably manage its problems without needing to make huge changes. However, the American investment bank said that it still could happen. The restructuring process could be pre-emptive in nature, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing a research note by Morgan Stanley. Debt restructuring by countries can include extending due dates of debts and maturity dates of sovereign bonds, along with other measures including moving debt from private to public institutions or reducing the yields payable on sovereign bonds, according to Investopedia. Egypt is required to pay $29.23 billion in external debt service in 2024, $19.43 billion in 2025, and $22.94 billion in 2026, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). The countrys total debt reached $164.73 billion by the end of June. Of this total, Egypt owes $52.9 billion to multilateral institutions, of which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) accounts for 40 percent, or $21.2 billion, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). The other major multilateral creditors are the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ($12.3 billion), European Investment Bank ($4.8 billion), African Development Bank ($2.9 billion), and Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development ($2.2 billion). Additionally, $46.2 billion is owed to Arab countries, including the UAE ($20.9 billion), Saudi Arabia ($12.2 billion), Kuwait ($7.1 billion), and Qatar ($4.0 billion). Meanwhile, $8.8 billion is owed to five members of Paris Club countries, including Germany ($2.4 billion), Japan and France ($2.3 billion each), and the UK and the US ($0.9 billion each). In addition, $8.3 billion is owed to China. Debt service accounted for 60.3 percent of Egypts total expenditure during the first quarter of the fiscal year (FY) 2023/2024 which ended in September. Last week, Julie Kozack, the International Monetary Funds (IMF) director of strategic communications (COM), told Ahram Online that the IMF is currently discussing with Egyptian authorities providing additional financing to ensure the successful implementation of the policy package for Egypt to help it withstand the repercussions of the recent conflict in the Middle East and its potential adverse impact on tourism revenues. Egypt is engaged in a $3 billion four-year loan agreement with the IMF signed in December 2022. It received the first of eight tranches the same month. Cairo was slated to receive two more tranches in March and September of this year upon the conclusion of reviews of the economy by the fund, but these were delayed. *An earlier version of this article cited Morgan Stanley as saying that the restructuring scenario is likely. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi, Dec 13 : Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Manish Tewari on Wednesday gave adjournment notices to discuss the delay in census exercise and the issue of eight former Indian Navy personnel on death row in Qatar. In his notice in the Lok Sabha, Tagore, who is the MP from Tamil Nadu's Virudhu Nagar, said, "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely -- to discuss about the abnormal intentional delay of the Central government for mitigating census exercise and to direct the government to initiate steps for the census process immediately without further delay." Tagore said that was a matter of utmost importance that directly impacted the nation's governance and the well-being of its citizens. "The Census 2021 was initially postponed due to the severe COVID outbreaks in 2019 and later it has been subject to abnormal and intentional delays. The Central government, citing various reasons such as the availability of population projections based on Census 2011 data and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has continuously deferred the commencement of field activities for Census. "In March 2022, certain amendments to Census Rules were notified, allowing citizens to self-enumerate themselves in the Census and the National Population Register (NPR). Despite this, the actual initiation of the census has been further delayed. The Office of the Registrar General of India announced in January this year that the freezing of administrative boundaries had been extended to July 1, 2023, pushing the commencement of the census well into 2024. But due to impending general elections in 2024, the process would not be initiated in 2024 also. "This intentional delay in conducting the census is becoming a significant hurdle in understanding the actual needs of our people. It has resulted in the failure of implementing various schemes and plans designed to cater to the specific requirements of our diverse population. As responsible citizens, we cannot overlook the adverse effects this delay may have on policy making, resource allocation, and the overall development of our nation," the Congress MP said. "Therefore, I urge this august House to have a discussion regarding the urgent need for conducting the census immediately. The timely completion of the census is crucial for accurate data collection, which in turn is essential for effective governance and the successful implementation of government programs. Tewari gave the adjournment notice to have a discussion regarding the retired-Indian Navy personnel imprisoned in Qatar. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely -- That this House do suspend Zero Hour, Question Hour, and other Businesses of the Day to have a discussion regarding the retired-Indian Navy personnel imprisoned in Qatar. 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 sentenced by the Qatari court on October 26, 2023." He said that he has been constantly raising this matter since August 2022 both inside and outside the House but there has been no response from the government for 14 months. "In the meantime the eight Naval Personnel (Retd) have ostensibly been brutally tortured, self incriminating confessions extracted and sentenced to death in a Kangaroo Trail in a couple of perfunctory hearings. The government has not even called in the Qatari Ambassador to protest the matter strongly. There is no visible protest by the Indian Government," he said. "Despite the purported acceptance of their appeal, crucial details such as charges, court rationale, and the judgment of the copy of the Court of First Instance remain undisclosed. I therefore urge the government to inform the House of the situation about our Navy personnel in Qatar and the steps taken to bring them back to India. I hereby request permission to raise this matter," Tewari added. New Delhi, Dec 13 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations in Karnataka's state capital in an ongoing investigation into the Bengaluru terror module case. New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations in Karnatakaas state capital in an ongoing investigation into the Bengaluru terror module case. NIA sources said the agency has been carrying out searches since early morning on the premises linked to the suspects. The source said fresh searches were underway after the anti-terror probe agency got new leads in the case. The searches came after the NIA took over the case earlier this year in connection with the Bengaluru terror module case. Five suspected terrorists were arrested in July in Bengaluru by the CCB for allegedly planning a terror attack in the state capital. KBC 15 contestant asks Amitabh to fulfil his wish of meeting Samantha. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is hosting the quiz based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15', gave some romantic tips to a contestant, who called himself a die-hard fan of actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The contestant also requested Big B to fulfil his wish of meeting Samantha. In the episode 87, Big B welcomed Meet Sudhirbhai Joshi from Gujarat's Rajkot to the hot seat. For Rs 20,000 he was asked an image based question. Amitabh said: "That's the image", to which the contestant replied: "I already saw it." The actor said: "Your facial expressions are peculiar," and then he read the question, which was "Identify this actress who works in films in multiple south Indian languages?" The options given were: Nayanthara, Parvathy, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tamannaah Bhatia. The correct answer was Samanth. The 'Don' actor said: "You gave the right answer. Now, can you explain your mysterious smile? Why did you smile?" Sudhirbhai shared: "Sir, I felt her name must appear once at least." Amitabh said: "Do you know her?", and the contestant excitedly said, "I adore her." Big B then said: "Is there a possibility that she served you 'gathiya' and tea?" The contestant replied: "Please make it possible. Sir, please fulfil my wish." Amitabh said: "But you must talk to her", to which the contestant said: "Sir, I'II do that." Big B then turned to his sister sitting in the audience and said: "Khushbu, please tell us the truth because getting the mobile phone for him won't suffice. Give us the details. The people he calls with his mobile phone, the messages..." His sister replied: "Sir, even if they hadn't shown the full picture and just the eyes, he would have recognised her. He is in love with her." The 'Sholay' actor then went on to praise the contestant and said: "You are handsome. You are also wearing studs." Amitabh then shared some dating tips with the contestant, who is preparing for a government exam, and said if he has a girlfriend then he should take her to a library, and ask her to sit beside him. Big B added: "Tell her, 'I'll listen to whatever you read.' And for physical training- hold her hand and run." 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15' airs on Sony. Warsaw, Dec 13 : The new Polish government led by Donald Tusk secured a vote of confidence in the 460-seat Sejm, the lower house of parliament, gaining 248 votes of support and 201 against. Tusk, who was elected as Prime Minister in a Monday evening parliamentary vote after the outgoing government led by Mateusz Morawiecki failed to secure a vote of confidence, will lead a coalition government formed by three major opposition groupings, reports Xinhua news agency. Preceding the vote, Tusk, a former European Council president, presented his government's plans and the composition of the new Council of Ministers. Emphasizing priority areas, he highlighted legislative measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and teachers, among others. A key focus of the new government will be unblocking funds from the European Union (EU), with Tusk -- who had previously served as the Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014 -- pledging to go to Brussels and "bring back billions of euros", referring to the bloc's recovery funds frozen due to the rule of law dispute. The swearing in ceremony of Tusk's cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. Poland held its parliamentary elections on October 15, when the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party won most of the votes, but fell short of a majority in the Sejm. Morawiecki, the Prime Minister candidate from the socially conservative PiS party, was tasked on November 27 by President Andrzej Duda with forming a government. However, his government was rejected by 266 votes to 190 on Monday afternoon, which put an end to eight years of rule by the PiS party. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Among the Nifty midcap-100 stocks, mutual funds were net buyers in 64 per cent of the stocks. The highest month on month net buying in Nov'23 was seen in Petronet LNG, JSW Energy, Sun TV Network, Aditya Birla Capital, and Vodafone Idea, as per a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services. New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Among the Nifty midcap-100 stocks, mutual funds were net buyers in 64 per cent of the stocks. The highest month on month net buying in Nova23 was seen in Petronet LNG, JSW Energy, Sun TV Network, Aditya Birla Capital, and Vodafone Idea, as per a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services. In the Nifty-50 stocks, MFs were net buyers in 50 per cent of the stocks. The highest MoM net buying in Nova23 was observed in Bajaj Finance (+12.6 per cent), Adani Ent. (+11.1 per cent), Kotak Mahindra Bank (+6.6 per cent), Tata Consumer (+5.9 per cent), and JSW Steel (+5.4 per cent). In Nova23, MFs showed an interest in Healthcare, Real Estate, Technology, Utilities, Retail, and Metals, leading to a MoM rise in their weights. Conversely, Banks (Private & PSU), Consumer, Chemicals, and Consumer Durables saw a MoM moderation in weights. Private Banks (18.2 per cent) was the top sector holding for MFs in Nova23, followed by Technology (9.5 per cent), Autos (8.4 per cent), Capital Goods (7.2 per cent), and Healthcare (7.0 per cent). Real Estate, Metals, Healthcare, Retail, and Utilities were the sectors to witness maximum increase in value Mo, the report said. Total equity value for the top 20 AMCs increased 7.6 per cent MoM (+25.3 per cent YoY) in Nova23 vs. a 5.5 per cent MoM rise (+7.3 per cent YoY) for the Nifty-50. Among the Top 10 funds, the maximum MoM increase was seen in Nippon India Mutual Fund (+9.3 per cent) followed by Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (+9.2 per cent) DSP Mutual Fund (+8.8 per cent), HDFC Mutual Fund (+8.3 per cent), and Axis Mutual Fund (+8.0 per cent). Notably, the month saw a decline in sales of equity schemes (down 10.5 per cent MoM to Rs 430b). The pace of redemptions was unchanged at Rs 261b (up 0.4 per cent MoM). Consequently, net inflows moderated to Rs 169b in Nova23 from Rs 220b in Octa23, the report said. Belagavi : , Dec 13 (IANS) Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday refused to comment on the allegations made by BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal against him and his son, state president, B.Y. Vijayendra. "I won't react to the allegations of BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. I won't criticise him as well. I am confident that in this matter everything is going to be alright," Yediyurappa stated. He further stated that about 25,000 BJP workers are going to protest against the Congress government over its failure and anti-people's policy. Because of guarantees, not a single kilometre of road is being laid in the state, he said, adding that the development activities have come to a standstill and a protest will be staged on Wednesday. The infighting within the BJP's Karnataka unit has intensified after senior MLA ,Yatnal accused Yediyurappa of blackmailing the high command to install his son B.Y. Vijayendra as the party president in the state. The MLA said, "I don't know why the high command got fearful. They talk about discipline. Are we slaves? Don't we have strength? Even we have the support of the people." "Yediyurappa had blackmailed central leaders, saying that he won't campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He told the high command that he won't move across the state and will confine himself to the Shivamogga district." The MLA had also claimed that former minister V. Somanna was made a scapegoat in this year's Assembly elections. "Surprisingly, Vijayendra had sent money to defeat former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Now, Vijayendra has been made the BJP state President. Bommai himself had shared about Vijayendra funding for his defeat. "The truth should come out on what the father and son duo had conspired." Yatnal went on to say that in Shikaripura, a weak candidate was fielded by the Congress against Vijayendra. "They (Yediyurappa and Vijayendra) supported Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against party leader Somanna. In Kanakapur, there is an understanding," he said and alleged of an underhand pact between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Yediyurappa. Ethics Committee has no power to expel, this is the beginning of BJP's end: Moitra after expulsion from Lok Sabha. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, December 13 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Wednesday agreed to look into the urgent listing of a plea filed by Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra against her expulsion from the Lok Sabha. "Please send an email. I would look at it right away," CJI Chandrachud told senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on Moitra's behalf and made a mentioning seeking directions for urgent listing of the matter. Earlier in the day, Justice S.K. Kaul, the senior-most puisne judge of the top court, refused to pass any directions relating to listing of the plea and asked Singhvi to mention the matter before the Chief Justice after the Constitution Bench hearing is over. Moitra has moved the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution challenging her expulsion from the Lower House of Parliament on December 8. In her plea, the MP from West Bengal's Krishnanagar parliamentary constituency has called the decision of her expulsion as "unfair, unjust and arbitrary". The action against her was taken following the Ethics Committee probe on 'cash for Parliament questions' charge. --IANS pds/ksk Prayagraj/ Varanasi , Dec 13 : With exactly a month left before rituals in the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya begin, the demand for Shri Ram and Hanuman flags has started surging. Traders dealing in 'patakas' (pennant) have received orders from Hindu frontal organisations, residential colonies, apartments and individuals for saffron flags with Shri Ram/ Ayodhya on them. Surat Ram, a prominent trader in Varanasi said, "We have already received 50,000 flag orders with Shri Ram and Hanuman printed on them and that of temple structure imprint in the past fortnight and hope to supply around three lakh more in the city and adjoining districts in January." He added, "There has been a sudden surge in the demand of saffron coloured Shri Ram printed flags and red coloured Shri Hanuman pataka (flag) among the devotees." Orders are for different sizes and shapes of religious flags. We have been engaging more tailors to cope up with the demand." Meanwhile, the authorities of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Kashi Prant) have also ordered for 10,000 saffron flags to be installed at temples and houses in Prayagraj alone. VHP (Kashi Prant) president K.P. Singh said, "We have been appealing to people of Hindu community to install saffron flag or Shri Ram/ Hanuman pataka at their houses on January 22. We would also be distributing the flags among the devotees." Apart from VHP, the volunteers of RSS and other Hindu frontal organisations have also decided to distribute the flags among devotees with an objective that the house of each Hindu community member hoists it on the day of Lord Ram and temple consecration. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Delhi Police have detained two protesters, a man and a woman, who were protesting with colour smoke flare outside Parliament on Wednesday, an official said. The duo has been identified as Neelam, a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde, a resident of Latur, Maharashtra. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said that the incident happened outside Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan which is a running road. During the day, two unidentified men also jumped from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha following which the House was adjourned. The incident took place at 1 p.m. when Rajendra Agarwal was chairing the House. The protesters have been taken to Parliament Street police station, where they will be grilled. After the unidentified men jumped from the visitor's gallery, there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. The DCP said that this incident was different and details are yet to be known. The police said that as of now they don't have any information with respect to those detained inside. Inside the Lok Sabha, one of the men then kept on climbing the tables towards the Chair. However, he was caught by the security officials. Agarwal then immediately announced the adjournment of the House. The breach in the security came on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament Attack. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other parliamentarians paid their tributes to the security personnel who died in the 2001 Parliament attack . More details are awaited. Two men jump from visitor's gallery in Lok Sabha, lit smoke sticks, say MPs. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : In a massive security breach on Wednesday on the day of the 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament attack, two unidentified people jumped into Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, started running around the House and also lit up smoke sticks. New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) In a massive security breach on Wednesday on the day of the 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament attack, two unidentified people jumped into Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, started running around the House and also lit up smoke sticks. The MPs who were participating in the House proceedings were taken by surprise. The incident took place at 1 p.m. when Rajendra Agarwal was chairing the House. After the two men jumped from the visitor's gallery, there was commotion and the House was adjourned. The men then kept on climbing the tables towards the Chair. However, he was caught by the MPs. Agarwal then immediately announced the adjournment of the House till 2 p.m. The breach in the security came on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament Attack. DMK MP Senthilkumar took to X and said, "Two persons jumped from the Lok Sabha visitors gallery into the Lok Sabha house while proceedings were going on during zero hour. They started advancing and rushing towards the well of the house and they lighted up smoke sticks. Security was compromised." Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also took to X and said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other parliamentarians paid their tributes to the security personnel who died in the 2001 Parliament attack . Many MPs said that they were left surprised with the massive security breach inside the House. Many MPs who came out of the Lok Sabha said that two unidentified men were seen and they were spraying some kind of gas. Both the unidentified persons have been taken into custody and multi-agency questioning will take place. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police also apprehended two persons, including one woman from outside Parliament House with colour smoke sticks. ITC focuses on ITCMAARS, climate smart solutions & value addition to promote next generation agriculture. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : ITC's investor meet highlighted growth imperative led by broad based growth across business segments enabled by innovation, efficient and agile supply chain, digital/smart ecosystem and cost optimisation as per a report by Amnish Aggarwal -- Head of Research, Prabhudas Lilladher. ITC continues to innovate and improve GTM initiatives even as cigarette business growth seems to be a function of taxation policy. ITC is aiming for 80-100bps margin expansion in New FMCG business led by premiumisation, scale and cost optimisation, the report said. Hotels business is in for strong growth with huge scope to grow and rising ARR/occupancy. "We found Food Tech and Nicotine derivative exports as two exciting businesses with a scope to create strong moats in long term. We continue to believe that FMCG and IT Services will create huge value for shareholders over the years", the report said. "We remain positive innovation and digitisation led strategy with sustained growth and 100% jump in ROCE of non-cigarette businesses and overall Rs 947bn cash generation in last 10 years," the report said. ITC trades at 24.9/22.9x FY25/FY26 EPS with 3% dividend yield and 9.7% EPS CAGR over FY23-26. Maintain Accumulate with SOTP based target price of Rs 492, it added. Urban remains resilient however rural is still under pressure although some green shoots are emerging. Next two quarters to see better trajectory. ITC is targeting 80bps-100bps margin improvement every year led by premiumisation (30/40bps), scale (20bps), 100bps over time in ICML, freight and cost optimisation, the report said. In foods, new experience business/sunrise/noodles continue to see market share gain with current market share being 60%/53%(north east and WB)/20%. ITC sees huge opportunity in premium food product led by protein bar, yoga bar will be distributed with existing distributors network. Kolkata, Dec 13 : Jyotipriya Mallick, the West Bengal Minister arrested in the ration distribution case assured one of his confidants a government job, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has mentioned in its first charge sheet filed with a special court in Kolkata on Tuesday. This has been mentioned on page number 139 of the charge sheet, sources said, where the ED has named one Abhishek Biswas whose job in a state government department was fixed by Mallick. Biswas, as per the charge sheet, was appointed in the state forest department, whose current minister in charge is Mallick. Before taking over as the state forest minister in 2021, Mallick was the state food and supplies minister from 2011 to 2021 when the maximum irregularities in ration distribution took place, as per the findings of the ED sleuths. In the charge sheet, sources said, the central agency has detailed Biswasa background as well as how he got involved in the ration distribution case. Biswas is the brother-in-law of the Kolkata-based businessman Bakibur Rahaman, who was the first to be arrested by ED sleuths in the ration distribution case. He is currently in judicial custody at Presidency Central Correctional Home in South Kolkata, while the minister is admitted at the state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital. According to ED sources, Biswas was given a state government job after he played a key role in diverting funds from the shell corporate entity, whose name surfaced in the course of investigation, to another destination. When the process of winding up the said shell entity -- which was indirectly operated by the minister -- started, then the latter took the help of Biswas in diverting the funds, following the advice of Rahaman. A couple of Biswasas bank accounts were used for diversion of funds. After he successfully accomplished that task, as per the EDas findings, the minister got him the job in the state forest department. Kochi, Dec 13 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday asked the Governor Arif Muhammed Khan not to threaten the state government and that he must behave like a constitutional head. "A Governor should act like a Governor and not threaten us. Khan is the best example of an opportunist. It will be better for him to behave like a constitutional head," the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister said that the Governor is taking part in meetings which are organised by the RSS. "Should he as Governor take part in such meetings," the Chief Minister asked. The Kerala Chief Minister is currently on a state-wide tour along with his entire cabinet -- covering all 140 assembly constituencies -- since November 27th. The Governor has blamed the Kerala government for the grim financial situation in the state and he told media persons in Delhi that the Chief Minister has failed to understand the objective of the state wide tour. "Was there any need for this tour? Given the economic situation people need solutions to their economic problem and not these tours," the Governor said. He said that he feels sorry for Kerala as the revenue is only generated from the sale of lottery tickets and liquor and has blamed the state government for the financial crisis in the state. The Governor's statement came at a time when the Vijayan government has approached the SC with a petition that the Centre is strangulating funds for Kerala and has prevented it from taking loans. New Delhi, Dec 13 : After the shocking security breach in the Lok Sabha, where two individuals jumped inside the House, sources said that one of the accused, identified as Sagar Sharma, entered the Lok Sabha on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Pratap Simha's reference. According to Delhi Police sources, the two persons, who created a lapse from the visitoras gallery of Lok Sabha causing a big security scare in the House on the 22nd anniversary of 2001 Parliament Attack, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. Sharmaas pass was issued on the reference of Pratap Simha, the BJP MP from Karnatakaas Mysuru. According to Delhi Police sources, Manoranjan is a resident of Karnataka while the police is trying to get more details on Sagar Sharma. The incident came in the backdrop of the banned terror group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's threat of attacking the Indian Parliament on or before December 13 following an alleged foiled plot to kill him. Khalistani terrorist Pannun had on December 6 released a video in which he said he would attack the Indian Parliament on or before December 13 following an alleged foiled plot to kill him. The questioning of the two people is currently going on by the police. With the massive security lapse in Lok Sabha following two men jumping in the House from the visitor's gallery, the visitors' entry to the Lower House has been restricted for the time being. One of the two men, who were present in the visitors' gallery jumped inside the Lok Sabha while the second one was about to jump. At the time the proceeding in the House was on. One of the persons wearing a blue jacket was seen climbing on the tables as he ran inside the House spraying yellow gas spreading fear. All the galleries of the Lok Sabha had two security officials present during the proceedings. The Speaker will seek a report on how this breach took place in the presence of security staff. Ahmedabad, Dec 13 : Bhupendra Bhayani, one of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) five MLAs in Gujarat, announced his resignation on Wednesday and declared his intention to join the BJP shortly. With Bhayani's departure, the AAP's representation in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly now stands at just four MLAs. In his statement following the resignation, he said: "Today, there is no post of even Leader of Opposition. And therefore, nobody to raise pending issues in Gujarat. I want to do development work for the people and my constituency. And therefore, I have resigned." Bhayani, elected from the Visavadar constituency in Junagarh district, made the surprising move barely a year after the Assembly elections. In December 2022, he organised a public meeting in his native village of Bhesan, Junagadh, to dispel rumors of his defection to the BJP. Bhayani formally tendered his resignation to Speaker Shankar Chaudhary within the premises of the Gujarat Assembly. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Kerala government has filed an original suit before the Supreme Court alleging interference by the Centre with the finances of the State. The suit filed by the state government raises questions over the authority of the Union government to interfere with the powers of the State to regulate its own finances under several provisions of the Constitution. The plea alleged that the Union Ministry of Finance through issued letters in March 2023 and by amendments made to Section 4 of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act seeks to interfere with the finances of the State by imposing a Net Borrowing Ceiling and by reducing the Net Borrowing Ceiling thereby including aspects into the "borrowing" of the State which, otherwise, are not "borrowings" as contemplated under Article 293 of the Constitution. It added that the Union goverment imposed conditions in the guise of exercise of powers under Article 293(3) read with Article 293(4) that curtails the exclusive constitutional powers of the State. Further, it stated that the State has the exclusive power to regulate its finance through preparation and management of its Budget and Borrowing and "the reduction in borrowing limits will have an extremely deleterious impact and long-term economic damage to the State." "The Defendant through the Impugned Amendments has encroached into the legislative domain of the Plaintiff State as "Public Debt of the State" is an item exclusively in the State List in the Seventh Schedule under Article 246 of the Constitution," the plea said. It stated that the Impugned Orders and Impugned Amendment create unconstitutional limits and impediments on the State to borrow and regulate its own finances, therefore violating the provisions and principles of fiscal federalism under the Constitution. The plea added that the State has the constitutional power to legislate on its Borrowings as empowered under Article 199 and manage the same in accordance with the Constitution. Mumbai, Dec 13 : Director Prashanth Neel, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire', has shared that the film involves action driven by emotions and presents the story of two childhood friends. The first song from the film, titled 'Sooraj Hi Chhahon Banke' is set to be unveiled on Wednesday, and is based on the friendship angle. Sharing about the film and the friendship angle, Prashanth said: " 'Salaar' is a completely different world; the action in the film is massive and there are strong characters, but above all, it has an emotional story -- the story of two friends and their journey into the world of the Khansaar. I wanted to make an action-packed drama film with a story driven by emotions and friendship, and Salaar has given me that opportunity." 'Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire' shows the brotherly bond of two characters played by Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Prashanth further mentioned, "We wanted to create Khansaar of Salaar as one of the most violent worlds known to humans, but something that is strongly driven by emotions. I firmly believe that motives are very important in the development of characters in a film like Salaar to make them connect with the audience. Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran have played the character amazingly where you can feel the emotions of two friends and their mutual on-screen bond. In the film, each action sequence comes with an emotion, and we have tried to offer a perfect blend of action and emotion that will appeal to a large section of the audience." Produced by Hombale Films, 'Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire' is set to arrive in theatres on December 22 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Canberra, Dec 13 : Tropical Cyclone Jasper with category 2 strength hit northeast Australia on Wednesday, leaving thousands of homes without power, the nationa Bureau of Meteorology and local media said. "Tropical cyclone Jasper, category 2, is producing damaging to destructive wind gusts on the Far North Queensland coast as it slowly makes landfall," the Bureau said in its latest tropical cyclone advisory. Sustained winds near the center were 95 km per hour with wind gusts to 130 km per hour, Xinhua news agency quoted the advisory as saying. About 15,000 homes and businesses remained without power, according to the Courier-Mail newspaper published in Brisbane. Large parts of Port Douglas lost power as the core of Cyclone Jasper began to cross the coast, the newspaper said. Tropical cyclone Jasper is expected to weaken as it moves inland Wednesday night, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. "Locally intensive rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is forecast to develop from tonight along the coast and adjacent ranges between Cape Tribulation to Cairns as well as areas near the center of Tropical Cyclone Jasper," the Bureau added. New York, Dec 13 : Ravi Bhalla, the first Sikh Mayor of Hoboken City in New Jersey, has announced his candidacy from the US state's 8th Congressional district. Bhalla will challenge Representative Rob Menendez Jr, son of Senator Bob Menendez who is facing facing federal corruption charges, in the Democratic primary next year. If elected, he will be the first turbaned Sikh elected to US Congress. "I'm running for Congress in New Jersey's 8th congressional district, because I believe that America is better than the demagogues who seek to divide us, or the politicians who strive only to serve themselves," Bhalla said announcing his Congressional bid on Tuesday. Bhalla first set his roots in Hoboken at the age of 26, "a bachelor fresh out of law school starting his first job at a small law firm in Newark, New Jersey", according to his website profile. He specialised as a civil rights lawyer, earning national recognition from The New York Times for his legal advocacy after suffering a violation of his own constitutional and civil rights during a jail visit to a client. The incident motivated Bhalla to lead a successful campaign to reform the federal government's visitation policies at correctional facilities nationwide. He served for eight years on the Hoboken City Council before being elected as the city's 39th Mayor in 2017 out of a field of six candidates. Bhalla said his parents came from India to "work hard and honestly, with only the promise of opportunity and to practice our Sikh faith in a country where it is self evident that all of us are created equal". But that didn't stop the schoolyard bullies from hurling insults or tugging his hair, he said. Bhalla has been a constant target of racial hatred in the US with leaflets branding him as terrorist and hate-filled letters threatening to kill him and his family. "For Congress to rise to the challenge, we need new voices and new leadership -- leadership that is focused on making real progress on solving problems and ensuring that all New Jerseyans and Americans -- no matter their skin colour, ethnicity, gender, whom they choose to love, or where they started in life -- can still realise the American Dream," the Mayor said in his campaign statement. In his campaign video, Bhalla said that healthcare, housing, reproductive rights, and climate change would be his top policy priorities in Congress. "This moment requires change that is momentous. I believe that health care is a human right. Housing is a human right. Reproductive rights are human rights. The climate crisis is not a predetermined catastrophe, but a challenge we can and must meet," Bhalla said. Meanwhile, Menendez, while welcoming Bhalla into the race, has accused the latter of breaking campaign finance rules. "I welcome Ravi into the race, especially since he can validate the work we've done on behalf of the residents of Hoboken," Menendez said in a statement published in New Jersey Globe. "Ravi has clearly been intent on running, which means he's been violating @FEC (Federal Election Commission) rules for months. NJ-08 voters deserve clarity about Ravi's campaign finances and who's donating to his campaign," Menendez posted on X, following Bhalla's announcement. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Public Prosecutors to the post of Additional Public Prosecutors (APPs). The Raj Bhawan official said this will help speed up cases in the day-to-day working of the subordinate judiciary in the national capital. Ever since the recent creation of 17 new Courts, acute shortage of Additional Public Prosecutors was being felt. "The 13 Assistant Public Prosecutors recommended by the Screening Committee for promotion to the post of Additional Public Prosecutors have successfully completed the mandatory training and are clear from vigilance angle. As per the Recruitment Rules, they have completed the eligibility requirement of being in service for 06 years as Assistant Public Prosecutors," said the official. The promotions, ad hoc as of now, will be for six months or till the posts are filled up on regular basis by the UPSC, whichever is earlier. Simultaneously, a proposal of the Delhi Home Department for filling up 31 vacant posts of Additional Public Prosecutors on regular basis, has been submitted to UPSC. The L-G was informed that in view of the shortage of Additional Public Prosecutors and due to the creation of 17 new courts recently, it has become necessary to carry out the ad hoc promotion of suitable officers from the feeder grade post of Assistant Public Prosecutor. Boshret Kheir, a popular song by Hussain Al-Jasmi, blasted out of microphones in front of polling stations across Egypt this week. The song calls on Egyptians from all governorates to head to the polls. As around 40 million of Egypts 67 million eligible voters chose the countrys next president the mood was decidedly festive. The scene at the polling station in Al-Sadat Official Language School on Haram Street was typical: citizens gathered at the entrance of the school in groups chanting patriotic songs as the elderly were helped inside to vote. Assistance was also available for those with special needs. This turnout surprised commentators who had predicted the situation in Gaza would overshadow the poll. Maher Gergis, a driver, said he did not originally intend to vote but the situation in Gaza helped change his mind. I feel President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi is keen to defend both the Palestinian cause and Sinai, said Gergis. Dina Ahmed, a 29-year-old English teacher, told Al-Ahram Weekly that her entire family saw voting as their national duty. She said that after seeing all the campaign banners her first-grade students had asked if she was going to participate and she wanted to set an example. Offering that she voted for Al-Sisi, Ahmed added that the difficult economic conditions of recent months had not undermined the achievements of the current president. Omar Abdel-Salam, 44, has voted in every election since 2011. Although he works in Cairo, Abdel-Salam is from Luxor where the Decent life initiative and Takaful and Karama solidarity programmes have actively improved peoples lives. Both he and his wife cast their vote in special polling stations set up for those no longer resident in their home governorate. The most important demand Abdel-Salam has of the new president is to increase job opportunities for people like his 16-year-old son. Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, who works at a bank in New Cairo, has also been voting since the 2011 Revolution. I am looking for stability and security for myself and my children. I dont want to experience chaos again, he said. Unlike expectations, the election days were not a public holiday and only the schools where the polling stations had been located were given the three days off. Government employee Samira Ahmed managed to vote after leaving work on the second day of the poll. She said her husband would not be casting a ballot because he believed President Al-Sisis win was a foregone conclusion. Fatima Mohamed, a pensioner, voted despite the polling station being a considerable distance from her home. Many voters were impressed by the organisation of the polling stations. A Helwan University professor, who cast her vote at Saiza Nabrawi School in New Cairos Third Settlement, praised the smooth running of the ballot. I cast my vote in just a few minutes, said the university professor who preferred to remain anonymous. Engineer Raghda Omar echoed the sentiment: the whole process, she said, was remarkably easy. She criticised those who stayed away from the polls, especially young people, and lamented the fact that most of her relatives did not vote because they claim nothing will change. A 20-year-old student of the Faculty of Law, who preferred to remain anonymous, was among those who refused to take part in the elections because he did not know enough about the candidates. The age of 18 allows him to vote, but it does not obligate him, he noted. But not all youth stayed away from the polls. Abdel-Rahman Farahat, 18, was very excited about the elections. He remembered when he used to colour his finger red, imitating his parents after they returned from the polls in past elections, So when I reached the legal age, I participated and did not wait for anyone from my family. Holding the hand of his 12-year-old son, schoolteacher Ihsan Ahmed cast his vote in 6 October city. I insisted on bringing him along to show the importance of participating in elections, he said. If people want to maintain the stability and security they currently enjoy they should vote. I think that what has driven many people to take part in the elections this time round is the war on Gaza, commented Nadia Hassan, a doctor. I would like to see prices fall so that future generations can live a decent life and start their own families, said one citizen who withheld her name. And we want Egypt to remain stable and not become like neighbouring countries, she adds. Adli Ali, a pensioner who wants to see greater social justice and an improved economy, had the simplest of hopes. May the best man win, he said. Reported by Nesmahar Sayed, Mai Samih, and Reem Leila * A version of this article appears in print in the 14 December, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi, Dec 13 : On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, a major security lapse took place in Lok Sabha as two unidentified men managed to enter the Lok Sabha hall from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday. Wednesdayas security breach brought to mind the threats made by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on December 6 this year. The banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Pannun had issued a threat to India through a video in which he said he would attack the Indian Parliament on or before December 13 following an alleged foiled plot to kill him. In the video, which featured a poster of the 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru with the caption 'Delhi Banega Khalistan' (Delhi will turn into Khalistan), Pannun said a conspiracy to kill him by the Indian agencies had failed. He asserted that he would respond by attacking the Parliament on or before December 13. Meanwhile, the two people who created a massive security scare in the Lok Sabha were overpowered by the MPs and the security personnel in the House and handed over to the Delhi Police. The two have been identified as Manoranjan Kumar and Sagar Sharma. Sharma's visitor's pass was issued on the reference of Karnataka's Mysuru BJP MP Prathap Simha. BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali took to X and said, "In a chilling reminder of the Parliament attack 22 years back on the same day (Dec 13), a man jumped from the visitorsa gallery into the Lok Sabha MPs area. The breach could have put the lives of MPs in danger. It has exposed chinks in the 56 inch armour. The man was a guest of a BJP MP." He also posted the picture of the visitor's pass of one of the accused and the shoes in which he hid the yellow flares that he lit later inside the Lok Sabha. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Delhi Police sources have revealed that all four persons, including a woman, apprehended in connection with the recent security breach inside and outside Parliament, were acquainted with each other. "They are being interrogated. So far they have denied that they know each other. Their social media accounts are being scanned to find the connection between them," said another source. While two of the four people apprehended are still being held within the Parliament premises, the remaining two are under detention at the Parliament Street Police Station. The two men, who managed to enter the Lok Sabha Hall from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday, have been identified as Manoranjan Kumar and Sagar Sharma, both residents of Mysore. While Manoranjan is an Engineering student from Karnataka, Sharma's visitor's pass was issued on the reference of Karnataka's Mysuru BJP MP, Pratap Simha. The other two, a man and a woman, who were protesting with coloured flares outside Parliament and were detained by Delhi Police, have been identified as Neelam, a resident of Hisar in Haryana and Amol Shinde, a resident of Latur, Maharashtra. "The duo did not have any mobile phones or identification when they were caught. They assert that their arrival at Parliament was an independent action and deny any affiliation with an organisation," said an officer privy to the probe. Patna, Dec 13 : Bihar Minister Jama Khan claimed that BJP leaders are jittery over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's forthcoming rally scheduled to be held in Varanasi. While interacting with media persons in Patna, Jama Khan, the minority affairs minister, said that the people of Varanasi are inviting Nitish Kumar there. "There is a wave of change in the air. And we are hopefull that it will also move towards Delhi," Khan said. "The change will happen in the country as they (BJP) have told lies. The king always think about entire country and work for its respect and development but Narendra Modi-led government divided the society. The working style of BJP is anti-people in the country," the minister said. "We are expecting 4 to 5 lakh people would turn out in the rally scheduled on December 24. The party has given assignments to the leaders of neighbouring Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar districts to ensure the success of the rally. Varanasi is a place where the bell of temple rings on one end and sound of Azan comes from adjoining mosque. Varanasi is known for Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb in the country," Khan added. New Delhi, Dec 13 : In a strongly-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday slammed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for criticising the Supreme Court's verdict on Article 370, calling it "ill informed and ill intended". A day after India's top court unanimously upheld the Presidential order scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the OIC expressed "concern" over the verdict. The international grouping of Muslim nations called the reversal of Article 370 "illegal and unilateral", and demanded its recall. "India rejects the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a judgement of the Indian Supreme Court. It is both ill informed and ill intended," External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement on Wednesday. In a veiled reference to Pakistan, the spokesperson said: "That the OIC does so at the behest of a serial violator of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OIC's credibility." In its statement, the OIC's General Secretariat had said that it reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for the right of self-determination. Further, the grouping called on the international community to enhance its efforts to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 ended the special status conferred to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central government then moved to reorganise it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Chief Justice of India (CJI), D.Y. Chandrachud, said that Jammu and Kashmir held no internal sovereignty after accession to India. He added that there was no prima facie case that the Presidentas 2019 orders were in bad faith or extraneous exercise of power. Mumbai, Dec 13 : Homegrown auto major Mahindra and Mahindra said on Wednesday it will invest Rs 875 crore in its two-wheeler unit, Classic Legends over the next two to three years. While Mahindra will invest Rs 525 crore, the rest of the amount will come from existing shareholders and new investors, the company told the stock exchanges. Mahindra owns 60 per cent of Classic Legends, which manufactures heritage brand two-wheelers such as Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA. Classic Legends will use the investment to build a strong business in the fast-growing premium motorcycle segment in India, Mahindra said. The automaker is eyeing the premium segment currently dominated by Eicher Motor's Royal Enfield. Global giants such as Harley-Davidson and Triumph have also entered the Indian market in partnership with Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto, respectively. Mumbai, Dec 13 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will be among four who shall be conferred the prestigious 26th 'SIES-Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award' in different categories, here on December 16, an official said here on Wednesday. Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will be among four who shall be conferred the prestigious 26th aSIES-Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Awarda in different categories, here on December 16, an official said here on Wednesday. The other three distinguished winners for 2023 are: academician and Vice-Chancellor of Azim Premji University Prof. Anurag Behar, the British-born scientist and researcher in Quantum Technology Prof. Urbasi Sinha, and film director, author and preacher Dushyanth Sridhar. The prizes -- comprising a cash reward of Rs 2.50 ;akhs, a 5-feet tall gold-plated auspicious brass lamp, a citation, a shawl and other articles to each of the distinguished winners -- shall be given away at a special event to be held at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium on Saturday, said the SIES President Dr. V. Shankar. The awards are named in honour of the 68th Seer of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, and the ceremony is part of the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami festival, he added. Dr. Shankar said that in the past 25 years, the awards have gone to a 100 eminent personalities across fields including three ex-Presidents of India, two former Vice-Presidents, three Prime Ministers, two former Lok Sabha Speakers, four Governors, five Chief Ministers and five Bharat Ratnas, besides seven foreigners and others. While Goyal has been selected for Public Leadership, Behar was chosen for Community Leadership, Sinha selected for Science & Technology, and Sridhar named for Social Leadership & Spiritualism for the 2023 edition of the awards. Bengaluru, Dec 13 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the attack on the Parliament building is shocking and disturbing. "Attack on the Parliament building is shocking and disturbing. I condemn this act of violence. It is a relief that all the members of the Parliament are safe," the Chief Minister said. He said that despite the high security, such an incident is indeed a shocking development. "It is clear that the incident happened because of a security lapse. It is the duty of the Central government, especially the Home Minister, to carry out a thorough investigation and make all the details public," the Chief Minister said. He said that today's attack coincides with the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Parliament 22 years ago -- (Dec 13, 2001) -- suspicions arise that there may be other motives behind this. "Even during the 2001 attack, there was an NDA government, led by the BJP, in power. This raises several questions about the country's security," the Chief Minister said. He said that media reports are emerging that the youths who attacked the Parliament building were given passes by BJP MP Pratap Simha. "If these reports are true, then it implies that these youths might have been known to the MP. If they were not acquaintances, then how were passes issued to strangers? It should be noted that even inadvertent acts of negligence are also punishable under the law," the Chief Minister said. He said that the Parliament building, which is the heart of the nation, has more stringent security than any other place or building. "Yet, how did these youths manage to enter the Parliament with smoke canisters? Were any insiders involved in this act? Could there be any involvement of external forces behind the youths' actions? When the security of the nation's Parliament is not ensured, questions about the security of the nation's borders naturally arise," the Chief Minister said. He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi bears responsibility for answering all these questions. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Zerodha Co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath on Wednesday posted a video showing his own deepfake which was convincing enough to fool users into believing it was Kamath himself. He said the aim was to highlight the growing threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the video, Kamath's deepfake speaks about the difficulty in verifying customer identities as digitisation becomes centre stage. "As the deepfakes improve, I think it will only become harder over time to validate if the person on the other side is real or AI-generated. This problem will be bigger for banks that have more stringent regulatory requirements during onboarding," Kamath said in the minute-long video clip. However, at the end, he disclosed that "the video isn't me; it is a deepfake". In a post accompanying the video, Kamath who is India's youngest billionaire at the age of 37, said that the rise of AI technology and deepfakes pose a large risk to the financial services industry. "The tipping point for Indian financial services businesses was when onboarding became completely digital, thanks to Aadhaar, etc. For businesses onboarding a new customer, an important aspect is ensuring that the documents and the person opening the account are real," he said. The normal process that's followed today is to fetch the ID or address proof data from the source using Digilocker and or Aadhaar. Also, match the face from this ID proof with the person opening the account through a webcam. "Today, we have a bunch of checks in place to check for liveliness and if the other person is real or not. But as the deepfakes improve, I think it will only become harder over time to validate if the person on the other side is real or AI-generated. This problem will be bigger for banks that have more stringent regulatory requirements during onboarding," he noted. As AI-driven deepfakes continue to alarm lawmakers around the world, the Indian Government has stressed it has a zero tolerance policy towards any online information which is patently false, misinformation and against national security. Earlier this month, the IT Ministry issued advisories to social media intermediaries on ensuring 100 per cent compliance on tackling deepfakes and spread of misinformation on their respective platforms. Kamath said it will be interesting to see how the regulations around this evolve. "Going back to the physical way of opening accounts will bring the growth of the entire sector to an abrupt stop," he added. New Delhi, Dec 13 : In order to address the long-standing complaints of overflowing sewers across Delhi, Water Minister Atishi directed the CEO of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to visit the field twice a week and resolve the issue at the earliest. "My office has been constantly receiving complaints regarding sewer overflow from different parts of Delhi. I have personally visited several areas in Sultanpur Majra, Pocket A Mayur Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Chitla Gate, Nehru Hill along with local area officers. I am disappointed to say that the ground situation of these areas was not only dismal but inhuman," she said in the notice. "During my visit, I found dirty sewer water flowing onto the roads. In most cases, people living in the vicinity informed me that they have been facing these issues for several months now," said the Minister. In some cases, the residents informed her that the problem of sewer overflow has been so persistent that they have been forced to step on bricks to get out of their houses. The residents also informed that despite making repeated complaints to the DJB, there has been no resolution to the problem. "Even more shocking is the fact that the local area officials who accompanied me on these visits seemed unaware of the issues faced by the public on the ground. In most cases, the local area officers were oblivious to these problems. I am shocked to say that DJB officials, even senior officers, were unable to answer public queries," said Atishi. There was a total mismatch of understanding of the officials and actual ground realities, she said. "Otherwise, how is it possible that the issues have reached the minister's office instead of the local DJB office," said Atishi. "Sewer maintenance is the primary responsibility of the DJB, as per the Delhi Jal Board Act. If the Delhi Jal Board is unable to discharge its duties in a time-bound manner, then heads should roll. I had earlier directed the CEO to issue strict directions to all DJB officers to resolve all public complaints within 48 hours. No negligence on this front will be accepted," Atishi directed. "Besides responding to public complaints in a timely manner, the officers of DJB should also proactively visit the ground to take stock of the conditions of sewers. The CEO, Members, Chief Engineers, Additional Chief Engineers/Superintendent Engineers, Additional Engineers and Junior Engineers should carry out routine inspections of Assembly constituencies so that these problems do not arise at all," she directed. She said that Chief Engineers will have to visit the field thrice every week while all remaining Junior Engineers (JE), Additional Engineers (AE), Additional Chief Engineers/Superintending Engineers have to be on the ground daily. "Reports of these field visits must be submitted in the office of the CEO and Chairperson on every Monday," the minister further directed. Hyderabad, Dec 13 : Hyderabad's new Police Commissioner Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy on Wednesday warned drug trafficking gangs that they have no place in Telangana and Hyderabad and asked them to pack off. After taking charge as the city police chief, he told media persons that drug gangs will not be tolerated. "I want to tell drug gangs and those promoting drugs that they pack off. Leave our city, our state. We are not going to tolerate you however big you are," he said. Stating that the police would tackle the drug menace with an iron hand to achieve the goal of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to make Telangana and Hyderabad free from drugs, he said the focus will be on places where there is incidence of drug abuse Sreenivasa Reddy warned pubs, high-end bars and restaurants and farm houses that if they indulge in illicit activity, strong action will be taken against them. He also mentioned some people in the film industry using drugs. The police chief said they would hold talks with the industry bodies like Film Chambers to curb the menace through education. "Some people in the cine industry are behaving like children by organising parties and encouraging use of drugs," he said. The Police Commissioner said the police would take stringent measures to cut the demand because if there is no demand, there will be no supply. "The city is the destination. This is where the drugs come from all sides," he added. Speaking about his priorities, the new Commissioner said while focussing on basic policing, he would try to take it to the next level. "We will try to bring transparent and accountable policing," he said. Sreenivasa Reddy said he would use his past experience as DCP (traffic), to improve traffic management. Stating that the late slogan of friendly policing is being decried, he said the police would be friendly with those who respect and abide by law and will deal firmly with the law breakers. The IPS officer of 1994 batch was Tuesday appointed the police commissioner, Sreenivasa Reddy took the charge from Sandeep Shandilya, who has been posted as director of Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau. Before being appointed the Police Commissioner, Sreenivasa Reddy was working as Additional DGP, Organisation & Legal. He earlier had served as Superintendent of Police of Nellore, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, DCP, Traffic, Hyderabad, Group Commander Greyhounds, Joint Director, ACB, DIG, Hyderabad Range, Additional Director, ACB, IGP, Coastal Security Police, Vizag, Special Secretary, Home Department, IGP, Training & Legal, IGP, Operations (Greyhounds & OCTOPUS), and Addl. DGP Operations (Greyhounds & OCTOPUS). US President Joe Biden has nowhere to hide as the Israeli war on Gaza destroys what remains of Washingtons credibility in the region. No one is satisfied with the role played by US President Joe Bidens administration in the Israeli war on Gaza, neither the Arab countries, nor Israel, nor the European Union. It is an unenviable position for the Biden administration as it loses allies and their confidence in the US ability to lead amidst the worst political and humanitarian crisis that the Middle East has experienced in years. The US position, at worst, is weak and lacks a political and moral compass. At best, it is contradictory. The US was the only country among the 15 on the UN Security Council that voted against a ceasefire resolution on Gaza to stop the bloodshed after the killing of more than 18,000 people, most of whom were women and children. This is an average of 300 deaths per day, or 12 deaths every hour since the war began on 7 October. The US veto, which isolated Washington on the international stage in its unconditional support for Israel, did not prevent US officials from repeating empty statements about US pressure on Israel to avoid civilian casualties. We believe it is critical that Israel places a premium on the protection of human life, and for the ability of aid organisations to access civilians, Nathaniel Tek, a spokesman for the US State Department, said on Monday in response to increasing criticism for not doing more to stop the killing of civilians in Gaza. The dilemma of the US position is the sharp contrast between Washingtons language on the one hand and what is happening on the ground on the other. The Biden administration has not brought meaningful pressure to bear on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On the contrary, it once again presented a blank cheque to Tel Aviv when the White House decided this week to bypass Congress and supply more tank shells to Israel. The Biden administration has been hijacked by the most extremist government in Israeli history. The American president, desperate to win a second term, believes that the shortest path to the White House passes through the Israeli lobby, one Arab diplomat in London told Al-Ahram Weekly. Biden is unrealistic because he believes that he can give Israel another three or four weeks to finish the military operation to eliminate Hamas and its infrastructure, and after that the initiative will return to Washington regarding the political situation in Gaza, he added. But the reality of the situation is that Biden is delusional. Netanyahu will not listen to any instructions from Washington regarding the political and security situation in Gaza after the war, and he will act according to what he believes is popular with the Israelis. Netanyahu also believes that Biden is a lame duck, and in the year of the American elections the ageing president will be completely paralysed and easy to control. There are signs of significant gaps between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding the post-war arrangements in Gaza. The Netanyahu government said that it wants military control over the Gaza Strip after the war and the establishment of buffer zones to prevent new attacks. It refuses to allow the Palestinian Authority (PA) to rule Gaza, arguing that it is not much better than Hamas. The continuing attacks by the Israeli nationalist right on the PA are also increasing the anxiety in the US and Europe as they create, by design many argue, a political, security, and administrative vacuum that opens the door to the expulsion of the Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Options such as international peacekeeping forces or regional forces face enormous political, security, and logistical difficulties, which make the return of the Israeli occupation a likely scenario after the end of the military operations. As a result, the anti-PA rhetoric is being seen by many European diplomats as part of a plan by Netanyahu to create new facts on the ground that will include Israeli control of the West Bank and Gaza and the expulsion of the majority of Palestinians over several years. Two US officials expressed Washingtons dissatisfaction with Netanyahus anti-PA rhetoric, indicating to the Times of Israel newspaper that the attacks, led personally by the Israeli prime minister, are part of Netanyahus election campaign. Their goal is to satisfy extremists in Israel who believe that destroying the PA is a precondition to controlling the West Bank, they said. Early general elections have not yet been called in Israel, but indications suggest that after the war Netanyahu will be forced to call early elections in 2024 due to the pressure on him from the countrys opposition parties and Israeli public opinion. While the US at first supported Israels declared goals in the war, to overthrow Hamas rule in Gaza and return the Israeli hostages, divergences began to appear weeks later. On 10 November, Washington supported the idea of unifying Gaza and the West Bank under the rule of the PA, which Netanyahu rejected. There cannot be an authority that pays the families of murderers [amounts] based on the number they murdered. There cannot be an authority whose leader still has not condemned the terrible [7 October] massacre 30 days later, he said, referring to PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Netanyahu doubled down on his attacks on the PA, emphasising on 6 December that as long as he is prime minister the PA will not take control of Gaza. Two days later, he argued that the PA is not the solution. US officials tried to tone down the Israeli rhetoric. US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told the Aspen Security Forum last week that Netanyahu was referring to the PA exactly as currently constituted, indicating that the PA could undergo significant reform to satisfy Israeli conditions to govern Gaza. But Netanyahus scepticism about the 1993 Oslo Accords and their consequences is further evidence of the discrepancies between him and Western leaders. On Tuesday, at a foreign affairs and defence committee meeting in Israel, Netanyahu said that the accords had led to as many Israelis being killed as the attacks on 7 October. They just happened over a more prolonged period, adding that the accords were the original sin. The Oslo Accords established the PA and allowed for limited Palestinian self-governance over parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Further negotiations were planned to resolve difficult and tricky issues such as the establishment of a Palestinian state and its borders, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the status of Occupied East Jerusalem. While Israel blamed the Palestinians for preventing the negotiations because they rejected compromise settlements, the Palestinians accuse the various Israeli leaders of intransigence and refusing to provide just solutions. The Palestinians also condemn the rise of the extreme nationalist right in Israel and the formation of Israeli governments in which nationalists and settlers play a significant role, obstructing any possibilities for resuming the negotiations. Netanyahus latest attack on the Oslo Accords is in line with the shifts in his security doctrine, as he believes that the establishment of a Palestinian state is an existential threat to Israel. Right-wing Israelis, who constitute the voting base supporting Netanyahu, also oppose giving up settlements or territory. Netanyahus comments were met with a political pushback in Israel. Likud Party Knesset member Danny Danon responded by saying that there is no place to compare, both because we are in the middle of a war, and because the events of that Black Saturday happened in several hours, with many killed and wounded that Israel has never seen since its founding. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has also been highly critical of Netanyahu, saying that the State of Israel is at war. We are all going from one funeral to the next It is impossible to understand the level of disconnect and cynicism of the prime minister, who is conducting a wicked political campaign during wartime whose entire purpose is to absolve himself of responsibility, to accuse others, and to create hatred. The nation deserves alternative leadership. The continuation of the bloody war against the Palestinians in Gaza and Netanyahus attempts to rubbish the Oslo Accords have reinforced fears that the war could spiral out of control and turn into a broader regional conflict. Many European diplomats hold the US administration responsible for Netanyahus hardline approach. The Biden administration should only blame itself, as it has refused at every turn to exert any pressure on Israel, one European diplomat based in London told the Weekly. He said that Netanyahus description of the Oslo Accords as the original sin is very problematic from the EU perspective. There is an upcoming vote in the UN General Assembly for a ceasefire. I believe that most European countries will vote to support the resolution. It is non-binding, but the Biden administration must take a clear position in favour of a ceasefire. However, I am not holding my breath, the diplomat added. * A version of this article appears in print in the 14 December, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Latur, Dec 13 : A team of Latur Police swooped down on the home of Amol Shinde - one of the four persons who created a massive and sensational security scare in Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon, official sources said. Latur, Dec 13 (IANS) A team of Latur Police swooped down on the home of Amol Shinde a" one of the four persons who created a massive and sensational security scare in Parliament House in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon, official sources said. Soon after it was confirmed that one of the four protestors, Shinde, 25, who was caught while protesting outside Parliament with flares in his hands, hailed from Latur, the local police from Zari village trooped into his home, questioned his parents and raided his small dwelling. The police thoroughly searched his home, the cupboards and other furniture, looking for documents, or other evidence that could give clues pertaining to the Parliament incident. A large crowd of curious and confused men, women and children, gathered a few metres away to watch the security operations outside Shindeas home that was cordoned off. The apparently shocked father and mother of the youth told the police that their son Amol had left home two weeks ago saying he was going to New Delhi. However, he did not give any more information regarding his trip, they claimed. More details are awaited on Shinde, who has been arrested by the Delhi Police, his motives, his friends, relatives or acquaintances, any criminal history, his possible connections with any anti-national groups, organisations, or links with any politicians and political outfits, etc. Toronto, Dec 13 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that his statement linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was meant to deter India from repeating a similar action in the country. In an interview to Canadian Press, Trudeau said he went ahead with the September 18 revelations in the House of Commons as they were "worried about who could be next or what would happen next" after Nijjar's killing in June this year in British Columbia province. The Prime Minister further added that the message was intended as an extra 'level of deterrence' as "too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable". "We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in, and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," Trudeau told the Canadian Press. "And, therefore, put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this," he added. Trudeau acknowledged weeks of "quiet diplomacy" before he made the public statement that included raising the allegations with India at the highest levels, especially during the G20 Summit in early September. "We knew it would be difficult conversations, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said. "And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together," Trudeau said, adding that he felt those talks were not constructive. The Canadian leader's allegation has dented the bilateral relations between the two nations, with India calling the claims 'absurd' and 'motivated'. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in November that India did not rule out an investigation into Trudeau's allegations but Canada must first provide evidence. Trudeau had said that his government shared details of the allegations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India visit in September, asking New Delhi to cooperate in the investigation. In addition, Canadian government sources told media outlets that Ottawa had amassed intelligence involving communications between Indian officials, diplomats and information "provided by an unnamed ally in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance", during a month-long probe on Nijjar's killing. "You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law," said Sanjay Verma, India's High Commissioner to Canada. In an interview to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Verma said that diplomats' conversations are protected under international law and cannot be used as evidence in court or publicly released. Aizawl, Dec 13 : Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said on Wednesday that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM)-led government has been voted for stability, honesty and development for a resurgent Mizoram in which corruption will have no place. Delivering his customary speech on the second day of the first session of the newly-constituted Mizoram Assembly, the Governor said that the government will work to fulfil the aspirations of the people with the involvement of all citizens of the state. He said the outcome of the elections is indicative of the people's yearning for a new system - 'Kalphung Thar' - and it reflects the firm conviction of the people in the democratic process of change. Noting that the government is determined to rid the state of the scourge of corruption, and would have a zero tolerance towards it, the Governor said the fight against corruption would be comprehensive and effective. "The mission to eliminate corruption from public life and government services will be implemented with greater zeal. The general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to be able to probe corruption cases in the state will be given," he said. Wishing the members of the House, especially the 23 first-time MLAs, Kambhampati said the election of three women legislators is unprecedented in the legislative history of Mizoram. The Governor said that there would be seven broad areas of thrust encompassing six basic needs that would be accorded importance by the state government in the next five years. These include responsible and responsive administration guided by the principles of good governance and accountability; ensuring steady and sustainable development in all sectors; providing support and impetus to the industry; access to social security and social equity; youth welfare and development; protection of the environment and the long-term developmental projects which can have transformative outcomes. Saying that the state government is aware of the acute financial hardship, he informed the House that the government is committed to stabilise and improve the financial condition of Mizoram. One of the first steps the state government would initiate is to bring in austerity measures starting from the highest levels of public office, which would include the Chief Minister and other ministers, and would percolate down to the administrative machinery as well, the Governor announced. Mobilisation of financial resources would also be a top priority of the state government, he said, adding that the government would fix remunerative prices and would start procurement of ginger, turmeric, chili and broomstick from this financial year itself. "Development projects, particularly those related to infrastructure, have to be monitored properly so that the quality of work is not compromised," he said. The National Education Policy 2020 would be implemented, keeping in line with Mizo ethos, values and society, the Governor added. New Delhi, Dec 13 : The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday objected to a plea filed in the Supreme Court seeking transfer of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari to any jail outside UP in a "state ruled by any party other than the BJP". Additional Solicitor General K.M. Natraj, appearing on behalf of the state government, urged a bench headed by Justice Hrishikesh Roy that the plea filed by Ansari's son Umar Ansari be dismissed in limine considering the political nature of prayer made in the petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. "This matter should not be entertained at the threshold with this kind of prayer," he said. At this, the bench, also comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta, asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the petitioner, to amend the petition. "Whenever you amend it, we will take it up.. There is a political angle, we will consider it appropriately," the bench said. The matter will be taken up for further hearing on December 15. In his plea filed before the apex court, Mukhtar Ansarias son has alleged that there is a plan to assassinate his father in Banda Jail prior to the 2024 polls. "As the petitioneras father is from a political party that is in Opposition, politically and ideologically, to the ruling dispensation in the State, the petitioner, the petitioneras father, brother and their family have been targets of persecution by the State," it stated. The petition claimed that "state officials, rival politicians, and persons within the police establishment" have hatched a plan to murder the political figure, who has been a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), for five-consecutive terms from Uttar Pradeshas Mau. Mohan Yadav sworn in as MP CM with 2 Deputies Shukla and Devda (Ld). Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Dec 13 : After taking oath as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, Mohan Yadav drove to Ujjain to offer prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple. Yadav became the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and fifth BJP leader to be sworn in for the top post. The first four BJP chief ministers were: Sunderlal Patwa was the first BJP Chief Minister, followed by Uma Bharti, Babulal Gaur and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Of these, Chouhan served as chief minister for more than 16 years. Yadav (58) -- a wrestler turned politician -- hails from Ujjain has won three consecutive assembly elections, including in 2023 from Ujjain South seats. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister reached his home district with a convoy of supporters, where he was welcome by large number supporters and family members. The roads and highways of Ujjain city were decorated with saffron colors and posters/banners congratulating the Chief Minister. Yadav, who served as Higher Education Minister in ex-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhanas cabinet, has been associated with the RSS for a long time and he has been known as a proponent of Hindutva. A PhD in political science, Yadav began his career from student politics when he started off as the co-secretary of the student union of Madhav Science College in 1982, becoming the president of the college in 1984. He was the co-area in-charge of the RSS in Ujjain in 1993-95 and became its city in-charge in 1996. Subsequently, he also rose through the BJP Yuva Morcha in the state. SC not required to adjudicate on validity of 2018 Prez rule imposed in J&K: CJI on Article 370 verdict. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the CBI to take over the investigation into various FIRs registered across the country in connection with the alleged GainBitcoin scam involving trading of 87,000 Bitcoins worth Rs 20,000 crore. A Bench presided over by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, directed the central probe agency to file a charge sheet relating to the case before the special CBI court at Rouse Avenue in New Delhi for trial. The Bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, modified its earlier order of August 30, 2019 granting anticipatory bail to accused Ajay Bhardwaj subjected to deposit of Rs 1 crore with its registry. It directed that the above amount be transferred to the trial court in Delhi and clarified that the accused may approach the Delhi High Court, in case, he is not granted regular bail by another court. Earlier, the top court had pulled Bhardwaj for not complying with its direction to divulge details of the username and password of cryptocurrency wallets to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Bhardwaj and his brother Amit Bhardwaj, the alleged mastermind who died recently, are accused of running a multi-level marketing scheme promising huge returns to investors. The Supreme Court in March 2020 had set aside an April 6, 2018 circular of the Reserve Bank of India prohibiting banks and entities regulated by it from providing services in relation to virtual currencies. Chandigarh, Dec 13 : In a major action by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police, notorious gangster Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal sustained bullet injuries on his both legs while attempting to escape from police custody in Zirakpur, near here, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday. Gangster Happowal is involved in at least six murder cases, including the sensational double-murder of a mother and daughter. Happowal, the main shooter of absconding foreign-based gangster Rajesh Kumar alias Sonu Khatri, and terrorist Harvinder Rinda, was arrested by the Counter Intelligence wing from the outskirts of Jalandhar on November 30. Subsequently, Happowal was brought on a production warrant in the Metro Plaza firing case wherein he along with his two associates attempted to eliminate one person on August 21. DGP Yadav said that following his disclosures, a police team of the AGTF under the supervision of ADGP Promod Ban was taking Happowal to a deserted built-up near Hotel Midtown in Peermuchalla, where he claimed to have concealed the Chinese pistol suspected to be used in the Metro Plaza firing incident. "On reaching the location, the gangster tried to escape from police custody after pushing a police officer, which prompted the AGTF team to open fire, resulting in gunshot injuries," the DGP said, adding that an AGTF officer named Darshan Singh was also injured in the incident. Both have been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment, he added. The DGP said police teams have successfully recovered one Chinese pistol along with five cartridges from the spot. New Delhi, Dec 13 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations across Bengaluru in a case relating to radicalisation of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. NIA spokesperson said that it carried out searches at six locations, including the houses of four accused, one of whom is still absconding, as part of NIAas continuing investigations into the case. The other locations that were searched were premises connected with two other suspects. The official said that its teams have seized a host of digital devices, various incriminating documents, and cash amounting Rs 7.3 lakh during the searches, conducted at the premises of Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, Tanveer Ahmed and Mohammed Farooq, as well as absconder Junaid Ahmed. The three accused are currently absconding in the case, registered under various sections of IPC, UA(P) Act, 1967 and Explosive Substances Act, 1884. The official said that its probe has revealed that the Umar, Rabbani, Ahmed, Farooq and Junaid Ahmed had come in contact with LeT member and life convict, T. Naseer, during their imprisonment at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara in Bengaluru. "It was further found that T. Nazeer had radicalised and recruited these individuals for committing violent terror acts. And after their release from the Central Prison, these five accused, all of them habitual offenders, had conspired to commit terror acts under the leadership of Junaid Ahmed and on directions from T. Naseer," the official said. The official said that Junaid Ahmed, who was absconding after being accused in a case relating to smuggling of red sandal wood in 2021, was in regular touch with the other accused through encrypted communication platforms. "Junaid Ahmed had also provided funding to the others for collecting arms and ammunition and kept them in their safe custody," the official said. The Bengaluru City Police had originally registered the case following seizure of arms and ammunition, including seven Pistols, four hand grenades, one magazine and 45 live rounds, along with four walkie-talkies. Five persons were initially arrested and their interrogation had led to the arrest of one more, taking the total arrests so far in the case to six. The NIA had taken over the custody of all the six arrested accused on taking over the case on October 25 this year. New Delhi, Dec 13 : Parliament on Wednesday accorded approval to a Bill to establish the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana after a nod from the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha passed The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, by voice vote. The Opposition members had staged a walkout to press for their demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday afternoon. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was cleared by the Lok Sabha last week. Replying to the debate, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the establishment of a central tribal university in Telangana is obligatory under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh taking a swipe at the government in a post on X said, "Today the Rajya Sabha passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 that provides for a Central Tribal University in Telangana. "Item 3 of Schedule 13 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 mandated the establishment of a Central Tribal University in Telangana. "For nine years the Modi Government did nothing! Suddenly on October 1, 2023 in one of his election speeches in the state, the Prime Minister announced that such a tribal university was going to be created in Telangana." He said that the Central Tribal University in Telangana will be the 57th Central University, 85 per cent of which were already set up before 2014. "The very first Central Universities Act was passed in 2009 in which 16 new universities were created. Today's Bill is a simple addition to this Act. Faculty shortages in these Central Universities are widespread. Almost one-third of all faculty positions are vacant. "Dropout rates of students, especially those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs are also unacceptably high," he said. "A few days earlier, the Modi Government admitted in the Lok Sabha that in the last five years some 10,000 students from these communities dropped out from Central Universities," Ramesh added. Kolkata : The Income Tax (I-T) department conducted daylong raids in at least seven locations in different parts of West Bengal on Wednesday. As per sources, the raids were mainly conducted in the industrial-cum-coal belts of Asansol, Raniganj and Durgapur in West Burdwan district. The raided premises included the residence and office of former Trinamool Congress legislator from Raniganj, Sohrab Ali, an iron scrap trader by profession. His wife Nargis Bano is a Trinamool councillor in the Asansol Municipal Corporation. The raids, according to sources, were conducted in connection with tax evasion as well as disproportionate assets to declared income. Sources said that Sohrab Ali, who has virtually monopolised the scrap iron business in the area over the years, has been accused of massive tax evasion. The I-T officials are also examining his investments in a lavish shopping mall in the area. Ali got elected from Raniganj on a Trinamool ticket in 2011, the year the current regime came to power by ending the 34-year Left Front rule. However, he was denied re-nomination in 2016, and since then he has been focusing on his business. In 1995 during the previous Left Front regime, Alias name got had entangled in an FIR relating to illegal iron scrap business. Laman Ismayilova NUR Art House has hosted the first stage of project "Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists". The project was organized by the Ambassador Cultural Club with the support of the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan and the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists is a project implemented in three stages. The project started with a meeting of Azerbaijani artists with the Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski, who spoke in detail about the country, its history, culture, traditions, etc. A workshop was also organized for the artists, where they used paint to express their emotions and impressions on canvas. The final stage of the project ended with an exhibition that included art works created during the workshop. At the event, the Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski presented diplomas to the project participants. The workshop curator was Samira Faizova, who led the creative process that united talented artists Eldar Babazade, Roya Hasanova, Gunay Beylarova, Maryam Kiblaeva, Leyla Orujeva, Naila Aslanova, Katerina Rudakova, Sevda Rustamova, Ehtiram Rustamov and Malak Abbaszade. The main goal of Arts Council Azerbaijan in holding this workshop is to stimulate interest in art and popularize the work of talented Azerbaijani artists. The project "Poland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists" is an excellent example of cultural cooperation that enriches society through art and mutual understanding. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az. Dissension is growing in Israel over the governments offensive against Gaza and whether it should continue. Several opinion polls show a sharp decline in support for the current war cabinet. Despite two months of intensive military operations ostensibly targeting Hamas, the occupation army has made no significant breakthroughs towards its stated objectives, namely freeing the hostages, uprooting the Palestinian resistance, and destroying its tunnel networks. Meanwhile, Israeli losses are mounting, requiring a large and steady influx of arms and ammunition from the US and Israels other Western backers. Since the beginning of the war on Gaza, Israel has received 10,000 tons of US ammunition plus a $14 billion emergency aid package from Congress. The UK sent Israel surveillance drones to help with the search for hostages in Gaza. Most military analysts believe the real purpose of the drones is to spy and help Israeli artillery with targeting. Other signs of the growing opposition in Israel to the Netanyahu government and the way it is prosecuting the war come from present and former officials and politicians. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has called on the prime minister to resign over the governments poor handling of the war against Hamas. This government isnt functioning, he said in a TV interview in mid-November. We need change Netanyahu cannot continue to be prime minister. We cannot allow ourselves to conduct a prolonged campaign with a prime minister that the public has no faith in. Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin echoed the call more recently. In an article published on the Israeli Channel 12 news site on 4 December, he wrote, Netanyahu should resign and go home immediately. Not only did Netanyahu refuse to take responsibility for the intelligence failure on 7 October, but he did not feel an ounce of guilt and responsibility [after the attack] or empathise with the families of the victims. Netanyahu was cold in body language, arrogant and evading reality, he said, adding, In the coming elections we must elect a new, worthy, humble leadership that loves its people and not itself. According to a survey conducted by the Israeli newspaper Maariv in late November, the ruling coalition would crash to just 41 seats if elections were held the day the survey was conducted. Benny Gantzs National Unity Party would win 43 seats compared to its current 12 while Netanyahus Likud would lose almost half its seats, plummeting to 18 down from 32 a year ago. A more recent Maariv poll, published on 8 December, found that 51 per cent of Israelis surveyed believed that Benny Gantz is most suitable for prime minister, while only 31 per cent felt that Benjamin Netanyahu was the most suitable. Many prominent Jews have censured the Israeli government and its Western supporters for their attempt to exploit anti-semitism to silence criticism of Israel. A recent example is the open letter published by the n+1 literary and cultural online magazine, signed by over a thousand Jewish writers and artists refuting the claim that criticising Israel is anti-semitic. The letter condemned the use of this rhetorical tactic to shield Israel from accountability, dignify the US multibillion-dollar investment in Israels military, obscure the deadly reality of occupation, and deny Palestinian sovereignty. It continues: Now, this insidious gagging of free speech is being used to justify Israels ongoing military bombardment of Gaza and to silence criticism from the international community. We condemn the recent attacks on Israeli and Palestinian civilians and mourn such harrowing loss of life. In our grief, we are horrified to see the fight against anti-semitism weaponised as a pretext for war crimes with stated genocidal intent. The declining support in Israel for the government and for the war on Gaza is probably due to a combination of factors. The increasing numbers of dead among the Israeli army is an important one. As of 8 December, 91 Israeli soldiers were officially reported killed in action in the ground offensive in Gaza. One of the dead is the son of Gadi Eisenkot, former army chief of staff and a member of the current war cabinet. This brings the number of Israeli military deaths up to 411 since 7 October. However, some sources estimate that the war has claimed thousands of casualties among the Israeli military. In addition, some have been exposed to infectious diseases and around a hundred have sustained serious eye injuries due to the lack of protective goggles. According to Israels official broadcaster, ten to fifteen per cent of these injuries have caused blindness in one or both eyes. A second factor is the anger at the governments failure to free the hostages. A leaked recording from a meeting between Netanyahus war cabinet and the families of the hostages on 5 December revealed the extent of the fury. You put politics above the return of the kidnapped, said one woman. Another former abductee complained, The fact is that I was in a hiding place that was shelled and we had to be smuggled out and we were wounded. Thats besides the helicopter that shot at us on the way to Gaza. Some of the participants were so angry they walked out of the meeting. The economic impact of the war is another major factor. Average household purchasing power has declined sharply since the start of the war and the consequent slowdown in the economy. Prices have been driven up further by the recent disruption of food and other supply chains due to the Houthi attacks on Israeli-owned or leased ships in the Red Sea. The real estate market is in a crisis. According to some estimates, new housing sales have fallen by 30 to 90 per cent since the outbreak of the war. Economists have also warned that the slowdown in construction due to a severe labour shortage threatens expensive delays and the possible bankruptcy of construction companies. The Israeli economy has also been shaken by the drop in tourism and airline companies decisions to reduce flights to Israel. According to the Israeli business website, Globes, the frequency of flights taking off or landing at Ben Gurion Airport has fallen by 80 per cent. It adds that this situation is unlikely to change soon. It also reports that Ryanair, which has the largest aircraft fleet in Europe and is one of the most popular low-cost carriers operating in and out of Ben Gurion Airport, is to cancel all its flights to and from Israel in January. If tension and polarisation have been the central theme of Israeli domestic politics since the beginning of the year, the war has not resolved this. Netanyahus conduct of the war appears to have aggravated the trend, and opposition to the war and to his government will only increase as the economy continues to deteriorate and the casualty toll mounts. While the Palestinian resistances rockets continue to defy the Israeli occupations war machine, Israeli political leadership is feeling the strains on the home front as never before. * A version of this article appears in print in the 14 December, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Kolkata : A fresh complication has cropped up over the voice sampling test of Sujay Krishna Bhadra, a prime accused in the multi-crore cash-for-school-jobs case in West Bengal, as the state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital, where Bhadra is presently admitted, has proposed a new test to evaluate his cardiac condition. Sources said the medical team at the SSKM under whose supervision Bhadraas treatment is going on has now suggested stress myocardial perfusion scan, also termed as nuclear test stress. In medical definition, it is a kind of imaging test which is done to show how well blood is flowing through the heart muscle and how well the heart muscle is pumping. The development comes just a day after Bhadra was shifted to the general ward on Tuesday night from the ICU. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing his case had strengthened the security in the ICU by deputing two of its officers there, in addition to the two armed CISF personnel already posted there. Now with the hospital suggesting a fresh medical test, ED officials feel it might further delay Bhadra's voice sampling test. Last week, ED officials had reached SSKM to shift Bhadra to the ESI Hospital run by the Centre to conduct the medical examinations required before a voice sampling test. However, they were informed that the accused was shifted to the ICU the night before after he complained of chest pain. Later, it was learnt that since the beds for adults in the ICU were already occupied, Bhadra was allotted a bed that is supposed to be reserved for children. Parliament security breach: Neelam was previously detained in wrestlers protest, two more detained in Gurugram. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : One of the accused, 42-year-old Neelam Azad, who was arrested while protesting outside Parliament on Wednesday, had been previously detained during the wrestlers' agitation in Delhi in May, a source said. Sources added that she had actively participated in farmers' agitation and had been part of several protests in Haryana. She was one of the two individuals responsible for throwing the smoke flares outside the Parliament building. Neelam, a resident of Jind district in Haryana, was preparing for Haryana Civil Services and had been staying as a paying guest in Hisar. Meanwhile, as a part of the probe, a police team has reached Gurugram. As per sources, one Vicky Sharma, also a native of Hisar and his wife, Rakhi, have also been detained from Sector-7, Housing Board Colony, Gurugram while a search for one man named Lalit Jha is going on. It is suspected that all the accused had given their mobile phones to Lalit, who was also at Parliament and later fled the scene. The two men, who managed to enter the Lok Sabha Hall from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday, have been identified as Manoranjan Kumar and Sagar Sharma. While Manoranjan is an Engineering student from Karnataka, Sharma, who is a resident of Lucknow got his visitor's pass issued on the reference of Karnataka's Mysuru BJP MP, Pratap Simha. Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were protesting with coloured flares outside Parliament and were detained by Delhi Police. Amol Shinde, a resident of Latur, Maharashtra and the police reached his house and grilled his family. "The duo did not have any mobile phones or identification when they were caught. They assert that their arrival at Parliament was an independent action and deny any affiliation with an organisation," said an officer privy to the probe. Parliament security breach: Neelam was previously detained in wrestlers protest, two more detained in Gurugram. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 13 : In view of the massive security breach in Lok Sabha, Secretary General has written to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) seeking a security review of Parliament, sources said on Wednesday. The Lok Sabha Secretary General wrote to the MHA seeking a security review of Parliament in wake of the security breach earlier in the day when two people jumped from the visitor's gallery and also sprayed the yellow smoke, the sources said. The sources said that during all-party meeting called by the Speaker -- Trinamool Congress leaders cited the expulsion of MP Mahua Moitra on the grounds of national security and demanded action against Karnataka's Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha -- on whose reference one of the man identified as Sagar Sharma gained entry into the Lok Sabha's visitor's gallery. The two people who jumped in Lok Sabha from the visitor's gallery were caught and handed over to the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police has registered a case and is investigating the security lapse issue. A total of four people have been arrested in relation to the incident -- two from inside the house and two from outside the Parliament. Tel Aviv, Dec 13 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday confirmed that it has attacked several areas in South Lebanon from where Hezbollah had allegedly fired the rockets. The IDF, in a statement, said that Israel Air Force fighter jet struck several sites in southern Lebanon in response to rocket fire allegedly on northern side of Israel. It said that the Israel ground forces had also struck several militant cells inside the Lebanese border. The IDF had attacked after rockets were allegedly fired from Lebanon at Rosh Hanikra. Israel is facing a security threat in north from Hezbollah which is backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. There are also less possibilities of an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel as the Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasarullah has not made any comments whether Hezbollah will join the war during his two public addresses since October 7. Gadchiroli : , Dec 13 (IANS) The Gadchiroli police have cracked the mystery of the triple-murder of an alleged 'tantrik' (godman), his wife and their minor granddaughter within a week by nabbing nine accused, all close relatives of the deceased trio, a top official said here on Wednesday. Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), Dec 13 (IANS) The Gadchiroli police have cracked the mystery of the triple-murder of an alleged atantrika (godman), his wife and their minor granddaughter within a week by nabbing nine accused, all close relatives of the deceased trio, a top official said here on Wednesday. On the night of December 6, Gundapuri village in the Maoist-hit Bhamragad region was rocked by the killings of Devu Kumoti (60), reported to be a atantrika, his wife Bichhe (55), and their granddaughter Archana Talandi (10), as they slept at their home. The unknown killers had smashed them with a hammer and stabbed them with a knife in brutal manner, the police said. The deceased coupleas son, Vinu Kumoti, lodged a complaint with the local police and sensing the severity of the crime, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police, Neelotpal, assigned the case to the Crime Branch team headed by Additional SP, M. Ramesh. The police teams camped at the Gundapuri village and launched a comprehensive investigation, examining the minutest details of the case, questioning the relatives, neighbours and others, even as Vinu Kumoti said that he did not suspect anyone, nor did his deceased parents harbour any enmity with anyone. However, four days later, Vinu Kumoti informed the police that just two days prior to the triple-murder, two persons had threatened to kill him and his elder brother when they were returning from their farmland. The villagers also informed the police confidentially that Devu Kumoti, said to be a atantrika, allegedly practiced black magic with harmful and often fatal consequences for the victims. A probe into the alleged victims revealed that they had died due to natural causes or serious illness, but their family members used to take them to different atantriksa or local quacks for succour. As Devu Kumotias relatives also suspected his amagical powersa, they had complained to the village panchayat, which had warned and ordered him to refrain from his dubious practices, the police said. However, since the panchayat warning apparently had no impact, Devu Kumotias angry family members, including Vinu (the complainant), his brother Ramesh, other relatives like Joga, Guna, Raju Atram, Nagesh Yemla, Sudha Yemla and Kanna Hichami, and a son-in-law, Tanaji Kangali, allegedly hatched a conspiracy to finish off their senior relative. Accordingly, in a cold-blooded operation on December 6 night, they smashed Devu Kumotias head with a hammer, and slit his wife Biccheas and their grand-daughter Archanaas throats with a knife, said Neelotpal. As the probe seemed to drag at one point, the Gadchiroli police had convened a meeting of the agitated villagers and explained to them the circumstances, how the suspects were not cooperating with the police investigation, and other complexities. The head of the police probe team, Ramesh, said that after the case was cracked and the nine relatives were arrested, the villagers heaved a sigh of relief and appreciated the efforts of the cops to solve the ghastly triple-murder within a week. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Dubai, Dec 13 : For the first time, the UN climate talks have addressed the need to stop burning fossil fuels. Also the COP28 marks the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era, said climate negotiators and observers on Wednesday. Responding to the outcomes, UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, in his closing speech to the two-week climate change conference (COP28), said: "Whilst we didn't turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end. "Now all governments and businesses need to turn these pledges into real-economy outcomes, without delay." The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) closed with an agreement that signals the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance. In a demonstration of global solidarity, negotiators from nearly 200 parties (nations) came together in Dubai with a decision on the world's first 'global stocktake' to ratchet up climate action before the end of the decade -- with the overarching aim to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. The global stocktake is considered the central outcome of COP28 -- as it contains every element that was under negotiation and can now be used by countries to develop stronger climate action plans due by 2025. The stocktake recognizes the science that indicates global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43 per cent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. But it notes parties are off track when it comes to meeting their Paris Agreement goals. The stocktake calls on parties to take actions towards achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The list also includes accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, with developed countries continuing to take the lead. In the short-term, parties are encouraged to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and aligned with the 1.5 degrees limit in their next round of climate action plans (known as nationally determined contributions) by 2025. The two-week-long conference got underway with the World Climate Action Summit, which brought together 154 heads of states and government. Parties reached a historic agreement on the operationalization of the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements -- the first time a substantive decision was adopted on the first day of the conference. Commitments to the fund started coming in moments after the decision was gaveled, totaling more than $700 million to date. There was more progress on the loss and damage agenda with an agreement also reached that the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Office for Project Services will host the secretariat of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage. This platform will catalyze technical assistance to developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Parties agreed on targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and its framework, which identify where the world needs to get to in order to be resilient to the impacts of a changing climate and to assess countries' efforts. The GGA framework reflects a global consensus on adaptation targets and the need for finance, technology and capacity-building support to achieve them. Climate finance took center stage at the conference, with Stiell repeatedly calling it the "great enabler of climate action". The Green Climate Fund (GCF) received a boost to its second replenishment with six countries pledging new funding at COP28 with total pledges now standing at a record $12.8 billion from 31 countries, with further contributions expected. Eight donor governments announced new commitments to the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund totaling more than $174 million to date, while new pledges, totaling nearly $188 million so far, were made to the Adaptation Fund at COP28. However as highlighted in the global stocktake, these financial pledges are far short of the trillions eventually needed to support developing countries with clean energy transitions, implementing their national climate plans and adaptation efforts. In order to deliver such funding, the global stocktake underscores the importance of reforming the multilateral financial architecture, and accelerating the ongoing establishment of new and innovative sources of finance. Responding to the outcomes, Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International, told IANS: "After decades of evasion, COP28 finally cast a glaring spotlight on the real culprits of the climate crisis: fossil fuels. A long-overdue direction to move away from coal, oil, and gas has been set. "Yet, the resolution is marred by loopholes that offer the fossil fuel industry numerous escape routes, relying on unproven, unsafe technologies." Reacting to the final outcome at COP28, Joab Okanda, Christian Aid's Senior Climate Advisor, told IANS: "It is clear that the era of fossil fuels is coming to a close. We may not have driven the nail into the coffin here at COP28 but the end is coming for dirty energy. "But there is a gaping hole on finance to actually fund the transition from dirty to clean energy in developing countries. Without that, we risk the global shift being much slower. "We now need to see rich countries following up their warm words about wanting a fossil fuel phase out with actions to actually bring it about and end their use of coal, oil and gas by the end of this decade. "Rich fossil fuel using countries like the UK will need to decarbonise first, with middle income countries going next and then the poorest countries after that." For Linda Kalcher, Executive Director, Strategic Perspectives, it was for the first time, the UN climate talks have addressed the need to stop burning fossil fuels. "COP28 marks the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. This outcome must be harnessed by governments and markets, but clearly signals the beginning of the end for coal, oil and gas in the global economy and the massive growth of renewables." (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) --IANS vg/pgh Jaipur : CM-designate Bhajan Lal Sharma being greeted by supporters at the party office. Image Source: IANS News Jaipur, Dec 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda will attend the oath-taking ceremony of Bhajan Lal Sharma as Rajasthan Chief Minister on December 15. A meeting was organized in the state BJP office on Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the ceremony with the Chief Minister-designate, BJP state President C.P. Joshi and other BJP leaders present. The swearing-in ceremony will take place outside the Albert Hall at 11.15 a.m. Apart from the BJP top leaders, invitations have also been sent to central leaders and Chief Ministers for the ceremony. Along with Sharma, both Deputy Chief Ministers-designate Diya Kumari and Dr Premchand Bairwa will also take oath. The BJP has also sent invitations to lakhs of party workers in the state to attend the swearing-in ceremony. A meeting of district presidents and other officials was called at the BJP state office on Wednesday in which Joshi gave guidelines related to the programme. Special decoration will be done on the main roads of the city. Posters and banners with various public welfare schemes of the Modi government as well as BJP flags and hoardings will also be put up. Jaipur/New Delhi, Dec 13 : Following the defeat in the Rajasthan Assembly elections, outgoing Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot got another jolt on Wednesday as a Delhi court approved his trial in the defamation case filed by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Gehlot's attempt to challenge the summons issued by the trial court fell flat with the Rouse Avenue court rejecting his revision petition. Additional Sessions Judge M.K. Nagpal on Wednesday reviewed Gehlot's petition, challenging the trial court's summons in the defamation case and in a 64-page order, upheld the summons issued to Gehlot, asking him to appear for the trial in the defamation case. Shekhawat's lawyer Aditya Vikram Singh said that the summons issued to Gehlot on July 6 make him prima facie guilty in the entire case. In the event of a conviction following the trial, Gehlot could potentially face imprisonment, putting his Assembly membership at risk. Gehlot had repeatedly accused Shekhawat of being involved in the Sanjeevani scam. During a public event in Jodhpur in February, Gehlot asserted that Shekhawat and his family were involved in the alleged scam. In response, Shekhawat filed a defamation case on March 3 in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, vehemently denying the allegations and terming them baseless. As his and his family's names had not appeared in the four charge sheets presented thus far, Delhi Police's investigation prompted the court to issue summons to Gehlot on August 6. Gehlot challenged the summons but the court decision on his revision plea means that he will have to face the trial in the case. New Delhi, Dec 13 : The six accused involved in the breach of Parliament security on Wednesday were connected through the "Bhagat Singh Fan Club page" on social media sites Facebook and Instagram, police said. Sources privy to the probe also told IANS that the investigators suspect that they were being directed by someone both before and during the act. Several questions have left investigators puzzled. "Why did they not throw the flare canister and instead kept it in their hands in the Lok Sabha house? They were surely directed to do so by someone," a source said. "The four accused, apprehended both outside and inside the Parliament, had handed over their mobile phones to Lalit Jha, a resident of Bihar. He was also located outside the Parliament and fled with the bag containing the phones when his associates were nabbed. It appears that he too received directions to do so from another person to flee from their with phones," the source added. The youth who jumped into the well of the Lok Sabha was shouting, "Kaala Kanoon Nahi Chalega, Tanasahi nahi chalegi". The five accused arrested have been identified as Manoranjan D, a resident of Mysuru, Sagar Sharma, a resident of Lucknow, Neelam, a resident of Haryana's Jind, Amol Shinde, a resident of Maharashtra's Latur and Vikram a.k.a Vicky Sharma, a resident of Gurugram sector-7 and native of Hisar. Jha is still absconding and police said that a manhunt has been initiated to nab him. The police teams from Special Cell are still interrogating the accused, to ascertain the reason behind the act. As per initial probe, it was also revealed that Manoranjan and Sharma had visitors' passes for 45 minutes but they stayed in the visitors' gallery for close to two hours. The two had entered the Lok Sabha Hall from the visitors' gallery. Manoranjan, an Engineering student from Karnataka and Sharma, got his visitor's pass issued on the reference of Karnataka's Mysuru BJP MP, Pratap Simha. Neelam and Shinde were protesting with coloured flares outside Parliament and were detained by Delhi Police. Gurugram, Dec 13 : A neighbour of one of the suspects -- Vicky Sharma, apprehended on Wednesday in connection with the security breach in Parliament, has claimed that Sharma was a habitual alcoholic. A team of Delhi Police has detained Sharma and his wife, Rakhi, from Sector 7, Housing Board Colony here. Vijay Parmar, a resident of the same residential society, told reporters the couple had been living in the locality for the last 15 years, and Sharma, a resident of Hisar, was a habitual alcoholic. It's being said that the couple had left their house around 8 a.m. on Wednesday to proceed to the national capital. "The couple along with their daughter used to reside in the locality. We noticed arguments taking place between the husband and wife a few times. We had no idea whether Vicky Sharma was working anywhere. "He even used to fight with neighbors. Our RWA also received several complaints against the couple," he said. Meanwhile, the Gurugram Police have been tight-lipped on the matter, while Delhi Police have taken custody of the couple and are questioning the suspects. The police, meanwhile, have beefed up the security in the area. Six persons were involved in the planning and execution of the security breach in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Two of them -- Sagar Sharma and D. Manoranjan -- burst yellow smoke canisters after jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery before they were overpowered by the MPs present in the House. The others -- Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde -- did the same and raised slogans outside the Parliament, while a fifth person identified as Vicky Sharma provided logistics to the accused at his Gurugram home. The sixth accused has been identified as Lalit Jha, who reportedly fled with the mobile phones of the four accused from the Parliament, sources said. While five of the accused have been arrested, Lalit Jha is still on the run. Mohan Yadav sworn in as MP CM with 2 Deputies Shukla and Devda (Ld). Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Dec 13 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday banned the "unregulated usage of loudspeakers at religious places and other public spaces". Yadav also ordered imposing a ban on meat sales "in the open". As per the order issued on Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister directed the officials to frame guidelines regarding the imposition of a ban on "unregulated use of loudspeakers in religious places and other public places" across the state. He asked the officials to identify the places where meat is being sold in open places and furnish a detailed report to the Home Department by December 31. A senior Home Department official said that a Flying Squad will be constituted in each district to monitor the sound levels (permissible decibel limits) of loudspeakers and DJ systems playing music at religious places. Yadav (58), who became the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and fifth BJP leader to be sworn in for the top post. He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his college days in 1993. Reacting to CM Yadav's very first order, Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez said the BJP is trying to divert attention from the real issues and the promises it made during the election. "It would have been better had the CM signed first order on one of the promises it made to the people during the election campaign. But the BJP is trying to make people indulge in religious conflict. CM Mohan Yadav trying to compete with other BJP Chief Ministers," he added. New Delhi, Dec 14 : Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that the northeast has developed into a powerhouse of India's growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Launching an attack on the Congress, which was once the most influential political parties in the northeast, the Union minister claimed that under its rule, the region was earlier plagued by terrorism, protests, inept administrations, poor policies, and the residents faced an uncertain future. He told reporters here that in his more than nine years in office, PM Modi has fulfilled more of his promises to the area, bringing peace and security back to a region that had endured decades of neglect under Congress rule. According to Sonowal, the eight states in the region have received grants totaling more than Rs 5 lakh crore in the last nine years, significantly enhancing their air connectivity, roadways, railroads, and waterways. He also mentioned that there are now 17 airports instead of just nine in the earlier time. He also said that although people had to protest about basic development needs, the representatives of the region had to wait months in the national capital to meet with ministers and officials. Sonowal said that the present government has extended its reach to the people of the region under Modi's leadership, with the Prime Minister making a record 64 visits. "The Prime Minister gave Central ministers and officials instructions to work honestly and truly to promote development in the region, and as a result, they have visited 362 times in the last two years and over 800 times in the last nine years," he said. According to the former Assam Chief Minister, PM Modi has demonstrated leadership fueled by passion, devotion, and patriotism to bring back peace and dignity to the area, which had the opportunity to host multiple events during the G20 exercise and present its culture and civilization to the world. The BJP leader claimed that the government's actions had paid off and that the northeast has seen immense development. "It has grown into a major travel destination and a powerhouse of India's growth," Sonowal stated. New Delhi, Dec 14 : Author and politician Shashi Tharoor hosted the curtain raiser for the seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) in the national capital on Tuesday, which was attended by diplomats, publishers, and authors. The curtain raiser offered a glimpse into KLF-2024 with Turkey taking centre stage as the guest country of honour. The country will be celebrating its 100 years of republic at KLF 2024 and will be represented through music, dance, food and various art forms. The UK, Wales, Spain, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Spain, and France will be the other participating countries. The festival will feature 400+ global speakers and will be officially inaugurated by the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "KLF has truly flourished over the years, transforming into one of the leading literature festivals in the region. This upcoming edition promises to be the most spectacular one yet. Right from the beginning, KLF has been committed to spotlighting India's remarkable literary talent on the global stage, bringing together some of the world's most exceptional storytellers," said Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator, Kerala Literature Festival. The sessions at KLF aim to map literature through discussions on Science and Technology, History & Politics, Environment, Literature, Business and entrepreneurship, Health, Art, Cinema, Theatre, Music and Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Gender, Economy, and various facets that shape human consciousness. The festival will feature Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, literary luminaries, historians, diplomats, senior politicians, poets, journalists, Film & Theatre Personalities and celebrities from diverse professional backgrounds. Some of the notable attendees include Gurcharan Das, Shashi Tharoor, Prakash Raj, Raghuram Rajan, Abraham Verghese, Piyush Pandey, Mallika Sarabhai, P. Sainath, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Raghuram Rajan, Kailash Satyarthi, Perumal Murugan, Jerry Pinto, Parakala Prabhakar, Francesc Miralles, and Jiban Narah, among others. The Kerala Tourism & Cultural Department join hands with DC Books to make the KLF a mega event and one among the top six festivals in Kerala. The festival will also host concerts by T.M. Krishna and Vikku Vinayakram; Surbahar and Sitar concert by Padmabhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee. New Delhi, Dec 14 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against seven accused in the case relating to an explosion at a litchi orchard in West Bengal's Murshidabad. NIA officials here said that the explosion took place 'accidentally' on January 17 last year when the accused were in the process of preparing iron socket bombs in the orchard behind the school, located in Rameswarpur village in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The official said that two of the accused, Iyasuddin Sk a.k.a. Chadi and Sukchand Ali were injured in the blast. Iyasuddin succumbed to his injuries later. The duo had been handling the bombs, along with another accused, Mansur Ali aka Mansur Sheikh and others, behind the school when the explosion occurred. In his dying statement, Iyasuddin Sk had revealed that he had been induced to make the bombs by one Imdadul Hoque a.k.a. Imdarul Hoque, and some others. Imdadul had also provided the explosives and other bomb making materials for the job. The official said that a total of 75 live socket bombs and other incriminating materials were initially seized from the crime spot. Subsequently, based on the disclosures of two other accused, identified as Masadul Hoque a.k.a. Masadul Sk and Habibur Rahaman a.k.a. Habu, the police also recovered 12 iron pipes from the spot. Another accused, Tahabul Sk, led the police to the recovery of 35 live iron stick bombs in two lots, on March 28 and March 31, 2022, respectively. All seized live bombs were disposed off, after being rendered safe, the official said. The official said that according to its investigation all the accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy to fabricate and store bombs for use in terror acts with the objective of spread fear among the local populace of Rameswarpur and to establish their dominance in the entire area. The NIA had taken over the case on September 20 last year. "While the charges against Iyasuddin Sk stand abetted due to his death, the others face prosecution under various sections of IPC, Explosive Substances Act and UA(P) Act," the official said. Bhopal, Dec 14 : A 20-year-old woman in Madhya Pradesh's Indore was killed by her live-in partner for allegedly refusing to have a physical relationship with him, police said on Wednesday. Police made the shocking revelation three days after the body of woman was found lying in a pool of blood at the accused's residence. As per the police, the body of the woman was found on December 9, two days after she was killed. The accused had locked the door of his house and run away. During the investigation, police found that the victim was in relationship with Praveen Singh Dhakad and was living at his rented house in Indore. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma told reporters on Wednesday that the woman was killed in the rented house in the Raoji Bazaar area on December 7 and her body was recovered by police two days later. Dhakad, 24, who hails from Guna district, got furious when she refused to have physical relations with him and stabbed her in the neck with a pair of scissors, he said. The woman started bleeding profusely and died on the spot, said Vishwakarma.The accused panicked and fled after locking the house from outside and also took away her mobile phone, he added. Police said the accused was arrested on Wednesday following a three-day-long search operation. Patna, Dec 14 : Bihar's Prohibition and Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday slammed former Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi for making remarks in support of liquor ban rollback in the state. Kumar said that Manjhi is making statements on the direction of BJP leaders. "When we (JD-U) were with the NDA, Jitan Ram Manjhi supported the liquor prohibition act and now, when we came out the alliance, he started making statements against it. He is sitting in the lap of BJP and he makes statements according to the direction he received from the saffron leaders," Kumar said. "We are going for a widespread survey on liquor prohibition law following direction of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar. The preparation of database is underway and an agency will be hired soon for the survey. The discussion pertaining to the questions to be asked to common people is underway. We will take the views of people and make the policy...," he added. As the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza enters its 68th day, Israeli airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardment struck both Rafah and Khan Younis, killing 23 Palestinians in an area supposed to be a safe zone for evacuations. The UN is pushing for an immediate ceasefire while the Palestinian foreign minister accuses Israel of starving Gaza's 2.3 million residents. 23:00 Egypt started Tuesday to use the Karm Abu Salem border crossing for processing aid to speed up its delivery through the Rafah border crossing to Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Since yesterday, the passage of humanitarian and relief aid trucks -- [awaiting in] Egypt -- can now be processed at the Karm Abu Salem border crossing with Gaza/Israel on their way to be delivered through the Rafah border crossing to the strip under an agreement made with the Israeli side, Diaa Rashwan, Head of the Egyptian State Information Service, stated on Wednesday. "This is in addition to the Al-Ouga crossing, as has been the case, Rashwan added. 22:00 Some of the crucial details of Israels narrative claiming Hamas committed mass atrocities on 7 October were simply false and a result of Israel's desire to obtain public and international support for violent retaliation against Gaza, according to an investigation conducted by the French newspaper Liberation. The newspapers investigation published on 12 December stated: No heads were cut off, no children were placed in ovens, no pregnant womens stomachs were cut open, and no childrens hands were tied behind their backs, but pointed out that only one infant was killed out of 40 minors killed in the attack. Read the full Ahram Online report 20:30 In a defiant message from Doha, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas Political Bureau, rejected any discussion of an arrangement for the future of Gaza after the Israeli war on the strip that does not include Hamas. "Any bet on arrangements in Gaza without Hamas and the resistance is an illusion and a mirage," said Haniyeh. "We are open to discussing any ideas or initiatives that could lead to stopping the aggression," he added. "We call on the peoples of our Arab and Islamic nations to expand the scope of their action in proportion to the scale of the aggression and we value the popular and international movement in support of Palestine and its people in various cities and capitals of the world." "All suffering will remain engraved in our memories and its perpetrators cannot be forgotten or forgiven," Haniyeh concluded. 19:30 The Israeli army on Wednesday said that 10 Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in the Shujaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City on Tuesday, the deadliest day for the Israeli military since their ground invasion of Gaza began. The update comes after an earlier statement on Tuesday said at least eight soldiers had been killed in the fighting, including an Israeli senior officer who commanded a forward base for the Golani infantry brigade. "What happened in Shujaiya yesterday was very hard," the Israeli chief of staff said on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement saying its fighters inflicted casualties on Israeli forces in Shujaiya during fierce battles throughout the day. Since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion 115 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 600 injured, Israeli army figures released Wednesday said. According to the official figure, at least 444 Israeli soldiers were killed since 7 October and 1,682 wounded, 135 in serious condition. The rest suffered moderate and light injuries. However, some Israeli media have estimated that at least 5,000 soldiers were injured since the start of the ground. 18:30 The Palestinian health ministry in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday said the death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza has risen to 18,608 and the figure for the wounded has climbed to over 50,594. Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra affirmed that more than 70 percent of the victims of Israeli airstrikes and bombardment are women and children. 17:30 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials amid mounting international pressure over its war in Gaza, the White House said. Sullivan will travel to Israel on 14 December and 15 December to meet with Netanyahu, his cabinet and President Isaac Herzog "to discuss the latest developments in Israel and Gaza," according to a White House statement. On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said Tuesday the Israeli administration was opposed to a two-state solution with the Palestinians and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "change" his government. Biden's comments to Democratic donors revealed a rare rift with Netanyahu after weeks in which the US leader has backed Israel's war on Gaza, financially and militarily, and used the US veto power in the UNSC to prevent the passing of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution." Biden added that Israel was starting to lose support around the world and that Netanyahu "has to strengthen and change" the Israeli government to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 16:30 Egypt reiterated on Tuesday its categorical rejection of any Israeli attempts to voluntarily or forcibly displace Palestinians outside Gaza. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that all Israeli practices on the ground confirm Israeli intentions to impose the forced displacement of Palestinians outside their territories. Egypt stressed that Israeli practices in the Gaza Strip constitute a clear violation of the rules of international law and international humanitarian law, and contravenes Israels responsibilities as the occupying power under Article 49 of the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, Egypt demanded Israel immediately cease the bombardment and targeting of Palestinian civilians as well as cease the imposition of conditions and circumstances that turn the Gaza Strip into an unviable, unsafe, and unstable area for Palestinians. The ministry's statement came in response to the recent statements made by the Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer regarding "encouraging Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to voluntarily migrate outside the strip." 15:50 At least 18,608 people have been killed and 50,594 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October, according to the latest figures issued by the Palestinian health ministry. 15:40 Video and images obtained by Al Jazeera show bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel piled up inside the Shadia Abu Ghazala School in Al-Faluja area, west of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. .. # # pic.twitter.com/EvAHHzzvdO Aljazeera.net (@AJArabicnet) December 13, 2023 14:45 The Palestinian health ministry said it had exhausted its supply of children's vaccines and warned of "catastrophic health repercussions." The ministry called on international institutions to deliver urgently needed vaccines "to prevent disaster." Tedros Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, warned Sunday that "Gaza's health system is on its knees and collapsing," with 14 of 36 hospitals only partially functioning and supplies running low. "The risk is expected to worsen with the deteriorating situation and approaching winter conditions," he said. 14:40 Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held discussions with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, primarily centered on the Israeli war on Gaza and related developments, Saudi News Agency reported. Both officials emphasized the international community's imperative role in securing a ceasefire and safeguarding civilian lives. They met during the Human Rights High-Level Event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 14:10 A group of left-wing Israeli organizations submitted a letter to United States President Joe Biden, asking that he encourage Israel to stop military operations in the Gaza Strip and to continue administering aid, Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported. The letter accuses Israel of not complying with the US instructions to act in self-defense in accordance with international law and the rules of war. The group argues that Israels policy has driven the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the point of catastrophe - not only as an inevitable outcome of the war." The letter stated that most of the civilian population does not have access to safe drinking water in Gaza. It also addressed the number of civilian casualties, which exceeded 18,000 Palestinians killed by Israels army in Gaza. Allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza is not a gesture of goodwill on Israels part but one of its obligations, the letter said. 13:00 The Russian foreign minister called on UN chief Antonio Guterres to organize an international conference to find a lasting solution to the Israeli war on Gaza. "The only way for this problem to be solved forever, and to be solved in a just way, is to hold an international conference with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russian senators. He said the conference should include representatives of countries from the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. 12:58 The United Nations humanitarian office said that Gaza faced a "public health disaster" due to the collapse of its health system and the spread of disease caused by overcrowding. "We all know that the health care system is or has collapsed," said Lynn Hastings, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. "We've got a textbook formula for epidemics and a public health disaster." The United Nations and aid groups have sounded the alarm about the spread of infectious disease in Gaza, where the internal displacement of 85% of the population has caused overcrowding in shelters and other temporary living facilities. WHO has reported a sharp uptick in acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, lice, scabies, and other fast-spreading diseases. The Palestinian foreign minister said that Israel is weaponizing food and starving Gaza deliberately. "As we speak, at least 1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of them children, are starving, not because of a natural disaster or because of lack of generous assistance waiting at the border," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki told a UN event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "No, they are starving because of Israel's deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war against the people it occupied." "Half of Gaza is now starving," said Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician who heads the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, which has 25 teams working in Gaza. He said 350,000 people had infections, including 115,000 with severe respiratory infections, and lacked warm clothes, blankets, and protection from the rain. "To add insult to injury, we have 46,000 injured people who cannot be treated properly because most of the hospitals are not functioning," he said. 12:50 Forcibly displaced Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza, endure dire conditions as they seek shelter under makeshift tents, sheets, and plastic covers, battling relentless rain. Here are images depicting life in Gaza's displacement camps. A Palestinian man prepares food for his family outside his tent at a camp for displaced people in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, AFP The situation in the north remains equally dire. Anas Al-Sharif, reporting from Gaza, just shared footage of a boy carrying the body of a child amid of the floods that submerge the streets in Jabalia refugee camp. #_ pic.twitter.com/KXgvwcmotc Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) December 13, 2023 12:25 The EU chief Ursula von der Leyen backed imposing sanctions on terrorist Israeli settlers responsible for attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. "I am in favour of sanctioning those involved in the attacks in the West Bank. They must be held accountable. This violence has nothing to do with the fight against Hamas and must stop," the European Commission president told EU lawmakers. The European Union will work on introducing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers who commit acts of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday. United Nations data has shown a sharp increase in attacks by terrorist settlers against Palestinians since 7 October though European and US diplomats have expressed concerns for years about such violence and the sense it frequently goes unpunished by Israel. The EU move comes after the United States said last week it would refuse visas to settlers behind a wave of violence in the West Bank. 12:15 Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the key Bab El-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, a US official said. It is the first time they have targeted an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, The Associated Press reported. The assault on the tanker Ardmore Encounter further escalates a campaign by the Houthis targeting ships close to the Bab El-Mandeb Strait and also widens the international impact of the Israeli war raging in the Gaza Strip. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by AP showed. The vessel was on its way from Mangalore, India, and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Those guards opened fire to drive off skiffs loaded with men trying to board the vessel, the private intelligence firm Ambrey said. 12:00 A young girl was killed after being struck by a bullet fired from an Israeli drone while at a shelter center in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. 11:45 Strong winds, torrential rain, and flooding have further complicated the lives of forcibly displaced Palestinians in Gaza as Israel continues its bombardment of the besieged strip. Tents in the displacement camps have been flooded with water from the rain pic.twitter.com/upGWlhkHSg TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) December 13, 2023 11:00 Israels occupation army has begun pumping seawater into Gaza's tunnels, according to US officials briefed on the Israeli militarys operations, Wall Street Journal reported. Israel believes some captives are being held inside tunnels. In reported recordings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and released captives and their families leaked last week, Israelis angrily told Netanyahu that they feared flooding the tunnels, which is in an early stage, would kill their relatives. The US president did not address the Israeli approach directly but said that assertions have been made that there are no captives in any of these tunnelsBut I do not know that for a fact. There are growing concerns that using seawater could endanger Gazas freshwater supply. 10:30 Several viral videos and photos of Israeli soldiers behaving in a derogatory manner in Gaza have emerged in recent days, creating a headache for the Israeli occupation army as it faces an international outcry over its tactics and the rising civilian death toll in its war on Gaza. Such videos are not a new or unique phenomenon. Over the years, Israeli soldiers and members of the US and other militaries have been caught on camera acting inappropriately or maliciously in conflict zones. But critics say the new videos, largely shrugged off in Israel, reflect a national Israeli mood that has little empathy for the plight of Gaza's civilians. The dehumanization from the top is very much sinking to the soldiers, said Dror Sadot, a spokeswoman for the Israeli human rights group BTselem, which has long documented Israeli abuses against Palestinians. The videos seem to have been uploaded by soldiers themselves during their time in Gaza. In one, a soldier has moved Muslim prayer rugs into a bathroom. In another, a soldier films boxes of lingerie found in a Gaza home. Yet another shows a soldier trying to set fire to food and water supplies that are scarce in Gaza. ISRAEL posted videos of them destroying humanitarian aid for Gaza. pic.twitter.com/cLu75dj4KN Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinklle) December 11, 2023 In a photo, an Israeli soldier sits in front of a room under the graffiti that reads: Khan Younis Rabbinical Court. In another photo, a soldier poses next to words spray-painted in red on a pink building that read, Instead of erasing graffiti, lets erase Gaza. A video posted by conservative Israeli media personality Yinon Magal on X, formerly Twitter, shows dozens of soldiers dancing in a circle, apparently in Gaza, and singing a song that includes the words, Gaza we have come to conquer. We know our slogan there are no people who are uninvolved. Other videos have surfaced, including the ransacking of the toy store, apparently in the northern area of Jebaliya, in which a soldier smashes toys and decapitates a plastic figurine. #_ # pic.twitter.com/QiFVm7ddeV (@AJArabic) December 9, 2023 Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official, aired the video of the soldier in the toy shop at a news conference in Beirut. He called the footage disgusting. 10:10 The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said that its Freedoms Committee monitored and documented the occupations closure of eight media printing properties, according to WAFA. It said that forces seized and destroyed their equipment during incursions in the governorates of Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Al-Bireh, since 7 October. Committee Head Mohammed Al-Laham said in a statement that the occupation behaves like bandits, stealing, damaging, and destroying media property. He noted that the occupation forces refused to hand over any books or documents they stole from the printing presses, without showing a warrant. Al-Laham estimated the value of the losses at about $1 million. 9:35 During the night the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire by a vote of 153 in favour. Here's how countries voted: Ten voted against, 23 abstained and seven did not record a vote. Here are the countries that voted against: Austria, Czechia, Guatemala, Israel, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and the United States. 9:27 Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al-Sheikh stressed that US President Joe Biden must transform his words into actions and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. "US President Biden's statements yesterday must transform into actions, starting with calling for an immediate ceasefire and putting forward a comprehensive political plan based on international legitimacy and international law, ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state," Al-Sheikh said in a post on X. On Tuesday, Biden said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing and that Netanyahu should change his government, which is dominated by far-right parties. Israel and the United States on Tuesday showed their sharpest public disagreement yet over the conduct and future of the war on Gaza as the two allies became increasingly isolated by global calls for a cease-fire. #US President Biden's statements yesterday must transform into actions, starting with calling for an immediate ceasefire and putting forward a comprehensive political plan based on international legitimacy and international law, ending the occupation and establishing an https://t.co/Z8K0kfiGck Hussein AlSheikh (@HusseinSheikhpl) December 13, 2023 9:15 Israeli army raids on Jenin and the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank have been continuing for 29 hours, and there are still no signs of it ending. Videos showed one residential home being surrounded by the Israeli army, Al Jazeera reported from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoners Society said that up to 100 Palestinians have been arrested in the raid so far. Raids are also taking place across the West Bank in the cities of Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, and the Ramallah outskirts. The UN reports that Israeli forces demolished Palestinian-owned buildings in Anata and Marj Naja in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. This year, a total of 1,001 Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished in the occupied West Bank, leading to the displacement of at least 1,870 people, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 9:05 Israel reported the loss of eight additional soldiers in the conflict in Gaza, among them a lieutenant colonel who previously commanded the Golani infantry regiment. The army stated that a total of 115 soldiers have died since Israel initiated ground operations in Gaza on 20 October, according to Israeli media. Meanwhile, the Al-Qassam Brigades said on its Telegram channel that it targeted an Israeli tank in the Maan area of Khan Younis. 9:00 The Palestinian health ministry reported Wednesday that at least another 50 people were killed in the latest wave of Israeli air strikes across Gaza. Israeli airstrikes and heavy artillery hit east Rafah, killing eight members from one family in an area presumed to be a safe zone. In Khan Younis, near Al-Nasser hospital, Israeli strikes targeted a residential home, killing another eight Palestinians, every single member of the Al-Amoudi family. Artillery also targeted the Al-Tuffah and Al-Daraj neighbourhoods in the central strip. Just hours earlier, the UN general assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire by a vote of 153 in favour, 10 against, and 23 abstentions. The US was the only major power that voted against the resolution. Israel has killed more than 18,400 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children since 7 October. Search Keywords: Short link: Julie Abe is the author of the middle grade fantasy adventure series Eva Evergreen and the speculative YA road-trip romance The Charmed List. Her new YA novel, Our Cursed Love, is a gentle love story set against the backdrop of wintry Japan. When Japanese American high school seniors Cam Yasuda and Remy Kobatawho are secretly in love with each otherarrive in Japan, their plan is to tour Tokyo Magical University and enjoy everything that the magically aware side of the country has to offer. But after they impulsively imbibe an illegal soulmate-finding potion, Cam loses all his memories of Remy, leaving her with less than a week to undo his affliction before it becomes permanent. Abe spoke with PW about how writing Our Cursed Love helped her feel closer to her family, the differences and similarities between her YA and middle grade works, and her love of all things magical. What led you to set Our Cursed Love in Japan? I was born in Japan, but I grew up mostly in the U.S., kind of like Remy and Cam. But I would always go back to Japan to visit familyat least until the pandemic restricted travel. I really, really miss Japan; I miss my family and walking around Tokyo. I lived in Japan for a little bit during college and I would go on these night walks during the winter. Itd be freezing cold and there would be snow falling; it was just a magical moment. When I was writing Our Cursed Love, I thought about Tokyo and all its lights and how it illuminated the snow and just channeled the wintry vibes. I missed it so much, so I wrote it into a story that made me feel like I was there, even for a little bit. How did you balance all of the narrative elements and why was it important for you to utilize them? The elements of present and past and of writing Remy and Cam at their different ages was a lot to balance. But also, when creating their timeline, I felt as if a lot of it fell almost naturally into place because their childhood together had a certain impact on their life and how it was now, and without their past, I wouldnt have been able to craft an accurate version of their present or their future. Believe me, there were a lot of spreadsheets and doodling in notebooks and trying to put the pieces together. But I felt that there was no other way to tell their story than with the dual POV and the different timelines. And, of course, a love potion going wrong. It took some planning, but it all came together in a way that Im proud of. What is your primary motivator in setting your stories in magically aware societies and why did you decide to write another love story, as opposed to a magical YA adventure? When I was writing The Charmed List, Remy and Cam [who were background characters] jumped out to me as people who belonged in their own romance. I always loved romances and when I started thinking about Remy and Cam and how they could go on to have their own lives and their own love story, I saw the potential with that. And, thankfully, my publisher was onboard. It was so exciting to be able to explore their love story as sort of a very loose continuation to The Charmed List that worked as a standalone. As I was planning Our Cursed Love and reading through my synopsis, I could immediately visualize certain parts of the story so well; the ending and the epilogue felt so real and I wanted to write this book so badly. I love magic, and I love the feeling of a book being an escape. One of the things that is always such a joy about creating little bits of magic in our everyday world is that spark of imagination, of like, What if theres magic everywhere? And that phrase, you know, about a book being an escape, I wanted to make it real. I also wanted to make it fun for readers to have that feeling of possibilityor even a romancebeing just around the corner. Though Our Cursed Love and the next book in my middle grade series Tessa Miyata Is No Hero are totally different journeys, I think this sensibility is something that both my middle grade and YA novels have in common. I just like to have fun. What are some key differences for you between writing for YA audiences vs. middle grade readers? The differences between YA and middle grade for me are very nuanced. I would say that regardless of the age range, there are so many things that they have in common. The biggest difference, for me, though, would be the way I approach the maturity level of the characters or the way in which I explore a specific theme. In Our Cursed Love, I explored feelings of love and loss, and of the characters having endless possibilities and potential, in a much more sophisticated way than I have in my middle grade books. Still, I would never assume that an action-adventure middle grade wouldnt have as much heart or as many feelings as a YA romance. Our Cursed Love by Julie Abe. Wednesday, $21 Dec. 12 ISBN 978-1-250-85132-1 It was nearing the end of the second day of the China Shanghai International Childrens Book Fair, which ran from November 17 to 19. But the crowd of excited children and their parents and educators was only growing larger at the main stage. They were there for the afternoon author presentation on The Amazing Mind of Mikey series. The children were drawn to 10-year-old Mikey and his many adventures with his loyal sidekick, a black cat named Mimi. But the main attraction of the event seemed to be the author himself: U.S.-born C.A. Scully, who switched from English to Chinese and back throughout the talk, and entertained his audience with stories about his childhood addiction to Pokemon video games and near-nonexistent reading habit, and his journey from teaching English to kindergartners in China to writing childrens books for the Chinese market. The Amazing Mind of Mikey series, which debuted in January 2022 from Phoenix Fine Arts Publishing, has sold around 16,000 copies in China despite Covid-19 restrictions that decimated book tour opportunities. The first four titlesTiny-Handed Trouble, Clash of Colossal Creatures, Battle with the Bloated Baddie, and Magician Mayhemare available separately and as a full set. A second set of books, which will be released in 2025, is already in the works. Targeted at children ages eight to 12, the series portrays a hopelessly bored boy who is unaware of his minds true potential. His parents surprise him with a pet cat and together they travel to faraway lands, meet interesting charactersa bald witch, a circus monkey bent on hypnotizing them, and a pirate with a hoop for a hand, for instanceand Mikeys life is no longer dull and dreary. Creating and Adapting the Series Initially, the series was going to be titled Gordon Is Bored. The idea was that the protagonist was bored despite the amazing events and adventures happening around him, said Scully, who majored in Chinese Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and came to China on a student exchange program 10 years ago; he now resides in Shanghai. He was going to be glum and gloomy throughout the series, seemingly unfazed by the magic he experienced. I had planned it to be sort of a tongue-in-cheek jokelike making Eeyore the main character of Winnie-the-Pooh. But then Scully and his editors started to consider the importance of educational values in childrens books to Chinese parents and educators. The plot was recrafted along the lines of Gordonnow Mikeygrowing as a person in some way, Scully told PW. The books are also bilingual to encourage children to fall in love with reading English. The Chinese section has more illustrations while the English section features Test Your Knowledge quizzes. In the first book, Mikey overcomes boredom by discovering that his imagination can whisk him away to faraway lands. Next, he learns how to resolve anger issues after dealing with an irksome pirate. Then he makes his way to icy Harbin, the capital city of Chinas northernmost province, and learns a lesson about littering. And in the fourth book, Mikey faces his stage fright by performing magic tricks at the school talent show. When writing the series, I tried to make sure the level of English used would be easy enough for upper elementary school students to understand, while at the same time challenging them here and there, Scully said. This is a lot trickier than it sounds. But I had the time and opportunity to familiarize myself with materials available in the market for this particular age group before diving in. Scully began by re-reading Mary Pope Osbornes Magic Tree House, a series he had grown up with, and paid close attention to the difficulty of the language used. As he wrote, he fed his work into an online Lexile score scanner to check on the sentence length and difficulty of the vocabulary. In this way, I tried to ensure my stories would be on target reading level, Scully said. He added, One thing I love about writing The Amazing Mind of Mikey is the world- and character-building process. I tried to keep a sense of mystery about who Mikey is and where he is from. He has blonde hair, for example, but celebrates Chinese New Year and takes a school trip to Harbin. This was quite intentional; the goal was to provide a character who could appeal to both Western and Chinese kids. Culturally, Scully finds that while Chinese students are capable of many things Western students are generally not, they tend to struggle more with independent thinking and creativity. As an English teacher working here, I have experienced this first-hand, he said. The education system can be way more rinse-and-repeat than what you see in the Western world, with more of a focus on rote memorization. This insight heavily influenced Scullys writing of the series. I wanted to provide adventure stories that could help kids improve their English from an educational standpoint, but would also push them to expand their imagination, he said. I believe that a big part of language learning relies on that sense of creativity. So I have included Test Your Imagination prompts throughout the four titles in the secondand finalvolume of the series. These prompts, found at the end of each chapter, encourage the reader to think about a plot point from a different and more personal perspective. From Editing to Marketing the Series The Amazing Mind of Mikey series came out in 2022 and the only way to market it at that time was virtually through online platforms, said Julia Zhu, deputy editor-in-chief at Phoenix Fine Arts Publishing, a division of the Phoenix Publishing and Media Group. We invited Scully to do a livestream on Taobao, Kuaishou, and Weibo, and the audience saw, for the first time, a non-native author introducing his bilingual series in English and Chinese. Sales started slowly, mostly due to the intense competition in the livestreaming marketplace, Zhu said. However, over time, online sales have picked up significantly. With the Amazing Mind of Mikey series selected for the booklist for Yangzhong, a city in Jiangsu Province (where the company is based), 1,000 sets were sold within a short time. We had book events at the Beijing and Shanghai international book fairs this year, Zhu said. Scully also visited several international schools both in China and in the U.S. We also hosted several livestream events and will have three more such events for reading groups this year. For Zhu and her team, it was risky choosing to work with a non-native debut author. When Scully shared his idea for the Mikey series, we were interested but were wary of potential language and cultural barriers, Zhu said. We proposed several changes to the draft. Scullys immediate response was one of willingness and open-mindedness. Zhu added, Scullys Chinese is really good and we hardly have any miscommunications due to language or cultural differences. And he always maintained a positive attitude even when we asked him to revise early drafts again and again, or when we had few viewers for the livestream events. He also took the initiative to reach out to illustrators on Instagram and connect us with them for the series. We hope to continue working with him on more titles. Phoenix Fine Arts Publishing House started adding childrens booksincluding picture books, activity titles, and science series for toddlers to elementary school studentsto its catalog about 11 years ago. Our bestselling childrens title is Tangxiaotuan, an adventure history series that has sold tens of millions of copies in China, Zhu said. Our focus is on books with adventurous plots accompanied by artistic illustrationsperfect for sparking childrens imaginations while reinforcing good reading habits. Scullys The Amazing Mind of Mikey series fits that to a T. Tangxiaotuan, coincidentally, was one of the series that Scully read while conducting his market research on the Chinese childrens book market. In 2017, while working at a kindergarten, my thoughts started to gravitate towards my dream of writing books for children. On weekends, I would visit bookstores around Shanghai. It was a journey to understand the market and also great practice for brushing up on my Mandarin. And while going through the shelves, Scully discovered one major thing: that at the back of each book was the editors email address. This was something I had never seenand have yet to seein Western books. I wondered then if it would be appropriate to contact the editors by email to introduce myself and present my idea of a series. In the end, I decided to give it a shot and I contacted the editor of Tangxiaotuan, which has some similarities to the series I had in mind. And that brought us to the first volume of The Amazing Mind of Mikey. Aside from wrapping up The Amazing Mind of Mikey series, Scully is also working on a new series about two girls who are sucked into a mysterious book of fairy tales, inside of which their presence creates new twists on classic stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. In addition, Scully is dipping his toes into the world of picture books. Tencent subsidiary China Literature, China's dominant online publishing and e-book company, has bought Tencent Animation and Comics (TAC) for 600 million yuan (US$83.6 million). Tencent, among China's largest media conglomerates, is a majority shareholder of China Literature, holding 56% of shares, making this, essentially, a merger of subsidiaries. Tencent Animation and Comics has been losing money for several years, including $26 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. It has been given a book value of $62 million, according to China Economic Review, making the purchase price generous. China Literature and TAC have had a synergistic relationship in the past. Hou Xiaonan, CEO of China Literature, said, "China Literature and Tencent Animation and Comics share a rich history of collaboration which has yielded remarkable accomplishments. It is worth noting that approximately 50% of Tencent Animation and Comics' top 30 best-selling titles originate from China Literature's IPs." Among the most popular titles produced from stories that originated on China Literature are The Fox Spirit Matchmaker, The Outcast, and Spare Me, Great Lord! It has been a long-standing business practice at China Literature to work with writers to further exploit their IP. An example is Tencent Pictures' Joy of Life, a story that originated on China Literature and is often referred to as China's Game of Thrones; Disney holds the rights to the story in the U.S., and it has already appeared in 27 regions and been translated into seven languages. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, Xiaonan was interviewed by Ruediger Wischenbart, and noted at the time that the company was looking to be more aggressive and look for opportunities to grow its comics and animation business, alluding to the success of Korea company Naver's Webtoon and similar companies. "As with Joy of Life, when a story becomes popular as a movie or animation series, it brings consumers to the [China Literature] platform, because people who watch the series may have never read the original stories," Xiaonan said. Property details: Discover an amazing opportunity to own a beautiful piece of land in the desirable gated community of Hidden Valley Lake. This exclusive homesite, lot is .20 acres located in California, in the heart of wine country. The property address is 18680 Glenwood Rd Hidden Valley Lake CA, 95467. The lot is perfect for those who love nature and peaceful surroundings. This residential zoned lot covers an area of .20 acres and offers endless possibilities to build the home of your dreams. The area is surrou... 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Varda, who directed over 40 films, was credited with ushering in the French New Wave movement. A feminist, a lot of her films focused on the stories of women. She called her 1977 film, L'Une chante, l'autre pas, a "feminist musical." Throughout her career, she continued experimenting with new styles. She worked with video installations in the early 2000s and her work has been displayed all over the world. Varda was given several awards throughout her life, including an Oscar nomination for Visages Villages (Faces Places). Varda died at the age of 90 in 2019 from complications of breast cancer. Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen's Houthi group missed a commercial tanker loaded with Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, a U.S. official said. It is the first time they target an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. The assault on the tanker Ardmore Encounter further escalates a campaign by the Houthi rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and also widens the international impact of the Israeli war raging in the Gaza Strip. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel was on its way from Mangalore, India, and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Those guards opened fire to drive off skiffs loaded with men trying to board the vessel, the private intelligence firm Ambrey said. Ardmore Shipping Corp., which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack. No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for, the statement said. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board. It added: Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required. The ship was carrying a load of jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., a joint operation of the oil giant and India's national oil company. The fuel was heading to either Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden, Ardmore Shipping said. Shell declined to comment. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a separate incident off the coast of Oman. It said a vessel had been followed by smaller boats carrying machine guns and men in grey uniforms before escaping unharmed. On Monday night, a missile also fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. There was no immediate link found between the Ardmore Encounter and Israel. France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones targeting their ships were shot down in self-defence. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to insist the ships do not have links to their country. Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israeli war on Gaza threatens to become a wider regional conflict even during a brief pause in fighting during which Hamas exchanged detainees for Palestinian children and women held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of the Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometres (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually. In November, Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected drone in the Indian Ocean. Search Keywords: Short link: Broadway legend Lea Salonga and Poirot icon David Suchet say they were moved to tears by the powerful and inspiring story at the heart of this year's Season of Light: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir program. ADVERTISEMENT The 90-minute special premieres on PBS Tuesday and BYUtv, which produced it, and its streaming platforms on Sunday. It was taped over three nights in front of live audiences last winter at the 21,000-seat LDS Conference Center at Temple Square in Utah. The program includes a 500-member volunteer ensemble composed of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, Bells at Temple Square and Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble. Salonga sings a mix of Christmas carols and church hymns, as well as a Filipino song in Tagalog called "Payapang Daigdig," while Suchet narrates the story of Nicholas Winton, an English stockbroker and real-life hero, who saved hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis in Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II. "As someone coming from the Philippines, Christmas is a huge, huge deal where the Christmas season actually starts in September," Salonga told reporters in a recent virtual press conference, adding that the specific theme of the concert greatly appealed to her. "Here is one person who is able to change the lives of so many people. It kind of reminds you of the power that even one person can possess," she said. "It was so tearjerking, listening to David narrate the story and talk about Nicholas Winton. Every night was just like, 'OK, our jaws are just constantly on the floor.'" Suchet, who is British, felt proud and honored to tell Winton's story. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! "He's so well-known here, in this country, and this was a chance to spread his word many, many years after his death," Suchet said of Winton, who died in 2015 at age 106. "I think it's an important evening. Yes, it's hugely entertaining and will be enjoyed by millions, but the message is so important -- the message of hope. I think it's coming out at the most perfect time." Suchet said he wasn't prepared for the awe-inspiring collaboration ahead of him when he arrived in Utah. "I remember most vividly, apart from the warmth of being welcomed, the first time i ever set foot in the auditorium and meeting the Tabernacle. I was completely dumbstruck," he said. "I've never been in such a size auditorium and I've never been part of such an extraordinary choir and listening to Lea singing was a true gift," he added. "I'm a fairly emotional man, anyway, but I just couldn't hold myself together at that particular moment when I first heard them sing." The choir's music director, Mack Wilberg, called the show a "magical experience." "The great thing is we are now able to share it with the rest of the world," Wilberg said. Salonga said she suggested "Payapang Daigdig" -- written in the wake of World War II -- for the program because it complemented Winton's acts of heroism. "It is a hope that even in the aftermath of violence and destruction, there is a peace that comes afterward," she added. "I don't think any of us could have anticipated how important a message like that would be, given when this is going to be released." Wilberg said the song was a way to musically blend Salonga's heritage, Winton's story and the Christian holiday. "It was somewhat akin to the Christmas carol, 'Silent Night,' so when I arranged the piece, I arranged 'Silent Night' as part of the Filipino carol and it was a very touching moment in our concert," he said. "And, of course, Lea sang it so beautifully." In addition to her Tony-winning performance in Broadway's Miss Saigon, Salonga also is known for providing the singing voices for the animated Disney princesses Mulan and Jasmine from Aladdin. Earlier this year, she performed in the West End stage production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, Old Friends. Suchet played Belgian private detective Hercule Poirot from 1989 to 2003 in PBS' adaptation of Agatha Christie's mysteries. He is playing Captain Hook in a Peter Pan stage pantomime in London this holiday season and expects to tour his one-person show, David Suchet: Poirot and More, a Retrospective, throughout the United Kingdom in the new year. The Sundance Film Festival announced additions to the 2024 film festival program for the festival's 40th edition on Tuesday. Screenings and restorations of past festival hits will join the new films in Park City, Utah, Jan. 18-28. ADVERTISEMENT This includes 4K restorations of Napoleon Dynamite, Go Fish, Three Seasons and the music documentary Dig! adding 30 minutes of new footage and more narration. Napoleon and Dig! celebrate their 20th anniversaries, Go Fish 30 and Three Seasons 25. Napoleon Dynamite became a cult hit comedy after it premiered at Sundance. From Jared and Jerusha Hess and starring Jon Heder and Efran Ramirez, it popularized slogans like "Vote for Pedro" with shirts available for purchase. Go Fish was a landmark lesbian drama from writers Guinevere Turner and Rose Troche. Turner also starred and Troche directed. Three Seasons was a Vietnamese-American drama from Tony Bui, co-written by Bui and his brother Timothy Linh Bui. The horror classic The Babadook will screen again, 10 years after its Sundance premiere. Jennifer Kent's horror movie stars Essie Davis as a mother terrorized by a spooky book. A restoration of the 1991 Denzel Washington/Sarita Choudhury romance Mississippi Masala, from director Mira Nair and writer Sooni Taraporevela will premiere. The 1984 documentary The Times of Harvey Milk has also been restored to screen again. Jay and Mark Duplass will host screenings of Sundance shorts. Miguel Arteta, Richard Linklater, Dawn Porter, and Christine Vachon will participate in a panel, Power of Story: Four Decades of Taking Chances. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Carlos Lopez Estrada and additional filmmakers to be announced will lead a workshop for emerging filmmakers. The 40th anniversary event also will include trivia and alumni social events. The Sundance Film Festival officially took its name in 1984, named after founder Robert Redford's character The Sundance Kid. Formerly, the Utah/U.S. Film Festivals occurred annually in Utah. Ticket packages are now on sale at the Sundance website, with individual tickets on sale Jan. 11. Disney/John Fleenor By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/12/2023 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. winner Theresa Nist has defended not reaching out to Leslie Fhima more after Gerry Turner dumped Leslie in favor of Theresa.Leslie finished as Gerry's runner-up on in favor of his winner and eventual fiancee, Theresa, and Gerry and Theresa got engaged on the show's November 30 finale.Leslie appeared absolutely heartbroken because not only did Gerry say, "I love you," to her, but she also claimed Gerry had convinced her in the Fantasy Suite that she was his person and they were going to spend the rest of their lives together."I've spoken on the phone with [Gerry's third-place finisher Faith Martin ] several times. We're really great, and I love Faith," Theresa told Katie Couric on her YouTube channel."I've texted with Leslie and I love Leslie, and then I've reached out and others have reached out to me."Leslie sobbed during finale about how she felt betrayed, lied to , and misled. And she confronted Gerry on After the Final Rose about how she took his words to heart throughout the process and therefore ended up devastated and embarrassed.Katie therefore suggested to Theresa -- who conducted the interview with Gerry by her side -- that Leslie may need "more than just a text" from her friends after what she went through on and after the show."Well, yes. No, I gave her an extremely long, loving text, and I really wanted to -- she needed time," Theresa explained."I wanted to allow her to come to me, and I knew that she had this live [After the Final Rose] event where she needed to be in her own head and not be influenced by me."Theresa added that Leslie needed to "experience that herself" but she "will be reaching out to Leslie" in the near future."I do love Leslie," Theresa repeated.In fact, Theresa insisted that she got along with many of the bachelorettes from Gerry's season."We actually really loved each other. We had a blast. It's an experience that no one else, so far in our age group, has been able to have," Theresa shared."We had a moment in time that was so special, and everything was so new to us. And having had your phone taken away from you, and you're not able to watch TV, and you can't listen to music, you had to key into the relationships."Theresa recalled forming "very strong bonds with several of the women," and she added, "Ironically, it was Leslie and Faith who I was closest with."Theresa said she also had "very deep conversations" with Ellen Goltzer , Edith Aguirre and Susan Noles as well.Theresa also claimed she has spoken with Sylvia Robledo, Marina Perera , Anna Zalk, Peggy Dercole, and Pamela Burns since the show wrapped filming."It was really a wonderful and incredible experience, and I love all these women," Theresa concluded."And so, yeah, we've spoken and we're planning on getting together someday."Gerry told Access Hollywood in a recent joint interview with Theresa how Leslie had a lot of emotions on After the Final Rose about their breakup -- but "she deserves every one of those emotions."Gerry explained, "[Leslie] was in the same process and the same boiler that I was, and so when she had to go home -- and all of that hurt was there -- and she didn't have a release for that, I was there to really accept anything she had to say."star said it was his "goal" to make Leslie "feel better when she left" the live show "than when she arrived."But Gerry acknowledged how there was really nothing he could say to make Leslie feel better or to mend her broken heart."All of the apologies in the world don't really help her at that moment," Gerry said. "What does help is for her to get some of it off of her chest."Gerry also insisted that if he could go back in time, he wouldn't course correct or change how he had handled Leslie before and after their split."I have no regrets there ," Gerry said, even when considering the repercussions of having told Leslie that he was in love with her before dumping her."I had those emotions and those feelings in that moment, and I've said to Theresa, 'I believed that I was in love with these women until I knew I wasn't. And the moment I knew I wasn't, it was one thousand percent clear for me."Gerry added, "So I really can't say I have regrets. It's just part of the process that you have to go through."Leslie explained to host Jesse Palmer on After the Final Rose that because of Gerry's reassurance and validation, she had envisioned a life with Gerry after the show in which they'd walk his dog together and go out to restaurants, both in Indianapolis and Minneapolis."I was blindsided because I wasn't sure how it changed or what happened," Leslie subsequently recalled to Gerry on After the Final Rose, adding how she thought she had fit in wonderfully with his family."I feel like you painted a picture for me of what our life would look like... and I'd like to know what happened," she cried.Gerry told Leslie that she was his person until he suddenly knew that she wasn't his person."It didn't really go wrong, Leslie, it was just better with someone else," Gerry said bluntly. "It was the right person in another direction, and I'm so terribly sorry. I'll never forgive myself for the pain I've caused along the way."Leslie dropped tidbits about what Gerry had told her behind closed doors in the Fantasy Suite during the December 4 episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast, which is co-hosted by Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt "I don't want to say everything that he said, but it was 100 percent certainty when I woke up the next morning that I was going to be it."Joe pointed out how Gerry had said in post-show press interviews that Gerry basically let Theresa know in the Fantasy Suite he was picking her and was going to propose marriage to her at the end."[ Did he] propose to me? Well, he made plans with me for the future. He said, kind of like, 'Save the date. This is what we're going to do. I can't wait for us -- just two more days and we'll be done with this,'" Leslie recalled."[Gerry said], 'We'll be together and start our life.' Did he say in there, 'Will you marry me?' No. But he all BUT said that."The 64-year-old fitness instructor from Minneapolis, MN, vented about how she "would've been happy with" a simple, "I love you" from Gerry."But he took it to a different level," Leslie claimed."And when we woke up the next morning and he left, he turned around three times and blew me kisses. He didn't want to leave, and that's why I wasn't worried that he was going on a date! I just knew that he had to get through the motions of it."Leslie reiterated how she felt "100 percent sure" that she was "it" for Gerry."I mean, he didn't say, 'I have such a hard decision to make.' Nothing like that. So I just didn't think [he'd pick Theresa]," Leslie said.She added, "We talked for hours, and there was so much I wanted to tell him about me. And he wanted to tell me about him... There were things he said to me in the overnight that alluded to his [next] overnight with Theresa, that it was not going to be the same."Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group The Russian foreign minister on Wednesday called on UN chief Antonio Guterres to organise an international conference to find a lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. "The only way for this problem to be solved forever, and to be solved in a just way, is to hold an international conference with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russian senators. He said the conference should include representatives of countries from the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council. "The UN should play a leading role in convening such an event," he said, adding: "I trust that the UN Secretary-General is quite capable of such an initiative." Russia is one of five permanent UN Security Council members, along with China, France, the UK and the US. Lavrov said that the "continuing injustice against the Palestinian people, to whom the creation of a Palestinian state was promised... fuels very serious terrorist and extremist sentiments." Moscow has repeatedly called for the creation of a Palestinian state and has working relations with both Hamas and Israel. Hamas has in recent weeks released three Russian citizens that it held captive in a deal outside of agreements with Israel. Russia has been increasingly critical of Israel during its military war on Gaza, with President Vladimir Putin denouncing the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced Israel's "dissatisfaction" with President Putin over Russia's vote in favour of a UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Search Keywords: Short link: Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Phoenix Athens Coffeehouse, taken on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. The coffeehouse, located at 660 W. Broad St., in Athens, Georgia, is part of the Phoenix Community of Athens church, which opened the coffeehouse as a way to serve the community. (Photo/Claire Mulkey) In this week's UGA police blotter, a male was charged with a DUI in the Russell Lot, UGA students practiced for comedy show in a campus parking lot with golf clubs and baseball bats and a drunk UGA student falls asleep on a toilet in a communal bathroom. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Manushi Chhillar teases us with pictures of her trip to the Maldives, where she gets to wear her red bikini. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram A 'perfect morning' for Manushi includes 'Happy skin, some snorkel swims, a good read, good food and best company.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram She looks so hot, she needs to capture it with a selfie. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Manushi gets ready to go snorkelling. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Her breakfast for the day. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Manushi takes cooking classes on her vacation. 'Cooking classes and gossip with some serious contemplation,' she shares. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Those are the recipes she's making. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram The chef takes her through the procedure... Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram ...And then she tries her hand at it. Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram Going great! Photograph: Kind courtesy Manushi Chhillar/Instagram She makes everything from scratch, but keeps us guessing about what she actually cooked! 'When the Exeutive can do whatever they want, why bother having an election?' IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Dr D Y Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna during the judgment on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, December 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo "People are quiet because they are terrified of being picked up and put in jail. In a rule of fear, people do not speak." "My greatest fear is what will happen when that fear goes away and people are not fearful anymore," says Historian Radha Kumar, one of the three interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir appointed by the then Union government in 2010. Dr Kumar's expertise is in peace building, peacemaking and ethnic conflict, especially from a feminist perspective. She is the author of five books, the latest being Paradise at War, A Political History Of Kashmir. She holds a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an MA and BA from Cambridge University, and was co-author of a report on human rights in Kashmir in 2020. Dr Kumar discusses the Supreme Court verdict on Article 370 and what it means for Kashmir and the rest of India in a phone conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih. Were you surprised by the Supreme Court verdict on Article 370 that upheld the government's removal of the special status to J&K? I can't pretend to be surprised. I am still shocked. This suggests the Union government can do as it pleases to any state without consulting the people or their elected representatives. It is a blow to democracy. What is the way forward from here now that the final verdict on Article 370 has been pronounced and it is no longer binding? 5,500 people had to be jailed or in detention to pass the presidential orders [on August 5, 2019] and there is not one word about that in the judgment? The justices said that the Centre's decision lacked 'mala fide intent'; if that was so, why were 5,500 jailed? People have petitioned the same Supreme Court about the arrests that happened the evening before the orders were issued. Is there no connection between them? Kashmiris have been totally alienated. They have been silenced and told that their voices don't matter in their own lives. They have no right to speak or to be consulted. People are quiet because they are terrified of being picked up and put in jail. In a rule of fear, people do not speak. Do we want to be like China? My greatest fear is what will happen when that fear goes away and people are not fearful anymore. The moment Kashmir is democratised, we may see a rise in militancy again. This judgment has set us back almost to the 1980s which marked the beginning of insurgency in J&K. This is the ugliest situation in the state that I have seen in 70 years. The presidential order of August 5, 2019 was the big reason for the alienation of Kashmir, less so for Jammu, but now both Jammu and Kargil are alienated. The decision was left to the courts and after four long years, the Supreme Court says what the government did was right. Therefore, there is no way forward. The way forward would have been to restore the confidence of the Kashmiris. How is the government planning to do that? Are they going to undo this? Are they going to start a peace process asking them what they want? IMAGE: Security personnel deployed in Srinagar to maintain law and order on the day of the Supreme Court's verdict on Article 370, December 11, 2023. Photograph: Imran Nissar/ANI Photo The Supreme Court ruled the Article 370 was a temporary provision and the government was within its power to revoke it after 70 years. Most Opposition parties also supported it. The judges said that Article 370 was temporary. It was temporary because when our Constitution was adopted, J&K didn't have a constituent assembly -- it was moving from a kingdom to democratic rule. Article 370 had to be temporary till the J&K constituent assembly could ratify it and that happened in 1956. The J&K constitution speaks about its relations with India which is clearly based on 370. But the court has not considered it relevant enough, even though that was the reason why it was temporary in the first place. The 70 years argument is absurd. Our Constitution has existed for 73 years, should it also go? IMAGE: A view of the Lal Chowk area in Srinagar. Photograph: Imran Nissar/ANI Photo One of the five judges recommended the setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation commission to investigate human rights violations in J&K. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission came up after the end of apartheid in South Africa, but there has been no end to what is happening in Kashmir? We have not come to an agreement with the Kashmiris, but have overturned whatever agreement there was. Where is the chance of truth and reconciliation without a peace agreement? The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to hold elections by September next year. It will be more than ten years since the last election was held in J&K. I do not understand why the court did not say that elections should be held within a month. The court hasn't even said that statehood should be restored before holding elections. What makes me sad is that the courts are there to provide a check on the Executive and uphold the Constitution. But the verdict ducked every issue pertaining to the Constitution and democracy in India. I have read all the parliamentary and legislative debates. I have read the Constituent Assembly debates five times and feel that the verdict is a betrayal of every single member of the Constituent Assembly of India. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the Bharatiya Janata Party's parent) was a member of the Constituent Assembly and he accepted Article 370. He did not refuse it then. He only started his campaign after the Praja Parishad started its campaign in Jammu years later. I had hoped the courts will stand up for democracy, but they haven't. IMAGE: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi pays homage to the five security personnel who made the Supreme Sacrifice for the Motherland in a recent encounter in Rajouri in the Kashmir Valley. Photograph: ANI Photo What do you see as the political future of J&K? J&K is one indicator of India's political future. Bear in mind that these arbitrary arrests started in J&K and have spread to the rest of India. Mahua Moitra didn't even have the right to defend herself! The other concern expressed by some observers is that Parliament could legislate any Act on behalf of the state legislature through President's rule and damage federalism. It affects our federal structure, democracy, right of freedom and expression, the right to consultation -- this judgment affects all of India. When the Union and Executive can do whatever they want, why bother having an election? How do you read the situation in Kashmir till the state elections if they were to happen in September? Nothing happens quickly. There will be a sullen silence. Anger and militancy simmers for a long time. Remember that full scale militancy broke out about 2-3 years after the 1987 rigged elections. It began with small incidents, but big attacks came two years later. IMAGE: Army personnel stand guard at the site where an encounter took place between security forces and terrorists in the Kokernag area of Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley. Photograph: ANI Photo How do you view the security situation in J&K? There will be perennial threats and challenges to security and J&K will require a very large security presence. Kashmir will continue to be run as a security state, not a democratic one. The cost and impact on our security forces will be severe. There is already a shortage of officers. Dealing with internal conflict is bad for the morale of any army. The situation is going to be even more difficult than what it was in the early 1990s. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com A man and a woman were detained on Wednesday while they were protesting outside the Parliament building carrying cans that emitted a yellowish and red smoke, the police said in New Delhi. IMAGE: Security forces detained a man and woman outside Parliament for setting off smoke canisters just as two men did the same inside the Lok Sabha, December 13, 2023. Photographs: ANI Photo The incident happened minutes after two people jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a similar-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. The Delhi police's special cell will investigate both the incidents, according to officials. They said the two detained outside Parliament were identified as Neelam (42), of Haryana's Hisar, and Amol Shinde (25), of Maharasthra's Latur area. After opening the gas canisters that emitted the smoke outside the Parliament building, the two protestors raised slogans such as "Tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be allowed), "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat", the officials said. The incidents came on a day when the nation is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits attacked the Parliament complex on this day in 2001, killing nine people. Narrating Wednesday's episode, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "One person was seen leaping over the benches of the Lok Sabha while another was seen dangling from the public gallery, spraying some tear gas when Zero Hour was in progress." A senior police official said one of them was identified as Sagar, who entered the House using a pass issued on an MP's recommendation. He said the intruders were in the Parliament security unit's custody. "Both are being interrogated by security officials. They will be handed over to the local police," the officer said. In a post on X, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said, "Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security." The Parliament security breach on Wednesday was well-coordinated and meticulously planned allegedly by six people, five of whom have been nabbed, police sources said. IMAGE: Neelam, one of the duo arrested from outside the Parliament complex, New Delhi, December 13, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo They said that all six had known each other for four years and hatched the plan a few days ago. The accused were in touch with each other through social media platforms and had done a recce before coming to Parliament on Wednesday, the sources said. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Around the same time, two other accused -- Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi -- also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi" outside Parliament premises. Sagar, Manoranjan, Amol and Neelam are now in police custody. Their accomplice Vishal, in whose house the accused stayed before reaching Parliament, has been detained from Gurugram while a hunt is on for their other accomplice Lalit. Following the security breach, the area around Parliament was turned into a fortress with the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel while the Delhi Police's Special Cell has been tasked with the investigation. Police officials said that during interrogation, Amol told investigators they were upset with issues like the farmers' protest, Manipur crisis and unemployment and that's why they carried out this act. "They had the same ideology and hence decided to give a message to the government. The security agencies are trying to ascertain if they were instructed by anyone or any organisation," an official said. Sagar, Manoranjan, Amol, Neelam and Lalit stayed at the resident of Vishal in Gurugram on Tuesday night. In the morning, they left for Parliament. An official said Vishal Sharma earlier worked as a driver in an export company but of late he drove an autorickshaw. His neighbours claimed that he was a drunkard and often quarrelled with his wife. Police have also detained Vishal's wife and her possible role in the incident was being probed, an official said. "All six accused wanted to enter Parliament but only two got passes," a source said, adding that Lalit made the video of Amol and Neelam releasing smoke from canisters outside the Parliament premises. The video was uploaded by Lalit on Instagram. He also kept the mobile phones of Neelam, Amol, Sagar and Manoranjan, police said. A police source said, "No mobile phones have been found on the accused and the police are looking for their phones." A resident of Haryana's Jind, Neelam, who is in her late 30s, told police that she was studying for competitive exams. Neelam has done MA, B.Ed, M.Ed, CTET, M.Phil and cleared NET. While being taken away by police personnel, Neelam told reporters, "The Indian government is subjecting us to oppression. When we raise our voices for our rights, we are beaten and thrown in jail. We are subjected to undue force. We do not belong to any organisation. We are students and we are unemployed." "Our parents work as labourers, and farmers and some are small shopkeepers. An attempt is being made to suppress our voices. Dictatorship will not work," she said. Sources said Bharatiya Janata Party MP Prathap Simha, on whose authorisation passes were issued to two persons who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, knew Manoranjan D as he hailed from his constituency Mysuru and would often visit the parliamentarian's office. Manoranjan introduced Sagar as a friend to the MP's office and got passes issued on the pretext of visiting the new Parliament building, they said. Amol, a resident of Maharasthra's Latur, is a graduate but unemployed. He worked as a helper of a plumber but later quit the job. He told police that he bought at least five colour smoke canisters from Maharashtra's Kalyan at a price of around Rs 1,200, an official told PTI. Another officer said that Amol would often visit Mumbai. Amole and Neelam were held for violating the prohibitory orders imposed around Parliament during the Winter Session. They are being interrogated by the Delhi Police Special Cell and other security agencies at the Parliament Street Police Station. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora visited Parliament to take stock of the situation after the security breach. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the spot. India has voted in favour of a draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unconditional release of all hostages. IMAGE: Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters The 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution at an emergency special session on Tuesday, with 153 nations voting in its favour, 10 voting against and 23 abstentions. India was among the 153 nations that voted in favour of the resolution, adopted amid a round of applause in the GA hall. Those voting against included Austria, Israel and the US while Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ukraine and the UK were among those who abstained. The resolution, introduced by Egypt, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably about the protection of civilians. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. The resolution however did not name Hamas. Austria and the US had each moved an amendment to the draft text. The amendment tabled by Austria called for the insertion of the line held by Hamas and other groups after the word hostages in the main draft as well as called for ensuring "immediate" humanitarian access. The amendment tabled by the US called for the insertion, in the main draft, of the paragraph unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting October 7 and the taking of hostages. India voted in favour of both the amendments. However, the two amendments to the draft resolution could not be adopted since they failed to get the required two-thirds majority of votes. The Austrian-introduced amendment got 89 votes in favour, 61 against and 20 abstentions while the US-proposed amendment got 84 votes in favour, 62 against and 25 abstentions. In October, India had abstained in the General Assembly on a resolution that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip. The resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. Along with India, countries that had abstained from the October resolution included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Ahead of the vote on Tuesday, US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that while Washington supports components of the resolution proposed, it also supports "speaking out with one voice to condemn Hamas for its terrorist actions on October 7. Why is that so hard? To say, unequivocally, that murdering babies and gunning down parents in front of their children is horrific. That burning down houses while families shelter inside and taking civilians hostage is abhorrent, she said. It's why today, the United States is proposing an amendment that unequivocally rejects and condemns these atrocities, Thomas-Greenfield said, urging member states to vote yes and declare that what happened on October 7th is intolerable. Period. This is the bare minimum. And it should not be that difficult. The UNGA resolution also took note of the December 6 letter by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres written under Article 99 of the UN Charter, the first time that Guterres invoked the Article since he became Secretary-General in 2017. Article 99 states that the Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. By writing to the President of the Security Council under Article 99, Guterres invoked one of the few powers that the UN Charter gives him. Constitutionally, it is the most powerful tool that he has, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric had said, expressing hope that the international community will be moved by it to push and put in place a humanitarian ceasefire. Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan told the General Assembly that a ceasefire will not benefit the people of Gaza but will only benefit the terrorists who steal the humanitarian aid for themselves. What will happen the day after the ceasefire? Will this bring peace and stability to the region? Of course not. A ceasefire is a death sentence for countless more Israelis and Gazans. By voting in favour of this resolution, you are supporting the survival of Jihadist terror and the continued suffering of the people of Gaza, he said. The vote in the UNGA came days after the 15-nation Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza after the US exercised its veto. The UNSC resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 member states, got 13 votes in its favour while the UK abstained. More than 1,200 people were killed, including 33 children, and thousands injured in the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7. Since the start of Israel's military operation, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza said at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent women and children, and about 49,645 are reportedly injured, according to estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Several opposition MPs on Wednesday demanded an explanation from Home Minister Amit Shah after two visitors jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery and opened canisters that emitted coloured smoke, triggering panic among the members. IMAGE: Lok Sabha proceedings on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI on X The Congress demanded answers from the government and a statement from Shah in both houses of Parliament on the 'serious security breach', saying does the incident 'not prove that necessary precautions were not taken'. Two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Around the same time, a man and a woman also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises. The Congress, which was demanding that the home minister comes to Rajya Sabha and makes a statement, later walked out of the upper house in protest. 'INDIA parties walked out of the Rajya Sabha this afternoon on the issue of the extraordinary events in the Lok Sabha today and the refusal of the Home Minister to make a statement on the matter, especially after such a huge breach of security on the very same day Parliament was attacked 22 years ago,' All India Congress Committee general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. In another post, he said, 'The Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha kept accusing INDIA parties of 'politicising' the shocking and apalling breach of security WITHIN the Lok Sabha today.' 'He had no answers to serious questions being raised on how such a breach could take place in a building heralded by the PM for its technological marvels, and how the intruders had come as visitors thanks to a high-profile sitting BJP MP from Karnataka.' In an apparent swipe at the prime minister, the Congress put out a post showing the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP MP Pratap Simha saying, 'Infiltration in Parliament on the pass of BJP MP Pratap Simha'. ''Na hi wahan koi ghus aaya hai, na hi wahan kisi ne kisi ko ghusaya hai' (Neither has anyone entered there, nor has anyone allowed anyone to enter there),' the caption on the picture said in an apparent reference to prime minister's words during an all-party meet after Chinese intrusions on the border in Eastern Ladakh. Two persons, involved in the Lok Sabha incident, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. Sharma had come to the visitor's gallery as a guest of Simha. In a post on X, party president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the security breach that took place in Parliament is a very serious matter. 'We demand that the Home Minister should come to both the Houses and give a statement on this. The question is, how did two people come inside such a big security department and release gas from a canister there,' he said. 'Today, on Martyr's Day, we paid tribute to the brave security personnel who lost their lives in the attack on Parliament 22 years ago. We hope that the government will take this very seriously. We demand a thorough investigation into the entire incident. We always want unity and integrity of the country,' he wrote. Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said 'those who can release smoke can also burst deadly bombs'. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal also demanded a thorough review of the security arrangements in Parliament. 'The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. 'Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of our country. Such a major security lapse is unacceptable. We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building,' he said in a post on X. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said this was a major security breach inside Parliament on the anniversary of the 2001 attack on Parliament. "While we agree this attack is not the same as that one, does this not prove that necessary precautions were not taken," he said. MP Shashi Tharoor alleged the new Parliament 'does not seem to be configured very well when it comes to security" and the home minister "must come with a detailed response on the security arrangements'. Party MP Manickam Tagore asked whether action will be taken against Simha for providing the pass to one of the intruders. 'Will action be taken against the BJP MP who gave the Pass? When an MP lost her seat for Password. Two rules for two MPs?' he wrote on X. In a post on X, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, 'Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security.' Party MP Karti Chidambaram said the Zero Hour was going on in the House and he was awaiting his turn to speak. Suddenly, it appeared that one person had fallen down from the visitors gallery, he noted. 'Then we realised that it was a deliberate act of him jumping into the well. There was another person, both of them pulled out canisters which were emitting yellow smoke,' he said. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, 'Two people entered the house and filled the house with 'smoke'. Today is the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament - and how is such a major lapse in Parliament security possible even today?' 'After all, who were these people whose entry passes were made by BJP's Mysore MP Pratap Simha,' she asked. Several opposition MPs also alleged that security arrangements in the new Parliament building is not sufficient and needs to be addressed immediately. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said the home minister should resign as he failed to ensure the safety of Parliament. "Amit Shah should resign immediately. There is no security planning. The gallery is right above us ... ," he said. "If Parliament security can be breached this way, how can the country be secure?" he asked. He said the incident could have been more serious and questioned the Union home ministry's functioning. "It could have been a repeat of the 2001 incident. What is the intelligence department of the home ministry doing? Nothing. The home minister is giving big speeches and cannot even maintain security in Parliament," Banerjee said. Hanuman Beniwal, among the MPs who caught the intruders, said it should be investigated who endorsed the visitors' passes for them. "More than 150 MPs were present during Zero Hour ... They (intruders) tried to come to the speaker's chair. They had something in their shoes," Beniwal said. "It should be investigated whose guests they were. They said, 'We are protesting, we do not have any (other) purpose'...," he said. "They thought they will become heroes ... we taught them a lesson," the MP from Rajasthan said. Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali claimed one of the intruders was the guest of Simha. MP N K Premchandan, meanwhile, said the security lapse was very serious as there was a threat by Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to attack Parliament. "It is an attack on Indian democracy. It is a great lapse on part of the home ministry. Two weeks ago, a threat was there from Khalistani Pannun. Security personnel say they had ratified the threat and said 'we are on alert'," the MP from Kerala said. "It is quiet unfortunate on the same day (as the 2001 attack) this incident happened ... It is a great security lapse that is happened even after a warning by terrorist groups," he added. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha, meanwhile, said concerns about security were raised by several MPs during the special session in September when several visitors resorted to sloganeering inside the House. "This is not an incident but an accident. On this day in 2001, our Parliament was attacked. Treasury and Opposition leaders were standing together that day. However, today, they (Treasury leaders) are not accepting and responding on the issue," he said. "Doubts were expressed over the security arrangements in this building. The day the women's reservation bill was passed, there were visitors shouting slogans hailing the prime minister. We said tomorrow someone may shout 'murdabad' slogans. Someone may throw something ... We are seeing the result of what they have started. There is a security lapse," he said. Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said she raised concerns over security during the last session as well but those were ignored. "In the last session, the special session, I had written to the (Rajya Sabha) chairman that the way sloganeering was being done, who were the MPs who enabled them to come inside should be probed. Yesterday (Tuesday) as well, I raised the issue of threat by Khalistani terrorists to attack Parliament, even that was ignored," she said. "The number of visitors that come and are given no instruction on what should be done and what should not be done, it shows this is a security breach," she said. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday backed imposing sanctions on terrorist Israeli settlers responsible for attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. "The rise in violence by extremist settlers is inflicting immense suffering on the Palestinians. It undermines the prospects for a lasting peace and could further exacerbate regional instability," the European Commission president told EU lawmakers. "I am in favour of sanctioning those involved in the attacks in the West Bank. They must be held accountable. This violence has nothing to do with the fight against Hamas and must stop." Von der Leyen's comments come after European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that he would put forward a proposal to sanction the West Bank settlers. The measures would require the unanimous backing of the EU's 27 member states, but there are divisions within the bloc. The EU move comes after the United States said last week it would refuse visas to settlers behind a wave of violence in the West Bank, in a rare rebuke to its close ally Israel. Violent attacks, including fatal shootings of Palestinians by armed Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have risen sharply. United Nations data has shown a sharp increase in these attacks since 7 October though European and US diplomats have expressed concerns for years about such violence and the sense it frequently goes unpunished by Israel. Since Israels occupation of the West Bank began in 1967, about 700,000 Jewish immigrants from countries such as Russia, the United States, and France have established residence in settlements, protected by the Israeli army. The US decision remains a point of contention as nearly 60,000 Americans reside in these Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. US passport holders cannot be barred from entering their own country. All Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal by the international community, as they contravene the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of population into occupied territories. Search Keywords: Short link: Parties of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will hold a meeting on Thursday morning to discuss their future course of action on the security breach in Parliament, and are considering meeting President Droupadi Murmu over the issue. IMAGE: MPs comes out from the Parliament building following the security breach that took place in Lok Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session, in New Delhi on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay announced that the opposition parties will meet at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Thursday morning to discuss the issue. Sources said opposition leaders are considering seeking statements from the government in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the security breach. They are also considering meeting President Murmu over the issue. Opposition parties will jointly decide the future course of action, a source said. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting of leaders of all parties in the House, after two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Wednesday continued his scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet by alleging that "they have absolutely no shame". IMAGE: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have been at loggerheads on several issues. Photograph: ANI Photo The Governor was referring to the alleged criticism against him from the Left government ministers over nominations by him to the senate of certain universities in the state. "How are they concerned about whom I nominate to the senate? The CM and the ministers have absolutely no shame. The state Finance Minister came and requested me to nominate a person. "How did these people (CM and ministers) know that the people I nominated were different from the list recommended by the Vice Chancellor? They (CM and ministers) recommended the list of nominees to the VC to recommend the same to me," Khan alleged while speaking to reporters in the national capital. He said he had ordered an inquiry and if it was found that VCs were recommending names proposed by the CM and ministers, "I am going to take action against those VCs". "No one can force me to nominate someone. If I have the power, I will exercise my discretion. I am not obligated to tell you (media) how I exercised my discretion," Khan said. On being told the Kerala high court had stayed the nomination of four students to the senate of the University of Kerala, by him as Chancellor of universities, Khan said he was not aware of the reasons for the same. He also said that the high court did not say anything about the nominations while staying the same. Regarding the incident of activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, attacking his vehicle while he was on his way to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Monday night, Khan questioned how government property can be damaged in the name of protest. When reporters said that some ministers of the LDF government had criticised his actions post the attack and allegedly called him a 'goonda', Khan said that showed their "mindset". Ministers P Rajeev, A K Saseendran and P A Mohamed Riyas came out in support of SFI while hitting out at Khan. "They (ministers) are entitled to their opinion. Everybody has seen my car has been attacked. I am not attacking anyone. But for them, their political morality. If this is what they are saying, they are taling about their own personality and character. That is their mindset, their mental level," Khan said. The Governor also questioned whether government property can be damaged as part of a 'natutral protest'. "Do they (SFI) have the right to damage government property in the name of protest?" he questioned. He also pointed out that a case under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC was invoked against those who raised "verbal slogans" inside a plane. "It happened only recently," he said. Khan also questioned the purpose behind the state government's outreach programme, Nava Kerala Sadas, by saying that if the intention was to gather applications or petitions, that could have been collected locally and sent to the state capital. He said if a solution to the problems of the people was being given right at the spot, "then it is very good". "But there is no solution to any of the problems on the spot. So, is it a yatra for fun? What is the purpose of the yatra? They say they collected over three lakh petitions. Is that the purpose? It defies logic, defies reason," Khan said. The Governor also termed as unfortunate that the Left government was not able to pay pensions to those who worked over 35 years for the state. "But, those who worked for two years as ministers' personal staff are continuing to get their pensions," he said. He also reiterated what he said a day ago that the Chief Secretary of the state had submitted an affidavit in the Kerala High Court stating that the government was not in a position to honour the financial guarantees given by it. "It means the government is unable to fulfil its Constitutional duties. On the other hand, we are seeing festivities on a large scale. Extravaganza. Just for renovation of a swimming pool, Rs 10 lakh is being spent. So, I do not know how to react to this situation," Khan said. The Governor and the ruling LDF in the state have been at loggerheads since the Supreme Court verdict quashing the reappointment of Gopinath Ravindran as VC of Kannur University and berating the Left government for its "unwarranted intervention" in the matter. The apex court had found fault with Khan's order reappointing Ravindran to the post, saying the Governor had earlier "abdicated or surrendered" the statutory powers for reappointing the VC. It had also said it is the Chancellor who is conferred with competence under law to appoint or reappoint VCs. "No other person, even the pro-chancellor or any superior authority can interfere with the functioning of the statutory authority," it had held. Following the verdict, Khan had accused the chief minister of having exerted pressure on him in the matter. Family members of Sagar Sharma, one of the two men who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery on Wednesday, said he left home Lucknow two days ago to take part in a 'protest' in Delhi. IMAGE: Security is beefed up at the residence of Sagar Sharma in Lucknow, December 13, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo However, the family said they are unaware about his involvement in the Parliament security breach. Sharma (28) is a resident of Ramnagar under Manak Nagar police station limits in Lucknow, police said. Two persons, including Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The two protesters are now in the custody of Delhi police. Rani Sharma, Sharma's mother, said, "Sagar left home two days back. He said that he was travelling to Delhi with friends for some work. I spoke to him over phone yesterday." "We have called Sagar's father Roshan Lal, a carpenter, to ask about his son," SHO of Manak Nagar police station Shiv Mangal Singh said. According to police, the family hails from Unnao district of UP. Police quoting family members said that Sharma had returned to Lucknow from Bengaluru recently. Sharma's minor sister said, "I heard my brother telling my mother that he was going to Delhi to attend a protest a few days ago." "My brother would drive an e-rickshaw. He earlier used to work in Bengaluru," the sister added. Singh, Station House Officer of Manak Nagar police station, said, "Sagar Sharma, along with his sister and parents, lived in a rented house in Ramnagar area. The family has been living in the rented house for over a decade." Sharma would drive an e-rickshaw, the SHO said. "The family members have denied having any knowledge of his involvement in the Lok Sabha incident. We are trying to gather information from them," he added. A police team was seen at Sharma's residence speaking to his family members. Neighbours and journalists swarmed the house on Wednesday evening after hearing about Sharma's involvement in the incident. Police have been deployed at the house to ensure law and order, officials said. An online company would show a particular price to the customer and then quickly increase the cost after analysing consumer behaviour or detecting any kind of desperation. IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy MasterTux and Photo Mix/Pixabay.com The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has notified guidelines for the prevention and regulation of dark patterns, which refer to tactics used by online platforms to manipulate or heavily influence customers to make certain choices. The move by the country's top consumer watchdog is likely to restrict malpractices on online travel and e-commerce platforms, according to executives. The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, issued under section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, were notified by the CCPA in the Official Gazette on November 30. These guidelines, prohibiting dark pattern practices, would apply to all platforms, systematically offering goods or services in India including advertisers and sellers. 'No person, including any platform, shall engage in any dark pattern practice,' the guidelines state. "It was time to bring online booking especially airlines and hotels to book. The guidelines have a great impact as they enable regulators to go after the erring players," said K Narasimhan, advocate, Madras high court. "I feel that even hospitals or online grocers, where basket sneaking is prevalent, will get reduced." E-commerce industry executives, while welcoming the guidelines, pointed out that some key clauses were broad and ambiguous. "To avoid any regulatory confusion, which could potentially burden the judiciary, it is crucial for regulators to revisit these provisions and publish clarifications in the interest of consumers and the industry equally," said an executive. Another e-commerce representative said online was just 6 per cent of the overall retail industry in the country and there is fear that such guidelines could be misused by law enforcement agencies to crack down on companies which have legitimate business practices. Salman Waris, managing partner at tech law firm TechLegis Advocates & Solicitors, said the new guidelines fall short of giving teeth to the rule as the CCPA has removed clause 8 which stated that the provisions of the Act [Consumer Protection Act, 2019] shall apply to any contravention of the guidelines. The notified guidelines also state that the specified dark pattern practices and illustrations 'provide only guidance and shall not be construed as an interpretation of law or as a binding opinion or decision as different facts or conditions may entail different interpretations'. This could lead to confusion and ambiguity while increasing the compliance burden on the e-commerce, online and consumer Internet industry. There are many policy backers too. "The rules for dark patterns under the Consumer Protection Act is a step in the right direction to reduce consumer manipulation by sellers and platforms", said Sachin Taparia, founder, LocalCircles, a community and consumer platform. While LocalCircles is seeking detailed consumer feedback on dark patterns for all major platforms, Taparia said the preliminary consumer feedback indicates that travel (flight and hotel booking), event ticketing, and subscription services (app stores, software and OTT) have the highest incidences of dark patterns followed by other sectors like e-commerce, food and taxi aggregators. For example, an online travel or hotel booking company would show a particular price of the ticket or hotel room to the customer and then quickly increase the cost after analysing the consumer behaviour or detecting any kind of desperation, according to industry experts. When an e-commerce platform shows the total number of people who bought a particular product, such data provides transparency. "However the problem arises when such platforms create a false sense of urgency, where they mention that only one or two products or tickets are available and charge higher price," said an industry representative. "These guidelines would bring in more ethics into the e-commerce platforms, so that nobody takes consumers for a ride." The guidelines provide a list of specified dark patterns including false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription trap, interface interference, bait and switch, drip pricing, disguise advertisement, nagging, trick question, Saas billing and rogue malwares. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Lok Sabha members Hanuman Beniwal, Malook Nagar and Gurjeet Singh Aujla were at the centre of the scene when a group of MPs managed to overpower two persons who jumped into the House chamber and released yellow gas from canisters. IMAGE: Security personnel enter the new Parliament building with a sniffer dog after a major Parliament security breach occurred during the ongoing Winter Session, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo The three MPs were later hailed by their fellow members as 'saviours of the day' and some even took selfies with them. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises. All four have been held by the security forces. "During Zero Hour, several MPs were present in the House. And all of a sudden two people jumped down from the public gallery and tried to reach closer to the Speaker's Chair jumping over the benches," Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) MP Beniwal, who caught one of the two persons with the help of other members, told reporters at the Parliament Complex. "They had kept bomb-like things inside their shoes. When we caught them, they released the gas which created fear among several MPs," the RLP MP from Rajasthan's Nagaur added. "This is a big security lapse," Beniwal said and demanded a through probe into the incident. Speaking to reporters, Congress's Amritsar MP Aujla said, "I had just finished raising an issue when two people jumped into the House chamber. One of them was moving towards the Chair when Hanuman Beniwal caught him." "When we rushed to catch the second person, I saw he had something in his hand which he started waving. We snatched it from him and threw it out for the safety of the members as it was releasing a gas." "The two protesters were raising slogans like 'tanashahi band karo (stop dictatorship)...They have given a big message. The government should pay attention," he added. Recalling the incident, Bahujan Samaj Party MP Nagar told reporters, "Zero Hour proceeding was on. Then a loud sound came from behind as if someone fell down. Then we saw a person had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery while another was hanging." "Then from one side Hanuman Beniwal swung into action and caught one of the two people, while I and other MPs got hold of the other person rushing from the other side," he added. The two protesters have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D. Sharma had come to the visitors' gallery as a guest of Mysuru Lok Sabha member Prathap Simha. The two jumped into the chamber from the public gallery at around 1 pm. While one was spotted jumping over the benches, the other was left dangling from the gallery before jumping into the chamber, according to several MPs who were present in the House at the time of incident. A group of supporters stopped the vehicle of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outside the swearing-in ceremony site for the newly designated Madhya Pradesh CM in Bhopal on Wednesday, chanting slogans and expressing support with cries of 'mama, mama'. IMAGE: Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan waves to people during the swearing-in ceremony of State CM-designate Mohan Yadav, as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde look on, in Bhopal on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo During this, the former CM engaged with the supporters from his car and also stepped out to meet them. The supporters enthusiastically chanted various slogans in favour of Chouhan, continuously expressing their support. In an emotional moment earlier, the former CM, concluding his four-term service, bid farewell, saying, "Ab vida, jas ki tas rakh deni chadariya (now goodbye, and leave it as it is)." Chouhan also expressed confidence in the new CM, Mohan Yadav, stating, "I am confident that the new CM will take prosperity, development, and public welfare in the state to new heights." The era of former CM Chouhan concluded on Wednesday as Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Mohan Yadav took the oath as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Governor Mangubhai C. Patel administered the oath of office to him at Motilal Nehru Stadium, Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. BJP leaders Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla also took the oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh went to poll for 230 assembly seats in a single phase on November 17 and the counting of votes was done on December 3. The BJP won on a resounding mandate, bagging 163 seats, while the Congress finished a distant second at 66 seats. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and the tribal face of the party, Vishnu Deo Sai, on Wednesday took oath as the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, 10 days after the saffron party returned to power after a gap of five years by unseating Congress in the assembly elections. IMAGE: Newly sworn-in Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai takes charge at Mahanadi Bhawan, in Raipur on Wednesday. Newly sworn-in State Deputy CMs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma are also present. Photograph: ANI Photo State BJP president Arun Sao and general secretary Vijay Sharma, both first-time MLAs, took oath as deputy chief ministers. Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sai, 59, and his two deputies during a grand swearing-in ceremony held at the Science College ground here attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Ramdas Athawale, and BJP president J P Nadda. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and party leaders from other states attended the event which saw a gathering of around 50,000 people amid tight security. From the Congress' side, former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and ex-deputy CM TS Singh Deo were present. Baghel shook hands with PM Modi on the stage after the event. Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, senior BJP leader Narayan Chandel said the newly-anointed chief minister will soon expand the cabinet which will be a balanced one, hinting at caste equations to be taken into consideration. As per norms, the Chhattisgarh cabinet can have a maximum of 13 ministers, including the chief minister. Sao belongs to the influential OBC community while Sharma, known for his hardcore Hindutva stand, is a Brahmin. Earlier in the day, Sai offered prayers at the Jagannath temple in Raipur ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. He also paid tributes to freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by garlanding their statues at different places in the state capital, officials said. He performed customary rituals at the Jagannath temple in the morning and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in Chhattisgarh, a statement issued by the state public relations department said. Later, Sai reached his residence in Purena area and sought his mother's blessings. He and his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai performed 'Navgrah' puja at their house, the statement said. Sai was picked as the BJP legislature party leader at a meeting of newly-elected MLAs held on Sunday in the presence of Central observers of the party. He is the fourth chief minister of Chhattisgarh, which was created in the year 2000, and the first tribal CM from the BJP. Tribals account for nearly 32 per cent of the total population of the state, making them the second most dominant social group after OBCs. A former Union minister, Sai had also served as Chhattisgarh BJP president. He was elected as a Lok Sabha member on multiple terms. He enjoys a good rapport with RSS and is known for his humility and organisational skills. Sai was elected as an MLA from the Kunkuri seat in the state's Surguja division, which was swept by the BJP, in the assembly elections held last month. The BJP won 54 out of 90 seats in Chhattisgarh, bringing down the Congress' tally to 35 from 68 seats it had won in 2018. The Gondwana Gantantra Party managed to win one constituency. Arun Sao, who took oath as one of the two deputy CMs, hails from the influential Sahu (Teli) OBC grouping. A lawyer-turned-politician, Sao won the Lormi assembly constituency by 45,891 votes against his nearest Congress rival Thaneshwar Sahu. The 54-year-old is known as a non-controversial but assertive leader with no affiliation to any faction in the state BJP unit. Sao won the Bilaspur Lok Sabha constituency by 1.41 lakh votes in 2019. Notably, Sao replaced Vishnu Deo Sai as the Chhattisgarh BJP chief a year before the assembly elections. Vijay Sharma, another Deputy CM, is a Brahmin who is a vocal supporter of Hindutva. In the recent elections, he trounced influential Congress leader and then minister Mohammad Akbar in the Kawardha constituency by 39,592 votes. Notably, Sharma (50) was arrested on the charges of rioting in connection with communal violence in Kawardha town in Kabirdham district in October 2021. A communal clash had broken out over the removal of religious flags from a thoroughfare in Kawardha. Two days after the incident, some right-wing outfits took out a protest rally during which violence erupted. BJP MP Santosh Pandey, former MP Abhishek Singh and Vijay Sharma were named in the FIR on charges of rioting, abetting the riot and others by the police in connection with the violence. Sharma was arrested and later released on bail. Sharma started his political career as a joint convener of the Kawardha city unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. From 2004 to 2010, he headed the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morch's (BJYM) Kabirdham district unit. He served as BJYM's Chhattisgarh unit president from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, he was elected as a member of Kabirdham Zila Panchayat. On December 12, 2023, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited the Yokosuka base in Japan. The goal of the CDS' visit was to emphasise the rising significance of defence collaboration between India and Japan while reiterating strategic cooperation. Vice Admiral Saito Akira, commander-in-chief, Self-Defense Fleet of Japan, briefed him on the mission of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. IMAGE: General Chauhan being given an overview of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during his visit to Yokosuka base. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: General Chauhan meets with Vice Admiral Saito Akira. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: General Chauhan at the Yokosuka base. Photograph: ANI Photo Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'You can still smell the smoke in the Lok Sabha.' IMAGE: A young man jumped from the Lok Sabha's visitors gallery and set off a smoke canister, December 13, 2023. Photograph: Sansad TV screen grab Soon after two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors gallery, Dr Senthilkumar S, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's member of Parliament from Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, described what happened on Wednesday to A Ganesh Nadar. Zero Hour was on and we were listening to the speakers when we heard a loud sound. We thought someone had fallen down from the visitors gallery. But when a second person jumped down we realised that the first one had also jumped and not fallen down. The first person was rushing towards the Lok Sabha speaker shouting 'kaala kanoon vaapas lo', which means withdraw the black law. We don't know which law he was referring to as the entire Criminal Procedure Code is being rewritten. Four to five MPs restrained the first man and prevented him from going towards the speaker. He then took off his shoe and withdrew a canister from it. He threw it, it was a smoke bomb, and some yellow smoke was seen. The second man who had jumped down also threw another smoke canister and the House was filled with smoke. Both were restrained and arrested. The government wants the House to continue and not make this a big issue. You cannot get into Parliament without an invite from an MP. Both these young men were given invites by BJP MPs and that is why they are trying to say it is not an issue. If it had been a Congress MP, then they would have treated it totally differently. After much ruckus they adjourned the House till 4 pm. You can still smell the smoke in the House. BRATTLEBORO A Wilmington woman is facing charges for her role in allegedly "siccing" a dog on police during the arrest of her son. Rwanda will hold presidential and parliamentary polls on July 15 next year, the election commission said Tuesday, with President Paul Kagame due to run for a fourth term in office. "Throughout the country, the polling date for the president of the Republic and 53 deputies elected from a list proposed by political organizations or for independent candidates is Monday, 15 July 2024," the National Electoral Commission said on X, formerly Twitter. Kagame, 66, has ruled over the landlocked African nation with an iron fist for decades. He presided over controversial constitutional amendments in 2015 that allowed him to run for more terms and stay in power until 2034. You are the owner of this article. Oil giant ExxonMobil says it will keep ramping up production in offshore Guyana despite the escalation of a territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela, which claims that oil-rich region as its own. In a brief statement posted Monday on Facebook, ExxonMobil Guyana said it was reaffirming its long-term commitment to Guyana as tensions grow between the two South American countries that share a border. We are not going anywhere our focus remains on developing the resources efficiently and responsibly, per our agreement with the Guyanese government, the company wrote. Earlier this month, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed that companies operating in the vast Essequibo region in Guyana, that is rich with minerals and located near massive oil deposits, should withdraw their operations within three months. His government also is seeking to ban companies operating in Guyana from doing so in his country. Venezuelan lawmakers are currently debating a bill that contains the proposed ban. Maduro has argued he has the authority to issue such orders following a Dec. 3 referendum aimed at annexing the Essequibo area. ExxonMobil is producing about 600,000 barrels of oil a day after successfully drilling more than 40 wells off Guyanas Essequibo region. The Exxon-Mobil consortium also submitted a bid and received approval to develop three more areas in the region believed to contain additional oil deposits. Many of Guyanas largest gold, diamond, manganese and other mines also are located in Essequibo. Most are Canadian-owned, but no companies have reacted yet to Maduros statement. Several Chinese companies also have timber operations in the area. ExxonMobil issued the statement a day after Guyanas president, Irfaan Ali, told reporters Sunday that investors have nothing to fear. We want to encourage our investors to invest as much as they want, he said. Ali and Maduro will meet Thursday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to discuss the territorial dispute, with regional leaders urging talks to avoid further conflict. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Theary Seng is on a 10-day hunger strike to demand her release. Theary Seng [left] is seen after her arrest in Phnom Penh on June 14, 2022. At right, she protests dressed as Lady Liberty outside the municipal court. UPDATED at 14:45 ET on Dec. 14, 2023 Jailed Cambodian American lawyer and human rights activist Theary Seng was sent back to prison on Wednesday night after being treated for 10 hours at a hospital in the capital of Phnom Penh, a prison official said. Theary Seng, 52, was taken to the Russian Hospital after experiencing complications from a 10-day hunger strike she plans to continue until Dec. 16 to demand her release. In 2022, she was convicted of treason and sentenced to six years in prison. Doctors examined her and found that while she was weaker, she wasnt in a life-threatening state, prison department spokesman Nuth Savana told RFA. He confirmed that Theary Seng has refused to eat anything except water and lemon juice. She was sent back to Prey Sar Prison, where she remains under medical supervision. We give her food, but she does not eat. We prepare for her regularly, Nuth Savana said. In general her health is weak. We have prepared medication in case of an emergency. Ny Sokha, president of the ADHOC rights group, said that although the doctors allowed the authorities to send her back to the detention center, he was still concerned about Theary Sengs health. She is fasting and it is very harmful to her health. It can be life-threatening, he said. Delay in hearing Her visit to the hospital allowed an Appeals Court hearing scheduled for Wednesday to be delayed. Her health issues were announced in the courtroom on Wednesday where supporters, relatives, diplomats and representatives from the U.N. human rights office had gathered for the scheduled hearing. On Wednesday, Ny Sokha also expressed regret over the delay, noting that the activists are suffering while their cases drag on. Those being jailed are waiting for justice, he said. This is sad and it affects the image of the government. RFA was unable to contact Russian Hospital Director Ngy Meng for further questioning on Theary Sengs health on Thursday. The public hospital was founded in 1960 with funding from the Soviet Union. Activists and the wives of CNRP activists protest in front of the appeals court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Dec. 12, 2023. (RFA) Theary Seng, who holds dual Cambodian and U.S. citizenship, often dressed herself in elaborate costumes to argue for democracy and the rule of law at public protests before her conviction. As the Statue of Liberty, she wore a copper-patina hued flowing gown and speckled herself in glitter. She also once dressed as Lady Justice, complete with blindfold, scale and sword. Her conviction stemmed from her failed efforts in 2019 to bring about the return to Cambodia of political opposition leader Sam Rainsy. In September, she was transferred from Preah Vihear to Prey Sar II prison on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The transfer allowed her to work directly with her defense team ahead of this months scheduled appeal. Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Malcolm Foster and Matt Reed. Updates with Theary Seng sent back to prison. US lawmaker says San Francisco police ignored repeated beatings of protesters during last months APEC summit. Kaiyu Zhang, an anti-Chinese Communist Party protester who was attacked by pro-Chinese government supporters during the APEC Leaders Summit in San Francisco, speaks during a press event at the Rayburn House Office in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2023. Updated at 10:02 a.m. ET on 2023-12-13 Chinas embassy and consulates in the United States bused hundreds of pro-Beijing counter-protesters to San Francisco last month to violently suppress demonstrations against Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit, activists and a U.S. lawmaker said on Tuesday. In many cases, the San Francisco Police Department stood idly by while the assaults were occurring, according to the activists. Speaking at a media event organized by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Tibetan, Uyghur, Chinese and Hong Konger activists said the pro-Beijing counter-protesters constantly harassed them and even assaulted them during Xis four-day visit to the city. Xi was in San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, during which he also met U.S. President Joe Biden in what the White House promoted as a chance for warmer U.S.-China ties. On the streets of San Francisco, things were far less cordial, with pro-Beijing counter-protesters harassing any anti-Xi voices across the four days of the summit and beating many who did not flee, said Anna Kwok, executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council. What she witnessed made her heart ache, she said, and had changed her mind about the scope of trans-national repression in America and, therefore, the safety of speaking out on U.S. soil. Anna Kwok, executive director of Hong Kong Democracy Council, speaks during an event in Washington, D.C., to present evidence of violence and harassment by pro-Chinese Communist Party groups at the APEC Leaders Summit in San Francisco in Nov. 2023. (Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA) I thought the United States was a safe haven for me to continue my advocacy work, but last month proved me all wrong, Kwok said. Im very sorry to say that I no longer feel safe to be in the United States, and I no longer feel safe to continue doing my advocacy work. I urge authorities to conduct a thorough and extensive investigation into the violence waged against us, she said. Congress should also pass policies to combat transnational repression. I thought we were safe Wearing a black eye patch, Kaiyu Zhang said he fled from China to the United States earlier this year to escape political persecution, and decided to exercise his newfound freedoms by joining a protest against Xis arrival at San Francisco International Airport on Nov. 14. After parking his car at a Costco about 10 minutes walk away from the protest, he said, about a dozen young Chinese men started following him likely, he said, after hearing him speak Cantonese to a friend, which caused them to offer an expletive-ridden rant about Hong Kong. I thought we were safe in America, Zhang said. So he replied with a similar collection of expletives about Chinas soon-to-arrive president. The next thing he knew, he recalled, he was thrown to the ground and was being beaten violently by the men. Another group of men arrived to join in at some point, he said, and he then lost consciousness. He later posted a video of the men onto the X social media platform. It was a well-organized and well-coordinated assault, Zhang said. The groups of thugs were wearing red headbands and red scarves to identify fellow thug members, and to coordinate with each other. Like Kwok, Zhang said his time in San Francisco opened his eyes. He had once been surprised to meet other Chinese immigrants who still counsel others against publicly criticizing the Chinese Communist Party, even while in the United States. I was once angry with them, he said. Now I understand why. Police inaction The activists spoke of the pervasiveness of the harassment. Pema Doma, the executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, estimated about two dozen young Tibetan-Americans were assaulted by the pro-CCP counter-protesters during APEC. Doma said the thugs appeared to be targeting young protesters including following them home on the subway from protests in order to scare the groups into disbanding or ending the anti-Xi protests. Chinese CCP agents were targeting individuals and picking them off from the group as if they were prey, she said. I was very proud that night when the student activists, some of them as young as 16 decided they will stay at the protest regardless of the threats. The counter-protesters worked together to use large Chinese flags both as weapons leveraging the poles to beat their targets as well as covers to hide their violent activities from nearby police, she said. In one particularly bad case, Doma recounted, a Tibetan-American mother alerted police to her son being beaten about 50 feet away, but they refused to intervene because it was obscured by the flags. A woman protesting Chinese President Xi Jinpings arrival at a hotel in downtown San Francisco on Nov. 14 is surrounded by pro-Beijing counter-protesters bearing large flags (Alex Willemyns/RFA) Instead, she said, police cautioned her not to stay away. I have never felt such disappointment as when the San Francisco Police Department told me We cannot go there, and they actually restrained the mother from going to her own child, she said. I have never felt so powerless as a Tibetan-American person. RFA reporters in San Francisco last month witnessed a separate incident where a protester outside the Chinese presidents downtown hotel was surrounded by a group bearing large flags before being thrown to the ground and stomped on as police stood nearby. Calls for investigation Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said in an email that it was in fact the pro-Beijing counter-protesters who were attacked by the people protesting Xi. The Chinese Embassy strongly condemns these violent acts, Pengyu told RFA. We have asked the U.S. side to investigate into the incidents, bring to justice the perpetrators at an early date and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the victims. The San Francisco Police Department did not respond to a request for comment. Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey who serves as a co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, told the news conference that he believed police on the scene were acting on orders from above and said an investigation was warranted. These claims, as well as the non-responsiveness of the San Francisco Police Department must be investigated, as this marks an escalation of flagrant transnational repression on United States soil, Smith said. Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), chair of Congressional-Executive Commission on China, speaks during an event at the Rayburn House Office in Washington, D.C., to present evidence of violence and harassment by pro-Chinese Communist Party groups at the APEC Leaders Summit in San Francisco in Nov. 2023. (Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA) Zhou Fengsuo, a survivor of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre who helped organize the APEC protests against Xi, said he was no stranger to Beijing using violence as a political tool to silence critics. But he said he was still shocked when it was allowed to occur in the United States, and in a way that was so well-organized by Beijing. These protester groups were flown from as far as New York City, with some well known CCP supporters leading the charge, he said. They directed these people to use flag posts to cover the protesters and to attack these protesters. They identify themselves with red scarves. I heard witnesses describe the way San Francisco police stood by, he said, adding it was not the first time pro-Beijing groups had attacked anti-CCP protesters on U.S. soil. I was saddened, but not surprised. Updated to include comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington. Beijing on Wednesday blasted a U.S. congressional committee report accusing the Chinese Communist Party of pursuing a multi-decade campaign of economic aggression aimed at hollowing out the American economy, calling it dedicated to attacking and smearing China. The report further accused the party, often called the CCP, of military-civil fusion, and warned U.S. investors against unwittingly supporting Chinas defense industry, emerging technology companies, and human rights abuses. Tuesdays report by the House Select Committee on the CCP called for a reset of economic relations with Beijing aimed at ensuring that China abide by its trade commitments. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a press conference in Beijing that the report was full of prejudice and hostility and can be said to be completely irrational. The report comes amid increasing tensions between the worlds leading superpowers, despite attempts by the U.S. to defuse the tensions with a barrage of diplomatic missions and Chinas recent back downs on what was formerly called wolf-warrior diplomacy. Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in San Francisco and agreed to restore military communications and to cooperate on better terms. Its unknown whether the select committees recommendations will be taken up in Washington, but the strong language suggests that frictions are from over between the two economic titans. 'Gravediggers of capitalism' One Taipei political source who asked to be anonymous because of the delicacy of the issue said that China was likely to continue to roll back outright hostility to the United States and that the committee report was unlikely to have much impact. The wolf warrior days are over but Xi is not going to outright admit it, agreed Wuer Kaixi, a Tiananmen Square student leader and exile, as well as Taiwan parliamentary representative of human rights. Theyll protest, of course, but it will just be words. The U.S. report accused the CCP of pursuing economic policies aimed at fulfilling Xis directive to be the gravediggers of capitalism. The party has employed extensive mercantilist and coercive policies to hollow out the American economy and displace American workers and has wielded extensive subsidies at unprecedented levels and market access in what the former director of the National Security Agency called the greatest transfer of wealth in history. American investors, the report added, have wittingly and unwittingly supported Chinas defense industry, emerging technology companies, and human rights abuses. The report accused China of not living up to its responsibilities upon accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 and of undermining and impairing benefits the U.S. and the world expected from improved trade relations with China. Edited by Mike Firn and Malcolm Foster. Seoul aims to gain a strategic edge in the global market, backing the US for an alternative supply chain: source. Peter Wennink, CEO of ASML, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands attend a meeting in Veldhoven, Netherlands Dec. 12, 2023. South Korea and the Netherlands vowed to formally establish a chip alliance, indicating a significant step in advancing bilateral hi-tech exchanges a move that would benefit U.S. President Joe Bidens initiative to establish an alternative supply chain that requires less of China. South Koreas first deputy director of the National Security Office, Kim Tae-hyo, said during a news conference in Amsterdam Tuesday that the South and the Netherlands have agreed to seek exceptional cooperation in the semiconductor field and pursue an alliance in cooperating to jointly deal with semiconductor supply chain crises. After close consultation, both sides decided to include the term chip alliance in the upcoming joint statement, Kim added. The briefing came as South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol made his four-day state-visit to the Netherlands starting Monday. Yoon is set to meet his Dutch counterpart Wednesday. The chip alliance between the two states already began to take shape with South Koreas tech giant Samsung Electronics and Netherlands AMSL signing an memorandum of understanding (MOU) vowing a joint investment of US$760 million (1 trillion won), to establish a next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technology R&D center in South Korea, according to the Souths Chief Economic Secretary, Park Chun-sup, Tuesday. This R&D center will jointly develop ultra-fine manufacturing processes based on next-generation EUV lithography, Park said in a briefing in the Netherlands. The R&D center is the first of its kind that ASML is establishing with a semiconductor manufacturing company abroad. South Korea is a major powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing, while the Netherlands has a strong market advantage in equipment and material sectors. Advanced cooperation between the two could make a significant impact in the global semiconductor market. To indicate the new chip alliance between the two states, Yoon accompanied prominent figures of South Koreas semiconductor giants on this state visit. Jay Y. Lee of Samsung Electronics and Tae-won Chey of SK Hynix are included in the South Korean delegation. Yoon, alongside Lee and Chey, visited ASMLs clean room on Tuesday. This visit marked the first time ASML opened its clean room facility to a foreign delegation. South Koreas Presidential Office described this event as a symbol of the strong bilateral ties focused on chip cooperation. Seoul is hopeful that the MOU will offer its semiconductor giants a chance to secure an advantageous position in the global market, and support the Washington-led initiative to establish an alternative supply chain, a senior South Korean official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, told Radio Free Asia. The joint investment is most likely to focus on securing technological superiority in the field of 2-nanometer technology, the person added, without further elaboration. Separately, South Koreas trade ministry and the Dutch foreign ministry signed an MOU Tuesday for the establishment of a Semiconductor Academy, in which South Korean students and professionals will have the opportunity to receive training at ASMLs headquarters and at the Eindhoven University of Technology. Cultivating talent and sharing know-how are activities that only a true chip alliance states can undertake, South Koreas Chief Economic Secretary Park said in a briefing. We anticipate that this will further activate the exchange between the future generations in the semiconductor field of both countries. Such moves between two nations add weight to U.S. President Joe Bidens strategy to create an alternative global supply chain that knits democratic nations closer together while requiring less of Chinas input. The core of this initiative is strengthening tech cooperation among like-minded nations such as South Korea, the Netherlands, Japan and the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Cutting dependence on Chinese components and resources is seen as a derisking exercise for businesses given that Beijing has intertwined politics with economics and imposed measures on countries that make political decisions contrary to its interests. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Lai's son Sebastien calls on the British government to demand his father's immediate release. On the eve of pro-democracy media magnate and British citizen Jimmy Lai's national security trial, which begins in Hong Kong on Dec. 18, the British government has said it opposes the city's draconian National Security Law, but stopped short of calling for his release. "Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron met with Sebastien Lai in London today to listen to his concerns for his father, Jimmy Lai, detained in Hong Kong," the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said via its account on X, formerly Twitter. "The UK opposes the National Security Law and will continue to stand by Jimmy Lai and the people of HK," it said, in a statement that fell short of what Lai and London-based campaigners had been hoping for. Lai, who founded the now-shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, faces two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and one count of "collusion with foreign forces" under a draconian security law imposed by Beijing in the wake of the 2019 protest movement, along with a charge relating to "seditious" publications. Speaking to Radio Free Asia after the meeting with Cameron, Sebastien Lai called on the British government to send a more direct message to the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. "I hope the British government will ask the Hong Kong government to release my father immediately," he said. "The U.S. government has called for my father's release, the European Parliament has also done so, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur has also made an appeal." "This is a very black-and-white case, as he has sacrificed everything for Hong Kong and freedom," he said. "The British government must stand with him." Jimmy Lai walks to go for exercise at the Stanley prison in Hong Kong, Aug. 4, 2023. (Louise Delmotte/AP) Sebastien Lai said he worries about his father's mental and physical health. "My father is 76 years old," he said. "He just sits in jail every day and doesn't know when he will be released." "You can imagine how sad and worried we are," he said. Unfair law The meeting followed a letter from Hong Kong Watch to Cameron and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak marking Lai's 76th birthday, urging them both to meet with his son. "Hong Kong Watch thanks the Foreign Secretary for agreeing to meet with Sebastien Lai this week as he visits the UK ahead of his fathers expected national security trial on Dec. 18, 2023. We hope the Prime Minister will do the same," the group said in a statement on its website. To Yiu-ming, a former assistant professor at the Department of Journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University, said the repeated delays and Lai's lengthy pretrial incarceration violate a key principle of justice in a common law system. "They violate the principle of the presumption of innocence, which is very frustrating, not just for Mr. Lai." To said. "It shows the overall lack of respect for the presumption of innocence under the National Security Law, which has managed to change the entire legal system," he said. Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who heads the Lais' international legal team, said the charges against Jimmy Lai are being brought under an "unfair" law. "Jimmy Lai has already spent three years in prison for his journalism and his peaceful pro-democracy activities," she said in a statement on the website of Doughty Street Chambers. "He is now being prosecuted for illegitimate reasons, under an unfair law, and in a broken legal system." "He needs the UK Government to do all they can to secure his freedom." Sebastien Lai, son of Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, speaking during an interview at a park in Taipei, Nov. 27, 2023. "My father is 76 years old," he says. "He just sits in jail every day and doesn't know when he will be released. You can imagine how sad and worried we are." (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP) Hong Kong Watch patron Lord Alton of Liverpool agreed. "The key question now is whether [Cameron] finally joins the U.S. and Europes Parliament in calling for Jimmy Lais immediate and unconditional release," he told Radio Free Asia. "The U.K. Government needs to demonstrate that it stands up for its own citizens and puts as much effort into fighting their corner as it does trying to drum up business deals with the [Chinese Communist Party] regime." The Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom said the British government was "confusing right and wrong and interfering with the rule of law in Hong Kong" in a Sunday statement on Lai's case and the National Security Law. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. During Xi Jinpings state visit to Hanoi, Vietnam agreed to build a Community with a Shared Future with China. Chinas President Xi Jinping, center left, and Vietnams Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, center right, attend a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Vietnam has become the latest country in Southeast Asia to have agreed to the China-led Community with a Shared Future, Beijings vision for a new global order. The agreement was announced at a meeting on Tuesday in Hanoi between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who is in Vietnam on a two-day state visit, and Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Vietnam considers developing the relationship with China its top priority and a strategic choice, Trong was quoted by the CPVs mouthpiece Nhan Dan as saying. Vietnam and China are neighbors sharing strong political and ideological ties, making Xis call for a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future strategically important, said Huynh Tam Sang, a lecturer at Vietnam National University. This occurs at the same time when Vietnams relations with South Korea, the United States and Japan have been elevated to the comprehensive strategic partnership level, which is on par with Chinas, Sang told Radio Free Asia. Beijing has likely attempted to boost ties with Hanoi to keep Vietnam within its reach, the Vietnamese lecturer noted. State media in both China and Vietnam have been highlighting the two countries closeness and similarities in their political systems. China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers. We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us, wrote Xi in a signed article ahead of his trip, the third to the neighboring country since he became general secretary of the Communist Party of China. Alternative global order The concept of a Community with a Shared Future was originally coined as a Community of Common Destiny. The term had been floating around since the early 2000s, but Xi Jinping formally made it part of the PRCs foreign policy and put it into its constitution in 2017, said Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, referring to China by its official name the Peoples Republic of China. Beijing released the full text of Chinas proposals and actions for A Global Community of Shared Future in September. This is China's proposed framework for international relations in the Xi Jinping era, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the think tank ISEASYusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. This concept is often perceived as China's endeavor to reshape, or even create an alternative, global order. As a nation that has significantly benefited from deep integration into the existing global order, Vietnam until now has been resisting Chinas pressure to join this initiative, he said, adding The Vietnamese populace, bearing a long and complex history with China, appears disinterested in the concept. People wave Chinese and Vietnamese national flags, ahead of the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. (Luong Thai Linh/Pool Photo via AP) Communist Vietnam and China are traditional allies but the relationship between them has been far from smooth-sailing. Hanoi and Beijing had a brief war in 1979 and bloody skirmishes took place on their common border during the 1980s. The two countries have also been confronting each other over their territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, since the normalization of bilateral ties in 1991, China has become Vietnams top trade partner with the most economic influence over the smaller neighbor. Chong from the National University of Singapore said that in his opinion, China is trying to reach out at the moment, given trouble at home and more vigorous competition from the U.S. and its allies. So while it may not transform into anything concrete, not joining [the Community with a Shared Future] could seem like a direct rebuff of Xi, Chong told RFA. That may be something Vietnam and other regional states would like to avoid. On the other hand, joining can help Hanoi signal goodwill and look for possible areas of economic exchange, he said. During Xis visit, the two sides signed 36 agreements of bilateral cooperation in multiple fields, according to state media. Building a community with a shared future for mankind should start from Asia, Xi wrote in his recently signed article. The wording in Xis article serves as a reminder that the future of Asian countries, like China and Vietnam, should be run solely by Asians, said Huynh Tam Sang from Vietnam National University. Yet, China as perceived by Xi and his comrades is the driving force for the future of Vietnam and other Asian countries. Bamboo diplomacy Before Vietnam, seven other Southeast Asian nations Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia have already agreed to join the China-led community. However, the commitment is higher in Cambodia and Laos, but lower in Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, according to Alexander Vuving, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. Singapore and the Philippines are unlikely to take China's side anytime soon, wrote Vuving on X, formerly known as Twitter. With 8 out of 10 members being within China's Community with a Shared Future, ASEAN is shrinking deeper into irrelevance, as demonstrated in the ongoing South China Sea conflict, he added. In Vietnams case, Hanoi insisted that the text include additional words in accordance with the U.N. Charter and international law, based on the principles of mutual respect, equal cooperation for mutual benefits, mutual respect of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and perseverance in solving disputes through peaceful measures. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Vietnam understands that despite unresolved disputes in the South China Sea it needs to maintain cooperative relations with China, for both security and economic reasons, said Zhang Baohui, a professor at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Zhang said that supporting Chinas Community with a Shared Future, at the same time maintaining cooperative relations with the U.S. and Japan, represents Hanois benign signaling to Beijing. Visits by world leaders to Hanoi, in his opinion, show Hanois sophisticated diplomacy with the great powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of Vietnams Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong having tea at the partys headquarters in Hanoi, Dec. 12, 2023. (Tri Dung/VNA) Vietnams policy makers have been promoting the concept of bamboo diplomacy, symbolized by the ability of the bamboo tree to bend with the wind but never break. During a one-to-one tea session with Xi in Trongs office, an intricate decoration with two bamboo branches spiraling out of a common vase is seen in the background. The two leaders sipped cups of Vietnamese green tea. The Vietnamese leadership decided to build a shared future with China most probably out of geopolitical concerns, said Truong Nhan Tuan, a France-based Vietnamese political commentator. But Hanoi should always bear in mind Beijings ambitions, warned Tuan, adding and the United States should also be concerned about Vietnam getting closer to China. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Commentary: Elevating China-Vietnam ties in tune with trends of times Xinhua) 08:11, December 13, 2023 HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam have agreed on Tuesday to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides, unveiling a new chapter in bilateral ties. The new strategic positioning between the two parties and countries was announced following talks between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, and Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers, enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead. Regardless of how the international situation may change, the two sides jointly uphold peace and tranquility, pursue development and cooperation, promote prosperity and progress, and embark on a bright path towards building a community with a shared future for mankind. As this year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam, elevating the bilateral relationship is in tune with the trend of the times and will pave the way for an even brighter future in their bilateral relations. As the world's top two ruling Communist parties, both the CPC and CPV have been adhering to and developing Marxism, unswervingly follow the socialist path, and leading their respective country in socialist construction. All the more, the two parties should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and make solid progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the perspective of strengthening the socialist forces in the world and ensuring the steady and long-term progress of their respective cause of socialist construction. Now enjoying a new positioning, the bilateral relationship sends a clear signal of unity and cooperation to the international community. The construction of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance between China and Vietnam not only aligns with the common interests of both parties and countries, but also stands to attract more countries to engage in the noble undertaking of building an Asian community with a shared future and a community with a shared future for mankind. This, in turn, will provide greater positive energy for the substantial development of Asia, nurturing good-neighborly friendship and making significant contributions to global peace and development. With joint efforts, China-Vietnam ties enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination, and better handling of differences. The cause of socialist construction in China and Vietnam will advance steadily and make new contributions to the stability, development, and prosperity of the region and the world. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The British Parliament expressed support for the joint statement of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia dated December 7, the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK said, Azernews reports. House of Commons member David Duguid, in his speech in parliament, called the joint statement a historical event. He inquired about the efforts of the British government towards achieving a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. British Foreign Minister for Europe Leo Docherty noted that the joint statement of Azerbaijan and Armenia, confirming their intention to normalize bilateral relations, is encouraging. He stressed that the UK fully supports the parties' efforts to achieve a historic and lasting peace. The United States, the European Union and China are walking towards a gridlock in terms of trade. The war in Ukraine raised the stakes in an already-tense geopolitical relation between the two biggest economies and their allies, and it could all come down to a new version of the old Cold War, according to Gita Gopinath, deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the weakest global growth prospects in decades and with disproportionate scarring from the pandemic and war slowing income convergence between rich and poor nations we can little afford another Cold War, Gopinath said to attendees at the World Congress of the International Economic Association on Monday. The event took place in Medellin, Colombia. In conversation with EL PAIS, Gopinath seemed hopeful about Latin Americas role to play in the energy transition if trade remains global and open, that is. In her speech, Gopinath said that despite efforts by the two biggest economies to cut ties, it is not yet clear how effective they will be in a deeply integrated and connected global economy as Chinese companies look for alternatives to keep catering to the U.S. market, like moving operations to Vietnam or Mexico. Question. Are we going through a deglobalization process, or just a rerouting of goods? Answer. Over the last five years, weve seen, firstly, a big increase in trade restrictions that countries are involved in. Last year there were 3,000 new such restrictive trade measures, and 2023 is turning out to be of a similar magnitude. Now, overall global trade-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is relatively stable, so in that sense, there is no deglobalization, at least as of now. But, on the other hand, we are seeing signs of fragmentation. Trade across rival blocs of countries is slowing much more than trade within blocs of countries. And, similarly, if you look at foreign direct investment (FDI) and announced projects, youre certainly seeing a redirection of projects away from rival countries. As a comparison, during the Cold War of the 1940s to 1980s, we also had a similar episode where there was no deglobalization because you had trade-to-GDP rising quite strongly during that time, but we saw fragmentation. If you look at trade across the U.S. and the former Soviet Union, that fell a lot. So, again, we have a period where I would not say were seeing strong or meaningful deglobalization, but we are certainly seeing meaningful fragmentation. Q. So not deglobalization, but even this meaningful fragmentation you talk about might not be as effective as China and the U.S. intend it to be? A. Yes. We see fragmentation in the sense of redirection of trade flows and FDI. If you look at the direct links between the U.S. and China, you certainly see quite sizable decline in Chinas share in U.S. imports and a significant decline in China as a destination for U.S. development. However, what we are seeing are signs of so-called connecting countries like Mexico and Vietnam, countries that might be experiencing trade that ultimately ends up in the U.S. but goes through, potentially, non-aligned countries, and end up in the U.S. This then leads us to the point which is: we are seeing signs of fragmentation, but the extent to which, ultimately, countries can decouple, to effectively not engage in certain sectors, its possible that its more difficult given the larger economic heft of the non-aligned countries. Q. Much has been written and analyzed about the Mexico case, as it stands out among its peers for being part of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal, but Im interested in knowing, where does this fragmentation leave Latin America? A. Youre right that Mexico has an advantage in terms of physical proximity to the U.S. and having the USMCA, which certainly provides benefits for the rest of the region. But several other countries in Latin America have green minerals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium that play a big role in the energy transition amid this world of fragmentation. We could see Latin America, at least, coming in as an important supplier to the world of green minerals as well as food. Its yet to be determined how much they can benefit or whether theyre already benefiting from it. It is quite clear that improving the investment environment is going to be critical to be able to attract foreign direct investment, for instance, into these countries. Its early to say, but this is certainly one avenue through which Latin America can benefit, both green minerals and food exports. Q. You said in your speech that that countries are now strategically competing with what you called amorphous rules and without an effective referee. What is the IMF recommending and who could that referee be? A. We have the U.S. speaking of friend-shoring, the European Union that talks about de-risking and China speaks of self-reliance. National security is playing a very important role in the driving of decisions on economic policy. The institutions that we have, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), are not really set up to deal with national security-based concerns. It is critically important that every effort is made to strengthen the WTO. The organizations dispute resolution mechanism is already not functioning. Also, trying to strengthen the WTO to deal with other long-standing issues, including on subsidies, would be how we can make progress. Q. The IMF outlined several recommendations, like limiting unilateral industrial policy. One example is Chinese subsidies, which could now trigger EU tariffs, but isnt it also the case that Washington too has incurred in these types of policies? A. Its true that weve seen quick retaliation when one country places subsidies. When you look at policies imposed by the U.S. and the reactions from the EU and from China, the probability that you will get a retaliatory measure is quite high. When China, the U.S. or the EU imposes a restrictive trade measure on another, theres a 73% probability that they will respond with a retaliatory measure within 12 months. Its exactly one of the concerns, that when countries impose such measures, it doesnt stop there because you get retaliation and counter retaliation. In the U.S., you have well-targeted measures against a clear market failure and externalities, which is true when it comes to dealing with the climate transition. In that case, industrial policies can help if you make it time-bound, as long as youre not picking one technology over the other. You are better off supporting research and development, which is good for everyone. The difficult part is when local content requirements are added on because that starts conflicting with WTO rules, it starts looking like protectionism. Q. The environmental cost of global trade is also a concern, especially among activist circles. Can countries really rely on global trade while, at the same time, cutting their carbon emissions? A. In all our economic activities, being able to do it with fewer carbon emissions is the goal. Trade is a big part of economic activity and transportation plays a very important role. But I would not make it stand separate from the general principle that we have to decarbonize our economic activity more generally. Equally important is that companies invest in renewable energy. For the energy transition to happen, we need access to green minerals. We have seen in our research that the trade restrictions that have been put in place are slowing the green transition. Recent trends in fragmentation are costly and are delaying the transition. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Report says China and India had the highest deaths related to poor air quality. A visitor walks past Pollution Pod that showed air pollution in Beijing and Delhi at COP28 venue in Dubai, Dec. 12, 2023. As world leaders huddled inside various rooms at the COP28 to discuss ways to tackle climate change, visitors were offered an unconventional and compelling exhibit in another corner of the summit venue in Dubai. Picture stepping into a world where the air you breathe tells a story of cities choked by pollution, lives cut short, and the urgent need for change. Pollution Pods is a sensory journey in four interconnected plastic domes with the inside mimicking the air quality of the metropolises of London, New Delhi, and Beijing. What Im trying to do is safely immerse people in the actual experience of air pollution. I dont think reading about it is the same as experiencing it, artist Michael Pinsky told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday. He said he wanted visitors, especially the policy-making delegates, to be quite shocked. Shock is a good motivation for changing patterns of behavior, he added. Artist Michael Pinksy stands inside a Pollution Pod that showed air pollution in Beijing at the COP28 venue in Dubai, Dec. 12, 2023. (Subel Rai Bhandari/RFA) Pasinee Wongsaa, a Thai visitor, said she was shocked, even though she lived through smog this past winter. Northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar experienced one of the worst smogs ever earlier this year, mainly due to crop burning and forest fires. I guess I had forgotten how bad it was, she said. Inside the pod, especially Beijing, it was extremely polluted and brought back memories. Globally, air pollution is the single biggest environmental threat to human health, according to the World Health Organization. Some 1,000 newborns die every day because the first breaths they take are so toxic, the Clean Air Fund, a global organization working on pollution, which supported the art installation, said. Burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas, is a primary reason for air pollution. Such fuels emit harmful pollutants that contribute to global warming, intensify extreme weather events, and damage human health. The topic was the most contentious one at the COP28 climate summit, as world leaders struggled to agree on phasing out fossil fuels, with meetings extending until 3 a.m. for two days. Finally, they agreed on what climate activists have called a weak incremental deal. Majority air pollution death in China, India The COP28 exhibition comes as new study findings revealed that China bears the heaviest burden of air pollution-related deaths, with an alarming toll of 2.44 million lives lost annually. India closely follows with 2.18 million fatalities. Notably, both countries are the worlds most populous nations, and top consumers of fossil fuels and producers of carbon emissions. An estimated 8.3 million lives are lost annually to the scourge of air pollution globally, according to the study published in the British Medical Journal on Nov. 29. Among these casualties, the burning of fossil fuels in industry, power generation, and transportation stands as the chief culprit, responsible for over 5 million, or nearly two-thirds, of these deaths worldwide. Most deaths were linked to ischaemic heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and more. A cooling tower and chimneys are seen at a thermal power plant on a polluted day in Beijing, China, Nov. 3, 2018. (Jason Lee/Reuters) The study suggests that the impact of phasing out fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, on global mortality could be more significant than previously anticipated. It said that if fossil fuels were phased out across Asia, 80 to 85% of preventable deaths from human-caused air pollution could be avoided. Air pollution in China, even though it has decreased in the past decade, to a large degree depends on fossil fuel use, which has increased in the same period, lead author Jos Lelieveld, director of the atmospheric chemistry department at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany, was quoted as saying in the South China Morning Post. The population is aging, which is extending the period of exposure, leading to chronic diseases, which especially affect the elderly. Researchers also emphasized that phasing out fossil fuels would result in reduced disease burdens and healthcare system relief worldwide. The benefit of exploitation without the consequences Pinsky, based in London, said he thought of the idea after traveling to Norway, which has some of the cleanest environments, and other parts of the world with the dirtiest air. For many, especially in the global North, this air quality is unbelievable, said Pinksy, who has taken the exhibit to different parts of the world. They dont get it because when I showed this to Norway, they were really, really shocked. In fact, they couldnt believe it. They would say, Surely its not like this in New Delhi, he said. Its not just for five minutes, people live in this, 24 hours a day. And that is almost impossible for them to comprehend. A cyclist rides amid smog in New Delhi, India, Nov. 7, 2023. (Altaf Qadri/AP) Pinsky crafted the immersive experience inside the pods by replicating the presence of ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide found in these cities. Londons distinct smell mimicked the citys high nitrogen oxide due to car exhaust. Delhi was smoggy, felt like pollution from crop burning and was very hot. Due to vehicles, industries and coal use, Beijing pods had very low visibility and a strong smell of bad air. A fourth pod showcased innovative technologies to clean up the air and more information about the pollution levels in every major city worldwide. Pinsky said the Western cities with clean air are buying cheap products from these cities with few water and air pollution regulations and even less enforcement. So, they enjoy the benefits of that exploitation but dont suffer the consequences. And the idea of the pods is to show everythings connected. Your lifestyle does impact on people in other parts of the world, he said. For the first time, COP28 hosted Health Day, as more than 50 health ministers joined their climate counterparts in the first week of the summit, which also adopted the Declaration of Climate and Health. Some 141 countries have endorsed the pledge to protect health from climate impacts and strengthen healthcare systems. Neither India and China have signed yet. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. The 16 young Laotians were taken to Myanmar to work as scammers in a casino. Sixteen Lao workers who were rescued from a Chinese casino in Myanmar were sent home in November. The faces have been blurred by RFA to protect their identities. The return home for 16 young Laotians who were trafficked to work in a casino in Myanmar did not happen overnight. They first spent two months in a crowded detention center before embarking on a journey via land, air, and river. Altogether, their time away from home lasted more than a year, during which they were abused by their employers and housed in crowded facilities while in police custody. The victims described their eventual return to Laos in mid-November as akin to arriving in heaven. Im so happy. Its like Im now in heaven, out of hell after being detained for more than a year in Myanmar, one of the returnees told RFA Lao late last month, on condition of anonymity for security reasons. During the first few months at the casino, we were seriously punished, tased, left standing in the sun all day, and sometimes deprived of food. We worked all day, non-stop with no break at all. The returnee, who is 20 years old, said he didnt know what he was going to do in the near future. Right now, Im getting medical treatment for some kind of pox or skin condition. On the one hand, I think about going back to do another chatting kind of job, but Im too scared, he said. On the other hand, I also want to go to a vocational school to become either an auto mechanic or an electrician. In Myanmar, the trafficking victims were forced by their Chinese bosses to work as scammers, using chat apps to extract money from their victims. Similar scams have also been reported in casinos in Laos. The returnee recalled the day he was freed, saying, They threw away all of our phones and didnt even give us our last months salary, which was up to 300,000 baht (US$8,000) for some of us. To get back to Laos, the 16 returnees had to take a car from the detention center to Yangon, then board an airplane to Tachileik in Shan state, on the border with Thailand. They then took a boat up the Mekong River to reach Laos Bokeo province. While on the Myanmar side, on the banks of the Mekong River, we were so happy that we couldnt eat our lunch, he said. The Myanmar authorities asked us whether we wanted to eat. We said no, then they put us on a boat back to Laos. A second returnee said the groups bosses released them with no prior notice. All of a sudden, they called our names, including mine, and said, Were sending you guys back home youve worked so hard and some of you have been punished, so take a rest tomorrow, he said. Then all 16 of us were released and taken to two separate rooms in the [Kayin state] town of Myawaddy, one room for males and the other for females. We werent able to talk to or see each other. The rooms were guarded by two soldiers at the doors. His first impression was that they had been rescued by the Lao government, but this was not the case. We packed our stuff, walked out of the gate, and were greeted by a bunch of [Myanmar] soldiers, the second returnee said. I also thought that the soldiers would repatriate us right away, but they took us to a military camp in Myawaddy. We couldnt understand each other, so the soldiers used their phones to translate, telling us not to worry, and that wed be detained first because we entered Myanmar illegally. The second returnee described appalling conditions during what ended up being two-and-a-half months of detention. We were not allowed to contact the outside, not even the Lao Embassy in Myanmar, he said. The men stayed in a small room, very crowded, with no place to sleep and no place to sit. My 4-square-meter (43 square-foot) room housed 58 people with one small toilet. He said that he and the other seven men in his group were infected with pox at the detention center. In the casino, we didnt have any health issues, but in the detention center, there wasnt enough water, he said. We had to wash ourselves with two or three scoops of water and no soap. The second returnee expressed relief to be back in Laos with his family. Now, seeing my parents and cousins, nieces and nephews, Im so relieved, he said. It doesnt matter whether or not we have or dont have any money, were happy just living under the same roof and eating at the same table. The mother of a third returnee told RFA that she was ecstatic to see her son for the first time in over a year when he returned in mid-November. I didnt know what to do. Its really a miracle, she said. Months ago, I thought I had lost him. Now, were together and in each others arms. Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Eugene Whong. Three people are dead and nearly 30 houses have been burned down following a junta raid, residents told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a junta battalion with roughly 100 members from Sagaing citys 33rd Division entered Pan Chi village, locals said. One victim was a civilian and the other two were members of local Peoples Defense Forces, one man added, asking to remain anonymous for security reasons. The civilian was 40-year-old Lin Lin, who returned to the village to help his parents. The junta troops entered the village with loud gunfire. They started burning a house that they thought belonged to the village chief. One man, who has since died, returned to the village to rescue his parents, he told RFA. He planned to carry them on his back, as his parents were not able to run during the raid. But he was shot in the chest before he reached his parents. He was cremated immediately on Tuesday. Later that day, two resistance group members were also shot dead near the village. About 10 villagers were arrested and interrogated in the village monastery, the local added. They have since been released. Junta troops raided Pan Chi village because a captain and a soldier from battalion No. 6005 went missing on Monday evening, another resident told RFA. I heard that [the missing soldiers] wanted to join the Civil Disobedience Movement. They linked up with the defense forces and rode along with the car while they went shopping in Ohn Taw village, he said, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. But from [the juntas] point of view, they thought it was an arrest by the Peoples Defense Forces. They saw that the car was driven towards the road leading to Yae Myet village. [Junta troops] went to check in Yae Myet village, but they were not there. On Wednesday morning following the attack, junta troops arrested 15 men sheltering in two monasteries with other villagers in Ohn Taw village on suspicion of being associated with resistance groups, he said, adding that the entire village had fled. Nearly 5,000 residents from Sagaings Pan Chi, Ohn Taw, and Yae Myet villages ran to safety as a result of the arrests and killings. Calls to Sagaing regions junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw by RFA to learn more about the attacks went unanswered. In May 2022, a defense camp near Pan Chi village was torched and eight members of the defense forces were killed, according to the residents and defense forces. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. The National Unity Government says it is treating POWs humanely and in accordance with law. Hundreds of junta security personnel have surrendered to or been arrested by Myanmars armed resistance since the start of an offensive by ethnic armed groups last month, according to the countrys shadow government. At least 377 junta soldiers including two full battalions and 56 junta police officers surrendered in battles across Myanmar in November alone, while around 100 other members of the juntas forces were arrested last month, said Maung Maung Swe, the deputy secretary for the Ministry of Defense for National Unity Government, or NUG, made up of former civilian leaders and other anti-junta activists. Many of those held by rebel forces since Nov. 1 were taken into custody during Operation 1027, an offensive launched Oct. 27 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army and the Taang National Liberation Army. The rebels say they have made notable gains against the military in several key cities in Shan state and claim to have captured more than 170 military outposts since the start of the campaign. In the aftermath of the initial offensive, anti-junta fighters have gone on to seize towns and cities in neighboring Sagaing and Magway regions where, according to the NUGs latest figures, nearly 900 civil servants including some soldiers and police have defected and joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military regime. Prior to the start of Operation 1027, neither anti-junta groups nor the military provided official figures for the number of enemy combatants who have surrendered to their fighters, and verifying claims by either side is difficult. But given the disparate nature of the countrys armed resistance a patchwork of local Peoples Defense Force paramilitaries, ethnic rebels and Civil Disobedience Movement groups and their access to resources, how are these detainees being treated in captivity? Rules and directives The NUGs Maung Maung Swe says that the groups which have pledged loyalty to his government and its goal of removing the junta from power are handling the prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention. We have adopted rules and directives to keep POWs, he told RFA Burmese. We have shared these principles with the ground forces at the frontlines. They strictly abide by the rules. Maung Maung Swe acknowledged that the various anti-junta forces fighting for the NUG employ their own practices when it comes to the treatment of prisoners, but claimed that they all adhere to global standards. The NUG recently released a video of Maung Maung Swe visiting junta POWs and explaining how it is the shadow governments responsibility to care for you, while the captured soldiers described how surprised they were that they were treated humanely. The NUGs account comes after U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence on Nov. 17 urged allied forces to treat those captured humanely and to avoid reprisals. RFA investigations have revealed countless reports of the mistreatment of detained anti-junta fighters and civilians at the hands of the military since it seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat and embarked on a nationwide offensive against its opponents including acts of murder, mutilation, torture, and rape. The International Committee of the Red Cross responded to a request for comment on the treatment of surrendered and captured soldiers by referring to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the International Humanitarian Law, which state that arrestees in civil wars must be treated humanely and protected. The Red Cross called on all armed groups to adhere to the rules of war. Attempts to contact junta Deputy Information Minister Major-General Zaw Min Tun for comment on the arrest and surrender of soldiers, as well as reports of the militarys mistreatment of detained anti-junta fighters and civilians, received no response. The junta has previously claimed that its soldiers do not subject detainees to abuse. Nothing short of exceptional RFA spoke with representatives of anti-junta groups who echoed the NUGs claims that military detainees are treated humanely. Lt. Col. Mai Aik Kyaw, the spokesperson of the Taang National Liberation Army, said surrendered soldiers are released immediately, while arrestees are held as political prisoners. At present, we only have jails in the jungle and the POWs are being held there, he said. They are neither forced to work nor punished. They are essentially treated like political prisoners. A Myanmar junta soldier surrenders to People's Defense Force and allied troops after fighting in Mone town, Kyaukkyi township, Bago region, on December 4, 2023. Blurring is from source. (Ministry of Defence NUG) Mai Aik Kyaw noted that some POWs had been released, depending on security concerns, but did not provide a number. Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University, told RFA that the treatment of POWs by anti-junta fighters has been nothing short of exceptional, noting that many rank-and-file soldiers have been provided with money and sent home after being disarmed. The different EROs [ethnic revolutionary organizations] and PDFs [Peoples Defense Force groups] are holding some people, but so far they have been kept in pretty humane conditions, given medical treatment and food, he said. I have not seen any credible report about mistreatment yet. Abuza said that the NUG and PDFs have received training through a program funded by the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, and administered by the Washington D.C.-based National Democratic Institute on the importance of the humane treatment of POWs because it is expected under international law, but also because it differentiates them from the [military] and encourages more defections. If anything, he said, the NUG and PDFs have expressed concerns about being overwhelmed with unit-level defections because they are known to treat surrendering soldiers well. POW accounts Prisoners of war have also testified to their humane treatment at the hands of anti-junta forces. RFA spoke with Private Thu Naing Oo, who was shot by a sniper while trying to rescue a fellow soldier and captured during a battle with ethnic Karen National Union, or KNU, fighters in Mon states Kyaikmaraw township. I suffered serious wounds prior to our arrival at their camp, but once we arrived, I received medical treatment, said the junta soldier, whose location could not be revealed due to security risks. The leaders of the resistance do not neglect me. They provided me with food, a blanket, a pillow, and a sleeping mat. We dont need to worry about food and I feel fine now. According to the NUG, at least 23 junta troops surrendered to the KNU following the clash. Salai Het Ni, the spokesperson of the Chin National Front, told RFA that seven soldiers, including a military commander, surrendered to Chin resistance forces during a Nov. 23 battle in the town of Rihkhawdar, in Chin states Falam township. A major in the military who was among those who surrendered in the fighting told RFA that he is now staying in provided housing in an undisclosed foreign country and is living well, although he has some concerns about his long-term situation. I decided to surrender because I dont have complete confidence in the military, said the major, who also declined to be named for fear of reprisal. An opportunity recently came up to join the Civil Disobedience Movement [as a military advisor], but I have no idea [what I will do] in the long run. Ill take any job I can get. An advocate for POWs in Myanmars armed conflict, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told RFA that junta soldiers should consider their future and surrender. These two groups [those who surrender and POWs] have two different statuses under the law, he said. POWs will not enjoy the same rights as those who surrender. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Vietnam has been working to balance geopolitical rivalries with a desire to advance its economy. Chinas President Xi Jinping [left] and Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attend a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Dec. 12, 2023. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday with a promise to prioritize relations and improve trade ties with Vietnam amid recent differences over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam has been working to balance geopolitical rivalries with a desire to advance its economy. Xis two-day official visit comes three months after U.S. President Joe Biden visited Hanoi and several weeks after Japans prime minister met with top officials in Vietnams capital. Xi was met by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at Hanois airport at the start of his first trip to Vietnam in six years. He was also scheduled to hold talks with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Tron and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Children wave Vietnamese national flags during a welcome ceremony for Chinas President Xi Jinping at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Dec. 12, 2023. (Nhac Nguyen/Pool/AFP) A close neighbor is better than a distant relative, Xi wrote on Tuesday in a signed article printed in Vietnams official Nhan Dan Newspaper. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, he wrote. Peace and development in the region are confronted with fairly grave challenges of instability and uncertainty. The neighboring countries announced 37 deals on Tuesday, including agreements on railways and telecommunications, according to Reuters. China is Vietnams largest trade partner. Chinas orbit Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi laid the groundwork for Xis visit with a trip to Hanoi on Nov. 30 to discuss trade and investment cooperation. Two days before Wangs visit, Vietnam and Japan agreed to cooperate more closely on security issues and work together on defense equipment and technology transfers as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that the two countries were officially upgrading relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In September, Biden also announced that the United States was upgrading its relationship with Vietnam. The two countries pledged to work together on semiconductors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Chinese President Xi Jinping [second from left] attends a meeting with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the Central Office of the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hanoi on Dec. 12, 2023. (Minh Hoang/Pool/AFP) Xis visit is to say that Vietnam has not escaped Chinas orbit just yet, Huong Le Thu, deputy director of the International Crisis Groups Asia program, told The New York Times. China has already mapped out a number of projects if Vietnam were to eventually agree to take part in its Belt and Road Initiative, including railway routes from the northern provinces to Hanoi and the port city of Haiphong. China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers, Xi wrote in the Nhan Dan Newspaper. We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us. Edited by Matt Reed. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. This will be the last briefing of the year as I'll be off for the holidays starting next week. Thank you for subscribing and helping grow this newsletter. See you in 2024! I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Listen to the Talking China In Eurasia podcast. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Is The Wind Now At Xi and Putin's Backs? From deepening cracks in Western unity for Ukraine to questions over resolve to support Taiwan, both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to be feeling that time is on their side. But are Xi and Putin truly entering 2024 with the wind at their backs? Finding Perspective: Putin seems convinced that the answer is yes. Addressing officials at a December 8 reception at the Kremlin, the Russian president seemed emboldened, saying Kyiv is running out of time and weapons, and that Ukraine has "nothing, they have no future." Putin's optimism stems from U.S. funding for Ukraine continuing to be held up due to political battles in Congress, leading to warnings from the White House that funding to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine could run out by the end of the year. Adding to this are recent reports that previous years of budget cuts combined with advanced support for Ukraine has left most European militaries weakened and their weapons arsenals empty. A series of recent polls also show Donald Trump leading U.S. President Joe Biden by several percentage points, a development likely to be welcomed by Beijing and Moscow as it could lead to a more isolationist United States that would weaken support for U.S. allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, particularly Ukraine and Taiwan. Why It Matters: 2024 is shaping up to be a major inflection point. The battlefield in Ukraine has slipped into stalemate and Western unity is likely to show more cracks with elections in Europe -- not to mention the upcoming U.S. presidential election -- likely to turn support for Kyiv into a ballot box issue. January elections in Taiwan are set to be an early litmus test, and it's difficult for any candidate running to credibly say they're confident Washington will come to its aid given the waning support facing Ukraine at the moment. But some added perspective is needed here as it can be easy to lose track that Xi and Putin are facing immense pressures as well. Xi is grappling with a slowing economy and has recently done a sweeping reshuffle of Beijing's upper echelons, including removing foreign and defense ministers this year. Putin has managed to reorganize the Russian economy for the war effort, and the Kremlin has mostly successfully navigated Western sanctions. Polls also show that a majority of Russians still support the war nearly two years in. But Russia's long-term economic prospects look much more bleak, and the high casualties from the war have only increased the country's demographic pressures. In the end, it may come down to who blinks first. When I interviewed Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Roy Chun Lee in May and asked him if he believes Western support for Ukraine has surprised and deterred Chinese designs on Taiwan, his answer was that it's still too soon to say. "I think China is waiting to see what happens two years from now and three years from now," he said. A lot can happen between now and then. Podcast Corner: How Von Der Leyen Became the EU's Top China Hawk Listen to the latest episode of the China In Eurasia podcast. You can find the show on Spotify, Apple, Google, and YouTube. European Union leaders used a high-profile summit in Beijing last week to press Xi and China's leadership on a host of contentious issues ranging from trade to Ukraine. This sharpening approach from Brussels has largely stemmed from a policy turn championed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has pushed to reduce the bloc's dependencies on China. But what's behind von der Leyen's views and what do they mean for the future of the EU and China? On the latest episode of Talking China In Eurasia, I explore this with RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, who explains von der Leyen's rise and the deepening competition between Beijing and Brussels. Listen here. Be sure to listen and leave a review on your listening platform of choice. I'd also love to hear what you think. Reach out at Standishr@rferl.org Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. EU-China Summit Wrap-Up The EU held its long-awaited summit in Beijing with Xi last week. The meeting wrapped up with few deliverables and mostly laid out the rules of the road for their relationship in the future. Here are the main takeaways. The Details: Ahead of the summit, EU officials told RFE/RL that they were pleased they were able to secure a working lunch meeting with Xi for von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. In the lead-up to the summit, many in Brussels felt frustrated that Beijing wasn't taking their geopolitical concerns seriously enough, as I reported here. The mood after the meeting was hardly one of optimism, but both von der Leyen and Michel said they felt heard after the summit and that Xi and other top officials are now clear on what Brussels sees as the problems in their relationship. Von der Leyen said the two sides had an "intense discussion on the topic of trade imbalance and the root causes," citing in part a slowdown in the Chinese economy that is reducing domestic demand and prompting Chinese companies to divert their products to the European market. The EU officials said before the sit-down that Brussels planned to focus on Ukraine and would continue to back Kyiv even if American support fades or stops altogether. Von der Leyen said they pressed China to use its influence to bring Moscow to the negotiating table. However, given post-summit comments by Wang Lutong, the director general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's European Department, those calls didn't seem to make much headway. "Sometimes European politicians say to us that China needs to speak to Russia, you need to speak to President Putin about withdrawing their soldiers," he said. "This is a very independent, sovereign nation. President Putin is making his decision based on his own national interest and security." 2. Lukashenka's China Trip A few days before the EU's top brass arrived in Beijing, Xi hosted Belarussian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka to strengthen "political mutual trust and international coordination," according to Chinese state media. What You Need To Know: Lukashenka, of course, is a staunch ally of Putin, and Belarus has supported Russia amid its war in Ukraine. Belarus was a staging ground for Moscow's full-scale invasion and a Yale University study published in November reported that Belarus also has facilitated "Russia's systematic effort to identify, collect, transport, and re-educate Ukraine's children" during the war. Lukashenka was in Beijing in October for Xi's Belt and Road Forum and previously had a bilateral visit with the Chinese leader in February. Like with that visit in February, Lukashenka was once again courting Chinese investment, which once flowed into the country but has generally stalled due to Western sanctions and Minsk's poor relations with the EU, which have limited its appeal to Beijing as a transit hub between China and the bloc. Lukashenka left with no formal agreements. Xi was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency that China "opposes external interference in Belarus's internal affairs" and that both leaders "also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis," although no details were offered. 3. Blocked Protesters with relatives imprisoned in Xinjiang through the western Chinese province's vast internment system targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other Muslim minorities were blocked from approaching the Chinese consulate in Almaty, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reported. What It Means: The relatives are part of a small group that has been picketing the consulate for years, calling for the release of their family members and protesting against Beijing's policies that led to an internment camp system in Xinjiang. The protesters have faced pressure before, with some members being arrested and stopped by attending rallies or events in the past. They had planned to picket the Chinese Consulate on December 4, which they said was their 1,000th day of gathering, but were blocked by police when approaching. Across The Supercontinent In Custody: Russia's FSB said its officers arrested a Belarusian citizen on December 9 who it says is responsible for bombing railway connections linking Russia to China in the country's Far East in late November. Hacked?: The cybersecurity platform Hacker News reported that the Uzbek Foreign Ministry's servers came under an attack in early December through a "remote access Trojan" program called SugarGh0st RAT, which they say is linked to China and used similar code used by Chinese actors in the past. Winter Virus: Kazak health officials are moving to stamp out rumors spreading online that a respiratory illness spiking in China has spread across the border to Kazakhstan. Zaure Akhmetova, Kazakhstan's deputy chair of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, said the government has no data supporting this and that the virus suspected for the growing case load in China contains "neither new nor unknown pathogens." New Targets: Faced with slow growth, Reuters reported that China's leaders met for a closed-door meeting this week to discuss economic targets and map out stimulus plans for 2024. One Thing To Watch It's become something of a tradition for Xi and Putin to hold a virtual meeting in December, and they often tend to show where the strategic winds for Beijing and Moscow are blowing for the upcoming year. In 2021, the two leaders had a 90-minute call, setting in place much of the agreements and rhetoric that would later form the basis of the "no limits" partnership that they announced in February 2022 at the Beijing Olympics. The following December, Xi seemed to double down on that sentiment despite fallout from Moscow's invasion, saying that "China is ready to work with Russia and all progressive forces around the world that oppose hegemonism and power politics." What will be the focus of this year's call? That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday. We asked some of our most perceptive journalists and analysts to anticipate tomorrow, to unravel the future, to forecast what the new year could have in store for our vast broadcast region. Among their predictions: The war in Ukraine will persist until the West realizes that a return to the previous world order is unattainable. In Iran, with parliamentary elections scheduled for March, the government is likely to face yet another challenge to its legitimacy. In Belarus, setbacks for Russia in Ukraine could prompt the Lukashenka regime to attempt to normalize relations with the West. While 2024 will see a rightward shift in the EU, it is unlikely to bring the deluge of populist victories that some are predicting. The vicious spiral for women in Afghanistan will only worsen. Peace between Armenia and its neighbors could set the stage for a Russian exit from the region. Hungary's upcoming leadership of the European Council could prove a stumbling block to the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine. Kyrgyzstan is on course to feel the pain of secondary sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine if the West's patience runs out. Here, then, are our correspondents' predictions for 2024. To find out more about the authors themselves, click on their bylines. The Ukraine War: A Prolonged Stalemate By Vitaliy Portnikov In September 2022, Ukrainian generals Valeriy Zaluzhniy and Mykhaylo Zabrodskiy presciently warned that Russia's aggression against Ukraine would unfold into a protracted conflict. Fast forward 15 months, and the front line is effectively frozen, with neither Ukrainian nor Russian offensives yielding substantial changes. As 2023 comes to a close, observers find themselves revisiting themes familiar from the previous year: the potential for a major Ukrainian counteroffensive, the extent of Western aid to Kyiv, the possibility of a "frozen conflict, security assurances for Ukraine, and the prospects for its Euro-Atlantic integration ahead of a NATO summit. It is conceivable that, by the close of 2024, we will still be grappling with these same issues. A political resolution seems elusive, given the Kremlin's steadfast refusal to entertain discussions on vacating the parts of Ukraine its forces occupy. Conversely, Ukraines definition of victory is the full restoration of its territorial integrity. Even if, in 2024, one side achieves a military victory -- whether through the liberation of part of Ukraine or Russia seizing control of additional regions -- it won't necessarily bring us closer to a political resolution. Acknowledging this impasse is crucial, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's assault on Ukraine is part of a broader agenda: a push to reestablish, if not the Soviet Empire, at least its sphere of influence. Even if, in 2024, one side achieves a military victory, it won't necessarily bring us closer to a political resolution. For Ukraine, resistance to Russian aggression is about not just reclaiming occupied territories but also safeguarding statehood, political identity, and national integrity. Western support is crucial for Ukraine's survival and the restoration of its territorial integrity. However, this backing aims to avoid escalation into a direct conflict between Russia and the West on Russia's sovereign territory. The war's conclusion seems contingent on the depletion of resources on one of the two sides, with Ukraine relying on continued Western support and Russia on oil and gas revenues. Hence, 2024 might echo the patterns of 2023. Even if external factors shift significantly -- such as in the U.S. presidential election in November -- we might not witness tangible changes until 2025. Another potential variable is the emergence of major conflicts akin to the war in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, this would likely signify the dissipation of Western resources rather than a shift in approaches to war. In essence, the war in Ukraine will persist until the West realizes that a return to the previous world order is unattainable. Constructing a new world order demands unconventional measures, such as offering genuine security guarantees to nations victimized by aggression or achieving peace, or at least limiting the zone of military operations to the current contact line, without direct agreements with Russia. So far, such understanding is lacking, and the expectation that Moscow will eventually grasp the futility of its ambitions only emboldens Putin. Consequently, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will endure, potentially spawning new, equally perilous local wars worldwide. Iran: Problems Within And Without By Hannah Kaviani Iran has been dealing with complex domestic and international challenges for years and the same issues are likely to plague it in 2024. But officials in Tehran appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach to its lengthy list of multilayered problems. Iran enters 2024 as Israel's war in Gaza continues and the prospects for a peaceful Middle East are bleak, with the situation exacerbated by militia groups firmly supported by Tehran. Irans prominent role in supporting paramilitary forces in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen has also drawn the ire of the international community and will continue to be a thorn in the side of relations with the West. Tehran has refused to cooperate with the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency over its nuclear program, resulting in an impasse in talks with the international community. And with the United States entering an election year that could see the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, the likelihood of Tehran and Washington resuming negotiations -- which could lead to a reduction in sanctions -- is considered very low. But Iran's problems are not limited to outside its borders. Another critical issue Iranian officials must continue to deal with in 2024 is the devastated economy. The countrys clerical regime is still reeling from the massive protests that began in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody after her arrest for not obeying hijab rules. The aftershocks of the Women, Life, Freedom movement that emanated from her death were reflected in acts of civil disobedience that are likely to continue in 2024. At the same time, a brutal crackdown continues as civil rights activists, students, religious minorities, and artists are being beaten, detained, and/or given harsh prison sentences. With parliamentary elections scheduled for March, the government is likely to face yet another challenge to its legitimacy as it struggles with low voter turnout and general disinterest in another round of controlled elections. Another critical issue Iranian officials must continue to deal with in 2024 is the devastated economy resulting from the slew of international sanctions because of its controversial nuclear program. After a crushing year of 47 percent inflation in 2023 (a 20-year high, according to the IMF), costs are expected to continue to rise for many foods and commodities, as well as real estate. Irans widening budget deficit due to reduced oil profits continues to cripple the economy, with the IMF reporting that the current government debt is equal to three annual budgets. With neither the international community nor the hard-line Tehran regime budging, most analysts see scant chances for significant changes in Iran in the coming year. Belarus: Wider War Role, Integration With Russia Not In The Cards By Valer Karbalevich Belarus has been pulled closer into Moscows orbit than ever by Russias war in Ukraine -- but in 2024, its unlikely to be subsumed into the much larger nation to its east, and chances are it wont step up its so-far limited involvement in the conflict in the country to its south. The most probable scenario in Belarus, where the authoritarian Alyaksandr Lukashenka will mark 30 years since he came to power in 1994, is more of the same: No letup in pressure on all forms of dissent at home, no move to send troops to Ukraine. And while Russias insistent embrace will not loosen, the Kremlin will abstain from using Belarusian territory for any new ground attacks or bombardments of Ukraine. But the war in Ukraine is a wild card, the linchpin influencing the trajectory of Belarus in the near term and beyond. For the foreseeable future, what happens in Belarus -- or to it -- will depend in large part on what happens in Russias assault on Ukraine. Should the current equilibrium on the front persist and Western support for Ukraine persist, the likelihood is a continuation of the status quo for Belarus. The country will maintain its allegiance to Russia, marked by diplomatic and political support. Bolstered by Russian loans, Belarus's defense industry will further expand its output. If Russia wins or scores substantial victories in Ukraine, Lukashenka will reap "victory dividends." The Belarusian state will continue to militarize the border with Ukraine, posing a perpetual threat to Kyiv and diverting Ukrainian troops from the eastern and southern fronts. At the same time, however, Russia is unlikely to use Belarusian territory as a launching point for fresh assaults on Ukraine, as it did at the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. If Russia wins or scores substantial victories -- if Ukraine is forced into negotiations on Moscows terms, for example, or the current front line comes to be considered the international border -- Lukashenka, consolidating his position within the country, will reap "victory dividends." But relations between Belarus and Russia are unlikely to change dramatically. Potentially, Moscow could take major steps to absorb Belarus, diminishing its sovereignty and transforming its territory into a staging ground for a fresh assault on Kyiv. This would increase tensions with the West and heighten concerns about the tactical nuclear weapons Moscow and Minsk say Russia has transferred to Belarus. However, this seems unlikely due to the absence of military necessity for Moscow and the problems it could create on the global stage. The loss of Belarusian sovereignty would pose a major risk for Lukashenka and his regime. An overwhelming majority of Belarusians oppose the direct involvement of Belarus in the war against Ukraine. This fundamental distinction sets Belarus apart from Russia, and bringing Belarus into the war could trigger a political crisis in Belarus -- an outcome Moscow would prefer to avoid. If Russia loses the war or sustains significant defeats that weaken Putin, Lukashenka's regime may suffer economic and political repercussions. This could prompt him to seek alternative global alliances, potentially leading to an attempt to normalize relations with the West. Russia, Ukraine, And The West: Sliding Toward World War III By Sergei Medvedev 2024 will be a critical year for the war in Ukraine and for the entire international system, which is quickly unraveling before our eyes. The most crucial of many challenges is a revanchist, resentful, belligerent Russia, bent on destroying and remaking the world order. In his mind, President Vladimir Putin is fighting World War III, and Ukraine is a prelude to a global showdown. Despite Western sanctions, Russia has consolidated its position militarily, domestically, and internationally in 2023. After setbacks and shocks in 2022, the military has stabilized the front and addressed shortages of arms, supplies, and manpower. Despite latent discontent, the population is not ready to question the war, preferring to stay in the bubble of learned ignorance and the lies of state propaganda. Here are four scenarios for 2024: Strategic stalemate in Ukraine, chaos in the international system: The West, relaxed by a 30-year peace dividend, lacks the vision and resolve of the 1980s, when its leaders helped bring about the U.S.S.R.s collapse, let alone the courage of those who stood up to Nazi Germany in World War II. Putins challenge to the free world is no less significant than Hitlers was, but there is no Roosevelt or Churchill in sight. Probability: 70 percent While breakup into many regions is unlikely, the Russian empire could crumble at the edges. Widening war, collapse or division of Ukraine: Russia could defend and consolidate its gains in Ukraine, waging trench warfare while continuing to destroy civilian infrastructure, and may consider a side strike in Georgia or Moldova -- or against Lithuania or Poland, testing NATO. A frontal invasion is less likely than a hybrid operation by unidentified units striking from Belarus, acts of sabotage, or unrest among Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. Other Kremlin operations could occur anywhere in the world. The collapse of Ukraines government or the division of the country could not be ruled out. Probability: 15 percent. Russia loses in Ukraine: A military defeat for Russia, possibly entailing a partial or complete withdrawal from Ukraine. Consistent Western support and expanded supplies of arms, like F-16s or Abrams tanks, or a big move such as closing the skies over Ukraine, could provide for this outcome. It would not necessarily entail Russias collapse -- it could further consolidate the nation around Putins regime. Russia would develop a resentful identity grounded in loss and defeat -- and harbor the idea of coming back with a vengeance. Probability: 10 percent Russias Collapse: A military defeat in Ukraine could spark social unrest, elite factional battles, and an anti-Putin coup, leading to his demotion or violent death. Putins natural death, too, could set off a succession struggle, causing chaos in a country he has rid of reliable institutions. While breakup into many regions is unlikely, the empire could crumble at the edges -- Kaliningrad, Chechnya, the Far East like in 1917 and 1991. Russias nuclear weapons would be a big question mark, leading to external involvement and possible de-nuclearization. For all its perils, this scenario might provide a framework for future statehood in Northern Eurasia. Probability: 5 percent EU: 'Fortress Europe' And The Ukraine War By Rikard Jozwiak 2024 will see a rightward shift in the European Union, but it is unlikely to bring the deluge of populist victories that some are predicting since Euroskeptics won national elections in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia and polled well in Austria and Germany. The European Parliament elections in June will be the ultimate test for the bloc in that respect. Polls still suggest the two main political groups, the center-right European People's Party and the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, will finish on top, albeit with a smaller share of the vote. But right-wing populist parties are likely to fail once again to agree on the creation of a single political group, thus eroding their influence in Brussels. This, in turn, is likely to prod more pro-European groups into combining forces again to divvy up EU top jobs like the presidencies of the European Commission, the bloc's top executive body, and the European Council, which defines the EU's political direction and priorities. Center-right European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is widely tipped to get a second term, even though she might fancy NATO's top job as secretary-general. Charles Michel, on the other hand, will definitely be out as European Council president after serving the maximum five years. While right-wing populists may not wield major influence in the horse-trading for those top jobs, they will affect policy going forward. They have already contributed to a hardening of attitudes on migration, and you can expect to hear more of the term "fortress Europe" as barriers go up on the EU's outer border. The one surefire guarantee in Europe isn't about the European Union at all but rather about NATO. The biggest question for 2024, however, is about how much support Brussels can provide Ukraine going forward. Could the "cost-of-living crisis" encourage members to side with Budapest to block financial aid or veto the start of de facto accession talks with that war-torn country? The smart money is still on the EU finding a way to green-light both those decisions in 2024, possibly by unfreezing more EU funds for Budapest. Although it seems like a remote possibility, patience could also finally wear out with Hungary, and the other 26 members could decide to strip it of voting rights in the Council of the European Union, which amends, approves, and vetoes European Commission proposals -- essentially depriving it of influence. In that respect, Austria and Slovakia, Budapest's two biggest allies right now, are the EU countries to watch. The one surefire guarantee in Europe isn't about the European Union at all but rather about NATO: After somehow failing to join as predicted for each of the past two years, against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden will become the transatlantic military alliance's 32nd member once the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments vote to ratify its accession protocol. Caucasus: A Peace Agreement Could Be Transformative By Josh Kucera Could 2024 be the year that Armenia and Azerbaijan finally formally resolve decades of conflict? This year, Azerbaijan effectively decided -- by force -- their most contentious issue: the status of the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. With its lightning offensive in September, Azerbaijan placed Karabakh firmly under its control. Both sides now say they've reached agreement on most of their fundamental remaining issues, and diplomatic talks, after an interruption, appear set to resume. A resolution of the conflict could transform the region. If Armenia and Azerbaijan made peace, a Turkish-Armenian rapprochement could soon follow. Borders between the three countries would reopen as a result, ending Armenia's long geographical isolation and priming the South Caucasus to take full advantage of new transportation projects seeking to ship cargo between Europe and Asia while bypassing Russia. Peace between Armenia and its neighbors also could set the stage for a Russian exit from the region. Russian-Armenian security cooperation has been predicated on potential threats from Azerbaijan and Turkey. With those threats reduced, what's keeping the Russian soldiers, peacekeepers, and border guards there? There are mounting indications that Azerbaijan may not see it in its interests to make peace. A Russian exit would be a messy process -- Moscow still holds many economic levers in Armenia -- but Yerevan could seek help from the United States and Europe to smooth any transition. Washington and Brussels have seemingly been waiting in the wings, nudging Armenia in their direction. But none of this is likely to happen without a peace agreement. And while there don't seem to be any unresolvable issues remaining, there are mounting indications that Azerbaijan may not see it in its interests to make peace. Baku has gotten what it wanted most of all -- full control of Karabakh -- without an agreement. And maintaining a simmering conflict with Armenia could arguably serve Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev well, as it would allow him to continue to lean on a reliable source of public support: rallying against an Armenian enemy. But perhaps the most conspicuous indication of a broader strategy is Aliyev's increasing invocation of "Western Azerbaijan" -- a hazily defined concept alluding to ethnic Azerbaijanis who used to live on the territory of what is now Armenia and their presumed right to return to their homes. It suggests that Azerbaijan might keep furthering its demands in hopes that Armenia finally throws in the towel, and each can accuse the other of intransigence. Hungary: The Return Of Big Brother? By Pablo Gorondi Critics might be tempted to believe that Big Brother will be watching over Hungarians in 2024 like at no point since the fall of communism. A new law on the Defense of National Sovereignty will allow the Office for the Defense of Sovereignty, which the law created, to investigate and request information from almost any group in Hungary that receives foreign funding. This will apply to civic groups, political parties, private businesses, media companies -- in fact, anyone deemed to be conducting activities (including "information manipulation and disinformation") in the interests of a foreign "body, organization, or person." The law has been criticized by experts from the United Nations and the Council of Europe over its seemingly vague language, lack of judicial oversight, and fears that it could be used by the government "to silence and stigmatize independent voices and opponents." The head of the Office for the Defense of Sovereignty should be nominated for a six-year term by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and appointed by President Katalin Novak by February 1. This would allow the new authority to carry out investigations and present findings ahead of simultaneous elections to the European Parliament and Hungarian municipal bodies in early June -- possibly influencing their outcomes. Orban has said in recent interviews that he wants to "fix the European Union" and that "we need to take over Brussels." Asked by RFE/RL's Hungarian Service, some experts said fears of the new authority are overblown and that the government is more likely to use it as a threat hanging over opponents than as a direct tool for repression -- at least until it finds it politically necessary or expedient to tighten control. On the international scene, meanwhile, Hungary will take over the Council of the European Union's six-month rotating presidency in July, a few weeks after voting to determine the composition of a new European Parliament. MEPs from Orban's Fidesz party exited the center-right European People's Party bloc in 2021 and have not joined another group since then, although some observers expect them to join the more Euroskeptic and nationalist European Conservatives and Reformists. Orban has for years predicted a breakthrough of more radical right-wing forces in Europe. But while that has happened in Italy, the Netherlands, and Slovakia, experts suggest that's not enough to fuel a significant shift in the European Parliament, where the center-right and center-left should continue to hold a clear majority. Because of the June elections, the European Parliament's activities will initially be limited -- and its election of a European Commission president could prove complicated. Nevertheless, Orban has said in recent interviews that he wants to "fix the European Union" and that "we need to take over Brussels." So, Hungary's leadership may make progress difficult on issues that Orban opposes, like the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine or a possible reelection bid by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Stability And The 'Serbian World' By Gjeraqina Tuhina and Milos Teodorovic Serbia, once again, will be a key player in the region -- and its moves could significantly shape events in the Balkans over the next 12 months. For over a decade, the dialogue to normalize relations between Serbia and its former province Kosovo has stymied both countries. Then, in February in Brussels and March in Ohrid, North Macedonia, European mediators announced a path forward and its implementation. There was only one problem: There was no signature on either side. Nine months later, little has changed. Many eyes are looking toward one aspect in particular -- a renewed obligation for Pristina to allow for an "appropriate level of self-management" for the Serb minority in Kosovo. This also entails creating possibilities for financial support from Serbia to Kosovar Serbs and guarantees for direct communication of the Serb minority with the Kosovar government. In October, EU mediators tried again, and with German, French, and Italian backing presented both parties with a new draft for an association of Serb-majority municipalities. Both sides accepted the draft. EU envoy to the region Miroslav Lajcak suggested in December that the Ohrid agreement could be implemented by the end of January. If that happened, it would mark a decisive step for both sides in a dialogue that began in 2011. "The Serbian world" is a phrase launched a few years ago by pro-Russian Serbian politician Aleksandar Vulin, a longtime cabinet minister who until recently headed the Serbian Intelligence Service. It is not officially part of the agenda of either Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic or the government, but it underscores the influence that Serbia seeks to wield from Kosovo and Montenegro to Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina. But how Vucic chooses to exert the implicit ties to Serb leaders and nationalists in those countries could do much to promote stability -- or its antithesis -- in the Balkans in 2024. Another major challenge for Vucic revolves around EU officials' request that candidate country Serbia harmonize its foreign policy with the bloc. So far, along with Turkey, Serbia is the only EU candidate that has not introduced sanctions on Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is unclear how far the Serbian president is willing to push back to foster ongoing good relations with Moscow. But first, Serbia will have to confront the fallout from snap elections in December dominated by Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party but rejected by the newly united opposition as fraudulent. The results sparked nightly protests in the capital and hunger strikes by a half-dozen lawmakers and other oppositionists. A new parliament is scheduled to hold a session by the end of January 2024, and the margins are seemingly razor-thin for control of the capital, Belgrade. Central Asia: Don't Write Russia Off Just Yet By Chris Rickleton Will the empire strike back? 2023 has been a galling year for Russia in Central Asia as it watched its traditional partners (and former colonies) widen their diplomatic horizons. With Russia bogged down in a grueling war in Ukraine, Moscow has less to offer the region than ever before. Central Asias five countries have made the most of the breathing space, with their leaders holding landmark talks with U.S. and German leaders as French President Emmanuel Macron also waltzed into Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with multibillion-dollar investments. And China has reinforced its dominant position in the region, while Turkey has also increased its influence. But dont write Russia off just yet. One of Moscows biggest wins in the neighborhood this year was an agreement to supply Uzbekistan with nearly 3 billion cubic meters of gas every year, a figure that could increase. Power deficits in Uzbekistan and energy-rich Kazakhstan are the most obvious short-term sources of leverage for Moscow over those important countries. The coming year will likely bring more in terms of specifics over both governments plans for nuclear power production, with Russia fully expected to be involved. And Moscows confidence in a region that it views as its near abroad will only increase if it feels it is making headway on the battlefield in Ukraine. Tajikistan Tajikistans hereditary succession has been expected for so long that people have stopped expecting it. Does that mean it is back on the cards for 2024? Probably not. In 2016, Tajikistan passed a raft of constitutional changes aimed at cementing the ruling Rahmon familys hold on power. Among them was one lowering the age to run for president from 35 to 30. Turkmenistans bizarre new setup begs a question: If youre not ready to let it go, why not hold on a little longer? That amendment had an obvious beneficiary -- veteran incumbent Emomali Rahmons upwardly mobile son, Rustam Emomali. But Emomali is now 36 and, despite occupying a political post that makes him next in line, doesnt look any closer to becoming numero uno. Perhaps there hasnt been a good time to do it. From the coronavirus pandemic to a bloody crackdown on unrest in the Gorno-Badakhshan region and now the shadows cast by the Ukraine war, there have been plenty of excuses to delay the inevitable. Turkmenistan But perhaps Rahmon is considering events in Turkmenistan, where Central Asias first father-son power transition last year has ended up nothing of the sort. Rather than growing into the role, new President Serdar Berdymukhammedov is shrinking back into the shadow of his all-powerful father, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. And this seems to be exactly how the older Berdymukhammedov wanted it, subsequently fashioning himself a post-retirement post that makes his son and the rest of the government answerable to him. But Turkmenistans bizarre new setup begs a question: If youre not ready to let it go, why not hold on a little longer? Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan Writing on X (formerly Twitter) in November, a former IMF economist argued that Kyrgyzstan would be the "perfect test case" for secondary sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine. Robin Brooks described the country as "small, not remotely systemically important, and very clearly facilitating trade diversion to Russia." Official statistics show that countries in the Eurasian Economic Union that Moscow leads have become a backdoor around the Western-led sanctions targeting Russia. Exports to Kyrgyzstan from several EU countries this year, for example, are up by at least 1,000 percent compared to 2019. Data for exports to Kazakhstan shows similar patterns -- with larger volumes but gentler spikes -- while investigations by RFE/RL indicate that companies in both Central Asian countries have forwarded dual-use products that benefit the Kremlins military machine. Belarus is the only Russian ally to get fully sanctioned for its support of Moscows invasion of Ukraine -- but will that change in 2024? Central Asian governments will argue they have resisted Russian pressure to provide political and military support for the war. They might even whisper that their big friend China is much more helpful to Russia. But the Wests approach of targeting only Central Asian companies actively flouting the regime is failing. So, while Western diplomats continue to credit the regions governments for their anti-evasion efforts, their patience may wear out. And if it does, Kyrgyzstan might be first to find out. Afghanistan: The Vicious Spiral Will Worsen By Malali Bashir With little internal threat to Afghanistans Taliban regime and the failure of the international community to affect change in the hard-line Islamist regimes policies, the Taliban mullahs control over the country continues to tighten. And that regimes continued restrictions on Afghan women -- their rights, freedom, and role in society -- signals a bleak future for them in 2024 and beyond. Many observers say the move by the Taliban in December to only allow girls to attend religious madrasahs -- after shutting down formal schooling for them following the sixth grade -- is an effort by the Taliban to radicalize Afghan society. Madrasahs are not an alternative to formal schooling because they dont produce doctors, lawyers, journalists, engineers, etc. The idea of [only] having madrasahs isabout brainwashing [people] to create an extremist society, says Shukria Barakzai, the former Afghan ambassador to Norway. The crackdown on womens rights by the Taliban will also continue the reported uptick in domestic violence in the country, activists say. Since the Taliban shut down Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission and Women Affairs Ministry, women find themselves with nowhere to turn to and find it extremely difficult to seek justice in Taliban courts. The Taliban seems adamant about maintaining its severe limits on women and reducing their role in society. With no justice for victims of abuse on the horizon, womens rights activists say violence against women will continue with no repercussions for the perpetrators. Barakzai argues that Taliban officials have already normalized domestic violence and do not consider it a crime. According to [a Taliban] decree, you can [confront] women if they are not listening to [your requests]. Especially a male member of the family is allowed to use all means to punish women if they refuse to follow his orders. That is basically a call for domestic violence, she said. The vicious spiral for women will only worsen. Being banned from education, work, and public life, Afghan women say the resulting psychological impact leads to panic, depression, and acute mental health crises. Although there are no official figures, Afghan mental health professionals and foreign organizations have noted a disturbing surge in female suicides in the two years since the Taliban came to power. "If we look at the women who were previously working or studying, 90 percent suffer from mental health issues now," said Mujeeb Khpalwak, a psychiatrist in Kabul. "They face tremendous economic uncertainty after losing their work and are very anxious about their future." Heather Bar, associate director of the women's rights division at Human Rights Watch, says, "It's not surprising that we're hearing reports of Afghan girls committing suicide. Because all their rights, including going to school, university, and recreational places have been taken away from them." Promising young Afghan women who once aspired to contribute to their communities after pursuing higher education now find themselves with no career prospects. I do not see any future. When I see boys continuing their education, I lose all hope and wish that I was not born a girl, a former medical student in Kabul told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Despite immense global pressure, the Taliban seems adamant about maintaining its severe limits on women and reducing their role in society. This will result in a tragic future for the women of Afghanistan with no relief in sight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected the possibility of a cease-fire with Russia, saying it would not lead to substantive progress in the war and only favor Moscow by giving it time to boost supplies to its military as the conflict nears its two-year anniversary. A pause on the Ukrainian battlefield will not mean a pause in the war, the Ukrainian leader said in Estonia's capital, Tallinn, on January 11 during a tour of the three Baltic nations. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. "Give Russia two to three years and it will simply run us over. We wouldn't take that risk.... There will be no pauses in favor of Russia," he said. "A pause would play into [Russias] hands.... It might crush us afterward. Zelenskiy has pleaded with Ukraine's allies to keep supplying it with weapons amid signs of donor fatigue in some countries and as Russia turns to countries such as Iran and North Korea for munitions. NATO allies meeting in Brussels on January 10 tried to allay Kyiv's concerns over supplies, saying they will continue to provide Ukraine with major military, economic, and humanitarian aid. NATO allies have outlined plans to provide "billions of euros of further capabilities" in 2024 to Ukraine, the alliance said in a statement. Estonian President Alar Karis said after meeting Zelenskiy that his country will provide 1.2 billion euros ($1.31 billion) in aid to Ukraine until 2027. "Ukraine needs more and better weapons," Karis said at a joint news conference with Zelenskiy. "The capabilities of the EU military industry must be increased so that Ukraine gets what it needs, not tomorrow, but today. We should not place any restrictions on the supply of weapons to Ukraine," he added. Estonia has so far provided military assistance to Ukraine worth nearly 500 million euros, or more than 1.4 percent of its gross domestic product, according to the Estonian Foreign Minstry. In a separate message on X, formerly Twitter, Zelenskiy thanked Tallinn for its continued aid. "Estonia's unwavering support for Ukraine, our people, and our defense is evident today, during my visit, and throughout the war," Zelenskiy wrote. "I am grateful to Estonia for all its support." The Baltic countries have been staunch allies of Ukraine since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion in February 2022. On January 10, Zelenskiy held talks in Vilnius with Lithuanian counterpart, Gitanas Nauseda. We have proven that Russia can be stopped, that deterrence is possible, he said after talks with Nauseda. Ukraine has been subjected to several massive waves of Russian missile and drone strikes since the start of the year that have caused civilian deaths and material damage. In the latest such attack, a hotel in downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was struck by Russian missiles overnight on January 11. The strike injured 13 people, including Turkish journalists staying at the hotel, Kharkiv regional police chief Volodymyr Tymoshko said. Regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said that one of those injured was in serious condition. More than 30 civilians were inside the hotel at the time of the attack, Synyehubov said on Telegram. Ukraine's emergency services said those hurt in the strike were "hotel staff and guests, one of whom is a foreign journalist," without giving details. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said no military personnel were staying at the hotel. With reporting by AFP and Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- A video shot in the French town of Montereau in April 2020 shows a group of men scale three floors of an apartment building engulfed in flames in a bid to rescue an old man trapped on his balcony. One of the men is able to leap through the thick black smoke onto the balcony and lift the pensioner so that the others can drag him to an adjacent balcony not affected by the fire. The anxious townsfolk watching along with firefighters on the street burst into cheers and applause. Part of the rescue team that day was Muhsinjon Ahmedov, an Uzbek citizen that French authorities on November 14 deported to Uzbekistan to face immediate arrest on extremism charges that he says are fabricated. Ahmedov now faces up to 20 years in an Uzbek prison. On December 7, France's top constitutional court for administrative cases, the Conseil d'etat, ruled that the deportation was carried out illegally, that Ahmedov was due compensation from the French state, and that the government should now do everything possible to return him to France. That intervention by the court has likely come too late. In the meantime, Ahmedov's treatment -- which includes a claim of torture at the hands of his French minders -- is likely to be remembered as one of the more shocking instances of officials in a European country facilitating what experts call "transnational repression." And despite the authoritarian governments in Central Asia having gained a hard-earned reputation as leaders in this field of persecution, such incidents seem to be increasingly common. "We are witnessing a massive rise in these deportations," said Nadezhda Ataeva, chairwoman of the Paris-based Association of Human Rights for Central Asia (AHRCA). "We have information that Sweden alone deported 83 Uzbeks in August of this year," she said. "Kyrgyz citizens, too. This is a total lack of responsibility from the countries of the European Union that I believe can only contribute to real radicalization in the Central Asian region." Ataeva's AHRCA was one of three rights organizations, along with the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the International Partnership for Human Rights that released a statement on December 13 condemning the French authorities for deporting Ahmedov in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The statement cited reports that at least 12 people have reportedly been tortured to death in detention facilities in Uzbekistan in the last three years. Long Journey To France Ahmedov has known Ataeva, an Uzbek exile herself and a career rights defender, for about eight years. They first came into contact in 2015, shortly after an event that was to change the woodworker's life and separate him from his wife and two children for nearly a decade. It was during the month of Ramadan that year that Uzbek police raided Ahmedov's home, detained him, and held him incommunicado for several days in an interrogation that included regular bouts of torture. The officers were seeking a confession that he was a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic group deemed extremist by the Uzbek authorities. Under President Islam Karimov, who died in 2016, the raids on pious Muslims were systemic, contributing to the U.S. State Department designating Uzbekistan a "country of particular concern" in regards to religious freedom -- a status the country has since managed to shake off under Karimov's hand-picked successor, Shavkat Mirziyoev. Ahmedov did not give the officers what they wanted, and they subsequently released him, covered in cuts and bruises, without any charge. But when Ahmedov's mother saw her son's injuries, she insisted they file a complaint with prosecutors against the officers who had tortured him. Seemingly in retaliation, police opened an extremism case against Ahmedov. The basis for the charges, Ahmedov would later tell Ataeva, was a file the officers claimed they had found on his phone during the interrogation that they say linked him to Tahir Yuldashev, a man associated not with Hizb ut-Tahrir but rather the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), an extremist group dedicated to overthrowing Karimov and establishing an Islamic state. Ahmedov insists the file was planted by police in order to incriminate him. That Yuldashev had died in 2009 and was hardly a relevant hero to any would-be-radicals in Uzbekistan didnt seem to bother investigators. Facing such serious charges, even Ahmedov's lawyer advised him to run. He fled first to St. Petersburg, but after hearing that Tashkent had issued a warrant for his arrest, fled further over marshland to Estonia and the European Union, where he was detained and held in a deportation center for more than a year before being released. Although Estonian authorities allowed him to work, they did not grant him asylum, so he fled to Germany and to France in 2019. It was in Montereau, near Paris, where he found irregular work and shared beaten up accommodation with several Chechen exiles. Their acts of heroism during the apartment fire brought him and his housemates praise in the French media, medals from Montereau's mayor, and a near 30,000-strong petition demanding the authorities allow them to permanently live and work in France. Instead, Ahmedov was refused asylum and placed on a list of people that threaten the security of the French state. He then spent three months in detention before beginning a long stint under police observation. Broken System Central Asian nationals declared enemies of their homelands typically face a long journey to legalization in European host countries, and this can leave them vulnerable if they are to commit even minor migration violations. Leila Nazgul Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the Vienna-based nonprofit Freedom for Eurasia, argued that "there is a tendency in Western countries not to delve into the essence of the charges brought against the dissident" who is seeking asylum. "They see [alleged] extremist or terrorist crimes and the extradition or deportation machine immediately starts working," she said. For Central Asians seeking asylum in the EU, such charges -- typically backed by Interpol notices issued by their home governments -- see them automatically entered on the Schengen Information System (SIS), significantly lowering their chances of asylum. But what constitutes extremism in Central Asia often doesn't tally with the definition used by host countries, Seiitbek told RFE/RL. As an example, she cited the pending case of a Tajik currently facing deportation from Slovakia. The Central Asian country's case against the dissident centered in part on a Facebook post in which the dissident allegedly wrote, "May the authorities of Tajikistan burn in hell." "A statement like that, while not pleasant, does not constitute extremism, much less terrorism," Seiitbek said. And yet it is for this kind of "extremism" -- online activity critical of their government -- that multiple Tajiks have in recent years been sentenced to long jail terms following extradition from Europe. Only last week, the Gruppa 24 opposition group said that one of its activists, Bilol Qurbonoliev, was sent back to Tajikistan from Germany in connection with a migration violation, becoming the second Tajik political activist known to have been deported by Berlin this year. In the cases of both Qurbonoliev and the activist deported in January, Abdullohi Shamsiddin, "German authorities overlooked Tajikistan's track record of dealing with returned exiled activists and disregarded the principle of non-refoulement," according to Grady Vaughan, a research associate focusing on transnational repression for the human rights watchdog Freedom House. That Qurbonoliev participated in protests against Tajik President Emomali Rahmon during his official visit to Berlin in September is likely to make him especially vulnerable to retaliatory treatment, Vaughan warns. In addition to the need for a more context-driven approach to migrants facing potential transnational repression, experts have advocated for reforms to be made at Interpol -- the international policing organization based in Lyon, France, that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are members of. But while "the organization has attempted to improve its internal processes to set up checks on political abuse" in the issue of notices, "it is difficult to concretely gauge Interpol reforms because Interpol is opaque in terms of releasing data," Vaughan told RFE/RL. Any Hope For Ahmedov? Ahmedov, who is currently incarcerated in his native Ferghana region in Uzbekistan, is not the first Central Asian to be deported to his homeland and then have a court in the former European host country rule that the extradition was illegal. In 2020, the Austrian Supreme Court invalidated the decision of officials in Vienna to deport opposition activist Hizbullo Shovalizoda, who was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison on extremism charges after his arrival in Dushanbe. The ruling, which noted that the decision had been based on outdated information about the situation in Tajikistan, hasn't led to Shovalizoda's release. Another Tajik activist deported to his homeland in 2019 after being violently abducted on a trip to Russia, was successfully returned to the Netherlands -- his country of permanent residence -- but only after a massive outcry over his case. On December 5, the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee released a statement noting that committee Chairman Ben Cardin had sent a letter to Rahmon, "urging him to cease acts of domestic and transnational repression against political opponents and religious minorities," noting specifically "the issuance of Interpol red notices to forcibly repatriate dissidents." Tajikistan has not publicly responded to the letter. On October 20, Ahmedov was incarcerated again, this time in a deportation center. The reason for his detention, according to Ataeva, was his violation of an order governing his freedom of movement, which prevented him from entering the metropolitan area of Paris. French police were at the time conducting security checks in the wake of massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations being held in the capital. The suspicions of the French authorities regarding Ahmedov remain classified, and his lawyer Lucie Simon has been unable to gain access to his case. Ataeva remains convinced that "there is nothing in their investigation -- they were just waiting for him to slip up so that they could deport him." In a blog post published on November 23, Simon wrote that the extradition had violated two two interventions by the European Court of Human Rights that stressed the dangers facing Ahmedov in the event of his deportation to Uzbekistan. That French authorities acted as rapidly as they did, in total contravention of the European court's decisions, represented "a turning point in migration policy," Simon argued. Even more shocking are allegations from Simon that French authorities have not yet responded to a complaint that Ahmedov was on November 7 choked with a cloth by guards in the deportation center, apparently after he complained about conditions in his cell. His deportation process on November 14 took less than five hours, according to Simon. A representative of the Interior Ministry subsequently told the Administrative Court of Paris that the expedited process was justified in the context of the fatal mass-stabbing attack at a school in Arras, northern France, in October, and the calls by the Palestinian group Hamas -- designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union -- for "days of anger" amid its war with Israel. "[Ahmedov] has never been convicted of acts of terrorism or even indicted. He knows neither Hamas nor the attacker of Arras. But dressing up political discourse with fear is the best way to trample our freedoms in the name of an illusory security," Simon wrote in her blog post. Four days after the United States again saved Israel from a binding resolution at the U.N. calling for a ceasefire, the differences between the two allies over the war in Gaza have been laid bare for the first time since the conflict began on October 7. The rift in relations, which had previously been contained behind closed doors, was made public by both President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This Tuesday, in Washington, Biden said that Netanyahu must change his hard-line government because it is the most conservative in Israels history and it is making it very difficult for [the prime minister] to move because his government doesnt want a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. You cannot say no [to a] Palestinian state Thats going to be the hard part, the U.S. president added. Biden also warned that Israel is starting to lose support over its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, which have killed more than 18,000 people, more than two-thirds of them children and women. Israels security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place, Biden said at a re-election fundraising event. The remarks were, by far, Bidens harshest words on the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Until now, the U.S. president had limited himself to reiterating that Israel has the right and obligation to finish off Hamas to ensure that an attack like the one that took place on October 7 which left 1,200 people dead and over 200 kidnapped can never occur again. Thus, Biden had closed ranks around Netanyahu in a way that stood out, especially considering previous tensions between the two leaders, mainly over the prime ministers controversial judicial reform. Shortly before Biden spoke, Netanyahu had already publicly acknowledged that Tel Aviv and Washington are not completely on the same page. The prime minister issued an unprecedented statement in which it conceded that while Israel had received full backing from the U.S. for its ground incursion into Gaza, there is disagreement about the day after Hamas, i.e., who will fill the power vacuum that will be left after the Palestinian militia is overthrown. Netanyahu also said in Tuesdays statement he would not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo, the 1990s peace accords that created the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of negotiations for the creation of a potential Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Repeating the mistake of Oslo would consist of leaving the administration of Gaza in the hands of the PA, as it would be entitled to do under these agreements. Netanyahu opposed Oslo at the time, but ended up signing agreements to implement it after winning the 1996 elections, a year after a radical Israeli ultranationalist assassinated Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister who sealed the pact with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The PA has not been in Gaza since 2007. It was expelled by Hamas forces at a time of particular rivalry with Fatah, the faction that forms the backbone of the PA government in the West Bank and which is led by President Mahmoud Abbas. The Islamists considered that he was part of an international plot to annul their electoral victory a year earlier. The two territories have since been left with parallel governments, each claiming to be legitimate and signing their documents as the PA. The international community boycotted the Gaza government and maintained Abbass government in the West Bank as a valid interlocutor. Now, the White House wants the PA to return to Gaza after the war, but Netanyahu objects. I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism, Netanyahu said. The prime ministers remarks echo a widespread idea among those opposed to a peace agreement: that Palestinian violence is not linked to the Israeli military occupation, but rather it is nourished by an education based on hatred of Jews and by the financial support received by the families of martyrs (those killed in the conflict with Israel, regardless of whether they were armed actors or not), who motivate others to join in the resistance. Netanyahu concludes the communique with another idea Gaza will be neither Hamas-stan nor Fatah-stan often advocated by the far-right members of his coalition government: the minimization of the differences between the two factions. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has gone so far as to say that Hamas is an asset and the PNA, a burden, because no one expects Israel to negotiate peace with the former, but it does with the latter. The United States and the rest of the international community advocate instead strengthening the moderates, such as Abbas, against the extremists (Hamas). In complaining about the Israeli government, Biden actually mentioned by name another controversial ultranationalist minister: Itamar Ben Gvir. The scuffle comes as Bidens National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, prepares to visit the region. At a forum organized by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Sullivan assured that in his meetings with Israeli authorities he will address how much longer the conflict could last. On the verge of collapse Even though Israel assures that Hamas is nearly wiped out, Israeli forces have implied that the current phase of the war with intense attacks by land, sea and air will continue for at least several weeks. Hamas is on the verge of collapse, Israels Defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said Monday night, even as heavy fighting rages on fronts across the Gaza Strip. The southern city of Khan Yunis is currently the scene of an intense battle that will keep the troops occupied for three to four weeks, according to a senior defense official quoted by the local press. Moreover, sources add, a similar period of time would be needed to complete the war against Hamas. There are tens of thousands of Israeli army troops currently inside the Gaza Strip. Military spokesmen announce daily small achievements: the destruction of tunnels, the seizure of weapons and ammunition, and the death of some Hamas members. But none of the militias top leaders have been killed, despite 67 days of relentless bombardment. Israel announced Tuesday that 13 of its military personnel were killed in Gaza by friendly fire. Thats more than 10% of the 104 Israeli soldiers that have been killed since the Gaza ground incursion began in late October. Guillermo Pulido, defense security analyst for the Ejercitos (Armies) magazine, believes Israel has suffered few casualties in its ranks, given the intensity of the operation over more than two months. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition More than 6,000 kilometers from Tehran, in treacherous waters off the shores of Singapore, a "dark fleet" of oil tankers waits to offload the precious cargo that helps keep Iran's economy afloat -- a dependency that could also sink it. The fleet has grown steadily over the past five years, delivering Iranian crude to China as the countries work in concert to circumvent international sanctions that target Tehran's lucrative oil exports. But while the clandestine trade has buoyed Iran's budget, it also comes at tremendous cost and risk to Tehran. Iran gives China a hefty discount to take its banned oil, taking 12 to 15 percent off the price of each barrel to make it worthwhile for Beijing to take on the liability of skirting sanctions, according to research by the data analysis unit of RFE/RL's Radio Farda. Additional costs add up as well: ship-to-ship operations to offload the oil, middlemen, hidden-money transfers, and rebranding the oil to mask its Iranian origin and make it appear to come from a third country, said Dalga Khatinoglu, an expert on Iranian energy issues. Altogether, said Khatinoglu, who contributes to Radio Farda's data analysis unit, Iran's budget figures and official statements indicate that 30 percent of the country's potential oil revenue was wasted last year. And with the draft budget for the next fiscal year currently being debated by the Iranian parliament, there are no guarantees that Tehran's bet on quenching China's thirst for oil will continue to be a panacea. With Iran almost entirely dependent on Beijing to take its oil and on other entities to facilitate the trade, Tehran has managed to inject desperately needed revenue into its economy. But Iran has also put itself at risk of seeing its main revenue stream dry up. "There's definitely an extent to which Tehran has become more dependent on the likes of China or those who would be willing to deal with Iran in spite of Western sanctions," said Spencer Vuksic, a director of the consultancy firm Castellum, which closely tracks international sanctions regimes. Vuksic said Iran is "definitely put in a weak position by having to depend on a single external partner who's willing to deal with and engage with Tehran." Oily Deficit Iran has trumpeted its foreign trade, claiming in December that oil revenue had contributed to a positive trade balance for the first eight months of the year. But the oil and gas sector, by far the largest part of the Iranian economy, will not be enough to save the current budget of around $45 billion that was approved last year. The Iranian fiscal year, which follows the Persian calendar and will end in March, is expected to result in a major deficit. In presenting the draft budget to parliament in December, President Ebrahim Raisi acknowledged a $10 billion deficit. But the shortfall could be much higher -- up to $13.5 billion, the largest in Iran's history -- by the end of the fiscal year, according to Radio Farda. This is because data shows that just half of the expected oil revenues were realized, in part due to lower than expected oil prices and additional costs and discounts related to Tehran's oil trade with China. Whereas the budget expectations were based on oil being sold at $85 per barrel, the price of crude dipped below $75 per barrel in December and has fluctuated wildly recently amid concerns that tensions in the Middle East could disrupt shipping and production. And while Iran expected to export 1.5 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), it exported only 1.2 million bpd in the first eight months of the year, according to Radio Farda. Altogether, Radio Farda estimates that Iran lost some $15 million per day in potential revenue through its trade with China, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the Iranian budget. For the upcoming budget of about $49 billion, expectations for domestic and foreign oil revenue have dipped by 3 percent, according to Khatinoglu, even as the projected budget itself has risen by about 18 percent. Accounting for the fluctuation of global oil prices, which fell far short of the average estimated for the current year, the peg has been lowered to $71 per barrel. Tehran is also expecting lower oil-export volumes -- which only briefly met forecasts of 1.5 million bpd, the highest levels seen since 2018 -- with only 1.35 million bpd forecast. Iran is reportedly expected to plug the gap left by the lower oil revenue by increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses, while Khatinoglu says Tehran will try to boost revenue by raising domestic energy prices. Shipping Competition Adding to the uncertainty of Iran's finances is the potential for weaker Chinese demand for its oil and competition from Russia which, like Tehran, sends banned oil to Beijing. And international sanctions are continuously evolving to punish countries and entities that foster Iran's illegal oil trade, threatening to capsize the dark fleet that helps sustain Tehran's so-called resistance economy. On the other hand, the mercurial nature of oil price fluctuations and demand could work to Iran's advantage. With Venezuelan oil no longer under sanctions, Russia is left as the only competitor for clandestine oil sales to China. And Iran's capacity to export oil is greater than ever, allowing it to more easily sell its oil to Beijing when demand is high. This is largely due to the considerable expansion of the global "dark fleet" of oil since crippling U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports were restored after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal that has been agreed with six world powers. The deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's controversial nuclear program. After the deal went into effect in January 2016, Iran more than doubled its legal oil exports in a few months, eventually reaching a high of 1.54 million bpd in 2018. But with the U.S. withdrawal from the deal and subsequent reintroduction of sanctions that year, Iranian oil exports plummeted. And after the exceptions granted to a handful of countries -- including China -- that were allowed to continue to import Iranian oil expired in 2019, Iranian oil exports slowed to a trickle. This was partly because Iran was not equipped to export its oil and had no immediate customers willing to defy the sanctions. But that changed with the fine-tuning of Irans efforts to defy sanctions, the fivefold rise in the number of dark-fleet tankers, and China's willingness to take the risk of doing business with Tehran -- although Beijing has not acknowledged unregistered imports of Iranian oil. Today the dark fleet of often aging ships -- nearly half of them VLCCs (very large crude carriers) -- has risen to up to 1,000 vessels, according to Vortexa, which tracks international shipping. Many smaller ships are involved in Russian oil exports, which account for about 80 percent of all opaque tanker activity. But Iran had access to nearly 200 tankers, many of them supertankers, as of early 2023, according to Vortexa. More than 20 ships, 13 of them VLCCs, joined the Iranian fleet in 2023, Vortexa reported in June, contributing to record-high Iranian oil exports under sanctions. Vortexa attributed the rise to increased Chinese demand, the addition of the new tankers to shuttle Iranian oil after many had switched to shipping Russian oil, and the decline of Iranian inventories drawn down to boost exports amid heightened competition with Russia for the Chinese market. While Chinese demand for Iranian oil slowed in October, Vortexa noted in a subsequent report, Washingtons removal of oil sanctions on Venezuela that month opened the possibility of higher demand for Iranian oil. Uncertain Waters In an October report, the global trade intelligence firm Kpler explained that tankers illegally shipping Iranian oil commonly "go dark" upon entering the Persian Gulf by turning off their transponders, technically known as the automatic identification system (AIS). After visiting Iran's main oil terminal on Kharg Island or other ports, they then reemerge after a few days indicating they are carrying a full load. From there, the ships offload the oil with ship-to-ship transfers that take place in unauthorized zones, mostly in the Singapore Straits. Eventually the oil, rebranded as coming from Malaysia or Middle Eastern countries, enters China, where it is processed by more than 40 independent "teapot" refiners that have little exposure to international sanctions or the global financial system. Sanctions Revisited The challenge for those trying to halt the illicit trade in Iranian oil as a way to hold Tehran accountable for its secretive nuclear activities and dire human rights record, is how to make the negatives of dealing with Iran greater than the financial benefits. That has put the illicit seaborne trade of oil -- both Iranian and Russian, owing to the ongoing war in Ukraine -- under greater scrutiny by the international community. "There's continuous refining of the sanctions programs to include and expand sanctions against those involved in evasion, and that includes sanctioning so-called dark fleets," said Castellums Vuksic, noting that the number of targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities rose by more than 1,000 last year. The big question is enforcement, an issue that is being debated in the United States and other countries and is leading to increased calls for countries like Panama to de-flag illegal tankers and for countries to clamp down on dark-fleet ships anchored off their shores. "My expectation is that governments, including the United States, will take action against these dark fleets, especially the facilitators and the [ship] owners when they're identified," Vuksic told RFE/RL. Other factors, including concerns about the impact of a broader Middle East conflict potentially involving Iran, could also hurt or help Iran's financial standing. As Kpler noted while reporting that Chinese imports of Iranian oil had dropped significantly in October, the changing global landscape can have a big effect on the independent Shandong-base refineries that purchase Iranian oil. "Middle East tensions/threat of stricter enforcement of U.S. sanctions may have turned Shandong refiners more risk-adverse," the global trade intelligence firm wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. In the past week, supply fears also exposed the volatility of global crude prices, potentially to Iran's benefit. Oil prices rose sharply on January 2 on news that Iran had sent a frigate to the Red Sea and was rejecting calls to end support for attacks by Tehran-backed Huthi rebels that have disrupted shipping in the important trade route. Prices surged again following the deadly January 3 bombing attack in Iran, for which the Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility. But the week ended with questions about the future of Iran's cut-rate deal with the only country willing to help prop up its economy, with Reuters reporting that China's oil trade with Iran had stalled after Tehran withheld supplies and demanded higher prices. The security chiefs of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan say the two Central Asian nations have preliminarily agreed on more than 90 percent of the border between the two former Soviet republics during negotiations held in Kyrgyzstan's southern region of Batken. The chief of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, and his Tajik counterpart, Saimumin Yatimov, said on December 12 that talks on the remaining disputed segments of the border will continue. On December 11, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed hope that talks on border issues will be completed by the spring of 2024. Last week, officials of the two nations said they agreed on another 24 kilometers of the border after talks were held in Tajikistans northern town of Buston, near the Kyrgyz border. The delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border has been an issue for decades but turned into an extremely urgent problem in recent years after several deadly clashes took place along disputed segments of the frontier. In spring 2021, an armed conflict along one segment of the border left 36 Kyrgyz nationals, including two children, dead and 154 injured on the Kyrgyz side. Tajik authorities officially said that 19 Tajik citizens were killed and 87 were injured during the clashes. However, local residents told RFE/RLs Tajik Service at the time that the number of people killed during the clashes was much higher. In all, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is 972 kilometers, the most of which have now been agreed upon. Many border areas in Central Asian former Soviet republics have been disputed since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan meet. Tensions in those areas have led to clashes between local residents and border guards of the three countries. A center has opened near Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina to care for aging residents who lost family members in the 1995 genocide in the town. So far, eight women and one man, all older than 80, are using the center. Over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces during the massacre. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on December 12 in a last-ditch effort to press for more military aid that experts say is crucial for the nation's survival. The Biden administration is urging Congress to approve a spending bill this week that includes more than $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. Biden said he had called on lawmakers to "do the right thing," while Zelenskiy tried to reassure Biden and Congress the massive aid package would be put to good use, stating that Ukraine's army is still strong and efforts to combat corruption are moving ahead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said after a surprise visit to Norway on December 13 that it was an honor to address the Norwegian parliament and people for the second time. Zelenskiy said his address -- this time in person -- was "not just about sending the right signal to Moscow" that Ukraine wont be abandoned but was about "sending the right signal to our people, our soldiers, and everyone in Ukraine who is fighting and working for freedom." Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. He noted in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Norway was the first country to approve a long-term support program for Ukraine, setting an example for other nations. He also said a Ukraine-Northern European summit on December 13 affirmed that support for Ukraine is becoming long-term, calling it "a huge step" and "vital" to motivate people, not only in Ukraine. "The 21st century should not be a period in which dictators triumph. And it wont be," he said. Zelenskiy made the unscheduled stop in Norway on his way home from the United States, warning that Ukraine can't successfully repel Russia's invasion without the West's help. "You can't win without help. But you can't lose, because all you have is your country," Zelenskiy said at a joint news conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere in Oslo. "Today we talked and will talk about such specific things that can save thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives, as well as increasing pressure on the aggressor," Zelenskiy told reporters. Stoere announced a 3 billion-krone ($273 million) disbursement for Kyiv, which is part of a larger, 75 billion-krone aid package over five years. "Norway will continue to support Ukraine's fight to defend itself. We are providing targeted, long-term support to assist Ukraine in its battle for freedom and democracy," Stoere said in a statement. "Ukraine's efforts are important to safeguarding freedom and security here in Norway as well." Zelenskiy, whose trip came as Russia launched another missile attack on Kyiv early on December 13, wounding dozens of people, including children, arrived in Norway straight after meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers in Washington to make the case for continued U.S. military support for his embattled country. While Biden continued to stand behind Ukraine and said he would keep pushing for congressional support, many Republican lawmakers who met with the Ukrainian leader appeared unmoved by his pleas for aid. While Republicans say they support Ukraine, they have tied any funding bill to increased security at the U.S. southern border with Mexico. WATCH: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on December 12 in a last-ditch effort to press for more military aid that experts say is crucial for the nation's survival. Amid the stalemate between the White House and Congress, Zelenskiy left the United States with little sign of a bipartisan deal anytime soon that will keep money flowing from Washington to Kyiv. Top Biden administration officials worked on December 13 on a last-minute deal by agreeing to Senate Republican demands to bolster U.S.-Mexico border policies to cut crossings, but Congress prepared to depart Washington on December 14 with the impasse unresolved. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was expected to resume talks with Senate negotiators even as advocates for immigrants and members of Biden's own Democratic Party fretted about the policies under discussion. Some demonstrated at the Capitol, warning of a return to the hard-line border and immigration policies of the Trump era. From Oslo, Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram that he and Biden would work to step up the number of air-defense systems for Ukraine to repel attacks such as the one on Kyiv. "Ten ballistic missiles. All shot down!" Zelenskiy wrote, referring to the number of missiles destroyed by Ukraine's air defense, adding, "Just yesterday President Biden and I agreed to work on increasing the number of air defense systems in Ukraine, the terrorist country (Russia) demonstrated how important this decision is." "We will continue to work on building up our defense capabilities. And we already have new powerful agreements," he wrote. Later on December 13, Zelenskiy joined Stoere, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for the Nordic summit. Zelenskiy's trip to Norway came ahead of a crucial EU summit on December 14-15 where the bloc is to discuss opening membership negotiations with Kyiv as well as a massive financial aid package amid strong opposition to both measures from EU member Hungary, whose right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest European friend. The European Union executive on December 13 unlocked Budapest's access to 10 billion euros ($10.7 billion) of funding previously frozen over concerns Orban had damaged democratic checks and balances. Around 21 billion euros in further EU subsidies and COVID-19 recovery aid remain blocked as other reforms are still unaddressed, the European Commission said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier on December 13 told the European Parliament that the EU "must give Ukraine what it needs to be strong today so it can be stronger tomorrow at the table when it is negotiating a long-lasting and just peace." She told MEPs that Ukraine was "not only fighting against the invader, but for Europe, and joining our family will be Ukraine's ultimate victory. And for this, we have a decisive role to play." On December 12, Biden and Zelenskiy displayed their close relationship even as the U.S. president struggled to convince opposition Republicans of the need to further aid Kyiv. Biden has urged the U.S. Congress to pass a supplemental budget bill containing billions of dollars in additional aid for Ukraine, saying it was the best way to assure Kyivs eventual triumph in the war. Zelenskiy also met with U.S. senators and had private talks with House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose Republican colleagues have blocked a bill that includes tens of billions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine. Following that meeting, Johnson maintained his opposition to further aid for Ukraine, telling reporters that "what the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win, and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed." With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has assured his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymir Zelenskiy, on Tuesday that not renewing aid to Ukraine would represent the greatest Christmas gift for the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy has been in Washington since Monday to attempt what seems an almost impossible mission: try to persuade the U.S. Congress to approve, in the little that remains of the year, new funds to help his country in the war against Russia. He faces two colossal obstacles: the lack of time parliamentarians are scheduled to adjourn for the vacations this Friday and the lack of interest among the Republican party which insists on linking such assistance to tougher measures on the border with Mexico. His early morning visit to Capitol Hill, his third in a year, underscored how the political climate in Congress has changed over the past 12 months. In December of last year, when Democrats still controlled both chambers, he was greeted as a hero and delivered a speech to both chambers with lawmakers on their feet. Now, he was holding a closed-door meeting with senators some of the Republicans had hinted that they would not assist and would not meet with House members, except for House Speaker Mike Johnson and highest-ranking Democrat Hakeem Jeffries. The White House has asked Congress for $61.4 billion in funding for military and economic aid to Ukraine. But Republican lawmakers, who have controlled the House of Representatives since January, have blocked every request for assistance since September. The House insists on making assistance to the invaded country conditional on Democrats approving a tightening of border control and the asylum application system, given the increased flow of migrants in the last two years. These demands have nothing to do with the war. Zelenskiy can do nothing about them, but still they complicate, and very much so, his outlook for the fighting. For the Ukrainian president, continuing to receive U.S. aid is essential. It has been so since the beginning of the Russian invasion: Washington has already contributed more than $100 billion to the war effort. But now, Zelenskiy needs the help more than ever. Russian troops have relaunched their offensive and are advancing in the east of the country, while Ukraine continues to suffer the tens of thousands of casualties in two years of war and the heavy blow the conflict has dealt to its economy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walks through the House side of the US Capitol after meeting with Senate leaders in Washington, 12 December 2023. JIM LO SCALZO (EFE) Some of the Republican lawmakers even criticized Zelenskiys mere presence on Capitol Hill. Ohio Senator JD Vance, from the hard-line wing of conservatives, had described the visit as a pressure measure to make them feel guilty and declared himself offended. After the session with the senators, the tone of the reactions depended on the party to which the respondents belonged. Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Charles Schumer one of the strongest advocates of backing Ukraine described the meeting as very powerful. President Zelenskiy made it so clear how he needs help, but if he gets the help, he can win this war. Jeffries, for his part, stated: We also talked about values, and the fact that were standing together with the people of Ukraine, because were standing up for democracy. Were standing up for freedom. Were standing up for truth. Were standing up for good versus evil. Criticism from Republicans On the other side of the political spectrum, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican, stressed: We definitely want to help them. Theres no doubt. We just have to have a serious border deal. Other Republican legislators, such as Lindsey Graham, from Georgia, called on Biden to be the one to go to the Capitol and negotiate on immigration. The Republican position has been hardening significantly over the past year. Throughout the first half of it, opposition to helping Ukraine was only raised among some congress-members from the hard wing of the party. The Senate was almost unanimous, both in the Democratic and Republican groups, in its solidarity with the invaded country. But budget frictions have been increasing between the two parties, and with them, Republican demands for spending restraint. The resistance to granting more funds to the war effort has ceased to be something unique to the most right-wing Republican faction, and has spread to the moderates too. They consider that what was sent for their approval does not have sufficient transparency, that the contribution made so far has already been sufficient, and that these funds should be used for other causes on American soil. To this, the White House has responded saying that this money is not actually sent to Ukraine, but is used to purchase weapons and it is the US Defense companies that receive it. What the Biden Administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars, with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win and none of the answers that I thinkthe American people are owed, Johnson noted after his meeting with Zelenskiy. Now, even Republican lawmakers who do support aid to Ukraine, which they see as key in the fight against Putins autocracy, insist that stronger measures against illegal immigration must be put in place. With entrenched positions, and deep divisions between the two parties on immigration reform - an issue on which they have been unable to agree for the past three decades - it seems unlikely that lawmakers will be able to reach an agreement before the start of the holiday legislative recess. Parliamentarians could opt to delay the vacations, although with no prospect of a deal on the horizon that option is not currently on the table. US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House on December 12, 2023. MANDEL NGAN (AFP) The White House continues its against-the-clock lobbying campaign to win the approval of lawmakers. Among its arguments, and those of Zelenskiy, it argues that the big beneficiary of the United States withdrawing its support for Ukraine will be Putin. White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson noted that Russia seems to believe that a military stalemate over the winter will undermine support for Ukraine and give Moscow the upper hand. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition South Sudans Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of cholera in Renk, a city in the far north of the country that is suffering a humanitarian crisis amidst the thousands of people from Sudan who have been displaced since war broke out last April. Sudan has been struggling against an outbreak of the diarrheal disease since September 26 and to date has documented 4,000 cases and 130 deaths. The public is advised not to panic, as measures have been put in place to respond to this threat, the ministry has announced. Nonetheless, in Renk, general sentiment is very different, as described via WhatsApp by Atsuhiko Ochiai, coordinator of a Doctors Without Borders (DWB) clinic located in the Zero settlement of Renk, which has more than 3,500 residents. [The situation] is getting worse. More people come from Sudan all the time and the water, latrines, food, plastic sheets, hygiene kits, etcetera, are just not enough. Open-air defecation is common, he warns. Doctor Ochiais fears are due to a minimal health infrastructure. More than 400,000 people have crossed the border in the last eight months. They arrive in impoverished conditions, without money, without a home in which to stay, with no hope of feeding or cleaning themselves or accessing any service beyond what meager humanitarian aid they can obtain. Thats because all the most important United Nations agencies and nonprofits are present in Renk, but the funds available to help the population are not sufficient: only 32% of the more than 225 million euros required by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) have been covered. At the Renk Transit Center, which has a capacity of 3,000 people, there are more than 16,000 current residents, and the roads that connect this out-of-the-way corner to the rest of the country are waterlogged by floods caused by end-of-summer rains. A woman cares for her son, who has been admitted to the hospital in Renk, northern South Sudan. Ala Kheir (UNHCR) Cholera presents a public health problem in 47 of the worlds poorest countries, where between 1.3 and four million cases are registered annually. The illness is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, which provokesd intense diarrhea, up to 20 liters a day, which can kill a person within four hours. With adequate treatment rehydration and antibiotics in the most severe of case s the death rate does not rise above 1%, but without it, it can soar to 50%. Renks risk lies in the fact that this bacillus is transmitted through contact with contaminated foods and liquids, in conditions of overcrowding and lack of safe access to water and sanitation. This is precisely the scenario in the far north of South Sudan. If the region was already living in poverty and had been punished by nearly a decade of violence caused by internal conflicts, with 74% of the population in need of humanitarian aid, the waves of Sudanese and South Sudanese returnees from the new war have only worsened the situation. The cholera patient identified at the transit center, a 38-year-old man who had recently crossed the border between the two states, has recovered. For the time being, no other positive cases have been reported. But the fear of new cases is very present. When community-wide transmission of cholera happens in Renk, it will be catastrophic, Ochiai predicts. Doctor Francisco Luquero is the head of the team responsible for high-risk epidemic programs at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and was in South Sudan during the 2014-2017 outbreak that affected more than 28,000 people. The doctor explains that since 2019 there have been hardly any cases, and those that have appeared have been very mild thanks to the countrys efforts to control the previous outbreak and the prevention campaigns that have been orchestrated We know that in these scenarios there is a high risk of transmission and that in these areas it is difficult to provide adequate treatment, so there is concern, he says over the phone. With Sudans outbreak in mind, World Health Organization (WHO) mechanisms have been activated to avoid choleras arrival. These mainly involve the promotion of personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, raising awareness in communities, and distributing hygiene supplies to 3,000 households, including domestic items for transporting water like disinfectants and purifiers. But such measures are nearly impossible to implement when there are thousands of people sleeping outdoors, on muddy ground where rainwater stagnates and forms putrid puddles, and where there is no sewage system or toilets. Water stagnates between tents where thousands of refugees survive in Renk. Ala Kheir A month before cholera had its opening act, fears were already present. In Zeros mobile clinic, doctor Ferida Manoah hardly had time for a break: many small patients required her attention. Patients like Nya, Marias daughter. The little girl, at just over a year old, was due for a medical check-up. Her mother brought her to the health center, accessible only by a long row of sandbags that had been placed over the stagnant water. Since she was apparently healthy, Maria only received some tips on nutrition and hygiene. Above all, the latter. We have a large number of diarrhea cases and weve suspected the presence of typhus, but we arent able to test, said Mahoah. Before the cholera outbreak, diarrhea was the third leading cause of mortality in Renk, after malaria and pneumonia. A simple, but elusive remedy The plan to address cholera begins with giving specific information to all health staff and community workers on how to inform authorities if they detect a suspicious case. Until there is confirmation, an outbreak is not announced, but independent of test results, its very important to provide treatment to patients to avoid death by dehydration. Blocking the entrance of the illness at the border would be ideal, but in practice that turns out to be nearly impossible. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has health stations open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., which means that for 10 hours a day there is no one available to test. Not to mention, with 2,000 to 3,000 people crossing every day, even if the stations were open 24 hours, it would be very difficult to evaluate everyone who passes through. Drinking water station in the field of Joda, where thousands of people wait weeks to be transported to the Renk Transit Center in South Sudan. Lola Hierro Luquero thinks that prevention at the border is not realistic because similar to people affected by Covid-19, a patient can be contagious and also asymptomatic, something that occurs in 80% of cases. Nonetheless, for him it is super necessary to replenish kits to treat the sick, because rehydration saves lives. The GAVI leader trusts in the skills South Sudan showed in the past thanks to its prevention strategy. South Sudan has taken a lot of initiative in vaccination, reactive as well as preventative, he says. They have implemented various campaigns and since 2019, received more than three million doses through the Global Task Force on Cholera Control. Its true that its a very fragile country, but its also a case in which theyve been able to successfully control a national outbreak, he says. Immunization campaigns, however, have not yet arrived to Renk. Luquero thinks it would be best to solicit them as soon as possible from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, which is in charge of emergency requests. Its one method that can be used to access the doses more quickly, linked to the humanitarian crisis in the north, without having to make a global vaccination plan, he says. What we need to do is to make a good epidemiological assessment as quickly as possible and, based on that, send the vaccine request as quickly as possible. And I emphasize speed. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Fiona Magennis The company that produced the carpet tiles used on the walls of the Stardust nightclub did not recommend they be used on walls and sold them off as a job lot because they were being discontinued, an inquest has heard. Graham Whitehead, the Company Secretary for the UK based Illingsworth and Company Limited, who supplied the Stateroom tiles used on the walls of the Stardust nightclub, told the 1981 Tribunal of Inquiry before Mr Justice Ronan Keane that the company had never advertised the tiles for use on walls. We could not stop it being done but we have not recommended it, he said. Extracts of Mr Whiteheads evidence to the tribunal were read into the record on Tuesday at Dublin District Coroners Court by Mark Tottenham BL, a member of the coroners legal team, as he is unavailable to give evidence to the inquest. Mr Whitehead said that this particular tile, the Stateroom tile, was coming to the end of its life and the company was selling it off as there was another tile on the market to take its place. He told the tribunal that this was reflected in the price. The tribunal heard the original price of the tile was one pound 28p, but it was sold off at 75p per tile. The inquest has already heard that, during the 1981 inquiry, evidence was given that the carpet tiles were the most substantial contributor to the spread of the fire. It heard that a surface spread of flame test was carried out and these tiles were found to be of Class 4 rating, not Class 1 as required. Evidence The jury has also heard evidence that in his statement, Declan Conway, a sales representative for the company that provided the carpet tiles for the Stardust, said that he spoke to Stardust manager Eamon Butterly, who requested that Mr Conway obtain a fire certificate from the manufacturer of the tiles. Mr Conway said he was able to get the certificate that met the British standard specification. In his evidence to the tribunal, Mr Whitehead said the company would never issue a fire certificate as we are not an appropriate body to issue one. The company secretary said the document sent to Mr Conway was not a fire certificate but was for information. He confirmed to counsel at the inquiry that his company did not know for what purpose it was to be used when it was sent. Mr Whitehead said he was Company Secretary and Financial Controller for Illingsworth Ltd, based in Bradford, and had worked at the company for seven years. He confirmed that the company had supplied several orders of tiles to Bernard McLoughlin Ltd, an agent working for them Ireland, who had a salesman called Declan Conway working for him. He confirmed that an order for carpet tiles known as Stateroom tiles was placed in January or February 1978. He said the order was initially passed through credit control for processing on January 24th, 1978. He said he had traced a letter addressed to Mr Conway dated 26th January which referred to the results of a flammability test the salesman had recently requested. Mr Whitehead said the document enclosed referenced flammability on carpet tiles laid on floors and came from their laboratory. He said this was a standard document circulated amongst the companys customers upon request. Asked what the function of the document was, Mr Whitehead said: This is to help architects to establish fire worthiness of carpet tiles. Mr Whitehead went on to tell the inquiry that he had never been in the Stardust ballroom and said it was completely incorrect that he had attended the opening night of the club. In his testimony, the company secretary also said tiles had been displayed on the walls of one of their showrooms but this was only for show purposes. He said the company did not produce carpet tiles for use on walls. The Stateroom tiles supplied were normal, domestic, tufted carpet tile, he added. Asked to express an opinion as to whether the tiles would be suitable for use on the wall or not, Mr Whitehead said he had asked his companys technical department about this, and they had said that under no circumstances would we recommend these tiles for wall covering. Mr Whitehead also told the tribunal that this particular tile had reached the end of its life and the company was jobbing it off. They had another tile on the market to take its place, he said. Asked whether the fact that the company was selling these tiles off was reflected in the price, Mr Whitehead confirmed that it was. In response to questioning, Mr Whitehead said he was not aware of any other premises where carpet tile was used as a wall covering. He confirmed the first order for the Stateroom tiles passed through credit control on January 24th, 1978 and this was for a total of 2,899 tiles. Mr Whitehead confirmed he had read a transcript of previous evidence where it was suggested that he knew carpet tiles were going on the walls of the Stardust. This is perfectly untrue, I did not know, he said. When asked if what was supplied was the remnants of what was left of the Stateroom tile, Mr Whitehead said Id assume so. He said the tiles went out at one pound 28p and this was subsequently reduced to 75p net. 'Job lot' He confirmed the order was a job lot and he was giving it at a reduced price. Asked if this was the biggest sale of carpet tile his company had received in Ireland Mr Whitehead said he didnt know. Pressed as to whether it was far and away the biggest single order received, the company secretary said he would assume it would be but would have to check. He said he did not know what the total value of the order was. Mr Whitehead confirmed the company did not recommend that their products be used on walls. We have never advertised, throughout my investigations and my discussions with other people, we have never recommended. We could not stop it being done but we have not recommended it. In our particular rooms we have a wall in our display where it is shown, tiles on walls and on waterfalls and stands but it is publicity material, he said. Most carpet people you go into a showroom they have a carpet on the wall but we would never recommend that they be put on the wall other than for display purposes. I discussed this with our technical people and they said we have never had an inquiry for them to be placed on a wall and would not recommend any large area being put on the wall. Prior to Mr Whiteheads extracts being read to the inquest, Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane told the jury that the module related to the emergency response to the Stardust fire has now concluded. Later, she addressed the jury in relation to the part-heard evidence of two previous witnesses, former Stardust doormen John Furley and Gabriel ONeill. She said Mr Furley had been in the process of giving evidence and answering questions to counsel when medical reports were received, and he was permanently stood down. She told the jury he must therefore be regarded as a part-heard witness and said this was important when they come to assess the totality of the evidence heard at the inquest. She said there had been an inability to explore certain areas with the witness and she outlined to the jury a number of the areas that were left unexamined. Dr Cullinane said Mr ONeill had given some evidence to the inquest remotely and was due to return and give further evidence on a different date. She said he subsequently indicated that he was not willing to return and, in circumstances where he lives outside the jurisdiction, it is not within her jurisdiction to summonses him. She told the jury he should also be regarded as a part-heard witness. Extracts of Mr ONeills evidence to the Keane tribunal were then read to the inquest. Mr ONeill previously told the inquest he had been employed as a doorman for about a month at the time of the fatal fire. In his statements to gardai in 1981, Mr ONeill initially said that when he heard about the fire, he went to exit five, and it was free and easy to open it. However, he later said his reference to opening exit five was not correct. Mr ONeill said that when he went to the door, he saw this exit was locked, and he tried and failed to open it. He agreed with counsel at the inquiry that his statement contained gross and deliberate lies. In his garda statements, Mr ONeill also said he saw doorman Leo Doyle and Stardust manager Eamon Butterly open fire exit five from the outside. However, when this was put to him at the tribunal he said: I dont remember saying they were the ones that opened exit five. The inquest continues on Wednesday. Isabel Hayes Former solicitor Michael Lynn has told his multi-million euro theft trial of off the book loan arrangements he had with bankers, including former Irish Nationwide boss Michael Fingleton. Mr Lynn told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday that he had off the books arrangements with bankers in relation to loans, which involved Mr Fingleton having a stake in his Portuguese development and involved other bankers getting discounts on apartment purchases. Mr Lynn said he met with Mr Fingleton in the Berkeley Court Hotel in Dublin in 2006 to sign a memo of understanding in relation to the use of Irish Nationwide funds in exchange for which Mr Fingleton would have a stake in the third stage of Mr Lynn's apartment development in Portugal, called Cabanas 3. Evidence Continuing his evidence to Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, Mr Lynn said the memo of understanding, or contract, was created by a lawyer in England. The use of funds with Irish Nationwide started around 2005 with Michael Fingleton, he said, adding it was around 2004, 2005. I was introduced to him. I had various conversations with him about developments abroad. He knew Portugal fairly well and understood what I was trying to achieve. When asked if any other banker agreed to take a stake in a development, Mr Lynn said no. He named two bankers he could recall who he said received discounts in respect of apartments, including Ciaran Farrell of Permanent TSB who has given evidence at trial. The rest was all understandings in relation to the provision of funds to allow the funding of development properties abroad on the basis it would be short term money, a year or two years or three years depending on the type of development it was intended for, Mr Lynn said. He said Mr Farrell was benefitted with an artificial deposit on an apartment in Portugal, which he didn't have to pay. Mr Lynn said there would be a record of this transaction in a ledger in Portugal. He said the construction of the apartment in question never went ahead because in 2007, everything essentially collapsed. He said they tried to keep things going in Portugal as much as we could but that after Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008, we were finished. Mr Farrell has denied at trial that he received any such benefit on an apartment in Portugal. Mr Lynn said the off the book documents were in the form of emails sent to individual bankers. He said he used the email addresses associated with his property development companies, Kendar Holdings and Kendar Global. He agreed there was no other form of off the book documents, but that many conversations would have taken place. 'Cementing relationships' In relation to building relationships with bank officials, Mr Lynn said: We're talking cementing relationships, receiving money for a particular purpose, using it for a different purpose and repaying the money. 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 (NOT) guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006 and April 20th, 2007. It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS). Mr Lynn gave evidence at length on the setting up of his property development companies, Kendar Holdings Limited and its entities abroad, as well as Overseas Property Law a law company that offered advice to Irish purchasers buying property abroad with Kendar. He said that he started spending more and more time abroad engaged in his property development business. He said that in 2005, he spent about 160 to 180 days outside of Ireland, in 2006 he spent about 200-220 days abroad and that in 2007, he spent about 200 days abroad up to September of that year. In relation to his legal executive Liz Doyle, Mr Lynn said she had his authority to sign his name on a number of bank documents, including loan offers, acceptance of loan offers and undertakings. Just to be clear, that's not right, it's not correct, he said, adding this should have been done by power of attorney. But it did happen. He said Ms Doyle did not have his authority to sign his signature on Kinsella Mitchell documents the external accountants for the practice. He said he did not understand why she would say that she did. He said solicitor Fiona McAleenan, who has also given evidence at trial, took on conveyancing in the practice, particularly during a period when there was no solicitor in the practice to do conveyancing. Fiona would have seen all the post coming in, she would have seen all the things that happened, day in, day out, he said. Ms McAleenan has repeatedly told the trial she did not do any conveyancing in the firm. In relation to undertaking-only mortgages, Mr Lynn said it was unsecured. It's bridging, he said, adding that the statement of affairs provided to the banks outlining his property developments abroad provided the banks with the comfort of understanding what the money would be used for. When asked about the risk to himself, Mr Lynn replied: They knew I was a practising solicitor and I would lose my practice and my livelihood. In that regard, what happened in 2007 is precisely what would happen. In 2023, when you hear someone speaking about unsecured lending, bridging finance, facilities for assets abroad, it has to be remembered we're talking about 2004-2007, where deregulation was occurring on an unsolicited basis, he said. By deregulation, he meant the banks, the financial institutions wanted to make sure they could get the money out the door, Mr Lynn said. The more they could get out the door, the higher the value for the bank, he said. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe asked Mr Lynn: From the time of your first loan in 1998/1999 up until 2007, you gave undertakings but never registered a single mortgage in favour of the bank? I think I registered one, Mr Lynn replied. When asked if during that period any bank sought to repossess, he said: Absolutely not. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. British lawmakers have voted to support the governments plan to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda, keeping alive a policy that has angered human rights groups and cost the U.K. at least $300 million, without a single flight getting off the ground. The House of Commons voted 313-269 to approve the governments Rwanda bill in principle, sending it on for further scrutiny. It came after the government spent the day scrambling for support among hard-line Conservative lawmakers who believe the legislation is not tough enough. The result averts a defeat that would have left Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks authority shredded and his government teetering. But it tees up further wrangling in the coming weeks, with the bill facing opposition from both left and right. The bill seeks to overcome a ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court that the plan to send migrants who reach Britain across the English Channel in boats to Rwanda where they would stay permanently -- is illegal. Normally Tuesdays vote would have been a formality. Sunaks Conservatives have a substantial majority, and the last time a government bill was defeated at its first Commons vote known as second reading was in 1986. But the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill faces opposition from hard-liners on the Conservative right, who say it does not go far enough to ensure migrants who arrive in the U.K. without permission can be deported. The government was so nervous about the result that it ordered Climate Minister Graham Stuart to fly back from the COP28 summit in Dubai, where negotiations are in their final hours, for the vote. On social media, Sunak urged lawmakers to support the toughest ever anti-illegal immigration legislation. This bill will allow us to control who comes into this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. To stop the boats, we need to back this bill. The Rwanda plan is an expensive, highly controversial policy that has not, so far, sent a single person to the East African country. But it has become a totemic issue for Sunak, central to his pledge to stop the boats bringing unauthorized migrants to the U.K. across the English Channel from France. More than 29,000 people have done so this year, down from 46,000 in all of 2022. Sunak believes delivering on his promise will allow the Conservatives to close a big opinion-poll gap with the opposition Labour Party before an election that must be held in the next year. The plan has already cost the government at least 240 million pounds ($300 million) in payments to Rwanda, which agreed in 2022 to process and settle hundreds of asylum-seekers a year from the U.K. Sunak believes that will deter migrants from making the hazardous journeys and break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. The plan has faced multiple legal challenges, and last month Britains top court ruled it illegal, saying Rwanda isnt a safe destination for refugees. In response, Britain and Rwanda signed a treaty pledging to strengthen protections for migrants. Sunaks government argues that the treaty allows it to pass a law declaring Rwanda a safe destination, regardless of the Supreme Court ruling. The law, if approved by Parliament, would allow the government to disapply sections of U.K. human rights law when it comes to Rwanda-related asylum claims. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer called the bill a gimmick. Its built on sand. It isnt going to work, he said. The bill has faced criticism from centrist Conservative lawmakers concerned that it sidelines the courts. Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told lawmakers that this Parliament is sovereign, but we also have the independence of the courts and the rule of law to bear in mind. Home Secretary James Cleverly assured lawmakers that the actions that we are taking, whilst novel, whilst very much pushing at the edge of the envelope, are within the framework of international law. Human rights groups say its unworkable and unethical to send asylum-seekers to a country more than 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) away, with no hope of ever returning to the U.K. They also cite Rwandas poor human rights record, including allegations of torture and killings of government opponents. Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International U.K., called the bill an outrageous attack on the very concept of universal human rights. But legislators on the partys authoritarian wing think the legislation is too mild because it leaves migrants some legal routes to challenge deportation, both in U.K. courts and at the European Court of Human Rights. They plan to try to amend the bill to toughen it when it returns to Parliament early next year. Tuesdays victory buys Sunak some breathing space, though weeks of wrangling and more votes in Parliament lie ahead before the bill can become law. Defeat could have spurred restive colleagues, worried the party is headed for electoral defeat, to throw the dice on a change of leader. Under party rules, Sunak will face a no-confidence vote if 53 lawmakers 15% of the Conservative total call for one. Others argue that it would be disastrous to remove yet another prime minister without a national election. Sunak is the third Conservative prime minister since the last election in 2019, after the party ejected both Boris Johnson and his successor, Liz Truss. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Roscommon County councillors have supported a proposal to formally recognise the contribution to the formation of the Irish State by a Scramogue woman, who was a member of Cumann na mBan, became the first and only woman to be accepted as a female officer in the Free State Army and was also a medical doctor. At a meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Tom Crosby received the full support from his council colleagues when he presented a notice of motion calling on the council to appropriately recognise what he described as the heroic work of Scramogue native, Dr. Brigid Lyons. Cllr Crosby pointed out that Dr Lyons was a patriot hero of the Easter Week Rising and received awards for her bravery and courage. As a medical doctor attending to the injured soldiers in the GPO, the Independent councillor outlined that she was imprisoned at the time when leaders Pearse and Connolly surrendered to the British Army. She was a close colleague of Countess Markievicz. Later she was commissioned by Michael Collins to become the first and only woman to be accepted as a female officer (Medical Corps) in the Free State Army. She supported the Treaty side in Ireland and played a very significant role in the foundation of the Army Medical Corps, said the councillor. She went on to become a leading figure in the fight against tuberculosis amongst the poor in Ireland, and pioneered the BCG vaccination scheme in the 1950s which practically rid Ireland of tuberculosis. At the plenary meeting, Cllr Crosby explained that Brigid Lyons married Captain Edward Thornton in October 1925 in the Chapel of St. Kevin at the Pro-Cathedral Dublin. She survived her husbands passing during 1946 (they had no children). Outlining other historical details at the meeting, Cllr Crosby said that Dr Brigid Lyons was born in Northyard, Scramogue in 1896. She was a daughter of a farmer and noted Fenian Patrick Lyons and Margaret McGuinness. He said that the house where she was born is still standing and that it would be ideal to have it restored as a monument. The family that own it are amenable to whatever the county council feels appropriate, said Cllr Crosby. In the following years of Home Rule/World War 1, Brigid Lyons became very involved with the nationalist movement. She smuggled money, gold and guns to fund the cause. Alongside her fellow Cumann na mBan colleagues, she kept morale high with parcels, protests and letters. Brigid Lyons was one of the most active Cumann na mBan women as she sent parcels and corresponded with prisoners, he said. She rose to the rank of commandant in Cumann na mBan, and dangerously smuggled hand grenades by train to pass on to Longford IRA under the command of Sean MacEoin. Later when he was captured, she managed to contact him and take messages from him to Michael Collins. Cllr Crosby outlined that Brigid Lyons was living in Longford when she heard the news of the 1916 Easter Rising. Her uncles Frank and Joe McGuinness were serving in the Four Courts along with Padraic Pearse, James Connolly and Michael Collins. Brigid joined them in the Four Courts. Frank and Joe McGuinness were born in Cloonmore Tarmonbarry, County Roscommon in 1867 to Martin McGuinness and Rose Farrell. Frank was elected a T.D. in 1923 for the Longford Westmeath constituency. Cllr Crosby informed fellow members that Dr Brigid Lyons Thornton was buried on the 71st anniversary of the Easter Rising in Toomore Cemetery, Foxford, County Mayo alongside her husband. Members of the Western Command rendered her military honours at her burial and her coffin was draped in the tricolour. Concluding his remarks, the councillor said that very few people now would have known of this heroic great woman, and believed if it was a man, there would be many monuments in recognition. The tender process seeking to hire a contractor to refurbish Ballaghaderreen library in Dillon House opens tomorrow, (Wednesday, December 13th), local Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane has confirmed to the Roscommon Herald this evening. In a recent update, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys outlined to the Roscommon/Galway Deputy that Roscommon County Council will issue the invitation to tender for works tomorrow, Wednesday. The tender will stipulate that the successful contractor must be ready to commence works no later than March 2024, and the proposed works are scheduled as requiring 32 weeks to complete. Deputy Kerrane has urged that the timeline for works and re-opening of Ballaghaderreen Library must be strictly met. She made her comments during a meeting last Friday with the Chief Executive and Director of Services in Roscommon County Council. Speaking today, the Sinn Fein TD said:"It is absolutely essential now that planned works and the reopening date of Q4, 2024 be stuck to. The Library has been closed now for years and planned timelines for works have come and gone, the re-opening date has moved several times and it is now absolutely essential that the latest date of next year is stuck to. "As I have said to the Minister, where possible, stages of work should be sped up given how long this has taken. "I am assured by the Director of Services that the timeline will be maintained. I will continue to pursue this until the library reopens. I will also keep the public updated at every stage. "The temporary library is due to open up near SuperValu early in 2024, said Deputy Kerrane. The temporary library in leased buildings in the town will operate until essential works on the existing library in Dillon House are completed. The council recently submitted Part 8 planning permission for the change of use of a former Tusla office in the town for the temporary facility. Internal Server Error Sorry, something went wrong... Parliament Lok Sabha Security Breach Who did it? Is there Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's connection to it? Parliament Lok Sabha Security Breach News: Who did it? Who jumped into Lok Sabha chambers? Who was behind this security breach? There are a lot of questions being raised on the recent security breach in the temple of democracy. The security breach took place on the day when the unfortunate incident of the 2001 Parliament Attack took place. Is it a coincidence or a planned move? Does it have some connection with separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's threat that he issued against India? Again big questions. Before we move further, let's talk more about what happened today. Two people, carrying canisters, jumped into the Lok Sabha chambers, after which all the parliamentarians escaped. The Speaker was panicked and announced the adjournment of the House immediately. The two people have been identified as Manoranjan and Sagar. They were issued passes by the office of BJP leader Pratap Simha. Advertisement Parliament Lok Sabha Security Breach News: As and when it happened! During the live proceedings of the Lok Sabha, one person was seen leaping on the benches while the other was dangling on the visitor gallery and started spraying smoke. Both of them had gas canisters in their hands. The lower house was filled with yellow smoke, as seen in the visuals surfacing on social media. However, the two of them were overpowered by the Lok Sabha members. In the meanwhile, the Congress MP from Punjab, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, was one of the leaders who caught hold of the two men. He said, "He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-colored smoke and I took it away. This is a major security breach." The MPs present in the chamber initially thought that somebody had fallen from the visitors' gallery. As of now, the investigation has been handed over to the anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police. Both of them are being questioned by the police officials. Advertisement Two other people staged a protest outside the Parliament On the other hand, two other people - a man and a woman - were detained for protesting outside the Parliament. They were reportedly carrying cans that emitted a yellowish smoke. They were identified as Neelam (42) and Amol Shinde (25), who were detained in front of Transport Bhawan. Who did it? Is there Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's connection to it? There are so many questions being unfolded following the incident of security breach that took place at the Indian Parliament. Who did it? Still unknown. About Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's connection to it? Well, a few days ago the separatist Pannu had issued a warning against India and threatened to attack the Indian Parliament "on or before December 13." However, no connection has yet been found between the security breach incident and Pannun's threat, as of now. Security Breach Unfolds in Lok Sabha as Intruders Invade House, Release Smoke Security Breach in Lok Sabha Latest News Chaos Erupts as Unidentified Individuals Jump Barricades, Prompting Immediate Adjournment Security Breach in Lok Sabha Latest News: In a startling turn of events on Wednesday, December 13, the Lok Sabha witnessed a major security breach as intruders breached the premises, jumping into the House from the visitors' gallery during the ongoing Winter Session. The incident unfolded while proceedings were underway, prompting a swift response from security personnel. Reports indicate that two protesters were present outside the House, engaging in sloganeering. The accused individuals, responsible for the breach, have been promptly arrested, ensuring a rapid response to the security lapse. Advertisement Sansad TV visuals captured the unsettling scene, showing a man in a blue jacket leaping over benches within the Lok Sabha chamber. Rajendra Agrawal, presiding over the session, immediately adjourned proceedings in an effort to restore order and address the unfolding situation. This alarming incident coincides with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, adding an extra layer of concern to the security lapse. Yellow smoke, as seen in pictures shared by DMK MP Dr Senthilkumar, filled the House, raising questions about potential hazards posed by the intrusion. Advertisement Delhi Police identified the arrested protesters as Neelam (42) from Hisaar and Amol Shinde (25) from Latur, Maharashtra. While an official statement from the Parliament is awaited, MPs expressed shock and concern over the breach. (For More News Apart from Security Breach in Lok Sabha Latest News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) 1984 Sikh Genocide Latest News The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed the second bail plea of Rahul Sharma 1984 Sikh Genocide Latest News: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed the second bail plea of Rahul Sharma, a youth from Amritsar, arrested for allegedly making inflammatory remarks against the Sikh community. The court not only revoked the bail but also drew parallels between the controversial comments and the haunting memories of the 1984 Sikh Genocide, considering them on par with the darkest moments in Indian history. The case, registered under sections 295-A, 298, 153-A, 506, and 34 of the IPC, stems from comments made by Rahul Sharma in a video regarding the murder of Hindu leader Sudhir Suri in December 2022. In the video, he used objectionable language against the Sikh community, leading to his arrest on May 5, 2023, by the Amritsar Sadar police. Advertisement Upon filing a second bail petition, the case reached the bench of Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri. Justice Puri, in his examination of the alleged video post, drew a connection between the petitioner's remarks and the 1984 Sikh Genocide. He expressed that the purpose of such inflammatory statements on social media appeared to incite communal unrest, akin to the tragic events that transpired during the dark chapter of the Sikh Genocide. Justice Puri emphasized that the state had effectively curtailed any potential escalation of tensions resulting from such provocative statements. The court's decision to cancel bail underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to prevent any form of speech that may contribute to the disharmony within communities. (For More News Apart from 1984 Sikh Genocide Latest News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Punjab Weather Update It is pertinent to mention that the minimum temperature has been dropping day by day in Punjab. Punjab Weather Forecast Update, Fog Alert News Today: Punjab has been witnessing a slight drop in temperature for the last few days. Earlier, the cold waves gripped the state during the morning and evening but, nowadays, people are feeling cold during the afternoon as well. In the meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog at isolated places across the state. According to the information, the warning for dense fog at isolated places in Punjab has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday i,e, December 13 and 14. As per the warning issued by the IMD, the warning has been issued for December 13 and 14, and not other days in this week. Advertisement It is pertinent to mention that the minimum temperature has been dropping day by day, As compared to yesterday, December 12, a fall of -1.6 degrees Celsius in an average minimum temperature was reported on December 13. However, it was still near normal in the state. Meanwhile, the lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded in Nurmahal_KVK, Jalandhar, where the mercury level was at 4.4 degrees Celcius. Apart from Jalandhar, Chandigarh recorded 7.2 degrees Celcius, Chandigarh (Airport) recorded 8.6 degrees Celcius, Amritsar 4.7, Patiala 6.0, Pathankot 5.9, Bathinda 5.0, Faridkot 4.5, Gurdaspur 6.0, Ballowal Saunkhri 6.4, Barnala 5.1, Fatehgarh Sahib 7.2, Firozpur 6.1, Gurdaspur 5.5, Ludhiana 6.1, Moga 4.8, Mohali 8.8 and Ropar recorded 6.8-degree celcius. Considering the dense fog, that is prevailing over the state for a few days, people are advised to be cautious while driving in during the morning and evening hours. The people who drive vehicles to the office, during these hours, are advised to drive slowly. Advertisement Animal song 'Jamal Kudu': Song stuck to your head? Know the meaning of lyrics Punjabi Youth Shot Dead Latest News Philippines Shocker: Former Village Panch's Son Succumbs to Fatal Shooting While on Daily Errand Punjabi Youth Shot Dead Latest News: In a heart-wrenching incident reported from Manila, a Punjabi youth identified as Sukhchain Singh, alias Chane, fell victim to a fatal shooting, sending shockwaves through the community. The devastating event unfolded as Sukhchain and another companion from Lande village were returning from purchasing household goods in Manila last night. The Former panch of Lande village shared the sorrowful details, revealing that Sukhchain and his companion, Lakha, had ventured to the Philippines in search of livelihood. While Lakha had recently returned to the village to partake in the joyous occasion of an Akhand Path at home, Sukhchain remained in Manila. Advertisement The Assailants struck while Sukhchain and the other boy were on their way back from the market, ruthlessly firing multiple shots at Sukhchain's head, resulting in his immediate death at the scene. The other companion narrowly escaped the attack, emerging physically unharmed. The tragic incident has left the Punjabi community in shock and grief, as they grapple with the loss of a promising young life. The local authorities in Manila are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, seeking to bring the perpetrators to justice and shed light on the motives behind this brutal act. (For More News Apart from Punjabi Youth Shot Dead Latest News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Advertisement Oil extended losses on Wednesday to hover near a six-month low on demand concerns and apprehensions that the OPEC+ alliance may not comply with the supply cuts. As demand worries intensify and prices drop, it is speculated that oil producers could unwind production cuts next year and "flood the market" to fight for market share. Benchmark Brent crude futures dropped half a percent to $72.88 a barrel after touching their lowest level since late June on Tuesday amid concerns of softening demand and oversupply. WTI crude futures were down 0.4 percent at $68.34. Concerns over Chinese recovery weighed on prices in the absence of fresh stimulus measures from Beijing at the Central Economic Work Conference to revive the housing market. On the positive side, an estimated decline in U.S. crude stocks helped limit the downside in oil prices. The American Petroleum Institute late Tuesday reported an increase of nearly 600,000 barrels in U.S. crude oil inventories, against expectations of a decline of 2.6 million barrels. Official inventory data from the U.S. Information Administration (EIA) is due later in the day. The EIA in its latest short-term energy outlook report raised its forecast for supply this year by 300,000 bpd to 12.93 million bpd from its previous report. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Israels military and diplomatic fronts have become more complicated recently. The nine Israeli soldiers killed in Tuesdays ambush in the Gaza neighborhood of Shujaiya demonstrate that, in the wars third month, the Palestinian armed resistance continues to seriously battle the occupation troops. A colonel was among the victims; he is the highest-ranking military officer to lose his life in the ground incursion, with intense battles in both the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip. The ambush on Tuesday made it the worst day the Israeli army has experienced in the Palestinian enclave during the present conflict. Moreover, the attack came as Israel is openly at odds with its main ally, the United States, and losing international support, after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire, albeit in a non-binding vote. Nevertheless, Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Wednesday. Shortly before, he had commented that the country is heartbroken by the casualties it suffered a few hours earlier in Gaza, acknowledging that it has lost some of its best men. Cohen added that at the present juncture, a ceasefire would be a gift to the Hamas terrorist organization and would allow them to return and threaten the inhabitants of Israel once again. With that, he doubled down on a strategy that is increasingly being called into question. The burden of over 18,500 deaths caused by the attacks in the Gaza Strip and the growing humanitarian crisis affecting 1.8 million internally displaced persons is growing. Recent rainfall has left images of makeshift camps in the mud, further complicating the survival of a population that has fled their homes because of the bombings and does not have the necessary supplies to face the winter weather. Meanwhile, American media such as The Wall Street Journal report that Israel has already begun the operation to flood with seawater the system of the tunnels that Hamas is using to defend itself, as well as to hide over 130 hostages still being held in its custody. The effort could take weeks. Israeli soldiers prepare to enter Gaza on Wednesday. RONEN ZVULUN (REUTERS) Tuesdays ambush took place in the heart of Shujaiya, a densely populated area, where soldiers were attacked from buildings and, according to the Israeli press account, a bomb is suspected to have been detonated from there. The soldiers responded with their weapons as they split into groups, but when a rescue team arrived on the scene to assist them, a second explosion occurred. Two of the dead are Colonel Itzhak Ben Basat, 44, and Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Greenberg, 35, both commanders of the Golani Brigade, an elite corps that lost other soldiers in the same clash. Ben Basat is the highest-ranking Israeli military officer to die during the ground operation that began on October 27 and in which 115 soldiers have already lost their lives. For days, the neighborhood of Shujaiya, located in the east of Gaza City overlooking the border with Israel, has been the scene of intense clashes. With a network of alleys often inaccessible to tanks, bulldozers and armored vehicles, this is the place where Israel stumbled in 2014, during the last battle fought in the Gaza Strip. Shortly before the ambush, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had remarked to a group of military personnel that Gaza City is gradually crumbling and soon we will destroy the entire Hamas infrastructure. The day before, the minister had even remarked that Hamas is on the verge of collapse. The political and diplomatic battlefield, where the heads of government of Israel and the United States are confronting each other, runs parallel to the military scenario inside the Gaza Strip, where the army maintains its determination to wipe out the Islamist militia. The Shujaiya incident was to be expected, says Guillermo Pulido, a defense analyst with Ejercitos [Armies] magazine. He does not believe that Israel is doing badly in Gaza. That neighborhood has been one of Hamass strongholds for many years. Moreover, the layout of the neighborhood is quite problematic for offensive urban warfare and favors defensive [activities], he adds, mentioning the battle on July 20, 2014, between the same actors. On that day, Israel bombed part of the neighborhood from the air and killed dozens of civilians to save members of the Golani Brigade, who fell victim to a Hamas ambush. The U.N. resolution seeking a humanitarian ceasefire passed with 153 votes in favor, compared to 10 against and 23 abstentions. In addition to Israel and the United States, two European countries (Austria and the Czech Republic) rejected the resolution, joined by others from Latin America and Oceania and one African country (Liberia). Known territory for the Islamist militia Generally, military tactics hold that the attacker must fight with three times as many soldiers as the defending side. The Israeli troops are better equipped and armed and belong to a high-tech army, but the network of streets of the Shujaiya neighborhood, where almost 100,000 people used to live in 6 square kilometers (2.31 square miles), and the Jabaliya refugee camp are well known territory for militants, who have been waiting for the Israeli military for days or weeks for the chance to engage in a deadly ambush like the one on Tuesday. In addition, Israel faces another obstacle in Gaza: the glorification of martyrdom around the activities of Hamas members, and other Palestinian Islamist armed groups, which means that they do not see falling in battle as a loss. A Palestinian prepares food for his family at a displaced persons camp in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. MAHMUD HAMS (AFP) Despite Israels unpopularity because of thousands of civilian casualties, Pulido believes that aviation has played an important role in countering the ability of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to attack Israeli territory with rockets. He observes that, crucially, the army destroyed many launching pads after the intense missile activity that took place in the first hours of the October 7 attack. My opinion is that most of these rockets have already been destroyed by aerial bombardment, the expert notes. According to information made public by the army, during the first hours of that day alone, the Islamist militia launched some 3,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. Pulido does not believe that the militants have caused serious damage to tanks or other vehicles inside the Gaza Strip, many of which are equipped with the Trophy active protection system, which hinders the impact of the rocket launchers (RPG); the militants usually employ RPG to attack the Israeli soldiers, as shown in most of the videos recorded by Hamas. These recordings show very few fighters, who are almost always carrying out urban guerrilla tactics, the analyst adds. He believes that the ranks of the Islamists, who rarely operate in platoons anymore, have suffered serious damage in terms of both their men and their weapons and infrastructure. As for the number of deaths in proportion to the number of attacks, the military analyst believes that it is very low in Gaza, considering the 20,000 attacked targets that Israel reported two days ago. The military analyst explains that if there are 18,000 dead, there is less than one death per attack, in which more than one bomb or missile may have been used. In other contemporary battles, such as Mosul or Raqa, far more people died per attack. In Mosul, an estimated 10,000 civilians were killed and there were far fewer airstrikes. Things are not going that badly for Israel, although it is not hammering [Hamas] as fast as it was believed [they would], Pulido says. He has no doubt that, sooner or later, Hamas will lose the ability to stand up to the occupation troops, and then its men will have to blend in with the population and go underground to commit attacks to try and maintain a certain presence against the enemy. At that stage, Pulido anticipates, Israel will have to work more at the intelligence level, with arrests, extortion and torture to obtain information; according to Pulido, the Israelis have ample experience in such tasks. But with very active battle fronts in both the north and the south, that phase does not seem to be coming soon. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition President Joe Biden has warned that Israel was losing international support for its military operations targeting Hamas in Gaza. Biden's remarks, which marks Washington's unprecedented move critical of Israel, came at a Democratic donors' event in Washington Tuesday. Speaking at a Campaign Reception, Biden said that the United States, the European Union, and most of the world were supporting Israel's security operations, "But they're starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place (in Gaza)." Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, said, "He's a good friend, but I think he has to change and with this government. This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move." "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," according to him. Meanwhile, the UN's top humanitarian official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Wednesday that a ceasefire in Gaza is "the only way forward" and "in the interest of everybody" as the war there threatens peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis for years or even decades to come. Lynn Hastings stressed that the intensifying hostilities have pushed almost half of the population of the Strip, or about a million people, into Rafah in the south, compounding the dire and hunger crisis. "The reason why Gaza is not safe is not just because of the airstrikes but also because of these conditions created by the massive displacement of the population into smaller and smaller areas", which also jeopardizes the humanitarian operation in the enclave, she said. Hastings also insisted that a ceasefire could be conducive to the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly terror attacks in southern Israel on 7 October, and reiterated calls for access to the hostages. Speaking to reporters in Geneva in a teleconference from Jerusalem, the UN official stressed that in Gaza infectious diseases are spreading, less than a third of all hospitals are at least partially functioning, shelters have long ago exceeded their capacity, and the vast majority of people do not have enough food or water. Almost half of the population in the north and one third in the south is experiencing "severe levels of hunger" according to a recent assessment by the UN World Food Program (WFP). Briefing reporters from Gaza, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO's representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described corridors overflowing with trauma patients at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where doctors treat people on the floor and fuel, oxygen, food and water are scarce. In just 66 days of fighting, the Strip has been transformed from a "reasonably functioning health system" to a situation where more than two thirds of its 36 hospitals and more than 70 per cent of primary health care facilities are out of commission, Dr. Peeperkorn said. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that the Kamal Adwan Hospital - also in the north - was being forcefully evacuated on Tuesday, according to Gaza's health authorities. Some 68 patients including 18 in intensive care and six newborns are reportedly at the site, alongside thousands of displaced people seeking safety. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Cyril Ramaphosa. [File photo by Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images] By Ian Sieborger, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies in the Faculty of Humanities at Rhodes University One precarious day almost exactly a year ago, we were expecting Cyril Ramaphosa to resign over the Phala Phala scandal at any moment. The president held on and routed his foes in the ANC at the December 2022 elective conference, but investigations into the case have continued, bringing to light new information about the burglary and its subsequent cover-up. Phala Phala has become a smallanyana skeleton that will probably hang around to haunt Ramaphosa in the 2024 elections and beyond. The scandal has returned with a vengeance as a focus of media attention over the past month. In my online database of 129 top daily news articles from IOL, News24 and TimesLive for November, the name of the presidents farm appeared 69 times. Out of the 15 words showing the strongest association with Ramaphosa in Novembers news, only three were not directly related to Phala Phala, and two of those were the title president and the name Cyril. The word most strongly associated with Ramaphosas name in Novembers news was cleared, referring to the fact that then-acting public protector Kholeka Gcaleka declared the president innocent of wrongdoing concerning Phala Phala in June. Instead, she nailed his presidential protectors, in Karyn Maughan and Jan Gerbers words, finding that Presidential Protection Services head Wally Rhoode carried out an improper off-the-books investigation into the theft. Both the words presidential and protector were closely associated with the president in Novembers news, the former because of references to the Presidential Protection Services and the latter because of mentions of the public protector who cleared Ramaphosa. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is challenging the public protectors ruling in court. Statements filed in the court challenge in November showed that Rhoode ate a meal with the theft suspects and interviewed them but did not charge them. They also revealed that Rhoode accompanied Ramaphosas adviser, Bejani Chauke, to Windhoek for a secret meeting with Namibias President Hage Geingob 10 days after the chief suspect, Imanuwela David, was arrested in that country in June 2020. But Chauke maintains that the meeting was not related to Phala Phala at all. Ntaba Nyoni Estate, the name of Ramaphosas business that received $580 000 for the sale of sub-standard Phala Phala buffaloes from Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa, was strongly associated with Ramaphosas name. This is because, in August, the South African Reserve Bank announced that they found that the money was a deposit, and so there was no legal obligation on Ramaphosa or Ntaba Nyoni to have declared the foreign currency under exchange control regulations because that transaction was not perfected. In November, the Reserve Banks full report came into the public domain, revealing, among other things, that the bank accepted Ramaphosas description of the transaction but found inconsistencies in Mustafas story about it. A last reason Phala Phala came back into the public eye in November was the arrest of the three suspects in the theft of the money from the farm: Namibian-born David, domestic worker Froliana Joseph and her brother Ndilinasho Joseph. From their case, we have learned that Froliana has a newborn baby and that, according to the state, David first broke into the wrong farm before stealing the money from Phala Phala. As the case unfolds, more information about the crime will probably draw public attention. Another theme that emerges from Novembers coverage of Phala Phala is the perception that the president has been given more of the benefit of the doubt than other citizens would in the same situation. The word special was strongly associated with the presidents name, with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba saying, Ramaphosa cannot receive special treatment simply because he is the president of the country, and we will, therefore, keep working to ensure he is held accountable. The word VIP was also strongly associated with Ramaphosas name because of his VIP Presidential Protection Services who apparently investigated the Phala Phala theft in secret. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) could not mount a successful case against former Eskom chief executive Matshela Koko, calling attention to the effect of budget cuts on its work. As Maughan put it, This is particularly hard to swallow when contrasted with the ease of government spending on VIP protection for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his high-level cohorts in government. The Institute of Security Studies previously pointed out that the budget for this protection which is available to only 200 people is 74% of the total budget allocated to the NPA and 167% of the Hawks budget. The name of Arthur Fraser, the man who broke the story of Phala Phala by laying charges against Ramaphosa in June last year, was also closely associated with the presidents name in Novembers news. Every time Frasers name is mentioned in conjunction with Ramaphosas, he is pointedly called a Zuma administration spy boss, calling attention to his possible ulterior motives for waiting until more than two years after the theft to report it. The one word closely associated with Ramaphosa that was not linked to Phala Phala in Novembers news is appointment. This refers back to Ramaphosas appointment of Thembisile Majola in March 2022 as a long-awaited successor to Arthur Fraser as head of the State Security Agency (SSA). Majola has now resigned after just 20 months on the job. The Sunday World reported that Majola not only felt overlooked and her contribution under-valued, but she also found her lack of access to Ramaphosa frustrating and disruptive to her ability to implement the vision she had for the SSA. And so the president and the country remain without someone to restore this once-captured agency. Frasers laying of charges seemed carefully timed to weaken Ramaphosas chances of being re-elected ANC president in the partys December 2022 elective conference. As we all know, this failed, and the party threw its weight firmly behind Ramaphosa. Now that this has happened, other parties are queuing up to use Phala Phala to damage the ANC ahead of South Africas 2024 general elections. In addition to the ATMs challenge against the public protectors report, the Democratic Alliance has challenged the Reserve Bank report in court. ActionSA also says they are considering legal action. Ramaphosa has made himself vulnerable to this because there are still far more questions than answers about what happened at Phala Phala and why it was covered up. The term smallanyana skeletons, a unique South African coinage, describes troublesome, dirty little secrets that just wont go away. While Bathabile Dlamini had less-than-pure motives for first saying that we all have smallanyana skeletons, she was right. Ramaphosa may have smallanyana skeletons tucked away in Phala Phala, but these should also serve as a cautionary tale for the rest of us, politicians and other citizens alike. Almost all of us have played fast and loose with the law from time to time and rationalised our actions, fooling ourselves into thinking that no one will be hurt. Those skeletons eventually do come to light, and in the meantime, they rot away, destroying trust and creating gaping holes in our social fabric. When will we bring out these smallanyana skeletons and deal with them? Original article: https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/opinion/2023-12-12-ramaphosas-smallanyana-phala-phala-skeleton-just-wont-go-away/ Where size is concerned, Hyundai Creta EV will rival Mahindra XUV400 and MG ZS EV already on sale along with upcoming Maruti eVX Globally, Hyundai and Kia are among the leading electric car makers. In India however, they operate in premium segments as we can see with Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, EV6 and the likes. Hyundai is set to change that with Creta EV, its first mainstream electric car that could spawn a Kia version in the form of Seltos EV or Kia EV3. Hyundai Creta EV 45kWh Battery Likely The South Korean brand has been testing Creta EV for some time now. Both here and abroad. The early test mules spotted India had the same exterior design as current ICE Creta on sale. However, the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV will have design in line with ICE Creta facelift that is currently being tested too. Recent reports suggest that Hyundai is implementing a 45 kWh battery setup on Creta EV. This is slightly strange as immediate rivals sport slightly larger battery packs. If we take MG ZS EV, it packs in a 50.3 kWh battery pack. Upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX production version is currently on testing too and is expected to pack a larger battery. That said, Mahindra XUV400 (electric version of XUV300) is of comparable size and packs a 39.4 kWh battery. So, Hyundai might intend to position Creta EV at a reasonable bump in price over its top-spec diesel variants. As of writing this article, top-spec ICE Creta diesel AT variant costs Rs. 19.2 lakh (ex-sh). Rs. 19.2 lakh is exactly what Mahindra XUV400 also costs with top-spec variant. At launch, Hyundai Creta EV 45kWh model might be priced starting from around Rs. 21 lakh, which is a lot logical as MG ZS EV with a bigger battery starts from Rs. 22.88 lakh (all prices ex-sh). What to expect? Hyundai Creta EV 45kWh model is likely to be based on a modified version of current ICE Cretas platform. As per the cells in this battery pack, the recent report mentions that upcoming Creta EV is sourcing them from LG Chem, which is Hyundais global battery pack supplier. This battery will be placed along the floorboard, like most EVs. Upcoming Creta EV will probably share its motor with recently launched Hyundai Kona EV, which is not on sale in India. This is a single motor setup driving the front wheels in FWD architecture and is likely to develop close to 140 PS and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a single-speed gearbox. Features of Hyundai Creta EV will be similar to its ICE counterpart. New additions expected with Creta facelift are Level-2 ADAS suite of active safety features, LED lighting all around (including turn indicators), probably rear ventilated seats, electrically operated tailgate, among others. Testing for both ICE Creta facelift and Creta EV are underway. We can expect Creta EV to debut at a later date. Maybe late 2024 or early 2025. While ICE Creta facelift is expected to debut as early as next month. Source The leader of Yemens Houthi movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, announced in a speech in mid-November that his forces were prepared to track and attack Israeli-linked merchant ships in the strategic waters of the Red Sea, as part of the groups response to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Just five days later, members of the rebel group attacked a cargo ship belonging to a company owned by a British-Israeli businessman. It was a striking attack that was recorded on video. In the footage, a helicopter, bearing Yemeni and Palestinian flags, is seen approaching the ship, and letting out heavily armed Houthi rebels. The ship was taken to the port of the Yemeni town of Al Hudaydah, with its 25 crew members as hostages. The ship has now become a tourist attraction for Yemenis, who walk around the deck in groups. This and other actions such as Mondays attack on a Norwegian tanker have sparked alarm. There is growing concern that these attacks could threaten navigation in the Red Sea, one of the main arteries of global trade. On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Norwegian cargo ship Strinda, which suffered damage but no injuries and headed to a safe port. The Strinda was heading to Venice with a cargo of vegetable oil. On December 4, in another display of their capabilities, the Houthis a militia supported by Iran launched a new attack in the Red Sea. On this occasion, the target was three freighters, and involved missiles and drones. A U.S. warship in the area was forced to intervene, according to the U.S. Navys Central Command (Centcom). The militia claimed responsibility for the attack on two ships that suffered minor damage, which they said were linked to Israel. The rebel group announced that same Sunday that it would attack any ship that appeared to be sailing towards Israel. A Houthi spokesman explained that his group would attack ships heading to Israeli ports in the area as long as Israel continued to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. On Monday, about 100 trucks loaded with food, water, medicine and fuel entered the Gaza Strip. Before the war, that figure was 500. The Houthi offensive has sparked calls for greater military deployment in the area the U.S. is discussing possible measures with its partners and allies and there are growing fears that the attacks could spread to the Strait of Hormuz, which is off the coast of Iran and one of the most important oil arteries in the world. This is a worrying situation, says Jakob Larsen, safety director at the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), one of the largest associations representing shipowners. The Houthis have made it clear that ships [with links to Israel] are their main target, but it seems that one of those attacked last weekend did not have any, so the rest of the shipping industry is quite concerned too, says the expert. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, less than 18 miles wide at its narrowest point, connects the Gulf of Aden in the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea, which leads into the Suez Canal, linking with the Mediterranean Sea. Around 12% of all oil traded by sea and around 8% of global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) flowed through this busy route in the first half of 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Over 10% of world trade passes through the Suez Canal, according to estimates by the entity that manages it. The Houthi militia is at war with the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. The rebel group controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, and almost its entire Red Sea coast. In recent years, the group has become a notable military force in the region, with tens of thousands of soldiers, combat experience, naval capacity and a large weapons arsenal. Two Huthi militia fighters walking through Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on Tuesday. YAHYA ARHAB (EFE) In the past, they used sea mines, guided improvised explosive devices and missiles in the Red Sea. Although these methods were also effective, the latest incidents, and the increase in the use of drones, mark an uptick in the threat in the area, specifically for merchant ships linked to Israel, says Gabrielle Reid, from the security consultancy S-RM. Risk management Houthi leaders have made it clear that their target is merchant ships linked in some way to Israel. But there are signs that suggest that the information they have is outdated. For example, one of the ships attacked last Sunday had been operated by an Israeli shipping company until 2021, but currently the company that owns and manages it is British, as revealed by the maritime security firm Ambrey. It is important to understand that when the Houthis say that the threat is aimed at ships with Israeli ties, these ships also have ties to many other countries: they are often crewed by sailors from other nations, and the ship and cargo owners are from completely different countries to Israel, says Larsen. Given the threat, an alliance of companies that provide marine liability cover for around 90% of the worlds ocean tonnage has recommended ships in the region exercise extreme caution, and seven maritime industry associations published guidance in November on how to deal with these new dangers. The U.S. Department of Transportation also issued an alert for the Red Sea last Monday. One of the most immediate effects of the attack is an increase in insurance premiums for ships, although Larsen believes that shipowners will be able to pass on the additional cost to the customer without it being noticed in any significant way. There is also increased investment in security measures, although BIMCOs security director believes that ships have little room for maneuver: A merchant vessel can do some things to protect itself from these threats, but when you are up against an actor with weapons of war at its disposal, it is a bit difficult. Some shipowners are considering more drastic measures, such as alternative routes to the Red Sea, but this involves circumnavigating all of Africa through the Cape of Good Hope, a much longer and more expensive route. One of the few companies that has taken this step is the Israeli shipping line Zim, which in mid-November stated that it had diverted some of its ships to guarantee the safety of its crews, ships and cargo. Military force After the attacks against three merchant ships on December 4, the U.S. Central Command said that it believed that the actions had been enabled by Iran, an ally of the Houthis, and that it would consider all appropriate responses. A day later, the Pentagons number two, Admiral Christopher Grady, and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said they were working with partners and allies to define a joint response to the new threat, which could involve a naval escort that provides protection to ships. Although some actors in the sector have also called for greater military deployment in the region, its not guaranteed that such a move would be effective. The Yemeni rebels have attacked ships despite the fact that the U.S. has increased its presence in the Middle East since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The U.S. has sent two aircraft carriers with thousands of troops, as well as warships, to deter Iran-backed groups. A greater military presence would also increase the risk of escalation in the nearby Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. Although this area has not seen the same level of attacks as the southern Red Sea, in late November, a cargo ship managed by an Israeli businessmans company was attacked in the Indian Ocean with a drone containing supposedly Iranian explosives. In recent weeks, the area has been the scene of new tensions between U.S. and Iranian naval forces. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Bottoms up, Santee more microbreweries are heading your way. The city of nearly 60,000 already has BNS Brewing and Distilling Co. on Wheatlands Avenue, Pacific Islander Beer Company on Argent Street and both Council Brewing Company and Groundswell Brewery and Tasting Company (formerly Manzanita) on Prospect Avenue. But those are all located in the citys industrial area. Advertisement At a meeting on June 27, the City Council unanimously approved allowing small-scale breweries to open beyond the citys current industrial confines and into Santees general commercial areas, as well. Allowing them to be out of the industrial zone gives the breweries more visibility, said Michael Coyne, the citys associate planner. The craft beer industry continues to grow, Coyne noted. According to the California Craft Brewers Association, a nonprofit trade group that tracks the industry, craft breweries have grown from 200 in 2000 to more than 900 now statewide. Microbreweries are small beer manufacturers who produce less than 15,000 barrels of beer per year for on- or off-site consumption. They often include a restaurant. A city report noted that small-scale and service-oriented operations of microbreweries are comparable to those of restaurants and cocktail lounges or bars, which are permitted in Santees general commercial zones. City staff said it expects coming breweries to occupy tenant space in strip malls along Mission Gorge Road. At the City Council meeting, City Councilman Rob McNelis even named one of the likely candidates Three Frogs Beer Company. Three Frogs started five years ago as a back yard hobby by Santee brothers Andy Lloyd and Trevor Anderson and their friend Jerren Zeferjahn. It is expected to be the first microbrewery to take advantage of the ordinance change. Lloyd, 32, said the trio currently brews less than 200 gallons of beer per year at their home base. When they move into a commercial site, the city said the ordinance will allow them to make up to 15,000 gallons annually. Lloyd said he hopes to sign a lease for his 1,000-square-foot space across from the old Santee School in the next month or two. He said the space will fit about 40 patrons at a time and there is room for about 15 cars in the on-site parking lot. The brewery will only serve beer. Food trucks are expected to be on-site on a regular basis, he said. Were stoked about the location, Lloyd said. Our original plan was for a larger space in the industrial zone, but we felt that a spot in the (general commercial area) would give us more exposure. Lloyd said the group still needs to get the go-ahead from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. California ABC licenses microbreweries under a Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer. Craft brewers average less than 5,800 barrels of production per year, according to the California Craft Brewers Association. Coyne said the city is taking a wait and see approach to see how the microbrewery situation plays out and then come back to the City Council if performance operation standards or any other restrictions are needed. The City Council has said no so far to restricting the hours of operation or limiting the number of breweries allowed. Santees current microbreweries close at 10 p.m. on average. City Councilman Ronn Hall warned the city about staying away from a look similar to that in Pacific Beach, with blocks of bars and brewpubs. I dont want to end up like PB, Hall said. The City Council also directed its staff to look into allowing other alcohol-licensed businesses to open in Santee in the future, including distilleries and wine-tasting rooms Speaker Zack Gianino said allowing the microbreweries to open in a spot outside the industrial zone is exactly the type of steps Santee should be making to facilitate city growth. McNelis said the ordinance change is something the city needs to stay business-friendly. He said that new breweries would bring myriad jobs to the city, from biotechnology and engineering to bottling, handling and serving. He said he appreciated that the city was finding ways to say yes rather than looking for ways to say no to businesses looking to open in Santee. karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com After she was diagnosed with cancer, Randi Hosking turned the fight for her life into a long-running awareness campaign, organizing events that raised tens of thousands of dollars for causes and charities benefiting people she worried more about than herself. During chemotherapy appointments, Ms. Hosking often asked those who accompanied her to treatments not to sit with her, but to instead spend time with other patients who did not have the benefit of a friend or loved one at their side. Ms. Hosking, the popular co-owner of the Indigo Salon & Spa in Hillcrest and an icon in the Del Cerro neighborhood of San Diego, died Sunday after a five-year battle against metastatic breast cancer. She was 54. Advertisement Her parents were the same way, said Phyllis Strauss, Ms. Hoskings friend of nearly 35 years as well as her business partner in the Indigo Salon & Spa. They were charitable and they were giving and they cared about other people. A native of Chicago, Randi Lyn Somerman moved to Del Cerro when she was 8. Her parents had sold the family supermarket and headed west to be closer to family. The young girl spent the next four and a half decades cultivating friendships and connecting with people from all walks of life. After high school, she took classes at San Diego State University but veered from the academic path in favor of helping people more directly. She graduated from beauty college and became a hair stylist, building a client base that reached into the hundreds and included some of the best-known and most colorful San Diegans. Ms. Hosking owned and operated her own salon -- A Leap Ahead in Mission Valley -- for 17 years before co-creating Indigo in 2011. The business hosted numerous fundraisers benefiting everyone from homeless people to gay and lesbian youth to cancer researchers. She knew people from the judges in the Superior Court to Hells Angels, and everyone in between, said Kelvin Hosking, who first spotted the woman who would become his wife at the birthday party of a mutual friend in 1994. She was very driven, nonstop and selfless. Before the couple married in 1997 and settled in to the same neighborhood where she had grown up, Ms. Hosking worked as a parts assistant for an Ocean Beach motorcycle shop and rode a Harley-Davidson. Randi had this personality that drew everyone in, Strauss said. You wanted to be around her because she was fun. It didnt matter what she was doing. You knew if Randi was going, you were going to have a good time. Ms. Hosking was an artist, both when it came to personal style and to managing relationships of all kinds, Strauss said. Being a hair stylist was a way for her to express that creativity, she said. The way she treated people, her interactions with clients, all of that was her best quality. Steven Somerman said he remembers his sister, 14 years his junior, becoming jealous when he began turning his attention to girls closer to his own age. I used to babysit Randi and by the time I started dating all of a sudden I was with my girlfriend -- who is now my wife -- and not spending time with Randi, said Somerman, who remained in the Chicago area after their parents retired. Randi was a magnet for people, he added. She was a promoter extraordinaire and a networker like no other. If anybody had a cause, in spite of her own trials and tribulations, she was right there taking care if it. Friend and neighbor Cathy Sigismonti said Ms. Hosking worked in recent years to make sure her family would remember and appreciate her years into the future. They took family vacations in Europe and other exotic locations. She left notes inside favored books, knowing her son and daughter would find them one day. Family and friends were most important to her, Sigismonti said. She built and created communities, and all of them were very close to her -- whether it was her salon, her book club, all of her organizations. She surrounded herself with amazing people and spent her time enjoying all of them. Even in the throes of her cancer treatment, Ms. Hosking found ways to recognize others, Sigismonti said. She mentored women who were newly diagnosed. As recently as July, Ms. Hosking organized a dinner at her Del Cerro home to thank the many providers who oversaw her medical care. It was remarkable, Sigismonti said. The doctors and nurses and social workers had never experienced anything like that. She was a spirit like no other. Ms. Hosking was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She opted for a double mastectomy and beat that diagnosis until 2013, when the disease returned. In a 2014 profile in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Ms. Hosking described her ideal San Diego weekend as a Friday night happy hour at Mister As, a Saturday spent watching local rugby and shopping at Fashion Valley, an oceanfront dinner with family and friends and a Sunday brunch and trip to the beach. In addition to her husband, Kelvin, Ms. Hosking is survived by two teen-aged children, son Gavin and daughter Jade. She is also survived by her brother, Steven Somerman of Buffalo Grove, Ill.; her sister, Michal-Ann Somerman of Highland Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled at 11 a.m. Wednesday at El Camino Mortuary, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd. in San Diego. Watchdog Videos On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald The European Union may be about to agree on its first specific law to fight against sexual violence, a scourge that costs the lives of at least 50 women every week in European territory (the figures are still unreliable). However, it is a project that might end in complete failure due to the titanic struggle that the states and the European Parliament have been engaged in for weeks on a key issue of the proposed directive: consent as the base of sexual crimes; that is, the assumption, at the European level, of the principle of what is known in Spain as only yes is yes, meaning that a sexual act without explicit consent is considered rape. The fourth trialogue the negotiations between the states and the European Parliament, with the European Commission, to agree on a final common text of the law will take place this Wednesday with each side blaming the other. And against the background of the steadfast refusal of several states, notably France and Germany without which there is no qualified majority to enact the law to allow the definition of rape to be based on consent in the regulations. For their part, several negotiators from the European Parliament have threatened to strike down the entire law if the states do not give in and accept, at a minimum, the definition of rape contained in the Istanbul Convention. It is not just any other law, since the entire regulation, which among other things also seeks to criminalize acts such as female genital mutilation and cyberstalking, is at stake. With the European elections in June shortening the calendar, sources from the negotiations explain that if this key point is not signed off now, it will be practically impossible to agree on a text and ratify it before the last plenary session of the European Parliament in April. And given the forecasts of a shift to the right and even to the extreme right in the European elections, enacting a law of this type in the next legislature violence against women is anathema to ultra parties will be practically impossible, they warn. In the midst of the struggle between deputies and states, Spain, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU has remained relatively silent. The country is accused of not having been sufficiently involved in these negotiations. It comes as a double disappointment because, according to various sources, Spain has always been considered a pioneer and a model in terms of womens rights and the fight against sexual violence. Nor is it understood why the country has not fought for this directive as other Spanish ministers have done for equally difficult European proposals in recent months, such as the Nature Restoration Law. There is a certain disappointment due to the lack of Spanish leadership in this directive, say sources involved in the negotiations. They have been more involved in other proceedings, but not here, other voices from different political orientations agree. Diplomatic sources consider this perception unfair. The technical work is there, but France and Germany absolutely refuse to include rape [based on consent] in article 5 of the proposed law, they explain. Therefore, they add, there is no room to negotiate. Legal competencies as an argument Paris and Berlins legal arguments are based on the fact that the EU does not have legal powers in this matter; it belongs to the criminal law of each country. And they say they fear that, lacking a legal basis, any country that opposes the regulations could go to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU), and it could end up annulling the entire directive, which seeks broader protection for women beyond rape. The original sin, however, is in the states themselves, which previously rejected the European Parliaments proposal to convert rape into a Eurocrime with a common definition, which would have clarified the legal situation. As things stand, diplomatic sources from the countries opposed to accepting rape in the directive allege, it is not recognized as a cross-border crime, so the EU has no powers in this regard. However, the legal services of the Commission and the European Parliament have made a broader interpretation, using the legal basis of sexual exploitation. This is an extreme that the Councils jurists do not share, so for the moment, the dispute is in a stalemate, waiting to see if France or Germany give in and change the voting strengths, or if the European Parliament backs down and does not fulfill its threat to strike down all regulations over this issue. Until this Tuesday, Paris had no intention of changing its mind, according to diplomatic sources, who rejected the reproaches, asserting that France is one of the countries that punishes rape the most severely. Aware of the brewing battle, those responsible for the European Parliaments directive on the fight against violence against women sent a letter last week to Felix Bolanos, now head of the Justice portfolio, in addition to the Presidency and Relations with Courts in the Spanish government, and Justice chief during the Spanish presidency of the Council in the EU, to express their deep disappointment, and [...] indignation, on behalf of European citizens at the Councils lack of will to include the crime of rape due to lack of consent in the directive. For the rapporteurs from across the whole political spectrum Nathalie Colin-Oesterle, Pina Picierno, Lucia Duris Nicholsonova, Maria Soraya Rodriguez Ramos, Sylwia Spurek, Diana Riba i Giner, Assita Kanko, Malin Bjork, and Eugenia Rodriguez Palop it is an unacceptable position. We cannot have a situation where different minimum standards of justice are applied to women across the Union if we are to truly achieve one of our founding principles: equality between women and men. To quote the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, there cannot be true equality without freedom from violence, they added in the letter sent on December 7. The group signed off by asking Bolanos to ensure that in this new historical norm the crime of rape be included under the principle of only yes means yes. There has been no response from the Ministry of Justice, unofficially, at least, although the ministry points out that the political and legal problem for which several countries have said no to that proposal will be addressed this Wednesday in the trialogue. There is a blocking minority of countries that are against, based on a Council report. They are opposed to including rape in the directive. That is not Spains position, which is in favor and this Wednesday, they say, the Spanish delegation will talk about it. The discussions are, to say the least, long and hard. There is a lot at stake, at least all parties agree on that. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Michelle Bachelet has been a woman of firsts in politics. She was the first woman president of Chile in 2006 and repeated her term in 2014. She was the first woman to be Minister of Health and Minister of Defense. She was the first executive director of U.N. Women, the first female High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations. She is a qualified surgeon, pediatrician, and a mother of three. The daughter of an anthropologist and a general tortured by the dictatorship, she took her mothers words seriously. Your destiny in life is not necessarily to be someones wife and to have a child. You decide. But whatever you are going to do, do it well, and prepare for it, she told her when Bachelet was a teenager and there were a few years left until both of them would suffer the Pinochet dictatorship firsthand: detained in the regimes worst detention center, tortured, and exiled. Bachelet remembers it now. She is about to meet with Colombian women politicians at the National Summit of Elected Women, led by U.N. Women. She spoke with EL PAIS about topics ranging from the obstacles she has faced for being a woman in politics, to the most immediate present of the plebiscite in Chile that she has taken a position against and the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. Question. What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a woman in politics? Answer. Any woman in any field in which she was a pioneer faces many obstacles, like the discrimination of thinking that there are not so many competent women and that there are many men who are. When I was elected there were people who told me I will never vote for a woman, they rated me by my physical appearance, by the clothes I wore. Women tend to be questioned about things that are not substantive and are often dismissed. Any mistake that is considered good in a man because to err is human is considered a tragedy in a woman. They measure us with a different yardstick. Q. During your governments, did you feel that you were treated differently because you were a woman? A. If my predecessor showed any emotion about something in his first term, he was a sensitive man. If I showed emotion, I was hysterical or neurotic. If there was a complex issue and I considered that I should take time to make a decision, I was indecisive. But if I made a quick decision on an issue that I thought was clear, I was improvising or had not thought about it enough. In the end it didnt matter, they were going to try to show that I was wrong. Thats the brutal thing of the patriarchy where women are treated as second class. Q. Do you remember anything in particular that illustrates the double standard? A. I remember an article they published in which they might as well have said that the president of my party had given birth to me; they said that he had made me, that I had no merits of my own. Another time, during the campaign, I was separated and so I didnt have a partner, and a journalist asked me: And how are you going to [be president] if you dont have a partner to support you and, furthermore, how will you deal with your children? Would they ask the same thing to a man? No one will ever tell them that they are abandoning their children, but theyll say it to a woman, naturally. Of course, women can also make mistakes. We change our minds about things, because we are human, but women are not allowed to do so. Q. U.N. Women reports that in Latin America there was a slight increase in women in elected positions (although Colombia is below the regional averages). Why do you think it is so difficult to achieve parity? A. In many cases, financial institutions do not give women the same credit as men. In others, women do not have enough resources to run a campaign, nor do they get enough support from a party, or they include them because women must be included, but they are not pushed to be elected. The same women also see the politicians fighting over things that are not the problems that afflict them. They feel that there is a distance between political parties and the voters. Therefore, they say, why are they discussing this so much when what matters to me is being able to make ends meet? Many times the world of politics is guilty of navel-gazing. With all this going on, it is essential that women participate, because our societies are at least equal. 50% of the world is female, and we must secure electoral laws. Q. Womens rights seem to be under constant threat... A. There is the tremendous risk that we are seeing in the region and in the world, and it is the growth of the extreme right with a lesser or with a certain disaffection with democracy, saying that, [given the choice] between an authoritarian government that gets results and a democracy that does not, they have no problem voting for an authoritarian government. This is a tremendous blow for democracy and, of course, it is not enough for it to be representative; it has to be more participatory, because the people also have ideas of how to solve problems. They want to be part of the solution as well. Q. And how does this shift to the extreme right affect women in particular? A. I see it in my own country, days before a constitutional proposal is voted on that has a number of things that are dangerous for women, and that are going to mean setbacks. In the experts plan [drawn up by the Constitutional Council] they talked about equal pay but that was erased, and they banned arbitrary discrimination. And what does that mean? Nothing. While claiming that they arent (but knowing that they are), they added some phrases in three clauses that are aimed at trying to repeal the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy law that I passed. The same goes for equality, for which they have left only two sentences. A Constitution must be a common basis that enables the laws that exist to be improved and not used as a floor and a ceiling. Q. As former High Commissioner for Human Rights, how do you rate what is happening in Gaza right now and the debate about the ineffectiveness of the U.N. to stop the massacre? A. First of all, it is good that there are debates about the effectiveness of the Security Council, because I have come to a country where all the presidents have been against the veto of the Big Five. We believe that that paralyzes and immobilizes [the U.N.] and we saw it in Gaza. What Hamas did was horrific, inexcusable, but also what has happened, especially to women and children who are dying in droves, is horrendous. Women and children should be evacuated from Gaza for humanitarian reasons. The secretary general has just invoked Article 99, and I hope that has some results. Gaza has undoubtedly been a conflict that has existed, but never with the force and the drama [that we see] now. I understand that Israel has to defend itself, but not at any cost. The rules of war, of international humanitarian law, must be respected. Q. You, in particular, were a victim of the dictatorship. How do you feel about those images of naked detainees and dismembered and mutilated children that we have seen? A. December 10 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was made necessary by the horrors of World War I and II. The commissioners said, we must have minimum standards of civilization. The truth is that 75 years later, not only is it still valid in terms of what we should guarantee, but it is still violated every time there are interests among countries that are attached to the Declaration and talk about human rights. But when certain interests are affected, they violate them without any problem. For me it is shocking, my heart and soul hurt when I see those images. Q. You mention big interests and you also saw it with China. What were the pressures in that country like and how did you face them? A. There were all kinds, and not only from the country in question. There was a G7 meeting that had a four-page declaration, two and a half pages said that I had to go to China, and when I reached the agreement to go, a new declaration was that I should not go because they were going to manipulate me. You realize that there are other people above you too. I finally went during the pandemic and spoke to many people. In the end, I also asked the Chinese government to give us their explanation of things and tried to make it so the report contained everything. Q. Were you satisfied? A. I think we did the best we could, as much as we could. Of course, governments are always angry with reports. Q. And in the Latin American region? The handling of the Cuba and Venezuela issues was also controversial... A. In the case of Venezuela, I sent an advance party first and a well-balanced agenda was prepared. I met with the victims of the FAES (Special Action Forces), the opposition, the government, everyone, and we put together a first report. Q. And with Cuba? A. What happens is that we make the reports requested by the Council. Its not that you wake up tomorrow and say, Im going to do it. And there was no request for a report from Cuba, at least at that time. A resolution was taken from Nicaragua and that is why it is done permanently; in Venezuela too, but they also created a special commission of three rapporteurs. Q. And now, having retired from that position, what examples of authoritarian drift specifically worry you in Latin America? A. I am worried about Guatemala. And what has happened in El Salvador. This Nayib Bukele model has apparently been effective, according to the data they provide, but at a very brutal cost, because many mothers say that their children were not in the gangs and are classified as such only because of the tattoos. I cant say if they were or not. The only thing I would hope is that there was due process and that they are kept in decent conditions, and having them half naked on the ground is not. A person can do horrible things, but they have the right to prove their innocence. And the other thing that worries me in Latin America is the rise of the extreme right, which can imply that respect for human rights is not necessarily the same and that there are people who may have more rights than others. Or that the response to certain things like the security issue is more repression, and less prevention. The truth is that no one has the silver bullet or the magic formula for how to solve very complex problems that the region has. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A child sleeps in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, on December 5. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Every hour of every day of the last two months, aid agencies have pleaded for deliveries of humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. We have been placed in the intolerable position of requesting permission to do lifesaving work. Last week, I wrote to the President of the United Nations General Assembly to inform him that the United Nations Relief and Works Agencys ability to continue delivering its mandate in Gaza has now become very limited. In my 35 years of work in complex emergencies, I would never have expected to write such a letter, predicting the killing of my staff and the collapse of the mandate I am expected to fulfil. Civilians in this war are pawns and yet humanitarian aid has been made conditional. Humanitarian assistance is withheld or delivered according to political and military agendas to which the United Nations is not privy. Food, water, and fuel are being systematically used as weapons of war in Gaza, as is disinformation. Attacking and trying to discredit humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations Relief Work Agency is yet another means of waging war and compromising the humanitarian response, further weakening the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Hamas has absolved itself of any responsibility toward the civilian population. It has shamefully stated that full responsibility for humanitarian assistance toward civilians lies with the U.N. Israel has imposed a near-total siege on Gaza inflicting collective punishment on more than 2 million people, half of whom are children. The meager supplies that Israel has been allowing into Gaza have little effect in the face of the overwhelming needs of an entire population. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has forcibly moved more than 1.8 million Gazans from their homes, especially from the northern parts of the Gaza Strip. This is the largest forced displacement of Palestinians since 1948. More than 270 people sheltering in UNRWA facilities have since been killed, and nearly 1,000 injured. Most of these shelters were in the middle and southern areas of the Gaza Strip, which were thought to be safer. The sad reality is that Gazans are not safe anywhere: not at home, not in a hospital, not under the U.N. flag, not in the north, middle or south. Now that the humanitarian pause has ended, what will be the fate of more than two million Palestinians besieged and holed up in a tiny area in southern Gaza? The United Nations and several member states, including the U.S., have firmly rejected forcibly displacing Gazans out of the Gaza Strip. But the developments we are witnessing point to attempts to move Palestinians into Egypt, regardless of whether they stay there or are resettled elsewhere. The decimation of northern Gaza and the displacement of millions of Gazans to the south is the first stage of such a scenario, and it is already complete. The next stage is underway forcing people out of the urban center in Khan Yunis and closer to the Egyptian border. Bombardment and a tight siege are again creating conditions under which nothing more than mere survival is possible. The deprivation of humanitarian aid is key to this plan. After the destruction of the north, the destruction of the south is ongoing, except this time, people have nowhere to go. Humanitarian agencies are again being asked to provide tents in designated deconflicted or safe areas in the south. But the reality is that unilaterally designating an area a safe zone in a war situation will not make it safer. For many Palestinians, the only option for a better future is to leave Gaza altogether. Judging by policy and humanitarian discussions underway, it is hard to believe that the Palestinians of Gaza who are displaced today will be allowed or even willing to return to their destroyed homes any time soon. If this path continues, leading to what many are already calling a second Nakba, Gaza will not be a land for Palestinians anymore. A different trajectory can still be pursued, starting with a steady humanitarian cease-fire that leads to the release of all hostages, firm compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties, a freeze of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and a genuine discussion about the future with a negotiated political solution, including a Palestinian state that encompasses the occupied Palestinian territory. In parallel, there must be justice and accountability for both the atrocities of Oct. 7, including the taking of hostages, and the disproportionate killing of civilians and the destruction of Gaza. Without this, there will not be peace and stability. The International Criminal Court should investigate and adjudicate evidence of alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Governments around the world should act decisively. Otherwise, international humanitarian law will simply become the law of the strongest. We must hold accountable those who deliberately infringe it, weaponize humanitarian aid and defame humanitarian organizations with the aim of weakening assistance and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The original purpose of international humanitarian aid, a concept conceived after the first world war, was to alleviate the suffering of civilians during wars and conflicts. Today, however, humanitarian aid is a strategic dimension of foreign policy and diplomatic competition an instrument of power and war. In Gaza, humanitarian assistance is being manipulated to serve political and military objectives, another breach among many in this war. Humanitarian aid must be kept independent and impartial. To do so, we must remain focused on the principle of alleviating the suffering of civilians, whoever and wherever they are. Philippe Lazzarini is the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency, which provides assistance and protection for Palestinian refugees in the Near East. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Whale-SETI team, which includes researchers from the SETI Institute, University of California Davis and the Alaska Whale Foundation, has been studying humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) communication systems in an effort to develop intelligence filters for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The study of non-human animal signals challenges and informs our search for non-human intelligence with the ultimate hope of deepening the human-animal relationship. The diversity of non-human intelligence that exists on Earth has been revealed in a multitude of observational and experimental studies over the past several decades. This diversity is observed from octopus to ravens to elephants to whales, thus manifesting itself in a variety of both terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments. Similar to studying Antarctica as a proxy for Mars, the Whale-SETI team is studying non-human communication systems to develop filters to apply to any extraterrestrial signals received. One needs look no further for a non-terrestrial form of intelligence than in the remarkable acoustic, behavioral and social versatility of the humpback whale, the researchers said. In 2021, they had a rare and opportunistic acoustic turn-taking with a 38+ year-old adult female humpback whale, known as Twain, in Southeast Alaska. In response to a recorded humpback contact call played into the sea via an underwater speaker, Twain approached and circled the teams boat, while responding in a conversational style to the whale greeting signal. During the 20-minute exchange, Twain responded to each playback call and matched the interval variations between each signal. We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback language, said Dr. Brenda McCowan, a researcher at the University of California, Davis. Humpback whales are extremely intelligent, have complex social systems, make tools nets out of bubbles to catch fish and communicate extensively with both songs and social calls, said Dr. Fred Sharpe, a researcher at the Alaska Whale Foundation. Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers, said Dr. Laurance Doyle, a researcher at SETI Institute. This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of humpback whales. The study appears online in the journal PeerJ. _____ B. McCowan et al. 2023. Interactive bioacoustic playback as a tool for detecting and exploring nonhuman intelligence: conversing with an Alaskan humpback whale. PeerJ 11: e16349; doi: 10.7717/peerj.16349 A new genus and species of mosasaurine mosasaur being named Megapterygius wakayamaensis has been identified from a largely complete skeleton found in Wakayama prefecture, south-western Japan. Mosasaurs were a group of large predatory marine reptiles that inhabited all of the worlds oceans during the Late Cretaceous epoch, between 90 and 66 million years ago. These creatures were contemporaries of Tyrannosaurus rex and other Cretaceous dinosaurs that ruled the Earth. They were victims of the same mass extinction that killed off nearly all dinosaurs when an asteroid struck what is now the Gulf of Mexico. Although their relationship to other reptiles is not completely certain, mosasaurs appear to be closely related to a group known as monitor lizards. The newly-identified mosasaur species, Megapterygius wakayamaensis, lived approximately 72 million years ago. Its extra-long rear flippers might have aided propulsion in concert with its long finned tail. And unlike other mosasaurs, it had a dorsal fin like a sharks that would have helped it turn quickly and with precision in the water. The fossilized skeleton of Megapterygius wakayamaensis was found in 2006 in the Hasegawa Muddy Sandstone Member of the Toyajo Formation in Wakayama prefecture, south-western Japan. The specimen is the most complete skeleton of a mosasaur ever found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific, said University of Cincinnati paleontologist Takuya Konishi. In this case, it was nearly the entire specimen, which was astounding. The specimen has unique features that defy simple classification, he added. Its rear flippers are longer than its front ones. These enormous flippers are even longer than its crocodile-like head, which is unique among mosasaurs. I thought I knew them quite well by now. Immediately it was something I had never seen before. Those big paddle-shaped flippers might have been used for locomotion. But that type of swimming would be extraordinary not only among mosasaurs but among virtually all other animals. We lack any modern analog that has this kind of body morphology from fish to penguins to sea turtles. None has four large flippers they use in conjunction with a tail fin. The authors speculate that the large front fins might have helped with rapid maneuvering while its large rear fins might have provided pitch to dive or surface. And presumably like other mosasaurs, its tail would have generated powerful and fast acceleration as it hunted fish. It opens a whole can of worms that challenges our understanding of how mosasaurs swim, Dr. Konishi said. The discovery is reported in a paper in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. _____ Takuya Konishi et al. A new derived mosasaurine (Squamata: Mosasaurinae) from south-western Japan reveals unexpected postcranial diversity among hydropedal mosasaurs. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, published online December 11, 2023; doi: 10.1080/14772019.2023.2277921 By Asim Aliyev An exchange of detained servicemen between Azerbaijan and Armenia took place in the direction of Bala Jafarli village of Gazakh district on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, Azernews reports. The exchange took place at ground zero of the Azerbaijani state border near the village of Balajafarli in Gazakh district, on the highway formerly known as Gazakh-Ijevan. Representatives of the State Border Service reported that this road leads to the Azerbaijani villages of Soflu and Barkhudarli, which are Azerbaijani exclaves on Armenian territory. Another Azerbaijani exclave, the village of Yukhary Eskipara, is located to the right of the exchange site, again on Armenian territory, and there are seven villages in total. To recall, the servicemen of the Azerbaijani army Agshin Babirov, born in 2004, and Huseyn Akhundov, born in 2003, were captured by Armenia in Shahbuz district of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the border with Armenia in April this year. They lost their ways in conditions of limited visibility due to bad weather conditions. Besides, following the talks between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between the two countries. Driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian military servicemen. In its turn, driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Armenia releases 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed More than nine million women have suffered rape with the use of force in the European Union. These figures are still far from reflecting the reality of many women like myself, but perhaps now we are closer to changing it. For years I survived the sexual violence to which my partner subjected me. At night he would drug me without my consent to rape me. At first I felt a lot of guilt. Why wasnt I able to wake up to stop it?, How can the person who supposedly loves me do this to me?, Who is going to believe me when I tell them? I asked myself every day. My case breaks the stereotype of the good victim. He wasnt a stranger in a dark alley who used force to rape me and I had no bruises or visible signs of violence. But that doesnt make what happened to me less serious or the consequences less profound. Sex without free consent is rape and should be considered that way in all countries. This seems obvious to those of us who have survived this unbearable violence based on domination and power, but it is not obvious to many leaders of European countries. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Malta and Romania refuse for the first law against sexist violence in the European Union to include a definition of rape based on consent, despite being the same definition that was included in the Istanbul Convention that all of these countries have ratified. This legislation aims to guarantee that only yes means yes regardless of which country in the Union you are in. By blocking it, they endanger not only the unification of the definition but the entire law as a whole, which includes measures against nudity using artificial intelligence, online sexist violence and the unification of precautionary measures across all countries. And we have little time to change their minds. My story demonstrates how these countries are failing women by blocking this historic feminist advance. When my attacker raped me I couldnt say no. My body was completely inert, as if I were dead. I couldnt defend myself or ask for help. But my case is not isolated. Many women remain motionless out of fear, which is a totally normal and human reaction to this brutal form of violence. Eleven European Union countries have definitions of rape based on force as the main element of the crime where the burden of proving that she resisted is still placed on the victim. All these countries leave out cases like mine, which is that of millions of women. In Spain alone, available data indicates that one in every three rapes involves chemical submission. How is a person unconscious or paralyzed by fear going to resist? Too many stereotypes have been placed on us and the level of questioning that victims are subjected to has to stop if we want to end sexual violence. It is normal to stay in shock and not identify what has happened to you until years go by. It doesnt matter what you were wearing or what time it was when you got home: nothing justifies sexual violence. In my case, it happened while I was at home, dressed in pajamas and with a person I completely trusted. The best way to protect ourselves is to improve laws at all levels so that they meet our needs. In this case, classifying sex without free consent as a crime in all countries of the European Union, offering specialized help centers to victims and complementing it, hopefully, with mandatory sexual education in classrooms. Rape is one of the most brutal forms of violence against women and we are still far from ending it. None of the more than 229 million women who live in the European Union are safe from sexual violence and our politicians have not yet agreed to fight against it together. We cannot miss this opportunity. One in three women has suffered some type of physical or sexual violence in the European Union and one in two, harassment. There are still member states in which rape within a marriage or intimate relationship is not provided for. What are we waiting for to act? I dont want any woman to go through the same nightmare as I did. We all deserve a life free of violence and nearly 400,000 people from all over Europe are asking for it through online petitions. Lets make history, lets not repeat it. Let us not allow them to stop the essential progress we need to eradicate sexual violence in all EU countries. Lets do it for ourselves and for those who will come after us, because no woman will be free until we all are. Marta Asensio is an activist, a survivor of sexual violence and one of the spokespersons for the campaign wemove.eu/JusticiaParaTodas In the summer of 2022, those who were exploring the deepest waters of artificial intelligence researchers, industry employees, heads of AI in companies were well aware that OpenAI was preparing the launch of its next GPT (its large language model, or LLM). No further details were known. Neither when, nor who would have access to it, nor what new capabilities it would have compared to the previous version, GPT-3, of restricted use. That was the case of Jose Hernandez-Orallo and Cesar Ferri in September when Lama Ahmad, a policy researcher at OpenAI, offered them to be part of the external team that would evaluate GPT-4. Hernandez-Orallo and Ferri, both teachers in the Department of Information Systems and Computing at the Valencia Polytechnic University (UPV), in Spain, are part of the same research group and have extensive experience in evaluating artificial intelligence systems. Perhaps that is why they are among the 40-plus people that OpenAI selected around the world to test its new language model. The goal was to find flaws in the system during the six months prior to the launch, in March 2023. Since GPT-3, they have always given us access to their systems for free, sometimes before launch, so we can do research, says Hernandez-Orallo, who has been collaborating with OpenAI for four years and highlights the good communication between the company and the researchers who want to analyze their systems. Last year, that summer when rumors about the arrival of the next GPT were circulating, the relation became even closer. The UPV researchers organized a workshop within the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence one of the most prestigious artificial intelligence events of the year where they met more people from OpenAI. Then, in September, they received the call. They gave us a lot of freedom, says Ferri. We only had broad guidelines regarding what we should look for, like detecting responses that included dangerous, sexist or racist text. The goal was to prevent the tool from generating any text that could cause problems. We played around and tried different prompts that could produce that type of response. The researchers formed a team with three students: Yael Moros, Lexin Zhou and Wout Schellaert. Jose Hernandez-Orallo, an expert in AI from the Valencia Polytechnic University. Monica Torres They saw that they were going to launch it and they were going to have millions of users, so the more strange things you try, the more you can cover all the crazy things that people can do, explains Hernandez-Orallo. The task was to throw curveballs at GPT-4 to see if it failed. From the computers in their UPV laboratory, they entered texts in which they somehow invited the system to generate a response with a dangerous bias. Looking for flaws Ferri admits that having first access to the tool was exciting for him. GPT-3 (released in a limited way in 2020) was already working very well, so the researchers knew they had the most advanced generative artificial intelligence on their hands. There was a lot to try, and each one experimented in the field that interested him most. Hernandez-Orallo explored reliability: The system fails where you least expect it. This is quite common with language models. It can solve a differential equation, but then it doesnt do a five-digit addition well. An average person trusts it when it gets a first-year differential equation right. But in the last step of the problem it has to add two vectors and it fails. The UPV professor describes this problem as a mismatch between user expectations and the capabilities of AI. Not all the experts selected by OpenAI to evaluate GPT-4 had a computational background. Some had training in law, medicine, human rights or defense against chemical weapons. The goal was to perfect the system. According to the GPT-4 technical report published by OpenAI, one of the evaluators managed to make the system write a step-by-step guide on how to synthesize a dangerous chemical at home. These types of responses were disallowed to keep them out of the final, open version. And in the middle of this shadow review process, the storm broke out. On November 30, 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT. For us, it was a surprise. Nobody had told us that there was a parallel project, says Hernandez-Orallo. Suddenly ChatGPT appears, and we were not even sure if it was the version that we were evaluating or not. After a few days, it was clarified that the system that had been launched to the public was based on GPT-3.5, a previous version of the one they were evaluating. The researchers continued with their work. There were still a few months left before the launch of GPT-4, and they still could not get over their astonishment. We saw that it was capable of solving a word search puzzle, where you have to look for patterns of words that appear vertically or diagonally. It was unexpected. Nobody expected it to work like this, says Ferri. Cesar Ferri is a professor in the Department of Information Systems and Computing at the Valencia Polytechnic University. Monica Torres Today, ChatGPT allows users to enter images into a query, but at the time the researchers could not do that. To test its capabilities, they gave it spatial coordinates that, together, formed a figure. We told it: Im going to give you the coordinates of a few strokes. You explained that the first line went from (0.0) to (5.5), and so on, says Ferri. If you give this to a human they will have a hard time; we have to draw it. GPT-4 was able to guess shapes, such as squares, rectangles and more elaborate drawings, such as a car or a plane. This capacity for abstraction had never been seen before in artificial intelligence. We were past the text barrier, says the researcher. With GPT-4 things can break ChatGPT, initially with GPT-3.5 and now also with GPT-4, was the first advanced text generation system to reach the masses. The researchers were aware that this qualitative leap was dotted with uncertainties. It is irresponsible, from a cognitive point of view, says Hernandez-Orallo about the launch of the tool to the mass public. Not so much because the system could get out of hand or utter expletives, he points out. What worries him is that these systems could lead to cognitive atrophies or to people using it as their therapist or life partner. These kinds of things are happening at a much lower level than what could have happened, but they are happening. This concern is linked to the cataclysm that took place at OpenAI when the board of directors fired CEO Sam Altman, only to give him his job back after a few days of gruesome instability. From what has become known, at the heart of this struggle was the fight over prioritizing the security of artificial intelligence over its commercial deployment or not. To the researchers, this debate makes sense. Until now, we had not reached such an advanced level in AI, so not many things could break, either. With GPT-4 we do see that things can break, so we still need to take our time, says Ferri, alluding to the desire expressed by the research community to stop the race for AI in order to gain time to assess its social impact. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Nikki Haleys campaign is continuing its relatively good momentum. Although all of Donald Trumps rivals in the Republican primary are trailing far behind him in voting intention, the former ambassador to the U.N. remains on an upward trend and is about to surpass the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. After winning the support of Americans for Prosperity Action, the largest conservative network in the country, on Tuesday, she was endorsed by the governor of New Hampshire, Republican Chris Sununu. The primary race begins on January 15 with the Iowa caucuses. The following week, it is New Hampshires turn to vote. The first states are decisive in assessing a presidential hopefuls chances in the race. Voters and donors follow the caucuses closely. A bad result in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina is synonymous with dropping out of the presidential race. A good result relatively speaking means a candidate can keep the flame of hope alive. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has offered her support to Ron DeSantis, but shes not as popular in her state as Sununu is in his. In November last year, he was re-elected governor of New Hampshire a state that traditionally has been governed by the Democrats with 57% of the vote. The governors endorsement may be key to Haleys efforts to beat DeSantis in the primaries and overshadow Trump, but it is no guarantee of success. Last year, some of the candidates Sununu endorsed lost the Republican primaries to Trumps favorites. Among the latter was the Senate candidate Don Bolduc, who was so far-right that the Democrats supported him in the primary race and then defeated him at the midterms. Nikki Haley is the candidate with the momentum to win and get our party back on track to delivering conservative victories across the country. Shes answered our questions and built trust. Proud to endorse Nikki Haley for President and hope youll join me in this movement! Sununu posted on X on Tuesday, after taking part in Haleys campaign event in Manchester, the main city in the state, with a population of around 115,000. This is an opportunity for New Hampshire to lead this country, for New Hampshire to say were not looking in the rearview mirror anymore, Sununu said at the event. He also sent a message to Trump: Thank you for your service, Mr. President, were moving on. This is New Hampshire, and we go forward. People are frustrated. Over the last eight years, weve had a president thats more concerned about nap time and weve had a president thats worried about his jail time, Sununu continued. Weve got to be able to move forward. Thats drama. That is chaos. So were not going to as a party bring someone forward that is constantly distracted with whatever nonsense and drama that the former president brings to the table. Its the same message that Haleys campaign is pushing. The former governor is calling for an end to chaos, drama and revenge, as she said in the last Republican primary debate. So thankful that the Live Free or Die [the slogan of New Hampshire] governor is on our team it doesnt get any more rock-solid than this! Thank you Chris Sununu for your support and friendship. Were 42 days until the primary lets make history! said Haley, who has begun a three-day campaign tour of New Hampshire, which she has visited numerous occasions since she launched her White House run in February. Trump has an enormous lead in the U.S., with 61% voting intention, according to the weighted aggregation of FiveThirtyEight polls. However, in New Hampshire, he is polling at 44.7%, compared to 18.9% for Haley, who is in second place. Some Donald Trump critics have called on Chris Christie who is third in the state with 11.6% to withdraw from a race that he has no chance of winning, so that Haley can consolidate the votes of Republicans who want an alternative to Trump. Trump surprised New Hampshire in 2016 by winning the states primary with 35% of the votes. From there, his campaign only got stronger until he won the White House. The former president lost the elections in New Hampshire against Hillary Clinton in 2016 and against Joe Biden in 2020. While DeSantis has the support of the Iowa governor and Haley the endorsement of the New Hampshire governor, Trump has the support of Henry McMaster, the governor of South Carolina. Although Haley comes from South Carolina and was the states governor, Trump is leading the polls there, with 50.7% voting intention, compared to Haleys 21.8%. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a campaign rally in Claremont, New Hampshire, U.S., November 11, 2023. The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against former President Donald Trump. The justices will review an appellate ruling that revived a charge against three defendants accused of obstruction of an official proceeding. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress certification of Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election victory over Trump. Thats among four counts brought against Trump in special counsel Jack Smiths case that accuses the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner of conspiring to overturn the results of his election loss. Trump is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The courts decision to weigh in on the obstruction charge could threaten the start of Trumps trial, currently scheduled for March 4. The justices separately are considering whether to rule quickly on Trumps claim that he cant be prosecuted for actions taken within his role as president. A federal judge already has rejected that argument. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in March or April, with a decision expected by early summer. The obstruction charge, which carries up to 20 years behind bars, has been brought against more than 300 defendants and is among the most widely used felony charges brought in the massive federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to keep Biden, a Democrat, from taking the White House. At least 152 people have been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding, and at least 108 of them have been sentenced, according to an Associated Press review of court records. A lower court judge had dismissed the charge against Joseph Fischer, a former Boston police officer, and two other defendants, ruling it didnt cover their conduct. The justices agreed to hear the appeal filed by lawyers for Fischer, who is facing a seven-count indictment for his actions on Jan. 6, including the obstruction charge. The other defendants are Edward Jacob Lang, of New Yorks Hudson Valley, and Garret Miller, who has since pleaded guilty to other charges and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. Miller, whos from the Dallas area, could still face prosecution on the obstruction charge. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols found that prosecutors stretched the law beyond its scope to inappropriately apply it in these cases. Nichols ruled that a defendant must have taken some action with respect to a document, record or other object to obstruct an official proceeding under the law. The Justice Department challenged that ruling, and the appeals court in Washington agreed with prosecutors in April that Nichols interpretation of the law was too limited. Other defendants, including Trump, are separately challenging the use of the charge. More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot, and more than 700 defendants have pleaded guilty. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition When Republicans took control of the U.S. House of Representatives a year ago, one thing was clear in their minds: they wanted to make Joe Bidens life miserable. From the get-go, they proposed impeaching the president, even though they had no compelling arguments to do so. In the end, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in an effort to appease hard-right Republicans ordered an impeachment inquiry into Biden in September. In doing so, McCarthy broke his own promise to put the decision to a vote on the House floor. Now, the Republicans want that vote to happen, and it may take place on Wednesday. While the impeachment inquiry formally began in September, the probe into Biden has been going on for years. Under the Donald Trump administration, Republicans tried to insinuate that Biden was involved with the foreign business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, when he was vice president. They accused Biden of bribery, abuse of power and influence peddling, but to no avail: there was no evidence of such crimes. Now it is Trumps most loyal allies in Congress who are pushing the investigation into Biden. Since taking control of the House, Republicans have been summoning witnesses who they believed could implicate Biden, but with no success. In September, McCarthy ordered three House committees to open an impeachment inquiry, alleging a culture of corruption in the Biden family and hinting at accusations. No evidence, however, was provided to support these claims. McCarthy did not even put the initiative to a vote in the House, as he believed Republicans in swing districts would vote against it, since they saw no reason for such a step. The committees have achieved little in these first months of work. They issued requests and subpoenas that have gone nowhere. In the first hearing with witnesses, even those who had been summoned by the Republicans said that they saw no reasons for an impeachment. The investigation also faces an additional difficulty. Since the inquiry was not approved by the House, it is not clear whether the subpoenas are legally binding. The Republicans summoned Hunter Biden to appear in a closed-door hearing on Wednesday, but he said he would only attend if he could testify publicly. Although some members of Congress have threatened to hold him in contempt, the truth is that the subpoena does not appear to be legally binding. The White House has also refused to respond to requests and subpoenas, alleging the inquiry lacks the legitimacy as it has not been formally approved by the House. The new speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, supports putting the inquiry to a vote precisely for legal reasons. The House has no choice if its going to follow its constitutional responsibility to formally adopt an impeachment inquiry on the floor so that when the subpoenas are challenged in court, we will be at the apex of our constitutional authority, Johnson told reporters in early December. He made the same argument in an article published in USA Today on Tuesday. The White House went to great lengths to present the opening of the investigation as a demonstration of Republican extremism. The White House distributed a 14-page report in September that tried to dismantle the allegations one by one. The report relied heavily on statements by Republican members of Congress who admitted that no wrongdoing had been proven, and also highlighted how some accusations had been manipulated. But the second indictment against Hunter Biden who is accused of evading taxes while leading a life of luxury has given the Republicans a boost. Hunter Biden does not hold office and cannot be impeachment. Whats more, members of Congress have failed to prove that the president benefited in any way from his sons businesses. But the indictment against Hunter Biden has brought the Republicans together, and made it easier for them to vote in favor of the impeachment inquiry, even more so when, in practice, it is a formality to give legitimacy to an investigation that is already underway. The Republicans have a very slim majority in the House (221-213), so if any House Republican votes against the move, they may find that another candidate endorsed by Trump will challenge them in the primaries. The vote is in principle scheduled for Wednesday, as Thursday is the last House session before the Christmas break. Hunter Biden, meanwhile, has filed a series of motions calling for the gun charges brought against him in Delaware to be dismissed. In the different motions, the presidents son argues that he is a victim of political persecution, defends the validity of the plea deal he reached with the prosecution and says he is protected by the right to bear arms, which is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Republicans are looking to politically torture Biden and believe that an impeachment inquiry will help counterbalance the legal woes facing Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 presidential elections next year, in which the entire House of Representatives and a third of the Senate are also up for grabs. Impeachment protocol Articles 1 and 2 of the U.S. Constitution regulate the impeachment of public officials. In the case of federal public officials, it is the House of Representatives that presents the articles of impeachment, while the trial takes place in the Senate. Article 2, Section 4 states: The president, the vice president, and all civil officers of the United States shall be removed from office upon impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. There are also state impeachment trials, such as the one that took place in Texas against its attorney general, Ken Paxton (he was later acquitted). A pre-impeachment investigation is aimed at elucidating whether there is enough material to go forward with the proceeding. A formal investigation of this type is not required before an impeachment, but it is common practice. After the inquiry is completed, the usual next step is for a commission to specify the articles of impeachment the criminal equivalent of the charges or accusations and to submit them to a House vote. If they are formulated and approved by the House, it would be the Senate that would carry out the impeachment trial. Chief Justice John Roberts would preside over the trial, lawmakers appointed by the House of Representatives would act as prosecutors, while senators would serve as jurors. According to the Constitution, no person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two-thirds of the members [of the Senate] present. In other words, 67 votes would be needed if all 100 senators were present. Democrats have a majority of 51 to 49 in the Senate. An impeachment is an exceptional procedure. Only three presidents throughout history (Andrew Johnson, in 1868; Bill Clinton, in 1998, and Donald Trump, in 2019 and 2021) have been impeached by the Senate at the request of the House of Representatives. All three were acquitted. Trumps first impeachment trial is related to the current inquiry against Biden. It was born from Trumps attempts to seek Ukraines help to smear Biden, who was then the favorite to win the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Trump wanted to hurt Bidens chances by using his sons business dealings against him. In December 2019, the House of Representatives accused him of abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival and of obstruction of Congress for ordering officials to refuse to testify. He was acquitted of both charges by a 48-52 and 47-53 vote, respectively. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Dec 13, 2023 - 10:29 | World, All U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday shortly after hosting a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he is "hopeful" a congressional impasse can be resolved to allow more aid to be sent to help the war-torn nation in its fight against Russia. Biden warned that Russia is celebrating congressional rifts caused by his proposal to send additional aid to Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin is "banking on the United States failing to deliver." "We must, we must, we must prove him wrong," Biden said when he met the press at the White House with Zelenskyy, who earlier in the day made a last-ditch in-person plea asking U.S. lawmakers to pass the aid package as a year-end holiday break approaches, but faced stubborn resistance from Republicans. "We're in negotiations to get funding we need, not to promise -- not making promises, but hopeful we can get there, and I think we can," Biden said. Their meeting came as the fate of Biden's supplementary budget request to Congress to fund national security needs, including $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine, remains uncertain. While Russia steps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, U.S. congressional Republicans have increasingly resisted the idea of providing more aid on top of the more than $100 billion already approved by Congress. Biden and his aides have raised the alarm for weeks about funding for Ukraine running out at the end of the year, warning that U.S. failure to support the former Soviet republic would only play into the hands of Putin and would-be aggressors elsewhere. Zelenskyy's plea for more military and economic aid also comes as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has diverted global attention from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. At the outset of his meeting with Biden at the Oval Office, Zelenskyy thanked the United States and its allies for backing Ukraine, and said that his country "can win" the war. Zelenskyy, who arrived in Washington on Monday, also said Ukraine is gradually becoming less dependent on foreign aid, adding that his visit was intended to discuss with Biden how to bolster his country's "air defense and ability to destroy Russia's logistics." Biden announced a drawdown of existing security assistance worth $200 million for Ukraine, which is separate from his supplementary budget request. The package of weapons and equipment includes air defense munitions and air defense system components, according to the U.S. government. Before meeting with Biden, Zelenskyy met with U.S. congressional leaders. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, told reporters he had a "good meeting" with Zelenskyy, but insisted the issue of U.S. border security should come first for Congress when it discusses any supplemental spending on national security. Republicans, who control the House by a narrow margin, have demanded tougher security measures for the country's southern border with Mexico and immigration policy overhauls in return for more funding for Ukraine. It was Zelenskyy's third visit to Washington since Russia's invasion started in February 2022. Zelenskyy last traveled to the U.S. capital in September. Related coverage: Zelenskyy Interview - Ukraine cannot afford for world to doubt our strength Zelenskyy says no cease-fire unless Russia withdraws troops Zelenskyy to hold talks in Washington on Dec. 12 after invite from Biden KYODO NEWS - Dec 13, 2023 - 22:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan PM vows to replace ministers Dec. 14 over funds scandals TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday pledged to replace several ministers embroiled in a political fundraising scandal on the following day, shortly after an extraordinary parliamentary session wrapped up. His ruling Liberal Democratic Party has recently been under heavy scrutiny amid accusations that its largest faction failed to declare hundreds of millions of yen in fundraising party revenue in political funding reports, possibly creating secret funds. ---------- Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer's therapy to cost 2.98 million yen per year TOKYO - A single course of treatment with an Alzheimer's drug developed by Japanese company Eisai Co. and U.S. firm Biogen Inc. will cost around 2.98 million yen ($20,500) per year in Japan and will be largely covered by public health insurance, a health ministry body said Wednesday. The highly-anticipated drug, lecanemab, will be launched in Japan on Dec. 20, the companies said. The drug won approval in September as the country's first that can slow the progression of the debilitating neurodegenerative disease's symptoms by removing a protein believed to be the cause. ---------- Japan confirms 1st death from mpox in country TOKYO - Japan's health ministry said Wednesday that a man in his 30s who was living in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo has died of mpox, the first such death in the country. The man suffered from immunodeficiency, the ministry said, months after the World Health Organization declared in May that mpox is no longer a public health emergency of international concern due to a decline in new infection cases. ---------- Rugby: Eddie Jones to return as Japan head coach TOKYO - Eddie Jones has been rehired as Japan rugby national team head coach to succeed departed Jamie Joseph, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced Wednesday. The 63-year-old Australian, who will hold a press conference Thursday, will take up his post on Jan. 1 and run the team through the 2027 World Cup in Australia. ---------- Japan vows $3 million to provide education for refugees GENEVA - Japan will offer around $3 million to a global fund providing education for refugees, as Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Wednesday pledged more support for the displaced amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip. "We cannot significantly improve the situation by merely providing food, water, and shelter to vulnerable people. We must adopt a more future-oriented, medium- to long-term approach," Kamikawa said at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. ---------- ADB upgrades 2023 growth forecast for Asia-Pacific to 4.9% MANILA - The Asian Development Bank on Wednesday revised upward its 2023 growth forecast for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific to 4.9 percent from its September projection of 4.7 percent, citing higher-than-expected growth in China and India. The Manila-based lender maintained its projection of a 4.8 percent growth for the region next year on expectations that continued robust domestic demand and services will support growth. ---------- Panel urges Japan to prep for digital yen that coexists with cash TOKYO - Japan should make preparations to issue a digital yen "without delay" and treat it as legal tender that would coexist with cash, a government panel of experts said Wednesday. The nine-member panel under the Finance Ministry said any central bank digital currency, or a digital yen, should be usable "by anyone, anytime and anywhere" and compatible with other private companies' digital payment services. ---------- 115-yr-old woman in western Japan becomes country's oldest person KOBE - Tomiko Itooka, a 115-year-old woman in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan, has become the oldest person in Japan following the recent death of the 116-year-old previous holder of the title, the health ministry said Wednesday. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka is the eldest of three siblings and belonged to a volleyball club during her student days, according to the city where she now resides. ---------- Thai PM urges Japan automakers to switch focus to EVs BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has warned Japanese automakers could be "left behind" unless they quickly transition to producing more electric vehicles, as rivals from China claim market share in the Southeast Asian country. The businessman-turned-politician made the remark during an interview with Japanese media Tuesday ahead of his visit to Tokyo to attend a summit on Sunday between Japan and ASEAN members. ---------- Ex-SDF woman says high-profile sex assault case fight was not "waste" TOKYO - A woman who was sexually assaulted while serving in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force said Wednesday that her fight to get justice was "not a waste," a day after a court convicted three former members for sexual indecency. "I spent two years of my life fighting against it," Rina Gonoi, 24, said at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo. Though she said it would have been better if she had not gone through the painful experience in the first place, her remarks suggested she feels it was worth the effort. Video: Kanji for tax picked as the Chinese character most representative of social mood Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu) BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Bilateral trade between China and Vietnam maintained steady growth in the first 11 months of this year, the General Administration of Customs said Tuesday. Goods trade between the two countries reached 1.45 trillion yuan (about 203.73 billion U.S. dollars) from January to November, up 3.6 percent year on year. In November alone, bilateral trade jumped 12.5 percent year on year to hit a monthly record high of 161.92 billion yuan. Vietnam has since 2016 remained China's largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with bilateral trade accounting for 25 percent of China's total trade with this bloc in the first 11 months of 2023. The two countries have recorded increasingly close industrial and supply chain cooperation in recent years. In the first 11 months of this year, the import and export of intermediate goods reached 1.01 trillion yuan, amounting to 69.8 percent of China-Vietnam trade for the period. The two countries also have large space for cooperation in the agricultural sector. In the first 11 months of 2023, China imported 44.62 billion yuan of Vietnamese agricultural products, marking a year-on-year increase of 20.3 percent. Meanwhile, Chinese vegetables and temperate fruits are also welcomed by the Vietnamese market. China exported 34.31 billion yuan of agricultural products to Vietnam during the same period, an increase of 3.1 percent year on year. "Since the beginning of the winter, fruits and vegetables produced in Yunnan Province have entered the peak export season and are favored by the Vietnamese market," said Wang Xin, an official at the Hekou entry-exit border inspection station in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of the first flight of the Shanghai-Cairo air route of the China Eastern Airlines in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 11, 2023. China Eastern Airlines began operating direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, the operator has announced. The new service makes three round trips per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, it said, adding it was the first Chinese airline to operate the Shanghai-Cairo air route. The first flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 232 passengers onboard. It arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7:19 am local time (0519 GMT) on Monday. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) CAIRO, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China Eastern Airlines began operating direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, the operator has announced. The new service makes three round trips per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, it said, adding it was the first Chinese airline to operate the Shanghai-Cairo air route. The first flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 232 passengers onboard. It arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7:19 am local time (0519 GMT) on Monday. A ceremony was held in Cairo late Monday to mark the launch of the first flight of the new air route, which was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang and Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy. Hailing the increasing people-to-people exchanges between China and Egypt in recent years, the Chinese ambassador said bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector would continue to expand and called for efforts to step up cooperation in aircraft maintenance and airport services, among other fields. The Egyptian minister said the launch of the Shanghai-Cairo route would continue to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is one of the three major state-owned airlines in China. Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of the first flight of the Shanghai-Cairo air route of the China Eastern Airlines in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 11, 2023. China Eastern Airlines began operating direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, the operator has announced. The new service makes three round trips per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, it said, adding it was the first Chinese airline to operate the Shanghai-Cairo air route. The first flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 232 passengers onboard. It arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7:19 am local time (0519 GMT) on Monday. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) The launching ceremony of the first flight of the Shanghai-Cairo air route of the China Eastern Airlines is held in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 11, 2023. China Eastern Airlines began operating direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, the operator has announced. The new service makes three round trips per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, it said, adding it was the first Chinese airline to operate the Shanghai-Cairo air route. The first flight departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 232 passengers onboard. It arrived at Cairo International Airport at 7:19 am local time (0519 GMT) on Monday. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Life sciences company Ondine Biomedical has successfully raised CAD 4.91m ($3.62m), it announced on Wednesday, bolstering its efforts to commercialise its photodisinfection technology aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The AIM-traded firm said its technology served as an alternative to topical antibiotics, and effectively eliminated various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while avoiding the development of antimicrobial resistance. In a significant achievement, Ondine said it had met and exceeded its 2023 target by more than doubling the number of hospitals implementing its Steriwave photodisinfection technology. The advancement was said to be particularly critical in light of statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which indicated that HAIs afflicted more than two million patients annually in the United States, leading to more than 90,000 deaths and incurring healthcare costs exceeding $30bn annually. Ondine said its photodisinfection technology had garnered substantial interest worldwide, with discussions underway with more than 75 hospitals in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, and Canada. We have put great efforts into improving our commercial activity sales process, which has increased the speed of the average sales cycle from contact to deployment by 50%, said chief executive officer Carolyn Cross. We have appointed distributors in the UK, Spain, and Mexico and are gaining real momentum. Cross said the fact that many hospitals were recommending Steriwave to other hospitals was particularly encouraging. We believe this momentum will continue to increase, and commercial sales will become more significant in 2024. At 1204 GMT, shares in Ondine Biomedical were down 5.56% at 8.5p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. The long-running saga at cosmetics company Revolution Beauty Group took a new turn on Wednesday when major shareholder Boohoo got its wish with the departure of finance boss Elizabeth Lake. Revolution also announced it had reached a settlement deal with co-founder and former chairman Tom Allsworth to pay 270,000 in relation to an accounting probe. Settlement talks with founder and former chief executive Adam Minto were still ongoing, the company added. It had earlier alleged he breached fiduciary and other duties, and that the company was looking to recover "material sums" in related costs. Former Boohoo chief finance officer Neil Catto will take on the CFO job from January next year. The fast-fashion retailer itself no stranger to controversy - has a 27% stake in Revolution and has been agitating for a boardroom shake-up since June. It wanted to oust chief executive Bob Holt, chairman Derek Zissman, and Lake and replaced with new directors Alistair McGeorge, Catto, and others. In July, the companies reached a deal that saw Holt and Zissman agree to step down. At the time, the companies said Lake will continue to serve as CFO. Catto joined Revolution Beauty in July as a non-executive director. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Regulators should take action to curb a sharp rise in the price of infant formula, pregnancy campaigners have said, after a UK survey found more than half of women felt anxious about the cost of feeding their babies, with the number who expressed concerned rising by a quarter in two years. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) found 65% of mothers were worried about the price of feeding their babies, and the same number said it had a negative impact on their familys finances. A third of women felt it was better for babies to be fed the more expensive milk, despite there being no nutritional benefits. Guardian The chief executive of Sainsburys has defended its decision to sell data on the shopping habits of his customers to TV and consumer goods manufacturers looking to target their advertising. Simon Roberts has said the supermarket group protects personal data incredibly carefully and that its strategy had made adverts more relevant for shoppers. Guardian The US owner of Boots is weighing a 7bn UK listing of the high street pharmacy chain in plans that could provide a much-needed boost for Londons ailing stock market. Walgreens Boots Alliance is understood to be looking at options for Boots, two years after it abandoned a sale of the 174-year-old UK company. Boots management is said to be pushing Walgreens toward an initial public offering (IPO) which would mark a return of the company to the London Stock Exchange (LSE) following a 16-year hiatus. Telegraph The Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services (IDS) is mulling a bid of up to 500 million for Packeta, a Czech parcels business. The group, which operates in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Germany as well as the Czech Republic, was put up for sale in May this year. The latest round of bids are due to be tabled by Friday. The Times Homeowners can now sell their houses for nothing through Purplebricks as the online estate agent tries to claw back market share it lost over the past couple of chaotic years. The agent, which unlike its more traditional rivals has no high street presence, will value a home, list it on Zoopla and handle the negotiation process free of charge. The Times Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, arrives in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023, for a state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Boeing 747 jet bedecked with the Chinese national flag made a graceful descent at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday noon. Amidst the cheers of over 400 representatives from China and Vietnam, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the aircraft cabin, greeting the welcoming crowd with smiles and waves. As the flags of both countries, along with the communist party flags featuring sickle and hammer, fluttered in the gentle breeze, Xi descended from the airstair. Waiting at the red carpet laid out on the tarmac was Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was anticipating the arrival of the esteemed Chinese guest at the airport. Upon seeing Xi step off the staircase, Pham Minh Chinh extended his welcoming hands. The two leaders had a brief chat. Other senior Vietnamese officials on the scene, including Phan Dinh Trac, a member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for Internal Affairs of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, as well as Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the CPV Central Committee, along with local representatives, also joined the greeting to the Chinese president. Following the exchange of pleasantries, Xi and Peng were presented with bouquets of flowers by Vietnamese youths, symbolizing a cordial welcome. People welcome Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Xi arrived in the Southeast Asian country for a two-day state visit. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) "Welcome President Xi Jinping," cheered the crowd dressed in colorful ethnic clothing. In the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, Pham Minh Chinh walked Xi to a Hongqi limousine nearby. Along the road adorned with red banners hailing "Long live Chinese-Vietnamese Friendship!" and "Deepen Friendship between Vietnam and China, Comrades as well as Brothers," Xi's motorcade traversed from the airport to the hotel. Later in the day, Xi attended a welcome ceremony hosted by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong before the two leaders held a meeting. In a written speech upon his arrival, Xi said China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, adding that he looks forward to taking the visit as an opportunity to push bilateral relations to a new stage. This was the first visit to Vietnam by Xi in six years, during which he and Trong are expected to jointly announce the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman are progressing rapidly, as a team of officials from the Department of Commerce is currently in Muscat for discussions. People familiar with the situation indicate that the Department of Commerce has established an internal deadline to conclude the agreement by the end of the month. The development assumes significance since India and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have not been able to begin negotiations for more than a year. This is due to differences pertaining to the terms of reference, especially with Saudi Arabia. If the trade works out, Oman will be the second GCC member after the UAE to ink an FTA with India. That apart, the proposed agreement is also expected to further strengthen Indias economic ties with West Asia. In February 2022, India and the UAE inked a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). According to sources, the framework of the India-UAE agreement is anticipated to serve as a model for the trade pact with Oman. Currently ranked as India's 29th largest trading partner, Oman has experienced substantial growth in bilateral trade. The figures rose from $3.15 billion in FY22 to $4.48 billion in FY23, reflecting a notable 42 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, nearly half of India's exports during the preceding financial year comprised petroleum products, primarily motor gasoline. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a think tank based in Delhi, has stated that India has the potential to significantly boost its exports following the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Presently, more than 80 percent of Indian goods enter Oman with an average import duty of 5 percent, and there are minimal trade barriers in place. In this digital business space, web hosting has become a core pillar of online businesses, providing the infrastructure required for websites to flourish and businesses to connect with their consumers. This is nowhere more apparent than in India, a country that is undergoing an unprecedented digital revolution. The Indian web hosting industry, which was once just warming up to the idea of reaching out online, has quickly developed into a robust ecosystem, paralleling the nation's rapid increase in internet users and digital enterprises. We set out on a trip to comprehend the amazing growth of the web hosting sector on the Indian subcontinent in this post. We investigate the mechanisms causing this expansion, look at the major players reshaping the market, pinpoint new trends, and assess the difficulties and opportunities that lie ahead. We hope to shine light on the promising future that Indian web hosting providers hold as we traverse this dynamic market, presenting new opportunities for corporations, startups, and digital entrepreneurs. Join us in exploring the web hosting ecosystem in India, where technology, innovation, and ambition converge to empower a digital revolution unlike any other. Understanding the Indian Web Hosting Market The astonishing rise of the Indian web hosting sector makes it a crucial part of the country's digital development. It's important to consider the larger context in order to fully appreciate the scope of this transition. According to data, internet usage in India has increased dramatically, with over 692 million people using the internet as of 2023. Web hosting has become a crucial service for companies, people, and organisations of all kinds as a result of the spike in demand for online presence. Web hosting companies in India play a significant role in this environment by providing the technological infrastructure and support required to make websites available around-the-clock. For hosting websites and online applications, they offer the server space, bandwidth, and security measures required, ensuring that they are always available and responsive to users. The development of the Indian web hosting market from straightforward shared hosting to more complex offerings like VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting reflects the wide range of demands of the developing digital ecosystem. This evolving market offers various hosting solutions tailored to different segments, from small businesses and startups seeking cost-effective shared hosting to large enterprises demanding high-performance dedicated servers. Understanding the nuances of this market is essential for companies and individuals looking to establish a robust online presence in India, making it a fascinating domain to explore further. Factors Driving the Growth The growth of the web hosting market in India can be attributed to a confluence of factors that have transformed it into a thriving industry. Rise in Digital Adoption: The number of internet users in India has been increasing at a never-before-seen rate, thanks to factors like affordably priced smartphones, conveniently accessible data plans, and initiatives like Digital India. Naturally, demand for web hosting services increases significantly as more individuals and organisations go online. The number of internet users in India has been increasing at a never-before-seen rate, thanks to factors like affordably priced smartphones, conveniently accessible data plans, and initiatives like Digital India. Naturally, demand for web hosting services increases significantly as more individuals and organisations go online. Strong E-Commerce Growth: The expansion of e-commerce businesses, the use of digital payments, and online shopping have all raised the need for web hosting services. India is already among the world's top e-commerce marketplaces, and new development is anticipated to keep the industry growing. The expansion of e-commerce businesses, the use of digital payments, and online shopping have all raised the need for web hosting services. India is already among the world's top e-commerce marketplaces, and new development is anticipated to keep the industry growing. Technology and infrastructural advancements have also significantly impacted the growth of the web hosting sector. Through enhanced network connectivity, data centre infrastructure, and the usage of cloud computing, web hosting services' quality and accessibility have increased. Due to this, both domestic and international companies have started making investments in the Indian sector, encouraging competition and innovation. In conclusion, the growth of the web hosting industry in India is mostly attributed to rising internet usage, the e-commerce boom, and continuous infrastructure and technology developments. These factors work together to create a climate that supports the expansion of web hosting services, making it a crucial part of India's digital infrastructure. Key Players in the Indian Web Hosting Industry The rapidly expanding Indian web hosting business has drawn a wide variety of domestic and foreign hosting providers. For companies and individuals looking for dependable hosting services in India that are customized to their needs, understanding the significant actors influencing this market is crucial. Industry giants, including OVHcloud, BigRock, HostGator India, Bluehost India, and GoDaddy India, are among India's top web hosting providers. These companies have a sizable market share and are renowned for their broad selection of hosting solutions, excellent customer service, and sturdy infrastructure. Offering shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting services, they serve a range of clientele, from small businesses to major corporations. Apart from established players, India has also witnessed the emergence of local hosting companies catering to the unique requirements of the Indian market. These providers often excel in understanding the nuances of local businesses, offering localized support, and addressing regulatory compliance. The competitive landscape in Indian web hosting is continually evolving, with new entrants and innovative startups vying for a piece of the market. This dynamic environment benefits customers by fostering innovation, improving service quality, and reducing costs. Market share in the Indian hosting industry is a testament to the diversity and robust competition within the sector. As businesses and individuals seek hosting solutions tailored to their specific needs, they have many options to choose from, making the Indian web hosting industry one of the most vibrant and customer-focused in the world. Emerging Trends in Web Hosting The Indian web hosting landscape is about meeting current demands and staying ahead of emerging trends. In this dynamic industry, several trends are shaping the future of hosting services in India. One of the most notable trends is the rapid adoption of cloud hosting solutions. Cloud hosting in India has gained immense popularity due to its scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Large and small businesses are harnessing the power of cloud infrastructure to ensure seamless performance and flexibility. Managed hosting services are also on the rise. With businesses focusing on their core competencies, they often prefer to delegate the management of their hosting infrastructure to experts. Managed hosting providers manage server maintenance, security, and performance optimization, allowing businesses to concentrate on growth. Security and data protection have become paramount concerns. The increasing frequency of cyber threats and data breaches has made robust security measures a critical aspect of web hosting. Hosting providers invest heavily in advanced security features, including DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and malware scanning, to safeguard their clients' data and online assets. Furthermore, Green Web Hosting is an emerging trend driven by environmental consciousness. Hosting companies are adopting eco-friendly practices using renewable energy sources and energy-efficient data centres to reduce their carbon footprint. It aligns with India's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. These trends reflect the evolving needs of businesses and individuals in India's digital landscape. Hosting providers innovate and adapt to these emerging trends to stay competitive and secure online. Challenges and Opportunities While the Indian web hosting market offers immense growth potential, it has its fair share of challenges and opportunities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for existing and aspiring hosting providers and users. Navigating The Regulatory Landscape : India has stringent data protection and cybersecurity regulations that hosting providers must comply with. Staying abreast of these evolving regulations and ensuring customer data privacy and security can be complex. However, this also presents an opportunity for hosting providers who can offer robust compliance solutions and data protection services. : India has stringent data protection and cybersecurity regulations that hosting providers must comply with. Staying abreast of these evolving regulations and ensuring customer data privacy and security can be complex. However, this also presents an opportunity for hosting providers who can offer robust compliance solutions and data protection services. Rapid Growth Of E-Commerce : E-commerce businesses require reliable hosting services to deliver seamless online shopping experiences. Meeting these demands can be an opportunity for hosting providers specializing in e-commerce solutions. On the flip side, the increasing competition in this space means providers must continuously innovate and offer competitive pricing. : E-commerce businesses require reliable hosting services to deliver seamless online shopping experiences. Meeting these demands can be an opportunity for hosting providers specializing in e-commerce solutions. On the flip side, the increasing competition in this space means providers must continuously innovate and offer competitive pricing. Catering To The Hosting Needs Of Startups: India is witnessing a burgeoning startup ecosystem, and these businesses often require cost-effective hosting solutions with room for scalability. Hosting providers offering startup-friendly packages and support can tap into this growing market. In summary, the Indian web hosting market presents both challenges and opportunities. Navigating regulatory requirements, serving the e-commerce sector, and catering to the needs of startups are all areas that hosting providers and entrepreneurs can focus on to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Future Outlook of the Indian Web Hosting Market The future of the Indian web hosting market promises sustained growth and innovation. Projections indicate that India's digital transformation is far from reaching its peak, which implies a continued surge in demand for web hosting services. With increasing businesses shifting online operations, the web hosting industry is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. Adopting cloud hosting solutions will likely become even more prevalent, offering businesses the agility and scalability required in the modern digital landscape. Moreover, as technology evolves, hosting providers will likely explore emerging technologies such as edge computing and serverless architecture to meet the ever-growing demand for speed and efficiency. Sustainability and environmental responsibility will continue to be significant considerations. Hosting providers that embrace green hosting practices will align with global ecological goals and resonate with conscientious consumers. The Indian web hosting market's future is also intertwined with the expansion of e-commerce, the startup ecosystem, and digital entrepreneurship. These sectors will be instrumental in shaping the demand for specialized hosting services tailored to their unique needs. Conclusion The Indian web-hosting market, once an uncharted territory, has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem that mirrors the nation's digital transformation. As India surges into the digital age, web hosting providers stand as the unsung heroes, ensuring businesses, individuals, and organizations have the online infrastructure they need to thrive. We've explored the multifaceted facets of this dynamic landscape, from understanding the market's evolution and the factors propelling its growth to the key players shaping its trajectory. We've also delved into emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, offering insights into the complex yet exciting terrain of Indian web hosting. The future of the Indian web hosting market is undeniably promising. With the country's digital adoption still on an upward trajectory, the demand for hosting services is set to soar. The industry's response, marked by technological innovation, sustainability initiatives, and tailored solutions for e-commerce and startups, will undoubtedly shape India's digital landscape for years to come. As we conclude our journey through the Indian web hosting landscape, it's clear that this industry isn't just about hosting websites; it's about empowering businesses, fueling entrepreneurship, and connecting a diverse nation in the digital realm. The Indian web hosting market's growth is a testament to the spirit of innovation and ambition driving India's digital future, and we can only anticipate greater heights in the years ahead. ALLEN Career Institute, a well-known test preparation startup, has named Apoorv Sharma as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With a background as a senior marketing and communications manager at Apple, Sharma contributes over 18 years of varied experience in both B2B and B2C sectors across various geographical regions. His expertise in brand development, innovative solutions, and product marketing during his five-year role at Apple was emphasized by the company. Sharma expressed his excitement upon joining ALLEN , stating, I eagerly anticipate establishing deeper connections with educators, learners, and parents by employing compelling narratives and innovative marketing approaches. He underscored the companys objective, which aims not just to inform but also to motivate and empower student communities for a brighter future. With dual MBA degrees from IMT Ghaziabad and IESEG School of Management in France, coupled with a bachelors degree in computer science, Sharma brings a combination of managerial expertise and technical acumen to his new position. Earlier this year, ALLEN named Nitin Kukreja as its CEO, signifying the company's shift towards becoming a digital-first edtech enterprise. Kukreja, previously the managing director at Marigold Park Capital Advisors and CEO of Star Sports, joins ALLEN with a wealth of experience in consumer-tech investments and leadership positions. In a strategic maneuver, ALLEN entered the edtech arena through the acquisition of Doubtnut, an AI-based doubts solving platform, reportedly finalizing the deal at approximately $10 million. Additionally, the company received a substantial investment of $600 million from Bodhi Tree Systems last year. Established in 1988 by Rajesh Maheshwari, ALLEN Career Institute remains a prominent test preparation brand, providing support to aspiring engineering and medical students for their college entrance examinations. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island man will have to get clean and stay away from his father if he wants to avoid prison. Mario Malfitano, 39, of Eltingville, pleaded guilty Tuesday before Justice Maria Mundy in state Supreme Court, St. George, to charges of felony robbery and misdemeanor assault, in connection with a Nov. 7 domestic dispute inside his parents home where he was living. If abides by the aforementioned conditions, the felony will be dropped. According to a criminal complaint, Malfitano threatened his 73-year-old father with a knife for an unspecified amount of money. Six days later, officers who were called to the home allegedly were injured after the defendant resisted. At the hearing Tuesday, in seeking a long-term solution, a plea agreement was struck between the Richmond County District Attorneys Office and the defense. EDITORS NOTE: This story is the first of two detailing the NYPDs efforts to crack down on drivers with fake license plates. Coming later this week: A ride-along with officers on patrol for offenders. *** STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is increasing its efforts to crack down on so-called ghost cars being driven throughout the borough. Ghost cars are vehicles with falsified paper license plates or plates that are obscured by a device that makes them unreadable to red light, speed and toll cameras. Police say that the false or obscured plates are being used in the commission of more serious crimes and that the situation has become a quality-of-life issue. Theyre coming into our borough and using the devices and fraudulent plates to commit crimes that can go undetected, Lt. Joseph Bell, commanding officer of Highway Unit 5, told the Advance/SILive.com. And others are using these devices to avoid having to pay tolls and avoid speed cameras. A license plate reader sits on the rear of an unmarked police car on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White Bell said Tuesday that this year there have been 45 arrests for paper license plates, which are classified as forged instruments, and that 350 summonses have been issued for related violations like obstructions such as a license plate blocked by something like a bike rack. Its about a 100% increase over the last several years, Bell said. It is an increasing problem and were done with the warnings. Bell said that the borough is being plagued by an organized criminal enterprise that uses license plate-obscuring devices to go undetected as they come into Staten Island to steal catalytic converters and cars out of driveways. Most of the time, the getaway car has a device that prevents police from reading the plate or a fraudulent paper plate, Bell said. Police read license plates by both sight and through the use of license plate readers which are used to scan plates in real time directly from police vehicles. Should the reader find a questionable plate, officers are alerted to a potentially fraudulent plate or a driver with a possible criminal background. Theyre coming into our borough and using the devices and fraudulent plates to commit crimes that can go undetected, Lt. Joseph Bell, commanding officer of Highway Unit 5, told the Advance/SILive.com. And others are using these devices to avoid having to pay tolls and avoid speed cameras. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White My officers can spot a paper [license] plate from five car lengths away. NOT A VICTIMLESS CRIME Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, the NYPD borough commander, told the Advance/SILive.com that this not a new initiative, but something that police are taking seriously due to its connection to car theft rings and crimes such as burglaries. Gulotta pointed out that police have seen cars with falsified and obscured plates involved in shooting or shots-fired incidents. This is not a victimless crime, Gulotta said. Were not only seeing these types of plates used to avoid tolls, were seeing vehicles with them speeding through red lights with reckless abandon. God forbid youre involved in an accident with one of these cars. Theyre going to take off and were not going to be able to find that vehicle easily. The creation of false license plates is a Class E felony in New York. The maximum penalty for such a crime or being in possession of the machines to make such plates is four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, according to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and Penal Law. Possession of fake license plates can be a Class D felony, also punishable by fines up to $5,000 and up to seven years in jail. Its something that we really have to stop and were going to stop. Were really going to ramp up our enforcement as we go through the end of the year, Gulotta said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Its always a fun evening when members of the South Beach Civic Association gather for their annual Christmas holiday party and this year was no exception. City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks and John Sollazzo. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance The 22nd annual affair was staged in the Crystal Room, the longtime catering venue in South Beach, where a spirited crowd of more than 200 partied to the sounds of deejay Tim T. and his assistant Tom. Proceeds from the event were donated to a number of charities that call Staten Island home. Guests enjoying the evening's fare. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance . Joseph and Rosann McAllister, president and vice prsident of the South Beach Civic Association, standing left, and board members of the organization. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance Rosanne McAllister, second from left, and members of the South Beach Civic Association. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance Standing from the left, Capt Luigi Carrubba, commanding officer of the 122nd Police Precinct, Joseph and Rosanne McAllister and John Twomey. Sitting from the left, Vito Fossella Sr., Alba Rivera and Veronica Bifalco. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance ISouth Beach Civic Association President Joseph McAllister acknowledged revelers for all their support, and singled out the volunteers, committee and board members for their kindnesses over the past 22 years. Friends enjoy the holiday party. (Courtesy/Steve White)Staten Island Advance Vice President RoseAnn McAllister thanked representatives of various organizations present and friends and family members who, in what translated into a collaborative effort, worked side by side to ensure the success of the special holiday event. Prosecutors in Nebraska have charged a man with murder, burglary and two other charges related to the stabbing death of a Catholic priest, according to the Associated Press. Authorities say the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, was attacked during a break-in at the rectory where he lived next to his small town church, according to the report. Kierre L. Williams, 43, was charged Tuesday with killing the priest on Sunday morning, the report says. Williams was arrested inside Gutgsells home just minutes after the priest called 911 to report that a man was standing in his kitchen with a knife, and the answering operator heard a struggle over the phone, according to the report. The AP reported that Gutgsell was rushed to a local hospital, where he died approximately three hours later. Court documents say the victim was bleeding profusely and yelled help me when law enforcement officials arrived, according to the outlet. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. 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. Vincent J. Montalbano, 74, passed away at his New Brighton home on Dec. 8, 2023. He was born to Mary and Dominic Montalbano of Tottenville, where he grew up with his older sisters Marie and Charlotte. Vincent attended Our Lady Help of Christians elementary school and later graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School. As a teen he sang for the rock band, The Vectors. Continuing his education at Stony Brook University, he was elected student body president and graduated in 1971 with a bachelors degree in Political Science. Early in his professional career, Vincent worked as a caseworker at Mount Loretto, a foster care agency. There he met his wife of more than 47 years, Ester, a coworker. He later worked at United Cerebral Palsy and helped establish the Nina Eaton Center. Vincent was active in Staten Island politics. In 1975 he became president of the Staten Island Democratic Association. He also served on Community Board 1 on the north shore. He ran twice for the Democratic nomination for State Assembly, in 1976 and 1978. Read the full obit on SILive. Dr. Edmund K.P Ling, a devoted husband, loving father, and esteemed Ophthalmologist, passed away peacefully at home in Staten Island, surrounded by his family. He was born in Trinidad on May 26, 1937. A highly accomplished individual, Dr. Lings educational journey led him to dual graduation from St. Bartholomews Hospital Royal College of Physicians/Royal College of Surgeons and the University of London in 1977. Later, he qualified as an Ophthalmologist in the United States, having moved to New York from London in 1980 with his wife Sally. He found joy in capturing moments through photography, exploring the world through travel, and cherished the companionship of his family pets. Sunday afternoons were especially dear to him, often spent in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown in Manhattan. Read the full obit on SIlive. Russia has issued 120,000 electronic visas in the past five months, nearly half of which went to Chinese applicants, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during an appearance before the Federation Council (upper house of parliament, or "senate"), Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. "Since August of this year, we have introduced a unified electronic visa, applicable to 55 countries. Over the past five months, more than 120,000 people have utilized it. For a new instrument, this is a significant figure. Almost half [of such visas] were issued to applicants from China," Russia's top diplomat told the senators. The foreign minister also stated that India accounted for about another 10,000 e-visas. "The Saudis, the Turks [have also used such visas]. Certainly, this will further stimulate inbound tourism. At this stage, it was decided to limit these steps for now." "Nevertheless, these visas already create quite convenient conditions for those wishing to visit us. At least, everyone with whom our respective ambassadors spoke have had high praise for the electronic visa," the top diplomat noted. "In any case, life never stands still. We are also working toward a visa-free regime for group tourism with the People's Republic of China. This process will continue." DHAKA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed when seven compartments of a train were derailed on an overpass in Gazipur near the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Wednesday. The crash which occurred around 4:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday left roughly eight people injured, Hanif Ali, chief of local Joydebpur Railway Station, told journalists. "One person was killed on the spot when seven bogies of the train including the engine, went off the tracks," he added. The train derailment snapped the railway communications from the capital Dhaka to other parts of the country for hours. The train has derailed after a section of the railway line in Gazipur was allegedly severed by saboteurs due to the ongoing opposition movement. The opposition movement has reportedly led to vandalism of vehicles and arson attacks, with deadly clashes between police and workers in Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country almost every day since late October. Bangladesh's main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have called countrywide blockade of roads, rail lines, and waterways for 36 hours from Tuesday morning after the Election Commission's announcement of the 12th parliamentary election schedule in the country. It is the 11th round of blockade called by the BNP-led opposition parties since late October. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Tuesday decision from New Yorks highest court could mean trouble for Republican control of the House of Representatives. The New York Court of Appeals issued a decision that sends the states congressional district maps, in place since last year, to the New York Independent Redistricting Commission (NYIRC). We are pleased with the Court of Appeals decision and look forward to getting back to work with our colleagues as soon as possible to ensure that New Yorks voters receive the benefit of the historic redistricting reforms they voted for in 2014, Ken Jenkins, chair of the NYIRC, said. After each decennial U.S. Census, each state redraws its congressional district lines through a variety of mechanisms. New Yorkers enshrined the NYIRC in the state constitution through a 2014 ballot proposal, but it passed with a stipulation that map drawings be returned to the state Senate if the commission failed to pass a set of maps. Democrats in the state Senate took over the process last year after a first-of-its kind bipartisan NYIRC failed to reach an agreement on the district lines following the 2020 U.S. Census. Last year, a Steuben County judge appointed Dr. Jonathan Cervas, of the Institute for Politics and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University, to draw district lines for Congress and the state Senate after state courts found Senate Democrats maps that Gov. Kathy Hochul approved were unconstitutional. The maps Cervas produced put Republicans, including Malliotakis, in a stronger position for the 2022 elections. For example, his map linked Staten Island, the citys most conservative borough, with more like-minded parts of southern Brooklyn giving Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Southern Brooklyn) an advantage over her opponent, former Democratic Rep. Max Rose. Malliotakis cruised to a cushy 24-point victory over Rose, who represented the district from 2018 to 2020, when he lost by a six-point margin. An analysis from non-profit news organization THE CITY found that if the maps the state Senate drew remained in place with Staten Island connected to more liberal Park Slope, Roses hometown that the former congressman couldve squeaked back into office with a 4,000-vote win. While the initial case that brought in the special master was filed by Republican voters, the latest court case was filed by registered Democrats. Malliotakis joined fellow New York Republicans Monday to call on the courts to keep the current maps in place, but that seemingly fell on deaf ears. On Tuesday, she blasted the court decision and Hochul, who backed a 10% pay raise for the states judges earlier this year. Todays unconstitutional ruling is a direct attack on the citizens of New York state who overwhelmingly rejected political gerrymandering and have clearly said they do not want partisan politicians to draw district lines,' Malliotakis said. Its no coincidence that this decision comes after Governor Hochul packed the Court of Appeals and signed off on a pay raise for judges. The bottom line is, Democrats cant win on policy, debate or merit and will stop at nothing to tilt the scales of justice and sway the results of future elections in their favor. I wont stop fighting alongside my constituents, who refuse to let corrupt Albany politicians silence them through political gerrymandering. In addition to Malliotakis seat, several currently-Republican districts could see their borders shift, throwing the GOPs control of the House into question next year. Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James, who backed the push to redraw the lines, issued a joint statement applauding the courts decision. Todays redistricting decision will ensure all New Yorkers are fairly and equitably represented by elected officials, the two said. As the Court of Appeals reaffirmed today, district lines should be drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission. We will continue our efforts to protect voting rights for all New Yorkers. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per month Premium Includes: Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. The ability to download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. The ability to clip & download articles or images to share with others. Access to the last 90 days of e-Editions with search, downloading and clipping options. Unlimited access to our award-winning online content Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Go to form Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2023 shows a view of the Gwadar port in Balochistan province of Pakistan. (Xinhua/Tang Binhui) The old fishing town of Gwadar in Pakistan's southwestern province Balochistan is being transformed into a modern port city with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. by Misbah Saba Malik, Tang Binhui, Wang Huan GWADAR, Pakistan, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Arifa Haleem, a resident of Pakistan's southwest Gwadar district, has witnessed a prolonged struggle in her community with the scarcity of clean drinking water since her childhood until a desalination plant, a generous gift from China, brought about a transformative change in her life. The coastal district of Gwadar faces an ongoing challenge due to the salinity of its water source, which poses difficulties for the local population. However, the plant under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has solved the longstanding issue. Launched in 2013, CPEC, the flagship project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a corridor linking Gwadar port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, highlighting energy, transport, and industrial cooperation. Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2023 shows a staff worker collecting desalinated water at the China-donated seawater desalination plant in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Tang Binhui) It had been a long desire of local residents to drink clean water. The Chinese brought happiness to the lives of the Pakistani people who will not only benefit from the plant but also deem it as the sweetest gesture from Chinese friends, Haleem told Xinhua. The plant is set to provide 5,000 tons of potable water daily to the residents of Gwadar, alleviating the water shortage. Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2023 shows equipment at the China-donated seawater desalination plant in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Tang Binhui) Ghazanfar Ali, the health and safety engineer at the project, said that the lack of clean water in Gwadar has adversely affected both daily life and agriculture. "The inherently fertile land of Gwadar has been underutilized due to water scarcity, limiting employment opportunities. With the advent of the seawater desalination plant, residents here can now harness the fertility of the land, cultivating small areas around their homes to grow a variety of crops," he added. "The seawater desalination plant is designed in a modern way to get the most out of it by consuming very little energy," he said, adding that because of the use of energy-saving devices, natural process has been given more importance. The old fishing town of Gwadar was now being transformed into a modern port city under CPEC, which not only brought investment and business to Pakistan, but also improved the lives of the Gwadar people through various donations. File photo shows a view of the Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Gansu Construction Investment(Holdings) Group Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) Apart from the plant, China has also helped the people of Gwadar by upgrading an existing 50-bed hospital into a 150-bed medical facility. The Chinese government and people have provided medical equipment, including emergency departments, outpatient departments, inpatient departments, medical technological departments, and administration and support systems for the hospital. Talking to Xinhua, Muhammad Zubair, a Pakistani engineer at the "China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital" project, said it has provided Gwadar residents with comprehensive medical services and one-stop medical solutions, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated diseases. "Previously Gwadar people had to travel hundreds of miles to get good medical facilities in big cities of the province, but after the inauguration of the friendship hospital, many facilities have been made available in Gwadar, which will save many lives and bring comfort to the lives of the residents," he said. Aerial photo taken on June 3, 2022 shows a section of the China-aided Eastbay Expressway of Gwadar port in Gwadar of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao) In the arid landscapes of Gwadar, the plant and the hospital have not only quenched the long-standing thirst for clean water and improved medical infrastructure, but also revitalized the community's agricultural prospects, showcasing the fruits of bilateral cooperation under CPEC in addressing basic needs and uplifting socio-economic development of the region. The official ABC announcement of the departure of legendary Triple J musical director Richard Kingsmill was quite a lengthy hero-gram, the very least Aunty bosses could do for a bloke who has done more than anybody over the decades to bring some much-needed cool to the broadcaster. Loading But the party line from Ultimo glossed over what might be seen as very shabby treatment of The King. Only a small line in the reams of officially cleared quotes hinted at what went down behind the scenes, with Kingsmill talking about how much Ive still got left in the tank in continuing to contribute to the Australian music industry. Since then, several ABC insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity because they want to keep their jobs, have told us that Kingsmill did not depart voluntarily and The King was made redundant as part of a restructure of the broadcasters youth network. 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 Some of Australias best-loved writers revisit the places close to their hearts. See all 7 stories . From the first low, expectant chords of Melanie Oxley and Chris Abrahams Jerusalem Bay, you know youre on the way to somewhere mysterious. Carried there by a river, perhaps. Youre alert, mesmerised but not entirely at ease, because the beauty of the music is infused with a deep, enigmatic pull towards the unknown. Id been listening to this intriguing jazz-inflected album for years, often on drives to and from the Central Coast, when I finally registered the ugly sign on the freeway overpass Jerusalem Bay Track and put the two together. Jerusalem Bay, the inlet and the album. Over time, Ive come to realise that mystery is what I love best in this world in a book, in a song, in a painting, even a place. And no place is more compelling to me, in its merging of geography and imagination, than the body of water north of Sydney starting at Broken Bay. Jerusalem Bay On a map, its a lightning strike flickering in from the Pacific, its tentacles lengthening and becoming Pittwater and Cowan Creek to the south, the Hawkesbury River and its tributaries to the west, Brisbane Water to the north. In my mind, its a filigree of flat silver water, bound everywhere by high walls of green bush plunging vertiginously into the deep. Surrounding it all, the vast green expanse of national parks: Ku-ring-gai Chase, Brisbane Water, Marramarra, Dharug. * Two separate childhood holidays, impressionistic, fragmented. One. A brief stay at Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury, in a shadowy wooden house owned by some family friends. Only reachable by ferry or boat, no cars. In my recall of that loose, magical visit there is strangeness and freedom, running barefoot along its steep thoroughfares with my siblings in the dark shade of endlessly tall eucalypts. There is summer humidity and the dank smell of mould, and warnings of funnel webs and ticks enemies unheard of at home on the pale dry Monaro. Of course, we kids called it Danger Island, adding to the frisson, the island itself creating our simultaneous captivity and freedom. Advertisement Two. A Hawkesbury houseboat holiday, my family on one vessel and another on theirs, the two tied together at night while the adults drank and we kids, seven or eight of us, pelted over and around each boat, shrieking and fighting in the falling dark. During the days our boats nudged gently along the river, into and out of its tiny bays, the diamond-hard sunlight glinting and bouncing. I dont remember how or where we slept only the feeling of being rocked, held safe, by the night and the deep green water. Those imprinted days of the Dangar trees, the lulling green water, returned to me decades later when my partner took me on the little ferry to Pittwaters Mackerel Beach. I fell in love enough to set part of a novel there, and then to get married at the corner of that sandy beach, accompanied by our friends, the cicada-filled bush and the soft, slapping water. Charlotte Wood: Over time Ive come to realise that mystery is what I love best in this world. Credit: Henry Simmons The only words I recall from the novel are this line: And across the quiet water, Lion Island looms. It still does, the Sphinx-like block rising calmly from the sea, keeping stern vigil over Broken Bay. The husband who gave me Pittwater, Mackerel, Lion Island and the rest also gave me Jerusalem Bay the album 25 years ago. But we had never actually been there. So one weekday afternoon recently, halfway home from the coast, we veered off the freeway to investigate that unknown Jerusalem Bay Track. An 11-kilometre section of the Great North Walk classified as challenging and hard, apparently with many stairs and slippery sections, it descends steeply from Cowan railway station to the bay, before climbing again to Brooklyn. As soon as we got out of the car at Cowan and made our way across the train tracks we knew this was foolish it was the hottest part of a 35-degree day, we didnt have hats or walking boots or anything more than a small bottle of water with us. Ten minutes in, peering further down the perilous track and already starting to slip on bits of shale in our flimsy sneakers, we bailed. Instead, on a cool morning two weeks later we step into a sturdy little hire boat at Cottage Point and motor out onto that shining water in search of Jerusalem Bay. Advertisement * Its come to me that what draws me most strongly to this watery place is the uncertain, shifting state it induces. A suspension between states, in fact: not on the coast, but not inland either. Not on land, nor bodily in water as we are when dunking ourselves in the ocean. Rather, on this overcast morning in our little boat we drift, suspended between airy sky and the waters dark depths where lies the unconscious, that place of old fears, of wonder and beauty, of exhilaration and threat. In our boat we inhabit a place of softened edges, like the space between sleep and waking. Loading Later I try to describe this to a friend. Ah, she says. The dreaming zone. There could be no better soundtrack to the dreaming zone than Oxley and Abrahams lush, membranous album, melodically as tendrilled as the inlets and bays, rhythmic as the shifting currents, lyrically dense as the thick, secretive bush. Secretive for me, I mean. For others its the intimate knowledge of a place; its land formations, the ways of its water, its plants, its weather patterns and soil and water-life, that illuminates the wondrous. But for me the unknowing my foreignness, my outsiderness is the point. I used to be embarrassed by this seeming preference for ignorance, but now I understand it. I want the mystery. As we set off under our cloudy sky, the gloomy light turns both water and bush walls a deep blackish green, and even without the drone of the motor we would not want to speak. On and on, as the song says, we round one monochrome bend only to find another another inlet, corner, another outcrop curving headlong into the bay. Always something beyond, something hidden to yearn and search for. Advertisement We reach the little finger ends of Jerusalem Bay, and then the sun came out. Everything blossoms into colour and detail: light-spears of glittering turquoise appear in the water; grey stone turns streaky green, speckled, vivid black and pale gold. Cut the motor, drop the anchor, and for two hours we float. He fishes, I lazily watch the water and the cathedral walls of the bush twisted angophoras, grass trees, ferns, white flowering eucalypts growing straight out of sandstone slabs and boulders. The treetops move in a slow-motion wind, the whole ridge a swath of velvet rubbed one way, then another. Here and there a dead tree slides whitely into the water. Mussel-lipped rocks at the waterline open up their many mouths, many eyes, intensifying the sense of our being watched. This is what I love. This insignificance in the face of grandeur. My smallness against the great earth, against the unknown deep, the towering bush. And all of it leaches into the tracks on Jerusalem Bay. Its overlapping layers of instrumentation (piano, trumpet, bass; soft, expressive percussion) evoke slapping water, the bump of boat hull on wooden pylon, the windblown tink of sailboat stays against a mast. The call of seabirds, the approaching threat of storm or fire or oblivion. The opaque, hazy lyrics open up great stretches in which a listeners imagination can float free. Glimpses emerge and recede in Oxleys rich, smudgy vocals, calling up foreboding and desire at once there are late arrivals, a stone house, the smoke of something happening, alcohol, searches for something or someone lost, ocean swimming under a bushfire sky. These set down against sudden curious incantations, like Destroy, She Said, the title of a Marguerite Duras novel of lassitude, eroticism, madness. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. LuMi chef Federico Zanellato wants to show his community what good pizza should taste like. Federico Zanellato, the owner-chef at Pyrmonts two-hatted LuMi restaurant, has already joined Sydneys new-wave bakeries with Lode Pies. Now he has pizza in his sights: Last weekend he opened Avoja in Manly. I live five minutes drive from here, Zanellato says. The chef passed the vacated Ironbark Woodfired Pizza site for a year, mulling over plans to reboot the space. Angelo Cristella, Matteo Ernandes, Federico Zanellato and Piero Fonseca from Avoja. Michela Boncagni [I want to do this] for my community, for the friends of my kids who go to school here, to show them what good pizza should taste like, he says citing a shortage of quality pizzerias in the north. Zanellato refurbished the existing wood-fire pizza oven, shipped in some new furniture, and recruited Matteo Ernandes, a seasoned pizzaiola with Matteo Double Bay and Da Orazio at Bondi Beach on his CV. The most dazzling meteor shower of the year will peak this week, festooning the night sky with yellow-tinged streaks as rocks and dust left behind by an asteroid incinerate in the atmosphere. And the timing is perfect, as the meteors will burst across the sky during a dim new moon. A composite of more than 100 meteors during 2014s shower. Credit: NASA/MSFC/Danielle Moser, NASAs Meteoroid Environment Office About 50 meteors per hour will flash in Melbourne and Sydney skies, and up to 90 in Darwin as the shower peaks on Thursday night and early Friday morning. The Geminid meteor shower has long thrilled and puzzled astronomers because the shower originates from an asteroid, not a comet. Comets are icy, dusty, rocky objects that partly melt when their orbit comes close to the sun, hurling off dust particles that become meteors. Bruce Lehrmanns legal team will seek to cross-examine witnesses as part of his defence against prosecutors who allege he raped a woman in Queensland in 2021. The former federal Liberal Party staffers case has been proceeding through a local court west of Brisbane since January, when he was charged. Bruce Lehrmann. Credit: Kate Geraghty The court has so far heard prosecutors would be examining months worth of phone data from the complainant before and after the alleged offence. Lehrmann, 28, allegedly met the woman in a nightclub weeks after he first appeared in a Canberra court over unrelated allegations he raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House. Australias childhood vaccination rates have fallen for the second consecutive year, in a trend that concerned public health experts believe is linked to shortages in bulk-billing GPs and increased distrust in vaccines. After several years of rising uptake, the proportion of Australian five-year-olds fully vaccinated with routine inoculations including for polio, measles and hepatitis B has fallen 1.4 per cent, from a peak of 94.8 per cent in 2020, to 93.4 per cent in 2022. The NSW town of Mullumbimby is a town long known for vaccine refusal. Credit: Paul Harris Pockets of much lower vaccine coverage have persisted in communities known for more alternative vaccine views, including the Noosa hinterland in Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast area that takes in Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Lennox Head. Associate Professor Frank Beard, with the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, which published the latest data, said the ongoing national decline posed a concern given Australia was now well through the worst of the pandemic disruptions. Canada Bays longstanding mayor, Angelo Tsirekas, has been sacked from the council and banned from holding civic office for five years after an independent watchdog found he engaged in serious corrupt conduct by accepting perks from property developers. The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption last month found Tsirekas amassed benefits of $18,800 from developers in return for advancing their projects at Rhodes, in Sydneys inner west. The ICAC inquiry probed former Canada Bay mayor Angelo Tsirekas actions relating to planning matters dating back to 2012. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The perks included overseas flights, luxury hotel stays, and nightclub trips between 2015 and 2019. NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig suspended Tsirekas from the council hours after the commission handed down its final report, which had recommended his swift removal from office. No one expects those types of things to be read by strangers, let alone opinionated on They accused me of something I never wrote about, never did and would never do. Rego confirmed her client would be seeking compensation, adding: Im not prepared to put a figure on it, but it will be bigger than any substantial payment that has been made before. Lindy Chamberlain and her then-husband Michael were pardoned in 1987 over the death of their daughter, Azaria, who was taken by a dingo at Uluru, and their convictions were quashed in 1988. They received $1.3 million in compensation in 1992. Kathleen Folbigg, centre, Tracy Chapman, left, and her lawyer Rhanee Rego outside the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney. Credit: Kate Geraghty Chapman welcomed the historic decision and told The Sydney Morning Herald she was excited to see Folbigg have her agency back. Im also looking forward to her living her best life, I really am, Chapman said. Just go out there and live, girl. I always wanted the best for her. Chapman said she wanted to ensure no one else has to go through this. She called for a trauma-informed justice system and a new independent post-conviction review body to investigate potential miscarriages of justice, modelled on the UK Criminal Cases Review Commission. The system preferred to blame me rather than accept that, sometimes, children can and do die suddenly, unexpectedly, and heartbreakingly. Kathleen Folbigg She believed that if mental health in the context of complex grief had been examined at the time of Folbiggs 2003 trial, wed have had a very different approach. Rego said Folbigg had shown courage and resilience in her fight for justice, but there were lessons to be learnt about how she spent two decades in prison. It exemplifies broader problems in our legal system: a poorly designed review system that is incapable of timely identification and rectification of miscarriages of justice, Rego said. Loading If we really want to make some good and something to come from this tragedy, NSW will evaluate, critically, their system of post-conviction review. The head of a landmark inquiry into Folbiggs convictions, former NSW chief justice Tom Bathurst, KC, released his final report last month and referred the case to the court to consider quashing the convictions. Folbigg, 56, was granted an unconditional pardon by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and released from prison in June after Bathurst indicated ahead of his final report that he would conclude there was reasonable doubt about her guilt. The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions had accepted in April that there was reasonable doubt in light of new material, including genetic evidence, which was examined at the second inquiry into her convictions. The Court of Criminal Appeal said on Thursday its task did not simply involve adopting, or deferring to, Bathursts report. However, Bell said that in light of submissions filed by Folbigg and the Crown, there was no purpose in having a hearing before it made its decision. The Crown described the report as comprehensive and thorough, Bell said. It said the report pointed to a body of scientific evidence that was not known, and could not have been known, at the time of her trial, and it was open to Bathurst to make the findings. A younger Kathleen Folbigg and her children (clockwise): Patrick, Sarah, Caleb and Laura. Credit: AAP, Supplied The court had arrived at the same conclusion as the report, Bell said. There is now reasonable doubt as to Ms Folbiggs guilt, he said. Chapman said Folbiggs life post-prison was effectively starting from ground zero, including taking driving lessons and applying for a tax file number and a bank account. It was a full-time job for a very long time, she said. Bathursts findings marked the Folbigg case as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Australian legal history. He said he did not regard Folbiggs diaries as containing reliable admissions of guilt and the evidence before the inquiry, at most, demonstrates that Ms Folbigg was a loving and caring mother who occasionally became angry and frustrated with her children. That provides no support for the proposition that she killed her four children, Bathurst said. It would be open to the NSW government to make an ex gratia or act of grace payment to Folbigg now that her convictions have been quashed. The way in which such payments are calculated is opaque. Folbigg served 20 years of a minimum 25-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2003 of the murder of three of her children, Patrick, Sarah and Laura, and the manslaughter of her first child, Caleb, at the familys homes. The children were aged between 19 days and 19 months. The Crown case that Folbigg smothered her children without leaving any physical trace was circumstantial and relied heavily on her diary entries, which were alleged to contain admissions. But the inquiry heard for the first time expert psychological and psychiatric evidence that did not support this interpretation. The inquiry also heard expert evidence that a genetic variant Folbigg shared with her daughters might cause cardiac arrhythmias irregular heart rhythms and sudden unexpected death. It also heard Patrick might have died as a result of an underlying neurogenetic disorder such as epilepsy. The genetic variant was discovered after Folbiggs trial. Mackay District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine has given an update about a police shooting earlier this morning in Bowen. Paine said when officers arrived at the Herbert Street motel about 5.30am, they accompanied a 58-year-old man inside his room, after reports from the public he had been outside naked. Whilst inside the unit the male has armed himself with a large cane knife, and the male has then come out of the unit holding the cane knife and swinging it around, Paine said. Paine said the man then approached two officers standing outside the unit, and threatened them. The officers told the man to drop the knife, Paine said, but he continued to approach. One of the officers had discharged a firearm, striking the male in the chest, he said, adding first aid was provided before the man died at the scene. When asked whether police attempted to deploy a taser, Paine said that decision was based on an officers interpretation of the situation at the time. What I can say about this incident is that it occurred very quickly in a very confined space, he said, adding no taser was deployed. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here Wednesday that China and Vietnam, under new circumstances, should move forward on the path of friendship and cooperation from the strategic and long-term perspective of the relationship. In his meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, Xi said the two sides should ensure sound steering of the bilateral relationship, advance practical cooperation and properly managing problems and differences. Upon arriving at the National Assembly Building, Xi was warmly greeted by Hue and Vietnamese people from different quarters. Xi noted that China and Vietnam share the same political system, similar aspirations and philosophies and an intertwined future. Relations with each other hold a special place in their respective party-to-party and state-to-state relations. Over the past 73 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, he said, the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam has been further enriched through mutual support and assistance in the struggle for national independence and liberation, and further deepened as the two sides move forward comprehensive strategic cooperation to advance the socialist causes. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam, Xi said, adding the announcement that he and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong made on Tuesday to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance sends a positive message of solidarity, friendship and common development between China and Vietnam as two socialist countries. Xi highlighted the need for the two sides to, under the new circumstances, move forward on the path of friendship and cooperation from the strategic and long-term perspective of the relationship. First, ensuring sound steering of the bilateral relationship. It is important to take stock of the fine traditions and good practices in bilateral relations, step up high-level strategic communication, share experience on the governance of parties and countries, explore ways to enrich the theories and practices of socialist development, uphold common strategic interests, and keep the bilateral relationship on the right track, he noted. Second, advancing practical cooperation. Both China and Vietnam are at a critical stage in their reform and development. There are both inherent advantages and realistic needs for mutually beneficial cooperation, he said. The two sides need to deliver on the outcomes of the visit, strengthen cooperation in such areas as connectivity, industrial and supply chains and green economy, and increase the two peoples' sense of benefit, Xi added. Third, properly managing problems and differences. It is important to translate the understandings and desires of the leadership of the two parties and countries into concrete actions, advance cooperation while managing differences, and steadily take forward maritime cooperation, especially joint development, he continued. Xi pointed out that in recent years, the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and National Assembly of Vietnam have maintained good interactions and steadily enhanced exchanges and cooperation at various levels. It is hoped that the two legislatures will further deepen exchanges and cooperation, draw upon each other's useful experience in legislation and supervision, do more to forge closer bonds between the two peoples, and contribute to improving the modernized governance systems and capabilities respectively and to cementing the popular foundation for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Xi added. For his part, Hue, on behalf of the Vietnamese people, warmly welcomed Xi's state visit to Vietnam. He noted that Xi's visit is one by the top party and state leader of China after the successful conclusion of the 20th CPC National Congress, and one that coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Hue said that on Tuesday, Xi and Trong agreed on the new characterization of the elevated relationship between the two parties and two countries -- jointly building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. This takes forward the special friendship of camaraderie plus brotherhood forged by the older-generation leaders, and will steer the relationship in the direction of steady development in the long run and toward a brighter future, Hue said. The Vietnamese side identifies with the CPC on its governance philosophy, sincerely congratulates China on its remarkable achievements, and firmly believes that China will realize the goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects as scheduled. Hue expressed confidence that the CPC and China, as a major responsible party and country, will make greater contributions to world peace and development. The relationship between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the NPC of China is an important part of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he added. Vietnam's National Assembly will follow through on the important common understandings of the two general secretaries, step up exchange and cooperation with the NPC on democracy, rule of law and anti-corruption, further build consensus across the sectors, consolidate the traditional friendship and strategic mutual trust between the two countries, and cement the popular foundation of building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future, Hue said. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong took their Labor colleagues by surprise with their sudden move to support an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Caucus members were expecting the prime minister and foreign minister to side with the United States or repeat their decision six weeks ago when Australia abstained on a similar United Nations resolution. Anthony Albanese spent weeks negotiating a statement with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, that warned against an Israeli siege or blockade in Gaza. Credit: Getty, AP, Alex Ellinghausen Albanese and Wong made a big call instead. They chose to amplify Australian concern at the growing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. They made this call in great secrecy, which meant others in the government only learnt the news when they woke on Wednesday morning, but they had to act with great care. Caucus members disagree about the outcome because some lean to the Israeli view while others are acutely aware of the Palestinian deaths. This makes it easy for Labors conservative critics in the media to play up a caucus split. Does the Albanese government want Israel to immediately halt its war against Hamas in Gaza? Has the scale of human tragedy become so overwhelming that Australia has told Benjamin Netanyahu that enough is enough? One could easily think the answer was yes, given Australia voted at the United Nations on Wednesday to support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza. The true answer, it seems, is actually no. Australia has backed the non-binding resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Credit: AP The United Nations vote was a shock turnaround from late October, when Australia abstained from voting on a similar resolution. The government has acted boldly breaking with its closest security partners the United States and United Kingdom while distancing itself from Israel yet is shying away from its boldness by insisting that it has not changed its fundamental stance on the war. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has blamed the Albanese governments infrastructure cuts as a major contributor to a $1.7 billion dollar budget black hole. On Thursday, Mookhey will disclose the deterioration in the states bottom line in the half-yearly review of the states finances. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says the Albanese governments cuts to infrastructure spending havent helped the states budget. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The change means that the already modest $800 million surplus predicted for 2024-25 will become wafer-thin, as the government warns that rocky economic headwinds will make balancing the books challenging. Along with high inflation, rising interest costs and a reduction in GST revenue, the treasurer says a decision by the Albanese government to overhaul its infrastructure pipeline by cutting funding for 17 projects in NSW was a major factor in the shortfall. In the end, paramedics rescued Chris Minns from a real-time emergency but the NSW government will still end the year bruised and battered. After the high of its ambitious housing plan last week, the NSW government will stagger into Christmas after shielding punches from party heavyweight and union boss Gerard Hayes, who has labelled the Minns regime everything from naive to young Labor on steroids. The Health Services Union secretarys jibes ring true to some extent. One of Labors signature policies at the March election was ending the Coalitions 2.5 per cent wages cap to allow it to pay essential public sector workers including nurses, teachers and paramedics more. Emergency averted: NSW Premier Chris Minns and Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes. Credit: But as the governments protracted and messy negotiations with the teachers and now the paramedics have shown, scrapping the wages cap was the easy part. Brokering deals with a workforce that was promised a big pay bump is not so simple. It may have been naivety or inexperience, perhaps both. Nonetheless, Labor has learned some tough lessons along the way. There is a short queue but there are also kiosks that allow you to print your boarding pass and bag tags. The economy class queue moves quickly faster, in fact, than the priority lane. Security Its mid-evening and fairly busy but queues move rapidly with staff directing passengers to the shortest lines. Australians can clear immigration through smartgates by scanning their passports. Food + drink The replica Edo-era bridge leading to the Edo Marketplace dining area. Credit: Craig Platt Expectations are high when someone as well-travelled as Traveller columnist Ben Groundwater declares this the worlds best airport, even if they are tempered by the report of its post-COVID decline. It appears to have bounced back, as everything in the Edo village seems to be open. Most of the restaurants in this area offer Japanese cuisine and there are so many you are bound to find a style to suit. I indulge at a yakiniku restaurant for dinner quality meats you grill yourself at your table. Airside there is less variety so eating before you go through security is recommended. Retail therapy Check-in is quick and efficient, even for economy passengers. Credit: Craig Platt Theres a range of stores including a Don Quijote (Japans biggest discount store that sells all manner of products), a toy store, duty-free shops selling various Japanese delights (just make sure theyre OK to bring into Australia). In short, youre unlikely to find yourself with any leftover yen. Passing time I arrive early, several hours before check-in opens, which is fine because most of the airports highlights are landside. Aside from the aforementioned replica village, theres also a huge observation deck where you can take a seat and engage in some plane spotting. For one last taste of a quintessentially Japanese experience, head to the Villa Fontaine Grand hotel where youll find an onsen, open to the public 24 hours a day. Loading The verdict Fast, convenient and a great place to get a final taste of Japan before you fly home. Our rating out of five Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip: Palestinian militants carried out one of the deadliest single attacks on Israeli soldiers since the Gaza invasion began, killing at least nine in an urban ambush, the Israeli military said, a sign of the stiff resistance Hamas still poses despite more than two months of devastating bombardment. The ambush in a dense neighbourhood came after repeated recent claims by the military that it had broken Hamas command structure in northern Gaza, encircled remaining pockets of fighters, killed thousands of militants and detained hundreds more. Israeli soldiers prepare to enter the Gaza Strip, at a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border. Credit: AP The tenacious fighting underscores how far Israel appears to be from its aim of destroying Hamas even after the military unleashed one of the 21st centurys most destructive onslaughts. Israels air and ground assault has killed more than 18,600 Palestinians, according to Gazas health officials. Gaza City and surrounding towns have been pounded to ruins. Nearly 1.9 million people have been driven from their homes. Israeli troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters in and around Gaza City, more than six weeks after invading Gazas north following the militants October 7 attack, when about 1200 Israelis were killed. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday morning, December 12th, 2023, at approximately 09:00 AM, the Central Police Dispatch received multiple calls from concerned citizens regarding a stabbing that took place on Daisy Road. In response to an incident, the Sint Maarten Police Force swiftly dispatched several patrol officers and detectives to the location following reports of a stabbing. Preliminary investigations indicate that a homeless male, known to the police, engaged in an altercation with the victim, resulting in the victim sustaining a stab wound to his lower abdomen with what appears to be a sharp weapon. The incident took place during an apparent dispute, and the suspect, pushing a wheelbarrow, allegedly fled the scene immediately after the attack. Ambulance personnel arrived at the location, administering first aid to the victim, who, fortunately, did not suffer serious injuries. However, due to the nature of the wound, the victim was transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further medical attention. The suspect, identified by the police, remains at large despite extensive efforts to locate him. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in apprehending the suspect. Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The Sint Maarten Police Force can be contacted at +1 721- 542 22 22 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also visit the website at www.policesxm.sx to report crime anonymously via the tip contact form. Or you can leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten. KPSM Press Release. BARBADOS:--- In a landmark move towards fostering collaboration and solidarity, the Anguilla Teachers' Union (ATU) and the Windward Island Teachers Union St. Maarten (WITU) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place today in Barbados, solidifying a commitment to joint initiatives that will benefit teachers in both territories. The purpose of this MOU is to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation and collaboration, promoting the interests and welfare of teachers in Anguilla and St. Maarten. Both unions recognize the importance of shared information, joint initiatives, and mutual support in ensuring the well-being and professional development of their members. President Stuart Johnson expressed his enthusiasm about the collaborative efforts, stating, "This Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in the history of our unions. By working together, we can address common challenges, share resources, and ultimately enhance the educational experience for our teachers and students." President Terron Azille highlighted the importance of solidarity, saying, "Our partnership with WITU signifies a commitment to the well-being and professional growth of our teachers. Together, we can amplify our voices, share best practices, and create a positive impact on the education sector in both Anguilla and St. Maarten." The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place in Barbados on December 12, 2023, symbolizing a shared vision for the future of education in the region. ~Countries should develop national climate adaptation strategies ~ WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG The Caribbean basin is the most exposed region to climate-related natural disasters. Hence, the occurrence of extreme weather events, which are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, can be considered a permanent risk to the economic outlook for Curacao and Sint Maarten, declared the president of the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Richard Doornbosch, in the CBCSs 2023 December Economic Bulletin. Despite challenges in the areas of risk assessment and measuring costs, both countries should put climate change, specifically climate change adaptation, high on their policy agendas. After all, the extent of the damage caused by climate change in the future depends on the policy choices we make today, he added. Doornbosch used the last experience in Sint Maarten with Hurricane Irma in 2017 to underscore the reality that natural disasters can be devastating and extract a high economic toll. The total estimated damage from that catastrophic category 5 hurricane to Sint Maarten is over NAf.3.7 billion. In addition, the hurricane worsened Sint Maartens fiscal stance as reflected by an increase of the current budget deficit by 1.4 percentage points and the public debt-to-GDP ratio by 9.2 percentage points between 2017 and 2018, he explained. Notwithstanding the NAf.1.0 billion that was allocated for the reconstruction of Sint Maarten by the government of the Netherlands in the Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund at the World Bank, the government of Sint Maarten had to incur liquidity loans from the Dutch State to finance its operations. Today, these loans represent approximately 13% of Sint Maartens total public debt stock, he added. In the Bulletin, Doornbosch recommended both countries develop a comprehensive national climate adaptation strategy that should also be integrated into the governments long-term planning and fiscal frameworks. He also noted that, apart from the serious threats that climate change poses, it can also offer growth opportunities with investments in resilient infrastructure and the transition towards renewable energy. Doornbosch emphasized that the national adaptation strategy should include actions such as the development of and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. In addition, both countries need to prioritize the collection of new data and foster collaboration between local and international stakeholders to exchange existing data that are relevant to assess climate-change risks and measure its economic impact. Furthermore, Curacao and Sint Maarten should implement an education strategy that creates more awareness, sensitivity, and responsibility of society regarding climate change and environmental sustainability. Finally, efforts should be taken to accelerate the transition to renewable energy by tapping into the possibilities that our national resources, i.e., sea, sun, and wind, offer. As the CBCS acknowledges the relevance and implications of climate change for monetary policy and financial stability, it has incorporated climate change effects into its strategic plan for the period 2022 2025 with the objective to identify and assessing the consequences and risks related to climate change for the monetary union. Furthermore, by practicing corporate social responsibility, the CBCS wants to contribute to a more sustainable economy. The CBCS is making efforts to identify and assess the financial risks to the financial sectors of Curacao and Sint Maarten in general and its supervised institutions in particular. Also, a vision of how to address these risks will be formulated, Doornbosch explained. The CBCS is taking action along three pillars. First, cooperation and dialogue with local and international institutions to strengthen climate change awareness and encourage economic initiatives around renewable energy. Second, conduct research on climate risk and improve climate-related data and statistics. Third, develop a robust supervisory framework for climate change that is relevant in the Caribbean small state context and can facilitate climate stress testing. This will be done in collaboration with regional supervisory authorities and the IMF/CARTAC, the CBCS president concluded. The complete text of the December 2023 Economic Bulletin is available on the CBCS website at https://www.centralbank.cw/publications/economic-bulletins/2023. Willemstad December 13, 2023 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that China and Vietnam should sail together on the same ship of socialism. In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Xi said both sides should be alert to and oppose any attempts to mess up Asia-Pacific, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs and jointly maintain a favorable external environment. Xi said that Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and he jointly announced building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties. Xi said he believes it will bring greater benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to peace, stability and development of the region and the world. For his part, Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam-China relations have withstood the test of time and history and will not be affected by any interference provoked by external forces. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Two of the 28 Dove cubesats that make up Planet Lab's "Flock 1" constellation are seen deploying into orbit from the International Space Station on Feb. 11, 2014. Cubesats are miniature satellites that have been used exclusively in low Earth orbit for 15 years, and are now being used for interplanetary missions as well. In the beginning, they were commonly used in low Earth orbit for applications such as remote sensing or communications. As of mid-2018, a pair of cubesats was deployed on a mission flying to Mars, and a host of other cubesats are being considered for the moon and Jupiter. The cubesat design was first proposed in the late 1990s by two professors: Jordi Puig-Suari of California Polytechnic State University and Bob Twiggs of Stanford University. They were trying to help students gain engineering experience in satellites, which are traditionally expensive to build and launch. The idea for the cubesat came in part from the miniature toy craze of the day, Beanie Babies, according to Spaceflight Now. Inspired by the individualized stuffed animals, Twiggs' idea was to allow students to build their own miniature satellites. The basic design of a cubesat is a 10-centimeter (4-inch) cube with a mass of less than 1.33 kilograms (2.93 lbs.), the article added. But variations on the theme are possible. Cubesats can also be designed to encompass two, three or six 10-centimeter units for more complicated missions. Cubesats reduce launch costs in two fundamental ways. They don't weigh that much, which means a rocket doesn't need a lot of fuel to heft them. In most cases, they also share a rocket with a larger satellite, making it possible to get to space on the coattails of the heavier payload. There are some design challenges with cubesats, however. The electronics are smaller and are therefore more sensitive to radiation. Because they are small, they cannot carry large payloads with them. Their low cost also means they are generally designed to last only a few weeks, months or years before ceasing operations (and for those in low Earth orbit, falling back into the atmosphere.) Three small cubesats float above the Earth after deployment from the International Space Station. Astronaut Rick Mastracchio tweeted the photo from the station on Nov. 19, 2013. (Image credit: Rick Mastracchio (via Twitter as @AstroRM)) Brief history The first six cubesats were launched in June 2003 from Russia's Plesetsk launch site. At the time, according to a 2004 Space.com article, the going rate for a cubesat's launch was about $40,000, which is a bargain compared to a typical satellite (many are millions of dollars.) Cubesats were made possible by the ongoing miniaturization of electronics, which allows instruments such as cameras to ride into orbit at a fraction of the size of what was required at the beginning of the space age in the 1960s. "Peep inside a cubesat and you'll spot off-the-shelf circuitry in the familiar form of microprocessors and modem ports, and other microchip devices typically used in cell phones, digital cameras and hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation units," wrote Space.com insider columnist Leonard David in 2004. Tiny cubesats are revolutionizing how scientists, students and even private companies explore and utilize space. See how cubesat technology makes satellites smaller in our full infographic (Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist) For the first decade, most cubesats that flew came from university or research applications. Only a handful of satellites launched every year; then in 2013, the number of launches suddenly numbered in the dozens. It was in that year that the commercial sector began to launch satellites, according to SpaceDaily. New technologies are being pioneered to improve the use of cubesats, such as a 2017 NASA parachute project that could land the small satellites without the need of boosters. And several high-profile projects have been announced in the public sector, including NASA "swarms" of Earth-observing cubesats, the adoption of a satellite by public radio station NPR, and a Canadian student cubesat competition. There have been more than 2,100 cubesats and nanosatellites as of mid-2018, according to nanosats.eu. Among the prominent uses of Earth-orbiting cubesats today: Planet Labs, an Earth observation company, has dozens of cubesat-sized Dove satellites in orbit, as well as a few RapidEye cubesats. The cubesats are used in everything from disaster response to climate monitoring. The NanoRacks Cubesat Deployer on the International Space Station launches cubesats after they have been hauled to orbit aboard a visiting ISS vehicle. NASA's Cubesat Launch initiative provides launch slots for cubesats aboard traditional rocket launches. Some space industry experts worry that the popularization of cubesats will create a lot of junk in low-Earth orbit, as companies and researchers race to get their ideas into space without considering the long-term consequences. In March 2018, the Federal Communications Commission alleged that one U.S. company launched several small satellites without permission after the FCC blocked the launch, saying the satellites were too small for sensors to track. Moving outside of Earth orbit Starting in 2018, cubesats began to venture outside of Earth orbit. Here are some of the projects under way, or still being planned: Mars Cube One (MarCO) the first cubesats to leave Earth launched on May 5, 2018, along with NASA's InSight lander. InSight is expected to land on Mars on Nov. 26, 2018; it is currently en route and the cubesats are flying just behind it, as they separated independently from the rocket during launch and are running on solar power. The cubesats are nicknamed "WALL-E" and "Eve" after the 2008 animated Pixar movie "WALL-E," which follows the adventures of robots in space. When InSight lands, the cubesats will attempt to send data back to Earth about its descent. This is a test flight and the information will not be critical, as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter will do the same job. MarCO's mission will end shortly afterwards. NASA's first Space Launch System test launch in 2019 will pioneer the rocket expected to bring humans out of low Earth orbit for the first time since the 1960s. The initial, uncrewed launch will include up to 13 microsatellites. Concept ideas include Lunar Flashlight, which reflects sunlight to peer into permanently shadowed craters on the moon, and NEA Scout, which will use a solar sail to fly to near-Earth asteroid 1991VG. NASA is considering a mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa in the 2020s or 2030s. In 2014, NASA said it was considering including cubesats on the mission, which would carry out functions including "reconnaissance for future landing sites, gravity fields, magnetic fields, atmospheric and plume science, and radiation measurements." NASA confirmed the cubesats would be included in May 2018, and asked the science community for their ideas. The European Space Agency and NASA previously considered a joint mission to investigate the asteroid 65803 Didymos and try to move its moon via an impactor. The mission was called Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission. For the European part, they considered including two cubesats to do supplemental observations. The Europeans elected not to fund their part of the mission in 2016 to give more money to the ExoMars rover mission, but NASA is continuing development on its part. The launch has been delayed into the 2020s. Additional resources Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam should lose no time in studying and implementing important consensus reached by leaders of both countries and must actively work together for a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi said on Tuesday. Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat. Cai said the current trip to Vietnam by Chinese leader shows that China attaches great importance to relations between the two parties and two countries, and that China firmly supports Vietnam's socialist cause, adding that top leaders of both parties held important talks and agreed to deepen the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance between the two sides. The visit will surely become an epoch-making milestone in the history of China-Vietnam relations, and will have a significant and far-reaching impact on advancing the socialist cause and promoting regional peace and development, Cai said. Calling on both sides to adhere to the correct political direction, Cai said China and Vietnam should intensify the self-improvement of the party and resolutely safeguard the party's leadership and system security. Both sides should deepen the synergy of their respective development strategies and further upgrade their practical cooperation in the spirit of mutual success and win-win cooperation, he said. China and Vietnam should encourage news media and trade unions, women's groups, youth and other organizations to deepen exchanges and cooperation, carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and promote people-to-people exchanges, Cai said. Both sides should strengthen cooperation within the framework of the China-proposed three global initiatives on development, security and civilization, as well as coordination and cooperation within multilateral organizations and mechanisms, so as to uphold international fairness and justice, maintain regional peace and stability, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. Mai said the talks between the top leaders of the two parties were very successful, which provided new and important impetus to the development of the relationship between the two parties and two countries, and will greatly expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. The two sides should let inter-party exchanges provide strategic guidance and play a pioneering role, and implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties with concrete actions, Mai said. Mai said building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance will promote the well-being of the two peoples and the cause of peace and progress of humankind. The Vietnamese side firmly supports the three global initiatives, believing they are in line with the interests of people of all countries and conform to the spirit of the UN Charter and international law, Mai said. The CPV is ready to work with the CPC to utilize the advantages of the socialist system to promote the steady and sustainable development of relations between the two parties and two countries, Mai said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was present at the talks. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, amid a sluggish global economy, an increasing number of African nations have recognized the digital economy as a pivotal driver for their development, and China, with close connections with Africa, naturally emerges as a crucial partner in propelling the continent's digital economy and realizing its modernization aspirations, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Zhang Xiangchen has said. In the process of economic globalization, there exists an imbalance in the distribution of interests between the Global North and the Global South, Zhang said in a recent interview with Xinhua in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, noting that developing countries, especially African nations, have reaped limited benefits. Developing the digital economy is a crucial pathway to gaining advantages in international competition in the future, Zhang said. And developing countries, including those in Africa, should benefit from "re-globalization" distinguished by its emphasis on digitalization, he added. Africa has a vast market, a sound market environment and the youngest population globally, which, Zhang said, "are advantages for Africa to develop the digital economy." However, research conducted by the WTO found that African countries have a relatively low share in global digital trade. "Africa's slower pace in digitization primarily stems from the digital gap, including deficiencies in digital infrastructure, lack of knowledge and skills for digitalization and regulations," said Zhang. "If these issues can be addressed in African countries, I believe Africa will catch up in this field." He said that China's long-standing relationship with Africa holds significant value in terms of sharing development experiences. In recent years, guided by mechanisms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, an increasing number of Chinese companies have continuously expanded their investments in Africa. In countries like Nigeria and Kenya, Chinese-funded enterprises have established mobile payment platforms, providing secure and convenient digital payment services to millions of users. Additionally, Chinese e-commerce platforms enable many African people to sell distinctive products worldwide without leaving their homes. While the digital economy can be a country's competitive advantage, "the digital economy cannot entirely replace traditional industries such as manufacturing, especially for African countries that have not yet completed industrialization. The digital economy is one of the drivers for growth," he said. "While African countries develop the digital economy, they should also strengthen their manufacturing sector to achieve industrialization as soon as possible," he added. Zhang highlighted China's initiatives for supporting Africa's industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent development, saying that these will further drive Africa's economic and social development. He anticipated that an increasing number of Chinese companies are poised to invest in Africa, thereby expediting Africa's digital transformation. One of the major challenges for Africa in achieving digital transformation is education, Zhang said, stressing that "Africa needs a significant number of skilled young individuals engaged in digital-related-work; therefore, cooperation between Africa and China on talent development is crucial." "China is a reliable friend to Africa, and their cooperation will continuously provide momentum for Africa's development of the digital economy," Zhang said. ANKARA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has evacuated a total of 1,047 people from Gaza since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said Wednesday. The evacuees first arrived in the Egyptian capital Cairo by car and then headed to Turkiye by plane, Keceli said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The list of our citizens who are currently waiting for evacuation is constantly updated, and coordination is carried out with the relevant authorities," he said, adding that Turkiye aims to conclude the evacuation of all its citizens from Gaza safely and as soon as possible. Israel has been conducting a wide-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the latter's surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,200 people. The Palestinian death toll in the Palestinian enclave has exceeded 18,400 since the eruption of the conflict. The UK economy may be bumping along the bottom more or less in line with its European peers, but were we not told that it would be better than that? Unshackling the UK from the sclerotic Brussels bureaucracy would liberate Britain and put it on a higher growth trajectory closer to US and Asian rates. So we were promised. She resided in Los Angeles from 1968 to 1970 before returning there for an additional two years in 1979. It's interesting to note that she's known for being the first filmmaker to show interest in Harrison Ford, the actor who is now a legend. HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam supports building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, according to a joint statement issued by China and Vietnam on Wednesday. These proposals and initiatives are aimed at safeguarding the common interests of humanity and committed to promoting peace, justice and the cause of progress for people of the world, reflecting the aspiration of people from all countries to build a better world, said the statement issued during the state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president. China and Vietnam agree that the development of relations among countries should conform to the UN Charter, international law, and basic norms governing international relations, it said. Countries should uphold mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolve differences through peaceful means, the statement added. This desire to share is whats driven the family to build what they dub creative partnerships with the likes of the National Portrait Gallery, Claphams Studio Voltaire and even the Standards own Theatre Awards. There are more at home the National Gallery of Australia being perhaps the biggest, though the brand has also long worked with indigenous Australian art collaborative the APY Collective (supporting the indigenous population is a keystone for the brand: To be able to celebrate and learn from more than 65,000 years of Australian culture is hard to surpass.). By this point I hard started to look again at the menu the katsu-style fried chicken sandwich; the grilled ribeye with mustard and mourn the roads not taken; to worry that, maybe, we had simply not ordered correctly. But Im experienced enough to know that this is the self-gaslighting that mostly occurs when the fault isn't yours. For all that Boxer is part of a bohemian food dynasty (grandson of food writer Arabella, brother of bar owner and fellow restaurateur Frank) and a prolific hospitality lifer who has worked in many styles, his most prominent output has matched eclecticism with contextual specificity. Brunswick House subverts the rackety, British classicism of its antique-strewn interior; Orasay celebrates native seafood through a fresh lens. Dwellings with pitched roofs will still have to comply with the Class A rules for general permitted development, which only allows solar panels installation without planning if the equipment will protrude less than 0.2 metres from the external surface and beno higher than the top of the existing roof. Difficult decisions have had to be made across government to balance the budget and prioritise supporting services, and to make a record pay offer to our NHS staff to best support them through the cost-of-living crisis and to avoid industrial action. A statement posted on Ealing Libaries' account on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday said: "We are sorry to inform you that we are having to temporarily close Northolt library following sightings of a small number of bedbugs. But I cant see if someones got a concern that the Bill might not be as strong as they would like, killing the Bill doesnt strike me as the best way of doing that, because if the bill isnt on the statute books it cant possibly succeed. I was basically being very aggressive, one of them started to back away and one of them, the more aggressive one, was a bit shocked and that gave me time to get the victim on his feet and away. In a targeted approach by Britain and the US, leaders and financiers of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another group involved in the October 7 assault on Israel, have had sanctions imposed as part of a new package of restrictions announced on Wednesday. Israels security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them, the US president said to donors during a fundraising event on Tuesday. Asked whether he was pleased with winning the second reading vote on the Safety of Rwanda Bill on Tuesday, his press secretary told reporters later on Tuesday: I think he will only be content frankly once flights are going off to Rwanda and the deterrent is there and it is stopping the gangs, and we can get the boats further down. ANKARA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have detained a suspected drug financier and organized crime leader wanted under an Interpol red notice, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Wednesday. The police nabbed foreign national Muhuannad Aloqlah in Istanbul province in an operation, he said on social media platform X. The operation was carried out by the joint work of the anti-narcotics, intelligence, human trafficking, and border police divisions, Yerlikaya said. "I would like our people to know that our determination and resolve to combat drug traffickers, terrorist groups, migrant smugglers, and organized crime groups... will continue steadfastly," he added. On Tuesday, Yerlikaya announced the Turkish police have detained 257 suspects in a nationwide anti-gang operation carried out against organized crime networks in 37 provinces. During the operation, a total of 39 organized crime structures, including nine national and local crime groups and 30 criminal factions aiding these organizations by providing weapons and other resources, were dismantled, the minister said on the social media platform X. The ERG leader said Mr Sunak had told colleagues he was prepared to entertain tightening the Bill and that, if the Prime Minister does not accept changes to ensure that happens, then the five caucuses reserve the right to vote against the Government at the next stage. In response to the issue, Ms Donelan told MPs the UK was working with allies on its approach to the issue and was also working very closely with leading tech companies on potential solutions to combat it, including watermarking content that is AI-generated to identify it and stop it spreading further, as well as detection software capable of spotting content which has been AI-generated. She added: "We find that educators are nervous to broach these difficult topics and don't feel confident to have conversations in classrooms so instead children are not having these conversations in the safe space of the classroom but in corridors instead." Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the climate and energy leader at the WWF, said about the announcement: The Earth is down but not out, as countries agree to transition away from fossil fuels but fall short of consensus on the full phase-out of coal, oil and gas at Cop28. We are still way off course to limit global warming to 1.5C and avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis. In this critical decade, all countries must enhance the ambition and implementation of climate action. TRIPOLI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily on Tuesday urged social celebrities to play their role in preserving the Libyan social fabric and pushing for holding general elections in the country. Bathily made his remarks during a meeting with a group of celebrities from Eastern Libya in the Eastern city of Benghazi, as part of his ongoing efforts to engage all stakeholders from all over Libya. "I met a group of celebrities from the east today in Benghazi. I emphasized their crucial role in preserving Libya's social fabric and creating public momentum to reach successful elections," Bathily said on social media platform X. The celebrities reaffirmed their support for the effort of the UN Support Mission in Libya, reiterated the popular demand for legitimate institutions, and shared their views on resolving the crisis to foster a Libyan-Libyan consensus, he said. The UN envoy urged the celebrities to take responsibility to utilize their status to generate public support for the electoral process. Bathily also met with a diverse group of party leaders and representatives in Benghazi, who offered their perspectives and highlighted their future political, economic, and social priorities. "I shared my assessment of the current political landscape and outlined my ongoing efforts to convene key Libyan stakeholders to find consensus on the issues hindering the electoral process. I encouraged their active and positive engagement in this crucial process," Bathily said. Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by political instability and unrest. The country failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled, due to disagreements over election laws among the Libyan parties. 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The increase in the long-term budget is to be discussed by the European heads of government at the EU summit at the end of this week. A protracted debate is looming. European leaders will meet in Brussels on December 14 and 15 for the last European Council summit of the year. Among other things, financial aid for Ukraine will be discussed at the summit as part of the negotiations on the long-term EU budget for the period 2021 to 2027 - a budget that comprises around 1.1 trillion Euro. In June, the European Commission requested a 66 billion Euro top-up of that budget. Several countries, including Germany, had strongly criticised the request for more money. There is only broad agreement on further payments for Ukraine, although Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is threatening to veto this. Hungary opposes increase in aid Orban has reiterated Budapest's opposition to the Commission's proposed budget review, which includes, among other things, 50 billion Euro earmarked for Kyiv, suggesting the creation of 'a separate financial fund, outside the EU budget, based on an intergovernmental agreement' with contributions from member states on a voluntary basis. 'Everyone,' he explained, 'should put the money they want for Ukraine' into this ad hoc fund. Orban opposes any increase in aid to Ukraine, which is part of the proposal on the table and requires unanimous agreement. However, it is not the only difficulty, as the rest of the countries also have divergences regarding migration management and how to obtain the funds to raise the support items for Kyiv. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Photo: EUROPA PRESS/E. Parra At the same time, Budapest is waiting on the European Commission to take a decision on the release of part of the European funds, up to ten billion Euro, intended for Hungary. The tug-of-war between Brussels and Budapest over the release of funds is intertwined with two of the main issues on the table at this week's summit: the green light for Ukraine to begin EU accession negotiations and the Commission's proposed budget review. Overall, the EU has ordered the freezing of some 22 billion Euro in cohesion funds for the 2021 to 2027 programming period and 5.8 billion Euro in recovery funds in response to violations of the rule of law alleged against Viktor Orban's government. In December, EU finance ministers approved the payment of 920 million Euro to Hungary as part of a review of its recovery plan. This decision, announced by the Council of the European Union, comes just a few days before the Commission is due to release nearly ten billion Euro in cohesion funds intended for Hungary. These payments have been suspended under the horizontal enabling conditions pending an improvement in the independence of the judicial system through a number of reforms. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanche zat the EU leaders summit in October. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA Spain seeks compromises to unblock budget amid Hungary's aid refusal Spain, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has proposed to reduce the requested amount by the European Commission to the Member States for the EU budget for the next four years roughly by half, from 66 billion to 36 billion Euro. The fund of 50 billion Euro for Ukraine would remain intact. The Spanish proposal means reducing the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2024 to 2027 from the 99 billion Euro proposed by the European Commission to 84 billion, while the fresh' money would be cut from 65.8 billion to 51 billion, to which another 33 billion would be added in the form of loans to Ukraine. With this proposal, Spain is seeking to make concessions to those countries most reluctant to make extraordinary disbursements for the budget and to respond to Hungary's refusal to allocate funds to Ukraine, in an attempt to unblock the debate ahead of the next leaders' meeting. To fill the gap in the budget, it proposes to redirect 15 billion Euro from existing plans and to count on another extra 15 to 17 billion Euro that it hopes to obtain from revenues from frozen Russian assets. Slovenia's Prime Minister on the budget review: balance is needed Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob believes that the revision of the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must be balanced. While Slovenia supports additional funding for Ukraine, the government thinks this is not the only additional spending that should be accounted for. It wants the inclusion of other priorities such as migration, the Solidarity Fund and the Western Balkans, Golob said on the sidelines of the EU leaders' summit in October. 'We want the package to be balanced and we will defend this position,' Golob said. Furthermore, Slovenia is hoping to benefit most from the increase in the Solidarity Fund, as it was hit by severe floods in August. 'We want the package to be balanced and we will defend this position.' Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia European leaders are set to decide on the EU budget on Thursday and Friday during their last gathering of the year. The outcome is uncertain, because all these issues require unanimity - and Orban's threat to veto the plans will prove to be a major stumbling block in the negotiations. This article is published weekly. The content is based on news by AFP, ANSA, dpa, Europa Press, STA agencies participating in the enr. Finance Ministry borrows over 550 million euro from banks The Ministry of Finance (MF) borrowed 554.7 million euros from banks on Wednesday through two issues of government bonds with coupons, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR), told Agerpres. Thus, MF attracted 123.7 million euros through a government bond issue with a coupon, with a residual maturity of 14 months, at an average yield of 4.11% per year. The nominal value of Wednesday's issue was 100 million euro and banks subscribed 213.7 million euro. MF also borrowed 431 million euro through a government bond issue with a coupon and a residual maturity of 36 months at an average yield of 4.50% per annum. The nominal value of Wednesday's issue was 300 million euro and banks subscribed 458.0 million euro. The Ministry of Finance (MF) has planned to borrow 4 billion lei from commercial banks in December 2023, to which 525 million lei can be added through additional non-competitive bidding sessions related to bond auctions. The total amount of 4.525 billion lei is 1.15 billion lei less than the 5.675 billion lei programmed in October and will be used to refinance the public debt and finance the state budget deficit. IntMin Predoiu, Israeli counterpart meet with members of families of citizens kidnapped by Hamas Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu met on Wednesday a delegation led by Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, which included members of the families of Romanian citizens (dual citizens) kidnapped and held hostage by Hamas. "The meeting took place on the occasion of the Israeli official's visit to Romania, in the context of the current security situation in the Middle East. The Israeli side thanked Romania for the solidarity it has shown in the context of the conflict provoked by Hamas since October 7," a Wednesday's Interior Ministry (MAI) release reads. The Romanian side thanked the Israeli authorities for their support in repatriating Romanian citizens who were in Israel at the beginning of the crisis. "It was also highlighted the need to continue together the efforts for the rapid and safe release of all remaining hostages, however difficult or complex this process may be," the source said. The Interior minister conveyed a message of solidarity to the families present and reiterated his support for undertaking all efforts that can be made to contribute to the release of all hostages. "Romania supports the intensification of efforts to make the ceasefire permanent and to identify diplomatic solutions for the resumption of the Peace Process and pleads for the strict respect of international law and international humanitarian law," the Interior Ministry said. During the discussions, the two interlocutors welcomed the good level of bilateral cooperation and stressed the importance of strengthening it and resuming the projects on the agenda once the security situation gets back to normal. President Iohannis says PM's visit to the USA should have been prepared better President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said that the visit of prime minister Marcel Ciolacu to the United States of America "should have been better prepared," both by the Government, as well as by the Romanian Embassy in the USA, told Agerpres. "Regarding the discussions that took place in the United States of America, it probably would have been good if this visit had been better prepared by both sides. The fact that certain differences have appeared publicly doesn't look good for us. Such matters must be discussed behind the curtain. So, here we still have a bit of work to do," Iohannis pointed out. The Romanian ambassador to the USA, Andrei Muraru, stated, on December 3, at an event organized in Washington, that Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu did not consider it necessary for the representatives of the Romanian Embassy to participate in his political meetings in the USA. While he was on a working visit to the USA, the head of the Executive reacted: "I haven't had any discussions with the ambassador and I think we won't have any discussions for a longer period of time. First of all, I came here accompanied by the minister of foreign affairs, who is the top representative of Romanian diplomacy. We didn't have time to discuss the next day's events in detail, which is why I said that sometimes it's better to be patient. (...) However, the lack of scope of Mr. Ambassador and his reaction, which I think was emotional, after all, did not show him in the best light right now," Marcel Ciolacu stated later. Approximately 136,400 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and over 46,000 means of transport carried out the control formalities on Tuesday, both in the direction of entry and exit, through countrywide border points, the Border Police General Inspectorate informed in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday. As many as 71,627 people entered Romania, including 6,865 Ukrainian citizens. The border police found 51 illegal acts (30 crimes and 21 misdemeanors) committed by Romanian citizens , as well as foreigners. The amount of contravention fines applied amounts to approximately 15,800 RON. The goods seized for confiscation were worth more than 9,781,500 RON. As many as 11 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country, while 11 Romanian citizens were banned from leaving it for various legal reasons. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year 200 million ($218 million) Youth in Business programme, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one-third of the population is aged between 18 and 34 years. The Youth in Business programme in Central Asia (YiB CA) will target micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by young individuals under the age of 35. It will consist of up to 200 million for on-lending to up to 20 partner financial institutions in Central Asia and Mongolia; targeted non-financial services for eligible small businesses will be provided by the Banks Advice for Small Businesses programme to help develop their entrepreneurial skills through training, advisory services and networking opportunities. The EBRDs investment will be complemented by a package of up to 30 million consisting of grants and concessional co-financing to stimulate inclusive lending and youth entrepreneurship. AMMAN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to push for closer Belt and Road cooperation between China and Jordan will open new horizons for the partnership between the two countries, said Jordanian economic expert Awny Al Dawoud. China and Jordan signed the MoU on Belt and Road cooperation in late November, pledging to actively promote policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people ties and further deepen practical cooperation in various fields. China is now Jordan's second-largest trading partner. Bilateral ties in all fields remain uninterrupted since the two countries established diplomatic relations 46 years ago, said Al Dawoud, head of Jordan's Al-Dustour Centre for Economic Studies. "I believe that this memorandum comes as a culmination of the Jordan-China relations that have extended throughout history," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. Al Dawoud said the agreement will open the door for new areas of cooperation as Jordan is now pursuing an economic modernization vision, which is focused on "creating jobs, attracting investments and driving economic growth." Signing the agreement is an important move as the Middle Eastern country's shift toward modernization requires investments in fields of energy, infrastructure and other areas, and "this can be enhanced after the signing of the MoU with China," he said. "We hope to see more Chinese investments in Jordan and even at the regional level as China also enjoys good relations in the region," he added. In the sectors of culture, media and education, China and Jordan enjoy close ties, noted the expert, adding that as the Belt and Road Initiative also focuses on cultural exchanges and youth cooperation, the MoU increases the opportunities for collaboration in these fields. Al Dawoud called for closer cooperation between both sides in the public, government, private, academic and media sectors. The community of Italians from the far eastern village of Greci, Tulcea county, marked at the end of last week Sfanta Lucia, the main religious holiday of the calendar year, whose day is remembered on Wednesday in Catholic churches. The celebration of the patron saint of the church in Greci on the Saturday before the celebration has been taking place for several years, under the conditions in which many people who grew up in the village of Tulcea now live in other localities, and traveling during the week would be more difficult for them. "If the feast falls during the week, it is celebrated on the previous Saturday. Once the solemnity done, everyone comes and in the afternoon is the feast that lasts until late at night and all those who left come, and the church gets filled," the president of the territorial branch of the Community of Italians in Romania, Salvatore Vals, told AGERPRES. And even if for several years, the celebration of St Lucia is advanced, the indispensable dish on the celebration tables is pastasuta (or pastasciutta, the gastronomic emblem of Italians of Dobrogea). "The sauce is made of pork, beef to which rooster meat is also added, so that it is very tasty. The pasta is made from flour, water and eggs about a week before, because it has to be stirred. They are boiled together with the sauce and they turn out very tasty. This is the traditional Greek food for St. Lucia," Salvatore Vals explained. One of the participants in the celebration marked at the end of last week in the village of Greci, Otilia Battaiola Meragiu, said that the religious service held in the church was followed by the meeting of the community members during which the members of the Allegria ensemble offered a performance. "Besides pasta, we also prepare a specific Romanian food, sarmale /cabbage rolls, something that didn't happen before. Before, we ate frogs or steak, which was brought back then. It was easy to catch frogs in the winter, when they hibernate, and near the village there are two watercourses. Yet, this culinary delight has disappeared," Otilia Battaiola Meragiu said. She added that on Wednesday, after the religious service, the faithful will stay talking in the courtyard of the St Lucia church and spend time again with those who are close to them. * * * Italians came to Dobrogea after 1878, when King Carol I decided to modernize the Romanian infrastructure, many settling in Cataloi, Iacobdeal, Turcoaia, Macin, Tulcea and Sulina. Sfanta Lucia church was erected in the early 1900s by the Italian stone carvers who worked in the Iacobdeal mine. "Being Catholic, it happened that they baptized the children in the Orthodox church, but after that they saw fit to try through the consulate, through the embassy, to get funds to be able to build a church. They chose the patron saint of the church to be St. Lucia, because in the Roman Catholic religion she is the saint who protects the eyes, and the Italians who worked in the granite quarries were permanently exposed to the stone chips and the dust that came out of the pieces of granite they carved every day," Otilia Batttaiola Meragiu recalled. After 1941, many Italians returned to their native country, in the town of Greci in Tulcea county remaining approximately 100 families who, after 1990, regained their citizenship. The president of the Association for the Promotion of Timisoara (APT) and former head of the Romanian Tourist Information and Promotion Office in Vienna, Simion Giurca, says that the year of the European Capital of Culture TM2023 /ECC2023 brought a lot of visibility to Timisoara, but the number of tourists could be higher, although exceeded 1.3 million visitors, with over 800,000 overnight stays. "The fact that Timisoara was the European Capital of Culture helped us, and the proven visibility shows us this: we were nominated by Times magazine, that we were recommended as a must-visit European destination by The Independent, by The Times, by The New York Times, one of the most important tourism publications in the world. It is clear that we have managed to reach the visibility parameters (...) We have more than 1.3 million (based on the data communicated by the event organizers, credible sources) which makes me think that Timisoara has been seen from a cultural point of view. We will continue the counting, and in February 2024 we will announce the final data," Simion Giurca said. This year, Timisoara was also visited by groups of exotic tourists, said Giurca, a notable one being from Taiwan, who especially appreciated the ultra-central pedestrian zone, which is the largest in Romania. Simona Neumann, former executive director of the Timisoara ECC2021 Association since its inception, for nine and a half years, emphasizes that the recent end of the cultural year of ECC2023 is a symbolic one, because a development of Timisoara on another level should follow. Romania should be "at the forefront" of Ukraine's reconstruction process, Economy Minister Radu Oprea told the international conference "Ukraine's Reconstruction and Romania's Strategic Role", held in central Sinaia. "We must also talk about tomorrow, and tomorrow means (...) the next step, Ukraine's reconstruction. I believe that today Romania is blessed, geography is our ally. We used to be on the border of the European Union, the last border. Today we are in the front line and we should also be at the forefront of Ukraine's reconstruction," Oprea said. He added that during his visits to the United States and Germany, he told Western companies that they could participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine with the subsidiaries they have or can open in Romania. "Moreover, it is also about what Romanian and Romanian companies will do, because we want to be part of this effort. We have an important role in construction, because we want to participate with building materials, engineers, qualified personnel, alone or together with other companies. (...) I believe that Romania has today this opportunity to become the best logistic centre for Ukraine's reconstruction, which means benefits for the Romanian people," Radu Oprea added. Officials from home and abroad will participate, on Wednesday and Thursday, in the international conference "Ukraine's Reconstruction and Romania's Strategic Role", organized by the New Strategy Center in Sinaia. The presence of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Washington is "a very good signal" because the needs of Ukraine in the war with Russia, as well as the possibilities of support, are being analysed, the Romanian Senate's president and National Liberal Party (PNL)'s leader Nicolae Ciuca told the private television Digi24 on Tuesday night. The liberal leader says that the war in Ukraine represents a difficult moment for the entire region, but also for Europe, and the EU and the democratic states are making efforts to continue providing the necessary support for Ukraine to resist Russian aggression. "We have reached a moment when, with the emergence of the Middle East conflict, the resources and the need for support suddenly had to go in two different ways (...) and then everything that means support material, equipment, the logistics of war experienced a decrease for Ukraine. The presence of president Zelensky in Washington I think is a very good signal because when you go there you discuss and analyse on the one hand the needs, on the other hand the possibilities of support and I am convinced that they are also analysing what the consequences would be in the event that Ukraine could no longer resist Russian aggression. The same is happening at the EU level, because, beyond the support with war equipment, financial support is also needed because the civilian population of Ukraine has to live and lead their daily life," Nicolae Ciuca said. Regarding Romania's position, the Senate president added that it is important to continue the support given to Ukraine. Wonka, the new musical origin story of everyones favorite mischievous chocolatier, is a lot like the creative confections our protagonist conjures we dont need chocolate, but how can we resist such a tantalizing treat? Its the same quandary with this movie: We never needed a musical origin story of Willy Wonka, but how can we resist this whimsical and wonderful tale crafted by Paddington and Paddington 2 auteur Paul King and starring Timothee Chalamet ? Dont even try to resist, just enjoy the indulgence. Working with Paddington 2 writer Simon Farnaby, King puts his own stamp on the lore of Willy Wonka, much in the same way that Tim Burton applied his sensibility to his own Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005, with Johnny Depp in the Wonka role. That performance was a departure from the representation of Willy Wonka with which we are most familiar Gene Wilder in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, directed by Mel Stuart, adapted from the beloved Roald Dahl novel. And Chalamet delivers his own version of Wonka here as well. Chalamets Wonka is innocent and deeply earnest. He is mischievous, like Depp and Wilders depictions, but while Depps Wonka was quirky and fey, and Wilders was sly and somewhat sarcastic, Chalamets Wonka doesnt have an ounce of guile. His guard isnt up yet when he lands in an unnamed European city, which is seemingly equal parts London, Paris and Geneva, or maybe even Brussels. Willy Wonka arrives singing, an announcement that this is, in fact, a straight-faced movie musical. The songs are by Neil Hannon, though none quite reach the heights of Pure Imagination, the song sung by Wilder in the 1971 film, which we wait and wait for Chalamet to sing (dont worry, he does). He dreams of making his fortune as a chocolatier in the Galeries Gourmet, delighting patrons with creative concoctions that have wild side effects. But a cartel of candymen have throttled the competition in the Galeries Gourmet, where they bribe law enforcement with treats to keep Wonka from operating, and control the flow of chocolate in the city. Hes also trapped in a disastrous contract at the local lodging house, run by a Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman), whose predatory terms and conditions on her loans result in her guests becoming indentured servants in the laundry, including Wonka, and an adorable poppet named Noodle (Calah Lane). For all the colorful, silly and witty characters, and though Willy doesnt seem to possess a mean bone in his body (yet), there is a streak of darkness that winds through this river of fun. We can giggle at the chocolate cartel, but fundamentally this is a story about the haves and the have-nots, the consequences of hoarding resources, and structural social inequalities. As Noodle likes to say, the greedy beat the needy, and thus, Wonka becomes a film about class consciousness and the redistribution of wealth. The unspoken tragedy of it all is that we know that sometime in the future, Wonka will become a reclusive hoarder himself. Theres a distinctly British sensibility to the humor. King and Farnaby come from the U.K. comedy scene, and they include comics like Tom Davis as Scrubbits oafish paramour Bleacher, and pay homage to the long lineage of U.K. comedy with a role for Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr. Bean. Its wordy, funny and arch, set against a visually dense Technicolor world. The costumes and sets are so beautifully made, its a bit of a shame when the film over-relies on computer-generated effects and stunts, including Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loopma Lofty, even if his performance is winning. Though there may have been skepticism about Wonka, theres no need to worry about this origin tale in the hands of King and Chalamet, who gives himself over fully to the wonder and magic of this role, putting his own mark on the iconic Willy Wonka. Go ahead and enjoy this delightful delicacy for what it is: a playful and heart-string tugging take on a beloved character thats smarter than it lets on. What Wonka Stars 3 (out of 4) Run time 1:56 Rating PG for some violence, mild language and thematic elements Where In theaters Dec. 15 ST. LOUIS A dispute between a hotelier and labor union over organizing efforts has threatened a proposal to renovate a beleaguered downtown St. Louis hotel with an iconic Worlds Fair mural. If the $46 million project is killed, it will cause the city to lose out on tens of thousands of dollars of additional tax revenue and leave condominium residents who share the hotel property with a deteriorating building. The dispute unfolded during the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning committee meeting on Tuesday in which aldermen were expected to vote on Board Bill 129, which would grant the hotelier, Midas Hospitality, 10 years of tax abatement for the project. Sign up for the Brick City newsletter Steph Kukuljan and other business reporters bring you insights into St. Louis-area real estate and development. But after three hours of debating among city officials, Midas and union members, bill sponsor Alderman Rasheen Aldridge asked to hold the bill. Nobody is a villain. Its been frustrating to see the back and forth, Aldridge said. I want to get to a spot where everyone wins. The Oyo Hotel, at 400 South 14th Street, just blocks from the Enterprise Center, has been in receivership for several years after its owner, Florida developer Joseph Gillespie III, filed for bankruptcy in 2019. The property has continued to decline. Midas officials have said that the hotel is no longer fully operational and employs fewer than 10 workers. About 70 condominiums, called the Edison Condominiums, occupy three floors of the building. Midas plans to renovate the building and turn it into a 220-room Sheraton Hotel; 50 additional rooms are planned as Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, a new brand that features fully furnished units akin to corporate housing, targeting both business and leisure travelers. Midas is seeking 10 years of tax abatement, worth about $2.7 million, for the project. The rest will be privately financed. It is expected to produce $350,000 in annual taxes during the abatement, from $211,000 now, and $850,000 after the abatement ends, according to data from the St. Louis Development Corp., the citys economic development agency. At Tuesdays committee meeting, it was standing room only, with labor supporters and Midas backers packing the hearing room at City Hall. Unite Here Local 74, which represents about 2,500 city hospitality and service industry workers, wants aldermen to kill Midas incentive bill after Midas refused to sign an agreement saying it would not interfere with unionizing efforts. Local 74 President Kim Bartholomew said workers at union hotels have better benefits and protections. I want this to move forward, Bartholomew said of the bill. Just not on the backs of our workers. Midas CEO David Robert said his company is not opposed to unionizing. But the company believes the union will continue to delay the project by making further requests throughout the approval process. Robert said the union first approached his company on Sunday, and that Local 74 has also wanted Midas to agree to a card check which would allow workers to unionize by filling out a card rather than going through a secret balloting process. We wont interfere, Robert said. They have the right to organize today. But aldermen Michael Browning, Anne Schweitzer and Alisha Sonnier remained unswayed, and said they would not approve the bill if Midas continues to refuse to sign the neutrality agreement. Its unclear when the bill could go before aldermen again: They discussed reviewing it later this week or waiting until its next meeting on Jan. 9. Aldridge said he wanted Midas and labor to meet again. But theres not a lot of time: Robert said the hotel owner has agreed to extend Midas closing date of its purchase to January the sale was originally scheduled to close on Wednesday. And Robert has indicated his company could walk away if the abatement doesnt pass. That would put the buildings condo owners in the lurch. Several residents told the committee that they worry what further deterioration could do to the property. One fears the building could become another Ely Walker, a downtown condo building that has become a safety hazard due to a lack of maintenance and oversight. We want to stay here, resident Carey Evans told the committee. Help us stay here. <&rule> Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Amid pointed criticism and calls to delay action, the Maplewood City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to hire a friend of Mayor Nikylan Knapper as the new city manager. Amber Withycombe, who has no prior work experience in city management, said she is set to start Jan. 4. The position was filled without using a personnel search company or even posting the job opening in professional and community publication and websites. Withycombe, director of donor communications at Washington University, has been a contributor to the campaigns of Knapper. Withycombes partner, Joshua Kryah, had been Knappers campaign manager; the position now is held by Shevaun McNaughton. After Tuesdays meeting, Knapper said the change in the campaign organization was made a week ago, about a week after media reports began focusing on questions surrounding the city manager situation. Withycombes salary has not been determined; Councilman Shawn Faulkingham, who is deputy mayor, said the city still is negotiating the salary. The need for a new city manager stems back to late September, when Michael Reese abruptly quit his job without comment. Several sources say Reeses departure stemmed from conflicts with Knapper. On Oct. 3, the city paid Reese $131,000 as part of a separation agreement. About 75 people attended the council meeting, with 11 of the 13 speakers expressing concerns about hiring Withycombe. Part of being a good public servant is being willing to say you made a mistake, Chad Garrison said. And I think that mistakes were made on multiple levels. Youre trying to save $10,000 by not hiring a search firm, Garrison said. But then you spend $130,000 to send the former city manager packing. Garrison described himself as a personal friend of Kryah and Withycombe, whom he described as smart and quite capable. But I dont understand whats the rush; lets slow this down, Garrison said, adding that having to read the Post-Dispatch to find out specific information about the city manager search is quite alarming. Ray Crader, a former Maplewood council member, agreed and asked the council to slow down. He said city residents have some very valid concerns about how the hiring process has gone. Other speakers slammed the decision to hire someone with no city management experience. Opening her remarks with a barb about Withycombes work toward a masters degree in public administration, Jennifer Phillips said, I also have an MPA, so I realize Im qualified to run a city. Phillips went on to say it is a real disservice to hire a new city manager without posting the opening. It also makes me wonder where else did the city cut corners, where else did we take the easy road, Phillips said, adding that the current process seems as if the council just threw friends names into a hat, she said. Withycombes LinkedIn listing, going back to 1995, shows that she has never worked in city management and never has been employed by a municipality. She is working toward a masters degree in public administration, the listing notes. Knapper abstained from voting on Withycombes appointment; Councilwoman Chasity Mattox cast the only vote against hiring her. Maddox has been uncomfortable with the process adopted to come up with Withycombe. It all seems very unusual, she said. After the meeting, Withycombe discounted her lack of city management experience as not being anything that needs to be overcome. She then pointed to her past employment with several tax-supported institutions. Also, she is president of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights school board and sits on the citys Plan and Zoning Commission. Knapper said she was confident that Withycombe would be an excellent person for our city. Former Mayor Barry Greenberg, who Knapper defeated in April 2021, said Withycombes lack of experience should be taken into account. Greenberg then compared the Maplewood job with those in two adjacent, similar municipalities: Brentwood and Richmond Heights. According to the Post-Dispatch Public Pay database covering 2022, Maplewood paid Reese $169,872 to manage 81 full-time employees. The city has a population of about 8,200 and an annual general-fund budget of about $9.9 million. Brentwood city administrator Bola Okande was paid $169,860 in 2022 to manage 109 employees and an annual general-fund budget of about $14.9 million. Okande has been in that job for 12 years, after serving six years as assistant administrator. Richmond Heights city manager Amy Hamilton was paid $157,827 in 2022 to manage 113 employees and an annual general-fund budget of about $11.5 million. She has been in that job for 19 years and was assistant manager for more than four years. And weve got someone (Withycombe) who doesnt have any experience at all, he said. If she gets anywhere near the same salary, we shouldnt stand for that. Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today CHESTERFIELD Michael Kean was thinking about buying an electric car in 2021 and started doing some research. He realized that if he really wanted to make a difference in reducing his carbon footprint, he should also add solar panels to his Chesterfield house. It would help provide energy when he plugged in his car. So he did the research on that. By spring 2022, he had decided to add the solar panels. There were state and federal tax credits available to help reduce the cost, as well as incentives from Ameren Missouri. Kean put a plan together and filed a proposal with the architectural review committee where he lives. The Stonehill Village C Homeowners Association denied his application. I was absolutely surprised, Kean said. The panels were proposed for the back side of the house only, which faces south. No other homeowners in the subdivision would see them. Kean is friends with the trustees on the board he used to be one so he asked why he was denied. It wasnt so much about his proposal, the president of the board allegedly told him, but that the trustees were afraid an approval would set off the wild west of requests, and such requests would be a pain for trustees to manage. The phrase in quotation marks comes from a lawsuit Kean filed against the homeowners association (HOA) in August. By then, after several back-and-forth letters with the HOA, he had decided to install his solar panels. The HOA, in turn, threatened Kean and his contractors with a lawsuit and started issuing daily fines. Kean filed a lawsuit in St. Louis County Circuit Court, seeking a declaration that his solar panels are legal. The lawsuit comes at a time when solar panels in Missouri and what HOAs and municipalities can do to regulate them have become hot topics. Kean called me after I wrote a series of columns about homeowners in nearby Wildwood, who have been battling with the city over denials of solar proposals. Residents eventually got the city to back off of a plan to effectively ban most solar panel installations. They got help in their quest from Frances Babb, who won a solar-panel lawsuit against the adjacent city of Clarkson Valley in 2012. Keans situation is a little different than the ones in those disputes. After he raised questions about his denial, the Stonehill Village C Homeowners Association passed a rule that bans solar panels on roofs in the subdivision. The action came last summer, after the Missouri Legislature had passed a law to limit the ability of an HOA to stop solar installations. Babb helped lobby for that law. The law, though, contains an exception for HOAs with shared rooftops, where the association either owns or maintains the roofs of homes that are connected to their neighbors. Such is the situation in Stonehill. Also, the new state law didnt take effect until this year. After Kean installed his solar panels and filed his lawsuit, the association and its trustees asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the subdivision is exempt from the state law. No rulings have been made in the case. The solar panels have done their job, Kean says. His utility bills have been cut by at least half. But the dispute will have to play out in court before he knows if theyll stay in place. I really struggled with filing a lawsuit, Kean says. These are my neighbors. I felt backed into a corner. I didnt know what else to do. Hes not sure why there seem to be so many west St. Louis County disputes over solar energy, which is increasingly being adopted by homeowners and businesses, in part because governments and utilities have made it a priority. Solar energy is a property right, Kean says. He doesnt understand why HOAs and municipalities would battle homeowners trying to improve their properties and lower utility bills. Im hoping its just a matter of needing education, he says. JEFFERSON CITY A plan to open a nursery for moms and their newborns in a Missouri prison is expanding before it even opens. In initial discussions to create the first-ever nursery at a womens prison in Vandalia, state officials focused on having room for seven mothers and their infants. But, on Wednesday, the acting director of the Missouri Department of Corrections told a panel of lawmakers that the plan now is to have room for 14 mothers. Trevor Foley, who took over for recently retired DOC chief Anne Precythe, said four-plus years of data shows that an average of about 56 female inmates have carried babies to term each year. The program is the result of a legislative effort in 2022 to reduce recidivism and keep families together after a mother is released from lockup. The program, which is not yet up and running, allows inmates who give birth in prison to stay with their children in the facility for up to 18 months. The program does not determine custody rights and screens out any offenders with histories of violence or child abuse. A wing at the Womens Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Audrain County is being retrofitted to house the facility and a director for the program has been hired. Foley told members of a House budget subcommittee that the agency needs about $492,000 in next years budget to operate the nursery. Under terms of the legislation, the facility must begin operating no later than July 1, 2025. The program has support from a wide coalition, including criminal justice and anti-abortion advocates, medical and social service organizations, and people involved in other states nursery programs. Allowing children to develop secure attachments as infants, advocates said, has also proven to decrease mental health issues such as anxiety and depression later in life. Other states with nursery programs include Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota and Ohio. JUBA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people with disabilities in South Sudan are successfully recovering from physical and social trauma, thanks to the physiotherapy treatments and provision of artificial limbs supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a humanitarian organization based in Geneva. The Juba Rehabilitation Reference Center cares for a majority of individuals with disabilities, many of whom are victims of gunshots, landmines or unexploded ordnances left behind by years of conflict. Daniel Kuol, a 31-year-old man from Kolynyang Payam in Jonglei state, thanked the ICRC for its help, saying he arrived at the Juba Rehabilitation Reference Center in November nursing a gunshot wound in his left leg. In March 2022, Kuol was shot during a raid by armed Murle youth from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area who had targeted his village for cattle. Currently, he awaits the fitting of an artificial limb at the center, expressing hope for the future. "I arrived here two weeks ago, awaiting my artificial limb. Once fitted, they will provide me with transportation fare to return to my hometown," Kuol said. Supported by the ICRC, South Sudan has three physical rehabilitation centers for individuals with disabilities in Juba, Wau and Rumbek. Kuol is among the in-patients from several states and administrative areas accommodated at the Juba Rehabilitation Reference Center, where they receive essential provisions. Kuol encourages others in similar situations not to despair. He said that caretakers at the center advise and encourage them to start small businesses to earn a living. Wenbul Dhil Kulang, a disabled South Sudan People's Defense Force soldier (SSPDF), said that he lost a limb due to a gunshot wound sustained during a 2004 conflict with the Sudan Armed Forces in the Kapoeta area of Eastern Equatoria state. Kulang awaits an artificial limb to return to his native home in Bentiu town, Unity state. Abraham Deng, another war veteran who used to be a sergeant major in the SSPDF, expressed relief at receiving an artificial limb at the Juba Rehabilitation Reference Center. Deng lost a leg while fighting with the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) against the Sudan Armed Forces in 1994. Emmanuel Lubari, director for disability in the South Sudanese Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said the country is working with the ICRC to maintain the three physical rehabilitation centers. He called for physiotherapy, artificial limbs, orthotics, wheelchairs and psychosocial support for the local people who were injured in years of conflicts. Lubari noted that there is a shortage of orthopedic technologists in South Sudan, saying that some students are currently studying in Cambodia with ICRC support and will return to provide services in the country. From January to October this year, the three centers have attended to about 14,057 people. David Dak Chak, a psychologist collaborating with the ICRC at one of the centers, emphasized the crucial role of the international community in extending mental health and psychosocial support services. "We offer individual, family and group counseling while ensuring confidentiality, dignity and non-discrimination," said Chak. Also, therapists engage patients in discussions on topics vital to their aspirations and encourage them to share experiences and coping mechanisms. Furthermore, these centers encourage patients to pursue future success. "They understand that disability does not define one's worth," Chak added. BRENTWOOD Several business and property owners represented by a public interest law firm aiming to put Missouris development laws to the test have sued to block the potential use of eminent domain along Manchester Road as part of a $400 million redevelopment of the corridor. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in St. Louis County Circuit Court against Brentwood, challenges the redevelopment plan approved by the city this summer, which called for blighting the corridor along Manchester Road between Mary Avenue and Hanley Road. The Institute for Justice, an Arlington, Va.-based libertarian public interest law firm that litigated the landmark eminent domain case Kelo v. New London at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005, filed the lawsuit on behalf of three small businesses and a property owner along Manchester Road. Im not suing for money, theres no gain here. Im suing on behalf of other people that this could happen to, said one of the plaintiffs, Martin George, who along with his brother owns the building at 8307 Manchester Road where Feather-Craft Fly Fishing is located. You cant pick blight and just willy-nilly throw it around like a drunkard. You cant do that. Im willing to fight for other people who cant fight. Under Missouri law, local governments must declare areas blighted before using eminent domain to acquire property for redevelopment. After the Kelo decision, Missouri, like most states around the country, passed several laws intended to tighten how and when governments could use eminent domain to acquire private property. One of the laws Missouri passed post-Kelo says blighting designations need substantial evidence and another says property cant be acquired via eminent domain for solely economic development purposes. The lawsuit against Brentwood says the city violated both. We think this is a very important fight to have, said Jaimie Cavanaugh, the Institute for Justice attorney handling the case. We want to test these statutes in states that said we want to make our laws stricter in light of the Kelo decision. We want to make sure that those changes actually meant something. Over the last five years, Brentwood and the Missouri Department of Transportation have poured $120 million into the area. Some of that money paid for road and sidewalk improvements along Manchester Road and rebuilding the bridge over Black Creek at Hanley Road, turning Manchester Road into a dead end for months. But the bulk of the money was spent to tame flooding issues from Deer Creek, which has long plagued businesses along that low-lying stretch of Manchester Road after heavy rains. Brentwood bought out several commercial and industrial buildings sometimes resorting to eminent domain and removed tons of earth around the creek to give it more room. With that work mostly complete, the city last year turned its attention to redeveloping the district of mostly low-density industrial and commercial buildings. It approved a redevelopment plan and tapped developer Green Street St. Louis for the project, which the company pitched as a $400 million, mixed-use revamp of the area into apartments and restaurants. Part of the lawsuits argument is that Brentwood lacks evidence that the corridor remains blighted after more than $100 million in public investment in the area. And it argues that some property and business owners deferred some investments until the yearslong construction project along Manchester Road wrapped up. To the extent that any of the conditions in the Manchester Corridor have declined (and Plaintiffs are not admitting any conditions have declined), Brentwoods actions caused such decline, the lawsuit says. And, Cavanaugh said, the lawsuit challenges the lack of specificity in Brentwoods blight designation. It includes what she called vague details, including a claim that five of the properties are insanitary or unsafe, one of the criteria in the states blighting definition. However, she said, Brentwoods report doesnt list those properties, so challengers cant even determine if, for instance, the properties are owned by the city. Brentwood will own about half of the corridors properties, according to the blight study. The blight study itself, if you look at it, it doesnt have concrete evidence of problems that relate to the whole corridor, Cavanaugh said. Missouris statutory blighting definition is based on broad requirements, such as physical conditions and conditions that constitute an economic or social liability. The state courts have not clearly explained them, said Daniel Mandelker, a retired Washington University law school professor and a nationally respected expert on land use law. But Missouri courts have tended to defer to local governments, he said. Courts have usually been receptive to blight designations because theyre legislative actions entitled to a presumption of validity, Mandelker said. Caught off guard Business and building owners told the Post-Dispatch last summer they were caught off guard by the redevelopment plan and specter of eminent domain. We were hoping that all the construction and everything that they were doing would make things better for us, said Amy Stanford, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit and co-owner of Time for Dinner, a pre-packaged meal business. We certainly didnt think they were gonna pull the rug out from under us. Brentwood Mayor David Dimmitt said the city had not yet seen the petition and declined to comment. But Brentwood leaders have said they were always upfront about long-term plans for redevelopment following the flood mitigation work in the area. And Green Street, the designated developer, has said it doesnt want to use eminent domain but that it is a necessary tool if a developer hopes to assemble a large swath of contiguous property for a major redevelopment. Obviously no developer ever wants to use eminent domain, Green Streets head of development, Joel Oliver, said at a Brentwood redevelopment board meeting last summer. Its a pain in the butt. Its expensive. It makes people unhappy. But it is an incentive thats on the table. Green Street CEO Phil Hulse could not immediately be reached for comment. Another plaintiff, Carter Maier, who co-owns Convergence Dance and Body Center with his wife, Roxanne Maier, said the couple was very supportive of the Manchester Road and flood mitigation work until they realized their business would have to move to make way for Green Streets project. The city isnt planning to use eminent domain to build a highway or other public infrastructure, he said. This is something thats bigger than us and we really need to do what we can to rectify it, Maier said. This is for private development, thats what we really have a problem with. WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate took an important step Tuesday toward passing the nations annual defense policy bill, but the legislation did not include provisions aimed at compensating victims of radioactive contamination in St. Louis and around the country. The reliably bipartisan legislation is expected to hit the same hard-right opposition in the U.S. House that has dogged lawmakers since the beginning of this Congress. The Democratic-led upper chamber voted to end debate on this years $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan 85-15 tally. The legislation will greenlight, but not directly fund, the continuation of U.S. military operations and nuclear weapons programs. The bill is expected to receive final Senate approval Wednesday and reach the GOP-led House floor Thursday, where a group of far-right members accuse colleagues on both sides of the aisle of stripping the final compromise text of conservative priorities. On the conservative wish list: Prohibiting the Pentagons leave and travel allowances for troops seeking abortion in states where it remains legal and prohibiting gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatments for service members. Congress members often use the bill as a vehicle for various legislation because lawmakers reliably get it done. Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri vowed last week to do everything in my power to slow (NDAA passage) or stop it if I can after his amendment to compensate those exposed to residual radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project was stripped from the final bill. On Tuesday Hawley delayed the NDAAs cloture vote by about 90 minutes. A motion he filed to stop the procedural vote failed, 26-73. Hawleys original amendment, which passed the Senate in July to be attached to the NDAA, would have opened the compensation program for St. Louis-area residents and to those living in Colorado, Idaho, Guam, Montana and New Mexico, as well as expanded coverage areas in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Hawley was among 15 votes Tuesday against advancing the overall bill. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a New Mexico Democrat, spoke Tuesday on the floor along with Hawley criticizing the amendments removal. This is legislation which we all fought for, Lujan said. We passed this with a bipartisan strong vote of the Senate, its now been taken out of NDAA in conference. What do I tell these families? Lujan joined Hawley in voting against ending debate on the bill. This year hard-right members are further incensed by House Speaker Mike Johnsons agreement to tack on a temporary extension until April of the nations foreign surveillance law that was set to expire by years end. Lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum have criticized the surveillance law as unlawful, mass surveillance of Americans, as former House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Biggs of Arizona protested on X on Friday. In a joint statement issued by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the senators thanked Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, for the Houses commitment to extend vital national security authorities under the surveillance law. The pair promised the surveillance law will be negotiated on its own next year. Praise for the NDAA Schumer praised the defense package on the Senate floor Tuesday for bipartisan, bicameral support and specifically highlighted the authorization of Virginia-class submarines to Australia in a trilateral agreement also involving the United Kingdom. This historic agreement will create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to counter the Chinese Communist Partys influence in the Pacific, Schumer said. South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune similarly said the bill makes some genuine progress on the readiness front. Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday morning, Thune said above all he is pleased with authorization of funding for the B-21 bomber plane program, which will be located in his state at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Im also pleased that this years NDAA takes measures to keep our militarys focus on warfighting and not the dissemination of woke ideologies by Pentagon bureaucrats, Thune said on the floor. The final language includes a Senate amendment to temporarily freeze the hiring of any Department of Defense positions related to diversity, equity and inclusion, often referred to as DEI. A GOP-led House amendment to eliminate the departments DEI offices and positions, including Chief Diversity Officer, did not make it into the final bill. However, a compromise amendment to establish a pay cap for Defense employees working solely on DEI initiatives also appeared in the final text. A last-ditch effort by Sen. Joni Ernst that she described as reversing the DoD abortion travel (policy) failed, 47-53. The Iowa Republican tried to hold up the bills cloture vote and return it to negotiators for changes that could have included abortion policy language. The Pentagons policy of allowing service members time off and travel reimbursement when seeking an abortion was the reason behind Alabama GOP Sen. Tommy Tubervilles nine-month blockade of hundreds of military nominees. Despite Ernsts objection, she voted to advance the full defense package. Senators who also voted against advancing the NDAA included New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, Indiana Republican Mike Braun, Utah Republican Mike Lee, Wyoming Republican Cynthia Lummis, Massachusetts Democrats Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Oregon Democrats Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul, Vermont independent Bernie Sanders, Tuberville, Ohio Republican J.D. Vance, and Vermont Democrat Peter Welch. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania joined his colleagues Tuesday in supporting the defense package but in recent weeks has publicly criticized negotiators for leaving out his amendment to monitor private U.S. investment in advanced tech ventures in China. The House GOPs far-right opposition The GOPs far-right House Freedom Caucus members issued a statement Friday characterizing the compromise legislation as a predetermined deal reached behind closed doors (that) has been air dropped into the process to undermine many of the most critical House GOP positions. Any reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) must be considered only with significant reforms as a standalone measure. Under no circumstances should an extension be attached to must-pass legislation such as the (NDAA), caucus members wrote. Members are prepared to use all available leverage to change the status quo. We will not simply vote no on bad legislation and go home for Christmas, the statement later said, referring to the defense policy bill as well as hinging foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel on changes to immigration policy. If lawmakers send the defense policy package to President Joe Bidens desk, the passage would mark Congress 63rd consecutive time doing so. The White House released a statement Tuesday saying it commends the strong, bipartisan work of the conference committee to negotiate and draft a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that continues to strengthen our national defense, supports our dedicated troops and their families, and reinforces our alliances and partnerships around the world. The NDAA provides the critical authorities we need to build the military required to deter future conflicts while supporting the servicemembers and their spouses and families who carry out that mission every day. The House and Senate versions of the massive defense package were reconciled by members from both chambers under the majority and minority leadership of both Armed Services committees, which included Sens. Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and Reps. Mike Rogers of Alabama and Adam Smith of Washington. The four corners, as they are called in defense policy circles, released a joint statement on the compromise bill calling it Congress most important responsibility. Our nation faces unprecedented threats from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. It is vital that we act now to protect our national security, they said in the Dec. 7 statement. Both chambers are scheduled to leave Thursday afternoon for a three-week winter break. The current NDAA expires on Dec. 31. The Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey so frequently and so flagrantly abuses his authority in service to right-wing extremism that its easy to forget the other troubling theme of his tenure: The glaring conflicts of interest that have repeatedly arisen regarding his campaign fundraising. The latest example involves Missouris legalized marijuana industry. As the Post-Dispatchs Kurt Erickson reports, the co-owner of a pot company last month hosted a fundraiser for Bailey even as the company wages a legal battle against state regulators with Baileys office on the other side of the fight. What could possibly go wrong? Bailey was appointed to his current position in January to fill a vacancy. Hes seeking a full term in next years election. His job as Missouris lawyer is to represent the states government and its people in court. As previously noted on this page, Bailey isnt doing that in a continuing legal fight between the state and the owners of unlicensed electronic gaming machines that operate with impunity all over Missouri. Bailey has outsourced the case to private attorneys, at taxpayer expense. It appears to be an effort to avoid conflict-of-interest issues related to $25,000 in campaign contributions Bailey has received from sources connected to the gaming machine owners. Then there is Baileys odd interest in a Missouri-based company being sued for alleged lead poisoning of children in Peru. The case doesnt involve Missouri government, but that didnt stop Bailey from filing a brief in support of the company this after its parent company donated $50,000 to a PAC that supports Baileys campaign. These circumstances arent illegal, but they are inherently suspect. Why should the taxpayers have to shell out extra money for private lawyers because the attorney general who already draws a state salary is taking campaign money from the other side of the gaming case? Why should Missouri residents be associated, through the brief filed by their top legal official, with alleged corporate polluters who have donated money to that official? The most recent variation on this grubby theme involves the marijuana company Delta Extraction. State regulators have suspended the companys operations for alleged violations of Missouris cannabis regulations. The state claims the company has falsified data, failed to meet security standards, engaged in misleading advertising and other lapses. The company is suing to overturn the regulators decision. Baileys office is representing the state in the case. Delta Extractions parent company is A Joint Operation. As Erickson reported last week, the companys directors include Josh Ferguson who on Nov. 6 hosted a fundraiser at his Ladue home in support of Baileys campaign. As Bailey himself appeared to concede in pulling out of the gaming case, theres at least an appearance of conflict of interest when his campaign funding is tied to the opposing party in a state legal battle. But a better solution than withdrawing from the case and hiring private lawyers is to be pickier in the first place about whose support he accepts. Missouris lawyer is supposed to serve one client the people of Missouri. When his campaign funding is coming from sources tied to unlicensed gaming, corporate polluters and now an embattled marijuana company, its fair to ask just who Bailey is representing. NATO member and Ukraine neighbor Romania has established an F-16 training facility for Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. Romania currently has 49 F-16s and Ukraine will receive a similar number in early 2024. The facility will train aircraft support personnel as well as pilots. Many NATO countries are in the process of receiving F-35 fighters, which makes their current F-16s surplus and available to sell or donate. Since NATO nations are providing Ukraine with substantial military support, the F-16s are part of that. Russia has nothing like the F-35, or the F-16, and economic sanctions have crippled Russian civil and military aircraft production. Russia only has about a dozen modern, high performance jet fighters for use against Ukraine, out of the 100 or so it started the war with. These have to be used carefully because the Russians cant replace aircraft losses quickly, if at all. Romania was the first Black Sea NATO nation besides Turkey to obtain F-16s. Turkey controls the south shore of the Black Sea while two other NATO nations, Bulgaria and Romania control the east coast. The west coast is controlled by Georgia and Russia. The northern coast is controlled by Ukraine, although Russia is trying to permanently take possession of some of the northern Black Sea coastline currently controlled by Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led other NATO nations in the region, especially those with Black Sea coastlines, to upgrade and expand their armed forces. The NATO Black Sea nations are also cooperating on clearing Russian naval mines in the Black Sea. Russia released these mines to disrupt commercial shipping handling Ukrainian imports and exports. Ukrainian is a major exporter of grain NATO military aid to Ukraine includes a growing number of military combat and support aircraft. All of these trained pilots and maintainers. There are considerable differences in training costs for pilots depending on what type of aircraft they will operate. Transport pilots cost the least. A C-17 four engine jet transport pilot cost $1.1 million to train, and these were the pilots who could most easily shift to being commercial pilots. Other types of transport pilots were somewhat more expensive train. The C-130J four engine turboprop transport pilot training cost $2.5 million because these aircraft often operated from more primitive airbases and under combat conditions. Special purpose transports, like the RC-135, an older four engine jet transport, used for electronic warfare and intelligence tasks cost $5.5 million for pilot training. Aircraft like the RC-135 are equipped to patrol coastal waters, which Ukraine has a lot of. Pilots for combat jet aircraft are the most expensive to train. The least expensive are F-16 pilots ($5.6 million) with the most expensive being F-22 pilots ($10.9 million). Bomber pilots are more expensive with the older bombers (B-52) more expensive ($9.7 million) than more recent models like the B-1 ($7.3 million). Much of pilot training cost is the expense of taking their aircraft into the air, which is essential (as experience has shown) compared to alternatives like realistic simulators. It was also found that aircraft with better flight control software and more efficient cockpits cut training costs. The best example of this is the F-35 but the trend had been noted in other aircraft when cockpits and flight control software were upgraded. The air force, and the military in general, have another problem and that is the long tradition of pay based on rank and time in service. This has long been recognized as archaic and inefficient. Commercial firms, even those providing military contractors for combat jobs overseas, pay according to what the market demands. There is a premium on skills regardless of age or rank. For example, a former special forces NCO with lots of combat experience is going to get paid a lot more than a senior infantry officer with limited combat experience. The special forces NCO not only handles a more dangerous job but one requiring superior intelligence and training levels. That can also be seen in what professional athletes get paid versus what support staff and their managers earn. Tech industries also have to face the fact that special, and relatively rare; talent has to be paid the market rate if you want to have the people you need. The air force, being the most technical of the military services, has long had problems with this issue and nowhere was that more obvious and painful in the relatively new job of operating remotely controlled aircraft (UAVs). In 2018 the U.S. Air Force released a study of using warrant officer ranks for career pilots as part of a solution to the growing pilot shortage. The air force study concluded that the army use of warrant officers for those who prefer to be career pilots, mainly of helicopters, would not work but having officer pilots specializing in flying who could advance up to the rank of colonel (O-6) might. Actually, there was no agreement on what might work but air force leadership agreed something had to be done. Many departing pilots just wanted to fly and current air force leaders do not like the idea of warrant officer pilots even though it works fine for the Army. The study quoted departing pilots listing why they were leaving and more opportunity to fly was a major factor and would persuade more of them to stay. This usually meant belonging to a combat squadron full time and concentrating on flying. The air force continued to see the problem as one of money and pilots spending too much time away from their home base because of foreign deployments. The study missed the point. The departing pilots were not concerned about rank and were willing to accept the relatively rank-less commercial pilot jobs where pay depended on experience and the number of different skills, different types of aircraft you were qualified to fly. Departing air force pilots wanted that sort of thing in the military and as long as that option was not available, many military pilots continued to leave when their service contracts of four or more years were completed. Aflac donation supports improved accessibility for museum guests NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Aflac Incorporated Originally published on Aflac Newsroom Within the walls of the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, South Carolina, guests are immersed in the rich history, culture, achievements and natural wonders of South Carolina. Each year, the museum welcomes about 200,000 visitors, including more than 70,000 children who experience the museum with their classmates on school field trips. Until recently, guests with disabilities could not fully experience the museum because of limited accessibility to essential spaces. A $200,000 lead gift from Aflac fueled the museum's Reimagine the Experience campaign to improve accessibility, offer new accessibility-focused resources and enhance the museum experience for more than 1.1 million adults1 and about 250,000 children2 living with a disability in South Carolina - and the many tourists from outside of South Carolina who visit each year. A call to action In 2022, Senior Group Philanthropy Coordinator Amanda Grover learned about the museum's accessibility campaign and funding needs. She quickly brought it to the attention of Aflac leadership and advocated for Aflac to be the first corporate partner to contribute. "Aflac has a longtime relationship with the State Museum and has proudly supported several projects to advance the museum's mission. Their campaign to increase accessibility resonated with me - and with so many on our leadership team - because many museum guests didn't have the access and resources needed to fully experience it," said Amanda. "I knew that with the right level of philanthropic support from Aflac, it would be transformative not only for the museum, but also for so many people with disabilities in South Carolina and beyond." Stepping up and giving back The museum's accessibility campaign aligned with Aflac's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all and supporting communities served. With Aflac's generous support and additional funding from the State legislature, all 10 of the museum's public restrooms are now fully compliant, in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act. Aflac also funded two mothers' rooms to provide privacy and comfort for nursing mothers and a wellness room to provide a quiet space for guests to rest and rejuvenate. "Aflac has a long history of providing an inclusive environment for our own workforce, so we are very proud to help remove accessibility barriers and offer guests with disabilities the best possible experience at the museum," said Bob Ruff, senior vice president, Group Voluntary Benefits, Aflac. "Supporting the State Museum's vision to increase accessibility across its spaces and programs is one way we are expressing Aflac's culture of care." For Jamie Wardrup, Aflac's director of Premier Broker Relations, the South Carolina State Museum is a special place that he experienced with his family after moving to Columbia nearly 25 years ago. Wardrup champions the work of the museum and volunteers his time as a member of the museum's board of directors. "I'm proud of Aflac's commitment to the museum, this important project, the Midlands community and South Carolina. Now, anyone and everyone will have the access they deserve - to have a fully engaging experience at the museum, a wonderful educational resource in our community," said Jamie. Celebrating accessibility for all On Dec. 4, Bob, Amanda and Jamie were joined by Keyla Cabret-Lewis, Aflac's vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Talent Development, representatives of the Aflac donations committee, the museum team and community supporters to celebrate the completion of the Reimagine the Experience campaign. "We're grateful for our partnership with the museum on this project. It gives us an opportunity to work together to shine a bright light on the work that still needs to be done to make sure all populations, no matter how they think or move through our cities and streets, are included in our history, events and public spaces," said Keyla. "It's about recognizing the different ways people think, the diverse physical needs people might have and ensuring those who are disabled have access to all the same services and resources that are so easily taken for granted." 1 CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/impacts/south-carolina.html 2 S.C. DHEC: https://scdhec.gov/health/child-teen-health/services-children-special-health-care-needs/who-are-children-special Aflac's family of insurers includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company. AGC2301913 Photos courtesy of the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Aflac Incorporated on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Aflac Incorporated Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/aflac-incorporated Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / ACT | The App Association released "Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: An Indispensable Force in AI," a comprehensive report showcasing small businesses' crucial role in the broader AI sector. While new to wider public awareness, small and medium businesses like the App Association's members have been working with the intricacies of AI technology for decades. They have adapted to and are at the forefront of its innovative application, contributing significantly to an industry valued at $1.8 trillion. The report draws on a series of focus groups with App Association members from around the world, bringing together a wealth of experience from seasoned developers and entrepreneurs. These discussions revealed a consistent theme: small businesses use AI in unique and significant ways, often finding solutions to real-world problems that larger corporations might overlook. This collective insight from diverse voices across the tech landscape underscores the vital role and unique perspective that small businesses contribute to the AI sector. Considering these small businesses' valuable contributions, the findings underscore the importance of thoughtful policymaking. Morgan Reed, president of the App Association, addresses this concern: "As we navigate the complexities of AI, it's critical to broaden the scope of policy discussions. The Biden Administration and the bipartisan Senate Working Group, led by Senators Schumer, Young, Heinrich, and Rounds, must ensure that the diverse voices of the small business sector are included. Engaging these businesses is key to rebuilding public trust in AI." The full report "Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: An Indispensable Force in the AI App Economy" is available on the ACT | The App Association website. Contact Information Karen Groppe Senior Director Global Communications [email protected] 12408558947 SOURCE: ACT| The App Association LONDON, UK and CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited and its affiliates ("COPL" or the "Company") (CSE:XOP) & (LSE:COPL), an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties, Wyoming, USA, announces the issuance of 84,706,864 common shares pursuant to a conversion of Bonds and share settlement of Conversion Payment amounts. 31,545,741 common shares have been issued at a price of US$0.0317 per share pursuant to the conversion of $1.0 million principal of 2027 Bonds by a Bondholder. Following these conversions, COPL's outstanding bonds include: 2027 Bonds principal outstanding: $10.6 million (53 bonds) 2027 Bondholders: 3 2028 Bonds principal outstanding: $10.8 million (54 bonds) 2028 Bondholders: 3 The Company has also issued 53,161,123 common shares pursuant to the share settlement option exercised by a Bondholder for settlement of $1.2 million of Conversion Payment amounts (and related accrued interest) due pursuant to previously converted 2027 Bonds and 2028 Bonds. The number of common shares issued for settlement of these Conversion Payments is based on the lowest 5-day VWAP following election of the share settlement option for the Conversion Payments. Following these issuances of common shares, the Company has a total of 1,038,771,819 common shares issued and outstanding. There are no common shares held in treasury and therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 1,038,771,819. This figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Applications will be made for the Shares to be admitted to the FCA's Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities within the next twelve months, in accordance with Listing Rule 14.3.4. About the Company: COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, development and production company actively pursuing opportunities in the United States with operations in Wyoming. The Company operates the Cole Creek Unit 100% WI, Barron Flats Shannon (Miscible) Unit 85% WI and holds Barron Flats Federal (Deep) 85% WI in addition to non-unitized lands 100% WI. The Company's Wyoming operations are one of the most environmentally responsible with minimal gas flaring and methane emissions combined with electricity sourced from a neighbouring wind farm to power production facilities. For further information, please contact: Mr. Tom Richardson, Chairman Mr. John Cowan, CEO Mr. Ryan Gaffney, CFO Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited Tel: + 1 (403) 262 5441 Cathy Hume CHF Investor Relations Tel: +1 (416) 868 1079 ext. 251 Email: [email protected] Charles Goodwin Yellow Jersey PR Limited Tel: +44 (0) 77 4778 8221 Email: [email protected] Peter Krens Equity Capital Markets, Tennyson Securities Tel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9033 Andrew Chubb / Neil Passmore Advisors/Joint Brokers Hannam & Partners +44 (0) 20 7907 8500 The Common Shares are listed under the symbol "XOP" on the CSE and under the symbol "COPL" on the London Stock Exchange. This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "initial, "scheduled", "can", "will", "prior to", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", "forecast", "future", "continue", "may", "expect", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including, but not limited to, the ability to raise the necessary funding for operations, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties most of which are beyond the control of Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd. For example, the uncertainty of reserve estimates, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, cost overruns, health and safety issues, political and environmental risks, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation affecting the oil and gas industry could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Canadian Overseas Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd View the original press release on accesswire.com Castle Harlan and its partners, Continental Grain Company, Organizacin Cultiba SAB de CV, and Equity Group Investments (EGI), seek to accelerate Baja's future growth NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Castle Harlan, a New York based private equity firm, and its partners announce the majority acquisition of Baja Aqua-Farms (the "Company"), a leading vertically integrated Bluefin tuna rancher based in Baja California, Mexico. The transaction was funded with both debt and equity. Triago Directs Castle Harlan made a direct investment in the Company outside of its traditional blind pool funds and co-investment programs. These direct investment opportunities provide investors with greater influence and agency than traditional funds or more passively structured co-investments. Founded in 2000, Baja Aqua-Farms is an established leader in Bluefin tuna ranching whose mission is to produce and distribute the highest quality Pacific Bluefin tuna in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. The Company's fresh sashimi grade tuna is sought out by top chefs around the globe for its consistent quality and year-round availability. "Baja Aqua-Farms is state-of-the-art, with major competitive advantages and potential for growth," says Patrick Zyla, Managing Director at Castle Harlan. "Investors in Baja will use their global networks and connections as catalysts for Baja's growth. We intend to help Baja grow organically, but it will also be a platform for acquisitions and the transfer of best practice." The investment partnership provides strategic support and a source of additional capital for the Company to meet the growing global demand for seafood. As part of the transaction, Ignacio Sanz from Conti, Juan Ignacio Gallardo Thurlow from Cultiba, Rahul Sen from EGI, and Patrick Zyla from Castle Harlan will join Baja Aqua-Farms' Board of Directors. London-based Westgrove Partners and Indianapolis-based Oxford Financial Group Ltd.TM are also investors in the Company. "All the investors in Baja are rolling up their sleeves to help the company grow," says Triago Partner Sim Ketchum. "This is typical in single asset direct private equity transactions." "Direct investments do an amazing job of finely aligning everyone's interests," says Triago Global CEO Matt Swain. Triago raised the equity capital for Baja Aqua-Farms. Along with Baja, Castle Harlan has completed three direct investments in recent years, including Sunless, the global leader in ultraviolet-free spray tanning equipment and solutions, and Titan Production Equipment, a leading engineer, designer, and manufacturer of specialty engineered-to-order equipment used for the traditional and alternative energy and environmental technology sectors. About Castle Harlan - Founded in 1987, Castle Harlan is a New York based private equity firm that makes control equity investments in middle market companies, focusing on niche consumer and specialty industrial businesses. The firm traces its roots to the start of the institutionalized private equity business in the late 1960s. Castle Harlan's investment strategy is concentrated on finding established businesses with steady growth, where they can partner with existing management to provide long-term returns to investors. The firm has completed over 55 acquisitions since its inception worth an aggregate enterprise value in excess of $11 billion. For more information, visit www.castleharlan.com. About Triago - With offices in New York, London, Paris, Dubai and San Diego, Triago provides fundraising services for both private equity funds and direct deals. The firm also provides secondary transaction advisory, and strategic solutions for general partners and limited partners seeking to optimize success in the global private equity market. Founded in 1992 as one of the first PE fund placement agents, Triago has completed over 200 fundraisings and over 30 direct financings on six continents. Triago has advised on the transfer of more than 3,500 PE fund stakes on the secondary market on behalf of some 200 clients across the world. The group has also undertaken more than 50 strategic advisory mandates for general partners and limited partners looking to launch, boost or restructure PE operations. The group's fastest growing and largest business today is private equity directs. http://www.triago.com Contact Information David Lanchner Head of Communications [email protected] +33 6 33 43 50 76 Related Images Triago Directs CH logo View the original press release on newswire.com. SOURCE: Triago TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / At COP28, 134 nations with 5.7 billion people committed to the "COP28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action". This is the globe's first commitment at a COP Summit to support sustainable agriculture science and evidence-based innovations and resilience in agriculture. It presents a tremendous opportunity for CO2 GRO Inc's ("CO2 GRO") (TSXV:GROW)(OTCQB: BLONF)(Frankfurt:4021) proven commercial precision agriculture technology to be rapidly expanded and deployed worldwide. The company's increasingly dynamic technology is designed to consistently and sustainably boost crop yields by up to 30% at existing grow facilities not using CO 2 with a minimal carbon footprint impact. For the few greenhouses in cold countries that can use CO 2, the Company's technology can cut up to 95% of their CO 2 use and create carbon credits while doing so. Key Features of CO2 GRO's Technology: Enhanced Crop Yields: CO2 GRO's technology sharply increases plant growth rates and crop yields at existing protected grow facilities, crucial to meeting global food demands for an ever-increasing global population. Use of our technology creates a more resilient food system as outlined in the COP28 Declaration. Natural and Sustainable Solution: Our technology creates natural photosynthetic enrichment for crops by applying dissolved CO 2 in light, intermittent misting. This approach aligns with the Declaration's emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. Climate Action Compatibility: CO2 GRO's technology boost agricultural productivity in a compatible way with the COP28 climate action goals. By optimizing existing grow facilities, our technology contributes to a reduction in agriculture's carbon footprint while boosting yields. Adaptability and Resilience: Our technology is adaptable to all climatic conditions and agricultural settings while CO 2 gassing (dosing) is not. It is therefore a much more versatile and efficient tool in building global and regional climate-resilient food systems. as stated in this COP28 Declaration. Economic Benefits for Farmers: By increasing crop yields and reducing input costs, CO2 GRO's technology typically offers two-year paybacks to protected growers buying our technology and similar added value renting or buying our technology over a long-term contract (Pay for Use). This supports the Declaration's objective of sustainable economic growth within the agricultural sector. A Commitment to a Sustainable Future: CO2 GRO is committed to playing a pivotal role in the global effort to create and support sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The company's technology offers a practical and effective solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector today. CO2 GRO's VP Sales, Aaron Archibald commented, "As 134 nations have rallied behind this COP28 Declaration focusing on agriculture, we stand ready to contribute our expertise and technology to ensure that protected agriculture not only consistently feeds the world but does so in a sustainable, resilient, way in harmony with our planet's health, while providing economic benefit to farmers, communities and nations." For more information and to explore how CO2 GRO is contributing to a greener future in agriculture, visit https://co2gro.ca (English) or https://es.co2gro.ca (Spanish) About CO2 GRO Inc. CO2 GRO Inc. is a precision ag-tech, clean-tech company with a focus on People, the Planet and Prosperity. Our vision is to become one of the leading companies enhancing global food production from protected agriculture. By helping our customers sustainably increase yield and profitability, we could help feed up to half a billion people worldwide while reducing our customers' ecological footprint. Check out our webinar , corporate updates , and ESG report . About 300 million MT of fruit and vegetables are grown annually from about 5 million hectares of protected vegetable facilities globally (6 kg/m2/year of average production). A 30% yield increase using our technology could add up to 100 million MT of fruits and vegetables per year. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual fruit and vegetable consumption of up to 200 kg per year per adult. Our Target Market: The estimated 800 billion square foot global protected grower market is comprised of 700 billion square feet of fruits & vegetables (Cuesta Roble 2019 estimate), and an estimated 100 billion square feet of protected floriculture and other medicinal plants and non-food varieties. Our Technology: CO2 Delivery Solutions" enriches plants with CO 2 by misting an aqueous CO 2 solution directly onto plants grown in greenhouses and other protected grow facilities globally. Value Proposition: Approximately 98% of protected grow facilities globally cannot add CO 2 by atmospheric gassing, missing out on up to 30% increased yield potential and 100% more gross profit. CO2 GRO's technology enables all protected growers regardless of facility or location to enrich their plants with CO 2 to realize up to 30% yield increases. In addition, our technology suppresses the growth of micro-pathogens such as E.coli and powdery mildew, leading to healthier crops. Growers currently employing CO 2 gassing can save up to 90% of CO 2 gas used, reducing their ecological footprint and production costs. Patent Protection: CO2 GRO's CO2 Delivery Solutions" technology is protected by a suite of patents and patents pending. Business Model: Our technology is sold to growers based on the cultivation area installed at prices that provide a high return on their investment and high margins for our shareholders. Global Expansion: CO2 GRO's management is rapidly expanding its international marketing partner relationships into Mexico, Spain, the EU, the UK, South Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America as well as in its US and Canadian base. Environmental Social and Governance ESG: CO2 GRO is committed to good Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies and practices. We are an equal opportunity employer of choice and opportunity. Rich suggesting a link here to our 2023 ESG Report Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer This press release contains statements which constitute "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities. Forward looking information is often identified by the words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" or similar expressions and include information regarding: statements regarding the future direction of the Company; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business and financial objectives; plans for expansion and the ability of the Company to obtain, develop and foster its business relationships; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates that management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Such assumptions include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions; the Company's ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; successful completion of the Offering; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Company's competitors; and that good relationships with business partners will be maintained. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forwardlooking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; in particular, in the ability of the Company to raise debt and equity capital in the amounts and at the costs that it expects; adverse changes in applicable laws or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; the biotechnology industry and the greenhouse growers market are highly competitive, and technical advances in the industry will impact the success of the Company, and other risks described in the Company's filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forwardlooking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forwardlooking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact: Soumik Roy, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Investor Relations [email protected] SOURCE: CO2 Gro Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Exotic Snack Guys Now Offers Products From Almost 40 Different Countries CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Exotic Snack Guys, an international snack retail brand, has grown its roster of import locations to around 40 countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Sweden, and Taiwan. The company stocks familiar flavors such as apple, dark chocolate, and vanilla while also embracing lesser-known options like white peach, lychee, and Kobe beef. With this expansion, Exotic Snack Guys continues to enrich its current inventory's cultural diversity while also building its community of snack enthusiasts. Exotic Snack Guys Zohaib Naman , Co Founder of Exotic Snack Guys The company was founded by Zohaib Naman and his business partner Shafiq Rehman in late June of this year. The two noticed how trendy international snacks were with online audiences and how marketable they could be in high-traffic zones like New York and Toronto, and they believed they could bring the same engagement and intrigue to their Chicago area. Naman also recognizes the sentimental value that snacks can have for some people, and making them readily available in person and online has helped bring Exotic Snack Guys' community together. Naman comments, "I was born in the Middle East myself. I remember walking into a Middle Eastern store and finding a candy I really liked growing up. It brought back a lot of memories for me. So, it's been good being able to do the same for other people and hearing their stories when they find candy they loved from their childhood." Exotic Snack Guys has also opened special orders for customers looking for particular snacks. If a product a customer is looking for isn't currently in stock, the owners will track it down and order it for them. Naman remarks that this has been yet another way for them to discover new snacks as well and expand their roster. With the explosive popularity that the company has seen, Exotic Snack Guys has had to move its in-house operations to a new storage and distribution center in suburban Bensenville. The brand states how glad it is to have met so many people through this adventure and are also making plans to broaden its community. Exotic Snack Guys hopes to have new locations opened in Milwaukee, Houston, Orlando, and Miami in the coming months, and the company is also working on importing from a total of 100 countries by the end of the year. ABOUT EXOTIC SNACK GUYS Exotic Snack Guys is a Chicago-based company that caters to snack enthusiasts around the nation. Having launched in June 2023, the company sources its snacks from around 40 different countries. Exotic Snack Guys sells online as well as at its physical store and plans to open several locations in Houston, Miami, Milwaukee, and Orlando. To learn more about the company, visit exoticsnackguys.com or contact: Zohaib Naman +1 (773) 904-7479 [email protected] https://twitter.com/exoticsnackguys https://www.facebook.com/exsnackguys Contact Information Zohaib Naman CEO [email protected] 7739047479 SOURCE: Exotic Snack Guys View the original press release on accesswire.com China holds its 10th national memorial ceremony for the Nanjing Massacre victims at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) NANJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The people of Nanjing observed a moment of silence, and sirens were heard across the city as China held a memorial ceremony on Wednesday to mourn the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre. Despite the winter chill, thousands of people, dressed in dark attire and with white flowers pinned to their chests, attended the 10th national memorial ceremony for the victims in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. China's national flag was flown at half-mast in front of the crowd, which included massacre survivors, local students and foreign friends. At 10:01 a.m., sirens began to blare. Drivers in the downtown area stopped their cars and honked, while pedestrians paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the memorial ceremony and delivered a speech. Li said the memorial ceremony expresses the Chinese people's noble desire to steadfastly pursue peaceful development and demonstrates their firm stance to always remember history, cherish peace and forge ahead for a brighter future. Noting that today's China is a vigorous and thriving nation, Li urged efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and to strive toward the great goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. More than 80 young people read aloud a declaration of peace, and citizen representatives struck the Bell of Peace. White doves, symbolizing hope for peace, were released to fly over the square of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. In 2014, China's top legislature designated Dec. 13 as the national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, which took place when Japanese troops captured the city on Dec. 13, 1937. The Japanese invaders brutally killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in over six weeks, marking one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II. As of this year, the number of registered Nanjing Massacre survivors has dwindled to just 38. The Chinese government has preserved the survivors' testimonies, recorded in written documents and video footage. These records of the massacre were listed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register in 2015. Historical materials have been progressively collected as new evidence of war crimes related to the massacre. More than 1,100 items, including 125 American newspapers such as The New York Times which reported the atrocity, have been donated to the memorial hall this year. Since its inauguration in 1985, the memorial hall has acquired a collection of about 193,000 items including photographs, artifacts and video footage of the tragedy. According to Zhou Feng, curator of the memorial hall, they are trying to collect more typical historical materials globally and revive the collections through digital methods to better provide educational services for the public. A dozen new publications on the Nanjing Massacre were released on Dec. 6, among which, a novel named Ningsheng Ningsheng, written by an English teacher and screenwriter from Nanjing, depicts the different experiences of Ningsheng, two namesake children of the same age, in 1937 and 2017. "I want to use the story to help more children understand and remember this part of the history, so they can better cherish the present world," said Yang Xiaoyan, author of the novel. "The Nanjing Massacre is not just a certain history in the books, but a history that belongs to every Chinese. The suffering should not be forgotten," Zhou said. Liu Minsheng, a survivor of the massacre, was only three years old when he experienced the holocaust. "A Japanese soldier snarled at me with a bayonet in his hand and stabbed me in the leg. I always remember that day," the 89-year-old survivor said. Dozens of descendants of Nanjing Massacre survivors, who were recognized as China's inheritors of the historical memory, also attended the memorial ceremony on Wednesday. "When my parents were alive, they always told me to pass on the historical truth to our future generations. And we have the responsibility to spread the history to the world," said Cao Yuli, one of the inheritors. "At the same time, we hope for peace and happiness all over the world," Cao added. CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. ("FLYHT") (TSXV:FLY)(OTCQX:FLYLF) today announced that it has signed a multi-year contract renewal with Jordan Aviation PSC ("JAV"), to provide its fleet of Boeing 767, 737's and Airbus A320's with FLYHT's software solutions. The renewed agreement will help continue to improve JAV's flight operations and maximize its efficiency. This renewal extends the relationship between FLYHT and JAV that began in 2009 and currently includes a suite of software services that includes Satcom, FLYHTLog, FleetWatch, FLYHTHealth and FLYHTQAR on five aircraft. "We are honored to be part of the continued success story at Jordan Aviation with the renewal of our software solutions agreement," commented Kent Jacobs, President and Interim CEO at FLYHT. "We are thrilled that one of FLYHT's long-standing customers sees the competitive advantage of our innovative AFIRS solutions." Added Mike Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager at Jordan Aviation, "As an airline that prides itself on not only meeting but surpassing international standards and client expectations as we solve our client's often complex and difficult logistics issues in an ever-demanding market, it was an obvious decision to extend our relationship with FLYHT. FLYHT's solutions have been part of our success over the past ten years and have supported our Worldwide AOC with operations for both our IGO and Commercial clients." This contract renewal is valued at approximately US$583,000, provided that all services are delivered over the five-year term of the agreement. About Jordan Aviation PSC Jordan Aviation Company (JAV) is proud to be the first privately owned airline in Jordan. It was first launched in 1998 by Captain Muhammad Khashman who served in the Royal Jordanian Air Force for 16 years. After extensive experience in the field of aviation, JAV commenced its air operations in October 2000. JAV offers short and long haul flights with warm hospitality and an unforgettable experience. About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. FLYHT provides airlines with Actionable Intelligence to transform operational insight into immediate, quantifiable action, and delivers industry leading solutions to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and profitability. This unique capability is driven by a suite of patented aircraft certified hardware products. These include AFIRS", an aircraft satcom/interface device that enables cockpit voice communications, real-time aircraft state analysis, and the transmission of aircraft data while inflight. The AFIRS Edge is a state-of-the-art 5G Wireless Quick Access Recorder (WQAR), Aircraft Interface Device (AID), and Aircraft Condition and Monitoring System (ACMS). The Edge can be interfaced with FLYHT's TAMDAR probe or the FLYHT-WVSS-II relative humidity sensor to deliver airborne weather and humidity data in real-time. CrossConsense, FLYHT's wholly owned subsidiary, offers highly skilled services to the commercial aviation industry and provides preventative maintenance solutions. These include Aircraft Fleet View, a native application that gives a real-time view of airline fleet status; AviationDW, a managed data warehouse for enhanced business intelligence; and ACSIS, a visualization and predictive maintenance alerting tool. FLYHT is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and is an AS9100 Quality registered company. CrossConsense, located in Frankfurt, Germany, is an ISO9001 certified operation. For more information, visit www.flyht.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to projected revenues and related matters. Although FLYHT believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. FLYHT cannot guarantee future results, performance, or 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 founded on the basis of expectations, assumptions and hypotheses made by the Company, including, but not limited to projected revenues. Such forward-looking information is 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 global economic conditions, industry conditions, and supply chain delays. 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. FLYHT undertakes 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. Contact Information: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. FNK IR LLC Alana Forbes Matt Chesler, CFA Chief Financial Officer Investor Relations 403.291.7437 646.809.2183 [email protected] [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB: MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of 2023 field activities at the Company's La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE project in southwestern Colorado, USA. The 2023 exploration program included 4,530 meters in four diamond drill holes focused on expanding the current mineral resource and testing extensions of strong porphyry-style mineralization encountered in 2022 drill hole LAP22-04. LAP22-04 intercepted 816 meters of continuous mineralization grading 0.41% copper equivalent with significant intervals of higher-grade mineralization. Assays are pending with results expected in early 2024, which will provide the basis for an update to the current mineral resource estimate of 1.2 billion pounds copper and 17.6 million ounces of silver1 as announced in July 2023. Additional field activities included detailed geologic mapping, surface rock and soil sampling, airborne and drill core hyperspectral surveys. The 2023 field campaign was funded by a strategic equity investment announced in May 2023 whereby Newmont Mining (previously Newcrest Mining Limited) acquired a 9.5% ownership position in Metallic Minerals with the goal of accelerating advancement of the La Plata project. Highlights Drilling totalled 4,530 meters in four resource expansion drill holes ranging from 965 meters in depth to 1,350 meters in hole LAP23-06, which is the deepest hole to date in the project. All four drill holes intersected porphyry style mineralization over their entire lengths with varying levels of visible copper sulphides and vein density (see Figures below). Drilling in 2023 has extended mineralization to more than 1.5 kilometers vertically starting at surface and is anticipated to allow for inclusion of both gold and platinum group elements in future mineral resource estimates along with copper and silver. An advanced airborne hyperspectral survey covering 157 square kilometers (453-line km) was completed by SpecTIR in the visible ("VNIR") to shortwave infrared ("SWIR") and longwave infrared ("LWIR") spectra (949 total bands) allowing for detailed mineral and alteration mapping across the entire district. Scanning of 3,848 meters of drill core was completed by GeologicAI providing hi-resolution RGB digital photography, laser profilometry using LIDAR, VNIR and SWIR hyperspectral imagery and x-ray fluorescence, allowing for detailed characterization of mineralization and alteration within the Allard deposit. Expansion of project surface sampling included 667 additional soil samples and 275 rock samples in conjunction with detailed geologic surface mapping both inside and outside of the Allard resource area. This work has identified a number of new high priority target areas for follow up exploration and has expanded the known surface footprint of the Allard mineral system. Scott Petsel, Metallic Minerals' President, stated, "We are excited to have completed our largest drill and field program to date at La Plata with the collaboration of our strategic investor, Colorado based Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM), which recently acquired Newcrest Mining. This year's drilling was designed to expand the existing resource at the Allard deposit and to develop vectors towards the strongest mineralized parts in the system. Full results are pending, and the Company anticipates final assays to be reported in early 2024. The Allard deposit remains open to significant expansion to the east, north and west and at depth. With the drilling this year, we anticipate adding gold, platinum and palladium to the current copper and silver resource. In addition, our work this season on the broader project has identified several new high-priority targets outside of the Allard resource area, highlighting the potential for new discoveries of both additional copper porphyry centers, as well as high-grade epithermal silver and gold systems. With the projected strong and growing need for new copper production in the US and global markets over the coming decades, projects like La Plata that are located in stable geopolitical locations that can be developed responsibly to first-world standards, are going to be in very high-demand. It is still early days at La Plata, but we already see the potential for a leading, long-life opportunity in the production of copper, silver, gold and other critical minerals in the USA. We look forward to providing further updates on La Plata and our high-grade Keno Silver project in the Yukon and to displaying drill core at both the AMEBC Roundup and PDAC core shacks in Q1 2024." Upcoming Events Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) Metallic Minerals and fellow Metallic Group members, Granite Creek Copper and Stillwater Critical Minerals, in Booth #112 at the 2024 VRIC event, January 21and 22, 2024. For more information click here. AMEBC Mineral Roundup Core Shack Metallic Minerals will be displaying core from the 2023 drill season at the upcoming AMEBC Mineral Roundup event held in Vancouver, BC January 22 to 25, 2024. For more information click here. Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Convention (PDAC) Metallic Minerals will be displaying core from the 2023 drill season at the PDAC convention held in Toronto, March 3to 6, 2024. For more information click here. Figure 1 - Cross section through Allard Resource Area with new drill holes 23-05 and 23-06 (see Figure 2 for plan map) Figure 2 - Plan map showing new drill holes 23-07 and 23-08. Figure 3 - Core photos of Hole LAP23-05 from 425 m to 433 m showing an example of strong porphyry style mineralization including multi-phase veining and strongly disseminated copper sulphides. Figure 4 - Core photo detail of from red outline above in Figure 3 showing the intensity of copper sulphides including chalcopyrite and bornite. About Metallic Minerals Metallic Minerals Corp. is focused on copper, silver, gold, and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development. At the Company's La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the new 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate identifies a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1.21 Blbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver1. The 2022 expansion drilling provided the basis for the updated resource, including the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newcrest Mining Limited (acquired by Newmont Mining in 2023) to accelerate the advancement of the Company's La Plata project. The 2023 Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies, ranked Colorado 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA. In Canada's Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's ("Hecla") operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, is anticipating full production at its Keno Hill operations by the end of 2023. An inaugural mineral resource estimate on the project is expected in early 2024, with an 1,111-meter expansion drill program completed at the Formo target during fall of 2023. The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the Discovery Channel television show, Gold Rush. All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. The Company is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 1) See news release dated July 31, 2023. The Mineral Resource has been estimated in conformity with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practices Guidelines (2019) and current CIM Definition Standards. The constrained Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25% copper equivalent, based on metal prices of $3.75/lb Cu and $22.50/oz Ag, assumed metal recoveries of 90% for Cu and 65% for Ag, a mining cost of US$5.30/t rock and processing and G&A cost of US$11.50/t mineralized material. The current Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this Mineral Resource Estimate are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured. However, based on the current knowledge of the deposits, it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.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. SOURCE: Metallic Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / MetLife, Inc. Grants awarded to 24 non-profit organizations from communities across the United States through the Foundation's Accelerating Commitment to Equity Innovation Fund MetLife MetLife Foundation announced the 24 non-profit recipients of its two-year, $10 million Accelerating Commitment to Equity Innovation Fund (ACE Innovation Fund). The fund aims to democratize access to capital for non-profit organizations addressing income and wealth inequality in communities that have been historically and systemically disinvested. Each non-profit recipient was awarded a $250,000 grant to implement or accelerate their proposal. These proposals center on one of the focus areas of the ACE Innovation Fund - financial security and longevity, small business growth and job creation, narrative change, homeownership, affordable housing and community revitalization, and good jobs. "We are living in a dynamic environment that requires us to address the most pressing issues of today head on, while advancing our work for the future," said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. "Our vision for the ACE Innovation Fund is to address the growing income and wealth divide and instill confidence for the future by investing in the visionary, bold, and forward looking solutions of today's leaders and non-profits." The 2023 ACE Innovation Fund grantees have significant work or plan to implement their proposal in Atlanta, GA; Cary, Durham and Raleigh, NC; Chicago, IL; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; or Tampa, FL. The selected grantees are part of a national cohort of actively engaged peers that will network and participate in a community of practice. The full list of grantees can be viewed on MetLife Foundation's website, and include: Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative to accelerate the capacity building and technical assistance programming of business-serving organizations to prepare Black-owned businesses to receive capital in Atlanta, GA. Chicago Community Loan Fund to accelerate efforts to educate and provide low-interest loans to residents of aging buildings to make improvements to the buildings - raising the value of cooperatively operated housing while keeping elderly residents homed in Chicago, IL. La Casa de Don Pedro to implement their healthy homes and community empowerment programs in Newark, NJ, fostering self-sufficiency, empowerment and neighborhood Page 2 of 2 revitalization by bringing together essential local services to enhance affordable housing. MDC, Inc. to implement the coordination of an Integrated Services Delivery Network of community-based organizations in Durham, NC, connecting low-income residents with public benefits, social supports and career training. The Laundromat Project to accelerate programs that build stronger community connections, promote cultural preservation and facilitate generational wealth building for longtime residents of Brooklyn, NY. The New York Women's Foundation to implement the Bronx Economic Justice Project to advance opportunities within the green economy and develop a cohort of women and gender-expansive individuals focused on advancing economic security in Bronx, NY. The ACE Innovation Fund recipients will take part in a cohort to measure impact and report on the outcomes of their interventions, with the opportunity to receive up to $150,000 in follow-on funding. MetLife Foundation is partnering with the Urban Institute Racial Equity Analytics Lab to study and measure the impact of each recipient's interventions and Community Resource Exchange (CRE) to provide capacity building support for grantees and their staff. This wraparound support is integral to the ACE Innovation Fund to put tools, resources and advantages in the hands of the grantees to fully implement or accelerate their programs. For more information on MetLife Foundation and the ACE Innovation Fund, visit www.MetLife.org. About MetLife Foundation At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas - economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities - while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org. For Media: Olivia Janicelli (212) 578-3547 [email protected] View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MetLife, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: MetLife, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/metlife-inc Email: [email protected] SOURCE: MetLife, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Microblink's Strategic Expansion: New Spanish Website Bolsters BlinkID's Identity Verification Solutions in Latin America BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Microblink, a pioneering force in AI-driven identity verification, is thrilled to announce its latest venture: a Spanish-language website. This exciting launch underscores Microblink's commitment to the Latin American market, bringing BlinkID, its innovative ID scanning technology, closer to businesses and individuals across the region. "Launching our Spanish-language website is more than just a business expansion; it's about connecting with our customers in Latin America in a meaningful way," says Sam Pigott, Chief Product Officer of Microblink. "We're excited to see how BlinkID will continue to empower businesses and individuals across the region with secure and efficient identity verification." In a powerful endorsement, a top executive from one of Mexico's largest banks praised BlinkID's effectiveness, highlighting the simplicity of its deployment across a variety of applications tailored to different needs, as well as its versatility and accuracy in delivering results. BlinkID stands out for its ability to meet the unique demands of Latin America. It offers unparalleled precision and speed in scanning and verifying a range of identity documents. This technology is crucial for sectors like banking, financial services, insurance, travel, and telecommunications, which are all seeing rapid growth in the region. The new Spanish website is a significant milestone in Microblink's journey to deliver user-friendly AI solutions and build digital trust - globally. With BlinkID's advanced features for verifying Latin American documents, Microblink is reinforcing its commitment to improving digital trust and streamlining identity verification processes throughout the region. In 2024, Microblink aims to broaden the scope of documents it supports in the region, strengthening its presence and relevance in the Latin American market. Full list of supported documents About Microblink: Microblink is a tech company specializing in AI and machine learning, focused on identity verification and document scanning solutions. BlinkID, its leading product, is transforming identity verification across industries worldwide. Stay updated with our latest news by following us on LinkedIn. Contact Information Tori Elstrom Sr. Manager, Performance Revenue Marketing [email protected] SOURCE: Microblink NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / AllergoSan USA is thrilled to announce that their Omni-Biotic AB 10 probiotic has been awarded the Practitioner's Choice Award in the "Specialty and Herbal Supplements" category by Natural Practitioner Magazine. This esteemed recognition is particularly significant as it is based on product recommendations from practitioners, showcasing the trust and confidence they place in Omni-Biotic AB 10. Omni-Biotic AB 10 with Sachet Omni-Biotic AB 10 with Sachet The Practitioner's Choice Award, presented by Natural Practitioner Magazine, is a prestigious accolade honoring the most recommended products according to a nationwide survey of readers within the natural and alternative healthcare professional community. What sets this award apart is its basis in practitioner consensus, making it a true testament to the clinical impact of Omni-Biotic AB 10. Hannah Kleinfeld, COO of AllergoSan USA, expressed her appreciation of the acknowledgment, stating, "We are honored to receive the Practitioner's Choice Award for Omni-Biotic AB 10. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing clinically-tested and highly effective products that make a real difference in gut health, wellness, and longevity. We are grateful for the support of our customers and healthcare practitioners." Omni-Biotic AB 10 is a restorative probiotic designed to promote a balanced and diverse gut microbiome, the foundation of overall well-being. Clinically shown to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea, combat C. Diff infection, and inhibit other unwanted bacteria in the gut, Omni-Biotic AB 10 is frequently used in hospitals and nursing homes across Europe during and after antibiotic use, surgery, and chemotherapy. Omni-Biotic, a top-selling European line introduced to the United States in 2019 by AllergoSan USA, offers targeted probiotic blends developed for stress, immunity, liver detox, gut restoration, and more. These high-performance probiotics are grounded in product-specific research and controlled clinical studies, ensuring a deep understanding of probiotic strain significance and synergistic performance for specific health outcomes. About AllergoSan USA: AllergoSan USA, a joint venture formed in 2019 with Austrian-based microbiome research institute Institut AllergoSan, is dedicated to bringing Omni-Biotic products to the U.S. The founding team recognized the need for deeply studied specialized probiotics in the U.S. AllergoSan USA aims to be the gold standard in probiotic supplements and gut health-promoting products, serving consumers, healthcare practitioners, pharmacies, and leading medical facilities. For more information visit www.omnibioticlife.com. For further information, please contact: Teal Minisofer [email protected] Contact Information Teal Minisofer PR Director [email protected] +31616382684 View the original press release on newswire.com. SOURCE: AllergoSan USA VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Perk Labs Inc. (CSE:PERK)(OTC PINK:PKLBF)(FKT:PKLB) ("Perk" or the "Company"), today announced the appointment of Keith Roseland-Barnes to the Perk Board of Directors. "We are pleased to welcome Keith Roseland-Barnes to the Perk Board", said Ryan Hardy, CEO of Perk Labs. "Keith brings a wealth of experience in technology leadership and software sales, with an outstanding record of consistently exceeding revenue targets in his more than 20 years of experience in technology sales and leadership." Mr. Roseland-Barnes is the Chief Revenue Officer of Unravel Data, a market-leading data analytics and AI observability platform company, which helps teams turn complex data into actionable insights. "I am excited to be joining Perk's Board. Perk offers a very innovative and compelling mobile ordering and payment solution which allows venues and retailers to significantly enhance their customers' experience." said Mr. Roseland-Barnes. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to Perk's continued success and growth". Issuance of U.S. Patent The Company is also pleased to announce the issuance of its United States patent that protects the Company's rights to one of its inventions for systems and methods for electronic payments with fraud prevention, based on correlating transaction data and information from a user's device. "We are pleased to enhance our intellectual property protection with this new patent issuance," said Ryan Hardy, CEO, Perk Labs. "The grant of this patent symbolizes the underlying capabilities of Perk as an innovative technology disruptor." About Perk Labs Inc. Perk Labs Inc., (CSE:PERK)(OTC PINK:PKLBF)(FKT:PKLB), the owner of Getit Technologies Inc. and Perk Hero Software Inc. ("Perk Labs"), provides innovative mobile ordering and payment systems, allowing customers the ability to scan a QR code or NFC sticker to order and pay for their purchases directly from their phone. Perk Labs specializes in providing a single unified payment interface for complex purchase environments - environments that have multiple retailers processing an array of different transactions, including food and beverage purchases, merchandise sales, ticketing, registrations, donations and even parking. Perk Labs provides a custom-branded solution that is ideal for multi-retailer venues such as stadiums and arenas, university and college campuses, conference centers, festivals, charity events and hotels and resorts. For more information, contact: Ryan Hardy CEO (833) 338-0299 [email protected] Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "may", "believe", "thinks", "expect", "exploring", "expand", "could", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "pursue", "potentially", "projected", "should", "will" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. These forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to, among other things, the discussion of the Company's business strategies and its expectations concerning future operations. Although the Company considers these forward-looking statements to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. SOURCE: Perk Labs Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com On the Bicentennial of Famous Christmas Poem, a New Book Challenges Claim That a Poughkeepsie Farmer, Not Clement C. Moore, Was the Author ASHEVILLE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / In "The Fight for The Night; Resolving the Dispute Over Authorship of 'The Night Before Christmas,'" author Tom A. Jerman, citing historical, biographical, stylistic and stylometric evidence of authorship, addresses the claim that a Poughkeepsie farmer, Henry Livingston, Jr., wrote America's favorite poem rather than Clement C. Moore, the wealthy, erudite, New York seminary professor who has been consistently credited with authorship for almost 200 years. The poem, which marks its bicentennial this year, was originally published anonymously on December 23, 1823, in The Troy (N.Y.) Sentinel under the title "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas," and Moore claimed authorship in 1836. In 2000, however, Don Foster, a Vassar College English professor and self-proclaimed "literary detective," asserted in his book, Author Unknown, that the real author was Livingston, who purportedly read the poem to his family in 1808. The upshot of Foster's book and a similar treatise by New Zealand professor MacDonald P. Jackson in 2016 was that the media and some scholars began to describe the authorship of "The Night Before Christmas" as an open question. In "The Fight for The Night," Jerman explains how the poem's reliance on an 1821 children's book, The Children's Friend, that tells the story of "Santeclaus" delivering presents on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer precludes any claim that Livingston wrote the poem between 1800 and 1808. About the Author Tom A. Jerman is the author of Santa Claus Worldwide: A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers (2020), a book that has been called the "definitive history" of Santa Claus. He holds degrees in philosophy (B.S.), journalism (B.S.) and law (J.D.), and practiced law for 35 years with two international law firms before retiring in 2015 to document the history of Santa. Jerman's interest in Santa Claus dates from 1985, when he began collecting Santa Claus figurines and ornaments-a collection that now numbers some 4,500 pieces. Contact Information Tom Jerman author [email protected] 1 (301) 266-5605 SOURCE: Tom Jerman, author Top Five Conveyor Car Wash Company Expands Footprint in Montana and Florida THOMASTON, GA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, is pleased to announce the grand opening of two brand-new locations in Bozeman, MT and Belleview, FL. To celebrate the Grand Openings, the new Bozeman and Belleview Tidal Wave locations are offering eight days of free car washes from December 13-December 20. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Clean Club unlimited wash membership plan during Grand Opening week will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - saving up to $40. "We're excited to open new locations in Montana and Florida this week," said founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "Although our Bozeman and Belleview locations are over 2,000 miles apart, both washes are built on the same commitment - to provide our customers with an exceptional wash experience. Our conveyor car wash system is built with industry-leading car care technology to make protecting your car from the elements easy, efficient, and enjoyable. We're looking forward to serving folks in Bozeman and Belleview for years to come." Bozeman, MT Location: 2102 W Babcock Street, Bozeman, MT 59718 Belleview, FL Location: 10170 S US-441, Belleview, FL 34420 Nearby Locations: Ocala - SW College Road, Ocala - Canopy Oaks (Coming Soon) The new Bozeman location is Tidal Wave's second Montana location, opening their first location in the state just under a year ago in Great Falls. The company currently operates fifteen express wash locations in Florida, including Belleview, and plans to open additional locations in New Port Richey, Ocala, and more in the coming months. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and friendly customer service at every location. Stop by for a single wash or join Tidal Wave's Clean Club for the ultimate experience. Members can wash every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment and save time with exclusive club member wash lanes - plus, memberships can be used at any Tidal Wave location. For those needing to wash multiple cars, Tidal Wave offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans for businesses with five or more vehicles. For additional information, including gift cards, fundraising, fleet plans, and more, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/. About Tidal Wave Auto Spa Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 220 locations operating in 23 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities. Contact Information Heather Coleman Marketing Manager [email protected] Andrea Traylor Senior Director of Digital Marketing [email protected] 2058212220 SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa View the original press release on newswire.com. ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Truelio, a premier brand experience agency specializing in branding, digital marketing and technology solutions, announced today it recently merged with Yye Software (Yye), a Georgia-based software application development company specializing in web, mobile and desktop technology solutions. Over the past decade, Yye has served as a strategic partner for Truelio providing custom mobile and web application expertise and support to its growing partner base. Truelio Announces Merger with Yye Software & Launch of BX Services Suite "The merger of Yye Software and Truelio marks a groundbreaking partnership, seamlessly fusing Yye's cutting-edge technology with Truelio's rich brand experience and creative prowess," said John Kauffman, Truelio's CEO and president. "The integration of both companies unites two distinct and complementary cultures. Most importantly, it enhances our ability to deliver groundbreaking software solutions and unparalleled value to our current partners and prospective clients." "Our blending of talent marks a strategic alliance that promises innovation, expanded marketing and design capabilities and an even stronger commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in the ever-evolving technology landscape," added Bill Young, Yye's Owner. "This merger exemplifies our dedication to growth, customer satisfaction and re-shaping the future of software development." In addition to the Yye merger, Truelio also announced the launch of its new BX Services Suite". The suite is designed to demonstrate the broad, integrated brand experience solutions the agency provides, by streamlining them into intuitive productized service offerings. "As we've grown our capabilities, it was important we establish a brand architecture that not only supports our expansive and evolving offerings, but succinctly expresses the wide-ranging solutions we provide to our partners," said Brian Fallers, Truelio's Chief Brand Officer. "In today's omni-channel marketplace, delivering an integrated brand experience is more important than ever. Our BX Services Suite was inspired by our partners and their need to have holistic solutions that support their entire brand experience." Patrick Blanchard, VP of Interactive Marketing & Business Development, added, "Whether in need of a single service solution or a range of options, our suite addresses the entire brand and marketing ecosystem and how our team can support it through a broad brand experience lens. It also provides us a clear direction as we strategize future product development and remain responsive to our evolving partner needs." Today's announcements follow a monumental year for the agency. Truelio has greatly expanded its account services, digital marketing and technology teams and is in the process of augmenting its brand management and in-house creative departments. This year, the agency has experienced a 24% increase in employee growth and a 15% increase in revenue over 2022. It was also recognized as a Great Place To Work-Certified" company. Additional information on Truelio's BX Services Suite is available at Truelio.com/BX-Services-Suite. To learn more about the company's experience, capabilities and comprehensive branding, digital marketing and technology solutions, visit Truelio.com. About Truelio Truelio is a premier full-service brand experience agency specializing in branding, digital marketing and technology solutions. Based in Atlanta, GA, with a growing footprint across the U.S., we are a collective group of creative strategists, brand specialists and digital experts. For over two decades, our partnership-based culture and strategic services have helped many of the world's leading brands deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire growth and make a difference in the lives of their employees and customers. Visit Truelio.com to learn more about our experience, expertise and broad range of marketing and technology solutions. Contact Information Randy Dawson Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] 770-407-6300 SOURCE: Truelio Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon have secured the top three positions in the latest ranking. The United States boasts the highest representation, closely followed by France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / The 20th edition of the 2023 World's 500 Most Influential Brands, compiled by World Brand Lab, was released in New York on Dec. 13. Microsoft claimed the top spot, surpassing last year's leader Apple, which now holds second place. Amazon secured third place. The United States dominated with 193 brands in the top 500, while France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom followed as major contributors. Notably, the list showcases the ascent of Chinese brands, with 48 making the cut, surpassing Japan for the first time and securing third place globally. Standout brands on the list include State Grid, Tencent, Haier, Huawei, China Resources, China Life, Wuliangye, China Southern Power Grid, TSINGTAO, Sinochem, Hengli, XCMG, Shenghong, and ITG Holding. Figure 1: Top 10 of 2023 World's 500 Most Influential Brands The evaluation of brands for the World's 500 Most Influential Brands is based on global influence, measured by a brand's ability to develop markets and generate profits. Following three key indicators of brand influence, namely market share, brand loyalty and global leadership, World Brand Lab tracked more than 8,000 leading brands around the globe to pioneer the World's 500 Most Influential Brands list. When measuring brand loyalty, iTrust Rating's data were consulted. SuperFinance's ESG database was referred to when measuring brand leadership, especially ESG performance. Dr. Steve Woolgar, Chairman of the World Brand Lab academic committee, notes the 20th-year milestone of the analysis report, covering 32 countries in 2023. U.S. companies maintain a dominant position, with 193 in the top 500, solidifying their global brand leadership. France, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom form the second tier, while Germany, Switzerland, and Italy constitute the third tier. Economic challenges in Europe notwithstanding, European super brands remain robust, though geopolitical conflicts and energy crises pose challenges. An empirical study by World Brand Lab and SuperFinance reveals the pressures faced by multinational brands amid globalization. The study suggests a need for brand expansion strategies to pivot towards diverse localization and prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The 2023 list spans 47 industries, with food and beverage leading, followed by the automobile industry. The aging global population presents opportunities for growth in pharmaceutical and health brands. There are 25 new brands on this year's list. The highest-ranking new brand is the CIGNA GROUP from the U.S., securing the 85th position overall. CIGNA has established a vast global medical network, offering 24-hour online medical care. Notable brands like SpaceX (U.S.), ENEL (Italy), and ASML (Netherlands) also feature. Six new Chinese brands, including POLY, TikTok, China Huadian, TONGWEI, CNAF, and Bosideng, made the list. Brands like Credit Suisse (Switzerland) and MGM (U.S.) dropped off due to serious crises, scandals, and negative societal impacts. Others, like Priceline (U.S.) and Skype (U.S.), were excluded for poor performance and underwhelming development. The listed brands have an average age of 98.57 years, a slight increase from last year's 98.22 years. Notably, 225 brands, constituting over 40% of the list, have reached the venerable age of 100 years or more. The oldest brand, Saint-Gobain from France, is 358 years old, followed closely by Aviva and Moutai, both with histories exceeding 300 years. Among the 48 Chinese brands, Moutai, TSINGTAO, Wuliangye, Bank of China, and AIA have surpassed the century mark. In the food and beverage sector, 30 out of 35 brands have exceeded 100 years. Dr. John Deighton, Emeritus Professor at Harvard Business School, attending the World Executive Summit and the World's 500 Most Influential Brands release event in Hong Kong on Dec. 19, suggests that brands should use creators and influencers for branding, avoiding direct engagement with global conflicts. He cites examples dating back to 2008, like Coca-Cola on Facebook and Ford's use of creators for the Fiesta launch. Given China's lead in creator marketing over America, this branding approach is likely appealing to Asian marketers. Dr. Jean Claude Larreche, Emeritus Professor at INSEAD, notes the increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, emphasizing two strategic priorities: corporate value growth, not just revenue, and corporate value capture, not just customer value creation. Dr. Haisen Ding, CEO of the World Executive Group and the World Brand Lab, underscores the need for future CEOs to master uncertainty. For CMOs or CBOs, leveraging AI is crucial for continuous global brand footprint monitoring. Dr. Sara Kim, Professor of Marketing at Hong Kong University, emphasizes the importance of localization for globalized brands, including a dedicated crisis management team for geopolitical risks, adherence to local regulations, unique product lines based on local preferences, and a focus on ESG standards. Dr. Jing Xu, Professor of Marketing at Peking University, asserts that a brand's purpose must remain clear despite the real world's complexity. Genuine sustainable development, as seen in many exemplary and growing brands, involves incorporating goals that benefit humanity and the world into their mission. The World Brand Lab's year-end report indicates that over the past decade, global brand strategies faced escalating pressures with declining consumer trust. Economic, political, social, and technological factors hindered globalization, leading to an era of diverse localization. Companies are adapting organizational structures to integrate brands with local communities, industries, cultures, and customs. Since 2003, World Brand Lab has tracked over 80,000 major brands in 60 countries. Initially chaired by Nobel laureate in Economics, Professor Robert Mundell, this premier brand consulting firm is now wholly owned by the World Executive Group. Contact Information Jason Wang Senior Brand Analyst [email protected] 212-208-1429 SOURCE: World Brand Lab View the original press release on accesswire.com Voting results are displayed during an emergency special session held at the UN headquarters in New York on Dec. 12, 2023. The UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza. Member states voted down two amendments making specific reference to "extremist group Hamas," with 153 supporting the draft resolution, 10 against and 23 countries abstaining. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza. Member states voted down two amendments making specific reference to "extremist group Hamas," with 153 supporting the draft resolution, 10 against and 23 countries abstaining. The resolution demands an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and "ensuring humanitarian access." The adopted resolution underscores protecting civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, expresses grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizes that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It reiterates the demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, "notably with regard to the protection of civilians." The resolution also decides to adjourn the tenth Emergency Special Session temporarily and to authorize the president of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from member states. Tuesday's session is a continuation of the tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly that last met on Oct. 26 amid the present crisis in Gaza, during which it adopted a resolution on the crisis, calling for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities." The UN General Assembly has 193 member states. A two-thirds majority is required for adoption of a resolution. In his statement delivered at the special session, General Assembly President Dennis Francis underscored the urgency to bring to an end the suffering of innocent civilians. He reiterated the demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "We have one singular priority - only one - to save lives," he stressed. "Stop this violence now." Francis said the world is witnessing an "unprecedented collapse" of a humanitarian system "in real time." The UN must bring an immediate end to the suffering of civilians. It is high time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, he said. Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, speaks during an emergency special session at the UN headquarters in New York on Dec. 12, 2023. The UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza. Member states voted down two amendments making specific reference to "extremist group Hamas," with 153 supporting the draft resolution, 10 against and 23 countries abstaining. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) By Helen Coster NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global news publisher Axel Springer is partnering with OpenAI, the company behind the ChatGPT chatbot, in a first-of-its-kind deal that will deliver summaries of Axel Springer content in response to ChatGPT queries, the companies announced on Wednesday. As part of the deal, when users ask ChatGPT a question, the chatbot will deliver summaries of relevant news stories from Axel Springer brands including Politico, Business Insider, Bild and Welt. Those summaries will include material from stories that would otherwise require subscriptions to read. The summaries will cite the Axel Springer publication as the source, and also provide a link to the full article it summarizes. The summaries will be available on ChatGPT as soon as the article has been published, so that breaking news is part of the user experience, according to Tom Rubin, OpenAIs head of intellectual property and content. The Axel Springer content will begin appearing in the first quarter of 2024, Rubin said. The content will get a favorable position in ChatGPT search results, with the goal of helping to drive traffic and subscription revenue to Axel Springer brands, according to a source familiar with the deal. OpenAI will also pay for the Axel Springer content it uses to train the large language models that power ChatGPT. That content includes archived material, Rubin said. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which is for multiple years and is not exclusive, according to Rubin. We want to explore the opportunities of AI empowered journalism to bring quality, societal relevance and the business model of journalism to the next level, said Axel Springer Chief Executive Mathias Doepfner in a statement. The deal comes as publishers contemplate suing technology companies for violating their copyrights by using, without permission, their content to train large language models. In addition to striking deals with AI companies, they are threatening litigation over the possibility of copyright infringement and demanding to be compensated for the content used to train AI models. AI companies, for their part, benefit from training their models on accurate, recent information, making news content a desirable source of training data. AI systems such as ChatGPT have dazzled consumers and businesses with their ability to plan vacations, summarize legal documents and write computer code. The Axel Springer deal is the second between OpenAI and a major news publisher. In July OpenAI struck a deal with the Associated Press, in which the AP is licensing part of its archive of news stories to the Microsoft-backed tech company. The AP will gain access to OpenAI's technology and product expertise as part of the deal, for which financial details were not disclosed. The AP deal "wasn't about display of content," said Rubin. Other deals may soon follow. In November, News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said the company was in advanced discussions to strike deals on the use of its content for generative AI. News publishers have been slow to adopt generative AI technology over concerns about its tendency to generate factually incorrect information, as well as challenges in differentiating between content produced by humans and computer programs. Europe on Friday reached a provisional deal on landmark European Union rules governing the use of AI. The accord includes new transparency obligations for foundation models like those powering ChatGPT, including revealing what material they use to train their models. Those obligations could expose technology companies to more potential lawsuits or push them to strike deals. (Reporting by Helen Coster in New York; Editing by Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis) Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh said in a note Wednesday that the firm has raised its price target for Arm Holdings ... I'm a New Customer I'm a Returning Customer E-mail Address (or username, if registered via mobile device) Password $2.5 million endowment to power major campus position BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- California State University, Bakersfield and Aera Energy are proud to announce a major development in their ongoing, nearly three-decade partnership that will elevate the universitys research into the effects of energy transition on technology, the economy, workforce and the resources of the planet. Aera Energy will make a $2.5 million investment in CSUBs role in the energy research sector by endowing the Executive Director for Energy Research position at the California Energy Research Center at California State University, Bakersfield. CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny expressed gratitude that undergraduate and graduate students will have unprecedented access to conduct energy research, creating a pipeline of scientists and STEM professionals for the region. With the establishment of the Executive Director for Energy Research at California State University, Bakersfield, the entire region should feel an immense sense of pride that we will remain the energy capital of the West Coast for generations to come, Zelezny said. With Aeras trusted partnership, CSUB will launch a new era for science and research, creating unprecedented opportunities for our students and placing Kern County at the epicenter of energy and innovation. We are so grateful for Aeras belief in our students and the shared optimism that this communitys pioneering spirit will yield solutions, progress and prosperity for all. Aera Energys transformative gift will enhance a dynamic position at the university, empowering the visionary leadership of CSUBs California Energy Research Center (CERC) during this critical time in the nations energy evolution. Aera Energy is proud to partner with CSU Bakersfield to endow the Executive Director for Energy Research position, said Aera Energy CEO Erik Bartsch. Aeras goal in collaboration with CSUB and others is to bring the community together on our energy future, to help ensure our energy workforce is prepared for success, and support Kern County to be positioned as a thought-leader in the states energy transformation. The Executive Director for Energy Research will help focus and enrich the science produced by CSUB professors and students and connect forward-thinking innovators in Kern County with local, regional and global industry to identify solutions that will forge the path to a new energy future for the nation and the world. The partnership between Aera and CSUB is also expanding the conversation about the future of energy into the public space, engaging communities in solutions-oriented conversations informed by a collaborative approach to energy innovation. The new gift continues Aera Energys enduring support for CSUB, bringing the amount it has donated to the university since 1997 to a total of $3.4 million. Aeras support of students spans disciplines and programs across the universitys two campuses, including: Creation of the Aera Occupational Safety & Health Management Endowment, which funds the OSHM concentration within the Environmental Resource Management degree program in the School of Business and Public Administration. Support for the work of student researchers through the President's Associates program. Sponsorship of the Alumni Hall of Fame event, recognizing university graduates who are changing the world. Assistance in building the John Brock, Sr. Endowment, which recognizes major leaders in Kern Countys business community. Sponsorship of the annual Order of the Engineer ceremony, which honors graduating engineering students commitment to ethical leadership in the engineering field. Support for the School of Natural Science, Mathematics and Engineering. Most recently, Aera Energy has helped CSUB bring together industry, policy and research leaders for the CSUB California Energy Research Centers annual Carbon Management Technical Symposium. The connection between CSUB and Aera Energy is rooted in the common belief that the universitys unique position as the only four-year public university in Kern County Californias energy capital makes it the perfect place to build the culture of cooperation, innovation, research and intellectual curiosity needed to create a robust new energy economy. The California Energy Research Center is housed within the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering at CSUB and has already benefitted from previous support from Aera Energy since its founding in 2014. "Aera Energys endowment underscores the commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of carbon management and mitigating climate change. This generous support will empower CERC to continue advancing cutting-edge research and fostering innovation in sustainable energy solutions, said Geology Professor Liaosha Song, chair of the CERC Steering Committee at CSUB. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212731934/en/ Kimberly Ellis External Affairs Communications Manager (661) 665-5627 [email protected] Source: Aera Energy SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of bb+ (Fair) of Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (PICL) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is positive. The ratings reflect PICLs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The positive outlooks reflect an improving trend in balance sheet fundamentals, including an increase in and greater stability of PICLs risk-adjusted capitalisation, combined with growth of the companys absolute capital base. Additionally, successful execution of PICL's business plan is expected to further support prospective internal capital generation. The balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by PICLs risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is at the strongest level in fiscal year (FY) 2023, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects PICLs risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at least at the strong level over the medium term, supported by positive retained earnings and conservative investment strategy. An offsetting balance sheet factor includes exposure to long-duration policies that increases reserving risk. AM Best views PICLs operating performance as adequate. The company reported a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 13.8% (FYs ending 31 March 2019 2023), showing a positive trend in underwriting performance over this period. PICL has made significant investments into its information technology and pricing capabilities, which will increase the expense ratio in the short term but are expected to support prospective operating performance. AM Best assesses PICLs business profile as limited. This reflects the companys relatively modest scale of operations and limited geographical diversification, with all business emanating from New Zealand. PICL is a niche insurer that focuses on mechanical breakdown insurance and private motor vehicle products, largely distributed through motor dealerships and several distribution partners across its domestic market. AM Best assesses PICLs ERM as appropriate, given the size and complexity of its operations. AM Best views the successful execution of the companys underwriting strategy and planned infrastructure investment to be a key risk exposure. Over the medium term, PICLs risk management capabilities are expected to continue to develop in order to support increasing operational scale and widening product offerings. Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213729436/en/ Isaac Yeo Associate Financial Analyst +65 6303 5019 [email protected] Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 [email protected] Victoria Ohorodnyk Director, Head of Analytics +65 6303 5020 [email protected] Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 [email protected] Source: AM Best ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andalusia Labs, formerly known as RiskHarbor, the global leader in risk management infrastructure for digital assets, has successfully raised $48 million in Series A funding round, positioning the companys equity valuation north of $1 billion. Prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm Lightspeed Venture Partners led the round with participation from Mubadala Capital, the asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, a $280 billion global sovereign investor headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and existing investors Pantera Capital, Framework Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Digital Currency Group. Other existing investors include industry giant Coinbase, Proof Group, Nima Capital, Naval Ravikant, and founders, general partners, and executives from leading global organizations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213003404/en/ Andalusia Labs Secures $48 Million in Series A Funding at $1 Billion Valuation, Opens Global HQ in Abu Dhabi (Photo: AETOSWire) In conjunction with the round, Andalusia Labs announced the establishment of its global headquarters in Abu Dhabis Financial Center, Abu Dhabi Global Markets. For Andalusia Labs, this strategic move underscores the company's commitment to expanding its global footprint and highlights Abu Dhabi as a leading financial hub for digital assets that nurtures growth and fosters innovation through its progressive regulatory structure, unique connectivity to eastern and western markets, and being home to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds providing strong access to institutional capital. Andalusia Labs is addressing one of the most significant challenges in the blockchain industry today," said Ravi Mhatre, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. "Financial institutions and blockchain companies grapple with the absence of robust risk management technologies to safeguard their assets. Raouf, Drew, and their team are the first to fill this gap by delivering mission-critical risk management infrastructure that not only paves the way for wider institutional adoption by an order of magnitude, but also empowers developers to create novel applications that are inherently safe and secure from day one. Lightspeed is excited to partner with them as they aim to bring their infrastructure to every institution, developer, and consumer in the industry. Andalusia Labs is a collection of leading technology solutions addressing the security challenges prevalent in the blockchain industry including Karak, a revolutionary risk management infrastructure for digital assets; Subsea, a pioneering risk management marketplace for digital assets; and Watchtower, an institutional security platform for digital assets. In response to the escalating security concerns and financial risks within the blockchain industry, Andalusia Labs is dedicated to providing secure environments for institutions, developers, and consumers. Karak is a Layer 2 blockchain introducing a novel risk management infrastructure for blockchain, Web3, and global financial services, prioritizing financial security while upholding the highest standards of security, scalability, and affordability. Amalgamating risk management, restaking, and AI infrastructure, Karak represents a new approach to securing a wide array of financial products and services for blockchain, Web3, and global financial services. is a Layer 2 blockchain introducing a novel risk management infrastructure for blockchain, Web3, and global financial services, prioritizing financial security while upholding the highest standards of security, scalability, and affordability. Amalgamating risk management, restaking, and AI infrastructure, Karak represents a new approach to securing a wide array of financial products and services for blockchain, Web3, and global financial services. Subsea , natively built on the Karak blockchain, is the world's leading risk management marketplace for digital assets that pioneered a completely automated, transparent, and impartial invariant detection mechanism to secure users against digital asset risks, hacks, and attacks. Subsea has secured over $1 billion in digital assets and built 100+ integrations with different blockchains and financial applications. , natively built on the Karak blockchain, is the world's leading risk management marketplace for digital assets that pioneered a completely automated, transparent, and impartial invariant detection mechanism to secure users against digital asset risks, hacks, and attacks. Subsea has secured over $1 billion in digital assets and built 100+ integrations with different blockchains and financial applications. Watchtower is an institutional security platform for digital assets. Unlike current market models that lack realism, Watchtower is creating realistic market simulations in real time with real data for the first time. Currently, Watchtower is in private beta. The combination of Subsea and Watchtower built on the Karak blockchain will provide the foundational risk management and security required to build a safe environment for the industry. By creating innovative technologies focused on protecting the financial interests of billions of people and promoting industry collaboration, Andalusia Labs aims to create the industry's security standards, instill confidence and resilience across the blockchain and Web3 industry, and help integrate this transformative technology into global financial services worldwide. Andalusia Labs intends to utilize the funds to accelerate product development, enhance institutional partnerships, and continue global expansion. The team is rapidly expanding, and hiring across finance, business development, AI, cryptography, distributed systems, and security engineering, among many other roles. "Blockchain is still in the very early innings, and were thrilled to have partners like Lightspeed and Mubadala who share our commitment and vision for building the premier risk management infrastructure for the world," said Raouf Ben-Har and Drew Patel, founders of Andalusia Labs. "This funding will enable us to continue developing the best-in-class products for our users that will unlock the potential of digital assets and drive innovation in global financial services around the globe." Were honored to build our partnership with Raouf, Drew and the Andalusia Labs team. The opening of their global headquarters in Abu Dhabi will catalyze their global scaling efforts and strategically position the company for unparalleled growth. We look forward to supporting them on the next chapter of their journey in shaping the future of blockchain and Web3 parametric risk management, said Shaun Lee, partner at Mubadala Capital. About Andalusia Labs Andalusia Labs is a collection of leading technology solutions, including Karak, Subsea, and Watchtower. Andalusia Labs is backed by Coinbase, Lightspeed, Mubadala, Bain Capital, Pantera Capital, Framework Ventures, Digital Currency Group, Proof Group, Nima Capital, and Naval Ravikant, as well as founders, general partners, and executives from globally leading organizations like Founders Fund, Google, and Coinbase, among many others. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213003404/en/ Jesse Matthews Email: [email protected] Source: Andalusia Labs ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Innovating Digital Health in underserved populations, Physician360 addresses the medically underserved in rural areas. The challenges rural America faces are overcome by Physician360s national network of rural community pharmacists, increasing healthcare access and health equity for rural America. Physician360 closes gaps in care by enabling pharmacists to become a full partner in healthcare, realizing a long-expected vision to tightly integrate the pharmacist into the care team in healthcare. With several large payor contracts rapidly expanding the business, Physician360 recruited seasoned healthcare leader Michael Muchnicki as CEO. Muchnicki brings a 20 year track record of scaling healthcare companies. Prior to Physician360, Michael held executive roles at United Health Group and Cigna Healthcare. Muchnicki says, Im excited to lead Physician360 to address the many challenges we face in rural America. The local community pharmacist is one of the most underutilized assets we have in our healthcare system in America. Physician360s platform is positioned to unleash value for pharmacists, health plans, and patients by addressing the needs of patients who are medically underserved. The trusted community pharmacist is poised to play a bigger role in improving quality measures and increasing access to care. General Partner Gary Peat of Physician360s lead investor Valor Ventures says, As we take Physician360 to the next level, we are thrilled to welcome a serially successful CEO from healthcare as the CEO of Physician360. Physician360 thanks co-founder Angela Fusaro, and now former CEO of Physician360 for her leadership in bringing Physician360 to this important milestone. About Physician360. Physician360 is leading Digital Health innovation in rural America, providing a solution to improve access to care through the companys national network of rural community pharmacies. Physician360s value proposition serves health plans, pharmacies, and patients by directly addressing the many challenges in rural healthcare in America. Physician360 operates in all 50 states and is supported by its medical group of Board-Certified Internal Medicine clinicians providing on-demand primary and urgent care 365 days a year. To learn more, visit www.physician360.co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213934610/en/ Physician360, Inc Sumedha Jani 360-209-2156 [email protected] Source: Physician360 Partnership to provide same-day delivery of baby and childrens apparel in markets nationwide ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shipt, the retail tech company connecting consumers to delightful delivery with a personal touch is partnering with Carters, Inc. (NYSE: CRI), the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The new partnership brings convenience and time-saving opportunities to Carters customers during the holidays with the speed of delivery through Shipt. Consumers will now be able to access all of Carters brands from the Shipt Marketplace, in addition to the Carters app, for same-day delivery of apparel and other family needs to markets across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and more, all powered by Shipts reliable shopper network. At Carters, we know what it means to be a parent, said Andrew Tashiro, Vice President, Store Operations. Sleepless nights, emergency outfit changes, growth spurts, sick days and theme days at school call for a quick fix, which is why we are thrilled to offer same-day delivery through a partnership with Shipt. Shipt and Carters are excited to work together to make moments big and small a bit easier and more convenient for families across the country. Both brands know the importance of showing up for expecting and new parents, supporting longtime caregivers, and offering thoughtful gift options for any family. As a mom and a fan of Carters clothing, I am personally so excited to be adding Carters to our growing list of retail partners, said Katie Stratton, Chief Growth Officer, Shipt. The holidays are always chaotic in the best way and having the option to purchase apparel from Carters and have them arrive at our customers doorsteps same-day is a game-changer. This is just another example of Shipt seeking out partners who truly meet the evolving needs of our customers and their families. This new partnership with Carters expands consumers shopping experience options, providing a convenient way to purchase gifts and apparel this upcoming holiday season and beyond at select Carters stores nationwide. For more information on Shipt and Carters, please visit shipt.com and carters.com. About Carters, Inc. Carters, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The Company owns the Carters and OshKosh Bgosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold through over 1,000 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. They are also sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. The Companys Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon. The Company also owns Little Planet, a brand focused on organic fabrics and sustainable materials, and Skip Hop, a global lifestyle brand for families with young children. Carters is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com. About Shipt Through easy-to-use technology and a network of workers who love to go above and beyond, Shipt connects personal shopping and delivery to 80% of households in more than 5,000 U.S. cities. Shipts app and website offer consumers access to a variety of stores and product categories including fresh foods, household essentials, wellness products, office and pet supplies. Shipt also helps power deliveries for retailers on orders placed on their own websites by leveraging Shipt Driven, a delivery-only last-mile offering. Shoppers and drivers on the Shipt platform are known for reliability and going above and beyond, including communicating in real time about preferences and substitutions. Shipt is an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary of Target Corp. Founded and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Shipt also maintains an office in San Francisco. For more information, visit Shipts Newsroom. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212757990/en/ Lindsay Rider Senior Director, Public Affairs [email protected] Source: Carters, Inc. Dubbed speed dating between vehicles and chargers, the second annual CharIN Testival North America 2023 replicated everyday driver scenarios to reveal where electric vehicles and chargers fail to operate together. The event gathered over 300 participants, including engineers and executives from automakers such as Ford, Lucid Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Volkswagen, and EVSE providers such as ABB E-mobility, EVgo, IoTecha Corp, Rectifier Technologies, and Zerova Technologies. The three-day event, hosted by Lincoln Electric in Cleveland, OH, was the largest Testival in North America to date, demonstrating the high demand for EV charging testing. WASHINGTON & CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As EV adoption grows, drivers seek better compatibility between their electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. The recent CharIN Testival North America 2023, hosted by Lincoln Electric in Cleveland, Ohio, offered the EV industry the unique opportunity to test the interoperability of their equipment and uncover integration challenges, communication errors, and incompatibilities that can occur when EVs and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) interact. As the leading international industry association advocating for EV charging interoperability, CharIN gathered over 300 participants between November 28-30. Participants included engineers and executives from 17 automakers such as Ford, Lucid Motors, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Volkswagen, 18 EV charging providers such as ABB E-mobility, EVgo, IoTecha Corp, Rectifier Technologies, and Zerova Technologies, and 4 test systems. The Cleveland event was the largest Testival in North America to date. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213551422/en/ The CharIN Testival North America 2023 replicated everyday driver scenarios to reveal where electric vehicles and chargers fail to operate together. (Photo: Business Wire) "With billions invested every year in EV charging equipment in North America, it's important to verify that the equipment is compatible and using open standards so that any consumer can use it safely, reliably, and affordably," said Erika Myers, Executive Director of CharIN North America. "Events like the Testival are incredibly important to ensure that the equipment we're putting out into the field will work as intended so every EV driver has a flawless charging experience." As a global event series, CharIN Testivals aim to replicate real-world scenarios customers face with EVs and charging equipment. When seeking charging solutions, drivers frequently meet challenges such as smart or optimized charging; bi-directional power transfer; security, encryption, and authentication of transactions; and safety, including plug locking mechanisms. These Testivals provide OEMs and suppliers with staged interoperability tests to witness how their technology performs in order to prevent these driver frustrations. The tests analyze communication protocols, data exchange, and the performance of charging sessions. Such simulations can help OEMs uncover incompatibility that can occur when EVs and EVSEs interact before products are deployed into the market. We are pleased to partner with an organization like CharIN and host the North American Testival, states Steve Sumner, Vice President of Corporate Innovation at Lincoln Electric. The event enables us to collaborate with industry stakeholders and showcase our technology and manufacturing capabilities to the EV charging community. Testivals provide a platform for the EV and charging industry to convene with their equipment and test their technology in a round-robin-style rotation scheme that focuses on the system, product-level, and near-serial production feature testing. In ten 90-minute testing slots, equipment providers are paired together to conduct their interoperability tests. After each test is complete, and at timed intervals, EVs rotate to the next testing slot according to a pre-planned pairing schedule. In a Testival exclusive, CharIN included testing of the proposed SAE J3400 standard. Additionally, the North American Testival featured the debut testing of EV charging error codes recently proposed by the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX) and new cybersecurity protocols developed by a CharIN working group. "The Testival is a speed dating among vehicles and chargers designed to allow participants to test interoperability in many combinations and use cases," says Oleg Logvinov, Chair of CharIN North America and President and CEO of IoTecha Corp, a Testival sponsor. "It's also a valuable tool for the end-to-end testing. During the Testival we had an opportunity to test the implementation of Plug and Charge with multiple PKI roots." As the e-mobility market accelerates, interoperability challenges intensify due to the evolution of charging standards and growing complexities in the underlying technology stack, cautions Claas Bracklo, Chair of CharINs Executive Board. Bridging these interoperability gaps is critical to not only delivering the reliable charging experiences that consumers increasingly demand but also ensuring the growth and success of the electric vehicle market. The November event in Cleveland was the sixth Testival held in North America since 2018. The next global Testival will be held in January in Arnhem, the Netherlands and in April in Ansan-si, Korea. For more information about CharIN and the Testival event series, please visit https://www.charin.global/events/global-testivals/. About CharIN Inc. The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) Inc. is a global non-profit association dedicated to bringing the electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem together with unified standards, interoperable charging technologies, and best practices. With over 300 members globally, CharIN assists its members in coordinating, advancing, and advocating for interoperability across electric vehicle charging infrastructure by convening industry-wide stakeholders, including automakers, charging station manufacturers, component suppliers, energy providers, government officials, and grid operators. CharIN's goal is to ensure all forms of electric transportation operate seamlessly with available charging stations and services to create a superior driver experience that will promote further EV adoption. For more information, visit https://www.charin.global/. About Lincoln Electric Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Lincoln is recognized as the Welding Expert for its leading materials science, software development, automation engineering, and application expertise, which advance customers fabrication capabilities to help them build a better world. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 71 manufacturing locations in 20 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Companys website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213551422/en/ Technica Communications Jake Wengroff 408-806-9626 Ext. 6816 [email protected] Source: CharIN Inc. Meal-packing events, donation drives provide relief for families across the country ahead of the holidays WESTLAKE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To mark its annual Season of Giving program, Charles Schwab is focused on providing hunger relief to communities nationwide by packaging 500,000+ meals, donating thousands of pounds of food, and providing financial support to food banks and other nonprofits through Charles Schwab Foundation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213470891/en/ More than 3,200 Schwab employees across the country volunteered to pack 500,000+ nutritious meals that will be distributed within their local communities, in addition to collecting food, toys, and other goods to support local families during the holiday season. Additionally, Charles Schwab Foundation granted $750,000 to local food banks and nonprofits focused on food insecurity to provide hunger relief to communities nationwide. (Photo: Business Wire) More than 3,200 Schwab employees across the country volunteered to pack nutritious meals that will be distributed within their local communities, in addition to collecting food, toys, and other goods to support local families during the holiday season. Recognizing that hunger relief is a year-round need, Charles Schwab Foundation granted $750,000 to local food banks and nonprofits focused on food insecurity in 14 communities where most Schwab employees live and work. Schwab was built on a culture of service for our clients that extends to our local communities, said Rick Wurster, president of The Charles Schwab Corporation and president and chair of Charles Schwab Foundation. Its because of that dedicated spirit of service from our employees across the country that we can help foster stronger communities by addressing a critical need this holiday season. Schwabs commitment to service is apparent year-round, with more than 11,000 employees volunteering in 2023. Over the last six weeks during this Season of Giving, Schwab employees volunteered more than 4,250 hours to support 20 nonprofits. To coordinate the packaged meal donations, Schwab partnered with Harvest Pack, a leading 501(c)(3) humanitarian hunger relief nonprofit organization that addresses food insecurity by supporting volunteers in bringing meal-packing events to their local communities. One in ten Americans lives in a household with food insecurity, said William McNally, executive director of Harvest Pack. Its a pervasive issue, and through the support of companies like Charles Schwab that are deeply invested in their local communities, we can make sure every family has a nutritious meal on the table. For more information, please visit www.aboutschwab.com/giving-back. About Charles Schwab At Charles Schwab, we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients goals with passion and integrity. More information is available at aboutschwab.com. Follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. About Charles Schwab Foundation Charles Schwab Foundation is an independent nonprofit public benefit corporation, funded by The Charles Schwab Corporation and classified by the IRS as a charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is neither a part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC) nor its parent company, The Charles Schwab Corporation. Its mission is to educate, volunteer, and advocate on behalf of those in need so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve financial well-being. More information is available at www.schwabmoneywise.com/foundation. About Harvest Pack Founded in 2012, Harvest Pack is a 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization addressing the issue of food insecurity by supporting volunteers in bringing meal packing events to their local communities. The meals packed at a Harvest Pack event, full of essential vitamins and minerals, are then donated to local nonprofit partners who distribute to food insecure communities. We envision a world where healthy food is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they were born or how much money they have. Visit www.harvestpack.org to learn more about hosting a Harvest Pack event in your community. 1223-3JSZ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213470891/en/ Stephanie Corns Charles Schwab [email protected] Source: The Charles Schwab Corporation PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Claranova (Euronext Paris: FR0013426004 - CLA) announces its 2024 financial calendar : 2023-20241 first-half revenue: Thursday, February 8, 2024 2023-2024 first-half results: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 2023-2024 Q3 revenue: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 2023-2024 full-year revenue: Thursday, August 1, 2024 2023-2024 full-year results: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 2024-2025 Q1 revenue: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Shareholders Meeting: Friday, November 29, 2024 Results will be released once the market is closed (Euronext, Paris). The company reserves the right to change the above dates in case of operational necessity. About Claranova: As a diversified global technology company, Claranova manages and coordinates a portfolio of majority interests in digital companies with strong growth potential. Supported by a team combining several decades of experience in the world of technology, Claranova has acquired a unique know-how in successfully turning around, creating and developing innovative companies. Claranova has proven its capacity to turn a simple idea into a worldwide success in just a few short years. Present in 15 countries and leveraging the technology expertise of its 800+ employees across North America and Europe, Claranova is a truly international group, with 95% of its revenue derived from international markets. Claranovas portfolio of companies is organized into three unique technology platforms operating in all major digital sectors. As an e-commerce leader in personalized objects, Claranova also stands out for its technological expertise in software publishing and the Internet of Things, through its businesses PlanetArt, Avanquest and myDevices. These three technology platforms share a common vision: empowering people through innovation by providing simple and intuitive digital solutions that facilitate everyday access to the very best of technology. For more information on Claranova group: https://www.claranova.com CODES Ticker : CLA ISIN : FR0013426004 www.claranova.com 1 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 : July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213872257/en/ ANALYSTS- INVESTORS +33 1 41 27 19 74 [email protected] FINANCIAL COMMUNICATIONS +33 1 75 77 54 68 [email protected] Source: Claranova General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The two sides have announced the new positioning of relations between the two parties and countries and agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides. The announcement was made during the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. Xi attended a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. After the ceremony, Xi held a meeting with Trong. Xi said he is delighted to visit Vietnam as promised and complete the third round of mutual visits between the two leaders. China is pleased with the achievements made by Vietnam in the past nearly 40 years of "Doi Moi," the country's reform cause, especially since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. China firmly supports Vietnam in continuing to advance the cause of socialist construction, Xi said. He expressed confidence that under the firm leadership of the CPV with General Secretary Trong at the helm, the Vietnamese party and government will successfully implement the major goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress of the CPV, laying a solid foundation for the successful realization of the two 100-year goals. China and Vietnam have supported each other in their respective struggles for national independence and liberation, and have learned from each other in their respective undertakings of reform and opening-up as well as innovation, Xi said. Xi said China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective, noting that at present, changes in the world, times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented manner. As the world's top two ruling Communist parties, both the CPC and the CPV have been adhering to and developing Marxism, unswervingly following the path of socialism, and leading their respective country in socialist construction, said Xi. All the more, the two parties should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and make solid progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the perspective of strengthening the socialist forces in the world and ensuring the steady and long-term progress of their respective cause of socialist construction, Xi added. Xi said with joint efforts, China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination and better handling of differences. Xi also said that the cause of socialist construction in China and Vietnam will advance steadily and make new contributions to the stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large. Xi made a six-point proposal on building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, the first of which is to keep to the right political direction. China and Vietnam should adhere to high-level strategic guidance, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on the governance of party and state, and jointly deepen understanding of the ruling laws of Communist parties, as well as the laws of socialist construction and the development of human society, Xi said. The two countries should firmly support one another on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and jointly uphold international equity and justice, he said. Both sides should also deepen mutual trust on security, Xi said. The two sides must prioritize national political security, ensure the red flag of socialism not to be changed, and spare no effort to prevent, defuse and contain all kinds of political and security risks, he said. China firmly supports Vietnam in maintaining social stability and ethnic unity, and believes Vietnam will continue to support China in opposing external interference and firmly advancing the great cause of national reunification, he said. Xi said the two countries should upgrade practical cooperation. The modernization that includes the whole of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people is a great opportunity brought by China to the world, he said, adding that China is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with its Vietnamese comrades. An active alignment with the eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation by the Vietnamese side is welcomed, Xi said, calling for expanding cooperation in such emerging areas as digital economy and green development. The two sides should jointly implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, safeguard the global trading system, and build a secure, stable, unimpeded, efficient, open, inclusive and mutually beneficial global industrial chain and supply chain, he said. China will continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam will provide a good business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added. The Chinese president also called for more input to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. Bilateral cooperation should have a heavier focus on agriculture, education, health care and other fields concerning people's livelihood, Xi said, adding that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in such areas as youth, tourism as well as at the local level, deepen the two peoples' understanding on a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and on the traditional friendship between the two parties and countries, and enhance the bonds between the young generation of the two countries, to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. China and Vietnam should work closely on international and regional issues, Xi continued, noting that the remarkable development achievements of the two countries are the result of both the hard work of both sides and an open and inclusive world, especially a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific. China does not engage in exclusive cliques, block politics or camp confrontation, Xi said, adding that China is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Vietnam, and work with Vietnam to uphold genuine multilateralism, and jointly increase the voice and influence of developing countries in international affairs. Xi also called on the two countries to manage differences on maritime issues. The two sides should actively discuss and carry out more maritime cooperation projects, strive to promote joint maritime development, and turn challenges posed by maritime issues into opportunities of bilateral cooperation, he added. On behalf of the Vietnamese party, state and people, Trong warmly welcomed Xi's state visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and once again extended sincere congratulations on the major theoretical and practical innovation achievements made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Trong said that under the strong leadership of Xi and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has made all-round achievements and its international status and influence are increasing day by day. Vietnam is sincerely happy for brotherly China, he said. Vietnam firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China will achieve all the goals set at the 20th CPC National Congress as scheduled and make new and significant contributions to the cause of human progress. Trong said Xi is a comrade and friend respected and admired by the Chinese people. Trong said both Xi's invitation of him to China immediately after the 20th CPC National Congress and Xi's third visit to Vietnam as promised fully demonstrated his special friendly feelings towards Vietnam and the high level of Vietnam-China relations. Trong said that Vietnam-China friendship is deep as comrades and brothers, adding that not long ago, he personally went to the Friendship Pass to plant a tree of friendship, hoping to highlight the special brotherly friendship between Vietnam and China, and send a positive signal of the special friendship between the two countries. Trong thanked China for taking Vietnam as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, firmly supporting Vietnam's cause of reform, innovation, opening-up, industrialization and modernization, and providing valuable assistance to Vietnam during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese side firmly upholds the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, supports China's cause of reunification and firmly opposes separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" in any form, Trong said. Issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are all China's internal affairs, he said, adding that Vietnam opposes any force to interfere in China's internal affairs, hopes and also believes that China will maintain stability, development and prosperity. Vietnam adheres to an independent foreign policy and takes developing relations with China as a top priority and strategic choice, Trong said. Vietnam is willing to work with China to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, comprehensively strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade, security and non-governmental areas, and set a good example of mutual benefits and win-win results, which are in line with the common interests of the two parties, governments and peoples, he said. Maritime disputes are only part of Vietnam-China relations, and it is believed that the two sides can properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect, Trong said, adding that Vietnam and China share the same idea in safeguarding multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and promoting peace, cooperation and development. The important global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, are aimed at safeguarding the common interests of all mankind and are fully in line with international laws, he said, adding that they have received extensive support and positive response from the international community and that Vietnam firmly supports and stands ready to actively join them. In the current complex international situation, it is of great significance for both countries and the world that Vietnam and China working closely in multilateral cooperation and jointly tackling various traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Trong said. He said he believes Xi's visit will surely become a historic milestone in promoting Vietnam-China relations to a higher level and contribute to peace and development of the region and the world. After the talks, Xi and Trong witnessed the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides, covering more than 30 fields such as the Belt and Road cooperation, inspection and quarantine, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, local cooperation, defense and law enforcement security cooperation, and maritime cooperation. Trong invited Xi to have a small chat over tea. The general secretaries of the two parties continued in-depth communication in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. They believe that China and Vietnam, as friendly neighbors, share the same ideals and ideas. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers and good comrades, the two countries enjoy unique climatic, geographical and human advantages favorable for building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They said that the two sides should carry on the traditional friendship forged by leaders of the older generation, make joint efforts to build a community with a shared future, take their own modernization path, achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, learn from each other, benefit the two peoples, and make positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to issue a joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong witness the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides after their talks in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong invites General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping to have a small chat over tea in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attend a welcome banquet hosted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and their spouses in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) The platform marries AI with the worlds largest library of privacy evaluations and best practices SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Common Sense Privacy, a business-focused software platform augmented with state-of-the-art AI, debuts software to help companies better assess and manage privacy regulatory risks. Building on foundational IP from Common Sense Media, the nations leading child advocacy nonprofit organization, the platform boasts the most extensive repository of privacy evaluations in the world. The data privacy landscape is hurtling towards an inflection point. More than ever, companies need tools to navigate increasingly complex privacy requirements. In the United States, 13 states have passed their own privacy regulations, eight of them in 2023 alone. Globally, 17 countries passed new privacy laws between February 2021 and March 2023, coinciding with record-breaking fines. The European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) related fines grew 50% from 2022 to 2023. Were proud to offer companies a simple, cost-effective way to understand their privacy choices and manage risk, said Daphne Li, CEO of Common Sense Privacy. The time is right to launch Common Sense Privacys enterprise solution under the umbrella of the brand that consumers trust for media and privacy ratings. The new independent company recently closed on $5 million in a funding round led by venture studio AI Fund with additional investment from both Magnify Ventures and Morgan Stanley Next Level Fund. Total funding of Common Sense Privacy since inception now stands at $6.2 million. AI Fund is thrilled to support Common Sense Privacy with our AI and business studio capabilities. Daphne Lis vision of leveraging AI to scale privacy ratings is important both for civil rights and for broadening acceptance of AI, said Andrew Ng, Managing General Partner of AI Fund, and globally recognized AI leader. With increased sensitivity globally to how data is used, it is critical that businesses get privacy right. Common Sense Privacy helps companies protect consumer privacy and facilitates responsible safeguards. Consumer privacy tipping point There are an estimated 5,000 new apps every day that need privacy labels for app store listing, and an estimated 252,000 new websites every day that must comply with consumer privacy regulations. Tighter regulations, record fines, new app store requirements, and escalating consumer concerns have created an estimated current market opportunity of $11 billion. After evaluating thousands of companies privacy policies, we see the challenges that companies face in meeting privacy best practice standards, said Ellen Pack, President of Common Sense Media. Were working at every level to build a more healthy, equitable, and empowering future for all kids in the digital age and are excited that Common Sense Privacy can help companies make better privacy decisions. Scaling privacy ratings Common Sense Privacy leverages state-of-the-art generative AI with Large Language Models (LLMs) to scale privacy ratings. Common Sense Privacy offers three solutions to help companies navigate privacy risk: Wizard a privacy wizard tool that guides developers and companies through an online tutorial that helps them create privacy labels and policies; a privacy wizard tool that guides developers and companies through an online tutorial that helps them create privacy labels and policies; Dashboard a privacy evaluation and dashboard that generates a privacy scorecard for each company and identifies actionable insights and potential gaps in adherence to best practices and emerging regulations; and a privacy evaluation and dashboard that generates a privacy scorecard for each company and identifies actionable insights and potential gaps in adherence to best practices and emerging regulations; and Seal a seal that recognizes companies who meet the very highest privacy standards and provide a competitive differentiator in building brand trust For more information on how companies can join the waitlist and apply to qualify for Common Sense Privacys coveted seal, go to https://commonsenseprivacy.net/. About Common Sense Privacy Common Sense Privacy is establishing a new standard for trusted online privacy ratings for companies. Its AI-powered subscription software helps companies actively evaluate and manage privacy risk and enables top performers to differentiate their offerings with a trusted seal. The company provides benchmarking and actionable insights sourced from an unsurpassed wealth of best practice examples. Common Sense Privacy was founded by Common Sense Media, the nations leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. For more information, see https://commonsenseprivacy.net/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213758443/en/ Media Contact: Christina Cherekdjian Sterling Communications, Inc. [email protected] 408-395-5500 Source: Common Sense Privacy Special event unveiled a floragraph honoring 25-year-old Matthew Messina that will be featured in the 2024 Rose Parade EDISON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Donor Network West, an organization that saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research, and MTF Biologics, a global non-profit organization that saves and heals lives by honoring donated gifts, hosted a memorial event honoring organ and tissue donor and U.S. Marine, Matthew Messina at MTF Biologics Tuesday, December 12, 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213819474/en/ U.S. Marine, Matthew Messina Memorial Event (from left to right: George Herrera (MTF), Lauralee Brown (MTF), Stephanie Torralva (Donor Network West), Joe Yaccarino (MTF), Elizabeth McNamara (MTF), and Elisse Glennon (Donor Network West) (Photo: Business Wire) The event gathered the organ and tissue donation community and Messinas family and featured a rose dedication to the family as well as the presentation of a floragraph featuring Messina that will travel across the country to be a part of the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade Float on January 1, 2024. In a time when my family could see only darkness, the miracle of organ and tissue donation let us see that Matts life had done so much good for so many who needed help, his mother Jan Messina explained. Its given us hope. And slowly but surely, were living our lives again. Messina dedicated his young life to service. As a U.S. Marine and big brother to two sisters, he is described as someone who put others before himself. His dreams of continuing to help others through work with young children was cut short when he was seriously injured when a drunk driver struck him in a hit-and-run crash in June 2023. Through organ and tissue donation, Messina was able to provide one last act of kindness in service to others. The donation of his kidneys, pancreas, and liver saved the lives of three others. As a tissue donor, he was able to help more than 100 people regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life. In total, his organs and tissues helped people living in more than 25 states. Organ and tissue donor heroes like Matthew save lives and their legacies live on in recipients who have been given a second chance at life, said Janice Whaley, President and CEO, Donor Network West. Its a privilege for Donor Network West to honor donors like Matthew and their families. Donor Network West and MTF Biologics are sponsors of the 2024 Donate Life Rose Parade float, which will feature organ donors represented by floragraphs as well as individuals from across the U.S. who are transplant recipients and living donors. The 2024 Donate Life parade float, titled Woven Together: The Dance of Life, aims to inspire viewers to say yes to joining the registry as organ donors and to give hope to the 100,000 people who are on the national transplant wait list. The 2024 Donate Life float aims to repeat its success and recognition following the 2023 Donate Life float design which received the Tournament of Roses Sweepstakes Award, the highest Tournament of Roses honor. We remember donors like Matthew Messina as heroes. Were grateful to be able to shine light on his life-saving gifts and honor him with a floragraph as part of the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade. Matthews story highlights the important work of MTF Biologics and Donor Network West, saving and healing lives," said Joe Yaccarino, President, and CEO, MTF Biologics. For more than 35 years, MTF Biologics has been processing tissue grafts from human donors that are used in a growing array of clinical applications positively affecting lives across the globe. To date, MTF Biologics has recovered tissue from over 165,000 donors. Since its inception, they have provided over 10 million allografts to clinical partners. About Donor Network West Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest. About MTF Biologics: MTF Biologics is a global nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives by honoring donated gifts, serving patients, and advancing science. They provide unmatched service, resources, and expertise to donors and their loved ones who give the gift of donation, people who depend on tissue and organ transplants, healthcare providers, and clinicians and scientists. The International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine (IIAM), a Division of MTF Biologics, honors donors of non-transplantable organs by providing their gifts to the medical research community to combat and cure diseases. Statline, also a Division of MTF Biologics, provides specialized communications and technology expertise to organ, tissue, and eye procurement organizations, as well as the hospitals and patients that they serve. Its sister organization, Deutsches Institute for Zell-und Gewebeersatz DIZG (The German Institute for Cell and Tissue Transplantation) expands its reach to patients across the globe. For more information, visit www.mtfbiologics.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213819474/en/ Nicole Smith [email protected] Source: MTF Biologics KYIV, Ukraine & SANKT AUGUSTIN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The two leading experts in the exploration of ultra-large make-on-demand chemical spaces join forces to spark a new era of drug discovery. Chief research chemicals provider Enamine and software innovator BioSolveIT have officially joined forces to establish the world's most comprehensive chemical space exploration platform. This strategic partnership is destined to reshape the landscape of chemical research, providing unprecedented benefits for drug hunters worldwide: more compounds to choose from, at the most competitive prices, with maximum speed of delivery and reliability. This new and exclusive alliance is based on and aims to supersede the already enormously successful REAL concept that has transformed and accelerated the hunt for new chemical entities in the fight against human diseases, in crop protection, and animal health, by providing access to billions of compounds on demand. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231211141956/en/ The alliance between BioSolveIT and Enamine will be game-changing in the pursuit of innovation within the pharma industry. Leveraging their respective strengths and expertise, the two companies are poised to create a synergy that will vastly expand todays possibilities in discovering new chemical entities. The exclusive partnership will cover all aspects of chemical space exploration, from making larger and larger portions of chemical space accessible through trailblazing software solutions for ligand and structure-based exploration, and ultimately to synthesis at unprecedented success rates and delivery times. Key advantages awaiting researchers worldwide: Exponential growth of novel IP: The combined expertise will unlock novel chemical matter at an unprecedented rate, providing trillions of new opportunities for drug discovery and development. Tailored chemical spaces: BioSolveITs unique algorithms coupled with Enamines vast chemistry expertise will enable clients to dive much deeper into chemical spaces, including bespoke spaces customized for clients needs. Massive savings along the DMTA cycle: Discovery of novel chemical entities within minutes on standard computers, compound sourcing up to 90% less expensive, and well over 80% successful syntheses, all within at most 3-4 weeks. Professor Dr. Andrey Tolmachov, Founder and CEO at Enamine, says: "Over the past few years, BioSolveIT has taken virtual screening to a whole new level. I am very impressed by their algorithms that handle billions of virtual compounds as if they were only a few hundred thousand. Their chemical space exploration techniques and our make-on-demand offering are a perfect match. Tolmachov continues: Researchers can cherry-pick exactly those molecules that are interesting to them, and we successfully synthesize and ship these worldwide in record time. Dr. Christian Lemmen, CEO of BioSolveIT, appraises: "Enamine is really an outstanding supplier in this field. Whomever you ask, Enamine is their first choice when it comes to compound sourcing with the highest reliability at unprecedented speed. During these tough times, this is even more admirable. Lemmen explains further: Together, we have only just begun to redefine drug discovery via chemical space exploration. Our shared knowledge will help researchers and, ultimately, patients around the world. About BioSolveIT GmbH BioSolveIT is a globally acting medicinal chemistry informatics and services company. It is renowned for its superior software solutions for affinity estimation, structure-based design, ligand-based design, high-throughput virtual screening, library design, and analysis. Their fast, visual, and easy computational technologies help innovate pharmaceutical research with a proven track record in almost all big pharma companies, amongst them AstraZeneca, F. A. Hoffmann-LaRoche, BASF, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, and many others. BioSolveITs infiniSee platform rapidly became an industry standard for navigation in molecular chemical spaces of unparalleled sizes. BioSolveIT software is loaded with award-winning algorithms. Profiting from radically simple user interfaces, the companys applications address medicinal chemists and computational experts alike. BioSolveIT is headquartered in Sankt Augustin, Germany. Support and sales offices are located in Boston, MA, and San Diego, CA, USA. Distribution partners maintain offices in Japan, China, South Korea, and India. About Enamine Ltd. Headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, Enamine is a scientifically driven integrated discovery Contract Research Organization with unique partnering opportunities in exploring new chemical space. The company combines access to the in-house produced screening compounds (4M in stock) and building blocks (300K in stock) with a comprehensive platform of integrated discovery services to advance and accelerate the efforts in Drug Discovery. Enamine has developed the largest offering of make-on-demand compounds that includes trillions of Enamine REAL molecules and over a billion of Enamine MADE building blocks. The companys unique knowledge-based approach allows for fast and inexpensive delivery of novel entities from the above make-on-demand chemical space. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231211141956/en/ Dr. Yurii Moroz, VP Sales and Marketing Email: [email protected] Phone: +380 44 333 5606 Dr. Marcus Gastreich, SVP Application Science Email: [email protected] Phone: +49 2241 25 25 0 Source: Enamine Ltd. Europe ranked as cheapest region for the second year running NA ranked best region for speed of business Growth in legal services and increased digitalization sees average global cost reduce by 4% Global average time increased by 48% with greater disparity in tech adoption around the world Overall, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore rank as top jurisdictions globally LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Europe retained the top spot as the cheapest region for multinationals to operate entities in this year amid greater disparity globally, with the digitalization drive playing out at different speeds around the world. According to data compiled by Entity Portfolio Management (EPM) leader Mercator by Citco (Mercator) in its annual Mercator Entity Management Report 2023, combined global average costs for multinationals to complete entity-related activities reduced by 4% in 2023. An uptick in the use of digital tools drove greater cost efficiency in some regions, easing the processes of entity management, while the growth of the legal and company secretarial support sector also played a part as a range of providers helped to reduce costs. For the second year running, Europe ranked as the lowest cost region for multinationals to operate in, driven by the ongoing implementation of the EU Digitalization Directive and a highly competitive legal service market. In comparison to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America (LATAM) are most expensive, with many jurisdictions within those regions still requiring wet-ink signatures and multiple steps for notarization, translation and legalization of foreign documents. The data - sourced directly from Mercator's EPM technology platform, Entica - also showed North America (NA) is the fastest region, benefiting from widespread adoption of e-signatures and electronic filings, with average time to complete tasks decreasing by 14% in 2023. However, all other regions saw either an increase or no discernible change in time, with the efficiency gap widening between those jurisdictions embracing digitalization and those jurisdictions still relying on traditional legalization methods, physical filings and in-person meetings. This is most pronounced in Asia-Pacific (APAC), which has some of the most efficient processes for multinationals as well as some of the most complex. This disparity results in global average time increasing by 48%. Ranked per individual jurisdiction, Malaysia emerges as the most favorable location overall in which to base entities in 2023 based on the overall cost and time involved in managing entities followed by Singapore and Australia. In contrast, Taiwan, Vietnam and Norway are the lowest ranked. Kariem Abdellatif, Head of Mercator comments: Overall, we continue to see the digitalization drive revolutionizing how multinationals manage and maintain their global portfolio of entities and 2023 has seen more jurisdictions across the world embrace digital tools to streamline processes and increase efficiency. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the gap is widening between Global Financial Centres with streamlined, tech driven solutions - such as Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States and those jurisdictions still relying on traditional in-person processes. In those jurisdictions, the added complexity not only creates administrative burdens for in-house teams, but also costs multinationals more time and money. Of course, the purpose of this report is not to advise multinational companies on where to base entities or subsidiaries this is obviously dictated by necessity but to set expectations and provide foresight on the relative cost and time it takes to complete key activities to keep entities in compliance around the world. To read the full report please visit: https://mercator.net/mem-report-2023/ The Mercator Entity Management Report 2023 is part of Mercators Entity Portfolio Management Series, providing direct insight on the cost and time to manage a global portfolio of entities, based on real-life data. ENDS Notes to editors: The statistics that form the basis of this report cover the period between October 2022 to November 2023 and are drawn directly from Mercator by Citcos proprietary EPM technology platform Entica which individually records all the activities undertaken for clients. The data covers over 180 jurisdictions and 20 different types of corporate secretarial tasks. The data represents $3.41 trillion in market capital across all major business sectors and relates purely to the activities of multinational companies. About Mercator by Citco (Mercator) The pioneer of Entity Portfolio Management (EPM), Mercator creates lasting partnerships with its clients to understand their individual needs and offer ease, efficiency and visibility through a clear layer of oversight. Mercators unrivalled knowledge of EPM and proprietary technology Entica is evolving the way companies view and manage their portfolio of entities, helping them navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As a part of the Citco group of companies (Citco), Mercator works closely with our Governance Services team a bespoke, centralized service offering BPO accounting, Common Reporting Standard, directorships and payroll services, among others. The transparency offered by Mercators data insights combined with Governance Services proactive expertise means Citco can support any multinational corporation on all of your entity management needs. About the Citco group of companies (Citco) The Citco group of companies (Citco) is a network of independent companies worldwide. These companies are leading providers of asset-servicing solutions to the global alternative investment industry. With over $1.8 trillion in assets under administration and 9,800 staff deployed across 36 countries, Citcos unique culture of innovation and client-driven solutions have provided Citcos clients with a trusted partner for more than four decades. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213334242/en/ Annabelle Duke / Amelia Fairburn Instinctif Partners [email protected] Source: Mercator by Citco Rawafed Libya expands partnership with Eutelsat Group as it adds new exclusive LEO agreement to existing GEO services. LEO connectivity to address sectors including oil and gas sector, telecoms, and financial services, as well as government applications and humanitarian groups. Partnership is based on a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract, with options to extend or expand, with services due to start in early 2024. LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Eutelsat Group (Paris: ETL) (LSE: ETL), the worlds first GEO-LEO satellite operator, has today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between Eutelsat OneWeb, its connectivity business unit and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT), the Libyan telecoms operator, for the delivery of high-speed, low latency connectivity across Libya. RLTT is expanding its relationship with Eutelsat Group to include a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services, in this new landmark agreement. Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) powered connectivity constellation, delivering full connectivity over Libya from early 2024. The multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract further cements the existing long-standing relationship between Eutelsat Group and RLTT. The services will provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for a range of applications including commercial connectivity to the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries, Government sectors, cellular backhaul for telecoms operators and remote connectivity for humanitarian organizations. Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said: Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering. We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. By building on existing customer relationships, we are able to grow the business in international markets and continue to bridge the digital divide globally. Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology, said: We have been working with Eutelsat Group for several years now and are excited to bring its high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across the oil and gas, cellular backhaul and humanitarian sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we are able to meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Through this exclusive deal, we look forward to bringing unmatched connectivity across Libya. The announcement comes as Eutelsat OneWeb continues to grow at a rapid pace in the African market, with the signing of a distribution agreement with NEC XON covering Sub-Saharan Africa in November. Demand for connectivity in the region is very high, with agreements such as these helping to bridge the digital divide across the continent and bring high-speed connectivity, regardless of location. About Rawafed Libya For Telecommunications and Technology (RLTT) RLTT is a Telecommunication & Technology firm that offers a wide spectrum of expertise and solutions within telecommunications, IT solutions, software, and hardware solutions. Rawafed is the leading internet service and telecoms solutions provider and is at the forefront of satellite and wireless internet connectivity in the Libyan market providing our products and solutions across all industry sectors - banking, education, health, media, oil & gas, security, transport and utilities. Founded in Libya 2012, with a head office in Tripoli and offices in various locations in Libya and Cyprus, RLTT has several years of proven experience in the management and implementation of innovative solutions for telecom & technology infrastructure, nationwide. Customers choosing RLTT as their solutions provider benefit from the unique advantage of having installation, local support, and maintenance all provided by just one company which continually demonstrates its ability to deliver on time with an eye for detail. Find out more at: https://rltt.net/en/ About Eutelsat OneWeb: Eutelsat OneWeb is a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, the global leader in satellite communications delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 37 Geostationary satellites and a low Earth orbit constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Groups unique suite of in-orbit and on-ground assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,700 people from 50 different nationalities. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange. Find out more at www.eutelsat.com/oneweb View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212240805/en/ Eutelsat Media Inquiries: Anita Baltagi +33 1 53 98 47 47 [email protected] Katie Dowd [email protected] Alastair Elwen +44 20 7251 3801 [email protected] Armand Noury +33 6 60 07 16 97 [email protected] Investor Thomas Cardiel +33 6 99 07 86 47 [email protected] Hugo Laurens-Berge [email protected] Christine Lopez [email protected] Source: Eutelsat Group SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Getaround, Inc. (NYSE: GETR) (Getaround or the Company), the world's first connected carsharing marketplace, plans to conduct a conference call with analysts to discuss its third quarter 2023 results and business outlook on December 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. After the close of the market on December 14 and prior to the conference call, Getaround will issue a copy of its third quarter earnings press release via Business Wire. The press release may also be viewed on Getarounds website at https://investor.getaround.com. To listen to the conference call via the Internet, please visit the Investors page of Getaround's website. To listen to the conference call via telephone, please call 1-877-704-4453 (domestic) or 1-201-389-0920 (international). A replay of the conference call will be available starting at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time on December 14, 2023, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on December 28, 2023, on the Investors page of Getaround's website, or by calling 1-844-512-2921 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6671 (international), Access ID: 13743068. About Getaround Offering a 100% digital experience, Getaround (NYSE: GETR) makes sharing cars and trucks simple through its proprietary cloud and in-car Connect technology. The company empowers consumers to shift away from car ownership through instant and convenient access to desirable, affordable, and safe cars from entrepreneurial hosts. Getarounds on-demand technology enables a contactless experience no waiting in line at a car rental facility, manually completing paperwork or meeting anyone to collect or drop off car keys. Getarounds mission is to utilize its peer-to-peer marketplace to help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, including environmental sustainability and access to economic opportunity. Launched in 2011, Getaround is available today in more than 1,000 cities across the United States and Europe. For more information, please visit https://www.getaround.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212805679/en/ Investors [email protected] Media [email protected] Source: Getaround, Inc. Strategic transaction furthers GPPs commitment to the advancement of impactful health care solutions, accelerating Ludis growth of its market-leading DocTime technology GREENWICH, Conn. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Great Point Partners (GPP), a Greenwich-based private investment firm focused exclusively on the health care industry, today announced the growth recapitalization of Ludi, Inc. (Ludi), the leader in physician payment automation, based in Nashville, TN. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213798023/en/ Danielle ORourke, Ludi's incoming Chief Executive Officer. (Photo: Business Wire) Founded in 2012 by industry veteran Gail Peace and trusted by hundreds of hospitals nationwide, Ludis DocTime Suite helps hospitals track, manage and audit any type of payment to physicians. The proprietary technology enhances the financial performance of health care systems by optimizing their entire physician payment processes, increasing physician satisfaction and reducing compliance risk and administrative burden on hospital teams. The growth recapitalization of Ludi will enable the company to expand its market-leading DocTime Suite of products and enhance the value proposition it offers to hospital systems and physicians. As part of the transaction, Ludi will implement a series of changes to its management team: Gail Peace has guided Ludi from inception through a period of significant growth and expansion. In the next phase of Ludis development, she will maintain her role on the companys board of directors, where she will continue to actively support Ludis business objectives and provide strategic guidance. Gail will remain an integral part of Ludis continued evolution. Danielle ORourke will become Chief Executive Officer, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer since joining Ludi in 2019. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Danielle has played a pivotal role in accelerating Ludis growth over the last four years, streamlining operational processes, building an in-house analytics department, spearheading sales strategies, developing strategic channel partner relationships and contributing to product development. With extensive experience across many areas of the health care industry, including as former principal at Martin Ventures and former board member of Ovia Health and Clockwise.MD by Lightshed Healthcare, Danielle will harness her strong operational and financial capabilities and historical knowledge of the company as she succeeds Gail Peace, Founder of Ludi and outgoing Chief Executive Officer. Steven Lefar, Former Chief Strategy Officer at Strata Decision Technology, a leading health care financial performance platform employed by over 2,000 hospitals, will join Ludis board of directors. Steven brings over 30 years of experience in the health care sector, holding board member roles for Casechek, Thirdeye Health and Wildflower Health, and previously serving as CEO of Applied Pathways, Sg2 and MediRegs, which respectively exited to AIM Healthcare by Anthem, MedAssets and WoltersKluwer. Partnering with Ludi underscores our commitment to the advancement of better, faster and more efficient health care solutions that address crucial pain points in the industry, said Alex Gulotta, Senior Vice President at GPP. We look forward to supporting the talented team and further strengthening the innovative solutions it brings to hospitals and health systems nationwide. I am incredibly proud of all that Ludi has accomplished since I founded the company more than a decade ago, and I believe the company is well positioned for continued growth and innovation long into the future in partnership with GPP, said Gail Peace, Founder and outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Ludi. As the hospital industry continues to face complex financial and workforce challenges, there is no better time for our DocTime solution to help strengthen the relationships that hospitals have with one of their most critical partners: physicians. In Danielle, Ludi will have a smart and talented leader who will build on the companys track record of success and take Ludi to new heights. Witnessing firsthand the incredible growth that Ludi has fostered under Gails leadership, I am thrilled to take the reins in partnership with GPP, said Danielle ORourke, incoming Chief Executive Officer. The physician compensation space is at another inflection point, with the rise of value-based care, the increase in employed physicians at hospitals and recently updated compliance guidance from the OIG around physician arrangements. I feel lucky to have such an innovative team of colleagues at Ludi and an amazing technology to meet this moment. Although we have many exciting developments in store for DocTime, Ludi will always remain focused on our core commitments of helping hospitals optimize their physician payment processes, enhance physician satisfaction and achieve substantial cost savings. Since initial discussions with GPP, we were impressed with the firms expertise in physician compensation and contract management, and we share GPPs vision for the future of Ludi. Ziegler served as financial advisor to Ludi. About Great Point Partners Great Point Partners, founded in 2003 and based in Greenwich, CT, is a leading health care investment firm with 30 professionals, investing in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. GPP is currently making new minority and majority private equity investments from GPP IV. Great Point manages approximately $1.7B of capital (including committed and uncalled capital) in its private funds and public life sciences equity strategy (BioMedical Value Fund). Great Point Partners has provided growth equity, growth recapitalization, and management buyout financing to more than 100 growing health care companies. The private equity funds invest across all sectors of the health care industry with a particular emphasis on biopharmaceutical services and supplies, alternate site care, medical device contract manufacturing and information technology enabled businesses. The firm pursues a proactive and proprietary approach to sourcing investments and tuck-in acquisitions for its portfolio companies. About Ludi, Inc. Ludi, Inc. is a Nashville-based health care technology company that makes it easier for hospitals to pay physicians. Ludi's DocTime Suite automates the payment process for any type of physician arrangement from a signed contract to payment. A robust financial and compliance management system, DocTime helps hospitals manage all the complex tasks, rules and data associated with their physician agreements all in one easy-to-use system. On average, DocTime customers experience an 80 percent reduction in administrative time and costs alone, generating a 5-6x ROI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213798023/en/ Chaneigh Bernard Prosek Partners [email protected] Source: Great Point Partners SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Indiana Tech, a comprehensive, private, not-for-profit, four-year university with its main campus in Fort Wayne, has selected YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform to streamline accessibility tools and expand the accessibility of course content. Beyond its main campus, Indiana Tech also educates students online and at regional campuses throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. The institution was seeking to enhance accessibility with a single, all-in-one solution that enables document remediation, the ability to generate alternative formats, and provides website accessibility. Indiana Tech was using a number of accessibility products to meet various needs. YuJa Panorama automatically generates accessible versions of documents, auto-captions video content, and provides users with customized website accessibility options they can apply to any webpage. The Platform also provides an accessibility gauge, pinpoints accessibility issues, provides video guidance on how to correct inaccessible content, and offers robust reporting to help inform and guide instructors and administrators on their accessibility journey. YuJa Panorama integrates directly with the Canvas Learning Management System. With YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform, institutions can consolidate disparate products with a single, unified solution that spans diverse accessibility needs and technology skill levels, said Nathan Arora, Chief Business Officer at YuJa, Inc. YuJa Panorama provides the data-driven insights administrators need, user-friendly tools course designers and instructors need, and boosts accessibility for all learners. Were excited for Indiana Tech to get started using and benefitting from YuJa Panorama. ABOUT INDIANA TECH Founded in 1930 as an engineering college in Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech has grown into a private, non-profit, comprehensive university that arms students with career-focused degrees and the skills that todays employers are looking for. Indiana Tech offers degrees at the associate, bachelors, masters and doctoral levels, in diverse fields such as engineering, computer sciences, business administration, education, criminal justice, health information technology, and many more. In all, the university offers its students more than 60 degree options through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Engineering and School of Computer Science. ABOUT YUJA, INC. YuJa is a leader in ed-tech solutions. Our platforms provide organizations of all sizes with the tools to educate, engage, inspire and collaborate. We serve learning enterprises within all sectors, including higher-ed, K-12, government, healthcare, non-profit and corporate. We have legal headquarters in Delaware with primary U.S. offices in Silicon Valley, California, and Canadian offices in Toronto. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213981939/en/ Hannah Johnson 1-888-257-2278 Source: YuJa, Inc. Scholarship will support alumni from across all of KinderCares family of early learning brands in their pursuit of a college education LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KinderCare Learning Companies today announced that it is expanding scholarship eligibility to include alumni from all of the companys brands across the country for the 2024-2025 school year. The KinderCare Learning Companies Kids Scholarship Fund celebrates the achievements of college-bound alumni from across its family of brands, including KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions Before- and After-School Programs and Creme de la Creme Early Learning Centers. Since its inception in 2019, the scholarship program has been awarded to 100 students from across the country. This year, scholarships will be given to 20 alumni in the amount of up to $5,000 each to be applied toward the 2024-2025 academic year. Former recipients are encouraged to re-apply, as the program is renewable. Were proud to support our students beyond their early years. When we say we build confidence for life, we do so to encourage children to be successful far beyond their time in our programs, said Tom Wyatt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KinderCare. All children deserve a high-quality education no matter the path they take in their career and we are proud to offer this scholarship to help support them on their journey. Applications will be accepted now through April 1, 2024. To learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply, click here. About KinderCare Learning Companies A leading provider of early childhood and school-age education and care, KinderCare builds confidence for life in children and families from all backgrounds. KinderCare supports hardworking families in 40 states and the District of Columbia with differentiated flexible child care solutions to meet todays dynamic work environment: In neighborhoods, with KinderCare Learning Centers that offer early learning programs for children six weeks to 12 years old and with Creme de la Creme , which offers a premium early education model using a variety of themed classrooms; that offer early learning programs for children six weeks to 12 years old and with , which offers a premium early education model using a variety of themed classrooms; For work, wherever employees work, offering customized employer-supported child care benefits at more locations than any other provider, and In local schools, with Champions before and after-school programs. KinderCare programs meet the highest standards, validated by independent, third-party evaluation including: Gallup , measuring workforce engagement, , measuring workforce engagement, National Association for the Education of Young Children , ensuring individual early learning center quality, , ensuring individual early learning center quality, Cognia , accreditation for before- and after-school programs, , accreditation for before- and after-school programs, BRIGANCE and TerraNova assessments of childrens academic progress and achievement, and assessments of childrens academic progress and achievement, and WELL Health-Safety Rating, validating health and safety practices in our facilities. Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, KinderCare operates more than 2,000 early learning centers and sites. In 2023, KinderCare earned its seventh Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award one of only four organizations worldwide to achieve this milestone for six consecutive years. To learn more, visit KC-Learning.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213810905/en/ Colleen Moran KinderCare Learning Companies 503-872-1300, option 3 [email protected] Source: KinderCare Learning Companies Fosters Community Connection through Grand Opening Celebration and Charitable Giving DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Metronet today celebrated the official grand opening of its Des Moines storefront while ringing in the holidays with a $10,000 donation to Food Bank of Iowa. Metronet has worked rapidly to ensure that Des Moines residents and businesses have access to ultra-high-speed internet as it has quickly become a necessity for daily life. In addition to ensuring that the community has access to reliable, 100% fiber internet, Metronet also wanted to ensure that Des Moines community is cared for throughout the holiday season. Metronets donation to the Food Bank of Iowa will help provide more than 15,000 meals this holiday season. Metronet remains committed to empowering communities by bridging them to the future with our ultra-high-speed internet," said Dave Heimbach, President & CEO of Metronet. "Beyond connecting Iowans with our 100% fiber internet, we're dedicated to supporting our neighbors during the holidays. Our contribution to the Food Bank of Iowa reflects our pride in aiding hundreds of families with essential food provisions this season. Metronets Des Moines storefront, located at 1231 Keosauqua Way, Suite 104, now provides customers with the opportunity to learn more about Metronets multi-gigabit, 100% fiber optic speeds and service offerings. Customers may now visit the newly opened storefront, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to sign up for service plans and speak with Customer Care Associates face-to-face. Additional resources and information may be found at Metronet.com. During the holiday season, resources for many within our community are stretched thin, said Michelle Book, Food Bank of Iowa CEO. Through Metronets generous contribution, even more families, seniors and veterans will have access to nutritious food this winter. We extend a warm welcome to Metronet as they celebrate this milestone within our community. We're pleased to welcome Metronet to Des Moines and celebrate the launch of their new storefront, a significant expansion in our community," expressed Jimmy Olsen, Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "Increased competition in the market promises substantial advantages for our businessesenhanced internet speeds, competitive pricing, and overall improved service. We are pleased to welcome Metronet to our business community a look forward to seeing how their investment in our community enhances our online quality of life. As a leading fiber optic internet provider, Metronet provides ultra-fast symmetrical upload and download speeds through its future-proof infrastructure to more than 250 communities throughout 16 states. With an expanded presence in Des Moines, Metronet will continue to support more communities across the state with access to a 100% fiber optic network that has the ability to provide multi-gigabit speeds of up to 10 Gigabits. City officials interested in adding their community to Metronets growing list of Certified Gigabit Cities Powered by Metronet may visit metronet.com/gigabit-city or contact Eddie Massengale, Metronet Sr. Director of Business Development & Government Affairs at [email protected] or at 423-280-9031. About Metronet: Metronet is a 100% fiber optic company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, and has quickly grown to become the nations largest independently owned 100% fiber optic provider. The customer-focused company provides cutting-edge fiber optic communication services, including high-speed Fiber Internet and full-featured Fiber Phone. Metronet started in 2005 with one fiber optic network in Greencastle, Indiana. Since then, Metronet and its affiliates have grown to serve and construct networks in more than 250 communities across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Metronet is committed to bringing state-of-the-art telecommunication services to communities services that are comparable or superior to those offered in large metropolitan areas. By offering XGS PON technology, Metronet can easily carry its communities into the future of multi-gigabit service. Cablefax has named Metronet as the 2023 Fiber Provider of the Year. Metronet has also been recognized by PCMag as the Fastest Major ISP in 2023 and as one of the Top 10 ISPs with Best Gaming Quality Index in 2021. For more information, visit www.Metronet.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213888007/en/ Media Contact: Katie Custer [email protected] 502.821.6784 Source: Metronet BEIRUT, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will open an office on the Lebanese-Syrian border to control the movement of refugees, said the Lebanese Council of Ministers on Tuesday. The decision, announced on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum 2023 held on Dec. 13-15 at the UN headquarters in Geneva, was reached between UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the council said in a statement. During a meeting with Mikati, Grandi noted that the refugee problem constitutes a challenge for the UNHCR due to the shortage of funding, adding he believed that the best solution is to support the displaced in their homeland, which will take some time. For his part, Mikati called on the UNHCR to focus its support for refugees on incentive projects in their home country in a bid to encourage their return. Mikati noted that Lebanon has received the data related to the displaced from the UNHCR, and is clarifying the status of each case, adding that his country cannot continue to host this large number of refugees. Lebanon, which currently hosts around 2 million Syrian refugees, remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, according to the government data. It has become an unbearable burden for the country that's suffering an unprecedented financial crisis. Full-Year 2024 Revenue Guidance(1) Range of $58.5 to $61.5 Billion Includes Expected Contribution from Seagen Acquisition Anticipates Approximately $8 Billion in Revenues for Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid Seagen Expected to Contribute Approximately $3.1 Billion of Revenues Expects Full-Year 2024 Operational(3) Revenue Growth of 8%-10% Including Seagen Contribution and Excluding Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid Revenues, and 3%-5% Excluding Both Seagen Contribution and Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid Revenues 2024 Adjusted(5) Diluted EPS Guidance Range of $2.05 to $2.25 Includes Expected Impact of Seagen Acquisition Enterprise-Wide Cost Realignment Program Now Expected to Deliver Annual Net Cost Savings of at Least $4.0 Billion, an Incremental $500 Million Versus Mid-Point of Guidance Range Provided on August 1, 2023 Pfizer to Hold Analyst and Investor Call at 8:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today provided its full-year 2024 guidance(1)(6), which includes the expected financial impact from the Seagen transaction. Accompanying presentation can be found at www.pfizer.com/investors. Full-Year 2024 Revenue, Adjusted(5) SI&A, Adjusted(5) R&D and Adjusted(5) Diluted EPS Guidance Ranges(1)(6) Pfizer expects full-year 2024 revenues to be in the range of $58.5 to $61.5 billion, which includes approximately $8 billion in anticipated revenues for Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, approximately $3.1 billion in anticipated revenues from Seagen and approximately $1 billion related to the reclassification of Pfizers royalty income from Other (Income)/Deductions into the Revenue line. Including the contribution from Seagen and excluding revenues from Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, Pfizer expects to achieve full-year 2024 operational(3) revenue growth of 8% to 10%. Excluding revenues from Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid and the expected contribution from Seagen, Pfizer expects to achieve full-year 2024 operational(3) revenue growth of 3% to 5%. Both expected operational(3) growth rate ranges are compared with the mid-point of Pfizers full-year 2023 revenue guidance range provided on October 31, 2023, and account for the reclassification of royalty income. While the company will begin reporting royalty income in the revenue line in 2024, for growth rate purposes, the company has included royalty income in both 2023 and 2024. Consequently, there is no operational revenue growth attributable to the reclassification of royalty income. Including the impact of Seagen, Pfizer anticipates full-year 2024 Adjusted(5) SI&A expenses to be in the range of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion and full-year 2024 Adjusted(5) R&D expenses to be in the range of $11.0 to $12.0 billion. Consequently, total 2024 Adjusted(5) SI&A and R&D expenses are expected to be in the range of $24.8 to $26.8 billion. This range reflects an anticipated decline of approximately $4 billion by the end of 2024 and represents an incremental $500 million expense reduction versus the midpoint of Pfizers SI&A and R&D expense guidance provided on August 1, 2023, solely driven by Pfizers cost realignment program. 2024 Adjusted(5) diluted EPS is anticipated to be in a range of $2.05 to $2.25, which primarily reflects expected operational(3) growth of 8%-10% in revenues, excluding Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, and including the impact of Seagen, as well as anticipated operating margin improvement from the companys cost realignment activities, partially offset by an expected $0.40 dilutive impact related to the Seagen acquisition, which is predominantly driven by costs to finance the transaction. A reconciliation of Pfizers 2023 Financial Guidance to its 2024 Financial Guidance(1)(6), including certain significant factors impacting 2024 Financial Guidance, is presented below. 2023 Pfizer Guidance (as of October 31, 2023) 2024 Legacy Pfizer Guidance Anticipated Impact of Royalty Reclass included in 2024 Guidance Anticipated 2024 Seagen Impact included in 2024 Guidance 2024 Financial Guidance Revenues ($ in billions) $58.0 $61.0 $54.5 $57.5 $1.0 $3.1 $58.5 $61.5 Adjusted(5) SI&A Expenses ($ in billions) $13.3 $14.3 $13.8 $14.8 Adjusted(5) R&D Expenses ($ in billions) $11.9 $12.9 $11.0 $12.0 Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted(5) Income ~12% ~15% Adjusted(5) Diluted EPS $1.45 $1.65 $2.45 $2.65 - ($0.40) $2.05 $2.25 Financial guidance for Adjusted(5) diluted EPS is calculated using approximately 5.75 billion weighted average shares outstanding, and assumes no share repurchases in 2023 or 2024. Seagen Acquisition As announced on December 12, 2023, Pfizer and Seagen have received all required regulatory approvals for the closing of the acquisition. Pfizer expects to complete the acquisition of Seagen on December 14, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Executive Commentary Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: Pfizers product portfolio remains strong. In 2024, Comirnaty and Paxlovid are expected to deliver combined revenues of approximately $8 billion and our remaining portfolio of combined Pfizer and Seagen products is expected to achieve year-over-year operational revenue growth in the range of 8% to 10%. In addition, we expect our cost realignment program to deliver savings of at least $4.0 billion by the end of 2024, which puts us on a path to potentially regain our pre-pandemic operating margins. We look forward to joining forces with Seagen and using our combined strengths to bring us ever closer to delivering long promised cures for certain cancers. Pfizer intends to provide additional commentary in an analyst webcast scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EST, Wednesday, December 13, 2023, details can be found at www.pfizer.com/investors. # # # Pfizer does not provide guidance for GAAP Reported financial measures (other than revenues and in 2023 acquired in-process R&D [IPR&D] expenses) or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP Reported financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of unusual gains and losses, certain acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from equity securities, actuarial gains and losses from pension and postretirement plan remeasurements, potential future asset impairments and pending litigation without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP Reported results for the guidance period. As used in this document, Comirnaty refers to, as applicable, and as authorized or approved, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5), Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA, 2023-2024 Formula), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula), Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.1, Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and Comirnaty XBB.1.5. Comirnaty includes direct sales and alliance revenues related to sales of the above-mentioned vaccines, which are recorded within Pfizers Primary Care customer group. It does not include revenues for certain Comirnaty-related manufacturing activities performed on behalf of BioNTech, which are included in the Pfizer CentreOne contract development and manufacturing organization. References to operational variances in this press release pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates. Although exchange rate changes are part of Pfizers business, they are not within Pfizers control, and because they can mask positive or negative trends in the business, Pfizer believes presenting operational variances excluding these foreign exchange changes provides useful information to evaluate Pfizers results. Revenues is defined as revenues in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Reported net income and its components are defined as net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and its components in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) is defined as diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted income and Adjusted diluted EPS are defined as U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and Reported diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders before the impact of amortization of intangible assets, certain acquisition-related items, discontinued operations, and certain significant items. Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for U.S. GAAP net income and its components and diluted EPS(4), have no standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Pfizers 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a definition of each component of Adjusted income as well as other relevant information. Financial guidance for full-year 2024 reflects the following: Exchange rates assumed are actual rates at mid-November 2023 Guidance for Adjusted(5) diluted EPS assumes diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of approximately 5.75 billion shares, and assumes no share repurchases in 2024. DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this press release is as of December 13, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release or the webcast as the result of new information or future events or developments. Pfizers financial guidance is based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant uncertainties. This press release and the webcast contain or may contain forward-looking information about, among other topics, Pfizers and Seagens anticipated operating and financial performance and expectations for Pfizers and Seagens product pipeline, in-line products and product candidates (including revenue contribution and related projections and guidance), financial and other impact of Pfizers proposed acquisition of Seagen, Pfizers efforts to combat COVID-19, Paxlovid, Pfizers and BioNTechs COVID-19 vaccines, defined collectively herein as Comirnaty (including their potential benefits), changes to Pfizers commercial organization, reorganizations, business plans, strategy and prospects, and an enterprise-wide cost realignment program (including anticipated costs, savings and potential benefits) that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates, including Paxlovid and Comirnaty; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with pre-clinical and clinical data (including Phase 1/2/3 or Phase 4 data for any of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates) in any of our studies in pediatrics, adolescents, or adults or real world evidence, including the possibility of unfavorable new pre-clinical, clinical or safety data and further analyses of existing pre-clinical, clinical or safety data or further information regarding the quality of pre-clinical, clinical or safety data; risks associated with interim data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; the ability to produce comparable clinical or other results for any of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates, including the rate of effectiveness and/or efficacy, safety and tolerability profile observed to date, in additional analyses of the Phase 3 trial for any such products and additional studies, in real world data studies or in larger, more diverse populations following commercialization; the ability of Comirnaty, any vaccine candidate or any future vaccine to prevent, or Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment to be effective against, COVID-19 caused by emerging virus variants; the risk that use of Comirnaty or Paxlovid will lead to new information about efficacy, safety or other developments, including the risk of additional adverse reactions, some of which may be serious; the risk that pre-clinical and clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when additional data from the BNT162 mRNA vaccine program, Paxlovid or other COVID-19 programs will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications and interpretations; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from existing or future pre-clinical and clinical studies; whether and when any drug applications or submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorization for any potential indications for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates may be filed in particular jurisdictions and if obtained, whether or when such emergency use authorization or licenses will expire or terminate; whether and when submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations for any vaccine or any vaccine candidate or any potential future vaccines (including potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations), and/or biologics license and/or emergency use authorization applications or amendments to any such applications may be filed in particular jurisdictions for any vaccine, any vaccine candidate or any potential future vaccines, and if obtained, whether or when such emergency use authorizations or licenses, or existing emergency use authorizations, will expire or terminate; whether and when any applications that may be pending or filed for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates (including any requested amendments to the emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations) may be approved by particular regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates for any such indications will be commercially successful; intellectual property and other litigation; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates, including the authorization or approval of products or therapies developed by other companies; disruptions in the relationships between us and our collaboration partners, clinical trial sites or third-party suppliers, including Pfizers relationship with BioNTech; the risk that demand for any of Pfizers or Seagens products may be reduced, no longer exist or not meet expectations, which may lead to reduced revenues, excess inventory on-hand and/or in the channel which, for Paxlovid and Comirnaty, has resulted in a significant inventory write-off in the third quarter of 2023 and could continue to result in inventory write-offs or other unanticipated charges; challenges related to and uncertainties regarding the transition to the commercial market for any of our products, and in particular, Paxlovid; uncertainties related to the publics adherence to vaccines and boosters; risks related to our ability to achieve our revenue forecasts for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; the risk that other companies may produce superior or competitive products; risks related to the availability of raw materials to manufacture or test any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; challenges related to Pfizers vaccines formulation, dosing schedule and attendant storage, distribution and administration requirements, including risks related to storage and handling after delivery by Pfizer; the risk that we may not be able to successfully develop other vaccine formulations, booster treatment courses or potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations or new variant-based or next generation vaccines or potential combination respiratory vaccines or next generation COVID-19 treatments; the risk that we may not be able to recoup costs associated with our R&D and manufacturing efforts; risks associated with any changes in the way we approach or provide research funding for any of our programs; challenges and risks associated with the pace of our development programs; the risk that we may not be able to maintain manufacturing capacity or access to logistics or supply channels commensurate with global demand, which would negatively impact our ability to supply our COVID-19 or other products; whether and when additional supply or purchase agreements will be reached or existing agreements will be completed or renegotiated; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine or treatment advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; pricing and access challenges; challenges related to public confidence in, or awareness of any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; uncertainties around future changes to applicable healthcare policies and guidelines issued by the U.S. federal government in connection with the declared termination of the federal governments COVID-19 public health emergency as of May 11, 2023; trade restrictions; potential third party royalties or other claims; other business effects and uncertainties and the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions, risks related to Pfizers business and prospects, adverse developments in Pfizers markets, or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment or economies generally; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results; competitive developments; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed acquisition of Seagen in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed acquisition does not close; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Pfizers common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition or Seagens business; risks related to the financing of the transaction; uncertainties regarding the impact, success and associated costs of our enterprise-wide cost realignment program; and the impact of and risks and uncertainties related to restructurings and internal reorganizations, as well as any other corporate strategic initiatives and growth strategies, and cost-reduction and productivity initiatives, each of which requires upfront costs but may fail to yield anticipated benefits and may result in unexpected costs, organizational disruption or other unintended consequences. A further description of these and other risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. See also the Overview of Our Performance, Operating Environment, Strategy and Outlook Our 2022 Performance and The Global Economic Environment sections of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) in Pfizers 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K; and the Overview of Our Performance, Operating Environment, Strategy and Outlook Our Third Quarter 2023 and First Nine Months of 2023 Performance and The Global Economic Environment sections of MD&A in Pfizers Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 1, 2023 (available at www.pfizer.com). Category: Financial View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213173781/en/ Media: [email protected] +1 (212) 733-1226 Investor: [email protected] +1 (212) 733-4848 Source: Pfizer Inc. IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RollKall, the leading provider of innovative law enforcement technology solutions, celebrates a significant milestone in its decade-long journey with the appointment of Brad Duea as its new Chief Executive Officer. This pivotal moment comes as RollKall marks its 10th anniversary, reflecting relentless dedication to improving law enforcements on-duty and off-duty community support. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213320882/en/ Brad Duea, Chief Executive Officer at RollKall. (Photo: Business Wire) Duea, a seasoned leader in emerging markets and the technology sector, brings a wealth of experience, and his track record features transformative roles at Napster, T-Mobile, SONOS, and Restaurant Revolution Technologies. His unique blend of professional expertise and personal connection to public safety, nurtured in a family business serving the fire service, positions him perfectly to lead RollKall's next phase of growth and innovation. Expressing his excitement about the new role, Brad stated, I am grateful to be joining the RollKall team on its mission to empower law enforcement agencies. The platform is a game-changing solution that is helping improve public safety with cutting-edge tools to improve how first responders meet the communitys needs with operational effectiveness. Chris White, RollKalls Founder, will maintain his position as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and work closely with Duea as RollKall continues to evolve. White underscored the significance of this appointment: "As we reflect on a decade of achievements and partnerships and plan and prepare for the next decade, I am thrilled Brad is joining our team and leading it into the next phase of innovation. His dynamic leadership and shared passion for serving first responders align seamlessly with RollKalls vision. We're excited that Brad will build upon our successes and continue delivering exceptional solutions and value to law enforcement agencies, officers, and the communities they serve." RollKall's commitment to empowering law enforcement agencies and first responders is demonstrated through its comprehensive extra-duty technology, including software for managing off-duty officer requests, scheduling, invoicing, a payments platform, managed services, and insurance options to meet the needs of law enforcement officers working overtime. These offerings reflect RollKall's dedication to auditability, transparency, compliance, and efficiency, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in public safety. As RollKall steps into a new decade, the team, led by Duea, will remain focused on its mission: delivering best-in-class technology for on-duty and off-duty process management and payment solutions. This commitment is rooted in RollKalls enduring foundation and the driving force behind its innovative solutions. For more information about RollKall and its transformative impact on law enforcement technology, visit www.rollkall.com/about-us. About RollKall: RollKall is the leading provider of law enforcement technology solutions designed to enhance officer scheduling, communication, and efficiency. The company's mission is to empower law enforcement agencies with cutting-edge tools to improve public safety and operational effectiveness. RollKall's customizable platform is trusted by agencies nationwide to streamline workflows and enhance officer performance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213320882/en/ Ana Mehryari 469-360-1055 [email protected] Source: RollKall ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Safety National announced the winners of its annual Safety First Grant Program. Three policyholders will be awarded matching grants in order to develop the creative risk control ideas they submitted into formal safety programs. As a market leader and safety advocate, we are committed to identifying industry innovation that reduces the risk of employee injury and illness, said Mark Wilhelm, Executive Chairman of Safety National. Over the last nine years, the Safety First Grant Program has funded 29 risk control projects, responding to the emerging needs of our clients while building a blueprint for safer workplaces. Winners of the 2023 program included: First Place Costa Farms was awarded the $10,000 matching grant for the addition of harvesting robots to help with the mobilization of plants in their fields. This innovation will reduce slip, trip, and fall and ergonomic-related employee injuries associated with spacing tasks. Costa Farms was awarded the $10,000 matching grant for the addition of harvesting robots to help with the mobilization of plants in their fields. This innovation will reduce slip, trip, and fall and ergonomic-related employee injuries associated with spacing tasks. Second Place Big Y Foods was awarded the $5,000 matching grant toward the implementation of ergonomic mixing tables in their bakery department to offset manual material handling of baking goods. These devices will reduce dangerous lifting exposures, which lead to frequent back and shoulder injuries for bakery personnel. Big Y Foods was awarded the $5,000 matching grant toward the implementation of ergonomic mixing tables in their bakery department to offset manual material handling of baking goods. These devices will reduce dangerous lifting exposures, which lead to frequent back and shoulder injuries for bakery personnel. Third Place Berry Global was awarded the $2,500 matching grant for an engineering solution used to eliminate dangerous conditions around turret winders on the production floor. This technology will allow safer operating conditions of pre-existing machines, which will be retrofitted with light curtains and mechanical hard guarding. Nominees for the annual Safety First Grant Program must be an active Safety National policyholder with a risk-reducing solution that applies to the workers compensation line of coverage. The applied solutions must relate to an identifiable and quantifiable loss source and include an anticipated estimate of injury cost savings for the policyholder. Each year, our applicants submit increasingly impressive innovative and creative risk management ideas for this program, finding new ways to build a safer workplace for their employees, said Matt McDonough, Assistant Vice President Risk Services of Safety National. In celebrating these winning submissions, we hope other organizations are inspired to discover their next great risk-reducing solutions. Full details on the 2023 Safety First Grant Program winning solutions can be found at https://www.safetynational.com/2023-safety-first-grant-winners/ . The 2024 grant application period will open in June 2024. Safety National is a leading specialty insurance and reinsurance provider. Servicing thousands of customers nationwide since 1942, the company offers specialized expertise, flexible program and placement design, and unique claims proficiency. Safety National is a member of the Tokio Marine Group and is rated A++ (Superior), FSC XV by A.M. Best. Learn more at www.safetynational.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213538092/en/ Leslie Barton External Communications Manager Safety National 314-810-5539 [email protected] Source: Safety National Global Cybersecurity Marketing Executive Brings Extensive Hypergrowth Enterprise Software Leadership Experience to Unified Defense SIEM Leader ADDISON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Securonix, Inc., a leader in Unified Defense SIEM, today announced the appointment of Biju Muduli as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Muduli will be responsible for the development, implementation and execution of marketing initiatives that will help drive Securonixs next phase of growth and strengthen its position as one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies. We are thrilled to welcome Biju to Securonix and our executive leadership team, said Nayaki Nayyar, Chief Executive Officer, Securonix. Biju is a strategic thinker with a passion for analyzing market trends, buying behaviors, and competitive landscapes. She has an outstanding record of formulating and executing successful global marketing strategies based on real metrics to achieve business goals. As we enter our next phase as a company, proven industry executives like Biju will play a key role in our continued growth, both internally and externally. With more than 15 years of experience in strategic marketing and global operations, Muduli has created compelling brand messaging and value propositions for hypergrowth cybersecurity and enterprise software companies. She most recently served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Onapsis, the leader in SAP and Oracle business applications cybersecurity, where she oversaw the strategy and execution of global marketing initiatives across a rapidly scaling venture-backed security company. Prior to joining Onapsis, Muduli was the Vice President of Global Demand Generation & Field Marketing at Brightcove, a provider of cloud-based solutions for publishing and distributing professional media. During her time at Brightcove, Muduli led the companys global marketing functions, which helped drive breakout growth across all regions, including the Americas, EMEA, APAC and Japan. She has also held global leadership roles at Carbonite, a data protection and cybersecurity company that was acquired by OpenText in 2019, and Dassault Systemes, a provider of collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. I am excited to join a team of talented growth-focused executives that is committed to innovation and driving the future of cybersecurity, said Muduli. As the proven market leader with a history of market-defining innovations, Securonix has demonstrated the ability to understand the future of SIEM and execute its vision to serve customer needs better than anyone in the space. I look forward to working with Nayaki and the leadership team, enhancing our value proposition and helping our customers and partners stay ahead of cyber threats. In addition, Securonix announced the promotion of Augusto Barros to Vice President, Product Marketing, reporting directly to Muduli. In this role, Augusto will be responsible for planning, creating and implementing Securonixs overall product marketing strategy. Augusto has over 20 years of experience in information security and is passionate about educating the market and customers on threat detection, investigation and response best practices. During his five years at Gartner, Augusto established himself as a highly respected analyst in the cybersecurity field. The Securonix platform is purpose-built to defend modern enterprises against advanced threats in todays complex hybrid environments. Securonix was named a leader for the fourth consecutive time in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and again named a Customers Choice in the 2023 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). The company recently launched the industrys first Unified Defense SIEM that provides organizations with 365 days of Hot searchable data and introduced an integration with ChatGPT that delivers generative AI capabilities within Securonix Investigate to greatly reduce incident response time. About Securonix Securonix is leading the evolution of SIEM for todays hybrid cloud, data-driven enterprises. Securonix Unified Defense SIEM provides organizations with the first and only content-driven threat detection, investigation and response (TDIR) solution built with a highly scalable data cloud and a unified experience from the analyst to the CISO. The innovative cloud-native solution enables organizations to scale up their security operations and keep up with evolving threats. For more information, visit www.securonix.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213223985/en/ Tony Loftis fama PR for Securonix [email protected] Source: Securonix, Inc. The partnership will leverage Gustave Roussys cancer research excellence and Sofinnovas five decades of experience investing in early-stage innovation in the life sciences The alliance is an integral part of the newly launched Sofinnova Biovelocita Strategy, a pioneering initiative to catalyze innovation in Europe PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sofinnova Partners (Sofinnova"), a leading European life sciences venture capital firm based in Paris, London, and Milan, and Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer centre and the fourth-ranked in the world, today announced the launch of a strategic collaboration as part of Sofinnova Biovelocita, the first pan-European investment strategy dedicated to the creation and acceleration of biotech startups. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213919661/en/ The alliance will accelerate oncology startups spun out of Gustave Roussy's integrated research and bring together their unique strengths to catalyze and fuel the growth of innovative oncology biotech startups. The partnerships mission is to build a robust ecosystem for startups by harnessing Gustave Roussys cutting-edge cancer research capabilities and Sofinnovas unmatched company creation expertise. Graziano Seghezzi, Managing Partner of Sofinnova Partners, said: Gustave Roussy is a European oncology powerhouse, which aligns seamlessly with Sofinnova Biovelocita, our newly launched biotech acceleration strategy. This alliance reaffirms our commitment to fostering a thriving French biotech ecosystem. Prof. Fabrice Barlesi, General Director of Gustave Roussy and CEO from Gustave Roussy Transfert, said: "Gustave Roussy and Sofinnova will work together to invest in projects focused on the discovery and development of new molecules and innovative technologies led or initiated by Gustave Roussy. Sofinnova's expertise in accelerating innovative startups pairs perfectly with Gustave Roussy Transfert's ability to source and support new innovations from the heart of Gustave Roussys ecosystem. Together, we're setting the stage for transformative breakthroughs and we see a horizon where groundbreaking cancer research translates seamlessly into solutions that can redefine patient care globally. Sofinnova Biovelocita follows a unique model of innovation dedicated entirely to the creation and acceleration of biotech startups in Europe. It distinguishes itself by the quality of the research organizations it collaborates with, and the experience and caliber of its partners, who not only fund but also create and operate the companies they support. The Sofinnova Biovelocita team will work closely with the best universities and research organizations in Europe to unearth the most promising scientific breakthroughs. Since its inception in 2000, Gustave Roussy Transfert, Gustave Roussys subsidiary dedicated to the development and transfer of technologies, has supported every entrepreneurial initiative that has come out of the institute. Gustave Roussy Transfert now holds a portfolio of 15 companies in fields as varied as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nuclear medicine. Gustave Roussy Transfert aims to create and support one or two new oncology startups per year over the next five years within Biovelocita. A first project sourced by Gustave Roussy Transfert and presented to Sofinnova Biovelocita should soon pass through the investment committee, with a first company inception planned for early 2024. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com. About Gustave Roussy Ranked by Newsweek magazine as the leading European Cancer Centre and fourth in the world, Gustave Roussy is a centre with comprehensive expertise and is devoted entirely to patients suffering with cancer. The Institute is a founding member of the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster. It is a source of diagnostic and therapeutic advances. It caters for almost 50,000 patients per year and its approach is one that integrates research, patient care and teaching. It is specialized in the treatment of rare cancers and complex tumors and it treats all cancers in patients of any age. Its care is personalized and combines the most advanced medical methods with an appreciation of the patients human requirements. In addition to the quality of treatment offered, the physical, psychological and social aspects of the patients life are respected. 4,100 professionals work on its two campuses: Villejuif and Chevilly-Larue. Gustave Roussy brings together the skills that are essential for the highest quality research in oncology: 40% of patients treated are included in clinical studies. For further information: www.gustaveroussy.fr/en. About Gustave Roussy Transfert Created in 2000, Gustave Roussy Transfert is Gustave Roussy's subsidiary dedicated to the development and transfer of technologies. Its missions are (1) to create and identify innovations from all the research teams based at Gustave Roussy, (2) to set up and monitor translational partnerships involving Gustave Roussy, and (3) to source, promote and support Gustave Roussy's entrepreneurial projects. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213919661/en/ Bommy Lee Head of Communications Sofinnova Partners [email protected] +33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11 StrategiesImage Anne Rein [email protected] +33 (0) 6 03 35 92 05 Gustave Roussy Claire Parisel [email protected] +33 (0) 6 17 66 00 26 Source: Sofinnova Partners Veteran producer to provide property and casualty insurance solutions to diverse regional client base IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alliant Insurance Services continues to expand its presence in the Mississippi market with the addition of Steve Roberts as Senior Vice President within its Alliant Americas division. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Roberts will provide tailored property and casualty insurance solutions to a growing regional client base. An insurance industry veteran, Roberts joins Alliant with a long history of success in the state of Mississippi. His extensive background includes time as an underwriter, agency owner, and producer, which he will leverage to assist Alliant in continuing its growth in the region. Steve has deep roots in the local community and experience diversifying and growing businesses, said Bob Bennetsen, Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director with Alliant. He understands the ever-changing risk climate that faces clients today and works closely with leadership to implement successful, long-term strategic plans for growth. In addition to his extensive experience as a producer, Roberts previously owned and operated a Louisville, Mississippi-based commercial insurance agency. He holds a bachelors degree from Mississippi State University. Roberts can be reached at [email protected]. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nations leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit us at alliant.com. #TheMoreRewardingWay View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213426429/en/ ALLIANT P&C CONTACT Megan Ford Communications Manager Alliant P&C (213) 406-8755 [email protected] ALLIANT CORPORATE CONTACT Nick Kopinga First Vice President Corporate Marketing and Communications (949) 260-5004 [email protected] Source: Alliant Insurance Services LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aesyra, a medical device company pioneering oral appliance technologies to improve sleep, today announced it has raised $3 million in seed financing. The round was led by Supermoon Capital (USA), the worlds first fund focused on sleeptech, and deep tech investor Creadd Ventures (Switzerland) with participation from existing investor Zurcher Kantonalbank. The new financing will support the development and commercialization of Aesyras AesyBite line of products for accurate monitoring and treatment of sleep bruxism and sleep apnea. Sleep bruxism is a sleep disorder often linked to sleep apnea, which affects nearly a billion people worldwide. A spin-off of the Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, Aesyra has pioneered a powerful technology system that combines a unique oral appliance device, proprietary sensors, and AI that has demonstrated over 70% reduction of bruxism activity for users. Powering Aesyras AesyBite are technology developed by EPFL researchers and algorithms that leverage over 10 years of sleep research data. "This significant investment marks a pivotal moment for Aesyra, said Marco Letizia, founder and CEO of Aesyra. We are thrilled to partner with Supermoon Capital and Creadd Ventures, who share our vision of driving meaningful change within the sleep industry. With their support, we are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of our groundbreaking solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare practices." "Aesyras advanced technology is a tremendous breakthrough in the field of sleep science for the treatment of sleep bruxism and sleep apnea, said Michael Masterson, Managing Partner at Supermoon Capital We are impressed by the companys unique approach, strong leadership team and unwavering commitment to revolutionize healthcare, and we are looking forward to working closely with Aesyra to support its mission. "We selected Aesyra as the first investment of Creadd Ventures since it perfectly fits our philosophy to invest in companies that have the potential to make a profound impact on the quality of life of patients, said Lorenzo Leoni, Founder and Managing Partner at Creadd Ventures. Masterson Leoni will join the Board of Directors of Aesyra, bringing their extensive industry expertise and strategic guidance to accelerate the company's growth and success. About Aesyra: Aesyra is a privately held, clinical-stage company dedicated to develop, manufacture and commercialize smart medical devices able to accurately monitor and relieve sleep bruxism and sleep apnea. The company has developed a line of devices (AesyBite) using innovative and proprietary sensors and algorithms that allows intraoral measurements of several factors during sleep and is capable to actively reduce bruxism and improve patients quality of life. For more information, please visit www.aesyra.com. About Supermoon Capital: Supermoon Capital is the only venture capital firm in the world focused exclusively on the sleep technology market. The San Francisco-based firm partners with visionary innovators across the sleep market spectrum encompassing chronobiology, neurotech, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medtech, consumer interventions, and enterprise solutions. Supermoon and its global network of prominent academics, strategic partners, and renowned sleep scientists support companies across a range of functions, including product development, go-to-market strategy, and growth financing. For more information, please visit www.supermooncapital.com. About Creadd Ventures: Creadd Ventures is a new venture capital fund with a focus on investing Biomedical, DeepTech and SAAS companies based in Switzerland and Europe. The funds investment strategy involves targeting emerging early-stage companies with strong management teams, a solid and proprietary scientific foundation, and a clear go to market strategy. Creadd leverages the extensive experience and network of both founding partners as entrepreneurs and fund managers. For more information, please visit www.creadd.ch. About Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurcher Kantonalbank is an independent public-law institution of the Canton of Zurich, incorporated under the laws of the Canton of Zurich. Its registered corporate domicile and principal place of business is in Zurich, Switzerland. It has received top ratings from the rating agencies Standard & Poors, Moodys and Fitch (AAA/Aaa). With more than 6,000 employees across the group, the banks core activities include financing businesses, asset and wealth management, trading, capital market transactions, deposits, payment transactions and card business. www.zkb.ch View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212403553/en/ Media Contact: Aesyra PR [email protected] Source: Aesyra Merchants who accept Google Pay online now have the option to offer Zips Pay-In-4* at checkout, further enhancing customers' ability to manage their expenses with flexible payments. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zip Co. (ASX: ZIP) today announced a collaboration with Google Pay that will enable merchants in the U.S. who accept Google Pay online to integrate the innovative Zip Pay-In-4* service, issued by WebBank. This integration, scheduled for a pilot launch in January 2024, comes as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) adoption is on the rise, offering consumers enhanced flexibility in their payment choices at checkout. Zip products stand out as modern and convenient payment solutions, proven to boost checkout conversion rates and increase average cart sizes for merchants. This new feature, coming soon to select merchant Android apps that offer Google Pay for checkout or when shopping on select merchant sites from an Android device, will be available to merchants at no additional integration. Recent research by Zip has highlighted the growing relevance of BNPL services in consumer spending. Approximately 41% of Americans report that BNPL options have enabled them to manage holiday expenses more effectively. Additionally, 47% of BNPL users find this payment method particularly appealing due to its purchase-splitting feature. Consumers are increasingly seeking flexibility at checkout, while merchants are looking for innovative ways to boost sales and enhance customer loyalty, said Zip Co-founder and U.S. CEO Larry Diamond. With Zip available in the Google Pay checkout experience, we are bridging a gap and providing a flexible credit product for the many consumers overlooked by traditional credit products. By offering Zip payment solutions through Google Pay, we're empowering consumers with more choices while providing merchants with a powerful tool to increase conversion rates and build lasting customer relationships. It's a win-win scenario where convenience meets commerce, fostering a more dynamic and responsive shopping experience. This collaboration meets the evolving needs of consumers and merchants alike. As flexible payment options continue to gain traction, BNPL has emerged as a crucial financial management tool for consumers, but also a proven way for merchants to increase order value, attract new customers, and foster customer loyalty. We are always looking for ways to give people a more helpful checkout experience when shopping on Google, said Drew Olson, Senior Director, Google Pay. By teaming up with BNPL providers like Zip, we are able to give Google Pay users another payment option when checking out, while providing merchants with another tool to drive their growth. During the pilot phase, when shoppers tap the Google Pay online checkout button on select merchant's Android apps, the customer will see a promotional banner within Google's home screen letting them know that the Zip BNPL option is available. If the user taps on this banner or selects to change their form of payment, theyll see a list of BNPL providers along with more details on their product offering. If the user chooses Zip, they can learn more about the terms and conditions and then go through a few steps to complete the purchase. Once approved, customers can conveniently spread out their payments for purchases over $35. Zip was established to disrupt the traditional credit card industry by offering consumers innovative, accessible, and flexible alternatives designed to foster financial freedom. As a trailblazer in the BNPL space, Zip has consistently been at the forefront of several industry-first market innovations, including the introduction of the Zip 'Pay Anywhere' functionality and the rollout of the inaugural BNPL physical card, designed for offline purchases in physical retail locations. Editors Note: Full findings and methodology from Zips 2023 Holiday Spending research conducted in October 2023 are available here. About Zip ASX-listed Zip Co Limited (ASX: ZIP) is a digital financial services company offering innovative, people-centered products that bring customers and merchants together. Operating in two core markets - Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and the Americas, Zip offers point-of-sale credit and digital payment services, connecting millions of customers with its global network of tens of thousands of merchants. Founded in Australia in 2013, Zip provides fair, flexible and transparent payment options, helping customers to take control of their financial future and helping merchants to grow their businesses. Zip is also a licensed and regulated credit provider and is committed to responsible lending. For more information, visit: www.zip.co. *For example, for a $335 purchase, youd make four $85.25 payments every two weeks starting today for a 31.11% annual percentage rate and a total of payments of $341. A $6 installment fee is charged at commencement - you pay $1.50 of this fee as a prepaid finance charge when you make your initial payment today. The remaining $4.50 is included in your future payments. Actual installment fees vary and can range from $0 to $7.50 depending on the purchase price and Zip product used. Actual amount of fee for your purchase will be reflected in checkout. Estimation of installment payment and annual percentage rate excludes potential tax and shipping costs. Zip Pay Anywhere and Zip Checkout financing through Zip issued by WebBank, except for Zip-originated loans in CO, NV, MA, and MD. All loans are subject to credit approval. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213099245/en/ Zip US, Angela Nibbs [email protected] Source: Zip Co Limited Shipt, the retail tech company connecting consumers to delightful delivery with a personal touch is partnering with Carters, Inc. (NYSE: CRI), the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The new partnership brings convenience and time-saving opportunities to Carters customers during the holidays with the speed of delivery through Shipt. Consumers will now be able to access all of Carters brands from the Shipt Marketplace, in addition to the Carters app, for same-day delivery of apparel and other family needs to markets across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and more, all powered by Shipts reliable shopper network. At Carters, we know what it means to be a parent, said Andrew Tashiro, Vice President, Store Operations. Sleepless nights, emergency outfit changes, growth spurts, sick days and theme days at school call for a quick fix, which is why we are thrilled to offer same-day delivery through a partnership with Shipt. Shipt and Carters are excited to work together to make moments big and small a bit easier and more convenient for families across the country. Both brands know the importance of showing up for expecting and new parents, supporting longtime caregivers, and offering thoughtful gift options for any family. As a mom and a fan of Carters clothing, I am personally so excited to be adding Carters to our growing list of retail partners, said Katie Stratton, Chief Growth Officer, Shipt. The holidays are always chaotic in the best way and having the option to purchase apparel from Carters and have them arrive at our customers doorsteps same-day is a game-changer. This is just another example of Shipt seeking out partners who truly meet the evolving needs of our customers and their families. This new partnership with Carters expands consumers shopping experience options, providing a convenient way to purchase gifts and apparel this upcoming holiday season and beyond at select Carters stores nationwide. For more information on Shipt and Carters, please visit shipt.com and carters.com. The Indonesian government released details of new regulations, signed December 8th, designed to attract investors looking to build electric vehicle (EV) plants in the country. The new regulations will grant automakers that plan to build electric vehicle plants tax incentives on their imports of completely built EVs until 2025. Under the plan, companies that have already invested in EV plants, intend to boost their EV investments, or have plans for future investments in this sector would qualify for the incentives. The updated regulations will eliminate import duties and luxury-goods sales tax on fully assembled vehicles imported into the country. Additionally, these rules offer tax incentives tied to taxes collected by provincial governments. Previously, these incentives were exclusively allocated to imports of knocked-down vehiclesvehicles delivered in parts and then assembled within the country of sale. Nevertheless, the quantity of vehicles companies can import will be contingent upon the scale of investment and the developmental progress of the plant. Import volumes must also receive approval from the investment ministry. "We try to be progressive, because once we have created an EV industry in Indonesia, the battery (industry) will also come, and we already have the (raw) material and can create the supply chain," said Rachmat Kaimuddin, a deputy at the Coordinating Ministry of Investment and Maritime Affairs. The updated regulations also extended deadlines relating to the production of EVs in Indonesia. The requirement for companies to manufacture a minimum of 40% of EV content within the country has been postponed from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, the plan has pushed back an increase of the local content threshold to 60%. Instead of the original goal of achieving this by 2024, it has been rescheduled to 2027. Indonesia's government has set an ambitious goal of manufacturing approximately 600,000 electric vehicles in the country by 2030. 100 times the number of EVs sold in Indonesia during the first half of 2023. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] A boy is seen among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 12, 2023. The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Tuesday that the Palestinian death toll in the Palestinian enclave has exceeded 18,400 since the eruption of the Hamas-Israel conflict on Oct. 7. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of displaced Palestinians gathered in southern Gaza are facing escalating threats of epidemics and infectious diseases as the Israeli army continued to pummel the enclave since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7. According to the Gaza-based Health Ministry, medical teams in refugee camps have handled 325,000 cases of infectious diseases, raising fears of an impending health catastrophe. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the health situation in the shelters in southern Gaza is appalling, with thousands of displaced people facing the danger of death due to the spread of epidemics, infectious diseases, malnutrition, lack of drinking water, and poor personal hygiene. Currently, 120,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and 86,000 diarrhea cases have been reported, according to the organization, adding that there are also cases of jaundice, measles, and meningitis. A man holds the body of a victim after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 12, 2023. The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Tuesday that the Palestinian death toll in the Palestinian enclave has exceeded 18,400 since the eruption of the Hamas-Israel conflict on Oct. 7. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) Marwan Al-Hams, head of the Health Emergency Committee in Gaza, warned that the increasing risks of epidemics are coinciding with a severe collapse of the health system in the Strip. "We are witnessing symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, high fevers, outbreaks of skin diseases, respiratory infections including flu, colds, and the spread of measles among children in displacement areas every day," Al-Hams said. According to the UN estimates, nearly 1.9 million people, or almost 85 percent of the total population, have been displaced in Gaza, some of whom have been displaced multiple times. Tens of thousands of those reaching Rafah in the far south of Gaza are now facing extremely overcrowded conditions inside and outside refugee shelters, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2023 shows temporary shelters near the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. According to the UN, it is estimated that about 1.9 million people in Gaza, or approximately 85 percent of the population, are internally displaced. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Due to the insufficient amount of toilets, open defecation is widespread, raising concerns about the spread of disease, especially on rainy days and amid the ensuing floods, the OCHA said. Suhayb Al-Hams, director of Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Rafah, said that the emergency rooms at the hospital have received over 1,000 cases due to the spread of diseases, including respiratory diseases, diarrhea, viral hepatitis, various skin diseases, high fevers, and meningitis. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said it houses nearly 1.3 million displaced people in 154 facilities across Gaza, including over 1.1 million in 97 shelters in central and southern areas -- nine times of its planned capacity. Palestinian children are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Dec. 13, 2023. According to the United Nations (UN), approximately 1.9 million people in Gaza, or 85 percent of its population, have been internally displaced, some of whom have been displaced for multiple times. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Concerns are growing for the vulnerable groups living in shelters, including persons with disabilities, pregnant, newly delivered or breastfeeding women, patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, and those with weak immune systems. Meanwhile, the Gaza Municipality Union warned of waste pile-up in residential neighborhoods amid severe challenges faced by municipal teams in waste collection due to Israeli airstrikes and fuel shortages. Municipal teams face restrictions accessing the main dumping sites at Gaza's border peripheries, which daily produce 2,000 tons of waste, posing a threat of health hazards and a significant environmental catastrophe. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today provided its full-year 2024 guidance(1)(6), which includes the expected financial impact from the Seagen transaction. Full-Year 2024 Revenue, Adjusted(5) SI&A, Adjusted(5) R&D and Adjusted(5) Diluted EPS Guidance Ranges(1)(6) Pfizer expects full-year 2024 revenues to be in the range of $58.5 to $61.5 billion, which includes approximately $8 billion in anticipated revenues for Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, approximately $3.1 billion in anticipated revenues from Seagen and approximately $1 billion related to the reclassification of Pfizers royalty income from Other (Income)/Deductions into the Revenue line. Including the contribution from Seagen and excluding revenues from Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, Pfizer expects to achieve full-year 2024 operational(3) revenue growth of 8% to 10%. Excluding revenues from Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid and the expected contribution from Seagen, Pfizer expects to achieve full-year 2024 operational(3) revenue growth of 3% to 5%. Both expected operational(3) growth rate ranges are compared with the mid-point of Pfizers full-year 2023 revenue guidance range provided on October 31, 2023, and account for the reclassification of royalty income. While the company will begin reporting royalty income in the revenue line in 2024, for growth rate purposes, the company has included royalty income in both 2023 and 2024. Consequently, there is no operational revenue growth attributable to the reclassification of royalty income. Including the impact of Seagen, Pfizer anticipates full-year 2024 Adjusted(5) SI&A expenses to be in the range of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion and full-year 2024 Adjusted(5) R&D expenses to be in the range of $11.0 to $12.0 billion. Consequently, total 2024 Adjusted(5) SI&A and R&D expenses are expected to be in the range of $24.8 to $26.8 billion. This range reflects an anticipated decline of approximately $4 billion by the end of 2024 and represents an incremental $500 million expense reduction versus the midpoint of Pfizers SI&A and R&D expense guidance provided on August 1, 2023, solely driven by Pfizers cost realignment program. 2024 Adjusted(5) diluted EPS is anticipated to be in a range of $2.05 to $2.25, which primarily reflects expected operational(3) growth of 8%-10% in revenues, excluding Comirnaty(2) and Paxlovid, and including the impact of Seagen, as well as anticipated operating margin improvement from the companys cost realignment activities, partially offset by an expected $0.40 dilutive impact related to the Seagen acquisition, which is predominantly driven by costs to finance the transaction. A reconciliation of Pfizers 2023 Financial Guidance to its 2024 Financial Guidance(1)(6), including certain significant factors impacting 2024 Financial Guidance, is presented below. 2023 Pfizer Guidance (as of October 31, 2023) 2024 Legacy Pfizer Guidance Anticipated Impact of Royalty Reclass included in 2024 Guidance Anticipated 2024 Seagen Impact included in 2024 Guidance 2024 Financial Guidance Revenues ($ in billions) $58.0 $61.0 $54.5 $57.5 $1.0 $3.1 $58.5 $61.5 Adjusted(5) SI&A Expenses ($ in billions) $13.3 $14.3 $13.8 $14.8 Adjusted(5) R&D Expenses ($ in billions) $11.9 $12.9 $11.0 $12.0 Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted(5) Income ~12% ~15% Adjusted(5) Diluted EPS $1.45 $1.65 $2.45 $2.65 - ($0.40) $2.05 $2.25 Financial guidance for Adjusted(5) diluted EPS is calculated using approximately 5.75 billion weighted average shares outstanding, and assumes no share repurchases in 2023 or 2024. Seagen Acquisition As announced on December 12, 2023, Pfizer and Seagen have received all required regulatory approvals for the closing of the acquisition. Pfizer expects to complete the acquisition of Seagen on December 14, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Executive Commentary Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: Pfizers product portfolio remains strong. In 2024, Comirnaty and Paxlovid are expected to deliver combined revenues of approximately $8 billion and our remaining portfolio of combined Pfizer and Seagen products is expected to achieve year-over-year operational revenue growth in the range of 8% to 10%. In addition, we expect our cost realignment program to deliver savings of at least $4.0 billion by the end of 2024, which puts us on a path to potentially regain our pre-pandemic operating margins. We look forward to joining forces with Seagen and using our combined strengths to bring us ever closer to delivering long promised cures for certain cancers. Pfizer intends to provide additional commentary in an analyst webcast scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EST, Wednesday, December 13, 2023, details can be found at www.pfizer.com/investors. # # # Pfizer does not provide guidance for GAAP Reported financial measures (other than revenues and in 2023 acquired in-process R&D [IPR&D] expenses) or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP Reported financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of unusual gains and losses, certain acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from equity securities, actuarial gains and losses from pension and postretirement plan remeasurements, potential future asset impairments and pending litigation without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP Reported results for the guidance period. As used in this document, Comirnaty refers to, as applicable, and as authorized or approved, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5), Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA, 2023-2024 Formula), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula), Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.1, Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and Comirnaty XBB.1.5. Comirnaty includes direct sales and alliance revenues related to sales of the above-mentioned vaccines, which are recorded within Pfizers Primary Care customer group. It does not include revenues for certain Comirnaty-related manufacturing activities performed on behalf of BioNTech, which are included in the Pfizer CentreOne contract development and manufacturing organization. References to operational variances in this press release pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates. Although exchange rate changes are part of Pfizers business, they are not within Pfizers control, and because they can mask positive or negative trends in the business, Pfizer believes presenting operational variances excluding these foreign exchange changes provides useful information to evaluate Pfizers results. Revenues is defined as revenues in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Reported net income and its components are defined as net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and its components in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) is defined as diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted income and Adjusted diluted EPS are defined as U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and Reported diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders before the impact of amortization of intangible assets, certain acquisition-related items, discontinued operations, and certain significant items. Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for U.S. GAAP net income and its components and diluted EPS(4), have no standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Pfizers 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a definition of each component of Adjusted income as well as other relevant information. Financial guidance for full-year 2024 reflects the following: Exchange rates assumed are actual rates at mid-November 2023 Guidance for Adjusted(5) diluted EPS assumes diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of approximately 5.75 billion shares, and assumes no share repurchases in 2024. DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this press release is as of December 13, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release or the webcast as the result of new information or future events or developments. Pfizers financial guidance is based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant uncertainties. This press release and the webcast contain or may contain forward-looking information about, among other topics, Pfizers and Seagens anticipated operating and financial performance and expectations for Pfizers and Seagens product pipeline, in-line products and product candidates (including revenue contribution and related projections and guidance), financial and other impact of Pfizers proposed acquisition of Seagen, Pfizers efforts to combat COVID-19, Paxlovid, Pfizers and BioNTechs COVID-19 vaccines, defined collectively herein as Comirnaty (including their potential benefits), changes to Pfizers commercial organization, reorganizations, business plans, strategy and prospects, and an enterprise-wide cost realignment program (including anticipated costs, savings and potential benefits) that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates, including Paxlovid and Comirnaty; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with pre-clinical and clinical data (including Phase 1/2/3 or Phase 4 data for any of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates) in any of our studies in pediatrics, adolescents, or adults or real world evidence, including the possibility of unfavorable new pre-clinical, clinical or safety data and further analyses of existing pre-clinical, clinical or safety data or further information regarding the quality of pre-clinical, clinical or safety data; risks associated with interim data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; the ability to produce comparable clinical or other results for any of Pfizers and Seagens products or product candidates, including the rate of effectiveness and/or efficacy, safety and tolerability profile observed to date, in additional analyses of the Phase 3 trial for any such products and additional studies, in real world data studies or in larger, more diverse populations following commercialization; the ability of Comirnaty, any vaccine candidate or any future vaccine to prevent, or Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment to be effective against, COVID-19 caused by emerging virus variants; the risk that use of Comirnaty or Paxlovid will lead to new information about efficacy, safety or other developments, including the risk of additional adverse reactions, some of which may be serious; the risk that pre-clinical and clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when additional data from the BNT162 mRNA vaccine program, Paxlovid or other COVID-19 programs will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications and interpretations; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from existing or future pre-clinical and clinical studies; whether and when any drug applications or submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorization for any potential indications for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates may be filed in particular jurisdictions and if obtained, whether or when such emergency use authorization or licenses will expire or terminate; whether and when submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations for any vaccine or any vaccine candidate or any potential future vaccines (including potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations), and/or biologics license and/or emergency use authorization applications or amendments to any such applications may be filed in particular jurisdictions for any vaccine, any vaccine candidate or any potential future vaccines, and if obtained, whether or when such emergency use authorizations or licenses, or existing emergency use authorizations, will expire or terminate; whether and when any applications that may be pending or filed for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates (including any requested amendments to the emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations) may be approved by particular regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates for any such indications will be commercially successful; intellectual property and other litigation; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates, including the authorization or approval of products or therapies developed by other companies; disruptions in the relationships between us and our collaboration partners, clinical trial sites or third-party suppliers, including Pfizers relationship with BioNTech; the risk that demand for any of Pfizers or Seagens products may be reduced, no longer exist or not meet expectations, which may lead to reduced revenues, excess inventory on-hand and/or in the channel which, for Paxlovid and Comirnaty, has resulted in a significant inventory write-off in the third quarter of 2023 and could continue to result in inventory write-offs or other unanticipated charges; challenges related to and uncertainties regarding the transition to the commercial market for any of our products, and in particular, Paxlovid; uncertainties related to the publics adherence to vaccines and boosters; risks related to our ability to achieve our revenue forecasts for any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; the risk that other companies may produce superior or competitive products; risks related to the availability of raw materials to manufacture or test any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; challenges related to Pfizers vaccines formulation, dosing schedule and attendant storage, distribution and administration requirements, including risks related to storage and handling after delivery by Pfizer; the risk that we may not be able to successfully develop other vaccine formulations, booster treatment courses or potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations or new variant-based or next generation vaccines or potential combination respiratory vaccines or next generation COVID-19 treatments; the risk that we may not be able to recoup costs associated with our R&D and manufacturing efforts; risks associated with any changes in the way we approach or provide research funding for any of our programs; challenges and risks associated with the pace of our development programs; the risk that we may not be able to maintain manufacturing capacity or access to logistics or supply channels commensurate with global demand, which would negatively impact our ability to supply our COVID-19 or other products; whether and when additional supply or purchase agreements will be reached or existing agreements will be completed or renegotiated; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine or treatment advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; pricing and access challenges; challenges related to public confidence in, or awareness of any of Pfizers or Seagens products or product candidates; uncertainties around future changes to applicable healthcare policies and guidelines issued by the U.S. federal government in connection with the declared termination of the federal governments COVID-19 public health emergency as of May 11, 2023; trade restrictions; potential third party royalties or other claims; other business effects and uncertainties and the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions, risks related to Pfizers business and prospects, adverse developments in Pfizers markets, or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment or economies generally; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results; competitive developments; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed acquisition of Seagen in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed acquisition does not close; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Pfizers common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition or Seagens business; risks related to the financing of the transaction; uncertainties regarding the impact, success and associated costs of our enterprise-wide cost realignment program; and the impact of and risks and uncertainties related to restructurings and internal reorganizations, as well as any other corporate strategic initiatives and growth strategies, and cost-reduction and productivity initiatives, each of which requires upfront costs but may fail to yield anticipated benefits and may result in unexpected costs, organizational disruption or other unintended consequences. A further description of these and other risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. See also the Overview of Our Performance, Operating Environment, Strategy and Outlook Our 2022 Performance and The Global Economic Environment sections of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) in Pfizers 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K; and the Overview of Our Performance, Operating Environment, Strategy and Outlook Our Third Quarter 2023 and First Nine Months of 2023 Performance and The Global Economic Environment sections of MD&A in Pfizers Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 1, 2023 (available at www.pfizer.com). Category: Financial View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213173781/en/ Media: [email protected] +1 (212) 733-1226 Investor: [email protected] +1 (212) 733-4848 Source: Pfizer Inc. A bitcoin is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo By Suzanne McGee and Hannah Lang (Reuters) - Discussions between the U.S. securities regulator and asset managers hoping to list bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have advanced to key technical details, in a sign the agency may soon approve the products, industry executives said. Thirteen firms including Grayscale Investments, BlackRock, Invesco, and ARK Investments, have pending applications with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for ETFs that track the price of bitcoin. Proponents argue that a regulated product, like an ETF, tied to the spot price of the cryptocurrency, offers investors the best way to invest in bitcoin. But the agency has long rejected such products, arguing they fail to meet its bar for investor protections. But after a court in August ruled the SEC was wrong to reject Grayscale's application to convert its bitcoin trust into an ETF, the SEC has been engaging with issuers on substantive details, some of which are usually discussed near the end of an ETF application process, according to half a dozen industry executives and SEC public memos. They include custody arrangements; creation and redemption mechanisms; and investor risk disclosures, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. A spot bitcoin ETF would mark a watershed for the industry, allowing previously wary investors access to the world's largest cryptocurrency via the tightly regulated stock market. Demand is expected to be as much as $3 billion on the first few days. The SEC has long worried, however, that bitcoin is vulnerable to manipulation. Previously, discussions focused on that concern and were mostly educational, the people said. The SEC has until Jan. 10 to make a final decision on ARK's filing, which is first in line. The advanced nature of the discussions signals the SEC may approve ARK's application and likely some of the other 12 applications, in the New Year, the people said. The advanced talks help explain a recent rally in bitcoin, the price of which reached a 20-month high this month. ARK CEO Cathie Wood told Yahoo Finance last month that the nature of the SEC discussions had changed and the odds of several applications being approved had gone up. "My guess is that we'll have several ETFs approved at once, which will give investors the best opportunity to compare them," said Bryan Armour, ETF analyst at Morningstar. Memos made public by the SEC show that executives from BlackRock, Grayscale, Invesco and 21 Shares, which is working with ARK, have met with SEC staff since September, together with their lawyers and executives from the exchanges where they hope to list the ETF. Other managers also told Reuters they met with SEC staff in that time. The BlackRock meeting memo includes a detailed description of the asset manager's revised redemptions mechanism. BlackRock did not return requests for comment. Invesco declined to comment. "Grayscale continues to engage constructively with the SEC," a spokesperson said. While past meetings have mostly been with staff from the SEC's trading and markets and corporate finance divisions, some recent meetings have been with staff in Chair Gary Gensler's office, according to the memos and sources. The pace of SEC information requests has also accelerated from every few months to every week or so, the people said. As discussions have advanced, issuers have had to update their filings to reflect the new details, one person said. This week, for example, BlackRock amended its filing to provide more insight into measures it plans to take to protect investors. CRYPTO SKEPTIC To be sure, the SEC has not said publicly - or indicated to people interviewed by Reuters - whether it will approve the products. There also remain sticking points, chiefly whether issuers will create a cash or an "in-kind" settlement mechanism, the people said. An SEC spokesperson said the agency would not comment on individual filings. Gensler, a crypto skeptic who has accused the industry of flouting SEC rules, said in October the agency's commissioners will potentially consider the ETF filings, but he did not indicate when. The SEC began engaging meaningfully with issuers soon after a federal appeals court ruled that the agency failed to justify why it rejected Grayscale's ETF application. The SEC did not appeal and must now review Grayscale's filing. Some sources believe the wording of the Grayscale ruling limits the grounds on which the SEC could again reject the filings. And many issuers feel they have addressed the SEC's market manipulation concerns with a surveillance arrangement between the listing exchanges and Coinbase, the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange. If the SEC wants to buy more time, it could ask ARK to withdraw its application and refile, but market participants said that could be legally risky in light of the Grayscale decision. "I don't think much will stop it from moving forward," said Roxanna Islam, head of sector and industry research at data firm VettaFi. (Reporting by Suzanne McGee in Providence, Rhode Island, and Hannah Lang in Washington; Editing by Michelle Price and Matthew Lewis) FILE PHOTO: A Citi sign is seen at the Citigroup stall on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, October 16, 2012. CREUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo By Tatiana Bautzer (Reuters) -Citigroup will pay laid off employees partial bonuses based on the period they worked this year, a person familiar with the situation said on Wednesday, as the bank undergoes a sweeping reorganization expected to be completed by March. The partial bonuses will be paid when laid-off workers leave the bank, said the source who declined to be identified discussing personnel matters. The bank is not offering bonuses for voluntary redundancy, the source said. Citigroup declined to comment on the matter. Bloomberg News reported earlier on Wednesday that the bank would pay a portion of the bonuses to employees who volunteer to leave. (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer in New York and Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Lananh Nguyen and Richard Chang) LONDON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Handlerbund, Europe's largest online trade association, has joined forces with Rezolve AI, the innovative mobile engagement and commerce platform. This strategic alliance aims to supercharge the ecommerce experience for over 200,000 merchants in the DACH region. Handlerbund, renowned for its comprehensive services and support for online retailers, will harness Rezolve's cutting-edge AI technology to turbocharge its marketplace for product discovery and recommendations. The initial focus will be on integrating Rezolve's Brain assistant and Brain commerce solutions into Handlerbund's marketplace. Rezolve's Brain assistant will provide valuable information and personalised product recommendations to users, enhancing their overall shopping experience. Meanwhile, the Brain commerce platform will offer a seamless and personalised shopping experience, driving sales and increasing customer satisfaction for Handlerbund's extensive network of merchants. As the primary contractor for Rezolve, Handlerbund will actively market these innovative solutions through various channels, including social media, newsletters, and direct sales to larger merchants. Tim Arlt, CEO at Handlerbund, said, "This partnership with Rezolve is a game-changer. It's about harnessing the power of technology to redefine the ecommerce experience. By integrating Rezolve's AI technology into our marketplace and website, we are set to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for our users, while also helping our merchants drive sales and increase customer satisfaction." Dan Wagner, CEO of Rezolve AI, added, "We are thrilled to partner with Handlerbund, a leader in the ecommerce industry. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of leveraging technology to transform the ecommerce landscape. We are excited to bring our innovative Brain assistant and Brain commerce solutions to Handlerbund's extensive network of merchants. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on their businesses. Peter Vesco, President Global Financial Services at Rezolve AI in Germany, further commented: This partnership represents a significant leap forward in the ecommerce industry, combining our expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of merchants and consumers alike. For more information about Handlerbund and Rezolve AI, please visit www.haendlerbund.de and www.rezolve.com. About Rezolve AI Rezolve AI is a leading international commerce specialist that creates technologies to redefine and transform the retail experience. Combining innovative payment enablement technologies with sophisticated artificial intelligence, Rezolve revolutionises the consumer shopping experience. About Handlerbund: Handlerbund is the largest online trade association in Europe, representing over 100,000 websites and e-shops. With a focus on providing comprehensive support and services to its members, Handlerbund aims to empower merchants and drive the growth of the ecommerce industry. Media Contact: Franziska Rieger [email protected] Urmee Khan [email protected] 44-7576-094-040 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF) (the Company or Algernon) a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company announces a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $150,000 (the Offering) of units (the Units) at an issue price of $0.075 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one Class A common share in the capital of the Company (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (a Warrant Share) at an exercise price of $0.20 per Warrant Share for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance (the Expiry Date), subject to acceleration of the Expiry Date as described below. The Offering is expected to close on December 20, 2023. The Warrants are subject to accelerated expiry in the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.40 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 10 business days of the occurrence of such event, deliver a notice to the holders of the Warrants accelerating the Expiry Date of the Warrants to a date that is not less than 30 days following the date of such notice and the issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration notice (the Accelerated Exercise Period). Any unexercised Warrants shall automatically expire at the end of the Accelerated Exercise Period. The Company may pay cash finders fees and finders warrants to eligible finders, up to eight percent of the proceeds raised and units issued for investors introduced to the Company by the eligible finder. The Company will use the proceeds of the private placement for working capital purposes. The securities issued and issuable, described in this news release, will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration. About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a Canadian clinical stage drug development company investigating multiple drugs for unmet global medical needs. Algernon Pharmaceuticals has active research programs for chronic cough, and chronic kidney disease, and is the parent company of a private subsidiary called Algernon NeuroScience, that is advancing a psychedelic program investigating a proprietary form of DMT for stroke and traumatic brain injury. CONTACT INFORMATION Christopher J. Moreau CEO Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 604.398.4175 ext 701 [email protected] [email protected] www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the completion of the Offering, use of proceeds from the Offering, engagement of Maxim, the completion of future transactions and the spin-off of the Ifenprodil research program and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipate, expects and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. Source: Algernon Pharmaceuticals Toronto, ON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foxglove Spirits Ltd. is pleased to announce, Valley of Mother of God Gin has been awarded two top honours this month at The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters spirits blind-tasting competition. The Maplewood Smoked Gin was awarded a Master Medal in the Ultra-Premium heat while their Canadian Dry Gin took home a coveted gold medal in the Super Premium category. The prestigious competition took place in London, England, often seen as the gin capital of the world. The panel was comprised of internationally renowned experts in the field and there was no shortage of heavy-hitters amongst the competition, with some gin makers coming from long-established pedigree as well as a handful of newcomers with heavy Hollywood clout. Valley of Mother of God Gin co-founders Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry knew they were facing an uphill battle of David and Goliath proportions, but their winning recipes, hard work and determination to stay true to their brand paid off. One of the judges clearly agreed, as they commented on the Maplewood Smoked Gin: This gin impressed with very delicate smoke, elegantly done,' leading to 'sweetness, pine and citrus,' which shone through on the palate. The brand was created by partners in life and business, Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry at their farm north of Toronto, and launched at the LCBO in April 2020. From the very beginning, their gins have been received with acclaim - winning gold medals at international competitions upon initial release. "From the very beginning of this journey in 2017, our goal was to develop a world class gin that would highlight the aromas and flavours of the Canadian landscape," explains Shelly Perry, Co-founder. "It seemed to us that the wonderfully transportive, subtle hint of wood smoke from a campfire would resonate not only with Canadians, but with nature lovers around the world. Our ethos is that nature really is the source of true luxury." Although launching at the onset of the global pandemic proved challenging, after only three years, Valley of Mother of God continues its momentum and currently ranks as the #1 domestic luxury gin brand in LCBO. It has also garnered attention from some big players: iconic global spirits brand Campari recognized the exceptional quality of the gin and in 2021 chose it to help promote the classic Negroni cocktail in LCBO as well as in upscale bars and restaurants. "The partnership with Campari is now entering its third year and we plan to add further collaborations in 2024 with brands that share our philosophy, says Malcolm Roberts, Co-founder. Distribution and sales to British Columbia and Alberta began last summer, and a capital raise is currently underway to fund further growth across Canada and into key markets in the United States. The company has ambitious plans underway for expansion across international markets. "After five years of development, we are delighted that all of our hard work is paying off," says Roberts. "With our Maplewood Smoked Gin being recognized as one of the best ultra premium gins in the world, we are well positioned for growth. Although we were founded in rural Ontario, from the beginning we envisioned Valley of Mother of God as a global luxury spirits brand. ### About Foxglove Spirits Foxglove Spirits is a 5-year-old Canadian producer of luxury alcohol products developed through innovative strategies, head snap creativity, global expertise and the worlds finest ingredients. For high resolution images and all media inquiries:Jenny Shin, President and CEO Milestones Public RelationsE. [email protected] T. 1-647-286-8584 AssetsWebsite: https://www.valleyofmotherofgod.ca/Instagram: @valleyofmotherofgodgin Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/valleyofmotherofgod/ Attachment Jenny Shin Foxglove Spirits Ltd. 647-286-8584 [email protected] Source: Foxglove Spirits Ltd. Las Vegas, NV, USA, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudminer, a leader in the cloud mining sector, proudly announces its cutting-edge solutions for digital asset management. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in conjunction with advanced cloud mining technology, Cloudminer offers an efficient and intelligent pathway to future wealth in the cryptocurrency domain. The platform's investment plans are diverse, meeting a broad spectrum of investor needs and preferences. From the 'Cloud-Free Miner' to the 'Cloud-BTC Miner II', Cloudminer's offerings are tailored to maximize investor returns while catering to various investment durations and styles. Cloudminer's approach to cloud mining is characterized by two distinct advantages. First, its high-efficiency mining operations allow users to partake in cryptocurrency mining without needing personal hardware or technical know-how, optimizing profits through AI algorithms. Second, Cloudminer emphasizes a secure, user-friendly experience. With robust security measures and continuous system enhancements, it provides a reliable and accessible platform for both experienced and new cryptocurrency investors. Globally recognized, Cloudminer supports a wide array of cryptocurrencies, ensuring reliability and legal compliance in its operations. These advantages, coupled with the promise of generous profits, solidify Cloudminer's position as a top choice in the cloud mining industry. Cloudminer extends an invitation to both investors and media representatives to discover its innovative digital asset management solutions, promising a transformative journey in the world of cryptocurrency. Diverse and Innovative Service OfferingsThis innovative cloud mining solution, now includes a comprehensive range of investment plans. These cloud mining plans cater to various investment levels, from the 'Cloud-Free Miner' designed for small, short-term investments to more extensive plans like 'Cloud-BTC Miner II' for longer-term, larger investments. Each plan offers specific daily profit rates and total net profits, demonstrating Cloudminer's commitment to providing tailored investment opportunities for every type of investor in the cryptocurrency market: Cloud-Free Miner: An investment plan for $10 for 1 day with 2.50% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $0.25). Newbie experience: A program for 2 days with $100 capital providing 2.00% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $4.00). Cloud-BTC Miner: A plan for 3 days with $300 capital providing 1.60% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $14.40). Cloud-DOGE Miner: A plan for 7 days with $800 capital providing 1.65% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $92.40). Cloud-ETC Miner: A plan for 12 days with $1,600 capital providing 1.80% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $345.60). Cloud-LTC Miner: A plan for 15 days with $3500 capital providing 1.90% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $997.50). Cloud-XMR Miner: A plan for 18 days with 6,500 capital providing 1.95% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $2,281.50). Cloud-BTC Miner I: A plan for 20 days with $15,000 capital providing 2.10% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $6,300). Cloud-BTC Miner II: A plan for 30 days with $30,000 capital, providing 2.40% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $21,600). Cloud-ETH Miner: A plan for 20 days with $8,000 capital providing 2.05% of the daily rate of profit (Total Net Profit: $3,280). About CloudMiner CloudMiner is a platform offering cloud mining services for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Users can start earning by registering and purchasing mining contracts. The website claims a straightforward process with no hidden fees and secure, private operations. It promotes cloud mining as a way to earn passive income without owning or maintaining equipment. CloudMiner also features an affiliate program, providing commissions for referrals. The service is presented as user-friendly, secure, and profitable, aiming to offer high returns on investments with minimal risk. Media Contact Information:Alan Marlowe Email: [email protected]Company: Cryptonian Mining LLCWebsite: https://cloudminer.net 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. Alan Marlowe Cryptonian Mining LLC alanmarlowe at cloudminer.net Source: Cloudminer The fully online, graduate-level certificate equips students with the skills to excel in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare innovation. Aurora, Colo., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) today announced the launch of its new Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Technology. This 12-credit accelerated program provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between healthcare and technology, providing learners with the expertise to leverage digital health solutions for enhanced patient care and operational efficiency. With the increasing integration and importance of technology in healthcare, the new Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Technology signals CSU Globals commitment to providing industry-relevant education. The certificate prepares students with the necessary technical tools to inform their decisions and improve the quality of care in their professional roles. The program is designed to open doors to employment or advancement in the dynamic realm of digital technologies. Whether in optimizing healthcare data systems, offering specialized advice on digital health strategies, or leading strategic planning, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed in todays healthcare industry. "We're thrilled to offer this new program to help professionals and students facilitate positive change in the healthcare field," said Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, President of CSU Global. "The personal and professional success of our learners is always at the forefront of our decision-making at CSU Global as we continue to accomplish the universitys mission. This new program meets industry needs and is designed to position students as sought-after team members in their field, helping them achieve diverse career paths and advancement opportunities." With CSU Globals 8-week terms and monthly start dates, the four-course program can be completed in less than a year and provides professionals and students with the ability to craft and execute strategic plans and work that make impactful contributions to transformative healthcare delivery. The certificate supports the latest health information technology standards, providing stackable credentials recognized nationally. The comprehensive curriculum includes courses in technology and health informatics, health information systems, population health analytics, and emerging technologies. We are proud to provide a program that all professionals in the healthcare field could benefit from, from physicians and nurses to administrators and technicians who want to shape the future of healthcare, said Dr. Audra Spicer, Provost of CSU Global. With this offering, we are helping to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology and aiming to address disparities in healthcare for underserved populations. Among the benefits of this program include that the credits earned can be applied towards a CSU Global master's degree, providing students with a seamless pathway to further their education and career prospects. The program also offers a flexible online learning environment with attentive faculty, live support for tutoring, library resources, and technical assistance. For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Technology at CSU Global and to apply, please visit info.csuglobal.edu/graduate-certificate-digital-health-technology. ### About Colorado State University Global Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers career-relevant bachelors and masters degree programs for working adults and nontraditional learners. As the first and only 100% online, institutionally accredited public university in the United States, CSU Global is focused on student success as its number one priority. Embracing the land grant heritage as part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through its expert faculty who are recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment. CSU Global offers accelerated eight-week courses that start every four weeks. Visit CSUGlobal.edu to learn more. CHICAGO and VERNON HILLS, Ill., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DBW Holdings, L.L.C., (DBW Holdings) parent company of Diamond Blade Warehouse, today announced the acquisition of Peak Toolworks (Peak), the premier manufacturer and servicer of diamond and carbide precision cutting tools. DBW Holdings acquisition of Peak Toolworks was completed in partnership with private investment firm Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C., and Canterbury Ventures, L.L.C., the investment arm of James M. Farrell and W. James Farrell, with additional financing provided by Hidden River Strategic Capital and Muzinich BDC, Inc. Peak joins Diamond Blade Warehouse, L.L.C. (DBW) under the DBW Holdings umbrella. Both companies will remain dual operating businesses. The acquisition expands DBW Holdings ability to provide industry-leading products to customers in attractive end-markets, including infrastructure, construction trades, building products, automotive, and manufacturing. In conjunction with the acquisition, W. James Farrell will continue as the Chairman of DBW Holdings, and James M. Farrell will lead the consolidated day-to-day operations as CEO. W. James Farrell was the longtime Chairman and CEO of Illinois Tool Works, leading the business through numerous acquisitions and billions of dollars of shareholder value creation. The signature operating approach of ITW is the 80/20 process, and this is a core tenet of the Farrells leadership of DBW Holdings. The addition of Peak and its complementary assets establishes a combined entity comprising world-class employees, exceptional customers, and a diverse portfolio of products and end markets, said James M. Farrell, CEO of DBW Holdings. With a strong foundation already in place, we look forward to applying our 80/20 operating principles to drive efficiencies and growth for the combined company. We are grateful for the partnership we have fostered with the Farrells since our joint acquisition of DBW in 2021, said Ken Kruger, Director at Granite Creek. We have been impressed by their methodical implementation of operational improvements and growth initiatives at DBW, and are confident in their ability to drive further value creation at Peak. About Peak ToolworksHeadquartered in Jasper, Indiana, Peak Toolworks is a complete tool solutions provider, offering sharpening services, consumable tool manufacturing, and resale products for the secondary woodworking, composite, and metals industries across the U.S. and Canada. Peak is a servicer and manufacturer of saw blades and other tools used on wood, metals, and composites across building materials and general industrial end-markets. About Diamond Blade Warehouse, L.L.C.Founded in 1987, Diamond Blade Warehouse is a leading direct seller of a full range of diamond cutting tool products for a variety of applications. It has the largest product line in the diamond tool industry and more than 30,000 active customers in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Its customers rely on DBW for diamond blades, core bits, and cup wheels for cutting concrete, asphalt, granite, tile, marble, porcelain, brick and more. The Companys products are used to cut and finish a variety of materials and end markets including concrete and masonry, concrete pavers and hard brick, tuck-pointing, tile, granite, and marble. About Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C.Founded in 2005, Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on providing capital and operational resources to lower middle market companies engaged in manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and agribusiness. With an experienced team of investment professionals bringing expertise in private equity, banking, operations, and business development, Granite Creek has a successful track record of investing in and supporting its portfolio companies. In 2023, Granite Creek was named to Inc.s Founder-Friendly Investors list for the fourth year in a row, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs. For more information on Granite Creek, visit www.granitecreek.com or call 312-895-4500. For more media information, contact:Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications for Granite Creek516-643-1642[email protected] Source: Granite Creek Capital Partners A proven customer-centric business model, solid execution, standardized operations, and rigorous monitoring of KPIs 1 , now rolled out across Europe , now rolled out across Europe Ability to attract talent, train technicians, and expand subcontracting Clear operating strategy to improve EBITDA margins towards double-digit France and Benelux: cost optimization and business diversification Germany, Poland, United Kingdom: Scaling up the business, along with strict cost control Italy and Spain: focus on most profitable contracts while ensuring cost structure flexibility Utting-edge IT and operational tools dedicated to process, services, and business innovation Solid financial structure and limited cash requirement to finance growth Solutions30 is organizing a webinar today at 10:00 am CET to provide a better understanding of its business model. This webinar will be in English and is hosted by CEO Gianbeppi Fortis, with the participation of: Wojciech Pomykala, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Amaury Boilot, Group Secretary General Luc Brusselaers, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Jonathan Crauwels, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) To follow the webinar, click here. Key Factors Driving Profitability Solutions30 has a tried and tested business model that has proven itself in France and is now being rolled out across Europe. This model relies on several factors to effectively manage profit margins: Rigorously selecting contracts combined with a streamlined, standardized approach for managing launch phases Hiring and training technicians and selecting subcontractors in Europe, to facilitate the ramp-up of contracts Developing IT tools and platforms to standardize operations and enhance business management Leveraging offshore resources to effectively manage back-office tasks Close monitoring of operational profitability, with extensive KPIs for each technician and business unit Standardizing project organization to manage internal and external resources Key Actions to Improve Margins in Each Country Solutions30 is present in 8 major geographical areas with 3 main businesses: Connectivity (fiber, mobile, and dismantling of copper networks) Energy (smart meters, charging stations for electric vehicles, renewable energy, especially solar power, and electrical grids) Technology (IT, networks, security, and connected objects) The group has proven its ability to incorporate new regions and is committed to increasing each countrys EBITDA margin to reach its double-digit target. To reach this goal, the group is focused on optimizing efficiency in terms of its variable and fixed costs. This involves implementing strategies tailored to the unique challenges and characteristics of each country it operates in: Tier 1 zones (France, Benelux): improving process industrialization, optimizing costs, diversifying activities Tier 2 zones (Germany, Poland, United Kingdom): reaching critical size, training technicians, automating processes, controlling central costs Tier 3 zones (Italy, Spain): refocusing on the most profitable contracts and maintaining a flexible cost structure. Tools and Solutions to Improve Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction Solutions30 has developed numerous tools and innovative technologies to improve its efficiency in three main areas: Process: visual AI and augmented reality tools to automate the verification of call-out compliance Services: real-time call-out monitoring tools to improve quality and customer satisfaction Business: expanded range of services, from installation to maintenance, customer support, consulting, and project management Financing Plan for Growth Solutions30 has a solid financial position, with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 1.7x at June 30, 2023, well below the 2.5x threshold of its banking covenants. The group has sufficient capital to support its organic growth, which demands minimal cash due to: An estimated additional WCR of 1.5% to 5% of revenue, financed by customer advances and the deconsolidating factoring program A limited level of investment, between 1% and 2% of revenue Solutions30 estimates that only around 35 million of cash would be needed to finance 500 million in additional revenue. The net debt/EBITDA ratio should peak at the end of 2023, while remaining well below the 2.5x ceiling, before beginning a steady decline from 2024 onwards. For the year 2023, Solutions30 reaffirms its goal of surpassing 1 billion in revenue, coupled with a sustained improvement in profit margins. This positive trajectory is expected to extend into 2024. Communication timetable for 2024 2023 Revenue Report: January 24, 2024 2023 Earnings Report: April 3, 2024 2023 Annual Report: April 19, 2024 Capital Markets Day: May 2024 2024 Q1 Revenue Report: May 13, 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting: June 2024 2024 Q2 Revenue Report: July 24, 2024 2024 HY Earnings Report: September 18, 2024 2024 Q3 Revenue Report: November 6, 2024 About Solutions30 SE The Solutions30 group is the European leader in solutions for new technologies. Its mission is to make the technological developments that are transforming our daily lives accessible to everyone, individuals and businesses alike. Yesterday, it was computers and the Internet. Today, its digital technology. Tomorrow, it will be technologies that make the world even more interconnected in real time. With more than 65 million call-outs carried out since it was founded and a network of more than 15,000 local technicians, Solutions30 currently covers all of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Iberian Peninsula, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Indexes: MSCI Europe ex-UK Small Cap | SBF 120 | CAC Mid 60 | NEXT 150 | CAC Technology | CAC PME. Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com Contact Shareholders: Investor Relations - Tel: +33 1 86 86 00 63 - [email protected] Analysts/Investors: Nathalie Boumendil - Tel: +33 6 85 82 41 95 - [email protected] Press - Image 7: Charlotte Le Barbier - Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 - [email protected] 1 Key Performance Indicators Attachment WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, where he reiterated the need for Congress to approve his administration's request for more money to help Ukraine defeat Russia. Seated in the Oval Office alongside his Ukrainian counterpart and speaking before the press, Biden called the moment right now "a real inflection point in history," adding that "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess." He said lawmakers on Capitol Hill failing to approve the over 60 billion dollars in assistance for Kiev would mean giving Russia "the greatest Christmas gift." Proposed as early as late October by Biden, the entirety of the supplemental budget request is still being blocked by Republicans in both the Senate and the House, with the GOP members conditioning the Ukraine aid on Democrats satisfying their demand for stepped-up measures on border security. Zelensky, on his third trip to Washington since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, thanked the United States for its support and pleaded for the American people's confidence that Ukraine "can win." The Ukrainian leader also alluded to an agreement reached between him and Biden during his last visit in Washington in September that the United States and Ukraine will collaborate on joint weapon production. "We'll discuss how to speed this up," Zelensky said. Before journalists were asked to be escorted out of the room so that Biden and Zelensky could start their formal bilateral talks, Biden informed them that he just signed another drawdown of weapons for Ukraine using his presidential authority. Per Biden's direction, the Department of Defense will provide an additional package of weapons and equipment worth 200 million U.S. dollars. Before meeting Biden, Zelensky was on Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for more aid to his country. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT no. 40 - 13 December 2023 Organic growth focus to unlock value from expanded network Green transition ambition of 6 green ferries on the water by 2030 Financial ambitions 2024-2026: Increase ROIC to above 10% Annual Adjusted Free Cash Flow of minimum DKK 1.5bn Financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA, of 2.5x by 2026 DFDS strategy and financial ambitions have been updated as the Win23 strategy period, 2018-2023, comes to an end. The updated strategy and financial ambitions will be presented at a Capital Markets Day held today starting at 11.00am. More information and online streaming access is available from this link. Following a period with significant expansion of our ferry and logistics network, we now turn to unlocking value through organic growth and focus on free cash flow. This is also supporting the ambition to reduce our financial leverage towards 2.5x over the next three years, says Torben Carlsen, CEO. Network significantly expanded by Win23 A key objective of the Win23 strategy was to expand geographical coverage of the network as well as the range of offered logistics solutions. The expansion was achieved through both acquisitions and asset investments, primarily in ferry newbuildings and warehouse facilities. In addition, organisational capabilities to provide logistics solutions have been strengthened and developed, including the creation of a customs organisation from the ground with more than 200 employees. The expanded network and capability upgrades have enhanced our customer relevance and ability to engage in more extensive customer partnerships with manufacturing companies, food producers, and retailers. Win23s key financial ambitions were achieved in 2022 as the revenue of DKK 27bn exceeded the ambition of DKK 25bn and the EBITDA of DKK 5.0bn was in line with the DKK 5.5bn ambition adjusted for a 10% macro risk uncertainty. Moving Together Towards 2030 Today, our network combines ferry, road, and rail transport with complementary and related logistics solutions. The ferry network carries both freight and passengers, operates own port terminals in our most important hubs, and provides rail transport from select ports. We leverage the ferry network by combining road and ferry transport to provide door-door transports (FTL/LTL) across Europe. The most important logistics products now offered are contract logistics, including dry and cold warehousing, customs services, freight forwarding, packaging, and control tower solutions. Towards 2030, focus will shift to unlocking the value of the expanded network by accelerating organic growth through increased exposure to high-growth markets, enhanced network capabilities, and increased relevance for freight customers requiring bundled transport and logistics solutions. Five routes will be pursued to unlock the value of the expanded network and reach financial targets: Protect & Grow Profits - Organic growth focus driven by expanded product range and bundling of products to meet customer demand. Benefit from broader geographical network and access to high-growth markets. Enhance competitive cost base and capacity utilisation focus. Standardise to Simplify - Standardise operating procedures across our network to reduce complexity, enable growth and faster response to market developments. Reduce cost to serve through higher operating efficiency. Digitise to Transform Further develop and grow self-service customer options. Provide more transparency and green data to enable flow optimisations. . Automate port terminal operations, deploy AI to enhance planning and prediction capabilities for sea and land transport. Future-proof tech platform to adopt new technologies faster and offer easier connectivity. Moving to Green - Achieve short-term climate plan targets through the Every Minute Counts ferry scheduling program and technical upgrades. Electrify port terminal and warehouse operations. Decarbonise trucking by switching to biofuel and battery driven trucks. Prepare green ferry newbuilding program and continue to develop partnerships to increase supply of green fuels. Be a Great Place to Work - Safety First program rollout. Adapt to new expectations among employees and provide engaging leadership. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among managers as well as office and non-office colleagues. Target ambitions towards 2026 and 2030 Target ambitions have been set for a three-year period for financials. ROIC: The ambition is to raise the return on invested capital (ROIC) to at least 10% by 2026 from the current level of around 8%. Capex: Operating capex is expected to amount to DKK 1.5-2.0bn annually through 2024-2026. In 2026, a newbuilding program for green ferries is expected to commence with capex investments of around DKK 0.5bn. In the following years, 2027-2030, green ferry capex is expected to amount to around DKK 1.75bn annually. The program covers six planned newbuildings. The green capex level starting from 2026 is contingent on availability of green fuels and timing is therefore subject to some uncertainty. Free Cash Flow: The ambition is to annually generate an Adjusted Free Cash Flow of minimum DKK 1.5bn. The Adjusted free cash flow ambition is introduced to balance the skewness the IFRS 16 accounting rules impose on ROIC for a company like DFDS with long-term commitments for port terminals and warehouses. Financial leverage: The ambition is to lower financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA, to 2.5x by the end of 2026. This will be supported by focus on organic growth and a reduction in the asset ownership share. The target range of 2-3x is unchanged. Capital distribution: Distribution policy is unchanged to return excess capital to shareholders through a mix of dividend and share buybacks. The starting point for determining the level of capital distribution to shareholders is the current and expected future financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA. Green transition: The 2030 target of a 45% reduction in ferry emission intensity for the existing fleet is unchanged. This includes the ambition to have six green ferries in operation by the end of 2030. The baseline for the emission reduction target is 2008. The target for reduction of land emission intensity is 75% which will primarily be achieved through electrification of trucks, port terminals, and warehouses. The baseline for the emission reduction target is 2022 due to insufficient data in previous years. The ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 is unchanged. Contact Torben Carlsen, CEO +45 33 42 32 01 Karina Deacon, CFO +45 33 42 33 42 Sren Brndholt Nielsen, IR +45 33 42 33 59 Christina Bruun Madsen, Media +45 51 71 42 88 About DFDS We operate a transport network in and around Europe with an annual revenue of DKK 27bn and 13,000 full-time employees. We move goods in trailers by ferry, road & rail, and we offer complementary and related transport and logistics solutions. We also move car and foot passengers on short sea and overnight ferry routes. DFDS was founded in 1866 and headquartered and listed in Copenhagen. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachment EVerZom: Therapeutic Ambition in Exosome Biotherapies EVerZom, winner of the EIC Accelerator for its breakthrough technology platform, presents its proprietary pipeline of exosome-based biotherapies. EVerZom aims to accelerate the clinical application of this novel therapeutic approach in a wide range of indications where medical need remains critical. Its most advanced drug candidate targets digestive tissue healing. Paris, December 13, 2023 - EverZom, a CNRS/University Paris Cite spin-off specializing in exosomes, today unveils its proprietary pipeline of exosome biotherapies developed thanks to its proprietary innovation platform. Exosomes are biological nanoparticles released by cells to communicate with each other through biomolecules like RNA. This revolutionary drug modality constitutes a new therapeutic era for acellular off the shelf therapeutics, opening up new opportunities in cell and gene therapy. Since its inception in 2019, EVerZom has focused on developing an exosome-based innovation platform protected by several patents. This platform addresses the entire technological value chain, from cell to patient: cell sourcing, exosome generation, engineering and formulation. It has been validated by national and European innovation ecosystems. EverZom has awarded the EIC1 Accelerator and a Horizon Europe RIA program2 in partnership with Omnispirant for a therapeutic project in lung cancer. Jeanne Volatron, PhD, CEO of EVerZom, states: "We have focused our resources on the mastering of our innovative platform, thus tackling the hurdle of clinical translation for innovative biotherapies. EVerZom is now ready to make the most of its platform with the development of its own drug candidates. Our ambition is to bring to the patient the amazing properties of exosomes in indications with high medical needs, where patients' quality of life is severely impaired. The development of exosome therapeutics is very promising and could benefit from accelerated clinical and regulatory development in orphan indications where clinical outcomes are easily measurable and objectifiable, such as complex gastrointestinal fistula." Exosomes are one of the main communication pathways between the body's cells, via lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, among others. The size of these biological nanoparticles is about 150 nm, and these particles are found everywhere in our body and fluids (blood, urine, saliva) by 10 times more in the body compared to cells. Acting as FedEx for cells, exosomes have amazing properties: they have a low immunogenicity (i.e. they don't trigger immune system reactions) and have a strong natural capacity for cell uptake enabling strong targeting. The high interest in these body nanoparticles is leading to an explosion in the number of publications, with more than 8500 in 2022, and an increase in the number of clinical trials in which they have already demonstrated their safety, and the first signals of efficacy. Last but not least, over the last 5 years, exosomes have been the focus of a sharp increase in partnerships between Big Pharma and innovative biotechs. Leveraging its innovation platform, EVerZoms ambition is to develop its pipeline of proprietary biotherapies in regenerative medicine, while building partnerships in several other indications. The EVerZom pipeline EVerZom's first drug candidate, EVergel, is designed to improve the healing of digestive tissues, with fistulas induced by Crohn's disease and the healing of surgical anastomoses following tumor resection of the digestive tract (esophageal, rectal and colon cancers) as key indications. EVerGel, which will be administrated locally, consists of stem cell-derived exosomes with natural regenerative properties, coupled with a biomaterial, a thermosensitive gel, which enables slow, highly localized diffusion of the exosomes. Initial efficacy results in several preclinical models are very promising. We expect to enter IND studies by the end of 2024 and first-in-man dosing in approximately 2 years. This program is being conducted in collaboration with Prof. Gabriel Rahmi, hepato-gastroenterologist at the Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou in Paris and a member of the Universite Paris Cite, and Amanda Silva Brun, winner of the CNRS 2021 Innovation Medal and researcher in the Matiere et systemes complexes laboratory at the Universite Paris Cite. The second exosome-based drug candidate, administered intravenously, aims to regenerate organs, starting with the liver, in the specific case of acute liver failure in the context of chronic insufficiency (NASH or cirrhosis). This program is being carried out in collaboration with Prof. Antoine Monsel, an intensive care physician specializing in acute liver failure at the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital. About EVerZom EVerZom, a CNRS/ Universite Paris Cite spin-off dedicated to exosomes, was created in 2019 with the aim of becoming a leader in exosome biotherapies. To this end, the company has developed a proprietary platform that covers the entire technological value chain: cell sourcing, exosome generation, engineering and formulation. Winner of numerous awards and programs, including the i-Lab program and the prestigious EIC Accelerator for its technological innovation platform, EVerZom is developing a pipeline of proprietary drug candidates in regenerative medicine, while leveraging on partnerships in many other indications. Media contact: Marie Puvieux, [email protected], +33 6 10 54 36 72 1 European Innovation Council2 Research and Innovation Actions Attachment Source: Everzom NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Fisker Inc. (Fisker or the Company) (NYSE: FSR) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Fisker securities between August 4, 2023 and November 20, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Investors have until January 26, 2024 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. On November 8, 2023, before the market opened, Fisker announced that the completion of the Companys financial statements would be delayed due to the appointment of a new chief accounting officer (CAO) and the departure of the Companys former CAO. The Company had previously announced former CAO, John Finnucan (Finnucan) provided notice of intent to resign on September 19, 2023, effective October 27, 2023. Fiskers new CAO, Florus Beuting (Beuting), was hired effective as of November 6, 2023. The Company advised it expects to file its Form 10-Q by November 14, 2023. On this news, the Companys share price fell $0.38, or 8.7%, to close at $3.99 per share on November 8, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on November 13, 2023, after the market closed, Fisker announced its third quarter 2023 financial results, reporting a loss of $91.0 million and $0.27 loss per share. The Company also reported $78.02 million in selling, general and administrative operating costs and expenses, as well as $9.42 million for research and development, totaling $87.44 million for total operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company also cut its production forecast for the year and disclosed that, though 4,725 Oceans were built in the third quarter, only 1,097 were delivered to customers. The Company also announced it would be unable to timely file the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The Company disclosed, in preparing its results, it had determined it has material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. On that same day, the Company held an earnings call wherein Defendants disclosed that the delay in reporting was due to having a highly complex quarter including very complex accounting along with convertible notes and accounting for derivative and things like raw material inventory accounting and finished goods inventory accounting[.] The Company also disclosed that delivery and the service infrastructure was limiting deliveries and, as a result, the Company was in the process of dramatically overhauling our service and delivery infrastructure. On this news, the Companys share price fell $0.77, or 18.7%, to close at $3.34 per share on November 14, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume. On November 20, 2023, after the market closed, the Company disclosed that Beuting (the CAO hired November 6, 2023) had provided notice of his intent to resign from the Company on November 14, 2023, effective immediately. On this news, the Companys share price fell $0.35, or 15%, to close at $2.00 per share on November 21, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume Finally, on November 22, 2023, the Company filed its Form 10-Q quarterly report for the period ended September 30, 2023, which disclosed that the Company had identified approximately $20 million of expenses which 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 that other inventory adjustments were recorded resulting in a $4.0 million increase in net loss subsequent to the preliminary earnings results. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Fisker had a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting; (2) that Fisker had incorrectly accounted for certain costs; (3) that as a result the Company was likely to delay filing its quarterly report; (4) that Fiskers infrastructure was limiting its ability to deliver its production; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Fisker shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Information: CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sault College has announced that five programs at its School of Natural Environment have achieved accreditation from ECO Canada, a leading organization dedicated to advancing environmental employment. This recognition highlights Sault College's commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering environmentally responsible leaders for the future. The five programs, namely, Natural Environment Technician - Conservation and Management, Forestry Technician Conservation, Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician, and Natural Resource/Environmental Law Inspection and Enforcement have been accredited by ECO Canada based on conformance with the National Accreditation Standard for Post-secondary Environmental Programs. The accreditation has been granted through the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), an independent body that oversees ECO Canadas post-secondary accreditation program. ECO Canada accredited environmental programs foster a culture of proactive, continuous improvement. The accreditation validates a post-secondary programs commitment to high-quality education, accountability and public trust. ECO Canada works closely with industry and academic partners to make sure these programs keep pace with ever-changing trends and the skills employers expect from graduates today. The accreditation process with Sault College spanned a duration of about 18 months. It involved a thorough examination of programming, supports, and services, containing various parts of the student experience. This analysis extended from program policies and practices to assessing the effectiveness of student support services and the quality of facilities. The Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission and the site reviewers were very impressed with the quality of the accredited Sault College programs and the dedication of the faculty and staff, said Saskia Schalicke, Associate Registrar, Post-secondary Programs Accreditation, ECO Canada. Sault College's School of Natural Environment offers a comprehensive range of programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental challenges. The accreditation from ECO Canada serves as a testament to the school's excellence in delivering environmentally-focused education, preparing students for meaningful careers that contribute to a sustainable future. Students who are enrolled in an accredited program gain free access to the EPt Student membership including the mentorship program, career development resources and events. After graduation, students get the $200 application fee waived for the EPt Designation and only need four (instead of five) years of work experience to achieve the EP Designation. This recognition positions Sault College's School of Natural Environment as a leader in environmental education and ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to address the pressing environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. For more information about the Accreditation program from ECO Canada, please visit https://eco.ca/educators/. For a complete list of ECO Canada Accredited programs, click here: Our List of Post-Secondary Accredited Programs | ECO Canada About ECO Canada:ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth within the industry while ensuring that environmental care and best practices are priorities. Over the past 30 years, we have forged academic partnerships, tools, and research to train and certify environmental job seekers and help fill the labour market. We work alongside government, policymakers, academia, students, employers, professionals, industry, and international audiences to ensure we support Canada as a global leader in innovative workforce solutions and job creation. We remain the go-to source in the environmental labour market; our research provides unmatched statistics and analysis on the industry's economic and labour trends that identify workforce gaps. For more information, contact:Aaron Wilson VP, Marketing & SalesECO Canada[email protected] Source: ECO Canada Nicosia, Cyprus, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a world where the dynamics of financial markets are rapidly evolving, Forex Robot Easy presents its latest innovation in financial trading. This comprehensive platform, accessible at forexroboteasy.com, expertly combines extensive Forex Robots Review, insightful Forex Brokers Review, and accurate Market Forecast. 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For active trading enthusiasts, Forex Robot Easy offers a broad spectrum of ready-to-use trading robots. These robots, integral to our Forex Robots Review section, are designed to automate and streamline the trading process, saving time and increasing efficiency. Forex Robot Easy is committed to providing traders with a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate platform that simplifies the trading process. We invite all interested individuals to visit forexroboteasy.com and explore how our Forex Robots Review, Forex Brokers Review, and Market Forecast can help you achieve success in the dynamic world of Forex trading. https://forexroboteasy.com/ Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among Democrat likely voters, 18% think Trump should be punished by jail for life, permanent exile, or death, if found guilty ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (December 13, 2023) A new poll by The Heartland Institute and Rasmussen Reports found that nearly half of likely voters (47%) believe former President Donald Trump to be guilty of crimes associated with an alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election. If Trump is found guilty, Democrats in particular favor harsh punishments for Trump, as well as any members of the media who also alleged that fraud tainted the election results. This poll is the second half of a Heartland / Rasmussen poll released on December 12, which found that one-in-five likely voters who submitted mail-in ballots in the 2020 presidential election committed at least one form of voter fraud. When prompted with, Former president Donald Trump has been formally charged with crimes associated with an alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Do you think Donald Trump is guilty, not guilty, or are you unsure if hes guilty or not guilty?, 47% of likely voters answered yes, including 72% of Democrats and 20% of Republicans. When asked what Trumps punishment should be if he is found guilty of these crimes, 34% of likely voters said he should receive a fine, 5% said he should go to prison for less than one year, 16% said he should go to prison for one to five years, 16% said he should go to prison for more than five years, 7% said he should go to prison for life, 3% said he should be permanently exiled, and 2% said death should be his punishment. Eighteen percent (18%) selected not sure. A combined 18% of Democrats believe Trump should be imprisoned for life, permanently exiled, or put to death, compared to a combined 3% of Republicans. When the same question was asked of those who already believe Trump to be guilty, 8% of likely voters said he should receive a fine, 5% said he should go to prison for less than a year, 29% said he should go to prison for one to five years, 32% said he should go to prison for more than five years, 13% said he should go to prison for life, 4% said he should be permanently exiled, and 4% said death should be his punishment. A combined 24% of Democrats who believe Trump to be guilty think the former president should be imprisoned for life, permanently exiled, or put to death, compared to a combined 14% of Republicans. When asked if Trump should be banned from running from public office again if found guilty, 54% of likely voters responded yes, 41% responded no, and 5% responded not sure. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Democrats said yes, compared to 29% of Republicans. Media Punishment Warranted, Too? In addition, when prompted with, If President Trump is found guilty of crimes associated with attempting to overturn the 2020 election, do you think members of the media who also alleged that fraud tainted the election results should be criminally punished as well?, 48% of likely voters responded yes, 33% responded no, and 19% responded not sure. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Democrats responded yes, compared to 43% of Republicans. When asked what the punishment should be for those in the media who alleged that the 2020 election outcome was fraudulent, 33% of likely voters said media members should receive a fine, 18% said they should be banned from public speaking, 4% said they should go to prison for less than one year, 7% said they should go to prison for more than one year, and 10% said they should receive both [a] speech ban and prison. Twenty-eight percent (28%) said they were not sure. A combined 48% of Democrats believe media members should be punished through a ban on public speaking, prison time, or a combination of both. Overall, these poll results indicate that Democrat likely voters are far more willing than their Republican counterparts to embrace authoritarian tactics such as imprisoning political opponents and punishing free speech that they do not agree with. The results are especially interesting when one considers the results of the first half of this poll, which provides strong evidence of rampant fraud in the 2020 election. The poll of 1,085 likely voters was conducted from November 30 to December 6, 2023. Among those surveyed in the poll, 33% were Republicans, 36% were Democrats, and 31% were other; 32% were 18-39 years old, 46% were 40-64 years old, and 22% were 65 or older. The following statements from policy experts at The Heartland Institute a free-market think tank may be used for attribution. If youd like to interview a Heartland Institute expert on this topic or other topics, please contact Justin Haskins, the director of Heartlands Socialism Research Center and primary author of the Heartland/Rasmussen survey, at [email protected], or contact Vice President and Director of Communications Jim Lakely at [email protected]. You can also call/text Jim at 312-731-9364. Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are integral to an open society. Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans do not believe that these fundamental freedoms should apply to controversial topics, such as questioning the integrity of the 2020 election. Incredibly, almost one in two self-identified Democrats believe that anyone in the media who raised concerns about the veracity of the previous presidential election should be punished through a ban on public speaking, prison time, or a combination of both. This is quite distressing and reflective of the increasing aversion to freedom of speech that is becoming all too common throughout the education system and society at large. If America is to remain the beacon of liberty, we must ensure that freedom of the press and freedom of speech remain robust and well outside the realm of partisan politics. Chris Talgo Editorial Director, Research Fellow The Heartland Institute [email protected] The absurdity of the modern political discourse is on full display in these poll results. We knew about the over-the-top vitriol aimed at President Donald Trump. And while this is alarming in itself, the views of the left eager to punish dissenters in the media are truly shocking. Do those that call for the state to punish speech they deem unacceptable still consider themselves liberal? Donald Kendal Deputy Director, Socialism Research Center The Heartland Institute [email protected] If we needed any more evidence of the political lefts troubling descent into authoritarianism, this poll provides it in spades. The number of Americans especially Democrats who already presume Trumps guilt is already highly concerning. And, if hes found guilty, more than three-quarters of Democrats believe he should be banned from public office, with approximately one-fifth opting to jail him for life, put him permanently in exile, or execute him. Even more concerning, however, is the desire of most Democrats to criminally punish any member of the media who shared Trumps views on the election results. As has become crystal clear in recent years, anyone who does not adopt the party line of Democrats is apparently deserving of censorship, cancellation, and worse. A staggering 48 percent of Democrats believe that if Trump is found guilty, any media members who dared to question the election results should be banned from public speaking, sent to prison, or a combination of both. For all their (baseless) talk of how Republicans are the party of fascism, it is clear that Democrats are simply projecting their own fascist tendencies. Jack McPherrin Research Editor, Research Fellow The Heartland Institute [email protected] Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are integral to an open society. Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans do not believe that these fundamental freedoms should apply to controversial topics, such as questioning the integrity of the 2020 election. Incredibly, almost one in two self-identified Democrats believe that anyone in the media who raised concerns about the veracity of the previous presidential election should be punished through a ban on public speaking, prison time, or a combination of both. This is quite distressing and reflective of the increasing aversion to freedom of speech that is becoming all too common throughout our education system and society at large. If America is to remain the beacon of liberty, we must ensure that freedom of the press and freedom of speech remain robust and well outside the realm of partisan politics. Jim Lakely Vice President and Director of Communications The Heartland Institute [email protected] The Heartland Institute is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1984 and headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. Survey of 1,085 National Likely Voters November 30 December 6, 2023 Conducted by Rasmussen Reports and the Heartland Institute 1. How would you rate the job Joe Biden has been doing as President do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove, or strongly disapprove of the job hes been doing? 27% strongly approve 17% somewhat approve 11% somewhat disapprove 44% strongly disapprove 1% not sure 2. Former president Donald Trump has been formally charged with crimes associated with an alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Do you think Donald Trump is guilty, not guilty, or are you unsure if hes guilty or not guilty? 47% he is guilty 41% he is not guilty 13% not sure 3. If President Trump is found guilty of crimes associated with attempting to overturn the 2020 election, what, in your opinion, should be his punishment? 34% he should pay a fine 5% he should get less than one year in prison 16% he should get between one and five years in prison 16% he should get more than 5 years in prison 7% he should get life in prison 3% he should get permanently exiled to a foreign nation 2% he should get the death penalty 18% not sure Answered by the 523 respondents who said Trump was guilty: 4. If President Trump is found guilty of crimes associated with attempting to overturn the 2020 election, what, in your opinion, should be his punishment? 8% he should pay a fine 5% he should get less than one year in prison 29% he should get between one and five years in prison 32% he should get more than 5 years in prison 13% he should get life in prison 4% he should get permanently exiled to a foreign nation 4% he should get the death penalty 6% not sure Answered by all respondents: 5. If President Trump is found guilty of crimes associated with attempting to overturn the 2020 election, do you think he should be banned from running from public office again? 54% yes 41% no 5% not sure 6. If President Trump is found guilty of crimes associated with attempting to overturn the 2020 election, do you think members of the media who also alleged that fraud tainted the election results should be criminally punished as well? 48% yes 33% no 19% not sure 7. Generally speaking, what should the punishment be for those in the media who alleged that the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election was fraudulent? 33% they should pay a fine 18% they should be permanently banned from speaking publicly 4% they should get less than one year in prison 7% they should get more than one year in prison 10% they should receive both a public speech ban and time in prison 28% not sure Answered by the 524 respondents who said the media was guilty: 8. Generally speaking, what should the punishment be for those in the media who alleged that the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election was fraudulent? 32% they should pay a fine 23% they should be permanently banned from speaking publicly 5% they should get less than one year in prison 11% they should get more than one year in prison 18% they should receive both a public speech ban and time in prison 12% not sure NOTE: Margin of Sampling Error, +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence ### Attachment The award recognizes a diverse supplier who delivers superior performance that aligns with ExxonMobils expectations and values Mount Laurel, NJ, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Holman, a global automotive services organization, is honored to announce the company recently received the 2023 Diverse Supplier award from ExxonMobil. Holman, the first and only global fleet management company to be certified as a women-owned business enterprise (WBE) by the Womens Business Enterprise Council (WBENC), is the inaugural recipient of the award which recognizes a diverse supplier who delivers superior performance that aligns with ExxonMobils expectations and values. We take a great deal of pride in helping clients such as ExxonMobil establish a diverse supplier base and working together to continue driving whats right, said Chris Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, Holman. Our entire organization is extremely proud of the long-standing partnership weve built with ExxonMobil, and it is truly an honor to be the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. This new award category from ExxonMobil focuses on diverse suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned and managed by one or more persons of ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, U.S. military veterans, and LGBTQ. The evaluation process encompasses quantifiable metrics and qualitative feedback from various internal stakeholders. Nominees are evaluated on a variety of criteria including on-time delivery, safety, responsiveness, service quality, and differentiated value. Diversity in our supply chain is a key competitive advantage, said Pamela Skaufel, Vice President of Global Procurement, ExxonMobil. Holman delivers real value in fleet management for ExxonMobil, and were delighted to honor this outstanding, women-owned business as the first recipients of this award. For more than two decades, Holman has provided a full range of holistic fleet management and upfitting services to ExxonMobil, helping the company maximize the potential of their fleet as a strategic business asset. It is an honor to present Holman with ExxonMobils inaugural Diverse Supplier award, said Kok-Yew See, E&PS Vice President, ExxonMobil. As a woman-owned business that has grown into a leader within the automotive services industry, Holman is delivering their commitment to provide innovative fleet management processes, which our company uses to identify strategic opportunities and extract value. Equally important, Holman shares the core values that are critical to our mutual success, leading with an innovative approach and advancing our competitive advantage. Holman was recognized alongside ExxonMobils Supplier of the Year and Supplier Innovation honorees during a ceremony at ExxonMobils headquarters in Spring, Texas, on November 15. Being certified as a woman-owned business is a reflection of the significant role women throughout our organization have played and continue to play in our sustained growth and success, said Mindy Holman, Chair of the Board, Holman. This award from ExxonMobil, whose core values and principles mirror our own, further validates our efforts and unwavering commitment to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that allows every individual to flourish. To learn more about Holmans innovative fleet management solutions and the companys WBE status, please visit Holman.com connect with the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. About Holman Holman is a global automotive leader that serves both commercial and consumer clients The Holman Way by always doing the right thing for our people, our customers, and the community since 1924. The Holman story began nearly a century ago as a single Ford dealership in New Jersey. Today, Holman, headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, is one of the largest family-owned automotive service organizations in North America with more than 6,500 employees across North America, the UK, and Germany. Holman delivers a unique range of automotive-centric services including industry-leading fleet management and leasing; vehicle fabrication and upfitting; component manufacturing and productivity solutions; powertrain distribution and logistics services; commercial and personal insurance and risk management; and retail automotive sales as one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States. Guided by its deeply rooted core values and principles, Holman is continuously Driving Whats Right. For additional information, please visit Holman.com and connect with Holman on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. About ExxonMobil ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet societys evolving needs. The corporations primary businesses - Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. In 2021, ExxonMobil announced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans for 2030 for operated assets, compared to 2016 levels. The plans are to achieve a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity; a 40-50% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations; a 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity; and a 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity. With advancements in technology and the support of clear and consistent government policies, ExxonMobil aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050. To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and ExxonMobils Advancing Climate Solutions. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. # # # Attachment Alexandria, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation announces the election of Jonathon Nevett and Karen Thiel to the Foundations board of directors. Their terms will begin on January 1, 2024. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud to welcome these accomplished individuals into their new roles. Jonathon Nevett is the president and CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR). A veteran of the domain name industry, Mr. Nevett co-founded Donuts Inc. in 2010 and has helped to raise in excess of $150 million to form a registry of over 240 internet domain extensions. Prior to this work, Mr. Nevett served as senior vice president at Network Solutions, where he was responsible for policy, government affairs, registry relations and the corporate ethics office. Mr. Nevett is also the co-founder of the Domain Name Association, an industry trade association, and participated in various leadership roles at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He has served on numerous boards, including as chair of the board of NameJet and Central Registry Solutions, two joint ventures in the domain name industry, and as vice chair of the board of the Green Acres School. During the Obama Administration, Mr. Nevett was appointed to the Online Safety and Technology Working Group to help protect children on the internet. Mr. Nevett is a cancer survivor and shared what he learned about early detection in a recent blog post for PIR. Karen Thiel previously served as senior counsel at the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, where she was responsible for providing legal advice to Kaisers senior leadership and Medicaid programs. While a partner in the Health Policy practice at Patton Boggs LLP and then as senior counsel in the Public Policy Department at Akin Gump, Ms. Thiel provided pro bono work for the Smashing Walnuts Foundation to secure multiple years of funding for the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, she provided support to the National Institutes of Healths Biospecimen-Related Research Program on ethical, legal and policy practices for biospecimen-related research, presented at conferencesincluding the National Cancer Institutes Biospecimen Best Practices Forumand co-authored an article on these issues that was published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. Ms. Thiel also worked in the California State Senate, where she worked with then-State Senator John Garamendi to secure funding for a Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program that supplied funding for important research in cancer prevention and detection by researchers in Californias public and private university system. Ms. Thiel is a breast cancer survivor. Were thrilled to have Jon and Karens expertise as they join our dynamic board and staff to help us achieve better outcomes for all, said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. In addition to their leadership qualifications from two diverse industries, their personal connections to our work enable them to bring a unique set of perspectives that will help us empower more people to stay ahead of cancer through prevention and early detection. ### About the Prevent Cancer Foundation The Prevent Cancer Foundation is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. Through research, education, outreach and advocacy, we have helped countless people avoid a cancer diagnosis or detect their cancer early enough to be successfully treated. We are driven by a vision of a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all. The Foundation is rising to meet the challenge of reducing cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. To achieve this, we are committed to investing $20 million for innovative technologies to detect cancer early and advance multi-cancer screening, $10 million to expand cancer screening and vaccination access to medically underserved communities, and $10 million to educate the public about screening and vaccination options. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org. Attachment Kyra Meister Prevent Cancer Foundation 703-836-1746 [email protected] Source: Prevent Cancer Foundation CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Power Corp. ("MAXIM" or the "Corporation") (TSX: MXG) announced today that Mr. Robert (Bob) Emmott will be transitioning to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), assuming the CEO role from Mr. M. Bruce Chernoff, effective January 1, 2024. Mr. Chernoff will continue to provide his experienced leadership and governance as MAXIMs Chair of the Board. On behalf of the MAXIM Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr. Chernoff for his steadfast guidance and dedication as the Corporations CEO, under which the company saw significant transformation which focused on delivering improved profitability and material greenhouse gas reductions, said W. Brett Wilson, Vice-Chair. As the incoming CEO, Mr. Emmott brings extensive and diverse experience from his many years in the power industry, including senior leadership delivering strategic global initiatives, most recently in Canada, the USA and Australia. Since joining the Corporation in 2018, Mr. Emmott has held senior roles, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), and since 2020 as President and COO. Bob has delivered great successes during his tenure at MAXIM, most notably the recently completed 300 MW Milner 2 energy transformation and repowering project, said Mr. Chernoff. I am confident in his ability to continue to lead the MAXIM team to drive shareholder growth in his new role as CEO. It has been a pleasure to work with Bruce. Ive admired and learned from his leadership, integrity and commitment to, and vision for, MAXIM. Weve worked closely together for over five years and, thanks to his active support of my leadership, I am confident that this will be a seamless transition, said Mr. Emmott. The team at MAXIM has demonstrated its ability to deliver, and I look forward to building on the successful foundation we have created. Mr. Emmott holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Post Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Engineering and a Master of Laws from Osgoode Law School. About MAXIM Based in Calgary, Alberta, MAXIM is one of Canadas largest truly independent power producers. MAXIM is now focused entirely on power projects in Alberta. Its core asset the 300 MW H.R. Milner Plant, M2, in Grande Cache, AB is a state-of-the-art combined cycle gas-fired power plant that commissioned in Q4, 2023. MAXIM continues to explore additional development options in Alberta including its currently permitted gas-fired generation projects and the permitting of its wind power generation project. MAXIM trades on the TSX under the symbol MXG. For more information about MAXIM, visit our website at www.maximpowercorp.com. For further information please contact: Bob Emmott, President and COO, (403) 263-3021 Kyle Mitton, CFO and Vice President, Corporate Development, (403) 263-3021 Forward-looking statements Statements in this release which describe MAXIM's intentions, expectations or predictions, or which relate to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of MAXIM to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. MAXIM may update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or changing market and business conditions and will update such forward-looking statements as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Source: Maxim Power Corp TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) is pleased to welcome Nicolas Darveau-Garneau as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Nicolas Darveau-Garneau (Nick) is an artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation expert with over 25 years of experience. As Googles Chief Evangelist, Nick worked with the C-suites of more than 800 of Googles top customers to help them accelerate their digital transformation. He also worked as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Coveo, a leading AI company that provides advanced AI enterprise search solutions and relevant recommendations for powering e-commerce and customer service. Nick has been a technology entrepreneur, investor, and analyst since 1995. He was a co-founder of MSN.com at Microsoft and of four other internet companies, three of which he sold. Nick was also a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. and a senior equity analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, a top-ranked Wall Street firm known for its research in equity investment. Nick is on the Board of Directors of the TMX Group (TMX: X), Industrial Alliance Group (TMX: IAG), Alida and the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Darveau-Garneau graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Harvard Business School. On behalf of our Board, I am very pleased to welcome Nicolas Darveau-Garneau as a new Director. I look forward to working with Nicolas; he brings valuable expertise as a seasoned digital entrepreneur and insights into how McEwen Mining could utilize todays technologies to improve the way we operate and to seize opportunities to grow, said Rob McEwen, Chairman & Chief Owner. CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the corporation to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement. The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of McEwen Mining Inc.ABOUT MCEWEN MINING McEwen Mining is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. In addition, it owns approximately 47.7% of McEwen Copper which owns the large, advanced stage Los Azules copper project in Argentina. The Companys goal is to improve the productivity and life of its assets with the objective of increasing its share price and providing a yield. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has personally provided the company with $220 million and takes an annual salary of $1. Source: McEwen Mining ATHENS, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- An explosive device went off at the entrance of an office building at Greece's Piraeus port on Wednesday, causing extensive material damage, but no injuries, according to local authorities. An investigation was underway for the perpetrators who planted the bomb in the early hours and fled the scene, police said. The building houses shipping companies, law and insurance firms, as well as retail shops, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. A similar attack occurred three years ago in the same building. MEXICO CITY, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merited, an alliance of K-12 schools in Mexico backed by Discovery Americas, is excited to announce the integration of Instituto Mexicano Americano de Veracruz (IMA) into its network. Located in Veracruz city, IMA becomes the fourth school to join Merited. With a history spanning 30 years, IMA brings over 900 students to the Merited platform, increasing the total student count to more than 3,980. This acquisition highlights Merited's ongoing efforts to expand its reach and presence in Mexicos education sector. Merited is committed to preserving IMAs many strengths, maintaining its unique identity, and sustaining its growth while ensuring a high-quality education for students in Veracruz. Founded in 2003 in Veracruz, IMA offers education from kindergarten to high school. As a bilingual school with French classes, it ensures a well-rounded education. Recognized as a UNESCO School, IMA prioritizes high-quality learning and complete student development, with a dedicated team focused on nurturing students' growth and academic excellence. Emilio Malpica, CEO of Merited, welcomed the transaction, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome IMA into our network. Together, we'll continue making a positive impact in Veracruz, enriching the community through social, cultural, and educational contributions." As part of Merited, IMA will benefit from collaboration with other schools in the group, facilitating the exchange of best practices to a broader student community. Tom Baldwin, Managing Director at Discovery Americas, remarked, "This acquisition aligns with Merited's strategy for growing the network and showcases Discovery Americas' success in partnering with best-in-class K-12 schools throughout the country to drive growth and create stakeholder value." Marina Mendez, Founder of IMA, sees promising opportunities for the IMA community, saying, "IMA's integration into Merited opens up great opportunities. Emphasizing education as the foundation for development will continue to bring significant benefits to the community." Merited remains dedicated to its mission of improving educational services in Mexico. Currently operating four schools, including Anne Sullivan, Baden Powell, Reina Isabel, and now Instituto Mexicano Americano, Merited plans to expand further, establishing a national presence with a compelling offering for schools, parents, students, and teachers. About Merited: Merited was founded in 2017 within Discovery Americas, a private equity fund focused on Mexican companies with high growth potential. Merited's mission is to professionalize educational services in Mexico. Currently, Merited operates four schools: Anne Sullivan, Baden Powell, Reina Isabel, and Instituto Mexicano Americano. About Discovery: Discovery Americas is a leading player in Mexico's private equity landscape. For over two decades, Discovery has focused on investing in the Mexican middle market, consistently outperforming across various market conditions. Leveraging its expertise and broad network, Discovery collaborates with promising teams to cultivate innovative businesses, contributing to Mexico's economic advancement. With more than 18 investments, including notable names like H+ in the healthcare space, Amco, Merited, and KidZania in the education sector, and Volaris and Traxion in the transportation and logistics industry, Discovery continues to drive growth and transformation across sectors. About IMA: Founded in 2003 in Veracruz, IMA offers education from kindergarten to high school. As a bilingual school with French classes, it ensures a well-rounded education. Recognized as a UNESCO School, IMA prioritizes high-quality learning and complete student development, with a dedicated team focused on nurturing students' growth and academic excellence. Press Contact Tania Rojas Senior Analyst [email protected] +52 1 744 123 2919 LISLE, Ill., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRED, one of the largest multiple listing services (MLSs) in the country, proudly announces that its Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer Chris Haran has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS). As a professional in the real estate industry that has worked in both brokerage and MLS, Haran brings a diverse experience and a commitment to serving MLSs to his role on the CMLS Board. "Being elected to join this group of professionals is a great personal honor for me," Haran said. "CMLS is constantly working to bring MLSs (and others in organized real estate) together to share the wisdom of the group and find ways to do better for the brokerages and subscribers that help buyers and sellers across the country." CMLS is an association of more than 225 MLSs serving more than 1.7 million subscribers, dedicated to enhancing MLS standards and performance. Haran joins two other real estate professionals elected to the board during CMLS' November election. We are very fortunate to welcome these leaders to the CMLS Board, said CMLS CEO Denee Evans. Our leadership is committed to guiding MLSs to evolve and innovate while providing efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer marketplaces. There has never been a more important time for MLSs to share our value, and I am encouraged by the contributions these new leaders have already made to our industry and will add to the strength and vision of the CMLS Board. "Together, we can work to ensure a fair, transparent, and innovative environment for everyone that is part of the real estate market," Haran said. About Midwest Real Estate Data Midwest Real Estate Data, LLC, (MRED) is one of the largest multiple listing services (MLSs) in the nation, servicing Chicagoland and spanning northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. MRED is dedicated to serving nearly 50,000 real estate professionals from more than 7,300 offices. MRED is a member of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), MLS Grid, and supports the Broker Public Portal. For more information, please visit MREDLLC.com. About CMLS CMLS is an association of 231 multiple listing services, serving over 1.8 million combined subscribers. CMLS is committed to a competitive real estate marketplace accessible to all, advances the pursuit of excellence among its member organizations, and serves as the unified voice of the MLS community. For more information, please visit CMLS at www.cmls.org. Attachment Jeremy Sharp Midwest Real Estate Data LLC 630-799-1402 [email protected] Source: Midwest Real Estate Data LLC ROSELAND, N.J., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Milestone Scientific Inc. (NYSE: MLSS), a leading developer of computerized drug delivery instruments that provide painless and precise injections, today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 4,765,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $0.63 per share (the Offering). Gross proceeds before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other Offering expenses were approximately $3.0 million. Maxim Group LLC acted as sole book-running manager for the Offering. The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 714,750 shares of common stock, on the same terms and conditions. The shares of common stock were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275088), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 30, 2023. The final terms of the Offering were disclosed in a final prospectus supplement on December 12, 2023 which has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Offering may also be obtained by contacting Maxim Group LLC, at 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at telephone at (212) 895-3745. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Milestone Scientific Inc. Milestone Scientific Inc. (MLSS), a biomedical technology company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical and dental use. Since inception, Milestone Scientific has engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies, and solutions for the medical and dental markets. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, revolutionary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology System, to meet the needs of various subcutaneous drug delivery injections and fluid aspiration enabling healthcare practitioners to achieve multiple unique benefits that cannot currently be accomplished with the 160-year-old manual syringe. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures. Contact:Crescendo Communications, LLCEmail: [email protected]Tel: 212-671-1020 Source: Milestone Scientific, Inc. LONDON, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Multigate, a licensed treasury management technology company that delivers secure and innovative digital solutions to address the complex financial needs of corporates and financial institutions, has recently achieved another significant milestone in its expansion efforts by obtaining regulatory approval to partner with a Kenyan bank to facilitate remittances within the country. This achievement results from Multigate's continued dedication to compliance and regulatory requirements and its commitment to providing secure and reliable remittance services in the region. This latest acquisition of approval from an advanced African regulator is a testament to Multigate's ongoing efforts to expand its presence and operations within the African continent after successfully securing similar licenses in Uganda, Nigeria, and Canada. This further solidifies the company's position as a critical player in the African remittance and treasury management industry. As we continue to expand our operations in East Africa, we are excited to have been granted the regulatory approval for remittances into Kenya, a key market for our regional presence. This is a testament to our willingness and commitment to working with local regulatory authorities, and we express our gratitude to the Central Bank of Kenya for their enhanced due diligence and confidence in our organisation. Furthermore, the approval also follows our clearance by the Kenyan Asset Recovery Authority (ARA) in 2022, with all cases regarding our operations and Directors being dropped, effectively clearing the company of any allegations and confirming our good standing, said Eghosa Nehikhare, CEO of Multigate. Over the past year, the company has focused on developing its presence regionally and beyond while remaining committed to delivering seamless and reliable remittance services to its customers and adhering to the highest compliance and regulatory requirements standards. This was achieved through the acquisition of a Money Remittance Business (MRB) license by the Bank of Uganda, an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Multigates Money Services Business (MSB) registration with the Canadian FINTRAC. Additionally, Multigate became the first Pan-African-based technology company to be certified as a SWIFT Lite2 Business Application Provider (L2BA), with ISO 20000, 22301, and 27001 certifications. These prove Multigates commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions governed by leading regulatory and security standards. Multigates cross-border treasury solutions allow Banking Financial Institutions (BFIs) and Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) to execute real-time international payments using local currencies. According to data from the World Bank, remittance flows to the Sub-Saharan Africa region are projected to rise by 1.3 and 3.7 per cent in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Regional remittance growth in 2022 was primarily driven by solid remittance growth in six countries, including Kenya (8.5 per cent to $4.1 billion) and Uganda (17.3 per cent to $1.3 billion). Remittances to Nigeria, accounting for around 38 per cent of total remittance inflows to the region, increased by 3.3 per cent to $20.1 billion. As we navigate the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), it is crucial to recognise the significant role that fintech-enabled trade applications can play in driving trade integration across the continent. We are excited to contribute to advancing Africas economy and enhancing African organisations regional and global trade by providing cross-border payment solutions to our valued clients and partners in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, added Nehikhare. Notes to Editors: Founded in 2017, Multigate is a licensed treasury management technology company that delivers innovative solutions to address complex financial needs for organisations trading in African markets. Our innovative digital solutions include: Cross-Border Payment Solution FX Conversion Solution Multi-Bank Connector Solution Automated Reconciliation Solution We operate in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our vision is to advance Africas economy by enabling seamless and instant transactions for organisations in African markets trading regionally and globally. Visit https://www.multigate.io/ for further details. Contact Details Source: Multigate VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NINE MILE METALS LTD. (CSE: NINE, OTCQB: VMSXF, FSE: KQ9) (the Company or Nine Mile) announces the terms of a new flow-through (FT) private placement. The FT private placement will consist of the sale of up to 2,500,000 FT Units at $0.20 each, for gross proceeds of up to $500,000. Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share, issued on a flow-through basis (FT Share) and one-half Common Share purchase warrant, issued on a non-flowthrough basis (Warrant"). Each full Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of the company (each, a "Common Share") at a price of $0.23 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from date of issuance. The FT Shares are intended to qualify as flow-through shares within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). In consideration for their services in introducing subscribers to the Company under the FT Private Placement, finders may receive commission of 8% cash and 8% common share purchase warrants, exercisable to purchase one common share at a price of $0.23 for a period of 24 months. No Related Parties intend to participate in and no new control persons will be created by the FT private placement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the FT private placement to carry out the current and intended drilling programs on its California Lake and Wedge properties respectively. This work will be eligible as "Canadian Exploration Expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). All securities issued in the FT private placement will be subject to a four-month and a day hold period. About Nine Mile Metals Ltd.: Nine Mile Metals Ltd. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company focused on Critical Minerals Exploration (CME) VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag and Au) exploration in the world-famous Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. The Companys primary business objective is to explore its four VMS Projects: Nine Mile Brook VMS; California Lake VMS; Canoe Landing Lake (EastWest) VMS and our new Wedge VMS Projects. The Company is focused on Critical Minerals Exploration (CME), positioning for the boom in EV and green technologies requiring Copper, Silver, Lead and Zinc with a hedge with Gold. Social Media ON BEHALF OF NINE MILE METALS LTD. Charles MaLettePresident and Director T: (604) 428-5171 E: [email protected] Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Nine Mile. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Nine Mile. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as will, may, would, expect, intend, plan, seek, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential, continue, likely, could and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include that that (a) the Company will close the FT private placement for proceeds of $500,000; (b) No Related Parties intend to participate in and no new control persons will be created by the FT private placement, and (c) the Company will use the proceeds as described above. Although Nine Mile believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Nine Mile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release. Source: Nine Mile Metals Ltd. TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Petrolympic Ltd. (TSX.V: PCQ) (OTC: PCQRF) (the Company) is pleased to provide an update on its exploration program in the Vauquelin-Rayon dOr Property (the Property). The Property consists of 37 mining claims totaling 2,129 hectares located 30 km east of the city of Val-dOr, Quebec, on the eastern extension of the world-famous Cadillac Break within the Val-dOr Mining Camp (see Figure 1 below). The 2023 drilling program was designed to test priority targets provided by IP-Resistivity surveys as well as on the lateral extension of the known Rayon dOr gold mineralized zones (see Figure 2 below). A total of 3,117 meters distributed in 19 diamond drill holes were completed during the months of August and September 2023. All samples were sent to ALS Global Laboratory in Val-dOr. This drilling campaign confirmed that the southeastern extensions of the Rayon d'Or mineralized structures are generally gold-bearing and prospective. Their extension farther towards the southeast is also demonstrated by the presence of an IP anomaly extending over 500 m. The northwestward extension of Rayon d'Or has not been drilled, but it ties in with an IP anomaly extending over a distance of 800 m. Some other IP anomalies investigated by drilling have demonstrated their potential for gold and in some cases for base metals (Cu). The very positive results obtained during this campaign significantly increase the interest in each of the geophysical targets defined on the property (Figure 2). The Rayon dOr gold zone previously discovered by drilling on the northwest side of Gueguen Lake is composed of several gold-bearing structures-oriented NW-SE. The most significant values obtained at shallow depths were: 12.74 g/t Au / 3.96 m (DDH 1), 3.83 g/t Au / 3.08 m (DDH 6W-C-5) and 3.37 g/t Au / 3.44 m (DDH V-89-75). The auriferous mineralization is associated to both disseminations, veins and veinlets of sulphides (mostly pyrite and pyrrhotite) within altered and fractured zones. One of the gold-bearing zones of the Rayon d'Or deformation corridor was already located approximately 900 m toward the southeast and close the east side of Gueguen Lake by diamond drill hole 82-6, which returned a gold intersection of 2.06 g/t Au / 1.83 m, including 3.08 g/t Au / 0.61 m. The 2023 drilling program extended the mineralized zones of Rayon dOr over a distance of 100 m towards the southeast. Two strongly altered, sheared and fractured zones reaching thicknesses of more than 20 m and generally spaced 25-50 m apart are injected with numerous quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veins and mineralized with up to 10% disseminated pyrite and locally traces of chalcopyrite. All the mineralized zones in that area returned up to 0.65 g/t Au over interesting widths up to 12 m. Additional sections of several of these drill holes are being analyzed to complete coverage of the mineralized intersections and results are pending. The best gold intersection was obtained on the southeasternmost section with drill hole VAU-23-10 returning 0.63 g/t Au over 7.5 m (Zone 1) and 15 m farther along the hole 2.16 g/t Au over 9.0 m, including 6.25 g/t Au over 3.0 m (Zone 2). The extension of this large gold zone is highlighted by IP anomaly IPG-24 aligning with this structure and extending over a distance of more than 400 m towards the southeast. Those results confirm the potential of economic gold content of the Rayon d'Or gold-bearing structure laterally or at depth. Diamond drill hole VAU-23-03 was designed to test IP anomaly IPG-25 extending NW-SE approximately 200 m south of Rayon d'Or. A quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-pyrite vein returned close to surface 5.48 g/t Au over 1 m and a second tourmaline-pyrite vein returned deeper along the hole an intersection of 0.52 g/t Au over 3 m. Diamond drill holes VAU-23-17, -18 and -19 investigated two IP anomalies detected approximately 400 m south of the eastern tip of Rayon dOr and extending over a distance of approximately 500 m toward southeast. Mineralized structures similar to those present at Rayon dOr include wide, sheared, fractured zones injected of quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-pyrite veins and veinlets containing up to 10% pyrite with locally thin semi-massive pyrite zones. A mineralized structure returned an intersection of 0.52 g/t Au over 6 m in hole VAU-23-18 and indicates that those structures are also gold-bearing. Diamond drill hole VAU-23-16 tested a series of IP anomalies detected at the southern limit of Gueguen Lake. Several mineralized structures containing quartz-carbonate veins with disseminated pyrite (1-3%) and small amounts of chalcopyrite were identified and the best intersection was 0.94 g/t Au over 2 m. This deformation corridor is oriented NW-SE and may correspond to the northwestern extension of the Central Gold and North #1 gold zones displaced northward by a northeast-trending fault. Previous drilling intensively tested Central Gold and North #1 gold-bearing zones. The southeastern extensions of the gold-bearing structures of the Rayon dOr were also evidenced during a prospecting and biogeochemical sampling program carried out on the central and eastern parts of the Property. Anomalous gold, copper and zinc values coincide with mineralized structures located using Magnetic and Induced Polarization Resistivity (Mag-IP) surveys in the southeastern extension of the Rayon d'Or deformation corridor (Figure 2). The drilling campaign 2023 therefore locates large, highly deformed and mineralized zones crossing the Vauquelin Property and increases the possibility of discovering interesting gold zones similar to those already defined on neighboring properties. This structural context is similar to that of the Chimo mine owned by Cartier Resources and located less than 5 km south of the Property (Figure 1). Like on the Vauquelin-Rayon dOr Property, mineralization at Chimo includes numerous gold zones associated with structures present in three deformation corridors (Cartier Resources web site). Petrolympic is a gold exploration company with projects located in Quebec. The Province of Quebec has consistently ranked as one of the worlds best mining jurisdictions. Qualified Person Alain-Jean Beauregard, B. Sc., P. Geo. (OGQ # 227), is the Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release. Mr. Beauregard is independent from the company. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. For further information, please contact: Mendel Ekstein, President and CEO Petrolympic Ltd. T: 845 656-0184 E: [email protected] CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed acquisition, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. 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. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: economic and global market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Figure 1 Location of Petrolympics Rayon dOr-Vauquelin Property in the Cadillac Break corridor within the Val-dOr Mining Camp. Figure 2 Location of the drill holes, IP and zones investigated during the 2023 campaign in Rayon dOr. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/272b9e52-314c-4f76-9029-de182958f8b8https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6a5ec96-d7dc-4fbf-b93c-7dc0e94e1d6f Figure 1 Location of Petrolympics Rayon dOr-Vauquelin Property in the Cadillac Break corridor within the Val-dOr Mining Camp. Figure 2 Location of the drill holes, IP and zones investigated during the 2023 campaign in Rayon dOr. Source: Petrolympic Ltd. TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Platinex Inc. (CSE: PTX, OTCQB: PANXF, Frankfurt: 9PX) (Platinex or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has closed a $1,520,000 flow through financing (the FT Offering) of which $525,000 had been previously closed (see press release dated November 27, 2023). The Company anticipates closing a final tranche of the FT Offering in the next few days. The financing consists of an issuance of 17,375,000 flow through common shares at a price of C$0.04 per share (FT common share). Each FT common share comprises one common share of the Company. The Company will use the gross proceeds of the FT Offering to fund eligible Canadian exploration expenses associated with the W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project that qualify as flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures, as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), on or before December 31, 2024. Platinex will renounce benefits of all qualifying expenditures in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2023. All securities issued in connection with this FT Offering are subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the Closing Date in accordance with applicable securities laws. The closing of the FT Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering. About the W2 Copper Nickel PGE ProjectW2 is a district scale land package encompassing 1,122 cell units covering 22,094 ha (220 km2) in an area of world-class geological targets located in the Oxford Stull Dome Complex near Ontarios famous Ring of Fire. W2 controls the mineral-rich and under-explored, layered mafic-ultramafic Lansdowne House Igneous Complex (LHIC), which is highly prospective for copper-nickel (Cu-Ni), platinum group element (PGE), gold and chromite deposits. The common thread of strong Cu-Ni-PGE, Cr and Ti-V mineralization in the mafic- ultramafic intrusions ringing the Oxford Stull Dome is suggestive of a common source, a very large magmatic system, and therefore a potential significant abundance of metals in each intrusion. Historical work, including approximately 20,000 metres of drilling in the W2 area by operators such as INCO and Aurora Platinum, has delineated at least seven significant mineralized zones within a 7.5 km long folded corridor near the centre of the land package. Additionally, VTEM and AeroTEM II airborne geophysical surveys have identified multiple high-priority conductors in the eastern section of the property which have yet to be drill tested. About Platinex Inc.Platinex Inc. creates shareholder value through the opportunistic acquisition and advancement of high-quality projects in prolific Canadian mining camps. Current assets include a 100% ownership interest in the W2 Copper-Nickel-PGE Project near the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario; as well as a 75% interest in the South Timmins Mining joint venture with Fancamp Exploration, which is focused on gold exploration along the Ridout-Tyrell Deformation Zone near IAMGOLDs Cote Gold operation in the southwest Abitibi. Platinex also has a majority ownership in Green Canada Corporation, which holds uranium assets in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, as well as an option to earn a 100% ownership interest in the Muskrat Dam Critical Minerals Project in northwestern Ontario. In addition to its mineral exploration assets, Platinex holds a portfolio of net smelter return (NSR) royalties on gold, PGE, and base metal properties in Ontario. Having put together a strong and diversified project portfolio and an expert technical team, the Company is focused on comprehensively exploring and evaluating each project to maximize shareholder value. Platinex is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PTX. The company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PF and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF. For additional information on Platinex and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at https://platinex.com/. For further information, please contact:Greg Ferron, President, and Chief Executive Officer Platinex Inc. Phone: 416-270-5042Email: [email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and includes those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward- looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Platinex Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drill results from its ongoing 60,000 metre (m) 2023 drill program at the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. The exploration results reported in this release are from Central, one of three main zones hosting the gold-silver mineral resource estimate (MRE) at Los Reyes Project. Todays results, along with previous holes in the area, extend the high-grade gold-equivalent shell approximately 250 m southeast along strike from the Noche Buena pit bottom, as well as intersecting new steeply dipping mineralization between the Noche Buena and San Miguel East pit areas. As with results previously reported from the Z-T and Guadalupe Areas, drilling at Central is intended to identify gold-silver mineralization for potential resource expansion beyond the Companys current MRE. The 2023 Technical Report outlining the MRE can be found on the Companys website at https://primeminingcorp.ca/ and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, under the Companys Issuer Profile. Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz commented, Together with prior results, post-resource drilling at Central supports the potential for an expanded, high grade, low strip ratio, open pit. These results also suggest a potential merger of Centrals currently outlined San Miguel East and Noche Buena pits. Expansion Target Highlights Central Area - Noche Buena:The Company is reporting 10 core holes at the Noche Buena target. Highlights include: 4.49 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (1.48 gpt Au and 232.6 gpt Ag) over 5.0 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23NB-51, including: 8.00 gpt AuEq (2.7 gpt Au and 409.4 gpt Ag) over 2.6 m etw; and 3.51 gpt AuEq (3.36 gpt Au and 11.9 gpt Ag) over 1.2 m etw. 3.81 gpt AuEq (1.62 gpt Au and 169.2 gpt Ag) over 2.6 m etw in hole 23NB-53, including: 8.21 gpt AuEq (2.77 gpt Au and 420.0 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw; 1.23 gpt AuEq (0.45 gpt Au and 60.0 gpt Ag) over 8.4 m etw in hole 23NB-52, including: 3.25 gpt AuEq (1.25 gpt Au and 154.7 gpt Ag) over 1.6 m etw. Central Area San Miguel East:The Company is reporting 3 core holes at the San Miguel East target. Highlights include: 1.33 gpt AuEq (0.55 gpt Au and 60.1 gpt Ag) over 4.4 m etw in hole 23SME-37, including: 2.65 gpt AuEq (2.03 gpt Au and 48.2 gpt Ag) over 0.7 m etw; 2.23 gpt AuEq (0.99 gpt Au and 95.9 gpt Ag) over 1.4 m etw in hole 23SME-34. Figure 1: Expansion drilling update INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS The drilling described in this news release is the result of Primes success-based exploration program. Drill holes 23NB-55, -56, and -58 expand on mineralization from the previously released holes targeting the southern extension of Noche Buena, while 23NB-55 fills in a gap of approximately 180 m between 23NB-38 and -47 which, together with 23NB-56, support expansion of the >1gpt AuEq grade shell at Noche Buena south. 23NB-55, along with previous holes in the area, extends the >1gpt AuEQ grade shell approximately 250m along strike from the Noche Buena pit bottom to the southeast. Drill holes 23NB-49 through -54 and 23NB-57 fill in a gap of approximately 220 m along strike between the previously separated >0.2 gpt AuEq mineralization at Noche Buena and San Miguel East, also generating new >1gpt AuEq grade shell volumes in several areas. These drill holes also resulted in the identification of two new mineralized structures in the hanging wall of Noche Buena. While the grades and thicknesses of intercepts vary along these structures, they are near-surface relative to the main Noche Buena area and may support the merger of the Noche Buena and San Miguel East pits. Drill Hole Highlights Noche Buena1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 Area 23NB-50 114.00 120.75 6.75 6.75 0.53 5.24 0.60 0.2 NB HW4 23NB-50 188.30 189.85 1.55 1.54 1.41 51.51 2.08 0.2 NB HW2 23NB-50 324.70 331.70 7.00 6.97 0.40 10.73 0.54 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-51 303.60 308.65 5.05 4.97 1.48 232.58 4.49 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 303.60 306.20 2.60 2.56 2.70 409.44 8.00 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-51 348.80 350.05 1.25 1.23 3.36 11.90 3.51 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-52 258.00 266.70 8.70 8.40 0.45 60.01 1.23 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 258.85 260.45 1.60 1.55 1.25 154.70 3.25 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 332.75 335.40 2.65 2.56 1.62 169.23 3.81 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 332.75 333.75 1.00 0.97 2.77 420.00 8.21 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 340.60 344.00 3.40 3.28 0.27 81.49 1.32 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-53 378.65 386.40 7.75 7.49 0.42 64.87 1.26 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-54 212.60 222.50 9.90 9.75 0.41 12.83 0.58 0.2 NB HW2 23NB-55 257.35 261.25 3.90 3.66 0.93 33.63 1.37 0.2 Noche Buena Main including 257.35 258.25 0.90 0.85 2.99 102.30 4.31 1.0 Noche Buena Main 23NB-56 257.30 273.00 15.70 15.15 0.44 17.40 0.67 0.2 Noche Buena Main 23NB-57 206.85 211.85 5.00 4.90 0.65 11.57 0.80 0.2 NB HW2 23SME-34 146.80 148.20 1.40 1.40 0.99 95.90 2.23 0.2 San Miguel Limb 23SME-34 215.55 221.75 6.20 5.85 0.79 4.29 0.85 0.2 San Miguel Limb 23SME-37 245.45 251.70 6.25 4.40 0.55 60.07 1.33 0.2 SME/Noche Buena including 250.75 251.70 0.95 0.65 2.03 48.20 2.65 0.2 SME/Noche Buena Table Notes:1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes.3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars).4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. Figure 2: Noche Buena Area drilling update Figure 3: Noche Buena and San Miguel East Drilling update with grade shells *Note: drill traces in blue are newly released. Figure 4: Noche Buena Area cross section B-B As of this week, the number of active drills at Los Reyes has been reduced from six to three as the team prepares for the holiday break. These rigs are focusing on Guadalupe East and the Z-T Area, concluding work for 2023 on December 15. The six rigs will remain on the property and are anticipated to ramp-up again in January. Over the year, drilling has been focused on: extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike north and south; expanding the two other MRE resource areas, including the eastern extensions of the Guadalupe System; and, exploring the new generative targets, which include Las Primas, Mariposa and a return to Mina 21 Prime has completed over 58,000 m of its planned 60,000 m 2023 drill program and will continue to evaluate its drilling plans using its success-based approach. Link 1 PDF Figures Link 2 PDF Drill Hole Tables Note: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of $US 1700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut, and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into two halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories. Qualified Person Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. Additional Notes Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately US$32 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 158,000 m of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see below, and refer to Note 1 and the May 2, 2023 press release for more details). May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Daniel KunzChief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Daniel KunzChief Executive Officer and DirectorPrime Mining Corp.1307 S. Colorado Ave.Boise, Idaho 83706Telephone: +1 (208) 926-6379 officeemail: [email protected] Scott HicksExecutive Vice PresidentPrime Mining Corp.710 1030 West Georgia StreetVancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 officeemail: [email protected] Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated August 21, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0f16286-c7ec-48d1-8f02-05db8b67644b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb9e362c-dbbd-4446-97a5-9e4efafad621 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49291db5-4a63-46f6-94d4-400efa8c168b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90fc0bc5-f838-4311-b71b-7b30df7cab6c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7fbd3cf-0f14-4c50-804b-2517e0ce0e65 May 2, 2023 Pit Constrained Resource Statement May 2, 2023 Pit Constrained Resource Statement Figure 1 Los Reyes Drill Program Progress_Dec 2023 Figure 1 Los Reyes Drill Program Progress_Dec 2023 Figure 2 Central Drill Program Progress v2_Dec 2023 Figure 2 Central Drill Program Progress v2_Dec 2023 Figure 3 Central Long Section_Dec 2023 Figure 3 Central Long Section_Dec 2023 Figure 4 Central NB-4250N Cross Section v3 Figure 4 Central NB-4250N Cross Section v3 Source: Prime Mining Corp. Twofold increase in bandwidth and 20% reduction in network incidents enabled Rochling Automotives smooth transition to Smart Manufacturing across its 40 sites MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GTT Communications, Inc ., a global leader in managed network and security services for multinational organizations, has successfully transitioned Rochling Automotive 's global network from MPLS to Managed SD-WAN. The network service connects 40 locations and 5,500 employees across Europe, North and South America and Asia, enabling the manufacturer to pursue its goals in digitalization and international growth more efficiently. Rochling Automotive is assured resilience and intelligent performance optimization for its continuous global operations through the high availability SD-WAN network architecture used to connect its production facilities, business locations, a private data center and productivity-enhancing cloud services such as the Rochling Echo Cloud. GTT Cloud Connect supports connectivity to the manufacturers Microsoft Azure cloud-hosted services with resilient, cost-effective links and end-to-end security. Rochling Automotive relies on GTT to manage, monitor and support its network, freeing up time for its internal IT department to focus on digital enhancements to productivity and customer experience. Our digitalization and move to Industry 4.0 mean the connectivity between our systems, processes and facilities around the world is critical for our business, explains Christian Mall, IT Manager, Network and Datacenter Global at Rochling Automotive. Shifting to GTT Managed SD-WAN has led to a twofold increase in bandwidth and a 20% reduction in incidents across our global network, underpinning our smooth transition to Smart Manufacturing. GTT is our proven and trusted partner, which is why were considering further enhancing our security with GTT Secure Connect, based on the Secure Access Service Edge framework. We are pleased to contribute to Rochling Automotive's success story with our advanced network solutions and to support this dynamic company in achieving its business goals, said Tom Homer, President, Europe Division, GTT. This SD-WAN and managed firewall implementation highlights our ability as a global Managed Service Provider to deliver security, networking, and expertise that help propel businesses digitally by protecting their operations today and into the future. As Rochling Automotives business footprint evolves, GTT Managed SD-WAN enables the quick and seamless integration of its corporate WAN into new locations. GTT is able to ensure secure and reliable connectivity for any new location requirements on its global Tier 1 IP network that is supplemented by its relationships with regional network suppliers worldwide. Through the GTT EtherVision portal, Rochling Automotive gains simplified control and visibility of site-specific settings and policy management. GTT further delivers site-specific security solutions to meet the manufacturers rigorous conditions for the exchange of proprietary information with any third parties. These include combining a GTT-managed firewall with other virtual firewalls to guarantee data encryption compliant with ISO 27001 protocols. For more information, read the case study here . 2023 Rochling Automotive About GTT GTT is a managed network and security services provider to global organizations. We design and deliver solutions that leverage advanced cloud, networking and security technologies. We complement our solutions with a suite of professional services and exceptional sales and support teams in local markets around the world. We serve thousands of national and multinational companies with a portfolio that includes SD-WAN, security, internet, voice and other connectivity options. Our services are uniquely enabled by our top-ranked, global, Tier 1 IP backbone, which spans more than 260 cities on six continents. The company culture is built on a customer-first service experience reinforced by our commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement in our business, environmental, social and governance practices. For more information, visit www.gtt.net . GTT Media Inquiries: Press releases can be downloaded from gtt.net . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and YouTube . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/733f1ac4-ccf6-4c55-9ad7-b7f90133e226 Rubicon Organics awarded two prestigious wins at the annual KIND Awards; Awarded Cannabis Company of the Year , considered KINDs marquee award; , Secured Peoples Choice Best Weed, voted by over 860 retail owners and budtenders nationwide. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubicon Organics Inc. (TSXV: ROMJ) (OTCQX: ROMJF) (Rubicon Organics, Rubicon, or the Company), a licensed producer focused on cultivating and selling organic certified, premium cannabis, is pleased to announce it has won KIND Magazines (KIND) Cannabis Company of the Year award and Peoples Choice for Best Weed award. Cannabis Company of the Year Rubicon Organics clinched the esteemed title of Cannabis Company of the Year, regarded as KINDs premier accolade. This recognition is bestowed upon the licensed producer that, in the eyes of the KIND editorial team, exemplifies the finest combination of personnel, purpose, and product throughout the year. Peoples Choice Best Weed The Company secured the Peoples Choice Best Weed award, a recognition determined by retail owners and budtenders represented nationwide. Budtenders, acknowledged as pivotal influencers in the industry, singled out Rubicon Organics for delivering best-in-class cannabis products. Expressing her pride and gratitude for the accolades, Margaret Brodie, Interim CEO and CFO, remarked, I am very proud to receive these important awards. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding work we are doing. Concluding 2023 with these accolades, coupled with our trajectory towards profitability and a robust financial position, brings positive tidings for both the present and the future. The Cannabis Company of the Year title reflects the strength of our team, brands, and quality products. Melanie Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer, shared her excitement, stating, Receiving both awards is a defining moment for our team. We are particularly honored to receive the Peoples Choice Best Weed award. Budtenders play a crucial role at the point of sale, and this award acknowledges these influential individuals who personally appreciate our product and confidently recommend it. This achievement follows earlier recognition this year, where two of our brands ranked among the top 3 most recommended by budtenders. Joshua Nagel, Founder and Chief Dream Officer for KIND, said We are pleased to present two awards, the KIND Cannabis Company of the Year (people, product, purpose) and Peoples Choice Best Weed award, to Rubicon Organics. 867 cannabis retail owners and staff voted on the awards this year from across Canada. The largest turnout of its kind. Highlighting the significance of the People's Choice Best Weed award, Joshua Nagel stated For Peoples Choice Best Weed, the most competitive award of the evening, voters could choose any brand in Canada. Simply Bare Organic and 1964 Supply Co came out on top as the winners. Joshua Nagel continued, underscoring the exceptional qualities of Rubicon Organics, stating Through all of the data we collected this year from events and surveys, Rubicon Organics proved again and again, they not only are producing some of the best and most consistent products in the country, they are one of the great success stories of the Canadian cannabis industry. Combine that with the people inside the organization, how they show up for the community at events and its continued focus on quality and innovation, KIND is so very proud to award them with the KIND Cannabis Company of the Year. ABOUT RUBICON ORGANICS INC. Rubicon Organics Inc. is the global brand leader in premium organic cannabis products. The Company is vertically integrated through its wholly owned subsidiary Rubicon Holdings Corp, a licensed producer. Rubicon Organics is focused on achieving industry leading profitability through its premium cannabis flower, product innovation and brand portfolio management, including three flagship brands: its super-premium brand Simply Bare Organic, its premium brand 1964 Supply Co, and its cannabis wellness brand Wildflower in addition to the Companys mainstream brand Homestead Cannabis Supply and its premium concentrate brand Lab Theory. The Company ensures the quality of its supply chain by cultivating, processing, branding and selling organic certified, sustainably produced, super-premium cannabis products from its state-of-the-art glass roofed facility located in Delta, BC, Canada. CONTACT INFORMATION Margaret Brodie Interim CEO & CFO Phone: +1 (437) 929-1964 Email: [email protected] The TSX Venture Exchange or its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, statements regarding Rubicon Organics' goal of achieving industry leading profitability are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of such word or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking information in this press release is based upon certain assumptions that management considers reasonable in the circumstances, including the impact on revenue of new products and brands entering the market, and the timing of achieve Adjusted EBITDA profitability and cashflow positive. Risks and uncertainties associated with the forward looking information in this press release include, among others, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, local or other licenses and any inability to obtain all necessary governmental approvals licenses and permits for construction at its facilities in a timely manner; regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies or any other reasons; any other factors or developments which may hinder market growth; Rubicon Organics' limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; and the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and the need to secure and maintain corporate alliances and partnerships, including with customers and suppliers; and those factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Rubicon Organics annual information form dated March 31, 2023 filed with Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. We have made numerous assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information contained herein, including among other things, assumptions about: optimizing yield, achieving revenue growth, increasing gross profit, operating cashflow and Adjusted EBITDA profitability. Even though the management of Rubicon Organics believes that the assumptions made, and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, changes in assumptions, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Becker Milk Company Limited (the Company) (TSX-BEK.B) is pleased to report the results for the six months ended October 31, 2023. HIGHLIGHTS Total revenues for the six months ended October 31, 2023 were $1,488,135 compared to $1,360,032 for the same period in 2022; The non-GAAP financial measure Net Operating Income for the first half fiscal 2024 was $1,181,810 compared to $1,153,009 for the first half fiscal 2023; Net loss for the first half fiscal 2024 was $0.30 per share, compared to $1.19 net loss per share for the first half fiscal 2023. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Total revenue for the six months ended October 31, 2023 improved $128,103 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2022, largely a result of higher finance income. Six months ended October 31 2023 2022 Property revenue $1,345,934 $1,303,395 Finance income 142,201 56,637 Total revenues $1,488,135 $1,360,032 Net income (loss) attributable to common and special shareholders ($546,853) ($2,153,525) Average common and special shares outstanding 1,808,360 1,808,360 Income (loss) per share ($0.30) ($1.19) Components of the $1,606,672 decrease in the net loss for the six months ended October 31, 2023 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2022 are: Changes in Net Income - Six months ended October 31, 2023 compared to six months ended October 31, 2022 Favourable change in fair value adjustment $1,753,573 Increase in finance income 85,564 Decrease in expenses related to strategic review 40,456 Increase in net operating income 28,801 Increase in gain on disposal 12,376 Increase in administrative expenses (22,210) Increase in current taxes (33,791) Decrease in recovery of deferred income taxes (258,097) Decrease in net loss $1,606,672 The decrease in the unfavourable change in the fair value adjustment to investment properties was the result of an upward adjustment in investment property capitalization rates during six months ended October 31, 2023, as compared to the six months ended October 31, 2022. Non-GAAP financial measures Net operating income The non-GAAP financial measure Net Operating Income for the six months ended October 31, 2023 was $1,181,810, a $28,801 increase compared with the previous year. Improved revenue was partially offset by an increase in property operating expenses. Six months ended October 31 2023 2022 Property revenue $1,345,934 $1,303,395 Property operating expenses (164,124) (150,386) Net operating income $1,181,810 $1,153,009 Funds from operations and Adjusted funds from operations For the six months ended October 31, 2023 the Company recorded Adjusted funds from operations of $482,063 ($0.27 per share) compared to $387,413 ($0.21 per share) in 2022. Six months ended October 31 2023 2022 Net income (loss) ($546,853) ($2,153,525) Add (deduct) items not affecting cash: Adjustment to fair value of investment properties 1,203,385 2,956,958 Loss (gain) on sale of investment properties (2,122) 10,254 Tax on gains from sale of property 54,736 9,065 Deferred income taxes (183,698) (441,795) Funds from operations 525,448 380,957 Add (deduct) non-operating items: Expenses related to strategic review - 40,456 Sustaining capital expenditures (43,385) (34,000) Adjusted funds from operations $482,063 $387,413 Adjusted funds from operations per share $0.27 $0.21 STRATEGIC REVIEW The Board of Directors continually evaluates strategic directions for the Company and has engaged in discussions with potential acquirers. While the Company has engaged in some discussions within the last year, none of those discussions are active at this time. The Company continues to review its strategic alternatives and will update the market as appropriate, and as required. The Companys interim financial statements for the six months ended October 31, 2023, along with the Managements Discussion and Analysis will be filed with SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that although the terms Net Operating Income, and Funds From Operations are commonly used to measure, compare and explain the operating and financial performance of Canadian real estate companies and such terms are defined in the Managements Discussion and Analysis, such terms are not recognized terms under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Such terms do not necessarily have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by the other publicly traded entities. For the Board of Directors G.W.J. Pottow, President Tel: 416-698-2591 Source: The Becker Milk Company Limited The anticipated final vote on the legalization of cannabis in Germany, initially scheduled for this week, has been postponed due to concerns raised by leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). SPDP member Dirk Heidenblut, who is in charge of the partys marijuana policy in the Bundestag, stated in an Instagram post that parliamentary group consent is essential and that a vote cannot move forward if a faction leader, in this case the SPD, expresses concerns. Despite the delay, Heidenblut reassured that as long as the measure progresses by the end of January, it should not significantly impact the timeline for Read More>> About CNW420 CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis. To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer CannabisNewsWire Denver, CO www.CannabisNewsWire.com 303.498.7722 Office [email protected] CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN The campaign behind a ballot measure in California to legalize psychedelic substances has presented a final amended resolution to officials in the state. Various changes have been made to the initiative following a public comment period that concluded in November. For instance, the changes expanded the types of businesses that could operate and also required that larger psychedelics businesses acquire peace agreements with Read More>> About PsychedelicNewsWire PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on all aspects of psychedelics and the latest developments and advances in the psychedelics sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, PNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in todays market, PNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. PNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. To receive SMS alerts from PsychedelicNewsWire, text Groovy to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer PsychedelicNewsWire San Francisco, CA www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com 415.949.5050 Office [email protected] PsychedelicNewsWire is powered by IBN FILE PHOTO: The logo of Airbnb is displayed at an Airbnb event in Tokyo, Japan, June 14, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo MILAN (Reuters) -Vacation rental platform Airbnb said on Wednesday it would pay 576 million euros ($621 million) to the Italian Revenue Agency to settle outstanding income tax obligations for the 2017-2021 tax years. Airbnb, which has its European headquarters in Ireland, did not admit any liability as part of the settlement, which did not include 2022 and 2023. The amounts that may need to be paid for these two years could be "material", Airbnb said in a regulatory filing. The settlement regards the tax obligations of owners, or "hosts", in Italy who use Airbnb to rent out their property. Airbnb withholds part of the income from these hosts and in return assumes their tax liabilities. Airbnb said it was not seeking to recover the sum from its hosts. Last month, a judge in Italy ordered the seizure of 779.5 million euros from Airbnb's Irish headquarters for alleged tax evasion. The probe was related to Airbnb's alleged failure to withhold 21% of landlords' rental income and pay it to Italian tax authorities, as required by a 2017 law, Milan prosecutors' office said. The sum of 576 million euros that Airbnb has agreed to pay was reached by subtracting from the 779.5 million figure of alleged tax evasion some 200 million that some of the hosts had paid independently to the Italian tax authorities, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The sources also said that Milan prosecutors will now ask the judge to release the 779.5 million euros. The case will be dropped for three Airbnb managers under investigation, they added. The decision was largely expected and it should not impact earnings, since it is a one-off, Richard Clarke, an analyst at Bernstein told Reuters. "They are being extremely good to hosts here, effectively paying the tax on their behalf," he added. Airbnb had unsuccessfully challenged the 2017 law cited by prosecutors in a legal battle that ended in December last year when the EU Court of Justice ruled in the Italian government's favour. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration has promised to crack down on tax-dodging related to short-term rentals, and wants to raise taxes to 26% from 21% for owners of multiple short-term rental properties. Airbnb said it aimed to comply with new Italian rules which clarify how rental platforms should withhold income taxes for non-professional hosts in Italy. "We..are preparing to comply by introducing new tools for applicable hosts to have their taxes withheld automatically by Airbnb and paid to the Italian Revenue Agency on their behalf directly", it said in a statement. Airbnb said it was also preparing to comply with DAC 7, an EU-wide tax reporting framework for digital platforms. Airbnb's shares were up around 1.5% in pre-market trading in New York on Wednesday. ($1 = 0.9282 euros) (Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru, Elisa Anzolin and Emilio Parodi in Milan; Editing by Gavin Jones and Angus MacSwan) 14-year-old student Sumaya Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Mohamad, centre, raises her hand during a lesson, part of an EdTech program developed by War Child named Cant Wait to Learn, at a school in Djabel Refugee Camp, Eastern Chad. (Michael Knief/Global Partnership for Education) Despite its own social and economic challenges, which include poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity, the government of Chad provides shelter and asylum to 1.3 million forcibly displaced persons including 1,025,640 refugees from Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon and Nigeria. The UN predicts that due to the conflict that erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, there will be an influx of 600,000 new Sudanese refugees in Chad by the end of 2023. This burgeoning refugee crisis compounds the strain on Chad's already underfunded education system. In 2003, Nour fled Sudan due to an attack on the region she lived in. Currently residing in Djabel camp in Chad with her husband and children, she has observed a positive change since the introduction of Cant Wait to Learn. Her son, who aspires to be an accountant or pilot, has a newfound enthusiasm for learning, eagerly racing to be the first in class every day. Nour has seen a significant shift: not only are children learning more, but they're also noticeably happier and more engaged outside of lessons. (Michael Knief/Global Partnership for Education) Children using Can't Wait to Learn learned 50% more than children who didn't use the program. Girls learned four times more than boys. Girls started with lower numeracy skills compared to boys but caught up in just 4 to 4.5 months. N'DJAMENA, CHAD - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 December 2023 -Children make up 54% of the forcibly displaced population in Chad, putting significant pressure on the country's education system. With limited funding in the education sector, overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of qualified teachers, hundreds of thousands of children including refugees have limited access to education.To tackle these challenges, War Child, funded by GPE KIX (a collaborative initiative between GPE and Canada's International Development Research Centre) researched the scaling of technology for education in Chad, Sudan and Uganda.The GPE KIX initiative aims to explore how technology programs like Can't Wait to Learn can be scaled, with the overall goal of enhancing the quality of education for refugee and displaced children.In 2019, War Child launched Can't Wait to Learn in Chad, and introduced an engaging educational platform delivered via tablets and mobile devices. This technology follows the national curriculum and is tailored to cover grades 1-3 (students age 5-14).It offers refugee and internally displaced children the chance to continue their learning journey, advancing at their own pace at school and at home, while earning credits within the host education system that enable a smoother transition into formal schooling.What distinguishes the program is the involvement of local learners in its creation: War Child conducted workshops in local communities where they facilitated artistic sessions for children to share their stories and ideas with local artists. These narratives and designs were then woven into the Can't Wait to Learn program, enriching it with the children's perspectives and creativity.The program plays a vital role in strengthening fundamental mathematical and literacy competencies and knowledge and as learners master new skills and concepts in numeracy and literacy, they unlock more challenging levels. The success is in large part because recognizing their own community and context in the learning content is very meaningful and motivating to children.GPE KIX supported research aims to explore, extend and integrate the roles of multiple stakeholders including caregivers, the community, teachers and educators, academic institutions, implementing organizations and policy makers to deliver sustainable education and the provision of education technology programming informed by evidence.In Chad, the research produced analyses and tools to support the adoption of Can't Wait to Learn by partners and guide its sustained impact at scale. It combined interviews with key members of the government and private companies, organizational document analysis, and social network analysis among technology actors.Using the International Competency Assessment of Numeracy, War Child and GPE KIX also analyzed the learning of over 800 students in 20 schools across three refugee camps in Chad: Djabal, Gos Amir and Goz Beida. In 11 of the schools, Can't Wait to Learn accounted for more than half of the numeracy lessons each week. In the remaining 9 schools, education continued as before.Results suggest that between November 2021 and March 2022, children participating in the Can't Wait to Learn program showed noticeably better learning than those in the comparison group.These results are significant in the face of Chad's learning poverty rate (being unable to read and understand a simple text by age 10) which stands at 98% for children completing primary school. The findings suggest that with the right support, technology initiatives such as Can't Wait to Learn can help bridge the gender gap in educational achievement and improve learning for refugee children in Chad.In terms of the broader research Jasmine Turner, from War Child, highlighted a crucial insight regarding scaling strategies, emphasizing that a "one size fits all" approach doesn't apply universally. In some contexts, governments are readily embracing technology programs, whereas in others, NGOs and private companies are better equipped to facilitate scaling up efforts. Chad's Ministry of Education has endorsed War Child's research and appealed to NGOs to support the scaling up of Can't Wait to Learn in the country.Hashtag: #CantWaittoLearn The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. CHICAGO, IL - (NewMediaWire) - December 13, 2023 - Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), a mission-critical provider of drone technology, blockchain mobile apps and cloud-based business software solutions, announced today one of its holdings, ZenaDrone, Inc., was selected and funded for the US Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award for phase I of the innovative defense-related dual-purpose technology. The company is working with an assigned US Air Force contract agent to complete the paperwork and begin the contract over the next year. ZenaDrone has 90 days to complete the contract to apply for SBIR phase II, which will include funding up to $1.2 million if successful. The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive and encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development, with the potential for commercialization. The SBIR program is structured in three phases: Phase I is designed to establish the technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of the proposed research and development efforts. SBIR/STTR phase I awards are generally $50,000 $250,000 for 6 months (SBIR). This award is part of a partnership with AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Epazz ZenaDrone is excited to be part of phase 1 of the SBIR program and to have the opportunity to present ZenaDrone as an innovative, dual-purpose technology for defense-related drone applications. We are honored to be selected for this award and look forward to working with the US Air Force to develop this technology, stated Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of Epazz, Inc. The technology developed through this program will have many applications, from surveillance and reconnaissance to search and rescue operations. It will also provide a platform for developing new technologies and applications. About ZenaDrone, Inc. (https://www.zenadrone.com/) ZenaDrone, Inc. is dedicated to improving its intelligent, unmanned aerial vehicle technology by incorporating machine learning software and AI. It was created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector and later evolved into an intelligent multifunctional industrial surveillance, inspection and monitoring solution. About Epazz, Inc. (https://www.epazz.com/) Epazz, Inc. is a leading cloud-based software company that provides customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher education institutions and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS v3.0 is a complete web-based software package for small and mid-sized businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies and higher education institutions. BoxesOS provides many web-based applications for organizations that would otherwise need to be purchased separately. Epazzs other products include DeskFlex (room-scheduling software) and Provitrac (an applicant-tracking system). SAFE HARBOR This safe harbor statement falls under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as may, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue (or the negatives thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results might differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz Inc. assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating those forward-looking statements. It is not obligated to update or correct information prepared by third parties not paid for by Epazz Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz Inc.s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com. This includes unaudited and audited financial statements and over-the-counter market filings, which contain general business information about the companys operations, results of its operations and risks associated with the company and its operations. Contact Investor Relations [email protected] 312-955-8161 https://www.epazz.com/ View the original release on www.newmediawire.com N'Djamena, Chad--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Amid an escalating refugee crisis and the strain it imposes on Chad's education system, the research initiative led by War Child and funded by GPE KIX, explores the expansion of technology for education, notably the Can't Wait to Learn program. The initiative's aim is to improve and ensure continuity of children's learning for displaced children in conflict affected regions through engaging technology. 14-year-old student Sumaya Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Mohamad, centre, raises her hand during a lesson, part of an EdTech program developed by War Child named 'Can't Wait to Learn', at a school in Djabel Refugee Camp, Eastern Chad. (Michael Knief/Global Partnership for Education) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7958/190892_figure1.jpg The Challenge Despite its own social and economic challenges, which include poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity, the government of Chad provides shelter and asylum to 1.3 million forcibly displaced persons including 1,025,640 refugees from Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon and Nigeria. The UN predicts that due to the conflict that erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, there will be an influx of 600,000 new Sudanese refugees in Chad by the end of 2023. This burgeoning refugee crisis compounds the strain on Chad's already underfunded education system. Children make up 54% of the forcibly displaced population in Chad, putting significant pressure on the country's education system. With limited funding in the education sector, overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of qualified teachers, hundreds of thousands of children including refugees have limited access to education. "When you have a large population of refugees, with around 750,000 kids knocking on your country's doors, [you can] understand the concern that is shared today." - Saeed Farah, Secretary General of the Chadian Ministry of Education and Civic Promotion To tackle these challenges, War Child, funded by GPE KIX (a collaborative initiative between GPE and Canada's International Development Research Centre) researched the scaling of technology for education in Chad, Sudan and Uganda. The GPE KIX initiative aims to explore how technology programs like Can't Wait to Learn can be scaled, with the overall goal of enhancing the quality of education for refugee and displaced children. Can't Wait to Learn In 2019, War Child launched Can't Wait to Learn in Chad, and introduced an engaging educational platform delivered via tablets and mobile devices. This technology follows the national curriculum and is tailored to cover grades 1-3 (students age 5-14). It offers refugee and internally displaced children the chance to continue their learning journey, advancing at their own pace at school and at home, while earning credits within the host education system that enable a smoother transition into formal schooling. "The Can't Wait to Learn program was designed to help children in conflict situations. This program is designed first by the children themselves, drawing on their everyday lives." - Emmanuel Uwamungu, Project Lead, Can't Wait to Learn, Jesuit Refugee Service What distinguishes the program is the involvement of local learners in its creation: War Child conducted workshops in local communities where they facilitated artistic sessions for children to share their stories and ideas with local artists. These narratives and designs were then woven into the Can't Wait to Learn program, enriching it with the children's perspectives and creativity. The program plays a vital role in strengthening fundamental mathematical and literacy competencies and knowledge and as learners master new skills and concepts in numeracy and literacy, they unlock more challenging levels. The success is in large part because recognizing their own community and context in the learning content is very meaningful and motivating to children. Chad's Refugee Education Strategy for 2018-2019 highlighted the Can't Wait to Learn program as a notable achievement within the education sector. "You can see the impact this program has on the students ... They never miss a class, especially on the day of the device-based learning program."-Nour Haroun Babakar, Parent In 2003, Nour fled Sudan due to an attack on the region she lived in. Currently residing in Djabel camp in Chad with her husband and children, she has observed a positive change since the introduction of Can't Wait to Learn. Her son, who aspires to be an accountant or pilot, has a newfound enthusiasm for learning, eagerly racing to be the first in class every day. Nour has seen a significant shift: not only are children learning more, but they're also noticeably happier and more engaged outside of lessons. (Michael Knief/Global Partnership for Education) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7958/190892_figure2.jpg The Research GPE KIX supported research aims to explore, extend and integrate the roles of multiple stakeholders - including caregivers, the community, teachers and educators, academic institutions, implementing organizations and policy makers - to deliver sustainable education and the provision of education technology programming informed by evidence. In Chad, the research produced analyses and tools to support the adoption of Can't Wait to Learn by partners and guide its sustained impact at scale. It combined interviews with key members of the government and private companies, organizational document analysis, and social network analysis among technology actors. Using the International Competency Assessment of Numeracy, War Child and GPE KIX also analyzed the learning of over 800 students in 20 schools across three refugee camps in Chad: Djabal, Gos Amir and Goz Beida. In 11 of the schools, Can't Wait to Learn accounted for more than half of the numeracy lessons each week. In the remaining 9 schools, education continued as before. The Results Results suggest that between November 2021 and March 2022, children participating in the Can't Wait to Learn program showed noticeably better learning than those in the comparison group. Children using Can't Wait to Learn learned 50% more than children who didn't use the program. Girls learned four times more than boys. Girls started with lower numeracy skills compared to boys but caught up in just 4 to 4.5 months. These results are significant in the face of Chad's learning poverty rate (being unable to read and understand a simple text by age 10) which stands at 98% for children completing primary school. The findings suggest that with the right support, technology initiatives such as Can't Wait to Learn can help bridge the gender gap in educational achievement and improve learning for refugee children in Chad. In terms of the broader research Jasmine Turner, from War Child, highlighted a crucial insight regarding scaling strategies, emphasizing that a "one size fits all" approach doesn't apply universally. In some contexts, governments are readily embracing technology programs, whereas in others, NGOs and private companies are better equipped to facilitate scaling up efforts. Chad's Ministry of Education has endorsed War Child's research and appealed to NGOs to support the scaling up of Can't Wait to Learn in the country. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Staff available for interviews GPE KIX Ian Macpherson [email protected] IDRC Tricia Wind [email protected] Cant Wait to Learn Jasmine Turner [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190892 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports encouraging assays from the 100% owned Silver Queen Au-Ag project, British Columbia, in its initial three holes from the Autumn 2023 core drilling program on the Cole Lake target. These latest drill results at the Cole Lake target returned multiple intercepts of strongly enriched precious and base metals, including: A 1.0 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 1.0/t Au, 287g/t Ag, 0.3% Cu, 0.5% Pb and 4.0% Zn (7.0g/t AuEq or 576g/t AgEq) within an 8.9 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.3g/t Au, 66g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 0.3% Pb and 1.2% Zn (1.9g/t AuEq or 157g/t AgEq) from the Cole Vein in drillhole SQ23-095 ; A 1.9 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 325g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 1.2% Pb and 1.6% Zn (5.7g/t AuEq or 467g/t AgEq) within a 3.8 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 212g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 0.9% Pb and 1.3% Zn (4.0g/t AuEq or 328g/t AgEq) from the Cole Vein in drillhole SQ23-096 ; and A 0.7 metre (est TT) interval averaging 2.0g/t Au, 89g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 7.9% Pb and 17.2% Zn (14.7 AuEq or 1206g/t AgEq) within a 2.4 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.9g/t Au, 33g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.4% Pb and 5.0% Zn (4.8g/t AuEq or 391g/t AgEq) from a hangingwall vein in drillhole SQ23-097. These results from the first three of nine core holes tested both the NW-SE-trending Cole Vein and the NNW-SSE-trending Cole Shear as part of Equity's 2023 drill program on the George Lake and Cole Lake target areas (Figure 1). Historical work on the Cole Lake target has included trenching, surface sampling, drill testing with 20 holes as well as the development of a shallow 25 metre shaft on the main Cole Vein which was supplemented by Equity's surface mapping, sampling and 3D modeling to form the basis for current drill targeting. These three holes form a vertical fan and confirm both the overall tenor and thickness of mineralization in the main Cole Vein to depths of +250 metres below surface (Figure 2). Mineralization remains open both at further depth and laterally where holes with pending assays will provide information along a +500-metre projected strike-length of the vein. Drilling also identified a number of shallow high-grade intercepts within the top 30 metres of drill holes SQ23-096 and SQ23-097. The intersected mineralization is strongly enriched in precious-metal and remains open for further drill testing and delineation, forming the basis for further drilling in 2024. This is the first set of assay results from nine core holes totalling 2,961 metres completed on the Cole Lake target in September and October 2023. Assay results from the remaining six holes are anticipated in the coming weeks. VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "We are very pleased with the initial drill results from the Cole Lake target, which confirms both historical results from the mineralized zone and continues to highlight the further exploration potential, both laterally and to depth of not only the Cole Vein itself, but also of several additional hangingwall structures. The Cole Lake target is the last of four target areas successfully tested in 2023 which continues to underscore the significant exploration potential of the overall property. Of note, neither the Cole Lake nor the George Lake zones were incorporated into our most recent resource update on the Silver Queen property and represent entirely new target areas for further expansion and resource delineation". Figure 1: Plan of the Cole Lake and George Lake Target areas showing Spring - Autumn '23 drilling To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/190837_fcb98c0f04eb2b36_002full.jpg Figure 2: Cross-section of the Cole Lake Target, looking northwest, showing both the main vein set and several hangingwall veins To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/190837_fcb98c0f04eb2b36_003full.jpg Table 1: Select Currently Reported Composites from 2023 Drilling on the George Lake Target Hole # From To Interval Au Ag Cu Pb Zn AuEq AgEq (m) (m) (m) ETT(m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) Comments SQ23-095 9.2 10.3 1.1 0.8 1.7 302 1.1 0.4 0.4 7.2 591 inc. 9.9 10.3 0.5 0.3 2.9 695 2.6 0.5 0.3 15.2 1243 SQ23-095 182.7 193.6 10.8 8.9 0.3 66 0.1 0.3 1.2 1.9 157 25.8% Dilution inc. 186.7 188.0 1.3 1.0 1.0 287 0.3 0.5 4.0 7.0 576 SQ23-095 295.7 296.0 0.3 0.2 0.3 133 0.1 0.3 0.6 2.4 197 SQ23-096 22.4 26.5 4.1 2.6 0.5 209 1.7 0.7 0.4 5.7 465 53% Dilution inc. 22.4 22.7 0.3 0.2 1.3 435 8.3 0.2 0.1 17.7 1450 and inc. 23.8 24.4 0.6 0.4 1.5 1073 6.3 4.0 1.6 25.3 2070 SQ23-096 166.4 167.6 1.3 0.8 0.3 37 0.1 3.5 2.8 3.5 288 44% Dilution inc. 167.2 167.6 0.4 0.3 0.9 104 0.2 9.1 8.2 9.8 802 SQ23-096 232.3 237.9 5.6 3.8 0.2 212 0.2 0.9 1.3 4.0 328 inc. 235.2 237.9 2.8 1.9 0.2 325 0.2 1.2 1.6 5.7 467 SQ23-097 29.4 30.9 1.5 0.9 0.7 725 1.0 0.4 0.1 11.1 905 inc. 29.4 29.8 0.4 0.2 2.4 2455 1.1 1.1 0.2 34.3 2808 SQ23-097 82.8 86.7 4.0 2.4 0.9 33 0.1 2.4 5.0 4.8 391 50% Dilution inc. 85.6 86.7 1.1 0.7 2.0 89 0.2 7.9 17.2 14.7 1206 SQ23-097 195.0 198.5 3.5 2.1 1.3 42 0.5 0.9 1.2 3.3 272 38% Dilution inc. 197.6 198.5 0.9 0.5 3.5 47 0.4 2.0 2.3 6.4 528 SQ23-097 275.2 295.9 20.7 12.5 0.3 15 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.7 61 Anomalous (+10g/t AgEq Cutoff) inc. 276.1 277.3 1.2 0.7 2.2 101 0.1 1.4 1.1 4.6 378 Notes: drill core samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Downhole composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and About Silver Queen Project The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility. The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate with effective date December 1st, 2022 was detailed in a News Release issued on Jan 16, 2023, which can be found by clicking here and the full Technical Report can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca/) and the Company's website. More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under-explored. About Equity Metals Corporation Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The Company also has royalty and working interests in other Canadian properties, which are being evaluated further to determine their value to the Company. Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr." Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at [email protected]. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190837 Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) ("Grizzly" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the first assay results for rock samples collected from the newly acquired and staked mineral claims in the Westbridge area of the Greenwood District. These are some of the first results from work conducted in the Westbridge to Beaverdell target areas within the Greenwood Precious and Battery Metals Project. In addition, results will also be forthcoming from additional prospecting and sampling in the Greenwood area and from recent work conducted at the Robocop Property following up on copper-cobalt anomalous soils identified in work over the last two years. Highlights: A total of 51 rock grab samples were collected from outcrop and mineralized dump material across the Colby and Enterprise claims acquired in early 2023 (Figures 1 & 2). Additional staking has been conducted to expand and firm up the land position in the area. Rock grab samples (40) from showings and mineralized dumps in the Colby area returned 13 samples with >1.0 gram per tonne (g/t) (0.029 ounces per ton [opt]) gold (Au) and 8 samples with >5.0 g/t (0.146 opt) Au up to 26.2 g/t (0.764 opt) Au including 12 grab samples with >30.0 g/t (0.875 opt) silver (Ag) up to 460 g/t (13.42 opt) Ag. The high Au and Ag values are often accompanied by high lead and zinc in the 0.1 - 1% range. The high values are associated with gossanous pyritic material in quartz veins and breccia in what appears to be quartzite in contact with a diorite or felsic porphyry (Figures 3 & 4). A total of 11 selected rock grab samples from the Enterprise showing and historical workings yielded 3 grab samples with >1.0 g/t (0.029 opt) Au up to 32.0 g/t (0.933 opt) Au including 3 grab samples with >30.0 g/t (0.875 opt) Ag up to 187 g/t (5.45 opt) Ag (Figures 1 and 2). Sulphide mineralization at the Colby and Enterprise historical workings is associated with quartz veins, breccia and skarnified/silicified sedimentary rocks and intrusions. The alteration patterns are consistent with intermediate sulphidation epithermal mineralization. Brian Testo, President and CEO of Grizzly Discoveries, stated, "We are excited with the new results to date from the new Westbridge mineral claims and we are planning follow-up exploration including extensive soil and rock sampling programs along with ground geophysical surveys. Much of newly acquired ground has seen little exploration and evaluation since the 1980's. We also are looking forward to pursuing a number of high grade gold - silver - copper showings and historical mines with drilling in the New Year along with additional exploration for significant battery metal prospects in our current 165,000+ acre land holdings in the Greenwood District. We have barely scratched the surface in terms of exploration!" Figure 1: Initial Gold Results Rock Sampling 2023 - Westbridge Area, Greenwood Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_002full.jpg Figure 2: Initial Silver Results Rock Sampling 2023 - Westbridge Area, Greenwood Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_003full.jpg Figure 3. Gossanous sulphide mineralization from vein outcrop Colby Claim. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_004full.jpg Figure 4. Main adit quartz vein, sulphides and brecciated quartzite Colby Claim. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_005_006full.jpg As the Company awaits drilling permits from the BC Government, significant ground based prospecting and sampling programs have been executed at the newly staked Marshall Lake claims as well as at a number of other exploration target areas including Midway, Imperial, Sappho-West Lexington and Beaverdell areas (Figure 5). A total of more than 800 rock samples and 3,800 soil samples have been collected during the 2023 field season. Results will be announced as they are received and interpreted over the coming weeks. Update on Drilling: Drilling will initially be focused at the historical Midway Mine (Figure 5) but the intent is that eventually the Company will complete new drilling in 2024 at Midway, Imperial, Copper Mountain (Mable Jenny, Coronation and Prince of Wales targets), and potentially the Sappho areas, depending upon the timing of the receipt of drill permits, additional funding and weather permitting. We eagerly await drilling permits from the BC Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources. The permit applications were submitted initially in January-February of this year and the Company is now awaiting final comments and any required conditions or changes resulting from the recently completed 30 day notification periods. Archaeological and biological surveys are being conducted where required. Figure 5: Grizzly active exploration target areas 2023. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/190834_a0e9cf7b949439e3_007full.jpg Summary of 2023 Exploration at Greenwood: An extensive rock and soil sampling program along with new geological mapping during 2023 has been conducted in preparation for drilling. The work has yielded two new showings identified near the historical Midway Mine including up 5.64 g/t (0.165 opt) Au from a showing 400 m to the north of the Midway Mine and a second showing along an apparent fault structure with 4.19 g/t (0.122 opt) Au from a grab sample collected about 375 m to the west of the Midway Mine. At least 6 new areas with anomalous gold (> 100 ppb Au), silver or copper in soils have been identified across the Midway Mine Property with the results from follow up exploration in progress (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). A summary of all the Midway results will be provided once all the results are received. To date, gold-silver-base metal mineralization appears to be related to veins and stockworks at contacts between altered ultramafic-carbonate rocks (listwanites) in contact with diorite intrusions in a complex structural setting, with the intersections of structures playing a key role in the localization of alteration. At the historical Imperial Mine area, a total of 50 new rock grab and rock chip samples were collected from the Imperial showing area, with 6 samples returning greater than 1 g/t(0.029 opt) Au up to 12.1 g/t (0.353 opt) Au and 8 samples retuning greater than 40 g/t (1.167 opt) Ag up to 469 g/t (13.68 opt) Ag (Figure 5). The samples define a targeted north - south strike length of over 170 m for future drilling. The samples show significant amounts of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and Cu with several samples yielding greater than 2% combined base metals (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). Geological mapping is in progress and ground geophysical surveys are planned prior to conducting drilling at this target. The Copper Mountain area continues to yield excellent results from a number of showings including the Coronation and Prince of Wales historical mines along with the Mabel Jenny area (Figure 5). A total of 9 of 14 rock grab and chip samples collected this year from a new zone discovered late in 2022 has yielded greater than 1 g/t (0.039 opt) Au up to 13.75 g/t (0.40 opt) Au (along with up to 61.9 g/t (1.81 opt) Ag) and up to 0.475% Cu and 2.93% Zn (See Company News Release Dated October 12, 2023). The discovery was made along a new logging road cut late in 2022 and appears to demonstrate quartz vein stockwork mineralization in an altered diorite over a strike length of more than 400 m when combined with anomalous samples from 2022. Geological and prospecting crews have concluded prospecting, geological mapping, rock and soil sampling within the Greenwood Project area and have conducted an initial pass at the new mineral claim area staked August 1, 2023 (See Company News Release dated September 7, 2023). A number of existing showings and parts or extensions to known showings have been acquired with the staking of the new mineral claims including but not limited to Marshall Lake, Sylvester K, the Great Laxey, Eholt and lands adjacent to and surrounding the historical Phoenix Mine. Results from the initial sampling programs on these new claims will be released as they are received (Figure 5). The geological and prospecting crew has made several discoveries of sulphide, quartz vein zones and skarn on the new claims (Figure 5). Sulphide showings associated with skarn at Marshall Lake hosted in Triassic Brooklyn Formation sedimentary rocks including limestone that has been intruded by diorite. The showings have been trenched and bulk sampled in the past (1960's to 1970's) yielding significant copper, silver and gold. Little to no modern exploration has been performed at the Marshall Lake target as well as a number of other showings in the Brooklyn sequence such as the Great Laxey. The goal is to have a pipeline of high priority precious metal and battery metal targets that are all permitted and ready for a long 2024 drilling campaign in order to prioritize these assets into those that can deliver future mineral resources with additional drilling, eventually leading to some form of economic studies and scenarios that might be able to take advantage of local toll treating opportunities that exist in the Greenwood - Republic region. Quality Assurance and Control Rock and soil samples were analyzed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic emission spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+10 g/t Au). Rock grab and rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. The sampling program was undertaken by Company personnel under the direction of Michael B. Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. The technical content of this news release and the Company's technical disclosure has been reviewed and approved by Michael B. Dufresne, M. Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 72,700 ha (approximately 180,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by a highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage. On behalf of the Board, GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Brian Testo, CEO, President Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4 For further information, please visit our website at www.grizzlydiscoveries.com or contact: Nancy Massicotte Corporate Development Tel: 604-507-3377 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution concerning forward-looking information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Grizzly in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Grizzly's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Grizzly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190834 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Limitless Tire, a leader in the automotive industry with a rich 14-year history, celebrates a monumental milestone in sales, largely attributed to the success of its innovative e-commerce platform. This platform, renowned for its real-time live inventory and guaranteed rim and tire fitments, has revolutionized the online retail experience for automotive customers. Limitless Tire E-Commerce Platform To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8300/190866_003d7d5e04e28b05_001full.jpg In a significant move, Limitless Tire is now opening a waitlist for businesses interested in leveraging this powerful e-commerce platform. Interested parties can sign up at Limitless Tire - Grow Your Business. This development is a direct response to the platform's overwhelming success and the high demand from businesses seeking to integrate this cutting-edge technology into their operations. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZSo9CiJ0_I Faisal Mohammad, with his extensive background as a mechanic and intimate knowledge of the automotive industry, has been the driving force behind this platform. His personal journey, filled with challenges and accomplishments, has been instrumental in shaping this e-commerce solution, designed to simplify and revolutionize the automotive retail sector for businesses of all sizes. Platform Highlights: No Inventory Liability: Enables businesses to sell rims and tires without the risks associated with inventory management. Ease of Operation: Requires no extensive fitment knowledge, making it accessible for all levels of expertise. Diverse Product Range: Offers access to a wide selection of products, meeting various customer demands. Streamlined Sales Process: The platform is designed for efficiency, improving overall business operations. Potential for Increased Revenue: Opens up new market opportunities for businesses, enhancing their growth potential. This initiative, spearheaded by Faisal Mohammad, is particularly focused on supporting mechanic shops and other automotive businesses. Recognizing the challenges and financial pressures in the industry, the company's vision for this program is to empower these businesses, acknowledging their crucial role and easing their financial burdens. About Limitless Tire Established in 2011, Limitless Tire has evolved into a premier provider of high-quality tires, custom wheels, and comprehensive automotive services. Serving over 50,000 satisfied customers, the company offers a range of products and services across its locations in Brampton, Mississauga, North York, Rexdale, and Pickering. About Big Uproar Big Uproar, a dynamic marketing and branding firm, has been a long-standing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) partner of Limitless Tire. Known for its innovative strategies and comprehensive business management services, Big Uproar has played a vital role in enhancing Limitless Tire's market position and customer engagement. Media Contact: Faisal Mohammad [email protected] 647-381-4886 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190866 Laman Ismayilova President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova has received the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Ba?c?. At the meeting, Aktoty Raimkulova congratulated the Republic of Turkiye on its glorious 100th anniversary, Azernews reports. During the conversation, the solemn celebration both in the country and at the international level of the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, who provided great services to the strengthening friendly and fraternal ties and the solidarity of the Turkic peoples, was emphasized. It was brought to the attention that during the year Shusha worthily bore the title of the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World within which numerous events were successfully held. In this regard, the large-scale projects implemented by the foundation in different countries were highly appreciated. At the meeting, the sides also hailed the successful cooperation between the foundation and Turkiye, the founding country of the organization. The foundation's projects and activities carried aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkic world were noted as well. The meeting continued with a discussion of further prospects for strengthening existing partnerships. Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations. The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs. The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy. BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- One woman was killed and at least 42 others injured after a fire swept through two floors of a building in downtown Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, on Tuesday. The injured, mostly from smoke inhalation, received treatment from healthcare professionals, with 35 of them sent to hospitals, local media reported. The blaze engulfed the 6th and 7th floors of the 14-story office and residential building located on Alem Avenue. Investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities said people from the lower floors were evacuated, while firefighters and emergency health services personnel worked together to rescue those on the upper ones. "As a precaution, the red alert was activated at all hospitals in nearby areas pending the possible transfer of patients," they added. Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Metals Creek Resources Corp.(TSXV: MEK) (FSE: M1C1)(the "Company" or Metals Creek)is pleased to announce new high grade gold mineralization while mechanical surface trenching on the Shabaqua Corners Gold Property. The property is located within the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt, approximately 54 km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario near Shabaqua Corners and on trend to Delta Resources Delta 1 project. The property has seen very little exploration work. Follow-up sampling from the recently completed trenching program has resulted in the discovery of additional high grade gold mineralization 120m east of the recently discovered western shear zone (WSZ) (See MEK news release October 26, 2023). Assay results ranged from 0.45 to 18.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au). Gold mineralization is associated with an east-west trending, highly weathered and very rusty, friable shear zone with strong pervasive iron carbonate alteration. No sulphide mineralization is present near surface due to the highly weathered nature of the rock. Due to the weathered nature of the shear zone, channel sampling was not possible so chip and grab sampling was conducted. Two grab samples collected from the mineralized shear zone (See Fig. 1) returned assays of 17.0 and 18.1 g/t Au. A chip sample (See Fig. 1) was collected across the mineralized shear returning an assay of 6.18 g/t Au over 0.6m. An oxide silicate iron formation (IF) adjacent to this gold bearing shear zone was also anomalous in gold returning an assay of 0.45 g/t Au. This new discovery called the Western Shear Zone Extension (WSZE) was the result of a trenching program following up on a recce soil grid laid out on the western claim block which returned a soil assay of 88 ppb (parts per billion) in close proximity to WSZE. It is interpreted that the WSZ and WSZE are potentially the same zone due to both exhibiting very similar characteristics. Both WSZE and WSZ are 120m apart and open in all directions. Soil sampling has been instrumental in 3 new gold discoveries on the Shabaqua Corners Gold Property (SCGP) with other soil anomalies remaining untested due to extensive overburden. (Note: The surface grab and chip samples described in this news release are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property.) The eastern boundary of the property is located 1.57 kilometers(km) west of Delta Resources (DLTA) drill hole DL-22-18 which returned an intercept of 5.92 g/t Au over 31m (Source: Delta New Release October 31, 2022). Trenching conducted on Delta's ground 390m east of the property boundary, returned an interval of 2.22 g/t Au over 8m (Source: Delta Resources Website). Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/943/190821_24ae113464c34859_002full.jpg All samples were sent to Activation Laboratories. The precious metals were analyzed utilizing a standard fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples with fire assay results above 1.0 g/t gold are re-analyzed using a gravimetric finish and samples with fire assay results above 5.0 g/t gold or samples showing visible gold are analyzed using the pulp metallic method. Michael MacIsaac, P.Geo and VP Exploration for the Corporation and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for this release, and supervised the preparation of the information forming the basis for this release. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property from Newmont Corporation, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has an 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF). In addition, Metals Creek owns and/or has option agreements in place to acquire a 100% interest in claims in the Shabaqua Corners area of North western Ontario. Metals Creek also has multiple quality projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact the Company at the number below. Additional information concerning the Company is contained in documents filed by the Company with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO Metals Creek Resources Corp telephone: (709)-256-6060 fax: (709)-256-6061 MetalsCreek.com Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes Facebook.com/MetalsCreek To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190821 Zug, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Monarch Business School Switzerland is proud to announce that through the generosity of its Graduate Alumni Association over 500 fully-funded online scholarship positions to the Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Management program have now been filed. Additional fully-funded scholarship positions are still available and applicants from around the world are encouraged to apply. https://umonarch.ch/bachelor-of-business-administration-video/ To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9276/190884_cc40d8dbe4d21958_003full.jpg The scholarships cover the full cost of the online program for the duration of their 3.5 year study. Students will simply require their own computer for access to the digital campus. Monarch Business School Switzerland encourages all interested applicants to apply. Monarch Business School Switzerland Fully Online Bachelor of Business Administration Program To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9276/190884_cc40d8dbe4d21958_001full.jpg The Online Bachelor of Business Administration program in Global Management at Monarch Business School Switzerland covers the critical learning aspects and knowledge base for candidates to successfully enter industry upon graduation. Focus areas include: Business Fundamentals, Communication Skills, Organizational Behaviour, Digital Marketing & MIS, Economics, Finance, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, International Business, Sustainability, Cultural Intelligence, and Strategic Management. "The flexibility of the Online BBA program enables young students from around the world to complete their studies in an atmosphere of support and encouragement with 24 x 7 digital access without the burden of tuition fees," - Dr. Henderson, Dean of the School. The program presently has candidates from 30 countries participating online through the Monarch Digital Campus, a state-of-the-art learning management system. The asynchronous nature of the program provides the students with the greatest level of flexibility and independence enabling flexible hours. Students need not be on the platform at any predetermined time and may complete their studies as per their own schedule. About Monarch Business School: Monarch Business School Switzerland was formed in 2010 to provide high-quality asynchronous graduate and doctoral programs in management for working professionals. Since 2010, thousands of high-calibre managers and executives have studied within the graduate faculty at Monarch within the school'sProfessional PhD, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Leadership, Doctor of Social Science, Executive MBA in Global Management, MA in Business Research, Master of Professional Studies and the Dual MBA/MSc Combined Program. The Bachelor of Business Administration program was created in 2019 and is presently on its third intake. The mission of the Bachelor program is to bring the same high-quality level of instruction to young students from around the world in a flexible and encouraging online environment. Contact Details: Dr. Jeffrey Henderson [email protected] Monarch Business School Switzerland Doctoral Workshop To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9276/190884_cc40d8dbe4d21958_004full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190884 Naples, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC PINK: SONG), a leader in the music industry, has issued a statement today to reconfirm its commitment to the buyback program and address recent rumors surrounding a reverse stock split. The company remains steadfast in its goals and is taking legal action against those disseminating misinformation, unfounded allegations, and defamatory statements. Jake P. Noch, CEO of Music Licensing, Inc., is leading the charge against false claims, stating, "We have zero tolerance for baseless rumors and are committed to protecting the integrity of our company. Legal action will be taken against any party involved in spreading misinformation that harms our reputation and shareholder trust." As of December 13, 2023, the number of outstanding common stock shares remains unchanged at 802,635,215 shares. The company emphasizes that the reverse stock split is a strategic move aimed at consolidating shares, with no impact on the overall valuation of the company. "A reverse stock split is not about dilution but rather a consolidation of shares to enhance shareholder value and uplift our stock from the 'penny stock' classification. We want to assure our shareholders that the number of shares may reduce, but the value and essence of their holdings remain intact," explained Noch. Furthermore, the company plans to allocate 25% of net recoverables from its ongoing licensing enforcement and collection campaign into an open-market common stock buyback program. This initiative aligns with Music Licensing, Inc.'s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. In addition, Music Licensing, Inc. is diversifying its revenue streams through the acquisition of Music IP royalty stakes. The strategic moves underscore the company's long-term vision and commitment to growth. Amid recent challenges in investor outreach, the company has decided to change its approach and will no longer engage with individuals directly on social media platforms. This decision is in response to the abuse of the company's goodwill by those attempting to use statements made by the company to spread confusion and misinformation. Noch reiterated, "Our commitment to transparency remains unchanged. However, due to recent abuse, we are shifting our investor outreach strategy to more controlled and formal channels." Music Licensing, Inc. affirms its dedication to its shareholders and the integrity of its operations. Legal action is imminent against those involved in spreading false information, with the first lawsuit expected to be filed in federal court on Friday or Monday. About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC PINK: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com) Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is the 5th public performance rights organization (PRO) to be formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works that feature notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sause Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Created Music. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person. Non-Legal Advice Disclosure: This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein. Non-Investment Advice Disclosure: This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication Contact: [email protected] SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190891 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Signature Resources Ltd. (TSXV: SGU) (OTCQB: SGGTF) (FSE: 3S3) ("Signature" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has upsized and completed its non-brokered private placement of flow-through shares ("FT Shares") and non-flow-through shares ("NFT Shares") for gross proceeds of C$696,250 (the "Offering") increased from the previously announced offering amount of C$600,000. The offering is comprised of 20,045,455 FT shares at C$0.0275 per share and 5,800,000 NFT Shares at a price of C$0.025. Twenty percent of the Offering has been purchased by members of the Company's board of directors and management. All securities issued pursuant to this proposed private placement will be subject to the Exchange Hold Period and legend accordingly. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for resource modelling and related deposit characterization, designing the 2024 drill program, ongoing exploration data compilation, and general working capital purposes. It is expected that twenty percent of the proceeds will be used for general working capital purposes with the remainder spent on exploration and deposit definition activities. Approximately twenty percent will be paid to consultants for resource modelling and drill program design activities. None of the proceeds will be used for payments to non-arm's length parties or for investor relations service providers. "This offering is another important step in our plan to deliver shareholder value and demonstrate the potential of the Lingman Lake Project. These funds will help us complete the important foundational work that facilitates our efforts to design our 2024 drill program which will allow us to complete our initial 43-101 resource. We believe with this work completed and the improving regional infrastructure this NW Ontario asset will prove to be a very attractive project." - J. Dan Denbow, CFA Interim CEO and Director With the closing of the Offering, Signature is excited to announce that it has added a significant individual investor to its shareholder roll. With the completion of this offering, Jonathan Goodman will own 17% of the outstanding shares of Signature. We are excited that Mr. Goodman shares our enthusiasm for the Lingman Lake Project. Mr. Goodman has over 40 years' experience in the mining industry and has had the opportunity to review the Lingman Lake Project throughout the years and is familiar with its potential. In preparation for our 2024 drill program, one of the first activities is to fold the 1980's exploration work into our new geologic model completed by Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (WGM) earlier this year. This enhanced geologic model will allow us to design our 2024 drill program that should most efficiently provide the necessary data that will allow Signature to complete its initial 43-101 resource. Wataynikaneyap Power Update The Wataynikaneyap Transmission Power Project continues to make progress in Northwestern Ontario with 99% of the clearing and raking complete, 89% of the structural support installed and 87% of the power line strung (see link). This power project will be important to supporting several First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario and should provide the needed power and road infrastructure in the region for potential resource development. In November, the project connected the Sachigo Lake First Nations community which provides power within 45 kilometers of the Lingman Lake deposit. Addition to the Board of Directors The company is also pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has voted to increase its membership to six and has appointed Matthew Goodman to fill the new position. Mr. Goodman has over 12 years of experience in capital markets and junior mining. Matthew joined Dundee Corporation in 2013 as a member of Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel, where he was responsible for evaluating strategic resource investment opportunities for Dundee Corporation and the Goodman Gold Trust. Matthew was a founding member of Dundee Private Equity and part of the team that launched the first Canadian Special Purpose Acquisition Company, raising over C$100 million in its IPO. In September 2018, Mr. Goodman rejoined Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel, as an associate and, subsequently, as lead portfolio manager of the CMP and DGRC funds. Throughout Matthew's tenure at Dundee, he has been a part of the corporate development team, overseeing Dundee's most significant on-balance sheet assets. Matthew's prior background includes in-field mineral exploration and equity capital markets experience. Matthew is a CFA Charterholder and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing in Global Economics and Microeconomic Analysis from York University. With Mr, Goodman's appointment to the board he has been granted 350,000 incentive stock options The options have an exercise price of $0.05, expire five years from the grant date. The options vest 25% immediately and 25% annually thereafter until the third anniversary. About Signature The Lingman Lake gold property (the "Property") consists of 1,300 staked claims, four freehold fully patented claims and 14 mineral rights patented claims totaling approximately 24,761 hectares. The Property includes what has historically been referred to as the Lingman Lake Gold Mine, an underground substructure consisting of a 126.5-metre shaft, and 3-levels at 46-metres, 84-metres and 122-metres depths. There has been over 28,000 metres of historical drilling done on the Property. To find out more about Signature, visit our website at www.signatureresources.ca, or contact: Dan Denbow Interim CEO 416-840-6345 [email protected] Cautionary Notes Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements which are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions and risks associated with infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to changes in general economic and financial market conditions, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190947 North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2023) - Westcoast Wills & Estates, a firm comprising nine experienced estate planning and probate lawyers, is pleased to announce the hosting of its final event in the Estate Planning Series. The Estate Planning Series is a series of events designed to educate individuals and families on the importance of proper estate planning and provide them with essential information and resources to make decisions about their future. Source: https://upcdn.io/FW25b3d/raw/uploads/2023/12/12/file-7KX6.jpeg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9721/190900_c978d6cd94afe96a_001full.jpg The final event in the Estate Planning Series, scheduled for January 22, 2024, is titled "Estate Planning 101." It will focus on basic estate planning strategies to minimize estate taxes and safeguard the smooth transition of assets to beneficiaries. As with former events in the series, the event will be held at the Parkgate Public Library in North Vancouver. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable professionals in the field and ask questions specific to their circumstances. The series of public presentations aims to educate and empower individuals regarding estate planning, ensuring that the wider community is well-informed about the complexities and importance of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. This is part of Westcoast Wills & Estate's commitment to being a positive force in the community outside of performing legal services for their clients. "We are not just a law firm; we are a resource hub for our community, striving to demystify estate planning and probate law for everyone," affirmed Mike Beishuizen, probate lawyer and founder of Westcoast Wills & Estates. "We believe in actively engaging with our community and fostering a positive impact. Our dedication extends beyond legal expertise; it is about creating a better society." Up-to-Date Knowledge Essential The laws and regulations surrounding estate planning are regularly evolving, and it is necessary to stay updated on these changes. Some key developments and news related to wills and estate planning in Canada over the past years include changes to tax laws, updates to beneficiary designations, and new regulations regarding digital assets. Being aware of these changes and having updated knowledge can greatly impact the effectiveness and success of one's estate planning. Understanding recent cases and other developments in estate planning can help individuals make informed decisions when creating their wills and prevent complications and disputes in the future. "You want an estate plan that is comprehensive. It includes a will, but it includes other things like the personal situations of the people you are providing for, who is the beneficiary on your account, and who is the joint owner of the account," emphasized Beishuizen in an interview with 980 CKNW, Vancouver. Attendance at the Estate Planning Series event is complimentary, but pre-registration is required. Interested parties can register online at the North Vancouver District Public Library website. Westcoast Wills & Estates believes that every business should contribute to the society it serves. For further information about Westcoast Wills & Estates and their future community events and presentations, visit their website at westcoastwills.com. Media Contact: Mike Beishuizen Founder Westcoast Wills & Estates Email: [email protected] Phone: 604-230-1068 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190900 Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. ASK4SAM, a renowned NYC-based personal injury law firm, is championing the rights of Bronx and Queens residents affected by workplace accidents. The firm focuses on securing justice and compensation for victims, given the frequency of such accidents in these populous regions. ASK4SAM, the esteemed New York City-based personal injury law firm, has reinforced its commitment to representing residents of the Bronx and Queens who have suffered from workplace accidents. With a significant focus on ensuring justice and securing compensation for workplace injuries, the firm is extending its expert legal services to those affected in these boroughs. Workplace accidents, unfortunately, are a frequent occurrence in bustling urban environments like the Bronx and Queens. The diverse industries in these areas, from construction sites to manufacturing plants and service-based businesses, present various risks to workers. ASK4SAM's team of experienced attorneys specializes in handling the complex legalities associated with these accidents. "Workplace accidents can profoundly impact individuals and their families, leaving them to contend with medical bills, lost wages, and often, a long road to recovery," stated a spokesperson from ASK4SAM. "Our mission is to ensure that these residents receive the legal representation they need to navigate the aftermath of such incidents." The legal complexities surrounding workplace accidents in New York are myriad. From workers' compensation claims to personal injury lawsuits, the nuances demand a high level of expertise and a deep understanding of New York labor laws. ASK4SAM's attorneys bring to the table their extensive experience in dealing with such cases, ensuring victims' rights are protected. When dealing with workplace injuries, the pursuit of financial compensation is crucial. These compensations are not limited to covering medical expenses but also include lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases of catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, the firm's attorneys are adept at securing the maximum possible restitution for their clients. "Each case of a workplace injury is unique, with its own set of challenges. Our approach is always tailored to the individual situation, ensuring that the victim's specific needs are met, and their rights are upheld," added the spokesperson. In addition to individual representation, ASK4SAM is committed to promoting safer workplace practices in the Bronx and Queens. The firm actively engages in community outreach and education programs, aiming to reduce the occurrence of workplace accidents. These programs are designed to raise awareness about workers' rights and the importance of workplace safety. Navigating the insurance landscape following a workplace accident can be particularly challenging. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, making it essential for victims to have a strong legal team advocating on their behalf. ASK4SAM's attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurance providers, ensuring that settlements reflect the true extent of the injuries and losses suffered. In the realm of work-related injuries, the compensation benefits that injured workers are entitled to often extend beyond immediate medical care. Particularly in cases of construction accidents, where a construction worker might suffer spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, the need for an experienced personal injury attorney becomes critical. These personal injury claims, especially in the construction industry, require a comprehensive understanding of the laws governing construction site accidents. ASK4SAMs team of construction accident lawyers are adept at navigating these complex cases, ensuring that injured construction workers receive the full spectrum of their entitlements, including medical benefits and compensation for emotional distress. The scope of workplace accident lawyers extends to advocating for fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover medical costs, including expenses for ongoing physical therapy and any necessary medical equipment, while non-economic damages address the less tangible aspects such as loss of enjoyment of life and enduring emotional distress. In severe injury cases, where a worker might face a permanent disability, ensuring access to the full range of compensation benefits is vital. ASK4SAMs construction accident attorneys work tirelessly to identify all liable parties, from employers to manufacturers of defective equipment, to secure the justice and compensation their clients deserve. Furthermore, when a workplace accident leads to a fatality, the firm's attorneys are experienced in pursuing wrongful death claims. These claims often seek additional compensation beyond death benefits, addressing the profound impact on the familys financial stability and emotional well-being. For repetitive stress injuries or other less immediately apparent job injuries, ASK4SAM ensures that all relevant factors - from workplace conditions to long-term health implications - are thoroughly considered in the pursuit of a personal injury claim. This comprehensive approach underscores their commitment to not only addressing the immediate aftermath of a workplace accident but also ensuring the long-term welfare of their clients. For residents of the Bronx and Queens who have been involved in a workplace accident, ASK4SAM offers free initial consultations. This service is a critical first step in understanding one's legal options and rights following an accident. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay unless a successful outcome is achieved in their case. "Workplace accidents should not define one's future. With the right legal support, victims can secure the compensation they deserve and focus on their recovery," concluded the spokesperson from ASK4SAM. Bronx and Queens residents seeking legal assistance for workplace accidents are encouraged to reach out to ASK4SAM for comprehensive and compassionate legal representation. About ASK4SAM: ASK4SAM, Silberstein, Awad, and Miklos, P.C., is a New York City-based personal injury law firm known for its commitment to client advocacy and justice. With a focus on personal injury, including workplace accidents, the firm has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients across New York City. Contact Info: Name: Ask 4 SAM Email: Send Email Organization: Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Address: 2825 3rd Ave Ste. 301, Bronx, NY 10455, United States Phone: +1-718-204-8000 Website: https://ask4sam.net Release ID: 89116066 If there are any problems, discrepancies, or queries related to the content presented in this press release, we kindly ask that you notify us immediately at [email protected]. Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or support you with press release takedowns. Ensuring accurate and trustworthy information is our unwavering commitment. GENEVA , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the Global Refugee Forum, we reaffirm our commitment to alleviate human suffering and serve humanity. We stand with refugee children and adolescents everywhere. We will steadfastly continue to work with all our partners and invest in a quality education that provides knowledge, skills, mental health and psychosocial support, school meals, water and sanitation, as well as protection. As part of this commitment, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, is pledging to invest at least US$500 million in refugee education over the next four years, contingent upon ECW raising at least US$1.5 billion for its new Strategic Plan. By doing so, ECW will reach 5 million refugees worldwide. ECW's support will be geared towards addressing the most immediate and urgent needs through temporary education programmes as well as supporting long-term stability through inclusion of refugees and refugee teachers in national education systems, in ways that respect their diverse needs, abilities and capacities. We cannot do it alone. To build on this work, the Government of Denmark has committed an additional DKK40 million (approximately US$6 million ) towards Education Cannot Wait's investments in Niger . The Government of Japan is also announcing a US$3 million grant that will help provide safe and protective learning environments for children that have been forcibly displaced in the war in Ukraine . We welcome Japan as a G7 leader to the ECW family, and look forward to strengthened collaboration and support in the years to come. Together with other contributions by our strategic donors, and through working with government partners, UN partners such as UNHCR and other UN agencies, civil society and other key stakeholders, ECW will mobilize a total of US$1.5 billion by 2026, allowing us to reach 20 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents through our holistic education investments. This is a crisis that impacts us all. The global level of forced displacement is reaching all-time highs. The number of people forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict and climate-induced disasters has increased every year over the past decade to roughly 115 million people today. That's more than the total populations of Canada , Denmark , Italy and Switzerland combined. Together with all our partners, ECW must act with speed and agility to restore education as quickly as possible for refugee children and adolescents, to minimize learning losses and restore a sense of normalcy for girls and boys whose lives have been torn apart by armed conflicts, persecution and climate-induced disasters. This is what we did as South Sudanese refugees arrived in Uganda , Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Venezuelan refugees in Colombia . This is what we are doing in response to the brutal conflict in Sudan . Through our First Emergency Responses, we jointly provide education to refugee children and adolescents uprooted by the war, and their host communities in the Central African Republic , Chad , Egypt , Ethiopia and South Sudan . At the same time, it is critically important to ensure that refugees, including refugee teachers, are included in national education systems and that we ensure sustainability. Together with our partners, we work closely with refugee-hosting countries such as Chad , Colombia , the Democratic Republic of the Congo , Ethiopia , Uganda , Lebanon , and many others to help develop policies and frameworks that support and facilitate inclusion, while also alleviating the pressure on national education systems by making additional investments in the formal sector. In delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG4 the foundation of all sustainable development goals we are committed to advancing inclusion across all our investments. To bridge the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, our multi-year investments connect immediate humanitarian response plans with medium and long-term national sector strategies. Ultimately, refugee inclusion is not only an opportunity to strengthen national education systems for refugees and host community children and adolescents. It is an opportunity to ignite change through empowering those whose extraordinary resilience will help all of us to advance human evolution in science, technology, medicine and the arts, just to mention a few. The greatest minds and souls are to be found in refugees and those who have offered them refuge. Since operations commenced in 2017, almost one-third of the children ECW has reached are refugees. We will not stop. As a member of the Leadership Group and a longstanding partner of UNHCR, we wholeheartedly support the multi-stakeholder pledge made at this year's Global Refugee Forum, along with the various thematic pledges that have been developed under the auspices of the Education Alliance including pledges towards early childhood development, education in emergencies, gender, mental health and psychosocial support, secondary education and teachers. With our own individual pledge, we are coming in strongly behind the education mega-pledge issued during the Global Refugee Forum, articulating what we as ECW can and will do to help achieve our shared vision. To make good on the commitments outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other binding international accords, world leaders must step up to do more for the world's refugee children and adolescents. Their only dream is a safe place to call home, their only hope is an education. And our own hope lies with them. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/action-unity-impact-global-refugee-forum-statement-by-ecw-executive-director-yasmine-sherif-302014539.html SOURCE Education Cannot Wait HANGZHOU, China , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform, has partnered with top online travel agencies, including Trip.com, a global one-stop travel service provider and Tuniu, an integrated leisure travel service provider in China , to launch selected tour packages and travel guide on the Alipay app for international tourists travelling to China . The first batch of the launch includes a total of 20 packages aimed at helping international tourists navigate their travels in China . The packages include tours with an English-speaking guide at famous tourist attractions such as the Palace Museum and Badaling Great Wall in Beijing , Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Jiuzhaigou National Park ( Jiuzhai Valley ) in Sichuan Province , Shaolin Temple in Henan Province , and Shanghai Disney Resort and the Bund in Shanghai . Some of the attractions offer discount up to 20%. Alipay and Trip.com also launched a China Travel Guide in the app with comprehensive travel advice in the country. The guide provides detailed information on topics such as pre-travel checklists, visa applications, attractions, hotels, mobile payment, communication, transport, booking services and more. Cross-border travel, including inbound travel to China , is witnessing a continuous surge globally given the increase in flights and favourable policies. According to Trip.com data, from January to October this year, inbound tour orders increased 125% year-on-year compared to 2022. Starting from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024 , travellers holding ordinary passports from France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Spain and Malaysia can enjoy visa-free entry to China . They can also stay for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes. "With its leading global travel services, Trip.com seeks to collaborate with industry partners like Alipay to continue enhancing the experience of inbound tourists and draw more international travellers to China . Trip.com aims to increase the number of inbound tourists served in 2024 by more than 150% compared with 2019," said Jiqiang Wang , vice general manager of digital marketing at Trip.com. "We are delighted to work with partners across the industry to enhance international tourists' payment and travel experience in China . As the leading digital wallet in China , Alipay will continue to optimise products and services to better serve international visitors," said Yaoyao Jin in charge of international travellers' usage of Alipay. "We also encourage more merchants and service providers operating digitally on Alipay platform to enhance their services for international travellers." Together with Trip.com, Alipay also launched the "New Year, New Exploration" campaign on social media, inviting international tourists interested in exploring China to travel like a local using their mobile phone. Alipay has been continually improving its products and services for international travellers. After downloading the Alipay app, overseas tourists now can sign up and link their international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International to pay at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across China , including restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls and public transport. It also integrates frequently-used travel services, including hotel booking, air tickets booking, car-hailing, exchange rate checking, and translation. In addition to using Alipay to pay like a local in China , international tourists from 7 countries and regions including Malaysia and Singapore can also use their home e-wallet while travelling around China . These home e-wallets include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China ), mPay (Macao SAR, China ), Touch 'n Go eWallet ( Malaysia ), Kakao Pay ( South Korea ), Hipay ( Mongolia ), Changi Pay ( Singapore ), OCBC ( Singapore ), Naver Pay ( South Korea ), Toss Pay ( South Korea ) and TrueMoney ( Thailand ). About Alipay In the digital era, Alipay has evolved from a trusted payment tool to an open platform that connects businesses, institutions, service providers, and other partners with consumers. Alipay enables partners from various industries to offer safe and convenient payment options. It also enables partners to communicate and deliver different digital services to their customers in China through Alipay mini programs, lifestyle accounts and other tools. The Alipay platform has connected over 80 million businesses with more than one billion consumers. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 510 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh , Tokyo and Seoul , help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alipay-partners-with-tripcom-to-launch-selected-china-tour-packages-and-travel-guide-for-international-tourists-302014210.html SOURCE Trip.com Ambetter of Illinois' collaboration with RUSH University System for Health offers its members expanded access to the award-winning medical system's high-quality healthcare CHICAGO , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambetter of Illinois , a product offered by Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) which provides insurance to under-insured and uninsured populations through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov), announced today a partnership with RUSH University System for Health to increase access to quality healthcare. Ambetter of Illinois members in the Chicagoland area can now receive care at any of the 140 RUSH locations in the region. "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with RUSH because it gives our Marketplace members greater personal choice in managing their healthcare needs, including access to RUSH's top-tier specialty care services, primary care, and academic medical center," said Cristal Gary , CEO of Meridian Health Plan of Illinois , also a subsidiary of Centene, providing quality and network support to Ambetter of Illinois . "It also advances our goal of achieving health equity in the community by expanding services to areas where our members live and work." The agreement gives Ambetter of Illinois members access to the latest healthcare technology and resources available in all four of RUSH's hospitalsRUSH University Medical Center, RUSH Copley Medical Center, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, and Riverside Medical Center. These facilities offer convenient and accessible services including same-day appointments and RUSH On Demand for virtual visits. Their network includes more than 2,300 providers in over 140 practices. RUSH also offers more than 500 Spanish-speaking providers, providing Ambetter of Illinois members additional assurance and services to help better manage their care. "This new partnership will create greater access to the very best healthcare for more patients across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana ," said Lisa Wagamon , President of RUSH Health. "We are pleased to be able to extend the reach of academic medicine to more patients and families, especially those who need care for serious and complex conditions." This benefit is effective immediately. Ambetter of Illinois' members can make an appointment, find a provider, or review their benefits by logging into their account at ambetterofillinois.com. About Ambetter of Illinois Ambetter of Illinois is underwritten by Celtic Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Ambetter of Illinois serves under-insured and uninsured populations through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace . For more information, visit ambetterofillinois.com. For information on your right to receive an Ambetter of Illinois plan free of discrimination, or your right to receive language, auditory and/or visual assistance services, visit ambetterofillinois.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. About RUSH University System for Health RUSH is a clinically integrated network of physicians and hospitals that work together to provide high-quality, efficient health services. The health system covers the spectrum of patient care from wellness and prevention to disease and care management. At the system level, RUSH includes RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH Copley Medical Center, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, Riverside Medical Center and more than 140 physician practices. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ambetter-of-illinois-expands-provider-network-to-include-rush-university-system-for-health-302014047.html NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Directors has announced its new members and officers for the term beginning January 1, 2024 . Mary McKiel , standards consultant, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, was appointed to a first one-year term as Chair of the ANSI Board. Phil Piqueira , vice president of global standards, UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Supporting the Chair will be the following Vice Chairs: Christian Dubay , National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); Tim Klein , U.S. Department of Transportation ( U.S. DOT); Ed Mikoski , Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA); and David Miller , American Petroleum Institute (API). The following individuals have been elected to the Board as Directors-at-Large for terms beginning January 2024 and concluding at year-end 2026: Sonya Bird , ULSE , ULSE Susan Carioti , ASIS International , Dale Cyr , Inteleos , Inteleos Gaby Davis , IAPMO , IAPMO Thomas Gardner , HP Federal , HP Federal Elisabeth George , Elisabeth George Consulting LLC , Stephen Kwan , San Jose State University , San Jose Jennifer McNelly , American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) , (ASSP) Peter Pondillo , Corning Incorporated , Corning Incorporated Paris Stavrianidis , FM Global , David Stehlin , Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) In addition, the Board of Directors Nominating Committee has filled four vacant Director-at-Large positions with: Gordon Gillerman , National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , (NIST) Dominique Taudin , Carrier Corporation , Danielle Taylor , Abbott Laboratories , Abbott Laboratories Phil Wennblom , Intel Corporation The following individuals will serve as ANSI Member Forum chairs: Alan Manche , Schneider Electric (Company Member Forum), Linda Golodner , Consumer Representative (Consumer Interest Forum), Elise Owen , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Government Member Forum), and Sharon Stanford , American Dental Association (Organizational Member Forum). The following individuals will serve as chairs of the Institute's Policy Advisory Groups: Henry Wixon , NIST (Intellectual Property Rights Policy Advisory Group); Jeff Grove , ASTM International (National Policy Advisory Group); and Ajit Jillavenkatesa, Apple (International Policy Advisory Group). Amanda Benedict , Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), will chair the ANSI ISO Council. Jessica Evans , NSF International, will chair ANSI's Board of Standards Review. Veronica A. Lancaster , Consumer Technology Association (CTA), will serve as USNC president and chair of the USNC Council. Paula Watkins , American Petroleum Institute (API), will chair ANSI's Executive Standards Council. Individuals leaving the Board are: Monica Barone , Qualcomm Inc. , Qualcomm Inc. Mitzi Baum , STOP Foodborne Illness , STOP Foodborne Illness Neil Bogatz , IAPMO , IAPMO GP Russ Chaney , IAPMO , IAPMO Scott McGrath , OASIS , OASIS Paul Moliski , Intertek Testing Services, NA Inc. , Rusty Rentsch , Aerospace Industries Association The members and staff of the ANSI Federation express their gratitude and thanks to all of these individuals for their many contributions and efforts in support of the Institute and the U.S. voluntary consensus standardization and conformity assessment community. About ANSI The American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents and serves the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For more information, visit www.ansi.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ansi-board-of-directors-names-volunteer-leaders-for-2024-302014567.html SOURCE American National Standards Institute Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends and delivers a speech at a memorial ceremony to mourn the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre, in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) NANJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Li Hongzhong attended a national memorial ceremony on Wednesday for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, delivering a speech in which he stressed the Chinese people's aspiration for peaceful development and the great endeavor of national rejuvenation. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks while speaking the 10th national memorial ceremony in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province. The memorial ceremony was held by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in honor of the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre perpetrated by Japanese invaders during World War II. Li said that the memorial ceremony is dedicated to all the innocent victims of the Nanjing Massacre, all the fellow countrymen killed by Japanese invaders, as well as all the revolutionary martyrs, national heroes and international comrades who sacrificed their lives in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The memorial ceremony expresses the Chinese people's noble desire to steadfastly pursue peaceful development and demonstrates their firm stance to always remember history, cherish peace and forge ahead for a brighter future, Li said. Noting that today's China is a vigorous and thriving nation, Li urged efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and to strive toward the great goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. The memorial ceremony was presided over by State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong. The attendees also included representatives of veterans who fought in Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, leading officials from relevant central authorities, Nanjing Massacre survivors and relatives of the massacre victims, as well as people from various sectors of Jiangsu. Sustainable Markets Initiative's Founder, His Majesty King Charles III , opened the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum at reception in Dubai More than 1,000 private sector CEOs, Heads of State and Philanthropic leaders came together at first-ever Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, for which the Sustainable Markets Initiative was the Strategic Partner Industry Transition Initiatives across its Task Forces and Country Engagement DUBAI, UAE , Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Strategic Partner to the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum (BPCF) helped convene more than a 1,000 CEOs, global leaders, and philanthropists from over 80 countries. The Forum was led by the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates and held alongside the World Climate Action Summit. The Forum launched on November 30 with a high-level reception, which was hosted by the COP28 Presidency and the Sustainable Markets Initiative, in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III , the Founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The event highlighted the mission of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and echoed The King's vision for Nature, People and Planet on a global stage. The reception also highlighted opening remarks from Brian Moynihan , Chair and CEO of Bank of America, and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum shared the private sector's progress and released its Purpose Statement and aims for COP29 . Read Purpose Statement. "The Sustainable Markets Initiative, as a private sector led organisation, has transformed how the global business community convenes at world events like COP28 . Our members, as global CEOs from a wide range of industries, and finance, are scaling the sustainable transition and are demonstrating action across their value and supply chains," said Jennifer Jordan-Saifi , CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. "As the 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition, we know it is a business imperative and we must address climate change now, with speed and results. Our member companies, with their global reach, ingenuity, and resources, are helping to bring real world demonstrations of a sustainable transition forward at scale, supporting a path to a more sustainable future." Pre-COP28 and COP28 Highlights: Notes to editors: Additional COP28 activities: RE:TV, a partner to the Sustainable Markets Initiative, had a significant role at the BPCF as it captured leading stories across its member platform and demonstrations of how companies are accelerating the path to low-carbon and net zero solutions. Sustainable Markets Initiative Showcase: At COP28 , the Sustainable Markets Initiative member companies and partners showcased recent demonstrations of progress through a digital storytelling series that highlighted sustainable transition projects, investment, and business activities across the globe. This showcase was highlighted as a successful articulation of real action in motion across the globe at COP28 amongst attendees. About the Sustainable Markets Initiative Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as Prince of Wales , the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world's 'go-to' private sector organisation on transition. Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative's mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org Sustainable Markets Initiative's Terra Carta His Majesty King Charles III , as Prince of Wales , launched the Terra Carta at the One Planet Summit in January 2021. The Terra Carta serves as the mandate for the Sustainable Markets Initiative and provides a practical roadmap for acceleration towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation, and resources of the private sector. The Terra Carta is supported by the 56 members of the Commonwealth, C40 Cities and the United Kingdom's 13 Core Cities. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299261/COP28_Nov30_Reception.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299262/COP28_Press_Release_12122023.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-strategic-partner-for-cop28-business-and-philanthropy-climate-forum-sustainable-markets-initiative-expands-focus-on-industry-transition-with-global-leaders-to-align-industry-finance-and-country-roadmaps-302013311.html SOURCE Sustainable Markets Initiative New law expands on an existing state law that protected racehorses by prohibiting the slaughter and selling of all horses for human or animal consumption NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) commends Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing S.2163-B into law to protect New York horses from being sold and transported for slaughter. Championed by Assemblymember Deborah Glick (D- Manhattan ) and Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D- Woodhaven ), this legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the New York State Legislature earlier this year, and the new law is set to take effect 120 days from today. This measure is a follow-up to a 2021 law enacted by Gov. Hochul , which recognized this practice as fundamentally brutal and inhumane by outlawing the sale or transport of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses for the purpose of slaughter. This prohibition was an urgently needed first step as most equines bound for slaughter are crammed into crowded trailers without access to food, water, or rest, and many suffer serious injuries or death in transit. Once they arrive at the slaughterhouse, their death is even more gruesome. Due to their biology, horses are difficult to stun effectively, and they frequently require repeated blows and may even remain conscious during dismemberment. However, the original law made it difficult for officers stopping a horse trailer headed to the border to determine what breed each equine was. The enactment of S.2163-B makes the existing law more just and more effective by protecting all horses, not just racehorses. "A staggering 83 percent of Americans oppose the slaughter of horses for human consumption and Congress has already acted to shut down slaughterhouses in the U.S. , but a legal loophole still allows tens of thousands of American horses to be shipped to Canada and Mexico each year to be slaughtered for their meat," said Bill Ketzer , senior legislative director for the ASPCA's Eastern division. "With the enactment of this new law, New York has taken a stand against the cruel, unnecessary, and predatory horse slaughter industry. We're grateful to Assemblymember Glick and Senator Addabbo for their commitment to ending the transport and slaughter of all horses and we thank Governor Hochul for strengthening the existing law to protect thousands of horses and ensure New York will no longer be a part of the slaughter pipeline." ASPCA research shows that 2.3 million Americans have the interest and resources to adopt a horse, demonstrating that there are more than enough homes for the approximately 20,000 American horses who were exported for slaughter last year. This means that every horse who has been sent to slaughter could have had a home waiting, if given the opportunity to find it, or compassionate end-of-life care close to home a far cry from commercial slaughter. America's equine adoption community works to match the horses in their care with foster and adoptive families, increasing the number of adoptions every year, but as long as the financial incentive for slaughter exists, it will continue to hamper the lifesaving efforts of rescue and welfare groups to provide humane care to equines. The horse slaughter industry not only exploits horses who must endure grueling journeys to slaughter plants and an inhumane death, it also harms the broader equine community, including horse owners, riders, and rescues, who fear that their horses will end up in the slaughter pipeline despite their best efforts to keep them safe. Kill buyers those who buy horses to ship to slaughter in Canada and Mexico attend auctions and often outbid rescue groups trying to help vulnerable equines. Kill buyers have also been known to pose as good homes in response to ads from horse owners who can no longer care for their animals. Many owners are so fearful that they may even keep their horses beyond the point that they can afford basic care to prevent their animals from being sold to slaughter, causing further suffering. In fact, approximately 75 percent of horse owners surveyed at the ASPCA's Equine Transition and Adoption Center admit that the threat of horse slaughter played a primary role in delaying relinquishment and seeking care. The ASPCA is committed to ensuring good welfare for all equines in the U.S. by building programs that support horses and their owners, advocating for stronger laws for these under-protected animals, and reimagining and increasing equine adoption. In addition to supporting efforts to prohibit horse slaughter at the state level, the ASPCA is also advocating for the passage of the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R.3475/S.2037), federal legislation that would permanently protect American horses from commercial slaughter by expanding the Dog and Cat Meat Prohibition Act that passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill to include equines, thereby prohibiting the commercial slaughter of horses in the U.S. and ending their export for that purpose abroad. For more information about the ASPCA's work to ban horse slaughter or to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org. About the ASPCA Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States . The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org , and follow the ASPCA on Facebook , X , Instagram , and TikTok . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-commends-gov-hochul-for-signing-bill-to-protect-new-york-horses-from-slaughter-302014619.html SOURCE ASPCA NEW LONDON, Conn. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- When Julio Ricardo Varela walked onto the Mitchell College campus in New London, Conn. , to record a podcast with students on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality, he didn't have to look far for inspiration. Journalist Julio Ricardo Varela found inspiration for a podcast on belonging on the campus of Mitchell College in Conn. "I was instantly struck by how strong and welcoming the community was. There was a sense of belonging and home that felt very special," he said. The award-winning journalist, MSNBC opinion columnist, and founder of one of the top U.S. Latino digital media sites in the world hosted his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College, thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. Varela spent the day meeting with faculty and students and talked about the power of storytelling through podcasts and the craft of making them. During a morning discussion, he explained that journalism and storytelling are a craft and a discipline. "We have to be responsible" in telling stories "and be credible, honest, and truthful," he said. He encouraged students to use their time at college to "tell stories in a supportive place." "Your stories matter. Everyone's stories matter," he added. "We have 'invisibilized' so many voices for centuries that we have forgotten how our humanity connects us. In a country that continues to grow more and more socially isolated, we cannot give up, and [must] remind ourselves that storytelling from diverse voices will be what nourishes us." Varela chose to record his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College knowing the college's reputation for inclusivity and specialized programs for all type of learners. He used a small panel format and talked to two or three students at a time before a live audience. Seven Mitchell College students shared personal stories of the joys and challenges they experience attending a college committed to embracing and celebrating difference. When asked about the rewards and challenges of interviewing, Varela said, "I am inherently curious, so I enjoy asking people questions and trying to make them feel comfortable to share their stories with sincerity and compassion." He added that it is all about "human connections and collegiality." Varela said a highlight was learning about Mitchell community members, "especially the student guests, who were all fabulous." Read the full story and hear the podcast here. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-journalist-hosts-national-podcast-with-mitchell-college-students-302014692.html SOURCE Mitchell College KINGSPORT, Tenn. , Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. has received a contract with a ceiling value of $8.8 billion from the U.S. Army to continue as the operating contractor of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) with a base period of 10 years. BAE Systems has been the operating contractor of the site since 1999, developing innovative products such as IMX-101, a safer and effective replacement to TNT in artillery, and modernizing the facility for sustained reliability into the future. "Our team is proud to continue our work as the operating contractor of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant" "Our team is proud to continue our work as the operating contractor of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant," said John Swift , vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. "BAE Systems is committed to delivering safe, reliable products for our customers at a time when it matters most, while modernizing the Holston Army Ammunition Plant to meet increased demand." The Holston Army Ammunition Plant is a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated facility that produces explosives for the U.S. military. The plant has been operating since World War II, and BAE Systems has invested its modernization expertise in creating a safer workplace for employees, developing reliable munitions for soldiers, and implementing cleaner environmental practices for the community. Modernizing ammunition plants into state-of-the-art chemical processing facilities while continuing production is important for national security. BAE Systems' history of modernizing while also manufacturing will allow the U.S. Army to expand the capabilities for explosives and munitions manufacturing without sacrificing readiness. In addition to operating the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. has been the operating contractor of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Virginia since 2012, which manufactures propellants for the U.S. military. For more information, please contact: Laura McLaughlin , BAE Systems Mobile: 571-867-1217 [email protected] www.baesystems.com/US @BAESystemsInc View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bae-systems-awarded-us-army-contract-to-operate-holston-army-ammunition-plant-302013330.html SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc. TRENTON, N.J. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 14th Annual BioNJ BioPartnering Conference will move to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City on May 14, 2024 . This announcement comes on the heels of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's recent commitment to invest $20 million in a new innovation hub as part of Liberty Science Center's SciTech Scity. "We can't think of a more exciting venue to host our 14th Annual BioPartnering Conference," said Debbie Hart , President and CEO, BioNJ. "Entrepreneurs are the engine and fuel for new company creation driving the next generation of therapies, diagnostics and tools in life sciences. And, for the last three decades, the Liberty Science Center has nurtured young scientists and shepherded future leaders in its mission to foster new innovation. Jersey City is the perfect backdrop for this important meeting where life sciences companies, large and small, will gather to explore collaboration opportunities." "We are ecstatic to have the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) join our elite group of Conference Partners, including J.P. Morgan, Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Morgan Lewis ," noted Hart. "We are grateful for Jersey City Economic Development Corporation's support in bringing this important event to the Liberty Science Center in 2024. The mission of the BioPartnering Conference is in complete alignment with that of Jersey City and the Liberty Science Center to build a vibrant innovative hub." "During this pivotal moment in Jersey City's history, we are clearly making our mark in establishing Jersey City as a sought-after destination for transformative science and technology, and we welcome BioNJ as our newest partner on this front," said Mayor Steven M. Fulop , City of Jersey City. "I am especially grateful for our JCEDC team and LSC's Paul Hoffman , who worked together to help make this a reality." "We look forward to welcoming BioNJ's preeminent 2024 BioPartnering Conference to the Liberty Science Center and introducing attendees to SciTech Scity, the 30-acre innovation campus we are now building that will focus on home healthcare, biomedical science, planet care and artificial intelligence," said Paul Hoffman , President and CEO, Liberty Science Center and SciTech Scity. "BioNJ's Annual BioPartnering Conference offers incredible opportunities to innovative New Jersey entrepreneurs and highlights the pioneering work of life sciences and technology companies in the State," said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan . " Jersey City is quickly becoming a premier destination for inventive companies, making the Liberty Science Center an ideal location for this influential event." As the industry's signature partnering event in the Northeast, BioNJ's BioPartnering Conference attracts life sciences executives, investors, academic collaborators and business development professionals from around the globe with the goal of fostering productive partnerships and facilitating investment opportunities. The Liberty Science Center offers a spacious, state-of-the-art venue to accommodate the important and numerous elements of the Conference, including 1-1 partnering, company and start-up pitch presentations, Industry Connections (where entrepreneurs can meet with representatives from large biopharma companies expanded for 2024), exhibits, plenary sessions and networking. Hart shared, "BioNJ is honored to move this meeting to the Liberty Science Center which will allow us to showcase New Jersey's innovative spirit and spotlight all that Jersey City , Liberty Science Center and SciTech Scity have to offer." Applications for Company Pitch Presentations for the 2024 BioNJ BioPartnering Conference will open on January 16, 2024 . Visit www.BioNJ.org for more information. Or contact Pavita Howe , Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at [email protected]. Media Contact Randi Bromberg Sr. Vice President, Communications and Marketing O) 609-890-3185 C) 609-955-1067 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bionjs-biopartnering-conference-moving-to-the-liberty-science-center-in-jersey-city-302014106.html SOURCE BioNJ WATERLOO, ON , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today confirmed that it will host an interactive investor-focused Q&A session with members of the IoT management team to be streamed from the BlackBerry IoT booth at CES 2024 in Las Vegas . The session will discuss the key announcements for BlackBerry QNX and BlackBerry IVY being showcased at the event. BlackBerry Investor Briefing @ CES 2024 Wednesday, January 10, 2024 , at 4:00pm ET Presenters: Mattias Eriksson, President, BlackBerry IoT John Wall , SVP, Head of BlackBerry QNX Vito Giallorenzo , SVP, General Manager, BlackBerry IVY Tim Foote, VP, Investor Relations Demonstrations of BlackBerry IoT's core products and how they position the business as the leader in foundational software for Automotive and the IoT Edge, will be available at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 9 12, 2024, at Booth #4224 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center . Register here for the webcast. A replay will be available on the BlackBerry.com/Investors website. About BlackBerry BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 235M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario , the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry. Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services. Investor Contact: BlackBerry Investor Relations +1 (519) 888-7465 [email protected] Media Contact: BlackBerry Media Relations +1 (519) 597-7273 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackberry-to-host-investor-briefing-at-ces-2024-302014687.html SOURCE BlackBerry Limited SAN DIEGO , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Business Media has unveiled the winners of its highly anticipated Power Partner Awards, a prestigious accolade celebrating commitment of B2B organizations towards supporting and nurturing the growth of small businesses. BTCS Group proudly joins a select group of 389 companies from various sectors, all acknowledged for their pivotal roles in propelling the success of small enterprises. As a leading provider of process improvement and business intelligence, BTCS Group has consistently exemplified its dedication to empowering businesses with innovative solutions tailored to meet their unique needs. Serving as a trusted advisor and partner, BTCS Group has been instrumental in guiding businesses within the Consultant Management and Biotech sector, enabling them to navigate the complex challenges of today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Scott Omelianuk , editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media, emphasized the pivotal role of dependable B2B partners in fostering entrepreneurship, stating, "Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life." "We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the INC Power Partner Awards," said Jessica Douthit , CEO at BTCS Group. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team, who continuously strive to deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine industry standards and drive sustainable growth for our clients." With a team of expert technical project managers, data engineers, and business analysts, BTCS Group remains committed creating a lasting impact for its clientele. For more information on how BTCS Group is transforming the Consultant Management and Biotech landscape, please visit https://btcsgroup.com. To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023 The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023 . About Inc. Business Media: The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About BTCS Group: BTCS Group is a leading process improvement and business intelligence firm dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline operations and enable data-driven decision-making. With a focus on understanding client needs and delivering tailored strategies, BTCS Group continues to redefine industry standards and drive sustainable growth for businesses worldwide. For more information, visit www.btcsgroup.com. Media Contact: Jessica Douthit BTCS Group (619) 797-6433 369923@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/btcs-group-recognized-for-exceptional-support-for-small-businesses-in-incs-power-partner-awards-302013568.html SOURCE BTCS Group, Inc. RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A familiar face to the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) family has been reappointed to California's Independent Living Council. Jose Solorzano , a physical accessibility review survey specialist with the Rancho Cucamonga -based health plan's quality management team, will serve for another term after being designated for the position by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October. "One of the biggest perspectives I have is focusing on people with disabilities and their resource to access, especially to health care services," Solorzano said. "What we do as a council is focus on making sure seniors and people with disabilities have access to these programs and more." The State Independent Living Council is composed of 18 individuals responsible for: Allocating federal funding for independent living. Advising the governor and legislature on issues impacting persons living with disabilities. Implementing projects and forward-thinking ideas focused on enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities. Assuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws. All council appointees serve three-year terms. Since joining IEHP in 2017, Solorzano's story was featured in a video launched earlier this year to IEHP's YouTube and on social media platforms where the Rialto resident shared his life's journey (so far) and the significance behind his work. Today, Solorzano focuses on his mission to help others by being a voice of the underserved. "There's a continuous lack of knowledge out there because the needs of the disability community change every single year. There are different laws and a different perspective, but we all need to follow the guidelines," he said. "At the end of the day, I see my job as removing barriers for our members and inviting providers to continue to provide services within the guidelines." Prior to IEHP, Solorzano was the disability and senior outreach coordinator for Molina Health Care and a benefits and resource specialist at Southern California Rehabilitation Services for Independent Living. He is also a member of the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative. To learn more about the Independent Living Council, go to calsilc.ca.gov. About IEHP With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the third year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work. In its 27th year, IEHP supports more than 1.6 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). Today, IEHP has a growing network of nearly 6,800 providers and more than 3,000 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, go to iehp.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calif-governor-reappoints-iehp-team-member-to-independent-living-council-302014571.html SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) DUBAI, UAE , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinMENA FZE, a subsidiary of CoinMENA B.S.C. (c), one of the few regulated crypto asset service providers in the region, has successfully obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license for VA Broker-Dealer services from Dubai 's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate and offer its services in and from the Emirate. CoinMENA B.S.C (c) has, to this point, been serving clients in the UAE from its base in Bahrain. With the award of the VARA license, CoinMENA FZE can now serve clients from its Dubai Head Office and utilize local banking services, offering UAE -based users the convenience of instant money deposits and withdrawals. Commenting in a joint statement, CoinMENA's co-founders Dina Sam'an and Talal Tabbaa said: "Thanks to the regulatory clarity from VARA, Dubai is becoming a global hub for crypto and digital asset financial services." "Building strong relationships with local regulators has been a priority for us since day one," said Sam'an . "We are delighted to have received a license from VARA, which further strengthens our market position and gives confidence to our users and investors." " Dubai is at the forefront of crypto growth and innovation, launching various initiatives to push the adoption of the digital asset in the region," added Tabbaa. "Working with VARA will enable us to better serve our institutional and retail users in the Emirate as well as reduce fiat to crypto transaction costs." About CoinMENA Headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, CoinMENA B.S.C. (c) is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a crypto asset service provider (category-3). CoinMENA FZE, a subsidiary of CoinMENA B.S.C. (c), is licensed as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) for Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer services from Dubai 's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). CoinMENA seeks to empower new and seasoned investors in the MENA region who want access to crypto asset investment options by allowing them to participate in the new digital economy. Through CoinMENA, investors can buy, sell, store, and receive digital assets safely and securely, as well as deposit and withdraw in their local currency. Through competitive fees, high liquidity, and an educational approach, CoinMENA aims to be the simplest and most trusted digital assets exchange platform in the region. About VARA: Established in March 2022 , following the effect of Law No.4 of 2022, VARA is the competent entity in charge of regulating, supervising, and overseeing VAs and VA Activities in all zones across the Emirate of Dubai , including Special Development Zones and Free Zones but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. VARA plays a central role in creating Dubai 's advanced legal framework to protect investors and establish international standards for Virtual Asset industry governance, while supporting the vision for a borderless economy. For more information visit: www.vara.ae Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299884/CoinMENA.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coinmena-fze-receives-a-vasp-license-for-va-broker-dealer-services-from-dubais-virtual-assets-regulatory-authority-vara-302013903.html SOURCE CoinMENA Visit comes as the Department of Defense looks to deepen its outreach to Silicon Valley and accelerate the acquisition of innovative technologies MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kodiak Robotics, Inc. , the leading developer of self-driving technology for the defense and trucking markets, today announced a visit from Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at its Mountain View, California office. During her visit, Deputy Secretary Hicks met with Kodiak's senior leadership, rode in a Kodiak autonomous truck, and experienced how the Department of Defense (DoD) can leverage commercial innovations by working with dual-use AI technology developers like Kodiak. The visit comes as DoD is deepening its relationships with Silicon Valley to counter adversaries' technological advancements. On December 1 , Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the Defense Innovation Unit's headquarters in Mountain View with a delegation of leaders from AUKUS ( Australia , the United Kingdom , and the United States ), and recognized how crucial Kodiak and other companies are to the defense industrial base. "We were incredibly proud to host Deputy Secretary Hicks at Kodiak and demonstrate our unique approach to autonomous driving," said Don Burnette , Founder and CEO, Kodiak. "The Deputy Secretary's visit reinforces the criticality of Silicon Valley innovators as the Department of Defense ramps up its focus on autonomous technology and pursues partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors to advance its national security objectives." The visit from Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks comes a week after Kodiak unveiled its first autonomous test vehicle exclusively designed for DoD. The test vehicle, a Ford F-150, is upfitted with Kodiak's autonomy system, the Kodiak Driver, and contains both the autonomy hardware and software required to operate a military ground vehicle. The Kodiak Driver-equipped vehicle is specifically designed to handle complex military environments, diverse operational conditions, areas with degraded GPS, and off-road variables like rocks, dust, mud, and water. The Kodiak Driver also provides the Army the ability to remotely operate vehicles whenever and wherever necessary. Dual-use autonomous technology remains a focus for Congress as well. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report includes language that demonstrates Congressional support for the DoD's decision to encourage cutting-edge commercial technology developers to adapt their technology for national security purposes. These dual-use acquisition strategies include the Software Acquisition Pathways model, which enables the Army to acquire autonomy hardware and software separately from the mobility platform. Kodiak has been at the forefront of developing dual-use autonomous vehicle technologies. In December 2022 , the company announced it received a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit ( DIU ) to adapt its autonomy system for Army reconnaissance vehicles through the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program of record. Founded in 2018, Kodiak focuses its commercial efforts on developing autonomous vehicle technology for the long-haul trucking market. The company has also partnered with many of the leading companies in the trucking industry, including Maersk , C.R. England and Tyson , IKEA , Werner , Pilot , Loadsmith , Forward , and more. For more information about Kodiak, please visit https://kodiak.ai . About Kodiak Robotics, Inc. Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 to develop autonomous technology that carries freight forward so people, partners, and the planet thrive. The company is developing an industry-leading autonomous technology stack making the freight industry safer and more efficient. Kodiak's unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the South, operating autonomously on the highway portions of the routes and driving over 70,000 autonomous miles per month. Kodiak leverages its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. Learn more about Kodiak on the web at kodiak.ai , and on LinkedIn and Twitter . You can find the company press kit HERE . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deputy-secretary-of-defense-kathleen-hicks-visits-kodiak-302014768.html SOURCE Kodiak Robotics BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te's election slogan as one suggestive of his intention to seek "Taiwan independence." Addressing a press conference, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that it has been clear to all that a "'Taiwan independence' worker" is a "troublemaker" and "war-maker," and pursuing "Taiwan independence" ultimately leads to nowhere. Zhu expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" for the sake of their peace, stability and well-being. CINCINNATI , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Cincinnati's Board of Directors has appointed two new members to the FHLB's Affordable Housing Advisory Council and reappointed four current members of the Advisory Council. Each member will serve a three-year term, commencing on January 1, 2024 . The 13-member Advisory Council provides guidance to the FHLB on affordable housing and economic development needs within the Fifth FHLB District of Kentucky , Ohio and Tennessee . Appointments: Winston Miller , Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Housing Corporation , the state housing finance agency in Frankfort, Ky. Mr. Miller oversees the corporation's many lines of business, including single family mortgages with down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, multifamily housing financing with tax credit and bonding authority, rental assistance, housing rehabilitation and supportive housing programs for special needs populations. A seasoned attorney, Mr. Miller worked for Frost Brown Todd in Louisville, Ky. , specializing in civil cases involving product liability, mass tort and employment litigation for the majority of his career. He joined Team Kentucky in 2020, serving as Deputy Secretary for Kentucky's Finance and Administration Cabinet, and joined Kentucky Housing Corporation later that year. , Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of , the state housing finance agency in oversees the corporation's many lines of business, including single family mortgages with down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, multifamily housing financing with tax credit and bonding authority, rental assistance, housing rehabilitation and supportive housing programs for special needs populations. A seasoned attorney, worked for in , specializing in civil cases involving product liability, mass tort and employment litigation for the majority of his career. He joined Team Kentucky in 2020, serving as Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Cabinet, and joined later that year. Amy Riegel, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) in Columbus, Ohio . COHHIO is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to end homelessness and promote decent, safe, fair, affordable housing for all with a focus on assisting low-income and special needs populations. Ms. Riegel has been with COHHIO since 2022, previously serving as the Senior Director of Housing at CareSource . Reappointments: Cassie Hudson , Executive Director of Partnership Housing, Inc. in Booneville, Ky. Ms. Hudson has served in this role for 12 years. Founded in 2005, Partnership Housing's mission is to increase the amount of safe, affordable and decent housing for low- to moderate-income residents in Owsley County and to help those residents achieve better lives. She is an active member of Kentucky Housing Corporation's Housing Policy Advisory Committee and the Chair of the Fahe Kentucky Caucus . Ms. Hudson was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. , Executive Director of in has served in this role for 12 years. Founded in 2005, mission is to increase the amount of safe, affordable and decent housing for low- to moderate-income residents in and to help those residents achieve better lives. She is an active member of and the . was first appointed to the in 2021. Amy Schaftlein, Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. in Memphis, Tenn. As the Executive Director of United Housing Inc. , Ms. Schaftlein oversees all aspects of the organization which works to make homeownership a reality for low- to moderate-income families through financial education, mortgage lending, homebuilding and renovation. Prior to her current role, she worked with University Neighborhoods Development Corp. as a research assistant and with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency as an industry and government liaison. Ms. Schaftlein was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2021. Executive Director of in As the Executive Director of , oversees all aspects of the organization which works to make homeownership a reality for low- to moderate-income families through financial education, mortgage lending, homebuilding and renovation. Prior to her current role, she worked with as a research assistant and with the as an industry and government liaison. was first appointed to the in 2021. Samantha "Sam" A. Shuler , Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Network in Columbus, Ohio . Since Community Housing Network (CHN) was founded in 1987, the organization has provided permanent supportive housing for over 10,000 people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders or trauma related issues. Ms. Shuler has been with CHN since 2003. She was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2018. She currently serves as Advisory Council Vice Chair, a two-year position that will conclude December 31, 2024 . , Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Network in . Since Community Housing Network (CHN) was founded in 1987, the organization has provided permanent supportive housing for over 10,000 people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders or trauma related issues. has been with CHN since 2003. She was first appointed to the in 2018. She currently serves as Vice Chair, a two-year position that will conclude . Dwayne Spencer , President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis Habitat was founded in 1983 with the mission to bring decent, affordable housing to the city of Memphis . Since its inception, Memphis Habitat has helped more than 600 first-time homebuyers secure affordable mortgages and completed rehabilitation and home modification projects in partnership with nearly 1,100 local homeowners. Mr. Spencer was first appointed to the Advisory Council in 2018. FHLB Cincinnati would also like to thank departing members Debbie Watts Robinson and Shawn Smith for their years of service to the Advisory Council and the affordable housing mission of the FHLB. About the FHLB The FHLB is a AA+ rated wholesale cooperative bank owned by 610 member financial institutions, including commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions in Kentucky , Ohio and Tennessee . The FHLB provides members access to products and services (primarily Advances, which are a readily available, low-cost source of funds, purchases of certain mortgage loans from members, and issuance of Letters of Credit to members) and a competitive return through quarterly dividends on their capital investment in the FHLB. The FHLB funds these products and services by raising private-sector capital from member-stockholders and, with the other Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) in the FHLBank System, issuing high-quality debt in the global capital markets. The FHLB also funds community investment programs that help its members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/federal-home-loan-bank-of-cincinnati-announces-2024-affordable-housing-advisory-council-appointments-302014754.html SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati MELBOURNE, Australia , Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FlexRule, a leading End-to-End Decision Management Suite and Decision Automation platform, today announced the release of FlexRule Booklet, a new integrated capability that allows the Operations team to explore, analyze, and visualize decisions' inputs, outcomes, decision effectiveness and KPIs without having to code or utilize third-party products. FlexRule Booklet connects to a wide range of data sources, provides a visual query builder to collect input information for business decisions, and provides advanced decision analysis and visualization. Furthermore, data rules and filters created during the analysis can be used to execute decisions in just a few clicks without requiring any programming skills. FlexRule Booklet speeds up workflows by bringing interactive analytics, visualization, and filtering capability to business decisions at the modeling and execution stages. It replaces the need to import and export data from and to third-party analytics tools for analyzing the decision behaviours, outcomes, and effectiveness. As a result, it saves time, money, and team members from having to learn a set of new tools and skills. "Our goal with FlexRule End-to-End Decision Management Suite and Automation Platform is to provide a complete set of capabilities for business decisions. From connecting, analyzing information, modeling decisions, execution, and deployment. Now, with Booklet understanding the impact of far-reaching decision outcomes, their performance and analyzing their KPI is a click away." explains Arash Aghlara, Founder of FlexRule. FlexRule Booklet is offered as part of our unified authoring platform to enable our users to fill the gap between input information and the decisions' outcomes without needing software development skills or other tooling in visualization and data exploration. It's available to all customers free of charge via our Decision Analytics capability. To learn more about FlexRule Booklet visit: https://www.flexrule.com/booklet About FlexRule: FlexRule is on a mission to empower all leaders; Business, Operation and IT in organizations to improve the speed and quality of key business decisions in changing environments. FlexRule provides both the Decision Management suite guided by the methodology called DECISION-CENTRIC APPROACH to empower organizations to adapt their business decisions in changing environments effectively and efficiently. With an innovative and future-thinking approach, FlexRule reduces the complexity of technology and makes these advanced decision-making technologies more accessible to everyone in the organization. Press Contact: Goli Tajadod FlexRule Goli.Tajadod@flexrule.com +1(323)9996039 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexrule-booklet--interactive-decision-analytics-for-exploring-analyzing-and-visualizing-decision-effectiveness-and-performance-302013376.html SOURCE FlexRule WICHITA, Kan. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced today that it donated $376,606 to Folds of Honor through its month-long giveback program in November. Throughout the month, guests had the option to give back to Folds of Honor by rounding up to the nearest dollar in-restaurant or selecting a $1 , $3 , $5 or $10 donation when ordering in-app or online. Freddy's donated $376,606 to Folds of Honor through its month-long giveback program in November. "We'd like to extend our thanks to Freddy's, a brand that truly values supporting veterans and their families nationwide, for hosting a successful round up through the month of November," said Ben Leslie , Chief Development Officer of Folds of Honor. "The donation will fully fund 75 educational scholarships for the families of military members and first responders." Since 2022, Freddy's has donated a total of over $550,000 to the organization, a national non-profit that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled service members. Beginning in 2022, their mission expanded to include the families of America's first responders. "Our namesake Freddy Simon was a World War II veteran, and initiatives that assist veterans and military families are close to our hearts at Freddy's," said Chris Dull , President & CEO of Freddy's. "We're genuinely inspired every day by the mission of Folds of Honor and are pleased to be able to support them through our partnership." Folds of Honor Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school, and post-graduate work, including a master's degree, doctorate, or professional program. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 51,000 scholarships totaling about $240 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 45 percent are minorities. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on Candid. Folds of Honor was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney , the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq ) and PGA Professional. He is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph, Texas . For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with more than 500 locations across 36 states nationwide that offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating the Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freddys-donates-376-606-to-folds-of-honor-302014405.html SOURCE Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers The New Worlds Reading Initiative is partnering with organizations across the state of Florida to support families and communities through literacy workshops and events! GAINESVILLE, Fla. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to boost literacy rates across Florida , the UF Lastinger Center for Learning's New Worlds Reading Initiative has launched its Regional Partners Program. Over the next five years, New Worlds Reading will partner with trusted community organizations to host parent and family literacy workshops, community literacy events, and teacher professional learning opportunities. As a first-of-its-kind state literacy program, New Worlds Reading delivers free books and reading activities directly to the doorsteps of eligible VPK through 5th grade students who are not yet meeting grade level expectations in reading. There are estimated to be more than 910,000 students eligible to receive 9 free books and resources each school year through fifth grade. "Since enrolling last year, New Worlds Reading has helped my nine-year-old son, Caleb, gain confidence in reading. He gets excited every time a new book gets delivered to our door and the program has helped foster new opportunities for family bonding in our home," said New Worlds Reading parent Zohara Campos . "We recently attended a Book Bash event in Miami and had a blast. We had the opportunity to participate in fun reading activities with other families and even got to take some new books home with us." Books and reading activities are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille, and provide students the opportunity to choose books tailored to their interests. Currently, the most popular books are in the adventure, humor and nature categories. Regional Partners will be able to help families of eligible students apply at community events and caregiver workshops. These will include strategies for reading support as the organization's work to connect caregivers and students with additional book and literacy resources to help build their home libraries. New Worlds Reading is designed to foster ongoing, positive connections among families, schools, and communities around a shared mission of ensuring all children learn to read. The Regional Partner Program will extend the initiative's reach deep into local communities and regional networks to ensure more families have access to the free books and literacy resources provided by New Worlds Reading. In doing so, it will create more opportunities for local communities to come together and celebrate reading. "We want to ensure that every eligible family gets to experience New Worlds Reading firsthand," said Michelle McGriff , Regional Partners Manager, New Worlds Reading. "Our Regional Partners will help us expand our reach, increasing the capacity of the amazing work that we're already doing with New Worlds Reading. With help from our partners, we'll be able to meet eligible Florida families where they are with assistance from trusted community organizations they already know and love." The 12 current organizations that are part of New Worlds Reading Regional Partners Program include: About The New Worlds Reading: New Worlds Reading is Florida's free at-home literacy program to help eligible VPK through 5th grade students in Florida bolster literacy skills, build reading confidence, and foster a lifelong love of reading. Each month during the school year, eligible kids receive a free book tailored to their interests with resources and activities for caregivers and children to use together. New Worlds Reading is administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Scholastic. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. Learn more at newworldsreading.com . Media Contact: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/free-florida-reading-program-launches-regional-partners-program-to-reach-more-vpk--5th-grade-families-in-need-of-literacy-support-302013480.html SOURCE New Worlds Reading Initiative QINGDAO, China , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Haier Smart Home entered into a stock purchase agreement with Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR) to acquire Carrier's Commercial Refrigeration Business ("Carrier Commercial Refrigeration") through acquiring 100% of the equity interest in Carolin Holdings B.V. Carrier, for total consideration of approximately USD 640 million (the "Transaction"), which represents 11x 2022A P/E. The Transaction marks Haier Smart Home's expansion from its existing household refrigeration business into the commercial refrigeration business, creating additional future growth opportunities. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a leading global commercial refrigeration solutions provider, with more than 4,000 employees, including over 2,000 service technicians in more than ten countries worldwide. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration boasts a large and loyal enterprise customer base with long-term partnerships spanning multiple years. Additionally, CCR has accumulated expertise in technology and commercial applications related to carbon dioxide ("CO 2 ") refrigeration. "Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a preeminent global enterprise with respected brands, leading technology, and an experienced workforce dedicated to providing best-in-class solutions to customers globally," said Li Huagang, Chairman and CEO of Haier Smart Home. "The acquisition will help Haier Smart Home establish its commercial refrigeration platform, enabling the Company to capture additional growth opportunities by expanding its presence to food retail refrigeration and cold storage." "Following our decision to exit the commercial refrigeration business and a robust competitive process, we identified Haier Smart Home as the right fit to grow the business moving forward, building upon our successful 22-year refrigeration partnership with them," said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin . "Executing this definitive agreement demonstrates continued progress in our portfolio transformation, further positioning Carrier as the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Following completion of our planned transactions, we will be a more focused, higher growth business, operating in attractive global market segments and benefiting from long-term secular tailwinds. I am deeply appreciative of our team's work to successfully position us for our future." The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024, and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and works council consultation processes. Advisors for the Transaction Lazard served as financial advisor to Haier. PwC served as project management, financial, tax, IT, HR, and environmental due diligence advisor. Baker & McKenzie was Haier Smart Home's external legal counsel. Clifford Chance and King & Wood Mallesons provided regulatory legal advice. About Haier Smart Home Haier Smart Home was founded in 1984 as a subsidiary of Haier Group and is a leading enterprise focused on providing smart and better-lifestyle solutions, and is also the largest household appliances maker globally. Haier Smart Home is listed on three public stock exchanges - it became public on the 1) Shanghai Stock Exchange in China in 1993, 2) the Deutsche Borse Stock Exchange in 2018, and 3) the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020. Haier Smart Home has more than 100,000+ employees worldwide, of which more than 1/3 are from regions outside of China . Haier Smart Home has built a portfolio of global brands including Haier, Casarte, Leader, GE Appliances , Candy, Fisher&Paykel and AQUA. The brand portfolio provides customers with a customized smart home experience and is committed to providing customers with end-to-end and full-life-cycle services. About Carrier Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. From the beginning, we've led in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries. Today, we continue to lead because we have a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/haier-smart-home-acquires-carriers-commercial-refrigeration-business-for-usd-640-million-302014753.html SOURCE Haier Smart Home LUND, Sweden , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hansa Biopharma today announced that the Nomination Committee has been formed in accordance with the principles adopted by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 29, 2023 and has the following composition: Florian Reinaoud representing Redmile Group Jonas Wikstrom representing Theodor Jeansson Sven Sandberg representing Thomas Olausson As the conveyer of the Nomination Committee, Peter Nicklin , Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hansa Biopharma will be asked to summon the first meeting in the Nomination Committee. The function of the Nomination Committee is to prepare and submit proposals for the AGM regarding the number of board members to be elected by the general meeting, election of chairman and other board members, board fees and any remuneration for committee work, election of the chairman of the AGM, election of auditors (if applicable) and fee for the auditors, and proposals for rules for appointing the Nomination Committee. The proposals of the Nomination Committee will be presented in the notice of the Annual General Meeting 2024 and will be published on Hansa Biopharma's website. Shareholders wishing to submit comments or proposals to the Nomination Committee may do so via e-mail to [email protected] or by letter to Hansa Biopharma, Nomination Committee, Box 785, 220 07 Lund, Sweden . For further information, please contact: Klaus Sindahl , VP Head of Investor Relations M: +46 (0) 709298 269 E: [email protected] Stephanie Kenney, VP Global Corporate Affairs M: +1 (484) 319 2802 E: [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1219/3890990/2483523.pdf 20231213 HNSA - PR Nomination Committee 2023-2024 ENG FINAL View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hansa-biopharma-nomination-committee-formed-302013587.html SOURCE Hansa Biopharma AB The Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University found strong evidence that IXL usage leads to higher achievement in math for students in grades 3-5 BALTIMORE , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IXL Learning , developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, has unveiled the findings of a Johns Hopkins University study that affirms IXL Math's effectiveness in boosting student achievement. The evaluation of IXL Math's impact meets the required rigor of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tier 1 and What Works Clearinghouse standards for evidence-based interventions. The Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) at Johns Hopkins University conducted an independent, randomized control trial in Spring 2023 at Holland Public Schools in Michigan . The goal of the study was to determine IXL Math's efficacy on students in grades 3-5. Half of the classrooms were assigned to the treatment group and used IXL Math to supplement instruction, while the remaining students continued learning as usual. The research revealed the following key findings: Students in IXL classrooms surpassed their control group peers: IXL Math students significantly outperformed the control group by an average of 10 points on the Star Math assessment. IXL Math students significantly outperformed the control group by an average of 10 points on the Star Math assessment. Underserved students achieved larger gains : Improved math performance was particularly pronounced among Hispanic, Special Education, English Language Learner, and FARMS (Free and Reduced Meal Program) student populations, with gains ranging from 13 to 17 points. : Improved math performance was particularly pronounced among Hispanic, Special Education, English Language Learner, and FARMS (Free and Reduced Meal Program) student populations, with gains ranging from 13 to 17 points. A positive correlation between usage and achievement : IXL Math usage was significantly correlated with student performance on the Star Math and M-STEP assessments. : IXL Math usage was significantly correlated with student performance on the Star Math and M-STEP assessments. Teachers overwhelmingly praised their IXL implementation: Approximately 90% of teachers reported that their implementation of IXL was successful and had a meaningful impact on instruction. The initial professional development provided by IXL was particularly valuable, according to teachers. "We are proud that this expert-led study clearly confirms IXL's positive impact on math achievement and places it within ESSA's highest tier of efficacy," said Bo Bashkov , Manager of Research at IXL Learning. "A compelling body of evidence from previous studies spanning 70,000 schools throughout the United States shows a remarkable pattern: Schools utilizing IXL consistently outperform those using other solutions. This new report corroborates existing findings and further underscores that IXL empowers students and teachers to achieve greater success." Visit our research page for more information about IXL's studies. How IXL helps students succeed in math IXL Math is an adaptive program that is proven to help students master essential skills. In fact, studies show that schools using IXL Math consistently outperform others, ranking as much as 15 percentile points higher on state assessments. In addition to helping schools and students succeed academically, IXL can uncover hidden obstacles to learning, increase teacher engagement, develop students' intrinsic motivation to learn, and more. Comprehensive curriculum for deeper learning With more than 4,900 standards-aligned skills, IXL Math's K-12 curriculum promotes rigor by helping students develop a conceptual understanding of math, build procedural fluency, and tackle challenging problems that have real-world applications. Each skill is adaptive, adjusting in difficulty to ensure students are perfectly challenged. Based on students' previous work, IXL generates personalized recommendations in real time that guide learners to skills that will help them make the most progress. IXL now also provides a groundbreaking curriculum, Takeoff by IXL Math , to deliver core instruction and help teachers differentiate a full year of daily math learning without any prior planning. The Takeoff curriculum equips teachers with everything they need to provide tailored math instruction, including lesson plans, dynamic recommendations for support and enrichment, and ready-made unit assessments. Seamlessly integrated into IXL's personalized learning platform, these resources give students the support they need and show teachers instant insights into their progress. Accurately assess knowledge in real time IXL's first-of-its-kind assessment suite , which includes the Real-Time Diagnostic and universal screener , works in concert with its math curriculum to give educators real-time insight into performance, pinpoint gaps in knowledge, and provide specific next steps to help each student grow. Additionally, IXL's comprehensive diagnostic reports allow administrators to easily identify students across their district who are working below grade level and may need additional support. Support and empower students at every step Built-in instructional resources, including more than 2,700 video tutorials for Grade 2 through Precalculus skills, support students when they're working independently and ensure they have the guidance to learn with confidence. Provide teachers the insights that they need IXL Analytics provides teachers with real-time insights that pinpoint trouble spots and monitor performance, allowing them to respond to student needs more quickly and facilitate meaningful growth. Administrators can use IXL District Analytics and IXL School Analytics to track student progress and teacher engagement, enabling them to improve IXL's impact on their school or district. About IXL Currently used by 15 million students and in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-inclusive educational platform that provides a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics and a state-of-the-art assessment suite. IXL's end-to-end teaching and learning solution supports personalized instruction in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 130 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL Learning family of products also includes Rosetta Stone , TPT , SpanishDictionary.com , ingles.com , Wyzant , Vocabulary.com , ABCya , Education.com and Emmersion . To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com , facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning . Press Contact Eric Bates IXL Learning [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ixl-math-meets-every-student-succeeds-act-essa-tier-1-requirements-in-randomized-control-trial-conducted-by-johns-hopkins-university-302013243.html SOURCE IXL Learning Japan Selected as Asia's First Partner Country NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This winter Japan will be the first Asian nation appointed as the partner country of the Specialty Food Association 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 21-23, 2024 . Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will debut a very special Japan Pavilion that will showcase an unparalleled and diverse selection of gastronomic delights within the Pavilion that reflect the culturally rich regions, artisans, and time-honored techniques from throughout Japan that are admired the world over. The Japan Pavilion will feature approximately over 50 companies and organizations exhibiting a wide selection of Japanese food products, including an emphasis on Japan's world-class seafood. The delicious oceanic treasures exhibiting at the show originate from prefectures of Japan that provide a diverse and extraordinary abundance of seafood such as Hotate (Scallop), Hamachi/ Buri (Yellowtail) , and Tai (Snapper) . Additionally the finest A4 and A5 Wagyu beef, rice, Japanese seasonings, and sweets will make their appearance. Small artisanal farmers and purveyors will include independent exhibitors such as manufacturers of soy sauce, plant-based products, savory Japanese condiments and dashi, among others. A robust selection of exceptional products from Japan will be unveiled on an unprecedented scale. This year the highly anticipated Winter Fancy Food Show is scheduled to have over 1,100 suppliers exhibiting. Winter Fancy Food Show and SFA's First Asian Partner Country As the partner country Japan will co-host the trade show with the organizer, the Specialty Food Association (SFA), whose mission is to support a thriving specialty food marketplace through recognition of innovation and inclusivity as well as excellence in food and beverage. Japan aims to work closely with SFA to foster awareness and understanding about Japanese foods, its origins, time-honored techniques, as well as lesser-known hidden treasure ingredients, products, and responsibly harvested seafood. As a result, the exciting edible experiences of Japanese food will continue to inspire and inform the specialty food category now and in the future. Together this dynamic partnership will further enhance the value and presence of Japanese food products and its significant influence within the food sector. "The Specialty Food Association is very excited to partner with the Japan External Trade Organization for the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show," said Bill Lynch , SFA president. " Japan has an abundance of culinary treasures, and I look forward to our buying community experiencing them at the Show." Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is dedicated to supporting measures that focus on expanding sales channels for Japanese food products, including seafood and aquaculture products and farmed marine products that are coveted by revered culinary establishments, chefs, grocery retailers, and eateries from around the world. In preparation for the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show, JETRO will strongly support the promotion and expansion of sales channels for Japanese foods and products, with an emphasis on marine products, through the following initiatives. Business matching between sellers and prospective buyers Inviting and matching buyers from countries outside of North America Providing cooking demonstrations using marine products and processed marine products and tasting opportunities for buyers Other active promotional activities using digital tools before and during the exhibition period About the Specialty Food Association The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $194 billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 3,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by developing resources, information, education , and events that celebrate innovation and inclusivity. SFA owns and operates the Fancy Food Shows which are the largest specialty food industry events in North Americaas well as the sofi Awards which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. The SFA also produces the e-newsletter SFA News Daily , the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions and Fancy Food Show reports, the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report, Today's Specialty Food Consumer research, and the Spill & Dish podcast. Find out more online and connect with SFA on Facebook , X , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok . About Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/japan-pavilion-to-be-unveiled-at-the-specialty-food-association-2024-winter-fancy-food-show-302014263.html SOURCE Specialty Food Association Pulse of the Purchaser study also finds obesity, women's health and health equity are growing areas of benefits focus for employers in 2024 and beyond WASHINGTON , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when fiduciary responsibility for employers has never been greater, less than half of employers are confident in the integrity of services and fees charged by hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, third-party administrators and even broker and consultants. These are among the findings of the latest survey of more than 170 employers conducted by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) and its members. The Pulse of the Purchaser study gauged concerns and approaches of employers to address the workforce environment; whole person health, equity, women's health, mental health and obesity management; fiduciary perspectives; pharmaceutical drugs; high-cost claims; and potential health reforms. "Employers are frustrated that the healthcare system is designed to enrich the middlemen and is not delivering improvements in affordability, access or quality for purchasers or employees and their families," said Michael Thompson , National Alliance president and CEO. "Increasingly the fox is guarding the henhouse, and both are exploiting a dysfunctional system at the expense of making it better. Employers are starting to take actions, both on the market and policy fronts, to realign the system to reduce conflicts and improve value." Additional findings include: Consistent with surveys over the last three years, over eight out of 10 employers consider drug prices, high-cost claims and hospital prices to be the biggest threats to affordability , with nine out of 10 plan sponsors believing that hospital prices are unreasonable and indefensible. , with nine out of 10 plan sponsors believing that hospital prices are unreasonable and indefensible. Employers are increasingly supportive of policy reforms that can improve affordability and over 80% of employers support both hospital reforms and PBM reforms. Interest in policy reform surged from 2022 to 2023 with hospital rate regulation (up 20%), hospital price transparency (up 11%) and surprise billing regulation (up 7%) having the greatest gains. that can improve affordability and over 80% of employers support both hospital reforms and PBM reforms. Interest in policy reform surged from 2022 to 2023 with hospital rate regulation (up 20%), hospital price transparency (up 11%) and surprise billing regulation (up 7%) having the greatest gains. Attracting and retaining talent is a top priority (81% strongly agree) but rising healthcare costs prove to be a significant challenge impacting an organization's competitiveness (91% agree). is a top priority (81% strongly agree) but rising healthcare costs prove to be a significant challenge impacting an organization's competitiveness (91% agree). The most common obesity benefits today include lifestyle programs (79%), bariatric surgery (69%), and obesity medications with conditions (54%). Over the next 1-3 years employers are considering a phased approach to medication-assisted support (45%), obesity care through the collaborative care model (37%), and coverage of obesity medications (35%). benefits today include lifestyle programs (79%), bariatric surgery (69%), and obesity medications with conditions (54%). Over the next 1-3 years employers are considering a phased approach to medication-assisted support (45%), obesity care through the collaborative care model (37%), and coverage of obesity medications (35%). When asked about women's health , the most common benefits today include mental health support (90%), parental leave (76%), and maternity support services (69%). Highest upcoming considerations over the next 1-3 years include menopause support (43%), caregiving assistance (33%), and reproductive health (22%). , the most common benefits today include mental health support (90%), parental leave (76%), and maternity support services (69%). Highest upcoming considerations over the next 1-3 years include menopause support (43%), caregiving assistance (33%), and reproductive health (22%). Employer health equity strategies are gaining momentum and key growth areas from 2022 to 2023 include improving accountability in service provider contracts (up 38%), evaluating program participation by relevant sub-populations (up 15%), and analyzing access to and quality of services (up 13%). are gaining momentum and key growth areas from 2022 to 2023 include improving accountability in service provider contracts (up 38%), evaluating program participation by relevant sub-populations (up 15%), and analyzing access to and quality of services (up 13%). Over 70% provide mental health support resources, mitigate stigma, and discuss affordable access and quality issues with vendors. Highest areas being considered in next 1-3 years include promoting cultural competency (37%), establishing vendor accountability (29%), and integrating behavioral health into primary care (27%). The online poll of 172 employers that are members of coalitions affiliated with the National Alliance was conducted in November and December. Organizations represented included manufacturing, educational services, public administration, finance and insurance, and healthcare and social assistance institutions. Purchasers ranged in size with 38% having over 5,000 employees, 36% 1,000-4,999, and 26% less than 1,000. The full Pulse of the Purchaser results can be found here. About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) is the only nonprofit, purchaser-aligned organization with a national and regional structure dedicated to driving health and healthcare value across the country. Its members represent private and public sector, nonprofit, and union and Taft-Hartley organizations, and more than 45 million Americans, spending over $400 billion annually on healthcare. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org and connect on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lack-of-confidence-in-service-providers-healthcare-affordability-among-top-employer-concerns-per-national-alliance-of-healthcare-purchaser-coalitions-survey-302013442.html SOURCE National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Latest Results from The Harris Poll OKLAHOMA CITY , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Most American companies have lost employees to retirement the past two years, taking valuable institutional knowledge and experience with them. One possible solution? Mentorship programs. While not a new concept, mentorship programs are gaining popularity as a way to combat this brain drain (i.e., when older employees retire without sharing knowledge of how to do their job to younger generations) and accelerate recruiting and retention in the current prolonged labor shortage. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. U.S. hiring managers report the top reasons for retiring at their company as reaching what employees believe to be retirement age (65+ years old) (47%), no longer wanting to work (40%) and feeling they have enough money saved to retire (39%). Job seekers' perceptions regarding reasons for retirement are similarly aligned feeling they have enough money saved to retire (58%), reaching what they believe to be retirement age (65+ years old) (53%) and no longer wanting to work (51%). Regardless of the age of retirement, hiring managers and job seekers agree employees should retire whenever they are financially able to do so (84% and 85%, respectively). Benefits of Mentorship Although many companies don't currently offer mentorship programs, hiring managers and job seekers see the benefits in doing so. Around two-thirds of hiring managers (64%) say their company currently offers on-the-job training/upskilling followed by mentorship programs (40%) and reskilling (31%). Among those that offer mentorship programs, most cite doing so as a means of upskilling/reskilling employees (81%). Around half offer this program to attract prospective employees (53%) and cultivate greater connection between employees (52%). Additionally, around 2 in 5 companies offer it to reduce brain drain (41%) and keep older employees engaged (40%). For companies that do not currently have a mentorship program in place, more than half (52%) say they are likely to do so in the next two years. Hiring managers who have not implemented mentorships feel the ability to upskill/reskill employees (54%), attract prospective employees (34%) and cultivate greater connections between employees (30%) are among the top benefits of offering the program in the future. Job seekers believe similar benefits are available when offering mentorship programs: upskill/reskill employees (70%), cultivate greater connections between employees (49%) and reduce brain drain (43%). Around 4 in 5 hiring managers (82%) believe job candidates are more attracted to companies offering mentorship programs 85% of job seekers concur; companies are more attractive to them if they offer a mentorship program. And, as employees retire and companies search for a method to bridge the potential knowledge gap, mentorships may prove to be a viable option. More than 4 in 5 hiring managers (83%) feel these programs are absolutely essential in reducing "brain drain." "A mentorship program in companies is like a shortcut to success," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "It's a practical way to transfer knowledge, refine skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By connecting experienced individuals with those eager to learn, companies not only boost employee development but also build a stronger, more collaborative workforce." Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023 , among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023 , among 1,006 adults ages 18 and older. For full survey methodologies, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S. , Canada , South Africa , Australia and New Zealand . About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S. , Canada , South Africa , Australia and New Zealand , employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and more than 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mentorship-programs-counter-talent-drain-at-us-businesses-302012996.html SOURCE Express Employment Professionals Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Helder Ernesto Injojo, vice president of the assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Helder Ernesto Injojo, vice president of the assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, calling for enhanced exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, stated that China and Mozambique have a deep traditional friendship, and that bilateral relations have developed continuously and rapidly under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two countries, yielding fruitful results in practical cooperation. China is willing to work with Mozambique to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to fully exploit the three advantages of political mutual trust, economic complementarity and friendship between the two peoples, and to push for continuous development of China-Mozambique comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, he said. Zhao said the NPC of China stands ready to strengthen exchanges at all levels of the legislative bodies with the assembly of Mozambique, carry out exchanges and mutual learning on legislation in areas such as high-quality development, livelihood protection and social governance, and provide legal guarantee for bilateral practical cooperation. Injojo said Mozambique firmly upholds the one-China principle, and the Mozambican assembly is willing to collaborate with the NPC of China and make legislative contributions to promoting cooperation in various fields and deepening the profound friendship between the two peoples. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Helder Ernesto Injojo, vice president of the assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) is pleased to welcome Molly Jahn to its Leadership Council . As a Leadership Council member, Dr. Jahn will help ensure that BWF is best positioned to meet the emerging and long-term needs of today's veterans, service members and their families. These needs include suicide prevention, mental health, caregiver support, and food and housing insecurity. Jahn joins military leaders, business executives, and philanthropists, all with a shared commitment to serving the veteran and military community. Dr. Jahn's involvement with BWF precedes her appointment to the Leadership Council. As Bob Woodruff's cousin, she was there when the military saved Bob's life and has followed the Foundation's work from the beginning. In addition, in 2018, Dr Jahn supported BWF's work exploring inequities of access to care and employment gaps in the military connected population. In 2021 she advised the Foundation on their new "Leaders Eat Last" panel series that focused on the complex and growing problem of food insecurity in the military and veteran community. "The Bob Woodruff Foundation is delighted to welcome Dr. Jahn to our Leadership Council," said Anne Marie Dougherty , CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "In addition to her subject matter expertise in food systems and national securityboth of which are directly related to our workDr. Jahn is passionate about our mission." Dr. Jahn , a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also holds an appointment as Non-Resident Fellow at the US Naval War College in the Ethics of Emerging Military Technologies Program. Currently, she is on loan to the U.S. Department of Defense serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Previously, she served as Dean of the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station . Dr. Jahn received her B.A. with Distinction in Biology from Swarthmore College, holds graduate degrees from MIT and Cornell University, and was awarded Honorary Doctor of Sciences degrees in the US and UK . "I am honored and delighted to be able to serve the BWF in this capacity," said Molly Jahn . "The work of the Foundation is unique and visionary--combining passionate and sophisticated advocacy with the Foundation's reach and commitments to partnership in support of our Veteran community and their families, and therefore, for all of us." About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $157 million to ensure that our nation's veterans, service members and their familiesthose who stood for ushave stable and successful futures. Visit the Bob Woodruff Foundation for more information: www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org. Contact: Marie Maguire [email protected] 917 886 4718 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/molly-jahn-phd-joins-the-bob-woodruff-foundation-leadership-council-302013624.html SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation Student Transportation of America Drivers and Monitors Secure Union Representation WILLINGBORO, N.J. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bus operators and monitors at Student Transportation of America (STA) have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 676. These members provide transportation services for Willingboro Township Public Schools and Edgewater Park School District. "Local 676 is proud to represent hundreds of bus workers, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome 123 more to the Teamsters," said Howard Wells , President of Local 676 in Collingswood . "We are looking forward to helping STA workers in Willingboro secure an industry-leading first contract." "I voted to join the Teamsters because positive change cannot happen without union representation," said Jermaine Shield , a bus driver at STA in Willingboro . Teamsters Local 676 represents approximately 5,000 workers employed in a variety of trades in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit ibtlocal676.org. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-jersey-bus-workers-vote-overwhelmingly-to-join-teamsters-302014757.html SOURCE Teamsters Local 676 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) continues to expand its global cloud region footprint with 48th public cloud region New region in Valparaiso extends Oracle's commitment to helping organizations across one of South America's largest economies move to the cloud More Chilean organizations across all industries can now benefit from OCI's high performance and security, powerful data and analytics, and distributed cloud capabilities AUSTIN, Texas , Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today announced the opening of a second Oracle Cloud Region in Chile , making it the first hyperscaler to have two regions in the country. With the new Oracle Cloud Valparaiso Region and the existing region in Santiago , Oracle will help organizations across all industries in Chile strengthen business continuity while addressing data residency and sovereignty requirements. "The arrival of the second Oracle Cloud Region in Chile is a significant milestone as it allows our customers to gain the benefits of OCI's services, while leveraging best practices for business continuity and disaster recovery," said Joaquin Ma-Shichoy, managing director, Oracle Chile. "With the opening of the Oracle Cloud Valparaiso Region, we're strengthening our commitment to Chile's technological development by enabling organizations including those in highly regulated industries and with in-country data residency requirements to accelerate their journeys to the cloud." Part of Oracle's distributed cloud strategy, the new public cloud region is Oracle's 48th worldwide and will offer Oracle Cloud's full capabilities across more than 100 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services and cloud applications, including Oracle Autonomous Database, MySQL HeatWave Database Service, Oracle Container Engine for Kubernetes, Oracle Cloud VMware Solution, and AI infrastructure. Underscoring its significant investment across Chile and the broader Latin America region, Oracle now operates seven public cloud regions across Chile , Colombia , Brazil , and Mexico more than triple that of any other major hyperscaler. "The opening of a second Oracle Cloud Region in Chile is excellent news, not only because of the impact of cloud computing on our economy, but because it consolidates us as a digital infrastructure hub in the southern cone of Latin America ," said Karla Flores , director, Invest Chile. "These investments reaffirm the confidence of foreign investors in our country and its opportunities. The launch of this Oracle region demonstrates that this type of operation can also be developed at a regional level, in this case promoting Valparaiso as a digital hub that provides the latest technology and increased employment opportunities across the region." High Availability and Low Latency Provides Chilean Customers with a Resilient Cloud Foundation The Oracle Cloud Valparaiso Region gives organizations access to a wide range of cloud services to modernize their applications, innovate with data and analytics, and migrate all types of workloads from their data centers to OCI. With the addition of a second region in Chile , customers and partners gain access to low-latency networking and high-speed data transfer across both Oracle Cloud Regions to help them derive better value from their data. In addition, customers can leverage redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities to enhance business continuity and help meet the country's regulations and requirements for data residency and sovereignty. Via both regions in Chile , OCI is able to manage every type of customer workload across all industries, including financial services, communications, and retail. A Focus on Driving Sustainable Operations Across the Globe Underscoring its ongoing focus on sustainability, Oracle has committed to matching all worldwide Oracle Cloud Regions with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, including the Oracle Cloud Valparaiso Region. Many Oracle Cloud Regions are already powered by 100 percent renewable energy, including the existing Oracle Cloud Santiago Region , which enables organizations to run their computing services more sustainably and with a lower carbon footprint. To further advance its commitment to sustainable operations, Oracle and its asset recovery partners recycled 99.7 percent of retired hardware they collected in FY'23. Customers and Partners Welcome the New Oracle Cloud Valparaiso Region "The cloud is transforming the way we work and deliver services to our customers. For us it is essential to have business partners who are constantly evolving in this sense and have a strong local presence," said Esteban Kemp , COO, Banco de Chile. "The opening of a second Oracle Cloud region in Chile , in addition to providing scalable, flexible, and secure services, will provide us with greater resilience via local access which is necessary to support the digital transformation of Banco de Chile." "When we considered completely vacating our data centers and migrating them to OCI, we had planned to do so within a period of 12 months and with the support of the Oracle team," said Sergio Cornejo , chief technology officer, Unicomer. "We managed to migrate 18 data centers in eight months, exceeding the expectations set. The process has been successful and has allowed us to reduce service times in our stores, especially during periods of high demand such as Christmas." "Given that in Chile the rise of cloud infrastructure is a reality, the arrival of Oracle's second region not only marks a technological milestone, but it will also help drive digital transformation and new cloud architectures that are more resilient and secure for industries across the country," said Helder Branco , head of IT operations, Entel. "In addition, the opening of this new region demonstrates Oracle's commitment to the country and continues to enable local companies to use world-class solutions recognized for their stability and high performance." "We see the opening of a new Oracle Cloud region in Chile as an important step forward towards greater resilience, low latency, and high availability, which allows us to continue trusting Oracle as a technological ally to leverage our growth and development in LATAM," said Emilio Davis , CTO and founder, Khipu. "The expansion of cloud infrastructure in Chile , marked by the opening of Oracle's second cloud region, is crucial for the advancement and development of significant technological tools in the region such as AI," said Ricardo Stranges , managing director, Accenture Chile. "This investment reflects confidence in the local market and provides a vital foundation for handling the large volumes of data across Chilean organizations. Oracle's cloud regions will help the country position itself as a leader in AI innovation in Latin America , enabling organizations to maximize the opportunities offered by this technology from improving services to driving the economy." "The opening of the new Oracle Cloud Region in Chile is an example of how quickly the adoption of cloud technologies has advanced in the country," said Diego Cotignola , consulting lead partner, Deloitte. "This region will allow Oracle customers to accelerate the use of new technologies quickly, reliably, and securely, further promoting innovation through solutions with high availability and low latency." "True modernization cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires a reliable ecosystem, skills enhancement, platform integration, and external partnerships to help guide businesses through change management," said Ariel Sclippa , general manager, Kyndryl Chile. "The cloud solutions offered by Oracle are flexible, secure, and robust, enabling Kyndryl to deliver excellent services to clients." Oracle's Distributed Cloud Delivers the Benefits of Cloud with Greater Control and Flexibility Oracle's distributed cloud offers customers all the advantages of cloud with greater control over operations as well as data residency and proximity. It also offers customers low latency, even for operations spanning multiple clouds. In total, Oracle manages 67 cloud regions across 26 countries, including public and dedicated regions. All deployment options offer more than 100 cloud services across infrastructure and applications to support IT migration, modernization, and innovation. OCI services and pricing are consistent across deployment types to simplify planning, portability, and management. OCI's distributed cloud lineup supports: Multicloud Options including Oracle Database@Azure, MySQL HeatWave on AWS, and Oracle Interconnect for Microsoft Azure allow customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds. Options including Oracle Database@Azure, MySQL HeatWave on AWS, and Oracle Interconnect for Microsoft Azure allow customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds. Hybrid cloud OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. Public cloud Forty-eight hyperscale public cloud regions across 24 countries serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here. Forty-eight hyperscale public cloud regions across 24 countries serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here. Dedicated cloudCustomers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region , while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate US, UK , and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for US national security purposes. Additional Resources: Learn more about Oracle Cloud Regions Learn more about Oracle Cloud Infrastructure About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oracle-becomes-the-first-hyperscaler-with-two-cloud-regions-in-chile-302013230.html SOURCE Oracle BEIJING , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Construction Corporation of China ("POWERCHINA " or "the Company") recently completed construction of the Cirata floating photovoltaic power generation project located in the Cirata Reservoir in West Java Province , Indonesia . The project, constructed by POWERCHINA, is expected to generate up to 300,000-megawatt hours of electricity annually which will reduce coal usage by 117,000 tons every year and provide clean and greener electricity for approximately 50,000 households in the locality. At the grid-connection ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his pride in Indonesia finally realizing the large-scale clean energy, grid-connected power generation project, adding that the potential of various renewable energy sources will continue to be tapped to support Indonesia's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Other clean energy sources, including hydropower and thermal energy, are currently in the initial stages of development in the country. POWERCHINA employed its cutting-edge technology and world-class quality construction techniques to overcome the challenging requirements of the Cirata floating photovoltaic power generation project. "The complex underwater terrain of the Cirata Reservoir , including steep underwater slopes, thick silt layers, and the presence of virgin forests, all brought huge challenges to the implementation of geological surveys and the design and construction of anchoring systems," said the Cirata Project Manager, Zhang Huizhong. "Our project department worked closely together, drawing on our rich experience of similar projects, adopted construction requirements and procedures higher than local standards, and successfully solved technical problems such as high slope support and retaining wall construction to complete construction." There are around 6,000 inhabited islands in Indonesia with population and economic development unevenly distributed and regional differences in power supply with power outages and shortages in marginal and rural areas still common place. As an important irrigation river in Indonesia and the main source of drinking water for residents, the Citarum River , where the Cirata Reservoir is located, plays an important role in the lives of the people of West Java Province and has functions of agriculture, water supply, fishery, industry, sewage treatment, and power generation. The floating photovoltaic project that realizes grid-connected power generation not only fulfills the country's dream of using new energy to generate electricity but is also the largest floating photovoltaic project in Southeast Asia . After the project is put into commercial operation, it is expected to reduce the annual emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide by 214,000 tons, 9,000 tons, and 4,500 tons respectively. While relieving the power shortage in West Java Province , it will also contribute to the cleanliness of Indonesia and Southeast Asia . About POWERCHINA Founded in 2011, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) is a leading construction group specializing in investment and financing, planning and design, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation management. The company ranked 105th among the Fortune 500 in the year 2023. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerchina-completes-construction-and-achieves-grid-connection-of-southeast-asias-largest-floating-photovoltaic-project-generating-stable-electricity-for-indonesian-residents-302014050.html SOURCE POWERCHINA Former Cripple Creek Casino Owner Partners with Las Vegas Group To Bring "Locals" Casino to Cripple Creek CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocky Mountain Gaming CC, LLC announced today that they have entered into definitive agreements with Minter Holdings, LLC to acquire the operating assets of Johnny Nolon's Casino, and G Investments LLC to acquire the operating assets of the Colorado Grande Casino. Both properties are managed by David Minter through Minter Holdings LLC. The deal is pending approval and licensing from the Colorado Division of Gaming. Rocky Mountain Gaming was founded by David D. Ross , Michael J. Gaughan III and Joseph J. Canfora to seek gaming opportunities throughout the U.S. Ross and Gaughan have worked together for approximately 30 years in Senior Management for Coast Casinos, Affinity Gaming and the JW Marriott & Rampart Casino. Canfora was the owner of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek until selling its operating assets to Golden Nugget in 2022. Canfora has more than 40 years of experience in gaming and hospitality. "I was surprised when David and Michael first approached me with the opportunity to get back into the Cripple Creek market," Joseph J. Canfora said. "After thinking about it, I realized that Johnny Nolon's and Colorado Grande presented the opportunity to maintain the old Cripple Creek casino feel that the locals had grown accustomed to." "The Cripple Creek market is growing rapidly with Golden Nugget bringing in an anchor restaurant like Salt Grass, and the opening of Chamonix this month," said David Ross . "Those two operators, at either end of the town, will help attract new visitors to Cripple Creek , and we think there's an opportunity for our properties to offer a true locals experience that caters to individuals looking for loose slots and personal service." Johnny Nolon's Casino is one of Cripple Creek's original casinos and, along with the Colorado Grande Casino, is at the heart of the town's historic gaming district. Combined, the two properties have approximately 400 gaming devices, 7 hotel rooms, and operate Maggie's Restaurant at the Colorado Grande. David J. Minter is the sole owner of Johnny Nolon's and the majority owner of Colorado Grande's operating assets. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished at these two casinos over the years," said David J. Minter . "While other casinos were coming and going and changing owners, we were a constant in this town. I look forward to seeing what Rocky Mountain Gaming CC brings to these casinos I love so much." Advisors Innovation Capital, LLC acted as exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Minter Holdings LLC and G Investments LLC. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rocky-mountain-gaming-cc-llc-to-acquire-johnny-nolons-casino-and-colorado-grande-casino-in-cripple-creek-302014276.html SOURCE Rocky Mountain Gaming CC, LLC Further international deployment of LOCI will provide a wider, more comprehensive picture of LEO LONDON , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon NORSS -- RTX's (NYSE: RTX) UK -based space domain awareness specialist has been awarded a contract to provide the UK Space Agency with Space Surveillance and Tracking Services Data (SST) in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for Resident Space Objects (RSO). Under this contract, Raytheon NORSS will use its ground-based Low-Earth Orbit Camera Installation sensors, known as LOCI, to routinely collect observation data on objects in LEO, including space debris, defence assets and commercial satellites. This data will help expand and improve the UK's sovereign space domain awareness capabilities and enhance the UK Space Agency's ability to keep assets in orbit safe from possible dangers, such as collision or fragmentation events. Raytheon NORSS has recently increased the international deployment of LOCI in order to provide a wider, more comprehensive picture of objects in LEO. The LOCI sensor network will be operated out of multiple locations in the UK , U.S. and Australia . "As the number of objects in LEO continues to increase, it's vital that our customers know what is happening with and around not only their assets, but also in the space environment," said Sean Goldsbrough , head of Raytheon NORSS. "Our recent international expansion of LOCI will provide the UK Space Agency and MOD with the high-quality, timely and assured SST data they need." This announcement comes following news that Raytheon NORSS has been selected, alongside intandem, to produce a 10-year strategy for the UK Space Agency's National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). A key objective of the centre, which is set to open in April 2024 , is to enable the UK to deliver on its space domain awareness responsibilities. About Raytheon UK With facilities in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester and Manchester , Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology. Across the country the company employs 1,700 people. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Raytheon UK continues to invest in research and development, supporting innovation and technological advances across the country. Raytheon UK is part of RTX's Raytheon business. About RTX RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defence company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defence systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion , is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-to-track-uk-space-assets-with-low-earth-orbit-observation-system-302013522.html SOURCE RTX Martech leader earns placements in the Best CEO, Best Company Culture and Best Company for Women categories SAN DIEGO , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cordial , the only true marketing platform that empowers brands to fully automate their marketing strategies, has been recognized by the Comparably Awards in three categories: Best CEO, Best Company Culture and Best Company for Women. Garnering recognition in three separate categories highlights the strength of Cordial's leadership and employees, and thus its company culture, cementing its standing as a leader in the marketing technology space. "The strength of our employees and our incredible leadership team have enabled our ascent to the forefront of martech," said Jeremy Swift , CEO and co-founder of Cordial. "Comparably's recognition shines a light on what should drive all of us: people. Success comes when we put people first, and Cordial's people are second to none and will always be a key differentiator. As CEO, I'm just one piece of the puzzle, but take my responsibility seriously to lead by example in all things. Ranking as a best CEO among such an impressive line-up of leaders is something I'm grateful for and don't take lightly." Comparably chooses to honor organizations based on sentiment feedback from current employees who anonymously rate their employers. The final data set includes 20 million ratings across 70,000 companies. Comparably, now a ZoomInfo company, is a leading workplace culture and corporate brand reputation platform. With the most comprehensive data on large and SMB organizations in nearly 20 different workplace categories based on gender, ethnicity, age, experience, industry, location and education it's one of the most used SaaS platforms for employer branding and a trusted third party site for workplace culture and compensation. Swift founded Cordial nearly a decade ago and continues to lead the brand as CEO, ranking 48th in the Best CEO category for companies with 500 employees or fewer. Additionally, Cordial placed 33rd in Best Company Culture and 31st in Best Company for Women . These recognitions mark the most recent accolades in Cordial's momentous year. In November, for the second consecutive year, Cordial's 225% revenue growth led to its ranking on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 . Earlier this year, Cordial unveiled the first part of its AI roadmap new generative, predictive and prescriptive AI solutions transforming how marketers approach their work. Additionally, the company signed several key enterprise customers and added talented and experienced new C-suite and executive members. For more information, visit www.cordial.com . About Cordial Cordial is the only true marketing platform that empowers brands to fully automate their marketing strategies. Future-thinking brands such as Revolve, Eddie Bauer, and Adore Me choose Cordial to deliver high-conversion messagesacross email, SMS, mobile app, social media, direct mail, and morethat drive record-breaking customer engagement and revenue growth. Cordial was named a Fastest-Growing Company in the 2022 and 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and won Business Intelligence Group's Best Places to Work award in 2023. Connect with us at www.cordial.com . Media Contact Spencer Hotz BLASTmedia for Cordial [email protected] 317-806-1900 ext. 187 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-comparably-awards-recognize-cordial-with-placements-in-3-categories-302014471.html SOURCE Cordial PHOENIX , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs, today announced the appointment of Kevin Prehn as president of Concorde Career Colleges, effective immediately. Prehn has served as interim president since September. "We recently marked the one-year anniversary of our acquisition of Concorde and, in just a few months at the helm as interim president, Kevin's impact has been felt throughout the organization. He continues to impress the leadership team and our Board with his strong management and business acumen, and he is the natural choice to assume this role permanently," said Jerome Grant , chief executive officer of UTI, Inc. Prehn has held several leadership positions since joining Concorde in 2019, most recently as chief operating officer. He played a leading role in UTI, Inc.'s acquisition of Concorde Career Colleges, ensuring successful integration of key functions. "I'm grateful to work with an immensely talented group of higher education leaders who deliver on quality outcomes for our students," said Prehn. "I am incredibly proud of Concorde's track record of preparing students for careers across healthcare disciplines and couldn't be more pleased to continue working with our leadership team to carry these successes forward." Prior to joining Concorde, Prehn held senior positions at Education Corporation of America, Kaplan Higher Education, and Score Educational Centers. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Purdue Global and a Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of California San Diego. With 17 campuses across eight states, Concorde Career Colleges prepares America's next generation of health professionals for rewarding, in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic, and other allied healthcare roles. Concorde Career Colleges was honored as 2023 School of the Year by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools and Concorde's Dallas campus saw 2023 School of the Year and Innovator of the Year honors from the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas . About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on X (formerly Twitter) at @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer. Media Contact: Sharon Rolenc [email protected] 612-720-2083 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-technical-institute-inc-announces-kevin-prehn-as-president-of-concorde-career-colleges-302014465.html SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Successful primary and secondary results demonstrate proof of feasibility in male patients, paving way for launch of large-scale pivotal clinical study in the U.S. and Europe GRENOBLE, France and MINNEAPOLIS , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UroMems, a global company developing innovative, mechatronics technology to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI), announced today it has reached a significant milestone: the complete treatment cohort in the first-of-its-kind clinical feasibility study has successfully reached the six-month primary endpoints. The feasibility assessment of the UroActive System was completed through a prospective multicenter clinical study. UroActive is the first smart automated artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) to treat SUI, and the only one to reach this critical milestone. The results of this initial clinical study support design and implementation of UroMems' pivotal SUI trial in Europe and the U.S. All six men are now implanted for at least seven months and up to fifteen months, with their devices operating as expected and no need for revision nor explant. In addition, extremely positive follow-up was received on secondary outcomes measures, including leak rate values and patient quality of life questionnaires. UroMems received very positive feedback from all patients participating in the study cohort. "You have changed my life," stated one of the study participants. "I can do all activities again, without stress, without anxiety!" "We're so pleased to see that our expectations about our device's performance were met or even exceeded and delighted to successfully treat and receive such high praise from patients who had been suffering from SUI for years," said Professor Pierre Mozer , UroMems chief medical officer and co-founder. "The results of this study will allow us to prepare our pivotal study which will be a major step in the development of UroActive." UroActive is the first smart active implant that treats SUI, powered by a MyoElectroMechanical System (MEMS). This innovative system is placed around the urethral duct and is controlled based on the patient's activity, without the need for manual adjustments, intending to provide patients with ease of use and a better quality of life than current options. "The very compelling results of this first-in-man clinical study demonstrate the high potential of our technology and pave the way for larger clinical trials that will allow us to demonstrate all the benefits we are expecting to offer patients suffering from debilitating SUI," said Hamid Lamraoui , UroMems chief executive officer and co-founder. "We could not have reached this important milestone without the enthusiastic participation of the men in this initial study cohort. We're extremely grateful to them for being a vital part in bringing this potentially revolutionary treatment to market." SUI, or involuntary urinary leakage, affects an estimated 40 million Americans and 90 million Europeans, and occurs when the pressure in the bladder exceeds that of the muscle (the sphincter) around the urethra, caused by activities involving high intra-abdominal pressure, like coughing, laughing and exercising. SUI significantly impacts quality of life, as it can be debilitating, and often leads to depression, low self-esteem and social stigma. About UroActive UroActive is an active implantable electronic artificial urinary sphincter that is being developed to compensate for sphincter insufficiency in patients, both men and women, with SUI. It is based on a unique bionic platform using embedded smart, digital and robotic systems which, based on data collected from a patient, create a treatment algorithm that is specific for each patient's needs. The UroMems technology platform is protected by more than 120 patents and is designed to overcome the limitations of current solutions by optimizing safety and performance, patient experience and surgeon convenience. STeP participation does not imply product authorization. UroActive has not received marketing authorization from the FDA and is not available for sale in the United States or in the EU. For more information, please visit www.uromems.com. Media Contact: Shelli Lissick [email protected] 651-276-6922 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uromems-reaches-significant-milestone-successful-results-in-clinical-feasibility-study-of-uroactive-smart-implant-for-stress-urinary-incontinence-treatment-302014290.html SOURCE UroMems By Rich McKay (Reuters) - The family of a Black man in Alabama who died in July after police stunned him with a Taser 13 times has filed a $36 million wrongful death lawsuit in federal court, alleging that his death was caused by officers using excessive force. Lawyers representing the family of the man, Jawan Dallas, 36, of Mobile, say police body camera video, which has not been released to the public, shows two officers using a Taser on him as he begged for his life while lying prone on the ground, according to court documents. The officers who used the Taser on Dallas have not been publicly identified. The lawsuit refers to them only as Defendant John Doe 1 and Defendant John Doe 2. The lawsuit asserts that the officers violated his Fourth Amendment right against the unlawful use of excessive force. The actions of the defendants were "willful, and deliberate and indifferent to Jawan Dallas' federally protected rights." Jawan was 36 years old. He was taken from his family too soon because Jawan Dallas had a destiny, he had life, he had plans, said Harry Daniels, one of the civil rights attorneys representing the family, said in a press conference on Monday. The fatal encounter unfolded as police were responding to a burglary call, and approached Dallas and another man sitting in a car nearby. Officers said the use of the Taser on Dallas was justified because he had attempted to run away. "I can't breathe. I don't want to be George Floyd," Dallas said before he died, according to the suit, which cited a statement by a witness. Dallas's words were a reference to the infamous 2020 killing of George Floyd, who gasped "I can't breathe" as a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd's neck to the ground with a knee, killing him. In the summer of 2020, Floyd's words became a rallying cry for months of protests against police violence against Black people and people of color in cities around the world. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced last month that a grand jury found that the officers were not criminally liable. Blackwood also said an autopsy report showed that Dallas died from underlying medical conditions." Neither representatives for Blackwood nor Robert Lasky, Mobile's executive director of public safety, were immediately available on Wednesday for comment about the lawsuit. Police body camera and dashboard camera video in the case have not been released to the public despite six months of public outcry, and the incident was recently addressed by the Mobile city council. The issue remains under discussion. Dallas's family and Ben Crump, one of its lawyers, were allowed to see the video but not copy it or distribute it to the public. "If they won't be transparent that means they don't want any accountability," Crump said. "They trying to bamboozle us, hoodwink, they're trying to fool us," he said in a press conference on Monday. A trial of three police officers now underway in Tacoma, Washington, echoes the George Floyd case. Manuel Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, was killed in March 2020 after officers punched him, put him in a chokehold and shot him with a stun gun, according to witness testimony and video evidence. Two of the officers are charged with murder, and all three are charged with manslaughter. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Aurora Ellis) GUANGZHOU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A former chief of a Bank of China (BOC) sub-branch was on Wednesday sentenced to life in prison for embezzlement and the misappropriation of public funds. Xu Guojun, former head of the BOC Kaiping sub-branch in the city of Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, was handed his punishment by the Intermediate People's Court of Jiangmen. Xu accepted his sentence and said that he would not appeal the result. In 2001, Xu fled overseas to escape punishment. He was listed as an Interpol Red Notice fugitive in 2002, and was repatriated to China in 2021. The court found that between 1993 and 2001, Xu took advantage of his positions at the BOC Kaiping sub-branch and conspired with others to embezzle public funds totaling over 900 million yuan (about 127 million U.S. dollars). Xu and others also misappropriated public funds totaling over 1.4 billion yuan, the court said. It said that the amount of public funds that Xu had embezzled or misappropriated was particularly large, and his offenses had brought significant damage to the interests of the state and the people. Xu has been deprived of his political rights for life, and all of his personal property will be confiscated, the court said, noting that his illegal gains will be turned over to the state treasury. By Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and Kate Holton LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might have emerged victorious from a bruising vote on his flagship Rwanda migration policy, but the bitter divisions that risk turning his party into a "circus" mean any respite is likely to be short lived. A day of high drama at Westminster on Tuesday culminated in a comfortable win for the government on Sunak's policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda after more than two dozen rebels in the party's right wing abstained in the vote. That will allow the bill to move to the next stage of the legislative process when lawmakers, including the rebels, will demand changes to a divisive policy that has split Sunak's governing Conservative Party, undermined his authority and put the UK's commitment to international treaties in doubt. Britain's fifth prime minister in seven years, Sunak has little room for manoeuvre. Toughen the bill to remove a migrant's right to appeal against deportation as demanded by the right and he risks losing centrist lawmakers who are appalled at the prospect of Britain breaching international law. Leave it as it is and the right wing have said they will vote against it. The rebels may bet that many of the more centrist lawmakers threatening to defeat any effort to toughen up the bill are in government jobs, making it harder for them to vote against the government if it hardens up the bill. The centrists want Sunak to ignore the rebel demands. A lawmaker on the party's right-wing said there was no point having a piece of legislation that would not work. But he accepted that the outcome of the Rwanda bill could have further consequences than just UK migration policy. "The outcome of these negotiations will have a material impact on (Sunak's) security within the party," the lawmaker said. The sight of different Conservative factions plotting in corners of Westminster as a prime minister's fate hung in the balance brought back memories of the long-running parliamentary battles over Brexit, and underscored how the traumatic departure from the European Union had shattered the once stable nature of British politics. While Sunak greeted the victory by hugging the man in charge of party management, many lawmakers across his party were raging at those who threaten to kill the bill, and with it quite possibly the government, before an election expected next year. One member of parliament said his colleagues had turned one of the world's most successful political parties into a "circus" while another dismissed them as an "embarrassment". DEFINING ISSUE A former investment banker who only entered politics in 2015, Sunak has made reducing migration numbers a defining issue for his government, particularly the tens of thousands who arrive by inflatable dinghies on the English coast's beaches. While the 745,000 who arrived via legal routes in 2022 are far higher than the around 45,000 who arrived via small boats that year, they are a visible reminder of the government's failure to control its borders. A plan to deport to Rwanda those asylum seekers who arrive without permission was first struck by former prime minister Boris Johnson in April 2022. But it has since been bogged down by legal appeals before it was finally rejected as unlawful at the Supreme Court last month. In response, Sunak struck a new treaty with Rwanda and launched emergency legislation that would remove most, but not all, options for legal appeal. Britain has already paid 240 million pounds ($301 million) to Rwanda before anyone has been sent there. With headlines dominated by political deadlock Sunak's popularity has hit its worst ever net favourability rating in a YouGov poll, dropping 10 points from late November to -49. The first lawmaker said right-wing colleagues would meet the minister for illegal migration, and send their lawyers to meet those advising government, to try to improve the bill. That promise of engagement from the government helped improve the mood after the right-wing lawmakers interpreted Sunak's initial approach as "take it or leave it" - a reflection of the prime minister's sometimes prickly nature towards those who question his judgment. Keeping the party together may be harder than ever however, as the Conservatives have for months trailed the opposition Labour Party by about 20 points in polls, and as many lawmakers have already said they will quit at the next election, giving them little reason to follow party rules. With tempers rising, a centrist Conservative lawmaker urged Sunak to hold firm and ignore the increasingly "irrelevant" rebels who abstained after days of threatening to go further. "The rebels look churlish," he said. "They march to the top of the hill only to look idiotic." ($1 = 0.7982 pounds) (Writing by Kate Holton, Editing by William Maclean) An Azerbaijani national flag is seen next to the ancient Khodaafarin Bridge near the border with Iran in the area, which came under the control of Azerbaijan's troops following a military conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh against ethnic Armenian forces and a AZERBAIJAN-ARMENIA BORDER (Reuters) -Azerbaijan and Armenia traded prisoners-of-war at their border on Wednesday in a step towards normalising their relations after Azerbaijan achieved a decisive breakthrough in their decades-old conflict. The exchange involved the release by Azerbaijan of 32 Armenians mostly captured in late 2020. In return, Armenia handed over two Azerbaijani soldiers held since April 2023. Russia's TASS news agency reported earlier on Wednesday that Armenia and Azerbaijan were also discussing the withdrawal of troops from their shared border, though it said no decision had yet been taken. "Thirty-one personnel from Armenia's armed forces captured in 2020-2023 and one serviceman captured in Nagorno-Karabakh in September have crossed the Azerbaijani-Armenian border and are on Armenian territory," Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook account. The South Caucasus neighbours have fought two wars in the past 30 years over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous area that is part of Azerbaijan, but where ethnic Armenians had broken away and established de facto independence in the 1990s. Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh in a lightning offensive in September, prompting most of its 120,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia. Announcing the planned prisoner exchange last week, the two sides said they "reconfirm their intention to normalise relations and to reach a peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity". The agreement was welcomed by the European Union and the United States, which have tried for decades to persuade the two countries to sign a peace treaty to settle outstanding issues including the demarcation of their borders. Armenia and Azerbaijan were both part of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991. Russia regards itself as the security guarantor in the region but its influence has declined in the past two years as the war in Ukraine has stretched and distracted it. (Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Gareth Jones) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will spend A$558 million ($366 million) to create a naval nuclear power safety regulator as part of the AUKUS programme to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, a government economic update showed on Wednesday. Australia will buy three nuclear-powered submarines from the United States in the next decade before building a new class of submarine with Britain using U.S. nuclear propulsion technology around 2040 through the AUKUS partnership. Legislation introduced to parliament last month establishes a regulator to ensure safety for the nuclear-powered submarine programme. It does not alter Australia's moratorium on civil nuclear power, the government said. The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator will monitor and enforce safety over the next decade, the government said. The AUKUS partnership to develop nuclear-powered submarines and other high-technology weapons is Australia's most expensive defence project, with a $244 billion price tag over three decades. ($1 = 1.5242 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Kirsty Needham) Bernard Looney, Chief Executive Officer of BP, looks on at an event attended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Business Roundtable during his visit to Washington, U.S., June 8, 2023. Niall Carson/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Ron Bousso and Pushkala Aripaka LONDON (Reuters) - BP cut over $40 million in remuneration from former CEO Bernard Looney after the British oil giant concluded he had knowingly misled the board over personal relationships with colleagues. BP's board dismissed Looney without notice effective Dec. 13 for serious misconduct and said in a statement on Wednesday he would receive no further salary or benefits from the dismissal date, and would not be paid an annual bonus for fiscal 2023. The dismissal cuts short Looney's 12-month notice period after he resigned in September for failing to fully disclose details of past personal relationships with colleagues. Looney's abrupt departure, after less then four years at the helm, threw the company into turmoil. The board is still seeking his replacement. BP said Looney's remuneration package was cut by 32.4 million pounds ($40.53 million), with 87% of that due to his resignation on Sept. 12, 10% as a result of the board's decision to dismiss Looney for serious misconduct, and a further 3% was clawed back at the discretion of the board. "I am disappointed with the way this situation has been handled," Looney said in a statement on Wednesday. Chairman Helge Lund is leading an investigation with the help of law firm Fairfields into Looney's undisclosed relationships to determine whether they breached company rules, company sources told Reuters earlier this month. CLAWBACK The majority of the value, nearly 25 million pounds, was linked to Looney losing unvested share awards between 2021 and 2025. Looney will also be required to repay 50% of the cash portion of his 2022 cash bonus, around 420,000 pounds. Looney's resignation came after the board investigated similar allegations against him in May 2022, following which Looney gave the board assurances over his past and future conduct. "Following careful consideration, the board has concluded that, in providing inaccurate and incomplete assurances in July 2022, Mr Looney knowingly misled the board," BP said in a statement on Wednesday. Looney's pay package reached around $12 million in 2022 after surging energy prices generated record profits for oil and gas companies. Following Looney's resignation, BP named Murray Auchincloss, who headed finances under Looney, as interim CEO. The board is expected to decide on a permanent CEO in the first quarter of 2024, sources told Reuters earlier this month. Other boards at top corporations have cut executive pay in the past over misconduct. Wells Fargo stripped chief executive John Stumpf of $41 million in stock awards in 2016 after a sales practices scandal. Two years ago, McDonald's former CEO Steve Easterbrook agreed to return compensation worth $105 million in equity awards and cash to settle a lawsuit over alleged lies about affairs. ($1 = 0.7983 pounds) (Reporting by Ron Bousso in London and Prerna Bedi and Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Simon Webb, Barbara Lewis and Daniel Wallis) HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's GAC Group signed agreement on Wednesday with partners to set up an investment fund which aims to strengthen its business development in the new energy vehicle industry. The fund, with a size of 30 billion yuan ($4.18 billion), will invest in projects such as new energy batteries and automotive chips, according to the statement posted on GAC's Wechat account. Bank of China and Guangzhou Industrial Investment and Capital Operation Holding Group Ltd are the other two partners in the fund, it said. ($1 = 7.1744 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Twinnie Siu in Hong Kong and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Alex Richardson) China's President Xi Jinping speaks at the "Senior Chinese Leader Event" held by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, Calif By Francesco Guarascio, Khanh Vu and Minh Nguyen HANOI (Reuters) -China and Vietnam agreed to step up co-operation on security matters in their move towards becoming a community with a "shared future", they said on Wednesday, as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a visit to Hanoi. On Xi's two-day trip, the Communist-ruled neighbours, close in economic areas but at odds over boundaries in the South China Sea, signed dozens of co-operation pacts and agreed to set up more hotlines to defuse any emergencies in the contested waters. In a 16-page joint statement, the countries, which share a millennia-long history of conflict, vowed to work more closely to strengthen defence industry ties and intelligence exchanges. They said their aim was partly to avert the risk of what they called a "colour revolution" promoted by hostile forces, using a term for popular uprisings that have shaken former Communist nations. They "announced the establishment of a strategic China-Vietnam community of 'shared future' to promote the upgrading of China-Vietnam relations," Xi told the chairman of Vietnam's parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue, at a meeting earlier. The decision was a historic milestone, and joining such a community was a "strategic" choice, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said when he met Xi, who was making his first visit this year to an Asian nation. The warm comments followed months of talks on how best to describe ties. In Chinese, the "shared future" phrasing uses a word meaning "destiny", but is translated in Vietnamese and English as the more prosaic "future". Xi has pushed hard for the upgrade in ties, especially after Vietnam elevated the United States in September to the highest tier of its diplomatic ranking, the same as China's. As China and the United States vie for influence in the strategic nation, the pacts mark an achievement for Vietnam's "Bamboo" diplomacy, although analysts and diplomats said the improvement in relations could be more symbolic than real. Xi's visit to Vietnam, which is home to a growing number of Chinese manufacturers, is only his fourth overseas this year after trips to Russia, South Africa and the United States. FOCUS ON DATA, RARE EARTHS The pacts signed cover possible investments in rail links and security, as well as three on telecoms and "digital data co-operation", a list from Vietnamese authorities showed. Details of the deals have not been revealed, but experts and diplomats said digital economy pacts could pave the way for Chinese support to build a 5G network in Vietnam and investments in undersea infrastructure. The deals reflect the interests of both sides, said Hung Nguyen, a specialist in supply chain issues at RMIT University Vietnam, as China has recently built an undersea data centre off its southern island of Hainan, while Vietnam wants to develop its infrastructure. Key targets for investment could be areas such as telecoms infrastructure, satellite ground tracking stations and data centres, he added. But some significant items were missing from the lengthy list of deals. No pact was unveiled on rare earths, for example, although Xi, in an article in a Vietnamese state newspaper, urged broader co-operation on critical minerals. In the joint statement both agreed to seek ways to co-operate on key minerals, however. Vietnam is estimated to have the world's second largest deposits of rare earths after China, with its biggest mines located in an area where the rail network is set to benefit from this week's deals. China dominates the supply of the minerals crucial for electric vehicles and wind turbines, and is usually loath to share its technology. Vietnam has strict rules on the export of rare earth ores, which it wants to process at home, but often lacks the technology to do so. To boost trade and investment, both agreed to set up a zone focusing on farming, infrastructure, energy, digital economy and green development, the statement said. Plans for special economic zones to boost investment had to be shelved after they sparked protests in 2018 by Vietnamese who feared the move could favour Chinese firms. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio, Phuong Nguyen, Khanh Vu and Minh Nguyen in Hanoi, and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) BAMAKO (Reuters) - Around two dozen soldiers and at least five civilians were killed when militants attacked a military camp and a village in central Mali on Tuesday, a local official said. The attack took place in a rural commune of Mali's south-central Segou Region on Tuesday afternoon. Armed assailants stormed the village of Farabougou and a nearby military camp, shooting everywhere, the official said via telephone. Militants seized and destroyed the camp, killing around 30 soldiers, said the official, who did not wish to be named. "There were many civilian and military victims," he said, adding that the bodies of five villagers had been found and many more were injured. The aftermath is still being assessed, he said. Two other local officials confirmed the attack but did not provide a death toll. One survivor told a local radio station that the assailants kidnapped some male residents and killed the rest. "They took the camp, killed all the soldiers and burnt it down," she said. Mali is one of several West African countries fighting a jihadist insurgency that took root in its arid north after militants hijacked a Tuareg rebellion in 2012. The violence has spread across the Sahel region south of the Sahara, where groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have seized swathes of territory, killed thousands and displaced millions of people. (Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Nellie Peyton, Alexandra Hudson) Ecuador's security forces stand guard outside the prison in Guayaquil, after Ecuador's government on Tuesday declared a 60-day state of emergency throughout the country's prisons and authorized armed forces to retake control of jails, following a wave of QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador expects to seal a deal for the United States to provide $200 million worth of security equipment and support as it tackles rising violence on the streets and in prisons blamed on drug trafficking gangs, the government said on Wednesday. President Daniel Noboa took office last month on promises to reduce violence and create jobs, especially for young people, through urgent legislative reforms. "Today we expect to close an agreement with the government of the United States for $200 million in a series of components," Government and Interior Minister Monica Palencia said in a statement. Palencia did not provide further details but said the deal would support projects by the police and other security programs which Noboa campaigned on. The U.S. Embassy in Quito did not respond to a request for comment. Ecuador was also seeking cooperation with Britain and the European Union for training and intelligence, she said. The government was pursuing a donation of $120 million from a Canadian foundation, she said, without naming it. Noboa has pledged to create a new intelligence unit, supply tactical weapons to security forces, and reinforce security at ports and airports - key points for drug shipments. The government will design four high-security prisons with Israeli technology, similar to a project in El Salvador, the statement added. Violent deaths nearly doubled in Ecuador in the year through Nov. 22, according to police figures, rising to 6,940 from 3,983. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia, Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb, Editing by Angus MacSwan) European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn attends a news conference on a plan to provide regular financial support to Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium, November 9, 2022. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders are likely to reach a deal on 50 billion euros ($54 billion) for Ukraine this week because it is to come in a package with other cash that Hungary, which threatened to block it, will benefit from, EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn said. The EU wants to revise its budget until 2027 to add 33 billion euros in loans and 17 billion in grants for Kyiv so that Ukraine, which is fighting off a Russian invasion, has certainty of financing to keep the state running. Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban has touted his ties with Moscow, has questioned the amount and its placement in the EU budget, on which all 27 EU governments, including Budapest, must unanimously agree. An EU agreement is all the more important because new financial aid to Ukraine from the United States has become a bargaining chip in domestic politics, throwing doubt over whether Kyiv will get any more money from Washington. "We have been asked in spring by the American government that they would be very much in favour if we could be spearheading the long-term support for Ukraine also as a kind of domestic pressure on the House of Representatives and the Senate to do something similar," EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Reuters in an exclusive interview. "This is all well understood by all the leaders and that's why I think in the end, also Hungary will agree, because it's also about their own interests," Hahn said on the eve of a EU leaders summit in Brussels to discuss the issue. Hungary has been keen on more EU funds to protect its borders from illegal migrants and pay third countries to keep migrants from crossing into Europe. The EU budget review, apart from the 50 billion for Ukraine, also has an additional 15 billion euros for such polices. "It is a package, it's not only for Ukraine, there is something in it for migration, border protection, support of countries like Turkey, nowadays good friends of Hungary and vice versa, to get also additional financial means," Hahn said. To further sweeten the deal, the Commission decided on Wednesday to unblock Hungary's access to 10 billion euros of EU cohesion funds that were frozen because of EU concerns that Hungary did not respect the rule of law. Hungary's parliament passed laws on Tuesday to improve the independence of courts. Asked if the EU had an alternative plan to provide Ukraine with the cash even if Hungary blocks the use of the common EU budget, Hahn said: "One of the qualities of the Commission is always to have a Plan B, but honestly I don't want to speak about and speculate about Plan Bs because this also creates an exit opportunity." Asked if 26 EU countries except Hungary could provide the money through an intergovernmental agreement, Hahn said: "Of course. It is one of the possibilities. But I don't believe that Hungary would stay out of the international, not only European, but international community." ($1 = 0.9269 euro) (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski) People, including Palestinian children, who fled their house due to Israeli strikes, gather at Al Shifa hospital where they shelter, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City November 7, 2023. REUTERS/Stri GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. humanitarian office said on Wednesday that Gaza faced a public health disaster due to the collapse of its health system and the spread of disease amid an offensive by Israel that has hit hospitals and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The United Nations and aid groups have sounded the alarm about the spread of infectious disease in Gaza, where the internal displacement of 85% of the population has caused overcrowding in shelters and other temporary living facilities. Israel, which went to war in Gaza after the Palestinian enclave's ruling Hamas militants launched a devastating attack on its southern communities on Oct. 7, has told civilians to flee battle zones and says it seeks avert humanitarian distress. "We all know that the health care system is or has collapsed," said Lynn Hastings, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. "We've got a textbook formula for epidemics and a public health disaster." WHO has reported a sharp rise in acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, lice, scabies and other fast-spreading diseases. Hastings said people in Gaza had to line up for hours just to access a toilet. "You can imagine what the sanitation conditions are like," she said. WHO said on Tuesday that only 11 of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially functional, one in the north and 10 in the south of the enclave. In Jerusalem, a senior Israeli lawmaker from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said field hospitals had been erected within Gaza by the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. "We offered every possible help (and) we are prepared to do more," Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Israeli parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, told Reuters. "But one thing has to be clear. There is overlapping between medical system and hospitals and Hamas terrorist activities," he said, reiterating Israeli allegations - denied by Hamas - that the Palestinian militants have been operating within hospitals. "So this is not something that we will tolerate." Hasting said that almost half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million was now in Rafah in the southern tip of the enclave to escape Israeli bombardment. "This is leading to nothing but a health crisis," she said. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Editing by Kirsti Knolle and Angus MacSwan) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam reached agreements on seeking a lasting resolution of maritime disputes during a state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president. According to a joint statement issued Wednesday, leaders of the two countries held an in-depth and candid exchange of views on maritime issues during the visit, with both sides stressing the need to better manage and actively resolve maritime disputes, so as to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region at large. Both sides, said the statement, agreed to continue abiding by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, to persist in friendly consultations, to strengthen the government-level border negotiation delegations and their subsidiary working groups, and to actively seek a basic and long-term resolution which is mutually acceptable and conforms to the agreement on the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related matters between China and Vietnam as well as international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both sides agreed to actively promote consultations on joint maritime development and negotiations on the delimitation of sea areas beyond the mouth of the Beibu Gulf, aiming to achieve substantive progress in these two areas at an early date, said the statement. The two sides agreed to continue the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and to conclude a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea based on consensus through consultation, which is in line with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, read the statement. They also agreed to refrain from actions that could complicate the situation or escalate disputes, and jointly maintaining maritime stability. During the two-day visit, Xi and Vietnamese leaders exchanged views on properly handling maritime disputes on multiple occasions. Maritime disputes are only part of Vietnam-China relations, and it is believed that the two sides can properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect, said General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in a meeting with Xi on Tuesday. For his part, Xi said that China and Vietnam should turn challenges posed by maritime issues into opportunities of bilateral cooperation. The two sides should actively discuss and carry out more maritime cooperation projects and strive to promote joint maritime development, he added. When meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong on Wednesday, Xi reiterated that China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Vietnam to find a long-term solution to maritime issues that is acceptable to both sides, and promote all parties to reach a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at an early date. "The world can have peace when neighbors prioritize diplomacy and cooperation over conflict and hostility," said Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia. "Fostering strong relationships between China and Vietnam can establish trust, engage in dialogue, and find peaceful resolutions to any disputes or conflicts that may arise," he said. Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, former Elections Department employee in Fulton County, Georgia, testifies, as her mother, Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman looks on, during the fourth public hearing of the U.S. House Select Committee to investigate the January 6 By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The same day a crowd of Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, another mob gathered at the home of former Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, she testified on Wednesday. The group in Georgia, far smaller than the crowd at the Capitol, was searching for Freeman after allies of the Republican then-president falsely accused her of helping to steal the 2020 election and referred to her by name as a professional vote scammer. Freeman was not home at the time because the FBI warned her that she should flee for her own safety, she told a jury in the third day of the civil defamation trial of former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani. When I saw it on television January 6 - I remember thinking, It could have been me, Freeman testified. If the FBI hadnt told me to leave, that could have been me. Freeman, who worked as a temporary election worker in Fulton County, and her daughter Wandrea Shaye Moss, are suing Giuliani for defamation claiming their reputations were destroyed by Giulianis false claims that the pair engaged in election fraud following the election. Moss testified on Tuesday about the emotional toll the attacks took on her and her family. A judge has already ruled that Giuliani is liable for defamation and other claims. The jury will decide how much he must pay in damages. A lawyer for Giuliani has argued that his actions played a minimal role in the harm the two women endured. Freeman, who is Black, said she began receiving racist messages and voicemails shortly after the video began spreading in December 2020. "I was terrorized. I was scared," she said, fearing that "people are coming to kill me." The vitriol rose again when leaked audio of Trumps January 2021 phone call with Georgias top elections official, Brad Raffensperger, was published. During the call, which drew headlines for Trumps urging of Raffensperger to find votes to help him overturn his defeat in the key battleground state, Trump also referenced Freeman by name and repeated the false allegations against her. Giuliani is expected to take the witness stand on Thursday. (This story has been refiled to fix the spelling of 'scared' in paragraph 10) (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks, as he receives relatives of members of the German Armed Forces and police officers on foreign missions, in Berlin, Germany December 11, 2023. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse By Maria Martinez, Andreas Rinke and Sarah Marsh BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's government clinched a last-minute deal on its 2024 budget on Wednesday that will see Berlin return to its self-imposed limits on new debt despite warnings this could hamper growth in Europe's top economy and its green transition. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition was faced with either suspending what is known as the debt brake or finding some 17 billion euros ($18.3 billion) in savings and tax hikes after a Nov. 15 constitutional court ruling threw its plans into disarray. Weeks of tense talks that had raised doubts the coalition could survive ended at around 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Wednesday with an agreement to go down the path of austerity - a win for fiscally hawkish junior partner, the Free Democrats (FDP). Scholz of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) nevertheless said the brake to limit debt could be suspended again if Ukraine needed more funding to fight off Russia's invasion. He was speaking hours before flying to Brussels to an EU summit at which support for Kyiv will be top of the agenda. "The government will stick to its goals ... but we must do so with less money which means cuts and savings," Scholz told a press conference flanked by Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP and Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens. He told broadcaster ARD that the agreement would be turned into specific laws that could then be voted on by Germany's lower house of parliament, adding the goal was to conclude the process as soon as possible, ideally by end-January or early February. After the court ruled that 60 billion euros of unused pandemic debt could not be moved to a climate and transformation fund, Scholz said that fund would be reduced by 12 billion euros in 2024 and by 45 billion euros in budget planning up to 2027. For example, it will no longer be used to upgrade state railway firm Deutsche Bahn. Instead that will be partly financed through the privatisation of stakes in companies the government does not need, Lindner said. Premiums for the purchase of electric cars will be ended earlier than previously planned and subsidies for the solar industry cut. The budget compromise also foresees new levies on kerosene fuel for domestic flights and on the production of environmentally harmful plastic, as well as an increase in the CO2 surcharge on fuel, heating oil and gas - in a concession by the business-friendly FDP, which had ruled out tax hikes. "A ROTTEN COMPROMISE" Commerzbank chief economist Joerg Kraemer said the budget consolidation measures could dampen growth by up to half a percentage point next year. Others said the deal simply delayed a necessary decision on how to fund investments in an economy that has already suffered years of chronic underinvestment. Last month's court ruling has made clear the government will not be able to resort as easily to off-budget funds going forwards. Wednesday's agreement is "a rotten compromise with which the federal government is just pushing the problems into the future," Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German economic institute DIW, said. "Citizens are among the losers of this agreement." Germany has by far the lowest debt in the G7 grouping of major economies, but memories of how frugality paved the way for postwar reconstruction and how costly it was to reintegrate indebted ex-communist East Germany have shaped a uniquely debt-averse political culture. The country enshrined a debt brake, which restricts the public deficit to 0.35% of gross domestic product, into its constitution in 2009. But questions are mounting over the brake's suitability given the challenges Germany faces. Berlin already had suspended it for three years to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court ruling last month prompted it to suspend it again for this year because of the energy crisis sparked by the Ukraine war, and Scholz and Habeck had sought a further suspension in 2024. But Lindner stood firm on the need to stick to the constraint, saying on Wednesday "orientation towards the debt brake remained of major importance". STABILISING THE COALITION The political victory could help FDP leaders face down calls from within its ranks for the party to leave Scholz's fractious coalition, whose support has slumped recently to record lows. The party, which is less ideologically aligned than the Greens and SPD, is polling around the 5% minimum threshold to enter parliament. The FDP executive said on Tuesday that it would shortly hold a member survey on whether the party should stay within the coalition after a petition by members gathered the necessary signatures. The survey would be non-binding and political analysts say it would be tantamount to suicide for the FDP to leave now and be seen as abnegating responsibility in times of crisis. Still, a negative answer could make life even harder for FDP leaders and the coalition at large. "It appears that Lindner's coalition partners wanted to spare the FDP a loss of face," Jan Techau, analyst at Eurasia Group said. "Overall, after suffering a severe setback from the courts ruling, and despite some lingering uncertainty about budget details, the government has been able to pull off effective and unusually discrete crisis management, an achievement that will further increase government stability." ($1 = 0.9271 euros) (Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Kirsti Knolle, Maria Martinez, Sarah Marsh, Miranda Murray, Madeline Chambers; Additional reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Catherine Evans, Rachel More and Barbara Lewis) FILE PHOTO: The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - General Motors CEO Mary Barra said Wednesday the Detroit automaker still plans on moving to all electric vehicle sales by 2035 even as it has recently delayed some EV production. "Our plan is to only be selling EVs, light-duty EVs at that time but of course we're going to be responsive to where the customer is at but we have a plan to do that," Barra told reporters after an appearance at the Washington Economic Club. GM in October said it was abandoning a goal of building 400,000 EVs from 2022 through mid-2024 as it delays production of electric pickup trucks at its plant in Michigan's Orion Township by a year. GM also in October scrapped a $5 billion plan to jointly develop affordable EVs with Honda Motor. The Biden administration is pursuing aggressive vehicle emissions regulations and Barra said they must be achievable. "I think we're in a good position with the number of EVs that we have that we're launching," Barra said Wednesday. "I think we just need to make sure that the regulations stay aligned with where the customer is, the charging has to be there." The American Automotive Policy Council, representing GM, Ford Motor and Stellantis, in October urged regulators to halve its proposed fuel economy increases from 4% to 2% annually for trucks, saying the proposal "would disproportionately impact the truck fleet." U.S. automakers separately have warned fuel economy fines would cost GM $6.5 billion, Stellantis billion and Ford $1 billion. Reuters reported in June GM paid $128.2 million in fines covering 2016 and 2017, the first time the automaker had paid fuel economy penalties. Automakers also have raised alarm at the Energy Department's proposal to significantly revise how it calculates the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy rating for EVs. Barra met with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and raised the issue, sources told Reuters. GM said in October it could support the administration's fuel economy proposal if the Energy Department rescinded its petroleum-equivalent proposal. (Reporting by David Shepardson) Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, speaks during an interview with Reuters at his office in the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, December 13, 2023. REUTERS/Dedi Hayun By Dan Williams and Tom Perry JERUSALEM/BEIRUT (Reuters) - An Israeli lawmaker said on Wednesday his government was seeking to use diplomatic channels to push Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters away from the border to avoid a war flaring there, although an official close to the group said such ideas were "unrealistic". While battling Hamas in Gaza, Israel has also been trading fire since October on the Lebanese frontier with Hezbollah, which like the Palestinian group is backed by Iran. The border violence is the worst since Israel and Hezbollah fought a month-long war in 2006. Israel has said Beirut would be turned "into Gaza" if Hezbollah starts another all-out war. Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Israeli parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, said Israel was determined to bring an end to Hezbollah's presence on the border with Israel. "This is a goal, I think, that we are trying to reach, at this stage, through diplomatic channels," he told Reuters, saying the alternative could be another war. "We are turning to every normal country, be it the United States, France, Arab countries - anyone who could somehow influence the situation and has some influence in Lebanon." Sources familiar with Hezbollah's thinking have said their attacks so far have been designed to avoid an all-out conflict. A senior Lebanese official told Reuters that U.S. and French officials had visited Beirut to discuss ideas to provide Israel with security assurances based on limiting Hezbollah's role on the border. He did not say when the visits took place. The official, who is close to Hezbollah, said the ideas were "unrealistic". The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were confidential. Hezbollah, which operates as a political party and has a heavily armed militia, is Lebanon's most powerful group. In an apparent reference to Israeli border demands, senior Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah said on Wednesday that Israel was "in no position to determine the future of others". "These are proposals that are not on (Hezbollah's) agenda or the country's agenda, and no one has spoken about them with us, and we are not prepared to even listen to them," he said in public remarks, without giving details of the proposals. FRONT REMAINS 'OPEN' Since border violence flared, citizens on both sides have fled their homes. In Israel, residents fear Hezbollah fighters could stage a raid similar to the cross-border rampage launched by Hamas fighters on Oct. 7 that sparked the Gaza war. Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said on Tuesday the Lebanese front would "remain open all the while the aggression on Gaza continues". Edelstein said Israel did not want to open a new front in the north, adding: "We will if it will be necessary, if they will attack us - Hezbollah forces will attack us - and then we will have no choice." Israel's defence minister has referred to a U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 passed at the end of the 2006 war, which included saying no armed factions should be present between Lebanon's Litani River and the border. The river is several kilometres (miles) from the border. French officials said Paris wanted to listen to both sides and push for the full application of the resolution. Asked how far Hezbollah should be pushed back, Edelstein said: "I won't get into tactical details, but we are definitely talking about miles." He also said it was unlikely Israeli forces would once again seek to occupy southern Lebanon, like they did for 18 years until withdrawing in 2000. He said he thought there could be some kind of agreement, adding that the alternative was leaving Lebanon "in ruins". He said Hezbollah "will have to think twice before breaking these agreements, before challenging us on that." (Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris; Writing by Dan Williams and Tom Perry; Editing by Edmund Blair) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attend a press conference at the airport after a visit to the hotspot, a reception centre for migrants, and later the port where they arrive, in Lampedusa, Italy, By Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte ROME (Reuters) -Italy could use its veto to prevent the adoption of the European Union's new fiscal rules if the outcome of negotiations among partners does not meet its demands, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday. The bloc's Stability and Growth pact was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 and is due to return in an amended version next year, with Italy pushing to make it more lenient as opposed to demands from other members to enforce tough discipline. "I am not ruling out any of the options, I think we have to assess what is best for Italy," Meloni told the upper house in a speech ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Dec. 14-15. Last week, Reuters reported that Rome was ready to veto any rules penalising its heavily-indebted economy and would not ratify a reform of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the euro zone bailout fund, without a satisfactory deal on the stability pact. "If no solution is found, if no agreement is reached we will go back to the previous parameters," Meloni said before the Senate, adding that she would do her best to promote a good deal in the upcoming talks with her European peers. EU rules limit budget deficits to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and debt to 60%, with disciplinary measures for those who do not reduce their surpluses fast enough, but many European governments far exceed these limits. The European Commission has proposed tweaking the rules by introducing a fiscal adjustment path focused on spending cuts over four to seven years. But Germany, the bloc's largest economy, has also called for highly-indebted countries, such as Italy, to cut debt by at least 1% of GDP each year. Italy in September raised its deficit target for next year to 4.3% of GDP from 3.7% previously, and said it would not return to the EU's 3% ceiling until 2026, with virtually no debt reduction over the same period. In October, Italy's central bank said economic growth would remain below 1% this year and in 2024. (Reporting by Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte, writing by Giselda Vagnoni, editing by Sharon Singleton) By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's top mobile phone operator, Kyivstar, started restoring voice services to some clients on Wednesday after its networks were knocked out by a major cyber attack, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov said, with data and other services to follow. The company, which provides services to more than half of Ukraine's population, sustained "huge" damage during the attack on Tuesday, Komarov told Reuters, calling it "the biggest cyber attack on telco infrastructure in the world". "The current situation in Kyivstar is extremely difficult. I am quite confident that this is a well-planned, long-term focused attack on Ukrainian critical infrastructure," Komarov said in an interview. Kyivstar provides mobile, Internet and other services to about 24 million private consumers and is also a vital backbone for thousands of private businesses and many digitised state services. Hundreds of experts and dozens of institutions are involved in a major effort to restore services to millions given the level of damage. "We will not turn on the voice (services) all over the country at the same time. We will go step by step to make sure that the services which were rebuilt work stably, that they can withstand the load and we can move on to restore mobile internet services," Komarov said. Two Russian groups have claimed responsibility for the attack. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the claims and Moscow has not commented. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's critical infrastructure since it invaded in February 2022, with hundreds of missiles and drones frequently striking power, grain, and port facilities. HUNDREDS OF ATTACKS Komarov said that Kyivstar had withstood hundreds of serious cyber attacks since the start of the war, which is now in its 22nd month. "It was not the first attack. The number of attacks since the beginning of the invasion has grown exponentially." Tactics were changing and varied from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to attempts to penetrate networks or use Kyivstar's infrastructure in occupied territories to penetrate its systems. Komarov, speaking separately on national television, said the attack "breached our defences. It happened because an account pool was compromised ... that's under investigation. "The Kyiv star example shows that even the most secure infrastructure can be breached. This is a very real thing." Ukraine's SBU security service has launched an investigation into the attack and Kyivstar was collaborating closely, Komarov said. Kyivstar, owned by Amsterdam-listed mobile telecoms operator Veon, had average daily revenue of about 100 million hryvnias ($2.7 million) but its services have been knocked out for two days already. Veon issued a statement saying that the company's voice services were being restored and rejecting suggestions on social media that customer data had been compromised. Many of Kyivstar's clients also bought sim cards from other operators to remain connected and Komarov said the return process "would not be immediate". However, the company was committed to restoring its services. "We have all the resources, we are moving forward, moving carefully," Komarov said. (Additional reporting by Stefania Bern; Editing by Ron Popeski, Kirsten Donovan and Sandra Maler) FILE PHOTO: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan gestures as he speaks to the members of the media at his residence in Lahore, Pakistan May 18, 2023. REUTERS/Mohsin Raza/File Photo By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan pleaded not guilty to charges of leaking state secrets under an indictment on Wednesday that dealt a new blow to his chances of contesting Pakistan's general election in February. The charges are related to a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington last year, which Khan is accused of making public. "The charges were read out loudly in the courtroom," government prosecutor Shah Khawar told Reuters, saying Khan and his co-accused and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi both denied the charges. Khan's lawyer, Barrister Gohar Khan, contested the indictment, saying it would be valid only if signed by the accused. The former prime minister has previously said the contents of the cable appeared in the media from other sources. A guilty verdict under the Official Secrets Act could bring up to 10 years in prison, lawyers said. It is the second time Khan has been indicted on the same charges after a superior court struck down an earlier indictment on technical grounds, saying the correct procedure had not been followed. The trial is being conducted in jail on security grounds. Khan has been in jail since he was convicted and sentenced to three years on corruption charges on Aug. 5. Khan says the cable was proof of a conspiracy by the Pakistani military and U.S. government to topple his government in 2022 after he visited Moscow just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Washington and the Pakistan military deny the accusations. The former international cricketer won the last general election in 2018, a victory which his opponents say was achieved with the backing of the military. Khan and the military later fell out, mainly because of differences over the appointment of the chief of main spy agency. Khan has had dozens of legal cases filed against him, which he has denounced as an effort to banish him from politics. The graft sentence has been suspended by a higher court but he remains in prison in connection with other cases, including a charge of instigating violence after one of his arrests. Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections because of the conviction, but his legal team are pushing for his release on bail and an overturning of the ban. The new indictment reduces his chances of being released from jail to campaign for his party before the election on Feb. 8 next year. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Writing by Kanjyik Ghosh; editing by Sudipto Ganguly, Shri Navaratnam and Timothy Heritage) Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan stand next to an overturned vehicle during a protest against Khan's arrest, in Peshawar, Pakistan, May 10, 2023. REUTERS/Fayaz Aziz/File Photo ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday provisionally approved military court trials of over 100 supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan on charges of attacking army installations. A six-member panel of the top court overturned an Oct. 23 order by a three-member Supreme Court panel that had declared military trials of civilians to be unconstitutional, suspending all proceedings. Trial proceedings will continue, said Justice Tariq Masood, the head of the six-member panel, according to a Reuters reporter present in the courtroom. The six-member panel, however, barred military courts from issuing any convictions pending a final verdict on the constitutional question of whether civilians in such cases fall into the category of fitness for military trials. The panel will issue a detailed written order later. The government, which had said it would use military courts to try the suspects, sparking fears for fair legal process, had filed appeals against the Oct. 23 ruling. Hundreds of Khan supporters stormed military and government installations and an air base and also torched a general's house on May 9, following the former premier's brief arrest by paramilitary soldiers. Khan had accused the military of being behind an attempt to assassinate him. The military denied this and said that the assaults against its bases were planned and ordered by leaders of Khan's party to stir up political unrest and force early elections following his ouster in a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Local and global rights groups have expressed concerns over the military trials, saying such courts do not have the same standards of evidence and due process as civilian courts. Pakistan's Army Act of 1952 established military courts primarily to try members of the military or enemies of the state, and they operate under a separate legal system. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad) WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's new justice minister on his first day in office signed a motion for the country to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), reversing the stance of the previous government that clashed with EU authorities. The EPPO is the European Union's independent public prosecution office that deals with cases affecting the bloc's financial interests. Of the bloc's 27 member states, 22 have joined. Poland's previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government opted not to join the EPPO, citing fears of interference in the Polish justice system. "One of my first decisions as Minister of Justice - an application to Prime Minister Donald Tusk to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office," Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar wrote on platform X on Wednesday. He added a picture of himself signing the application in front of Polish and also EU flags, which he said had been returned to his office and other government rooms. Bodnar told Reuters before he became minister that joining the EPPO would be a good faith move that could be implemented quickly in an attempt to unblock billions in funds frozen by the EU because of concerns over democratic standards. (Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Barbara Lewis) By Ivana Sekularac and Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has dropped in on ordinary Serbs in a folksy tour around the country to secure another term in power for his populist party in a snap election on Sunday largely prompted by public outrage over mass shootings. After two shooting attacks in May that left 18 people dead including nine elementary school students and teenagers, street protests rattled Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party's more than decade-long grip on power in the West Balkan republic. For weeks huge crowds backed by the centrist and liberal opposition marched through Belgrade demanding government action to counter a culture of violence they said authorities allowed to flourish in society, and snap elections before year's end. Opposition parties and rights watchdogs also accuse Vucic and the SNS of stifling media freedoms, supporting violence against opponents, corruption, and ties with organised crime. Vucic and his allies deny such allegations. The Dec. 17 parliamentary election - the fifth since 2012, combined with simultaneous voting in most municipalities including the capital Belgrade and in the northern province of Vojvodina - comes only 18 months after the previous one. During the campaign, Vucic, whose presidential term expires in 2027, drove to the north of Serbia in his own Skoda car rather than in a swish government limousine, to check the quality of various roadworks. In other trips throughout the country, he helped farmers cook pork scratchings, flipped pancakes, opened a Tiktok account, gave an interview to a major opposition weekly and visited a monastery - all in an effort to shore up his party's popularity after the backlash over the shootings. "The state is not a joke, and it cannot be run by irresponsible people," Vucic, 53 - originally a far-right nationalist who later shifted towards a pro-European, conservative stance - said in a video published on his Instagram account, referring to political foes. In the months ahead of elections, the outgoing government disbursed one-off payments to students, pensioners and single mothers, and announced a rise in wages and pensions in parts of the public sector. SNS WELL AHEAD IN PRE-ELECTION POLL Radomir Lazovic, a leader of the Serbia Against Violence opposition alliance, accused the SNS of pressuring and bribing voters. "There is a huge opportunity for things to change. People have realized that the SNS, even after such a tragic (shooting) event, was not ready to change anything," Lazovic told Reuters. A recent pre-election poll by the Nova Srpska Politicka Misao website put the SNS in the lead with 39.8% of the vote, with Lazovic's coalition next on 25.6% and the Socialist Party of outgoing Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, an SNS coalition partner, with 8.9%. After the two mass shootings and in line with previous pledges, Vucic quit as chairman of the SNS, handing the post to Milos Vucevic, his closest ally and the outgoing defence minister, but he retains decisive control over party policies. "Major political changes at the republic level are not realistic, and a significant change of government would be a surprise," said Bojan Klacar, executive director of the CESID polling organisation. But he said the SNS might lose power in Belgrade's municipal election - a serious blow as the capital of 1.4 million people represents about a quarter of the electorate, and the mayor is regarded as one of the most influential officials in Serbia. Serbia aims to join the European Union but a major precondition is normalising relations with Kosovo, its former predominantly Albanian province that declared independence in 2008 after a late 1990s guerrilla uprising. EU-brokered talks to that end are stalled and tensions continue to run high. Belgrade must also crack down on corruption and organised crime, liberalise the economy and align its foreign policies with those of the EU, including sanctions against Russia - a traditional ally of Belgrade - over its invasion of Ukraine. Dragan Stankovic, 67, a Belgrade pensioner, said he would vote for the SNS as the status quo was safer. "(I expect) it to go on like this. Nothing else. It is sufficient to stay (as we are). But Milos Lazovic, 24, a student who attended the final opposition rally in Belgrade, said a vote to oust the SNS "is a better option... Maybe they (opposition) will provide some fresh perspectives and give young people without party affiliations some fresh opportunities and jobs. (Reporting by Ivana Sekularac and Aleksandar Vasovic) GAZA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of displaced Palestinians gathered in southern Gaza are facing escalating threats of epidemics and infectious diseases as the Israeli army continued to pummel the enclave since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7. According to the Gaza-based Health Ministry, medical teams in refugee camps have handled 325,000 cases of infectious diseases, raising fears of an impending health catastrophe. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the health situation in the shelters in southern Gaza is appalling, with thousands of displaced people facing the danger of death due to the spread of epidemics, infectious diseases, malnutrition, lack of drinking water, and poor personal hygiene. Currently, 120,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and 86,000 diarrhea cases have been reported, according to the organization, adding that there are also cases of jaundice, measles, and meningitis. Marwan Al-Hams, head of the Health Emergency Committee in Gaza, warned that the increasing risks of epidemics are coinciding with a severe collapse of the health system in the Strip. "We are witnessing symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, high fevers, outbreaks of skin diseases, respiratory infections including flu, colds, and the spread of measles among children in displacement areas every day," Al-Hams said. According to the UN estimates, nearly 1.9 million people, or almost 85 percent of the total population, have been displaced in Gaza, some of whom have been displaced multiple times. Tens of thousands of those reaching Rafah in the far south of Gaza are now facing extremely overcrowded conditions inside and outside refugee shelters, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Due to the insufficient amount of toilets, open defecation is widespread, raising concerns about the spread of disease, especially on rainy days and amid the ensuing floods, the OCHA said. Suhayb Al-Hams, director of Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Rafah, said that the emergency rooms at the hospital have received over 1,000 cases due to the spread of diseases, including respiratory diseases, diarrhea, viral hepatitis, various skin diseases, high fevers, and meningitis. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said it houses nearly 1.3 million displaced people in 154 facilities across Gaza, including over 1.1 million in 97 shelters in central and southern areas -- nine times of its planned capacity. Concerns are growing for the vulnerable groups living in shelters, including persons with disabilities, pregnant, newly delivered or breastfeeding women, patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, and those with weak immune systems. Meanwhile, the Gaza Municipality Union warned of waste pile-up in residential neighborhoods amid severe challenges faced by municipal teams in waste collection due to Israeli airstrikes and fuel shortages. Municipal teams face restrictions accessing the main dumping sites at Gaza's border peripheries, which daily produce 2,000 tons of waste, posing a threat of health hazards and a significant environmental catastrophe. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's prosecution office is seeking an arrest warrant for a former Samsung Electronics official over the alleged theft of company technology for a Chinese chipmaker, a local broadcaster reported on Wednesday. A former Samsung Electronics employee who left the world's biggest memory chipmaker eight years ago handed over Samsung Electronics' core DRAM memory chip-related information to Chinese chipmaker Changxin Memory Technologies Inc (CXMT), MBC reported, citing South Korea's prosecution office. Prosecutors assessed that the damage caused by the technology leak to CXMT could mark about several trillions of Korean won, MBC said, adding that the case also involves dozens of others from Samsung Electronics' suppliers. MBC said that a South Korea court is set to decide the prosecution's arrest warrant request later this week. Both Samsung Electronics and CXMT did not have immediate comment. (Reporting by Heekyong Yang and Joyce Lee; Editing by Mark Porter) Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu attends a press conference with foreign journalists in Taipei, Taiwan September 28, 2023. REUTERS/Angie Teo/File Photo (Reuters) - Taiwan's longest-serving foreign minister Joseph Wu plans to vacate his post in the coming months, Wu said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. (Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; editing by Christina Fincher) By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - Three teachers in Florida on Wednesday sued the state over its law prohibiting transgender and nonbinary teachers from using their preferred pronouns in school, saying it violates their constitutional rights. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Florida's capital, Tallahassee, says the state law is designed "to stigmatize and demonize transgender and nonbinary people" and deprives them of the equal protection of the law guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The state law, which took effect in July, says school employees cannot tell students to call the employees by their preferred titles or pronouns, if the preference does not correspond to the sex assigned at birth. Several other states have passed laws saying teachers and classmates do not have to refer to students by their preferred pronouns. One plaintiff, identified as AV Schwandes, says they are non-binary and were fired from a teaching job at a "virtual school" in October for continuing to use the honorific "Mx." at work. The other plaintiffs are transgender women who say they have been forced to accept being misgendered. "Florida intentionally sends the state-sanctioned, invidious, and false message that transgender and nonbinary people and their identities are inherently dangerous, especially to children," the teachers' lawyers from the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights group, wrote in the lawsuit. The Florida Attorney General's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The case is the latest to challenge laws adopted by Florida and other Republican-led U.S. states aimed at limiting discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Critics call them "don't say gay" laws and claim they are unlawful and harmful to LGBT people. In April, Florida education officials voted to ban classroom instruction on those topics in all public school grades after state lawmakers in 2022 barred it through third grade. A federal judge in August dismissed a challenge to that law, and an appeal has been put on hold after the state and the students and parents who sued said they were negotiating a settlement. Last month, civil rights groups sued to block a similar Iowa law that covers kindergarten through sixth grade. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and David Gregorio) Displaced Palestinians, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, walk next to tents following heavy rains at tent camps, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip December 13, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Sale By Mohammed Salem and Saleh Salem RAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Strong wind and heavy rain in Gaza overnight on Wednesday brought even worse misery to displaced families, tearing and flooding flimsy tents, drenching clothes and blankets and making everyone cold. At a tent camp in Rafah, located on sandy terrain strewn with rubbish, people were trying to recover from a horrible night, carrying buckets of sand to cover puddles inside or just outside their tents, and hanging up soggy clothes. Some families have proper tents, but others are making do with tarpaulins or thin, see-through plastic made to protect goods, not provide shelter for people. Many tents have no ground-sheets, so people spent the night huddling on wet sand. "It is torn and water poured on us. We were drenched," said Ramadan Mohadad, a middle-aged man who was trying to fix his family's shelter fashioned from strips of plywood and a thin plastic sheet. Mohadad's white t-shirt with stripes had large wet patches around the collar and on both shoulders. "We tried as much as we could to protect ourselves so water would not get through but rain got in ... This plastic does not protect people sleeping under it," he said. Rips were visible in other families' plastic shelters, and some showed puddles inside. One family had placed a cement block at the entrance to act as a sort of dam, as well as smaller bricks inside that looked like stepping stones. Yasmin Mhani said she had woken up in the night to find her youngest child, who is seven-months old, soaking wet. Her family of five are sharing a single blanket after their home was destroyed by an Israeli air strike and they lost one of the children, as well as all their possessions. "Our house was destroyed, our child was martyred and I remain facing it all. This is the fifth place we have had to move to, fleeing from one place to another, with nothing but a t-shirt on," she said, hanging wet clothes outside her tent. FEAR OF BEING PUSHED TO EGYPT Rafah, next to the border with Egypt, is the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, where people have been arriving in growing numbers to seek refuge from intense fighting between Israel and Hamas, now raging in both the north and south. Inas, a 38-year-old mother of five, said she and her family had been forced to flee four times since the war started - first from the Twam area in northern Gaza City to the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood, then to Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, then to the city of Khan Younis, and now to Rafah. The family previously owned a five-floor house and a supermarket, which have been completely destroyed, she said. "I hope the war ends and the Israeli occupation forces don't invade Rafah on the ground. I am terrified of the possibility of displacement to Egypt," she said, voicing a common fear among Gazans. "That is our worst nightmare. Are they going to expand the ground war to Rafah? If that happens where should we go? To the sea or to Sinai?" she said, referring to Egypt's vast desert region just south of Gaza and Israel. "We urge the world to stop Israel. We dont want to leave Gaza," she said. Israel denies having any plans to push Palestinians into Sinai, while Egypt has said it did not want a mass arrival of people from Gaza. However, the Gaza-Egypt border fence has been breached in the past, fuelling fears that an uncontrolled displacement could happen this time. Israel started its campaign to destroy the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza after its fighters stormed across the border fence on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, including babies and children, and seizing 240 hostages of all ages. Since then, Israel's bombardment and siege have killed more than 18,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities, with thousands more feared buried in rubble. (Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Commissioner General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, addresses the assembly on the opening day of the Global Refugee Forum, in Geneva, Switzerland, December 13, 2023. Jean-Guy Python/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) denounced a move by Switzerland to cut aid as the Gaza Strip faces a humanitarian crisis described as apocalyptic by the United Nations. Speaking at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva on Wednesday, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini deplored the agency's "chronic underfunding", a day after he expressed disappointment in the Swiss initiative. "Despite our successes, UNRWA suffers from chronic underfunding which impacts the quality of our services," he said. "Upholding refugees' rights is not only the responsibility of humanitarian and development actors, it is a responsibility ... shared with donors and host countries," he added, without mentioning the Swiss move. Switzerland's National Council, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, approved cutting an annual contribution of 20 million Swiss francs ($22.83 million) to the agency by 116 to 78 votes on Monday. The initiative's author, who was part of a parliamentary delegation that visited UNRWA earlier this year, has argued that the agency lacked objectivity. The upper house is scheduled to assess the initiative on Thursday. Both houses have to approve for the proposal to be put into effect. "As a country that leads on international humanitarian law, I am disappointed in this decision to cut aid to the largest and most active humanitarian agency on the ground in Gaza today," Lazzarini wrote on X on Tuesday. Lazzarini - who said last month he believed there was a deliberate attempt to strangle UNRWA's operations - said that the agency's capacity to do its work in the Palestinian enclave was on the verge of collapse. Other U.N. bodies deplored the Swiss move. Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, said he hoped Switzerland and other countries would continue funding UNRWA. "If UNRWA goes away and is not funded, the Palestinians that have already been so tragically penalized by history will be even more penalized," Grandi said. Weeks of Israeli bombing, in response to a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, have internally displaced 85% of Gaza's population. More than 130 UNRWA staff have also been killed since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7. Established in 1949 following the first Arab-Israeli war, UNRWA provides services including schooling, primary healthcare and humanitarian aid in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Nick Macfie) A truck, marked with United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) logo, crosses into Egypt from Gaza, at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, during a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah, Egypt, November 30, 2023. GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) on Wednesday said the agency's ability to render services in war-torn Gaza was on the verge of collapse after more than 130 staff were killed in the enclave. "The entire humanitarian response heavily relies on UNRWA's capacity," said Philippe Lazzarini. "It is now on the verge of collapse." (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Miranda Murray) The Union Jack flag is flown outside the Houses of Parliament, in London, Britain February 9, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) - The British data regulator said on Wednesday it had fined the defence ministry for a series of email data breaches that revealed details of over 265 Afghans who were seeking relocation to Britain after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) said it had fined the Ministry of Defence (MoD) 350,000 pounds, saying the department did not have operating procedures in place to ensure group emails had been sent securely to the Afghan nationals who had worked for or with the British government. "This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much," Information Commissioner John Edwards said in the statement. "While the situation on the ground in the summer of 2021 was very challenging and decisions were being made at pace, that is no excuse for not protecting people's information who were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm. Ben Wallace, who was defence minister at the time, had already issued an apology in front of the British parliament and launched an investigation into the breach. The MoD said it recognised the severity of the issue and repeated that apology, adding that it would set out further details on the measures it was implementing to address the ICO's concerns in due course. The department had sent an email to a distribution list of Afghan nationals eligible for evacuation on Sept. 20, 2021 with all applicants copied, causing the personal information of 245 people to be inadvertently disclosed, the ICO said. The MoD's own probe found two other similar breaches during the same month, compromising 265 email addresses in total, the ICO said, adding that the data disclosed could have resulted in a threat to life if it had fallen into the hands of the Taliban. (Reporting by Muvija M; editing by Michael Holden) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Kyivstar, one of Ukraine's largest telecoms company, is pictured at the company's headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine, March 3, 2016. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich//File Photo By James Pearson and Alexander Marrow LONDON (Reuters) -A hacking group believed by Kyiv to be affiliated with Russian military intelligence claimed responsibility on Wednesday for a cyberattack that knocked Ukraines biggest mobile network operator offline. Tuesdays attack on Kyivstar, which has 24.3 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million home internet users, knocked out services, damaged IT infrastructure, and silenced air raid alert systems in some parts of Ukraine. A group of activist hackers, or "hacktivists", called Solntsepyok said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that it carried out the cyberattack, and published screenshots appearing to show that the hackers had accessed Kyivstar's servers. Russia has repeatedly denied being behind such cyberattacks. Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications and Information Protectorate (SSSCIP) said in a statement it was investigating the incident with the SBU domestic intelligence agency. "Responsibility for the cyberattack was taken by one of the Russian groups whose activities are associated with the main directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," it said, referring to Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. "This once again confirms Russia's use of cyberspace as one of the domains of the war against Ukraine," it said, without naming the group that has claimed responsibility. Earlier this year, the SSSCIP identified Solntsepyok as a front for a Russian hacking group dubbed "Sandworm" which has been previously linked to the GRU. It was not immediately possible to contact the GRU for comment. In its Telegram post announcing the hack, Solntsepyok thanked unidentified "concerned colleagues" at Kyivstar. The SBU said on Tuesday that it had opened a treason case following the cyberattack. "We attacked Kyivstar because the company provides communications to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as state bodies and Ukraine's security forces," that post said. "To the other offices helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces: be prepared!" On Tuesday, a source close to Kyivstar told Reuters that military communications had not been affected by the attack. 'WEAPON OF CHOICE' Sandworm has been tracked by cybersecurity researchers as one of Russias most powerful hacking groups, responsible for cyberattacks against Ukraines energy sector. They regularly launder their operations through paper thin hacktivist personas," said John Hultquist, who heads threat analysis at Google's Mandiant Intelligence. Sandworm is Moscows weapon of choice for cyberattacks. No other actor comes close in terms of the imminent threat they pose to critical infrastructure in Ukraine, he added. In response to a request for comment from Reuters, a representative of Solntsepyok confirmed it had carried out the attack and referred to the internal Kyivstar documents posted to the groups Telegram channel. The representative did not respond to further requests for comment, including whether Solntsepyok was connected to the GRU. Tuesdays digital blitz was one of the biggest cyberattacks since Russias full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Such attacks which cause widespread and tangible damage are rare and require techniques so sophisticated that they are usually the domain of state intelligence agencies. In its Telegram post, Solntsepyok said it destroyed more than 10,000 computers and 4,000 servers in the attack against Kyivstar, including its cloud storage and backup systems. Kyivstar dismissed those claims as "fake" in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kyivstar was in the process of restoring some of its services on Wednesday, its CEO said. (Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa in KyivEditing by Timothy Heritage and Mark Potter) General view of the courtroom with prosecutors Lars Malskies and Cai Rueffer and the judges at the start of the trial of the defendants Carsten L. and Arthur E. (both not in picture), accused of working together with a Russian businessman to "procure sens By Thomas Escritt BERLIN (Reuters) - Russia paid a former soldier working for Germany's foreign intelligence agency (BND) at least 450,000 euros in return for information about weaponry with which the West was arming Ukraine, a court was told on Wednesday. Prosecutors have charged Carsten Linke and his accomplice, a Russian-born German diamond trader named Arthur Eller in trial documents, with high treason in a case that shines an awkward spotlight on Germany's vulnerability to Russian espionage. Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine was a shock to a German security establishment that had dropped its guard as Germany settled into a lucrative energy trading relationship with its giant eastern neighbour. The Federal Intelligence Service, which four years ago moved into a 1.5 billion euro new building, the largest such headquarters in the world, was so taken off guard that its head Bruno Kahl was in Kyiv on the morning that President Vladimir Putin launched his air, sea and land invasion of the country on Feb. 22. Barely two months later, according to prosecutors, one of Kahl's own intelligence officials, head of a signals intelligence unit, was hatching a plan to sell secrets to Russia's FSB intelligence service, Putin's own former agency. Facing the two accused, who were sitting in glass cages across the courtroom, the lead prosecutor said Linke had agreed to help a wealthy Russian businessman, an acquaintance of Eller, to get German residency while also agreeing to provide information for the FSB. The businessman, named only as Mr Mizayev, suggested to the pair "that they could together do something good for both their countries", the prosecutor said. Both deny the charges. 'SHOW TRIAL' Eller, bald and dressed in a tight black t-shirt, and Linke, wearing a crumpled suit under tightly cropped military hair, ignored each other. Earlier, magazine Der Spiegel said their separate defences would involve seeking to cast doubt on each other's testimony. Much of the case, which raises deep questions about the resilience of Germany's security state, was classified, with reporters required to file out of the courtroom for key passages. "I'm old enough to remember East Germany," said Linke's lawyer, who said the fact that his defendant was unable to see the confidential evidence against him reminded him of Communist times and called the result "a show trial". Prosecutors said Eller had taken smartphone photographs of classified documents Linke had printed out, which he would then hand over to FSB offices during trips to Moscow. Eventually, the FSB issued them with three specialised phones to use for their spying. It also gave Eller hundreds of thousands of euros in cash to pay for his and Linke's services, prosecutors said. Der Spiegel had earlier reported that the leaked intelligence had revealed to Moscow that the BND had access to a chat system used by the Wagner mercenary group that at the time was playing a central role in the conflict in Ukraine. That access had been provided to the BND by another Western security agency, which had thereby in effect blown an allied agency's operation. In recent years, prosecutors have uncovered operations to spy on German parliamentarians while two years ago a Russian agent was convicted of murdering an exiled Chechen in broad daylight in central Berlin. The trial is due to run until the summer. High treason is punishable with a sentence of up to life imprisonment in Germany. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Nick Macfie) People search through the rubble of damaged buildings following an Israeli air strike on Palestinian houses, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip December 12, 2023. REUTERS/ By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Fadi Shana and Emily Rose CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel announced its worst combat losses in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza, and faced growing diplomatic isolation as civilian deaths mounted and a humanitarian catastrophe worsened in the Palestinian territory. Intense fighting between Hamas militants and Israeli soldiers was under way in both north and south Gaza, a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and U.S. President Joe Biden said Israel's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing international support. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would fight on despite international pressure for a ceasefire. "We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio. "I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us." Israel reported 10 of its soldiers killed in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant-colonel commanding a regiment. It was the worst one-day loss since 15 soldiers were killed on Oct. 31. Most of the deaths came in the Shejaia district of Gaza City in the north, where troops were ambushed trying to rescue another group of soldiers who had attacked Hamas fighters in a building, the military said. Hamas said the episode showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing." In a televised address, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh said any future arrangement in Gaza without Hamas was a "delusion". WHITE HOUSE DELAYS SALE OF RIFLES Israel had global sympathy when it began a campaign to annihilate Hamas, the group whose fighters stormed across the border fence from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and seizing 240 hostages. But since then, Israel has besieged the Palestinian enclave and laid much of it to waste. Gaza's health ministry said on Wednesday at least 18,608 people have been killed and 50,594 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza. Many thousands more are feared lost in the rubble or beyond the reach of ambulances. At least 288 displaced people in shelters run by the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, the agency said in a post on X on Wednesday. The Biden administration is delaying the sale of more than 20,000 U.S.-made rifles to Israel over concerns about increasing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank, two sources familiar with the matter said. Warplanes again bombed the length of Gaza and aid officials said the arrival of winter rain worsened conditions for hundreds of thousands sleeping rough in makeshift tents. The vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been made homeless. In Rafah, in Gaza's south, the bodies of a family killed in an air strike were laid out in the rain in bloodied white shrouds, including several small children. One, the size of a newborn, was wrapped in a pink blanket. GRAVESTONES SCATTERED Ahmed Abu Reyash collected the bodies of his nieces, aged 5 and 7. As he walked through the street carrying one of the girls, a relative tugged at the shroud and shouted: "These are children! Children! Do they kill anyone other than children? No! These are innocents! They killed them with their dirty hands!" At a tent camp in Rafah, Yasmin Mhani said she had woken up at night to find her youngest child, who is seven months old, soaking wet. "This is the fifth place we have had to move to, fleeing from one place to another, with nothing but a t-shirt on," she said, hanging wet clothes outside her tent. Since a week-long truce collapsed at the start of December, Israeli forces have extended their ground campaign from the northern Gaza Strip into the south with the storming of the main southern city of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, fighting has only intensified amid the rubble of the north, where Israel had previously said its military objectives had been largely met. The scars of Israel's ground assault could be seen in a cemetery in the Al-Faluja neighbourhood of Jabalia, northern Gaza. Tanks had churned up the ground, breaking and scattering gravestones and disinterring some corpses. In the south, Israeli forces advanced in recent days to the centre of Khan Younis, and on Wednesday were using bulldozers to destroy a road near the home of the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Al-Sinwar, resident Abu Abdallah told Reuters. In central Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials said 13 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit two houses. Hospitals in the north have largely stopped functioning. In the south, they have been overrun by dead and wounded, carried in by the dozen throughout the day and night. "Doctors including myself are stepping over the bodies of children to treat children who will die," Dr Chris Hook, a British physician with medical charity MSF at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, told Reuters. Israel says it has been encouraging increased aid to Gaza through Egypt's border, and is announcing daily four-hour pauses in operations near Rafah to help civilians reach it. The U.N. says cumbersome inspections and insecurity limit aid flows. DESIGNATED SAFE ZONES 'NOT SAFE' At an Israeli military press briefing, spokesperson Keren Hajioff said the military was taking several measures to prevent civilian casualties. She said such measures included encouraging civilians to "temporarily" move out of the line of fire, which now extends across most of Gaza. But a UNICEF spokesman told CBS News on Wednesday that Gaza's so-called safe zones are "quite simply not safe". Earlier on Wednesday, an Israeli military statement said that since it designated a humanitarian zone for civilians in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 18, 116 rockets had been fired from there toward Israel, with 38 of those falling inside Gaza. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is visiting the region, would discuss with the Israelis the need to be more precise with their strikes against Hamas targets. Sullivan met with officials of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and discussed "broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding," a U.S. official said. (Reporting by Bassam Massoud in Khan Younis, Gaza, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Dan Williams and Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem, Maggie Fick in London and Reuters bureauxWriting by Peter Graff, William Maclean and Grant McCool; Editing by Nick Macfie, Angus MacSwan and Cynthia Osterman) China-Vietnam friendship's foundation lies in people, future lies in youth, Xi Jinping said when meeting representatives of youths and friendly personages from China and Vietnam on Wednesday. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Palestinian fighters from the armed wing of Hamas take part in a military parade to mark the anniversary of the 2014 war with Israel, near the border in the central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/File Photo By Doina Chiacu (Reuters) -The United States and Britain on Wednesday imposed an additional round of sanctions on people in Turkey and elsewhere who are linked to the Palestinian Hamas militant group, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The sanctions target eight officials who advance Hamas agenda and interests abroad and help manage its finances, the Treasury said in a statement. "Hamas continues to rely heavily on networks of well-placed officials and affiliates, exploiting seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for the groups benefit and funneling those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza," said Brian Nelson, under secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Several of the Hamas officials targeted were based in Turkey, including one of the group's key financial operatives there, Haroun Mansour Yaqoub Nasser Al-Din, Treasury said. Haroun Nasser Al-Din has been involved in a network that transferred money from Turkey and Gaza to the Hamas command center in the West Bank city of Hebron, it said, and helped subsidize Hamas activities to further unrest in the West Bank. Nelson traveled to Oman and Turkey at the end of November to work on U.S. efforts to deny Hamas and other groups the ability to raise and move funds. It was the fourth round of U.S. sanctions on the Palestinian militant group following its deadly incursion into Israel on Oct. 7, which Israel says killed 1,200 people. Israel's subsequent military retaliation has killed 18,000 people in Gaza, local health officials say. In coordinated actions on Wednesday, Britain's foreign office said it sanctioned seven additional people linked to Hamas, including Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas co-founder, and Ali Baraka, Hamas head of external relations who was also sanctioned by the United States. The UK sanctions also target a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group and figures in the financial network that backs Hamas, including individuals in Lebanon and Algeria. "Hamas can have no future in Gaza. Todays sanctions on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad will continue to cut off their access to funding and isolate them further," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said. It was Britain's second round of sanctions against Hamas since the Oct. 7 attacks. The sanctions actions block all property and interests in property of the designated persons in the United States and Britain, as well as transactions involving the individuals targeted. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that the sanctions were unjustified and Hamas later said they were based on false allegations. "We call on the American administration and the British government once again to review their aggressive policies towards our Palestinian people," Hamas said in a statement. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the latest sanctions and called on other countries to follow suit, "as only a persistent uncompromising struggle will lead to the collapse of the Hamas government." Others cited by the United States include Ismail Musa Ahmad Barhum, who helped to collect money from global fundraising into Hamas finance ministry accounts, the Treasury Department said, and Jihad Muhammad Shaker Yaghmour, Hamas' official representative to Turkey. The sanctions targeted Mehmet Kaya, also based in Turkey, over his involvement in multiple money transfers on behalf of Hamas, "ultimately providing tens of millions of dollars of financial services for Hamas," it said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Additional reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Henriette Chacar in Tel Aviv; Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Tomasz Janowski, Mark Porter and Bill Berkrot) FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., December 7, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Wednesday paused the federal case accusing Donald Trump of attempting to illegally overturn the results of the 2020 election while the former president mounts an appeal claiming he is immune from the charges. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said Trump's ongoing appeal temporarily halts all activity that would move the case toward trial, which is currently scheduled to begin in March 2024. Trump is appealing Chutkan's ruling earlier this month rejecting Trump's bid to dismiss the case based on an argument that he could not be prosecuted for official actions he took as president. "This is a big win for President Trump and our rule of law," Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement, adding that the ruling "derails" Special Counsel Jack Smith's "rush to judgment strategy of interfering in the 2024 presidential election." A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment. Prosecutors have previously denied allegations of political bias. Both Trump and Smith have acknowledged that the former president cannot face trial while his appeal remains ongoing. But Smith sought to keep some aspects of the case active, arguing that the judge could still conduct certain pretrial business in the case. Chutkan ruled that she could enforce her past rulings, including the gag order that limits Trump's statements about prosecutors and witnesses, while the case is paused. The judge said she would revisit whether to move the trial date once the appeal is resolved. Trump has pleaded not guilty to four felony counts accusing him of attempting to defraud the United States and obstruct Congress through schemes to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden. Trump's appeal is viewed as his best opportunity to achieve his aim of pushing the trial until after the November 2024 election, where he is the frontrunner to face Democrat Joe Biden. His lawyers have accused Smith of attempting to rush the case to trial to damage Trump's campaign. Smith has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to bypass a federal appeals court and immediately rule on the immunity claim, an unusual move designed to blunt Trump's attempts to stall the case. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone, Mark Porter and Daniel Wallis) FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo By Ted Hesson and David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers and the White House are discussing what level of border arrests should trigger stringent new asylum rules under a possible border security deal that would also include aid for Ukraine and Israel, a Republican senator said on Wednesday. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican involved with bipartisan talks over a border deal, said the White House had offered a proposal that included the creation of a new migrant expulsion authority similar to the COVID-era Title 42 policy. "The administration has set something forward," Tillis told reporters. "It's not a detailed proposal, but it actually does define some of the contours that I think could dramatically reduce future flows." A group of Senate lawmakers have been negotiating a border agreement that would be paired with the Ukraine and Israel military aid. But they face a tight timeline to pass a bill amid opposition from both liberals and conservatives. Lawmakers are scheduled to leave Washington at the end of the week for a three-week holiday break. The White House offer raised hopes that the Senate could act before Christmas on a bill the Republican-led House of Representatives could then take up in January. "If this is really an emergency and we can get this done in December, we should get it done in December," Senator Chris Murphy, the lead Democrat in border talks, told reporters. But some lawmakers warned that such a move would doom the legislation. "It'll be a pinata out there that people take pot shots at for the next couple of weeks," Republican Senator John Cornyn said. The House has pushed to pair aid for Ukraine with an enforcement-focused immigration bill known as H.R. 2., a measure Democrats have opposed. Tillis said the details of the various policy proposals would be crucial, including what level of daily border arrests should trigger the use of the new expulsion authority. He said the figure should be less than 3,000 per day, far below the 6,000 per day average in October. White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez on Tuesday said the administration "has not signed off on any particular policy proposals or final agreements." At a press conference outside the Capitol on Thursday, a group of Democrats urged the Biden administration to reject proposals that would restrict access to asylum. "Republicans continue to hold funding for American allies hostage at the expense of migrants," said Representative Nanette Barragan, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, adding that Hispanic lawmakers should be part of negotiations. Senator Alex Padilla said restrictions under discussion mirrored the hardline policies of Republican former President Donald Trump and would not be effective. "Mass detention, gutting our asylum system, Title 42 on steroids. It is unconscionable," he said. "That is not the way to fix our immigration system." (Reporting by Ted Hesson and David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone, Mark Porter and Grant McCool) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Marine was killed and 14 others were injured after a vehicle rollover accident at Camp Pendleton in California, the military said on Wednesday. The Marine Corps said the accident involved an Amphibious Combat Vehicle and occurred on Tuesday. "The rollover occurred at around 6 p.m. local time as the vehicle was making a ground movement during training," a statement added. The Marine killed was not identified. The injured were taken to hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Training accidents involving U.S. military personnel can draw intense scrutiny, including last month's crash of a tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey aircraft off the coast of Japan that killed eight people aboard. That crash renewed Japanese concerns about the safety of the aircraft and led the U.S. military to ground its entire fleet of V-22s. Last year, a military truck overturned near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, killing two U.S. Marines and injuring 17 others. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. officials say that Russian hackers are targeting servers hosting outdated versions of software made by the Czech tech company JetBrains for potential SolarWinds-style espionage operations. In a statement released on Wednesday, the U.S. National Security Agency, the FBI and cyber watchdog agency CISA accused the hackers, sometimes known as Cozy Bear or APT29, of trying to hijack the servers in a bid to access software developers' source code, something that could potentially allow them to tamper with its compilation or deployment. A similar technique was used to doctor software made by the U.S. software firm SolarWinds, the statement noted. That cyberespionage campaign led to a wave of serious breaches across the government that were discovered in 2019. Russian officials did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Moscow has previously denied hacking allegations. In a statement, Prague-based JetBrains said it had fixed the vulnerability affecting its TeamCity collaborative software building tool in September and had been contacting its customers since in the hope of "motivating them to update." It said fewer than 2% of TeamCity instances still used unpatched software. Programs like TeamCity - which help manage other companies' software building process - can potentially make for ideal springboards for hackers looking to break into many different targets at once. Securing that kind of sweeping access has been a key priority for APT29, which is alleged by Western officials and private cybersecurity companies to act on behalf of Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, and is generally considered one of the country's elite hacking groups. The U.S. statement said the U.S. and its allies had identified "a few dozen compromised companies" in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It said the companies had little in common except that they had outdated and vulnerable versions of JetBrains exposed to the internet, suggesting the hacks were "opportunistic in nature and not necessarily a targeted attack." The statement was co-signed by Britain's National Cyber Security Centre as well as Poland's Military Counterintelligence Service and its Computer Emergency Response Team. (Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Daniel Wallis and Sandra Maler) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou before departing Niger at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, on March 17, 2023. BOUREIMA HAMA/Pool via REUTERS NIAMEY (Reuters) - The United States intends to resume security and development cooperation with Niger provided it takes steps to restore democracy, a U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday after meeting the military leaders who took power in a coup in July. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee said she had met the top ministers in Niger's ruling military council - known as the CNSP - and encouraged them to announce a timeline for a swift transition back to democratic rule. "In our discussions, I confirmed the intent of the United States to resume security and development cooperation in phases, reciprocally as the CNSP takes actions," Phee told a press conference in the Nigerien capital Niamey. Niger has been an important ally in Washington's fight against Islamist insurgents who have killed thousands of people in West Africa's Sahel region. The United States, like France and other Western partners, cut off aid to Niger after the military coup. But it did not withdraw its troops, leaving room for cooperation to resume. Niger's junta has kicked out French troops and severed security pacts with the European Union since taking power, leaving Western allies concerned that the country could become a new foothold for Russia in the region. In a letter sent to Congress last week, President Joe Biden said there were about 648 U.S. military personnel deployed in Niger. Prior to repositioning troops in September, there were about 1,100 U.S. troops in the country. Over the past decade, U.S. troops have trained Nigerien forces in counterterrorism and operated two military bases, including one that conducts drone missions against Islamic State and an Al Qaeda affiliate in the region. "I have made clear to the CNSP that we want to be a good partner again, but the CNSP has to be a good partner to the United States," Phee said. Phee said she urged the junta to respond positively to an offer for high-level negotiations with West African bloc ECOWAS, which said on Sunday that it would ease sanctions on Niger if talks with the military leaders went well. She also said the United States hoped to achieve a "satisfactory resolution" regarding the status of former President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, who have been held under house arrest since the coup. (Reporting by Abdel-Kader Mazou; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by Nellie Peyton, Editing by Angus MacSwan) By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A 72-hour ceasefire agreed to by the parties involved in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is holding so far, according to a White House official familiar with the developments. The White House had said on Monday that the groups agreed to stop fighting to allow for the withdrawal of forces occupying Mushaki and the RP1030 road, for a 72-hour period from Monday at noon Central Africa Standard Time (1000 GMT). "We can confirm that armed forces and non-state armed groups have ceased fighting," since the agreed time, the official said on Tuesday night in Washington. "The United States continues to support efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians in eastern DRC." The United States has worked to push the DRC and neighboring Rwanda to de-escalate tensions amid a worsening humanitarian crisis along the border between the two countries. Congo accuses Rwanda of backing a rebel group known as the M23, which made a comeback last year. Rwanda denies this. The White House had said the ceasefire deal was backed by both the DRC and Rwanda, which did not comment. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Sandra Maler and Stephen Coates) (This Dec 12. story has been corrected to make it clear that the Houthi statement was referring to Israel in the headline, paragraph 1 and paragraph 3) CAIRO (Reuters) - A senior official from Yemen's Houthis on Tuesday warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid traveling toward Israel, after the Iran-aligned group claimed an attack on a commercial tanker earlier in the day. The Houthis earlier said they hit a Norwegian commercial tanker with a missile in their latest protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza, underlining the risks of a conflict that has shaken the Middle East. In addition to avoid heading toward Israel, which the group referred to as "occupied Palestine", ships that pass Yemen should keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication, Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen's Houthi supreme revolutionary committee, said in a message on the X social media platform. Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against "falsifying their identity" or raising flags different from the country belonging to cargo ship owner. The Iran-aligned group attacked the tanker, the STRINDA, because it was delivering crude oil to an Israeli terminal and after its crew ignored all warnings, Houthi military spokesperson Yehia Sarea had previously said in a statement. The Houthis have waded into the Israel-Hamas conflict - which has spread around the region - attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel more than 1,000 miles from their seat of power in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. (Reporting by Adam Makary and Moaz Abd-Alaziz, Editing by Franklin Paul and Deepa Babington) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks next to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store as he attends a press conference during a Nordic summit in Oslo, Norway, December 13, 2023. NTB/Cornelius Poppe via REUTERS KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had no reason to block Ukraine's EU membership. "I was very direct... He has no reasons to block Ukrainian membership in the EU. I asked him to tell me one reason... I'm (still) waiting for an answer," Zelenskiy said about his short encounter with Orban in Argentina on Sunday. "I think we have to organise a very constructive meeting between our countries... (I said) that we have to speak, we have to meet, and we have to solve the problems... but I really don't see any global (significant) problems," Zelenskiy said in Oslo. Most of the European Union's 27 members want to open talks on Ukraine's accession at a summit this week and agree billions of euros in further support for Kyiv in its war against Russia's invasion. But both moves are being blocked by Hungary. Zelenskiy, who is visiting Norway for talks with Nordic countries' leaders on more help to Ukraine, also said that battlefield operations always slowed in winter. (Reporting by Max Hunder, additional reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis; Writing by Olena Harmash; Editing by Alison Williams and Alex Richardson) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BEFORE THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION File No. 812-15179 Fourth Amended and Restated Application for an Order to Amend a Prior Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1) and 22(d) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act. In the Matter of Precidian ETFs Trust Precidian ETF Trust II Precidian Funds LLC 301 S State Street, Suite N002 Newtown, PA 18940 Foreside Fund Services, LLC Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100 Portland, ME 04101 Please send all communications regarding this Application to: W. John McGuire Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 [email protected] Page 1 of 17 sequentially numbered pages (including exhibits) As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2023 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 In the Matter of Precidian ETFs Trust Precidian ETF Trust II Precidian Funds LLC Foreside Fund Services, LLC File No. 812-15179 Fourth Amended and Restated Application for an Order to Amend a Prior Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1) and 22(d) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act. I. SUMMARY OF APPLICATION In this fourth amended and restated application, Precidian ETFs Trust, Precidian ETF Trust II, Precidian Funds LLC, and Foreside Fund Services, LLC apply for and request an order (Order) from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to amend a portion of the prior order issued to Applicants under section 6(c) of the Act , for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1) and 22(d) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the Prior Order), which permits Funds that are actively managed ETFs to operate without being subject to a daily portfolio transparency condition (Application).1 The Prior Order permits the Trusts to create and operate Funds that are actively managed ETFs (Active ETFs).2 However, unlike traditional Active ETFs, Applicants operate Funds that do not disclose their portfolio holdings daily pursuant to the Prior Order. Rather, the Funds allow for efficient trading through an effective Fund portfolio transparency substitute, while shielding the identity of the full Funds portfolio contents and recent trading activity in the Funds actual portfolio to protect the Funds performance-seeking strategies from the risks of front-running of portfolio transactions and reverse engineering of the Funds strategies to the detriment of the Funds. 1 The Applicants previously submitted an application with the Commission (File No. 812-14405), as amended and restated and filed with the Commission on April 4, 2019 (the Prior Application), requesting such relief. The Prior Application was noticed in Investment Company Act Release No. 33440 dated April 8, 2019 (the Prior Notice) and the Prior Order granting the relief requested was contained in Investment Company Act Release No. 33477 dated May 20, 2019. Except as specifically noted herein, all representations and conditions contained in the Prior Application remain applicable to the operation of the Funds and will apply to any Funds relying on the Amended Order. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Application have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prior Application. Pursuant to the Commissions adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the Act, the relief granted in the Prior Order under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the Section 12(d)(1) Relief), and relief under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act relating to the Section 12(d)(1) Relief, expired on January 19, 2022, one year from the effective date of Rule 12d1-4. See Fund of Funds Arrangements, Investment Company Act Release No. 10871 (Oct. 7, 2020). 2 The Prior Order permits (i) Shares to be listed and traded at negotiated prices on an Exchange, at prices set by the market rather than at NAV per Share; (ii) Shares to be redeemable in Creation Units; and (iii) certain affiliated persons of the Funds to deposit securities into, and receive securities from, the Funds, in connection with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. 2 Even though the Funds do not publish their full portfolio holdings daily, the VIIV provides authorized participants and other market participants with the intraday value of the Funds actual portfolio. Daily disclosure of the VIIV permit effective arbitrage activity from differences between a Funds trading price and its NAV, including hedging of risks associate with arbitrage and market making. As a result, Applicants believe that investors are able to purchase and sell Shares in the secondary market at prices that are at or close to their NAV. Shares of each Fund are purchased and redeemed only in Creation Units, generally on an in-kind basis. Purchasers are required to purchase Creation Units by making a deposit of Deposit Instruments and shareholders redeeming their Shares will receive a transfer of Redemption Instruments. Under the Prior Order, the names and quantities of the instruments that constitute the Deposit Instruments and the Redemption Instruments for a Fund will be a pro rata slice of the Funds actual portfolio (referred to herein as a Pro Rata Basket), except to the extent purchases and redemptions are made entirely or in part on a cash basis. Applicants now seek an Order to amend the Prior Order to permit the Applicants to use Creation Baskets that include instruments that are not included, or that are included with different weightings, in the Funds Pro Rata Basket. As discussed below, Applicants believe that the ability to have this additional basket flexibility would benefit investors through more efficient arbitrage and more efficient portfolio management. 3 II. APPLICANTS PROPOSAL APPLICANTS SEEK ADDITIONAL BASKET FLEXIBILITY IN CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCESS 1. Additional Basket Flexibility The Funds may determine that it is desirable to use Creation Baskets that differ from a Pro Rata Basket beyond cash substitutions. As such, the Applicants seek to improve the functioning of the Funds by amending the Prior Order to enable a Funds use of Creation Baskets that include instruments that are not in the Pro Rata Basket, or are included in the Pro Rata Basket, but in different weightings. The Funds will use the requested additional basket flexibility only in circumstances under which Applicants believe there will be no harm to the Funds or their shareholders, and in order to benefit the Funds and their shareholders by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving trading. A Fund may use a Creation Basket that contains instruments that are not included in a Pro Rata Basket if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser seeks to add an instrument to the Funds actual portfolio without incurring transaction costs associated with the purchase of the instrument for cash. For example, if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser decides to add an instrument to a Funds actual portfolio and determines that disclosing the new position should not result in front-running or free-riding, the new instrument may be included in a Creation Basket with the expectation that it will be delivered to the Fund in kind during a creation transaction. Similarly, if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser decides to sell an instrument from the actual portfolio and determines that disclosing the position to be reduced should not result in front-running or free-riding, the instrument may be included in a Creation Basket with the expectation that the Fund will deliver it in kind during a redemption transaction. 4 Fundamentally, the act of constructing Creation Baskets for creation and redemption of Shares is a portfolio management function. In determining the Deposit Instruments, a Funds portfolio management team decides which assets to purchase for the portfolio. Similarly, the portfolio management team decides which assets to sell when it determines the Redemption Instruments. Enabling the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to use custom baskets - Creation Baskets that differ from a Pro Rata Basket - when it is in the Funds best interest to do so, is anticipated to improve operational efficiency, and would potentially reduce costs.3 2. Additional Information to Assure Efficient Arbitrage To assure that there is effective arbitrage on days when the Adviser determines to use a custom basket, the Adviser will, on the Funds website before accepting an order involving a Creation Basket that differs from the Funds Pro Rata Basket, other than Creation Baskets with cash in lieu of specific securities, publish a basket of securities and cash that is designed to closely track the daily performance of the Fund (an Optimized Basket). The Optimized Basket will be comprised of: (i) portfolio holdings; (ii) other securities that the Fund can purchase, including US listed ETFs; and (iii) cash and cash equivalents. The Optimized Basket will be constructed utilizing a mathematical optimization process to minimize deviations in the daily returns of the Optimized Basket relative to the daily returns of the Fund. 3. Revised Purchase and Redemption Procedures for Fund Shares The names and quantities of the instruments that may constitute a Creation Basket will generally be the same as the Funds Pro Rata Basket,4 but a Fund may accept Creation Baskets that differ from the Pro Rata Basket.5 If there is a difference between the NAV attributable to a Creation Unit and the aggregate market value of the Creation Basket exchanged for the Creation Unit, the party conveying instruments with the lower value will also pay to the other a Balancing Amount. 3 When adopting Rule 6c-11, the Commission stated that actively managed ETFs will, in certain instances, be able to use the increased basket flexibility to acquire or dispose of securities by adjusting the composition of the creation or redemption basket rather than by directly purchasing or selling the securities. In these instances, actively managed funds will be able to reduce certain transaction costs, such as those associated with bid-ask spreads. Rule 6c-11 Adopting Release, supra note 4, at 176. 4 Deposit Instruments and Redemption Instruments may include cash and/or securities. 5 Authorized Participants will not be required to transact through an AP Representative when transacting in Creation Baskets that differ from the Pro Rata Basket. 5 A Fund that normally issues and redeems Creation Units in kind may require purchases and redemptions to be made entirely or in part on a cash basis. In such an instance, the Fund will announce, before the open of trading on a given Business Day, that all purchases, all redemptions, or all purchases and redemptions on that day will be made wholly or partly in cash.6 A Fund may also determine, upon receiving a purchase or redemption order from an Authorized Participant, to have the purchase or redemption, as applicable, be made entirely or in part in cash. Each Business Day, before the open of trading on the Exchange where the Fund is listed, the Fund will publish on its website the composition of any Creation Basket exchanged with an Authorized Participant on the previous Business Day that differed from such Business Days Pro Rata Basket other than with respect to cash. Each Fund will adopt and implement written policies and procedures regarding the construction of its Creation Baskets in accordance with Rule 6c-11 under the Act.7 The same as in Rule 6c-11, if a Fund utilizes a custom basket, these policies and procedures will also set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of baskets in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order and that are in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to or deviations from those parameters, as well as specify the titles or roles of the employees of the Funds Adviser who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters. Furthermore, each Fund will comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 6c-11.8 In addition, pursuant to condition 10 herein, each Fund will maintain and preserve a copy of each Optimized Basket published on the Funds website and a copy of each Creation Basket made available. 6 In determining whether a Fund will issue or redeem Creation Units entirely or partly on a cash or in-kind basis (whether for a given day or a given order), the key consideration will be the benefit that would accrue to the Fund and its investors. For example, in light of anticipated purchases of different Portfolio Instruments, the Adviser may wish to receive additional cash as part of a Creation Basket or may wish to receive all cash instead of a Creation Basket. Purchases of Creation Units either entirely or partly in cash or in kind are expected to be neutral to the Funds from a tax perspective. In contrast, cash redemptions typically require selling Portfolio Instruments, which may result in adverse tax consequences for the remaining Fund shareholders that would not occur with an in-kind redemption. As a result, tax considerations may warrant use of in-kind redemptions. In addition, a Fund may permit an Authorized Participant to deposit or receive, as applicable, cash in lieu of some or all of the instruments in the Creation Basket because such instruments are not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant or the investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting. 7 See Rule 6c-11(c)(3). For purposes of the requirement to comply with the policies and procedures provision in Rule 6c-11, only Creation Baskets different from a Funds Pro Rata Basket will be treated as a custom basket under rule 6c-11(c)(3). 8 See Rule 6c-11(d)(2)(ii). For purposes of the requirement to comply with the recordkeeping provision in Rule 6c-11, only Creation Baskets different from a Funds Pro Rata Basket will be treated as a custom basket under Rule 6c-11(d)(2)(ii). 6 4. The Use of Basket Flexibility Raises No New Policy Concerns a. Protection from Reverse Engineering Applicants believe that the ability to utilize a Creation Basket that includes securities that are not included in a Funds Pro Rata Basket, or are included in different weightings, does not raise concerns about reverse engineering of the Funds portfolio beyond those addressed in the Prior Application. The purpose of the ActiveShares ETF structure is to facilitate the operation of Funds that limit susceptibility of their strategies to practices like front running Fund trades and free riding of their investment strategies. Failure at that purpose could lead to the failure of a Fund with potential reputational damage to an Adviser. Thus, Applicants note that they will operate the Funds in a manner designed to minimize the risk of reverse engineering. By using a Creation Basket that includes instruments that are not included in a Funds Pro Rata Basket, or are included in different percentages, and by publishing such Creation Basket, as well as an Optimized Basket, on its website,9 the Fund would provide market participants with additional information about which instruments it adds or removes from the actual portfolio. However, the Fund will not disclose to Authorized Participants or other market participants any information about the overlap between the instruments in any Creation Basket different from the Funds Pro Rata Basket, on the one hand, and the securities in the Funds actual portfolio, on the other hand. In addition, Applicants will not use such additional basket flexibility in situations where such publication may provide sufficiently useful information to either predict the Funds current positions or pending or upcoming trades so as to front-run them or to ascertain the Funds current actual portfolio as to free-ride on the Advisers investment decisions. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser will use the additional basket flexibility only after the Adviser or Sub-Adviser has concluded that the risks of front-running and free-riding are not present with respect to a particular security included in the Creation Basket that is not included in the Pro Rata Basket or included with a different weighting. 9 See condition 2, infra. 7 Applicants believe that it is highly unlikely that potential adversaries and other observers without inside information about the Advisers portfolio management would be able to reverse engineer a Funds portfolio by utilizing information imparted when a Creation Basket deviates from a Funds Pro Rata Basket.10 Such information, while additive to the total mix of Fund information available to market participants, is insufficient to reverse engineer the Funds actual portfolio with any regularity or with the level of accuracy that would be necessary to front-run the Funds trades or free-ride on the Advisers portfolio decisions.11 Applicants acknowledge that they cannot completely dismiss the possibility that market participants may infer some information about a Funds portfolio holdings and attempt to front-run or free-ride accordingly. However, Applicants will operate the Funds in a manner designed to minimize the risk of reverse engineering and, for the reasons set forth above, believe successful front-running or free-riding is highly unlikely where Creation Baskets deviate from the Pro Rata Basket. b. Protection from Self-Dealing or Overreaching Applicants believe that Authorized Participants and other market participants will not have the ability to disadvantage a Fund by manipulating or influencing the composition of Creation Baskets, including those that differ from the Pro Rata Basket. Like the basket and custom basket policies and procedures required of ETFs by Rule 6c-11, the Funds will adopt and implement written policies and procedures that govern the construction of Creation Baskets and the process that will be used for the acceptance of Creation Baskets to safeguard the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.12 c. Protections for Confidential Information Because the Funds will not publicly disclose their portfolio holdings daily, the selective disclosure of material nonpublic information, including information other than portfolio information, would be more likely to provide an unfair advantage to the recipient than in other ETFs. Accordingly, the Funds and each person acting on behalf of the Funds will comply with Regulation Fair Disclosure as if it applied to them (except that the exemptions provided in Rule 100(b)(2)(iii) therein shall not apply). In addition, the Funds actual portfolios will be considered material, non-public information under the codes of ethics of the Funds, Adviser, Distributor and any Sub-Adviser and the agreements related to the Funds other service providers with, or any other party given, access to the actual portfolio, including the AP Representatives, custodian, administrator and fund accountant, will include appropriate confidentiality provisions and be generally prohibited from trading based upon this information. 10 Because the ActiveShares ETF structure uses the VIIV to fill any material information void that may be created by not disclosing a Funds actual portfolio, market participants are unaware of both what is in the Pro Rata Basket and in a Funds actual portfolio. 11 The Commission noted that the Funds proposed to be offered pursuant to such relief would have the ability to minimize the risk of reverse engineering and would have a significant incentive to minimize this risk, considering that the purpose of their proposed arbitrage mechanism is to facilitate the operation of Funds that limit the Funds susceptibility to predatory trading practices, like front running and free riding. See Prior Notice, supra note 1. 12 Rule 6c-11 Adopting Release, supra note 4, at pp. 80-91 (discussion of Rule 6c-11 requirement for ETF policies and procedures concerning basket construction and acceptance and heightened policies and procedures for custom baskets). 8 The new Creation Basket flexibility being sought by the Applicants does not raise any new concerns about selective disclosure of non-public material information. First, a Funds use of, or conversations with Authorized Participants about, Creation Baskets that would result in such disclosure would effectively be limited by the Funds obligation to comply with Regulation Fair Disclosure. Second, as noted above, each Business Day, before the open of trading on the Exchange where a Fund is listed, the Fund will publish on its website the composition of any basket accepted by the Fund on the previous Business Day that differed from such Business Days Pro Rata Basket other than with respect to cash. 5. Comparability of Relief Sought to Prior Relief Granted By adopting Rule 6c-11 under the Act, the Commission permitted ETFs to utilize custom baskets. As described above, the use of custom baskets pursuant to Rule 6c-11 is subject to certain additional requirements, such as requirements relating to recordkeeping and the adoption of more detailed written basket policies and procedures governing the construction, and process to be used for the acceptance of, custom baskets.13 In the adopting release, the Commission stated that the use of custom baskets will provide ETFs with additional basket flexibility, which . . . could benefit investors through more efficient arbitrage and narrower bid-ask spreads.14 The same policy considerations underlying the ability for ETFs to utilize custom baskets in Rule 6c-11 apply to the relief requested herein for additional basket flexibility, which should have a positive impact on the effectiveness of the arbitrage mechanism and result in narrower bid-ask spreads. 13 See Rule 6c-11 Adopting Release, supra note 4, at 86-89; see also Rule 6c-11(c)(3). 14 Rule 6c-11 Adopting Release, supra note 5, at 16. See, e.g., Fidelity Beach Street Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Release Nos. 34326 (July 9, 2021) (notice) and 34350 (August 5, 2021) (order), where the Commission granted substantially identical relief to ETFs that cannot rely on Rule 6c-11 because they, like the Funds, do not disclose their portfolio each day. 9 III. REQUEST FOR RELIEF Based on the facts, analysis, and conditions in the Application, Applicants respectfully request that the Commission grant an Order amending the Prior Order. The Applicants are seeking to amend the terms and conditions of the Prior Oder in order to have the ability to utilize Creation Baskets that include instruments that are not in the Funds Tracking Basket, or are included with different percentages, subject to the terms and conditions herein. For the reasons stated in the Prior Order and herein, Applicants believe that: With respect to the relief pursuant to section 6(c), the relief continues to be appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act; and With respect to the relief pursuant to section 17(b), the proposed transactions continue to be reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, are consistent with the policies of each registered investment company concerned and with the general purposes of the Act. Based on the facts, analysis and conditions in the Application, Applicants respectfully request that the Commission grant an Order amending the Prior Order. 10 IV. CONDITIONS Applicants agree that any Order of the Commission granting the requested relief will be subject to all of the conditions in the Prior Order, except that condition 2 and condition 6 which are replaced with new conditions 2 and 6 below, as well as new condition 10: 2. The website for the Trust, which will be publicly accessible at no charge, will contain, on a per Share basis for each Fund, the prior business days NAV and market closing price or Bid/Ask Price of the Shares, a calculation of the premium or discount of the market closing price or Bid/Ask Price against such NAV, and any other information regarding premiums and discounts as may be required for other ETFs under Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act. The website will also disclose the median bid-ask spread for each Funds most recent fiscal year based on the National Best Bid and Offer at the time of calculation of NAV (or such other spread measurement as may be required for other ETFs under Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act). On each applicable Business Day, before accepting an order involving a Creation Basket that differs from the Funds Pro Rata Basket, other than Creation Baskets with cash in lieu of specific securities, each Fund will publish on its website an Optimized Basket. 6. Each Fund will comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 6c-11 under the Act, except that for purposes of this condition, only Creation Baskets different from the Funds Pro Rata Basket will be treated as a custom basket under Rule 6c-11(d)(2)(ii). In addition, each Fund will maintain and preserve, for a period of not less than five years, in an easily accessible place, (i) a copy of any Optimized Basket published on the Funds website for each Business Day; and (ii) a copy of each Creation Basket made available to Authorized Participants on a given day,. In addition, each Fund will maintain and preserve, for a period of not less than five years, in an easily accessible place, all written agreements (or copies thereof) between the Fund and each AP Representative related to the AP Representatives role as such. 10. Each Fund will adopt and implement written policies and procedures that govern the construction of Creation Baskets, as required under Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under the Act, except that for purposes of this condition, only Creation Baskets different from the Funds Pro Rata Basket will be treated as a custom basket. The Funds basket policies and procedures will be covered by the Funds compliance program and other requirements under Rule 38a-1 under the Act. 11 V. NAMES AND ADDRESSES Pursuant to Rule 0-2(f) under the Act, Applicants state that their addresses are as indicated on the first page of this application. Applicants further state that all written or oral communications concerning this application should be directed to the persons listed on the first page. VI. AUTHORIZATIONS AND SIGNATURES Applicants file this application in accordance with Rule 0-2 under the Act. Applicants have attached the required verifications to the application. In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Applicants state that all actions necessary to authorize the execution and filing of this application have been taken, and the persons signing and filing this document are authorized to do so on behalf of the Applicants. Mark Criscitello, Chairman of the Precidian ETFs Trust, is authorized to sign on behalf of Precidian ETFs Trust pursuant to his authority as Chairman of the Trust. Daniel J. McCabe, Sole Initial Trustee of the Precidian ETF Trust II, is authorized to sign on behalf of Precidian ETF Trust II pursuant to his authority as sole Trustee of the Trust. Mark Criscitello, a Principal of Precidian Investments LLC, the sole member of the Adviser, is authorized to sign and file this document on behalf of the Adviser pursuant to the general authority vested in him as a Principal of Precidian Investments LLC. Nanette K. Chern, Vice President of the Distributor, is authorized to sign and file this document on behalf of the Distributor pursuant to the general authority vested in her as Vice President. 12 In accordance with rule 0-5 under the Act, Applicants request that the Commission issue the Order without holding a hearing. Precidian ETFs Trust Precidian ETF Trust II By: /s/ Mark Criscitello By: /s/ Daniel J.McCabe Name: Mark Criscitello Name: Daniel J. McCabe Title: Chairman Title: Sole Trustee Precidian Funds LLC Foreside Fund Services, LLC By: Precidian Investments LLC By: /s/ Nanette K. Chern Title: Sole Member Name: Nanette K. Chern Title: Vice President By: /s/ Mark Criscitello Name: Mark Criscitello Title: Principal 13 Verification Rule 0-2(d) VERIFICATION PRECIDIAN ETFS TRUST The undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached Application for and on behalf of Precidian ETFs Trust, that he is the Chairman of such entity and as such is authorized to sign this Application on its behalf, and that all actions taken by officers and other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument and its contents, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. Precidian ETFs Trust By: /s/ Mark Criscitello Name: Mark Criscitello Title: Chairman Dated: December 13, 2023 14 VERIFICATION PRECIDIAN ETF TRUST II The undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached Application for and on behalf of Precidian ETF Trust II, that he is the Sole Initial Trustee of such entity and as such is authorized to sign this Application on its behalf, and that all actions taken by officers and other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument and its contents, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. Precidian ETF Trust II By: /s/ Daniel J. McCabe Name: Daniel J. McCabe Title: Sole Initial Trustee Dated: December 13, 2023 15 VERIFICATION PRECIDIAN FUNDS LLC The undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached Application for and on behalf of Precidian Funds LLC, that he is a Principal of Precidian Investments LLC, the sole member thereof, and as such is authorized to sign this Application on its behalf, and that all actions taken by officers and other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument and its contents, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. Precidian Funds LLC By: Precidian Investments LLC Sole Member By: /s/ Mark Criscitello Name: Mark Criscitello Title: Principal Dated: December 13, 2023 16 VERIFICATION FORESIDE FUND SERVICES, LLC The undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that she has duly executed the attached Application for and on behalf of Foreside Fund Services, LLC, that she is Vice President of Foreside Fund Services, LLC and as such is authorized to sign this Application on its behalf, and that all actions taken by officers and other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument have been taken. Deponent further says that she is familiar with such instrument and its contents, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of her knowledge, information and belief. Foreside Fund Services, LLC By: /s/ Nanette K. Chern Name: Nanette K. Chern Title: Vice President Dated: December 13, 2023 Workers are seen at a jacket production workshop in Sanmen County, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) HANGZHOU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Every morning after dropping her children at school, Ye Yuya would walk 50 meters to a workshop, where dozens of mothers like her pedal sewing machines to supplement their income. Ye comes from a low-income farming family in Sanmen County, east China's Zhejiang Province. During the farming off-season, she works for a "common prosperity workshop" weaving outdoor jackets for a local garment company. "When my son and daughter attend school, I work here to help support the family. The workshop is near the school, so it is easy for me to pick up my children and take care of them after work," she said. The workshop is located in the Haiyou sub-district of Sanmen, which is home to over 300 outdoor jacket companies that produce nearly 60 percent of the national total. Outside of the factories that produce the bulk of the orders, the jacket companies have also opened over 180 "common prosperity workshops" to help more than 10,000 residents improve their income, said Pan Litai, president of the county's association for the outdoor jacket industry. As the name implies, the workshops are the enterprises' response to the government's call to reduce the income gap and achieve "common prosperity for all." They are mostly opened in towns and villages to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed, low-income earners and farmers who wish to earn extra income during the off-season. For instance, the workshop where Ye works employs 50 women and one man. It was proposed by the county's Party committee and receives rent subsidies from the government. "The workshops allow low-income earners to work near homes. The flexible employment also helps companies ease their labor crunch and reduce employment costs," said Lou Mingrong, head of the workshop and an employee of a local garment company. The growth of such workshops in Zhejiang, one of China's richest provinces, is noticeable. Official data suggest that by the end of June, Zhejiang had established 7,683 "common prosperity workshops," which employed 355,000 rural residents and increased their per capita monthly income by 2,600 yuan (about 356 U.S. dollars). Since the era of reform and opening up, Zhejiang has long been known for its wealth and free-market entrepreneurship. However, it is less well known for being at the forefront of China's common prosperity drive, with one of the most balanced regional and urban-rural developments in the country. Last year, Zhejiang continued to rank first among Chinese provincial-level regions in terms of disposable income of urban and rural residents, while the province's urban-rural income gap was among the lowest in the country. In 2021, China's central authorities issued a guideline on transforming Zhejiang into a demonstration zone for achieving common prosperity. The province has been encouraged to develop a set of mechanisms, measures and evaluation systems to further close wealth gaps. Among the key initiatives are a pairing-up mechanism, through which Zhejiang's 26 mountainous counties have received nearly 100 billion yuan in funds from their better-off peers over the past 20 years, as well as 12,438 industrial projects totaling 730.5 billion yuan in investment, according to official data. The redistribution of resources within the province is now spreading to social areas. Since 2021, Zhejiang has asked five cities with better elderly care services to send 162 nursing workers to attend to more than 30,000 elderly people living on 15 remote islands. "Teachers from other counties are giving online courses to our students, while local teachers hold interactive seminars in classrooms," said Fan Yanfei, deputy headmaster of a primary school in Zhoushan City, adding that the double-teacher mechanism comes in handy for many islands that have struggled with scarce educational resources. The province of nearly 65 million people has set a goal of achieving common prosperity by 2035. According to a provincial government action plan, the proportion of families with an annual disposable income of 200,000-600,000 yuan should reach 45 percent by 2025. Experts said Zhejiang is setting an example for other Chinese provinces that are striving to balance economic growth and a more equitable distribution of wealth. Gao Peiyong, an economist with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that common prosperity does not mean the establishment of an egalitarian or welfare state. "In the coming years, developing the economy to 'make a bigger and better cake' remains a priority. On that basis we work to divide and distribute the cake properly," Gao said, highlighting the role of entrepreneurs and high-income earners in advancing the cause. A worker checks express tracking numbers at a "common prosperity workshop" in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) A tutor guides workers at a "common prosperity workshop" in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) 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): December 13, 2023 LIVENT CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 001-38694 82-4699376 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1818 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrants telephone number, including area code: 215-299-5900 Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share LTHM New York Stock Exchange Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Item 8.01 Other Events. Certain Litigation Relating to the Transaction As previously disclosed, on May 10, 2023, Livent Corporation ( Livent ) entered into the Transaction Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2023, which was subsequently amended by the Amendment to Transaction Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2023, and the Second Amendment to Transaction Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2023 (and as may be further amended from time to time, the Transaction Agreement ), with Allkem Limited, an Australian public company limited by shares ( Allkem ), Arcadium Lithium plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey (originally incorporated as Lightning-A Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey and f/k/a Allkem Livent plc) ( Arcadium ), which was subsequently joined by Lightning-A Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Merger Sub ), and Arcadium Lithium Intermediate IRL Limited, a private company limited by shares and incorporated and registered in Ireland, pursuant to which (i) Arcadium will acquire all of the shares of Allkem pursuant to a scheme of arrangement under the Corporations Act (Cth) 2001 of Australia (the Scheme ), resulting in Allkem becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcadium, and (ii) Merger Sub, which will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcadium, will merge with and into Livent, with Livent surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcadium (the Merger and, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction ). For a more detailed description of the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, please see the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) by Livent on November 20, 2023 (the Proxy Statement ). As of December 12, 2023, three complaints have been filed by purported Livent stockholders against Livent and members of Livents board of directors in connection with the Transaction (the Complaints ). The Complaints include allegations, among other matters, of violations of securities laws, negligent misrepresentation and negligence. In addition to the Complaints, purported stockholders of Livent have sent 12 demand letters alleging similar deficiencies as those asserted in the Complaints (the Demands , and together with the Complaints, the Matters ). Livent believes that the claims asserted in the Matters are without merit, and that no further disclosure is required under applicable law. Nonetheless, to specifically moot plaintiffs claims, to avoid the risk that the Matters delay or otherwise adversely affect the Transaction and to minimize the costs, risks and uncertainties inherent in litigation, Livent is making supplemental disclosures (the Supplemental Disclosures ) related to the Transaction, as set forth herein. Nothing in this Current Report on Form 8-K shall be deemed an admission of the legal necessity or materiality under applicable laws of any of the Supplemental Disclosures. The Supplemental Disclosures should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement, which is available at www.sec.gov, along with periodic reports and other information Livent files with the SEC. To the extent that the information set forth herein differs from or updates information contained in the Proxy Statement, the information set forth herein shall supersede or supplement the information in the Proxy Statement. However, the Supplemental Disclosures contained herein do not affect the timing of the special meeting of Livent stockholders (the Livent Special Meeting ), which is scheduled to be held on December 19, 2023, or the Livent board of directors recommendation that Livent stockholders vote in favor of the Transaction. All page references are to pages in the Proxy Statement, and terms used below, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings set forth in the Proxy Statement. The sentence under the heading The TransactionRecommendation of the Livent Board; Livents Reasons for the Transaction beginning with The Livent Board also considered a variety of risks on page 100 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the sentence in its entirety with the following: The Livent Board also considered a variety of risks and other countervailing factors, including: that the fixed exchange ratio implies a premium to Allkem shareholders based on the share prices of the two companies at the time of announcement and will not adjust upwards to compensate for changes in the price of Livent Shares or Allkem Shares prior to the consummation of the transaction; the restrictions on the conduct of Livents business during the pendency of the transaction, which may delay or prevent Livent from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or may negatively affect Livents ability to attract and retain key personnel; the terms of the Transaction Agreement that restrict Livents ability to solicit alternative transaction proposals and to provide confidential due diligence information to, or engage in discussions with, a third party interested in pursuing an alternative transaction, as further discussed under The Transaction AgreementNo Solicitation of Competing Proposals; the potential for diversion of management and employee attrition and the possible effects of the announcement and pendency of the transaction on customers and business relationships; the amount of time it could take to complete the transaction, including the fact that completion of the transaction depends on factors outside of Livents control, including regulatory approvals, approval of Allkems shareholders, and approval of the scheme by the Court, and that there can be no assurance that the conditions to the transaction will be satisfied even if the transaction is approved by Livents stockholders; the fact that Allkem would generally not be required to pay a termination fee if the Transaction Agreement is terminated due to regulatory impediments, the failure of Allkem shareholders to approve the transaction, the failure of the Independent Expert to conclude that the scheme is in the best interests of Allkems shareholders or the failure of the Court to approve the scheme absent a material breach of the Transaction Agreement by Allkem; the possibility of non-consummation of the transaction and the potential consequences of non-consummation, including the potential negative impacts on Livent, its business and the trading price of the Livent Shares; the risk that the combined company could be treated as a U.S. corporation (and, therefore, a U.S. tax resident) for U.S. federal income tax purposes following closing pursuant to Section 7874 of the Code, including as a result of a change in applicable law with respect to Section 7874 of the Code or any other U.S. tax law, or official interpretations thereof, or a change in certain facts (including relative values); the risk that the IRS may assert that the combined company should be treated as a U.S. corporation (and, therefore, a U.S. tax resident) for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 7874 of the Code; the challenges inherent in the combination of two business enterprises of the size and scope of Livent and Allkem and the cross-border nature of the combined company; the fact that Livent and Allkem have incurred and will continue to incur significant transaction costs and expenses in connection with the transaction, regardless of whether the transaction is consummated, and that these costs may be greater than anticipated; and the risks of the type and nature described under the sections entitled Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. The paragraph under the heading Illustrative Net Asset Value AnalysisLivent Standalone Net Asset Value Analysis beginning with The discounted cash flows on page 104 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraph in its entirety with the following: The discounted cash flows also took into account Livents projected cash expenses, depreciation and amortization, taxes, capital expenditures, working capital, contracted prepayments, and export duty rebates. Using real discount rates ranging from 10.500% to 11.750%, reflecting estimates of Livents weighted average cost of capital, and a mid-period discounting convention, Gordon Dyal & Co. discounted to present value, as of December 31, 2023, estimates of such unlevered, after-tax future cash flows for Livent. Gordon Dyal & Co. then calculated indications of Livents illustrative NAV by adding to the illustrative discounted unlevered, after-tax future cash flows the value of Livents net cash balance as of December 31, 2023 of $0.1 billion (which was provided by Livent management). This range of implied NAVs for Livent was then divided by 209,475,051, the number of fully diluted Livent Shares outstanding as of May 8, 2023, determined using the treasury stock method and taking into account the impact of outstanding dilutive securities, to arrive at a range of implied NAVs per Livent Share. This analysis implied the following illustrative ranges of NAVs per Livent Share (rounded to the nearest $0.01 per share): The paragraph under the heading Illustrative Net Asset Value AnalysisAllkem Standalone Net Asset Value Analysis beginning with Using each of the cases of Livents on page 104 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraph in its entirety with the following: Using each of the cases of Livents Adjusted Allkem Forecasts, Gordon Dyal & Co. performed an illustrative NAV analysis of Allkem by calculating the estimated present value of the unlevered, after-tax future cash flows that Allkem was projected to generate from operating its assets, including its existing reserves and estimates of recoverable resources during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2024 through the full calendar year ending December 31, 2067 (and including working capital releases and mine closing costs), as reflected in Livents Adjusted Allkem Forecasts as provided to Gordon Dyal & Co. by Livent. Gordon Dyal & Co. calculated these cash flows based on each of the cases of Livents Adjusted Allkem Forecasts. Gordon Dyal & Co. calculated the estimated present value of these cash flows assuming real lithium product prices ranging from +20% to -20% of Livent managements projected real lithium product pricing, which took into account Allkems estimated calendar year 2023 to 2025 contracted volumes, per Allkem management, which pricing and volume assumptions Livents management approved. The discounted cash flows also took into account Allkems projected cash expenses, depreciation and amortization, taxes, capital expenditures, and working capital, which Livents management approved. Using real discount rates ranging from 9.250% to 10.500%, reflecting an estimate of Allkems weighted average cost of capital and a mid-period discounting convention, Gordon Dyal & Co. discounted to present value, as of December 31, 2023, estimates of such unlevered, after-tax future cash flows for Allkem. Gordon Dyal & Co. then calculated a range of indications of Allkems illustrative NAVs by adding to the illustrative discounted unlevered, after-tax future cash flows the value of Allkems net cash balance as of December 31, 2023 of $0.8 billion (which was provided by Allkem management) to arrive at a range of implied NAVs of Allkem. This range of implied NAVs for Allkem was then divided by 641,487,082, which was the number of fully diluted Allkem Shares outstanding as of May 8, 2023 used by Gordon Dyal & Co. in its analysis, determined using the treasury stock method and taking into account the impact of outstanding dilutive securities, to arrive at a range of implied NAVs per Allkem Share. This analysis implied the following illustrative ranges of NAVs for Allkem (rounded to the nearest $0.1 billion): The paragraph under the heading Pro Forma Combined Company Net Asset Value Analysis beginning with Using the Livent projections on page 105 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraphs in its entirety with the following: Using Livents Adjusted Allkem Forecasts, the Livent Forecasts, the Projected Synergies, and Resources Estimates, among other things, Gordon Dyal & Co. performed an illustrative NAV analysis of the pro forma combined company. The pro forma combined company NAV analysis reflected the standalone NAVs, exclusive of the impact of the Projected Synergies, derived for (i) Livent, plus (ii) Allkem (for each of the cases of Livents Adjusted Allkem Forecasts), plus (iii) the NAV of the Projected Synergies (including cost, capital and operating model integration benefits) of $1.6 billion. Gordon Dyal & Co. calculated such NAV value of the Projected Synergies using real discount rates ranging from 9.750% to 11.125%, and a mid-period discounting convention discounted to present value, as of December 31, 2023. This range of implied NAVs for the pro forma combined company was then divided by 1,145,484,055, the number of fully diluted shares of the pro forma combined company expected to be outstanding following the completion of the merger as of May 8, 2023, determined using the treasury stock method and taking into account the impact of outstanding dilutive securities, to derive a range of illustrative NAVs per NewCo Share. Gordon Dyal & Co. then multiplied the range of illustrative NAVs per share by the Merger Exchange Ratio to obtain the below illustrative range of NAVs per share (rounded to the nearest $0.01 per share) of the NewCo Shares to be received by Livent stockholders in the merger: The paragraph under the heading Interests of Livents Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionEmployment Arrangements Following the Transaction beginning with Following the closing of the merger, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement on page 118 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraph in its entirety with the following: Following the closing of the merger, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, Livents Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will become the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the combined company, respectively. The parties have also since determined that Livents General Counsel will become the General Counsel of the combined company. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, none of Livents executive officers have entered into any definitive agreements or arrangements regarding employment with NewCo to be effective following the completion of the transaction (other than entitlement to receive the retention bonuses as described in the section above), nor has their compensation been determined. However, prior to the effective time, Livent may initiate discussions regarding employment terms and may enter into definitive agreements regarding employment for certain of Livents employees to be effective as of the effective time, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement. The paragraph under the heading Interests of Livents Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionCombined Company Director Compensation beginning with In connection with the transaction, NewCo intends on page 118 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraph in its entirety with the following: In connection with the transaction, NewCo intends to adopt a new director compensation program. The purpose of the director compensation program will be to attract and retain a high caliber of directors and align their interests to NewCos shareholders. Messrs. Graves, Marcet, Merkt and Pallash and Ms. Lampe-Onnerud are expected to receive director compensation partly in cash and partly in equity interests of NewCo, but as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the amount of such compensation has not yet otherwise been determined. The paragraph under the heading The TransactionRegulatory ApprovalsAustralian Court and Allkem Shareholder Approval beginning with Under the Australian Corporations Act on page 130 of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended and supplemented by replacing the paragraph in its entirety with the following: Australian Court and Allkem Shareholder Approval Under the Australian Corporations Act, the scheme must be approved by both Allkem shareholders and the Court to become effective. At the First Court Hearing, Allkem will seek orders to convene a meeting of Allkem shareholders to vote on a resolution to approve the scheme. The shareholders resolution to approve the scheme must be passed by: (i) a majority in number of Allkem shareholders that are present and voting at the scheme meeting (either in person or by proxy, attorney or in the case of a corporation its duly appointed corporate representative); and (ii) 75% or more of the votes cast on the resolution by Allkem shareholders who are present and voting at the scheme meeting (either in person or by proxy, attorney or in the case of a corporation its duly appointed corporate representative). If the resolution to approve the scheme is passed at the scheme meeting and all other conditions to the scheme implementation are satisfied or waived, except for conditions relating to the approval of the Court or lodgment of the Court order approving the scheme, Allkem will then seek approval of the Court for the scheme at the Second Court Hearing. The First Court Hearing occurred on November 8, 2023, and the Court made orders to convene the meeting of Allkem shareholders. The Second Court Hearing is scheduled to occur on December 20, 2023. The section The Transaction of the Proxy Statement is hereby amended to add a new subsection immediately following the section The TransactionRegulatory Approvals beginning on page 130 of the Proxy Statement and immediately preceding the section Accounting Treatment beginning on page 131 of the Proxy Statement, as follows: Independent Expert Report As a condition to the Transaction Closing, the Independent Expert must issue the IER, which must conclude that the scheme is in the best interest of Allkem shareholders. The Independent Expert has issued the IER and has concluded that the scheme is in the best interest of Allkem shareholders (in the absence of a superior proposal in relation to Allkem), and as of the date of this document the Independent Expert has not withdrawn or changed that conclusion. Number of Livent Shares Outstanding on Merger Record Date The number of shares of Livent common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Livent Shares) outstanding and entitled to vote as of the close of business on November 14, 2023, the record date for the Livent Special Meeting, and the number of Livent Shares outstanding as of November 10, 2023, was incorrectly stated as 179,812,100 in the Proxy Statement. The correct number is 179,920,601 Livent Shares in each case. Important Information and Legal Disclaimer: Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by terms such as may, will, appears, should, expects, plans, anticipates, could, intends, target, projects, contemplates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, or continue, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, the absence of these words or similar terms does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based on information and estimates available to Allkem or Livent at the time of this announcement and are not guarantees of future performance. Examples of forward-looking statements in this announcement (made at the date of this announcement unless otherwise indicated) include, among others, statements regarding the future performance of the combined company, the perceived and potential synergies and other benefits of the Transaction, and expectations around the financial impact of the Transaction on the combined companys financials. In addition, this announcement contains statements concerning the intentions, beliefs and expectations, plans, strategies and objectives of the directors and management of Allkem and Livent for Allkem, Livent and the combined company, the anticipated timing for and outcome and effects of the Transaction (including expected benefits to shareholders of Allkem and Livent), anticipated production, production capacity or construction or development commencement dates, costs or production outputs, capital expenditure and future demand for lithium, expectations for the ongoing development and growth potential of the combined company and the future operation of Allkem, Livent and the combined company. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and actual events and results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many of which are outside the control of Allkem, Livent and the combined company), some of which are described from time to time in Livents filings with the SEC and Allkems filings with the Australian Securities Exchange (the ASX ), including Livents Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and Allkems Annual Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2022 (Appendix 4E), Half-Year Report for the half year ended 31 December 2022 (Appendix 4D), and Activities Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2023, and future filings and reports by either Allkem or Livent. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement and may include statements regarding the expected timing and structure of the proposed Transaction; the ability of the parties to complete the proposed Transaction considering the various closing conditions; the expected benefits of the proposed Transaction, such as improved operations, enhanced revenues and cash flow, synergies, growth potential, market profile, business plans, expanded portfolio and financial strength; the competitive ability and position of Arcadium following completion of the proposed Transaction; and anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in Livents, Allkems and, following the completion of the proposed Transaction, Arcadiums business. In addition, other factors related to the Transaction between Allkem and Livent that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements and that could cause actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied include, but are not limited to: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the Transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the Transaction, including, without limitation, difficulties that result in the failure to realize expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings from the Transaction within the expected time period (if at all); potential difficulties in Allkems and Livents ability to retain employees as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Transaction; risks relating to the value of Arcadiums shares to be issued in the Transaction; disruptions of Allkems and Livents current plans, operations and relationships with customers caused by the announcement and pendency of the Transaction; legal proceedings that may be instituted against Allkem and Livent following announcement of the Transaction; funding requirements; lithium and other commodity prices; exploration, development and operating risks (including unexpected capital or operating costs); production risks; regulatory restrictions (including environmental regulations and associated liability, changes in regulatory restrictions or regulatory policy and potential title disputes) and risks associated with general economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements are detailed in the filings with the SEC, including Livents annual report on Form 10-K, periodic quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, periodic current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be implemented or that plans of the directors and management of Allkem and Livent for the combined company will proceed as currently expected or will ultimately be successful. Investors are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, including in respect of the financial or operating outlook for Allkem, Livent or the combined company (including the realization of any expected synergies). Except as required by applicable law or the ASX Listing Rules, Allkem and Livent assume no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any duty to, provide any additional or updated information or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement will, under any circumstances (including by reason of this announcement remaining available and not being superseded or replaced by any other presentation or publication with respect to Allkem, Livent or the combined company, or the subject matter of this announcement), create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Allkem or Livent since the date of this announcement. The distribution of this announcement may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this announcement must inform himself or herself of and comply with any such restrictions. No offer or solicitation This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be and shall not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval, or an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities, or an invitation or recommendation to subscribe for, acquire or buy securities of Allkem, Livent or Arcadium, or any other financial products or securities, in any place or jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a Transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. Additional information and where to find it Arcadium has filed with the SEC, and the SEC has declared effective on November 20, 2023, a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-273360) that contains a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents (the Form S-4 ). Livent has mailed the proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Form S-4 to its stockholders. This communication is not a substitution for any registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents that are or may be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed Transaction. INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND SUCH DOCUMENTS, BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ARCADIUM, LIVENT, ALLKEM, THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. The Form S-4, the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto and all other documents filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction is or will be available when filed free of charge on the SECs web site at www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Livent will be made available free of charge on Livents investor relations website (at https://ir.livent.com/overview/default.aspx). Participants in the Solicitation Livent, Allkem, Arcadium and certain of their respective directors and executive officers and other members of their respective management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Transaction, including a description of their direct or indirect interests in the Transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Livent is contained in Livents proxy statement for its 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2023, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023, subsequent statements of beneficial ownership on file with the SEC and other filings made from time to time with the SEC. Information about Allkems directors and executive officers is set forth in Allkems latest annual report dated 25 August 2022, as updated from time to time via announcements made by Allkem on the ASX. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Livent security holders in connection with the Transaction, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. LIVENT CORPORATION By: /s/ Gilberto Antoniazzi Name: Title: Gilberto Antoniazzi Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dated: December 13, 2023 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 Form 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of December 2023 Commission File Number: 001-33129 ALLOT LTD. (Translation of registrants name into English) 22 Hanagar Street Neve Ne'eman Industrial Zone B Hod-Hasharon 45240 Israel (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F Form 40-F Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ___ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ___ EXPLANATORY NOTE Allot Ltd. (the "Company" ) announced today the results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting" ) held on December 13, 2023, at the Company's offices located at 22 Hanagar St., Neve Ne'eman Industrial Zone B, Hod-Hasharon 45240, Israel. The Company's shareholders voted upon all the proposals on the Meeting's agenda, each of which is described in more detail in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Meeting, which was attached as Exhibit 99.1 to a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K, furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated as of November 16, 2023. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2023 were entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each of agenda items 2,3,4,5 and 6 were voted upon and approved by the required majority of the Companys shareholders. Agenda item 1 was voted upon and was not approved by the required majority of the Company's shareholders. 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. Allot Ltd. By: /s/ Daniella Naveh Daniella Naveh Deputy General Counsel December 13, 2023 Airmen and other community members pay their respects as Osprey crew members' remains depart Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan This airlift hub in western Tokyo paused Wednesday morning to pay its respects as the remains of two members of a fallen Osprey crew began their journey home to the United States. Uniformed service members, civilians dressed for work and mothers with children lined the four-lane street to the main gate as a single hearse passed bearing the remains of airmen who perished Nov. 29 when their CV-22B tiltrotor crashed in southwestern Japan. Im just here to pay respects to fallen brethren in arms, Air Force Staff Sgt. Drew Francisco, of Tucson, Ariz., said as he waited for the procession to pass. The tiltrotor was attached to the 353rd Special Operations Wing and stationed at Yokota. Airmen and other community members wait to pay their respects to fallen Osprey aircrew at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) A message on Yokotas official Facebook page Tuesday had encouraged the community to turn out to honor the heroes of GUNDAM-22, a reference to the lost Ospreys call sign, during the first leg of the fallen airmens trip home by commercial aircraft. The message asked attendees to refrain from photographing or videoing the procession. Approximately 1,000 community members watched as the black hearse following a white van and two Air Force police cars slowly passed Yokotas Friendship Chapel around 8 a.m. and exited through the main gate. It was the first time Francisco, an air traffic controller, had watched a procession of fallen airmen heading home, he said. You never want to see this happen, he said. It affects families; it affects everyone. Air Force spouse Daniel Wylie stood with coworkers across from the chapel as the procession passed. For me, its a way of showing support, he said. Were a community and were here for each other. Airmen and other community members wait to pay their respects to fallen Osprey aircrew at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) The Air Force has recovered seven of eight crew aboard the Osprey when it went down off Yakushima, an island in Kagoshima prefecture. Maj. Eric Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah, remains missing. There is a combined Japan-U.S. effort in locating and recovering the remains of our eighth Airman, Air Force Special Operations Command said in an update Tuesday. The recovered airmen are Maj. Jeffrey Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minn.; Maj. Luke Unrath, 34, of Riverside, Calif.; Capt. Terrell Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, N.Y.; Tech Sgt. Zachary Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Fla.; Staff Sgt. Jake Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Ga.; Senior Airman Brian Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Mass. A spokesman for Yokota, where U.S. Forces Japan is headquartered, did not identify which crew members were going home Wednesday or the Tokyo airport from which they would depart. The base is also home to Pacific Air Forces Western Pacific Regional Mortuary. The honorable movements of the remaining heroes will occur at a time to be determined, 1st Lt. Danny Rangel wrote in an emailed statement Wednesday. The base is encouraging community members to gather Thursday morning in the same area to pay respects to more fallen crew members heading home. A preliminary investigation indicated that equipment failure, rather than human error, was likely the crashs cause, Air Force Special Operations Command announced Dec. 6. Since then, the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have grounded their Ospreys until the investigation determines the cause of the crash and recommendations are made to return the aircraft to service. This story has been corrected CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea An American soldier received a three-year suspended sentence in South Korean court after he admitted molesting a 4-year-old girl at a playground. Spc. Christopher Bonn, a medical specialist assigned to Eighth Army, appeared Monday at Daejeon District Courts Cheonan Branch in his dress uniform with handcuffs and leg shackles to receive his sentence from Presiding Judge Jeon Kyongho. Bonn received a suspended sentence, according to U.S. Eighth Army spokesman Col. Juan Martinez. Bonn pleaded guilty Oct. 16 to sexual assault based on allegations that he grabbed the girls hand and inserted his own hand into her pants, touching her genitals, at an apartment complex playground in Asan city in July. Asan is less than five miles from Camp Humphreys, the U.S. militarys largest overseas military base and roughly 40 miles south of Seoul. The child did not know Bonn and was traumatized by the incident, Jeon said in court Monday. The parents had notified police and Bonn initially denied the charges, claiming the suspect recorded by nearby closed-circuit cameras was not him, according to the judge. But Bonn later admitted the allegations and reached a settlement with the childs parents, Jeon said. At hearings during the 5-month case, Jeon said that Bonn had pictures of young, unidentified girls on his cellphone. Park Seon Ki, Bonns attorney, argued it was unclear whether the images were of underage girls. Jeon on Monday handed Bonn a sentence that was two years less than recommended by prosecutors. The judge also sentenced Bonn to four years of probation and barred him from working for organizations that deal with children or people with special needs for five years. Bonn was ordered by the court to register as a sex offender in South Korea. Asked at court and by phone this week, Park declined to comment on the case. He also declined to disclose details of the settlement with the girls parents and whether Bonn would appeal his sentence within the one-week deadline. Bonn arrived in South Korea on April 3, Martinez said by email Tuesday. Eighth Army remains committed to being good ambassadors and neighbors, he said. We hold our service members to the highest standards; [Bonns] actions are not indicative of our values. U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Partidas of the 173rd Airborne Brigade rappels down a rope in October 2023 during the 73-day Lancero course in Tolemaida, Colombia. (173rd Airborne Brigade) AVIANO, Italy For three U.S. Army paratroopers stationed in the Italian city of Vicenza, weeks of special operations training in the wilds of Colombia came with bug bites, hardships galore and a revered red-and-gold badge. Staff Sgt. Raymond Colon, Sgt. Angel Partidas and Sgt. Darwin Guevara of the 173rd Airborne Brigade became the first soldiers who werent from the special operations community to complete the Colombian armys Lancero school, course instructors told them. Located in Tolemaida, it is the first level of Colombian special operations training and traces its roots to the U.S. Army Ranger School. Its designed to teach irregular warfare in jungle and mountain terrain. It was an unforgettable experience, Guevera said in an interview Tuesday. To earn the right to be called Lanceros, the soldiers endured days of less than four hours of sleep and one mission right after the other during the 73-day course, Partidas said. Sgt. Angel Partidas, Staff Sgt. Raymond Colon and Sgt. Darwin Guevara, from left, celebrate their graduation from Lancero School in Tolemaida, Colombia, on Nov. 29, 2023. (173rd Airborne Brigade) They climbed mountains north of Bogota that are upward of 13,000 feet high, and completed a 25-day jungle phase at Fuerte Amazonas II. Guevara said one of the most enjoyable parts of the course was learning how to build traps to catch animals for survival during the jungle phase. Their instruction even included some culinary tips. They showed us how to kill and properly skin a goat (and) how to avoid ruining the meat, Colon said. Colon was less enamored with the swarms of jungle insects, which treated him like a main course. All three said Lancero school was one of the most mentally challenging courses theyve been through, if not as physically demanding as Ranger school. But both required a lot of perseverance. Just like Ranger school, you are hungry, you are tired, but you are still expected to perform, Colon said. Founded in 1956, the Lancero school represents the fruits of decades of cooperation between the U.S. and Colombian militaries, according to the Association of the United States Army website. Capt. Ralph Puckett, a retired colonel and Medal of Honor recipient, was sent to Colombia in late 1955 as a young officer, in response to a request by the countrys president for American military training. Since then, dozens of U.S. soldiers have graduated from the schools annual international course, which begins in September. The three Vicenza soldiers said they were told they are American Lancero graduates No. 151, 152 and 153. U.S. soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team perform a platoon maneuver exercise at Fort Barfoot, Va., Oct. 25, 2023. Around 300 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team will depart late December for eventual deployment to the Horn of Africa region of the African continent. (Jonathan Campbell/U.S. Army National Guard) CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, Pa. (Tribune News Service) Members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guards 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team are being called up for overseas deployment. Around 300 soldiers from the Cambridge Springs-based 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry, will depart late this month for eventual deployment to the Horn of Africa region of the African continent, Maj. Cory Johnson of Pennsylvania Army National Guards headquarters command said. Located in the northeastern part of Africa, the Horn of Africa region covers the countries of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. Anytime a unit is deploying, members have personal things they must take care of beforehand like documentation and medical record updates, Johnson said. Theyll do unit training for about two to three weeks before departing (overseas) on a nine-month deployment. In the summer of 2022, more than 4,500 members of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team spent a month at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. The U.S. Armys National Training Center, located in the Mojave Desert, provides U.S. military units with realistic pre-deployment training scenarios in all aspects of armed conflict. The soldiers being called up will be part of about 1,000 members of the 56th Stryker Brigade being deployed, Johnson said. Theyll be doing force protection and crisis response in the region, Johnson said. Theyll be part of a multi-international task force working with NATO and other partners in the region. Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa includes the Kenya Ministry of Defence, African Union Mission in Somalia, European Union Naval Force, Djibouti, Italy, Spain, Japan and France. kgushard@meadvilletribune.com (c)2023 The Meadville Tribune (Meadville, Pa.) Visit meadvilletribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Lt. Gen. James Bierman Jr., commander of Marine Forces Japan, has ordered a liberty policy update following a rise in misconduct by U.S. military personnel in the island nation. (Israel Chincio/U.S. Marine Corps) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The commander of Marine forces in Japan has ordered a liberty policy update following a rise in misconduct by U.S. military personnel in the island nation. The revamp was drafted Monday by Lt. Gen. James Bierman Jr., commander of Marine Forces Japan, and released on the III Marine Expeditionary Force website the next day. It requires sergeants and below to carry tiered liberty cards while enjoying free time in Japan. Corporals and below must have a liberty buddy with them if they plan to consume alcohol anywhere other than a U.S. military base. A liberty buddy can be any active-duty service member, Defense Department civilian, accompanied or older family member, including a Japanese spouse, the policy states. The accompanying party is required to always remain in the immediate vicinity until the service member returns home, to the base or temporary lodging. Marines must take care of one another and should make every reasonable effort to prevent inappropriate or illegal activities by other service members, the policy said. If service members are aware of such misconduct, they must directly report the information to their chain of command or other appropriate organization/office as soon as possible. The new order restates the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for all Marines and sailors under age 20. All personnel are still required to refrain from drinking alcohol publicly during those hours. The regulations replaced a previous version released by Bierman in December of last year. Biermans instruction arrives as off-base misconduct by U.S. military personnel is on the rise. Lance Cpl. Manuel Gomez, 21, a motor vehicle operator at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni near Hiroshima, was indicted Nov. 24 on charges he punched and injured an elderly Japanese woman earlier that month in Iwakuni city. Another U.S. service member was reportedly involved in a fight with a 67-year-old man following a break-in at a store in Iwakuni on Nov. 18. In response, base commander Col. Richard Rusnok added uniformed patrols last month of the Kawashimo and Marifu nightlife areas. He told Iwakuni Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda by phone Nov. 18 that a policy update was also being considered. On Okinawa, home to more than 18,000 Marines, sailors and their families, the number of U.S. service members arrested for criminal offenses, not including drunken driving or drugs, increased from 15 in 2018 to 37 in 2023, as of Nov. 1, according to the Okinawa Prefectural Police website. In the three-tiered liberty system, tier one is the most relaxed, with no off-base curfew; tier two allows the consumption of alcohol in quarters but requires Marines to return to their home installation by 11 p.m.; tier three affords no off-base liberty, prohibits alcohol consumption and requires Marines to return to their home installations by 10 p.m. Marines carrying liberty cards are also required to produce them and their base ID cards upon request to any command representative, regardless of rank, including courtesy patrols and gate guards, the policy states. Officers are required to produce their military issued Common Access Cards. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash. (U.S. Navy ) The Navy reported Tuesday that it had received a strong response from property owners in the Seattle-Tacoma area interested in leasing space to the military during a decadelong overhaul of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Naval Base Kitsap. The Navy issued a request for interest in October -- an initial step that the service likened to marketing research asking property owners within a 40-mile range of the naval base whether they would be willing to lease space to them for up to 10 years. About 80 responses were received by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest Real Estate Division, according to Sarah Lincoln, a Navy public affairs officer. The Puget Sound project is part of the Navys Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program -- a $21 billion rebuilding and modernization of the services four shipyards at Bremerton, Wash., Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Kittery, Maine, and Norfolk, Va. The proposed designs for the four shipyards are scheduled to be presented to Congress in the fiscal 2025 defense budget. The plans for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard are expected to include a new drydock designed to hold Ford-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and Viriginia-class, nuclear-powered attack submarines now replacing older ships in the fleet. The work is expected to require the temporary or permanent relocation of operations at the shipyard and Kitsap for up to a decade. The request for interest helped the Navy gauge whether it could find enough space and structures to use during the project. Lincoln said the responses would be reviewed and if the Navy decides to move ahead with a plan for specific needs and locations, it would be presented as a request for proposal on the SAM.gov federal contracting website. No timeline for the next step in pursuing leases has been set, she said. The Navy has operated a shipyard at Bremerton since 1891 and is now looking to build what Navy spokeswoman Adrienne Burns called the shipyard of the future. Naval Base Kitsap was created in 2004 by consolidating the submarine base at Bangor with the shipyard and surface fleet base in Bremerton. Covering 12,000 acres on the Kitsap Peninsula between Seattle and the Pacific Ocean, the base is home to 15,000 active-duty personnel, making it the third largest Navy base in the world. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is the Navys primary location in the Pacific for maintenance, repair, and modernization of carriers. It already has the only dry dock on the West Coast that can accommodate the nine Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that are the mainstay of the fleet. The shipyard is frequently the last stop for ships departing the fleet. The Puget Sound facility can deactivate and recycle a wide variety of ships. Its the Navys only shipyard that is approved to dismantle and recycle nuclear-powered submarines. BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said China firmly rejects the statement issued by the U.S. State Department to groundlessly attack China's fully justified law enforcement activities at Ren'ai Jiao and Huangyan Dao, calling it an attempt to endorse the Philippines' infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when asked to comment on the statement released by the U.S. State Department on Dec. 10, in which the U.S. side threatened once again that the U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extended to the South China Sea. Huangyan Dao has always been part of China's territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters, Mao said at a daily news briefing. Mao said on Dec. 9, three official vessels of the Philippines, without permission from the Chinese side, intruded into adjacent waters of Huangyan Dao. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate. The U.S. State Department, in disregard of the facts, issued a statement to groundlessly attack China's fully justified law enforcement activities to safeguard our rights at Ren'ai Jiao and Huangyan Dao, she said. "The statement is an attempt to endorse the Philippines' infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation. We firmly reject it," Mao added. Mao said for some time, out of selfish geopolitical interests, the United States has incited, supported and assisted in the Philippines' infringement and provocation at sea, and repeatedly made threats by citing the U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Such moves blatantly embolden the Philippines' violation of China's sovereignty, seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and gravely jeopardize regional peace and stability. China has made clear that the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void, and has no binding effect whatsoever, Mao said. "The United States itself would not implement the judgement of the International Court of Justice and international arbitral awards. In what position is the United States to tell China that it should implement an illegal arbitral award?" said Mao. The United States needs to know that no threat, coercion or unfounded attack and accusation will lead anywhere or shake China's firm resolve and will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Mao said. "China will continue to resolutely uphold its legitimate sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law. The U.S.'s attempts will not succeed," she added. TEPCO's crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is seen on Aug. 24, 2023, in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. (JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) NAMIE, Japan (Tribune News Service) A quarter-mile inland from the eastern Japanese coastline, a sprawling complex of solar panels, robotic lawnmowers and the worlds largest hydrogen power plant stands as a monument to the countrys zero-carbon aspirations. But surrounding the site are reminders of the biggest challenge Japan faces in realizing those ambitions: abandoned buildings, empty lots, roadside Geiger counters the grim aftermath of one of the worlds worst nuclear disasters. As climate change worsens, nations around the globe have ramped up efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. But for Japan to achieve that goal, the government says it must turn back to the countrys now-idled nuclear power plants, reigniting a painful debate over the necessity and safety of nuclear energy. On March 11, 2011, the largest earthquake in Japans recorded history triggered a tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people and knocked out power for the cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. The subsequent nuclear meltdown prompted the evacuation of nearby residents to escape harmful radiation. Twelve years later, some areas in Fukushima prefecture remain uninhabitable, and some of its residents remain vehemently opposed to nuclear power. Neither the national nor local government will protect the community from local disasters, said Sumio Konno, 59, who grew up here in Namie, several miles north of the Daiichi plant, and fled during the disaster. If they cant protect us, we shouldnt have such nuclear power plants. Namies population of 1,200 is still less than a tenth of what it was before the meltdown. Futaba, a town just west of the plant, reopened for residents to return only last year. After the accident, nuclear power as a proportion of Japans electricity mix fell from about 30% to 6% in 2019. But the countrys plan to halve its use of fossil fuels in power generation by 2030 is contingent on boosting nuclear energy back up to at least 20%. To accomplish that, Japan would need to restart 15 more of its 33 nuclear reactors, said Tatsuya Terazawa, chief executive of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan. For years after the disaster, all of them were shut down and faced high safety hurdles and public opposition to restarting. So far, 12 reactors have resumed operations. Environmental organizations and nuclear power critics argue that Japan can avoid restarting nuclear plants by building more solar and wind farms, increasing energy efficiency and improving flexibility in the countrys electricity distribution system. The Japanese government claims that 100% renewable energy is impossible and that both nuclear power and thermal power are needed, said Akiko Yoshida, a campaigner with the environmental group Friends of the Earth Japan. What is needed, however, is a flexible power system that makes the best use of fluctuating renewable energy. But Terazawa said such improvements would help only marginally with Japans energy needs and would face their own challenges. While Japan is working to develop more renewable energy, limited land has hampered expansion of wind and solar, he said. Favorable tax incentives have already spurred rapid growth in solar, while lower wind speeds and more frequent typhoons also make wind power less reliable in Asia, he added. Without nuclear energy, Terazawa said Japan would need to import more costly hydrogen, to fuel transportation and manufacturing, and also ammonia, which when mixed with coal and gas helps reduce emissions from burning. Hydrogen and ammonia are expected to account for only about 1% of Japans power mix by 2030. The reality is that we still face constraints, Terazawa said. We will need nuclear for a zero-carbon source of power. The reassessment of nuclear energy as a critical source of low-carbon power has been hastened globally by growing concerns over climate change and rising energy costs amid the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. During an annual United Nations climate conference on Dec. 2, 22 countries, including the U.S., Canada, France, Britain and Japan, signed a pledge to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050. In the last couple of years, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pushed to reopen nuclear plants, extend their lifespans and possibly build new ones. While Kishida said he wants to minimize reliance on nuclear energy, he has also said it will be an essential part of decarbonization. Some surveys show that Japanese are warming to the idea. According to an annual poll by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, a slim majority of respondents 51% were in favor of restarting idled nuclear plants for the first time since the Fukushima meltdown. The idea of building new reactors was less popular, with 45% in favor and 46% opposed. To some residents of Fukushima prefecture, even in places that were never evacuated, returning to nuclear energy still seems a risk. In memory of earthquake and tsunami victims, people take part in silent prayers in Tokyo on March 11, 2022, on the 11th anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster. (in memory of earthquake and tsunami victims) Last year, six plaintiffs who lived in the prefecture and were diagnosed with thyroid cancer following the 2011 disaster sued the Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, the operator of the Daiichi power plant, for nearly $5 million. The plaintiffs were between 6 and 16 years old when the accident occurred, and said in the lawsuit that the released radiation caused their cancer. TEPCO has said there was not enough radiation exposure in those unevacuated areas to lead to cancer. Government officials have attributed higher levels of thyroid cancer in Fukushima to over-diagnosis following widespread testing. One 48-year-old resident of Koriyama, a city west of the Daiichi plant and about 30 miles outside of the evacuation zone, said she believes her daughter, then 13, developed thyroid cancer because of radiation from the accident. The mother, who declined to provide her name for fear of harassment for speaking about the sensitive issue, said she didnt have the resources or ability to move but often wondered whether it would have been better to leave right after the meltdown. Even now, she doesnt dry her clothes outside anymore. Before the accident, we didnt really think much about the nuclear power plants at all we were just going about our daily lives, she said. But after the explosion, we have had to live in fear of this radiation that we cant even see. Besides the air, some residents are also worried about whats in the water. Earlier this year, the Japanese government started releasing radioactive wastewater from the destroyed nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Officials say the treated wastewater still contains the radioactive isotope tritium, but at concentrations that meet regulatory standards and are lower than that of other nuclear facilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency concurs that the plan will have a negligible radiological impact and says the water will be monitored regularly. TEPCO says that releasing the wastewater, which has built up in more than 1,000 storage tanks after being used to cool the Fukushima plants nuclear fuel rods, is necessary to fully decommission the plant and avoid another nuclear accident. Masato Kino of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, who is in charge of the plants decommissioning, said the government has conducted about 1,500 meetings with local communities and associations over the last two years to answer questions and allay concerns. The wastewater release has also angered some of Japans neighbors. China has banned all seafood from Japan, accusing the country of being selfish and irresponsible. Residents of South Korea and Taiwan have expressed their alarm, though their governments have not taken direct action against it. To persuade skeptics, Kishida posted a video on social media of himself eating raw fish from the waters near Fukushima. We tried to be very transparent, Kino said. What we can share, weve already shared. So I really wonder what else we can do. Still, public distrust has lingered given the unprecedented scale of the wastewater release, which will occur incrementally over the next three decades, along with memories of the 2011 disaster. Poison is poison, no matter how much you dilute it, said Konno, the former Namie resident who now lives in Fukushima City, the prefecture capital, and remains a staunch opponent of anything to do with nuclear energy. At the time of the 2011 earthquake, Konno was working as an engineer at the Onagawa nuclear power plant in the prefecture to the north of the Daiichi facility. He watched gas explosions near his hometown of Namie on TV and wondered if it was the end of the world. His facility maintained power despite the tsunami. But the flooding kept Konno trapped inside with thousands of other workers; they ate only instant noodles for four days. Once Konno was able to leave, he went to find his family, which had fled to the south. That was his last day with TEPCO. Now, Konno works as a tour guide and actor. He returns to Namie only to show visitors around his old family home, which has been locked up and closed to entry by the general public because of residual radiation. Often they pass through the neighboring town of Futaba. He points out the deserted streets and the place where a now-infamous sign once declared: Nuclear Power: Energy for a Bright Future. The sign was taken down after the accident. Before the meltdown, the site of Namies sleek new hydrogen power plant and industrial complex had been earmarked for another nuclear plant. After the facility was completed in 2020, Konno began including it in his tours, as a reminder that nuclear energy, too, had once been hailed as a safe and exciting new development. I dont have anything against trying new technology for the future, but that shouldnt be used as a method for covering up the past, he said, looking out over the expanse of solar panels. Still, hydrogen seems like a vastly safer bet, one that offers hope for an end to nuclear energy. Hydrogen, he said slowly in English, gesturing at an imaginary signboard. He smiled ironically. Bright future. 2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. military officer, Col. Benjamin Oakes, has been cleared of causing a car crash in England earlier this year that left two teenage boys seriously injured. (Donna L. Burnett/U.S. Air Force) An American military officer was acquitted by a British court this week of responsibility for a car crash in England earlier this year that left two teenage boys seriously injured, according to British media reports. On Tuesday, a York Magistrates Court judge ruled the evidence insufficient to prove that Col. Benjamin Oakes driving caused the February crash, the U.K.s Press Association reported. Oakes faced two counts of careless driving resulting in injury stemming from a collision with a pickup truck, which then hit another car and the two teens, who were passing by the crash scene. The collision happened at a junction in Harrogate, a northern city that is home to RAF Menwith Hill. The pickup trucks driver, Sam Goodall, said he was driving between 25 and 30 mph when Oakes pulled into the road ahead of him, according to the Press Association. Oakes told the court that poor visibility in the area requires drivers to nose into the road to get a better view, the Press Association said, adding that the judge agreed with him that its in many ways a blind junction. Prosecutors also argued that Oakes caused the crash because he was used to driving on the other side of the road in the U.S., but there was no evidence to back up that claim, the Press Association said. Both injured boys were 15 at the time. They suffered broken limbs and needed multiple surgeries, The Guardian reported, adding that they were buried in the rubble of a wall that the truck hit. Oakes military email address indicates hes assigned to the Space Force. RAF Menwith Hill, near the crash site, provides communications and intelligence support services to the U.K. and U.S., and has been described as the largest electronic monitoring station in the world. The U.S. military in England on Wednesday was unable to say for sure where Oakes is currently based. The crash involving Oakes comes a year after the sentencing of Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a U.S. intelligence officer, for a 2019 crash that killed a British motorcyclist outside RAF Croughton, another base in England used by U.S. forces. Sacoolas received an eight-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty two months earlier to causing death by careless driving in the crash that killed 19-year-old Harry Dunn. She returned to the U.S. days after the crash, and the U.S. invoked diplomatic immunity on her behalf, prompting an outcry in the U.K. and tensions between the two longtime allies. Stars and Stripes reporter Kyle Alvarez contributed to this report. A 173rd Airborne Brigade paratrooper fires an FGM-148 Javelin missile during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, in 2019. Romania is requesting an $80 million purchase of the anti-tank missiles and related gear. (Henry Villarama/U.S. Army) Romanias military buildup is moving forward with a plan to purchase more American-made missiles, marking the latest acquisition for a country that has bumped up defense spending over the past year. The State Department on Tuesday greenlighted Romanias request to purchase anti-tank Javelin missiles and related gear at a cost of $80 million. The order, which still needs final approval from Congress, involves 263 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, 26 launch systems and associated equipment and training services. The deal will improve Romanias ability to counter current and future threats, the State Department said in its Tuesday statement. In November, Romania also received approval to buy 54 Abrams tanks worth $2.5 billion. Romanian armed forces officer Florin Cotet asks questions at the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System summit in Bucharest, Romania, on Dec. 7, 2023. The gathering was a collaboration between U.S. Army V Corps soldiers and service members of NATO allies. (Devin McReynolds/U.S. Army Reserve) U.S. Army Col. Wilbur Hsu speaks with a Polish soldier during the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System summit in Bucharest, Romania, on Dec. 7, 2023. U.S. Army V Corps troops and counterparts from NATO countries hosted the event, which was dedicated to HIMARS capabilities. (Devin McReynolds/U.S. Army Reserve) The Javelin deal comes on the heels of a meeting in Bucharest between U.S. troops and NATO country counterparts that focused on the utility of another popular weapon, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. On Dec. 5, the U.S. Armys V Corps hosted a HIMARS gathering in the Romanian capital that brought together experts on the system. Both the Javelin and HIMARS have played central roles in Ukraines defense in the ongoing war with Russia. In April, V Corps held a similar summit with allies in Poland. Army commanders say the HIMARS, with its long range, light weight and mobility, can play a key role in large-scale combat operations. The Romania summit covered lessons learned by the U.S. and NATO allies in conjunction with their continued support of Ukraine and the importance of HIMARS use, the Army said in a statement Thursday. Soldiers from U.S. artillery units operating in Europe were among those taking part in the talks. Lior Argamani, mother of hostage Noa Argamani, with posters of her daughter at her apartment in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post) TEL AVIV The Kirsht and Argamani families have shared a lot over the past awful months: both had daughters kidnapped by Hamas militants on Oct. 7; both have a parent battling the final stages of cancer; both pleaded to see their child before its too late. Now they find themselves in very different categories. The Kirshts are among the families that had a joyous reunion during the flurry of hostage releases in late November. The Argamanis are not. None of the families are whole. Released hostage Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, 36, did get to see her father, who has leukemia, struggle up from his wheelchair for a hug. But her husband, Yagev Buchshtav, remains in Hamas captivity. The house they built together in Kibbutz Nirim was destroyed. Former captives have emerged to learn of tragedies unknown - parents or children killed by Hamas, communities wiped off the map. Some have seen their health deteriorate since the helicopter ride from the Gaza border. But when the tenuous one-week pause in combat ended abruptly Dec. 1, it created an invisible divide in the coalition of hostage relatives: between the 110 reunited families, and the 136 that watched with dread as the war resumed with their loved ones still inside. That Friday devastated us, said Ravid Ohad, whose cousin Noa Argamani was seen on video being driven into Gaza on a motorcycle, screaming Dont kill me! Argamanis mother Lior, battling Stage 4 brain cancer, has pleaded with Hamas to let her see her only child as a dying wish. She started a course of experimental drugs, trying to buy more time. We were finally hopeful that if the cease-fire could just continue for another 48 hours or so, we would have Noa finally at home like the other hostages, Ohad said. The split has been hard on both sides. The families of the freed have been careful, in almost every public statement, to note that the crisis isnt over until everyone is home. Relatives of released captives - all elderly women, mothers and children - have continued to speak out, and to appear at vigils and weekly protests in Tel Aviv. Several took part in a torch-lit march on the Israeli parliament Tuesday, calling for the government to reengage in talks and pause the fighting for another round of releases. These families say their relief is tempered by survivors guilt. The returnees had stories of the horrific conditions they endured, which those in the tunnels are probably still enduring: tales of sexual assault against women and men alike, untreated injuries, airless confinement. At least five hostages have been declared dead based on their reports. In some cases, those returning said they were made to share subterranean spaces with the bodies. Its so much shame coming back, said Sharone Lifshitz, whose 85-year-old mother Yocheved Lifshitz was among the first hostages released. We still have 83- and 84-year-old people that are there and theyre just dying. Among those left behind is Sharones own father, Oded, 83, with an injured hand and without his medication. We are petrified, she said. One thing we know is that other elderly people have died due to the neglect and unsuitable conditions. We know so much now. The hostage families have been categorized from the beginning, in groups where hopes of release were higher or lower. The families of elderly women, young mothers and children were always considered the most likely to be freed. Fathers, young men and women of military age, like most of those taken captive at the Supernova dance festival, are thought to be next on the list in any deal. Families of Israeli soldiers taken from their posts Oct. 7 know they are the least likely to be reunited. Every night [during the pause] it was another heartbreak when we saw all the names but not hers, said the sister of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas. But we know they hate the soldiers most. Im happy for every family that got someone, but it is hard to keep hoping we will be one of them. The woman spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to keep her sister from being singled out by her captors. Some families say they have been advised by the government and other counselors not give interviews about their loved ones. Those with relatives still in Gaza feel doubly constrained, the soldiers sister said. The accounts from the tunnels were even worse than they had feared, the relative of a released hostage told The Post, but were unlikely to be made public until all hostages are freed. The stories I am hearing right now are so horrible, the family member said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for privacy reasons. One day there are going to be movies about it like the Holocaust, like Schindlers List. Not every family agrees with the calls by some relatives for an all-for-all bargain in which Israel would agree to empty its jails of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the captive Israelis. Not every family supports another pause in the fighting, as bombs rain down on Gazans and hostages alike. Tzvika Mor, who lives on a settlement near Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, has led calls for continuing the war until Hamas is destroyed, no matter the cost to the captives. Among them is his son Eitan, taken by Hamas as he tried to rescue people at the dance party. If I have to choose between the love of my son and the love of the nation, I choose the love of the nation, Mor said in an interview on Israeli television. In this still-devastated country, after an attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis, amid a war that has claimed the lives of more than 100 soldiers and 18,000 Gazans, some families are left yearning for news. Others are trying to ease their traumatized loved ones back into a new normal. Nothing will ever be as it was for any of them. The Argamanis have gotten word that Noa is alive. For her mother, that makes the waiting - for another pause, for a diplomatic breakthrough, for any sign of her daughter - both more hopeful and more agonizing. My heart hurts the most, more than the cancer, Lior, 61, said Tuesday at her temporary apartment in Tel Aviv. I believe she will come home. Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav embraces her father, Nahum Kirsht, in Tel Aviv after her release late last month. (Kirsht family) For the Kirshts, the return of Rimon was a welcome shock. Her parents traveled each day to the hostage family vigil in Tel Aviv after Nahums chemotherapy. Im fighting both cancer and Hamas, he told The Post. But she wasnt in one the favored categories. No way, Nahum said in an interview at the vigil two nights before she was released. She is not a kid, she is not a mother, and she is not old. She is 36. Still, he had begun physical therapy in the hope he would be strong enough to greet her if a miracle brought her home. On Nov. 28, the fifth day of hostage releases, it did. Rimon was led into a special hospital room, where her sister hugged her and handed her a new pair of glasses, replacing the ones she had lost when militants dragged her to Gaza. Her first clear vision in 53 days was her father rising from his chair and opening his arms to embrace her. The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has launched consultation service, its first non-financial service, to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and individuals working in the cultural sector. The service aims to provide support in establishing and developing their cultural projects through enhancing managerial, financial, and technical efficiency to boost their productivity and ability in successfully managing their projects as well as improve their prospects of securing funding, a release said. The service is offered in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat). Through this partnership, CDF and Monshaat aim to enhance the readiness of beneficiaries in the cultural sector and enable them to establish and run successful cultural businesses and projects. Two formats To serve beneficiaries from all regions, the consultation sessions will be conducted in two formats, the first is in-person consultation, taking place at Monshaat Support Centre in Riyadh; the second is remote live consultation, conducted online through Nawafth Monshaat App. Both types of consultation sessions will be done by highly qualified experts to address any question or concern the beneficiaries may have generally or in specialised cultural fields. Interested SMEs, entrepreneurs and individuals can benefit from the service by scheduling appointments through the CDF's official website. Individuals should have a cultural idea, whereas companies should have an existing cultural project, and the requested consultation should fall under one of the 16 cultural sectors within the National Culture Strategy. Self-reliant cultural sector CDF was founded in 2021 with the aim of further enhancing the cultural landscape within Saudi Arabia. Organisationally linked to the National Development Fund, the Fund was established as part of the Quality of Life Programme's initiatives to promote the development of a self-reliant cultural sector. The Fund actively supports a variety of cultural activities and projects, facilitates investment, and seeks to improve the domestic cultural sector's profitability in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.--TradeArabia News Service * Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. * China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. * The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples. HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. "We sincerely hope that our two nations will... steadily promote the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in a signed article published by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam. To steadily promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Xi said the two countries need to maintain strategic communication, make good use of their complementary strengths, step up friendly exchanges, and properly manage differences. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries have enhanced their common interests with mutually beneficial cooperation, writing together a new chapter in their modernization drive. LUCRATIVE TRADE For Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vietnam's Vina T&T Import Export Trading Service Company, a sales slump in the United States and Canada in the first four months of 2023 didn't disturb him very much. The company's export revenues increased by 20 percent thanks to growing shipments to China. The company has signed contracts to export 1,500 containers of durian, 15 tons of the fruit in each container, to China this year, he said. Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu) In September last year, Vietnamese durians, with longer harvest seasons and lower prices compared to traditionally market-dominant Thai and Malaysian durians, gained market access to China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework. The fruit is widely popular among Chinese consumers, offering new opportunities to durian growers, packers and producers in Vietnam. Meanwhile, fruits like grapes, citrus and vegetables from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are also well-received in the Vietnamese market, fostering a sustained momentum in bilateral trade of agricultural products. International cold-chain train services were launched on the China-Vietnam route last month, carrying fruits and vegetables from southwest China's Yunnan province to northwest Vietnam's Lao Cai province. The new services are expected to inject impetus into common prosperity and high-level opening-up along the railway routes, said Tao Qiang, deputy director of the cargo transport department of China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the service operator. China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In 2022, bilateral trade stood at 234.92 billion U.S. dollars, up 2.1 percent year on year. In the first 10 months of this year, bilateral trade reached 185.1 billion dollars, with China being Vietnam's biggest market for vegetable and fruit exports. Le Thanh Hoa, deputy director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that it is expected that the bilateral trade volume will hit a new high after Xi's visit, and China will import more high-quality agricultural and sideline products from Vietnam to help its agricultural development. DEVELOPMENT SYNERGY In Hanoi, Vietnam's first city metro is running smoothly and carrying commuters through the city crowded with millions of motorbikes and cars. The Chinese-built metro line has witnessed soaring popularity as recent figures showed a 262 percent increase in passengers in the first three months this year from a year earlier. A train runs on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) As a flagship project of advancing the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, the 13 km Cat Linh-Ha Dong line with 12 stations covering three districts in Hanoi provides a convenient and comfortable alternative for commuters, as well as a chance to enjoy an overhead view of the capital. Since its commercial operation in November 2021, the metro has run over 17.5 million passenger trips, and is welcomed by citizens for being eco-friendly and convenient with reasonable ticket prices, said Vu Hong Truong, general director of Hanoi Metro One Member Limited Liability Company. Another exemplification of green development cooperation is the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant in Hanoi. It can handle 4,000 tons of trash per day, or over 60 percent of the city's garbage, and has made important contributions to improving the city's appearance and environment. The construction of the plant has effectively contributed to Vietnam's green energy transition and solved the problem of garbage pollution that had long troubled local people, said Gu Chaoqing, president of the Business Association of China in Vietnam. Xi's state visit is a great encouragement for the business communities of both countries, Gu said, adding that it will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, investment and connectivity. It will also promote personnel exchanges and create more favorable conditions for business investments and development, benefiting the people of both countries and the region. PROMISING OUTLOOK "We will bring more benefits to our neighbors through Chinese modernization, jointly move forward Asia's modernization process, and provide new development opportunities for Vietnam and other Asian countries," Xi said in the signed article. As Vietnam is mulling incentive packages to attract strategic investors and multinationals for more foreign direct investments, experts have suggested that besides financial incentives, Vietnam should focus on the upgrade of socio-economic infrastructure, the development of a green economy and the facilitation of administrative procedures. This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a China-Vietnam (L) and a China-Laos international cold-chain freight trains pulling out of Yanhe Station of Yuxi City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo by Chen Chang/Xinhua) The goal aligns perfectly with the vision of the fast-growing Chinese investment in Vietnam, which ranked third last year and rose to second place in the first nine months of this year with an amount of 2.92 billion dollars. The Chinese investment is actively adapting to the needs of Vietnam's economic transformation and upgrading, said Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, listing high-tech, information and communication, new energy, green development and e-commerce logistics as areas with huge potential. In September, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Chinese enterprises and investors to participate in the investment in and construction of strategic infrastructure projects such as railways and highways in Vietnam. Sharing a similar view, Xiong said China holds a positive and open attitude towards participating in Vietnam's infrastructure construction. Accelerating the connectivity of transport infrastructure, especially railway and road connectivity, is the focus of cooperation between the two countries under the BRI and the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, he added. While co-chairing the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the two sides to leverage geographical proximity and industrial complementarity to jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chain system. The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. (Video reporters: Li Guangzheng, Tao Jun, Sun Yi, Hu Jiali, Lin Hao, Qi Xin and Lu Huijia; video editors: Zheng Xin, Mu Xuyao, Yang Zhixiang, Liu Ruoshi and Ma Ruxuan) An Israeli soldier patrols at a protective security barrier decorated with the Path for Peace mural at the border fence with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, on Nov. 17, 2023. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg) On Dec. 8, the United States cast a veto in the U.N. Security Council, blocking a resolution introduced by the United Arab Emirates calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. It was supported by nearly 100 nations and approved by 13 council members, including France and Japan, but the resolution fell short due to the U.S. decision. Western countries strongly supported Israel at the start of the war, affirming its right to self-defense. But as the toll on Palestinian civilians intensified, growing public protests and shifting opinions began to sway government stances. The global response to the Israel-Gaza war has been evolving since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. A notable development was the seven-day pause in fighting that ended on Dec. 1, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. This was the first major halt in fighting after the U.N. General Assembly passed a Jordan-proposed resolution on Oct. 27, advocating a cease-fire and free humanitarian access to Gaza. The Middle East broadly favored the resolution, with abstentions by Iraq, Cyprus and Tunisia. The united front of the Arab nations has roots deep in historical trauma, particularly the 1948 Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic, when over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled during the establishment of Israel. This evokes images of 1948 ... that revive traumatic memories that go back 75 years. And thats having a huge impact all over the Middle East, said Rashid Khalidi, a professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University. With only 14 countries, including Israel, voting against the resolution, the United States was in the minority alongside many Pacific Island nations, often recipients of U.S. aid, and a handful of European Union members: Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Czech Republic. [The vote result] showed almost total isolation of the United States ... and that there is not an agreement on the American Israeli narrative, Khalidi said. The United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea countries that historically aligned with U.S. foreign policy also refrained from casting a decisive vote and abstained. While Western governments generally are aligned with Israel, public opinion in those countries is shifting and is not as supportive of Israel as it was early on in the war, Khalidi said. Massive protests in London, Berlin and Paris have amplified this shift. Several steadfast U.S. allies, including France, Italy and Spain, voted in favor of the cease-fire resolution. (The Washington Post) Direct funding and weapon transfers The United States has been a pivotal supporter of Israel, particularly in terms of security assistance and weapon transfers. Israel received the second-largest funding of U.S. security assistance, after Afghanistan, over the past two decades. Considering the United States was involved in a two-decade war in Afghanistan, Israel received about 25 percent less in total funding than Afghanistan. In fact, Israel received more than twice as much security assistance than Iraq, the third-largest recipient. Were seeing a massive influx of weapons [into Israel], said Hanna Homestead. According to data compiled by the Center for International Policy since the start of the war, notable weapon transfers from the United States include 1,000 small-diameter bombs, 312 Tamir missile interceptors for Israels Iron Dome air-defense system, 1,800 JDAM bomb kits, over 10,000 155mm artillery shells and 1 million rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Adding to this, on Dec. 9, the Biden administration approved an emergency sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million, bypassing congressional review. Despite several known weapon sales and transfers, the total U.S. military aid sent remains unknown. The United States weapon transfer mechanisms are criticized for their lack of transparency and oversight, with passive approval processes and minimal public reporting. Were relying on what people in the Department of Defense or State Department leaked to the press. ... Theres no reporting requirement, said Homestead. In addition to weapon transfers, Israel also benefits from the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program that provides grants and loans to purchase weapons and equipment directly from American companies. Hamas has historically received financial and military support from Iran, which supports various groups in the Middle East, like Hezbollah, according to the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism by the State Department. While Hamas has been a longtime beneficiary of Iran, the U.S. government has not found evidence of a direct Iranian role in the Oct. 7 attack. Diplomatic opposition In a direct response to Israels actions in Gaza, Bolivia officially broke off diplomatic relations on Oct. 31, denouncing its military operation as aggressive and disproportionate. Alongside Bolivia, eight other countries have withdrawn their ambassadors from Israel South Africa, Jordan, Turkey, Chile, Colombia, Chad, Honduras and Bahrain. Each has cited humanitarian concerns and the need for adherence to international law in its decision. South Africa and Jordan, in particular, emphasized their disappointment and condemnation of Israels actions, with Jordan highlighting the devastating toll on civilian life and the urgent need for a cease-fire. Sending humanitarian aid to Gaza Beginning Oct. 21, Israel started to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, initially permitting 20 truckloads of food, water and medicine per day, excluding fuel. This number eventually increased to about a hundred trucks a day. From Oct. 21 to Nov. 23, before the pause, at least 1,723 truckloads of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, as reported by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. During the November pause, about 750 trucks were allowed to make deliveries. However, this influx of aid was still below the prewar daily average of about 500 trucks and fell short of the U.N. Relief and Works Agencys (UNRWA) recommendation of 200 trucks per day. Since Dec. 6, the IDF has expanded its operations farther south and into Khan Younis, home to about 400,000 people before the war. As the war expands and more Palestinians are injured and displaced, the need for aid grows. OCHA already increased its initial appeal for aid from $294 million on Oct. 12 to $1.23 billion on Nov. 3. About 57 percent, $700 million, has been committed or paid so far. Though voting differently in the United Nations, the European Union has initiated an air bridge and bolstered Gazas humanitarian aid by $26.9 million, cumulatively contributing $107.6 million. Abstaining nations like Germany, Japan and India have stepped up: Germany with $53.8 million, Japan with $65 million and India with essential medications and protective and surgical items. The U.S. Agency for International Development, led by Samantha Power, announced on Dec. 6 an additional $21 million in aid to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. This follows President Joe Bidens Oct. 18 announcement of $100 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance, which forms part of the U.N. coordinated plan for the region. The Gulf Cooperation Council, voting largely for a cease-fire, has also committed $100 million to Gazas relief operations. From the Middle East, a fleet of aid from Turkey, the UAE, Jordan and Tunisia has delivered medical supplies, food and drinking water to Gaza. Western nations are now increasingly divided. With the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 18,000 deaths and nearly 50,000 injured, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has led to a shift in public sentiment, prompting leaders to continue showing support to Palestinians through humanitarian aid and dedication to cease-fire efforts. Cate Brown contributed to this report. Biden at first denied his longtime frenemy the traditional phone calls and White House visits to express displeasure over Netanyahus push to overhaul Israels judiciary. But after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, he fully embraced the traumatized country, its war aims and its leader. (The White House/Twitter) JERUSALEM - The relationship between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has oscillated between bitterness and bear hugs since Netanyahu regained power a year ago. Biden at first denied his longtime frenemy the traditional phone calls and White House visits to express displeasure over Netanyahus push to overhaul Israels judiciary. But after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, he fully embraced the traumatized country, its war aims and its leader. Now, as Israels devastating war in Gaza enters its third month, the bitterness is creeping back. Biden, in his strongest terms yet, echoed growing criticism over the staggering collateral damage from Israels military assault on Hamas: more than 18,000 Gazans killed and an unprecedented humanitarian collapse. Further, the president criticized Netanyahu personally for indiscriminate bombing that was eroding Israels international support, arguing that the prime minister was beholden to the most radical members of his right-wing government. Bibis got a tough decision to make, said Biden, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, at a Washington fundraiser Tuesday. I think he has to change, and this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move. Netanyahu responded with a quickly produced video, expressly rejecting one of the presidents own key proposals: that the West Banks Palestinian Authority be revitalized to take over governing Gaza after the war. Netanyahu has recently signaled his intention to keep Israeli troops in Gaza indefinitely. I wish to clarify my position - I wont allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo, he said, referring to the 1993 Oslo accords that were meant to create a historic road map to peace between Israelis and Palestinians and allowed limited Palestinian self-rule. The agreement is loathed by Israels right wing. I wont allow, after the immense sacrifice made by our citizens and fighters, for us to put in Gaza people who teach terrorism, support terrorism, finance terrorism, he said. The spat was cheered by Netanyahus supporters, who dismiss any calls from Biden or other leaders to pull back from the military assault on Gaza until Hamas has been wiped out as a fighting force. Some of Netanyahus more radical allies, including Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have endorsed fringe calls for Israel to resettle Gaza forever. Although Ben Gvir and political partner and fellow settler leader Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, have been excluded from the emergency war cabinet that is making security decisions, the two have kept pressure on Netanyahu to hew to the right. The two led an effort this week to vote down moves to allow farm and construction workers from the West Bank Palestinian to enter Israel for the first time since Oct. 7. This is a different group, Biden said Tuesday. Ben Gvir and company and the new folks, they dont want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution. Critics accused the prime minister of trying to shore up his base at the risk of straining relations with Israels most critical ally at a key point in the war. Netanyahu has plummeted in the polls since the surprise Hamas rampage that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel. More than two-thirds of Israelis say they expect Netanyahu to take responsibility for failing to prevent the attacks and, when the war has ended, to leave office. Israeli media is full of reports of defections brewing inside the prime ministers Likud party. Israel Is at War, and Netanyahu Just Launched His Re-election Campaign, was the headline of an analysis by Netanyahu biographer Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz Tuesday. Even some supporters rebuffed the prime minister. We are at war here, Michael Oren, Netanyahus onetime ambassador to the United States, said in an interview Wednesday. This is not the time to be political. Biden is standing in increasing isolation for his full-throated commitment to Israels objective of eliminating Hamas, even as calls for a general cease-fire have grown around the world. On Friday, the United States vetoed a cease-fire resolution in the United Nations Security Council. Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelming cast a nonbinding vote in favor of the same proposal. The only thing standing between us and an internationally imposed cease-fire is the president of the United States, Oren said. I cannot for the life me discern a national strategic interest in coming out against the P.A. [Palestinian Authority]. Biden used the bulk of his remarks to reaffirm Israels right defend itself against Hamas, and Oren said he did not think the spat would shake Bidens commitment to Israels war aims. But it doesnt help, he said. The relationship is clearly growing more complicated as Israelis chafe against calls to dial back the Gaza campaign. A billboard with Bidens picture that hung for weeks across from the U.S. ambassadors residence in Jerusalem reading Thank you Mr. President was replaced last week with a poster of Rep. Elise Stefanik, the New York Republican who grilled three university presidents over antisemitism on campus. Criticism of Biden is growing in Israel but is still leavened with gratitude. We respect and cherish the President of the United States, said Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi in a post on X. But we live here . . . There will be no Palestinian state here. We will never go back to Oslo. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, meanwhile, issued a statement Wednesday that any cease-fire would be a gift to Hamas. Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. The price of that war was put in stark relief after the announcement Wednesday of one of the biggest days of casualties for Israels forces fighting in Gaza, with 10 soldiers reported killed the day before, including a high-ranking officer in the elite Golani Brigade. More than 100 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ground invasion of Gaza began on Oct. 27. For Netanyahu, there may be no domestic downside to dismissing the Palestinian leadership or any notion that an independent Palestinian state is even remotely possible. He has worked to sideline the possibility for years, pursuing policies that split Palestinians between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. His most radical allies are more vocal, but their aims and his are largely in sync, critics say. In the general public, it had been years since the two-state solution was seen as much more than an artifact of long moribund peace negotiations, by Israelis or Palestinians. Now the idea is met with even more suspicion in Israel, making it easy for Netanyahu to seize upon it to shore up support. That has been working for him for years, according to Yohanan Plesner, the president of the Israel Democracy Institute. Netanyahu started his career a generation ago building on the fears of the Israeli public against the Oslo process and the P.A., Plesner said. Thirty years later, the theme is not very different. Right now, Israelis fear that when Palestinians have control over territory, it ends with Israelis being murdered and massacred. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, address reporters at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, on Oct. 13, 2023. (Chad J. McNeeley/Defense Department) WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will make a return visit to the Middle East in the coming days his second in the last two months to meet with leaders in three countries, including Israel, the Pentagon said Tuesday. He will also have an opportunity to meet some of our forces deployed to the region to thank them for their service, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman. Austin last visited Israel in mid-October just days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians. The Pentagon did not provide details of the trip but Ryder said Austin will meet with leaders of Israel, Qatar and Bahrain. Austins latest visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Various militant groups have stepped up attacks in recent weeks against U.S. forces in the region, especially in Iraq and Syria. Since mid-October, groups aligned with Iran have launched at least 89 separate attacks on U.S. bases in the two countries. The Pentagon said the attacks have caused dozens of minor injuries, but no one has been seriously hurt and none of the bases have been seriously damaged. These are dangerous attacks, but they have largely been unsuccessful, Ryder said. We will do what we need to do to protect our forces. Austins trip also follows an escalation of violence on Monday when Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile at a Norwegian-flagged fuel tanker in the Red Sea. The missile hit the ship and caused a fire, but no casualties were reported. The Iranian-aligned militant group claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday. The attack on the tanker occurred near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key chokepoint that connects the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as northern and eastern Africa. The Pentagon said Tuesday that the USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was about 100 miles away at the time. The Mason was prepared to render assistance, but ultimately it was determined that was not required, Ryder said. But the Mason did remain in the vicinity of the ship and the area to deter any further aggression. The attack on the fuel tanker is the latest show of force by Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been engaged in a civil war with the countrys government for almost a decade. The Pentagon said U.S. warships have shot down drones and missiles fired by the rebels in Yemen multiple times in recent weeks. Navy Cmdr. Jeremy Roberston, the commanding officer of the USS Carney, another Arleigh-class destroyer, said Saturday that his ship has shot down almost two dozen enemy drones and missiles so far. Ryder said the United States is now collaborating with partner countries to create a maritime task force to further add stability in the region. This is an international problem that requires an international solution, he said. We will have more to provide in the near future but we continue to patrol international waterways throughout the region. The White House floated the idea of a possible task force earlier this month after three vessels in the Red Sea were struck by Houthi missiles. The Pentagon has sent additional military forces to the Middle East since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack to protect American troops in the region, deterring other groups from escalating the conflict and providing support to Israel. FBI Director Christopher A. Wray testifies during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing last month on Capitol Hill. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a new public announcement Tuesday warning of potential safety dangers in the United States stemming from the ongoing war in the Middle East. FBI and DHS assess that ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Years Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict, the agencies said in a written statement. Although this announcement is not in response to any specific plotting activity, these targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature. The FBI and DHS issued two similar warnings in October following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel. FBI officials have seen a significant increase in reported threats since then, and repeatedly urged the public to be calm but vigilant for possible attacks against Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Arab people. In addition to an increase in threats, law enforcement officials have also noted an increase in hoax bomb threats and active shooter threats targeting synagogues around the United States, likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants, the announcement said. A clinical dose of MDMA is shown. MAPS Public Benefit Corp. is seeking FDA approval of MDMA in combination with therapy to treat PTSD, in what would be the first treatment of its kind. (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) MAPS Public Benefit Corp. filed an application on Tuesday with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the psychedelic drug MDMA also known as Ecstasy in combination with therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, in what would be the first treatment of its kind. The filing is a milestone in researchers quest to move psychedelic drugs from tightly restricted substances into mainstream medical treatments that are widely accessible to patients. It comes after decades of studies have demonstrated the promise of psychedelics including psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, and ketamine to treat mental health disorders. If approved, MDMA-assisted therapy would be the first psychedelic-assisted therapy, which we hope will drive additional investment into new research in mental health, Amy Emerson, chief executive of MAPS, said in a statement Tuesday. MAPS is seeking a priority review from the FDA that could yield a determination within six months. FDA approval, while by no means assured, could raise tricky issues for regulatory authorities. The FDA doesnt regulate the practice of medicine, which is generally left to state licensing boards. It isnt yet clear to what extent authorities will address who is authorized to provide therapy and the question of doctors potentially prescribing MDMA for different conditions, known as off-label use. Emerson said in a September interview that she expected that, if the treatment is approved, an FDA label would say the treatment needs to be implemented in the way it was studied with a therapy component. If the FDA approves the application, it could impose strict rules around who can prescribe MDMA and what pharmacies or facilities can dispense the drug, said Mason Marks, a senior fellow at the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation at Harvard Law School. Facilities could also be required to provide space and supervision for a certain period for a patient taking MDMA, he said. I imagine there will be some significant restrictions imposed by the FDA, said Marks, who also noted the potential for controversy surrounding the drug. I dont think it will be a quick turnaround, Marks said. To support its application, MAPS conducted two late-stage trials that showed benefits in scales that assess the symptoms of PTSD. The organization said no serious adverse events were reported from subjects who received MDMA in the studies. In conjunction with taking the drug, subjects engaged in psychotherapy also known as talk therapy along with other supportive services. MAPS envisions licensed health-care professionals providing the therapy, which could include those with a range of credentials, Emerson has said. Other experts agree with that notion. You need somebody with a license on the line to be accountable for patient safety, said Dominic Sisti, a professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania who also consults pro bono for MAPS. The FDA approved a variation of ketamine in 2019 that remains the only psychedelic approved to treat depression. Since then, companies developing psychedelic drugs or services have raised more than $560 million from venture capital firms, according to the data provider PitchBook. MDMA and psilocybin have obtained breakthrough status from the FDA, a designation that expedites development for drugs that show substantial improvement over available therapies. MAPS Public Benefit Corp. is a for-profit arm of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a pioneering nonprofit that has raised more than $130 million since its founding in 1986. The organization has focused its efforts on MDMA, a synthetic compound, to treat PTSD in combination with therapy. MAPS has faced controversy in the past. A former investigator for a MAPS-sponsored clinical trial acknowledged that he had a sexual relationship with a participant after the trial concluded in 2015, according to the organization. MAPS said the investigator and his wife and co-therapist violated its code of ethics and were barred from becoming providers of MDMA-assisted therapy. MDMA is in the most restrictive category of drugs regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which classifies it as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. If the FDA approves MAPS application, the DEA would be required to reclassify a version of MDMA so that it could be prescribed to patients. The FDA has increasingly acknowledged the growing push for psychedelic treatments, publishing guidance for running clinical trials for such drugs in June. That alone is a policy landmark and reflects shifting attitudes toward controversial substances, concluded an opinion piece in the New England Journal of Medicine published last month. Voters in Oregon legalized psilocybin in 2020, and the state has licensed facilities providing such care, while Colorado passed a ballot measure last year that will allow adults to use psilocybin in licensed facilities starting next year. Voters in D.C. decriminalized certain psychedelic drugs in 2020, joining cities including Denver and Oakland, Calif. MAPS has exclusive rights to the data supporting MDMA, preventing competition from generics for at least five years. Emerson, CEO of the public-benefit subsidiary, has said it will make money on the sale of the drug but not the therapy. The latter will require the creation of a medical code for therapists to bill for their services which could be expensive. The treatments in MAPS clinical trials consisted of three eight-hour sessions, spaced about a month apart. Some estimates have ranged from $13,000 to $15,000 per round of treatment. Some mental health experts are skeptical about MDMAs potential. Allen James Frances, a Duke University professor emeritus of psychiatry, has criticized the methodology of the studies that led to the new drug application and said few will benefit. Most people in the world wont be able to afford these clinics, he said. Because of the high price and hype generated by FDA approval, Frances said, people with psychiatric problems will turn to knockoff MDMA bought on the streets. Counterfeit MDMA pills could be unsafe and laced with dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, Frances said. MAPS is also considering other potential treatments beyond PTSD. We will be looking at other indications as we go forward where trauma is at the root of the issue, Emerson said in the September interview. For now, MAPS is focused on getting FDA approval for the PTSD-assisted therapy. Were very aware that were setting a precedent. Laurie McGinley contributed to this report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a news conference with President Joe Biden in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP) WASHINGTON President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood as a united front Tuesday, intent on securing more aid for Ukraines fight against Russias invasion despite Republican resistance on Capitol Hill. The two presidents made the case for why Ukraines campaign to defend itself is a worthy commitment for the United States even as Republican enthusiasm for continuing to arm the embattled country wanes and the war freezes into a stalemate. Mr. President, Ill not walk away from Ukraine and neither will the American people, Biden said at a joint news conference with Zelenskyy at the White House. A clear bipartisan majority of people across the United States and in Congress support your country. They understand, as I do, that Ukraines success and its ability to deter aggression in the future are vital to the security for the world at large. Biden on Tuesday also approved a $200 million drawdown from existing funds for military assistance for Ukraine. But his ability to pull additional weaponry from Pentagon stocks is quickly winding down as a $110 billion national security supplemental spending package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, remains stalled in Congress. The proposed funding has become a major point of contention on Capitol Hill because Republicans refuse to pass any Ukraine aid without major changes to immigration policy. Biden took aim at Senate Republicans who blocked the aid package last week, pointing out that their obstruction was praised on Russian state television channels. If youre being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what youre doing, he said. History will judge harshly those who turn their back on freedoms cause. Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Monday to appeal personally to skeptical lawmakers and other decision-makers. He began his two-day visit with a speech at the National Defense University, asking military officers to imagine waiting weeks and months for critical munitions. Delays on Capitol Hill, he warned, only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and his sick clique. Zelenskyy made that same argument in meetings with senators and House leaders on Tuesday, hoping to break the impasse over the supplemental aid package. It did not appear to be successful and the chances of Congress appropriating the aid before the end of the year are low. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he supported Ukraines fight but reiterated Republicans will condition any aid for Ukraine on immigration restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border. He also blamed the White House for failing to articulate a clear path to victory for Ukraine. Their responses have been insufficient, he said in a news conference after meeting with Zelenskyy. What the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win and none of the answers I think the American people are owed. Biden on Tuesday said the objective for Ukraine is to remain a sovereign, independent nation that can afford to defend itself today and deter further aggression. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he is pushing Johnson to keep the House in session into next week to give lawmakers more time to reconcile their differences. The White House announced last week that previously allotted aid for Ukraine could run out by years end without congressional action. Congress needs to pass funding before [its] break for recess, Biden said. Before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they can possibly give him. Failure to continue to back Ukraine as it approaches a third year of war will likely mean Russia will prevail, Schumer said. Ukraines fall would lead to a snowball effect around the world and damage Americas credibility as a reliable ally, he said. If we abandon Ukraine to the dark forces of autocracy, we will all pay a price. The price wont be tomorrow meaning next week but it will be in the months and years ahead, Schumer said. It will be an awful price, and everyone who voted against aid to Ukraine will have to live with it. Newly declassified U.S. intelligence released this week shows Russia is counting on a military deadlock this winter to further sap Western aid for Ukraine and give Russia the advantage, despite Moscows punishing losses on the battlefield. The Russian military is believed to have lost about 87% of the forces and 63% of the tanks that it had committed to Ukraine at the start of the invasion. Zelenskyy touted Ukraines recent achievements, including the destruction of 20,000 Wagner Group mercenaries and the forced retreat of Russias Black Sea fleet. In 2024, Ukraine aims to dominate the skies, he said. Ukrainian pilots began F-16 fighter jet training in the U.S. in the fall. Who controls the skies, controls the wars duration, Zelenskyy said. He declined to detail how Ukraine planned to meet its battlefield goals next year, only saying we have a clear plan. Zelenskyy also forcefully rejected calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia in order to bring the war to an end, describing the suggestions as insane, to be honest. We are talking about human beings, they are being tortured, they are being raped and they are being killed and those voices which offer to give up our territories, they offer as well to give up our people, he said. Thats not a matter of territory, thats a matter of lives of families, of children. Zelenskyy said he was leaving Washington with a feeling of support from the Biden administration and lawmakers and described his meetings as more than positive. But, Zelenskyy cautioned, we know that we have to separate words from a particular result. Therefore, Ukrainians will stay focused on the results, he said. Its very important that by the end of this year we can send a very strong signal of our unity to the aggressor and the unity of Ukraine, America, Europe, the entire free world, he said. YANGON, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar Police Force have recently seized controlled chemicals and drugs worth over 10.44 billion kyats (4.97 million U.S. dollars) in the Nay Pyi Taw area and Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Acting on a tip-off, police seized 4.2 million stimulant tablets from a vehicle searched in a joint operation in Lewe township in the Nay Pyi Taw area on Dec. 1, according to the Information Team of the State Administration Council (SAC) on Tuesday. The drug trafficker involved in the case was arrested on the same day at a hotel in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Region. Based on further investigations into the case, 1.8 million stimulant tablets were confiscated in Chanayethazan on Dec. 2. Some 176,000 stimulant tablets and 8.8 kg heroin were seized in Patheingyi township of Mandalay region on Dec. 5, and 3.2 tons of controlled chemical caffeine were seized in Kalay township of Sagaing region on Dec. 9. The seized drugs were being trafficked from Shan State to Mandalay Region, Yangon Region and Sagaing Region, according to the SAC information team. (Tribune News Service) State and local leaders will cut the ribbon Friday on a new downtown Dayton, Ohio, haven for national defense-focused problem solvers. The Great Lakes Mission Acceleration Center will celebrate the ribbon-cutting at the Dayton Arcade. Bringing to fruition an earlier announcement, the center is funded by federal Defense Innovation Unit and National Security Innovation Network dollars. The site will be a place where business people, researchers, academics and government representatives from across the Great Lakes region can meet, said Mark Bartman, who is vice president for advanced development for Beavercreeks Parallax Advanced Research. The idea here will be to work on Department of Defense technology problems, shortening the time between finding solutions and getting those solutions into the hands of warfighters, avoiding formal contracting hoops along the way, said Bartman, who is a retired Ohio National Guard major general. Ohio in October became one of five states (with Hawaii, Kansas, Washington, and Arizona) chosen to stand up these mission acceleration centers, he said. Initial contract funding for the center is for a year. Bartman is confident funding will be extended. Parallax Advanced Research, a nonprofit research institute, was awarded $1.9 million from the DOD in October to establish the hub as part of a national network, orienting small businesses toward national defense needs. Its a little bit of a test case, I guess you could call it, Bartman said in an interview. Were pretty confident that because of the depth and the breadth of the innovation that goes on here in Ohio, and the large manufacturing base that we have, the large academic research, as well as of course the military ... this is something that will continue. The center will be located in The Hub, powered by PNC, in the Arcade. The Entrepreneurs Center and its member businesses, the University of Dayton and others have a presence there already. Speakers at the Friday event are expected to include Parallaxs Chief Executive and President Dennis Andersh, Dayton Development Coalitions CEO and President Jeff Hoagland, Entrepreneurs Center President Scott Koorndyk, Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, among others. (c)2023 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) Visit www.daytondailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Air Force Col. Stuart M. Rubio, 403rd Wing commander, performs an oath of enlistment ceremony for new trainees during the Biloxi Shuckers Military Appreciation Night in Mississippi on Sept. 18, 2021. (Kristen Pittman/U.S. Air Force) The top challenge facing U.S. military recruiting efforts is a lack of awareness about the armed forces among U.S. youth and not woke policies, top Pentagon personnel officials told House lawmakers Wednesday. Personnel policymakers for the Defense Department and the Army, Navy and Air Force insisted their top hurdles to reaching annual recruiting goals amounted to a messaging problem. Generation Z people born in the mid-1990s through the early 2010s have little familiarity with the military and lack understanding of the opportunities uniformed service could provide them, defense officials told the House Armed Services Committees military personnel subpanel. This combined with historically low unemployment, a strong private sector wage growth, concerns about the risks of military service, the [coronavirus pandemics] impact on school access [to recruiters] has all turned into a perfect storm creating the most challenging recruiting environment for our high-tech service since the height of the dot-com boom, nearly a quarter of a century ago, said Alex Wagner, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs. Officials from the other services made similar assessments of recruiting now, which is generally considered the most difficult time to attract new troops since the introduction of the all-volunteer force 50 years ago. Last year the military services, excluding the Marine Corps and Space Force, missed their annual enlistment goals. The Army, which missed its goal by about 10,000 recruits, failed for a second straight year. While Republicans on the subpanel agreed with the characterization offered by defense officials of the current recruiting environment, they also pointed their fingers at diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives brought by President Joseph Bidens administration. The lawmakers claimed the DEI efforts drive otherwise interested people away from the military. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., the subpanels chairman, described those DEI efforts as Bidens pet project, and argued they were harmful to the militarys primary goal of being lethal. Even now, when we can see that DEI has failed across the country, increasing division and hate, ignoring merit, and now fostering rampant antisemitism, this administration still elevates social justice over our national security, said Banks, a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan. And the result is a steep loss in institutional trust in the services and recruiting numbers at their lowest point in 50 years. Some Democrats and several of the Pentagon officials pushed back against the argument from Banks and other Republican lawmakers that DEI policies were partially to blame for recent recruiting woes. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., accused the Republicans of grandstanding on the culture wars issue, when the military personnel subpanel could be focused on improving quality-of-life problems that continue to plague the armed forces, such as inferior housing and high rates of suicide and sexual assault and harassment, which she argued also impact recruiting. Im kind of sick by the fact that were here now for the third time having this conversation about recruiting [in a hearing] and [not] actually listening to the genuine experts here who are saying its complicated because indeed, it is complicated, said Houlahan, an Air Force veteran. I am enormously frustrated that this committee has not spent its time really thinking about the quality-of-life issues that our men and women and those who are thinking about being part of this service are facing. Witnesses for the Department of Defense appear before the House Armed Services Committee on Dec. 13, 2023, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Testifying are from left: Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness Ashish Vazirani; Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower & Reserve Affairs Agnes Schaefer; Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower & Reserve Affairs Franklin Parker; and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs Alex Wagner. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes) Agnes Schaefer, the assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs, said she would at least consider looking at the DEI issues for any correlation with recruiting problems. Army data, she said, concluded wokeness or culture war issues were not among the top reasons that young Americans were choosing not to enlist in the service. But if people have that perception, I think that we need to address it, Schaefer said. The data weve seen doesnt indicate thats one of the top concerns but if there are issues out there that people are concerned about [and] this gets at the sort of disconnection between the country and the military right now, which I am extremely concerned about. The Army in October announced it would revamp its recruiting enterprise after failing to meet its fiscal 2023 recruiting goal. The service will restructure its recruiting command to include its trove of 8,000 recruiters and its now-separate marketing apparatus under one three-star general, officials said. It will also begin training permanent recruiters to replace most of its recruiters who serve in the role temporarily. Schaefer on Wednesday identified that shift as the Armys top priority to meet its recruiting goals, calling it one of the biggest transformations in service history. While the other services have not announced plans to fully revamp their recruiting efforts, they are also taking steps to try to improve, officials said. Among them, the Navy has recently opened a Future Sailors Preparatory Course modeled after the Armys Future Soldiers Preparatory Course, which launched in 2022 and has produced nearly 10,000 recruits. The Air Force has made changes to its tattoo policies and allowed some potential recruits who previously tested positive for marijuana to enlist, adding some 2,900 recruits who would have otherwise been turned away, Wagner said Wednesday. All the services are working to better send the message to young Americans that serving in the military has value, the officials said. Lack of familiarity is the most important thing, but whats important to realize is that once people become familiar, they want to join, Wagner said. They understand the benefits of service, they understand the opportunities, whether they be educational, financial, they understand the community, being part of a team and why that matters. The data proves it. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Pardo is known for carrying out an unorthodox aviation maneuver, later coined the Pardo Push, to save the lives of his wingmen during a bombing mission over Vietnam on March 10, 1967. (David Cooper/U.S. Air Force) Bob Pardo, who left his mark in Air Force history for using an unorthodox maneuver, Pardos Push, to save his wingmens lives during a bombing mission over Vietnam, died Dec. 5. He was 89. On March 10, 1967, Pardo and weapons officer 1st Lt. Steve Wayne were on a bombing run on an enemy steel mill north of Hanoi in an F-4C Phantom, flying alongside Capt. Earl Aman and 1st Lt. Robert Houghton. The target North Vietnams only steel mill dedicated to war materiel was heavily guarded by anti-aircraft guns and artillery. During the mission, ground fire damaged both Pardos and Amans Phantoms, causing both to lose fuel. However, Aman lost too much to return safely to base, and Pardo knew he had to act quickly, according to a 2007 recounting of the mission by Gen. T. Michael Mosely, then the chief of staff of the Air Force. I knew if I didnt do anything, they would have to eject over North Vietnam into enemy territory, and that would have resulted in their capture for sure, Pardo said in a 2015 interview for the Air Force Veterans in Blue program. At that time, if you were captured by civilians, you were probably going to be murdered on the spot. Pardo decided to push Amans plane using the nose of his aircraft against Amans tailhook, a retractable hook on the underside of the plane used for arrested landings. He managed to decrease the rate of descent of Amans jet by 1,500 feet per minute, and they successfully reached friendly territory. Both air crews safely ejected over the Laotian border and were rescued by friendly forces. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Pardo died Dec. 5 at 89. (David Cooper/U.S. Air Force) The Air Force at first reprimanded Pardo for further damaging his aircraft. Twenty years later, he received the Silver Star for his actions in the aerial rescue. Pardo was born in 1934 in Herne, Texas, and began his Air Force career in 1954 at age 19. After flight school, he flew the Phantom during the Vietnam War, logging 132 flying missions. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1974. In addition to the Silver Star, his awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Air Medal with twelve Oak Leaf Clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal. Pardo is survived by his wife, Kathryn, whom he married on March 7, 1992, five children and 10 grandchildren. Initially, District Judge Peter King did not make an order regarding the dog being put to sleep A Coleraine woman whose dog bit a man delivering food, leaving him with scars to his side, was handed a 12-month probation order. Initially, District Judge Peter King did not make an order regarding the dog a Staffordshire bull terrier being put to sleep, but he did prohibit Sarah McKinney from keeping any animals for three years. The dog lives, just not with her, District Judge King told Coleraine Magistrates Court. However, a short time later, McKinney came back to the judge to concede: She is a dangerous dog and I have no control of her. If shes taken from me I believe her behaviour will get worse and I have nobody to look after her, so she would end up in a kennel and her behaviour would get worse, McKinney told the court. Very well, I will make the destruction order. Thank you for coming back to me, District Judge King replied. McKinney, from Rosemary Place in Coleraine, had entered a guilty plea to possessing a dog which attacked another person. A prosecuting lawyer outlined how the victim approached McKinneys home to deliver food on October 28, 2021. The defendant opened the door and as she was handed the food delivery, the victim heard her shout, Oh, s***, I didnt know she was out, as the Staffy sprung from the hallway and bit him on the side of his torso. Eventually the animal let go and ran towards a neighbours house. The victim could hear McKinney shouting at the Staffy, said the lawyer, adding that although the victim shouted for help, none was forthcoming so he drove himself to hospital. Coleraine Magistrates Court District Judge King confirmed he had seen the rather unpleasant photos of the wounds and subsequent scarring, while the lawyer confirmed the dog that attacked him was not licensed at the time. He told District Judge King that the council were seeking a ban on McKinney keeping any animals, as well as a destruction order for dog, but defence solicitor Garrett Greene said he was somewhat on the back foot, as the council had previously said they would not be asking for the dog to be destroyed. District Judge King said he would have been making that order, but my concern is to ensure a fair hearing so, given the earlier council stance, he would allow the dog to live. However, He told McKinney: It is clear that you are not a fit person to be involved in keeping or having a dog, let alone a dangerous dog. In addition to the probation order, McKinney was ordered to pay 276 towards costs and a further 250 compensation to the victim. A few minutes after the hearing concluded, McKinney returned and said she was willing for the dog to be put to sleep. The court heard that Boudahane was not used to driving in Dublin City Centre and had been filling in for a colleague on the city centre route An articulated truck driver who severed a pedestrians leg after he dragged the victim under the vehicle has avoided prison with a suspended sentence. Zahir Boudahane (50) Clonuske Green, Balbriggan, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke on OConnell Bridge, Dublin, on June 10, 2022. He has no previous convictions. The court heard that Boudahane was not used to driving in Dublin City Centre and had been filling in for a colleague on the city centre route. He was driving in the bus lane on Bachelors Walk before he broke a red light and took an illegal right-hand turn onto OConnell Bridge. Mr Burke was crossing the road at the time, having come from the Eden Quay direction, when Boudahanes vehicle struck him head on. The then 32-year-old was dragged under the front of the vehicle with the front wheel driving over his left leg before his foot went under the rear wheel. Mr Burke later told gardai he could see the bones in his left leg exposed and said there was blood everywhere. Passing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said Boudahanes moral culpability was at the lower end of the scale in that he had not been intoxicated and had not broken any speed limits. She said Boudahane was a professional truck driver with an unblemished record who cooperated fully at the scene, made admissions and submitted an early plea. Judge Crowe also noted that Boudahane has no previous convictions and that since the collision, he has lost his livelihood as he has not driven due to stress and depression. She set a headline sentence of two years, but in light of personal and mitigating circumstances, she reduced this to a fully-suspended sentence of 18 months. Boudahane was disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years. At a previous hearing, Garda Cathal Keon agreed with a suggestion from David Perry BL, prosecuting, that Mr Burkes leg had been effectively degloved when he was hit by the truck. Mr Burke was later treated in the Mater Hospital for what was deemed as catastrophic injuries to his leg. He required urgent surgical treatment which ultimately resulted in a below the knee amputation. There was no victim impact statement before the court as Mr Burke declined to make one. Gda Keon confirmed that he now uses a wheelchair. Gda Keon told Mr Perry that Boudahanes dashcam footage showed that he was driving at 17km/h at the time of impact and subsequent breath tests showed that he had no drugs or alcohol in his system. He had a full Irish driving license and his tachograph showed that he had no driver infringement on the day in question. Boudahane immediately stopped the truck and got out to check what had happened but he said people who were attending to Mr Burke were shouting at him so he got back into his cab. He said he was about to call the gardai himself when he noticed a patrol car in his wing mirror. Gda Keon confirmed that two days later, Boudahane made a voluntary statement at the garda station. He said he had been delivering clothes and furniture to a shop in the city centre that day. He said he had not seen the sign that indicated he could not turn right onto O'Connell Bridge. He said he didnt see Mr Burke crossing in front of him as he had been checking his mirrors and suggested that the man had been in his blind spot. Gda Keon agreed with Dominic McGinn SC, defending, that there was evidence from witnesses at the scene that Mr Burke smelled of alcohol. He further accepted that Boudahane has been on medication for stress since the accident and he no longer works as a truck driver. Mr McGinn acknowledged that the most aggravating factor in the case was the injury caused to Mr Burke. He accepted that the fact that his client was driving in a bus lane, broke a red light and took an illegal turn meant that he had infringed traffic regulations that day but submitted that there was no evidence of excessive speed or of intoxication. Mr McGinn said his client was a professional driver who was not familiar with the layout of this particular junction and that he was driving at an extraordinary low speed. He said his client behaved as one should at the scene and that he attended voluntarily at the station to give his account. He also asked the court to take into consideration the fact that he pleaded guilty and has no previous convictions. Judge Crowe noted that Boudahane has suffered from depression and stress since the collision and is on medication. The court heard he is married with a six-year-old child and that his wife is reliant on him for her own medical condition which requires frequent hospitalisation. Attendees applaud after announcement of UAE consensus during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal.(Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) DUBAI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. "It is an enhanced, balanced but make no mistake, a historic package to accelerate climate action. It is the UAE Consensus," said Al Jaber. The deal stipulates a slew of measures to cope with climate change regarding adaptation, finance, flexibility, and fossil fuels, among others. The president added that the plan is "a balanced plan that tackles emissions, bridges the gap on adaptation, reimagines global finance, and delivers on loss and damage," noting that it is built on the common ground, strengthened by inclusivity and reinforced by collaboration. Al Jaber expressed confidence that all of these crucial actions will help shape a better and cleaner world with greater and more equitable prosperity, urging steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible action. Also, he said the summit had delivered a paradigm shift that "has the potential to redefine our economies." Addressing the closing plenary of COP28, Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to COP28 and China's vice minister of ecology and environment, hailed that COP28 has provided a general direction for the next phase of global climate action. Zhao said the first-ever global stocktake of the Paris Agreement during COP28 has further consolidated the general global trend toward a green and low-carbon future. The consensus came after COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was extended beyond the official end time of midday Tuesday due to the deadlock over the previous draft text of a final agreement. This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees applaud after announcement of UAE consensus during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees are seen during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees applaud after announcement of UAE consensus during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees applaud after announcement of UAE consensus during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees are seen during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) Attendees applaud after announcement of UAE consensus during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during a closing plenary of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Dec. 13, 2023. COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a "historic" climate deal. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen) She then slagged deceased members of the gardai and said she wished my kids, if I had any, would die like that Stratford fella, Gda Lynn continued. A mother of five told a garda she hoped any children he had would die, like a deceased member of the force who had passed away from cancer. Joanne McCabe taunted the officer over the death of that Stratford fella, which he took to mean the late Garda Sergeant Kevin Stratford, a court heard. She hurled the insults outside a hospital where she had been trying to get to see her son during the Covid pandemic. Judge Bryan Smyth found her guilty of obstructing and failing to obey gardai, as well as threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. He fined her 300. McCabe, with an address at Portland Square, Dublin 1, had denied the charges. Garda Kevin Lynn told Dublin District Court he was called to the Mater Hospital on January 1 after McCabe had to be removed due to her behaviour. Her son was in the hospital but he was over 18. McCabe laughed at the garda, told him to f**k off six times and began to insult me and my family he said. She then slagged deceased members of the gardai and said she wished my kids, if I had any, would die like that Stratford fella, Gda Lynn continued. He told the court he took this as a reference to the late Sgt Kevin Stratford, who died in 2006. McCabe then threatened to break every window and door in the hospital, before resisting arrest and refusing to get into the garda van, he said. The accused said in evidence she and her son suffered from brittle bone disease. He also had asthma and she just wanted to get him from the hospital as he was in a Covid ward, which was potentially fatal for him, she said. She alleged the garda used excessive force and threw her into the van. She denied saying anything about Sgt Stratford and said she did not know him. Judge Smyth said he preferred the gardas evidence and McCabes behaviour was not warranted. Defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury said McCabe was a mother at her wits end on the day. She simply wanted to be heard and despite her protestations, it did not seem anyone was listening. The incident was triggered by genuine concern for her child and McCabe did not intend to cause any offence. Detective Garda Gavin O'Gara told the court gardai received information that Byrne was using a house at the address to store and distribute drugs. A man caught with more than 280,000 worth of heroin in what he described as an effing set up has been jailed for four years. Clinton Byrne (41), currently in custody in Mountjoy Prison, appeared before Judge Elma Sheahan in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday having pleaded guilty to possession of more than 280,000 worth of heroin for sale or supply in Milford Manor, Station Road, Clondalkin on April 26, 2023. Detective Garda Gavin O'Gara told the court gardai received information that Byrne was using a house at the address to store and distribute drugs. Surveillance was put in place and a search warrant was attained. On April 26, gardai arrived to the location and saw Byrne outside the house. They searched him and found 3,985 in cash, a weighing scale and a block of heroin weighing half a kilo. He was arrested at the scene. Byrne told gardai there were more drugs in the back of a car parked by the house. Three more packages of heroin weighing just over 1.5kg were found inside that car. The total street value of the heroin seized was 280,630. The court heard Byrne told gardai he was only holding the stuff for a few hours and that it was an effing set up. Inside the house gardai found a small amount of cannabis worth 142 which Byrne also pleaded guilty to possessing. In garda interview, Byrne read out a statement where he apologised and said he wanted to take responsibility for the drugs seized. He said that he had an addiction to gambling and cocaine and had accrued a debt. Byrne's brother, Bill, told the court it was a complete and utter shock to hear what his brother did. He said he believed his brother was in a psychosis at the time of offending and that he wasn't rational. In the past, he said he had directed his brother towards Gamblers Anonymous. He told the court Byrne had tried to seek help, but didn't know how to go about it. Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, said there was no suggestion that he was involved in any management level of the drug trade. He said: They were not his drugs. His involvement was fuelled by accumulated debts and that was something which was taken full advantage of by the people who owned the drugs. Mr O Higgins said his client had grown up in difficult circumstances but has a good work history and that there was a strong possibility of rehabilitation. He said his client had expressed strong remorse and asked the court to be as lenient as the circumstances permit. Byrne has 78 previous convictions. 72 of those are for road traffic matters, with the rest consisting of district court convictions for public order, theft and possession of knives or other articles. In sentencing, Judge Sheahan said the seriousness of the offense was an aggravating factor. However, she said she would consider how the accused has dealt with the circumstances. Judge Sheahan said the mitigating factors included the very early plea of guilty, Byrne's cooperation upon arrest, that the previous convictions were not drug related and the level of offending Byrne was operating at. She said Byrne has been a productive member of society in the past but that this is a serious offence given the nature and quantity of the drugs. Judge Sheahan handed down a sentence of four and a half years' imprisonment but suspended the final six months on strict conditions. Raul Rodriguez Ramirez (36) used the money to invest in a restaurant business, which failed during the pandemic The owner of an agency specialising in facilitating students wishing to study at English language schools in Dublin has been given extra time to reimburse students he defrauded. Raul Rodriguez Ramirez (36) defrauded 18 students of almost 30,000 in total. He used the money to invest in a restaurant business, which failed during the pandemic, instead of using it to directly book their courses. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Ramirez had set up the agency business in 2018 and until 2020 it had run legitimately, assisting international students in securing English language courses. Keith Spencer BL, defending, told Judge Orla Crowe that Ramirez had 14,050 in court and was seeking further time to gather the balance to reimburse the students in full as a gesture of remorse. He told the court that the bulk of the money came from Ramirezs father and the rest from friends. Mr Spencer said if his clients passport was returned, he could accrue the extra sum more effectively. He said while Ramirez is in Ireland he is dependent on peoples goodwill, but he could at a push try to work from here to gather the balance of the money. Judge Crowe said she was not minded to return Ramirezs passport but she would adjourn the case until March 21 next to allow him to endeavour to put together a more complete token of remorse. Ramirez, with an address of Stearne House, Patricks Street, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to inducing 18 foreign language students to pay sums of money with intent to make a gain for himself on dates between June 2020 and June 2021. He has no previous convictions. At a previous hearing earlier this month the students outlined in victim impact statements how they were at a loss of between 1,100 and 3,800 each. Some students then had to pay the colleges again directly. The total amount involved was 29,042. The court heard how not having a place secured at a college put the victims student visas at risk. One student ended up sleeping in a church doorway for two nights and had no money for food as she was unable to work without a valid visa. Another had to pay for surgery herself as she was unable to get insurance when she was not registered with a college. The court heard of the devastating psychological and emotional difficulties encountered by the students, most of whom were alone in the country and did not have good English. The students described having to borrow money from compatriots or relatives for food or rent. One student described how they had not had enough money to travel to their home country to visit his mother before she died. He said he was shattered emotionally and psychologically by events. Detective Garda Paul Griffin told David Perry BL, prosecuting, that Ramirez, originally from Guadalajara, sent up an agency in 2018 with offices in Dublin and Mexico. The company acted as an intermediary between students and English schools in Dublin. The company would get 20pc to 30pc commission for each student placed in a course. Gda Griffin said the company operated legitimately, employing four people, until 2020 when Ramirez began to take the payments from the 18 injured parties on a fraudulent basis. The students contacted the agency in order to secure a college place and paid the fee requested by Ramirez by bank transfer or cash. They believed that they were then enrolled in a course. Ramirez had told some of the students they were getting a discount if they paid quickly and some described feeling pressurised to make the payments. They received contracts by email. The students' money was not used to secure their place on course, with many of them having to contact the colleges themselves to find out their fees had not been paid and they had no course. The court heard some of the students attempted to contact Ramirez to find out what was happening. He stopped communicating with most students and told others he had spent the money but would return their money when he sold his business. The students involved were from countries including Mexico, Bolivia, Japan and South Korea. Gardai became aware that Ramirez, who had returned to Mexico, was back in Ireland in October 2022 and made contact with him. He came to speak to gardai by arrangement. Ramirez made full admissions during garda interview. He told gardai he had established the agency in 2018 and as it was going well, he decided to open a Mexican restaurant. This did not do as well as expected and was impacted by the pandemic. Ramirez said he took money from the agency to pay the restaurant bills. He was then using money from later students to pay the college fees for earlier students already in the system. Ramirez said he thought he would have enough time to get everyones money back. He said he had returned to Mexico with 50 euro in his pocket and had made efforts to raise money but was unsuccessful. I think the students think I took money and went away, he told gardai, but at the time I lost everything. I feel bad as I did bad things and made bad decisions Gda Griffin agreed with Mr Spencer that he did not believe Ramirez was intentionally scamming the students at the start. Mr Spencer submitted his client was borrowing from Peter to pay Paul and it all caught up. The garda agreed with counsel that it would have been difficult to extradite Ramirez after he returned to Mexico. Gardai became aware he was travelling in Europe with a friend, who was paying for the travel, and he made contact with gardai when requested. He agreed Ramirez has remained in Ireland since his arrest and charge, relying on friends. Mr Spencer submitted this was a case that would not have occurred if not for the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic and said it was against that backdrop the offences were committed. He said Ramirez had been borrowing from one person to pay another and when the pandemic went on for an extended time he was unable to keep treading water. He said Ramirez was not making himself out to be a victim, but was in some shape or form a victim of the pandemic. Counsel said his client had an unblemished record until now. He said on his return to Mexico he had spent time in a mental health facility before travelling with his friend. He said he was not living the high life. He said Ramirez is deeply regretful and intends to put things right. Ramirez took the stand and made an apology to his 18 victims. He said it was not his intention to cause them problems and he was going to work hard to repay them. He told the court he was unable to work in Ireland due to his visa but has some work organising music events in Mexico. Its the second case before the coroners court in a week where evidence of delays by Temple St staff was heard in relation to a child, who later died of sepsis Family photograph of four-year-old Ahana Singh with her parents, Varum and Nalini (Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins) Varun Singh, father of the late Ahana Singh (4) pictured this evening leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court (Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) An inquest has heard that staff at a childrens hospital in Dublin failed to react to a number of red flags indicating sepsis in a young girl, who died 12 hours after being discharged from its emergency department A verdict of medical misadventure was returned in relation to the death of Ahana Singh (4) at her home at Venetian Hall Apartments in Killester, Dublin, on December 3, 2022. She had moved with her parents from India to Ireland just two months earlier. A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court was told how blood was coming out of the girls nose and mouth as her parents were trying to resuscitate her. She had become unresponsive after returning home from Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street in Dublin, where she had been diagnosed with a suspected chest infection. Lawyers for Ahanas parents, Varun and Nalini Singh, claimed staff had failed to react to a number of red flags, including a persistent fast heartbeat, that the young girl had sepsis while she was in the hospital. At the outset of the hearing, counsel for CHI, Rory White BL, apologised for the care that had been provided to the girl at Temple Street as well as the hurt that arose out of her tragic death. Mr White noted a review commissioned into the circumstances of her death had already contained an apology. Post-mortem results showed Ahana died from Strep A infection, which can lead to sepsis, with a severe form of pneumonia as a contributory factor. It was the second case before coroner Clare Keane in the space of a week to hear evidence that there had been delays by staff at Temple Street in considering that a child, who subsequently died, had sepsis. Family photograph of four-year-old Ahana Singh with her parents, Varum and Nalini (Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins) Phoenix Graham-Hayden (2) from Malahide, Co Dublin died in the hospital on November 3, 2022, from Strep A infection just over 48 hours after being sent home from its emergency department. Ahanas parents described how their daughter, who had no previous medical conditions, became unwell in the week before her death with a cough and a fever. Ms Singh recounted how her daughter vomited for the first time in her life in a taxi on the way to Temple Street. She claimed a doctor told her that Ahana had a chest infection and only time will solve it. Her daughter was discharged around 5am on December 3 last year with a prescription for medicine to treat fever, pain and vomiting. There was no tests carried out, even though all the symptoms occurred inside the hospital, her husband told the inquest. Within a few hours of returning home, Ms Singh said her daughter became unconscious and her lips had gone blue. She fought back tears as she recalled trying to clear blood away from her daughter as she tried to resuscitate her while lying on a blood-stained sheet. Varun Singh, father of the late Ahana Singh (4) pictured this evening leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court (Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) The moment I began CPR, blood came from her mouth, nose and through her teeth, she sobbed before adding: We tried everything. The inquest heard the couple were unable to see their daughter for the rest of the day in order to allow gardai to determine that there had been no foul play. Questioned by her counsel, Sara Antoniotti SC, Ms Singh said they were never told by hospital staff that Ahana had a fast heart rate. A triage nurse, Eithne Friery, said she had assessed Ahana as not warranting consideration of sepsis because, although she had a fast pulse, she did not appear unwell. The inquest was told that the categorisation of the girls condition meant she should have been examined by a doctor within an hour but it took three hours and 50 minutes before it happened. Ms Friery, who revealed she learned about Ahanas death only a few months ago, said she had advised Ms Singh to come back to her if her daughters condition deteriorated while waiting to be seen by a doctor. She repeatedly stressed that the volume of children seeking treatment in the hospital meant it was difficult for staff to check that they were seen within recommended timelines. The nurse admitted she had not recorded that Ahana had a temperature of 40C the previous day because she would take note only of what she would clinically observe herself. She told Ms Antoniotti she had not informed Ms Singh about her daughters fast heartbeat because such information was irrelevant to parents. Solmi Lee, a registrar who examined Ahana, told the inquest that a majority of children attending the hospital at the time with similar symptoms did not have sepsis and had responded well to treatment. Dr Lee said she had not wanted to jump into IV fluids and antibiotics straight away in the care of Ahana and did not want to over-investigate or over-treat her. While she had considered sepsis, Dr Lee accepted it was not based on the girls elevated heart rate. Dr Lee said that when she saw Ahana a second time she was looking better and had taken fluids so she felt that she had to make a decision there and then on what to do. She accepted she had discharged the girl without checking her vital signs but explained she had repeated an examination of the girls physical signs, which had been a concern. Questioned whether hospital staff had received any training about sepsis recognition during November 2022, following the death of another child in similar circumstances, Dr Lee recalled there had been an internal review for learning points but was unsure when it had taken place. A consultant in emergency medicine at Temple Street, Roisin McNamara, accepted that Ahana would probably have survived if she had got early intervention to treat sepsis because the information was there. However, Dr McNamara stressed it was an extremely virulent, rapidly-evolving infection. She also outlined how a number of changes had taken place in the hospital following Ahanas death, including increased staffing levels, which had resulted in patients being monitored more frequently. However, Dr McNamara accepted there was still room for improvement in monitoring of children who had a prolonged stay in emergency departments. The consultant claimed last winter had been extremely difficult in all emergency departments with 162 children having presented in Temple Street over the 24-hour period that Ahana had been there. Returning a verdict of medical misadventure, Dr Keane said she would endorse the recommendations contained in the internal hospital report into Ahanas death. She welcomed that some changes had already been implemented while others including a system that would flag abnormal vital signs in a patient were due to be introduced in early 2024. At the same time, the coroner observed that staff treating Ahana had the necessary information to diagnose sepsis, which unfortunately was not recognised. Dr Keane called for a mandatory review of a patients vital signs prior to discharge from emergency departments. Speaking on behalf of Ahanas parents, Ms Antoniotti said they hoped nothing similar will ever happen to another family. Max Singleton and Luke Kennedy appeared in court charged over the incident at Foot Locker on Mary Street in the early hours of this morning Two teenagers have been accused of burgling a shop in central Dublin where more than 3,000 worth of clothing was allegedly stolen. Max Singleton and Luke Kennedy, both aged 18, appeared in Dublin District Court charged over the incident at Foot Locker on Mary Street in the early hours of this morning. Judge Bryan Smyth granted them bail on condition they stay out of the city centre, and adjourned the case for the directions of the DPP to be given. Mr Singleton of Ballinclare, Ballycanew and Mr Kennedy of Cois Doire, both in Gorey, Co Wexford, are charged with burglary. A garda said he arrested the accused this morning and brought them to Store Street station, where they made no reply to the charges after caution. They were handed copies of the charge sheets, the garda said. He objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations. The garda said there was a large quantity of clothing allegedly stolen - worth 3,240. There was also an estimated 1,000 worth of damage caused, he said. Solicitor John Quinn applied for bail for Mr Singleton while Andrew Broderick solicitor made an application on behalf of Mr Kennedy. Judge Smyth set bail at 200 in each case, with no cash lodgment required. Under conditions, the accused must sign on daily at Gorey Garda Station and be contactable by mobile phone. Mr Kennedy was told to stay out of Dublin, after the court heard he had no reason to be in the city. Mr Singleton, whose mother lives in Phibsborough, is to stay out of Dublin 1 and 2. Mr Kennedy is to have no contact with Mr Singleton. The accused, who have not yet entered pleas to the charges, were remanded on bail to appear in court again on a date in February. Legal aid was granted after statements of the accuseds financial means were submitted to the court. At approximately 1am, four people entered a business premises on Henry Street and removed a large amount of property Two teenagers have been arrested after a break-in at a business on Henry Street, Dublin 1 in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Both suspects, aged in their late teens, have since been charged in relation to the burglary and are due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice, this morning at 10.30am. Gardai said that at approximately 1am, four people entered a business premises on Henry Street and removed a large amount of property. Gardai located two males a short distance away with this property and both men were arrested and taken to a garda station in the city centre of Dublin where they were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, a garda spokesperson said. Both men have since been charged in relation to this burglary and are due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice, this morning Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 10.30am. Gardai added that investigations are ongoing. The 28-year-old showed his genitals to the youngsters - two girls aged 15 and another aged 13 - as he touched himself and asked them: Do you want to see my penis? An Irish pervert who exposed himself to teenage girls in a Spanish holiday resort has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence. The 28-year-old showed his genitals to the youngsters - two girls aged 15 and another aged 13 - as he touched himself and asked them: Do you want to see my penis? He was convicted of a crime of exhibitionism after striking a plea bargain deal with prosecutors and admitting wrongdoing. The trial went ahead as a formality yesterday at a court in the Mallorcan capital Palma, with the self-confessed flasher confessing to his actions and accepting his punishment in a brief appearance via videoconference. The unnamed Irishman was arrested shortly after the unsavoury incident around 7pm on September 9 last year in the Mallorcan holiday resort of Santa Ponsa. He exposed himself to the teenage girls near the main strip of the resort, Ramon de Montcada Street which is its liveliest area and is packed with bars and several restaurants. The arrest was made by town hall-employed local police. The detainee was bailed and allowed to return to Ireland despite being charged. Before yesterdays trial, he had already handed over 1,500 to the courts as compensation for his actions which has already been handed to the girls parents. They suffered anxiety disorders as a result of the incident, local paper Ultima Hora reported. The Irishmans lawyer requested the suspension of the six-month prison sentence he was handed, and it was approved by the judge on the condition he doesn't commit another crime in Spain in the next two years. The court heard he was drunk when he exposed himself in front of the teenagers, and that was taken into account as a mitigating circumstance. The nationalities of the girls he showed his genitals to are not known. Harri Pullen was later transferred to HMP Manchester when authorities became suspicious over his relationships with staff A banged-up drug dealer who had flooded the streets of South Wales with cocaine and heroin had inappropriate relationships with a prison nurse and guard while behind bars, a court has heard. Harri Pullen allegedly had flings with prison nurse Elyse Hibbs and another female member of prison staff while he was locked up. Pullen was jailed for five years in 2019 for his role in a drugs gang and spent time in HMP Parc in in Mid Glamorgan, Wales. However, he was later transferred to HMP Manchester when authorities became suspicious over his relationships with staff. It has since emerged that he allegedly had flings with nurse Hibbs (25) and 26-year-old prison officer Ruth Shmylo. Convicted drug dealer Harri Pullen Hibbs has already been jailed after admitting flirtatious phone calls with "manipulative" Pullen. Shmylo is currently on trial after denying misconduct in a public office over the alleged fling with Pullen (25) while working at a category B prison, according to the Mirror. She is accused of having phone sex with inmate Pullen and meeting with his mother during their alleged behind-bars romance. Pullen's identity was revealed at a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court in January ahead of Shmylo's current trial. Claire Wilks, defending, said Shmylo was a very pretty 23-year-old who was at risk of being manipulated by Pullen. Wilks is quoted by Dail Mai as saying: He was a convicted drug dealer, it was an intelligence led operation, he's the member of an organised crime group. All those factors lead him to being a high risk and whilst he was in custody he was known to be a risk. A court was told Pullen came into contact with Hibbs and Shmylo while still in custody at HMP Parc. Hibbs, a qualified health worker, met the prisoner while giving him medical treatment and he contacted her on Instagram. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said Pullen was transferred to HMP Manchester jail after prison bosses suspected the inmate was involved in an inappropriate relationship at the prison. Investigators then found Hibbs' phone number on his approved calls list for inmates. Mr Cobbe said: "Having been moved the inmate's calls were monitored in HMP Manchester and it was quite plain the relationship with this defendant had was being nurtured by the inmate. :He contacted the defendant very many times and the bulk of it occurred when she was employed at HMP Parc." Mr Cobbe said the inmate used his mother and a friend to initiate contact with Hibbs after he searched for her on Instagram. "The calls between them were flirtatious, Mr Cobbe said. "They talk about the prison, staff within the prison, he tells her that he loves her and she tells him he doesn't know her to love her. "She tells him that she loves him too. The calls included references to the defendant's existing partner and the inmate continuously suggested he would replace him and be in a relationship with her." Elyse Hibbs Cardiff Crown Court heard back in January that the two swapped messages on Instagram by contacting each other through an account held by the inmate's friend. Hibbs, who was arrested a week after she quit her post at HMP Parc in July 2021, admitted exchanging messages with the prisoner. She told police she was scared to end the contact after he had previously threatened her. Pullen had been handed a further four years and nine months after a hidden phone was discovered up his backside when he was being transferred from HMP Manchester to Swansea Prison in preparation for his release. Shmylo denies an alleged affair with the same prisoner while she was employed as a custody officer at HMP Parc prison. The trial continues. Douglas Moore (43) was arrested and charged with various firearm offences as well as being under the influence of alcohol A Florida man who became agitated by his neighbours Christmas parade fired off a number of gunshots that led to the local SWAT team arriving and taking him down. Douglas Moore (43) was arrested and charged with various firearm offences was well as being under the influence of alcohol after the incident that unfolded in the town of Middleburg, located about 45km southwest of Jacksonville. last Saturday. According to an arrest affidavit from the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Moore had become "agitate by the activities generated by parade attendees as the Middleburg Christmas Parade got underway. He then discharged a pistol several times while walking onto a property where a group of people were gathered. A police deputy who had been working at the parade heard the gunshots, and alerted fellow officers and a SWAT Team that rushed to a location along the parade route. Nobody was injured in the incident while an arrest affidavit noted that no witnesses had entered Moore's property. According to deputies, when they approached the back of the property, they saw several people yelling at the suspect, who was later identified as Moore. They were demanding to know why he was shooting a gun at them, according to the police affidavit. When Moore allegedly refused to comply with deputies' orders to get on the ground, he was arrested and put into custody. Deputies also observed Moore's slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, the affidavit said. Moore was transported to the Clay County Jail and faces six counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. "I am thankful for the quick response by the deputies who ran towards the sound of gunfire to keep our community safe," Sheriff Michelle Cook said in a statement. Equality Minister Roderic OGorman said he didnt envisage large numbers of Ukrainians arriving here in the weeks before the new regime kicks in Cuts to welfare and accommodation for new Ukrainian refugees will result in a fall in the numbers arriving in Ireland and will not lead to an increase in homelessness, Equality Minister Roderic OGorman has said. Mr OGorman was speaking after the Cabinet signed off on plans to put a 90-day limit on State accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine from early next year and cut weekly welfare from 220 to 38.80. The Green Party TD said there is no requirement for a contingency plan if Ukrainians cannot leave after 90 days. It's my belief that that's not going to become a major issue, he said at a press conference in his department today. I don't believe we will be seeing Ukrainians staying after the 90 days because we've been making it very clear that our commitment now on the accommodation side is a 90-day commitment and doesnt go on for longer. He added: I havent put in place a contingency plan because I dont believe the issue will arise. Under the changes, that will take effect from late January or early February, new Ukrainian arrivals will be accommodated in reception centres for 90 days with meals and laundry and will be able to avail of integration supports. Social welfare will be paid at 38.80 per week for adults and 29.80 for children and they will be entitled to access medical cards and monthly child benefit. Those who leave state-provided accommodation will be entitled to normal rates of social welfare including 220-aweek in jobseekers allowance. Mr OGorman said people who are medically vulnerable will be triaged out of accommodation. He said it is already the case that people leave accommodation everyday including those who are asked to leave for anti-social reasons or because they are not contributing to the cost. Mr OGorman said that the new regime represents a significant change in our offering. He said there will be a communications campaign through embassies, NGOs and other networks to let people know there is a change in policy with a limit on accommodation and setting out the realities of the problems in the private rental market. I think a consequence of the changes we're making will probably be lower numbers, I think that's likely, he said, adding later that he did not believe it will lead to an increase in the number of homeless people in Ireland." Mr OGorman said the reductions in welfare will require legislative change either by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys or Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Mr OGorman said that he did not expect the several weeks it will take to implement the changes will lead to large numbers arriving before the new regime kicks in. Numbers have decreased somewhat since mid-October, he said. I can't predict and we can never absolutely predict but certainly the discussion of a change didn't prompt a spike. Earlier, Finance Minister Michael McGrath said there will be exceptions for sick or vulnerable Ukrainian children and families from the new 90-day state accommodation limit. "There will be cases where, due to exceptional circumstances, where somebody has medical needs or a child has additional needs, that the provision of state-supported accommodation may need to be extended for a longer period," Mr McGrath told reporters in Dublin this afternoon. "It is important that we do have a degree of flexibility in that regard. "Everybody knows that we are under real strain in relation to finding new accommodation, as people a continue to come here, and of course we have an increasing number of people seeking international protection as well," Mr McGrath continued. "We have to get the balance right and we have to ensure that Ireland is not an outlier in relation to the overall offer and the overall package of supports that is available to people fleeing the war. "People continue to be welcome here, but they need to understand that we are in a very challenging environment in relation to the provision of accommodation." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government intends to cut financial support for those fleeing the war in Ukraine that are in receipt of state accommodation from the end of January. He said the measures would bring Ireland in line with other EU countries at a time of severe strain on the housing sector. Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said the Government would work with arrivals and NGOs to find other accommodation during that 90-day period, adding: Many different possibilities arise, taking up employment where possible - which many Ukrainians have done and do provide their own accommodation, pledged accommodation and staying with people they know and networks." He said if people move out of state accommodation after or before the 90-day window they will be assessed for social welfare like any Irish citizen, including eligibility for the rent allowance, but not social housing or the housing assistance payment. He was responding as opposition TDs branded the cuts to social welfare payments as shameful. While Sinn Fein has welcomed the changes, the partys leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Taoiseach that she was "very concerned" that the Government had no plans to house the arrivals for 90 days, to secure temporary accommodation, or for where the international-protection applicants would go once the 90-day window ended. She said there was a "major embedded housing capacity problem" in Ireland and asked if the Ukrainians would have to find a home in a system that is "already at breaking point". "People can't find rented accommodation for love nor money and when they do the rents are extortionate. Or will Ukrainian people be given a tent and told to take their chances on the streets?" She said the decision to change the supports was taken at a time when the housing system is broken, overwhelmed and "creaking at the seams". Mr Varadkar replied that the Government was "confident" it would be able to provide accommodation for the initial 90 days. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett described the changes as shameful saying the Government is essentially trying to deflect away from their own failure to deal with the housing and accommodations crisis and scapegoating people who are fleeing war. Whats needed is for them to, as a matter of urgency, to radically change their approach in delivering housing, he said. He said it is reasonable to say migrants should be supported in getting work but said the biggest problem they face is the lack of affordable childcare. He said it is really unacceptable that vulnerable women and children may be made homeless as a result of having no housing after 90 days. Labour TD Ged Nash said the decision to cut housing and welfare is an admission of failure. Its a very, very dramatic fall and its going to have a serious impact especially on women and children, he said. Mr Nash said he wants to see the full analysis done by the Government when new legislation is brought forward early in the next year. This is a long war and a complex set of situations but also one that has compassion and humanity, this needs to be informed by those principles. Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire said the numbers of Ukrainians coming in to Ireland is putting massive pressure on the system. "We agree with the Government that welfare payments should be brought down in line with the payments made to international protection applicants, he said. "There needs to be a more uniform approach across the EU regarding what is provided in each State so that there isnt secondary movement from other States." The front gate of the building of the Polish prime minister's chancellery is pictured in Warsaw, Poland, on Dec. 12, 2023. The government led by Donald Tusk secured a vote of confidence on Tuesday in the 460-seat Sejm, the lower house of Poland's parliament, gaining 248 votes of support and 201 against. (Xinhua/Chen Chen) WARSAW, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The government led by Donald Tusk secured a vote of confidence on Tuesday in the 460-seat Sejm, the lower house of Poland's parliament, gaining 248 votes of support and 201 against. Tusk, who was elected as prime minister in a Monday evening parliamentary vote after the outgoing government led by Mateusz Morawiecki failed to secure a vote of confidence, will lead a coalition government formed by three major opposition groupings. Preceding the vote, Tusk presented his government's plans and the composition of the new Council of Ministers. Emphasizing priority areas, Tusk highlighted legislative measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and teachers, among others. A key focus of the new government will be unblocking funds from the European Union (EU), with Tusk pledging to go to Brussels and "bring back billions of euros," referring to EU recovery funds frozen due to the rule of law dispute. The swearing-in ceremony of Tusk's cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning. A statue of Poland's former Prime Minister Jan Olszewski is pictured outside the building of the Polish prime minister's chancellery in Warsaw, Poland, on Dec. 12, 2023. The government led by Donald Tusk secured a vote of confidence on Tuesday in the 460-seat Sejm, the lower house of Poland's parliament, gaining 248 votes of support and 201 against. (Xinhua/Chen Chen) Father of one Dariusz Michalak (34) lost his life in a road traffic collision in Ballyjamesduff County Cavan Tributes have been paid to a Polish national who lost his life in a road accident in county Cavan on Saturday night. Father of one Dariusz Michalak (34) lost his life in a road traffic collision in Ballyjamesduff County Cavan on Saturday evening. He has been described by locals who knew him as a very hard worker, and a family man. He had been living in the Granard Road area of Ballyjamesduff, in County Cavan. Mr Michalak, who worked in the painting and decorating business, moved to Cavan with his wife from Dublin last year and have previously lived in Waterford. The couple have an infant child under 12 months. Mr Michalak tragically lost his life following a fatal road accident shortly before midnight on Saturday, December 9th when the van he was driving struck a wall at Finaway (R194), between Ballyjamesduff and Killyfassy Cross. Units from Cavan and Bailieborough Garda stations attended at the scene along with local Ambulance and Fire services. Mr Michalak however was pronounced dead at the scene, from where his body was removed to Cavan General Hospital. He is survived by wife Dominika, his son Kajetan, his parents Witold and Anna, brother Rafal, sister Magdalena. Dariusz's removal will take place on Saturday 16th December to The Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, arriving for Requiem Mass at 10am after which Dariusz will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with video footage (dash-cam etc) who may have been travelling the R194 around the time of the collision, to contact Cavan Garda Station 049-4368800. He was originally from Raheny in north Dublin but moved to the United States in 2000 and became a dual Irish-American citizen. Graham Dale (45) is understood to have died last Friday, December 8, while fighting for the Ukrainian Army. A Dublin man who previously fought with the US Marines during the Iraq war has been killed in conflict in Ukraine. Graham Dale (45) is understood to have died last Friday, December 8, while fighting for the Ukrainian Army. He was originally from Raheny in north Dublin but moved to the United States in 2000 and became a dual Irish-American citizen. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said they were aware of the death and were providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases, the spokesperson added. The details of how he was killed or in what part of the country his death occurred have not yet been released. Following the September 11 terror attacks he enlisted in the Marines and later served on a number of tours in Iraq. His time in combat was detailed in the book The Green Marine: An Irishmans War in Iraq. The book, written with Sunday World journalist Neil Fetherstonhaugh, was based on a journal of his deployment in the country and published in 2009. Mr Dale later relocated to Cedar Park, a suburb in Austin, Texas, where he worked as a computer network engineer. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russian war he travelled to Poland to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees fleeing the violence. However, in an interview with a US television station in May 2022, the Marine veteran said he felt compelled to assist Ukrainian forces. This is somewhere that Ive been to on vacation before. To me, this is an attack on all of Europe, he said of the Russian offensive. And I felt compelled with my current skillset and so forth that I could help in anyway I could, he added. Tributes have been paid to the Dubliner with one friend, Christina Isaac, sharing her devastation of the news. It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend, Graham Dale, she wrote on Facebook. If you knew Graham, you might already be aware that, when the conflict in Ukraine began, he flew over to offer his assistance. "He eventually joined the Ukrainian Army and tragically lost his life on Friday, December 8. Currently, I lack further details, but he left this earth exactly the way he wanted to. His remains are being transported back to his homeland in Ireland. This absolutely breaks my heart. He was a great guy. Thank you for putting out the information. He will definitely be missed, another person wrote. She also described him as a sweet and kind man who had a rough exterior as well as a huge heart. In his book, Graham Dale detailed how he grew up in Raheny and secured a Green card before moving to Texas. He was volunteering with a Texan fire department when two planes hit the World Trade centre on 9/11. That day was the catalyst," he told the Irish Independent in 2008. "To know that firemen and innocent people had been murdered, kids orphaned. I'm a very reactive person. I take things personally. Even when I was a child, if one kid was hitting another kid I felt a moral duty to say 'stop that'. I really never subscribed to the idea that it's someone else's job to look after things." Speaking about enlisting with the Marines, he said: They looked at me sideways. One of the guys asked me, 'are you lost?' but I found it surprisingly easy to sign up. Recruiting stations in America are like McDonald's, they seem to be on every corner." He served in Iraq where, in 2005, his platoon was hit by a suicide bomber and one of his friends was killed. The experience left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "When my friend got killed that was the hardest. It's still difficult. Things like that just don't happen every day, he later said of the incident. A number of other Irish men have also been killed while fighting in the Ukraine war. In April, Finbar Cafferky (40s), from Achill Island, died while fighting in the east of the country. Mr Cafferky had previously fought with an arm of the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS. He took part in the Shell to Sea protests against the Corrib Gas project and, in later years, worked in Copenhagen on a construction project. The previous September Rory Mason (25), from County Meath, died while fighting with the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region. In a statement after his death the Mason family said: "Rory was a private young man of drive, purpose and conviction. Those who fought alongside Rory speak of a truly brave and courageous man who could have left at any time but chose not to". However, other costs, including the design and construction of the new chancery and furnishing it, will bring the total to $688.8 million, a notice informs Congress The US Government is to spend nearly $700 million (649m) on the demolition of the former Jurys Hotel in Dublin to make way for a new embassy in Ireland. According to the EMEA Tribune news site, the Biden administration has notified Congress that it intends to buy the hotel, demolish it and construct new buildings on the site. The department informed lawmakers that it plans to buy the former hotel in Dublins upscale Ballsbridge neighbourhood for $171 million. However, other costs, including the design and construction of the new chancery and furnishing it, will bring the total to $688.8 million, a notice informs Congress. The report adds that the 4.2 acre property is located just a block from the existing US Embassy in the Irish capital, which dates to the 1960s. It adds that the State Department has said the current embassy, located across the street on the junction of Elgin and Pembroke roads, is no longer suitable as it is well beyond its useful life, is too small for our operational needs, and is not functional in its layout. The new compound will include the embassy, a residence for Marine guards, support facilities and parking, the notice adds. While there is no estimate for when the project would be completed, it is believed that there would be 189 employees at the new embassy in 2028, with at least 109 requiring office space. According to reports, the US has been planning to relocate its embassy in Dublin for more than a decade. The Ballsbridge site had become the preferred option after authorities here in Ireland approved zoning and other changes last year. The Irish Time previously reported how the old Jurys Hotel in Ballsbridge had been sold to developer Sean Dunne in 2005 for 240 million. When the developer lodged plans that would turn Ballsbridge into a mini version of Knightsbridge in London, according to observers, it was met with objections from locals, who expressed concern over the scale of a proposed development that included apartments, offices, a hotel and shops. However, the property bubble burst in 2008 scuppered plans for Dunnes Ballsbridge scheme. The site was then acquired in 2015 Joe O'Reilly's Chartered Land and its backers through a deal with Dunne's lender Ulster Bank. Chartered Land proposed a more low-key development, the paper reported, and apartments were built on a part of the site that was occupied by the Berkeley Court Hotel, leaving the newly-named Ballsbridge Hotel open for business. Other reports indicate that the embassy is now engaged in a series of inspections and checks at the site as part of the final stages of negotiations with the current owner, Chartered Land. Embassy officials are said to be actively involved in the process, as they conduct inspections and assessments to ensure the suitability of the site for their new diplomatic headquarters. They say Christmas is about giving not receiving. But most people are pretty excited to see the presents under the tree. On the streets of Wellington, around half the people we spoke say they were happy with their Christmas presents. The other half had some memorable mishaps. One man had got a hat with their name on it in glitter pen. "I think I was about 12 and my cousin got the same hat and she was one year old." A Wellingtonian woman meanwhile got four pairs of men's size 36 apple bottom jeans from her father when she was eight or nine. "One other Christmas he gave me a cardboard box with a yoga book from his house and a bunch of bananas and a rain jacket," the woman says. Of those RNZ spoke to, men were significantly worse offenders than woman when it came to buying gifts. They didn't have to be, says broadcaster and former Christmas in the Park MC Petra Bagust. "I think men often want to surprise and delight the woman of their lives, whether it's their mom or their daughters or their wives. "But actually, women often know what they want, and I think that it can be truly, profoundly helpful for us to set the fellas up to get gifts we want them to get. "We can take a photo of the thing we love, we can have a shared note on our phone, we can literally give the men the intel that they need to succeed." In her family, online shopping had revolutionised her husband's gift buying abilities, she says. Her daughter meanwhile provided a list of wants, with direct links. And it was safe to say a dust buster wasn't on anyone's list. "I do not want anything for the kitchen or any cleaning appliance. I do not want something that has a really purposeful function," she says. "For Christmas, I want a pop of colour, a spark of joy, something to read or relax with." It was also the thought that counted, says Petra. "If somebody's paid attention and given me something they think I'll like that matters more than the gift." People also needed to be kinder to themselves when the Christmas pressure hit, says Petra. "Part of my challenge now with Christmas is making each step an enjoyable part of the celebration rather than just beating myself into a pulp and expecting to arrive at Christmas Day in good condition." That could include not feeling guilty about leaving gifts until late or making gifts part of a fun group activity, she says. Meanwhile, Last year it saw 56,000 listed between 1 December 2022 and 31 January 2023, says Trade Me. By 9am on Christmas Day, 4300 of those had already been listed on Trade Me, says spokesperson Millie Silvester. "Some of our most viewed unwanted gifts last year included an empty Roses chocolates wrapper of 'disappointment' that sold for $200 and a sterling silver bracelet given to someone who is allergic to sterling silver." They also saw a lot of duplicates where the receiver got what they wanted... more than once, says Silvester. Back on the streets of Wellington, the main gifts people didn't want were any household appliances, or generic gifts like socks and toiletries. Krystal Gibbens/ RNZ A new Genesis survey has revealed that nearly 90 per cent of New Zealanders believe the primary school years are vital for children to learn and develop STEM skills. Yet only around half believe teachers in Aotearoa are adequately resourced to teach STEM skills. The STEM in Primary Schools Talbot Mills Survey, commissioned by Genesis, also revealed 88 per cent of Kiwis would like to see more done at a primary school level to help children develop these skills. To help arm schools and teachers with more STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) equipment, the Genesis School-gen Trust is gifting $200,000 worth of STEM learning equipment to 39 schools across Aotearoa. The STEM equipment is aimed at helping thousands of children develop vital STEM skills and knowledge for jobs of the future. The equipment includes laser cutters, 3D printers, laptops and tablets, and robotics. In September 2021, roughly 45% of jobs filled in Aotearoa were in STEM-related fields, a number that is expected to continue growing, showing the need to prepare students for a world that requires a high level of STEM capability. Fenwick Primary School in Oamaru is one of the recipients of STEM learning equipment from the Genesis School-gen Trust. The school is thrilled to be receiving a Sphero Bolt Robotics Class Pack from the Trust, which will provide students with a hands-on learning experience they previously didnt have access to, says teacher, Stu Morrison. One of the biggest barriers for our school is a lack of funding for and access to STEM equipment. This generous package from Genesis School-gen Trust will help alleviate this and give our tamariki more hands-on learning experience, which is key to their development of STEM skills, says Morrison. Our school provides STEM education for our students in a number of ways, as we try to take a future-focused approach in our teaching. Building our teachers knowledge is important to this success, so the great resources that come with the pack will be hugely beneficial. We are going to have a lot of fun and do a whole lot of learning. Every year, schools are invited to apply to the Trust for a range of STEM equipment packages to help engage students and lead them into future STEM study and careers. As a business where a workforce with STEM skills is vital, Genesis understands the importance of inspiring passion in STEM subjects from an early age, says Genesis School-gen Trust trustee and Genesis chief wholesale officer, Tracey Hickman. Kiwi kids are natural-born problem solvers, but to become tomorrows innovators, they need to develop the right skills. Were proud to be supporting schools to prepare rangatahi with the skills they need for jobs of the future. This includes supporting teachers who have an increasingly complex role within the classroom. From our own research with teachers, we know that only 16 per cent of year 0-8 teachers report feeling highly confident teaching STEM subjects and that 55% of them are regularly searching for new resources, but that doesnt always translate into an update of existing material2 , says Hickman. In addition to the work being carried out by the Trust, Genesis School-gen programme provides free STEM teaching resources to primary school teachers, via its School-gen website. The STEM resources have been collaboratively produced with primary school teachers, for primary school teachers. Genesis School-gens STEM teaching resources are free, curriculum-aligned and easy for teachers across Aotearoa to access via the Genesis School-gen website. The government says it is delivering on its commitment to extend the availability of 90-day trial periods to all employers. Extending 90-day trial periods to all employers gives businesses the confidence to hire new people and increases workplace flexibility, says Minister van Velden. Whether a business has two or 200 employees, bringing on any new employee costs time, it costs money and it is in the best interests of any business to find the right fit. Retail New Zealand has welcomed the Government announcement to extend the 90-day trial period for all businesses. This Government decision is a real boost for the retail sector which has been under incredible pressure in the past few years, says Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young. Young says extending the 90-day trial for all businesses will make the retailers more agile to respond to the needs of their fast-moving businesses and will also give thousands of potential employees the chance to make an impression in the work force. The extension of 90-day trials also provides greater opportunities for employees, says van Velden. They allow employers to employ someone who might not tick all the boxes in terms of skills and experience but who has the right attitude, without the risk of a costly dismissal process. By extending 90-day trials to all businesses, not just those with fewer than 20 employees, were giving all businesses greater confidence to employ more New Zealanders. By adopting ACT MP Todd Stephensons Members Bill on 90-day trials, the government is able to progress quickly and provide certainty to businesses. The extension of 90-day trials will not affect other aspects of employment relations, such as the requirement to act in good faith, or worker protections regarding pay, conditions, leave, and health and safety. It is also important to note that extending the availability of 90-day trials does not mean that all new employees will have trial conditions, rather it provides the option to include this provision in employment agreements. The Bill will be passed under urgency before Christmas. Young says the announcement today is a terrific step to remove some recruitment barriers, but that the Government can do a lot more to support an industry which employs over 230,000 New Zealanders. I am afraid, we will still see long check-out queues in shops and malls around New Zealand leading into Christmas, as a result of the barrier our shop owners face in finding good staff. This busy period only highlights the recruitment problems in retail that are reaching crisis point over Christmas, says Young. Retail NZ has summarised the main issues in a Workforce Position Statement that highlights how the current immigration settings and sick leave for part-timers are among the major challenges for shop owners in finding new staff who often lack the most basic work skills. We estimate that we need to recruit over 13,000 new staff, many in skilled roles like the digital and data space, but the biggest gaps are the unskilled positions. Unfortunately, the immigration laws require median wages to secure visas even for these unskilled jobs, which is often unaffordable for employers, says Young, who adds that slow processing visas is exacerbating the problem. During the Christmas break, many retailers fill their vacancies with University and high-school students who often have no work experience and the impact of Covid on learning means that many young people have lower numeracy or literacy skills, and some have little awareness of what is expected of them in a professional environment. Young says that the current requirement to give 10 sick days to casual staff, whether they are full time or just work a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday is also causing significant headaches. If you have a staff member who only works on Saturdays, they can still take 10 Saturdays paid sick leave throughout the year, which is an anomaly that needs to be addressed, says Young, who argues that it is fairer to retailers that sick days should become proportionate to the amount of days each person is contracted for. The chief executive says that retail offers a genuine career path, from the shop floor to wonderful management and premium roles in specialist areas. Retail NZ works hard to change that perception and attract top calibre candidates at every level, but the past few years since the pandemic have been extremely challenging for retailers. We hope the new Government can offer a helping hand with employment laws that are fit for purpose and easy to use for business owners, says Young. A festive gift from the pandemic is returning to St Georges Anglican Church at Gate Pa this Sunday afternoon a relaxed outdoor carol-singing service. One of the gifts of Covid-19 was having to take our carol service outside in 2021, says Reverend John Hebenton. [From this] We discovered the joy of gathering on the back lawn between the church and the Gate Pa Domain and offering this family-friendly event in a much more relaxed way. As such St Georges Carols on the Lawn afternoon is happening this Sunday, December 17, at 4pm. With so many of the big Christmas events being in Tauranga town, we welcome everyone from our community and beyond to this relaxed occasion sitting under the old oak tree, says John. This year will be a celebration of carols ancient and modern, from Aotearoa and far away. Our Christmas choir has been rehearsing some special carols for a few weeks under the careful direction of Bonnie Hebenton. And there will be lots of old favourites for everyone to sing. Hosting the carol service on St Georges lawn has become very popular. Photo: supplied. With a limited amount of seating provided, families are welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the event. After the singing has finished a free delicious supper will be served for all. Stay and have a chat, and a Christmas mince pie, says John. If wet, we will move inside and use our beautiful church. St Georges Carols on the Lawn is at 4pm, Sunday, December 17, at 1 Church St, Gate Pa, Tauranga. For more information, see: https://www.stgeorgesgatepa.com A homeschooled student from Tauranga is among 25 students selected from hundreds of applicants across New Zealand to attend the Antarctic Heritage Trust Young Inspiring Explorer Summit. People from all over New Zealand were selected and flown down and they were teaching us about Antarctica while at the same time giving us science experiments and games, says Jack Barnes. The Young Inspiring Explorer Summit, held in Christchurch last month, is run by the Antarctic Heritage Trust in partnership with the William Pike Challenge. We were delighted to receive our biggest number of applications from students around New Zealand to date, says program coordinator Tedi Robinson. It was an educational weekend, we got to see inside the lives of Antarctic explorers, says Jack. None of us had met before, by the time we left, it felt like wed known each other for years. Now that I have finished the summit and have given a presentation to a community group, Ill be able to be part of the Young and Inspiring Explorers alumni. Being alumni of the Summit and having completed the pre- and post-Summit work, opens up many opportunities in the future for further experiences with the Antarctic Heritage Trust. The Trust runs Inspiring Explorers Expeditions to sub-Antarctic and Polar Regions as well as New Zealand-based expeditions. When Im 18, I will be able to go on trips to South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands and have the opportunity to do all sorts of cool experiences with the Antarctic Heritage Trust. I'm hoping that when I'm 18, I'll be able to go down on one of the young inspiring explorers expeditions and learn more about Antarctica. I hope to work for the Antarctic Heritage Trust someday, ideally down at Scott Base as a researcher or pilot or something that would be quite cool. The weekend was a great experience for me and I got to learn a lot with a group of others from all over New Zealand, says Jack. We heard from William Pike about how he survived the Ruapehu eruption. We survived an Antarctic snowstorm, met huskies, and went for a ride in a Hagglund, which are a tracked, reticulated all-terrain carrier and are used in Antarctica to transport people and cargo over snow and ice. We did a walking tour of Christchurch Antarctic sites, did some really cool Antarctic-related science experiments, and lots more, says Jack. I got to meet huskies and penguins and do some really cool activities and learn a bunch of stuff about Antarctica. We learned about the five best Antarctica explorers. We got to learn about the climate in Antarctica, meteorology, geology, all sorts. We got to learn about Scotts crossing of Antarctica. Scott was an English explorer who was a part of the race to be the first person to the South Pole. Its a really cool organization that helps enable younger kids to learn more about Antarctica and become better explorers and inspire young people to get out into the world and do cool stuff, says Jack. The Antarctic Heritage Trusts goal is to grow the next generation of explorers, with the mission of conserving, sharing, and encouraging the spirit of exploration, says program manager Mike Barber. The Antarctic Heritage Trust looks after 5 historic huts and 20,000 artifacts belonging to famous Antarctic explorers, including Carsten Borchgrevink, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott, and Sir Edmund Hillary, says Mike All of our Young Inspiring Explorers were so engaged, and a pleasure to have with us, says Mike. I sincerely hope to see them all apply for one of the Trusts Inspiring Explorers Expeditions to Antarctica one day. Public health officials are recommending that people who are more likely to experience severe Covid-19, such as Maori and Pacific people aged 50 and over, as well as everyone aged 65 and older, get a booster vaccine before the holidays. Dr Nicholas Jones Director of Public Health says New Zealand has been experiencing another wave of Covid-19 over the last few weeks with hospitalisations now back to levels seen last January. We are concerned that as the country heads into the summer holiday period, there will be increased social gatherings and events which could both increase the rate of infections in the population and potentially put vulnerable populations at risk. As we approach the summer season of gatherings and events, a summer 2023/24 booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for groups who are at higher risk of becoming severely ill: people aged 65 and older, Maori and Pacific people aged 50 and older, those who have a medical condition that makes them severely immunocompromised (12 years of age and older), Pregnant people who have not had any booster dose previously, have co-morbidities, or have no history of previous Covid-19 infection, residents of aged care facilities, and people who were recommended to receive a booster in April 2023 but have not yet done so. These groups are recommended to have a summer 2023/24 booster irrespective of the number of previous doses theyve had, so long as they have completed the initial two doses and its been more than six months since their last booster or Covid-19 infection. If you get your booster now you will reduce your risk of severe illness over the holiday period. Everyone aged over 30 continues to be eligible for a booster and people with complex health needs should also consider getting a booster, provided it has been at least 6 months since they had their last dose or had Covid-19. You can receive an additional Covid-19 booster dose, regardless of how many doses you had previously. You need to wait six months between doses, and its recommended that you wait six months after your last Covid-19 infection. Chief Medical Officer for Te Aka Whai Ora | Maori Health Authority, Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen, says if whanau are unwell, they should stay away from friends and family at higher risk of getting very sick, such as pepi, kaumatua, immunocompromised, and disabled people. It is also especially important to wear a face mask in closed, crowded or confined spaces, stay home if you feel sick and test for Covid-19, and if eligible, to take anti-viral medications as soon as you become ill with Covid-19, says Dr McKree Jansen. Dr Jones says free face masks and rapid antigen tests (RATs) are still available from participating pharmacies and RAT collection sites. When picking up free masks from your local collection centre, talk to staff about whether a medical or a P2/N95 mask is the best choice for you. As Covid-19 continues to circulate in our communities, its important to keep up with good hygiene practices, hand washing, masking wearing, boosters and testing. People who test positive are still requested to isolate for at least 5 days and it is particularly important to stay away from those who are at risk of severe illness. Christmas is a time of joy but for many in the Bay of Plenty, it is also a time made harder by a cancer diagnosis. At the Cancer Societys Lions Lodge in Hamilton, there is no stopping for Christmas or lazy summer days as guests arrive from around the Bay of Plenty for their life-saving treatment. For Bay of Plenty resident Gareth Gillies, staying at the Lodge while being treated for head and neck cancer helped him to cope with a shock diagnosis. I dont think Id be in a proper mental state if the Lodge didnt exist. I can concentrate on healing, being positive and resting as well. One thing thats unique about this place is the support network you have with the other cancer patients. Were quite tight. There are no barriers here because you know theyre in the same boat as you. You will always find someone going through the same treatment or some are worse off than you and that gives you inspiration. Gillies says he would have had to travel from the Bay of Plenty to Hamilton every day if he hadnt found out about the Lodge. The effects of chemotherapy would have meant he would not have been able to drive himself. The fatigue from the chemotherapy builds up. At the moment I dont drive because I just get tired and I sleep a lot. So having the Lodge, its amazing. I didnt even know it existed! And we all talk about it here. Every single cancer patient here is amazed it exists and we have this for free. This is the only Lodge that provides all the meals and its thanks to donations and volunteers! Cancer treatment at Waikato Hospital continues throughout the summer, including over the Christmas and New Year break, and the Lodge stays open too. Lodge manager Henny Swinkels says that the festive season can be especially difficult for guests who are going through a gruelling treatment programme while far from their loved ones. This is one of the hardest times of the year for our guests. Thankfully, we have more than 40 volunteers who give up their time to help staff make the Lodge a home away from home. We also have a regular rota of baking from our volunteers that never fails to bring some festive cheer. Earlier this year, increasing demand resulted in the Lodge opening seven days a week. Numbers have since reached an unprecedented high, with more than double the occupancy rate of five years ago. The Cancer Society is not directly government-funded and relies on the generosity of donors to keep its doors open all year round. Make a special gift to Cancer Societys Lions Lodge this Christmas and help bring joy and comfort to people with cancer during the toughest of times. Visit www.cancer.org.nz/donate-here. JERUSALEM, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Israel's international trade of goods recorded significant declines in November amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, according to data issued Wednesday by the country's Central Bureau of Statistics. Israeli exports totaled 4.91 billion U.S. dollars in November, down 18.39 percent compared to November 2022, while Israeli imports amounted to 6.42 billion dollars last month, down 21.78 percent year-on-year. The most significant declines in Israeli exports in November were recorded in the chemical, diamond, and drug industries, while the main import declines were in clothing, household utensils, raw materials, and fuels. Chen Herzog, the chief economist of BDO Consulting Israel firm, told Xinhua that the decrease in Israeli imports was mainly due to the decline in consumption due to the conflict, with about 300,000 households having a recruited person to the army reserves. Herzog explained that the export decrease was mainly caused by a prioritization change due to the conflict, focusing more on the local market rather than the global ones, for example, regarding defense and fuel industries. "Other causes are the cessation of natural gas exports to Egypt until mid-November due to a temporary shutdown of the Tamar field in the Mediterranean Sea, and a decrease in chemical exports from the southernmost Port of Eilat due to Yemen's Houthi threat in the Red Sea," he added. Regarding the coming months, Herzog forecasts a full recovery of Israeli exports, but does not expect a quick recovery of Israeli imports, as households will continue to reduce consumption, which will "affect the import of cars, furniture and raw materials for home construction." Police are making enquiries following a robbery in Te Puke on Wednesday afternoon. "We received reports of a person stealing goods from a store on Jocelyn Street at 2pm," says a police spokesperson. Police say threatening behaviour was reported. Police are making enquiries following this incident. Two-vehicle crash Earlier, emergency services attended the scene of a vehicle crash in Te Puke. Police responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash on King St/Jellicoe St at 1.50pm. Police say the road was partly blocked for a short time. There are no reports of injuries. At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz Disbelief and frightened for our future are two descriptions from Melba Gourmet Delights Tauranga employees. Why? Because they have recently been given the news that the factory they work at in Tauriko has been sold and only 20 of the 47 people working there may get their jobs back next year. Priestleys Gourmet Delights, the owner of Melbas Gourmet Delights, can confirm it has entered into a contract to sell its Tauranga business as a going concern to Florentines Patisserie, says director Brenton Gibbs. The sale will be effective from January 31, 2024. Florentines Patisserie is a large wholesale manufacturer and marketer of frozen cakes and desserts for the food-service and retail sectors in New Zealand and overseas, and is in the process of buying Melba. This sale represents a good opportunity for Melbas and Florentines at Tauranga to consolidate their operations and grow further in the New Zealand market and open up new opportunities, says Brenton. In a statement provided to SunLive, Brenton says Priestleys has decided to sell this part of its New Zealand operation to concentrate on its core market and operations in Australia. The Blenheim operations are being retained by Priestleys and is unaffected by this announcement. Florentines Patisserie is reviewing the companys operations and considering staff requirements ahead of the sale date. Current staff can elect to transfer for consideration for continued employment in the business. This process has been communicated to all staff and will be conducted by Florentines as soon as possible and employment is continuing for all staff up until the sale date of January 31, 2024. A man who wishes to remain anonymous is currently employed with Melba, working in the factory. He says the staff are very regretful and have been blindsided by the events that have taken place. We are all unsure and uneasy as to where, and what employment, if any will be ahead. We were all looking forward to the holiday season. Now, we are saddened and destroyed as we desperately search for new employment. With a total of at least 27 employees being dismissed on January 31. We have until Monday to decide if we would like to attempt to join Florentines Patisseries. We are all in disbelief and frightened of the future ahead for all of us and our families. The highly anticipated Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Edge, the transformational Edge-Series ship, has arrived in Tauranga today. Australias first cruise ship to be recommended by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, Celebrity Edge, set sail from Sydney, Australia, taking guests on an awe-inspiring 12-night itinerary exploring the world-class coastlines, majestic fjords and cosmopolitan cities of New Zealand. Highlights include an overnight stay in Auckland, wine tasting in the vineyards near Napier, the pastoral beauty of Dunedin and the breath-taking Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds in New Zealands South Island. This voyage is the first of 12 itineraries from early December through April 2024, designed to immerse guests in the spoils of the stunning coastlines of Australia and neighbouring New Zealand, along with the tropical South Pacific. Guests can choose from a range of six- to 13-night itineraries visiting an impressive collection of 22 ports, with departures from both Sydney and Auckland. Celebrity Edge is widely regarded as one of the most innovative cruise ships on earth, shattering perceptions of cruising with a number of firsts on board for a cruise ship, says Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge. Her arrival in this region is a moment of celebration not just for Celebrity Cruises, but for guests as well. Theres no better way to experience what this region has to offer, and were so excited to bring such a special holiday experience Down Under. An inside look at one of the decks of the ship. Celebrity Cruises vice president and managing director of Australia and APAC, Tim Jones, says after much anticipation, the moment theyve all been waiting for has finally arrived. More than a cruise ship, Celebrity Edge offers a remarkable experience that stands apart from anything else at sea. With its contemporary interior and outward-facing design, travellers will have unparalleled views of the sea and the destinations theyre visiting, as they immerse themselves in this beautiful part of the world. Weather more typical for time of year has returned to the province this Wednesday. Isabel Mendez Malaga Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 10:35 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The mercury has plummeted by about 11C degrees on the Costa del Sol this Wednesday morning (13 December) as more autumnal conditions return to Malaga province just 24 hours after a record-breaking blast of December heat yesterday. The city registered almost 30C on Tuesday 12 December making it the hottest place in the whole Spain, and shattering the previous record for the highest maximum temperature for the month in the province in the process. Related article Weather Official Costa del Sol weather station registers hottest December day on record in Spain with almost 30C Ignacio Lillo But today's maximum will only be 19 degrees in Malaga city, with a minimum of 13. Ronda and Antequera will record extremely chilly overnight lows of 5 and 6 degrees. The highest temperature in the province is expected in Marbella on the Costa del Sol, where it will reach 21 degrees, according to Spain's state weather agency (Aemet). Cloudy skies have been forecast without weak and occasional showers being ruled out, although more likely in the mountain areas of Malaga province. In the afternoon, the skies will be slightly cloudy. Moderate winds will blow from the northwest, with stronger gusts along the coast. Overcast skies are also expected throughout Andalucia on Wednesday, with showers expected in the Guadalquivir valley. Rain and cold The colder weather will remain during the second half of the week, the weather forecasters have predicted. Rain will be limited to the north of Spain, with the possibility of some showers in the Balearic Islands. Friday will be slightly warmer, but temperatures will drop again on Saturday with night frosts expected in central, northern and eastern parts of the country. Angel de los Rios Malaga Wednesday, 13 December 2023 | Updated 14/12/2023 08:45h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram 'Espeto', the term for Malaga's famous skewered sardines cooked over charcoal, was the second-most searched for food recipe on Google this year. The surprise was revealed when the tech giant published its search results for the year showing the trends throughout 2023, revealing the questions users have asked the search engine and the most-searched for people and events. The conflict between Israel and Gaza is trending at the top among current affairs, while the death of Friends' star Matthew Perry ranked high among the celebrities searched. But 'espeto' came in as the second-most searched for food recipe worldwide. Espeto ranked just behind the Korean bibimbap (rice, vegetables, meat and egg) and ahead of the papeda (a type of Asian congee). Espeto may rank highly thanks to a special campaign when Google paid tribute to the traditional Spanish dish in its daily doodle. The all-powerful search engine dedicated its cartoon to the espeto on Monday 12 June, the day that the traditional dish is celebrated in Malaga province. However, the most searches for the term 'espeto' come, as every year, from South America, according to Google, where Brazil's famous meat skewers are also called 'espeto' or 'espetinho'. Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 16:08 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Malaga city is planning more than 100 tourism initiatives to spread word about what the destination has on offer to the rest of the world. Councillor for tourism Jacobo Florido told a Tourism Forum meeting that it would be the first time the city would stage more than one hundred initiatives. The city will focus on international markets such as Asia, with Japan and Korea listed as priority countries. Florido also said there was interest in North America and the Middle East. The councillor pointed out that officials are working on a couple of big schemes and have already reached an agreement to create a new urban art mural in New York, specifically in Williamsburg: a fashionable neighbourhood in Brooklyn that attracts lots of young people. The Tourism Forum also offered a summary of the initiatives already carried out, including the promotional 'Malaga loves' campaign recently held in Shanghai, as well as meetings held in various locations in Asia in the past week. Melchor Saiz-Pardo / Juan Cano Madrid / Malaga Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 16:22 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A Brazilian woman on the run in Spain who last month reported being raped by the son of the Constitutional Court president Candido Conde-Pumpido Varela has been arrested in Malaga. Aline Fernanda de Siqueira Maschietto, 37, is a fugitive from Brazil and faces up to 30 years' prison for attempted homicide in her home country. In November, she reported that Conde-Pumpido's son, and two others had raped her, at a villa in Madrid. On 4 March 2022, Aline allegedly stabbed a man multiple times during an altercation at a Sao Paulo hotel. The victim, Diego, 36, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Diego, who had arranged to meet Aline through a dating app, reported that she attacked him with two large knives and stabbed him three times. The attempted homicide occurred during a threesome involving the victim, Aline de Siqueira, and another woman, who joined the group sexual encounter later. Aline allegedly experienced a fit of "jealousy" at the involvement of the second woman, whom she herself had suggested for the orgy, and attacked the victim with a knife. Shortly after the attempted murder and while on the run from Brazilian authorities, Aline faked her death. Posing as her sister, she posted a statement on social media claiming to have died by suicide after jumping from a building. By that time, Aline, according to sources, had accumulated nearly 30 records, arrests, and complaints in Brazil for various offences, including drug trafficking, harassment of her ex-husband, confrontations with the police, and fraud. The operation to capture her started in late November last year following information provided by Brazilian authorities to Guardia Civil. After activating the international request through Interpol just two days ago, law enforcement officers started work to locate her. It came after she was last seen in Madrid when she withdrew her complaint of alleged sexual abuse against the son of the Constitutional Court president. She was then found and arrested on Tuesday 12 December at 10.30am in Malaga. Ideal Granada Wednesday, 13 December 2023 | Updated 14/12/2023 14:20h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A chocolate product that has been banned from sale in Spain for 18 years is still available, but only in small number of countries around the world Chocolate cigarettes were probably one of the most successful confectionary products at the time and those born before 2005 in Spain are more likely to remember it: the year the product was stripped from supermarket shelves. Most European countries followed suit shortly afterwards and banned it. The chocolate product dates back to 1906, when Milton Hershey became one of the greats of the United States thanks to this creation. In the heart of Times Square, at 48th Street and Broadway Avenue, is the famous sweet store, Hersheys, where this sweet product was marketed for 100 years before it was banned in Spain. The milk chocolate cigarettes were very popular at the time Spain established an anti-tobacco law. It established a range of measures against smoking, especially by controlling its sale, but it also sought to limit consumption and advertising of tobacco products. "The sale of sweets, snacks, toys and other objects in the form of tobacco products that may be attractive to minors is prohibited," the law stated. Buying them today can only be done through an online store, where they can be found at a range of prices, or by travelling from Spain to one of the few countries where they are still marketed. Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, visits Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- More Vietnamese youths are welcome to study in China to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, said Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, here on Wednesday. Peng made these remarks while visiting Vietnam National University, Hanoi, accompanied by Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. During the visit, Peng listened to the introduction of the university's establishment, operation and international exchanges. At the cultural center on the campus, Peng and Tam cordially interacted with Vietnamese students learning Chinese. The students organized a small talent show to demonstrate their language abilities. Peng gave a thumbs-up for their proficiency in Chinese and diverse talents, saying that language serves as a bridge for communication. She encouraged everyone to study Chinese diligently, gain a better understanding of China, become ambassadors for promoting China-Vietnam ties, and ensure the China-Vietnam friendship passed on from generation to generation. Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, visits Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, visits Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Phan Thi Thanh Tam, spouse of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, visits Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Syracuse, N.Y. An Oswego County man pleaded guilty this week to having child pornography while already on probation for sexually abusing a child, prosecutors said. Tyler Ager, 30, pleaded guilty after it was found he uploaded child pornography to a website, prosecutors for the Northern District of New York said. Ager was on probation from a previous child sex abuse conviction, prosecutors said. During the abuse he forced a child to touch him inappropriately, prosecutors said. The holidays at downtown Syracuses E. W. Edwards & Son department store in the years following World War II were magical. It really was Central New Yorks Christmas headquarters. The store at the corner of South Salina and Washington Streets liked to bill itself as Syracuses largest and most complete department store. But that claim didnt matter to the thousands of children who made annual pilgrimages to the stores Toyland department at its Annex building on Clinton Street. For them, this was, as The Post-Standard called Edwards in 1982, long after the store had closed, the areas true geographical center of Christmas. It was where a child could see Santa, get a present, work on their Christmas list, browse the latest toys, and, of course, take a ride on the stores legendary monorail. - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." For a dime, children could be "off to the moon" at the rocket ship monorail which along the ceiling of the Edwards' Toyland department at their Clinton Street Annex. It was a Syracuse holiday favorite for area children from 1953 through the late 1960s. Courtesy of World ArchivesCourtesy of World Archives *** In the holiday song Silver Bells, the lyrics sing of City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. That was downtown Syracuse at the holidays in the 1950s, before shopping habits were changed by gigantic suburban malls and Amazon. An afternoon light snowfall drifted down upon thousands of Syracuse shoppers to lend a festive holiday air to the biggest day of the Christmas rush, the Herald American wrote on Nov. 29, 1953. North and South Salina Streets, decked out with huge candy canes extending from the telephone poles, was bustling with activity from early morning to late afternoon. For the parents in those crowds, especially if they had their little ones with them, a stop at E. W. Edwards was a must. Children came into Edwards in a constant stream, drawn into the department store by an outdoor sound system that pumped holiday music from its speakers. Sidewalks would be filled with kids looking in at the decorative windows. While these displays often showcased toys that could be purchased inside, they were also used to tell stories. - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." This Post-Standard newspaper advertisement from Nov. 25, 1954 list off what a child could do during a visit at the Edwards' Toyland at their Clinton Street Annex. Courtesy of World ArchivesCourtesy of World Archives In 1953, one of their windows showed a slumbering St. Nick dreaming of a white Christmas. In 1958, these windows told The Story of Uncle Pockets produced by a display director, Michael Drock. Background music was supplied by the Boston Pop Orchestra recording of Sligh Ride and the story unfolded from window to window. Once inside the Toyland annex, children were part of a Christmas wonderland. Preparation for the holiday extravaganza usually began in February and involved an entire team of workers. They filled our Tea Room for five straight Saturdays before Christmas, former store superintendent John Menzies said in 1982. We gave them and their parents a complete scrambled eggs breakfast for $1. Then Santa came in with gifts for all and sometimes the Magic Toy Shop troupe from WHEN-TV (now WTVH-5) would perform. There would be daily live puppet shows, barber shop quartets performed, and Santa Claus hosted a nightly show from the store which was broadcast on Channel 5. Menzies added that some of the true stars at Edwards were its maintenance crew who cleaned up daily after the live reindeer. Children could browse through Edwards large assortment of toys, send Santa letters directly at the store, and ride on a merry-go-round with 20 jumping horses and chariots. - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." Children were not the only ones to have fun during the holidays at Edwards. This photo was taken at the beauty salon at the store and shows women having a gift exchange. Courtesy of the Onondaga Historical AssociationCourtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association Santa Claus himself had a gift for every boy and girl who came to see him. The stores St. Nick was played for a long time by former Syracuse fire captain Edward McCarthy. Its a wonder the right knee of McCarthys bright red uniform isnt worn through, The Post-Standard wrote in a feature of him in 1952. It has been a favorite sitting spot for some 25,000 to 30,000 Syracuse area youngsters each year for several years. Its no snap, he said of the job. His maxim was to never promise any child anything unless he got some sort of physical cue from their parents, otherwise McCarthy told them all gift requests would be entered into his big book. The newspaper described McCarthys entrance at Edwards Toyland: Ed walked out of his hideaway and immediately became the center of attention for the hundreds of youngsters. He patted one on the head, shook the hand of another, as he made his way to the throne where hell reign undisputed, as all other Santas, until Dec. 25. Santas popularity at Edwards was surpassed by just one thing: The Rocket Express, a space-age ship which went along a track around Santa and the rest of Toyland. Often called a monorail, Syracuse kids had never seen anything like it and, with the Cold War space race heating up, it was part Buck Rogers, part John Glenn, and part Sputnik. And every youngster wanted a ride. It belonged to Rocket Systems Inc. of Chicago and was leased from the firms owner and inventor, Clinton B. Clark. Edwards paid Clark an annual rental fee and a percentage of the admissions, which started as nine cents in 1953 and eventually rose to a quarter a ride. A nostalgic Herald Journal reporter Jeff Paston wrote of the experience in 1972: - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." The Edwards famous monorail or Rocket Express is seen in color in this photo from the Onondaga Historical Association. Courtesy of the Onondaga Historical AssociationCourtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." Children would furiously wave to their parents as the Rocket Express passed over their heads. Courtesy of the Onondaga Historical AssociationCourtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association - The Post-Standard once called the E. W. Edwards department store the Syracuse area's "true geographical center of Christmas." The tail end of the Edwards' monorail or Rocket Express. Courtesy of the Onondaga Historical AssociationCourtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association Paying the ten-cent admission, or as many of the kids used to, slipping under the gate, youd run up the stairs and jump into one of the dangling cars. A man would come to each car and close the doors, and moments later, the monorail train was moving. Like miniatures on the floor below, the train would pass the countless toys in the toy department, and through storage rooms. Youd struggle to see your mother in the crowd of mothers anxiously watching their children in the train above. And all too quickly, the ride would be over. Too quickly was the appropriate phrase for the Rocket Express and for Edwards Toyland Christmas wonderland. The train was removed from the Edwards Annex in September of 1970. Clark asked that certain parts be returned to him. The rest was scrapped. E. W. Edwards and its annex were demolished in 1973. Talk of reviving the Rocket Express at the new Edwards store in DeWitt was started but dropped. It was the end of an era. Maybe its maturity, Paston wrote the winter before the demolitions, but something is missing among the gaily colored lights. An emptiness of sorts fills your hearts this year. Read more You can thank Christopher Columbus for Syracuses Christmas tree being in Clinton Square Meet Syracuses luckiest unlucky pilot, who crashed 5 airplanes and survived each wreck How Syracuse rallied to save a downtown statue honoring a group of WWI heroes Inside Syracuses century-old effort to create the safest streets in America How did Skaneateles biggest, finest cruise ship end up a wreck at the bottom of the lake? This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-416-3882. William Mazza-Forest for Trees: Mining the Literary Landscape, a solo exhibition at the ArtRage Gallery, showcases work by an artist with multiple creative projects. Indeed, Mazza has made drawings and paintings exploring books he finds meaningful, designed cover art for An Unruly Manifesto, an album by saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, accompanied jazz bands by creating a digital painting as the band plays. At ArtRage, the works are selected from Mazzas Literary Landscape series. In one group, he accumulates the text from a books cover, separates the words into letters filling a written page, finishes with a drawing or painting. For example, the artist reacts to John Coltrane and the Jazz Revolution of the 1960s, written by Frank Kofsky. Mazza created a pen-on-paper drawing and a gouache painting featuring eye-popping colors-- green, gold, red and orange. In another instance, hes mined the text from the cover of Sally Roesch Wagners Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists. He created a drawing and several gouache paintings. The latter works blend earth colors and an array of circles and looping forms. And then theres a painting in a different format. In interpreting the cover of poet Minnie Bruce Pratts memoir ,S/he, Mazza created a long, long painting, a 36-by-80 acrylic on panel. Pratt taught at Syracuse University for over two decades and lived in the Hawley-Green neighborhood, not far from ArtRage. The exhibit also presents artworks referencing a page of a book. Because a page typically has more text than a cover, Mazza is working with more letters in these pieces. In the case of a page from Peter Gelderloos Worshipping Power: An Anarchist View of Early State Formation, the artist has created an outstanding work. The gouache painting has a bunch of letters packed together on its periphery and explosive gold color in its center. Yet another gouache work culminates Mazzas investigation of Anarchy, Geography, Modernity: Selected Writings of Elisee Reclus. It was edited and translated by John Clark and Camille Martin. That painting integrates several elements--large, intersecting dark circles, lines of graceful letters, a background of bright letters underneath the circles. These pieces, and the other works at ArtRage, make it clear that Mazza isnt working within the confines of a set format. Rather, hes riffing, improvising, reacting to a cover or a page from a book he considers significant. At the same time, Forest for Trees isnt a closed-off literary exercise. Its a visually dynamic show, with its own weight, its own merits. Theres no assumption that viewers will have read the referenced books or even heard of them. Instead, the exhibit seems to focus not only on Mazzas connection to the books but also on the general notion of peoples relationship to words. Viewers are invited to consider both the drawing and paintings and their own thoughts about text. Beyond that, Mazza, in his November 12 artists talk at ArtRage and other statements, has indicated that his artistic practice extends beyond working in a studio. He collaborates with artist-led organizations serving communities traditionally under-represented in the arts. After moving to New York City in 2000, he started volunteering for the Bella Donna Collaborative, a feminist avant-garde group which publishes poetry and stages readings and salons. Hes designed their chaplets (chatbooks). In addition, hes participating as a volunteer in Art for Arts Sake, an organization advocating for African-American improvisational arts. And, as mentioned earlier in this article, hes created paintings in real time, working with a digital art application such as Corel Painter while a jazz band plays. During a 2022 festival in Brooklyn, he accompanied three bands; in each instance, the work appeared on a screen. Those involvements dont exist in a vacuum. During the 1990s, when Mazza lived in Syracuse, he was intensely interested in art, collaboration, and alliances with community groups. He was a member of the staff for the Syracuse Peace Council, took part in the Syracuse Alternative Media Network, participated in the Altered Space collective gallery, based mostly at 922 Burnet Ave. Altered Space presented exhibits without a jury or gatekeeper; all works submitted were hung on walls or placed on pedestals. Once a year, it hosted a Cheap Art Auction where artworks were sold for a little as $5.00. And it partnered with the Mental Health Association on a show devoted to childrens need for mental-health services. William Mazza-Forest for Trees is on display through Jan. 13, 2024 at ArtRage, 505 Hawley Ave. The gallery is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 315-218-5711 or access artragegallery.org. Carl Mellor covered visual arts for the Syracuse New Times from 1994 through 2019. He continues to write about artists and exhibitions in the Syracuse area. A legislative extension? A request that special event permits be issued in the short term? In light of last weeks announcement by the Office of Cannabis Management that the popular Cannabis Growers Showcase events would be jettisoned come years end, both of these measures are on the table, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton) told NY Cannabis Insider. Asked whether she had been consulted or notified beforehand of OCMs decision, Lupardo, who chairs the NYS Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, This was news to me. I assumed the program would be extended. Since its inception in late summer, the CGS program has generated more than $4 million in sales, according to the OCM. The agencys rationale for winding them down before the end of the year is the slew of new retail dispensaries expected to open over the next few weeks and months, making CGS events moot. But as told to NY Cannabis Insider last week by city officials in Buffalo and Rochester, new retail stores wont be opening immediately. Both of these populous upstate cities, as well as Syracuse, have received an avalanche of new store applications, each of which has to be carefully scrutinized and vetted before any approvals are granted. With an estimated 240,000-pound surplus of weed grown by cannabis cultivators over the past two years and only 32 licensed dispensaries, statewide, capable of selling that product, the CGS events have proven to be a lifeline for some farmers. I am not happy with the decision to end the Cannabis Growers Showcases, given the enormous surplus of product our cannabis farmers still have available, Lupardo said. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo spoke at a cannabis association press conference in Albany on March 28, 2023. Lupardo has championed both hemp and legal cannabis-related bills in New York State for years. The assemblywoman also mentioned that she has heard from several cannabis associations concerned about fallout from the OCM showcase decision. Were setting up some meetings with them. First, we want to know why they are ending and at the very least, we want to see special event permits issued. Were looking for a compromise with OCM, she said, but if need be, my colleague (State Sen. Michelle Hinchey) and I will push the matter and file official legislation extending the Cannabis Growers Showcases. Whether Gov. Kathy Hochul signs such a bill remains to be seen, Lupardo quipped, since the tribal nations bill passed in May has yet to be signed into law by the governor and it expires at the end of this month. For her part, Hinchey told NY Cannabis Insider: I fully support an extension of Cannabis Growers Showcases, and alongside Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, we are looking at all avenues through which extensions, alternatives, and short-term permits could be utilized to support New York farmers who continue to face detrimental financial losses. Senator Michelle Hinchey, chair of the committee on agriculture, champions the cannabis agricultural market during CANY's lobby day in Albany on March 28, 2023. Matt Robinson, owner of Essential Flowers (DBA Legacy Dispensers), has coordinated 15 showcases since August, and said ending the events will be devastating Customers that have relied on these events will be going back to other states and back to the illicit market. These events have been going smoothly, Robinson added. Customers are complaining already about the stoppage of the events. Now is the time to extend these events and to show the people of New York they are being heard. Robinson noted that as a coordinator for these events mostly in the Hudson Valley he represents 40 different farmers who will be impacted by the stoppage. The NYS Legislature should hold an emergency session to amend the law to include these events, he said. Uncertainty over when many of the newly licensed dispensaries will open is a big concern for Tessa Williams, owner of Empire Farm 1830 in Columbia County. What is the farmer supposed to do until they open after holding inventory since August 2022 with a second harvest in hand, and still holding? Williams asked. These new dispensaries are not going to pop up overnight. Theres a misconception, she noted, that somehow growers are making out big time with the showcases when just the opposite is true. By the time you pay someone $200 to stand there for eight hours, slinging the stuff, plus transporting it to and from the farm, she said, youre fortunate to break even. I need to sell 50 jars in order to cover expenses when we have an event. Its mostly about reducing the inventory and keeping staff employed with the cash flow. A spokesman for OCM did not respond to a request for comment. Seneca Falls, N.Y. The Cayuga Nation sued several New York state officials and agencies Monday, claiming a section of the state Thruway was constructed on its land without necessary federal approval. In its lawsuit filed in federal court in Buffalo, the Cayuga Nation said the state never sought permission for the section of the Thruway when it was constructed in the 1950s. The lawsuit argues that part of the highway crosses into land that the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua recognized as its territory. The treaty said the nations 64,015 acres, in what are now Seneca and Cayuga counties, shall remain theirs unless it is sold to the United States. This photo taken on Sept. 28, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of the 2nd Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line Project in Tianjin, north China. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) TIANJIN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- German carmaker Volkswagen Group has announced that Volkswagen (China) Technology Co., Ltd., the group's Chinese company and its largest research and development center outside its German headquarters, will launch an electric vehicle platform for the entry-level market in three years and develop pure electric models tailored for Chinese customers. The move highlights the determination of Europe's largest car company to integrate further into the Chinese market, and epitomizes the close cooperation between China and the European Union. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU. By the end of 2022, China-EU trade had climbed to 847.3 billion U.S. dollars, with the two sides being each other's second-largest trading partners. As major economies, the two sides have maintained mutually beneficial cooperation and worked together to produce fruitful results over the past 20 years. Volkswagen (China) Technology Co., Ltd., with an approximate total investment of 1 billion euros (about 1.08 billion U.S. dollars), plans to begin operations in early 2024 in Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province. Focusing on the research and development of intelligent connected vehicles, the company is committed to reducing the time to market of its automotive and component products by 30 percent. As the group advances the development of its electric vehicle platform for the entry-level Chinese market, it will undertake more important development work under its "In China for China" strategy, said Ralf Brandstatter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China. The new platform is expected to be brought to market within 36 months, meaning its development cycle will be reduced by about a third while allowing the company to broaden its client base rapidly in the dynamic Chinese electric vehicle market, Brandstatter said. It is worth noting that the company is working to integrate the advanced technologies of local suppliers in its development to maximize the innovative power of the Chinese market. At the supplier park it is constructing in Hefei, approximately 1,100 local suppliers will provide hardware and software solutions to ensure the incorporation of the most advanced technologies and application concepts in the early stages of new product development. Like Volkswagen Group, many other German companies have set their sights on China and chosen to put down roots in the country. Weilburger Coatings (Tianjin) Limited, which is engaged in the research, development and manufacturing of rail transit coatings and high-temperature non-stick coatings, began operating in north China's Tianjin Municipality in 2020. The company's annual sales volume has exceeded 100 million yuan (about 14.05 million U.S. dollars), with an approximate annual output of 1,200 tonnes of coatings. With the rapid development of high-speed rail in China and the increasing consumer demand for high-temperature, non-stick cookware, Weilburger Coatings sees broad development opportunities for the two main businesses in China, according to its site manager Felix Tian. As the company's only production base in China, the Tianjin plant is targeting the rapid development of China's new energy vehicle and yacht sectors to expand its products and technologies to a larger market. "We firmly believe that the future of manufacturing is in China, and we will continue to be optimistic about the Chinese market," Tian said. For many German companies, China is not only an important production base and sales market for future development, but also a trustworthy partner. German materials manufacturer Covestro has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for three consecutive years. During the sixth CIIE this year, Covestro signed a strategic cooperation intention document with Huafon Group to develop low-carbon solutions. And German pharmaceutical company Boehringer-Ingelheim is accelerating its introduction of global innovative products, solutions and advanced concepts to China, promoting concurrent innovation in China and around the world. According to a survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce in China, more than half of the 288 surveyed German companies plan to increase their investment in China in the next two years to remain competitive in this important market. Many European companies are also casting their votes of confidence in China, embracing the mutually beneficial environment in the country. At the end of September, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus broke ground on its second final assembly line in Tianjin as part of its expansion in the Chinese market. This is a powerful vote of confidence in the future of aviation in China, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said, adding that it also underlines Airbus' long, trustworthy and successful relationship with its partners in China. Production lines are running steadily in a new factory of ADB Safegate in Tianjin. Headquartered in Belgium, the ADB Safegate manufactures airport navigation aid products. The factory's products are widely used in large and medium-sized airports in China, and also exported to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, said Yang Xinyu, vice president operation of ADB Safegate in China. According to the European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2023, more than 90 percent of surveyed enterprises plan to use China as an investment destination, with 59 percent of those respondents saying that China is currently among the three major investment destinations. Over the past 20 years, both the scale and quality of China-EU economic and trade exchanges have been expanding and improving. The two sides have developed a strong, symbiotic economic relationship, said Chen Jingyue, executive vice president and secretary general of the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation. Staff members carry out product development work at the Weilburger Coatings (Tianjin) Limited in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua) This undated aerial photo provided by Volkswagen Group China shows the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) plant of Volkswagen (Anhui) Components Co., Ltd. in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua) An engineer adjusts a production line at a new factory of ADB Safegate in north China's Tianjin, Dec. 11, 2023. (ADB Safegate/Handout via Xinhua) A quality technician works on optical performance test for the new product sample via the photometric system at a new factory of ADB Safegate in north China's Tianjin, Dec. 11, 2023. (ADB Safegate/Handout via Xinhua) Kelley Lembeck, of Fayetteville, harvested her first buck on Nov. 26 while hunting on private land above a gorge in Ithaca. It was her second year hunting big game. We were about to call it for the day when I saw this ten-point buck! says Lembeck. When the deer came within 20 yards of her tree stand, Lembeck pulled the trigger on her Franchi 6.5 Creedmor rifle. Later she noticed the buck had a little kicker tine that couldve made him an 11-pointer, but it was broken off and wasnt quite an inch long. Still, she had a Euro mount made and its already hanging on her wall. Hes a beaut for sure, Lembeck says. We agree. Congratulations, Kelley! Bob Wojtecki, of East Syracuse, harvested this nice six-pointer last week in the town of Manlius.Bob Wojtecki Bob Wojtecki, of East Syracuse, shot this nice six-pointer last week in the town of Manlius. The buck was following a doe and Wojtecki watched him rub his antlers on a tree before he got a shot off with his Browning 16-guage shotgun. Ive had that gun for 55 years and never adjusted the scope, says Wojtecki. Send us your big game pics! Send your deer or bear photos to sfeatherstone@syracuse.com. The hunter must in the photo. Also provide your hometown and names of anybody else in the photo, along with location of harvest, method and distance of shot (bow, firearm, etc.), any measurements (weight/points/spread), and any interesting details about the hunt. Happy hunting! Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: READ MORE Upstate NY hunter finally bags Big Poppa, a trophy buck he tracked for two years - newyorkupstate.com Baldwinsville hunter feels bad about taking her boyfriends buck - newyorkupstate.com Upstate NY hunters show off opening day bucks - newyorkupstate.com Central NY hunter killed on opening day of deer season - newyorkupstate.com Elbridge teen gets her first buck - newyorkupstate.com Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. By Raga Justin | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. The state Department of Health is considering new regulations that would require New York hospitals to spend millions in overhauling their cybersecurity infrastructure, an attempt to shore up the health care industrys defenses against increasingly common cyber attacks. But the regulations have spurred some concerns from smaller and more rural hospitals, especially upstate, according to health care associations representing hospital leaders. If the rules go into effect, all of New Yorks 226 hospitals could be on the hook for annual costs as much as $262 million collectively, according to estimates by the Health Department. State officials and consumer protection advocates have warned that malicious software attacks on information technology are on the rise, with health care facilities at particular risk because of the sensitivity of the information they use; hospitals usually collect patient data like names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, health information and financial records. In October, two Hudson Valley hospitals were infiltrated by hackers who had access to sensitive patient information for nearly two months. Officials with the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, which had three affected facilities, said that informational technology systems were shut down and patients were diverted temporarily as a result of the breach. Gov. Kathy Hochul noted last year that cybersecurity attacks on providers had more than doubled between 2016 and 2021 and that she would authorize $500 million in funding to help cover capital costs for health care facilities to modernize their technology systems. That funding will likely be used to cover some of the costs stemming from the latest rules when they go into effect. But the costs are expected to balloon beyond whats included in the state fund, said Tom Hallisey, director of Health Information Technology for the Healthcare Association of New York State. The regulations call for each hospital to develop and maintain minimum cybersecurity standards and staffing, while requiring that each hospital hire a Chief Information Security Officer. Though the Department of Health didnt require specific technology or software programs, Hallisey said the annual costs of hiring a team of cybersecurity employees could be out of reach for some smaller community hospitals who primarily serve lower-income or rural communities. Were all for improved cybersecurity. Everybodys doing everything they can as much as the finances will allow, Hallisey said. But the smaller organizations have far fewer resources, of course. The Health Department said that in addition to the estimated $262 million annual cost for New Yorks hospitals, implementing the programs could cost from $250,000 to $2 million for each hospital, depending on the capability of a facilitys existing cybersecurity defense. But the consequences of what can occur as a result of a cyberattack far outweigh those costs, the department said. Days or weeks of downtime with an inability to bill for services can cost tens of millions of dollars (at a minimum). Other hospital associations have indicated they are waiting to assess the impacts of the proposed rules, as well as whether they are already required to comply with federal standards similarly mandating that hospitals take steps to prevent cybersecurity breaches. This is an important issue against which our members vigilantly work to stay prepared for increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, said Gary Fitzgerald, executive director of Iroquois Healthcare Association. We are examining the regs to ensure that there is not any overlap or redundancy with standards at the federal level that could consume precious resources for our upstate hospital members. We are also urging the state to provide resources to ensure that whatever standard is adopted, that it can be complied with readily. Upstate hospitals, particularly, have said they remain burdened by high labor and supply-chain costs since the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting the services they are able to provide. Health care leaders recently took to the steps of the Capitol to clamor for boosts in Medicaid reimbursement rates and other forms of state aid to help them with workforce shortfalls. And many hospital leaders responded to an industry survey in September by the Iroquois Healthcare Association saying they were operating with negative profit margins, contending that the lack of cash will translate to direct hits to quality of care. Fitzgerald said the state has yet to release the $500 million that the state has set aside to help modernize cybersecurity infrastructure. Hospitals are still discussing the rules with the state, Hallisey said. He added that cybersecurity is largely about risk mitigation with no guarantees that increasingly sophisticated hacking attempts can be thwarted. There is no amount of effort or money that can make it so that an attacker cant succeed, Hallisey said. Other recent attacks in New York have caused alarm among state and health care officials, including the October incident at Westchester Medical. Late last month, state Attorney General Letitia James warned that approximately 4 million residents of New York City and Syracuse, patients at Northwell Health and Crouse Health, respectively, had been affected by a data breach at a medical transcription company. The Department of Health said it has responded to more than one cybersecurity incident per month this year involving hospitals. ___ (c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com Washington The Army has selected Fort Drum as the future home of a new task force that will bring about 1,500 new soldiers and civilian personnel to the sprawling garrison north of Watertown. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said he was informed of the decision today in a meeting with Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Fort Drum is already the base of the Armys 10th Mountain Division, one of the most deployed units in the military over the past two decades. The Armys decision to locate the new unit at Fort Drum is expected to provide an economic boost to Jefferson County and the North Country. More than 31,000 soldiers and their families are based at Fort Drum, which also employs about 2,710 civilians. The Army garrison is one of the largest employers at a single site in New York state, and had an economic impact of more than $1.6 billion last year, according to an Army study. Fort Drum had been selected as a finalist this spring in a U.S. competition to host an Army Multi-Domain Task Force, one of five units the Army is establishing to deal with emerging national security threats from China, Russia and other nations. Each task force will focus on new technologies, weapons and strategies to fight future battles on air, land, water, and in cyberspace and outer space. The Army decided today that Fort Drum will co-host a task force with an Army base in Wiesbaden, Germany, Schumer said. The task force will focus on Europe. Schumer, D-N.Y., said the designation will enhance Fort Drum as a pillar within Americas national defense strategy. Schumer said Army leaders told him that soldiers will likely rotate between Germany and Fort Drum, starting in 2025. The task force at the Army base in Wiesbaden was activated in 2021. About 500 soldiers from Fort Drum have been deployed in Europe this year to support allies and NATO members amid Russias war on Ukraine. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is among New York elected officials who advocated over the past two years for Fort Drum to be selected as a home for the task force. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 By Rocco Parascandola and Josephine Stratman | New York Daily News New York An 11-year-old migrant boy from Venezuela hanged himself in an Upper West Side shelter following an argument with his parents, a police source said Tuesday. Officers responding to a Monday evening 911 call found the child unconscious in the lobby of the Stratford Arms Hotel on W. 70th St. His parents had rushed him there looking for help after they found him sitting on the bedroom floor in their apartment, a shoelace tied around his neck and the bedpost, the source said. Medics rushed the boy to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died at 6 p.m. Residents of the hotel, the site of a city-run shelter, told the Daily News they heard the mothers screams after finding her child unconscious in the room. Erlis Coronel lives on the same floor as the family. She said shed only arrived recently in the shelter and didnt know the family well, but saw them in passing in the hallways. Everyone was shocked, screaming, scared, Coronel, 22, recounted. Everyone heard those screams, she added. That was when it happened. He went down and they brought him downstairs. There, she said, firefighters and police tried to save the boys life, but it was too late. Coronel, from Venezuela, said she saw the boy earlier that day. I saw him at 2 oclock in the afternoon, she said. I asked him, You didnt go to class today? And he said, No, I didnt have class, I dont know why. The boy was the familys only child, according to Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who represents the Upper West Side. An official cause of death was not released as the investigation continues. The argument between the 11-year-old and his parents was about a cell phone, according to the police source, who added that the child did not have his own device and wanted to use his parents. He grew despondent after they refused to let him use it and at some point retreated to the bedroom where he was later found, the sourced added. We were all appalled to see what happened to the boy, said shelter resident Luis Sigcha, originally from Ecuador. Sigcha, 48, said he saw shelter security rush to try to help the boy. The guard helped him, they got him down, but he was unconscious, he no longer gave any signs of life, he said. On Tuesday, a wreath hung on the door of the hotel. At school dismissal time, groups of moms, nannies and children walked by the 10-story site, chatting and laughing. But inside the hotel, the boys death has had a chilling effect on the residents. Its also started to raise questions about access to mental health services for migrants. Juan Sebastian, a father of two, cant help but think of his own 11-year-old son. His boy and 14-year-old daughter have struggled with the transition ever since the family moved here two months ago, he said. Aside from the struggle to find consistent work, thats been one of the toughest parts of moving to New York City, he said. This is something that, it worries you, said Sebastian, 36. It puts you on notice Im shocked. Its something I cant imagine as a parent. Its scary. It needs to be a place where children can talk, they can walk freely, they can watch television, he continued. Things like televisions, theyre very important when youre 11 years old. The city has sent social workers to the hotel to help both the family of the 11-year-old and other families, according to Brewer, but she said its not enough. She wants to see more help for migrants in acclimating to life in the Big Apple. More than 100,000 migrants have come to New York City in the past 18 months, with 67,000 of them remaining in its care. Thousands have fled political and economic instability to come here in hopes of building a better life but without easy paths to obtaining work permits or stable housing, many have grown disheartened. Its very painful, Mayor Eric Adams said of the 11-year-olds death at a Tuesday press conference. It hurts a lot. You start to ask Did you do enough, should we have done more? And we know weve done all we could possibly do with what we have. But it hurts a lot. _____ (New York Daily News staff writer Chris Sommerfeldt contributed to this story.) _____ 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. DUBAI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- COP28 has provided a general direction for the next phase of global climate action, Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to COP28 and China's vice minister of ecology and environment, told Xinhua on Wednesday. Zhao made the remarks while commenting on this year's UN climate summit held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. He said the first-ever global stocktake of the Paris Agreement during COP28 has further consolidated the general global trend toward a green and low-carbon future. COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, has gathered more than 110,000 registered participants from around the globe to discuss and tackle the pressing climate challenge facing humanity. Steelray Project Viewer is a Windows application that lets you open, print, search, and export Microsoft Project mpp files and view the information in them without requiring Microsoft Project. Steelray is the world's first project navigator and first project search engine. Supports all standard views from Microsoft Project including Gantt, exporting to HTML and CSV, and printing. Simple to use - The world's first project navigator. Built-in search engine - Send task status updates to the project manager with a few clicks. Cross-platform: Windows, Linux and Mac versions are available from our web site. What's New Why it matters: Launched nearly two years ago and in service for 17 months, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to make countless discoveries throughout the galaxies. This time, it gave people a better look into a supernova remnant close to the Earth, and even discovered a new interesting quirk. Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a remnant of a supernova located approximately 10,000 light years away from our planet. For decades, the best photo available of Cas A was taken by the JWST's predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. The image, taken in 2004, was outstanding for the time, though severely limited by Hubble's already-aging technology. With the updated technology featured on the JWST, NASA has finally given people a new look into Cas A, thanks to the first-ever "White House Advent Calendar." These newer photos of Cas A allow many of the remnant's breathtaking colors to be seen for the very first time with the JWST's Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam). NASA compares Cas A to that of a "shiny, round ornament" fit for a Christmas tree. Despite how colorful the image may be, there is still lots of activity in the photos that we cannot see. Thankfully, NASA can take advantage of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) in order to get an even deeper view of Cas A. While NIRCam goes from 0.6 to 5.0 microns, MIRI's range stretches from 5 to 28 microns. For comparison, Hubble's camera ranged between 0.1 and 0.8 microns. The photo taken using JWST's MIRI is more vibrant than the image from NIRCam and reveals quirks about Cas A that hadn't been discovered before. For example, large amounts of dust can be seen within the photo from MIRI, while it is entirely missing from NIRCam's image. NASA noticed a large "loop of green light" within the center of Cas A, which researchers nicknamed the "Green Monster." However, the Green Monster's location is seemingly outlined in NIRCam's image by ionized gas. According to researchers, this is caused by "supernova debris pushing through and sculpting gas left behind by the star before it exploded." The image taken by NIRCam also allowed NASA to make another discovery relating to Cas A. In the bottom right of the photo, researchers discovered a striated blob (seen above in #4), which they determined to be a "light echo" of the original supernova. They fittingly named this blob "Baby Cas A," believing it appeared "like an offspring of the main supernova." In under a year and a half, the JWST continues to make countless brilliant discoveries across the universe. Despite the Cas A supernova being discovered by astronomers over 340 years ago, the existence of Baby Cas A was unknown until recently. So now begs the question: What other secrets of the universe will JWST uncover? Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Ilse De Looze (UGent), Tea Temim (Princeton University) Serving the tech enthusiast community for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust . Read our ethics statement What just happened? In-car equipment has advanced enormously over the last few years, and the next piece of tech that could become standard in all passenger vehicles is one that detects if a driver is drunk. It sounds like something that is years away, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it has taken the first step in making anti-drunk driving technology a requirement. In an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, the NHTSA said that it had started gathering information about drunk and impaired driving prevention technology as there are currently no commercially available options. The agency evaluated 331 driver monitoring systems and found no models could properly identify if a driver was alcohol-impaired. It said that while there are three DMS systems that claim to detect alcohol-based impairment, these remain in the research and development phase. After the notice is published in the Federal Register, the public will be able to submit comments for 60 days. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021 requires the NHTSA to develop a standard that can detect impaired driving by monitoring drivers' performance, detecting whether blood alcohol levels are equal to or greater than the legal limit, or a combination of both. If a system detects a driver is impaired, the operation of the vehicle will be limited or restricted. A group called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety which includes the NHTSA and 16 automakers has been researching different anti-drunk driving technologies. One is a system designed to measure alcohol in a non-invasive way as a person breathes normally, while in the driver's seat no blowing into a breathalyzer. Another technology the group is researching is a touch system. This uses tissue spectroscopy to measure blood alcohol levels under the skin's surface by shining an infrared-light through the fingertip or palm of the driver. It's designed to be integrated into current vehicle controls, such as the start button or steering wheel. It's likely that most people would prefer this method of in-vehicle alcohol detection. Even though mandating detection technology could save around 10,000 lives per year, it's expected that there will be pushback against these systems, especially if they're not 100% accurate. There are also questions over whether the technology could be tricked or even hacked. Congress has set an initial deadline of November 2024 for the technology's regulations to be adopted, but it will likely take a lot longer before they are in place. In September 2022, the NTSB called for all new vehicles to leverage tech to prevent drunk driving and speeding. A hot potato: Huawei has been ousted from some of the world's largest smartphone markets due to US sanctions, but the company is far from dead. Significant investments in Europe have been planned for years, and Huawei has now confirmed that a major overseas expansion will begin next year. Huawei will start building its first overseas manufacturing plant in France in 2024, an anonymous source familiar with the matter recently said. Reuters reports that the new building will be used to make mobile phone and network equipment, and is expected to open for business in 2025, according to an additional source within the French government. Plans for the new factory were outlined in 2020, with an initial investment of 200 million ($215 million), before the COVID-19 pandemic halted everything. The project can now proceed as expected, the unnamed source said, and the new plant will be built in the city of Brumath, near Strasbourg and the official seat of the European Parliament. No further details or precise timeline are provided, but the Chinese Communist Party's official digital newspaper, China Daily, provides some additional details about the deal. Zhang Minggang, deputy general manager of Huawei France, confirmed the new plant, stating that it will create 500 local jobs. The Brumath site will be used to produce a billion euros' worth of mobile network technology solutions, Huawei said, which will then be sold to European consumers. Beijing's official propaganda machine remarked how Huawei has been facing "increasing pressure" from the US and "some" of its allies in Europe, because of so-called national security concerns. The new French factory is seemingly showing the company's openness and commitment to serving the European market despite Washington sanctions, China Daily states. Huawei has been present in France since 2003, and the Brumath plant is part of a broader plan to increase investments in the European nation. In 2020, the Paris government tried to oust the company by telling telecom operators to avoid buying Huawei 5G equipment. After Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire met with the company in Beijing, the French government ultimately decided to extend 5G licenses in some cities. According to China Daily's reporting, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei sees Europe as a "second home" for its company. The new manufacturing plant will be "highly automatic" and intelligent, and it will also have a demo center to showcase some of its production equipment. Further investments already planned by Huawei in France include a research center in Paris to support digital transformation in the country. Serving the tech enthusiast community for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust . Read our ethics statement Bottom line: Most people enjoy working in fully remote jobs, but the number of positions that offer these types of roles has shrunk drastically since the lockdowns ended. The good news for everyone being pushed back into hybrid or full-time in-office schemes is that their jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI, according to an expert. Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University who studies remote employment, told Business Insider that the best way to protect yourself from AI taking your job is to be in a role that requires some in-person interaction, even if said interactions rarely happen. Bloom said that meeting co-workers, managing, or mentoring, even if it is just once per month, creates an activity that AI cannot perform. The professor's research shows that 60% of Americans and North Europeans don't have a fully remote option in their jobs. Another 30% are hybrid workers, which is the scheme that many tech companies calling employees back into the office are adopting. The remaining 10% are fully remote. Most organizations, including Amazon and Roblox, ask their employees to come into the office for at least three days per week. Staff want to work from home for at least three days, but Bloom says that senior managers want that figure to be more like one day. Such a mandate would likely cause plenty of problems for Amazon, which has seen an exodus of corporate workers since introducing its hybrid scheme. Bloom says that repetitive, fully remote jobs are the most at risk of being replaced by AI within the next five to ten years: data entry, call centers, HR, payroll, etc. As for hybrid workers, Bloom doesn't believe AI will be a threat in the near term. Several studies in the area have concluded that AI will augment more jobs than it replaces, and Brown agrees that this will be the case for hybrid workers. Other reports have shown that physical, in-person jobs, especially those that require specialist skills, are a lot safer from the threat of being replaced by AI. But some less-skilled occupations could see the human element removed, either by robots or other forms of automation. Elon Musk thinks there will come a day when no jobs are needed as AI will be able to do everything. In October, Amazon started trialing more robots in its warehouses, including the human-like Digit that can walk forward, backward, and sideways, squat and bend, and move, grasp, and handle items using its arm/hand-like clasps. One of the earliest studies claimed generative AI could affect 300 million jobs globally, while a more optimistic report from September said the technology would replace 2.4 million jobs in the US by 2030 and influence 11 million more. Earlier this year, a CEO who replaced 90% of his support staff with generative AI before boasting about the system on Twitter warned that copy-paste jobs are dead. Processors are getting smaller and more powerful, and the latest development from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is that it demonstrated the 2nm chip to Apple. Currently, the latest work from Apple and TSMC is the 3nm chip, best known for its debut earlier this October via the Scary Fast event, centering on the M3 series for Macs and iPads. While the M3 is not yet seeing significant availability among Apple's lineup, only appearing in the MacBook Pro and the revamped iMac, there are already plans for 2025's M4. Apple Sees the 2nm Chip as TSMC Demos the Processor (Photo : SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images) The Financial Times reported that TSMC has recently demonstrated and showed its initial take on the 2nm chips, getting an upgrade by offering a smaller form factor by as much as 1 nanometer. This year, we saw the M3 with the 3nm process, and the recently reported showcase by TSMC to Apple signals its next-gen development that will offer upgrades for the current processors. It was also revealed that the 2nm process is slated for mass production come 2025, with the upcoming year centering on the 3nm chip that was already debuted by Apple last Halloween. Moreover, Apple is not the only company that is a customer of TSMC production, with the 2nm prototypes also shown to another company, NVIDIA. Read Also: M-series for March: Apple to Bring Updated MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air Next Year 2nm Chip Coming by 2025, But Is This the M4? Following Apple's releases and track, the significant size reduction with this chip signals the next generation of its M-series, with this processor speculated as the M4. It is similar to the M2's 4nm chip which saw its counterpart release this year, the 3nm that is known as the M3. Still, it is expected that Apple stays mum regarding this new 2nm process, but it is expected to be called the M4, with its first mass production slated for 2025. Apple's M-Series and TSMC's Work The year-long wait for the M3 series is finally over, as the chip debuted in the most recent Apple event, and the company celebrating the arrival of its new SoC (System on Chip). Like what initial speculations claimed, the new M3 features a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU, but this came for the M3 Pro chip in the latest specifications from Apple, with the base version featuring an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The M-series by Apple may have been designed and envisioned by the California team, but it was made by TSMC, and with this partnership, the company rose to great heights, becoming one of the top chipmakers in the world. For many years now, TSMC debuted improvements on the M-series since it was first released by Apple in 2020, fulfilling Big Tech's first step toward independence. Now, their partnership blossomed into one of the most significant businesses of the company, centering on the M-series which delivered the renowned processors available from Apple. The recent development of the next-gen SoC, the 2nm process, shows off the future of Apple and TSMC's partnership, and more importantly, its possible arrival by 2025, featuring the M4. Related Article: Apple iPad 2024: iPad Pro M3, Apple Pencil 3, Magic Keyboard Coming Together 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 13, 2023. Orban said on Wednesday that Ukraine was not ready for membership talks with the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday that Ukraine was not ready for membership talks with the European Union (EU). Its swift accession to the bloc would have unforeseeable consequences, which did not serve the interests of either Hungary or the EU, he added. EU membership "is not a title that can be donated, it has fixed conditions," Orban said during a debate in the Hungarian parliament organized around a resolution submitted by the ruling parties. Highlighting concerns about the fallout from Ukraine's prospective EU membership, Orban said he was worried about the substantial financial burdens that would entail. Orban said it was important to evaluate whether Ukraine's swift EU accession would genuinely serve the interests of Hungary or the EU. "The time for Ukraine's EU accession has not yet come," Orban said, adding that "Ukraine can and should be helped, but this cannot ruin Hungary." EU leaders are expected to vote on whether to launch membership talks with Ukraine to the bloc during their summit meeting in Brussels on Dec. 14-15. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 13, 2023. Orban said on Wednesday that Ukraine was not ready for membership talks with the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 13, 2023. Orban said on Wednesday that Ukraine was not ready for membership talks with the European Union (EU). (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) The infamous Coin Cloud hack, best known as a Bitcoin ATM company, remains unknown to its new owners, and despite looking into the matter, they were not able to find the source or culprits behind it. This was through a renowned cybersecurity organization that reported the recent breach that allegedly took place in November, claiming that sensitive information was stolen. Coin Cloud Hack: Bitcoin ATM Company Face Unknown Breach (Photo : Coin Cloud via Medium) A report last November by vx-underground via X detailed the unauthorized access in Coin Cloud's system, stating that an unknown threat actor/s compromised it. Moreover the organization said that the hackers have claimed that they were able to steal the source code of Coin Cloud's backend, one of the most significant access to the company's systems. The report claimed that the threat actors allegedly hold sensitive information from Coin Cloud's customers, including those with accounts residing in the United States and Brazil. As many as 70,000 customer selfies (obtained through ATM cameras), social security numbers, date of birth, email addresses, names, telephone numbers, and more are with the hackers. Read Also: HTX Global, Poloniex Hack: 'Epic' Airdrop Arrives, Operations Resume says Justin Sun Sensitive Information Allegedly Stolen, Owner Still Bewildered However, it was reported by Tech Crunch that its current owner and CEO, Andrew Barnard, claimed that after their recent investigation, they could not determine the culprit behind the hack or any indication of the company's breach. Coin Cloud filed for bankruptcy in February 2023, and it was later acquired by Genesis Coin. However, earlier this year, Genesis Coin was also acquired by Barnard and his associates, making Coin Cloud theirs. Barnard went as far as to say that this controversy is a "mystery," as there is no concrete evidence behind Coin Cloud's hack. Cryptocurrency is Known for Facing Hacks Cryptocurrency is best known for being a secure financial asset, especially as it relies on the blockchain which is maintained across computers, under a peer-to-peer network that prevents online trail. However, this does not mean that threat actors cannot get crafty with their ways, as a recent breach on HTX and the Heco Chain stole as much as $115 million, linked to Justin Sun. Additionally, last quarter also saw a massive hack against the Hong Kong-based crypto company, Mixin, which saw as much as $200 million worth of the coins stolen from them. This was through the vulnerabilities in their cloud service provider's database, with the company previously working on enhancing their security and fixing all of the problems present in their system. However, it is not only hacks that compromise users in the crypto space, as massive scams like phishing, ransomware, malware, and more are actively exploiting the community. The recent alleged breach on Coin Cloud remains a mystery for its new owners after bouncing around ownership after it filed its bankruptcy, and despite investigations, they still have not gotten to the bottom of it. Related Article: Crypto Scam Exposed: US Seizes Digital Currency in Connection to Southeast Asia Investment Fraud 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple has implemented a new policy requiring a judge's order to disclose information about its customers' push notifications to law enforcement. According to Reuters, this move aligns Apple's stance with its competitor, Google, and introduces an additional layer of scrutiny that authorities must navigate when seeking app data about users. Though not formally announced, the updated policy recently surfaced on Apple's publicly available law enforcement guidelines. Officials Seeking Apple and Google Data The change comes after Oregon Senator Ron Wyden revealed that officials were seeking such data from Apple and Google, the Alphabet unit responsible for the Android operating system. Push notifications are a fundamental feature of various apps, alerting smartphone users to incoming messages, news updates, and other important information. While users may be familiar with the audible "dings" accompanying these notifications, what often goes unnoticed is that most such alerts cross through Google and Apple servers. Wyden expressed concern that this practice provided both companies with unique insights into the traffic generated by apps, enabling them to play a role in government surveillance of users' interactions with specific apps. Following Wyden's disclosure, Apple and Google acknowledged receiving requests for such data. Apple has now updated its guidelines, specifying that the data is accessible only "with a subpoena or greater legal process," emphasizing the need for a more stringent warrant. While Apple has not issued an official statement, Wyden commended the company for aligning its policy with Google, emphasizing the necessity of a court order to access push notification-related data. Read Also: Apple Takes Swift Action as Technical Glitches Hit Beeper Mini, the Highly Anticipated Android iMessage Solution Potential Espionage Wyden has previously raised the alarms about potential espionage by foreign governments through smartphone users' push notifications. His office has been investigating reports suggesting that foreign government agencies have compelled both Google and Apple to share "push" notification records. Wyden stressed the importance of transparency regarding demands for these records as he expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the government requests and the potential surveillance implications. "Apple and Google should be permitted to be transparent about the legal demands they receive, particularly from foreign governments, just as the companies regularly notify users about other types of government demands for data," Wyden said. "These companies should be permitted to generally reveal whether they have been compelled to facilitate this surveillance practice, to publish aggregate statistics about the number of demands they receive, and unless temporarily gagged by a court, to notify specific customers about demands for their data. I would ask that the DOJ repeal or modify any policies that impede this transparency," he added. According to Wyden, the interception of push notifications during transmission places Apple and Google in a unique position, making them vulnerable to government demands for surveillance. The updated policy reflects Apple's effort to address these concerns and align its practices with heightened legal standards. Related Article: Apple Cybersecurity Breach Report is Alarming Users, Wants them to Use iCloud Encryption Tech 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Maps has unveiled new updates designed to offer users enhanced control over their personal information, providing more transparency and flexibility in managing location data. The navigation app is set to introduce features that allow users to delete specific location-related activities and access location controls more conveniently. Managing Recent Activity on Google Maps One of the upcoming changes on Google Maps includes the ability for users to view and manage their recent activity associated with specific places. This feature allows users to easily delete searches, directions, visits, and shares related to a particular location with just a few taps. In a blog post, Marlo McGriff, Director of Product at Google Maps, highlighted the significance of these updates in providing users with more control over their personal information. The Timeline feature, which helps users remember places they have visited, relies on Location History settings. For users who have opted to turn on Location History, their Timeline will soon be saved directly on their device, granting them increased control over their data. Users can continue to delete all or part of their information at any time or disable the setting entirely. McGriff also emphasized the importance of data security, mentioning that users can choose to back up their data to the cloud when getting a new phone or concerned about potential data loss. Google also ensures automatic encryption of backed-up data for enhanced privacy. Read Also: New Google Maps Color Scheme Disappoints Many Users-Less Accurate and Less Human? Google Maps' Auto-Delete for Location History Another notable change on Google Maps involves the auto-delete control for Location History, which will default to three months instead of the previous 18 months. This means that data older than three months will be automatically deleted. Users who prefer to retain their memories on the Timeline for a longer period can adjust the auto-delete controls accordingly. "Say you're planning a surprise birthday party, and you get directions to a nearby bakery to pick up the cake. Soon, you'll be able to see all your recent activity on Maps related to the bakery in one central place, and easily delete your searches, directions, visits, and shares with just a few taps. The ability to delete place-related activity from Maps starts rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks," McGriff said. The gradual rollout of these updates is expected to take place over the next year on Android and iOS platforms. Users will receive notifications when these changes become available for their accounts. Google Maps is also introducing new controls accessible from the blue dot, representing the user's location on the map. Tapping the blue dot will give users a quick overview of whether their Location History or Timeline settings are activated and whether Google Maps has access to their device's location. This feature aims to enhance user awareness and control over their location-related preferences. Related Article: Google Maps to Get New Color Palette That Looks Similar to Apple Maps: Here's Everything You Need to Know 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google recently unveiled AI Studio, a web-based tool that promises to reshape the chatbot development landscape. AI Studio, described as a fast track for building with Gemini, aims to help developers by offering various services. TechCrunch tells us that developers can use these services to quickly create prompts and Gemini-based chatbots, obtaining API keys to seamlessly integrate them into their applications or delving into the code using a full-featured IDE. Free Quota and Privacy Considerations A significant highlight of AI Studio is the introduction of a relatively generous free quota, allowing up to 60 requests per second. This provides developers with ample room to iterate on ideas without restrictive limitations. However, for those utilizing the free tier, Google emphasizes that its reviewers can access the input and output of the API and web app to enhance product quality. Crucially, this data is de-identified from the user's Google Account and API key, prioritizing user privacy. Enhancements Over Previous Versions This updated edition boasts substantial improvements compared to its predecessor, Makersuite/AI Studio. Notably, it now supports both Gemini Pro and the Gemini Pro Vision model, facilitating developers to work seamlessly with both text and imagery, ZDNet reports. Josh Woodward, Google's VP for Google Labs, expressed the platform's design focus on speed and efficiency, inviting developers to explore its capabilities. "We really want to invite developers to come play with it. It is the first version and we've got a lot of fine-tuning we're already doing now for future updates, too, but we're trying to design it in a way where people can just get in and really start building with it," Woodward explained. Read Also: Apple Rolls Out New Journal App as Part of Its iOS 17.2 Update for iPhone and iPad Versatile Features for Developers Developers can choose models, adjust creative range with temperature control, and provide examples to set tone and style instructions within the web interface. The platform also allows developers to fine-tune safety settings, providing flexibility in controlling the behavior of the models. Different workflows cater to creating freeform, structured, and chat prompts, ensuring a diverse range of applications. Jeanine Banks, the VP and GM for Google's Developer X teams and head of developer relations, highlighted AI Studio as a gateway into Google's broader AI ecosystem, particularly emphasizing its connection to Vertex AI, Google's enterprise-ready generative AI developer platform. Seamless Transition and Integration The transition from AI Studio to Vertex is designed to be seamless, with strong SDK support based on user feedback. Next year, the platform's future integration into Chrome Dev Tools and Google's Firebase mobile development platform is expected to solidify Google's commitment to further providing a holistic and interconnected AI development environment. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Google Maps Introduces New Updates to Give Users More Control Over Their Personal Data 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tesla's Cybertruck faced a real-world challenge: getting stuck off an off-road trail, prompting questions about its touted off-road capabilities. Despite Tesla's claims of an advanced all-wheel-drive system and a suspension with ample travel and ground clearance, the incident underscores the need for independent testing to validate its performance. The incident occurred on the Corral Hollow OHV trail in Bear Valley, California, involving a release candidate prototype of the Cybertruck. According to Electrek, the trending video shows the electric pickup stuck on the side of what some observers argue is more of a dirt road than a true off-road trail. Speculation about the Cybertruck's inability to handle the task points to a reported software issue, leaving the vehicle without lockers. Despite off-road tires and all-wheel drive, the Cybertruck struggled to navigate the terrain. The presence of some snow on the ground adds to the mystery. BREAKING: Ford rescues Tesla Cybertruck after it struggles to carry small payload up a snowy hill pic.twitter.com/98cQuQ0vhk December 12, 2023 Mixed Reviews Tesla has introduced new off-road-focused software, including a "Wade Mode" designed to pressurize the battery pack for water fording. This incident highlights the need for further independent testing to validate the Cybertruck's potential as a capable off-road vehicle. The incident comes days after the official launch of the Tesla Cybertruck. While Tesla's Cybertruck garnered positive reviews during its takeoff, some influencers and users offered critical feedback. Renowned tech reviewer Marques Brownlee praised the truck but later noted on X, "Tesla Cybertruck is notably the first time that Tesla is straight up not delivering on some of the key specs they promised," as reported by Wall Street Journal. Influencers who didn't have the opportunity for test drives turned to filming their reactions, highlighting certain misses of the Cybertruck. Dan Markham, in a YouTube video, voiced disappointment about the truck's range, stating, "Not everything can be what they dream up at the beginning, but it feels like a massive miss." Read Also: X's Ad Revenue Projections for 2023 Signal Major Setback Under Elon Musk One X user, The Tesla Hoe, shared her excitement for the truck but criticized the event's organization, mentioning restrictions like not being allowed to sit in the Cybertruck and being reprimanded for touching the screen. Despite the critiques, there was an overall sense of anticipation and interest surrounding the Cybertruck. Tesla Reinstates Controversial Clause In a surprising move, Tesla reportedly reintroduced a resale restriction clause, potentially leading to legal action against Cybertruck buyers attempting to resell within the first year. Business Insider reported that the clause, applicable to the limited launch edition "Foundation Series," mandates offering the vehicle back to Tesla at a reduced price before resale, requiring Tesla's written consent. Violating these terms could result in legal consequences, including injunctive relief, liquidated damages up to $50,000 or the sale value, and the potential refusal of future vehicle sales. The rationale behind this clause, limited to specific contracts and editions, remains unclear. Related Article: Volkswagen in Talks with Renault for Low-Cost Electric Vehicle 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Cloud has officially launched Imagen 2, a substantial enhancement to its image-generation capabilities, exclusively available to Vertex AI customers on the allowlist. Developed with Google DeepMind technology, Imagen 2 offers improved image quality and advanced features. Users can leverage intuitive tooling, fully managed infrastructure, and built-in privacy and safety features to customize and deploy Imagen 2. Notable features include generating high-quality, photorealistic images from natural language prompts, rendering text in multiple languages, creating logos, and enabling visual question and answer. Crucially, Vertex AI's indemnification commitment now covers Imagen 2, providing a two-pronged copyright indemnification approach. This addresses concerns and instills confidence in customers utilizing generative AI products. Google emphasizes Imagen 2's enterprise-grade reliability and governance, allowing organizations to create images aligned with specific brand requirements. Meet Imagen 2: our most advanced text-to-image diffusion technology. It features high-quality, photorealistic outputs and stronger consistency with your prompts. Now available to use via @GoogleClouds #VertexAI platform. https://t.co/T1IIJMbIW9 pic.twitter.com/iWIzi2jgZH Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) December 13, 2023 Impressions on Imagen 2 Snap is leveraging Imagen for its Snapchat+ subscribers, introducing an AI Camera Mode that enables users to express creativity effortlessly. With a simple tap, users can generate scenes by typing prompts, selecting pre-set options, sharing them with friends, or adding to their stories. Josh Siegel, Senior Director of Product at Snap, praises Imagen's scalability, safety, and image quality, allowing Snap to focus on design and user experience. Shutterstock, known for ethically sourced AI image generation, enhances its capabilities with Imagen on Vertex AI. The Shutterstock AI image generator turns text prompts into unique visuals, offering over 16,000 searchable Imagen pictures for licensing. Read Also: X's Ad Revenue Projections for 2023 Signal Major Setback Under Elon Musk Canva also embraces Imagen on Vertex AI, integrating it into its design process for millions of images generated to date. Danny Wu, Head of AI at Canva, highlights the partnership with Google Cloud, emphasizing how Imagen empowers Canva's community to enhance content creation at scale. "With Imagen, our 170 million+ monthly users can benefit from the image quality improvements to uplevel their content creation at scale. The new model and features will further empower our community to turn their ideas into real images with as little friction as possible," Wu said, as quoted in the tech giant's blog. Moreover, Google noted that it performed "robust safety testing" before the unveiling of the technology to prevent the creation of harmful materials. "From the outset, we invested in training data safety for Imagen 2, and added technical guardrails to limit problematic outputs like violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content." Possible Intellectual Property Issues Despite these advancements, Google remains silent on the training data used for Imagen 2, sparking legal questions regarding AI vendors commercializing models trained on potentially copyrighted data. This cautious stance contrasts with Google's earlier disclosure of using the public LAION dataset for the first-gen Imagen, which contained problematic content, according to TechCrunch. Intellectual property protection concerns persist, as Google and rivals like Amazon lack mechanisms for creators to opt out of training datasets or receive compensation. Instead, Google relies on an expanded indemnification policy for eligible Vertex AI customers, guarding against copyright claims linked to Google's use of training data and Imagen 2 outputs. Recognizing the issue of regurgitation, where AI models produce mirrored versions of training examples, Google acknowledges its validity for corporate users and developers. The expanded policy aims to allay concerns by focusing on indemnification against copyright claims. Related Article: AI Excels at Imitation But Not in Innovation, Study Finds 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NEW DELHI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Three people, including a woman, were killed and over 20 others injured Wednesday after an overhead water tank collapsed at a busy railway station in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, police said. The tank collapsed at Burdwan railway station, about 104 km northwest of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. "Today an overhead water tank on platform numbers 2 and 3 at Burdwan railway station collapsed, killing three people and injuring 27 others," a police officer said, adding that the injured were shifted to the Burdwan Medical College hospital. According to the officer, the water tank was made of corrugated metal sheets. Immediately after the accident, locals and railway officials at the station rushed to the spot to help the injured. The accident disrupted services at the junction. Local media reports said railway authorities have ordered a probe into the tank collapse and suspended work of three employees. Eleven kilometers into the depths: China says it wants to drill into the Earth's mantle with a special ship According to the study, crocodiles are romantic lovers and speak a "language of love" Five New Restaurants and Travelers Who Are Going to Be Very Familiar This Year Mantequeria Bermejo, the centennial trade that has gone viral for a few horns Google will probably fail with lawsuit against billions in fine from the European Union Michaela May, Gisela Schneeberger and Jutta Speidel: "The image of women on television is underground" Why is South Africa's complaint against Israel before the Court of Justice the most important of all? Osaka-Kansai Expo: Bringing food into the venue is prohibited in principle, and final adjustments are made Aida Artiles, yogi and model: "Reading and running on the beach gives me life" The shadow of Paco de Lucia is infinite: the genius that no one has ever met 'The President should shut his face': Anouk Grinberg angry with Emmanuel Macron after his comments on Depardieu (m+) Artificial intelligence: How Vokswagen, Mercedes and BMW want to score points with AI in their cars Carvajal, a request to Ancelotti and a prophecy: "With the draw I said 'it would be great to score a goal for my brother-in-law'" Four transfers in four days: Zenit strengthened with three Brazilians and weakened their RPL rivals Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Sweden is out of the World Junior Championships: "Has more in it" Hilda Andersson on the cruciate ligament injury: "Remember that it will be difficult" Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing In the fight against wind and frost: Derbusheva and Bektuganov became champions of Russia in biathlon in the super sprint Despite the fiasco Bjorn Ferry believes in Sweden's chance of a medal in the World Championships Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing The Ministry of Finance of Russia will sell currency and gold for 69,1 billion rubles The government now justifies the pact with Junts on the exit of companies "to avoid fiscal engineering" from which they left Planas rules out lowering taxes on more foods and encourages the 'super' to lower the price of oil from now on Cottbus: Olaf Scholz is greeted by farmers' protests at the opening of the railway plant Bitcoin: Is it possible and recommended to invest via funds? The "dragon content" of the e-commerce platform has surged, and the atmosphere has not yet been full Train tickets for the first day of the Spring Festival are open today, and the rules have changed! Grifols is not convincing: there are no concrete explanations for analysts and the stock is once again plummeting The DPR convicted a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who tortured and killed a Russian soldier The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine withdrew from the Rada a bill on new rules of mobilization US election campaign: Trump basks in the sun at Fox, DeSantis and Haley throw mud at each other Customers critical of Vytag after the cold weather The Swedish Consumer Agency is reviewing the company Milei writes to Pope Francis, showers him with praise and invites him to visit Argentina State Department: The United States, together with the G7, will make decisions on the use of Russia's assets The Campo de Gibraltar applies a "drastic drop" in water pressure that leads to cuts during the night Qatar Charity launches two projects in the name of the martyrs Hamza Al-Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya Aqaba summit calls for cessation of Israeli aggression and warns of the seriousness of the situation in the West Bank Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai Hamas: We will not allow the occupation and its supporters to interfere in the future of the Gaza Strip 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. Eleven kilometers into the depths: China says it wants to drill into the Earth's mantle with a special ship According to the study, crocodiles are romantic lovers and speak a "language of love" Five New Restaurants and Travelers Who Are Going to Be Very Familiar This Year Mantequeria Bermejo, the centennial trade that has gone viral for a few horns Google will probably fail with lawsuit against billions in fine from the European Union Michaela May, Gisela Schneeberger and Jutta Speidel: "The image of women on television is underground" Why is South Africa's complaint against Israel before the Court of Justice the most important of all? Osaka-Kansai Expo: Bringing food into the venue is prohibited in principle, and final adjustments are made Aida Artiles, yogi and model: "Reading and running on the beach gives me life" The shadow of Paco de Lucia is infinite: the genius that no one has ever met 'The President should shut his face': Anouk Grinberg angry with Emmanuel Macron after his comments on Depardieu (m+) Artificial intelligence: How Vokswagen, Mercedes and BMW want to score points with AI in their cars Carvajal, a request to Ancelotti and a prophecy: "With the draw I said 'it would be great to score a goal for my brother-in-law'" Four transfers in four days: Zenit strengthened with three Brazilians and weakened their RPL rivals Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Sweden is out of the World Junior Championships: "Has more in it" Hilda Andersson on the cruciate ligament injury: "Remember that it will be difficult" Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing In the fight against wind and frost: Derbusheva and Bektuganov became champions of Russia in biathlon in the super sprint Despite the fiasco Bjorn Ferry believes in Sweden's chance of a medal in the World Championships Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing The national football team will compete in the Asian Cup again after 5 years, will it work this time? The Ministry of Finance of Russia will sell currency and gold for 69,1 billion rubles The government now justifies the pact with Junts on the exit of companies "to avoid fiscal engineering" from which they left Planas rules out lowering taxes on more foods and encourages the 'super' to lower the price of oil from now on Cottbus: Olaf Scholz is greeted by farmers' protests at the opening of the railway plant Bitcoin: Is it possible and recommended to invest via funds? The "dragon content" of the e-commerce platform has surged, and the atmosphere has not yet been full Train tickets for the first day of the Spring Festival are open today, and the rules have changed! Grifols is not convincing: there are no concrete explanations for analysts and the stock is once again plummeting The DPR convicted a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who tortured and killed a Russian soldier The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine withdrew from the Rada a bill on new rules of mobilization US election campaign: Trump basks in the sun at Fox, DeSantis and Haley throw mud at each other Customers critical of Vytag after the cold weather The Swedish Consumer Agency is reviewing the company Milei writes to Pope Francis, showers him with praise and invites him to visit Argentina State Department: The United States, together with the G7, will make decisions on the use of Russia's assets Police and Civil Guards demand that Marlaska stop the "scrapping of the State" after the new pact with Junts to cede migration The Campo de Gibraltar applies a "drastic drop" in water pressure that leads to cuts during the night Qatar Charity launches two projects in the name of the martyrs Hamza Al-Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya Aqaba summit calls for cessation of Israeli aggression and warns of the seriousness of the situation in the West Bank Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai Hamas: We will not allow the occupation and its supporters to interfere in the future of the Gaza Strip 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 World Bank has affirmed plans to increase climate financing for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region to $10 billion by 2025. "In the last three years (from 2021 to 2023), we had provided $6.3 billion in climate financing for the region," said Meskerem Brhane, Regional Director for Sustainable Development, Middle East and North Africa for the World Bank, in a statement to Wam. She added that the funding supports both reducing net emissions and resilience projects, helping countries prepare for and respond to future natural disasters. "Last year, we provided $800 million in climate-related financing to Morocco, Jordan and Lebanon," said Brhane. According to her, the World Bank had integrated climate into all its work across the Mena region and is on track to align 100% of new operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement. She noted that the World Bank's Mena Climate Change Roadmap, which runs from 2021-2025, focuses on four key areas: food systems, water security, energy transition, and sustainable finance. Regarding the UAE's hosting of COP28, she said, "By hosting this event, the UAE signals its leadership in climate change, its ability to work with other countries to tackle global issues and its own ambition in this space." The official added that the GCC countries can lead the global dialogue on energy transition and renewable energy deployment by further aligning their growth pathways with global climate action and decarbonisation trends. "The GCC is already ahead in developing green and blue hydrogen projects," he stated. The World Bank official said that by embracing green growth strategies, the region's GDP could potentially grow to over $13 trillion by 2050. She also highlighted that private sector investment is crucial for the success of climate initiatives in GCC countries. Significant investments will be needed to transform resource consumption, energy production, manufacturing processes, and other economic systems to achieve climate objectives. She mentioned that the World Bank published the Country Climate and Development Reports for Mena countries to identify the most serious climate risks for a country and its potential impact on the country's development. It also helps prioritise the most impactful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost adaptation and resilience, reported Wam. The ultimate goal is to help countries deliver on broader development goals in the face of climate change risk, she added. ROME, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists blocked major bridges in Rome on Tuesday, the latest in a series of high-profile demonstrations around Italy. The group, called the Last Generation, halted rush hour traffic on four of the capital's main bridges, shouting slogans at drivers and holding signs. The protests lasted around 20 minutes before being broken up by police. Earlier this month, members of the group blocked traffic on the highway to Rome's Fiumicino Airport, and last month, members blocked major thoroughfares in Milan and Cagliari, the capital city of the Italian island region of Sardinia. The Italian government has stiffened penalties, with fines for protesters who damage historical monuments or cultural sites. People search for missile fragments in the pit in the Dniprovskyi district of Kiev, Ukraine, Dec. 13, 2023. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Wednesday that the Ukrainian capital suffered a major airstrike earlier in the day, leaving at least 53 people injured. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua) KIEV, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 53 people were injured in a major Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Eighteen adults and two children were hospitalized, while the rest received medical treatment on the site, Klitschko said on Telegram. A children's hospital, an apartment building, private houses and cars were damaged by the airstrike in eastern Dniprovskyi and southeastern Darnytskyi districts, Klitschko said. The Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement that it had intercepted all 10 ballistic missiles fired against Kiev. The air strike marked the second attack on the Ukrainian capital this week. Eleven kilometers into the depths: China says it wants to drill into the Earth's mantle with a special ship According to the study, crocodiles are romantic lovers and speak a "language of love" Five New Restaurants and Travelers Who Are Going to Be Very Familiar This Year Mantequeria Bermejo, the centennial trade that has gone viral for a few horns Google will probably fail with lawsuit against billions in fine from the European Union Michaela May, Gisela Schneeberger and Jutta Speidel: "The image of women on television is underground" Why is South Africa's complaint against Israel before the Court of Justice the most important of all? Osaka-Kansai Expo: Bringing food into the venue is prohibited in principle, and final adjustments are made Aida Artiles, yogi and model: "Reading and running on the beach gives me life" The shadow of Paco de Lucia is infinite: the genius that no one has ever met 'The President should shut his face': Anouk Grinberg angry with Emmanuel Macron after his comments on Depardieu (m+) Artificial intelligence: How Vokswagen, Mercedes and BMW want to score points with AI in their cars Carvajal, a request to Ancelotti and a prophecy: "With the draw I said 'it would be great to score a goal for my brother-in-law'" Four transfers in four days: Zenit strengthened with three Brazilians and weakened their RPL rivals Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Sweden is out of the World Junior Championships: "Has more in it" Hilda Andersson on the cruciate ligament injury: "Remember that it will be difficult" Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing In the fight against wind and frost: Derbusheva and Bektuganov became champions of Russia in biathlon in the super sprint Despite the fiasco Bjorn Ferry believes in Sweden's chance of a medal in the World Championships Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing The national football team will compete in the Asian Cup again after 5 years, will it work this time? The Ministry of Finance of Russia will sell currency and gold for 69,1 billion rubles The government now justifies the pact with Junts on the exit of companies "to avoid fiscal engineering" from which they left Planas rules out lowering taxes on more foods and encourages the 'super' to lower the price of oil from now on Cottbus: Olaf Scholz is greeted by farmers' protests at the opening of the railway plant Bitcoin: Is it possible and recommended to invest via funds? The "dragon content" of the e-commerce platform has surged, and the atmosphere has not yet been full Train tickets for the first day of the Spring Festival are open today, and the rules have changed! Grifols is not convincing: there are no concrete explanations for analysts and the stock is once again plummeting The DPR convicted a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who tortured and killed a Russian soldier The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine withdrew from the Rada a bill on new rules of mobilization US election campaign: Trump basks in the sun at Fox, DeSantis and Haley throw mud at each other Customers critical of Vytag after the cold weather The Swedish Consumer Agency is reviewing the company Milei writes to Pope Francis, showers him with praise and invites him to visit Argentina State Department: The United States, together with the G7, will make decisions on the use of Russia's assets The Campo de Gibraltar applies a "drastic drop" in water pressure that leads to cuts during the night Qatar Charity launches two projects in the name of the martyrs Hamza Al-Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya Aqaba summit calls for cessation of Israeli aggression and warns of the seriousness of the situation in the West Bank Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai Hamas: We will not allow the occupation and its supporters to interfere in the future of the Gaza Strip 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. RAMALLAH, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Rula Maayah said Wednesday that Palestine's tourism industry is expected to lose 200 million U.S. dollars by the end of the year under the impact of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. In a statement published by the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA), she said that the tourism sector has suffered an average daily loss of 2.5 million dollars since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out on Oct. 7. She said Palestine's tourism sector faced dire circumstances during this year's Christmas season, primarily in Gaza and the West Bank. Bethlehem, a West Bank city that used to attract tourists during the Christmas season, appears desolate this winter, she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israels aggressive bombing campaign in Gaza is causing international support to ebb away due to the high number of civilian casualties, President Joe Biden said on Tuesday as Canada, Australia and New Zealand called for urgent efforts towards a ceasefire. Theyre starting to lose that support, Mr Biden said during a campaign fundraiser in Washington, hours before he was to meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr Biden said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu must shake up the composition of his Likud-led cabinet, which experts have described as the most right-wing and extreme in Israeli history. Bibis got a tough decision to make, Mr Biden said. This is the most conservative government in Israels history. Mr Biden noted that the current makeup of the Israeli government doesnt want a two-state solution. Mr Netanyahu has to change this government. This government in Israel is making it very difficult, Mr Biden said. We have an opportunity to begin to unite the region, he said. They still want to do it. But we have to make sure that Bibi understands that hes got to make some moves to strengthen ... you cannot say no Palestinian state ... thats going to be the hard part. Mr Bidens comments go further in criticising the Israeli government than he has during public events so far. They came as the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a joint statement calling for urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians, they said. A ceasefire cannot be one-sided and Hamas must release all hostages and stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, they added. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is set to travel to Israel for talks with its war cabinet. Mr Netanyahu has said that Washington backs Israel in its stated goal of wiping out Hamas and rescuing the remaining hostages. However, the US and Israeli leaders appear to disagree on what should come after the end of the current hostilities. The US, which has until now rejected calls for a ceasefire at the UN and greenlit selling thousands of tank shells to the Israelis, now appears to softening in its support. While the US has been arguing for the Palestinian Authority to have a leadership role in Gaza after the end of the conflict, Mr Netanyahu rejected the idea in a video posted to social media. There is disagreement about the day after Hamas and I hope that we will reach agreement here as well, Mr Netanyahu said, according to The New York Times. After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism, he added. In October, Mr Biden responded to a question from The Independent by saying Hamas should release the hostages it kidnapped before any ceasefire in the bombardment of Gaza is implemented. We should get... we should have a ceasefire, not a ceasefire... we should have these hostages released and then we can talk, he said. Israels army announced it had retrieved the bodies of two hostages from Gaza in an operation that killed two Israeli soldiers. Soldiers retrieved the bodies of Eden Zakaria, 27, who was kidnapped from the music festival near Kibbutz Reim, and Ziv Dado, 36, a soldier serving near the Gaza border. Dado was killed on October 7 and his body was taken to Gaza. Zakaria was wounded on 7 October, and it was unclear if she was taken alive or dead to Gaza, according to reports on Israels Channel 12. During the operation to rescue the bodies, two soldiers, Gal Meir Eizenkot and Eyal Meir Berkowitz, were killed. Gal Eisenkot is the son of Gadi Eizenkot, who served as military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 and sits on the war cabinet. WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Republicans on Wednesday voted to authorize impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, in a 221-212 vote along party lines. "The impeachment power resides solely with the House of Representatives," Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a hardliner within the Republican party, told reporters. "If a majority of the House now says we're in an official impeachment inquiry as part of our constitutional duty to do oversight, that carries weight. That's going to help us get these witnesses in," said the Ohio Republican, one of the leaders of the impeachment push. Republicans hope that the impeachment inquiry vote would give them better legal standing to hold the president's son Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress should he fail to show. Hunter Biden, the first child of a sitting president to be criminally indicted, appeared at a news conference outside the Capitol Wednesday morning, when he again offered to testify in a public hearing, after refusing to appear at a closed-door deposition Republicans demanded. Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron, left, meets with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, for discussions on the war in Ukraine, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance for Ukraine and warning of dire consequences for Kyiv if lawmakers don't act. Crown Resorts appears to be in crisis management after allegations that its chief executive, Ciaran Carruthers, overruled the casinos own security officers, who had banned intoxicated customers and other patrons who had brought a minor into licensed areas. And the timing couldnt be worse. In January, the special manager appointed to oversee the casino operators rehabilitation is due to hand down his final report and a recommendation on whether it should keep its licence. Scandal-ridden Crown faces new allegations. Crowns three casinos are currently operating on what could be best described as probationary licences. BPs former chief executive officer Bernard Looney will forfeit as much as 32.4 million ($61.5 million) in pay after resigning because he lied about his personal relationships with other employees. Looney resigned in September after acknowledging he had not been fully transparent in his disclosures about his work relationships. Bernard Looney said at the time of his resignation that he was not fully transparent in his disclosures about past relationships with colleagues. Credit: Bloomberg Mr Looney knowingly misled the board, the company said in a statement on Wednesday (UK time), following an internal investigation into the matter. BP said the company had sought assurances from Looney in 2022 about the relationships but has concluded that his statements were inaccurate and incomplete. ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government on Wednesday denied the joining of a newly proposed international maritime coalition led by the United States to protect shipping lines from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. According to a report by the state-run Saba news agency, an unidentified government official refuted "the widespread rumors circulating the media about Yemen's engagement," noting decision about Yemeni joining such coalitions would be made by the highest authorities in the country, particularly the Presidential Leadership Council. Meanwhile, the official stressed the importance of supporting the Yemeni government to protect its territorial waters and mitigate threats from the Houthi group, the report said. The situation in the Red Sea intensified on Tuesday when the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting a Norwegian oil tanker en route to Israel with a missile, as part of their previously issued warning against aiding Israel. The Houthis, who have been controlling a major part of northern Yemen and its western coastline along the Red Sea for years, have announced that any vessels aiding Israel, which is waging an attack on Gaza, will be treated as legitimate targets. Earlier in December, the rebel group took credit for attacks on two vessels purportedly associated with Israel in the Bab Al-Mandab region. Also, the Houthis have been detaining a ship with a crew of 52 since Nov. 19, further exacerbating regional maritime security. Tis the season for Christmas movies, particularly those with plot lines as fresh as last years fruit cake. While critics are often unkind about these festive flicks, Im here to defend the unwatchable. And yes, that includes the fifth Home Alone sequel that no child asked for. Eddie Murphy looks mildly embarrassed to be featuring in Amazon Primes Candy Cane Lane. Credit: Amazon I am no cinephile, but even if I were, it would matter little because the holiday season is a time for abandoning your critical faculties and embracing extremely clement comedy. The more contrived and overly sentimental the Christmas movie, the better. The decline of Christianity across the nation is in stark contrast to the soaring popularity of the so-bad-theyre-kinda-great Christmas movies that might make baby Jesus cry. It is 1943, Tokyo is being bombed as part of World War II, and 12-year-old Mahito (Luca Padovan) is too late running towards his mothers burning hospital. The sound drops and the image distorts, the chaos is otherworldly, the loss intimate. Loading Afterwards, a grieving Mahito is evacuated to the countryside with his father, Shoichi (Christian Bale), who has remarried his late wifes younger sister, Natsuko (Gemma Chan). With its autobiographical grace notes, the first half of the film is unhurried. Reserved instead of angry, Mahito is tormented and enticed by the Grey Heron (Robert Pattinson, absolutely having at it), a bird bidding him to enter an abandoned tower deep in foreboding lore, so he can rescue his mother. The borders between realms are always porous in Miyazakis pocket universes, and Mahito finds himself in a fantastical parallel dimension. This wonderland, rendered in gorgeous hand-drawn frames, reveals alternate versions of family members, and magical tasks at one point Mahito and a dedicated boat woman, Kiriko (Florence Pugh), feed the circle of life with bountiful fish guts. But despite the entreaties of adults and avian adversaries, the plot skews to the contemplative. What will matter the most, the movie asks, in your life? With painterly establishing shots, otherworldly eruptions, transformative creatures and luscious condiments, The Boy and the Heron exists several worlds away from Hollywood animations digital frontier. Its filled with inspiration, but its never dogmatic. Miyazaki is reportedly at work on his next film insert your preferred go off, king style exhortation here but if this was to be his last feature it would be a fitting finale. Dont live in my world, Miyazakis saying, forge your own. Former British prime minister Boris Johnson has called for an expanded AUKUS pact and greater Australian aid to Ukraine as part of a Western resistance to the great global continuum of evil from Vladimir Putins Russia to the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza. Speaking in Sydney on Wednesday evening, Johnson delivered a rousing defence of Western liberal democracies and criticised what he called the Western worlds habit of cancelling freedom of expression in the name of wokery. Former British prime minister Boris Johnson delivers the 11th John Howard Lecture for the Menzies Research Centre in Sydney. Credit: Renee Nowytarger It was vital for Ukraine to prevail, Johnson said, to avoid not only cruel and chauvinist tyranny in that country, but to ward off a new dark ages of geopolitics in which might is seen to be right, and the worlds autocrats believe they have the upper hand. After decades of being pushed around, the worlds democracies will finally be sending a signal that we are willing to stand up for our values, he said. That signal will be heard wherever an autocrat is meditating an attack on a neighbouring democracy. 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 story is part of the December 16 edition of Good Weekend. See all 21 stories . Fourteen months after the last family funeral, I am at another one. Our elders are getting older. I am sitting next to an uncle, and he is clearly asleep: his body hunched and his head sinking deeper into his chest. Im worried hes going to topple into the aisle of the chapel. I remind myself this is a Sri Lankan Tamil funeral, so there is almost certainly an orthopaedic surgeon or a geriatrician in the congregation. Pre-emptively, I squeeze his shoulders and he startles awake. Todays funeral is for my great-aunt, Annalakshmy, loved by all as Annam Acca. At 87, she is the last of my grandmothers four siblings to pass away. My grandmother Jeyalakshmy (Ammamma) died in August last year (aged 95), and now, with Annam Accas passing, the oldest generation of Sivagurus, the line we are descended from, has completely gone. Once upon a time in Sri Lanka, extended families lived together, in the same house, same village or same suburb. In Western Sydney, some of my extended family have replicated this ecosystem, but some of us are still geographically dispersed. Until the next generation of Sivagurus gets married, we find ourselves increasingly only meeting at funerals. As I look around the funeral home, I can see that more than one person from every sub-unit of the large Sivaguru clan has come to represent, and to honour one of our favourite family members. For all of us cousins in the Rasanayagam sub-unit, Annam Acca was a bonus grandmother and a quiet, calming influence on the kinetic melodrama of our own beloved Ammamma. Loading I am particularly moved when a group of young men walk in together, part hip-hop ensemble, part gangsta. The fourth generation have enough hair product between them to look concerningly flammable and I am relieved Australia prohibits open pyres. The fourth generation does not know Annam Acca as well as the rest of us, but they are here because we are family, and the tribe understands the unspoken instruction: we want to commemorate and consolidate. When Sri Lankas civil war broke out in 1983 and most of the Sivagurus left the country, Annam Acca, my grandmother and two of their siblings, Thanam Acca and Rajan Mama, moved here and lived around the corner from each other in Sydney. The sisters walked the streets of Strathfield every evening together for decades, in their kaftans and cardigans, stopping to chat to other Sri Lankan Tamils as they went, exchanging advice and news from back home. Advertisement Annam Acca was our grandmothers wing-sibling at family gatherings, weddings, and temple. Her vendhya kulambu (a complex gravy that must perfectly balance tamarind, garlic and fenugreek) was better than my grandmothers and, although 53 Sivagurus would agree with this, no one was brave enough to tell Ammamma. In a contest between the god of destruction and the goddess of R&B, I know which soundtrack my children will choose. When my grandmother finally entered the local nursing home, where she later passed away, Annam Acca visited her almost daily, helping her ride the waves of dementia and fear that plagued her last years. I often looked at the two sisters together (the two Lakshmys) and thought how lucky they were to have each other. Selfishly, I thought how lucky for the rest of us, to learn about sibling love and loyalty from the very start of our lives to the very end of theirs. Loading On the large television screen behind the coffin, a family member has curated a slideshow of photographs that play on a loop. Over and over again, we see Annam Accas life in images, and in these photos, some that are 80 years old, we see the rest of our extended family. There are a few photos that contain five generations. We are reminded of the small moments in our shared life countless family gatherings that have given us such joy. We are reminded that for most of my teenage years I had a moustache. We watch the photos and we cry, but we laugh much more. The funeral continues with a series of rituals that are explained to us by the Hindu priest. His Tamil is fast and classical, the language of scripture. Mine is more akin to that of a preschool reader (Spot Gets the Ball). The priest shakes his head in frustration. His expression says, Its not that hard. What kind of Tamil are you? My aunty stands by the side of Annam Accas body and comforts her departing soul with devotional songs. My aunty has a beautiful voice she sings at every funeral and it anchors us to this moment, to the decades of love we have for each other and the thousands of years of culture that we come from. Advertisement My parents were as surprised as I was, she said. They were very, very happy. The 17-year-old Pymble Ladies College student found the final exam challenging, so she was astonished when she got the call telling her she had come first in the state. She can recite pi to 1000 decimal places, studies number theory in her spare time, and this year was the second girl in a decade to top extension 2 mathematics in the HSC. I found the exam very interesting and difficult. It was very different to the past papers that I had done, so it forced me to like, think quite a bit on my feet. Angie has always enjoyed mathematics simply because she was quite good at it (she turned down a spot at prestigious selective school James Ruse in year 7) but her real love for the subject was ignited in year 9 when she discovered maths Olympiad an extracurricular program which stretches students maths skills. Loading That was just a whole different world, Angie said. She learnt about more about different fields of maths in ways she had not studied them in school, including geometry, number theory and combinatorics. Combinatorics applies mathematical operations to count quantities that are much too large to be counted the conventional way. I just kind of fell in love with that kind of version of maths it was the processes, the unseen operations that you have to do to prove something, she said. Australians would be well accustomed to scam texts now. Day after day we receive messages pretending to be anything from a relative needing cash to Australia Post arranging a delivery. Now NSW Police allege theyve traced more than 17 million of these scam texts sent to phones across the country purporting to be from a range of companies including Australia Post and toll company Linkt to one man in Sydneys west. One of the text messages allegedly sent by the Sydney man. Credit: NSW Police At 6am on Tuesday, detectives from the cybercrime squad searched a home in Moorebank after an investigation into the use of SIM boxes, which are electronic devices using multiple SIM cards to quickly send out phishing texts to multiple phones. During the search, police say they found two active SIM boxes, multiple SIM cards and other electronics consistent with a phishing scam operation. A man has been jailed for 22 years after he tied up and assaulted a Melbourne mother before binding her childrens hands, covering their eyes and kidnapping them in a car boot. Jiangang Ji had waited for their father to leave for work before breaking into the Blackburn North house while armed with a knife to take the young children. Jiangang Ji. Credit: Facebook They were safely returned to their parents after a nearly 12-hour ordeal on August 23, 2021, but are still affected by the terrifying experience that sparked a Melbourne-wide search. Ji was on Wednesday ordered to serve at least 15 years of the sentence. A man who shot his ex-wifes new partner at a flower stall has directed a tirade of abuse towards a Supreme Court judge after learning he would spend at least 15 years behind bars. Abil Malovski, 39, interrupted Justice Andrew Tinney in court on Wednesday and called him a dog among a string of other insults. Abil Malovski arrives at the Supreme Court of Victoria earlier this month. Credit: AAP Only God can sentence me, he yelled. Malovski repeatedly shouted slurs at Tinney and another person sitting in court. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with those representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that the foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among their two peoples and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people. Xi made the remarks while delivering a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. Upon Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan's arrival at the National Convention Center, they were warmly welcomed by Vietnamese youth representatives. Xi and Peng, along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife, Ngo Thi Man, took group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. On behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government, Xi extended his warm regards to the old and new friends who are committed to China-Vietnam friendship. He pointed out that on Tuesday he and Trong jointly announced their decision to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus ushering in a new stage in the relations between the two parties and countries. This is a major strategic decision they have made to revitalize world socialism and ensure the long-term stability and security of the two countries, Xi said, adding that it is rooted in the two countries' traditional friendship and represents the shared interests and aspirations of the two peoples. In the past, the two countries stood by and reached out to each other as they pursued common goals together, he said, adding in modern times, the two parties and peoples stayed true to their common ideals, and supported each other in trying times as they fought for national independence and liberation. Today, while reading the famous poetic line by late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh that "so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers," the memory of those fiery and exciting years of the two peoples is kept alive, Xi continued, adding that the two countries remain firmly committed to their shared aspiration forged in the early days and are pursuing win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership 15 years ago, the CPC and the CPV have pursued people-centered mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering true benefits to the two peoples, he noted, saying that looking ahead, it can be seen that the two countries share the same future. China is now striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, and Vietnam, on its part, is vigorously advancing its industrialization and modernization drive, he continued. China will stay committed to peaceful development, the policy of forging friendships and partnerships with neighbors, and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. And China is ready to share more of the benefits of Chinese modernization with its neighbors, Xi noted. Stressing the foundation of bilateral friendship lies among the two peoples, and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people, Xi expressed three wishes to the youth of the two countries. First, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will carry forward bilateral friendship and play their part in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. With remarkable economic and social advances, China and Vietnam demonstrate to the world that they have found the right development paths, Xi said, adding that enhanced solidarity and cooperation will strengthen their socialist causes. He also voiced hopes that people committed to the China-Vietnam friendship in various sectors in both countries, especially the young people, will take the lead in promoting bilateral friendship, and contribute to the two countries' respective hundred-year pursuit of development goals and to the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Second, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will play their part in promoting the development of the Asia-Pacific and contribute to enduring peace in the region. Noting that the two countries have made tremendous achievements through, respectively, China's reform and opening up and Vietnam's Doi Moi (reform) policy, Xi said this is credited not only to their own endeavors, but also to a peaceful, open and inclusive Asia-Pacific, adding that the Asia-Pacific is the place which the two countries call home, and openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation are the right course to follow. The two countries should strive to build an Asia-Pacific community, create more momentum to boost solidarity and make advances, and make greater contributions to making the Asia-Pacific more harmonious and prosperous, he added. Third, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will be pioneers in promoting human progress and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Noting that the two parties are both Marxist parties that bear in mind the overall interests of the world, and the two countries are both responsible members of the international community, Xi said that they should play a major role in advancing human progress, and should be visionary, look beyond the horizon and shoulder responsibilities entrusted by the times, stand up for international fairness and justice, and contribute their share to global development. Xi emphasized that keeping in mind the journey traversed will enable the two countries to advance along the right path, adding that the challenging paths China and Vietnam have traveled and the remarkable achievements they have made in developing socialism fully demonstrate that enhanced solidarity and cooperation between the two countries has enabled them to overcome all risks and challenges and to move from one victory to another. Xi said the two countries should pursue their respective path to socialism and deliver the gains of industrialization and modernization to more people in the two countries, calling on the two sides to join hands and make even greater contributions to the advancement of humanity. For his part, Trong said under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam and China have consistently supported each other in their struggles for national independence, liberation, and socialist construction. The Vietnam-China friendship is as deep as comrades and brothers, and Vietnam always remembers and appreciates the invaluable support that China has provided over the years, he added. Over the 15 years since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the two countries' political mutual trust has been increasingly strengthened, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, he said, noting that these days, the streets and alleys of Hanoi were filled with a joyous and warm atmosphere, and Xi's state visit to Vietnam has achieved a complete success. The joint announcement the two leaders made to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance represents a historic milestone in Vietnam-China relations, Trong said, adding that it is bound to bring greater tangible benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to the cause of global peace and progress. The future of Vietnam-China relations will be created by the young people, Trong pointed out, expressing his hope that the young people of both countries can deeply understand and carry forward the profound friendship established by the older generation of the two countries' leaders, so as to inject new vitality into the long-term stable development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China and the continuous growth of the socialist causes of both countries. Representatives from both countries reported to the two leaders on bilateral friendly exchanges. They said that during Xi's historic state visit to Vietnam, the general secretaries of both parties took time to personally meet with friendly individuals and youth representatives from China and Vietnam, fully reflecting the high regard and earnest hope of the leaders of the two countries and parties for the young people and friendship cause of China and Vietnam. The two general secretaries announced the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, which aligns with the common aspirations and fundamental interests of the two peoples, conforms to the trend of peace, cooperation and development, and will undoubtedly guide bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to embark on an even better new journey, setting an example of amicable and sincere relations between neighboring countries, they noted. The youth of both countries will carry forward the traditional friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood," engage in close interactions, strengthen mutual learning and exchange, deepen mutual trust and friendship, and actively work towards the goal of "stronger popular support" as proposed by the two general secretaries, so as to make positive efforts and contributions towards building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, they added. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and their spouses pose for group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife meet with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with the representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) A council in Melbournes outer north has tried to block a new childcare centre from opening in one of the citys fastest-growing suburbs, arguing the area is swamped with childcare operators and oversupply could lead to declining quality. The City of Whittleseas rejection of the application was successfully appealed in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, but it highlights an acknowledgement of inequitable distribution of childcare in Australia. Affluent suburbs often have a glut of options while less advantaged postcodes have childcare deserts. Mansavi Patel and her three-year-old son, Tej, outside the proposed new childcare centre in Mernda, which Whittlesea Council sought to block. Credit: Eddie Jim The council argued that Mernda where the median weekly household income is about $250 above the state average, according to the 2021 census already had hundreds more childcare places than it needed. It said medium-density housing would be a better use of the land. The tribunal disagreed, finding the centres central location and proximity to public transport would serve a community benefit. Unsung heroes Every year, people who have never worked in education are obsessed with the VCE league tables. If only they got a DipEd and spent a year at the chalkface. Those who have spent a career there slog all year with the hand which is dealt, and the resources which are available. Over the years I have enjoyed surprise phone calls: Remember me? I have just got my PhD. Remember me? I now have a 16-year-old son tackling VCE, and can appreciate your understanding all those years ago. Some of my fondest memories have been helping an underdog achieve a breakthrough: a personal best that will never reach a newspaper. Roderick Smith, Surrey Hills Worth a celebration Its great that school performance and student achievement are being celebrated in the media (Ballarat school tops the list for another year, 13/12). And yes, the top performers tend to be many of the high-cost private and government select-entry schools. However, one government school in particular stands out. Braybrook College is in one of the most disadvantaged areas in the western suburbs of Melbourne and most students are in the lowest quartiles of socio-economic advantage. Against the odds, it has consistently out-performed more advantaged schools across Melbourne. This year Braybrook achieved a VCE study score of 33 and almost 17 per cent of the cohort achieved study scores of 40+ (state average around 8%). The staff and students deserve congratulations. Julie Chandler, Blairgowrie In-depth discussion Has the management at the ABC lost their marbles? (Last plays of The Drum as axe falls, 13/12). The Drum has consistently offered informative, respectful debate on a wide range of issues facing Australians and the wider world. Not just news bites but in-depth discussion on matters that are important to us all. Every week-night I look forward to hearing from people in all walks of life who share their experiences and expertise. It is a blueprint for how to conduct an intellectually stimulating discussion in a respectful way. If ever our politicians and neighbours needed that sort of interaction it is now. There is not another program on air that comes close to the quality of viewing weve now lost. Dianne Powell, Ivanhoe Retrograde step I was shocked and disappointed that the ABC is going to axe The Drum. This is an articulate and valuable program that is also carried out with courtesy even if participants disagree with particular issues. The ABC says that only low numbers of people watch this program. Is it not a retrograde step to eliminate an erudite and well argued program that deals with serious matters? Louis Roller, Carlton Predictable to the end About time The Drum was silenced always the same people and very predictable. Mick Webster, Chiltern Doesnt speak for me Peter Duttons demand for an apology for the cancellation of an Australia Day gala is beyond the pale (Australia Day event in London will go ahead, declares Marles, 13/12). He claims to speak for the majority of Australians who are supposedly proud of our heritage. I am one Australian who abhors the dreadful historic treatment of our First Nations people, which includes massacres and the forced removal of many children. Perhaps Dutton needs to talk to a broader range of people. Geoff Lowther, Coburg Built by migration I am greatly saddened on hearing the news of the savage cutbacks in Australian migration rates by the Albanese government. As a young primary school teacher, trained in Melbourne during the hectic days of the late 1950s, l well remember teaching hordes of migrant children in Altona, with the vast majority of them going on to become carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc, while a few went on to university to study medicine, nursing, law and accountancy. My point is that this country since its foundation has been proudly built on immigration. Why halve it now? Max Waugh, Melbourne Keep it local If our universities are so dependent on overseas students for revenue (Unis may lose millions over migration call, 13/12), this suggests we have too many institutions. Rationalisation would align universities with local student needs and free funds for other areas such as vocational education and TAFEs. Martin Newington, Aspendale Expertise lost The creation of a new super team of regulators to oversee a seeming grab-bag of IVF, pest control, vaping, radiation safety, non-emergency patient transport, first-aid service providers and more is dismaying (New super-team of health regulators, 13/12). One casualty will be the Victorian Reproduction Treatment Authority. VARTA does much more than regulate the assisted reproductive treatment industry. They provide independent information and support for individuals, couples, and health professionals regarding fertility, infertility, assisted reproductive treatment and the best interests of children born. VARTA is a world-leader in this work. Assisted reproductive technology is a complex domain and people involved in assisted reproduction technology have complex needs. VARTAs specialist expertise and support functions that are so important to people affected by assisted reproductive technology will be lost in the new body, subsumed in the Department of Health. Ian Smith, Hawthorn East No time like now It is not surprising the Suburban Rail Loop does not stack up on a cost benefit analysis (First major SRL contract locks Victoria into sharing supply chain pain, 13/12). Such analyses are conducted in todays thinking and situations. Projects of this size and conception are not for today or tomorrow but for decades and even centuries into the future. We must change our thinking on how we should be travelling around our city and hence how it is designed. In 50 years time we must be less dependent on cars and more ready to choose other forms of transport. In this environment a fast rail line from the southern to eastern suburbs of Melbourne will be compulsory. It will be up to state and local government town planners, in genuine consultation with the community, to ensure the SRL is used as a natural first choice by many. Londoners were fortunate their underground was conceived well before cars came onto the scene. To build it now would be prohibitive. Similarly for the SRL in 50 years time. Howard Tankey, Box Hill North Political games During the COVID crisis, the state government gained well-deserved political mileage from fearlessly adopting the advice of experts in the field. But now with the Suburban Rail Loop, they seem to have disregarded expert advice, even throwing in snide anti-elite references. The SRL may or may not be worth the pain at this time, but given the huge cost disregarding the advice of virtually all those who live and die by their expertise in infrastructure is reprehensible. Its hard to escape the conclusion that this is mainly about propping up voter support in middle-ring suburbs, and voters should keep this in mind. Graeme Lock, Oakleigh Roads to ruin Gridlock (Shortcut to congestion, Letters, 13/12) is indeed the fate that awaits the multibillion-dollar North-East link, which will debouch onto the Eastern Freeway, already full at peak times and busy at others. Meantime the logical connection to Eastlink, shown on Melway decades ago, has been abandoned, and Doncaster rail remains unbuilt since 1977 despite billions being spent on the dubious SRL. Loch Wilson, Northcote Keep it local Urban planners should aim for local communities where services are within walking distance. Even electric vehicles produce pollution from tyres. We are encouraged to be consumerist but walking is the most environmentally friendly option and also provides exercise. Post offices and other services should be within walking distance. Anne Kennedy, Surrey Hills Half life Its not the U-235 (theres so little of it left) or the U-238 in spent nuclear fuel that requires it to be safely stored for so long (A long cost, Letters, 13/12). Its the radioactivity of the fission products, with short half lives, that makes it dangerous. Strontium-90 for example has a half life of just under 30 years, and increases the risk of bone malignancies. Nuclear waste needs to be stored for many decades, perhaps centuries, to allow the dangerous short lived fission products to decay away. The more stable fission products arent as much of a problem because they decay so slowly, not exposing life to dangerous levels of radioactivity. But agreed nuclear power isnt an option for Australia. Its too expensive, and takes too long to bring online. Wayne Robinson, Kingsley Simple giving Shona Hendley, understandably, bemoans the teachers lot in present receiving (A teachers Christmas wish? No more mugs, 13/12). No doubt the parents are equally frustrated at thinking of something to buy. I wonder why more schools have not instituted the simple rule of one present from the class for the teacher. For the children in the class consider a Kris Kringle and a big gift exchange day at the end of the year. Heather Barker, Albert Park Keep it to yourself Ive contracted COVID again after getting it only two months ago. Feeling I had a slight cold, I did a RAT test which was positive, then isolated till I was negative. If everyone did a test, then isolated for a few days, COVID wouldnt be as rampant as it is now. Its not that hard. Angie Gate, Surrey Hills AND ANOTHER THING War So America doesnt want Israel to use the phosphorus bombs it sold them. What did it think Israel was going to do with them fertilise the roses. David Cayzer, Clifton Hill The words of the Roman historian Tacitus come to mind as I look upon the images of the razing of Gaza: they create a desert and call it peace. Peter Russo, West Brunswick Whatever happened to peace on earth and goodwill to all men? Carole Ruta, Cheltenham With our self-respect restored after joining Canada and NZ in voting for a ceasefire in Gaza, let us hope that our courage will continue in thinking separately from the US and the UK. Tony Haydon, Springvale Furthermore Maybe COP28 could reconvene for an extra week, in Tuvalu, to help them reach a more sensible decision. Duncan Reid, Flemington Due to the new parking fees, its $6.50 an hour to fish at Mornington Pier no one there, no wonder. Same for a walk on Flinders Pier. Money grab? Ian Anderson, Surrey Hills The European Union has finally reached agreement governing the development of artificial intelligence. The only thing that stops a bad guy with AI, is a good guy with AI. Paul Custance, Highett The grieving mother of an apprentice glazier killed during a roof collapse at a Curtin University building site says she hopes the two companies charged in relation to the death get the book thrown at them. Jonathan Hartshorn, 23, suffered fatal injuries at the Bentley campus in October 2020 after falling 20 metres when the glass roof of a five-storey partly constructed building gave way. The family of Jonnie Hartshorn speak outside court, his mother Susan Chappell, in the middle. Credit: Heather McNeill Nearly three years to the day of his death, WorkSafe laid charges against steel fabrication company Elsdon for failing to ensure the safety and health of persons not being their employees and causing the death of Hartshorn and serious harm to his colleague. Design company Stantec Australia Ltd was also charged with failing to ensure the health or safety of a person who was not an employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to $2 million, with the states new industrial laws, which include potential lengthy jail sentences for individuals, not passed until 18 months after the incident. Floppy-haired British prime ministerial flop Boris Johnson might not, on the surface, have much in common with US pop juggernaut Taylor Swift, but it turns out that just like Tay Tay, Johnsons Australian fans cannot get enough of their idol. In scenes reminiscent, in their own little way, of the fuss surrounding Swifts Eras tour, organisers have scrambled to meet demand for tickets to Johnsons John Howard Lecture in Sydney on Wednesday night. Former British prime minister Boris Johnson. Credit: AP The Menzies Research Centre, a Liberal-Party affiliated think tank, had to boost the events capacity to 1000 after tickets to see Johnson, on his first visit to Australia since being ousted as leader of his riven Conservative Party, sold out. The centres David Hughes not the comedian said Johnson had proved an all-time chart topper for the conservative ideas factory. The former mayor of a Melbourne council failed to treat exiled Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming with dignity, fairness, objectivity and respect in a tweet criticising her attendance at an anti-transgender rights rally, an independent umpire has found. An internal arbiter was called in to investigate a tweet and press release by former Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa over concerns the public statements breached the Councillor Code of Conduct. Exiled Liberal MP Moira Deeming was not treated with fairness or respect in a mayors social media post, according to an independent umpire. Credit: Joe Armao In the determination, seen by The Age, Liberal-aligned councillor Daria Kellander accused Briffa, who has been celebrated as the worlds first openly intersex mayor, of targeting Mrs Deeming, labelling Mrs Deeming a leader of a violent rally and jointly as a trans/queer hater, neo-nazi in a March tweet in an official capacity as mayor. Briffa is still on the council but no longer serving as mayor. In her findings, dispute resolution lawyer Jo-Anne Mazzeo found the tweet fell below the standard of conduct expected of a councillor. Washington: The United Nations has ordered one of its former officials to repay $97 million personally, after he lost a vast amount of UN funds by entrusting them to a man he met at a party, according to court filings. The $US63.6 million penalty the UN is seeking to impose on the former official, Vitaly Vanshelboim once the second-in-command at its logistics agency is the latest fallout from a scandal first reported by The New York Times last year. Vitaly Vanshelboim (right) with his former boss Grete Faremo. Credit: Getty Vanshelboim and his boss, seeking to raise their profile within the UN, amassed millions for the organisation by charging governments and other UN agencies extra for construction jobs. Then they invested about $US60 million with companies all linked to a British businessperson named David Kendrick, defying internal warnings and dangerously concentrating their risk. The investments were meant to finance renewable energy and housing projects, but they went poorly, according to UN audit reports. An inquiry last year found the UN had recouped only about 10 per cent of its investment. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, bid farewell to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife, Ngo Thi Man, before returning to China after paying a state visit to Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Shortly after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to a successful conclusion in late October, 2022, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong became the first foreign leader to visit China. This time, the state visit to Vietnam as the successful culmination of China's diplomatic efforts this year is of great importance, said General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday as he concluded his two-day state visit to Vietnam. Xi made the remarks as he and his wife, Peng Liyuan, bid farewell to Trong and his wife, Ngo Thi Man, before returning to China. Throughout the years, leaders of both parties and countries have consistently maintained close communication, reaching numerous crucial agreements to guide the cooperative development of bilateral ties. Noting that it is a good tradition for leaders of the two parties to draw up plans for the development of relations between the two parties and countries, Xi pointed out that during this visit, he and Trong jointly announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The decision has brought China-Vietnam relations to a new historical starting point and will push China-Vietnam relations to a new level, Xi said. The announcement came as the two sides are marking the 15th anniversary of establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. China was the first country to forge such a partnership with Vietnam, the latter's highest level of diplomatic ties. Over the past 15 years since the inception of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Vietnam and China have made substantial progress in cooperation in various fields, laying a solid foundation for both sides to push bilateral relations into a new stage, said Dao Ngoc Bau, deputy director in charge of the Institute of International Relations under the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. During Xi's visit, both leaders quoted on several occasions late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's well-known remarks, which defined China-Vietnam relations as a bond of "camaraderie plus brotherhood." Xi said that what impressed him most was Trong's repeated emphasis that the China-Vietnam bond of "camaraderie plus brotherhood" is the starting point and foundation of the China-Vietnam relationship. As long as the two sides continue to steadfastly follow this path, China-Vietnam relations will surely achieve new developments, bringing greater benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said, thanking Trong and his wife for "the warmest reception and most grand hospitality" during the visit. Xi added that he stands ready to continue to maintain close communication with Trong through various flexible means. On the second day of his visit, apart from meeting senior Vietnamese officials including Chairman of National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, Xi also met with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to China-Vietnam friendship. The foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among their people and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people, Xi said during his meeting with those representatives together with Trong. As he said goodbye to Xi and his wife, Trong congratulated Xi on the complete success of his visit. Noting that Xi's visit had a tight schedule and far-reaching significance, Trong said that they had not only witnessed the signing of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents, but further enhanced mutual understanding and trust. The decision to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance is of decisive significance to the future relations between the two countries, he said. Noting that no long ago, he and Xi met with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to China-Vietnam friendship, Trong expressed hope that they will inherit the traditional friendship of comrades plus brothers between the two countries and carry forward the cause of Vietnam-China friendship. LILONGWE, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has announced the approval of 137 million U.S. dollars to support reforms for growth and resilience in Malawi. This package will help the country "enhance fiscal sustainability and transparency, stimulate private sector-led growth, and increase resilience to shocks," the World Bank said in a statement Tuesday. The statement outlined that 80 million dollars would be immediately released to support reforms and recovery, while the remaining 57 million dollars could be triggered in the event of a crisis. The World Bank praised the government of Malawi for showing commitment to addressing macroeconomic imbalances, unsustainable debt, and longstanding structural and business environment constraints inhibiting private sector-led growth. Malawi's Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda welcomed the development, saying it is a testament to the increased confidence the World Bank has in the country's ongoing economic reform efforts, aiming to become a self-reliant, industrialized upper-middle-income country by 2063. The International Monetary Fund has also approved a 174-million-dollar Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Malawi. CAIRO, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will increase the volume of fuel sent daily to the Gaza Strip from 129,000 to 189,000 liters as agreed with the Israeli side, said the chairman of Egypt's State Information Service on Wednesday. Diaa Rashwan said in a statement that since Oct. 21, 4,057 humanitarian aid trucks have been sent from Egypt to the besieged Palestinian enclave via the Rafah border crossing. This includes 3,866 tons of medical supplies, 22,799 tons of food, 13,936 tons of water, 5,073 tons of other relief materials, 2,678 tons of fuel, besides 48 ambulances and 222 tents and pieces of tarpaulins. "Egypt is continuing its intense efforts to ensure the constant entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza," the Egyptian official said. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been the only lifeline to provide the enclave with relief supplies, donated by Egypt and other countries as well as local and international organizations. Gaza has been under massive Israeli siege and bombardment since Oct. 7, which has killed so far over 18,600 Palestinians and wounded 50,594 others, Gaza's Health Ministry stated on Wednesday. The Israeli escalation came in retaliation for an attack by the Gaza-ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that killed about 1,200 in Israel, with Hamas taking more than 200 as hostages, according to Israeli reports. Egypt has worked with Qatar and the United States to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that lasted for one week, from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, during which the two sides swapped detainees. Fighting resumed shortly after the collapse of the truce. GENEVA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The three-day Global Refugee Forum 2023 (GRF) kicked off here on Wednesday, with some 4,000 delegates from 165 countries expected to attend the forum. The delegates, including refugee leaders, heads of state, business leaders, among others, are to address the urgent challenges and long-term solutions needed for the current more than 114 million displaced people, of whom 36 million are refugees. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said he expected the event to provide an opportunity to "re-commit to some basic actions needed to respond to forced displacement: protecting people forced to flee, sharing the responsibility of those who host them ... and striving to tackle the root causes of their flight." Currently, there are a record 114 million refugees and displaced people in the world, he said, "whom persecution, human rights violations, violence, armed conflict and serious public disorder have forced from their homes." He called upon participants to ensure that all refugees, regardless of where they come from, receive attention and support, and to "make this Global Refugee Forum a moment of unity, in which all of us join forces to ensure that those who flee because their life, freedom and security are threatened can find protection." He highlighted the major human catastrophe now unfolding in the Gaza Strip, saying that tragically, there might be more civilian deaths and suffering and also further displacement that threatens the region. "I cannot open the Global Refugee Forum without first echoing the call of the United Nations secretary general for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages and the resumption of a genuine dialogue that once and for all ends the conflict and brings real peace and security to the people of Israel and Palestine," he said. Grandi called on the world to also pay attention to other pressing humanitarian and refugee crises. Held every four years, the forum is the largest international conference on refugee issues. The 2023 event seeks to focus the international discussion on solutions rather than the crises themselves. Bhajan Lal Sharma 1st time MLA becomes BJPs Chief Minister in Rajasthan JAIPUR : THE BJP on Tuesday picked first-time MLA Bhajan Lal Sharma as Rajasthans new Chief Minister, ending days of speculation that followed its victory in the Assembly polls. The surprise choice was announced after BJP MLAs met here and elected the 56-year-old legislator from Sanganer as the leader of its legislature party. He is at present a Rajasthan BJP General Secretary. Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa will be the Deputy Chief Ministers and Vasudev Devnani the Speaker of the State Assembly, said senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh, who led a team of three party central observers to oversee the meeting. Following the meeting at the BJP office here, Chief Minister-designate Sharma met Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and staked claim to form the next Government in the State. Party sources said the oath taking ceremony is likely to take place on December 15. The BJP won 115 seats in the November 25 assembly elections, while the Congress got 69 seats. Polling was held on 199 of the 200 seats in the State. BJP state president CP Joshi presented a letter to the Governor, informing that Sharma has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in the state, according to a Raj Bhawan statement. Kumari is a member of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family and a Rajput, while Bairwa a Dalit leader and Sharma a Brahmin. Vasudev Devnani is from the Sindhi community. At the meeting, the CM-designates name was proposed by former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who was herself considered to be in the running for the top post. Sharma is the third in the series of little known MLAs who have been elevated by the BJP to the chief ministers post after the recently held assembly elections, ignoring state stalwarts. The others are Vishnu Deo Sai, who has been picked as the CM-designate for Chhattisgarh, and Mohan Yadav, who has been picked for the post in Madhya Pradesh. Elections were held between November 7 and November 30 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. The Congress won in Telangana and the Zoram Peoples Movement in Mizoram. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed Sharma won the Sanganer constituency with a margin of 48,081 votes. Sharma, who belongs to Bharatpur district, holds a masters degree in political science. He thanked the BJP leadership for giving a chance to the son of a farmer and said the party takes care of its workers. The BJP is the only party which gives opportunities to its workers. I would like to thank the partys national and state leadership for giving a chance to the son of a farmer, Sharma said. The BJP is a party that takes care of its workers. The party has honoured a small worker of the organisation. I am thankful for it, he told reporters at the BJP office. Gehlot congratulates BJPs CM-designate Bhajan Lal Sharma: OUTGOING Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday congratulated Bhajan Lal Sharma on becoming the leader of the BJP legislature party. The Congress leader expressed hope that Sharma as the Chief Minister will maintain the pace of development and play a play a role in fulfilling the goal of making Rajasthan the countrys number one state. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Bhajan Lal Sharma on becoming the leader of the BJP legislature party. I hope that while working as the chief minister of Rajasthan, you will maintain the pace of development and play a role in fulfilling the goal of making Rajasthan the number 1 state of the country, Gehlot said in a post on X. BJP Corporators protest demanding Mayors resignation Staff Reporter Durg, Holding the Congress ruled Durg Municipal Corporation (DMC) responsible for various problems prevailing in the city, the BJP Corporators on Tuesday staged a protest demonstration outside Mayor Dheeraj Bakliwals chamber demanding his resignation. Holding placards in their hands, the protesting BJP workers said that MLA Arun Voras defeat is result of peoples anger and it is not only against Vora but instead the mandate is against the entire Mayor in Council of Mayor Dheeraj Bakliwal and hence he should resign on moral grounds. Prior to the protest demonstration in DMC, the BJP Corporators gathered at BJP office and attended a meeting in presence of Leader of Opposition Ajay Verma, his Deputy Devnarayan Chandrakar and former DMC Speaker Dinesh Dewangan. While holding discussions, the Corporators said that the development works came to a standstill in past four year tenure of Congress in the DMC. They also claimed that former MLA Voras defeat is an indication of peoples anger towards congress and honoring the mandate, the Mayor should also resign. They also said that the residents have to even struggle for getting basic amenities and after the meeting, the Corporator went to the DMC and staged protest demonstration. Leader of Opposition Ajay Verma said that after MLA Voras defeat, Mayor Bakliwal should resign on moral grounds. CM Sai extends greetings to new Rajasthan CM Sharma Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Chief Minister designate Vishnu Deo Sai extended compliments to the newly-appointed Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma. BJP designated Bhajanlal Sharma as the Chief Minister on Tuesday. Taking to the social media X, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bhajan Lal Sharma on being appointed as the leader of the BJP Rajasthan legislative party and the Chief Minister. I am confident that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your skilled leadership, Rajasthan will witness new milestones in development, establishing a glorious era for State. Create global framework for ethical use of AI: PM Modi NEW DELHI, PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged the threat falling of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the hands of terrorists pose to the world as he called for a global framework for the ethical use of AI. Speaking at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit, he said AI can become the biggest tool for development in the 21st century but it also equally be a force in destroying the 21st century. Besides the challenge of deepfakes, cyber security, and data theft, AI tools falling in the hands of terrorists pose a big threat. Global security will face a big threat if AI-laced weapons were to reach terrorist organisations. We have to deliberate on this issue and reach a concrete plan to stop the misuse of AI, he said. The Prime Minister said India had during its G20 presidency proposed creating a responsible, human-centric governance framework for AI. Just like we have agreements and protocols for various international issues, we have to create a global framework for the ethical use of AI. This will include a protocol for testing and deployment of high-risk and frontier AI tools, he said. India is committed to the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence, he said. Modi said AI has the potential to revolutionise Indias tech landscape and the government will soon be launching an AI mission. AI has the potential to transform sectors including healthcare and it can play a big role in sustainable development, he said. But we have to tread very cautiously. The direction of AI will be dependent on human values and democratic values, he said. Trust on AI will rise if ethical, economic and social concerns are addressed. Privacy concerns will get addressed if data is secured, he said. We have to complete the global framework within a set timeframe, he said adding this was essential for the security and progress of the world and humanity. The Prime Minister said AI has to be made all-inclusive as only then it will yield more inclusive results. AI, he said, is not just new technology but a worldwide movement. Calling for safe and trusted AI, he said deliberations should focus on how to make AI-generated information credible. AI is transformative, it is up to us to make it transparent, he said adding the use of data and algorithms should be free from any bias. We have to work together to prepare a global framework for the ethical use of AI, he said. The Prime Minister said there are many positive aspects of AI, but the negative aspects related to it are also a matter of equal concern. India exports 26 lakh tonne of Basmati rice, 73.18 lakh tonne of non-Basmati rice in Apr-Oct: Govt Business Reporter India has exported 26.08 lakh tonnes of basmati rice and 73.18 lakh tonnes of non-basmati rice during the April-October period of this fiscal year. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda shared export data of major foodgrains. As per the data, the exports of basmati rice stood at 45.61 lakh tonnes in the entire 2022-23 financial year while the shipments of non-basmati rice stood at 177.92 lakh tonnes. Exports of basmati rice stood at 44.15 lakh tonnes in 2018-19; 44.55 lakh tonnes in 2019-20; 46.30 lakh tonnes in 2020-21; and 39.44 lakh tonnes in 2021-22. The data showed that exports of rice (other than basmati) were at 76.48 lakh tonnes in 2018-19; 50.56 lakh tonnes in 2019-20; 131.49 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, and 172.89 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 fiscal. Indias total rice production stood at 1,357.55 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 as against 1,294.71 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Rice output stood at 1,164.84 lakh tonnes in 2018-19; 1,188.70 lakh tonnes in 2019-20; and 1,243.68 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 fiscal year. The Government has banned exports of broken rice and non-basmati white rice. The export of broken rice was prohibited and an export duty of 20 per cent was imposed on non-basmati white rice on September 9, 2022. Subsequently, the export of non-basmati white rice was also prohibited on July 20, 2023. LS nod to two bills extending womens quota to Puducherry, J&K Assemblies NEW DELHI, LOK Sabha on Tuesday passed two bills that seek to extend the provisions of the womens reservation law to the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Puducherry and J&K. Replying to a debate on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the twin measures will enable greater representation and participation of women as public representatives in law-making processes in the two Legislative Assemblies. Hitting out at the Opposition, Rai said that be it the Mughal rule, the reign of aggressors, the British rule or Congress governments, womens rights were snatched, they were never given adequate opportunities to grow and injustice was meted out to them. Rai said post revocation of Article 370, widow pension has reached 100 per cent saturation coverage in Jammu and Kashmir and one-stop centres for the benefit of women have come up in every district of the Union territory. In Puducherry, provisions have been made for gender budgeting in the 2023-24 budget to the tune of Rs 1332 crore for the first time, the minister said, adding the 33 per cent reservation has been given to women in police, fire services and local bodies. During the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women have got respect and the right opportunity, Rai said, adding that women were creating new records on the strength of their knowledge and talent. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill seeks to provide reservation for women in the legislative assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that came into force following the enactment of the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023. The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill seeks to provide for as nearly as may be, one-third of total seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Puducherry to be reserved for women. The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 is the official name of the womens reservation law, that seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies During a special session of Parliament in September, the Prime Minister had described the law as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The law will take some time before being implemented as the next census and the subsequent delimitation exercise -- redrawing of Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies -- will ascertain the particular seats being earmarked for women. The quota for women in the Lok Sabha and assemblies will continue for 15 years and Parliament can later extend the benefit period. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed a joint development agreement with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to develop a 1 gigawatt (GW) wind project with a battery energy storage system (BESS). A major utility project specialist in the region, Masdar has also inked a deal to explore the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen plant near the Port of Aqaba. This comes as part of its ambitious target to achieve 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030. The company already has a big presence in Jordan through its Baynouna Solar Energy Company (BSCE), a joint venture with Finnish investment and asset management group Taaleri, which inaugurated the 200MW Baynouna Solar Park, the largest clean energy project in Jordan, in February. The study will examine the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen project near The Port of Aqaba that can produce the most cost-competitive hydrogen, utilizing desalinated seawater and dedicated renewable power. Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi signed the deal with the Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Saleh Al Kharabsheh at COP28 in the presence of UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President and Masdar Chairman Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Jordan Minister of the Environment Dr Muawieh Khalid Radaideh. "With substantial wind and solar resources that can be used to generate large amounts of renewable energy and produce cost-competitive green hydrogen and green fuels, Jordan has the potential to become a global powerhouse in the green energy transition," stated Al Ramahi. "Building on the strength of our longstanding partnership, Masdar is delighted to bring our expertise in clean energy projects and technologies to help Jordan achieve its decarbonization plans and unlock the nations enormous potential," he added. Dr Al Kharabsheh said: "The Jordanian governments efforts continue to enhance Jordans role as a regional center for green energy production and provide high-quality, cost-competitive green hydrogen fuel by taking advantage of the abundance of renewable energy sources and our nations strategic geographical location in the region to provide excellent access to European markets." He pointed out that Jordan valued co-operation at the regional and national level, and that the partnership with Masdar through the signing of these agreements would help advance the ministrys priorities and Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision (2023-2033). General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan met here with those representatives along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) With remarkable economic and social advances, China and Vietnam demonstrate to the world that they have found the right development paths, Xi said, adding that enhanced solidarity and cooperation will strengthen their socialist causes. HANOI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that the foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among their two peoples and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people. Xi made the remarks while delivering a key speech during a meeting with representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. Upon Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan's arrival at the National Convention Center, they were warmly welcomed by Vietnamese youth representatives. Xi and Peng, along with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife, Ngo Thi Man, took group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship. On behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government, Xi extended his warm regards to the old and new friends who are committed to China-Vietnam friendship. He pointed out that on Tuesday he and Trong jointly announced their decision to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus ushering in a new stage in the relations between the two parties and countries. This is a major strategic decision they have made to revitalize world socialism and ensure the long-term stability and security of the two countries, Xi said, adding that it is rooted in the two countries' traditional friendship and represents the shared interests and aspirations of the two peoples. In the past, the two countries stood by and reached out to each other as they pursued common goals together, he said, adding in modern times, the two parties and peoples stayed true to their common ideals, and supported each other in trying times as they fought for national independence and liberation. Today, while reading the famous poetic line by late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh that "so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers," the memory of those fiery and exciting years of the two peoples is kept alive, Xi continued, adding that the two countries remain firmly committed to their shared aspiration forged in the early days and are pursuing win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership 15 years ago, the CPC and the CPV have pursued people-centered mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering true benefits to the two peoples, he noted, saying that looking ahead, it can be seen that the two countries share the same future. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and their spouses pose for group photos with the representatives of young Chinese and Vietnamese and people who have contributed to the China-Vietnam friendship in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) China is now striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, and Vietnam, on its part, is vigorously advancing its industrialization and modernization drive, he continued. China will stay committed to peaceful development, the policy of forging friendships and partnerships with neighbors, and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. And China is ready to share more of the benefits of Chinese modernization with its neighbors, Xi noted. Stressing the foundation of bilateral friendship lies among the two peoples, and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people, Xi expressed three wishes to the youth of the two countries. First, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will carry forward bilateral friendship and play their part in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. With remarkable economic and social advances, China and Vietnam demonstrate to the world that they have found the right development paths, Xi said, adding that enhanced solidarity and cooperation will strengthen their socialist causes. He also voiced hopes that people committed to the China-Vietnam friendship in various sectors in both countries, especially the young people, will take the lead in promoting bilateral friendship, and contribute to the two countries' respective hundred-year pursuit of development goals and to the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Second, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will play their part in promoting the development of the Asia-Pacific and contribute to enduring peace in the region. Noting that the two countries have made tremendous achievements through, respectively, China's reform and opening up and Vietnam's Doi Moi (reform) policy, Xi said this is credited not only to their own endeavors, but also to a peaceful, open and inclusive Asia-Pacific, adding that the Asia-Pacific is the place which the two countries call home, and openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation are the right course to follow. The two countries should strive to build an Asia-Pacific community, create more momentum to boost solidarity and make advances, and make greater contributions to making the Asia-Pacific more harmonious and prosperous, he added. Third, it is hoped that the two countries' youth will be pioneers in promoting human progress and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Noting that the two parties are both Marxist parties that bear in mind the overall interests of the world, and the two countries are both responsible members of the international community, Xi said that they should play a major role in advancing human progress, and should be visionary, look beyond the horizon and shoulder responsibilities entrusted by the times, stand up for international fairness and justice, and contribute their share to global development. Xi emphasized that keeping in mind the journey traversed will enable the two countries to advance along the right path, adding that the challenging paths China and Vietnam have traveled and the remarkable achievements they have made in developing socialism fully demonstrate that enhanced solidarity and cooperation between the two countries has enabled them to overcome all risks and challenges and to move from one victory to another. Xi said the two countries should pursue their respective path to socialism and deliver the gains of industrialization and modernization to more people in the two countries, calling on the two sides to join hands and make even greater contributions to the advancement of humanity. For his part, Trong said under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam and China have consistently supported each other in their struggles for national independence, liberation, and socialist construction. The Vietnam-China friendship is as deep as comrades and brothers, and Vietnam always remembers and appreciates the invaluable support that China has provided over the years, he added. This aerial photo taken on Sept. 9, 2023 shows a view of the port of the Friendship Pass in Pingxiang, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming) Over the 15 years since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the two countries' political mutual trust has been increasingly strengthened, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, he said, noting that these days, the streets and alleys of Hanoi were filled with a joyous and warm atmosphere, and Xi's state visit to Vietnam has achieved a complete success. The joint announcement the two leaders made to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance represents a historic milestone in Vietnam-China relations, Trong said, adding that it is bound to bring greater tangible benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to the cause of global peace and progress. The future of Vietnam-China relations will be created by the young people, Trong pointed out, expressing his hope that the young people of both countries can deeply understand and carry forward the profound friendship established by the older generation of the two countries' leaders, so as to inject new vitality into the long-term stable development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China and the continuous growth of the socialist causes of both countries. Representatives from both countries reported to the two leaders on bilateral friendly exchanges. They said that during Xi's historic state visit to Vietnam, the general secretaries of both parties took time to personally meet with friendly individuals and youth representatives from China and Vietnam, fully reflecting the high regard and earnest hope of the leaders of the two countries and parties for the young people and friendship cause of China and Vietnam. The two general secretaries announced the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, which aligns with the common aspirations and fundamental interests of the two peoples, conforms to the trend of peace, cooperation and development, and will undoubtedly guide bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to embark on an even better new journey, setting an example of amicable and sincere relations between neighboring countries, they noted. The youth of both countries will carry forward the traditional friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood," engage in close interactions, strengthen mutual learning and exchange, deepen mutual trust and friendship, and actively work towards the goal of "stronger popular support" as proposed by the two general secretaries, so as to make positive efforts and contributions towards building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, they added. Making A Point Will rather die than seek something for myself: Shivraj Singh Chouhan BHOPAL, Outgoing Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said he will rather die than asking something for himself from his party. He will carry out whatever task the Bharatiya Janata Party gives him, said the four-term chief minister who would soon be replaced by Mohan Yadav following the partys resounding victory in the last months Assembly elections. I wanted to say humbly that I would rather die than go (to Delhi) and ask for something for myself, this is not what I do, Chouhan told reporters here to a question. Last week, amid suspense over who would be the next chief minister, Chouhan had said that he would not go to Delhi while claiming that he had never been in the race for the top post in the state. When a person is self-centred, he thinks about himself. But the BJP is a mission, there is some work for every worker. I will do whatever work is assigned to me, the 64-year-old leader said on Tuesday. Expressing contentment over his stint in power, Chouhan further said he was fully confident that the new BJP government under Mohan Yadavs leadership will complete the ongoing works at a rapid pace. I will always support them, he added. The BJP formed a majority government in Madhya Pradesh with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and due to the hard work of party workers as well as the welfare schemes of the state government and Centre, especially the Ladli Bahna Yojana, he said. The Ladli Bahna Yojana was a flagship scheme of the Chouhan government under which Rs 1,250 are given to the women from financially weaker sections every month. The state achieved all-round development during the BJP rule, he said, citing improved condition of roads, power supply and agriculture growth among other things. Women's empowerment and farmers' welfare have never been a means of getting votes for him, Chouhan said. Meanwhile, a video that surfaced on social media showed a group of women who were visiting the chief minister's residence on Tuesday morning crying in Chouhans presence. Mohan Yadav is set to take oath as Chief Minister on Wednesday. MarathaQuota Some parties delayingto keep issue burning Staff Reporter Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, accused some political parties of deliberately delaying resolution of Maratha quota issue as they wanted to keept it burning. Fadnavis was replying to a question regarding the Maratha quota stir and allegations by a former member of the committee that had looked into the issue of reservation to Maratha community. B L Killarikar, former member of State Backward Class Commission, had alleged that Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister, was ready for conducting a wider survey of communities in Maharashtra but Fadnavis was not in favour of the same. Asked about this, Fadnavis said that soon after resigning from the Commission, Killarikar had met Sharad Pawar, President of Nationalist Congress Party. This is clear enough an indication that some people are making statements at the behest of their political masters. Their only intention is to delay the resolution of the issue, he remarked. To another question regarding the resignation of Justice (retd) Anand Nirgude from the post of Chairman of Maharashtra Backward Class Commission, the Deputy Chief Minister replied that Nirgude had resigned citing personal reasons. We requested him to continue in any other capacity, but he cited persons reasons and has resigned, he added. Meanwhile, Congress party has accused the Mahayuti Government of mounting pressure on Nirgude Commission to accept the information shared by the commission headed by Justice Sandeep Shinde and hence Nirgude had resigned. Nana Patole, President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, alleged in a statement, It is due to this pressure that first the members of the Nirgude Commission resigned and now the Chairman of Backward Class Commission has resigned as well. This is a serious matter. The Government is hiding something and it should make a statement immediately on this issue. The Government is deliberately escalating the Maratha-OBC dispute by inflaming the reservation dispute. Responding to criticism of Congress party, Fadnavis said that the erstwhile dispensations in the State had appointed political workers on the committees and commissions instead of actual experts on the issue. We have made it a point to appoint an expert. Also, our Governments stand is clear. We do not interfere in the commissions working, he stressed. Mohan Yadavs swearing-in today Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister-designate Mohan Yadav being greeted by Govindpura MLA Krishna Gaur and BJP workers at his residence, in Bhopal, on Tuesday. (PTI) PM Modi to attend ceremony Bhavana Aparajita Shukla BHOPAL, The Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative party leader, Mohan Yadav will take oath as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 11.30 am at sprawling Motilal Nehru Stadium, Bhopal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J P Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also attend the swearing-in ceremony. Along with Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister designate Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda will also take oath. PM Modi will arrive in Bhopal at 11 am. A day before the event, BJP State President and MP V D Sharma and State Organisation Secretary Hitanand Sharma visited the venue. Arrangements were in full swing for the mega function. Security arrangements beefed up in and around the oath taking venue. A senior leader who is familiar with the developments told The Hitavada that composition of the new Cabinet will also be discussed in a meeting on the sidelines of the function. The 58-year-old, Mohan Yadav was picked as the new State Chief Minister by the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday. Former Union Minister and MLA Narendra Singh Tomar has been named as the new Assembly Speaker. Outgoing Finance Minister and two-time MLA Jagdish Devda from Mandsaur and outgoing Public Relations Minister MLA Rajendra Shukla from Rewa have been elected as deputy Chief Ministers. After being nominated as the leader of BJP Legislative Party, Dr Mohan Yadav reached Raj Bhavan and met Governor Mangubhai Patel. He staked a claim to form the government. He was named as the leader of BJP legislative party at the meeting held at the BJP headquarters in Bhopal. Box Once again CM designate Yadav expresses gratitude to central leadership: The party won the love and faith of 8.5 crore people. We are thankful to all of them for being chosen as their leader. The way the BJP is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will take the caravan of development forward under his leadership, said CM designate Mohan Yadav talking to the media. He also mentioned a double engine government saying We will take forward a double engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi leadership. I will take forward the welfare programmes and development works initiated by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This is the character of BJP. It has given such a big opportunity and responsibility to a small worker like me. After the announcement of Yadavs name for this post, security has been beefed up at Bhopal situated at Vindhya Kothi and his Ujjain residence. Pradesh Congress Chief Kamal Nath congratulated CM designate Yadav: Pradesh Congress chief, Kamal Nath met Chief Minister designate Mohan Yadav. Nath said that our party will contribute to the development of Madhya Pradesh and by being in opposition, we will protect the rights of the people. Narcotics seizure Assam wages war on drugs menace By Kartik Lokhande GUWAHATI, FOCUS on N-E - Part-VI 2 biggest sources of narcotics in the world are known infamously as Golden Triangle of Laos-Vietnam-Myanmar to the east of India, and Golden Crescent of Afghanistan and Pakistan to the west of India It is not so easy for a State having a history of militancy, influx of illegal migrants, sharing border with two neighbouring countries, to initiate effective action against the drugs menace. But, Assam has shown that resolute action can yield results. In the past over two years, Assam has kind of waged a war against the drugs menace, and the results are astounding. Here is a sample of two important statistics: From May 10, 2021 to October 30, 2023, Assam Police have recorded recovery of contrabands with estimated market value of a whopping Rs 1,794.05 crore, and most of the seized substances (worth Rs 1,707.31 crore) have been destroyed too! This is enviable considering that even the progressive and bigger States often shy away from initiating focussed action against drugs menace despite vast networks of synthetic and other drugs operating there. The two biggest sources of narcotics in the world are known infamously as Golden Triangle of Laos-Vietnam-Myanmar to the east of India, and Golden Crescent of Afghanistan and Pakistan to the west of India. Assam Police refers to the Golden Triangle as Black Triangle, and the Assam Rifles refers to it as Death Triangle. In the recent past, this Golden Triangle has gained notoriety for exporting synthetic drugs, for which the biggest markets in the world are North America and West Europe. Often, the drugs come to India from Myanmar via Manipur or from Nagaland to Manipur, then to Assam, from where it enters West Bengal and then transported elsewhere. But, owing to conflict in Manipur, this supply chain has been disrupted for quite some time now. Though the drugs trade has not come to a halt, it has been affected. Assam Police had started their crackdown on drugs menace from May 2021. Since then, till October 30, official data reveals, Assam Police have registered 7,348 cases, arrested 12,229 persons, seized 317 kg of heroin, 90,637 kg of ganja (marijuana), 336 kg of opium, 36 kg of morphine, 3,318 kg of poppy straw, 21 kg crystal methamphetamine, 1 kg cocaine, 213 kg cannabis plant, 0.56 kg of tramadol, 10 kg raw opium bud, 2 kg mephedrone etc. During the same period, the cops have seized Rs 4,90,50,994/- cash apart from foreign currency, destroyed cannabis cultivation in 31 bigha, and also destroyed opium cultivation in a whopping 658 bigha. As far as the number of cases registered under Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are concerned, the number was 826 in 2019, 980 in 2020. But, in 2021, the number more than doubled to 2,271, followed by 2,878 in 2022. In the current year, till October 30, Assam Police have registered 2,598 cases under NDPS Act. The action has not been restricted to seizure, but the seized drugs have been destroyed too to a great extent. For instance, out of 317 kg of heroin seized, 247.839 kg has been destroyed. Similarly, a huge quantity of ganja, cough syrups, tablets/capsules, opium, morphine etc have been destroyed. The total worth of destroyed drugs is Rs 1,707.31 crore. Assam Police have focussed not only on destroying the drugs network through arrests and cases, but have frozen properties of those involved. So far, 25 preventive detentions have been done under PIT-NDPS Act. Under the legal provisions, properties worth Rs 19,91,11,769.90/- have been frozen. Under Section 68F of the NDPS Act, 77 freezing orders have been applied since May 10, 2021. Of these, total 13 orders got confirmed. But, the Assam Government and Assam Police both realise that taking action against drugs traffickers and networks has to go hand in hand with the public outreach. So, there are awareness campaigns. Also, there is Drugs Free Assam mobile phone application. Though e-FSL module, the forensic science laboratory reports are uploaded online in real-time to expedite the further action. In NDPS cases, Assam Police have developed a mechanism wherein SMS alert is sent on submission of chargesheet. Further, Assam Police conduct online workshops on drugs trade and Dark Web and other aspects relating to NDPS Act cases. These are being considered as the best practices in law enforcement relating to drugs cases. A right step in right direction yields desired results, it is said. Assam appears to have taken that right step in right direction. Probably, it may lead to a future when it may reap great demographic dividend in the form of healthy younger generation. (To be continued) New cabinet to take oath PM Narendra Modi to attend the ceremony Staff Reporter Raipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, along with his cabinet members scheduled to take place on December 13. The ceremony is slated to commence at 2 pm at the Science College ground in the capital Raipur. The ceremony is expected to be graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J P Nadda, Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, State In-charge Om Mathur and co-incharge Nitin Nabin, among other chief ministers. Three expansive stages are being erected for the ceremony. The central stage will host the oath-taking, flanked by a VIP stage on one side and a designated area for the newly elected MLAs on the other. Additionally, specific sections are being allocated for special guests, media representatives, and the general public. LED screens are being installed to ensure maximum visibility, enabling a broader audience to witness the event. Officials have been instructed to oversee various aspects, including stage construction, meeting arrangements, security protocols, parking logistics, electricity supply, fire brigade services, medical facilities, drinking water provisions, and toilet facilities at the venue. Arrangements have been made to accommodate over 50 thousand people, with approximately 1,000 police personnel deployed to ensure security. Rigorous checking campaigns are going on at key locations such as intersections, bus stands, railway stations, airports, and other vital areas in Raipur city. BHOPAL, Former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath met Madhya Pradesh CM-designate Mohan Yadav. I congratulated him and promised to provide all possible help for the development of the State. We will make sure that as an Opposition, we will work for the better future of Madhya Pradesh... said Kamal Nath after the meeting. Congratulations to Mohan Yadav on being elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party. I hope that as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, he will rule lawfully and without rancour, Kamal Nath posted on X after the BJP legislative party meeting. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister designate Mohan Yadav, who has been named as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said that the oath ceremony for the state's new government will be held on Wednesday. The oath ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow, December 13, Yadav said speaking to reporters on Monday at Bhopal. Earlier, the security was heightened at Yadavs residence in Ujjain. Several personnel were seen setting up the security cameras and laying out the wires. Along with Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister-designates Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda will also take their oath on December 13. The party won the love and faith of 8.5 crore people. We are thankful to all of them for being chosen as their leader. The way the BJP is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will take the caravan of development forward under his leadership, Mohan Yadav said, speaking to ANI. The CM-designate said that he will take forward the development works started by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. I am at the service of the people. I will take forward the development works started by former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. We will take forward the double-engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. We will fulfil all promises, he added. Reconsider land cost in Butibori MIDC: BMA Business Reporter Butibori Manufacturers Association (BMA), one of the leading bodies of entrepreneurs in the region, on Monday gave suggestions on the proposed Industrial Policy 2024 of Government of Maharashtra. A delegation of the body including Nitin Lonkar, President of BMA, and Shashikant Kotharkar, Secretary, met Deependra Singh Kushwah, Development Commissioner (Industries) here in the city and gave the suggestions. Gajendra Bharati, Joint Director of Industries Nagpur Region, was also present. On the occasion BMA highlighted that land rates in Butibori MIDC are exorbitantly higher as compared to MIDC land rates in Western Maharashtra. The land rates need to be reconsidered to attract investor, said Lonkar. On the matter of promotion of electronic and allied industries in Vidarbha, the body said that currently there is no big electronic / hardware manufacturing in the region. Considering the future potential scope for electronics, special cluster / special park is necessary to attract the new industrial by offering special incentives to new companies, he added. BMA further raised the issue of development of mining and mineral processing cluster suggesting to add value to raw mining ores / minerals to expand mining activities, special mining and process clusters should be developed in the region with incentives for value addition. For industries depending on large scale import of raw material and export of finished goods, through seaport, units in Vidarbha region are incurring extra cost on logistics. Thus we recommended to consider some kind of incentives in PSI to make the units logistic cost at par with coastal region thus making level playing in entire State, Kotharkar said. In addition to this, to make balanced growth, special power tariff should be considered for unit based in Vidarbha. BMA also gave suggestion on development charges being collected by MIDC. Since MIDC is a Special Planning Authority (SPA) and the industrial area is a notified one, such Industrial Area should be insulated from Ready Reckoner rates and Stamp Duty should be charged on prevailing MIDC Land rates, BMA said. On State Goods and Service Tax (SGST), BMA highlighted that incentive availed during the year, if it is less than the sanctioned allowed limit then the shortfall is not carried forward to next year. This anomaly needs to be rectified and the unutilized SGST incentive part should be allowed to carry forward for next year exemption, Lonkar said. Seed Inspector caught red handed accepting Rs 20,000 bribe Staff Reporter Lokayukta Police, Jabalpur trapped Seed Inspector of Seed Corporation, Seoni while taking bribe of Rs. 20,000 for issuing seed certification of the appellant, on Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Trishna Chouhan, posted as Seed Inspector of Seed Corporation, Seoni district. According to Lokayukta Police Jabalpur, an appellant named Shivnath Chandravanshi (38), son of Ramkaran Chandravanshi, native of Pindrai village in Seoni district lodged a written complaint at office of Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta Jabalpur that he is posted as President of Tanya Seed Production Cooperative Society. He had applied for certification of seed but Seed Inspector, Trishna Chouhan demanded bribe of Rs 30,000 for issuing the certification. Thereafter, the deal was settled with the bribe of Rs 20,000. Acting on the complaint, SP, Lokayukta constituted a team and fielded the appellant for collecting evidences. Once the information was confirmed a team of Lokayukta Police Jabalpur trapped the accused while taking bribe of Rs 20,000 from the appellant at her office. Lokayukta police have registered a case against the corrupt government employee under relevant Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act while further investigations are underway. The accused was trapped by team comprised of Inspector, Manju Tirkey, Inspector, Swapnil Das and others. SIT formed Probe into deathof Disha Salian MUMBAI : MUMBAI Police on Tuesday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Disha Salian, the ex-manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, an official said. Mumbai Police on Tuesday formed a SIT to probe the Disha Salian death case. Malvani police inspector Chimaji Adhav will investigate the case, the official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajay Bansal will supervise the probe, he added. Salian (28) allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a high-rise building in Mumbai on June 8, 2020, police had said. The death of Salian triggered political mudslinging in the State with the BJP, then in the Opposition, accusing the erstwhile MVA Government of hushing up the matter. In last years Winter Session, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who belongs to BJP, had said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to probe Salians death. Some leaders have alleged Salian was murdered and sought to drag the name of MLA Aaditya Thackeray. , the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, into the case. Notably, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar last week said several leaders had been demanding for long that an SIT be formed in the case. Prasad Lad, another BJP MLC, had said an SIT would clear all doubts (about Salians case). Asked if an SIT probe has been ordered into Salians death, Uddhav Thackeray told reporters that he didnt have any official information about such an order. If anything official comes out, then that day we will reveal the information with us about them. If they level false allegations against us, then we will bring out the true information against them, the Sena (UBT) leader said without naming anyone. Stay true to your promise to youths Pawar to BJP Staff Reporter The State Government should introspect and address the issues of the youth. The youth belonging to Maratha and Dhangar communities have high aspirations from the Government, said Sharad Pawar, President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He was addressing the Yuva Sangharsh Yatra started by NCP MLA Rohit Pawar that concluded in Nagpur on Tuesday. Speaking further, Pawar stated that a similar rally was led by Mahatma Gandhi and Chandra Shekhar. Shekhar later became the Prime Minister of India. The Yuva Sangharsh Yatra led by Rohit Pawar drew inspiration from both the leaders and has succeeded in uniting the youth. Filling posts in government service, contractual working system, farming based problems are the prime reasons youths have to face today. If the Government fails to address the issues of youth, it will have to face severe consequences, cautioned Pawar. The rally, spread over 32 days, covered 10 districts of Maharashtra travelling a distance of 800 kilometers. Over 2 lakh youth joined the rally in various phases. Pawar recalled a similar rally that was taken out under his leadership from Jalgaon to Nagpur. The rally was organised to address the issues of farmers. Maharahtras first Chief Minister Yeshwantrao Chavan also participated in the rally. However, we were both put under arrest when we reached Amravati. We had demanded good price for the cotton producing farmers for their produce. The Government had to agree to our terms. Rallies have the power to change the course of history, mentioned Pawar. Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Pawar observed that the rally was a means to understand peoples problems. Irrespective of the party in power, issues of farmers, youth and common citizens should be addressed. Congress leader Digvijay Singh also joined the Yuva Sangharsh Yatra. He questioned the functioning of the Central Government stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was dividing NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- More than 4 million people who have been impacted by devastating floods that have inundated vast swaths of farmland in East Africa are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, Oxfam, an international charity, warned. Oxfam said the torrential rains, which began in October, have killed hundreds of people, washed away thousands of homes and destroyed thousands of hectares of farmer's crops across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, right in the middle of the harvest season. Oxfam in Africa Director Fati N'zi-Hassane said in a statement released Tuesday evening that the worsening climate crisis is a harsh reality for those already suffering hunger and destitution in East Africa. "Today, millions of people are pummelled by consecutive weather extremes they are hardly responsible for, with absolutely nothing to shield them or help them rebuild their lives," N'zi-Hassane said. According to the charity, nearly 2 million people across the three countries have also been forced to flee their homes and farms as floods decimated almost the entire rainy season harvest, six months after a historic five-season drought. The heavy Deyr (October-December) rains in Somalia have killed more than 118 people and devastated one-fifth of the harvest in south-central Somalia, Oxfam said. It is expected that 1.5 million hectares of farmland in Somalia will be adversely affected by the floods, according to the United Nations. "The scale and frequency of climate destruction in East Africa paints a stark picture of the abhorrent climate injustice against disadvantaged countries and communities facing climate extremes," N'zi-Hassane said. The unrelenting floods have displaced more than 500,000 people in Kenya, after washing away thousands of their homes, devastating 8,498 hectares of their farmland, and killing 13,500 of their livestock, the charity said. It said hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Ethiopia's Somali region where the destruction of several roads has hampered transportation and caused prices of food and basic commodities to soar. Oxfam said even before this flooding, consecutive and prolonged droughts and ongoing conflict had already caused severe food shortages and massive loss of livestock, leaving 27.4 million people across the three countries in crisis or worse levels of hunger. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova (not seen in the picture) attend the 24th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation via video link Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova attended the 24th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation via video link on Wednesday, pledging to enhance bilateral cultural cooperation. The two sides fully recognized the fruitful humanities cooperation between China and Russia over the past year, with abundant achievements in sports, education, and other fields. They agreed that cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation have played a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples and served the overall situation of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. The two sides should fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the high-quality development of China-Russia cultural and people-to-people cooperation, they added. Shen said next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, calling on both sides to take this opportunity to further improve the communication mechanism and cooperation plans, jointly hold the 2024-2025 China-Russia Cultural Year, and open a new chapter in China-Russia cultural cooperation. Golikova said Russia is willing to continue deepening practical cooperation with China in the humanities field to deliver more mutually beneficial results to the two peoples and promote the friendship from generation to generation. Shen and Golikova also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in relevant fields. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova attend the 24th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation via video link Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Addison Capital Co lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 23.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 710 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Addison Capital Cos holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $327,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 60 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 30 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 1st quarter worth about $35,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 1st quarter worth about $35,000. Institutional investors own 74.26% of the companys stock. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Stock Performance NYSE LMT opened at $451.62 on Wednesday. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 1 year low of $393.77 and a 1 year high of $508.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $112.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.57. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $443.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $445.44. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. The firm had revenue of $16.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.73 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $6.87 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a $3.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $12.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.79%. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.04%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $470.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $481.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $440.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $532.00 to $510.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $484.07. Read Our Latest Analysis on LMT Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Lease Co. (NYSE:AL Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $52.60. A number of brokerages have weighed in on AL. Bank of America decreased their price target on Air Lease from $65.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Barclays began coverage on shares of Air Lease in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an overweight rating and a $46.00 target price on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Air Lease from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Get Air Lease alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Air Lease Air Lease Price Performance Air Lease stock opened at $39.13 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $37.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $39.60. Air Lease has a 12 month low of $33.33 and a 12 month high of $46.20. The company has a market capitalization of $4.34 billion, a PE ratio of 8.75, a P/E/G ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. Air Lease (NYSE:AL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The transportation company reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.02. Air Lease had a net margin of 20.97% and a return on equity of 7.92%. The firm had revenue of $659.36 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $659.17 million. Analysts expect that Air Lease will post 4.34 EPS for the current year. Air Lease Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.21 dividend. This is a positive change from Air Leases previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.15%. Air Leases dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.90%. Institutional Trading of Air Lease A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in shares of Air Lease by 140.6% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 126,761 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $5,642,000 after buying an additional 74,067 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Air Lease in the first quarter worth $96,000. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Air Lease by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,763,177 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $257,324,000 after acquiring an additional 90,225 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its holdings in shares of Air Lease by 7.3% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 7,825 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $368,000 after purchasing an additional 535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Air Lease by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 96,738 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,324,000 after buying an additional 6,568 shares in the last quarter. 88.16% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Air Lease Company Profile (Get Free Report Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It also sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. In addition, the company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Lease Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Lease and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong Fleming & Moore Inc purchased a new stake in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 3,072 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $337,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. D1 Capital Partners L.P. boosted its position in shares of General Electric by 159.8% during the 2nd quarter. D1 Capital Partners L.P. now owns 1,455,000 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $159,832,000 after acquiring an additional 895,000 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in General Electric by 92.4% in the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 160,617 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $17,644,000 after buying an additional 77,116 shares during the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in General Electric by 17.0% in the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 986,651 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $108,384,000 after buying an additional 143,138 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its position in General Electric by 35.8% in the second quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 220,821 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $24,257,000 after buying an additional 58,243 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Natixis lifted its position in General Electric by 121,555.4% in the second quarter. Natixis now owns 291,973 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $32,073,000 after buying an additional 291,733 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.83% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Stock Up 1.7 % GE stock opened at $122.32 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $114.25 and its 200 day moving average price is $111.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.17. General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $59.57 and a fifty-two week high of $123.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $133.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.79, a PEG ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.28. Analyst Ratings Changes General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The conglomerate reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $17.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.46 billion. General Electric had a net margin of 14.38% and a return on equity of 11.10%. The firms revenue was up 19.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.35 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 2.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of General Electric in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of General Electric from $130.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. TheStreet lowered shares of General Electric from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of General Electric in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $141.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on shares of General Electric from $131.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $123.86. Read Our Latest Analysis on GE About General Electric (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Hapoalim B.M. (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) is one of 405 public companies in the Private households industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Bank Hapoalim B.M. to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Bank Hapoalim B.M. and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Bank Hapoalim B.M. alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Bank Hapoalim B.M. $7.05 billion $1.92 billion 5.40 Bank Hapoalim B.M. Competitors $12.69 billion $1.28 billion 16.64 Bank Hapoalim B.M.s peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Bank Hapoalim B.M.. Bank Hapoalim B.M. is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Analyst Recommendations Bank Hapoalim B.M. pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Bank Hapoalim B.M. pays out 12.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Private households companies pay a dividend yield of 1.2% and pay out 31.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank Hapoalim B.M. is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Bank Hapoalim B.M. and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank Hapoalim B.M. 0 0 0 0 N/A Bank Hapoalim B.M. Competitors 1496 4423 4424 49 2.29 As a group, Private households companies have a potential upside of 1,306.13%. Given Bank Hapoalim B.M.s peers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Bank Hapoalim B.M. has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Volatility & Risk Bank Hapoalim B.M. has a beta of 1.04, indicating that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bank Hapoalim B.M.s peers have a beta of 2.20, indicating that their average share price is 120% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 14.6% of shares of all Private households companies are owned by institutional investors. 4.4% of shares of all Private households companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Bank Hapoalim B.M. and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank Hapoalim B.M. 24.65% 14.80% 1.03% Bank Hapoalim B.M. Competitors -1.62% 7.56% 2.98% Summary Bank Hapoalim B.M. peers beat Bank Hapoalim B.M. on 7 of the 12 factors compared. About Bank Hapoalim B.M. (Get Free Report) Bank Hapoalim B.M., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Israel and internationally. It operates through Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Financial Markets and International Banking divisions. The company offers account-management services, credit for various purposes, deposits, and savings plans, and capital-market service; securities, and currencies and derivatives trading services; securities custody services; research, consulting, and advisory services; pension advisory and retirement planning services; and housing loans. It also provides credit for routine operations and investment financing, guarantees, letters of credit, foreign trade, and transactions in financial and derivative instruments, as well as investment services in various channels, such as foreign currency, shekels, securities, etc. In addition, the company offers financing for infrastructure projects, foreign trade and international trade financing, and project financing services; foreign trade transactions and transactions in financial derivatives; financing of working capital; syndication; credit-risk sales; financing of construction projects; dealing-room services; federal deposit insurance; and credit cards services. Further, it provides clearing of payment, asset management, investment portfolio management, investment banking, underwriting, and issuance management services. The company serves households, private-banking customers, foreign residents, small businesses, financial-asset managers, middle-market business clients, and large corporations through branches, external and internal automatic teller machines, external and internal check-deposit machines, information stations, self-service stations, and night safes. Bank Hapoalim B.M. was founded in 1921 and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Receive News & Ratings for Bank Hapoalim B.M. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Hapoalim B.M. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the four research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $38.43. CAE has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Bank of America downgraded CAE from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on CAE from $37.00 to $34.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Get CAE alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on CAE Institutional Inflows and Outflows CAE Stock Performance Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd bought a new position in shares of CAE during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Tsfg LLC purchased a new stake in CAE in the second quarter worth $31,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in CAE by 678.3% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,541 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,343 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 85.5% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,029 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 935 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in CAE in the 2nd quarter worth about $55,000. Institutional investors own 64.34% of the companys stock. Shares of CAE stock opened at $20.28 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.94. The company has a market capitalization of $6.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.59. The companys 50-day moving average is $21.28 and its 200 day moving average is $22.17. CAE has a one year low of $18.74 and a one year high of $25.04. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The aerospace company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.15 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $811.45 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $783.06 million. CAE had a return on equity of 7.90% and a net margin of 6.79%. Sell-side analysts expect that CAE will post 0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. CAE Company Profile (Get Free Report CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ConvaTec Group PLC (LON:CTEC Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Buy from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is GBX 298.33 ($3.75). CTEC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a GBX 310 ($3.89) target price on shares of ConvaTec Group in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of ConvaTec Group in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. They issued a buy rating and a GBX 300 ($3.77) target price for the company. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 290 ($3.64) price objective on shares of ConvaTec Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 300 ($3.77) price objective on shares of ConvaTec Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of ConvaTec Group to an outperform rating and raised their price objective for the company from GBX 215 ($2.70) to GBX 300 ($3.77) in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. Get ConvaTec Group alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on ConvaTec Group ConvaTec Group Stock Up 1.5 % ConvaTec Group Company Profile Shares of LON:CTEC opened at GBX 231.60 ($2.91) on Friday. The stock has a market cap of 4.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 7,720.00, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.54. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 214.49 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 214.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 90.12, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 0.96. ConvaTec Group has a 1-year low of GBX 195.10 ($2.45) and a 1-year high of GBX 257.87 ($3.24). (Get Free Report ConvaTec Group PLC engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of medical products and technologies worldwide. The company offers advanced wound dressings and skin care products for the management of acute and chronic wounds resulting from various conditions, such as diabetes, and acute conditions resulting from traumatic injury and burns. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ConvaTec Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConvaTec Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FREETOWN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A total of 80 suspects have been named following a failed attempted coup on Nov. 26 in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, local police have said. William Fayia Sellu, inspector general of the Sierra Leonean police, told a press conference Tuesday that the suspects include former President Ernest Bai Koroma, 50 currently serving military officers, and five dismissed military officers, among others. Sellu said the former president has been granted bail with specific confinement at his residence in Freetown, while the remaining 79 suspects are in custody at the criminal investigations department. The inspector general urged the public to provide useful information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects still on the run. On Nov. 26, some armed individuals attacked a military barracks, a prison, and other locations in Freetown, leaving more than 20 people killed in what the government said later was a failed attempted coup. Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eleven brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. 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 company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $37.41. Several analysts have weighed in on BAM shares. TD Securities dropped their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $48.00 to $42.00 and set an action list buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $37.50 to $36.50 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $42.00 to $37.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $45.00 to $41.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, October 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $39.00 target price for the company. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on BAM Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookfield Asset Management Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Citigroup Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 22,626 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $757,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 217,536 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,249,000 after acquiring an additional 2,135 shares in the last quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 463.2% during the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 541,640 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,132,000 after acquiring an additional 445,463 shares in the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp Et Al acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management during the 3rd quarter valued at $964,000. Finally, First Foundation Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management during the 3rd quarter valued at $897,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.92% of the companys stock. Shares of BAM opened at $36.16 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $32.58 and a 200-day moving average of $33.03. Brookfield Asset Management has a one year low of $26.76 and a one year high of $36.30. The company has a market cap of $14.93 billion and a PE ratio of 29.88. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.04. Brookfield Asset Management had a net margin of 51.79% and a return on equity of 91.07%. The business had revenue of $893.00 million during the quarter. Analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management will post 1.36 earnings per share for the current year. Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Brookfield Asset Managements payout ratio is 105.79%. Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Get Free Report Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coombe Bender & Co LLC raised its stake in CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 2.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 158,193 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 3,488 shares during the quarter. CAE makes up about 2.6% of Coombe Bender & Co LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Coombe Bender & Co LLCs holdings in CAE were worth $3,540,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CAE. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its stake in shares of CAE by 29.9% during the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 31,960,441 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $715,244,000 after purchasing an additional 7,363,625 shares in the last quarter. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. increased its stake in CAE by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. now owns 12,081,091 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $270,700,000 after purchasing an additional 80,220 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in CAE by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 10,034,952 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $224,583,000 after purchasing an additional 128,457 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in CAE by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,006,409 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $153,398,000 after purchasing an additional 300,523 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its stake in CAE by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 8,422,083 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $190,476,000 after purchasing an additional 98,558 shares in the last quarter. 64.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get CAE alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Bank of America cut CAE from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on CAE from $37.00 to $34.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $35.43. CAE Stock Down 0.2 % CAE opened at $20.28 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $21.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $22.17. CAE Inc. has a twelve month low of $18.74 and a twelve month high of $25.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market cap of $6.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.59. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The aerospace company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.05. CAE had a return on equity of 7.90% and a net margin of 6.79%. The firm had revenue of $811.45 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $783.06 million. Research analysts forecast that CAE Inc. will post 0.88 EPS for the current year. CAE Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE). Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK Get Free Report) insider Clifford Abrahams sold 30,806 shares of Virgin Money UK stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 152 ($1.91), for a total value of 46,825.12 ($58,781.22). Virgin Money UK Price Performance VMUK stock opened at GBX 156.05 ($1.96) on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 155.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 159.47. The firm has a market capitalization of 2.06 billion, a PE ratio of 866.94, a P/E/G ratio of 3.90 and a beta of 1.83. Virgin Money UK PLC has a 12 month low of GBX 134.20 ($1.68) and a 12 month high of GBX 200 ($2.51). Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Virgin Money UK Cuts Dividend The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 22nd will be paid a GBX 2 ($0.03) dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. Virgin Money UKs dividend payout ratio is presently 2,777.78%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Virgin Money UK from GBX 265 ($3.33) to GBX 180 ($2.26) and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 27th. Berenberg Bank reduced their price objective on Virgin Money UK from GBX 220 ($2.76) to GBX 200 ($2.51) and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 27th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 210 ($2.64) to GBX 195 ($2.45) and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK in a research note on Thursday, November 23rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 199 ($2.50). Read Our Latest Analysis on VMUK About Virgin Money UK (Get Free Report) Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coombe Bender & Co LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 39,847 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,318 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab accounts for about 1.6% of Coombe Bender & Co LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest position. Coombe Bender & Co LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,259,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Cloverfields Capital Group LP lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 11.5% during the first quarter. Cloverfields Capital Group LP now owns 50,785 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,660,000 after purchasing an additional 5,246 shares during the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 334.1% in the second quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 55,268 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,133,000 after acquiring an additional 42,535 shares during the period. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 2.0% in the second quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,729 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $665,000 after acquiring an additional 229 shares during the period. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 54.2% in the second quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 135,940 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,705,000 after acquiring an additional 47,792 shares during the period. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 21.4% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 3,839 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $218,000 after acquiring an additional 677 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,792 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.31, for a total value of $217,319.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,725 shares in the company, valued at $2,563,189.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,114 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.19, for a total transaction of $174,975.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at $2,338,122.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,792 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Monday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.31, for a total transaction of $217,319.52. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 44,725 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,563,189.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 37,194 shares of company stock worth $2,163,280 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Stock Performance Shares of SCHW stock opened at $64.59 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $114.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.53, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. The companys 50 day moving average is $55.24 and its 200 day moving average is $57.43. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.58%. Charles Schwabs revenue was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.10 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.55%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.33%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently weighed in on SCHW. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $66.00 to $62.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $68.85. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 1.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 39,931 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 464 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLCs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $4,608,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in the second quarter valued at approximately $96,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.1% in the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 16,201 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,869,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares during the period. National Pension Service raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 3,875,375 shares of the companys stock valued at $440,010,000 after purchasing an additional 161,981 shares in the last quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 11.5% in the 2nd quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 46,969 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,420,000 after purchasing an additional 4,857 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 17.5% in the 2nd quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 25,465 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,938,000 after purchasing an additional 3,796 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.59% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Merck & Co., Inc. Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock opened at $104.36 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $264.45 billion, a PE ratio of 57.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.78 and a beta of 0.34. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $103.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $106.71. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 1 year low of $96.36 and a 1 year high of $119.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.38 and a quick ratio of 1.12. Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.94 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.30 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 18.26% and a net margin of 7.77%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.85 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.77 per share. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.95%. This is a positive change from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 162.22%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on MRK shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $117.00 to $122.00 in a report on Friday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. TheStreet upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Monday, November 27th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $132.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Merck & Co., Inc. presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.14. Get Our Latest Stock Report on MRK Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $4,602,729.69. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,191 shares in the company, valued at $1,862,394.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Merck & Co., Inc. Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NCR Voyix (NYSE:VYX Get Free Report) is one of 6 publicly-traded companies in the Calculating & accounting equipment industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare NCR Voyix to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and earnings. Insider & Institutional Ownership 89.8% of NCR Voyix shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.7% of shares of all Calculating & accounting equipment companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.6% of NCR Voyix shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 7.2% of shares of all Calculating & accounting equipment companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get NCR Voyix alerts: Profitability This table compares NCR Voyix and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NCR Voyix -1.42% 24.31% 3.02% NCR Voyix Competitors -2.95% 10.38% 0.94% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NCR Voyix 0 0 3 0 3.00 NCR Voyix Competitors 20 98 234 5 2.63 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for NCR Voyix and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. NCR Voyix presently has a consensus price target of $21.67, indicating a potential upside of 43.58%. As a group, Calculating & accounting equipment companies have a potential upside of 17.50%. Given NCR Voyixs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe NCR Voyix is more favorable than its competitors. Earnings & Valuation This table compares NCR Voyix and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio NCR Voyix $7.84 billion $60.00 million -16.58 NCR Voyix Competitors $4.07 billion $12.83 million 5.84 NCR Voyix has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. NCR Voyix is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Volatility & Risk NCR Voyix has a beta of 1.62, suggesting that its stock price is 62% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, NCR Voyixs competitors have a beta of 1.72, suggesting that their average stock price is 72% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary NCR Voyix beats its competitors on 10 of the 13 factors compared. NCR Voyix Company Profile (Get Free Report) NCR Corporation provides various software and services in the United States, Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through Retail, Hospitality, Digital Banking, Payments & Network, and Self-Service Banking segments. It offers managed services, including ATM-as-a-Service solutions that allow banks to run their end-to-end ATM channels; software, services, and hardware; and digital banking solutions for financial institution's consumer and business customers. The company also provides solutions for banking channel services, transaction processing, imaging, and branch services. In addition, it offers solutions for retail industry comprising comprehensive API-point of sale (POS) retail software platforms and applications, hardware terminals and peripherals, payment processing solutions, and consumer engagement solutions, as well as self-service kiosks, which consists of self-checkout (SCO). Further, the company provides technology solutions to customers in the hospitality industry comprising table-service, quick-service, and fast casual restaurants. It also offers cloud-based and cloud-enabled software applications for point-of-sale, back office, payment processing, kitchen production, restaurant management, eCommerce, and consumer marketing and loyalty; and hospitality-oriented hardware products, such as POS terminals, kitchen display systems, handheld devices, printers, and peripherals. Additionally, the company provides managed network and infrastructure services to enterprise clients, as well as professional, field, and remote services for network technologies. It also offers solutions for customer account opening and onboarding across digital, branch, and call center channels. NCR Corporation was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for NCR Voyix Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NCR Voyix and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Berkeley Group (OTCMKTS:BKGFF Get Free Report) and D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, dividends, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for The Berkeley Group and D.R. Horton, as provided by MarketBeat. Get The Berkeley Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score The Berkeley Group 0 0 0 0 N/A D.R. Horton 1 7 13 0 2.57 D.R. Horton has a consensus target price of $134.78, suggesting a potential downside of 3.59%. Given D.R. Hortons higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe D.R. Horton is more favorable than The Berkeley Group. Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio The Berkeley Group N/A N/A N/A $2.62 19.75 D.R. Horton $35.46 billion 1.31 $4.75 billion $13.84 10.10 This table compares The Berkeley Group and D.R. Hortons top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. D.R. Horton has higher revenue and earnings than The Berkeley Group. D.R. Horton is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than The Berkeley Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares The Berkeley Group and D.R. Hortons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets The Berkeley Group N/A N/A N/A D.R. Horton 13.38% 21.85% 15.02% Dividends The Berkeley Group pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. D.R. Horton pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. The Berkeley Group pays out 68.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. D.R. Horton pays out 8.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. D.R. Horton has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years. Institutional and Insider Ownership 45.9% of The Berkeley Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.1% of D.R. Horton shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of D.R. Horton shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary D.R. Horton beats The Berkeley Group on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About The Berkeley Group (Get Free Report) The Berkeley Group Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the residential-led and mixed-use property development and ancillary activities in the United Kingdom. The company is involved in land selling activities. It operates under the Berkeley, St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph, and St William brand names. The Berkeley Group Holdings plc was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cobham, the United Kingdom. About D.R. Horton (Get Free Report) D.R. Horton, Inc. operates as a homebuilding company in East, North, Southeast, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest regions in the United States. It engages in the acquisition and development of land; and construction and sale of residential homes in 118 markets across 33 states under the names of D.R. Horton, America's Builder, Express Homes, Emerald Homes, and Freedom Homes. The company constructs and sells single-family detached homes; and attached homes, such as townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes. It also provides mortgage financing services; and title insurance policies, and examination and closing services, as well as engages in the residential lot development business. In addition, the company develops, constructs, owns, leases, and sells multi-family and single-family rental properties; and owns non-residential real estate, including ranch land and improvements. It primarily serves homebuyers. D.R. Horton, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for The Berkeley Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Berkeley Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report) by 5.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 25,438 shares of the energy companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,309 shares during the quarter. Camarda Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Devon Energy were worth $1,230,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Crewe Advisors LLC increased its position in Devon Energy by 16,633.3% during the 1st quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 502 shares of the energy companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 499 shares in the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Devon Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in Devon Energy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Devon Energy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Finally, Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. acquired a new stake in Devon Energy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets DVN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Devon Energy from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $57.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $62.00 to $58.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $79.00 to $77.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Pickering Energy Partners raised shares of Devon Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $68.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $58.00. Devon Energy Stock Performance Shares of DVN opened at $43.34 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $48.39. Devon Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $42.59 and a 12-month high of $66.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.77 billion, a PE ratio of 7.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 2.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The energy company reported $1.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.56 by $0.09. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 24.63%. The firm had revenue of $3.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.03 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.86 EPS for the current year. Devon Energy Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This is a boost from Devon Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.11%. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 13.68%. About Devon Energy (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legato Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME Free Report) by 7.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,508 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 922 shares during the period. Legato Capital Management LLCs holdings in EMCOR Group were worth $2,126,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Zions Bancorporation N.A. acquired a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in shares of EMCOR Group by 66.2% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 251 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI acquired a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. acquired a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of EMCOR Group by 471.0% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 354 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.57% of the companys stock. Get EMCOR Group alerts: EMCOR Group Stock Up 0.2 % EME opened at $216.67 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $208.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $202.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.26. The company has a market cap of $10.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.89 and a beta of 1.09. EMCOR Group, Inc. has a one year low of $141.89 and a one year high of $227.49. EMCOR Group Dividend Announcement EMCOR Group ( NYSE:EME Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The construction company reported $3.61 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.90. The company had revenue of $3.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.15 billion. EMCOR Group had a return on equity of 26.05% and a net margin of 4.53%. EMCOR Groups quarterly revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.16 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that EMCOR Group, Inc. will post 12.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 16th were given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 13th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.33%. EMCOR Groups payout ratio is 6.28%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on EMCOR Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Read Our Latest Stock Report on EMCOR Group EMCOR Group Company Profile (Free Report) EMCOR Group, Inc provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It offers design, integration, installation, start-up, operation, and maintenance services related to electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation systems; energy solutions; premises electrical and lighting systems; process instrumentation in the refining, chemical processing, and food processing industries; low-voltage systems, such as fire alarm, security, and process control systems; voice and data communications systems; roadway and transit lighting, signaling, and fiber optic lines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and geothermal solutions; clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection and suppression systems; plumbing, process, and high-purity piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; crane and rigging services; millwright services; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for EMCOR Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EMCOR Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A. (OTCMKTS:GLPEY Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the six ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating. GLPEY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upgraded Galp Energia, SGPS from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Galp Energia, SGPS from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, BNP Paribas cut Galp Energia, SGPS from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Get Galp Energia SGPS alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on GLPEY Galp Energia, SGPS Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS GLPEY opened at $7.13 on Friday. Galp Energia, SGPS has a 12-month low of $5.04 and a 12-month high of $7.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.36. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $7.38 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.77. Galp Energia, SGPS (OTCMKTS:GLPEY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The energy company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter. Galp Energia, SGPS had a return on equity of 27.83% and a net margin of 5.99%. The firm had revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter. Research analysts expect that Galp Energia, SGPS will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current year. Galp Energia, SGPS Company Profile (Get Free Report Galp Energia, SGPS, SA operates as an integrated energy operator in Portugal and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Upstream, Industrial & Midstream, Commercial, and Renewables and New Business. The Upstream segment engages in the exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbons primarily in Brazil, Mozambique, and Angola. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Galp Energia SGPS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galp Energia SGPS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HARARE, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government has vowed to accelerate efforts to combat a cholera outbreak after suspected cholera cases rose to a cumulative 10,633. The figure increased from 9,895 suspected cases recorded in the previous week. Addressing a post-cabinet press briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said on Tuesday that the government will conduct a field visit to Manicaland Province, one of the worst affected provinces to assess the situation on the ground. He said that the government has recently received a consignment of cholera response commodities from the World Health Organization. "These commodities will be deployed to all the affected districts and pre-positioned to other hot spots yet to report cases, making them ready to respond to the outbreak," Muswere said. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC lifted its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report) by 7.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 14,865 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,075 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $2,132,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of JPM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 97,681.8% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,056,747,063 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $299,133,293,000 after acquiring an additional 2,054,643,659 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 105,652.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 98,000,567 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,141,876,000 after buying an additional 97,907,897 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at about $3,894,646,000. Morgan Stanley grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 15.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 59,049,256 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,918,506,000 after buying an additional 8,088,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 13,205.6% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,395,818 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,407,000 after buying an additional 5,355,265 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.94% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Marianne Lake sold 32,243 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.00, for a total value of $5,158,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,962 shares in the company, valued at $21,113,920. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.79% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance NYSE JPM opened at $160.49 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $148.19 and a 200-day simple moving average of $147.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $463.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.13. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52-week low of $123.11 and a 52-week high of $160.65. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $4.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.95 by $0.38. The business had revenue of $40.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.63 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 22.79% and a return on equity of 17.97%. The firms revenue was up 24.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.12 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 16.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, January 4th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.62%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is currently 25.07%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth JPM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $158.00 to $167.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $159.00 target price for the company. Piper Sandler increased their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $168.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $158.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $176.00 to $169.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.80. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on JPM JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legato Capital Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Physicians Realty Trust (NYSE:DOC Free Report) by 3.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 146,415 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 5,785 shares during the quarter. Legato Capital Management LLC owned 0.06% of Physicians Realty Trust worth $2,048,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. American International Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 2.6% during the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 472,104 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,605,000 after acquiring an additional 12,161 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 5.7% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,569,322 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $49,935,000 after acquiring an additional 191,511 shares during the last quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 70.4% during the second quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 29,780 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $417,000 after acquiring an additional 12,306 shares during the last quarter. Connable Office Inc. increased its position in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 31.1% during the second quarter. Connable Office Inc. now owns 13,277 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $186,000 after acquiring an additional 3,151 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Janiczek Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Physicians Realty Trust by 279.4% in the second quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,360 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 1,738 shares during the last quarter. 95.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Physicians Realty Trust alerts: Physicians Realty Trust Price Performance NYSE:DOC opened at $12.29 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 64.69, a P/E/G ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 0.89. Physicians Realty Trust has a 52-week low of $10.52 and a 52-week high of $16.34. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $11.55 and a 200 day moving average of $13.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 2.85 and a current ratio of 2.85. Physicians Realty Trust Announces Dividend Physicians Realty Trust ( NYSE:DOC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.20). The business had revenue of $138.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $133.31 million. Physicians Realty Trust had a net margin of 8.60% and a return on equity of 1.56%. Physicians Realty Trusts quarterly revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.26 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Physicians Realty Trust will post 1 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 2nd. Physicians Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is 484.24%. Insider Activity at Physicians Realty Trust In other Physicians Realty Trust news, SVP Laurie P. Becker sold 22,322 shares of Physicians Realty Trust stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.47, for a total transaction of $300,677.34. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 55,776 shares of the companys stock, valued at $751,302.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 1.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on DOC. Truist Financial reissued a hold rating and issued a $15.00 target price on shares of Physicians Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, August 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on Physicians Realty Trust in a research report on Sunday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on Physicians Realty Trust from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.70. View Our Latest Analysis on Physicians Realty Trust Physicians Realty Trust Profile (Free Report) Physicians Realty Trust is a self-managed health care real estate company organized to acquire, selectively develop, own, and manage health care properties that are leased to physicians, hospitals, and health care delivery systems. The Company invests in real estate that is integral to providing high quality health care. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Physicians Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Physicians Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quilter Plc grew its position in Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS Free Report) by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,762 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 408 shares during the period. Quilter Plcs holdings in Essex Property Trust were worth $2,053,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. Wetherby Asset Management Inc. now owns 635 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $219,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC now owns 1,067 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $250,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 25.3% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 243 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $83,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 1,957 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $409,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 4,405 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,032,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. 92.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Essex Property Trust Price Performance Essex Property Trust stock opened at $227.61 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 2.63 and a quick ratio of 2.63. The company has a market capitalization of $14.61 billion, a PE ratio of 27.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.79. Essex Property Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $195.03 and a one year high of $248.80. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $214.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $226.21. Essex Property Trust Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $2.31 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 29th. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.06%. Essex Property Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 113.37%. ESS has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wedbush began coverage on Essex Property Trust in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $225.00 price objective on the stock. Mizuho decreased their target price on Essex Property Trust from $221.00 to $219.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Essex Property Trust from $252.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 21st. Truist Financial downgraded Essex Property Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the company from $255.00 to $266.00 in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Essex Property Trust from $247.00 to $235.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Essex Property Trust currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $238.35. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ESS Essex Property Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 252 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. agilon health (NYSE:AGL Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report issued on Monday, MarketBeat reports. They presently have a $14.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price would suggest a potential upside of 13.64% from the companys previous close. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Benchmark cut their price target on agilon health from $28.00 to $22.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded agilon health from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price target for the stock from $27.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on agilon health from $28.00 to $23.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Evercore ISI cut their price target on agilon health from $21.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, JMP Securities initiated coverage on agilon health in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. They set a market outperform rating and a $18.00 price target for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $21.36. Get agilon health alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on agilon health agilon health Stock Up 4.8 % Shares of NYSE:AGL opened at $12.32 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.00 billion, a PE ratio of -53.73 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.50 and a quick ratio of 1.50. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $14.82 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $17.07. agilon health has a 1 year low of $10.41 and a 1 year high of $29.44. agilon health (NYSE:AGL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported ($0.06) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05) by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $1.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.14 billion. agilon health had a negative net margin of 2.11% and a negative return on equity of 8.18%. Analysts forecast that agilon health will post -0.2 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at agilon health In other agilon health news, Director Jeffrey A. Schwaneke purchased 22,300 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $11.22 per share, with a total value of $250,206.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 31,931 shares in the company, valued at approximately $358,265.82. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of agilon health Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AGL. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in shares of agilon health by 21.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 51,347,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $890,367,000 after buying an additional 8,911,629 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its holdings in shares of agilon health by 17.1% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 54,656,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,298,097,000 after buying an additional 7,985,420 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors raised its holdings in shares of agilon health by 165.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 9,406,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,116,000 after buying an additional 5,869,660 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of agilon health by 48.1% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,916,511 shares of the companys stock valued at $223,972,000 after buying an additional 4,194,593 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in shares of agilon health by 8.9% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,819,378 shares of the companys stock valued at $795,992,000 after buying an additional 3,674,311 shares in the last quarter. agilon health Company Profile (Get Free Report) agilon health, inc. offers healthcare services for seniors through primary care physicians in the communities of the United States. As of December 31, 2022, it served approximately 269,500 medicare advantage members and 89,000 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. The company was formerly known as Agilon Health Topco, Inc and changed its name to agilon health, inc. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for agilon health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for agilon health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestor Capital LLC boosted its position in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 1,439.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 89,632 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 83,810 shares during the period. Vestor Capital LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $2,572,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 9.6% in the second quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 38,802 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,113,000 after buying an additional 3,407 shares during the period. Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its stake in Bank of America by 1.4% in the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 69,070 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,982,000 after buying an additional 933 shares during the period. GTS Securities LLC acquired a new position in Bank of America in the second quarter valued at about $21,164,000. National Pension Service lifted its stake in Bank of America by 6.4% in the second quarter. National Pension Service now owns 11,015,544 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $315,705,000 after buying an additional 662,513 shares during the period. Finally, Equitable Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in Bank of America by 0.5% in the second quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 110,179 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,161,000 after buying an additional 558 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.06% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Down 0.3 % NYSE:BAC opened at $30.75 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $243.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.40. Bank of America Co. has a twelve month low of $24.96 and a twelve month high of $37.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $28.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $28.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Bank of America Co. will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.12%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.89%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Bank of America in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Oppenheimer raised their price target on Bank of America from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and raised their price target for the stock from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Monday, November 6th. HSBC initiated coverage on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a buy rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Bank of America from $35.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.43. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BAC Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total transaction of $176,623.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wambolt & Associates LLC grew its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report) by 4.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 14,404 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 573 shares during the quarter. Wambolt & Associates LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $1,374,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Armstrong Fleming & Moore Inc bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $858,000. CreativeOne Wealth LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 400,936 shares of the companys stock worth $38,254,000 after purchasing an additional 19,880 shares in the last quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 46.8% during the 2nd quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 44,706 shares of the companys stock worth $4,265,000 after purchasing an additional 14,247 shares in the last quarter. High Falls Advisors Inc increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. High Falls Advisors Inc now owns 242,498 shares of the companys stock worth $23,137,000 after purchasing an additional 1,913 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $17,061,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Performance BATS EFG opened at $93.48 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $88.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $91.23. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $67.58 and a 52-week high of $85.81. The stock has a market cap of $12.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.69 and a beta of 0.89. About iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wambolt & Associates LLC grew its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,973 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,167 shares during the quarter. Wambolt & Associates LLCs holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $1,811,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA lifted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA now owns 4,031 shares of the companys stock valued at $305,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Athena Investment Management lifted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Athena Investment Management now owns 13,857 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,047,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,730 shares of the companys stock valued at $433,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC lifted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 41.9% in the 2nd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main lifted its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 12,171 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,130,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have commented on ADM shares. Stephens dropped their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $92.90. Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Down 0.7 % Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $74.56 on Wednesday. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1-year low of $69.31 and a 1-year high of $96.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.38 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a current ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $73.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of $76.76. Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.10. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.05% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The business had revenue of $21.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.86 EPS. Archer-Daniels-Midlands revenue was down 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current year. Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.41%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is 25.07%. Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TUNIS, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of 81.9 million euros (89.08 million U.S. dollars) to Tunisia to improve wastewater treatment for agricultural reuse and enhance its climate resilience, the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported on Wednesday. The Treated Wastewater Quality Improvement Project For Climate Resilience Building will treat waters as per the standards for agricultural reuse. The project is expected to be implemented over the period 2024-2028. "This project is an important example of the water-energy-agriculture nexus by upgrading treated wastewater for agriculture and reducing energy costs by using solar energy," TAP quoted AfDB's Deputy Director-General for North Africa Malinne Blomberg as saying. The project will upgrade electromechanical and electrical equipment in 19 wastewater treatment plants located in 11 provinces and increase the usage of photovoltaic solar energy to enhance treatment and energy performance. It is expected to benefit more than 670,000 people, according to the report. Calls for FNM convention are really calls for Minnis return as leader WINDHOEK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) on Wednesday officially launched the country's first Trade Verification System (TVS). The TVS is expected to reduce the estimated 33 billion Namibia dollars (about 2.2 billion U.S. dollars) of potential tax-related offenses as estimated by the Financial Intelligence Center in the National Money Laundering, Terrorist and Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment Report of 2021. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Executive Director for Economic Policy of the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises Oscar Capelao pledged the government's support in denouncing activities that enable illicit financial flows that adversely impact sustainable development. "Over the years, there has been noted misconduct among importers who breach the country's laws and regulations. The TVS is a tool that we will use to the best of our ability to ensure that there is improved decision-making due to timely data and real-time reporting. The overall goal is to have a tax compliance ratio up as it relates to imports and exports," he said. The central bank's Deputy Governor, Leonie Dunn, expressed confidence in the new system. "We are now comfortable to be among the first few countries in Africa that have successfully developed and implemented a TVS system that monitors cross-border financial transactions as they relate to the import and export of goods," she added. NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute meanwhile said the collaborative effort underscores the dedication to promoting transparency and compliance in trade operations. Once fully integrated, the TVS is expected to promote seamless and paperless trading processes. Commercial banks, clearing agents, the Namibia Revenue Agency and the Bank of Namibia will all have access to the same documentation regarding a specific export or import, whether at the time of payment or during border clearance. I want on behalf of all Igbos worldwide to appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to use his good office to direct for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Mazi Nnamdi Kanus case is well known to all Igbos and Nigerians. It is the belief of many that the release of Nnamdi Kanu does not constitute any threat to our democracy or social cohesion and peace. Besides, a Nigerian Court has passed a judgement directing that Nnamdi Kanu should be released. Many Nigerians from the 36 States and Abuja have also made appeal for his release. As the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Leader of Igbos worldwide, I brought this matter up to a joint meeting of South South, South West, South East and Middle-Belt of Nigeria and they unanimously endorsed that Nnamdi Kanu should be released. I hereby make a passionate appeal to our President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist to procure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This will be a highly prized Christmas Gift to the Igbos of Nigeria and all other Nigerians who are committed to a peaceful and secure country. The incarceration of Kanu has created unnecessary excuse for terrorism in a region which has hitherto lived in peace and pursued their occupation wherever they are with patriotic zeal. We recollect with sadness that this region was a theatre of war. The war claimed the lives of many Nigerians. In addition, businesses and properties were completely destroyed. In 1970 when the war ended, the Igbos returned completely impoverished. I warn that all parties should avoid anything that could once again make Igboland a theatre of war. I further advocate that in addition to the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Federal government should adopt a non-kinetic approach to the security problem in the South East. I, in collaboration with the Governors and other Leaders in the South East of Nigeria call for amnesty to those who at the moment are expressing all forms of agitation in the South East; and that they will be given opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood. God bless and protect our President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria. Signed: CHIEF (DR.) E. C. IWUANYANWU, CFR; OFR; MFR; FNICE; FNSE; FNIST; GCSI; KSC. (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) The President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. KHARTOUM, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday called on all parties to the Sudan conflict to reach a humanitarian pause and to provide unfettered access to the country to avert a hunger catastrophe. "Parts of war-ravaged Sudan are at a high risk of slipping into catastrophic hunger conditions by next year's lean season if the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is unable to expand access and regularly deliver food assistance to people trapped in conflict hotspots," the WFP said in a statement. "Sudan is facing a deepening hunger crisis as the conflict raging across the country approaches its eighth month. If there is no significant increase in food assistance by the time the lean season arrives next May, conflict hotspots could see the emergence of catastrophic hunger," it noted. "We urgently call on all parties to the conflict for a humanitarian pause and unfettered access to avert a hunger catastrophe in the upcoming lean season," the UN food agency said. "There are far too many people trapped in areas with active fighting who we can only reach sporadically, if at all," Eddie Rowe, WFP Country Director and Representative in Sudan, was quoted as saying. Nearly 18 million people across Sudan are facing acute hunger, more than double the number at the same time a year ago, according to the WFP. The key drivers of the plunge into hunger include intensified conflict and growing inter-communal violence, macroeconomic crisis, soaring prices of food, fuel and essential goods, and below-average agricultural production, it noted. Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Tuesday sounded the alarm about the escalating food security crisis in Sudan, urging immediate and collective action to avert an impending humanitarian catastrophe. "The ongoing conflict and the escalating violence are deepening the humanitarian crisis and worsening the food security of people in several urban, semi-urban and rural areas," the FAO said in a statement on Tuesday. The FAO further said it urgently needed 75.4 million U.S. dollars to address growing needs, enhance local food production, and improve its accessibility across Sudan. Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas since April 15. More than 12,000 people have been killed so far in the clashes, while 6.6 million others have been displaced inside and outside Sudan, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Biden says Putin banking on US failure as Zelensky seeks aid WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden warned yesterday (Dec 12) that Russia was banking on the United States abandoning Ukraine, as he promised President Volodymyr Zelensky he would support Kyiv despite Republicans blocking new military aid. RussianUkraineviolencedeathmilitarypolitics By AFP Wednesday 13 December 2023 09:24 AM US President Joe Biden and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a joint press conference in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington, DC, yesterday (Dec 12). Photo: AFP Standing alongside Biden at a press conference at the White House, Zelensky pledged for his part that Ukraine would keep fighting and said it would be insane for Kyiv to give up any territory to secure a peace deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver for Ukraine. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong, said Biden. He said letting Ukraine lose would embolden Putin and would-be aggressors everywhere. Biden stressed that he would not walk away from Ukraine, adding that the United States would continue to supply Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment as long as we can. But just how long the Biden administration can keep doing so is under question. Republicans in Congress refuse to pass US$60 billion in fresh Ukraine aid if Democrats dont agree to major immigration reforms. Zelensky, who spent the morning talking to Republicans and Democrats in Congress, signaled cautious optimism that the stalled US aid flow will restart. I got the signals. They were more than positive. But we know that we have to separate words and particular results, Zelensky said. Insane The Ukrainian leader also dismissed suggestions he could concede territory taken by Russia since its February 2022 invasion to move any ceasefire closer. Thats insane, to be honest, he said, before setting out plans to use Western aid to achieve air superiority over Ukraine and to attack Russian naval assets in 2024. Biden said he had approved a further $200 million in US military aid to tide Ukraine over for coming weeks, with the White House warning that funding could dry up by the end of the year without a deal in Congress. The united front at the White House contrasted with growing division up on Capitol Hill, where Republicans are not only insisting on new policies for the US-Mexico border but increasingly questioning whether the war against Russian invasion should continue. As Moscow claimed fresh battlefield advances and predicted any new assistance for Kyiv would be a fiasco, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed little enthusiasm for approving Bidens request despite his meeting with Zelensky. What the Biden administration seems to be asking for is billions of additional dollars with no appropriate oversight, no clear strategy to win, and none of the answers that I think the American people are owed, Johnson said. Republican Senator JD Vance - who is close to the partys leader and likely 2024 presidential candidate, Donald Trump - said that Zelensky was gross for pressuring the Senate. Deadlock The Kremlin echoed Republican arguments, scoffing at the impact of US support. It is important for everyone to understand: the tens of billions of dollars pumped into Ukraine did not help it gain success on the battlefield, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. And Russia said it was pressing ahead on the ground, just as Ukraines freezing winter deepens and Moscows air attacks on Ukraines cities increase. In a blow felt by civilians behind the frontlines, Ukraines main mobile operator said it had been paralyzed by a powerful hacker attack. Washington insisted though that in reality Russia is paying an extraordinary price, with some 315,000 Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine since the war began, including 13,000 since October. Russian forces have also lost some 2,200 of the 3,500 tanks they had before the start of the conflict, according to a declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress. But Russia seems to believe that a military deadlock through the winter will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage despite Russian losses, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said. As the United States ponders its future Ukraine policy, Polish prime minister-designate Donald Tusk called for full mobilization on the part of the free world, the West, in support of Ukraine. Chalong Police recover stolen motorbike, hidden in Rawai PHUKET: Chalong Police have managed to track down a motorbike that was stolen after it was rented to a tourist. tourismtransportcrimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 13 December 2023 12:25 PM Narongchai Wangboonkong, the owner of the motorbike, a blue Honda Scoopy, and Taiwanese tourist Chen Hong Xi, arrived at Chalong Police Station to recover the motorbike yesterday (Dec 12), Mr Chen had parked the motorbike in front of a house on Wiset Rd, Rawai, when he discovered it was stolen. Mr Narongchai formally reported the motorbike as stolen to Chalong Police on Dec 2, Chalong Police explained. Officers investigating the theft found that the motorbike had been parked secretly in Soi Saiyuan, in Moo 7, Rawai, hidden under a blue tarpaulin. Officers tracked down one suspect, named by police only as Mr Anan, who told police that he was to deliver the motorbike to a Mr Suchat. Officers later on Dec 5 arrested Suchat at a house in Wichit. At Chalong Police Station yesterday Mr Narongchai and Mr Chen thanked Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Ekkarat Plaiduang for his officers quickly closing the case within three days and being able to return the motorbike in perfect condition. Mr Chen said he would tell his fellow Taiwanese nationals to feel confident in travelling to Phuket, reported Chalong Police. This is an excellent way to build confidence among tourists, Mr Chen said. Police confirm charges against Bang Tao taxi thugs PHUKET: Cherng Talay Police have confirmed the arrests of two taxi drivers wanted for the assault on a Grab driver in Bang Tao on Dec 2. tourismtransportviolencecrimepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 13 December 2023 11:24 AM The two men are not the same taxi drivers who presented themselves at Cherng Talay Police Station on Dec 4, with one of the men claiming responsibility for the attack. Cherng Talay Police announced the arrests of the two actual assailants yesterday (Dec 12), confirming the charges against the men. The two men were arrested in accordance with arrest warrants issued by Phuket Provincial Court yesterday, Cherng Talay Police reported. Udomchai Pengsut, 49, was arrested on warrant number 635/2023 for joining together to cause physical harm to others until it causes serious harm to the victim. Wutthidet Phromthong, 37, was arrested on warrant number 635/2023 also for joining together to cause physical harm to others until it causes serious harm to the victim. The location of arrest for both men was given as at Cherng Talay Police Station. Police were continuing to proceed with legal action against the men, Cherng Talay Police noted. Grab taxi driver Teerajet Chukaew, 25, was legally trying to pick up tourists near a venue at Bang Tao Beach who had ordered a Grab taxi late on Dec 2 when he was attacked by the two men, who both worked as taxi drivers at a queue nearby. Mr Teerajet suffered multiple bruises and a punctured lung in the attack, during which he was beaten with a piece of wood. In fear of his safety, after filing the complaint with police, Mr Teerajet returned to his home province of Trang to recover from his injuries in hospital, where he remains. Within hours of officers from the Cherng Talay Police arriving at the scene on Dec 4 to investigate the attack, two men presented themselves at Cherng Talay Police Station, with one of the men claiming responsibility for the attack. Kamjorn Kanyacharee, 48, admitted to police that he was the one who had caused the incident and carried out the assault. Bamrung Thipkonglat, 46, said he was a witness to the incident and was the one who intervened to dissuade Mr Kamjorn from the incident, namely the attack. Police have yet to explain what charges, if any, will be brought against Kamjorn and Bamrung for presenting false information to police officers conducting an investigation. In the wake of the attack, more than 200 taxi app drivers in Phuket gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall last Wednesday (Dec 6) to appeal for protection and fairness. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO The Orangefield High School Honors English I class went to the Lutcher Theatre to see the Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow Tours rendition of "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet" to view a live performance for their drama unit in class. Robert's Ford, 1601 Green Avenue in Orange, will be the place Saturday, December 16, to find, Santa and his elves, food, and fun with the Second Annual Jingle Bell Rock Out. The dealership's parking lot will have vendors, food trucks, activities for children and even a snow machine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes a raffle with the proceeds to benefit the Sugie Lane Foundation, which helps victims of domestic violence. The prizes include two tickets to see Savanna Banana March 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Besides selling raffle tickets, the company will give five tickets to each person who donates a new, unwrapped toys. Vendors are also required to donate a toy to set up a table. The toys will be given to the Bridge City-Orangefield Ministerial Alliance for families who will need help making a Merry Christmas for their children. Food trucks selling products will be Bullfish of Orangefield and the Bread Bus of Beaumont. In addition, Grit N Grind, along with Orange Nutrition, will be selling hot and cold beverages. The free event includes pictures with Santa, face painting, and a Christmas market for gifts and decorations. SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Prices for imported goods to South Korea marked the first fall in five months on cheaper crude oil and the local currency's ascent versus the U.S. dollar, central bank data showed Wednesday. The import price index retreated 4.1 percent in November from a month earlier, turning downward for the first time since June, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). Dubai crude, South Korea's benchmark, averaged 83.55 U.S. dollars per barrel in November, down 6.9 percent from the previous month. The average won/dollar exchange rate declined to 1,310.39 won per dollar in November from 1,350.69 won in the prior month. Price for imported raw materials dived 6.6 percent in November after rising 0.2 percent in October. Import price for intermediary goods, including oil products, slipped 3.1 percent in November on a monthly basis. Price for imported capital and consumer goods went down 2.2 percent and 1.9 percent each. The export price index dropped 3.2 percent in November on a monthly basis, logging the first slide in five months. This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) SINGAPORE, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. The male panda cub will board a chartered freight aircraft from Singapore to Chengdu in west China's Sichuan province, the Mandai Wildlife Group added. Le Le is the first panda born in Singapore. His parents, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, will remain at River Wonders and focus on planning for their future breeding cycles. This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows Le Le at River Wonders Park in Singapore. Le Le, a two-year-old giant panda cub, made his final public appearance on Wednesday before entering quarantine and preparing for his flight to China on Jan. 16 next year. About 1,000 guests came to the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit of River Wonders Park, a renowned zoo in Singapore, to bid farewell to Le Le, the first panda born in Singapore, according to the Mandai Wildlife Group. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) Kolkata Police have apprehended the prime suspect from Hyderabad in a case of assault and two additional individuals connected to a kidnapping incident in Anandapur. Apart from the prime suspect, identified as Bikram Das, two other individuals, Ayon Das and Sushanta Mandal have been held by the Netaji Nagar Police. The trio, accused of involvement in a series of coordinated crimes, are believed to have masterminded both the assault and kidnapping incidents. Bikram Das, 31, is reported to be the mastermind behind the crimes, according to police sources. He was even accused in several financial fraud cases in Mumbai. Das used to stay in Kolkata recently and ran an extortion racket. The events unfolded last week when a complaint of sexual assault was filed at Anandapur Police station. It was followed by a kidnapping report at Netaji Nagar police station. Subsequent investigations led the police to establish a link between the two incidents. Bikram Das was also found to be connected to the kidnapping. The three will be presented before the court after being transferred to judicial custody in Kolkata. The police have gathered various pieces of evidence and testimonies pointing to their involvement. Advertisement A high-level meeting took place at Asansol for rehabilitation and resettlement for the people affected due to subsidence and underground fire in Raniganj Coalfields area. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, principal secretary of housing department, district magistrate of West Burdwan, S Ponnambalam , chairman of Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA), Tapas Banerjee, chief executive officer (CEO) of ADDA, Akhanshya Bhashkar etc were present. In the meeting its was discussed at length about the availability of land for setting up houses for rehabilitation and resettlement scheme of Raniganj coalfield area and further funds requirements etc. The ADDA is the nodal agency for execution of the project and the houses are developed by the state housing department. Already 480 such houses near the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Andal have been completed and it has been decided that the keys will be handed over to the affected families during the next administrative meeting of chief minister Mamata Banerjee in West Burdwan district. Advertisement The infrastructure of 480 houses, including water, electricity, sewerage are completed and will be handed over soon, said Tapas Banerjee. The funds have been provided by the Union coal ministry for the biggest ever rehabilitation and resettlement projects in independent India in Jharia and Raniganj coalfields area on the directives of the Supreme Court. Due to fund constraints and unavailability of required amount of land the R&R Scheme in Raniganj coalfields area is going on at a slow pace and has been delayed. According to ADDA, for land acquisition the development agency requires no objections from the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), which is the official owner of the leasehold coal bearing area in Raniganj Coalfields area. On the instructions of the chief minister, chief secretary Hari Krishna Dwiwedi has also written several letters to the Union coal secretary earlier for release of funds and availability of land. In March, the state had sought Rs 615 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement of about 10,000 subsidenceaffected families from the Union coal ministry. The state had received an amount of Rs 581 crore so far. The total sanctioned amount for R&R package for Raniganj Coalfields area was Rs 2,600 crore. This was the biggest ever rehabilitation and resettlement project of independent India. As per the plan, Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority needs to resettle about 55,000 families from 595 sites and Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA), the nodal agency for the construction of houses under Raniganj Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan needs to develop 43,000 houses. Due to unscientific coal mining since several centuries the underground has remained void and unused coal seams catching fires and incidents of subsidence are on the rise at both Jharia and Raniganj coalfield area Indias billionaire vaccine prince Adar Poonawalla has reached a deal for Londons most expensive home sale of the year, agreeing to pay about 138 mn pound for a 25,000 square foot Mayfair mansion, media reports said. Aberconway House, a vast 1920s home near Hyde Park, will change hands after a sale was agreed by Dominika Kulczyk, daughter of the late businessman Jan Kulczyk, who was Polands richest man, Financial Times reported. The property will be acquired by Serum Life Sciences, a UK subsidiary of the Poonawalla familys Serum Institute of India, people familiar with the transaction said, it said. Advertisement The price tag makes Aberconway House the second-most expensive home ever sold in London and the biggest deal of the year, according to luxury property agents, Financial Times reported. The top end of Londons property market is insulated from the impact of higher borrowing costs, which have slowed the wider UK housing market this year, because few buyers rely on mortgages. Trophy properties in London have remained attractive to international buyers despite new transparency measures brought in to help target Russian money after the war in Ukraine, and the prospect of tax changes if the Labour party wins the next UK general election. A person close to Serum Life Sciences said the Poonawalla family had no plans to move to the UK permanently, but that the house will serve as a base for the company and family when they are in the UK. The London deal follows multimillion-pound investments in vaccine research and manufacturing facilities near Oxford, the person added, Financial Times reported. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Tuesday chaired a pivotal Advisory Group meeting with key representatives from the airline industry to address critical issues concerning performance and services provided to customers. The primary focus of the meeting was on improving On-Time Performance (OTP) for each airline. Scindia directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to reassess technical specifications at VFR-equipped (Visual Flight Rules) airports, aiming to augment the OTP of airlines and ensure a more efficient travel experience for passengers. Advertisement In addition to scrutinising OTP, the Minister delved into the self-monitoring mechanism related to airfares implemented by each airline. Emphasising the need for fair pricing, he urged airlines to maintain reasonable fares on specific routes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Tariff Monitoring Unit has been also tasked with regularly monitoring airfares on randomly selected routes to ensure compliance, an official said. With a vision to enhance connectivity between tier 2 and tier 3 cities and international destinations, Scindia called upon airlines to submit individual aircraft induction and deployment plans for the next six months. He stressed the importance of prioritising point-to-point direct connectivity and encouraged airlines to scale up capacities, utilising both wide-body and narrow-body-long-range aircraft. Scindia also met the Advisory Group of Aerospace Manufacturers and MROs and deliberated upon taxation, as well as regulatory issues impacting the growth of the sectors. Also, advised aerospace manufacturers to present a collaborative plan outlining their requirements from each department of GOI, in order to help them expand their supply chains in India, he wrote on X. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen Dr. V. K. Singh (retd), Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials from the Ministry also participated in the meeting. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Arvinder Singh Lovely held a meeting of all the former MLAs in the national capital on Wednesday to discuss partys strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024 and 2025 assembly polls in Delhi. The Delhi Congress leaders not only discussed the urgent need to strengthen the party organization but also to ensure Congress victory in the parliamentary and assembly elections. During the meeting held at the Delhi Congress office here, the leaders have taken a decision to take up the issues affecting the general public and hit the streets campaigning aggressively against the same. Advertisement Lovely claimed that sanitation, health, education and other sectors were in a state of neglect in the national capital and the public transport was in a mess. He said air and water pollution are posing serious health threat to the people. This is the first meeting of Delhi Congress leaders convened at the DPCC office after a long gap where all former MLAs and ministers, besides former DPCC president and speaker of Delhi Assembly Subhash Chopra took part. The senior leaders shared their views without reservation, an official statement said here. The DPCC president exhorted the Congress leaders to not only work in the interest of the people of Delhi but also fight against other political parties in a democratic manner to find a solution to the problems of the public. He said through the people today dont remember much about the 15-year Congress rule in Delhi; they praise the former Congress councilors for the development works they had carried out in their constituencies. Lovely boasted that no corruption case was filed against the chief minister, ministers or MLAs during the partys tenure in Delhi. The sole focus of the Congress leadership was to rejuvenate the party at all levels, including the frontal organizations, and serve the people round-the-clock with equal support from all the party leaders across the city, he said. Lovely informed that the Delhi Congress was in the process of appointing block presidents and office-bearers in all the 280 Block Congress committees, and preference will be given to active Congress workers for appointment to key party posts. He also exhorted all the ex-MLAs and senior leaders to be more active and visible in their areas, by putting up hoardings and banners, and reaching out to people. Senior leaders who attended the meeting included former president and ex- speaker of the Delhi Assembly Subhash Chopra, CWC member Devender Yadav, former Delhi ministers Haroon Yusuf, Mangat Ram Singhal, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Dr Narender Nath, Ramakant Goswami, Dr Kiran Walia, Ms Krishna Tirath, Rajesh Lilothia, and many others. Reacting to the incident that exposed a security breach in Parliament, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said here on Wednesday that the security of the temple of democracy cannot be compromised. Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), demanded strict action on the matter. Two unidentified intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors gallery on Wednesday and released a yellow-coloured gas from a canister they were carrying with them. Advertisement Fortunately, both the men, whose identities have yet to be confirmed, were overpowered by the members of Lok Sabha present at the time and were later taken into custody. In his first reaction to the security breach in the Lower House, Kejriwal wrote on X: Todays breach in Parliament, on the solemn anniversary of the 2001 attack, is an affront to our democratic values. The security of our temple of democracy cannot be compromised. The Delhi chief minister said an urgent investigation is crucial to uncover who were the culprits, how did they get in and what were their motives. Action must be swift and strict, he added. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha wrote in a social media post: India still remembers the attack on our Parliament in 2001. Todays security breach is an agonizing echo of that dark day, reopening wounds on its anniversary. Its an outright attack on our democracy. An immediate and thorough investigation is needed to swiftly unmask the perpetrators, he said, adding that the matter is not that of a mere breach. He further said, Our Parliament stands as a sacred symbol of our nation, and if this temple of our democracy isnt secure, then what can be? We must fiercely protect our democratic institutions. Actor Adam Driver secretly welcomed his second child into the world earlier this year. Adam and his wife were due to give their son a sibling. Page Six has claimed the House of Gucci star let slip his wife Joanne Tucker had given birth to a baby girl during his rehearsal for Saturday Night Live this past weekend. During his opening monologue take, he allegedly said: Last year, I asked for a baby girl, and I got it, which is exhausting. So this year, I wish for Ambien, reports Female First UK. Advertisement The 40-year-old actor and his longtime spouse whom he married in 2013 managed to keep their son a secret from the world for two years. However, Joannes sister inadvertently revealed the actress was a mother when she made her Instagram account public in 2018, which revealed pregnancy pictures from the pairs joint baby shower and a reference to her and Joanne as new moms. As per Female First UK, Adam publicly confirmed he was a dad while hosting Saturday Night Live in 2020. He joked during his opening monologue on the show: Im a husband. And a father. Its in that order though. Ive been very clear with my son about that, hes second in everything. Adam has also made cryptic references to parenthood in interviews over the years. The marine-turned-actor also told W magazine in 2017 he didnt think he could love anything more than his dog, except maybe his child. He said: Like, I have a kid, maybe, and be like, (gestures dismissively.) But the dog. Adam and Joanne met at The Juilliard School in the early 2000s and the actor has hailed his partner for helping him remain a normal person amid the Hollywood craziness. In a candid revelation during the Netflix Actors Roundtable, the versatile actor Amruta Subhash shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of shooting intimate scenes for Lust Stories 2, including the support of her husband. The anthology, known for its bold narratives, featured a segment titled Mirror, directed by Konkona Sen Sharma. Amrutas portrayal in the film has garnered acclaim, but the journey to capturing those intense moments on screen was not without its challenges. Opening up about her initial reservations, Amruta shared how the script presented a plethora of intimate scenes that left her apprehensive. Seeking a comfort zone, she approached Konkona Sen Sharma, affectionately known as Koko, and expressed the need for some time to ease into the idea of filming such scenes, particularly with her real-life best friend, Shrikant Yadav, who played her co-star. Interestingly, Amruta revealed that her long-time friend Shrikant Yadav was also grappling with nerves over the prospect of filming intimate scenes with her. Their history as friends added an extra layer of complexity to the situation. Hes like main tere saath ye nahi kar sakta (I cant do this with you), Amruta shared. Advertisement However, a surprising source of encouragement emerged in the form of Amrutas husband, who is not only a friend to Shrikant but also an actor himself. In a light-hearted moment that drew laughter from the panel, Amruta disclosed, My husband is his friend and also an actor. He is telling him tu karlega, acche se karlega (youll do it well).' The revelation provided a glimpse into the supportive network that exists within the industry, where personal relationships and camaraderie play a crucial role in navigating the challenges of portraying intimate scenes on screen. The Netflix Actors Roundtable, attended by prominent stars including Kajol, Jaydeep Ahlawat, Kareena Kapoor, Tillotama Shome, Sidharth Malhotra, and Sanya Malhotra, offered a platform for these artists to share their experiences and insights into the intricacies of their craft. Amruta Subhashs candid account added a human touch to the art of filmmaking, showcasing the blend of vulnerability and resilience that goes into creating impactful performances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other leaders paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 2001 Parliament attack on this day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and others observed a minutes silence at the Parliament to pay their tributes to the fallen soldiers. Today, we remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel martyred in the Parliament attack in 2001. Their courage and sacrifice in the face of danger will forever be etched in our nations memory, Modi said. Advertisement President Droupadi Murmu said the sacrifice of the brave security personnel will not go in vain and reiterated Indias pledge to wipe out terrorism. On this day, 22 years ago, the nefarious plan of terrorists to eliminate the top line of political leadership of the country and damage our Temple of Democracy was foiled by the brave security personnel, including the nine who laid down their lives for the motherland, she said in a post on X. Their sacrifice will not be allowed to go in vain as we reiterate today our pledge to wipe out terrorism a threat to humankind everywhere in all its forms and manifestations, she added. On December 13, 2001, terrorists form the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfits stormed the Indian Parliament. The attack took place just two years after the Kargil war in which India defeated Pakistan. Emirates Building Systems (EBS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, and one of the leading manufacturers of steel structures in the Middle East, has been awarded a key contract to deliver two aircraft hangars at Abu Dhabi Airport, The awarded contract encompasses the construction of two aircraft hangars. The first hangar is an impressive structure with dimensions of 153 meters in width, 89 meters in length, and a towering height of 39 meters and the second hangar is equally remarkable, with dimensions of 90 meters in width, 97 meters in length, and an identical height of 39 meters. Designed to meet the stringent aviation industry standards, with 3000 tons of steel, EBS's scope of work on this project is all-encompassing, including engineering, fabrication, supply, and the erection of steel structures in addition to application of fire-rated paint to ensure the highest level of safety and performance for these cutting-edge facilities. The contract, worth more than AED 34 million, will bolster the company's extensive track record of successfully executed airport projects throughout the region, said a top official. "This is a fast-track project for Emirates Building Systems and we are making great progress in the engineering and fabrication of the steel structures," remarked Joseph Chidiac, General Manager of EBS. "EBS is committed to delivering these hangars with precision and excellence, underscoring the Company's reputation as an industry leader in providing engineering and construction solutions to the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates and beyond," he stated. EBS boasts a portfolio of projects like the Al Maktoum International Airport- Passenger and Cargo terminal in Dubai World Central (DWC) in Jebel Ali, Dubai international airport Passenger Terminal 2 Building and Departure Halls in Terminal 1, Tripoli International Airport in Libya and the New Ouagadougou- Donsin International Airport, Burkina Faso - West Africa," noted Chidiac. With the project expected to be complete by early 2024, EBS is making great progress in the engineering and fabrication of the steel structures, he added.-TradeArabia News Service TOKYO, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- After attending a gathering in Japan's Osaka on Dec. 9 to commemorate the 86th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, Tamaki Matsuoka left for China two days later to attend the national memorial ceremony held on Wednesday for the massacre victims in the east China city of Nanjing, where the tragedy happened. "It has become my way of life," Matsuoka said. The Japanese scholar, 76, has been on a journey for decades to pursue the historical truth of the Nanjing Massacre and reveal the history of Japanese aggression against China. "Now that I know the historical truth, I have an obligation to convey it," she said. It all started in 1982 when Matsuoka became a primary school teacher in her 30s. She later discovered "a problem" with the sixth-grade history textbooks in the school. "The part about World War II was all about Japan's suffering. There were more than a dozen pages about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the bombing of Tokyo, while there was almost no mention of Japan's aggression against other countries," she recalled. In August 1988, Matsuoka visited Nanjing for the first time, where she visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders and met with survivors of the massacre. What she had seen and heard in Nanjing shocked her deeply. After returning to Japan, Matsuoka set about establishing Meishinkai, a civil group dedicated to finding out more about the truth of the massacre and calling on Japanese people to face up to and remember the atrocities committed by the Japanese army. Japan has been trying to deny and conceal its history of aggression since its defeat in the war, and contents such as the Nanjing Massacre are disappearing from Japanese textbooks, said Matsuoka. "Lessons learned from the past can guide one in the future," she said. Matsuoka believes that it is not only necessary to understand the historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre, but also to feel the pain that the survivors are still suffering today, so that people can develop a sense of crisis. "We can never engage in aggression, nor be enthusiastic about war," she said. To pursue the truth, Matsuoka decided to start with both the perpetrators and victims of the Nanjing Massacre, using the testimonies of eyewitnesses to expose the lies of Japanese historical revisionists. So far, Matsuoka has interviewed about 350 survivors and 250 Japanese veterans who were engaged in the invasion of China, based on which she has published six books related to the Nanjing Massacre and produced three documentaries, including Torn Memories of Nanjing. It has never been easy to interview Japanese veterans as Matsuoka received a lot of scolding and rejection. She thought about giving up the work, but the entrustment of the massacre survivors became her motivation to continue. To make her interviews available to the public, Matsuoka's book The Battle of Nanjing - a Search of Sealed Memories, which consists of testimonies from 102 Japanese veterans who participated in Japan's invasion of China, was published in 2002. The following year saw her second book The Battle of Nanjing - Torn Souls of the Victims, which was written based on the testimonies of 120 massacre victims, coming out. The testimonies of those who witnessed the Nanjing Massacre opened another door for the Japanese to know the historical truth about the massacre, and hit home for those historical revisionists who tried to deny the atrocities. During that time, Matsuoka was fiercely attacked by Japanese right-wing activists, but it did not stop her from continuing to pursue and convey the truth about the massacre to the world. "I once promised the survivors of the Nanjing Massacre that I would make the Japanese government acknowledge the history of the massacre and let more Japanese people know the truth about the massacre," she said. At the rally held in Osaka on Dec. 9, Matsuoka called on the Japanese public to reflect on the historical lessons and contemporary significance of the Nanjing Massacre in light of the current global situation, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting history in building peace. "I don't want to fail the expectations of the survivors of the Nanjing Massacre," she told Xinhua at her home in Osaka, looking at the Japanese veterans' letters, wartime diaries and other historical materials on the bookshelves in her study. "Even if I fall down, I believe my companions will keep on going," she said. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has meticulously formulated detailed rules for the registration of marriages under the Anand Marriage Act. This Act, which grants statutory recognition to the marriage rituals of Sikhs, addresses a longstanding demand of the Sikh community to not have their marriages solemnized under the Hindu Marriage Act. The newly introduced regulations, titled Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023, outline the procedures for registering Anand marriages. According to a government notification, the designated registrars for these marriages within their respective territorial jurisdictions will be the concerned tehsildars. Sikh couples are eligible to apply for registration within three months of solemnizing their marriage. However, a late fee is applicable if the formalities are completed after the expiration of this deadline, as stated in the notification issued by the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on November 30. Advertisement Expressing gratitude for the fulfillment of a longstanding demand, Balvinder, Vice President of District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Jammu, stated, This has been a long-pending demand, and we are thankful to the Lt Governor for keeping his promise. He emphasized that the implementation of the Anand Marriage Act has brought joy to the community, alleviating their identity crisis arising from the absence of a separate Sikh marriage act. The origins of the Anand Marriage Act trace back to 1909 when the British Imperial Legislative Council enacted legislation recognizing the Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj. The primary aim of the Act was to acknowledge and respect the customs and practices of the Sikh community. In 2012, the Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill, extending legal recognition to Sikh traditional marriages. While the central government approved the amendments, individual states and Union territories were tasked with framing specific rules for the registration of Anand marriages, thereby ensuring compliance with the legislative changes. In a major security breach coinciding with the 2001 terror attack, two men carrying smoke canisters gained unauthorised entry into Parliament on Wednesday, leading to dramatic scenes and abrupt adjournment of the House. The men, carrying canisters emitting yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors gallery into the Lok Sabha. The incident took place during the Zero Hour. In a video shared by news agency ANI, one of the intruders, wearing a blue jacket, is seen jumping on the chairs in the Lower House as someone in the background shouts pakdo isko (catch him). Advertisement Opposition MPs criticised the massive security lapse and expressed concerns regarding their safety inside the House. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, adding that it was a complete security lapse. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram echoed her sentiments and said the smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day Parliament was attacked in 2001, he added. Narrating the incident, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said it was a terrible incident and asked how the intruders were allowed to enter the House with smoke canisters. It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke? he asked. Meanwhile, a man and a woman were arrested from outside the Parliament in this regard. It is being suspected that they are the associates of the intruders and carried the canisters which emitted a yellow-coloured smoke. The duo has been detained by the Delhi Police and taken to the Parliament Street Police Station. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud on Wednesday assured the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra that he will look into the request for an urgent listing of her petition challenging her expulsion from Lok Sabha in an alleged cash-for-query case. Upon a mentioning by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi seeking an urgent listing of Mahua Moitras petition, the Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked him to send an Email and he will look into it during lunch break. Chief Justice Chandrachud heading a bench also comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra told Singhvi that The matter may not have been registered If an email was sent, then I would look at it right away. Please send it. Advertisement Earlier in the morning, Singhvi had approached the bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kasul senior most top court after the Chief Justice of India for an urgent listing of Moitras petition. However, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul heading a bench also comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said, Let the Chief Justice of India (Justice D.Y. Chandrachud) take call. I do not want to take a call at this stage. As the bench was told that Chief Justice Chandrachud was heading a constitution bench hearing matters, Justice Kaul said, Place before CJI in the afternoon. He will take the call. Justice Kaul is demitting office as top court judge on December 25, 2023 Moitras plea for an urgent listing of her petition is faced with time constraint as the Supreme Court will be working just for the remaining two days of the week (Thursday and Friday December 14 & 15) before it goes into two-week Christmas and New Year holidays from December 18 to January 1, 2024. December 16 & December 17, are weekends when the top court does not work. Mohua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha after it passed a resolution to expel her from the parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the resolution in the wake of a recommendation by an Ethics Committee for her disqualification as an MP. Lok Sabha passed the resolution on December 8, 2023. Moitra moved the top court challenging her expulsion on December 11, 2023. The Ethics Committee found her guilty of unethical conduct and called for an intense, legal, institutional inquiry by the government in a time-bound manner into the cash-for-query allegations against her. The report was adopted by a majority of 6:4 in the ethics panel last month. The report on Moitras cash-for-query case revealed that she visited the UAE four times from 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times. Moitra, who was not allowed to speak during the discussion in the House, said that the Ethics committee broke every rule. She has alleged that she has been found guilty of contravening a code of ethics that does not exist. Moitra further stated that the findings of the Ethics Committee are based solely on the written testimonies of two private citizens whose versions contradict each other in material terms and she was denied the right to cross-examine them. A College of Excellence will be set up in every district of Madhya Pradesh, said Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav while addressing his first press conference here late on Wednesday evening. The Chief Minister said that the College of Excellence would be known as PM Excellence College and would be opened in all 52 districts of MP. Dr Yadav also asserted that stringents provisions would be made to ensure that habitural offenders dont go scot free. Advertisement Chief Minister Dr Yadav, who addressed his maiden press conference at the State Secretariat, informed media persons that action would be also taken against those selling meat products and eggs in the open. The Chief Minister said that tendu leaves would be procured by the state government at Rs 4000 per standard sack. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday accepted the challenge of the SFI leadership that they will not allow the Governor to set foot on the university campuses in the state. Governor Khan has decided to stay at the Calicut University Guest House from 16th to 18th of this month. The Governor, who will reach Kozhikode on 16th had earlier decided to stay at the Government Guest House in Kozhikode. The SFI on Tuesday declared that it will not allow Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to enter any of the universities in Kerala. Khan is the Chancellor of all the universities in the state. Advertisement Kerala SFI president P M Arsho on Tuesday said: The Governor would not be allowed to enter any university in the state if he goes ahead with the plan to saffronise universities. In a major development in the Mahadev betting app case, Dubai police has arrested one of the two promoters of the app, Ravi Uppal. The promoter was detained after a red corner notice was issued against him by the Interpol at the request of the Enforcement Directorate, which is probing a money laundering case against him. According to reports, Uppal was arrested in Dubai last week. He may be deported to India soon after completion of the extradition formalities. Sourabh Chandrakar, the other promoter of the betting app, whose Rs 200 crore all cash wedding caught the attention of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), is still absconding and efforts are on to nab him. Advertisement The Mahadev betting app issue had triggered a massive controversy during the recent Chhattisgarh Assembly elections after ED claimed that a cash courier it arrested revealed that over Rs 500 crore was paid to then state chief minister Bhupesh Baghel for the election campaign. However, when the cash courier, identified as one Asim Das, was produced before the court, he dismissed the probe agencys claims and said he was tricked into signing a statement in English a language he did not understand. Das alleged he was being framed and that he never delivered cash to any politician. According to the ED, Uppal and Chandrakar, residents of Chhattisgarhs Bhilai, ran the Mahadev betting app and its several other subsidiaries from Dubai. These apps saw daily transactions worth thousands of crores and the promoters reportedly earned nearly Rs 200 crore per day. The central probe agency also claimed that several police officers, bureaucrats and politicians were on the payroll of Uppal and Chandrakar to ensure the betting app remained off the radar of probe agencies. In a major security breach coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two men carrying smoke canisters on Wednesday gained unauthorised entry into the Lower House, leading to dramatic scenes and an abrupt adjournment of the House. The men, carrying canisters emitting yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors gallery into the Lok Sabha. The incident took place during the Zero Hour and the House was adjourned till 2 pm. During the time of the incident, BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal was in the Speakers chair, while West Bengals Maldah MP Khagen Murmu was addressing the session. Advertisement In a video shared by news agency ANI, one of the intruders, wearing a blue jacket, can be seen jumping on the chairs in the Lower House as someone in the background shouts pakdo isko (catch him). According to eyewitnesses, the intruders shouted Tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be accepted) before opening the smoke canisters that were hidden in their shoes. While the dramatic scenes unfolded inside, two of their associates held similar protests outside the Parliament building. They were detained by the Delhi police while protesting with smoke canisters. Neelam, one of the detainees who identified herself for TV cameras, said they are just students and raising their voices against injustice and unemployment. The two men were caught by a few MPs and the staff deployed inside the Lower House of Parliament. The House resumed at 2 pm and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the members that a thorough investigation of the incident is being carried out and Delhi police have been given essential instructions. A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during the zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just smoke and there is no need to worry.., he said. The Speaker said both the intruders have been nabbed along with two other associates from outside the Parliament. Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by police, he added. According to reports, the two have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. MP Kunwar Danish Ali shared a picture of the intruders Lok Sabha public gallery pass. In a chilling reminder to the Parliament attack 21 years back on the same day (Dec 13), a man jumped from visitors gallery into Lok Sabha MPs area. The breach couldve put the lives of MPs in danger, he said.Later, Delhi Police chief Sanjay Arora and CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh arrived at the Parliament building to take stock of the situation. According to police, Neelam (42), a resident of Hisar, and Amol Shinde (25), a resident of Latur in Maharashtra, who were protesting outside the Parliament have been arrested. Neelam was heard shouting Tanashahi nahi chalegi, mahilao pe atyachaar nahi chalega (stop dictatorship, crime on women). Teams of forensic experts and other security officials also reached the Parliament, where the security was stepped up around the premises and the adjoining area. An all-party meeting has also been called over the security breach that reminded the memories of the deadly Parliament attack that took place on the same day in 2001. Opposition MPs criticised the massive security lapse and expressed concerns regarding their safety inside the House. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, adding that it was a complete security lapse. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram echoed her sentiments and said the smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day Parliament was attacked in 2001, he added. Narrating the incident, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said it was a terrible incident and asked how the intruders were allowed to enter the House with smoke canisters. It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke? he asked. The issue is very serious. This is not a question of just Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, this is about how two people were able to come inside despite such elaborate security and cause a security breach, Congress MP and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said in the upper house. Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav on Wednesday became the 19th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. The 58-year-old OBC leader was administered oath of office by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai C Patel at the sprawling Motilal Nehru Stadium in Bhopal. Top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, were also present during the event. Advertisement Besides Yadav, Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla also took oath as deputy chief ministers. Earlier before taking oath, Mohan Yadav said that the state would follow the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Madhya Pradesh will follow the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is leading the country. I come from the land of King Vikramaditya and I am committed to the progress of the state and fulfil the aspirations of crores of citizens of Madhya Pradesh. We will witness the same good governance that existed during the rule of King Vikramaditya, he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The swearing-in of Mohan Yadav marks the end of Shivraj Singh Chouhans era in Madhya Pradesh politics. Chouhan led the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh in 2003, 2008, 2013 and then again in 2020 after the Jyotiraditya Scindia rebellion brought down the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in the state. In his farewell speech, Chouhan expressed confidence that Yadav will take the state to new heights and continue the welfare works started under his government. When asked why did he not go to Delhi in an effort to retain his job, Chouhan said that it was not in his nature to go and ask for something for himself. I would rather die than going and asking for something for myself, he told reporters donning a dull look on his face. The BJP registered a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh winning 163 of the states total 230 seats in the recently held assembly elections. Besides Modis leadership, experts believe Chouhans Ladli Behena welfare scheme played a major role in BJPs victory. Expressing grave concern over security breach in Lok Sabha, the Congress said here on Wednesday that such a lapse was unacceptable. The party demanded a statement from the Home Ministry on the incident. Two unidentified intruders jumped into the lower house of Parliament from the visitors gallery on Wednesday and released a yellow coloured gas from the canisters they were carrying with them. Fortunately, both the men, whose identities have yet to be confirmed, were overpowered by the members of Lok Sabha present at the time and were later taken into custody. Advertisement Calling it a serious matter, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, We demand that the Home Minister should come to both the Houses and give a statement on this. He questioned how could the two men come inside and release gas from a canister there. We hope that the government will take this very seriously. We demand a thorough investigation into the entire incident, he added. The Congress called for a thorough review of the security arrangements of the new Parliament building The incident coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack in 2001. Congress general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal, in a post on X, wrote, The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. Noting that Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of the country, Venugopal, who is also Congress Rajya Sabha MP said, Such a major security lapse is unacceptable. We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building. Earlier, Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, Saw two young men unleash foul smelling yellow coloured gas from canisters inside Parliament gallery. MPs rushed to grab these men. One person was raising some slogans. This raises serious questions on another aspect of the new Parliament building- security. Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti P Chidambaram in social media post wrote, Serious security breach in Parliament. Could have been lethal. In a major security breach coinciding with the 2001 terror attack, two men carrying smoke canisters gained unauthorised entry into Parliament on Wednesday, leading to dramatic scenes and abrupt adjournment of the House. The men, carrying canisters emitting yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors gallery into the Lok Sabha. The incident took place during the Zero Hour and the House was adjourned till 2 pm. In a video shared by news agency ANI, one of the intruders, wearing a blue jacket, is seen jumping on the chairs in the Lower House as someone in the background shouts pakdo isko (catch him). Advertisement According to eyewitnesses, the intruders shouted Tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be accepted) before opening the smoke canisters that were hidden in their shoes. While the dramatic scenes unfolded inside, two of their associates held similar protest outside the Parliament building. They were detained by the Delhi police while protesting with smoke canisters. Neelam, one of the detainees who identified herself for TV cameras, said they are just students and raising their voices against injustice and unemployment. Incident being probed: Speaker The House resumed at 2 pm and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the members that a thorough investigation of the incident is being carried out and Delhi police have been given essential instructions. A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during the zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke, he said. The Speaker said both the intruders have been nabbed along with two other associates from outside the Parliament. Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by police, he added. An all-party meeting has also been called over the security breach that reminded the memories of the deadly Parliament attack that took place on the same day in 2001. #WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitors gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4 ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023 Opposition MPs express security concerns Opposition MPs criticised the massive security lapse and expressed concerns regarding their safety inside the House. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, adding that it was a complete security lapse. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram echoed her sentiments and said the smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day Parliament was attacked in 2001, he added. Narrating the incident, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said it was a terrible incident and asked how the intruders were allowed to enter the House with smoke canisters. It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke? he asked. The issue is very serious. This is not a question of just Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, this is about how two people were able to come inside despite such elaborate security and cause a security breach, Congress MP and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said in the upper house. ULAN BATOR, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will restrict electricity use in several areas of the country starting Thursday, Minister of Energy Battogtokh Choijilsuren said on Wednesday. Noting that Russia will reduce the electricity supply from Wednesday for an indefinite period, Choijilsuren said, "We have to restrict the electricity consumption of consumers for three hours a day in the capital Ulan Bator and 150 soums (administrative subdivisions) of six provinces." According to the Ministry of Energy, around 80 percent of the electricity supply is produced domestically, and 20 percent is imported. New Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assumed the office after performed the traditional pooja-archana (prayers) before at the Mahanadi Bhavan on Wednesday. This is the first time in the history of Chhattisgarh a chief minister of the state took part in a traditional Hindu ceremony before taking office. He also worshipped at his residence and performed puja at the Lord Jagannath Temple in the morning. Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were also present on this occasion. Advertisement Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Subrat Sahoo, and Director General of Police Ashok Juneja greeted the Chief Minister and extended a cordial welcome. After assuming office, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held introduction with senior officials from various departments of the ministry in his office chamber. Earlier on Tuesday, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vishnu Deo Sai at the ceremony held at Science College ground in Raipur. Governor Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy of deputy chief minister to Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma as well. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma took the oath in Hindi. In the labyrinth of Indias legal landscape, the Supreme Court verdict upholding the Centres 2019 decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and reconfigure it into two Union Territories raises profound questions about the constitutional journey of this region. Historically, Kashmirs saga is a tapestry woven with threads of partition, autonomy, and geopolitical intricacies. The Maharajas decision to accede to India in 1947, amid the invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan, set the stage for a tumultuous relationship. The constitutional position crystallised in Article 370, drafted by Sheikh Abdullah and accepted by Jawaharlal Nehru, provided autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir. However, the temporary provision laid the groundwork for future debates and transformations. The 1954 addition of Article 35A empowered state lawmakers to grant special rights and privileges to permanent residents. Fast forward to 2019, and the repeal of Article 370 dismantled these provisions, stirring a contentious debate on property ownership and access to state government jobs and college admissions. The decisions roots delve into the ashes of conflict, as Kashmir became the flashpoint for two of three India-Pakistan wars since Independence. The Line of Control etched its presence in 1972, yet skirmishes and tensions persisted. The insurgency of 1989, fuelled by resentment towards perceived heavy-handed rule from New Delhi, catapulted the region into the throes of violence. While the legal narrative unfolded in courtrooms, the geopolitical realities shaped the lives of millions. Pakistans rejection of the court verdict and its adherence to the belief that international law does not recognise Indias actions in 2019 underscores the persistent global ramifications of the Kashmir issue. The call for an UN-mandated referendum from Pakistan remains a constant, mirroring Islamabads hope for a resolution through international mechanisms, even though many of the conditions precedent for such an event no longer exist. Most important of these is Pakistans decision to cede a part of the territory to China, negating the referendum demand. In the aftermath of 2019, India has endeavoured to redefine Kashmirs narrative. Economic initiatives, investments in industries, healthcare, education, and tourism, signal a desire to integrate the region more closely with the national fabric. Advertisement The recent spotlight on Kashmirs lithium reserves for private mining and the successful hosting of a G-20 tourism meet during Indias presidency offer glimpses of a region seeking a renaissance. Yet, amidst these developments, the voices of dissent persist. The resilience articulated by figures like Mr Omar Abdullah and Ms Mehbooba Mufti underscores a determination to continue the struggle for what they perceive as honour and dignity. In the complex tapestry of Kashmir, where beauty and strife coexist, the path forward remains uncertain. The constitutional evolution reflects the intricate balance between history, geopolitics, and local aspirations. As we navigate this terrain, it is essential to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the issue, recognising the diverse perspectives and emotions that shape the regions destiny. The Supreme Courts judgment is not just a legal pronouncement. It is a chapter in the on-going narrative of a region seeking equilibrium amid historical echoes and contemporary challenges. Taiwan is gearing up for important presidential and legislative elections next month. How to manage cross-strait relations with China is not surprisingly emerging as the critical issue of the campaigns. Taiwan first held competitive presidential elections in 1996. Democracy has proven popular with the people. In the 2020 elections, voter turnout was nearly 75 per cent, which is high for a system with non-compulsory voting. Yet, there are concerns about Chinas efforts to shape the election result through influencing public opinion. In a recent visit, one representative told me there are actually four parties in the January 13 election: the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP) and China. President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party cannot run again due to term limits, so the DPPs presidential candidate is Vice President Lai Ching-te (known also as William Lai). The election is the DPPs to lose. While Tsais approval ratings have dropped recently, and Lais ratings fell below 30 per cent for the first time since entering the presidential race, he is still leading the polls. His election hopes were boosted when a negotiation between KMT and TPP to establish a unity, pan-blue ticket fell through. In a first-past-thepost electoral system, the winner only needs to get the most votes. Now, the pan-blue vote the Kuomintangs party colour will split between the KMT and TPP. Advertisement It will be a struggle, however, for the DPP to win a majority in the Legislative Yuan, meaning the president might have to negotiate with a potentially hostile legislature. Since Tsai was first elected president in 2016, her administration has sought to prevent China from isolating Taiwan internationally, partly through forging closer relations with the United States and other regional democracies, such as Japan and Australia. The DPP is now concerned about Chinas role in attempting to shape the outcome of the election. There is growing evidence China has sought to influence Taiwanese public opinion through disinformation campaigns, particularly targeting younger audiences through TikTok. In Taiwan, Chinese-owned TikTok is barred from government-issued devices. This makes countering disinformation challenging, especially when it spreads to more popular social media sites and traditional media. For example, a Taiwanese newspaper, United Daily News, published a story based on supposedly leaked government meeting minutes that the US had asked Taiwan to make biological weapons at a lab run by its defence ministry. The minutes, however, contained official-sounding phrases that are used in China, not in Taiwan. At a recent La Trobe University event, Taiwans foreign minister, Joseph Wu, also expressed concern about Chinas grey zone tactics, such as the use of cognitive and cyber warfare, non-military assets like fishing vessels and the coastguard and economic coercion, to pressure Taiwan and regional countries. The DPPs policy platform is centred on building Taiwans ability to militarily deter and defend against a potential Chinese invasion, strengthening international partnerships (capitalising on the close coalitions that China does not have) and resisting attempts by China to subordinate Taiwan. In contrast, the KMT views the current state of tense cross-strait relations as a consequence of DPP policies. In dealing with China and regional security more broadly, KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has proposed a three Ds strategy: deterrence, dialogue and de-escalation.. He says Taiwan needs to resume crossstrait interaction in a low-level and stable way. The KMT argues that DPP policies are escalating tensions. They also contend the DPP cannot maintain diplomatic relations with China, which is needed to buy time and stabilise cross-strait relations, especially as Taiwan waits for important military capabilities to arrive over the next three years. According to one CIA report, 2027 is a critical year because Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to be ready by then to invade Taiwan. Instead, the KMT argues it can lower the temperature and reduce risk. Hou has said that there will be no war on both sides of the Taiwan Strait if the KMT is elected. The DPP views this as an oversimplified war versus peace narrative. Lai says the presidential election is rather a choice between democracy and autocracy. The TPPs candidate, Ko Wen-je, meanwhile, has focused on treading a middle path between the two other parties. Its representatives argue the DPP is too hostile and hawkish on China, while the KMT gives the impression theyre too submissive. Policy-wise, the TPP promises to keep communication channels with Beijing open, viewing the current suspension in high-level talks as unhelpful. While broadly pan-blue in nature, the TPPs position is that younger voters dont like the KMT. While Taiwanese people are concerned about potential conflict one poll finds more than 80 per cent of Taiwanese people believe the China threat is worsening prospects for peace and stability are also affecting the islands international business and investment outlook. This has consequences for Taiwans economic interests, as well as Chinas and the rest of the world. Like many other economies in the region, China is Taiwans largest trading partner, accounting for a quarter of total trade in 2021. Derisking and diversifying the economy and providing economic security and supply chain stability is viewed as critical by the current government. As is encouraging businesses to see the security imperative in diversifying away from China. The DPP is also concerned about Chinas use of economic activities to affect political outcomes, targeting business people and lower-level political figures and using social, cultural and religious exchanges to influence public opinion in Taiwan. Yet, some of these public diplomacy activities are not unusual and Taiwan itself provides opportunities for similar exchanges. In contrast to the DPP, the KMT argues it is not so easy to decouple Taiwans economy from China. There are still strong business links with China, and a democratic country cannot force businesses to pull out of China, particularly if their main competition comes from South Korea or Japan. The TPP is hoping to capitalise on young voters dissatisfaction with the DPP and KMT by focusing on domestic issues such as cost of living, income stagnation and housing affordability. While adopting a pragmatic relationship with Beijing is important given the economic realities, the TPP still views the US as a critical partner for Taiwan. Ultimately, the DPP advocates for clarity in cross-strait relations. The KMT finds value in maintaining an ambiguous and flexible stance. The relatively new TPP, meanwhile, positions itself somewhere in the middle. (The writer is Director, La Trobe Asia and Associate Professor, La Trobe University. This article was published on www.theconversation.com) In a boost for Britains Indian-origin Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, MPs in the House of Commons approved by 313 votes to 269 what is called a second reading of a House of Commons Bill, which aims to deport to Rwanda asylum seekers arriving in the UK, who in the British governments assessment are ineligible. Sunak said: The British people should decide who gets to come to this country not criminal gangs or foreign courts. Thats what this Bill delivers. Mark Francois, representing a significant number of Right-wing Conservative MPs, told the press that this group could not support the Bill in the third reading, expected to be introduced in the New Year. Advertisement For the moment, they refrained from pulling the rug on Sunak on the basis that he had indicated to them that he was willing to accept amendments that would tighten the Bill. A seven hour debate occurred on a day when news broke of an asylum seeker housed on a barge off the southern English coast whose application was being processed being found dead on the vessel. The Guardian reported he is believed to have killed himself. The Times headlined Migrant dies in suicide on Bibby Stockholm barge. The UK Home Secretary (Minister), James Cleverly, opened the debate by saying: The actions that we are taking whilst novel, whilst very much pushing at the edge of the envelope, are within the framework of international law. His former deputy Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, who was entrusted with the task of piloting the Bill, but resigned last week on the grounds that the wording did not go far enough to guarantee deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, contradicted Cleverly. It will not, he said, stop people appealing as individuals against deportation orders. He added: The courts will be overwhelmed with claims, and detention facilities will fill up. People will have to be released, and they will disappear. The shadow Home secretary belonging to the opposition Labour party, Yvette Cooper, pointed out: We have had a Home Secretary (Suella Braverman) sacked, an Immigration Minister (Jenrick) resigning, and theyve (the Conservative government) spent almost 300 million (Rs 30,000 crore) of taxpayers money on Rwanda without sending a single person Four weeks ago, the UKs Supreme Court struck down the law on the same subject as earlier enacted. One of the reasons why it did so is because it decreed Rwanda was not a safe place to deport a person. Freedom House, a Washington-based body which works to defend human rights, in its 2022 annual report categorised Rwanda as not free. On civil liberties it gave it a score of 14 out of 60. Basem F Hellis the counsellor at the Embassy of Palestine thanked India for supporting Palestine and exhibiting solidarity every time. He said that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is about occupation. Speaking to ANI, he said that Palestine is seeking to stop aggression and achieving solidarity. His remarks came as the war between Israel and Hamas entered its third month. Hellis said, We are talking about this is not really just conflict between Jews and Muslims as Israel is talking about religion or religious conflict, it is about occupation as me, as Muslims. I respect all the religion, not Muslim people, respect Jews religion. The conflict is not between Muslims and Jews. It is about the occupy our homeland and it is not the escalation and conflict between Palestinian people and Israel people in just days it is more than 100 years, every time there is escalation and conflict and war. Advertisement It is not beginning from 7 October. Yeah, thats we are talking about and every time, we looking for more support from Indian people. Its not support from just Muslim people or religions, from Muslims, Hindus, Christian. Muslim, all of others. I am today listening to all speech, they are from all the religion. Its not just from the Muslims people. Its making their (UN) role, but were looking for the stop the aggression and achieve the ceasefire in our homeland. Thank you to India, to all Indian people for support us and for solidarity every time, he added. Earlier in October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas and expressed his condolences over the loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, posted PM Modi on X. India had also provided Palestinian humanitarian assistance while reiterating Indias long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue. Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the US SC to settle Donald Trumps claim of executive immunity so that the department can keep the former Presidents criminal trial on track for March 04, 2024. Smith filed motions to SC and a federal appeals court in Washington to settle the question over presidential immunity. The United States recognises that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case, Smith said. Advertisement He said that the court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case. This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he has been impeached but not convicted before the criminal proceedings begin, he said. Some part of Smiths 81-page motion to the SC details in great length the 1974 case, United States v. Nixon, in which the high court ruled unanimously against Nixons attempt to block evidence from being used in a trial by claiming executive authority. It is of imperative public importance that respondents claims of immunity be resolved by this Court and that respondents trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected, Smith said. He said that respondents claims are profoundly mistaken, as the district court held. But only this court can definitively resolve them, he said. Earlier this month, Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the 2020 election interference case, denied Trumps motion to dismiss the indictment on presidential immunity and constitutional grounds. Trump is facing various cases of election subversion of particular interest is the conspiracy to overturn the verdict of 2020 elections in Washington DC, conspiracy not to count the votes of citizens and a racketeering charge under the RICO act in Fulton , Georgia of intimidating state officials, witnesses and court clerks. Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability. Defendants may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office, wrote Chutkan in her opinion. Trump and his defense team have since filed an appeal that asks for the case to be put on hold until the D.C. court of appeals reaches a decision. Smith, in an attempt to keep the trial on schedule, filed to the Supreme Court in addition to the court of appeals on Monday, underscoring the importance of such a question finally being put to rest. UK Climate Minister Graham Stewart, who was attending the final phase of the two-week-long negotiations in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) here, has left the talks midway and returned to Westminster to attend the Rwanda vote, a critical vote on immigration policy back home home. Media reports said that Stewart has returned to London from the climate summit in Dubai for the second reading of the contentious Rwanda Bill in the UK Parliament on Tuesday night. A source told the BBC: The UKs chief negotiator Alison Campbell continues to lead negotiations for the UK, and the UK government continues to be represented at a ministerial level at COP28 by Lord Benyon. Advertisement The source added: Lord Benyon and Alison Campbell remain in constant contact with minister Stuart, who is responsible for the final decision on key issues and retains responsibility for UK negotiations overall. Responding to reports that the UK Climate Minister has left the COP28 talks, Christian Aids Head of UK Advocacy, Jennifer Larbie, told IANS: Its shocking to see the UK Climate Minister leaving the COP28 talks early, just as crucial negotiations about a global fossil fuel phase-out reach crunch point. The UK has a proud history of being a key player at previous talks. Only last night Graham Stewart was describing the UK as a climate champion and today hes not even here during the most important hours of the summit. Considering Rishi Sunaks push for more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, its very sad to see the UK soiling its credentials on climate change. Chiara Liguori, Oxfams Senior Climate Change Policy Advisor, said: There can be no more tragic outcome for UK climate diplomacy than this flying home from talks to avert a climate catastrophe at the most critical moment in an attempt to salvage a cruel and impractical policy. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy with periods of light snow late. High 23F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Light snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low 13F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. NEW DELHI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A policeman belonging to Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) was killed and another wounded on Wednesday in a Naxal attack in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said. The attack took place in Chhote Dongar police station area of Narayanpur district, about 280 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. "Today Naxals attacked a contingent of CAF by first triggering an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine area and then resorting to firing. The fire was retaliated resulting in a gunfight," a police official said. According to the police, the CAF contingent was on an area domination operation. The attack came hours before the swearing-in ceremony of Chhattisgarh's new Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be present during the ceremony. In the past two days the IEDs wounded two paramilitary troopers and one policeman in Kistaram police station area of Sukma district. Currently, the Naxal rebels are active across the central and eastern parts of India. The insurgency reportedly has claimed hundreds of lives besides rendering thousands of poor inhabitants homeless. Tesla recalls nearly all vehicles sold in US to fix system that monitors drivers using Autopilot Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles to fix a defective system thats supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) BRUSSELS, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. "This ground-breaking development will play a crucial role in Port of Antwerp-Bruges' efforts to green its fleet and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050," the port authorities said. The vessel, named Hydrotug 1, relies on combustion engines that burn hydrogen in conjunction with traditional fuel, said CMB.Tech, a technology provider for hydrogen dual fuel engines. Hydrotug 1, measuring 30 meters in length, features two dual fuel medium speed engines, each providing two megawatts, according to CMB.Tech. With a bollard pull capacity of 65 tonnes, the vessel can store 415 kg of compressed hydrogen in six stillages on its deck, reducing emissions equivalent to those of 350 cars annually, according to the port authorities. This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) GENEVA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- To conclude the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, organized two days of high-level discussions here on Dec. 11 and 12. According to Turk, this initiative aimed to reaffirm the values of the declaration, encourage people to embrace the document and renew the global commitment to human rights to overcome current and future challenges. In his opening speech, Turk emphasized equality regardless of social status. He also highlighted progress, while addressing failures in respecting human rights, such as during wars, acts of discrimination and environmental threats. Testimonials on the impact of the declaration and roundtable discussions on crucial issues such as peace, technology, climate and development took place. An engagement session was organized for states, international organizations and NGOs to announce concrete measures to strengthen human rights protection. Turk urged global leaders to focus more on peace, center economies on humanity and environmental sustainability. He also encouraged them to unite for significant change, echoing the spirit of the universal declaration made 75 years ago. BERLIN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Germany is facing a record shortage of skilled workers in information technology (IT) as the number of unfilled posts climbed to 149,000, the German digital association Bitkom said on Wednesday. This marks an increase of 12,000 from the previous year, according to a survey among 853 companies from all industries. The continuous increase in recent years was only interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. "The shortage of IT specialists in Germany is unrelated to economic cycles and is a systemic problem for the German economy," said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. "Too few skilled workers and too much regulation are slowing down digital Germany." A large majority of companies in Germany did not expect the situation to improve in the future, according to Bitkom. Only 3 percent anticipated the shortage to decrease, while 77 percent feared that the situation would worsen. Europe's largest economy is experiencing a massive shortage of skilled workers in many professions, making it highly dependent on immigration. The German government recently reformed the country's immigration law, making it easier for qualified people to stay. For IT specialists, the required relevant professional experience will be reduced from three to two years in March 2024. A university degree is not required, while language skills no longer need to be proven to obtain a visa, according to the German government. On top of the acute shortage of skilled workers, Germany's school and training system is also facing serious challenges. In the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) report 2022, which was published last week, pupils in Germany performed worse than ever. Companies were dependent on well-trained specialists. "The PISA results ruthlessly expose the educational plight in which Germany finds itself," said Achim Dercks, deputy managing director of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). This development was a major challenge for companies when it comes to training their skilled workers. According to the latest DIHK training survey, 80 percent of companies now provide offers to help young people with education deficits in training. Andre Braugher, known for his remarkable role as Captain Ray Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, among many other noteworthy roles, died on Monday at the age of 61. His death was confirmed by his longtime publicist, Jennifer Allen. Born in Chicago, he completed his graduation from Stanford University, after which he joined the Juilliard School of Drama. He got a breakthrough for playing the role of a union soldier who enters an all-African American regiment in 1989s motion picture Glory. The film won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington. Despite the role, he told The Associated Press in 2019 that he strived to find work in Hollywood where roles for African American actors were few and far between, period. He was highly praised for his stellar performance as Detective Frank Pembleton, where he played the character of the detective for seven seasons in Homicide: Life on the Street. This show earned him an Emmy for his notable role as the lead actor in the drama series in 1998. The second time he bagged the award was for outstanding lead actor as Nick Atwater in the FX Network production, Thief. In the series, he played the role of the leader of a heist, managing a high-stakes operation with family struggles. Throughout his career, spanning around 30 years, he was nominated 11 times in total for the Emmy Awards. He often starred in roles encircling the military and police, including his unforgettable role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Braugher was recently seen in She Said, a 2022 film on the New York Times journalists who unraveled the story of Harvey Weinstein's years of sexually abusing women. Braugher played the role of Times Editor Dean Baquet. Tributes have started flowing on social media from many of his co-stars and other eminent personalities. Terry Crews, his co-star in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, wrote on Instagram: Im honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness, and your friendship. My deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, his co-star in Homicide, to whom he was married for 30 years. He is also survived by his three sons, Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley, as well as his brother Charles and mother Sally. Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners incorporating key amendments like retaining their status at par with Supreme Court judges, upgrading the search committee and inserting a new clause to protect them from court cases while discharging their official duties. While the bill was passed by a voice vote, opposition members alleged the proposed measure subjugates the poll authority to the Executive and violates the Constitution. They also alleged that it was an attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court order on the appointment of CEC and ECs and walked out of the House, expressing unhappiness over the minister's reply. When the bill was introduced in the Upper House in August this year, opposition parties and some former CECs had objected to the members of the poll panel being equated to the cabinet secretary. They had claimed that the move would compromise the independence of the institution. At present, the CEC and fellow ECs enjoy the status of a judge of the Supreme Court. By bringing the amendment, the government has retained that status. Replying to the debate, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwa said some amendments have been brought in for rectification in the structure of the search committee, which was earlier proposed to be under the chairmanship of the cabinet secretary. Instead, it will be under the chairmanship of the law minister with two Union secretaries as members, he added. He pointed out that under another amendment moved by him, the CEC and other commissioners shall be paid a salary that is equal to the salary of a judge of the Supreme Court. The bill had earlier proposed that the salary of the CEC and the ECs would be at par with the emoluments of the cabinet secretary. A new clause related to protection from initiation of legal proceedings against the CEC and ECs for actions taken while carrying out their duties has also been introduced through the amendments, the law minister said. The new clause comes against the backdrop of the Telangana High Court placing under suspension a special sessions judge in connection with a "direction" given by him to police for registering an FIR against Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and several others, saying the judge acted in "undue haste". The new clause seeks to prevent such incidents, a functionary said. Another proposed amendment make it clear that the chief election commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in the manner and on the grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. It also states that the other election commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. These two clarifications are in line with constitutional provisions mentioned in Article 324 dealing with the Election Commission, a former poll panel functionary pointed out. In his reply, Meghwal noted that the working of the EC has been impartial and it will remain so. The government is committed to keep it that way, he stressed The minister said the new legislation has been necessitated as the earlier Act had weaknesses. He also rebutted the Opposition's allegations that the bill has been brought to circumvent a judgement of the Supreme Court related to the appointments of CEC and ECs. "This bill which we have brought is not against the Supreme Court. It has been brought as per the directions given by the Supreme Court. It is per the provisions listed under the Article 324 (2). It also follows the separation of powers as listed under Article 50 of the constitution," Meghwal said. The bill was brought after the Supreme Court in March ruled that a three-member panel, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, will select the CEC and ECs till a law is framed by Parliament on the appointment of these commissioners. As per the bill, the prime minister will head the selection committee with the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet minister as the other two members. During the debate, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged the proposed legislation completely negates and violates the very spirit of the Constitution that is enshrined in Article 14. "It completely negates and subjugates the Election Commission to the authority of the Executive and it does away willingly, maliciously the judgement of the Supreme Court and that is why this law is per se like a stillborn child," he alleged. Amar Patnaik (BJD) supported the bill and argued that the independence of the CEC has been maintained and there is "no affront to the independence and interference in the election process, as argued by the Opposition members. After the walkout by the opposition, senior Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said, "It has now become clear that this government wants to have total control over the Election Commission and wants to tilt the election process in their favour." "Now there is no scope of holding impartial elections," he claimed. AAP MP Raghav Chadha alleged it is "not a bill but a bulldozer with which the government has finished the Election Commission's impartiality". Subhas Chandra Bose Pilli (YSRCP) spoke in Telugu in support of the bill. DMK member R Girirajan, Mahua Maji (JMM) and Binoy Visvam of CPI opposed the bill. Various other members including Dinesh Sharma (BJP), K Ravindra Kumar (TDP), Ajit Kumar Bhuyan (Ind), Kavita Patidar (BJP), M Thambidurai (AIADMK), Deepak Prakash (BJP), GK Vasan TMC (M), Ajay Pratap Singh (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena) and Vandana Chavan (NCP) also participated in the discussion. The members of Parliament, cutting across party lines, expressed concern over the security breach inside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as two visitors jumped into the chamber from the public gallery and opened smoke canisters during the Zero Hour. The security breach, which happened on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack, sent shock waves through the establishment. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the House that during the initial investigation, it was revealed that it was not poisonous smoke and the attackers merely intended to create some sensationalism. The speaker told the House as it reconvened after the incident that two persons were apprehended and their belongings were seized. He said he would apprise the House of the findings of the investigation. Birla said it was his responsibility to find out how this breach happened. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said it was a serious matter as it happened on the day when the anniversary of the Parliament attack was being observed. He sought to know how such a serious security breach could take place inside the new Parliament building. TMC member Sudip Bandyopadhyay raised the issue of security inside and outside the Parliament complex saying people gathering outside to take selfies cause inconvenience to MPs. Birla said he would convene a meeting and listen to the suggestions and concerns of the members. We will incorporate changes with regards to security and issuance of passes. The house had functioned after the December 13 attack incident and it is functioning today also. The incident caused a scare among the MPs. While two people caused the ruckus inside the Parliament, two others were caught outside the Lok Sabha building after they protested outside carrying cans that emitted yellow and red smoke. BJP MP from Karnataka Prathap Simha reportedly had authorised the passes that were issued to two persons who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers were not present inside the House when the security breach occurred as they were away for the swearing-in ceremony of new chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present inside. As the House was on, I heard a loud thump. I thought someone had fallen. Soon another jumped inside. The first visitor started running towards members. We caught him, but by then he took out something from his shoe as smoke filled the house. He was caught we thrashed him as we thought he had come to hurt us, BSP MP Malook Nagar said. The two caught inside the House were identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D. while those caught outside the Parliament were identified as Nilam Kaur and Anmol Shinde. Sharma belongs to Alambagh in Lucknow and is an e-rickshaw driver. He had reportedly told his family members that he was going to Delhi and would return in two to three days. Nilams family members said they dont know how she reached Delhi as she was in Hisar for studies. After being caught Nilam said she was protesting to be heard as they were unemployed. They were taken to the Parliament House police station where they were questioned by senior police officers and officials from the intelligence department. The Parliament secretariat is likely to review the security arrangements inside the House and make the laws for the entry of visitors even tighter. Any visitor has to pass through multiple levels of security and is not allowed to carry anything inside. The Aadhaar cards of the visitors are also checked before a pass is issued. Members said the visitors bringing in smoke canisters tucked inside their shoes showed that there was much planning that went into the attack. The security agencies had input that some trouble may be caused on the anniversary of the Parliament attack; this is a massive lapse of security. All visitors reach the house through the same gate inside the new building. They were not properly checked, Chowdhury said. I strongly condemn todays incident. The parliament is our home, our God. No one should be doing such an act, be it my own son. I condemn it, said Devaraj Gowda, father of Manoranjan, one of the four intruders who caused a serious security breach in parliament in Delhi on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters in his home at Vijayanagara in Mysuru, Gowda said,We belong to an agriculturist family and own a farm in Periyapatna near Mysuru. My son, an engineer who graduated in 2014, used to assist me in my farm. My son used to frequent to Delhi and Bengaluru. Four days back, he said he would be going to Bengaluru. He left home three days ago, saying he had some work and that he would call me once he is there. After the news of the Parliament incident flashed across the television channels, a huge crowd gathered outside Manoranjans house in Mysuru. A distraught father said he could not believe his son could have done anything bad. He is a good son, very cultured and holds good moral values. He is simple, wears old clothes, old chappals and rides an old scooter. He has never hurt anyone. You can ask anybody in this locality about him. But I strongly condemn what has happened today, said Gowda, also sharing Manoranjans admiration for Swami Vivekananda. My son is an ardent follower of Swami Vivekananda. No one has perhaps read as many history books on Vivekananda as my son. He used to travel to different places for any celebration related to Vivekananda. He spent huge money Rs 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 only on books. He has no desire for any materialistic wealth. He was keen to organise people and do good for the country, work for the poor and the farmers. We used to tell him not to get into all this. But he used to tell me he only wants to do good for the society. Now, what am I to do if this is the good thing he wanted to do?, said Gowda. He also denied his son had any political affiliation. He has no political affiliation and does not worry about Congress, BJP or JDS. Whenever I asked him to marry, saying he was 35 years or get himself a job, he would tell me there was still time for all that and he wanted to do good for the society, confided the father. Asked if he found anything suspicious about his son, Gowda defended his son saying, He is a very good son. My son is gold. I am telling you he has no vices, he neither smokes nor drinks and never talks to people rudely. I dont know the motive behind his act today. I used to tell him I had enough to lead a comfortable life and he should work on our farm and lead a relaxed life. In an interesting first official order signed as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav has banned the unregulated and illegal use of loudspeakers in religious and other places in the state. Flying squads will be constituted at district levels for regular and sudden inspections of places where loudspeakers above the permissible limits are used and action will be taken to take them off. The order mentions that efforts would be made to remove such unauthorized loudspeakers used over the permissible limits on religious places in coordination with the religious leaders. The government order mentions Supreme Court, National Green Tribunal and MP High Court directives and the state governments own prior orders to impose the regulations strictly. It may be mentioned that in April this year, Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had ordered a similar crackdown on loudspeakers over permissible limits. During the past few years, the Madhya Pradesh BJP government has followed several actions taken by the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh government. The Wednesday order of the MP government mentions that loud noise causes interruption/obstruction in the working capacity, sleep, rest and communication of people. Noisy atmosphere can lead to high blood pressure, restlessness, stress and insomnia like negative health impacts in the human body. There is evidence of damage to internal parts of the ear due to high decibel noises. The Supreme Court has issued guidelines not only for the noise limit of loudspeakers and vehicle horns but also the sounds used inside private residences, the order says. It further mentions that as per ambient air quality standards in respect of noise under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, the noise limits in industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones should not exceed 75, 65, 55 and 60 decibels respectively during day time and 70, 55, 45 and 40 decibels during night time. District authorities have been asked to strictly implement these rules regarding noise limits everywhere and constitute flying squads inclusive of officials of district administration, police and pollution control board officials. These flying squads would conduct surprise and regular checks on all religious and public places to ensure that noise limits were not breached and illegal loudspeakers were not used. District authorities have been asked to review the implementation of the order weekly and present the final action taken report before the home department by December 31. Additional director general of police (crime investigation department) has been made the nodal officer for constant monitoring of noise pollution cases. The nodal officer would be presenting periodic reports to the government about the illegal use of loudspeakers, DJs and other noise pollution implements. Norway donates NOK 3 billion, additional NASAMS air defense equipment to Ukraine 13 December, 06:42 PM Flag of Norway (Photo:Dean Moriarty / Pixabay) Norway will provide Ukraine with an additional NOK 3 billion ($275 million) to support critical public services along with new air defense equipment, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo on Dec. 13. "Just this morning we learned that Ukraine had been attacked by Russian missiles. You need all the support you can get to defend yourself. Today, Norway announces additional support for Ukraine," Stre said. This monetary aid package will be channeled through the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund. Video of day In addition, the assistance package includes NOK 1 billion ($90 million) in co-financing to strengthen the Ukrainian defense industry's capacity to produce more ammunition and missiles. A further NOK 137 million ($12.5 million) will go to support the UN's winter response plan, which includes food and water, warm clothing, blankets, and places for people to stay if their homes are destroyed. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Mohan Yadav took oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief ministers of BJP-ruled states among others. Yadav, an MLA from Ujjain South, is the state's fourth OBC chief minister. Besides Yadav, Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda too were sworn in as deputy chief ministers. Before going for the oath ceremony, Yadav visited a temple in Bhopal and the state BJP office to pay respects to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the founding members of the Jana Sangh, and BJP's founding ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee. "I belong to Raja Vikramaditya's town (Ujjain) who was known for good governance. The oath ceremony will take place in the presence of the world's most popular leader - Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I welcome Modi ji, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda and various Union ministers and chief ministers (of other states) on the soil of Madhya Pradesh," Yadav said. Yadav added that he will follow in the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Madhya Pradesh will follow the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I come from the land of King Vikramaditya and I am committed to the progress of the state and fulfil the aspirations of crores of citizens of Madhya Pradesh. We will see the same good governance that existed during the rule of King Vikramaditya," Mohan Yadav told reporters. Asked about his priorities, Yadav said, "We will focus on progress in education, health, employment (sectors) and development in all other areas in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji." He added that it was a matter of pride that Chief Ministers of 11 states are attending the swearing-in-ceremony. Madhya Pradesh deputy chief minister Jagdish Devda too expressed his joy at the appointment. "Our state moves forward and we will do everything that will lead to the progress of the state. PM Modi is the heart of MP and MP is in the heart of PM Modi. BJP is capable of giving a big responsibility to a simple party worker...It can happen only in this party," Devda told reporters. The new Chhattisgarh cabinet under Vishnu Deo Sai will take oath on Wednesday, a "historic" event which will see the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, among others. The new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, will also swear in at the Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal on Wednesday. The oath-taking ceremony in Madhya Pradesh will be held at 11:30 am while in Chhattisgarh, the Science College ground in Raipur has been decked up for the event to be held at 2 pm. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the functions. After he was named as the chief minister-designate on Monday, Yadav met Governor Mangubhai Patel and staked a claim to form the next government. Madhya Pradesh state BJP chief Vishnu Dutt Sharma told reporters on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will also attend the function. While the BJP central leadership has selected Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda as the deputy chief minister, it is unclear whether they would also take oath along with Yadav. Senior BJP leader and newly-elected MLA Narendra Singh Tomar, who was among the contenders for the CM's post, will be the new assembly speaker. In Chhattisgarh, state chief Arun Sao said the swearing-in will be a historic event. "PM Narendra Modi ji, BJP president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, chief ministers of other states, Union ministers, senior BJP leaders from other states, eminent personalities, and intellectuals will attend the ceremony," Sao said. The BJP unit has also invited the political parties in the state, including the opposition (Congress), for the event. BJP workers and common people will be also present in large numbers, he said. However, the state unit is yet to announce the details of the Cabinet, including the deputy chief ministers, while rumours are that there will be two two deputy CMs - one each from OBC and the general category. The new council of ministers may be a mix of fresh faces and old-timers, said reports. "Several fresh faces were elected in recent elections from the BJP sparking off speculations that the old-timers may find it tough to secure a cabinet berth," political expert R Krishna Das told PTI. Amid criticism over crowd management at the Sabarimala Temple in the wake of heavy rush, the Kerala government is taking all steps to streamline the arrival of devotees and ensure a hassle-free darshan for all. State Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan has been deputed to the hill shrine even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted the situation was under control. He will, reportedly, reach 'sannidhanam' after assessing the amenities being provided to the pilgrims at Erumely, Nilackal, and Pamba, a government official said. The annual two-month-long Sabarimala pilgrimage season for this year began in late November. Pilgrims trek from Pampaa place of 'triveni sangamam,' or a confluence of three rivers, Pampa, Kakki, and Njunungarto the 'sannidhanam' of the temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, as part of the pilgrimage. Yesterday, a division bench of the Kerala High Court directed the authorities not to allow any pilgrims without a booking to the 'sannidhanam' for darshan. Incidentally, the state government decided to reduce the daily virtual queue bookings from 90,000 to 80,000. The evaluation meeting for Sabarimala, presided over by the chief minister, also directed to limit spot booking at the popular pilgrimage centre. In this mandala season, in the first 19 days, the average pilgrim count was around 62,000. However, from December 6 onwards, this count shot up. On December 7, which also happened to be a 'change' day for those on police duty, more than a lakh pilgrims came to Sabarimala. Rajappan, a local journalist who has been reporting from Sabarimala regularly, told THE WEEK that the new batch of policemen was inexperienced in handling the crowd. On average, 73 to 75 people have to traverse through the narrow 'pathinettampadi' (18 steps) in Sabarimala in a minute. However, on December 7, this rate was not achieved. In fact, it was reduced to fewer than 50 people, affecting the speed and increasing the wait time for pilgrims, he said. Many pilgrims had to wait close to a day in a queue for darshan. In the subsequent days, scores of pilgrims abandoned their trek to Sabarimala at Pandalam due to traffic snarls and long queues. The government also faced criticism for not arranging access to drinking water and toilets for the stranded pilgrims. Incidentally, on December 10, a young girl from Yelupuli died due to breathing issues, on her way to Sabarimala. The news of the girl's death drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. There is also fear that overnight stays on roads may attract attacks from wild animals. At Pamba, there have been multiple instances of skirmishes between police and pilgrims. Additionally, complaints have been raised about the behaviour of police officials towards pilgrims. There was also criticism over the inadequate number of KSRTC services to transport pilgrims. Many of the KSRTC buses from Nilakkal to Pamba (18.4 km) were overcrowded. What's the Kerala govt doing to address the situation The state government introduced new police leadership to manage the situation in Sabarimala. Kochi City Deputy Commissioner K.S. Sudarshan was appointed the new 'Sannidhanam SP'. Thiruvananthapuram Crime Branch SP S. Madhusoodanan assumed charge at Pamba, while MSP Commandant K.V. Santhosh took charge of Nilakkal. During a press conference held in Kottayam today, Chief Minister Vijayan said the government machinery was working diligently to tackle the situation in Sabarimala. In the last mandala seasons, in the initial days, if the pilgrim count was 62,000, this year, from December 6 onwards, the average count of pilgrims increased to 88,000, he said. Around 20,000 pilgrims came via spot booking, and approximately 5,000 pilgrims arrived daily through the Pullumedu forest path. The total count went up to 1.2 lakh. Consequently, people had to wait for longer time to reach the sannidhanam. To address this, we have increased the darshan time by one hour. Devotees can have darshan for 18 hours a day. The timing was from 3am to 1pm and 3pm to 11pm. Earlier, it was from 4pm to 11pm. The CM also announced that the government has installed 86 water kiosks in Nilakkal, 53 water kiosks in Pamba, and 50 water kiosks at Pamba. Also, the government has deployed tanker lorries to provide drinking water at Nilakkal. For cleaning, 449 persons at Nilakkal, 220 persons at Pamba and 300 at sannidhanam have been deployed. Additionally, the CM said that wherever there is a surge of Sabarimala pilgrims, the Devaswom Board is providing dry ginger coffee and biscuits. Vijayan also said that 16,118 police personnel have been deployed on Sabarimala duty, as opposed to 16,070 last time. 'There is no mismanagement in Sabarimala. The government is cautiously handling the situation at the pilgrim centre, the CM said. Vijayan also slammed the opposition and urged them not to use the Sabarimala temple for political gains. "The government has allocated Rs 220 crores in the last seven years to incorporate Sabarimala into the master plan," he said. "The development activities, which are part of this plan, are being carried out with the approval of the High Power Committee of the High Court. Six temporary halts are under construction, benefiting Sabarimala. Rs 108 crores from KIIFB are being used to construct these temporary halts. 2,350 toilets have been made available, including bio toilets - 933 at Nilakkal, 412 at Pamba and 1,005 at sannidhanam. The government has also installed 3,500 electric lamps at Nilaklal, 1,109 at Pamba and 1,927 at sannidhanam. Fifteen emergency medicine centres and 17 ambulances, too, are available. Pamba has been equipped with two ventilators and 25 IC units. Exactly 22 years after terrorists attacked Indian Parliament on December 13, and days after a Sikh separatist leader threatened in a video message to shake the foundations of Indias temple of democracy, Parliament survived a massive security scare on Wednesday afternoon. At about 1 pm on Wednesday, when the Zero Hour was in progress in the Lok Sabha, two young men from the visitors gallery suddenly leaped onto the Lok Sabha floor and clambered across the desks where the lawmakers sat. An eye-witness told THE WEEK that the duo took out canisters from their socks, released the cap of the canisters, letting out yellow plumes of smoke, shouting tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship wont be allowed). While some stunned MPs ran in panic, the duo was soon overpowered by some MPs including Mallok Nagar (BSP MP from Bijnor) and the security staff. The duo had been issued visitor passes that were signed by BJP MP from Mysuru, Pratap Simha. One of the nabbed has been identified as Sagar Sharma from Mysuru. Meanwhile, just outside the Parliament complex, two personsa man identified as Amol Shinde, and a woman, Neelamwere detained by the security for spraying coloured smoke. Top police officials including the Delhi Police commissioner, intelligence officials and others rushed to Parliament to take stock of the situation and begin investigations. The security breachwhich could have assumed very serious dimensionsis extremely shocking in view of the fact that Tuesday is the 22nd anniversary of the December 13 Parliament attack by Pakistan-supported Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists that killed nine people. Just a few days ago, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, US-based Sikh separatist and proponent of Khalistan, had released a video in which he threatened to shake the very foundation of Parliament on December 13. The video also had a picture of the 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Interestingly, on Tuesday, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP had raised the issue of Pannus threat during Zero Hour. Pointing out that Khalistani terrorists are increasingly seen emboldened on foreign soil and are threatening the country, Chaturvedi had demanded that a firm message should go through Parliament that India will not tolerate such activities. At least five persons were arrested in connection with the massive security breach in parliament on Wednesday even as the Delhi Police are on the lookout for another accused in the case. The incident, which came on the anniversary of the deadly 2001 Parliament terror attack, has sent shock waves across the country and sparked a war of words between the government and the opposition. Two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by Mps and security personnel. The accused were identified as Sagar Sharma and D. Manoranjan. Around the same time, two persons, identified as Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the parliament premises. Sharma is a resident of Lucknow, Manoranjan hails from Mysuru, Shinde from Latur and Neelam from Hisar. Police said a total of six persons have been involved in the "well-planned and well-coordinated" incident and that five persons have already been arrested. The fifth accused has been identified as Lalit Jha, at whose house in Gurgaon the other five stayed before executing the breach. Police officials said that during interrogation, Amol told investigators they were upset with issues like the farmers' protest, Manipur crisis and unemployment and that's why they carried out this act. The Home Ministry has ordered a high-level probe into the incident. CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh will lead the probe team which will have members from other security agencies and experts. "On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts," a ministry spokesperson said. "Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest," he said. Over 100 lawmakers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and several opposition leaders, were present in the house when the incident took place. Reports claimed that the intruders had come to the gallery with visitor passes facilitated by two-term Lok Sabha member from Mysuru Prathap Simha of the BJP. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has also ordered a probe into the incident as he lauded MPs, security personnel, chamber staff, and marshals for rising to the occasion and capturing the perpetrators. "The incident is a matter of concern and we are carrying out a high-level inquiry into this incident. The future course of action will be decided as per the findings of the probe," he said. At an all-party meeting called by Birla later in the afternoon to review the security situation, the opposition members demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the incident. They also demanded questioning of Simha. Members from different parties flagged a variety of issues and raised security concerns in parliament's new building, more so as the security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on the institution. Government sources, meanwhile, played down the chances of any serious action against Simha, saying it is a routine practice for MPs to write for passes for people and they cannot be blamed for their conduct, reported PTI. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has written to Union Home Ministry seeking a review of the security measures at the parliament building. No passes for visitors till further orders Meanwhile, the security protocols in parliament were revamped after Wednesdays security breach, reported NDTV. No passes will be issued for the public till further orders. Separate entrances to MPs, staff members, and the press were alloted and the visitors' gallery will be encased in glass to stop people from jumping into the chamber, the report said. Body scan machines, similar to those in airports, will be installed in parliament, it said. A six-member gang was behind the major security breach in parliament on Wednesday, police said, adding that four persons had been arrested and the remaining two were on the run. Two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The accused were identified as Sagar Sharma and D. Manoranjan. Around the same time, two persons, Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises. The fifth person involved in the conspiracy is Lalit Jha, at whose home in Gurgaon the other five stayed before executing the breach, NDTV reported. Both Jha and the sixth person, who has not been named yet, are on the run. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has ordered a high-level probe into the incident as he lauded MPs, security personnel, chamber staff, and marshals for rising to the occasion and capturing the perpetrators. "The incident is a matter of concern and we are carrying out a high-level inquiry into this incident. The future course of action will be decided as per the findings of the probe," he said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police said that the two persons arrested from outside the parliament premises were not carrying any bags or identity proofs. "Preliminary investigation details in the Parliament security breach case reveal that the two people - Neelam and Amol (caught outside the Parliament building inside the premises)-were not carrying mobile phones. They were not carrying any bags or identity proofs. They claim that they reached Parliament on their own and refused association with any organisation," a police officer was quoted as saying by ANI. A colonel, lieutenant colonel and three majors of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) were killed in a Hamas ambush in Gaza City's Shejaiya suburb, reports claimed Israel as saying. At least nine Israeli soldiers including the two senior officers lost their lives when Hamas guerillas ambushed an effort to pull out a few injured IDF personnel, the report said. Shejaiya suburb has witnessed intense urban warfare between the rival factions in recent days. According to reports, four IDF soldiers were hurt and trapped amidst the fighting. They were reportedly part of a crew that was involved in door-to-door fighting with the Hamas. While climbing the stairs, the IDF men came under fire from the upper storeys of the building. When they returned fire, grenades were reportedly hurled by the local fighters, the unit was forced to scramble -- leaving four injured soldiers to fend off themselves. It was then Lt Col Tomer Greenberg, a commander in the Golani Brigade, decided to lead a team of combat rescue force to get the men out, The Guardian reported. Lt Col Greenberg had earlier engaged the Hamas militiamen in Israel after they attacked multiple Jewish settlements in a rare cross-border attack. Hamas fighters had the Colonels and their crew pinned down by firing from nearby buildings and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), the news report added. Two waves of IDF rescue efforts (of which the seven fallen men were part) were thus foiled by the Hamas men who held their ground in the buildings nearby, reports said. While carrying out searches to clear buildings in the heart of the Shejaiya casbah, considered a crowded area overflowing with terror targets, there was a large explosion in one of the building and several soldiers from the 13th battalion were wounded, an IDF statement was quoted as saying by Guardian. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign minister said on Wednesday that his country will continue its war on Hamas whether or not it has international support. "A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel," Reuters quoted him as saying. India was among the 153 member states which voted in favour of the United Nations resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday. The resolution saw overwhelming support for the ceasefire with only 10, including the US, Israel and Austria, voting against it. There were 23 abstentions. The draft resolution, sponsored among others by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine, demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians." It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. The previous UN resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce" on 27 October attracted 120 votes in favour, 14 against, with 45 abstentions. India was among the countries that abstained then. Interestingly, Hamas was not mentioned in Tuesday's resolution, which was amended at the request of the US, which sought the insertion of a paragraph which condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel. India voted in favour of the amendment. UN representative for Israel, Gilad Erdan, lashed out at the resolution calling it "hypocritical" because it makes no mention of Hamas. He said a ceasefire will only prolong death and destruction in the region." However, Palestine welcomed the resolution, calling the vote in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza a "historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the general assembly". "It is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people," said Riyad Mansour. Meanwhile, the growing isolation faced by Israel was reflected in U.S. President Joe Biden's words to Tel Aviv, who said the "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was hurting international support. Biden's scathing remark on Israel came at a fundraising event on Tuesday. He said Israel is starting to lose global support over its "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza. Though he reiterated that Israel could count on US backing, Biden said: "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world. But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he said. Biden also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to change his hardline government and that ultimately Israel "can't say no" to an independent Palestinian state. Israeli hardliners oppose the two-state solution. He, however, added that there was "no question about the need to take on Hamas" and Israel had "every right" to do so. Biden is facing growing pressure, even from within his own Democratic Party, to rein in Israel's military campaign. A joint statement by the leaders of Canada, Australia and New Zealand also said the "price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous the suffering of all Palestinian civilians." Israels military has begun pumping seawater into Hamass vast complex of underground tunnels in Gaza, said a report. However, the process is still in an early stage and is being evaluated. A report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said the method is one of a few others weighed to tackle the tunnels, including airstrikes, use of liquid explosives, and dispatching dogs, drones and robots into the tunnel. The WSJ was the first to report that Israel was considering the tunnel-flooding plan. It said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had set up five large water pumps near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City that can flood the tunnels within weeks by pumping thousands of cubic meters of water per hour into them. Though IDF chief Herzi Halevi said flooding the tunnels was "a good idea", the military has so far refused to comment on details of its operations. US President Joe Biden was asked Tuesday about the report but declined to directly answer. "With regard to the flooding of the tunnels There (are) assertions being made that there [are] no hostages in any of these tunnels, but I dont know that for a fact," Biden said. "I do know that, though, every civilian death is an absolute tragedy, and Israel has stated its intent to match its words with actions," he added. The plan, however, was fraught with danger as environmental experts warned the defence establishment to carefully weigh the long-term environmental implications of the plan. There could be potential damage to Gazas aquifer and soil if seawater and hazardous substances in the tunnels seep into them, as well as the possible impact on the foundations of buildings. The WSJ report also mentioned how opinions among the Biden administration officials on the flooding tactic were mixed, with some officials expressing concern while others said they backed Israels efforts to destroy the tunnels. This isn't the first time that Gaza's tunnels are being flooded. Earlier, the Egyptian army had begun to pump water from the Mediterranean Sea into underground smuggling tunnels connecting Sinai with the besieged Gaza Strip. This was done to end smuggling into the Palestinian territory, security officials told the DPA news agency. Gazans at that time had complained that Egypt's flooding had damaged the network with the seawater polluting underground drinking reserves. The water also spilt over to the streets, flooding the residential areas and causing a huge environmental mess. During the late 2000s, the tunnel industry was so vibrant that an estimated 22,000 Palestinians worked in it, transporting everything from Hummer vehicles and washing machines to cows and sheep. Hamas had then imposed a tax on shipments. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he chose to make a public statement about India's alleged role in the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to "put a chill" on India. Safety concerns in the Sikh community also played into the choice, he added. Trudeau, in a year-end interview with The Canadian Press, said the public allegations he raised against India in the House of Commons in September were intended as an extra "level of deterrence" to keep Canadians safer. The Canadian PM alleged that there was credible intelligence linking India's government to the June 18 shooting death of Nijjar outside his gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. India has denied the allegations, which strained the relations between the countries. "The Sikh community in B.C. had been worried about what could happen next," Trudeau said, adding that his public statement came after weeks of "quiet diplomacy" that included raising the allegations with India at the highest levels. Trudeau had a private chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. "We knew it would be difficult conversations, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said. "And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together." However, Trudeau said the talks were not constructive. "We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community -- needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said. "And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this." He claimed that Canada had warned India that this would eventually come out. Though Ottawa managed to keep things "on a diplomatic level" leading up to the G20 summit, it could not control much beyond that. Trudeau also termed India's reaction to the allegations "a violation of the Vienna Convention". New Delhi temporarily suspended its visa services in Canada and threatened to strip diplomatic immunities of Canadian diplomats, following which Canada had to remove most of its diplomatic presence. "They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical," Trudeau said. "(It) would have been more comical had it not had real implications for people's lives and relations between our two countries that are so deep in terms of people-to-people ties, and people depending on the flow of connections between us." Description LTV Studios and Jewish Center of the Hamptons will host A Concert for Israel to support Humanitarian Relief in Israel in Studio 3 on Wednesday, December 13. The evening will begin will the lighting of the Menorah at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. There will be wines donated by Amagansett Wine & Spirits and potato latkes made by Charlotte Sasso. Tickets costs $90 for VIP which includes front row cafe table seating and are $54 for general admission. To purchase tickets, text LTVISRAEL to 41444 or visit https://bit.ly/3NcVZ9K. ABOUT MICK HARGREAVES: Having gotten the build of his sprawling hundred-year-old farmhouse recording studio completed, Mick Hargreaves has returned to releasing new material, all of it recorded at the Lantern Sound Recording Rig. In August 2022, "Crystal Ball", a cowrite with Joe Delia, was released to all streaming platforms. His latest single "See What You Can Make With This" was released in April of 2023, and then in May 2023 Mick's rendition of "Half as Much" appeared on the 22-song "Hank Williams Uncovered" tribute release (Paradiddle Records). ABOUT JEFFREY LEVITT: Jeff Levitt has been playing guitar in bands since the year the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. He is currently a member of The Moondogs and the Steve Tekulsky Band. Jeff is very active in the local music community and he and his wife Karen are full time residents of East Hampton. Karen Levitt Photo ABOUT PETER MARTIN WEISS: Peter studied the guitar and string bass as a teenager and later attended the Berklee School of Music. He received his Bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta and a Master's from Manhattan School of Music. One of his greatest mentors was Homer Mensch, principal bassist of the NY Philharmonic, with whom Peter studied for six years. Peter became an established bassist on the New York Jazz scene. Venues include Birdland, Tavern on the Green, The Village Vanguard, a six-year engagement at the Blue Note for Saturday brunch, and many live radio broadcasts from the West End Cafe. He also performed with the Bronx Symphony, the Greenwich Village Symphony, Ain't Misbehavin', and Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Peter was a member of the Etta Jones/Houston Person Quintet for ten years, touring internationally and performing at premier jazz festivals and concerts. On the Savant record label, he recorded on over 40 CDs, including his own, Bass Hits. His 40 years of performance credits include playing with Nat Adderly, Ray Bryant, Randy Brecker, Frank Wess, Winard Harper, Michael Carvin, Lew Soloff, Claudio Roditi, Donald Harrison, Hank Crawford, Richard Wyands, Gloria Lynn, Grady Tate, Kenny Washington, and Lorez Alexandria. Peter met and married pianist Jane Hastay in San Francisco while on tour. Together, they produced the CDs "Never Never Land" and "The Good Life." Peter taught at the State University of NY at New Paltz on the jazz faculty. Now living in East Hampton, he sings with the Choral Society of the Hamptons and performs locally on bass and guitar. ABOUT LAUREN LEBOWITZ: Lauren has been seen in numerous National tours, Off Broadway and Regional productions, readings and workshops. Favorite credits include Godspell (Nat'l tour, cast recording), Footloose (Rusty, Nat'l tour), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel, Casa Manana), Hair (Jeanne, Arizona Theatre Company), Title of Show (ATC) and Wallenberg (Rosa, Broadway lab/New World stages/NYMF, White Plains Performing Arts Center), To Paint the Earth (Southwark Playhouse, 37 Arts/NYMF), Yeast Nation (La Mama). Lauren toured with the USO, entertaining our troops and veterans with performances on army, marine and submarine bases, naval ships, at Bob Hope's 100th birthday, on NBC's Today Show, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Royal Academy of Music and proud mom to Jesse, Theo and Chase. Three employees at Farleys East, a coffee shop in Oakland, California, have been fired after being caught on video engaging in an antisemitic altercation with a Jewish woman. The video, which has since gone viral, shows the employees blocking the woman from accessing the bathroom and making anti-Israel comments. Amy and Chris Hillyard, owners of Farleys East, took to social media on Sunday to address the incident, stating that the behavior of the employees seen berating the customer was shocking and unacceptable. They affirmed their commitment to creating a welcoming and safe environment at Farleys, declaring that the actions of these employees did not align with the shops values, leading to their dismissal. The controversy began when the customer, after noticing antisemitic graffiti in the shops restroom, attempted to re-enter to document it. The graffiti included statements such as Zionism = fascism and messages denouncing neutrality on the issue. When she tried to re-enter the restroom, the employees prevented her, with one saying that the cafe was private property and she needed to leave. As the situation escalated, one employee was heard making a provocative comment about Israel and private property, further aggravating the confrontation. Despite the customers insistence on her rights as a patron, the employees doubled down on their refusal to allow her access to the restroom. The incident took a turn when an employee from a neighboring business offered the use of their restroom. However, the customer insisted on using the one at Farleys East to document the graffiti. An employee then remarked, All youre going to get is a video of us saying that Zionism is antisemitism because it is, challenging the customers intent to photograph the graffiti. The confrontation continued, with the employees making statements like Free Palestine and dismissing historical references to Israels establishment in 1948. They also accused the woman of misgendering an employee during the altercation. The incident, which was captured on video, quickly went viral, garnering over 2.6 million views after being shared by StopAntisemitism. Following the public outrage, Farleys initially issued an apology on Thursday, acknowledging the staffs poor handling of the situation and the distress caused to the customer. They also said that they had removed the offensive graffiti and were committed to ongoing staff training to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A new poll conducted by The Economist/YouGov has unveiled a concerning trend among young Americans regarding their beliefs about the Holocaust. The poll, carried out between December 2 and December 5, indicate a startling level of Holocaust denial, especially among the younger generation. In response to the statement, The Holocaust is a myth, 20 percent of participants aged between 18 and 29 agreed, while an additional 30% neither agreed nor disagreed. This is in stark contrast to older age groups, where only 8% of 30-44 year-olds, 2% of 45-64 year-olds, and none of the respondents over 65 agreed with the statement. Overall, 7% of Americans across all age groups believe the Holocaust to be a myth. When questioned whether denying the Holocaust is antisemitic, 17% of the 18-29 age group disagreed, with another 37% uncertain. Moreover, 23% of the 18-29 demographic concurred with the statement that The Holocaust has been exaggerated, and 26% were undecided on their stance. The poll also explored attitudes toward Jewish people in the United States. It found that 16% of respondents agreed with the statement Jews have too much power in America, with the highest agreement rate (28%) coming from the 18-29 age group. A significant number of respondents were also undecided on this question. Regarding the belief that American Jews are more loyal to Israel than the US, 29% of people over the age of 65 did not consider this view to be antisemitic, compared to 23% in the 18-29 age group. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Biden administration hit hundreds of people and firms, from Russia to China to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with economic and diplomatic sanctions Tuesday as the U.S. targets third-country contributors that are equipping Russias invasion of Ukraine. The latest round of sanctions landed as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting Washington to make an appeal for more financial support as his nation fights off the Russian invasion that will enter its third year in February. The financial penalties have made Russia the most sanctioned country in the world but have yet to deliver a knockout punch to Russias economy. Tuesdays sanctions package targets a multinational weapons procurement network led by Chinese national Hu Xiaoxun, his China-based private defense company Jarvis HK Co., and a network of associates that coordinate the sale of Chinese-manufactured weapons and components to Russia. A representative from Jarvis did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment. Additionally, a group of Turkey, UAE and Maldives-based firms involved in the weapons production process are targeted for economic sanctions. The Kremlin has steadily turned Russia into a wartime economy, but Putins war machine cannot survive on domestic production alone, said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Our sanctions today continue to tighten the vise on willing third-country suppliers and networks providing Russia the inputs it desperately needs to ramp up and sustain its military-industrial base. Along with sanctioning gold producers and munitions shippers, the State Department is sanctioning three entities involved in the development of Russias Ust-Luga Liquified Natural Gas terminal, which is currently under construction, and set to be operated by a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy firm Gazprom and Russian energy firm RusGazDobych. The U.S. and its allies are united in our continued support of Ukraine in the face of Russias unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for Russias crimes in Ukraine and those who finance and support Russias war machine. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. (AP) Several top Hamas leaders have reportedly departed from Qatar for an unknown location, turning off their phones and becoming unreachable, according to a report by KANs Arabic language channel, citing sources in Doha on Tuesday evening. In a related development, KAN news reported that Saleh al-Arouri, a senior member of Hamas, has left his usual residence in Beirut and is believed to have traveled to Turkey. Al-Arouris departure comes amidst these broader movements of Hamas leadership, though the specific motivations for his relocation were not immediately apparent. Reports suggest that Qatari officials have informed Hamas leaders that they can no longer guarantee their safety, urging them to flee to Algeria, though it isnt known whether that is where they have gone. The report comes amid the backdrop of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announcing last month that he ordered the Mossad to act against the Hamas leaders wherever they are. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The support was higher than for an Oct. 27 resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian cease-fire, Arab and Islamic nations called for an emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly to vote on a resolution making the same demand. Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, at the United Nations said: If you want a real ceasefire, here is the right address. This is the phone number of Hamas office in Gaza. The passed resolution makes no mention of Hamas, whose terrorists killed about 1,200 people and abducted about 240 in the surprise attack inside Israel on Oct. 7 that set off the war. One amendment proposed by the United States would have added a paragraph stating that the assembly unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas. A second amendment proposed by Austria would have added that the hostages are held by Hamas and other groups and should be released immediately. Both amendments were voted down. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are also very important and reflect world opinion, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Monday. The General Assembly vote reflect the growing isolation of the United States as it refuses to join demands for a cease-fire. More than the United Nations or any other international organization, the United States is seen as the only entity capable of persuading Israel to accept a cease-fire as its closest ally and biggest supplier of weaponry. In tougher language than usual, though, President Joe Biden warned before the vote that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. The resolution expresses grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and it says Palestinians and Israelis must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It also demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. (AP) A Chicago man who spent 35 years behind bars for a murder he didnt commit was freed Tuesday after a judge vacated his conviction and dismissed all charges. Brian Beals, 57, struggled to find the right words to describe his feelings as he stood outside Robinson Correctional Center in Crawford County, some 210 miles (338 kilometers) south of Chicago, and embraced his sister and niece. Relief, happiness, it was just amazing to walk out of there, he told The Associated Press in a phone interview. Im ready to begin life again. Beals was convicted in the 1988 murder of 6-year-old Demetrius Campbell. At the time, Beals, a 22-year-old student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, was home in Chicago during Thanksgiving break. He was approached by a drug dealer and they argued, according to news accounts at the time. Attorneys say Beals got in his car and drove off. Bullets fired in Beals direction hit two bystanders, the boy and his mother, Valerie Campbell. Despite three witnesses describing a different offender, Beals was convicted, namely on Campbells testimony. She said she saw Beals in the argument and believed he fired the shots. Beals maintained his innocence. Attorneys who took on Beals case, including with the Illinois Innocent Project, found five new witnesses to corroborate that Beals was the intended target and was not the shooter. They also presented new photographic enhancement showing Beals car had bullet holes in the rear bumper. Brian Beals case is one of the most egregious wrongful convictions I have ever seen, Laura Nirider, one of Beals attorneys, said in a statement. Brian, a college athlete who was studying to be a police officer, represented the best of his communitys future but that future was derailed. Beals has served the second-longest term of wrongful incarceration in Illinois history, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The Cook County states attorneys office helped work on releasing Beals as part of its conviction review unit. In a statement, the office called the wrongful conviction a grave miscarriage of justice for Beals, the victim and their families. Beals left prison with two cardboard boxes full of his belongings Tuesday to screams of joy and tears of excitement, said Lauren Kaeseberg, an Illinois Innocence Project attorney who greeted him. Much has changed during Beals time away. He marveled at cellphone technology. He used his time behind bars to mentor young people and write plays, including one entitled Jabrils Chains about a former inmate. It was performed this year at a Chicago coffee shop. There were also many low points. During his incarceration, he lost his mother, his older brother and several aunts and uncles. He isnt sure what he will do next, but he hopes to return to Chicago someday. Im a taking it in. Processing it. Im looking forward to building a life, starting over, he said. I have to figure out what this world has in it. (AP) Ron DeSantis has visited each of Iowas 99 counties. He has the endorsement of the governor and boasts the largest get-out-the-vote operation in the state. And he has predicted victory in Iowas Jan. 15 caucuses. But as the Florida governor works to project strength in the Republican primary and cut into former President Donald Trumps huge lead, DeSantis expansive political machine is facing a churn of leadership, stagnant polling numbers and new concerns about potential legal conflicts. Specifically, there has been concern in recent weeks among some within DeSantis operation that interactions between his campaign and his network of outside groups are blurring the lines of whats legally permissible. Multiple people familiar with DeSantis political network said that he and his wife had expressed concerns about the messaging of Never Back Down, the largest super PAC supporting the governors campaign, in recent months as his Iowa polling numbers stagnated in late summer and autumn. The governor and his wife, Casey, who is widely considered his top political adviser, were especially frustrated after the group took down a television ad last month that criticized leading Republican rival Nikki Haley for allowing a Chinese manufacturer into South Carolina when she was governor. DeSantis team shared those messaging concerns with members of Never Back Downs board, which includes Florida-based members with close ties to the governor, according to multiple people briefed on the discussions. Some of the board members then relayed the DeSantis teams wishes to super PAC staff, which was responsible for executing strategy, the people said. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal discussions. Federal laws prohibit coordination between presidential campaigns and outside groups. There is no known lawsuit or federal complaint alleging DeSantis campaign broke the law. And in the super PAC era that began with the Supreme Courts 2010 Citizens United decision, murky relationships between campaigns and allied outside groups have become commonplace. Still, Adav Noti, legal director for the Campaign Legal Center, said that the reported communication between DeSantis team and the super PAC goes too far. Noti suggested the communications could draw the scrutiny from the Federal Election Commission, which is responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws but has been gridlocked by internal divisions. To actually have a conversation with the candidates agents and the super PACs agents about strategy there is no plausible argument that that is legal, Noti said. This is not a gray area. DeSantis campaign has strongly denied the governor has tried to influence the network of outside groups supporting him given the federal laws prohibiting coordination. Asked for comment, DeSantis spokesman Andrew Romeo described the APs reporting as more nonsense from unnamed sources with agendas. While the media continues to obsess over attacking DeSantis with anonymous tabloid trash to support a false narrative, we remain focused on organizing in Iowa and sharing our vision for how to help the many Americans struggling this holiday season, Romeo said. Never Back Down founder Ken Cuccinelli dismissed questions about DeSantis political operation as insignificant in the overall campaign, saying not a single voter gives a flying rats tail about personnel stuff. Were going to be backing the governor all the way through this thing, Cuccinelli said in an interview at last Wednesdays GOP debate in Alabama. Were not going anywhere, and I fully expect to be right there for it. Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general, also made clear he was speaking of his own personal experience when asked directly if he felt any pressure from the DeSantises about the super PACs strategy. No, not to me. No, no, I dont play those games. I just dont play those games, Cuccinelli told The Associated Press. Ive met the governor, and Ive encountered Casey at events, but I dont have those conversations. Five Never Back Down senior officials have either been fired or quit in the past two weeks, including two chief executives, the chairman and the communications director. The group has not explained the departures publicly. At the same time, DeSantis Florida allies created a new super PAC, Fight Right, which quickly earned the public blessing of the DeSantis campaign. DeSantis said he was unfamiliar with Never Back Downs ads last week when asked at an event in Cedar Rapids an event sponsored by the super PAC, which has hosted him on campaign stops across the state about how well he thought they represent him. I dont know. I dont see them, to be honest with you. I dont watch a lot of TV. So, I dont know. I cant really speak to that, DeSantis told reporters, pivoting to and praising his own campaign-financed ads. The Florida governor is relying on super PACs more than any other leading presidential candidate in the brief history of the outside groups, which exploded in importance after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2010. Never Back Down has spent nearly $43 million on paid advertising so far this year, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact. By contrast, DeSantis formal campaign, which he does legally control, has spent just $4.4 million. In Iowa alone, Never Back Down has spent more than $16 million on advertising. Thats more than any other political entity, campaign or super PAC in Iowa. The group was airing several ads in November, some promoting DeSantis and others critical of Haley. Never Back Down remains responsible for many of DeSantis campaign stops and get-out-the-vote efforts. DeSantis has visited all of Iowas 99 counties, a traditional gesture some candidates make before the caucuses to demonstrate their commitment to Iowa. Never Back Down hosted DeSantis at events in 92 of the counties he visited, according to the groups schedule. Super PACs can accept unlimited donations, while campaigns have strict limits. The big catch: Groups like Never Back Down cannot legally coordinate with the formal campaigns on how to spend that money. And a candidate is barred from controlling a super PAC. But as is the case with most candidate-focused super PACs in 2024, those who lead outside groups are usually close to the candidate. Many of Never Back Downs original top staff and officers, including most of those who left this month, did not have longstanding relationships with DeSantis. Late last week, Phil Cox, who managed DeSantis 2022 reelection, was named a senior adviser to the super PAC. DeSantis on Friday praised Never Back Down, which claims 26 paid staff in Iowa and says it has collected written commitments from more than 30,000 Iowa Republicans to caucus for DeSantis next month. Thats a significant figure for a contest in which the record number of participants was 186,000, in 2016. Iowas caucuses traditionally reward well-organized campaigns. DeSantis allies hope the months of effort will help them overcome expectations from polls suggesting Trump will be dominant on Jan. 15. I think the idea was that they would be able to really focus on this organization, including in all 99 counties, DeSantis said on Iowa PBSs Iowa Press Friday. So I think it was smart that they did that. Many voters who gathered to see DeSantis at a crowded bar along Iowas border with Nebraska late last week said they were not aware of the apparent turmoil. And those who were said they werent particularly concerned. That happens with every campaign. Its early. Shakeups with people are going to happen, said 57-year-old Sally Madsen of Council Bluffs. Madsen, who previously supported Trump, has already decided to caucus for DeSantis. She said Trump lost her support in the final year of his presidency for how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic and his failure to help who she described as innocent Jan. 6 rioters, many of whom have been convicted and some sent to prison. He didnt do anything for them, Madsen said of Trump. I dont know if he could even attract good people to work for him at this point. (AP) The House is pushing toward a vote Wednesday to formally authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden as Republicans rally behind the charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. The vote comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team face growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Bidens family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. Ahead of the vote, Johnson called it the next necessary step. He acknowledged there are a lot of people who are frustrated this hasnt moved faster. But Johnson said on Fox News he believes the resolution will pass the House and well be in the best position to do our constitutional responsibility. By holding a vote on the floor, the speaker, who has been on the job less than two months, will be putting his conference on record in support of an impeachment process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president: punishment for what the Constitution describes as high crimes and misdemeanors, which can lead to removal from office if convicted in a Senate trial. A successful vote would also ensure that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024 when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed Republicans to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. In a recent statement, the White House called the whole process a baseless fishing expedition that Republicans are pushing ahead with despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts, have been hesitant to take any vote on Bidens impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment, Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a news conference Tuesday. Emmer said Republicans will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, and if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered. Most of the Republicans hesitant to back the impeachment push have also been swayed by leaderships recent argument that authorizing the inquiry will give them better legal standing as the White House rebuffs their requests for information. A letter last month from a top White House attorney to Republican committee leaders portrayed the GOP investigation as overzealous and illegitimate as the chamber had not yet authorized a formal impeachment inquiry by a vote of the full House. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, also wrote that when Trump faced the prospect of impeachment by a Democratic-led House in 2019, Johnson had said at the time that any inquiry without a House vote would be a sham. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said Monday that while there was no evidence to impeach the president, thats also not what the vote this week would be about. We have had enough political impeachments in this country, he said. I dont like the stonewalling the administration has done, but listen, if we dont have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long term. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has long been opposed to moving forward with impeachment, said that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote helped gain his support. I can defend an inquiry right now, he told reporters this week. Lets see what they find out. For the impeachment probe vote to succeed, nearly all House Republicans will have to vote in favor. It will amount to a major test of party unity, given GOPs narrow 221-213 majority. House Democrats are unified in their opposition to the impeachment process, saying it is a farce used by the GOP to take attention away from Trump and his legal woes. You dont initiate an impeachment process unless theres real evidence of impeachable offenses, Rep. Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who oversaw the two impeachments into Trump. There is none here. None. Democrats and the White House have also defended the president and his administrations cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made a massive trove of documents available. Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records, dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating the presidents son, Hunter Biden. While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in Hunter Biden and his overseas business dealings, which they accuse the president of personally benefiting from. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation into whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Bidens taxes and his gun use. Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. Hes charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special Counsel David Weiss filed additional charges last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. Democrats have conceded that while the presidents son is not perfect, he is a private citizen who is already being held accountable by the justice system. I mean, theres a lot of evidence that Hunter Biden did a lot of improper things. Hes been indicted, hell stand trial, Nadler said. Theres no evidence whatsoever that the president did anything improper. Nonetheless, Republicans had subpoenaed Hunter Biden to appear for a private deposition Wednesday, the same day of the scheduled vote to authorize the inquiry. His attorney has offered for the presidents son to come and testify in a public setting, citing concerns about Republicans manipulating any private testimony. But GOP lawmakers have warned that if Hunter Biden does not appear, they will move to hold him in contempt of Congress. (AP) One of President Joe Bidens favorite stories is about his first international summit after taking office, when he declared that America is back in the wake of Donald Trumps erratic and isolationist leadership. For how long? responded one of the other leaders in the room. Its a question that echoes this week as Biden struggles to secure congressional support for continuing American assistance to Ukraine. Even though hes repeatedly promised that the United States would back Ukraine for as long as it takes to defeat the Russian invasion, theres no sign of a bipartisan deal to maintain the flow of supplies as the war approaches its third year. A hastily arranged trip to Washington by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including a White House visit on Tuesday, did not appear to jolt lawmakers out of their inaction. The stakes are highest in Ukraine, which faces dwindling supplies of the artillery shells and air defense munitions needed to repel Russian advances. But also hanging in the balance is the kind of U.S. credibility that Biden pledged to restore. Failure to approve new funding would undermine a central plank of the Democratic presidents foreign policy, turning a parable of American resolve into a cautionary tale about American instability. They went around telling everybody that America is reliable and dependable, said Max Bergmann, a former State Department official whos now a director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. And its pretty clear that were not. Its still possible that lawmakers will reach an agreement, even if takes longer than Biden or Zelenskyy would like. Negotiations continue over a broad legislative package that would support Ukraine, help Israel defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip and increase security at the U.S. southern border with Mexico. But the delay, and the public spectacle of political bickering at a moment of grave geopolitical consequence, has emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin and could reverberate in other places where security depends on American assurances. What are the Taiwanese going to think? Bergmann said. What are the Japanese, the Koreans going to think? The future of global American leadership, he added, is being killed right now in Congress. Standing alongside Zelenskyy on Tuesday, Biden said that I will not walk away from Ukraine, and neither will the American people. But rather than pledging anew that the U.S. would support Ukraine as long as it takes, Biden this time gave a more limited promise that help would be provided as long as we can. Biden said hes rapidly running out of authorized military assistance, and he expressed bewilderment at the perilous situation. Its stunning that weve gotten to this point, he said. The congressional roadblock is a reversal of fortune for Biden, whose record on Ukraine was initially celebrated at home and overseas. His administration has helped keep Russia from subjugating the country, which was part of the Soviet Union before achieving its independence in 1991. Biden maintained unity with European allies despite economic blowback from the war, such as rising gas prices, and spearheaded the enlargement of the NATO with the addition of Finland and likely Sweden, two traditionally nonaligned countries. Not only has Ukraine remained free, Bidens approach to the conflict helped vindicate his approach to foreign policy after his administrations shambolic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Americans of all political backgrounds decided that they would step up, he said during a surprise trip to Kyiv in February. The American people know it matters. Unchecked aggression is a threat to all of us. But the Russian military, instead of collapsing, retrenched and blunted Ukraines counteroffensive this year. Western training and equipment was insufficient to retake significant amounts of occupied territory in the countrys east and south, and the war is now widely viewed as a stalemate. The U.S. political consensus around the conflict has eroded as well. When the war began in 2021, Democrats controlled both the House and the Senate, and they could count on Republican help to approve money for Ukraine. The landscape shifted when Republicans won the House majority in the 2022 midterms. Because of slim margins, hardline members of the caucus were empowered, and many are opposed to helping Ukraine. A request for emergency funding for Ukraine went nowhere during recent budget negotiations. But the White House has routinely swatted away questions about U.S. endurance. Asked on Oct. 2 about potential fatigue over the war, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said if Putin thinks he can outlast us, hes wrong. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Biden may have underestimated the difficulty of maintaining a domestic consensus, especially as we head into an election year, when partisanship too regularly trumps wise policy. The domestic politics of the war have gotten a lot more complicated on this side of this Atlantic, said Kupchan, who was senior director for European affairs at the National Security Council under President Barack Obama. And its beginning to get more complicated in Europe as well. Europeans are watching the stalemate in Congress over Bidens aid request. And that is, to some extent, empowering voices in Europe that are also reluctant to provide further assistance. More than 130 European lawmakers sent a letter to their American counterparts urging them to approve more funding for Ukraine. However, they face their own political difficulties. European Union leaders are meeting this week to discuss tens of millions of dollars for Ukraine, which is opposed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He is considered Putins closest ally on the continent. Polands newly elected prime minister, Donald Tusk, complained on Tuesday that some leaders dont want to continue helping Ukraine. I can no longer listen to some European politicians and those from other Western countries who say they are tired of the situation in Ukraine, Tusk said. They say to President Zelenskyys face that they no longer have the strength, that they are exhausted. The U.S. has provided $111 billion in military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the war began. During Zelenskyys visit, the Pentagon announced that it would transfer to Ukraine another $200 million in ammunition and equipment, including artillery rounds and bullets. Theres only $4.4 billion left in weapons appropriations, and Biden has asked for another $61.4 billion. About half of the money would go to the Pentagon to replenish weaponry it is supplying, and the other half for humanitarian assistance and to help the Ukrainian government function with emergency responders, public works and other operations. But for now, the proposal is stalled. The entire world is watching what we do, Biden said on Tuesday. So lets show them who we are. (AP) In this article, we will look into the 15 best life insurance companies heading into 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Life Insurance Industry: A Market Analysis Life insurance provides insurance to individuals against the financial repercussions of an unforeseen event such as an illness, accident, or death. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global life insurance market was worth $3.45 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% and reach $4.80 trillion by 2028. The growth can be attributed to the growing awareness and concern about financial security among people. With the increasing risks and uncertainties, people are becoming more mindful of having a secure financial future. Another significant factor driving the global life insurance market is a rise in the aging population, which is creating a higher demand for financial security. Digitalization is one of the major trends in the global life insurance market, driving growth in the market. Increased use of digital channels including mobile apps, social media, and online portals has revolutionized traditional insurance practices. Digital platforms enable customers to buy insurance products, compare different insurance policies, and manage them online. Some of the companies in the market are now utilizing AI and data analytics to offer customized products and services. Another trend that is gaining traction in the market is term life insurance policies. These insurance policies cover a specific period and offer more affordable options as compared to permanent life insurance policies. Term life insurance policies are preferred by younger customers due to their affordability. Microinsurance is another growing trend in the market, led by the increased demand for simple and affordable insurance products. Regionally, the market is dominated by North America, with a significant share in the global insurance market. The growth is characterized by increased awareness about financial security and changing consumer preferences. Another factor driving the growth in North America is the addition of new life insurance policies. Story continues Key Players in the Market Some of the key players in the global life insurance market include Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL), MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET), and Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU). Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is a leading American insurance company, offering life insurance products and services. On October 31, the company announced that it had delivered its innovative product, My Special Aflac Duck, to children at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. The innovative product is a robotic companion that is developed to comfort and help children diagnosed with cancer and sickle cell disease. The program was launched in 2018, and since then it has benefited over 25,000 children. Aflac Incorporated's (NYSE:AFL) robotic duck employs medical play, realistic motions, and emotional responses to interact with children during their treatment journey. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) is a leading life insurance company. On October 17, the company announced that it had partnered with, Nayya, a benefits decision support platform, to provide improved employee benefits experiences. This partnership will empower employees to utilize their benefits, leading to increased satisfaction, well-being, and loyalty. A recent study by MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) found that 45% of employees in the US are unaware of their employee benefits. AI-assisted personalized recommendation by Nayya and year-round engagement will tackle this issue and improve the overall well-being of employees. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) and Nayya will start exhibiting their collective capabilities to customers and brokers in 2024. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) is among the top life insurance companies leading the global market. On November 8, the company announced that it had partnered with a digital community app for military spouses called Twelve Million Plus. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) will offer financial education and resources through its digital life stage planning platform, Prudential Stages. The community member will be able to access tools and education on retirement planning, financial wellness, and connecting with virtual advisors. The partnership aims to empower military spouses with knowledge and provide them with tailored services. Now, that we have discussed the global life insurance market and talked about the major players, let's have a look at the 15 best life insurance companies heading into 2024. 15 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 15 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 Methodology To rank the 15 best life insurance companies heading into 2024, we screened the companies listed under life insurance using stock screeners from Finviz and Yahoo Finance. Then, we sourced the market cap of each company from Yahoo Finance. Finally, we ranked the 15 best life insurance companies heading into 2024 in ascending order of their market cap, as of December 11. 15 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 Market Cap as of December 11: $7.41 billion Primerica, Inc. (NYSE:PRI) is a leading insurance company, headquartered in Georgia, United States. Founded in 1977, the company offers a variety of products and services, focusing majorly on middle-income families. Some of the products offered by the company include term life insurance, mutual funds, annuities, mortgages, and senior health. With specialties in term life insurance, investment services, home and auto insurance, and identity theft protection, Primerica, Inc. (NYSE:PRI) is ranked among the best life insurance companies heading into 2024. As of December 11, the company boasts a market cap of $7.41 billion. 14. Sanlam Limited (OTC:SLLDY) Market Cap as of December 11: $7.45 billion Sanlam Limited (OTC:SLLDY) is one of the largest insurance companies in Africa, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. The company provides a diverse range of products and services including individual life insurance, group life cover, retirement solutions, medical health insurance, and bancassurance. Life Cover + Quick Payout is Sanlam Limited's (OTC:SLLDY) key life insurance product. The company is ranked 14th on our list and is valued at $7.45 billion, as of December 11. 13. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) Market Cap as of December 11: $8.35 billion Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) is a leading insurance company, specializing in disability insurance, financial protection, voluntary benefits, commitment to Service, life Insurance, and behavioral health services. With 175 years of excellence, the company has business in the UK, the US, and Poland. Unum Group's (NYSE:UNM) life insurance products and services provide coverage for disability, life, accident, and critical illness. The company's life insurance portfolio offers both term and whole life insurance coverage. As of December 11, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) reports a market cap of $8.35 billion. 12. T&D Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TDHOY) Market Cap as of December 11: $8.54 billion T&D Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TDHOY) is a leading Japanese insurance group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The group offers a variety of life insurance products and services. T&D Holdings, Inc. (OTC:TDHOY) operates through a range of segments including Taiyo Life Insurance, Daido Life Insurance, T&D Financial Life Insurance, and Capital Taiyo Life Insurance Limited. These segments provide coverage for death protection, medical, and nursing care products. As of December 11, the group reports a market cap of $8.54 billion. 11. Samsung Life Insurance Co Ltd (KRX:032830) Market Cap as of December 11: $9.42 billion Samsung Life Insurance Co Ltd (KRX:032830) is a leading insurance company, specializing in life insurance, loan, corporate pension, fund, and trusts. Headquartered in Seoul, the company offers individual and group life insurance through its vast network of branches. Samsung Life Insurance Co Ltd (KRX:032830) is ranked among the best life insurance companies heading into 2024. As of December 11, it boasts a market cap of $9.42 billion. 10. Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) Market Cap as of December 11: $11.52 billion Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) is a life insurance company, headquartered in Texas. The company provides a diverse suite of products and services across multiple segments including life insurance, supplemental health insurance, annuities, and investments. The life insurance portfolio of the company covers both whole life insurance and term life insurance. Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) is ranked 10th on our list and is valued at $11.52 billion. 9. HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:HDFCLIFE) Market Cap as of December 11: $17.38 billion HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:HDFCLIFE) is an insurance company, specializing in life insurance and pensions. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company offers a wide range of products and services meeting the needs of customers including protection, pension, savings, investment, and health. As of December 11, HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:HDFCLIFE) reports a market cap of $17.38 billion. 8. Sbi Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:SBILIFE) Market Cap as of December 11: $17.50 billion Sbi Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:SBILIFE) is a leading insurance company in India, specializing in life insurance, ULIP, online plans, protection plans, retirement plans, and savings plans. With its diverse range of products and services, Sbi Life Insurance Company Ltd (NSE:SBILIFE) caters to both individual and group products through its life insurance solutions. The company is ranked 8th on our list, reporting a market cap of $17.50 billion, as of December 11. 7. Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) Market Cap as of December 11: $21.23 billion Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) is a life insurance company in Tokyo, Japan. It offers a diverse range of products including EduPro Premier, Smart Shield, DL EduPro, and LoanShield. The group has a global presence in 10 countries including the US, Cambodia, India, and Myanmar among others. As of December 11, Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (OTC:DCNSF) boasts a market cap of $21.23 billion. It is ranked 7th on our list. 6. Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (OTC:FUIZF) Market Cap as of December 11: $25.49 billion Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (OTC:FUIZF) is a leading insurance company, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. The company offers its customers a wide range of products and services across various business segments such as insurance, asset management, life insurance, banking, and securities. Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (OTC:FUIZF) is ranked among the 15 best life insurance companies heading into 2024 and is valued at $256.49 billion. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Best Life Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey. The White House is hosting nearly 100 lawmakers from around the country on Wednesday to work on how their states can try to reduce gun violence. The gun violence prevention office, the first of its kind, was launched this year by President Joe Biden. It has formulated a set of guidelines to help states take action across six areas, including creating state-run offices like the federal office, strengthening support for survivors and families of victims, and reinforcing responsible gun ownership. Weve been meeting with the state legislators ever since the start of our office, and one thing we hear all the time is they want to do more to reduce gun violence, said Stefanie Feldman, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The question is, what should they do and how? Lawmakers from 39 states are attending Wednesdays gathering, including legislators from Nevada, where a gunman last week killed three faculty members and wounded a fourth in a roughly 10-minute rampage at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. That shooter had a list of targets at the university and more than 150 rounds of ammunition, police said. Vice President Kamala Harris is overseeing the office and will speak to the lawmakers on Wednesday. Biden, a Democrat, has called gun violence the ultimate superstorm, affecting not just victims but the everyday lives of community members. His administration says it believes the response to gun violence should better resemble how the government acts after natural disasters. The office of gun violence prevention is an effort to create a centralized response from the federal government and a place where communities can turn for resources. The issue figures heavily into Bidens 2024 reelection campaign, which hopes to reach younger voters who are deeply concerned about gun violence. The president has also pushed for a ban on assault weapons. Before the meeting, the Justice Department came up with model legislation that state lawmakers can take back to their legislatures on safe storage of weapons and on reporting lost and stolen firearms. Some shootings in schools, for example, are committed with weapons found at home or at the home of a friend. Weapons that go lost or missing often end up being used in crimes. As of Wednesday, there had been at least 42 mass killings in the United States this year, leaving at least 217 people dead, not including shooters who died, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. Mass shootings are only part of the problem of gun violence. The measures are also meant to address domestic violence killings, community violence and suicides. (AP) by Rabbi Yair Hoffman Yesterday, expelled congressman George Santos was in court in Central Islip for a status conference for a possible plea deal on nearly two dozen fraud charges including wire fraud, identity theft, campaign finance violations and other crimes. He was expelled from Congress on Dec. 1st, 2023. During the conference, the judge noted that there were an astonishing 1.3 million discovery material documents that the defense has to review. How is he currently supporting himself? Apparently, he hires himself out for messages on a website called Cameo where he recently upped his fee from $75 to $500 a message. Speaking with CBS New Yorks Marcia Kramer after he was expelled, he said, if you can believe him, that he made more in seven days on Cameo than he did during his time in Congress. The two questions that pertain to our halachic analysis are as follows: Are gentiles also commanded in the laws of Gneivas Daas deceiving others? Can a Jew engage George Santoss services on Cameo to send some sort of a video message to another? In response to the first question, the Ritva in Chulin 94a indicates that a Gentile is included within the concept of all matters of theft because when the Torah discusses the prohibition of theft it does not say that it applies only to Jews (by using the words Ish BaAmiso). The Ritva then quotes the Tosefta in Bava Kamma 7:3 that lists different types of theft and includes Gneivas Daas (deception) as a form of theft. Most authorities understand the aforementioned Ritva as not only prohibiting a deception to be perpetrated against a Gentile but also for a Gentile to perpetrate a deception on another. Furthermore, the Yereim and the SMaG both cite Bereishis 31:26 where the word Geneivah a theft, refers to a form of Gneivas Daas. So, our conclusion is that normative Halacha would understand the prohibition of Gneivas Daas as applying to Gentiles as well and it would be prohibited for this Gentile politician to deceive the public. As far as the second question, engaging this former politician, that depends. Engaging a person does not necessarily mean that one is giving a Hechsher on him (i.e. accepting his behavior). For example, we find that Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi engaged in various discussions with Antoninus even though he was a murderer. However, in this case, the depth and the frequency of lying and deception is so extensive, that the Jewish community should avoid having anything to do with him. The author can be reached at [email protected] JOIN THE TENS OF THOUSANDS WHO ALREADY ARE ALERTED OF BREAKING NEWS LIKE THIS IN LIVE TIME: YWN WHATSAPP STATUS UPDATES: CLICK HERE to join the YWN WhatsApp Status. YWN WHATSAPP GROUPS: CLICK HERE to be added to an official YWN WhatsApp Group. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THIS PAGE FREQUENTLY AS UPDATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN LIVE TIME THERE IS NO NEED TO REFRESH THIS PAGE AS UPDATES WILL APPEAR AUTOMATICALLY (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Only two weeks after arriving in Israel to work as a farm hand, Thai national Yuchian Tamtung was abducted from his apartment in Kibbutz Kfar Aza by Hamas terrorists and held captive for 51 days. Speaking to Channel 12 News from his home in Thailand, Tamtung said: The terrorists dragged me by force, beat me with weapons and kicked me, and took me to a tunnel together with a group of Israeli hostages. For the first two weeks, I suffered from a migraine and seemed like a madman, I talked to myself and walked back and forth until the Hamas terrorists told me to stop, Tamtung said, adding that one of the hostages held with him was an Israeli-Bedouin who could communicate with the terrorists. Tamtung said although the Thai hostages werent abused like the Israeli hostages were, the situation in captivity was still unbearable. [Each group of hostages was treated differently, with some Thai hostages reporting that they were beaten.] Usually we comforted each other we held hands, held each others shoulders, he said. Since I dont speak Hebrew, there were days that the Israeli hostages made hand gestures to me, telling me to keep strong. On the 10th day, the terrorists came with cameras and filmed the hostages. They told one of the hostages what to say in the video and he spoke a little. He almost cried. Im not sure what they were talking about. After Tamtung spent 41 days in the tunnel, the terrorists transferred them to another tunnel, where they were joined by a small group of female Israeli hostages who were wearing hijabs so only their faces could be seen. They looked very exhausted, Tamtung said. They needed to stop after walking for a short time and then stop again. Tamtung remembered the first names of all the Israeli hostages who were held with him in Gaza. The information he passed on was transferred to the families of the hostages. Although 23 Thai nationals were released from Gaza, eight remain in captivity. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taking place in countries throughout the world, with so-called civilized Western citizens calling to globalize the intifada. A clip of Fathi Hamad, a Hamas leader and former Interior Minister, speaking several years ago reveals exactly what globalizing the intifada means attacking and murdering Jews worldwide. The video shows him calling to attack Jews around the world and inciting the Arabs of Yehudah and Shomron to murder Jews. There are Jews everywhere, he says. We must attack every Jew on the face of the planet! We must slaughter and kill them, G-d willing! Enough of being angry. Were fed up already. Were ready to explode [the literal sense of the word]. And you, the people of the West Bank: How long will you keep silent? We want to see knives theyre only five shekels! How much is a Jews neck worth? Five shekels? Or even less, G-d willing. All our people are ready to be blown up. Weve built a new factory for explosive belts. The off/on switch is ready for the momentall our sisters are ready to carry explosive belts. In the video below, students at Columbia University in New York call for intifada, intifada. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Washington Post journalist Sally Quinn wrote that she was tempted to remove the mezuzah from her doorpost amid mounting antisemitism but then she remembered that the silence of good people enabled the Holocaust. Why does Quinn, whos not Jewish, have a mezuzah on her door in the first place? In a Washington Post article published on Tuesday, Quinn wrote that when she and her late husband Ben Bradlee moved into their house 40 years ago, Bradlees closest friend, Art Buchwald, gifted them with a mezuzah. He nailed the mezuzah to their doorpost himself and explained: Im putting this up here for your protection. Dont ever take it down. Quinn said that years went by without incident, adding that most people didnt even notice the mezuzah. But one night, they held a dinner party and the Canadian ambassador and his wife, Allan and Sondra Gotlieb, who were Jewish, failed to show up. They started dinner without them but then the doorbell rang in the middle. It was the Gotleibs, who said that they had originally arrived on time but when they saw the mezuzah, they assumed they made a mistake. They drove around for almost an hour and then decided to try again despite the mezuzah. We all had a good laugh about that. Quinn continues by writing that in the wake of the war in Gaza, she considered removing the mezuzah for safety reasons. I agonized about whether I should take it down. Few would notice, and I would definitely feel safer. Yet it seemed to me that taking it down would be a betrayal of everything I believed in, maybe even a betrayal of Artie. And then I thought about my father taking me to Dachau. Inscribed on a stone near the huge iron gate there are the words Denket Daran Wie Wir Hier Starben Remember how we died here. I was stricken with shame. I knew that the silence of good people had enabled the Holocaust to take place. Of course I would not take the mezuzah down. It had protected me for 40 years. It would stay. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) HaGaon HaRav Bentzion Mutzafi was asked by one of his talmidim about the large number of IDF soldiers who have fallen in battle in the Gaza Strip. The talmid asked: Moreinu HaRav: Soldiers are killed every day. What will be? HaRav Mutzafi responded: We and only we are guilty. Come let us take responsibility together. Well improve our good deeds. The Rav detailed his eitzos for what to be mechazeik in: Well wake up early for tefillah in the morning. The entire tefillah from beginning until the end. We wont speak in shul. Well take advantage of every free minute to learn Torah from any Sefer Kodesh. Well guard our months, avoiding saying anything negative about any Jew. We wont put anything in our mouths that isnt 100% kosher. Well guard our eyes from looking at any pritzus, at the wealth of our friends. If we chalilah, stumble in any of the above, well say vidui and have charatah. HaRav Mutzafi added: Its very painful during the holy days of Chanukah to hear about soldiers falling in the war. The soldiers are being moser nefesh so we can live and be oisek in the Torah HaKedoshah. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Israel Defense Forces released new data on Tuesday revealing that out of 105 Israeli soldiers killed so far in the ongoing ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, 20 lost their lives due to friendly fire and other accidents. According to the IDF, 13 of these soldiers were victims of friendly fire, resulting from mistaken identification in situations involving airstrikes, tank shelling, and gunfire. This includes one soldier who was tragically killed by gunfire not intended for them, and two others who lost their lives due to accidental misfires. Additionally, the IDF reported that two soldiers were killed in incidents involving armored vehicles inadvertently running over troops. In separate incidents, two soldiers died from shrapnel injuries, including explosives detonated by Israeli forces themselves. The IDF has attributed these unfortunate incidents to a variety of factors, including the large-scale deployment of forces within the confined and densely populated neighborhoods of Gaza City. Communication challenges among the troops and instances of soldiers being fatigued and not fully adhering to regulations have also been cited as contributing factors. Despite these incidents, the IDF has emphasized the strong cooperation between different branches of the military, particularly highlighting the effective air support provided to ground troops. As of the latest reports, the IDF has confirmed the deaths of 105 soldiers since the commencement of the ground incursion on October 27. In addition, 582 soldiers have been wounded during the operation, with 133 suffering serious injuries, 218 moderate, and 231 light, as per the IDFs latest data. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the head of the Israeli Air Force, personally piloted an attack helicopter over the Gaza Strip yesterday, leading a precision strike mission. This operation was conducted in support of the 98th Divisions 55th Brigade, as confirmed by the IDF. The mission targeted a specific site utilized by Hamas for launching an attack earlier in the week in the Khan Younis area. This prior attack by Hamas had resulted in the death of Sgt. Major (res.) Gideon Ilani, 35, from the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Brigade. In a video released by the IDF, Maj. Gen. Bar is heard communicating over the radio during the sortie, saying, We are together with you in everything, keep it up, we are here above you at your service. Responding to Maj. Gen. Bars message, the commander of the 98th Division, Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfus, expressed gratitude and confidence, stating, We are safe when you are above us. We know how to do the work exceptionally together. Thanks to everyone who is above us 24/7. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks and a declared candidate for the 2024 Democratic Party presidential nomination, has sparked a debate on social media with his recent request for critics of Israel to stop using the From the River to the Sea chant. Uygur described the chant as hurtful to Jewish people and counterproductive to the Palestinian cause. In a post on his social media account on Monday, Uygur urged, Can everyone please stop the dumb from the river to the sea chant? It is incredibly hurtful to our Jewish brothers and sisters. He added that the chant is perceived by many as a call for genocide, which is detrimental to the efforts to protect Palestinians. The slogan From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free is a phrase often used by radical supporters of Palestine in their demonstrations against Israel. It is widely regarded as a call for the elimination of the Jewish state in Israel. Nathan Sales, a former counterterrorism coordinator, recently told Fox News that the slogan is seen as advocating for the extermination of the Jewish state, as proponents of it believe that Israel shouldnt exist at all. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has also identified the chant as a call to violence against Jews in Israel. On its website, the ADL stated that the slogan has been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas and the PFLP, which aim for Israels destruction through violent means. According to the ADL, the slogan fundamentally calls for a Palestinian state encompassing the entire territory from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which includes the State of Israel, implying the dismantling of the Jewish state. Uygurs recent posts represent a shift in tone compared to his other recent anti-Israel statements. He accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in its conflict with Hamas and criticized the United States for funding what he described as war crimes. He condemned the the U.S. governments stance, which reprimands college administrators for allowing anti-Israel rhetoric on campuses while also supporting Israels actions in Gaza. In another post, Uygur highlighted what he sees as a double standard in the U.S. Congresss approach to the situation, criticizing the allocation of funds to Israel while accusing it of perpetrating a genocide against the Palestinian people. He also argued that while Israels supporters claim Palestinians do not want Israel to exist, in reality, he believes Israel is blocking the existence of Palestine and keeping Palestinians in an open-air prison. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Six members of Congress are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to stop the proposed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger, saying that the companies divestiture deal falls short of addressing concerns around consumers, workers and the grocery industry. We urge you to oppose this proposed merger, regardless of the proposed divestiture, the letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan said. The letter, which was signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Mazie K. Hirono, Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker and Reps. Summer Lee and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, claims that the combination of Kroger and Albertsons would result in a duopoly with Walmart, with the two corporations controlling more than 70 percent of the grocery market in over 160 cities across the country. The merger would lead to raised consumer prices, increase the risks of price discrimination between food suppliers and buyers, decrease suppliers buying power and hurt workers by reducing competition for labor, lowering wages and minimizing unions power, the letter claims. The Congress members also criticized Kroger and Albertsons $1.9 billion divestiture plan with C&S Wholesale Grocers, which includes selling 413 stores, eight distribution centers and five private label brands. The divestiture bid leaves room for C&S to buy up to an additional 237 stores to satisfy regulators. [S]tructural and behavioral remedies are difficult to administer and enforce and cease to be binding once the term of the agreement ends, and they often fail to maintain competitive conditions because, as stated previously, companies have an incentive to ensure that the businesses they spin off do not succeed, the letter said. The letter highlighted the failure of Albertsons 2015 deal to sell more than a hundred divested stores to Haggen, which Haggen then closed or sold back. Shortly after the deal, Haggen filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and sued Albertsons for allegedly undermining its expansion. The companies reportedly settled the lawsuit in early 2016. Story continues And while [Haggen] is the most egregious example of a failed divestiture, for decades Albertsons and Kroger have habitually reacquired stores that they had previously been forced to sell off, the letter said, which also noted the divestiture woes with the Ahold-Delhaize deal in 2016 and Hertz-Dollar Thrifty deal in 2013. The letter is the latest pushback to the proposed deal. This summer, seven secretaries of state raised similar concerns in a letter to Khan, urging the FTC to block the deal. Ahead of a Senate antitrust panel last fall on how the Kroger-Albertsons merger could impact competition in the grocery industry, Booker along with Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal urged the FTC to investigate the proposed merger. Kroger and Albertsons have weathered broad criticism about their proposed tie-up from lawmakers, consumer activists, unions and grocery workers who have claimed that the deal would hurt shoppers, suppliers and workers. The grocery giants have continuously said that their combination would lower prices for consumers and lead to wage investments. Kroger has pledged to not close any stores, distribution centers or manufacturing facilities or lay off any frontline workers as a result of the merger. On Wednesday, a Kroger spokesperson sent along a statement that reiterated many of these points and also noted C&Ss more than 100 years of experience in the grocery industry. The statement, along with a separate one from Albertsons, also brought up industry competitors Walmart and Amazon. The only parties that would benefit if this deal is blocked would be Amazon, Walmart, and other large, non-union retailers who continue to increase their dominance in the grocery space, the Albertsons statement said. A combined Kroger and Albertsons Cos. would ensure that our neighborhood supermarkets, some of which have been serving their communities for over 100 years, can better compete with these retailing giants. Kroger certified to the FTC on Nov. 15 that the companys merger plan is in substantial compliance with the agencys requirements, CEO Rodney McMullen told investors at the end of November, noting that the grocer expects the deal to close by early 2024. Editors note: This story has been updated with comments from Kroger and Albertsons. This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. HYD: The IDF announced the deaths of 10 additional soldiers in battle in Gaza, increasing the death toll of the IDFs ground operation toll to 115 and 444 since October 7th. The soldiers were identified as: Col. Yitzhak Ben Basat, 44, a commander of the Golani Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, 35, a commander of the 13th Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Sergeant Eran Aloni, 19, a soldier in the 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Major Roei Meldasi, 23, a company commander in the 13th Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Major Moshe Avram Bar-On, 23, a company commander in the 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Sergeant Achia Daskal, 19, a soldier in the 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Captain Liel Hayo, 22, a platoon commander in the 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade, killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Major Ben Shelly, 26, commander of a platoon of fighters in the Special Rescue Tactical Unit (669), killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Major General Rom Hecht, 20, a soldier in the Special Rescue Tactical Unit (669), killed last night in battle in northern Gaza. Sergeant Oriya Yaakov, 19, a soldier in Battalion 614, killed yesterday in battle in northern Gaza. Additionally, the IDF announced that 4 soldiers were seriously injured during fighting in the Gaza Strip. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The tragic incident in which two IDF officers and eight soldiers lost their lives on Tuesday occurred in the kasbah of Shujaiyya on the outskirts of Gaza City, one of the densest areas of the Gaza Strip and rife with terror targets. Golani soldiers entered a building complex of three adjacent buildings and a yard from two directions and found an underground tunnel shaft inside the complex. Terrorists hiding in the complex suddenly detonated an explosive device and then opened fire on the soldiers with M-16 rifles and threw grenades at them, killing four of them. Fearing that the terrorists would try to kidnap soldiers via the underground tunnel, nearby IDF commanders were deployed to lead additional forces to rescue the soldiers, with several forces surrounding the complex from all sides. Golani commander Col. Yitzchak Ben Basat, Hyd, and a soldier fell into an ambush and were killed by the terrorists, who continued shooting, hurling grenades, and detonating explosives. Two soldiers from the 669 Rescue Unit tried to break open a door of the complex, which turned out to be booby-trapped, and the resulting explosion killed them. Meanwhile, terrorists fired at the complex from nearby buildings, including a Matador missile which resulted in the deaths of the commander of Golanis 13th Battalion, Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, Hyd, and one of his soldiers. Other IDF commanders then isolated the area to rescue and treat the casualties. The Air Force illuminated the area with flares as terrorists continued to open fire. Golani soldiers eventually entered the building after blasting a hole in the wall with a missile and found the bodies of the four soldiers who were killed in the first blast. A rescue helicopter evacuated the dead and wounded soldiers. The Golani Brigade issued a statement on Wednesday morning saying: During searches to clear buildings in the heart of the kasbah of Shujaiyya, which is a very dense area and full of terror targets, a powerful explosion occurred in one of the buildings and several soldiers were injured. Another force led by commanders entered the buildings to rescue the soldiers and another explosion occurred inside the building. A third force went around the side to reach the building and a third explosion occurred. The 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade was at the peak of its mission of clearing the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure against one of the most dangerous terror battalions in the Gaza Strip, the statement concluded. The incident began at about 4 p.m. and lasted about three hours. The IDF said that the immediate response of the senior commanders prevented incidents of friendly fire and thwarted an even more severe outcome. Col. Ben Basat, 44, Hyd is the most senior IDF officer to fall in the ground operation in Gaza. Several hours after the deaths of the forces were announced, the IDF published a video of Golani soldiers in battles in Shujaiyya: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemens Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, a U.S. official said. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. The ship that was targeted, the oil and chemical tanker Marshall Islands-flagged Ardmore Encounter, was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel had been coming from India and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. Ardmore Shipping Corp., which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack. No one boarded the vessel and all crew members are safe and accounted for, the statement said. The vessel remains fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board. It added: Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required. Ardmore Shipping traded slight up early Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange to $13.64 a share. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported an incident in the same area of the Ardmore Encounter. It also reported an incident occurring off the coast of Oman. The recent rebel assaults expand a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into apparently now striking those that have no clear ties to Israel. That potentially imperils cargo and energy shipments coming through the Suez Canal and further widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war now raging in the Gaza Strip. On Monday night, a missile also fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. There was no immediate link found between the Ardmore Encounter and Israel. Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between the rebels and Saudi-backed forces. France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones have headed toward their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to insist the ships do not have links to their country. Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually. In November, Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemens exiled government has held for months despite that countrys long war. Thats raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces could reignite those tensions in the Arab worlds poorest nation. In 2016, the U.S. launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at U.S. Navy ships at the time. (AP) Two Hamas-supporting protesters threatened to kill Jews leaving a Chanukah event held at the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. on Tuesday evening. Israeli Ambassador Mike Herzog hosted the event, which was attended by senior Biden administration officials, including National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby and Attorney-General Merrick Garland. Jonathan Allen, who attended the event, posted a video of the protesters accosting him, waving a Palestinian flag at him and yelling: Occupiers, occupiers. We will kill you all, occupiers. Allen added that family members of hostages who attended the ceremony could hear the protesters yelling murderers outside as they lit the menorah. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) An IDF investigation revealed that Hamas terrorists murdered officers and female surveillance soldiers at the Nachal Oz base on October 7th with toxic gas, Channel 12 News reported on Tuesday evening. Fifteen surveillance soldiers and three officers lost their lives that day and six were taken hostage. There were only six survivors five officers and one surveillance soldier. The families were informed of the results of the investigation in recent days. The investigation showed that when the terrorists arrived at the base, they stood at the entrance of the building that housed the command room and threw deadly incendiary material inside. The substance, which was not identified, causes suffocation and loss of consciousness within minutes. One of the officers tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher but the fire spread quickly, an officer told the families, adding that the vile murderers used the poisonous gas in the kibbutzim as well. According to the professional opinion of an investigator, the officer told the families, the terrorists set fire to materials that ignited and spread materials that contain toxic gases that cause suffocation within a few minutes or even less. Smoke began entering the command room, where most of the soldiers and officers were hiding after the infiltration of the terrorists. The soldiers soaked papers in water and tried to use them to block the smoke to no avail. There were 22 people in the small command room and they began to suffocate. Some of the officers and soldiers succeeded in leaving the room and began to feel their way out of the building while coughing and gasping for breath. The few survivors said later that they felt that they were stepping on people who collapsed. Some of them tried to lift them with the last of their strength and call their names as they moved toward the door. But they were in survival mode and were trying to figure out how to save themselves. But when they reached the door of the building, they couldnt open it or even get near it as it was on fire. One of the officers managed to reach a nearby bathroom. He climbed in and broke the window and helped five other officers and one surveillance soldier to climb out. The same officer tried to break another window and the last survivor managed to escape, the officer said. One of the officers then climbed back inside the bathroom. He yelled out but no one answered. The officer climbed back out and the seven survivors hid outside and were eventually rescued. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) BP last night concluded former chief executive Bernard Looney was guilty of serious misconduct after a scandal over past relationships with colleagues. The oil giants board led by industry veteran Helge Lund decided to strip Looney of 32million in pay and bonuses. Looney quit in September after the scandal first erupted. It marks a stunning fall from grace for the globe-trotting executive who launched his tenure of BP in 2020 with a plan to reinvent it for the net-zero age and whose fortunes now lies in tatters. The scandal centres on a probe launched last year by the BP board into claims about Looney from an anonymous source. Serious misconduct: Shell's board, led by industry veteran Helge Lund, decided to strip former chief exec Bernard Looney (pictured) of 32m in pay and bonuses Looney at the time gave assurances about his past relationships with company colleagues and his future behaviour, BP said. But in September this year, following further similar allegations, it launched a fresh investigation and Looney informed the company that he had not been fully transparent in those assurances. BP said: Following careful consideration, the board has concluded that, in providing inaccurate and incomplete assurances in July 2022, Looney knowingly misled the board. The board has determined that this amounts to serious misconduct. BP said Looneys lawyers had been informed of the decision on his pay. A spokesman for the former boss did not immediately comment. The cost of the scandal to the former oil boss dwarfs the sums that have been stripped from other toppled UK bosses. Dame Alison Rose missed out on 7.6million after she quit NatWest in the wake of a de-banking row with Nigel Farage. And Barclays last year froze around 22million in bonuses for its former boss Jes Staley, who is embroiled in an investigation into his links to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In the US the sums involved in such cases have been bigger. Former NBC Universal boss Jeff Shell missed out on a 34million stock award after being fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a CNBC presenter. And Steve Easterbrook, the British former chief executive of McDonalds, handed back 84million in severance pay after he was fired in a probe over his relationships with employees. The 32million being stripped from Looney includes a series of share awards worth up to 27million. He will also miss out on 1.3million in salary and pension allowance for the balance of his notice period and an annual bonus for this year worth up to 3.3million. In addition, BP is clawing back previously paid out bonuses worth more than 900,000. That reflects the boards decision that Looney should not retain any bonuses relating to service following the date of the misleading assurances he gave to the board. Looneys departure has thrown the company into turmoil at a time when it had been reinventing itself with a plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and invest billions in renewable energy and low carbon power. But earlier this year it scaled back plans to reduce its oil and gas production. Interim chief executive Murray Auchincloss, who has stepped in as BP searches for a permanent new boss, has insisted that its drive to go green remains on track, saying one person leaving does not change the strategy. In October, BP reported a 60 per cent fall in third-quarter profits amid falling oil prices. Auchincloss dismissed speculation that it could become a takeover target. Looney grew up on a farm in Ireland and joined BP as a drill engineer in 1991. As he rose the ranks he worked across the companys global operations including in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, Vietnam and the North Sea. He divorced his wife of two years, Jacqueline Hurst, shortly before he became chief executive at the oil giant. She reportedly later claimed that he dumped her via WhatsApp. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $246.77. Several equities research analysts have commented on AJG shares. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Argus boosted their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $232.00 to $264.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Raymond James downgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $238.00 to $251.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $262.00 to $266.00 in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AJG Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 11,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $247.22, for a total value of $2,917,196.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 117,942 shares in the company, valued at $29,157,621.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 11,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $247.22, for a total value of $2,917,196.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 117,942 shares in the company, valued at $29,157,621.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, VP William F. Ziebell sold 20,067 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $241.22, for a total transaction of $4,840,561.74. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 35,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,497,698.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 70,838 shares of company stock valued at $16,846,022. Company insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AJG. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 175.6% during the third quarter. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC now owns 113 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 89.9% during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 131 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. 81.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance Shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock opened at $247.48 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $240.32 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $227.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.69. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a one year low of $174.45 and a one year high of $254.00. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The financial services provider reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.43 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 18.46% and a net margin of 11.76%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 21.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.72 EPS. Analysts forecast that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 8.79 EPS for the current year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.89%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.15%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party property/casualty claims settlement and administration services to businesses and organizations worldwide. It operates in Brokerage and Risk Management segments. The Brokerage segment offers retail and wholesale insurance and reinsurance brokerage services; assists retail brokers and other non-affiliated brokers in the placement of specialized and hard-to-place insurance; and acts as a brokerage wholesaler, managing general agent, and managing general underwriter for distributing specialized insurance coverages to underwriting enterprises. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A. O. Smith Co. (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the eight analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have assigned a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $74.38. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of A. O. Smith in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup upped their price target on A. O. Smith from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Northcoast Research upgraded A. O. Smith from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $90.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reissued a hold rating and set a $80.00 price objective on shares of A. O. Smith in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Get A. O. Smith alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on A. O. Smith A. O. Smith Trading Up 1.9 % AOS stock opened at $79.49 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. A. O. Smith has a 12-month low of $55.41 and a 12-month high of $80.03. The stock has a market cap of $11.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.75, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.25. The businesss 50-day moving average is $72.37 and its 200 day moving average is $71.15. A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The industrial products company reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.11. A. O. Smith had a return on equity of 30.76% and a net margin of 7.87%. The company had revenue of $937.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $910.81 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.69 EPS. A. O. Smiths revenue was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that A. O. Smith will post 3.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. A. O. Smith Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 31st were given a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.61%. This is a positive change from A. O. Smiths previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 30th. A. O. Smiths dividend payout ratio is presently 64.00%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Ajita G. Rajendra sold 3,978 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.23, for a total value of $287,330.94. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 56,951 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,113,570.73. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, Director Ajita G. Rajendra sold 3,978 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.23, for a total transaction of $287,330.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 56,951 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,113,570.73. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Ajita G. Rajendra sold 53,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.39, for a total value of $3,845,718.75. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 56,951 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,122,682.89. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 133,725 shares of company stock worth $9,686,543. Company insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of A. O. Smith Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Addison Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 93.6% during the first quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 457 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares during the period. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in shares of A. O. Smith in the 2nd quarter valued at about $38,000. Artemis Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of A. O. Smith in the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of A. O. Smith by 628.0% in the 3rd quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 597 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 515 shares during the period. Finally, West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of A. O. Smith in the 2nd quarter valued at about $55,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.48% of the companys stock. About A. O. Smith (Get Free Report A. O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas, heat pump and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. It operates through two segments, North America and Rest of World. The company offers water heaters for residences, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, laundries, car washes, and small businesses; commercial boilers for hospitals, schools, hotels, and other large commercial buildings, as well as residential boilers for homes, apartments, and condominiums; and water treatment products comprising point-of-entry water softeners, well water solutions, and whole-home water filtration products, on-the-go filtration bottles, point-of-use carbon, and reverse osmosis products for residences, restaurants, hotels, and offices. Read More Receive News & Ratings for A. O. Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A. O. Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Humankind Investments LLC raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 12.5% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 10,034 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,117 shares during the quarter. Humankind Investments LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $428,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in WFC. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 4,664,647 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $174,365,000 after purchasing an additional 58,249 shares during the period. Pegasus Partners Ltd. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at $226,000. Caxton Associates LP acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter valued at $4,967,000. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 8,260.6% during the second quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 1,781,638 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $76,040,000 after acquiring an additional 1,760,328 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cynosure Management LLC grew its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 94.3% during the second quarter. Cynosure Management LLC now owns 153,455 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,549,000 after acquiring an additional 74,460 shares during the last quarter. 72.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Insider Activity at Wells Fargo & Company In related news, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $41.22 per share, for a total transaction of $144,270.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 4,244 shares in the company, valued at $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wells Fargo & Company Trading Up 1.1 % NYSE:WFC opened at $46.49 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $41.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $42.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $168.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.18. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $35.25 and a 1-year high of $48.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $20.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.09 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.06% and a return on equity of 11.18%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.30 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current year. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.01%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is 30.24%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth WFC has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong 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 $48.84. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WFC 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria) said one of its subsidiaries, Binyah, has been awarded a contract worth SAR532 million ($142 million) by Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), for the implementation of excavation works at the mega Saudi development. The project scope includes excavation and other related works at car parking areas A and B of the Diriyah development, said Al Akaria in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul. Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund) is also involved in the transaction, it stated. Binyah Company, which is 60% owned by Al Akaria, is one of the national companies specialized in implementing infrastructure development works. It has expertise in construction of roads, bridges and tunnels as well as laying of oil and gas pipelines, sewage stations and main lines for water distribution.-TradeArabia News Service GENEVA, Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ -- Today at the Global Refugee Forum, we reaffirm our commitment to alleviate human suffering and serve humanity. We stand with refugee children and adolescents everywhere. We will steadfastly continue to work with all our partners and invest in a quality education that provides knowledge, skills, mental health and psychosocial support, school meals, water and sanitation, as well as protection. Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, is pledging to invest at least US$500 million in refugee education over the next four years, contingent upon ECW raising at least US$1.5 billion for its new Strategic Plan. As part of this commitment, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, is pledging to invest at least US$500 million in refugee education over the next four years, contingent upon ECW raising at least US$1.5 billion for its new Strategic Plan. By doing so, ECW will reach 5 million refugees worldwide. ECW's support will be geared towards addressing the most immediate and urgent needs through temporary education programmes as well as supporting long-term stability through inclusion of refugees and refugee teachers in national education systems, in ways that respect their diverse needs, abilities and capacities. We cannot do it alone. To build on this work, the Government of Denmark has committed an additional DKK40 million (approximately US$6 million) towards Education Cannot Wait's investments in Niger. The Government of Japan is also announcing a US$3 million grant that will help provide safe and protective learning environments for children that have been forcibly displaced in the war in Ukraine. We welcome Japan as a G7 leader to the ECW family, and look forward to strengthened collaboration and support in the years to come. Together with other contributions by our strategic donors, and through working with government partners, UN partners such as UNHCR and other UN agencies, civil society and other key stakeholders, ECW will mobilize a total of US$1.5 billion by 2026, allowing us to reach 20 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents through our holistic education investments. Story continues This is a crisis that impacts us all. The global level of forced displacement is reaching all-time highs. The number of people forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict and climate-induced disasters has increased every year over the past decade to roughly 115 million people today. That's more than the total populations of Canada, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland combined. Together with all our partners, ECW must act with speed and agility to restore education as quickly as possible for refugee children and adolescents, to minimize learning losses and restore a sense of normalcy for girls and boys whose lives have been torn apart by armed conflicts, persecution and climate-induced disasters. This is what we did as South Sudanese refugees arrived in Uganda, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Venezuelan refugees in Colombia. This is what we are doing in response to the brutal conflict in Sudan. Through our First Emergency Responses, we jointly provide education to refugee children and adolescents uprooted by the war, and their host communities in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. At the same time, it is critically important to ensure that refugees, including refugee teachers, are included in national education systems and that we ensure sustainability. Together with our partners, we work closely with refugee-hosting countries such as Chad, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, Lebanon, and many others to help develop policies and frameworks that support and facilitate inclusion, while also alleviating the pressure on national education systems by making additional investments in the formal sector. In delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG4 the foundation of all sustainable development goals we are committed to advancing inclusion across all our investments. To bridge the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, our multi-year investments connect immediate humanitarian response plans with medium and long-term national sector strategies. Ultimately, refugee inclusion is not only an opportunity to strengthen national education systems for refugees and host community children and adolescents. It is an opportunity to ignite change through empowering those whose extraordinary resilience will help all of us to advance human evolution in science, technology, medicine and the arts, just to mention a few. The greatest minds and souls are to be found in refugees and those who have offered them refuge. Since operations commenced in 2017, almost one-third of the children ECW has reached are refugees. We will not stop. As a member of the Leadership Group and a longstanding partner of UNHCR, we wholeheartedly support the multi-stakeholder pledge made at this year's Global Refugee Forum, along with the various thematic pledges that have been developed under the auspices of the Education Alliance including pledges towards early childhood development, education in emergencies, gender, mental health and psychosocial support, secondary education and teachers. With our own individual pledge, we are coming in strongly behind the education mega-pledge issued during the Global Refugee Forum, articulating what we as ECW can and will do to help achieve our shared vision. To make good on the commitments outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other binding international accords, world leaders must step up to do more for the world's refugee children and adolescents. Their only dream is a safe place to call home, their only hope is an education. And our own hope lies with them. (PRNewsfoto/Education Cannot Wait) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/action-unity-impact-global-refugee-forum-statement-by-ecw-executive-director-yasmine-sherif-302014539.html SOURCE Education Cannot Wait Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2023/13/c0864.html Hook Mill Capital Partners LP trimmed its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL Free Report) by 44.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 55,912 shares of the companys stock after selling 44,887 shares during the quarter. Royal Caribbean Cruises comprises about 3.3% of Hook Mill Capital Partners LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Hook Mill Capital Partners LPs holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises were worth $5,800,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Front Row Advisors LLC grew its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 134.3% in the first quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 410 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the second quarter worth about $30,000. Hollencrest Capital Management grew its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 494.2% in the second quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 309 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the first quarter worth about $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.64% of the companys stock. Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Barclays dropped their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $132.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $134.00 target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Susquehanna dropped their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $120.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. TheStreet upgraded Royal Caribbean Cruises from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.93. Insider Transactions at Royal Caribbean Cruises In other news, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total transaction of $301,172.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,911,436. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Michael W. Bayley sold 7,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total value of $819,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 94,391 shares in the company, valued at $9,911,055. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total value of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,911,436. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 36,009 shares of company stock valued at $3,761,350. Corporate insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock. Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:RCL opened at $120.30 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $30.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.59 and a beta of 2.47. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a 52 week low of $47.91 and a 52 week high of $120.96. 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 of $96.88 and a 200 day moving average of $97.62. Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.43 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $4.16 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.08 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a return on equity of 34.59% and a net margin of 6.98%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.26 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 6.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Royal Caribbean Cruises Profile (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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new position in shares of Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 92,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $41,108,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. J.Safra Asset Management Corp bought a new stake in shares of Elevance Health during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 266.7% during the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Elevance Health in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. TD Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Elevance Health in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new stake in Elevance Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Institutional investors own 87.80% of the companys stock. Get Elevance Health alerts: Insider Transactions at Elevance Health In other news, CAO Ronald W. Penczek sold 64 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $454.35, for a total transaction of $29,078.40. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,842 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,291,262.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Elevance Health Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ELV opened at $483.44 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $462.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $456.10. Elevance Health, Inc. has a one year low of $412.00 and a one year high of $544.01. The firm has a market cap of $113.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.84. Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $8.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.45 by $0.54. The company had revenue of $42.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $42.69 billion. Elevance Health had a return on equity of 20.71% and a net margin of 3.61%. Elevance Healths quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $7.53 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Elevance Health, Inc. will post 33.06 EPS for the current year. Elevance Health Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 6th will be issued a dividend of $1.48 per share. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 5th. Elevance Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 23.24%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Elevance Health in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $547.00 price target on shares of Elevance Health in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Elevance Health from $585.00 to $587.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Elevance Health from $569.00 to $552.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Elevance Health currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $565.82. Get Our Latest Report on Elevance Health Elevance Health Profile (Free Report) Elevance Health, Inc operates as a health benefits company. The company operates through four segments: Commercial & Specialty Business, Government Business, CarelonRx, and Other. It supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire care journey connecting to the care, support, and resources to lead healthier lives. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ELV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Elevance Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elevance Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hook Mill Capital Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 653 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $82,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL purchased a new stake in Lennar during the second quarter worth about $37,192,000. Comerica Bank bought a new position in Lennar during the second quarter worth about $41,170,000. BOKF NA boosted its position in Lennar by 1.9% during the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 23,748 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,976,000 after purchasing an additional 454 shares during the period. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC boosted its position in Lennar by 315.2% during the second quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 18,316 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,295,000 after purchasing an additional 13,905 shares during the period. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in Lennar during the second quarter worth about $46,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.87% of the companys stock. Get Lennar alerts: Lennar Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of Lennar stock opened at $140.57 on Wednesday. Lennar Co. has a 1 year low of $87.35 and a 1 year high of $141.10. The firm has a market cap of $39.97 billion, a PE ratio of 10.42, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 6.66 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $119.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $119.64. Lennar Dividend Announcement Lennar ( NYSE:LEN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, September 15th. The construction company reported $3.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.52 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $8.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.49 billion. Lennar had a net margin of 11.66% and a return on equity of 16.22%. Lennars revenue for the quarter was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $5.18 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Lennar Co. will post 13.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were paid a dividend of $0.375 per share. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.07%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 11.12%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Lennar news, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $1,300,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,060 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,817,800. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Amy Banse bought 920 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,230.98. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $1,300,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at $4,817,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,350,896. 9.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Lennar from $136.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Lennar from $150.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Lennar in a research report on Monday, November 27th. They set a hold rating and a $117.00 target price for the company. Wedbush restated a neutral rating and issued a $123.00 price objective on shares of Lennar in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Lennar from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lennar currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $134.72. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennar About Lennar (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alamar Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 16,150 shares of the specialty retailers stock, valued at approximately $2,021,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma during the second quarter worth $3,662,000. SFE Investment Counsel raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 7.6% during the second quarter. SFE Investment Counsel now owns 32,903 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $4,117,000 after acquiring an additional 2,331 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 26.2% during the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 30,954 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,766,000 after acquiring an additional 6,424 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 3.2% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,142,272 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $142,944,000 after acquiring an additional 35,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 12.5% during the first quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 2,892 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $352,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.76% of the companys stock. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Williams-Sonoma Trading Up 1.3 % WSM stock traded up $2.40 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $192.01. 68,118 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,047,042. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $167.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of $145.54. The company has a market capitalization of $12.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.60. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a twelve month low of $109.44 and a twelve month high of $199.32. Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend Williams-Sonoma ( NYSE:WSM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 16th. The specialty retailer reported $3.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.34 by $0.32. The company had revenue of $1.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.95 billion. Williams-Sonoma had a return on equity of 59.65% and a net margin of 11.99%. Equities analysts predict that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 14.49 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 20th were issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. Williams-Sonomas payout ratio is 24.98%. Insider Buying and Selling at Williams-Sonoma In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 100,000 shares of Williams-Sonoma stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $15,000,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 565,835 shares in the company, valued at $84,875,250. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 100,000 shares of Williams-Sonoma stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $15,000,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 565,835 shares in the company, valued at $84,875,250. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Karalyn Smith sold 1,945 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.85, for a total transaction of $349,808.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,240 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,302,114. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 127,319 shares of company stock valued at $19,400,492. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have weighed in on WSM. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $120.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 24th. Barclays raised their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $115.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Evercore ISI raised their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Williams-Sonoma from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $154.31. View Our Latest Stock Report on Williams-Sonoma Williams-Sonoma Company Profile (Free Report) Williams-Sonoma, Inc operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Williams-Sonoma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams-Sonoma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CTC Alternative Strategies Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 900 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $414,000. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of LMT. Lee Financial Co raised its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 367.6% during the 1st quarter. Lee Financial Co now owns 477 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $210,000 after acquiring an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 240.0% during the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 4,124 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,821,000 after buying an additional 2,911 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 56.8% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 23,153 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $9,995,000 after buying an additional 8,389 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 18.4% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 28,807 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $12,716,000 after buying an additional 4,472 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 107,366 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $47,391,000 after buying an additional 18,201 shares during the period. 74.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Price Performance Shares of LMT stock opened at $451.62 on Wednesday. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 1-year low of $393.77 and a 1-year high of $508.10. The stocks 50-day moving average is $443.49 and its 200 day moving average is $445.44. The company has a market cap of $112.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.50, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $16.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 75.46% and a net margin of 10.29%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $6.87 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a $3.15 dividend. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This is an increase from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.04%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently weighed in on LMT. UBS Group assumed coverage on Lockheed Martin in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a neutral rating and a $470.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Citigroup reduced their target price on Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a hold rating and a $435.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $484.07. View Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Bloomberg) -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s cloud unit has lost another senior executive, as the struggling division contemplates its future after canning a spinoff and IPO. Most Read from Bloomberg Chief Commercial Officer Cai Yinghua has left the company, people familiar with the matter said. It wasnt clear why he departed but the exit coincided with an internal reshuffle, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing a private move. An Alibaba spokesperson didnt have immediate comment when asked about Cais departure, which was first reported by local outlet 36kr. Chinas e-commerce pioneer last month declared its backtracking on plans to hive off the $11 billion business and list it on public markets. That unnerved investors already concerned about slowing topline growth at a business that once drove the broader company and underpins Alibabas AI initiatives. Days later, it began overhauling the units leadership, appointing three new executives to head up major business lines. Those appointments foreshadow a wider restructuring aimed at reviving the fortunes of a Chinese icon that stalled during a broader tech-sector crackdown. Read More: Jack Ma Returns to Rally Troops as Alibabas Troubles Deepen Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. OLDWICK, N.J., December 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "a+" (Excellent) of the insurance subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. (SICO) (Switzerland), a private investment holding company. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. These rating actions apply to the members of Starr International Group (SIG) and Starr Insurance & Reinsurance Limited (SIRL) (Bermuda). The ratings of the members of SIG reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their adequate operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Members of SIG include Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company and Starr Specialty Insurance Company. These companies are all domiciled in Dallas, TX. The ratings of SIRL and its members reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their adequate operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate ERM. Members of SIRL include Starr Property & Casualty Insurance (China) Company, Limited; Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited (Hong Kong); Starr International Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd; Starr International (Europe) Limited (United Kingdom); Starr International Insurance (Switzerland) AG (Switzerland) and Starr Europe Insurance Limited (Malta). The operations of SIG and SIRL support a business profile that is well-diversified internationally and by product exposures. The groups continue to report strong growth trends in their key markets. Overall underwriting results are in line with the commercial casualty composite five-year average combined ratio. The groups have sustained the strongest levels of risk-adjusted capitalization on a consolidated and per-entity basis, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which is further supported by favorable liquidity metrics. AM Best also notes that each group maintains above-average allocations to alternative asset classes, relative to composite peers, including private equity and debt funds, real estate funds and hedge funds, which are managed by affiliated investment management companies using external asset managers. Story continues This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213622255/en/ Contacts Michael Venezia Senior Financial Analyst +1 908 882 2414 michael.venezia@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Erik Miller Director +1 908 882 2120 erik.miller@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com FILE PHOTO: Starbucks logo is seen at a Starbucks coffee shop in Jundiai SAO PAULO (Reuters) -A Sao Paulo judge on Tuesday approved bankruptcy protection for SouthRock Capital, which runs all Starbucks coffee shops and TGI Fridays restaurants in Brazil, according to a court filing. SouthRock had filed for protection from creditors in late October. SouthRock said in a statement that with the approval, it will continue to restructure operations with the aim of protecting employees and customers, while it intends to keep operating stores as normal. The bankruptcy protection process includes its Starbucks and TGI Fridays stores, as well as some restaurants located in airports, SouthRock later said. Stores from sandwich-maker Subway and Italian food chain Eataly, brands also exclusively operated by SouthRock in Brazil, are not part of the bankruptcy protection, SouthRock added. The firm operates about 140 Starbucks stores in Brazil and nine TGI Fridays, according to a list of restaurants on its website. In a statement, Starbucks said SouthRock directly manages and operates store development, retail operations, supply chain and staffing across Brazil. "As a brand with a presence around the world, we have active and ongoing conversations with our licensed operators as a regular course of business," Starbucks said, adding it does not disclose the content of its discussions. TGI Fridays did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Andre Romani, Patricia Vilas Boas and Paula Arend Laier; Editing by David Gregorio) [December 13, 2023] Denodo Concludes the Largest Worldwide DataFest Events Focusing on the Importance of Cloud, Generative AI, and Logical Data Management Tweet Denodo, a leader in data management, recently concluded its largest worldwide DataFest events to date which, in aggregate, attracted a record number of data experts from more than 15 countries. Taking place in Singapore, Japan, Boston, and Barcelona, Denodo DataFest unveiled the latest innovations to the Denodo Platform including natural language queries with OpenAI, embedded MPP based on Presto, security policy engine, and AI-based smart query acceleration. Denodo customers presented how they successfully deployed advanced architectures such as data fabric and data mesh, using a logical approach, for faster time-to-decision, including NEC Corp., Telefonica, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia Stock Exchange, ING Bank, Mint Mobile, Estes Express Lines, CITY Furniture, TPG, DaVita, Hitachi Vantara, S&P Global, Engie, and Vueling. Concurrent to this event, the Company also announced the $336 million Series B transaction that further validated Denodo's position in the market and its unique and disruptive logical approach to data management. Generative AI (GenAI) and cloud native architecture was front and center in many sessions including the keynotes delivered by Alberto Pan, Denodo CTO and EVP, Mike Ferguson, Managing Director of Intelligent Business Strategies, Charlie Dai, Vice President of Forrester Research, Sanjeev Mohan, former Gartner VP and Principal at SanjMo and Neil Ward-Dutton, VP of IDC Europe. The theme carried over into sessions from partners such as AWS, Microsoft, Google and Accenture. Tim Meehan, Chair of Technical Steering Committee at Presto Foundation delivered a session discussing Presto's roadmap while Selina Yuan, President at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International unveiled the news of the recently formed partnership between Alibaba Cloud and Denodo. "I was thrilled to deliver the analyst keynote at Denodo DataFest and share how enterprise intelligence helps to improve business outcomes," said Neil Ward-Dutton, VP, AI and Intelligent Process Automation European Practices, IDC Europe. "I, and some of my colleagues, have been observing the impact of logical data management in unlocking the fullest potential of enterprise intelligence and Denodo DataFest was the perfect gathering to learn about how logical data managementis influencing the future of data and analytics, and listen to a wide range of thought leadership discussions and presentations." Now in its fifth year, the prestigious Denodo Data Innovation Awards, which recognizes the most innovative use cases of logical data integration and management, acknowledged eight customers for their outstanding achievement and their use of Denodo to support data and analytics use cases and resulting business impact. These included: North America Winner: Texas State Technical College (TSTC), a public community college with innovative funding structure, for their ongoing expansion and growth initiative. Finalist: Estes Express Lines, America's top private freight transportation company, for their logistic optimization and customer satisfaction use case. Finalist: Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm, for their digital transformation effort. APAC Winner: Indonesia Stock Exchange, the sole stock exchange of Indonesia, for their innovating market data distribution use case. Finalist: Capricorn Society, Australia's largest automotive cooperative, was designated as a finalist for their innovation with analytics Center of Excellence use case. EMEA Winner: Landsbankinn, the largest bank in Iceland, for their data mesh implementation use case. Winner: Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Africa, for their market infrastructure for exchange services use case. Finalist: Raiffeisen Bank International, one of the leading banks in Austria offering Europe's largest loan program for scale-ups, for their self-service BI use case. "We were thrilled to be able to share our data innovation story and share how Denodo fueled our ongoing expansion and growth at Denodo DataFest 2023 in Boston," said Lydia Hamblin, Applied Research Scientist and George Makhiya, Executive Vice President for Data & Analytics, TSTC. "As one of the rare statewide Workforce-centric Technical Colleges in the US, we boast a unique funding formula based on graduates' successful placement in high-earning fields and are on a mission to place more Texans in great paying jobs. Denodo DataFest was a fantastic opportunity for us to learn from like-minded peers and share our perspective on next generation data management best practices." In parallel with Denodo DataFest, Denodo also hosted two half-day long Partner Summits, which were designed to help Denodo partners accelerate their data and analytics business by delivering on the hottest trends and solution plays leveraging logical data management. These thought leadership focused summits allowed Denodo partners to network, learn and share partner strategies, discuss effective sales positioning, and hear the latest updates to the partner program and enablement. Events of such scale and reach were only made possible by Denodo's global partner network and sponsors which included Hitachi, NS Solutions, NSW, Zeal, Wingark1st, Amplifi, Twenty20, Mainline, W5, Data Sentinel, Orion Innovation, IQZ, Carahsoft, Aligned Automation, BDO, CDW, Accenture, Minsalt, FastCube, BITanium, Axians, NTTData, Miriade, Connected Data Group, GFT, Mannai Corp. and Square Services. "CDW recently attended the Denodo Partner Summit at DataFest, which brought hundreds of Denodo customers and partners together to discuss the future of data management," said Paul Zajdel, vice president of data and analytics for CDW. "At DataFest we connected with Denodo's executive team to continue strengthening our partnership and explore ways to best serve our mutual customers. We also had the opportunity to engage with existing and prospective customers and continue our conversation around how - together with Denodo - CDW can help solve the puzzle of their data." Following the success of Denodo DataFest, the organization is thrilled to announce The Best of Denodo DataFest, a virtual event that features the top sessions from each of these events. To attend the virtual event, please register here. Please tweet: #DataManagement leader Denodo announce the winners of 5th annual Data Innovation Awards During #DataFest 2023. Audience votes named @TSTCproud, @ IDX_BEI, @landsbankinn and Johannesburg Stock Exchange winners for their innovative use cases About Denodo Denodo is a leader in data management. The award-winning Denodo Platform is the leading data integration, management, and delivery platform using a logical approach to enable self-service BI, data science, hybrid/multi-cloud data integration, and enterprise data services. Realizing more than 400% ROI and millions of dollars in benefits, Denodo's customers across large enterprises and mid-market companies in 30+ industries have received payback in less than 6 months. For more information, visit www.denodo.com or call +1 877 556 2531 (US) / +44 (0) 20 7869 8053 (UK) / +65 6950 7489 (Singapore). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213970032/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Steve Roberts Joins Alliant Insurance Services Amid Continued Mississippi Growth and Expansion Alliant Insurance Services continues to expand its presence in the Mississippi market with the addition of Steve Roberts as Senior Vice President within its Alliant Americas division. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Roberts will provide tailored property and casualty insurance solutions to a growing regional client base. An insurance industry veteran, Roberts joins Alliant with a long history of success in the state of Mississippi. His extensive background includes time as an underwriter, agency owner, and producer, which he will leverage to assist Alliant in continuing its growth in the region. "Steve has deep roots in the local community and experience diversifying and growing businesses," said Bob Bennetsen, Executive Vice Pesident and Senior Managing Director with Alliant. "He understands the ever-changing risk climate that faces clients today and works closely with leadership to implement successful, long-term strategic plans for growth." In addition to his extensive experience as a producer, Roberts previously owned and operated a Louisville, Mississippi-based commercial insurance agency. He holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University. Roberts can be reached at [email protected]. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nation's leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit us at alliant.com. #TheMoreRewardingWay View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213426429/en/ [December 12, 2023] Lendo Secures $28M in Series B Funding Led by Sanabil Investments, Gears Up for IPO Tweet RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lendo , a Saudi Arabia-based shariah-compliant debt crowdfunding marketplace, has raised SAR 105 million ($28 million) in Series B funding led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly-owned company by the Public Investment Fund ("PIF"). The round saw participation from Shorooq Partners, AB Ventures and other investors. Lendo is a shariah-compliant, debt crowdfunding marketplace that helps pre-finance outstanding invoices for businesses in Saudi Arabia. The platform is a community of creditworthy borrowers and sophisticated investors looking for alternative investments. The platform is licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Lendo will use the funds to suppot its fast-growing customer base in Saudi Arabia which has grown 3X year-on-year, introduce more innovative financing products, and accelerate market expansion plans. "With this funding round, we are going to expand into new markets, support new and current customers and launch new Shariah-compliant products, all the while continuing to innovate the marketplace for digital lending. We are going to make financial services more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone. I am excited to see what the future holds for our company," said Osama Alraee, CEO, and co-founder of Lendo, who also disclosed its plans for an IPO within the next few years. Alraee has also expressed his gratitude to SAMA (Saudi Central Bank), Fintech Saudi, MCIT, Misk, and Monshaat for their unwavering support, emphasizing the pivotal role they have played in advancing financial inclusivity and fostering innovation in partnership with Lendo to reshape the financial landscape. Their dedicated efforts in advancing financial inclusivity and fostering innovation have been invaluable to us. We greatly appreciate their partnership in our mission to transform the financial landscape. "The growing demand for alternative, agile, and accessible lending solutions presents a significant opportunity. At Lendo, we are well-positioned to lead the charge in promoting financial inclusion not only in Saudi Arabia but also beyond. By fueling SME growth, we aim to contribute to the realization of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic goals and to create a ripple effect of opportunity throughout the MENA region," said Mohamed Jawabri, COO, and co-Founder of Lendo. For the full press release, please visit Lendo News page View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendo-secures-28m-in-series-b-funding-led-by-sanabil-investments-gears-up-for-ipo-302013320.html SOURCE Lendo [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Brazil's Planning and Budget Minister Simone Tebet attends a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's government has spearheaded an effort to raise $10 billion from multilateral and development banks to fund infrastructure projects to advance South American integration, seeking enhanced trade and reduced transportation time to Asia. Brazilian development bank BNDES is expected to allocate $3 billion within this effort, primarily for funding projects that Brazilian states and municipalities propose to connect to this network, the Planning Ministry said on Tuesday. Simultaneously, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will contribute $3.4 billion, the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) will provide $3 billion, and regional fund Fonplata will give $600 million for funding countries in the region. "We want other banks to join later, such as the World Bank and the New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS," said Planning Minister Simone Tebet. Resources from these banks will be channeled into a fund whose governance is still under development. According to the minister, the initiative emerged from a mapping exercise conducted by the federal government in collaboration with the 11 Brazilian states bordering neighboring countries, which identified 124 projects within the country deemed essential for five integration routes in the region. Tebet said these routes hold the potential to be completed by 2027. The minister said federal funding was already earmarked for these projects, which were part of the portfolio of 9,200 projects under Brazil's Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). However, the resources from the pool of institutions will be directed toward enabling neighboring countries to connect their logistics infrastructure network to these points. "Brazil is accustomed, through the Atlantic, to focus on coastal states targeting Europe. Now, with this open market in Asia, it is evident by numbers and mileage that the easiest route is through the Pacific," Tebet said, estimating that once the routes are completed, the potential time savings in transportation to Asia could reach up to 20 days. She added that, while the potential is significant, there is no estimate of how much Brazil's trade flow could grow from these initiatives. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Leslie Adler) [December 12, 2023] Grasshopper Asset Management launches first fund, the Grasshopper Global Multi-Asset Income Plus Growth Fund Tweet SINGAPORE, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grasshopper Asset Management, a MAS-regulated fund management firm and the asset management arm of Grasshopper Asia, a leading Asian market-maker and liquidity provider headquartered in Singapore, today announced the launch of its first fund, the Grasshopper Global Multi-Asset Income Plus Growth Fund. The Grasshopper Global Multi-Asset Income Plus Growth Fund is a Singapore-VCC registered structure, which aims to serve high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), family offices and institutional investors. The Fund blends a traditional multi-asset strategy with up to 30% allocation to Grasshopper's low-latency, proprietary trading strategies. It aims to deliver low to mid-double-digit returns and low correlation to the general market, with a Sharpe ratio of around 3. The Fund will be managed by Daniel Tan, Director, Portfolio Manager at Grasshopper Asset Management, who joined the firm in January 2023. Prior to joining Grasshopper Asset Management, Daniel was Chief Investment Officer of JMC Capital Asset Management's Singapore office, where he managed multi-asset andfixed-income long-short strategies with currency overlay. "Over the last 17 years we have invested in the best trading talent and technology to build Grasshopper into an Asian trading powerhouse in global markets," said James Leong, Chief Executive Officer, Grasshopper Asia. "The Grasshopper Global Multi-Asset Income Plus Growth Fund enables us to open our strategies to investors in a way that blends the benefits of a traditional multi-asset fund with outstanding trading performance." "Grasshopper Asset Management is bringing a differentiated investment strategy to the market, which we believe will appeal to our target clientele of HNWI, UHNWI, family offices and institutional investors," said Raino Saari, Executive Director, Grasshopper Asset Management. Grasshopper Asia's low-latency, proprietary trading strategies have delivered over 200 consecutive months of profitable trading and have typically performed well during periods of market volatility. The firm now trades in 7 markets across 5 countries in futures and equities and is a designated market-maker on SGX. About Grasshopper Asia Grasshopper Asia is a leading Singaporean proprietary trading firm and market maker, providing liquidity in global markets. With nearly two decades of consistency and profitability Grasshopper Asia's cutting-edge in-house technology puts it at the forefront of developments in electronic trading. Headquartered in Singapore, Grasshopper Asia has more than 70 employees spanning trading, asset management and technology. About Grasshopper Asset Management Grasshopper Asset Management is a fund-management firm regulated by MAS, offering Grasshopper Asia Pte Ltd's diversified algorithmic trading strategies alongside portfolio managers with proven ability to extract alpha from the markets. Grasshopper Asset Management uses quantitative methods and low-latency execution to trade profitably across multiple asset classes while optimising exposure to market risk. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/grasshopper-asset-management-launches-first-fund-the-grasshopper-global-multi-asset-income-plus-growth-fund-302012552.html SOURCE Grasshopper Asset Management [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 12, 2023] Leading private equity firm SKS Capital invests in etaily in the Philippines Tweet The investment will accelerate the expansion of the e-commerce service provider in Southeast Asia TAIPEI, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading venture capital and private equity firm, SKS Capital, is announcing its strategic investment in etaily, the Philippines' leading end-to-end omni-channel e-commerce services provider. The funding round was led by SKS Capital and co-led by Singapore's Pavilion Capital. A total of USD 17.8 million was raised in this series A. etaily will use the capital to expand in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, and develop its own in-house brands. It will also invest in proprietary technology and solutions, and expand its current team. On top of the capital investment, SKS Capital, through its rich portfolio, is bringing retail groups and new brands from Korea, Japan, Mainland China and Taiwan, helping expand etaily's product categories in apparel, FMCG and beauty. SKS Capital founder Jack Chen said: "etaily serves as a pivotal e-commerce platform that allows SKS investment from Korea, Taiwan, Mainland China and Japan to enter the Philippine market. It will play a crucia part in product registration, logistics, online sales, digital marketing and offline integration." Discussions are already underway between etaily and one of the largest Korean beauty and health distributor, a recent addition to the SKS portfolio. This deal is part of SKS Capital's continuous strategic investment in the FMCG/beauty value chain, which includes consumer brands, supply chain, manufacturing, and retail channels. "Our main focus is to source potential investments in the APAC region, and to introduce the company to new markets to drive business advancement," added Chen. etaily is supported by local retail giants in the Philippines, such as Abenson, JGDEV, Landmark, and Ayala, helping them expand their online presence. In addition to digital platforms, etaily is one of a few e-commerce enablers in the Philippines that have offline distribution channels, allowing global consumer brands entering the Philippines to have one partner for both, online and offline. etaily founder Alexander Friedhoff said: "Our unique digital approach sets us apart, making etaily the architect of digital brands and retail. Today, people in the region buying something online from the leading retail and digital brands such as Crocs, Levi's, Skechers, Fila and many others - all of it is being powered by etaily's infrastructure." According to Index-Asia, the Philippines is considered one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets globally, with a CAGR of 19% from 2017 to 2025E. About SKS Capital SKS Capital, founded in 2017, is one of the first modern venture capital and private equity firms in Asia specializing in the consumer, covering: beauty & health D2C brands, F&B, distribution channels, e-commerce, beauty supply chain, and consumer enabling technologies. Learn more at https://skscapital.co/ Media contact: Yiyou Lin [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/leading-private-equity-firm-sks-capital-invests-in-etaily-in-the-philippines-302013369.html SOURCE SKS Capital [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 12, 2023] Honorable Vice President of India Inaugurates Global Resource Centre for People with Disabilities Tweet - Amazon India and Sarthak Education Trust have partnered to launch the Global Resource Center, providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and job placement services to empower people with disabilities. GURUGRAM, India, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon India and Sarthak Education Trust, a leading non-profit organization working for the cause of People with Disabilities (PwDs), have joined forces to launch the Global Resource Center (GRC). The center, which was inaugurated in the presence of Hon'ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, aims to empower people with disabilities across India. This collaboration between Amazon and Sarthak Education Trust (SET) marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and empowering world for people with disabilities. The Global Resource Center stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration, and its impact promises to resonate across the globe. Located in Gurugram, Haryana, GRC will act as a central hub, providing access to specialized training programs, assistive technologies, mentorship opportunities, and customized job placement services. The GRC will serve as a beacon of inclusivity, offering a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to the specific needs of people with disability who are Deaf and Hard of hearing (DHH), Blind low vision (BLV) or have locomotor disability. This collaboration leverages Amazon's technology expertise and Sarthak's expertise in skill development, training, and job placement for people with disabilities. "This initiative signifies a giant leap towards inclusivity," said Hon'ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. "By offering invaluable resources and opportunities to people with disabilities, the GRC reflects our nation's commitment to creating a society where everyone can contribute meaningfully. I commend corporates for their vision and dedication to fostering empowerment and embracing diversity." The GRC's impactful programs will encompass capacity building in technology, e-commerce, logistics, and beyond, ensuring that people with disabilities have the skills and support needed to thrive in the digital economy. The Rozgarsarthi app, an integral part of the program, connects candidates with disabilities with opportunities at Amazon and other organizations. Additionally, Amazon equips people with disabilities with English language skills, provides mobile devices, a monthly remuneration of up toINR 20,000 and assists with travel and accommodation. Abhinav Singh, VP of Customer Fulfilment, Amazon Transportation Services, Global Specialty Fulfilment, and Supply Chain at Amazon India, said, "The launch of the Global Resource Center marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering people with disabilities worldwide. This collaboration with Sarthak Education Trust will provide them with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in today's digital economy. We are proud to play a part in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all." The joint effort between Sarthak Education Trust and Amazon has so far collectively impacted over 15,000 people with disabilities through training of talent pool of disabled people at GRC and job creation by influencing corporates through assistance with Rozgarsarthi app. They further aim to impact close to 70,000 and 72,000 people with disabilities by 2023 and 2024, respectively. Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Sarthak further added, "Our Vision 2027 includes Empowerment of 10 Million PwDs across India, Sustainable Employment & Entrepreneurship for 0.2 Million skilled Youth with Disabilities, Expanding the CSO partner network under IDEA with 1000 partners; Supporting organizations in 50 developing countries; State-of-the-Art Global Resource Center in Gurugram and Hosting the 11th International Abilympics in India in 2027.Our strategic shift to focus on Tier 2-3 cities and in-house training aims to bridge the gap between demand and availability of skilled people with disabilities. We are determined to place 7500 people with disabilities including in Amazon India and other corporates next year, aligning with our mission of creating inclusive opportunities and empowering every individual, regardless of location." In 2022, Amazon India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to provide skilling and employment opportunities through job fairs to tens of thousands of people with disabilities across the country. The tripartite agreement between DePwD, Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) and Amazon focuses on skilling, certification, entrepreneurship and is designed to enable people with disabilities' participation in mainstream society. This is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. In addition, Amazon also signed a MoU with Thiruvananthapuram-based non-profit Sarthak Educational Trust (SET) for reducing the skill gap in employable young people with disabilities. The launch of GRC is part of the MoU signed with Sarthak Educational Trust. Earlier this year, in September 2023, Amazon India signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state governments of Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to provide skilling and employment opportunities across Amazon India's operations network including in Amazon's fulfilment centres, sortation centres and delivery stations for various roles including stowing, picking, packing, and sorting to candidates with disabilities. Recently on December 3, 2023, Amazon India was honored with the prestigious National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, awarded by the Government of India and presented by Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Honourable President of India. This esteemed recognition, bestowed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD), and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, acknowledges the company's outstanding contributions toward creating an inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities. About Amazon.in Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.in/aboutus. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/honorable-vice-president-of-india-inaugurates-global-resource-centre-for-people-with-disabilities-302013465.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Linux Operating System Market to Reach $24.25 Billion by 2032 at 12.3% CAGR: Allied Market Research Tweet The Linux operating system market is driven by major trends which include the advancements in technology that play a crucial role. As technology continually evolves, it enables the development of more sophisticated and user-friendly Linux operating system platforms. This leads to improved user experiences, better engagement, and increased adoption. NEW CASTLE, Del., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Linux Operating System Market by Application (Virtual Machines, Servers, and Desktops), and End User (Commercial and Individual): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032". According to the report, the global Linux operating system industry generated $7.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $24.3 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023 to 2032. Prime determinants of growth Linux can be customized to suit various applications, from embedded systems to supercomputers. This flexibility has made it a preferred choice in industries such as cloud computing and server infrastructure. Furthermore, Linux's robust security features have garnered attention, as it is less susceptible to malware and vulnerabilities compared to some proprietary operating systems. The community support surrounding Linux is vital too. A vast and active user base offers extensive documentation, troubleshooting, and user-driven development. This helps new users and businesses adopt Linux with confidence, knowing that assistance is readily available. The global shift toward open standards and interoperability has also fueled Linux's growth. Many organizations seek solutions that are not tied to a specific vendor, and Linux aligns well with this trend. Linux's growth can be attributed to its open-source nature, versatility, security, community support, and alignment with the growing preference for open standards. These factors have collectively propelled Linux into a prominent position in the operating system market, with a promising outlook for the future. Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/15061 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $7.8 Billion Market Size in 2032 $24.3 Billion CAGR 12.3 % No. of Pages in Report 375 Segments Covered Application, End User, and Region. Drivers Cost-Effective and Open Source Security and Stability Flexibility and Customization Opportunities Growth in adoption of cloud computing and containers is driving the demand for Linux-based solutions Restraints Lack of software capabilities User interface and ease of use Buy this Complete Report (375 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/linux-operating-system-market/purchase-options The Servers segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period By distribution model, the servers segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global Linux operating system market revenue, owing to the rise of DevOps practices and the need for seamless scaling and management of server resources have led to the increased use of Linux in microservices. However, the desktops segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 15.9% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the development of user-friendly Linux distributions with intuitive graphical interfaces. This makes Linux more accessible to a broader audience, including non-technical users. In addition, the emergence of Linux-based laptops and devices, such as Chromebooks, has expanded the reach of Linux on desktops. The commercial segment is projected to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By end user, the commercial segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global Linux operating system market revenue, due to several key factors, such as the growing demand for cloud computing services and data centers has led to increased adoption of Linux, as it provides the flexibility and scalability needed to support these services. However, the individual segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 14.1% from 2022 to 2032, owing to the rise of Linux in the field of gaming, with many game developers and platforms supporting Linux gaming. This has attracted a new demographic of users who are interested in the open-source nature of Linux and its potential for gaming performance. North America is projected to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022. The Linux operating system market in North America is witnessing several significant trends and opportunities, owing to the rise of open-source software development fostering Linux's growth. Many organizations in North America are embracing open-source principles, contributing to Linux's development and customization. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 15.1% from 2023 to 2032 and is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of Linux in both consumer and enterprise environments. Many governments and organizations across the region are recognizing the cost-efficiency, security, and customization options Linux offers. This trend is driven by the need to reduce software licensing costs and enhance data security, making Linux a preferred choice for businesses and governments alike. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/15061 Leading Market Players: - AWS Canonical Ltd. ClearCenter Dell Inc Elementary Inc. IBM Corporation Montavista Software, LLC Oracle SUSE The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players in the global Linux operating system market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion, merger, and product launches 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. AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model): AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Trending Reports in ICT & Media Industry: Cloud Computing Services Market Expected to Reach $2044.6 Billion by 2032 Virtual Event Platforms Market Expected to Reach $83.8 Billion by 2032 Demand Side Platform (DSP) System Market Expected to Reach $228.4 Billion by 2032 Cloud Data Security Market Expected to Reach $27.4 Billion by 2032 Artificial Neural Network Market Expected to Reach $1.4 Billion by 2032 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/linux-operating-system-market-to-reach-24-25-billion-by-2032-at-12-3-cagr-allied-market-research-302013474.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Volocopter Wins Over Young Hearts with First Osaka & Hyogo Flight Tweet BRUCHSAL. Germany, Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ -- Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), successfully conducted a multi-day flight test campaign (from 7 to 13 December) with a crewed 2X aircraft in the Japanese cities of Osaka and Amagasaki. This week-long testing campaign signifies the completion of the first steps of local flight testing to acclimate the crew, communications tools, and flight test procedures in preparation for the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka Kansai EXPO. The 500-day countdown to the 2025 EXPO has begun, and Volocopter remains committed to flying at this international exhibition with its commercial air taxi, the VoloCity. The purpose of these flights was two-fold: to test aircraft operations under conditions like those expected during the EXPO and to accelerate the public awareness of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan. Local guests, including the Osaka governor, Osaka City mayor, prefectorial representatives, city officials, partners, and media, witnessed today's final flight test day event, co-hosted by Sumitomo Corporation, Volocopter's strategic partner and investor in Japan. In addition, over 200 local primary and secondary school students joined a Q&A session with guests around the innovative eVTOL aircraft technology. Successful flight operations at the 2025 EXPO require preparation time and assessment on the ground. These flight tests were conducted at the Osaka Heliport in proximity to the planned 2025 EXPO pavilion location in Osaka Bay. This locational advantage gives insight and data into how Volocopter could shape eVTOL operations when the exhibition starts. Working with local authorities such as the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), local air traffic controllers, and infrastructureowners now will aid in a faster transition from testing to the industry's commercial future, as well as for the VoloCity in 2025 EXPO. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, said: "I am very happy that I witnessed Volocopter's test flight up close alongside hundreds of excited students and so close to the site of the 2025 EXPO. The 2X did not disappoint, with a stable and incredibly quiet flight. I have great expectations for eVTOLs, and with the help of Hyogo and other neighboring prefectures, we will push forward to make the EXPO a success to support the future of the industry beyond 2025." "Seeing the children's faces light up when the Volocopter took to the air was the absolute highlight of the day," said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter. "As a novel technology, public awareness of eVTOLs and the creation of the UAM ecosystem are where we need to focus for Japan. Volocopter and partners are preparing early for the 2025 Expo to have the advanced know-how to operate our eVTOLs seamlessly when the time comes." For this multi-day flight test campaign, Volocopter was awarded subsidies from Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), with further support from its sponsors such as Sekisui Chemical Company, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Kintetsu Group Holdings, and Schenker-Seino Company. Volocopter's dedication to Japan dates back to 2018 when the country became one of the first to announce its commitment to bringing UAM to life. Since late 2022, Volocopter has been awarded multiple grants in Japan to conduct classroom studies on eVTOLs for school children in Osaka as well as route and communication feasibility studies in Tokyo. In March 2023, the company showcased the VoloCity full-scale static model in a shopping mall in Osaka city center, where it generated thousands of public foot traffic within several days. As the frontrunner for a Japan-based UAM launch, Volocopter has the experience and expertise to work with local authorities to create a UAM ecosystem that establishes a safe and sustainable environment for UAM. About Volocopter Volocopter is building sustainable and scalable urban air mobility businesses to bring affordable air taxi services for goods and people to megacities worldwide. Volocopter leads and cooperates with partners in infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management to build the ecosystem necessary to 'Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life'. The company has 500 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. It has raised around 500 million in equity from investors including the Mercedes-Benz Group, BlackRock, amongst others. www.volocopter.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299212/Volocopter_2X_Osaka.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1626551/Volocopter_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volocopter-wins-over-young-hearts-with-first-osaka--hyogo-flight-302013158.html SOURCE Volocopter GmbH [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Novozymes and Chr. Hansen announce name of future combined company; Novonesis Tweet Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have announced that the name of the future combined company will be Novonesis. Novonesis means A new beginning and derives from the Greek word genesis. The name reflects a new era of biosolutions where innovation in biological sciences and technology will offer solutions to solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. COPENHAGEN, Denmark December 13, 2023. Today, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen announced their future name Novonesis. The name reflects the beginning of an era of biosolutions where Novonesis will unleash the full potential of biological solutions and generate significant value for all stakeholders and society at large. The announcement of the name marks an important milestone towards uniting the two companies. Ester Baiget, President and CEO of Novozymes, said: Novonesis reflects where we came from, what we can achieve, and what we will become together. We are dedicated to harness the transformative potential of biology. Building on our legacy of developing innovative biosolutions, we stand ready to unlock unprecedented opportunities. In Novonesis, we will unite the brightest minds and the best science and technology in the field to help customers and businesses prosper while enabling to solve some of the greatest challenges we all face. We are here to start an era of biosolutions. That is why we have chosen to call our new company Novonesis which means A new beginning. Cees de Jong, Chairman of Novozymes, added: We developed the name Novonesis in close collaboration and dialogue between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen. It has been crucial to find a name that can be a home to all our 10,000 employees, but even more importantly the name should represent the future potential of biosolutions. We believe we have found that name in Novonesis. A name that reflects our immense commitment to making biological solutions play an even bigger role in our planets future. The name Novonesis is supplemented by a brand identity inspired by the world of microbiology. Progress on closing the combination The merger approval process continues to progress as planned, and we expect closing to take place in the first quarter of 2024 following regulatory approval. The name Novonesis will be used and gradually implemented once the proposed combination is completed. Until final merger control approvals are received, and the proposed combination completes, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen operate as completely separate companies. For additional information on the proposed combination, please visit www.power-with-biology.com or www.chr-hansen.com/en/investors/proposed-merger . The name Novonesis has origin in the classical roots of science Genesis is Greek for origin or beginning. By choosing a word with a root in Greek the name honors how ancient Greek thinkers (from Pythagoras to Aristotle) played a key role in the development of science as we know it today. Novo means new. The Novo name is globally associated with strong science capabilities, a purpose driven mindset, a Nordic heritage as well as a great societal contributor. These are all assets and values which are shared by the future combined company. The combined group at a glance A global network of more than 23 manufacturing sites and close to 40 R&D and application centres and employ around 10,000 talented and purpose-driven employees. Committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, a 75% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions from our own operations by 2030, and a 35% reduction in scope 3 emissions from our full supply chain by 2030. Target of a 45-to-45% gender balance across all professionals and senior management by 2030. About Chr. Hansen Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen, we are well positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for over 145 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food, and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 40,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends, we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As the worlds most sustainable food ingredients company, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose To grow a better world. Naturally. is at the heart of everything we do. About Novozymes Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners, and the global community, we improve industrial performance while preserving the planet's resources and helping build better lives. As the world's largest provider of enzyme and microbial technologies, our bio-innovation enables higher agricultural yields, low-temperature washing, energy-efficient production, renewable fuel, and many other benefits that we rely on today and in the future. We call it Rethink Tomorrow. Media Relations Lina Danstrup, Head of External Communications Phone: +45 30 77 05 52 [email protected] Investor Relations Tobias Cornelius Bjorklund Head of Investor Relations Phone: +45 30 77 86 82 [email protected] DISCLAIMERS This press release is not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly (in whole or in part) in or into the United States or any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or regulations of such jurisdiction or where such action would require additional prospectuses, filings or other measures in addition to those required under Danish law. NO OFFERING IS BEING MADE TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION. THIS PRESS RELEASE MAY NOT BE USED FOR, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, OR FORM PART OF, AN OFFER BY, OR INVITATION BY OR ON BEHALF OF, NOVOZYMES, CHR. HANSEN, OR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OF NOVOZYMES, OR CHR. HANSEN, TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR THE SOLICITATION TO BUY SECURITIES BY ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION. NO ACTION HAS BEEN OR WILL BE TAKEN IN ANY JURISDICTION BY NOVOZYMES OR CHR. HANSEN THAT WOULD PERMIT AN OFFERING OF THE ORDINARY SHARES OR POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF A PROSPECTUS IN ANY JURISDICTION, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT EXPLICITLY DISCLOSED BY NOVOZYMES OR CHR. HANSEN. This press release is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided "as is", without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and Novozymes and Chr. Hansen will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this press release may be regarded as creating any right or obligation and Novozymes and Chr. Hansen expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. The price and value of securities and any income from them can go down as well as up and investors could lose their entire investment. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Information in this press release cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way, a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on the Novozymes Group or the Chr. Hansen Group. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this press release shall vest in the Novozymes Group or the Chr. Hansen Group, as the case may be. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of the Novozymes Group and the Chr. Hansen Group. This press release speaks only as of this date. Additional information for US holders NEITHER THE US SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY US STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMBINATION OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE EXEMPTION DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE COMBINATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER US LAW. This press release relates to the proposed combination of two Danish public companies. The proposed combination referred to herein and the information to be distributed in connection therewith, are subject to disclosure, timing and procedural requirements and practices applicable in Europe and Denmark, which differ from the disclosure requirements of the United States. The securities referred to herein and to be issued pursuant to the proposed combination have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or under any laws or with any securities regulatory authority of any state, district or other jurisdiction of the United States, and unless so registered may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred (directly or indirectly), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable state and other securities laws. There will not be any public offer of any securities in the United States. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. Further details of which US holders are eligible to receive the securities referred to herein, and the procedural steps required to be taken by such persons to so receive such securities, as well as the procedures for those US holders who do not so qualify to receive such securities (if any), are set forth in the exemption document. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any US state securities commission or regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the securities referred to herein to be issued in connection with the proposed combination or any related corporate transaction, or determined if the information contained herein or in the exemption document is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and are not presently expected to be listed on any US securities exchange or quoted on any inter-dealer quotation system in the United States. None of Novozymes or Chr. Hansen presently intends to take any action to facilitate a market in such securities in the United States. Financial statements, and all financial information that is included in the information contained herein or in the exemption document and any other documents relating to the securities referred to herein, have been or will be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or other reporting standards or accounting practice which may not be comparable to financial statements of companies in the United States or other companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP). It may be difficult for US holders to enforce their rights and claims arising out of the US federal securities laws, since Novozymes and Chr. Hansen are incorporated under the laws of Denmark and the majority or all of their respective officers and directors are residents of non-US jurisdictions. Judgments of US courts are generally not enforceable in Denmark. US holders may not be able to sue a non-US company or its officers or directors in a non-US court for violations of US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-US company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a US court's judgment. In addition, original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws, may not be enforceable in Denmark. Each shareholder is advised to read the exemption document and is urged to consult his or her independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences of the combination. Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Novozymes Group's, the Chr. Hansen Group's and the combined group's control and all of which are based on the Novozymes Group's, the Chr. Hansen Group's or the combined group's current beliefs and expectations about future events. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "aim", "annualized", "anticipate", "assess", "assume", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "goal", "hope", "intend", "may", "objective", "plan", "position", "potential", "predict", "project", "risk", "seek", "should", "target", "will" or "would" or the highlights or the negatives thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and other documents regarding the proposed combination and include statements that reflect the Novozymes Group's, the Chr. Hansen Group's or the combined group's intentions, beliefs or current expectations and projections about the their respective future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, targets, strategies and opportunities and the markets in which they respectively operate, and the anticipated timing of the proposed combination. These forward-looking statements and other statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts involve predictions. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks and uncertainties facing the Novozymes Group, the Chr. Hansen Group or the combined group. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to vary materially from the future results indicated, expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. The information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice and, except as required by applicable laws and regulations, Novozymes, and Chr. Hansen expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based and nor does it intend to. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. As a result of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual future events or otherwise. Transaction conditions Completion of the combination is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions as more fully described in company announcement no. 28 of 12 December 2022 and the exemption document and other documents relating to the proposed combination. Consequently, there can be no certainty that completion of the combination will be forthcoming. Novozymes refers to Novozymes A/S and the Novozymes Group refers to Novozymes and its subsidiaries. Chr. Hansen refers to Chr. Hansen Holding A/S and the Chr. Hansen Group refers to Chr. Hansen and its subsidiaries. The combined group refers to Novozymes and its subsidiaries following completion of the combination (including the Novozymes Group and the Chr. Hansen Group). Attachment Novozymes Chr. Hansen_Name launch_Press Release_13 Dec 2023 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] MitoRx Therapeutics Announces Close of Seed Extension Financing Round to Advance its Mitochondrial-Protective Therapeutics to Treat Degenerative Diseases Tweet OXFORD, United Kingdom, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MitoRx Therapeutics (MitoRx), a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics that reverse mitochondrial dysfunction to arrest the progression of degenerative diseases, announces the final close of its seed extension financing round, with 4m raised to date from existing investors. The companys first-in-class therapeutic pipeline targets mitochondria dysfunction linked to the progression of rare diseases such as the neuromuscular disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the neurodegenerative disorder Huntingtons disease (HD), and also implicated in common neurodegenerative diseases. The Company has promising preclinical results, which validate its platform in a mammalian model of severe neuromuscular disease. The platform is extendable to other degenerative diseases, and additional evidence has been generated in a mammalian respiratory disease model through its academic collaborators. Dr. Jon Rees, Chief Executive Officer of MitoRx, said, Degenerative diseases place great burdens on patients and healthcare systems. We are the first biotech to reverse the impairment in sulfide-signaling driving mitochondrial dysfunction, which underlies the pathophysiology of degenerative disease in muscular dystrophy as well as the dementias. Our approach has the potential to finally address the huge unmet clinical need in these diseases. This seed extension financing round enables us to advance a lead asset toward the clinic and provides a firm foundation to secure a Series A to take us to the clinic within two years. We are also seeking partners to develop our assets which demonstrate anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in COPD and other respiratory diseases. Oliver Sexton, Investment Director at the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, said, MitoRxs approach to mitochondrial dysfunction will potentially develop a treatment for degenerative diseases that have a hugely harmful impact. Such diseases affect both young and elderly patients who desperately need more treatment options. UKI2S is delighted to continue supporting MitoRxs development. MitoRxs Chief Development Officer, Dr Christine Charman, said, Interim results in our Duchenne program demonstrate that our muscle-penetrative lead asset preserves strength in oxidative muscle, and confirms mitochondrial modulation. These results will be presented at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical and Scientific Conference in Orlando during March 2024. MitoRxs academic founder, and Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Matt Whiteman of the University of Exeter and collaborators, led by Prof Phil Hansbro at Australias Centenary/UTS Centre for Inflammation, published an abstract at the 10th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, on research which demonstrated anti-fibrotic activit and confirmed the preservation of lung function in a model of COPD (1). Prof Whiteman and collaborators have previously demonstrated neuroprotection in a mammalian model of Alzheimers disease, through the restoration of sulfide-signalling (2). This seed extension financing round was backed by a broad range of investors including the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, Wren Capital, Longevitytech.fund, The Fink Family Office, the Science Angel Syndicate Network, Oxford Technology Management, as well as angel investors. It will be used to fund pre-clinical work in HD, the activation of the companys first neurodegenerative disease program, and to explore research collaborations and partnerships. The company expects to see preclinical readouts in DMD, HD, and COPD, by the end of Q2 2024. References (1) Sept 2022 - 10th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society (Abstract LB-34, pg 249). https://hawaii.cytokinesociety.org/book-of-abstracts/ (2) January 2021 - Hydrogen sulfide is neuroprotective in Alzheimers disease by sulfhydrating GSK3 and inhibiting Tau hyperphosphorylation. Giovinazzo et al. PNAS. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2017225118 Media Contact (Scius Communications) Katja Stout, Email: [email protected] Phone: +44(0)7789 435990 Company Contact (MitoRx) Jon Rees, CEO Email: [email protected] Phone: +44(0)7826 556622 About MitoRx Therapeutics At MitoRx our mission is to become the leading global developer of medicines arresting the progression of degenerative diseases driven by mitochondrial dysfunction. We are a preclinical stage biotechnology company developing our first-in-class first-in-target, orally delivered, mitochondrial protective therapeutics targeting rare neuromuscular disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Located in Harwell, Oxford, we have raised 4m seed financing from investors including the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, Wren Capital, Longevitytech.fund, the Fink Family Office, the Science Angel Syndicate Network, Oxford Technology Management, as well as angel investors. For more information visit our website at www.mitorxtherapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn. About UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) UKI2S is a national seed investment fund that nurtures innovative businesses from great UK science to leverage private investment and grow jobs. The Fund is backed by UKRI, Dstl and other public bodies and is independently managed by specialist venture capital firm Midven, part of Future Planet Capital , the impact-led, global venture capital firm built to invest in high-growth potential companies from the worlds top research centres. UKI2S provides the patient, long-term committed capital, and strategic advice these companies need to flourish. Over the past decade and more, the fund has built a substantial track record of companies that between them have attracted over 600m of later stage investment. Learn more at https://ukinnovationscienceseedfund.co.uk/. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. Announces New Contracts with 10 Physician Practices in FL, TX and NV to add over 10,000 Patients to iUGO Care Tweet HAMILTON, Ontario, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTC:RQHTF or WKN:A2AJTB) (Reliq or the Company), a rapidly growing global healthcare technology company that develops innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billion dollar Healthcare market, is pleased to announce that it has signed new contracts with ten physician practices in Florida, Nevada and Texas. These practices are expected to add over 10,000 patients to Reliqs iUGO Care platform by mid-2024. Onboarding has already begun. We continue to add new clients at a rapid rate, said Chris Shields, Interim CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. The Companys recent private placement in October has allowed us to expand our Care Management and Implementation teams to accommodate our accelerating traction across the US. We are actively onboarding new patients in 16 States at this point which is keeping our team very busy. We recently signed new contracts with ten physician practices in Florida, Nevada and Texas and expect these practices to add over 10,000 new patients to our iUGO Care platform by the end of June 2024. We will be providing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Chronic Care Management (CCM) and Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) to these patients and expect to generate revenue of $65 per patient per month at ~70% gross margin. Reliq Health Reliq Health Technologies is a rapidly growing global healthcare technology company that specializes in developing innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billio dollar Healthcare market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based virtual healthcare. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT, on the OTC as RQHTF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the WKN: A2AJTB. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Chris Shields Interim CEO For further information please contact: Company Contact Investor Relations at [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements". We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Swiss Red Cross Selects Omada Identity Cloud for SaaS IGA Provider Tweet Largest humanitarian organization in Switzerland sought solution for compliant and efficient management of identities COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omada A/S ("Omada"), a global leader of Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), today announced the Swiss Red Cross will use Omada Identity Cloud to manage its 2,400 identities, streamline identity automation and address compliance now and into the future. The Swiss Red Cross needed a way to ensure the requirements of data protection and information security were met and remained consistent in the future. The organization also wanted a solution with a configurable connectivity approach that would provide efficient, reliable and fast establishment of connectivity to both existing and new IT systems and applications, which is better suited to the dynamic, hybrid IT environment. Overall, it sought a solution that would make governing identities simpler and more efficient, without the need for heavy customization. Omada, along with longtime partner SECURIX, is delivering a standardized solution with predefined workflows that could alleviate the complexity of managing thousands of identities and lack of technical interfaces in the Swiss Red Cross' current approach. By deploying Omada Identity Cloud, Omada's highly scalable and performant software-as-a-servce (SaaS) solution, the Swiss Red Cross will benefit from efficient onboarding, quality connectivity, audit and compliance reporting support, right out of the box. The Swiss Red Cross will also take advantage of Omada Identity PROCESS+ , the best practice process framework for identity governance which has proven successful in delivering immediate value to customers with a repeatable framework that helps organizations implement efficient processes and workflows that streamline the design and deployment of identity governance. Jonas Reusser, CIO, Swiss Red Cross, said: "We needed a solution that could provide value right away. After evaluating the competition, we were pleased to find that Omada's solution gives us the scalability and flexibility we were searching for, without the need to design a customized solution. We look forward to continued success with Omada Identity Cloud." Michael Garrett, CEO, Omada, said: "Organizations today need solutions that deliver immediate value for the business, while maintaining the utmost security and reliability. Our cloud-architected solution has given companies the ability to support?the demands of the modern workplace and our best practices framework has been proven to deliver value immediately. We appreciate the close collaboration with SECURIX, which has been instrumental in enabling the Swiss Red Cross to successfully implement a secure and user-friendly identity management solution to manage identities with ease." About Omada Omada, a global market leader in Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), offers a full-featured, enterprise-grade, cloud native IGA solution that enables organizations to achieve compliance, reduce risk, and maximize efficiency. Founded in 2000, Omada delivers innovative identity management to complex hybrid environments based on our proven best practice process framework and deployment approach. For more information, go to omadaidentity.com About SECURIX SECURIX is a leading service provider in the DACH region, specializing in the integration and operation of software and cloud solutions for Identity Security & Observability. In terms of identity security, SECURIX has extensive expertise in the central management of users and access rights for various systems and applications in the corporate network and in the cloud. For more information on SECURIX, please visit: www.securix.swiss Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1730116/4453365/Omada_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/swiss-red-cross-selects-omada-identity-cloud-for-saas-iga-provider-302013582.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Havfram Wind signs contract with RWE for turbine transport and installation support for Nordseecluster offshore wind projects Tweet OSLO, Norway, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As anticipated in the preferred supplier agreement announced on April 13th, 2023, Havfram and RWE have signed a contract for the transportation and installation of turbines for RWE's Nordseecluster projects. The projects combine four wind farm sites in the eastern part of the German North Sea and will have a total capacity of up to 1.6 GW. Havfram Wind is to transport and support the installation of 104 Vestas offshore wind turbines with a capacity of 15 megawatts each, which are to be installed throughout two construction phases. Both of Havfram Wind's newbuild state-of-the-art Wind Turbine Installation Vessels will be utilised throughout both phases. Turbine installation of the two wind farms in Phase A is expected to start in 2026, and offshore construction works for Phase B are scheduled to begin in 2028. Nordseecluster is expected to supply green electricity to the equivalent of 1,600,000 German households every year as of 2029. Even Larsen, CEO of Havfram Wind stated, "We are very pleased to successfully conclude the negotiations with RWE for the Nordseecluster projects. RWE is an experienced developer and the trust in Havfram Wind for projects of such scale is proof of our growing position in the market. We will provide the most modern fleet in the industry, operated by highly skilled teams with profound expertise." Sven Schulemann, RWE's Managing Director of the Nordseecluster, added, "We want to achieve substantial economies of scale and leverage synergies during the development, construction and operation of the four wind farms. The agreement with Havfram Wind, which encompasses all four projects, attests to the efficiency of concentrating activities such as procurement." All deliverables are subject to final investment decisions for each of the individual phases of Nordseecluster (A and B). About Havfram Wind Havfram Wind is an offshore wind construction company focused on transport and installation services for both bottom-fixed and floating projects in the offshore wind sector. The Norwegian company is a subsidiary of Havfram. Havfram is a pure play offshore wind company and owner and operator of Wind Turbine Installation Vessels ('WTIVs'). Leveraging deep offshore wind industry knowledge, together with decades of know-how from the Norwegian energy & marine sectors and essential experience in operating in harsh offshore environments, Havfram offers the highest standards and services to customers worldwide. Havfram is majority owned by Sandbrook Capital, a leading climate fund led by an experienced team determined to combine consistent financial returns and real climate impact. Together we aim to lead the path towards clean energy. CONTACT: HAVFRAM Corinna Thiel Marketing & Communication Manager [email protected] havfram.com The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/havfram/i/havfram-ng20000x-hf-jack-up-wtiv,c3248431 Havfram NG20000X-HF Jack-Up WTIV View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/havfram-wind-signs-contract-with-rwe-for-turbine-transport-and-installation-support-for-nordseecluster-offshore-wind-projects-302013784.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Carvana is pulling back on plans to build a car dealership on the former site of Magic Mountain Fun Center. The fun center, pictured here in 2021, has since been demolished. The used-car company Carvana will start same-day delivery in Columbus as it retreats from plans to build one of its car "vending machines" in the Polaris area. The Arizona-based retailer announced Tuesday that it is expanding same-day delivery to Columbus and Cincinnati, relying on its Inspection and Reconditioning Centers in Heath and Trenton. More: Polaris Fashion Place owner shining bright following bankruptcy We couldnt be happier to make car buying faster and easier than ever before for Columbus- and Cincinnati-area residents with our new same-day delivery offering, Jacqueline Hearns, Carvana's senior director of market operations and expansion, said in a news release. The company meanwhile has backed away from plans to build one of its car glass sales towers on the former site of Magic Mountain Fun Center on Lyra Drive immediately west of Interstate 71. Carvana bought the property for $6.25 million in March 2022 and soon after demolished the Magic Mountain buildings to prepare for its dealership. Carvana is known for its glass car "vending machines." In plans presented to the city in 2021, Carvana proposed a 7,960-square-foot, seven-story vending machine-style building on the site, flanked by a parking lot to the south and a site to be further developed on the north. The dealership would have been Carvana's first Columbus facility and second in Ohio, following one in Warrensville Heights outside Cleveland. More: Lamborghini America CEO sees central Ohio as growing market for luxury vehicle The company did not say why it reconsidered a location at the site, which it listed for sale in May. "While we are always evaluating our physical presence in all markets to best serve our customers, our current focus is on enhancing our online platform and delivery operations to provide our customers with the best possible experience," said spokesperson Hayley Pollack. "Any potential changes to our physical locations are always carefully evaluated to ensure they will benefit our customers and improve our service," Pollack added. "While we cannot provide specific details about the Columbus location at this time, I can assure you that our commitment to serving the Columbus area remains as strong as ever." Story continues The 7.8-acre site, listed for $8.5 million, is in contract. The listing agent, Anthony Maronitis, with Coldwell Banker Commercial real-estate services, said he was not at liberty to identify the prospective buyer. jweiker@dispatch.com @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What happened to Carvana's plans for a Columbus "vending machine?" [December 13, 2023] Valmet reaches two significant milestones in its Climate Program Tweet Valmet Oyj's press release on December 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. EET ESPOO, Finland, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Valmet's Climate Program - Forward to a carbon neutral future - was launched in 2021. The program covers the entire value chain and includes four key targets for the supply chain, Valmet's own operations and the use of Valmet's technologies by its customers for 2030. Year 2023 marks two significant milestones for the program. Carbon neutral production enabled for pulp and paper industry customers Valmet has estimated that around 95 percent of its carbon footprint originates from the use phase of Valmet's technologies by its customers and the program emphasizes this part of the value chain with two targets: to enable 100 percent carbon neutral production for all pulp and paper industry customers and to improve the energy efficiency of Valmet's current technology offering by 20 percent by 2030. Valmet has now reached the first one of these two targets. "When it comes to the first target, we have had excellent progress as we already reached our goal this year. We now offer carbon neutral production opportunities for our pulp, paper, board, and tissue customers, with the precondition that the customer has bioenergy or carbon neutral electricity in use. Carbon neutral production can be achieved by combining the best available technologies, optimizing mill design and selecting the right automation, Industrial Internet and service solutions," says Janne Pynnonen, VP, R&D at Valmet. "Among the key innovations in reaching this final stage has been the development of electrical heating of paper and board coating machines, while for tissue machines we have developed a fossil-free alternative for Yankee cylinder and Hood heating," he continues. Furthermore, many of Valmet's customers' chemical pulp mills using the company's technologies are bioenergy self-sufficient, enabling carbon neutral pulp production and even selling of excess renewable energy. "Lime kilns are typically the biggest source of fossil CO2 in pulp mills. Over the years, we have developed and delivered several fossil-free lime kilns based on biomass gasification or wood powder firing," says Ari Saario, VP, Strategy and R&D, Pulp & Energy at Valmet. For energy customers, Valmet has already long enabled carbon neutral heat and power production with biomass-based energy solutions. 100 percent carbon neutral electricity purchases reached in Finland and Sweden In its own operations, Valmet targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent by 2030. The emissions from fuels, heating and electricity have already been reduced by 50% since the baseline year 2019. A major new milestone will be achieved by end of 2023 as Valmet reaches 100% carbon neutral electricity purchases in Finland and Sweden. "The impact is significant, as these countries represent 60% of Valmet's total electricity consumption and about 30% of the company's total CO2 emissions from electricity usage. Through this, we are saving a total of 32,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to driving almost 223 million kilometers by car," says Victoria Larsson, VP, HSE at Valmet. VALMET Corporte Communications For further information, please contact: Anu Salonsaari-Posti, SVP, Marketing, communications, sustainability and corporate relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0000 Janne Pynnonen, VP, R&D, Valmet, tel. +358 40 7733 236 Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our more than 19,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. Valmet's net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion. Valmet's shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland. Follow us on valmet.com | X | X (IR) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Processing of personal data View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/valmet-reaches-two-significant-milestones-in-its-climate-program-302013797.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] New Book by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business Shows How Chinese Companies are Transforming Global Business Through Digitalization and Innovation Tweet BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a stride toward unraveling the dynamic landscape of business innovation in China, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) has launched its new case book, "Unleashing Innovation: Ten Cases from China on Digital Strategy and Market Expansion." This publication dissects the digital and global expansion strategies of companies in the Chinese market, represented by brands ranging from e-commerce empires, smart manufacturers, tech-driven automotive brands, and digital-minded food producers. "China has produced numerous successful companies that have achieved remarkable growth and global influence. These transformations continue to have major implications for international business and the global business community. The need for a more in-depth understanding of China's historical and future economic transformations has never been greater." noted Li Wei, CKGSB Professor of Economics and Director of the CKGSB Case Center. Book highlights include: How e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com built their empires through differing business models How manufacturers like electric vehicle pioneer NIO and electronics firm TCL are revolutionizing products and supply chains The global growth strategies behind breakout Chinese brands like SHEIN anddairy producer Yili How Western brands such as Oatly and KFC tailored themselves for success in China Soumitra Dutta , Peter Moores , Dean and Professor at Said Business School of the University of Oxford , Leon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, Li Dongsheng , Founder and Chairman of TCL and CKGSB Alumnus, David Zhang , President of Greater China , Oatly and CKGSB EMBA Alumnus, Michael Hart , President of AmCham China, and Rachel Tsang , Managing Director of BritCham China. David Zhang highlighted, "This book focuses on the innovation practices of Chinese companies in the global marketplace, showing vividly how they have responded to challenges, developed new products, created new supply chains, and paved the way for China's innovation." The book is now available in hard copy and Kindle on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP62S9WS/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=2DDS7ERZL4WYL&keywords=unleashing+innovation&qid=1701330334&sprefix=unleashing+innov%2Caps%2C327&sr=8-8. As China's first fully research-driven and privately-funded business school, CKGSB aims to cultivate transformative business leaders with a global vision, sense of social responsibility, innovative mindset, and ability to lead with empathy and compassion. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/new-book-by-cheung-kong-graduate-school-of-business-shows-how-chinese-companies-are-transforming-global-business-through-digitalization-and-innovation-302013806.html SOURCE Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Eaton partners with M-Link System to strengthen its Malaysia channel partnership network Tweet KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent power management company Eaton has partnered with M-Link System (M) Sdn Bhd as a licensed distributor for Eaton's Power Quality product range in Malaysia. Set to commence in December 2023, the partnership will cover the distribution of Eaton's backup power, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Micro Data Center and IT power distribution solutions, including the 5A Advantage Series UPS, which is designed to help home-based workers stay online even during power interruptions. "The availability of efficient and reliable power management strengthens the growth of our digital economy," said Chan Jian Wen, Country Manager, Malaysia, Eaton. "We are excited to embark on our new partnership with M-Link System to support businesses and organizations in their digital ambitions and power the growth of Malaysia's digital ecosystem." Eaton's expansion of its channel partner network in Malaysia reinforces its commitment to supporting digital transformation and making sustainable power management solutions accessible to all. "As businesses in Malaysia accelerate their digitalization journeys, havinga robust, digital infrastructure is more important than ever. Eaton brings decades-long expertise in UPS technology to help businesses and consumers safeguard against power fluctuations and outages, ensuring that mission-critical infrastructure remains always-on. From data center infrastructure, to hybrid workers' remote desktop infrastructure, we're looking forward to partnering with Eaton to help businesses and consumers take on the digital future," said Johnson Tan, Director, M-Link System. The announcement of Eaton's partnership with M-Link System in Malaysia is the latest in a growing network of trusted partners across the region. This will enable Eaton to support the increasing demand for power management and distribution across a diverse range of industries. With a legacy of over 110 years of experience as a global multinational manufacturer and an established presence in Asia Pacific since the 1970s Eaton has established itself as a global leader in power management solutions. Earlier this year, Eaton launched the 5A Advantage Series UPS, expanding its range of UPS products to provide a reliable and affordable UPS solution for small office home office (SOHO) owners, entrepreneurs, creatives, and recreational gamers. About Eaton Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we're accelerating the planet's transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world's most urgent power management challenges, and doing what's best for our stakeholders and all of society. Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serve customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/eaton-partners-with-m-link-system-to-strengthen-its-malaysia-channel-partnership-network-302013815.html SOURCE Eaton [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Syngene International announces the winners of the 2nd edition of the Annual Science Quiz held in Dakshin Kannada, Bangalore and Hyderabad Tweet Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde - Bangalore , Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School - Katipalla and Hyderabad Zilla Panchayat High School - Shamirpet were declared the winners among 150 other government schools identified in the region. , Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School - Katipalla and Hyderabad Zilla Panchayat High School - Shamirpet were declared the winners among 150 other government schools identified in the region. The initiative aims to positively impact young minds in science, reaching ~7,500 students across 150 government schools located in Bangalore , Dakshin Kannada, and Hyderabad . BANGALORE, India, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngene International Ltd, a leading integrated research, development, and manufacturing services organization, is proud to announce Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School, Katipalla and Hyderabad Zilla Panchayat High School, Shamirpet as the winners of the second edition of the annual Science Quiz 'Synquizitive'. This year, the initiative celebrates the company's 30th anniversary. Themed "Think, Learn, Win! Enable, Amplify, Empower!" the quiz competition aimed to provide equal opportunities, motivation, and talent identification for students in government schools across Bangalore, Dakshin Kannada and Hyderabad. The quiz covered a total of 150 schools across the three locations (Dakshin Kannada 25, Hyderabad 25 and Bangalore 100), creating excitement in the academic community. The program is implemented in collaboration with Agastya International Foundation and Biocon Foundation, the charitable arm of the Biocon Group of comanies. As a part of this initiative employees of Syngene volunteered to help run the program, conducting the preliminary rounds, evaluating the answers and mentoring the children during the course of this initiative. Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, commenting on the occasion stated, "Through initiatives like the science quiz, we believe in igniting the flame of curiosity and knowledge, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore the wonders of science and shape a brighter future. The purpose of the quiz is to make learning science an easily accessible and enriching experience for children, providing them with a better understanding of the world around them." The science quiz successfully provided students in government schools with an equal opportunity to engage in science education, and encouraged them to be curious about the subject and its impact on everyday life, irrespective of socioeconomic backgrounds. Serving as a motivational tool, the quiz inspired children in government schools to pursue scientific studies and consider future career paths. Moreover, the quizzes played a crucial role in identifying students with a natural aptitude for science. "Beyond the competition, we've witnessed the transformative impact on students, fostering a deeper appreciation for science and cultivating critical thinking skills. This initiative has not only encouraged academic excellence but has also sparked a passion for discovery, paving the way for future scientists and innovators. By breaking barriers and making science enjoyable, we aim to create a lasting impact on these young minds, inspiring a lifelong love for learning and inquiry," Dr Shetty, added. A comprehensive question bank with interactive science questions based on real-life situations and appropriate to the curriculum was created. Schools were oriented about the initiative, and a 20-minute test with 20 questions in multiple-choice format was conducted. The top three students [one from class 6 and two from class 7] from schools were selected for the final round, with Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School, Katipalla and Hyderabad Zilla Panchayat High School, Shamirpet winning the quiz from Bangalore, Dakshin Kannada and Hyderabad respectively. The students selected in the final round were also mentored during the course of a week to help them excel. Medals and cash prizes of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 12,000 & Rs. 9,000 were bestowed upon the top three teams, being were bestowed upon the top three teams, along with consolation prizes of Rs. 4,500 being awarded to three schools across each location. The winning schools at each location will also receive smart classroom infrastructure. It will come with a furnished classroom and EdTech devices to harness technology and transform classroom into interactive and highly engaging digital classroom. Additionally, a rolling trophy was presented to the school that secured the top spot. Students and teachers alike have praised the program for its impact on learning. A student from one of the schools shared, "The science quiz has opened a new world of possibilities for me. It's not just about winning a competition; it's about discovering the joy of science and realizing that learning can be exciting. The hands-on experience and mentorship have fueled my curiosity, and I'm inspired to pursue a future in science, thanks to this incredible initiative." Reflecting on the program's approach, a teacher mentioned, "As an educator, witnessing the impact of the Syngene Science Quiz on our students has been truly rewarding. It goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, creating an environment where learning becomes an adventure. The quiz has not only enhanced their academic understanding but has also instilled critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's a testament to the power of experiential learning in shaping young minds." Launched in 2022 in Anekal, Karnataka, with 50 schools, the science quiz has expanded its reach this year, encompassing Bangalore, Dakshin Kannada, and Hyderabad. Through this initiative, Syngene aspires to create a positive impact, reaching 7,500 students across 150 government schools spread across the three locations. The science quiz aligns with Syngene's broader initiatives in supporting science education and research. Anupama highlighted the various other programs the company is involved in, including the Mobile Science Lab, and the Lab On Bike. About Syngene Syngene International Ltd. (BSE: 539268, NSE: SYNGENE, ISIN: INE398R01022) is an integrated research, development and manufacturing services company serving the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutrition, animal health, consumer goods and specialty chemical sectors. Syngene's more than 5200 scientists offer both skills and the capacity to deliver great science, robust data management and IP security and quality manufacturing at speed to improve time-to-market and lower the cost of innovation. With a combination of dedicated research facilities for Amgen and Bristol-Myers Squibb as well as 2 Mn sq. ft of specialist discovery, development and manufacturing facilities, Syngene works with biotech companies pursuing leading-edge science as well as multinationals, including GSK, Zoetis and Merck KGaA. For more details, visit www.syngeneintl.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299863/Syngene_Annual_Science_Quiz_Bangalore.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/syngene-international-announces-the-winners-of-the-2nd-edition-of-the-annual-science-quiz-held-in-dakshin-kannada-bangalore-and-hyderabad-302013944.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Global Semiconductor Industry Outlook worth $616.5 billion by 2024 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets Tweet CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "Global Semiconductor Industry Outlook 2024 - A Look Ahead at the Semiconductor Landscape" published by MarketsandMarkets, the global semiconductor industry market size is estimated to grow from USD 528.8 billion in 2023 to USD 616.5 billion by 2024 at a Y-o-Y increase of ~16% on the back of ongoing product innovation, growing semiconductor demand from AI data center, next-generation computing, and HPC applications, along with the growth of semiconductors in passenger vehicle and automotive electrification. Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=201471467 The global semiconductor market will experience a robust upswing in 2024, with significant growth expected across the discrete, sensors, analog, logic, micro, and memory segments. The Memory segment is expected to expand, leading to a surge in overall market valuation. Notably, it is projected to exhibit a notable increase compared to the previous year. This overall positive outlook underscores the dynamic and evolving landscape of the semiconductor industry. Our comprehensive outlook explores the trends, innovations, and pivotal shifts defining the semiconductor industry in the coming year. As we conclude 2023, the semiconductor industry faces a substantial downturn despite the robust demand for chips to facilitate artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The semiconductor sector is adversely impacted primarily due to diminished demand from smartphone and PC users. Additionally, a downturn in spending by data centers and hyperscalers is further contributing to the overall reduction in revenue for the year. Implementations of chipset design by tech giants such as Intel, Marvell, and AMD, along with developments in the Co-packaged Optics (CPO), and next-generation memories such as magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), and phase change memory (PCM) taking center were the highlights of 2023 developments. The report predicts that the rapid implementation of advanced process nodes by leading fabrication players, the quantum computing qubit race among tech giants, will impact the semiconductor market in the coming year, i.e., 2024. This report will assist semiconductor professionals in being ready for both the known and unknowns of the upcoming year. The MarketsandMarkets - Global Semiconductor Industry Outlook 2024 report can help prepare semiconductor professionals and business leaders for the year ahead The report incorporates years of experience in the rapidly expanding semiconductor sector, the opinions of industry experts, comprehensive evaluations by analysts, and extensive interviews with stakeholder groups worldwide. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=201471467 Top Key Market Players Intel Corporation (US), NVIDIA Corporation (US), SAMSUNG (South Korea), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (US), Qualcomm (US), SK Hynix Inc. (South Korea), Micron Technology, Inc. (US), Broadcom Inc. (US), Texas Instruments Incorporated (US), MediaTek Inc. (Taiwan), Apple Inc. (US), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), have significantly contributed to market share in 2022 and were highly competitive with focus on partnership strategies. Throughout 2023, vendors shifted their emphasis toward product innovation and implementing advanced packaging technologies. As we progress into 2024, semiconductor enterprises emphasize innovations, targeting developments in generative AI (GenAI) and large language models, fueling demand for high-performance GPUs in data centers and high-performance computing (HPC). This is expected to increase the deployment of workload accelerators in data center servers to cater to AI workloads' training and inference. The regional semiconductor market varies significantly and is shaped by factors such as trade policies, access to raw materials, technology adoption, manufacturing capabilities, government policies, and the R&D ecosystem. North America's economic growth and national security rely on innovative semiconductors to stay ahead of global competitors. North America is at the forefront of semiconductor innovation in 2023 regarding designing highly complex semiconductors. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in August 2022, provides significant financial aid and support to semiconductor companies operating in the US. The region aims to have a big leg up in the global race to deploy new game-changing technologies, such as GenAI, self-driving cars, quantum computing, and more. At the same time, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness high growth in 2024, majorly due to ongoing investments in developing and deploying new Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs) and semiconductor fabrication facilities. China, South Korea, and Taiwan are expected to remain key destinations for semiconductor manufacturing equipment spending in 2024. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/global-semiconductor-industry-outlook.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-semiconductor-industry-outlook-worth-616-5-billion-by-2024---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302013648.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Aqara and iot squared Join Forces to Accelerate Smart Home Adoption in Saudi Arabia Tweet Aqara, a leading provider of smart home products, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iot squared, a joint venture between stc Group and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, to forge a strategic partnership with a special focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Internet of Things (IoT) services. This collaboration is designed to spur the growth of digitalization through IoT research and development in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213500665/en/ Aqara President Zhen Lin and iot squared Chief Commercial Officer Shabbab H. Alghamdi at the MoU signing ceremony (Photo: Business Wire) The MoU was signed by Aqara President Zhen Lin and iot squared CEO Othman Aldahash in Beijing, China on December 12, 2023. Under this partnership agreement, Aqara and iot squared will work together to provide IoT devices and services to Saudi Arabian consumers. With Aqara's expansive smart home platform and product portfolio, coupled with iot squared's market insight and in-depth industry experience, the two entities aim to develop customized smart home solutions for users and businesses across the region. "Aqara is excited to participate in this joint effort to propel IoT technology research and adoption in Saudi Arabia," said Zhen Lin, Aqara President. "We believe that the synergy between iot squared's industry and regional expertise, together with Aqara's AI-driven IoT technologies, will accelerate the emergence of connected homes in Saudi Arabia." "As we embark on this transformative journey to develop cutting-edge smart home solutions, this partnership will not only advance technological innovation but also aligns seamlessly with our country's visionary commitment t enhancing the well-being and quality of life," said Othman Aldahash, CEO of iot squared. "Together, we have the power to shape a future where technology not only connects us but uplifts and enriches the very fabric of our lives, in harmony with the aspirations of our nation." About iot squared iot squared established as a joint venture between PIF and stc specializing in the Internet of things (IoT). Positioned to be a regional hub for the Internet of Things in the Middle East and North Africa, with the objective of accelerating the adoption of IoT technologies. The Internet of Things has been identified in stc's "DARE 2.0" strategy among the strategic areas of investment, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's digital transformation initiatives supported by PIF. iot squared offers smart solutions in sectors including manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities with the aim to become a "one-stop-shop" for IoT solutions. For more information, please visit: https://iotsquared.com.sa/ About Aqara Founded in 2016, Aqara is a leading smart home provider with offices in New York and Shenzhen. With a comprehensive portfolio ranging from a variety of smart sensors to switches, cameras, curtain controllers, and smart door locks, the Company is committed to enabling smart homes experience that is seamless, proactive and intuitive. Aqara is also one of the early advocates of the new IoT connectivity standard, Matter, and has been collaborating with industry partners to enhance the interoperability and simplicity of smart home technology. Aqara currently serves more than 11 million customers worldwide, with distribution partners in 6 continents - Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Australia. The Company also offers one of the most comprehensive suite of Apple Home-compatible smart home solutions in the market, and Aqara devices can be found in Apple Stores across Asia, Europe and Oceania. As the Company continues to expand its global footprint, Aqara hopes to bring more accessible, smart home technology to households around the world. For more information, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213500665/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] FedLearn and Carahsoft Partner to Deliver Unique, AI Capabilities and Specialized Online Training to the Public Sector Tweet ALEXANDRIA, Va. and RESTON, Va., Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FedLearn, the first-to-market, online, artificial intelligence-powered learning solutions provider offering content specialized and contextualized to federal government mission areas, particularly in the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, today announced a partnership. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as FedLearns Master Government Aggregator, making its products available to the public sector through Carahsofts reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V and Information Technology Enterprise Solutions Software 2 (ITES-SW2) contracts. FedLearn is thrilled to partner with Carahsoft to provide public sector agencies with access to our AI-enabled training opportunities, said Dr. J. Keith Dunbar, founder and chief executive officer at FedLearn. Carahsofts outreach capabilities and strong market presence is crucial for our continued growth as we work to meet the workforce upskilling and reskilling needs of today to ensure the public sector is ready for the mission requirements of tomorrow. FedLearn offers distinctive AI-powered training solutions tailored specifically for the public sector and contractor organizations. Utilizing proprietary AI algorithms, FedLearn assesses learner engagement and learning absorptionor learner understanding of an online course or content. The AI also adapts to learner behaviors to provide relevant online courses and content for review. These innovative capabilities optimize investment returns by enabling rapid skill development and improvement in subject areas deemed crucial by agency leaders to meet evolving mission requirements. In addition, FedLearns AI provides individuals with personalized recommendations for supplementary content from its online learning platform that are aligned with their professional interests and learning goals. FedLearn boasts a growing catalog of self-paced courses and content spanning vital subjects such as AI and data literacy, cybersecurity, intelligence analyss, quantum technologies and spectrum warfare. Customers and learners also benefit from access to FedLearns micro-courses and an ever-expanding repository of publicly available content on critical defense and intelligence topics. FedLearns online learning solutions are not only cost-effective but also scalable and can adapt to evolving agency needs in tandem with the subject matter. We are excited to incorporate FedLearns tailored virtual learning solutions for government employees to our portfolio, said Michael Shrader, vice president of intelligence and innovative solutions at Carahsoft. In todays landscape, public sector employees are required to possess a diverse skillset that covers a wide range of subjects. Through collaboration with FedLearn and our reseller network, we can introduce FedLearns unique AI-enabled, online learning platform to our public sector customers and improve the professional development of their workforces. FedLearns solutions are available through Carahsofts SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B and ITES-SW2 Contract W52P1J-20-D-0042. For more information, contact the Carahsoft team at (703) 871-8548 or [email protected]. About FedLearn FedLearn (fedlearn.com) is transforming learning for federal government and government contractor organizations. We offer the first AI-enabled, online learning platform with specialized and contextualized content directly supporting government mission areas. Our solutions combine the best of traditional classroom and elearning settings to offer a rich, dynamic and personalized learning experience with quantifiable outcomes. FedLearn is a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business. Contact Michelle R. Snyder (703) 253-6229 [email protected] About Carahsofts Human Resources and Training Technology Carahsofts Human Resources (HR) and Training Technology Portfolio includes leading and emerging technology vendors that empower organizational efficiency and workforce enhancements for Public Sector organizations. Carahsofts IT solution providers ensure agencies have the tools to develop, train and support employees throughout their Government careers. These performance boosting solutions enable HR departments to attract, recruit and onboard highly skilled talent; secure current and past employee information; deliver custom training courses; ensure the completion and management of certifications; leverage workforce analytics to develop a human capital strategy and more. Discover all Carahsofts HR and Training Technology Portfolio has to offer here. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Customer Experience and Engagement, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com. Contact Mary Lange (703) 230-7434 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Perception Point Launches Security Awareness Training Program Powered by DCOYA to Empower Organizations to Cultivate a Proactive, Cyber-Literate Workforce Tweet Integrated into Perception Point's Advanced Email Security solution, the tool helps organizations counter advanced social engineering attacks by focusing on employee behavior and tailoring cybersecurity training to specific needs TEL AVIV, Israel , Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Perception Point , a leading provider of advanced threat prevention across digital communication channels, announced today the launch of a new security awareness training program for its customers. The training program, powered by DCOYA , is integrated into Perception Point's Advanced Email Security solution. It offers behavior-centric security awareness training to counter the growing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks, including advanced social engineering. Cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and frequency, leveraging evasive techniques and social engineering tactics. One-size-fits-all security training programs have not succeeded. The most recent Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of breaches involved the human element, which includes social engineering attacks, errors, or misuse. By focusing on employee behavior, specifically their emotional responses, Perception Point's security awareness training program turns the employees into defenders. The program leverages machine learning algorithms to seamlessly integrate best practices from behavioral psychology and marketing methods, automating training that is tailored to the specific needs of each employee. This reduces the likelihood of successful cyberattacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities. Customers receive a variety of unique tools and resources that can be tailored to their organization's specific security concerns, including: Organization-Specific Training Simulations: pulling from actual threats targeting a specific organization, phishing simulations are based on real-time interactions or past performance risk scores. pulling from actual threats targeting a specific organization, phishing simulations are based on real-time interactions or past performance risk scores. End User Reporting: a simple button allows employees to report any suspicious emails they receive directly to Perception Point's Advanced Email Security platform, empowering trained employees to play an active part of the organization's cyber defense strategy. a simple button allows employees to report any suspicious emails they receive directly to Perception Point's Advanced Email Security platform, empowering trained employees to play an active part of the organization's cyber defense strategy. Advanced Automation and Performance Analytics: cybersecurity training proesses are optimized with automation through cognitive computing and machine learning algorithms, providing in-depth analysis during employee training sessions and comprehensive insights into each employee's progress towards behavioral change. The security awareness training covers a wide range of topics, including how to recognize and avoid phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and other social engineering tactics to comprehensively cover the security pain points organizations encounter today at the employee level. The program is offered in twenty-eight different languages to address the training needs of organizations globally and ensure consistent training for multinational enterprises. "Our customers are increasingly looking for a solution that unifies advanced email security and security awareness training," said Asaf Kotsel, Co-founder and CEO at DCOYA. "Partnering with Perception Point provides unparalleled threat prevention and tailored awareness training based on the actual threats that are thwarted, strengthening the security of each employee and the organization as a whole." Learn more about Perception Point's Security Awareness Training Program here . About Perception Point Perception Point is a Prevention-as-a-Service company for the fastest and most accurate next-generation detection and response to all attacks across email, cloud collaboration channels, and web browsers. The solution's natively integrated incident response service acts as a force multiplier to the SOC team, reducing management overhead, improving user experience and delivering continuous insights; providing proven best protection for all organizations. Deployed in minutes, with no change to the enterprise's infrastructure, the patented, AI-powered, and easy-to-use solution replaces cumbersome legacy systems to prevent phishing, BEC, spam, malware, zero-days, ATO, and other advanced attacks well before they reach end-users. Fortune 500 enterprises and organizations across the globe are preventing the most advanced attacks across their email, browsers and cloud collaboration channels with Perception Point. To learn more about Perception Point, visit our website , or follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Twitter . About Dcoya Dcoya is the leader in behavior-centric cybersecurity solutions for organizations of all sizes. Our expertise in ethical hacking and our extensive experience with social engineering has proven that a culture of cybersecurity awareness as well as individual behavior must be at the foundation of any successful security strategy. Our innovative Dcoya platform actively engages employees in your cybersecurity program and helps them practice and adopt the right security behaviors to reduce both the risk and the cost of social engineering attacks. Dcoya solutions are deployed in leading financial, government, and national infrastructure organizations, and in other industries worldwide. To learn more about DCOYA, visit our website , or follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Twitter . Perception Point Media Contact: Ben Crome Headline Media [email protected] +1 914 336 4922 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perception-point-launches-security-awareness-training-program-powered-by-dcoya-to-empower-organizations-to-cultivate-a-proactive-cyber-literate-workforce-302013962.html SOURCE Perception Point [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Iris Powered by Generali Announces Recipients of its Women in Technology Scholarship Iris announces its new Women in Technology scholarship program along with updates on its cybersecurity awareness initiatives WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Iris Powered by Generali ("Iris"), provider of proprietary identity and cyber protection solutions, today announced the creation of its Women in Technology Scholarship program, providing financial assistance to women in or those looking to enter the technology industry along with the program's first two recipients. Iris also provided updates on some of the ongoing cybersecurity awareness initiatives they undertook this year and the recognitions received from the Globee Awards and the Software Report. In support of the larger technology industry, Iris has launched its Women in Technology Scholarship program. The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance to women aspiring to build a successful career in the field of technology and offer them an opportunity to connect with other professionals to sharpen their knowledge. In 2023, Iris selected two recipients of the award: Jennifer Castro, who will use the scholarship to enroll in a coding bootcamp with SheCodes, and Stephanie Martinez, who will use the financial assistance to continue her education at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Erik Nienaber, CTO of Iris, commented on the scholarship program, "It's exciting that we're able to give back to the larger tech community by supporting a scholarship program that looks to bring more women into the space. We're proud to support two of many women looking to broaden their career prospects and learn more about this exciting field with these scholarships." Regarding education and awareness, Iris also partnered with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) for the 20th Anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to bring awareness to key best practices and resources for consumers and businesses. Iris also partnered with the NCA on their annual "Oh, Behave!" Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report and authored weekly blog posts throughout the month that included cybersecurity and identity protection tips to help consumers practice safer online habits. Additionally, Iris published its seventh annual Holiday ID Theft Shopping Survey, an annual report that tracks the biggest concerns of shoppers and consumers during the holiday season. The survey is intended to inform retailers, consumer brands, banks, credit card providers, and the general public alike about trends related to holiday shopping concerns, including the fact that profits can be increased while providing peace of mind as 58% of respondents said they would be more likely to do business with those who offered ID protection services. The company was also recognized by the Globee Awards in 2023, where it was recognized with a gold award for Security Software Company of the Year as a result of its incredible employee retention metrics and overall goals in the cybersecurity space. The company also received another Gold Globee for Best Workplace of the Year, as well as two bronze awards for its customer service and support department achievements. Iris was additionally recognized by the Software Report as one of the Top Software Companies of 2023 and included Iris CEO Paige Schaffer in its Top 50 SaaS CEOs of 2023. Paige Schaffer, CEO of Iris, commented on the news, "Our team has always prioritized the security of consumers across the globe, which guides nearly all of our goals and projects as a company. I am incredibly proud that we are able to help promote women professionals in the field of technology. We're also humbled to continue to receive awards that recognize our achievements with respect to both our identity and cyber protection offerings and our commitment to an internal culture of excellence." As 2023 draws to a close, Iris Powered by Generali has many more informative initiatives and exciting launches planned to celebrate its twenty-year anniversary next year, with additional details to be announced soon. About Iris Powered by Generali Iris Powered by Generali is a B2B2C global identity and cyber protection company owned by the 190-year-old multinational insurance company, Generali, offering always-available identity resolution experts (real people, 24/7/365) and tech-forward solutions that uncomplicate the protection process. Understanding that victimization has no geographical boundaries, we've got a solution no matter your customers' coordinates. To learn more about Iris' offerings, please visit https://www.irisidentityprotection.com/. Iris Media Contact M Group Strategic Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iris-powered-by-generali-announces-recipients-of-its-women-in-technology-scholarship-302014146.html SOURCE Iris powered by Generali [December 13, 2023] PFU America, Inc. Celebrates 15 Million Global Shipments of Award-Winning Document Scanners Tweet PFU America, Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of PFU Limited and the leader in document scanning solutions, today announced the launch of its "Infinite Stories Unfold Campaign," to celebrate the achievement of surpassing 15 million PFU-delivered document scanners shipped globally*. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213036034/en/ PFU America, Inc. announces the launch of its "Infinite Stories Unfold Campaign" to celebrate the achievement of surpassing 15 million PFU-delivered document scanners shipped globally. (Graphic: Business Wire) The campaign, which kicks off today, December 13, 2023, invites customers, tech enthusiasts, and consumers worldwide to learn about PFU's global customer case studies and share them on social media channels for a chance to win prizes, such as a $100 Amazon gift card or a limited edition ScanSnap iX1600 scanner**. For more information on how to enter the giveaway and official terms and conditions, please visit PFU America, Inc.'s LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/pfuamerica. To celebrate the campaign, PFU has also launched a dedicated webpage featuring case studies from around the world at https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/scanners/uservoice. The page serves as a valuable resource offering in-depth insights into the capabilities of PFU's document scanners. Focused on real-world use cases and user experiences, it aims to inspire individuals to discover novel ways of using document scanners to enhance their daily lives with convenience and comfort. For more information on PFU's global case studies, please visit https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/scanners/uservoice. To learn more about PFU's 15 million document scanners shipped, please visit: https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/scanners/news/press231016. About PFU Limited Since its founding in 1960, PFU Limited has been headquartered in Ishikawa, Japan, and expanding its business globally. In 2022, PFU joined the Ricoh Group. Based on the technologies cultivated through computer development, we provide a total range of IT-related products and services, including hardware such as image scanners and embedded computers, security and document management software and services, IT infrastructure building, and multi-vendor services in partnership with other companies. PFU America, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of PFU Limited and the leader in document scanning solutions. About Ricoh Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh's global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2023, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,134 billion yen (approx. 16.0 billion USD). It is Ricoh's mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future. For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com. Notes *The total number of document scanners shipped includes units shipped by PFU as of February 2023. The number also includes scanners designed, developed, and manufactured by PFU since 1983 (counted by PFU). **Terms and conditions apply. Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway ends January 31, 2024. Trademarks ScanSnap is a registered trademark or trademark of PFU LIMITED in Japan. All other product names and company names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies with all rights reserved. The information contained in this press release is accurate as of the date of publishing. Please understand that this information is subject to change without notice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213036034/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Alexandra Alper and Eduardo Baptista WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Chinese chip designer, part-owned by the country's top sanctioned chipmaker, is purchasing U.S. software and has American financial backing, relationships that underscore the difficulty Washington faces applying new rules meant to block American support for Beijing's semiconductor industry. The company, Brite Semiconductor, offers chip design services to at least six Chinese military suppliers, a Reuters examination of company statements, regulatory filings, tenders and academic articles by People's Liberation Army (PLA) researchers and institutions found. Its second largest shareholder and top supplier, chipmaker SMIC, was placed on the so-called U.S. entity list over alleged ties to Beijing's military, effectively barring it from receiving some goods from U.S. suppliers. Despite those relationships, Brite boasts funding from a U.S. venture capital firm backed by Wells Fargo and a Christian university, and has continued access to sensitive U.S. technology from two California-based software companies, Synopsys and Cadence Design, documents showed. Reuters has found no evidence that Brite's relationships with U.S. firms violate any regulations. The Biden administration, with bipartisan support, has taken pains to stop the flow of technology and investment to Bejing's chip sector, unveiling rules last October to halt some U.S. exports of chips and chipmaking tools to China and in August announcing a ban on certain new U.S. investments in the industry. It has also added dozens of Chinese companies to the entity list, many over ties to China's military. Brite did not respond to requests for comment. The Commerce Department and the White House declined to comment. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not comment on Brite but accused the United States of "blatant economic coercion and bullying in the field of technology." Although not an apparent breach of any U.S. rules, Brite's access demonstrates the challenges facing Washington's bid to keep U.S. equipment and money from being used to advance China's military ambitions, and suggests the U.S. will struggle to succeed unless it targets many more companies that have slipped under its radar. Story continues Republican Senator Marco Rubio, an influential China hawk and member of the foreign relations committee, characterized Reuters' findings on Brite as "concerning." "Companies connected to Chinas military supply chain should not have access to American technology and investment. The Biden Administrations haphazard approach to export controls and investment restrictions clearly is not working," he said. Others said Brite illustrates Beijing's ability to use low-profile companies to skirt American export bans on big-name Chinese firms. "Brite is a classic example of how a US-China joint venture could end up funneling valuable semiconductor technology to SMIC and the PLA," said Martijn Rasser, managing director of Datenna, an open-source intelligence company. China's defense ministry and SMIC did not respond to questions about their relationships with Brite. MILITARY LINKS Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), which holds a 19% stake in Brite, has long been in Washington's crosshairs. The Trump administration added it to a list of "military end users" in November, 2020. Next, SMIC was added to the "entity list" over its apparent ties to the Chinese military industrial complex. SMIC has previously denied any ties to China's military, saying that it manufactures chips and provides services "solely for civilian and commercial end-users and end-uses." Brite Semiconductor, founded in 2008 as a joint venture between U.S. venture capitalists and Chinese firms, has longstanding ties to SMIC. SMIC was Brite's largest shareholder until last year. That stake turned Brite into "a bridge between China's no. 1 foundry SMIC" and other companies with chip design needs, according to a presentation on its website. The 2021 presentation also notes that SMIC's Co-CEO serves as Brite's current chairman of the board. Nearly 85% of the funds Brite Semiconductor paid to all suppliers for goods and services last year went to SMIC, according to its October IPO prospectus. Beyond its links to SMIC, Brite sells its chip design services to Shanghai-based ComNav Technology, which makes satellite navigation systems for the Navy and the Strategic Support Force, the PLA unit that oversees information, electronic, and cyber warfare, according to a Reuters review of articles authored by PLA researchers and military tenders. Brite accounted for over 71% of ComNav's total prepaid procurement bill, payments to suppliers made in advance, at the end of last year, according to a prospectus filed by ComNav in June. ComNav relied on Brite to outsource the packaging, testing and manufacturing for a chip used in ComNav's K8 high-precision GPS product series, designed for machine control, robotics, and drones, among other uses, according to its website. ComNav's K8 system was used by two PLA researchers according to a Reuters review of Chinese-language academic literature published in the past two years. ComNav did not respond to requests for comment. ACCESS TO U.S. TECH Chinese tech companies with links to the Chinese military often get added to the entity list, but Brite has never faced such restrictions, public records show. "It sure seems like they would be a candidate for an entity listing," said Emily Kilcrease, a former trade official now at the Center for a New American Security, after reviewing Reuters' findings. The United States has created new obstacles for U.S. suppliers to send technology to Chinese companies involved in the production of advanced chips, even when they are not entity listed. After SMIC was added to the entity list, Brite's U.S. suppliers needed to get a U.S. license before shipping it items used for designing chips to be made at SMIC. And new rules released last year would have barred Brite from receiving such items if they were meant to be used in designing advanced chips to be made at Chinese manufacturers. Brite has maintained its relationships with suppliers of top chip design software Cadence and Synopsys, Brite's October prospectus for its Shanghai exchange IPO shows. Reuters was not able to determine whether the U.S. companies received licenses to ship equipment to Brite, as the new rules require. Both companies said they are in compliance with U.S. regulations. From January to June of this year, the company spent 14 million yuan ($2 million) on software from Synopsys, making the U.S. company one of its top 5 suppliers. And last year, Cadence ranked as one of Brite's top five suppliers, with Brite spending 11.8 million ($1.6 million) yuan on its chip design software, according to the prospectus. Both Synopsys and Cadence said they are in full compliance with U.S. export controls and did not confirm or deny their relationships with Brite, although Synopsys mentions its business dealings with Brite on its website. FINANCIAL TIES The White House unveiled an executive order last August targeting U.S. investment in advanced Chinese chipmaking and other tech industries, fearing the capital and know-how could end up helping Beijing bolster its military. Norwest Venture Partners, whose stake in Brite is 99.7% backed by funds from Wells Fargo Bank, is the largest U.S. investor in Brite. Norwest participated in at least four capital raises worth over $66 million and held a board seat until 2020, giving it insight into and partial control over Brite's business strategies. Its stake could be worth nearly $34 million, based on the IPO valuation Brite is seeking. Wells Fargo declined to comment. Norwest said its initial investment was made 15 years ago and has been "held in compliance with applicable laws." "The regulatory environment is changing, and were committed to following new regulations as they become effective, the firm added. Biola University, a Christian college in California, also has a 5.43% stake in Brite. Promod Haque, a managing partner at Norwest who sat on Brite's board until 2019, according to his LinkedIn page, has also served on Biola's board of trustees since 2007. Haque did not respond to requests for comment on his links to Brite and Biola. Biola declined to comment on its investment in Brite. Norwest and Biola University will not run afoul of new rules fleshing out the restrictions on investments in China because those measures will not hit pre-existing investments, lawyers who are experts in foreign investment regulations said. Brite's relationship with SMIC may also affect its financial future in China. Brite, which saw revenue growth of 36% last year to 1.3 billion yuan ($178.83 million) is seeking to list its shares on the Shanghai stock exchange, the prospectus showed. But in October, the exchange suspended the process, seeking more information about Brite's independence from SMIC. At issue is whether SMIC is taking advantage of its role as Brite's top supplier and part owner to overcharge Brite. The exchange, which is set to review Brite's listing on December 18, asked Brite to clarify why SMIC sold it wafers, or silicon discs, at a higher-than-average price. Brite said in a filing on Monday that wafers are highly customized products whose prices are affected by the size of a purchase and supply and demand. The Shanghai stock exchange did not respond for a request for comment on Brite's IPO process. Regardless of the stock exchange's final decision, Brite will likely continue to enjoy access to U.S. technology and investment, despite SMIC's addition to the entity list. "It is time to reimagine the economic policy toolkit that we have," said Greg Levesque, CEO of security firm Strider Technologies, which examines open source data to find foreign technology that is at risk of being stolen by China. "We are really good at putting names on lists, but we need to be more aggressive in identifying and combating this behavior," he added. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington and Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; additional reporting by Echo Wang in New York, Stephen Nellis in San Francisco, Michael Martina in Washington; editing by Chris Sanders and Anna Driver) [December 13, 2023] United States Virtual Power Plant Market Report, 2023 and 2024-2028: Rising In Demand of Renewable Energy and IoT/Cloud Platform Tweet DUBLIN, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Virtual Power Plant Market Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The US Virtual Power Plant Market is anticipated to grow robustly during 2024-2028 The key drivers for the virtual power plant market growth during the projected period are drivers of a virtual power plant in the energy industry, a rise in government initiatives, and investments in energy infrastructure. A virtual power plant combines many power sources to provide a dependable overall power supply. The sources frequently consist of a variety of centrally controlled dispatchable and non-dispatchable, controllable, or flexible load (CL or FL) distributed generation (DG) systems, such as microCHPs, small-scale wind power plants, photovoltaics, run-of-river hydroelectricity plants, small hydro, biomass, backup generators, and energy storage systems (ESS). Benefits of this system include its capacity to rapidly generate load-following power or distribute electricity during peak load. Such a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) can take the position of a traditional power plant while offering more flexibility and efficiency, allowing the system to respond to load changes more effectively. Rising In Demand of Renewable Energy and IoT/Cloud Platform Across the Nation Leading economies across the country are increasingly using renewable energy sources to generate electricity, and this need has emerged as a significant growth driver for the market for US virtual power plants. Additionally, a significant movement from centralized to distributed generation is anticipated to boost demand for virtual power plants and support future market expansion. Growth of the market is credited to the power industry's increasing adoption of cutting-edge technologies like the internet of things (IoT) and cloud platforms, along with the growing awareness of the advantages of renewable energy, the simplicity of obtaining power through platforms for virtual power plants (VPP), and the increasing focus on cost-effectiveness in power generation. Moreover, the low cost and readily available raw materials has increased competition in the market for PV modules. Regulations ae promoting the development of renewable energy, accelerating industrial growth. For instance, Solar power company Sunrun declared in December 2022 that it had been effective in supplying electricity to consumers in the months of June, July, and August via a virtual power plant in Massachusetts that integrated an estimated 5,000 small-scale solar energy installations. This aspect is expected to grow the market further in the forecast period. Latest Trend of VPP in United States A significant industry trend that is being examined is the rising investment in the construction of new virtual power plants. The building and operation of a conventional power plant requires large amounts of money. VPP, on the other hand, is a centralized control system that is connected to power generating and transmission units. As a result, it costs less and can combine different dispersed energy resources. Governmental measures have strained national resources, forced reconsideration of switching to renewable energy sources, and delayed reforms to the power industry. For instance, in just 10 years, renewable energy's segment of US electricity generation gets doubled over - from 10% in 2010 to 20% in 2020. More than 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 122.5 GW of wind capacity were available in the nation, in the end of 2020. Energy storage is a key component for the optimal integration of renewable energy, carrying with it the benefits of compact power generation and a clean, reliable energy supply, both of which are essential in this industry. For instance, according to the U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report, 345 MW of new energy storage systems reportedly went online in the second quarter of 2021. Recent Developments The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources must set a 1,000 MWh energy storage goal by 2025, for instance, as a result of House Bill 4,857 (An Act to Advance Clean Energy), which was created by the state of Massachusetts in the United States in August 2018 . Rising solar energy cost competitiveness and governmental efforts to build energy storage systems are therefore expected to increase the demand for VPPs during the forecast period. Funding to hasten the company's goal of installing 26,000 energy storage devices in buildings and residences while integrating them with Swell's 600MWh of virtual power plants (VPP) across the US. in in . Rising solar energy cost competitiveness and governmental efforts to build energy storage systems are therefore expected to increase the demand for VPPs during the forecast period. Funding to hasten the company's goal of installing 26,000 energy storage devices in buildings and residences while integrating them with Swell's 600MWh of virtual power plants (VPP) across the US. According to Carrington, Stem (Company located in carrington) is aiming for 'full participation and value' of its VPPs in U.S. wholesale markets by providing voltage support, frequency regulation, renewable energy integration, reserve capacity, and other grid services. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the US Virtual Power Plant Market. Enel X EnerNOC, Inc. Comverge Cpower ABB Ltd. Siemens AG Schneider Electric SE General Electric Company Flexitricity Limited AGL Energy Report Scope US Virtual Power Plant Market, by Technology: Demand Response Distributed Generation Mixed Asset US Virtual Power Plant Market, by End-User: Residential Commercial Industrial Petroleum Refining Chemicals Industry Metals & Mining Others US Virtual Power Plant Market, by Source: Renewables CHP Energy Storage Local Generation Other US Virtual Power Plant Market, by Components: Software Service US Virtual Power Plant Market, by Region: Midwest US West US Northeast US South US For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xka88 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-virtual-power-plant-market-report-2023-and-2024-2028-rising-in-demand-of-renewable-energy-and-iotcloud-platform-302013705.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Delphina Raises $7.5 Million to Build Copilot for Data Science Tweet SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delphina , an LLM-powered copilot for data science, today announced the closing of a $7.5 million seed round co-led by Costanoa Ventures and Radical Ventures with participation from 20+ prominent angel investors, including Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li. The funding will be used to expand its team and accelerate product development. Delphina will do for data science and predictive AI what GitHub Copilot is doing for software engineering. It uses large language models (LLMs) to accelerate the routine, time-consuming tasks in predictive AI workflows, reducing them from months to days. By identifying and preparing relevant data, training models and deploying pipelines, the Delphina platform makes it dramatically faster and simpler for any enterprise - even those without dedicated AI teams - to productize common AI business use cases, like forecasting, personalization, pricing or fraud detection, to name a few. The goal is to close the gap preventing businesses from using AI in more core business processes. According to Deloitte , 94% of business leaders agree that AI is critical to success over the next five years; however, 41% of business leaders cite slowdowns due to gaps in technical skills. By automating time-consuming tasks, Delphina will enable data science teams to build and deploy better AI models, faster. Today, even the most advanced data science teams are mired in painstaking work that AI is better suited to do, said Jeremy Hermann, Co-founder of Delphina. With the recent advancements in large language models, it is only now possible to massively improve data science productivity so the world gets the value it wants out of AI faster. Many existing tools focus on MLOps (machine learning operations), but the creation and tuning of predictive AI models themselves remains labor-intensive and under-served. The few tools that do target model building favor low-code approaches, whereas Delphina is optimizing for technical builders who code. "There's been a boom in AI tools in recent years, but building valuable models and putting them into production has not gotten easier, said Tony Liu of Costanoa Ventures. Delphina is taking a very different approach to the problem by using LLMs in a way that was not previously possible. Jeremy and Duncan understand the space better than anyone else. "Large language models promise to automate and transform broad swaths of traditional data science and predictive AI workflows, just like we are seeing them do with software engineering, said Rob Toews of Radical Ventures. Venture capitalists like to talk about 'founder/market fit.' I can't imagine a stronger founding team than Duncan and Jeremy to tackle this problem, as two top data science leaders who have been at the forefront of this field for years." Delphina is deployed with five design partners. They expect full commercial availability in the second half of 2024. About Delphina: Delphina is a copilot for data science that speeds predictive AI model building and deployment. Backed by a proven team of data scientists and engineers, the company is led by Co-Founders Jeremy Hermann and Duncan Gilchrist. Delphina was founded in 2023 and is headquartered in San Francisco. Angela Petersen SamsonPR [email protected] 631.830.3305 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] NCTC Announces New Board of Director Appointment Tweet Appointment of new board of director Chandni Thakrar-Woolam. OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC), representing roughly 700 broadband and cable operators serving all 50 states today announced the new board of director role for Chandni Thakrar-Woolam Senior Vice President, Information Technology at Windstream. Chandni is an IT & Operations Executive and longtime telephony and broadband industry veteran, with a vast background in technology including network operations and IT, Chandni brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the NCTC Board of Directors. Lou Borrelli, NCTC, CEO said: "I would like to welcome Chandni Thakrar-Woolam to the NCTC Board of Directors. We are excited to leverage her expertise and vast background in technology to develop and guide future initiatives of the NCTC." Chandni Thakrar-Woolam said: "This appointment is a great honor not only as a member but a business leader. I feel my diverse background in tehnology can carry NCTC and its members forward into the future, I look forward to working with the NCTC team and my fellow Board of Director Peers." NCTC board members include: Officers Chair: Elaine Partridge, Vexus Fiber Vice-chair: Karl Skroban, Comporium Board Members Jim Butman, TDS Telecom Katie Espeseth, EPB Chattanooga Jason Hansen, Conway Corporation Jim Holanda, RCN/Grande/Wave Heather McCallion, Breezeline Brad Moline, ALLO Communications Brad Mefferd, Buckeye Broadband David Thacker, TVC Cable Matt Weller, All West Chandni Thakrar-Woolam, Windstream NCTC board members commit to a three-year term and work in partnership with NCTC leaders to support its almost 700 member companies. About NCTC The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) is a Kansas-based, not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming, broadband solutions, and hardware purchasing organization for its member companies serving one-third of connected households in the U.S. and its territories. NCTC seeks to maximize current and future opportunities to ensure the profitability, competitive stature, and long-term sustainability of its member companies. NCTC represents almost 700 independent cable, telecommunications, and broadband operators across the U.S. in programming and technology acquisition. NCTC is actively engaged in helping network providers, and suppliers evolve their business models to deploy new video/data solutions to match the changes in the media landscape. For more information, visit: https://nctconline.org Contact: Pam Gillies NCTC [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nctc-announces-new-board-of-director-appointment-302014295.html SOURCE NCTC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] STRADVISION to Unveil Next-Gen '3D Perception Network' and Showcase SVNet Portfolio at CES 2024 Tweet SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- STRADVISION, an automotive industry pioneer in deep learning-based vision perception technology, is set to revolutionize the ADAS landscape at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Located at the Westgate Hotel Hospitality Suite #28115, the showcase will be open to industry professionals from January 9th to 12th. At the heart of STRADVISION's presentation is unveiling the next-generation approach, the '3D Perception Network,' a transformative leap in autonomous systems. This innovation amplifies the role of the camera in the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving(AD), offering a comprehensive solution spanning perception to planning. The traditional sensing-perceiving-planning-action sequence undergoes a pivotal evolution, driven by deep learning for a more delicate 2D to 3D transformation. The 3D Perception Network, developed by STRADVISION, represents a significant advancement in the field of ADAS/AD. This innovative approach leverages LiDAR sensors during its development phase, but what sets it apart is its ability to transition into a robust and economical alternative, eliminating the need for in-vehicle LiDAR systems. The strategic decision to eliminate the necessity for in-vehicle LiDAR showcases STRADVISION's commitment to cutting-edge technology and its practical and economical application in ADAS/AD systems. This approach not only reduces the overall cost of implementing ADAS/AD technology in vehicles but also enhances the scalability and adoption of autonomous driving features in the automotive industry. Key Highlights: Higher Scalability: The 3D Perception Network introduces unparalleled scalability, driven by increased deep learning and reduced post-processing, resulting in a remarkable 30% decrease in ARM resource usage. This innovation ensures flexibility for expansion across various SoC platforms, seamlessly adaptig to diverse hardware landscapes. It optimizes efficiency for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) era by decreasing CPU usage and increasing Neural Processing Unit (NPU) utilization - NPU for ADAS functions and CPU for broader system operations. The 3D Perception Network introduces unparalleled scalability, driven by increased deep learning and reduced post-processing, resulting in a remarkable 30% decrease in ARM resource usage. This innovation ensures flexibility for expansion across various SoC platforms, seamlessly adaptig to diverse hardware landscapes. It optimizes efficiency for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) era by decreasing CPU usage and increasing Neural Processing Unit (NPU) utilization - NPU for ADAS functions and CPU for broader system operations. Less Complexity: Implementation of the 3D Perception Network significantly reduces post-processing code complexity by 50%, streamlining integration and maintenance processes. Implementation of the 3D Perception Network significantly reduces post-processing code complexity by 50%, streamlining integration and maintenance processes. Expansion of the Role of Camera (Vision): Embracing a transformative approach, the 3D Perception Network redefines the role of the camera in the vision domain. Equipped solely with a camera, it rivals Lidar capabilities, marking a significant leap in the role of vision in autonomous systems. Embracing a transformative approach, the 3D Perception Network redefines the role of the camera in the vision domain. Equipped solely with a camera, it rivals Lidar capabilities, marking a significant leap in the role of vision in autonomous systems. Enhanced Cost Efficiency: The 3D Perception Network not only offers advancements in scalability and reduced complexity but also brings about a notable enhancement in cost efficiency making it an even more attractive and economically viable choice for OEMs looking to integrate cutting-edge ADAS/AD technologies into their vehicles The 3D Perception Network not only offers advancements in scalability and reduced complexity but also brings about a notable enhancement in cost efficiency making it an even more attractive and economically viable choice for OEMs looking to integrate cutting-edge ADAS/AD technologies into their vehicles Better Accuracy: This innovative new-generation approach ensures superior accuracy, reducing detection errors by a remarkable 10% and boosting detection stability by an impressive 30%. This substantial improvement not only fortifies the reliability of STRADVISION's system in real-world scenarios but also positions it as the go-to choice for OEMs seeking unparalleled precision and dependability in their autonomous driving solutions. STRADVISION's CEO, Junhwan Kim, expressed, "Our presence at CES 2024 marks a significant dedication to pushing technological boundaries in the automotive sector. The 3D Perception Network and the SVNet portfolio showcase represent the next significant milestones for STRADVISION. We eagerly anticipate engaging with thought leaders across the tech, automotive, and AI landscapes." This unveiling follows a year of remarkable milestones for STRADVISION, including SVNet's cumulative production of 1.5 million units since 2019. The company is set to reveal its ambitious business vision for 2024, outlining the path towards an IPO. More information on STRADVISION is available at stradvision.com. For press bookings or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Business inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. Event Details: Date: January 9th 12th, 2024 12th, 2024 Location: Westgate Hotel Hospitality Suite #28115, Las Vegas, Nevada About STRADVISION Founded in 2014, STRADVISION is an automotive industry pioneer in artificial intelligence-based vision perception technology for ADAS. The company is accelerating the advent of fully autonomous vehicles by making ADAS features available at a fraction of the market cost compared with competitors. STRADVISION's SVNet is being deployed on various vehicle models in partnership with OEMs; can power ADAS and autonomous vehicles worldwide; and is serviced by over 300 employees in Seoul, San Jose, Detroit, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Dusseldorf. STRADVISION has been honored with Frost & Sullivan's 2022 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Award, the Gold Award at the 2022 and 2021 AutoSens Awards for Best-in-Class Software for Perception Systems, and the 2020 Autonomous Vehicle Technology ACES Award in Autonomy (software category). In addition, STRADVISION and its software have achieved TISAX's AL3 standard for information security management, as well as being certified to the ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 26262 for Automotive Functional Safety. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stradvision-to-unveil-next-gen-3d-perception-network-and-showcase-svnet-portfolio-at-ces-2024-302014225.html SOURCE StradVision [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Unisys Named a Leader in 2023 ISG Provider Lens? Future of Work (Workplace) -- Services and Solutions Report (Global) Tweet The only service provider to be named a leader in all U.S. quadrants, Unisys awarded 22 leader designations across six regions for its commitment to employee experience and adoption of emerging technology BLUE BELL, Pa., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys (NYSE: UIS) has been recognized as a leader in the 2023 ISG Provider Lens? Future of Work (Workplace) Services and Solutions Report. The report, produced by prominent global technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG), evaluates service providers' abilities to help organizations and governments evolve to meet today's workplace challenges. ISG awarded Unisys 22 leader designations across six regions including the U.S., U.S. Public Sector, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K. and five quadrants, solidifying the company's status as a market leader. Notably, Unisys is the only service provider to be recognized as a leader in all of the four U.S. quadrants. ISG defines leaders as companies with a comprehensive product and service offering, innovative strength, a strong market presence and competitive strategies that position them to win business. This is the fourth year ISG has named Unisys a leader in its report. "We are proud to be recognized for our inventive solutions and commitment to helping our clients not only sustain their hybrid and remote models but elevate them to the next level as well," said Joel Raper, senior vice president and general manager of digital wrkplace solutions at Unisys. "This acknowledgment reflects our continued investment in our extensive product portfolio that delivers on its promises, while bringing innovations to the market that make Unisys stand out from other solution providers." Unisys received leader designations in all five quadrants, spanning six regions: Employee Experience (EX) Transformation Services in the U.S., U.S. Public Sector, Australia , Brazil , Germany , Switzerland and the U.K.: This quadrant assesses value-added managed services that enable workplace technology and enhance the end-user experience with measurable business results. in the U.S., U.S. Public Sector, , , , and the U.K.: This quadrant assesses value-added managed services that enable workplace technology and enhance the end-user experience with measurable business results. Managed Workplace Services End-User Technology in the U.S. Public Sector, Australia , Brazil , Germany , and Switzerland : This quadrant evaluates providers that offer complete end-user computing services, from device selection and life cycle management to cloud workspaces and security. in the U.S. Public Sector, , , , and : This quadrant evaluates providers that offer complete end-user computing services, from device selection and life cycle management to cloud workspaces and security. Managed Workplace Services End User Technology Mid Market in the U.S.: This quadrant assesses managed service providers offering robust device management, mobility support, endpoint management and other end-user technology services for midmarket clients in the U.S. This year, Unisys increased its quadrant ranking from 'product challenger' to 'leader'. Its vast portfolio of proprietary technology, deployment of real-time analytics and dedicated solutions for midmarket businesses contributed to this promotion. in the U.S.: This quadrant assesses managed service providers offering robust device management, mobility support, endpoint management and other end-user technology services for midmarket clients in the U.S. This year, Unisys increased its quadrant ranking from 'product challenger' to 'leader'. Its vast portfolio of proprietary technology, deployment of real-time analytics and dedicated solutions for midmarket businesses contributed to this promotion. Managed Workplace Services End User Technology Large Accounts in the U.S. and the U.K.: This quadrant assesses managed service providers that serve large accounts and offer device management, mobility support, and other end-user technology services to enable and support experience-centric hybrid and remote working for large enterprises. in the U.S. and the U.K.: This quadrant assesses managed service providers that serve large accounts and offer device management, mobility support, and other end-user technology services to enable and support experience-centric hybrid and remote working for large enterprises. Digital Service Desk and Workplace Support Services in the U.S., U.S. Public Sector, Australia , Brazil , Germany , Switzerland and the U.K.: This quadrant assesses service providers that leverage new technologies to provide always-on and proactive support, which enable companies to achieve significant cost savings. To learn more about the recognition, click here to read the report. About Unisys Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions digital workplace; cloud, applications & infrastructure; enterprise computing; and business process help our clients challenge the status quo and create new possibilities. To learn how we deliver breakthroughs for our clients and have been pushing the possible for 150 years visit?unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn. #Unisys150 RELEASE NO.: 1213/9933 Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. UIS-C View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unisys-named-a-leader-in-2023-isg-provider-lens-future-of-work-workplace--services-and-solutions-report-global-302014364.html SOURCE Unisys Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Metronet Celebrates Des Moines Storefront Grand Opening Tweet Metronet today celebrated the official grand opening of its Des Moines storefront while ringing in the holidays with a $10,000 donation to Food Bank of Iowa. Metronet has worked rapidly to ensure that Des Moines residents and businesses have access to ultra-high-speed internet as it has quickly become a necessity for daily life. In addition to ensuring that the community has access to reliable, 100% fiber internet, Metronet also wanted to ensure that Des Moines' community is cared for throughout the holiday season. Metronet's donation to the Food Bank of Iowa will help provide more than 15,000 meals this holiday season. "Metronet remains committed to empowering communities by bridging them to the future with our ultra-high-speed internet," said Dave Heimbach, President & CEO of Metronet. "Beyond connecting Iowans with our 100% fiber internet, we're dedicated to supporting our neighbors during the holidays. Our contribution to the Food Bank of Iowa reflects our pride in aiding hundreds of families with essential food provisions this season." Metronet's Des Moines storefront, located at 1231 Keosauqua Way, Suite 104, now provides customers with the opportunity to learn more about Metronet's multi-gigabit, 100% fiber optic speeds and service offerings. Customers may now visit the newly opened storefront, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to sign up for service plans and speak with Customer Care Associates face-to-face. Additional resources and information may be found at Metronet.com. "During the holiday season, resources for many within our community are stretched thin," said Michelle Book, Food Bank of Iowa CEO. "Through Metronet's generous contribution, even more families, seniors and veterans will have access to nutritious food this winter. W extend a warm welcome to Metronet as they celebrate this milestone within our community." "We're pleased to welcome Metronet to Des Moines and celebrate the launch of their new storefront, a significant expansion in our community," expressed Jimmy Olsen, Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "Increased competition in the market promises substantial advantages for our businesses-enhanced internet speeds, competitive pricing, and overall improved service. We are pleased to welcome Metronet to our business community a look forward to seeing how their investment in our community enhances our online quality of life." As a leading fiber optic internet provider, Metronet provides ultra-fast symmetrical upload and download speeds through its future-proof infrastructure to more than 250 communities throughout 16 states. With an expanded presence in Des Moines, Metronet will continue to support more communities across the state with access to a 100% fiber optic network that has the ability to provide multi-gigabit speeds of up to 10 Gigabits. City officials interested in adding their community to Metronet's growing list of "Certified Gigabit Cities Powered by Metronet" may visit metronet.com/gigabit-city or contact Eddie Massengale, Metronet Sr. Director of Business Development & Government Affairs at [email protected] or at 423-280-9031. About Metronet: Metronet is a 100% fiber optic company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, and has quickly grown to become the nation's largest independently owned 100% fiber optic provider. The customer-focused company provides cutting-edge fiber optic communication services, including high-speed Fiber Internet and full-featured Fiber Phone. Metronet started in 2005 with one fiber optic network in Greencastle, Indiana. Since then, Metronet and its affiliates have grown to serve and construct networks in more than 250 communities across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Metronet is committed to bringing state-of-the-art telecommunication services to communities - services that are comparable or superior to those offered in large metropolitan areas. By offering XGS PON technology, Metronet can easily carry its communities into the future of multi-gigabit service. Cablefax has named Metronet as the 2023 Fiber Provider of the Year. Metronet has also been recognized by PCMag as the Fastest Major ISP in 2023 and as one of the Top 10 ISPs with Best Gaming Quality Index in 2021. For more information, visit www.Metronet.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213888007/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] The Government of Canada and CUTRIC are supporting TransLink to develop a plan to transition to zero emissions vehicles Tweet VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Communities across the country are developing strategies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, including lowering carbon emissions from public transportation. Today, Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink, and Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a combined investment of $1.3 million for TransLink to plan the transition of its bus fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2040. Through this investment, TransLink is developing a comprehensive strategy including a detailed market scan of current and emerging zero emission technologies and a transition roadmap which will include a zero emission bus (ZEB) implementation action plan and deployment strategy, an investment roadmap, and recommendations for future ZEB innovation projects. By investing in the electrification of Canada's public transit systems, the Government of Canada is making clean and affordable transportation available in communities across Canada, growing our country's economy, and improving the lives of Canadians. Quotes "Clean public transit connects Canadians to their communities and helps achieve our target of net-zero by 2050. We are proud to work with TransLink to help commuters get where they need to go while transitioning their fleet to reduce their carbon footprint." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "TransLink is taking serious action to address climate change by planning for a zero emissions fleet by 2040. This important partnership will help that ambition to become reality. Those who use transit for their commute are taking one of the biggest steps they can to reduce their own carbon footprint." Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink "In the pursuit of sustainable mobility, transitioning Canada's public transportation fleets to low carbon options is of the utmost importance. Through supporting TransLink in developing a transition plan to zero emissions vehicles, we are collectively catalyzing a cleaner, greener future for Canada. Embracing zero emission vehicles is our commitmet to reducing our carbon footprint and inspiring a nationwide shift towards eco-friendly transportation. We are proud to be working toward this goal with TransLink, through the Government of Canada's continued support, ultimately pioneering a sustainable legacy for generations to come." Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium Quick facts The Government of Canada is contributing $1,040,000 to this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). TransLink is contributing $260,000 . is contributing to this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). TransLink is contributing . The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada's net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working toward a cleaner environment for our kids while creating jobs and supporting Canadian manufacturing. net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working toward a cleaner environment for our kids while creating jobs and supporting Canadian manufacturing. This Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Zero-emission Bus Initiative through which the CIB has committed more than $1.5 billion to supporting the deployment of zero emission buses. to supporting the deployment of zero emission buses. The Government of Canada is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27. is investing over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27. The ZETF complements Canada's strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community. strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community. The Government of Canada is investing $10 million through the ZETF over five years to help transit bus operators to complete planning work and increase their level of readiness to transition to zero emission bus fleets. is investing through the ZETF over five years to help transit bus operators to complete planning work and increase their level of readiness to transition to zero emission bus fleets. CUTRIC's mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led collaborative research, development, demonstration, and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada's low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem. low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem. Around 55 per cent of the passenger kilometers travelled on TransLink's system are zero emission, thanks to Metro Vancouver's electrified SkyTrain network and North America's second-largest trolley-electric bus fleet. Associated Links Zero Emission Transit Fund https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/zero-emissions-trans-zero-emissions/index-eng.html Canada Infrastructure Bank Zero Emission Buses Initiative https://cib-bic.ca/en/sectors/public-transit/ Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] UNITE HERE Local 11: First LAX Strikes in 20 Years Pose Potential Fiduciary Risk for Public Pension Funds Tweet Last week, hundreds of workers employed by PAI Partners-owned concessionaire, Areas USA, walked out on strike at Los Angeles International Airport, following workers' first strike on November 21. PAI Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, France. Workers' decision to strike during the busy holiday season came after Areas has failed to agree to wage increases workers need to afford the soaring cost of housing in the Los Angeles area. "My coworkers and I are on strike because our futures depend on us fighting for what we deserve," said Joshawa Nichols, fast food attendant at Areas. "We know that it can affect the companies when we go on strike. We do it for a good reason, but I still hate that it could be negatively impacting other union members' union pensions." The public pension fund, Washington State Investment Board (WSIB), has committed $165 million to PAI Europe VII, which is an owner of airport concessionaire Areas. Areas is one of the may employers that LA-area workers have struck in the last six months that is tied to private equity firms with investments from public pension funds. Workers went to Olympia to testify about the ongoing strikes and the potential fiduciary risks they pose for the boards' beneficiaries. Many pension funds have been grappling with how to address the potential Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks that drawn-out labor disputes at their investment properties can pose for investment returns, and are looking for tools to avoid and address such disputes. UNITE HERE Local 11 members have testified at numerous pension fund board meetings over the past eight months. On November 13, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) was the first fund to pass a comprehensive Labor Principles policy. Last week's Areas walkout is their second strike this year. Hospitality workers across Southern California began striking on the July 4th weekend and called for a boycott of hotels across the Los Angeles area. Areas USA employs more than 400 workers as cashiers, fast food attendants, cooks, baristas, servers, and bartenders at LAX at well-known establishments such as California Pizza Kitchen, B Grill by Boa Steakhouse, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Dunkin' Donuts, and Ashland Hill. UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union representing more than 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona that work in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers and airports. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213855370/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Fair Trade USA Awarded 2023 Amazon Web Services IMAGINE Grant Tweet Fair Trade USA will work with Amazon's cloud computing arm to scale programs and impact via new insights platform. OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fair Trade USA is proud to announce its selection as a winner of the 2023 Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant, a public grant opportunity open to registered 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and U.K. who are using technology to solve the world's most pressing challenges. Fair Trade USA will launch an enhanced Partner Portal in the second half of 2024 that will include a new Insights Platform supported by a core data warehouse, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other powerful features using the support from AWS. These new features will provide new levels of insights to commercial partners, putting supply chain and impact data at their fingertips. Fair Trade USA was named a winner in the Go Further, Faster category which recognizes highly innovative projects using advanced cloud services. Fair Trade USAwill receive up to $150,000 in unrestricted funding, up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credits, and engagement with AWS technical specialists. Proposals were judged on several factors including the innovative and unique nature of the project, impact on mission-critical goals, and clearly defined outcomes and milestones. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue innovating the ways in which businesses can stay close to their supply chains and the impact that they are driving through Fair Trade," said Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Rice continued, "By providing these business-critical insights to our partners, we will be able to continue meeting the expectations for transparency and enhanced data, which will allow us to continue scaling commitments to Fair Trade across sectors." The ability to provide improved data and insights on demand is an increasing need as businesses navigate increasingly complex and challenged supply chains. It will also give the organization a more holistic understanding of the impact of its programs, identifying both challenges and opportunities in its mission to lift millions more people out of poverty while protecting the environment and empowering consumers to shop their values across more and more products. For more information on the AWS IMAGINE Grant, visit aws.amazon.com/imagine-grant. For more information about Fair Trade USA, visit the website. About Fair Trade USA Fair Trade USA, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. Its award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing certification programs improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilient, transparent supply chains. The trusted Fair Trade Certified label on a product signifies that it was made according to stringent Fair Trade standards. Fair Trade USA is building an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world. Contact: Fair Trade Public Relations [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fair-trade-usa-awarded-2023-amazon-web-services-imagine-grant-302014594.html SOURCE Fair Trade USA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] The BioWell Accelerator, a First Bight-Led initiative, Receives Prestigious Federal Grant Tweet Funds from U.S. Dept. of Commerce's "Build to Scale" program will help accelerate the commercialization and scaling of bio-industrial startups HOUSTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Economic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has awarded $53 million for its highly competitive "Build to Scale" Grant program to enhances and promotes venture activity and entrepreneurship for regional economies. Only 60 organizations were funded out of the many applications received. The Houston-based First Bight Ventures, and the founder of BioWell, a nonprofit accelerator aimed at early-stage synthetic biology startups, was awarded $741,925. Funding will be used to support a vibrant bioeconomy by accelerating the commercialization and scaling of bio-industrial startups through access to a unique combination of pilot bioproduction infrastructure. "Startups at BioWell will gain access to a robust ecosystem, expertise, mentorship, and financial resources essential for successfully ommercializing their bio-industrial innovations," said BioWell Executive Director Paul Palmer. Urban Partnerships Community Development Corporation (UP CDC), which led the application process on this federal grant, has played a strategic role in shaping BioWell's overall mission and development endeavors, based on the successful work it has done at Houston-based East End Maker Hub, a manufacturing center for innovators. "BioWell chose to partner with UP CDC for the EDA grant, to continue the successful model that UP CDC has created at the East End Maker Hub for advanced manufacturing. UP CDC looks forward to continuing our partnership with BioWell in the UP CDC's BioCity project that will position Houston at the forefront of bio-manufacturing," said UP CDC's CEO Patrick Ezzell. "Often times, early-stage startups gain momentum and hit important milestones, but ultimately find themselves heading toward the 'Valley of Death,' where progress is made on their enterprise, but no sufficient revenue is generated for the company's stability and longevity," said First Bight Ventures Founder Veronica Wu, who has also led the formation of BioWell. "This 'Build to Scale' program's support will help offset these inevitable challenges in our bio-industrial space," she added. BioWell is committed to offering startups key business and operational resources and face-to-face engagement with large corporations. These relations are designed to help startups further develop their technology product and better understand the ever-evolving business climate. Houston is establishing itself as an innovation ecosystem. Over the last five years, startups have received more than $6 billion in venture funding, per the Greater Houston Partnership. Because BioWell is still in its infancy as an accelerator, it is actively trying to secure resources with the goal of opening a dedicated workspace. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-biowell-accelerator-a-first-bight-led-initiative-receives-prestigious-federal-grant-302014668.html SOURCE First Bight Ventures [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hooded man holds a laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture BEIJING (Reuters) - China said it found foreign geographic information software could be compromising confidential and sensitive data in key sectors including its military, and warned security departments to conduct in-depth checks to stem any further breaches. The Ministry of State Security said an extensive investigation found overseas geographic information system software was being used to collect data - some involving state secrets - "posing a serious threat to China's national security." The government revealed the threat in an article on its WeChat public account on Monday but did not disclose any information on entities blamed for accessing data or identify specific Chinese firms that were affected or targeted. China said culprits are using software to collect user data without restrictions, deliberately putting in pre-built "backdoors" in software to allow for cyberattacks and data theft. The government said by stealing high-precision geographic information data, three-dimensional geomorphological mapping of specific areas in its transportation, energy, military and other important fields, could be open to threats. China has been taking increasing measures to protect its national security and prevent information leaks that could damage industries and hurt its economy. The government said departments are to carry out investigations of geographic information data security risks, "and rectify and promptly eliminate" any threats. Security agencies are also to establish and improve on a collaborative plan for data security protection to safeguard important national data, it added. As technology evolves, the government said geographic information can be used as a strategic data resource and in production for areas such as agriculture, energy, automated vehicles, and express online shopping and food deliveries. (Reporting by Bernard Orr; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) [December 13, 2023] Award-Winning Journalist Hosts National Podcast with Mitchell College Students Tweet NEW LONDON, Conn., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- When Julio Ricardo Varela walked onto the Mitchell College campus in New London, Conn., to record a podcast with students on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality, he didn't have to look far for inspiration. Journalist Julio Ricardo Varela found inspiration for a podcast on belonging on the campus of Mitchell College in Conn. "I was instantly struck by how strong and welcoming the community was. There was a sense of belonging and home that felt very special," he said. The award-winning journalist, MSNBC opinion columnist, and founder of one of the top U.S. Latino digital media sites in the world hosted his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College, thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. Varel spent the day meeting with faculty and students and talked about the power of storytelling through podcasts and the craft of making them. During a morning discussion, he explained that journalism and storytelling are a craft and a discipline. "We have to be responsible" in telling stories "and be credible, honest, and truthful," he said. He encouraged students to use their time at college to "tell stories in a supportive place." "Your stories matter. Everyone's stories matter," he added. "We have 'invisibilized' so many voices for centuries that we have forgotten how our humanity connects us. In a country that continues to grow more and more socially isolated, we cannot give up, and [must] remind ourselves that storytelling from diverse voices will be what nourishes us." Varela chose to record his weekly Latino Rebels Radio podcast at Mitchell College knowing the college's reputation for inclusivity and specialized programs for all type of learners. He used a small panel format and talked to two or three students at a time before a live audience. Seven Mitchell College students shared personal stories of the joys and challenges they experience attending a college committed to embracing and celebrating difference. When asked about the rewards and challenges of interviewing, Varela said, "I am inherently curious, so I enjoy asking people questions and trying to make them feel comfortable to share their stories with sincerity and compassion." He added that it is all about "human connections and collegiality." Varela said a highlight was learning about Mitchell community members, "especially the student guests, who were all fabulous." Read the full story and hear the podcast here. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-journalist-hosts-national-podcast-with-mitchell-college-students-302014692.html SOURCE Mitchell College [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Sharebox Debuts Pop-up XR Box at GITEX Global 2023 Tweet Brand paves the way for engagement marketing for the future as it continues global expansion SEOUL, South Korea and DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharebox, a pioneer in marketing technology and extended reality (XR), recently debuted its new, customizable pop-up XR box at GITEX Global 2023 in Dubai. Designed to provide a highly immersive, memorable experience by stimulating all five senses, this innovative solution allowed visitors to interact directly with its latest XR-based technology the future of marketing tech. To explore Sharebox's cutting-edge XR marketing solutions, please visit: https://litt.ly/sharebox "Sharebox is leading the way to solidifying XR as a core marketing technology worldwide, and GITEX Global 2023 was a significant milestone in this journy," commented Caleb Yeon-Sik Shin, CEO of Sharebox. In a world where competition for consumer attention is constantly growing, experiential marketing has emerged as an important and effective strategy. Caleb continued: "We are distinguishing ourselves with our experiential, interactive solutions and we enable consumers to directly experience products and brands in an unforgettable, enjoyable way instead of through one-way video or text content. This format is also incredibly shareworthy consumers share their experiences on social media, creating ripple effects of exposure, which is invaluable for boosting influence and sales." The pop-up XR box at GITEX One of the world's most influential tech events, GITEX Global 2023 showed significant interest in Sharebox's pop-up XR box. It offers a constant stream of diverse XR content and interactive art and gives brands full customizability to tailor the content to their tastes, making it ideal for purposes such as experiential advertisements for movie premiers, employee and safety training, and real-estate marketing. In addition, Sharebox's high engagement at GITEX led it to advance to the semi-finals of the conference's prestigious SuperNova Challenge. Sharebox's global expansion journey To advance its strategic global expansion, the company has increased worldwide visibility at various 2023 expos, including CES, Japan IT Week, and the K-Content EXPO in France. Last week, from December 6 to 8, we participated in the "Tokyo Contents Expo" held at Tokyo Big Sight for three days. We showed our metaverse products and services to buyers and visitors at the Korea Metaverse Pavilion, and achieved good results. Sharebox will also attend MWC 2024 in Barcelona to introduce its latest technologies. About Sharebox Sharebox is at the forefront of XR and marketing technology, offering a one-stop shop covering content planning, program development, execution, all the way to outsourcing of metaverse solutions. The brand is dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiential marketing technologies, integrating all five senses to create an unforgettable consumer experience. Website: https://ssharebox.com Social media: YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram Media contact Nanhee Kim [email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sharebox-debuts-pop-up-xr-box-at-gitex-global-2023-302013795.html SOURCE Sharebox [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 13, 2023] Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Visits Kodiak Tweet Visit comes as the Department of Defense looks to deepen its outreach to Silicon Valley and accelerate the acquisition of innovative technologies MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kodiak Robotics, Inc. , the leading developer of self-driving technology for the defense and trucking markets, today announced a visit from Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at its Mountain View, California office. During her visit, Deputy Secretary Hicks met with Kodiak's senior leadership, rode in a Kodiak autonomous truck, and experienced how the Department of Defense (DoD) can leverage commercial innovations by working with dual-use AI technology developers like Kodiak. The visit comes as DoD is deepening its relationships with Silicon Valley to counter adversaries' technological advancements. On December 1, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the Defense Innovation Unit's headquarters in Mountain View with a delegation of leaders from AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), and recognized how crucial Kodiak and other companies are to the defense industrial base. "We were incredibly proud to host Deputy Secretary Hicks at Kodiak and demonstrate our unique approach to autonomous driving," said Don Burnette, Founder and CEO, Kodiak. "The Deputy Secretary's visit reinforces the criticality of Silicon Valley innovators as the Department of Defense ramps up its focus on autonomous technology and pursues partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors to advance its national security objectives." The visit from Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks comes a week after Kodiak unveiled its first autonomous test vehicle exclusively designed for DoD. The test vehicle, a Ford F-150, is upfitted with Kodiak's autonomy system, the Kodiak Driver, and contains both the autonomy hardware and software required to operate a military ground vehicle. The Kodiak Driver-equipped vehicle is specifically designed to handle complex military environments, diverse operational conditions, areas with degraded GPS, and off-road variables like rocks, dust, mud, and water. The Kodiak Driver also provides the Army the ability to remotely operate vehicles whenever and wherever necessary. Dual-use autonomous technology remais a focus for Congress as well. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report includes language that demonstrates Congressional support for the DoD's decision to encourage cutting-edge commercial technology developers to adapt their technology for national security purposes. These dual-use acquisition strategies include the Software Acquisition Pathways model, which enables the Army to acquire autonomy hardware and software separately from the mobility platform. Kodiak has been at the forefront of developing dual-use autonomous vehicle technologies. In December 2022, the company announced it received a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to adapt its autonomy system for Army reconnaissance vehicles through the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program of record. Founded in 2018, Kodiak focuses its commercial efforts on developing autonomous vehicle technology for the long-haul trucking market. The company has also partnered with many of the leading companies in the trucking industry, including Maersk , C.R. England and Tyson , IKEA , Werner , Pilot , Loadsmith , Forward , and more. For more information about Kodiak, please visit https://kodiak.ai . About Kodiak Robotics, Inc. Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 to develop autonomous technology that carries freight forward so people, partners, and the planet thrive. The company is developing an industry-leading autonomous technology stack making the freight industry safer and more efficient. Kodiak's unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the South, operating autonomously on the highway portions of the routes and driving over 70,000 autonomous miles per month. Kodiak leverages its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. Learn more about Kodiak on the web at kodiak.ai , and on LinkedIn and Twitter . You can find the company press kit HERE . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deputy-secretary-of-defense-kathleen-hicks-visits-kodiak-302014768.html SOURCE Kodiak Robotics [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] As we noted previously . . . This is just HORRIBLE POLICY AT 12TH & OAK that will actually hurt the working-class and small time housing providers who fill an important and often critical gap for low-income residents. A few things to consider . . . There really was overwhelming opposition to this policy and even social media bullying by KC Tenants couldn't gain submission from local residents. This requires constant vigilance . . . Insiders know that Council Dude Duncan is Mayor Q's in-law so whatever he says is calculated with Mayor Q's office. The newspaper spin SEYZ this is EVENTUALLY a done deal as of this writing the policy is so repugnant that it threatens to destroy local housing stock. Here's the cover story . . . "A proposed ordinance that would forbid Kansas City landlords from refusing to accept federal housing vouchers and reject renters solely for having a criminal records or a bad credit score will be revised and most likely considered by the full City Council in January. "However, a two-hour committee hearing at City Hall on Tuesday ended leaving some uncertainty on the timing and final scope of the proposal. "Sixth District Councilman Johnathan Duncan, one of six co-sponsors, said he plans to move for the final adoption of the ordinance as-is at Thursdays council meeting. But Mayor Quinton Lucas suggested a longer timetable that would give council members a chance to amend the 19-page document to reflect some of the concerns raised by landlords . . ." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Head of Kansas City's housing voucher program fears anti-discrimination law goes too far The proposed ordinance banning landlords from denying tenants who pay with vouchers seems to be heading toward passage, but its timeline and scope remains uncertain. 'I want a fair chance': KC tenants, landlords at odds over source of income discrimination ordinance It was standing room only inside Kansas City, Missouri, council chambers on Tuesday afternoon for an ordinance that could protect renters from discrimination. Cycle Toronto, alongside Yonge4All and other community groups, say theyll ride to City Hall Wednesday to register their disapproval for a proposed plan to close off bike lanes for almost three years on a portion of Yonge Street to facilitate construction of a 50-storey condo. The city should not be considering construction site plans that seek to close bike lanes and instead should close access to vehicular traffic on the citys two subway lines to prioritize the movement of the majority of people, stated Alison Stewart, Cycle Torontos director of advocacy and public policy, in a Dec. 12 news release. Organizers, on their website, say they plan to arrive at City Hall at 8:30 a.m. for a news conference in advance of the 9:30 council meeting. The condo is going up at 1404-1428 Yonge St., which is on the west side between St. Clair Avenue West and Farnham Avenue. The community council for Toronto and East York forwarded it to the Dec. 13 council meeting without recommendations. The recommendation is to close the west sidewalk, the southbound bike lane, a portion of the southbound lane, and the northbound bike lane on Yonge Street for a period of 35 months. Pedestrian movements on the west side, according to the city report, would be maintained in a minimum 1.8 metre-wide covered and protected walkway. According to the report, signage will be posted informing cyclists the bike lane ends in advance of the construction staging area, and shared lane pavement markings will be installed advising cyclists and motorists to merge into a single traffic lane in the vicinity of the work zone. Cycle Toronto and residents will be biking down Yonge Street to City Hall in advance of city councils last meeting of 2023 to demand that infrastructure be put in place to protect vulnerable road users throughout all construction, stated the Cycle Toronto news release. Here is your morning roundup on transit, weather and road closures in Toronto. Top stories from our newsroom 'Community-builders and advocates': Here are Torontos Access, Equity and Human Rights Award recipients for 2023 York, Toronto cops hailed as heroes after St. Catharines fire rescue Bay, Adelaide intersection to close for nearly a week, starting Monday, Dec. 11 Weather Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 70 per cent chance of flurries and a high of 1 C. More information is available here. School bus delays and cancellations Click here for information on school bus cancellations and delays. TTC Line 3 is permanently closed in Scarborough. Express buses are running between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Visit the TTC webpage for latest updates on subway, streetcar and bus service delays. GO Transit Click here to get information on GO service delays. Road closures and traffic For live highway traffic updates, click here. Here's what the ministry is reporting for planned road closures this morning: Highway 400 northbound between Finch Avenue, Toronto and Highway 7, Vaughan: three alternating lanes closed until Dec. 15 at 6 a.m. Highway 401 eastbound between Meadowvale Road and Port Union Road, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed until Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. Highway 401 eastbound between Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed until Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. Highway 401 eastbound between Neilson Road and Morningside Avenue, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed until Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. Highway 401 eastbound between Port Union Road, Toronto and Whites Road, Pickering: two alternating lanes closed until Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 5 a.m. Highway 401 westbound transfer at Warden Avenue, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. Highway 427 northbound between Burnhamthorpe Road and Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Dec. 4 at 7 a.m. until Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Highway 427 northbound express off-ramp at Campus Road/Fasken Drive, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road, Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m. Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Allen Road, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 15 at 6 a.m. Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road, Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m. Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Highway 427, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed until Jan. 6, 2024 at 6 a.m. Gas prices Click here to see the lowest gas prices across the Toronto area from gasbuddy.com. Toronto police are investigating after a three-vehicle crash was reported in the city. The incident reportedly took place in the area of Front Street and Spadina Avenue at around 4:50 p.m., police said Tuesday, Dec. 12 on X, formerly known as Twitter. Police added that a TTC bus was rear-ended in the incident. Police do not know how many people have been hurt in the collision as of yet. Southbound lanes on Spadina are blocked south of Front Street. Police say traffic will be delayed in the area and advised commuters to consider alternate routes. Clawing their way back: San Francisco has become known for rampant crime, empty office towers and eye-watering rents but the city has a plan to turn things around. Will it work? Californias once-glorious Golden Gate City is a shadow of its former self. Office towers sit empty, hotels are closing their doors, shops are boarded up to prevent crime and San Franciscans are ditching their beloved city in search of safe and affordable housing elsewhere. Dont miss And the California citys decline hasnt gone unnoticed. Business leaders have been open about the problems eating into their bottom lines, such as the shrinking population and the lack of affordability in both commercial and residential properties. Theres also been a surge in crime, which has shocked Americans nationwide. Podcaster Joe Rogan even went so far as to call San Francisco a failed state over the next level lawlessness and disorder plaguing the city. The California city has had a rough go of it in 2023 but it has come up with a solution. Will it be enough to draw residents and businesses back and restore San Francisco to its former glory? A slow and unsteady recovery San Franciscos challenges grew more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were brewing long before. Heading into the pandemic, the city was riding high on a decade-long tech boom in Silicon Valley. Its economy was thriving and thanks to high demand for the limited supply of housing (due to restrictive policies that limited new housing development), rent in the city soared to some of the highest rates in the country. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, San Franciscos tech-heavy workforce embraced remote work and many moved away from the downtown core to see out the pandemic from homes with a little more space and a yard. From 2020 to 2021, the citys population fell to its lowest level since 2010, erasing a decades worth of population growth in a single year. Story continues Since then, San Franciscos return to the office has been slow. According to real estate company Savills, San Francisco had one of the lowest office availability rates in the U.S. before the pandemic at 9.5%; however, vacancy is now at 36.3%, up from 35.1% reported last quarter. This major drop in in-office workers, combined with a trend of people seeking more affordable housing elsewhere, has contributed to the diminishment of the citys once-buzzing downtown core, which major retailers and hotels have blamed for their losses and led to them bidding farewell to the city. Another factor that caused retailers, in particular, to ditch downtown San Francisco during the height of the pandemic was crime in particular, a huge surge in shoplifting incidents. While retail crime levels have since receded, many retailers, like Whole Foods, Walgreens and Nordstrom shuttered stores when things got bad. Read more: Owning real estate for passive income is one of the biggest myths in investing but here's how you can actually make it work Bringing residents back All of those issues have made the Golden Gate City a less desirable place to live and work. But, the city has big recovery plans starting with housing availability. A recent Wall Street Journal article detailed how San Francisco is planning to build more apartments to bring residents back and inject life back into the local economy. So far, 10 office-to-residential conversion plans have been submitted to the city in various neighborhoods, which, if approved, would add more than 1,250 units to the citys housing inventory. In addition, local property developer Bayhilll Ventures announced plans in November to build a new 71-story skyscraper in the citys ailing financial district. If approved, the development will create 672 for lease apartments, with at least 10% being designated as affordable. Property developers are hoping to tap into positive trends in the San Francisco rental market, where vacancies declined to 7% in November, compared with a pandemic high of 12% in 2020, per CoStar. Sean Burton, chief executive of Cityview, a Los Angeles-based rental-apartment firm that owns two San Francisco properties, told the WSJ rents have been clawing their way back as workers return to the office a few days a week. And it seems property developers are ready to capitalize on that. While this is good news for the city, there is a catch the city has reduced its requirements of developers to provide affordable housing, likely to entice them back to the region. Affordable housing advocates grumbled at this, according to the WSJ, but acknowledged the move would jump-start the broader housing market. If the citys new focus on multi-family housing units have the desired effect of bringing residents back to San Francisco, that should help to revive the downtown core bringing workers back to office towers and consumers back to retail spaces which is good news for both San Franciscans and the local economy. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. (Bloomberg) -- This years COP28 in Dubai is concluding with a pleasant surprise: an agreement among 200 nations to transition away from fossil fuels. It marks the culmination of two weeks in which tensions flared over the future of coal, oil and gas. While the text isnt final, its already being hailed as a turning point in the climate fight. Most Read from Bloomberg The future of fossil fuels was the most critical issue on the COP28 docket, but just one of many under discussion. To help cut through the noise, BloombergNEF in November identified 10 areas where governments needed to make progress at COP28 in order to take a meaningful step toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. Each area is scored out of 10 based on how much headway was made in Dubai, and assigned a weighting based on importance and urgency. Overall, COP28 scored a 3.8 out of 10. That was down slightly from a score of 3.9 on Nov. 30, the first day of the conference, when BNEF assigned scores based on expected progress. It was also 0.1 points higher than the score for last years COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, but 2.2 points below the score for COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. The best-performing areas on BNEFs scorecard included a $100 billion climate finance pledge and an energy transition package, both of which scored 7 out of 10. The $100 billion commitment was most likely met for the first time in 2022, and more than 100 countries agreed at COP28 to triple the deployment of renewable energy by 2030. While negotiators ultimately backed off of a commitment to phase down fossil fuels, the final agreement does commit to transitioning away from fossil fuels for the first time ever. Story continues Final texts and last-minute negotiations are still being worked out in Dubai, but heres how the rest of BNEFs line items are shaping up: 1.5C-aligned 2030 emissions goals Final BloombergNEF score: 1 The proposed agreement makes clear that countries Paris Agreement pledges should set ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories. (Notably, the call for higher ambition is not just reserved for developed countries, but all nations.) But even if all current pledges are fulfilled, countries are still not on track to limit warming to 1.5C or even 2C. Effective stocktake on global Paris progress Final BloombergNEF score: 4 The global stocktake, the first to take place since the Paris Agreement, assesses countries progress toward those goals. The planet is currently on track for 2.1C to 2.8C of warming down from 4C before the adoption of the Paris Agreement, but far off the 1.5C to 2C target established back in 2015. The latest science says emissions would need to fall 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels to keep global warming at 1.5C. Fossil-fuel phasedown agreed Final BloombergNEF score: 6.5 The so-called UAE Consensus falls short of the specific fossil fuel phase out or phasedown most countries wanted, but commits to transitioning away from all fossil fuels for the first time, and in a just and orderly fashion. The reference to fossil fuels carries significant weight and serves as a clear indication of the direction governments and industry must follow to build a net zero world, said Leslie-Anne Duvic-Paoli, a senior lecturer in environmental law at King's College London. Energy transition package agreed Final BloombergNEF score: 7 The final text includes agreements to triple the deployment of renewable power and double the rate of efficiency gains by the end of the decade. In practice, tripling renewables by 2030 will be hard but achievable based on a recent BloombergNEF report. Meeting such a target would require a doubling of the rate of renewables investment to an average of $1.18 trillion per year through 2030, compared with $564 billion in 2022. It would also entail nearly three times as much power-grid investment in 2030 as was spent in 2022, and deploying 16.1 times as many batteries by the end of the decade as were installed at the end of last year. Detailed adaptation goal plan Final BloombergNEF score: 4 COP28 negotiators agreed on countries creating national adaptation plans by 2030, an important step, but a major funding problem still lingers. The adaptation finance gap is growing. If I would give it a score card, I would say it's a failing scorecard, says Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center for Adaptation, a UN-formed body that acts as a solutions broker for figuring out how to finance adaptation projects. On track for 2025 adaptation finance target Final BloombergNEF score: 3 In the agreement made at COP26 in Glasgow, wealthier countries pledged to double adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025, from $20 billion to $40 billion. It isnt clear how this will be met, and the COP28 agreement doesnt make much progress towards it. Even if that target is reached, it isnt enough whats needed is probably 10 times that, says Verkooijen. The COP28 agreement acknowledges this, but doesnt answer the question of how to solve it, beyond agreeing to prepare a report by next years COP. $100 billion pledge achieved Final BloombergNEF score: 7 Climate finance has been a contentious topic at COP28, and developed countries missed a 2020 deadline for providing $100 billion in climate finance annually to developing economies. Still, data showed that in 2021 developed countries hit $89.6 billion in funding, and they seem likely to have made good on the $100 billion target as of 2022. The repeated failure to meet that goal damaged trust among less developed countries, so finally reaching it is a big moment. Loss and damage fund ready to go Final BloombergNEF score: 6 In the conferences early days, nearly 200 nations agreed on how to run a fund to help vulnerable countries deal with more extreme weather, and rich nations pledged at least $260 million to start the program. The announced contributions clear a $200 million minimum needed to launch operations, setting the stage to start disbursing money early next year. But the amount pledged is just 0.0001% of the estimated $4 trillion per year in climate loss and damage, says Joyce Kimutai, a research associate at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. This pittance for developed nations will hardly make a difference for developing nations who are being battered by climate-related disaster after disaster, she says. On track to agree to new finance target Final BloombergNEF score: 2 The draft emphasizes the need for finance and technology transfer as critical enablers of climate action. Among those disappointed with the outcome, many developing countries raised the issue of the lack of finance to meet the more ambitious goals set out in the COP28 deal. This COP has largely disappointed on all fronts, said Arunabha Ghosh, chief executive of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water. Specifically he called out the failure to instate effective financial mechanisms, obliging historical emitters to contribute. High-quality carbon offset system ready to go Final BloombergNEF score: 1 The approval of rules to kick-start a new UN-overseen carbon market was delayed on Wednesday, creating disappointment for investors who were looking for further clarity. We missed an opportunity to set a high bar on environmental integrity, safeguards, and human rights, said Andrea Bonzanni, international policy director at the International Emissions Trading Association. Ironically, now comes the hard part. In coming weeks and months, climate negotiators and world leaders will need to translate the agreements into actual policy. Theyll come together again for COP29 in Azerbaijan. An agreement is only as good as its implementation. We are what we do, not what we say, COP28 President (and chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.) Al Jaber said on Wednesday. We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions. --With assistance from Jess Shankleman, Alfred Cang, Akshat Rathi, John Ainger and Jennifer A Dlouhy. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Grassroots efforts bring far-reaching rewards China Daily) 09:19, December 13, 2023 A new car completes assembly at the Ningde base of SAIC Motor Corp in Fujian province on Feb 7. [Photo/Xinhua] Residents benefit from wide range of actions taken on their behalf In the early 1990s, a small wooden boat was the home of Jiang Chengcai, which he shared with his wife, their three children and his father. Jiang, 56, a resident of Xiaqi village, Ningde, Fujian province, said, "We often feared the boat would turn over, and that our lives were in danger when there were typhoons." All villagers living on such boats wanted to move ashore for their children to be educated, said Jiang, who never had the chance to attend school. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, worked from 1988 to 1990 as Party chief of Ningde prefecture, Fujian. He often visited families living on the wooden boats, considering how to lift them out of poverty. On many occasions, Xi has stressed the importance of Party and government officials promoting the Party's policy, conducting research, receiving complaints, and performing everyday work at the grassroots level. He has emphasized that the Party chief of a county should visit all villages in the county, the Party chief of a city should visit all townships, and the Party chief of a province should visit all counties. These field trips brought about changes. Jiang's family moved ashore in 1999, and more than 300 houses had been built locally by the end of 2000. In one of Xi's trips to the village, he visited Jiang's home in 2000. "He shook hands with me and asked if I could get used to life onshore. He also reminded me to work hard for a better life now that we lived in better conditions," Jiang said. Since moving ashore, Jiang has taken part in training organized by the village on breeding razor clams, a business that brings him an annual income of more than 100,000 yuan ($14,000) on average. Jiang also set up a construction and engineering team to undertake pile foundation projects for buildings in different cities. The team now comprises more than 60 people. Asked how much money the team could make, Jiang said only that he wants to remain modest and keep a low profile. "I did not receive an education, so the key to my success is that I know what it is like to be poor. I have worked much harder than others, and seized the opportunities," he said. These efforts made Jiang one of the first in the village to pursue a better life. Zheng Yue'e, deputy Party secretary of Xiabaishi township, where the village is located, said Xiaqi now boasts neatly arranged rows of houses and straight roads, and the residents' average annual income has risen from 972 yuan in 1997 to more than 30,000 yuan this year. The village is also home to 320 people with a college education, up from none in 1997. When Zheng was a small girl, her parents used to tie her to the family boat with a rope, fearing that she might fall into the sea by accident. Elected Party chief of Xiaqi in 2012, Zheng has worked hard to help villagers lead better lives by developing seafood farming, as well as tourism, catering and logistics businesses. She said township and village officials often visit local residents to see what they need, while municipal officials also conduct routine visits to inspect the progress made on infrastructure projects. A seafood catering street being built in Xiaqi to attract travelers is expected to bring the village about 500,000 yuan in tax revenue each year, Zheng said. A farmer picks mushrooms at a photovoltaic greenhouse in Shanyang township, Fujian, on Nov 17. [Photo/Xinhua] Research mission In July 1988, Xi, who was Ningde Party chief, visited Gutian county to conduct grassroots research. He said a new way out of poverty should be found based on local conditions, and that developing the mushroom industry should be the direction for Gutian to take in eliminating poverty. He visited Gutian on six further occasions during his tenure in Fujian, emphasizing each time that the mountainous area was at a disadvantage, but also had a unique natural advantage. In recent decades, Gutian residents have maximized the opportunity brought by the mushroom industry. Last year, the county produced 910,000 metric tons of edible mushrooms, with a production value of 6.2 billion yuan. Jobs were created for more than 80,000 farmers. Zheng Guidong, deputy Party secretary of Gutian, said the county is also working to build a new type of shed with photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to achieve green production of shiitake mushrooms. E-commerce entrepreneur Yang Chenfen hosts a livestream broadcast to sell local speciality products. [Photo/Xinhua] Since May 2021, eight photovoltaic mushroom bases have been built in the county, with a total investment of 370 million yuan. The bases are expected to generate 31.74 million kilowatt hours of clean energy, and the farmers can use the electricity produced to dry the mushrooms, and for refrigeration, Zheng Guidong said. Yu Xinkao, a mushroom farmer in Shanyang village, Gutian, started working from a new photovoltaic shed made from concrete and steel this year, forsaking his old wooden shed with a thatched roof. He has expanded his production significantly. "The new shed has better ventilation, and as we no longer need to worry about fire hazards, I decided to increase production," Yu said. He is one of the first farmers in the village to try the new shed, and Yu said that this year he expects to make 80,000 yuan more than he did last year from growing mushrooms. Chen Xiaofang, Party secretary of Shanyang township, said farmers in Gutian have decades of experience in growing mushrooms. She said plenty of electricity is required to dry out the mushrooms, but the electrical wiring used poses considerable fire hazards for the villagers. Officials at different levels conducted field research at the grassroots level to try to solve the problems the farmers faced, which resulted in the new sheds being built, Chen said. A researcher guides a farmer in planting orchids at a greenhouse in Puyuan township, Fujian, on Nov 17. [Photo/Xinhua] Liang Weixin, Party secretary of Ningde, said officials in the city have visited residents at home to listen to their needs. Officials and technicians have also been sent to villages to solve local problems. The authorities in Ningde have created industries for each county based on local characteristics, such as the white tea of Fuding, the mushrooms of Gutian, and the large yellow fish of Jiaocheng. More importantly, the city now has four major industries: producing lithium-ion batteries and new energy; new energy vehicles; stainless steel; and copper. These industries have a combined production value of some 523 billion yuan. CATL, for example, has been the world's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer for six consecutive years, while Tsingtuo Group is the world's largest manufacturer of stainless steel, Liang said. CATL said it earned revenue of 328.6 billion yuan last year, a year-on-year rise of 152 percent, while its net profits reached 30.7 billion yuan, up by 93 percent in 2021. Lei Biaohua, chief engineer at the Bureau of Industry and Information Technology in Ningde, said the lithium battery and new energy vehicle industry is the biggest in the city, so the local government attaches great importance to its development. The local authority has set up a special task force to work at CATL to examine and resolve problems the company might experience during its development, he said. The task force is also responsible for offering a "babysitter-style" service to the company for business expansion, such as obtaining investment and more land. Moreover, the task force has worked hard to attract businesses in CATL's upstream and downstream industry chain to move to Ningde to create an industrial cluster, Lei said. For example, CATL's Cheliwan base was built in less than 20 months thanks to the government's efforts in streamlining service and solving problems at grassroots levels, he said. A boat passes through the aquaculture zone in the Qixing sea area of Xinan township, Ningde city, Fujian, on Nov 18. The zone has been upgraded and improved since July 2007. [Photo/Xinhua] Liang added that grassroots levels are important testing fields for Party and government officials. By working at such levels, they can make active decisions and solve real problems, while also bringing well-being to the people and creating better relations between the public, the government and the Party, he said. More importantly, by seeing real progress made through their efforts, the officials work harder and now have greater ambitions, Liang said. Ningde's GDP rose from 109.5 billion yuan in 2011 to 355.4 billion yuan last year, ranking fifth in Fujian, and the city's growth rate has remained in the top spot in the province for four consecutive years, he said. "Local government officials used to rely on money from higher levels of government for development, but now we only ask for policy support, and do the rest ourselves," Liang added. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) EnerTech, a Kuwait-based innovator, investor and developer of end-to-end sustainability solutions, has sealed a partnership with Bboxx, a data-driven super platform, at the COP28 event to set up a $100 million electrification platform that will transform millions of lives in African continent. This game-changing partnership will help connect millions of new customers with a bundle of clean energy, clean cooking, smartphones, smart financing and e-mobility products - many for the first time - in the continent. Announcing the strategic deal, EnerTech said this announcement marks the beginning of a series of strategic partnerships with Kuwait, which aims to reach Net Zero by 2060. It is a significant partnership for the oil-rich GCC country as it emerges as a key player in shaping and advancing the carbon market in Africa. The collaboration marks a joint commitment to deliver clean technologies and will enable Bboxx to expand its impact tenfold, from currently serving 3.6 million people to benefiting 36 million people by 2028. It also highlights a transformative phase in Bboxxs ability to transform lives across sub-Saharan Africa, from Lagos to Nairobi. Bboxx's approach involves connecting consumers with a variety of innovative products at scale throughout the continent. Central to its rapid scaling capabilities is Bboxx Pulse, a fully integrated operating system, with an extensive on-the-ground network that connects customers with clean energy, clean cooking, smartphones, smart financing, and e-mobility, many of which are being accessed for the first time by these communities, said the company in its statement. Funding from this first deal with EnerTech, expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024, will facilitate rapid development and deployment of these essential services. The investment is to significantly deepen Bboxxs market penetration and, subsequently, its impact on underserved individuals and communities, it added. Bboxx CEO Mansoor Hamayun said: "With this strategic alliance, Bboxx will turbocharge the impact we have on communities across sub-Saharan Africa. Our shared vision is to transform the lives and livelihoods of our customers by giving them access to clean and affordable energy, clean cooking, e-mobility and technology like smartphones, that genuinely unlock their potential, day by day." "This collaboration with EnerTech is a testament to our commitment to providing sustainable solutions to communities across Africa," he added. Hamayun pointed out that this was the latest example of partners seeing and seizing this massive market opportunity and plugging into Bboxx developed through green tech and big data and designed for scale. EnerTech CEO Abdullah Al Mutairi said: Through our partnership with Bboxx, we are delivering on our mission to drive impactful, transformative projects that uplift climate-affected, underserved communities." "The electrification platform will deliver much needed climate finance to projects that are set to have a beneficial impact on communities aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal for providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access. The collaboration will also play a pivotal role in our progress towards carbon neutrality and delivering real change on the ground, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Designer pool covers Germiston, Gauteng, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Designer pool covers, specialists in the design, personalization, and integration of automatic and manual pool covers in Africa, Botswana, Nambia, and Mozambia, is excited to announce the launch of its new Poollock Hydraulic Automatic Safety Cover that is currently one of the leading safety covers for swimming pool options available in the industry. The new Poollock Hydraulic Automatic Safety Cover offers homeowners a versatile and adaptable option that prioritizes safety, has a long lifetime, and can open and close in less than 60 seconds. The automatic system is run by a hydraulic direct drive motor, which opens and closes the cover by turning the key. The cover runs up and down in a track system and is the ultimate safety cover option on the market not only because the electrical motor, called the Power Pack, is removed from the immediate pool environment but also as it is located next to the Pool Pump and no electrical motor is installed within a meter from the water area. Whether youre looking for a Vinyl or Slatted pool cover, Designer Pool Covers has multiple options for you to choose from, said a spokesperson for Designer pool covers. Either a luxurious and comfortable automatic cover or the more affordable manual ones. Our covers can accommodate most shapes, designs, and pool sizes and come in various colors to choose from. The highly experienced team at Designer pool covers has the expertise and range of designer pool covers, from an automatic cover, a slatted cover, or a custom-designed option, to turn a pool into a stunning centerpiece that reflects an individuals unique style and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all. From adhering to international standards and trends, delivering exceptional performance and reliability to comprehensive professional technical assistance to clients, architects, and builders, Designer pool covers offers customers an array of leading benefits with its exquisite range of high-quality pool covers. These include: Story continues Superior Quality Materials: The South African company believes in delivering excellence, which is why its extensive range of pool covers are made from premium quality materials. Each cover is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist UV damage, and maintain their integrity for years to come. Customization Options: Designer pool covers understands that every pool is unique, and a cover should be tailored to fit each customers specific requirements. Thats why it offers a range of customization options, including color choices, patterns, and branding possibilities. Enhanced Safety: Safety is the pool cover companys utmost priority, and its designer pool covers are engineered to provide a secure environment for families and pets. With advanced safety features such as child-proof locks, anti-slip surfaces, and weight-bearing capabilities, customers can have peace of mind knowing that their pool is safeguarded against any accidental falls or unauthorized access. Energy Efficiency: Designer pool covers selection of meticulously crafted pool covers are designed to help customers conserve energy and reduce operating costs. By effectively retaining heat and preventing water evaporation, the experienced companys covers help maintain optimal water temperature, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating a pool. This eco-friendly solution not only benefits the environment but also saves customers money in the long run. Designer pool covers invites those interested in discovering the perfect solution to elevate their pool experience to contact the company today to talk about its prices for swimming pool covers and to start the journey towards transforming their pool into a work of art. About Designer Pool Covers Designer pool covers is a national South African-based swimming pool company that has been servicing and building pool covers for over 12 years in South Africa, Botswana, Nambia, and Mozambia. With a selection of the finest, safest, and easiest-to-use pool covers on the market, Designer pool covers will help customers find the ultimate pool cover solution to suit their specific requirements. More Information To learn more about Designer pool covers and its new Poollock Hydraulic Automatic Safety Cover launch, please visit the website at https://www.designercovers.co.za/. Source: https://thenewsfront.com/designer-pool-covers-launch-new-poollock-hydraulic-automatic-safety-cover/ CONTACT: Designer pool covers Sunnyrock Park 3 Unit 2, 2 North Reef Road Germiston Gauteng 1401 South Africa +27 (82) 461-8330 https://www.designercovers.co.za/ The air defense forces of Ukraine intercepted 10 kamikaze drones and 10 ballistic missiles Russia launched overnight Wednesday. Thats according to the Air Force press service, Ukrinform reports. "Overnight Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the invaders attacked Ukraine, employing Shahed-type drones from the Balaklava area (occupied Crimea). Ten launches of Shahed-136/131 one-way attack UAVs were recorded. All 10 were destroyed by Ukraines Air Force, jointly with the elements of Ukraines air defense forces," the statement says. Almost all enemy UAVs were intercepted in the airspace over Odesa, in the area of responsibility of Air Command South. Read also: Kyiv authorities elaborate on damage from Russian ballistic attack "At exactly 03:00 on December 13, 2023, the enemy launched a missile attack on the capital of Ukraine," the statement added. As noted, all 10 incoming targets flying along a ballistic trajectory were shot down by the air defense unit of Ukraines Air Force. The type of missiles can be determined only after the experts examine the debris. It should be recalled that a series of explosions was reported in Kyiv in the early hours of Wednesday before the air raid alert went off. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions against more than 250 individuals and entities in Russia and other countries associated with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as those helping Russia evade the restrictions introduced earlier. Thats according to an official statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, reports Ukrinform. "The Department of State is imposing sanctions on over 100 entities and individuals, including those engaged in sanctions evasion, furthering Russias ability to wage its war against Ukraine, and bolstering Russias future energy production and export capacity," the statement reads. At the same time, the U.S. government has designated entities involved in the proliferation of military equipment and munitions from the DPRK to Russia. The Department of Treasury imposed sanctions against more than 150 individuals and legal entities, including international networks that Russia uses to evade sanctions, third-country suppliers for Russia's military-industrial base, and financial institutions. In this regard, the statement of the U.S. Treasury notes that sanctions have been imposed, in particular, against entities and individuals in Russia, China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan, which contribute to the purchase of Chinese-made technology by Russians. In addition, restrictions have been introduced against seven companies in Turkey, which supplies to Russia a range of bearings, capacitors, chips, radio navigation systems, and other products that can be used for military purposes. Sanctions have also been introduced against a long list of entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries. All of them in one way or another are connected with illegal schemes for the supply of products to Russia, which the Kremlin regime uses to bolster its war machine. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Tuesday the EU announced sanctions against individuals and entities involved in development and production in Iran of unmanned aerial vehicles that Russia uses in its war on Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine spoke in the U.S. Senate about the current security and economic situation in Ukraine and the importance of maintaining American support. Zelensky wrote about this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. "A friendly, candid meeting in the U.S. Senate, which is an important confirmation of support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence, freedom and democracy," Zelensky said. According to the president, he told the senators about the current security and economic situation in Ukraine, the importance of maintaining vital American support. He also answered the questions from senators. "I thank the leader of the Democratic Party in the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer, and the leader of the Republican Party in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, for consolidating bipartisan support for our country and people," Zelensky emphasized. As Ukrinform reported, Volodymyr Zelensky began a working visit to the United States on Monday. Before that, he was on a visit to Argentina, where he attended the inauguration of the newly elected president. During a working visit to the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met with Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, as well as other House Democrats. Thats according to the Presidents press service. The head of state emphasized the powerful bicameral and bipartisan support provided to Ukraine by Congress, President Joe Biden, and the entire American people to counter Russian aggression, the report reads. The president discussed with the Congressmen the key needs of Ukraine in armaments and military equipment, as well as in bolstering air defense capabilities, especially with the onset of winter. The parties also discussed joint production with the United States of the necessary weapons for Ukraine, the report says, adding that Zelensky praised the USA Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held in Washington on December 5-6. "Now that Ukraine has liberated 50% of its territories illegally occupied by Russians since 2022, ensured the operation of the "grain corridor" and is winning in the Black Sea, we need continued U.S. support and the unity of our partners as never before," the president said. Read also: White House to step up efforts for military aid to Ukraine and Israel The head of state assured Congressmen that Ukraine is using all the aid from the United States in an extremely transparent, efficient, and responsible manner, in close cooperation with American partners. As Ukrinform reported earlier, speaking in the U.S. Senate, Volodymyr Zelensky told Senators about the current security and economic situation in Ukraine, and the importance of maintaining vital American support, as well as answered questions. Ukraines dependence on external assistance is gradually reducing, and this process needs to be accelerated. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his meeting with United States President Joseph Biden, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Washington. At the beginning of the meeting at the White House, the President of Ukraine noted that the country is moving in the right direction, and he would like to speak to President Biden about how this movement can be intensified. Among other things, President Zelensky emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraines air defenses in order to deprive Russia of air superiority and disrupt the enemys offensive operations. The Head of State expressed gratitude to the United States, the American people and American defense companies providing powerful weapons to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader mentioned that, during a previous meeting, Ukraine and the United States reached an agreement on joint arms production. Zelensky expressed confidence that the two countries would do so, and today the two leaders will discuss how to accelerate these efforts. In addition, the President of Ukraine stressed the need to speed up the seizure of Russian frozen assets, totaling more than $300 billion. Zelensky also mentioned he would like to discuss Ukraines reforms on its path towards EU membership with Biden. The Ukrainian leader pointed out that the country had achieved success in that regard, which is important. President Volodymyr Zelensky says representatives of both the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States Congress assured him of firm support for Ukraine. The leader said this during a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "I spoke a lot today with representatives of both parties. Both the Democrats and the Republicans have assured us of their full support," Zelensky said. He added that the Ukrainian side had always believed in the support of its strategic partner, the USA. "We will assume that it will continue this way and that Ukraine will not be left alone against such an autocratic terrorist as Russia," the president emphasized. As Ukrinform reported earlier, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is on a working visit to Washington. On Tuesday, he met with representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties in both houses of the U.S. Congress. Ukraine has showed its determination to implement reforms and has fulfilled almost all of the European Commission's recommendations regarding transformations on the path to EU membership. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said this in her speech at the European Parliament plenary on the preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Ukraine is making great strides to pass the reforms that will lead to our Union. Our enlargement report from last month showed clear progress on all steps that we had identified. Over 90% of those reforms had been completed at that time. We identified four reforms to fully complete all steps. And in this month between the enlargement report and now, Ukraine has continued to work on all of them, the European Commission president said. She reminded that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has just approved two anti-corruption laws, on the staff of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and assets declaration, as well as an amended law on national minorities to address the remaining recommendations of the Venice Commission. This law will allow greater use of minority languages in schools, in books, and in public events. Actually, national minority groups have already reacted positively to this law. And our initial assessment is also positive, Ursula von der Leyen said. The European Commission president noted that if effectively implemented, these law can fulfil three of four outstanding recommendations. She also added that Ukraine's government has also proposed a new law on lobbying to curb the power of oligarchs and address the European Commissions last recommendation. This is hard work and the goal of fulfilling all seven steps is within reach. I think Ukraine is showing us by this hard work and the speed how much they care about our Union and our values. And we should match their determination, said Ursula von der Leyen. As reported, on December 14, a two-day meeting of EU heads of state and government will begin in Brussels to consider issues of historic importance to Ukraine, in particular, the issue of launching negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, on the allocation of EUR 50 billion in financial support until 2027. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has enlisted the support of France in opening negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. The Ukrainian foreign policy chief said this on the X social media platform following a conversation with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna ahead of the European Council summit, Ukrinform reports. "I am grateful to France for supporting the decision to open EU accession talks with Ukraine and assuring that it will make every effort to ensure EU unity in order for the decision to be adopted," Kuleba said. On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the European Council open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. It also recommended opening such negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved, as well as granting candidate status to Georgia. On December 14 of this year, the European Council is due to consider the issue of starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine The EU will present an "initiative" on screening outbound investments in the new year, as part of a package of tools aimed at de-risking its trading ties with China. The European Commission - the bloc's secretariat - has been working with its member states and businesses on the economic security tools since June, trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis said in a speech to the European Parliament on Tuesday. The new package is expected in January. "We have started examining potential security risks related to outbound investments," the former Latvian prime minister said. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. "The EU and member states have a common interest in preventing the narrow set of technologies and know-how to leak to actors that will use them to enhance their military and intelligence capabilities and to undermine international peace and security." While Dombrovskis did not name China and the tools will be country-agnostic, they are broadly aimed at Beijing. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regularly links such measures to China in public addresses and announced plans for an outbound screening regime during a keynote speech on China in March. There is a sense among insiders that major capitals are coming around to the need for outbound investment screening, having initially vowed that what was seen variously as a "power grab" by Brussels or another form of protectionism would progress "over our dead bodies", said one well-placed source. In addition to outbound screening, the commission plans to update its regulations on screening of inbound direct investment in January, in a bid to prevent critical assets such as infrastructure from being bought by hostile or monopolistic forces. Story continues Dombrovskis also announced a proposal on export controls - another thorny area among member states, with power for using such tools currently resting in their capitals. "We need to improve our collective effectiveness and coordination. We also need to reinforce the EU's capacity to act as a global actor in a context where multilateral export control regimes are under pressure and where we see several unilateral controls being introduced on critical technologies or critical inputs," he told the parliament session in Strasbourg. While de-risking is widely panned as a form of decoupling by China, the commission has pledged to make it as narrow as possible. It has identified 10 key technology sectors, including advanced semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotech, as priorities in its economic security strategy. In these sectors the commission will complete joint risk assessments on "technology security and leakages" in the new year, Dombrovskis said, along with risk assessments into "supply chain dependencies, critical infrastructure, and on weaponisation of economic dependencies and economic coercion". Other elements of January's legislative package will be a suite of options around dual-use technologies, and a proposal to educate researchers into the dangers of technology leakages. Valdis Dombrovskis, trade commissioner for the EU (left) and Nadia Calvino, Spain's economy minister, talk in Brussels on Friday. Photo: Bloomberg alt=Valdis Dombrovskis, trade commissioner for the EU (left) and Nadia Calvino, Spain's economy minister, talk in Brussels on Friday. Photo: Bloomberg> January's legislative package will include options that would support research into technologies with commercial and military applications, also known as dual-use technologies, and a proposal to educate researchers about the consequences of innovation leakages. The announcements came days after the EU-China summit, with trade issue one of the most important topics discussed. EU leaders accused China of deliberately orchestrating a record trade surplus with the bloc through the use of subsidies and preferential treatment for Chinese firms. "While we achieved some acknowledgment from the Chinese leadership that trade should be balanced, our assessments of the causes of the imbalances differed significantly," top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said in a blog post on Tuesday. "Beijing views its trade surpluses as stemming from the innovative strength of Chinese industries and points to European export restrictions on advanced technologies, of which China would be willing to import more," he said. Earlier in the day, Dombrovskis ignored pleas from lawmakers to start negotiations with Taiwan over bilateral trade, investment, or supply chain resilience deals. Without acknowledging the requests, the Latvian told the parliament that the EU would instead work on technical areas such as ensuring market access for European wind turbine makers and European meat products to the self-governed island. Also on Tuesday, the parliament threw its full support behind the Critical Raw Materials, a piece of legislation aimed at weaning the union off its dependencies on China for key imports. "Since the Russian war against Ukraine and an increasingly aggressive Chinese trade and industrial policy, cobalt, lithium and other raw materials have also become a geopolitical factor," read a parliament press release. The legislation was adopted with 549 votes to 43, with 24 abstentions and will enter into law once endorsed by member states. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. 12/13/2023 By Ed Brennen If youve ever tried zippering your coat with one hand, you know its an exercise in futility. But for people with limited use of an arm, its an everyday issue that affects the clothes they can wear. An interdisciplinary team of students senior liberal arts major Sandi DeRuntz, senior biology major Jason Lucier, junior graphic design major Haydn Hammill and sophomore biomedical engineering major Chibudom Azikiwe has come up with a way to turn any zip-up garment into one that can be closed one-handed with Velcro. Their solution, called Zipper Buddy, won the $2,500 first prize at the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute s recent Francis College of Engineering Prototyping competition, held at University Crossing. Ive never done anything like this in my life, but its great to be here and to win, says Lucier, a Worcester, Massachusetts, native whose team earned a spot in the preliminary round of next springs DifferenceMaker $50K Idea Challenge Image by Ed Brennen Nearly two dozen teams applied to the engineering prototyping competition, with 13 chosen to present their projects to preliminary-round judges in the University Crossing lobby. Of those, five were selected to make five-minute pitches on stage to a panel of judges later in the evening. Socket Tech, a solution to protect the personal data generated by smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Nest, took both the second-place prize of $1,500 and the $500 fan favorite award. Tyler Fanuele, who pitched Socket Tech along with fellow senior computer science major Hayden Dolan, says DifferenceMaker is one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I learned a lot about managing a team and the constraints involved in getting a product ready by a deadline, says Fanuele, whose team also included Benjamin Romanek, Coleman Nee, James O'Sullivan, Nishanth Potturu, Sarah O'Meara and Devansh Sethia. Mechanical engineering graduate student Joshua Landis 22 took third place (and $1,000) with SparkCell, a fast and noninvasive way to test the integrity of concrete bridges and overpasses with a handheld spectrometer. Landis has been conducting elemental spectroscopy research on concrete studying the absorption and emission of light and other radiation for more than a year. When he entered DifferenceMaker and began doing the required market analysis for his pitch, he was astonished to learn that bridge inspections are expected to quadruple in the next six years, thanks to President Bidens $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Image by Ed Brennen Its certainly going to be good for anybody trying to get into materials testing and infrastructure, the Billerica, Massachusetts, native says. Im really invested in bringing this type of portable, elemental spectroscopy out into the world. Students in the course were divided into three teams and matched with a client from the community who needs help performing daily tasks. Zipper Buddy worked with business alum Bob Clancy 81, who has limited mobility on his left side due to the effects of a stroke. Together, they came up with an attachment made of fabric that zips to an existing garment and closes with Velcro. While the user may need assistance initially zipping the attachment to the garment, it could remain attached indefinitely. We didnt realize there were so many people who needed this device, says Hammill, who is from Townsend, Massachusetts. As we started doing research, we realized theres this gap in the market, so we ran with it. Image by Ed Brennen DeRuntz created the first prototype using her childs sewing machine. The team then connected with Cheryl Gomes , technical program manager of UMLs Fabric Discovery Center , where they developed more advanced prototypes. DeRuntz, who is minoring in disability studies, has lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain. I started thinking about the winter and how it has been affecting me, and how it would affect Bob, says DeRuntz, who is from Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. Making a device to help him zip his coat was a natural thought process, she says. Its a simple solution to a real problem, says final-round judge Cynthia Conde '87, '91, CEO of CondeCO. Conde was joined at the judges table by fellow engineering alumni Chad LaFrance '88, who recently retired as business operations and engineering manager at Texas Instruments; Ram Surdireddy '92, CEO and co-founder of Bento; Greg Sydney '81, senior managing director at Tri Capital & Companies; and Rajia Abdelaziz '16, CEO and co-founder of invisaWear Technologies. Azikiwe, a DC-CAP Scholar from Washington, D.C., appreciates the interdisciplinary nature of both the Adaptive Devices for Better Life course and the DifferenceMaker program. It was a perfect opportunity to take that creative energy and make something beautiful that works for people, she says. (Bloomberg) -- European Union negotiators backed a deal to potentially reclassify millions of people working for ride-hailing and food-delivery apps as employees in a set of rules that could cost the industry billions of euros each year. Most Read from Bloomberg The provisional deal could require platforms to give full status to the estimated 5.5 million workers who meet at least two out of five conditions that indicate their relationship with the apps fits that of an employee rather than someone whos self employed, the EU said in a statement on Wednesday. Those conditions include: the platform setting upper limits on worker pay, monitoring performance, controlling the distribution of tasks and working hours, and making rules about staff appearance or conduct. The status of delivery couriers and drivers using apps, such as those offered by Uber Technologies Inc. and Deliveroo Plc, has been a point of controversy worldwide. While many of the apps say they offer riders flexibility and the freedom of self employment, some labor activists have said that they offer too few protections. Some EU members, including France and Spain, have opted not to wait for a regional deal to introduce measures that strengthen platform-worker protections. The EUs deal would give eligible individuals rights typically enjoyed by employees, including minimum wage, paid leave and unemployment benefits. This is a revolutionary agreement and the first legislative framework for digital platform workers, said Elisabetta Gualmini, the lead author in the parliament. We have better rights for the least protected workers in the world and we have fair competition for platforms. Story continues The deal will also require platforms to tell workers when theyre being monitored or managed by algorithms, which can result in a lack of transparency for workers about how decisions are made and how their personal data is used, the statement said. Platforms wont be allowed to process certain kinds of personal data including private conversations and information that can be used to infer race, political opinions, migration or health status. Move EU, a trade group that represents Bolt, Uber and Free Now, said it was deeply concerned, arguing the deal would create legal uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of drivers throughout the EU. The group called on EU countries to vote against the political agreement. An Uber spokesperson said the company supports efforts to improve working conditions and mandate protections for platform workers in Europe but said it hoped for legal clarity as the final text emerges. Wolt Enterprises, a Finnish food delivery app, said in a statement it was key that people can continue to freely decide when and how to work, while having fair pay and good social protections. A spokesperson for Deliveroo said the company wouldnt comment until it had seen the final text. The European Commission had proposed a version of the rules in 2021 to give gig workers stronger protections associated with employment contracts. The industry wouldve been on the hook for an additional 4.5 billion ($4.9 billion) euros per year based on the number of eligible workers at the time, according to the commissions own estimates. Still, there are fears that stricter employment rules will push the delivery platforms to cut back. A similar law passed in Spain two years ago prompted Deliveroo to pull out of the country and other food-delivery apps to reduce their operations. Wednesdays provisional agreement must still be endorsed and adopted by the Council of the EU and parliament. Member states will then have two years to incorporate the rules, the EU said. (Updates with comment from Move EU in eighth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The recent resignation of the University of Pennsylvania president, Liz Magill, over the issue has sparked debates over how to address this alarming trend. President Joe Biden, despite his unwavering support for Israel, has chosen to maintain a cautious distance from the controversy, signaling a delicate balancing act between condemning antisemitism and avoiding unnecessary entanglement in campus politics. The Harvard, MIT, and UPenn Testimonies Sky News host James Morrow's commentary recently highlighted a growing concern about antisemitism on American university campuses, particularly within elite Ivy League institutions. He sheds light on a recent congressional hearing where the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania faced scrutiny over their response to increasing antisemitism on their campuses. The leaders failed to decisively denounce calls for genocide against Jews, sparking a larger debate about their handling of antisemitic rhetoric within the academic institutions. READ ALSO: US College Campuses Have The Solution To Antisemitism Biden's Non-Response In contrast to the proactive stance taken by some past presidents like Bill Clinton and early Barack Obama, President Biden has chosen not to insert himself into the controversy surrounding the Ivy League presidents. While Biden remains steadfast in his support for Israel and has denounced antisemitism, his decision to stay aloof reflects a broader strategy within the administration-to carefully choose battles and avoid unnecessary entanglements. White House's Stance and Criticisms The White House has issued a statement condemning any statements advocating for the systematic murder of Jews, emphasizing the need to stand firmly against such sentiments. However, the administration has refrained from calling for the resignations of the implicated university presidents, a decision that has received both support and criticism. Some Biden allies, like Jason Furman, argue that the White House's condemnation was too harsh and lacked nuance. Furman suggests that the complexity of the presidents' answers during the hearing was lost in the subsequent coverage, leading to a disingenuous portrayal of the situation. This internal disagreement highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive issues without further polarizing the public. Biden's Delicate Balancing Act Biden's decision to keep a distance from the controversy is a reflection of the administration's cautious approach. The president and his advisors believe that university personnel decisions do not warrant direct presidential involvement, as intervening could complicate the administration's clear position against antisemitism. Biden's reluctance to call for resignations aligns with the administration's careful consideration of the messages it sends in the fast-moving landscape of campus culture debates. Stefanik's Influence and Harvard's Independence Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's vocal push for the resignations of Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluth has added a political dimension to the controversy. Stefanik's involvement has been met with resistance from many at Harvard who argue that it jeopardizes the institution's independence from political pressure. This further complicates the situation, making it a test not only for the American elite but also for the broader issue of preserving academic freedom. While Biden has chosen not to involve himself directly in the calls for resignations, his administration has taken concrete actions against antisemitism. The issuance of a strategy for combating antisemitism over the summer and launching investigations into colleges and universities, including Harvard and Penn, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the issue at a systemic level. These actions, according to Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League, speak louder than any potential statements from the president. The rise of antisemitism on American university campuses, particularly within elite Ivy League institutions, poses a significant challenge that demands careful consideration. President Biden's delicate balancing act reflects a nuanced approach, emphasizing the need to condemn antisemitism while avoiding unnecessary involvement in campus politics. The ongoing controversy serves as a critical test for the administration's commitment to addressing sensitive issues and upholding the values of free speech and academic freedom in higher education. RELATED ARTICLE: News Update: Presidents Of Harvard, MIT, UPenn Asked To Resign Due To Antisemitism On Campuses In a recent decision, US District Judge Robert Pitman upheld Texas' ban on the use of the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok by state employees, including those working in public universities. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University had filed a lawsuit in July, contending that the ban in Texas hindered academic research related to TikTok. Judge Pitman, however, rejected the suit, asserting that the ban was motivated by data protection concerns. This decision comes amid a broader national debate on the regulation of TikTok, with over 30 states and various federal agencies having imposed restrictions on its use on government devices. The Texas Ban The primary argument behind Texas' ban on TikTok is centered on data protection. According to Judge Pitman, the state's restriction aims to safeguard sensitive information from potential misuse or compromise. Public university faculty and other state employees are still permitted to use TikTok on their personal devices as long as these devices are not connected to state networks. This nuanced approach distinguishes Texas from other states like Montana, which attempted a blanket ban on TikTok but faced legal obstacles. Montana's attempt to implement a comprehensive TikTok ban, scheduled to start on January 1, was halted by a different US judge who ruled that the state overstepped its constitutional boundaries. The judge contended that the ban violated the First Amendment free speech rights of both the company and its users. This decision emphasizes the delicate balance between safeguarding national interests and respecting constitutional rights, echoing the ongoing nationwide debate on TikTok's role in the United States. READ ALSO: New Zealand Universities Must Choose Between Protecting Free Speech Or Paying Penalties TikTok's Legal Battles TikTok has been entangled in legal battles across the country, with the company suing Montana in May to block the state's ban. TikTok argued on various grounds, including the violation of its First Amendment rights and those of its users. This highlights the complexity of regulating social media platforms and the constitutional challenges that arise when attempting to restrict their usage. National Security Concerns The broader context of these legal battles is the global concern over TikTok's ownership by China-based ByteDance, the world's most valuable startup. More than 30 states and various federal agencies, including influential entities like the White House, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department, have banned TikTok on government devices. Congress further mandated a TikTok ban on federal devices in December 2022, although exceptions exist for national security, law enforcement, and security research activities. TikTok's Global Reach and Denial With over 150 million users in the United States alone, TikTok's influence is undeniable. However, its ownership by a Chinese company has raised concerns globally about its proximity to the Chinese government and the potential misuse of user data. TikTok has consistently denied any improper use of US data and has implemented measures to address these concerns, but the skepticism remains. The legal landscape surrounding TikTok in the United States is multifaceted, reflecting the intersection of national security, data protection, and constitutional rights. The contrasting decisions in Texas and Montana highlight the ongoing struggle to strike a balance between safeguarding sensitive information and upholding the principles of free speech. As TikTok continues to navigate these legal challenges, the broader implications for the regulation of social media platforms and the protection of user data will undoubtedly shape the future of digital governance in the United States. RELATED ARTICLE: Bard College Prioritizes Academic Freedom Despite Pressure From Israeli Diplomat In a recent meeting, Harvard University's governing body, the Harvard Corporation, announced its continued support for President Claudine Gay despite intense criticism surrounding her response to antisemitism on campus. The controversy unfolded following her testimony at a congressional hearing, which delved into the handling of antisemitism during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Congressional Hearing and Bipartisan Criticism The bipartisan criticism stemmed from Gay's response to whether discussing the genocide of Jews would violate Harvard policies. Instead of providing a straightforward "yes," she emphasized that antisemitic rhetoric crossing into actionable conduct, such as bullying or harassment, would lead to appropriate measures. This response triggered calls for her removal from both lawmakers and influential alumni. Harvard's board acknowledged Gay's missteps during the testimony but expressed confidence in her leadership, stating, "Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal." The controversy escalated when New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik announced investigations into Harvard, MIT, and Penn. The University of Pennsylvania's President, Liz Magill, resigned in response to similar critiques, marking a different outcome compared to Gay's retention. READ ALSO: News Update: Presidents Of Harvard, MIT, UPenn Asked To Resign Due To Antisemitism On Campuses Diverse Reactions and Support for Gay Gay, Harvard's first Black president, faced both support and opposition. Notably, 700 faculty members and Black faculty members signed petitions in favor of her presidency. Harvard's most prominent alumni group unanimously backed Gay, emphasizing that accusations of her selection based on race and gender were unfounded. Student opinions on campus appeared less engaged in the leadership debate. Some expressed support for Gay, highlighting her challenging position and the need for her to settle into her role. Freshman Jacob Winter commended Gay for her commitment to free speech and cautioned against holding her to unrealistic standards of perfection. The controversy also touched upon concerns about the integrity of Gay's academic work. The Harvard board addressed accusations regarding her dissertation, revealing a few instances of inadequate citation in three published articles. While the review found no violation of Harvard's standards for research misconduct, Gay proactively requested corrections. Stefanik's Critique and the Ongoing Debate Stefanik criticized Gay's retention, stating that there were no updates to Harvard's code of conduct condemning calls for genocide. The controversy extended to concerns about possible plagiarism in Gay's scholarship, with some dismissing it as issues of attribution. The Harvard Corporation, the university's top governing body, plays a crucial role in affirming its support for Gay. The decision reflects the complex dynamics surrounding leadership, free speech, and responses to antisemitism on college campuses. The broader context involves a nationwide scrutiny of how U.S. universities handle campus protests and allegations of discrimination since the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several universities, including Stanford, Rutgers, Tulane, Harvard, and Penn, are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for possible ethnic discrimination, particularly regarding antisemitism and discrimination against other groups. As the controversy at Harvard unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance between free speech, academic freedom, and addressing instances of hate speech on college campuses. The decisions made by university leaders in response to these challenges will likely shape the ongoing conversation about how institutions navigate societal issues while upholding their commitment to education and inclusivity. RELATED ARTICLE: Biden Stays Silent On Ivy League President Resignations Over Anti-Semitism Rawafed Libya expands partnership with Eutelsat Group as it adds new exclusive LEO agreement to existing GEO services. LEO connectivity to address sectors including oil and gas sector, telecoms, and financial services, as well as government applications and humanitarian groups. Partnership is based on a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract, with options to extend or expand, with services due to start in early 2024. LONDON, December 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Eutelsat Group (Paris:ETL) (LSE:ETL), the worlds first GEO-LEO satellite operator, has today announced the signing of an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between Eutelsat OneWeb, its connectivity business unit and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT), the Libyan telecoms operator, for the delivery of high-speed, low latency connectivity across Libya. RLTT is expanding its relationship with Eutelsat Group to include a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services, in this new landmark agreement. Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) powered connectivity constellation, delivering full connectivity over Libya from early 2024. The multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract further cements the existing long-standing relationship between Eutelsat Group and RLTT. The services will provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for a range of applications including commercial connectivity to the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries, Government sectors, cellular backhaul for telecoms operators and remote connectivity for humanitarian organizations. Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said: "Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering. We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. By building on existing customer relationships, we are able to grow the business in international markets and continue to bridge the digital divide globally." Story continues Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology, said: "We have been working with Eutelsat Group for several years now and are excited to bring its high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across the oil and gas, cellular backhaul and humanitarian sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we are able to meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Through this exclusive deal, we look forward to bringing unmatched connectivity across Libya." The announcement comes as Eutelsat OneWeb continues to grow at a rapid pace in the African market, with the signing of a distribution agreement with NEC XON covering Sub-Saharan Africa in November. Demand for connectivity in the region is very high, with agreements such as these helping to bridge the digital divide across the continent and bring high-speed connectivity, regardless of location. About Rawafed Libya For Telecommunications and Technology (RLTT) RLTT is a Telecommunication & Technology firm that offers a wide spectrum of expertise and solutions within telecommunications, IT solutions, software, and hardware solutions. Rawafed is the leading internet service and telecoms solutions provider and is at the forefront of satellite and wireless internet connectivity in the Libyan market providing our products and solutions across all industry sectors - banking, education, health, media, oil & gas, security, transport and utilities. Founded in Libya 2012, with a head office in Tripoli and offices in various locations in Libya and Cyprus, RLTT has several years of proven experience in the management and implementation of innovative solutions for telecom & technology infrastructure, nationwide. Customers choosing RLTT as their solutions provider benefit from the unique advantage of having installation, local support, and maintenance all provided by just one company which continually demonstrates its ability to deliver on time with an eye for detail. Find out more at: https://rltt.net/en/ About Eutelsat OneWeb: Eutelsat OneWeb is a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, the global leader in satellite communications delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 37 Geostationary satellites and a low Earth orbit constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Groups unique suite of in-orbit and on-ground assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,700 people from 50 different nationalities. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange. Find out more at www.eutelsat.com/oneweb View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212240805/en/ Contacts Eutelsat Media Inquiries: Anita Baltagi +33 1 53 98 47 47 abaltagi@eutelsat.com Katie Dowd kdowd@oneweb.net Alastair Elwen +44 20 7251 3801 eutelsatgroup@fgsglobal.com Armand Noury +33 6 60 07 16 97 eutelsat@agenceproches.com Investor Thomas Cardiel +33 6 99 07 86 47 tcardiel@eutelsat.com Hugo Laurens-Berge hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com Christine Lopez clopez@eutelsat.com Nigeria Unites with the World in the Fight Against Corruption at Global Anti-Corruption Conference in Atlanta, USA. Tweet Atlanta (USA), 11 December 2023 The Nigeria Delegation joins over 150 member states for the 10th Conference of States Parties in Atlanta to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Led by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (HAGF) and Minister of Justice, HE Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Nigerian delegation included representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-corruptionReforms (TUGAR), in addition to the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to the official delegation, the Conference benefitted from a strong showing of Nigerian civil society organizations, such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the HEDA Resource Center, the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development (African Center), the Centre for Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Watch (CeFTIW) amongst others. In his statement, the Honourable Attorney-General stated that Nigeria has suffered from the damaging effects of corruption including the loss of billions of dollars to foreign havens, stolen, and expatriated by corrupt leaders and their foreign accomplices including multinational companies. The diversion of such strategic resources continues to challenge Nigerias growth and development. He added that Nigeria has taken proactive measures to combat corruption, block leakages, and recover stolen assets. In this regard, he mentioned some of the achievements made by Nigeria in the last two decades following a stock-taking exercise embarked on by the government with UNODC support. One such achievement is the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation and deployment of a web-based Beneficial Ownership Register, encompassing all sectors in the country. Nigeria is also sponsoring a draft follow-up resolution on Beneficial Ownership titled Enhancing Transparency and the Use of Beneficial Ownership Information to Strengthen Asset Recovery. Sponsoring a total of six resolutions on the topic of asset recovery, international cooperation and beneficial ownership transparency during the past Conferences of States Parties, Nigeria has significantly contributed to the development of international policy and standards in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Another achievement highlighted in the statement of the Honorable Attorney General was the establishment of the Nigerian Open Contracting Portal for increased disclosure of procurement information to all stakeholders. The portal will ensure improved transparency and accountability processes in procurement. It will also help enhance active citizen participation for better service delivery and improved ease of doing business. The Honourable Attorney-General outlined some key priorities for Nigeria in the fight against corruption, including criminal justice reform, asset recovery, beneficial ownership transparency, and curbing illicit financial flows. The Honourable Attorney-General also gave a brief statement at the action series organized by the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) on the sideline of the COSP. In his statement, he acknowledged the recent return of USD 1 million to Nigeria by the US Government of proceeds of a corruption case involving the former Governor of Bayelsa State, the late Depriye Alamieyeseigha. He also expressed the willingness of the Nigerian government to cooperate with the French authorities in accelerating the return of an additional USD 150 million of the Abacha loot. Nigerias Statistician General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, joined UNODCs Executive Director Ghada Waly, the Italian Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, the World Banks Global Director for Governance and Ghanas Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim in discussing the role of corruption measurement to trigger action and assess impact. Recalling the national corruption surveys conducted in 2016 and 2019 respectively, and the 3rd national corruption survey ongoing, he outlined some of the policy reforms these exercises in data collection and analysis had managed to drive. Nigerian Government officials, members of civil society, academia, and the private sector also participated actively in dozens of other side events sharing achievements as well as challenges in preventing and tackling corruption, including the Stolen Asset Recovery Day and the meeting of the Global Operational Network of Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE). Safeguarding people, institutions and the economy from corruption and illicit financial flows is a priority also for UNODCs work in Nigeria. Our Strategic Vision 2030 for Nigeria which was developed in close consultations with the Nigerian Government, civil society, private sector, academia as well as development partners, aims to support the Nigerian Government and people to increase integrity and accountability of Nigerian institutions and individuals and to enhance the recovery and return of stolen assets. Follow @UNODC_Nigeria ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Minister for Commerce Dr Gohar Ejaz, who is currently on an official visit to China, on Wednesday visited the Hengli Group headquarters, a trailblazing entity in oil refining, petrochemicals, polyesters, and textiles to explore collaboration and boost bilateral ties. The visit showcased the impressive journey of Hengli Group, from its roots as a Suzhou weaving factory in 1994 to its current status as the operator of the world's largest terephthalic acid plant-an inspiring transformation, said a news release issued here by the Ministry of Commerce. The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz, remained engaged in a highly productive exchange with Hengli Group representatives, delving into potential collaboration opportunities. The discussions revolved around leveraging the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to foster private-sector partnerships. The visit underscores the substantial potential for Pakistan to harness Chinese expertise and cutting-edge technology through CPEC initiatives. The minister expressed the commitment to facilitating and nurturing such collaborations, emphasizing the role of these partnerships in driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan. The interaction with Hengli Group exemplified the shared vision of both nations to strengthen economic ties, laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial partnerships that align with the goals of CPEC's second phase. Gohar Ejaz said the caretaker government remained committed to advancing Pakistan's economic interests and fostering a robust and dynamic relationship with China. US President Joe Biden is unlikely to visit India to attend its Republic Day celebrations and Quad Leaders Summit in January next year amidst differences after the US authorities foiled Indias plot to murder a Sikh leader on its soil ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) US President Joe Biden is unlikely to visit India to attend its Republic Day celebrations and Quad Leaders Summit in January next year amidst differences after the US authorities foiled Indias plot to murder a Sikh leader on its soil. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Biden to be the chief guest for Indias Republic Day celebrations on January 26. India also extended the invitation to the US president for the Quad Leaders Summit, according to the media reports. However, in November the United States said that it had thwarted a plot to kill pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil. The US raised concerns with New Delhi that the Indian government may have known about the plot. The highly unlikely visit of President Biden is being dubbed as the consequence of the widening intelligence network and murder plots by the Indian government in other countries. On one hand, India pretends to be the ally of the Western powers but on the other, it hatches conspiracies to kill its unwanted individuals on foreign soils. Such conspiracies have made India lose the trust of the erstwhile Western allies. Following the development, the Indian authorities are working to revise the dates for the Quad Summit - a diplomatic group of the US, India, Japan and Australia. In September, Canada said that it was "actively pursuing credible allegations" linking the Indian government agents to the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen was "an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty". Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi has increased the quota for women from 33% to 40% in the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Federal Minister for education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi has increased the quota for women from 33% to 40% in the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP). He made these directions while chairing the 1st Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP) by NAVTTC on Wednesday. He said that women's empowerment is a crucial milestone that needs to be prioritised if we want Pakistan to overcome the existing social challenges. Similarly, he ordered that all differently abled students to be given seats irrespective of any quotas set. He also ordered the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to arrange accommodation for them in major cities to facilitate them. Madad Ali Sindhi said that technical training can become the backbone of the economy of Pakistan. He said that it is imperative that we harness the full potential of the youth of Pakistan. He appreciated the sheer scale of the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP) and said that effective and practical implementation of this programme can yield extremely positive results. Madad said that all institutions that will be partnered with under the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme (PMYSDP) should be strictly scrutinised to meet the set standards. He appreciated the involvement of E&Y and KPMG as third-party auditors to ensure swift accountability. Madad said that NAVTTCs work has been practical and has made a significant difference. He appreciated the ongoing projects of NAVTTC and its reach to underdeveloped regions of the country. ED NAVTTC told the Federal Minister that the current Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programmes costs approximately Rs. 10b. He said that under this programme 161k youth have been trained so far. Out of which 96k have received hi-tech training and 64k have received conventional training. He further briefed the minister that this trained workforce has an employment rate of 71%, adding out of the total trained students, 42k were women. The minister was apprised of the provincial breakdown as being 67k from Punjab, 20K from KPK, 38K from Sindh, 12K from Baluchistan and 22K from the federal capital. Madad Ali Sindhi was further briefed about the components of the Prime Ministers Youth Skills Development Programme. He said that under the name of Hunar Ablagh, 16,000 students will be given training in High-Tech / IT Technologies. Similarly, under the Jiddat Maharat, 25,000 youth will be trained in High-End Industrial Revolution Technologies and under Al-Kasib, 15,000 youth will be given training in conventional technologies and under Bayrun Rozgar, 15,000 students will be given training under the Global Skill Recognition of Pakistani expats & potential emigrants (RPL). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has directed the investigation officers and the heads of federal agencies to ensure timely implementation of Wafaqi Mohtasib decisions since no slackness would be tolerated on this count. He said that 178000 complaints have so far been decided since January 2023 and the number of complaints may touch an all-time high figure of 190000 by the year-end. Wafaqi Mohtasib was presiding over high-level meeting of WM Regional Officers from Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Gujranwala on Wednesday. Ijaz Ahmad Qureshi, speaking to media in Lahore, for the first time after having been elected as President of Asian Ombudsman Asociation (AOA) said that it was a great honour and recognition of Pakistan's valuable contribution. Commending the performance of the Regional Offices, he reiterated his firm commitment to resolve the issues faced by the poor masses. He said that the Wafaqi Mohtasib was a poor mans court and its main purpose was to redress the grievance of oppressed and the marginalized members of the community . All out efforts would be undertaken by the government officials to resolve the complaints so that relief was provided to poor strata, he added. He said without allocation of additional budget and manpower, the officers of Wafaqi Mohtasib had put in their best to reach out the public for resolving their complaints through Khulli Katchehries and IRD. He said number of complaints, filed with Wafaqi Mohtasib, was increasing every year and only in 2022 WM received 164174 complaints out of which 154770 complaints were resolved. This year WMS have received 183000 complaints till now and it is expected that this number may reach to 190000 by the end of the year, he added. He said his increase in the number of complaints showed the trust of the people, reposed in the Wafaqi Mohtasib institution. He commended the role of media in creating awareness about the institution of Wafaqi Mohtasib among the public, he added. Wafaqi Mohtasib also highlighted steps being taken for the benefit of the pensioners, Overseas Pakistanis, Prisoners and specially the Women and Child Prisoners. He emphasised upon the media to cooperate in disseminating the message of Wafaqi Mohtasib to far-flung areas to ensure that poor segments of society received the information about Wafaqi Mohtasib and enable them to get timely relief. He said that in April 2022, Information Resolution of Disputes (IRD) was initiated in selective Regional Offices which received full positive response and up till now 2951 cases have been decided under IRD Programme while 473 cases were under process. Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday ruled out any change, amendment or extension in the polls date announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday ruled out any change, amendment or extension in the polls date announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). "No extension, amendment or change in the election date given by the Election Commission is on the agenda, Murtaza Solangi said while addressing a news conference along with the health and IT (information technology) ministers after a meeting of the Federal Cabinet. The cabinet meeting was presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The information minister said, "So far, no such incident has occurred which leads to the postponement of the elections. Sharing the decisions of the Federal Cabinet, he said the forum had rejected the unilateral verdict of the Indian Supreme Court regarding the illegal annexation of Jammu and Kashmir by India as an illegal decision. "Jammu and Kashmir is not an internal issue of India rather an international dispute that has been an unresolved agenda at the UN Security Council for over seven decades, he said, adding the so-called decision of the Indian SC would not have any impact on the Kashmir issue. Solangi said the Federal Cabinet called upon on the international community to strongly condemn the illegal Indian move that usurped the rights of Kashmiris. He said that the Indian Supreme Court committed a flagrant violation of India's international commitments and obligations by unilaterally dismissing the petitions against its illegal action of August 5, 2019. We believed that the so-called decision will give boost to our efforts for the legitimate solution of the Kashmir issue, the minister said while quoting the prime minister as saying. He said the Kashmir issue should be decided according to the resolutions of the United Nations and as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The minister said Pakistan would continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Kashmir. At the outset, the cabinet strongly condemned the D I Khan terrorist attack and prayed Allah Almighty to rest the souls of martyrs in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude. Paying tributes to the martyrs, PM Kakar stated that they were pride of the nation and vowed that the war against terrorism would continue till complete elimination of the scourge. Minister Solangi said that the cabinet made it clear that such cowardly acts of terrorism could not deter the determination of the Pakistani nation. While giving details of the cabinet decisions, he said that it gave approval to the Memorandum of Understanding on mutual political exchanges between the Republic of Gambia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan in the context of Pakistan's "Engage Africa" policy. The minister said that the cabinet approved the immediate termination of contract of the managing director of the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) for misuse of the authority and directed for disciplinary action against him. It also gave its consent that Mian Mohammad Shafiq, Chief Executive Engineer, would assume the charge as NTC's acting managing director till the appointment of new managing director, he added. The cabinet, he said, also approved changes in the rules and regulations to facilitate the Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, who neither have any legal proof of entry nor processing fee, and want to leave for a third country. According to the new rules and regulations, Solangi said, the Afghan nationals, who have to evacuate to a third country and do not have any legal documents or processing fees, would be fined $400 for overstaying in Pakistan instead of $ 800. The deadline for stay of such Afghan nationals in Pakistan had also been extended from December 31, 2023 to February 29, 2024, he said, adding the fine, after the due date, would be imposed at the rate of $100 per month with a maximum limit of $800. He said the measures were aimed at encouraging the Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan to obtain legal documents or finalize evacuation agreements as soon as possible in a third country. Solangi said the cabinet also approved the first "National Space Policy", under which international companies would be allowed to provide services to customers through Low Orbit Communication Satellite in Pakistan. He said the policy would not only attract foreign investment but also save valuable foreign exchange. Under the policy, not only a "Space Regulatory Regime" was being implemented in Pakistan in line with modern international requirements, but funds for research and development had also been arranged in SPARCO, the minister added. Solangi said that the prime minister appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, SPARCO, Ministry of Defence and related institutions to formulate Pakistan's first space policy. He said on the recommendation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the cabinet approved the immediate return of the Managing Director of the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority to his parent institution and also ordered an investigation into the mismanagement in the institution. It also gave its approval that Director General Operations Port Qasim Authority, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, should look after the affairs of the above Authority till the appointment of new managing director. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, Solangi said, the cabinet approved the decision to forward the cases of Dow Dental College Karachi, Narowal Medical College, Liaquat Institute of Medical Health Sciences Thatta and Khairpur Meris Medical College to the Pakistan Medical and Dental College for initial approval. The minister said the cabinet approved the decisions made in the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on November 23, except the one regarding the increase in the prices of medicines. The cabinet also issued directives to review the entire system of drugs pricing and regulations to find a comprehensive solution to the problem in the future. The minister quoted the prime minister as saying that the government wanted the pharma industry to develop, but the interest of the people would come first in terms of prices and quality of medicines. He said the forum directed the Ministry of Health to give a briefing in the next meeting about amendments in the existing drug policy, which included a detailed review of the regulatory and administrative issues of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The cabinet also approved the decisions taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) on December 6. These decisions included the establishment of National Cybercrime Investigation Agency for the prevention, prosecution and adjudication of cybercrimes, as well as a Telecom Tribunal. The gave it approval for the decisions taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) on November 22, Solangi added. Replying to the questions of media persons, Murtaza Solangi said so far no court or constitutional body of Pakistan had declared the current caretaker government illegal. The Federal Cabinet reviewed the incidents of terrorism in detail, he said, adding that the Ministry of Interior was releasing the data related to the return of illegal immigrants to their homeland. He said that about 450,000 people had gone back to their native country, the majority of them returned voluntarily. He said that the government had taken strict notice of the Dera Ismail Khan incident. The prime minister himself went to Dera Ismail Khan as "we are taking this matter seriously". "We will go to any extent to protect the people of Pakistan from terrorism," Murtaza Solangi assured the media. Regarding Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he said the interior minister had explained that he received threats and it was responsibility of the caretaker setup to provide security to him. "Kashmir is an international dispute that India itself took to the United Nations Security Council. There are several UNSC resolutions on the Occupied Kashmir," Solangi said while responding to another query. To another question, he said that the Palestinian people had been fighting for their right to self-determination for the last 75 years. HANOI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Jan. 18, 1950 marked a significant milestone in the annals of China-Vietnam relations. Shortly after its own founding, the People's Republic of China became the first country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam. Another landmark event in their relationship came in May 2008 when China became the first country to forge a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Vietnam, the latter's highest level of diplomatic ties. On Tuesday, the China-Vietnam relationship hit a new high when both sides agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Over the past 15 years since the inception of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Vietnam and China have made substantial progress in cooperation in various fields, laying a solid foundation for both sides to push bilateral relations into a new stage, said Dao Ngoc Bau, deputy director in charge of the Institute of International Relations under the Ho Chi Minh National academy of politics. The announcement was made during the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. It has been Xi's third visit to Vietnam since he became general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president. Referring to Xi's visit as one bearing landmark significance, Nguyen Hoang Anh, a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, said, "High-level contact is a good tradition between Vietnam and China, and is promoting the continuous development of bilateral ties." (@ChaudhryMAli88) Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) It reads like a K-drama plot: an ex-spy kidnaps a woman from an upscale district of Seoul over a crypto dispute, then kills her with drugs from a plastic surgery clinic. The case of purported spy-turned-hitman Lee Kyung-woo, who was sentenced to life in prison in October, has shocked South Korea, a safe and almost drug-free country where violent killings are rare. The country has, however, had issues with crypto crime. It was home to fallen crypto king Do Kwon, currently in a Montenegrin jail awaiting extradition over the spectacular multi-billion-dollar collapse of his Terra and Luna tokens. At the centre of the gruesome homicide case is another collapsed cryptocurrency called PURE, based in the Seychelles but run by a Korean who was arrested last month on fraud and market manipulation charges. A couple who had lost at least a billion won (around $760,000) in PURE hired hitman Lee -- who claimed to be a former undercover agent for missions in North Korea -- to kill the woman who had encouraged them to invest in the Currency, and steal her digital assets. For 70 million won, Lee masterminded the woman's kidnapping and murder. On March 29 this year, the victim was abducted from a street in the Seoul district of Gangnam, drugged, coerced into handing over her crypto passwords, and then killed, with her body buried in the countryside 140 kilometres (85 miles) from the capital. The ketamine used to sedate and then kill the 48-year-old woman came from Lee's wife, a nurse at a plastic surgery clinic, who gave it to him even though she was aware of his "intentions to commit a crime", court documents obtained by AFP showed. "It is difficult to estimate the fear and pain the victim must have felt when she was abruptly kidnapped by strangers in the middle of Seoul... and dragged to the hills near Daejeon to die," judge Kim Seung-jeong of the Seoul Central District Court wrote in the ruling. - Spying claims - South Korea has long been regarded as one of Asia's crypto hotspots, but spectacular, criminal implosions like that of Do Kwon's tokens have shaken retail confidence and drawn official scrutiny to the sector. Local officials have expressed concern over rising criminality linked to the industry, even this year creating a new inter-agency investigative unit to fight crypto crime. Hitman Lee lost his health club business during the pandemic and poured his life savings into PURE -- which lost 95 percent of its value in early 2021. Court documents said that Lee felt he had to use "any means necessary" to make money. Lee told clients he was a former military agent for missions in North Korea, court documents showed. Citing a court hearing, local media have suggested his claim was true. Lee also claimed he could "resolve matters" for the couple "by engaging in illegal methods" and discussed potential plans for the murder that included hiring a Chinese hitman and stealing the victim's organs. Lee and his accomplices used ketamine to first incapacitate and abduct the victim, allowing her to regain consciousness when they tried, unsuccessfully, to extort her IDs and passwords to steal her digital assets. They then administered a fatal dose, with court documents identifying the official cause of death as "ketamine poisoning". - 'Lifelong loneliness' - The cryptocurrency PURE, which claimed it revolved around a service that uses blockchain to manage indoor air quality, was delisted in May, just over a month after the victim was killed. Authorities said "giving wrong information to investors" was among the reasons for its delisting. The couple who hired Lee -- identified as Yoo Sang-won and Hwang Eun-hee -- were respectively sentenced to eight and six years in prison. Lee's two accomplices, Hwang Dae-han and Yeon Ji-ho, who abducted and killed the victim under Lee's supervision, were given a life sentence and 25 years in prison, respectively. The mastermind's wife, who supplied the ketamine, also received a jail term of five years. But the "lifelong loneliness and profound sense of loss to be experienced by the victim's elementary school-aged son who lost his mother are likely to be difficult for anyone to heal", judge Kim wrote in the ruling. "Above all, it is truly unimaginable to fathom the shock that he would experience if he were to realise that his mother, whom he currently believes died from Covid-19, was actually murdered," the judge added. Nearly 200 nations meeting in Dubai on Wednesday approved a first-ever call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels, the top culprit of climate change behind a planetary crisis Dubai, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) Nearly 200 nations meeting in Dubai on Wednesday approved a first-ever call for the world to transition away from fossil fuels, the top culprit of climate change behind a planetary crisis. After 13 days of talks and another sleepless night, the Emirati leadership of the COP28 summit banged a gavel to signal the world had reached consensus. "You did step up, you showed flexibility, you put common interest ahead of self-interest," said COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber. The United Arab Emirates, he said, was "rightly proud" of its role in bringing "transformational change" to the planet. "The world needed to find a new way. And by following our North Star, we have found that new path," he said to applause, referring to the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Jaber hours earlier released a draft of the agreement aiming to bring onboard countries from islands fearing extinction. Toughening language from an earlier draft that was roundly denounced, the agreement calls for "transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science". It marked the first mention of all fossil fuels in 28 years of climate summits. "For the first time in 30 years, we might now reach the beginning of the end of fossil fuels," EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra said before heading into the plenary session. Danish negotiator Dan Jorgensen, part of a group in charge of making headway, called the agreement "historic progress". The text, however, stopped short of calls during the summit for a "phase-out" of oil, gas and coal, which together account for around three-quarters of the emissions responsible for the planetary crisis. Low-lying islands fear extinction from rising sea levels and worsening storms, with the Marshall Islands denouncing the earlier draft as a "death warrant". The bloc of small island states called the revised text "an improvement" but it reiterated concerns, saying that the deal was "incremental and not transformational". Federal prosecutors are seeking an 11-year prison sentence for Nikola founder Trevor Milton. (Photo: Alan Adler/FreightWaves) Federal prosecutors want Nikola Corp. founder Trevor Milton sentenced to 11 years in prison for inflating the price of the electric truck makers stock to enrich himself. The proposed sentence is in line with a presentence investigation report. But it fell well below the 60 years in prison called for based on calculations of the seriousness of Miltons crimes. The government is also seeking a $5 million fine, forfeiture of a ranch in Utah that was subject of one of three fraud convictions, and an undetermined amount of restitution to investors to be determined after Mondays scheduled sentencing n U.S. District Court in Manhattan, New York. Milton, 41, was convicted of one count of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud in October 2022 following a 3 1/2-week jury trial. Misleading investors in public and in person Milton engaged in a sustained scheme to take advantage of individual, non-professional investors, repeatedly misleading investors both in public and in person in order to inflate the stock price of his company, Nikola, and ultimately with the goal of enriching himself, the government said in a 41-page memo filed early Tuesday. Attorneys for Milton argued in a presentencing memo Nov. 14 that he should receive probation because his actions had not caused any harm. Milton has been free on a $100 million bond. According to data from the U.S. Sentencing Commissions Judiciary Sentencing Information database, 29 white-collar crime defendants convicted during the last five years received an average sentence of 16 years and four months. The government sentencing memo recounts several false and misleading statements about Nikolas achievements and technology prowess including that it had: Early success in creating a fully functioning semi-truck prototype known as the Nikola One. Engineered and built an electric- and hydrogen-powered pickup truck known as the Badger from the ground up using Nikolas parts and technology. Begun producing hydrogen at a reduced cost. Reservations for the future delivery of Nikolas semi-trucks that were binding orders represented billions in revenue. Story continues Real harm to investors who were misled The conduct not only distorted the market at one time driving Nikolas market capitalization higher than that of Fords, despite Nikola never having produced a vehicle for sale at the time it brought real harm to investors who were misled as to the risks of their investments, which, for those who held onto their stock at the encouragement of Milton, became effectively worthless once the truth became known. Miltons only interest was money, prosecutors said. During the course of his scheme to inflate the value of Nikolas stock, the value of Miltons holdings rose from approximately $1.1 billion in March 2020 to a peak of approximately $7.3 billion in June 2020. Prior to the closing of a reverse merger with special purpose acquisition company VectoIQ in June 2020, Milton sold a portion of his Nikola stock for about $100 million. By September 2020, he had spent approximately $83.5 million, including on luxuries like an airplane and hangar and an estate in Turks & Caicos, the memo said. The government said Miltons lack of remorse and failure to accept any form of responsibility for his actions only emphasize the need for just punishment in this case. Milton deflects, suggests others may be at fault and offers excuses for his behavior. Greed, selfishness and lack of concern Miltons offenses, like so many other white-collar crimes, were the result of greed, selfishness, and lack of concern for the potential impact on others. Investors lost between $660.8 million to $673.6 million by following Miltons lies and bidding up Nikolas stock price. Shares plummeted after a short sellers report detailing Miltons chicanery. Both figures exceed the $550 million threshold that adds years to a recommended sentence. There is no reason to doubt that Milton is a loving husband, and Miltons admirable qualities should be taken into account, the government said in a brief reference to Miltons positive acts. But that should not spare him from punishment, the sentencing memo said. There are many examples of first-time fraudsters in this district who become recidivists. Were the Court to impose the sentence requested by the defendant, he would be in his early 40s and would be fully capable of starting a new company and repeating his past conduct without fear of significant jail time. Editors note: Adds recommended $5 million fine, forfeiture and restitution and minor edits. Related articles: Ambitious dreamer Trevor Milton seeks probation instead of prison Nikola founder Trevor Milton guilty on 3 fraud counts Nikola claws back $165M from founder Trevor Milton Click for more FreightWaves articles by Alan Adler. The post Feds seek 11-year prison term for Nikola founder appeared first on FreightWaves. After two nights of fraught final negotiations, it took just five minutes for Sultan Al Jaber, with the nervous bang of his gavel, to adopt a historic deal calling for a transition from fossil fuels Dubai, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2023) The proud president of COP28 had no time left to lose. After two nights of fraught final negotiations, it took just five minutes for Sultan Al Jaber, with the nervous bang of his gavel, to adopt a historic deal calling for a transition from fossil fuels. "I hear no objection? It is so decided," he announced at 11:15 am (0715 GMT) on Wednesday, to applause and a standing ovation from delegates, despite the disappointment expressed by some small island states about the final language. The delegates gathered in the UAE since November 30 barely had time to sit down before the deal was declared adopted. "It is the UAE consensus," Jaber proclaimed from the podium, visibly relieved at the result, after months of promising to secure a "historic" deal and weathering criticism. "We have language on fossil fuel in our final agreement, for the first time ever," he said, prompting even more vigorous applause. Moments earlier, negotiators could be seen chatting happily in the enormous plenary room of the gigantic expo park in Dubai, where discussions ran a day longer than scheduled. Students participate in a coding activity using Sphero BOLT during Computer Science Education Week. A team from UW led the activities for almost 850 students around the state the week of Dec. 4. (Cindy Jones Photo) To commemorate this years Computer Science Education Week -- an annual call to action across the country to inspire K-12 students to learn more about the field of computer science -- the University of Wyoming led several coding activities in Wyoming schools the week of Dec. 4. During the week, Cindy Jones, K-14 STEM Education Outreach Office program manager in the UW College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and student ambassadors Gage Hepworth, of Laramie, and Benjamin Willis, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., visited schools throughout Wyoming. They talked with students about what computer science is and what computer scientists do, as well as led various coding activities. Natrona Virtual Learning Academy and Southridge Elementary School in Casper and Farson-Eden Elementary School were among the schools visited. The team even hosted a Computer Science Education Family STEM Night at The Science Zone in Casper. Students who participated in the week of activities ranged in age from 4-8. Coding activities included coding with Sphero indi, Sphero BOLT and Ozobot Evo, as well as coding without computers. Computer Science Education Week is an important outreach effort for this office, Jones says. Raising awareness about this field and facilitating these activities can equip students with a range of skills and knowledge that are relevant and valuable in our world today. This not only encourages students to seek out programs and careers in computer science, but also fosters a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. According to Jones, Computer Science Education Week events hosted by UW would not be as successful as they are without the support of a UW Tier-1 Engineering Initiative one-time funding grant, which made it possible to purchase all of the robots and activities used throughout the week. I am very thankful to have been a recipient of this grant, Jones says. I also want to thank all of the schools and organizations that reached out to my office to invite us into their learning environments. This year, we reached almost 850 students across the state of Wyoming. We hope to double that number next year. For more information about the UW College of Engineering and Physical Sciences K-14 STEM Education Outreach Office, visit www.uwyo.edu/ceas/resources/outreach/. Steve Ballmer is on pace to collect annual dividend payments of $1 billion from Microsoft. He is the former CEO of Microsoft and is the largest individual shareholder of the software giant. Ballmer's Microsoft stake has surged to a value of $128 billion this year following Microsoft's 55% stock rally. Microsoft is on track to pay former CEO Steve Ballmer about $1 billion in annual dividend payments. Ballmer, who is currently the sixth richest person in the world, is the largest individual shareholder in Microsoft. As of his last ownership disclosure in 2014, Ballmer owned 333.2 million shares of Microsoft, representing about 4% of the company. Ballmer's stake is worth about $130 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaire Index, after gaining $44 billion in wealth this year thanks to a 56% rally in Microsoft's stock price. Ballmer amassed his stake over the course of his 34-year career at Microsoft, having joined the company in 1980 as employee number 30. He went on to become CEO of Microsoft in 2000, near the peak of the dot-com bubble, and stepped down in 2014 when current CEO Satya Nadella took over the top role. Microsoft paid $2.79 in dividends per share in 2023, which equates to an annual dividend payment of about $930 million to Ballmer based on his stake in the company. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images That payout is set to increase in 2024, as Microsoft lifted its dividend 10% recently to pay $3 per share a year. That would equate to an annual dividend payment of $999.6 million to Ballmer in 2024, and it could be even higher assuming Microsoft continues its trend of hiking its dividend payment every year. Microsoft has increased its dividend payment for 18 consecutive years, so its likely that Ballmer's annual dividend payout will top $1 billion in 2024 and continue to grow in the coming years. Ballmer's massive stake in Microsoft has put him within spitting distance of becoming the fourth richest person in the world, as he's just a few billion dollars behind Larry Ellison and his former boss, Bill Gates. Gates has significantly diversified his wealth away from Microsoft and towards cash and other public equities since he stepped down from the company. In fact, in 2014, Gates also owned about 4% of Microsoft, having a 330 million share stake in the company. But multiple divestitures over the years has led Gates to owning just over 1% of the software giant. Read the original article on Business Insider US News & World Report takes a look at the dreaded college waitlist and what it means for international students. In addition to the anxiety and waiting of the waitlist, international students carry an additional burden: visa complications. Read the full story here. (December 2023) Unabated anger and tensions over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas could spill over into the holiday season in the United States, potentially putting large public gatherings at risk, according to law enforcement and homeland security officials. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security late Tuesday issued a public service announcement, warning of a heightened threat to holiday or faith-based events and New Year's Eve celebrations in the coming weeks. The announcement further warned of potential dangers to protests, rallies and other First Amendment-protected events. "Ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter," the statement said. "These targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature." According to the FBI and DHS, there is no specific or credible intelligence to suggest an attack is in the works, but the statement warns there has been "a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations" since the October 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with some 240 people taken hostage. The Israeli military response has since displaced an estimated 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run Health Ministry says nearly 18,000 people have been killed, most of them women and children. The FBI and DHS warning said any escalation of the conflict could "further exacerbate the threat of violence." Just last week, DHS issued a new guide to help faith-based organizations, including churches, synagogues and mosques, take steps to better secure their facilities and their congregations. The same day, FBI Director Christopher Wray told U.S. lawmakers that the bureau's hate crime caseload had spiked by 60% since October, with the majority of threats targeting the Jewish community. The just-released public service announcement noted both the FBI and DHS have also seen a jump in hoax bomb threats and active shooter threats aimed at synagogues "likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants." The new advisory updates a previous warning from October 25. U.S. homeland security officials have previously said the country has been mired for more than a year now in a "heightened threat environment," with the biggest threat coming from U.S.-based extremists motivated by "enduring racial, ethnic, religious and anti-government ideologies." President Joe Biden is taking a more active role in Senate negotiations over changes to the immigration system that Republicans are demanding in exchange for providing money to Ukraine in its fight against Russia and Israel for the war with Hamas. The Democratic president has said he is willing to make "significant compromises on the border" as Republicans block the wartime aid in Congress. The White House is expected to get more involved in talks this week as the impasse over changes to border policy has deepened and the funds remaining for Ukraine have dwindled. "It's time to cut a deal that both sides can agree to," Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." Republicans say the record numbers of migrants crossing the southern border pose a security threat because authorities cannot adequately screen all the migrants and that those who enter the United States are straining the country's resources. GOP lawmakers also say they cannot justify to their constituents sending billions of dollars to other countries, even in a time of war, while failing to address the border at home. Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, who is leading the negotiations, pointed to the surge of people entering the U.S. from Mexico and said "it is literally spiraling out of control." "All we're trying to do is to say what tools are needed to be able to get this back in control, so we don't have the chaos on our southern border," Lankford said on CBS. But many immigration advocates, including some Democrats, say some of the changes being proposed would gut protections for people who desperately need help and would not really ease the chaos at the border. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the top Democratic bargainer, said the White House would take a more active role in the talks. But he also panned Republican policy demands so far as "unreasonable." "We don't want to shut off the United States of America to people who are coming here to be rescued from dangerous, miserable circumstances, in which their life is in jeopardy. The best of America is that you can come here to be rescued from terror and torture," Murphy said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Much of the negotiating is taking place in private, but some of the issues under discussion are known: asylum standards, humanitarian parole and fast-track deportation authority, among others. A look at what they are and what might happen if there are changes: Humanitarian parole Using humanitarian parole, the U.S. government can let people into the country by essentially bypassing the regular immigration process. This power is supposed to be used on a case-by-case basis for "urgent humanitarian reasons" or "significant public benefit." Migrants are usually admitted for a pre-determined period and there's no path toward U.S. citizenship. Over the years, administrations, both Democratic and Republican, have used humanitarian parole to admit people into the U.S. and help groups of people from all over the world. It's been used to admit people from Hungary in the 1950s, from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the latter half of the 1970s, and Iraqi Kurds who had worked with the U.S. in the mid-1990s, according to research by the Cato Institute. Under Biden, the U.S. has relied heavily on humanitarian parole. The U.S. airlifted nearly 80,000 Afghans from Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and brought them to the U.S. after the Taliban takeover. The U.S. has admitted tens of thousands of Ukrainians who fled after the Russian invasion. In January the Democratic administration announced a plan to admit 30,000 people a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela via humanitarian parole, provided those migrants had a financial sponsor and flew to the U.S. instead of going to the U.S.-Mexico border for entry. The latest U.S. government figures show that nearly 270,000 people had been admitted into the country through October under that program. Separately, 324,000 people have gotten appointments through a mobile app called CBP One that is used to grant parole to people at land crossings with Mexico. Republicans have described the programs as essentially an end run around Congress by letting in large numbers of people who otherwise would have no path to be admitted. Texas sued the administration to stop the program aimed at Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans. What might change with asylum? Asylum is a type of protection that allows a migrant to stay in the U..S. and have a path to American citizenship. To qualify for asylum, someone has to demonstrate fear of persecution back home due to a fairly specific set of criteria: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinions. Asylum-seekers must be on U.S. soil when they ask for this protection. They generally go through an initial screening called a credible fear interview. If they are determined to have a chance of getting asylum, they are allowed to stay in the U.S. to pursue their case in immigration court. That process can take years. In the meantime, asylum-seekers can start to work, get married, have children and create a life. Critics say the problem is that most people do not end up getting asylum when their case finally makes it to immigration court. But they say migrants know that if they claim asylum, they essentially will be allowed to stay in America for years. "People aren't necessarily coming to apply for asylum as much to access that asylum adjudication process," said Andrew Arthur, a former immigration court judge and fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for less immigration in the U.S. Some of what lawmakers are discussing would raise the bar that migrants need to meet during that initial credible fear interview. Those who do not meet it would be sent home. But Paul Schmidt, a retired immigration court judge who blogs about immigration court issues, said the credible fear interview was never intended to be so tough. Migrants are doing the interview soon after arriving at the border from an often arduous and traumatizing journey, he said. Schmidt said the interview is more of an "initial screening" to weed out those with frivolous asylum claims. Schmidt also questioned the argument that most migrants fail their final asylum screening. He said some immigration judges apply overly restrictive standards and that the system is so backlogged that it is hard to know exactly what the most recent and reliable statistics are. What is expedited removal? Expedited removal, created in 1996 by Congress, basically allows low-level immigration officers, as opposed to an immigration judge, to quickly deport certain immigrants. It was not widely used until 2004 and generally has been used to deport people apprehended within 100 miles of the Mexican or Canadian border and within two weeks of their arrival. Defenders say it relieves the burden on the backlogged immigration courts. Immigration advocates say its use is prone to errors and does not give migrants enough protections, such as having a lawyer help them argue their case. As president, Republican Donald Trump pushed to expand this fast-track deportation policy nationwide and for longer periods of time. Opponents sued and that expansion never happened. What might these changes do? Much of the disagreement over these proposed changes comes down to whether people think deterrence works. Arthur, the former immigration court judge, thinks it does. He said changes to the credible fear asylum standards and restrictions on the use of humanitarian parole would be a "game changer." He said it would be a "costly endeavor" as the government would have to detain and deport many more migrants than today. But, he argued, eventually the numbers of people arriving would drop. But others, like Schmidt, the retired immigration court judge, say migrants are so desperate, they will come anyway and make dangerous journeys to evade Border Patrol. "Desperate people do desperate things," he said. A barrage of Russian missiles targeted Ukraines capital, injuring at least 45 people Wednesday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged U.S. officials to approve $61 billion in new aid to help his country fight off Russias invasion. Ukraines air forces said the countrys air defenses downed all 10 ballistic missiles launched by Russia. Falling debris from the downed missiles damaged a childrens hospital and the citys water system, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said, while Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said debris also hit several homes. Russia has proven once again that it is a heinous country that fires missiles at night, trying to hit residential areas, kindergartens, and energy facilities during the winter, Zelenskyy said Wednesday on social media. There will be a response. Certainly. Zelenskyy added that he and U.S. President Joe Biden had agreed to work on increasing the number of Ukraines air defense systems, and that Russia had demonstrated how critical this decision is. The Biden administration Tuesday announced up to $200 million in new military aid, including air defense missiles and components, for Ukraine from previously approved resources. The announcement came as Zelenskyy used his visit to Washington to make a forceful case for a new commitment of $61 billion in aid to help his countrys war cause as the U.S. Congress decides on the matter. The Ukrainian leader rejected the notion that his nation would cede territory to the Russians after nearly two years of brutal warfare. That's insane, to be honest, Zelenskyy said. He added: "I don't know whose idea it is, but I have a question to these people: if they are ready to give up their children to terrorists. I think not. Biden also pressed for Ukrainian victory and seemed to push back against starting negotiations with Moscow. "We need to ensure Putin continues to fail in Ukraine and Ukraine to succeed, he said. And the best way for that to do that is to pass the supplemental funding request. But the U.S. Congress, which signs the checks, is not yet convinced. Earlier Tuesday, Zelenskyy met with lawmakers in an attempt to persuade them. Republicans say they want to see proper oversight of the funding, and they also want to see a clear articulation of strategy. Biden, meanwhile, accused Republicans of playing into Moscows hands by failing to pass the aid package. The host of a Kremlin-run show said, Well done, Republicans. That's good for us, he said, adding: If you're being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what you're doing. History will judge harshly those who turn their back on freedoms cause. Russias Foreign Ministry accused Zelenskyy of cadging slang meaning to beg for something undeserved and said he is an American puppet. But U.S. taxpayers are showing signs of Ukraine fatigue, and some Republicans question why about a third of U.S. money goes not toward weapons, but government assistance. John Jameson, a mine-clearing campaigner who recently visited the country, said Ukraine needs every penny. The deminers were working while we heard the sound of artillery going on, he told VOA, on Zoom. And they're doing that because they know it's essential for them to be able to start farming and producing and going back to work now so they can live so they can not only just to fight the war but so they can live but no, we can't wait until the fighting is over. But when will it end? Analysts say this may take more than a year and question whether Ukraines supporters are funding it enough, considering how well this small army has done against a much larger foe. Theyve become, in some ways, victims of their own success, said Dalibor Rohac, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. I don't think we should be sort of reasonably asking Ukrainians to do more, especially given the almost homeopathic nature of Western assistance. When you think about the amounts of munitions that are being delivered the miniscule amounts of long range artillery, precision artillery, air defenses, etc, etc, that are being delivered to Ukraine. I think they are making a really impressive use of very limited resources that are given to them, provided to them, against a much larger adversary. This urgent discussion comes as Biden on Tuesday announced another $200 million in military aid for Ukraine from previously approved resources. Biden has asked Congress for a $110 billion package of wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel, along with other national security priorities. But Republicans in the U.S. Senate have balked, saying major U.S. border security changes are needed. Some Republicans are asking for the immediate deportation of migrants who entered the country illegally, stripping them of a chance to seek U.S. asylum. They have also called for greatly scaling back Biden administration programs that have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the U.S. lawfully. The U.S. has already provided Ukraine $111 billion for its fight against Russia's 2022 invasion. VOAs Carla Babb contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The Biden administration's support of Israel in the war against Hamas has drawn sharp criticism both from Americans protesting Palestinian civilian deaths and from State Department staff calling for a cease-fire. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has been signaling to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he needs to change course or risk international standing. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) - Oil tanker Cururo is taking the long way from Houston to Chile: sailing the length of South America's Atlantic coast, across the Strait of Magellan and heading up the Pacific coast before discharging. The voyage could take 32 days and travel more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) before it ends next week, compared with about 23 days and less than 5,000 miles for a typical route through the Panama Canal. The odyssey is shipping's new reality due to a severe drought in Panama that is expected to shift trade flows and push up freight costs. The change will mean less U.S. gasoline heading to the West Coast of South America, particularly Chile, said Matt Smith, an analyst at ship tracking service Kpler. Chile will instead likely pull gasoline from Asia, he added. Cururo headed for the Panama Canal last month and, unable to secure a slot for passage, changed its route. Two other refined products vessels, Green Sky and High Loyalty, also have taken longer routes to or from Chile that avoid the Panama Canal. Taking longer routes or opting for bidding in Panama's daily slot auctions has made transportation more expensive for tankers and other vessel types with no priority in the canal. U.S. diesel flows increasingly are heading to Europe as South America buys less due to Panama Canal logjams, Kpler data also showed. About 45% of U.S. diesel exports headed to Europe so far in December, compared with about 21% last month. The redirection of refined product flows will also lead to higher shipping activity measured by tonne-miles and higher freight rates as U.S. tankers that typically go to South America now cross the Atlantic to Europe, or as ships from Asia travel to South America, analysts said. (Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Sonali Paul) Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese leaders on the second day of his trip to Hanoi, following Vietnams move to bolster relations with the United States and Japan. Xi first spoke with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman, Vuong Dinh Hue, before moving on to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong. The two sides signed several agreements, centered on deepening cooperation, including working together for the development of railways and telecommunications. The leaders also agreed to a prisoner exchange, though few details were given about the agreement. They also agreed to renew an expired 2020 deal, according to local media, which allows for a joint patrol of the Gulf of Tonkin, which is situated between China's southern island province of Hainan and the northeastern coast of Vietnam. The meetings come as Beijing seeks assurance from Vietnam it is still the country's most important partner, after Hanoi bolstered ties with the U.S. and Japan to the highest diplomatic status comprehensive strategic partnership a designation China has held for years. In a meeting Tuesday with Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Xi referred to the relationship between the two countries as a "China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance." "Community with a shared future," is phrasing that has previously been rejected by Vietnam, although the rhetoric was backed in a joint statement following the meeting in a symbolic reassurance to China, of their important partnership. Xi is expected to wrap up his visit Wednesday by meeting with students before leaving Vietnam. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. The worlds largest climate conference, COP28 in Dubai, closed with a historic deal to transition away from fossil fuels, but some experts and activists call the agreed text weak. After two weeks of intense negotiations and the hope for a phase-out of fossil fuels, countries agreed only on a phase-down of unabated coal power and phasing out [of] inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. They also gave a nod to the role of transitional fuels in reducing carbon emissions. This comes after a Saudi-led opposition to any reference of fossil fuels in the deal. Video report by Henry Ridgwell U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said the role of the so-called transitional fuels like regular oil and gas should be limited and temporary. But the nearly 200 countries gave a greenlight to tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 after a hard push from the G20. This follows the first-ever Global Stocktake report released in September, which revealed that nations are far from reaching the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To do that, the report said, nations will have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030. EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra applauded the deal to set in motion an irreversible, accelerated transition away from fossil fuels, but Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute said the overall language on coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, remains weak. In light of the intensifying climate impact, uniting divergent national interests for decisive climate response remains a daunting task, Shuo told VOA. The text on phasing down on unabated coal hasnt changed much from the agreement reached at COP26 Glasgow. Yan Qin, carbon analyst from data provider Refinitiv, also agreed that the wording is weak. It is still a win for this COP, making history by putting the world on track to phase out fossil fuels. However, the wording throughout is weak, despite that it is stronger than the previous version [at COP27]this is mainly signaling a start that governments will work on to transition away from fossil fuels, but just a start, Qin told VOA. For the biggest coal producer and consumer, China, the impacts are likely minimal, Qin added. Coal accounts for over half of the countrys energy mix, but Beijing is still greenlighting the construction of two new coal-fired power plants each week since last year. Officials said its to ensure energy security, while President Xi Jinping also promised to phase down coal from 2026. Romain Loualalen, global policy lead of NGO Oil Change International, said in a statement that the text now risks giving big polluters a free pass to continue extraction at a time when swift and coordinated action is desperately needed. COP28 has been filled with controversies: a BBC report alleged President Sultan al-Jaber, the owner of an oil company, was using his position to draw up fossil fuel deals with different countries before the conference kicked off. A few days into it, he came under fire again for saying theres no science behind the phase-out of fossil fuel to achieve the Paris Agreement goal, according to a Guardian report. A day after that, an analysis from the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition showed a record number of nearly 2,500 fossil fuel lobbyists had joined COP28. Global South activists arent happy with the deal either. The alliance of small island nations or AOSIS, which represents many countries vulnerable to rising sea levels, pointed out a litany of loopholes in the deal and called it a step backward. Some climate justice advocates lambasted the deal, saying that the developed countries often historic emitters are not providing developing countries with enough financing for energy transition and climate adaptation. Mohamed Adow, director of the energy and climate think tank Power Shift Asia, said there needs to be greater expectation on rich fossil fuel producers to phase out first. The biggest historic emitter and major oil producer, the United States, for example, pledged only $24.5 million to the newly approved loss and damage fund meant to compensate for the climate impact felt by vulnerable countries in the Global South. The EU and the UAE led the effort to raise over $700 million for the fund; the Green Climate Fund also received historic pledges of a total of $12.8 billion from 31 countries while an Adaptation Fund bagged $1.3 billion from 26 countries. This amount, however, is well short of the promised annual $100 billion from wealthy nations to their vulnerable counterparts and the estimated yearly $2.5 trillion they actually need. This will make it harder for countries in Asia to make the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy with safeguards for vulnerable communities, Nithi Nesadurai, regional director of Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, told VOA. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The European Union is set to decide whether to start formal membership talks with Ukraine at a crucial summit in Brussels that begins Thursday. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Hungary is threatening to veto Kyiv's application The European Union will decide whether to start accession talks with Ukraine at a crucial two-day summit this week that begins Thursday. Hungary is threatening to veto the move. The EU approved Ukraines candidate status in June 2022, a few months after Russias full-scale invasion of the country began. At this weeks European Council summit in Brussels, scheduled for December 14-15, EU heads of state are set to decide whether to launch formal membership talks with Kyiv. Speaking ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said his country had already completed many of the reforms demanded by the bloc. I came here with a clear message of Ukraine's commitment to do its homework, to open accession talks and move towards membership in the EU. In return, in the spirit of partnership, mutual interests and reciprocity, we also expect the European Union to make a decision that will appreciate the effort made by Ukraine and grant to our country opening of the accession talks, Kuleba said. He said that the summit would be a test of the EUs ability to keep its promises. I cannot imagine, I don't even want to talk about, the devastating consequences that will occur shall the [EU] Council fail to make this decision, not only with regard to Ukraine, but in a broader sense on the issue of enlargement as a whole, Kuleba told reporters. Standing in the way is a single EU member: Hungary. Its government says Kyiv isnt ready to begin accession talks and argues that a country at war should not start such discussions with the bloc. Hungarian ministers have threatened to veto Ukraines membership bid, along with a proposed $54 billion EU aid package for Kyiv as part of the blocs 2024 annual budget. Speaking to Hungarian television on Monday, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto questioned the EUs assessment of Ukraines reforms. If you look at the expectations set by the European Union and what the Ukrainians have done so far, it is clear that the European Commission's assessment that the Ukrainians already met four out of seven prerequisites is simply false; it is not true, Szijjarto said, accusing fellow EU leaders of trying to force Hungarys decision. Its clear they are trying to get us to join a decision that is obviously not acceptable to us. We will never give up our national interests. We will never give up our sovereign decision-making powers, he said. A failure by the EU to start accession talks with Ukraine would have wider consequences, according to Ian Bond, head of foreign policy at the Center for European Reform. The psychological impact would be quite considerable, because it will give a boost to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin who will think that, in fact, the West has not fully accepted that Ukraine should be part of the Western camp. And it will be psychologically damaging within Ukraine because people have built up this hope that they have been accepted as part of the family, Bond told VOA. The EUs dispute with Hungary over Ukraines accession is complicated by a separate issue over the rule of law. Brussels is continuing to withhold from Hungary around $24 billion from the blocs post-COVID stimulus fund over concerns about the backsliding of democracy, including the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press. The EU is set to welcome back an old ally at the summit: the former EU Council President Donald Tusk, who was elected as Polands prime minister Monday, ending eight years of rule by the Law and Justice Party. Tusk pledged to repair relations with Brussels. Poland's task, the new government's task, but also the task of all of us, is to loudly and firmly demand full determination from the entire Western community to help Ukraine win this war. I will do this from Day One, Tusk told lawmakers in Warsaw. EU leaders are set to discuss a new raft of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian diamonds. The Israel-Hamas war will also feature high on the summit agenda, with the bloc due to discuss imposing sanctions against Israeli settlers who commit acts of violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, following a similar move by the United States last week. Turkey is looking for key concessions at the European Union Summit in its longtime bid to join the bloc. EU leaders are focused on Ukraine at this meeting, but as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, analysts say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has some powerful leverage. The Philippines and China have been trading blame over a confrontation in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, where the two countries vessels clashed on December 10. Known internationally as the Second Thomas Shoal, this submerged reef in the Spratly Islands is some 200 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines province of Palawan and about 1,285 kilometers from Chinas southernmost Hainan Island. Manila calls the disputed reef Ayungin Shoal, and Beijing calls it Renai Jiao. The December 10 incident led to a dramatic escalation in the already tense bilateral relations. The Philippines said that the Chinese coast guard had used water cannons against the civilian supply boats and a Philippine Coast Guard vessel that was escorting the mission. The Chinese attack caused severe damage to the engine of one of the supply boats and damaged the mast of the coast guard vessel, the Philippines said. China dismissed accusations and claimed it was the Philippines stirring up trouble and infringing on Chinas sovereignty. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: The responsibility for the recent emergencies in waters of Renai Jiao [Second Thomas Shoal] lies completely with the Philippines. The claim is misleading. While Beijing baselessly claims sovereignty almost over the entirety of the South China Sea, this latest incident took place in the Philippines exclusive economic zone recognized as such by the U.N. International Tribunals 2016 ruling. The Tribunal based its decision on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which defines an exclusive economic zone as a maritime area generally extending 200 nautical miles (230 miles) beyond a nations territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving resources. Since the Second Thomas Shoal is less than 200 nautical miles from the western Filipino province of Palawan, UNCLOS therefore considers it part of the countrys exclusive economic zone. The ruling is legally binding, but the court has no power of enforcement. China ratified the convention in 1996 and is legally obliged to adhere to the tribunals decisions. But Beijing refused to accept and disputed the Second Thomas Shoal ruling, claiming the international court violated the principle of state consent and went beyond its authority to hear the case. This led to routine diplomatic and maritime skirmishes between the sides, with China becoming increasingly assertive in pressing its claims. Beijing has been beefing up its military presence in the area, angering competing claimants including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. The U.S. supports the Philippines territorial claim on the Second Thomas Shoal. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimated in 2016 that one-third of the worlds maritime shipping passes through the South China Sea, accounting for $3.37 trillion in annual trade. The waters also hold large oil and natural gas reserves, and lucrative fisheries. The December 10 attack targeted a supply mission for an aging World War II navy ship BRP Sierra Madre that the Philippines military deliberately grounded on the reef in 1999. A handful of navy troops guard the vessel to reinforce Manilas sovereignty claims. They depend on the resupply missions for their survival and consider any attack on the ship as an act of war. In the past, China has allowed food supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, but carefully monitored whether the Philippines was transporting building materials to the shoal. In recent years, Beijing has been trying to change the status quo including by stepping up its efforts to block Philippines supply ships. Hundreds of Russian speakers on Facebook shared a poster showing a painting of Russias President Vladimir Putin depicted in various patriotic and religious incarnations. First shared on December 11, the poster looks like an authentic advertisement by the Ministry of Culture and Nationality Policies of the Republic of Mordovia in eastern Russia. It announces an art exhibit dubbed Oh, Russian Land! presenting the works of the Russian Peoples Artist Vasili Nesterenko, held April 1 May 30, 2021, in Mordovias Republican Art Museum. The poster features the artists alleged painting in which 16th-century prince and military leader Dmitry Pozharsky, credited with winning the Polish-Muscovite War and ending the Polish occupation of Moscow, is painted with the face of Vladimir Putin. Behind Pozharsky there is an icon of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. Only the Virgin Mary also has Putins face. While some expressed doubt about the posters authenticity, hundreds shared and commented on the post believing the painting was genuine. That assumption is false. Polygraph.info established that the poster and the painting it features had been digitally altered. The exhibit did take place in Mordovia with a live broadcast of its opening ceremony via the website of the Russian Ministry of Culture. The painting of Pozharsky with the icon of the Virgin Mary in the background is also real, but in the original, they dont have Putins face. There is, however, a reason why only a few Facebook users questioned the authenticity of the poster and the painting. That reason is the artist himself and the type of art he is creating. Russian Peoples Artist Vasili Nesterenko is a contemporary painter whose rise to fame coincided with Putins coming to the Kremlin. Today, Nesterenkos artworks decorate the walls of Russias most prestigious museums and Putins office in the Kremlin, and his numerous residences elsewhere in Russia. They portray Putin, other Russian top government officials, and the Russian military with a nimbus of holy warriors. For example, a series of such paintings presented the Russian holy warriors saving Syrian civilians during the Russian military intervention in that countrys civil war. In another series, those Russian holy warriors bravely defend Mother Russia from the Ukrainian Nazis in Kyiv. The truth is, the Russian army stands accused of war crimes committed in both Syria and Ukraine. The Nazi Kyiv is an invention of the Kremlins propaganda. And it is Russia that attacked Ukraine. Nesterenkos paintings illustrate the pages of the Russian history textbooks for schools and universities, including those in the occupied Ukraine where the children are taught to hate Ukraine and to believe in a revisionist history in which Russia is the messianic holy land of heroes. Among Nesterenkos artworks are the frescoes of the ostentatious Russian Army Cathedral built by the order and under the patronage of the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu glorifies Russias military might and historic victories, including the annexation of the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Shoigu himself is immortalized on its ceiling next to Vladimir Putin. Nesterenkos art has earned him an Order of Honor and an Order of Friendship from the Kremlin, at least two distinguished service awards from the Russian Federal Security Service, the FSB, and numerous honors from the Russian Defense Ministry and the Russian Orthodox Church for his great contribution to the development of the mass media and patriotic education of the Russian citizens. The House on Wednesday authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with every Republican rallying behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. The 221-212 party-line vote put the entire House Republican conference on record in support of an impeachment process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president: punishment for what the Constitution describes as "high crimes and misdemeanors," which can lead to removal from office if convicted in a Senate trial. Biden, in a rare statement about the impeachment effort, questioned the priorities of House Republicans in pursuing an inquiry against him and his family. "Instead of doing anything to help make Americans' lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies," the president said following the vote. "Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts." Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. The decision to hold a vote came as Speaker Mike Johnson and his team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden's family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. "We do not take this responsibility lightly and will not prejudge the investigation's outcome," Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team said in a joint statement after the vote. "But the evidentiary record is impossible to ignore." House Democrats stood in united opposition to the inquiry resolution Wednesday, calling it a farce perpetrated by those across the aisle to avenge the two impeachments against Trump. "This whole thing is an extreme political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy, and no integrity. It is a sideshow," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a floor debate. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts, had been hesitant in recent weeks to take any vote on Biden's impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. "As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment," Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a news conference Tuesday. Emmer said Republicans "will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, and if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered." Most of the Republicans reluctant to back the impeachment push have also been swayed by leadership's recent argument that authorizing the inquiry will give them better legal standing as the White House has questioned the legal and constitutional basis for their requests for information. A letter last month from a top White House attorney to Republican committee leaders portrayed the GOP investigation as overzealous and illegitimate because the chamber had not yet authorized a formal impeachment inquiry by a vote of the full House. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, also wrote that when Trump faced the prospect of impeachment by a Democratic-led House in 2019, Johnson had said at the time that any inquiry without a House vote would be a "sham." Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said this week that while there was no evidence to impeach the president, "that's also not what the vote this week would be about." "We have had enough political impeachments in this country," he said. "I don't like the stonewalling the administration has done, but listen, if we don't have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long-term." Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has long been opposed to moving forward with impeachment, said that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote helped gain his support. "I can defend an inquiry right now," he told reporters this week. "Let's see what they find out." House Democrats remained unified in their opposition to the impeachment process, saying it is a farce used by the GOP to take attention away from Trump and his legal woes. "You don't initiate an impeachment process unless there's real evidence of impeachable offenses," said Rep. Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who oversaw the two impeachments into Trump. "There is none here. None." Democrats and the White House have repeatedly defended the president and his administration's cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made a massive trove of documents available. Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating the president's son, Hunter Biden. While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in Hunter Biden and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden's taxes and his gun use. Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. He's charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed additional charges last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. Democrats have conceded that while the president's son is not perfect, he is a private citizen who is already being held accountable by the justice system. "I mean, there's a lot of evidence that Hunter Biden did a lot of improper things. He's been indicted, he'll stand trial," Nadler said. "There's no evidence whatsoever that the president did anything improper." Hunter Biden arrived for a rare public statement outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, saying he would not be appearing for his scheduled private deposition that morning. The president's son defended himself against years of GOP attacks and said his father has had no financial involvement in his business affairs. His attorney has offered for Biden to testify publicly, citing concerns about Republicans manipulating any private testimony. "Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say," Biden said outside the Capitol. "What are they afraid of? I am here." GOP lawmakers said that since Hunter Biden did not appear, they will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against him. "He just got into more trouble today," Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee chairman, told reporters Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, defied a congressional order on Wednesday to testify behind closed doors about overseas business dealings that netted him millions of dollars in income, while declaring that his father had nothing to do with his financial affairs. As the Republican-controlled House of Representatives moved toward a vote to formally open an impeachment investigation of the U.S. leader, his 53-year-old son told a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol, "There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business, because it did not happen. The younger Biden had been subpoenaed to testify privately on Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee, to face questions from Republican lawmakers alleging that he funneled some of the $20 million he was allegedly paid from business ventures in Ukraine and China in the last several years to his father and other Biden family members. The panel threatened to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress if he did not show up. But he defied the subpoena, contending that Republicans looking to derail his fathers 2024 presidential reelection campaign would cherry pick his testimony. He said he feared they would release only those parts of it they considered favorable to their contention that the elder Biden, while he was vice president and before he became president in 2021, reaped the benefits of his sons overseas deals. Hunter Biden insisted he was ready to testify publicly on Wednesday, but the Republicans had already refused that offer, saying that he should be treated no differently than other witnesses who have testified behind closed doors. The Republican lawmakers, with the whole-hearted support of former President Donald Trump, himself running to reclaim the White House in 2024, could vote as soon as later Wednesday to formally open an impeachment investigation of the elder Biden, which would allow them to subpoena more Biden family financial records. Thus far, the presidents political opponents have failed to uncover evidence that Joe Biden benefited from Hunter Bidens overseas business dealings, which included a lucrative stint on the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma and investment in Chinese ventures. The younger Biden, an admitted but now reformed crack cocaine user, faces his own legal difficulties. He has been accused of lying on a 2018 gun purchase application form that he was not a drug user and, in a separate case, charged with nine tax offenses alleging that he schemed to avoid paying about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. He says he has since repaid all that he owes. At his Capitol Hill news conference, Hunter Biden said, "I'm here today to make sure the House committee's illegitimate investigations of my family do not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies. I'm here today to acknowledge I have made mistakes in my life and wasted opportunities. For that I am responsible." He said that three Republican lawmakers James Comer, Jim Jordan and Jason Smith leading the investigation of what they have characterized as the Biden crime family and their colleagues have distorted the facts. ... There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing. They have lied over and over. ... They have displayed naked photos of me during an Oversight hearing." The elder Biden has denied any involvement in his sons business affairs and dismissed the Republican impeachment investigation as politically motivated. Republicans have pointed to frequent calls from his son to his father as Hunter Biden dined with business associates at overseas restaurants, which the younger Biden apparently intended as an effort to show he had access to power in Washington. If convicted, Hunter Biden faces up to 17 years in prison. Absent a plea deal with prosecutors, he could stand trial next year amid his fathers political campaign. Any Hunter Biden trials could coincide with four criminal cases Trump is facing, including a trial set to start March 4 in Washington accusing the former president of illegally conspiring to upend his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Trump has denied all 91 charges in the four indictments. The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to demand an immediate humanitarian cease-fire between Hamas and Israel and the unconditional release of hostages held by the terror group and its allies. On a vote of 153 nations in favor and 10 against, the assembly approved a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and assurances of aid access to Gaza. Today was an historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly, an elated Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy, told reporters. And it is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives. More than 100 countries co-sponsored the text, which was drafted by a group of Arab and Muslim countries and was essentially identical to the one the United States vetoed Friday in the powerful 15-nation Security Council. Washington tried to get an amendment included in the assemblys text that rejected Hamas Oct. 7 terror attack and the taking of hostages. It was voted down. So was another amendment proposed by Austria that wanted held by Hamas and other groups included before the word hostages. The U.S. and Austria were among the 10 nations that voted against the draft resolution. Israel, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay rounded out the group. No piece of paper, especially one that is adopted by a biased, politicized majority, will prevent Israel from defending itself against those that seek our destruction, Israels U.N. ambassador Gilad Erdan told the meeting. Israel is fighting a war for her future! In October, the General Assembly adopted another resolution calling for a humanitarian truce and aid access to Gaza. It received 121 votes in favor and 14 against. International support has grown significantly for a cease-fire, as the death toll for Palestinians has climbed to more than 18,000 people, mostly women and children, in just over two months of fighting. Nearly 2 million displaced Palestinians are living in deplorable conditions. About a hundred protesters calling for a cease-fire gathered outside the United Nations during the meeting, including Orthodox Jews and people with Palestinian flags. Following Hamas terror attack inside Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted to Gaza as hostages, and Israels ensuing war on Hamas territory in the Gaza Strip, the U.N. Security Council has failed to take decisive action to stop the bloodshed, leaving the General Assembly to step in. Israel, US largely alone Israel has rejected growing international criticism for how it is prosecuting its war and said a cease-fire would only benefit terrorists. A cease-fire means one thing and one thing only: ensuring the survival of Hamas, Erdan said. The United States, which has stood firmly by its ally, has expressed reservations about the growing Palestinian death toll and humanitarian crisis. We have made it clear to the Israelis, and they are aware that the safety of innocent Palestinians is still a great concern," President Joe Biden said at a press conference Tuesday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to the White House. And so, the actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, etc. Speaking in front of Democratic campaign donors for his 2024 reelection bid earlier Tuesday, Biden said Israel is starting to lose support around the world. Hes [Netanyahu] a good friend, but I think he has to change. This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden told campaign donors at an off-camera fundraiser, according to a White House transcript. At the United Nations, U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said how Israel defends itself matters. Israel must avoid mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza, she said. It must ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance to those who have fled violence. And it must allow civilians in Gaza to return home as soon as conditions allow. We will continue to press, at the highest levels, for this, and for the protection of civilians as Israel pursues legitimate military objectives. Mansour said he hoped Washington would recognize the rising voices from the global street calling for a cease-fire and use its influence very soon to persuade Israel to stop its war. I dont think that the U.S. administration is capable of continuing to ignore this massive power, and it was culminated in the General Assembly resolution this afternoon, he told reporters. A growing frustration with the United States was evident among several countries, with many talking about double standards and indirectly referring to Washington. We cannot proclaim the importance of international law and the importance of the U.N. Charter in some situations and not in others, as if the rule of law only applies to a select few, said South African Ambassador Mathu Joyini, whose country supported the resolution. For international law and our moral obligations to be credible, it should be uniformly applied and not be selective. Pakistans envoy decried U.S. and Austrian efforts to amend the text to blame Hamas, saying that would be one-sided, considering the mass deaths of Palestinian civilians. Is this any form of legitimate self-defense when you can kill 18,000 civilians with impunity and enjoy the protection in the Security Council against the action? Munir Akram asked, implicitly pointing to the United States as Israels protector in the council. Egypts envoy said some countries call for stopping wars and aggression and attacks on civilians and for respecting international law, but only in specific cases. However, and unfortunately and shamelessly, they turn their back to these calls in other situations, said Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek. Especially when they are related to Palestinians and their right to live in security on their territory, their independent state, to stop the war crimes against Palestinians. The General Assemblys resolutions are not legally binding like the Security Councils. Tuesdays move will add to the international pressure on Israel and the U.S., but it is unlikely to dramatically de-escalate the situation. VOAs White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. A woman prepares a bottle of baby formula as she listens during a meeting organized by Hickory Village mobile home residents to discuss Fort Collins Rescue Mission's plans to build a 24/7 shelter for men experiencing homelessness on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Northside Aztlan Community Center in Fort Collins, Colo. Organizers aimed to bring together stakeholders and local leaders to get more answers and share their opinions about the project. Residents living in north Fort Collins' Hickory Village on Monday questioned the wisdom of building a 24/7 shelter for more than 200 men experiencing homelessness in their low-income northside neighborhood, rehashed the four-year site selection process and reproached the city for ignoring their voices and disenfranchising the Spanish-speaking community. "Not one person has contacted anyone at Stonecrest (mobile home park) about how we feel about having this place 100 feet from our homes," said one resident whose written comment was read at a meeting organized by Hickory Village leaders. About 70 residents and business owners attended the meeting at the Northside Aztlan Community Center, which was conducted in Spanish and translated into English. "If there is an email to someone who will actually listen to the issues we already have and are worried that it will only get worse, that would be amazing. "We just want to be heard and live in peace and thus far that's not happening," the resident said. City and county leaders were invited to attend the community meeting, as were Fort Collins' state Reps. Andrew Boesenecker and Cathy Kipp, Sen. Joann Ginal and representatives from Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Only Boesenecker and Kipp attended. Several speakers cited ongoing problems with people sleeping inside and outside their park, breaking windows at nearby businesses and stealing belongings from cars. "Our kids at Hickory Village are not able to go the park, or play in the streets" due to safety concerns, several residents said. Fort Collins Rescue Mission, which currently operates a shelter at the corner of Linden and Jefferson streets, submitted formal development plans to build a 40,000-square-foot facility at 1311 N. College Ave. The site, west of the intersection of North College Avenue and Hibdon Court, is owned by the Bohemian Foundation and adjacent to city-owned land. That facility would double the space the Rescue Mission has to serve men experiencing homelessness. Story continues "Growing up with a little sister and having to explain what homelessness is ... is a hard conversation," said Eva Calva, a 20-year resident of Hickory Village. The site was one of two recommended by the city-created Homelessness Advisory Committee in 2021. Fort Collins Rescue Mission, which will build and operate the facility, made the final decision to build on North College Avenue primarily because Bohemian planned to donate the land, it was available immediately and it is close to other services including the Murphy Center for Hope and Food Bank for Larimer County. The second recommended site was Larimer County's soon-to-be vacated fleet maintenance building on Vine Drive, which wasn't immediately available or free. Fort Collins planning manager Clay Frickey and Assistant City Manager Rupa Venkatesh represented the city, which took several hits from residents for its involvement in the process, including creating the advisory committee that recommended the two sites, the potential land swap with Bohemian Foundation and funding it has committed for operations if the shelter is constructed. Frickey repeatedly reminded the audience that the city is not developing the shelter, but only reviewing the Rescue Mission's development proposal to ensure it meets city code. City Council will decide whether to approve the land swap and the Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on the development. "I understand the fear and concerns about existing behavior and people breaking into houses," he said. "Fear in the community is obvious ... or you wouldn't be here tonight." The impact of the proposed shelter is unclear, Frickey said. "It may increase (negative) behavior or it may provide a place for people to go so there's less negative behavior. It's difficult to know what the final impact will be." City leaders toured facilities for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, to get ideas for what worked and what didn't. Frickey wasn't part of the tours but said they have 24/7 models that provide a place for people experiencing homelessness to go rather than wander through the community. "It makes it better," he said. The proposed building has two wings around a vestibule and entry, an industrial design with a southern wing for day use with a cafeteria, administrative offices and a designated area for volunteers. The northern wing will have a second story and house the overnight shelter. The outdoor area on the west side of the building will be surrounded by a secure, 6-foot-tall fence. The city and Bohemian are considering a land swap to allow for a stormwater detention pond, a move that would be necessary with any development, not just the shelter, Frickey said. Rebecca Mendoza of the Hickory Village Resident Association chided City Council members for their absence, equating it to lack of interest among city leaders. Venkatesh said city council members could not attend the meeting because the shelter is under review and City Council acts as a decisionmaker if the plan is approved and appealed. Rebecca Mendoza speaks during a meeting organized by Hickory Village mobile home residents to discuss Fort Collins Rescue Mission's plans to build a 24/7 shelter for men experiencing homelessness on Monday at the Northside Aztlan Community Center in Fort Collins. Council would be "more than happy" to attend a meeting on homelessness and safety issues in the neighborhood, Venkatesh said. Members of North Fort Collins Business Association reiterated concerns they've had since the location was first discussed. Don Butler said when the site was first identified, he gathered 1,000 signatures from "people who didn't want it there. You all need to stand up and see if they will make it right with you. We need to agree where they're going to put it," he said, suggesting another committee that can recommend a different site. "We've been trying to get the city to do something different," said Sue McFaddin, developer of Revive at Willox Lane and North College Avenue. She said the city "lacked transparency" and had 1311 N. College in mind since the beginning of the process. "They thought they could put a shelter there and no one would notice. Everything is in our backyard and not spreading it out. Vine Drive is a better site that isn't right in the middle of the most destitute part of the city." This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins Hickory Village residents share homeless shelter concerns As fighting between rebel groups and the military junta intensifies in Myanmar, experts say Thailand is shifting its approach toward its neighbor and putting more emphasis on playing a humanitarian role. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in February 2021, with armed conflict spreading throughout the country. Experts expect the increased pace of fighting will prompt more refugees to flee across the 2,400-kilometer-long border into Thailand. And that is pushing Thailand to do more to help the refugees, according to its government. Earlier this month, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said Thailand is ready to build shelters to receive Myanmar refugees, the Bangkok Post reported. If violence increases, there might be refugees going in all directions, not only towards Thailand, the newspaper quoted the foreign minister as saying. Last week, Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had agreed with Myanmar to create a task force to increase humanitarian aid for those displaced inside Myanmar during the conflict. The announcement came via press release following Parnpree's meeting with Myanmars military-appointed deputy prime minister, U Than Swe. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst in Bangkok, said its clear that the Thai government is taking a different approach to Myanmar, but it needs to be more inclusive if it hopes to ease the conflict. Yes, the [Prime Minister] Sretthas [Thavisin] government is taking a different tack compared to the Prayut government, and that is, take on a humanitarian role in the Myanmar conflict that's very clear, he told VOA. He was referring to Thailands former army chief, Prayut Chan-o-Cha, who led a military coup in 2014. Prayut eventually became Thai prime minister in 2019. After nine years of power, his leadership came to an end following the 2023 general elections. The Thai government is still dealing only with the Myanmar military State Administration Council, or SAC, Thitinan says. They need to talk to the people on the ground in the various civil society groups, and the ethnic minority groups, these are the people who are being affected, he said. The fighting is going to get worse; more people are going to be displaced. I dont think itll be a catastrophe like hundreds of thousands, but I think it will be critical. Since Myanmar's military junta seized power in 2021, it has cracked down on opposition politicians and dissidents. Ousted politicians and regional leaders have created the National Unity Government, or NUG, while civilians and activists have taken up arms and joined ethnic armed groups to resist to the junta. In October, a three-pronged alliance of opposition forces launched a large military offensive, which was named Operation 1027. The counterattack began in Myanmar's northern Shan state but has since sparked a nationwide offensive, drawing in more opposition armed groups. Dozens of townships and hundreds of junta-held military posts have been captured in what observers describe as the biggest challenge to the military since the coup. Any new role Thailand takes will mark a change from its previous leadership. Thailand now has a new government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. A new military chief, General Songwit Noonpakdee, was also appointed in October. During Prayut Chan-o-Chas regime, Thailand and Myanmar have been quite close, especially after the coup in Myanmar in 2021, Lalita Hanwong, Southeast Asian history lecturer at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, told VOA earlier this year. The new commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army is more outward-looking type. He is smart. He wants to change how things work a bit on Myanmar. There are lots of talks between the parliament, the government and all the actors in the humanitarian scene here. It is definitely more optimistic than Prayuths government. I think Thailand has a lot to offer, like acting as a mediator between all stakeholders in Myanmar. I want to see a small step of peace talks between all or most of the stakeholders here in Thailand, Lalita told VOA on Tuesday. The recent pledges of Thai assistance havent gone down well in Myanmar, according to Tun Aung Shwe, the National Unity Governments representative to Australia. He said any assistance must involve all parties. The people of Myanmar are deeply troubled by this collaboration, given the junta's role in creating the current humanitarian crisis to weaken opposition movements," he told VOA. "Presently, millions of victims and vulnerable communities reside in areas under the control of the National Unity Government and its allies. To make a substantial impact, the Thai government's involvement should prioritize collaboration with the NUG and its allies. Without this engagement, despite good intentions, the efforts might not yield the desired positive outcome, he added. Despite the promise of new help from the Thai government, New York-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch says Thailand recently returned thousands of Myanmar refugees who were sheltering from fighting in late October. According to the United Nations, 91,000 refugees from Myanmar have been in Thailand for decades, but rights groups say around 45,000 additional refugees have entered since the military coup. Thailand is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention but has repeatedly pledged to protect refugees in the country. Israels military said Wednesday 10 of its soldiers were killed in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip in its campaign to eliminate Hamas militants from the Palestinian territory, while U.S. President Joe Biden met Wednesday with families of American hostages held by the group. The Israeli military said it attacked more than 250 targets during the past day. Israeli airstrikes included hitting what the military said was a Hamas team preparing to launch rockets at Israel. During an operation in Gaza, Israeli troops recovered the bodies of two people taken hostage during the Hamas attack in October that prompted the Israeli military response. An Israel Defense Forces spokesman said Hamas was holding hostages underground in crowded parts of Gaza, making rescue efforts complex. Even so, he said Israel would not be deterred in its mission to free every hostage. The continued fighting came amid renewed warnings about the wars effect on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and pressure from other countries to declare a cease-fire. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told a visiting diplomat, Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. A cease-fire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel." In Washington, Biden met with about a dozen family members of the eight American hostages the U.S. believes are being held by Hamas militants in Gaza his first in-person meeting with the relatives. We're only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration," said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen. As he spoke, he held a photo of a smiling young man with the caption, Bring him home now! We will not stop until we bring all Americans being held hostage home, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre after the meeting. "We love a Christmas miracle, said Liz Hirsh Naftali, great-aunt of 4-year old released hostage Abigail Mor Edan. We would love all of our loved ones to come back and be with us for Christmas. International reaction U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi said that as the war rages on, "Tragically we foresee more civilian deaths and suffering and also further displacement that threatens the region. Pope Francis renewed his call for an immediate cease-fire, while calling for more humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a sign that the United States is getting increasingly concerned over the scale of civilian casualties from Israels military campaign in Gaza, Biden delivered a public rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, even as he maintains staunch support for Israel. We have made it clear to the Israelis, and they are aware that the safety of innocent Palestinians is still a great concern. And so, the actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, etc., Biden said at a news conference. Biden has grown more vocal with his public criticism of Israels military campaign, which is now in its third month. Speaking off-camera to Democratic donors for his 2024 reelection bid earlier Tuesday, Biden said Israel is starting to lose support around the world because of its "indiscriminate bombings," according to a White House transcript of the event. Biden's comment stood in contrast to those of White House officials who say Israel has taken measures to make their strikes more targeted to avoid civilian deaths. Hes [Netanyahu] a good friend, but I think he has to change. This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden said. The president singled out Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels far-right national security minister. Ben-Gvir and company and the new folks, they don't want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution, he said. They not only want to have retribution, which they should for what the Palestinians Hamas did, but against all Palestinians. He suggested Netanyahu will need to empower the Palestinian Authority to become a partner in the peace process toward the two-state solution, which Israeli hard-liners oppose. You cannot say there's no Palestinian state at all in the future. And that's going to be the hard part, Biden said, even as he underscored that the United States will not do a damn thing other than protect Israel in the process. Biden said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to the region this week and meet with the Israeli war cabinet to emphasize U.S. commitment to Israel, as well as the need to protect civilian life and ensure more humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also travel to the Mideast to step up international efforts to protect the free flow of commerce through the Red Sea that has been disrupted by Iran-backed Houthi militants attacking vessels heading into Israel. Cease-fire resolution Bidens remarks came amid an overwhelming vote at the United Nations General Assembly supporting a cease-fire in Gaza. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. Our duty is to try to save the lives who are still alive by having this resolution adopted and by forcing Israel to comply with it and those who are shielding Israel to comply with the global consensus, said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian permanent observer to the United Nations. The vote followed a similar resolution in the U.N. Security Council last week that failed because the U.S. vetoed it. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly. While General Assembly resolutions are nonbinding, they carry political weight. U.N. member states are shaping the narrative that the U.S. is standing alone in opposing the cease-fire, and they are looking for every means possible to create a sense of moral pressure on the U.S. to change its posture, said Richard Gowan, U.N. director of the International Crisis Group. The Arab group at the U.N. wants to make the Americans nervous, he told VOA. It wants to send the message that America is losing international goodwill because of its stance. Hamas fighters stormed from the Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Gaza health officials say Israels military response has displaced at least 2 million people and killed more than 18,400 in the bloodiest campaign of the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict. VOAs White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara and United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Pakistan's army chief is in Washington this week seeking U.S. assistance against what Islamabad alleges are terrorist havens in neighboring Afghanistan. General Asim Munir is trying to convince U.S. security and defense officials that militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State's Khorasan offshoot (IS-K) pose a threat not only to Pakistan but also to U.S. and global security, experts say. "In seeking U.S. sympathy and support for Pakistan's counterterrorism concerns, he may note the many years of U.S.-Pakistan military cooperation that includes some counterterrorism collaborations, as well as many years of military education and training exchanges," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. "He will likely also note that both countries face threats emanating from Afghanistan, whether IS-K or TTP," Kugelman added. On Wednesday, Munir met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and discussed "recent regional security developments and potential areas for bilateral defense cooperation," according to a brief statement from the Pentagon. Despite the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan over two years ago, the United States has retained what U.S. officials term over-the-horizon capabilities in the region: the ability to strike targets in response to security threats. In July 2022, a U.S. drone strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri the former al-Qaida chief in Kabul. On Wednesday, Jan Achakzai, Pakistan's acting information minister, posted on X and subsequently deleted a series of proposed actions in response to a deadly attack on a military camp in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday. The attack, involving a vehicle-borne blast and shooting, resulted in at least 23 deaths and over 40 injuries, according to Pakistani authorities. Achakzai suggested, among other measures, that Pakistan should propose offering U.S. drone bases to target terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. The de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have consistently rejected Pakistan's allegations, saying they do not permit groups and individuals to pose threats to any country from Afghan soil. Pakistan has grappled with the TTP insurgency for nearly two decades, but Pakistani officials claim that the group has escalated its terrorist activities since the Afghan Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. US response Before coming to Washington, Munir met Thomas West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, in Islamabad. "The United States stands with Pakistan against terrorism in the region," West wrote on X, adding that the TTP poses "grave security challenges." While expressing sympathy and understanding, the U.S. at least for now does not seem to be considering military action specifically against TTP hideouts in Afghanistan. "With respect to relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, obviously we support diplomatic resolution to all of the various issues between those two countries," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday. The United States has funded several counterterrorism capacity-building programs in Pakistan focused on law enforcement and justice, Miller said Wednesday when asked what kind of support the U.S. would offer Pakistan. Washington's position appears grounded in its own risk assessment. A recent U.S. intelligence assessment indicated that "al-Qaida has reached its historical nadir in Afghanistan and Pakistan" is unlikely to revive itself. The other terrorist group of particular U.S. concern, IS-K, has reportedly been weakened by Taliban counterterrorism operations, according to the assessment. Senior U.S. officials have said they will hold the Afghan Taliban accountable for their counterterrorism commitments made under the U.S.-Taliban Doha agreement. "The U.S., and particularly the current administration, is fed up with military involvement in South-Central Asia," Robert Grenier, the former head of counterterrorism at the Central Intelligence Agency, told VOA in written comments. "Absent attacks on U.S. interests clearly emanating from Afghanistan, the U.S. will remain neutral," he said. Proxy turned enemy? Since their emergence as an extremist Islamist movement in Afghanistan in 1990s, the Taliban have often been labeled a proxy group for the Pakistani military and intelligence. During the U.S.'s two decades of war in Afghanistan, former Afghan and U.S. officials consistently accused Pakistan of providing shelter and support to Taliban insurgents. Many Pakistanis celebrated the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who declared that Afghans had broken the "shackles of slavery." "The [Afghan] Taliban want to assert their independence from their former patron, and that is being expressed through defiance and an unwillingness to help Islamabad if it doesn't serve the Taliban's interests," said Kugelman of the Wilson Center. Pakistan has recently started deporting tens of thousands of Afghan refugees and undocumented migrants, a move independent observers believe is intended to exert pressure on the Taliban to adhere to Islamabad's security demands. About 3 million Afghan nationals live in Pakistan, and Pakistani officials say some of them are involved in terrorist and criminal activities. Some Pakistani officials have called on the country's powerful army to take unilateral action against purported TTP havens inside Afghanistan. For years, the Pakistani military executed large-scale operations against TTP in the country's northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan, but the group, which fights for a Shariah-based regime in Pakistan, has managed to survive. Until the Taliban seized power, Pakistani officials advised the former Afghan government to negotiate a political settlement to end the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan. Now, the Afghan Taliban say TTP is an internal issue for Pakistan to handle. VOA senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine contributed to this story. Over the next three days, more than 3,500 delegates attending the worlds largest international conference on refugee issues will seek concrete, practical solutions to ease the plight of 114 million people forcibly displaced by persecution, human rights violations, violence, and armed conflict. In opening the Global Refugee Forum Wednesday, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi called the gathering an opportunity for all of us to re-commit to some basic actions needed to respond to forced displacement, protecting people forced to flee, and sharing the responsibility of those who host them. Ironically, the issue that looms the largest over the forum, that of the Palestinian refugees, does not fall under the UNHCRs mandate. They are under the care and protection of UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. However, Grandi, who was commissioner-general of UNRWA from 2010 to 2014, was unable to ignore what he calls the major catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip triggered by the brutal invasion of Israel by Hamas militants on October 7. We foresee more civilian deaths and suffering, and also further displacement that threatens the region, he said, echoing the call of the U.N. Secretary-General for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages and the resumption of a dialogue that brings real peace and security to the people of Israel and Palestine. These sentiments were forcefully brought home by Jordans King Abdullah II in his keynote address to the conference. As we speak, we find ourselves dealing with another internal displacement crisis in the region. Over 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom themselves refugees, have been forced to flee their homes amid a relentless bombing campaign, he said, referring to Israeli military operations. With all eyes on Gaza, the international community must recognize more than ever that Band-Aid solutions are no longer feasible and that global crises demand long-term responsibility sharing, noting that Jordan was hosting nearly four million refugees of different nationalitiesover a third of his countrys population. While confirming that Jordan continued to support the Palestinians and UNRWA in Gaza, he said there needed to be a more coordinated response and support by the international community for the needs of countries hosting refugees and asylum seekers. Our country is still bearing the heavy costs and burdens of the refugee communities in our midst, he said adding that international funding to meet pledges has been steadily declining. So far this year, we only received around 22 percent of the Response Plan needs, the lowest level ever. The rest is covered through Jordans national budget, he said. While a strong focus remains and must remain on Gaza, High Commissioner Grandi urged governments not to lose sight of other pressing humanitarian and refugee crises around the world. The situation of civilians in Sudan and in Ukraine, including millions who are refugees and displaced, demand our attention and support, as do protracted crises like the plight of the Rohingya, the Syria situation, Afghanistan and others, he said. Belying common perceptions, UNHCR statistics confirm that low- and middle-income countries host 75 percent of the worlds refugees and other people in need of international protection. Colombia, one of four co-convenors of the Global Refugee Forum is a case in point. Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Marquez Mina told the forum that her country has the highest number of forcibly displaced persons in the world -- over 6.9 million people uprooted from their homes due to decades of internal armed conflict. Colombia is also the fourth country to host the largest number of refugees in the world. And today, we have about three million Venezuelans, which we have welcomed and hosted. Two million have benefited from a special migration status; 100,000 children have received Colombian nationality, and these are children who are at the risk of being stateless without a nationality. And, Colombia has provided them with the civil right of recognizing Colombian nationality to those children, she said. I believe this demonstrates Colombias commitment not only to addressing the forcibly displaced population in our own country but also addressing those we are hosting who come to our country, she said. However, she said that this care comes at a price. She said international legislation must be produced committing nations to support refugee hosting countries because our state alone does not have the capacity or resources to grapple with this situation. No one wants to leave the countries where they were born. No one wants to flee from their homes, she said. People leave because they want to safeguard their lives, or they want to seek better opportunities. Russian authorities have added fresh charges in the case of an RFE/RL journalist held in custody since October. Authorities now accuse Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian national, of spreading false news about the Russian military, Kremlin-backed media reported Tuesday. Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tatar-Bashkir Service, is already facing charges that she failed to register as a "foreign agent." She and her network reject the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of spreading false news, Kurmasheva could face an additional 10 years in prison, according to the state-controlled Tatar-Inform news agency in Russia's Tatarstan region and the Baza Telegram channel. "We strongly condemn Russian authorities' apparent decision to bring additional charges against Alsu," RFE/RL acting President Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement. RFE/RL, like VOA, is an independent media outlet funded by the U.S. Congress. The fake news charge is related to a book published by the RFE/RL Tatar-Bashkir Service in 2022 about Russians who oppose the invasion of Ukraine. Kurmasheva engaged in the book's distribution, according to investigators. "Journalism is not a crime. It is time for this cruel persecution to end. Alsu has already spent 56 days unjustly detained and separated from her family," Gedmin said. Press freedom groups have criticized the latest legal action. "The new charges against Alsu Kurmasheva lay bare the Kremlin's true motivation for targeting her: the criminalization of independent journalism," Clayton Weimers, executive director of the Reporters Without Borders U.S. office, said in a statement. "It has never been more clear that Alsu is wrongfully detained, and the U.S. State Department should designate her as such immediately," Weimers added. Press freedom groups, RFE/RL and various U.S. lawmakers have urged the State Department to declare Kurmasheva wrongfully detained, which would open up additional resources to help secure her release. Evan Gershkovich, the American Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in Russia, has been declared wrongfully detained by the U.S. Detained in March, Gershkovich is charged with espionage. He, his employer and the U.S. government deny the charges against him. A State Department spokesperson previously told VOA that it "continuously reviews the circumstances surrounding the detentions of U.S. nationals overseas, including those in Russia, for indicators that they are wrongful." The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately reply to VOA's email requesting comment. Based in Prague, Kurmasheva traveled to Russia in May for a family emergency. Her passports were confiscated when she tried to leave the country in June, and she was waiting for her passports to be returned when she was detained in October. The Supreme Court of Tatarstan on Tuesday confirmed that Kurmasheva's pretrial detention will be extended until at least February 4. On Sunday, activists in Kazan, Tatarstan, protested the Kremlin's crackdown on independent journalists, including Kurmasheva, RFE/RL reported. "Alsu Kurmasheva is a journalist, not a criminal," one placard said. A Russian hacking group, believed by Ukraine to be working with Russias military intelligence, has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that targeted Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator. Ukraines security service, or SBU, said on Wednesday that they are working to repair Kyivstars network. The attack occurred on Tuesday and took out Kyivstars network with its 24 million users, rendering them unable to talk on the phone or receive raid alert notifications, following a ballistic missile attack that wounded over 50 people. Watch related video report by Lesia Bakalets: The hacking group, Solntsepyok, claimed responsibility for the attack on the social media platform Telegram, where it also posted screenshots displaying how it was able to access Kyivstars servers. "We attacked Kyivstar because the company provides communications to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as state bodies and Ukraine's security forces," the Telegram post said. "To the other offices helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces: be prepared!" Ukraine had previously identified Solntsepyok as a front for the Russian hacking group sandworm, which is linked to Russia's main directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, or GRU military intelligence agency. Sandworm is Moscows weapon of choice for cyberattacks. No other actor comes close in terms of the imminent threat they pose to critical infrastructure in Ukraine, said John Hultquist, who heads threat analysis at Google's Mandiant Intelligence. Russia has denied any involvement in the cyberattacks. Solntsepyok said it destroyed 10,000 computers and 4,000 servers in the attacks, claims which are refuted by Kyivstar. Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. More than 80 Spanish media organizations are filing a $600 million lawsuit against Meta over what they say is unfair competition in a case that could be repeated across the European Union. The lawsuit is the latest front in a battle by legacy media against the dominance of tech giants at a time when the traditional media industry is in economic decline. Losing revenue to Silicon Valley companies means less money to invest in investigative journalism or fewer resources to fight back against disinformation. The case is the latest example of media globally seeking compensation from internet and social media platforms for use of their content. The Association of Media of Information (AMI), a consortium of Spanish media companies, claimed in the lawsuit that Meta allegedly violated EU data protection rules between 2018 and 2023, Reuters reported. The newspapers argue that Metas massive and systematic use of its Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platform gives it an unfair advantage of designing and offering personalized advertisements, which they say constitutes unfair competition. Irene Lanzaco, director general of AMI, told VOA it estimated the actions of Meta had cost Spanish newspapers and magazines $539.2 million in lost income between 2018 and 2023. This loss of income has meant it is more difficult for the media to practice journalism, to pay its journalists, to mount investigations and to hold politicians to account for corruption, she said. It means that society becomes more polarized, and people become less involved with their communities if they do not know what is going on. Analysts say this is an innovative strategy by legacy media against tech giants that is more designed to engage people outside the news business. Until now, traditional media cases against Silicon Valley centered on the theft of intellectual property from the news business, but the Spanish suit made a claim related to alleged theft of personal data. Previously, all the cases that legacy media has brought have been about the piracy of intellectual property We report the news, and these people are putting it on their websites without paying for it, Kathy Kiely, the Lee Hills chair in Free Press Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism, told VOA. But what this case is about is that these social media platforms have access to a lot of information about the audience to gain unfair advantage in advertising, she said. The lawsuit was filed with a commercial court in Madrid, reported Reuters, which saw the court papers. Matt Pollard, a spokesman for Meta Platforms, told VOA, We have not received the legal papers on this case, so we cannot comment. All we know about it is what we have read in the media. The complainants include Prisa, which publishes Spains left-wing daily El Pais; Vocento, owner of ABC, a right-wing daily; and the Barcelona-based conservative daily La Vanguardia. They claim that Meta used personal data obtained without the express consent from clients in violation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation in force since May 2018, which demands that any website requests authorization to keep and use personal data. Of course in any other EU country, the same legal procedure could be initiated, as it concerns an alleged violation of European regulations, Nicolas Gonzalez Cuellar, a lawyer representing AMI, told Reuters. Kiely said the Spanish case may engage the broader public and policymakers, in Europe and beyond. [This legal case] introduces a new strategy. It is not just about the survival of the local news organization. It is about privacy, she said. This engages people outside the news business in a way that piracy of the intellectual property does not. The lawsuit is the latest attempt by media organizations who have struggled to make tech giants pay fair fees for using and sharing their content. The legal battle comes as the Reuters Institutes 2023 Digital News Report found that tech platforms like Meta and Google had become a running sore for news publishers over the past decade. Google and Facebook [now Meta] at their height accounted for just under half of online traffic to news sites, the report said. Although the so-called duopoly remains hugely consequential, our report shows how this platform position is becoming a little less concentrated in many markets, with more providers competing." It added, Digital audio and video are bringing new platforms into play, while some consumers have adopted less toxic and more private messaging networks for communications. Spanish media scored a victory against Alphabets Google News service, which the government shut down in 2014 before its reopening in 2022 under new legislation allowing media outlets to negotiate fees directly with the tech giant. Last month, Google and the Canadian government reached an agreement in their dispute over the Online News Act, which would see Google continue to use Canadian news online in return for the company making annual payments to news companies of about $100 million. Radio Canada and CBC News reported last month that the Canadian federal government estimated earlier this year that Googles compensation should amount to about $172 million, while Google estimated this value at $100 million. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the agreement was very good news. After months of holding strong, of demonstrating our commitment to local journalism, to strong independent journalists getting paid for their work Google has agreed to properly support journalists, including local journalism, he said. Google said it would not have a mandatory negotiation model imposed on it for talks with the media in Canada. Instead, it preferred to deal with a single media group that would represent all media, allowing the group to limit its arbitration risk. Google had threatened to block Canadian news content on its platforms because of the legislation but did not. In contrast, Meta ended its talks with the Canadian government last summer and stopped distributing Canadian news on Facebook and Instagram. Last month, the Reuters Institutes 2023 report said that 29% of Canadians used Facebook for news. Around 11% used Facebook Messenger, and 10% used Instagram for the same purpose. A Tunisian military court on Wednesday sentenced opposition figure Chaima Issa to a one-year suspended prison sentence for "offending" President Kais Saied, her lawyers said. Issa, 43, was found guilty of causing offence to Saied, spreading rumors to harm public security and inciting soldiers to disobey orders, her lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek said in a Facebook post. Issa, a member of the National Salvation Front coalition, said after a court hearing Tuesday that Saied's opponents were being treated like "criminals." "We are not criminals," she said. "We are not plotters. We are not traitors. We are politicians, opponents of the coup of July 25" 2021. Saied, who was democratically elected in October 2019, assumed sweeping powers in July 2021 and has since had the constitution revised to substantially weaken parliament. Issa was arrested in February 2023 as part of a crackdown on Tunisia's opposition. She was released in July with her trial pending. Samir Dilou, a member of Issa's defense team, condemned her court appearance on Tuesday "under the famous decree 54, which penalizes false information." "It's dangerous," he told AFPTV. "She should have never been prosecuted for expressing her opinions, nor tried by a military court," Salsabil Chellali of Human Rights Watch said on X, formerly Twitter, following Issa's suspended sentence. Since February, more than 20 Tunisian political opponents, businessmen and others, deemed "terrorists" by Saied, have been jailed over an alleged "plot against internal security." The United States and Britain on Wednesday imposed a fourth round of sanctions targeting funding operations for the Hamas militants fighting Israeli forces for control of Gaza. The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement the new sanctions are aimed at eight individuals in Turkey and elsewhere who represent Hamas interests abroad and manage their finances. "Hamas continues to rely heavily on networks of well-placed officials and affiliates, exploiting seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for the group's benefit and funneling those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza," said Brian Nelson, undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence. Treasury identified one of the key Hamas financial operatives in Turkey as Haroun Mansour Yaqoub Nasser Al-Din, contending he has been involved in a network that transferred money from Turkey and Gaza to the Hamas command center in the West Bank city of Hebron to further unrest in the West Bank. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets the Hamas operatives might hold in the U.S. and block them from making future transactions with American and British interests. The U.S. and Britain earlier imposed three rounds of sanctions on Hamas after its deadly incursion into Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and allowed the militants to seize about 240 hostages. In its retaliatory offensive attempting to end Hamas rule of Gaza, Israel has killed more than 18,000 people in the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea. Both the U.S. and Britain classify Hamas as a terrorist group. FILE PHOTO: An illuminated Google logo is seen inside an office building in Zurich, Switzerland December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/ FILE PHOTO: An illuminated Google logo is seen inside an office building in Zurich, Switzerland December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/ By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) - The judge who could rewrite the future of Google's app business is a competition law expert who once defended technology companies and other defendants in antitrust cases. U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco will decide what changes to impose on Alphabet's Google Play store, after a jury on Monday agreed with "Fortnite" maker Epic Games that Google illegally barred competing Android app stores and forced developers to use its payment system for in-app transactions. Donato, a 2014 Obama appointee, will consider arguments from both sides next month, when Epic is expected to propose ways to undo Google's alleged monopoly. Donato said near the end of the month-long trial that there was "more than enough evidence" for jurors to rule for Epic. Google has denied wrongdoing and said it will appeal the verdict. Donato's decision on Google's penalties also will likely be tied up in appeals. Donato declined an interview request through a court representative. Before his appointment as a judge, Donato, 63, was an antitrust specialist at corporate law firms Shearman & Sterling and Cooley. Many of his clients were technology companies and medical device manufacturers, including chipmaker Nvidia and Tyco Healthcare, now Covidien. In one case, Donato was a lead lawyer for United Airlines in an unsuccessful private lawsuit challenging the company's $8.5 billion merger in 2010 with Continental. He represented the airline alongside fellow antitrust lawyer Katherine Forrest, who went on to be one of Epic's attorneys in the Google case until she switched law firms in January. The Epic case also reunited Donato with a former Stanford Law School classmate: Google's president of global affairs Kent Walker. Donato grilled Walker during the trial over Google's deletion of internal chat logs, which the jury was later told would have aided Epic's case. Google has said it took "robust steps to preserve relevant chats." Story continues The judge later called Google's conduct surrounding the chat logs "the most serious and disturbing evidence I have ever seen in my decade on the bench." Donato has had blunt words for both defendants and plaintiffs before. He once questioned what he called "sweetheart" corporate settlements in a price-fixing prosecution. In 2021, he refused to approve a $650 million Facebook consumer privacy settlement until lawyers in the case proposed better ways to alert potential beneficiaries. This year he castigated plaintiffs attorneys who had clashed in an antitrust case against Facebook, threatening to appoint new leaders for the case. Donato will next weigh in on Epic's fight with Google at a Jan. 11 hearing, when the two sides are slated to discuss next steps in the case. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Daniel Wallis) U.S. lawmakers called for a tougher stance against Iran Tuesday as the conflict between Israel and Hamas threatens to expand across the Middle East. Iranian proxies have launched more than 90 attacks against U.S. forces since October 17th, 10 days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel. Some Republican lawmakers are demanding that the Biden administration impose stricter sanctions on the Islamic Republic. VOAs Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. As heavy fighting in Gaza continues, humanitarian organizations warn of a growing crisis in the Gaza Strip with the onset of winter. Palestinians say 85 percent of the population has been internally displaced and warn of disease spreading. VOA's Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Israels military said Wednesday 10 of its soldiers were killed in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip as it carried out attacks in its campaign to eliminate the Hamas militant group from the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military said it attacked more than 250 targets during the past day. Israeli airstrikes included hitting what the military said was a Hamas team preparing to launch rockets at Israel. During an operation in Gaza, Israeli troops recovered the bodies of two people taken hostage during the Hamas attack in October that prompted the Israeli military response. An Israel Defense Forces spokesman said Hamas was holding hostages underground in crowded parts of Gaza, making rescue efforts complex. Even so, he said Israel would not be deterred in its mission to free every hostage. The continued fighting came amid renewed warnings about the wars effect on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and pressure from other countries to declare a cease-fire. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told a visiting diplomat, Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support. A cease-fire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel." In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden met with about a dozen family members of the eight American hostages the U.S. believes are being held by Hamas militants in Gaza his first in-person meeting with the relatives. International reaction U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi said that as the war rages on, "Tragically we foresee more civilian deaths and suffering and also further displacement that threatens the region. Pope Francis renewed his call for an immediate cease-fire, while calling for more humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a sign that the United States is getting increasingly concerned over the scale of civilian casualties from Israels military campaign in Gaza, Biden delivered a public rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, even as he maintains staunch support for Israel. We have made it clear to the Israelis, and they are aware that the safety of innocent Palestinians is still a great concern. And so, the actions they're taking must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, etc., Biden said at a news conference. Biden has grown more vocal with his public criticism of Israels military campaign, which is now in its third month. Speaking off-camera to Democratic donors for his 2024 reelection bid earlier Tuesday, Biden said Israel is starting to lose support around the world because of its "indiscriminate bombings," according to a White House transcript of the event. Biden's comment stood in contrast to those of White House officials who say Israel has taken measures to make their strikes more targeted to avoid civilian deaths. Hes [Netanyahu] a good friend, but I think he has to change. This government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move, Biden said. The president singled out Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels far-right national security minister. Ben-Gvir and company and the new folks, they don't want anything remotely approaching a two-state solution, he said. They not only want to have retribution, which they should for what the Palestinians Hamas did, but against all Palestinians. He suggested Netanyahu will need to empower the Palestinian Authority to become a partner in the peace process toward the two-state solution, which Israeli hard-liners oppose. You cannot say there's no Palestinian state at all in the future. And that's going to be the hard part, Biden said, even as he underscored that the United States will not do a damn thing other than protect Israel in the process. Biden said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to the region this week and meet with the Israeli war cabinet to emphasize U.S. commitment to Israel, as well as the need to protect civilian life and ensure more humanitarian assistance into Gaza. SEE ALSO: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also travel to the Mideast to step up international efforts to protect the free flow of commerce through the Red Sea that has been disrupted by Iran-backed Houthi militants attacking vessels heading into Israel. Cease-fire resolution Bidens remarks came amid an overwhelming vote at the United Nations General Assembly supporting a cease-fire in Gaza. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. Our duty is to try to save the lives who are still alive by having this resolution adopted and by forcing Israel to comply with it and those who are shielding Israel to comply with the global consensus, said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian permanent observer to the United Nations. The vote followed a similar resolution in the U.N. Security Council last week that failed because the U.S. vetoed it. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly. While General Assembly resolutions are nonbinding, they carry political weight. U.N. member states are shaping the narrative that the U.S. is standing alone in opposing the cease-fire, and they are looking for every means possible to create a sense of moral pressure on the U.S. to change its posture, said Richard Gowan, U.N. director of the International Crisis Group. The Arab group at the U.N. wants to make the Americans nervous, he told VOA. It wants to send the message that America is losing international goodwill because of its stance. Hamas fighters stormed from the Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Gaza health officials say Israels military response has displaced at least 2 million people and killed more than 18,400 in the bloodiest campaign of the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict. VOAs White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara and United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. MOSCOW, (Reuters) - Russian fertilizer producer Uralchem-Uralkali Group has sent a humanitarian shipment of fertilizers to Zimbabwe, the company said on Monday. The humanitarian shipment, amounting to 23,000 tonnes of fertilizers, is the fourth such delivery to Zimbabwe, Uralchem-Uralkali said, adding that it intends to cumulatively transfer about 300,000 tonnes of mineral fertilizers to developing countries. The fertilizer donation program is implemented by Uralkali in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme and is aimed at overcoming the food crisis in countries at such risk, the Group said. (Reporting by Reuters) HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe held crucial by-elections on Saturday with the opposition in turmoil after being excluded from voting lists and President Emmerson Mnangagwa's party looking to tighten its grip on power. Nine by-elections were held but most opposition candidates were taken off electoral lists by courts in a chaotic runup to the voting. No voting was held in a Harare district, one of the nine due to vote, because the ruling ZANU-PF's candidate was unopposed. Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate who lost his national assembly seat and was then barred from standing again, met with supporters outside his home. "We have witnessed that there is no rule of law. The constitution, the courts have been captured," he told AFP, adding that the episode was a "bad omen" for the future. - Courts evict opposition - Standing nearby, CCC supporter Joseph Chirwa said that ZANU-PF was "pushing us to be violent but our leader has always preached peace". A nationwide election in August saw the 81-year-old Mnangagwa seal a new term and his ZANU-PF secure 177 of the 280 national assembly seats with the CCC taking 104. But two months later, 14 CCC lawmakers were kicked out of parliament and nine by-elections ordered. The other five seats are decided by proportional representation. An obscure political figure, Sengezo Tshabangu, declared himself the CCC's "interim secretary general" and said that the 14 were no longer party members and could not keep their seats. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, a former preacher, protested that Tshabangu was not a party member and that no expulsions had been agreed. But the parliament speaker from ZANU-PF still ordered new elections. Courts have ruled last week that the opposition candidates could not stand again in their old seats. The CCC has accused ZANU-PF of using Tshabangu in a "nefarious" campaign to remove opposition candidates from ballot papers. It has also accused the ruling party of involvement in deadly attacks on its activists. One party worker for Kufahakutizwi in Harare was abducted and killed last month. The ruling party, which has most to gain from picking up more seats, has denied any role in Tshabangu's activities. However, ZANU-PF is just a few seats away from securing a two-thirds majority in parliament that would allow it to change the constitution. Observers say the party wants to scrap a limit on presidents serving more than two terms, that would allow 81-year-old Mnangagwa to extend his rule. The ruling party denies that it wants to change the constitution to scrap presidential limits. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have called for compassion in the case of a woman whose health deteriorated as she unsuccessfully sought an abortion in Texas, but they stopped short of criticizing the states law. The comments from the 2024 Republican nominee longshots are the latest indication that the candidates see the politics surrounding abortion as fraught for the GOP after the Supreme Courts reversal of constitutional protections for the procedure helped power Democrats to unexpectedly strong midterm performances. Both expressed sympathy for the woman, Kate Cox, at campaign events Tuesday but have previously signed abortion restrictions into law in their states. Kitron ASA (2023-12-13) Kitron today hosts a Capital Markets Presentation to update on the company's financial and commercial targets and ambitions. Kitron aims to reach EUR 1 billion in revenues in 2027 with an operating margin (EBIT) of 9 percent. The companys previous 2027 ambition, outlined a year ago, was revenues of NOK 10 billion and an EBIT margin above 8 percent. For 2023, Kitron reiterates its outlook from the third-quarter report and expects revenues between EUR 750 and 800 million with an operating profit (EBIT) between EUR 65 and 75 million. While we maintain our 2023 outlook and increase our long-term margin ambition, tempered demand for the first half of the year in Europe and China contribute to a conservative outlook for 2024. On the other hand, we see strong growth within Electrification-fixed infrastructure and Defence /Aerospace in 2024, says Peter Nilsson, CEO of Kitron. For 2024, Kitron expects revenues between EUR 700 and 800 million. Operating profit (EBIT) is expected to be between EUR 60 and 74 million. Over the mid-to-long term, Kitrons ambition is to achieve more than 10 percent organic growth each year from market sectors and product applications supported by strong megatrends. We will focus on capacity utilization and maximizing economies of scale to ensure competitiveness and profitability, says Mr. Nilsson. The Capital Markets Presentation will start at 09:00 CET, last for approximately 1.5 hours including Q&A, and be webcast at the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20231213_1/ Enclosed in PDF is the presentation material for the event. For further information, please contact: Peter Nilsson, President and CEO, tel. +47 94 84 08 50 Cathrin Nylander, CFO, tel: +47 900 43 284 E-mail: investorrelations@kitron.com Kitron is a leading Scandinavian electronics manufacturing services company for the Connectivity, Electrification, Industry, Medical devices and Defence/Aerospace sectors. The group is located in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, China and the United States. Kitron has about 3 200 employees, and revenues were EUR 641 million in 2022. www.kitron.com Story continues This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act Attachment Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC Andre Braugher, who won two Emmys for his roles on Homicide: Life on the Street and in the FX miniseries Thief, has died. He was 61. According to Deadline, Braugher died Monday after a brief illness. For eight seasons, he played Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the first out gay Black captain in the NYPDs history. Braughers first film role was in Glory, opposite Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick. From there, he starred on Homicide as Detective Frank Pembleton. Homicide was lauded for its gritty approach to police stories, and for showing the ugliness in law enforcement. Although the show was an ensemble, Braughers Pemberton was a clear breakout. Braugher met his wife on the show, Ami Brabson. He left the show after its sixth season, but returned for the finale movie. Between his two iconic TV cops, Braugher starred on Men of a Certain Age with Ray Romano and Scott Bakula. Although the show only lasted two seasons, it won a Peabody in 2010. He was set to star in Residence on Netflix, which was to begin shooting early next year. Braugher is survived by his wife and their three children, Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley. Per Deadline, the family is asking for donations to The Classical Theatre of Harlem in lieu of flowers. Photo: Arturo Holmes/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images Danielle Brooks knows Sofia from The Color Purple well. Before taking on the iconic role in the upcoming musical film adaptation out December 25, she played the character onstage in the 2015 Broadway revival earning a Tony nom and a Grammy win. While speaking with Brooks at a special screening of the film hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, we asked how her two iterations of Sofia compare from stage to screen. Well, the core of who they are is the same, she said. The differences come from the environment and what Im given. And what happens in theater, I believe, is the actor gets stifled because you have to lock that show. Once you open, you cant change things. She noted that even if she made new discoveries throughout a long run, it would sometimes be too late to incorporate them. With the film, I was really able to spread my wings, Brooks said. If there were moments where Id get an idea after shooting one or two takes, I could go to director Blitz Bazawule and be like, Yo, can we try this? And thats what really made this version of Sofia sing in a different way. I had more opportunities to continue to grow the character. As if Brooks playing the role for a year on Broadway werent enough, the film had yet another Sofia to lean on in the films producer Oprah Winfrey, who played the role in the 1985 film. Winfrey, who also attended the screening, proved to be a hands-on producer, even coming to set on the day Brooks shot Sofias famous monologue. It was a trip. Internally, I was freaking out, Brooks said. I had to remove all of that and really let Sofia do her thing and live within me. And it worked out, thank God. I remember at the end, me and Miss Oprah embraced and we were both crying, and she actually said, You did it and it is well, which just made me so happy. Photo: Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic Michael Mann has been a Ferrari fan for a long, long time even longer than the several decades it took to make the upcoming movie starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. At the Ferrari Los Angeles film premiere at the Directors Guild of America, Mann told Vulture about buying his first Ferrari and how he ensured the car was fast enough to his liking, even if it meant it wasnt legal to drive in the states. The first time I got a decent paycheck was when I made Thief in 1981, explained Mann. It was a 308 GTB, and I bought a European version, complied it, and took all the compliance off. Cause in those years, Ferrari just bolted on a bunch of parts You had to get a European one, not an American one. They were much slower. The desire to drive fast never left Mann; he later casually raced Ferraris as a hobby in the 90s and 2000s, preparing him as he began the long road ahead of making Ferrari. But it was the story of the man behind the fast cars that was really driving him to bring it to the finish line: The real dramatic, passionate, tumultuous life thats behind [Enzo Ferraris] facade; he always had this facade with the sunglasses on, you couldnt see what he was thinking. Behind that is a completely tempestuous life A lot of opera, a lot of drama, a lot of tragedy, a lot of triumphs all rolled together in this four-month period in 1957. Photo: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Say Andre Braugher, and you hear Andre Braugher. The 61-year-old actor, who died yesterday after a brief and unspecified illness, was a star of Homicide: Life on the Street, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Men of a Certain Age, as well as every scene he ever appeared in. He was visually striking, with his shaved head, searching eyes, and wry smile and he had a gift for making characters seem earthbound and lived-in, even when playing such extraordinary men as Detective Frank Pembleton on NBCs Homicide: Life on the Street; the trailblazing Captain Ray Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine; the experimental oncologist Ben Gideon on the medical drama Gideons Crossing; the supercompetent title character of the miniseries Thief; and the warriors, neurotics, and schemers of Shakespeares tragedies (including Richard II, Henry V, Claudius, and Iago). It was the kind of face you could study. But when Braugher spoke, a spotlight irised him, and you knew you were in the presence of greatness. He had theater degrees from Stanford and Juilliard, but they might as well have been for music. When he acted, the words were notes; the sentences, lyrics; every monologue, an aria. Actor-comedian Joe Lo Truglio, who acted with Braugher on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, wrote on Instagram about hearing his co-star belting bass-y vocals from his dressing room: The man was so full of song, and thats why the world took notice. Braughers voice could be empathetic, incisive and bitter, all at once, even when pronouncing one word: Really? Interesting. Hah! Goodnight. Even his nonverbal sounds were inspired: the hmmms, the chuckles, the sniffs. The voice could reassure, cajole, bully, inspire. It could burn away lies. It could draw viewers in for what they thought would be a warm embrace, then slug them in the gut. It could drop a breadcrumb that helped you wind your way back from the end of the story and note the instant when everything changed. The voice was showcased most brilliantly on NBCs Homicide, the still somehow underappreciated series adapted by filmmaker Barry Levinson and screenwriter Paul Attansio from David Simons book about a year in the life of a Baltimore squad room. It was a show where people used words the way other crime-show characters used fists. Braughers Lieutenant Frank Pembleton was the heavyweight champ: an intellectual, philosophical, hyperverbal Catholic who wrestled with the implications and implacability of evil each time he stepped past the crime-scene tape, and who could work a suspect over like a heavy bag without raising a pinky. The character was a drug problem away from being a cliched cable-prestige-drama antihero self-centered, brusque, withering, dismissive of intellectual inferiors. What you will be privileged to witness will not be an interrogation, but an act of salesmanship, as silver-tongued and thieving as ever moved used cars, Florida swampland, or Bibles, Pembleton declares, What I am selling is a long prison term, to a client who has no genuine use for the product. You adored Pembleton because the character was so complex and Braugher so thrilling to see and hear. Like Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Denzel Washington, and other verbally acrobatic leading men, Braugher gave his line readings syntactical detonations of misdirection, revelation, wit, and fury. They were likely to include counterintuitive hesitations and repetitions as well as bonus hyphens, em-dashes and ellipses. He didnt just put across the text and subtext: He marked it up and added footnotes. And if the spirit moved him, hed haul out a metaphorical paint can and tag a wall, as in the opening of the Law & Order/Homicide crossover episode, where Chris Noths Detective Mike Logan delivers a murder suspect (John Waters!) to Pembleton at Penn Station in Baltimore and they try to out-alpha each other by proclaiming the greatness of their hometowns. Pembleton one-ups Logan by telling him that Dorothy Parker got famous in New York and died there, then spent years after her death in an urn on a Wall Street lawyers desk. And where does she end up? Pembleton sweeps his hand over two windowed sides of the station and croak-sings, BAAAAAAAAHHHHL-tih-moar. In Homicides celebrated interrogation-room scenes both the audience and the characters called that room the Box, as in hot box or black-box theater Braugher brought the totality of human experience into a tiny space. When he was done leaning into a defiant suspects face and rose to his full height, you wouldnt have been surprised to hear thunder roll. Braugher often made you wonder if Pembleton had a trick up his sleeve or was just making the listener believe he did, even when neither thing was true. Why? Maybe to keep you off-balance, like Pembeltons targets, or maybe because it was fun to be Jimi Hendrix with a Stratocaster. The opening episode of Homicides fifth season is structured as a documentary about the characters, an in-show equivalent of Simons book. It starts with Pembleton ranting into the camera and pronouncing the word violence with only two syllables (emphasis on Vyyyyy). In a metafictional acknowledgement of the lure of Homicide, Pembleton describes a detective in the Box starting an uninterrupted monologue which wanders baaaaack and forrrrrth for a half-hour or so, eventually coming to rest [he leans in for a very tight close-up] in a familiar place: You have the right to remain silent. Each pair of detectives on the show was surprising and pleasurable in its own way. But the teamwork of Pembleton and his partner Bayliss, played by Kyle Secor, was a level up. The two actors had such chemistry that just watching them drive in silence after a fight was hilarious, because you knew one of them was going to eventually chime in with a theory or rebuttal or counter-narrative and get the relationship going again. You waited for that moment where one or the other would say something provocative and the other would react. Levinson was so knocked out by Braugher and Secors rapport while filming the pilot that he suggested building a whole episode around the team interrogating a murder suspect in The Box. The result, Three Men and Adenawritten by future Oz creator Tom Fontanaplunges deep into Baylisss first case as the primary, the murder of an 11-year-old named Adena Watson. It follows Pembleton and Bayliss as they count down an eleven-hour deadline to secure a confession from the main suspect, a peddler (a-rabber), named Risley Tucker, played by the acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company member Moses Gunn, in his final performance. The extratextual power that flows between a giant of the previous generation of Black actors and a rising star of the next makes this episode feel like a passing of the torch, on top of its merits as a procedural and performers showcase. (Savor how Braugher unspools Pembletons recitation of Tuckers sexual history in a room-temperature voice, then downshifts to an insinuating whisper as Pembleton leans in and says, because youre an alco-HOL-ic.) Braugher as Frank Pembleton, with guest star James Earl Jones, in Homicide: Life on the Street. Photo: Michael Ginsburg/NBC/Everett Collection Braughers voice was so clearly the engine driving the series that the writers eventually got the bright idea to challenge the character (and win Braugher an Emmy) by giving Pembleton a stroke that took away his ability to speak. He got his voice back faster than theyd envisioned because having Andre Braugher not talk was bumming everyone out. He broke through as a screen actor with a supporting role in Ed Zwicks 1989 Civil War drama Glory, playing Thomas Searles Jr. a free and educated man who joins the infantry and fights alongside former slaves. Whats most remarkable about the performance isnt the characteristic excellence of Braughers brushwork (notice how Searles posture and gait contrast with the more easygoing body language of his platoon-mates) but the fact that hes playing a character who is coded as pampered and weak (the drill sergeant derides him as Bonnie Prince Charlie). Yet he goes face-to-face with Morgan Freeman and Denzel in movie-star flamethrower mode and walks away only mildly crisped. The matter-of-fact way Braugher portrays Searles belief in the armor of education and breeding makes the character seem honorable but naive rather than mockable. The performance conveys the idea that the man has no idea how strong he is but is gradually figuring it out. The breadcrumb moment occurs in a scene where Searles is humiliated during bayonet practice. It ends with Searles bursting into tears, then breathing his way through the episode until hes functional enough to make eye contact with an officer. Life goes on, and its better to be embarrassed than dead. Braugher was so assured that it was probably inevitable that hed keep getting cast as public officials, military and police brass, and legends of one kind or another. He was the Secretary of Defense in the Angelina Jolie action thriller Salt, a judge in The Juror, the governor of California on Bojack Horseman, master thief Nick Atwater on Thief, and a submarine commander on the military-thriller series Last Resort whos essentially an American counterpart to Marko Raimus in The Hunt for Red October. (Braughers dead-eyed certitude in a scene where the commander fires a nuclear missile to bluff two American bombers into turning around is so chilling, it briefly makes you wonder if a commercial TV series has the nerve to show the start of World War III.) But Braugher often seemed to have more fun in parts where the stakes were smaller and the laughs bigger. A stealth candidate for Deepest Braugher Performance is Men of a Certain Age, a TNT comedy-drama about three middle-aged men created by Mike Royce and Ray Romano and co-starring Braugher, Romano, and Scott Bakula. Braughers character, Owen Thoreau Jr., is a happily married man who runs a used-car dealership owned by his glowering, micromanaging father (Richard Gant). Their scenes together border on sitcom Arthur Miller, with Owen feeling the sting of his fathers mistreatment in a public workspace and (mostly) keeping his cool. Some of Braughers best work on the show happens in subplots about the everyday setbacks and miseries of life, like the episode where Owens home renovations are shut down by the city and he cant get another permit, no matter how creatively he butters up the worker handling his case. Braughers increasingly big, sad smiles during Owens second visit to the permit office capture what it feels like to realize that no matter what you do, youre gonna lose. As Captain Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, with Andy Samberg. Photo: John P. Fleenor/Fox/Everett Collection As Ray Holt, Braugher was to Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Alec Baldwin was to 30 Rock: a supporting player of such versatility and ferocity that he never had to steal scenes because everyone else handed them over. The writers spoke of how theyd devise wild material for Braugher just to see how hed pronounce a word (such as birthed or velvet or vindication). A whole documentary could be fashioned just from scenes where Holt is called upon to play drunk. Sometimes the character is drunk and seems drunk. Other times hes drunk but trying to seem like hes not. (In one such scene, a tipsy Holt pronounces the word Nothing as Nuh-THING??? in a Bugs Bunnyindrag falsetto.) A tour-de-force sequence finds Holt needing to strategically play drunk at a party. He spitballs potential character motivations like a professional actor, then acts so subtly that no one notices what hes doing and the point is lost. His career was such a matter-of-fact and consistent demonstration of excellence that when it suddenly ended, much too early, it was like learning that a beautiful building you used to pass each day had been demolished overnight. Frank Pembleton would have delivered a bitter, blistering monologue about that. Ray Holt would have tied one on and muttered while constructing a balloon replica, impeccably pronouncing French terms. And Braugher would have dazzled as both, making every word sing. The Critics Newsletter Sign up to get New Yorks week in reviews. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. So what is Dot Lyon, in animal terms? Her surname suggests a lion, but its not the name she was given at birth. Neither, for that matter, is Tillman, the name she took when she married Roy all those regrettable years ago. Early on, Lorraine called her a wolf in sheeps clothing, which is sort of right. But the wolf in such scenarios wants to prey on the sheep. Dot seemingly just wants to hide. Ole called her for real, a tiger, and that seemed to be the best label, even before The Tiger, an episode that makes the connection explicit via a voice-over that highlights a point-by-point comparison. Its a little precious, if precious is the right word for the violence and mayhem the voice-over accompanies. But it also feels dead-on. Fierce, wily, and protective, Dot most resembles a tiger for real. Shes a sleeping tiger as the episode begins, resting comfortably in the Lyons expansive home while Lorraine schemes against her. Tiger as she is, she ultimately succumbs to the muscular orderlies who are just there to talk to her, but only after administering some bites that leave blood on the floor and one nursing a wounded eye. Lorraines concerned about Dots behavior, which might actually make sense if we didnt know she has an ulterior motive, one that leaves Dot strapped to a gurney and saying, Shoot. Shoot, indeed. Drugged and committed to the Walter Mondale Care Center, she tries to sweet-talk Danish and the orderlies as they wheel her to her room. It doesnt work, which she probably anticipates. But shes not there for long before strapping an orderly to the gurney previously meant to hold her, then knocking out a nurse and taking her scrubs. Without much trouble, Dot makes her escape from her high-security floor, then starts performing nurse-ly duties. Advantage: Dot. Will it last? Lorraine is fierce and relentless in her own way, so much so that they start to resemble each other by the episodes end and maybe find a common enemy. But first, Lorraine has to take down some good-ol-boy bankers who arent comfortable negotiating with a woman. Let me guess, she says, the last time you negotiated with a woman it was over the price of a Tijuana blow job. Then she gets even nastier. As a bargaining tactic, it works, but she also doesnt really need it. She has these guys at a disadvantage before she even sits down. She wants to buy their bank. But, more urgently, they need to get rid of it. She wants to diversify, moving from debt into credit. And theyre going to help her, whether they like it or not. Another meeting doesnt go nearly as smoothly. When Roy shows up at Lorraines (impressive) doorstep, he lets her know the truth about Dot, that shes really Nadine and also his wife. Lorraine tries to buy him off (its her way), but Roy has principles, if thats the right word. He has the Bible on his side when it comes to matrimonial obligations. Listen, Slick, Lorraine replies, before noting that her son loves Dot, so thats that. Also, theres a granddaughter in the picture. Theres no deal to be made. This is kind of a curious development and one that casts Lorraine in a different light. Sure, Dots a problem. But shes Lorraines problem, not this North Dakota sheriff. Whats more, Lorraine might pose with assault weapons for her family Christmas card, but shes not so into this constitutional sheriffs movement that Roy subscribes to, or libertarianism in general. So, you want freedom with no responsibility. Son, theres only one person on earth who gets that deal, she tells him. Roy suggests its the president, before being told, A baby. Youre fighting for your right to be a baby. At this point, Roy vanishes into a cloud of dust in shame. Or should, if he had any sense. Instead, he tries to keep negotiating, then realizes theres no deal to be struck. Danish gives Roy his card and another chance shortly before Roy meets Scotty on her way in and leaves with a vague threat just as Indira shows up. Danish is not having a great day, and it gets worse when he learns Dot has escaped. But perhaps this makes Roys day a little better. He overhears this bit of intel and lets Gator and his Gator Gang know whats going on so they can try to snatch her while shes on the loose. Well, sort of: Not trusting his son, he tells Gator to sit this one out and leave the job to the grown-ups. Theyre an intimidating crew, this North Dakota bunch. Yet they might not have gotten in the way of Dots escape plans if she hadnt felt the need to protect Wayne, whos still recuperating at the Mondale Center. Meanwhile, Gator vapes and watches as FBI agents Joaquin and Meyer roll up to the hospital. Its getting crowded inside Mondale. Change of plans: Now Dot needs to knock out the obnoxious cancer patient we met last week, then swap his room with Waynes, who informs her that he just went to the bathroom and poop came out. Its a sweet if heavily medicated reunion, but any relief Dot may feel after throwing Roys henchmen off the scene is short-lived. First, she runs into the FBI agents, who make a promise to protect her, then spots Gator, who recognizes her immediately. No worries, though. They dont have to worry because they have Wayne. (They dont.) After agreeing to go with the FBI, Dot makes yet another escape. (Is there a type of animal thats really good at getting out of traps?) Not content having verbally eviscerated both Roy and a pair of bankers, Lorraine turns her attention to Indira. Not only does Lorraine know Indiras a debtor, but she knows exactly how deeply in debt Indira has gotten. Its bad, too, and Lorraine explains the leverage she holds over Indira and others like her, likening herself to a zookeeper, not some lemming or lemur. (Everyones an animal in this episode, it seems.) Lorraine wants Indira to look for Dot. Everything else is a waste of time. Although Lorraine thinks Dot is not at her house, shes wrong. Dot sneaks onto the grounds of stately Lyon manor and reunites with Scotty, who tells her she met Roy. This makes her escape seem even more urgent and takes her to Indiras. Counting on her help might seem like a Hail Mary, but it works. (Indira has a nice face, so Dot plays the hunch.) With Scotty distracted by a Little Mermaid DVD (the cable having been turned off), Dot and Indira discuss the matter at hand, Indira demanding she get the straight story in return for her help. I was 17, Dot tells Indira, referring to Roy, Fifteen when they took me in. Thats a whole other story. They never hate you when its going their way, you know, Dot tells her host. Its when theyre weak and just pretending to be strong. And they need something small to climb on to feel big. Indira wants to know who they are. Though Dot doesnt tell her, she seems to understand. Dot has a specific they, but there are a lot of theys in the world, and Indiras met more than a few of them. To the befuddlement of her husband, Indira agrees to take Scotty in while Dot continues to lam it. Shes lamming it as another tight, suspenseful, and, in many ways, unpredictable episode ends. There are a lot of parties at play as we head into the sixth episode, most of whom want Dot, some to protect her, some to harm her, and some with an agenda thats not quite clear. But Dot has her own ideas and intends to slip away from all of them. Thats, apparently, something else tigers do. Okay Then! Im more of a let-the-orphans-fight-each-other-for-sport kind of guy. Libertarian, so The rest kind of fills in itself, doesnt it? No Ole this week. Hes presumably still eating pancakes. Roy refers to his marriage to Dot/Nadine as my second, her first. What became of the first Mrs. Tillman? (Probably nothing good.) Im not sure I can negotiate with a man named after a breakfast pastry. Danish does not seem like someone its smart to underestimate. He certainly holds his own (for a while) against a much-larger security guard. When Lorraine refers to her place as the one house in the state where I know that girl aint at, is it for effect,or is her vague, Ivy Leagueeducated accent slipping to reveal the way she grew up speaking? Dot is strong and brave, and her eyes fill with fear whenever the thought of Roy passes her mind. What happened? Princesses are dumb. You tell em, Scotty. Related No one played an emotionally stunted protagonist out of step with the world around him as well as the late Ryan ONeal. Photo: Warner Bros. He never really stopped looking like a child, did he? All the way until the end. Ryan ONeals gift and his curse was that face those pleading eyebrows, that placid mouth, those round cheeks. It was what allowed him to play, at the age of 34, Irish teenager Redmond Barry in Stanley Kubricks masterpiece Barry Lyndon. Some wondered why Kubrick, the great perfectionist, had cast a star already known for being messy and difficult. (Im fairly certain Kubrick himself wondered this halfway through production.) There were some obvious reasons, box-office appeal among them, but it was also probably partly because ONeal was the rare actor who could convincingly play Barry in his youth and as a middle-age man over the course of the film. (Another reason, of course, was that Kubricks daughters adored him.) This wasnt just a fortuitous conjunction of facial features. It was also an onscreen attitude a certain puppy-dog lostness that was ever-present in ONeals performances. A less charitable reading might suggest that this was because he was himself lost, and perhaps the personal wreckage he always seemed to leave behind him would confirm that. Enough ink has been spilled over the years about ONeals behavior and his many addictions. Tatum ONeals riveting 2001 memoir, A Paper Life, a sizable chunk of which is about the time she spent in Ireland and England while her father shot Barry Lyndon, is a catalogue of horrors. But it was also nice to see father and daughter reconcile in later years. A photo Tatum shared from earlier this year shows Ryan with a big beaming smile; even at 82, he still looked so much like a little kid. Many have noted that for an actor who was often regarded as a punch line by critics, Ryan ONeal had an uncanny ability to show up in some extraordinary films. Not just Barry Lyndon, but also Peter Bogdanovichs Whats Up, Doc? and Paper Moon (and later, the directors terrific but less well regarded Nickelodeon), as well as Walter Hills The Driver. These arent just great films; they are great films, all-timers, the kind of movie any self-respecting actor would feel lucky to have even one of in their resume. These movies are all quite different, but what unites them perhaps is that each calls for an emotionally stunted protagonist out of step with the world around him. In Paper Moon, Tatums 9-year-old Addie Loggins shows herself to be more mature in a lot of ways than Ryans ostensible adult con artist Mo Pray. In Whats Up, Doc?, ONeal is the straightest of straight men, a hapless, igneous-rock-obsessed musicologist from Iowa who exists primarily to be tossed this way and that by the human tornado that is Barbra Streisands Judy Maxwell. In The Driver, playing a nameless getaway driver who is extremely good at his job but also barely utters a word and clearly regards everyone around him with simmering contempt, he is a man of such pure action he somehow achieves passivity; he moves relentlessly through space and time with almost no agency. And then of course theres Barry Lyndon, a film about a poor, lovelorn Irish lad who flees home, discovers the world, becomes a continental striver, marries into the English nobility, and is then destroyed when he tries to become just like the people around him. Any rudimentary screenwriting class will teach you that passive protagonists are a no-no. Lead characters have goals. They act. They move. They show passion and they struggle. They enter into conflict. They face obstacles. They prevail. This is what gives us drama. But over and over in these films, Ryan ONeal plays that most unlikely thing in movies: a character to whom things happen, to whom things are done to. When he tries to seize control, hes beaten down all over again. This is even true to a certain extent of Love Story, the massive hit that turned ONeal and Ali MacGraw into huge stars. Regardless of whether you love or hate that film (I think its pretty good), its hard not to walk away from it even today in awe of the supernova chemistry of its two stars the sassy, playful Radcliffe girl and the emotionally constipated Harvard jock struggling to escape the shadow of his stern father who winds up losing the love of his life. Indeed, some of the greatest films ever made have been about passive characters, and a fair number of them were made in the 1970s in the United States, and a surprising number of those starred Ryan ONeal. A generation was tumbling out of the 60s and swirling through the chaos of the 70s. So, the heroes of these films even if the films were set in 18th-century Britain didnt transform their world, but were rather at its cruel mercy. (Maybe thats why these movies still resonate. We are all passive protagonists in the universe more Redmond Barrys than Michael Corleones.) Whatever we may have thought about the arc of his career or his life, we cant take these performances away from ONeal. Nor would we want to. Great actors use their skill; great stars use their limitations. Ryan ONeal had talent, but he also clearly understood his limitations, which is probably why for a moment he became one of the biggest stars in Hollywoods firmament American cinemas looking-glass prince. Finally, I thought. Sam is showing up and Schwartz is returning. We wont spend a whole hour dissecting the cratering relationship between Danielle and Alex. Well, little brain, I hate to tell you. Youre still going to have to spend an entire 43 minutes without commercials watching Bravos most cursed couple. I never thought I would say this about a program featuring my imaginary husband Kyle Cooke, but I cant wait for this season to be over after next weeks episode. The episode begins in the eighth-grade fight we left in the last episode, with Brian shouting, Hey, my mom just got me those! and Danielle asking, Does Alex like me? I mean, these two better get their assignments done because I think theyre already late for homeroom. When Brian insinuates that she might be raging at him because shes insecure about how Alex feels about her, Danielle is like, Pfft. What? No. Its not that. She is lying. After complaining about how everyone is doling out that nights dinner of Chinese takeout (cant Bravo hire these kids a chef?), Danielle retires to bed while everyone else is partying in the dining room that they turned into a fake club. While Danielle is napping, Jordan is complaining about Danielles comment about how she is low energy now that there isnt a guy in the house who is interested in her. Jordan, in confessional, comes back with, Thats because I rejected half of them, including your man. I feel like Jordan was this seasons secret weapon and she should not be secret. She should just be a weapon. You mean she could have been this bitch all season? Look at what she says when Sam arrives: I was definitely gunning for your man at one point. I didnt know he was your man, but I dont think he knew he was your man, either. Give Jordan a Peabody and more prominence next year, please. They all go to bed at 4:30 a.m. after raging in the living room and playing intergalactic beer pong. Its just like regular beer pong except there are blinking lights in the cups and everyone has to dress like Angie K. from RHOSLC. The next morning, Danielle gets up early because shes the only one who went to bed at a reasonable hour. She cleans up all the mess because she needs to do something nice for the house so that everyone doesnt hate her. It may be too late, Danielle. In the morning, Alex is missing his partner. No, not Danielle. His real love, Tom Schwartz. He says he needed a pillow-talk session with his roommate that morning to go over the Danielle situation, but, alas, Tom was taking care of his other platonic, same-sex life partner back in Los Angeles. Alex prepares for his lovers return by not only making his bed but also washing his sheets. When Tom does show up, with the dust from James Kennedys insults still shaking out of his hair, Alex gives him a big hug and tells us that he immediately got a chubby. Now this is the kind of romance Im here for, people. Alex was with the wrong person the whole time. Seriously, Alex seems way more into seeing Tom than Katie does and she gave Tom some under-the-bra action in the bathroom. Sam also turns up to the house in a yellow parka and matching yellow earmuffs. Kyle says she looks like a bumblebee. I think she looks like Bumblebee the Transformer. Sam and Kory waste no time getting horizontal, and at one point it seems like she only has on a parka and panties as shes grinding all up on him. She wastes no time, especially because her man is talking about how all the women in the house wanted to get it on with him. I appreciate his honesty, but considering Sam knows the women in the house like she knows being silent, maybe the best way to introduce her to them isnt by saying how bad they are all sweating his jock. This really plays out when the group goes moon biking, which is kind of like a snowmobile but if it was just one of those electric bikes that Seamless drivers whiz around New York. Malia and Kory keep roughhousing, pushing each other into snowbanks, wrestling, and throwing snowballs. You know, usual boy-girl behavior. I get Malias point; she has older brothers, and this is how she bonds, but this is also the way a girl bonds when shes flirting. But Sam seems hyperaware of it because Deux Moi, the scourge of thinking reality-TV fans everywhere, has burrowed into her brain and taken over. Someone posted a sighting of Kory and Malia, and it said they were vibing hard-core. Yeah, we can see that, based just on their roughhousing, but since when have we ever believed Deux Moi? The internet is, in fact, built on lies. Half of the things in this recap, including my last name, arent even real. How do you believe any of it? I guess its the combination of the two, though. She probably thought nothing of Deux Moi until she saw all of the tackling and rolling around in the snow, and then she thought, Hmmm. Is this possible the first time that Deux Moi has ever been right? I mean, for real, though. Deux Moi is like Nostradamus if he followed the Shade Room. It keeps making predictions, it keeps saying things are going to happen, but its never right and they never do. I wouldnt be surprised if I went on there now and they said that Elvis is still alive and he really loved Jacob Elordi in Priscilla. Of course, Danielle has to get all up in this business too, and she tells Malia that Sam is a little agitated about all of the tackling. Well, Sam did say that it looked desperate, which isnt really shrugging it off. But was that Danielle trying to do a friend a solid or Danielle trying to make a mess? If this had happened before this season, I would have talked about how reasonable Danielle is, how shes the businesswoman emoji () that you have never once used. But now its gotta be mess, right? We know Danielles secrets inside are just squabbles, beefs, and misunderstandings, and we can never unsee them. Speaking of which, Alex pulls Danielle for a chat and asks where shes at. She basically says that shes having a good time, that theyre friends with lots of amazing benefits, and she wants to keep it that way. He tells her that he didnt think there would be so much emotion. Dude, I have only slept with one woman in my life, but I can tell you there is no way that was going to happen. Has he talked to a human woman in his entire life? I mean, he did a whole season with Gary on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Did you not see all the emotions he has to deal with only having one-night stands? Seriously. Danielle says that she thinks Alex is trying to have a teachable moment with her, which I think shes right about. Hes trying to school her on what its like to bone and not care about people. He says its not and adds, Youre almost ten years older than me. I cant teach you anything. Exqueeze me? Exqueeze me? Hes trying to let Danielle down softly and calls her old right to her face? The next thing he says is that they should focus on their friendship, not on their benefits, and she storms off because she is ten years older and everyone in this conversation is incredibly mature. At Amandas insistence, Kyle pulls Danielle aside to ask her how shes doing. She says that Alex is hot and she still wants to jump his bones, but only if he wont talk when they do it. Finally, I think they are both on the same page and that page is, We are attracted to each other, but there is no way this would ever work. Happy to finally get there, crew. At dinner, everyone is having roast beef, but theyre also roasting everyone else in the house. The jokes are terrible. Not even the unfunniest queen on a season of RuPauls Drag Race is as unfunny as the crew reading their insults off of their phones with no comedic timing or even a good cadence. Malias is the only decent one when she welcomes Sam to the house and says, I know it was a lot to tackle. But Sams knives are already sharpened and it doesnt land with the intended impact that it seems Malia was hoping for. The two try to talk after dinner, but the damage is done. Malia says that Sam came in way too hot for someone who didnt know her. Sam says that her head was filled with Deux Moi insanity, which I believe is an acceptable plea in most courts of law. Malia also shares that the girls thought he was fair game because he was downplaying his relationship. Sam tries to make a point that if someone is in a situationship for eight months then Malia should know to back off. I probably wouldnt be, Malia says. Thats just not my style. But I respect you guys. But does she? Does she really? No, she sure doesnt. I think this fight is going to peter out quickly when we rejoin it in progress next week, but hey, at least we didnt have to end this by talking about Danielle. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed a collaboration agreement with Canadian nuclear technology company Terrestrial Energy at the Net Zero Nuclear Summit on the sidelines of COP 28. Terrestrial Energy is a leading technology company and developer of a nuclear plant capable of supplying both high-temperature heat and electricity. The company uses its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR), a Generation IV reactor technology, to enable the plants dual role capability and transformative commercial potential. It can supply secure, reliable, emissions-free, and low-cost energy to industry across various industrial processes such as hydrogen, ammonia, aluminium and steel production. The MoU is part of the first phase of the recently launched Enec Advance Programme, which aims to expedite and centralise the UAEs approach to deploying state-of-the-art nuclear technology, boosting value streams through the generation of clean electrons and molecules; offering a clear example of the action-oriented approach the nation is taking to fast-track the clean energy transition through leveraging the latest technologies in the nuclear energy sector. The Enec Advance Programme is focused on evaluating the latest technologies in the Generation IV, Small Modular Reactor and microreactor categories, which can generate clean electrons and molecules, such as steam, hydrogen and ammonia, as well as process heat for industrial processes. Enec and Terrestrial Energy will focus on the potential of IMSR plants for electricity generation and large-scale industrial heat applications. These uses include the IMSR plants role in decarbonising energy-intensive and hard-to-abate industrial sectors, such as zero-carbon molecule production. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Al Hammadi, the Managing Director and CEO of Enec, and Simon Irish, the CEO of Terrestrial Energy. The parties will also consider frameworks for developing and deploying the IMSR plant for target industrial applications in the UAE and other markets. Al Hammadi said: "We are committed to exploring the latest technologies in advanced reactors as we continue to rapidly decarbonise the power sector through clean electricity from nuclear energy. The development of the Barakah plant in the UAE has provided a catalyst for the exploration of new technologies in the nuclear sector as we innovate to tackle climate change." "At COP28, 22 countries recognised the critical need for more nuclear energy, advocating for a tripling of global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to achieve net zero," he noted. "Through new solutions like Generation IV reactors and Small Modular Reactors, we can get closer to delivering the significant volumes of clean electrons and molecules needed to ensure that we sustainably power our heavy industries whilst preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions. We look forward to close collaboration with Terrestrial Energy as we identify the potential deployment of IMSR technology in the UAE and overseas," he added. Irish said the Canadian group's IMSR, a Generation IV reactor technology, has immense potential to support industrial growth and decarbonisation and its unique capabilities are most relevant to decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors, which is essential for COP28 goals. "Terrestrial Energys prioritisation of national and international regulatory requirements supports the aims of our MOU, as does the IMSRs use of nuclear fuel at standard enrichment levels, which has long-established international acceptance. We look forward to working with Enec to accelerate the development and deployment of the IMSR plant in target industrial applications and commercial markets as part of the Enec Advance Programme," he added.-TradeArabia News Service By Pesha Magid RIYADH (Reuters) - Lucid Group has assembled almost 800 cars in its Saudi Arabian factory since its opening, with its main focus on training more than 200 local employees, the EV maker's Middle East managing director said on Wednesday. California-based Lucid opened its first plant outside the United States in September, with an initial capacity to produce 5,000 EVs a year, after the Saudi government pledged to buy up to 100,000 vehicles from it over 10 years. "The car is fully built in Arizona ... then it gets de-assembled... then the car gets shipped here as a kit, and that kit is then put back together," Faisal Sultan, who is also Lucid's Global Vice-President, told Reuters. Workers in the factory in Jeddah re-attach the battery, put the trim and tyres back on and re-test the vehicle, he added. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns an over 60% stake in Lucid, invested billions in the company, as part of the government's plans to establish a hub for the EV industry. Lucid has recorded an accumulated $9.5-billion loss as of September and posted losses every year since its started. "It (the Saudi factory) is a small operation for us. The reason why we have kept it this way is that we want to take baby steps in our approach of training people," said Sultan. "You are doing roughly 16, 17 to 20 vehicles a day, rather than an hour, you can spend time with them to really train them," he said. Lucid is preparing the staff, half of whom are Saudis, for the opening of a complete build unit (CBU), a factory capable of manufacturing a car, in 2026, for which construction has begun. The CBU's opening depends on supply chains and workforce development, Sultan said, adding: "It has to make business sense at the end of the day for us to open that factory, but construction continues." Lucid hopes the plant would help encourage key parts suppliers to establish presence in the kingdom. "We cannot have operations up and running and not be efficient by bringing parts from all over the world." (Reporting by Pesha Magid; Editing by Aziz El Yaakoubi and Alexander Smith) A retail store in the West Loop is reeling after being the target of a smash-and-grab robbery for the fourth time this year. Drake Sweeney, creative director of SVRN, a small business specializing in luxury fashion, estimated the store sustained a $50,000 to $80,000 loss in property damage and $50,000 to $100,000 in merchandise stolen after a group of thieves drove an SUV into the retail clothing store early Tuesday morning. They stole everything you could imagine, Sweeney said. The store had last been hit and robbed less than a month ago, in late November. In the latest robbery, Chicago police say around 3:11 a.m. a group of thieves hit the security gate and front door of the store, located at 171 N. Aberdeen St., with a Jeep SUV to gain entry. They fled using several other vehicles, police said. The store had installed concrete pillars and no-break glass as part of added security to prevent more robberies, Sweeney said. The thieves bypassed the security by using a truck to pull the concrete barricade from the stores front before crashing the Jeep SUV into the door, Sweeney said. The robbery was captured on store cameras, and Sweeney said there were around eight people involved based on the footage. Sweeney said employees boarded up the front of the store Tuesday and were focused on refurbishing to hopefully reopen later in the week. We want to reopen for the community and recoup mentally to the best of our ability, Sweeney said. But its getting more extreme. No one was in custody and police are investigating. The tactics behind Tuesdays robbery mirror those of recent smash-and-grabs in the West Loop, Wicker Park and the Near West Side involving cars being driven into buildings so those involved can quickly run in and take merchandise. Last week, a failed crash-and-grab was attempted on Michigan Avenue at a high-end Magnificent Mile store. A ditched car could be seen early Monday morning after the attempt. aguffey@chicagotribune.com Last of Churchill's Few seeks to trace Italian girl who risked her life to save him. The last surviving RAF fighter pilot from the Battle of Britain has issued an appeal for help in tracking down an Italian woman who saved his life in northern Italy during world war two. "I would like to meet that little girl who saved me from the Germans", said 104-year-old Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway from Dublin, who was shot down in Copparo on 23 April 1945. The public appeal was launched in Italy by a local aviation society, Archaeologists of the Air, following an article by Paolo Ricci Bitti in Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. Hemingway had been on a mission to attack a German column near Ferrara but had to make an emergency landing after the Spitfire he was piloting was hit by ground fire. It was the fourth time the airman had been shot down and survived, a phenomenon he would later attribute to "the luck of the Irish". Group Captain John Hemingway. Photo The Irish Times. Stuck behind enemy lines, Hemingway was rescued by a local Italian family who reached him before he was taken prisoner by the Nazis. With the help of Italian partisans, the family kept Hemingway in hiding despite threats on their lives by German troops searching for the pilot. After being disguised in peasant clothing, Hemingway was entrusted to a seven-year-old Italian girl who took his hand and led her "papa" to safety beyond the Gothic Line, after walking through the darkness for hours. Almost eight decades later, Hemingway has never forgotten the courage of the child who risked her life to save his. "For all those hours I was scared as hell, not for my life, I'm Irish, but I was terrified of becoming the cause of the death of that brave little girl," said Hemingway, who now wishes to thank her, or her family, in person. His appeal to track down the woman - who if still alive would be about 85 - is being shared widely on social media in Italy. Recipes What do you want to cook today? The long-vacant former Northridge Mall, facing a city raze order, is being listed for sale for $2 million. The former Northridge Mall is being listed for sale just days after the announcement of a $15 million grant to pay for its demolition. "It is our understanding that The US Black Spruce Enterprises is a motivated seller now offering the property for $2.0 million," said an email sent Wednesday by John Melaniphy, president of Chicago-based Melaniphy & Associates Inc. The firm is a consultant on the sale, according to the email obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate is the sale agent. Purchase offers are due Dec. 15. Attorneys for Northridge owner U.S. Black Spruce Enterprises Inc. didn't respond to a request for more information. Gov. Tony Evers on Friday announced the City of Milwaukee would receive a $15 million grant, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, to help pay for removing asbestos from the long-vacant mall, demolishing the buildings and other redevelopment work. That's assuming the city's raze order proceeds against Black Spruce. The company, owned by Chinese investors, has an appeal pending before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The city's proceeding against Northridge characterizes the mall as a threat to public safety. It has been the site of several break-ins and fires, and a mall maintenance worker was electrocuted there in 2019. That case doesn't go away with an ownership change. Also, a $187,000 judgement lien tied to contempt of court sanctions for failing to secure the property, as well as roughly $1.1 million in overdue property taxes, would carry over to a new owner, said Vanessa Koster, deputy city development commissioner. Northridge's possible demolition depends mainly on the outcome of Black Spruce's appeal of a lower court ruling upholding the city's raze order the second such appeal filed by the company over the past four years. There's no word on when the Court of Appeals might issue its decision. Story continues Northridge, at West Brown Deer Road and North 76th Street, closed in 2003. Department of City Development officials have long envisioned it as a site for new uses, including new light industrial buildings. Other former retail buildings in the area, including Target, Walmart and Toys R Us stores, have been converted to light industrial use. If the city eventually takes control of Northridge, it could demolish the mall and recover some of those costs by selling the cleared land for new developments. Black Spruce's corporate predecessor, U.S. Toward Group Inc., bought the former mall for $6 million in 2008. The property totals around 100 acres. Beijing-based Toward Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Wu Li, in 2009 revealed plans to convert Northridge into a trade mart for Chinese companies selling clothing, furniture, toys, consumer electronics and other goods on a wholesale basis to North American buyers. Those plans didn't proceed. In 2012, an investment group led by Penzeys Spices owner Bill Penzey bought a judgment We Energies held on Northridge's unpaid utility bills. But, in 2014, U.S. Toward made a $1.4 million redemption payment to frustrate Penzey's plans to acquire Northridge through foreclosure and convert the site into his company's offices and distribution center. Then-Mayor Tom Barrett's administration started the raze order process in 2019. Milwaukee-based Phoenix Investors LLC in March said it had an agreement to buy the former mall and convert it to an industrial storage complex. Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration opposed those plans, saying it wouldn't create enough jobs. Phoenix owner Frank Crivello said in July the company was no longer interested in pursuing its plans because of City Hall's opposition. Meanwhile, the city is pursuing plans to demolish Northridge's former Boston Store building, which it acquired separately. The city has completed environmental cleanup work within that building and hired contractor H.M. Brandt LLC to demolish it through a $395,000 bid, Koster said. That work is to begin early next year, she said. The grant announced by Evers requires the Boston Store building demolition to be in progress by Jan. 31. It requires demolition of the rest of Northridge to be in progress by the end of 2025. "We are confident that the legal challenges will be resolved in the citys favor consistent with the project timelines," Koster said. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Northridge Mall facing demolition listed for sale at $2 million Advertisement Eating outBrisbane Brisbanes best restaurant openings of 2023 From resplendent steakhouses and hidden CBD diners to classics reborn and the return of a high-profile Brisbane-born chef, heres what to check out this summer. Matt Shea December 11, 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 Ambition. Thats the word that perhaps defined Brisbanes dining scene in 2023. The more recent post-pandemic years were for a time more about smaller venues, as landlords looked to flip empty spaces for lower rent, or chefs cast adrift from the big restaurants around Brisbane (or the country) started their own thing in and around the city. This year, after a subdued start, things got less post-pandemic and much more pre-Olympics. There were still independent openings, but they tended to be from seasoned, high-profile operators with a bit of heft, and there was a real flex from larger companies and restaurant groups such as Tassis Group, Artesian Hospitality and Stanbroke. Bosco opened in Newstead in September. Markus Ravik By November, there was a sense of momentum around the restaurant scene that we hadnt seen since the statewide lock-ins of 2020 and 2021. Advertisement Heres what caught the eye these past 12 months. Bosco, Newstead From Bar Alto owner Simon Hill comes Bosco Wine and Grill, a handsome 80-seater in a warehouse space on Austin Street in Newstead. Bosco is a proper looker in an uncomplicated, almost old-fashioned way. Markus Ravik A proper looker in an uncomplicated, almost old-fashioned way, the venues high ceilings have been complemented by striking black brick walls and bar fronts, and Tasmanian blackwood benches and tables. The tables have been laid out in rows, giving the restaurant the feel of a fancy food hall. Advertisement Chef Sajith Vengateri is using an eye-catching hearth to fire a bunch of proteins, including king prawns served with prawn-head butter, a half Sommerlad chicken finished with a vadouvan jus gras, a pork tomahawk served with celeriac and quince, one-kilo mud crabs, and a typically enormous Wagyu rib el txuleton. Boscos food menu draws its inspiration from Spain, France and Italy. Markus Ravik Elsewhere on the menu, there are mussels with cider cream and French sourdough, and a bay bug claypot with rice, txistorra (a thin Spanish pork sausage) and rouille. The wine list runs to close to 500 bottles and, as usual with Hill, covers every price point, from super approachable $60 vino to a $6200 bottle of 2013 vintage Du Comte Liger Belair Nuits Saint Georges Clos des Grand Vignes burgundy. boscowinegrill.com Advertisement Pilloni, West End The first thing that sticks out at you about Pilloni is its design. Pilloni opened in West End towards the start of the year. Markus Ravik This 70-seater on Hardgrave Road in West End has four separate spaces: a bar area closest to the road (which has an additional 30 seats); an internal dining space called the Camino that sits in front of the open kitchen with its enormous hearth; the Terrazzo, a beautiful enclosed terrace; and the Cantina, a private dining space. Its perhaps the fit-out of the year, defined by timber, tiled floors, exposed brick, rattan furniture and pale blue walls crammed full of watercolour paintings. Pillonis menu sets itself apart from the Italian pack by cooking Sardinian cuisine. Think suckling pig, hearty traditional pastas such as culurgiones, and plenty of seafood to reference the turquoise coasts of Italys second-largest island. Advertisement Culurgiones filled with potato, pecorino and mint, with tomato sauce. Markus Ravik The food is accompanied by a 220-bottle wine list that favours Italian, European and Australian drops. pilloni.com.au Where to find Brisbanes best ramen Bar Francine, West End Advertisement A slight cheat because this actually opened in the dying days of 2022, but El Planta owners Adrienne Jory and Rick Gibsons slick bistro took until January to get into its impressive groove. Chef Brad Coopers pescatarian-focused menu is full of bold flavours. You might eat French toast with marsala onions and mushroom parfait; grilled razor clams with garlic butter; celeriac carpaccio with pommes allumettes and smoked eel; or a barbecue beetroot steak with sauce bearnaise. Drinks are minimal-intervention Aussie wines backed by a cocktail list of classics and nostalgia-tinged signature drinks, and a clutch of tinnies. The old Box Vintage premises on Vulture Street have been converted into a homely space stuffed full of timber tables, bentwood chairs and vintage photographs. barfrancine.com Advertisement Gerards Bistro, Fortitude Valley A reopening rather than a debut, but the iconic Gerards has been completely transformed on James Street. The reimagined Gerards Bistro features striking work by designer Jared Webb. Morgan Roberts Former Richards and Spence designer Jared Webb has helped deliver a striking fit-out that uses rammed red earth to create a series of freestanding walls that surround the dining room. Theres nothing else like it in town. Working out of a rearranged kitchen, new exec chef Jimmy Richards first menu is relatively straightforward and woodfire-driven, as has long been Gerards approach, but now leans slightly more towards meat proteins. Advertisement You might eat South Australian calamari with a bazella tartlet and hawaij spice; wood-smoked mussels with green muhammara; whole butterflied coral trout with galayet bandoura (tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, olive oil and salt); and Westholme Wagyu cube roll with brown butter, baharat and nigella seed. Brisbane Valley quail mombar with baked freekeh harees and a black barley molasses sauce. Morgan Roberts For drinks, restaurant manager Judith Hurley has expanded the wine list to close to 230 bottles. It bucks the tradition of organising varietals by palate weight, instead prioritising wines that best match Richards food. Theres also more of a focus on Mediterranean vino. gerards.com.au Five to try: Brisbanes best new sandwich shops Advertisement Short Grain, Fortitude Valley Influential Longrain creator Martin Boetz returned to his hometown of Brisbane in September to open Short Grain in the Valleys stately, heritage-listed Stewart and Hemmant building. Short Grain has opened in the heritage-listed Stewart and Hemmant building in Fortitude Valley. Morgan Roberts Anchoring the restaurants design is a solid European oak floor supplied by Tongue & Groove, and an enormous low-set bench Boetz inherited from Italian furniture brand Boffi Studio. Otherwise, its beautiful heritage brickwork, super-high ceilings, and enormous windows overlooking McLachlan and Marshall streets. Star early dishes include a crunchy, fragrant signature turmeric wafer with coconut, prawns, peanuts and bean sprouts; salt and pepper cuttlefish with sweet soy and lemon; caramelised pork hock with chilli vinegar and coriander; fried whole market fish with caramelised turmeric, pineapple and fried basil; and, on the dessert menu, a restrained, precise duck-egg caramel custard tart. Advertisement Short Grains hot and sour chicken salad with Vietnamese mint. Morgan Roberts The wine list has been kept concise and well priced. It leans towards New World aromatic whites and ambers, and flavoursome roses and chilled reds. shortgrain.com.au Pneuma, CBD You wondered what might happen to Greenglass terrific dining room after the Votan brothers closed the classy French restaurant earlier this year to better focus on their East Street dining precinct. Advertisement Pneuma has opened in the old Greenglass premises on George Street in the CBD. Tammy Law Pneuma is about as good a result as anyone couldve hoped for a partnership between Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vins Dan Arnold, and former GOMA Restaurant head chef Matt Blackwell. It opened at the start of November. The only changes to the fit-out are for now mostly cosmetic: the steep, dark, anonymous staircase from George Street remains, as does the bright and airy dining room, which has been given a fresh coat of white paint and some spotlights. Blackwell is taking the lead with the food. His first menus have featured dishes such as smoked eel cream with black apple and prune, and crispy potato; roasted monkfish tail with a smoked onion and mussel beurre blanc, and garlic chives; and braised wagyu beef cheek with caramelised onion, green peppercorn and bone marrow. Pneumas roasted Jerusalem artichoke with caramelised goats yoghurt, black garlic and wood-ear mushrooms Tammy Law Advertisement Pneumas cellar runs to about 150 bottles. It includes a reserve selection with some wallet-emptying deep cuts, such as a 2005 Rockford Basket Press shiraz, and a 2009 vintage Le Carillon dAngelus merlot, cab sav and cab franc blend from Bordeaux. pneumarestaurant.com.au Establishment 203, Fortitude Valley A steakhouse owned by one of largest integrated cattle breeding, processing and distribution businesses in the world doesnt necessarily fill you with confidence. Establishment 203 opened in November in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik Advertisement But Stanbrokes Establishment 203 begins to overturn those preconceptions as soon as you walk through the door. The design is a looker, the old Monastery and Oh Hello nightclub space transformed with fluted marble, glass bricks, antique mirrors and enormous velvet booths. In the kitchen, former Surfing the Menu co-host Ben ODonoghue is using a Mibrasa woodfire cooking station and an enormous MKN induction system the first of its kind in Brisbane to cook a relatively efficient menu that includes wood-fired marrow bone with caponata and bruschetta; Mooloolaba king prawns with zucchini trifolati, lemon and Calabrian chilli butter; house-made pastas such as spaghetti alle vongole, cappellacci filled with roasted pumpkin and buffalo ricotta; and a steak menu that features 14 different cuts such as a three-score 1.1-kilogram dry-aged Angus tomahawk, and a six-score wagyu rib eye. Beef tartare with egg yolk and Torres truffle crisps at Establishment 203. Markus Ravik A 230-bottle wine list balances its whites and roses between old world and new, before things take a turn for the Italian with a healthy collection of barolos and barbarescos. establishment203.com Advertisement Settimo, CBD Guy Grossi made his Brisbane debut at the Westin Hotel in February with this Amalfi Coast-inspired 150-seater. Guy Grossis Settimo restaurant. Kirsty Sycz The design captures its coastal Italian inspiration via terracotta tiling, timber tabletops, VJ-board walls, plenty of greenery, and a liberal use of bright oranges and blues. For food, theres Amalfi lemon chicken with chilli and rosemary; pasta al limone; and a scialatielli allamalfitana made with hand-cut scialatielli and served with seafood and colatura di alici (the famous Amalfi anchovy sauce thats the restaurants signature flourish). Advertisement Settimos pasta al limone. Kirsty Sycz For drinks, theres a 170-bottle wine list that focuses on Italian vino and Australian drops made in an Italian style including a healthy selection from Queensland producers. Theres also a tight selection of signature and classic cocktails, and a collection of amari and grappa. settimo.com.au Tama, Fortitude Valley Youd be forgiven for being cynical about Tama, a slick 80-seat restaurant opened by Artesian Hospitality, which has a background mostly in Gold Coast day and nightclubs. Advertisement the art deco-inspired Tama in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik But it announced its ambitions early by enlisting former Otto restaurant manager and award-winning sommelier Alan Hunter as partner and restaurant director, and bringing celebrated chef Richard Ousby onboard to oversee the food. Its a looker in the flashier sense, the restaurant floor rendered in marble and stone, and boasting cavernous green velvet booths, an angular art deco-inspired feature wall and double-story windows that look onto Winn Street. Tamas beetroot with goat curd, witlof and pomegranate molasses. Markus Ravik For food, Ousbys broad menu features dishes such as a green gazpacho with nectarine, tomato, zucchini and macadamia; yellowfin tuna crudo with kohlabi remoulade and fennel; and Moreton Bay bugs cooked in a charcoal-powered Josper oven. Elsewhere, theres a house-made pasta menu; a beef menu that features cut-to-order seven-score Wagyu scotch fillet; a snacks menu; and a bread, oyster and table-side caviar menu. Advertisement For drinks, Hunter has compiled a 500-bottle wine list, backed by a glass-enclosed cellar that has capacity for another 1700 bottles. tamadining.au Komeyui, Spring Hill This slick Japanese restaurant expanded from Melbourne at the start of the year, opening in a crisply detailed dining room high on Wharf Street. Komeyui in Spring Hill. Supplied Advertisement Komeyuis menu is split into omakase and a la carte, and ranges from seasonal sashimi, nigiri and steamed items you might eat locally sourced kingfish, King George whiting, calamari and garfish, or scallops and tuna belly imported from Japan to cooked dishes such as Wagyu tataki with beef, braised black pork belly, and Kyoto miso-marinated black cod grilled in a Josper oven. For drinks, theres a thoughtful selection of sake, a wine list of mostly Australian, New Zealand and French drops, and an imaginative signature-cocktail list. komeyui.com.au Lekki by Little Lagos, West End Ade Adeniyis Little Lagos has proven crazy popular in Sydney since opening in 2020 so much so that Adeniyi made his way up the Pacific Highway in July to open a second restaurant in a semi open-air space on Boundary Street in West End. Advertisement Lekki by Little Lagos head chef Kemi Fajemisin. Morgan Roberts Theres not much to the fit-out other than some timber tables and bentwood chairs, a bar down one side and a banquette down the other, a heap of hanging photos, and a Nigerian flag and enormous portrait of Fela Kuti at the door. A well-powered PA system pumping out the tunes accounts for the rest of the venues charm. Chef Kemi Fajemisin is cooking Nigerian-style jollof rice with chicken, ewa agoyin (slow-cooked, then pan-fried black-eyed beans topped with a fried red chilli sauce), ila alasepo (a finely minced okra soup with fish and beef) or egusi (melon seeds simmered with herbs, spices, green leaves and beef). Lekki by Little Lagos marinated goats stew. Morgan Roberts Theres also a marinated beef (or buka) stew cooked in a spicy sauce of tomatoes, red capsicum, habaneros, onions and traditional Nigerian spices; and a marinated goat stew that takes locally sources goat and cooks it much the same way. Advertisement For drinks, theres a bunch of African beers (including Nigerian brewed Guinness Foreign Extra Stout), a handful of wines, and Nigerian-influenced cocktails. lekkibylittlelagos.com Bar Rosa, South Brisbane From Cordell Khoury, Paolo Biscaro, Aleks Dzajkovski, Anthony Nicastro, Stefan Angelovski and Enrique Rosa comes this slick Italian eatery, which sits in the old Gauge space on Grey Street, around the corner from sister venues Julius Pizzeria and Bar Brutus. Bar Rosa has kept the same basic 40-seat layout as Gauge but remade it in concrete, timber and flashes of marble. Theres also an outside dining area that seats 20. Advertisement Perspective Brisbane is not Melbourne, and thats OK For food, there are straight-ahead snacks and small plates such as fried zucchini flowers, beef skewers with salsa verde, grilled calamari with lemon and rocket, and pizza fritta with burrata and a tomato sugo. There are also three pastas, three mains, three sides and a pair of desserts. Drinks are a focused wine list of mostly Italian vino and a handful of signature cocktails, with some aperitivi and beers thrown in for good measure. barrosa.com.au Mini, Fortitude Valley Advertisement Mini is brothers Cameron and Jordan Votan (Happy Boy, Snack Man) bringing their love of French cooking home to East Street in Fortitude Valley. Mini on East Street in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik Dishes change seasonally but chef Aubrey Courtel might be cooking potted confit duck with whipped potato and comte cream; baked scallops with chorizo, celeriac cream and bread crumb; chicken cordon bleu; pan-fried fish with beurre blanc, cherry tomatoes and spinach; and slow-braised wagyu in a red wine sauce. The only plate priced more than $50 is a char-grilled Cape Grim rib-eye. All mains come served with frites, with other sides available. For sweets theres a creme brulee, sorbets and ice creams, chocolate many ways, and a nut, praline and chocolate cookie. Minis chargrilled wagyu bavette steak with Paris butter. Markus Ravik Advertisement The wine list is a tightly curated selection of mostly French small-producer vino, with the Happy Boy and award-winning Snack Man cellars available if you want to go deep. Otherwise, its a short list of beer and classic cocktails. The restaurant itself is the old Kid Curry space next door to Snack Man. Its still the same modern 45-seat dining room with its top-to-toe spotted-gum treatment, slick lighting and open kitchen. minibistro.com.au Honourable Mentions La De Lah Gun chef Eugene Lee tackles the flavours of his native Malaysia in this moody open-air South Bank restaurant. Advertisement Uncle Lais One of Brisbanes best char kway teow spots reopens in unassuming new Greenslopes digs. Fosh Michael Tassis (Opa Bar & Mezze, Yamas Greek & Drink) seafood restaurant is serving Mediterranean inspired seafood dishes in an eye-catching riverside spot. The Lex Three Blue Ducks at W Brisbane transforms into a slick New York-inspired restaurant. Ippin Dining Co-owned by Sydney restaurateur Kenny Lee, Ippin is a flash, fast-paced Japanese restaurant upstairs at West Village. Oh Monk A colourful, fast-paced pan-Asian eatery in a charming Tarragindi spot. Advertisement Los Felix The Talisman Group (Sasso Italiano, Casa Chow, South City Wine) open an unassuming but very legit Woolloongabba taco shop. Da Biuso An Italian fine diner in an elegantly presented bus from the Casa Nostra team. Rich & Rare Michael Tassis second opening of 2023 is a slick but value-driven steakhouse at West Village. Vertigo A one-of-a-kind dining experience atop Brisbane Powerhouse. Lehrmanns barrister, Matthew Richardson, SC, put to Llewellyn that he was effectively reassuring Higgins and Sharaz that Ten would do a number on Bruce. Llewellyn said this was a ridiculous suggestion and was completely incorrect. Llewellyn said earlier on Wednesday that Sharaz had provided him with two email addresses to contact Lehrmann, including a hotmail address. He said Sharaz had told him he was certain the hotmail address was correct and on that basis Llewellyn was very confident. Richardson put to Llewellyn that he could have sought comment from Lehrmann before Friday, February 12, 2021, at 2.45pm, when he sent an email to the hotmail address followed by a text to a mobile number. This was three days before the broadcast. Yes, but I didnt need to, Llewellyn said. Loading He said it was a very false statement when Richardson suggested the questions emailed to Lehrmann were not made in the spirit of genuine inquiry. Of course its not just going through the motions. Thats not how I do my job, Llewellyn said. Richardson said: I want to suggest you didnt really want to reach Mr Lehrmann. Llewellyn disagreed, and said he called Lehrmann twice in the morning on February 15 on a mobile number when he had not received a response to his email. He said in an affidavit that he also sent a follow-up email to the hotmail address and a second address. Timing of Tens questions to Cash and Reynolds Llewellyn, a former supervising producer of SBS Dateline program, was also asked about the timing of questions he put to Higgins former bosses, senators Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash, on February 12, 2021 three days before the broadcast. He said this was a super reasonable timeframe. He said that Higgins was terrified and very, very worried that the story was going to be somehow stopped by the government. She was worried that other people would hear about her story, report it in a way that was not first-hand and the story would be, you know, out, and out of control. Bruce Lehrmann outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Wednesday. Credit: Kate Geraghty Justice Michael Lee asked Llewellyn if he had a view about whether it was open to the government to stop such a story, and Llewellyn referred to the possibility of an injunction or complaint. Asked by Richardson if it was a commercial decision not to seek comment earlier from Reynolds and Cash, Llewellyn said: No, thats not how journalism works. Forced to choose Llewellyn was asked a series of questions about the assertion in the introduction to The Project episode, which said: Tonight, claims of rape, roadblocks to a police investigation, and a young woman forced to choose between her career and the pursuit of justice. Richardson put to him that there were serious inconsistencies in Higgins account of how Reynolds and her then-chief of staff, Fiona Brown, had responded to her allegations. I didnt think there were any, Llewellyn said. He said it was murky and disagreed with Richardson that there was real doubt by the time of the broadcast about the claim Higgins job was on the line if she went to police, based on responses the government sent Ten. Texts with Wilkinson In an affidavit filed in court, Llewellyn said he received a message from Wilkinson on January 19, 2021, which said: I have an explosive political story for Sunday Project were going huge with it. She urged Llewellyn to call me when you can. Llewellyn, who was then on leave, responded on January 20 that year: Hi Lisa Sounds intriguing! can jump on it from Friday if needed? Wilkinson replied: It is an extraordinary cover-up The woman at the centre of it all is ready to talk. She is based in Canberra. We can fly her up. Would you be good for a meeting with her on Monday? Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann at court. Credit: Nikki Short Lehrmann not named Lehrmann was not named in Tens interview and a preliminary issue in the case is whether he was identified via other means. Richardson put to Llewellyn on Wednesday that Ten deliberately put in enough detail to identify Lehrmann. Completely false, Llewellyn replied. It was very important to note that they were in the same office and he had a more senior position, Llewellyn said. If the court finds Lehrmann was identified, Ten and Wilkinson are seeking to rely on defences of truth and qualified privilege. Qualified privilege relates to publications of public interest and requires a media outlet to show it acted reasonably. The evidence of Llewellyn and Wilkinson is directly relevant to that defence. Sexual assault charge dropped Lehrmanns ACT Supreme Court trial for sexual assault was aborted last year due to juror misconduct. The charge against Lehrmann was later dropped altogether owing to concerns about Higgins mental health. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size WAtoday charts Perths spread, and the companies behind the master-planned communities pushing our urban boundary further afield. See all 8 stories . When Queensland-native Col Dutton arrived in Perth 12 years ago for a new role for developer Stockland he visited the WA Museum to see an exhibit about Perths history which piqued his interest. The now-general manager of WA residential for Stockland was a bit taken aback when he saw a section of the exhibit boast about Perths suburban history, unlike the terrace housing of Melbourne and Sydney. Stockland WA general manager Col Dutton and Cedar Woods managing director Nathan Blackburne. I went oh, this is going be interesting, and it has proved to be interesting, he says. This chance visit gave Dutton, who is also the Urban Development Institute of Australias national president, an inadvertent crash course in Perths deep cultural connection to detached housing. It is a preference that has helped Stockland and another major national developer Cedar Woods flourish in WA as they knock up greenfields estates on the citys urban fringes. But the obsession with detached housing has frustrated the efforts of these companies to deliver successful high and medium-density projects like they do in the eastern states. They tell WAtoday they face hurdles out west. Advertisement Perth is failing dismally to meet its target of 47 per cent infill, falling to its second lowest level of 29 per cent. The state government has attempted to reignite the apartment sector with buyer tax relief and establishing an $80 million fund for developers to dip into to cover the costs of water, sewage and electricity connections. Its the interaction of old and new. That is the challenge. Stockland WA general manager Col Dutton Much to the disgust of anti-development groups, a recent tranche of planning reforms has also given developers easier pathways to avoid local politics and NIMBY-ism at a local government level by opting into state-level planning processes like development assessment panels. These changes are yet to move the dial in any significant way and property portfolios of the big developers are still heavily weighted to urban sprawl, but Stockland and Cedar Woods see change on the horizon. Piecing the puzzle together Dutton says in his years since visiting the museum visit he has come to understand the citys affection for suburbs. Advertisement Loading But he says the city needs to get better at precinct planning in the inner rings to stitch together the jigsaw of old suburban blocks. He says better precinct planning, like what the government is doing with Metronet precincts, will give developers and residents more certainty over what an area can become and prevent community backlash. I think the state knows that they have to get in front of a precinct plan and get in front early so that the local community know where that precinct sits, he says. Its the interaction of old and new. That is the challenge. Demand is lurking Cedar Woods is in the process of delivering its medium-density Incontro project in Subiaco. Managing director Nathan Blackburne said the townhouse component could have been sold multiple times over. Advertisement He says his company believes in infill and they are actively looking for new sites for apartment buildings and townhouses, particularly along railways like the site near Swanbourne train station where they want to build a new 390-apartment complex. We see significant unmet demand... Cedar Woods managing director Nathan Blackburne But Blackburne is right across the stats that matter on the viability of higher-density builds in Perth, and they lead him to one conclusion right now labour and materials costs are too high for projects to stack up outside the western suburbs. Loading The reason that apartments arent generally viable in outer urban locations is the cost of construction relative to the cost of delivering a single residential home in quite an efficient volume home building industry, he said. Its only in higher value locations that apartments tend to work where you can achieve a superior price. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics stats, construction prices rose 1.3 per cent in the September quarter and 5.1 per cent since September 2022. Advertisement Panama Canal restrictions had a much greater effect on container ships starting in November. (Photo: ACP) The official Panama Canal transit numbers for November are out and theyre ugly. November could be the tip of the iceberg. Reservation slots are being slashed further this month and in January. The total number of transits declined 22% in November versus October, according to just-released data from the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). And for the first time since the drought began, the numbers are not just falling at the older, smaller Panamax locks. Theyre also declining sharply at the larger Neopanamax locks, which debuted in 2016. The Neopanamax locks are a crucial conduit for high-capacity container vessels bringing goods from Asia to U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, and for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers transporting exports from the U.S. Gulf to Asia. Transits through the Neopanamax locks fell 28% in November versus October, while transits through the Panamax locks dropped by 19%. Container ships, LPG ships and LNG ships were all hard-hit on the Neopanamax side. At the Panamax locks, dry bulk shipping was the biggest decliner, by far. This time of year is the height of the export season for American farmers, when grain cargoes traditionally move via the Panama Canal from the U.S. Gulf to Asia. These transits have gone off a cliff as grain-laden bulkers have shifted to the Suez Canal: 164 Panamax bulkers transited in October and just 87 in November a 47% month-on-month collapse. (Chart: FreightWaves based on data from ACP) November was turning point for Neopanamax locks The ACP also publishes monthly data on average daily transits by lock type. This data shows just how extreme the November drop-off was compared to prior months. The shipping impact of Panamas low water levels has been highly publicized since this summer. However, the droughts effect on Neopanamax transits and thus, on Asia-U.S. container shipping only began last month. Average daily transits through the Neopanamax locks were actually 4% higher during the first 10 months of 2023 versus the same period in 2022, prior to the drought. In October, average daily transits were up 7% year on year. Story continues Then came November. There was an average of 7.37 transits per day through the Neopanamax locks, down 25% from 9.83 per day in November 2022. (Chart: FreightWaves based on data from ACP) In contrast, year-on-year declines at the Panamax locks began back in May. Between May and October, average daily transits through the Panamax locks fell 11% versus the same period in 2022. But here too, November marked a major downturn. There were an average of 18.74 transits per day through the Panamax locks last month, a 29% plunge compared to November 2022. (Chart: FreightWaves based on data from ACP) Average wait time eases as ships divert from Panama The ACP instituted severe restrictions on scheduled transits starting in early November. There were 10 daily reservation slots for Neopanamax transits at the beginning of last month. By Dec. 1, there were just six. On Jan. 1, the number of slots falls to five. At the beginning of November, there were 22 daily reservation slots at the Panamax locks. By Dec. 1, there were 16. That will fall to 15 on Jan. 1 and 13 on Feb. 1. The initial effect of the ACP cutting reservation slots was a surge in waiting time for vessels that arrived without reservations. That effect is now changing. Ship operators appear to have learned their lesson. Rather than heading to the Panama Canal without a reservation, theyre choosing alternate routes and avoiding the risk, reducing both the queue and wait time. There were only 23 ships in the queue without reservations on Wednesday. The total number of ships in the queue, including those with reservations, is down to 76, compared to a high of 163 on Aug. 9 and an average during normal periods of around 90. Average wait time for ships without reservations surged throughout last month. On the southbound Atlantic-to-Pacific route, wait time has fallen back in December. On the northbound Pacific-to-Atlantic route, waiting time continued to escalate until Dec. 6, then retreated as well. (Chart: FreightWaves based on data from ACP) Average southbound wait time for ships without reservations peaked at 11.4 days on Nov. 29 5.4 times higher than on Nov. 2. Wait time was down to eight days on Wednesday, 30% off the high. Average wait time for northbound ships without reservations peaked at 15.2 days on Dec. 6, also 5.4 times higher than at the beginning of November. It has since fallen 53% to seven days on Wednesday. Click for more articles by Greg Miller Related articles: The post Panama Canal transits plunge as larger ships are turned away appeared first on FreightWaves. WASHINGTON, December 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Peter George, an entrepreneur who is among the earliest adopters of Blockchain applications for central bank digital currency and investments in digital assets, has been named chairman of the board of directors of Medici Land Governance (MLG). A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, Peter founded Avatar Capital a decade ago as a channel to support embryonic business developments that disrupt existing legacy models. This included Bitt, Inc., the Barbados-based fintech firm, where he also served as chairman. According to CEO Ali El Husseini, Ph.D., the new chairman designate, concomitant with his significant investment, is the ideal match for MLG, as the company recently entered its sixth year of operations. "Despite investments in reforming land transaction systems to be fully digitized, secure and efficient, transactions continue to be made outside of the formal system," Dr. Husseini said. "This threatens tenure security for landowners, the sustainability of a technologically advanced land administration system and the economic viability of land markets and land-based investments. Mr. Georges deep appreciation for the potential for developing platforms and portals to support revenue collection on newly digitized records is relevant and timely for the next phases in our work." Bitt focused on supporting regional governments and central banks, especially in the Caribbean region and, most recently, Nigeria, by offering solutions to mint and issue digital fiat currency. "My history in the Caribbean and experience in Africa with the issuance of the eNaira in Nigeria dovetails exactly with MLGs work in many of the same areas," Mr. George said. "Registering a land transaction is time-consuming and costly for citizens, and many might be vulnerable to fraud or unauthorized activity. Similarly, at Bitt, we prioritized financial inclusion, specifically for those without access to legacy banking institutions, which was not only expansionary but also equitable and secure." Story continues He added, "Similarly, MLG's goal in building paperless land transaction systems that can be run on a public blockchain has unimaginable potential to unlock dead capital and usher in an immense and symbiotic economic explosion. This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and, more so, critically important projects I have seen." This includes Ubutaka, a web-based paperless registration application for land transactions, which MLG developed for Rwanda, the first country in Africa to record land transactions on a public blockchain. MLG has established a prominent footprint in the Caribbean. Working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) on the countrys Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) project, MLG has been leading the production of updated cadastral map data. The project covers 545 square kilometers of urbanized areas (nearly all of Guyanas urban footprint) and another 15,736 square kilometers of rural areas. MLG also mapped the island of St. Kitts. The company provided capacity-building services to the island government to strengthen local knowledge, skills and understandings related to mapping, land administration, GIS and other relevant technical areas. MLG also has successfully implemented land titling, registry and administration projects in Zambia, Liberia, Mexico and the U.S., among others. It has supported various local, regional and national governments to implement digital solutions to complex land governance challenges. This includes issuing land documents, streamlining the administration of land rights, recording vacant properties, ensuring protections against deed fraud and creating an environment for sustainability and improved well-being, especially for women and others who historically have not enjoyed the benefit of formal certificates of title. In Zambia, MLG is working with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to implement an ongoing 7-year, nationwide project, to issue up to 4 million certificates of title. Mr. Georges entrepreneurial experience covers numerous sectors on the business spectrum. His Trotters Restaurant Group portfolio comprises eight restaurants in three countries (Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad). Patrons at his restaurants were the first in the region to have been able to pay with both crypto currency and digital cash. Other business ventures include Digital Asset Capital Management, one of the world's first Crypto investment funds and Creator Labs, the first 3-D and motion design agency in the Caribbean, specializing in NFT production, animation, digital wearables and metaverse applications. He studied at Clifton College in the U.K. and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He is married to Elizabeth and is a father of four girls. About MLG Medici Land Governance leverages blockchain and other technologies (such as cryptography, AI, blockchain and geodata collection) to support land governance, titling, and administration with a secure public record of land ownership. With land records stored on the blockchain, land ownership is standardized and can be recognized by local and global economies. Medici Land Governance supports agencies in the digitization of their current records, engendering trust and security in data by diminishing human error and accidental damage to records. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213218687/en/ Contacts Medici Land Governance, PR Team, pr@mediciland.com HONG KONG, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pictet Asset Management (PAM), the world's leading actively-managed thematic equities asset manager, has launched the inaugural "Investing in the Future University Competition 2023" (Competition) across five markets in Asia, with a focus on Megatrends and environmental thematic investing. It aims to empower the younger generations that aspire to become investors by enhancing their knowledge and skills in thematic investing, while fostering their environmental awareness and responsible investment mindset. (PRNewsfoto/Pictet Asset Management) Competition across Asia to identify environmental opportunities The Competition covers Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan*. Participants will envision themselves as investment managers within PAM's thematic equities team to identify and analyse one company with attractive growth prospects that offers products and services to address pressing environmental issues worldwide. Students will apply their financial knowledge in assessing the impact of ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors on a company's growth prospects. Finalist teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas during the Grand Final in Hong Kong SAR. The regional competition enjoys support from The School of Business and Management of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) as Leading Academic Partner, and seven renowned universities across these five Asian markets, including Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore; as well as three leading international organisations - International Chamber of Sustainable Development as our Assessment Partner, Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools and World Green Organisation*. *Names of markets and supporting organisations are arranged in alphabetical order. "We are pleased to unveil our first university competition in Asia, focusing on environmental thematic investing. Pictet Asset Management has a nearly three-decade expertise in thematic investing and the prowess to unlock the secular growth value of Megatrends. We are convinced that investors have the responsibility to redirect capital towards green solutions by investing in fast-growing companies in the environmental sector aiming to achieve long-term financial returns while creating positive environmental and social impacts," said Junjie Watkins, Equity Partner, Pictet Group and CEO of Asia ex Japan at Pictet Asset Management. "It is essential to recognise that having a sense of responsibility not only applies to the present generation, but also to future ones. We therefore make it our mission to inspire the next generation of changemakers by leveraging our market and investment expertise combined with hands-on experience." Story continues Pioneering thematic investing, delivering solid performances PAM is one of the world's largest actively-managed thematic equities fund managers and accounts for 8% of its total AUM for SFDR article 9 funds globally* - the market share in article 9 funds is among the highest in the world. PAM manages 17 thematic equity strategies, with USD 63 billion in assets under management as of 30 September 2023. As a pioneer in thematic investing, the success of PAM's thematic franchise has been steadily built throughout the years, founded on a measured approach of selecting and tracking long-term trends that may evolve through economic cycles. Despite the market volatility and economic uncertainty in 2023, PAM's thematic equities strategies continued to gain traction in Asia. The strength and core value of PAM's thematic equity capabilities lie in its resilience and ability to seize growth opportunities underpinned by the Megatrends. *Source: Morningstar Article 8 and Article 9 Funds: Q3 2023 in review Megatrends: transformational changes impacting the world and revenue The Competition zeros in on the Environment cluster of the Megatrends which spans climate change, resource scarcity, environmental quality, and biodiversity & ecosystem services. The increasing awareness of climate change risks is spurring actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience, while economic growth is driving demand for resources, leading to scarcity, resource stress, and a focus on resource efficiency. Industrialisation has worsened pollution, affecting health and economics, making environmental protection a priority; rapid biodiversity loss and its economic impacts are raising awareness and driving policy and behavioural changes. Megatrends encompass social, demographic, environmental, and technological changes that are shaping our world. PAM believes that Megatrends are a crucial source of long-term revenue and earnings growth, and therefore serve as the basis for each of its thematic equity portfolios. They are derived from insights provided by Pictet's Thematic Advisory Boards and have been jointly identified and determined by PAM and the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (CIFS), a global research and advisory firm. The resulting Megatrends Framework consists of 21 megatrends classified into six clusters, namely Environment, Technology and Science, Global Governance, Demography, Economy and Society. Each Megatrend enhances PAM's thematic equity capabilities and forms a core part of the formulation and development of its thematic equities strategies. About the Pictet Group The Pictet Group is a partnership of eight owner-managers, with principles of succession and transmission of ownership that have remained unchanged since foundation in 1805. It offers only wealth management, asset management, alternative investment solutions and related asset services. The Group does not engage in investment banking, nor does it extend commercial loans. With CHF 638 (USD 713) billion in assets under management or custody at 30 June 2023, Pictet is today one of the leading Europe-based in- dependent wealth and asset managers for private clients and institutional investors. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded there, Pictet today employs over 5,300 people. It has 30 offices worldwide, in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel, Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Lausanne, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Monaco, Montreal, Munich, Nassau, New York, Osaka, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Stuttgart, Taipei, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Turin, Verona and Zurich. About Pictet Asset Management Pictet Asset Management (Pictet AM), part of the Pictet Group, provides specialist investment management services across a range of strategic capabilities including multi-asset solutions, thematic equities, emerging markets and alternatives, with USD 260 billion in assets under management at 30 June 2023. Its clients include financial institutions, pension funds, foundations and financial advisors. Pictet AM has 18 business development centres worldwide. In Asia, it has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo, and Singapore. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pictet-asset-management-launches-investing-in-the-future-university-competition-2023-in-asia-302013666.html SOURCE Pictet Asset Management Only seven years after laying down the first casks of whiskey to be produced in Co Mayo in over 150 years, the Connacht Whiskey Company recorded a major breakthrough at last Tuesdays Irish Whiskey Awards when its Connacht Single Malt Distillery Exclusive was named Best Cask Strength Irish Whiskey of the Year at the prestigious competition. The distillery also received a Gold Medal for its Straw Boys Poitin. The Irish Whiskey Awards competition is now in its tenth year and features Irish whiskey and spirits in twenty categories, so to be named the best of the best is a tremendous honour and one the Connacht Whiskey Company is proud to have received. The awards were held at the Jameson Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. When we started Connacht Whiskey our singular focus was to create great Irish whiskey, explained its delighted CEO Thomas Jensen. Everything we have done from our location in western Ireland, our custom stills, our selection of Minch Hook Head malt, to a great distilling team including Master Distiller Robert Cassell, Master Blender Julia Nourney, and Head Distiller Ryan Friesen, was done to bring a true craft approach to Irish whiskey. The fact that our five and a half year old single malt can not only compete but win against some of the greatest whiskey brands in the world gives us confidence that we are doing things right, added Jensen, who is one of CWCs Founders. The fact that we also received the gold medal for our poitin demonstrates the quality and care we put into all our new make spirit and the passion we have to help Irish whiskey continue to grow and receive the global recognition it so deserves. CWCs whiskeys are heavily influenced by Irelands maritime climate and its used as a key selling point that every bottle has been crafted by the Atlantic at the Ballina distillery. Mayo's social housing list has 1,235 applicants. Director of Housing with Mayo County Council, Tom Gilligan, told members of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) last week that 443 people are waiting for social housing in the Castlebar Municipal District, with 315 in Westport-Belmullet, 293 in Claremorris-Swinford and 184 in Ballina. Of the 1,235 people looking for homes, 457 are waiting for one-bedroom homes, which is the most out of all categories. Between April 2016 and April 2022, the number of vacant dwellings in Mayo decreased by 19% from 10,597 to 8,922, while the number of holiday homes rose from 4,855 to 5,987. Housing stock grew by 4% from 65,921 to 68,282. The Ballina Municipal District has the most derelict sites with 103, while Claremorris-Swinford has 95, Westport-Belmullet has 54 and Castlebar has 35. The council hopes to build 730 new social houses by 2026, as part of the Government's Housing For All initiative, but there is no target for affordable housing. Mr Gilligan also revealed that there will be 66 new social homes at the former Chesire Home Site in Ballina while there are 33 new social homes in a turn-key stage at the Turlough Road, Castlebar. Westport councillor Christy Hyland asked: What makes affordable housing affordable? He said that in Dublin, on average, you need a combined income of 127,000 to get a mortgage for a semi-detached house. He also called for the income limit for social housing to be increased from 30,000 to 50,000 as middle Ireland is a no mans land. Cllr Michael Kilcoyne criticised the length of time it takes to approve affordable housing through the Department of Housing. You have to send them every note that you write and prepare a report and send it off. Then wait for them to come back. Theyll come back to you with queries and then you answer. Its just nightmare stuff, its stalling tactics being used by the Department, Cllr Kilcoyne claimed. SPC member Donna Hyland, who is a Sinn Fein candidate in next year's local elections, said she hopes there will be more social housing coming on stream and that there is a lack of clarity with affordable housing guidelines at a national level. The Western People was afforded a preview of a spectacular project that has the potential to transform the Ballina economy. The former military barracks in the heart of the town have been recast as a state-of-the-art space that will now become known as Innovation Quarter (IQ) Ballina. The project, which cost close to 8 million, was funded by Mayo County Council and the Urban Regeneration Development Fund. The entire complex is owned by the council and will be managed through a collaboration between it and Moy Valley Resources. The Innovation Quarter Project has been under construction for two years and the council is now ready to get the ball rolling on inviting vibrant businesses to make a new home in the exciting hub. We are pretty much ready to go and are kicking off the expressions of interest process," said John Magee, Head of the council's Local Enterprise Office (LEO). "There has been loads of informal contact with us and now crucially we have a criterion of the type of businesses that we want to put in here. Anybody who has made informal contact with us will be invited to take part in a formal expressions of interest process." He said the project will bring about the establishment of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a prominent town centre location which can drive footfall through Ballina and boost the local economy. Housed in stunning buildings, IQ Ballina boasts high-speed connectivity and everything a commercial enterprise could want. The project was first conceived back in the days of the former Ballina Town Council with lands acquired through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process. The large space, made up of a complex of three two-storey buildings, began its life as a Military Barracks in 1743. Some of the old features of the Military Barracks are retained in the new building. The site has had multiple uses over the years and, unfortunately, that meant that much of its history has been lost. However, whatever could be salvaged has been incorporated into the finished project. "The buildings themselves were in very reasonable condition but, unfortunately, an awful lot of the original history and artefacts were not left for us to do an awful lot with. But what we did find we incorporated. From a conservation point of view, we are very happy with what we have been able to deliver, said Robbie Maguire, Ballina Municipal District Architect, who oversaw the project. We were starved of finding original material other than the walls, but we did find very original 18th-century roof trusses which were a joy to see. We took great care in taking those down and conserving them for reuse. Because of the different uses of the site through its history things were redeveloped for different purposes, he added. The Innovation Quarter is located in the heart of Ballina town centre on a site that dates back to the 18th century. The traces of the past which could be retained are married with the modern to create a world-class facility. The entire complex is powered by renewable energy sources. What we have delivered is a state-of-the-art facility which has got all the modern services that any business would expect. To be able to do that in a historic building is a big bonus. The character that it portrays is something that I think people will really appreciate, Mr Maguire said. "We are conscious that the project is generating a lot of excitement not just amongst local enterprises but also from the community. We hope what we have delivered will match those expectations and we think that we have. It's going to have a huge impact on Ballina." The new Innovation Quarter boasts state-of-the-art facilities in a historic setting. The 20,000 sq foot site also incorporates a central community plaza. Additional funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, has enabled Mayo County Council to develop Military Square as a community space. It is hoped that it will become a buzzing area and performance space. It will really come alive and that will be great for the town, said Declan Turnbull, Head of Ballina Municipal District. Up to 150 people will be able to work in IQ Ballina with the council hoping to welcome its first tenants in the New Year. Mr Magee said the local authority will be seeking to attract an anchor tenant for the largest building in the complex with companies looking to grow and scale utilising the rest of the campus. We are hoping to attract one large-scale corporate commercial tenant. Ideally, a company looking for a second site that be set up here in Ballina, maybe an established Irish company or a company from overseas that wants to set up in Ireland for the first time. In the other buildings, we are looking for businesses that are growing and scaling. Crucially we are looking for businesses that want to take on new people, stated Mr Magee. Representatives of Mayo County Council and Moy Valley Resources chat to Western People reporter Keith Bourke (left) in the new Innovation Quarter. The council will be working with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to market the facility. There isnt a better example of something like this in the country so closely tied to the town centre. This has the potential to be game-changing for Ballina, Mr Magee remarked. 2023 has been a landmark year for Ballina. The visit of US President Joe Biden coincided with the celebration of the towns tercentenary through a year-long programme of events. Annette Maughan, CEO of Moy Valley Resources, and a part of the Ballina 2023 Steering Group, said the IQ builds on the momentum that now exists in the town. Ballina 2023 has been a fantastic opportunity for the town and for North Mayo. There is certainly a much wider understanding and knowledge of Ballina now, regionally, nationally, and internationally. "Ballina has been elevated in a lot of ways and is a town that is being talked about in a very positive light. This project is the next new and exciting thing for Ballina. Its going to be transformational for Ballina and will carry all that positivity forward. The magnificent new Innovation Quarter will be a key employment hub in Ballina in the decades to come. David Dwane, Chairperson of Moy Valley Resources, said the organisation is incredibly proud to be a part of the project and to continue its strong track record of aiding enterprise in Ballina. We are looking forward to helping new businesses, start-ups and emerging businesses, said Mr Dwane. The place looks beautiful and I think it is going to be the envied right around the country, he added. Housing developers have a responsibility to aid the process of a housing estate being taken in charge by Mayo Co Council, according to members of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. Fine Gael Cllr Tom Connolly put forward a motion at last weeks meeting calling on the council to take Ard Loughalisheen Estate in Ballindine in charge. He also followed up on his motion from Novembers meeting, where he called on the local authority to take Mayfield estate in Claremorris in charge. Cllr Connolly blamed Uisce Eireann, formerly Irish Water, for stalling the process, as bonds have been paid in both estates. I want a full report on those two estates for the next meeting because enough is enough now," he said. "These people have paid well for these houses and paid their household tax. Some parts of the estates are half-finished, and manholes are sticking up. Its absolutely disgraceful, Cllr Connolly said. Cllr Patsy OBrien said that it was not the local authoritys fault, adding that there is an onus on housing developers to help residents. Senior engineer Conrad Harley said the reason Mayfield estate has been held up is because there is a defect in the sewerage system. He said funding is in place, but he hopes there will be an agreement between the developer, the council and Uisce Eireann to obtain a solution. Its a given wisdom though our unionist fellow-Irishmen and women would not easily agree that there is much the present residents of our divided and disunited Emerald Isle North and South hold in common. The recent findings of yet another survey on Irish unification has surfaced yet another shared understanding, North and South. Pat Leahy, in The Irish Times, used the term "strikingly similar" to describe the response in both North and South when voters were asked about whether the impact of a potential blow to their financial circumstances might influence their response to unification. Almost half of all voters in Northern Ireland who expressed a preference 43% of the total said they would be less likely to vote for a united Ireland if it meant they would be 3,500 a year worse off. In the Republic, 44% (almost the same figure) said it would make them less likely to vote in favour of a united Ireland if they would be 4,000 worse off as a result. Another 'shared understanding that supporters of unity will not welcome. It is, like most things in our shared history, unsurprising. When any of the sacred cows of unionists and nationalists are threatened, both scurry back in defensive mode into their respective burrows. When either of orange or green totems are held up to the light the prospect of a united Ireland seems less and less likely. The difficult truth is that the two most effective agents in ensuring that the prospect of a united Ireland is regularly undermined are the extremists on both sides. Both provoke carbon-copy responses in the middle ground of voters. Sinn Fein in flights of fancy continually floats the prospect of uniting the four green fields and flaunts in interminable commemorations their rights to laud what by common consent is often unlaudable; the DUP tries to recapture their imagined ascendency of the past golden age when their abuse of power and their subversion of democracy was inflicted on those who happened to find themselves on the wrong side of the Reformation; and most people who form the sensible middle-ground find themselves asking yet again who in their right minds would ever want to have anything to do with either extremity? Indeed why would anyone in their right mind give more than a seconds thought to reconciling the Sammy Wilsons with the Gerry Adamses of Ireland? Or even think of attempting to reconcile' one with the other? After all, its a self-evident truth that if most people believe something is not just undoable but impossible continuing to even imagine doing it is in danger of skirting the edges of Albert Einsteins definition of insanity: attempting the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. Even more deranged is the expectation that the sensible people who inhabit the middle-ground of Irish politics would voluntarily relinquish 3,500 or 4,000 a year in attempting to satisfy a diminishing, even impossible, dream. Heres a thought. Whats the point of these endless series of surveys on Irish unity when they more or less confirm what the cat knows? Is there anyone out there who was even mildly surprised by the finding that "the economic effects of a united Ireland on voters personal finances would have a crucial impact on their choice in any future referendum on Irish unity"? The only ones favoured by this suspect exercise are the media (who endlessly hype up the merest indicator of some completely unexpected implication in the figures into what presents as a workable thesis) or a conspiracy of research departments in universities (which sources and expends vast sums of money on worthy investigations) but which amounts in the end (as in the case of this survey) to little more than a hill of beans. Hands up all those who thought (before this and multiple other surveys pointed out what John Cleese once described as "the bloody obvious") that the sensible denizens of middle Ireland North and South would ever have imagined even the possibility of a meeting of minds between the diametrically opposed worlds of Sammy Wilson and Gerry Adams. Especially when it was so recently irrigated with the blood of so many republican and unionist martyrs and so many innocent lives so often cursorily dismissed as collateral damage in the long war for Irish freedom? Hands up those who, to compound the unimaginable and the preposterous, are prepared to invest 3,500 to 4,000 a year or around 75,000 for 20 years in the ambitious project of reconciling Sammy and Gerry, even if that were possible to do. A bit of context might help to get a clearer perspective. The Middle East is Northern Ireland on a larger scale. With Hamas and Israel, anything that serves to further the mutual intention to eradicate the enemy is acceptable: the killing of the innocent, the bombing of children, the kidnapping of the elderly, the absence of any sense of a shared humanity or even any respect for the rules of war. With Hamas and Israel, the only uniting factor is an underlying mutual intention to eradicate the other side. What is fundamental to understanding both the Middle East and Northern Ireland is that the underlying division seems to be beyond resolution. The most that can be achieved in either conflict is to make it difficult for opposing factions to stop killing each other and/or to observe a delicate truce forever teetering on the edge of a precipice. What percentage of what faction may be slightly changing their perspective will be measured by surveys and provide welcome copy for the media but the problems remain intractable as there is really no shared foundation on which to build lasting peace. Other than getting Sammy and Gerry into a room. And the best of luck with that. * Brendan Hobans new book, Holding Out for a Hero/The Long Wait for Pope Francis, is now available at 18 in the usual outlets and from www.mayobooks.ie. Vivienne Clarke Shoplifting has reached astronomical levels, according to the chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), Vincent Jennings, adding the practice is not a victimless crime. "Vile, misogynistic and racist" levels of abuse were being experienced by retail staff, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland, adding he is concerned about the ability of the sector to retain workers. Mr Jennings, who will appear before an Oireachtas Committee on Wednesday to discuss the matter, dismissed claims that the growth in shoplifting was as a result of the rise in the cost of living. "Thats the greatest load of bunkum going," he said. People are not being pushed into stealing because of poverty, he argued, claiming they are organised criminals who are stealing in order to resell. "Most worryingly, children were now being used in the belief that they could not be prosecuted," he said, adding that Tusla needs to be involved. Asked if the thieves were armed, Mr Jennings said that very often their physical presence and the sense of menace was enough of a threat to staff. There is also "most certainly" an element of racism involved, he claimed. The issue is not just a problem in cities, he said, noting it is happening all over the country. It is widespread and has now reached "astronomical proportions", Mr Jennings added. He said shop owners have also been disappointed by the response of gardai, with some claiming they had been asked by officers why they did not have their own security staff, or if they had complaints to "take it up with the politicians or with Drew Harris". "We want it to be acknowledged at long last that shoplifting is not a victimless crime," Mr Jennings said. Castlebar Rotary Club will again host its annual fundraising project, the Tree of Remembrance, from Saturday, December 16 to Saturday, December 23. Since this fundraising event started in 2008, it has raised over 45,000 for local charities. The purpose of the Tree is to give members of the public an opportunity to remember a loved one at Christmas while supporting local charities with a voluntary donation. The Tree of Remembrance will again be located on Hopkins Road, outside Dunnes Stores. You can remember a loved one, either living or deceased, by placing a ribbon on the Tree and making a donation. All those remembered will be prayed for at 10am Mass in the Holy Rosary Church on Wednesday, December 27. This year the clubs charity partners are Mayo Cancer Support and Castlebar Social Services Rotary Club President Finian Joyce, in launching the event, said: This project is unique in that it affords people an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a very tangible way while at the same time supporting two very worthwhile local charities - Mayo Cancer Support and Castlebar Social Services. We are again appealing to the people of Castlebar and all visitors to the Town during this festive period to take some time out and visit The Tree of Remembrance on Hopkins Road and take part in this unique project Erris Reunion Dinner Dance 2023 The Erris Reunion Dinner Dance 2023 was held in the Claddagh Ring in Hendon on November 10 last. This annual event has been organised by Sean Ruddy and his brother Martin and extended family, and this year Seans niece Michelle Lindsey helped with the organising of the event. Over 100 people attended the dinner dance and music was provided by the wonderful Martin Ruddy and band, free of charge. Sean first revived the Erris Reunion Dance when the Erris Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association were fundraising to build the centre in Belmullet in 2011. With the support of Rose Coyle and Rosaleen Lally from IWA the dance was a huge success and paved the way for the new centre to be built in Logmore. Every year since the dance has become a special occasion for Erris emigrants to come together and to raise funds for Erris and London charities. Over the years this event has raised over 150,000 for Erris charities. This years beneficiaries were Erris Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association 7000, Glencastle Special School 6000, St Lukes Cancer Hospice London 8000, Erris Family and Community Support Centre 3000. Rosaleen Lally wishes to thank sincerely the generosity of everyone who attended the event, sponsored prizes and those who donated so generously. Kilcommon Community Development lotto The draw was held on December 3, and the numbers drawn were 8, 10, 15 and 28 for a jackpot 11,000 and there was no winner. The house prize 100 winner was Mary Gallagher, Gorthmellia Strand and the 30 offline winners were Martin McCann, Belderrig and Tony Ginnelly, Gorthbrack. The 30 online winners were Philomena Healy, Bunalty and Mixie McGuire, Pullathomas. Next weeks jackpot is 11,100 and the draw will take place in McGuires Pullathomas. Ballycroy Naionra thank you Ballycroy Naionra thank all who supported their fundraiser card game on November 24, in Ballycroy Community Centre. Thanks to all those who sponsored prizes for the raffle, prepared refreshments and helped on the night. Mile buiochas. First female Garda in Belmullet District retires It was the end of an era recently for Ballycroy Community Policing as local Garda, Margaret Sweeney, retired. Margaret joined An Garda Siochana in December 1991. Margaret was stationed first in Mountjoy and Rathmines Garda Stations in Dublin and then was transferred to Belmullet Garda Station in November 1996 where she made history as the first female Garda in Belmullet District. Margaret then transferred to Ballycroy Garda Station on April 1, 2019 attached to Mayo Community Policing Unit where she helped so many of the community in different areas e.g. schools and the elderly. Margaret and her family are wished many years of health and happiness and thank her for her great service to the people of Ballycroy. In the festive mood Congratulations to Our Ladies Secondary School Choir who have had a busy few days recently spreading Christmas cheer in Erris. They performed at the Cara Iorrais Christmas market and really added to the wonderful atmosphere there. They then visited the two nursing homes, Sonas and Aras Deirbhle for a Carol Service. The students had a fantastic time with the residents and it really had everyone in the festive mood. Well done to Ms Gallagher for conducting them and thank you to the local community for the invitations to showcase the talented choir. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly sunny and pleasant; still a bit of a breeze, from the southwest 10-15mph with gusts to 20mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly clear and seasonably cold. Scatec ASA 13 December 2023: Release by Scatec (Release), has signed a USD 100 million loan agreement with the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC). The loan agreement is part of a larger partnership to provide a simpler, more affordable, and cleaner offering of power to African utilities, which also includes a USD 65 million guarantee facility to support the payment obligations of Releases customers. The objective is to replace costly diesel and expand electrification in the region. Release operates on a unique leasing model, providing flexible short- or long-term contracts for the mining and utilities market, primarily in Africa, based on modular, movable and redeployable equipment. IFC is the largest global development institution renowned for its instrumental role in supporting private sector development, and the loan from IFC will provide funding on a portfolio level for Releases further development and installation of assets to be leased to African utilities. The purpose of the guarantee facility is to guarantee payments to Release from the counterparties leasing the solar and battery equipment. The structure provides risk mitigation for Release while allowing African utilities and governments to secure affordable renewable energy from solar and batteries, without the financial commitment required for the conventional infrastructure projects. The partnership with IFC will thereby represent a significant catalyst for further growth of the Release platform. The first project where the combined project loan and guarantee structure will be applied is for a 35 MW solar and 20 MWh battery project in Ndjamena in Chad, where a lease contract has already been signed. Releases existing and operating projects in Northern Cameroon of 36 MW of solar PV and 20 MWh of batteries will also form part of the portfolio financing and discussions on extending the capacity of these projects are currently ongoing with the utility. Story continues This highly innovative solution enables countries to deploy solar power projects quickly, allowing African countries to swiftly ramp up to meet rising energy demand with clean power solutions, said Sarvesh Suri, IFCs Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources, Africa. Our ambition is to deploy this replicable solution, in partnership with Release in multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa within a short timeframe, allowing more people to benefit from the economic growth that comes with reliable, affordable access to electricity. I am delighted that, through this partnership between Scatec and IFC, Chad has been chosen as the first country to benefit from a solar power plant to support the government's efforts to meet the energy access needs of our populations, said Alixe Naimbaye, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy of Chad. In addition, the liquidity guarantee facility granted by the World Bank to Societe Nationale d'Electricite underlines the strong commitment of the World Bank Group to facilitating partnerships with private investors. We are excited to secure the partnership with IFC for our innovative solar leasing solution Release. IFCs support is testimony to the solid business model of Release, the general demand and need for such an innovative solution in the market and our proven track record in developing renewable energy solutions, says Scatec CEO, Terje Pilskog, who is also Chair of Release. The innovative approach of Release follows a dynamic rolling delivery model of build, connect, and deliver. Looking ahead, Release is actively exploring additional opportunities in Cameroon, Liberia, and the rest of West- and Central-Africa, reinforcing its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions across the African continent and other select markets, says Release CEO Hans Olav Kvalvaag. This significant step comes after Release recently raised USD 102 million in funding from Climate Investor One, a fund managed by Climate Fund Managers, a leading climate-centric blended finance fund manager backed by FMO, the Dutch Development Bank, and Sanlam Infraworks, part of the Sanlam Group of South Africa. For further information, please contact: For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP Investor Relations, tel: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP Communications & Government Affairs, tel: +47 468 449 59, meera.bhatia@scatec.com For images, please see Release image gallery About Scatec Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.3 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn . About Release Release is a modular and movable solar PV and Battery Energy Storage offering energy-as-a-service. The equipment is pre-financed and deployed under a simple and flexible leasing contract. The mobility of the equipment enables Release to assess its useful lifespan, enabling the company to provide cost-effective short-term contracts. Release is gaining momentum in the market and has projects in operation and under construction in Cameroon, South Africa, Mexico, and South Sudan, boasting a combined capacity of 47 MW of solar PV and 20 MWh of battery storage. Release is owned 68% by Scatec and 32% by Climate Investor One, managed by CFM. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act KYIV, Ukraine (AP) A barrage of Russian missiles targeted Kyiv on Wednesday, wounding at least 53 people, officials said, as the Ukrainian president sought more military support in Europe after a trip to Washington secured no new pledges. Loud explosions rocked Ukraine's capital at 3 a.m. as the city's air defenses were activated for the second time this week. Ukraines air force said Russia launched 10 ballistic missiles toward Kyiv and all were intercepted by air defenses, but their debris struck homes and a children's hospital. The attack underscored the continuing threat to Ukraine from the Kremlins missile arsenal in the 21-month war. Russia has been stockpiling its air-launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet, according to a recent assessment by the U.K. Ministry of Defense. That may herald another heavy winter bombardment of Ukraines power grid. Moscow last year targeted energy infrastructure in an effort to deny Ukrainians heat, light and running water and break their fighting spirit. As winter sets in and hinders troop movements, allowing little change along the front line, long-range air bombardment plays a growing role. Ukraine has dwindling supplies of air defense munitions and other ammunition. That prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Washington on Tuesday in an effort to persuade lawmakers to approve President Joe Biden's request for $61.4 billion for Ukraine. His trip accomplished no breakthrough. Zelenskyy said on Telegram that he and Biden agreed to work on increasing the number of air defense systems in Ukraine. The terrorist state has just demonstrated how crucial this decision is, Zelenskyy said, referring to the overnight strikes. On Wednesday, he met in Oslo with Nordic leaders who feel keenly the potential threat from nearby Russia and are among Kyiv's staunchest supporters. Zelenskyy may also attend a European Union summit on Thursday in Brussels, where the continents leaders are expected to discuss their backing for Ukraine. Officials did not confirm such a trip. Russia is eager to exploit divisions," the senior leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden said in a joint statement in Oslo. "We must continue to stand united against Russias illegal and immoral war. They vowed comprehensive assistance for Ukraine. Now is not the time to tire, the Nordic leaders said, amid signs of war fatigue among Kyiv's foreign supporters. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her government will unveil a Ukraine support package of almost 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) this week. Norway announced it will give additional air defenses to Ukraine, taking them from its own stocks to ensure speedy delivery. Separately, Latvia and Ukraine announced an agreement on the production of drones, a key part of the war. In the overnight missile attack, debris from the intercepted weapons fell in Kyiv's eastern Dniprovskyi district, injuring dozens of people, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Kitschko said on Telegram. Twenty people, including two children, were hospitalized, and 33 people received medical treatment on the spot. An apartment building, a private house and several cars caught fire, while the windows of a children's hospital were shattered, Klitschko said. Falling rocket debris also damaged the water supply system in the district. Elsewhere in Ukraine, 10 Russian drones were shot down, most of them in the Odesa region, the Ukrainian air force said. In other developments, a hacktivist group called SoIntsepek claimed responsibility for a major cyberattack Tuesday against Ukrainian internet and cell phone provider Kyivstar, which serves more than 24 million mobile customers across the country. The Google-owned U.S. cybersecurity firm Mandiant said SoIntsepek regularly claims credit for the activity of the Russian hacking team known as Sandworm, part of the GRU military intelligence agency. The persona was probably fabricated by the GRU to launder their operations publicly, Mandiant threat analyst John Hultquist said in an emailed statement, adding that Sandworm is responsible for most major disruptive cyberattacks we know about. A Kyivstar spokeswoman said the company hoped to restore all service by end of Wednesday but the network integrity company Kentik Inc. said only a fraction had been restored by the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a report that Russian forces this year have continued to use explosive weapons with wide area effects in their attacks on densely populated urban areas of Ukraine ... both in areas close to heavy fighting and in cities far from the contact line. The governmental organization added in the report published Wednesday that Ukrainian armed forces, though on a much smaller scale, also shelled populated areas of Ukraine that are occupied by Russia, causing civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Associated Press writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, and Frank Bajak in Boston contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced tens of thousands of dollars in state funding Wednesday for security and law enforcement projects in Berks County. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved $284,845 in grant funding for seven projects in the 11th Senatorial District, including several aimed at bolstering security at local synagogues. "I'm pleased to see various groups in our community continue to take advantage of opportunities to secure funding for important projects at the state level," said Sen. Schwank. "I have consistently advocated for the Nonprofit Security Grant program and fought for its continued funding in Harrisburg. Additionally, within this group of recipients, there's needed support allocated to assist the Reading Police Department in recruiting new officers. There's no doubt that this funding will go a long way toward making Berks County a safer place to live, work, and play." The recipients are: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Exeter Community Library $25,000 for safety and security upgrades. Jewish Federation of Reading $25,000 for safety and security upgrades. Kesher Zion Synagogue $17,900 for safety and security upgrades. Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom $8,945 for safety and security upgrades. Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program City of Reading $140,000 for recruitment incentive bonuses for 28 individuals hired as police officer trainees. Kutztown University $21,000 to cover the cost of Act 120 training for three officers. State Childrens Advocacy Center Funds County of Berks $47,000 to cover operational expenses for the Childrens Alliance Center of Berks County. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Allentown City Council approved a 2024 budget without a tax increase during a special meeting Tuesday night at city hall. The vote was 5-2. The legislative body entered the evening faced with two proposed amendments to accomplish the task. One amendment called for a no-tax-increase budget which contained no new positions, while retaining increases to police captains and emergency management services. The amendment also called for a reduction in the unappropriated balance by an amount $762,054 resulting in a no-tax-increase budget. A second amendment added a sustainability position back into the budget. Mayor Matt Tuerk's administration said before the vote the 2% property tax increase was required to sustain city services. Bina Patel, director of finance, said proposals to rely on cash reserves would be "irresponsible." She then issued a warning that no tax increase in this year's budget would result in a roughly 14% tax increase in 2025. In addition, not raising taxes could affect the city's bond rating, she said. "We believe in the 2% increase to ease the burden on taxpayers in the future," Tuerk said. "...Things do get more expensive, and we have to adjust." "I believe the 2% is manageable," Councilman Santo Napoli said. "...I just think next year, unfortunately, is going to be a lot of discussion about trash (rates)." "We need to take the advice of our professionals," Councilwoman Candida Affa said in supporting the tax increase. "It's the old story. You can pay us now, or you can pay us later," Councilman Daryl Hendricks said in supporting the tax hike. "...By not increasing this small amount now, I fear it's going to cost us that much more down the road." A motion for the 2% tax hike was rejected by council 3-4. Tuesday night's decision appeared to end a drama lasting nearly two months. Tuerk first presented his proposed budget Oct. 16, and his initial spending plan included a 6.9% tax increase. Council found this proposal unsatisfactory and then amended the budget in a 5-2 vote, eliminating a number of positions and upgrades, and making various cuts to reject any tax increase. Tuerk responded by vetoing council's general fund bill known as Bill 95 as amended. To complicate matters further, council failed to override the mayor's veto at a Nov. 15 council meeting, but then reconsidered Bill 95 as amended. At that same meeting, Tuerk responded to City Council's adopted budget and offered an amendment with a 2% tax increase. This was not acted upon that night. Ultimately, this led to Tuesday night's decision with the two proposed council amendments that would replace and supersede their initial amendment passed Nov. 4, which reduced the tax increase to zero with the mayor's 2% proposal as the basis. The mayor said he has no plans to veto the budget. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - Investigators are trying to figure out who chased down a car and fired shots at it in a Northampton County neighborhood. Around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, victims reported they were in the area of the Hills at Lehigh Apartments in the 2100 block of Johnston Drive in Bethlehem Township when they were approached by three or four men, said township police. The victims drove off in their vehicle and the men chased them in a dark-colored sedan, police said. Someone in the car fired multiple shots at the victims' vehicle in the area of Millstone Drive near Clifton Avenue, police said. The suspect car then fled. The victims' car was hit. Investigators found multiple shell casings in the area, more than what hit the car, so they are asking residents in the area of Millstone Drive and Clifton Avenue to check their property for damage. Police are also asking everyone in the neighborhood and nearby to check their video surveillance between 10-11 p.m. Investigators believe one of the victims was targeted and it was not a random act. Anyone with information or surveillance should contact police at 610-814-6461 or janderson@bethlehemtwp.com. Anonymous tipsters can text "TIP BETHLEHEMTWP" and their message to 888777. Hanover Township will hear a challenge Dec. 21 to the zoning change that cleared the way for a warehouse proposal off Route 512. Arcadia Land Development seeks to build a 250,290-square-foot warehouse at 300 Gateway Drive, on the site of what is now a SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, and adjacent property. Eastupland Associates, an affiliate of Arcadia, owns the SureStay and a vacant field next to it, and the Hampton Inn at 200 Gateway Drive. The challenger is Red Bird Associates, owner of the headquarters building of Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley at 100 Gateway Drive, right off Route 512 and Route 22. Red Bird has presented a "validity challenge" to the Nov. 8, 2022, decision by Hanover Township (Northampton County) to change zoning. "Petitioner Red Bird Associates LLC is aggrieved by the use/development proposed" for the land, according to documents filed with Hanover Township. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 at the township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road. When the township expects a crowd, it holds meetings at the center instead of in the smaller municipal meeting room just down the street. There will be no webcast of the meeting. The plan for a warehouse near the northeastern corner of the intersection of Route 512 and Route 22 has drawn criticism before. The Monocacy Creek Watershed Association has said development at the site may threaten the waterway, which is on the south side of Route 22. Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley Chairman, Chief Executive and President David Lobach spoke out in May against a plan that he said will add more vehicles to a congested intersection. "This is going to have a big impact on us, on the community, on traffic, and it's going to add danger to that intersection," he told the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. At a November meeting, representatives of the developer said the use is permitted, and that the warehouse would be a "modest generator" of traffic. The proposal has been through multiple reviews already. The Hanover Township Planning Commission, an advisory body, recommended the plan earlier this year. At a meeting in November, the township's Board of Supervisors voted to delay considering the plan until Jan. 23, 2024. BETHLEHEM, Pa - On the sixth night of Hanukkah, members of the local Jewish community held a menorah lighting in Bethlehem and called for a ceasefire in Palestine. This comes as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on. The U.S. government has stood firmly against calling for a ceasefire but organizers said Tuesday's event aims to show continued support by many in our area for just that. "Community members led by the Jewish community are coming together to light a Hanukkah menorah to demand a ceasefire," said Cory Fisher - Hoffman, member of Jewish Voices for Peace. "It's a reminder that even in the darkness, darkest time, there is always the potential for light and peace," said Taiba Sultana, councilwoman for the city of Easton. The event took place at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem. People started to gather around 5 p.m. "The reason why we are coming together is that it's extremely important to put pressure on Israel and the U.S. government to stop funding Israel's bombardment of Gaza," said Fisher - Hoffman. Members of the community got the chance to speak about how Hanukkah commemorates a story of Jewish liberation from oppressive occupation, like Lehigh University Associate Professor and Director of Global Studies, Dr. Allison Mickel. "I think gathering together in a public space, and showing that you care about human rights, and about ethnic cleansing and genocide happening in the world, I think showing that in a public space is really, really important," said Mickel. Organizers said they are urging those in the Lehigh Valley and beyond to do their part from home and take action by calling their representatives. "There are many people in the Lehigh Valley that are opposed to the ceasefire. We would like our representatives to represent that voice of opposition by signing the ceasefire now resolution," said Fisher - Hoffman. "The only thing we can bring together is unifying and calling for ceasefire," said Sultana. "It's a call for action. It's a call for unity." Organizers said the menorah lighting will happen following some speeches from community members. They're calling it a family friendly event. There will be snacks, a dreidel for children, and more. All are welcome. Clarification: We aired this story about a Menorah lighting at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem Tuesday. The event was organized by the group Jewish Voices for Peace. During that story, we aired file video of a different local Jewish group, and a rabbi not affiliated with Tuesday's event. We regret the error. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG In his first year as Pennsylvanias governor, Josh Shapiro won praise as a literal bridge builder, signed a state spending plan that included long-sought Democratic priorities, and helped expand a relief program for older homeowners. The Democrat, a former state lawmaker who touts himself as a dealmaker, has nonetheless struggled at times to advance priorities through Harrisburgs ideologically divided legislature. His record will depend on how well he can find middle ground, and he will be watched not just here in Pennsylvania but in national political circles as well. His first major attempt at a deal blew up in his face. Shapiro negotiated a budget with the Republicans who control the state Senate, and according to the GOP, agreed to a package that would have funded private school vouchers with public dollars. Amid widespread opposition from state House Democrats and organized labor, Shapiro vetoed the provision from the budget, throwing unfinished business into a tailspin and prompting Republican outcry that he had reneged. A lot of first-time governors, myself included, make this mistake, said Ed Rendell, a Democrat who was Pennsylvanias governor from 2003 to 2011 and has known Shapiro for decades. We assume that our own party is going to support us, and not buck us on something that's very important to us. Always count heads, Rendell said. I dont think hell make that mistake again. Shapiro also had to weather a series of events outside of his control beginning in the early months of his administration. A little more than two weeks after his inauguration, the governor had to respond to the East Palestine train derailment less than a mile from Pennsylvanias border, which released thousands of tons of toxic chemicals. And amid budget talks, the sudden collapse of an overpass on I-95, used by tens of thousands of Philadelphia commuters every day, required Shapiro to coordinate a temporary replacement in less than two weeks while under national scrutiny. There almost wasn't a quote-unquote normal, Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder told Spotlight PA of those early emergencies. We were still figuring out, you know, where the lights were. Other unexpected bumps in the road came from the courts. About a month into Shapiros governorship, Commonwealth Court found that the states education system was unconstitutionally underfunded, a ruling that presented Harrisburg with a mandate to take action on a thorny, far-reaching, and politically charged policy issue. I wonder if he had unpacked all his clothing before the courts made the ruling, quipped state Rep. Peter Schweyer (D., Lehigh), who heads his chambers Education Committee. But perhaps the thorniest problems of all came from within Harrisburg. The governors miscalculation while negotiating an education plan resulted in bad blood with both state House Democrats and state Senate Republicans. While those tensions have since largely settled and lawmakers have made some progress in passing legislation, the budget remains undone, leaving libraries and community colleges without funding. Shapiro has also faced criticism for his offices handling of sexual harassment allegations against Mike Vereb. As the administrations legislative secretary and main liaison with chamber leaders, Vereb was one of Shapiros highest-profile staffers, and he is also one of the governors oldest political allies. Relatively early in Shapiros tenure, a staffer in the governors office accused Vereb of sexual harassment. When reporters began asking the administration about the allegations months later, Vereb resigned without explanation. As Spotlight PA later reported, the administration had quietly settled the claim a few weeks before Verebs resignation and required both sides to sign nondisclosure agreements. The office has broadly declined to comment on personnel matters. State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) told Spotlight PA the accusations against Vereb were the worst-kept secret in Harrisburg. Ward, who as Pennsylvanias highest-ranking Republican is one of Shapiros chief political counterparts, said she heard rumblings of the situation even before June budget negotiations, and said it impacted their ability to finalize the deal. In particular, Ward said that staff in the states agencies told her that Vereb did not want to work with me and that Vereb had advised agencies to talk to state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) on issues. Was it because he really couldn't sit across the table from me? Or is it just a pattern of disrespect for women? Ward told Spotlight PA. I'm not sure. But that happened. Bonder declined to respond to Wards allegation, saying he would not comment on a comment. He added, On matters related to the budget and the back and forth, [Shapiro has] had a very good, productive, cordial relationship with Sen. Pittman. Secrecy and transparency questions arent isolated to Shapiros handling of the allegations against Vereb. Shortly after the November 2022 election, Shapiro had his transition team sign unusually strict nondisclosure agreements and declined to publicize the private donors who had funded his inaugural festivities a departure from at least two immediate predecessors. He also decided to keep his daily schedule secret and relaxed predecessor Tom Wolfs notoriously strict gift ban. His administration will face tough tests in 2024. Shapiro and lawmakers will have to confront the findings of a legislative commission tasked with making public education more equitable, an issue that may come with a multibillion-dollar price tag. Pennsylvania will also be under a microscope as it administers a presidential election under a badly outdated law. Josh is pragmatic, said Rendell. There are things he cares about, but he knows I always have a saying that I teach young people involved in politics, a song that informs how you should conduct your office. The song is You Cant Always Get What You Want. GSD attitude meets partisan reality In a speech to reporters in late November, Shapiro touted his administrations GSD attitude. And we have gotten a lot of st done, he added. His administration implemented automatic voter registration a change that prompts Pennsylvanians to register to vote when they interact with PennDOT and Shapiro signed an executive order that removed a college degree requirement for thousands of state jobs. He secured money from the company behind the East Palestine train derailment for those affected and worked to bring $1.6 billion in federal money to the state to build two hydrogen hubs, seen as a potential clean energy game-changer. The governor also signed into law expanded insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, a long-needed update of a state property tax rebate for older people, and continued funding for universal free school breakfast. Otherwise, the list of legislative accomplishments is short. As of Dec. 11, Shapiro had signed into law less than half as many bills as Wolf, his predecessor, did in his first year. Some of the reasons behind the slow start have little to do with Shapiro. For the first time in more than a decade, the legislature is divided with Democrats in control of the state House and Republicans in charge of the state Senate meaning the parties must find common ground to get anything to Shapiros desk. The power change in the lower chamber meant it took a while for the state House to get down to business, while subsequent vacancies have caused the Democratic majority to pump the brakes on action several times. Combined with new faces in leadership, lawmakers in both chambers have acknowledged a learning curve in cutting deals. We are separate branches of this government, Shapiro said at a news conference in December. They have a responsibility to govern. And if they can't figure that out just pointing fingers at me may make it a little bit easier for them temporarily, but it doesn't serve the interests of the good people in Pennsylvania. Still, Shapiro did not do himself any favors when his heterodox stance on school vouchers helped kick off a budget impasse. Shapiro presented his first budget proposal in March, asking lawmakers to extend some pandemic-era social programs and invest an additional $1 billion in education, among other priorities. While not mentioned in his speech, Shapiro also supports the use of taxpayer money to fund private school vouchers, even listing the issue on his campaign website. Such a stance runs askew of his party and many of its financial backers, including organized labor. Susan Spicka of the group Education Voters of PA said it was confounding that Shapiro made school vouchers the centerpiece of this entire administration, especially when these are schools that are just flagrantly discriminatory and that really are not offering our children a better option. She pointed to a report from her organization that found many schools that participate in an existing tax credit for students in low-achieving districts have policies that allow for discrimination against students. State Senate Republicans included $100 million for a voucher program in a budget bill the caucus passed on June 30, the deadline. The upper chamber then recessed and left town, seemingly giving the state House and its Democratic majority two choices take it or leave it. A few days later, Shapiro met with voucher opponents including state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) and the Democratic members of the chambers Education Committee in a closed-door Capitol meeting. There were a lot of raw emotions [and] a lot of hard feelings about a lot of things, Schweyer said, but we got to a good place. That place included a promise: Shapiro said he would strike the $100 million for school vouchers from the final budget deal if state House Democrats put up the votes to pass the deal, according to Schweyer. Democrats agreed. We closed a budget deal, which is increasingly difficult as weve seen, and Shapiro kept his word, Schweyer said. Bonder told Spotlight PA that Shapiro still wants to pass a voucher program, which the governor believes could be additive to the commonwealths school system, particularly in its poorest districts. He was not going to accept a long, protracted, painful budget impasse, but he made clear that he thinks this is something that we need to keep working toward, and that continues to be the case right now and going forward, Bonder said. State Senate Republicans, meanwhile, still think Shapiro could have done more to get vouchers into the budget if the policy is a priority. You've got a lot of power and a lot of juice when you are governor, so if you are committed to something you can get it done, said Ward, the chambers top lawmaker. You have to get it done and you have tools in your toolbox to make that happen. Intraparty foul Vouchers arent the only area where Shapiro has split from many in his party and its traditional allies. These intraparty disputes have been some of the trickiest for Shapiro, who is seen as a consensus-builder who is more motivated by accomplishment than ideology. Shapiro has not endorsed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an interstate program to reduce carbon emissions, that was championed by Wolf and embraced by many Democrats. His administration is appealing a court decision that blocked the states participation but only to protect executive power. The governor, however, is fully on board with hydrogen hubs, which refer to the infrastructure needed to produce, store, and transport the fuel and any byproducts. His administration in October said it helped to bring $1.6 billion in federal money to build two hubs partly in the commonwealth. While environmental advocates have been cautiously optimistic about using hydrogen in hard-to-decarbonize industries, a lack of available detail on the Pennsylvania hubs has disappointed people like Pete Budden, who leads state and regional hydrogen policy work at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Budden said missing details about safety measures and exactly how the hubs will produce hydrogen makes it hard to advocate around the projects and propose oversight legislation. But Shapiro has rebuffed those concerns, saying at one news conference that people who are attacking this project, they're standing in the way of real progress. That position has won Shapiro fierce support among many labor leaders, including Jim Snell, business manager at Philadelphias Steamfitters Local 420. At that same news conference, Snell recounted a morning in summer 2022 when then-candidate Shapiro called him to discuss getting Pennsylvania involved in hydrogen production. I thought, this guys the real deal, he really means it, said Snell, adding that the commonwealth would never have gotten involved in two hubs if it wasnt for Governor Shapiro behind the scenes, doing what he needs to do. David Masur, who heads the group PennEnvironment and has known Shapiro for decades, said the governors mixed bag of positions on environmental issues is both characteristic of Shapiro and the compromises inherent in a politically divided, energy-producing state. Masur believes that Shapiro is sincere in saying he wants to make Pennsylvania greener, but also that he feels he must be pragmatic to get anything done. The politics of Pennsylvania can be really tough, Masur said. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. SHENANDOAH, Pa. - A fatal officer-involved shooting in Schuylkill County is shining some light on what residents in one town say is an ongoing problem. Police say they were called to the vacant home when security footage revealed there was a 32-year-old man in there carrying a big knife. Police say they found the man under a bed upstairs. As they were moving the bed, he lunged at the officer with a machete, police said. Police shot the man, authorities said. It was a shooting that woke residents from their beds Monday morning. It was a most extreme ending to a situation that some residents say is not unusual for their Shenandoah neighborhood. "The biggest problem we have in this town is squatters," said West Coal Street homeowner Fred Koch. "They're moving into these homes." Becky Woods of the United Way says Schuylkill County has some of the oldest housing stock in the state, dating back to the 40's, and many of the buildings are now falling down. "So there are a number of old dilapidated properties, so it's not surprising people are squatting, trying to find shelter wherever they can," said Woods from her office Tuesday afternoon. "Most of the landlords are out of county, out of state, even in New York, Philly, it ties up what the courts can do with these properties. Just rotting away in our neighborhoods." So, why are so many people in need of a place to stay? Back at the United Way, Woods says many of the programs that were in place for assistance during COVID are ending. People should call the United Way to learn about available help, but this winter, the need exceeds the capacity of the services. "I'm foreseeing an uptick in the number of people who will need assistance this winter," said Woods. SCHUYLKILL TWP., Pa. - A Schuylkill County police officer is facing charges for allegedly using a police database for personal reasons. Jason Lex, 49, is accused of using the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) computer system to look up the address of his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend while on duty, according to court paperwork. Lex, of the Ringtown area, was charged last week with two counts of unlawful use of a computer and a charge of official oppression, court records show. The Pennsylvania attorney general's office says while Lex was on duty on the night of May 17, he used JNET to look up the address of his ex's new boyfriend, then showed up at his house. His ex-girlfriend came outside to talk to Lex, who was in his police uniform. She said he talked to her about getting back together, officials say. The investigation found Lex also looked up another friend of his ex-girlfriend's, authorities say. He later admitted to investigators that he knew he was not supposed to use the police database for personal reasons, but that he did it anyway. Lex is out on $25,000 unsecured bail. The entrance to Repairs on Ashmun is shown. SAULT STE. MARIE After many years, a family business is returning to Chippewa County with a new generation of workers. Steve Zambron once worked alongside his father, first in Detroit and then in Pickford. For 10 years, Steve and his father ran The Small Engine Clinic in Pickford. That's where he developed his skills in fixing all kinds of machines. What started off as a career fixing lawn mowers grew into an engine repair shop to support Zambron's income as a truck driver. It eventually grew big enough to become his entire career. After his father got sick and eventually passed away, Zambron was forced to sell the shop as he no longer had the equipment or time to run it on his own. After spending some time moving around with his family, Zambron eventually returned to the EUP, where he said he wanted to raise his kids. Zambron went to work in Kincheloe for a manufacturing company, where he stayed for close to another decade, before the chance to revive his father's business arrived. "I worked at Superior Fabrication about 10 years, and eventually I had this moment where the stars aligned," said Zambron. "I found myself in a place where I had the time and money and skills to open up my own shop and we had found the perfect place on Ashmun." Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our content In June, Zambron began setting up his new location on Ashmun Street, connected to Pat's Food, and in November was able to open the doors for the first time. Despite not having a lot of space out front to advertise, Zambron said business has already started picking up due to word of mouth and referrals. They have only been open a few weeks, but Zambron said he enjoys his new job. "I enjoy doing the work, and I was tired of working for other people. I'd rather serve customers and work for them," said Zambron. At the new shop, Zambron gets to include his family in his work the same way his father included him. Both his son and daughter work part time at the shop with him, as they are the only employees. Story continues The main focus of the shop is engine repair, from cars to leaf blowers to snowmobiles and more, but also includes repairs for other electronic items. "I taught myself electronics repair working on appliances and broken computers and that kind of thing. In the past, it's been a side gig but now I can include it in the shop," said Zambron. The shop, located at 905 Ashmun St., also has an online presence at the shop's Facebook page. Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Small engine and electronics repair shop open on Ashmun PHILADELPHIA Two former leaders of a Philadelphia-based electricians' union were convicted by a federal jury of embezzling union funds, the FBI said in a press release last Thursday. According to the press release, John Dougherty, 63, and Brian Burrows, 63, were convicted Dec. 7 of embezzling funds belonging to their union, Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Dougherty was the union's business manager while Burrows was its president, the press release said. The FBI said Dougherty, Burrows and four other Local 98 employees were indicted in January 2019 and charged with multiple federal offenses related to their use of funds contrary to the provisions of IBEW's constitution. The FBI charged Dougherty and Burrows of concealing such funds by filing false labor management reports with the U.S. Department of Labor, according to the FBI. Dougherty was previously convicted of seven counts of honest services wire fraud and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud in 2021, the press release said. For their alleged actions, Burrows faces up to 83 years in prison and Dougherty faces up to 901 total years in prison for both of his convictions. Dougherty's sentencing is scheduled for March 20, while Burrow's sentencing is scheduled for March 21, the press release said. WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. - The Warren County Prosecutor's Office and Washington Township Police Department are asking the public's help in locating a man charged with having a sexual relationship with a minor. Authorities say an investigation revealed that 20-year-old Michael Davenport of Easton, Pa., engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old victim. Davenport allegedly met the victim in person after first connecting with them on Snapchat. He's charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Anyone with information on Davenport's whereabouts is asked to contact the Warren County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at 908-475-6275 or Washington Township Police Department at 908-689-1630. PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. A school bus carrying nearly two dozen first- and second-graders was hit by a car in Warren County. Witnesses said that car was quickly surrounded by police with guns drawn after the crash. "My first thought is, like, 'Keep running. Don't stop, go help the kids'," said Alfredo Cisneros, owner of Cisneros Pizza on Memorial Parkway. Cisneros said he was inside his pizza shop of just three months, helping a customer, when he heard a loud noise outside. "I saw a bus. You know, I saw kids crying, and that's, that's the first thing I got. You know, I went outside trying to go to the bus," said Cisneros. "All I hear is the bus hitting the railing at the end of that curve. And so the bus is hitting the railing, I look out, and it's all the way over here," said Betzaida Cisneros, Alfredo's daughter. The bus was full of first- and second-graders leaving Phillipsburg Primary School for dismissal when it was hit by a car on Route 22, said Phillipsburg School District Superintendent Gregory Troxell in a statement. The car was quickly surrounded by police, according to witnesses. "There was, like, three cops with guns out, and they were just, like, telling the guy to, like, get out of the car, not to move," said Betzaida Cisneros. "Might have 20 cars, 20 police cars came," described Alfredo Cisneros. "When I saw two cops get out of the police cars and point a gun to the small car, I was like, 'Wow, there's something serious.'" The wreck closed Route 22 near the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border for hours on Tuesday. The New Jersey Department of Transportation said the crash happened on the eastbound lanes of Route 22 at Route 677 and Morris Street. Drivers were advised to follow a detour route all afternoon into the early evening. According to the district, students with minor injuries were evaluated and taken to the hospital. Cisneros said other students were taken to a business along the strip where parents came to pick them up. "My mom says, you know, when something scares you or anything, the first thing is bread," said Alfredo Cisneros. "You know, like, I don't know what the bread does to the to the nervous system, but it helps." And with his mother's advice, the pizzeria owner and his daughter made a few extra slices of pizza to offer to students, who he said had to politely decline given the circumstances. "For the most part, this is a small town. Not a lot happens here," said Betzaida Cisneros. The crash is being investigated by the Phillipsburg Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. There is no word yet on what led up to the crash or the condition of the driver in the car. 69 News spoke with the Warren County prosecutor on scene, who said more information will be released this week. HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. - Do you know this person? Police in Warren County, New Jersey, say the man seen in the doorbell camera footage above stole an expensive package off of a porch. The package was taken around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday from a home on Musky Ridge Drive in Hackettstown, police said. Video shows a man walk up to the front porch with an empty Wendy's paper bag, pick up the package and put it in the bag, then walk back down to the road where a white car slowly drives up. The total stolen was $3,000, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hackettstown Police Department at 908-852-3300 or TEXT-A-TIP: Text 'TIP HACKPD' followed by your message, to 888-777. PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - A police pursuit crosses state lines, twice, and ends with the car striking a school bus, according to the Warren County Prosecutor. 69 News is learning new details about what led to and what followed Tuesday's crash in Phillipsburg. Twenty-two students were involved in a crash on Route 22, making parents hearts skip a beat. "My daughter got a phone call from her friend asking if she was the one who was on the bus, and then it was all over Facebook," said Nina Catanio, a parent at the Phillipsburg Primary School, whose children were not on the bus. The Warren County Prosecutor confirms a police pursuit started in Lopatcong, New Jersey, went over to Pennsylvania and then ended back in New Jersey, in Phillipsburg, where the vehicle being followed hit a school bus. First and second graders were on that bus heading home from Phillipsburg Primary School. The district says some sustained minor injuries. The prosecutor tells us the driver of that other vehicle has been hospitalized with serious injuries. He says that driver was the only person in the other vehicle. Investigators are working to determine how fast the car was going when it hit the school bus. They're gathering data from the car itself. Witnesses saw officers with guns drawn facing the vehicle after the crash. It happened just over the Pennsylvania border, in the eastbound lanes of Route 22, near Route 677 and Morris Street. Law enforcement from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania were involved. "That's very frightening," said Lakeya Clark, another parent at the primary school, whose child was not on the bus. "It's very hard hearing something happened to the children." "I was heartbroken," said Catanio. "I have no words. I mean, I'm just glad that all those kids are safe, and that the bus driver had the heart to bring them all out and just make sure that they're all okay." 69 News reached out to Phillipsburg Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police, both of which said any information about this has to come from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. The prosecutor is expecting to be able to release more information Thursday. WASHINGTON The House on Wednesday authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with every Republican rallying behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. The 221-212 party-line vote put the entire House Republican conference on record in support of an impeachment process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president: punishment for what the Constitution describes as high crimes and misdemeanors, which can lead to removal from office if convicted in a Senate trial. Biden, in a rare statement about the impeachment effort, questioned the priorities of House Republicans in pursuing an inquiry against him and his family. Instead of doing anything to help make Americans lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies, the president said following the vote. Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts. Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. The decision to hold a vote came as Speaker Mike Johnson and his team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden's family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. We do not take this responsibility lightly and will not prejudge the investigations outcome, Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team said in a joint statement after the vote. But the evidentiary record is impossible to ignore. Authorizing the monthslong inquiry ensures that the impeachment investigation extends well into 2024, when Biden will be running for reelection and seems likely to be squaring off against former President Donald Trump who was twice impeached during his time in the White House. Trump has pushed his GOP allies in Congress to move swiftly on impeaching Biden, part of his broader calls for vengeance and retribution against his political enemies. White House: baseless fishing expedition The decision to hold a vote came as Johnson and his leadership team faced growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden's family members. While their investigation has raised ethical questions, no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. Ahead of the vote, Johnson called it the next necessary step" and acknowledged there are a lot of people who are frustrated this hasnt moved faster. In a recent statement, the White House called the whole process a baseless fishing expedition that Republicans are pushing ahead with despite the fact that members of their own party have admitted there is no evidence to support impeaching President Biden. House Democrats rose in opposition to the inquiry resolution Wednesday. This whole thing is an extreme political stunt. It has no credibility, no legitimacy, and no integrity. It is a sideshow," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a floor debate. Some House Republicans, particularly those hailing from politically divided districts, had been hesitant in recent weeks to take any vote on Biden's impeachment, fearing a significant political cost. But GOP leaders have made the case in recent weeks that the resolution is only a step in the process, not a decision to impeach Biden. That message seems to have won over skeptics. As we have said numerous times before, voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equal impeachment, Rep. Tom Emmer, a member of the GOP leadership team, said at a news conference Tuesday. Emmer said Republicans will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead, and if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered. Most of the Republicans reluctant to back the impeachment push have also been swayed by leadership's recent argument that authorizing the inquiry will give them better legal standing as the White House has questioned the legal and constitutional basis for their requests for information. Democrats unified in opposition A letter last month from a top White House attorney to Republican committee leaders portrayed the GOP investigation as overzealous and illegitimate because the chamber had not yet authorized a formal impeachment inquiry by a vote of the full House. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, also wrote that when Trump faced the prospect of impeachment by a Democratic-led House in 2019, Johnson had said at the time that any inquiry without a House vote would be a sham. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said this week that while there was no evidence to impeach the president, thats also not what the vote this week would be about. We have had enough political impeachments in this country, he said. I dont like the stonewalling the administration has done, but listen, if we dont have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long-term. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has long been opposed to moving forward with impeachment, said that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote helped gain his support. I can defend an inquiry right now, he told reporters this week. "Let's see what they find out. House Democrats remained unified in their opposition to the impeachment process, saying it is a farce used by the GOP to take attention away from Trump and his legal woes. You dont initiate an impeachment process unless theres real evidence of impeachable offenses, said Rep. Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who oversaw the two impeachments into Trump. There is none here. None. Democrats and the White House have repeatedly defended the president and his administration's cooperation with the investigation thus far, saying it has already made a massive trove of documents available. Congressional investigators have obtained nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and dozens of hours of testimony from key witnesses, including several high-ranking Justice Department officials currently tasked with investigating the president's son, Hunter Biden. While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president himself, they have taken particular interest in Hunter Biden and his overseas business dealings, from which they accuse the president of personally benefiting. Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations of interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden's taxes and his gun use. Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states from the special counsel investigation. Hes charged with firearm counts in Delaware, alleging he broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. Special counsel David Weiss filed additional charges last week, alleging he failed to pay about $1.4 million in taxes over a three-year period. Democrats have conceded that while the president's son is not perfect, he is a private citizen who is already being held accountable by the justice system. I mean, theres a lot of evidence that Hunter Biden did a lot of improper things. Hes been indicted, hell stand trial, Nadler said. Theres no evidence whatsoever that the president did anything improper. Hunter Biden arrived for a rare public statement outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, saying he would not be appearing for his scheduled private deposition that morning. The president's son defended himself against years of GOP attacks and said his father has had no financial involvement in his business affairs. His attorney has offered for Biden to testify publicly, citing concerns about Republicans manipulating any private testimony. Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say, Biden said outside the Capitol. What are they afraid of? I am here. GOP lawmakers said that since Hunter Biden did not appear, they will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against him. He just got into more trouble today, Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee chairman, told reporters Wednesday. This is a developing story and will be updated. Read more: CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday. Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing, the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Monday. Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about campus antisemitism in the wake of the latest Israel-Hamas war, which erupted in early October. Their academic responses provoked backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses. Some lawmakers and donors to the university had called for Gay to step down, following the resignation of Liz Magill as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday. On Tuesday, the University of Pennsylvania announced it had selected an interim president to replace Magill, naming Dr. J. Larry Jameson, who has served as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine since 2011. A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members had asked the schools governing body to keep Gay in charge. At issue was a line of questioning that asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the universities code of conduct. At the hearing, Gay said it depended on the context, adding that when speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies. So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the university's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation, the corporation's statement said. Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the university's fight against antisemitism." In an interview with The Harvard Crimson student newspaper last week, Gay said she got caught up in a heated exchange at the House committee hearing and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students. What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community threats to our Jewish students have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged, Gay said. Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as did similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, a committee member who repeatedly asked the university presidents whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the schools rules, voiced her displeasure about the school's decision on X, the social media platform. There have been absolutely no updates to (Harvards) code of conduct to condemn the calls for genocide of Jews and protect Jewish students on campus, she said. The only update to Harvards code of conduct is to allow plagiarists as president. The school said an independent review into plagiarism allegations against Gay found three instances of inadequate citation, but no misconduct. On the Harvard campus, the news about the decision came as students and teachers were rushing to classes. Gunduz Vassaf, a visiting professor in psychology, said he supports Gay. I fully support her testimony before Congress. I do believe that the situation has been taken out of context in the emotions of the immediate moment, Vassaf said. As long as theres no incitement and a call for violence, this falls within the freedom of speech, he added. Evan Routhier, a student at Harvard, said he also supports Gay. My experience since shes taken over has been positive, he said. The news drew others to the campus. Rabbi Chananel Weiner, the director of Aish Campus Boston, said he came to Harvard to show solidarity with students. We need to resist the ideas really that are being spread here that are really against the Jewish people, he said. The Jewish people are under attack and we're under attack from all angles, academia being one of them and this is the heart of academia." Celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, a longtime defender of Israel and a professor at Harvard Law School, said Tuesday it was a mistake for the Harvard Corporation to support Gay, saying she championed a diversity, equity and inclusion bureaucracy that has become an incubator for antisemitism. He said he hopes that Gay changes her views on free speech to ensure everyone is treated the same. Right now she has been presiding over a dangerous double standard that permits free speech attacking some groups but not others. The school must decide on a policy, either free speech for all, equally, or limited restrictions, equally applied. She has not been the champion for that kind of equality and therefore she is the wrong person, at the wrong time, in the wrong job, he said. A grassroots watchdog group called StopAntisemitism said on X that Harvard's decision serves only to greenlight more Jew-hatred on campus." It said it continues to call for Gay's resignation and urged the corporation to reconsider. College campuses nationwide have been roiled by protests, antisemitism and Islamophobia since the start of the war in Gaza two months ago, putting university administrators across the nation on the defensive. The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay's request. The corporation reviewed the results on Saturday, which revealed a few instances of inadequate citation and found no violation of Harvard's standards for research misconduct, it said. Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications, the statement said. Harvards announcement came the same day several prominent universities faced new federal investigations for allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia. The U.S. Education Department announced it opened civil rights investigations at Stanford, UCLA, the University of California-San Diego, the University of Washington-Seattle, Rutgers University and Whitman College. Details about the complaints were not released. Those schools join Harvard, Penn, Cornell, Columbia and several others that have come under investigation by the department since Oct. 7. McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press reporter David Sharp contributed from Portland, Maine. At least nine Israeli soldiers were killed in an ambush, marking one of the deadliest single attacks that Palestinian militants have carried out since the ground invasion of Gaza began, Israel's military said. The attack in a dense urban neighborhood came after repeated recent claims by the military that it had broken Hamas command structure in northern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with Israels Gaza offensive until the end, rejecting international pressure for a cease-fire. Israel has drawn international outrage and rare criticism from the United States over the killing of thousands of civilians. The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly this week to demand a humanitarian cease-fire General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but the message in favor of ending the Israel-Hamas war serves as an important barometer of world opinion. Just hours before the vote, U.S. President Joe Biden warned that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in the deaths of over 18,400 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel says 113 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 240 hostages. Currently: Israel-Hamas war tensions roil U.S. campuses; Brown protesters are arrested, Haverford building is occupied. Wartime Palestinian poll shows surge in Hamas support; close to 90% want U.S.-backed Abbas to resign, Families of American hostages in Gaza say Biden reaffirms commitment to freeing their loved ones. New sanctions from the U.S. and Britain target Hamas officials who help manage its financial network. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. Heres whats happening in the war: ISRAEL'S ARMY WEBSITE IS HACKED BY A PRO-PALESTINIAN GROUP JERUSALEM Israels army website was briefly hacked on Wednesday by a pro-Palestinian group that warned of more attacks against Israeli forces, including further cyberattacks. In a short letter that covered the main page of the Israeli army website, the group, calling itself Anonymous Jo, said the militarys arrogance and injustice toward our people in Gaza will only harm you through terror, killing and war, whether by land, air or electronically. The letter went on to call for the liberation of Palestine. Little is known about Anonymous Jo, although the group or individual behind the attack indicated that they are of Jordanian origin. From your brothers in Jordan to our people in Gaza and Palestine, one of the lines read. Jordan, which borders the occupied West Bank, has a large Palestinian population and the public is very sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians. The army confirmed the hack. ISRAEL DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS MILITARY DIFFERENCES WITH U.S. OVER GAZA CAN BE RESOLVED JERUSALEM Israels defense minister has acknowledged the differences with the United States over Israels military operation in the Gaza Strip, but says he is confident the two sides will find a way for the operation to continue. At a news conference, Yoav Gallant said Wednesday that Israel appreciates the diplomatic and military support it has received from the U.S. He said despite the differences, both sides agree that Israel must prevail over Hamas. We will find a way to help Americans help us. Gallant said. He said Israel is aware that it must take into account the U.S. needs, without giving up on the goals of the war. A MEETING AIMED AT FINDING WAYS TO SANCTION HAMAS IS HELD IN PARIS PARIS -- Frances foreign ministry said a meeting focusing on finding ways to sanction Hamas has been held Wednesday in Paris in the presence of international partners, without providing details about participants. The meeting discussed concrete actions to be taken against this terrorist group and ways of increasing international coordination, the ministry said in a statement. Participants discussed ways to combat Hamas financing, strengthen sanctions targeting the group and its members, as well as the effective implementation of the standards of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), including the control of risks relating to the use of crypto-currencies, the statement said. Participants also discussed how to combat content spread online by Hamas and reiterated the importance of robust regulatory mechanisms, it said. NETANYAHU VOWS TO FIGHT UNTIL THE END AND REJECTS CALLS FOR CEASE-FIRE JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is vowing to press ahead with Israels Gaza offensive until the end, rejecting international pressure for a cease-fire. Netanyahus comments on Wednesday came at a time of rising international criticism of the heavy civilian death toll in the offensive. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden criticized what he described as indiscriminate bombing by Israel, and the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly called for a cease-fire in a nonbinding vote. Netanyahu spoke to Israeli military commanders, a day after at least nine soldiers were killed in Gaza. It was one of the deadliest days for Israel of the operation. Netanyahu said Tuesday was a very difficult day, but that the war will continue. We are continuing until the end, there is no question. I say this even given the great pain, and the international pressure. Nothing will stop us, we will continue until the end, until victory, nothing less, said Netanyahu. CLASHES AT LEBANON-ISRAEL BORDER DISRUPTING EDUCATION OF CHILDREN BEIRUT Clashes on Lebanons southern border against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war have exacerbated an education crisis in the small Mediterranean country that has been in the throes of a major economic meltdown for the past four years, UNICEF said Wednesday. A survey of Lebanese as well as Syrian and Palestinian refugee households living in Lebanon conducted by the U.N. agency in November found that 26% of households had school-aged children who were not attending school, up from 18% in April. Syrians reported the highest prevalence of children out of school, at 52% of households, followed by Lebanese at 13% and Palestinians at 7%. While the cost of education materials was the most-cited reason, UNICEF said, thousands of children were also out of education due disruptions related to ongoing fighting on the border between the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The clashes have killed about 130 people in Lebanon, including 17 civilians, according to a tally by The Associated Press, and have displaced nearly 59,000, according to the International Organization for Migration. PALESTINIANS KILLED DURING ISRAELI RAID OF WEST BANK REFUGEE CAMP TEL AVIV, Israel At least seven Palestinians were killed and a dozen were arrested during a two-day Israeli raid in the northern West Bank. The Israeli military said Wednesday that troops operating in the Jenin refugee camp seized weapons, ammunition and explosives, and uncovered tunnel shafts, observation posts and six explosive laboratories. The Palestinian Health Ministry said seven Palestinians were killed in Jenin on Tuesday. The dense, urban refugee camp has long been a stronghold for Palestinian militants. Israeli forces have carried out frequent raids over the past two years that have often set off gunbattles with Palestinian fighters. Israel seized the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Over 270 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to the Health Ministry. AT LEAST 9 ISRAELI SOLDIERS ARE KILLED IN AN AMBUSH IN GAZA CITY, MEDIA SAY TEL AVIV, Israel Israeli media say at least nine soldiers were killed in an ambush in Gaza City. The dead include Col. Itzhak Ben Basat, 44, the most senior officer to have been killed since the ground operation in Gaza began in late October; and Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, commander of the Golani Brigades 13th Battalion. Army Radio said troops who were searching a cluster of buildings lost communication with four soldiers who had come under fire, sparking fears of a possible abduction by Hamas militants. When the other soldiers launched a rescue operation, they were ambushed with heavy gunfire and explosives. Other Israeli media outlets carried similar accounts of the battle. The military confirmed that a total of 10 soldiers were killed in Gaza on Tuesday. It did not respond to a request for comment about the circumstances. Hamas said the ambush showed that Israels offensive was a failure. POPE FRANCIS RENEWS CALL FOR PEACE IN GAZA VATICAN CITY Pope Francis renewed his call for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza on Wednesday and for the return of hostages taken by Hamas when its militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7. May both sides involved have courage to take up the negotiations again, and I ask everyone to take on the urgent job of getting humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza. They are at the end of their rope and really need it, he said. Free all the hostages immediately who saw some hope in the cease-fire a few days ago, may this great suffering for the Israelis and the Palestinians end. Please no to arms and yes to peace. Francis has sought to maintain the Vaticans traditional neutrality in conflicts, but he has angered Israelis in particular with his generic reference to the war degenerating into terrorism without explicitly condemning Hamas for its initial attack. 2 MISSILES FIRED FROM HOUTHI-HELD TERRITORY MISS A SHIP NEAR YEMEN, A U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemens Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, a U.S. official said. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. No one was hurt in the attack, the official said. The ship that was targeted, the oil and chemical tanker Marshall Islands-flagged Ardmore Encounter, was traveling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. The vessel had been coming from India and had an armed security crew aboard it, according to data transmitted by the ship. The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the attack. Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell contributed to this report. Israel pressed ahead with an offensive against Gazas Hamas rulers that it says could go on for weeks or months. But the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. The vote Tuesday also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. More than 17,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. About 90% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, where United Nations agencies say there is no safe place to flee. With only a trickle of humanitarian aid reaching a small portion of Gaza, residents face severe shortages of food, water and other basic goods. Israel says 97 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 240 hostages. Qatar, which has played a key mediating role, says efforts to stop the war and have all hostages released will continue, but a willingness to discuss a cease-fire is fading. Currently: Packed hospitals, treacherous roads, harried parents: Newborns in Gaza face steeper odds of survival. U.N. General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. Biden takes a tougher stance on Israels indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. Biden will meet with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas on Wednesday at the White House. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. Heres whats happening in the war: UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTES TO DEMAND A HUMANITARIAN CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The support was higher than for an Oct. 27 resolution that called for a humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assemblys messages are important barometers of world opinion. UNITED STATES DEFENSE SECRETARY WILL VISIT ISRAEL, BAHRAIN AND QATAR TO SEEK MARITIME PROTECTION The Pentagon announced Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Bahrain and Qatar next week as the U.S. continues to press allies to commit to an international maritime task force to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea as those ships have come under increased attacks. Austin will also meet with his defense counterparts in Tel Aviv to show continued U.S. support for Israels right to defend itself but also press the need for Israel to avoid more civilian casualties in Gaza. Late Monday, a land-based cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen hit the Motor Transport ship STRINDA, causing a fire. The USS Mason, a destroyer, responded to assist the ship. BIDEN TOLD NETANYAHU THAT INDISCRIMINATE BOMBING IN GAZA COULD ENDANGER ISRAEL'S INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT WASHINGTON President Joe Biden says hes told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel risks losing international support because of indiscriminate bombing during its war with Hamas in Gaza, but that hes not sure the countrys staunchest conservative leaders are getting the message. Speaking at a fundraiser for his reelection campaign in Washington on Tuesday, Biden said, Israel has a tough decision to make. Bibi has a tough decision to make. He added of Netanyahu, I think he has to change his government. His government in Israel is making it very difficult. One of the things that Bibi understands, Biden said is that Israels security can rest on the United States. But, right now, it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world supporting them. But theyre starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Biden also called out Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of a far-right Israeli party and the minister of national security in Netanyahus governing coalition. Ben-Gvir opposes a two-state solution and has called for the Israel to reassert control over all of the West Bank and Gaza. Biden suggested that he wasnt sure Ben-Gvir and Netanyahus war Cabinet understand the implications of the ongoing bombing. The president also said he urged Netanyahu not to make the same mistakes the U.S. made after Sept. 11, saying the U.S. military response landed it in a long war in Afghanistan and theres no reason we did so many of the things we did. THE BODIES OF 2 HOSTAGES ARE RECOVERED FROM GAZA JERUSALEM The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that they had retrieved the bodies of two hostages from Gaza in an operation that killed two Israeli soldiers. Soldiers retrieved the bodies of Eden Zakaria, 27, who was kidnapped from the music festival near Kibbutz Reim, and Ziv Dado, 36, a soldier serving near the Gaza border. Dado was killed on October 7 and his body was taken to Gaza. Zakaria was wounded on October 7, and it was unclear if she was taken alive or dead to Gaza, according to reports on Israels Channel 12. During the operation to rescue the bodies, two soldiers, Gal Meir Eizenkot and Eyal Meir Berkowitz, were killed. Gal Eisenkot is the son of Gadi Eizenkot, who served as military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 and sits on the war cabinet. THE WORLD BANK WILL RELEASE MORE EMERGENCY AID FOR GAZA The World Bank on Tuesday announced that it would provide $20 million in new emergency relief for the people of Gaza as part of an overall $35 million package of support. The bank says this includes $10 million in new financing for food vouchers and parcels, which is expected to reach an estimated 377,000 people. The assistance will be delivered through the World Food Program. The World Bank also says its Health Emergency & Preparedness Trust Fund has allocated $10 million, provided by Japan and Germany, for medical care and supplies for humanitarian purposes, to be delivered through UNICEF and the World Health Organization. BIDEN ADVISER TO MEET NETANYAHU FOR TALKS ON ENDING MAJOR COMBAT IN GAZA White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he will speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about timetables for ending major combat in Gaza when he visits Israel later this week. During an appearance at a forum hosted by the Wall Street Journal, Sullivan said he would be carrying President Joe Bidens thoughts on the matter and would also be looking to hear from Netanyahu and Israeli officials on the issue. He said he would also speak to Netanyahu about his recent comments that Israel Defense Forces would maintain open-ended security control of Gaza after the war ends. Sullivan reiterated the Biden administration's position that it does not want to see Israel reoccupy Gaza or further shrink its already small territory. The administration has repeatedly called for a return of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority and the resumption of peace talks aimed at establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel. I will have the opportunity to talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu about what exactly he has in mind with that comment, because that can be interpreted in a number of different ways, Sullivan said. But the U.S. position on this is clear. CYPRUS PREPARES TO ACT AS LAUNCH POINT FOR GAZA AID A spokesperson for the government of Cyprus says a team of technical experts from Israel is visiting the island nation to inspect infrastructure and facilities that will be used to ship large quantities of humanitarian aid across the Mediterranean to Gaza, once conditions on the ground allow for it. Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis said the Israeli teams visit Tuesday follows two earlier trips that Cypriot technical experts made to Israel to brief authorities there about the Cypriot initiative. Letymbiotis repeated that many countries have already expressed their willingness to contribute both in materiel or any other technical assistance required to deliver the aid, using shallow-draft vessels able to reach the shoreline. An initial shipment is already in storage at Larnaca port, from where ships will set sail for Gaza some 242 miles (390 kilometers) away. Its understood that officials from Israel and elsewhere will be on hand to monitor as Cypriot customs agents inspect the aid to ensure that nothing is shipped to Gaza that could be weaponized by Hamas to use against Israel. ISRAELI FORCES HAVE STORMED A HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GAZA, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS CAIRO A spokesperson for Gazas Health Ministry says Israeli forces have stormed a hospital in northern Gaza. Ashraf al-Qidra said the troops forced all the men in Kamal Adwan Hospital, including medics, to gather in the courtyard after entering the facility on Tuesday. He called on the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The army says it is rounding up men in northern Gaza as it searches for Hamas fighters. Photos and video circulated online show detainees stripped to their underwear, bound and blindfolded. Some who have been released say they were beaten and denied food and water. The U.N. humanitarian office says the hospital has 65 patients, including 12 children in intensive care and six newborns in incubators. Some 3,000 displaced people are sheltering there, all awaiting evacuation because of severe shortages of food, water and electricity. Most of the population of northern Gaza fled weeks ago when Israel ordered a full evacuation. Ground troops invaded in late October after a blistering three-week air campaign. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Tens of thousands of people remain in the north, where they have been almost entirely cut off from humanitarian aid for weeks. The health system in the north has largely collapsed. A SURGEON IS SHOT FROM OUTSIDE A NORTH GAZA HOSPITAL, DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS SAYS CAIRO A surgeon was wounded after being shot from outside a hospital in northern Gaza that is surrounded by Israeli forces, Doctors Without Borders said. The aid group said the shooting occurred Monday at Al-Awda Hospital, and that five hospital staff at Al-Awda Hospital, including two of its own doctors, have been killed while caring for patients since the start of the war. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have remained in northern Gaza, even after Israel's evacuation orders and as airstrikes have leveled entire neighborhoods. Very little humanitarian aid has been allowed into northern Gaza, and the health system has all but collapsed. The United Nations humanitarian office, known as OCHA, said a convoy delivering medical supplies to the north for the first time in more than a week came under fire on the way to another hospital over the weekend. The convoy evacuated 19 patients but was delayed for inspections by Israeli forces on the way south. OCHA said one patient died and a paramedic was detained for hours. A HOUTHI MISSILE HITS A TANKER NEAR YEMEN DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A missile suspected fired by Yemens Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, a key maritime chokepoint, authorities said Tuesday. The assault on the oil and chemical tanker, Strinda, expands a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by striking a ship that has no clear ties to Israel. That potentially imperils cargo and energy shipments coming through the Suez Canal and further widen the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war now raging in the Gaza Strip. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a video statement claiming the rebels only fired on the vessel when it rejected all warning calls. The Strinda was coming from Malaysia and was bound for the Suez Canal onward to Italy with its cargo of palm oil, Belsnes said. Saree alleged without offering any evidence the ship was bound for Israel. All crew members are unhurt and safe, said Geir Belsnes, the CEO of the Strindas operator J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi. The vessel is now proceeding to a safe port. Less than a month after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, San Francisco is reverting to a den of homelessness and drugs, according to locals. "It's recognizable. San Francisco, same as before. Anyone they pushed out of important zones has just slowly crept right back in," Crossfit Golden Gate Gym owner Danielle Rabkin said on "Varney & Co" Tuesday. In November, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jingping met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit (APEC) in San Francisco for a much-anticipated face-to-face the first since the two leaders met in Indonesia in November 2022. CRIME RIDDEN SAN FRANCISCO CLEANED UP THE STREETS FOR BIDEN-XI VISIT Prior to the event, the host city was cleaned up for the arrival of foreign leaders, including President Xi. Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., was criticized on social media after admitting that San Francisco, nationally infamous for homelessness, timed a massive cleanup effort ahead of the important U.S.-China summit. READ ON THE FOX BUSINESS APP "I know folks are saying, 'Oh they're just cleaning up this place because all those fancy leaders are coming to town.' That's true, because it's true," Newsom said last month at the unveiling of a new program to plant trees in urban neighborhoods as part of his Clean California initiative launched in 2021. Crossfit Golden Gate Gym owner Danielle Rabkin spoke out against the resurgence of homelessness and drug use on city streets despite clean-up efforts last month. He added, "It's also true for months and months and months before APEC, we've been having different conversations, and we've raised the bar of expectation between the city, the county, and the state and our federal partners." Despite the clean-up efforts, Golden Gate City has gone back to "business as usual," leaving business owners like Rabkin to deal with a "tremendously difficult" reality. "I have vagrants lying in front of the business all the time," the gym owner said. "It's unpleasant. People don't want to live here." Story continues SAN FRANCISCO RESTAURANT CLOSINGS LATEST TOUGH HEADLINE FOR EMBATTLED CITY "I think that's the number one thing that potential customers and customers from the past have left. People don't want to live in a city that's this expensive with such a high cost of living, in such a low quality of life. Nobody wants to be subjected to dodging human feces and needles on sidewalks and exposing their children to open-air intravenous drug use. It's really unpleasant." The city has considered employing a nonprofit to head homeless outreach programs, spending roughly $37 million. However, the city has spent around $1 billion since 2021 to fix the persistent problem. "$37 million is a drop in the bucket. Like you said, we spend $1 billion. The city has a $14 billion budget. It's only seven by seven square miles, 49 miles. I don't know where this money's going. I don't know how it's going to be spent. But it's unfathomable that the problem is as bad as it is with the money that is spent," she said. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS Rabkin added that city leaders should stop giving the homeless the option to pitch their tents and live on the streets. "It's not an option to pitch a tent and sleep on the street. It's not hygienic, it's not humane and it's not right for the law-abiding taxpayers." FOX News' Jeffrey Clark, Brandon Gillespie and Alexander Hall contributed to this report. Original article source: San Francisco gym owner describes unrecognizable city after returning to den of homelessness, drugs WASHINGTON (AP) The White House on Wednesday hosted nearly 100 lawmakers from around the country to discuss how their states can try to better reduce gun violence. "Youre not in it alone, Vice President Kamala Harris told them. The event was run by the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a new undertaking from President Joe Biden in September that has developed guidelines to help states take action. Weve been meeting with the state legislators ever since the start of our office, and one thing we hear all the time is they want to do more to reduce gun violence, said Stefanie Feldman, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The question is, what should they do and how? The gathering attracted lawmakers from 39 states, including Nevada, where a gunman last week killed three faculty members and wounded a fourth in a roughly 10-minute rampage at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. That shooter had a list of targets at the school and more than 150 rounds of ammunition, police said. Harris, tasked by Biden with running the office, told the lawmakers it was our responsibility, our chosen responsibility, dare I say our duty, to do the work of laying the path to get where we need to go. ... And there are best practices to be fair, including not only what people write in terms of proposing legislation, but how you think about work and how you will think about messaging, how you will think about empowering and uplifting. Biden has called gun violence the ultimate superstorm, affecting not just victims but also community members in their daily lives. The Democrat's administration says it believes the response to gun violence should better resemble how the government acts after natural disasters. The new White House office is an effort to create a centralized response from the federal government and be a place where communities can turn for resources. The issue figures heavily into the Biden-Harris 2024 reelection campaign, which hopes to reach younger voters who are deeply concerned about gun violence. The president has also pushed for a ban on so-called assault weapons. I do believe that when that generation starts voting in their numbers, were going to see an abrupt change," Harris said. She said there were real challenges in addressing gun violence but that "were up against some who would suggest a false choice. That is that you are either favoring the Second Amendment or you want to take everyones guns away. Ill speak for myself: I am absolutely in favor of the Second Amendment. And Im also in favor of an assault weapons ban." Before the meeting, the Justice Department came up with model legislation on safe storage of weapons and on reporting lost and stolen firearms, and state lawmakers can take that back to their legislatures. Some shootings in schools, for example, are committed with weapons found at home or at the home of a friend. Weapons that go lost or missing often end up being used in crimes. As of Wednesday, there had been at least 42 mass killings in the United States this year, leaving at least 217 people dead, not including shooters who died, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. Mass shootings are only part of the problem of gun violence. The measures are also meant to address domestic violence killings, community violence and suicides. Follow the AP's coverage of gun violence at https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence. WASHINGTON (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told America his country was fighting for our freedom and yours as he made an impassioned plea Tuesday for Congress to approve more assistance to fight Russias invasion. But prospects for additional U.S. aid to Ukraine appeared seriously delayed, if not in grave doubt, despite his whirlwind diplomacy in Washington. After hours of talks on Capitol Hill, Zelenskyy spent more hours at the White House meeting with President Joe Biden and his aides about a way forward. The U.S. has already provided Ukraine $111 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his grinding invasion more than 21 months ago, but Republicans are insisting on linking any more money to strict U.S.-Mexico border security changes that Democrats decry. The White House is warning that if new money isn't provided by year's end it will have swift consequences for Ukraine's capacity to hold its territory, let alone take back land captured by Russia. As Zelenskyy wrapped up his two-day visit to Washington, it was unclear if he had been able to shake up the political stalemate over aid - though negotiations swiftly resumed at the Capitol and key Senate negotiators emerged saying they had made progress. He sought to make the case that supporting his countrys fight for its territorial integrity is about far more than Ukraine. For nearly two years weve been in a full scale war the biggest since World War II, fighting for freedom, Zelenskyy said. No matter what Putin tries he hasnt won any victories. Thanks to Ukraine's success success in defense other European nations are safe from the Russian aggression. Biden similarly warned that failure by the United States to provide Ukraine further aid would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and others on the world stage. Putin is banking on the United States failing to deliver on Ukraine," Biden said. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong. Earlier, meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, Biden called on Congress "to do the right thing, to stand with Ukraine, and to stand up for freedom. He added, Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess, before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him. Zelenskyy made his own case in his private meetings with congressional leaders that Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely to push back the Russian invasion with the help of American and other Western allies and it's no time for Ukraine's friends to step back. The fight we're in is a fight for freedom," Zelenskyy repeatedly said in the meetings on Capitol Hill, according to lawmakers. Elsewhere, meanwhile, more than 130 senior lawmakers from across Europe signed a letter urging U.S. lawmakers to continue their support for Ukraine. At the Capitol, flanked by Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Zelenskyy entered a private meeting with senators with a public bipartisan show of support and to some applause. But more than an hour later few senators' minds appeared changed. Zelenskyy also visited House leaders, including a private meeting with new Speaker Mike Johnson, whose hard-right Republicans have been the most resistant to any deal. Johnson insisted afterward, "We do want to do the right thing here. Zelenskyy sought to impress on the senators that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, telling them he was drafting men in their 30s and 40s in a show of strength for the battle. In his trademark olive drab, he stood before a portrait of George Washington, history hanging behind him. To the House Democrats, he showcased his country's embrace of the West by pointing to the Christmas season, telling them it was the first year Ukraine would celebrate on Dec. 25 rather than the day Russians mark the holiday. McConnell said Zelenskyy was inspirational and determined" in the Senate meeting. But Republican senators seemed unmoved from their position. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said the emergency funding wouldnt gain GOP support unless it includes real, meaningful border reform. Biden pushed back that history will judge harshly those who turned their backs on freedoms cause. The president quoted a Kremlin-aligned television host celebrating Republicans' recent blocking of aid as a job well done. If youre being celebrated by Russian propagandists, it might be time to rethink what youre doing, he said. Biden has been calling for a $110 billion U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. He has expressed a willingness to engage with the Republicans as migrant crossings have hit record highs along the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democrats in his own party oppose proposals for expedited deportations and strict asylum standards as a return to Trump-era hostility toward migrants. Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met for nearly two hours at the Capitol to help with talks. Key Senate negotiators Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma and Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona both left saying they made progress. Ahead of Zelenskyys high-stakes meetings, the White House pointed to newly declassified intelligence that shows Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on Russia in recent fighting along the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis including 13,000 casualties and over 220 combat vehicle losses. The Ukrainian holdout in the countrys partly-occupied east has been the center of some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks. U.S. intelligence officials have determined that the Russians think if they can achieve a military deadlock through the winter it will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage, despite the fact that Russians have sustained heavy losses and have been slowed by persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions and equipment. It's Zelenskyy's third visit to Washington since the war broke out in February 2022, including a quick trip just a few months ago as aid was being considered. His surprise arrival days before Christmas last December, his daring first wartime trip out of Ukraine, drew thunderous applause in Congress. At the time, lawmakers sported the blue-and-yellow colors of Ukraine, and Zelenskyy delivered a speech that drew on the parallels to World War II as he thanked Americans for their support. But 2023 brought a new power center of hard-right Republicans, many aligned with Donald Trump, the former president who is now the GOP front-runner in the 2024 race for the White House. Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Zelenskyy might be able to take on the stalemate by showing the stakes of potential Russian expansion toward NATO, and making his case on moral clarity and why is Ukraine important. Zelenskyy kicked off the quick visit to Washington on Monday, warning in a speech at a defense university that Russia may be fighting in Ukraine but its real target is freedom in America and around the world. During his meeting with Biden, he also sought to assure Congress and the American public that Ukraine was worth the substantial cost to the United States. Ukraine can win," said Zelenskyy. People need to be confident that freedom is secure. Of the new $110 billion national security package, $61.4 billion would go toward Ukraine with about half to the U.S. Defense Department to replenish weaponry it is supplying, and the other half for other military intelligence and defense support, humanitarian assistance and to help the Ukrainian government function with emergency responders, public works and other operations. The package includes another nearly $14 billion for Israel as it fights Hamas and $14 billion for U.S. border security. Additional funds would go for national security needs in the Asia-Pacific region. Biden also announced Tuesday that he had approved an additional $200 million military aid package for Ukraine. Including that latest package, the U.S. now has about $4.4 billion remaining in weapons it can provide from department stockpiles. ___ Associated Press writers Lolita Baldor, Tara Copp, Seung Min Kim, Will Weissert, Farnoush Amiri and Zeke Miller contributed to this report. The most common bird species in the world may soon have a starring role in the clean energy movement thanks to previously unrecognized potential. As reported by Futurity, researchers at ETH Zurich and Nanyang Technological University Singapore discovered that elements of chicken feathers can be used in fuel cell membranes. In order to do this, scientists turned the fluffs keratin a protein also found in human hair into fibrils, with the organic material replacing the expensive toxic forever chemicals typically found in the membranes. Given the abundance of chicken feathers, the membrane is three times cheaper to manufacture. The electricity is created with hydrogen and oxygen, meaning it doesnt produce carbon dioxide, which has been linked to the overheating of our planet and extreme weather events. Ive devoted a number of years to researching different ways we can use food waste for renewable energy systems. Our latest development closes a cycle: were taking a substance that releases CO2 and toxic gases when burned and [using] it in a different setting, Raffaele Mezzenga, a professor of food and soft materials at ETH Zurich, said. Approximately 44 million tons of chicken feathers are burned annually, as Futurity pointed out, releasing pollution that negatively affects air quality. There have been numerous studies on ways to repurpose the down, however. According to Modern Farmer, pioneering efforts were led by research chemist Walter Schmidt, who was looking to help the environment and company profits back in 1993. Schmidt received a patent for his work on obtaining fibers from chicken feathers in 1998. However, researchers involved in the latest study have more to do before bringing their technology to market. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe just unfortunately not on Earth, Mezzenga added, speaking to Futurity about one of the anticipated challenges. The team has reportedly filed a patent for the keratin membrane and is looking for further funding as it tests its stability and durability. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Taco Bell announced Tuesday the release of Coffee Chillers and Churro Chillers, the first-ever frozen coffee and shakes to hit Taco Bell menus. Taco Bell is testing two new beverages in Southern California that are sure to make coffee lovers smile. The company announced Tuesday the release of Coffee Chillers and Churro Chillers, the first-ever frozen coffee and shakes to hit Taco Bell menus. The items are available at two restaurants in California for a limited time while supplies last, starting Dec. 15. The Coffee Chiller will be served in a 16 oz cup that's swirled with flavor on the inside, filled with blended iced coffee and topped with a layer of cold foam, according to a news release from the company. It will be available in Mexican Chocolate, Caramel Churro and Spiced Vanilla flavors. The Churro Chiller is also served in a 16 oz cup and is filled with a blended sweet shake topped with a layer of cold foam and churro crumbles. It will be available in Mexican Chocolate, Dulce de Leche Coffee, Wild Strawberry and Sweet Vanilla flavors. We are constantly listening to what our fans are craving next and we are thrilled to offer them a frozen creation thats just as delicious and desirable as their favorite menu item, said Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell's U.S. chief marketing officer. Double decker tacos: Taco Bell brings back double decker tacos after nearly year-long hiatus Where are the Coffee Chiller, Churro Chiller available? The Coffee Chillers will be available all day at the Taco Bell located at 27770 Santa Margarita Pkway in Mission Viejo, while the Churro Chillers will be available all day at 2222 Barranca Pkwy in Irvine. Taco Bell announced Tuesday the release of Coffee Chillers and Churro Chillers, the first-ever frozen coffee and shakes to hit Taco Bell menus. Coffee Chiller, Churro Chiller price All flavors of the drinks will be available for $4.19 but they are excluded from the company's "Happier Hour" promotion. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taco Bell testing new menu items: Coffee Chillers, Churro Chillers Witsies shine at intervarsity entrepreneurship finals Tech entrepreneur wins for financial inclusion platform and medical student recognised for enabling tech efficiency and savings in spaza shops. Wits University recorded three achievements at the recent Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity finals held from 30 November to 1 December 2023. This year more than 1200 hopefuls from 25 universities around the country had hoped to reach the EDHE finals. Wits Asif Aziz, was the named the winner of the Tech category for his platform Libex and walked away with a cash prize of R20 000. This platform offers a suite of products and services that enable creators to monetise their work and manage their digital assets. It also enables fractionalised ownership of real assets which allows for more investors and thereby advances financial inclusion. A believer in the power of technology in making a difference if applied correctly, Aziz says the most amazing thing about winning is the social proof, confirmation that we are on the right track and our project has the making to disrupt the market. He will invest the prize money into marketing in order to penetrate the market. As with any disruptive tech the challenge is adoption and a lot of focus must be given to marketing, says the Masters student at the Wits Businesses School where he is exploring Disruptive Technologies for Promoting Financial Inclusion in South Africa. Lethabo Maphopha, a fourth-year medical student and founder of Brought Cargo, also represented Wits at the finals. BroughtCargo is an innovative e-commerce platform that empowers spaza shops and street vendors. Although not a category winner, his initiative resonated deeply with the judges, who recognised its potential to transform the lives of underserved communities. BroughtCargo addresses a critical gap in the supply chain for informal retailers, providing them with access to bulk suppliers, facilitating shared shipping costs, and enabling them to compete more effectively in the marketplace. The start-up currently services spazas in Gauteng townships such as Soweto, Tembisa, Katlehong, and some in Limpopo province. Expansion is on the cards for the venture which already employs seven delivery transport owners. Speaking on the journey thus far has been interesting and rewards. This year we were mostly serving the early adopters of BroughtCargo. Most of the spaza shops were not used to buying goods online, and so our efforts were focused on building relationships and getting them to doing things in a new way by buying their bulk products online on our system. Next year, I want to serve some of the spaza shops that are in other African countries, because most of them come to South Africa to stock some of the products. With BroughtCargo, we can help them to source the products with ease and transport them to their countries, says Maphopha who also won the Social Innovator Award at the Wits Student Leadership Awards. Wits recognised for nurturing Entrepreneurs Wits commitment to fostering entrepreneurship was further recognised at the EDHE ceremony, through the prestigious DVC of the Year award presented to Professor Lyn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Innovation and Research. This award demonstrates and affirms the sectors acknowledgement of the strides that Wits has made in respect to innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship. Aziz and Maphopha are amongst young entrepreneurs who have received support from the Student Entrepreneurship Education Development (SEED) programme. The SEED programme is overseen by the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Tshegofatso Mogaladi, and operationally coordinated in 2023 by Linda Hasi who played a critical role through facilitation of masterclasses, mock-pitch sessions, mentorship as well as generally preparing students for the EDHE finals. Wits University is also a member of the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), a pan-African collaboration of technology-focused universities from across the African continent. Tech entrepreneurs benefit through workshops and potential mentorship. The network, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), has over 20 million US dollars available for network members to engage in collaborative activity that drives inclusive digital transformation in Africa through engineering and technology. The network is generously supported by a recently announced investment from the Mastercard Foundation in CMU-Africa. Tandem Capital Management Corp ADV lowered its position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 12.0% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 584 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 80 shares during the quarter. Tandem Capital Management Corp ADVs holdings in Mastercard were worth $230,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Mastercard during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Bollard Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the 1st quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Avion Wealth boosted its position in shares of Mastercard by 75.8% in the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 109 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.94% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of Mastercard from $453.00 to $452.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $450.00 to $475.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Mastercard from $443.00 to $439.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Tigress Financial lifted their price objective on Mastercard from $476.00 to $495.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Mastercard has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $451.32. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $390.96 per share, for a total transaction of $390,960.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 9,743 shares in the company, valued at $3,809,123.28. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $390.96 per share, with a total value of $390,960.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 9,743 shares in the company, valued at $3,809,123.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 125,816 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $390.12, for a total transaction of $49,083,337.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 97,795,141 shares in the company, valued at $38,151,840,406.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 520,776 shares of company stock valued at $200,842,951 in the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Mastercard Stock Performance NYSE:MA traded up $2.18 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $417.89. 501,619 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,628,695. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $336.43 and a twelve month high of $418.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $396.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $394.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $391.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.08. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.21 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $6.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.53 billion. Mastercard had a net margin of 44.85% and a return on equity of 188.83%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.68 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.66 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 8th. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.63%. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 19.86%. Mastercard announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, December 5th that allows the company to repurchase $11.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the credit services provider to purchase up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. About Mastercard (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quadrature Capital Ltd lowered its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 0.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 224,661 shares of the companys stock after selling 866 shares during the quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltds holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $34,077,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 99,734.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 253,081,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,402,583,000 after buying an additional 252,827,976 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 96,526.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,535,557 shares of the companys stock worth $5,840,449,000 after purchasing an additional 38,495,676 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,752,321,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 42.2% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 24,386,838 shares of the companys stock worth $3,626,080,000 after buying an additional 7,235,990 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 12.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock worth $6,717,246,000 after buying an additional 4,959,527 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.43% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Price Performance PG traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $146.03. 355,836 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,230,566. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $148.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $150.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $344.18 billion, a PE ratio of 23.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.46. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $135.83 and a 1-year high of $158.38. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $21.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.58 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 18.30% and a return on equity of 33.49%. The companys revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.57 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 20th were given a $0.9407 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 19th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 61.04%. Analyst Ratings Changes PG has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $162.00 to $153.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $166.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $179.00 price objective on the stock. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $166.41. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Procter & Gamble Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In other Procter & Gamble news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction of $1,009,065.25. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,620 shares of the companys stock, valued at $862,501.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 40,298 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.61, for a total transaction of $6,069,281.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 36,460 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,491,240.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction of $1,009,065.25. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,620 shares of the companys stock, valued at $862,501.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 79,382 shares of company stock worth $11,988,690. 0.17% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc. lowered its stake in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 998 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 196 shares during the period. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in Accenture were worth $308,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,850,765,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in Accenture by 2,444.1% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,922,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $75,320,000 after purchasing an additional 5,689,509 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Accenture by 101,214.0% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,040,402 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,078,141,000 after acquiring an additional 4,036,414 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Accenture by 14.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 16,642,841 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $4,440,976,000 after acquiring an additional 2,163,582 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in Accenture by 21.7% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 11,535,663 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,297,009,000 after purchasing an additional 2,060,646 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.42% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Stock Performance ACN traded down $0.26 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $342.96. 583,558 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,200,221. The stock has a market cap of $215.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture plc has a twelve month low of $242.80 and a twelve month high of $344.17. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $317.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $314.78. Accenture Increases Dividend Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, September 28th. The information technology services provider reported $2.71 earnings per share 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 for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.60 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a dividend of $1.29 per share. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.50%. This is a boost from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Accentures payout ratio is 47.91%. Accenture declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that allows the company to buyback $4.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the information technology services provider to reacquire up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently commented on ACN. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $332.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 29th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Accenture in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $333.00 price target for the company. Redburn Atlantic assumed coverage on shares of Accenture in a report on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $410.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $340.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $330.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Accenture has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $337.26. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Accenture Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total value of $1,567,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 20,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,048,697.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total value of $1,567,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 20,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,048,697.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.68, for a total transaction of $2,832,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 26,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,442,864.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 36,334 shares of company stock valued at $10,939,027 over the last ninety days. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Accenture Profile (Free Report) 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alamar Capital Management LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,280 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 355 shares during the quarter. Alamar Capital Management LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $2,003,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 33.3% during the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 300,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $73,299,000 after purchasing an additional 75,000 shares during the period. Newport Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $10,612,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $3,778,000. Simplex Trading LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 1,715.0% during the 2nd quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 27,969 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $7,696,000 after purchasing an additional 26,428 shares during the period. Finally, Affiance Financial LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 16.2% during the 2nd quarter. Affiance Financial LLC now owns 13,202 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,633,000 after purchasing an additional 1,837 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF stock traded up $1.09 on Wednesday, reaching $297.82. 254,096 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,385,078. The company has a market capitalization of $75.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 52 week low of $209.27 and a 52 week high of $297.99. The firms 50-day moving average is $279.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $275.51. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alberta Investment Management Corp grew its stake in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,064,815 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 70,868 shares during the period. Alberta Investment Management Corp owned about 0.26% of Brookfield Asset Management worth $34,795,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BAM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 30,651.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 31,097,454 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $891,564,000 after acquiring an additional 30,996,329 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $391,679,000. Capital International Investors raised its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 39.8% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 25,723,697 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $839,364,000 after buying an additional 7,329,168 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management during the 4th quarter worth approximately $152,180,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 166.2% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,051,145 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $398,883,000 after buying an additional 4,402,115 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 61.92% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BAM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $50.92 to $41.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $35.00 to $34.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $45.00 to $41.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their target price on Brookfield Asset Management from $37.50 to $36.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $37.41. Brookfield Asset Management Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of Brookfield Asset Management stock traded down $0.04 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $36.12. The company had a trading volume of 92,506 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,410,305. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $32.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.03. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 1-year low of $26.76 and a 1-year high of $36.33. The company has a market capitalization of $14.91 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.88. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $893.00 million for the quarter. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 91.07% and a net margin of 51.79%. Sell-side analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.36 earnings per share for the current year. Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.54%. Brookfield Asset Managements payout ratio is 105.79%. Brookfield Asset Management Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bokf Na reduced its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 3.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 405,760 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,917 shares during the period. Merck & Co., Inc. comprises 1.0% of Bokf Nas investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position. Bokf Nas holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $46,821,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 102,675.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,860,147,936 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,642,470,000 after buying an additional 1,858,338,022 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 118,562,086 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,766,428,000 after buying an additional 2,174,829 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 68,563,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,294,504,000 after buying an additional 6,546,946 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 52,723,457 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,068,750,000 after buying an additional 1,504,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 41,850,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,643,267,000 after buying an additional 4,000,816 shares in the last quarter. 74.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on MRK shares. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $135.00 target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $117.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Friday, October 20th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.14. Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Down 0.0 % Shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock opened at $104.36 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $103.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $106.71. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.36 and a 52-week high of $119.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $264.45 billion, a PE ratio of 57.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.78 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.38. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 18.26%. The firm had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.30 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.85 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.77 per share. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.95%. This is a positive change from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is 171.11%. Insider Activity at Merck & Co., Inc. In related news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $4,602,729.69. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at $11,738,572.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $4,602,729.69. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Merck & Co., Inc. Company Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CCM Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 61,539 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $6,709,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ABT. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,101,555,797 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $229,111,613,000 after buying an additional 2,099,413,455 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,320,866,000 after buying an additional 30,218,560 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth $1,893,715,000. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 40.5% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 20,820,152 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,108,249,000 after buying an additional 6,003,997 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $4,278,132,000 after buying an additional 4,886,954 shares during the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently commented on ABT shares. TheStreet downgraded Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Raymond James lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. UBS Group lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $117.47. Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total transaction of $4,702,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $106.72 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.74 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $98.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $102.38. The stock has a market cap of $185.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.30, a PEG ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.70. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $89.67 and a 1-year high of $115.83. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The company had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th were given a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.91%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 69.39%. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Is digital technology coming of age? Over the past several years, we have seen recurring demand waves for digital tech, all billed as transformative. A new one is starting now, a digital transformation that brings with it the promise of true change. Previous waves had been focused on company internals but the current growing demand for digital transformation is occurring on the outside, facing the customers. This is a new development, and it brings with it potential for a lasting change in the way we interact with technology, especially digital technology. Watching these developments from Canaccord Genuity, Joseph Vafi, counted by TipRanks in the top 5% of Wall Streets analysts, explains just what is going on, and why it is different from previous changes: Today we are in the midst of what we view as the largest and most enduring IT services demand wave so far and that is digital transformation, the 5-star analyst said. What distinguishes Digital Transformation from previous demand waves is that this time, technology is being used to drive revenue growth and enhance the customer experience directly. Instead of being an IT Services demand wave focused on cost takeout, this time its customer-facing. Vafi also sees a rich field of opportunity in this market, saying, In a post-Covid world, technology, in the many forms that make up the broader concept of Digital Transformation is at the core of the competitive strategy playbook. Most all market research firms are in agreement, putting the TAM for enterprise and government transformation in the multiple $T range. In practical terms, this means that tech stocks can soar, but which ones offer the best potential? Vafi has an idea about that and sees 2 certain names as primed for gains of at least 40% over the coming year. Weve drawn the details on them from the TipRanks database; here they are, with this top analysts comments. Dont miss Story continues Alight, Inc. (ALIT) The first stock well look at here is Alight, a software company offering a line of business process products. Its Business-process-as-a-service (BPaaS) is designed to make it easy for client companies to adopt Alights software, which brings with it solutions for streamlining and automating business processes, data analytics, and human capital management. Alight is known for using AI technology in its software portfolio, allowing for improved automation and risk management features. Alight bills its services as mission-critical for its customers, and boasts that its BPaaS offering can smooth out all the processes of everyday business, in managing payroll and workforce; in managing health, wellbeing, and retirement benefits; in tracking employee leave; in streamlining professional services. The company markets its products as holistic solutions that will benefit whole companies. The software platform, dubbed Worklife, has gained a level of popularity while the company has built up a globe-spanning international operation, boasting 4,300 clients, in more than 100 countries, and serving some 70 of the Fortune 100 list. Alight reported its 3Q23 results this past November. The firm saw its BPaaS bookings increase by 26% year-over-year, and hit $262 million for the quarter. This brought the total bookings since the beginning of 2021 to nearly $2 billion, surpassing the companys end-of-2023 $1.5 billion goal by a wide margin. Revenue in the quarter came to $813 million, up almost 8.5% y/y although some $16.5 million below the pre-release estimates. The bottom line earnings, by the non-GAAP measure, outperformed modestly. Adj. EPS came to 14 cents per share, beating the forecast by a penny and beating the prior-year Q3 value by two pennies. For Canaccords Vafi, all of this adds up to a solid choice for investors. He outlines the companys prospects for growth in a rich target market, writing, We view Alight and its Worklife platform to be compelling and differentiated in the employee benefits management marketplace. Given the strong growth in as-a-service bookings and growth trajectory of revenue, we see Alight as exploiting better than anyone else the introduction of digital transformation offerings into the HR function of the enterprise. As such we believe there is an opportunity to see modest revenue acceleration even though the company is operating in a relatively mature segment and with substantial market share already. Margin expansion should follow, not only from higher mix of BPaaS revenue but also from internal efforts to more and more migrate the computing architecture to the cloud. Tracking forward from this, Vafi rates these shares as a Buy, and his $12 target price implies a robust one-year upside potential for the stock of 50.5%. (To watch Vafis track record, click here.) ALIT shares have earned a unanimous Strong Buy consensus rating from the Street, based on 6 positive analyst reviews. The $12 average price target here is the same as Vafis objective. (See Alights stock forecast.) TTEC Holdings (TTEC) No matter what the business, managing customer experience, or CX, is vital if the customers and end users dont like the product or cant interact with the business, then the company will fail. TTEC Holdings, the next stock on our Canaccord-backed list, realized this fact decades ago, and has built itself to be an industry leader in CX technology and services. The Colorado-based firm got its start in 1982, and today employs over 64,000 people, working in more than 50 languages on six continents. TTEC offers its enterprise clients a mix of technology, consulting, and analytical services, centered around improving the client companys overall customer experience. This naturally requires a whole system approach, optimizing the customer facing parts of the business, including customer service, tech support, and trust and safety solutions. TTEC is known for its use of AI operations, which are streamlined to maximize efficiency but also to truly mimic online human interactions. The company describes its goal as creating customer experiences that feel human even when they are not. These goals make a high bar, and TTEC clears it with a variety of tools, including solutions for contact center technology and operations, intelligent automation, data analytics, and revenue generation with the whole adding up to a solid customer experience strategy. As we take a look at TTECs recent financial performance, we find the company showed only modest y/y top-line growth, but revenue and earnings were ahead of expectations. The last quarterly release, for 3Q23, showed sales of $603 million, up only 1.8% from the prior year period but coming in just above consensus, by a modest $680,000. The companys non-GAAP EPS figure was 48 cents per share; this was 4 cents per share better than had been anticipated. Now we can look at Vafis recent comments, and see why he believes this stock makes a solid portfolio addition for tech investors. While enterprises remain in caution mode given the macro, the customer service function remains strategic, and with cuts already made to these budgets in 2023, we dont see much more potential downside in 2024, the analyst explained. With this backdrop in mind, we cannot help but remain encouraged by TTECs value proposition. Coming out of the pandemic, the massive shift to e-commerce underscored the imminency of virtual customer care. This, combined with enterprises raising the white flag on their own captive efforts here, has held to a TAM shift to service providers that has not been at this magnitude for at least several decades, in our view. And as a higher value, versus cost-leading player, we think TTEC is set to capture more than its share, especially with newer, higher-growth brands. The 5-star analyst quantifies his stance with a Buy rating and a $30 price target. His price target shows his confidence in a ~47% upside on the one-year time horizon. With 5 Buy ratings and 2 Holds on record, TTEC shares have a Moderate Buy consensus rating from the Streets analysts. The current trading price here is $20.46, and the average target price of $23.80 suggests the stock will gain 16% in the next 12 months. (See TTEC Holdings stock forecast.) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the eighteen brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $81.59. A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on EW shares. Wolfe Research lowered Edwards Lifesciences from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $57.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $102.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 4th. Oppenheimer upgraded Edwards Lifesciences from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $90.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, SVB Leerink initiated coverage on Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Monday, October 16th. They issued a market perform rating and a $75.00 price target for the company. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Edwards Lifesciences Insider Activity at Edwards Lifesciences Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences In related news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.54, for a total value of $504,512.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,338,505.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . In other news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.54, for a total transaction of $504,512.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,338,505.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,660 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.63, for a total value of $637,635.80. Following the sale, the insider now owns 213,794 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,741,652.22. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 131,690 shares of company stock worth $9,037,427 in the last ninety days. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders. A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 98,836.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 759,315,387 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $71,626,220,000 after buying an additional 758,547,908 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,053,304 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,551,938,000 after purchasing an additional 108,102 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 27,015,032 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,548,023,000 after purchasing an additional 1,255,926 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 20,512,235 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,934,919,000 after purchasing an additional 66,763 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 9.2% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 16,434,401 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,138,575,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390,427 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.25% of the companys stock. Edwards Lifesciences Trading Up 2.7 % NYSE:EW opened at $72.18 on Wednesday. Edwards Lifesciences has a 1-year low of $60.57 and a 1-year high of $94.87. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $68.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $77.26. The company has a current ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.85, a PEG ratio of 3.86 and a beta of 1.01. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.59. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 24.54% and a net margin of 24.59%. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.61 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.51 earnings per share for the current year. Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile (Get Free Report Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Energizer (NYSE:ENR Get Free Report) issued an update on its first quarter 2024 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 0.500-0.600 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.860. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Energizer also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 3.100-3.300 EPS. Energizer Price Performance Energizer stock traded down $0.03 on Wednesday, reaching $31.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 53,714 shares, compared to its average volume of 607,880. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.81, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 2.12. The company has a market cap of $2.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.91 and a beta of 1.01. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $31.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.12. Energizer has a twelve month low of $27.68 and a twelve month high of $37.89. Get Energizer alerts: Energizer (NYSE:ENR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $811.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $794.64 million. Energizer had a return on equity of 136.42% and a net margin of 4.75%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.82 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Energizer will post 3.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Energizer Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 28th. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.85%. Energizers payout ratio is currently 61.86%. A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Energizer from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $40.00 to $38.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Energizer from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. UBS Group downgraded Energizer from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $34.00 in a report on Monday, November 20th. Barclays lowered their price target on Energizer from $40.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Energizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 13th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Energizer has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.00. Get Our Latest Report on ENR Insider Transactions at Energizer In other news, EVP Robin Vauth sold 2,919 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.64, for a total transaction of $92,357.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 3,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at $119,599.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.73% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Energizer during the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Energizer by 42.4% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 547 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in Energizer by 107.4% in the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after buying an additional 1,043 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its stake in Energizer by 11.6% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 3,919 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after buying an additional 408 shares during the period. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in Energizer by 114.7% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $136,000 after buying an additional 2,165 shares during the period. 83.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Energizer (Get Free Report) Energizer Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer, Eveready, and Rayovac brands; primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries; and handheld, headlights, lanterns, and area lights, as well as flashlights under the Hard Case, Dolphin, and WeatherReady brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Energizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the nine ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $17.85. FMS has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Societe Generale raised shares of Fresenius Medical Care from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Fresenius Medical Care to 40.50 ($43.55) in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. HSBC raised shares of Fresenius Medical Care from a reduce rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 24th. StockNews.com cut shares of Fresenius Medical Care from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Fresenius Medical Care from $28.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Get Fresenius Medical Care alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on FMS Fresenius Medical Care Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of FMS opened at $20.66 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $18.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.04. Fresenius Medical Care has a 1-year low of $15.35 and a 1-year high of $27.72. The stock has a market cap of $12.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.19 and a beta of 1.11. Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.06). Fresenius Medical Care had a return on equity of 4.85% and a net margin of 2.30%. The business had revenue of $5.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.42 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.40 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Fresenius Medical Care will post 1.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fresenius Medical Care Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Dodge & Cox lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 20.5% during the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 4,223,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,783,000 after acquiring an additional 718,910 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 77.1% during the 4th quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,570,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,667,000 after acquiring an additional 683,851 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 3.7% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,041,447 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,433,000 after acquiring an additional 36,820 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 69.5% during the 1st quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 750,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,958,000 after acquiring an additional 307,801 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 58.8% during the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 736,847 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,633,000 after acquiring an additional 272,886 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.81% of the companys stock. About Fresenius Medical Care (Get Free Report Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius Medical Care Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius Medical Care and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Headinvest LLC trimmed its stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 21,020 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 1,000 shares during the period. Headinvest LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $1,805,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in TJX. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 0.5% during the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,720 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $2,011,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Adero Partners LLC boosted its holdings in TJX Companies by 4.5% in the second quarter. Adero Partners LLC now owns 2,807 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $238,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 0.7% during the second quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. now owns 18,064 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $1,532,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 1.7% during the second quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. now owns 7,627 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $647,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alpha Financial Partners LLC increased its stake in TJX Companies by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,337 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $418,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. 89.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get TJX Companies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TJX has been the subject of several research reports. Telsey Advisory Group lifted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Barclays boosted their price target on TJX Companies from $95.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on TJX Companies from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Bank of America upped their target price on TJX Companies from $94.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $104.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $99.75. TJX Companies Price Performance Shares of TJX Companies stock traded down $0.11 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $91.06. The stock had a trading volume of 438,501 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,032,665. The stocks 50 day moving average is $89.34 and its 200 day moving average is $87.12. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $72.92 and a twelve month high of $93.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.78 billion, a PE ratio of 25.83, a PEG ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 0.88. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 15th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $13.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.09 billion. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 62.67% and a net margin of 7.85%. TJX Companiess quarterly revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.86 EPS. Equities analysts expect that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. TJX Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $0.3325 dividend. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is presently 37.68%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other TJX Companies news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 17,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.06, for a total transaction of $1,514,020.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 576,105 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,307,911.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. TJX Companies Profile (Free Report) The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group cut its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 1.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 303,867 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,532 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF makes up 2.0% of Rehmann Capital Advisory Groups investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest position. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group owned about 0.08% of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF worth $22,582,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock worth $646,000 after acquiring an additional 594 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock worth $7,417,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares during the last quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% in the first quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock worth $104,618,000 after acquiring an additional 57,434 shares during the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% in the first quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock worth $6,887,000 after acquiring an additional 18,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% in the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock worth $975,000 after acquiring an additional 719 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Performance USMV opened at $77.64 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $74.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $74.02. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $47.44 and a 1 year high of $55.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.78 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Principal Street Partners LLC lessened its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 110,518 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,023 shares during the period. Principal Street Partners LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $5,008,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sei Investments Co. lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 1.6% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after acquiring an additional 6,324 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock worth $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock worth $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter worth about $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Price Performance Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $41.36 on Wednesday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $39.06 and a 52-week high of $51.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.15 billion, a PE ratio of 8.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.66. The companys fifty day moving average price is $41.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $43.25. Altria Group Dividend Announcement Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 35.58% and a negative return on equity of 237.91%. The businesss revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.28 EPS. Analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st will be issued a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.48%. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 79.84%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on MO. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.53. View Our Latest Report on Altria Group Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis purchased 1,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 8,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $67.67. STNG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $83.00 to $73.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Scorpio Tankers from $55.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, StockNews.com cut Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on STNG Scorpio Tankers Trading Down 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:STNG opened at $53.23 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.83. The stocks 50-day moving average is $55.45 and its 200-day moving average is $50.59. The company has a market cap of $2.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.45, a P/E/G ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 0.30. Scorpio Tankers has a 52-week low of $40.34 and a 52-week high of $64.20. Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The shipping company reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.60 by $0.31. Scorpio Tankers had a return on equity of 27.56% and a net margin of 46.07%. The firm had revenue of $291.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $277.96 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $4.29 EPS. The companys revenue was down 40.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Scorpio Tankers will post 10.41 earnings per share for the current year. Scorpio Tankers Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.63%. This is a boost from Scorpio Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. Scorpio Tankerss dividend payout ratio is 11.70%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Scorpio Tankers Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new stake in Scorpio Tankers during the third quarter worth about $27,000. CWM LLC grew its position in Scorpio Tankers by 1,037.0% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 523 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 477 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Scorpio Tankers by 1,985.7% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 584 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 556 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 21,950.0% in the second quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 882 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 878 shares in the last quarter. Finally, E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in Scorpio Tankers in the third quarter worth $52,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.82% of the companys stock. About Scorpio Tankers (Get Free Report Scorpio Tankers Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products in the shipping markets worldwide. As of March 23, 2023, its fleet consisted of 113 owned, finance leased, or bareboat chartered-in tankers, including 39 LR2, 60 MR, and 14 Handymax with a weighted average age of approximately 7.2 years. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky decreased its holdings in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 0.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 194,577 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 1,490 shares during the quarter. Mastercard accounts for about 0.7% of Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Mastercard were worth $76,528,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of MA. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in Mastercard in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Bollard Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Quarry LP bought a new position in Mastercard in the first quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, Avion Wealth grew its stake in Mastercard by 75.8% in the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 109 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. 74.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Mastercard alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MA has been the subject of several research reports. StockNews.com started coverage on Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating and set a $475.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Seaport Res Ptn reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $435.00 to $420.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Mastercard from $443.00 to $439.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $451.32. Mastercard Price Performance Shares of MA opened at $420.98 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $397.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is $395.29. The company has a market capitalization of $394.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.08. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $336.43 and a fifty-two week high of $421.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.21 by $0.18. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.83% and a net margin of 44.85%. The firm had revenue of $6.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.68 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.63%. This is a positive change from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 8th. Mastercards payout ratio is 19.86%. Mastercard announced that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, December 5th that authorizes the company to buyback $11.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the credit services provider to reacquire up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling In other Mastercard news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $413.88, for a total value of $1,655,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 6,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,580,541.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Mastercard news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $413.88, for a total value of $1,655,520.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 6,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,580,541.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $390.96 per share, with a total value of $390,960.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,809,123.28. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 520,776 shares of company stock valued at $200,842,951. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) had its target price cut by investment analysts at UBS Group from $42.00 to $40.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the basic materials companys stock. UBS Groups price target points to a potential upside of 4.85% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on NEM. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $58.00 price target (down from $65.00) on shares of Newmont in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. StockNews.com started coverage on Newmont in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $52.00 price target on shares of Newmont in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of Newmont from $59.00 to $57.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Macquarie initiated coverage on shares of Newmont in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. They issued an outperform rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $55.41. Get Newmont alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NEM Newmont Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of Newmont stock traded up $0.38 on Wednesday, hitting $38.15. 3,379,547 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,634,103. Newmont has a one year low of $33.58 and a one year high of $60.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.72. The company has a fifty day moving average of $38.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.93. The company has a market capitalization of $30.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -37.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.43. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The basic materials company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.42 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.20 billion. Newmont had a positive return on equity of 6.28% and a negative net margin of 7.35%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Newmont will post 1.72 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Newmont In related news, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.25, for a total value of $221,375.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 59,751 shares in the company, valued at $2,404,977.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.60, for a total transaction of $413,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 234,039 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,799,866.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.25, for a total transaction of $221,375.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 59,751 shares in the company, valued at $2,404,977.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 38,866 shares of company stock worth $1,457,085 over the last three months. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Newmont Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. lifted its holdings in Newmont by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. now owns 7,260 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $356,000 after purchasing an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in Newmont by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 15,610 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $765,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares in the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC lifted its stake in Newmont by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 17,051 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $727,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares in the last quarter. Cascade Investment Group Inc. lifted its stake in Newmont by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cascade Investment Group Inc. now owns 16,431 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $701,000 after purchasing an additional 261 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its stake in Newmont by 25.8% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,354 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $108,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.53% of the companys stock. About Newmont (Get 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. California State Teachers Retirement System decreased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 1,543,704 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 64,815 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group accounts for approximately 1.0% of California State Teachers Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest holding. California State Teachers Retirement System owned approximately 0.17% of UnitedHealth Group worth $741,966,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. 25 LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth approximately $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Grayhawk Investment Strategies Inc. increased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 168.6% in the first quarter. Grayhawk Investment Strategies Inc. now owns 94 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $60,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insider Activity at UnitedHealth Group In related news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072 in the last ninety days. 0.35% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In UNH has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com lowered shares of UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 21st. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $585.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $596.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $578.05. Get Our Latest Analysis on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Trading Up 0.4 % NYSE UNH opened at $545.66 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $536.12 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $505.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $445.68 and a 12 month high of $554.70. The company has a market capitalization of $504.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.61. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.58%. The company had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $91.41 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $5.79 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were given a $1.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.38%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 32.64%. UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EU regulators have reportedly sided against Apple in its long fight against Spotify over App Store policies. The complaint centered on "anti-steering" rules that allegedly prevented platforms like Spotify from adequately promoting alternative methods of payment. While Spotify was the key opposition, the decision impacts not just music-streaming, but anyone offering software that requires a monthly subscription. Bloomberg reports that regulators are still putting the final touches on the ruling, with a formal decision expected for early next year. Along with the ruling, the EU will likely penalize Apple for the practice and ban it outright. Its expected that Apple will get hit with a steep fine, with some experts suggesting it could be as much as ten percent of its annual global revenue. This could add up to nearly $40 billion. However, the fine is likely to be lower than that, as the EU tends to place more of an emphasis on actually ending abusive practices, instead of relying solely on fines as a deterrent. So the big news will be Apple being forced to play by the rules when operating in Europe, ending anti-steering practices once and for all. Of course, its all up in the air until the regulating body releases its judgment. This follows a probe that started four years ago. It all began with a complaint from Spotify alleging that Apples anti-steering practices were forcing the music-streaming platform to raise prices to cover costs associated with appearing on the App Store. This led to an initial statement of objections against Apple in 2021 and a formal charge sheet this past February, as reported by The Verge. The formal charge sheet declared in a preliminary view that Apples anti-steering obligations offer unfair trading conditions. For years, Apple didnt allow rival streaming services like Spotify to even include links in third-party apps to their own subscription sign-ups. The company has since loosened this restriction slightly after an antitrust investigation in Japan. The EU ruling could further erode this mandate. Story continues The European regulatory commission will address the accusation that Apple stopped companies from advertising alternative subscription methods but will not address anything related to in-app purchases. If youve been following this story, fees associated with in-app purchases were also part of the complaint until being dropped in February. The EU has issued a separate probe into Apples tap-to-pay technology and whether there are any inherent antitrust concerns. According to reports, the companys in talks to settle that case. How will this affect the rest of the world? Theres a similar case making its way through the US courts, via an antitrust suit brought forth by Epic Games. A judge sided with Epic, but Apple recently asked the Supreme Court for an appeal. The court granted a temporary reprieve, so Apple can still do whatever it wants in its App Store, for now. Apple is a global entity, however, so all it takes is a few countries to force a company-wide change. As an example, just look at USB-C ports. Google faced a different outcome in a US court this week. A federal jury sided with Epic Games in a similar antitrust case against Google. The jury unanimously agreed that Google held an illegal monopoly on app distribution and in-app billing services for Android devices. This article contains affilate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,154,196 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $73,811,000. Bristol-Myers Squibb makes up about 0.7% of Virginia Retirement Systems ET ALs investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL owned approximately 0.06% of Bristol-Myers Squibb as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BMY. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth approximately $332,000. Covestor Ltd lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $150,000 after buying an additional 1,082 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,075,000 after buying an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC bought a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter valued at $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $24,725,000 after purchasing an additional 68,018 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have issued reports on BMY. Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the company from $68.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $60.00 price objective (down previously from $70.00) on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Friday, October 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $81.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 30th. TheStreet downgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.59. Insider Buying and Selling at Bristol-Myers Squibb In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II bought 8,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $49.81 per share, with a total value of $423,385.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at $1,768,255. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II purchased 8,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $49.78 per share, for a total transaction of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,115,412.16. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders acquired 13,571 shares of company stock valued at $672,994. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Down 1.1 % Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock opened at $50.53 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $48.25 and a 12 month high of $79.36. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $52.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $58.79. The stock has a market cap of $102.81 billion, a PE ratio of 12.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.99 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.75%. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 57.87%. Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, December 7th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the biopharmaceutical company to repurchase up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL bought a new stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 210,762 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $82,893,000. Mastercard accounts for about 0.8% of Virginia Retirement Systems ET ALs holdings, making the stock its 24th largest position. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Comerica Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at about $634,970,000. Asset Dedication LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 9,996 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,932,000 after purchasing an additional 456 shares during the last quarter. Blue Edge Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Edge Capital LLC now owns 7,520 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $2,958,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 299,019 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $117,651,000 after purchasing an additional 8,750 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Street Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 17.1% in the 2nd quarter. Principal Street Partners LLC now owns 3,346 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,316,000 after purchasing an additional 489 shares during the last quarter. 74.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Mastercard alerts: Mastercard Stock Performance MA opened at $420.98 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $394.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $397.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $395.29. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1-year low of $336.43 and a 1-year high of $421.00. Mastercard Increases 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 for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.21 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $6.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.83% and a net margin of 44.85%. The companys revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.68 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.63%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 8th. This is a boost from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is 19.86%. Mastercard declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, December 5th that permits the company to repurchase $11.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the credit services provider to purchase up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays reduced their target price on Mastercard from $479.00 to $470.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 30th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Seaport Res Ptn reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. KeyCorp reduced their price objective on Mastercard from $440.00 to $430.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Mastercard from $443.00 to $439.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Mastercard presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $451.32. View Our Latest Report on MA Insider Buying and Selling at Mastercard In other Mastercard news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $413.13, for a total transaction of $1,652,520.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 6,235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,575,865.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Ajay Bhalla sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $413.13, for a total transaction of $1,652,520.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 6,235 shares in the company, valued at $2,575,865.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 29th. The stock was 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. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 520,776 shares of company stock worth $200,842,951. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Mastercard (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of WestRock (NYSE:WRK Free Report) in a report issued on Sunday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. A number of other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of WestRock from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of WestRock from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Argus raised shares of WestRock from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $37.57. Get WestRock alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on WestRock WestRock Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WRK opened at $40.72 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $37.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.31, a PEG ratio of 5.15 and a beta of 1.12. WestRock has a one year low of $26.84 and a one year high of $42.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.95. WestRock (NYSE:WRK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The basic materials company reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $5 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.11 billion. WestRock had a negative net margin of 8.12% and a positive return on equity of 7.52%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.43 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that WestRock will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WestRock Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 21st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th were issued a $0.3025 dividend. This represents a $1.21 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.97%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. This is a positive change from WestRocks previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. WestRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -18.76%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On WestRock Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ancora Advisors LLC bought a new stake in WestRock in the 1st quarter worth $29,000. NBC Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of WestRock in the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in shares of WestRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its position in shares of WestRock by 1,815.2% in the 3rd quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 881 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares during the period. Finally, Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of WestRock in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Institutional investors own 85.51% of the companys stock. WestRock Company Profile (Get Free Report) WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for WestRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WestRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. True Anomaly has closed $100 million in new funding, a strong signal that the appetite for startups operating at the intersection of space and defense is far from abating. The new round was led by Riot Ventures, with participation from Eclipse, ACME Capital, Menlo Ventures, Narya, 645 Ventures, Rocketship.vc, Champion Hill Ventures and FiveNine Ventures. The funds will be used to continue scaling all parts of the business, according to a press release. True Anomaly is looking to fill a critical gap in space situational awareness and defensive operations through software and hardware, including the line of autonomous spacecraft capable of rendezvous and proximity operations. These vehicles, called Jackals, are equipped with a suite of sensors and cameras to track, surveil and collect data on objects in space. On the software side, the company has developed an integrated operating platform called Mosaic, which will eventually be able to work in tandem with on-orbit Jackals. In previous interviews with TechCrunch, True Anomaly CEO Even Rogers called out what he sees as a critical information asymmetry between the U.S. and its adversaries in space. Jackal, Mosaic and the companys other work in space domain awareness are meant to close that gap. The startup, founded by a quartet of ex-Space Force members in 2022, has been moving quickly toward this goal. In the first full year of operations, the company opened a 35,000-square foot facility in Centennial, Colorado and doubled its staff to more than 100 employees. In September, True Anomaly landed a $17.4 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build a suite of space domain awareness capabilities, including helping the warfighter find and track objects in space, characterizing that object, and using artificial intelligence to predict and identify changes in the objects behavior. The first two Jackal spacecraft are scheduled to launch on SpaceXs Transporter-10 rideshare mission in March. In August, the company got the green light from regulators to perform non-Earth imaging and to demonstrate in-space rendezvous proximity operations with the two spacecraft. It's an enormous technical challenge, so no doubt many people in both Silicon Valley and Washington will be paying close attention to how the demonstration mission shakes out. Click the photo and watch the video. * Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. * China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. * The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples. HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday with a call for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. "We sincerely hope that our two nations will... steadily promote the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in a signed article published by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam. To steadily promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Xi said the two countries need to maintain strategic communication, make good use of their complementary strengths, step up friendly exchanges, and properly manage differences. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries have enhanced their common interests with mutually beneficial cooperation, writing together a new chapter in their modernization drive. Lucrative Trade For Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vietnam's Vina T&T Import Export Trading Service Company, a sales slump in the United States and Canada in the first four months of 2023 didn't disturb him very much. The company's export revenues increased by 20 percent thanks to growing shipments to China. The company has signed contracts to export 1,500 containers of durian, 15 tons of the fruit in each container, to China this year, he said. Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 18, 2023. [Xinhua/Hu Xingyu] In September last year, Vietnamese durians, with longer harvest seasons and lower prices compared to traditionally market-dominant Thai and Malaysian durians, gained market access to China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework. The fruit is widely popular among Chinese consumers, offering new opportunities to durian growers, packers and producers in Vietnam. Meanwhile, fruits like grapes, citrus and vegetables from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are also well-received in the Vietnamese market, fostering a sustained momentum in bilateral trade of agricultural products. International cold-chain train services were launched on the China-Vietnam route last month, carrying fruits and vegetables from southwest China's Yunnan Province to northwest Vietnam's Lao Cai Province. The new services are expected to inject impetus into common prosperity and high-level opening-up along the railway routes, said Tao Qiang, deputy director of the cargo transport department of China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the service operator. China has remained Vietnam's biggest trading partner for years, while Vietnam has been China's biggest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In 2022, bilateral trade stood at 234.92 billion U.S. dollars, up 2.1 percent year on year. In the first 10 months of this year, bilateral trade reached 185.1 billion dollars, with China being Vietnam's biggest market for vegetable and fruit exports. Le Thanh Hoa, deputy director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that it is expected that the bilateral trade volume will hit a new high after Xi's visit, and China will import more high-quality agricultural and sideline products from Vietnam to help its agricultural development. Development Synergy In Hanoi, Vietnam's first city metro is running smoothly and carrying commuters through the city crowded with millions of motorbikes and cars. The Chinese-built metro line has witnessed soaring popularity as recent figures showed a 262 percent increase in passengers in the first three months this year from a year earlier. A train runs on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 9, 2023. [Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng] As a flagship project of advancing the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, the 13 km Cat Linh-Ha Dong line with 12 stations covering three districts in Hanoi provides a convenient and comfortable alternative for commuters, as well as a chance to enjoy an overhead view of the capital. Since its commercial operation in November 2021, the metro has run over 17.5 million passenger trips, and is welcomed by citizens for being eco-friendly and convenient with reasonable ticket prices, said Vu Hong Truong, general director of Hanoi Metro One Member Limited Liability Company. Another exemplification of green development cooperation is the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant in Hanoi. It can handle 4,000 tons of trash per day, or over 60 percent of the city's garbage, and has made important contributions to improving the city's appearance and environment. The construction of the plant has effectively contributed to Vietnam's green energy transition and solved the problem of garbage pollution that had long troubled local people, said Gu Chaoqing, president of the Business Association of China in Vietnam. Xi's state visit is a great encouragement for the business communities of both countries, Gu said, adding that it will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, investment and connectivity. It will also promote personnel exchanges and create more favorable conditions for business investments and development, benefiting the people of both countries and the region. Promising Outlook "We will bring more benefits to our neighbors through Chinese modernization, jointly move forward Asia's modernization process, and provide new development opportunities for Vietnam and other Asian countries," Xi said in the signed article. As Vietnam is mulling incentive packages to attract strategic investors and multinationals for more foreign direct investments, experts have suggested that besides financial incentives, Vietnam should focus on the upgrade of socio-economic infrastructure, the development of a green economy and the facilitation of administrative procedures. This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a China-Vietnam (L) and a China-Laos international cold-chain freight trains pulling out of Yanhe Station of Yuxi City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. [Photo by Chen Chang/Xinhua] The goal aligns perfectly with the vision of the fast-growing Chinese investment in Vietnam, which ranked third last year and rose to second place in the first nine months of this year with an amount of 2.92 billion dollars. The Chinese investment is actively adapting to the needs of Vietnam's economic transformation and upgrading, said Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, listing high-tech, information and communication, new energy, green development and e-commerce logistics as areas with huge potential. In September, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Chinese enterprises and investors to participate in the investment in and construction of strategic infrastructure projects such as railways and highways in Vietnam. Sharing a similar view, Xiong said China holds a positive and open attitude towards participating in Vietnam's infrastructure construction. Accelerating the connectivity of transport infrastructure, especially railway and road connectivity, is the focus of cooperation between the two countries under the BRI and the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, he added. While co-chairing the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the two sides to leverage geographical proximity and industrial complementarity to jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chain system. The comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will help both countries jointly advance their modernization with respective features, enrich the choices of modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Video reporters: Li Guangzheng, Tao Jun, Sun Yi, Hu Jiali, Lin Hao, Qi Xin and Lu Huijia; Video editors: Zheng Xin, Mu Xuyao, Yang Zhixiang, Liu Ruoshi and Ma Ruxuan (Source: Xinhua) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The two sides have announced the new positioning of relations between the two parties and countries and agreed to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides. The announcement was made during the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. Xi attended a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. After the ceremony, Xi held a meeting with Trong. Xi said he is delighted to visit Vietnam as promised and complete the third round of mutual visits between the two leaders. China is pleased with the achievements made by Vietnam in the past nearly 40 years of "Doi Moi," the country's reform cause, especially since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. China firmly supports Vietnam in continuing to advance the cause of socialist construction, Xi said. He expressed confidence that under the firm leadership of the CPV with General Secretary Trong at the helm, the Vietnamese party and government will successfully implement the major goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress of the CPV, laying a solid foundation for the successful realization of the two 100-year goals. China and Vietnam have supported each other in their respective struggles for national independence and liberation, and have learned from each other in their respective undertakings of reform and opening-up as well as innovation, Xi said. Xi said China always sees its ties with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective, noting that at present, changes in the world, times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented manner. As the world's top two ruling Communist parties, both the CPC and the CPV have been adhering to and developing Marxism, unswervingly following the path of socialism, and leading their respective country in socialist construction, said Xi. All the more, the two parties should grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and make solid progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the perspective of strengthening the socialist forces in the world and ensuring the steady and long-term progress of their respective cause of socialist construction, Xi added. Xi said with joint efforts, China-Vietnam ties will enter a new stage of greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination and better handling of differences. Xi also said that the cause of socialist construction in China and Vietnam will advance steadily and make new contributions to the stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large. Xi made a six-point proposal on building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, the first of which is to keep to the right political direction. China and Vietnam should adhere to high-level strategic guidance, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on the governance of party and state, and jointly deepen understanding of the ruling laws of Communist parties, as well as the laws of socialist construction and the development of human society, Xi said. The two countries should firmly support one another on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and jointly uphold international equity and justice, he said. Both sides should also deepen mutual trust on security, Xi said. The two sides must prioritize national political security, ensure the red flag of socialism not to be changed, and spare no effort to prevent, defuse and contain all kinds of political and security risks, he said. China firmly supports Vietnam in maintaining social stability and ethnic unity, and believes Vietnam will continue to support China in opposing external interference and firmly advancing the great cause of national reunification, he said. Xi said the two countries should upgrade practical cooperation. The modernization that includes the whole of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people is a great opportunity brought by China to the world, he said, adding that China is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with its Vietnamese comrades. An active alignment with the eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation by the Vietnamese side is welcomed, Xi said, calling for expanding cooperation in such emerging areas as digital economy and green development. The two sides should jointly implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, safeguard the global trading system, and build a secure, stable, unimpeded, efficient, open, inclusive and mutually beneficial global industrial chain and supply chain, he said. China will continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam will provide a good business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added. The Chinese president also called for more input to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. Bilateral cooperation should have a heavier focus on agriculture, education, health care and other fields concerning people's livelihood, Xi said, adding that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in such areas as youth, tourism as well as at the local level, deepen the two peoples' understanding on a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and on the traditional friendship between the two parties and countries, and enhance the bonds between the young generation of the two countries, to cement the popular support for China-Vietnam friendship. China and Vietnam should work closely on international and regional issues, Xi continued, noting that the remarkable development achievements of the two countries are the result of both the hard work of both sides and an open and inclusive world, especially a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific. China does not engage in exclusive cliques, block politics or camp confrontation, Xi said, adding that China is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Vietnam, and work with Vietnam to uphold genuine multilateralism, and jointly increase the voice and influence of developing countries in international affairs. Xi also called on the two countries to manage differences on maritime issues. The two sides should actively discuss and carry out more maritime cooperation projects, strive to promote joint maritime development, and turn challenges posed by maritime issues into opportunities of bilateral cooperation, he added. On behalf of the Vietnamese party, state and people, Trong warmly welcomed Xi's state visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and once again extended sincere congratulations on the major theoretical and practical innovation achievements made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Trong said that under the strong leadership of Xi and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has made all-round achievements and its international status and influence are increasing day by day. Vietnam is sincerely happy for brotherly China, he said. Vietnam firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China will achieve all the goals set at the 20th CPC National Congress as scheduled and make new and significant contributions to the cause of human progress. Trong said Xi is a comrade and friend respected and admired by the Chinese people. Trong said both Xi's invitation of him to China immediately after the 20th CPC National Congress and Xi's third visit to Vietnam as promised fully demonstrated his special friendly feelings towards Vietnam and the high level of Vietnam-China relations. Trong said that Vietnam-China friendship is deep as comrades and brothers, adding that not long ago, he personally went to the Friendship Pass to plant a tree of friendship, hoping to highlight the special brotherly friendship between Vietnam and China, and send a positive signal of the special friendship between the two countries. Trong thanked China for taking Vietnam as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, firmly supporting Vietnam's cause of reform, innovation, opening-up, industrialization and modernization, and providing valuable assistance to Vietnam during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese side firmly upholds the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, supports China's cause of reunification and firmly opposes separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" in any form, Trong said. Issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are all China's internal affairs, he said, adding that Vietnam opposes any force to interfere in China's internal affairs, hopes and also believes that China will maintain stability, development and prosperity. Vietnam adheres to an independent foreign policy and takes developing relations with China as a top priority and strategic choice, Trong said. Vietnam is willing to work with China to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, comprehensively strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade, security and non-governmental areas, and set a good example of mutual benefits and win-win results, which are in line with the common interests of the two parties, governments and peoples, he said. Maritime disputes are only part of Vietnam-China relations, and it is believed that the two sides can properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect, Trong said, adding that Vietnam and China share the same idea in safeguarding multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and promoting peace, cooperation and development. The important global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, are aimed at safeguarding the common interests of all mankind and are fully in line with international laws, he said, adding that they have received extensive support and positive response from the international community and that Vietnam firmly supports and stands ready to actively join them. In the current complex international situation, it is of great significance for both countries and the world that Vietnam and China working closely in multilateral cooperation and jointly tackling various traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Trong said. He said he believes Xi's visit will surely become a historic milestone in promoting Vietnam-China relations to a higher level and contribute to peace and development of the region and the world. After the talks, Xi and Trong witnessed the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides, covering more than 30 fields such as the Belt and Road cooperation, inspection and quarantine, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, local cooperation, defense and law enforcement security cooperation, and maritime cooperation. Trong invited Xi to have a small chat over tea. The general secretaries of the two parties continued in-depth communication in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. They believe that China and Vietnam, as friendly neighbors, share the same ideals and ideas. As good neighbors, good partners, good brothers and good comrades, the two countries enjoy unique climatic, geographical and human advantages favorable for building a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They said that the two sides should carry on the traditional friendship forged by leaders of the older generation, make joint efforts to build a community with a shared future, take their own modernization path, achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, learn from each other, benefit the two peoples, and make positive contributions to regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to issue a joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Shen Hong] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong witness the display of bilateral cooperation documents signed by the two sides after their talks in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Shen Hong] General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong invites General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping to have a small chat over tea in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei] General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attend a welcome banquet hosted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and their spouses in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Upon Xi's arrival in Hanoi, he had a meeting with Trong on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] (Source: Xinhua) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, arrives in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023, for a state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei] HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) A Boeing 747 jet bedecked with the Chinese national flag made a graceful descent at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday noon. Amidst the cheers of over 400 representatives from China and Vietnam, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the aircraft cabin, greeting the welcoming crowd with smiles and waves. As the flags of both countries, along with the communist party flags featuring sickle and hammer, fluttered in the gentle breeze, Xi descended from the airstair. Waiting at the red carpet laid out on the tarmac was Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was anticipating the arrival of the esteemed Chinese guest at the airport. Upon seeing Xi step off the staircase, Pham Minh Chinh extended his welcoming hands. The two leaders had a brief chat. Other senior Vietnamese officials on the scene, including Phan Dinh Trac, a member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for Internal Affairs of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, as well as Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Secretariat and chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the CPV Central Committee, along with local representatives, also joined the greeting to the Chinese president. Following the exchange of pleasantries, Xi and Peng were presented with bouquets of flowers by Vietnamese youths, symbolizing a cordial welcome. People welcome Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. Xi arrived in the Southeast Asian country for a two-day state visit. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu] "Welcome President Xi Jinping," cheered the crowd dressed in colorful ethnic clothing. In the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, Pham Minh Chinh walked Xi to a Hongqi limousine nearby. Along the road adorned with red banners hailing "Long live Chinese-Vietnamese Friendship!" and "Deepen Friendship between Vietnam and China, Comrades as well as Brothers," Xi's motorcade traversed from the airport to the hotel. Later in the day, Xi attended a welcome ceremony hosted by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong before the two leaders held a meeting. In a written speech upon his arrival, Xi said China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, adding that he looks forward to taking the visit as an opportunity to push bilateral relations to a new stage. This was the first visit to Vietnam by Xi in six years, during which he and Trong are expected to jointly announce the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. (Source: Xinhua) Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Weather Alert ...Very active weather and dangerous cold forecast for the next week... A very strong storm system will move through the region Friday. Very strong winds are expected and a wind advisory has been issued for the entire region for 40-50 mph wind gusts. Stronger winds are possible. Widespread rain may lead to localized flooding in areas where thunderstorms form with up to 2 inches of rain possible in those areas. Severe thunderstorms are not currently expected but there is a small potential over the southern Pennyrile region of Kentucky Friday morning. A change to sleet and snow is forecast at the end of the day but accumulations are still not anticipated. If temperatures do not rise above freezing Saturday it is expected to mark the first of 5 to 6 days where temperatures will not rise above freezing. Lows Saturday through Tuesday night are forecast to fall into or near the single digits. Below zero wind chills are likely most of Monday and Tuesday. This extended cold snap will be dangerous to those without adequate shelter and will likely challenge plumbing and other cold-sensitive infrastructure. Accumulating snow remains possible Monday but forecast amounts have trended a little lower, and will remain subject to change for the next few days as more data becomes available. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ FRIDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST /1 AM EST/ FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ Friday to midnight CST /1 AM EST/ Friday night. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Wet ground may result in some trees being uprooted, and tree limbs will be blown down. A few power outages are likely. High profile vehicles will have difficulty. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A corridor of stronger winds, with gusts up to 60 mph is possible over the Pennyrile region of west Kentucky ahead of the front, and across the entire quad-state behind the front. If that begins to appear likely a high wind warning will be issued. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. && Trust Bank Singapore Limited (known as Trust), is offering its customers sustainable credit and debit cards made from recycled ocean plastic. Assembled at Thales largest Digital Identity and Security (DIS) Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore, the Ocean Plastic card is made from a premium material recycled from plastic bottles collected from coastal communities. With each card containing roughly the equivalent of one reclaimed plastic bottle, Trust supports sustainable innovations in the banking sector by offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cards. SINGAPORE, December 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trust launched on 1 September 2022 as Singapores first digitally native bank. In September 2023, Trust passed its one-year mark with over 600,000 customers, becoming one of the fastest growing digital banks in the world. With the goal of minimising its impact on the environment, Trust is collaborating with Thales to offer the first Ocean Plastic payment card in Singapore to their customers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212186288/en/ Trust Bank is offering its customers Thales sustainable credit and debit cards made from recycled ocean plastic. (Photo: Trust Bank) Built for a diverse customer base including environmentally-conscious consumers, the card consists of 70% Ocean Plastic from Parley for the Oceans1, making it one of the most eco-friendly cards available on the market. Thales Ocean Plastic payment cards are manufactured from PET (a type of plastic used in products such as single-use bottles) recovered from coastal areas. Each card contains the equivalent of approximately one discarded bottle that would otherwise threaten vulnerable ocean environments. The cards are manufactured using Thales industry-leading technology at the Digital Identity & Security (DIS) Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore, the largest multi-module manufacturing facility for the Thales Group worldwide. The cards are also fully certified by payment schemes, complying with green manufacturing processes including the ISO 14001 and 50001 certification standards2. Thales processes ensure that the cards environmental impact is minimised at every stage, from resource consumption and emissions during manufacturing to waste and end-of-life disposal. Story continues "With Thales sustainable innovations in banking cards, we are delighted to collaboratively bring to life the first Ocean Plastic payment card in Singapore. As a digital bank with a core value of Build to Sustain, we hope to continue pioneering more sustainable solutions that reduce our environmental footprint," said Hasan Khan, Head of Credit Card & Lending, Trust Bank. "Thales is proud to support Trust as they provide their customers a sustainable payment card. Coupled with Thales contactless banking technology and cybersecurity, the cards offer a seamless payment experience to consumers, while helping Trust contribute towards cleaner oceans. We look forward to further collaboration with them in the coming years." Nassir GHROUS, Vice President, Thales Banking and Payment Services, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. ---- 1 Parley for the Oceans is the global network where creators, thinkers and leaders come together to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction. 2 ISO 14001 deals with resource consumption, waste management and pollution while ISO 50001 is interested in reducing energy consumption. About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and "deep tech" innovations connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers businesses, organizations and governments in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions. Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of 17.6 billion. About Trust Bank Trust Bank Singapore Limited (Trust) is backed by Standard Chartered Bank and the FairPrice Group. Specifically built and developed for Singapore, Trust aims to bring a new standard in digital banking to consumers, combining it with best-in-market rewards on everyday living expenses at FairPrice Groups extensive island-wide network. Trust had an incredible response from its launch in September 2022 with 100,000 customers signing up in its first 10 days. Its customer base grew to over 600,000 within a year, equating to around 12% of the addressable market in Singapore and making it one of the worlds fastest growing digital banks. Trusts shareholders are Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited ("SCBSL") and BetaPlus, a holding company owned by NTUC Enterprise and FairPrice Group. SCBSL and BetaPlus respectively hold 60 per cent and 40 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of Trust. PLEASE VISIT Thales Group Digital Identity & Security View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231212186288/en/ Contacts PRESS CONTACT Thales, Media Relations Digital Identity and Security Vanessa Viala +33 (0)6 07 34 00 34 vanessa.viala@thalesgroup.com Thales, Corporate Communications Asia Jamie CHOW +65 9369 5343 jamie.chow@thalesgroup.com Trust Bank, Corporate Affairs media@trustbank.sg The factional warfare in the Conservative Party over the Rwanda deportation Bill saw the partys extreme right-wing again set the agenda of British politics. The Bill passed its second reading Tuesday evening by 313 votes to 269. This means that a majority of the Tory partys right-wing factions, collectively making up 100 MPs, voted with the government. Of the 38 Conservative MPs who did not vote, intentional abstentions, as recommended by the European Research Group, were somewhere in the 20s. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers his speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, October 4, 2023 [Photo by Picture by Dominic Lipinski CCHQ / Parsons Media / CC BY 2.0 A majority governments legislation has only ever been defeated at such an early stage of its passage through the House of Commons once since the start of the 20th centurythe Shops Bill in 1986, over an inconsequential issue. That this was being discussed as a possibility yesterday is a measure of the weakness of Sunaks position, sitting atop a fractious party fearing electoral oblivion. A defeat would possibly have precipitated his downfall and an early general election. But in the end the Tory right were not prepared to administer such a self-inflicted wound, in part because they anticipate Sunak making various amendments to placate them before a third reading, likely in January. Sunak has therefore at best postponed a crisis, given that the demands of his right wing are opposed by an equal number of Tory MPs. The legislation is intended to finally make the governments plans to deport failed asylum seekers to Rwanda a reality, overcoming the objections of the Supreme Court, which last month ruled the policy illegal under domestic and international law. Its text declares Rwanda a safe country by government fiat, removes the duty of public authorities not to act in a way which is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and of the UK courts to take account of relevant cases of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and allows ministers to ignore temporary injunctions issued by the ECtHR. The brutality of the UKs asylum policy was underscored Tuesday afternoon with the reported death of an asylum seeker, a suspected suicide, lodged on the prison ship the Bibby Stockholmhousing 500 people. The groups representing the Tory right-wing, dubbed the five families in reference to the Italian American mafia, want Sunak to go further and effectively abandon the European Court and Convention altogether, removing even the right of individuals to appeal to these bodies based on exceptional personal circumstances. A star chamber convened by the European Research Group (ERG) of Tory MPs published a legal commentary on the Bill Monday which argued, Experience to date in cases about attempted removal of illegal migrants to Rwanda demonstrated that individual challenges are likely to be numerous, and that they have had a high rate of success, before calling for significant amendments. The governments legal analysis notes that the proposed changes would mean ministers accepting that those unfit to fly, for example those in the late stages of pregnancy, or sufferers of very rare medical conditions that could not be cared for in Rwanda, could be removed with no right to judicial scrutiny. It insists that 99.5 percent of legal challenges would be denied under its scheme. Sunak and government whips spent the last two days in what an insider called a belated, panicked and intense effort to secure the Bills passage, with Sunak stating that he is open to tightening up the legislation. The One Nation group of moderate Tories, the largest single faction in the party, comprising more than 100 Conservative MPs, is concerned that the more flagrant illegality being called for will jeopardise crucial international relations and worsen the UKs post-Brexit isolation. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke emphasised in Tuesdays debate that diplomatic work needed to be done to get Frances support policing the Channel, arguing that refugees should be deported to France rather than Rwanda. Most importantly, senior White House officials have made clear the Biden administrations concern that severing the UKs connection with the ECHR would undermine the Good Friday Agreement for Northern Ireland, in which it is heavily invested. Sections of the Tory right are reportedly still prepared to force yet another leadership election, in which they hope to instal one of their own as prime minister. The Mail on Sunday recounts that members are planning an advent calendar of shit to destabilise his premiership. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman already martyred herself in November in preparation for such a challengeher departing letter focussed heavily on Sunaks betrayal of pledges to stop the boats carrying asylum seekers across the Channel. On Sunday, immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned, saying the Bill he was supposed to be leading through the Commons does not go far enough. The ERG was the central force behind Boris Johnsons ouster of Theresa May and the implementation of a hard Brexit. There is even talk of Johnson returning as party leader and prime minister, which would first require him to regain a seat in the House of Commons through a stage-managed byelection. The Mail suggests a dream ticket leadership tie-up with [former UKIP and Brexit Party leader] Nigel Farage is even being considered. There is a great deal of speculation involved in all these scenarios, with Sunaks supporters telling the media off the record that the right wing has proved again that it doesnt have the numbers. Changing leaders before a general election the party is expected to lose badly would in any event present Sunaks successor with a poisoned chalice. Johnson is making far too much money outside parliament to be likely to be tempted to lead the party into failure. But for the return of this political criminal alongside Farage to even be suggested is an indication of the sharp lurch to the right being engineered within British politics. A violently xenophobic, nationalist, draconian cabal of Tory MPs is still calling the shots. It can do so thanks entirely to the political cover provided by the Labour Party, which has done nothing to tip the despised Tory government out of office, instead fashioning itself as an identically right-wing replacement. While Sunak was holding emergency breakfast meetings with his rebels, Starmer gave a speech at Silverstone insisting, We do all want to stop the boats, denouncing the government for losing control of our borders. Securing borders and protecting your country, he went on, is the basics. Labours opposition to the Rwanda scheme, he said, is purely on the basis that It isnt going to work. Starmer referred to his own experience of breaking gangs of people smugglers and lamented how money paid to Rwanda could have been used to bolster our cross-border force. Asked if he felt the Rwanda schemes was morally wrong, Starmer replied, I dont think it will work. I think its very expensive. Asked if he was opposed in principle to offshoring asylum claims, Starmer replied, There are various schemes around the world where individuals are processed, often en routeelsewhere Thats a different kind of scheme and Ill look at any scheme. The ruling class is increasingly convinced by Starmers performance. Several major Tory donors have now fallen in behind the Labour Party. On Tuesday morning, the Tory house paper the Daily Telegraph published an editorial on Starmer more advisory than condemnatory, taglined Parts of the Labour Party do not appear to see a problem with mass migration. How will Sir Keir Starmer deal with this? In his Silverstone speech, Starmer insisted that the party had fundamentally changed under his leadership and that If you want a government committed to economic stability, the rule of law, good public services, restoring Britains standing, making family life more secure and putting the country first, this is what a changed Labour party will deliver. PANAMA CITY, Fla., December 13, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The strategy is simple: "Charge less, Give more." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213185900/en/ Tyndall Federal Credit Union, a 67-year-old credit union based in Panama City, has shared more profits with its members over the last 5 years than any other credit union in the country, a total of more than $62 million. They have given back more than $22 million in 2023 alone. The latest Profit-Share Giveback Deposits were made in members accounts today, more than 20 million. During this time of economic uncertainty, Tyndall has eliminated many of its most common member fees and now charges $28 per member per year vs. $78 per peer group. Source: Callahan & Associates "Credit Unions were created to help everyday people save money and facilitate their lives," said Frances Martin, the chair of Tyndalls board of directors. "Which means our first thought should always be, How can we help our members keep money in their pocket and build the life they want?" The Tyndall Giveback was awarded based on 6 member activities from using electronic services such as online banking, bill pay, direct deposit, card usage, and having a loan or checking account. The more goals the member achieved, the larger the Giveback they received. Each member had the potential to receive up to $700 this year. Tyndall deposited over 270,000 Giveback deposits to more than 82,000 member accounts ranging from $70 to $780 with an average member profit-share Giveback of $250. "It feels good," said Hope Patterson, a Tyndall member since childhood. "The Giveback comes when we need it, at the end of the year, Christmas. They say it pays to be with Tyndall and that's the case." Frances Martin, Tyndalls Chairwoman, says giving is Tyndalls mission. "I think about that single mom. I think about the young family. I think about those retirees," Martin said. "And its obvious. They have trusted us with their money. Honoring them with this Giveback is the least we can do." Story continues Learn more about the Tyndall Giveback at Tyndall.org/Grateful. About Tyndall Federal Credit Union Tyndall Federal Credit Union was founded in 1956 to help its members reach their financial goals. Its first office was on Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, but today Tyndall serves more than 112,000 members from all walks of life. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213185900/en/ Contacts Jason Newman, VP of Marketing jnewman@tyndall.org | 850-896-7806 Tuesday's vote in the United Nations General Assembly [Photo: United Nations] The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States, the leading global enabler of Israels genocide, voting against the resolution. The vote totals saw 153 member states vote in favor of a ceasefire, while 10, including the United States, Israel and a handful of smaller countriesAustria, Czechia, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguayvote against it. The United Kingdom, Germany and Italy abstained. Speaking in support of the resolution, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago said, Right now, what we are seeing is an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian assistance, and profound disrespect for international law. He added, Even war has rules, and it is imperative we prevent any deviation from these principles and values. He noted that thousands of women and children have been killed, and even more have been forcibly displaced by the incessant violence, with nowhereI repeat, nowheresafe to go. In a statement on the vote, Avril Benoit, executive director of Doctors Without Borders, said, Today the majority of the world stood together to demand an end to this bloodshed and suffering in Gaza. The United States has once again voted to allow the carnage against civilians in Gaza to continue. She added, The US is increasingly isolated in its steadfast support of a war that seems to have no rules and no limits. The resolution, however, is non-binding, enabling Israel to continue to murder hundreds of Palestinians each day, and the United States to fund, arm and logistically support the genocide. In a show of open defiance, Israel added to its war crimes on Monday, blowing up a United Nations UNRWA school in Northern Gaza. With potentially even more catastrophic effects, Israel has begun pumping seawater into Gaza with the stated aim of flooding underground tunnels and structures. The Netanyahu government has said the hostages are being held in underground tunnels, but President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he has been told Israel is not flooding tunnels where hostages are being kept. Besides potentially drowning its own citizens being held hostage, Israels pumping of vast quantities of salt water into Gaza will have catastrophic health and economic consequences for the enclave and its inhabitants. A substantial portion of the water is likely to make its way into Gazas underground aquifer, potentially poisoning the water supply. The salt water could also have a massive impact on Gazas agriculture, as a high salt content in soil is poisonous to plant life. In a meeting with families of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of the hostages, currently its not possible to bring all of them back. In response, the families told Netanyahu they believed flooding the tunnels would lead to the hostages deaths. On Tuesday, when he was asked to comment on reports that the tunnels were being flooded, Biden replied that assertions [are] being made that theres no hostages in any of these tunnels. But I dont know that for a fact. In his remarks, Biden referred to the indiscriminate bombing that takes place on the part of Israel, contradicting the repeated false assertions of his administration that Israel is taking measures to protect the lives of civilians in Gaza. Biden also for the first time admitted that elements within Israels government are calling for the deliberate targeting of the entire civilian population of Gaza. He said, Ben-Gvir and company and the new folks, they They not only want to have retribution, which they should for what the PalestiniansHamasdid, but against all Palestinians. Despite these admissions, Biden was categorical that the United States would support Israel regardless, declaring that in the meantime, none of it is going to walk away from providing Israel what they need to defend themselves and to finish the job. In announcing that the US would vote against a ceasefire in Gaza, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, Any ceasefire right now would be temporary at best and dangerous at worst. She added, Israel, like every single country on earth, has the right and the responsibility to defend its people from acts of terrorism. On Monday, the death toll in Gaza surged to 18,205, Gazas Ministry of Health said, with another 7,000 people missing. Some 70 percent of the dead are reported to be women and children. The United Nations warned that disease is running rampant: The spread of diseases in Gaza has reportedly intensified, especially due to overcrowded living conditions; which adds to the strain on an increasingly overwhelmed health system and an increased risk of people dying. On 12 December, the [Ministry of Health] spokesperson in Gaza said that the ministry had documented 360,000 cases of infectious diseases in shelters, noting that the actual number is believed to be higher. The UN added that cases of meningitis, jaundice, impetigo, chickenpox and other upper respiratory tract infections had been recorded. It continued: Additionally, the director of the Abu Youssef An Najjar Hospital in Rafah announced that... diarrhea and influenza were spreading amongst internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Rafah. On Tuesday, footage emerged on social media showing Israeli troops using Gazan civiliansstripped to their underwearas human shields as they advanced into urban areas. Meanwhile, Israels minister of communications wrote in a statement on Twitter that we will never allow another state to be established between the Jordan and the sea, making it clear that Israel is seeking the total annexation of Palestinian lands, with the unstated premise that its current inhabitants will either be killed or expelled. Despite the overwhelming vote in the United Nations, Israel and the United States are bent on continuing their genocide in Gaza. All of the imperialist powers, including France, Germany and the UK, have declared their support for Israels right to defend itself, providing critical military, logistical and political support for Israel. Stopping the massacre requires the deepening and expansion of the mass protest movement that has emerged against the genocide by turning to the working class and fighting for a socialist perspective. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote in its most recent editorial board statement: Stopping the genocide in Gaza is the task of the working class. Workers should support the call by the Palestinian trade unions not to handle war materiel destined for Israel. The global demonstrations by millions of people against the genocide must be expanded and armed with a socialist perspective. The struggle to put an end to Israels genocide in Gaza must be waged as a struggle against the imperialist governments that are responsible for it and the capitalist system whose barbarism is being put on hideous display before the world. Will Lehman, the Pennsylvania Mack Trucks worker and socialist candidate for United Auto Workers president in last years election, issued the following statements defending the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka. On November 30, two members of the SEP, Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, were seriously injured when thugs from the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS) or Peoples Progressive Employees Union branch in Moratuwa University attacked them at the university, south of Colombo. UAW presidential candidate Will Lehman speaking with striking adjunct professors at The New School in New York City in December 2022. (WSWS Media) The two assailants, PPSS President Indika Perera and Secretary Suranga Piyawardena, carried out a premeditated attack on the two SEP members, who were campaigning for the public meetings being addressed by SEP (US) National Secretary Joe Kishore on the Centenary of Trotskyism. Wasantha, a veteran university worker, is a well-known fighter for workers rights and socialism who has been repeatedly threatened by PPSS officials. The SEP has issued a call to workers, youth and students in Sri Lanka and internationally to defend our partys democratic right to freely engage in its political activities and demand that the culprits be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The SEP is urging that protest letters be sent to the following addresses (with copies sent to the SEPs email address: wswscmb@sltnet.lk.): Senior Professor N.D. Gunawardena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa Email: vc@uom.lk or ndg@uom.lk Attorney General, Mr. Sanjay Rajaratnam Email: agdurgentmotions@gmail.com * * * Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, My name is Will Lehman, and I work at Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania, USA. I am a member of the United Auto Workers union, and last year I ran for International President of the UAW on a socialist platform, stressing the necessity for the international unity of the working class to all my co-workers in the US. I write to you today because I have read about the vicious, premeditated attack on Socialist Equality Party members Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando by the union thugs Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena. The criminals Perera and Piyawardena must be held to full account for their actions. The two demonstrated that they had thought about their crimes beforehand as they not only rented the taxi but armed themselves with sticks to use against SEP members Wasantha and Fernando. Furthermore, these two thugs were acting on behalf of the ruling party that is imposing IMF austerity on the working class in Sri Lanka. In the US, we too are familiar with the gangster-like methods the bureaucrats in the trade unions utilize to impose the dictates of the ruling class against the workers here. I will fight to make American workers aware of the attack on the SEP members in Sri Lanka so they too can come to the defense of the SEP and all workers internationally fighting inequality and oppression. Failure to hold Perera and Piyawardena to account will not only give these criminals a free pass for the violent crimes they have already committed, but it will also encourage further cowardly attacks against the democratic rights of others in the future. An attack against these two SEP members was not only an attack against a political party but the democratic rights of the international working class. Sincerely, Will Lehman The campaign began last month for Indonesias presidential and general elections due to be held on February 14 next year. Due to the countrys highly restrictive electoral system, just three presidential candidates and their vice-presidential running mates will face off in the first round. All three are conservative figures of the Indonesian political establishment, defenders of capitalism and, despite their populist electoral rhetoric, innately hostile to the interests of working people. After serving two five-year terms, the current president, Joko Widodo, is ineligible to stand. Presidential candidates, from left, Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan holds hands as they pose for photographers after the first presidential candidates' debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, December 12, 2023. [AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana] The anti-democratic electoral laws ensure that only a handful of people can hope to stand as presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Each pair of candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the support of political parties holding at least 20 percent of the seats in the national parliament or Peoples Representative Council (DPR), or 25 percent of the total votes in the previous election. The requirement effectively restricts the maximum number of candidates to three, possibly four. Moreover, the political parties represented in the DPR are themselves subject to restrictions. The threshold for a party to gain DRP seats is currently 4 percent of the national votea benchmark that only nine parties succeeded in reaching at the 2019 election. Regionally based parties that might poll strongly in a particular area are virtually excluded from the national parliament. This anti-democratic system, set up in the wake of the fall of the blood-soaked Suharto dictatorship in 1998, has been a major obstacle to the emergence of new political parties, thus maintaining the monopoly of those political parties that were permitted to legally function under Suharto. He came to power in the 1965-66 CIA-backed coup that slaughtered up to a million workers, peasants and communist party members. Any socialist, communist or even left-leaning political parties or candidates face prosecution under Suhartos 1966 law banning communism that has been maintained by subsequent administrations. While the fall of Suharto was accompanied by profuse promises of democratic reform, the state apparatus of the dictatorship remains largely intact. That is epitomised by the presidential candidate who is currently leading in the pollsPrabowo Subianto. A former army lieutenant general, Prabowo served as a commander in the notorious Kopassus special forces and was centrally implicated in the brutal operations against the East Timorese independence movement. At the time of the mass anti-Suharto protests in 1998, he was head of the Army Strategic Reserve Command or Kostrad, and was involved in the kidnapping and torture of student leaders. Far from being reviled, put on trial and jailed, Prabowo has been allowed keep his substantial business empire and strut the political stage as leader of the right-wing nationalist Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra). He has contested the presidency in two previous elections, 2014 and 2019, in which he ran against the candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Joko Widodo. On both occasions, Prabowo disputed the result. In 2019, his refusal to concede led to riots that caused eight deaths. After posturing as a reluctant candidate, he eventually bowed to Gerindras insistence that he accept their nomination. Widodo, who was elected in 2014, marketed himself as a small businessman from the lower classes sympathetic to the needs of working people. In reality, Widodo as governor of Jakarta, had powerful backers who saw him as the vehicle necessary to impose drastic pro-market reforms as president. His slashing of oil price subsidies provoked widespread protests. He also presided over the COVID-19 pandemic that infected more than 6 million people and killed at least 161,921 peoplea figure that is undoubtedly an underestimate. In 2019, Widodo appointed his rival for the presidency, Prabowo, as defence minister. In this position, Prabowo set about expanding Indonesias military, explicitly aimed against Chinese influence, and acquiring weapons and military equipment from the United States. While nominally neutral in the upcoming elections, Widodo is effectively supporting Prabowo whose vice-presidential running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is Widodos son. Prabowo is notorious for his rabid economic nationalism and anti-Chinese chauvinism, and has criticized Widodo for being too accommodating to Chinese businesses and workers. Widodos tacit backing for Prabowo, despite these apparent disagreements, makes clear that the former general is the favoured candidate of the political establishment and appears to have lifted his electoral prospects. It is significant that substantial sections of the Indonesian ruling class are backing a former Suharto-era general with a history of brutal repression. Millions have taken to the streets in Indonesia in opposition to Israels genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, amid rising internal social tensions over deteriorating living standards. In September 2022, large protests took place over fuel prices rises involving clashes with police. The next president, whoever it is, will have to ram through unpopular economic measures. The turn in ruling circles to Prabowo is an ominous warning of the measures that will adopted to crush any opposition. Ganjar Pranowo, the official candidate of the PDI-P, has been the Governor of Central Java since 2013 and a member of the DPR since 2004. Like Widodo before him, he is attempting to promote himself as a man who will defend working people. Ganjar has associated himself with limited attempts to introduce free basic education and improve public infrastructure during his role as governor. Earlier polls showed him as the most likely victor in the 2024 presidential election, but Prabowo, no doubt with a considerable boost from Widodo, is now well in front. Indonesian polls, however, are very unreliable. Despite his populist posturing, Ganjar is committed to the defence of Indonesian capitalism and the necessity of maintaining its economic competitiveness by suppressing wages and boosting incentives for foreign investors. Amid the escalating US-led war drive against China, countries and politicians throughout the region and internationally are under considerable pressure to align with Washington. Ganjar has evinced an anti-China stance, saying that countries other than China are welcome to invest in Indonesias development. Anies Baswedan is the third presidential candidate. He is running as an independent but with the endorsement of the Coalition of Change for Unity, comprised of NasDem (which Anies founded with others in 2010), PKS (Prosperous Justice Party), and the Democratic Party. He was Governor of Jakarta from 2017 to 2022, then became the Minister of Education and Culture in Widodos government. He was also the official spokesperson for Widodos presidential campaign in 2014. Anies, while intimately connected to Widodo and the political establishment, is using his status as an independent and posturing as an opponent of corruption. In the first public debate yesterday, he highlighted the fact that a controversial court decision had allowed Widodos son, who is only 36 years old, to flout the rule requiring presidential and vice-presidential candidates to be at least 40. Many regulations have been bent according to the interests of those in power, Anies said. Like the other candidates, Anies also appears to be orienting away from China and towards the US as well as pushing for a greater role for Indonesia on the world stage. With months to go before polling, electoral fortunes can change, but whoever becomes the next president will continue the anti-working class policies of the current Widodo administration. We are publishing here the tribute to Helen Halyard given by Chris Marsden, the national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (UK), to a memorial meeting held on December 3. A leading member of the International Committee of the Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Party (US) for more than half a century, Comrade Helen died suddenly at the age of 73 on November 28. I offer the sincere condolences of all members of the Socialist Equality Party in Britain to Helens comrades, family and friends in the United States and throughout the world. Helen was not only respected by those who knew her, but also loved. The outpouring of messages from all over the globe, from comrades of decades-standing as well as those responding to the tributes written by Comrades David North and Patrick Martin, is a testament to an extraordinary leader in our world party. From Left: Chris Marsden, Helen Halyard and Julie Hyland, leading members of the ICFI, in Berlin, 1991. Helen was intelligent, compassionate and cultured. She possessed a wonderful sense of humour. She was a great friend, a reliable confidante offering excellent and, if necessary, frank advice, and she was immensely cultured. Being her house guest was, for me, a privilege and a joy. But all of this was an expression of the profound socialist convictions that had shaped her over a lifetime of political struggle. And Helens best advice, to me and so many others, was always political, rooted as it was in both study and struggle. In all things, Helen was true to the core of her being. She was a Trotskyist, an enemy of nationalism, an opponent of Stalinism and Pabloism, dedicated to the struggle for the international unification of the working class for world socialist revolution. It is in the sphere of politics that she will be remembered by future generations. Helen was a political leader in the proper sense of the term. In the US and throughout the International Committee, as an internationalist she fought tenaciously for our perspective and to educate others so that they could do the same. Helen Halyard speaking at the1975 Young Socialists East Coast Regional Conference, in New York City. I, like others, have been reading some of Helens writings over the past days. They are steeped in an all-rounded appreciation of the significance of the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals struggle against Pabloism, which culminated in the split with the Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP). Some of her articles have already been quoted. Permit me to cite two more examples. In her 1997 essay, Ebonics and the danger of racial politics: A socialist viewpoint, Helen drew attention to Claude McKays series of questions posed to Trotsky during the Fourth Congress of the Communist International in 1922 on the Negro question. Helen described Trotskys response as elaborating the perspective of proletarian internationalism against all forms of nationalism. This is what Trotsky wrote: It is of the utmost importance, today, immediately, to have a number of enlightened, young, self-sacrificing Negroes, however small their number, filled with enthusiasm for the raising of the material and moral level of the great mass of Negroes, and at the same time mentally capable of grasping the identity of interests and destiny of the Negro masses with those of the masses of the world, and in the first place with the destiny of the European working class. That is the tradition in which Helen stands. After explaining that this socialist perspective was betrayed by Stalinism and Pabloism, which facilitated the growth and dominance of black nationalism, she then wrote: The only party that opposed nationalism in the sixties and seventies was the Workers League, the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party. Our party, firmly based on the perspective of proletarian internationalism, understands that not a single problem that faces the working class in any country can be solved within the framework of national boundaries. Workers cannot take a single step forward without recognizing and understanding the international character of the struggles they are engaged in and the need to organize as an independent international force. Helen Halyard of the Workers League campaigns on Detroit's east side for the Citizens Inquiry into the Mack Avenue Fire. June, 1993. In 2000, she replied to a readers question on the Workers World Party and why we said it supported the Democratic Party. Helen responded once again by returning to political fundamentals, writing: In the mid-1950s [Sam] Marcy joined those elements within the Fourth International who began to abandon the struggle against Stalinism, claiming that in order to fight imperialism it was necessary to adapt to the Soviet bureaucracy. He rejected the perspective of international socialism and the revolutionary role of the working class in favor of supporting the bureaucratic regimes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, as well as the bourgeois nationalist movements and governments in the former colonies In the WWP several ideological tendencies of an essentially reactionary character converge. These include the outlook of protest politics, Stalinism, bourgeois nationalism and forms of identity politics such as black nationalism. All of these are hallmarks of what we have often called middle-class radicalism, i.e., a political perspective that reflects the interests not of the working class, but rather of middle class layers that are dissatisfied with their position in capitalist society, but incapable of advancing a genuinely revolutionary opposition to the status quo. In capitalist society, only a program that articulates the independent interests of the working class and fights to establish the unity of the working class and its political independence from all sections of the bourgeoisieliberal as well as conservativecan provide the basis for a revolutionary socialist movement. Her writings, which are so clear, and every single aspect of her life and work confirm that Helen was an extraordinary person. She was won to Trotskyism, consciously and fully, as a student, and went on to dedicate half a century of her life to the liberation of humanity from class oppression. Precious few people can make a similar claim. But Helen was one of a generation of leaders in the United States that kept to the same path, who dedicated themselves to opposing Pabloism in all its manifestations as the essential basis for building the Fourth Internationalthose who fought alongside her and remained her closest comrades and friends. Leading members of the Workers League, from left: Larry Porter, Fred Mazelis, David North and Helen Halyard, in 1994 It was they who led the fight against the degeneration of the WRP. And by educating the generations of cadre that have followed, mine and others, and in this way ensuring the continuity of Trotskyism, they have provided the working class with the revolutionary leadership it must have. This is the universal within the specifics of what is being said of Helen today. Helen was among the best of her generation, and, as was proved in 1985-86, was one of the guardians and partisans of a world perspective and the Fourth International, which will determine what future awaits humanity, socialism or barbarism. To mark Helens life is to recognise her place of honour in the history of the Fourth International. And for all our members everywhere, young and old, this also means taking to heart Trotskys advice to comrades on Lenins death, recognising that, under conditions of a mounting global revolutionary crisis, Your responsibility has increased. The Social Democratic Party headed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz plays the central role in implementing the militarist and anti-working-class programme of the coalition government he leads. The last two years under Chancellor Scholz have been characterised by the US-NATO war offensive against Russia in Ukraine and the associated massive attacks on social and democratic rights at home. At its party conference in Berlin at the weekend, the SPD made clear that it will further intensify its right-wing course. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a high level Security Council meeting on the situation in Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at United Nations headquarters [AP Photo/Mary Altaffer] Scholzs frenetically celebrated speech was in every respect a declaration of war on the working class. The chancellor made clear that he and the government are fully behind Israels genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. We will support the country and we support the right to self-defence, he shouted to thunderous applause from the delegates. We want there to be a Jewish state in which Jews can live safely. In reality, the Israeli bombing terror against the Palestinians has nothing to do with self-defence or even security for the Jewish population. It is now known that the far-right Netanyahu government knew in advance of the Hamas attack on October 7 and allowed it to take place in order to implement its policy of ethnic cleansing and destruction. The extent of this is so massive that even UN human rights experts speak of it being textbook genocide. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 18,000 people have been killed in the territory since the beginning of the war and many thousands more are missing. The actual number of dead is therefore likely to be well over 20,000including many women and children. Over 1.9 million people have been driven from their homes and more than 60 percent of all apartments have been damaged or destroyed. Hospitals and schools have also been targeted. Horrific images and videos of mass graves and Abu Ghraib-like torture methods by the Israeli army are circulating on social media. Scholz did not limit himself to embracing the imperialist violence in the Middle East. In his speech, he also positioned the SPD as the most aggressive party of rearmament and executor of the NATO war offensive against Russia. We have made sure that we spend more on our defence and created a special fund for the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces], he boasted, threatening Russia with a long war. He [Putin] should not and must not expect us to let up. We must be in a position to continue doing what we are doing todaythis year, next year and the year after. Especially now, when others are weakening, Germany must increase its contribution and make decisions that put us in a position to do so. In other words, the current budget discussions are primarily about imposing further savings in order to make even more billions available for armaments and war. Scholzs claim that there will be no dismantling of the welfare state in Germany in such a situation was a bold-faced lie. In fact, the previous draft budget already contains massive attacks. The healthcare budget alone has been cut by three quarters compared to 2022, from 64.4 to 16.2 billion, while the education budget has been cut by 5.4 percent compared to 2023. What Scholz, Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (Liberal Democrats, FDP) are currently plotting behind the scenes will far exceed this orgy of cuts. Scholz justified all of this as a reaction to the Russian war of aggression and Russian imperialism, which was annexing small countries and threatening peace. What a mockery! Of course, Scholz knows full well that it is Germany, the US and the other imperialist powers that have reduced entire countries to rubble and killed millions in the Balkans, the Middle East and Central Asia. And they are also the main aggressor in Ukraine. By systematically encircling Russia, NATO provoked Putins reactionary invasion in the first place. Since then, it has constantly escalated the conflict in order to subjugate the resource-rich country. Berlin in particular sees the war as an opportunity to put long-held militarisation plans into practice. Here too, the SPD is at the forefront more than a century after its historic betrayalthe Social Democrats approval of war credits for the First World War on August 4, 1914. At the centre of the party conference was the adoption of a motion by the Executive Committee entitled Social Democratic Responses to a World in Transition. The WSWS already commented on an earlier draft of the paper and wrote that a more appropriate title would be Social Democrats Grasp at World Power. The paper pursues the old claim of German imperialism to lead Europe in order to lead the world, which had already led to two world wars and fascist barbarism in the 20th century. The Social Democrats great power rhetoricat least when it comes to a few phrases about human rights and democracymay appear somewhat different from that of the Kaisers Empire or the Nazis, but the goal is the same. The ruling class sees the current struggle for the redivision of the world as an opportunity for German imperialism to re-establish itself as the leading military power. Right at the beginning of the paper it says: The times of unipolar or bipolar order are over. New centres of power are vying for sovereignty, influence, and cooperation. Alongside the USA, China and Europe, more and more states from the Global South are laying claim to shaping the future of the world order. This development has been emerging for many years. While the contours of a new global order are still developing, it is clear that we are at the beginning of a multipolar age. In this situation, Germany had a great responsibility to help shape the new things that will emergenot least because of its size and economic strength. Above all, this required organising Europe. Because only from a strong Europe can we stand up for our values and interests globallyalone we are too small to exert any influence. It was therefore in Germanys very own interest to play a leading role in strengthening Europe. For the Social Democrats, a strong Europe is the most important political task of the coming years. Only as a sovereign, attractive centre can Europe help shape the global order according to its values and interests. Europe must accept its role as a geopolitical player and invest more in its own security. Like the defence policy guidelines recently adopted by the German government, the SPD resolution explicitly emphasises the military component of Germanys great power policy. Our own strength is ... also defined by military capabilities, it says in the section Defining our own strengths. The Bundeswehr makes an essential contribution to the capabilities of the EU and NATO and must be equipped in such a way that it can fully fulfil its tasks at all times. This is linked to the clear message that Germany is assuming leadership on an equal footing, including in military matters. The aim is to transform Europe into a forceful war power under German leadership. It was important that the European Union overcomes the inefficient and ineffective fragmentation in its defence policy. One should confidently commit to joint European defence efforts and more cooperation in production and procurement. Europe needed coordinated defence spending, a rapid reaction force and a genuine EU headquarters for a clear command structure. All of this would strengthen Europes security and sovereignty. The SPD paper leaves no doubt that the ruling class is preparing to achieve its economic and geopolitical goals more independently of the US in future and, if necessary, against it. The US and NATO were still guarantors of European security. However, President Donald Trumps term of office in particular had made it clear that Europe must position itself more sovereignly and invest more in its own security. This is not about values, but about predatory imperialist interests. For economic security, we need an uninterrupted supply of critical raw materials. Without rare earths or lithium, for example, no chips or batteries can be produced. What was therefore needed was a German and European raw materials strategy that also provides economic incentives for Europes own raw materials extraction and strengthens partnerships with resource-rich countries worldwide. The return of aggressive German militarism and imperialism may be loudly celebrated at SPD party conferences, but among workers and young people it is as hated as the Social Democrats themselves. According to the latest Berlin Pulse, a representative survey on German foreign and security policy conducted by the Korber Foundation, 71 percent of respondents said No to the question of whether Germany should take on a leading military role in Europe. A stronger diplomatic commitment was also rejected by the vast majority. In the latest Deutschlandtrend survey by broadcaster ARD, the SPD received only at a pitiful 14 percent support and Scholzs own approval ratings stand at a record low of 20 percent. On Tuesday evening, police officers with the Brown University Department of Public Safety and the Providence Police Department in Rhode Island arrested 41 college students and charged them with criminal trespassing for peacefully protesting the genocide in Gaza on campus. Students with Brown Divest Coalition called on the university to divest from companies profiting off the genocide in Gaza, December 11, 2023. [Photo: @DivestBrown] The multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious group of students arrested on Tuesday were with the Brown Divest Coalition, which called Tuesdays protest in solidarity with Hisham Awartani, a 20-year-old junior at Brown University and one of three Palestinian-Americans who were shot by a right-wing libertarian just off the campus of the University of Vermont in Burlington last month. While enormous attention has been devoted in the mainstream press and by both political parties to the alleged rise of antisemitism on college campusesby which they mean opposition to Zionism and the genocide in Gazathe attempted murder of Awartani, and fellow injured students, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, by an anti-vaccine zealot has virtually disappeared from the headlines. A photo of students Tasheen Ali Ahmad (left) Kinnan Abdalhamid (center) and Hisham Awartani (right) taken shortly before they were shot. [Photo: The Awartani family.] In a press release accompanying Tuesdays protest at the school, the Brown Divest Coalition noted that five weeks before he was nearly killed, Awartani spoke at a similar protest that called on Brown University President Christina Paxson to divest the university from weapons manufacturers that sell to Israel. Awartanis request, Brown Divest Coalition noted, was met with silence from Paxson, continuing to fuel anti-Palestinian rhetoric and violence. This is the second mass arrest of students protesting the genocide at the private Ivy League university in just over a month. On November 9, 20 Jewish students with BrownU Jews for Ceasefire Now were similarly arrested for peacefully protesting the mass murder in Gaza. The charges were only dropped following the shooting of Awartani, Abdalhamid and Ali Ahmad. Following Tuesdays mass arrest, Brown University spokesperson Brian Clark issued a threatening statement to press outlets, including the Brown Daily Herald, confirming that the students were photographed, fingerprinted and provided their arrest paperwork in lieu of being detained in physical custody. Promising more police-state measures in response to future protests, Clark added, The disruption to secure buildings is not acceptable, and the University is prepared to escalate the level of criminal charges for future incidents of students occupying secure buildings. Given that this is the second prominent incident in recent weeks of students trespassing in a secure, non-residential building after operating hours, Clark said, the University fully expects to recommend more significant criminal misdemeanor charges for any future incidents after the Dec. 11 sit-in. The police crackdown on peaceful college students at Brown is part of a broader authoritarian campaign spearheaded by the Republican Party, and leading billionaires, to attack the democratic rights of students and the entire working class. This includes the right to protest the US-backed Israel genocide in Gaza, in which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed 19,000 people in just over two months, the vast majority women and children. In order to deflect attention from their embrace and cultivation of actual antisemites such as Nick Fuentes, far-right Republicans, all of whom back the pro-Nazi Donald Trump, have recently taken up the mantle of defenders of the Jews, as part of their dual strategy of squashing democratic rights domestically while advancing US imperialist interests in the Middle East. Democrats have joined their Republican colleagues in demonizing anti-genocide protesters as supporters of Hamas and antisemites while at the same time remaining silent on the staggering increase of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate recorded by the Council on American-Islamic Relations in the last two months. Between October 7 and December 2, the organization received 2,171 requests for help and reports of bias, a 172 percent increase over a similar two-month period the previous year. Notable incidents include the shooting of the three Palestinian students in Vermont, the assault and harassment of dozens of perceived Muslims and Arabs in public, at workplaces and at home, and the murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume in Plainfield, Illinois, last October. Far too many people and institutions have spent the past two months weaponizing Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias to both justify the ongoing violence against Palestinians in Gaza and silence supporters of Palestinian human rights here in America, CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said in a press release accompanying the latest report. A prominent example of people and institutions supporting the ongoing violence against Palestinians in Gaza while also leading the charge to silence supporters of Palestinian human rights here in America is House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana). On Tuesday morning, Johnson attacked the President and Fellows of Harvard College, also known as the Harvard Corporation, after the board released a statement affirming that it stood behind embattled Harvard President Claudine Gay. Gay, along with former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and MIT President Sally Kornbluth, has faced a torrent of right-wing attacks following last Tuesdays congressional hearing, for not sufficiently backing Republican efforts to outlaw anti-war protests and expel foreign students who dont toe the US and Israeli line on foreign policy. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the Universitys fight against antisemitism, the Corporation wrote in its statement. Despite Gays and the boards pledge to redouble efforts to clamp down on anti-genocide protests, Speaker Johnson condemned the decision not to fire Gay as outrageous, adding that there must be accountability for the failure to protect Jewish students on college campuses. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson at the pro-genocide March for Israel rally in Washington DC, November 14, 2023. [Photo: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington] Similarly, in a Fox News interview Tuesday, the chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Virginia Foxx (Republican-North Carolina), reaffirmed that the committee had launched a thorough investigation into the moral rot at Harvard, UPenn, MIT and other schools. Foxx first announced the investigation last Tuesday. The Republicans campaign against the mealy-mouthed university presidents, all of whom denounced the anti-genocide protesters and affirmed their support for the state of Israel and the student protesters themselves at last weeks hearing, is a reflection of the sharp shift to the right of the US ruling class, which is increasingly incapable of tolerating any dissent. Despite the ouster of Magill earlier this week, on Tuesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that billionaire Marc Rowan, a member of the Wharton Schools board of advisors and the co-founder of Apollo Management Services, is seeking to exert further influence over the entire university, including over the curriculum. Rowan sent a four-page email to the UPenn board of trustees Tuesday morning with a series of questions attached aimed at intimidating faculty and administrators, such as if the University had any policies on faculty or administrations promoting a particular viewpoint. [H]as the University considered that its current political orientation has exposed UPenn to significant risk in the event of political realignment in Congress? Rowan wrote, implying that the supposedly far left politics of the university had exposed it to attacks from right-wing elements like himself. Rowan, 61, founded Apollo Global Management in 1990 with Joshua Harris and Leon Black, the latter of whom served as CEO until 2021. Rowan, who has a current net worth of $5.9 billion, took over as CEO of Apollo in 2021 after it was revealed that Black had authorized $158 million in payments to convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein between 2013-2017. The Inquirer reported the pressure to remove Magill began in October after the Palestine Writes literature festival was held on campus, with Rowan urging donors to close their checkbooks after the festival took place. The entire mainstream press and both political parties have slandered the Palestine Writes festival as a gathering of antisemites because rock star Roger Waters, an outspoken defender of Palestinian and all human rights, as well as recently assassinated English professor and poet Dr. Refaat al-Areer, were among the scheduled speakers. Far from supporting the festival, during last Tuesdays hearing, Magill concurred that speakers at the festival, including Waters, espoused antisemitism and that she found the event very very objectionable. Despite her attempts to save her job by throwing Waters and the anti-genocide protesters under the bus, Magill was ousted in less than a week. Kate Cox [Photo: Kate Cox] The Texas Supreme Courts abrupt intervention to block a medically necessary abortion is not only a monstrous injustice. It is a concentrated expression of the profound rot of the whole social order in America, with fundamental human rights under siege and collapsing across the board. Kate Cox is a 31-year-old Texas woman whose life and future fertility were endangered by a pregnancy marked by serious medical problems, according to her doctors and attorneys. Her fetus was diagnosed with a lethal abnormality that her doctors advised her is likely to end in a stillbirth or at best, her baby will live for only minutes, hours, or days. On top of this, she faced an increased risk of debilitating long-term complications because her two previous pregnancies had required cesarean sections. As her pregnancy continued, her condition worsened, and she was seen in the emergency room no less than four times. Her physician, Dr. Damla Karsan, recommended an abortion. But because of a draconian new Texas law that criminalizes anyone who performs or assists in an illegal abortion, Cox and Dr. Karsan sought emergency approval in court for the abortion to proceed because it was medically necessary. On December 7, approval was granted on an emergency basis by Texas District Judge Maya Gamble. The attorney general for the State of Texas, Ken Paxton, demanded that the Texas Supreme Court intervene on an emergency basis to overturn the district judges decision. He also sent menacing letters to the hospitals in Houston where he believed Cox might try to have the procedure performed, threatening doctors with first-degree felony prosecutions, which carry a possible sentence of life in prison, together with the imposition of $100,000 in fines, if Cox received an abortion. Paxton argued that the life of an unborn child is at stake and that Texas law does not permit abortions solely because the unborn child is unlikely to have sustained life outside the womb. Paxton is a notorious villain, even by the standards of Texas state politics, having been impeached on corruption charges earlier this year and narrowly escaping conviction. A specialist in using the court system to stage fascistic provocations, he has used his powers as attorney general to block any efforts to combat COVID-19, to aid in Trumps coup attempt on January 6, 2021, and to defend the use of razor wire to trap and drown refugees attempting to cross the Rio Grande River on the border with Mexico. On Monday, hours after Cox had notified the Texas Supreme Court that she intended to flee the state and obtain an abortion elsewhere, the justices handed down a decision in favor of Paxton. The decision employs the language of the Christian fundamentalist far right, referring to the fetus as Coxs unborn child. Overturning the decision of the district judge, the Supreme Court determined that Cox had failed to prove that she was at risk of death or that her pregnancy poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function unless the abortion is performed. In other words: Maybe shell be maimed and disfigured, but shell probably survive! Trampling on the scientific and medical advice of a doctor concerned for the safety of a patient, the Texas Supreme Court decision resonates with the most deranged attacks by Republican officials on medical professionals associated with efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. This framework places doctors in an impossible position, forcing them to choose between professional malpractice on the one hand, neglecting the health and safety of their patients, and, on the other hand, prosecution and jail time should some black-robed ignoramus later announce that the procedure was not appropriate. The conduct of Paxton and the Texas Supreme Court exposes the Republicans professed concern for the life of the mother, which is supposedly reflected in exceptions written into some abortion bans that have been enacted in Republican-controlled states. In practice, these exceptions can be arbitrarily ignored. This decision by the highest court of Americas second most populous state, from which there is no appeal, serves as a green light for similar travesties to be perpetrated by judges in states with similar laws. And while Cox was able to afford to travel to another state to obtain the procedure, many working class women and girls will not have that luxury. Without access to professional medical care, they will turn instead to coat hangers and contraband pills, regardless of what laws are on the books. The oppressive weight of these religious fundamentalist laws, as a rule, falls specifically on the working class. Wealthy women and their families will always be able to afford an abortion in a different state or country, if not a safe and discreet procedure where it is officially illegal. The Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky once described a womans right to abortion as one of her most important civil, political and cultural rights. In the modern world, the right is not only essential to physical autonomy and individual freedom, but to equal participation in social and political life. In The Revolution Betrayed (1936), Trotsky listed the Stalinist regimes abrogation of the right to abortion, which had been guaranteed by the 1917 October Revolution, as one of its many great betrayals. The right to abortion has never been fully recognized in the United States. It was partially upheld on qualified constitutional grounds in the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, only to be reversed last summer in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. The Dobbs decision set the stage for the nightmare now gripping the state of Texas. It also opened the floodgates to pseudo-legal attacks not just on the right to abortion but on a century of democratic reforms: voting rights, freedom from discrimination, the rights of criminal defendants, the rights against police brutality, the right to same-sex marriage and sexual freedom, the right to strike and the right to privacy have all been placed on the chopping block. The Texas Supreme Courts decision was handed down as the United States government and its proxies in Israel entered the third month of their deliberate genocide of the people of Gaza. While the Republicans cynically insisted on the sanctity of human life in their vindictive campaign against a suffering pregnant woman in Texas, they have positioned themselves as the most bloodthirsty advocates of the mass murder of Palestinians. In the words of Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller, Palestine will be turned into a parking lot. Military violence abroad and the dismantling of democratic rights at home are interrelated processes, as the World Socialist Web Site has insisted throughout decades of uninterrupted military aggression by the United States. A government that can get away with murdering tens of thousands of innocent workers and children abroad cannot be expected to respect the rights of workers and children within its own borders. In flagrant violation of free speech and academic freedom, the American government is already staging inquisitorial hearings to demand that universities crack down on the eruption of popular opposition to the war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza. In the course of this protracted process, the American judiciary, in particular, has suffered a massive collapse in its prestige and legitimacy. The mystique of the black robes and stately courtrooms is rapidly dissipating, as far-right judges like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas flaunt their corruption in full public view. Judges, it turns out, are capable of just as much corruption, stupidity and tyranny as politicians belonging to the other branches of government. Meanwhile, the extremely provocative conduct of the Christian fundamentalist far right is an inverse reflection of the narrowness of its social base. In America, at least 70 percent of the population supports the right to abortion. However, that popular sentiment struggles to find expression in a political establishment completely hostile to the needs and aspirations of the vast majority of the population. Notwithstanding a handful of token and verbal efforts for purely electoral purposes, the Democrats sit on their hands while the Republicans carry out their rampage against reproductive rights, as part of the Democrats efforts to achieve bipartisan unity in support of the Biden administrations imperialist military operations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. As working people are beginning to recognize in America and around the world, the capitalist state, capitalist political parties and capitalist courts are not reliable guarantors of basic democratic rights. They are, in fact, the opposite. They represent the forces in the dynamic that are most hostile to and destructive of those rights. This reflects the fundamental tendency of capitalism in its final period, which is not towards democracy, but towards dictatorship and war. The absolute and unqualified right to abortion, together with all other fundamental rights necessary for complete human emancipation, will be finally and permanently guaranteed in the struggle to replace capitalism with socialism. The New Zealand-based International Socialist Organisation, a middle class pseudo-left group, published an article on December 6, titled Union Response to the War on Gaza, which whitewashes the unions complicity in Israels genocidal bombing of the Gaza Strip. The article by Rudi Karmakar begins by quoting the appeal published in October by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, which called for urgent action to stop the genocide. The open letter called on workers 1. To refuse to build weapons destined for Israel. 2. To refuse to transport weapons to Israel. 3. To pass motions in their trade union to this effect. 4. To take action against complicit companies involved in implementing Israels brutal and illegal siege, especially if they have contracts with your institution. 5. Pressure governments to stop all military trade with Israel, and in the case of the US, funding to it. The overwhelming response to this appeal by the trade union bureaucracy in every country has been to remain silent and do nothing. Their inaction stands in stark contrast to the millions of people who have joined mass protests, week after week, against Israels bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 20,000 people, including at least 7,000 children. Protesters in Civic Square Wellington, 20 November 2023 Karmakar, however, states entirely uncritically that unions have responded differently, from urging a ceasefire to blocking shipments at unionised ports. In a ridiculous attempt to show that the New Zealand unions have taken a strong stand, the ISO cites a Council of Trade Unions (CTU) statement issued in 2009, nearly 15 years ago, towards the conclusion of Operation Cast Lead, in which Israel killed more than 1,400 people in Gaza and destroyed thousands of homes. At that time, the CTU called on the government to revoke the credentials of the Israeli ambassador, end military contacts with Israel and stop any trade that could support Israels occupation of Palestine. The unions never organised any industrial action around these demands at the time or in the intervening period. The ISO does not inform its readers of the CTUs most recent position. In a resolution published on November 16, the CTU issued a toothless call for a ceasefire and condemned both the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israels siege and bombardment of Gaza. It presented Israels genocidal assault as a two-sided conflict and called for an investigation into alleged war crimes by both sides. The statement did not call for an end to diplomatic, military or commercial arrangements with Israel. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Unite and FIRST Union have all issued statements calling for a ceasefire and promoting demonstrations. The union bureaucracy, however, has refused to mobilise workers in political strikes against the governments support for Israel and its military-intelligence alliance with the United States. Nor have they organised any action to block shipments that directly or indirectly support Israels war machine. The Maritime Union of New Zealand, which is affiliated to the CTU and the Labour Party, issued a statement on November 21 saying that it supports the right of the community to take part in peaceful protests at ports and elsewhere, however, MUNZ has not organised any industrial action to prevent the servicing of Israeli ships. The arrival of vessels operated by Israeli company ZIM Integrated Shipping has triggered protests at Ports of Auckland. On November 23, police arrested six protesters at the port. ZIM has offered to place its global shipping operations at the service of the Israeli Defence Force. Karmakar does not mention any of this, covering up the role of MUNZ, even though he refers to protests against ZIM ships in neighbouring Australia. According to the ISO, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) helped protest the shipping lines activities. In fact, as the WSWS has pointed out, the MUA, including its Stalinist-run Sydney branch, is enforcing business as usual at the ports, with workers made to load and unload the very ships that hundreds of people have protested and attempted to block. Similarly, the ISOs article refers to mealy-mouthed statements by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and other unions in the US calling for a ceasefire. But Karmakar doesnt mention the UAW bureaucracys role in blocking strikes and ramming through contracts at major defence companies such as General Dynamics and at Allison Transmission, the latter of which produces transmissions for tanks. This ensures the continuous flow of weapons to both US imperialism and the Israeli apartheid regime. The ISO lists a number of actions by groups of workers internationally, including port workers in Barcelona, Spain, who last month refused to ship weapons to Israel and the call by Belgian airport unions for workers not to handle weapons. It also refers to the protests against weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems in Britain. The most obvious point to make about such actions is that they are the exception. The workers involved have been isolated by the union bureaucracy as a whole, which has prevented any real campaign of political and industrial strikes capable of stopping Israels genocide. According to the ISO, the statements and strikes by unions since the recent assault on Gaza are just the beginning. It will take long term solidarity and union action to halt the Israeli war machine completely. This false statement is aimed at lulling workers into complacency and blinding them to the political conclusions they need to draw and urgent tasks that they face. Workers cannot wait for the unions to act. Any genuine fight against genocide and war will require mobilising the working class in opposition to the union bureaucracy, which acts as a police force on behalf of imperialism. This in turn requires a political struggle in opposition to the unions pseudo-left cheerleaders. Like the unions themselves, the ISO and similar organisations internationally speak for a layer of the upper middle class, which is actively hostile to the mobilisation of workers against capitalism, which is the source of war. The pseudo-left has lurched sharply to the right in recent years, embracing imperialism and aligning more and more closely with capitalist parties. In the October election, the ISO advocated support for the Labour Party and its allies, the Greens and Te Pati Maori, even after Labour, in the final days of the campaign, supported Israels bombing of Gaza. In 2022, the ISO joined other pseudo-left groups internationally in endorsing the US-NATO proxy war against Russia over Ukraine, which marked the opening stages of a Third World War. In the United States, the Democratic Socialists of America, which the ISO supports, has also backed the war against Russia and its representatives in Congress support the arming of Israel. The Socialist Equality Group in New Zealand supports the fight by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) for workers to build rank-and-file committees in the factories, ports and other workplaces, independent of the pro-capitalist trade unions. The genocide in Gaza only underscores the urgency of building such organisations, which are controlled by workers themselves, to coordinate action internationally to stop it. Millions of workers and young people are horrified by the genocide and will fight to end it. This requires not only new workers organisations but, above all, a political perspective and party based on socialism and internationalism. Only the fight for world socialist revolution can put an end to the oppression and ethnic cleansing of the people of Palestine, stop the war in Ukraine and stop the mad dash by the imperialist powers into a catastrophic world war. We urge readers who agree with this perspective to contact the Socialist Equality Group and join its fight to build a section of the ICFI in New Zealand. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House on December 12, 2023 in Washington D.C. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Tuesday with US leader Joseph Biden, making a last-minute stop in Washington D.C. after celebrating the inauguration of Argentinas newly-elected fascistic president, Javier Milei, in Buenos Aires on Sunday. Zelenskys visit to Washington was part of the White Houses ongoing effort to secure another $60 billion for Kiev. The additional funding, which comes on top of $110 billion already committed by the US since February 2022, is being held up in Congress by Republicans who insist that the bloodletting must be linked to the militarization of the American border and ferocious anti-immigrant policies. The US-NATO war against Russia has turned into a stalemate and debacle over the last year. Despite receiving tens of billions of dollars of aid, Ukrainian forces have proven unable to dislodge the Russian army. Kievs much vaunted spring-summer counteroffensive has resulted in basically no change in the battle lines and tens of thousands of dead soldiers. Oleksandra Ustinova, the head of a Ukrainian government commission that oversees military aid, told reporters this week that the Ukrainian army is dangerously low on ammunition, and its air defenses cannot keep up with Russian drone attacks. At a press conference with Zelensky late Tuesday afternoon, Biden announced that he had approved another $200 million of military aid for Kiev but could do nothing more. By blocking further supplemental war funding for Ukraine, Republicans are giving a gift to Moscow, declared Biden. In response to reporters questions about Ukraines strategy for the forthcoming year, neither the US president nor Zelensky could say anything concrete, apart from indications that there would be efforts to beef up Ukraines air defenses and ability to dominate the skies. With Kiev having repeatedly launched drone attacks inside Russias borders, this could indicate that the US is considering dealing with the military fiasco it faces through further escalation. The press event, which was replete with references to freedom and democracy, took on a particularly grotesque character when Biden declared that the brutality, inhumanity, raping, burning and beheading allegedly carried out by Hamas was beyond comparison to anything he had ever seen. He made these remarks as he defended Israels action in Gaza, including the flooding of underground tunnels where Israeli hostages are being held. Biden has staked his presidency on victory in the war. He is widely despised by the American public and is becoming even more hated because of his unbridled support for Israels genocide in Gaza. The disgust with his administration extends to the Democratic Party more broadly. The bogus call to defend Ukrainian freedom runs up against the sociopathic insistence on no ceasefire. Zelenskys government is also in crisis, riven by political conflicts and increasingly isolated from a population that is tired of dying and freezing with no end in sight. There have been protests across the country against indefinite service terms for draftees. Zelensky recently canceled forthcoming elections. Kiev, which is implementing right-wing economic measures at the behest of the IMF and EU, has made clear that it does not have the money to fund social programs, pensions, welfare payments and the like next year. Meanwhile, aid for Ukrainian refugees is being cut, with Ireland the latest country to announce that benefits will be slashed. Tuesdays meeting in the Oval Office followed discussions between Zelensky and Republican congressional leaders on Tuesday morning, during which time the Ukrainian president pleaded for more money and arms. He reportedly made no headway. Senator Lindsey Graham told the press afterwards, Nothings changed. The Biden administration is determined that its hirelings in Kiev stay the course, regardless of how many Ukrainians come home in body bags. This number now runs into the hundreds of thousands. The White House sees the war, regardless of whether or not Ukraine wins, as essential to depleting and destabilizing Russia. According to a December 11 article in the New York Times, The Americans are pushing for a conservative strategy that focuses on holding the territory Ukraine has, digging in and building up supplies and forces over the course of the year. This hold and build strategy, to be paired with deep strikes into Russian territory demanded by the Ukrainian military, is intended to mire Moscow in an intractable conflict and create a Vietnam-like disaster for it. Whatever approach emerges over the course of the coming year, nobody in Washington cares in the slightest about the consequences for the people of Ukraine. There are concerns within powerful sections of the ruling class in the US and NATO-allied states that the war effort against Russia is in danger. A November 30 article in The Economist warned, For the first time since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24th 2022, he looks as if he could win, adding, fatalism, complacency and a shocking lack of strategic vision are getting in the way, especially in Europe. It expressed anxiety that the Putin government, in addition to procuring overseas military supplies, is helping turn the global south against America. Similar sentiments were expressed on December 11 by the Washington Post, which decried war fatigue in the US and palpable public exhaustion in Ukraine. The editorial board insisted that there should be no let-up and called for a military package sufficient to see Ukraine through the hard year ahead, including much-needed ammunition, air defense munitions and more sophisticated weapons, such as air power. The Republicans in the US Congress that are holding up the latest aid package are not opponents of this in any sense. In its coverage of Zelenskys meeting with US congressmen, the BBC noted that Republican Senator Graham, despite rejecting Kievs request for more arms, has no doubt the Ukrainians will fight to the last man. Rather, the Republican Party is working to use American imperialisms filthy overseas agenda to strengthen its reactionary domestic agenda. In addition, sections of the party speak on behalf of layers of the military and political elite that view the anti-Russian campaign as a dangerous detraction from the fight against the real enemyChina. (Bloomberg) -- The US doubts whether Huawei Technologies Co. can produce the advanced chip in its new smartphone at the scale or performance threshold necessary to meet market demand, a senior Commerce Department official told lawmakers Tuesday. Most Read from Bloomberg Neither the performance nor yields may match the market of the device, Thea Kendler, assistant secretary for export administration, said during testimony before a House Foreign Affairs Committee oversight panel. Moreover, the semiconductor chip that is inside that phone is a poorer performance than what they had years ago, Kendler said. So our export controls are meaningful in slowing Chinas advanced technology acquisition. Read More: Raimondo Says No Evidence China Can Make Advanced Chips at Scale The Biden administration has issued sweeping curbs on shipments of advanced semiconductor chips and equipment to China, and the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security tightened those controls this past October to capture more chips and tools. But despite those curbs and parallel restrictions imposed by US allies, Huawei and its chipmaking partner Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. debuted a 7-nanometer chip in late August. The phone containing that processor, which went on sale while Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was visiting China, marked a new phase in the tech cold war and sparked a debate in Washington about the best strategy to contain Beijings technological prowess. BIS said in early September that its probing the purported 7-nanometer chip, and had otherwise stayed quiet on the Huawei breakthrough until Kendlers remarks on Tuesday. Read More: US Probes Made-in-China Chip as Tensions Flare Over Technology Story continues We share your concerns about the technological development, Kendler said when asked about Huaweis technological capabilities. BIS is under pressure from Republicans to be tougher on Huawei and SMIC. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and others have called for the BIS to fully cut off both firms from their American suppliers. Raimondo told Bloomberg News in a Monday interview that the US will take the strongest possible action to protect its national security following the breakthrough, while declining to confirm the existence of an investigation into Huawei or SMIC. Read More: Raimondo Vows Strongest Action After Huaweis Breakthrough (Updates with additional Kendler comment from seventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Vince Toye leads the community-development banking and agency lending businesses for JPMorgan Chase. Courtesy of JPMorgan; BI Vince Toye leads community-development banking and agency lending for JPMorgan Chase. Navigating affordable housing for middle-income renters can be confusing and stressful. Toye and his team use professional expertise to get deals funded and across the finish line. Read more from BI's Transforming Business series. Vince Toye leads two affordable-housing businesses for JPMorgan Chase, the world's largest bank, in its offices hundreds of feet up the Manhattan skyline. Growing up in a small Virginia town as one of seven kids raised by a single mother, he never expected to reach these heights. For the first few years of his life, his mother rented single-family homes in a segregated town until she was able to purchase a home; they were the only Black family in the neighborhood. Toye was the first person in his family to go to college. "If you had asked me when I was growing up, 'Do you think you would be in New York and that you'd be running two lines of business in a major institution?' I wouldn't have said that was possible," Toye told Business Insider. Now Toye runs JPMorgan's community-development banking and agency-lending divisions. Financing affordable housing is so important to the firm, Toye said that one of the first calls he got was from CEO Jamie Dimon, who encouraged him to think big in his new role. Building homes for middle-income workers Toye runs the bank's affordable-housing arm, which finances projects funded by government subsidies to help the poorest renters. His division helped broker $12 billion in deals in 2022. He also works on funding to help renters who earn too much for government-subsidized housing but not enough for market-rate rentals. This group is part of what Toye calls the "missing middle," and they face the biggest challenges in the current housing market. Thanks to subsidies, it's much easier to finance market-rate-rental projects and low-income housing than to build affordable housing for middle-income people such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, retail clerks, and warehouse workers. Story continues In 2022, Toye launched the firm's "workforce housing solutions" business to help fill this gap in middle-income housing. The concept originated in the 1970s in Aspen, Colorado, after locals like teachers and ski instructors began getting priced out of the housing market, prompting the local government to work with employers to provide subsidized housing. While the term now generally refers to middle-income rentals, Toye said employers are once again interested in financing building projects that could house their workers. More middle-income workers whether they work for a hospital network, a large retailer, or a warehouse operator are finding it difficult to afford to live close to their workplaces. Long commutes and high rent can negatively affect employee morale and productivity and increase turnover. Toye said companies that help fund middle-income housing may get first dibs on a percentage of units set aside for their employees, or they can negotiate a master lease on some units, which they can then rent to employees. For developers, this can help fund deals and get building projects across the finish line. In addition to funding from employers, building a workforce-housing unit may also require a bank loan, local tax credits, abatements, land grants, and money from the developer. This is where Toye comes in, using JPMorgan's wide-ranging network of banking professionals to find funding solutions. "There's no road map, and every deal's different," Toye said. The complexity of these deals has kept many large banks away from workforce housing in the past. Some of Toye's deals have required as many as seven separate funding sources. But because of the housing crisis, it's become a priority for JPMorgan, Toye said. While the high cost of borrowing could lead municipalities to pull back on issuing bonds that could help finance affordable housing, Toye said the bank's leadership wants him to continue pushing ahead. "When I talk to my manager, or his boss that runs commercial banking, or Jamie, they're not saying, 'Well, Vince, you need to slow down,'" Toye said. "It's, 'Keep your foot on the pedal. We want you to do more. Do it smartly, and make an impact.'" Read more from Transforming Business 10 industry leaders transforming business in 2023 The digital world remade itself and now every company has become an ad seller The way companies borrow money is changing forever Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Extreme heat from Californias climate-driven wildfires is transforming a metal common in soil into an airborne carcinogen that can be inhaled by firefighters and people living downwind of conflagrations, according to first-of-its-kind research. Most Read from Bloomberg In a study published Dec. 12 in the journal Nature Communications, Stanford University scientists discovered what they described as widespread and dangerous levels of toxic chromium in areas of Northern California severely burned by wildfires in 2019 and 2020. There are vast areas of these metal-rich geologies around the world with landscapes that are ready to burn, such as in Africa, Australia and Canada, said Scott Fendorf, a professor of earth system science at Stanford University and an author of the paper. Chromium is relatively ubiquitous: A benign form of the metal called chromium 3 exists in soils derived from chromium-laden rocks found on every continent. But as drought and heat waves prime forests and other wildlands to burn at higher temperatures for longer durations and over larger areas, chromium 3 is emerging as a growing threat. Chromium 6 (hexavalent chromium) is the most toxic known type of chromium, and is associated with a litany of significant health issues, such as skin and eye irritation, kidney and liver failure and lung cancer, Kimberly Humphrey, a physician and fellow in climate change and human health at Harvard University, said in an email. Humphrey was not involved in the research. This is an important study, and underscores the need for further research in this area not only into chromium, but into the effect of fires on other heavy metals present in the soil. Story continues Australian scientists in 2019 reported that exposing chromium 3 to high temperatures in the laboratory changed the mineral into toxic hexavalent chromium, called chromium 6 (also known as the water contaminant in the 2000 blockbuster Erin Brockovich). The catastrophic wildfires that devastated huge tracts of Northern California in 2019 and 2020 gave the Stanford scientists an opportunity to test whether those lab results would be replicated in nature. Researcher Alandra Marie Lopez, a Stanford postdoctoral scholar in Earth system science, collected soil and ash from burn sites with chromium-rich soil immediately after the fires were contained. She returned 11 months later for additional sampling. Lopez measured chromium 6 in soil particles small enough to become airborne and found high concentrations of the toxic metal, even after nearly a year had passed. We saw a lot of the hexavalent chromium just persisting in the surface layers of the soil, said Lopez, the papers lead author. California was in the midst of a record drought then; without rain to wash away the contaminated soil, the chromium remained. Edward Burton, a professor of environmental geochemistry and mineralogy at Southern Cross University in Australia, said that finding is significant. Newly formed hexavalent chromium can persist in surface soil and ash for many months after wildfires, thereby presenting a health risk to those exposed to fine soil particles or ash, Burton, who was not involved in the research, said in an email. The researchers didnt test for the presence of chromium 6 in the air, but the levels found in surface soil suggest the metal could threaten the safety of communities that have experienced wildfire. Firefighters and anyone living downwind of a wildfire would be at most immediate risk if chromium 6 becomes airborne. During a drought when chromium 6 remains in the ground following a wildfire any disturbance of the soil would pose a risk, including to workers who rehabilitate burn zones and people who return to recovering wildfire sites to hike and bike. This is of particular concern in the western USA because large areas of land are naturally rich in soil chromium and because wildfires appear to be increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change, added Burton, who led the team that discovered the link between high temperatures and chromium 6. Rain, like the deluges that broke Californias drought, prevents chromium 6 from lingering in burned areas. But it could cause other problems. One of the things were really interested in exploring is the potential after a post-fire wet season for hexavalent chromium to be mobilized into surface water in burned areas, said Lopez. Fendorf noted that more research is also needed on the presence of chromium 6 in wildfire smoke, which already is a health hazard, as well as the potential of other metals found in soil, such as manganese and nickel, to turn toxic. The studys findings underscore that people should protect themselves during wildfires by wearing protective masks, staying inside and installing air purifiers. He said more controlled burns to reduce fuel loads in forests would lower the intensity of wildfires and thus the volume of chromium 6 in soil. (Updates with comment fromKimberly Humphrey in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Its been quite an eventful year for the social network formerly known as Twitter and not in a good way. Sure, X got a new name and CEO, Linda Yaccarino. But the platform seems to be fighting a thousand battles on a thousand fronts. Weve seen an advertiser exodus due to owner Elon Musks controversial moves, including sharing antisemitic content and unbanning Alex Jones. The companys valuation has plummeted. Musk is at war with some of Xs biggest advertisers. And in November traffic from Android and iPhone users was down 12.4% year over year, according to data.ai. Its been a lot. If I were to sum up the year for Twitter, now X, in one word, it's decimation, explained Forrester research director Mike Proulx. It's decimation of the Twitter brand, it's decimation of the company's primary revenue stream, it's decimation of the company's valuation. And things arent looking any better going into 2024. Musks tumultuous year Musks year as Twitter CEO kicked off in March when the Information and the New York Times reported that the companys valuation had fallen from the $44 billion he paid for it in 2022 to just $20 billion. In May, the Wall Street Journal reported that Fidelity, an investor, had cut its valuation of Twitter to $15 billion. Good thing Musk is the worlds richest person. Not the best of times: X's Elon Musk. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images) Outside Xs valuation, Musk also had to contend with the fallout from his own posts. Throughout the year he made inflammatory comments about race, accusing the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of impacting Twitters revenue and generating antisemitism on the platform. In November, left-leaning Media Matters for America issued a report saying that ads on X for companies including Apple, IBM, and others appeared next to Nazi content, which sent advertisers fleeing. Musk is now suing Media Matters claiming it manipulated the platform to get ads to appear next to the objectionable content. The same month, Musk appeared to show support for an antisemitic post from another user, drawing condemnation from the White House and the ADL, among others, and possibly precipitating his trip to Israel. Story continues Musk doesnt seem too interested in winning back advertisers either. After apologizing for his tweet during an interview at the New York Times DealBook Summit, he cursed out advertisers for leaving X, specifically calling out Disney CEO Bob Iger. With larger advertisers ditching X, the company is looking to woo smaller advertisers, the Financial Times reports. It has become clear with the most recent bout with advertisers that Main Street big brands are done advertising on the platform, Proulx said. The days of getting lots of sponsorship and ad revenue from major brands have come to an end. The company is also leaning further into subscription revenue, offering premium features like access to X.AIs Grok chatbot and no ads. Those options, however, require a Premium+ subscription, which will set you back $16 per month or $168 per year. Odds for recovery? Musks wild year will likely keep X from ever becoming a massive success like rivals Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. The company was already struggling to draw users under its prior regime, but Musks outbursts will only hurt any efforts to turn that around. And upstarts like Metas Threads could further cut into Xs market share. Twitter's biggest vulnerability at the moment is that the space is unstable and during this time of instability, someone could come in with a new model and garner trust get users there network effects can kick in quite quickly, explained NYU Stern School of Business professor of technology, operations, and statistics Vasant Dhar. Even if Threads isnt winning, its a platform waiting to capitalize if X trips and falls further. Another fix? Musk has said he plans to make X a kind of everything app similar to Chinas WeChat, but after laying off thousands of employees its unclear how hell be able to scale. X as a business is going to be around for the next five to 10 years. I don't think it's at risk of going under, explained Deepwater Asset Management managing partner Gene Munster. I just think the opportunity to appeal to everyone has been taken off the table. And on top of that, all of this is hurting Tesla (TSLA). Still, theres always hope for X. Despite it all, people are still tweeting. Or X-ing. 2024 might still be a year of opportunity. Read Yahoo Finances countdown of the biggest stories of 2023: Daniel Howley is the tech editor at Yahoo Finance. He's been covering the tech industry since 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Khaybar Heritage Tour, which runs until March 9, 2024, is inviting adventure-seekers and natural history enthusiasts to explore Saudi Arabias volcanic landscape, Khaybar an ancient oasis and a geological treasure that was born from a desert volcanic activity. Located 220 km southeast of the iconic AlUla Old Town, Khaybar is split across two zones: the Heritage Oasis and the Natural Area. The latter is where the volcanic field lies, with geological phenomenon spread across a 600 sq km land span. The origins of this landscape date back five million years and travellers are now invited to uncover its secrets and experience its magnificence through AlUla Moments. Journeys of wonder and discovery are what AlUla Moments is all about, and were incredibly excited to present adventurers, thrill seekers, and the culturally curious with opportunities to explore Khaybars ancient volcanic field, said Jan Freedman, Geologist at the Royal Commission for AlUla. The site is home to volcanic marvels sure to captivate visitors and provide them with experiences theyll never forget. Among the most prominent and impressive is Harrat Khaybar, the volcanic landscape shaped by the Umm Jirsan lava flows that feature sculpted terrain and reveal important stories from the Earths depths. The longest lava tubes in Saudi Arabia, this craggy terrain inspires a sense of adventure with mesmerizing trails. This extraordinary geological phenomenon can be crossed on foot, taking visitors to the edge of Harrat Khaybars two white volcanoes Jebel Abiadh and Jebel Bayda. Majestic to behold, these rare volcanoes are Harrat Khaybars crowning jewels. They stand out amidst the black basalt rock terrain awash with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, said a statement. A visit to Khaybar takes visitors to a site where new scenes unfold at every turn and reveal spectacular geological and natural heritage, Freedman said. The epic scale of this late-prehistoric site, with its imprint of human journeys for thousands of years, is being opened up to the world through creatively designed, immersive, and authentic experiences. Accompanied by world-class tour hospitality and tour guides, visitors can expect hiking opportunities and adventure trails while exploring Harrat Khaybar and AlNinzar Fort, as well as breathtaking views of the oases from AlRawan Viewpoint and more. Another unmissable activity is Khaybar Camp, which lies on the threshold between the sandstone of AlUla and the volcanic rocks of Khaybar. Set in grand tents inspired by centuries of bedouin tradition, this immersive desert camp experience en route to Khaybar offers an opportunity to engage with historic civilisations up to March 1. It provides immersive insights into how they lived alongside features and activities that embody authentic desert life, such as hospitality, handicraft displays, camel riding, and photography with falcons and camels. Furthermore, the Oasis Soundscape is open daily until January 31, a free-flow soundscape designed to provide immersion in nature while calming the body and mind. People can wander through the Khaybar oasis while listening to lute, drum, and piano as sound, performance, and landscape come together in an immersive surrounding. TradeArabia News Service A second man has been charged with murder in connection with the July 29, 2022, slaying of a Spotsylvania County man. David Vinh Hoang, 35, was arrested Monday for his alleged role in the slaying of 63-year-old Timothy Alsfeld. Alsfelds body was discovered after firefighters put out a blaze at his home on Grand Brooks Road; he had been shot above his left eye prior to the blaze, according to testimony at a previous court hearing. Charges against Hoang include first-degree murder, arson, burglary, conspiracy and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges are similar to the ones facing his co-defendant, 38-year-old John Christopher Brown of Spotsylvania, who has been in jail since Aug. 3 of last year. Hoang was apparently indicted by a special grand jury. His cases in Spotsylvania Circuit Court remained sealed as of Tuesday afternoon. According to evidence presented at an earlier hearing for Brown, Alsfeld was wrapped up in a tarp and covered with bleach following his slaying. His Ford Expedition was found in Louisa County later that day; it had also been torched. Detective J.D. Harris testified that Brown admitted that he was present when Alsfeld was killed, and he also admitted taking the vehicle. But Harris said Brown denied killing Alsfeld and named another man as the killer. In a letter to Judge Ricardo Rigual filed in court records, Brown wrote in part, I will not plead guilty to things I didnt do ... I am willing to face the consequences of the things I was forced to do. Harris said Brown told police that the other man and Alsfeld had been in a dispute over a woman. He said he agreed to help the man cover up the slaying in exchange for a promise of methamphetamine. Both men are charged with multiple charges of murder under different code sections. Neither can be convicted of more than one of the murder charges. Brown currently has a two-day jury trial scheduled to start Jan. 10 in Spotsylvania Circuit Court. A trial date for Hoang has not yet been set. The development of Saudi Arabias film industry has been attracting film productions, highlighting emerging talent and creating opportunities for homegrown stars. Among those who have shined are director Abdulelah Alqurashi and his comedy drama Alhamour H.A. This year, the first R-rated Saudi Arabian film is the countrys official entry in the international feature race. Alhamour H.A. follows a security-guard-turned-swindler named Hamed, who quickly rises to the top and makes billions after he and his partners convince people into suspicious investments with the promise of doubling their money in no time. More from Variety Director Abdulelah Alqurashi I was inspired to create this film after hearing a true story from the early 2000s about a simple security guard who quickly amassed a vast fortune, says the director. Described by Alqurashi as a story that runs very deep in modern Saudi culture, but also speaks to the world at large, Alhamour H.A is loosely based on the life of an infamous con artist who was publicly exposed after conning thousands of victims through a Ponzi scheme. This story, set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, offers a unique glimpse into the effects of sudden wealth on human character. Hamed, the protagonist, embodies this transformation, evolving from humble beginnings to a life marked by greed and excess, Alqurashi explains. Actor Fahad Alqahtani says he immediately understood Hamed after reading the script. The prospect of portraying his journey from a security guard to a billionaire was both intriguing and challenging, he says. I knew I could bring the right depth to Hameds complex character. With Alhamour H.A., Alqurashi and his team hope audiences and voters connect with its universal theme: how greed can alter a persons life, for good and bad. My aim was to balance the dark aspects of his journey with nostalgic elements, using a distinct visual and tonal language, the director shares. The film goes into the transformative effects of sudden wealth and power, not just on an individual level but also on those around them, Alqurashi continues. We aspire to broaden viewers understanding of diverse lifestyles and values. Ultimately, we wish for Alhamour H.A. to be an experience that enlightens, challenges and resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers. Alhamour H.A. marks Boulevard Studios first production. Our mission is to empower Saudi filmmakers to tell untold stories, says Adnan Kayal, senior vice president of Sela, the holding company for Boulevard Studios. Alhamour H.A. is a testament to the rich storytelling potential within Saudi cinema, and we are proud to play a role in bringing this compelling narrative to a worldwide streaming release on Dec. 21. Alqurashi, who is also Boulevard Studios head of motion picture, and producer Mohammad Al-Hilaly of Boulevard Studios are extra proud of creating their project with a cast and crew of all Saudi talent. Alhamour H.A. represents a significant leap in the standard of blockbuster films within the region, the filmmaker says. Its not just a movie; its a full package that marries a compelling narrative with high production values, making it the candidate for recognition in the international feature category. Al-Hilaly echoes a similar sentiment. From the logline to the development of this film, it has been a journey of ambition and scale, he says. Boulevard Studios has supported it through every stage, ensuring that at each step from the initial greenlighting to the final touches the film is set to exceed industry standards in every aspect, be it storytelling, production or technical execution. Were striving not just to make a great film, but to create a landmark in cinema history that will be remembered and referenced for years to come. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On March 11, 2011, Emmett Corrigan, a lawyer, was shot twice outside a Walgreens pharmacy in Idaho after which he died at the scene. Another man, Robert Hall was also shot in the head and found unconscious at the scene. Investigation revealed that the men found themselves at odds when Hall found out that Emmett Corrigan was involved in an affair with his wife. Halls wife Kandi and Emmett, met outside the pharmacy that night before Hall shot Corrigan. The court found Robert Hall guilty in 2012. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison and was charged with second-degree murder of Corrigan. Hall is currently serving time at the Idaho State Correctional Institution in Kuna, Ada County, based on data from the Idaho Department of Corrections. Photo Credit: Hans Neleman | Getty Images The murder of Emmett Corrigan is one of pop cultures most talked about true crime stories. This fame is owed to the love triangle that preceded it as well as the fact that it was one of the most popular cases featured on NBCs investigative series, Dateline and IDs American Monster. The intrigue around the case also caused it to be featured on Dateline: Unforgettable, where the correspondents revisit the most curious cases from the show. Emmett Corrigans killer: How was Robert Hall caught? Image Credit: ftwitty | Getty Images On the night of the shooting, Emmett Corrigan and Kandi Hall met in a truck in the parking lot of Walgreens. Robert Hall arrived there, waited for them to come out and approached them. Kandi admitted that she had s*x with Corrigan right before the incident. According to her record, it was Corrigan who was relatively perturbed that day and provoked Hall before she turned around and ducked, missing out on watching the gunshot itself. The next thing she claims to have seen is the gun being dropped in front of Hall with him injured on the head. The revelation of an affair between Kandi and Corrigan, made it easier for the investigation to progress, with the motive becoming clear. Emmett Corrigans wife just gave birth to their fifth child before he died while Robert Hall was a father of two. The Dateline: Unforgettable episode, Deadly Desire, featuring the murder of Emmett Corrigan will come out on Oxygen this Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET. The post Dateline: Unforgettable: Where Is Emmett Corrigans Killer Robert Hall Now? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. "I was able to make it to today because of your prayers," the actor wrote Alexander Tamargo/Getty Jamie Foxx in Miami on Aug. 2, 2022 Jamie Foxx is sharing gratitude on his 56th birthday. The actor marked the milestone on Instagram Wednesday, reflecting on his April medical emergency and his recovery journey, especially the support he got from family and fans. "This birthday is a special one," Foxx wrote. "I wanna start by saying thank you to everyone that prayed for me when I was in a bad way ... here lately Ive been able to thank some of you personally but I want to say to all of you. I NEEDED EVERY PRAYER ... you lifted me through ... I was able to make it to today because of your prayers." "I consider all of you my family... and thank you to my immediate family, and everybody who chipped in to make sure that I could celebrate on this day," the Oscar winner added. "Im sending our complete joy to everybody ... Cause if its my birthday its your birthday." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Related: Jamie Foxx Channels Tiger Woods as He Hits the Golf Course 6 Months After His Medical Emergency Foxx spoke out about his health scare three months after it occurred, sharing a clip of himself on Instagram thanking fans for their prayers as he recovered from the medical complication that happened April 11 while he was in Atlanta filming the movie Back in Action. "I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back," he said of his fans' support. "I went through something I thought I would never ever go through." The actor said his sister Deidra Dixon and his daughter Corinne Foxx "saved my life," and also thanked God and the "great medical people" who treated him. "I cannot tell you how great it feels to have your family kick in in such a way and y'all know they kept it airtight, they didn't let nothin' out. They protected me," Foxx said at the time. "And that's what I hope everyone could have in the moments like these." Steve Granitz/FilmMagic Jamie Foxx in Los Angeles on Aug. 10, 2022 Related: Jamie Foxx Was a 'Ball of Energy' on the Set of His New Commercial, Says Costar (Exclusive) Foxx made his first public appearance since the medical emergency last week, attending the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements in Los Angeles on Dec. 4. I want to thank everybody. I've been through something. I've been through some things, Foxx said as he accepted the Vanguard Award for his performance in The Burial, adding as he welled up with emotion, It's crazy, I couldn't do that six months ago. I couldn't actually walk too." He added, It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It's different. It's different. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. For Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon, costume designer Jacqueline West immersed herself in researching early-1920s denizens of Osage County, Oklahoma. She visited museums commemorating plundering oil tycoons and watched rare black-and-white home movies commissioned by Osage families, wealthy from retaining mineral rights to their oil-rich reservation. Osage costume consultant Julie OKeefe ensured the authenticity and nuanced storytelling of traditional clothing and materials, which endure long after the tribes forced relocation from Missouri to Oklahoma in 1872. I had these 10-foot boards of townspeople, on every level, all the way around my warehouse, says West about designing the introductory sequence in which World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) arrives in bustling Fairfax and encounters the two worlds he soon infiltrates. Suited white merchants and disheveled fieldworkers seek their fortune, as Osage Nation members don attire representing their cultural pride and wealth. Patterned blankets pristinely wrapped around tailored suits, moleskin buckle-back pants and en vogue Roaring 20s fashion telegraph their status as the richest people per capita on earth. More from The Hollywood Reporter The fates of Ernests future wife, Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), and her sisters represent the first Osage generations spectrum of experiences, from being forcibly separated from their families to attend government-run boarding schools, to straddling the white system thats seeking to steal from their oil-rich heritage. I use the sisters as a microcosm, says West. Traditional Mollie like her mother, Lizzie Q (Tantoo Cardinal) wears classic Osage blouses in calico or satin, trimmed with hand-done ribbon. To accurately make Mollies shirts, West studied photos of the real sisters, museum pieces and Osage family heirlooms that were on loan. William Kugee Supernaw, the owner of Supernaws supply store, handcrafted Mollies treasured seed-bead necklace and silver circular Wabonka pins, cornerstones of Osage attire. West based modern Annas (Cara Jade Myers) flapper garb on Natacha Rambova, Cecil B. DeMilles fashion-trailblazing costume designer. Minnie (Jillian Dion) and Reta (Janae Collins), marrying outside the tribe, are degrees of traditional Osage representation. But blankets Osage status symbols and gestures of generosity connect the community. The power suit of the 20s, says West, who had Pendleton, maker of trade blankets for Native Americans since the early 1900s, re-create period-correct designs and labels. OKeefe invited Osage artisans Janet Emde, Ruth Shaw and Anita Fields to handcraft traditional ribbon work. OKeefe explains that the blankets communicate stories through distinctive colors and patterns, and method of wrapping. Preparing for Lizzie Qs death, Mollie precisely folds her black blanket up over her shoulder on one corner out of respect for her dying mother, and in a utilitarian fashion, to comb her mothers hair and tend to her as a caretaker, says OKeefe. Ernest marries Mollie at the direction of his uncle William King Hale (Robert De Niro), and wraps a blanket around his waist, while Mollies ornate one boasts 27 yards of ribbon. West and OKeefe also personalized each sisters wedding coat with unique designs, like Minnies lotus flowers, and elaborate finger-woven belts. We tried to get all of the elements from Osage art into each one, says West. The nefarious Hale telegraphs integrity-for-show through a tweedy beige three-piece suit. For his suiting, fedoras and cutting-edge driving goggles, West took inspiration from Ronald Colmans land developer character in the 1926 Western The Winning of Barbara Worth. William Hale has all these other people doing his dirty work, says West, whose costumes for him subvert the Western cliche of bad guys in black and good guys in white. So it was subliminal. Hes in a light suit when hes [pretending to be] a friend of the Osage, and other times, hes in a dark suit, like the devil. Enjoying his newfound riches, Ernest now wears his oft-proclaimed love of money through beautiful three-piece suits, custom-made by United American Costume House. West based his wardrobe upgrade on Hollywoods first Western star, Tom Mix, famed for his Stetson hats, diamond-trimmed cowboy boots and bespoke suits from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Ernest also incorporates reminders of his connection with or incursion into the Osage: a finger-woven band decorating his Stetson and a Tom Mix-inspired striped jacket made from a Pendleton blanket. West imagined they were gifts from Mollie. Shes traditional, says West. She might claim him with little touches of Osage art. A patterned blanket wrapped around tailored suits represented the wealthy Osage nation in the 1920s. Robert De Niro (center) plays ringleader William King Hale in the film. West studied pictures of the real Kyle sisters to nail the costume design of, from left, Reta, Mollie, Anna and Minnie. This story first appeared in a November standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The comedian made the alleged remark in a since-deleted comment on TikToker Bunny Hedaya's Instagram post featuring her son Taylor Hill/Getty Matt Rife is pictured attending the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit at Cleveland Public Auditorium on October 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. Matt Rife is facing trouble yet again after allegedly telling a 6-year-old boy that his mom buys his gifts with money from OnlyFans. The comedian, 28, was accused of making the controversial comment on Instagram after TikToker Bunny Hedayas son criticized his Netflix standup special, Natural Selection, on the platform. During the special, Rife said he was tired of women blaming their poor decision-making skills on planets that dont even know you. Your future is determined by your own thoughts, opinions and actions. You are in complete control of how your future turns out, continued Rife. It has nothing to do with stars, man. Just because Jupiter has a ring and you dont, doesnt mean thats what youre supposed to look up to for all this magical advice. And stop trying to explain it so confidently, you look stupid every time. At the start of the special, Rife also made a joke about domestic violence when telling a story about eating lunch at a Baltimore restaurant with a friend. Mathieu Bitton/Netflix Matt Rife during his Netflix standup special, 'Natural Selection' Related: Who Is Matt Rife's Girlfriend? All About Jessica Lord Rife said the hostess who showed them to their table had a full black eye, and his friend questioned why the restaurant wouldnt have her work in the kitchen instead of greeting diners. Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldnt have that black eye, Rife laughed. Just testing the waters to see yall are gonna be fun or not. I figure if we start the show with domestic violence, the rest of the show should be smooth sailing. Hedayas son reacted to Rifes comments on Instagram in a video shared alongside a clip of his Netflix special last week. Actually, its Saturn that has the rings, said Hedayas son. It has more [visible rings] also. And youre mean to girls. She captioned the post, Are you smarter than a 7 year old?? Rife then allegedly responded to the little boys remarks in a since-deleted comment on the post that read: Jupiter also has [a] ring. OH! and Santa [Claus] isnt real. Your mom buys you presents with the money she makes on OnlyFans. Good luck. On Sunday, Hedaya shared a screenshot of the deleted comment in a TikTok video and addressed Rifes actions at length. Matt Rife has decided to start beef with my 6-year-old child online, Hedaya told the camera. Yeah, you heard me correctly. She then denied Rifes OnlyFans claim and told the star, For you to assume that every woman online makes money by showing their bodies, which like if thats what you do, do you girl, love it. [But] I have never made a single dollar from a man. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. You cant accept the fact that people may like women for their personalities. We know you dont have one, she added. I really wish you luck on whats left of your career, but keep my childs name out of your mouth. Hedaya captioned the TikTok post: Matt Rife started a fight with the wrong 6 year old. Buckle in. #bunny #bunnyhedaya #mommabear. PEOPLE could not reach a rep for Rife for this report. Related: Matt Rife Says Girlfriend Jessica Lord Is His Biggest Support System, Talks Life After Fame Taylor Hill/Getty Images; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images (L-R) Matt Rife and Bunny Hedaya are pictured. Her 2.3 million followers were quick to share their thoughts on Rife's remarks, with one writing in the comments section, "Matt Rife is behaving more like a six year old than an actual six year old," while a second added, "WHAT???? Bunny this is insane ." A third wrote, "The fact that one thing your son said was funnier than his whole comedy special on Netflix ." Despite recent criticism against him, Natural Selection has become one of Netflix's most-streamed comedy specials. It was also announced on Wednesday that Rife will join fellow comics Chris Rock, John Mulaney and Ali Wong as one of the headliners for next year's second-ever Netflix Is a Joke Fest in May 2024. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Baklava Makes 30 pieces Filling: 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed in refrigerator overnight pound walnuts (or pecans) cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 cup butter (2 sticks) 2 tablespoons Crisco (if you dont have it, add same amount of butter) Syrup: 1 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar cup honey 2 tablespoons lemon juice Note: To get 30 pieces from a 9- by-13-inch pan, cut into thirds and then rotate pan and cut across lines into fifths. Cut each rectangle in half, making two triangles. Do not cut all the way through each piece. Use an up and down motion. Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Add nuts, sugar and cinnamon to food processor. Process until chopped well. 3. Melt butter and Crisco together in microwave. 4. Open one package of phyllo (usually comes in two half-pound packages in box) and cover with towel, if desired, to keep dough pliable. 5. Spray a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Brush a little butter on bottom of pan. Place 3-4 sheets of phyllo in pan and brush with melted butter mix. Continue layering with 3-4 sheets of phyllo, then butter until you are 2/3 way through the half pound. It is not necessary to butter each sheet of phyllo. 6. Spread half of the nut mixture on top, making sure to cover all of the buttered phyllo. 7. Continue to layer 3-4 phyllo sheets, buttering after each addition. Open second package of phyllo when needed. After 1/3 way through second package, add remainder of nuts, spreading evenly over phyllo. Count six sheets from the bottom of phyllo and fold over corner to mark it. Continue to add 3-4 sheets phyllo and butter until coming to the folded mark. Butter each of the last six sheets one at a time. If you run low on butter, melt a little more. 8. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Rotate pan 180 degrees. Continue to bake 25-30 minutes until lightly brown on top. 9. While baklava is baking, make syrup. Watch carefully so it does not boil over. Simmer 10 minutes and remove from heat. 10. Remove baklava from oven when done. Let sit 10 minutes before pouring syrup over entire top. 11. Let syrup soak in for about five hours, then cut into individual pieces. Submitted by Mary Lou NissimSabat "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift," Winfrey tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images Oprah Winfrey at the premiere of "The Color Purple" in L.A. on December 6. Oprah Winfrey is no stranger to scrutiny over her weight. For as long as she has been in the public eye, the icons body journey has played out in the media, on magazine covers and on episodes of her own eponymous hit talk show that ran for 25 seasons. "It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years," Winfrey tells PEOPLE in this weeks cover story. "I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself." One hurtful moment came early in her career, when she landed on acerbic fashion critic Mr. Blackwells list. "I was on the cover of some magazine and it said, 'Dumpy, Frumpy and Downright Lumpy,' " recalls the co-producer of the new filmThe Color Purple. (Winfrey starred in the original 1985 film.) "I didnt feel angry. I felt sad. I felt hurt. I swallowed the shame. I accepted that it was my fault." No more, she says. Related: Oprah Winfrey Opens Up About the Moments That Changed Her Life Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images Winfrey, who turns 70 next month, is optimistic that she now has a better handle on how to maintain a healthy weight long-term and rid herself of shame once and for all. Using a holistic approach that includes regular exercise and other lifestyle tweaks, Winfrey confirms she has also added a weight-loss medication to her regimen. Weight fluctuations "occupied five decades of space in my brain, yo-yoing and feeling like why cant I just conquer this thing, believing willpower was my failing," says Winfrey, whose dogged rehabilitation after knee surgery in 2021 kick-started what has been steady weight loss over the last two years. Randy Shropshire/Variety via Getty Oprah Winfrey and Color Purple star Fantasia Barrino on November 16, 2023. "After knee surgery, I started hiking and setting new distance goals each week. I could eventually hike three to five miles every day and a 10-mile straight-up hike on weekends," she says. "I felt stronger, more fit and more alive than Id felt in years." Now, she says, "I eat my last meal at 4 oclock, drink a gallon of water a day, and use the WeightWatchers principles of counting points. I had an awareness of [weight-loss] medications, but felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way." She adds, "I was actually recommending it to people long before I was on it myself." The turning point for Winfreys approach to using pharmaceutical aids herself came in July during a taped panel conversation with weight loss experts and clinicians, called The State of Weight and part of Oprah Dailys Life You Want series. Arthur Mola/Shutterstock Oprah Winfrey at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022. "I had the biggest aha along with many people in that audience," she recalls of the discussion, which posted online in September. "I realized Id been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control." She adds, "Obesity is a disease. Its not about willpower it's about the brain." Related: Oprah Winfrey Says She Wrestled with Thoughts on Ozempic, Wegovy: 'If I Take the Drug, That's the Easy Way Out' Once she reconciled the science, Winfrey says she "released my own shame about it" and consulted her doctor, who went on to prescribe a weight-loss medication. "I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing," she says, opting not to name the specific drug she takes. "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. Im absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself." Soul Brother/Soul B Photos/Shutterstock Oprah Winfrey at the Essence Festival in June 2023. Winfrey is aware of the buzz around her body size, especially as the use of medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight loss has surged in popularity. But she stresses it has not been a magic bullet or singular solution. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Its everything," she says of her all-encompassing health and fitness routine. "I know everybody thought I was on it, but I worked so damn hard. I know that if Im not also working out and vigilant about all the other things, it doesnt work for me." She took the medication before Thanksgiving "because I knew I was going to have two solid weeks of eating," she says, and "instead of gaining eight pounds like I did last year, I gained half a pound . . . It quiets the food noise." Though shes seven pounds away from her goal weight of 160 lbs., Winfrey says "its not about the number." Instead, shes content building on the progress she has made during the two years since her surgery. "It was a second shot for me to live a more vital and vibrant life," she says. Phillip Faraone/Getty Oprah Winfrey at ELLE's 2023 Women in Hollywood Celebration on December 5, 2023. "In Hawaii, I live on a mountain, and theres this big hill I used to look out the window every morning and say, 'God, one day I want to walk up that mountain.' Last year over Christmas I did it . . . It felt like redemption." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Im a wild girl, Patricia Clarkson tells me, before breaking into a laugh so rich and peppery that it sounds as if its been soaked in rum. You can define wild in your imagination go ahead. Before she sprung a dare on me, Id been trying to understand her a little. How, in her words, a sweet, straight southern lady had ended up living so unconventionally. Ive never married, Ive never had children norms have never been a part of my life, she says. Ive always existed on the edges. You will recognise Clarksons face in an instant, even if you dont immediately recognise her name. A prolific film and television thief, the 63-year-old has been stealing scenes for more than three decades as Emma Stones outrageously sex-positive mother in the teen comedy Easy A, as Julianne Moores suburban bestie in Todd Hayness Far from Heaven, as the eerie family matriarch in the Amy Adams limited series Sharp Objects. Shes popped up in The Green Mile, Dogville, Six Feet Under and Lars and the Real Girl, often carrying with her a sharp, sensual intelligence its no wonder she dated Frasier Crane for four episodes of his eponymous sitcom. Both on screen and off, she thinks of herself as deeply mercurial: Its the spirit thats been in me since I was young. Im thankful I found an outlet for it all which is acting. Ive put it to good use. And I live in a really nice apartment now. Im a bit relieved she said it first. Clarkson is video-calling from her cavernous New York home, and bathed in golden light. A frankly obscene number of glowing wall sconces surround her, along with busy bookshelves and plush sofas. Its an Architectural Digest cover story waiting to happen, and, honestly, the very best advertisement you could imagine for being creatively fulfilled and sans dependents. Were here to talk about Monica, Clarksons new film. The Monica of the title is a massage therapist played by Transparents Trace Lysette, who is informed that her mother, Clarksons Eugenia, is about to succumb to brain cancer. Theyve been estranged for years, ever since Monica came out as trans. Now, with Eugenia losing her faculties, Monica returns to the family home under the guise of her mothers new caregiver. As Eugenia fades in and out of lucidity, the pair develop an ambiguous, tender dynamic not unlike mother and daughter. Its a marvellous film: subtle and affecting and anchored by two brilliant performances. Clarkson says she signed up to the movie not only because the role was a challenge Eugenia spends much of the film bed-ridden and non-communicative, in the process robbing Clarkson of much of her speech and movement but because she knew a film about trans life, and led by a trans actor, was important. Harvey Weinstein couldnt [end my career]. I just stood my ground. And Id do the same thing again and again Its unusual, and it shouldnt be, and thats what bothers me, she says. We shouldnt be talking about this. Monica had been in development for close to a decade, with Lysette attached since 2017, but financing repeatedly fell through. Raising money was difficult, getting a distributor was difficult, Clarkson sighs. Weve crossed the queer threshold in film, but we havent quite crossed the transgender threshold, and thats unfortunate and wrong. Monica is also being released into a climate of increased violence against trans people, and seemingly endless debates about gender and bathrooms and trans-inclusive healthcare. I tell Clarkson that I dont recall trans existence sparking such vitriol until very recently. Clarkson has noticed the change of tone herself. Its become political, and its not political its human, she says. You know how people declare from the rooftops about wanting freedom? Being transgender is about freedom. Its about living as the person you know you are, and not the person somebody else wants to see you as. Its very simple. Theres no discussion about it for me. Subtle and affecting: Clarkson in her new film, Monica (606 Distribution) People are, she thinks, getting better at acceptance, before adding that she used the word deliberately shes no fan of tolerance. That is a dangerous word at times, she says. I dont think anybody tolerates me as a straight lady. They just love and embrace me. She breaks into that laugh again. Clarkson was born and raised in New Orleans, the daughter of a politician and a teacher. Her background is liberal and educated though also more traditional than the artistic world she ended up inhabiting. The playwright Richard Greenberg, one of her classmates at the Yale School of Drama, once described her as a bundle of contradictions: She was the most behaved, most patrician girl imaginable yet she was savage and unbounded. It made her a slight anomaly once she graduated and began finding work in film. I was never really an ingenue, so I started to struggle, she remembers. Her early credits are impressive she made her debut playing Kevin Costners wife in The Untouchables (1987) and followed it up with Clint Eastwoods The Dead Pool (1988) but there followed years of low-paying theatre work and bad TV movies with titles like She Led Two Lives. Crabby Patti: Clarkson in her breakout role as a heroin-addicted lesbian in 1998s High Art (Shutterstock) Real acclaim and recognition came relatively late: she was 37 when she was cast in Lisa Cholodenkos High Art (1998), an independent drama about a photographer (Ally Sheedy), her young muse (Radha Mitchell) and her erratic, perma-stoned girlfriend (Clarkson). I said: this is where I should be, she remembers. I should be a German lesbian heroin addict! The film earned Clarkson an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and finally put her on the map. Suddenly I was living the life I had always wanted, that I had dreamt about at Yale, doing these really demanding, cool, cinematic parts, and then also doing theatre. It was also a moment in time that led to her colliding with Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, now a convicted sex offender, who at that point was the most powerful man in Hollywood. Clarkson, who in last years She Said played the New York Times editor who commissioned the initial exposes of Weinstein, experienced his wrath on the awards circuit. Weinstein was famously fixated on awards campaigns and Oscar wins, and in 2003 insisted that Clarkson be (wrongly) entered into the supporting categories for her heartbreaking performance alongside Peter Dinklage in The Station Agent, which Weinsteins company Miramax Films distributed. Clarkson was also in the awards mix that year for a rival indie, the Katie Holmes-led comedy-drama Pieces of April. Going along with Weinsteins machinations would have meant Clarkson competing against herself and potentially losing out on nominations for both. I was the leading lady of The Station Agent, end of story, she says. I was not going to pull a Harvey and lessen the movie or myself. Instead, I was urging everybody to see me in the right categories leading for The Station Agent and supporting for Pieces of April. It was the right thing to do. I stood my ground against very mighty forces. It taught me early on that I can do whats right and go up against a mighty power and still be standing. Having stuck to her guns, Clarkson ended up with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for Pieces of April. I tell her that she must have had a degree of innate bravery to stand up to Weinstein back then if he wanted to, he had the power to end someones career in an instant. But he couldnt with me, she says, firmly. I just stood my ground. And Id do the same thing again and again. Unlikely friends: Peter Dinklage, Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale in the acclaimed 2003 indie The Station Agent (Shutterstock) There is an elegant yet robust fortitude to Clarkson. Shes also a little distracted. Throughout our conversation, Im convinced someone else is in the room with her shes always glancing sideways, seeming to gesture to an unseen entity that keeps grabbing her attention. It turns out Im correct sort of. Next March, Clarkson will be starring alongside Brian Cox in the Wyndham Theatres production of Eugene ONeills four-hour classic Long Days Journey into Night, and shes just about getting to grips with the script its currently all she can think about, so much that shes keeping a copy of it close to her at all times, including right now. I keep looking over at it, she laughs. Its a massive, massive undertaking. You know, Ive done Blanche DuBois and it ate my lunch. ONeills Mary Tyrone, though? The recovering morphine addict at the heart of a dysfunctional Connecticut clan? Ugh, she groans, its going to eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner. The role is one of the great albatrosses of the theatrical canon, and Clarkson has set an ambitious schedule for herself: learn the lines for act one by the start of her Christmas holiday, act two by the end of the year, and act three by the time she flies to London at the end of January for rehearsals. Shes finding the whole process daunting. Its an incredibly intimate play, and so deeply personal, she says, holding her hands tight to her chest. Mary Tyrone is never naked, but she might as well be, you know? I tell her it must be galling to know that shes committed to extracting all of that from herself day in, day out for three months. Youre placing yourself in harms way, she says. I hope that doesnt sound pretentious but you are! Its probably the most arduous journey I will ever take as an actress, but Im up for it. This is a woman whos always lived and acted on the edge of things, though so of course she is. Monica is in cinemas from 15 December, with tickets available here. Long Days Journey into Night runs at Londons Wyndhams Theatre from 19 March until 8 June tickets are available here The Pogues - Credit: Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty Images The Pogues are reissuing their drunk tank Christmas classic, Fairytale of New York, on seven-inch vinyl with proceeds benefiting a charity long supported by late frontman Shane MacGowan. The new seven-inch is available to pre-order now, and 6 (about $7.50) from each sale will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community, which works to end and prevent homelessness. MacGowan frequently performed at the Dublin Simon Communitys annual Christmas Eve Busk and in fact his last public performance before his death occurred at the 2021 event. More from Rolling Stone Music is an emotional and visceral gift that can lift spirits and bring hope to people at their lowest point, said Emma Kilkenny, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Dublin Simon Community. We share the truly magical memory of Shanes performance at the very special Christmas Busk recorded in St Patricks Cathedral during Covid lockdown. The Christmas Eve Busk is a beating heart at the core of Dublin Simons fundraising and Shane was always a very welcome and truly amazing addition to this special event. MacGowan died of complications from pneumonia on Nov. 30 at the age of 65. The musicians funeral took place in St. Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Ireland on Dec. 8, with thousands of fans appearing to pay their respects, while inside mourners included Nick Cave, Bob Geldof, and Irelands President Michael D. Higgins. The funeral featured several musical performances, including Caves cover of the Pogues song A Rainy Night in Soho; Cait ORiordan and John Francis Flynns rendition of the traditional, Im a Man You Dont Meet Every Day (which the Pogues recorded in 1985); and Glen Hansard and Lisa ONeills version of Fairytale of New York. Following the funeral, a private wake was held at a nearby pub that MacGowan liked to frequent. And, according to a new report from The Independent, it was MacGowan who posthumously picked up the tab. One attendee told the paper, I know the pub they are going to for the meal after there has already been 10,000 handed over the counter for free beer it was Shanes last request. Best of Rolling Stone Tonight, the magician known as Dynamo will bury himself alive. No coffin or casket. Just five tonnes of soil heaped on top of his body submerged six feet underground. From there, its up to him to claw himself out from beneath the suffocating mound of earth before he runs out of air. Tick tock. Certainly, its a terrifying stunt. Picture it: the claustrophobia; the dirt in your lungs and in your eyes; the silence but this is Dynamo were talking about. The Bradford-born illusionist, real name Steven Frayne, has made his name pulling off stunts like this. At 40 years old, he has walked across the Thames, dove headfirst from a Los Angeles skyscraper, passed through a glass window, and levitated 1,016ft in the air, his body hovering preternaturally between the glass prongs of the Shard. A bit of soil is no big whoop, you might think. But youd be mistaken. Buried alive stunts have a legendary but very short history. Frayne is believed to be only the fourth person in the last 100 years to attempt the escape and if all goes to plan this evening (Thursday 14 December), he will be the first to succeed. Suddenly, floating above a skyscraper doesnt seem so scary. Harry Houdini performed variations on the buried alive stunt across his career. In 1915, the famous illusionist made a go of it near Santa Ana, California. He was buried, sans casket, in a pit of earth under which he almost suffocated. He went so far as to break the surface with his hand, but shortly after exhausted and panicked he fell unconscious and had to be rescued from the grave by his assistants. The weight of the earth is killing, he wrote in his diary. Houdinis subsequent attempts were not quite the same. In 1926, he sealed himself in a casket, which was submerged in the swimming pool of New Yorks Hotel Shelton for 90 minutes. He managed to do so, he said, not by any trickery but simply by controlling his breath. Later that year, he replicated the stunt at the YMCA in Worcester, Massachusetts. He never did, however, manage to bury himself alive in dirt. In 1949, Alan Alan an escapologist known as the British Houdini attempted the same feat. The magician knew his way around a dangerous stunt (he devised his trademark burning-rope act in the early Fifties) but this proved too difficult even for him. In 1949, Alan Alan replicated the 1915 Houdini stunt for Pathe News but got even less far than his American predecessor. His assistants had compacted the earth too tightly and he had to be urgently dug out moments from death. Sadly, such stories of failure did not put off American magician Joseph Burrus who tragically died when he attempted the stunt in 1990. The 32-year-old, known as the Amazing Joe, had donned a white tuxedo for the Halloween stunt, for which he handcuffed and wrapped himself in chains before locking himself inside a plastic-and-glass coffin, which was then lowered into a 7ft-deep hole at a local amusement park over which approximately nine tonnes of cement and dirt was poured from a truck. Almost as soon as the hole was filled, however, the coffin shattered under the colossal weight, leaving rescuers frantically trying to exhume the casket as trick-or-treaters watched on in horror. Efforts to revive Burrus were unsuccessful. Most recently, British escapologist Antony Britton was unable to free himself when he attempted the stunt in 2015 while wearing handcuffs. Rescuers on site in West Yorkshire were forced to step in after nine minutes passed without any sign of life. I almost died, he said. I was just seconds away from death. It was scary. The pressure of the soil was crushing around me. Even when I found an air pocket, when I exhaled, the soil around me was crushing me even more. I could feel myself losing consciousness and there was nothing I could do. I was pretty much dying. Thankfully, rescuers were able to reach him before his air ran out. Harry Houdini unsuccessfully attempted the stunt in 1915 (AP) There have been less intense interpretations of the stunt but even those proved incredibly gruelling. Last month, the king of YouTube MrBeast (aka Jimmy Donaldson) buried himself alive in a transparent coffin for seven days to the delight of his 218 million subscribers. Entombed with him were sufficient food and water to last the week, as well as cameras and a walkie-talkie so that he could stay in contact with his crew above ground. None of this, however, saved the 25-year-old from the sheer mental exhaustion he faced throughout the challenge. At several moments during the stunt, including when he was finally freed from the casket, Donaldson broke down into tears. Given all this then the failed attempts, fatalities and near-misses it is wise that Frayne told The Times that he is not going into Thursdays stunt lightly. The magician has been practising in the run-up to the televised event, using his bathtub to replicate the circumstances the best he can. (He showed the publication a video of himself lying under a mound of earth, getting buckets of dirt poured over his head.) The stunt has an emotional component, too. Being buried alive is about laying to rest parts of me that I want to move on from, said Frayne. First, though, hell have to get out alive. After a shark attack mid-competition, and three World Titles, Mick Fannings competitive surfing career is behind him. He hung up the jersey for good aside from a few wildcard appearances here and there in 2018, capping off one of the most illustrious careers in surf history. And since then, Micks stayed busy by traveling, still scoring waves, starting businesses with buddies, and starting a family with his wife, Breeana Randall. Now, after welcoming their son Xander into the world, the couple has another one cooking in the oven, as Mick announced via Instagram on Tuesday. The photo showed a baby bump, with the simple caption: Hi Pro surfing and surf industry congratulations poured in: Again mate? Gabriel Medina Oh damn congrats daddy. Strider Wasilewski Congrats Stephanie Gilmore In a recent feature from CEO Magazine. Fanning talked about his life and career post shark attack at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa in 2015, his business ventures (including beer and soft-top brands), and his blossoming young family. Regarding which, he put forth this vision for the future: Over the next 20 years, I want to take my family on surfing trips and do as little work as possible. Id love to show them the world that I was lucky enough to explore as a professional surfer. Now, him and his wife will have one more in tow. More to come? *** Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos. Teen room ideas should be listed amongst some of the most challenging design projects to bring to life. The client usually has a lot of opinions on how everything should lookbut isnt much concerned with the practical side of things, like where the laundry basket should go to ensure dirty socks actually make it into the washing machine. Still, parents and designers agree that collaborating with teens on their bedroom is ultimately a fun and freeing experience. Expect bold details that feel entirely of the moment (teens are nothing if not rebels with a big vision) supported by functional pieces (hello, under the bed storage and streamlined study nook) that keep it all together. If youre looking for inspiration for your own teens bedroom, or you simply want to admire spaces that arent as predictable as a grownup interior, then scroll down for these 11 unique teen room ideas. Filled with exuberant color, playful pattern, and self-expression in spades, they underscore how exciting it can be to let imagination and emotion (of which theres no shortage at this age) lead when dreaming up a space. Give the Room a Platform PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE FRANZEN Storage and lounge space are key when searching for teen room ideas, and this clever Brooklyn design makes those goals look seamless. The secret? Well, first, to have your mom be designer Athena Calderone . And second, to create a Scandi-inspired platform bed that hides a second mattress beneath it for guests. The pine plywood actually wraps around much of the room, tucking away (then 17-year-old) Jivan's things with stylish ease. I knew kids would be hanging out on the edge of the platform and treating the bed more like a sofa, says Calderone. Maximize Every Nook and Cranny PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARYNN UDVARHELYI Southern Californian DIY pro Marynn Udvarhelyi came to the rescue when her daughter, Hannah, was in need of a teen retreat that had more personality than the all-gray state it was in at the time. Hannah was about to start high school remotely and needed a place that would allow her to focus, too. The duo worked together to transform the room, lining the walls with subtle but textural shiplap and a bird-patterned wallpaper on the ceiling. But heres the real scene stealer: Udvarhelyi replaced the window seat with a custom desk, ensuring that there was a balance between work and daydreaming. Turn Up the Chromatic Volume PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINE KLEIN; STYLING BY MILLE COLLIN FLAHERTY Theres a fair share of color in the Danish home of art director and photographer Celine Hallasin part as a continuation from her own palette-pushing childhood room, much to her parents chagrinso its no wonder that she would give her sons space a chromatic makeover. My thought was: Samuel will hate it no matter what we do because hes a teenage boy, so we might as well go 110 percent, she says. Given that the walls are beige and the floors are a honey-toned wood, its easier to let a kaleidoscope go wild: Ombre orange curtains frame the room, an IKEA Malm bed repainted in hot pink sits across from a geometric yellow chair, and a paper lantern comes straight from the streets of Tokyo. Even though its zany, it works. Use Simple Paint as a Stand-Out Moment PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIEN FERNANDEZ; STYLING BY AMANDINE BERTHON Creative Julia Rouzauds family home outside Paris has two sterling attributes: Its more than 3,000 square feet (even though its near the city) and had plenty of potential for her to bring modern color into a historic setting. The palette is always the first thing I start with, she shares. For her daughters bedroom, color-blocked shades in overlapping layers on the wall create a cool focal point (that could also serve as a frame for posters and favorite art pieces). As far as teen room ideas go, this is a great collaborative project to tackle over a weekend, using painters tape and the shades of your teens choosing. Make a Few Grown-Up Tweaks PHOTOGRAPHY BY VEERLE EVENS; STYLING BY KATE BERRY Designer Jo Sampson treats her London family home as her creative cocoon. Its filled with things that make her smileand she wanted to foster that same feeling in her daughters space. An accent wall is covered in a bright, lush jungle print, which acts as a mesmerizing showpiece. We lie in bed counting how many monkeys we can find camouflaged among the greenery, Sampson says. Another detail with visual impact is the graphic fabric that gives an IKEA storage unit a playful pop, as well as a streamlined spot in which her daughter can stow away her things. When designing a room for a tween who is just leaving the kid years, reimagining an existing bunk bed and adding more grown-up wallpaper can do the trick. Play With Patterns on Patterns PHOTOGRAPHY BY FANNY RADVIK; STYLING BY LINDA RING Designer Cathy Nordstrom was dubbed pattern girl by her fellow design students at school. So its no surprise that her familys abode in Stockholm is filled with her punchy textilesand the bedroom of her second child, Malte, serves as a laboratory for her whimsical wallpaper. Blue trees sprout beside a window shade clad in red-and-white checks, which matches the blue gingham pillows and floral bedspread. Then, theres the striped rug The important thing to remember for this teen room ideas lesson? As long as the patterns all fall within the same color family it flows, giving an emerging designer plenty of options in choosing their own favorite mash-up. Upgrade the Bed to Be Multifunctional PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM LENZ; STYLING BY MIEKE TEN HAVE If youd rather go monotone than maximalist, take a cue from Analisse Taft-Gerstens Greenwich, Connecticut home . She fell in love with Benjamin Moores Silver Satin, a shade that has a cool tint of blue, and used it throughout the home she shares with her husband and their surf-and-skateboard loving 15-year-old son. In his room, a clever L-shaped headboard ensures he can lounge at any angle, while also having a desk when homework requires real focus. Another hidden benefit: The bed can be lifted to reveal storage forwhat else?a surfboard. Make The Room a True Creative Outlet PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ZAROUR Teenager Lucy Lipofsky is a crafter, doodler, and art makerand her mother, Jenna Cooper , embraces it all. Lipofskys room is bright and airy, taking full advantage of the Los Angeles sun to spotlight her creations. Id been collecting things for a gallery wall since I was 10 or 11, but I only started working on it during quarantine, explains Lipofsky. Likewise, she began painting a green vine along a wall, much to her moms delight. She was complaining about having nothing to paint, and I said, Just paint on your wall, Cooper says. The best place to take it in? The back-to-back beds where Lipofsky can relax with friends and the family dog. Turn the Playhouse Into a Hideout PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE HARPER Bay Area designer Lisa Furtado s eldest son had long been campaigning for his own spacesomething away from the family, other than his room. We always joked, You can go live in the playhouse, says Furtado. When the opportunity to overhaul the backyard structure presented itself during the pandemic, she gave the dilapidated playhouse a modern overhaul complete with loft bed, desk, sofa, and storage. And while it only has electricity (no plumbing), it still tops the teen room ideas bucket list. Infuse Classic Details With Personality PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOUSE OF HACKNEY When Frieda Gormley and Javvy M. Royle, founders of House of Hackney (the British interiors brand coveted for its strikingly maximalist fabrics) were tasked with decorating their sons bedroom in their Cornwall home, they obviously went big on the prints. But their 13-year-old son wasnt interested in anything floral. Enter: A sky blue, navy, gray, and white striped wallpaper that reads timelessly cool. Theres nothing babyish, Gormley says of the refreshed space, noting, It will still work once it eventually becomes a guest room. Rounding out the mix is wall-to-wall animal print carpet and a color-blocked pattern on the beda place where their son can kick back and enjoy the view. Look Back In Time For Inspiration PHOTOGRAPHY BY RETT PEEK Hannah Carpenter originally painted all the walls of her Arkansas home white, thinking it was a clean slate. Then she, her husband, and their four kids temporarily moved to Tuscany, and she discovered that theyre actually a family of color lovers. I wanted our home to be like stepping into a different world within our small-town life, Carpenter says. She worked with designer Meta Coleman to take bigger risks, and in the bedroom for one of her teen sons, who plays in a band, they covered the walls in a 60s print thats very rock n roll paired with an equally edgy eggplant-colored wainscoting. The results? Totally individual, and a whole lot of fun. 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. Thai police are taking legal action against a Chinese social media influencer for allegedly flouting visa rules, days after she came under fire for a video she made that portrayed a popular Bangkok nightlife district as being unsafe for women. Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, deputy chief of Thailands Immigration Bureau, told CNN that Ziyu Wang, a Chinese national who has been traveling around Thailand, was found to be selling goods online while on Thai soil breaking visa laws. Wang, 28, had arrived in Bangkok on November 2 on a tourist visa, Thai police told CNN. She worked here without a work permit and police are processing her, Nutchanart said. We have summoned her and informed her of the charge of violating (her) visa. Chinese social media influencer Ziyu Wang issued an apology for her video after it sparked a backlash in Thailand - Ziyu Wang/Facebook The case comes at a tricky time for Thailand as it tries to woo back Chinese tourists after the Covid-19 pandemic. It also highlights how social media influencers can find themselves in legal hot water overseas when content they produce causes a public backlash. Wang has a combined social media following of more than 3 million people. She mostly posted on Douyin, Chinas version of TikTok, as well as some Western social media platforms that are not available inside China. On December 5 she shared a video on Douyin while walking around the streets near Nana Plaza, an area notorious for its racy adult-themed bars. In the video, Wang suggests the area is unsafe for women as she films what appears to be several Western men looking at her. The clip went viral and was perceived by many in Thailand as criticizing the countrys image and over-exaggerating the danger. She was summoned by police days later and admitted to creating the video. She later issued a public apology, denying that she intended to damage Thailands reputation, officials said. I understand that my words have caused unintended offense and misinterpretations and I deeply regret any negative impact they may have had on Nana District and the Thai people, the 28-year-old influencer said in a video posted to Facebook. I hold the utmost respect for the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of Thailand. I have always intended to promote a positive and accurate portrayal of Thai culture to a broader audience, she added. CNN has contacted the Tourism Authority of Thailand for comment. Reputational damage Thailands efforts to win back lucrative Chinese tourists have been complicated by perceived safety concerns that have filled Chinese social media this year about visiting Thailand, fuelled in part by rumors and fears that claimed travelers could be kidnapped and sent across the border to work in scam centers in Myanmar or Cambodia. Those fears were further inflamed with the release this year of two Chinese films No More Bets and Lost in the Stars, both popular thrillers set in fictional Southeast Asian countries where people are lured to work in scam factories or for organized crime. Then in October a shooting at a popular Bangkok shopping mall killed a Chinese citizen. Despite rolling out a series of incentives over the past year like visa-free travel for Chinese tourists Chinese tourist arrival figures are still way, way down, Gary Bowerman, a leading Asia travel and consumer trends specialist, told CNN. It takes time for traveler confidence to rebuild after three years of the pandemic and recent Chinese movies certainly didnt help, he said. Video spreads on Chinese social media Wangs video, which is no longer visible on her accounts but has been reposted elsewhere, starts off with her walking around the streets of Nana and features several incidences of her being stared at or approached by foreign men and local street peddlers. Throughout the video she speaks to the camera and comments about what she feels is the lack of safety standards in Bangkok. At one point, she stops by the side of a road to use her phone and is approached by a foreign man, who she quickly waves off. That man came to say hello and asked me how are you today. If he had pulled me away, I would not have been able to escape, Wang predicted. Thats why I feel women should not come here (to Nana) alone, she continues. Its very dangerous because you do not know the kinds of people you would meet the 99% hanging around are not good people. Wangs video comes amid a new consciousness about security and personal safety among many Chinese travelers, according to Bowerman. Youre looking at a young, more conscious demographic less mass travel groups that gravitate towards personalized itineraries that allow them to pick and choose what they want to do, Bowerman said. Chinese travel influencers, he adds, are especially powerful because of the way Chinas tech sphere operates. Chinese influencers (command) apps and social media platforms that the rest of the world does not use and they bring very, very large audiences that have been in isolation in the country for three years which gives them the power to influence public perceptions about destinations both good and bad, Bowerman added. On Thailands part, it is tapping into Chinese influencers to help promote the country to tourists. In November, Thailands tourism board signed an agreement with Chinese tech firms to roll out campaigns and travel promotions. Chinese travellers are greeted by members of the Thai media upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. - Jack Taylor/AFP/Getty Images Thailand needs Chinese tourist money Thailand has some of the worlds strictest criminal defamation laws and tourists have previously found themselves in trouble for posting unvarnished views online. In 2020, an American man was briefly arrested and detained for two days after a hotel complained about a negative review he wrote on a travel site in a case that generated widespread media coverage. The man was eventually released after hashing out a deal with the hotel where he apologized, Reuters reported. Before the pandemic, Thailand recorded 11 million Chinese tourist arrivals in 2019. The numbers deteriorated severely even after the reopening of borders in 2022 only 273,567 arrivals from mainland China. It hopes to increase that figure to 5 million by the end of 2023. Thailands government has been very enthusiastic about courting back Chinese tourists, and the government has always been particularly sensitive about the tourism industry and its reputation its hugely delicate, said Greg Raymond, a Southeast Asia researcher and senior lecturer at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Studies at the Australian National University. At the end of the day, Thailand needs Chinese tourist money and the government would definitely be concerned about a Chinese tourist doing a vlog like this that gets massive attention from other Chinese travelers that is definitely not the image they want. But the damage might already be done. What 2023 has taught countries like Thailand as well as the rest of the region is that governments have to really rethink how they look at the Chinese tourist market they cannot expect to go back to the travel volumes or the travel behaviors of 2019 because now is a new era, said Bowerman. The pandemic has changed the Chinese market and destinations now have to be very, very aware of the new challenges. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The oldest person in Japan has died at the age of 116 years old. Fusa Tatsumi died of old age on Dec. 12 at 9:25 a.m., according to local Japanese broadcaster MBS. The woman spent her last days at a nursing home in Kashiwara, Kyodo News reported, where she was known for often greeting employees. WORLD'S OLDEST PERSON DIES AT AGE 119 Tatsumi was born on April 25, 1907, in what is now known as Yao City, Osaka Prefecture. She was the second daughter of six children, MBS reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Photo taken in Kashiwara in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on June 30, 2022, shows 115-year-old Fusa Tatsumi, who became Japan's oldest person when a 119-year-old woman died in April 2022. Tatsumi died on Dec. 12, 2023, at age 116. Tatsumi married at 32 years old. She raised three children, who went on to grace her with eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The woman's oldest son told MBS, "I can only be grateful that she survived with the help of generous nursing care." He added, "She was the oldest mother in Japan and was able to accomplish something that no one could do." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The Okasa resident was declared the oldest person in Japan after the passing of Kane Tanaka, who died on April 19, 2022, at 119 years old, according to NHK World-Japan. Tatsumi received a congratulatory letter from Osaka Prefecture Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura in September 2023 to celebrate her long life. Hirofumi Yoshimura, governor of Osaka, is pictured at the prefectural office of Osaka, Japan, on May 15, 2023. Tatsumi received a congratulatory letter from Osaka Prefecture Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura in September 2023 to celebrate her long life. Yoshimura posted on X following Tatsumi's death, acknowledging the letter and her longevity. "I still can't forget how energetic Fusa Tatsumi was," the governor wrote. "We sincerely pray for the repose of the soul of Fusa Tatsumi." Maria Branyas Morera of Spain currently holds the title of the oldest person living in the world, Guinness World Records confirmed with Fox News Digital. Morera turned 116 years old on Jan. 17, 2023, according to official records. Cortney Moore contributed to this report. For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle . Original article source: Japans oldest person, Fusa Tatsumi, has died at age 116 Dutch apparel brand Kuyichi is rooted in responsibility. The company was inspired by NGO Solidaridads visit to Peru in 1998, which brought to light the poverty and pollution in the cotton industry there. The organization sought to support and reward farmers for growing organic cotton, but there was not a sufficient market for the fibers. To create the needed downstream demand, Kuyichi was launched as a consumer-facing brand selling 100 percent organic cotton denim. With these foundations in sustainability and social good, Kuyichi put its own spin on Black Friday this year. Instead of marking merchandise down, the companywhich has ceased discountinghighlighted its new Forever Black denim that uses TENCEL Modal with Eco Color technology. The dope dyeing process for these fibers happens at the solution stage, as pigment is added to the liquified pulp before it is spun. This not only saves energy and water over conventional dyeing, but it also locks color into the core of the fiber for better colorfastness and longevity. More from Sourcing Journal Read more on Carved in Blue. This article is one of a series on Rivet from Lenzings Carved in Blue denim blog. From conversations with the experts behind the mills that make some of the worlds most-wanted denim to the global brands bringing novel denim made with TENCEL Lyocell and Modal to the market, Carved in Blue shares the stories of those whose roots run deep with denim. Visit www.carvedinblue.tencel.com. Not all family recipes are passed down. Some are baked by a 1950s some economics teacher with a penchant for pecans. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley It was 2016, and I was making an appearance at a friends holiday potluck in Manhattan before flying home to Lafayette, Louisiana. I was 30, in a dead-end situationship, and sharing a sixth-floor walk-up with a grumpy cockapoo and strangers from the internet. It would be my first Christmas without my Great-Aunt Inez, my Maw Maws second-oldest sister, who was the yin to my yang, my Ya-Ya with the most endearing eccentricities, a kindred spirit who encouraged my creative pursuits and curious nature. She was the first person to say to me, after Id performed a one-woman show at age 5 in her kitchen, Bebe, someday youre going to New York City! She believed in me, so I believed in myself. I was still trying to make my dream as a writer in New York City come true when I got the news that shed passed away peacefully at 92. While I was lucky to spend her last Christmas with her, I wasnt able to return for her funeral in January, which crushed me. Courtesy MEGAN BROUSSARD At left, Inez LeBlanc Vincent That year, I thought Id bake her famous sand tarts for the first time and share them with new friends in her honor. I dug up her handwritten recipe card, a photo Id saved on my phones camera roll from my last visit home. The only ingredient I was missing was pecans. So I filled up two totes with prechopped bags of nuts from the corner deli and wondered what shed think of me spending almost $55 for something that fell at her feet for free every winter. The batch of cookies came out warm and tan, just like her. I coated them in Louisiana snowpowdered sugarthen braced for the chill of the real thing en route to the Upper East Side. Did you bring something Cajun? the host asked. She was a food editor, so I knew shed appreciate them. It was my shtick, being Cajun, something I could rely on when I felt out of place in the concrete jungle. In a city where I knew no one, at least I knew myself. Or so I thought. I didnt realize Id be walking into one of the most embarrassing moments of my adult life. She grabbed a tart, took a bite, made a face, and asked, Arent these just Pennsylvania Dutch cookies? Look them up, she said. I think theyre the same. Before I could say anything else, shed turned to greet the next guest. I ran to the bathroom to Google Dutch tarts Pittsburgh. There it was. With my back against the door, I scrolled through aliases like Pecan Snowball Cookies, Sandies, and Mexican Wedding Cookies. Mais la! She was right. I wasnt just mortified; I was shaken to my core. No one had questioned my Cajunness before. Aunt Inez's Sand Tarts Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Get The Recipe Alone on the subway, I wondered: How could Great-Aunt Inezs sand tarts not be Cajun? They were a part of my Boudreaux-LeBlanc family traditions from baptisms to boucheries. She dedicated her life to the preservation of our language and culture, winning the prix dhonneur from Universite Sainte-Anne in Church Point, Nova Scotia, for her mastery of the Louisiana French language. She reunited our Canadian relatives that were separated from our kin during Le Grand Derangement by hosting a reunion in Louisiana. She was even flown to Philadelphia as a featured Cajun cook for a magazine. Wait. Aha! Could this trip have been where shed heard of Pennsylvania Dutch cookies? I knew she must have been laughing from Heaven as she watched me struggle on this wild loie (goose) chase. I became obsessed with discovering the origins of this recipe, and oddly, when I finally uncovered the mystery, I liked the real story even better. She got it from a cafeteria worker at the school, my cousin Tommy, her son, told me. Then I knew that she was laughing. COURTESY MEGAN BROUSSARD As a home economics teacher in South Louisiana, Inez LeBlanc Vincent spent 60 years sharing the art of Cajun cooking with generations of students. When she was a home economics teacher, no one could keep her away from the cafeteria between classes. She loved to veillee, or visit, and learn tricks from the skilled cooks in the kitchen. Of course she added her own touch to the passed-on cookie recipe. Instead of keeping the tarts sphere-shaped, she pinched them into rounded rectangles (and sometimes half-moons) so she could monitor the edges. Golden corners meant they were ready. She also added five times the amount of nuts the recipe called for. She didnt have pricey ingredients or high-tech appliances, but she had plenty of pecan trees. I learned that the thing Great-Aunt Inez loved most was teaching others about what food could do for the survival of our culture. In this case, it meant turning an American dish into her own and incorporating it into our South Louisiana customs. Thats when it clicked. Suddenly, I felt closer to my Great-Aunt Inez than I ever had when she was alive. She made Pennsylvania Dutch cookiesor sandies or whatever you want to call themwith the ingredients she had on hand. Thats the Cajun way, and thats what I am doing in this new city of mine. I think she would be proud. For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. DETROIT (AP) Tesla is recalling nearly all vehicles sold in the U.S., more than 2 million, to update software and fix a defective system thats supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when using Autopilot. Documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators say the update will increase warnings and alerts to drivers and even limit the areas where basic versions of Autopilot can operate. The recall comes after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some were deadly. Virginia authorities have determined that a Tesla was operating on its Autopilot system and was speeding in the moments leading to a crash with a crossing tractor-trailer last July that killed the Tesla driver. The death of Pablo Teodoro III, 57, is the third since 2016 in which a Tesla that was using Autopilot ran underneath a crossing tractor-trailer, raising questions about the partially automated system's safety and where it should be allowed to operate. Jeffrey Long, spokesman for the Fauquier County Sheriffs Office, said Tuesday that investigators determined Autopilot was in use on Teodoros Tesla Model Y by downloading information from the vehicles event data recorder. Sheriffs investigators used a search warrant to get access to the recorder in late July. Authorities released some of the results this week after an inquiry by The Associated Press. The Tesla was traveling 70 mph (112.7 kilometers per hour) on four-lane U.S. 29 near Opal, and was 25 mph over the 45 mph speed limit in that area, Long said. The crash south of Washington remains under investigation by the NHTSA, which sent investigators to Virginia last summer and began a broader probe of Autopilot more than two years ago. The agency says its investigation found Autopilot's method of making sure that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system. The added controls and alerts will further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility, the documents said. But safety experts said while the recall is a good step, it still makes the driver responsible and doesn't fix the underlying problem that Tesla's automated systems have trouble spotting and stopping for obstacles in their path. The recall covers models Y, S, 3 and X produced between Oct. 5, 2012, and Dec. 7 of this year. The update was to be sent to certain affected vehicles on Tuesday, with the rest getting it later. Shares of Tesla slid more than 3% Wednesday. Autopilot includes features called Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control, with Autosteer intended for use on limited access freeways when its not operating with a more sophisticated feature called Autosteer on City Streets. The software update will limit where Autosteer can be used. If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer when conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will alert the driver it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts, and Autosteer will not engage, the recall documents said. Depending on a Teslas hardware, the added controls include increasing prominence of visual alerts, simplifying how Autosteer is turned on and off, and additional checks on whether Autosteer is being used outside of controlled access roads and when approaching traffic control devices. A driver could be suspended from using Autosteer if they repeatedly fail "to demonstrate continuous and sustained driving responsibility, the documents say. According to recall documents, agency investigators met with Tesla starting in October to explain tentative conclusions about the fixing the monitoring system. Tesla did not concur with NHTSA's analysis but agreed to the recall on Dec. 5 in an effort to resolve the investigation. Auto safety advocates for years have been calling for stronger regulation of the driver monitoring system, which mainly detects whether a driver's hands are on the steering wheel. They have called for cameras to make sure a driver is paying attention, which are used by other automakers with similar systems. Philip Koopman, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University who studies autonomous vehicle safety, called the software update a compromise that doesn't address a lack of night vision cameras to watch drivers' eyes, as well as Teslas failing to spot and stop for obstacles. The compromise is disappointing because it does not fix the problem that the older cars do not have adequate hardware for driver monitoring, Koopman said. Koopman and Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, contend that crashing into emergency vehicles is a safety defect that isn't addressed. Its not digging at the root of what the investigation is looking at, Brooks said. It's not answering the question of why are Teslas on Autopilot not detecting and responding to emergency activity? Koopman said NHTSA apparently decided that the software change was the most it could get from the company, and the benefits of doing this now outweigh the costs of spending another year wrangling with Tesla. In its statement Wednesday, NHTSA said the investigation remains open as we monitor the efficacy of Teslas remedies and continue to work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety. Autopilot can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, but is a driver-assist system and cannot drive itself despite its name. Independent tests have found that the monitoring system is easy to fool, so much that drivers have been caught while driving drunk or even sitting in the back seat. In its defect report filed with the safety agency, Tesla said Autopilot's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse. A message was left early Wednesday seeking further comment from the Austin, Texas, company. Tesla says on its website that Autopilot and a more sophisticated Full Self Driving system are meant to help drivers who have to be ready to intervene at all times. Full Self Driving is being tested by Tesla owners on public roads. In a statement posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter, Tesla said safety is stronger when Autopilot is engaged. NHTSA has dispatched investigators to 35 Tesla crashes since 2016 in which the agency suspects the vehicles were running on an automated system. At least 17 people have been killed. In May, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes NHTSA, said Tesla shouldnt be calling the system Autopilot because it cant drive itself. These are the highways in Virginia with the most fatalities in 2022 These are the highways in Virginia with the most fatalities. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Already devoured Netflixs hit coming-of-age romance, My Life with the Walter Boys? No judgment here! Its hard to resist a story like this one, especially when it has all the binge-worthy elements: a love triangle, a beautiful, smart main character, and endless teen drama. The show is based on Ali Novaks novel of the same name, and follows 15-year-old Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez), whose entire life is altered when her family dies in a tragic accident. Jackie gets adopted by her late mothers best friend, Katherine Walter (Sarah Rafferty), and has to leave behind her glamorous life in Manhattan for a very rural home in Colorado. Oh, and she has to now share a home with ten (!) other kids. Theres a ton going on in each of the ten episodes (yes, the Walter household is utter chaos), but its hard not to ooh and aah the scenic backgrounds that appear throughout the scenes. From shots of the Walters beautiful ranch, to Cole's secret watering hole, Colorado really doesn't look so bad. Even the teens' high school is surrounded by vibrant greenery. However, while My Life with the Walter Boys is set in the fictional town of Silver Falls, Colorado, the episodes were actually filmed in a completely different part of North America. So, heres everything you need to know about the hit shows filming locations. The show was actually filmed in Canada. Yep! While its totally believable that the characters are living in Colorado, the episodes were actually filmed outside the U.S., in southern Alberta, Canada, according to local Canadian news outlet Western Wheel. If you've ever visited or lived in Kananaskis Country, Cochrane, Airdrie, Crossfield, and Bragg Creek may notice a few familiar backdrops throughout each episode. Western Wheel also explains that a handful of other familiar films and series were shot in Alberta, too. Think: The Last of Us, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Revenant, Inception, Interstellar, and Legends of the Fall. The town of Cochrane helped locate filming locations. Weve worked hard to build relationships with local film scouts," Cochranes community event administrator, Natalie Germann, told Western Wheel. That means were available to answer questions about the area, assist them in finding spaces and businesses when needed and just stay in touch with them regularly, even when theyre not filming in town. Last April when My Life with the Walter Boys was filming in Cochrane, Germann said she wasnt not surprised by the industrys interest in the town. I dont think theres a prettier spot. Were really lucky to live here - even on a snowy day, per the Cochrane Eagle. Director Nimisha Mukerji directed episodes 3 and 4 for My Life with the Walter Boys, and shared a few pics of her time on set to Instagram. The first of the three images show Ashby Gentry (Alex Walter) smiling on top of a horse beside his on-screen mom, and Nimisha. First season of #MyLifeWithTheWalterBoys releases today on @netflix! the director wrote. Directed episodes 3&4 with this dreamy cast in Calgary a summer ago. Would work with this cast & crew again in a heartbeat ." Noah Lalonde (Cole Walter) told Western Wheel that he liked the peacefulness of Kananaskis Country. Meanwhile, Ashby said he fell in love with the handmade donuts from Alberta. Shout out to The Donut Man in Crossfield, Nikki chimed in. In case you want to visit a few locations featured in the episodes, you can check out this list below, compiled by the Calgary Herald, Western Wheel, and Cochrane Now outlets. Girletz Rodeo Ranch (north of Calgary) is featured in the rodeo scene. CL Ranch is featured as the Walter family ranch. Texas Gate Bar & Grill, and Fence Post is used as the interior for the restaurants that appear. The Glenbow neighborhood and Cochraine RancheHouse are featured in some scenes. William Camden Park and Glenhill Drive are also filming locations. The Walters house is a real ranch. Indeed, the gorgeous ranch is a real place! Western Wheel shared that its actually called the CL Ranch, and it's located just west of Calgary. Apparently, Nikki Rodriguez liked it so much she said that she wished she could live there! Western Wheel also said that Ashby fell in love with the horses at the ranch, and praised his horse from the show, Murphy (named Copper in real life), for being so gentle. The actor said that the horse had a personality bigger than I have on-screen or off, and Im really grateful to him for keeping me safe and not throwing me off. Ashby even took riding lessons from real-life cowboy and wrangler John Scott (who is known for teaching Brad Pitt how to ride), and took him to a real rodeo, He explained every single event to me, the up-and-coming star said to Western Wheel. Filming took place in 2022 Netflixs My Life with the Walter Boys started filming in March of 2022 in Alberta, Canada. They wrapped just six months later. You can catch all the scenic shots in each of the 10 episodes, which are streaming now on Netflix! You Might Also Like People may have once scoffed at the idea of the dog fashion market, but that hasn't stopped brands from clamoring for a piece of the pie. (Also, you try taking a Chihuahua on a walk when it's less than 70 Fahrenheit.) It's a business that was largely propelled by millennials in the mid-2010s, and continues to grow with the help of Gen-Z customers: According to Allied Market Research, the pet clothing market was valued at $5.19 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $7.66 billion by 2031. (The American Pet Products Association found that overall pet spending was up 11% in 2022, compared to the year prior.) Nowadays, you can outfit your dog in Moncler, Thom Browne and Versace, and buy their harnesses and collars off of Ssense, Nordstrom and Saks. There are even dog influencers attending human fashion weeks. All this (plus the fact that dog clothes are simply cute) explains why designers want to dip their toes into the category. And with such ventures, the safest way to do it tends to be tapping an expert within in the space and, lately, Little Beast has become the go-to. Little Beast launched apparel in 2020, two years into the business. Photo: Courtesy of Little Beast Jisu Kim started the brand with leashes and collars, designed by a friend she met working in the art world in New York City, Lys Bui (now Little Beast's creative director). "I didn't know anything about business the product cost was so high, and I didn't know you had to put margins on there," she says. "It was a big fail." So, she did what any small business founder does: She pivoted. "I was thinking, 'Maybe we can curate a store with products from other brands,'" Kim remembers. Little Beast managed to turn a profit with this model, but she still had the itch to build something that was hers. On a trip back home to South Korea with her husband, she started thinking about dog apparel but he thought it could never be as big in the U.S. as it already was there. "I [thought] we could try small batches and see where it goes," Kim says. "As soon as we launched in 2020 with onesies and sweaters people loved our clothes." Little Beast's fleece onesies. Photo: Courtesy of Little Beast Little Beast makes all of its apparel in South Korea, at family-owned factories that originally specialized in baby clothes. Its sizing ranges from XXS to XXL for onesies and sweatshirts, XXS to XXXL for hoodies and XXS to XL for sweaters and parkas, priced from $38 to $88. (The brand charges the same price for all sizes.) The business is primarily direct-to-consumer with some wholesale partnerships; its biggest markets are New York, Los Angeles and Chicago "any big cities with millennials and Gen Zs," per Kim. The pieces are intentionally bold and colorful, in contrast to what she would typically find when she Googled "dog clothes": "It was either a very navy, Hamptons feel or really tech-y, like Chewy or Amazon." This journey hasn't been without roadblocks: Little Beast launched apparel in 2020 and was unsurprisingly affected by pandemic-fueled supply chain issues ("The freight shipment took three months to get to the States just the boat," Kim remembers); plus, there was a big learning curve not just with sizing, but with determining the best materials for this consumer. "I was so focused on measurements, but the material is the most important," Kim says. "One, two centimeters don't make that much of a difference, but if a fabric isnt stretchy or soft When we first launched, we used a fleece that only stretched on one side, so [we had] a lot of sizing issues and a lot of exchanges. Even though they looked really cute, it was a nightmare. So, we developed a fleece that stretches both ways." Little Beast x Wray. Photos: Courtesy of Wray As far as fittings go, "I try [samples] on my dog," Kim explains. "She's a Border Collie Lab with straight hair, so she looks really bad in clothes. If it looks good on Molly, everything will look good. If you're putting it on an Italian Greyhound, it's cheating they look good in all clothes. Every time we launch new products, I meet dogs in all different sizes and try on everything to make sure it fits 10-, 20- and 30-pound dogs." Collaborations came early for Little Beast: Within six months of launching apparel, it worked with Wray on translating the lilac check print of its lounge set for humans onto the turtleneck "Meet the Parents" sweater for dogs. "I reached out to Wray about making a matching dog sweater with one of its existing patterns," Kim says. "When we dropped that, we got really good feedback. I was really new to fashion, even dog fashion. I learned a lot about how patterns work, and that it can be very simple and people will still love it if it's the right color. I was like, 'Maybe I don't have to make human clothes I can collaborate with people who are already making human clothes.'" Photo: Courtesy of Little Beast Since then, Little Beast has worked with Memorial Day, Lisa Says Gah and, most notably, Sandy Liang. (The latter caused quite a commotion in certain corners of the internet.) A lot of it is the result of Kim's own outreach; in the case of Lisa Says Gah, the conversation began as a pitch for the California retailer to stock Little Beast, and over time evolved into a series of matching knits for dogs and their humans. Kim says she has no interest in producing human clothes herself, despite customers asking for it. "It's a totally different industry, and I don't want to go in there. I like my dog world. People are so nice in this bubble." Little Beast x Lisa Says Gah. Photo: Courtesy of Little Beast Much like Little Beast has turned to ready-to-wear brands to fill this customer desire, those very labels have begun coming to Kim to translate their vision into pet apparel. "A lot of brands want to do something with dogs, but they're afraid. It's unknown territory," Kim says. "The benefit of having a dog clothing brand is that there's not so much competition, to be very honest. We're in the position to be able to collaborate with those brands It's not too big of a commitment. Maybe we can try one sweater. People are more down to try something, and we make the process really easy." The best partnerships are the ones that benefit both brands. Aside from visibility, these collaborations have helped Little Beast expand its offering and test out new categories. "We did the tote bag with Sandy, and we sold out everything I'm going to try more dog carriers," Kim says. "We're doing a rain jacket and more functional products for summer, then a few collabs here and there. After Sandy Liang, we have a lot of cool brands reaching out to us." Little Beast's collaboration with Memorial Day. Photo: Courtesy of Little Beast Looking back on 2023, Kim acknowledges the brand has made mistakes, such as expanding into new countries too fast. "I keep reminding myself: just one big decision a year, instead of a lot of big decisions," she says. "We put our own money into this business. We never got outside investment. I still want Little Beast to feel authentic and family-owned. I don't want it to feel like a VC-funded company. I want to go really slow, step by step. What I learned through this whole process is don't be greedy just do what you're good at." Still, its collaborations are only getting bigger: It followed up Sandy Liang with Disney as a Nordstrom exclusive, and there's more to look forward to in 2024. "It's more than the clothes themselves," Kim says of Little Beast. "People put it on [pets], and it makes them smile and laugh. The whole experience is what I'm selling." Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way does this affect our editorial decision-making. Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter. Thanks to a ubiquitous market presence and instantly recognizable logo, McCormick has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of seasonings, spices, and flavor extracts. Of course, the company didn't simply come upon its monumental success by chance. The conglomerate earned its reputation as the prototypical purveyor of flavor additives, after all -- which began when its namesake Willoughby McCormick founded the company in his basement in 1889. In fact, that drive to provide top-notch spices and seasonings continues more than 130 years later, as evidenced by McCormick's 2024 Flavor of the Year: tamarind. If you're unfamiliar with the specifics of tamarind, well ... you're not alone. Quite frankly, the lack of widespread knowledge surrounding the sweet-and-sour fruit -- which grows on the (you guessed it!) tamarind tree prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America -- likely spurred McCormick on during its selection process for the best flavor of 2024. Knowing tamarind has a lot to offer kitchens throughout the U.S., the company released the latest addition to its Flavor Inspirations line this December in celebration of the under-the-radar fruit's ascension: a Tamarind & Pasilla Chile seasoning blend. Thanks to McCormick, we were lucky enough to receive a sample of this "small batch crafted exclusive" (as it's described on the label). After cooking several dishes starring this unique spice blend, here's our review of McCormick's 2024 Flavor of the Year. Read more: 12 Little-Known Facts About Salt What's In McCormick's Tamarind And Pasilla Chile Seasoning? Hand holding McCormick tamarind seasoning blend - Adam Swierk/Mashed Right off the bat, you're likely already aware of two of the main ingredients found in the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend. After all, tamarind and pasilla chile peppers are indeed prominently listed among the actual ingredients. To be perfectly precise, though, this Flavor Inspirations blend includes extractives of tamarind -- with a bevy of additional spices and seasonings rounding out the batch. In addition to pasilla chile peppers, McCormick's 2024 Flavor of the Year-inspired seasoning blend includes paprika, coriander seed, salt, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and sugar (citric acid is listed, as well). With so many additional components, the visual composition of McCormick's Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning is more reminiscent of a hand-mixed dry rub than a pre-made mixture purchased online -- which appears to be exactly what McCormick was aiming for when crafting the celebratory blend's recipe. As a limited-time spice mixture, it seems clear McCormick hoped its small batch-created seasoning blend would stand out from the crowd of generic spice blends sold at grocery stores across the nation. Given the wide range of complementary ingredients contained in the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile blend alongside the namesake items, we'd have to say the company achieved that goal. How Much Does It Cost And Where Is It Available? Chicken cooked with McCormick tamarind seasoning - Adam Swierk/Mashed A quick trip to your nearest supermarket will reveal the exact price for most of McCormick's products. But you won't find the new Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend on the shelves of any grocery store -- or any brick-and-mortar stores at all, for that matter. After all, the unique spice blend (created in conjunction with tamarind's status as the company's 2024 Flavor of the Year) only appears to be available for purchase online via McCormick's website. Starting on December 6, 2023, the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend could be bought online for the eminently reasonable price of $5.95 per bottle (plus any applicable shipping and handling fees). Now, while we'd presume the limited-time seasoning blend will remain available until at least January 2024 -- since it's next year's flavor and all -- it's unclear just how long McCormick's, ahem, limited-time Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend will be offered. Frankly, it seems fair to conclude the tamarind-forward spice mixture can be obtained by any interested consumers online as long as it remains in stock. In other words, if you'd like to try this intriguing concoction, don't wait too long to order a bottle. How Does McCormick's Tamarind And Pasilla Chile Seasoning Compare To Its Other Products? Tamarind seasoning blend in bowl - Adam Swierk/Mashed Compared to the basic spices and seasonings sold by McCormick -- like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (among many, many others) -- the limited-time Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend is a wholly distinctive product. This is hardly surprising, of course, and the better comparison point for this new tamarind-centric mixture is likely the company's line of Flavor Inspirations spice blends. McCormick's inspired collection of rare flavor combinations includes a Cheesy Buffalo (co-branded with Frank's RedHot sauce) and a Banana Fosters seasoning. Of course, while each of those seasoning blends also offers a cornucopia of ingredients mixed together, none is remotely identical (or even similar to) the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile blend. More than that, unlike the newest Flavor Inspiration released by McCormick, the already available seasoning blends are presumably mass-produced. With its additional status as a spice mixture crafted in small batches (a sticker on the bottle declared as much), the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning stands alone among McCormick items. Verdict: A Perfect Low-Key Addition To Numerous Dishes McCormick special edition labels displayed - Adam Swierk/Mashed At first, we weren't entirely sure what the best procedure would be to taste-test McCormick's new Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend. Though the company noted several recipes where the sweet, sour, and spicy mixture could be included alongside the product's launch, we decided to keep things simple. Consequently, we tried the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile blend on chicken thighs, potatoes, and boneless pork chops. Bottom line: No matter what we applied this seasoning blend to, it provided a dynamic combination of subtle heat expertly balanced with sweet (and slightly sour) flavors. When liberally coated on chicken thighs cooked in an Instant Pot, it reminded us of a less-aggressive curry blend -- and had us devouring an entire plate in minutes after the first delectable bite. Meanwhile, the undeniably mild spiciness of the titular pepper shone through on roasted potatoes, while creating a dynamite crust on pan-seared pork chops. Simply put, after experiencing the Tamarind and Pasilla Chile seasoning blend's ability to elevate the trio of items we made for this review? We can't wait to see how well it works in future dishes, as well -- and highly recommend any interested readers grab a bottle as soon as they can. Read the original article on Mashed. In 2016, model Barbara Palvin was named the SI Swimsuit Rookie of the Year, earning the honors for a fabulous set of photos that she posed for on the beaches of Turks and Caicos. Naturally, she had to return to the issue the next year. She traveled to Curacao with photographer Ben Watts for her second consecutive appearance in the annual issue. The Hungary natives second year was just as good as the first and, in some ways, it was even better. For one, she had far more confidence heading into the photoshoot than she had the first time around, an experience she was very nervous about, she admitted while on set in Curacao. But then I got to know the people, and now the second year, I was super excited to see the whole team again. You always just have fun on set, she explained. In addition ton the fun, though, Palvin admitted that posing for the publication is actually a workout. She had to contend with the waves and the wind and hold some impressive, yet challenging poses. But at the end, it always looks beautiful, Palvin said, which made up for any difficulties. The 30-year-olds second brand photoshoot only left her wanting more. Im very sad because I kind of want to keep going, she said of the experience. Luckily for herand for usshe did return in both 2018 and 19. And it left Palvin with an important lesson in confidence. Now I just cant wait to see the results, she gushed. Here are a few of her best snaps from the trip. Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! Buyer beware. Amy Lutz / Shutterstock If you walk into a supermarket, convenience store, or other retailer anywhere in America and notice that they have Mountain Dew and Sunny Delight in their refrigerators, and Swedish Fish, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers for sale in the candy aisle, you wouldnt think anything about it. But if you wandered into a shop in England and saw those same drinks and candies, then theres a good chance that retailer is about to get a visit from the Trading Standards office. Trading Standards, the local authorities that enforce consumer-protection regulations, have seized thousands of dollars worth of common American candies and sodas, because they contain ingredients that have been banned in the United Kingdom. Thats right: in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, its illegal for shops to sell Mountain Dew, Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers, Lemonheads, and some other candies that are familiar to Americans. According to the BBC, trading standards officers confiscated over 8,000 ($10,000) worth of illegal candies from almost two dozen different candy shops in Burton-on-Trent and Staffordshire. A spokesperson for Trading Standards said that last year, 25 million ($31 million) worth of American candies many of them that cannot be sold in the UK were imported into the island nation. (Spokespeople from the brands that manufacture those candies for sale in the U.S. told the news outlet that the products were legal to make and sell within the United States, but any products that were sold in the UK were illegally imported and not being sold by the brands themselves.) Related: California 'Skittles Ban' Advances to Governor's Desk, Here's What It Means for Consumers "People are selling these products not realizing they have banned ingredients in them," Stephanie Young, a trading standards team leader in Staffordshire, told the BBC. The Scotsman reports, some of the additives and compounds found in those candies include brominated vegetable oil, mineral oil, and erythrosine, which is also known as Red No. 3. Again, although they are legal in the American market, they cannot be used in candies or other foods in the United Kingdom. (Interestingly, Red No 3, also called E127, is approved for use in cocktail cherries and candied cherries, but cant be used in any other food and beverages in the UK.) The UK prides itself on high food standards, but this very much relies on Trading Standards ensuring that what is on sale complies with the law, John Herriman, the chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, told the Scotsman. Its therefore extremely worrying to learn that as we approach Christmas, confectionary that we know will appeal to children is on sale in UK high streets and that it could be linked to hyperactivity in kids, and even cancer. This isnt the first time that legal-in-America products have caused issues in the United Kingdom. In 2021, the Get Baked bakery in Leeds, England, was reported to Trading Standards for using illegal sprinkles that had been imported from the U.S. on some of its cakes and cookies. The problem other than a customer who couldnt mind their own business was that the sprinkles contained Red No. 3. "[The Trading Standards inspector] said they'd had reports of us using illegal sprinkles, and I actually laughed by mistake, then realized he was being serious," Get Baked owner Rich Myers told the BBC at the time. "To whoever reported us to Trading Standards, all I have to say is: 'Dear Lord, what a sad little life Jane'." The Trading Standards report meant that Get Baked had to make some of its most popular products without sprinkles. "It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement, Myers wrote on Facebook. British sprinkles just aren't the same, they're totally [crap] and I hate them. I am extremely passionate about sprinkles." So if youre craving a Mountain Dew or a package of Jolly Ranchers on your next trip to London, youre just going to have to hang tight until you get back in the good ol USA. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. The six-mile widening of the Turner Turnpike will include a new full intersection at State Highway 66 in Heyburn. The first ACCESS Oklahoma construction project is set to start in 2024 with widening of a six-mile stretch of the Turner Turnpike and a new intersection at State Highway 66 in Heyburn. The first bond funding for ACCESS Oklahoma, totaling $500 million, was sold in October after months of delays and legal challenges by residents whose homes are threatened by plans to build new toll roads in Norman and nearby communities. I-44_widening_map The Turner Turnpike, the states oldest toll road, was previously widened to six lanes between Tulsa and Heyburn as part of the last funding program, Moving Forward. The $5 billion ACCESS Oklahoma plan includes funding to widen the remainder of the Turner Turnpike to Oklahoma City. ACCESS Oklahoma also includes 14 new access points, like the one to be built in Heyburn, along the Turner, Indian Nation, H.E. Bailey, Kilpatrick and Cimarron turnpikes as part of Access Oklahoma. The first construction bid awarded through ACCESS Oklahoma includes creating a full interchange at State Highway 66 over the Turner Turnpike, shown in this photo. The turnpike authority commission approved a $98.5 million to Duit Construction for the widening between Bristow and the new interchange in Heyburn. The current average daily traffic on the Turner Turnpike is 37,860. The turnpike authority forecasts average daily traffic on the stretch being widened will jump to 63,260 by 2041. The widening and new interchange work is expected to take about two years. Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz said the contract award on Tuesday is a red letter day for the turnpike authority. It's extremely exciting to get that section to Bristow widened, Gatz said. A new access point will be a big development for this region. The turnpike authority faced an array of lawsuits challenging ACCESS Oklahoma, most of which were dismissed when the Oklahoma Supreme Court validated bond sales. At the heart of the contested toll roads is an effort by the turnpike authority to create a reliever toll road to address traffic jams along southbound Interstate 35 between Oklahoma City and Norman. The Oklahoman, however, found engineers used traffic projections that excluded the impact of rebuilt junctions along I-35 at Interstate 240 and Indian Hills Road. Hundreds of residents face forced displacement to make way for the toll roads. Opponents unsuccessfully argued that much of a new south extension turnpike that would connect to I-35 in Purcell was not among 35 corridors approved by lawmakers in 1987. The Oklahoma Supreme Court also overturned a district court ruling that the turnpike authority willfully violated the states Open Meetings Act when it first introduced ACCESS Oklahoma. An investigative audit of the turnpike authority requested by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond continues. A planned expansion of the turnpike system in Oklahoma included expanding the Turner Turnpike (Interstate 44) to six lanes all the way from Oklahoma City to Tulsa. An expansion to six lanes, pictured here, was completed in the past few years. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: ACCESS Oklahoma work to start with Turner Turnpike widening in 2024 LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is taking aim at six people, accusing them of submitting fake electoral certificates, trying to swing Nevada to President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Last week, the six Nevada Republicans were named in an indictment in connection to the 2020 presidential election after President Joe Biden won over Trump. Weve been conducting this investigation for years to gather as many facts and as much evidence necessary to pursue justice, Ford said during a media briefing Tuesday. These 6 defendants, Michael McDonald, Jesse Law, Jim DeGraffenreid, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Meehan, and Eileen Rice have been charged with offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument which are category C and D felonies. Ford testified in May in support of Senate Bill 133 which would directly criminalize the actions of fake electors. It would serve the publics interest to have a statute that specifically and directly criminalizes these actions, he said. 6 Nevada Republicans indicted in fake elector case, AG Aaron Ford announces While that bill was passed, it was then vetoed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. Lombardo stated, The penalties in the bill were out of scale. There is no statute that directly addresses what Senate Bill 133 covered. Fake electors, Ford added. The 8 News Now Investigators reported in December 2021 that the certificate sent by Nevada Republicans looked very different than the official state-sealed one. Ford acknowledged that it has taken some time to prove certain facts and elements to seek an indictment, but that he is confident in his prosecution. As for whats next, all six of the accused, five men and one woman are expected to be arraigned in Clark County District Court on Monday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Bob Ellison holds a set of rings with a marijuana bud and a water pipe at his home in Cuyahoga Falls as he talks about Weeded Bliss, his marijuana-friendly wedding and event planning business. Want to start your marriage off on a high note? Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Ohio, self-professed stoner Bob Ellison of Cuyahoga Falls is bringing all things cannabis to the wedding scene for pot enthusiasts. Ellison is the founder of Weeded Bliss, a cannabis wedding and party planning business. The pot possibilities are endless. For example, the bride and groom can symbolize the merging of their lives by taking tokes off a unity bong. Afterward, wedding attendees can visit a budtender and raise glasses of cannabis-infused mocktails to toast the happy couple. "I've been an advocate of cannabis my whole life," he said. "My dad was a Baptist preacher, who...married almost everybody that I ever knew in my childhood. So, that kind of just seemed like an easy transition for me." Ellison is the creator and founder for That Stoner Show, a Facebook Live show based out of Kent that was launched after medical marijuana was legalized in Ohio in 2016. He also recently wrote about Ohios legalization of recreational marijuana in Beard Bros Pharms, a multi-state cannabis brand, advocacy and consulting firm and grassroots media magnate. Public health, enforcement and more: Your questions answered about marijuana legalization In October 2019, almost a year after recreational marijuana became legal in Michigan, Ellison and his wife loaded a tour bus up with about 50 fans of the show and completed a recreational cannabis trip through the state. It was very much like a wedding reception, Ellison said. We put on a catered meal, show and everybody enjoyed themselves. So, we're kind of using that as a model as we go into this. A new way to wed What exactly do cannabis weddings entail? It turns out they arent too different from their non-cannabinoid counterparts. When it comes to planning, pricing and execution, the differences are strongly dependent on how heavily the bride and groom decide to lean into the marijuana theme. Like most wedding planners, Ellison and his team will handle the setup of all arrangements with vendors and venues. Clients will be able to choose from a short list of cannabis-friendly wedding vendors and venues at the beginning of the process. More about recreational marijuana: When can I buy marijuana in Ohio? What to know about new recreational law Ellison plans to offer couples in-depth cannabis consultations to identify the optimum cannabis variety to share with guests. Available add-ons will include a private edible-making class, a guided dispensary tour and more. Looking to keep the reception clean, but want a cannabis ceremony? Clients can have a unity joint-bong, cannabis sacrament and/or full sacred plant ceremony incorporated into their big day. Officiating services will range from $150 to $500 depending on if its for a last-minute elopement or something more elaborate. Rehearsal will be an additional charge and fuel surcharges may be applied for events outside a certain radius of Akron. Guests attending one of Ellisons weddings or events may encounter marijuana stations staffed by expert budtenders/sommeliers or a cannabis-infused mocktail bar. Marijuana stations can be booked for spring and summer of 2024. The marijuana stations will be harder to put an exact dollar amount on until we have a consultation with each client, but the cost range is very closely comparable to what clients pay for a DJ $1,000 to $2,500 would be a pretty accurate range for 90% of our jobs," Ellison said. Navigating Ohios new marijuana law Lawmakers in the Ohio Senate are considering eliminating resident's ability to grow marijuana at home, increasing the tax rate and changing who gets the money from the state's new legal marijuana program. Ellison knows the stipulations regarding recreational marijuana may change drastically over the next two years, but the new business owner is prepared to pivot. One of the main benefits of coordinating weddings and events is that they are on private property and planned for far in the future, which gives Ellison and his team time to ensure every aspect of services they are providing are within the laws as they stand at that time. We are going to see businesses coming out of the woodwork, and I think thats something to see as a red flag, Ellison warned. A company that is set up tomorrow and ready to serve people and ready to go when they dont even know what the laws are going to be or what the availability is going to be of actual product. Theyre either blowing smoke at you, to use a turn of phrase, or theyre doing something illegal. Aside from navigating the new law, Ellison expects the businesss biggest obstacle to be advertising. He has taken an early bird gets the worm approach to this solution. If the laws come back that I cant advertise, well then at least everybody could say, Hey, what was that wedding place that I saw?, He said. At least if they pull that advertising away, I wanted to have a little bit of a presence laid out before that happens. Commonly asked questions about cannabis weddings Who will provide the marijuana for these events? All marijuana products for events would be purchased or gifted by event participants. Weeded Bliss will guide clients on how to legally incorporate the drug into their events, not buy or sell cannabis, according to Ellison. Will cannabis consumption be permitted at indoor venues? While a lot of people smoke cannabis, there are more discreet and elegant delivery methods that dont involve ignition, such as cannabis-infused foods and drinks, that vendors welcome. If marijuana is being consumed, will these events serve both weed and alcohol? Ellison is unsure where the laws will fall in this matter but is aware that in other states alcohol and cannabis cannot be in the same space commercially. If people are dead set on having alcohol and cannabis then maybe they need to look into a private venue or a backyard eventI think at that point, I would be comfortable being the vendor and doing a cannabis tent but it's going to very much depend on how the laws come together, Ellison said. When can people start booking weddings planned by Weeded Bliss? Customers can book consultations next year for event dates late in 2024 or anytime in 2025. Since large weddings and events take more time to plan, the company wants to make sure bookings are far enough out that they will be able to deliver on any requested services. Got a story recommendation? Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans. And follow her adventures on TikTok @akronbeaconjournal. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Weed wedding? Weeded Bliss brings marijuana nuptials to Akron area The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced Tuesday that $2.5 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds will be invested in a California desert cultural landscape study and predictive model to better identify potentially destructive impacts of renewable energy development on tribal ancestral lands and other significant landscapes. Critics and advocates alike of large-scale renewables said the study effort was years behind schedule. Dozens of projects have already been built along the Interstate 10 in Riverside County, on former farm fields in Kern County and elsewhere. The work has two aims, the agency says: to significantly improve solar and wind project planning and timelines, while minimizing impacts to cultural resources across a broad geographic area. These historic investments from President Bidens Investing in America agenda will support our ability to deploy clean energy, while protecting vital cultural resources in the California desert, said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen. The BLM is proud to support locally led and locally designed efforts to better understand the impacts on tribal and cultural resources. Asked how predictive modeling would be done, BLM Palm Springs spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden said in an email that it will use existing data on tribal cultural resources discovered through previous surveys throughout its California desert district, which spans millions of acres in portions of seven inland counties. Solar panels produce energy at the Desert Sunlight Energy Center near Desert Center, Calif., on Dec. 19, 2019. "By comparing landscape features and vegetation and additional physical features on the ground, BLM can use these existing data points to predict where there may be concentrations of cultural resources," she said. She said that via the model, "an application (for a renewable project) filed on public land thought to be a site highly likely to hold cultural resources may be avoided, and will aid applicants with resource avoidance during the initial planning pre-application process." While certain zones in a sweeping, 10-million-acre California Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan have been identified for large-scale renewable projects, such as along Interstate 10 in eastern Riverside County, many of the areas are also longtime ancestral lands for dozens of tribes and bands. There have been clashes over project siting, and vociferous objections to some projects from area tribal members and environmentalists. One of the first large solar projects in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, the Genesis Solar Project north of the freeway, bulldozed through historic trails, burial sites and important cultural artifacts. It was approved during the Obama administration and constructed over the objections of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, known as CRIT, and the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Representatives of area tribes did not immediately return requests for comment on Tuesday's announcement. But tribal officials and some environmentalists have pushed hard for such a study and other, more comprehensive reviews prior to bulldozing of fragile desert landscapes, not just for renewables, but for drilling for gold and other minerals in areas where tribes have lived and traveled for centuries. "We are happy to see the BLM acknowledging the importance of cultural landscapes and look forward to the positive outcomes this may bring with respect to tribal preservation efforts." said T. Robert Przeklasa, executive director of the Native American Land Conservancy. "This Cultural Landscape Study is long overdue," said Ileene Anderson, senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "The BLM needs to fully engage all tribes with cultural landscapes in the DRECP and not just for renewable energy projects." She said, "The Genesis solar project was a nightmare for the tribes." BLM officials said the cultural landscape study and predictive model is being developed in consultation with California tribes and the California State Historic Preservation Office to fulfill the requirements outlined in a "Section 106 Programmatic Agreement" in the broader desert conservation plan. Checking boxes or detailed consultation? "Both efforts will identify resources of religious and cultural significance in a way that enhances renewable energy project siting and avoids resource conflicts. The result will be a more efficient and predictable Section 106 process that will significantly improve project planning and timelines, while minimizing impacts to cultural resources across a broad geographic area," said Van Der Linden. "The study is an important step to better understanding how tribes have comprehensively used the landscape since time immemorial." Section 106 is a portion of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act that requires reviews of potential development in historic sites. Shannon Eddy with the Large-Scale Solar Association, a trade group, said she understood a study like the one for which funds were announced Tuesday had been in the works since 2016. Eddy said, "We hope they're serious about enhancing renewable energy siting. We're eager to see forward progress." A 2021 amendment to include a landscape study was also made to the programmatic agreement. Alfredo Figueroa, right, talks about the significance of the archaeological sight at Mule Mountain near Blythe, Calif., December 12, 2019. At left, is his son Jesus Figueroa. Anderson said for years, BLM has simply mailed form letters to tribes about large projects on or near ancestral lands, to check off a box on its legally required consultations between the U.S. government and tribal nations. BLM spokeswoman Van Der Linden disputed that, saying in an email, "The BLM routinely meets and consults with tribes on projects and BLM programs at large." Since 2009, dozens of renewable energy projects have been approved by state and federal agencies in the southern California desert. The Biden administration is pushing to streamline such projects on public lands across the West, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas-fueled projects and slow worsening climate change. Tribal officials and environmentalist have said they're not opposed to renewables, but local impacts must be recognized and avoided, and many say existing rooftops, parking lots, brownfield sites and even water canals would be preferable sites. Industry groups and some larger environmental groups say both rooftop and large-scale projects are needed to ratchet down harmful emissions. As of this year, there are 78 authorized large-scale solar, wind and geothermal facilities in California alone. As of this week, there are 22 pending solar-related applications and one wind project with pending right-of-way approvals. Janet Wilson is senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun and co-authors USA Today Climate Point. She can be reached at jwilson@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Feds invest $2.5 million to better identify desert tribal sacred sites The Roving Rabbis were at Center Court of Westgate Mall to light up the area in a new way, as part of the Hanukkah Menorah, on Tuesday during the sixth night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The beautiful ceremony is all about spreading light regardless of religion of affiliation. Hanukkah is a universal holiday with a beautiful message for all to spread the light wherever you can, according to spokesman Moshe Faygen. This is the second public Hanukkah menorahs in Amarillo, said Mendel Rapoport, organizer of the local event. The excitement about Hanukkah is truly amazing. People are preparing to celebrate with family and friends, filling their homes with the light of Hanukkah which is really beautiful to see. Members of the public stopped the enjoy the festival honoring the sixth day of Hanukkah held at Westgate Mall Tuesday night. Though the crowd was not large, people began to gather and smile when the joyful music began to play. The young Jewish men and women were dancing and laughing and people stopped to see what the celebration was about. Those who watched were offered donuts and soft drinks and many video recorded the festivities. Faygen explained the ritual to those who were interested. Members of the public stopped the enjoy the festival honoring the sixth day of Hanukkah held at Westgate Mall Tuesday night. The seven Roving Rabbis are from Brooklyn, N.Y., and are traveling through Texas and New Mexico to spread the word that each individual has the unique power to illuminate the entire world. From Amarillo, the group will travel to Albuquerque, N.M. It is a proclamation of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of light over darkness and spirit over matter, which has always been a foundation in American cultural and religious life. Moshe Faygen, part of the Roving Rabbis, explains the ceremony to some local onlookers who enjoyed the festive music. The young Rabbis, 20 years of age, are dedicated students, chosen for the rabbinical proficiency and people skills for the honor of assisting faraway communities, according to their press release. They said that they are traveling in two mini-vans across the area. The Roving Rabbis light the menorah set up at Center Court of Westgate Mall in Amarillo on Tuesday during the sixth night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. Rapoport told the story of the lighting of the menorah. The miracle of Hanukkah is that they (the Jews) found one jug of oil in the temple after the Greeks defiled it, and tried to destroy the entire Jewish nation. But of course, we won with Gods help, and we found the jug of oil to light the menorah in the Temple. The jug of oil only had enough to last one day but what became a Hanukkah miracle happened and it lasted eight days. From that experience, we created the holiday of Hanukkah and commemorated the fact that we fought the war and won and rededicated the Temple after the Greeks defiled it. There are eight candles in the Jewish candelabrum, known as menorah and one more is lighted every night until all eight are burning. The Roving Rabbis light the menorah set up at Center Court of Westgate Mall in Amarillo on Tuesday during the sixth night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The program was conceived by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson in 1943 and has touched literally millions of Jews. While classes and communal evenings go a long way in educating people, it is the conversations we have one-on-one that have the greatest impact, said Rabbi Moshe. Members of the public stopped the enjoy the festival honoring the sixth day of Hanukkah held at Westgate Mall Tuesday night. People who hear were in town approach us seeking advice on how to maintain or bolster their Jewish identity, especially where the Jewish infrastructure is small. Members of the public stopped the enjoy the festival honoring the sixth day of Hanukkah held at Westgate Mall Tuesday night. Members of the Roving Rabbis dance to the music performed at the Hanukkah Menorah presented Tuesday evening at Westgate Mall. Members of the public stopped the enjoy the festival honoring the sixth day of Hanukkah held at Westgate Mall Tuesday night. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Menorah festival of lights shines in Amarillo NEW YORK Doritos is betting on a new way to get people addicted to their tortilla chips: booze. The PepsiCo-owned brand is releasing a new spirit based off of Doritos nacho cheese flavor that tastes just like the real thing, according to a press release. The chip-maker partnered with Empirical, a Danish company known for making custom spirits with creative flavors. Available only online, the limited-edition flavor goes on sale Wednesday in New York and California and costs $65 for a 750ml bottle. This isnt the first zany food-adjacent product from a big brand. Recently, Kahlua and Absolut Vodka made a fragrance that smells like an espresso martini and Dunkin turned its iced coffees and teas into canned cocktails. Also, Arbys turned its curly and crinkle fries into a vodka, as well as created a smoked bourbon to be paired with its roast beef. The goal of these products is to pique customers curiosity, spark a conversation and increase brand recognition. In other words: Its a marketing ploy disguised as a product for sale. Dont expect this to boost Pepsis bottom line. For Doritos and Empirical, the companies are describing the collaboration as a first-of-a-kind innovation for both brands. The spirit was made in Empiricals lab through a production process that used Doritos chips to retain their essence through vacuum distillation, which the spirit maker says preserves more of the Doritos flavor compared to a traditional method. The spirits flavor opens with umami and tangy aromas of nacho cheese, moving to the deeper, corn-forward flavors of the chip to finish on a soft salty note, the company said. Since its a flavored spirit and not a specific category of liquor, Doritos recommends mixing it with a tequila or mezcal to make a bloody mary or a margarita. The booze can also be sipped neat or over ice. While the flavor may seem wacky, the collaboration has novelty value, and it is likely a lot of people will be interested enough to try it out, said Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director at GlobalData Retail. He added that Empirical and Doritos are both known for being playful and fun. Consumers are in the mood to test new things and are looking for products that are interesting and a bit different from the run of the mill, he told CNN. ___ Nine migrant workers who were brought to the United States on agricultural visas are now suing their Kentucky employer after they were terminated for truthfully reporting wage issues and non-agricultural work to the U.S. Department of Labor. One employee allegedly was held against his will in efforts to keep him from speaking with the government, according to the lawsuit. On Monday, the nine employees filed a lawsuit in federal court against their former employer, Eldridge Farms LLC, and its owner, Crittenden resident Bryan L. Eldridge, for wage theft, underpayment and retaliation, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed by Southern Migrant Legal Services and Kentucky attorney Daniel J. Canon, alleges Eldridge fired several of the plaintiffs for speaking candidly with investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor about the underpayment of wages and other breaches of their employment contracts. After the workers reported Eldridge to the U.S. Department of Labor in the fall of 2021, Eldridge allegedly locked one of the workers in a garage to prevent him from telling investigators the truth, according to the lawsuit. Fear of being fired or not brought back for another season is the single largest deterrent to H-2A workers calling out employers for workplace violations, said one of the plaintiffs attorneys, Amal Bouhabib of Southern Migrant Legal Services, said in a news release. Our clients courage in reporting their employer and filing this lawsuit cannot be overstated and should stand as an example for all H-2A workers that your voice has power. The lawsuit alleges Eldridge violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, Kentucky Wage and Hour Laws and the Kentucky Penal Code. The nine workers are seeking monetary, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a declaratory judgment for the unlawful retaliation and false imprisonment of one of the plaintiffs. Eldridge told the government it needed foreign labor to work in its tobacco fields, but when the workers arrived, Eldridge required them to work in the construction of residential buildings, maintenance of apartments, and even for Eldridges event planning business, according to the lawsuit. The workers arrived in the United States as part of the H-2A program, which permits U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal agricultural employment when there are no U.S. workers available. Work performed on an H-2A visa must be agricultural in nature, according to a news release. Some of the workers were employed over periods of time beginning in 2008 and continuing up to 2022, according to the lawsuit. U.S. employers should not be permitted to use the H-2A program to exploit vulnerable workers, said civil rights attorney Daniel J. Canon in a news release. Unfortunately, this case is emblematic of a disastrous history of maltreatment of workers in Kentucky. Worker abuse will no longer be tolerated here. Eldridge would rent out the workers to other landowners to perform landscaping, fence installation, and the transportation of cattle, according to the lawsuit. The workers worked more than 60 hours a week, seven days straight and were not trained or given protective gear, resulting in serious injuries. In one instance, one worker had to be airlifted to a hospital after a structure collapsed on him, according to the lawsuit. Eldridge is accused of not paying the employees for any overtime, and would create false pay records to cover his tracks, according to the lawsuit. The employees were working for roughly $8 an hour for the work they were doing, both agricultural and otherwise, the lawsuit states. The required hourly pay rate under the H2-A program in Kentucky ranged from $9.80 in 2013 to $12.96 in 2021, according to the lawsuit. Eldridge required workers to split the wages, and often would withhold pay until tobacco was sold and other projects were completed, according to the lawsuit. In one instance, Eldridge is alleged to have thrown cash at one plaintiff, and said, youre f------ never here again, you understand? I told you I didnt want no f------ trouble. You started it, Im gonna finish it. Defendant Bryan Eldridge told several of the Plaintiffs that the checks and wage statements, though false, were necessary to make everything look right, the lawsuit reads. A spokesperson said the Department of Labor investigated complaints against Eldridge Farms and found it owed a total of $109,012 in wages to 22 employees as a result of violations of the H2-A program. The agency also assessed a fine of $18,128 in the case, the spokesperson said. The federal Department of Labor said it has often found violations of labor law in the agriculture industry. In 2021, for instance, investigators found violations in 81% of nearly 300 investigations. Those investigations found that employers owed more than $1.9 million to more than 4,000 employees, according to a release. The department barred some employers from participating in the H2-A program. When employers attempt to unlawfully increase their profits at the expense of the dignity, respect and in some cases freedom of workers, we will use every available tool to hold them accountable, Juan Coria, an administrator with the Department of Labor, said in a release last year. A train versus big rig accident damaged equipment along Highway 118 near Sand Canyon Road in the Somis area Tuesday night. Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies: Train hits big rig near Somis An Amtrak Surfliner train hit a semitrailer on Highway 118 in the Somis area Tuesday evening, shutting down the highway overnight. Five people on the train suffered minor injuries and four were transported to local hospitals, authorities said. The incident prompted the full closure of Highway 118 between Balcom Canyon Road and Highway 34, also known as Somis Road. The route had fully reopened by 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, before the morning commute, California Highway Patrol officials said, after removal of the big rig and after road repairs were complete. A partially derailed train car had been put back on the tracks and was rolled to the yard. The collision was reported near the intersection with Sand Canyon Road shortly after 6:15 p.m. along the 118, also called Los Angeles Avenue, according to Ventura County Fire Department and CHP reports. The crossing is east of Highway 34 on a stretch that cuts through mostly agricultural fields. An Amtrak passenger car partially derailed after the southbound train struck a big rig in the Somis area on Tuesday night. About 95 passengers and five crew members were on board the southbound train, which had been headed to Los Angeles. All but one of the injured patients was able to walk out, firefighters' radio traffic indicated. Firefighter Andy VanSciver, a spokesperson for the county department, said the train's lead passenger car was being pushed by the locomotive at the time of the impact. The lead car partially derailed but remained upright. The train reportedly had six passenger cars in all. The driver of the semitrailer was uninjured, officials said. A photo from the scene showed the tractor intact next to train tracks. The driver was out of the vehicle at the time of impact, according to the CHP. The tractor of a semitrailer hit by a train in the Somis area Tuesday night rests near the tracks along Highway 118 at Sand Canyon Road. The driver was apparently not injured. The semitrailer had been crossing the tracks from the south side of the 118 at the time, said Officer Ryan Ayers of the CHP's Moorpark-area office. The big rig was traveling north on Sand Canyon, which takes a jog on the south side of the highway, he said. The crossing is controlled by lights and arms. The driver had been crossing legally, while the arms were up, but the big rig became disabled while on the tracks, Ayers said. The CHP will investigate the cause, he said, although initial evidence indicates the semi may have been disabled by the grade. The big rig's trailer was empty at the time, Ayers said. The tank-type trailer is generally used for hauling grain, he said. The tractor and the trailer ended up on either side of the train tracks, said the fire department's VanSciver. An apparent fluid leak at the scene was determined to be nonhazardous and normal for the situation, fire officials said. The trailer of a big rig hit by an Amtrak train in the Somis area Tuesday night rests next to tracks along Highway 118. Shooting victim named Authorities have identified the teenager killed by gunfire last week in south Oxnard. Jaime Lagunas, 16, was an Oxnard resident, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office. He died of gunshot wounds of the chest and head, the agency reported. Oxnard Police Department officers responded around 8 a.m. Thursday to the 200 block of West Clara Street for reports of a gunshot victim. The 911 caller told dispatchers he was taking Lagunas to a hospital, and officers found the two near Oxnard Boulevard and Date Street, where Lagunas was provided with emergency medical care before being taken by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. He underwent emergency surgery at the hospital but did not survive. A 16-year-old later who died after being shot multiple times in south Oxnard on the morning of Dec. 7 has been named by authorities. Police have described the homicide, the city's seventh this year, as gang related. As of Tuesday no arrests had been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at 805-385-7755 or at meagan.tobey@oxnardpd.org. Robbery suspects sought Authorities are searching for two men who are believed to have followed a woman from a bank and robbed her Monday evening in Thousand Oaks. The incident was reported around 5 p.m. in the 2000 block of Pleasant Way, said Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. James Sullivan. The city of Thousand Oaks contracts with the sheriff's office for police services. The men allegedly smashed the passenger side window of the car driven by the victim and took her purse containing $2,500, the captain said. No description of the suspects was available, but their vehicle was described as a four-door Chevy or GMC truck. String of local robberies draw federal charges A 30-year-old suspect arrested in Oxnard last week faces federal charges for a series of alleged robberies in November. Oscar Silva, 30, has been accused of carrying out robberies in Oxnard and Ventura, according to the Oxnard Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. The criminal complaint specifically charges Silva with using a gun to rob a food truck in Oxnard and alleges he committed four other armed robberies, federal prosecutors said in a news release. Silva allegedly carried out five armed robberies between November 6 and November 23 in Oxnard and Ventura, according to an affidavit filed with the federal complaint. Prosecutors say he robbed two street food vendors, a smoke shop and a convenience store in Oxnard. Silva is also accused of robbing a female pedestrian near Mission Park in downtown Ventura, taking her purse and credits cards and later using the cards to buy several hundred dollars worth of items. Silva allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened his victims during each of the robberies. On Dec. 7, Oxnard police arrested Silva on an outstanding warrant related to the investigation. The federal complaint alleges a so-called Hobbs Act robbery, a federal crime that involves interstate or foreign commerce. Such a crime can bring a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The investigation is being conducted by the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force, which includes includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office and the Ventura Police Department. During a hearing in district court in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, a federal magistrate judge ordered Silva jailed without bond, authorities said. Silvas arraignment is scheduled for January 22 in Los Angeles. Items may be updated. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Train hits big rig near Somis, more news The Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it would issue a ruling on whether a commonly used abortion pill should be widely available. Specifically, the court said that it would review earlier decisions by various appeals courts that held the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) overstepped its authority in broadening access to mifepristone. Although U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of Texas issued a ruling in April to outright revoke the FDA's authorization of mifepristone, the Supreme Court halted that decision the same month. As a result, mifepristone's availability in the post-Dobbs v. Jackson era has remained unchanged, while lower courts have litigated the matter. President Biden's administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene after a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit also issued a decision to curb mifepristone's availability. Much of the movement against mifepristone comes from groups like the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, an organization of anti-abortion activists backed by the Christian right-wing lobbying group Alliance Defending Freedom, which controversially backed the case that led to Kacsmaryk's ruling, even though legal experts pointed out they lacked direct standing for the case. The medication in question, mifepristone, is used to stop a pregnancy from continuing to form inside of a patient. After the patient has taken it, they then follow the pill with a medication called misoprostol, which expels the fetus. Patients who induce abortions with only misoprostol are more likely to experience side effects like discomfort, cramps, vomiting, fevers and incomplete abortion. Ten Oregon Republican senators may face the end of their legislative careers for a six-week legislative walkout aimed at thwarting what they see as a radical Democratic agenda on guns, abortion and transgender health care. The lawmakers are banned from running for reelection for accumulating at least 10 unexcused absences during this years legislative session. Their imminent banishment pending the outcome of a pair of legal battles, with key court hearings this week is due to a 2022 constitutional referendum overwhelmingly backed by voters. Its also arguably the most glaring example yet of how Washingtons toxic partisan culture is increasingly infecting statehouses across the country. The renegade Republicans express few regrets. We were trying to defend the Constitution and Oregon law against those that essentially said, We have the votes, we can do whatever we want, said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp, in an interview. We thought it was a principle worth defending, even if it meant that we couldn't run for reelection. Democrats and other supporters of the referendum argue the electoral death sentence for the GOP senators is necessary to combat whats become a routine tactic with eight walkouts in the past five years by the minority party to sabotage the legislative process. Democrats currently control 17 of 30 seats in the Oregon Senate. The people of Oregon expect legislators to show up and do their job. You cant hold the Legislature hostage, said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, in an interview. Most Oregonians can't walk off the job for 10 days and expect to keep their jobs. The 43-day legislative walkout was the longest in state history. The ensuing banishment of 10 GOP senators is the latest and most extreme evidence that the poisonous, partisan atmosphere long associated with Capitol Hill is becoming increasingly common in state capitals across the country. Like their counterparts in Congress, state lawmakers are increasingly beholden to the most hard-line elements of their parties, fearful of sparking a primary challenge if they buck party orthodoxy. In Tennessee, the Republican-controlled House voted in April to kick out two Democratic lawmakers for defying the chambers rules in a protest calling for tougher gun control measures, although they were subsequently reinstated by local officials. In 2021, Texas Democratic lawmakers fled to Washington for weeks in an effort to thwart legislation that they claimed would trample on Texans freedom to vote. And in Nebraska, Republicans squelched dissent by Democrats in the officially nonpartisan unicameral Legislature during this years session by stacking committees and suspending the rules. It's changed in terms of the level of partisanship. There's no doubt about that, said Arthur Towers, political director for the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, of the legislative dynamics at the state capitol in Salem, where hes been a fixture for two decades. There was less fear of facing a primary opponent if you decide to take a moderate position on an issue. That's one of the big differences. The 10 banished Oregon Republican lawmakers are now looking to the courts for a reprieve. A pair of lawsuits in federal and state courts are challenging the ballot measure: One seeks to have it tossed out as unconstitutional, while the other merely seeks to delay the electoral punishments. The federal lawsuit filed by three GOP senators facing political exile and three Republican party activists seeks to strike down the referendum, Measure 113, in its entirety. The complaint argues that prohibiting lawmakers from seeking reelection due to their legislative tactics violates their First Amendment free speech protections. What theyre trying to do is use extortion to prohibit freedom of speech, said John Large, chair of the Lane County Republicans, one of the plaintiffs in the case, in an interview. Thank God they walked out. The plaintiffs further argue that the determination of which absences were deemed unexcused was done arbitrarily and solely at the whim of Democratic Senate President Rob Wagner, in violation of the 14th Amendments guarantee of equal protection. The defendants counter that stymieing the work of the Legislature by refusing to show up isnt protected speech and that violations can be punished. They further take issue with the suggestion that Wagner was somehow acting arbitrarily in determining which absences were unexcused, pointing out that many of the lawmakers banned from running for reelection missed more than 30 sessions, the vast majority of which stemmed from the walkout. I was doing my job on behalf of my caucus in a transparent and open manner, and that is what voters asked us to do, Wagner said in an interview. During a Tuesday hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, expressed deep skepticism about the merits of the lawsuit. She pointed out that previous court rulings have authorized punishments even including imprisonment for lawmakers who fail to show up for work. Im not persuaded by your arguments today, Aiken told the plaintiffs attorneys, stating that she would issue an order quickly. The state lawsuit filed by five of the banned Republican senators would merely delay their electoral punishment if they prevail. It hinges on how to interpret the wording of the referendum, which states that lawmakers will be disqualified from running the term following the election after the members current term is completed. Since legislative terms dont end until January, the plaintiffs argue, that means they arent disqualified from running in the next election cycle. No reasonable person who is versed in the English language would read it any other way, said John DiLorenzo Jr., of Davis Wright Tremaine, one of the plaintiffs attorneys handling the case. Any ruling otherwise will give rise to all sorts of mischief. But attorneys for the secretary of states office counter in legal filings that all other information available to voters made it abundantly clear that the intent was to ban lawmakers from seeking reelection in the next election cycle. That is how voters understood the measure when they overwhelmingly adopted it last year, the defendants response to the lawsuit argues. The Oregon Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments in the case on Thursday. Both lawsuits will need to be resolved quickly: State legislative candidates face a March 12 filing deadline. But prior to that, lawmakers will return to Salem in the first week of February for a legislative session thats slated to last about a month. That will test whether the partisan acrimony that came to a boil in 2023 will return. One change that could alter the dynamics in Salem would be to lower the threshold of lawmakers needed to conduct business. Currently, the Oregon constitution requires a quorum of two thirds of lawmakers one of just four states that mandate such a high threshold. There have been discussions among Democrats about attempting to change that to a simple majority. But any effort by lawmakers to put a potential constitutional amendment on the ballot would require a quorum, and would likely trigger another walkout by Republicans. The other potential route would be a signature collection campaign, which is how Measure 113 qualified for the ballot. At this point, however, Democrats seem content to wait and see whether walkouts by Republican lawmakers continue. Whether 113 works remains to be seen in the long term, said Lieber, the Senate majority leader. It clearly didn't work in this last session. Democrats point out that the vast majority of bills passed by the Legislature more than 90 percent, by their accounting enjoy significant bipartisan support. They believe there is still ample opportunity to work collaboratively on important policy issues such as combating the states homelessness and addiction crisis. Wagner also points out that roughly two-thirds of lawmakers had never participated in an in-person legislative session prior to this year, due to pandemic restrictions. Hes been reaching out to Republicans in the months since the legislative session ended to try and establish better relationships. A lot of what makes the Legislature special is when you actually have an opportunity to meet with people, to break bread, when you go and share a tuna fish sandwich, Wagner said. I think Covid had a really negative impact. That outreach is appreciated by at least one of the Republican senators who is prohibited from running for reelection. Sen. Daniel Bonham said hes been meeting with Wagner on a roughly monthly basis, and has even recommended a couple books for the Senate president to read: Jonathan Haidts The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion and Arthur Brooks Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt. Not only did he read them, he called and said, Hey, let's talk about this, Bonham recalled in an interview. But, ultimately, whether those efforts to build goodwill and lessen partisan rancor will pay dividends wont be known until at least the next legislative session. For his part, Bonham expresses no regrets for the walkout, even though it might mean the end of his legislative career. The feeling was that our Democratic colleagues were taking this ballot measure out for a spin, so to speak, that they were pressing a more extreme agenda because they didn't think that there were any balances or checks to keep them accountable, he said. You still have to deal with the fact that there's a minority party and that the process is governed by law. YORK, Maine Town officials are planning to raise the town's metered parking rate from $2 to $4 per hour, a move they say could increase revenue by nearly half a million dollars. Selectboard members told Town Manager Peter Joseph Monday they were in favor of going forward with the increase. The move will keep their rates competitive with other towns in southern Maine, including some with even higher rates. Joseph recommended the increase without changing the rate for an annual parking pass for residents, which is $40. The town does not plan to raise the rate at Mount Agamenticus. Town officials are planning to raise their metered parking rate from $2 to $4 per hour, a move they say could increase revenue by nearly half a million dollars. Joseph said the board can increase the meter fees without voter approval. No vote by the board was taken, but three of the five board members said they backed the proposal. I support your recommendation, board member Marla Johnson said. Marylin McLaughlin and Chair Todd Frederick followed in expressing their agreement. Board member Mike Estes pointed out the likely impact of raising the parking rates. Well just sell a lot more permits, Estes said. Mount Agamenticus, York parks rules: Fines for dog mess, campfires, metal detectors York charges less for parking than other communities Town officials started discussing raising parking rates with the Ellis Park Board of Directors earlier this year. The directors, who manage Ellis Park separately from the town, said they would consider raising rates to address revenue concerns, but only if the town did the same. Raising the rate, Josephsaid, is projected to bring in $465,000 of additional revenue for the town. The Selectboard was told increasing the rate to $5 per hour would bring $697,500, though Joseph did not recommend going that high. Frederick said new revenue from the parking could go toward trash pickup, which local business owners at Short Sands Beach have advocated doing. Rates are poised to rise at Long Sands Beach and at other locations in York that have meters. The discussion of raising parking revenue also comes as the board and Joseph discuss next year's proposed budget. They said Monday they plan to keep new spending down and not ask for new positions. "It shows that we're feeling some of their pain," Estes said of taxpayers and their coming budget proposal. "We see it." 'Christmas miracle': New home delivered for Purple Heart veteran and former police chief Joseph and staff at town hall recently researched what other communities have for parking rates and found York was below the rest. A report compiled by staff and presented to the Selectboard shows Ogunquit charges $5 to $7 per hour during their summer season. Other communities listed include New Hampshire State Parks rates at beaches in Hampton, North Hampton and Rye at $3 per hour. The report from town staff states Old Orchard Beach has a $4 per hour rate. However, a town councilor from Old Orchard Beach confirmed last month they only considered raising rates and that parking remained at $3 an hour for summer 2023. Of the 12 communities listed in the report, Saco, Kennebunk, Scarborough and Biddeford were found to have no hourly parking rate. Those communities instead rely on a daily rate ranging from $15 to $35. Joseph said an average beach visit might last three to five hours. He said the towns with daily rates charge more than Yorks $2 per hour. We are by far the lowest in the area, Joseph said. More: York approves AT&Ts plan to improve cell service with water tank antenna Mount Agamenticus parking fees to remain the same Selectboard members were told Monday that raising rates at Mount Agamenticus to $4 was not recommended because of concern that it would result in less usage. Parking rates of $2 per hour were only recently implemented for the first time on the mountain. Until then, the mountain was free to visit. Selectboard Chair Todd Frederick said he was fine with a $4 per hour fee across town. He compared it to Fort Foster in Kittery, which he frequents and pays a fee. I pay the out-of-town rate, Frederick said. I dont get a deal. Peter Murray, the towns parks and recreation director, told the board that $4 per hour was much higher than other parks, however. He said the average park costs between $2 and $7 per day to visit. According to Murray, a two-hour visit, the average time spent on the mountain, would be more than that with an $8 cost. Murray said his department also received many letters from visitors to the mountain that said they did not plan to return because the $2 per hour fee recently implemented. Were concerned it could drive down revenue, Murray said. The $2-an-hour fee was a hard sell. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York Beach, Maine to double parking rates Juan Moreno, Public Works foreman for the city of Grandview, Wash., collects a water sample from the citys single municipal well during his shift Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. Thought regular nitrate testing is common for public water systems, the city performs even more frequent tests as part of the Groundwater Management Areas management plan. (SHAWN GUST/Yakima Herald-Republic) Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. FILE - Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., speaks during a news conference, May 24, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Mariam Zuhaib / The Associated Press) New salmon habitat created by melting glaciers could be threatened by mining claims, study finds The Fremont Police Department is seeking tips and information about who may be responsible for the vandalism of the Statue of Liberty replica monument at Fremonts Veterans Park and Military Avenue. According to a press release from Fremont police Capt. Kurt Bottorff, at about 11:38 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, police were called to the Veterans Park for a criminal mischief complaint. (An) Investigation determined that paint had been thrown at the Statue of Liberty memorabilia causing damage to it and other concrete memorials at the location, Bottorff stated in the press release. Estimated loss is undetermined at this time. On Monday, workers were busy cleaning the defaced areas and then repainting the replica of Lady Liberty with the signature bronze colored paint, said Veterans Park CEO Chris Madsen. Madsen said he was doing work around his home on Sunday when police officials called him with the news that the statue had been defaced. I went over there, and the police said somebody had filled a glass jar with red paint and threw it at the Statue of Liberty monument, Madsen said in a telephone interview. There is nobody who puts paint in glass jars. (The paint) splattered on the east side of the statue and it splattered onto another stone monument right behind the statue which has names of donors to the park etched into it. The Statue of Liberty replica and associated Liberty Bell were only installed over the past summer after a fundraising effort led by military veterans as well as others around Fremont and Dodge County. In addition to the statue and bell monument, which is part of a tall, iron-framed structure, local veterans also raised money for a new Freedom Rock, which was painted in October and dedicated during a large community ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day. Madsen, a military veteran himself, said the incident was disgusting and he wants answers from whomever was responsible. The minute I got the call from the police, my heart dropped. I immediately dropped what I was doing and hurried to the park. It hurtthat someone would use these means to express their feelings, Madsen said. I would like to know why they did it. To disrespect the veterans like thatit hurts. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the remains of splattered red paint were still visible on the concrete foundation of the monument as well as the second memorial. Madsen said while the Statue of Liberty has been cleaned and repainted, the second stone monument which also had paint splashed onto it will need to be assessed by professional stone masons and workers for the best way to clean the paint off it. He said that may require sand blasting and more expensive repairs to the secondary memorial damaged by the paint. Madsen said neither he nor any other military veterans officials in the county had any clue or idea that vandalism at the Veterans Park may occur, as no threats had been received and Fremont is a community that has a deep love of the United States of America as well as enduring respect for all military veterans. This was totally out of the blue. We want to find who did it, he added. Having this event occur as it did, we are now going to need to reassess the security at the park. That is going to cost money, but we need to do it now. Madsen said he hopes anyone who may have information or leads on the vandalism does the right thing and contacts law enforcement officials. He also encouraged locals in the area of the Veterans Park or passersby to be watchful over the park in event something else may happen. I hate to think of anything else happening at the park, he added. Bottorff urged those who may have leads or information about the vandalism to contact the local Crime Stoppers hotline at 402-727-4002. Information or tips can also be shared with police officials via the MP3 App. Tipsters are asked to reference incident number 5455 when providing information. Your tip may result in a reward and your identity is not required, Bottorff stated in the press release. Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese announced plans Monday to close an unclaimed property outreach office in Omaha this spring. Briese said the move would save money without reducing service to people claiming unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks and other unclaimed property. "Thanks to technology and top-notch staff, my office will be able to provide the same level of service at a more fiscally efficient cost to taxpayers, he said. I aim to be a good steward of taxpayer money, and this closure reflects this commitment. Former Treasurer John Murante opened the office at 111 S. 181st St. in 2019. He said he wanted an office in Omaha because 45% of unclaimed property with a value of more than $25 is owed to residents of the states largest city. Critics questioned the value of the office, which opened without public notice and lacked signs or other indications it was open to the public. Critics suggested the office might be more about letting Omaha-area workers, like the former treasurer, avoid the drive to the treasurers State Capitol office in Lincoln. The office opened to the public several months after a World-Herald story drew attention to the little-known space. The Omaha location now has signs outside and inside the building and the office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The cost to lease the Omaha space started at $58,700 the first year and had increased to $66,000 a year now. The Treasurer's Office had a 10-year lease, but spokesman Charles Isom said state officials negotiated an early end to the lease. Gov. Jim Pillen named Briese, a former state senator from Albion, to be state treasurer in October. He replaced Murante, who stepped down in September to take a job as director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems agency. Briese said the final day for the outreach office will be announced early next year. Staff at that location will be transferred elsewhere. People wanting to find out if they have unclaimed property can search www.NebraskaLostCash.gov or call 877-572-9688. In 2022, the Treasurer's Office returned more than $18.2 million to people and entities and paid out on more than 13,000 claims. So far this year, the office has returned $14,303,852 on more than 19,000 claims. Today Some clouds early. Mostly sunny skies along with windy conditions this afternoon. High 63F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow A mainly sunny sky. High 62F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Donald Trump dezvaluie ca a decis deja cine va fi vicepresedintele sau Donald Trump a declarat miercuri ca stie pe cine isi doreste drept coechipier in cursa pentru presedintie din 2024, relateaza Reuters.Trump a participat miercuri la un interviu cu public gazduit de Fox News, in timp ce principalii sai rivali la nominalizarea [citeste mai departe] Un fotbalist zice ca s-a nascut in 1990, dar mama lui a murit in 1985 In fotbal intalnim tot felul de situatii ciudate, iar fotbalistii incearca, mai ales in perioada junioratului sa declare varste mai mici. Acesta este si cazul unui fotbalist din Gabon, care in acte apare nascut in 1990, asta desi mama lui a decedat in 1985.Federatia [citeste mai departe] Budapest Mayor Gerely Karacsony has proposed naming Budapests airport expressway after former Prime Minister Jozsef Antall. Karacsony said on Facebook on Tuesday that the first prime minister of post-Communist transformation died 30 years ago, on December 12. Budapest already has a public space named after the first president of post-Communist transformation, so it would be fair to have one named after the first prime minister, too, he added. Karacsony said the so-far unnamed expressway for Liszt Ferenc International was one of the most important roads in the city and it will undergo a revamp in the near future. Look out, Arnie's coming back to Budapest in the near future for filming of a fresh film directed by Scott Waugh - known for his work on Act of Valor and Need for Speed. Action film star and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger will shortly arrive in Budapest to shoot a film and to promote his lifestyle book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, which has soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. The 76-year-old is set to shoot a new movie, Breakout, in which he will portray a father who endeavours to free his stepson who has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in Bangladesh. This heart-pumping narrative is further complicated by an overzealous prison warden, making their escape plan even more perilous. Breakout promises a race against time, as Arnie's character battles against all the odds to save his stepsons life and clear his name. The choice of Budapest as the films location aligns with a trend in the industry, as Hungarys capital established itself as a go-to destination for international filmmakers due to its wonderful locations and supportive film production infrastructure, writes BudapestReporter.com. The Hollywood star and world champion bodybuilder Schwarzenegger has visited the Hungarian capital before as the fun fan video below shows. Photo credit: MTI YORK On Monday a group from Yorks Hispanic community gathered at the York Chamber of Commerce for a Hispanic community meeting. Celeste Eurek, a family support specialist and bilingual community health worker at Four Corners Health Department, began holding monthly meetings for Yorks Hispanic community less than a year ago. This was the first meeting that Eurek organized at the Chamber of Commerce. The mood in the room on Monday at the chamber was friendly and hopeful as attendees discussed top-of-mind issues, as well as what they hoped to get out of these meetings going forward. I know youth who need a lot of help, Adriana Fajardo said on Monday, referring to Hispanic students in York who are English language learners. Fajardo is an English language teacher at Southeast Community College, in addition to working at Central Valley Ag as a tax specialist. Fajardo said that English learning was especially severe for kids that just got here. Fajardo also noted that the private schools in town were having the most trouble. York Public Schools has not been immune to the issue. The York County school board discussed the shortage of English learning staff at YPS at its meeting on Nov. 27. On Monday, meanwhile, Diego Korol, an adjunct professor at York University and a part-time employee of Financial Planner Dan Goodwin, suggested that there should be a day celebrating the Hispanic community and other cultures in York. Korol thought that the day could be similar to Flavors of York, a food festival that Leadership York runs every year. Both Korol and Fajardo suggested that at the next Hispanic community meeting there could be a bilingual tax expert present to answer questions about taxes. And in the future, bilingual guest speakers could present about personal finances or entrepreneurship. Other attendees suggested that at future community meetings there could be food, dancing, or games. Its important that people want to get to know each other and the York community, Eurek said of Mondays event. This is growing, she added. On Monday, there were around 10 people in attendance. Previously, Eurek held the meetings at her Four Corners office. Going forward, the meetings will be at the chamber. Mogul said that the chamber was well-suited to helping the community. Its a good opportunity for the Hispanic community, Eurek said. Perhaps these meetings could lead to similar community events for other communities in the future, Mogul added. In November, domestic wholesales of passenger vehicles reached their highest level, propelled by strong demand, particularly for utility vehicles, according to industry body SIAM. The overall dispatch of passenger vehicles from manufacturers to dealers totaled 334,130 units last month, marking a 4% year-on-year growth, despite a high base from November the previous year. Maruti Suzuki India, the market leader, dispatched 134,158 passenger vehicles in comparison to 132,395 units in November 2022. Hyundai Motor India, a key rival, delivered 49,451 units to dealers last month, up from 48,002 units in the corresponding period the previous year, according to SIAM data. Two-wheeler sales rose to 16,23,399 units last month, a growth of 31 per cent as compared to 12,36,282 units in November 2022. Similarly, three-wheeler dispatches also rose to 59,738 units last month, registering an increase of 31 per cent over 45,664 units last November. Also Read - Jeep December Discounts: Compass, Grand Cherokee Get Huge Benefits Of Up To Rs 11.85 Lakh "All segments of the automobile industry witnessed robust growth during the festival season which ended in the first part of November," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Vinod Aggarwal said in a statement. Supported by strong economic growth, the automobile industry is optimistic about ending the year 2023 on a high note and expects the trend to continue into 2024, he added. Elaborating further, SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said passenger vehicle segment witnessed the highest ever wholesales in November 2023 with a dispatch of 3.34 lakh units, albeit with a growth rate of 3.7 per cent, in the backdrop of a high base last November. Three-wheeler dispatches in November were just below the peak of November 2017, he noted. Similarly, two-wheeler wholesales last month were also slightly below the peak seen in November 2018, Menon said. Also Read - Outgoing Kia Sonet Has Lowest Ownership Cost Of All Compact SUVs - Heres Why Automobile retail sales had recorded the best-ever performance last month aided by robust registrations across segments including passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. In November, the overall automobile retail sales rose by 26 per cent to 23,80,465 units, as compared with 18,93,647 units in November 2021. Passenger vehicle retail sales rose by 21 per cent year on year last month to cross three lakh unit mark in November aided by better availability of models, new launches and increase in demand in rural areas. Similarly, two-wheeler retail rose to 18,47,708 units last month, up 24 per cent, as against 14,94,797 units in November 2021. IndiGo, one of India's most preferred air carriers, has now added Ayodhya to its list. This comes out as the 6th domestic destination and the 118th overall destination in the 6E network. The low-cost airline will operate the inaugural flight from the soon-to-be-inaugurated Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram International Airport, Ayodhya. The inaugural flight will land in Ayodhya on December 30, 2023. The commercial operations for direct flights between Ayodhya and Delhi will operate from Jan 6, 2024. As revealed by the operator, Ayodhya will then be connected with Ahmedabad from January 11 onwards. With the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024, the city is poised for a significant surge in travel activity. These new flights will provide pilgrims direct access to Ayodhya, from Delhi and Ahmedabad and further across the unparalleled 6E network across India and overseas. Also Read - Uttar Pradesh To Soon Have Nine New Airports By 2025: Jyotiraditya Scindia Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, "We are delighted to announce the launch of operations from IndiGo's 86th domestic destination, Ayodhya. The new flights connecting Delhi-Ayodhya and Ahmedabad-Ayodhya will bring Ayodhya to the countrys aviation map. Given Ayodhya's historical and cultural significance, our new flights will provide ease of access to the city for pilgrims as well as other tourists. As Indias leading carrier, it is our endeavour to provide our customers with seamless connectivity across the country and we are committed to delivering on our promise of providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences. Delhi-Ayodhya Flights From January 10, 2024, IndiGo will start operating daily direct flights from Delhi to Ayodhya and back. The flight will take off from Delhi at 11:55 AM and will land in Ayodhya at 1:15 PM. As for its way back, the plane will take off from Ayodhya at 1:45 to land in Delhi at 3:00 PM. On January 6, 2024, the plane will operate on the same schedule. Delhi Ahmedabad Flight From Ahmedabad, IndiGo will only operate flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flight will depart from Ahmedabad at 9:10 AM to arriva in Ayodhya at 11:00 AM. From Ayodhya, the plane is scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM to arrive in Ahmedabad at 1:40 PM. New Delhi: Lok Sabha witnessed a chaotic scene on Wednesday when two men jumped into the chamber from the gallery, violating the security measures. One of the man who leaped into the LS chamber from the gallery, was seen jumping over the benches. The House was immediately adjourned due to the disruption. Eyewitnesses said that the intruder not only caused disturbance by shouting slogans but also bursted smoke crcakers, raising alarm. The Speaker quickly called for an adjournment, stressing the need to deal with this security lapse. Delhi Polices Anti-Terror Unit Special Cell reached parliament to interrogate the people who created ruckus inside. The inspector of the Special Cell is present inside the Parliament with several teams, and will question the people who were taken into custody from inside. Lok Sabha MP Danish narrating the incident said, "Two people jumped from the public gallery and there was smoke. There was chaos all around. Both of them were overpowered by security officials." "The youth I caught had his name Sagar written on his arm and he was the guest of Mysore MP Pratap Simha," he added. Meanwhile, Two protestors with colour smoke, have been arrested by the Local Police in front of Transport Bhawan. The man has been identified as Amol Shinde (25), a native of Maharashtra, while the woman, aged 42, has been identified as Neelam from Haryanas Hisar. VIDEO | Visuals from inside Lok Sabha when the reported security breach took place. More details are awaited. #Parliament pic.twitter.com/O9n9nu6ZKj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2023 The incident took place outside the Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan, which is a busy road. As the parliamentary authorities probe into the matter, questions about the identity and motive of the intruder remain unanswered. This rare incident has shaken the nation, calling for a review of the security arrangements within the parliamentary premises. Reacting to the security breach, Trinamool Congress leader Kakoli Dastidar said that,"I don't know, unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas." Congess leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury confirming the incident said two persons jumped from the public gallery into Lok Sabha chamber, were overpowered by members. 2001 Parliament Terror Attack It was on December 13, 2001, that Jagdish, Matbar, Kamlesh Kumari; Nanak Chand and Rampal, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police; Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam, Head Constables in Delhi Police; and Deshraj, a gardener, CPWD, gave their lives while protecting the Parliament from the terrorist attack. The attackers belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-- two terrorist organisations based in Pakistan-- who stormed the Parliament on December 13, 2001, killing five Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, one CRPF Constable and a gardener and escalating the tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff. A total of five terrorists, who entered the Parliament in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels, were gunned down in the December 13, 2001 attack. More than 100 people, including major politicians, were inside the parliament building at the time. The gunmen used a fake identity sticker on the car they drove and thus easily breached the security deployed around the parliamentary complex. The terrorists were armed with AK47 rifles, grenade launchers and pistols. The gunmen drove their vehicle into the car of the Indian Vice President Krishan Kant (who was in the building at the time), got out, and opened fire. The Vice Presidents guards and security personnel fired back at the terrorists and then started closing the gates of the compound. Indian security agencies and the Delhi Police officials said that the gunmen received instructions from Pakistan and the operation was carried out under the guidance of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) achieved a major breakthrough in its investigation into the Mahadev Online Book Betting App case, as the Dubai Police arrested Ravi Uppal, one of the two prime accused and co-promoters of the app, on Tuesday. Sources said that the arrest was based on a red corner notice issued by Interpol at the request of ED. Uppal will be soon extradited to India. The Mahadev betting app case involves allegations of fraud of 15,000 crore rupees, along with match-fixing, illegal hawala, and cryptocurrency transactions. The ED had filed a charge sheet in the case, naming 14 accused, including Sourabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, Vikas Chhapariya, Chandrabhushan Verma, Satish Chandrakar, Anil Dammani, Sunil Dammani, Vishal Ahuja, Dheeraj Ahuja, Srijan Assiciates through Punaram Verma, Shiv Kumar Verma, Punaram Verma Shiv Kumar Verma, Yashoda Verma and Pawan Nathani. The ED said that the Mahadev Online Book Betting app is a syndicate that provides online platforms for illegal betting websites to enroll new users, create user IDs, and launder money through a complex network of Benami bank accounts. The ED had revealed the details of its probe into the online money laundering case linked with the Mahadev Online Book Betting App in mid-September this year. The agency had said that wedding planners, dancers, decorators etc, were hired from Mumbai and hawala channels were allegedly used to make cash payments. The agency had said that Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who are from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, are the main promoters of the Mahadev betting platform and operated from Dubai. They had built an empire for themselves in that country. The agency had also conducted searches at 39 locations across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai and Kolkata and seized illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore. ED has also pursued the investigation abroad. A special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at Raipur has also issued non-bailable warrants against the suspects. The ED, which is probing the money laundering charges in connection with the Mahadev Online Book app, had also conducted searches in Chhattisgarh and arrested four accused, including the chief liaisoner of the betting syndicate, who the agency alleged was arranging bribes to senior government officials as protection money. ED had said that it has successfully identified other major players involved in the money laundering operations of the app. The ED is investigating the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate, in which the promoters of this betting syndicate are allegedly sitting abroad and remotely running thousands of panels across India with the help of their friends and associates. New Delhi: Vishnu Deo Sai, former union minister, today took oath as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders. Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma took oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state. The BJP has announced new faces for Chief Ministerial and Deputy Chief Ministerial posts this time in all the three states that it won recenlty- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Vishnu Deo Sais name was announced by former Chief Minister and BJP leader Raman Singh during the BJP legislature meeting in Raipur on Sunday. He has a long and illustrious political career, starting from being a village sarpanch in 1990. He represented the Raigarh constituency in the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2014. He did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Earlier today, Mohan Yadav took oath as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in presence of several eminent leaders and ministers of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the city and was welcomed by the acting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also congratulated the new Chief Minister. The Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP National President JP Nadda graced the ceremony with their presence. The city also received the Gujarats Chief Minister, who flew in from Ahmedabad on the Gujarat State Flight. He was followed by the Uttarakhands Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who came from Dehradun on the State Plane. The Maharashtras Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also reached Bhopal to attend the oath-taking ceremony. The Uttar Pradeshs Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also made his way to the city. Mohan Yadav has also got two deputy Chief Ministers Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda. Former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the Assembly Speaker. The BJP swept the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, which were held on November 17 for 230 seats. The party secured a massive victory with 163 seats, ending the Congresss 20-year rule in the state. The Congress managed to win only 66 seats. The BJP emerged victorious in the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, which were held for 90 seats. The party won 54 seats, while the Congress got 35 seats. In Madhya Pradesh, new Chief Minister Mohan Yadav today got into action on the first day in the office. Yadav was sworn in as the CM around 11.30 am today and an order prohibiting the use of loudspeakers in public places beyond permissible limits. The Chief Minister also ordered a ban on the sale of meat in open places. He emphasized that the use of loudspeakers will be restricted within specified limits. Unauthorized use of loudspeakers at high volume will not be tolerated. He also briefed about the decisions taken in the Cabinet meeting. Mohan Yadav ordered strict compliance of the order in Madhya Pradesh. After assuming the chair, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has ordered a ban on the unregulated use of loudspeakers in religious places and other public places. pic.twitter.com/Q4ydVetiLN December 13, 2023 The CM also stated that colleges of excellence will be established for the youth within each district. A selection of 52 colleges has been made, which will be known as Prime Minister's Excellence Colleges. All colleges will have facilities for digital lockers. CM Yadav said, "We have decided to establish digital locker colleges/universities because students face issues with degree mark sheets." He mentioned that the prices of tendu leaves have been increased from Rs 3000 to Rs 4000. He added, "There is a major event in Ayodhya on January 22. The MP government will welcome those going to Ayodhya along the path to the Ram Temple." CM Mohan Yadav's action indicates that if he continues to work like this, soon he may termed Yogi of Madhya Pradesh. BJP MP Pratap Simha today met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and briefed him about the visitors' passes issued to the intruders who breached Parliament's security today. Since the passes were issued on behalf of Simha, opposition MPs have been demanding his suspension citing the serious security breach that could have endangered the lives of Parliamentarians. MP Simha met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the latter's chambers and briefed him about the accused. He told the Speaker that the accused's father belongs to his constituency and was requesting for visitor's pass to visit the new Parliament. The BJP MP said that the accused's father was constantly in touch with his PA and his office to get the pass to visit Parliament. Simha said that he had no further information about the accused. Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja said demanded the Mysore-Kodagu MP be suspended from the Lok Sabha. "BJP MP Pratap Simha gave two (Parliament) passes through which these two people (intruders) entered. The security of the Parliament and the country was breached. TMC's Mahua Moitra was expelled for sharing her login ID and password, which became a question of national security. Today the BJP MP has done an irresponsible act by giving passes to both of them," the TMC leader said. Two men jumped into the MP's sitting area from visitor's gallery today and fired smoke canister having coloured gas. However, the MPs intercepted him and even thrashed one of the accused. On the other hand, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four were detained later. Delhi Police sources told ANI that initial investigations revealed that all four people and one unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital and stayed at the residence of a man in Gurugram. Rajasthan Board Exam Datesheet 2024: The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, Ajmer, is expected to soon release the RBSE Time Table 2024 for Classes 10 and 12. According to the board's update on a platform called X (formerly Twitter), the timetable is likely to be out this month. Once it's released, you can find it on the official website - rajedubaord.rajasthan.gov.in. The tweet from RBSE on X (formerly Twitter) mentions that the exams for Classes 10 and 12 are scheduled to take place from February 15, 2024, to April 10, 2024. Additionally, the board has announced that practical exams are scheduled to commence at the end of January, with the entire examination process expected to conclude by mid-April. For the Rajasthan Board Class 10th Exam 2024, the proposed timing is from 9 AM to 12:15 PM, while the Class 12th Exam 2024 is proposed to take place from 12:45 PM to 4 PM. Rajasthan Board Exam Datesheet 2024: Steps to download here Visit the official website rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in. Look for the link related to RBSE 2024 Date Sheet on the homepage. Click on the link, and a PDF will appear showing the exam dates. Download the PDF and print it for future reference. The complete date sheet, which will include subjects like language, mathematics, science, history, and more for Class 10th, and for three streams - Arts, Science, and Commerce for Class 12th, will be released by the board this month. Students planning to take the state board exams next year are advised to regularly check the official website of RBSE for the latest updates. The Lok Sabha MPs today acted swiftly to not only intercept the intruder before reaching the Speaker's chair but also thrashed them inside the house. The video of the intruders being beaten by the Lok Sabha MPs has gone viral on social media where the Parliamentarians across the party lines can be seen thrashing and punching the intruders. Video footage depicted an unknown individual leaping from the Lok Sabha visitor's gallery, causing a brief disturbance. Subsequently, the House was suspended until 2 pm. This occurrence took place amid discussions on pressing public matters by the members, with BJP MP Khagen Murmu addressing his concerns. Meanwhile, outside the Parliament premises, two people, one of whom was a woman, released coloured gas and vocalized slogans simultaneously. Watch The Video Here Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that a thorough investigation is underway regarding the security lapse in the House. "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that that there is no need to worry about the smoke," he said."Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police," he added. Opposition MPs demanded a probe into the matter and action against BJP MP Pratap Simha on whose behest the visitor's passes' were issued. New Delhi: The security of the House was breached on the eighth day of the winter session of Parliament. Two young men leaped from the visitor gallery of the Lok Sabha, exposing the vulnerability of the Parliaments security. Reports indicate that both the suspects had entered the Parliament with visitor passes issued on the reference of Pratap Simha, MP from Karnataka's Mysuru. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs. The House was adjourned soon after the incident. A man and a woman were detained on Wednesday for protesting outside Parliament with cans that emitted a yellowish smoke. Who Is Mysuru MP Pratap Simha? Sagar was the name of one of the two intruders who disrupted the Parliaments proceedings. Their two associates were nabbed outside the Parliament. So, they were a gang of four. They are under interrogation. MP Danish Ali (Danish Ali) said that they had obtained the Lok Sabha visitor pass in the name of BJP MP Pratap Simha (Mysuru MP Pratap Simha) from Mysuru. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary said that during the zero hour, they jumped from the spectator gallery and hurled something that was releasing gas. The MPs caught them. The police are questioning them. Pratap Simha, a 42-year-old BJP MP (BJP MP) from Mysuru (Karnataka), is the son of late B.E. Gopal Gowda. He is a voter at 215-Chamundeshwari (Karnataka) constituency. He pens columns in Kannada language newspapers. Simha was a journalist by profession. He is famed for his sharp and critical Hindutva politics. He is the chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Youth Wing in Karnataka. Pratap Simha was born in Sakleshpur, a scenic hill station in Karnataka. He began his career as a journalist in Vijaya Karnataka newspaper, a daily mail published in Karnataka. He soon rose to fame for his column Bettale Jagattu (Naked World) which was replete with a sharp and critical outlook on the world. In 2008, he authored a biography on Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Narendra Modi) titled Narendra Modi: Yaaru Thuliyada Haadi (Narendra Modi: The Untrodden Road). Entered Politics In 2014 He stepped into politics in 2014 and quickly became the head of the BJP Youth Wing. He fought the Lok Sabha election from Mysuru constituency in 2014 and triumphed by a massive margin of 32000 votes over his opponent. He is also a member of the Indian Press Council. Family His wife Arpita is a housewife. They have a daughter as well. A report states that Simhas current assets are: Rs 1,87,23,762. His total liabilities are: Rs 65,86,698. New Delhi: The Initial public offering (IPO) of Muthoot Microfin Limited will open on December 18, 2023. The Company plans to raise funds through initial public offering with total offer size aggregating to Rs 960 crore. Muthoot Microfin Limited has set the Price Band of the Offer at Rs 277 to Rs 291 per Equity Share with face value of Rs 10. The offer for sale comprises of Equity Shares by Thomas John Muthoot aggregating to Rs 16.36 crore, by Thomas Muthoot aggregating to Rs 16.38 crore, by Thomas George Muthoot aggregating to Rs 16.36 crore, by Preethi John Muthoot aggregating to Rs 33.74 crore, by Remmy Thomas aggregating to Rs 33.39 crore, by Nina George aggregating to Rs 33.77 crore, by Greater Pacific Capital WIV Ltd aggregating to Rs 50 crore. Key Things To Know About Muthoot Microfin Limited IPO The Anchor Investor Bidding Date shall be Friday, December 15, 2023. The Offer will open for subscription on Monday, December 18 and will close on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The total offer size comprises of fresh issue of Equity Shares aggregating to Rs 760 crore and offer of Equity Shares aggregating to Rs 200 crore by the selling shareholders. The Company proposes to utilize the Net Proceeds from the Fresh Issue towards augmenting its capital base to meet future capital requirements. Bids can be made for a minimum of 51 Equity Shares and in multiples of 51 Equity Shares thereafter. 5% of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis only to Mutual Funds and the remainder of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIB Bidders (other than Anchor Investors) including Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Offer Price. However, if the aggregate demand from Mutual Funds is less than 5% of the QIB Portion, the balance Equity Shares available for allocation in the Mutual Fund Portion will be added to the remaining QIB Portion for proportionate allocation to QIBs. ICICI Securities Limited, Axis Capital Limited, JM Financial Limited and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the book running lead managers to the Offer. New Delhi: Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan-starrer 'Fighter' has set the internet ablaze with fervor. Electrifying teaser of 'Fighter' has ignited a nationwide frenzy. Transporting audiences into the captivating world of 'Fighter,' the makers have unveiled Akshay Oberoi in a never seen before avatar as Squadron Leader Basheer Khan. Akshay Oberoi perfectly takes on the persona of Squadron Leader Basheer Khan, known as 'Bash,' the skilled Weapon System Operator within the esteemed Air Dragons unit. Akshay's rendition infuses the narrative with a vibrant energy, adding layers of dynamism. Taking to his social media, Akshay Oberoi shared his look of Squadron Leader Basheer Khan from Fighter and jotted down the, caption - "Squadron Leader Basheer Khan. Call Sign: Bash. Designation: Weapon System Operator. Unit: Air Dragons #Fighter Forever #FighterOn25thJan" Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in association with Marflix Pictures, 'Fighter' stands as a testament to cinematic brilliance. The film promises an immersive narrative seamlessly intertwining adrenaline pumping action and fervent patriotism, setting the stage for an unprecedented cinematic experience. Prepare for the epic take-off with 'Fighter' as it soars into theaters on January 25th, 2024, promising a spectacle that will redefine cinematic excellence. New Delhi: It is very well said that hard work never betrays anyone. The same is true in the success story of Actor MohammedSaud Mansuri being an outsider in the industry, Saud has managed to establish his name in the Bollywood industry. His hard work, passion, and dedication to his work helped him to overcome all the hurdles and difficulties he faced initially in the industry. He started his career at a very young age by playing a cameo in MAAN KEE AWAAZ PRATIGYA in 2009 Next he was seen in JAI JAI BAGRANGBALI playing the character of Lord Ram in year 2011, At this young age he successfully made his debut in Bollywood Industry in with movies like AZHAR, ALIF and GOLMAAL AGAIN . he learned at Twinkle Films from there he got selected for his first appearance in the serial, Maan Kee Awaz Partigya for spellbound productions; Walkwater Media Ltd in Film City. It was his dream to shoot in Film City. It was a small cameo, he and his mom traveled at night and the next morning they reached Mumbai and shot for that serial after packing up in the evening they traveled back to Ahmedabad. But after some time he got his next role in the serial: jai jai jai bajrang bali as lord raam for Sagar films in Baroda. Again after 2 years of waiting, he got the serial, Kumkum Bhagya for Balaji telefilms and with this, he shifted to Mumbai. Then his journey kept going and he got his first movie: Azhar as Young Azhar for Balaji Motion Pictures; Sony Pictures networks. And then his next movie was Alif as Ali for ab info soft; Jalsa pictures he was in Banaras for 30 days of shoot in December. Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday visited Colorado Springs and Pueblo to discuss some of his administrations goals for the Centennial State as it approaches its 150th birthday in 2026. Released last week, the governors Roadmap to a Future Colorado: 2026 is a plan to make housing more affordable, make commuting easier, support local businesses, and generally improve the Colorado way of life. Polis visited the Fuel and Iron Food Hall in Pueblo before taking a tour of The Commons, a 50-unit supportive housing complex located at 3745 Marion Drive on Colorado Springs' east side. The Commons, which opened in April, offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment for homeless families and veterans. Stable housing is, I think, a fundamental human right, said Beth Roalstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak. It helps us link them to services that can help them move forward. The fact that The Commons is currently at full capacity illuminates the need for more places like it, Roalstad said. When someone moves into housing, they get sleep, she said. They can prepare food. They can have a schedule, and they can have their basic needs met. From that, other things can happen. But the housing piece has to come first. State Rep. Stephanie Vigil agreed with Roalstads sentiments. Creating more housing options like The Commons will help more people find a place to call home, have more transportation choices, and access the support they need to thrive in our community, Vigil said. Quinn Williams, a veteran who lives at The Commons, welcomed Polis and Mayor Yemi Mobolade into his unit and discussed how his life has changed since moving there. My everyday burden is being lifted, Williams said. I can provide for my family. I feel like living again. They say seeing is believing, and being here, and being able to see the good work of this place is truly inspiring, Mobolade said. Thank you, Quinn, for showing us your home. Polis, who has spent the past few months on a listening tour across the state, said affordable housing is a top priority for Coloradans and for his administration. No matter where you go in our state the top concern that almost everybody has is, We love Colorado, but it costs too much to live here, he said. What we can do is create a way that more housing that people can afford can be built close to job centers and along transit (routes). Polis outlined his Roadmap goals for 2026, which include: increasing the housing supply while saving homeowners and renters money; increasing access to trains, buses and bikes to make commuting easier; protecting the states water and open space; and breathing new life into communities by supporting local businesses. He also acknowledged the ambitiousness of the plan and emphasized that it would take an all-hands-on-deck approach from federal, state and local governments, as well as the private sector. These are big goals, and if were going to deliver on them were going need to work together to fix our housing crisis and make living in Colorado more affordable for everybody, Polis said. Increasing housing supply and prioritizing more efficient transit systems is a win-win solution that will boost Colorado Springs economy and ensure our city remains a great place to live and work, said state Sen. Tony Exum, who also toured The Commons on Tuesday. Im pleased to see the governor lay out a vision for housing and transit solutions that will help reduce costs and allow more families to remain in the communities they love, and I look forward to supporting these efforts in the coming legislative session. New Delhi: The total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 6 crores, with over 79 lakh enrolments in the current Financial Year. This feat of bringing in the most vulnerable sections of society under the coverage of pension has been made possible with the untiring efforts of all banks. The APY, a flagship social security scheme of the Government of India, was launched on 9th May 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide old age income security to Indian citizens, with a particular focus on the poor, underprivileged, and workers in the unorganized sectors. (Also Read: In PIcs: Features Of Rs 50, Rs 200, Rs 500, And Rs 2,000 Currency Notes - Check) The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), in the recent past, has taken several initiatives for awareness creation of the scheme including the release of a one-page simple APY flyer/handout in Hindi, English, and 21 regional languages. (Also Read: Elon Musk's Newly Introduced Humanoid Robot Optimus Can Boil Eggs: Watch) Under the APY, the subscriber is eligible to get triple benefits, as guaranteed by the Govt. of India, i.e. lifelong monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 from the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions, which itself would vary based on the age of joining the APY. The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber after the demise of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the pension wealth as accumulated till age 60 of the subscriber would be returned back to the nominee. New Delhi: India on Tuesday joined the General Assemblys call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, reversing its earlier position of abstaining. Indias Permanent Representative to UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said that India faced the challenge to strike the right balance among the various factors involved in the situation. She said that India welcomed the fact that the international community had found a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now. She listed the challenges as the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, the concern for the hostages taken by Hamas, the enormous humanitarian crisis and the large-scale loss of civilian lives in Gaza, the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the long-standing Palestine question. The resolution, presented by Egypt and Mauritania with scores of co-sponsors, was adopted on Tuesday with 153 votes in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The resolution is only symbolic, as it does not have enforcement powers like the Security Council. The resolution also demanded the release of all hostages and called on all parties to comply with their international obligations, especially for protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access for relief to Gaza. The resolution came amid the continuing Israel counterattack on Gaza in pursuit of Hamas, which has killed more than 18,000 Palestinians, over 8,600 of them children and 4,500 women, leading to support for Israel ebbing. The UN has warned of a breakdown in the humanitarian system in Gaza, where a majority of its 2.2 million residents have been displaced from their homes and face hunger and disease. The resolution reflected the change in attitudes towards Israel, as the earlier resolution on October 27 received 121 votes in favour, 14 against and 44 abstentions, while the latest resolution on Tuesday received 153 votes in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. US President Biden on Tuesday acknowledged the situation, saying in Washington that Israel is starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place. India, which had abstained on the October resolution because it did not condemn terrorism, voted for the latest resolution even though it did not condemn terrorism or name Hamas. India also supported an amendment moved by Austria to name Hamas as the party holding hostages and another by the US to condemn the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas, both of which were voted down on Tuesday. The US, Israel and Austria were among the 10 countries voting against the resolution, while Britain and Germany were among the abstainers. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis set the stage for the vote on the resolution, saying, Right now, what we are seeing is an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems, and profound disrespect for both international law and international humanitarian law. He added, Clearly, what we are witnessing is the unprecedented collapse of an already-crumbling humanitarian system, in real time. Three months on, the Israel-Hamas war is yet to end with both sides involved in an armed offensive. While the world leaders have been urging for a ceasefire, a Turkish lawmaker warned Israel of the 'wrath of god' shortly before he collapsed inside the country's Grand National Assembly. Turkish lawmaker Hasan Bitmez collapsed during his speech criticising Turkey's inactions regarding the Israel-Hamas war. Slamming Israel, Bitmez said that even if Israel gets rid of other countries, it cannot get rid of remorse. "Even if you escape the torment of history, you will not be able to escape the wrath of God," he said. Hasan Bitmez's collapse was recorded and broadcast live on television because the Parliament was in session and the proceedings were being broadcast. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Turkish Parliamentarian Suffers Heart Attack after Condemning Israels War on Gaza Hasan Bitmez, a member of the Grand National Assembly, collapsed after delivering his speech, his last words to MPs, You will not escape the wrath of Allah. I salute you all. Bitmez is pic.twitter.com/zD9xJV5Bi3 War Watch (@WarWatchs) December 12, 2023 Bitmez is 53 years old and if reports are to be believed, he has diabetes. He was rushed to a hospital and is said to be critical. Since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the relationship between Turkey and Israel has hit a new low. Both countries have recalled their ambassadors putting the formal relationship in jeopardy. Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do everything for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to punish Israel for the genocide in the Gaza Strip. A Gazette investigation shows an increasing number of soldiers, including wounded combat veterans, are being kicked out of the service for misconduct, often with no benefits, as the Army downsizes after a decade of war. The resurgence of travel and tourism across the Middle East region has been notably robust, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in nearly every GCC country. However, Saudi Arabias tourism industry continues to thrive, welcoming 27.6 million overnight tourists this year. This is expected to increase further, with a projected 30 million tourists by 2024 and more than 50 million by 2032, according to the latest Economic Insight report for the Middle East, commissioned by ICAEW and compiled by Oxford Economics. The government recently revised its 2030 visitor target to 150 million (both domestic and international), up from the previous 100 million, aiming for the tourism sector to contribute 6% of GDP in the current year and 10% by 2030, stated the report. The introduction of a unified GCC tourist visa, expected to take effect in 2024 or 2025, will likely further amplify visitor arrivals to the region, it added. Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economist and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "The global economic backdrop is weakening as we enter 2024, with most major economies poised for a significant slowdown. However, there are indicators of optimism for the region." "We have seen better than expected recovery in the travel and tourism sector which will continue to drive GDP expansion next year, outpacing global growth forecasts, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Four of six law enforcement officers who were charged with failure to intervene in the death of Christian Glass appeared in a Clear Creek County courtroom Tuesday to hear the charges they face. The two remaining officers are scheduled for a first appearance Jan. 16. It was the largest number of officers to be charged at one time under Colorado Senate Bill 217, the sweeping police accountability law which went into effect in June 2021, after the murder of George Floyd a Minnesota man who died beneath the knee of a police officer as other officers stood by and did nothing to stop it. Glass death happened a year after Colorados police reform bill was signed into law. Glass, 22, called 911 for help on the night of June 22, 2021 after his SUV got stuck on a rock near Silverplume. Two Clear Creek County Sheriff's deputies were the first to respond to the scene, but eventually five others showed up at intermittent times and stayed as Glass got more and more agitated. One supervisor was monitoring the evening by watching his officers' body-worn cameras. None of the seven on the scene stepped forward to stop the situation as it escalated out of control. Glass never left his car during the hour-long incident at times showing heart hands through the driver's side window which ended with his shooting death. This is what the law was intended to do. It was written to ensure that officers intervene when excessive force is used, said State Representative Leslie Herod, (D) Denver, a co-sponsor of the landmark bill. There were many opportunities where they could have de-escalated the situation. The incident, which was recorded on various police body-worn cameras, lasted for more than an hour with the most violent end happening within the final two minutes. Jay Hirokawa, a former police chief and criminal investigator, said that there was plenty of time for one of the officers to sound the alarm to the others that the night was going wrong. This isnt a thirty second decision. You had an hour to de-escalate. You had an hour to pack up and leave. They used a taser, a bean bag round and then deadly force, said Hirokawa, who owns Thin Blue Line Consulting. From everything I've ever written or read in policy, they violated his civil rights as plain as day. Still, with a cluster officers from five different jurisdictions thrown together with no mental health specialist on the scene, Hirokawa said that they were tiptoeing on each others policies in what became a confusing whos on first situation. It could be these other law enforcement officers were afraid of stepping on each other's toes, Hirokawa said. But Herod, whose father is a police officer, said that there is a "unity umbrella" there because the officers were all Post-certified. "For them to act like they didn't know is a stretch," said Herod. The six officers who were charged by 5th Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum last month are: Georgetown Marshall Randy Williams; Colorado State Patrol Trooper Ryan Bennie; Idaho Springs Police officer Brittany Morrow; Timothy Collins, originally a Clear Creek County deputy, now a Georgetown Police officer, and two officers with the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission Mary Harris and Christa Lloyd. Harris and Lloyd will be arraigned in January. Two other officers were indicted by a Clear Creek County grand jury a year ago and one has already pleaded guilty to charges of duty to report use of force and duty to intervene in Glass' killing. Former Clear Creek Sheriff Sgt. Kyle Gould wasnt on the scene that night, but hes the one who gave permission to break Glasss car windows, escalating the situation. Gould was given a $1,000 fine and two years of unsupervised probation as part of a plea deal. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The second, former Clear Creek County Sheriff Deputy Andy Buen, is awaiting trial for second degree murder. He is the officer who shot Glass with bean bag rounds, tased him and then shot him five times in the chest, killing him. Buen's next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20. Tim Collins and Buen were the first two on the scene that night. With these additional counts bringing more hearings, the nightmare continues for Glasss parents. His father, Simon, was present for Tuesdays short-but-crowded hearings. He said that he was feeling overwhelmed over the attack on his son. Not one of them spoke up to stop it. Its out and out murder. What were they thinking? My kid called 911 for help, said Glass, who added that police are sworn to protect and did nothing of the sort that night. Around half-a-dozen friends attended the hearing in support of Simon Glass and hugged him in the cold outside of the courthouse after it was over. Failure to intervene is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. Additionally, a state law passed in 2020 requires that, if convicted, the state permanently revoke the person's police officer certification, which can only be reinstated if they're exonerated. There has been vocal disagreement over the counts for two of the six recently-charged officers. In the case of Trooper Bennie, Chief of Colorado State Patrol Col. Matthew C. Packard said in a statement that Christian Glass should still be alive, and that those who were responsible for his death should be held responsible. However, he added, Bennie was not one of those. "As the Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, I have had the opportunity to review at length the events that led to the killing of Christian Glass. In my review, I found no indication that Trooper Bennie violated any Colorado State Patrol policy or training. I am shocked by the decision of the District Attorney to pursue charges against Trooper Bennie," Packard said. Morrow, of the Idaho Springs Police Department, also had support from her boss, Chief Nathan Buseck. He said she did not violate any of the departments policies or procedures and continues to work patrol. The six failure to intervene counts applied to this newly-charged handful of officers was done in a blanket manner, Buseck said, regardless of the behavior displayed by all of them. In a statement, he noted that the grand jury that indicted Buen and Gould specifically noted that Morrow was empathetic to Glass, even displaying heart hands at Glass window. Glass's attorney Siddhartha Rathod was not sympathetic to Morrow, stating after the hearing that the fact that she "showed a few seconds of kindness was not enough. Officers have a duty to stop their fellow officers from violating the law." Glasss family was awarded a $19 million settlement for his death, the largest compensation following a deadly police shooting in state history. Arraignments for the four officers are scheduled in February. Sentencing for a man who plead guilty in the killing of his mother and stepfather was deferred on Tuesday due to legal objections. Cody Parker, 31, pleaded guilty in September to two counts of second degree murder in the deaths of his mother, Deborah Parker-Lykins, and his stepfather, Duane Lykins, at their home in northwest Colorado Springs. In court on Tuesday Parker's attorney presented the court with a motion alleging that Parker received ineffective assistance from his attorney. The motion would have triggered an investigation by conflict counsel into the conduct of Parker's legal team and potentially allowed him to withdraw his guilty plea. Parker's attorney did not explain the reason behind the motion, stating attorney-client privilege. During the hearing the judge denied Parker's motion, explaining that he had not been given grounds for the decision. He left the avenue open for Parker to file a similar post-conviction relief motion that would cause the court to review the case, a separate process from appeals. Once sentenced Parker will have three years to file that motion. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. During the hearing, Parker's father spoke out via video call, alleging that his son "had no clue what was going on" when the plea was entered and that he wanted his son to stand trial. Judge McHenry deferred the sentencing until January to give Parker's attorney time to send in materials withheld due to the possibility of withdrawing Parker's plea. The materials included a 27-page mitigation report that Parker's attorney said would be damaging to Parker should the case be tried in future. Family members of the victims were also in attendance and expressed their frustration at the delays. According to court documents, Parker called 911 last year after the attack leading police to the scene where Lykins and Parker-Lykins were found gravely injured. Parker-Lykins died on scene, while Lykins died sometime later, both from stab wounds. Parker's brother, who has non-verbal autism, was found uninjured in the room at the time. Parker told responding officers he killed his mother due to verbal and physical abuse ongoing in the house shared with his parents, according to an arrest affidavit. He also said he attempted suicide after the act and was admitted for injuries after police arrived at the scene, according to prior testimony in the case by officers. Parker is expected to face a sentence range from 50 to 60 years in prison. The new sentencing is scheduled for January 12 at 8:30 a.m. Colorado Springs police have conducted a second round of search and seizures of illegal gambling machines, targeting multiple businesses that continued to operate the machines even after a warning and previous search-and-seizure wave. Over the last several months, police investigated and served several warrants to numerous illegal gambling establishments across the city. According to police, its Metro Division notified "at least 34 illegal gambling locations around the city," in March of this year. The department's letter informed the business owners that their operation was considered illegal. "At that point, most of these establishments voluntarily shut down, but several continued operations," according to the police press release. Police said they monitored the locations that seemed to stay in business. Then in April and May the department obtained search warrants for four of those locations, where officers seized approximately 130 pieces of illegal electronic gambling machines. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. In its Tuesday press release, the department said investigators were informed that several of those businesses had recently reopened . Another round of search warrants were issued, resulting in more than 120 gambling machines being seized. Limited-stakes casino gambling was legalized in Colorado in 1991 for the mining towns of Cripple Creek, Blackhawk and Central City. Operating a gambling operation outside of specific jurisdictions is illegal in Colorado. Also, Colorado Springs police said they want to protect the communities surrounding these businesses and combat additional crimes that statistically follow illegal gambling, including those involving drugs or violence. If you know of or want to report an illegal gambling establishment, CSPD asks that you call 719-444-7000. The Colorado County Clerks Association said it is fighting back against "dishonest actors, grifters, and bullies" people and entities that, the group said, undermine voter confidence in Colorado's election system. On Friday, the association's Republican-dominated executive board sent a letter to every election official across the state, urging them to help county clerks "correct the record and regain trust taken from our elections by bullies and bad actors through a concerted national and statewide effort to deceive, not through any problems with our actual voting systems." The association's 10-member executive board is made up of nine Republicans and one Democrat. In the letter, the clerks made a rhetorical point: If the 2023 election was full of "vulnerabilities" and questions about procedures, as claimed by some, how did Proposition HH, which Democratic legislators and Gov. Jared Polis endorsed, end up losing by 18 percentage points? Republican representatives to canvas boards in five Colorado counties Boulder, Jefferson, El Paso, La Plata and Larimer refused to certify their election results, following a request from the state GOP. A state party official argued that "nothing has changed since the 2020 elections." "The voting equipment is the same, uncertified, Chinese-built electronics with built-in internet capability. They are not 'secure' by any national security definition of the word," the party official said, adding that "Colorados voter rolls remain a playground for election-manipulators." In these counties, Republicans are in the minority, and the election results were ultimately certified. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "Some of the same folks who delighted at Prop HH's demise and believe that outcome was accurate still believe that President Trump won the 2020 presidential election, although all evidence and testimony from Trumps own legal team completely reject the claim that the election was stolen," the county clerks said. In their letter, the clerks also noted guilty pleas to lesser charges as a part of a deal struck with prosecutors from Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, formerly a deputy district attorney in Weld County. They had faced charges of conspiring to overturn Trump's loss in Georgia in 2020. Undermining a legal election is not an American ideal, the clerks said such claims are also leading to threats against election workers. As the 2024 election season begins, the clerks said Colorados elections are run by professionals, who have been preparing year-round to maintain election security, accuracy and accessibility; that elections are conducted by multi-partisan poll workers, who are well-trained to verify voter eligibility, review signatures and tabulate results; and, the state's elections are transparent, with "meaningful" citizen participation and observation. "Now is the time for courage, not cowardice," the clerks wrote. "Its time to put the mission of governing and upholding the Constitution over political ambition." On the social media platform X, the state Republican Party, which responded to a tweet from 9News' Kyle Clark, who called the letter blistering, posted, "Wed have to care about what they said for it to be 'blistering.'" The clerks' association is led by Matt Crane, formerly the Republican clerk and recorder for Arapahoe County, while its executive board president is Justin Grantham, a Republican clerk and recorder in Fremont County. The 6th edition of the annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference began today (December 13), with a day of insightful dialogues and expert discussions, thus setting the tone for a transformative event in the realm of hospitality and tourism. The opening addresses by Mona Faraj, Managing Director of HSMAI Middle East, and Bob Gilbert, President & CEO of HSMAI, welcomed a diverse assembly of industry professionals, setting the stage for a day packed with knowledge-sharing and innovation. The plenary sessions began with a captivating talk by Steven van Belleghem, a customer experience enthusiast, who outlined the journey from customer service aspiration to actualisation, likening companies to 'Diamonds in the Rough' striving for CX excellence. It was followed by a spirited panel discussion on destination marketing, moderated by Iva Skrlec, Hilton's Director of Destination Marketing for MEA & Turkey. Panellists, including Liam Findlay of Miral Destinations, Nicholas Hall of the Digital Tourism Think Tank, and Alka Winter from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, explored the critical role tourism boards play in molding destination narratives and driving demand. Marie-Louise Ek, Hilton's VP of Human Resources MEA, shed light on the 'Crafting Essential Leadership for Modern Work Realities,' addressing the megatrends influencing hospitality leadership. The conference then delved into the interconnectedness of commercial decisions and asset value, with a discussion led by Omar Eltahry, a seasoned Hospitality Advisor, and panellists from Accor, United Hospitality Management, and Mashreq, who shared real-world insights on revenue enhancement and asset management. Mona Faraj, Managing Director of the Middle East chapter of HSMAI said: "As we celebrate the opening of 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference, we use this opportunity to chart the future of our industry together with hospitality pioneers from this region. This is a gathering of commercial thought leaders from sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, hotel brands, and owner groups gathered to share current and future trends. We look forward to covering a wide range of topics, discussions, and best practices, led by world-class regional and international experts in our industry and use this event as a platform to share common goals and achieve greater results as tourism gathers momentum over the coming months." Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: "Events like the annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference further highlights Dubai's status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure in line with the goals of the visionary Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. It also showcases the collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors to bolster the citys tourism industry, as well as drawing attention to the multifaceted destination proposition that forms the cornerstone of Dubais ambition to become the best city in the world to visit, live and work in. The insights we gather here from industry experts reflect the broader strategy of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism to shape the future of the hospitality industry and further accelerate momentum across the tourism sector. The day's sessions featured a range of roundtables, leadership hubs, and partner insights, covering topics from F&B revenue optimisation, the influence of technology in hospitality, the transformative impact of Generative AI, to the significance of a robust commercial strategy in todays dynamic environment. The day concluded with sessions on sustainability in the hospitality industry, emphasizing its impact on profitability and hotel rates. On December 14, the ROC Star Awards Ceremony will recognise top talent whove made a difference in the hotel industry. HSMAI strongly advocates the importance of sharing best practices as a means to enhance performance in the industry and region and ROC Stars represent the exceptional individuals within the hospitality industry who have made a significant impact. The event is being organized in partnership with key organizations including Atomize, Fornova, AlMosafer, IDeaS, FLYR for Hospitality, and 20+ other sponsors. TradeArabia News Service The federal appeals court based in Denver agreed on Monday that two Colorado Springs police officers cannot be held liable for using a Taser on a man up to eight times in 90 seconds, leading to his death. RateHawk.com, an online system for booking hotels, air tickets, and transfers for travel professionals, has announced a new partnership with one of the leading companies in the travel industry, Expedia Group to expand its hotel reviews database. From now on, Dubai-based RateHawk will integrate the reviews from platforms Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo into its existing review database sourced from users of Tripadvisor and RateHawk's own services. The collaboration will provide travel professionals with access to one the most comprehensive hotel feedback collections in the market. By connecting reviews from Expedia Groups platforms, RateHawks review database has grown by an impressive 17.8% and now includes over 136 million verified reviews for hotels, apartments, and other accommodations worldwide. The further expansion of the review database will help travel agents make informed hotel choices and ensure that the chosen options align with clients preferences and expectations. Each newly connected platform sets high standards and requirements for submitting reviews, ensuring they come from real guests after checkout. Felix Shpilman, CEO of Emerging Travel Group, RateHawks parent company, said: RateHawk is committed to developing tools that help travel professionals work more efficiently. Our platform offers a selection of 2.2 million accommodations in 220 countries. Navigating through this vast array of options may seem daunting and time-consuming. By considering the shared experiences and authentic insights of previous guests, travel agents can narrow down the selection and focus on the most suitable accommodations for their clients. This will significantly ease the decision-making process and result in travellers having a comfortable and memorable experience. "The newly added reviews are already available in RateHawks portal. This new content will provide greater coverage for accommodations in the USA, as well as Asian and European destinations," said Shpilman. Earlier this month, RateHawk unveiled a rebranding of its visual identity and interface updates. The new graphics reflect RateHawks strive to supercharge travel agents and empower them to excel in their roles. RateHawk is an innovative B2B booking platform developed by the Dubai-based company Emerging Travel Group, offering hotels, flight tickets, transfers, car rentals, and other travel-related services. TradeArabia News Service In this file photo, former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown, a Colorado Republican and then-interim president of the University of Colorado, chats with well-wishers as he is honored as the Citizen of the West of the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Jan. 16, 2008. The atmosphere inside a lecture hall at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Tuesday morning was as tense as a classroom during a grueling final exam, and for most of the hour and a half, forum attendees could not have heard a pin drop. Some of the approximately 450 faculty, staff and students who attended either in-person or online to learn more about last weeks surprising announcement about who would be the next chancellor of UCCS acted infuriated, frustrated, disruptive and at times hostile and disrespectful. University of Colorado President Todd Saliman appeared to take the questions and often harsh comments in stride. Yet he admitted that while he expected anger and pushback over how the process played out and his decision to hire Interim Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet who was not one of the two finalists he had named on Nov. 22 and therefore did not do campus interviews facing the wrath of the audience was difficult. I knew folks would be mad; I know youre upset I didnt ask you for your opinions, he said. I knew I would take hits, just like Im doing now from all of you. This isnt pleasant. Im here to hear from you; Im not enjoying it. I also knew if I didnt act quickly, wed be in a terrible position, facing another interim, another search, he said. At the end of the day, I felt I needed to make a decision to move the campus forward. Im sticking with her (Sobanet), and shes going to do a good job. Saliman fielded accusations of nepotism, not being forthcoming about what was going on, not taking into consideration feedback from faculty, staff and students, and not choosing someone who has a background in academia, as Sobanet has never taught at the university level and is not an academic researcher. Philosophy Professor Robert Rex Welshon, who has worked at UCCS for 30 years, took the microphone and called the outcome a breach of power. It is really disturbing to allow a president to take all of the information prepared by the search committee and advice provided by the faculty and reject both candidates and go unilaterally, Welshon said, adding that the campus is at a point of widespread cynicism fostered by an administrator who overreaches the regents policy. As some accused Saliman of dismissing their input, Saliman said he found that claim offensive and told the audience he was showing them the respect they deserved and asked for it in return. Dont for a second think or say this in any way indicates that I dont appreciate what you say, he said. More than 200 surveys were received for each of the two finalists, according to Chris Valentine, UCCS spokesman. Saliman said the comments were super-mixed for both candidates, and did not indicate broad support for either to be successful. Saliman offered another feedback form for attendees to fill out Tuesday, which he said he realizes doesnt carry the same weight as the one available during the finalists interviews. But he said the comments will be used to help set expectations for Sobanet to address campus needs and for her performance reviews. Saliman also took offense at being accused of nepotism in selecting Sobanet, who had been the interim chancellor since July 1 and was announced as permanent chancellor on Dec. 7. A rumor that he had chosen Sobanet because she was good friends with his wife is false, he said. This idea that I somehow hired her (Sobanet) because my wife pressured me to, that is nuts. The two arent close friends, he said, adding To the folks who make up these stories Id say 'knock it off. It isnt advancing the campus; it makes people hate each other.' Saliman has known Sobanet for years. Both worked as chief financial officers for different offices of the four-campus CU system and have crossed paths in other professional capacities, including lobbying state lawmakers. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. I absolutely did not hire her because shes my friend, but because shes doing an excellent job for UCCS, in addressing enrollment, the budget, morale and transparency, Saliman said. For me, the determining factor was her performance. Folks who think this was a shoo-in, thats just not true, he said. I was certain one of the five people the search committee forwarded to me was going to be our next chancellor. Sobanet was not one of the five candidates an 18-member search committee sent to Saliman for consideration, he told the crowd. But after he and the Board of Regents interviewed the recommended candidates and reviewed all the surveys, Saliman said it became clear to him that neither of the two finalists while outstanding and accomplished individuals were the right fit at this time for the leadership position. The process produced a result the result was no candidate being chancellor, he said. Its not perfect; the process is not perfect, I agree. Among the options he considered were to reopen a search, which he said would have been risky because a second go-round could produce a pool of candidates not of the same quality as the first. Another search would have pushed out having a permanent chancellor in place for up to a year and a half, he said, continuing leadership instability during a time of declining enrollment, low retention rates, a budget crunch and poor morale. It also would have been another expense, Saliman said. The contract with the search firm for its role in the process was $145,433, Valentine said. Saliman said Sobanet had taken another job four hours before he called her with the unexpected offer of chancellorship which he had not known. But she accepted his offer. He said he also received unsolicited positive and negative feedback about Sobanet. Aidan Clark, student body vice president, said at the forum that he and student body President Axel Brown sent a letter to Saliman on behalf of students that said overwhelmingly, students wanted Sobanet to be a finalist. Shes the first chancellor to support students fully and make us excited to be here, Clark said. Students are really excited to work with her. After consulting with the university systems legal office, Saliman said he realized the best candidate was Sobanet, adding that he followed to the letter the Board of Regents policy on hiring an upper-level administrator. Is this an ideal way to come about this? No, of course not, he said. I was disappointed like a lot of people that the process didnt produce a finalist that was the right choice for UCCS. One audience member said: Clearly, relationships are damaged. How are we going to get to a better place? Youre mad at me about the process, and Ill take that," Saliman said. But don't be mad at her. Jennifer (Sobanet) is awesome. I hope youll work with her to move the campus forward. We have significant challenges and significant opportunities. After the forum ended, search committee member Jevita Rogers said, The concerns were addressed, but theres still a lot of work to be done. A search for a new chancellor at the CU Boulder campus is underway, with members of a committee selected and a search firm recruiting applicants, said Leonard Dinegar, senior vice president for internal operations and chief of staff for the CU system who led the UCCS search. When asked about whether the CU Boulder process would end up in the same conundrum, Saliman said hes never been a fan of the argument that once something happens, it will occur again in a similar situation. I will follow the policy, and I have faith that following the policy will produce a chancellor, he said. I was highly confident it would happen here. Im highly confident it will at CU Boulder. I know thats absolutely the expectation. A gray wolf is seen in a trail camera image on the Sherman Creek Ranch, March 26, 2023, near Walden, Colorado. As state officials prepare to reintroduce wolves in western Colorado, a small number of the animals already have wandered in from Wyoming. (Don Gittleson via AP) King Soopers is heading to Colorado Springs' far north side just like thousands of homeowners have done over the last 20 to 30 years. The grocery chain broke ground Tuesday on its 12th store in the Pikes Peak region, which will anchor a shopping center to be built southwest of Colorado 83 and North Gate Boulevard as part of the 1,500-acre Flying Horse development. The roughly 118,000-square-foot store, which will have a $36.4 million price tag that includes construction and land costs, will open in about a year, possibly in January 2025, said Joe Kelley, King Soopers' president. The Flying Horse store will be a larger-format, marketplace store about twice the size of King Soopers' traditional groceries. Marketplace stores sell clothing, dinnerware, small appliances and other items to go with full lines of groceries; amenities will include a Starbucks, a Murray's cheese shop, a fuel station and a pharmacy with a drive-thru. "We've always been fans of Colorado Springs and we have some terrific stores down here already," Kelley said after a ceremonial groundbreaking on a cold and cloudy afternoon. "With the population growth, this is a perfect location for us. We have beautiful neighborhoods here. We think that the area is underserved by grocery stores and we're excited to get this one open." King Soopers' Flying Horse store effectively will fill a hole in the grocery chain's coverage area; its nearest stores are 5 miles to the southeast in the Briargate area and about 10 miles north in Monument. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The new store will serve Flying Horse an upscale project developed over the last two decades by Springs-based Classic Cos. and likely will attract shoppers from areas such as nearby Northgate, The Farm and unincorporated Black Forest. The shopping center at Colorado 83 and North Gate Boulevard in Flying Horse is being developed by the Arizona-based Barclay Group, which is talking with other potential users at the project that likely will include restaurants, stores and service-oriented businesses. King Soopers, which is part of the Ohio-based Kroger chain, has 10 stores in Colorado Springs and El Paso County; an 11th is set to open Jan. 24 in unincorporated Falcon as the anchor of the Falcon Marketplace shopping center, northwest of Woodmen and Meridian roads. City Market, also part of Kroger, has a store in Woodland Park, west of the Springs. Kroger and Albertsons, the parent company of grocery rival Safeway, announced their planned merger in October 2022. In September of this year, the two grocery chains announced they would sell more than 400 stores nationwide including 52 in Colorado as part of their merger and as they seek approval from federal regulators. None of those 52 stores to be sold in Colorado are expected to be King Soopers stores, a Kroger spokeswoman said at the time the planned sale of stores was announced. The Flying Horse store won't be King Soopers' last. The chain expects to break ground next year on a store in Fountain, south of the Springs, that's also expected to open in 2025. That store will anchor the Mesa Ridge Marketplace shopping center, which will be built southeast of Mesa Ridge Parkway and Syracuse Street. Mesa Ridge Marketplace is being developed by Arizona-based Evergreen Devco as part of the real estate company's joint venture with a California group. Evergreen Devco also developed Falcon Marketplace, where Soopers opens next month, and the Claremont Ranch Marketplace at Marksheffel Road and Constitution Avenue, where King Soopers opened a store in 2017. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told Americans his country is fighting for our freedom and yours as he made an impassioned for Congress to approve more assistance to fight Russias invasion. But prospects for additional U.S. aid to Ukraine are seriously delayed, if not in grave doubt, despite his whirlwind diplomacy in Washington on Tuesday. After hours of talks on Capitol Hill, Zelenskyy spent more time at the White House meeting with President Joe Biden and his aides about the way forward. As Zelenskyy wrapped up his two-day visit to Washington, it was unclear if he was able to shake up the political stalemate over aid. Tests reported to the state have detected infections at the highest rate all year. (Image by Fotograzia/Getty Images) The weekly number of people admitted to Iowa hospitals who have COVID-19 recently reached its highest in nearly a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were about 315 new admissions reported for the week that ended Dec. 2 a 52% increase over the week prior. That is the most recent week for which the data is available. A new report is expected Friday. The number of new admissions had been increasing throughout November but had a relatively dramatic spike that week, following Thanksgiving. A similar spike happened a year ago, and admissions stayed about that level for the rest of December 2022. Overall COVID-19 activity in Iowa was high the week that ended Dec. 2, according to the latest respiratory virus surveillance report published by the state Department of Health and Human Services. There are signs that influenza is also on the rise but HHS rated its activity as low. During respiratory virus season, its not unusual to see variations in the activity levels of different viruses due to variety of factors, said Alex Carfrae, an HHS spokesperson. Iowans should practice good hand hygiene, stay home when theyre sick, cover coughs and sneezes and talk with their health care provider about the immunizations recommended for them or their family. COVID-19 vaccines are often free for people who have health insurance or through the CDCs Bridge Access Program, which has agreements with health care providers and pharmacies. The CDC has an online search to find vaccine providers, or people can call (800) 232-0233 for help. In April, the state ended its requirement for clinical labs to report COVID-19 test results. The number of tests reported to the state is now less than half what it was a year ago. In the latest HHS respiratory virus report, about 19% of the reported weekly tests were positive for infection. That is the highest percentage in at least a year and can indicate two things: there is high community transmission and a need for more testing to understand the full scope of the spread. Early in the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization recommended that countries and states should wait until their positivity rates held below 5% before loosening restrictions meant to contain the virus. State alters death reports The states weekly respiratory virus reports also have information about deaths that are attributed to COVID-19 and influenza. But in October, HHS modified how it reports those deaths. Previously, the department included a cumulative tally of the deaths for each year, which reset at the start of the flu season in early October. There were about 885 deaths in Iowa related to COVID-19 for the 2022-2023 year, according to the HHS report for the week ending Sept. 30. Subsequent reports do not have the cumulative total and instead have an unlabeled line chart that shows the overall trend of deaths for the past year. They also include a death count for the week that is being reported, but death reports can often be delayed for weeks or months. Because of that, HHSs weekly COVID-19 death reports in the past two months have deviated substantially from what the CDC reports for Iowa on its website. Since early October, HHS has reported a total of 35 deaths in its weekly reports, whereas the CDC has tallied more than 120 for that time period. HHS did not respond to requests to provide its COVID-19 death tally for this flu season. Area leaders hope a newly built 30,000-square-foot shell building will attract an industry and more jobs to the Dan River Region. Danville and Pittsylvania County leaders celebrated the completion of the structure, which is located in the Cyber Park, with a ribbon cutting ceremony there Monday. The structure at 120 Slayton Ave. is the first construction partnership between the Danville Industrial Development Authority and the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority. It is also the largest publicly owned shell building in the state. Projects like this would not be possible without the great working relationship that Danville and Pittsylvania County share, said Lee Vogler, chair of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, which owns the Cyber Park. We understand that our success is intertwined, our destiny is a shared destiny. Vogler also pointed out the previous projects that have been announced during a year coming to a close, including the groundbreaking for the Dan River Falls commercial-residential development at the former White Mill building, the adjacent riverfront park, the opening of the temporary Danville Casino which will become the much-larger Caesars Virginia at the end of 2024 and the ribbon-cutting ceremony last month for Tyson Foods. The shell-building project was financed by Locus Community Focused Capital and the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, including a $1 million grant from Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Shell buildings are an important incentive because they reduce the startup time for any company looking to relocate or expand, Vogler said. Im sure, in the very near future, well have our economic development departments bring us a tenant that will be occupying this space, said Neal Morris, Danville IDA chairman. Mondays event was more than just a ribbon-cutting, Morris said. I see this as a tribute to the vision and the cooperation that our local governments have in Danville and Pittsylvania County governments, Morris said. The new property is part of Danvilles and Pittsylvania Countys economic development offices efforts to build inventory to meet the needs of modern manufacturers. Built by Blair Construction, the 30,000-square-foot building can be doubled in size to 60,000 square feet and unfitted to suit the specific needs of a client. About 75% of all prospect inquiries are about existing buildings with ceiling heights at more than 24 feet, said Pittsylvania County IDA Vice Chair John Daniel. This 30,000-square-foot facility, with a ceiling height of more than 30 feet, along with the commitment of the county, the authority, and our close partners, ensures that were putting ourselves in a strong position to continue attracting jobs and investment to our commitment and our growing area, Daniel said. Virginia Tobacco Commission member Will Pace and Amir Kirkwood, president and CEO of Locus Community Focused Capital, also spoke during the ceremony. Its strategic location in the Cyber Park, owned by the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, is close to workforce development assets, such as the nearby Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program and Danville Community Colleges Regional Center for Advanced Technology and Training, officials have pointed out. Its incredibly important that we continue to invest in assets such as building infrastructure and land development, Danville Economic Development and Tourism Director Corrie T. Bobe told the Danville Register & Bee after the event. When considering locating or expanding in an area, companies look for a site that will help reduce their risk in opening and investing, as well as expedite their speed to market, how quickly they can being operations, Bobe added. Also, they look for a skilled workforce, she said. Thankfully, were right here in the Cyber Park, where there are so many workforce assets surrounding this shell building, Bobe said. Delegate Les Adams, R-Pittsylvania, is resigning from his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Adams, whose resignation is effective at the conclusion of his current term, announced his decision Tuesday. Adams was reelected in November. Although I have been elected to continue serving as delegate for the new 48th House District in the next session, I will decline to accept the oath of office to be seated with that General Assembly so that I may make myself available for another position of service, Adams wrote in a letter to the clerk of the House of Delegates. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and House Speaker Todd Gilbert are copied in the letter. It has been a tremendous privilege to represent the people of Pittsylvania, Henry [counties] and the city of Martinsville over the course of the past decade, and I will always be grateful to them for affording me that honor, Adams wrote. Virginias constitution gives the governor the ability to issue a writ of special election for vacancies in the General Assembly when the legislature is not in session. Youngkin has called for a Jan. 9 special election in the 48th House District, with a candidate filing deadline of Dec. 17. The General Assembly returns to Richmond for its new session Jan. 10. Within hours of Adams announcement, former Chatham Mayor Will Pace announced his intention to run for the seat. After being asked by many neighbors and friends, I have decided to announce my candidacy for this seat, Pace posted on his campaign Facebook page. I will be the strong Constitutional conservative that we need in Richmond to continue on Les work and support Gov. Youngkin. Pace added that he would work to end the sales and grocery taxes, protect Second Amendment rights, support law enforcement officers, give parents a voice in their childs education and uphold the sanctity of life. During an interview Tuesday afternoon, Pace added that he looked forward to the challenge of the race and representing the people of the 48th House District in Pittsylvania County, Henry County and Martinsville. Besides serving on Chatham Town Council and as mayor, he has also served as chairman of both the Pittsylvania County Republican Committee and the Fifth District Republican Committee. Currently a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, Pace also served as a legislative aide for nine years in the House of Delegates. I know the system, I know how it works, I know how to get things done, he said. Im ready to go. Henry County business owner Eric Phillips is also vying for the seat. I am thankful for Les service to Southside and Southwest Virginia and I look forward to being a conservative voice for our values in Richmond, Phillips posted on his Facebook page. He serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Partnership. Phillips is also chairman of the Martinsville Industrial Development Authority and chair of the Henry County-Martinsville Republican Committee. He serves on the Republican Part of Virginias governing board, the State Central Committee. As Delegate, I will fight to bring needed infrastructure investment with projects like the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor, to protect our students and defend parental rights and work to create jobs, cut taxes and regulations and ease the burden on hardworking Virginians, he said in a prepared statement. I will bring a new voice to Richmond that will stand up to the political establishment. I am excited about this opportunity and I am optimistic about the future of our commonwealth. Adams, first elected in 2013, has served five terms in the Virginia General Assembly. He served on various House committees and was recently vice chairman of the Virginia State Crime Commission and is vice chairman of the board of trustees of the Center for Rural Virginia. He is also a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission. A native of Pittsylvania County, Adams lives in Chatham with his wife Melanie and their two sons. As Pittsylvania County embarks on an overhaul of the zoning ordinance a document that hasnt been updated in more than 30 years residents are invited to an open house Thursday to see a presentation, view a draft document and ask questions. The drop-in format is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the board meeting room located at 39 Bank St. in Chatham. The ordinance is a highly complicated document that outlines how land is used, developed and divided in the county. Essentially, it guides development for neighborhoods and industries. There hasnt been a major update since 1991, leaving some portions obsolete and other areas lacking current needs and requests. The county describes zoning as a tool used to regulate land usage. Properties throughout Pittsylvania County have a designation that lists rules and standards. Thats why areas have to be rezoned when landowners decide to make a change outside of the current designation. Regulations also limit the kinds of development within an area with things like size and height of structures factoring into the formula. The Berkley Group, a government consulting firm, is handling the rewrite that started last year. The new ordinance is expected to be adopted next spring by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. The firm has been working with the governing bodies including the board of supervisors, planning commission and board of zoning appeals. In June, those groups received an update from the Berkley Group on standards for things like agritourism, mobile restaurants and short-term rentals. Those standards include height, setbacks, buffering and screening, according to a summary from the county. It also encompasses noise, odor, lighting and daily visits by vehicles. The Berkley Group also met with county groups in August and October to further review a draft of the zoning ordinance. Another work session is planned for sometime in February to review feedback from the community during Thursdays open house and finalize the ordinance. Formal public hearings will be hosted in the spring before the board takes a final vote. Super Wednesday. GREENSBORO - A Holocaust memorial statue in LeBauer Park was defaced with a swastika over the weekend, Greensboro police got around to mentioning Tuesday. A monument entitled She Wouldnt Take Off Her Boots, which was inspired by the memories of thousands of Jewish women forced to strip before being shot to death in Latvia in 1941, was vandalized Friday. As it indicated in its title, the statue is a homage to a moment of defiance and dignity in the face of atrocity. City workers quickly cleaned up the statue but not before yet another act of hatefulness stunned a community too often targeted. No arrests have been made. An exercise in restraint WINSTON-SALEM - While tamped down for public consumption, the anger felt by Chief William Penn of the Winston-Salem Police Department was fairly obvious. "The same folks who put him in jail Wednesday along with our detectives had to put him back in jail for a more serious crime this past Saturday, Penn said at a news conference Tuesday. As you can imagine, that is extremely frustrating. Yeah. Ryan Anguiano Prudente, 18, was released from the Forsyth County Detention Center last week after posting a bond that put him back on the street after being charged with felony drug and weapons charges. Three days later, on Saturday, Prudente was charged with two counts of murder in connection with the shooting deaths of a man and woman. The bond, set in accordance with guidelines laid out in state law, was set at $50,000. Typically, someone charged with a crime can be released before trial by paying a bail bondsman 15 percent of the total. Prudente was initially booked Dec. 6 with no bond allowed on drug charges, possession of a machine gun and possession of a weapon of mass destruction. The $50,000 figure, which Penn called too low, was set by a district-court judge the next day. No doubt, some of the chiefs frustration was caused by the fact that for the second consecutive year, he had to talk about a new record (46) for homicide in the city. Penns a smart guy. He knows well the legal concept of innocent until proven guilty and that bond guidelines were set by the Legislature to ensure uniformity and to relieve crowded (and expensive) conditions in some local jails. Still, it must be maddening to see someone locked up for murder three days after posting a bond intended to ensure an appearance in court. Our staff (had) been working hard (and) managed to catch him, Penn said. He had some serious felony charges. GREENSBORO Three Greensboro elementary schools are now set to close for good at the end of this school year. Swann Middle School will close to students at the same time, but is planned to reopen as a performing arts school some years from now, following a renovation. The Guilford County Board of Education voted to approve the closures and redistricting during Tuesdays school board meeting. The board approved closing Archer, Murphey and Wiley elementary schools as they currently exist and sending their students to other schools next year. Wiley and Murphey students will attend Peck Expeditionary Learning K-8 school, and Archer students will attend Foust Gaming and Robotics Elementary School. By consolidating small schools that are in bad condition into fewer, newer schools, the district hopes to save money on operations while providing a better learning environment for students. But the district is not done with the three old buildings. It plans to use Murphey to temporarily house students displaced by other school construction, to make the Archer Elementary campus the eventual home for Erwin Montessori, and to use Wiley Elementary to house Erwin Montessori while construction is underway at Archer. As far as Swann, the board voted to split up the Greensboro middle schools attendance zone between two other middle schools in the city starting next school year. Swann students will go to either Kiser or Mendenhall, depending on whether they are assigned to Grimsley or Page for high school. The schools Spanish immersion magnet program and its students are also set to go to Kiser, while the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math magnet program and students will go to a third Greensboro school Hairston Middle. If construction continues as planned, the former Swann students who go to Kiser will start the year in the old Kiser building, then transition to the newly-built Kiser Middle mid-year school year with the rest of their Kiser classmates. The closures of the schools are in line with recommendations made in the districts 2019 school facilities master plan. Superintendent Whitney Oakley proposed the changes during a November school board meeting and the district-held parent and staff meetings for each of the schools this month or last. During Tuesdays meeting, the school board held public hearings for the closures of Archer, Murphey and Wiley, but no one spoke. Just one member of the public spoke out on any of the closures or redistricting during the meeting. That was Caleb Hunt, a father of six, who said he has three students who attend Spanish immersion programs at Swann or at Jones Elementary. Hunt said he attended a meeting at Swann about the future of the school and raised questions about the capacity of Kisers current building versus the projected size of the new student body. And he said hes been unable to find information on five-year projections for enrollment and capacity for either Kiser or Mendenhall with the new boundary changes. He also voiced concern that with the new districts, parents who rely on public transportation could face long commutes if they need to get to their students schools. Im concerned theres not been enough outreach to all the affected members of this upcoming change, he said. Enough outreach, with enough data, that all affected members can work through what this means for them. School board members voted unanimously to close the three elementary schools. On the motion to change the boundaries for Swann and the other three schools, the vote was 7-2. Board members Linda Welborn and Crissy Pratt were the two to vote against the boundary changes. Pratt said she still felt fuzzy on some details after attending small group sessions held by the school administration to help board members better understand the boundary changes, as well as the presentation of the changes at the last school board meeting. Welborn said the changes are needed, but that Hunts comments during the meetings public comment period inspired her to vote against the motion. She said his comments made her feel the district should have provided more information and communication to those affected prior to the meeting. School board member Alan Sherouse, who is also a Swann parent, used part of his comments at the end of the meeting to thank Hunt for his earlier comments. Hunt deserves thanks, he said, for your advocacy on behalf of our entire community, your call for equity as we navigate hard things like a boundary change. Sherouse said that for families like his, the change brings a mix of logistical changes and emotional and mental health impacts. I do think we have a commitment to work towards the concerns you raised tonight, he said. It helps us as we move forward. AI as a game changer For Prosch, IT has a key role in overcoming these challenges. The expert names the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics as an example. The automatic detection of pathological changes to organs and their quantification, for example, saves us a lot of time and gives patients and referring physicians important additional information, says the department head deputy. Prof. Herold takes the same line, although he sees challenges associated with this: Yes, AI will be a very key aspect for us. But there are a great many developers, start-ups and also academic institutions in this segment who are developing their own algorithms for different applications. Therefore, it is fully impossible to purchase and/or install all these algorithms. Instead, the trend is moving towards migrating them to one platform or to existing systems such as those in medical technology or integrating PACS. This integration seems to work very well at Dedalus HealthCare. The software from contextflow, a spin-off of the Vienna General Hospital, is used in Vienna for example. The algorithm is integrated in our PACS so that I can load the information that has been prepared previously on a separate server into the report workflow with one mouse click and incorporate it into my assessment. The seamless integration, together with quick loading times, is greatly contributing to the high level of acceptance. For me, this duo is a successful example of an AI application in radiology, praises Dr Sebastian Rohrich, a doctor in training at the University Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. A Helena man was charged Tuesday with one felony count of criminal child endangerment after a bystander alerted law enforcement of a driver passed out at the wheel of a vehicle. Waylon Edward Pearson was driving his 9-year-old stepdaughter to an appointment when she had to continuously wake him up according to court documents. The documents stated that the driver was falling asleep at the wheel while accelerating. Once the vehicle stopped, the girl ran to a local business to call for help. The arresting officer reported a crystalline substance under the drivers side floor mat and a blue pill. Court documents stated that the crystalline substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine and the blue pill was stamped consistent to fentanyl. Pearson admitted to consuming methamphetamine and a blue pill which was suspected to be fentanyl, authorities said. He was also charged with four misdemeanors including, two possessions of dangerous drugs, criminal child endangerment and a first DUI for operating a vehicle under the use of drugs, according to court documents. Pearson was listed on the roster of the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center as of Tuesday afternoon. In the midst of a tense debate to choose the Ward 6 City Council representative for the next two years, Missoula City Council President and Ward 3 Representative Gwen Jones turned with a wry smile to address Ward 5s John Contos. I just first want to talk about how handsome you are, John, Jones said. It was a lighthearted moment in the middle of a contentious decision-making process, but it hinted at a deeper tension. Does sexism continue to hamper elected officials in Missoula? A pretty face Jones facetious comment came as a response to Contos remarks about the appearance of two of his female colleagues. First of all, congratulations, he said to Mayor Andrea Davis, Missoulas second female mayor, at her first meeting a week prior. Its nice to see a pretty face down there. You got a great smile, nice eyes. I like that. A public commenter, Clint Whittle-Frazier from Ward 6, brought up concerns about Contos comments to the city council. I sincerely doubt that the member in question wouldve said the same statement in regard to any of their male colleagues, he said. Language like that is a product of the past and Id like to see others call out sexism when they see it and keep that professional respect. When given the chance to vote for Ward 6 Councilor Sandra Vasecka or challenger Sean McCoy later in that meeting, Contos doubled down. I am voting for Sandy Vasecka because I do know her a lot better, he said. And shes good-looking. Though Jones later dig at Contos provoked almost universal laughter from those assembled at the meeting, concerns about the string of comments lingered. And in light of misogynistic allegations in the Missoula mayors race and commentary about a female Mineral County commissioner's chest from fellow commissioners earlier in the year, Missoula elected officials wrestled with the discussion about sexism. 'Benevolent sexism' After a 22-year career in housing development, Mayor Andrea Davis said she expected to encounter sexism as she transitioned into the role of Missoula mayor. She just didnt expect it to happen so quickly. Like most people in that situation, I was surprised, Davis said in regard to Contos comments about her appearance. It was my first council meeting. I was highly focused on the procedure. Being the presiding officer of that kind of format is a lot to navigate. Though slightly taken aback by the councilmans focus on her eyes and smile, Davis said she made a quick decision in the moment not to address the remarks. But when Whittle-Frazier gave his public comment a week later, she felt grateful. I appreciate that a member of the public brought that forward, she said. I actually thought that that was something that really brought a lot of credibility to the conversation. I really think its great. The ensuing conversation, however, didnt seem so rosy in Davis eyes. What happened next at that council meeting, in the sense that Councilman Contos chose to fan the flames, in my opinion, thats unfortunate, she said. Thats where he no longer has the benefit of the doubt, in that case. Nonetheless, she saw the interaction as a learning opportunity for everyone involved. Sexism is systemic, she argued, but it can happen in overt and covert ways. You have to ask yourself, is this person being malicious? said Davis. Or is this person trying to undermine me in a way that is purposely trying to undercut my leadership and my authority? In that moment, I chose to believe this person is not being malicious. Regardless of the intent, however, Davis stressed its important to acknowledge and learn from situations like the controversial council meeting. I have dealt with it my whole life, she said. What I want to see happen is just a commitment to understanding one another, in ways that we grow from this. Councilor Kristen Jordan from Ward 6 one of perhaps the only people not to laugh when Jones made her quip about Contos also hoped the back-and-forth at council would yield more inclusive results for everyone involved. She categorized Contos comments about Vasecka and Davis as benevolent sexism. It means that men dont intend to cross the boundary that they do cross, Jordan explained. So then its OK, because they didnt mean to. But the bottom line is a boundary has still been crossed. Jordan was disappointed Contos chose to focus on the mayors physical appearance rather than her professional qualifications for the mayor post. She said such a bias derives from a larger systemic issue that creates double standards for women and ultimately disenfranchises them from positions of power. Ive definitely experienced sexism, said Jordan. Typically men are rewarded for being assertive and direct. Whereas when Im assertive and direct, people hold it against me. Its personal. And I think that there is an imbalance and its wholly unfair to women. 'Chick attorney' Ward 6s Sandra Vasecka to whom Contos directed his second controversial remark said she wasnt perturbed. The two lone conservatives on council have a friendly relationship, she said, but the issue runs deeper than that. Yes, John and I do have a great relationship, so I wasnt bothered, Vasecka said. But even if a stranger called me pretty, Id take it as a compliment. Vasecka, a frequent critic of so-called identity politics, nevertheless acknowledged women leaders can face sexism. I do believe there is sexism in politics, she said. Theres always going to be a difference between males and females. In Missoula, however, she feels like those dynamics are less prevalent. And in general, she said she believes misogyny is an outdated trope that many professional and reasonable people have moved beyond. I think that we are all past that now, said Vasecka. I think people should be picked for a job based on their merit and their skills and not what they look like. Everyones entitled to their opinions. People do have a right to be offended by that, but people also have a right to not be. Many of Vaseckas fellow councilors agreed with some of her assessment. Jones, for example, said women in leadership positions have a much easier time than she did when she first became an attorney in the early 1990s. At her first law job in 1993, for example, Jones was handed a stack of pink business cards by her all-male colleagues. On it, her title read, Gwen Jones chick attorney. Jones still keeps the business cards as a reminder of how much progress has been made. Some of the big battles have been won but still lots of small battles to address, she said. We have so many issues in front of us and this is just one of them. In Ward 4, Councilor Amber Sherrill concurred, noting shes experienced far less discrimination as a councilor than in some of her previous roles. I do feel like we have a lot of strong female leaders on council, she said. I think, in my experience at least, our male colleagues know and respect that. Sherrill felt the interpersonal dynamics on council provide important context. I also think John means it in a really kind way, she said. Hes a really kind man. Its certainly not an issue at all from my perspective. Ward 2s Mirtha Becerra echoed Sherrill. I think for me its all about context and the relationships, she said. Hes (Contos) a very nice person. Even though we rarely agree on things, we have a pretty comfortable council relationship. Still, Becerra was wary of dismissing sexism as a threat to women on council or at the public comment stand. I think we should always be aware and cognizant that sexism can and does happen, she said. I will continue to push for us to be cognizant and vigilant and create an environment that everyone feels welcome and comfortable participating in. 'This generation' Despite the reaction his comments generated, Ward 5 Representative Contos wasnt particularly moved to discuss sexism or gender dynamics on council. The outgoing councilor said hed prefer the council and the public focus on other local issues, like housing and taxes. Of all the things in the world, he said in an interview with the Missoulian after the meeting in question. Of all the things in town. He explained he was simply trying to give encouragement through compliments, and he expressed that Whittle-Fraziers condemnation seemed ridiculous to him. Today, everybody is offended, Contos said. Im not of this generation. That wasnt a good enough excuse for his male colleagues. I think it kinda falls on all of us to recognize the current moment and what the expectations placed on us are and act accordingly, said Ward 4 Councilor Mike Nugent. I would never want to speak for anybody else, but I certainly feel that creating an environment where everybody feels comfortable to be the leader they were elected to be is important. I dont think that theres any ill intention from anyone, which probably makes it a good time to have this conversation. I appreciated somebody coming to public comment to ask us to make sure were calling out sexism when it happens at city council, said Ward 3 Councilor Daniel Carlino. I need to do my part to try to call it out when we see it. It shouldnt be placed on women only to have to call out sexist comments. Carlino was adamant that sexism continues to be an issue in Missoula, and he said he looks to his women colleagues to help guide his understanding of the landscape. He said the debate about sexism highlights the need for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work. Its definitely something that were always going have to work on, he said. Its an ongoing process to try and create the better world wed like to see. 'Don't stir the pot' If perspectives on sexism within the city council are divisive, so too are the experiences of women elected leaders in Missoula County. The lone woman out of a trio of county commissioners, Juanita Vero said shes been fortunate not to bear the brunt of sexism throughout her tenure on the board. Im so fortunate, she said. I grew up on a ranch where women are respected and valued and are in leadership positions. It is a gender-neutral expectation. So I lucked out in thats how I was raised and thats how Im able to look at the world. And so, I havent maybe experienced some of the other misogyny or sexist symptoms at the ranch or at the county. I obviously know those things happen. Vero warned against diving into whats known as cancel culture and attacking people who make mistakes, since that approach to learning and growth rarely seems productive in her eyes. But her colleague, County Attorney Kirsten Pabst, had a much different take. She recalled her first day as a deputy county attorney in 1997, when a male judge ripped the manila folders from her hands and demanded she bend over to pick them up in front of him. When a panicked Pabst told him to pick up the folders himself, he allegedly told her she didnt know about respect yet. Since then, I have been subjected to macroaggressions and daily microaggressions, she said. Those have included inappropriate comments about anatomy, remarks about her outfit choices and frequent interruptions. Many times, too, judges have turned to her male co-counsel to ask for an argument Pabst had prepared to give. Even as an elected (official), it hasnt changed a lot, although Ive gotten much more confident about calling it out, she said. It is still pervasive. Pabst recognized the many gains women and their advocates have made toward a more equitable environment. She highlighted powerful female colleagues, as well as men who have been strong allies in the fight to end gender discrimination. But she maintained there is ample work that remains, including among women who allow sexism and misogyny to go unchecked. As long as you go along with them and dont stir the pot, it is a little bit easier, said Pabst. For those of us committed to our truth, its not as smooth a ride. 'Prettiest judge' Times have no doubt changed for women in leadership roles, and the two living members of the nation's first all-female county commission, Ann Mary Dussault and Janet Stevens Donahue, have seen those changes unfold. I dont remember, in either situation (the state Legislature or the Missoula County Commission), having such overt sexism that it mattered, Dussault said. What has happened over time is that people have become far more aware of overt sexism and how it has affected individuals and collectively some others. While it may be hurtful, I dont see where, in my experience, it has affected a woman where she cant perform and perform admirably. Dussault was elected House Majority Leader by her peers at the Legislature, a move she recognized required ample respect from men and women. And to those who would make impertinent comments about womens appearances, Dussault said: Times are changing. Thats no longer appropriate. Thats no longer cute or funny. You need to have a working relationship and get on with it. Her fellow commissioner, Stevens Donahue, took issue with such comments, too. To say that about a fellow council member is just beyond my imagination, she said. That we still have somebody, particularly in Missoula, that isnt aware of the wrongness of even saying something like that talk about devaluing. Stevens Donahue also remembered 20th-century gender dynamics a bit differently than Dussault. She recalled the not-so-affectionate nickname Republican legislators had for the trio of women county commissioners: the hag, the bag, and a rhyming homophobic slur. Stevens Donahue, who also served as a Justice of the Peace, retold another example when a male judge called her "the prettiest judge in Montana." Actually, Im probably one of the smartest, she retorted. Stevens Donahue acknowledged that much has changed since those days, but she wasnt positive that all those changes have been for the better. We had and obviously we still have quite an uphill battle, she said. And Im just afraid were taking steps backward when it comes to women not being looked at as what we are: smart, intelligent human beings. When the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas ended on Dec. 1, 1.8 million Gazans had been displaced by the war about 80% of Gazas population. Many fled from northern to southern Gaza after Israel issued a warning about military operations in the north. Last week, Israel began a ground offensive into southern Gaza, disturbing what safety residents of Gaza had left and compounding a dire humanitarian crisis. Many have blamed Israel for not following international law regarding forced displacement of civilians. However, international law is part of the problem. Existing international law is not sufficient to protect civilians in Gaza from forced displacement during the horrors of war. Where international law fails, the international community has the moral imperative to step in and assist displaced Gazans. To see how international law falls short, and why more international aid is needed, lets start with Israels Oct. 13 warning to residents of northern Gaza to flee to the south on just 24 hours notice. This warning was impossible for 1.1 million people to follow and was reported in some outlets as illegal. The legal requirement is that such warnings must be effective, which means only that a population receives them. The law of war does not require that the warnings are actually followed or that civilians practically be able to follow them. The law of war is not sufficient to protect people living in combat zones. Then theres the question of safe zones. Legally, both Israel and Hamas would have to agree to the establishment of safe zones. And even if Israel could create de facto safe zones in areas it controls, no zone would be large or safe enough for 1.8 million displaced Gazan civilianswith some Hamas fighters surely lurking among them. Nevertheless, this week, the Israel Defense Force made an attempt to protect civilians by publishing an evacuation zone map on its Arabic-language website and on social media, dividing Gaza into 623 zones. The IDF air-dropped leaflets with QR codes linking to the map and asking civilians to share their location. The IDF is monitoring the map in real time and reports that civilian protection has improved. However, the warnings may not meet the legal requirement of effectiveness. Despite the map, no evacuation zone in Gaza is consistently safe for civilians. Even for Gazans with the requisite technical tools to access the map, telephones and internet have been down or intermittent in Gaza since the war began. Moreover, the map is reportedly unclear and difficult to follow in the changing combat environment. The IDFs announcements reportedly change with little notice and are difficult to follow. Then consider the problem of humanitarian aid, something Gazans desperately need. Israel is obligated to allow aid that is essential for the survival of the civilian population, including food and medical supplies. International law, however, does not require Israel to provide this aid. As the government of Gaza, Hamas has primary legal responsibility to protect its civilian population. Israel must facilitate aid if Hamas is unable to do so. However, Israel is not obligated to assist when Hamas is diverting humanitarian aid for its own military use. Given reports that Hamas is diverting humanitarian supplies to sustain its military operations, Israel may legally deny or restrict aid from entering. In a densely populated urban combat environment, international law contains insufficient provisions to protect displaced civilians. Simply put, international law involving population displacement in combat assumes civilians have somewhere to go when they flee, belligerent parties that will facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance, and impartial parties willing to provide it without interference from belligerents. The law is not sufficient to protect Gazans trapped in a combat zone. Where law fails, morality must prevail. States must step in and fulfill their obligation to promote solutions consistent with international law. The international community must pressure Israel, Hamas and Egypt to allow more aid and safe zones for civilians in Gaza. States and international organizations must offer unimpeded and impartial humanitarian aid. If border crossings prove challenging, the states might explore providing aid by sea. Israel and Hamas should also allow the most vulnerable civilians to leave Gaza for medical care or temporary residence, and states should facilitate temporary protection for them. After Israels campaign in southern Gaza, nearly all Gazans will have been displaced by war, with many of their former homes in ruins. As Palestinians know all too well, temporary displacement will become permanent if not addressed, and the effects of displacement compound for generations. States and international organizations must step up to prevent more casualties from this brutal war and to lay groundwork for a better peace. BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. One of two people charged in a fatal shooting outside of the Walmart in Bristol, Tennessee, has been sentenced. On Monday, Michael Wayne Strouth, 44, of Bristol, Tenn., was sentenced to life plus 25 consecutive years, according to Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus. In August, a jury found Strouth guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy. Strouth appeared before Judge William K. Rogers for sentencing on Monday. Staubus said the life sentence means Strouth must serve 52 years before being eligible for parole. His wife, Ashley Strouth, is scheduled for trial on Feb. 12, 2024, according to the Sullivan County Circuit Court. On March 21, 2018, a Sullivan County grand jury indicted Ashley and Michael Strouth in connection with the fatal Sept. 1, 2017, shooting of Michael Heatherly, 43. The jury said the shooting occurred in the Walmart parking lot off Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee. Heatherly worked as a vendor for Walmart and was heading to his vehicle after completing his work duties, according to a 2017 news release from the governors office. In 2017, Tennessees governor offered an award for information leading to an arrest in the case. Authorities believe he was shot by someone in a vehicle in an adjacent space in the parking lot, the governors release states. Ashley Strouth was previously married to Heatherly and then married Michael Strouth, authorities said. The presentment said the couple conducted internet research to obtain information on how to avoid detection and apprehension. They also removed a distinctive sticker from their vehicle prior to the planned murder to avoid being identified, the presentment states. Both Ashley and Michael Strouth are housed at the Sullivan County jail in Blountville. The 2023 Feed the 5K raced past last years totals by providing more than 60,000 pounds of nonperishable food to Stanly Community Christian Ministry, Inc. On Nov. 18, more than 200 runners, walkers and volunteers gathered at Frank Liske Park in Concord for a 5K run-walk event organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that whats happening is known to God and that he appreciates the love that is being shown here for his children that are in need, said President Steve Page, an area faith leader for the Church of Jesus Christ in central Charlotte. Unlike many races that require a monetary entry fee, participants were asked to collect and donate food items to Stanly Community Christian Ministry. Kids have to be fed before they can learn, and this is where a lot of this food will be used, in the homes of the students of Stanly County, Peter Asciutto, Stanly County commissioner, said. Thank you for coming out today and making a positive impact on families in need. Prior to the event, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered 20 pallets of nonperishable food items from their bishops storehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Stanly Community Christian Ministrys food pantry in Albemarle. We appreciate this great amount of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Heather Kilde, the executive director of Stanly Community Christian Ministry. The donation(s) will help us to get through the increased demands for food which we experience during the holidays and through the (beginning of 2024). Stanly Community Christian Ministry actively engages in the community by providing hot meals, nonperishable food, medical aid, clothing, and shelter to residents in need throughout Stanly County. Microsoft has patched 34 vulnerabilities in its final Patch Tuesday release for the year, including one zero-day flaw and three critical vulnerabilities that could be exploited remotely. Security firm Tenable's senior staff research engineer Satnam Narang said of the vulnerabilities patched this month, 11 were rated as Exploitation More Likely according to Microsoft. Tenable did not list CVE-2023-20588, a potential information disclosure due to a flaw in certain AMD processor models. Regarding this, Narang said: Speculative execution vulnerabilities continue to appear as researchers dig into these types of flaws, but practically, they are less impactful than the day-to-day vulnerabilities in internet-facing assets and known vulnerabilities that are being exploited right now by a variety of threat actors. Nonetheless, it is important to get into a habit of timely patching instead of letting vulnerabilities in products and services linger. Of the 33 other CVEs, he said: "Nearly three-quarters of these flaws are elevation of privilege vulnerabilities, followed by remote code execution flaws at 18.2%. "Typically, remote execution flaws get the most attention due to their impact, but elevation of privilege vulnerabilities are extremely valuable to attackers as they are often leveraged by advanced persistent threat actors and by determined cyber criminals seeking to elevate privileges as part of post-compromise activity." Narang detailed the three critical remotely exploitable vulnerabilities. CVE-2023-35636 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook. An attacker could exploit this flaw by convincing a potential victim to open a specially crafted file that could be delivered via email or hosted on a malicious website," he explained. "What makes this one stand out is that exploitation of this flaw would lead to the disclosure of NTLM hashes, which could be leveraged as part of an NTLM relay attack. "It is reminiscent of CVE-2023-23397, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that was exploited in the wild as a zero day and patched in the March 2023 Patch Tuesday release. However, unlike CVE-2023-23397, CVE-2023-35636 is not exploitable via Microsofts Preview Pane, which lowers the severity of this flaw." Another remotely exploitable flaw was CVE-2023-36696, which Narang described as an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver. "An attacker could exploit this vulnerability as part of post-compromise to elevate privileges to SYSTEM. Its the sixth elevation of privilege vulnerability discovered in this driver in 2023," he added. "Last month, Microsoft patched CVE-2023-36036, a separate elevation of privilege flaw in the same driver that was exploited in the wild as a zero-day." Adam Barnett, lead software engineer at security firm Rapid 7, said the lone zero-day vulnerability was CVE-2023-20588, a potential information disclosure due to a flaw in certain AMD processor models as listed on the AMD advisory. "AMD states that a divide-by-zero on these processor models could potentially return speculative data," he explained. "AMD believes the potential impact of the vulnerability is low, since local access is required. "However, Microsoft ranks the severity as important under its own proprietary severity scale. The vulnerability is patched at the OS level in all supported versions of Windows, even as far back as Windows Server 2008 for Azure-hosted assets participating in the Extended Security Update program." Barnett said it was notable that this month there were no security patches for Exchange, SharePoint, Visual Studio/.NET, or SQL Server. "There are also no lifecycle transitions for Microsoft products this month, although a number of Windows Server 2019 editions and Office components will transition out of mainstream support and into extended support from January 2024," he added. Narang said for the year as a whole, Microsoft had patched 909 CVEs, a slight decline of 0.87% from 2022 during which 917 CVEs were patched. "Severity-wise, the majority of vulnerabilities in 2023 were rated as important, accounting for 90% of all CVEs patched, followed by critical at 9.6%," he elaborated. "In 2023, Microsoft released patches for 23 zero-day vulnerabilities. Of the 23 zero-day vulnerabilities patched this year, over half (52.2%) were elevation of privilege flaws. In both cases, these leaders bring strong technology expertise to the table, a passion for helping customers achieve business outcomes, and a keen understanding of the role Commvault Cloud plays in driving cyber resilience. Michel Borst, a veteran in digital transformation and innovation, has joined as area vice president for Asia. Based out of Singapore, Borst will lead the region and work directly with customers and partners who are looking for industry-leading cyber resilience solutions that secure, protect, and rapidly recover data in the event of a cyber event. Borst brings more than three decades of experience in software, consulting, and hands-on delivery in APAC across an array of technologies. The Asia region is critical to our growth, and Im thrilled to step into this position at such a transformative time for the company. As organisations today are faced with non-stop cyber threats, the need for cyber resilience has never been greater. Im looking forward to leading and contributing to the Commvault teams excellent work in advancing the resilience of organisations in Asia, said Borst. Joanne Dean (pictured), a strong channel advocate with two decades of experience working within partner ecosystems, has joined as area vice president for channels and alliances, APAC. Based in Perth, Australia, she will be responsible for spearheading the regions channel strategy, working alongside Commvaults partner ecosystem to jointly deliver cyber resilience for the hybrid world. Enterprises across APAC are at an important juncture in their digital journey as the opportunities to do more with data have never been greater, but the need to protect, secure, and recover data has never been more important, said Dean. Im excited to lead Commvaults channels and alliances efforts and work hand-in-hand with our partners to help joint customers achieve their business goals and advance resilience. The partner ecosystem that weve built with security, AI, and cloud leaders is a testament to the power of collaboration in combatting a landscape marked by chaos and complexity. Recognising the tremendous potential and momentum within the APAC region, it was crucial to onboard leaders like Michel and Jo with proven industry experience and strong sales and partner expertise. I wish them great success on this journey, said Commvault vice president Asia Pacific Martin Creighan. In their new roles, Michel and Jo will focus on delivering advanced capabilities through the Commvault Cloud platform that can help customers and partners stay resilient. From best-in-class data protection and security to AI-powered data intelligence and the fastest recovery, Commvault Cloud enables enterprises to secure and recover their data, across any workload, any infrastructure, and from any location to any location. About Commvault Commvault is the gold standard in cyber resilience, helping more than 100,000 organisations to uncover, take action, and rapidly recover from cyber attackskeeping data safe and businesses resilient and moving forward. Today, Commvault offers the only cyber resilience platform that combines the best data security and rapid recovery at enterprise scale across any workload, anywhere with advanced AI-driven automationat the lowest TCO. Untie Nots, a part of the Eagle Eye Group and a leading SaaS business, developing highly personalized, profitable, and gamified promotions at scale. The company has appointed Jean-Matthieu Schertzer as its Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer. The first Chief AI Officer to be appointed within the Eagle Eye Group signals the company's commitment to integrating AI into its solutions and reflects the rapid adoption of AI across the retail sector. With Schertzer at the helm, Eagle Eye and Untie Nots will enable retailers and brands to create hyper-personalised omnichannel experiences and direct, one-to-one connections with their customers. Schertzer, an alumnus of the Ecole Polytechnique, one of France's and Europe's most prestigious scientific schools, brings a rich background in applied mathematics. His varied professional journey has seen him take on multiple roles, including those of a research engineer, an R&D data scientist, and a data science consultant, each contributing to his extensive experience in the field. He now brings his deep expertise to spearhead the next generation of AI-powered customer marketing solutions that will allow retailers and brands to predict shopping behaviours and develop personalised promotions at a scale not seen before. "Our decision to appoint a Chief AI Officer comes against a backdrop of retailers struggling to provide the personalised customer experiences that today's consumers demand," said Eagle Eye Group CEO Tim Mason. "We are using AI to augment the Eagle Eye nervous system, which enables the real-time matching and delivery of offers and communications to individual customers, with a 'brain' that can create personalised offers dynamically, on the fly. Even if you have 10 million customers, no two will receive the same offer or be engaged in the same way. Jean-Mattieu will help us bring this vision to life." McKinsey's latest research underscores the transformative potential of predictive and generative AI, forecasting that both could contribute $22.1 trillion to the global economy. In parallel, the retail AI market is poised for explosive growth, with projections indicating an annual increase exceeding 30% from 2023 to 2032, highlighting the significant opportunity for businesses to harness AI for strategic advantage. In response to these dynamic shifts, Eagle Eye and Untie Nots have intensified their focus on advanced AI solutions. Under the leadership of Schertzer, whose extensive expertise in the field is well-recognised, the Eagle Eye Group is strategically positioned to empower companies to maximise the potential of their customer data and execute personalised promotions and marketing at a scale previously unimaginable. As Chief AI Officer, Schertzer will lead Untie Nots' overall AI strategy alongside the Eagle Eye Group's leadership team and support the design, development, and implementation of AI technologies for retailers and brands worldwide. "We stand on the cusp of a generational opportunity with AI and its applications in retail, among other sectors," said Chief AI Officer Jean-Matthieu Schertzer. "I firmly believe that the brands that can implement AI-powered personalisation will come to dominate the future. Still, they need partners like Untie Nots and Eagle Eye that are committed to innovation and have the infrastructure and industry-specific background to execute it." Although AI adoption rates are high, there's a vast blue-water area for retailers. Currently, 63% of retail organisations use AI to enhance customer interactions, but only 54% of retail marketers use AI for channel-specific personalisation. "AI is already used within retail, but its true potential has yet to be harnessed," said Zyed Jamoussi, Co-Founder and President of Untie Nots. "We see a future where predictive AI not only identifies opportunities and anticipates customer behaviours but also provides real-time insight, enabling brands to give customers the recommendations and promotions they need when they need them. Jean-Matthieu is helping our company and our industry realise that future." Mason added, "We are working to place Eagle Eye as the go-to SaaS platform for retail brands worldwide looking to take their personalisation capabilities and loyalty scheme ROIs to the next level in the months and years to come." For more information about Eagle Eye or to schedule an interview with CEO Tim Mason or Chief AI Officer Jean-Matthieu Schertzer, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com. Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here. Rep. Elise Stefanik set a clever trap at a House hearing on antisemitism on campus, snaring the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and MIT. The presidents, Liz Magill of Penn, Claudine Gay of Harvard and MIT's Sally Kornbluth, walked right into it and Magill has now lost her job over her fumbling response. The question was: " Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate [your school] rules on bullying and harassment or code of conduct? Their flat-footed answers, with extended explanations and caveats that it depends if such patently antisemitic hate speech (nasty, but protected speech) turns into incitement or threats or action (which are not protected and not permitted) came across as lawyerly, dispassionate and tone deaf. That the academics then tried to restate or refine their answers since the Tuesday hearing did not make it better. Stefanik asked for " yes, and the presidents tangled themselves up. Magill, the only lawyer in the trio (Gay has a doctorate in political science, while Kornbluth holds a Ph.D. in molecular oncology) who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and was the dean of Stanford Law School, failed to teach the lesson about free speech properly and had to resign yesterday, having lost the confidence of many in the Penn community and beyond. There is real antisemitism on campus, made worse by the war launched by Hamas on Israel and Jews and Israel's military response in Gaza. Some idiots here and there may be calling for death to the Jews or genocide. Does that violate a campus speech code? Stefanik would think so, as might most people. But even such hateful, evil, antisemitic speech is still speech, just as calling for the killing of any people, from Blacks to Asians to gays, is speech. If it becomes a threat or incitement, it is not only bullying and harassment or breach of a code of conduct, but a crime that should be prosecuted under the law. Witness what happened at Cornell when a student made threats against Jews on campus. He was arrested by the FBI. As disingenuous as Stefanik's " when did you stop beating your wife campaign was, it's worked. The airwaves are blanketed with commentary all but asking why these university presidents embrace antisemitism. The drumbeat for Magill's ouster grew and grew until she quit Saturday. Stefanik announced a new House investigation into universities, a clear bid for more airtime on Fox News. It's disheartening to see Democrats like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also take the bait and focus on whether abetting calls for the genocide of Jews is morally correct or not when that was never the question. In 1963, George Lincoln Rockwell, fuhrer of the American Nazi Party, was invited by a student group to speak on the campus of the University of Chicago. Here was a guy who really did advocate for the genocide of the Jews (and other people as well), but Rockwell was still hosted and made his noxious remarks. The university survived the visit and in 2015 issued a model set of principles for free speech on campus that have been adopted by many other colleges. Rockwell wasn't as fortunate and was assassinated four years later by one of his own brownshirts. (COMMENT, BELOW) Previously: 03/22/23 Blinken must open the Nazi files: State Department has to heed demand of Reps. Nadler, Meeks and Goldman 10/05/21 Toying with us: Cali's new law on gender-neutral toy sections China, Vietnam agree to implement consensus with concrete actions: senior officials Xinhua) 10:06, December 13, 2023 Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam should lose no time in studying and implementing important consensus reached by leaders of both countries and must actively work together for a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi said on Tuesday. Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat. Cai said the current trip to Vietnam by Chinese leader shows that China attaches great importance to relations between the two parties and two countries, and that China firmly supports Vietnam's socialist cause, adding that top leaders of both parties held important talks and agreed to deepen the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance between the two sides. The visit will surely become an epoch-making milestone in the history of China-Vietnam relations, and will have a significant and far-reaching impact on advancing the socialist cause and promoting regional peace and development, Cai said. Calling on both sides to adhere to the correct political direction, Cai said China and Vietnam should intensify the self-improvement of the party and resolutely safeguard the party's leadership and system security. Both sides should deepen the synergy of their respective development strategies and further upgrade their practical cooperation in the spirit of mutual success and win-win cooperation, he said. China and Vietnam should encourage news media and trade unions, women's groups, youth and other organizations to deepen exchanges and cooperation, carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and promote people-to-people exchanges, Cai said. Both sides should strengthen cooperation within the framework of the China-proposed three global initiatives on development, security and civilization, as well as coordination and cooperation within multilateral organizations and mechanisms, so as to uphold international fairness and justice, maintain regional peace and stability, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. Mai said the talks between the top leaders of the two parties were very successful, which provided new and important impetus to the development of the relationship between the two parties and two countries, and will greatly expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. The two sides should let inter-party exchanges provide strategic guidance and play a pioneering role, and implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties with concrete actions, Mai said. Mai said building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance will promote the well-being of the two peoples and the cause of peace and progress of humankind. The Vietnamese side firmly supports the three global initiatives, believing they are in line with the interests of people of all countries and conform to the spirit of the UN Charter and international law, Mai said. The CPV is ready to work with the CPC to utilize the advantages of the socialist system to promote the steady and sustainable development of relations between the two parties and two countries, Mai said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was present at the talks. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, Dec. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) GET ARGUS' DAILY SMILES TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP FOR THE JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Houston voters elected longtime Texas legislator James Whitmore mayor Sunday in a landslide victory over Sheila Jackson Lee. He won vowing to back police and clamp down on crime. I'm not saying crime is out of hand, but I just bought an Advent Calendar and half the windows are boarded up. The Wall Street Journal reported that Governor Newsom and California legislators just found the state treasury sixty-eight billion dollars in the hole. Every U.S. president and every lawmaker in Washington suffers from the same malady. Psychologists call it Lack of Attention to the Deficit Disorder. Ukraine's President Zelensky visited Washington to try to add pressure on Republicans to pass aid free of U.S. border wall provisions that Biden won't sign. Everyone is dug in. Republicans have come to believe that if Democrats want to make everything electric they should start with the border fence. President Biden delivered twenty-two million dollars to Philadelphia's fire department Monday to reinstate one fire station and train seventy-five new firefighters. It's a humane gesture. The way his polls are going, Joe thinks Philadelphia might need as many fire trucks as possible on Election Night Dick Cheney's daughter Liz Cheney, head cheerleader for the defense industry in Washington, is reported mulling a run for U.S. president. We used to manufacture arms to fight wars, now we manufacture wars to sell arms. Any day expect to hear that Yemen harbors weapons of mass destruction. Harvard bled donors Monday as calls increased for the president's resignation for her hapless equivocation on genocide. I'm at my wits' end with woke people. Today I posted my holiday card to all my friends and followers on social media that wishes everybody a Happy Whatever Doesn't Offend You. (COMMENT, BELOW) Q: Is the email circulating about the class action lawsuit against LensCrafters legitimate? M.M. Answer: Yes, lawsuits were filed against LensCrafters under consumer protection laws in California, New York, and Florida over the prescription eyeglass makers claims that its AccuFit system was five times more precise than traditional methods, measuring down to a tenth of a millimeter, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit says that LensCrafters also said that the AccuFit system would provide better vision including clearer, crisper vision and customers would see the world more clearly. The suits were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for Eastern New York. The suits say that the company didnt update the way it makes its lenses to fit the criteria they were claiming and even if process had been updated it would not have been clinically significant. The lawsuit claims that customers were charged more for AccuFit because of the statements LensCrafters made about the Accufit process. The lawsuit does not claim that the AccuFit glasses are unsafe. LensCrafters denied all the claims made in the lawsuit. It said that they did not charge extra for the AccuFit process and that it was a free service for its customers. Accordingly, LensCrafters asserts that no customers paid more money for LensCrafters eyeglasses as a result of any alleged representations about AccuFit, and therefore Plaintiffs are not entitled to recover money in this lawsuit, LensCrafters said in a response to the lawsuits. Under the terms of an out of court settlement, LensCrafters will create a $39 million fund for the lawsuit claimants, and they may be eligible for up to $50 for each pair of glasses they bought from LensCrafters. The settlement was reached to avoid a court fight. If you think you are entitled to compensation from the LensCrafters lawsuit, go to accufitclassaction.com. The website is the official website for the lawsuit. There is additional information about eligibility, claim forms, deadlines for submitting claim forms and how to contact Kroll Settlement Administration, the company that the court has authorized to oversee the case. Q: The fire hydrant on the southeast corner of Yadkinville Road and Shattalon Drive in Winston-Salem was destroyed when a car ran into it. The hydrant has been removed and the area around it restored leaving that corner without a hydrant. Considering the nearby school, church and homes, are there any plans to replace it? R.V. Answer: The staff at Winston-Salem Forsyth County Utilities is aware of the damaged hydrant at that intersection. Gale Ketteler, the spokeswoman for the WSFCU, said that the hydrant is on the list to be repaired and that their contractor is working through the list. In a recent answer, utilities officials said that fire hydrants are damaged almost every day. The Winston-Salem Fire Department is aware of damaged hydrants. The fire department monitors the system to ensure adequate hydrants are available in case of fire. They also conduct periodic inspections and perform annual tests on hydrants in each fire stations area, Ketteler said. An accused killer was given too low of a bond after his first arrest last Wednesday on drug and weapons' charges, Winston-Salem police Chief William Penn said Tuesday. On Saturday, three days after his release, officers and detectives again arrested Ryan Anguiano Prudente, 18, of Denny Drive, this time on two counts of murder in the deaths of a man and a woman in the citys southeastern section. "The same folks who put him in jail Wednesday along with our detectives had to put him back in jail for more a serious crime this past Saturday," Penn said. "As you can imagine, that is extremely frustrating." Penn talked during a press conference Tuesday about Prudente as the city broke a record for homicides with 46 homicides so far this year. Prudente initially was held Dec. 6 in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed, Penn said. Prudente was charged with multiple drug offenses, possession of a machine gun and possession of a weapon of mass destruction, court records show. Our staff (had) been working hard (and) managed to catch him, Penn said. He had some serious felony charges." The next day, Prudente had a first appearance in Forsyth District Court, and a judge set his bond set at $50,000, which isnt enough, and he was released, Penn said. A judge set Prudentes bond using guidelines under state law. Under the guidelines, judges consider the severity of the crime any previous criminal record of the defendant and other factors to determine if a criminal defendant is granted bond. We have to have those guidelines increased for violent offenders. Penn said. There has to be way to keep violent offenders in jail to keep our community safe. Saturdays shooting occurred at 2:18 a.m. on Barnes Road, police said. When officers arrived, they found Jahir Jimenez-Laredo, 20, of Barnes Road, and Mitzi Saldana-Clemente, 21, of Sprague Street, dead inside a car. Both had gunshot wounds. At 5:30 a.m., police spotted Prudente, walking along U.S. 52 near Clemmonsville Road with two juveniles. Police discovered a third juvenile hiding nearby. Detectives had gathered evidence that linked Prudente and the three juveniles to the deaths of Jimenez-Laredo and Saldana-Clemente. Prudente and the juveniles whom police didn't identify because of their ages were arrested and charged with murder. Officers seized two guns during the arrests. Penn declined to discuss a motive in the shooting deaths of Jimenez-Laredo and Saldana-Clemente and whether the case is gang-related. That investigation is ongoing, Penn said. Their deaths are the city's 45th and 46th homicides this year. That's compared to 35 homicides during the same period in 2022. This years homicides have surpassed the previous record of 44 homicides that the city experienced in 2021. Homicides are cyclical, Penn said. Thats the tricky part with homicides, Penn said. This year, the homicides are higher. We are still scratching our heads at that, too. We are still trying to figure that out. However, other violent crime has decreased in Winston-Salem, Penn said. There have been fewer shootings, robberies and rapes this year in the city as compared to past years, Penn said. Penn said he has worked to get local residents more involved in reducing crime in the city and to keep the community informed on what the Winston-Salem Police Department is doing to combat crime. Public safety is not just the police departments job, Penn said. We all play a role." Winston-Salem police arrested three men Monday on drug offenses after seizing guns and illegal drugs at four apartments in the citys southeastern section, authorities said. Police searched apartments on Tara Court and Cole Ridge Circle, police said. Officers seized five handguns, one assault rifle, cocaine and marijuana and various pills. Edwin Jair Colon-Echeverria, 19, is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver controlled substances, Winston-Salem police said. Colon-Echeverria also is charged possession of a handgun by a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, police said. Omar Cisneros-Avila, 19, is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver controlled substances, police said. Cisneros-Avila also is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, police said. Josue Perez Hernandez, 18, is charged with maintaining a dwelling for using, storing and selling a controlled substance, police said. Colon-Echeverria and Cisneros-Avila were being held Tuesday in the Forsyth County Jail with their bonds each set at $10,000, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office said. Information regarding Hernandez's custody and bond weren't immediately available. "I am proud, but not surprised as the Winston-Salem Police Department will not waver on safeguarding our community by removing violent offenders, police Chief William Penn Jr. said in a statement. Catawba County Schools fired a bus driver who was charged with DWI while driving a Sherrills Ford Elementary School bus. Nelson Gonzalez, 54, has been terminated from his position as a custodian and a bus driver for Sherrills Ford Elementary School, Catawba County Schools Director of Marketing and Communications Kim Jordan said via email on Wednesday. Gonzalez, who is a Sherrills Ford resident, is charged with driving while impaired, driving a commercial vehicle while impaired and careless and reckless driving. He is also facing 33 charges of misdemeanor child abuse. Gonzalez was hired less than a month before he was arrested, according to the school district. He was arrested on Dec. 6 while driving Bus 411 along Catawba Burris Road, in Denver. Local authorities were contacted after students alerted a Catawba County Department of Social Services worker that something was wrong with their bus driver, Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado said. Catawba County Department of Social Services Director Karen Harrington said: The kids on the bus were yelling, Our driver is drunk. So thats how our worker knew there was an issue." Harrington and Furtado briefly discussed the matter informally during a break at a Catawba County commissioners workshop on Friday. Gonzalez was pulled over by Catawba County Sheriffs Office deputies roughly two minutes after the last student exited the bus, according to the Catawba County Schools district. There were 35 students on the bus when the route began. A breath test showed Gonzalezs blood alcohol level was .23, nearly three times the legal limit, N.C. State Highway Patrol Master Trooper Christopher Casey said. The legal limit is .08. Gonzalez is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A Lincoln inmate is back in custody after he absconded from the Community Corrections Center Lincoln in September, according to a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services news release. Ian Eastman, 25, went missing from the low-level custody facility when he left his place of employment and did not return to the corrections center on Sept. 6, according to the news release. Eastman started his sentence in September 2022 after being found guilty of possession of a controlled substance and theft by unlawful taking. He was set to be released in November. The Lincoln corrections center is one of two community custody facilities operated by the state. Community custody is the lowest custody level and the least restrictive facility. Inmates are allowed to participate in work opportunities, attend school and religious services with prior approval and without direct supervision. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 On sweltering summer days Mike Zakrzewskis cows neatly line themselves up by the hundreds in their pastures. They shift as the sun crosses the sky, following a narrow line of cool shade cast by their steel pasture-mates. In 2016, 200 wind turbines started to spin across Holt County, some of them right in the middle of Zakrzewskis fields. We farm and we graze right up to the turbine bases, he says. Zakrzewski is one of the farmers who signed easement contracts for the Grande Prairie Wind Farm, a massive 50,000-acre project tied to foreign ownership of Nebraska farmland though not in the way you might expect. For starters, that 50,000-acre project doesnt use anywhere near that much ground, Zakrzewski said. Each wind turbine occupies roughly a 100-foot diameter, meaning that combined with access roads, the Grande Prairie Wind Farm actually uses closer to 125 acres. And the project is actually owned by a very famous, very local name: Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Grande Prairie, as required by federal law, reported that a foreign entity in this case likely a foreign investor had an interest in the project. Which is how Italy came to be listed as having a foreign interest of 50,000 acres of Nebraska farmland in an oft-cited and oft-misunderstood representation of how much land foreign countries or companies control here. Countries like China and Canada do have deep connections to modern Nebraska agriculture. Canadian companies are heavily invested in wind energy. A state-owned Chinese company owns Syngenta, the massive seed company, and a different Chinese company owns Smithfield Foods, a meat processing behemoth. But that involvement in Nebraska agriculture rarely extends to actual foreign ownership of ag land, according to a Flatwater Free Press analysis of data gathered by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications data journalism class. In fact, most foreign ownership of ag land has long been barred by law in Nebraska, though 795,000 acres of farmland were registered as having foreign interest in 2021. I think sometimes the perception of the public and sometimes the way it's reported by the press is people see that number and say, Oh, my gosh, foreigners own 700,000 acres! said Rick Leonard, researcher for the Nebraska Legislature Agriculture Committee. Very few of the interests reported are true ownership interests, Leonard said. Most are leases or in the case of the wind development easements, where the holder of that interest doesn't own the land. The farmer still owns it. We're all still farming and grazing that 50,000 acres, right up to the turbines and we share the access roads, Zakrzewski said. We're using that land. It's not tied up during the contract whatsoever. Nebraskas foreign owners In Flatwater Free Presss analysis of the top 100 buyers of the past five years, only one foreign buyer appears: Blackshirt Feeders LP, a cattle feedlot in Dundy County partially owned by Canadian citizens. Multinational companies headquartered in the U.S. also appear in both the top 100 lists for value and acres. Meta, the company that owns Facebook, is No. 4 in money spent after buying both ag and commercial land under the name Raven Northbrook. Google has bought land under the name Westwood Solutions. So has shipping giant ULINE under the name Duck Creek Ranch. Several farming corporations on the top buyer lists also have operations in other countries. But no corporations or individuals from China, or any country other than Canada, appeared among the top buyers in recent ag land sales data. It's probably not the crisis of land ownership that sometimes the public perceives, Leonard said, but that doesn't mean there couldnt be other issues with foreign entities acquiring lesser than title interests. In Nebraska, most foreign interests in agriculture come in the form of easements and leases instead of direct land ownership. Canada and Italy together make up about 93% of the total acres under foreign interest in Nebraska. The vast majority of those Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosures Act (AFIDA) filings are renewable energy projects located in Holt, Antelope and Banner counties. Many of these companies do have foreign roots, said John Snow, a renewable energy project lawyer who practices in Nebraska. Solar and wind have been a bigger part of those economies for some time, so theyve gained some expertise and then they come here to develop. Other companies, like the German-owned Monsanto, the Chinese-owned Syngenta Seeds and the Japanese-owned Kawasaki, own farmland around their production and manufacturing plants, as is allowed by Nebraska law that makes an exception for manufacturing and industrial uses. Individual landowners from other countries and estates also hold some of Nebraskas foreign interests. In total, less than 2% of Nebraskas land in acres has any reported foreign interest, in full ownership or leases. Researchers consider AFIDA to be the best data source available for tracking foreign interest in ag land. But it doesnt differentiate between types of interests. We have seen a pretty sharp increase in the number of acres in Nebraska on which people have come under the AFIDA disclosure reporting requirements a very sharp increase, Leonard said. That increase is potentially misleading, because large scale leases for the development of wind farms account for almost all of the newly reported acres. Nebraskas laws so far Nebraska is one of the few states that ban people who arent U.S. citizens from owning farmland, or leasing it for longer than five years, said Dave Aiken, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural law professor. And Nebraska has banned foreign ownership since 1889, tied to a once-infamous name in the Midwest and Great Plains: William Scully. Scully, an Irish citizen, began buying up giant plots of Midwest farmland, including in Nebraska, in the 1850s. He then leased the land, becoming one of the first foreign landlords in the state. Scully became a U.S. citizen in 1900, only six years before he died. Citizenship was his response to states like Nebraska passing laws, many targeting him, that sought to limit or ban foreign ownership of farmland. Nebraskas longtime ban is far from airtight. There are exceptions, including for oil and gas companies, railroads, land purchased for manufacturing or industrial uses, and notably, land within 3 miles of a city or village, Aiken said. The laws also lack specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties for holding land illegally. My concern is that (reports of foreign ownership) simply get filed, and no one is really designated to look at it closer to see whether or not it's something that should be questioned or challenged, said State Sen. Steve Halloran, Republican of Hastings. What about China? In September, the Nebraska Legislature held a hearing to address concerns about foreign land ownership concerns partly driven by the firestorm after a Chinese company bought South Dakota farmland near Grand Forks Air Force Base. We have more and more concern being expressed by private citizens all across the country about foreign ownership of U.S. real estate, Halloran said. Halloran, chair of the Ag Committee, said he hopes the interim study will inspire bills to update Nebraskas laws in the next legislative session. One of the committees driving concerns is the potential for foreign entities to acquire existing agribusinesses, Leonard said, like Chinese firm WH Groups 2013 purchase of Smithfield Foods. No Smithfield-owned properties in Nebraska have reported foreign influence through AFIDA. In Nebraska, only one plot of ag land has reported Chinese interest: Syngenta Seeds owns 19 acres in Hamilton County, where it operates a seed corn facility. Theres also a 77-acre parcel in Douglas County reported as being owned by two people from Hong Kong, purchased in 2006. ChemChina, a state-owned chemical company on the Department of Defenses list of Chinese military companies, paid billions to acquire Syngenta Seeds, formerly a Swiss company, in 2017. Across the country, about 384,000 acres have Chinese interest, including leases, which is less than 1% of total foreign-held acres, according to the USDAs 2021 Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land report. Combining the parcels owned by Syngenta and the individuals from Hong Kong, Nebraskas Chinese-affiliated land is only 0.005% of the national total. When the wind farm comes to town Letting Grande Prairie Wind Farm onto his property during the two-year construction phase for the project was chaotic, Zakrzewski said. Now, the farmer occasionally waves to the technicians as they come and go. His cows continue with their lives as normal. The wind project built new county roads to support its construction, and tax revenue from the project partially funded the construction of a new high school. All told, Zakrzeswki said the work brought more than 500 workers to ONeill. It's a ridiculous amount of money into our local economy and continues to and will for the 20-year span of the project," Zakrzewski said. In Nebraska, wind projects are uniquely taxed based on a turbines capacity to produce electricity, rather than an assessors valuation, said Snow, the lawyer who negotiates Nebraska wind farm contracts. Nebraskas wind projects are generating about $17.6 million in local tax revenue across the state, said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. Before Grande Prairie Wind Farm started spinning, it had to file a plan with the Holt County board to eventually decommission the turbines and pay a bond for the future tear-down. That means at the end of his contract with Berkshire Hathaway Energy and its Italian interest, Zakrzewskis pastures will be returned to their original condition. Flatwater Free Press reporter Yanqi Xu contributed to the data analysis tied to this story. The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 WATERFORD With a deadline just weeks away, MobCraft Inc. is facing the possibility of default in its deal to transform an old firehouse into a brewery. Waterford Village Board members met Monday with a MobCraft attorney, and officials later said they would enforce the terms of their contract with the would-be brewery developer. The contract requires MobCraft to complete the project by Dec. 31, or the developer can be declared in default and can lose $300,000 being held in escrow. Village Administrator Zeke Jackson and Village Board members said they would hold MobCraft responsible under the terms of the deal signed in April 2022. No significant sign of progress has taken place on the old firehouse in recent months. MobCraft attorney Peter Turke met with village trustees behind closed doors Monday, and he declined to comment afterward. MobCraft President Henry Schwartz, who was not in attendance, said in a text message that he was awaiting an update. When asked if the brewery project is going to go forward, he said, I wont know until after the board meets. Milwaukee-based MobCraft announced in August 2021 that it would purchase the former firehouse property at 122 Second St. and renovate it into a micro-brewery with a restaurant. Village officials agreed to sell the property to MobCraft for $400,000 in a deal that called for the village to rebate the sale amount to MobCraft over a period of three years, starting after the beer maker had occupied the site for a full year. Schwartz has cited cost overruns, staff turnover and other reasons for the projects slow progress. In the interim, the Milwaukee company has closed one brewery in Denver, Colorado, and opened a new one in Woodstock, Illinois. The contract signed with the Village of Waterford states that the village can declare MobCraft in default if the company cannot achieve substantial completion by Dec. 31. The village then can suspend its part of the deal and take legal action if necessary. The village also can obtain the $300,000 that MobCraft was required to deposit in escrow as security that the developer will construct the improvements on the property. Photos: Old World Wisconsin's Brewing Experience Old World Brewing Old World Brewing 05-06092022123931 Old World Brewing 06-06092022123931 Old World Brewing Old World Brewing Old World Brewing Old World Brewing Old World Brewing 14-06092022123931 Old World Brewing 15-06092022123931 Old World Brewing 10-06092022123931 Old World Brewing Old World Brewing Old World Brewing 09-06092022123931 Old World Brewing Old World Brewing 12-06092022123931 Wittnebel Tavern Move 07-05112021114734 Wittnebel's Tavern on the Move Wittnebel Tavern Move 05-05112021114734 Wittnebel Tavern Move 03-05112021114734 Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel Tavern Move 04-05112021114734 Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel Tavern Move 09-05112021114734 Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern on the move Wittnebel's Tavern Wittnebel's Tavern Wittnebel's Tavern RACINE The employees were elated to receive the news, and they celebrated with a staff dinner. Higher Expectations for Racine County was recently named a Systems Transformation Cradle to Career Network member by StriveTogether, a national organization. As a systems transformation network member, Higher Expectations has access to StriveTogethers national network, which includes ideas, professional development and potential partnerships. Higher Expectations has also historically received annual $250,000 grants from StriveTogether to help improve area systems. The amount of future grants will be determined in early 2024. That is a significant amount of money for Higher Expectations, which had a budget of just under $900,000 in 2023. Higher Expectations was the eighth organization to receive the systems transformation designation out of the about 70 entities that are part of the StriveTogether network. Other network members with the systems transformation designation are in large cities like Dallas and San Antonio. Elizabeth Erickson, Yalanda Ludtke and Jeff Neubauer, Higher Expectations co-executive directors, were proud to receive the award with the collaboration of numerous community entities. Our partners across Racine doing this work, working with Racine residents every day, are really the ones who got the systems transformation designation, Erickson said. We led the way, certainly, and kept things moving forward, but we wouldnt be at systems transformation without their hard work and dedication. Background Higher Expectations began in May 2014. It is sponsored by the United Way of Racine County. Higher Expectations aims for Racine County to have equitable education and employment outcomes. The organizations vision is achieving economic mobility for all of the residents and a fully capable and employed Racine County, Ludtke said. It has three core goals on its website: Every child enters school ready to learn. Every student succeeds in school. Every resident succeeds in a career. Higher Expectations, 410 Main St., has played a role in improving area kindergarten readiness, early literacy, and high school and college graduation rates. The organization does not provide direct services. Rather, it connects and works with community entities to improve the lives of area residents. We want everybodys systems to work better, Ludtke said. We work as that neutral facilitator to bring everybody together, to get people around the table and to be able to have those difficult conversations. Erickson appreciates the willingness to improve from so many area agencies. That can be difficult, because it may involve changing work processes that have been done the same way for years. In an email, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave said he was delighted by the recognition for Higher Expectations, saying it underscores the organizations commitment to transforming systems and advancing education and career development in our community, aligning seamlessly with their mission to create a brighter future for all. Flexible spending Higher Expectations aims to invest more in youth engagement, including possibly creating a youth advisory council. The organization also plans to lift up the leaders that we know already exist in our community and have lived experience with the burdens of the systems that we work in to ask them how we can transform our systems to work better for all Racine residents, Erickson said. Wisconsin has four StriveTogether network members, and Higher Expectations hopes to work more with agencies in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Green Bay. The $250,000 grants from StriveTogether have come with minimal spending guidelines, which is helpful for Higher Expectations. Much of its work has not occurred before, so the money lets staff be flexible and change the work if needed. It allows us to be able to be very intuitive and think differently, Ludtke said. When youre doing systems transformation, we dont have the answers, and we need to look to the community for those answers, and we might not be able to give a specific plan. Having unrestricted funds allows us to change gears if we need to in order to fit what the community is saying that they need in order to meet their goals. Thought partner Becoming a StriveTogether systems transformation network member involved an application and interview process. StriveTogether staff spoke with numerous community organizations about Higher Expectations, including the Racine Unified School District, Racine County, Gateway Technical College, Carthage College, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and local employers. Janell Decker, RUSD acting chief academic officer, was interviewed by StriveTogether. She discussed, among other things, the impact of Higher Expectations on kindergarten readiness, early literacy and expanding full-day 4K to six RUSD schools. Decker said she was excited that Higher Expectations received the systems transformation recognition. She has worked with the organization since 2014 and immediately understood what it could offer. Higher Expectations has worked with RUSD on numerous initiatives, including creating an early literacy dashboard so teachers can gauge student progress and make adjustments. Higher Expectations also works with RUSD to help students fill out FAFSA forms so they can receive federal student aid for college. Soren Gajewski, RUSD interim superintendent, has met with Higher Expectations staff at least once per month since becoming superintendent in May. He said those forward-thinking discussions have been beneficial. Purely from a thought partner position, I have really valued them in terms of, What are some innovative ideas? Gajewski said. Gajewski said Higher Expectations has broadened the school districts perspective about educating students. They have resources and talent ... to help us think outside of our bubble, Gajewski said. Thats somewhat priceless. Higher Expectations access to national resources has been helpful as well. For example, Decker said Higher Expectations connected RUSD with a Texas school district working on literacy, and RUSD has used some of that districts strategies to help its emphasis on early literacy. Making a difference Seeing the tangible impacts of the work, such as better graduation rates or improved early literacy, is rewarding for the co-executive directors. Thats real, and its making a difference, Neubauer said. Ludtke finds reward in seeing the changing landscape of what leadership looks like and being part of a movement to open doors for folks who historically have not necessarily been invited to those tables, she said. A challenge is that Higher Expectations staff may not see the full result of the work they were involved in. For example, a young student learning how to read may not become part of the workforce for a decade or more. Ludtke said patience and acknowledging milestones are key to doing the job well. People want to see things change fast, Ludtke said. Sometimes you have to take these incremental wins and really celebrate them to keep the ball rolling to see the big impact at the end. Indeed, systems are not transformed overnight. Its a long game, Erickson said. Weve seen some systems transformations, but we certainly are not done transforming systems. Theres still a lot to do to better the outcomes for all Racine residents There will always be systems that could work better for our community, and were really determined to continue to work on our systems and transform them to work better. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated how the Systems Transformation Cradle to Career Network designation impacted Higher Expectations of Racine County. It also incorrectly stated how many organizations have received the systems transformation designation. Public colleges with the best return on investment Public colleges with the best return on investment #50. Rutgers University-New Brunswick #49. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology #48. University of Wisconsin-Madison #47. George Mason University #46. University of Rhode Island #45. Purdue University-Main Campus #44. Texas A & M University-College Station #43. Rutgers University-Newark #42. University of Florida-Online #41. University of California-Santa Barbara #40. Rutgers University-Camden #39. University of Florida #38. Stony Brook University #37. Citadel Military College of South Carolina #36. University of Delaware #35. The University of Texas at Austin #34. Oregon Institute of Technology #33. San Jose State University #32. University of Washington-Seattle Campus #30. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #31. University of California-Davis #29. University of Washington-Bothell Campus #28. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus #27. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology #26. University of Connecticut #25. University of Maryland-College Park #24. Virginia Military Institute #23. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign #22. University of California-Irvine #21. Binghamton University #20. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University #19. Maine Maritime Academy #18. University of Connecticut-Stamford #17. University of Connecticut-Avery Point #16. University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus #15. Michigan Technological University #14. University of California-Los Angeles #13. University of California-San Diego #12. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor #11. University of Virginia-Main Campus #10. New Jersey Institute of Technology #9. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo #8. Missouri University of Science and Technology #7. University of California-Berkeley #6. SUNY Maritime College #5. United States Merchant Marine Academy #4. Colorado School of Mines #3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus #2. Massachusetts Maritime Academy #1. California State University Maritime Academy 1. Yes. More than 70% of the downtown buildings are occupied; the area is thriving now. 2. Yes. With the new E-Center , a brewery and the county annex moving in, its on the rise. 3. No. There may be a lot of new businesses, but foot traffic is still slow on most days. 4. No. Its improving, but the issues of crime and homelessness are still major obstacles. 5. Unsure. The area seems to be rebounding, but its hard to say if the trend will continue. Vote View Results Israel and US show sharp divisions over mounting casualties and future of war against Hamas Israel and the United States showed their sharpest public disagreement yet over the conduct and future of the war on Hamas as the two allies became increasingly isolated by global calls for a cease-fire A 54-year-old man with no permanent address has been accused of a sex offender registry violation. James A. Anderson was charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court with a single felony count of a failing to register as a sex offender. According to the criminal complaint filed Dec. 7, Anderson was convicted in La Crosse County of third-degree sexual assault, which makes him subject to the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program until 2038. A registration verification letter was sent to Anderson on Aug. 15 at the La Crosse County Jail, his last reported address. He allegedly failed to respond and became noncompliant Sept. 3. The complaint says Anderson was released from the La Crosse County Jail on Aug. 8. He was transferred to the Vernon County Jail, where the complaint says he was released Sept. 15 as homeless in La Crosse. Court records from Sept. 29 show Anderson living at a South Sixth Street address. The complaint makes no mention of the address. It says attempts to reach Anderson have been unsuccessful and that his whereabouts are unknown. Ka Zang Lees upcoming walk across the commencement stage in December is more than a personal triumph; its a profound dedication to her mother. I want to show her that it doesnt matter how old you are or where you are in life, you can do it, says Lee. Her mother, Susan Xiong, was a constant presence in the back of her mind during her four years on campus. Xiong came to the U.S. as a Hmong refugee from Thailand in the early 1980s. Despite Xiongs fervent desire for education and English proficiency, the demands of raising children prevented her from realizing her dream. Lee and Xiongs other children became her interpreters, bridging the language gap, but her mothers educational aspirations remained unfulfilled. UW-La Crosse commencement UW-La Crosse will celebrate more than 500 seniors and 100 graduate students during winter commencement Sunday, Dec. 17. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harbor View Plaza. All candidates will be recognized in a single ceremony. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are not necessary, but a maximum of six guests per graduate is recommended. For those who cant attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed. Several programs will hold hooding or pinning events prior to the main ceremony. For more information, including a checklist and instructions for students, visit www.uwlax.edu/commencement. On the days when I really wanted to quit, Id think about her story, her struggle, says Lee. Sometimes I think I take my English language for granted It hits me hard. Lee, a mother herself, understands the challenge of pursuing educational goals while raising children. She was married during her junior year of high school, and moved to La Crosse with her husband her senior year. She found odd jobs in La Crosse after high school working at nursing homes, retail stores and factories. It wasnt what she wanted to do, but it met the expectations for herself shed heard growing up, particularly from a high school guidance counselor who said she didnt stand a chance at earning a four-year degree. It was a pivotal moment in a factory job with its physical strain, repetitive tasks, and low pay that prompted Lee to shift her trajectory toward higher education despite the naysayers. Back to school Her first year back at school at Western Technical College was difficult. After enrolling, she learned she was pregnant with her first child, and she felt a rollercoaster of emotions as her pregnancy progressed during her first semester. On top of that, new classes in medical terminology and other topics proved complex and she didnt know where to turn for help. Despite the challenges, she earned a medical assistant degree four years later in 2008 and went on to work as a medical assistant at Gundersen Health System. Fast forward 12 years and Lee had two more kids and a desire to continue her education at UW-La Crosse. But, as she started classes, her husband was deployed to Ukraine, and she found herself simultaneously managing classes and caring for three children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom classes became a family affair, with Lee and her six-year-old daughter sharing a workspace while her boys tackled school upstairs. Even as the pandemics grip lessened, new challenges emerged. When she sought clarification on course material for one class, someone insensitively attributed her struggles to English being her second language, triggering anxiety about her identity. It affected me so much that I thought I had a learning disability. I googled all the symptoms, asked friends and professors. They all assured me that I didnt, she recalls. Reclaiming identity Throughout these trials, Lee was guided by the thought of her mother and the support of several UW-L mentors who helped her reshape her narrative. Lee credits former UW-L adviser Tammy Reed with helping her transform her challenges with education into sources of strength. She discovered that her struggles allowed her to empathize with others facing similar obstacles and that understanding would pay dividends in her future work. She put positivity in my mind and goals and motivated me to continue my education says Lee. She understood. She had been a non-traditional student herself. Lees dedication to inspiring others through sharing her own struggle was apparent during her second semester on campus when she wrote an essay in a first-year English class that was recognized as one of the best and selected for republication in the La Crosse Tribune. Olivia Stoltman, assistant teaching professor of English, describes Lees narrative as an exemplary piece discussed in many College Writing courses, noting that her story continues to inspire students years later. Stoltman and Sara Heaser, also in English, helped Lee begin to see her strong ability to write compelling stories and connect concepts from class to her own identity and aspirations. She was incredibly adept at focusing on why we were discussing the concepts we were, and how they mattered in her own life, says Heaser. Shes incredibly studious, dedicated to a life of learning and curiosity. In later years at UW-L, Lee became a standout sociology student as well. Sociology faculty describe her as outstanding and one who has done a great deal to excel, despite balancing school, work and family obligations. Lee credits sociology Professor Dawn Norris with helping her understand her identity as a non-traditional student, which led to her pursuit of undergraduate research interviewing numerous non-traditional students about their experience in higher education. As a nontraditional-age student, she brought a unique perspective to class discussions and asked questions that made us all think, says Norris. To have professors recognize her intelligence was powerful, says Lee, as it contradicted earlier ideas she believed about herself. It was amazing to learn that there are people out there who do believe in me besides myself and my little family, she says. On Sunday, Lee will graduate from UW-L with a degree in sociology with plans to pursue a nonprofit career helping youth pursue their future dreams. I want to guide youth to what they want to achieve in life. I think it makes a big impact when you start at a young age, she says. I want to give them something positive to focus on. In my own experience, I didnt have that kind of guidance. Lee hopes her graduation day sends a message not only to her mother, but to future generations. I imagine her children and her family watching her walk across that stage, and I imagine what a powerful memory it will be for her kids, says Heaser. Yes, shes a full-time student, but shes also a fantastic, full-time parent, and she is acutely aware of the generational impact her education has on the people she loves most. At last months La Crosse County budget hearing, many supervisors cited the upcoming strategic plan as reason for voting down proposed amendments to the countys 2024 budget. That strategic plan moved one step closer Wednesday when the countys executive committee hired a strategy consultant. Stratalysts, a startup consulting firm founded by Shannon Flowers and Sondra Hathaway in Arvada, Colorado, won its bid for the contract. The county received 10 proposals and whittled them down to three firms to be interviewed. Stratalysts beat out firms Mejorando Group and Future iQ for the job. The $39,000 bid is for a one-time contract to deliver a strategic plan to the county board. The firm will be responsible to set priorities, allocate resources and ensure that staff and Board are working towards a common vision, according to the countys proposal. As a firm, this will be the first county project for Stratalysts. As individuals, Flowers and Hathaway have consulted for several counties, including Lancaster County, home of Lincoln, Nebraska, Boulder County in Colorado and Marion County in Oregon. In its application, Stratalysts lays out a five-phase plan ending in an implementation strategy for the contracted strategic plan. The application expects the strategic plan to be adopted by the county on June 10, 2024, with an additional month for implementation. Stratalysts plan comes with a 7% management fee, included in the $39,000 overall cost. The approval for Stratalysts consultation was approved by the countys Executive Committee, with only one abstention vote from Supervisor Kevin Hoyer. This will be the first time the County Board has developed a comprehensive strategic plan for its operations. Today is Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Let's get caught up. Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, give our daily news podcast a listen: *** Delegates at COP28 agree to 'transition away' from fossil fuels United Nations climate negotiators directed the world on Wednesday to transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels in a move the talks chief called historic, despite critics' worries about loopholes. Humanity has finally done what is long, long, long overdue, Wopke Hoekstra, European Union commissioner for climate action, said. After nearly 30 years of talking about carbon pollution, climate negotiators in a key document explicitly took aim at what's trapping the heat: the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. Read more: MORE TOP STORIES Tesla recalls over 2 million vehicles Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective system thats supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot. Documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators say the company will send out a software update to fix the problems. Business Tesla recalls nearly all vehicles sold in US to fix system that monitors drivers using Autopilot *** Biden to meet with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas President Joe Biden on Wednesday will hold his first in-person meeting with the families of eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed to be taken captive by Hamas during its brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the White House said. Were not going to stop until every hostage is returned home, Biden told donors in Washington on Tuesday, saying the U.S. commitment to Israel is unshakable. More on the Israel-Hamas war: *** House set for key vote on Biden impeachment inquiry The House is pushing toward a vote Wednesday to formally authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden as Republicans rally behind the charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. *** War in Ukraine A nighttime Russian ballistic missile attack targeted Kyiv early Wednesday, injuring at least 53 people including eight children, officials said, as the Ukrainian president went to Scandinavia in pursuit of further international military support for his country after a trip to Washington secured no new pledges. *** MORNING LISTEN The latest episode of Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles looks at what has happened since the unsolved murders of Cheryl Edwards and Charlita Singleton in Richmond, Virginia. *** TRENDING TOPICS *** TODAY IN HISTORY Today in history: Dec. 13 In 2000, Republican George W. Bush claimed the presidency a day after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down further recounts of disputed ballots in Today in sports history: Dec. 13 In 2010, Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre, 41, is sidelined by an injured throwing shoulder, ending of one of the greatest individual streaks *** TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS Celebrity Birthdays: Dec. 13 Amy Lee Ben Bernanke Debbie Matenopoulos Dick Van Dyke Jamie Foxx Jeff Skunk Baxter Johnny Whitaker Kimee Balmilero Lou Adler Morris Day NeNe Leakes Randy Owen Steve Buscemi Taylor Swift Ted Nugent Thomas Delonge Tom Vilsack Wendie Malick MADISON, Wis. (AP) Universities of Wisconsin regents have decided to vote again on a deal with Republican lawmakers that calls for reducing diversity positions in exchange for funding to cover employee raises and campus construction projects, including a new engineering building at UW-Madison. The regents rejected the deal on a 9-8 vote Saturday. They met in a closed video conference Tuesday morning, however. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman declined to reveal what was discussed to reporters. Hours later, the regents posted notice that they'd scheduled an open meeting for late Wednesday afternoon to vote again on the proposal. The agenda indicates that Regent Amy Blumenfeld Bogost, who voted against the deal on Saturday, is now requesting adoption. She did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press on Tuesday evening. The voicemail at her Madison law office was full. Republican Chris Kapenga, president of the state Senate, tweeted on Monday that the Senate may not confirm regents who voted against the deal. Regents Blumenfeld Bogost, John Miller and Dana Wachs all voted against the plan; none of them have been confirmed yet. Wisconsin law allows gubernatorial appointees such as UW regents to serve until and if the Senate votes to reject confirmation. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has blocked a 6% raise for the university system's employees in an effort to force the regents to reduce the number of positions that work on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Vos insists such efforts only create division. The fight reflects a broader cultural battle over college diversity initiatives playing out across the nation. The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the raise in the state budget passed this summer, but Vos has blocked a GOP-controlled legislative employment committee from releasing the money. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court arguing that lawmakers have overstepped their constitutional authority by blocking the raises. Last week, Rothman unveiled a deal he brokered with Vos that calls for releasing the money for the raises as well as funding various construction projects on campuses, including $200 million for a new UW-Madison engineering building, a top priority for officials at the flagship campus. To obtain the money, the universities would have had to freeze hiring for diversity positions through the end of 2026, shift at least 43 current diversity positions to focus on student success and eliminate statements supporting diversity on student applications. UW-Madison would have to drop its affirmative action faculty hiring program and create a position focused on conservative thought. Democratic legislators have urged regents to reject the deal, saying the proposal sells out students and faculty. Evers issued a statement saying he supported the regents' decision to reject the deal on Saturday. He called on Republicans to simply release funding for the raises as negotiated in the state budget and admonished them for resorting to threats when they don't get their way. Rash political decisions, rhetoric, and threats help no one, the governor said. Conversations regarding critical, necessary investments in the UW System should continue in the weeks ahead, and it would be my expectation that all parties be interested, engaged, and meaningful participants in that process. Associated Students of Madison, UW-Madison's student government group, blasted the regents' decision to vote again in a scathing news release. This deal tarnishes the student experience," the group said. It disparages the prospect of belonging at our University for those of us who come from historically underrepresented communities ... Our statement is clear: NO DEAL. WYOCENA The squirrels appeared as small dots scurrying through the woods. There were turkey, too, only they were much more visible as they scoured the ground for acorns. An owl perched atop a tree stood out, but on this day Nathan De Master was on the lookout for one particular white-tailed deer. Believed to be a six- or eight-point buck, the animal was shot the day before by Autumn Pete of Randolph, who was taking part in the muzzleloader season with her boyfriend, Brady Ohlin. But after hours of searching shortly after the shot and the next morning, Pete and Ohlin determined it was time for a different vantage point of the 160 acres of farmland and woods here in rural Columbia County. Which is when they called in De Master, of DeMaster Drones, who has become proficient at finding deer with a drone that scans the countryside. The high-tech machine that costs about as much as new or good used car, operates at 200 feet in the air and is equipped with a thermal imaging camera that picks up traces of heat, up to 48 hours after death. The craft also is equipped with zoom and wide angle cameras, a laser range finder and a powerful spotlight, since many recovery operations take place at night. We find our target with the thermal, and then switch over with the zoom and identify what that animal is, De Master said. Sometimes theyre just bedded down, not moving. Other times theyre up walking around. But thats the nice thing with the cameras: We can identify it for the hunter. De Master, who lives in Poynette, is part of a growing roster of certified drone pilots in the state who specialize in helping deer hunters find their quarry. While a few have been operating for two to four years, this is the first deer season for most of the 35 pilots in Wisconsin Deer Recovery Drone Operators, said Zac Griesbach, who founded the network this fall and opened his own drone company, Wiscopter, in June. To be a part of the network operators must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, be insured and be listed as a business. They must also clearly list their prices, have more than 20 hours of flight time and provide a photo of their drone and battery system. The majority of the operators are clustered in central Wisconsin and in the Fox River Valley, but they can also be found as far north as Ashland and as far south as Beloit. There are also pilots in Waukesha County and in Maiden Rock and La Crosse, both along the Mississippi River. I was happy that Ive brought everybody together and now were all working together as a team to continuously qualify ourselves, Griesbach said. None of us want to be traveling across the state. They want to work locally. They know their airspace, they know the families, and they know the DNR in their area. Its way better when people can work locally. Griesbach, who works out of his home in Hortonville for a computer software company, has done 45 deer recoveries since the bow season began in September. The vast majority were conducted less than 50 miles from his home. He has also worked with the state Department of Natural Resources on rules and clarifications and is also working to help Minnesota clarify its rules for drone recovery operations. Drones are not allowed to be used for deer recovery in Michigan and Iowa; they also can not be used in Wisconsin to help hunters pinpoint deer while they hunt. Many members of the network also offer their services to fire departments and law enforcement. Really a grind But like all small businesses, there are pitfalls. Griesbach estimates that about two-thirds of the drone pilots will not be doing deer recovery by next season. However, that will create a secondary market for the high-end drone kits that could help more people get into the business, thanks to a lower-cost point of entry. Griesbach bought in earlier this year at about $20,000 but has seen the price of some drone packages drop to $13,000. More than 788,000 deer hunting licenses were sold in Wisconsin this year, according to the DNR, with 173,942 deer registered during the gun deer season. The various deer hunting seasons, which started with bowhunting in September, have resulted in more than 266,000 registered kills through Dec. 12, according to the DNR website. Griesbach expects the Wisconsin network to grow to 40 to 45 drone pilots by next September and to 60 by the time the traditional gun deer season opens in mid-November. The state might be able to support up to 90 operators, he said. Its really a grind. You have to give up a lot of your hunting season, Greisbach said about offering deer recovery services. A lot of these guys are hunters themselves, and if you dont do it fully youre just creating risk for other operators and you wont be full accepted into that community that is working hard to legitimize it. Pilots need to be able to respond quickly and work unusual hours, including nights and weekends. Overcast days will work, since the sun doesnt heat up objects like rocks as much, confusing the infrared cameras. But most pilots are night owls, operating their drones in the dark, which makes seeing thermal images much easier. By operating at night, they also avoid conflict with others who may be hunting in the area. De Master, whose day job for the past 22 years has been in computer-assisted design for Mead & Hunt, has been flying drones since 2016. But he is also a lifelong hunter who wanted to merge the two hobbies into a business but didnt want to spend $70,000 on an advanced rig. As technology improved and prices began to drop, De Master took the plunge. He went to Ohio this past spring to undergo training from a national Drone Deer Recovery organization and invested about $30,000 in equipment. It includes not only the drone but multiple sets of batteries and a generator to recharge the batteries in remote locations. The generator also powers a 32-inch television monitor that he sets up on the tailgate of his 2006 Chevy Silverado so customers can watch the search and help identify the deer. The technology is really great. Its another tool that hunters can use to help to recover their deer, De Master said. Just seeing how many deer a hunter would not have been able to find if it wasnt for a drone going out there and helping them locate that deer is really something. Success rates This deer season, which began in September with bow hunting, ramped up last month with the traditional nine-day gun season and continues with archery and cross bow into January, De Master has been out on more than 50 searches. He charges $350 for up to two hours of searching and is successful about 63% of the time. However, about two-thirds of the deer he finds are still alive, which means hunters may wait and come back later after it has died or, if the deer is not mortally wounded, leave the deer alone. That was the case for Pete and Ohlin. After about 90 minutes of searching, the buck was spotted by De Masters drone about a half mile from where it had been shot the day before. At first it showed up as a red silhouette in the shape of a deer. Moments later, a spotlight on the drone illuminated the animal, which the drones zoom camera showed standing in the woods, nibbling on the bark and twigs of a tree. The buck, its front left leg wounded, was very much alive and appeared unfazed by the drone overhead. Ohlin, 28, who has been hunting more than half of his life, couldnt believe what he was seeing but was relieved to know the animal would likely survive and wasnt lost in the woods, dead, for a coyote or bobcat to feed on. The cost of using De Masters service is just another part of the sport, Ohlin said, which can also include leasing land, guns, clothing, ATVs, processing venison and travel costs. Its incredible. It beats trying to track them, said Ohlin, who, along with his father, lease their hunting land from a Wyocena farmer. Im sure people 100 years ago wished they had this system. I can see myself using this in the future, for sure. You cover so much more ground. Photos: Searching for deer via drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Deer Drone Members of the State Emblems Redesign Commission met Tuesday, Dec. 12 to choose three finalists for the new state flag design. The State Emblem Redesign Commission selected three finalists for the new Minnesota state flag Tuesday and made changes to the new state seal design. The flag designs may still be modified by the commission. The commissioners addressed some of the negative feedback theyve received from Minnesotans, particularly in media reports. A couple of commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the final crop of designs. The question is, can Minnesotans identify with this or not? What Im reading is no, they dont, said state Sen. Steve Drazkowski, a Mazeppa Republican who is a non-voting member of the commission, in a statement that could foretell a partisan divide over changing the symbols of Minnesotas past. Republicans werent the only skeptics on the commission, however. Denise Mazone, who was appointed to the commission by the Council on Minnesotans of African Heritage, said she didnt see the states African American community reflected in any of the final flag designs. The commissions next meeting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15. Here are the three finalists for the new state flag: DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Palestinian militants carried out one of the deadliest single attacks on Israeli soldiers since the Gaza invasion began, killing at least nine in an urban ambush, the military said Wednesday, a sign of the stiff resistance Hamas still poses despite more than two months of devastating bombardment. The ambush in a dense neighborhood came after repeated recent claims by the Israeli military that it had broken Hamas command structure in northern Gaza, encircled remaining pockets of fighters, killed thousands of militants and detained hundreds more. The tenacious fighting underscores how far Israel appears to be from its aim of destroying Hamas even after the military unleashed one of the 21st centurys most destructive onslaughts. Israel's air and ground assault has killed more than 18,600 Palestinians, according to Gazas health officials. Gaza City and surrounding towns have been pounded to ruins. Nearly 1.9 million people have been driven from their homes. The resulting humanitarian crisis has sparked international outrage. The United States has repeatedly called on Israel to take greater measures to spare civilians, even as it has blocked international calls for a cease-fire and rushed military aid to its close ally. Israeli troops are still locked in heavy combat with Palestinian fighters in and around Gaza City, more than six weeks after invading Gazas north following the militants Oct. 7 attack. Clashes raged overnight and into Wednesday in multiple areas, with especially heavy fighting in Shijaiyah, a dense neighborhood that was the scene of a major battle during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas. Its terrifying. We couldnt sleep, Mustafa Abu Taha, a Palestinian agricultural worker who lives in the neighborhood, said by phone. The situation is getting worse, and we dont have a safe place to go. The ambush took place Tuesday in Shijaiyah, where Israeli troops searching a cluster of buildings lost communication with four soldiers who had come under fire, the military said. When the other soldiers launched a rescue operation, they were ambushed with heavy gunfire and explosives. Among the nine dead were Col. Itzhak Ben Basat, 44, the most senior officer to have been killed in the ground operation, and Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, a battalion commander. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a very difficult day, but he rejected international calls for a cease-fire. We are continuing until the end, there is no question. I say this even given the great pain and the international pressure. Nothing will stop us, we will continue until the end, until victory, nothing less, he said in a talk with military commanders. SUFFERING IN THE SOUTH Heavy rainfall overnight swamped tent camps in Gazas south, where Israel has told people to seek refuge, even as that region has also come under daily bombardment. In the central city of Deir al-Balah, the storm brought cold winds and flooded a shelter area behind a hospital, sending torrents of water coursing between the tents. The situation is catastrophic, said Ibrahim Arafat, a father of 13 who fled Shijaiyah. Because of the fighting and Israels blockade of Gaza, the health care system and humanitarian aid operations have collapsed in large parts of the territory, and aid workers have warned of starvation and the spread of disease among displaced people. Israel invaded southern Gaza nearly two weeks ago, and heavy fighting has continued in its first target the city of Khan Younis. Israeli strikes overnight hit two residential buildings in and around the city, and the dead included three children, two women and an elderly man, according to relatives and hospital records. A strike Wednesday evening in the southern city of Rafah killed 19 people from two families, according to hospital records. The Israeli military rarely comments on individual strikes. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames the high toll on Hamas because it conceals fighters, tunnels and weapons in residential areas. DISTANT WAR AIMS Anger over the wars toll appears to have brought a surge in support among Palestinians for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 and touts itself as resisting Israeli occupation. A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found 44% of respondents in the occupied West Bank said they supported Hamas, up from just 12% in September. In Gaza, the militants enjoyed 42% support, up from 38% three months ago. Though Hamas backing remains a minority, the poll showed overwhelming rejection of Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with nearly 90% saying he must resign. Many Palestinians view the octogenarian leaders administration as corrupt, autocratic and ineffective. The findings signal more difficulties ahead for the American administrations postwar vision for Gaza and raise questions about Israels stated goal of ending Hamas military and governing capabilities. The U.S. wants Abbas internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to also govern Gaza, which Hamas seized from it in 2007. It also wants to revive the long-defunct peace process to negotiate the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahus government is firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood. Late Wednesday, Hamas supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh said any plans for Gaza that do not involve Hamas are an illusion and mirage, though he said the group is open to halting the fighting. Speaking to Al-Masira TV, a channel linked to Yemens Houthi militant group, he claimed Hamas had dealt a resounding blow to Israel. Haniyeh lives in exile in Qatar, but it was not clear where he was when he made those comments. U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he told Netanyahu that Israel was losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing. Israel doesnt seem to be anywhere near achieving its military objective, Mairav Zonszein, a senior Israel analyst with the International Crisis Group, wrote on X, pointing to Tuesdays deadly ambush. With Biden already signaling loss of patience, with no signs of a hostage release and Israels economy overstretched, and with a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions in Gaza, Israel could find itself in a much worse position the day after, with a lot of losses and no win, she wrote. While the Israeli public appears to overwhelmingly support the war against Hamas, that sentiment could change if the death toll among Israeli soldiers continues to rise. Deaths of soldiers are an emotional topic in Israel, a small country of 9 million people where military service is compulsory for most Jews. Virtually every family knows a relative, friend or co-worker who has lost a family member in war. The names of fallen soldiers are announced at the top of national newscasts. In Israel, attention is still focused on the atrocities carried out on Oct. 7, when some 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and some 240 people were taken hostage, around half of whom remain in captivity. The military says 115 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. There has been little media coverage or public discussion of the plight of civilians in Gaza, even as international outrage has mounted. Despite U.S. calls to reduce civilian casualties, the toll has continued to mount at a dizzying rate. When it released the latest Gaza death toll of 18,600, the Gaza Health Ministry did not specify the number of women and minors, but they have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The toll is likely higher because thousands are believed buried under rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Jeffery reported from Cairo and Lidman from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip, and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed. Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war In recent years, city leaders in Grand Island, Nebraska, observed that many workers and students were walking or riding long distances to their jobs or schools. So when city administrator, Laura McAloon, learned of a chance to study the development of a bus system to meet those transportation needs, she took it. The study received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation along with the International City/County Management Association. It sent McAloon to Washington, D.C. along with other local leaders to learn about policies to lift people in their community out of poverty. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced last week that it will donate $100 million to expand its work on reducing poverty in the U.S. The commitment is part of the $460 million the foundation said in 2022 it would donate over four years to this area of need. The foundation says it is looking to quicken the speed at which its gifts have an impact. Ryan Rippel is a founding director for economic strategy at the Gates Foundation. He said the large donations represent an important change in its strategy and give grantees more power in directing their own work. Goal to help 50 million Americans The investment is a small part of the foundations overall budget, which was $7 billion last year. But it has quickly grown. The expansion of their work, Rippel said, depends on whether they meet their goal of improving economic mobility for 50 million people in the U.S. who are just above the poverty level with a yearly income of $29,160. The foundation will give money to organizations working to expand support for local government using evidence -based policies that improve economic mobility. That includes policies that connect people with skills without college degrees to jobs, helping people receive government benefits and pushing businesses to change working conditions to improve work-life balance. The grantees include Opportunity@Work, Families and Workers Fund, Prosperity Now, Pacific Community Ventures, Results for America and the Urban Institute. At a meeting in Washington, D.C., in May, the Urban Institute introduced the tools and research they have developed to help cities and counties understand barriers to economic mobility. There, McAloon from Grand Island realized that her city of 53,000 needed to collect more information. By the end of the meeting, they had changed their objectives and launched a data collective and analysis project. That included surveying local citizens and working with the human resources departments of major local employers. What the city learned is that transportation had been a problem for workers. But when the meatpacking plant and other manufacturers raised wages after the pandemic, many households were able to pay for cars. Now the problem, the employers said, was housing. At the close of Grand Island's research study this fall, McAloon said they found it would not be possible to set up a bus system under federal rules. Instead, they are exploring a transportation pool that is partially paid for by employers and the state. The study led to new communication and cooperation across agencies, schools and local organizations. And McAloons office learned that a lack of plumbers and electricians was holding up new housing developments. So, she reached out to the community college, which is now setting up a technical training program in high schools. It was a matter of a couple of emails, she said. And theyre already working on making an impact on that issue thats keeping us from building more houses. Im Dan Novak. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press. ____________________________________________ Words in This Story impact n. a powerful or major influence or effect grant n. an amount of money that is given to someone by a government, a company, etc., to be used for a particular purpose mobility n. the ability or tendency to move from one position or situation to another usually better one income n. money that is earned from work, investments, business, etc. benefit n. a good or helpful result or effect survey n. an activity in which many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to gather information about what most people do or think about something pool n. a group of people who do the same job or activity together An American jury has found that Googles app store operates as an illegal monopoly. The decision came in a lawsuit brought by video game company Epic Games. The jury reached the decision this week in California after a four-week trial. Epic had argued Google uses business methods that block competition against its Google Play Store. That is where users can download apps for smartphones and other devices using the Android operating system (OS). Google owns the Android OS. Epic uses Google Play and other app stores to sell its popular game Fortnite and others. Experts predict that if the ruling stands, it could cost Google billions of dollars in business. It could also change the way all app stores do business in the future. Google condemned the courts decision and said it will appeal the ruling. Android holds by far the largest share of the mobile OS market worldwide. Online data researcher Statista estimated in October that Android had a market share of 70.5 percent. The next closest competitor, Apple, held a market share of 28.8 percent. Other companies, such as Apple, also operate app stores. Epic brought a similar lawsuit against Apple in 2021. In it, Epic argued Apple used methods in its app store that created a monopoly that blocked competition. A federal judge ruled mostly in Apples favor in that case. Epic has appealed that ruling. One of the biggest issues in both cases was whether Google and Apple have the right to require developers to use the app stores payment systems. Such systems can take up to 30 percent of a sale in commissions from app developers. In the case of Epic vs. Apple, the judge mostly sided with Apple. But the judge did find that Apple had used some unfair business methods which violated California law. The judge ordered Apple to permit developers across the United States to add their own links to process payments within iPhone apps. Reuters news agency reported that Googles appeal will take place in the same court in San Francisco that decided Epics case against Apple. Epics appeal of the Apple decision is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. The jury in the Epic vs. Google legal case debated for about three hours before giving its decision on Monday. It decided that Googles control of its Play Store amounted to an illegal monopoly. The monopoly covered both Googles app selling system and its payment processing method within the app, the jury found. Epic did not ask the court for financial damages. Epic chief Tim Sweeney praised the courts decision on X, formerly known as Twitter. Victory over Google! Sweeney wrote. In a company statement, Epic called the verdict a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. Googles vice president of government affairs and public policy, Wilson White, confirmed the companys plan to appeal the ruling. In a statement, he said, "We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem." White added his opinion that the Google Play Store currently offers more choice and openness than any other major mobile provider. Depending on how the courts ruling is enforced, Google could lose billions of dollars yearly in commissions on sales through the Play Store. But the company's main source of earnings, online advertising, would not be directly affected by the courts decision. The case now goes back to the judge in the trial, U.S. District Judge James Donato. He will hear arguments on both sides about how Google should change its business operations to improve fair competition. The judge has suggested this process could begin in the second week of January. During those hearings, Google will be able to argue against the changes proposed by Epic. In addition, any orders established by the judge at the end could be appealed. These processes, technology experts say, could result in the case extending for many months, or possibly years. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this report for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. ____________________________________________ Quiz - Jury Rules Google App Store Operates as Monopoly Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________ Words in This Story monopoly n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market app n. a small computer program that can be put onto a mobile phone or other electronic device commission n. a payment made to someone who sells goods that is directly related to the amount sold verdict n. the decision of a jury in a trial in a court of law consumer n. a person who buys goods or services ecosystem n. all the things that are part of a particular environment or situation WILBER After the chaos erupted at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution on March 2, 2017, Michael Galindo found a phone and called his mother to assure her he was safe. About an hour and a half later, Galindo would meet his end, the victim of a mob attack, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien told the jury in closing arguments Monday. While at least four inmates were involved, according to video evidence, Eric Ramos, the man at the defense table, is the only one so far to face murder charges, based largely on prison staff identifying him by piecing together surveillance video that they say points to him. But, with no statute of limitation on murder, prosecutors could yet charge others and made it clear at trial that they believe they know the names of others involved. O'Brien said Galindo could be seen on video standing on the mezzanine of his housing unit, minding his own business, when he suddenly got pushed and chased to an outdoor miniyard where the group savagely attacked him. When he went inside to try to get away from it, they followed, stabbing him as he tried to fight them off with a makeshift weapon in his hand. "It appeared that he was trying to fight for his life," he said. O'Brien said Galindo played dead but his attackers were relentless. Galindo finally escaped to his cell and closed the door, locking it. Hours later the team retaking control over the prison would find smoke rolling out of his broken cell window and Galindo, facedown, dead on the floor inside. An autopsy determined the 31-year-old had been stabbed more than 130 times by sharp objects (at least 40 to the back of his head). He'd been punched, kicked and stomped, before ultimately succumbing to smoke inhalation from towels started on fire and pushed through his cell window. "Michael Galindo sustained a slow, painful and what had to be an agonizing demise as the oxygen that he needed for life was taken from him," O'Brien said. "For what? While we don't know what the motive is. All we know is that that day a group of inmates decided to play God, to take life away from Michael Galindo." O'Brien said surveillance video was the crux of the state's case, along with the identification of Ramos by a prison corporal who repeatedly pored over the footage in excruciating detail. Ramos, who testified at trial in his defense, denied it was him. He said he had been nearing parole and was standing in a corner of the miniyard, an area not caught on camera, and didn't even notice the attack when it happened. In closings, O'Brien said that when things began to "get wild" Ramos put a mask over his face, then, immediately after the assault, changed his clothes and took off the mask, putting them in the fire. He told the jury when they review the videos they'll come to the same conclusion: "That the person depicted in the video is, in fact, Mr. Ramos. And the coincidences are too overwhelming to ignore." On the other side, defense attorney Tim Noerrlinger was critical of the investigation, led by the Nebraska State Patrol, which didn't test any of the blood found on other inmates' clothing that day or check any of the shivs found on the yard for prints. "The patrol, I guess, took the weekend off," he said of its decision not even to process the miniyard scene until the following Monday. Noerrlinger said the patrol did test Ramos' glasses for Galindo's blood and didn't find any. And, while video showed Galindo swinging a weapon at his attackers, they didn't find any rips to Ramos' clothes or injuries to his hands, he said. "What else didn't the State Patrol follow up on in terms of leads?" he asked. Noerrlinger went through dozens of photos taken that night of inmates who had been on the yard with Ramos at the end of the riot, any number of whom could have been "Suspect 1" in the video instead of Ramos. He said some even had been found with blood or soot on their clothes or hands or melting damage to their shoes from fire. "The state had seven years to test the blood but failed to do so," he said. "I would suggest it's a failure on their part to prove up their case beyond a reasonable doubt and leaves questions open about who is identified in that tower video." Noerrlinger questioned why the state's investigation focused on poor-quality video rather than look into the argument Galindo had been in on his housing unit, an area off-limits to Ramos, the day before his killing, or attempt to find out why Galindo's family had sent thousands of dollars to another inmate. "Is that protection money? There's some indication it could have been drug money. Does that provide a motive for an individual in these housing units to kill Mr. Galindo?" he asked. He said it could have, but the state failed to do anything more than make a note of it. "Suspect 1 could be anyone," Noerrlinger said. O'Brien, who got the last word, called it misdirection and said the defense was trying to get them to focus on anything but the video evidence, which he said was key. And all of it was available to them during deliberations. "You have the awesome power to critique, verify and judge that evidence," he said. After 16 days of testimony, the jury of six men and six women got the case for deliberations at 2:20 p.m. Monday. The jury is set to return Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. to continue deliberating. Nebraska's 10 state prisons from least to most crowded 10. Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility 9. Nebraska Correctional Center for Women 8. Tecumseh State Correctional Institution 7. Community Corrections Center-Lincoln 6. Nebraska State Penitentiary 4. Work Ethic Camp 3. Community Corrections Center-Omaha 2. Omaha Correctional Center 1. Diagnostic and Evaluation Center A 43-year-old Iowa man has been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in connection with a brutal and seemingly random attack on a Fort Calhoun priest. Kierre L. Williams, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, was taken into custody Sunday morning after he was found laying on top of the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, inside the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where Gutgsell lived. Court documents allege that Williams stabbed Gutgsell multiple times in the face, hands and back before he laid on top of Gutgsell in a "T" position as the priest yelled for help. Williams faces charges of first-degree murder, burglary, possession of a weapon as a felon and use of a weapon to commit a felony. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon. According to an arrest affidavit for Williams, Washington County Dispatch received a 911 call from Gutgsell reporting a home invasion in the rectory at 5:03 a.m. Gutgsell reportedly told dispatchers a man was in his kitchen and armed with a knife. As a sheriff's deputy rushed to the scene, dispatchers advised the deputy an active disturbance was taking place and "they heard a struggle and screaming over the phone," according to the affidavit. The first responding deputy arrived at 5:09 a.m. The front door to the rectory was open and the lights were on inside of the home. According to the affidavit, the deputy heard a male voice yelling "in here" and "help me" among other phrases as he walked into the entryway. In a walkway near the kitchen, the deputy found Gutgsell laying on his back and "bleeding profusely" with a "severe" laceration to his face. According to the affidavit, Williams was found laying on top of Gutgsell in a "T" formation with his back against Gutgsell's chest. The deputy commanded Williams to get on the ground, not move and place his hands behind his back, to which he complied. The deputy then told Gutgsell, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds to his face, hands and back, to crawl away from where Williams was laying. At 5:10 a.m., two additional deputies arrived at the scene and handcuffed Williams before dragging him out of the way to allow Gutgsell to receive medical attention. Gutgsell was declared dead at the hospital within hours of the attack. No weapon was found on Williams upon his arrest, but investigators later found a bloody knife blade and a large pool of blood on the floor of a bedroom in the rectory, according to the affidavit. Gutgsells death came as a shock to residents of Fort Calhoun, a small town of approximately 1,000 people located about 17 miles north of Omaha. Gutgsell had been serving as priest of the St. Johns parish for about a decade. He also assisted at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. The archdiocese said in a press release that plans for who will be the priest at St. Johns parish are still being finalized. Details are expected to be announced later this week. Funeral arrangements for Gutgsell are pending. The Nebraska Department of Transportation and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently were awarded a $400,000 federal grant to explore ways to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in western Nebraska along Nebraska 71. The Transportation Department and Game and Parks will use the funding to explore the feasibility of bighorn sheep crossings in the Wildcat Hills region, where 18 of the 26 bighorn sheep collisions have been recorded from 2009 to 2023. This study will focus on reducing vehicle and property damage, as well as wildlife deaths. Because of the geography of this area, bighorn sheep regularly cross the highway here, an area near the entrance to the Wildlife Estates housing area, Todd Nordeen said in a press release. With the Heartland Expressways continued development, traffic between Rapid City, South Dakota and Denver will continue to increase, as will the risk of crashes and potential bighorn sheep fatalities. Nordeen is big-game research and disease program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Part of the grant funding will be used to purchase 10 new radio tracking collars to be placed on bighorn sheep to track their movements; three bighorn sheep in the region already have tracking collars. Data from their movements will be used to assess whether a wildlife crossing would successfully connect the sheeps habitat rocky escarpments found on both sides of the highway and reduce collisions. The study also will help determine the need for and potential cost of a wildlife crossing area, typically in the form of underpass tunnels, viaducts or overpasses across a highway, in addition to other possible mitigation strategies. If the study concludes a crossing is feasible, other wildlife in the Wildcat Hills would benefit. The area is home to two bighorn sheep populations, as well as elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mountain lions and countless other mammals. Should a crossing be warranted, it would be a first of its kind in Nebraska. Wildlife crossings have been built and utilized successfully in many other Midwest and Western states, including Colorado, California, North Dakota and Arizona. The Transportation Department and Game and Parks would pursue additional grant money to support construction of any recommended crossing solutions or alternatives. Doug Hoevet, District 5 Engineer for the department said, NDOT is committed to reducing all crashes on the highway system. This study allows us to partner with our fellow agency to evaluate the best way to reduce crashes while protecting a unique wildlife resource that is important to our area. The study is expected to be completed in 2024. The funding for the study was made possible by the federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes $350 million available to states over a five-year period. It can support projects that construct wildlife crossings over or below busy roads, add fencing, acquire tracking and mapping tools, and more. In addition, the program supports the U.S. Department of Transportations National Roadway Safety Strategy, which sets a goal of achieving zero roadway deaths and serious injuries through a Safe System Approach to prevent crashes from happening in the first place. Projects funded by this program will reduce wildlife crashes, which will in turn reduce associated economic impacts, such as loss of income, medical costs, property damage and a decline in productivity and quality of life, while simultaneously improving habitat connectivity to sustain the environment and improve the overall safety of the traveling public. Nebraska wildlife takes center stage in amazing photographs Bighorn sheep Elk Great blue heron Tom turkeys Canada geese White-tailed buck Bald Eagle Bison Pronghorn Sharp-tailed grouse Northern river otter Sandhill cranes Mule deer Blue-winged teal American avocet Bull elk Snapping turtle Bluegill Bighorn sheep Jackrabbit White-tailed deer Bison American bullfrog Goslings Northern prairie lizard Greater prairie chicken Ring-neck pheasant rooster Trumpeter swans Blanding's turtle Elk Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive on Capitol Hill to a darker mood than when he swooped in last winter for a heros welcome, as the Russian invasion is grinding into a third year and U.S. funding hangs in balance. Zelenskyys visit yesterday [Macau time] comes as President Joe Bidens request for an additional $110 billion U.S. aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs is at serious risk of collapse in Congress. Republicans are insisting on strict U.S.-Mexico border security changes that Democrats decry as draconian in exchange for the overseas aid. It is maddening, said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a close ally of Biden, of the stalemate. A very bad message to the world, to the Ukrainian people. The White House said the time was right for Zelenskyys trip to Washington as Biden pushes lawmakers to approve the aid package before the year-end holidays. But the mood turned grim at the Capitol on the eve of his arrival. Zelenskyy will meet privately with senators and new House Speaker Mike Johnson, then talk with Biden at the White House as the once robust bipartisan support for Ukraine was slipping further out of reach. Ahead of Zelenskyys high-stakes meetings, the White House yesterday [Macau time] pointed to newly declassified intelligence that shows Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on Russia in recent fighting along the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis including 13,000 casualties and over 220 combat vehicle losses. The Ukrainian holdout in the countrys partly-occupied east has been the center of some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks. U.S. intelligence officials have determined that the Russians think if they can achieve a military deadlock through the winter it will drain Western support for Ukraine and ultimately give Russia the advantage, despite the fact that Russians have sustained heavy losses and have been slowed by persistent shortages of trained personnel, munitions, and equipment. Russia is determined to press forward with its offensive despite its losses. It is more critical now than ever that we maintain our support for Ukraine so they can continue to hold the line and regain their territory, said White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin is clearly watching what happens in Congress and we need Congress to act this month to support Ukraine in its time of need. Republicans in Congress, fueled by Johnsons far-right flank in the House, have taken on an increasingly isolationist stance in U.S. foreign policy, demanding changes to American border and immigration policies in exchange for any funds to battle Putins war in Ukraine. Biden has expressed a willingness to engage with the Republicans as migrant crossings have hit record highs along the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democrats in his own party oppose the proposals for expedited deportations and strict asylum standards as a return to Trump-era hostility towards migrants. With talks at a standstill, one chief Republican negotiator, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, said there was nothing Zelenskyy could say during his visit with the senators to sway the outcome. Hey, pay attention to us, but not your own country? No, Lankford told reporters. Weve got to be able to deal with all these things together. Zelenskyy, who visited Washington just months ago in September when the aid package was first being considered, is making his third trip to the Capitol since the war broke out in February 2022. His surprise arrival days before Christmas last December was Zelenskyys first wartime trip out of Ukraine and he received thunderous applause in Congress. Lawmakers sported the blue-and-yellow colors of Ukraine, and Zelenskyy, delivering a speech that drew on the parallels to World War II as he thanked Americans for their support, presented the countrys flag signed by frontline troops to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. But 2023 brought a new power center of hard-right Republicans, many aligned with Donald Trump, the former president who is now the GOP front-runner in the 2024 race for the White House. New Speaker Johnson, on the job since October when Republicans ousted their previous leader Kevin McCarthy, has spoken publicly in favor of aiding Ukraine, as has Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. But its not certain they can steer an aid package through the Houses right flank. Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Zelenskyy has an opportunity to impress on Johnson in their private talk the moral clarity and why is Ukraine important. He said Zelenskyy could shake up the stalemate in Congress by reminding Johnson and the senators, If we abandon our NATO allies and Ukraine, like we did in Afghanistan, were just going to invite more aggression and embolden and empower our adversaries. Zelenskyy kicked off the quick visit to Washington, warning in a speech at a defense university that Russia may be fighting in Ukraine but its real target is freedom in America and around the world. If theres anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, its just Putin and his sick clique, Zelenskyy told an audience of military leaders and students at the National Defense University yesterday. He noted that on this day 82 years ago the U.S. went to combat in Europe, as then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the declaration of war against Germany. Now, he said, though the U.S. has no troops on the ground in Ukraine, it is supplying critically needed weapons and equipment. LISA MASCARO & STEPHEN GROVES, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP China has lifted import bans on three Australian meat suppliers in another sign of improving trade relations between the two countries, Australian officials said yesterday. Chinas customs agency announced overnight it was removing bans on imports of beef and mutton from Australian plants of JBS, a global foods company, and from the Australian Lamb Company, both in Victoria state. Also from Teys Australia in South Australia state, a government statement said. China had banned imports of red meats from 11 Australian abattoirs since 2020, citing cases of COVID-19 among staff and incorrectly labeled products. The bans were seen as part of various official and unofficial trade barriers China imposed to punish Australia over policies that included calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of and responses to the pandemic. China still bans meat from the other eight Australian slaughter houses. Australian officials were working toward resolving technical impediments to trade, the government statement said Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said that resuming meat exports to China was another step toward stabilizing bilateral relations since the government headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was elected last year. Im not going to venture predictions going forward, but we will keep on the path that we are currently on, which does seek to stabilize the relationship with China, Marles, who is standing in for Albanese while he is on vacation, told reporters. China has lifted most of its punitive trade barriers, which cost Australian exporters 20 billion Australian dollars ($14 billion) a year at their peak, since Australias government changed. Last month, Albanese made the first visit by an Australian leader to China in seven years in a sign of both how low relations had fallen and how they have begun to stabilize. But last month, the two governments also clashed over an Australian allegation that a Chinese warships unsafe use of sonar off Japan had caused ear injuries to at least one Australian navy diver. Albanese said the incident had damaged relations. China denied the warship caused any injury and accused Australia of making reckless and irresponsible accusations. Marles described the relationship with China as complex. With the one hand weve got our largest trading partner and on the other weve got our most significant security anxiety, Marles said. But for all those reasons, its important that we do diplomacy excellently, he said. MDT/AP Outbound travel is upbeat amid the upcoming festive season, with over 100,000 daily arrivals during the period are expected. Andy Wu, chairman of the Travel Industry Council, said the industry has received many bookings for air tickets and hotels in tourist destinations from residents preparing to travel for Christmas, as cited in a TDM report. He believes travel for residents has returned to 80-90% of pre-pandemic levels. The boost in travel is occurring despite the fact that international flights are still recovering. Air ticket prices to Japan, South Korea, Thailand and other popular destinations have nearly doubled compared with the discounts seen during the off-season, said Wu. Wu also mentioned that although Christmas is not a mainland holiday, Macaus strong festive atmosphere is still expected to attract residents from Guangdong Province to Macau. This season, the government, along with the six gaming operators, have launched their own festive events. A series of cultural and art performances, gastronomic events, and 3D mapping displays will be showcased across the city. LV The government has proposed a point scheme in the amendment bill for the Road Transport Law, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, and spokesperson of the ExCo, Andre Cheong, told a recent Executive Council (ExCo) press conference. The director of Transport, Kelvin Lam, said the government is proposing to link 12 points to each driving license holder, deducting points for traffic infringements. When drivers have only seven points left, they will only be able to regain three points by undertaking driver training at their own expense. With only six points left, licenses will be suspended for three months. With no points left, they will be suspended for six months. It is proposed that point deductions will only occur for two infringements disobeying orders from an authorized person, or disobeying instructions on traffic signs. The proposed scheme will not apply to speeding, driving in the reverse direction or failing to give way at a pedestrian crossing. Lam said the current system of fines and judicial procedures is sufficient. Unlike in mainland Chinas scheme, the proposed point scheme does not have a renewal mechanism, according to the land transport official. The government has also proposed banning the use of cellphones and similar telecommunication devices as well as audio-visual devices. Lam said phone calls with hands-free devices is proposed to be permitted. If passed, the law will ban holding a phone while driving or while sitting in a stationary vehicle. Lam said playing music on vehicles will be allowed. The road transport official said GPS navigation would be permissible, acknowledging its necessity. Improved governance on pedestrian practices is also proposed. For example, additional regulations are proposed for scenarios in which no legal crossings are available within 50 meters of a pedestrian. It was also proposed that the use of skatebikes, skateboards and similar vehicles regardless of their power source be banned on public roads. The use of wheelchairs and similar accessible equipment on public roads will also be regulated as proposed. Punishments for driving under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, as well as speeding will also be increased under the proposal. It is also proposed to expand the use of seatbelts for all types of vehicles to cover the front seats of heavy vehicles. But seatbelt use will not be mandated on back seats. In another bill, the government has proposed changes to the ownership transfer of government housing, i.e. Economic and Sandwich-class Housing schemes. To expedite the construction of government housing projects, the bill proposes to end the need to designate development rights to the Housing Bureau (IH). Instead, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works will be able to designate a land plot for government housing and commence the tender process. However, details will be announced in due course about the sales process, Cheong said. He also said no change to the current sale and purchase practices will be introduced even with this bill enacted as law. Hui Ho Chi, a member of the Transport Advisory Committee, said he supports the governments proposed points deduction system, but has called on authorities for further information and discussion on the system and the modification of provisions governing pedestrians crossing the road. He also believed the relevant modifications would encourage drivers to drive more carefully and hoped authorities would clarify details on the penalty points system as soon as possible. A complete set of national security education supplementary teaching materials will be published in the new 2024-25 academic year, which will gradually be rolled out to all educational levels. The compilation of the supplementary teaching materials will start this year, and samples have been produced for consultation with schools and teachers, according to the Education Council and Youth Affairs Committee yesterday. According to the authorities, the supplementary teaching materials will help students understand the concept of national security. In addition, to comply with Beijings patriotism education law, the SAR government will optimize the curriculum, teaching materials, and student activities based on Macaus actual situation. During his November Policy Address, the Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, said national security is a very important assignment for the Macau government, and that patriotic education has a strong foundation in Macau. Education on these topics has existed in Macau for so long, he said. I believe the same happens in Portugal, that students will be taught to be patriotic. This is the obligation of the citizens of any country. This is mandatory. Further details about the implementation of relevant curricula will be the task of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). DSEDJ director Kong Chi Meng said the new framework would not increase students study hours or add subjects to their workload. Rather, the new points would be incorporated into existing subjects. The move comes after Chinas legislature, the National Peoples Congress (NPC), debated a patriotic education bill this summer that would provide targeted regulations on how people in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan should promote national identity through education. The parliament will discuss the Public Procurement Bill after the Executive Council (ExCo) recently announced its conclusion of discussions. The ExCo said existing regulations about the matter have been enacted over many years. The government has proposed the bill after its review of a topical decree-law in 2021, to improve supervision of public procurement and improve the efficiency of public administration. The government needs to clarify aspects of the bill, including its coverage and key principles such as transparency, openness and fair competition. The qualifications of nominees or bidders in a tender process must also be clarified. The government intends to clarify and standardize types of public procurement procedures, concerning activities such as public tenders, limited tender by prior qualification, competitive negotiations, consultation and direct designation. To increase administrative efficiency and reduce costs, the government wants to create a centralized contracting system to set award criteria for objective and fair contracting. Stipulations were proposed concerning sanctioning regulations for the modification, termination and violation of contracts. At the same time, administrative infractions for violation of the public procurement system are also proposed. If the bill becomes law, a website will be established to centralize data related to public procurement. The director of Financial Services Bureau (DFS), Iong Kong Leong, had hoped the law would be enacted on New Years Day in 2025, but legislative procedures will prevent this. DFS will establish and administer the website. Should the bill be made law, a major change to the procurement procedure is that the purchase of consumables will be conducted through centralized tenders operated by the DFS. These consumables include drinking water, stationery and refreshments. Currently, each bureau or government entity can open its own tender for the procurement of these resources. The advantage of this proposed system, according to Iong, is that the government will have greater bargaining power on prices and quality. He did not say, however, whether the centralized system will lead to greater difficulty in sourcing enough resources. All government entities will be subject to the governance of this future law, Iong added. Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Vietnam yesterday seeking to further deepen ties with the Southeast Asian nation, weeks after it elevated its diplomatic relations with Western-aligned countries. In his first visit since 2017, Xi will meet with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnams Foreign Ministry said. This reflects Beijings concerns about Hanois advances with the West, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow with the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Concerns that Vietnam may join an anti-China alliance and gang up against China. The Chinese leader received a red carpet welcome as Chinh greeted him on the tarmac. Dozens of Chinese and Vietnamese nationals gathered at the airport, waving Chinese and Vietnamese flags to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, who accompanied him on the visit. Xis visit marks 15 years of China being a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam, the highest official designation for a diplomatic relationship. Vietnam plays an increasingly important strategic role in security and the economy in Southeast Asia. Ideologically, Vietnam is closer to Beijing. It is run by a Communist Party with strong ties to China. But in recent months, Vietnam has signaled closer ties with Western countries. In September, U.S. President Joe Biden visited Vietnam to mark the U.S. being elevated to the same diplomatic status as China. Biden asserted that the stronger ties were not about countering China, though U.S. diplomacy across Asia and the Pacific has been focused on improving defense ties with countries to do just that. In November, Japan and Vietnam boosted their economic and security ties, citing a free and open Indo-Pacific, with Japan being given the same diplomatic status as China and the U.S.. Japan has been rapidly developing closer ties with Vietnam and is its third-largest foreign investor. Experts say Vietnam is hedging against its large neighbor and its geographical claims. You can see that theyre flexible and balancing big powers, said Nguyen Thanh Trung, a professor of Vietnamese studies at Fulbright University Vietnam. Vietnam is one of several countries to clash with China in the disputed South China Sea, particularly on two archipelagos, the Spratlys and the Paracel Islands. It has faced off with Chinas coast guard in the past in the disputed waters. Vietnam usually does not publicize the confrontations. In October, Xi told the Vietnamese president that amid changing international landscapes the two nations should continue to develop their traditional friendship. The two spoke after attending Chinas Belt and Road Forum. Vietnam is likely to sign some infrastructure agreements with Beijing, as it has paid close attention to the development of the Chinese-built high-speed rail in Laos, completed in 2021. The Vietnamese prime minister wants to focus on more infrastructure, said Nguyen, the professor. He thinks its key to economic growth. China has been Vietnams largest trading partner for several years, with a bilateral trade turnover of $175.6 billion in 2022. Imports from China, including crucial inputs for Vietnams manufacturing sector, make up 67%, according to Vietnam customs data cited by Vietnamese state media. However, the trade is at a deficit in Chinas favor. China has over $26 billion invested in Vietnam, with more than 4,000 active projects. Xis 2017 visit to Vietnam was for an Asia-Pacific economic summit in the coastal city of Danang. HUIZHONG WU, BANGKOK, MDT/AP As a trial began Tuesday for the second of two women charged with attempting to kill a fetus last year, a conviction of the first woman, entered last week after a jury found her guilty of the crime, could be overturned because of a potential legal problem with some of the evidence presented during her trial. In a decision issued late Tuesday afternoon, Dane County Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds said she will "pause to reconsider" rulings she made last week entering a judgment of conviction against Cynthia M. Dominguez, 25, of Wisconsin Dells, and denying her attorneys' request to set aside the jury's guilty verdict. After a two-day trial last week, the jury found Dominguez guilty of attempted first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child as a party to a crime for a Nov. 30, 2022, incident on Madison's South Side in which Dominguez took part in attacking Isabelle Hoppman, then 21, who was 14 weeks pregnant at the time. The charge is in the second-most serious felony category on the books in Wisconsin, carrying a penalty of up to 40 years in prison followed by 20 years of extended supervision. Charged with Dominguez was Brittany L. Holsten, 28, of Madison, whose own trial began Tuesday before Circuit Judge David Conway. A criminal complaint and testimony at the two trials alleged that Hoppman became pregnant by a man who also has a child with Holsten. Hoppman has testified at both trials that Holsten began harassing Hoppman through social media and text messaging after learning Hoppman had met Mondrakice "Drake" Clark. Hoppman said the harassment intensified after Holsten learned she was carrying Clark's child. Hoppman said she and Clark broke up shortly after they learned she was pregnant. Hoppman said the harassment led to a confrontation by Holsten and Dominguez in the parking lot of the apartment building where Hoppman lived. She said she heard Holsten telling Dominguez during the attack to hit Hoppman in the belly despite Hoppman's pleas that she was pregnant, in order to end her pregnancy. Hoppman testified the two kicked at her belly as she lay on the ground in a fetal position. The trial for Holsten that began Tuesday is expected to last through the week. Meanwhile, the messages from Holsten that prosecutors relied on to set the stage for jurors during the Dominguez trial may end up overturning the jury's guilty verdict. Reynolds, in a written order, noted that during Dominguez's trial, nobody objected to Holsten's messages as hearsay -- an out-of-court statement offered as proof that is generally not admissible, with certain exceptions. In this case, Reynolds wrote, Dominguez and her attorneys "appeared to believe Holsten's statements were admissible as the statements of a co-conspirator." "The court may have committed plain error in allowing this evidence in even without an objection being made," Reynolds wrote. Under state law, Reynolds wrote, she has the authority to reverse a conviction and order a new trial even if a defendant doesn't ask for it. But she requested that prosecutors and Dominguez's attorneys submit written legal arguments through January to help Reynolds decide whether Dominguez is entitled to a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, a new trial, or some other remedy. As it now stands, sentencing for Dominguez is set for Feb. 16, which she is awaiting in the Dane County Jail. Reynolds wrote that even though Holsten's out-of-court statements were admitted as an exception to hearsay which allows admission of statements made in furtherance of a conspiracy, she now does not understand what evidence would have satisfied that hearsay exception to allow Holsten's messages to be admitted. "Specifically, at the conclusion of all of the evidence I am unclear as to the evidence admitted that would show when the alleged conspiracy between Dominguez and Holsten began, when it ended, or the scope of Dominguez's role in the conspiracy," Reynolds wrote. A Madison police sergeant was injured Saturday while arresting a suspect in an attack on a woman on the Near East Side. Officers were dispatched to Festival Foods, 810 E. Washington Ave., about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday on a report of a man who had physically attacked a woman and then left the area, police spokesperson Stephanie Fryer said in a statement. Officers found the man nearby on South Blair Street and he resisted officers, injuring a sergeant, Fryer said. The 59-year-old Madison man continued to threaten the woman after being arrested and jailed on tentative charges of battery, strangulation, intimidation of a victim, and resisting arrest causing injury, Fryer said. Fitchburg city officials say they will try to move a playground after residents complained for a year that it was too close to a retention pond. City Administrator Chad Brecklin admitted that a mistake had been made in not soliciting feedback from residents about the location of the playground, which was installed 34 feet from the edge of a retention pond at Hillside Heights Park at 2419 Kathleen St., in November 2022. We should not have installed that new playground structure where it's at, he said at a special meeting between the Parks Department and city officials Monday. I'm here to apologize for that, and we're going to try to make it right with the neighborhood. Officials said they would propose moving the playground farther away from the pond. Residents were informed that new playground equipment would be installed last fall, but the assumption was that it would be placed at an existing playground significantly farther away from the retention pond. Instead, the playground's location quickly elicited safety concerns from parents and grandparents in the area. It's a big scary thing to have to bring your kid to a park where they're supposed to be able to play and have fun, and have to worry about them falling into a pond, said Molly Scheumann, a resident of Hillside Heights and mother to two young children. Katie Parpart is a resident of Hillside Heights and a mother to four children, including a son with special needs. The playgrounds current location makes bringing her son to her neighborhood park more complicated, she said. I have parents who are in the early 70s and he has other grandparents who are just not physically capable to chase him, Parpart said. Now you're leaving it up to me to be the sole person to ever take my son to the park. How ridiculous is that? For months, Scheumann and other residents from Hillside Heights have been going back and forth with the citys Park Commission to get a permanent fence installed around the pond, even starting an online petition. The pond is surrounded by a temporary snow fence. As staff looked at it, the root cause is clearly the location of the structure, Brecklin said. That's why we started looking at options and figuring out, OK, can we move it? The two relocation solutions proposed at Mondays meeting were pushing the playground either 87.8 feet or 107.8 feet back from the edge of the pond. During the meeting, a few residents voiced their preference for the maximum amount of space between the new playground and the retention pond as possible. Brecklin said the relocation will require a budget amendment, which officials plan to take to the Fitchburg City Council in January or February. If the budget amendment is approved, he said, construction could begin in the spring or summer. While both Scheumann and Parpart said the proposed solutions and the apology from Brecklin were encouraging, they said they still have reservations due to the amount of time it took for them to receive a tentative solution from city staff. I liked the message of, This was a mistake and were going to fix it. We haven't heard that yet, Scheumann said. But were going to have to stay persistent until literally the park is in the ground." Two men were indicted last week on federal charges of illegally killing and trafficking numerous bald and golden eagles in Montana. According to a grand jury indictment filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Missoula, Simon Paul, Travis John Branson and "others" killed about 3,600 birds, eagles among them, during a self-described "killing spree" on the Flathead Indian Reservation north of Missoula and elsewhere. The pair allegedly sold the birds and parts of birds "for significant sums of cash" in the U.S. and internationally. The events leading to the indictment were alleged to have occurred from about the start of 2015 through about March 2021. Branson allegedly told buyers he was "out (here) committing felonies," according to the indictment. Together, the pair are alleged to have sold whole bald and golden eagles, bald and golden eagle wings, and golden eagle tails. The indictment charged each defendant with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking illegally taken plants or animals. The conspiracy charge carries a penalty of five years in federal prison, three years' probation and a $250,000 fine. The Lacey Act violation is punishable by the same prison sentence and a $20,000 fine. Additionally, Branson, of Washington state, was charged with eight counts of violating the 1940 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Paul, of Ronan, was charged with five counts of violating the act. The law makes it illegal to kill, possess, transport, sell, purchase, import or export bald and golden eagles, their body parts, nests or eggs. The law was expanded in 1962 to cover golden eagles in addition to bald eagles. A first violation is punishable by one year in federal prison, one year of probation and a $5,000 fine. The prison term and fine are doubled for subsequent convictions on the same charge. In June, a Hardin man was sentenced in federal court in South Dakota to three years in federal prison, one year of probation and $70,000 in restitution for killing 14 juvenile golden eagles and selling their parts. That man, Harvey Hugs, was previously convicted in 2012 of aiding and abetting eagle trafficking. According to events outlined in last week's indictment, Branson traveled from Washington to the reservation in Montana from 2019 through March 2021 to shoot bald and golden eagles with Paul, who lived near Ronan on the reservation. "When Branson arrived on the Flathead Indian Reservation," the indictment stated, "Paul would meet and help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market." In one particular incident, Branson allegedly texted a photo of a golden eagle tail to a buyer on Dec. 17, 2020, and received payment for the tail via PayPal the same day. Paul allegedly mailed the tail from St. Ignatius to Texas on Dec. 19. The indictment alleged that Branson received a text from the buyer two days later stating, "Got that thang from Simon. And the mirror feathers. Tnks." Later, on March 13, 2021, the pair allegedly killed a golden eagle that was lured to a previously killed deer. Paul cleaned the animal, according to the indictment, and the pair "placed various golden eagle parts in the vehicle for transport." Republican lawmakers advanced two bills recently they say would boost parental oversight by requiring school and library staff to tell parents which materials their children under age 16 have checked out. At a hearing in Madison, bill author Sen. Romaine Robert Quinn, R-Cameron, said, These bills are meant to provide more transparency to parents and guardians about what materials their child is allowed to access at public libraries. We agree with Quinn that parents have the right and the responsibility to monitor which books and other materials their young children are looking at. But thats where our agreement ends. The problem is that the GOP proposals are not only redundant, since parents already have the ability to monitor their childs library activity, but having librarians in both schools and municipalities have to take time from other duties to notify parents of their childrens check-out status within 24 hours would likely be massively expensive. Its unclear from the legislation how, exactly, such notifications would be made. By phone? By email? By postcard? Exactly how much staff time would this take to notify parents or guardians for each and every book that little Johnny or Cindy Lou takes past the checkout line? And who pays the bill for that? Is the Legislature going to take a few million out of the states budget surplus to boost the staffing capabilities of school and public libraries, or is this just another unfunded mandate? The Wisconsin Library Association testified against the public library bill at the hearing, with the chairman of its legislative committee, Peter Loeffel, writing, Wisconsin state statutes allow custodial parents or guardians to request library records relating to their childs use of the library, and public libraries have been diligent in complying with all statutory requirements. Loeffel, who is director of the Wauwatosa Public Library, said the legislation is creating a solution to a problem that does not exist. All public libraries in Wisconsin allow parents to review checked out items online, and many libraries also have apps that allow families to link library records so that a parent can view multiple accounts on their phone. The GOP legislation is not needed. The monitoring transparency is already in place, and these bills would only run up the costs of operating school and public libraries. The bills should be quietly put on the shelf where they can gather dust and then be discarded. Risch pushes bill to boost American energy U.S. Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Steve Daines, R-Montana, introduced a bill this week designed to bolster the United States energy independence, according to a joint news release. The Supporting Made in America Energy Act would require the Department of the Interior to hold four onshore oil and gas lease sales in top-producing states and two offshore oil and gas lease sales in each available area in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. The Biden Administrations failure to conduct legally required oil and gas lease sales has led to higher energy prices, Risch said in the release. The Supporting Made in America Energy Act will force the administration to approve lease sales and move us toward energy independence. Said Daines, Now more than ever, energy security is national security. Seven other Republicans joined Risch and Daines including Utahs Mike Lee and Wyomings Cynthia Lummis. Also: The Legislative District 26 Democrats will host a 2024 send-off for Sen. Ron Taylor and Rep. Ned Burns on Friday, Dec. 29, at 6 p.m. at Hailey Town Center West, 116 S. River St. The event is hosted by the Democratic chairs from Blaine, Lincoln and Jerome counties. Hors doeuvres and refreshments will be served. The 2024 Idaho Legislature opens Jan. 8 in Boise. The deadline to register to vote and affiliate as Republican is Dec. 31 to participate in the Idaho Republican Presidential Nominating Caucus on March 2. Six candidates have filed a declaration of candidacy in Idaho: Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Ryan Binkley. The Idaho Democratic Presidential Nominating Caucus is May 23. Voters may change affiliation up to day of the caucus. The Idaho primary election is May 21. The deadline to change affiliation is March 15, though unaffiliated and newly registered voters may affiliate up to and including Election Day. Times-News Sandra Day OConnor, who died on Dec. 1, was an accomplished jurist who demonstrated that women lawyers and judges are every bit as good as men. Although there were very few job openings for women when she graduated with honors from Stanford Law School in 1952, her remarkable example has brought about a dramatic change in the legal profession. Women have not been handed equality in the legal workplace, they have earned it. I wont say they have achieved full equality, but there has been tremendous progress over the years. OConnor helped to forge the way. I had the privilege of observing Justice OConnor in action on three occasions in the 1980s and came away mightily impressed. The first instance was in 1983, when the Supreme Court finally heard argument in a case filed in 1975 by former Idaho Attorney General Wayne Kidwell against Oregon and Washington. Kidwell rightly claimed the downstream states were endangering salmon and steelhead runs by overfishing. In 1980, the Court sent the case to trial, which resulted in a decision against Idaho. As Idahos AG at the 1983 hearing, I argued that enough fish should be allowed to return to Idaho to perpetuate the runs and provide Idahoans with an allocated share. It was clear during the hearing that Justice OConnor understood the need to protect and perpetuate the runs for the benefit of everyone. A number of her male colleagues could not seem to grasp that basic concept. When the decision came out, OConnor wrote an outstanding opinion favoring Idaho. Unfortunately, it was a dissent that only two other Justices agreed with. It was not a total loss because the majority ruled that states which share a natural resource must take reasonable steps to conserve and even to augment the resource for the benefit of all. However, the majority refused to implement a conservation and allocation formula because the runs in the five-year period selected by the trial judge were so depressed that a formula would be pointless. In other words, there were not enough fish to mess with during those five years, so why bother? OConnor argued that the use of the five years of depressed runs was a serious error and that it was precisely because the runs were so endangered that Idaho had made its case. Had the good old boys on the Court paid attention to her well-reasoned opinion, our wild runs of salmon and steelhead would undoubtedly be in better condition today. The second case arose in 1980, when Legal Aid attorneys filed a suit challenging the conditions of confinement for juveniles at Idahos State Hospital South in Blackfoot. The suit was brought on behalf of a mentally challenged 15-year-old boy, Jeff D., who was not being provided with necessary mental health services. The State recognized it was in the wrong and eventually agreed to a settlement that was better than the judge might have granted, but which required the Legal Aid attorneys to waive any claim for attorney fees against the State. However, after settling, they renewed their attorney fee request and the case ended up before the Supreme Court in 1986. OConnor was active and engaged during the argument, but did not write a separate opinion. She and four others joined Justice Stevens opinion, ruling in favor of Idaho. Even though the fee issue was fully resolved, the underlying Jeff D. case still lives on to this very day. Quote By demonstrating great skill and dignity as a jurist, OConnor helped to shatter the glass ceiling for women in the legal profession. In my third trip to the Supreme Court, Justice OConnor wrote a majority opinion, holding against the State. A jury had convicted Laura Lee Wright of lewd conduct with her daughters, ages 5 and 2 . The trial judge found that the younger daughter was unable to testify to the jury, but allowed a pediatrician to testify as to what she had told him about the abuse. Wright was convicted for abusing both, but the Idaho Supreme Court overturned the conviction for abusing the younger daughter on hearsay grounds. The State sought and was granted review by the nations high court. In Justice OConnors 1990 opinion, she and four other members ruled the admission of the pediatricians testimony violated Wrights constitutional right to confront her accuser. Had there been indicators that the testimony was particularly trustworthy, the conviction might have been upheld. Justice OConnor wrote in a scholarly fashion, providing needed guidance in sex abuse cases involving younger victims. I did not agree with the ultimate outcome, but I respected the manner in which she handled the case. By demonstrating great skill and dignity as a jurist, OConnor helped to shatter the glass ceiling for women in the legal profession. I recall that my 1964 law school class at Northwestern Law School in Chicago started with 168 students, only eight of whom were women. Now, law schools across the country have a slight majority of female students. A world of job opportunities in the legal and judicial arenas have opened up for women, thanks to the path paved by Sandra Day OConnor. May she rest in peace. During my eight years serving in the Idaho Senate, I was incredibly impressed with the respectful nature of the Senates legislative process. Decades of tradition insured thoughtful decorum so ideas could be debated, often vigorously, but without personal attacks. After coming from the blood sport politics of North Idaho back then, I was relieved to find such rational behavior among my peers in the Senate and appreciated it throughout my time representing CdA. But now with the new batch of legislators, the whole atmosphere in our states Capitol has degraded. Some seasoned legislators call it the death of decorum, and others tell me they are suffering from PTSD after just one session with some of the new crew. Many of the problematic newbies are close associates of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, Citizens Alliance of Idaho, and some of the rogue central committees like ours here in Kootenai County. Are they purposefully trying to break our system of governance? Im very aware that Brent Regan, chair of the KCRCC, and others in his power group, are students of Saul Alinsky, the 1940s community organizer idolized by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Quote I know that you, as voters, expect our Idaho government to operate in an organized, effective manner to make sure YOUR priorities are respectfully, thoughtfully, debated and passed into law if approved. You deserve it, so dont be fooled by the bluster of those demeaning others and then posing for the spotlight. One of Alinskys most potent lessons is disrupt the system. To demonstrate this lesson, he famously considered giving a group of low-income volunteers big bowls of beans to eat before paying their way into an elite symphony concert. You can imagine what would have happened. Yes, they would have disrupted the system. Is that what the IFF/KCRCC new legislators are trying to do? I hope not because our system was very good. Everyone could feel safe expressing the views of their district on any bill. We have 35 districts in Idaho and each has its own priorities. It is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum so ideas and information from all parts of our state can be shared openly. Last month, the Pro Tem of the Senate, who is The Boss, finally ran out of patience. He sent letters to three of the new senators: Scott Herndon from Bonner County, Brian Lenny from Nampa, and Glenneda Zulderveld from Twin Falls. They were warned about their behavior, and Lenney and Zulderveld were removed as vice chairs of committees, although they were all allowed to stay as members of the committees. (Herndon was not a vice chair) I have a copy of all the letters. The Pro Tem wrote to Lenney: It has been brought to my attention that on countless occasions you have aggressively attacked, disparaged, and degraded fellow members of the Senate, members of Senate leadership, and members of the general public. Further, you have continually disrespected and harmed the legislative process by violating the rules governing decorum. Although we expect Senators to advocate zealously on behalf of their constituents, Senators must do so in a manner that protects the integrity of the process and ensures the peoples business may be done in an efficient and effective manner. Zuldervelds letter was very similar, also stating you recently posted an article written by you that openly attacked the integrity of your fellow members of the Idaho Senate degrading and disrespectful of our colleagues. And Herndons letter said, you posted an article degrading and disparaging every Senate member serving on JFACMembers of JFAC are tasked with setting the budget for the entire state, which requires countless hours Your statements are unnecessary and inexcusable. The Pro Tem also questioned Herndons work ethic and the very few budgets he had worked in committee. Herndon was outraged. He bragged that he carried five budgets on the Senate floor, which does not mean he actually worked on them. Dont be fooled. I served on JFAC; there are a huge number of budgets to review line by line, with working lunches and early mornings. Its exhausting. Herndon didnt do much, and presenting five budgets on the floor of the Senate is embarrassingly low. So, upon receiving these letters, what did the senators in question do? They went on social media and attacked the Pro Tem. I forced myself to watch a podcast called Freedom Bros, hosted by Dustin Hurst, former IFF staff. All three of the senators were there, and after a great deal of personal chit-chat, they finally got to the issue of the letters. Herndon and Lenney were the most outraged. They claimed the Pro Tem of the Senate does NOT have the right to discipline them or remove them from their vice chair positions. They are wrong. It is true that every senator is elected by the voters of their districts. But during the organizational session before the Legislature starts, all of the members of the Senate, including the Democrats, vote to elect a Pro Tem, and also vote to adopt the Rules of the Senate (thats Rule 5). In Rule 19, it says the committee assignments shall be made under the direction of the Pro Tem. Further, Masons Manual of Legislative Procedure, which rules most Legislatures in our country including ours, states on page 394, A legislative body has the right to regulate the conduct of its members and may discipline a member as it deems appropriate, including reprimand, censure or expulsion. So, good readers, theres a wise saying about behavior that perhaps our rogue senators should keep in mind: Disrespect will close doors that apologies cannot open. I know that you, as voters, expect our Idaho government to operate in an organized, effective manner to make sure YOUR priorities are respectfully, thoughtfully, debated and passed into law if approved. You deserve it, so dont be fooled by the bluster of those demeaning others and then posing for the spotlight. Please vote carefully. The House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved on third and final reading a measure that would delineate the Philippines archipelagic sea lanes as a means to bar the unauthorized passage of foreign vessels within the countrys territorial waters and airspace. The lower chamber approves House Bill 9034, or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, by a 258-0-0 vote. The bill designates the sea lanes and air routes in the West Philippine Sea for the continuous and speedy travel of foreign ships and aircraft exercising their right of innocent passage. The President is empowered under the bill to fix the coordinates of the designated sea lanes, and substitute or add to them. HB 9034 is a consolidation of several House measures, which Yamsuan is among the principal authors. One of the bills authors, Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group said: The continued non-designation of the countrys archipelagic sea lanes is tantamount to waiving this right under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Maritime law analysts point out that the measure designating archipelagic sea lanes covers only the Philippines inter-island waters and airspace. However, there have been instances in the past when Chinese vessels have not only entered the Philippines EEZ, but also lingered for three days in its archipelagic waters without permission, Yamsuan pointed out. Both the Philippines and China are signatories to the UNCLOS. Under HB 9034, foreign ships and aircraft shall pass the designated sea lanes as quickly as possible for the sole purpose of continuous, expeditious and unobstructed transit and shall refrain from any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the Republic of the Philippines. The measure also includes other rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of archipelagic sea lane passage. These include banning transiting ships and planes from conducting any research activity unless permitted by the Philippine government, and from conducting any fishing operation or exploitation of Philippine marine resources. The bill also penalizes foreign civilian ships and aircraft violating provisions of the measure. Violations are punishable by imprisonment ranging from 6 months and 1 day to 2 years and 2 months or a fine of USD1.2 million or both. THE Philippines should cancel oil exploration deals and ongoing negotiations with China in response to its recent harassment of Filipino ships in the West Philippine Sea, a maritime law expert said Wednesday. In a TV interview, Prof. Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea of the UP Law Center, said if China tries to prevent the Philippines from getting another service contract in Reed Bank next year, it should no longer deal with them when it comes to oil exploration. He said while this might affect the economy, it is a viable option against further abuse and disrespect that puts Filipino lives in danger. The country, he added, is in a position to retaliate as China is out of line. If we do that, we can show that first, to our countrymen, we can take action and second, in a way China will have a problem because they are expecting these contracts to make profits from us. So if we deny them that, its okay, he said in Filipino. Meanwhile, Japan reiterated its serious concern over Chinas actions in the South China Sea, including recent dangerous water cannon incidents that caused a collision between Chinese and Filipino ships, saying it increases regional tensions. Citing the statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Oct. 23, Japan said it believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community including Japan. Thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea, Tokyo said, in a statement released by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday. As stated in the Japan-Philippine Joint Statement Open a New Window in February 2023, the Government of Japan concurs with the Philippines long-standing objections to unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities and threat or use of force in the South China Sea, the statement said. Batongbacal also said the government should begin building infrastructures in the areas it occupies in response to Chinese reclamation activities and development of installations at Mischief Reef, a breach of earlier agreements between both countries to halt construction. If China has been improving their facilities, we ourselves should not be afraid to improve our own facilities in the islands that we occupy. They cannot question the Philippines regarding our commitment not to undertake new construction while they continue to build and enlarge their own structures, he said. While he said Chinas acts were hostile and dangerous, the Philippines should de-escalate the situation. On Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Manila announced that India and the Philippines are conducting a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) in the West Philippine Sea to boost cooperation. The Indian Navy conducts MPX with friendly foreign navy units to enhance interoperability and share best practices, the embassy said. It said Indias visiting warship, the INS Kadmatt, would hold the MPX with BRP Ramon Alcaraz on Dec. 13, which it hoped would also promote common approaches for a rules-based order in the area. In a reception on Tuesday night, Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran said contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is a key priority for India. India also hopes to see stronger engagements with the Philippines, specifically in the areas of economic cooperation and national security. In other developments: * The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the third milestone payment worth P5.67 billion for the Philippine Navys acquisition of the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system. BrahMos has been selected for the Navys shore-based anti-ship missile system and is expected to address the countrys militarys weaknesses and vulnerability in sea control, anti-access/area-denial, and coastal and island defense operations. * Former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio on Wednesday urged the government to seek help from the international tribunal to lay the ground rules on fishing for Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen in Scarborough Shoal. In a TV interview, Carpio said the Philippines must first propose setting the ground rules with China and Vietnam to cover fishing in the Scarborough Shoal, since the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the shoal is common fishing ground for the three countries. * Rep. Wibert Lee of AGRI party-list group, said the government must prioritize the protection of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as this directly affects the Philippines food security.The lives and livelihood of the countrys fishermen depend on the governments ability to protect the WPS, he said. * The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Fleet and Japan Coast Guard-Mobile Cooperation Team (JCG-MCT) conducted a comprehensive training on various Coast Guard operations from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1. The Coast Guard Fleet said the opportunity allowed the PCG and JCG to build a stronger bond in maintaining the highest level of maritime safety. The training participants were introduced to the concept of towing and water canon operations. * PCG personnel of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) conducted an actual flight deck training operation at the Manila Bay Anchorage Area on Dec. 7. The Coast Guard Fleet said the training aimed to develop Coast Guards proficiency in aircraft handling, aircraft landing and takeoff procedures, and emergency response protocols. The Philippines has voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding for immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, a reversal of its abstention months ago of a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines is among 153 member-states that voted for the resolution at the UNGA emergency special session on Tuesday (New York time). Ten voted against, including Israel and the United States, while 23 abstained. Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution urging the Senate to call for a sustained ceasefire and adherence to International humanitarian law in Gaza amid the on-going war between Israeli and Hamas forces. Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Lagdameo said the country continues to condemn the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks of Hamas even as he emphasized the need to adhere to International humanitarian law, especially the principles of proportionality and distinction in response to security threats. It is imperative that any military action consider the impact on civilians and strive to minimize, if not eliminate, collateral damage, Lagdameo said. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, he added. Lagdameo said the Philippines believes a humanitarian ceasefire is crucial to halt the loss of life and suffering and is a necessary step to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all civilians. We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians especially women and children, Lagdameo said. Upholding these laws is essential in ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals affected by this conflict, he added. Lagdameo also reiterated Manilas commitment to a two-state solution that respects the rights and needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. We advocate for a peaceful resolution that upholds international law and leads to lasting peace and security in the region, he stressed. The Philippines earlier abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution calling for humanitarian truce due to the lack of mention of the Hamas attack. In explaining the change in its vote, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday cited as reason the focus on the humanitarian factor. The UN said the resolutions passed by the UNGA, though not legally binding on nations, carry immense moral weight, representing the collective resolve of the UN membership on a matter of grave importance. In his opening statement, UNGA President Dennis Francis underscored that even wars have rules and the combatants must not deviate from the core principles and values. He said there was now an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems and profound disrespect for international law and international humanitarian law being shown by combatants. We have one singular priority only one to save lives. Stop this violence now, he said. Padilla filed Senate Resolution 880 on Dec. 5, barely two months after the attacks launched by Hamas on October 7. He noted the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 271 on Nov. 15 calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors through the Gaza Strip to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services. He also mentioned the joint call of various heads of United Nations bodies for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes escalated after nearly a month of conflict. The signatories of the joint call included the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the chiefs of the World Health Organization and the UN Aid. Padilla also noted the statements of the United States emphasizing the need to uphold international humanitarian law. The U.S. is urging Israel to take additional measures to ensure the protection of innocent civilians during its military operations in Gaza, highlighting the imperative of minimizing harm to non-combatants, Padilla said in his resolution. The UN on Tuesday demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war after three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly backed the move, according to a Reuters report. Agence France Presse on Monday reported that 18,200 Palestinians and 104 Israeli soldiers have been recorded dead due to the on-going war between Israel and Hamas. Peshawar, Pakistan At least 23 soldiers were killed when militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a Pakistan military base on Tuesday, the army said, in an attack claimed by affiliates of the Pakistani Taliban. A suicide squad of six fighters attacked an outpost in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border in the early hours of Tuesday, the militarys media wing said. The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted, which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack, a statement said. The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties, it added, saying all six attackers were slain as soldiers fought back. A local official who spoke on condition of anonymity said many of the soldiers were killed while they were sleeping in the base, a government school commandeered by the army adjacent to a police station. Another 36 people had been wounded in the attack, he said. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan a new group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban said the assault began around 2:30 am (2130 GMT) with a martyrdom attack by one fighter before others stormed the compound. The army media wing said Dera Ismail Khan had witnessed heightened activities overnight and a total of 27 militants were killed in firefights with troops in the restive area. Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic spike in militant attacks, mainly in its border regions with Afghanistan, since the Taliban returned to power there in 2021. Analysts say Islamist fighters have been emboldened by the neighbouring insurgencys success following the withdrawal of US forces in 2021. The first half of 2023 saw a nearly 80 percent spike in attacks compared to last year, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Islamabad alleges that hostile groups operate from sanctuaries across the border, a charge the Taliban government routinely denies. Pakistans foreign secretary summoned the top Afghan diplomat in the country after Tuesdays attack to demand action. A ministry statement said Islamabad urged Kabul to condemn the attack and apprehend the perpetrators as well as the leadership of the Pakistani Taliban. It called on Afghan authorities to take all necessary measures to deny the persistent use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. The biggest threat to Pakistan is its domestic chapter of the Taliban known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which shares lineage and ideology with Kabuls rulers. In January, the TTP was linked to a mosque bombing which killed more than 80 police officers inside a headquarters in the northwestern city of Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Islamabad said four troops were killed in September during a cross-border raid by hundreds of TTP fighters in Chitral, an area popular with domestic tourists. Washington, United States The United States unveiled sanctions Tuesday on individuals and companies based in China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, aiming to disrupt Moscows military procurement networks amid its war in Ukraine. The latest actions take aim at people and entities accused of supplying Russias industry and furthering its ability to wage war against Ukraine, as fighting continues after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on more than 150 parties, while the State Department did so on over 100, including those engaged in sanctions evasion in third countries. Our sanctions today continue to tighten the vise on willing third-country suppliers and networks providing Russia the inputs it desperately needs to ramp up and sustain its military-industrial base, said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a statement. She added that the Kremlin has steadily turned Russia into a wartime economy. These moves come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went to Congress and the White House to push for more US military aid in battling the Russian invasion. But the Republican Party is ever-more openly rejecting the idea of funding Ukraine, calling for more attention to domestic issues. Complex networks Treasury said Tuesday that the latest sanctions underscore Russias use of complex transnational networks to acquire technology and equipment needed for its war economy. Among those targeted by the department was a network based in China, Russia, Hong Kong and Pakistan, allegedly involved in the facilitation and procurement of Chinese-manufactured weapons and technologies to Russia. These include Chinese national Hu Xiaoxun and his China-based private defense company Jarvis HK Co. Companies in Turkey and the UAE were also targeted, alongside other China-based entities such as satellite imagery firms Beijing Yunze Technology Co and Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Both were said to have provided high-resolution imagery to private military company Wagner, said the Treasury. Switzerland-based electronics exporter Thamestone and Singapore-based supplier Micro Electronics Technologies were punished as well. The State Departments sanctions also cover those bolstering Moscows future energy production and export capacity, it said. And the department is designating entities involved in the proliferation of military equipment and munitions from North Korea to Russia, added Secretary of State Antony Blinken. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for Russias crimes in Ukraine and those who finance and support Russias war machine, added Blinken in a statement. bys/dw Agence France-Presse Romualdezs emphasis on economic provisions aligns with a vision to empower lawmakers to regulate foreign investments IN A groundbreaking move, Speaker Martin Romualdez has announced the House of Representatives intention to push for amendments to the 1987 Constitution in 2024. This visionary proposal aims to address the pressing need for a Constitution more attuned, sensitive, and responsive to the current times. Romualdezs focus on economic provisions signals a strategic approach to propel the nation forward. Romualdez, in a recent Christmas get-together with House media, emphasized the timeliness of revisiting the Constitution, citing the Houses completion of priority legislation. The proposed amendments, particularly centered on economic provisions, reflect a commitment to fostering a more dynamic and competitive national economy. The move aligns with the broader objective of transforming the nations economic landscape. One notable aspect of Romualdezs proposal is the exploration of options that bypass the Senate, where previous attempts at charter change have faltered. The consideration of a peoples initiative to determine whether congressmen and senators vote together or separately on Constitutional amendments is a strategic move to overcome past impasses. This innovative approach empowers the electorate to directly influence the amendment process, ensuring a more inclusive and democratic decision-making mechanism. Romualdezs call for a Constitutional convention of elected delegates, a peoples initiative, or even senators and congressmen themselves as a constituent assembly reflects a willingness to explore diverse avenues for success. The flexibility in approach demonstrates a commitment to finding a path forward that garners support and ensures a comprehensive and well-received constitutional amendment. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Dong Gonzales highlighted the urgency of the matter, expressing the Houses intent to tackle Constitutional amendments before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s next State of the Nation Address. This ambitious timeline underscores the Houses dedication to swift and decisive action in pursuit of a Bagong Konstitusyon ng Bagong Pilipinas (New Constitution for a New Philippines). Gonzales resolution to convene a constituent assembly includes proposals for term extensions and adjustments for congressmen, local officials, the president, and the vice president. While these changes aim to streamline governance, careful consideration and public discourse are crucial to ensure that any amendments align with the broader principles of democracy and good governance. Romualdezs emphasis on economic provisions aligns with a vision to empower lawmakers to regulate foreign investments. By lifting restrictive provisions, the House aims to position the Philippines as a more attractive destination for foreign investments, fostering economic growth and job creation. Its crucial to note Romualdezs assertion that these initiatives are not at the behest of President Marcos, highlighting the autonomy of the legislative branch. This distinction reinforces the Houses commitment to these Constitutional changes as a proactive response to economic challenges rather than a politically motivated agenda. Romualdezs proposal for Constitutional amendments is a commendable and timely initiative. By prioritizing economic provisions, exploring innovative approaches, and demonstrating flexibility in the amendment process, the House of Representatives is poised to usher in a new era for the Philippinesa Bagong Pilipinas guided by a Bagong Konstitusyon. As the nation looks ahead to 2024, the prospect of Constitutional change brings with it the promise of a more prosperous and resilient future. In the dynamic world of technical support outsourcing, PITON-Global stands out as a pioneer, harmonizing human expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional customer experiences (CX). Located in the heart of the Philippines, a global hub for outsourcing, PITON-Global has mastered the art of blending the warmth of human touch with the efficiency of modern tech. This fusion is revolutionizing the way technical support services are delivered, offering an unparalleled level of CX that is reshaping the industry. At the forefront of this transformative approach is the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and cloud computing. These technologies empower the skilled workforce at PITON-Globals partner BPOs to provide rapid, accurate, and personalized technical support solutions. AI-driven tools and ML algorithms enable agents to predict customer needs and tailor their responses accordingly, ensuring a more intuitive and satisfying support experience. John Maczynski, Co-CEO of PITON-Global, emphasizes the importance of this synergy. The magic happens when you combine the technological prowess of AI and ML with the human touch of our skilled agents. It allows us to create a customer support journey that is not just efficient but also empathetic and personalized, he states. This blend of technology and human interaction is crucial in todays tech-driven world, where customers seek quick yet meaningful resolutions to their issues. PITON-Globals strategy revolves around elevating CX by ensuring that every customer interaction is not just a transaction but an opportunity to build a lasting relationship. Ralf Ellspermann, Co-CEO of PITON-Global, highlights the role of cloud computing in enhancing service delivery. Cloud technology offers us the agility and scalability needed to provide seamless support. It ensures that our services are always available, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, he explains. The firm also places a strong emphasis on the continuous training and development of its workforce. In the ever-evolving landscape of technical support, staying abreast of the latest technological trends and customer service techniques is vital. This commitment to professional growth ensures that the agents at PITON-Globals partner BPOs are not just technically proficient but also adept in delivering a high-quality customer experience. Data security and compliance are other areas where PITON-Global excels. In an industry where data protection is paramount, the firm ensures that its partner BPOs adhere to the strictest security standards. This commitment to safeguarding customer data further enhances the trust and reliability of their services. PITON-Globals approach to technical support outsourcing to the Philippines is a testament to the power of combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology. This fusion not only enhances operational efficiencies and reduces costs but also elevates the customer experience to new heights. As the demand for sophisticated technical support continues to soar, the advisory firms innovative model is setting a new benchmark in the industry, solidifying the Philippines position as a leading destination for technical support. Ethiopian police announced the arrest on Tuesday December 12 of a former minister accused of collaborating with the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Taye Dendea, former Minister Delegate for Peace, had posted on his Facebook account on Monday December 11 a letter from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, informing him of his ouster from the Government. On Tuesday, the federal police issued a statement announcing the ministers arrest for collaboration with forces opposed to peace and who want to destroy Ethiopia. In the past, the minister has been a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, but he had recently been critical of the government, particularly its economic policy and the ongoing violence in the Oromia region, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa and is home to around a third of the 120 million inhabitants of Africas 2nd most populous country. In its statement published on Facebook, the police published photos of weapons, rebel flags, license plates and cell phones, all found at the ministers home and all part of a plan to destabilize the country, according to the authorities. An OLA member who used three different identities was also found hiding in (the ministers) residence and was arrested, the police added. Classified as a terrorist organization by Addis Ababa, the OLA has been fighting the Ethiopian authorities since its split with the historic Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in 2018, when the latter renounced armed struggle that year, when current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power. The British governments controversial bill to deport migrants who have arrived illegally in the UK to Rwanda cleared the first hurdle in Parliament on Tuesday evening (December 12). The text recognizes the safety of Rwanda and therefore allows asylum seekers to be sent there to circumvent invalidation by the courts. After almost seven hours of debate, the bill was approved by 313 votes in favor (269 against) in the House of Commons. The Rwanda bill thus passes the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny. We will now work to ensure that this text becomes law so that we can get flights to Rwanda off the ground and stop the boats of migrants crossing the Channel, reacted the head of the Conservative government on the social network X (ex-Twitter). The vote looked set to be a close one. The government even rushed its Environment Minister back from COP28 in Dubai. The right wing of the Conservative Party wanted to go further, as did Danny Kruger during the debate. Im sorry, but this text is not satisfactory. I cant support it, and I would have hoped that the government would withdraw it so that we could work on finding a compromise that respects parliamentary sovereignty. The proposal still allows for appeals, and we fear that the courts will become clogged. Ultimately, the ultraconservative factions hope to amend the text in committee. The next readings promise to be just as complicated for the government. Four Spaniards are being held in Praia on charges of international drug trafficking after being caught on the high seas with five tons of cocaine, judicial sources quoted by Radio de Cabo Verde (RCV) said on Tuesday December 12. Meanwhile, French authorities, in a statement, valued the drugs at 330 million euros. The four detainees were heard in court in Praia and agreed to be extradited to Spain, which should be processed in the coming weeks, the judicial sources added. According to the same sources, the Spaniards were in the vicinity of the port of Praia, where they fled in a speedboat after being chased on the high seas by the authorities, who intercepted them with the drugs. In a statement, the French Atlantic Maritime Prefecture referred to the arrest of the four suspects in Cape Verde, following the interception on Wednesday, December 6, of 5,132 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated market value in France of more than 330 million euros. The operation involving French navy assets took place in an area of the Gulf of Guinea, not specified in the document, based on information transmitted by the Maritime Analysis and Operations Center (Narcotics) (MAOC-N) in Lisbon from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). 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: For transplantation-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the addition of subcutaneous daratumumab combined with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone induction and consolidation therapy and with lenalidomide maintenance therapy (D-VRd) improves progression-free survival. These findings were published online Dec. 12 in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, held from Dec. 9 to 12 in San Diego. Pieter Sonneveld, M.D., Ph.D., from the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and colleagues randomly assigned 709 transplantation-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma to receive D-VRd induction and consolidation therapy and lenalidomide maintenance therapy (D-VRd group) or VRd induction and consolidation therapy and lenalidomide maintenance therapy alone (VRd group) in a phase 3 trial. The researchers found that the risk for disease progression or death was lower in the D-VRd group than in the VRd group at a median follow-up of 47.5 months. The estimated percentage of patients with progression-free survival was 84.3 and 67.7 percent in the D-VRd and VRd groups, respectively, at 48 months (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.42). The D-VRd group had a higher percentage of patients with a complete response or better (87.9 versus 70.1 percent) and a higher percentage of patients with minimal residual disease-negative status (75.2 versus 47.5 percent). "These results further strengthen the existing evidence supporting the use of daratumumab in combination regimens for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma," the authors write. The study was partially funded by Janssen Research and Development, the manufacturer of daratumumab. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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 O'laysha Davis was a few weeks shy of her due date when in mid-August she decided it was time to switch doctors. Davis had planned to give birth at a small community hospital about 20 minutes from her home in North Charleston, South Carolina. But that changed when her medical team started repeatedly calling her cellphone and pressuring her to come to the hospital and deliver the baby. Davis said she'd told her doctor on more than one occasion that she was opposed to inducing labor early. Eventually, she reached her wits' end. "It was ridiculous," said Davis, 33. "I don't feel heard most of the time. I feel like it's their way or no way, you know? Like you don't have a choice." Davis had given birth twice before and knew from experience that Black women, like herself, and their infants face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. In 2021, Davis lost a baby in the womb after a dangerous pregnancy complication in her first trimester. "I was very fearful that the same thing would happen," Davis said when she found out in late 2022 that she was pregnant again. Her fears weren't unfounded. Across South Carolina, Black infant and maternal deaths are troubling. About an hour and a half northwest of Charleston in Orangeburg County, the infant death rate was the highest in the state in 2021. Higher, in fact, than it was 50 years earlier in 1971, according to data KFF Health News obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request from the state health department. All but one of the 17 infants who died in 2021 in Orangeburg was Black. Statistics like this scared Davis. But it was a horror story out of Georgia that really caught her attention: In July, a Black infant was decapitated during delivery by an obstetrician who allegedly used excessive force. Davis was eight months pregnant when the news broke. "Something's terribly wrong," she recalled thinking. 'Moving in the wrong direction' Being Black has always been dangerous for pregnant women and infants in the South. The origin story of modern reproductive medicine can be traced to experiments conducted on Black enslaved women in Alabama during the 1840s by physician J. Marion Sims, the so-called Father of Gynecology, who subjected his patients to painful pelvic surgeries without anesthesia and drugged them with opium. Sims, a native South Carolinian who is memorialized on the Statehouse grounds in Columbia, is credited with inventing an early version of the vaginal speculum, which he designed after probing an enslaved woman named Betsey with the bent handle of a spoon. Fast-forward nearly 200 years, following a legacy of systemic discrimination that has prevented some Black families from getting health care: Poor outcomes for Black women and babies across the United States are alarmingly high compared with white patients. These problems aren't unique to the South. In places such as Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin, for example, Black infants die at more than double the rate of white babies. In Flint, Michigan, where more than half of residents are Black, the infant mortality rate for all babies in 2021 exceeded the rate in any Southern state. But in Deep South states like South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi, infant mortality rates in rural counties, especially for Black babies, often resemble those in much poorer parts of the world. Things are poised to get worse. More than one year after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, allowing state legislatures to outlaw abortion, most states in the South have passed either full or partial bans. Both research and preliminary data suggest this will further jeopardize Black women and babies. In 2021, 42% of all reported abortions in the United States were obtained by Black women, accounting for a larger share than any other race, according to KFF data. And more than half of all Black Americans live in the South, where many of the country's strictest abortion policies were enacted this year and last. Already, birth rates in states that banned or restricted access to abortion have increased since the Dobbs ruling. State-level abortion bans will undoubtedly prove fatal for some people, particularly Black women and children, who are more likely to die before, during, and after childbirth than white women and children. "There is so much anger," said Kelli Parker, director of communications and marketing for the nonprofit Women's Rights and Empowerment Network. "This type of legislation uniquely impacts women of color and other historically marginalized groups." In Texas, for example, infant mortality data from the Department of State Health Services shows the number of babies who died during their first year of life significantly increased after lawmakers passed a six-week abortion ban in 2021, according to data obtained by CNN through a public records request. In Texas, Black babies die before their 1st birthday at a rate more than twice that of white infants. That's because the health of the mother often translates to the health of the infant, and Black women face much higher pregnancy risks, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and hemorrhage. In South Carolina, where the state Supreme Court upheld a ban that outlaws abortion if fetal cardiac activity can be detected, non-Hispanic Black infants are also more than twice as likely to die during their first year than non-Hispanic white infants. And the state's Black infant mortality rate increased by nearly 40% from 2017 to 2021. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic Black women in South Carolina experienced a 67% higher pregnancy-related mortality ratio compared with their white counterparts in 2018 and 2019, according to the latest data from the state's Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee. "We have a lot of work to do," said Sarah Knox, senior director of policy and advocacy at the nonprofit Children's Trust of South Carolina. "Unfortunately, our latest data shows we are moving in the wrong direction." Most states haven't released infant and maternal death data that reflects the impact of the Dobbs decision. But maternal health experts aren't optimistic. A KFF survey conducted this year of 569 OB-GYNs found that most doctors reported the Dobbs decision has worsened pregnancy-related mortality and exacerbated racial and ethnic inequities in maternal health. But Dobbs isn't the only factor. Across the South, public health experts point to a confluence of things: the closure of rural hospitals, the scarcity of doctors and midwives, the pervasiveness of obesity and chronic disease, and many states' refusal to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In many cases, though, the intersection of poverty and structural racism in medicine is to blame for the deaths of Black women and their infants. A KFF survey released this month found Black patients regularly said their health care provider assumed something about them without asking; suggested they were personally at fault for a health problem; ignored a direct request or question; or refused to prescribe them pain medication they thought they needed. More than half of all Black respondents also said they prepare to visit their health care provider by expecting insults or by being very careful about their appearanceor both. "People are tired of being bullied by their providers," said Tiffany Townsend, a midwife and the owner of De la Flor Midwifery in Columbia, South Carolina. In the KFF survey, Black women reported the highest rates of unfair treatment, with 1 in 5 saying a health care provider treated them differently because of their racial or ethnic background. And about twice as many Black adults who were pregnant or gave birth in the past decade said they were refused pain medicine they thought they needed compared with white adults. The nation's Black maternal mortality rate is almost three times as high as the rate for white women. Townsend, one of the few Black midwives practicing in South Carolina, said that's because doctors often ignore their patients' complaints until it's too late. 'Using their voice' In March 2012, Kim Smith was about 22 weeks pregnant when she felt an "unbelievable pain" in the upper-right side of her abdomen. She was immediately admitted to a hospital in Lexington, South Carolina, where she was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a severe case of a pregnancy condition called preeclampsia, which is marked by high blood pressure. She'd been tested for preeclampsia a few weeks earlier and the results were negative. While the preeclampsia rate is much higher among Black women than white women, the diagnosis still came as a shock to Smith, who liked to run, taught aerobics classes in college, and thought of herself as a healthy person. She hadn't considered the possibility of a high-risk pregnancy. "I was placed in a wheelchair and rushed to get an ultrasound," she remembered after arriving at the emergency room. The first ultrasound showed a faint heartbeat, but within a few minutes, it had stopped. Smith was prepped for labor and delivery, but it was too late. The baby she had named Lauren Kelly didn't survive. More than half of all 516 fetal deaths reported that year in South Carolina were linked to Black mothers. The loss of her daughter devastated Smith. She has since given birth to three boys and channeled the pain of her first pregnancy into the development of a patient navigation app called "Lauren," which she hopes will be used to spare other women from a similar loss. The app is designed to allow pregnant and postpartum women to track their stress levels and vital signs, including their blood pressure, and to automatically relay those readings to their physicians. While not a diagnostic tool, Smith intends for the app to empower patients with real-time information so they can identify potential problems early and use it to advocate for themselves. "You have to use your voice. You have to speak up," said Smith, who wants the Lauren app to be made available free to pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid. "I'm still finding that people are not using their voice when they go into the doctor's." New research Across the South, researchers are trying to identify solutions to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. "Nothing seems to be moving the needle," said Joseph Biggio, a maternal-fetal specialist at Ochsner Health in New Orleans. The National Institutes of Health recently awarded Ochsner Health and its partners a $16.5 million grant to establish the Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity to address Louisiana's high maternal mortality rate. Part of that research will involve finding ways to deliver care in rural parts of the state where hospitals have closed, high-risk specialists don't exist, and pregnant women are disproportionately Black. Biggio said the new research center will also compare birth outcomes in Louisiana to those in neighboring Mississippi, where infant and maternal mortality rates are the highest in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A key difference between these two Deep South states: Lawmakers in Louisiana have expanded access to the Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act, while lawmakers in Mississippi haven't. Women in most states who qualify for Medicaid during pregnancy are also covered for 12 months after they give birth. But every year, many childless women in Southern states are not eligible for the low-income health insurance program until they become pregnant. Medicaid expansion, as it was designed under the Affordable Care Act, would fill this gap by loosening eligibility restrictions, but most states in the South haven't adopted the expansion. Some health care policy experts believe that covering women before they become pregnant and between pregnancies would reduce the burden of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and the risks those conditions pose to women and infants. Tracking long-term improvement is crucial because success won't be achieved overnight, said John Simpkins, president of the North Carolina-based MDC, a nonprofit focused on improving racial equity and economic mobility in the South. "If we're talking about population health improvements, then really the intervention should be beginning with kids who are being born right now, and following them through adulthood, and then probably their kids," Simpkins said. Medicaid expansion, for example, could raise families out of poverty, but those benefits might not be realized for another generation, he said. "I've found that the things that work the most are sustained investment over time," he said. But this work isn't relegated to the South. In the majority-Black city of Flint, Michigan, for example, researchers are poised to launch in 2024 a multiyear project called Rx Kids to determine if direct, unrestricted cash payments to pregnant women and new moms improve birth outcomes. "This is standard in other countries. This is common, basic sense," said Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician and the associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, who is leading the Flint research. Poverty tends to peak just before a woman gives birth, she said, and the project in Flint will attempt to offset that hardship by offering every woman in the city who becomes pregnant, regardless of race, a payment of $1,500 at the halfway point of her pregnancy and then an additional $500 a month during the first year of her infant's life, for a total of $7,500. "This is designed to address this critical window, both economically and neurodevelopmentally," Hanna-Attisha said. "It's fundamentally how we are supposed to take care of each other. And it is not revolutionary." 'Extra bad for black women' Back in Charleston, the first seeds of concern had been planted during the first half of O'laysha Davis' pregnancy when, she said, an OB-GYN prescribed a drug to control high blood pressure. She'd declined to take itagainst her doctor's guidancebecause her blood pressure is normally "up and down," she said. It wasn't unusual for her reading to be high at the doctor's office and normal at home, a common phenomenon known as "white coat hypertension." But high blood pressure during pregnancy, if left untreated, can be fatal for moms and babies. Along with medication, Davis' doctor recommended delivering the infant a few weeks before her due date to avoid complications. It wasn't necessarily bad medical advice, but Davis feared the risks associated with inducing labor early, knowing that babies born after 39 weeks of gestation are generally healthier. "I'm not getting an induction. Don't schedule me," she told the doctor. Her OB-GYN scheduled one anyway. But on the morning of the scheduled induction, Davis received mixed messages from the hospital. First, there wasn't a hospital bed available, so they told her not to come in. Later that day, though, in phone calls to Davis and her emergency contact, they advised that she come in immediately. Finally, Davis said, she lost trust in her medical team. Compelled to find someone who would listen, she Googled the names of midwives in Charleston. Davis reached midwife Nicole Lavallee by phone. "I have the same conversation multiple times a week," Lavallee said, with women who feel their medical team has stopped listening to them. "It's extra bad for Black women." Lavallee connected Davis with a doula, then helped her make an appointment at another birthing hospital in Charleston. Davis avoided an induction. She felt the first pains of labor at home and then delivered her babya girl named Journee Divineon Aug. 31, a few days shy of her due date, at the Medical University of South Carolina. 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Confirmed metabolites observed across feeding groups in at least 50% of samples at 1- and 6-months in the HILIC and C18 chromatography columns. Confirmed metabolites observed in at least 50% of samples across feeding groups at 1-month of age in the HILIC (A) and C18 (B) chromatography columns and at 6-months of age in the HILIC (C) and C18 (D) chromatography columns. Credit: npj Metabolic Health and Disease (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s44324-023-00001-2 Breastfeeding, even partially alongside formula feeding, changes the chemical makeupor metabolomeof an infant's gut in ways that positively influence brain development and may boost test scores years later, suggests new CU Boulder research. "For those who struggle with exclusively breastfeeding, this study suggests your baby can still get significant benefits if you breastfeed as much as you can," said senior author Tanya Alderete, an assistant professor of integrative physiology at CU Boulder. The study, published Dec. 13 in the journal npj Metabolic Health and Disease, also identifies specific metabolites that manufacturers may want to consider adding to infant formula to optimize healthy brain development and concerning compounds they should try to leave out. "Our research suggests that even at low levels, some contaminants found in formula may have negative neurodevelopmental effects downstream," said first author Bridget Chalifour, a postdoctoral researcher in Alderete's lab. A health report card for the gut For the study, the research team examined what is known as the "fecal metabolome"the diverse collection of metabolites found in the gut and shed in poop. Metabolites are small molecules that are churned out by gut bacteria as a byproduct of metabolizing food and make their way into the bloodstream, impacting the brain and other organs. Breast milk, formula and solid food also contain metabolites. While scientists have long studied our resident bacteria (microbiome) to better understand human health, the emerging field of "metabolomics" goes a step further. "Looking at the gut microbiome tells us which bacteria are there, while looking at the fecal metabolome can help tell us what they are doing," said Chalifour. "It's like a health report card for the gut." The team collected fecal samples from 112 infants at 1- and 6-months-old and worked with Donghai Liang, assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University in Atlanta, and other colleagues to chemically analyze which metabolites were present. They grouped infants based on how much they were breastfed vs. formula-fed. At age 2, the children took cognitive, motor and language tests. The study found that the samples from infants in different feeding groups contained significantly different levels of metabolites. For instance, at 1 month old, 17 metabolites were more abundant the more a baby was breastfed, and 40 were more abundant the more a baby was formula-fed. When looking more closely at specific metabolites, the researchers identified 14 that were also associated with differences in test scores at age 2. With only one notable exception, caffeine, the more metabolites associated with breast milk a baby had in their stool, the better they did on cognitive tests as toddlers (more on caffeine later.) The more metabolites associated with formula feeding they had, the worst they did. "The consistency of these results is striking and supports the benefits of breastfeeding as much as possible in early life," said Alderete. Some metabolites associated with formula concerning One particularly beneficial metabolite was cholesterol: At both 1 and 6 months old, the more a baby was breastfed, the more cholesterol they had in their stool. And the more cholesterol babies had in their stool, the better they did on cognitive tests. This makes sense, as the fatty acid is critical for forming healthy circuits between brain cells. As the authors note, 80% to 90% of the brain's volume grows in the first two years of life. In contrast, the more a baby was formula-fed, the higher their levels of a metabolite called cadaverine, a known contaminant formed via fermentation. In the study, the more a child was formula-fed, the higher their levels of cadaverine and the lower their test scores at age 2. While the compound is considered a toxin at higher levels, the Food and Drug Administration permits low levels in infant formula. "It may be that formula manufacturers should be more vigilant in getting levels of this compound down to zero," said Chalifour. Interestingly, babies who were breastfed had higher levels of caffeine in their stoolperhaps because moms may have been breastfeeding over a cup of coffee. Not surprisingly, higher levels of caffeine, a stimulant, were associated with poorer cognitive scores. Prenatal caffeine exposure has previously been associated with lower neurodevelopmental scores, and experts recommend no more than 12 ounces, or a cup and a half, of coffee per day for pregnant women. Not all or nothing The World Health Organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, but in the United States, only 63% of infants are exclusively breastfed immediately following birth. By six months, only a quarter of U.S. babies are exclusively breastfed. Alderete acknowledges that for some parents, breastfeeding isn't possible. She hopes her research can ultimately help manufacturers improve formula to make it as close to breast milk as it can be. And she stresses that just because a child was not breastfed does not mean they'll have neurodevelopmental deficits. Early feeding patterns are just one of many factors that contribute to how a brain develops. Her takeaway to new parents having trouble breastfeeding exclusively: Don't give up. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. "Just increasing the proportion of breast milk relative to formula may have a positive impact on your developing child," she said. More information: Bridget Chalifour et al, The potential role of early life feeding patterns in shaping the infant fecal metabolome: implications for neurodevelopmental outcomes, npj Metabolic Health and Disease (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s44324-023-00001-2 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: Bottles of abortion pills mifepristone, left, and misoprostol, right, at a clinic in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 22, 2010. Medication abortion is the preferred method of ending pregnancy in the U.S., and one of the two drugs use mifepristone will now go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024. As states have imposed bans or restrictions or seek to limit abortions after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, demand for the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol have grown. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File Medication abortion is the preferred method of ending pregnancy in the U.S., and one of the two drugs usedmifepristonewill now go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court next year. Demand for the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol has grown as states have imposed bans or restrictions or seek to limit abortions after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Conservative groups filed lawsuits targeting mifepristone, which is the only drug approved specifically for abortion, seeking to reverse its approval or rollback policies that have made it easier to obtain. The Supreme Court will hear a case in the spring that could block mail-order access to mifepristone and impose restrictions on its use, even in states where abortion remains legal. The restrictions include shortening the window during pregnancy in which the drug can be used and requiring in-person office visits to get a prescription. Here's a closer look at how mifepristone and misoprostol work and the legal challenges that the drugs face. HOW DO ABORTION DRUGS WORK? The prescription medications are taken several days apart. Mifepristone is taken first, swallowed by mouth. The drug dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol, a drug also used to treat stomach ulcers, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. The pill is designed to dissolve when placed between the gums and teeth or in the vagina. It causes the uterus to cramp and contract, causing bleeding and expelling pregnancy tissue. While the two-drug combination is slightly more effective, misoprostol is sometimes used alone. That practice is more common in countries where mifepristone is banned. HOW ARE ABORTION DRUGS ADMINISTERED? Abortion medication is currently approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy. The pills may be taken in a doctor's office or clinic, where patients sometimes have an ultrasound or lab tests beforehand. Some providers also offer the pills through telehealth visits and send the medication by mail. The pills account for more than half of all U.S. abortions. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? Studies and real-use evidence show that when taken together, the pills are safe and up to 99% effective. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bleeding is normal; very heavy bleeding is uncommon and requires medical attention. Serious complications are very rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said last year about 5.9 million women have used mifepristone since it was approved more than 20 years ago. The agency has received 32 reports of deaths in women using the medication, including two involving ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb. The deaths can't be definitively attributed to mifepristone because in many cases the women had other health conditions and were using other medications. The medications are not recommended for certain patients, including those with suspected ectopic pregnancies or with implanted IUD birth control devices. Dr. Stephanie Rand, a New York OB-GYN and abortion specialist with the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, says pregnancy tests should not be used right away to determine if a medication abortion was successful because the pregnancy hormone may linger in the body for several weeks. Bleeding with blood clots that include lighter colored tissue are signs of success, she said. HOW MUCH DOES MEDICATION ABORTION COST? It varies by location, but it's similar to abortion procedures and may total more than $500. Health insurance coverage also varies, with some plans making the pills free or low-cost and others not covering them at all. Mifepristone is sold under the brand name Mifeprex and misoprostol under the brand name Cytotec. Both pills are available as generics. WHAT'S THE LEGAL STATUS OF MIFEPRISTONE? Mifepristone remains fully approved, despite the legal challenges. The FDA and the Biden administration have reiterated that the drug's safety and effectiveness have been repeatedly confirmed by multiple studies conducted since its 2000 approval. Access largely depends on where a patient lives. Currently, 14 states are enforcing laws that bar abortions, including medication abortions, throughout pregnancy. Another 15 states have separate laws specifically limiting how mifepristone can be prescribed and distributed, such as requiring an in-person visit with a physician. Still, some women in states with bans are able to obtain the pills through the mail, which isn't tightly regulated. The case now before the Supreme Court began with a legal challenge in 2022 by Christian conservatives who sought to overturn mifepristone's original FDA approval. A Texas judge sided with the group in an initial victory that would have required the drug to be removed from the market. But an appeals court left the drug's approval intact, instead issuing a ruling that would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased access to the drug. The Supreme Court put all those changes on hold while it considers the case. HOW COULD THE SUPREME COURT'S RULING IMPACT ACCESS? If the justices side with abortion opponents, it would likely mean the drug could no longer be sent through the mail as has been possible since 2021. It would also shorten the window for use to seven weeks from 10 weeksthe latter was approved in 2016. Other requirements would include reimposing three in-person office visits with a doctor before women could get a prescription. Additionally, women also might have be required to take a higher dosage of the drug than the FDA says is necessary. That's because a negative ruling would also overturn a determination by the FDA that a lower dosage could be safely used. The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to decide on the case by late June. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Pairwise F ST between Australian, PNG and Asian populations from the SGDP. Genetic differences between Indigenous Australian communities are significantly greater than between groups from other continents distributed over a comparable geographic range. Heatmaps show pairwise F ST differences between all East Asian populations, and all Australian communities. Note, for instance, F ST between Galiwinku and Titjikala (0.045), is as high as between Cambodia and Oroqen (0.045), groups separated by three to four times the geographical distance. All F ST values were calculated on a set of variants polymorphic in an African outgroup population (Mbuti), thus providing an unbiased estimator of F ST . Color scales for both heatmaps are the same. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06831-w The most comprehensive analysis of Indigenous Australians' genomes collected to date has revealed an "abundance" of DNA variationssome of which have never been reported anywhere else in the worldpaving the way for new, personalized treatments that address health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A team of Australian researchers, led by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU), found that DNA differences between Indigenous Australians living in the Tiwi Islands and Indigenous peoples living in the Australian desert are equivalent to comparing the genetic information of someone from Bangladesh to the United Kingdom. The researchers detected hundreds of thousands of 'structural gene variants' that affect large segments of DNA. These variants occur naturally in different individuals of a population, make up most of the genetic differences between individuals, and may be linked to genetic disease in some families. "The DNA sequencing shows for the first time this level of DNA variation observed anywhere else in the world outside of Africa, reflecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' deep cultural and linguistic diversity and long-standing connection to the Australian continent," Dr. Hardip Patel, from ANU, said. "Some of the DNA variations we discovered appear to be exclusively found in Indigenous Australians, while others appear to be found only in one out of the four Indigenous communities that we consulted and worked with. "Previously, we've had to try to utilize the DNA of non-Indigenous populations to help diagnose and treat disease among Indigenous Australians, which has proven difficult and is often less reliable. But now we have a new, more accurate, and personalized genomic dataset to build off." Led by the National Center for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG) at ANU, research teams examined the DNA of 160 Indigenous Australians from four Aboriginal communities in the Central Desert, Far North Queensland, and two islands off the coast of the Northern Territory. It's hoped the research will improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians by enabling tailored treatments for a range of conditions, including diabetes, coronary disease, and cancerall of which disproportionately impact Indigenous peoples compared to the rest of the Australian population. "Aboriginal people have long said you can't treat us the same because we are so different. Having scientific proof to show this is true is remarkable," ANU Associate Professor Azure Hermes, a proud Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman and deputy director of NCIG, said. "Clinicians must realize treatment options for Indigenous Australians can't be viewed through a one-model-fits-all lens. We are not a single genetic group and can't be lumped into one category." Dr. Ira Deveson, from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, said, "We identified more than 160,000 structural gene variants, which is more than any previous population-level, long-read study to date." "The research team discovered at least 300 structural variants in each individual that appear to be unique to Indigenous Australians." A genome is equivalent to an instruction manual for the body. It is a blueprint that contains all the genetic information we need to grow, develop, function, and respond to the environments in which we live. Genomics medicine harnesses an individual's genetic information to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies for a range of health conditions, as well as rare genetic diseases. "The code embedded in our genome is unique to each individualit's what makes us different to other human beings. Variations within our genetic code can not only explain the way we look but can sometimes impact our risk of developing certain diseases," Dr. Patel said. "We still don't understand why Aboriginal people are more prone to health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, coronary disease, cancer and other conditions. But genomics might be an important piece of the puzzle that helps unlock some of these answers." Associate Professor Hermes said the project is also about giving Indigenous communities oversight of how their genetic information is used by science. "Our goal is to work with and empower Indigenous Australians to take ownership of their genetic information and show them the power of genomics and the health benefits it can deliver," Associate Professor Hermes said. "It's taken us almost eight years to get to this point and has only been made possible because of guidance by Indigenous communities, careful consultation, building relationships with communities, and understanding their priorities and protocols." NCIG houses a biobank of 7,000 blood samples from 35 Aboriginal communities across Australia. The center is working in collaboration with Indigenous communities to figure out the best ways to care for and return these samples. "At ANU, we have established a plan for communities to decide the future use and management of these important blood samples and the data that can be generated from them," Associate Professor Hermes said. "This is an important step toward long-lasting reconciliation with Indigenous Australians." The research is published in two separate papers in Nature. More information: Stephen Leslie, Indigenous Australian genomes show deep structure and rich novel variation, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06831-w. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06831-w Ira Deveson, The landscape of genomic structural variation in Indigenous Australians, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06842-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06842-7 Journal information: Nature 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: Estimated prevalence of tuberculosis infection among foreign-born residents aged (A) 014 years, (B) 1534 years, (C) 3554 years, (D) 5574 years and (E) 75 years and older at immigration, and (F) among all foreign-born residents according to 2021 tuberculosis disease incidence per 100 000 people in country of origin. Note: TB = tuberculosis, UI = uncertainty interval. Credit: Canadian Medical Association Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230228 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis (TB) caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022 and is still very much present in many countries. In Canada, where foreign-born residents bear 80 percent of the burden of TB, the annual incidence rate is close to 5 cases per 100,000 persons, far from the WHO's goal to reduce it to one case per million inhabitants. A new study by researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) found that approximately one in four foreign-born Canadian residents is infected with TB, but very few of them were infected within the last two years, the period of highest risk for progression to the active form of the disease. The authors of the study newly published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggest that prevention strategies should prioritize infection screening for new permanent residents from countries where the incidence of TB is high. It would be costly and ineffective to test people who have been in the country for more than two years. "According to the World Health Organization, 510 percent of people infected with TB develop the disease in their lifetime. However, the risk of developing TB disease is 2550 times higher within the first two years of acquiring the infection compared to when more years have elapsed," explains Dr. Kevin Schwartzman, senior scientist in the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the RI-MUHC, professor of Medicine at McGill University and co-senior author of the study. "Our study suggests that among all foreign-born Canadian residents infected with TB in 2021, only 1 in 488 were infected in the two years prior, with increased risk of developing TB disease." "Preventive treatment of tuberculosis is highly effective in preventing the development of the disease in infected individuals. However, implementing widespread screening and treatment programs for TB infection would likely be prohibitively expensive and would mean treating a very large number of people at very low risk of developing the disease," adds Jonathon Campbell, Ph.D., junior scientist in the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the RI-MUHC, co-senior author of the study. "We conducted this study to help identify groups for whom screening would be more effective and would likely detect greater proportions of infections." A clearer picture of the situation Based on the results of the study, the estimated overall prevalence of TB infection among foreign-born people in Canada was 25 percent for the 2001 census year, 24 percent for 2006, 23 percent for 2011, 22 percent for 2016, and 22 percent for 2021, close to the global average of 23 percent. The researchers also observed that prevalence increased with age at migration and the incidence of TB in the country of origin. Provincially, the estimated prevalence of infection in 2021 among foreign-born residents was lowest in Quebec (19%) and highest in Alberta (24%) and British Columbia (24%). To produce these results, the researchers synthesized information about TB disease and infection rates in all countries of the world over the past 90 years to estimate how likely it is that people living in any given country were exposed to and infected with TB at any given year. They linked this data to information from Canadian censuses, including the number of people living in Canada who came from each country, as well as their age and time spent in Canada. Their work revealed that foreign-born Canadian residents with TB infection were likely infected long before they migrated, and therefore, most are at low risk of developing the disease. Progressing towards TB elimination The authors of the study point out that, despite Canada's previous target of reducing the incidence of TB in Canada to 3.5 cases per 100,000 population by 2015, it remained at 4.8 per 100,000 in 2021. This despite the fact that Canada and the global community have agreed to end TB by 2030 as part of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The authors attribute the lack of progress toward TB elimination over the last decade to epidemiological changes and the lack of prevention strategies. "Our study provides much-needed estimates and information on TB infection among foreign-born people living in Canada. We hope that it informs clinical and policy-level decision-making," says Aria Jordan, first author of the study and former master's student under Dr. Schwartzman. More information: Aria Ed Jordan et al, The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among foreign-born Canadians: a modelling study, Canadian Medical Association Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230228 Journal information: Canadian Medical Association Journal 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 Infection with the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease: In people over the age of 50, the risk following a symptomatic infection can be an average of 11 percent higher, and even more about ten years after the infection, at 24 percent greater risk. These are the findings of a study by ChariteUniversitatsmedizin Berlin and McGill University (Canada), now published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. The researchers analyzed three decades' worth of patient data. As today's population ages, dementia is set to become more common, tripling in prevalence in the next 40 years. With no cure in sight so far, researchers are trying to pinpoint the risk factors involved in dementia in hopes of specifically targeting those factors. Helicobacter pylori enters the central nervous system Researchers have long suspected Helicobacter pylori, a common gut microbe, of being a potential risk factor. Nearly one-third of all people in Germany are infected with this type of bacteria. An infection can be asymptomatic, but the bacteria can also cause inflammation of the stomach lining or even stomach cancer. Numerous lab studies have also found a link between H. pylori infection and the central nervous system. "We know that the bacterium can reach the brain via various routes, potentially causing inflammation, damage, and the destruction of neurons there," explains Prof. Antonios Douros, a pharmacoepidemiologist at Charite and the first author of the study. When the stomach has been damaged by these microbes, it is also no longer able to absorb Vitamin B12 or iron effectively, which also increases the risk of dementia. However, many of the studies performed to date on the association between H. pylori infection and Alzheimer's disease suffered from methodological limitationsfor example, because the number of people studied was simply too low. One outcome of this was that before now, it was also not possible to say just how strong a link there is between this type of bacterial infection and Alzheimer's disease. Representative study of over four million people Douros, Prof. Paul Brassard of McGill University in Montreal, and their colleagues have now compensated for those limitations. Not only did their study have a very large sample size, at over four million people, but it also considered the time interval between infection and a possible increase in the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used data gleaned from electronic patient records in the UK to quantify the link between H. pylori and Alzheimer's disease over the course of a person's lifetime. "Our study shows that symptomatic infections with H. pylori after the age of 50 can be associated with an eleven percent increase in the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The risk increase peaks at 24 percent about a decade after the initial infection," Douros says. But that doesn't mean everyone who has experienced a symptomatic infection will necessarily go on to develop Alzheimer's disease. The calculations show an increase in the relative risk compared to people who did not experience a symptomatic H. pylori infection after the age of 50. "To us, this finding reinforces the assumption that an H. pylori infection could be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease," Douros concludes. However, the researchers caution about whether efforts to eradicate this gut microbe might actually affect the development of Alzheimer's disease, and if so, to what extent it would need to be tested in large-scale randomized studies first. More information: Antonios Douros et al, Clinically apparent Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of incident Alzheimer's disease: A populationbased nested casecontrol study, Alzheimer's & Dementia (2023). DOI: 10.1002/alz.13561 Journal information: Alzheimer's & Dementia Provided by ChariteUniversitatsmedizin Berlin This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Global consumption data show that there is an increasing trend of sedativehypnotic prescriptions, especially in more developed affluent countries and regions, such as Hong Kong. Researchers in the Center for Safe Medication Practice and Research (CSMPR) of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy in the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), conducted a study investigating the connection between particular sedativehypnotics and the risk of bone fractures on more than 6 million individuals in 11 countries/ regions. The findings revealed that the use of certain sedativehypnotic medications was moderately associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, estimating at 30% to 40%. The study highlights the importance of carefully evaluating the benefits and risks when prescribing sedativehypnotics, particularly for patients with a high risk of bone fracture. The findings were published in Sleep Medicine Reviews. Sedativehypnotics are drugs that are commonly used to reduce anxiety and tension, and improve sleep quality. They can be categorized into three generations: barbiturates and chloral hydrate, benzodiazepines (BZD), and z-drugs. Numerous studies show a potential risk of bone fractures following the use of sedativehypnotics. The risk may be related to certain side effects of these medications, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and hypotension, which can increase the likelihood of falls and injuries. However, the existing evidence is inconclusive, possibly due to the complex mechanisms and various factors that can contribute to fractures. In view of this, researchers from CSMPR conducted a systematic review and performed a meta-analysis to synthesize the existing evidence and determine the association between sedativehypnotic use and the risk of fractures. The research team examined 20 observational studies conducted in 11 countries/ regions, involving more than 6 million individuals. The studies comprised six cohort studies, eight case-control studies, and six case-crossover studies, one of which also incorporating a self-controlled case series design. Eleven of the studies were included in a subsequent meta-analysis. All the studies were rated as good quality, receiving scores ranging from 7 to 9 out of 10 stars, according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, a widely recognized instrument for assessing the quality of studies. The review found that 18 out of the 20 studies showed a significant association between the use of sedativehypnotic medications and an increased risk of fractures. A meta-analysis estimated that sedativehypnotic users have a 30% higher risk of fractures compared to non-users. Specifically, a pooled analysis showed that the use of BZD was associated with a 32% higher risk of hip fractures, and the use of z-drugs was linked to a 41% higher risk of fractures at any site in the body. The risk was similar for both long-acting and short-acting sedative-hypnotics. Despite limitations such as unmeasured confounding effects, the study highlights the rare but possible side effect of fractures from the use of sedativehypnotic medications. The underlying cause of the elevated fracture risk needs further research, but falls likely contribute to this association. The study suggests that patients who have a higher risk of fractures, such as those aged 85 years or above or living alone, should be prescribed sedativehypnotics with caution. Appropriate counseling should be provided to patients before prescribing these medications, and fall and fracture risks should be monitored and mitigated. Taking preventive measures to prevent falls by sedativehypnotic users can also help reduce the risk of fracture. "With the increasingly prevalent use of sedative-hypnotics worldwide, including off-label use, we believe a more careful clinical assessment should be conducted for patients based on the overall safety profile of the specific sedativehypnotic agents before prescription," said Dr. Francisco Lai Tsz-tsun, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy and the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, also the senior author of the study. More information: Chong Xu et al, Sedative-hypnotics and osteoporotic fractures: A systematic review of observational studies with over six million individuals, Sleep Medicine Reviews (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101866 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: Carl Ward, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Marson Lab at Gladstone Institutes, was co-first author of the landmark study in Nature, along with fellow co-first author Ralf Schmidt, MD, a medical fellow at the Medical University of Vienna who is a former postdoctoral researcher at Gladstone. Here, Ward speaks with Zev Armour-Garb, a student intern in the Marson Lab. Credit: Gladstone Institutes, 2023 In a study of historic scale, scientists at Gladstone Institutes have created an intricate map of how the immune system functions, examining the detailed molecular structures governing human T cells using the next-generation CRISPR tool known as base editing. Their paper, "Base editing mutagenesis maps functional alleles to tune human T cell activity," published in Nature, uncovers detailed information that could help overcome the limitations of today's immunotherapies and identify new drug targets for a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Led by Gladstone Senior Investigator Alex Marson, MD, Ph.D., the team dove deep into the DNA of T cells, pinpointing specific nucleotidesthe basic units of genetic information in DNAthat influence how immune cells respond to stimuli. In all, they scrutinized more than 100,000 sites across nearly 400 genes found in functioning human T cells. Nucleotides serve as the basic code for constructing proteins in cells, so by identifying these specific units of DNA the scientists now have clarity into exact locations within proteins that tune immune responses critical for health. The results serve as a bullseye, marking sites that can be targeted with future immune-modulating drugs. "We've created astoundingly precise and informative maps of DNA sequences and protein sites that tune actual human immune responses," says Marson, who is also director of the Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Gladstone Institutes. "Our mapped sites provide insights into mutations found in patients with immune disorders. The enormous genetic dataset also works as a sort of cheat sheet, explaining biochemical code that will help us program future immunotherapies for cancer, autoimmunity, infections, and beyond." T cells play a central role in immune response and regulation, making them of keen interest to scientists looking to solve complex diseases such as cancer or immune disorders. For the past decade, the Marson lab and others have established the gene-editing technology CRISPR to study how primary immune cells work. For this study, the team went a step further, leveraging a newer CRISPR-based technology known as base editing to make more targeted changes to hundreds to thousands of DNA sites across individual genespainting a much more nuanced picture at high resolution. Because the study was conducted using primary T cells sourced from human blood donors, results hold great clinical relevance, noted Ralf Schmidt, MD, co-first author of the paper. Schmidt, a medical fellow at the Medical University of Vienna, is a former postdoctoral researcher at Gladstone Institutes. "This study is zooming into the genetic basis of immune cell functions," Schmidt says. "We can now interrogate T cells at nucleotide resolution, generating blueprints for drug development, diagnostics, and further scientific endeavors." With immense pools of data generated from the more than 100,000 sites on T cells, computational genomics became a critical piece of the study. Carl Ward, Ph.D., a Gladstone postdoctoral researcher and co-first author, led the team's efforts in this area, keying in on important measures of cell function to create what he hopes can serve as an indispensable resource for immunologists and drug developers alike. "We can now assign functions to specific mutations that had been a mystery," Ward says. "Our detailed functional maps also can be combined with existing datasets and AI tools to amplify our discoveries and predict new avenues of investigation." Ward notes that the new Nature study is just the beginning of a new chapter of immune cell discoveries: "Our tools for solving disease are going to get better and better," he says. "We're nearing a point where we can use these maps to design therapies that can tune up the T cell function for cancer treatments or tune it down to treat autoimmune disease." More information: Alex Marson et al, Base editing mutagenesis maps functional alleles to tune human T cell activity, Nature (2023). doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06835-6 Journal information: Nature St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula has a new chief executive. William J. Calhoun was chosen for the role by Providence, the health care company based in Washington state that runs St. Pat's and other hospitals in the region. Calhoun will oversee the Providence Montana Service Area, which includes St. Pat's, St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson and the Providence Medical Clinics in western Montana. St. Pat's is one of the largest employers in Missoula County and is one of two major hospitals in Missoula, along with Community Medical Center. Calhoun, who goes by "Bill," most recently served as the chief executive officer at Kearny Regional Medical Center in Nebraska. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. "More than half of my career has been dedicated to faith-based health care," he said in a statement. "The mission of Providence is inspiring, and I look forward to using my experiences to serve western Montana, just as Providence St. Patrick Hospital has done for 150 years." Calhoun and his wife Patti will live in Missoula, they said. His first day will be Feb. 12, 2024. My wife and I love Montana and all that this great state has to offer, and we are excited to engage in our local community," Calhoun said. "It has been a wonderful experience getting to know the people I have met along the way, and I cannot think of a better place to take the next major step in my personal and professional journey. Providence has been actively recruiting for the Montana chief executive position since Joyce Dombrouskis retirement announcement at the end of 2022. Kirk Bodlovic has been acting interim chief executive during the national search. The head of the union representing rural mail carriers nationwide says the number of unfilled positions at the U.S. Postal Service is at an all-time high and low wages are the main culprit. "It's the worst I've ever seen in my career," said Don Maston, the president of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, when asked about the number of open jobs. "They're just not paying enough money. It's by far our No. 1 issue." Maston said that with the challenging labor market that the country is in right now, employees are incentivized to pick and choose which job suits them best. "(The USPS) is not paying what it needs to be and rural carrier associates are getting worked to death," he explained. "Management is hard on them, they're not getting the treatment we believe they deserve. So they just quit. It's the worst staffing shortage we've ever had in the rural craft and frankly it's going to take the Postal Service paying higher wages to make the job attractive and get quality applicants to come into work." The union is headquartered in Virginia and represents 127,000 bargaining unit employees across the country. Maston said that the U.S. Postal Service can neither attract nor retain enough workers because of low starting wages. That problem compounds itself because the employees that do choose to work there are then over-burdened and can't take off as many days as they would like, causing them to burn out and quit. "(USPS) can't hire people at the starting salary they're offering," Maston said. "As we head to collective bargaining here shortly, that's our No. 1 priority is the need to increase the starting salary for rural carrier associates substantially. We're not talking pennies, we're talking multiple dollars. They need to make some gigantic advances in order for those salaries to be attractive." Rural carrier associates are non-career, relief workers for the career Postal Service employees. They replace regular rural carriers on their scheduled days off or when people are sick. In Montana, a largely rural state, rural carriers are a crucial lifeline for people to send and receive important documents, medications, supplies and other necessities. It's not clear how many unfilled positions there are in Missoula or Montana overall. But as recently as this past spring USPS said it was trying to fill 2,000 open positions in a "hiring blitz" for Montana, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Recently, several USPS employees in Missoula said that they've been essentially forced to work six or even seven days a week for much of the past two years because there's nobody to deliver mail on their days off. Maston said that rural carrier associates across the country make a little over $20 an hour when they start with the Postal Service. "That needs to jump up dramatically," he said. "In many places, RCAs are working 60-70 hours a week." But the hours are not directly connected to the amount of work they do. Rather, they're paid through a complicated Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System, which is designed to incentivize a carrier to finish a route quickly and go home early while still getting paid for the hours the route is evaluated for. However, Maston said routes can change quickly if there's a lot more Amazon or eBay deliveries, and sometimes a route can take longer than it's been evaluated for. So, a carrier could work overtime hours and not make any extra cash. About two-thirds of rural mail carriers saw significant pay cuts under the new Rural Route Evaluated Carrier System, according to federal data. Maston said that much of the blame lies in the USPS not properly training employees on the new system. He said the new system was imposed by an arbiter after a collective bargaining session and that the situation is improving. U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told the Federal News Network that rural carriers "are receiving lower pay under RRECS because the new pay system reflects a steep decline in mail volume over the past decade." The result of it is unfortunate, because a lot of it has resulted in the aggregation of mail decline over 10 years, impacting the rural carriers in one shot, DeJoy said. I believe that all the participants were told and (have) known that this has been coming. Its an unfortunate consequence, but on the same token, we need to align the compensation for the work that is being done." Another issue lately has been missed paychecks. Maston said that over 54,000 mail carriers didn't get a paycheck recently. USPS, in a statement to the Missoulian this week, acknowledged the issue and said it is working to fix the problem. "An employer's core responsibility ... is to pay its workers on payday," Maston said. "If they cannot pay carriers correctly on time, it's a big problem heading into the holiday season. We're going to be asking for some pretty severe remedies to compensate these carriers monetarily to maybe incentivize the U.S. Postal Service to stop messing up the pay and maybe upgrade their computer systems." Maston filed a national-level grievance over the issue, saying USPS took multiple pay periods to get employees their fair pay. According to a 2021 investigation by journalist Alexia Fernandez Campbell with the nonprofit Center for Public Integrity, USPS was cited 1,150 times by the federal government from 2005 to 2021 for underpaying letter carriers and other employees. The U.S. Department of Labor also negotiated with USPS to only pay back about half of the $659,000 it owed to those workers. The issue was caused mainly by supervisors making inaccurate adjustments to workers' timecards. In a statement to the Center for Public Integrity, USPS spokesperson David Partenheimer said the agency doesn't condone supervisors making "unsupported timecard adjustments" and takes the allegations seriously. MADRID Spanish authorities confiscated 11 tons of cocaine and arrested 20 people in two different operations against the smuggling of the illegal drugs inside shipping containers, Spain's National Police said Tuesday. Police said more than 8 tons of cocaine seized by agents in the northwestern city of Vigo were hidden between pieces of frozen tuna. Investigators said a criminal organization was using a frozen seafood company as a front to bring the drugs from South America to Spain. A separate sting by police in the Mediterranean city of Valencia led to the seizure of more than 3 tons of cocaine found in false bottoms of shipping containers in the eastern city's port. Police didn't reveal the exact dates of the operation, only indicating they were carried out recently. They said both rings were linked to criminal organizations from the Balkans region. Photos: Drug cartels vex Europe Europe Cocaine Europe Cocaine Europe Cocaine A Billings woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Yellowstone County District Court to accusations that she tried to run down a group of people near downtown Billings over the weekend. Genevienne Marlene Rancuret, 55, is facing a dozen criminal charges, the majority of them felony assault with a weapon, after allegedly driving a Jeep while drunk at the wheel toward a gathering of radical Hebrew Israelites. She injured one man, Yellowstone County prosecutors alleged, during her four attempts to run through the crowd. This was a serious and violent offense, Chief Deputy County Attorney Christopher Morris said during Rancurets arraignment Wednesday. On Dec. 8, officers with the Billings Police Department responded to calls of a woman in a Jeep Wrangler trying to run over people in the Albertsons parking lot at North 27th Street and Sixth Avenue North. The driver, later identified as Rancuret, allegedly drove north on Sixth Avenue North from a gas station, against the flow of traffic, and into the parking lot. Those gathered in the parking lot were men with Israel United in Christ, the Associated Press reported, a radical sect of Black Hebrew Israelites. Not all Black Israelites or Jews of color are antisemitic, but members of Israel United in Christ have spread rhetoric combining Biblical literalism with extremist conspiracies to advocate the idea that Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews are fake Jews. Although the sects leaders have preached against violence through the organizations website and sermons posted online, the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated Israel United in Christ as a hate group. At the time the Jeep was running toward the demonstrators in Billings, members of Israel United in Christ were reading passages from the Bible into a PA system, court documents said. The Jeep wrecked the groups sound system and signage, scattering the nine men gathered. One bystander told police he had to jump out of the path of the Jeep in fear of his life when it returned to the parking lot three more times. Another man, a 43-year-old, was wounded and went to a local hospital to be treated for a leg injury. Police found the Jeep soon after stopped near 12th Street West and Central Avenue with Rancuret still at the wheel, according to charging documents. Officers pulled her from the Jeep, and she allegedly failed several sobriety tests following her arrest. Rancuret agreed to speak with investigators, allegedly admitting to driving through the crowd and running over the equipment in the Albertsons parking lot. Before the wreck, she said she drank two bottles of liquor in her Jeep. While visiting a gas station across from the demonstrators, she allegedly told police one of the men antagonized her and she felt threatened. A gas station employee told investigators Rancuret told him she was going to run them over, court documents said. In total, Rancuret has been charged with nine counts of assault with a weapon, felony criminal endangerment, criminal mischief and DUI, a misdemeanor. She appeared via teleconference for her arraignment Wednesday, which concluded with Standing Master Bradley Kneeland setting her bond at $250,000. I believe that this is a community safety issues, Kneeland said after siding with prosecutors in setting the six-figure bond. For each count of assault with a weapon, Rancuret could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison and fined up to $50,000. PABLO When Ann Miller heard on a Friday that space in a treatment center opened up for an incarcerated community member seeking help, she thought it would be nearly impossible to get him there in time. The client, Miller said, would have to get to treatment by the next day, or his bed would be given to someone else. But first, the client would need a physical exam and to receive authorization from the court to release him. Miller, the managing attorney in the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Defenders Office, said making these arrangements in less than 24 hours would be difficult under any circumstance, but on a Friday, when most offices are closed, the task seemed almost inconceivable. Miller manages about 50 clients at a time. In the past, she said, when a client asked to be connected to services, shed give them a phone number and essentially wish them luck. This time, though, Miller knew exactly who to call for help Aaron Lee. By Saturday, Lee had not only scheduled a physical for the client. He also arranged transportation to the exam, secured authorization from the court and organized a ride for the client to get to treatment. It was really amazing, Miller recalled, adding that the client is doing well. First contact Lee, who is Navajo, is employed by the tribal defenders office through a fellowship offered by Partners for Justice, a national organization that provides support services to people facing criminal charges. By connecting clients to services, the organization helps lower incarceration rates and recidivism. Founded in 2018 in Delaware and California, Partners for Justice has since expanded to 27 locations in the U.S. and expects to operate in close to 20 states by the end of next year. On the Flathead Reservation, Partners for Justice primarily serves tribal members involved in the criminal legal system, and Lee said his first contact with clients is normally in tribal jail. When he visits people who are incarcerated, Lee said he will often talk through their case and let them know when and how they may be released. He also reassures people facing charges that he will be in the courtroom when their case is reviewed and offers to connect them to other services in the community. Lee said that face-to-face interaction in jail is really important in building relationships and establishing trust. I try to think about it as if I were in jail, Lee said. I just know how lonely and cold it can be. And coming down from substances is another factor a lot of people dont take into account. You can feel those depressive moods, and it can feel like theres no hope. Most of the time, I see people just break down and cry. While health care, affordable housing, mental health and employment services are available on the reservation, resources like these arent always easy to access especially for someone who is incarcerated, living in poverty or experiencing housing instability. In a 2022 Community Health Assessment, members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes said their top concern was a lack of affordable housing on the reservation, followed by a lack of access to health care. And while some clients may have family members who can help them navigate barriers and access services, Lee said, a lot of times, those doors are closed by the time they get (to us). Melanie Nolan, another advocate on the Flathead Reservation, said shes helped clients access health care. Lets say someone needs a surgery, she said. Thats something they need to schedule. So to have someone sit down with them, figure out what doctor works with their insurance, make the call, schedule the appointment, remind them of the appointment and take them to the doctor is sometimes all they really need. But those extra 10 or 11 steps in between are the things that stop them from getting the care they really need. Emily Galvin-Almanza, executive director of Partners for Justice, said nationwide, 75 to 90% of public defender clients have needs beyond their case that a public defender can meet, if they are equipped to do so. Of those public defender clients, almost nobody has just one need, she explained. A lack of housing can make finding a job harder. So when we put all these services as a one-stop shop in a place where clients are already going, its very convenient and allows clients to take advantage of more opportunities than they would if they had to go to eight different providers, instead of one Aaron Lee. Galvin-Almanza said on average, Partners for Justice advocates help clients meet between two and seven different goals. Lee, she said, holds the record, helping clients with, on average, six different services at a time. Lee has helped clients access affordable housing, transportation and medical care. Hes helped people apply to jobs, reinstate their driver's licenses, restore data services to their phone, receive drug and alcohol treatment, recover a vehicle and more. Tribal innovation Partners for Justice has had advocates on the Flathead Reservation for 2 years. And while the Flathead Reservation is the only tribal community the organization serves, Galvin-Almanza said Partners for Justice is eager to partner with more tribal defenders' offices. Because tribes have the right to create their own systems of accountability and justice in this space, they are not beholden to waiting for a recalcitrant state legislature to do something smart on issues that impact their members, she explained. They have freedom to innovate, and we consider this a vital innovation in the public safety space. Miller said the collaboration with Partners for Justice is unique in that services are driven by client needs rather than determined by a court. If people have been treated fairly, win or lose in their case, theyll be more successful, she said. And that means treating people with dignity. Its evident community members have benefited from the approach. Riley Pavelich, who works for the Bail Project a national organization that provides bail assistance said that of the dozens of locations the organization serves, the Flathead Reservation boasts the highest rate of connecting clients to services. Its because of this collaboration between (Partners for Justice) and the tribal defenders office, she said. Every Monday and Wednesday, Lee and Nolan set up shop at tribal court. Nolan sits behind a booth, offering free ChapStick and naloxone, a medication to reverse opioid overdoses, as well as brochures advertising different services. Lee leans against the doorway of a tribal courtroom on the Flathead Reservation. Peering inside, he listens closely and scribbles notes to himself as the judge gives recommendations to the accused. Later, he would intercept family members of the incarcerated in the hallway to see if they might be interested in accessing services. Lee, who has a background in psychology, said he never would have imagined hed end up working in a courtroom. But, he said, theres no better feeling than seeing a formerly incarcerated client come to his office looking happy and healthy. Its great to see someone doing really well, he said. Especially when people in the community had written him off saying, This guy is bad news. Its like, no hes not. No one understands his story, and thats what were trying to do. An investment group pitched Montana lawmakers on Tuesday on a beleaguered private prison facility in Hardin the state could use to ease its capacity issues for state inmates. Dallas-based Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc. executive vice president Michael Harling presented the 464-bed Rocky Mountain Detention Center as an additional relief valve at a time when Montana is sending 120 state-custody inmates to a private prison facility in Arizona. Harling spoke Tuesday to the Legislature's committee examining the state's prison capacity. Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc. was one of the underwriters on the bonds that financed the facility's development and buildout for $27 million. Asked for ballpark price, Harling offered the facility for $13.5 million, half the cost of standing it up. "It's what we would call a serious haircut," Harling told lawmakers. "We're very open and available to discussions." That's the deal, and now, the hitch: Currently, the Bureau of Indian Affairs leases the building, with nearly a decade left on that lease. Harling told lawmakers on Tuesday if the state were to take over that lease, the BIA could potentially preclude the state from using any of the unused beds for its own prisoners. There are about 200 unused beds in the facility. For comparison, the state is paying $4 million per year for 120 beds in the Arizona agreement. Still, the 40-acre property has roughly 20 undeveloped acres ready for development, Harling pointed out. And the BIA lease would bring in $50,000 a month. Lawmakers entertained the proposal with questions, but offered little indication on their appetite for a deal. Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, asked if the facility had any history of security breaches. "No, sir, not at all," Harling replied. Once called the Two Rivers Detention Facility, the private prison was initially regarded as a potential boon for job development in the area. Instead, it has had significant issues getting into full operation since its completion in 2007. For years the facility sat empty, collecting significant debt without contracts. The Two Rivers Authority, which owns the facility, even made a national plea to house Guantanamo Bay prisoners in a bid to scrape together some business. For now, the BIA operates the facility. Harling was not sure Tuesday what treatment or rehabilitation programming is available to inmates there, but said several classrooms exist that could be modified to the state's liking. Harling said "with ample time" he could arrange for legislators to tour the facility. The committee he spoke to has been created to focus in on the state's prison capacity problems that are vexing state facilities as well as county jails, where people sentenced to prison are waiting for a bed to open up in prison before they can move on to serve that sentence. Montana Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin told the committee that 60 men in the state's custody have already been transferred to the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. The Legislature appropriated funds in an arrangement this spring for 120 inmates to be transferred to the out-of-state facility. The Legislature also spent more than $200 million on infrastructure upgrades needed at the state prison near Deer Lodge. About $175 million of that will go toward replacing the low-security housing there, although the exact number of additional beds to emerge from that project were unclear at Tuesday's meeting. The history of Pahaska Tepee will be the topic of Bob Richard's next Local Lore program at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. The free, illustrated presentation takes place Thursday, Dec. 21, at noon in the Centers Coe Auditorium. Richard will share stories and photographs from throughout the history of Pahaska Tepee, the hunting lodge William F. Buffalo Bill Cody built just outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park at the turn of the 20th century. The talk includes photos and details about the buildings, the importance of Pahaska in tourism between Cody and the park, and the role of the Coe family in the lodges history. Bob draws on the extensive photo collection of the Center of the Wests McCracken Research Library, his own personal collection, and the Coe familys personal archives for this program. For more information on all upcoming Center of the West programs and events, visit centerofthewest.org/events. My previous column told of the high-school junior whose 2006 biographical essay on civil-rights hero Alexander Clark won him a full-tuition university scholarship, the top prize in the National History Day competition. To find out what became of Iowas prodigy, I sought help from Naomi Peuse who had been the NHD coordinator at the State Historical Society at the time. Stephen Frese, the history nerd, he called himself back then. Saying she had not been in touch with him in the intervening years, she quickly pointed me to a picture on the website of his alma mater, Marshalltown High School, where he is now a teacher of science. The photo shows the grin I remember, only now it shines through a huge, amazing beard. Thats how I described it when I reached Stephen via e-mail. I did attend Case Western Reserve University on my scholarship from National History Day, he replied. But he did not major in history. I did take some history courses while I attended CWRU. However, unlike the work that I did with my projects in National History Day, I felt the constraints of the courses limited what and how well I could do on a project. At that point I chose to pursue another passion of mine: chemistry. I graduated in 2011 from CWRU with a degree in Chemistry and then went immediately into the Masters program at Drake University. After completing that program in 2013, I took a position at my hometown high school teaching college credit and college prep chemistry and physics courses. I have been teaching here since! And I have been nurturing my beard for several years it has become the distinguishing feature that students use to describe me! Are you all about science now, I asked, or do you still encourage kids to become history nerds? I still consider myself a history nerd. I really enjoy the process of researching and drawing conclusions about past events in order to develop both a rational, coherent worldview as well as show how important historical events influence current events and shape the world as we know it. When I teach chemistry or physics I try to instill the importance of the skills to students, but I do it through the lens of the scientific pursuit for the course. I am fortunate to work with many teachers who were part of my educational journey. The mentor teacher at MHS for the extracurricular learning opportunities is the same one that worked with me. Whenever there are students who need some guidance for National History Day projects, I usually get a call from her asking if I would be willing to help! National History Day was founded in 1974 by Dr. David Van Tassel on the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Hence the grand-prize scholarship. Stephen competed six times. I earned silver my first year at the National Competition, then for the next four years I won gold. My last gold medal was earned for my paper about Alexander Clark, and along with that I was awarded the scholarship to CWRU. (I am not aware of another student with so many medals back to back, Naomi Peuse told me.) For its 50th anniversary, the 2024 NHD theme is Turning Points in History. Contest materials describe turning point as an idea, event, or action that caused change, either directly or indirectly. I discussed turning points with a middle-schooler who chose Susan Clark integrating public education in Iowa for her NHD project. Its her first experience, and she hasnt decided how far up the line she wants to compete. Stephens advice: Competitions like NHD are extremely beneficial for students and mentors today! Knowing about how and why historical events happened or escalated (toward good or bad outcomes), and how those events impact the current socio-political landscape here and abroad! The perspective that students and mentors can gain from looking into the past, especially the historical events that shaped the particular state they live in, can be more beneficial than just the outcomes from the contest. That perspective allows them to more meaningfully join the discussions that will truly impact the future. I resist the temptation to omit some exclamation marks. The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette, July 3, 2023: Overall, Iowa sent 62 students from 18 different schools to the national contest this year. The 62 students emerged from a total of 498 competitors in the National History Day in Iowa contest held earlier this year. Learn more at https://history.iowa.gov/history/nhd. I asked the current Iowa NHD coordinator, Hanna Howard, if she knows about Stephen. His name is legendary around here, she said. From Emancipation to Equality: Alexander Clarks Stand for Civil Rights in Iowa by Stephen Frese was published in Iowa Heritage Illustrated in 2010; online at https://pubs.lib.uiowa.edu/ihi/article/1501/galley/110508/view/. Next time: Cascading through history! # # # Daniel G. Clark is a former Muscatine Journal reporter and student of Iowa history. A native of Ohio, Casey DeSantis, wife of presidential hopeful Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, says visiting Iowa is like coming home. DeSantis, an advisor to her husbands presidential bid, visited Muscatine Monday afternoon, meeting with about 20 residents at a room in Missipi Brew. After the meeting, DeSantis commented how kind and nice the people of Iowa have been to her. No matter what corner of the state I go to, people have been welcoming and gracious of us taking the time to come out and see them, she said. DeSantis commented that it was too early to determine who her husbands running mate would be, saying Lets win Iowa first and then make the decision. She said right now Ron DeSantis is focused on making a tour of Iowa prior to the Iowa caucus on Jan. 15. She believes the key to a victory on Nov. 5, 2024 is making the case to people and informing the public of her husbands accomplishments as governor of Florida. Hes a fighter, she said. He took on a lot of the big battles and he has won. I think Republicans want to see a winner again. I think Republicans are tired of losing, and he has shown in Florida that you can do that. She said Ron DeSantis had delivered on 100% of his promises to the people of Florida. During the speech, she answered questions and described her husbands plans to end cartel smuggling. Ron DeSantis has said that if he is elected, he will declare drug cartels to be terrorist groups. She also said Florida has the top economy in the nation and stressed actions DeSantis took during the COVID-19 medical crisis to stand up for peoples rights, liberty, livelihood and happiness. Ron DeSantis is trailing in the polls behind former President Donald Trump. Casey DeSantis said that in talking with people who currently support Trump, she finds they also appreciate DeSantis and like many of the actions he has taken. She believes they approve of his longstanding America First principals. She said the campaign just plans to continue working hard to get their message out. DeSantis commented that her husband had been trailing the polls in Florida and had won the election by a landslide. Since joining the campaign, DeSantis has been promoting a Mamas for DeSantis coalition. It was reported recently that, during a statement on Fox News, Casey DeSantis had encouraged mothers and grandmothers to descend on Iowa, saying they did not have to be residents to participate in the caucuses. This prompted the Iowa Republican Party to clarify on social media that only Iowans can vote in the caucus. DeSantis later clarified that she was requesting out-of-state backers to assist in campaigning and advocating for Ron DeSantis. DeSantis claims Florida's crime is at a 'record low.' But he's using incomplete data DeSantis claims Florida's crime is at a 'record low.' But he's using incomplete data Florida mirrors a national decline in crime RAMALLAH, West Bank A wartime opinion poll among Palestinians published Wednesday shows a rise in support for Hamas, which appears to have ticked up even in the devastated Gaza Strip, and an overwhelming rejection of Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, with nearly 90% saying he must resign. The findings by a Palestinian pollster signal more difficulties ahead for the Biden administration's postwar vision for Gaza and raise questions about Israel's stated goal of ending Hamas' military and governing capabilities. Washington has called for the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, currently led by Abbas, to eventually assume control of Gaza and run both territories as a precursor to statehood. U.S. officials have said the PA must be revitalized, without letting on whether this would mean leadership changes. The PA administers pockets of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has governed Gaza until a takeover by Hamas militants in 2007. The Palestinians have not held elections since 2006 when Hamas won a parliamentary majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the most right-wing government in Israel's history, has soundly rejected any role for the PA in Gaza and insists Israel must retain open-ended security control there. Arab allies of the U.S. have said theyll only get involved in post-war reconstruction if theres a credible push toward a two-state solution, which is unlikely under the Netanyahu government dominated by opponents of Palestinian statehood. With survey results indicating a further erosion of the PAs legitimacy, at a time when there's no apparent path toward restarting credible negotiations on Palestinian statehood, the default for postwar Gaza is an open-ended Israeli occupation, pollster Khalil Shikaki said. Israel is stuck in Gaza, Shikaki said ahead of the publication of the survey's results by his Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, or PSR. "Maybe the next (Israeli) government will decide that Netanyahu is not right in putting all these conditions, and they might decide to withdraw unilaterally from Gaza. But the default for the future, for Israel and Gaza, is that Israel is in full reoccupation of Gaza. The survey was conducted from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 among 1,231 people in the West Bank and Gaza and had an error margin of 4 percentage points. In Gaza, poll workers conducted 481 in-person interviews during a weeklong cease-fire that ended Dec. 1. Shikaki, who runs regular polls, said the error margin was one percentage point higher than usual because of disruptions caused by the mass displacement of residents during the Israel-Hamas war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had fled fierce fighting in northern Gaza, and poll workers only conducted interviews in central and southern Gaza, including among displaced people, because they could not reach the north during the cease-fire. The survey provided insights about Palestinian views of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and other Gaza militants in southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians. More than 18,400 Palestinians, about two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed in a sustained bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza during Israels subsequent war on Hamas, now in its third month. Shikaki said that Gaza residents are more critical of Hamas than those in the West Bank, that support for Hamas typically spikes during periods of armed conflict before leveling out, and that even now most Palestinians do not back the militant group. Despite the devastation, 57% of respondents in Gaza and 82% in the West Bank believe Hamas was correct in launching the October attack, the poll indicated. A large majority believed Hamas' claims that it acted to defend a major Islamic shrine in Jerusalem against Jewish extremists and win the release of Palestinian prisoners. Only 10% said they believed Hamas has committed war crimes, with a large majority saying they did not see videos showing the militants committing atrocities. The videos, along with extensive eyewitness testimony and reporting, show that hundreds of civilians in southern Israel, including women and children, were abducted or gunned down inside their own homes. There have also been accounts of widespread sexual violence. But while Israeli media coverage has focused intensely on the attack in the weeks since, Palestinian outlets have been fixated on the war in Gaza and the suffering of civilians there. Shikaki said the most popular politician remains Marwan Barghouti, a prominent figure in Abbas' Fatah movement who is serving multiple life terms in an Israeli prison for his alleged role in several deadly attacks during the second Palestinian uprising two decades ago. In a two-way presidential race, Ismail Haniyeh, the exiled political leader of Hamas, would trounce Abbas while in a three-way race, Barghouti would be ahead just slightly, the pollster said. Overall, 88% want Abbas to resign, up by 10 percentage points from three months ago. In the West Bank, 92% called for the resignation of the octogenarian who has presided over an administration widely seen as corrupt, autocratic and ineffective. A former longtime Republican state lawmaker who made national headlines for switching parties in a rebuke of then-President Donald Trump is running again as a Democrat for a seat in the Iowa Legislature. Former Iowa Rep. Andy McKean of Anamosa announced his candidacy Tuesday for the Iowa House seat currently held by Rep. Steve Bradley, R-Cascade, in the November 2024 election. Bradley is in the middle of his second term, having won the seat from McKean in 2020. In 2019, McKean was the longest-serving Republican in the Iowa Legislature when he switched to the Democratic Party. McKean said the move largely stemmed from his philosophical differences with the policies and actions of then-President Donald Trump, and a party he believed "has veered very sharply to the right. In an op-ed, McKean wrote he believed Trumps actions have coarsened political discourse, have resulted in unprecedented divisiveness, and have created an atmosphere that is a breeding ground for hateful rhetoric and actions. McKean said the concerns he expressed in 2019 remain, and is running with the hope of uniting Iowans under a common cause to better the state and restore the bipartisan, consensus-building approach to solving problems that once defined Iowa. I think most Iowans really want to end the cycle of swinging from one extreme to the other and are tired of extremism and excessive partisanship, McKean told The Gazette. And I think its time for a new kind of leadership at the statehouse that is open to responsive compromise to the controversial issues of the day that would enjoy the support of a majority of Iowans and help bring people together instead of setting them apart. McKean served 24 years in the House and Senate, and was first elected in 1978. He was Senate Judiciary Committee chairman and president pro tempore when he left in 2002. He went on to serve on the Jones County Board of Supervisors. After retiring from a 35-year law practice, he ran for and was elected to the Iowa House in 2016. He was reelected in 2018, before being ousted by Bradley in 2020. He played a key role in passing nonpartisan redistricting legislation and creating the state Resource Enhancement and Protection program for Iowas natural resources. He also helped develop and pass sentencing reform legislation, championed Iowas first elder abuse initiatives and led passage of legislation toughening penalties for drunken driving in the state. If elected, McKean said he would focus on prioritizing rural revitalization and restoring local control and decision-making authority for cities, counties and other institutions stripped away by Republican majorities. McKean said he would also focus on providing greater access to mental health services and affordable child care, continued sentencing reform, the promotion of ethanol, and improving educational quality. Bradley, a dentist from Cascade, said he welcomes McKean as a challenger. Let him run. Free country, Bradley told The Gazette. Well let the voters decide. They decided once. They can decide again. This will be the third time. They see my track record and they see I stick with them. Im a Republican and I stay a Republican. Im conservative. House District 66 includes Jones County and the majority of Jackson County, excluding Maquoketa and the southwestern corner of the county. "Many of these voters have already learned the hard way not to trust Andy McKean when he switched his party affiliation less than five months after being elected as a Republican, House Majority Fund Executive Director Reagan Bueller said in a statement. Since voters rejected McKean in 2020, they have come to know Steven Bradley as a strong, consistent representative that will fight to protect their freedom, values and economic interests in the Iowa House." McKean said he remains the same person Ive always been, with the same priorities. I believe my priorities will align with the vast majority of Democrats and many independents and Republicans as well, he said. To the last point, McKean said he feels the Iowa GOP is no longer the Republican Party I knew. Its become the MAGA party. He said many traditional conservatives feel the same. I think people will find a significant difference between my independent approach and my opponents extreme, hyperpartisan views and record, McKean said. Over my years in the Legislature, as both a Republican and now a Democrat, Ive resisted partisan pressure and steered an independent course for the good of Iowa and the people and communities of my district. In contrast, my opponent toes the line set by his party leaders and special interests. Edgar Allan Poe, who would have turned 214 years old Jan. 19, remains one of the worlds most recognizable literary figures. But is his appeal less about the power and complexity of his prose, and more about the view of him as a perennial underdog? WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trumps election interference case in Washington will be put on hold while the former president further pursues his claims that he is immune from prosecution, a judge ruled Wednesday. The decision from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan raises the likelihood that Trump's trial on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, currently scheduled for March 4, will be postponed as the appeal of a legally untested argument winds through the courts. Shortly after Chutkan's ruling, the federal appeals court in Washington granted prosecutors' request to expedite consideration of Trump's appeal. The appeals court set deadlines for briefs to be filed between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, but has not yet scheduled a date for arguments. The issue is of paramount significance to both sides given that a court ruling in Trumps favor would presumably derail the case and because a protracted appeal could result in a significant postponement of the proceedings, including until potentially after next year's election, that would benefit the ex-president as he seeks to reclaim the White House. Chutkan's three-page order is the latest volley in a simmering dispute over the scope of presidential power that has the potential to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time in American history. A Trump campaign spokesperson called the judges decision to pause the case a big win for President Trump and our rule of law. The constitution should not be suspended in a baseless prosecution against the leading candidate for President, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said. After Chutkan this month turned aside Trump's claims that he was shielded from prosecution for actions he took while fulfilling his duties as president, his lawyers asked the Washington-based appeals court to review the decision and urged the judge to freeze the case in the meantime. But special counsel Jack Smith, in a sign of both the gravity of the issue and his determination to keep the case on schedule, sought to leapfrog the appeals court by asking the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to fast-track an opinion on the immunity question that would permit the prosecution to proceed. The court indicated that it would decide quickly whether to take the case up, ordering Trumps lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. But it did not signal what it would ultimately do. The Supreme Court dealt further uncertainty to the timing and overall fate of the case Wednesday as it said it would review a charge of obstruction of an official proceeding that has been brought against more than 300 participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The charge is among the four brought by Smith against Trump, so a ruling in favor of the accused rioters could upend not only those cases but also affect the prosecution of the ex-president. The argument that Trump is immune from prosecution has for months been seen as perhaps the most weighty and legally consequential objection made by the Trump lawyers ahead of trial. No former president has ever been prosecuted before, a lack of historical precedent Trumps team has seized on in trying to get the indictment tossed out. But Chutkan, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, flatly rejected Trump's arguments, saying the office of the president does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass. Her latest order Wednesday pauses any further proceedings that would move this case towards trial or impose additional burdens of litigation on Defendant." But she left open the possibility of preserving the current trial date if the case returns to her court, saying that date and other deadlines were being paused rather than canceled. She also said her ruling had no bearing on the enforcement of a gag order placing restrictions on Trump's speech outside of court. Smiths team had told Chutkan not to pause the case, saying the judge could continue to resolve issues unrelated to the appeal while the immunity claim is pending in appeals courts. Prosecutors said they would continue to meet every pretrial deadline the court has set for it, so that the case could swiftly move to trial if the higher courts reject Trumps immunity argument. While simultaneously asking the Supreme Court to hear the case, Smith's team had also asked the D.C. appeals court to expedite its consideration of the Trump appeal. But Trump's lawyers accused prosecutors of trying to rush the case through before next years presidential election as they told the judges to take their time. Trump, in a social media post Wednesday evening, accused Smith of trying to interfere with the election by rushing to the Supreme Court on the question of immunity something Trump said is so basic to America that it should be automatic. He echoed that sentiment at a campaign event in Iowa, saying prosecutors had waited until they saw I was hot to bring a case. A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed. Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in the Watergate scandal. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixons former aides. It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore. If the justices decline to step in now, Trumps appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Smith said even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the courts traditional summer break. Trump faces four criminal prosecutions. He is charged in Florida with illegally retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and faces a state prosecution in Georgia that accuses him of trying to subvert that state's 2020 presidential election and a New York case that accuses him of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actress. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyongo will lead the jury at Berlins International Film Festival in February, organizers announced on Monday. The event marks Europes inaugural major cinema showcase of the year. The Berlinale, as the event is otherwise known, noted that Lupita Nyongo, 40, would be the first black person in its 74-year history to preside over the panel responsible for selecting the winners of the prestigious Golden and Silver Bear top prizes. Scheduled from Feb. 15-25, the 74th Berlinale marks the final term for the current leadership duo, executive director Mariette Rissenbeek, and artistic director Carlo Chatrian. In a joint statement, Rissenbeek and Chatrian expressed their excitement about Nyongos appointment as the jury president. Lupita Nyongo embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences and consistency to one idea that is quite recognisable in her characters, as diverse as they may look. We are happy and proud that she has accepted our invitation to be the jury president of the 74th Berlinale, they said. The Film festival is set to reveal a new director to succeed Rissenbeek and Chatrian following the conclusion of the 74th edition. The Kenyan-Mexican actor, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014, shared on her Instagram, Excited to announce that I have been named Jury President for the upcoming Berlin Film Festival! Also Read Lupita Nyongo Takes On Role of Executive Producer in Sudans Oscar Submission Goodbye Julia On Tuesday, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Florence Bore, revealed that Kenya has engaged in a significant labor migration agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to Bore, who is currently on an official visit to Riyadh, Kenya is poised to gain substantially from job opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She said this is a positive development for thousands of young graduates from colleges and universities in Kenya. Had a good meeting with a mega Recruitment agency Abdal Human Resources on the recruitment of Nurses. The firm has offered Kenya a job order for recruitment of 1000 nurses and our meeting discussed the facilitation and requirements for the good of our Kenyan nurses, she said while reiterating her Ministrys commitment to securing more jobs for Kenyans. Kenya recently graduated 22,000 public health professionals including nurses. The goal remains to create employment opportunities for our skilled and unskilled workforce, added the CS. The Labour Minister additionally confirmed that Kenya has entered into a Bilateral Labour Agreement for the recruitment of healthcare personnel with the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. We are also pursuing agreements with other markets including, Canada, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, she added. CS Bore welcomed the decision by the Saudi Arabian companies to expand their market indicating that soon Kenya shall be getting job orders for cleaners and workers in the hospitality industry from them. On Monday, Bore also held discussions with officials from Eitinaa Human Resources Company, a recruitment firm that she mentioned continues to extend job offers to Kenya. She stated that the meeting was focused on exploring additional job opportunities and addressing challenges encountered by Kenyan recruitment agencies, to find mutually agreeable solutions. This company mostly deals with house nurses, caregivers, domestic workers, personal assistants, chefs, and Nannies. Im delighted that the company gave their word to give 100+ opportunities for each category of workers, she said. The Labour Minister and her delegation also engaged in discussions with officials from Takamol and Musaned, as well as Professional Accreditation Bodies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to strengthen collaboration and identify additional employment opportunities. She said that Kenya is particularly interested in streamlining the recruitment process for domestic workers and effectively managing data for migrant workers. We proposed our Kenyan Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be granted access to the Musaned system to enable them to keep track of our migrant workers in the Kingdom, she said We also sourced for collaborations in the sector of Professional and Accreditation bodies intending to adopt best practices and incorporate technological advancements and addressing the changing dynamics of the global labor markets, added Bore. The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that Kenyas accreditation criteria and processes adhere to international standards, ensuring that the countrys workforce meets global benchmarks in their respective fields. China returns 23 rescued, rehabilitated spotted seals to ocean Xinhua) 10:12, December 13, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 23 rescued spotted seals were released into waters off the coast of the city of Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said. The spotted seals were born in Liaodong Bay in the Bohai Sea. They were previously poached and sold to buyers across China before being rescued, rehabilitated and trained for survival in the wild, the ministry stated. Each of the animals is marked to lower the risks of being captured and traded in the future, and four of them carry satellite GPS trackers to promote conservation efforts and scientific research. The spotted seal is a flagship species in the marine ecosystems of both the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. China has been cracking down on criminal activities related to aquatic wildlife. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) There are not many professions where you get to touch a piece of history and then become a piece of it yourself. Art and history are intertwined for Shawn Risko, who has spent his career creating and restoring stained glass. Risko has perfected his craft over the past 20 years, piecing together highly detailed and colorful glass works of art that can last a lifetime. His company Riskula Art Glass has been involved with numerous projects in Napa County and across the Bay Area. Among these are several private homes in the Silverado Country Club area, Napa Methodist Church, Creekside Community Church and St. Helenas Catholic church. One example of his handiwork is on display in downtown Napa a portfolio of sorts in a single building. Risko recently concluded a project at Napas First Presbyterian Church, located at 1333 Third St., which saw a lot of damage from the 2014 earthquake. The churchs windows were among the many casualties. The stained glass was the most obvious damage right after the earthquake, according to Jill Lambert, a church board member. The stained glass was obviously broken. Now, in what Lambert called leftover earthquake damage, some of the windows were starting to bow out and the lead between the panels was failing. We are lucky to have Shawn available to repair it for us. When we had to make repairs on several of the windows in the sanctuary, Shawn was able to source old glass that matches what we have, Julie Worthington, another church board member, said. Riskos relationship with First Presbyterian has been a long, yet rewarding one. There is something about touching glass made by people who are not here anymore, Risko said from the churchs library, surrounded by five window panels he was in the process of installing. It really makes you think about the time that goes by. The library windows were carefully placed at the end of November but were first pulled from the historic building in the middle of June. From there, they were taken to Riskula Art Glass's Napa County workshop where the restoration work begins. Amy Hall Risko Shawns wife and partner on many projects over the years including those at First Presbyterian explained that making stained glass from scratch is a lot easier than fixing an old piece. Restorations are a little bit more tricky, she said. Generally, because you are working with an item 100 to 150 years old, the template we take can be buckled or folding. The template is essentially a map the Riskos use to ensure each piece of glass removed from the window pane is returned to its rightful place during the restoration. That way the original stained glass pattern of the piece is retained. Restoring such intricate patterns takes meticulous planning, time and patience because sometimes the condition of the window is not apparent until it is transported to the workshop. You definitely dont know what you are getting into, Hall Risko said. Once a template is created, the pair start taking the window apart and work with the old glass which in First Presbyterians case is 150 years old and from Belgium, according to Lambert and Worthington. Once the glass is removed, it is cleaned and if the colors are faded, sometimes this means repainting it and refiring those pieces in a kiln. When all the glass is ready to go again, it is like a giant puzzle, putting it back together with lead and soldering, Hall Risko said. Some clients choose not to repair the broken or faded glass, Hall Risko said. Instead, they opt to have that history remain intact. For example, if one piece is broke in half, we put a new lead line" around that piece, she explained. For others, restoring stained glass is a very low priority, according to Risko. Risko said he provides assessments on the condition of glass, sometimes as a paid service or out of sheer curiosity. If I see something, Ill take a look at it. And sometimes the lead looks like it's on its way out. The lead for these stained glass pieces is a key component. Even if an earthquake hadnt rattled First Presbyterian, over time the lead would eventually deteriorate. This is just part of the cycle of stained glass works. The 2014 quake simply accelerated this timeline. But now, with the Riskos help, members of Napas First Presbyterian Church can celebrate the completion of the last big project from the earthquake that needs to be redone, according to Lambert. That doesnt mean the Riskos wont be busy. Projects flow in and out of the workshop all the time. A long-term goal for Shawn Risko? To create his own church from scratch, being involved with the stained glass work from the beginning. Building something that big takes a lot of design time, he said. But if there is one thing Risko has learned throughout his career, its patience. Jennifer Lopez makes fun of herself in Can't Get Enough music video Armenia ruling power lawmaker: Today there is no basis for war with Azerbaijan Armenia ruling force MP: Without guarantors, peace treaty with Azerbaijan is meaningless document Saudi Arabia issues $12 billion in bonds 10 technologies that will revolutionize people's lives in 2024 Maersk: Red Sea shipping disruption will hit global economy Ex-Deputy FM Vahe Gevorgyan replaces Sergey Manassarian as Armenia Ambassador to China Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia Everything said by Azerbaijan president should be taken seriously, Armenia ruling force legislator states Dubai named No.1 global destination in Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards for the third consecutive year Armenia ruling power MP on signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan without mediators: Very tempting proposal Armenia will no longer be at war in any period of time, ruling force lawmaker says Ulysee Nardin presents Blast Tourbillon new version in honor of Year of the Dragon With the help of laser, scientists invite aliens for the first time to visit Earth as tourists Nikol Pashinyan to new PM of France: I will be happy to host you in Armenia on official visit Iran envoy: What would be violation of Armenias territorial integrity is not acceptable to us Czech Rep. supplies first batch of mobile diesel generator sets to Armenia nuclear plant Naomi Campbell showed off her incredible flexibility during a yoga class in Dubai Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria sign memorandum on clearing floating mines in Black Sea Deputy defense minister on Armenia soldiers non-combat deaths: Such incidents have occurred, still exist today American singer of Armenian origin Karyyn presented her first new song in four years Ombudsperson on non-combat deaths in Armenia army: State should have proper prevention structures OpenAI launches GPT Store: Developers will be able to share their own chatbots there Costumes, props, scenery from The Crown TV series to be auctioned Armenia Security Council head to attend 4th meeting on Ukraine peace formula Ecuador security forces arrest 329 people, kill 5 criminals, says head of army Joint Command Keanu Reeves dives deeper into literary world Armenia government to help those forcibly displaced from Karabakh to get training, jobs Moving Yeraskh village steel plant project to Ararat city costs Armenia government 3.5 billion drams Selena Gomez to play Linda Ronstadt in biopic about the singer Indestructible Samsung Galaxy XCover7 announced: Interesting features and ability to work without battery Jennifer Lawrence reveals why she asked Robert De Niro to leave her wedding Davit Khudatyan is appointed governor of Armenias Armavir Province Cigarette smuggling prevented at Georgia borders with Turkey, Armenia, Russia System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan calls on Kanye West to behave with dignity and show class Ancient DNA reveals origins of multiple sclerosis in Europe When will new spy gadget from Apple be released and what do we know about it? 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I trust him ARARATBANK attracts USD 5 million from EFSE to support MSMEs in Armenia Tupac Shakur murder masterminds sentence commuted to house arrest Researchers discover ancient temple ruins thanks to Emperor Constantine's letter to group of Romans Armenia ex-ruling party: Court once again proved it is submissive tool of current authorities We can already send parcels to Moon: DHL sent stone from Everest and meme coin Dogecoin to our planets satellite Smart skin bacteria are able to secrete and produce molecules to treat acne Armenia, Greece FMs' private conversation kicks off Jennifer Lopez collaborates with Armenian makeup artist Hrush Achemyan for her upcoming music video Volkswagen to equip Golf, Tiguan with artificial intelligence MFA: Armenia established diplomatic relations with 3 more countries in 2023 (VIDEO) Gerard Pique to start coaching Newspaper: Attacks on judges gaining new momentum in Armenia US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin treated for prostate cancer Learning a second language is transforming the brain EFL Cup: Chelsea lose to Middlesbrough On the sidelines of the high-level events in Geneva dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan met with Ilze Brands Kehris, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. Kostanyan briefed his interlocutor on Armenia's commitments to human rights, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Addressing the needs and rights of 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced to Armenia as a result of the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan was discussed at the meeting. Also, the Armenian deputy FM stressed the importance of the betterment of early warning mechanisms in the context of genocide prevention and effective response by the international community. During the meeting, views were exchanged also on the current situation around the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. Armenia ruling power lawmaker: Today there is no basis for war with Azerbaijan Armenia ruling force MP: Without guarantors, peace treaty with Azerbaijan is meaningless document Saudi Arabia issues $12 billion in bonds Maersk: Red Sea shipping disruption will hit global economy Ex-Deputy FM Vahe Gevorgyan replaces Sergey Manassarian as Armenia Ambassador to China Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia Everything said by Azerbaijan president should be taken seriously, Armenia ruling force legislator states Armenia ruling power MP on signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan without mediators: Very tempting proposal Armenia will no longer be at war in any period of time, ruling force lawmaker says Nikol Pashinyan to new PM of France: I will be happy to host you in Armenia on official visit Iran envoy: What would be violation of Armenias territorial integrity is not acceptable to us Czech Rep. supplies first batch of mobile diesel generator sets to Armenia nuclear plant Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria sign memorandum on clearing floating mines in Black Sea Deputy defense minister on Armenia soldiers non-combat deaths: Such incidents have occurred, still exist today Ombudsperson on non-combat deaths in Armenia army: State should have proper prevention structures Armenia Security Council head to attend 4th meeting on Ukraine peace formula Ecuador security forces arrest 329 people, kill 5 criminals, says head of army Joint Command Armenia government to help those forcibly displaced from Karabakh to get training, jobs Moving Yeraskh village steel plant project to Ararat city costs Armenia government 3.5 billion drams Davit Khudatyan is appointed governor of Armenias Armavir Province Cigarette smuggling prevented at Georgia borders with Turkey, Armenia, Russia Newspaper: Ruling force MP speaks on EU's termination of European Peace Facility for Armenia Open-air exhibition on Karabakh being held in Paris (PHOTOS) Why most people cradle babies in left arm? Deputy PM Grigoryan chairs meeting of commission coordinating measures to ensure Armenia-EU CEPA implementation Greece FM statement after Armenia visit: Important to help our ally country on all international platforms Armenia ruling force legislator: Army is the sector where the more closed and secret, the better Central Bank governor: I can't say banks in Armenia make super profits Armenia Security Council chief, Greece FM discuss regional, extra-regional security Central Bank official: Banking services very accessible for Armenia citizens, businesses Dollar down, euro up in Armenia Suren Papikyan, Rory Domm discuss Armenia-EU cooperation prospects (PHOTOS) Gerapetritis to Pashinyan: Greece government ready to support Armenia in all possible directions FM: Greece clearly supports preservation of Christian sites in Karabakh George Gerapetritis: Armenia's prosperity is possible only with Europe Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia should be able to make use of Azerbaijan railway Greece official on South Caucasus situation: We rule out use of force, aggression Sargis Khandanyan: Not aware of any arrangements for Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in January Armenia lawmaker: Peace treaty can be signed when Azerbaijan accepts our principles About $70M allocated to programs for persons forcibly displaced from Karabakh to Armenia, minister says Armenia FM on relations with EU: There is long way to go Armenia ruling force MP: Azerbaijan statements about bilateral negotiations are just statements TASS: Germany offers Armenia financial assistance for anti-Russian steps, source says Gunmen take TV journalists hostage live on air in Ecuador, police manage to free them ARARATBANK attracts USD 5 million from EFSE to support MSMEs in Armenia Researchers discover ancient temple ruins thanks to Emperor Constantine's letter to group of Romans Armenia ex-ruling party: Court once again proved it is submissive tool of current authorities Armenia, Greece FMs' private conversation kicks off Volkswagen to equip Golf, Tiguan with artificial intelligence MFA: Armenia established diplomatic relations with 3 more countries in 2023 (VIDEO) Newspaper: Attacks on judges gaining new momentum in Armenia US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin treated for prostate cancer China recreational area breaks world record as largest temporary ice, snow theme park Copernicus: World dangerously close to global warming limit Greece FM arrives in Armenia on official visit Armenia army officer found dead with gunshot wound Crime gang leader escapes from Ecuador prison, state of emergency declared in country Indonesia police rescue 226 dogs sent to slaughter Lemkin Institute condemns recent attack on Armenian Quarter in East Jerusalem Armenia economy minister, businessmen discuss major investment programs planned for 2024 Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia Greece FM to arrive in Armenia Wednesday on official visit MFA: In 2023 Armenia was elected to all international organizations where it nominated its candidacy Azerbaijan ambassador to France confirms arrest of Frenchman Martin Ryan, suspected of espionage Armenia records 2% inflation in 2023 US Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations visiting Yerevan, discusses efforts to bring peace, stability to region World of Buzz: Son didn't know for 20 years that his father was actually a millionaire Yerevan to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Annual Meeting, Business Forum in May Russia media report details about Armenian mans murder in Noginsk city ARARAT Museum Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Sergei Parajanov with "Uninterrupted Flight" Exhibition Ruben Rubinyan, Louis Bono discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process Criminal investigation launched, Armenia serviceman detained in case into killing of fellow soldier at combat position Sergei Parajanov statue unveiled in Yerevan Protest being stage outside Armenia education ministry Bloomberg: Researchers find out waters nanoplastics content dangerous for humans MFA: Matter of Armenia driver's licenses recognition in Russia is on bilateral discussions agenda Armenia soldier found dead, with gunshot wound, in combat position Bitcoin exceeds $47,000 for first time since March 2022 China researchers develop electronic skin PM: Armenia foreign policys highest goal is to ensure country's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: [Opposition] MPs Gegham Manukyan, Kristine Vardanyan, and Aspram Krpeyan had visited the RA MFA last Friday to get familiarized with the treaty on the normalization of Armenias relations; in other words, the proposals of the peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Although they are not make public, according to Manukyan's definition, "the points of the document marked as top secret," we have learned some details from the 6-page transcript. The oppositionists were not presented with the text of the peace treaty, but with what demands the parties put before each other. It turns out there is no consensus on the most important issues, there is a demand from the Azerbaijani side and agreement from the Armenian side. It turns out that legitimizing the [Azerbaijani] occupation of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] is of fundamental importance for [Azerbaijani president] Aliyev. He demands that Armenia clearly recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the 86.6 [thousand] square kilometers which also includes Artsakh, which will close the possibility of "revanchism" [by Armenia]. But he is not going to at least recognize the 29 thousand 800 square kilometers of Armenia. He prefers some general wording so that not a number is specified in the treaty, but the territorial integrity is noted in words. And the RA area itself will become clear after the border delimitation. Also, he [i.e. Aliyev] refuses to carry out the [border] delimitation with a map of any date. And although the [respective] choice is between the 1974 and [19]79 maps, Azerbaijan has territorial ambitions and wants to seize new territories from Armenia during [border] demarcation-delimitation, so he does not agree with any map. Enclaves, unblocking of roads are also noted in the proposals. Gegham Manukyan had noted that "getting familiarized with the [aforesaid] proposals only proved its danger and confirmed all fears. Several viral videos and photos of Israeli soldiers behaving in a derogatory manner in Gaza have emerged in recent days, creating a headache for the Israeli military as it faces an international outcry over its tactics and the rising civilian death toll in its war against Hamas, AP reported. The Israeli army has pledged to take disciplinary action in what it says are a handful of isolated cases. Such videos are not a new or unique phenomenon. Over the years, Israeli soldiersand members of the U.S. and other militarieshave been caught on camera acting inappropriately or maliciously in conflict zones. But critics say the new videos, largely shrugged off in Israel, reflect a national mood that is highly supportive of the war in Gaza, with little empathy for the plight of Gazas civilians. The dehumanization from the top is very much sinking down to the soldiers, said Dror Sadot, a spokeswoman for the Israeli human rights group BTselem, which has long documented Israeli abuses against Palestinians. More than 18,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. About 90% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory. The aforesaid videos seem to have been uploaded by soldiers themselves during their time in Gaza. In one, soldiers ride bicycles through rubble. In another, a soldier has moved Muslim prayer rugs into a bathroom. In another, a soldier films boxes of lingerie found in a Gaza home. Yet another shows a soldier trying to set fire to food and water supplies that are scarce in Gaza. In a photo, a soldier poses next to words spray-painted in red on a pink building that read, instead of erasing graffiti, lets erase Gaza. A video posted by conservative Israeli media personality Yinon Magal on X, formerly Twitter, shows dozens of soldiers dancing in a circle, apparently in Gaza, and singing a song that includes the words, Gaza we have come to conquer. We know our sloganthere are no people who are uninvolved. On Sunday, the Israeli militarys spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, condemned some of the actions seen in the recent videos. In any event that does not align with IDF values, command and disciplinary steps will be taken, he said. The videos emerged just days after leaked photos and video of detained Palestinians in Gaza, stripped to their underwear, in some cases blindfolded and handcuffed, also drew international attention. The army says it did not release those images, but Hagari said this week that soldiers have undressed Palestinian detainees to ensure they are not wearing explosive vests. Eran Halperin, a professor with Hebrew Universitys psychology department who studies communal emotional responses to conflict, said that in previous wars between Israel and Hamas, there may have been more condemnation of these types of photos and videos from within Israeli society. But he said the Oct. 7 attack, which exposed deep weaknesses and failures by the army, caused trauma and humiliation for Israelis in a way that hasnt happened before. When people feel they were humiliated, hurting the source of this humiliation doesnt feel as morally problematic, Halperin said. When people feel like their individual and collective existence is under threat, they dont have the mental capacity to empathize or apply the moral rulings when thinking about the enemy. The Armenian nuclear power plant will sign a contract with Rosatom State Atomi Energy Corporation of Russia, to extend the operation period of the second power unit of this plant. The respective draft decision is put on the agenda of Thursdays Cabinet session of the Armenian government. The aforesaid draft decision proposes to allow the Armenian nuclear power plant to sign a contract with Rosatom in the form of one-person purchase to carry out the relevant work. The draft decision adds that the value of this contract cannot exceed 65 million US dollars. Armenia is ready to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan by the end of the year. Sargis Khandanyan, an MP of the ruling majority Civil Contract Faction and Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, stated this at Wednesdays last press briefing of the year in the NA. According to him, if all the fundamental issues raised by Armenia on which an agreement was reached are approved and put on the aforesaid peace treaty, then the latters signing will, in fact, become just a technical matter. "If the proposals regarding the peace treaty which Baku sent to Yerevan last time are approved, then it is not excluded that it will be signed at the end of the current year," Khandanyan said. The lawmaker himself, however, is not in a hurry. In his opinion, everything depends on how the circumstances will affect the situation. "It is necessary to wait," called the MP of the ruling majority faction in the Armenian legislature. Azerbaijan must return to the negotiation table. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan said this at Wednesdays joint news conference with his visiting Estonian colleague, Margus Tsahkna, talking about the preparation of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to Mirzoyan, most of the respective preparations has been done, and they need to meet and finalize this treaty. As for the participation of mediators, the Armenian FM said the main issue is the content of this treaty. "If we look carefully, in the last two years they have been direct bilateral negotiations, the organizing of the meetings has been facilitated by the international community," said Mirzoyan. According to him, if we return to the process, we will be able to move forward quickly, but now there is no political will in the leadership of Azerbaijan. Regarding the agreement on the exchange of detainees, the Armenian FM assured that these agreements are valid, and there is no change in them. "Everything is going according to the agreed plan. The declaration had two components: the release of captives and a conference. The conference ended yesterday. Today we can wait for the implementation of the second component. There are no grounds to claim that the Azerbaijani side will not comply," Mirzoyan said. He added, however, that these are not the only steps that are being discussed. "We made an initiative to withdraw the troops from the border, and we believe that it will have a positive effect," Armenian FM said, but he did not claim that there are agreed approaches on that point. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wished Armenia and Azerbaijan patience in achieving success on their road to peace. At Wednesdays joint news conference held in Yerevan with his Armenian colleague, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Estonian FM assured that the EU and Estonia are ready to provide possible assistance to the process, but they are not its participants. Negotiations require two parties, and there are those who are ready to become mediators. But the two peoples and their governments will decide how the issue should be resolved. The EU and Estonia are ready to help within their capacity, the Estonian official said, stressing that peace is the basis necessary for other important processes, such as democracy. The rights and security of Karabakh Armenians must be guaranteed within the framework of the constitution of Azerbaijan. European Council President Charles Michel said this in an interview with the RFE/RL Armenian Service, adding that the European Union continues negotiations with the leadership of Baku on this matter. We believe that ethnic Armenians should have the right to return to Karabakh, or at least be able to visit that part of Azerbaijan, and their safety and rights should be guaranteed. Regarding the protection of minorities, there are international standards that must be respected under the constitution of Azerbaijan, within the framework of which the rights of minorities must be guaranteed, said Michel. To RFE/RLs remark that after the second Karabakh war, the Armenian side claimed that the Armenians of Karabakh should be given international guarantees of security and protection of their rights, and asked whether there is a reference to that matter in the peace treaty, or whether it has lost its urgency after the de-Armenianization of Karabakh, the head of the European Council responded that he does not want to delve into the details, but at the same time emphasized that the guarantor of this matter should be the authorities of Azerbaijan. We are communicating a lot with the president of Azerbaijan on this topic to raise awareness and try to convince the Azerbaijani authorities to show that they want to protect minorities and ensure that international standards are respected. This is the political debate we have, said the President of the European Council, and added that he sincerely hopes that we can make progress on a priority issue for the EU. Although the president of Azerbaijan has stated that he has no territorial ambitions towards Armenia, there are disagreements regarding the opening of regional communication channels. European Council President Charles Michel said this in an interview with the RFE/RL Armenian Serviceand addressing the question of what the basis is for the fear that the West continues to warn Azerbaijan about respecting the territorial integrity of Armenia. In fact, to be precise, there is a debate over the specific ways to connect Nakhichevan to Azerbaijan, to be convinced that they respect Armenia's sovereignty and legislation, Michel said. Despite the efforts of the West to contribute to peace in the region, in fact, the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the mediation of the European Union and the US, have stopped during the last month. Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev has declined, with various reasons, to attend three respective meetings one after the other. To the RFE/RLs question as to whether he has the impression that the Azerbaijani side is delaying the process and misleading him, the President of the European Council responded that Brussels is optimistic, and it continues to try to organize a new meeting. To note, however, Azerbaijan has not yet agreed to attend another high-level meeting. 12:56 A resident of Kolkata, Lalit Jha is a teacher by profession and was the main conspirators of the security breach, police said. Influenced by revolutionary Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Lalit and others were highly motivated to commit an act which could draw the country's attention to them, they said. The security agencies so far have not found their connections with any terror group, the officer said. According to the person, all six joined a Bhagat Singh fan page on Facebook after coming in touch with each other on social media. Lalit, Sagar Sharma, and Maoranjan D had about a year ago met in Mysore where they made a plan to barge into the parliament. They later added Neelam and Amol into the plan. Being a teacher, Lalit took the lead and instructed Manoranjan to do a reccee of all entry points of the Parliament during the Monsoon Session. "In July, Manoranjan came to Delhi and went inside the parliament on a visitor pass issued on the name of an MP. There, he got to know that the frisking of shoes does not happen," the officer privy to the investigations said. On Wednesday, Lalit came with the four others to the Parliament. When they got passes for only two of them - Lalit decided to take the mobile phones of all four - Sagar, Manoranjan, Neelam and Amol with him. The colour canisters, which were sprayed inside and outside the Parliament complex, had been brought by Amol from Kalyan, Maharashtra. Sagar and Manoranjan went inside, while Neelam and Amol stayed outside at the gate where they too opened the canisters, which emitted yellow and red smoke, the officer said. Lalit later posted the video of the incident on his Instagram account and also shared it with Vishal Sharma alias Vickey - also part of the group soon after Neelam and Amol were detained from outside the parliament, the officer added. Lalit's last location was traced in Neemrana on the Rajasthan-Haryana Border. Police had earlier said that all five had gathered on December 10 and stayed at Vishal Sharma's residence in Gurugram. Neelam, Manoranjan, Amol, and Vishal are in custody and have been questioned by the Delhi Police Special cell and other security agencies. PTI The Delhi Police is conducting raids to the nab the sixth man suspected to be a key part of the group that breached Parliament, an officer said on Thursday. Participating in a planning meeting for the bridal show are, from left, Bridget Lescelius, associate lecturer in the School of Journalism and Advertising; Jada Plummer of Trowbridge; Faith King, program director for Student Center Event Services; Emily Sinnett of Mount Vernon; Emily Gladser of St. Louis; and Jurnee Williams of Rockford. (Photo by Russell Bailey) SIU students create, plan and promote inclusive bridal show on campus by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale students are doing the vast majority of the planning and work for a 2024 bridal show at the campus Student Center, but it will be quite unlike its predecessors and your average bridal show in many ways, highlighting local businesses and focusing on inclusivity. Its going to be more of an experience than just an event, said Jada Plummer, a senior marketing major from Trowbridge, Illinois. Set for April 21, the concept for the unique show came about thanks in large part to SIU students. Members of the universitys chapter of the Saluki Event Planners struck up a conversation with Keesha Lo, owner of Bake Me Happy Food Co., while assisting her with a special event. It was so neat that when we started talking to Keesha about reviving the bridal show, we were all already thinking along the same lines. And then we approached people at the Student Center about bringing the event back after around a 20-year hiatus, and they were already thinking about it too, said Emily Gladser, a senior hospitality, tourism and event management major from St. Louis. Faith King, program director for Student Center Event Services and an MBA student who is serving as project director for the bridal show, said she and her staff were quite excited about partnering with the students. Plenty of space and resources are available at the facility, and her staff is looking for more ways to serve the community, including hosting more weddings and special events. A different look, time and focus The group quickly decided this show isnt going to be cookie-cutter in any way. There has been a resurgence in bridal shows, but most of them take place early in the spring, even before Valentines Day, said Niki Davis, professor of practice and hospitality, tourism and event management program director who also serves as adviser for the Saluki Event Planners, one of the two student groups coordinating the show. As the students talked, they decided they wanted to do something different with their show. First, they want to focus on services and products provided by local businesses, especially smaller businesses that may not be able to afford to get involved in the bigger bridal shows. And they also want the emphasis of this bridal show to be inclusivity. It will feature and showcase things for people with disabilities, for same-sex couples, for all types of less-traditional weddings. They also decided to hold their show a little later in the year, when the pace slows down but people are still in the thick of planning for prime wedding season, Davis said. Organizers are planning to issue invitations to vendors for the inaugural show beginning in January. A true experience The Salukis quickly decided to give their event a distinctive name and concept. Emily Sinnett, a senior advertising major from Mount Vernon, Illinois, and member of the Saluki AdLab, conceived the name, Dazed & Engaged a Southern Illinois Wedding Experience, as well as the logo for the event. The Saluki AdLab team is assisting with branding and all of the other aspects associated with advertising and promotion. The students say the April premier will feature a bridal fashion show, vendors, advertisers, music with a live DJ, gift bags, door prizes and much more. The venue will be staged to show how it could be set up for a wedding. Plans call for even more elaborate shows in coming years. Professional partnership The members of Saluki AdLab are handling all branding, promotional, marketing and advertising aspects of the event. The Saluki Event Planners are taking care of planning, organization and logistics, including creating floor plans, determining facility usage, working on budgets and spreadsheets, seeking and contacting vendors and more, just as professional event planners do in preparation for a major event. We are getting practical experience while we are still students, Gladser said. Saluki AdLab seeks real-life clients to work for and the students handle all of the various components involved in a complex project, according to Bridget Lescelius, associate lecturer in the School of Journalism and Advertising and adviser for Saluki AdLab and the student chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Its a perfect partnership, mimicking the way the industry works, she said. They are taking care of things and talking in real terms, not just theoretical. I love working with Niki Davis and taking an interdisciplinary approach. Its so great for the students. Lescelius noted that taking on a project like this requires dedication. Its part of our mission in the School of Journalism and Advertising. We focus on giving them a true-life learning experience, she said. Working on this project, it becomes obvious which students have a great passion and desire, who is willing to give up their weekends and evenings and really engage in getting the tasks accomplished. They are preparing to launch into careers where they will be doing these kinds of things, and they are getting a great jump start in preparing for those careers. She said students from all majors can participate in Saluki AdLab and it is a required course for advertising students. They work with a variety of local and regional clients and compete in the AAFS National Student Advertising Competition Providing experiential learning opportunities is also a major component of the hospitality, tourism and event management program, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, Davis notes. Accredited for nearly 30 years, the programs faculty come from the industry. SIU currently offers eight event management classes and will be adding two more next year, more than virtually any other public Midwest university. Some of the classes are designed specifically in partnership with Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, giving students the chance to assist with events at the site. Davis students take on a wide variety of other hands-on projects throughout the community as well. King said shes impressed with the talent shes seeing in all of the students working on the project including Jurnee Williams, a senior hospitality, tourism and event management major from Rockford, Illinois, and Katherine Montgomery, a junior hospitality, tourism and event management major from Algonquin, Illinois. She said shes also enjoying the opportunity to mentor them, just as others guided and mentored her when she was an undergraduate student at SIU. To learn more about Dazed & Engaged a Southern Illinois Wedding Experience contact, Faith King at studentcenterscheduling@siu.edu or 618-453-3488. Union Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday said most countries are now coming out and saying what India has always been saying on regulating Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. India's stance has been that the internet and every other emerging technology should be deployed in a "safe and trusted" manner. The Union minister today met Viscount Camrose, UK's Minister of AI and Intellectual Property and Hiroshi Yoshida, Japan's Vice Minister of Policy Coordination, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. After the meeting, Minister Rajeev said they spoke about what governments are looking, how governments of like-minded countries are looking at regulating AI, what are the issues of safety and trust that governments are looking at, and what are the governments' role in enabling the growth of AI. "So think it was a very interesting conversation. And what India has been saying for now several months and years about making sure that the Internet and indeed every emerging technology is deployed in a safe and trusted manner is a thought that most countries are now coming around to and agreeing with," Rajeev Chandrasekhar told reporters. Meanwhile, Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence summit, running from December 12 to 14, is being hosted here in the national capital, where influential minds from various sectors have gathered to discuss and collaborative the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). Since its inception in June 2020, India has made significant contributions to this Summit by actively engaging in various initiatives to foster the development, deployment, and adoption of open, safe, secure, and accountable AI. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is an international initiative established to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in a manner that respects human rights and the shared democratic values of its members. Ahead of the summit, PM Modi asserted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was one area where its applications were expanding at an exponential rate. "This revolutionary technology is now in the hands of a new generation - young, brilliant minds who are swiftly enriching its vast potential. India, as one of the youngest nations with a vibrant start-up ecosystem and a talented workforce, is poised to be an active contributor to the evolution of AI as the world leaps into a not-so-distant future" the PM had said in his LinkedIn post. "In the last 9-10 years, India and its citizens have leap-frogged with the help of technology. It won't be an exaggeration to say that India achieved, in a matter of few years, what took other countries a generation. This was possible through the fast-paced penetration of mobiles along with internet connectivity and scalable models for digital inclusion" the PM further wrote. Later speaking at the summit on Wednesday, PM Modi raised concerns over deep fake and other cons of artificial intelligence. PM Modi said that the deep fake challenge is for the entire world as it could be used to create 'deepfakes' to purposefully spread false information or have malicious intent behind their use. If AI enables arms to reach the hands of terror groups, then it could have a devastating effect, and the world needs to think about it, the Prime Minister said. (ANI) UK's Minister of AI and Intellectual Property, Jonathan Camrose, on Wednesday noted that Artificial Intelligence as a technology has many use cases that would help humanity prosper. In the same breath, he, though, specifically stressed the need for safety for the users. "All of us recognize that AI, if safe, has the capability to make so much human prosperity, to make so much possible for all of us, particularly in India, actually, I see so many fascinating use cases, but to get there, it has to be safe," said the UK minister, speaking to ANI. "And that's where we're collaborating very extensively across with India, with Europe and all the countries of the world," the minister further noted. Asked about India, the UK minister said India is visionary in identifying the possibilities that the AI has to offer. "India is a fascinating society for the use of AI because it has so many different communities and different geographies and different types of uses that AI can be used for," he added. Meanwhile, the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence summit, running from December 12 to 14, is being hosted here in the national capital, where influential minds from various sectors have gathered to discuss and collaborate the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). The UK Minister Jonathan Camrose said the summit is going to be "hugely valuable, not just for India, for everybody." "GPAI is a really important part of how we're going to make AI safe for everybody. The machinery of GPAI may be needs a little bit of adjustment because it's something that's going to give a lot of value in the coming crucial period of AI development. So I think we're all working on that," the UK minister said. Since its inception in June 2020, India has made significant contributions to this Summit by actively engaging in various initiatives to foster the development, deployment, and adoption of open, safe, secure, and accountable AI. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is an international initiative established to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in a manner that respects human rights and the shared democratic values of its members. (ANI) The signing ceremony will be held at IFSC Gift City Branch, Ahmedabad, SBI informed stock exchanges through a filing. This development at SBI assumes importance countries have reached a deal at the COP 28 summit in Dubai, calling for "deep, rapid and sustained reduction in greenhouse gas emissions" and "transitioning" away from fossil fuels in the energy system in an orderly and equitable manner, after two weeks of gruelling negotiations. India committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge at COP26, held in 2021. They included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, to reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. (ANI) In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Money Heist' dig, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh drew a reference to Adani, saying that the nation seeks an explanation from the government on the "biggest money heist since 1947". "The nation wants you to explain the biggest "money heist" since 1947. Your close friend Adani siphons out Rs17,500 crore from India by inflating the prices of imported coal and power equipment. He brings another Rs20,000 crore back into India via offshore shell companies and inflates his stock prices under SEBI's eyes. He borrows billions from banks at his service using inflated stocks as collateral. He invests the money in projects kindly gifted to him using ED, CBI and IT. He zooms from literally nowhere to the second richest man in the world," Ramesh said in a post on 'X' on Tuesday. The senior Congress leader said that the people pay the price for Adani's rise via "inflated electric bills". "Who pays for this unprecedented growth? Janta (people) via inflated electric bills!" Ramesh said. Pointing to a media report on the Adani Group maintaining a relationship with a controversial contracting firm controlled by a Taiwanese family, he said, "We know how desperate you are to divert attention from the latest twist involving Chang Chung-Ling and the Adani Group. It won't work." Jairam Ramesh's post came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post, in which he said that the Congress looted the country for 70 years. Taking a fresh swipe at the Congress over the recovery of over Rs 300 crores in cash from premises linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu in his native Jharkhand and neighbouring Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that one need not be hooked on to popular Netflix series 'Money Heist' when the story of the Congress 'looting' public money over the last 70 years was unfolding before their eyes. 'Money Heist' is a Spanish crime thriller known for its intricate and twisted plot. Sharing a video posted by the BJP on its official handles across social media platforms, with the caption 'Congress presents the MONEY HEIST!', on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction. When you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!" The video depicts Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge standing alongside Dheeraj Sahu. It also shows glimpses of Congress Rajya MP Sahu walking alongside Rahul Gandhi as part of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. A character's face in the Netflix series has also been edited in the video shared and is replaced by the face of Rahul Gandhi, who is seen diving into a huge pile of cash. The Income Tax Department has, so far, netted Rs 351 crore in cash during its searches at Boudh Distillery Private Limited, a company based in Odisha. (ANI) Ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the release of funds for the state government, Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said that the party will hit the streets if their rightful dues are not released. "Our CM had earlier asked the Prime Minister to release funds for Bengal. But they carry on with their politically vindictive attitude and do not release funds. Mamata Banerjee has sought an appointment from him and the meeting will take place. The central government should release the funds that are due. This is our right. However, if they try to create a financial blockade, we will hit the streets," Ghosh said speaking to ANI about the upcoming meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari's allegation that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is deliberately neglecting North Bengal districts owing to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) impressive electoral performance in those areas, Kunal Ghosh said that Mamata's ties with North Bengal existed much before Suvendu Adhikari's fight. "Mamata Banerjee's ties with North Bengal existed before Suvendu Adhikari's fight. North Bengal was a disturbed area. But now financial activities have boomed, development is ongoing, tourists are coming in and film shoots are taking place. Parliamentary democracy was installed in the hills, so Suvendu's heart is aching," Ghosh said. On former TMC MP Mahua Moitra being asked to vacate her bungalow days after her expulsion from Lok Sabha, Ghosh attacked BJP saying that there was no Ethics Committee meeting even after Suvendu Adhhikari was caught taking bribe on camera. "The central government misused its majority like a 'bahubali' and expelled Mahua from the House. They are in such a hurry that they have asked her to vacate her bungalow. But Suvendu Adhhikari was caught taking bribes on camera but there was no Ethics Committee meeting on that. The public will respond to this," he said. (ANI) Sharing screenshots of media reports of an incident in Karnataka's Belagavi district where a woman was stripped naked, paraded and assaulted after her son eloped with a girl of the same village, Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha said that it is time the Congress government in the state comes up with a real guarantee of women safety, security and accountability. "Deeply disturbed by the recent incident in Belagavi, Karnataka. It's disheartening to see such atrocities persist. Our focus must be on ensuring the safety of women and questioning the state of law and order in Karnataka. The condition of women security is absolutely alarming there, with shockingly Bengaluru topping the charts for having most acid attacks as well," Kavitha, who is the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said in a post on 'X'. "It's about time, the Government gives real guarantee of Women safety, security and accountability," she added. A 42-year-old woman was stripped naked, paraded and assaulted and tied to an electric pole on Monday in Belagavi district after her son eloped with a girl. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday that action has been taken and seven people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident. Speaking about the incident, Parameshwara told ANI, "It is unfortunate that it happened. One boy, about 24 years old, fell in love with another girl from the same village and same community. They had run away together and in retaliation, the girl's parents destroyed the boy's house and forcefully took away the mother of the boy, removed her clothes and tied her up to an electric pole." "Immediately, our police went and rescued (the woman). She was brought to the hospital. We have registered a case and we have already arrested about seven people. Further investigation is going on. We are also trying to find where this boy and the girl have run away," said Parameshwara. BJP MLA, Bharath Shetty also spoke to ANI about the Belagavi incident and said that BJP is planning to hold a big protest in Belagavi tomorrow against the state government's policies and the law and order situation. "Yes, we have planned to call a larger protest in Belagavi. Protest is required, people need to know what's happening, and people need to know the attitude of this government and what is their attitude towards the people. This incident shows the failure of law and order in the state," said Bharath Shetty. He further lashed out at the Congress government in the state and said that there are a lot of problems in the state, whether it be with power ministry, distribution of scholarships to the students or social justice, everything is in a bad state. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while attending the Golden Celebration program on the premises of Belagavi Suvarna Soudha, said on Tuesday that the Karnataka government is planning to make the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belgavi a tourist spot. "The government is thinking of making the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha a tourist spot by opening it to the public on weekends," said Shivakumar. The Karnataka Deputy CM supporting the government's idea said that the tourists will be attracted to the place by making photoshoot points at important places of Suvarna Soudha. He further mentioned that the former chairman of the Legislative Assembly and council have already given suggestions in this regard and the government will also think about it. "I was reading the history of Karnataka. KB Koliwad (former Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly) also supported the idea of turning the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha into a tourist spot. Today we also got the privilege of honouring him in this golden celebration," said Shivakumar. Shivakumar was participating in the 50th Karnataka Golden Jubilee and honoring ceremony for the former Speaker of the Karnataka Legislature held at the Suvarna Soudha in Belgaum. Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah interacted with school children who had come to Suvarnasoudha in Belgaum to watch the assembly session. The Chief Minister answered the students' questions regarding the functioning of the government and development works. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is the legislature building of the state of Karnataka situated in Belagavi. The building has often been criticized for being underutilized as the building is only used once a year to hold a session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Despite this, the state government has defended the project, proposing additional utilization such as hosting state government committee meetings, regional gatherings, and conferences with foreign delegations during non-legislative periods. Turning the building into a tourist spot can prove to be another additional utilization of the building. (ANI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move for leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in the Lok Sabha on the 10th day of the Winter session of Parliament. She will also move for leave to introduce the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023, to provide immediate effect for a limited period of provisions in Bills relating to the imposition or increase of duties of customs and excise. Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, will move the Post Office Bill, 2023, to consolidate and amend the law relating to the Post Office in India and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, as passed by Rajya Sabha, to be taken into consideration. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will be making statements on the status of implementing recommendations from various reports regarding the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 384th Report of the Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 377th Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2023-2024) pertaining to the Department of Space. Additionally, Union Minister Raosaheb Dadarao Danve will make a statement on the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 16th Report of the Standing Committee on Railways on "Performance of Rail Land Development Authority" pertaining to the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board). YSR Congress Party MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu will table a report on the 357th Report on the government's action following the recommendations and observations in the 351st and 358th reports on "Demands for Grants 2023-24 of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports" and "Research-based Education and Anusandhan Scenario in Sciences and Related Fields." BJP MP Pralhad Joshi and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury will move a motion, "That this House do agree with the Forty-sixth Report of the Business Advisory Committee presented to the House on 12th December 2023." Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari has given an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the situation of Navy personnel in Qatar and steps taken to bring them back to India. Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Manickam Tagore have also given adjournment motion notices in Lok Sabha to discuss the investigation into allegations against the Adani Group and the intentional delay of the Central Government in initiating the census excise, respectively. (ANI) Pope Francis''s envoy to the Syro Malabar Church Archbishop Cyril Vasil arrived in Kochi on Wednesday to make another attempt at resolving the dispute over the liturgy in the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. On his arrival the Pontifical Delegate said that he would be holding a series of meeting with various delegations of the Syro Malabar Church and the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Earlier on December 11 the Special envoy of the Vatican, Archbishop Cyril Vasil had called on Pope Francis on the eve of his departure for Kerala. The Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly has been the centre of an ongoing conflict concerning the way the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. A compromise liturgical practice was endorsed and imposed by the Synod - the highest ecclesial authority in the Syro-Malabar Church. The Major Archeparchy has largely refused to conform, leading to conflict, According to Vatican News, the official news agency of the Holy See, Pope Francis on December 7 had sent a video message to the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy, calling for an end to the divisions caused by this dispute over the celebration of the Eucharistic. In his video message, the Pope appealed "In the name of the Lord, for the spiritual good of your Church, of our Church, I ask you to heal this rupture. It is your Church, it is our Church. Re-establish communion, remain in the Catholic Church!" In particular, he called on priests to remember their ordination and the promises they made at the time, calling on them not to separate themselves from the Church, but to walk together with the Synod by implementing the liturgical decisions of the Synod by Christmas, 2023 reported Vatican News. Archbishop Vasil, a Jesuit and former rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, is currently Archbishop of Kosice in Slovakia for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite. His visit to Kochi comes shortly after the resignation of Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Cardinal had presented his resignation to Pope Francis on December 7. The Pope has since appointed a new Apostolic Administrator. In August the Pontifical Envoy had visited the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly in an attempt to find a solution to the discussion about the compromise on the single form of the celebration of the Mass. This compromise has been accepted by all eparchies of the Syro-Malabar Church with the sole exception of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. During his visit in August, Archbishop Vasil had also faced protests by certain factions of the epichary. This visit is seen as a final act by the Pope who has given the Epichary a deadline of Christmas of 2023 to accept the Synodal Decision on the celebration of the liturgy. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami left to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Ministers designated for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai scheduled for today. First Uttarakhand CM Dhami will reach Bhopal, where he will attend the ceremony, scheduled to be held at Motilal Nehru Stadium, Lal Parade Ground in the state capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, among others, are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony at both places. Later, Chief Minister Dhami will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Chhattisgarh's designated CM, which will be held at the Science College ground in Raipur at 2 PM. Madhya Pradesh will have two deputy chief ministers, Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda. Former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the Assembly Speaker. "Our newly designated Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav and his cabinet will take the oath in the ceremony held at Motilal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. It will be organised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and National Party President JP Nadda and will be historic," said BJP state president VD Sharma. "PM Modi, Shah, Nadda along with other party officials, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of other states, will be present in the ceremony. Apart from this, a large number of party workers will also be present in the program. I welcome everyone attending the program," he added. Madhya Pradesh went to poll for 230 assembly seats in a single phase on November 17 and the counting of votes was done on December 3. The BJP, which had been battling close to 20 years of incumbency in the state, won a resounding mandate, bagging 163 seats, while the Congress finished a distant second at 66 seats. In Chhattisgarh, BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sharma said on Tuesday that, as per the ongoing discussions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda and other senior party leaders will be joining the swearing-in ceremony. (ANI) According to officials, Laxmikant Pradhan, a most wanted interstate drug kingpin and his co-associate, Bidhadhar Pradhan, were arrested from Odisha in an 1820 kg ganja case worth Rs 3.85 crore. Lata Sutar, a senior police inspector with the Ghatkopar anti-narcotics cell (ANC) said that in this case seven accused were absconding. The accused used to hide in Hyderabad, Telangana, Odisha, and Nepal by changing identities. On December 12, 2021, Ghatkopar ANC got reliable information about interstate drug peddlers with truck movement. They laid a trap in the Vikroli east area and arrested two persons with possession of 1820 kg worth Rs 4 cr ganja, she said. A case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985 was against them. While investigating, intense searching was launched for the kingpin in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. It was found that both accused were shifting locations from one state to another, the inspector said. On reliable information team comprising Api Londhe and five Police staff was sent to Odisha and nabbed the main gang leader and Interstate Drug peddler accused namely Laxmikant Pradhan and his co-associate Bidhadhar Pradhan from Golanthara, State-Orisa area on December 9, 2023, she said. With Transit remand, both accused were brought to Mumbai. A total of five drug peddlers have been arrested in the case so far, she added. (ANI) In a security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hand, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said. He said the canisters were emitting yellow smoke. Visuals showed an unidentified man jumping from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. The incident happened when members were raising matters of urgent public importance and BJP MP Khagen Murmu was raising his issue. BJP Rajendra Agrawal was in the chair when the incident occurred. "Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker's chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13th December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," Karti Chidambaram told ANI. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav alleged a "complete security lapse". "All those who come here - be it visitors or reporters - they don't carry tags. So, I think the government should pay attention to this. I think this is complete security lapse. Anything could have happened inside the Lok Sabha," she said. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI that the intruders were apprehended "Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, and they were brought out by security personnel. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001 (Parliament attack),." Chowdhury said. (ANI) BJP Yuva Morcha held a protest against the Kerala government over the Sabarimala mismanagement issue in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday. Protestors were seen trying to cross over the barricades while police used water cannons in order to disperse them. Ahead of this Sabarimala devotees block Pamba-Erumeli road, in protest against the heavy rush at Nilakkal, where allegedly visitors enroute to Sabarimala temple were made to wait for hours after police blocked vehicles. Women, children and the elderly were hit the hardest. The BJP's Kerala unit in its statement said " The INDI Alliance and their state governments are actively persecuting Hindu believers in their relentless pursuit to eradicate our ancient faith. The scars are evident in Sabarimala Temple. BJP Kerala stands unwavering, committed to defending the rights and beliefs of devotees. BJP remains at the forefront of the battle, resolute in safeguarding Sanatana Dharma from those who seek to obliterate it." The Congress which has also joined the criticism of the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the handling of devotees at the Sabrimala pilgrimage "We demanded central forces to deal with the issue. Government has deployed more than 3,000 police personnel but unfortunately there are no sufficient police deployed in Sabarimala. Mismanagement has crossed limits and LDF government is not doing anything to help the devotees. Ayyappa devotees are returning without getting Dharshanam of Lord Ayyappa which has never happened in history of Sabarimala. Lack of transport facilities, lack of medical support, lack drinking water & food has been raised by many devotees" Leader of opposition VD Satheesan said. While refuting the allegations, Travancore Devaswom Board president PS Prashanth on Tuesday refuted the Opposition United Democratic Front's (UDF) allegation that there are no basic amenities in Sabarimala temple. He termed the allegation politically motivated. However, he admitted that due to the sudden surge of pilgrims last weekend, the security personnel could not handle the situation. "We had seen a sudden surge in the Sabarimala pilgrimage over the weekend. Especially children of age 5-10 were also seen there. At this particular point we had seen a shift change in the police duty and with the sudden surge of pilgrims, they were unable to handle it. Currently, we have managed it," Prashanth said. As controversy erupted and in response to the increased footfall of pilgrims at Sabarimala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed further coordinated efforts. Steps should be taken to put in place concerted measures without causing inconvenience to the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said at the special Sabarimala review meeting held at Thekkady on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by state Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan, Forest Minister AK Saseendran, and Chief Secretary V Venu, along with Devaswam board president PS Prasanth, State Police head Sheikh Darvesh Sahib and district collectors who attended online. In the first 19 days of the Mandalam season, 62,000 odd pilgrims visited Sabarimala. This number has steeply risen to 88,000 in the following four days since December 6. This sudden surge triggered the heavy rush at the hillock temple. To plug the issue, the darshan timing has been extended for an hour. The Chief Minister has also suggested limiting the spot booking to emergency situations only. (ANI) Reacting to the security breach in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said in a social media post that the infiltration in the Lok Sabha is a troubling thing, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. "The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of our country. Such a major security lapse is unacceptable," Venugopal posted on X. "We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building," further read the post. In a security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery with canisters in their hands. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, said he had managed to snatch an object from one of the intruders "...He had something in his hand which was emitting yellow-coloured smoke. I snatched it away and continued throwing it outside...This is a major security breach" Aujla said. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the Chair of Speaker at the moment this incident occured, said "There is a loophole for sure. When the first person came down, we thought he might have fallen but when the second person started coming down, all of us became cautious. The person tried to open his shoes and took something out after which smoke came out. Action will be taken against this. The Speaker and responsible people will make the decision on this. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reached the House when all of this happened..." Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambram also called this a security breach "Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker's chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13th December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001." Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that both the intruders had been detained "Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police..." The house resumed after the adjournment with opposition members raising the security breach and demanding a proper investigation. Meanwhile teams of the Delhi Police Special cell arrived in the Parliament to begin the probe. Delhi Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora is also in Parliament. Earlier, Visuals showed an unidentified man jumping from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. The incident happened when members were raising matters of urgent public importance and BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal was in the chair. (ANI) With the onset of the winter season, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam''s Morigaon district is witnessing a surge in migratory bird footfall. The wildlife sanctuary authorities expect that, this year, more migratory bird species will arrive in the wildlife sanctuary compared to the previous year. Earlier, the migratory birds arrived at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in November, but this year, the sanctuary has been witnessing the migratory birds'' footfall since December. After flying thousands of miles from Europe, America, and Africa, thousands of migratory birds have now arrived at the wildlife sanctuary. The authority of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has taken all anti-poaching measures in the sanctuary. Nayan Jyoti Das, Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, said that the arrival of migratory birds in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has started this year from different parts of the world. "We are expecting a little more arrival of migratory birds here compared to last year. We estimated around 69 species and 13,000 numbers of birds last year, but we are expecting more this year. This year, birds'' arrival has been delayed, but we are expecting more in mid-December and January. The birds come from North America, Africa, northern parts of India, and some types of birds come from Gujarat and the western part of India," Nayan Jyoti Das said while speaking to ANI. He also mentioned that this is the peak time of arrival for both foreign and domestic tourists and visitors to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. "We get the highest tourist footfall during December and January. We expect that the number of tourist footfalls will increase. Till now, it is less compared to last year, but we expect it will increase day by day," Nayan Jyoti Das said. He further added that they are monitoring the entire wildlife sanctuary 24x7. "We have 25 anti-poaching camps. All our staff are doing hard work, and they are quite busy with their conservation duty," Nayan Jyoti Das said. On the other hand, Khirod Nath, a local youth of the Mayang area near the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, said that every year the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has witnessed a large number of migratory birds. "This year also, the migratory birds'' arrival has started. We are so happy to see the migratory birds coming from different parts of the world," Khirod Nath said. (ANI) Neelam and Amol, were protesting outside the Parliament with gas canisters that emitted yellow smoke. Similarly, in another incident, two unidentified men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor's gallery, causing a huge security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. However, they were overpowered by MPs and detained later. Investigations are underway to determine whether the two incidents are connected. Delhi Police said that Neelam and Amol, who were detained in front of Transport Bhawan, in preliminary investigations, revealed that they were not carrying mobile phones or any other identity proof. Both have refused to have any connection with any organisation, they said. The police said that a special team is being formed to interrogate the detainees. Meanwhile, senior officials of Intelligence Bureau have reached the new Parliament building, where the major security breach happened. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said that two men jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery and had canisters in their hands. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Visuals showed an unidentified man jumping from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion. (ANI) Japan's Vice Minister for Policy Coordination, Ministry of External Affairs and Communications, Hiroshi Yoshida, on Wednesday called for a safe, secure and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem and sought India's active participation in this regard. "AI is a very important issue all over the world and it is changing our lives and society, and we need to work on AI risk mitigation...GPAI is very important and we also discussed in G7 and made a guiding principle for all AI actors regarding AI through the Hiroshima AI process," Yoshida said while speaking to ANI. He emphasized the importance of responsible AI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's enthusiasm for AI policy, urging India's active involvement. "AI has a great possibility, but it should be responsible AI. And we need safe, secure and resilient AI. Prime Minister Modi expressed his energy regarding AI policy and so India is an advanced country in technology and this field. So we need India's active participation in discussion in the AI area as well," he said. UK's Minister of AI and Intellectual Property, Jonathan Camrose, while speaking to ANI, noted AI's potential for human prosperity but stressed the need for safety. "To make so much possible for all of us, particularly in India, I see so many fascinating use cases, but to get there, it has to be safe," said Camrose, emphasizing extensive collaboration with India and other countries. "And that's where we're collaborating very extensively across with India, with Europe and all the countries of the world," the UK minister further noted. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence summit, hosted in the national capital from December 12 to 14, brings together influential minds to discuss and collaborate on AI advancement. Since its inception in June 2020, India has actively contributed to the Summit, fostering open, safe, secure, and accountable AI development. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is an international initiative established to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in a manner that respects human rights and the shared democratic values of its members. Union Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar, after meeting UK's Minister of AI and Intellectual Property Viscount Camrose and Japan's Vice Minister Hiroshi Yoshida, highlighted discussions on regulating AI, safety, trust issues, and the government's role in enabling AI growth. "So I think it was a very interesting conversation. And what India has been saying, for now, several months and years about making sure that the Internet and indeed every emerging technology is deployed in a safe and trusted manner is a thought that most countries are now coming around to and agreeing with," Rajeev Chandrasekhar told the reporters. (ANI) Alleging that the two men with gas canisters who caused a security breach inside Lok Sabha were issued Parliament passes by BJP MP Pratap Simha, Trinamool Congress on Wednesday said that the lawmaker of the ruling party must be expelled as he compromised national security. Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja said that the AITC demands that the Mysore-Kodagu MP be suspended from the Lok Sabha. "BJP MP Pratap Simha gave two (Parliament) passes through which these two people (intruders) entered. The security of the Parliament and the country was breached. TMC's Mahua Moitra was expelled for sharing her login ID and password, which became a question of national security. Today the BJP MP has done an irresponsible act by giving passes to both of them. So this is the demand of AITC that the MP be expelled from Parliament because national security has been compromised here," the TMC leader said. There was a huge security breach during Zero Hour in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon after two men, both carrying canisters that emitted yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber before they were overpowered by the MPs. Similarly, in another incident, two protestors -- Neelam (42) and Amol (25) -- protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. However, all four were detained later. Delhi Police sources said that initial investigations revealed that all four people and one unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital and stayed at the residence of a man in Gurugram. "A manhunt has been launched to nab the remaining two," they added. Meanwhile, Delhi Police officials said that Neelam and Amol, who were detained from outside Parliament in front of Transport Bhawan, in preliminary investigations, revealed that they were not carrying mobile phones or any other identity proof. Both have refused to have any connection with any organisation, they said. Earlier in the day, senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau visited the new Parliament building, where the major security breach happened. (ANI) To utilise the reach of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in rural areas, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the government has made the institution an eligible agency to carry out the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of Piped Water Supply (PWS) in rural areas. Shah responded in writing to the query of a legislator, saying that on the initiative of the Ministry of Cooperation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti made the PACS eligible agencies to carry out the O&M of PWS in rural areas. The Minister said the states and the Union Territories (UTs) have been requested to incorporate suitable provisions in their O&M policy to engage PACS as O&M agencies for the rural PWS. "Also, the willing PACS are encouraged and provided support, including capacity building and skilling, by the states and the UTs," Shah further mentioned. As per information received from states and the UTs, Shah said 1,381 PACS have been identified by 12 states and UTs to provide O&M services at the panchayat and village levels. "This initiative will not only enhance the income of PACS and create employment opportunities in rural areas but will also provide a robust mechanism for the operation of water supply in rural areas," Shah added. (ANI) Congress workers demonstrated in front of BJP MP Pratap Sinha's office in Karnataka's Mysuru, following the incident of a security breach in the Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday. Later, the police detained the protestors. The opposition earlier alleged that the Mysuru-Kodagu MP issued passes to the two individuals who earlier today caused a security breach in the Lok Sabha and have demanded to suspend the MP from the House. "BJP MP Pratap Simha gave two (Parliament) passes through which these two people (intruders) entered. The security of the Parliament and the country was breached. TMC's Mahua Moitra was expelled for sharing her login ID and password, which became a question of national security. Today the BJP MP has done an irresponsible act by giving passes to both of them. So this is the demand of AITC that the MP be expelled from Parliament because national security has been compromised here," TMC leader Shashi Panja said. In a major security breach during the Zero Hour in Parliament, two men, both carrying canisters that emitted yellow smoke, jumped from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber before they were overpowered by the MPs. Simultaneously, two protestors--Neelam (42) and Amol (25)--protested outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. Delhi Police sources said the preliminary probe revealed that all four people and an unidentified fifth person came from outside the national capital.(ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a one-to-one meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday, which lasted for roughly 30 minutes, CNN reported. Zelenskyy also met US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Mike Johnson said he had a "good" meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, CNN reported. However, he remained firm in his stance that the US needs to address the border first before advancing on an aid bill. Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Tuesday at a critical moment, as the White House has warned that US aid to Ukraine could imminently dry up and talks over new assistance remain stalled in Congress, according to CNN report. After the meeting, Johnson said, "From the very beginning, when I was handed the gavel, we needed clarity on what we're doing in Ukraine and how we'll have proper oversight of the spending of precious taxpayer dollars, and we needed a transformative change at the border. Thus far, we've gotten neither" and called the border an "absolute catastrophe," CNN reported. Mike Johnson stated that the "first condition on any national security supplemental spending package is about our own national security first." He stressed that the White House has not been able to articulate plan that helps Ukraine secure victory and criticised the US Senate for being "MIA." He further said, "The House passed HR 2 six months ago, more than six months ago. It's been sitting and collecting dust on Chuck Schumer's desk." He insisted that the issue is with the White House and Senate and called on them to do their job, CNN reported. He said, "It is not the House's issue right now. The issue is with the White House and the Senate, and I implore them to do their jobs because the time is urgent." During his visit to the US, Zelenskyy also met US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. After the nearly 90-minute meeting with Zelenskyy, McConnell echoed Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and called for urgent funding for Ukraine. McConnell stressed that it be part of a large package that includes border security policy changes. Mitch McConnell said he's "going to work to get it done as long as it takes," CNN reported. He said, "I've been a staunch supporter of Ukraine's fight to take back its land, liberate its people and restore its support, restore its sovereignty since the beginning of Russia's invasion, way back in 2014." McConnell further stated, "Our Ukrainian friends' cause is just, and if the West continues to stand with them, they can win." He asserted that the financial support will not come without making changes in border policy as part of a supplemental package. He said, "We know the threats we face are intertwined -- that Russia and China and North Korea work together to undermine America and the West. We know that our border, just like Ukraine's borders and Israel's and Taiwan's, must be inviolable. That's why for months now, we've supported supplemental action on all four of the most pressing national security challenges we face." Meanwhile, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill "very powerful." Schumer said Zelenskyy "outlined in great detail" what Kyiv needs and how the US can assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russia. Schumer said, "If he gets the help he needs, he will win." Before making extended remarks, Schumer, McConnell and Zelenskyy walked by reporters, and Schumer said it was a "very good and productive meeting." Schumer later said, "If Ukraine falls, it will be a historic and colossal tragedy. If Russia is victorious, future generations will remember this as a moment of shame for the west, for the United States, and for those in the Senate who sought to block it." Chuck Schumer expressed the willingness of Democrats to meet with the Republicans "in the middle" on border security reform. However, he added that the US House-passed border bill was not an option. "It is not a time for one side to demand maximalist fringe policies that they know are unrealistic and then say 'our way or the highway.' If Republican colleagues want in agreement on the border, they must meet us at the middle. They need to show us they are serious. So far, when they just asked for HR2 two or something like it, they're not showing seriousness," he said, according to CNN report. Taking to X, Zelenskyy stated that he had a "friendly and candid conversation" with members of the US Senate. He said tha the informed them about Ukraine's current military and economic situation. "In the United States Senate, I had a friendly and candid conversation. I informed members of the U.S. Senate about Ukraine's current military and economic situation, the significance of sustaining vital U.S. support, and answered their questions. I am grateful to Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer and Republican Leader @LeaderMcConnell for their personal leadership in rallying bipartisan support for Ukraine among US legislators," Zelenskyy posted on X. Schumer said he held a telephonic conversation with US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday. Schumer said he urged Johnson to keep the House in town while negotiators work on a comprehensive package, even though any kind of deal does not seem imminent. (ANI) The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution 'Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations' demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. India voted in favour of the ceasefire resolution in the UNGA's emergency session on the Middle East on Tuesday (local time). As many as 153 nations, including India, voted in favour of the resolution, while 10, including US, Israel and Austria, voted against and 23 countries, including Argentina, Ukraine and Germany abstained from voting. The resolution demands an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as "ensuring humanitarian access." It further demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, with regard to protection of civilians. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said that a terrorist attack occurred in Israel on October 7. She noted that there is an enormous humanitarian crisis and a large-scale loss of human lives. "India has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly. The situation that this August body has been deliberating upon has many dimensions. There is the terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children.There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two-state solution to the longstanding Palestine question," Kamboj said. She said that India welcomes the unity of international community in finding a common ground the address the multiple challenges faced by the region at the present time. Ruchira Kamboj said, "Our challenge, in this extraordinarily difficult time, is to strike the right balance. The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces are underlined by the secretary general invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. We, therefore, welcome the fact that the international community unity has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now." Meanwhile, United States-led amendment to the draft resolution was not passed at the UN General Assembly. As many as 84 nations voted in favour of the amendment; 62 voted against while 25 voted abstained. Furthermore, Austria-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis failed to pass at the UN General Assembly. 89 nations have voted in favour of the amendment, 61 voted against the amendment and 20 abstained from voting. Israel's Permanent Representative, Gilad Erdan, said that the UN General Assembly finds itself "about to vote on another hypocritical resolution." He said, "Not only does this resolution fail to condemn Hamas for crimes against humanity, it does not mention Hamas at all. This will only prolong the death and destruction in the region, that is precisely what a ceasefire means." Erdan said that Hamas' only intention is to destroy Israel and the group has announced that it will repeat its atrocities again and again until Israel ceases to exist. He called for the need to hold Hamas accountable and added that a ceasefire means only one thing which is the "survival of Hamas." He asked, "So why would anyone want to aid Hamas in continuing their rule of terror and actualizing their satanic agenda?" He further said, "We all know that the so call humanitarian ceasefire in this resolution has nothing to do with humanity. Israel is already taking every measure to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza." Munir Akram, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, said it was a matter of "deep regret, that some friends of Israel have introduced amendments to once again condemn only one side but exonerate the other." He said, "This is a war against the Palestinian people." He added, "Israel's goal is to erase not only a people but the entire idea of Palestine. It's campaign is a carbon copy of the massive campaigns of racial slaughter by other settler colonial regimes in history." The vote comes as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third month, with medics and aid groups expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has said it will not stop its military campaign until it destroys Hamas. Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas' after its attack on Israel on October 7. (ANI) Counsellor at the Embassy of Palestine Basem F Hellis thanked India for supporting Palestine and showing solidarity every time. He said that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is about occupation. Speaking to ANI, he said that Palestine is seeking to stop aggression and achieving solidarity. His remarks came as the war between Israel and Hamas entered its third month. Hellis said, "We are talking about this is not really just conflict between Jews and Muslims as Israel is talking about religion or religious conflict, it is about occupation as me, as Muslims. I respect all the religion, not Muslim people, respect Jews religion. The conflict is not between Muslims and Jews. It is about the occupy our homeland and it is not the escalation and conflict between Palestinian people and Israel people in just days it is more than 100 years, every time there is escalation and conflict and war." "It is not beginning from 7 October. Yeah, that's we are talking about and every time, we looking for more support from Indian people. It's not support from just Muslim people or religions, from Muslims, Hindus, Christian. Muslim, all of others. I am today listening to all speech, they are from all the religion. It's not just from the Muslims people. It's making their (UN) role, but were looking for the stop the aggression and achieve the ceasefire in our homeland. Thank you to India, to all Indian people for support us and for solidarity every time," he added. Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury called Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide" and added that it is not self-defence. He stressed that the international community should call for ending the war in Gaza. Speaking to ANI, Yechury said, "This is not a self-defence. This is also not war as the war is between two armies. However, in this conflict there is only one army. This is barbarity against humanity. There should be condemnation for every genocide. The Indian government should condemn ongoing attacks in Gaza and call for ending the war." On December 9, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. Jaishankar reiterated India's long-standing position on Palestine. During the telephonic conversation, Mohammad Shtayyeh expressed deep concern on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh this evening. He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank. Reiterated India's long-standing position on Palestine. Agreed to remain in touch." India's position regarding the Palestine issue has been "longstanding and consistent," Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said in a press briefing on October 12. Arindam Bagchi said, "India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same." Earlier in October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas and expressed his condolences over the loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza.PM Modi also reaffirmed India's commitment to provide the Palestinian people with humanitarian assistance while reiterating India's long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue. "Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people," posted PM Modi on X. (ANI) US President Joe Biden held a meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed Ukraine's self-defence against Russian offensive, including plans for the coming year. In a statement, the White House said, "President Joseph R Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to underscore the strong and abiding US support for Ukraine's fight for freedom. The leaders discussed Ukraine's self-defense against Russian aggression, including plans for the coming year." US President also announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine and reiterated the critical need for immediate Congressional action to ensure we can continue to support Ukraine's defence. He also stressed the growing cooperation between defence industries of the US and Ukraine, enhanced by the successful US-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held last week. Biden emphasised that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of 50 nations. Zelenskyy briefed Biden on Ukraine's use of the corridor in the Black Sea to export its grain and other products, alleviating global food security concerns and contributing to Ukraine's tax base. In the statement, White House stated, "President Biden stressed that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of over fifty countries brought together by US leadership in defence of a rules-based international order based on a respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states." Biden announced a USD 200 million military package under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. Biden called on the Congress to pass supplemental funding to Ukraine before they take break for holidays, ABC News reported. Seated in the Oval Office alongside Zelenskyy, Biden said, "Congress needs to pass supplemental funding to Ukraine before they break for holiday recess, before they give [Vladimir] Putin the greatest Christmas gift they can possibly give him." "And because we've seen what happens when dictators don't pay the price for the damage and the death and the destruction they cause. They keep going, when no price is paid," he added, according to ABC News report. The aid package requested by the White House has stalled on Capitol Hill as Republicans call for changes in border security and immigration policy in exchange for the passage of funding for Ukraine, according to ABC News report. Zelenskyy also urged Congressional leaders to allow the passage of funding for Ukraine. However, Republican lawmakers emerged from the closed-door talks seemingly undeterred by tying the aid to significant border changes. Zelenskyy thanked the US and other partners for their support and called it a "special day" for Ukraine, with almost 600,000 soldiers now fighting in the ongoing war against Russia.Zelenskyy said, "This is their day, and they prove every day that Ukraine can win." Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Tuesday at a critical moment, as the White House has warned that US aid to Ukraine could imminently dry up and talks over new assistance remain stalled in Congress, according to CNN report. Notably, the US has been offering military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine ever since the war between Kyiv and Moscow started. In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy stated, ""I am glad to be back at the White House and meeting with @POTUS Joe Biden. I am grateful to the U.S. for its unwavering support for Ukraine, including USD 200 million military aid package announced today. In the Black Sea, we defeated the Russian fleet." "Our maritime exports have resumed, bolstering both our economy, which is now growing at 5 per cent, and global food security. We are moving in the right direction, and in our talks with President Biden today, we are discussing ways forward. We have clear and attainable priorities for 2024, including depriving Russia of its air superiority and thwarting its offensive operations; jointly producing arms; and using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Freedom must be well-armed and well-defended," he added. (ANI) Pakistan's Foreign Office on Tuesday called on the Taliban to investigate the suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan, which claimed the lives of more than 20 soldiers. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi summoned Afghanistan's top diplomat in Islamabad to deliver Pakistan's strong demarche, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. Pakistan's Foreign office said, "The attack's responsibility has been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a terrorist group affiliated with the TTP." According to the statement, Afghanistan's envoy has been asked to convey to Taliban to fully investigate the attack and take stern action against the perpetrators of the attack, including Dera Ismail Khan. Pakistan's Foreign Service's statement comes after at least 23 soldiers were killed after terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a Pakistani military base, Geo News reported, citing the Pakistani army. The affiliates of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. Six terrorists, all of whom were killed later, attacked the outpost in the Dera Ismail Khan in the early hours of Tuesday, the military's media wing said in a statement. Qazi demanded that the Taliban publicly condemn the terrorist attack and take immediate verifiable actions against all terrorist groups. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary said that Afghanistan should arrest and hand over the perpetrators of the attack and the TTP leadership in Afghanistan to the Pakistani government, according to Geo News report. "[They] should also take all necessary measures to deny the persistent use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan," the statement released by Pakistan's foreign office said. Pakistan's Foreign Office said, "We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace. On its part, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combat terrorism," Geo News reported. The Pakistani army's media wing said Dera Ismail Khan had "witnessed heightened activities" overnight and a total of 27 terrorists were killed in firefights with troops in the area. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist attacks in recent months as the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and other terror groups have intensified their attacks against security forces. The rise in TTP attacks has intensified its attacks against security forces after its ceasefire with the Pakistan government ended in November last year. In a report released in October, Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) said that 386 security personnel lost their lives in the first nine months of 2023, reaching an eight-year high, according to Geo News report. In the third quarter of 2023, some 445 people were killed and 440 others were injured from 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, Geo News reported. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for nearly 94 per cent of all fatalities and 89 per cent of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations recorded during this time. (ANI) The Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, expressed delight on Tuesday as he attended the launch of the first made-in-India bicycles in a Walmart store in America. Taking to X, Sandhu said, "Make in India, Make for the World! Delighted to witness the launch of Walmart in the US first made-in India bicycles, manufactured by #HeroCycles #Ludhiana." Earlier, Walmart announced that the first India-made bicycles are hitting select stores in the U.S. just in time for the holidays. Hero Ecotech Ltd., one of India's foremost manufacturers and exporters of bicycles, has designed a "cruiser-style" bike for Walmart carrying the Concord brand available in both adult-sized men's and women's versions adding to the company's growing bicycle offerings. Hero Ecotech Ltd. is among many Indian manufacturers who are building supplier relationships with Walmart, helping the company accelerate their goal to triple exports of goods from India to USD 10 billion annually by 2027. According to a press release by the company, India's rich history as a leading manufacturer of bicycles is exemplified by Hero Ecotech Ltd. The cruisers sold in Walmart U.S. stores are built with more than 90 per cent of raw materials sourced from India. The company stands as one of the premier manufacturers of mobility products in India and holds the distinction of being India's largest exporter of bicycles, shipping to over 80 countries. Walmart's commitment to the India market is not new, with the company already exporting products across a range of categories. As part of Walmart's contribution to the country's Make in India initiative, the company aims to empower 50,000 MSMEs to participate in domestic and global supply chains through Walmart Vriddhi, a comprehensive growth and training program launched in 2019 that helps MSMEs modernize, scale, and meet their domestic and international ambitions. (ANI) The Pakistan-based news daily reported that Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said that the government abolished the five-year ban on Haj-e-Badal--the Haj performed by a person on account of another. The move comes when the country's foreign reserves are depleting and to attract more foreign exchange, the government announced that those paying their dues in dollars from abroad will be declared as "winners" without the need for ballotting. Furthermore, the ministry also underscored that Haj applications in the sponsorship scheme are being received on a "first come first served" basis. It reported that pilgrims who have performed Haj in the last five years are also allowed to apply for Haj 2024. The announcement comes after the government's decision to slash Haj expenses by Rs 100,000 PKR with the next year's pilgrimage set to cost Rs 1,075,000 PKR to around 89,605 Pakistanis expected to perform Haj under the government scheme. Pilgrims can choose between both long and short-term packages spanning over 38 to 42 and 20 to 25 days, respectively, The News International reported. Meanwhile, women, for the first time in history, will have the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey without the traditional requirement of a male companion. Furthermore, the government would provide free-of-cost mobile SIMs with roaming internet packages to the Pakistani pilgrims. The News International reported that Pakistan has secured 179,000 Haj seats, with half reserved for private Haj operators. (ANI) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its intent to move forward with its election campaign against all odds and with the party's founder Imran Khan sending encouragement and solace to workers from behind bars, as per Pakistan-based The Express Tribune newspaper. Recently, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan held a meeting with President Arif Alvi. The discussions revolved around the current political landscape in the country, according to an official press release from the President's House. The party has disseminated directives to all its organisations, urging them to orchestrate political endeavours in anticipation of the impending elections. A party spokesperson clarified on Tuesday that there was no imperative for a 'long march' preceding the elections, and no decision to embark on such an endeavour has been taken by the PTI. He asserted that careful and comprehensive preparations are crucial, adding that workers are tasked with ensuring thorough readiness for the polls across the country, adhering to targets set by the core committee. It was underscored that the party strongly discouraged any form of provocation, violence, or campaigns against state institutions, as such actions are incongruent with the fundamental principles and ethos of the party's philosophy and struggle, as per The Express Tribune. "The political journey of the party's former chairman, Imran Khan, stands as an example of non-violence, adherence to the rule of law, and the pursuit of peaceful political progress." The spokesperson affirmed that PTI categorically rejects extra-legal or violent means and resources in pursuit of peaceful political objectives. He said the party remains resolute in preventing any such attempts from finding a platform within its ranks. "PTI believes in the constructive role of institutions, particularly the armed forces of Pakistan, operating within the parameters and constraints delineated by the constitution," he further clarified. Imran sends encouragement to workers, according to The Express Tribune. Separately, PTI's Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Marwat relayed a message from imprisoned leader Imran Khan. Marwat said that Imran urged party workers to persist in their campaigning efforts until February 8, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace in the face of any crackdown. (ANI) US President Joe Biden will meet family members of American hostages held by Hamas at the White House on Wednesday, an administration official confirmed to the New York Post. The meeting will mark the first known in-person sit-down between the US President and families whose relatives were kidnapped by the Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel. Biden has talked to some of the hostages' family members via Zoom and other White House officials--most notably national security adviser Jake Sullivan--have been in contact with them as well, as per New York Post. This comes after several family members of US citizens believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas, weren't invited to the Hanukkah reception at the White House on Monday night, as per the father of a 19-year-old missing Israeli American, CNN had reported. The citizens had reportedly asked to attend the Hanukkah reception. Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is a reservist missing since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, said a number of the families of American hostages were in Washington, DC, this week and had reached out to the White House asking to attend the reception but were not invited.A White House spokesperson declined to comment. The reception was held by US President Biden and first lady Jill Biden to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah. It featured some 800 guests, according to the White House, including Holocaust survivors, lawmakers and various Jewish leaders. At the event, Biden talked about the work his administration has been doing to try to secure the release of the remaining hostages and get humanitarian aid into Gaza. He said he had spent "probably up to 20 hours" working with Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian counterparts on both fronts."There's a whole range of things going on now that are really very, very difficult," Biden said. "We've gotten more than 100 hostages out and we're not going to stop till we get every one of them home." As per the White House, there are still seven American men and one woman unaccounted for since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Four Americans--a 4-year-old girl and three women--have been released. After formal hostage negotiations that had been taking place in Doha, Qatar, fell apart, the Biden administration continues to be in close contact with their Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian counterparts about ways to get more hostages out, according to officials, as per CNN. Since the beginning of the Israel Hamas war, families of the missing Americans have had opportunities to speak or meet with the president, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Vice President Kamala Harris. But as CNN had previously reported, the seeming lack of progress on this front is fueling the families' anxiety. Some of the families have called on the White House to consider making a side deal with Hamas that focuses on just the American hostages and have even floated the idea of cutting the Israeli government out of initial negotiations altogether. Multiple families told CNN that while they felt supported by the Biden administration's outreach and support so far, the Israeli government has, in stark contrast, been minimally engaged. (ANI) The Special Court in Pakistan, established under the Official Secrets Act will indict Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Cypher case on Wednesday, The News International reported. It reported that the special court judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain was hearing the case in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi where the two Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have been incarcerated in the case. Tuesday's hearing was attended by family members of the PTI leaders. The FIA's special prosecutors Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi were also present in the courtroom while Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as Imran's counsel and Barrister Taimur Malik as Qureshi's lawyer. A few reporters were allowed inside the courtroom to witness the proceedings. As the hearing began, the PTI lawyers submitted six separate petitions in the court pertaining to incomplete documents in the case challan, media access and jail trial notification. They contended that a selected number of media persons were allowed to attend the hearing while a majority of journalists were waiting outside the Adiala Jail, The News International reported. The judge remarked that the matter was an "administrative issue" and would be seen by the court. "We have given relief by going out of the way," he added. Meanwhile, Safdar argued that the proceedings were being conducted in a "hasty manner", adding that the PTI had challenged two verdicts issued under the Official Secrets Act in the IHC. However, the FIA prosecutor highlighted that the high court had not stopped the special court from conducting the proceedings. He also urged the court to complete the indictment process. The News International reported that Judge Zulqarnain said he would take all the decisions on the basis of merit, adding that he was hearing the case neutrally. PTI lawyer Usman Gul also raised concerns related to incomplete documents in the case record, to which the judge asked why he had not pointed out the same previously. The hearing was subsequently adjourned and the court declared Dec 13 as the date for the PTI leaders' indictment, The News International reported. The cypher case revolves around a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency alleges was not returned by Imran Khan. PTI contends that the document contained a threat from the United States to remove Imran as prime minister, as reported by Dawn. Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, both jailed, were initially indicted on October 23. They pleaded not guilty, and the trial, initially held at Adiala Jail, faced complications leading to a fresh trial after an Islamabad High Court division bench declared the government's notification for a jail trial as "erroneous." Despite the ruling that the trial would continue at Adiala Jail, in an open court, media access was restricted during the latest hearing, sparking concerns about transparency. (ANI) The Pashtuns in Pakistan continue to protest against the detention of the chairman of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Manzoor Pashteen, who remains in police custody for over 10 days. In various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, the protesters have blocked the roads to raise their protest against the arrest of Pashtun leader and human rights activist. Manzoor Pashteen was abducted by intelligence agencies on his way to Turbat town in Balochistan on December 4. Advocate Shafiq Ahmad, a Pashtun posted on X (formerly Twitter) "It has been 10 days since Pakistan's most prominent HRD & #PTM chief @ManzoorPashteen illegal detention and except for one time to appear in court, no one has been given access to him & it's not known where he is kept". A social media campaign has also been launched with the hashtag #ReleaseManzoorPashteen. Manzoor Pashteen, who founded PTM in 2014, advocates for the rights of Pashtuns, who are affected by Pakistan's war against the Taliban and its local affiliate, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The PTM has also been raising its voice for the Baloch, who have been facing similar atrocities in the hands of the security agencies. The PTM posted on X, "Manzoor Pashteen was fired upon and then arrested because he sought to unify the contemporary struggle of oppressed Pashtun and Baloch peoples". Anti-Pakistan protests are also held in Europe, the US and UK to condemn the illegal detention of Manzoor Pashteen. A memorandum have been submitted to the United Nations and other international organisations to demand the safe release of a Pashtun leader and human rights activist. Illegal detention and enforced disappearances are common in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. A large number of youth, intellectuals and human rights activists from these regions are falling victim to Pakistan's secret agencies. (ANI) Dubai [UAE], December 13 (ANI/WAM): The "UAE Consensus" has affirmed the success of the COP28 Presidency in uniting efforts of 198 countries towards a shared vision for the future of climate action. The historic "UAE Consensus" has set new global benchmarks for climate action. The participating nations reached a fair and just agreement aligned with scientific findings, contributing to reducing risks faced by countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This achievement strikes a balance between development requirements and climate action. The hosting of COP28 by the UAE represents a paradigm shift in the mechanics and agenda of COP conferences. The country's adept negotiation strategies and effective management of discussions have established new standards for global climate action success, solidifying its role as a significant contributor to shaping a sustainable future. COP28 successfully broke the deadlock in climate action, reaching unanimous agreement among participating nations on numerous key issues that had long been stalled in previous conferences. Building on the accomplishments of COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, COP28 operationalised the Loss and Damage Fund and secured early commitments from countries to finance it. It also paved the way for achievements in the upcoming COPs, connecting various UN Climate Change Conferences. Notably, the COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with the People's Republic of China as the President of COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), initiated the "COP28 Joint Statement on Climate, Nature And People". This statement establishes a framework that facilitates integration between climate action and nature protection in preparation for both the upcoming COP30 for climate and the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The aim is to ensure ongoing collaboration and sustainability across the conferences, fostering a seamless continuity in collective efforts for environmental preservation. COP28 has notably empowered youth in international climate negotiations, enhancing their role in shaping global climate policies. This was evident in the appointment of Minister of Community Development Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui as the COP28 Youth Climate Champion and the participation of 100 youth delegates representing the world's least-developed countries, small island developing states, Indigenous Peoples, and minority groups. Furthermore, COP28 Presidency has underscored the vital contribution of women to climate change solutions. Financial assistance and technical training sessions have been provided to encourage greater participation of women delegations. The COP28's Gender Equality Day marked the announcement of a new COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions Climate Action Partnership from the COP28 Presidency, which was endorsed by over 60 Parties. The following accomplishments stand as a historic legacy in climate action, characterised by tangible progress and decisive actions" -COP28 has mobilised over $83.9 billion in funding, setting the pace for a new era in climate action.-These include the first-ever declarations on food systems transformation and health, plus declarations on renewable energy and efficiency, as well as initiatives to decarbonise heavy emitting industries.-11 pledges and declarations have been launched and received historic support.-On day one of COP28, the Presidency facilitated a historic agreement to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, supporting those on the front lines of the climate crisis with $792 million.-International pledges of $3.5 billion were also announced to renew the resources of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)- $134 million announced toward the Adaptation Fund-$129.3 million announced toward the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)- $31 million to the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)- UAE launched a $30 billion catalytic fund, ALTERRA, to drive positive climate action. The fund seeks to mobilise an additional $250 billion globally.-The UAE committed $200 million to help vulnerable countries through Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and $150 million to fund water scarcity solutions.-The World Bank announced an increase of $9 billion annually for 2024 and 2025 to finance climate-related projects. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) announced a cumulative increase of over $22.6 billion toward climate action. COP28 announcement to support the nature: -30 countries have become members of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) since COP27, taking the total membership to 37 countries, covering more than 60 percent of the world's mangroves. This initiative led by the UAE and Indonesia drives significant global momentum behind these efforts. -21 countries formally endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough, a collaborative effort between the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) and the UN Climate Change High-level Champions to restore and protect 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030 through $4 billion of finance. -The launch of "Ghars Al Emarat" (UAE Planting Initiative) will see 10 mangrove trees planted for each visitor that attends COP28. This not only reflects the nation's dedication to nature-based solutions for climate change but also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of conference attendees. -The launch of an ambitious global marine conservation and climate action initiative, "Ocean Breakthroughs", which also aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. -The adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. This encompasses innovative technologies such as protected, water-efficient, organic, and vertical farming. Also, a commitment to scientific research, addresses challenges in the agricultural sector, including water scarcity, non-arable land, soil salinity, and rising temperatures, achieving numerous milestones in the process. Landmark Pledges and Declarations: -The Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge has been endorsed by 130 countries.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, Climate has received endorsements from over 150 countries.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health has been endorsed by 141 countries.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Finance has been endorsed by 13 countries.-The Global Cooling Pledge has been endorsed by 66 countries.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery Peace has been endorsed by 78 countries and 40 organisations.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Hydrogen and Derivates has been endorsed by 37 countries.-The COP28 UAE Declaration on Gender-Responsive Just Transitions has been endorsed by 78 countries.-The Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) Pledge has been endorsed by 67 countries.-The Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter has been endorsed by 52 companies, representing 40 percent of global oil production.-The Industrial Transition Accelerator has been endorsed by 35 companies and six industry associations, including the World Steel Association, International Aluminium Institute, Global Renewable Alliance, Global Cement and Concrete Association, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, and International Air Transport Association. -The COP28 Joint Statement on Climate, Nature and People was endorsed by 18 countries who lead 11 biodiversity and climate partnerships across forests, mangroves and the ocean Financial pledges and contributions: -Climate Finance: $30 billion from the UAE, $200 million in Special Drawing Rights, and $31.6 billion from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)-Renewable Energy: $5 billion-Green Climate Fund: $3.5 billion (increasing second replenishment to $12.8 billion)-Food: $3.1 billion-Health: $2.9 billion-Nature: $2.6 billion-Relief, Recovery and Peace: $1.2 billion-Methane: $1.2 billion-Loss and Damage Fund: $792 million-Technology: $568 million-Local Climate Action: $467 million-Water: $150 million-Adaptation Fund: $134 million-Least Developed Countries Fund: $129.3 million-Cooling: $57 million-Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): $31 million-Clean Cooking: $30 million-Gender: $2.8 million For the first time in COP history, the Ministry of Education hosts the "Greening Education Hub" themed "Legacy from the Land of Zayed", with broad participation from various educational institutions. The graduation ceremony for the first batch of the "UAE Youth Climate Delegates Programme", Breaking new ground, the Green Zone is positioned next to the Blue Zone, facilitating interaction between decision-makers, officials, individuals, students, societal institutions, and businesses to align conference outcomes with people's aspirations and needs. COP28 witnessed the response of the first assessment of the Paris Agreement's Global Stocktake. The COP28 presidency conducts unprecedented open consultations to prepare the conference agenda and the specialised topics programme. For the first time, global trade is a primary topic at the COP28 agenda, acknowledging its impact on climate issues. COP28 hosts the "Faith Pavilion" and the inaugural "Indigenous Peoples Pavilion". The first-ever COP28 Business Philanthropy Climate Forum at COP28. The first-ever UAE Climate and Health Declaration. The first-ever "Health Day". The first-ever UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food Systems and Climate Action. The first ever Youth Stocktake, a comprehensive analysis of youth involvement in climate diplomacy that presents a strategic blueprint to enhance youth participation in the COP process. The Food, Agriculture and Water hosts the first-of-its-kind High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Building Water-Resilient Food Systems. In a groundbreaking move, the COP28 Presidency announced that 134 world leaders signed up for its landmark agriculture, food and climate action declaration. Also, the mobilisation of more than $2.5 billion in funding to support food security while combatting climate change and a new partnership between the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for food systems innovation in the fact of climate change. COP28 represents hope and confidence in international efforts to empower global climate action. It aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the rights of future generations worldwide, ensuring a secure and sustainable future through a fair and just agreement that protects humanity as a whole.(ANI/WAM) The police requested the caretaker government to block the CNICs of 18 PTI leaders in a letter to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The absconding leaders include Murad Saeed, Imtiaz Sheikh, Farhat Abbas, Wasif Qayyum, Hamid Raza, Farrukh Habib, Aslam Iqbal, Azam Swati, Musarat Jamshed Cheema, Ahmed Niazi, Zubair Niazi, Saeed Ahmed Sindhu and Hammad Azhar. The Lahore police department had earlier revised its list of 850 suspects in connection with the May 9 riots and arrested 54 persons, who were allegedly involved in arson, reported ARY News. Many PTI leaders are being investigated for the May 9 incidents, which took place throughout Pakistan following the former chairman's detention in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case. After the former prime minister Imran Khan's arrest on May 9 this year, violence and rioting broke out across the country. The fury over Khan's arrest spilled onto the streets as his supporters staged rallies in both big and distant cities. The provincial governments in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad even had to call in the military to maintain peace and order. During a demonstration, PTI workers attacked Army facilities and the Corps Commander's residence in Lahore. Notably, the former PTI chairman was arrested on August 5 from his Lahore residence following a five-year disqualification and a three-year prison term in the Toshakhana case, ARY News reported. (ANI) As Finland takes its annual plunge into winter during mid-December, many Finns find solace in a saint with St. Lucia's Day being one of the few saint's days observed in the Nordics. The festival has Catholic and Orthodox roots and is celebrated across Finland, especially in Swedish-speaking communities. Each year, a young woman is chosen by public vote to don a wreath carrying live candles in a ceremony in Helsinki. White-clad Saint Lucia, borrowed from Catholic and Orthodox churches, wears a striking crown of tall white candles and sings ancient songs to urge people out of their winter doldrums. She is crowned - and then given the duty of offering an abundance of joy, music and golden light to everyone who needs it. For many weeks after December 13, Lucia continued to spread her hope and cheer, visiting hospitals, orphanages, daycare centres and nursing homes at the darkest time of the year in Finland. This year's main event took place on Wednesday here and witnessed hundreds of people turning out the see the procession. Thousands of girls across the country also don homemade versions of Lucia's trademark white dress and crown of candles. After this, they sing for their families or schoolmates in an annual tradition that has continued to grow over the years. Every autumn finalists are selected by a jury and proceed to the next round, the winner of which is decided by popular vote. On December 13, Lucia is crowned at Helsinki Cathedral and parades through the city centre as tens of thousands of bundled-up onlookers cheer and wave. Today, in parts of Scandinavia, St Lucia's Day is as widely celebrated as midsummer and crayfish parties, with the annual celebration sweeping cities with atmosphere and joy. Aside from Christmas, St Lucia's Day is one of December's biggest celebrations in parts of the Nordics. The tradition dates back to the original story of Lucia, who delivered food to the persecuted Christians, leading the way with candlelight. During the procession, candlelight is accompanied by the hum of the choir song. The most famous song is "Sankta Lucia", which many Scandis know off by heart. (ANI) One person was taken to the hospital with critical injuries after a Tuesday afternoon crash in Kansas City on Interstate 70, according to police. Officers were dispatched around 4:35 p.m. to a collision involving four vehicles in the eastbound lanes near the Van Brunt Boulevard overpass, Kansas City police said in a statement Tuesday night. Investigators determined a red sedan stopped suddenly on I-70, possibly to allow for merging traffic, and was rear-ended by a Chevrolet pickup. A semitractor-trailer rear-ended the pickup truck, police said, and a fourth vehicle a Dodge Ram pickup rear-ended the trailer. The driver of the Dodge Ram was the only person injured in the collision, police said, and was not wearing a seatbelt. Police said the driver remained in critical condition Tuesday night. Further details of the injured driver were not immediately disclosed by police. Kansas City police continued to investigate the crash Tuesday. (KRON) Every year, hundreds of laws get passed in California to go into effect the following year. In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a slew of new bills into law that give workers new rights for 2024. Here are 10 new California laws youll want to know about: Californias minimum wage increasing The biggest employment-related thing changing is that Californias minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour. This is a 50-cent increase from the states minimum wage in 2023. Health care workers getting minimum wage increase Health care workers will be getting a minimum wage raise starting in June 2024 to $23 per hour. This will increase by $1 every two years until the base minimum wage reaches $25 per hour. Minimum wage increase for fast food workers Effective in April 2024, the minimum wage for fast food workers will be $20 per hour. This salary could increase year over year by up to 3.5 percent. Employers to cover food handling cards Certain food workers are required to obtain food handler cards. A new bill requires the employer to cover any cost associated with obtaining the card. Workers entitled to five paid sick days or 40 hours per year Workers will be entitled to five paid sick days or 40 hours of time off per year. This is an increase from three days per year. Family leave expanded Employee family leave has been expanded to include five unpaid days of leave following a reproductive loss. This includes miscarriage, failed adoption or surrogacy, stillbirth and unsuccessful assisted reproduction. Employers barred from noncompete agreements Employers are prohibited from entering into any noncompete agreements with employees and voids any existing noncompete agreements. Employers cant discriminate against recreational cannabis users Employers are no longer allowed to discriminate against employees who use cannabis outside of working hours and away from the workplace. Employers not allowed to ask potential employees about cannabis use Additionally, employers are also not allowed to ask potential employees if they have used cannabis. Workplaces must adapt violence prevention plan Workplaces must adapt a workplace violence prevention plan. The bill requires the plan to include recording incidents or threats in a violent incident log, providing training to all employees and maintaining records related to a workplace violence prevention plan. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. [Source] Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old climate activist from India, interrupted the COP28 climate summit in Dubai on Monday. What happened: Kangujam ran up the stage with a sign reading End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future. While holding the poster up, she demanded governments to act now in phasing out coal, oil and gas, which she says are the top causes of the climate crisis today. Although Kangujam was escorted away, the COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi praised her enthusiasm and the audience applauded. Here is the full video of my protest today disrupting the UN High Level Plenary Session of #COP28UAE. They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28. pic.twitter.com/ToPIJ3K9zM Trending on NextShark: Filipino American nurse wins $41 million retaliation lawsuit against Kaiser Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) December 11, 2023 The drafted final deal: The protest occurred amid criticism of a draft text for the final agreement, with opponents expressing disapproval that it did not explicitly tackle the elimination of fossil fuels, a crucial request from both the European Union and susceptible developing nations. There is uncertainty whether the talks, initially set to conclude on Tuesday, will finish on schedule. Trending on NextShark: Manila crowned world's top city destination for 2023 Kangujams urgent plea: Kangujam shared a statement on X after her protest, noting that she was detained for over 30 minutes. My only crime - Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28, she wrote. Her plea emphasizes the necessity for global collaboration in ending fossil fuel use, highlighting the devastating impact of climate disasters on millions of children. She asks governments to redirect their resources from wars to address hunger, provide education and combat climate change. She stresses the basic rights of every human being, such as clean air, water and a habitable planet. Your action today will decide our future tomorrow, Kangujam wrote. We are already the victim of climate change. I dont want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of the millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any costAfter thinking many times, I decided to do this protest. Even my mom tried to stop me but I convinced her that Everything will be alright. I am taking the risks of my life because I want to save our Planet and our Future. My voice deserve to be heard by the world. Let's stand together by uniting, instead of dividing. Trending on NextShark: She survived the Vietnam War. Now she's won 'Squid Game' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! 13 cold-stunned sea turtles from New England given holiday names as they rehab in Florida JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) This Rudolph will not be leading his pals Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Vixen, Comet and Cupid through the Christmas Eve sky, but maybe he will lead them back out to sea one day. For now the seven Kemps Ridley sea turtles and six of their pals have been given holiday-themed names as they are treated at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. Other names include Dreidel, Zawadi, Grinch and Elf. They were were among 52 sea turtles flown to Tampa last week from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts. They were suffering from a condition known as cold stun from the frigid waters in New England, which make them hypothermic. They float at the surface, they cant eat, they cant dive and eventually wash up on shore, said Marika Weber, a vet technician at Loggerhead. Loggerhead Marinelife Center volunteer Taylor Johnson smiles at Rudolph a juvenile Kemps Ridley sea turtle while feeding him, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. Rudolph was among a large group of sea turtles flown to Florida from the New England Aquarium in Mass., after they were found suffering from a condition known as cold stun. The center gave the 13 sea they are caring for holiday-themed names. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Cupid, a Kemps Ridley sea turtle, eats a piece of fish at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. Cupid was among 52 sea turtles flown to Tampa from the New England Aquarium in Mass. They were found suffering from a condition known as cold stun, which make them hypothermic. Thirteen are at the center until they are well enough to be released back into the ocean. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Visitors look at thirteen rescued Kemps Ridley sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. The small turtles were among 52 sea turtles flown to Tampa last week from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts. They were suffering from a condition known as cold stun from the frigid waters in New England, which make them hypothermic. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Zawadi, a Kemps Ridley sea turtle, swims in a tank at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. Several Kemps Ridley sea turtles are being treated at the center after they were flown to Florida from Massachusetts suffering from cold stun. They will continue to be cared for at the center until they are healthy enough to be released back into the ocean. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Frosty, a Kemps Ridley sea turtle, swims in a tank at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. Frosty is one of 13 turtles that have been given holiday-themed names while being treated at the center. Other names include Dreidel, Grinch and Elf. The turtles were flown from Massachusetts after suffering from a condition known as cold stun which makes them hypothermic. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) The Grinch, a Kemps Ridley sea turtle, swims after a squid in a tank at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Juno Beach, Fla. The Grinch is one of 13 turtles that have been given holiday-themed names while being treated at the center. Other names include Dreidel, Grinch and Elf. The turtles were flown from Massachusetts after suffering from a condition known as cold stun which makes them hypothermic. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) She said the New England Aquarium was overwhelmed with more than 200 sea turtles experiencing cold stun. Thats why 52 were sent to Florida. In addition to the 13 sent to Juno Beach in Palm Beach County, 16 were taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the remaining turtles went to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. The turtles will continue rehabbing at the aquarium, where guests are welcome to visit and watch their journey, and eventually they will return to their natural habitat. Florida saw a record number of sea turtle nests this year. Preliminary statistics show more than 133,840 loggerhead turtle nests, breaking the previous mark from n 2016. The same is true for green turtles, with the estimate of at least 76,500 nests well above 2017 levels. High sea turtle nest numbers also have been reported in South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, although not all set records like Florida. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. This is part of Time, Online, a Future Tense series on how technology is changing prison. While serving 13 years in federal prison, I had many visions of freedom. I saw myself coming and going just like everyone elsetaking long trips to see my kids and spending time with my aging parents. I dreamed of big, exotic vacations, and also of small moments sitting on the front porch swing. On the inside, people spend a lot of time mulling over ways to make those visions come true. We walk the track on the recreation yard and sit at tables in the library dissecting new policies and debating ways to get to lower security levels or, most elusively, to get out. These conversations are happening in every prison, every day, all over America. Over the past few years, these conversations became my reality. I pieced together my prison puzzle and earned four months of home confinement from the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill signed into law in December 2018. It changed my life. I was able to earn time off my sentence and the privilege of serving a portion of my remaining time in the comfort of a family members homeas long as I wore a GPS ankle monitor. My first stop outside of prison was a halfway house, where I lived for almost two months under nearly constant supervision. On May 30, I was released from the halfway house to begin living in home confinement, the last phase and most sought-after form of incarceration. This came with an important condition: wearing a GPS tracker. Before I was allowed to leave, a staff member knelt down to fasten the clunky monitor on my ankle. I was told to call in to the halfway house and report my arrival at my new residence. But the most important instruction I received as they fastened the monitor around my ankle came in the form of a warning. I was told not to tamper with it and not to allow the battery to die. That instruction was accompanied by an unspoken or else. And although there were no more corrections officers with keys and radios to monitor my movements, I still felt followed by an all-seeing, satellite-enabled eye. While driving from the halfway house to my brothers home, where I would reside for the foreseeable future, I felt an elation that I had long dreamed about. At the same time, there was a foreboding feeling that I couldnt shake; I couldnt ignore the new device that was securely strapped around my ankle. There was no sound or loud beeping, but I still felt as if I was tethered to the system. And I was. There was a long list of restrictions that governed my life in this rebuilding process. My trips to Walmart or restaurants had to be input into the system and approved at least a week in advance. I had to call the halfway house when I arrived at my job and before I left, despite the fact that I was monitored by satellite 24 hours a day. These redundancies seemed designed as ready-to-deploy excuses to send me back inside. The threat of being returned to prison loomed large every time I left home. When I was in prison, I wouldnt have blinked at these requirementsmost incarcerated people would give one leg and gladly wear the monitor on the other just to be free. But once the monitor was secured around my ankle and the conditions that came with it were fully explained, I started to feel the weight of my new world. Over the next few weeks, my new life began to take shape. The ankle monitor, which was a little larger than a deck of cards, became a part of my body. The tight strap began to dig into my leg, and the heavy box weighed uncomfortably on my ankle. Hoping to alleviate the pain, I folded a sock in half and wrapped it around my ankle beneath the monitor strap. I didnt think twice about it until two weeks later when I was called into the halfway house for an accountability check. During the security pat-down, a staff member saw the sock and accused me of tampering with the device and attempting to remove it. The agreement I signed when I first got the monitor apparently explained that doing so could send me back to prison to finish out my sentence. I could also be charged with escape. For a few tense moments, I watched the facility staff convene an impromptu meeting to decide my fate. I was relieved when they determined that I was not attempting to escape my digital prison, but in fact only seeking comfort in my confinement. After testing negative for alcohol and drugs, and before I was allowed to leave, the staff reiterated the tamper warning. On many occasions, I was woken up after midnight by phone calls from the facility telling me that I needed to charge my monitor. They were watching. My fear of returning to prison grew exponentially on a stormy night in July when my GPS monitor died during a four-hour power outage. I called the halfway house to assure them I had not tampered with the monitor but couldnt charge it until the power returned. They told me to expect a phone call every hour. But what if they didnt believe me? I felt nauseous. During the next major storm-induced power outage, I sought refuge in my brothers Dodge Ram truck, with my monitor plugged into a power inverter. Several times, staff from the facility came to my job to ensure that I was in fact on site. I cant begin to explain the level of humiliation I felt while co-workers looked on as I stood against a wall, pant leg raised, to have my monitor reset by a facility staff member. Co-workers who were in the dark about my situation were now seeing me in a whole new light. I sensed a difference in my working relationships each time it happened. One Sunday afternoon, I got permission to shop at a J.C. Penney at the local mall. While there, I received a phone call from the monitoring center. The voice on the other end came through over the loud noise of Sunday churchgoers and shoppers: Mr. Kinzer, where are you? I sat in dismay for what seemed like an eternity, asking myself why they were asking such a stupid question. Eating in the food court at the mall, I finally answered. The voice ordered me to go back to J.C. Penney. Again, there was an implied or elseapparently, I was only approved to go to J.C. Penney, and not the rest of the mall connected to it. I got up angrily and left the mall, making sure to call the facility to inform them that I was returning to my release residence. I soon learned from another staff member that when a persons travel location is input into the system, its enclosed by an out-of-sight geofence. It reminded me of the invisible fences used to keep dogs inside open yards. I faced a similar situation as I waited on my date in the parking lot of a local bowling alley. The call came. I quickly returned to the inside of the bowling alley, just 20 feet from where I sat in my car. Through learned behaviorand for fear of shockthe dog, and I, never ventured outside digital borders. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, more than 57,000 people have been placed in home confinement since March 2020. Many thousands more are hoping to join their ranks. And while digital prison is better than its brick-and-mortar alternative, surviving in this gray space of freedom comes at a steep price. On Aug. 2, after two months, my monitor was removed. The or else that had loomed over my freedom like a dark cloud was finally gone. Air defense forces shot down all the drones launched by Russia over Odeshchyna, there is destruction after their fall Two people were hospitalized, and civilian infrastructure was damaged, in Russias overnight kamikaze drone attack on Odesa Oblast, Ukraines Southern Defense Forces reported on Telegram late on Dec. 12. A fire also started but was quickly extinguished. Read also: Russian night attack severely damages administrative buildings and sports facility in Odesa Oblast Residents were warned that the invaders could attack in several waves overnight and called for air raid warnings to be heeded, the Southern Defense Forces added. Explosions in Odesa were reported earlier. The Russian invaders launched nine Shahed kamikaze drones from the Black Sea and temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast as a thick fog enveloped Odesa Oblast. All nine drones were neutralized by Ukraines Air Forces and mobile Air Defense units. Read also: Another Russian drone attack on Ukraine: one civilian killed in Odesa Oblast The falling debris from one neutralized drone feel on a car repair company in Odesa, causing a fire. Two workers were hospitalized and are in stable condition. The building was destroyed and 11 cars were damaged, including three that belonged to the company. The debris from a separate drone damaged port infrastructure in another part of Odesa Oblast. Following the drone attack on Odesa, Russia targeted Kyiv in a massive ballistic missile barrage. Anti-aircraft guns shot down all 10 targets, though falling debris caused widespread injury and damages. Over 50 people were injured, some seriously. At least six children were injured in the attack. Residents were evacuated from a nine-story building in the Desnyan Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine After the attack on Odesa, Russia hit Kyiv with ballistic missiles for the second time in two days. At night, anti-aircraft guns shot down all ten targets. Missile fragments fell in four districts of the capital. Residential buildings were damaged, fires started. Residents were evacuated from a nine-story building in Desnyan district. 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 child was left outside an Ohio day care for nearly five hours before finally being discovered alone, police say. The childs mother, Morgan Higgins, wants teachers at Little Lambs Childrens Center fired following the Thursday, Dec. 7, incident, according to police in Gahanna. The day care is affiliated with Shepherd Church of the Nazarene. Higgins said in a Facebook post she was notified that her child had been left alone in the cold for two hours. But when she arrived at the day care to pick up her child, she learned her daughter was actually by herself for more than four hours. Four hours, my tiny, innocent child sat outside, scared, in the cold, she said. Police said the class went to the playground at 9:05 a.m. and was there until being led back inside at 9:24 a.m. But during that time, an additional child entered the playground, altering the head count for the class. Eleven children the same number that entered the playground together left with two teachers, but one 2-year-old was not included. Video surveillance shows the girl take off her jacket at 9:37 a.m. while playing in the playground, but she soon took shelter in a playhouse, police said. It wasnt until 2:05 p.m. when a church pastor discovered the forgotten toddler, according to a police timeline. The girl was outside for 5 hours and had been alone for 4 hours and 41 minutes. (The pastor) is observed pausing in her strike, turning around and proceeding towards the playground, police said. (The pastors) written statement explained that she heard a whimper and subsequently found (the child) crying in the playhouse. Police said the child was then taken inside, given food and warmed up. Temperatures in the area were in the 30s and 40s during the hours in question. Higgins said on Facebook she took her daughter to the emergency room, where doctors said she is fine physically. But the family is traumatized, and Higgins said her daughter will no longer attend the day care. James and I are beside ourselves with the what ifs and we are struggling so hard, but we are counting our blessings and thanking God our baby is okay, she said. Police did not file any charges toward the day care or its workers. The website for Little Lambs Childrens Center has been set to private. Shepherd Church of the Nazarene lead pastor Rob Paugh said in a statement to WCMH the church will conduct an internal investigation and will provide additional training to staff members. Little Lambs Childrens Center is committed to providing a safe environment for the children entrusted in our care, Paugh said. Our prayers and deepest apologies are with the child and family who were impacted by a recent incident. We are fully cooperating with all applicable city, county and state authorities investigating the matter and will comply with their directives. Gahanna is a northeast suburb of Columbus. Two L.A. County residents are accused of stealing over $2 million through grandparent scams. The suspects were identified as James Wesley Jackson III, aka Imperial, 42, and Christopher Fagon, 45, who used several aliases, mostly variations of Christopher Broker, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Grandparent scams typically involve convincing elderly victims to send money to help their relatives. Oftentimes, the victims are told their grandchildren are in legal trouble. Victims are told to send the money to bank accounts, business entities and addresses provided by the scammers through interstate wires and cashiers checks, according to court documents. The stolen money is then handled by money mules who allow their addresses or bank accounts to be used to receive or negotiate cashiers checks. Fagon was allegedly a manager of money mules, including Jackson, who then recruited his own money mules, officials said. Fagon is accused of creating businesses and opening bank accounts using stolen information from identity theft victims. Suspects held family at gunpoint in Rancho Cucamonga home invasion Once the money was transferred into the accounts, Fagon and Jackson would engage in transactions designed to conceal the true nature of the funds from wire fraud. Elderly victims who were targeted in this scheme lived in California and across the U.S. In one instance, stolen funds were held in suspense in an account set up with a victims name. Fagon, Jackson and another associate worked together to contact the bank and impersonate the victim to receive a check for nearly $83,000 from the account. Jackson was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and was released on bond. A trial is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024. Mother talks about being targeted in anti-Mexican rant at Disneyland Fagon, who at the time of the scheme lived in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of L.A., faces identical charges and is now believed to be in or near Toronto, Canada. If convicted, the charge of conspiring to commit money laundering carries up to 20 years in prison and conspiring to commit bank fraud carries up to 30 years in prison. The case remains under investigation by the FBI. The Toronto Police Service in Canada assisted in the investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Wasteful utilization of federal money and increased property taxes were some of the key takeaways for the 2023 Pork Report, authored by the Beacon Center of Tennessee each year. The 18th edition of the report was released this week, pointing out offensive examples of wasteful spending across the state. Some of the items highlighted in this years report include the large property tax increases approved over the last year and taxpayer subsidies approved by state and local officials. In-N-Out Headquarters When In-N-Out, the iconic fast food chain known for its Double Doubles and Animal Style fries, announced plans to establish in Franklin, the chain also said it would locate a new headquarters for its Eastern operations in Williamson County. The investment in Tennessee was then met with economic matches from both the state of Tennessee and the Williamson County Commission. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is reportedly giving $2.75 million to In-N-Out as a tax incentive, and the Williamson County Commission is also offering its own $2 million gift for the location. 4 popular chains that are coming to or adding more stores in Tennessee No one is more excited than the Beacon team about the addition of In-N-Out restaurants and corporate headquarters in the Middle Tennessee area, but we have a real problem with the government subsidizing the insanely profitable California chain, the report reads. While the chain CEO said he fell in love with Franklin and Williamson County, county officials decided to use tax dollars to sweeten the deal despite the county being in debt, the report states. The Beacon Center said governments should stop picking winners and losers by subsidizing private businesses at the expense of taxpayers. Instead of lowering taxes or improving the business climate, government leaders decided to make cheap fast food an expensive venture, the report said. Property Taxes The report said the states lack of a property tax cap has left Tennesseans feeling the burden of huge increases in their property tax bill. Citing significant increases in Rutherford, Greene, and Lincoln counties, the report said there was no limit on how high local governments can go when it comes to raising property taxes. Rutherford County approved a 16% increase in property tax rates, while Lincoln County raised them by 37%. The largest increase cited in the report was from just outside Chattanooga, where Red Bank raised property tax rates 52%. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts All across the state, local governments, both rural and urban, are passing massive property tax hikes instead of getting their financial health in order, the report states. Even small increases tied with sky-high assessments leave residents with less of their hard-earned dollars. The Beacon Center suggests state lawmakers offer the same protections to Tennesseans that 46 other states offer their residents: property tax caps. ESSER Fund Waste When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools for months, the federal government stepped in to pass the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). The funds were meant to address learning loss as a result of the pandemic and the safe return to in-person classes, but the Pork Report found some local school districts opted to use the funds for unrelated purposes. This year, it was uncovered that some school districts chose to disregard their internal policies around how to appropriate relief funds, with unauthorized bonuses going to positions that have nothing to do with teaching children, such as directors and administrators, the report said. Some school districts were found to have used the ESSER funds for payroll purposes, including hiring new teachers or giving bonuses to faculty and administrators. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to the report, less than 62% of the $3.5 billion given through the pandemic to Tennessee school districts was spent as of September. To view the full report, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is announcing the indictment of a Clayton County man accused of selling a developmentally disabled woman for sex. Felipe Smith, 24, is accused of trafficking a woman with a developmental disability. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Carrs office says Smith drove her to hotels around metro Atlanta and sold her for sex acts. They say he is also a member of the criminal street gang PDE, also known as Paradise East or Paper Drugs Extortion. PDE members typically identify with the Bloods. Were fighting each day to protect our most vulnerable Georgians, and that includes our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and gang activity in every one of our communities. We will not rest in our pursuit of justice for this young woman and survivors across our state, Carr said. TRENDING STORIES: Smith is charged with six counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude and three counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. He is currently being held in the Clayton County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where youll find even more free and cheap things to do every day, and detailed by Denise Casalez. Friday, Dec. 15 Deck the Hall at Optimist Hall Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206 Time: 6-10 p.m. Cost: Free entry Bundle up and bring your family and friends: Snow will be falling and holiday music will be filling the air at Optimist Halls Deck the Hall event. Cozy up in the courtyard with fire pits, heaters, and your food favorites like Ava, The Dumpling Lady and more. Plus, Spindle Bar Airstreams new hot cocktails like spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot toddy will keep you warm from the inside out. Or hit up Billy Sundays Tinseltown, which is ongoing through Dec. 31. Billy Sundays Tinseltown is ongoing through December 31. Joy of Christmas: A Christmas Concert at Christ Community Church in Huntersville Location: 16301 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free Looking for the holiday spirit through music? Join The Joy of Christmas: A Christmas Concert at Christ Community Church. Youll sing light-hearted favorites and classic Christmas hymns celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ from Friday to Monday. Free Santa photos at Blakeney Town Center Location: 9870 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277 Time: 5-8 p.m. Cost: Free, $10 donation appreciated but not required For a jolly experience with the jolly man, get your pictures taken with Santa at the Blakeney Town Center from Friday to Saturday. A $10 donation is kindly requested for the events appointed charity, but is not required. Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel Location: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277 Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Free entry, $1 minimum to vote The Ballantyne Hotel is coming back with its favorite tradition, where you can be the judge of gingerbread houses made by local gingerbread artists! From child artists to professionals, you can check out these masterpieces at the hotels Carolina Room. Proceeds from the event will go to Atrium Health Levine Childrens Hospital. The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel hosts an annual Gingerbread Lane, where you can vote for your favorite gingerbread house. Emo Holiday Party at Salud Cerveceria Location: 3306 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205 Time: 7-11:30 p.m. Cost: Free entry Get your moshing ready because Salud Cerveceria is hosting an Emo Holiday Party with emo karaoke, punk rock music, games and raffle prizes. Proceeds from this rocking event will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Ugly Sweater Party with the Agave Brothers at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. Location: 413 Dalton Ave Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206 Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free entry Pack your ugliest Christmas sweater and listen to some live music with the Agave Brothers at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. Whoever comes wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater wins the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater award. Saturday, Dec. 16 Mistletoe Market at Camp North End Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206 Time: 3-8 p.m. Cost: Free entry Get your holiday shopping done at the Mistletoe Market at Camp North End, where you can find cool gifts at the Camp North Pole igloos, listen to live music and enjoy festive drinks and food. You can also get cozy at the camps area fire pits. Mistletoe Market is held at Camp North End every holiday season. 5th Annual Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade Location: 15901 NC 73 HY, 15901 NC-73, Huntersville, NC 28078 Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: Free entry Mark your calendar for the 5th Annual Lake Norman Christmas Boat Parade in Lake Norman. This event allows for fellow captains to show off their holiday spirit via boat and brings exciting lights on the waters of Lake Norman. This event will start on Blythe Landing, and it includes Ramsey Creek, the Peninsula and Duke Energy Explorium, where there will be food trucks and a visit from Santa. The Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual holiday event. 2023 North Carolina Christmas Festival at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Location: 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025 Time: 1-5 p.m. Cost: Free entry Get free pictures with Santa, enter free toy giveaways, get free gift wrapping and more at the 2023 North Carolina Christmas Festival at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. There will also be vendors, performances from A Chance to Dance and experiences like a bounce house and baby bumper cars at this family-fun event. Christmas Festival at Steele Creek Community Center Location: 13501 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28278 Time: 3-5 p.m. Cost: Free admission The Steele Creek Community and YMCA is inviting you to its Christmas Festival, where there will be smores, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, live music and more. Holiday Film Series at Independent Picture House Location: 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213 Time: 12 p.m. Cost: $8 If youre in the mood to watch some holiday classic movies, The Independent Picture House is hosting a Holiday Film Series, showcasing some holiday classics including Its A Wonderful Life and The Christmas Chronicles. Harris YMCAs Nutcracker Ballet (in Spanish and English) at the Halton Theatre Location: 1206 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 Time: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m, 4:30 p.m, 7:30 p.m. Cost: Regular tickets: $15 The Harris YMCA Dance Company will perform The Nutcracker at The Halton Theatre. This family-friendly performance will also have Spanish narration and will be performed both Dec. 16 and 17, so dont miss out on this great time. SantaCon Bar Crawl in Charlotte Location: 307 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 Time: 4-11:30 p.m. Cost: Tickets as low as $13 Join North Carolinas most popular holiday crawl where SantaCon Mega Crawl takes over Charlotte streets! Gather your Santa attire and bring your friends or family to sleigh the night away at this festive event, where there will be festive drinks, a costume contest and more. The event starts at Pins Mechanical Co. Sunday, Dec. 17 Light the World Giving Machine at Promenade on Providence Location: 10844 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277 Time: 5-8 p.m. Cost: Free entry Are you in the mood to listen to live music? Check out local musicians with Light the World Giving Machine at Promenade on Providence, where there will also be three machines, eight charities and 30 items to choose from. Holiday Charlotte Vintage Market at Hi-Wire Brewing Location: 340 W Tremont Ave Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28203 Time: 12-5 p.m. Cost: Free admission Finish up your holiday shopping at the Holiday Charlotte Vintage Market at Hi-Wire Brewing, where you can find vintage collectors items and accessories. Candy Cane Crawl + Tree Lighting at Plaza Midwood Location: 1228 Gordon St, Charlotte, NC 28205 Time: 2-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free entry The Annual Plaza Midwood Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting is inviting you for a fun, festive experience where there will be pictures with Santa, dance performances, an appearance from the Grinch and more. Plaza Merry Market at Lamar + Central Ave. Location: 1222 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 Time: 1-5 p.m. Cost: Free entry Head on over to the Plaza Merry Market for gifts, beverages and treats and more. This event is held in collaboration with the Plaza Midwood Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting, so dont miss out on this festive experience. Charlotte Irish Christmas Party at Grace OMalleys Location: 157 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105 Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $10 donation Join the Charlotte Irish Community to see how the culture celebrates the holiday season at Grace OMalleys in Matthews. Expect food, Irish dancing, live Irish music and more. TLNBBs 2023 Christmas Jazz Show at St. Marks Lutheran Church Location: 454 Fieldstone Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115 Time: 3:30-5 p.m. Cost: Free The Lake Norman Big Band is performing its second Holiday show this season at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Mooresville. Theyll play a variety of holiday and traditional classics that end with a big band twist. Monday, Dec. 18 Comedy Open Mic: Krampus Edition at Triple C Brewing Location: 2900 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC 28203 Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free entry Unleash your inner Krampus and join Triple C Brewing Co. for its Comedy Open Mic: Krampus Edition! Come for a night of comedy and see if you got what it takes to bring the heat. South Boulevard Teen Hangout: The Nightmare before Christmas at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library- South Mecklenburg Location: 4429 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209 Time: 5-7 p.m. Cost: Free entry Join a jolly and spooky event at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - South Boulevard. The event features a holiday classic The Nightmare Before Christmas, where there will be games, crafts, movies and other fun activities. Tuesday, Dec.19 Flashlight Candycane Hunt at Les Myers Park Location: 338 Lawndale Ave SE, Concord, NC 28025 Time: 5 p.m. Cost: Free entry Join City of Concord Parks & Recreation for its annual Flashlight Candycane hunt at Les Myers Park. Along with the Candycane Hunt, you can expect hot cocoa, a train ride plus snow so bring your brightest flashlight and a friend or family member to this hunt. Movie Night- Elf & Home Alone at Sip City Market & Bottle Shop Location: 917 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Cost: Free entry Join Sip City Market & Bottle Shop for a fun-filled evening, featuring showings of Elf at 6 p.m. and Home Alone after. Movie snacks, $2 hot chocolates, drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase, plus kid zone activities available. Get a chance for a free taco for the first 30 guests, limit 1. Wednesday, Dec. 20 Tommys Pub Christmas Party with DJ Nostalgia Location: 3124 Eastway Dr #710, Charlotte, NC 28205 Time: 6 p.m. Cost: Free entry Put on your holiday attire and party the night away at Tommys Pubs festive Christmas Party with DJ Nostaliga. Youll be treated to early-mid 1900s Christmas music on a record player. Wind Down Wednesday Yoga at Blue Blaze Brewing Location: 528 S Turner Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $11 per person/$15 at the door Join the brew room for an all-levels yoga session with a certified yoga instructor, a pre-paid Blue Blaze beer and a great conversation with your peers around you. Thursday, Dec. 21 Winter Solstice Fire and Celebration at Reedy Creek Nature Center Location: 2986 Rocky River Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215 Time: 6-8 p.m. Cost: Free Discover the winter solstice magic atReedy Creek Nature Center. You can participate in a mindful connecting practice, fire building and intention setting. Holiday Party at Devils Logic Brewing Location: 1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 Time: 7-9 p.m. Cost: Free entry Get into the holiday spirit with Devils Logic Brewing for its Holiday Party. You can learn about the Pagan holiday while socializing with new or close friends. Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. Youll find festivals, kids activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit recently upheld New York's requirement that applicants for handgun carry permits demonstrate "good moral character," deeming it consistent with the Second Amendment. But the appeals court enjoined enforcement of the state's demand that applicants submit information about their social media accounts, deeming it inconsistent with the First Amendment as well as the Second. The 2nd Circuit also delivered a mixed verdict on New York regulations that prohibit even permit holders from carrying guns in specified locations. The court rejected the state's default rule against carrying guns in businesses open to the public while upholding several other bans on firearms in places that legislators deemed "sensitive." The decision by a unanimous three-judge panel, published on Friday, addresses four challenges to regulations that New York enacted after the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which upheld the right to carry guns in public for self-defense. In Bruen, the Court rejected New York's requirement that residents show "proper cause" for bearing arms, which it said was not "consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation." New York legislators responded by eliminating the "proper cause" criterion while retaining a reference to "good moral character," which they defined as "the essential character, temperament and judgement necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it only in a manner that does not endanger oneself or others." That requirement, U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby concluded last year in Antonyuk v. Hochul, "is just a dressed-up version of the State's improper 'special need for self-protection' requirement." Suddaby found "historical support for a modern law providing that a license shall be issued or renewed except for applicants who have been found, based on their past conduct, to be likely to use the weapon in a manner that would injure themselves or others (other than in self-defense)." That standard, he wrote, "is objective, easily applied, and finds support in numerous analogues that deny the right to carry to citizens based on their past conduct." By contrast, he said, New York's "good moral character" requirement gave licensing officials "open-ended discretion" to reject applicants based on a subjective standardprecisely the situation that the Supreme Court had deemed unconstitutional in Bruen. In overruling Suddaby, the three 2nd Circuit judgesDennis Jacobs, Gerard Lynch, and Eunice Leeconcede that licensing officials might violate the Second Amendment by applying the "good moral character" standard in an "arbitrary" way. "We recognize that 'good moral character' is a spongy concept susceptible to abuse," Jacobs et al. write. "But such abuses, should they become manifest, can still be vindicated in court as they arise." While "we do not foreclose as-applied challenges to particular character-based denials," they say, Suddaby erred by deeming New York's standard unconstitutional on its face. "The provision is not invalid in all of its applications," the panel says, because "a reasoned denial of a carry license to a person who, if armed, would pose a danger to themselves, others, or to the public is consistent with the well-recognized historical tradition of preventing dangerous individuals from possessing weapons." The 2nd Circuit did, however, agree with Suddaby that New York went too far by requiring carry permit applicants to submit "a list of all former and current social media accounts from the preceding three years." That demand, the court notes, impinges on the First Amendment right to engage in pseudonymous speech as well as the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. "Although the review of public social media posts by a licensing officer poses no constitutional difficulties," the panel says, "requiring applicants to disclose even pseudonymous names under which they post online imposes an impermissible infringement on Second Amendment rights that is unsupported by analogues in the historical record and moreover presents serious First Amendment concerns." The 2nd Circuit also agreed with Suddaby (and with U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr.) that New York had failed to justify its rule that guns are prohibited in all businesses open to the public unless the owner posts "clear and conspicuous signage" allowing them or "has otherwise given express consent." That provision "functionally creates a universal default presumption against carrying firearms in public places, seriously burdening lawful gun owners' Second Amendment rights," Jacobs et al. note. "That burden is entirely out of step with that imposed by the proffered analogues, which appear to have created a presumption against carriage only on private property not open to the public." While the appeals court enjoined that restriction in its entirety, it provided a narrower remedy for plaintiffs who challenged New York's ban on guns in places of worship. Micheal Spencer, pastor of His Tabernacle Family Church in upstate New York, challenged that rule, arguing that it unconstitutionally interfered with the armed communal defense that he and his congregants viewed as a religious duty. The 2nd Circuit, which agreed that the provision was problematic under the First Amendment in this context, barred New York from enforcing it against Spencer or members of his church. The appeals court rejected all the other challenges to New York's location-specific gun bans, either because it determined that the plaintiffs lacked standing or because it concluded that the provisions were consistent with the Second Amendment. The panel's analysis of the latter issue is notably less demanding than Suddaby's, requiring fewer historical analogs and applying them at a higher level of generality. The 2nd Circuit, for example, says banning guns in parks, zoos, and theaters fits a "well-established and representative tradition of regulating firearms in quintessentially crowded places." And it says that tradition, combined with early laws prohibiting people from carrying or firing guns in public while intoxicated, provides ample support for New York's ban on guns in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Judges obviously disagree about how the Bruen test should be applied to newly established gun-free zones in states such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Hawaii, and California. But an excessively lenient approach, if it allows states to bar permit holders from carrying guns in most public places, runs the risk of nullifying the right upheld in Bruen. The post 2nd Circuit Rejects New York's Default Rule Against Guns in Businesses appeared first on Reason.com. Three residents of Los Angeles were arrested in Ventura County earlier this month after they were found to be in possession of special bags that allow shoplifters to leave a store without triggering an alarm. On Dec. 1, Maicol Silva, 32, Geradin Gonzalez-Morales, 30, and Daniela Beltran-Rojas, 28, were arrested by Ventura County Sheriffs Department deputies as they left Camarillo Premium Outlets in Camarillo. Deputies responded to the outlet mall after receiving reports of a possible theft from one of the stores. An employee provided a description of the vehicle the thieves were driving, which allowed deputies to conduct a quick traffic stop. Deputies in Ventura County busted three L.A. residents for alleged retail theft and possession of burglary tools on Dec. 1, 2023 in Camarillo. (Ventura County Sheriff's Office) The car was searched and, according to law enforcement officials, a large amount of property from nearby businesses was located as well as several booster bags. The inconspicuous bags are lined with conductive material and are meant to defeat retail security tags by blocking the electronic detectors you might see at the entrance to a retail store. Booster bags are considered to be burglary tools, according to law enforcement. Based off the amount of merchandise recovered and the bags found inside the car, the three passengers were arrested on suspicion of retail theft and possession of burglary tools. The Ventura County Sheriffs Office says retail thefts cause billions of dollars worth of damage to retailers across the country, but they also put the lives and livelihoods of employees at risk. The Sheriffs Office has a special two-person team called the Directed Enforcement Unit, which is comprised of detectives who focus on assisting patrol units in areas with various crimes, including organized retail theft. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. When trucks from Wreaths Across America roll into Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, theyll bring with them the largest army of volunteers and the most substantial supply of holiday wreaths in the charitys 15 years of operation. Theyre also poised to write their biggest check ever to their sole wreath supplier, a Maine company owned by the founders of the charity whose main source of income is donations to the non-profit. Wreaths Across America and the Worcester Wreath Company are open about the relationship, advertising for each other on their websites. Both have filed appropriate disclosures and tax forms and have received no pushback from the Internal Revenue Service or state tax officials. But as the operation has grown from a regional volunteer effort to a nationwide campaign bringing in more than $30 million annually more than double its 2017 total so have questions about whether the close ties between the non-profit group and for-profit company undercut the charitable message of the effort. You often see a small charity where some of the insiders still work for a related company or the founders and get paid, said Brian Mittendorf, the H.P. Wolfe chair in accounting at Ohio States Fisher College of Business. The unusual part here is the scale. That an organization of this size would still have such a large portion of its budget in the form of transactions with related persons raises questions. The idea for Wreaths Across America grew from a decision by Worcester Wreath owner Morrill Worcester in the 1990s to donate extra holiday wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. As the tradition attracted more attention, the company split off the work into a charitable arm, still maintaining ties with its founders. Over the years, major donors such as American Airlines, Chevrolet and Jersey Mikes Subs have handed over hundreds of thousands of dollars. In contrast to the early years of the operation, today the two entities have flipped roles, with the charity drawing national headlines and the private wreath firm relying mostly on the organization for revenue. If it is the case that the for-profit vendor would collapse or need to significantly downsize were it to lose the business of the charity, it is a glaring conflict of interest to have owners of that vendor on the charitys board or in key staff positions, said Laurie Styron, CEO and executive director of CharityWatch, an independent charity watchdog group. The owners and their close relatives should either sell off their financial interests in the for-profit vendor, or the interested parties should resign from the charity and allow an independent board to recruit leaders in whom the public can have confidence in their capacity to act independently. Buying wreaths The charitys goals and operations are straightforward. The group has a stated mission to remember the men and women who served our country, honor our military and their families, and teach our children about our freedom and those who protect it. Charity officials say they try to advance those goals through a series of education events throughout the year, but the wreath distribution every December is its highest profile initiative. Nearly 3 million volunteers are expected to take part in wreath laying activities this weekend. The arrival of wreaths at Arlington Cemetery this week is a multi-day media event, with lengthy rules for an expected rush of news crews and photojournalists documenting the thousands of volunteers and wreaths. Individuals and groups who participate in Wreaths Across America events each December receive all of their wreaths through the charity. Donors pay $17 for each one, with $5 going back to civic and youth groups helping with sales. WAA officials say that arrangement has raised $22 million over the last 15 years for local charities and civic groups beyond wreath laying activities. In fiscal 2021, the charity sent nearly $21.5 million to Worcester Wreath. Company officials have said publicly that the Wreaths Across America contract makes up more than 75% of their annual revenue. Worcester Wreath officials said they donate 30% of their profits to the charity and other local veterans groups, but much of that profit comes from the contract with WAA. This year, the charity expects to place nearly 3 million wreaths on gravesites at more than 4,200 locations nationwide, all bought from the Maine supplier. Four board members of Wreaths Across America including Karen Worcester, the executive director are related to the owners of Worcester Wreath. Charity officials in tax filings say those members recused themselves from discussion and vote of the agreement between the organization and Worcester Wreath. Ceremonial wreaths are on display during a Wreaths Across America event at Fort Wright Cemetery in Spokane, Washington, Dec. 17, 2022. Wreaths Across America honors military members and their families for their service and sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stassney Davis) Amber Caron, director of communications for WAA, said the wreath production contract is handled by a third-party vendor and overseen by a special subcommittee of the board. This process is public and executed every three years, she said. It is open to any wreath company to submit a bid, nationwide. Up until this point, it has not been deemed necessary by the [subcommittee] and advisor to have more than one vendor to meet the needs of the program. Caron said if the charitys third-party advisers recommend moving away from Worcester Wreath or adding other companies to help with the inventory, we will consider all options that are in the best interest of the organization. But thus far, that has not happened. Wreaths laid in cemeteries as far away as California or Montana are shipped from the Worcester Wreath property in Maine through a series of donated and contracted shipping arrangements. Costs associated with the Honor Fleet, as WAA leaders call them, are factored into the sponsorship packages. Charitable concerns The financial relationship between Worcester Wreath and Wreaths Across America has been whispered about in the veterans community, but has not led to any public confrontations. The charity counts dozens of high-profile military and veterans support groups among their partners, and thousands of their members will be among the volunteers laying wreaths this weekend. The Military Times Foundation donated $15,000 in free advertising to Wreaths Across America in 2023. Paul Streckfus, editor of EO Tax Journal, said the Internal Revenue Service does not require that a tax-exempt organization have an independent board or exclude employees whose family members may have related business interests. Such arrangements may draw extra scrutiny, he added, but in themselves are not improper. Mittendorf, however, said a separate issue is the idea of groups breaking faith with donors who believe their charitable contributions are being spent to maximize the good done, and not to support for-profit ventures. They have an obligation to support their public purpose, and to avoid appearances of conflicts of interest in that, he said. Even if theyre operating in a way that doesnt cross into something thats impermissible, it may create an appearance of conflict of interest. And that makes it difficult in trying to maintain public trust. CharityWatch has written about concerns regarding WAA and Worcester Wreath. Styron, the CEO, said given the connections between the two, the non-profit should be following more rigorous auditing and reporting practices to prove it is operating responsibly. There is too much financial interest concentrated in one familys company to inspire confidence that the charitys board will act with true independence given the close family ties the charity reports among key staff, she said. A volunteer army Wreath laying events connected with the charity are organized through local site officials, and not through the Department of Veterans Affairs or DOD as a whole. Officials at Arlington National Cemetery the largest single site event said they have no consultation with Wreaths Across America on their internal operations. Arlington cemetery staffers do help publicize the annual wreath laying and coordinate with the WAA on logistics of the event. But in a statement, cemetery officials said that the wreaths are not purchased by the Army, therefore the usual laws and regulations regarding Department of Defense procurements are not applicable. About 60,000 volunteers are expected at the cemetery on Saturday for this years wreath layings, making it one of the busiest days of the year at the hallowed site. Caron said another 4,217 sites have signed up to participate in the event as well, up more than 500 from 2022. Ahead of this years event, Wreaths Across America sent 13 tractor trailers carrying wreaths, Gold Star family members and corporate sponsor signs through eight states and the District of Columbia. The caravan, which launched Sunday from Harrington, Maine home of Worcester Wreath is scheduled to arrive at Arlington Cemetery on Thursday morning. 4 subtle signs you're in the wrong relationship, even if you love your partner Image Source/Getty Images Couples can deeply love each other and still not be compatible in a long-term relationship. A psychologist shared a few signs you might be in the wrong relationship. Signs include arguing in circles and wanting each other to drastically change. Love is a powerful force. But even the most fiery passion can't hold a relationship together that just isn't working. Susan South , a professor of clinical psychology at Purdue University, previously told Business Insider that couples usually spot their differences early in the relationship. They either break up, decide it's something they can live with, or sweep it under the rug only to fight about it later continually. And while South said that some fighting is normal and healthy in relationships, not all fighting is equal. She said "that it's fighting fair, fighting toward a goal and not being defensive or using criticism," that ultimately helps couples problem-solve and move forward together. If you're unable to do this, however, you might have taken the rug-sweeping approach only for problems to rear their head again years or decades later. You may find yourself deeply loving someone you've been in a relationship with, but wondering if they are still the right person for you. South shared some subtle signs you might be in the wrong relationship. 1. You argue as often as you have fun, if not more While South said it's very common to have a recurring fight in your relationship, the severity of the arguments matters. "How frequently is it coming up as a topic?" South said. "How frequently is it the start of a larger fight or disagreement?" While a recurring argument doesn't necessarily mean the end of a relationship, South said it could be good to speak to a couple's therapist and get some help if you can't get past one specific argument. That being said, it's also good to pay attention to how often you're arguing overall, and if it's about a host of other topics as well. "You can have some fights, but do you have a lot more good times than bad?" South said. "Is the balance off? Are you the kind of couple that spends 75% of the time fighting and 25% having fun?" If so, she said that doesn't bode well for a happy, long-term relationship. 2. You hold back parts of yourself South said that not everyone is comfortable with opening up, and that's OK. Some people are just naturally more extroverted than others. However, there's a difference between being naturally reserved and consciously holding back details about your life, whether it's your ambitions or parts of your past. "We probably have a little voice inside our head saying, 'I don't really want to share more with this person,'" South said. She said lasting partnership is built on trust and the feeling that your partner is here to help you reach your goals. If you're hesitant about being your full self around your partner, it could mean that you don't think they'd have your back if you were authentic. 3. You keep wanting to change your partner While South said some people accept each other's differences early on or break up, there are also "people who commit to a relationship, and they feel like can get past whatever differences they have with this person." Then, as the years pass, they're disappointed when they can't get past these differences or that their partner can't change. She said that though some people do people change over time, most generally stay the same. So if you're in a long-term relationship and continually trying to tweak your partner into being the person you want them to be, it's a likely sign the relationship just isn't a fit. 4. One or both of you changed and grew apart In some cases, one or both people can drastically change, according to South. One person might change their mind about having kids or go through a mental health problem. Or they might just realize they want completely different things in life. If you're wondering why you feel confused about your relationship, South said a good question to ask is, "Has the person changed in some way, or have you changed?" What you do next will vary based on the changes and how comfortable either of you is with adjusting. It can be a twist in a long life together, or a sign that your paths should split here. Read the original article on Business Insider Seven elementary school students in Amherst, Virginia, on Tuesday became ill after eating gummy bears that were in a sandwich bag that later tested positive for fentanyl, police said. Five students were taken to the hospital for medical attention but have since recovered, officials said. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident, Lt. Dallas Hill of the Amherst County Sheriff's Office said during a news conference on Wednesday. One of the fourth graders brought the gummy bears from home to share with students at Central Elementary School. Emergency services were notified after the students fell ill and went to the nurse's office. The sheriff's office believes the incident was unintentional. The candies were tested but it was the sandwich bag itself that came back positive for fentanyl, according to a statement from the Amherst County Sheriff's Office. Clifford Dugan, Jr., and Nicole Sanders have both been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while Sanders faces an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance, Hill said. Dugan also faces a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and is being held with no bond. At the news conference on Wednesday, Amherst School Superintendent William Wells said that officials believed the contamination occurred either at home or on the way to school. The students exposed showed symptoms that included nausea, vomiting, headaches and muscle spasms. All of the children have fully recovered and "all the parents indicate they are doing well today," confirmed Wells. The investigation is ongoing and police are tying to determine who else may have come in contact with the bag at school. The school has also been cleaned since the incident and this not considered a hazmat situation, Wells said. The superintendent emphasized that fentanyl has become a "community issue," and that schools cannot "suspend their way out of" being impacted by the deadly drug. In September, a baby died at a Bronx daycare in New York City after coming into contact with the fentanyl. Several people have been arrested and charged with operating a drug ring out of the daycare after authorities found large quantities of narcotics hidden under the floor boards. NYT Cooking shares a kid-favorite holiday recipe for roasted beef tenderloin Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and Emmy award winning actor, dies at age of 61 Breaking down Biden and Zelenskyy's joint news conference For more than five decades, 60 Minutes has covered it allfrom headline news to quiet human storiesfit neatly in one hour. Now in the digital age, we have more time and use novel approaches to report the news. 60 Minutes Overtime tells the story behind the story. What it takes to report from Ukraine (2/26/23) To mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, CBS News producer Erin Lyall and foreign correspondent Holly Williams in February reported from Kherson, the Ukrainian city that had been under Russian occupation for eight months. Although the city had been liberated, Kherson remained under fire from Russian forces that were positioned on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River. Lyall and Williams have been reporting from Ukraine since 2014. That year, protests rocked the capital city Kyiv, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula, and Russian-backed separatists took over areas of the Donbass region. The CBS team was there for it all. Journalists and the hijab debate (11/12/23) For a 60 Minutes story about Iran's Assassins, correspondent Lesley Stahl met Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist living in Brooklyn who has been targeted by the Iranian regime for encouraging women in Iran to stop wearing headscarves. Protests over hijab laws took hold in Iran last year after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Amini had been arrested on the charge of wearing a hijab improperly. In Brooklyn, Alinejad's activism has made her a target of the Iranian regime. As Stahl was interviewing her about the threat against her life, Alinejad brought up another subject: Stahl's interview with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi last year, during which Stahl covered her own head. Alinejad told Stahl she should not have worn a headscarf during her interview with Raisi. Israelis advocate for hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza (12/17/23) For the last six weeks, Meirav Leshem Gonen has slept in a makeshift encampment in a Tel Aviv plaza. On the outside of her silver tent, she has hung one of her favorite photos of her daughter. Nearby, a clock with bright orange numbers keeps the only time that matters to Leshem Gonen: how long it has been since her daughter, Romi, was abducted by Hamas militants and taken to Gaza. For now, the clock keeps ticking. A temporary cease-fire agreement late last month facilitated the release of more than 100 hostages back to Israel, and although they were predominantly women and children, Romi was not among them. Now, Leshem Gonen has joined the families of some of the more than 100 hostages still believed to be in Gaza to keep attention on their loved ones. The group, known as the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has committed to camping out until the hostages have returned home. Recreating Notre Dame's iconic spire (4/9/23) Four years ago, a raging fire burning at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris shocked people around the world. On the streets of Paris, an audible gasp rippled through the crowd as the cathedral's flame-engulfed spire toppled over. In April, Bill Whitaker traveled to Paris to report on how French engineers are rebuilding the iconic spire of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral after the devastating 2019 fireand what Victor Hugo has to do with it. Searching for Cambodia's stolen crown jewels (12/17/23) Anderson Cooper and a 60 Minutes team traveled to Cambodia to report on the looting of ancient artifacts from temples across the country and track their journey to prestigious museums. Crowns and precious jewels believed to have been worn by ancient Khmer royalty were recovered in an unlikely place: a pub parking lot. White Helmets help rebuild northwest Syria after earthquakes (4/23/23) A series of powerful earthquakes hit southern Turkey and northwest Syria in the early morning of Feb. 6, causing mass devastation in its wake. These earthquakes further exacerbated the destruction already caused by Syria's ongoing civil war, killing thousands of people, destroying tens of thousands of buildings and costing billions of dollars in damages. Correspondent Scott Pelley traveled to northwest Syria and revisited the Syrian Civil Defense, a volunteer organization dedicated to responding and rebuilding after such devastations. The group is better known as the White Helmets. "When we first met the White Helmets, it was sort of a loosely organized group of volunteers. The only thing they seemed to have joining them was the color of their helmets," Pelley told 60 Minutes Overtime. "Now they're one of the bravest organizations I've ever had the pleasure to see working in a situation like this." The photographer who helped inspire Anderson Cooper to become a journalist (5/7/23) "There are many ways of telling stories, but a still photo has a power that is unlike anything else," 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper said to renowned war photographer James Nachtwey. For more than 40 years, Nachtwey has used his camera to show humanity a reflection of itself, often photographing war scenes and reporting from areas of conflict. Nachtwey showed Cooper dozens of photos from his archive that document everything from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. "Without a doubt you have been the person who made me interested in wanting to do this line of work," Cooper told Nachtwey, discussing the impact the photographer had on his life. Saving Ukraine's art collections from Russian aggression (11/12/23) With Ukrainian cultural centers under attack, correspondent Bill Whitaker traveled to Ukraine to investigate what Ukrainians say is Russia's ongoing campaign to deliberately destroy their cultural institutions. Churches, cathedrals, museums and libraries across the country have been bombed, burned and shelled. Museum employees have been arrested and kidnapped by Russian soldiers. And thousands of paintings, antiques and artifacts have been stolen from museums, looted by invading Russian forces. Whitaker visited one museum in Kviv which is taking extra precautions to guarantee the safety of its collection for future generations. Following the breakthroughs in prosthetics (3/26/23) 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley has been tracking advancements in prosthetics for more than a decade, watching as artificial hands went from using a rudimentary hook to complex robotics. In 2009 he interviewed engineer and inventor Dean Kamen, whose inventions at that point included the Segway and dozens of medical devices. Kamen and his team of engineers spent a year working on the problem of revolutionizing the prosthetic arm. Kamen quickly saw it was an enormous undertaking. The human hand, he explained to Pelley, is a very complex machine. Today, the technology has advanced. Now, not only can people with spinal cord injuries and amputations control prosthetic limbs with their mindsincluding grasping objectssome advanced prosthetics can also return a sense of touch to their brain. Author Michael Lewis nearly stopped writing after daughter's death (10/1/23) In October, correspondent Jon Wertheim spoke with author Michael Lewis about his new book reporting on the rise and fall of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. There was an untold triumph in the book: Lewis told 60 Minutes he nearly quit writing after his 19-year-old daughter, Dixie, was killed in a car crash in May 2021. "I write because it gives me pleasure," Lewis told Wertheim, "and I thought maybe I wouldn't have access to that pleasure anymore." After Dixie's death, Lewis feared the trauma would influence his prose and the words would read differently. With time, Lewis again found joy in writing, and dedicated his latest book to Dixie. Finding reconciliation for abandoned Black cemeteries (11/27/22) In Clearwater, Florida last century, segregation followed people into the grave. Now the injustices of the past are resurfacing. After human remains began emerging from the ground at a school, a swimming pool, and an office building, archeologists have discovered that graves from segregated cemeteries had been built over, their previously interred bodies now buried beneath the subsequent development. To help right this wrong, a Florida state congresswoman is now pushing legislation to find and repair these forgotten historic cemeteries. DeSantis ramps up attacks on Trump and Haley Trump spent much of 2023 fighting legal battles 2024 won't be different How voters are reacting to Trump's anti-immigration remarks (FOX40.COM) Several students have been arrested on Wednesday after a fight locked down Valley High School in Sacramento, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. According to the sheriffs office, eight students were initially arrested. One of the students was released to their parents and the other seven were taken to juvenile hall on several charges. CHP, Roseville Police record 27 arrests in one day The lockdown began at 11:11 a.m. and responding Elk Grove Unified School District security staff and Sacramento-area law enforcement secured the campus. All students and staff are reported safe and followed emergency lockdown procedures. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority at our school, Valley High School Principal Bridgette Kemp-Bell wrote. We are sharing this information with you as part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed about incidents that affect our campus. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. More than 70 students experienced breathing issues and a dozen went to a hospital after a fire extinguisher went off at a Virginia high school, officials said. Students were passing through the halls between classes Dec. 12 when a fire extinguisher was accidentally knocked from the wall, according to a news release from the City of Suffolks Department of Fire & Rescue. The fire extinguisher went off, spraying the hall of Nansemond River High with chemicals. There was no fire at the school. First responders were dispatched at around 10 a.m. to the school, where more than 70 students had respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath. Due to the number of students affected, the fire rescue team declared it a mass casualty incident, although no life-threatening injuries were reported. Those affected were evaluated in the auditorium. One adult and 11 minors with worse symptoms were taken to a hospital, all with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. A spokesperson for Suffolk Public Schools told McClatchy News that most of the students who went to the hospital had prior health conditions such as asthma. We are thankful for our strong partnership with Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the City of Suffolk for assisting in our communication efforts and responding promptly and efficiently to this Situation, the school district said in a statement. Again, we take all school safety incidents seriously and want to inform our community of todays events. Fire extinguishers release dry chemical powders to suppress blazes. The chemicals can irritate the respiratory system during high exposure, with headaches or dizziness also reported as symptoms of exposure, according to Poison Control. Those with preexisting lung conditions are at higher risk of experiencing adverse effects. All but one of those who went to the hospital were back at school the next day, the school said. Suffolk is in southeast Virginia along the North Carolina border, about 40 miles west of Virginia Beach. Woman with fire extinguisher walks through Atlanta airport spraying people, video shows Smoke billows from school bus with 23 kids aboard after crash, Virginia photo shows 72-year-old and his granddaughter die when fire tears through NC home, officials say Hero dog licks sleeping owner awake. It saves family from raging fire, officials say Tyrannosaurs were some of the most formidable predators of their time, known to eat large herbivores. Researchers found the well-preserved remains of bird-like dinosaurs inside a tyrannosaur's stomach. The discovery suggests that tyrannosaurs' diets changed as they grew, which helped them become apex predators. A 75-million-year-old fossil of a juvenile tyrannosaur helps explain why the apex predators ruled the food chain, new research shows. According to a study published Friday in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, scientists recently examined fossils of a 13-foot-long Gorgosaurus libratus a cousin of the Tyrannosaurus rex that lived 75 million years ago in Alberta, Canada. Tyrannosaurs, which include Gorgosaurus, were some of the most formidable predators of their time. Evidence suggests that older tyrannosaurs typically ate large herbivores. What makes this specimen unique, however, is the well-preserved fossilized remains of two bird-like dinosaurs in the tyrannosaur's stomach, which offers insight into how juveniles hunted differently from adults of the species. "This is the first time that such well-preserved stomach contents have been found inside the skeleton of a large species of tyrannosaur," Darla Zelenitsky, the co-author of the study, said. A fossilized 75 million year old skeleton of a juvenile Gorgosaurus. Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology via Reuters How the Tyrannosaur became the apex predator of its time The creature weighed over 700 pounds only around 10% of the mass of an adult and was believed to have died young, between the ages of five and seven. The fossil was first found in 2009 in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. According to the study, adults and juveniles didn't compete for prey as a juvenile, the tyrannosaurs sought out smaller prey, due to their "narrow skulls, blade-like teeth, and long slender hind limbs," the researchers reported. Adults, however, had "massive skulls and large incrassate teeth and were capable of generating bone-crushing bites" that could take on larger prey, according to the study. Because juveniles weren't competing with adults, this, "allowed juvenile and adult tyrannosaurids to coexist in the same ecosystem with limited conflict," and likely why the species dominated the top of the food chain, the researchers reported. "Tyrannosaurids occupied both mesopredator and apex predator roles during their life span, a factor that may have been key to their evolutionary success," the study said. Tyrannosaurs were smart, picky eaters Looking at the fossilized remains of the tyrannosaur's prey, the researchers only found evidence of the prey's hindlimbs, suggesting that the tyrannosaur was focused on the animals' meaty thighs for its meal, according to the study. "The rock within the ribcage was removed to expose what was hidden inside. Lo and behold, the complete hind legs of two baby dinosaurs, both under a year old, were present in its stomach," according to study coauthor Francois Therrien. A picky palate can be associated with a high level of intelligence. Orcas, for example, are considered one of, if not the, smartest marine animals on Earth today, and they are notoriously picky eaters, sometimes targeting sharks just for the liver and leaving the rest of the body to wash ashore and rot. Thomas Carr, an associate professor of biology at Wisconsin's Carthage College who wasn't involved in the study, told the Wall Street Journal that the juveniles were "smart, picky eaters." Saying tyrannosaurs were the orcas of their time might be a stretch. But it's probably safe to say that tyrannosaurs were not only ruthless predators but intelligent ones, at that. In other words, they're not necessarily an animal that humans would want to coexist with today. Read the original article on Business Insider A 77-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday in Placerville after the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office said she fired a gun into a hotel. Deputies responded at 5:21 p.m. to the Best Western Hotel on the 6800 block of Green Leaf Drive after a hotel employee called 911 to report the shooting. The employee told the dispatcher the woman had fired multiple times and walked toward the hotels Mexican restaurant, the Sheriffs Office said. When they arrived, deputies found the woman inside the restaurant. She was identified as a 77-year-old resident of Monterey. Deputies found one gunshot had been fired in a hotel room, and a second shot was fired in the direction of a hotel employee. The woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a weapon. She was booked into the El Dorado County Jail. These 8 countries joined US and Israel in opposing UN resolution on Gaza Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, opposed the resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza that was overwhelmingly passed by the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution with 153 in favor, 10 opposed and 23 abstentions that calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, where Israel has waged attacks against the militant group Hamas. It also calls for all parties to obey international humanitarian law and demands that Hamas release the hostages it kidnapped during the surprise attack on Oct. 7, which left more than 1,200 Israelis dead. Hamas released about 100 of the estimated 240 hostages during a temporary cease-fire that ended Dec. 1. Many humanitarian groups, policymakers and countries have raised concerns that Israels offensive in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis and put millions of civilians at risk. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has said that more than 18,000 people have died in the territory since the war began. In addition, international organizations have sounded the alarm on the lack of necessary supplies, food and water available to Palestinians in Gaza. The newly passed resolution, which is nonbinding, comes days after the U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution also calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. That resolution would have required Israel to halt its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Here are the eight countries that joined with the U.S. and Israel in opposing the resolution. Austria Czechia Guatemala Liberia Micronesia Nauru Papua New Guinea Paraguay For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.